2012 NFL Season Thread

[Sport]

Well, that was embarrassing.

[BlueSky]

Massive unpopular opinion:

I can't hate Chris Berman. Does he have a massive ego that he can never control? Of course. Much of his shtick grew old a long time ago.

At the same rate, Boomer is one of the rare remaining guys around who not only watched the AFL, but has a great appreciation for the league. Guy was an AFL fan more than he was an NFL fan. And as someone who could never appreciate the AFL when it was active, I enjoy hearing some of what Boomer has to say for how things were back in those days. Reading about it only goes so far.

Which also reminds me of an excellent AFL site. I don't visit it as often as I should, but it gets my highest recommendation.

I don't hate the man himself and also appreciate his sense of history. But listening to him do a game is damn close to fingernails on a chalkboard. Trying to hit on the little quips, five hundred "clever" references to the hybrid football-baseball field, and did you notice he completely missed that early Raider fumble? The ball popped up in the air right into a Charger's hands and he's like, "The Chargers think they've wrestled it free." Wow, really, 'cause the rest of America saw the ball fly through the air right to the defender.

As for MNF, what a start: a blowout and a snoozer, though the Raider follies were somewhat entertaining. Reminds me, I had a question and I can't recall if I asked it before of anyone who has attended a Raiders game. Do they play that famous NFL Films music piece The Raiders when the team comes out? Despite their long mediocrity, must be cool to have had a team that warrants such a sweet piece of music.

When the horns come in around :27...that's awesome, man. Sorry about the graphic, it was the only one I could find in a hurry.

[The_Admiral]

They play it here and there, along with other NFL Films tracks. At least they did when Al was alive, I don't know if they've modernized things.

And yeah, most NFL Films music gets tiresome after a while, but I will never tire of "The Autumn Wind." The Raiders are the coolest football team.

[Lights Out]

Also, where was that vertical Charger passing assault I am so used to?

I'm thinking the major shake-up in our recieving core this past offseason probably had something to do with that. We lost Vincent Jackson, and as talented as Royal and Meachem are, it's going to take time for Rivers to build chemistry with them. Also, Vincent Brown was hurt.

That being said, there was STILL no excuse for the poor redzone offense. Rivers threw several catchable balls Gates' way that he simply dropped, and penalties really killed the O-line. Several times, the offense looked completely disorganized until the ball was snapped. These are largely the same issues this team has had on offense since LT left, and the fact that Norv still hasn't addressed them is sad but unsurprising. At least Rivers didn't throw any picks last night and mustered ONE touchdown pass, but this kind of offensive performance isn't going to work against good teams.

As for the Raiders, I feel your pain with the special teams disasters. From what I've heard, Oakland's ST unit was uncharacteristically piss-poor during preseason as well. People often overlook how important long-snapping and punt protection really are in football. In my opinion, a blocked punt is one of the most exciting plays in football, and possibly the worst thing that can happen to a team during a game besides an injury (as it sets the other team up with either great field position or a bigger lead). The Chargers lost way too many games a couple years ago as a direct result of the special teams constantly having punts blocked or giving up big return yardage to the other team. If the Raiders don't get their special teams figured out (and I know you were using a backup long snapper, but the blocked punt still doesn't happen without the regular special teams players blowing their assignments), it's going to be another loooong season in Oakland. McFadden's a beast, though.

[CSSdesigns]

Early Predictions:

NFC South

Buccaneers 11-5

Saints 10-6

Falcons 7-9

Panthers 7-9

I like the way you predict!!!!

All horsesh** aside, though....the way the NFC South usually goes, though, that's entirely possible. (And again, Mo-Mo got them to break .500 his first season at the helm, so...)

I think they can make the playoffs. I love Schiano, hopefully he has success in the NFL. Giving Jassshhh Freeman some weapons, and wrangling up Carl Nicks is huge. Defense needs to be on their game though.

Might not win 11 but I think they'll be in the race all year.

Exactly what i think for my Buccies. i predict they'll go 10-6 or 9-7 at least.

[FiddySicks]

So can anyone please explain to me what the hell the Chargers were doing on their last offensive drive? They were up 16 and decided to go for it on 4th and long on their own 15, basically handing the Raiders a touchdown and keeping them (albeit briefly) in the game. What idiot doesn't punt in that situation? Especially with how awful Oakland was doing offensively. I really hate this Chargers team.

BTW, look at #13 and tell me what's wrong with this assessment.

NFL Week 1 Power Rankings

[Cujo]

BTW, look at #13 and tell me what's wrong with this assessment.

NFL Week 1 Power Rankings

Tebus Christ, you guys.....

[CSSdesigns]

BTW, look at #13 and tell me what's wrong with this assessment.

NFL Week 1 Power Rankings

Tebus Christ, you guys.....

Shocked they didn't place RGIII for the Redskins.

[pmoehrin]

Well to be fair the Eagles were a little disappointing in opener against Cleveland.

That being said I'm still not sure if Tim Tebow could beat the Eagles. Then again miracles can happen, and if anyone can summon up enough divine intervention to beat the Eagles all by himself, its Tim Tebow.

[IceCap]

They were up 16 and decided to go for it on 4th and long on their own 15, basically handing the Raiders a touchdown and keeping them (albeit briefly) in the game. What idiot doesn't punt in that situation?

Norv Turner.

[Lights Out]

They were up 16 and decided to go for it on 4th and long on their own 15, basically handing the Raiders a touchdown and keeping them (albeit briefly) in the game. What idiot doesn't punt in that situation?

Norv Turner.

Which is particularly infuriating because he's so overconservative most of the time. But then, when his risks hurt his team's chances of winning, he takes them.

[IceCap]

They were up 16 and decided to go for it on 4th and long on their own 15, basically handing the Raiders a touchdown and keeping them (albeit briefly) in the game. What idiot doesn't punt in that situation?

Norv Turner.

Which is particularly infuriating because he's so overconservative most of the time. But then, when his risks hurt his team's chances of winning, he takes them.

I think his thought process was "people say I'm not aggressive enough....oh it's fourth and fifteen? I'll go for it! That'll show 'em!"

[ninersdd]

A brutal first week for the Bills gets worse; Marcel Dareus' brother shot and killed and Dareus was exused from practice.

[NEW.ERA]

Losing Greg Jennings hurts, but it's not a killer. NFL Network crew is making a huge deal out of it, it's not a big deal!

[Funky Bunky]

Go. Bears.

[ninersdd]

For the Bears to have a chance, they need to protect Cutler first and foremost. GBs pass rush actually did well on Sunday. This could be a fun one if the Bears put up some points.

[Viper]

Stop the presses - the Packers actually come out running.

Update: And then Nelson drops a very catchable throw. Not a good sign.

[sportstar1212]

Bullet dodged for Rodgers.

[RedRenesis]

Maybe the NFLN can have the scorebug moved into the center of the screen in time for next weeks game so we're sure not to miss it.

[Viper]

Clay Matthews just won himself a starring role in Jay Cutler's nightmares for weeks to come.