Football thread

[RAGNAR]

Patriots @ Giants

Both teams are locked in for the playoffs so there is really nothing at stake here but the Pat's perfect season. I would personally like to see the cheaters come all this way this season and then have their dream of a perfect season crushed. Unfortunately.... I don't see the Giants doing it unless the gme is an upset. I have to go with the cheating Pats.



Seahawks @ Falcons

Nothing really at stake here either. Seahawks are in and the Falcons are out. I will take the Seahawks.



Saints @ Bears

The Saints still have a shot at the playoffs if they win and a couple other things happen. But... their offense has stalled out as of late and the Bears, even though they are out of the playoffs, are a sleeper team as the Packers discovered last week. The Bers are riding that upset high... and the Saints will have to be able to run the ball in order to win. This should be a good close game to watch if both teams have all cylinders firing. I will have to go with the Bears in this one.



Bengals @ Dolphins

Nothing happening here. Both teams are out of the playoffs and are playing strictly for honor and practise. Look for a Bengal win.



Lions @ Packers

Lions are out and the Packers are in. Nothing is going to change that. After last weeks fiasco against the Bears, the Packers need to get their heads on straight and get back in the game. No better way to do that in my opinion than to hand the Lions a serious smackdown. I will take the Packers.



Jaquars @ Texans

Nothing here either. Jags are in and the Texans are out. Look for the Jag defense to hold the Texans to a minimum once again while they exploit both the pass and the running game. I don't think the Texans can stop the Jag rushing game. Jags will win.



Panthers @ Buccaneers

Nothing at stake here either. Panthers are out and the Bucs are in. I think the Bucs will win.



Bills @ Eagles

Nothing being risked in this game. Both teams are out. However... this should be a good game. Both teams are 7 - 8 and both want to at least finish the season with an 8 - 8 split. I have to go with the Eagles to win though.



49ers @ Browns

Nothing either team does here will have an impact on their playoff bids. 49ers are out and the Browns live or die depending on how the Titans do against the Colts. If they win the Browns are out. If the Browns show up and play NFL football they will win. If they come in playing their usual mistake by the lake quality game they will get their butts handed to them. Hopefully they will play so I can maintain my winning predictions. Browns should win.



Steelers @ Ravens

The Ravens are already done and the Steelers already locked up their Division but seek a better seed in the playoffs but that rests solely upon the Chargers losing this week. What the Steelers do have in their control is needing to take this win and use it as momentum going into the playoffs. My beloved Steelers haven't been playing up to their potential and this gives me cause for concern. They aren't healthy and losing lil Willie Parker doesn't help much even though others have stepped up. Look for a Steeler win even if it is not pretty.



Chargers @ Raiders

The Raiders are out and the Chargers are in. But the Chargers also seek a better seed and this rests on a Steeler loss. Aside from all that... look for a Charger win.



Cowboys @ Redskins

This will be interesting. The Cowboys are in, but the Skins are still battling for a playoff berth. They need to win... or... have the Saints and the Vikings lose this week to get in. Right niw the Skins are on a hot streak and this game could go either way if both teams are playing their best. Look for the Cowboys to play more backups than starters. After all... why risk when you don't have to, and this may give the backups some playing time in case needed in the playoffs. Expect the Skins to come out with everything they got. Also remember... this is a classic rivalry matchup and anything can happen!!! I will buck the system again and say the Skins will win.



Rams @ Cardinals

Nothing at stake here. Both teams are out. Look for a Card win.



Vikings @ Broncos

Broncos are done but the Vikings need a win and for the Skins to lose. Look for the Vikings to work the run against the Bronco's weak defense. The Bronco's will need to capitalise on the pass if they want to win. I will take the Vikings to win.



Chiefs @ Jets

Both teams suck... neither will see the playoffs. I figure the Jets will win the battle of the suckies.



Titans @ Colts

Colts are in... but the Titans hold their fate entirely in their own hands. They win and they are in. They lose and the Browns are in. I will have to buck the system and go with the Titans for the win.

[dilshad{property of Tira}]

Cowboys @ Redskins

This will be interesting. The Cowboys are in, but the Skins are still battling for a playoff berth. They need to win... or... have the Saints and the Vikings lose this week to get in. Right niw the Skins are on a hot streak and this game could go either way if both teams are playing their best. Look for the Cowboys to play more backups than starters. After all... why risk when you don't have to, and this may give the backups some playing time in case needed in the playoffs. Expect the Skins to come out with everything they got. Also remember... this is a classic rivalry matchup and anything can happen!!! I will buck the system again and say the Skins will win.

Cheers!!!!!

[Faramir]

One tactic the redskins could use to ensure a win over a superior dallas team,  have Jessica Simpson show up for the game.

