Official 2007 NFL season thread

[FiddySicks]

I have to say that at NO point during this game did I actually expect Baltimore to win. The Pats are so consistantly good in the 4th that it's damn near a given that they'll come back no matter who they play. That was one helluva game though and Baltimore showed that, despite a few big time mistakes that cost them the game, they truely are STILL a force to be reckoned with on defense. Too bad Baltimore couldn't pull it out in the end, but you gotta respect a team that can drum it out like the Pats, no matter how much you hate them.

[infrared41]

That game-winning Touchdown shouldn't have been a catch, however.

I disagree. It was close enough. I am so tired of the "yes but did he make a football move" or "but did he establish possession before his second foot was down and he went out of bounds" bull- in the NFL. The guy caught the ball with both feet in bounds. I can see if the ball is bouncing around in the air as he was going out of bounds or if he dropped it but they have gotten ridiculous with this nonsense. 20 years ago that's a great catch, no questions asked.

They are trying so hard to take subjective decisions by officials out of the game that we're almost to the point where no one really knows what is going on. If the official calls it a catch let it be a catch. Between the constant penalties on any long (read exciting) play and all the "it's a catch but was it really a catch?" garbage it's no wonder that more and more people are saying things like this...

Great game, though -- but I still do prefer the college game, since defenders have a chance, there.

Let 'em play the game.

[infrared41]

That holding call on the Ravens in the endzone was BS... The refs obviously wanted New England to win this game.

Looks like you're not the only one who feels that way.

[Audiodrama]

The Ravens have nobody to blame but themselves. They cost themselves the game.

Bonehead moves like their defensive coordinator calling the timeout before the play that would've ended the game...careless play resulting in an inordinate amount of penalties (all of which were called correctly, by the way)...they all resulted in Baltimore pissing away the first 55 minutes of the game in the final five. Granted, the Patriots were good enough to take advantage of Baltimore's repeated miscues, but the referees had nothing to do with this. The Ravens cost the Ravens the game, and no one else.

As a sidenote, a ridiculously incorrect quote from Ravens' WR Derrick Mason:

"This game, same thing happens. Randy Moss runs right into Samari Rolle. They call defensive pass interference."

If Mason would look at the footage, Rolle actually HUGGED Moss to the ground. It was an obvious call, as noted by the ESPN Monday Night crew and the WBCN radio crew alike. Mason and the Ravens were mad at themselves more than anything, I think.

[capn89]

Can someone please explain to me what some of the Ravens' players were so upset about (concerning the officials) after the game?

The 4th and 2 timeout - The whole sequence was a mess and had the official NOT given them the timeout and had New England GOT the first down wouldn't they just whine that they weren't given the timeout that they called? Their head coach didn't seem too incensed by the fact that the time out was given.

The 4th and 2 Part II - It was a blatant false start. What more do you want?

Then they drive down the field a little farther and have another 4th down (and goal) and it was a blatant hold (or pass interference, take your pick) so what are they supposed to do, not call it?

And I'm not really sure what everyone is talking about with the touchdown catch, it was a catch to me. He was tucking the ball away, how is that not control?

[slapshot]

Just out of curiousity, let's see what the Ravens are complaining about (from the official NFL game sheet)...

1Q, 12:57: Facemask, S. Rolle (15 yds - 1/2 distance)

1Q, 12:32: 12 men, defense (5 yds)

1Q, 12:02: Offsides, Defense, T. Suggs (5 yds - 1/2 distance)

1Q, 9:47: False Start, Offense, Q. Sypniewski (5 yds)

1Q, 6:14: PF, Unnecessary Roughness, D. Martin (Late hit O.B., 15 yds)

2Q, 6:12, Defensive Holding C. Ivy (5 yds)

2Q, 5:32, Defensive Pass Interference C. McAlister (3yds, enforced at spot)

4Q 10:59, False Start D. Wilcox (5 yds)

4Q, 1:48, Illegal Contact S. Rolle (5 yds)

4Q, 0:55 Defensive Holding J. WInborne (5 yds)

4Q 0:50 Unsportmanlike Conduct B Scott (15 yds on kickoff)

4Q 0:50 "" "" ""

4Q 0:50 Offsides E. Reed (5 yds on kickoff)

Off all those penalties, the only questionable one was the Defensive Holding. And not because it didn't happen, but because it was reported on the wrong player. There was holding occuring around the 5 yard line, but it looks like the penalty was alleged to have occured in the end zone. It didn't make any different with regards to enforcement.

