Full Version: Conference Semis
Time to make your picks
After the thorough "can of whoop-ass" that Indy put on the Broncos, I don't see how anyone could vote against them. They had the best road record in the entire NFL(including big wins at Tampa, Miami, and Tennessee), so they know how to win on the road. In fact, their road record was better than their home record!
New England over Tennessee: The Titans stop the run well, but the Patriots don't run much. Tennessee won a road game in Baltimore in unseasonably warm weather, but they won't be able to beat New England in the cold. Pick: Patriots 28, Tennessee 17.
Indianapolis over Kansas City: The Chiefs are more than just the Priest Holmes show and they'll have the loud Arrowhead fans behind them, and they'll probably prevent a lot of the checks the Colts make. But the Chiefs' defense has been shaky of late and Manning is just too good. Pick: Colts 30, Chiefs 23.
Philadelphia over Green Bay: The Packers have been the team that angels have supposedly been guiding into the playoffs and through the Seahawks. The ride stops at the Linc in spite of Philadelphia's mediocre run defense. Pick: Eagles 24, Packers 21.
Carolina over St. Louis: The Rams have been great this year after Kurt Warner was for all intents and purposes knocked out of the starting quarterback position, but they're facing a Carolina team that has one of the best defenses in the league. Offense may win games, but defense and running games win championships. Pick: Panthers 21, Rams 17
Indianapolis over Kansas City: The Chiefs are more than just the Priest Holmes show and they'll have the loud Arrowhead fans behind them, and they'll probably prevent a lot of the checks the Colts make. But the Chiefs' defense has been shaky of late and Manning is just too good. Pick: Colts 30, Chiefs 23.
Philadelphia over Green Bay: The Packers have been the team that angels have supposedly been guiding into the playoffs and through the Seahawks. The ride stops at the Linc in spite of Philadelphia's mediocre run defense. Pick: Eagles 24, Packers 21.
Carolina over St. Louis: The Rams have been great this year after Kurt Warner was for all intents and purposes knocked out of the starting quarterback position, but they're facing a Carolina team that has one of the best defenses in the league. Offense may win games, but defense and running games win championships. Pick: Panthers 21, Rams 17
I'm going with all the home teams.
I wrote my weekly notes, including the most homoerotic comments of the weekend and my picks for next week.
[ January 04, 2004, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: Jim at Outsports ]
[ January 04, 2004, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: Jim at Outsports ]
Titans
Colts
Panthers
Packers
Read it and weep you NE wimps. Go have a tea party. eek!
Colts
Panthers
Packers
Read it and weep you NE wimps. Go have a tea party. eek!
I want the Titans and Chiefs to win, but I don't think either will. So my picks...
Titans
Chiefs
Rams
Packers
Titans
Chiefs
Rams
Packers
Winning on the road with the current Chief’s defense is a problem and the ultimate ticket for this team to the Super Bowl must be through Arrowhead Stadium. Right now, the Chiefs are eight quarters away from the Super Bowl. They know that “at least” four of those quarters will be played at Arrowhead.
The Chiefs now hold a franchise record 13-game home winning streak. Over that stretch here were the averages for opposing offenses at Arrowhead:
• Yards Gained: 310.5
• Rush Yards: 103.2
• Pass Yards: 207.3
• Off. TDs: 1.5
Things change dramatically with the Chiefs defense when it hits the road. Don’t believe me? Then look at these averages for the 12 road games they’ve played since starting the home winning streak last year:
• Yards Gained: 408.4
• Rush Yards: 188.0
• Pass Yards: 220.4
• Off. TDs: 3.7
Compare the numbers and the differences are obvious. The Chiefs give up nearly 100 yards a game more, 75 rushing yards a game more and two touchdowns more when they play on the road, compared to home. They’ve now won 13 in a row in the friendly red-and-gold confines and they’ve done it convincingly over that streak, scoring an average of 33.3 points per victory, while allowing an average of 14.2 points.
The best part about the outcome of Wild Card Weekend was this: whether it was the Colts, Ravens or Titans, they must come to Arrowhead.