[RAGNAR]

Romo still has to get his priorities straight.

1.) Pigskin

2.) Redskins

3.) Foreskin

[RAGNAR]

Patriots @ Giants

Both teams are locked in for the playoffs so there is really nothing at stake here but the Pat's perfect season. I would personally like to see the cheaters come all this way this season and then have their dream of a perfect season crushed. Unfortunately.... I don't see the Giants doing it unless the gme is an upset. I have to go with the cheating Pats.



Seahawks @ Falcons

Nothing really at stake here either. Seahawks are in and the Falcons are out. I will take the Seahawks.



Saints @ Bears

The Saints still have a shot at the playoffs if they win and a couple other things happen. But... their offense has stalled out as of late and the Bears, even though they are out of the playoffs, are a sleeper team as the Packers discovered last week. The Bers are riding that upset high... and the Saints will have to be able to run the ball in order to win. This should be a good close game to watch if both teams have all cylinders firing. I will have to go with the Bears in this one.



Bengals @ Dolphins

Nothing happening here. Both teams are out of the playoffs and are playing strictly for honor and practise. Look for a Bengal win.



Lions @ Packers

Lions are out and the Packers are in. Nothing is going to change that. After last weeks fiasco against the Bears, the Packers need to get their heads on straight and get back in the game. No better way to do that in my opinion than to hand the Lions a serious smackdown. I will take the Packers.



Jaquars @ Texans

Nothing here either. Jags are in and the Texans are out. Look for the Jag defense to hold the Texans to a minimum once again while they exploit both the pass and the running game. I don't think the Texans can stop the Jag rushing game. Jags will win.



Panthers @ Buccaneers

Nothing at stake here either. Panthers are out and the Bucs are in. I think the Bucs will win.



Bills @ Eagles

Nothing being risked in this game. Both teams are out. However... this should be a good game. Both teams are 7 - 8 and both want to at least finish the season with an 8 - 8 split. I have to go with the Eagles to win though.



49ers @ Browns

Nothing either team does here will have an impact on their playoff bids. 49ers are out and the Browns live or die depending on how the Titans do against the Colts. If they win the Browns are out. If the Browns show up and play NFL football they will win. If they come in playing their usual mistake by the lake quality game they will get their butts handed to them. Hopefully they will play so I can maintain my winning predictions. Browns should win.



Steelers @ Ravens

The Ravens are already done and the Steelers already locked up their Division but seek a better seed in the playoffs but that rests solely upon the Chargers losing this week. What the Steelers do have in their control is needing to take this win and use it as momentum going into the playoffs. My beloved Steelers haven't been playing up to their potential and this gives me cause for concern. They aren't healthy and losing lil Willie Parker doesn't help much even though others have stepped up. Look for a Steeler win even if it is not pretty.



Chargers @ Raiders

The Raiders are out and the Chargers are in. But the Chargers also seek a better seed and this rests on a Steeler loss. Aside from all that... look for a Charger win.



Cowboys @ Redskins

This will be interesting. The Cowboys are in, but the Skins are still battling for a playoff berth. They need to win... or... have the Saints and the Vikings lose this week to get in. Right niw the Skins are on a hot streak and this game could go either way if both teams are playing their best. Look for the Cowboys to play more backups than starters. After all... why risk when you don't have to, and this may give the backups some playing time in case needed in the playoffs. Expect the Skins to come out with everything they got. Also remember... this is a classic rivalry matchup and anything can happen!!! I will buck the system again and say the Skins will win.



Rams @ Cardinals

Nothing at stake here. Both teams are out. Look for a Card win.



Vikings @ Broncos

Broncos are done but the Vikings need a win and for the Skins to lose. Look for the Vikings to work the run against the Bronco's weak defense. The Bronco's will need to capitalise on the pass if they want to win. I will take the Vikings to win.



Chiefs @ Jets

Both teams suck... neither will see the playoffs. I figure the Jets will win the battle of the suckies.



Titans @ Colts

Colts are in... but the Titans hold their fate entirely in their own hands. They win and they are in. They lose and the Browns are in. I will have to buck the system and go with the Titans for the win.

