NFL

[Macca 16,972]

Just now, Dappa Dan said:

After his 4th, the conversation was seriously about him and Brady as 1 and 2... with Wilson coming up quickly.

Given the fact they have the 1 seed again now, and only the Giants, Oakland and Dallas to come... This could be the worst thing to happen to the Eagles ever.

You've got a more than decent all-round game but Wentz really is something special ... it's just as well you made that play for Ajayi. 

I reckon you can hang on to the 1 seed and that will give you 2 home playoff games.  At least Foles is a veteran and not a rookie.  They won't be asking him to do what Wentz can do but your running game is quite good anyway.  Short cut-out passes might be the order of the day. 

But as you said Dappa,  it's been a horrible season for injuries.

[JV7 2,351]

Horrible news if it's confirmed, they are saying the scans aren't completely conclusive & their holding out hopes until the MRI tomorrow... The double blow is that next season is shot for him aswell!

[Clintosaurus 7,849]

19 hours ago, Clintosaurus said:

Think Seattle are going to thump Jacksonville tomorrow.

Very happy I was wrong on this. 

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

2 hours ago, Macca said:

You've got a more than decent all-round game but Wentz really is something special ... it's just as well you made that play for Ajayi. 

I reckon you can hang on to the 1 seed and that will give you 2 home playoff games.  At least Foles is a veteran and not a rookie.  They won't be asking him to do what Wentz can do but your running game is quite good anyway.  Short cut-out passes might be the order of the day. 

But as you said Dappa,  it's been a horrible season for injuries.

Feels very much like pushing [censored] uphill with Foles there. You look at Vikings... they have a backup playing lights out. As you say, there's not many backups with better pedigree out there... but you know what playoffs are like... Rams aren't even in the top few teams... and they came so close to beating Eagles... we need those 4 TDs from Wentz to beat Goff... Without them Rams smoke us, Seattle beats us, Vikings win, Saints will slaughter us... And that's saying nothing of a certain big-time QB who's coming back from injury for a late post season run.... The home field advantage thing, not gonna make enough of a difference to offset. It's a real shame. Before we're thinking superbowls. Now we're just thinking win a playoff. It's pretty heartbreaking.

1 hour ago, JV7 said:

Horrible news if it's confirmed, they are saying the scans aren't completely conclusive & their holding out hopes until the MRI tomorrow... The double blow is that next season is shot for him aswell!

You think? Not all ACLs are Bridgewater types. He played another down on it, threw a TD... but all while stationary. Then walked into rooms. And also was seen walking around getting food post game.... Genuine question... If he's up and about like that (as opposed to the Bridgewater car crash) does that mean less severe injury?

[JV7 2,351]

47 minutes ago, Dappa Dan said:

Feels very much like pushing [censored] uphill with Foles there. You look at Vikings... they have a backup playing lights out. As you say, there's not many backups with better pedigree out there... but you know what playoffs are like... Rams aren't even in the top few teams... and they came so close to beating Eagles... we need those 4 TDs from Wentz to beat Goff... Without them Rams smoke us, Seattle beats us, Vikings win, Saints will slaughter us... And that's saying nothing of a certain big-time QB who's coming back from injury for a late post season run.... The home field advantage thing, not gonna make enough of a difference to offset. It's a real shame. Before we're thinking superbowls. Now we're just thinking win a playoff. It's pretty heartbreaking.

You think? Not all ACLs are Bridgewater types. He played another down on it, threw a TD... but all while stationary. Then walked into rooms. And also was seen walking around getting food post game.... Genuine question... If he's up and about like that (as opposed to the Bridgewater car crash) does that mean less severe injury?

I was just going off in our code ACL's are typically a 12 month injury, wouldn't think there'd be much difference ? I played footy with a bloke who played out a final series with a torn ACL & needing a reconstruction... Apparently athletes can run in a straight line perfectly fine & pain free with a torn acl, it's the lateral movements and pivoting that's the problem so I'd say the fact he walked off doesn't mean much apart from the fact it wasn't a car crash type injury Bridgewaters was described as

Edited December 11, 2017 by JV7

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

4 minutes ago, JV7 said:

I was just going off in our code ACL's are typically a 12 month injury, wouldn't think there'd be much difference ? I played footy with a bloke who played out a final series with a torn ACL & needing a reconstruction... Apparently athletes can run in a straight line perfectly fine & pain free with a torn acl, it's the lateral movements and pivoting that's the problem so I'd say the fact he walked off doesn't mean much apart from the fact it wasn't a car crash type injury Bridgewaters was described as

Yeah. That's what I'm afraid of. So it'll be Foles for 2018...