It's all sour grapes on the Ravens part.

[OnWis97]

Can someone please explain to me what some of the Ravens' players were so upset about (concerning the officials) after the game?

The 4th and 2 timeout - The whole sequence was a mess and had the official NOT given them the timeout and had New England GOT the first down wouldn't they just whine that they weren't given the timeout that they called? Their head coach didn't seem too incensed by the fact that the time out was given.

This was the start of it. I don't think the Ravens are blaming the officials for this. They were glaring at the bench, if anything. But it was the start of the frustration.

The 4th and 2 Part II - It was a blatant false start. What more do you want?

I'm not sure the Ravens are upset about this call either. The rule is that the play never happened. But it was the second instance where they'd have had them beat. Frustration building...

Then they drive down the field a little farther and have another 4th down (and goal) and it was a blatant hold (or pass interference, take your pick) so what are they supposed to do, not call it?

This is the one that gets me A LITTLE BIT thinking that maybe the officials could have gotten caught up in 16-0 mania. Was it a horrible call? No. But in sports, officials tend to swallow their whistles at the end of the game. I will never be convinced that they'd have made the same call if the situation was reversed. But I really can't prove that, so I move on...

And I'm not really sure what everyone is talking about with the touchdown catch, it was a catch to me. He was tucking the ball away, how is that not control?

I don't acutally think that was a catch. I don't think he had control at all until he was out of bounds. But his body was shielding the ball from the official. Any official would have made that call and I think that's a tough one to reverse (even if they had, that was only second down and the flag-throwing penalites would have given the Pats 1st down).

In short, I think that's the kind of game where officiating questions can be raised (about the last two calls, the holding being VERY significant), but I think that a lot of the Raven players reaction was building starting with the 1st of the three times the game appeared to be over.

[rams80]

The 4th and 2 Part II - It was a blatant false start. What more do you want?

I'm not sure the Ravens are upset about this call either. The rule is that the play never happened. But it was the second instance where they'd have had them beat. Frustration building...

I guess the frustration might be that you are forced to take the penalty. I don't necessarily like that rule either...but it is within the rules.

There was no conspiracy last night, though. Play undisciplined football, and rely on Kyle Boller to helm your offense, and you have a tendency to gag up leads Linehan coached Ram-style. Convert the frickin' 1st down on offense if you want to win.

[infrared41]

Just out of curiousity, let's see what the Ravens are complaining about (from the official NFL game sheet)...

1Q, 12:57: Facemask, S. Rolle (15 yds - 1/2 distance)

1Q, 12:32: 12 men, defense (5 yds)

1Q, 12:02: Offsides, Defense, T. Suggs (5 yds - 1/2 distance)

1Q, 9:47: False Start, Offense, Q. Sypniewski (5 yds)

1Q, 6:14: PF, Unnecessary Roughness, D. Martin (Late hit O.B., 15 yds)

2Q, 6:12, Defensive Holding C. Ivy (5 yds)

2Q, 5:32, Defensive Pass Interference C. McAlister (3yds, enforced at spot)

4Q 10:59, False Start D. Wilcox (5 yds)

4Q, 1:48, Illegal Contact S. Rolle (5 yds)

4Q, 0:55 Defensive Holding J. WInborne (5 yds)

4Q 0:50 Unsportmanlike Conduct B Scott (15 yds on kickoff)

4Q 0:50 "" "" ""

4Q 0:50 Offsides E. Reed (5 yds on kickoff)

Off all those penalties, the only questionable one was the Defensive Holding. And not because it didn't happen, but because it was reported on the wrong player. There was holding occuring around the 5 yard line, but it looks like the penalty was alleged to have occured in the end zone. It didn't make any different with regards to enforcement.

It's all sour grapes on the Ravens part.

I agree that The Ravens have no one to blame but themselves. I'm not buying the conspiracy theory or anything, but just out of curiosity, how many penalties were called on New England?.

