NFL 2009

[dkst0426]

Since techartg didn't do it on his own, here it is. Draft's over, minicamps are coming up, and before we know it (and not a second too soon), the 2009 season will kick off!

[dkst0426]

RIP Jack Kemp

[apb7721]

Cowboys practice dome-structure collapses in high winds.  Some injuries, one assistant coach broke his back, no fatalities or other major injuries. Yikes!

[dkst0426]

Cowboys practice dome-structure collapses in high winds.  Some injuries, one assistant coach broke his back, no fatalities or other major injuries. Yikes!

Collapse leaves aide paralyzed

IRVING, Texas -- A Dallas Cowboys scouting assistant was permanently paralyzed from the waist down after his spine was severed during the collapse of the team's tent-like practice structure in a severe storm.

The team announced Rich Behm was in stable condition at Parkland Hospital on Sunday after surgery to stabilize a fracture to the thoracic spine.

  Sucks. I mean, the thing could have ended up being far more tragic, but still terrible for Behm and his family.

[apb7721]

Jerry Jones will go after the maker of that structure, that's for sure.  Patriots to look into their similar structure as well.

[dkst0426]

Jerry Jones will go after the maker of that structure, that's for sure.  Patriots to look into their similar structure as well.

What I question is the wisdom in having practice when winds just shy of tornado force were blowing outside. That structure is hardly built to withstand such outside forces.

[Thorns]

On the one hand, I can't blame Childress for looking into getting Favre.........but I am so stinkin' sick of hearing Favre's name in the offseason for how many years now? 

[messiaen77]

Has anyone heard the over/under on number of Bengals arrested before the opening of training camp?

[dkst0426]

Has anyone heard the over/under on number of Bengals arrested before the opening of training camp?

2007 called - it wants its jokes back.

[cryptic99]

You gonna do another fantasy football though this site dkst?  If so maybe should put the offer out now so we can get 12 or so this year.

[dkst0426]

You gonna do another fantasy football though this site dkst?  If so maybe should put the offer out now so we can get 12 or so this year.

Yes. I'll set up the thread in a couple of weeks or so. I mean, it's barely the first week of June....

[stealthpanda]

You gonna do another fantasy football though this site dkst?  If so maybe should put the offer out now so we can get 12 or so this year.

Yes. I'll set up the thread in a couple of weeks or so. I mean, it's barely the first week of June....

lol very true, but i didnt even know there was a fantasy football thing last year

i could definitely get down on that - ill have to keep a lookout on that

[dkst0426]

5 so far. Could do with 1-3 more.

And RIP Steve McNair. In his prime, he certainly epitomized toughness. Only a yard or less away from being able to call him a Super Bowl-winning QB, too. I don't even want to get into the details thus far. The more I find out, the sadder the story gets.

[maluze]

Jim Johnson, defensive coordinator for the Eagles, died at the age of 68 due to cancer yesterday. He was arguably the top defensive-minded coach over the last 10 years and his defenses consistently ranked near the top in every category. Most of all, his blitzes will be sorely missed. RIP, Jim Johnson, RIP.

[dkst0426]

Interesting.............talk on NFL Live last night about how interested the Panthers may be in Vick, and John Fox didn't dismiss it at all - just issued one of those classic "This isn't a yes, but it isn't a no either" answers, talking about how the team is happy with its QB situation, but is always looking to better itself.

I don't want Vick as a QB. He'll wreck our established running game, and his sheer inaccuracy as a passer in his prime (let alone now, 2 years removed from his last start in the league) means an already-undersized receiver like Steve Smith will spend too much time adjusting rather than making catches in stride and utilizing his explosiveness. If Vick can't see Smith with linebackers and DBs in the way, he'll just take off and run, further wasting Smith.

BUT, if we somehow throw in a Wildcat formation or two, or even bring him in as a special-teamer or wideout to run reverses and quick screens, I would be intrigued.