Anyone Got Romo's number? Kaep's?

[Macca 16,972]

4 hours ago, Dappa Dan said:

Feels very much like pushing [censored] uphill with Foles there. You look at Vikings... they have a backup playing lights out. As you say, there's not many backups with better pedigree out there... but you know what playoffs are like... Rams aren't even in the top few teams... and they came so close to beating Eagles... we need those 4 TDs from Wentz to beat Goff... Without them Rams smoke us, Seattle beats us, Vikings win, Saints will slaughter us... And that's saying nothing of a certain big-time QB who's coming back from injury for a late post season run.... The home field advantage thing, not gonna make enough of a difference to offset. It's a real shame. Before we're thinking superbowls. Now we're just thinking win a playoff. It's pretty heartbreaking.

Foles wouldn't be expected to improve that much on what we've seen historically but he's now stepping into a role where the overall team has improved immeasurably and your running game is often very good.  And your D is good too.

Previously Foles was asked to hit WR targets a ways down the field but if your coach is smart,  Foles should be asked to hit targets over shorter distances.  The best coach in the business (Belichick) does it with Brady constantly yet Brady is a star - play the percentages.  Reid does it with Andy Smith to good effect as well. 

Foles is not accurate past 15 yards but he doesn't necessarily have to be if he's asked to play a role that best suits his skill set. 

With Foles playing a low risk role complimented by the other facets of the Eagles game,  you can still prove hard to beat.  Especially at home.  However, it's crucial that you hang on to the no.1 seed.  Houston & Green Bay fell away after losing their QB's but the reliance on those QB's was way too high. 

The key is your running game - it has to be A grade (or at least B+)

[Gorgoroth 12,961]

Massive news if it is an acl. Hope that there is no other damage. If its a clean tear that's the best news, it's worse once other factors come into it.

On to the game.

What a great game, I expected to lose tbh, our secondary is giving up big plays and a lot of big third downs, that continued today but in part that was due to Wentz's ability to make great plays.

Goffs fumble late was a terrible one but for me the biggest cost was in the third when we had them about to kick a FG and we give a personal foul which leads to a TD  a few plays later.

Realistically we are a year from being a real contender. I wish we still had Janoris Jenkins. 

Glad Jags won. Now we go to Seattle. Gotta win. Gotta hope Trumaine passes concussion protocol.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

13 hours ago, Macca said:

Foles is not accurate past 15 yards but he doesn't necessarily have to be if he's asked to play a role that best suits his skill set. 

With Foles playing a low risk role complimented by the other facets of the Eagles game,  you can still prove hard to beat.  Especially at home.  However, it's crucial that you hang on to the no.1 seed.  Houston & Green Bay fell away after losing their QB's but the reliance on those QB's was way too high. 

The key is your running game - it has to be A grade (or at least B+)

Yeah. Again, like I said, the "keys" to Foles having some degree of success really does feel like clawing for positives. They didn't get to where they got solely on Wentz. So they'll still show a bit. Hell, it's only the Giants next week to find some form... But... I could bore you with Foles comparisons and stats etc... I think bottom line though is that Wentz gets blitzed more than anyone which, because he can escape, means he has options downfield. He also makes his O line look good because he doesn't get caught as often as Foles will. Ultimately you might be right with those intermediate routes. Eagles have the guys, Jefferey, Ertz and Agholor to make it work. My feeling though is that the long balls, and the 3rd and 11s that Wentz seemed to get out of so often won't happen with Foles. An immobile QB you can get to. Eagles will go from a 30+ point team to a Vikings-like 21 point a game team. If there's one thing we saw this week against the Rams it's that they can score. Saints, Rams, Falcons... they put up 30+ point games regularly. Eagles D has been great against the run, and gotten to 11-2 based off that. Gurley put up 100+ yards from scrimmage and Seahawks smoked them on the run as well. Foles may battle manfully... but against those high scoring teams... Eagles will get done handily. Foles' only real class was shown in a weird-ass hurry-up Chip Kelly operation.

Look. They'll sort out some issues against the next 3 teams... It'll be like a mini pre-season. But let's not kid ourselves... Wentz might not be Rodgers... but he's 100% as important to his squads success as Rodgers is. How would you say Hundley affects games? How would you guess Foles will? About the same as Hundley? Eagles probably have the better D to support him. But still... You know in your heart what has to be done to win the tough ones, win playoffs, and win against the Pats in the superbowl. Eagles were showing they had enough to threaten with Wentz... threaten, but still probably lose... Foles aint got it.

