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Week 12 Live Blog

A lot of game-time decisions today, and still at least one left to go with Kurt Warner. Hopefully it all fleshed out well for you. I benched Warner today in the one league where I own him, but because our rosters lock for all games at the start of the first game, I've got Alex Smith going ahead of Warner and Matt Leinart.

Comments

By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:03:00 AM		 Ugh, the Bengals have the nasty orange home unis today.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 10:04:00 AM		 I'll call it now, Houston wins (not much a reach of a call).
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 10:05:00 AM		 Wow onside attempt by the Eagles.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 10:06:00 AM		 I don't like the onside call. The Eagles are the better team, you don't need extra possessions to win.
 
By: NoWayOut
On: 11/29/2009 10:06:00 AM		 I went against your advice earlier in the week Jeff and grabbed Smith instead of Leinart. I just couldn't bring myself to trust Leinart, not that I'm thrilled with Alex Smith. And to make things more fun going forward I see reports that Eli's foot is a problem again/still.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:07:00 AM		 I generally like surprise onside attempts, but yeah, context matters.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:08:00 AM		 Both Brown and Slaton getting work early on.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:11:00 AM		 Ah, fullbacks scoring touchdowns - the bane of fantasy football players everywhere.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:12:00 AM		 Bernard Scott coughs up a fumble - lucky for it to go out-of-bounds.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:16:00 AM		 Larry Johnson looking good - playing Cleveland will do that for you.
 
By: dreamscape
On: 11/29/2009 10:21:00 AM		 Not sure why you pass with Ricky Williams from the 3 but ok.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:21:00 AM		 The Eagles had a 4th down touchdown nullified by a holding penalty, but the real takeaway here is that they once again struggled in goal-to-go situations.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 10:24:00 AM		 Really bad playcalling by the Eagles. They ran it down the Redskins throat and then threw 3 of the next 4 plays when they got to the 10. Didn't look like much of a penalty on the Jackson TD.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 10:25:00 AM		 Matt Ryan out.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 10:26:00 AM		 Jammed toe by Ryan, should return.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:29:00 AM		 Chris Brown with the TD run.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:31:00 AM		 Missed opportunities by both MIA and BUF so far.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 10:31:00 AM		 I hope the Dolphins have RWilliams throw a pass this drive, too. The Bills sure aren't stopping him when he runs.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:32:00 AM		 Total yards far: HOU 150, IND 1.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 10:32:00 AM		 Looks like NYJ struck first in the battle of the pick-6 QBs.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 10:36:00 AM		 D. Jackson TD, no one within 10 yards of him. The Redskins are actually pretty solid against the pass, but seem to have mental lapses that cost them long plays (i.e. Marshall a few weeks ago).
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 10:38:00 AM		 Every now and then, Chad Henne shows flashes. That was a gorgeous touchdown pass to Brian Hartline in the right corner of the end zone, throwing to a spot, letting the receiver go get it.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:38:00 AM		 Jackson caught the nullified TD earlier, but I think it's funny how all of his TDs this year have come from long distance.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 10:39:00 AM		 Hartline has 2 TDs this season against the Bills. All other WRs in the NFL have 1.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 10:41:00 AM		 Watching DJax do what he does makes me wonder what guys like Lee Evans could do with a real QB.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 10:43:00 AM		 Kendall Simmons picked up off the street, starting at RG for Bills - no surprise, just allowed a sack.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 10:44:00 AM		 I'm sure some of it is the Redman effect, but the Raheem Morris scheme already has four sacks.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 10:48:00 AM		 Did Kris Brown really make that kick? I'd like to see it again. Very, very close.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 10:50:00 AM		 people criticized, but the Redskins offense has been better since Zorn was stripped of play-calling.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 10:53:00 AM		 Mark, it's Hartline two, rest of NFL two (Sims-Walker, Nate Washington). But that's a great stat, no doubt.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 10:53:00 AM		 The Browns' pass rush is really giving the Bengals fits.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 10:55:00 AM		 It's too late for me to switch out Warner in two of my leagues. That's how it goes sometimes, but it's still annoying.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 10:57:00 AM		 Antonio Smith picks up his second personal foul for the Texans. Gotta play with your head, son, if you want to finish the job against the Colts.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:00:00 AM		 Pierre Garcon just channeled his inner Reggie Wayne with that touchdown.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 11:00:00 AM		 I wish I had the balls to tell more than a few AAE subscribers that I thought Fitzpatrick would have a good game this week.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:04:00 AM		 Darrelle Revis two, Jake Delhomme nothing.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:04:00 AM		 Jake Delhomme doesn't seem to understand that on the deep ball, err on the side of an overthrow.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:05:00 AM		 No in-game almost could woulda shoulda bragging, Stopes. Pregame only ; )
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 11:07:00 AM		 It wasn't bragging. It was criticism. No balls.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:07:00 AM		 Welcome back to relevance, Antonio Bryant. Two plays in a row, 80 total yards.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:07:00 AM		 Scott Hanson is fantastic on the NFL Network Red Zone channel, by the way.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:09:00 AM		 DeAngelo Williams scares me every time he touches it. I have no stake in him this year, but he sure seems underused to me.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:12:00 AM		 As great as Revis is, he got away with some downfield hand checking on that second pick.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:14:00 AM		 J.P. Foschi - unstoppable.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 11:14:00 AM		 Just saw Delhomme's box score. Yikes.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:15:00 AM		 Hank Poteat, so easy to beat. The poor Browns.
 
