Macca

Cutler can play his position well and right now, he's doing quite well but ... he's a bit of a sook sometimes and is a bit too over confident for my liking. He may have matured but he's nowhere near elite until he can get the job done when it counts. Super Bowl wins changes everything - for many of the fans of the Ravens & Giants, both Flacco and Eli would be revered. Eli won 2 and I maintain that when it counted, he stepped it up where others have fallen away. He's never been elite but we could say the same about Big Ben. In the end, it's always about the wins and getting the job done when it counts. If the Packers are to get it done, it has to start happening right now. Falling to 0 & 2 within the division could be very costly. At some stage, I'm concerned that the Lions will start realising their potential. Wild-card spots might involve a bunfight with teams in the NFC South and the NFC West. In other words, a team in the NFC North in all likelihood has to win the division to make the playoffs. The Pats will probably get on a winning streak and close out the AFC East early but ... they won't want to lose to KC this week. Arizona and the Chargers are the interesting teams to watch ... both teams are renowned for finishing off the season well but both have started well and the only loss that occurred was when they played each other. Like last year, I reckon the Eagles will get better as the season goes on. 3 wins under the belt helps with confidence. As for the AFL - they are just a money making concern with very little regard for the future of the competition. It's become a corporation and even though the NFL can be described the same way in terms of the "money", their sport is run so much better in terms of every team getting a fair crack at it. The scheduling is fair, revenue sharing is done properly and the divisions and conferences are a cut above how we do things here. Gil wants to change the way the fixture works after 17 rounds and I believe that's at least a step in the right direction. Double-up blockbuster games hurts the smaller clubs and I could go on forever about all the other inequities

I'd argue that we had a great defense in 2010. The Stats back it up - we're just not remembered that way because of what has happened since. Green Bay had a top defense in 2010 and it's a shame that that fact isn't recognised by many so called experts and pundits. We leaked points to a ridiculous level in the season following our Super Bowl win but still managed to win 15 regular season games - I was quite concerned about that at the time and said so many times on this thread. If you can remember back that far Dappa, you'll recall that I was not very confident at any stage during that season and when we lost that first playoff game to the Giants, I wasn't completely surprised. Resting our starters in week 17 and then having the week off didn't help but it was our defense that cost the Packers that year. I'm the first to admit my teams weaknesses but I'd also argue that it's easier said than done to just have a top defense. I'm convinced that the Packers have been trying to improve things in all areas but when you win a Super Bowl, for all sorts of reasons, the money for free agents just dries up. We've drafted a whole bunch of defensive players in recent times but we all know how the drafts work - often drafting doesn't work. There's a lot of luck involved. I believe a team can get to the playoffs with a dodgy defense but ... they'll need to be very good on offense to make it and also, it's doubtful that any team with a dodgy defense will get very far in the playoffs. Last season we miraculously made the playoffs despite not having Rodgers for half the season - rather than giving credit to our defense, I reckon the Packers making the playoffs last year had much more to do with the Bears and Lions not getting it done when they had their opportunities. Both teams blew it. As for this season, it's our offense that bothers me the most. Our strength has suddenly become quite ordinary - couple that with a dodgy defense and it could be a very long season for Packer fans. Then again, we might turn things around. Need to get a hurry on though and if we can't eke out a win against our most hated rival this week, we might be in a spot of bother Finally, defense wins Championships (generally) and the Packers Super Bowl winning season of 2010/11 was no different. Woodson, Matthews, Williams, Hawk and a number of others all had terrific seasons.

Dappa was intimating that we won a Super Bowl with "no defense" He wasn't necessarily talking about what has happened since ... if he was, then he would had to have mentioned that our defense has been hurting us and costing us games. He said "No defense never seemed to hurt Green Bay" Is what I've said too hard for you to understand? Or do you just want to hang [censored]?

No defense? That's a stretch Dappa. Statistically, Green Bay had the 5th best defense in terms of yards allowed in our Super Bowl winning year of 2010/11 ... and, we allowed the 2nd least amount of points per game in that year (behind only Pittsburgh) That means we were in front of 30 other teams in terms of points allowed. We held Chicago to 14 points in the NFC Championship game of that season and also held renowned offenses to losing scores. It's a fallacy for people to think we won a Super Bowl without any sort of decent defence ... it's simply not true. 2010 regular season defense stats It's fair to say that our defense has fallen away somewhat since then, but the stats don't lie from that Super Bowl winning season. People will still say that it was all about Rodgers and that might be more true, more recently. I'd happily admit that. Even our running game was notable in that playoff run ... Starks stepped it up from nowhere.

