American Football

[Camborne Gills]

#BradyIsFREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Boo !! Bloody hate the Pats, even more now

 

[Renegade]

While I don't think Tom Brady is completely innocent in this, it was the correct decision based on Goodell's completely arbitrary punishment based on circumstantial evidence (if even that). The NFL really have embarrassed themselves in the last year.

On the plus side, at least the season opener has some star power now. It was looking fucking grim. No more Deflategate! Yay!

 

[Bobbin']

While I don't think Tom Brady is completely innocent in this, it was the correct decision based on Goodell's completely arbitrary punishment based on circumstantial evidence (if even that). The NFL really have embarrassed themselves in the last year.

On the plus side, at least the season opener has some star power now. It was looking fucking grim. No more Deflategate! Yay!

Not quite, the NFL have confirmed they will appeal.

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

4 MORE YEARS! 4 MORE YEARS!

 

[kieran_vale]

They were always going to. Too much time and money has been wasted now for Goodell to be seen to back down. Maybe one or two of the owners will be putting some pressure on in the background (the smart ones anyway) just to let this go away and try and forget the whole thing ever happened.

The NFL have looked incredibly foolish in all this for the sake of PSI in balls. This is not to mention the fact now this could set a precedent for a whole raft of appeals, it's rumoured on Twitter Greg Hardy for example may well try and get his suspension vacated. Going forward it's a long way off but the negotiations for the next CBA should be interesting also.

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS ON

 

[Craig]

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

THE PASSION. THE PRIDE. THE PAGEANTRY. A HALF EMPTY BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM.

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video/COBiDnqU8AAlNLw.mp4

 

[Stagat]

https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video/COBiDnqU8AAlNLw.mp4

Good lord

 

[Anon]

Seems like the judge made the correct decision in overturning the suspension on the basis the legal presentation from the NFL has been really shoddy. How an organisation the size/finances of the NFL can't even get a solid legal case going, I don't know.

That said, that doesn't mean the Patriots aren't cheats (again) nor does it mean Brady is completely innocent (highly unlikely). Brady has had his suspension overturned, but his reputation is tarnished as it wasn't anywhere close to being a complete exoneration of guilt - the shady press conference, the destroyed phone, the non co-operation with an investigation that, while evidently terribly flawed, needed to take place if an accusation of cheating is levelled. Not to mention the Pats' accepting their punishment, suspending employees, and again not co-operating with the investigation.

Brady got off on a technicality, perhaps if the Pats had pursued that route the same would have happened (though Kraft is in a different position to Brady)... but neither are innocent. And the ruling doesn't change that at all.

On a wider point, as mentioned above it's another suspension that's been reduced/overturned. I have more faith in Goodell's overall aims than most, but this cycle of teams and players appealing everything despite guilt leaves a constant sour taste.

---

Anyhow. DRAFT DAY.

 

[Bobbin']

So, pre-season is done.

Have we learnt anything new about our teams and how do we think we'll all fare?

I don't think the Texans have learnt anything they didn't already know, last night in particular. We need a QB, Hoyer is the best of a very average bunch. Tom Savage did his case no favours yesterday, too slow to release the ball, sacks, fumbles and a pick six.
We're going to massively miss Arian Foster.

Defensively we look solid, no real concerns there with the likes of Watt, Wilfork and Clowney who have not yet even played, Kevin Johnson is looking a good first round pick too. Notable mention to Justin Tuggle for his performance last night.

We'll miss out on the post-season again and ultimately it'll be the offense that costs us, with a fully fit Foster for the whole season we could have been aiming for 11-5 but as it is I think we could be looking at 9-7.

Just watched that Savage interception again, just horrible

 

[Anon]

Minus-Nelson, Janis took a big step through pre-season to compete with Montgomery for WR3. Could see snaps getting split between them until one shines through. Rajion Neal will probably make the roster as RB3 and could well be the kick returner too - needed as it'll take the load off Cobb.

Hundley did well enough that if we put him on the practice squad he'd get signed elsewhere, as such could see us keeping 3 QBs on the 53.

Biggest issue is still ILB - Barrington got toasted vs the Eagles so Matthews is a cert to play a large role there, and for the first few games vs Forte, Lynch and Charles, stopping the run. Jones and Guion are both suspended for some games first up too, but Pennel has shone apparently, so it'll be a big test on the defensive line early doors.

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

Pretty optimistic about the Cowboys. Returning everyone who matters on the offense except Murray. The potential replacements there haven't set the world on fire thus far, but they'll surely be able to cobble together something productive behind this line. If Romo and Witten can stay ahead of father time it should be a good unit.

Defensively Marinelli has done a great job at getting production out of a motley lot up front, and this year he actually has some talent to work with. Hardy obviously, but there's a handful of good young players there who should be trending upwards too. Sean Lee is back at linebacker (for however long that lasts). DB remains mediocre, and the loss of Scandrick is a pisser. Would be nice if Claiborne or Carr finally earned their corn (not holding my breath). On a per play basis last year's unit was about as bad as the catastrophe of 2013 - they were just protected by a clock eating offense and playing with a lead most of the time. This year we should see some more meaningful steps forward.

Special teams wise the loss of Harris isn't trivial, and hopefully Bailey's late season wobbles are just that and not augeries of doom. First team coverage units have also looked like total ASS in pre-season. So that warrants watching.