I'm not saying I'm not glad to have one of the better backups in there... I think though it's fair to lower expectations. Philly sports radio, and all Philly sports fans, would have been rightly disappointed to NOT make the superbowl. Any time you spend most of the year as the #1 seed, you should be. As of now, and even if Foles goes 3-0 to close out the season... I'd be pleased just to make the NFC championship game. Aint no way we are a shot at a title this year now. The home-field factor won't mean squat with Foles in there now.

We do have to switch subjects at some point to the Rodgers thing... Packers are alive.

7 hours ago, Gorgoroth said:

Massive news if it is an acl.

Goffs fumble late was a terrible one but for me the biggest cost was in the third when we had them about to kick a FG and we give a personal foul which leads to a TD  a few plays later.

Realistically we are a year from being a real contender. I wish we still had Janoris Jenkins. 

Confirmed ACL.

Yeah the penalties got Eagles back in shape at the death there. I'm still surprised we won after Wentz got hurt. I thought Rams had the time. I reckon they're a shot to beat anyone the Rams, just have a few little teething things that Goff does that are VERY learnable, but needs 50 games under his belt before you see them. TBH Wentz is still doing them as well. Like staying in the pocket too long. Diving instead of sliding.

Rams are super though. The D, those receivers... the O line did really well. Jeez the Rams score fast. Gurley is terrifying. And of course the all conquering special teams. At the start of the 3rd quarter, Eagles by ten... 3 minutes later Rams winning. We really missed out on a classic game and classic finish there cos of the acl.

I wouldn't be quite so down on it being a year to wait for them. Who else in the playoffs would you definitely lose to? I'd say Saints should feel confident of beating anyone. Vikings should probably feel slightly ahead of Rams. But Panthers, Eagles, Falcons haven't shown as much. Seattle is the big one though, as you say. Keep them out... and keep the Packers and Dallas out and I think Rams are nestled at 3rd. Nothing wrong with that.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

15 hours ago, Macca said:

 

http://www.espn.com.au/nfl/story/_/page/Barnwellx171211/nine-questions-answers-carson-wentz-knee-injury-super-bowl-lii-chances-philadelphia-eagles-more-nfl-2017

 

Very interesting article from one of the better analysts out there. He's with you on the Foles thing.

[Macca 16,972]

14 minutes ago, Dappa Dan said:

http://www.espn.com.au/nfl/story/_/page/Barnwellx171211/nine-questions-answers-carson-wentz-knee-injury-super-bowl-lii-chances-philadelphia-eagles-more-nfl-2017

 

Very interesting article from one of the better analysts out there. He's with you on the Foles thing.

He must read 'land. 

Btw Foles is miles better than Hundley (right now)  But that doesn't mean Foles is good.

We've won 3 games with Hundley but all 3 teams we played were/are poor. 

Packers need to win all 3 remaining games and we're relying on at least 2 teams above us to lose 2 games each.  Long shot.

 

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

1 hour ago, Macca said:

He must read 'land. 

Btw Foles is miles better than Hundley (right now)  But that doesn't mean Foles is good.

We've won 3 games with Hundley but all 3 teams we played were/are poor. 

Packers need to win all 3 remaining games and we're relying on at least 2 teams above us to lose 2 games each.  Long shot.

 

I'd like to disagree... but Hundley has let me down with what I've seen so far, no doubt. I thought he'd hold it together ok, and he just hasn't.

Ah jeez. Ok. I'll be honest I haven't been able to take a look at standings and playoff predictors... I can't make out my keyboard through the tears...

But I have no shame in admitting... I'd love it if Packers got in and got to the superbowl... Only QB besides Brees out there who can take down Brady. Wilson hasn't got enough help...

[Gorgoroth 12,961]

Rams secondary worries me. I think we have a few good young kids but I think another year under Phillips will help.

Goff needs to feel the pressure better, gets the ball knocked away too often.

Gurley is so so good. But Kupp is fast becoming my fav (other than Donald). We should get woods back this week which will help a lot.

 

So what's my new avatar mate?

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

8 minutes ago, Gorgoroth said:

Rams secondary worries me. I think we have a few good young kids but I think another year under Phillips will help.

Goff needs to feel the pressure better, gets the ball knocked away too often.

Gurley is so so good. But Kupp is fast becoming my fav (other than Donald). We should get woods back this week which will help a lot.

 

So what's my new avatar mate?

I love Kupp. Took him on waivers in week two and haven't looked back. I reckon next year he'll improve again. how will they fit all those guys in. Woods, Watkins, Kupp, Gurley...

Did we settle on a good embarrassing pic of Fisher looking drunk or something?