Just in case anyone missed an earlier post re the tipping comp, here's the points tally again ... remembering that anyone can enter the comp at any time - all you need to do is pick 3 road winners with 3 picks. I point is awarded to any participant who gets all 3 right and we also have bonus weeks (weeks 2, 5, 8, 11, 14 & 17) when extra points are on offer ... The Leaderboard 1 - Dappa Dan 0 - The usual suspects Week 4 games BS Report (in this podcast, Bill Simmons & his cousin, Sal Lacono, try to guess the lines in the upcoming games ... they also do a quick recap of the previous weeks games in a style laced with a touch of humour)

That was a huge year for the Vikes when Favre took you to the NFC Championship game. Packers made the playoffs as well that year and lost a wild-card game to Arizona 45-51 (barnburner) Brett was incredibly brave in that Championship game against the Saints and of course, we later found out that he was copping "late hits" for dollars (when the Saints were subsequently investigated for 'bounty gate') Fairly sure that was the story anyway. Still, that sort of thing has been going on for years anyway and it still happens. I've heard blokes like Golic & Schlereth talk about the going's on in the past quite often. The hit on Foles in the Eagles game was brutal - and Foles is a big bloke. Tough sport.

The Jets work hard but lack the poise to finish things off ... giving the Bears an early 14 point start was fatal ... always playing catch-up from there. Handing Chicago a pick 6 in the first minute was just typical Jets. Wasn't a bad game all the same and Cutler was very good early. Don't know what to make of Geno - his receivers dropped some absolute soda's but he could have been picked off more than the 2 times that he was. He still threw for 316 yards but he's a work in progress. Chicago too good on the night and they always looked the likely winners. Yep, we'll know more about both the 49ers and the Eagles after next week's encounter between the 2 sides. It's probably the game of the round although the Panthers/Ravens, Saints/Dallas, Packers/Bears will hold strong interest. Luckily, we only have to wait a couple of days until the Giants/Washington game on TNF ... loser of that match is in trouble but it's another classic divisional game. Miami play Oakland in London in week 4 as well - could the NFL have picked a worse game to showcase? Bridgewater got some favourable reviews from the Saints game. Teddy gets to start next week and the game being at home will help him you'd reckon. One door closes and another door opens - such is the nature of sport especially in the NFL.

As you're no doubt aware by now Dappa, any point gained is hard earned! There are some weeks where you think you can't miss and then the home underdogs get up from nowhere. Week 4 games ... again, there were 6 road winners in week 3 and the Bears might make it 7 so ... the winners are there if you can find them. Ha! The Jets have got Detroit at home next week as well as the Bears tomorrow ... regardless, the Packers are really struggling and we visit Soldier Field next week in an almost do or die game. Some interesting results out of the week ... the Chargers look good and are the Steelers back?, Atlanta seem to be right back in it and maybe Detroit will challenge. Cinci keep rolling along and KC, the Ravens, Giants, Colts & Saints all had important wins. Dallas winning again keeps things interesting in the NFC East. We saw a terrific comeback from Denver but man, it's hard to win in Seattle. Your blokes and Washington had a typical NFC East rivalry game - in hindsight, a close finish was no surprise considering the history between these 2 sides. An ultra important win for the Eagles, all the same. Most impressive to me were Arizona ... a good win against in my eyes, a very good team - they needed to win that game if they're going to contend further. The 49ers host Philadelphia next week ...

Could be a long season for a few of us ... didn't we just come off another long season? These relentless long seasons are doing my head in 7 points against the Lions - the Packers are playing like a 4-12 team. Egads! ... now all my immediate hope rests with the Jets Did I just say that? Points tally in the comp 1 - Dappa Dan 0 - Everyone else (equal 2nd)

Regardless, there's a lot of lies, mistruths, deceit, spin and just plain bs in footy ... one thing is true though - the big money on offer to certain players. Follow the money trail ... "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" Players in their early to mid 20's have a chance to set themselves up for life with the amount of money on offer in footy these days ... any star of the game can go down that path, anytime. These top players don't have to wait until they're free agents either - the offers will come thick and fast from other clubs to players approaching free agency status (or those players whose contracts are due to expire) The clubs that these players are contracted to (or tied to) will know this and these clubs may be quite prepared to trade a top player as a consequence. It's the new age of footy.

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 3.00am - 9.30am RedZone (ESPN ... "Every Touchdown From Every Game") 3.00am Washington at Philadelphia (7mate) 6.25am Denver at Seattle (7mate) 10.30am Pittsburgh at Carolina (7mate & ESPN) Tuesday 10.30am Chicago at NY Jets (ESPN) All the week 3 games

Latest column from Bill Simmons ... NFL Week 3: Picks & Mailbag

You're right ... and when they got to 56 points in rapid time, they took their foot off the pedal. We were speculating on whether they would run up the score or not. Especially in the NFL, why would a coach risk his starters when the score becomes irrelevant. They'd won the game and the way playoff spots are decided, "strength of victory" very rarely comes into play. In fact, I can't remember the last time "strength of victory" did come into play in deciding a playoff spot. Regardless, it happens so rarely that it's just not a part of how teams go about things. The thinking in the AFL is almost the opposite but the way footy has become an endurance event, I believe the thinking will change in terms of percentage - albeit in a small way (initially)

Yep, the "divisional" W/L record for the better performed teams within each division is something I've learned to keep an eye on over the years. I occasionally have a look at the Packers fan site and most of the talk is about the Bears, Vikings and Lions - the AFC barely gets talked about. It's so much different to the AFL in that sense. 4 years ago, Seattle won the NFC West with a record of 7/9 and beat the 11/5 Saints over the wild-card weekend. In reality there's 8 "ladders" (so to speak) and each division has it's own quirks. Atlanta will now be eyeing off the Panthers and the 2 games you've got against them suddenly become ultra important.