By: Evolsdog
On: 11/29/2009 11:18:00 AM		 Has T.J. Houshmandzadeh even had a look?
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:24:00 AM		 Carson Palmer looked like he got hurt on a horse collar tackle. Last play of the half - we'll see what happens after halftime.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:25:00 AM		 The horse collar tackle results in a 53-yard field goal by Graham.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 11:26:00 AM		 Browns give up points on an untimed down two straight weeks.
 
By: jtr5708
On: 11/29/2009 11:34:00 AM		 I suspect Antonio Bryant will be one of the big pick-ups this week. I'm glad I held onto him in a few leagues, even though I was starting to think I was wasting a roster spot. He is a tremendous athlete and if Freeman can continue to play well then he should be a reliable high-end WR2. It motly depends on Freeman, who snuck under the radar and avoided the big pressure that Stafford and Sanchez have had to endure.

The bottom line is that I will always have room on my roster for a guy who can do this.


 
By: jtr5708
On: 11/29/2009 11:36:00 AM		 Obviously the knee is a caveat in Bryant's case but thankfully he has not pushed it...
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 11:39:00 AM		 Horrible PI call in the Houston/Indy game.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 11:40:00 AM		 Huge call, too. Instead of a Colts punt, sets them up deep in HOU territory.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:45:00 AM		 Potentially huge fumble by Dustin Keller. A Jets touchdown could have salted away that game.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:45:00 AM		 Why does Tiger Woods get to tell the police when he feels like talking?
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 11:48:00 AM		 Nobody should talk in the situation Woods is in. There's nothing you can say that can help yourself. The police either have enough evidence to arrest you for something or they don't - talking only helps them, not you.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 11:49:00 AM		 Why are they talking about Zorn like we should feel sorry for him? He's a grown man who knew what he signed up for.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 11:50:00 AM		 Hartline almost scored again.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 11:51:00 AM		 A better question might be how on earth did a guy as big as Tiger get beat up by his petite wife. Of course, if she was weilding a golf club that helps.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 11:55:00 AM		 Annoyed at the result, but that was a pretty sweet play call on the Quinn touchdown.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 11:58:00 AM		 I don't feel like there's any significant home-field advantage in NFC East games.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 11:59:00 AM		 Why was Brandon Jacobs running east/west the other night?
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:00:00 PM		 Possible survivor juice - another sack for the Bucs. Raheem Morris might be overmatched as a head coach, but he knows defense. Granted, Chris Redman is easier to sack than Matt Ryan.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 12:01:00 PM		 Michael Turner out. Matt Ryan out. Guys on the O-line out. Guess who has Atlanta in survivor?
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:03:00 PM		 Too much Larry Johnson today. I'm cursed by the committee this year!
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:03:00 PM		 Fitzpatrick over 50 yards rushing, just rushed for consecutive first downs.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:05:00 PM		 More signs that passing is more important than rushing - Bengals are dominating on the ground but the Browns are hanging around. Same for Dolphins against the Bills.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:05:00 PM		 Mike Furrey playing DB for the Browns. That's pretty cool. Of course, that's his original position.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:06:00 PM		 With Kurt Warner officially out, this means we'll get our Matt Leinart-Vince Young rematch. Give me the Titans./
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:07:00 PM		 Fred Jackson has to be better than Marshawn Lynch, right? Right?
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:09:00 PM		 I was just going to type that, Scott. FJax needs to go into next year as the starter. Perry Fewell is doing well by giving him more carries this week (though I'm not sure how much of that is Lynch being hurt). If I'm interviewing for the Bills job (which I might have tried in prior years given Ralph Wilson's penchant for not wanting to pay a big-time coach), I talk about how FJax should be the starter and Lynch the goal line and short yardage guy.
 
By: dreamscape
On: 11/29/2009 12:10:00 PM		 DeAngelo Williams got his knee rolled up. Out of the game for the time being.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:11:00 PM		 We should have filed a petition to make Panthers/Jets play this game without the QBs.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 12:12:00 PM		 Michael Jenkins has been surprisingly good today.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:16:00 PM		 Dogs are really barking. Can they finish?
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:17:00 PM		 CIN is playing this game like they've been up 3 TDs with only 10 mins to go. Where is the downfield passing?! It's great that you're running so well, but you aren't scoring.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:17:00 PM		 Pretty catch Steve Smith, TD. As great as Revis is, the Jets have allowed a TD to a No. 1 receiver three straight weeks (MSW not on Revis).

That all said, the play is being reviewed.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:18:00 PM		 right, taborp - that's what I was saying above abotu passing being more important than running.

