Somebody else can post the schedule.
Seedy is dropping the ball for what you ask? For Dogs!
Good lord.
QuoteNFL Lines For Week 12 - NFL Football Line Week Twelve
NFL Line 11/22 - 11/25, 2012
Date & Time Favorite Line Underdog Total
11/22 12:30 ET Houston -3.5 At Detroit 48.5
11/22 4:15 ET At Dallas -3 Washington 47.5
11/22 8:20 ET New England -7 At NY Jets 48
11/25 1:00 ET At Cincinnati -8 Oakland 49
11/25 1:00 ET Pittsburgh -1 At Cleveland 34
11/25 1:00 ET At Indianapolis -3 Buffalo 51
11/25 1:00 ET Denver -10.5 At Kansas City 44
11/25 1:00 ET Tennessee -3 At Jacksonville 44
11/25 1:00 ET At Chicago -1 Minnesota Off
11/25 1:00 ET Atlanta -1 At Tampa Bay 50
11/25 1:00 ET Seattle -3 At Miami 37.5
11/25 4:05 ET Baltimore -1 At San Diego 47
11/25 4:25 ET San Francisco -1 At New Orleans 48.5
11/25 4:25 ET At Arizona -2.5 St. Louis 37
11/25 8:30 ET At NY Giants -3 Green Bay 50
Monday Night Football Line
11/26 8:40 ET Carolina -2.5 At Philadelphia 41
Fuck, that was a nasty ass groin pull for Reed.
Goddamn, every single out pattern Stafford throws is almost a pick six.
For someone who's not a betting man - what do those (Line/Total) mean? :blush:
Quote from: Syt on November 22, 2012, 01:34:52 PM
For someone who's not a betting man - what do those (Line/Total) mean? :blush:
Line is the point spread; Houston is favoured by 3.5 points today. You subtract that number from the winner's final score and then see who would have won the game to see who wins the bet.
Total is an over/under bet on the total points scored by both teams.
Quote from: sbr on November 22, 2012, 01:40:15 PM
Quote from: Syt on November 22, 2012, 01:34:52 PM
For someone who's not a betting man - what do those (Line/Total) mean? :blush:
Line is the point spread; Houston is favoured by 3.5 points today. If you subtract that number from the winner's final score and they still win you win the bet.
Total is an over/under bet on the total points scored by both teams.
:thumbsup:
Quote from: Syt on November 22, 2012, 01:41:59 PM
Quote from: sbr on November 22, 2012, 01:40:15 PM
Quote from: Syt on November 22, 2012, 01:34:52 PM
For someone who's not a betting man - what do those (Line/Total) mean? :blush:
Line is the point spread; Houston is favoured by 3.5 points today. If you subtract that number from the winner's final score and they still win you win the bet.
Total is an over/under bet on the total points scored by both teams.
:thumbsup:
I rephrased the first part a bit. I am finding it hard to put it into words this morning.
Joseph would have caught that pick. :(
Why did they bring back these refs?
Quote from: katmai on November 22, 2012, 02:49:14 PM
Why did they bring back these refs?
Because the other ones were being intimidated by the players & coaching staffs. While these one just suck.
:lmfao: That's awesome. Fuck you, Schwartz.
What's happening?
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 02:57:03 PM
What's happening?
Justin Forsett run for what should have been about 7 because his elbow was down, the refs didn't see it and didn't blow the whistle so he ran all the way in. Would have been overturned on the review, but Schwartz immediately threw the review flag, which is a penalty, and means they can't review it after that because they can't benefit from a penalty or some such.
Blown call by officials on play that Texan was clearly down, no whistle so he kept going and scored touchdown.
Schwartz throws red flag wanted review, because it wasn't whistled that was not allowed and he got charged 15yard penalty.
On top of that since he threw the flag, the officials then couldn't review the play which they would have if he hadn't thrown the flag.
So Texans closed it from 24-14 to 24-21.
Well, he's a hot-tempered idiot, but that's kind of a silly rule.
Simms is obsessed with the sidearm throws. Earlier he said something stupid about thinking Stafford did it too much.
:hmm: Poor clock management there, I think. Detroit has been able to move the ball at will quite a bit today, so they should have waited until after 2:00 to run the 1st and G play. Then again, the ~35 seconds probably wouldn't matter anyway if they're heaving the ball down field.
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 03:07:08 PM
Well, he's a hot-tempered idiot, but that's kind of a silly rule.
Yeah, seems strange, but I'm good with it (this time)! :D
E: Ugh lots of football for the Texans in the last week. 10th quarter right here.
You know, I can't help but feel bad for the Lions here. I mean, I like the Texans better, and they paid their dues with season after season of abject failure, but it's hard to see a team get jobbed like this at home.
Still, Detroit had plenty of chances to overcome the NFL and win. You can't put it all on the refs.
:lol: Jesus Christ Graham almost missed that one too. Maybe 5 yards further out and they're still playing. Glad they have a long "week" though after the last couple of games.
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 04:43:10 PM
You know, I can't help but feel bad for the Lions here. I mean, I like the Texans better, and they paid their dues with season after season of abject failure, but it's hard to see a team get jobbed like this at home.
Still, Detroit had plenty of chances to overcome the NFL and win. You can't put it all on the refs.
They can suck it. Maybe next time don't kick dudes in the balls and there might be some sympathy.
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 04:46:03 PM
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 04:43:10 PM
You know, I can't help but feel bad for the Lions here. I mean, I like the Texans better, and they paid their dues with season after season of abject failure, but it's hard to see a team get jobbed like this at home.
Still, Detroit had plenty of chances to overcome the NFL and win. You can't put it all on the refs.
They can suck it. Maybe next time don't kick dudes in the balls and there might be some sympathy.
What?
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 04:54:17 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 04:46:03 PM
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 04:43:10 PM
You know, I can't help but feel bad for the Lions here. I mean, I like the Texans better, and they paid their dues with season after season of abject failure, but it's hard to see a team get jobbed like this at home.
Still, Detroit had plenty of chances to overcome the NFL and win. You can't put it all on the refs.
They can suck it. Maybe next time don't kick dudes in the balls and there might be some sympathy.
What?
Missed the whole game? That sucks it was pretty entertaining. They were even ripping Suh at halftime for that shit. Schaub took a nice nutshot during the first half.
E: Also apparently Boomer would never shake Suh's hand after games if given the opportunity. I don't know if that's good or bad for Suh.
These Cowboy penalties are ridiculous. Jerry Jones must pulling his hair out.
:hide:
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 04:46:03 PM
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 04:43:10 PM
You know, I can't help but feel bad for the Lions here. I mean, I like the Texans better, and they paid their dues with season after season of abject failure, but it's hard to see a team get jobbed like this at home.