Patriots @ Giants........ 38 - 35 Pats  (1 - 0)

Seahawks @ Falcons........ 44 - 41 Falcons (1 - 1)

Saints @ Bears........ 33 - 25 Bears (2 - 1)

Bengals @ Dolphins........ 38 - 25 Bengals (3 - 1)

Lions @ Packers........ 34 - 13 Packers (4 - 1)

Jaquars @ Texans........ 42 - 28 Texans (4 - 2)

Panthers @ Buccaneers........ 31 - 23 Panthers (4 - 3)

Bills @ Eagles........ 17 - 9 Eagles (5 - 3)

49ers @ Browns........ 20 - 7 Browns (6 - 3)

Steelers @ Ravens........ 27 - 21 Ravens (6 - 4)

Chargers @ Raiders........ 30 - 17 Chargers (7 - 4)

Cowboys @ Redskins........ 27 - 6 Skins (8 - 4)

Rams @ Cardinals........ 48 - 19 Cards (9 - 4)

Vikings @ Broncos........ 22 - 19 Broncos (9 - 5)

Chiefs @ Jets........ 13 - 10 Jets (10 - 5)

Titans @ Colts........ 16 - 10 Titans (11 - 5)

[RAGNAR]

Now the predictions get tough.

Teams that are out will either play for honor or not really give 100%.

Teams that are already in will hold back rather than risk injuries or they will do just what lil they have to for seed position etc.

In any case.... all of the teams are not giving 100%.

For those placing bets.... focus more on the spread than the win!!!

[RAGNAR]

Playoffs!!!

Playoff Seeds 2007


AFC Playoff Seeds

1.  New England Patriots
2.  Indianapolis Colts
3.  San Diego Chargers
4.  Pittsburgh Steelers
5.  Jacksonville Jaguars
6.  Tennessee Titans


NFC Playoff Seeds

1.  Dallas Cowboys
2.  Green Bay Packers
3.  Seattle Seahawks
4.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5.  New York Giants
6.  Washington Redskins

[RAGNAR]

*BLINKS!!!*

Should Belichick be permitted to win coach of year award?

Sunday, Dec 30, 2007 8:44 am EST

On Monday, 50 football writers will cast their votes for NFL coach of the year. And the front-runner is obviously New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Wrote William C. Rhoden of the New York Times: "If I had a vote, I would not cast it for him. My view is based on one clear reason: he was caught cheating. Some have shrugged off the Belichick violation as a minor trespass and suggested that Belichick was merely caught doing something that many teams practice in some form.

"But at a time that leagues and commissioners and even political bodies are attempting to reign in misbehavior in sports, can we really reward cheating? The NFL, by doling out such a severe punishment, doesn't seem to think so. There should be one more step to the punishment — no coach of the year award for Belichick.''

Source: NY Times


Before I begin I do wish to state that the views I express are not necessarily those of the WEBMAZE Staff or Management.


Not just no... but rather a resounding OH HELL NO!!!

Belichick and you poor foolish misguided Patriot fans can thank whatever God you pray to that the dispensation of justice in this matter was not left in my hands. A $500,000.00 personal fine... a $250,000.00 franchise fine... and loss of a first round 2008 draft pick does not even come close to what would actually sting.

I see what was done as criminal! How long was this going on? How many years? How many season games and playoff games were influenced by this cheating? We may never know and the cheater is not saying.

In addition to the penalties already imposed... I would have added a ban from participating in any way with any professional franchise or operations related to the NFL. He would have stripped of all retirement benefits and his pay for the season revoked. The franchise would be ineligible for any titles or post season play. They would have played the 2007 - 08 season as exhibition games only... and since knowing what plays are being run gives an advantage to players on the field.. none of the Patriots players stats would be entered into the record books as official nor would they count in their personal stats nor as franchise stats for the season.

The stench left by the cheater will linger over the Patriots franchise until he is long gone and the Patriots have earned all their wins and titles without cheating.

As it is now.... the 16 - 0 season is overshadowed by the question of how many games were influenced or won due to cheating, and even if the Patriots win the Superbowl, I for one will be wondering if they would have or should have even been there, and if they are still managing to cheat.

Coach of the Year? Naw..... Disgrace of the Year seems more fitting.

[Faramir]

He violated the cardinal rule, he got caught.  What I wonder is who and how many others didn't get caught.  What he did was definitely wrong, I agree his punishment was too light. Increase the fine by a year's pay and suspend him from coaching or advising any team for five years.  As for the team,  should they all be penalized for the actions of some misguided slob? That's just my thoughts and I'll probably catch some flak them.

[kelsey]

hey at least Billick finally got fired

[Taryn]

Nah, I still think it's hilarious that Cam Cameron, the brand new coach for the Dolphins is looking at being fired... he left the Chargers at the end of last year, along with most of the co-ordinators of the team to make the Dolphins into the same team as the Chargers... well with a 1-15 season, I think he failed...

[RAGNAR]

Bengals fire defensive coaches Bresnahan, Hunley


The Cincinnati Enquirer reported the Cincinnati Bengals have fired defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and linebackers coach Ricky Hunley.