The Chiefs now hold a franchise record 13-game home winning streak. Over that stretch here were the averages for opposing offenses at Arrowhead:
• Yards Gained: 310.5
• Rush Yards: 103.2
• Pass Yards: 207.3
• Off. TDs: 1.5
Things change dramatically with the Chiefs defense when it hits the road. Don’t believe me? Then look at these averages for the 12 road games they’ve played since starting the home winning streak last year:
• Yards Gained: 408.4
• Rush Yards: 188.0
• Pass Yards: 220.4
• Off. TDs: 3.7
Compare the numbers and the differences are obvious. The Chiefs give up nearly 100 yards a game more, 75 rushing yards a game more and two touchdowns more when they play on the road, compared to home. They’ve now won 13 in a row in the friendly red-and-gold confines and they’ve done it convincingly over that streak, scoring an average of 33.3 points per victory, while allowing an average of 14.2 points.
The best part about the outcome of Wild Card Weekend was this: whether it was the Colts, Ravens or Titans, they must come to Arrowhead.
I am going with the home teams due to the bye week " Health Field Advantage". Since the current 12-team playoff format was adopted in 1990, home clubs in the division round have a 36-8 record, an .818 mark.
Patriots
Colts
Eagles
Rams
Colts
Eagles
Rams
***NEWS FLASH***
Sunday's AFC Divisional Playoff Game in Kansas City has been cancelled. Yes, sports fans, it's been cancelled.
After reading ESPN's Expert picks - With Joe Theismann, Merril Hoge, Sean Salisbury, Mark Schlereth, Mike Golic, & Eric Allen picking the Colts. And glancing at CBS Sportsline's Expert picks - With Jay Glazer, Pete Prisco, Greg Bromberg,& Michael Fabiano picking the Colts... the outcome of the game has already been determined.
...The results are in. The Colts have been declared the winner. Congratulations to Tony Dungy, Marvin Harrison and Co-MVP Peyton Manning on their trip to the AFC Championship Game.
Football season is now oficially over in Kansas City and we are no longer thinking of Tony Gonzalez, rather Juan Gonzalez. Go Royals!
Sunday's AFC Divisional Playoff Game in Kansas City has been cancelled. Yes, sports fans, it's been cancelled.
After reading ESPN's Expert picks - With Joe Theismann, Merril Hoge, Sean Salisbury, Mark Schlereth, Mike Golic, & Eric Allen picking the Colts. And glancing at CBS Sportsline's Expert picks - With Jay Glazer, Pete Prisco, Greg Bromberg,& Michael Fabiano picking the Colts... the outcome of the game has already been determined.
...The results are in. The Colts have been declared the winner. Congratulations to Tony Dungy, Marvin Harrison and Co-MVP Peyton Manning on their trip to the AFC Championship Game.
Football season is now oficially over in Kansas City and we are no longer thinking of Tony Gonzalez, rather Juan Gonzalez. Go Royals!
Cheers to the GREATEST coach ever... the one in KC... GO CHIEFS!
Coyote, I take it from reading your post that you would like nothing better than for KC to rip the Colts apart and silence all the "experts". Well, kickoff is is 48 hours so let's see. 
Theo, the Experts have spoken. There is no early game on Sunday. I shall work on my WNBA fantasy draft until the Eagles/Packers game hits the airwaves at Sunday, 4:45 p.m. ET on FOX.
40% of over 28,000 voters on NFL.com have cemented that Indianapolis is the road team with the best chance to win this weekend. 52% of over 63,500 voters on ESPN.com have assured us that Indianapolis is the road team with the best chance to win this weekend. Everyone has spoken. Therefore, the game has been called.
Why should this game be played?
CBS has decided to air the Tony Robbin's "Get The Edge", the As Seen on TV "Ultimate Chopper" & "Ab Roller" infomercials during the previously scheduled AFC Divisional Playoff game.
Best of luck to Peyton Manning and the Colts in the AFC Championship Game.
40% of over 28,000 voters on NFL.com have cemented that Indianapolis is the road team with the best chance to win this weekend. 52% of over 63,500 voters on ESPN.com have assured us that Indianapolis is the road team with the best chance to win this weekend. Everyone has spoken. Therefore, the game has been called.
Why should this game be played?
CBS has decided to air the Tony Robbin's "Get The Edge", the As Seen on TV "Ultimate Chopper" & "Ab Roller" infomercials during the previously scheduled AFC Divisional Playoff game.
Best of luck to Peyton Manning and the Colts in the AFC Championship Game.
Another reason to love the Chiefs:
QUOTE
When practice ended for the Kansas City Chiefs yesterday, some of the toughest men in the NFL were wiping tears from their eyes.
Carol Vermeil, working secretly with Pro Bowl kick returner Dante Hall, shocked everyone when she drove a brand new Porsche 911 onto the middle of the team's indoor practice field.