Still, Detroit had plenty of chances to overcome the NFL and win. You can't put it all on the refs.
They can suck it. Maybe next time don't kick dudes in the balls and there might be some sympathy.
He was just attempting to keep Schaub from falling over and maybe hurting his throwing shoulder...was trying to do the man a favor!
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 05:04:26 PM
Missed the whole game? That sucks it was pretty entertaining. They were even ripping Suh at halftime for that shit. Schaub took a nice nutshot during the first half.
E: Also apparently Boomer would never shake Suh's hand after games if given the opportunity. I don't know if that's good or bad for Suh.
Yeah, I was out this morning, so I only caught the end of overtime. I think I missed the best game of the day.
Did he stomp him or something? I guess I could probably find a highlight.
Quote from: JacobL on November 22, 2012, 05:14:30 PM
:hide:
He was just attempting to keep Schaub from falling over and maybe hurting his throwing shoulder...was trying to do the man a favor!
:lol: :hug:
"e author=Neil link=topic=8839.msg507354#msg507354 date=1353622660]
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 05:04:26 PM
Missed the whole game? That sucks it was pretty entertaining. They were even ripping Suh at halftime for that shit. Schaub took a nice nutshot during the first half.
E: Also apparently Boomer would never shake Suh's hand after games if given the opportunity. I don't know if that's good or bad for Suh.
Yeah, I was out this morning, so I only caught the end of overtime. I think I missed the best game of the day.
Did he stomp him or something? I guess I could probably find a highlight.
[/quote]
Leg whip to the crotch. I'm on my way to my uncles place that is just crawling with Cowboys fans, so there's some opportunity for this one to be even more fun. My wife is a lions fan, but after exchanging a few fuck yous, we were back to being like we are every day.
Texans keep playing like this and it is gonna be a one and done postseason.
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 05:04:26 PM
E: Also apparently Boomer would never shake Suh's hand after games if given the opportunity. I don't know if that's good or bad for Suh.
That was completely incidental scrotal contact. You watch, the league will fine House of Spears.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 22, 2012, 05:27:45 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 05:04:26 PM
E: Also apparently Boomer would never shake Suh's hand after games if given the opportunity. I don't know if that's good or bad for Suh.
That was completely incidental scrotal contact. You watch, the league will fine House of Spears.
Well, it was incidental while he was performing an exceptional leg whip toward Schaub, sure. Should have been a flag regardless. The bonus hate is because it went straight to the nuts.
After seeing the play, yeah that was a pretty bad leg whip. The nut thing was an accident, but not the late contact.
Quote from: Neil on November 22, 2012, 06:29:19 PM
After seeing the play, yeah that was a pretty bad leg whip. The nut thing was an accident, but not the late contact.
You know, I just got home and was looking around at the Texans boards, and....looking at it again from this angle, man, I'm not sure it was so much of a leg whip as just a flat out nutshot:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.ksk.uproxx.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2Fsuhnuts.gif&hash=d85a9da8847cc4f9f6ddbfb51feea824531bbb10)
E: Link: http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2012/11/suh-nut-shots-dot-tumblr-dot-com.html
<_<
Yeah, that was pretty blatant. A whip, and then when he realize where his leg is, the kick.
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on November 22, 2012, 08:38:17 PM
You know, I just got home and was looking around at the Texans boards, and....looking at it again from this angle, man, I'm not sure it was so much of a leg whip as just a flat out nutshot:
It's House of Spears, man. Do you honestly expect anything less from that psychopath? Of course it was a nutshot. :lol:
LOL at the Jets.
It'd be funnier if I wasn't bored and this was all I have to watch. Horrible game.
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:31:19 PM
It'd be funnier if I wasn't bored and this was all I have to watch. Horrible game.
Think of it this way: you can make a game of it in the second half; as the Patriots run up the score with their starters late in the game, you can try to guess which Patriots' career Belichick will destroy for the sake of his ego.
Dude wtf, i go away to make dinner and it went from 7-0 to 28-0
that Sanchez fumble was the greatest play I've ever seen. I managed to miss both the second and fourth touchdowns, though, despite missing like 30 seconds of game time.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 22, 2012, 09:34:34 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:31:19 PM
It'd be funnier if I wasn't bored and this was all I have to watch. Horrible game.
Think of it this way: you can make a game of it in the second half; as the Patriots run up the score with their starters late in the game, you can try to guess which Patriots' career Belichick will destroy for the sake of his ego.
I so hope it's Brady. I don't know why, i just don't like him. I guess i can blame Tim, push comes to shove.
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:36:48 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 22, 2012, 09:34:34 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:31:19 PM
It'd be funnier if I wasn't bored and this was all I have to watch. Horrible game.
Think of it this way: you can make a game of it in the second half; as the Patriots run up the score with their starters late in the game, you can try to guess which Patriots' career Belichick will destroy for the sake of his ego.
I so hope it's Brady. I don't know why, i just don't like him. I guess i can blame Tim, push comes to shove.
i'm gonna hunt you down
Goddamn. First two games were good and now we get this steaming pile of shit as the primetime game. Only good thing is that it's happening to Rex Ryan.
He's an obnoxious assfuck, Count. Deal.
Quote from: Count on November 22, 2012, 09:42:11 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:36:48 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 22, 2012, 09:34:34 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:31:19 PM
It'd be funnier if I wasn't bored and this was all I have to watch. Horrible game.
Think of it this way: you can make a game of it in the second half; as the Patriots run up the score with their starters late in the game, you can try to guess which Patriots' career Belichick will destroy for the sake of his ego.
I so hope it's Brady. I don't know why, i just don't like him. I guess i can blame Tim, push comes to shove.
i'm gonna hunt you down
He's had a good career to remember, and a hot wife. God has given him too much, does he really need two kneecaps too? :P
Quote from: derspiess on November 22, 2012, 09:43:23 PM
Goddamn. First two games were good and now we get this steaming pile of shit as the primetime game.
Yeah, both were good, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Houston-Detroit game. Poor Lions need to figure out how to win. What a snakebit franchise.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 22, 2012, 09:44:08 PM
He's an obnoxious assfuck, Count. Deal.
He's the GOAT with the goat ^_^
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:45:20 PM
God has given him too much, does he really need two kneecaps too? :P
If there's any coach or team out there that's willing to start collecting kneecaps in a 2nd half pile on, it's these assholes. I wonder what the seismic reading would be on a Woolfork chop block.