Bresnahan, 47, was the Bengals' second defensive coordinator under Lewis, holding the job for three seasons in which the unit ranked Nos. 28, 30 and 27 in the 32-team league.

Speculation for a replacement centers on former Steelers and Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, who spent the 2007 season as secondary coach for the Carolina Panthers. He joined the Steelers staff in 1995 when Marvin Lewis was Steelers linebackers coach and has seven years of experience in the NFL as a coordinator.

Source:Cinn Enquirer

[RAGNAR]

Ravens will take run at Cowher

Citing sources close to the team, the Baltimore Sun reported, the Baltimore Ravens were expected to take a run at former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, a CBS television analyst.

One source said the Ravens were planning to meet with Cowher this weekend, but a team official said that is untrue. The Ravens, however, have not removed Cowher from consideration.

Cowher has said on previous occasions he wants to take at least one more year off from coaching.

Source: Baltimore Sun



My opinion..... leave the bastard sit where he is. Wanted time at home... family.... all that stuff. So where is he? Sitting doing color and jetting all over the counry for games. So much for family. He knew he would be leaving the Steelers and his final year coaching showed it. What will he do if picked up by another team? If he likes it he will coach. If he doesn't, or he decides he wants to look into something else.... maybe play his family card again... he will let that team down as well. He may be a great coach when he feels like coaching... but in my eyes he has lost a great deal of integrity.

[RAGNAR]

Bill Belichick is The Associated Press 2007 NFL Coach of the Year


By BARRY WILNER - AP Football Writer

NEW YORK(AP) New England's undefeated season now includes yet another achievement: Bill Belichick is The Associated Press 2007 NFL Coach of the Year.

The first coach since Don Shula in 1972 to lead his team through a spotless regular season, Belichick won the award Thursday for the second time in four years. In 2003, the Patriots went 14-2 and won their final 12 games. This time, Belichick's team rampaged through the first part of the schedule, then won a handful of close games on their way to 16-0.

That was enough to offset the major blemish on Belichick's resume: a $500,000 personal fine, $250,000 fine for the team and the loss of a first-round pick in the upcoming draft after the Patriots were caught videotaping New York Jets coaches during the season opener.

Spygate didn't stop 29 of the 50 voters on a nationwide panel of media members who cover the NFL from voting for Belichick. In a season highlighted by many strong coaching performances, Belichick beat out Green Bay's Mike McCarthy, who received 15 votes for leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and the NFC North title.

"Any time we win we're excited," Belichick said after completing the perfect regular season with a 38-35 victory over the New York Giants. "With the success we've had this season, (the Giants) game puts a certain little bit more of a degree of satisfaction in that game because of the culmination of the regular season. But, at the same time, we've got plenty of things that we need to work on."

Also getting votes were Dallas coach Wade Phillips and Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio (two each), and Indianapolis' Tony Dungy and Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden (one each).

The only other Patriots coach to win the award was Belichick's mentor, Bill Parcells, in 1994.



I have to say it..... this should be titled

CHEATING PAYS OFF BIG!

And once again I will restate... my views may no be shared by the WEBMAZE Management.

It seems there is no more right and wrong in the NFL. No more heroes for kids to look up to. Used to be a kid could idolise a ballplayer, and yes.... even look up to a coach as inspiration. Well it looks like those days are finally gone. Players doing time.... coaches cheating.... lies.... it is no wonder there are so few standards and honor present these days.

Good Sportsmanship.... fairplay.... hard work.... have been replaced by screw the other guy.... only bad if you get caught, sometimes..... and why work hard when you can cheat.

So much for cleaning up pro football. I guess its all in who you know and who you blow.

[Redbeard]

Hi Folks--is me, the Crimson Follicular One----RB love feetsball, me even watch shit games like Baltimore and Cincinnatti---like Ubar, Steelers are one of my favorite tieams and I hope that they can find a way to make it to the bowl this year, but I don't think it likely----Also, share Ubars distaste for cheating, but let it be noted that the same cameraman who turned in Billichek was also filmed doing exactly the same thing at a Jets game against the other team---LOL---methinks it is common practice, which is a shame, but thenagain, when street thugs can be cleaned up and then fly colors and give gang signs while on national tv, nothing suprises me much anymore----I guess you just take the lumps and enjoy the games, which is what I do----now fer the prediction which willget me hung (not that type, get yer minds outta the gutters!!!!!!)-----SUPER BOWL-------NEW ENGLAND VS THE SEATTLE SEACHICKENS!!!!!!!!---tadaaa----LOL--see if Im right-----TERRY BRADSHAW FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!----ps---have had lotsa family problems, but will be back this year, missed you all *S*--Happy New Year and stay healthy and happy.