Post by spiderfan on Jan 31, 2018 18:44:00 GMT -8
Hey everybody it is me spiderfan here, and today I'm bringing you a special version of Random Thoughts and Stuff. In the spirit of the Pro Bowl, I decided why not do a best of? I'll be picking the best segments from Week 1-17, so without further delay let us begin!
About the Giants... (from Week 1)
The Giants defense played good but ended up getting tired after a while. Being that the Cowboys defense shut down the Giants offense (as previously discussed) this means one of two things:
1.) The Cowboys defense is an underrated unit.
or
2.) The Giants offense is really bad.
You decide.
Why won't the Saints use Adrian Peterson? (from Week 2)
This is a question that IMO should not be asked, but is being asked because the Saints aren't using Adrian Peterson. The Saints brought him in and appear as if they don't want him there, so then the question becomes why did the Saints sign him in the first place? I've thought about for a while and still can't come up with a good reason. Somebody should trade for him IMO.
For all the people dissing TNF (from Week 3)
The Rams-49ers game was probably the best game of the year so far. A high scoring back and forth matchup that went down to the wire. Goff and Watkins are legit. Hoyer isn't.
About that Panthers-Pats game (from Week 4)
The reports of Cam Newton's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Brady is now playing the role of Drew Bress (in recent years), in that his defense is terrible (literally 32nd in the league) and yet he puts up fantastic numbers despite his age. The next few games will show how the Pats season will go IMO.
INJURIES! (from Week 5)
Whitney Mercilus, Brandon Marshall, OBJ, and JJ Watt have all suffered season ending injuries. The Texans defense and Giants offense won't be the same without these guys and should have a significant impact on both clubs. You hate to see injuries like this and I hope for speedy recovery for all the players involved. Here's the impact I see for the teams:
The Giants offense was already bad and the only thing keeping it somewhat functioning was OBJ. Marshall was never incorporated like he should have been and now the Giants offense should become the worst in the league. Add on top of that an overpayed overrated defense and you've got a recipe for an abysmal season. I would be surprised if McAdoo was the still the Giants coach after this season.
The Texans defense will be radically different without 2 of their best players. These injuries will test not only the skills of the other defensive players, but also Mike Vrabel as a defensive coordinator. We'll see what happens.
Thievery in New York (from Week 6)
The Jets got robbed. I don't care what Riveron says the Jets were still robbed. It is the worst call I've seen since the Dez catch and the Pats are now 4-2. I'm curious to see if the Jets stay kinda good or if they fall off the cliff after this loss.
More injuries?! (from Week 7)
So in London, Carson Palmer broke his arm. The Cardinals have struggled to win without Palmer in recent years and their season now relies on Adrian Peterson. In Cleveland Joe Thomas who hadn't ever missed a snap with the Browns, has torn his triceps and is also out for the rest of the season. This of course will make Cleveland worse and probably turn them into a truly bad team. What is most saddening about these particular injuries is that both Palmer and Thomas may never play again, which is a shame.
From Week 8
-The Cowboys are good, but will be worse without Zeke. #FreeZeke #FireGoodell
Introducing the New York Football Tinys (from Week 9)
From now on the NFC New York team shall be referred to as the Tinys. The coaching staff and players are bad. They have officially shrunk from a playoff caliber-SB contending team to a team that may end up with the number 1 pick and Baker Mayfield. The Tinys should have done Eli a favor and traded him to the Jaguars at the deadline as to avoid the upcoming awkward situation of being benched not because he is bad but so that management can decide whether they want to keep Davis Webb or pick Baker Mayfield. Whoever the new front office and coaching staff end up being, they should enjoy rebuilding a team in a market that isn't used to rebuilds.
Case Keenum should be a starting NFL QB (from Week 10)
I know I have said this multiple times this season, but it is true (notice a trend here?). Case Keenum has played well enough this season to be the starting QB of the Vikings and then get a new contract with either the Vikings or another team to become a NFL starter. If he is benched for Bridgewater, it will be because management wants to see if they should give him a new contract. Non-football related decisions like that don't end well.
The Lolcows of Denver are "soft" (from Week 11)
A defense that I always thought was overrated, got torched by the worst offense in the league and got called "soft" by Mr. Lolcow himself John Elway. Mike McCoy also got fired as the OC of the Lolcows because apparently Brock's suckage is his fault. Yeah right.