"Spirit of this league", Chris? Tell that to Belichick. :lol:
a Ravens fan calling another team dirty :lol:
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:45:20 PM
Quote from: Count on November 22, 2012, 09:42:11 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:36:48 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 22, 2012, 09:34:34 PM
Quote from: HVC on November 22, 2012, 09:31:19 PM
It'd be funnier if I wasn't bored and this was all I have to watch. Horrible game.
Think of it this way: you can make a game of it in the second half; as the Patriots run up the score with their starters late in the game, you can try to guess which Patriots' career Belichick will destroy for the sake of his ego.
I so hope it's Brady. I don't know why, i just don't like him. I guess i can blame Tim, push comes to shove.
i'm gonna hunt you down
He's had a good career to remember, and a hot wife. God has given him too much, does he really need two kneecaps too? :P
2 hot wife. Bridgit is pretty hot too.
Watching the game now, oh my god! Those last two touchdowns!
Went from 7-0 to 21-0 in an instant! :w00t:
EDIT!!! DOUBLE WOAH!!! :w00t::w00t: 28-0!
Quote from: Count on November 22, 2012, 09:57:32 PM
a Ravens fan calling another team dirty :lol:
:secret: It's not the Ravens being dirty, it's the refs being against them and protecting "NFL Properties". (not my words :P )
I enjoyed this game so much it should be illegal. Literally the only bad thing that happened was Edelman's concussion, otherwise it was perfect.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FV0AjS.png&hash=7c4a99538f02eb3127059a5733113e7cfea5b042)
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F38sRU.png&hash=505c1c98726bf050f8dcbe8dfe628d72ab05f180)
Quote from: Syt on November 23, 2012, 02:00:34 AM
Quote from: Count on November 22, 2012, 09:57:32 PM
a Ravens fan calling another team dirty :lol:
:secret: It's not the Ravens being dirty, it's the refs being against them and protecting "NFL Properties". (not my words :P )
The evidence speaks for itself.
Wow, beating up on the Jets. That's a real mansome accomplishment. Maybe you should watch the Patriots beat a Pop Warner team, like that one with the 8-year old girl on it. That'd be something, wouldn't it?
One of my fantasy leagues leagues uses individual defensive players. The guy I am playing has DeAngleo Hall. :lol:
Quote from: sbr on November 23, 2012, 01:41:15 PM
One of my fantasy leagues leagues uses individual defensive players. The guy I am playing has DeAngleo Hall. :lol:
Is that good or bad for you?
Quote from: Grey Fox on November 23, 2012, 02:41:32 PM
Quote from: sbr on November 23, 2012, 01:41:15 PM
One of my fantasy leagues leagues uses individual defensive players. The guy I am playing has DeAngleo Hall. :lol:
Is that good or bad for you?
Good. Hall is the guy who recovered the on-side kick at the end of the Dallas/Washington game and sat down at the 1 yard line.
Quote from: Neil on November 23, 2012, 11:18:02 AM
Wow, beating up on the Jets. That's a real mansome accomplishment. Maybe you should watch the Patriots beat a Pop Warner team, like that one with the 8-year old girl on it. That'd be something, wouldn't it?
Actually, I'd like to see a Pop Warner team beat up on the Jets.
I wish the Bengals had been given a shot at them this year (pre-season doesn't count). Seems like they only play them when the Jets are red-hot.
Quote from: Neil on November 23, 2012, 11:18:02 AM
Wow, beating up on the Jets. That's a real mansome accomplishment. Maybe you should watch the Patriots beat a Pop Warner team, like that one with the 8-year old girl on it. That'd be something, wouldn't it?
It's a New England-New York thing. For a Ravens fan it would be like humiliating the Steelers in a down year.
Every year is a down year for the Jets.
Asshole NFL regional coverage.
Naturally, the one time I actually WANT to watch a Steelhead-Brownies game, it's not a CBS doubleheader day, so the only AFC game is Ravens-Chargers at 4pm, and I get the delicious FOX coverage of Vikings-Bears. :bleeding:
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 25, 2012, 01:01:13 PM
Asshole NFL regional coverage.
Naturally, the one time I actually WANT to watch a Steelhead-Brownies game, it's not a CBS doubleheader day, so the only AFC game is Ravens-Chargers at 4pm, and I get the delicious FOX coverage of Vikings-Bears. :bleeding:
My choices this morning are Seattle/Miami or Oakland/Cincy.
My choices this morning are all of them, but I can't decide. I was going to watch Cleveland-Pittsburgh, but that game ended with Timmons' pick-6, so now I'm debating the Broncos, or maybe I could root for the Bucs to beat the Falcons.
Quote from: Neil on November 25, 2012, 01:21:35 PM
I was going to watch Cleveland-Pittsburgh, but that game ended with Timmons' pick-6,
:lol:
Meh. Go Bucs. I think they're for real.
Sea-Mia or Den-KC, at least i get the Niners-Saints late game.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 25, 2012, 01:42:26 PM
Quote from: Neil on November 25, 2012, 01:21:35 PM
I was going to watch Cleveland-Pittsburgh, but that game ended with Timmons' pick-6,
:lol:
Meh. Go Bucs. I think they're for real.
They're at least as for real as the Falcons, that's for sure. When you throw the Saints into the mix, the NFC South is powerful.
Hey, the Browns aren't done yet.
This Vikes-Bears game is getting interesting in its fuckedupedness, but Chicago's pulling away.
Say, has anyone ever been as bad as the Raiders are right now?
Man, what a hit by Jackson on Dwyer. Things are actually looking up for the Browns.
They mercifully switched over to the Atlanta-TB game.
And I benched Julio Jones today :bleeding: ; didn't think his injury would let him be effective.
Man, the refs are absolutely hammering the Browns. When there's a holding call on every offensive play, it's hard to take advantage of the inability of the Steelers to not fumble.
Good to see the refs fucking the Raiders yet again. The more things change...
Batch isn't the same guy he was five years ago.
Can Pat Shurmer be fired immediately regardless of if theBrowns win or not? When you're trailing 13-14 and you score a touchdown, why the fuck would anyone with even a remote concept of football go for the pat instead of going for 2? If they weren't playing Pittsburgh, I'd want them to lose by 1 for pulling the same stupid move for the 3rd or so time this season. Ugh. :bleeding:
He's gone at the end of the year, and the Browns are out of playoff contention. I guess they're just going to stay the course and let guys work on their resumes.
Meh, I don't think you go for two and start chasing single points that early in the game. You need something to bitch and moan about though, and this is as good as anything else you could come up with so carry on.
Seriously? Wow. Go fuck yourself for starters. They've lost a few games due to such playcalling by Shurmer, so it isn't a fluke at this point, but an established trend. As to the Raiders call, they did get pretty terribly fucked by an "inadvertent whistle" as the refs called it. It went from a fumble recovery for a touchdown to the Bengals getting another shot at 3rd down which eventually led to a game sealing touchdown drive.