I do think conservative is OK for Cincy this week - the Browns offense is limited.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 12:20:00 PM		 Cleveland punting on 4th and 3 on Cincy's 43 down two scores. Great coaching.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:20:00 PM		 Jake Delhomme looks a lot like our old friend Scott Wraight. I'm sure Wraight's passes are considerably more accurate.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:22:00 PM		 Julius Jones better not start in front of Justin Forsett, ever again. Play the better guy, Seattle.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:28:00 PM		 Stop saying "gee whiz" Dan Dierdorf. You went to Michigan. You can speak more eloquently.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:29:00 PM		 taborp - The Bengals are having major OL protection issues today; I think that's why they're avoiding going downfield like the plague.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:31:00 PM		 The Eagles OL is getting undressed by Washington's DL. When you can get to the pocket without gimmicks, you're in very good shape.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:32:00 PM		 Did B. Scott get hurt or something? I was forced to start 3 CIN players today, and it's definitely NOT working out. *sigh*
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 12:33:00 PM		 That's just it SP, he went to Michigan ;).
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:34:00 PM		 I love him as a fantasy QB, but Schaub throws that killer pick-six way too often.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:34:00 PM		 Dolphins 6 sacks. Even with a mobile Fitzpatrick, the Bills can't protect the passer.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:35:00 PM		 Lindell from 56.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:35:00 PM		 Sometimes it looks like the Texans yank defeat out of the jaws of victory. That's a soul-crushing pick from Schaub, terrible decision.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:36:00 PM		 taborp - Scott got winded earlier, was tired from the workload last week. They're going with the committee also b/c it's been effective. But he's in there right now.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:37:00 PM		 The BK King guy is just sleazy. He needs to go.

I didn't go to Michigan, but it's a good school, Payner.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:39:00 PM		 A false start on a QB sneak?!!!! Nice job CIN. It's torture rooting for CIN...as you know Erickson.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:42:00 PM		 The Texans are showing the signs of being a good torture team, too.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:42:00 PM		 Fitzpatrick to TO again. They have a little something going. Not a lot, but a little.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 12:43:00 PM		 I'm a PSU fan SP, just a joke relax.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:43:00 PM		 What's funny about the false start on the QB sneak is that it might have done us a favor - it didn't look like Palmer made it.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:44:00 PM		 Buffalo has played to win in the 4th quarter - long FG attempt, deep pass after the turnover. Like it. Dick Jauron was the exact opposite.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:47:00 PM		 Yeah, the Texans break my heart most weeks too. Painfully, I need a big lead heading into the aftenoon, and Schaub keeps getting negative points. I need Palmer to throw a screen pass to Scott for a TD, but I think that's asking too much.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:47:00 PM		 The Chad Simpson TD run was a gift - Texans were thinking strip and not thinking tackle. A shame Addai or Brown couldn't get that one.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 12:49:00 PM		 I mentioned Chad Simpson earlier this week. Not for this week, but he's a guy to keep in mind later in the year if the Colts are resting players.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:49:00 PM		 LeSean McCoy's owners must hate Andy Reid.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 12:50:00 PM		 Yes I do Jeff. Philly's short-yardage ability continues to be terrible.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:51:00 PM		 I was just wondering about that. Where did Buckley come from?
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 12:54:00 PM		 Another miss by Elam.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:54:00 PM		 Terrible year for Elam. He should've been a top K option.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:54:00 PM		 Jason Elam misses, wide left. I'll be shocked if he's in Atlanta for Week 13.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:54:00 PM		 Another missed figgie for Jason Elam - like clockwork this year.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 12:55:00 PM		 Not much action early this week, but a ton of garbage-time scoring.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 12:57:00 PM		 Yeah, thanks to the Texans for the gratuitous garbage time TD. I have a pretty big stake in Schaub.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 12:58:00 PM		 Wow. The Texans sure didn't want that free ball.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:00:00 PM		 Texans onside - great onside - the ball never hits the ground there. But there was no Texan there to grab it.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 1:01:00 PM		 They will keep losing if they insist on using Chris Brown so much. Brown had a decent day, but no one is afraid of him.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:02:00 PM		 DJax just 2 targets today.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:02:00 PM		 Are the Eagles going to back into this one?
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 1:05:00 PM		 C'mon Akers, throw a TD to Celek! :)
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 1:08:00 PM		 So, is Larry Johnson the new handcuff to Benson? They sure seem to trust him even though he's only been around a couple of weeks.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:09:00 PM		 Awful spike by ATL. Awful. There was PLENTY of time there.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 1:09:00 PM		 Use your TOs TB.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 1:10:00 PM		 You could have used that down Atl.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:10:00 PM		 I was going to say the same thing, Kevin, until ATL spiked the ball. Crazy.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:10:00 PM		 Completely agree Stopa.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:11:00 PM		 LJ is the upside handcuff to Benson, that's for sure, since they aren't giving Scott goal line looks
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 1:11:00 PM		 Why is Smith worried about the clock? You gotta give White or Gonzalez a shot here.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:11:00 PM		 I like how they ran a play for Marty Booker, too. Gratuitous time out by TB? Weird clock usage in this game.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 1:12:00 PM		 Dropped pass in Atlanta, clock mistakenly runs for 15-20 seconds, officials eventually catch on, and all the while Dick Stockton and partner seem befuddled. Stockton has really lost it.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 1:12:00 PM		 Way to come up small in your win CIN. Too conservative all year. I miss those shootout from a couple of years ago.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 1:13:00 PM		 Never spike the ball unless it's painfully obvious you have to. The Falcons wasted a down, no doubt. Teams do that all the time. Alas, Tampa might self-destruct anyway.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:14:00 PM		 There is SO much time left here for ATL. I'd run here on third down. Just have the 4th down play ready.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:14:00 PM		 I know that he was under pressure, but that was a brutal throw by Campbell on the 4th down play. And it also looked like there was a brief window for him to run.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 1:14:00 PM		 White and Gonzalez in the same place? C'mon ATL!
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:15:00 PM		 I like QB draw here. Spread em out, no RBs
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:15:00 PM		 Another timeout with the clock stopped by TB. I understand setting the defense, but don't you want to have at least one TO in the bag in case the Falcons score?
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 1:16:00 PM		 That's what I'm thinking Mark. They've been blitzing from the outside too.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:16:00 PM		 Drat, I was hoping for some survivor blood between the ATL and PHI games, and it's not going to happen.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:17:00 PM		 Bucs now down 3, 23 seconds left, but have no timeouts instead of 2 since RMorris just used them on defense.

