Macca

A brief summary of some of the weekends games ... The Giants made a real statement in Carolina with a convincing victory . To win that easily and especially the way they started means they've probably still got that hunger . They're at Philadelphia next (SNF) . Should be a cracker . KC had a huge comeback win over the Saints and the Vikings are right in the hunt now with a terrific win over the 49ers . Puts a lot of interest in their respective divisions with perhaps Minnesota having a real opportunity going forward . The Jets win in O/T at Miami to silence a few critics though losing Darrelle Revis with a torn ACL is a huge blow . Washington had a real chance to go 2 and 1 against the Bengals but just fell short . Atlanta and Houston continue to impress with excellent away wins . Both teams are 3 and 0 and look headed for the playoffs . The only other 3 and 0 team , Arizona , won easily and have sent a message to the 49ers . The Steelers drop a vital game at Oakland and Baltimore win the match of the round vs New England . The Pats are 1 and 2 but you'd reckon they'll be thereabouts come playoffs time . The best performed division is the NFC West with a record of 8 and 4 . Next best is the NFC East with a record of 7 and 5 And finally , 'Golden-Gate' or 'Clueless in Seattle' . Re 'that catch' . Apparently in this particular instance the booth review cannot determine possession . They can only determine whether the ball hit the ground or not . So it appears the booth review made the right call . It does seem , however , that we have a flaw in the rules . You'd reckon 'upstairs' should be able to overturn an obvious error . So .........the onus remains with the replacement refs . Or more importantly the onus lies with Roger Goodell . He needs to sort out the issue with the referee's . But ..........we keep hearing that it's the 'Billionaire' owners that pull the strings . They , in effect , control Roger Goodell .

Chelsea , Newcastle and Tottenham all win at home . Man Utd defeat Liverpool 2 - 1 at Anfield whilst Arsenal get a late equalizer at Man City . My Hammers scrounge out a point vs Sunderland and Everton continue their good start to the season with a 3 - 0 away win at Swansea . West Brom are currently 4th after another home win over Reading . The table ... http://soccernet.esp...-league?cc=3436 .........and here's a couple of podcasts that analyse the weekend's games .... http://www.bbc.co.uk...sts/series/5lfd http://www.guardian....cast-john-terry

Give 'em time , they'll get there ! Just like the AFL , the NFL has quite a few grey areas . I usually just take the good with the bad . Pass interference seems to be the biggest issue with these replacement Refs . But even with the proper Refs it remains an issue which they'll never get 100% right . As I said in an earlier post , the Packers were the beneficiaries of a questionable pass interference call on their drive to our only touchdown . I remember thinking at the time that the luck was with us . Little did I know what was to follow ! Also , we were extremely lucky to recover a fumble on Seattle's 1 yard line late in the game . Many games are wild affairs with a fumble , a dropped catch , an interception , a missed field goal or other things that can decide a game . Today's ending was just another way to lose (or win) . It's a crazy sport sometimes !

Good analogy 'cfh' . It was a classic Leo Barry type mark hey ? It's often difficult to be positive at these times but I can't help but feel that this will steel the Packers . We've got the Saints at home next week . I'm less worried about the result of that game after today's proceedings . And in a weird way , this sort of thing really does promote the sport . 'Any publicity is good publicity' sorta thing . What a bizarre week of games !

Yeah , it's tough for any offence to do well Seattle . Thought our defence did well again . If Seattle can find a way to win away from home they're a real chance . To be honest , I thought it was anyone's match . If we had won I would have been happy but not convinced . Seems our defence has improved somewhat but our offence is nowhere near at their optimum . Rodgers being sacked 8 or 9 times is unacceptable - even in Seattle ! Seems that there's gonna be some huge fallout from today's finish . Takes away from a classic defensive match . We got a very favourable call in that drive for our only touchdown . Can't recall the players involved but Seattle were called for pass interference when it was clearly not there .

That was bizarre . You like to win or lose fair and square but if it were roles reversed I'd be rather embarrassed . Every game is so vital and that loss (or win to Seattle) changes so many things . Not sure the officials upstairs can reverse the decision at that time of the game (in those particular circumstances) . The official who gave the touchdown was in front of the catch and I can see how from his view , he could award it to Seattle . On 1st view , in real time , I thought the Seattle receiver (Tate) had caught the ball . But surely common sense should have prevailed and the sport is more often than not , governed by replay . And the replays subsequently showed Jennings intercepted the ball . What was even worse was that Tate shoved a Packers defender in the back with both hands . What a debacle ! Must say though , there were quite a few questionable calls throughout the match . Both teams got lucky on occasions but as so often happens , it's the last call that is remembered . Anyway , what doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Yeah , watched your game (on delay). Nearly called it quits a few times and was tempted to do the old FF bit , but stuck with it . Great finish . Had a quick squizz at your schedule and you're right , it's not that tough . Much depends on how good Denver and the Chargers really are . San Diego wouldn't be happy about only scoring 3 points at home today . Oakland can't be discounted either after knocking over the Steelers today . But .......as ya said , you're only 1 win away from leading the division ... Still haven't seen the highlights of your game but that's a colossal win all the same . Big game next week at Detroit . Stafford may have re-injured his hammy (or glut) . Equal leader of the NFC North right now are the Vikings . You probably should be 3 and 0 !