Niners draw first blood :w00t:
Man, I've seen less plunks in a pinball machine than the balls bouncing off the Ravens receivers' chests already. Way to help out your QB, fellas.
Careful Seedy, sbr will call you out for being a whiny bitch if you keep it up. :lol:
As incompetent as Sad Diego is, I would be justified. This shouldn't even be a game.
Oh dear. I hope Jacoby Jones hugged his knee goodbye this morning.
I'm stuck watching New Orleans. Bleh.
Quote from: Ed Anger on November 25, 2012, 05:01:41 PM
I'm stuck watching New Orleans. Bleh. Having the privelage of watching the Niners :w00t:
Fixed your post for ya, damn bastard.
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 04:44:24 PM
Seriously? Wow. Go fuck yourself for starters. They've lost a few games due to such playcalling by Shurmer, so it isn't a fluke at this point, but an established trend. As to the Raiders call, they did get pretty terribly fucked by an "inadvertent whistle" as the refs called it. It went from a fumble recovery for a touchdown to the Bengals getting another shot at 3rd down which eventually led to a game sealing touchdown drive.
:lol: Are you denying the bitching and whining or just justifiying it? I mean I understand you root for two of the worst and worst run organizations, not only in the NFL, but in American pro sports and top it off by liking crappy individual players but come on man. Your team just beat the Steelers; the two rookies you hate are doing pretty well; the coach and team president you despise are likely to be replaced by two new fresh faces you can despise as soon as they are hired. Things should be looking up for Browns fan.
Ohio St players :bleeding:
Quote from: Ed Anger on November 25, 2012, 05:23:02 PM
Quote from: katmai on November 25, 2012, 05:22:09 PM
Ohio St players :bleeding:
Which one fucked up now?
Ted Ginn Jr, muffed the punt giving 'Aints the ball inside the 20 and they promptly scored to go up 14-7
Quote from: sbr on November 25, 2012, 05:19:50 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 04:44:24 PM
Seriously? Wow. Go fuck yourself for starters. They've lost a few games due to such playcalling by Shurmer, so it isn't a fluke at this point, but an established trend. As to the Raiders call, they did get pretty terribly fucked by an "inadvertent whistle" as the refs called it. It went from a fumble recovery for a touchdown to the Bengals getting another shot at 3rd down which eventually led to a game sealing touchdown drive.
:lol: Are you denying the bitching and whining or just justifiying it? I mean I understand you root for two of the worst and worst run organizations, not only in the NFL, but in American pro sports and top it off by liking crappy individual players but come on man. Your team just beat the Steelers; the two rookies you hate are doing pretty well; the coach and team president you despise are likely to be replaced by two new fresh faces you can despise as soon as they are hired. Things should be looking up for Browns fan.
I never said I hated Richardson, just that it's a shame some of his prime years will be wasted on a rebuilding team. I only said Wheedon's pick would have been better used on an offensive lineman in my opinion. I did hate Holmgren, but he's on his way out and I do despise Shurmer, but hopefully he'll follow Holmgren out the door. I was a big fan of Mangini before they arrived, and thought he was making strides in building a solid foundation in Cleveland, so it isn't like I hate every coach in Cleveland's history. I haven't said anything bad about the new gm or coach in Oakland, as I'm basically giving them carte blanche this year with the massive changes that have occurred since Al's death and Jackson's mismanaging of the team.
Quote from: katmai on November 25, 2012, 05:25:28 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on November 25, 2012, 05:23:02 PM
Quote from: katmai on November 25, 2012, 05:22:09 PM
Ohio St players :bleeding:
Which one fucked up now?
Ted Ginn Jr, muffed the punt giving 'Aints the ball inside the 20 and they promptly scored to go up 14-7
Ah, teddy. I bet he tried to catch the ball with his chest again.
Man, Flacco's line is trying to have him killed.
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 04:44:24 PM
As to the Raiders call, they did get pretty terribly fucked by an "inadvertent whistle" as the refs called it. It went from a fumble recovery for a touchdown to the Bengals getting another shot at 3rd down which eventually led to a game sealing touchdown drive.
They did get screwed by the one ref that blew his whistle. But it is what it is. You stop when you hear the whistle. They'd have gotten the ball had that not happened, but I doubt they would have scored the TD. I heard John Clayton saying the refs made the wrong decision (after the whistle) but I'm not sure what other option they had, going by the book. The whistle was blown before any Raiders players recovered the ball, and the play stops right then & there. You have to replay the down. Btw, John Clayton is even uglier in person than he is on TV.
Pretty enjoyable game from my side of it. Not a sellout but the fans who came actually showed some heart. I think it's a bit late for so much Palmer hatred, but if it keeps them in the game, whatever. I got to see an on-field fight occur 20 feet in front of me and the Bengals played what might have been their best half ever in the 1st. Third quarter was horrific but I consider it a throwaway.
Quote from: Ed Anger on November 25, 2012, 05:01:41 PM
I'm stuck watching New Orleans. Bleh.
Seriously. Heaven forbid we see a team in the Bengals division playing against the Bengals next opponent. I'm flipping between the WVU-Oklahoma basketball game and NFL RedZone.
I don't understand why Bengals fans would be upset with Palmer. He quit on their team which led to them getting an upgrade at quarterback and some nice draft picks in compensation. I'd welcome him back with applause for removing himself from the team. At the very least, the Bengals have helped to give me some very nice points today in the eternal crusade to ensure Timmah is kept down in the LFFL.
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 05:42:11 PM
I don't understand why Bengals fans would be upset with Palmer. He quit on their team which led to them getting an upgrade at quarterback and some nice draft picks in compensation. I'd welcome him back with applause for removing himself from the team. At the very least, the Bengals have helped to give me some very nice points today in the eternal crusade to ensure Timmah is kept down in the LFFL.
Football fans aren't always very rational. They think he's a quitter, plus you always automatically boo someone who used to play for your team :P
One bright spot I saw for your guys is Reece. He's one hell of a fullback. He's got some mobility and it always takes 2 or 3 guys to bring him down.
Quote from: derspiess on November 25, 2012, 05:49:29 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 05:42:11 PM
I don't understand why Bengals fans would be upset with Palmer. He quit on their team which led to them getting an upgrade at quarterback and some nice draft picks in compensation. I'd welcome him back with applause for removing himself from the team. At the very least, the Bengals have helped to give me some very nice points today in the eternal crusade to ensure Timmah is kept down in the LFFL.