Thing is, Fox, owner Jerry Richardson, and GM Marty Hurney will have to make CLEAR in no uncertain terms that it's zero-tolerance for off-field crap. The second he's even seen holding a door open for someone at the Cabaret in uptown Charlotte, he's gone. The team's gone through too much with other players in the past (Rae Carruth, anyone? Todd Sauerbrun?) to put up with anything like that.

Let the record also show that to be brutally honest, I can't stand Michael Vick: I think he's nothing more than an average QB with a strong throwing arm and good feet. As a scrambler, he's great, but that's not what he's paid to do. He has poor accuracy, doesn't wait for receivers to run their routes, and pulls the ball down far too quickly. His decisionmaking process both on and off the field all leave much to be desired as well.

[dkst0426]

Anybody watch the Hall of Fame induction ceremony tonight? Rod Woodson's speech was great. The man's destined to become a minister someday.

[apb7721]

Anybody watch the Hall of Fame induction ceremony tonight? Rod Woodson's speech was great. The man's destined to become a minister someday.

The speeches were great, although some were a bit long.  I'd let Ralph Wilson talk forever because of what he's done for the game over the years. 

Woodson was great as was McDaniel.

Chris Berman is annoying but his presentation of Mr. Wilson was fantastic.

[dkst0426]

I had to laugh at Bruce Smith telling Thurman Thomas he hid his helmet. 

It's the preseason, but it's good to see NFL action nonetheless.

[apb7721]

I know it's only preseason but the Bills offensive line looked just as bad as last season and there are many newcomers there.  It could be a terribly long season up here.

[dkst0426]

It's official: Michael Vick signs a 2-year deal with the Eagles.

[apb7721]

Anybody else watching the Redskins Vs. Ravens game right now?

Not me.  Only game on where I am is Steelers-Cardinals.

[crazydude726]

Anybody else watching the Redskins Vs. Ravens game right now?

Not me.  Only game on where I am is Steelers-Cardinals.

Same here on ESPN.

[dkst0426]

Cards better be hoping Warner isn't done after last season. Leinart looks pitiful out there.

[dkst0426]

Ravens-Redskins stream

Password: mike1513

I hope Eron Riley gets a couple of looks tonight for the Ravens.

[Thorns]

So Maluze.....you happy with the new player?

[dkst0426]

Colt Brennan in the hizzouse!!!!!!

Loved watching him in the preseason last year.

EDIT: Dangit, jinxed him. INT. Baaaaaaad throw.

[dkst0426]

Redskins - 0, Ravens - 23 

I know it's just preseason but that was one of the worst games I've ever seen.

That's the key. I'm just thrilled that Eron Riley got a catch for the Ravens.

[damien]

If you guys are gonna start a fantasy league, count me in.

[justabill]

Ladies and Gentlemen---the Philadelphia Dog Killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maluze]

So Maluze.....you happy with the new player?

I would like to see how he fits in with our offensive strategy..He might be used in perimeter running plays?  I don't really know..No one one outside of the Reid's staff really knows at this point. But I do know that I believe in second chances. Reid instituted a policy of conduct in the locker room following TOs departure. Obviously Reid, as well as McNabb and Tony Dungy saw something in Vick..we shall see.

[Thorns]

So Maluze.....you happy with the new player?

I would like to see how he fits in with our offensive strategy..He might be used in perimeter running plays?  I don't really know..No one one outside of the Reid's staff really knows at this point. But I do know that I believe in second chances. Reid instituted a policy of conduct in the locker room following TOs departure. Obviously Reid, as well as McNabb and Tony Dungy saw something in Vick..we shall see.

How are the Philly fans reacting to it?

[apb7721]

Ladies and Gentlemen---the Philadelphia Dog Killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ladies and Gentleman, the most classless and ignorant New York fan!  Let's hear it for immaturity!

[dkst0426]

Ladies and Gentlemen---the Philadelphia Dog Killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geez, you again?

How are the Philly fans reacting to it?