She drove to where players and coaches were gathered, hopped out, and handed the keys to her startled husband of nearly 48 years.
\"I love you,\" she told her husband, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil. \"You've always wanted a car like this, so here it is.\"
\"I love you, too,\" Vermeil replied.
Said Hall, \"It was beautiful, man.\"
All of the Chiefs' players have been treated to Carol's home-cooked meals in their coach's Kansas City apartment, and many became emotional at the tender and unexpected moment.
\"When that door went up and that beautiful car came onto the field, I figured they were going to give it to Priest Holmes,\" safety Jerome Woods said. \"When she got out and gave him the keys and said, 'I love you,' I shed a tear. A lot of us shed tears.\"
The sale price of the car is about $100,000.
\"I practically grew up in a garage,\" Vermeil said later. \"I always wanted to be a race driver and then I went into football. I always said, 'Someday I'm going to own a Porsche.' \"
The Vermeils will mark their 48th anniversary later this month. They've been in love, Dick Vermeil once said, since they were in grade school in Calistoga, Calif., passing notes in class.
Carol Vermeil, working secretly with Pro Bowl kick returner Dante Hall, shocked everyone when she drove a brand new Porsche 911 onto the middle of the team's indoor practice field.
She drove to where players and coaches were gathered, hopped out, and handed the keys to her startled husband of nearly 48 years.
\"I love you,\" she told her husband, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil. \"You've always wanted a car like this, so here it is.\"
\"I love you, too,\" Vermeil replied.
Said Hall, \"It was beautiful, man.\"
All of the Chiefs' players have been treated to Carol's home-cooked meals in their coach's Kansas City apartment, and many became emotional at the tender and unexpected moment.
\"When that door went up and that beautiful car came onto the field, I figured they were going to give it to Priest Holmes,\" safety Jerome Woods said. \"When she got out and gave him the keys and said, 'I love you,' I shed a tear. A lot of us shed tears.\"
The sale price of the car is about $100,000.
\"I practically grew up in a garage,\" Vermeil said later. \"I always wanted to be a race driver and then I went into football. I always said, 'Someday I'm going to own a Porsche.' \"
The Vermeils will mark their 48th anniversary later this month. They've been in love, Dick Vermeil once said, since they were in grade school in Calistoga, Calif., passing notes in class.
I must give an ix-nay to the new FOX CAR-STL scoreboard, bring back the logos, the CAR and STL look too generic
Great Panthers-Rams game! Wild and wacky with all the turnovers to be expected from these 2 teams. I have believed in the Panthers all season and was very happy with the win.
Of course, it would have been unforgiveable if they had lost due to that stupid stupid stupid delay of game before the "would have been" successful field goal. But all was redeemed in the end.
Panthers-Titans Superbowl!
[ January 10, 2004, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: billsf ]
Of course, it would have been unforgiveable if they had lost due to that stupid stupid stupid delay of game before the "would have been" successful field goal. But all was redeemed in the end.
Panthers-Titans Superbowl!
[ January 10, 2004, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: billsf ]
HOW SWEET IT IS!!!!!!
Now all these St. Louis homers can focus their attention to the failed Blues season.
I am the anti-homer.
Now all these St. Louis homers can focus their attention to the failed Blues season.
I am the anti-homer.
At least we get another week to see Jake Delhomme.
QUOTE
MIB:
At least we get another week to see Jake Delhomme.
Just please, oh please, don't put Jake on the cover of Sports Illustrated! eek!
At least we get another week to see Jake Delhomme.
A great game is right, billsf!....I said before the playoffs began that Carolina would represent the NFC in the Super Bowl (against the Chiefs) and they've done nothing to change my opinion so far -- although I must admit that when John Kasey missed that 2nd FG attempt in the first OT after the DUMB delay of game penalty, I thought fate MAY have been on the side of the Rams again.
Mike Martz' conservative play calling (and that's being kind) at the end of regulation was atrocious IMHO and a slap in the face to every member of his offensive unit that had worked hard all season long to get the Rams this far -- Martz is proving once again in critical postseason games that he may very well be the most overrated head coach of our generation....if I was a St. Louis fan I would be absolutely furious and considering the momentum they had going for them after recoving the onside kick how can you only run FOUR plays in 2:39 and NOT attempt a couple more passes to win the game in regulation as opposed to relying on the "luck" of overtime to determine the outcome?