With all the plays they ran, and still 23 seconds left, isn't it obvious how bad that spike was?
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 1:17:00 PM		 Bucs still have time, and their kicker has a long leg.
 
By: herbilk
On: 11/29/2009 1:18:00 PM		 the redskins and bucs completely ruin my day in the last few minutes.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 1:18:00 PM		 Coverage was really good on White's touchdown, but he did an excellent job boxing out for the catch, and Redman put some mustard on it. Can't blame the defense.

But Morris is a moron for not saving a time out. He's a mess with endgame strategy, has been all year.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 1:18:00 PM		 That miss by Elam looms large now.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 1:19:00 PM		 When the dust settles, Morris will end up being a DC somewhere, not a head coach.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 1:20:00 PM		 Awesome! I needed that White TD. Not to keep complaining, but only one sack for CIN today? Is that defense struggling, or has CLE started to make positive adjustments? I'll be curious to see the analysis for the CIN defense going into week 13.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:20:00 PM		 Isn't that an automatic kneel in the end zone? What are the odds that you bring it back? Lost 7 seconds there.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 1:22:00 PM		 Not even a kneel, Jeff. Shouldn't even catch it - that way it rolls through end zone and play takes no time at all.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 1:22:00 PM		 Where was the idiot from Atlanta running too on that last play when he got the ball. If I'm on his team, I would have tackled him.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:58:00 PM		 My love for Vernon Davis is as pure as mountain snow.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 1:59:00 PM		 Oh, and idiotic coverage from Jax on that play - it's 3rd-and-goal from the 3. How do you bite so badly on the play-action, particularly when it's Coffee and not Gore in the game?
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:01:00 PM		 Huge connection to Floyd, despite the Bolts have two receivers in the pattern at the same spot. Someone ran the wrong route.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:02:00 PM		 Purty pitch-and-catch from Cutler and Johnny Knox.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 2:11:00 PM		 It's not all Jay Cutler's fault in Chicago, but Troy Aikman's defense of Cutler just now was pretty cheesy.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:12:00 PM		 How much does having Leinart out there instead of Warner hurt Fitzgerald? I'm rarely seeing him targeted.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:17:00 PM		 So much for Gates' TD drought.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 2:17:00 PM		 Gates is finally rewarding owners. KC might want to cover him.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 2:28:00 PM		 Stupid, stupid play VY.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:31:00 PM		 That last Cutler pick wasn't awful - pretty much a good play by the defender.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:32:00 PM		 With a minute left in the first half, MJD has five carries. I hate to harp on the obvious, but who is your best player? It's not Garrard.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:42:00 PM		 DL, no matter how athletic you are, if you happen to find the ball in your hands, please do not lateral.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 2:43:00 PM		 Why does MIN have to throw twice as much as run? I think they have AP or someone like that.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:44:00 PM		 Probably because it's working.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 2:45:00 PM		 DJax was diagnosed with a concussion.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 2:47:00 PM		 KC looks like they're trying to make a bloopers tape out of this game.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 2:50:00 PM		 Yeah, I was pretty wrong with that KC cover. Oops. Keep on fading me, folks.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 2:58:00 PM		 Chargers are rolling, but Chris Chambers should end the day with double-digit catches.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 2:59:00 PM		 There's no need to critique Minnesota's play calling. Favre is throwing lasers in the red zone, and better yet, he's been almost flawless in his decision-making. When things don't work, okay, pile on - but this hasn't been the case at all.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 3:06:00 PM		 MJD just 5 carries.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 3:10:00 PM		 no, Joe Buck, the Vikings did not "accept" the pre-snap false start penalty on the Bears. It was a pre-snap penalty.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 3:14:00 PM		 Schedules aside, is Chris Johnson the #1 RB going forward?
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 3:18:00 PM		 And if Favre were turning the ball over at the rate Peterson is right now, people would be all over him.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 3:19:00 PM		 Beanie Wells only has 5 carries until this point also. He strung together a few nice games, thought he'd get more touches.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 3:19:00 PM		 I'd pick Johnson No. 1 for the final quarter, definitely. And he's been in the argument for a while.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 3:27:00 PM		 I see how AP is playing, though he has little opportunity to get into a rhythm. I'm just sick of having the #1 overall pick. It has never been worth it for me. AP has been ok, but not worth the dropoff for my second pick. There are probably 3 or 4 more consistent RBs right now, and they were much cheaper than AP. I'd argue Chester Taylor is a better play going forward than AP. Taylor is clearly the preferred option on passing downs.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 3:30:00 PM		 Aikman: "That was a clear grab of the face mask by Peterson, though it could have easily been called on Hillermayer...." Um, no. Stop being an apologist just to fit your meme, please.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 3:40:00 PM		 Shouldn't Rivers be on the bench? Do you really think KC is going to come back now?
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 3:41:00 PM		 More from Aikman - Bears down 17, 4th-and-1 on their own 32: "... they thought about going for it, but they just can't take that kind of risk...."