Based on everything I've read around the sports blogosphere and on ESPN Radio today, very negatively. I've heard Sal Paolantonio say at some point today that if he could quantify the ration, it was 90%+ negative.

Example:



Yeah, I know it's not the Philadelphia Inquirer, but still.........

[cryptic99]

If you guys are gonna start a fantasy league, count me in.

Its in the sticky at the top of the sports discussion board.  We have a live draft next Friday night, but you would make it uneven, unless you know someone else who wants to join with you then you can talk to dkst.

[maluze]

How are the Philly fans reacting to it?

Based on everything I've read around the sports blogosphere and on ESPN Radio today, very negatively. I've heard Sal Paolantonio say at some point today that if he could quantify the ration, it was 90%+ negative.

Example:



Yeah, I know it's not the Philadelphia Inquirer, but still.........

The Philadelphia Daily News is like the New York Post of Philly newspapers.

The Philadelphia Inquirer ran an online poll friday, and the vote was split a bit more evenly, 52% against to 48% for the signing. And, in a current poll on Philly.com (here), with almost 37,000 votes, the count is 49.1% for to 50.9% against. Eagle Nation is very split, as you can see, and based on his contributions on and off the field, it can and will sway either way.

[dkst0426]

The Philadelphia Daily News is like the New York Post of Philly newspapers.

Yes, but point being there's an audience for it.

[Thorns]

Ladies and Gentlemen---the Philadelphia Dog Killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the reason I wish this site had an ignore button.   

[justabill]

Ladies and Gentlemen---the Philadelphia Dog Killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ladies and Gentleman, the most classless and ignorant New York fan!  Let's hear it for immaturity!

And killing dogs for sport is REAL mature, right?

[justabill]

So expressing my First Ammendment rights is wrong?  As wrong as killing dogs for sport?

[apb7721]

Ladies and Gentlemen---the Philadelphia Dog Killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ladies and Gentleman, the most classless and ignorant New York fan!  Let's hear it for immaturity!

And killing dogs for sport is REAL mature, right?

Being a consistently arrogant fool and bashing teams that are your rivals is petty and pathetic.  There's a reason people hate fans of the NY metropolitan teams.  They are even worse than Boston fans.

You're just as bad as the losers from PETA that value animals more than humans.

[Thorns]

Ladies and Gentlemen---the Philadelphia Dog Killers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ladies and Gentleman, the most classless and ignorant New York fan!  Let's hear it for immaturity!

And killing dogs for sport is REAL mature, right?

Forgiveness is. So far, Philly has shown more maturity on that level than you have. 

[dkst0426]

   at justabill trying to instruct us on class and the First Amendment. Of course, you're allowed to express your opinion, silly. Nobody here is saying you can't - not a single response to you has been an attempt to infringe upon your freedom of expression. That type of retort gets so old from people who try to stir things up in a discussion board, really.    That being said, the First Amendment really doesn't account for taste many times.

This is an NFL thread. I'm really tired about sports threads getting derailed by people like you trying to make it about you. BACK ON TOPIC!

Steve Smith practiced yesterday. I had some concern that they might be rushing him back too quickly, but word from my friend down at training camp is that he looked just fine.

[dkst0426]

Favre: 1 year, $12 million

Meet your new Vikings QB.

[maluze]

Favre: 1 year, $12 million

Meet your new Vikings QB.

I stopped caring about Favre the first time he retired. But it's sad to say that an almost 40 year old QB who is way past his prime is still miles better than Tarvaris Jackson or Gus Frerotte or whoever they had competing for starting QB.

[dkst0426]

I could not care any less for the Vikings' fortunes at any position, and I have lost every shred of respect I once had for Brett Favre as a player. He used to be a class act. No more - at the very first press conference when he announced his first retirement, I could just see something in his eye and the way he phrased some of his answers, and I turned to my wife and said "He'll be back. Maybe not as a Packer, but he'll be back." That's why I was a bit more forgiving the first time around.