I had the day off from about 11.00 am and eagerly rushed home to pick up the game "live" ... 21 - zip was the score when I put the tele on ... a few minutes later it was 28 - 0 and that was the end of that. At least tonight's footy might be a bit more competitive ... might be. Edit: The footy is heading the same way Edit II: The footy went the same way

Running up the score is often frowned upon in the States with a number of obvious exceptions (New England being one - historically) Tampa have just scored a TD so I'd say Atlanta will cruise through now. Good luck with your trip - that particular game you're seeing will probably be a vital one for both teams the way things are panning out.

Could the record be broken?

Yeah, I knew that but they'll be switching over anyway. The line-up of Thursday night games is actually quite good as compared to previous years - at least it was before the season started. The next 2 Thursday night games have lost their impact somewhat (Giants/Wash & Vikes/Packers) but after that it livens up again ... (Indi/Texans, Jets/Pats, Chargers/Broncos, Saints/Panthers) The Giants/Washington game will still command a big audience regardless (unless it's another blowout)

Viewers are switching over to "The Mysteries of Laura" in the States. The 2nd half could resemble a preseason game

Arizona still have to visit Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Atlanta, St Louis & Dallas ... they've also got home games against Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco on Monday ... St Louis also represents a challenge for them at home ... a win on Monday can give them the confidence to go on a bit of a streak but a loss can create doubt. Like Detroit, the Cards need to start winning important games like the one coming up on Monday. I still rate the 49ers quite highly despite a number of pundits predicting that they'll drop back to the field so in my eyes, it won't be easy for Arizona to get over the line. To contend, a team just can't win the games it's supposed to win. In the AFL, North did this for years and it's really only this year where they've started beating a few other serious contenders. 10 wins might secure a wild-card in the NFC as you've suggested but getting to 10 wins is easier said than done. As we all know, Arizona won 10 games last year and missed the playoffs. I wouldn't be writing off the Steelers just yet but they will need to get a hurry on ... however, they're my favourite team in the AFC so I'm a tad biased. I'm tipping that the Jets will somehow be in contention going into week 17 and I'm not convinced with Houston just yet. The Saints and Colts need to get on the board. Trying to tip winners is a nightmare so far this year ... Seattle, Colts, Pats. Saints, Eagles & Cinci "should" all win on Monday but every other game is up for grabs in my opinion. I wouldn't be all that confident that all the above 6 teams will definitely win either ... there's bound to be at least one upset in those 6 games that those teams are involved in. 28 to zip already ... there goes my day off! Good for you obviously ... the Falcons are back?

Interesting stats especially the fact that 28 teams have made the playoffs since 2007. That's terrific for the league but it's real pity that right now, a number of player's general behavior off the field has been so abhorrent. Anyway, the whole conference (the NFC) might be a lot closer than what we thought previously in terms of how the seedings & wild-cards may end up. Seattle losing last week gives a lot of the other teams hope. The Seahawks will probably still win all or 7 of their home games but on the road, it might be a different story for Seattle. I reckon they'll drop one home game but that may or may not matter. I was looking at both sides when describing the 49ers/Arizona game as a season definer - if Arizona lose it puts them somewhat behind the 8 ball and if they win, the same can be said about San Francisco. Also, Arizona would go to 3/0 if they win with a number of winnable games coming up for the Cards. Of the teams that missed the playoffs last year I reckon the best chances lie with Baltimore, Chicago & Arizona. The jury is out for Atlanta, Buffalo, Houston, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Of course, it's early days but if any given team doesn't make an impact in the first 5 or 6 games, their season can slip away very quickly.

Liking the line-up of the Thursday night games ... home from work on a Friday and you get a double dose of football. Ideal. Could be a close one tomorrow but a loss will hurt the Falcons more than the Tampa ... Atlanta by a field goal

Tips - week 3 San Francisco Baltimore Indianapolis

Ha! Just wasn't your day but a lot of teams can only dream of making a Super Bowl ... Denver still had a terrific year. It's not all or nothing with the way I view sport. Any win, anytime in the NFL should be enjoyed. Gonna be tough at Seattle for your blokes all the same ... especially with them coming off a loss.

Wow ... that's a lot and more evidence on how good this league is. Found out that Buffalo haven't made the playoffs since the late 90's so they're overdue. Makes the Demons record look quite good in comparison