Football fans aren't always very rational. They think he's a quitter, plus you always automatically boo someone who used to play for your team :P
One bright spot I saw for your guys is Reece. He's one hell of a fullback. He's got some mobility and it always takes 2 or 3 guys to bring him down.
Go Huskies! Was WR at Washington.
Yeah, I've been very impressed with Reece since I saw him last year. He's a heck of an athlete and a great football player, a rare combination on the Raiders. :lol:
Quote from: Neil on November 25, 2012, 05:31:09 PM
Man, Flacco's line is trying to have him killed.
No shit. Luckily, the only line that's trying to get their QB killed more is San Diego's.
Quote from: derspiess on November 25, 2012, 05:49:29 PM
plus you always automatically boo someone who used to play for your team :P
Ravens fans always applaud former Ravens, because we're classy like that.
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 05:26:36 PM
I never said I hated Richardson, just that it's a shame some of his prime years will be wasted on a rebuilding team. I only said Wheedon's pick would have been better used on an offensive lineman in my opinion.
I disagree. Offensive linemen are hit-and-miss, they can take two or even three seasons to learn the pro craft and rarely deliver immediate dividends like a quarterback can--particularly when there aren't any arms on the roster--and a team gets built around a premier back. Good backs perform even with shitty OLs, the league and its history is filled with them.
They'll be fine. What they need to do is learn how to win; with the exception of getting some real help at the receiver spot, most of the Browns' problems are in their heads. They should be able to score a good WR or two in next year's draft.
The Browns had a chance to grab David DeCastro, a highly touted RG which they were in need of and would have made an excellent addition to their young quality pieces they already have in place there. Instead, they, in my opinion, reached for Wheeden and DeCastro fell to the Steelers of all teams. <_<
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 06:24:31 PM
and DeCastro fell to the Steelers of all teams. <_<
As a Browns fan, you should be used to that. I know I was. Mike Junkin when Rod Woodson was still on the board? WHAT COULD HAPPEN
How could Pollard be flagged for leading with his helmet, when his shoulder was the only part that made contact? Bring back the scab refs.
Bad officiating is bad. But then again, this crew is generally pretty retarded. When the NFL is talking about getting development refs to replace bad refs, these guys and Ron Winter`s crew are the ones they have in mind.
The Ravens' road woes on offense are no longer a trend, and have surpassed a habit; it's officially institutionalized.
Quote from: derspiess on November 25, 2012, 05:37:29 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 04:44:24 PM
As to the Raiders call, they did get pretty terribly fucked by an "inadvertent whistle" as the refs called it. It went from a fumble recovery for a touchdown to the Bengals getting another shot at 3rd down which eventually led to a game sealing touchdown drive.
Btw, John Clayton is even uglier in person than he is on TV.
Isn't that the case with most people?
Quote from: jimmy olsen on November 25, 2012, 06:48:26 PM
Quote from: derspiess on November 25, 2012, 05:37:29 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 25, 2012, 04:44:24 PM
As to the Raiders call, they did get pretty terribly fucked by an "inadvertent whistle" as the refs called it. It went from a fumble recovery for a touchdown to the Bengals getting another shot at 3rd down which eventually led to a game sealing touchdown drive.
Btw, John Clayton is even uglier in person than he is on TV.
Isn't that the case with most people?
Yeah, but Clayton's so damned ugly you don't think it can get any worse.
Man that took forever to sort out.
4th and 29? :nelson: ahahahahahahahahahahahahahah Chargers
Quote from: katmai on November 25, 2012, 07:25:15 PM
4th and 29? :nelson: ahahahahahahahahahahahahahah Chargers
That was without a doubt one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, 4th and 29 conversions of all time.
And that's the game.
Wow. Not a huge comeback, points-wise, but it felt huge. Ray Rice just made Pete Prisco eat a big bag of dicks, and Tucker showed why he beat Cundiff.
They really needed this one too. A win next week and they've pretty much locked up a home playoff game.
Yeah, offense showed up better late than never, but grinding out the running game in the 2nd half, combined with the defense tightening up, really wore down the Bolts. And the Bolts can't finish. Ever.
You know, I actually feel a little sorry for Norv; like so many former coordinators, he's so good at what he does when he's got the talent to work with as a coordinator, but just can't get past the head coach job. Guys like him, Dennis Green, Marty Morningweg, Wade Phillips, ol' Bruce Coslet...great football minds, but man, do they shit the bed when they have the head job.
And as if there needs to be any more evidence, that 4th and 29 is THE reason why Ray Rice needs to be on the field, all the time. Especially crunch time. Fucking Cam Cameron.
Oh, and Torrey Smith totally schooled Quentin Jammer. Spanked.
And I love how all the talking heads can go from ZOMG STEELHEADS ASCENDANT to poo-poohing them in a matter of 12 hours.
QuoteNov 25 5:35pm Beanie WellsP (Ari - RB) Add Free Agents Dallas Egos
Martellus Bennett (NYG - TE) Drop Dallas Egos Waivers
I see what you did there. You realize today was just a dick tease, right? Sucker.
I'm surprised beanie wells' legs haven't fallen off yet. Dude is snakebit.
So, since Harbaugh is the one who drove the nail into Norv's San Diego coffin, does that mean the Ravens have first call on him when he goes back to being an offensive coordinator?
Quote from: Neil on November 25, 2012, 08:32:52 PM
So, since Harbaugh is the one who drove the nail into Norv's San Diego coffin, does that mean the Ravens have first call on him when he goes back to being an offensive coordinator?
I'd take that deal in a heartbeat. Cam can go interview for San Diego, and drive that franchise farther into the ground.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 25, 2012, 08:25:38 PM
QuoteNov 25 5:35pm Beanie WellsP (Ari - RB) Add Free Agents Dallas Egos
Martellus Bennett (NYG - TE) Drop Dallas Egos Waivers
I see what you did there. You realize today was just a dick tease, right? Sucker.
First, I was planning to do that before the week started.
Second, I'm so desperate for an RB2 right now that I would probably pick up Emmitt Smith if he suited up again. :P
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 25, 2012, 08:43:49 PM
I'd take that deal in a heartbeat. Cam can go interview for San Diego, and drive that franchise farther into the ground.
I want to know why the fuck the Ravens hired an OC off a 1-15 HC season.
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on November 25, 2012, 09:05:24 PM
I want to know why the fuck the Ravens hired an OC off a 1-15 HC season.
Because the Ravens were the team that was the "1" in 1-15? :lol:
Fucking Giants got out of their November swoon a week early. Assholes.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 25, 2012, 08:43:49 PM
Quote from: Neil on November 25, 2012, 08:32:52 PM
So, since Harbaugh is the one who drove the nail into Norv's San Diego coffin, does that mean the Ravens have first call on him when he goes back to being an offensive coordinator?