[WJMorris3]

Patriots penalties:

2Q, 15:00 - Offensive Holding, L.Mankins (declined)

4Q, 12:37 - Ineligible Downfield on Kick, P.Woods (5 yds)

4Q, 10:22 - Offensive Pass Interference, K.Brady (10 yds)

4Q, 6:10 - Offensive Holding D.Koppen (10 yds)

4Q, 5:42 - Ineligible Downfield on Pass, N.Kazcur (declined)

4Q, 1:48 - False Start, R.Hochstein (5 yds)

(No Ravens penalties were declined)

[Billy B]

The Ravens are an undisciplined football teams. It's not just because they were playing the Patriots, they suddenly get calls against them. They have been one of the most penalized team in the league this year. Also I've liked the Patriots since when they played against the Bears in '01 so I wanted them to win, but I don't think they were getting any extra calls. They had just one less 4th quarter penalty than the Ravens. All the Ravens players are blaming the refs, they can think that to themselves but don't turn to the media and complain about the refs. Even if it wasn't a catch at the end of the game, Bart Scott still had two personal fouls that would give the Pats 1st and goal at the 2 yard line.

[tBBP]

I said it once before, but I'll say it once more: if Brian Billick is not shown the door at the end of this year, there will be a fire and brimstone revolt on Baltimore Ravens HQ the likes of whch not even the most controversial loss by the West Virginia Mountaineers football squad would cause in Morgantown. (Or, in the case of Pitt, the likes of which an actual WIN over a team favored by damn near 30 would cause in the Oakland/college town strip.)

Did anyone else see Ray Lewis' head damn near about to EXPLODE out of his helmet after the sideline called that timeout? (What the hell kinda move was that, anyway?) He and Bart Scott and Corey Ivy (or whoever #35 is) were all LITERALLY about to storm the sideline...their OWN sideline. THAT's how you know a team done fell apart. Actually, I think it was the game against Buffalo where the wheels started to fall off...or whatever game that was when Ray had the comments to say about that dumb-ass playcalling when they had four chances to get a first down...and didn't.

The Ravens are an undisciplined mess...and yet somehow even still they almost blitzed their way to a win.

And now the Pats get to deal with Blitzburgh's defense...in Foxboro. Hey...PHILADELPHIA almost beat them in their place...think the Steelboyz got a shot? I do.

But that's ONLY if the Steelers O-linemen decide not to morph into turnstiles like they did against the Jets.

Should be a good one coming Sunday night.

[TFoA]

Bucco's absolutely right. The Ravens almost won that game on emotion alone, but they lost it because of their own lack of discipline. Had they been just a tad bit more disciplined (and had Kyle Boller decided for himself that he wanted to put the nail in the coffin instead of just grinding out the win), they would've absolutely ended the Patriots' chances at the undefeated season.

The refs officiating in that game was atrocious. Apparently that must've been the only ref in the world who didn't know that ONLY THE HEAD COACH CAN CALL TIME-OUT FROM THE SIDELINE. That was the fire that added to the hot mess. The one call they did get right was the holding call at the end. Other than that, a horribly officiated game.

That being said, there is absolutely no way that there's a conspiracy to have the Patriots go undefeated. People must've forgotten all of the wonderful PR the NFL got when the same team got caught cheating earlier this year. If anything, the NFL wouldn't want this team to go undefeated because there's always going to be that little asterisk in the minds of a few people, even though ultimately Spygate had little to do with this year's team.

So yeah, I've pretty much decided that if the Steelers don't beat the Pats next week, then NE's going undefeated. You can't tell me that the Jets and the Dolphins are going to beat them, and you definitely can't tell me that Bellichek's going to rest his starters in Week 17 for the playoffs, oh no. That man's going for 17-0.

EDIT: 16-0. n00b moment.

[Seadragon76]

You mean 16-0, Flame.

My two cents: You have to be really retarded to let this slip away if your Baltimore. It's like the fish that got away... You'll keep telling that story when the grandkids start saying 'We're bored! Talk about a game you won, pappy!'

[capn89]

Bucco's absolutely right. The Ravens almost won that game on emotion alone, but they lost it because of their own lack of discipline. Had they been just a tad bit more disciplined (and had Kyle Boller decided for himself that he wanted to put the nail in the coffin instead of just grinding out the win), they would've absolutely ended the Patriots' chances at the undefeated season.