Ha ha ! I will take any sort of win in Seattle . What a crazy day of results . O/T games everywhere , questionable officiating (agree with 'Hipster' - Goodell needs to fix it) , hot favourites losing , a 'Barnburner' in Tennessee - Madness ! Some of you may be watching SNF tonight so I'll wait till after 10pm on that one . Fairly sure there's a Seahawks fan or 2 on this thread as well . Maybe that NFC West isn't done with just yet . Arizona might have some real influence after today . Talk about an unpredictable League ... Big win at home for your blokes 'cbh' . Very good defence yards by the Vikes . You've gotta be happy with that victory 'pantaloons' . Huge comeback win for the Chiefs . Back in town ?

Here's Bill Simmons 'Grantland' column on tomorrow's games ... http://www.grantland...-mailbag#8211referee-armageddon Here are the games ...week 3 ... FRI, SEP 21 10.20 AM NY Giants 36 at Carolina 7 (OneHD) MON, SEP 24 3.00 AM St. Louis 6 at Chicago 23 3.00 AM Buffalo 24 at Cleveland 14 3.00 AM Tampa Bay 10 at Dallas 16 3.00 AM NY Jets 23 at Miami 20 3.00 AM San Francisco 13 at Minnesota 24 3.00 AM Kansas City 27 at New Orleans 24 (OneHD) 3.00 AM Cincinnati 38 at Washington 31 3.00 AM Detroit 41 at Tennessee 44 (Fox 1) 3.00 AM Jacksonville 22 at Indianapolis 17 6.05 AM Philadelphia 6 at Arizona 27 (OneHD) 6.05 AM Atlanta 27 at San Diego 3 6.25 AM Houston 31 at Denver 27 6.25 AM Pittsburgh 31 at Oakland 34 10.20 AM New England 30 at Baltimore 31 (OneHD & ESPN) TUES, SEP 25 10.30 AM Green Bay 12 at Seattle 14 (ESPN)

We got a Jets fan ! Welcome aboard Gonzo (or welcome back!) . Big divisional game against the Dolphins for Rex's men . You confident ? Yeah , that NFC East division is beauty . Dallas host Tampa Bay and won't want to drop that game . RG3 and the Redskins are in a similar spot hosting the Bengals . Ya just gotta get those early wins . At first glance at this weeks games (post #355) there doesn't seem to be too many 'Classic' match-ups but there's certainly quite a few evenly matched games . The 'Late' games offer up 2 rippers with Atlanta @ San Diego and Houston @ Denver . The Rams at the Bears is another vital game for both teams .

This weekend's games ... We've got a few terrific match-ups . In the early game on Sunday , Liverpool host Manchester United . Later on that day the Gunners venture to Manchester City in another cracker . Also on Sunday , we've got a London derby with Tottenham at home to Queens Park Rangers . Because of Champion's League and Europa League committments , most of the big guns will play a lot of Sunday games . Here's a podcast preview from the 5live team .....when you click on this link , just scroll down to 'Kicking off with Colin Murray' ... http://www.bbc.co.uk...sts/series/5lfd Click on any team for further news , information and fixtures ........C'mon you Hammers ! Saturday, September 22, 2012 21:45 EST Swansea City v Everton 00:00 EST Chelsea v Stoke City 00:00 EST Southampton v Aston Villa 00:00 EST West Bromwich Albion v Reading 00:00 EST West Ham United v Sunderland 00:00 EST Wigan Athletic v Fulham Sunday, September 23, 2012 22:30 EST Liverpool v Manchester United 00:00 EST Newcastle United v Norwich City 01:00 EST Manchester City v Arsenal 01:00 EST Tottenham Hotspur v Queens Park Rangers

Smart punters take note - get ya hard earned on the team I pick against . Easy money ....

I give your blokes a sneaky chance . The 49ers are only 6.5 point favourites . There always seems to be at least 3 or 4 upsets every week and I like those home underdogs . Guess a lot is going to depend on Peterson and San Francisco's renowned defence . I find nearly all games involving the Eagles interesting . You just don't know what you're gonna get with Vick . He may not be the best QB but he's close to the most watchable . Arizona have a real chance to get away to a great start to the season . After Philadelphia they've got (H) Miami , @ St Louis , (H) Buffalo and then @ Minnesota .