[Thorns]

Favre: 1 year, $12 million

Meet your new Vikings QB.

I stopped caring about Favre the first time he retired. But it's sad to say that an almost 40 year old QB who is way past his prime is still miles better than Tarvaris Jackson or Gus Frerotte or whoever they had competing for starting QB.

Actually, I thought Sage Rosenfels was going to fit in pretty well there.  I was happy he was going to get a chance to start, owell.

[apb7721]

Here are my division predictions (no records just order)

AFC East:
1. New England
2. Miami
3. Buffalo
4. NY Jets

AFC North
1. Pittsburgh
2. Baltimore
3. Cleveland
4. Cincinnati

AFC South
1. Tennessee
2. Indianapolis
3. Houston
4. Jacksonville

AFC West
1. San Diego
2. Kansas City
3. Oakland
4. Denver

NFC East
1. Philadelphia
2. NY Giants
3. Dallas
4. Washington

NFC North
1. Bears
2. Packers
3. Vikings (Favre will hurt them more than help them)
4. Lions

NFC South
1. Atlanta
2. New Orleans
3. Carolina
4. Tampa Bay

NFC West
1. Arizona
2. Seattle
3. San Francisco
4. St. Louis


Only ones I'm not confident with are New Orleans/Carolina, Kansas City/Oakland/Denver, and Cleveland/Cincinnati.

If Delhomme doesn't protect the ball, Carolina is going to have it rough.  Williams and Stewart are going to have to carry that offense this year.  I have a feeling the Saints' defense will be better.  I am also eager for Dallas to collapse AGAIN!

The safest bets this year are San Diego, Pittsburgh, and New England.  NFC is hard to predict.

[dkst0426]

Patriots may be favorites, but don't count too many chickens before they hatch yet - they have to play both the NFC East and NFC South. Those are 8 pretty tough matchups.

I'm torn about Carolina's prospects: on the one hand, we have a nasty habit of going backwards the season after making the playoffs, and we do it frustratingly so, going 7-9 or 8-8 or something like that which doesn't even give us a good draft pick. On the other hand, Jake Delhomme plays best when he's got a chip on his shoulder, and people have been lining up to second-guess him after the loss to Arizona last season. Besides that, we have 20 starters back, and an absolutely fantastic ground game to set the table.

Stewart isn't carrying the offense, apb. He knows he's going to be the second billing in town as long as Williams is healthy.

[apb7721]

Patriots may be favorites, but don't count too many chickens before they hatch yet - they have to play both the NFC East and NFC South. Those are 8 pretty tough matchups.

I'm torn about Carolina's prospects: on the one hand, we have a nasty habit of going backwards the season after making the playoffs, and we do it frustratingly so, going 7-9 or 8-8 or something like that which doesn't even give us a good draft pick. On the other hand, Jake Delhomme plays best when he's got a chip on his shoulder, and people have been lining up to second-guess him after the loss to Arizona last season. Besides that, we have 20 starters back, and an absolutely fantastic ground game to set the table.

Stewart isn't carrying the offense, apb. He knows he's going to be the second billing in town as long as Williams is healthy.

I was just implying that Stewart and Williams are going to have to carry that offense unless Delhomme shakes the mental cobwebs and channels the Jake that helped the Panthers get to the Superbowl.

[dkst0426]

If Jake doesn't shake the mental cobwebs, then we have a plan with McCown. Personally, I'd love to see Matty Moore get his chance, as I have always held his accuracy and poise in high regard. Thing is, with the amount of money the Panthers' front office has invested in Delhomme, he's going to be the starter unless it simply turns disastrous.

If it gets to that point, it's going to be on Williams and Smith to step up. Even then, they can only do so much. And I'm just implying.......no, stating that Jonathan Stewart doesn't even enter the equation there.

[apb7721]

If Jake doesn't shake the mental cobwebs, then we have a plan with McCown. Personally, I'd love to see Matty Moore get his chance, as I have always held his accuracy and poise in high regard. Thing is, with the amount of money the Panthers' front office has invested in Delhomme, he's going to be the starter unless it simply turns disastrous.