The refs officiating in that game was atrocious. Apparently that must've been the only ref in the world who didn't know that ONLY THE HEAD COACH CAN CALL TIME-OUT FROM THE SIDELINE. That was the fire that added to the hot mess. The one call they did get right was the holding call at the end. Other than that, a horribly officiated game.

That being said, there is absolutely no way that there's a conspiracy to have the Patriots go undefeated. People must've forgotten all of the wonderful PR the NFL got when the same team got caught cheating earlier this year. If anything, the NFL wouldn't want this team to go undefeated because there's always going to be that little asterisk in the minds of a few people, even though ultimately Spygate had little to do with this year's team.

So yeah, I've pretty much decided that if the Steelers don't beat the Pats next week, then NE's going undefeated. You can't tell me that the Jets and the Dolphins are going to beat them, and you definitely can't tell me that Bellichek's going to rest his starters in Week 17 for the playoffs, oh no. That man's going for 17-0.

EDIT: 16-0. n00b moment.

You do realize that no matter what this whole sequence would have given something for the Ravens to whine about, right? What would people be saying had the assistant coach been trying to call timeout, Brady sneaks and gets the first down? They'd complain that they'd call timeout and there shouldn't have been a play.

[rams80]

1. I would not call a sneak against the Ravens defense. At least with Brady. Cassel's expendable, though.

2. I'll put it this way...if the board's local Patriot conspiracy theorist/basher/asterisk slapper-onner isn't claiming Baltimore got jobbed by the refs, even though he watched much of the game...*cough cough*...Baltimore didn't get jobbed.

3. I would give more credence to a theory that states ESPN is playing up the "Baltimore got jobbed" comments to either light a fire under the home team's arse after two lackluster weeks...or because they once again need a story.

I don't even understand why they reviewed the game-winning touchdown...looked good to me all the way.

[BaltimoreFan]

Tough game in a tough season. There was alot of bad luck in the game. The Patriots got lucky that they were able try 4th down 3 times (I think the defense should get a "free play" on false starts similar to how offenses get "free plays" on offsides). But there were no bad calls. I can see why the players may be saying it. They had the momentum most of the game, they stopped the great offense time after time. After a bunch of bad luck they blow it. They're clearly frustrated and taking it out on the refs.

And to be fair to Billick, He didn't call the timeout. It was Rex Ryan the defensive coordinator. But the reactions did appear to be towards Billick, which says alot. I'm not sure if he'll be fired or not because of his contract. But I wouldn't mind if he got a free pass for this.

The biggest thing I hate is how crappy the offense has been year after year. We should have beaten the Colts last year in the playoffs. If we had any kind of offense the game was ours (and maybe the SUper Bowl). Now the same thing happens almost a year later against the Patriots. We were doing well with McGahee, but at the end of the game they were able to shut him down. Boller couldn't get a decent pass. The interception was horrible. I think he was throwing into the wind, but still. There was no need to go down the field like that, just get an easy pass to keep us in field goal range (I think they were already in it). The offense has sucked for way too long.

[BlueSky]

The refs officiating in that game was atrocious. Apparently that must've been the only ref in the world who didn't know that ONLY THE HEAD COACH CAN CALL TIME-OUT FROM THE SIDELINE.

I can't remember where, but I read an article on this game that said anyone in the bench area can call a timeout.

And off-topic, how cool would it be if the Saints-Falcons game this week actually meant something?

I heard Vick's going to be in uniform Monday night, a nice orange monochrome.

I don't even understand why they reviewed the game-winning touchdown...looked good to me all the way.

Are you kidding? You could see the ball moving as he went out of bounds. That was not a catch.

[rams80]

Rams CB Tye Hill on IR. Damn....

Oh, and ESPNEWS, the last source of unbiased journalistic integrity out of Bristol, Connecticut, has officially lost that status with their inauguration of a column dedicated to the Patriots in their "bottom line" ticker. Why do they even employ an ombudsman?

[Jigga]

As much as it would suck to see the Cheaters go undefeated, if it means that Mercury Morris would shut the up, I'm all for it. Go Cheats!