Tomorrow's game between the Giants & the Panthers is on OneHD . New York are 1.5 points favourites but I reckon Carolina can win this encounter . Edit (Whoops) FRI, SEP 21 10.20 AM NY Giants 36 at Carolina 7 (OneHD) Here's a light hearted podcast with Bill Simmons and his Cousin Sal . They do a quick recap/overview of the previous weeks games and then discuss the upcoming games and try to pick the lines . http://espn.go.com/e...play?id=8391721 And here's the rest of the week 3 games . New England at Baltimore (SNF) being the standout game . * You can click on any team and it will take you to that teams ESPN page . Lots of stats , news , general info and also that particular team's schedule for the season . MON, SEP 24 3.00 AM St. Louis at Chicago 3.00 AM Buffalo at Cleveland 3.00 AM Tampa Bay at Dallas 3.00 AM NY Jets at Miami 3.00 AM San Francisco at Minnesota 3.00 AM Kansas City at New Orleans (OneHD) 3.00 AM Cincinnati at Washington 3.00 AM Detroit at Tennessee (Fox 1) 3.00 AM Jacksonville at Indianapolis 6.05 AM Philadelphia at Arizona (OneHD) 6.05 AM Atlanta at San Diego 6.25 AM Houston at Denver 6.25 AM Pittsburgh at Oakland 10.20 AM New England at Baltimore (OneHD & ESPN) TUES, SEP 25 10.30 AM Green Bay at Seattle (ESPN)

Ha ha ! It's quite a difficult assignment when it's all said and done . You should do it again in a couple/few weeks . Be interesting to see if you have much movement . I know from last year that a lot can happen in a week with these lists . Think I'll stick to the teams list and leave the tricky stuff to others ! I generally liked your order though I'd change a couple . I'd have Vick and Stafford higher but I'm influenced by a bit of 'Wow' factor with Vick and Stafford is a little under-rated by the pundits . Of course , when you're ranking all 32 there's bound to be some differences of opinion . Yours was a good post 'Hipster' and well researched . On the teams rankings I've ranked Baltimore at no.2 and the Pats at no.5 . They play each this week and barring a freak result , one team has to lose . The key is , which team hurts more from a loss ? With only 16 games and top seedings up for grabs , neither team would want to start 1 and 2 .

Slight departure to a bit of acid jazz . A track from Ronny Jordan's early days . This song is from his first album 'The Antidote' . Funky stuff ... Macca 4.5

Last year , we periodically did some TEAM and QB rankings . I'll just post my team rankings for now . Might be a bit early to do the QB rankings but happy to have a go if others want to . I think we did RB and WR rankings on occasions as well . With these rankings I've included 6 teams from each conference . With the 'top 4' having 2 teams from each conference . I based the rankings on last years form , current form and form projections . I found it quite a tricky exercise ... 1 : San Francisco (fully deserve no.1 status ) 2 : Baltimore (at home to New England this week . Big , big game - SNF) 3 : Houston (if Schaub stays healthy they'll win their division and possibly get a 1 or 2 seed ) 4 : Green Bay (obviously a bit biased and the Packers have a tough game next week at Seattle - MNF) 5 : New England (that loss to Arizona may hurt them long term) 6 : Pittsburgh (can't be discounted) 7 : Philadelphia (Vick needs to stays healthy) 8 : Atlanta (They should win their division) 9 : NY Giants (could be higher but their current form is only ok) 10 : San Diego (started well and their schedule isn't tough) 11 : Denver (Peyton should win them enough games) 12 : Arizona (host the Giants this week , Thursday Night Football) I've left out Dallas , Chicago , Detroit , the Jets , New Orleans , St Louis , Cincinnati , Minnesota , Indianapolis and Washington . All these teams have some claims though 9 or 10 wins is a big ask for a number of them . ps - sorry 'pantaloons' , I couldn't squeeze the Chiefs in (for now!)

Another bit from Will Ferrell ...

