Macca

I'm with you on preferring the NFL but I know we could all enjoy AFL so much more if our own team was up there again. The footy club needs to learn how to win again. Winning cures just about everything. My main hope is that Roos, PJ and Bartlett set us up for the future (and no more bottoming out again please) Used to watch 5 or 6 whole games of NFL but I'm down to 3 or 4 now (all on delay so as to FF through the numerous adverts and breaks in play) Avoiding the results is an artform though - I go to extraordinary lengths!

Yeah, over the years and by wading through all the various forms of media on the NFL, you learn what to discard and what to look out for. I must say I still prefer to just gain an overview of what's going on so my standards aren't as high as others. The technicalities of the sport I find to be a bit too daunting. I enjoy reading those who contribute that sort of stuff on this thread though. Just discovered MMQB and TMQ (thanks to 'tm' and 't_u') so looking forward to doing a fair bit more reading on the sport. I think what the Americans have over our sports journalism is quantity (which makes it just a matter of finding the quality) For instance, there's very few writers on the AFL that I'll seek out. Connolly is good and obviously Flanagan can be exceptional. There's one or 2 others but 'land provides quite a bit of information really! Many of our journo's have a need to make the story about themselves. The cricket writers are often in the same boat. We just need to find out what is going on without any lies, embellishment or bias. That's a big ask these days! And yeah, as you can tell, I'm an unabashed Brett Favre fan!

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 4.00am Buffalo at New Orleans (OneHD) 7.05am NY Jets at Cincinnati (Fox1) 7.25am Washington at Denver (OneHD) 11.30am Green Bay at Minnesota (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 11.30am Seattle at St. Louis (ESPN) ... all the other week 8 games

I guess we're at least trying to learn from the best (we need to try a lot harder!) Anyway, for those who are interested, here's Bill Simmons' latest column from 'Grantland' ... 'Don't Call It a Comeback' Also, 'NFL Kickoff' is an excellent preview show ... Trey Wingo, Mark Schlereth and (often) Tedy Bruschi go through all the upcoming games (shown at around about 5pm, Saturdays on ESPN (our time) From Bill's column ...

Tony Kornheiser doesn't like it because it reminds him of Mel Gibson! (Tony is a Washington fan and has a radio show based from the City)

Favre specifically talks about his memory loss being caused by receiving big hits during his career. Not even a hint that he was an absent father. From what I know about Favre he could never be accused of being an absent father. Quite the contrary in fact. Brett makes mention of only one particular year when his daughter played soccer. His daughter also played multiple years at other sports. The headline is quite misleading (as is the story in all honesty) I get that people got a bit frustrated by Favre's retirement/comeback stuff but seriously, this story and the reaction to it is way over the top. He may indeed have some ongoing issues health wise but hopefully only in relation to his joints etc (which he could be able to recover from with rest, time and the right treatment) Favre absorbed an enormous amount of punishment in one of his last games - the 2010 NFC Championship game against the Saints (classed as the 2009 post season) He took a lot of late hits that day and he'd already played out nearly his entire career. Gutsy performance and I had nothing but admiration for the bloke for continuing to get up (even though he was at the Vikes!) The following is another classic example of our how a headline can be so misleading ... 'I can't remember my daughter's childhood' NFL legend Brett Favre reveals memory loss caused by football career.

This, from Sports Illustrated's 'MMQB'* ... ... Where the Game is Headed

That could work. However, the AFL aren't interested. They are more interested in being a large corporation that makes lots of money. As custodians of the sport, they fail in my book. It's all about the dollars and maximising crowd numbers and TV viewers - that's their main aim. Hogan will have to run up and down the ground all day - that's a given.

Yep, there's nearly always a flow on effect with any rule change in any sport. I wonder sometimes if any forethought is given when rules are changed. However, who could have foreseen the explosion in the amount of rotations in the AFL in the last few years? The 'continuous flow' in the AFL was 'supposed' to make players more tired but the coaches just increased the amount of rotations as a counter measure. The only way to go back to positional play is to get rid of the interchange altogether and just have 'reserves' on the bench (IMO) But you now what? ... there's probably a way to overcome that as well ! Btw, back in the day, as you're no doubt aware Strafford, ducking your head was frowned upon and the umpires would nearly always ping you for it. But of course, we've had the 'Geish' for 15 years now - a more clueless administrator I've never seen! What was this thread about again?