Congrats to the Panthers!....you're absolutely right, MIB -- just to see cute Jake Delhomme play a few more games is reason enough for me to continue to root for the Panthers
billsf, I'm even willing to take my chances with the famous "S.I. Jinx" -- I say go ahead and put Jake on the cover -- that stud has earned the honor after his performance these last two weeks!
[ January 10, 2004, 06:41 PM: Message edited by: gamecock ]
Mike Martz' conservative play calling (and that's being kind) at the end of regulation was atrocious IMHO and a slap in the face to every member of his offensive unit that had worked hard all season long to get the Rams this far -- Martz is proving once again in critical postseason games that he may very well be the most overrated head coach of our generation....if I was a St. Louis fan I would be absolutely furious and considering the momentum they had going for them after recoving the onside kick how can you only run FOUR plays in 2:39 and NOT attempt a couple more passes to win the game in regulation as opposed to relying on the "luck" of overtime to determine the outcome?
Congrats to the Panthers!....you're absolutely right, MIB -- just to see cute Jake Delhomme play a few more games is reason enough for me to continue to root for the Panthers
billsf, I'm even willing to take my chances with the famous "S.I. Jinx" -- I say go ahead and put Jake on the cover -- that stud has earned the honor after his performance these last two weeks!
[ January 10, 2004, 06:41 PM: Message edited by: gamecock ]
Excellent, entertaining game! Although I'm more familiar with the Rams than the Panthers, due to the latter's lack of TV exposure out here (until last week when they upset the Cowboys), I was cheering for Carolina all the way. That decision by Martz, as Gamecock pointed out, was just plain stupid. And the Rams' offense was ineffective in the red zone until the fourth quarter. I think Kurt Warner should have been given a chance to replace Marc Bolger after those interceptions.
Kudos to the Panthers, who despite a huge number of penalties and the loss of Stephen Davis, played very well against the favoured Rams. And that first touchdown by Carolina was sure a strange one!
My only disappointment is that there was no post-game interview on Fox with Jake Delhomme! I got a real kick out of him last week when he was interviewed after the Dallas game. I'm with MIB and Gamecock...Jake is VERY cute.
By the way, did anyone else notice that Mike Carey (one of the NFL's best looking referees) referred to the Rams at one point as "Los Angeles"? He quickly corrected himself, but I had a good laugh...I mean, like how long has it been since the Rams were based in L.A.?!
So...it looks like Carolina will now be hosting the NFC championship next week! Go Panthers!
Kudos to the Panthers, who despite a huge number of penalties and the loss of Stephen Davis, played very well against the favoured Rams. And that first touchdown by Carolina was sure a strange one!
My only disappointment is that there was no post-game interview on Fox with Jake Delhomme! I got a real kick out of him last week when he was interviewed after the Dallas game. I'm with MIB and Gamecock...Jake is VERY cute.
By the way, did anyone else notice that Mike Carey (one of the NFL's best looking referees) referred to the Rams at one point as "Los Angeles"? He quickly corrected himself, but I had a good laugh...I mean, like how long has it been since the Rams were based in L.A.?!
So...it looks like Carolina will now be hosting the NFC championship next week!
Go Panthers!
QUOTE
gamecock:
billsf, I'm even willing to take my chances with the famous \"S.I. Jinx\" -- I say go ahead and put Jake on the cover -- that stud has earned the honor after his performance these last two weeks!
Gamecock, do not deal with fate! Jake must NOT be on the cover of SI! eek! billsf, I'm even willing to take my chances with the famous \"S.I. Jinx\" -- I say go ahead and put Jake on the cover -- that stud has earned the honor after his performance these last two weeks!
Go Titans!
QUOTE
Marc:
By the way, did anyone else notice that Mike Carey (one of the NFL's best looking referees) referred to the Rams at one point as \"Los Angeles\"? He quickly corrected himself, but I had a good laugh...I mean, like how long has it been since the Rams were based in L.A.?!
Go Panthers!
I caught that and had a good laugh as well. By the way, did anyone else notice that Mike Carey (one of the NFL's best looking referees) referred to the Rams at one point as \"Los Angeles\"? He quickly corrected himself, but I had a good laugh...I mean, like how long has it been since the Rams were based in L.A.?!
Go Panthers! Man what a wacky game. How many times did the panthers shoot themselves in the foot , leg, arm , balls and almost every other body part. I had a dinner date and had to leave after the made than missed field goal. I was disgusted and thought they had surely blown the game. I mean DELAY OF GAME!!! Come on guys!!!!! So I listened to the finish on the radio. WOW!!!
