Dappa Dan

Everyone's worried about what it'll be like when the D start dominating. But the real news is that the offense and Goff/Gurley/McVay have created the buzz. Get used to it for the next 12-15 games. I love watching Rams right now, but don't get me wrong, I want Eagles to beat them. I keep secretly hoping pressure on Goff will make him wobble a bit, but he's getting it out so fast. Looking forward to 7 weeks from now... How has Rams OL been? Them vs Eagles DL...

McCarthy = Scott... lol So true. I had it as Falcons Dallas and Packers, throw a blanket over them. Seattle just a notch back. Now there's something like 8 teams and you can't confidently pick any. Super exciting. It's interesting with Rodgers. They did go out and get (the other) Rodgers, and Cook last year. I remember a lot was said about how many TEs he had as pass catchers... but you're right... None are known blockers who do amazing work in that regard. They also lost their tackles this season... so the OL has been disrupted. I reckon as an opposition supporter, the thing you're scared of most with Rodgers is when he scrambles laterally and throws on the run. In my time following the game, certainly noone has done it better. But yeah, I think I see your point. I'm getting it a bit with Wentz now. He moves great out of trouble, and gets 30-50 rushing yards a game often. That extra weapon is great when it works, but you're always fearful he's a few games away from being injured. I reckon in their early days, every NFL fan watches a read option QB and thinks they're what you want as a QB... then after a few seasons following an injured guy, you realise how great it is to watch a pure pocket passer like Manning or Brady. When you look at Rodgers, yes he's great on the move, but he's great in a clean pocket too. I reckon you see them go heavily for OL in the next couple of years as he reaches his late thirties.

I knew it was too good to be true, everyone picking both Pats and Pack. If there's one thing demonland NFL tipping has taught us is that if it's a sure thing, it probably won't happen. It would have been a perfect weekend had Skins lost to 49ers. And they very nearly did.

Yeah I see what you mean. I have Max Gawn in my head. If you predict an injury like that for, say, Eli... then you put him in cotton wool and see what your kids have got, given they're not going to the playoffs. But Rodgers? At 50%... You'd give it a go if you did your due diligence. Of course a lot depends on how Hundley/Romo go. lol

Yeah. And it was still almost mid game when they made that call.

Yeah? Do you mean because he likes to get Rodgers throwing on the move more than lots of coaches? Doesn't recruit good protection for him? I was watching the game when it happened. Did you see him getting carted off? I was really surprised to see the injury news a few hours later because he supported his own weight with both hands when he sat on the back of the cart. Seemed to me to be not too painful? Mind you, the painkillers might have just kicked in. I'm not gonna act like I'm not pleased that when the Eagles play them, Rodgers won't be there. And likewise I'm not gonna act like it's extraordinarily lucky that Rodgers was fit to play Dallas, thereby making life easier for my team. But the comp is poorer for him not being out there. Tuning in to see them play will be really interesting... seeing how everyone adapts... but let's call a spade a spade. 2017 NFL just got a little bit crapper.

Understood completely. I really think once the offense gets used to Hundley's completely different style of play, they might do ok. The Tackles are getting healthy, The D still does more good things than bad generally. They've got Lambeau. And their receivers can go toe to toe with anyone. And they haven't ruled out Rodgers for playoffs yet. All they have to do is get there. It's a bit like the Colts. They're all doom and gloom early in the year, then they win a few and suddenly they're desperate to get Luck back on the field, because they can potentially make a playoff run if he's there. But yeah. I mean it's Rodgers. You can be forgiven for packing it in, so to speak. He's like a cheat code.

Whoa?!!! That escalated quickly? I wasn't lecturing anyone? Was just genuinely asking? I mean, [censored]. My team's backup is Foles. I'd take Hundley in a heartbeat over him. Relax Macca. Noone's lecturing anyone. Jeez. You'd think Green Bay fans had never lost a game before or something... Wait...

Hmm. Well you make a good case. The Bills I can understand. Their D has been lights out. But Dolphins... ugh.

I don't think the falcons will play like that again this year. Seattle are building nicely, and Dallas are unlucky not to be 3-2. Beat the Skins next week, and the lid that's off will be vapourised.

Hey hey. I aint no troll. And yes. I saw Hundley a couple of pre-seasons ago and thought he had the goods. I think you're suffering from the fact you're used to watching Rodgers or Favre running around. You have to lower your expectations now that you have mortals under centre.

No Hundley love?

Kap is.

Alright. Back to the drawing board. Everyone's injured, or as it turns out... just [censored]...

Just a lazy 103 yard kickoff return TD to make Monday easier for you there Gorg.

Massive news for the NFC and NFL in general. Broken collarbone for Rodgers. Blows the whole thing wide open.

Whoa. Rodgers carted off.

You think you were weak. How do you think I feel.

I thought about Detroit too. Giants? You'd have balls of stainless steel to pick them.

I laughed. Then I thought about it... If they're not #1 in terms of names... they're not far off. Rams - Watkins, Gurley, Kupp, Woods, Austin Packers - Nelson, Cobb, Adams, Bennett Steelers - Brown, Bryant (you have to include them) Giants - OBJ, Sheperd, Marshall, Engram Cowboys - Dez, Beasley, Witten maybe? Falcons - Jones and it doesn't matter who else? Patriots - Edelman, Cooks, Hogan Broncos - Thomas and Sanders Raiders - Crabtree, Cooper, Lynch Bucs - Evans, Brate, DJax, Howard They're the ones that jump out at me. Eagles have good ones with Ertz, Jeffrey, Agholor... but too early to put them up with the big boys.

McCaffrey 10 receptions. Also, Gurley 'aint as bad as Stewart. Also I'd take your WRs over Panthers WRs.

Not just third downs, but third and 10+... At one point last week he hit 3x3rd and 11s... I dunno. Surely that's not a tactical thing, but just a bit of luck. Fell back to the pack a bit this week. 35% hit rate or so. Man... the week 14 game vs the Rams is going to be a helluva thing. I reckon by that stage both our divisions will be praying for a win.

The run D was startling from the Eagles. Dropped them in the backfield more often than not. I think they ended up averaging 3 inches per run play. That in turn led to Cam having more pass attempts than any game in his career. Eagles corners did enough, even though they were one on one... then Cam got hurt on an almost TD run... And he couldn't throw right at the end. Was an absorbing game, but not one for the highlights. Not that we care. 5-1!!!!! If you said to me at this stage Eagles would be on 5 wins and Dallas, Giants and Skins would have 2 or less I'd have laughed in your face. And add to that Zeke is going to be out for 6 weeks! It'll still go down to the wire, the NFC East... But as of an hour ago, Eagles are the favourite. Couldn't be more pumped.

Anyone gutsy enough to pick Eagles?

I probably shouldn't tip this early, but it's one of those weeks. Pats and Packers and... Bucs.