I'd take that deal in a heartbeat. Cam can go interview for San Diego, and drive that franchise farther into the ground.
As stupid as San Diego is, I think that 'fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me' applies there.
Quote from: Neil on November 25, 2012, 09:42:55 PM
As stupid as San Diego is, I think that 'fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me' applies there.
Well, AJ Smith--who is as much to blame, if not more so, as Norv for San Diego's problems--should be fired if Norv is fired, but Alex Spanos is still the owner, and he won't fire himself.
PFT is saying JJ Watt may be fined for a hit on Stafford.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/25/watt-could-be-facing-fine-should-have-been-flagged-for-stafford-hit/
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F11%2F350x-298-e1353887592413.jpg&hash=7184cdda5fda4a0907558669abfb0901cff1654d)
:blink: It's illegal, going by what the link says, if the defender's helmet touches the QB's at any time during the tackle, even if the contact starts lower. :blink:
Man that's horseshit.
Giants looked pretty damn good tonight.
Motherfucker. I'm gonna lose in my money league. I had a 40 point lead going into tonight; I had Rogers and he had Eli and 2 GB WRs. How the hell could I lose that?
Broke my 9 game win streak. :mad:
Gotta love the Plain Dealer headlines:
QuoteVictory over Steelers always a thing of beauty
A win over Pittsburgh is a win over Pittsburgh is a ... oh, the humanity, that was some unwatchable football Sunday.
Quote from: sbr on November 26, 2012, 01:17:14 AM
Motherfucker. I'm gonna lose in my money league. I had a 40 point lead going into tonight; I had Rogers and he had Eli and 2 GB WRs. How the hell could I lose that?
Broke my 9 game win streak. :mad:
Can Nick Foles and the Philly kicker get 18 or more points between them tonight? Cause if they don't i will win, which need badly to insure making the playoffs as next week is last of regular season in LFFL.
So has Alex Smith lost his job?
Quote from: derspiess on November 26, 2012, 03:04:43 PM
So has Alex Smith lost his job?
Only Jim Harbaugh knows for sure.
Quote from: katmai on November 26, 2012, 02:55:17 PM
Quote from: sbr on November 26, 2012, 01:17:14 AM
Motherfucker. I'm gonna lose in my money league. I had a 40 point lead going into tonight; I had Rogers and he had Eli and 2 GB WRs. How the hell could I lose that?
Broke my 9 game win streak. :mad:
Can Nick Foles and the Philly kicker get 18 or more points between them tonight? Cause if they don't i will win, which need badly to insure making the playoffs as next week is last of regular season in LFFL.
I'm hoping they can.
Quote from: frunk on November 26, 2012, 03:12:15 PM
Quote from: katmai on November 26, 2012, 02:55:17 PM
Quote from: sbr on November 26, 2012, 01:17:14 AM
Motherfucker. I'm gonna lose in my money league. I had a 40 point lead going into tonight; I had Rogers and he had Eli and 2 GB WRs. How the hell could I lose that?
Broke my 9 game win streak. :mad:
Can Nick Foles and the Philly kicker get 18 or more points between them tonight? Cause if they don't i will win, which need badly to insure making the playoffs as next week is last of regular season in LFFL.
I'm hoping they can.
So am I. :P
Quote from: katmai on November 26, 2012, 03:10:53 PM
Quote from: derspiess on November 26, 2012, 03:04:43 PM
So has Alex Smith lost his job?
Only Jim Harbaugh knows for sure.
Don't be coy. Who would you start next week?
Quote from: derspiess on November 26, 2012, 04:02:41 PM
Quote from: katmai on November 26, 2012, 03:10:53 PM
Quote from: derspiess on November 26, 2012, 03:04:43 PM
So has Alex Smith lost his job?
Only Jim Harbaugh knows for sure.
Don't be coy. Who would you start next week?
As i was telling someone yesterday, Alex is great guy (met him in his rookie season working on Reebok commercial) but looking at game there were a couple of times that if he were in would have been sacks that Kaepernick got out of and had positive yardage.
But it sucks that guy who is 20-6 in last two seasons to lose his job to concussion.
Quote from: katmai on November 26, 2012, 04:10:24 PM
As i was telling someone yesterday, Alex is great guy (met him in his rookie season working on Reebok commercial) but looking at game there were a couple of times that if he were in would have been sacks that Kaepernick got out of and had positive yardage.
But it sucks that guy who is 20-6 in last two seasons to lose his job to concussion.
I'd have a hard time putting Smith back in. In many ways he's been the perfect QB for the team, not putting up flashy numbers but playing well enough to win while not turning the ball over. But I don't think he's going to take the Niners to the next level. And Kaepernick has shown so much spark you just don't sit a QB that is playing that well.
You have to go with Kaepernick. The Super Bowl is the goal so you need to pull out all the stops.
Quote from: derspiess on November 26, 2012, 04:24:52 PM
I'd have a hard time putting Smith back in. In many ways he's been the perfect QB for the team, not putting up flashy numbers but playing well enough to win while not turning the ball over. But I don't think he's going to take the Niners to the next level. And Kaepernick has shown so much spark you just don't sit a QB that is playing that well.
Yeah, sometimes I wonder if Alex Smith has hit his ceiling, but I'm not ready to pull the lollipop on him yet. 7th year with the team, and last year was his best. Then again, it was the team's best, too. :lol:
But you also have to go with the hotness, and right now that's Kaepernicus.
They drafted him, and Smith's days with the Niners may well be numbered, but if they want to go to the promise land this season, I'd rather have Smith starting at the Meadowlands in the middle of January.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 26, 2012, 06:24:42 PM
Quote from: derspiess on November 26, 2012, 04:24:52 PM
I'd have a hard time putting Smith back in. In many ways he's been the perfect QB for the team, not putting up flashy numbers but playing well enough to win while not turning the ball over. But I don't think he's going to take the Niners to the next level. And Kaepernick has shown so much spark you just don't sit a QB that is playing that well.
Yeah, sometimes I wonder if Alex Smith has hit his ceiling, but I'm not ready to pull the lollipop on him yet. 7th year with the team, and last year was his best. Then again, it was the team's best, too. :lol:
and this is first year he wasn't learning a new system and new coordinator.
No kidding. I think the kid could use some stability in his life before tossing him in the free agent forever backup pile.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 26, 2012, 06:34:11 PM
No kidding. I think the kid could use some stability in his life before tossing him in the free agent forever backup pile.
There are more than a few teams where Smith would be a big improvement over their starter.