More ramifications from the Belichick decision, as far as I'm concerned. If you're the bears, down three scores and with a middling record on the road against a team with a good offense, how much risk is there really? This is borderline Jauron Award material.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 3:43:00 PM		 Chester Taylor a better play than AP? Come on. It's fine to be frustrated a bit, I suppose (though owners of Forte, Jacobs, and others have a much bigger beef), but that's a silly comment.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 3:44:00 PM		 Another 4th-and-1 decision coming up, this time for the Cards on the TEN 45. I actually think this is a non-terrible punt.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 3:44:00 PM		 The Jags went for it from their own 29 on 4th and 3 and the announcers brought up Belichick and actually criticized the decision. Really? Going for it down 3 scores is the same thing?
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 3:45:00 PM		 Chargers being reckless with Philip Rivers. You're up 26 and there's seven minutes left. Think, Norv Turner.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 3:45:00 PM		 Helps that AZ downed it at the 2.

Most of the NFL announcers are Chicken Littles too.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 3:46:00 PM		 Concur with those that think that Rivers should be resting.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 3:47:00 PM		 you want Turner to think, Scott? Be careful what you wish for.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 3:49:00 PM		 Ouch, killer fumble by Britt after the big catch.
 
By: djbrown
On: 11/29/2009 3:50:00 PM		 regretting going with forte over mike bell thus far, but the possible Bush return scares me. would help of course if Leinart would at least look at Fitz...
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 3:50:00 PM		 Maybe Mark, but think about it. How much of AP are we going to see down the stretch? Taylor gets a ton of plays already, and that ratio will be worse if they continue to throw three times more than they run. I'd say there is at least a 40% chance Taylor outperforms AP going forward. I'll probably be wrong for a game or two, but it won't make up for the rest b/c you can't bench AP. AP has a good chance of being a non-factor in the fantasy playoffs as well.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 3:56:00 PM		 I can't figure JAX out. It seems the JAX coaching staff can't either. Wasn't Garrard incredibly efficient just 2 seasons ago?
 
By: jtr5708
On: 11/29/2009 3:58:00 PM		 If I knew in advance that AP would get 10-15 carries and Taylor would get 20-25 I would still roll with AP... Benching him in favor of his backup is one of those decisions that would make you a genius if it works but you will lose a lot of sleep at night if it blows up in your face.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:00:00 PM		 AD's own penalty cost him one touchdown. Just bad luck, really.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:02:00 PM		 NFL coaches are cowards, part eleventy billion: The Bears punt on 4th and 7 down 20 points, with 11:51 left in the game. I don't care where on the field you are - giving the ball away isn't going to help you win the game.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:04:00 PM		 I'm sure that Aikman endorsed the punt, though.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 4:05:00 PM		 If TENN wins, is VY in the MVP race?
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:06:00 PM		 Not close yet, Mark. Not even the MVP of his team.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:10:00 PM		 And that's the other benefit of owning Peterson - 4th quarter carries against a tired and defeated defense. But it's a good thing that the Bears were so bold and aggressive with those fourth quarter punts.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 4:12:00 PM		 jtr, I think that would be a mistake if you knew the split ahead of time. That said, I'm not saying you can bench AP. I'm just saying you might wish you had as the season rolls along. Even with the TD just now, Taylor is worth just a little more than AP in my league. That's not what anyone was looking for with the #1 pick.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:13:00 PM		 Wow, Tennessee actually kicked the extra point. Great moments in wagering history.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 4:13:00 PM		 Man that was a fun drive from the Titans.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 4:14:00 PM		 The NFL mandates that all kicks in that sort of instance (in regulation) are kicked. It's a rule, it's in there.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 4:14:00 PM		 I hope you all say I told you so each week. I really do. I'd have to go look at the box scores, but I think Taylor has been more active in the 4th quarter this year than AP. Any recap on that TEN ending? I can't see it here. Was Young the driving force?
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:15:00 PM		 Well, they mandate a snap - right?