Yes Delhomne beau is hot and I'm a big fan of his. But the kickers on both teams are hot as well. Man what is it about quarterbacks. What % would you guys say are lookers. I've seen quite a few hot kickers as well.
Anyway back to sports.
GOOOOOOOOOO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, the defender burned on the Smith TD was none other than Jason 'I look good but can't play football for shit thank you for being an EX-Giant" Sehorn.
I laughed when the FOX announcers pointed out that Sehorn was burned.
I knew he was overrated from his first game.
Josh
I laughed when the FOX announcers pointed out that Sehorn was burned.
I knew he was overrated from his first game.
Josh
The Rams could've blown open the game early but had to settle for field goals on their first two possessions. Had they gotten two TDs there I bet it would ended up like 52-10. They let the Panthers stay in the game.
It's amazing that according to the stat shown on screen, 21 percent of onside kicks in the league this year have been successful. 99 percent of the time you know it's coming and you'd think it ought to be nearly impossible for the kicking team to recover it. And how about Jeff Wilkins recovering it himself? That should have led to the Rams winning in regulation except for Mike Martz not going for the win. If I were a Rams fan, I'd want him fired. Yesterday.
The Patriots win. McNair and the Titans showed a lot of guts but just couldn't get it done at the end against the New England blitz.
It's amazing that according to the stat shown on screen, 21 percent of onside kicks in the league this year have been successful. 99 percent of the time you know it's coming and you'd think it ought to be nearly impossible for the kicking team to recover it. And how about Jeff Wilkins recovering it himself? That should have led to the Rams winning in regulation except for Mike Martz not going for the win. If I were a Rams fan, I'd want him fired. Yesterday.
The Patriots win. McNair and the Titans showed a lot of guts but just couldn't get it done at the end against the New England blitz.
It was Joe Gibbs' offense (ie the Carolina Panthers) versus Norv Turner's offense (ie the St. Louis Rams) and Joe Gibbs came out on top.
Quelle surprise!
Quelle surprise!
The adorable Drew Bennett of the Titans makes 2 sensational catches on the last drive, then drops a pass in his hands on 4th down. "Somebody needed to make a play," a downcast Bennett said after the game. "And I couldn't make it." frown
I was watching the postgame press conferences tonight after the Rams-Panthers game on ESPN News. Marc Bulger sent off EVERY gaydar bell I have. I don't know if I find him that attractive (well, he's attractive in a "stand and model" Abercrombie-and-Fitch commercial kind of way, and that's just not my type),but the gaydar just kept going off while he was talking. Just wondering if I'm the only one.
how about Smith's quote in the press conference :
"I just beat the safety [Jason Sehorn] and Jake threw one of those pretty balls in the last minute, like he always does," Smith said.
I wish he'd throw one of his pretty balls my way.
"I just beat the safety [Jason Sehorn] and Jake threw one of those pretty balls in the last minute, like he always does," Smith said.
I wish he'd throw one of his pretty balls my way.
As much as I relish the panthers victory my heart goes out to the Ram's studly kicker Wilkins. I've never seen a kicker do more for a team than he did. Kickers have it tough. They sit out the whole game and then they have to make a perfect shot. His only miss a 53 yards is hardly a high probability shot. The AP story on Martz's decision not to go for the win said it best:
The loss ended a franchise-record 14-game home winning streak by the NFC West champions. And the finish spoiled a huge day from Wilkins, by far the best offensive weapon for a team that finished second in the NFL in scoring with an average of 28 points.
He tied the NFL playoff record with five field goals, two more than the previous franchise record. Then he recovered his own onside kick to give the Rams a shot to win it in regulation.
Wilkins tied the NFL record with 39 field goals in the regular season, with only three misses, and his 163 points are the third-most in NFL history. He did his best to bail out an ineffective offense that struggled mightily inside the 20.
But he dwelled on his miss in overtime.
"It doesn't matter how many good things you did, that one kick is going to eat at me," Wilkins said. "I don't now if that's right or wrong, but that's just the way it is.
"Unfortunately I've got a lot of time to figure out what the heck happened."
The loss ended a franchise-record 14-game home winning streak by the NFC West champions. And the finish spoiled a huge day from Wilkins, by far the best offensive weapon for a team that finished second in the NFL in scoring with an average of 28 points.
He tied the NFL playoff record with five field goals, two more than the previous franchise record. Then he recovered his own onside kick to give the Rams a shot to win it in regulation.