That 'National Anthem' thread made me think of this song from 'Thirsty Merc' Macca 10.3 [media=]

Pats lose to Arizona ! Think they were a 13pt favourites . That is an upset . Arizona did it with great defence by the looks of it . From memory New England dropped 1 or 2 games last year that they should have won - fairly sure it happened early in the season as well . Rams on the board . That'll make a few on this thread happy Bradford had a ripper game . The Saints lose to Carolina in another 'mini' upset . New Orleans would have to be a bit concerned now . Losing breeds doubt . There's no doubt about Eli . This bloke just knows how to perform in clutch situations . The Giants came home like a train . That NFC East division could be give us another cliffhanger . All games in that division are often must viewing - more so this year with RG3 involved and also with the Eagles starting the season 2 and 0 . Luck got his first win for the Colts in a close one . Ditto Tannehill with Miami winning over Oakland . Houston won well again and San Diego thrashed Tennessee . Norv has got 'em firing early ! Got through the 2 OneHD games - finally . The 2nd game was just a classic exhibition by the Steelers . Their defence knows how to get off the field and their offence knows how to stay on the field . Way too good for the Jets . Big Ben was tremendous - he just shrugs those 'arm' tackles off ! The 1st game between the Eagles and the Ravens was a cracker . Baltimore unlucky to lose though Flacco's 2nd half wasn't great . Michael 'Must see TV' Vick was great . So much happens with this bloke - 23/32 for 371 yards with 1 TD and 2 interceptions . What the hell happened to Dallas ? 'Sleeping in Seattle' ! The Seahawks kept 'em to 7 points . Wilson gets his first win as their new QB . Geez , they play well at home . My blokes go there next week . Not confident , in fact this fella sums up how I feel ... [media=]

Chelsea , Man City and Liverpool all held to away draws . Gunners and Man Utd both had convincing wins and my Hammers held on for a draw at Norwich . Chance for Spurs tonight to get their first win (away to Reading at 1.00 AM)

Couldn't resist .......had to have a little 'Flutter' myself 'Hipster' ! Multi's are good hey ? A very small outlay for a decent return . I don't bet lines or on games I watch live . Too nerve-racking Just straight winners for me with a leaning towards 'home' underdogs . I've got Seattle/Dallas and Jags/Texans E/W , along with a bunch of favourites with a couple of home underdogs . Small amounts only of course ! I see you posted on the 'Comedy' thread . Good stuff .

Maybe it were Seether's version, Biff

Ha ha ha ! Classic . Thought I'd bump up the games from an earlier post on Thursday ... Got a late(ish) start at work tomorrow so will be able to watch the Eagles/Ravens and Steelers/Jets games in their entirety . Beauty ! Normally watch on a 2 hour delay so as to flick through all the adverts . Daylight saving kicking in in a couple of weeks will curtail my viewing pleasure though ! Will only be able to watch the early game from then on . SNF and MNF both look good this week . Week 2 ... FRI, SEP 14 10.20 AM Chicago 10 at Green Bay 23 MON, SEP 17 3.00 AM Kansas City 17 at Buffalo 35 3.00 AM Cleveland 27 at Cincinnati 34 3.00 AM Minnesota 20 at Indianapolis 23 3.00 AM New Orleans 27 at Carolina 35 3.00 AM Houston 27 at Jacksonville 7 3.00 AM Oakland 13 at Miami 36 3.00 AM Arizona 20 at New England 18 Fox 3 3.00 AM Tampa Bay 34 at NY Giants 41 3.00 AM Baltimore 23 at Philadelphia 24 OneHD 6.05 AM Washington 28 at St. Louis 31 6.05 AM Dallas 7 at Seattle 27 6.25 AM NY Jets 10 at Pittsburgh 27 OneHD 6.25 AM Tennessee 10 at San Diego 38 10.20 AM Detroit 19 at San Francisco 27 ESPN & OneHD TUES, SEP 18 10.30 AM Denver 21 at Atlanta 27 ESPN

There were glimpses but nowhere near enough 'Willo' . It's a somewhat outdated style that was probably never going to work with our group of players . Not only did our list not have the skill set to keep possession of the ball (via the boundary) it made us look pedestrian like . Often the ball ended up going out of bounds . Geelong in the main, closed down Collingwood's boundary hugging style in round 8 of 2011 and that should have been the end of it . I just hope Malthouse brings it in at Carlton - they may go backwards if he does . I noticed the Eagles went wide a fair bit last night - loss and fail . They were not forced wide either , they had a choice . Be daring or play the 'safe' route . They often chose the latter . Boundary hugging footy should generally be limited from the last line of defence . From half-back , all players should have the big sticks in their sights unless they have no choice but to go wide . Maybe I'm just too old school but I could care less . We need to change tack . It may all come together next season and if so , great . It could all be a confidence thing as well . Having a decent CHF would help enormously . Why we can't do all the defensive aspects of the game in the corridor ? I see plenty of other teams carry it off quite well . Does tackling , tagging , harassing , 2nd and 3rd efforts , pressure acts , smothering , blocking etc etc need to be confined to vicinity of the boundary line ? Generally , I'm in agreement with the rest of the direction that the coaching staff has undertaken .