The MFC losing for the past number of years just puts people into foul moods. We're all looking for answers and some feel like they know the solution but the truth is we have absolutely zero influence. Just a whole bunch of opinions - sometimes we're right but often we're wrong. All we can really do is hope for the best. At least with Roos we know we've got a capable coach who should be able to get the best out of the list. I'm hopeful (that's as far as I'm sticking my neck out!) Back on NFL matters - was chatting to a mate the other day about helmets and how they've become a weapon over the years. I can see the day where no player (offensive and defensive) will be allowed to lead with his helmet - in any situation. Incidental contact might be allowed much like it is in marking contests in the AFL. The reason I say this is because it needs to be fair for all. For instance, a RB can lead with his helmet when he's not outside of the tackle (and in that situation he can hit an opposition player anywhere) yet a DB needs to always hit below the shoulders when leading with his helmet (the knee has become a target) We all like to see the big hits but with litigation the way it is, change will happen (it's already started of course with the 'Crown of the helmet rule')

I've never really disliked any of the other NFL teams (just about all my distaste and hate is taken up by the AFL!) It's rather ironic that the 'Other Sports' threads rarely, if ever, plunge into arguments like you'd think they could. As much as I'm a Packers fan, I'm a real fan of the sport itself and the NFL lends itself to the fans knowing quite a bit about all the other teams. With some sports it's about your own team and not much else. Anyway, I reckon you'll beat the Jets but it could be close. In the 5 Jets games this season where the game has been decided by a TD or less, the Jets have won 4 of them. And Geno looks ok in the pocket - you'll need to pressure him!

Cam had a big game today ... Geno, Stafford, Tannehill, Freeman and Newton all could end up being very good QB's ... or, a few of those 5 could end up being just short of that or worse. Still haven't seen a lot of Tannehill but he gets talked up a lot. Romo and Ryan could be either/or as well (although 'Matty Ice' hasn't done a lot wrong) There's nearly always a team that comes out of the blue and ends up with a 10-6 type season (often making the playoffs as well) I wonder if Carolina are that team? They've got a few tough games in the remainder of their schedule but I can see them getting to at least 9 wins ... Panthers schedule The 2nd wild-card in the NFC is up for grabs ... the 49ers and Seattle should, as expected, both progress from the NFC West. And where to now for Tampa? Zero wins with the coach under the hammer.

TV games ... Friday 11.30am Carolina at Tampa Bay (OneHD & ESPN) Monday 4.00am Buffalo at New Orleans (OneHD) 7.05am NY Jets at Cincinnati (Fox1) 7.25am Washington at Denver (OneHD) 11.30am Green Bay at Minnesota (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 11.30am Seattle at St. Louis (ESPN) ... all the other week 8 games Tips ... Panthers 49ers Seattle ... Ponder might put together one of those "Nobody believes in me" games so I'm steering clear of the SNF match-up! The Jets/Bengals game is worth a look see and Washington might take it up to Denver (RG3 looks to be getting his form back) Of the non TV games, Dallas @ Detroit and the Giants @ Philadelphia hold some interest.

Yep, agree with your appraisal of Ponder and ... ... at Lambeau, we're taking it one week at a time! I'll take any sort of win next week. AP is due and he always seems to do well against Green Bay ... and if Josh hits some targets as well? It's got trap game written all over it!

If a clinical view is taken then we could surmise that Ponder has had a line ruled through his name and Cassel was only ever brought in as a back-up. So ... the Vikes take a punt and give Freeman another chance. They may well have known that the whole thing was going to be out of synch but decided to go with it anyway. Freeman has been named as the starter again by the looks of it. He really needs a number of games to settle in. Only time will tell but Ponder wasn't doing anything startling. Sometimes these organizations make tough decisions now for possible long term benefits. I don't have a problem with these sort of moves. It's the Packers next week but at least Josh has one game under his belt. They would have all learnt a lot from Monday's game. I also thought there were more than a few catches 'not taken' - the Giants were in the same boat. Sometimes a receiver needs to turn a tough chance into a reception - we didn't see a lot of that on Monday night.

The points tally ... 3 - cowboy from hell 1 - Strafford, Macca 0 - Gorgoroth, pantaloons, DemonDave, 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, bananas, Demon Land 7 ... week 8 games* and 'The BS Report' * The 49ers/Jacksonville is being played at Wembley but it could be argued that San Francisco are the road team (technically?) Anyway, for the sake of argument, we'll just class them as the road team (cos we all need a point!)

Just saw the news on Sam Bradford. Terrible bad luck - the dreaded torn ACL can often happen from a seemingly nothing incident. Hope he makes a full recovery. Apparently St Louis only have the one back-up QB in Kellen Clemens so the Rams will need to bring in at least one more QB.

Yeah, I'd caught the score but hadn't seen the 2nd half of the Packers game until now. Looked bad for Finley but hopefully he'll be ok. The clash of helmets was frightening - those WR's and RB's all must know that an earth shattering hit can happen anytime. It's just as well Green Bay are developing a running game (Lacy looks the goods) as we're running out of WR's! Our much maligned defense is doing quite well also. But it's a brutal sport and the concussion issue is still a huge concern. Freeman has had the wake up call and it's all up to him now. I reckon he can be successful at the Vikes. The G men have to win a game sooner or later and it might be close tomorrow. Minnesota by a field goal.