If it gets to that point, it's going to be on Williams and Smith to step up. Even then, they can only do so much. And I'm just implying.......no, stating that Jonathan Stewart doesn't even enter the equation there.

Thankfully you have JOSH McCown and not Luke McCown.  Luke is a horrid pro QB.

[dkst0426]

Don't really care - I mean, the best I can say about Josh is that he's serviceable. Moore? Never even given a real shot yet. We don't need a game-breaking QB in the mold of a Manning or Brady or Brees. We need someone who fits a fairly conservative scheme, has good accuracy, and is consistent.

[apb7721]

Don't really care - I mean, the best I can say about Josh is that he's serviceable. Moore? Never even given a real shot yet. We don't need a game-breaking QB in the mold of a Manning or Brady or Brees. We need someone who fits a fairly conservative scheme, has good accuracy, and is consistent.

Basically how Chad Pennington was in Miami last season.

[apb7721]

Not a good day to be a Panthers fan, dkst.  I just got home from church and saw the score (38-10 Eagles at time of this post).  Yikes.

[dkst0426]

Not a good day to be a Panthers fan, dkst.

Very astute observation on your part. 

[apb7721]

hey, I could be like another board member and brag/insult/mock/demean. 


I'm still blown away by the end of the Broncos-Bengals game.

[messiaen77]

Yeah.  Exciting end to a mediocre game.

[dkst0426]

hey, I could be like another board member and brag/insult/mock/demean. 

Meh, there's really nothing more than can be said to make the Panthers look any worse than they did today.

[Thorns]

hey, I could be like another board member and brag/insult/mock/demean. 

Meh, there's really nothing more than can be said to make the Panthers look any worse than they did today.

Thoughts on the signing of AJ Feely?

[dkst0426]

Thoughts on the signing of AJ Feely?

Whoop-dee-do. About all I have to look forward to there is maybe there'll be a Heather Mitts sighting around Charlotte.

[comebackvic]

Woah, Patriots did it again.

[apb7721]

Woah, Patriots did it again.

Moreso that the Bills choked that game away.  I can't repeat here what I said after that game.

[Thorns]

Woah, Patriots did it again.

Moreso that the Bills choked that game away.  I can't repeat here what I said after that game.

That hurt, I know it did.  Leodis has to be feeling horrid. I like him too.

[comebackvic]

Woah, Patriots did it again.

Moreso that the Bills choked that game away.  I can't repeat here what I said after that game.

Well yeah, but come on, i almost bet on the Bills. As Thorns said: Horrid

[dkst0426]

Well yeah, but come on, i almost bet on the Bills. As Thorns said: Horrid

The Patriots were favored by more than 1 point. If taking the point spread, you should've bet on the Bills anyway.

It was a Patriots comeback, but it never would've happened if it hadn't been gifted to them on a silver platter by McKelvin making a boneheaded play. Tom Brady gets way too much credit for pulling off what any QB with a decent arm and football brain would do.

Thorns, you only like McKelvin for fantasy purposes.  

[apb7721]

McKelvin had his lawn vandalized in the Buffalo area today.

[dkst0426]

McKelvin had his lawn vandalized in the Buffalo area today.

Way to maintain perspective there, idiotic fans. Hate that crap, no matter what team they claim to support. At least it wasn't death threats or something stupid like that.

[Thorns]

Well yeah, but come on, i almost bet on the Bills. As Thorns said: Horrid

The Patriots were favored by more than 1 point. If taking the point spread, you should've bet on the Bills anyway.

It was a Patriots comeback, but it never would've happened if it hadn't been gifted to them on a silver platter by McKelvin making a boneheaded play. Tom Brady gets way too much credit for pulling off what any QB with a decent arm and football brain would do.

Thorns, you only like McKelvin for fantasy purposes.  

I don't know what your talking about.   

I do like him though, he's young and will learn.