Wilkins tied the NFL record with 39 field goals in the regular season, with only three misses, and his 163 points are the third-most in NFL history. He did his best to bail out an ineffective offense that struggled mightily inside the 20.
But he dwelled on his miss in overtime.
"It doesn't matter how many good things you did, that one kick is going to eat at me," Wilkins said. "I don't now if that's right or wrong, but that's just the way it is.
"Unfortunately I've got a lot of time to figure out what the heck happened."
The Rams/Panthers game was a great and thrilling game to watch for sure.I will remember this for along time to come. My only complaint about football, and I know alot will disagree with me is the amount and use of timeouts in the game, esp. as it relates to the end of regulation time. To me it detracts somewhat, and disrupts the flow of the game. Invariably someone calls a timeout with 5 seconds left in a game, and then you just know the other team will do the exact same thing. I prefer to call them stall-outs, because thats how I see them. I know there is drama and manuvering involved here, but the result of these continual timeouts esp. with little time in regulation means about 15 more commercials for us the viewer, per timeout. To me its already enough, with the amount of commercials we have to deal with in any game. If I could change one thing about football it would be to say that any timeouts during regulation must be used before there is a minute left in the game. This is my only complaint about football. wink
One of the things about Saturday's games, whether right or wrong, was that the officials had too much involvement. Let the players play, and let the marginal, ticky-tack fouls away from the play slip.
Mike Martz should be fired. I've been watching pro football for 30 years and I've never seen a coach who was worse at managing the clock. Also, you've got this offense that was among the top 3 in the league and you don't let your QB or RB (who just happens to be among the alltime best) try and win the game.
How on earth does he justify not taking a shot or two at the end zone instead of letting the clock wind down to 3 seconds for a game tying FG? And with only 3 seconds, if something happens on the snap, the Rams don't get a second chance to snap it. And how does he justify Faulk getting under 20 carries in the 5th longest postseason game in NFL history. While trying to come across as some sort of genius, he mostly looks like a deer in the headlights.
How on earth does he justify not taking a shot or two at the end zone instead of letting the clock wind down to 3 seconds for a game tying FG? And with only 3 seconds, if something happens on the snap, the Rams don't get a second chance to snap it. And how does he justify Faulk getting under 20 carries in the 5th longest postseason game in NFL history. While trying to come across as some sort of genius, he mostly looks like a deer in the headlights.
QUOTE
George_vikingfan:
I've been watching pro football for 30 years and I've never seen a coach who was worse at managing the clock... While trying to come across as some sort of genius, he mostly looks like a deer in the headlights.
Mike Martz always seems to find a way to outsmart himself, then pat himself on the back for how smart he is or how brilliant a football mind he has.I've been watching pro football for 30 years and I've never seen a coach who was worse at managing the clock... While trying to come across as some sort of genius, he mostly looks like a deer in the headlights.
If I'm coaching a team and my quarterback burns a timeout due to poor clock management, I'm letting him know about it in no uncertain terms as he's walking to the sidelines. I'd do the same if I were coaching HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY football games. I've seen many a televised Rams game where Kurt Warner would do that and Martz was literally SMILING as Warner would walk toward him.
I long for the days of Mark Rypien being able to cut the cadence short and have the ball snap with one or two seconds on the play clock when he realized he wasn't going to get the play off by calling the full cadence.
QUOTE
puckman1:
My only complaint about football, and I know alot will disagree with me is the amount and use of timeouts in the game, esp. as it relates to the end of regulation time... If I could change one thing about football it would be to say that any timeouts during regulation must be used before there is a minute left in the game. This is my only complaint about football. wink
The same is true in just about every team sport. There's usually going to be some kind of stall tactics.My only complaint about football, and I know alot will disagree with me is the amount and use of timeouts in the game, esp. as it relates to the end of regulation time... If I could change one thing about football it would be to say that any timeouts during regulation must be used before there is a minute left in the game. This is my only complaint about football. wink
BASKETBALL: Fouling players to get the ball back after their foul shots.
HOCKEY: Fights, icing late in games, teams using their one time out, etc.
BASEBALL: Inane conversations between pitching coach and pitcher, between manager and pitcher, between shortstop or other infielder and pitcher, between catcher and pitcher, or pitchers stepping off the rubber or hitters stepping out of the batter's box, especially in the ninth inning.
SOCCER: Substitutions, "diving" acting injured, then as soon as the stretcher comes on to the pitch, miraculolusly "recovering."
I'm sure the same holds true for lacrosse, but I'm not as well-versed in the nuances of that game.