I guess there's no risk of two points the other way in the NFL. So no risk in kicking it.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 4:15:00 PM		 The extra point is required there. No matter the score, regardless of outcome, if a TD is scored on the last play of regulation, the extra point gets kicked.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 4:16:00 PM		 VY is doing something for TENN that has never been done in the history of the NFL - from 0-6 to 5-6. They are off the mat and suddenly in the WC race in the AFC. Right now, I say he's 4th on my MVP ballot (behind Favre, Manning, and Brees, the obvious 3).
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:16:00 PM		 Yes, VY drove them 99 yards - virtually all passing, multiple 4th down conversions, including the game-winning touchdown.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 4:17:00 PM		 They had to mention the words "music city miracle", didn't they. Overlooked in the rise of VY is the loss of Gage. He'd have a solid trio of Gage, Britt and Washington if he was healthy. It's crazy talk, but are the Titans now in playoff talk?
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 4:18:00 PM		 Not that it matters now, with the game out of hand, but another 4th quarter punt by the Bears.

Mark, I just don't see how you can put VY ahead of Chris Johnson in the MVP race, when in at least 2-3 of those games, it's been the efforts of Johnson that put them ahead. VY might have played well, but he wasn't the driving force in the JAX and SF wins, at the very least.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 4:18:00 PM		 Mark, you're way off on the MVP rankings. The defense has played considerably better, their schedule has gotten easier and Cortland Finnegan is back. VY has had a lot to do with it, but Johnson is the MVP of the team, possibly the league.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 4:22:00 PM		 Assuming the Vikings don't collapse, favorites are 9-5 this week, and 4-0 in the late games today.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 4:29:00 PM		 For my money, Manning is MVP right now. He's winning with a lesser hand than Favre or Brees. Both Favre and Brees have better defenses. He has Wayne/Clark, but he's making things work with Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Addai-all guys who are overachieving because of him. That being said, I would have bet my house against Bret Favre only having 3 interceptions at this point of the season.
 
By: Erickson
On: 11/29/2009 5:07:00 PM		 Very interesting interview with Hines Ward about Big Ben's concussion. Pretty clear that not everyone supports the decision for him not to play.
 
By: jtr5708
On: 11/29/2009 5:22:00 PM		 I missed the Hines Ward piece... Did he sound critical of Ben or of the team in any way? I understand Hines is tough and he might be one of the few guys who would risk having to live as a vegetable to play in a situation like this but it is not fair to expect that of another player.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 5:27:00 PM		 I didn't see it, but fears in Pitt have to be pretty high about not making the playoffs. I'd argue that Polamalu is just as important to the Steelers if not more than Big Ben is.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 5:33:00 PM		 Don't count out Dennis Dixon either, he was unstoppable until he got hurt at Oregon.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 5:41:00 PM		 Two tough losses ATS in consecutive weeks for the Cardinals. Last week up 21-3 at half, Warner gets hurt, win 21-13 (spread was 9). This week, VY converts three 4th downs on that final drive to win by 3 and cover by 1. That was tough not just because the Cards were 1 play from covering, but if Warner was announced "out" earlier in the week, I suspect the line would have been 3 or more, but since it looked like he was gonna play, it was only 2. OK, whine over.

The Titans weren't winning with CJohnson before VY started. No way he's the MVP of that team. Don't pitch stats to me - it's about the team winning.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 5:43:00 PM		 You go ask players in that locker room who the Titans MVP is, they'll say VY. Trust me, he's going to start getting mentioned for it this week by somebody in the media, if only as a darkhorse.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 5:44:00 PM		 The Michael Oher story (i.e. The Blindside) isn't as warm and fuzzy as it appears for the record. I'm not completely sure of all the details, but I thought I read his high school coach went with him to Ole Miss, coincidentally receiving a job the same year he enrolled there and his foster father somehow knew that coach and recommended that Michael play football. There were a couple of investigations that yielded nada, but enough was there to spark an investigation, thus the mild controversy.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 5:54:00 PM		 Mark you're still way off. When you preface it with "don't quote me stats" it's because you know they don't help your argument. Who's going to ask players in the locker room? No Chris Johnson, they lose today with Lendale White, plain and simple. A mediocre QB, yes they can win with that. As I stated, a softer schedule, an improved D with Finnegan is just as likely to give credit to. Chris Johnson in the 5 wins-800 yards, 7 TDs. It's not close.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 5:56:00 PM		 The 800 yards doesn't include receiving or receiving tds, BTW.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 6:18:00 PM		 Great. BAL has no desire to get Rice going. I'm sure it happens every year, but I feel like there are a bunch of coaches that just won't play their best players this year.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 7:24:00 PM		 Did anyone else notice Joe Flacco's first incomplete pass was caught by Troy Polamalu on the sidelines? I just thought that was cool. Carry on.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 7:31:00 PM		 Part of me is surprised the Steelers haven't had more designed running plays for Dennis Dixon. Another part of me knows the Steelers can ill afford to lose their only quarterback that knows their system. Dixon may have the skinniest legs of any NFL player, but he sure knows how to book.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 7:53:00 PM		 Why am I switching back to "Gladiator" every time there's a commercial? Only Clint Eastwood Westerns rival how many times I've seen the flick.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 7:59:00 PM		 BAL has played uninspired football tonight. They should be all over this rookie QB, but they are letting him and the PIT running game make plays. The BAL offense is just as bland.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 7:59:00 PM		 The Ravens have made Rice their focal point. You can't say they haven't. Just because they're not treating him like Jamal Anderson 1998 doesn't mean they're not utilizing him.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:00:00 PM		 Collinsworth says he wants Dixon on the edge, that very play they bootleg, he runs in the TD. Nice.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:01:00 PM		 How about Dennis Dixon's dad wearing a "We Are Family" Pirates hat -- priceless.
 