Add it all up and I think this should be a good team. In the NFC there's only Seattle and Green Bay that look definitively better on paper. Division contains 2 teams that are big question marks, so a lot could hinge on that, but double digit wins and an appearance in the conference championship game is a reasonable goal (usual injury caveats attached).

Capsule Longhorns version: Tough schedule, offense still a... work in progress... defense takes a step back but trending upwards as the young uns come up to speed. ~7 regular wins and Shawn Watson on a toasty seat. But the future looks much brighter if they can ride out these choppy waters in the short term.

 

[Stagat]

No real idea, apart from the Steelers result looking good on paper. Excited to see how Tyrod gets on though. Setting me sen up for a fall there porhaps. I'm just v. optimistic for the season ahead in general really.

Had to dial in my draft for later too btw. Real shame as: (1) I won't be able to change owt depending on how it develops and (2) I'll miss the grinz with you guyz.

Just couldn't justify a 3am - 5am commitment though.

 

[Bobbin']

Pretty optimistic about the Cowboys. Returning everyone who matters on the offense except Murray. The potential replacements there haven't set the world on fire thus far, but they'll surely be able to cobble together something productive behind this line. If Romo and Witten can stay ahead of father time it should be a good unit.

Defensively Marinelli has done a great job at getting production out of a motley lot up front, and this year he actually has some talent to work with. Hardy obviously, but there's a handful of good young players there who should be trending upwards too. Sean Lee is back at linebacker (for however long that lasts). DB remains mediocre, and the loss of Scandrick is a pisser. Would be nice if Claiborne or Carr finally earned their corn (not holding my breath). On a per play basis last year's unit was about as bad as the catastrophe of 2013 - they were just protected by a clock eating offense and playing with a lead most of the time. This year we should see some more meaningful steps forward.

Special teams wise the loss of Harris isn't trivial, and hopefully Bailey's late season wobbles are just that and not augeries of doom. First team coverage units have also looked like total ASS in pre-season. So that warrants watching.

Add it all up and I think this should be a good team. In the NFC there's only Seattle and Green Bay that look definitively better on paper. Division contains 2 teams that are big question marks, so a lot could hinge on that, but double digit wins and an appearance in the conference championship game is a reasonable goal (usual injury caveats attached).

Capsule Longhorns version: Tough schedule, offense still a... work in progress... defense takes a step back but trending upwards as the young uns come up to speed. ~7 regular wins and Shawn Watson on a toasty seat. But the future looks much brighter if they can ride out these choppy waters in the short term.

Thought Lucky Whitehead was excellent last night when returning, that boy can run.

 

[kieran_vale]

Looking forward to some Football finally now the Brady issue is settled for the opening week. I think we're quite well set and look a well rounded team, moreso than any other team in our division.

Offensively I really like the potential of using some 2 TE set's with Gronk and Chandler, a lot of match-up nightmares there alone. Wide Receiver is a bit of a worry at present, Edelman for one has been reported to carry some sort of injury as has LaFell. Reggie Wayne still looks like one of the premier route runners in the game however at his age and after a serious injury last year can he still create separation? I hope we can find a way to stick Chris Harper into the 53 man roster, he has really impressed me this season but then you never can tell when the real Football is under way as I was saying the same with Brian Tyms and Kenbrell Thompkins in years gone past. Running Back will be it's usual via committee though I've liked what I've seen with James White in pre-season, seems to be very elusive.

Defense the big glaring question is at corner. You don't lose Revis and Browner and not take a huge step back. That said Malcom Butler's development has been really impressive and while he's been burned a couple of times he is a serious play-maker. Linebacker there is not better grouping in the NFL than Mayo, Hightower and Collins. I'm intrigued by our DL, in recent years rushing the passer has not been a strong suit of the Pats but we look a lot better in that area now. I especially like Trey Flowers who we drafted in the fourth round, has really stood out during the pre-season.

Overall we will win the division I feel in spite of Buffalo getting better. Bottom line is we have TFB and the rest of the division doesn't. Whether we can go all the way I'm not sure but another AFC Championship is certainly more than doable.

 

[TomPNE94]

What time is the draft?

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

8pm.

 

[kieran_vale]

Which reminds me, suppose had better get some form of draft board. Actually kinda hoping for a later pick in the draft, would be happy with #12 so can get two early ones in a row.

 

[.V.]

I've had the last pick two years in a row, so you're welcome to it Kieran.

 

[Bobbin']

Does draft order make much of a difference?

When I did a couple of mocks, usually the person selecting the player didn't end up with them.

 

[.V.]

Does draft order make much of a difference?

When I did a couple of mocks, usually the person selecting the player didn't end up with them.

I've been light on running backs both years, but have been able to pick up an elite wide receiver.

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

^^ It's snake order, so it evens out as best as possible.

 

[Camborne Gills]

I expect the Fish will flatter to deceive as usual 9-7 or 8-8

 

[.V.]

Are we in a ppr league?

 

[Martino Knockavelli]

Nope, regular scoring.

>. ps. FAO CREG:

Look what your Wonders Boys gone done!

http://deadspin.com/defense-lines-up-with-10-players-to-honor-late-teammate-1728781196

 

[.V.]

Is that the draft order? If so, I have last pick for the 3rd year running!!!

 

[Craig]

Nope, regular scoring.

>. ps. FAO CREG:

Look what your Wonders Boys gone done!

http://deadspin.com/defense-lines-up-with-10-players-to-honor-late-teammate-1728781196

Rainbow Warriors off to a winning start too.