Was it ever in doubt, Pats fans? We don't need no stinkin' mojo threads!! Tom Brady is a stud, Bill Belichick is a genius (and my Daddy wink ), a well-managed offense with 10 different receivers and a handful of big plays, a stubborn defense that comes up big when it needs to, a pick, a blocked FG, and 68,000 brave fans with the sniffles this morning. Oh, and another big "W," the only thing that really matters. See you again next week.
And, it's time to start fitting Mike Martz for his pink slip. "Go, team, go!! Tie, tie, tie!!"
And, it's time to start fitting Mike Martz for his pink slip. "Go, team, go!! Tie, tie, tie!!"
QUOTE
coyoteugly:
One of the things about Saturday's games, whether right or wrong, was that the officials had too much involvement. Let the players play, and let the marginal, ticky-tack fouls away from the play slip.
I only watched part of the St. Louis/Carolina game and completely agree. Some of the penalties were very marginal. I would love to have heard what John Fox had to say to the official during his screamfest.
One of the things about Saturday's games, whether right or wrong, was that the officials had too much involvement. Let the players play, and let the marginal, ticky-tack fouls away from the play slip.
Further to comments by Puckman and Destiny, it seems that football games (at least in the NFL) almost always take more than 3 hours to complete, even without overtime. I often wonder about those 9 pm starts in the Eastern time zone for Monday night games...they are usually not completed until after midnight, then a long commute home for fans, most of whom have to work the next morning.
Although both NFL and NHL games have the same amount of regulation playing time (60 minutes) hockey games are normally completed within 2.5 hours, and OT (at least in the regular season) is a quick, usually non-stop five minutes (max).
Baseball of course is unique among team sports with its absence of a clock. And yet, at least from my observations, most MLB games are fairly consistent in taking about three hours to complete (barring extra innings), lying somewhere between football and hockey.
I can't comment on basketball, since I never watch it!
As for the poll at the beginning of this thread, I see the Chiefs have surged slightly ahead of the Colts...last time I checked, more were picking Indianapolis. I think that was largely due to the 'recency' effect, ie the Colts' big win last week, whereas Kansas City hasn't played in two weeks, so people were under-rating the Chiefs. Anyway, the kickoff is imminent...I actually like both teams, but will be cheering for KC.
Although both NFL and NHL games have the same amount of regulation playing time (60 minutes) hockey games are normally completed within 2.5 hours, and OT (at least in the regular season) is a quick, usually non-stop five minutes (max).
Baseball of course is unique among team sports with its absence of a clock. And yet, at least from my observations, most MLB games are fairly consistent in taking about three hours to complete (barring extra innings), lying somewhere between football and hockey.
I can't comment on basketball, since I never watch it!
As for the poll at the beginning of this thread, I see the Chiefs have surged slightly ahead of the Colts...last time I checked, more were picking Indianapolis. I think that was largely due to the 'recency' effect, ie the Colts' big win last week, whereas Kansas City hasn't played in two weeks, so people were under-rating the Chiefs. Anyway, the kickoff is imminent...I actually like both teams, but will be cheering for KC.
QUOTE
Marc:
I actually like both teams, but will be cheering for KC.
I'm on the other side of the boat here, I'll be rooting for the Colts .... of the other 3 AFC West teams I've grown to hate the Cheaps the most (just SLIGHTLY over the Faders) ... it goes back to the Joe Montana period.
I actually like both teams, but will be cheering for KC.
My god, is anyone else watching the KC-Indy game? What an offensive and fun game to watch! I just went to get a drink after Indy made it 31-17 and missed the kickoff return that made it 31-24. This game is so good it is scary eek! Manning has been almost perfect, the pass he through for the latest touchdown (certainly not the last, noone has punted all day) was about as beautiful a pass as I have seen this year. Green is not far behind. Without mistakes by missed catch, missed fg and fumble, KC would be up, at least for a while. Wow, this fun! Probably not as fun for fans of the two teams, but for an impartial observer it is great!
OK, end of the 3rd quarter, no telling how much more scoring there will be. Whoever gets the ball with more than a minute to go in the game has a great chance to win. What a great way to spend a Sunday!
OK, end of the 3rd quarter, no telling how much more scoring there will be. Whoever gets the ball with more than a minute to go in the game has a great chance to win. What a great way to spend a Sunday!