[Gorgoroth 12,961]

15 minutes ago, Dappa Dan said:

I love Kupp. Took him on waivers in week two and haven't looked back. I reckon next year he'll improve again. how will they fit all those guys in. Woods, Watkins, Kupp, Gurley...

Did we settle on a good embarrassing pic of Fisher looking drunk or something?

You choose it, I'll suffer it... ha ha

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Tell you what. Not so easy to find a silly picture of him... I kind of like the second one though. Just cos the greying old dude is the only Fisher I've ever seen.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Tell you what. Not so easy to find a silly picture of him... I kind of like the second one though. Just cos the greying old dude is the only Fisher I've ever seen.

[Gorgoroth 12,961]

51 minutes ago, Dappa Dan said:

Tell you what. Not so easy to find a silly picture of him... I kind of like the second one though. Just cos the greying old dude is the only Fisher I've ever seen.

I just might punch my phone before this fortnight is up...

[Macca 16,972]

3 hours ago, Dappa Dan said:

I'd like to disagree... but Hundley has let me down with what I've seen so far, no doubt. I thought he'd hold it together ok, and he just hasn't.

Ah jeez. Ok. I'll be honest I haven't been able to take a look at standings and playoff predictors... I can't make out my keyboard through the tears...

But I have no shame in admitting... I'd love it if Packers got in and got to the superbowl... Only QB besides Brees out there who can take down Brady. Wilson hasn't got enough help...

You need to maintain the 1 seed to have a chance ... that has to happen.  Your likely opponents in week 2 and/or 3 could be 2 dome teams (Saints/Vikes) or a Rams team that hasn't been in the playoffs for yonks. 

Seattle or Carolina would be tough though.  Atlanta might find the conditions at Philadelphia a bit difficult too.  Packers probably won't make it but with Rodgers at the helm,  that game wouldn't be easy either. 

One thing is for sure,  you will play your first game at home because you've won your division.  And you'd probably have to lose all 3 of your remaining regular season games to fall below the 2 seed - that gives you a week off (which in turn gives Foles more time to become accustomed to his offense)

We're about to see how good a coach Pederson is.  His first job is to make sure the team maintains the 1 seed. 

 

[Macca 16,972]

Pats lose to the Dolphins - who saw that coming?  None of us tipsters,  that's for sure.  No points awarded this week in the tipping comp. 

The Jags have a chance to snag the 2 seed if the Steelers can beat the Pats next week. Jacksonville would probably need to win their last 3 but that is entirely possible (vs Texans,  @ 49ers,  @ Titans) Right now,  the Jags hold the tie break advantage over the Pats (conference record)

Suddenly,  New England are perhaps looking a little vulnerable and they've got some injury concerns as well.  But there again,  they've a habit of winning when it matters.  Who would bet against them?

Leaderboard in the comp

12 - Clintosaurus

9 - Go the Biff

8 - Dappa Dan

5 - Macca

4 - JV7,  Gorgoroth

[Gorgoroth 12,961]

5 hours ago, Macca said:

Pats lose to the Dolphins - who saw that coming?  None of us tipsters,  that's for sure.  No points awarded this week in the tipping comp. 

The Jags have a chance to snag the 2 seed if the Steelers can beat the Pats next week. Jacksonville would probably need to win their last 3 but that is entirely possible (vs Texans,  @ 49ers,  @ Titans) Right now,  the Jags hold the tie break advantage over the Pats (conference record)

Suddenly,  New England are perhaps looking a little vulnerable and they've got some injury concerns as well.  But there again,  they've a habit of winning when it matters.  Who would bet against them?

Leaderboard in the comp

12 - Clintosaurus

9 - Go the Biff

8 - Dappa Dan

5 - Macca

4 - JV7,  Gorgoroth

Gronk is back next week and hogan.  I think the pats will bounce back. 

[Gorgoroth 12,961]

Can't believe the Dolphins...

[Go the Biff 3,434]

1 hour ago, Gorgoroth said:

Can't believe the Dolphins...

If I'd done any homework at all I'd have discovered that the Dolphins home record against NE in recent years is pretty damn good

[Gorgoroth 12,961]

28 minutes ago, Go the Biff said:

If I'd done any homework at all I'd have discovered that the Dolphins home record against NE in recent years is pretty damn good

Yeah that surprised me too.

[Clintosaurus 7,849]

2 hours ago, Go the Biff said:

If I'd done any homework at all I'd have discovered that the Dolphins home record against NE in recent years is pretty damn good

4 of the last 5. Bizarre given they go there every year.

Aaron Rodgers has been cleared to play this week.

Preliminary picks for this week: Broncos, Eagles, Falcons. Reckon Baltimore may slip up against the Browns.