By: jtr5708
On: 11/29/2009 8:01:00 PM		 Hey topper, looks like the Steelers have a feed to this blog... That Dixon run was beautiful execution.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:02:00 PM		 Speaking of "The Family" - watched the 1979 MLB All Star Game this week on MLB Network. It was kind of cool to see Dave Parker win the MVP Award strictly because of two laser throws from right, nothing else.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:02:00 PM		 As much as I once hated Collinsworth as an announcer I now like him.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:04:00 PM		 Topper-not many running plays for Dixon because Palko has little grasp on the offense if Dix was to get hurt. But I agree, as I said before the game started Dixon is no joke. Tab, SP is right, everytime Rice is in the game, Pitt focuses on him. Pitt has taken a "if we're losing it'll not be because of Ray Rice" stance. And this is the Ravens 2009, not 2001, their defense is overrated.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:05:00 PM		 SP: It was either El Cobra or Lee Mazzilli, who hit a dinger, if I recall without Googling.
tabor: I thought the only way the Steelers had a chance tonight was if the Ravens really just aren't very good, although you throw the proverbial book out the window in division rival games.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:05:00 PM		 I love how Palko played in front of Flacco at Pitt, forcing Flacco to transfer. Not Dave Wannstedt's finest hour.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:07:00 PM		 Lee Mazzilli would have been a viable MVP - hit a homer (a cheapie that barely made it down the left-field line) and later drew the fourth walk in an inning, forcing in a run. It was great to hear Mel Allen doing the highlights, brought so many childhood memories back.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:08:00 PM		 I will never believe in Pitt until Wannstedt goes, unfortunately. Seems like a long time ago since Matt Cavanaugh fed Tony Dorsett for the National Championship. Well, I guess it was...
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:09:00 PM		 TWIB notes and Cliff Notes carried me through school for a while.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:09:00 PM		 What the hell are the Ravens doing, taking a timeout there? Now you only have 1 left. Horrible.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:10:00 PM		 Topper, don't hold your breath on Wannstedt leaving Pitt, they're good again this year without Palko and McCoy. Another solid RB-Lewis I think his name is. Collinsworth just called the Ravens D one of the top in the NFL, not true.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:10:00 PM		 I've never understood "time out to think about it." Makes zero sense to me. If you want to go for it, fine, but don't waste a time out.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:11:00 PM		 Are broadcasters going to reference Belichick every time a team goes for it on 4th down? The circumstances there weren't even close to the same.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:12:00 PM		 I felt tortured taking AZ and PITT this week ATS and then having Ben and Warner declared out. Am I going to lose both games in brutal fashion?
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:13:00 PM		 Use your TOs Tomlin.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:13:00 PM		 Why wasn't PITT taking a timeout there? Horrible. They lost 30 seconds. It's pathetic how bad these coaches are at time management, it really is.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:15:00 PM		 Am I dreaming to hope the Ravens have to kick and miss another crucial field goal?
 
By: iceguy
On: 11/29/2009 8:15:00 PM		 Yes, but Mark, the concept is the same. Conventional wisdom says to punt there, let your D get the stop, and get the ball back. Tony Dungy would say "you have to play the percentages and punt." In that sense, Belichick is applicable.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:17:00 PM		 Cundiff barely makes it. The kickers in general in the NFL today blow. I could go out and kick some of these. I get misses in the old arena league, this isn't that difficult and the weather hasn't been bad, especially in *domes*, cough, Elam, cough.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:17:00 PM		 Completely different circumstances because the Ravens were behind. Going for it on 4th down when you're behind is totally different than going for it when you're ahead.

The broadcasters earlier were making that comparison when teams were down 3 scores and going for it. Really?
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:18:00 PM		 If someone said the Steelers would be tied and have the ball with 1:51 left in the game I would've definitely said "sign me up!"
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:19:00 PM		 Ah,oh, Steelers need a first down to keep the ball away from Baltimore. Maybe Dixon can just run again. Whew, pick six not to be.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:19:00 PM		 Is it crazy to say that Ben should have sucked it up for this drive?
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:20:00 PM		 The tough thing about zone is that the read isn't obvious right away. Against man, the throws are defined much more quickly.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:20:00 PM		 Everyone knew a draw was coming there.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:21:00 PM		 Steelers coverage saved by the refs
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:22:00 PM		 Statistically speaking, the kicking of this decade is the best it's ever been. But it seems like there's been a rash of easy kicks missed lately, plus a bunch of boots that barely go in.