Indy vs KC game is exciting. I hope Manning wins for Indy. Also think/hope Brett Baby will do it for Green Bay! wink
[ January 11, 2004, 12:28 PM: Message edited by: copman ]
[ January 11, 2004, 12:28 PM: Message edited by: copman ]
QUOTE
coyoteugly:
Winning on the road with the current Chief’s defense is a problem and the ultimate ticket for this team to the Super Bowl must be through Arrowhead Stadium. Right now, the Chiefs are eight quarters away from the Super Bowl. They know that “at least” four of those quarters will be played at Arrowhead.
The Chiefs now hold a franchise record 13-game home winning streak. Over that stretch here were the averages for opposing offenses at Arrowhead:
• Yards Gained: 310.5
• Rush Yards: 103.2
• Pass Yards: 207.3
• Off. TDs: 1.5
Things change dramatically with the Chiefs defense when it hits the road. Don’t believe me? Then look at these averages for the 12 road games they’ve played since starting the home winning streak last year:
• Yards Gained: 408.4
• Rush Yards: 188.0
• Pass Yards: 220.4
• Off. TDs: 3.7
Compare the numbers and the differences are obvious. The Chiefs give up nearly 100 yards a game more, 75 rushing yards a game more and two touchdowns more when they play on the road, compared to home. They’ve now won 13 in a row in the friendly red-and-gold confines and they’ve done it convincingly over that streak, scoring an average of 33.3 points per victory, while allowing an average of 14.2 points.
The best part about the outcome of Wild Card Weekend was this: whether it was the Colts, Ravens or Titans, they must come to Arrowhead.
You were saying???
Winning on the road with the current Chief’s defense is a problem and the ultimate ticket for this team to the Super Bowl must be through Arrowhead Stadium. Right now, the Chiefs are eight quarters away from the Super Bowl. They know that “at least” four of those quarters will be played at Arrowhead.
The Chiefs now hold a franchise record 13-game home winning streak. Over that stretch here were the averages for opposing offenses at Arrowhead:
• Yards Gained: 310.5
• Rush Yards: 103.2
• Pass Yards: 207.3
• Off. TDs: 1.5
Things change dramatically with the Chiefs defense when it hits the road. Don’t believe me? Then look at these averages for the 12 road games they’ve played since starting the home winning streak last year:
• Yards Gained: 408.4
• Rush Yards: 188.0
• Pass Yards: 220.4
• Off. TDs: 3.7
Compare the numbers and the differences are obvious. The Chiefs give up nearly 100 yards a game more, 75 rushing yards a game more and two touchdowns more when they play on the road, compared to home. They’ve now won 13 in a row in the friendly red-and-gold confines and they’ve done it convincingly over that streak, scoring an average of 33.3 points per victory, while allowing an average of 14.2 points.
The best part about the outcome of Wild Card Weekend was this: whether it was the Colts, Ravens or Titans, they must come to Arrowhead.
did Indy just score again?
Oh man. Sorry guys but I am a Chiefs fan and what a disappointment with the defense today! Still a close game, but must take my hat off to Manning. He did throw a good game. Trent...Why not a bit more from you? Now let's see if Brett Baby can pull the Packers into the next round.
Without a real rooting interest this weekend, I must say all 4 games were probably the most intense, incredible weekend of football in the playoffs in a very long time.
Every game went down to the last minute, with just great plays all around.
I hope the conference championships next week are just as entertaining!!
Josh
Every game went down to the last minute, with just great plays all around.
I hope the conference championships next week are just as entertaining!!
Josh
Colts-Chiefs: a game without a punt! Excellent performance by Manning and his offense. Should be quite a game against the Patriots.
Already THREE overtime games in this year's postseason so far.
Already THREE overtime games in this year's postseason so far.
And look for some Owners to now demand changes to the overtime rules--again--since there were 3 of them already this postseason.
QUOTE
MIB:
And look for some Owners to now demand changes to the overtime rules--again--since there were 3 of them already this postseason.
I was a little bit surprised how different playoff overtime rules are from the regular season. I know, I know... play until someone scores, no matter how long it takes, but the three timeouts and no coin toss to start the second overtime period had me :confused: .And look for some Owners to now demand changes to the overtime rules--again--since there were 3 of them already this postseason.
I'd advocate two timeouts per overtime period and another coin toss and kickoff. Treat every overtime like it's a new game.
I never thought I'd agree with Jimmy Johnson but, for goodness sake, teams play so uptight in the playoffs. You've got to be bold. Being timid cost St. Louis and it cost Green Bay.
You should play a playoff game with the boldness of a preseason game.
You should play a playoff game with the boldness of a preseason game.
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