So Marvin Lewis publicly called out Andy Dalton and Rey Maualuga a few weeks ago when the Bengals were in the midst of their 4-game slump. And both guys responded since then, helping build an almost unheard of (for here) three straight blowout wins. In recognition of that, both guys arrived Sunday morning to find "C" patches sewn on their jerseys. Bengals hadn't used them since 2010.
I really had the season written-off after the Denver loss. Don't know how it will end, but it's a nice turn-around to have a winning record and be tied with the sliding Stillers for the second wild card spot.
I wonder if they're going to flex the Eagles-Cowboys tard-fight out? Sure, it's a terrible game, but it's two big fanbases in the NFC Least.
Quote from: Neil on November 26, 2012, 11:42:50 PM
I wonder if they're going to flex the Eagles-Cowboys tard-fight out? Sure, it's a terrible game, but it's two big fanbases in the NFC Least.
The NFC Worst
The NFC Least
What happens when the NFC South or NFC North suck?
In the unlikely event the Redskins manage to beat the Giants and the Ravens the next two weeks I think they have a shot. Any other result and it is over.
The dude is just Superman.
QuoteRay Lewis, the Ravens' 13-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker, could return to practice as early as this week. Coach John Harbaugh said Monday afternoon that Lewis, who has missed the last five games after tearing his right triceps in the team's 31-29 win against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 14, is eligible to be activated from injured reserve-designated to return this week. Without saying that Lewis would practice Thursday — the first day he is eligible to do so — Harbaugh said the 37-year-old linebacker is on pace to return earlier than anticipated.
"I just have so much confidence in who Ray is as a person and as a man," Harbaugh said. "And it's the same thing for Suggs. The thing ... is, these guys are physically genetic, special DNA-type guys. ... And they work harder than anybody in this room physically, that's for sure. So give credit where credit is due, and we'll just see how Ray does. But I know one thing: he's working harder than any of us can imagine to try to get back and get healthy."
Quote from: derspiess on November 26, 2012, 10:17:45 PM
I really had the season written-off after the Denver loss. Don't know how it will end, but it's a nice turn-around to have a winning record and be tied with the sliding Stillers for the second wild card spot.
Yeah, the Bengals look like they've definitely woken up a bit, and are primed to pass the Steelers on the way up if they can keep their shit together.
But it's wait and see: there's a reason the Steelers are the Steelers, and the Bengals are the Bengals. Shit always seems to level out that way.
First place! I doubt I'll finish there when all id settled, but I'll enjoy it while I can. :cool:
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 27, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
First place! I doubt I'll finish there when all id settled, but I'll enjoy it while I can. :cool:
Suck it Frunk! :P
QuoteFrozen Wetbacks (8-4, 1,038 points) managed to sneak past Fricken Lasers, 68 - 67, in spite of scoring just the 15th-highest point total in the league this week. With this victory, Frozen Wetbacks clinches a spot in the playoffs. Frozen Wetbacks also got just 78.6% of their 86.50-points-per-matchup season average. This is the second lucky win for Frozen Wetbacks this season, who took down The BurgerMakers! 72 - 71 in Week 5. Frozen Wetbacks has had some beneficial matchups overall, currently in fourth place even though they rank just 11th in total points
Looks like the Iggles are gonna blow it all up! He ain't playing up to last years level, but Babin sure isn't the reason their defense sucks. Must be a money issue.
Who do you think will pick him up?
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8683453/philadelphia-eagles-cut-jason-babin-year-18-sack-season
Quote from: katmai on November 27, 2012, 07:40:40 PM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on November 27, 2012, 07:32:52 PM
First place! I doubt I'll finish there when all id settled, but I'll enjoy it while I can. :cool:
Suck it Frunk! :P
QuoteFrozen Wetbacks (8-4, 1,038 points) managed to sneak past Fricken Lasers, 68 - 67, in spite of scoring just the 15th-highest point total in the league this week. With this victory, Frozen Wetbacks clinches a spot in the playoffs. Frozen Wetbacks also got just 78.6% of their 86.50-points-per-matchup season average. This is the second lucky win for Frozen Wetbacks this season, who took down The BurgerMakers! 72 - 71 in Week 5. Frozen Wetbacks has had some beneficial matchups overall, currently in fourth place even though they rank just 11th in total points
My team's been sucking all season, so nothing new. :(
QuoteMeatheads overachieved and improves to 6-0-1 when doing so, while Ochocinco EightSixed fell short of their projection. They are now 3-5 when scoring less than expected.
My team of overachievers are in third. I'm so proud of them. :cry:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--john-harbaugh-kept-ravens-on-track-despite--mutiny--at-practice-in-october--164505133.html
Quote
Coach John Harbaugh kept Ravens on track despite 'mutiny' at meeting in October
When the Baltimore Ravens showed up for work on Halloween morning, coach John Harbaugh presented them with a piece of news that was the football equivalent of passing out parched apple slices to trick-or-treaters: The Ravens would be practicing in full pads later that afternoon.
Groans filled the auditorium at the team's training facility. October had been a rough month for Baltimore, which 10 days earlier had suffered a 43-13 defeat to the Houston Texans — the most lopsided loss in Harbaugh's five seasons as coach — before taking a bye-week break. The Ravens' most respected leader, legendary linebacker Ray Lewis, was back at home in Florida, having suffered a torn triceps on Oct. 14 that seemed destined to end his season.
Practicing in pads did not go over well with some of Baltimore's other veterans, including safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard, and several of them openly challenged Harbaugh's edict. Rather than squashing the mini-uprising, the coach welcomed the dialogue and solicited additional criticism. Soon, the meeting turned surreal, as the subject shifted to Harbaugh's treatment of his players and perceived mood swings.
"It was practically a mutiny," one Ravens player recalled. "It came very close to getting out of control. But the way Coach Harbaugh handled it was amazing. He let people have their say, and he listened, and he explained himself, and pretty soon it was like a big group-therapy session. In the end, a lot of positive things were said. We didn't practice in pads, but we came out of there stronger as a group."
Designating Harbaugh's deft handling of that emotional give-and-take as the pivotal moment of the Ravens' season might be difficult to prove in a court of law. However, there's no question that the 50-year-old coach's leadership has been a key element of Baltimore's 9-2 start, tied for the best in the franchise's 16-year history.
Coming off a campaign in which they narrowly missed a trip to the Super Bowl, the rejuvenated Ravens are 4-0 in November, having pulled out an overtime victory over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium last Sunday after halfback Ray Rice converted a semi-miraculous fourth-and-29 off a screen pass. With a three-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North, Baltimore appears headed for its fifth consecutive postseason appearance under Harbaugh, perhaps the league's most underrated authority figure.