Rice will finish this game with 20-plus touches, by the way. They use him, peeps.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:23:00 PM		 The refs had to call it, they missed a couple of blocks in the back on the previous punt.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:24:00 PM		 I feel a 3 point BALT victory here (and barely covering the spread, the same way TENN did).
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 8:24:00 PM		 When I made that comment, McGahee and McClain were getting carries. Rice wasn't even in the game. They definitely went back to Rice in the second half, but a little late I'd argue. Rice is too dynamic to sit out or alternate series.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:25:00 PM		 Not catchable, IMO. Making up for earlier pass interfence miss.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:25:00 PM		 Illegal contact yes, PI, I didn't see it.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:26:00 PM		 Steelers D must stay aggressive here. Just because it's 1st and 20, you can't give that 10 yards back
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:27:00 PM		 This is a fun game, isn't it? Either way.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:28:00 PM		 Clock tick, tick, tick
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:28:00 PM		 can't fumble forward, right?
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:29:00 PM		 Hey, James Farrior hasn't retired yet, has he. Low blow, I know.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:29:00 PM		 I think the refs made a mistake there - the refs should have spotted the ball where Flacco fumbled from, not where they recovered it. Isn't that the rule?
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 8:29:00 PM		 Wow, crazy end to regulation...and PIT wins the toss.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 8:31:00 PM		 Good question Mark. Seems true if a WR/RB had the ball, not sure if it's the same in a sack situation.
 
By: Dave Regan
On: 11/29/2009 8:31:00 PM		 F-u Cundiff. May have just cost me $250. Go Ravens.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:31:00 PM		 The snap was at the 35, fumble recovery - 38
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:32:00 PM		 Ray Rice isn't built to be a crazy workhorse. Baltimore has used him as a No. 1 back all year, and they've been smart about this. I really don't see how this can be debated. Look at the touch counts, for tonight and for the season. Every back rests for a series or two.

And by the way, Rice has 20-plus touches in each of his last seven games. In today's NFL, that's the best you can hope for. Let's stay realistic.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:32:00 PM		 If any player fumbles after the two-minute warning in a half, only the fumbling player is permitted to recover and/or advance the ball. If recovered by any other offensive player, the ball is dead at the spot of the fumble unless it is recovered behind the spot of the fumble. In that case, the ball is dead at the spot of recovery.
 
By: billgoofnow
On: 11/29/2009 8:33:00 PM		 stopa I agree completely - I think they missed that in the confusion after that fumble
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:33:00 PM		 I'd love to see a long Willie Parker gallop here. Now you know I'm dreaming.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:33:00 PM		 Yup. They're talking about it now.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:34:00 PM		 Why didn't Pitt have someone back to grab the miss FG. Good call on fumble forward Stopa.
 
By: rscully
On: 11/29/2009 8:34:00 PM		 I need 6 more points from Mendenhall/Rice. I'm rooting for a long, indecisive OT.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:34:00 PM		 They were in such a rush since the clock was running and it was fourth down. That would have been an awful, awful mistake if that kick went in - Hochuli-esque.
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 8:34:00 PM		 Yep, the good old Holy Roller ; )
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:35:00 PM		 Stopa for NFL Fandamanion (sp?) winner at NFL.com
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:38:00 PM		 Dixon had Miller with a lot of room on 3rd down there.
 
By: Mark Stopa
On: 11/29/2009 8:38:00 PM		 What's really sad is that the "fumble forward" occurred to me, live, but not any of the 7 officials on the field or the "buzz down" guy in the booth. That's worse than what Hochuli did - that was one guy who blew a whistle. This was every official on the field missing a basic rule.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:40:00 PM		 Kevin: It was really easy to see how wide open Miller was from out here in TV land, huh.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:41:00 PM		 Stopa, here's your link http://www.nfl-monster.com/ though it only pays $100K per year. BTW, you owe me a spring training lunch since Plex went to jail, counselor.
 
By: rscully
On: 11/29/2009 8:41:00 PM		 No yardage plus bad punt equals pretty bad situation for Balmer.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:43:00 PM		 Run, Dixon, Run!
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 8:43:00 PM		 Frick! He returned it too far. No Rice action on this one.
 
By: rscully
On: 11/29/2009 8:45:00 PM		 Unless Rice breaks one of these to the end zone, I'm screwed.
 
By: taborp
On: 11/29/2009 8:46:00 PM		 I hear you...and hoping with you!
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:46:00 PM		 Kick the FG Baltimore.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:47:00 PM		 Miss the FG Cundiff!
 
By: rscully
On: 11/29/2009 8:47:00 PM		 Fun game. May have killed my fantasy season, though.
 
By: Kevin Payne
On: 11/29/2009 8:47:00 PM		 It'll be interesting to see how Pitt plays it out with BB and Polamalu from here on out. Wow another barely made FG by Cundiff.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:48:00 PM		 Good game. Surprised the Steelers played it down to the wire and then some. Congrats Ravens.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:49:00 PM		 Kevin: Who is BB? Oh, Big Ben.
 
By: jtopper
On: 11/29/2009 8:50:00 PM		 Could Dixon be used on the field with BB going forward?
 
By: Scott Pianowski
On: 11/29/2009 9:19:00 PM		 For whatever it may mean:

- Ray Rice's last seven games: 163 touches.

- Adrian Peterson's last seven games: 165 touches

- Pierre Thomas's last seven games: 107 touches.
 

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