7 and 0! Amazing transformation - Reid and Smith were always going to add wins but you're almost certainties for the play-offs now. Reid made the playoffs 9 times with the Eagles so he's always known how to win. Probably shouldn't come as a big surprise, all things considered. Re the comp ... just goes to show that numbers can skew things sometimes. 6 or 7 road winners per week doesn't convert to being able to pick 3 of them out correctly. We have to leave it as it is now but if we do it again, some fine tuning might be required! Maybe a few '2 out of 3' weeks? I'm beginning to think my lone point was just a mere fluke. We've got a bonus week coming up in a fortnight so hang in there! Oh and the Pats/Jets game ended up being shown live this morning. It may well have been listed but not on my 'Internet' TV guide. Pittsburgh winning helps your blokes as well. Are they back? With a QB as good as Big Ben they were always likely to get some wins. 2 games clear are the Bengals ... your schedule isn't that tough but some of the teams you're up against can play well when it suits. The Jets are one of those teams and they visit Cinci next week. Big Rex never ceases to surprise - big big win today for the Jets (there were a few surprise winners but just catching up with it all now) Things fell nicely for the Packers as well. The Jets are only 1 game back in the AFC East and they could have easily won both encounters against New England. Not altogether sure about the Pats but I say that every year and they end up proving me wrong! The Vikes must win tomorrow but how's it going to be if the Giants are 0 and 7? Gonna be fascinating to see how Freeman goes. Packers visit Minnesota next week

Once again, the TV games. The early morning Monday games may kick in soon (hopefully) Overall, we've missed out in seeing a lot of the good match-ups (compared to last season) For instance, this week, we don't get to see the games between the Bengals/Lions, Cowboys/Eagles or Ravens/Steelers (this game is nearly always a good one) The Pats/Jets game holds a bit of interest too (replayed 6am on Wednesday on OneHD) Mon Oct 21 7.05am San Francisco at Tennessee (Fox1) 7.25am Cleveland at Green Bay (OneHD) 11.30am Denver at Indianapolis (OneHD & ESPN) Tues Oct 22 11.30am Minnesota at NY Giants (ESPN) All the other week 7 games ps ... good luck with the tips! (there's a few who've already got the Seahawks up)

Also, OneHD are replaying the Patriots @ NY Jets game from 6am next Wednesday (no live coverage of this game though) Interesting that the Vikes have gone with Freeman this early 'cfh'. He's certainly got talent and I hope he does well for your blokes. If he strikes form you could start winning games again (assuming AP continues to have big games) Still reckon our division will be tight with maybe only the division winner making the playoffs. We may see the 2 wild-cards come out of the NFC West. I can see all the teams within the NFC North sharing the wins against each other (with the home teams winning most of the games)

No early morning Monday games being broadcast again this week ... Fri Oct 18 11.25am Seattle at Arizona (OneHD & ESPN) Mon Oct 21 7.05am San Francisco at Tennessee (Fox1) 7.25am Cleveland at Green Bay (OneHD) 11.30am Denver at Indianapolis (OneHD & ESPN) Tues Oct 22 11.30am Minnesota at NY Giants (ESPN) All the other week 7 games Tips ... New England San Diego San Francisco Tomorrow's game should be a good one and Arizona could surprise. The SNF match-up where the Broncos visit the Colts should be a beauty. Any number of road teams could win this week but finding 3/3 is proving rather elusive!

Combine both the West divisions and the W/L record is 32/16 (both South divisions have a combined record of 17/28) A record of 9/7 may get a wild-card or 2 in both Conferences. In our conference only the NFC West might provide 2 teams with double digit win tallies. So many teams are banged up with large injury concerns. I know the Packers are running out of wide receivers (Cobb is out for 8 weeks with a broken leg)

The Chargers were very good today and outplayed Indi in most areas. However, they're probably the most unpredictable team going around - heard somewhere that San Diego have only had one losing season in the last 10 years. Rivers led his team well and had a good game. They might get on a roll and their schedule isn't too difficult from here on in - they could get to 9 and 7. The Colts were quite disappointing. The 2nd wild-card is up for grabs in the AFC (Miami currently hold it down with a 3 and 2 record - one of 6 teams that have 3 wins in the AFC) Anyway, CBolts would have done it for 4 of us in the comp! 'cowboy from hell' continues to show us how it's done. The points tally ... 3 - cowboy from hell 1 - Macca 0 - Gorgoroth, pantaloons, DemonDave, 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, Strafford, bananas, Demon Land 7 ... week 7 games and 'The B.S Report'

I'll have a look at more of the highlights later on but it was an important win for the Packers. Cobb copped a heavy knock to his knee but he may be ok. Jones hurt his leg as well. Not too many surprises in the results although the Rams had a big win. Nearly all the favoured teams won.