If the older and less celebrated of the NFL's first pair of head-coaching brothers wasn't secure and evolved enough to tolerate feedback from some of the league's most strong-willed and vocal players, the Ravens wouldn't have won more than 70 percent of their regular-season games (53-22) and reached two AFC championship games since he replaced Brian Billick following the 2007 season.
Because no NFL player of this era is as influential within his team context as Lewis — and given the presence of other decorated veterans (Reed, pass rusher Terrell Suggs, wideout Anquan Boldin) with big personalities — coaching in Baltimore is a unique challenge. Harbaugh, who had no experience as a head coach or offensive or defensive coordinator on any level, has managed to provide assertive leadership without drowning out dissenting voices.
On Sunday in San Diego, after wideout Torrey Smith caught a 31-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco to give the Ravens a first down at the Chargers' 16-yard line with two minutes remaining in overtime, Harbaugh huddled on the field with a small group that included offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Boldin and Flacco. Boldin exhorted the coach to summon the field-goal unit immediately. "Let's end this now," Boldin yelled, "and get the [expletive] out of here!"
Boldin is not a subtle man, but Harbaugh had other ideas: Seeking to mitigate the possibility of a San Diego score should Ravens rookie Justin Tucker miss the kick, he had Flacco take a knee on three successive downs, forcing the Chargers to burn their remaining timeouts and draining another 42 seconds off the clock.
Forty-five minutes after Tucker drilled his 38-yard game-winner, Harbaugh sat in the cramped coaches' locker room at Qualcomm and reflected upon his willingness to let his players be heard.
"Well, I don't know about [being] secure enough or anything like that, but I think it's really important to let them be them," he said. "And to me, the more I'm able to give them leadership, the stronger that we all are together, as leaders.
"I don't know how to put it in words, and maybe someday there'll be a way to express it, but we have such great leaders. You've got to let 'em lead, but you also have to lead 'em, you have to direct them, and someone's gotta make decisions. But, we've just got some incredibly strong men on this team. I mean I could tell you some stories, but I'd probably rather not."
Given the opening, I brought up the story about the contentious team meeting that turned into a Dr. Phil episode. When Harbaugh convened that gathering on Halloween morning, he probably thought it would be uneventful. However, the resistance to practicing in pads triggered a scab-pulling session that he navigated with a firm but refreshingly fallible touch.
"I've never seen a head coach handle anything like that as well as he did," said a Ravens assistant who attended the meeting. "There were some things said where we were like, Damn.
"A lot of coaches would have acted like dictators and been very sensitive about the way their authority was being questioned. John said, 'Hey, let's talk about this.' He showed great leadership. Instead of worrying that it would make him seem weak, he turned it into a strength."
[More: Bobby Hebert connects with fans, ruffles feathers in Big Easy]
According to witnesses, the subjects discussed included a proposed shift to a no-huddle offense (pushed by Cameron) and some players' perceptions of Harbaugh's demeanor as uneven. When some Ravens told the coach he had been overly brusque and negative on certain occasions, he asked for examples and eventually owned up to his behavior.
"He said, 'I don't remember saying that, but if I did I apologize,' " the Ravens assistant said. "He said, 'Hey, you know what? That was in the heat of the moment, and I was wrong.'
"John's great quality is that even if he goes down the wrong street, he's willing to say, 'I went down the wrong street' and correct it with the team. Whereas other coaches are so damn stubborn, they won't admit they were wrong, and it splinters the team."
By meeting's end Flacco and linebacker Jameel McClain had given constructive speeches that helped bring the team together, and Harbaugh actually felt enriched by the experience.
"I wasn't threatened by it," Harbaugh said. "That's the main thing. And, you know, they had some good points, and I had some good points. Other guys stood up and said some great things. To me, it embodied everything that you should have on a team.
"The point was that, we have what I call 'Open Mic,' and we can all say anything that we need to say and have to say. You know then that you're responsible — when you say it, everybody's gonna hear it, so you'd better make it your best stuff.
"That brings out the best. Otherwise, it's 'Why are they sneaking around talking behind corners?' You know what I mean? If you've got something, you put it right out here in front of me. I'm man enough to handle it. If you're right, then you're right! It's OK to be right. But more important it's OK to be wrong. And it's OK for me to be wrong, too."
Certainly, Harbaugh has grown into his role. Early on in the coach's tenure some Ravens considered him hokey and overly combative. Two seasons ago, Harbaugh famously had his players' cleats spray-painted black in an effort to make them look tougher, resulting in eye-rolls all around.
If that stunt seemed patronizing to some Ravens, it has long since faded in their memories. They now see a coach who treats his players like men and has their backs publicly (as evidenced by his "Pay the Man" endorsement early in the 2012 season of Flacco, who is seeking a lucrative contract extension) and privately, even when they call him out in front of their peers. While Harbaugh's kid brother, Jim, makes headlines in San Francisco for an abrupt quarterback switch the 49ers' coach won't even publicly acknowledge), John has become the patron saint of unvarnished discourse.
"I've got a rule: I never, ever, ever hold a grudge," Harbaugh said. "And I kind of have a rule that nobody else is allowed to hold a grudge, either. There are no grudges. We're a bunch of guys. We don't hold grudges. Right? We move on."
With the Ravens moving toward a second consecutive division title — Baltimore can take a major step in that direction by beating the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday — they can look back to that Halloween hell-raising session as a galvanizing moment. And, in retrospect, they may reflect on Harbaugh's decision to rescind his padded-practice decree as a counterintuitive stroke of genius.
Upon the conclusion of that Wednesday's spirited afternoon workout, as the team knelt in a circle to hear the coach's closing remarks, Reed stood up and said, "Hey, if we were gonna practice this way, we should have practiced in pads."
No worries, Ed: As Harbaugh would say, it's OK to be wrong.
Heh, good piece. Didn't know about that incident.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 28, 2012, 02:25:47 PM
Heh, good piece. Didn't know about that incident.
I can see that going disastrously wrong for so many other teams :D
Placed a bid on some Bills tickets. Roughly $5 for 50 yard line 13th row? Yeah, I'll see an NFL game for that rate, even if it is Jacksonville-Buffalo. Here's to hoping I win. :lol:
Quote from: Alcibiades on November 28, 2012, 02:02:30 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--john-harbaugh-kept-ravens-on-track-despite--mutiny--at-practice-in-october--164505133.html
Yeah, I read that today. Really interesting, and really shows a side of John Harbaugh that I like.
I guess it's easy to not feel threatened when you've put together the most consistently winning teams that the Ravens have ever had and have them in range of a title run.