Not only that, but now Paxton Lynch will be the starting QB of the Lolcows. This is funny because Lynch was drafted to be Mr. Lolcow's replacement for the departed Brock Osweiler. Now Lynch after playing bad in multiple training camps and preseasons is finally replacing Brock years after the fact. Truly hilarious.
Mr. Lolcow himself happens to be truly hilarious himself, because in his complaint about the team being soft he forgot something... he built the team. His questionable decisions have finally come back to bite him and the SB 50 champs have sunken to Lolcows. Enjoy your rebuild Broncos fans!
The Texans... ugh. (from Week 12)
Never forget that Tom Savage was supposed to start over Deshaun Watson FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON. This is important because whenever you see Tom Savage play, know that Bill O'Brien actively took 1st team training camp and preseason reps from Watson for Savage. Bill O'Brien actually thought that Savage was going to be better that Watson. Also know that whenever you hear "O'Brien has to change his offense for Savage" that is false. O'Brien had to change his offense for Watson, because remember O'Brien's offense was originally built for Tom Brady, which is former Pats QBs Hoyer and Mallett were ever on the roster. Savage was then meant to fill the role that nobody outside of Brady has done well. Run O'Brien's offense.
With this all in mind, I say Bill O'Brien should be fired as the Head Coach of Houston Texans. Admittedly there are injuries. Lots and lots of injuries. However, the offense's ineptitude for this season and in seasons past is on O'Brien. The Texans also need a coach that will properly use Watson. I think Mike Shula would make a great fit for the Texans being that he has helped Cam Newton become one of the NFL's top QBs.
I legitimately thought that the Texans had a shot to make the playoffs even with their injuries and Savage not being good. I no longer embraced the tank. However I have decided to re-embrace the tank and it is wonderful.
You play to win the game (from Week 13)
In honor of Herm Edwards being named the Head Coach of Arizona State, I figured I would bring up Edwards' famous "You play to win the game" rant. The Jets this season are playing to win and have played competitively for the vast majority of the season. Meanwhile, the other team in New York isn't winning and has been accused of quitting. You play to win the game folks.
To catch up (from Week 14)
So, the Cleveland Browns fired VP of Football Operations Sashi Brown this past week. They then hired former Chiefs GM John Dorsey to replace him. Now personally I do not think that Brown should have been fired. I think the talent level on the Browns is better than 1-28 and so therefore he should not be blamed for the terrible record. I do however blame Hue Jackson who came in as a highly touted coach, who was produced no results, and has made questionable coaching decisions throughout his tenure such as the mismanagement of Deshone Kizer.
Kizer BTW should stay the QB of the Browns, instead of them drafting Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen or Josh Allen. This is primarily because Kizer has shown flashes this season and I think it would be waste to either get rid of him or put him on the bench. Imagine if Hue actually got behind Kizer instead of changing the lineup constantly. The Browns would not be winless. Apparently none of that matters because Hue will stay on at least for next year. A true Browns move.
Paul DePodesta (AKA The Moneyball Guy) will stay on, as he answers to Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and not new GM John Dorsey. Smart on the Browns for keeping DePodesta, one of the few smart things they have done in recent years.
What is a catch? (from Week 15)
We begin this week with a topic that shouldn't be controversial, but is anyway. That is the simple, yet complicated question: what is a catch? This question comes up because of the controversial ending to the Patriots-Steelers game where inside the red zone Steelers tight end Jesse James caught a TD that would have won the game. Except the refs ruled it an incomplete pass and on the next play Big Ben threw a game losing interception.
It appears to me that James catches the ball, breaks the plain of the endzone, and scores a TD no questions asked. The play is over before the bobble of the ball, and you could argue the bobble is meaningless because the ball had been secured. What does this all mean? It means the Steelers were robbed plain and simple. It also means that NFL refs still have no idea what a catch is after all these years, which is scary because more games could end like this.
The Cowboys... ugh. (from Week 16)
Everything went well for Cowboys on Sunday except the Cowboys winning. There is a lot of blame to go around after a game like that so let me first start with OC Scott Linehan, who called a terrible game at the worst possible time. I have been on his case for years (a fact which the people at Cowboys Universe didn't like) and now people are starting to catch on.
Speaking of catches Dez Bryant does also deserve some blame for his lost fumble and drop that resulted in a red zone interception. However, I disagree with the calls to get rid of him and think he should stay a Cowboy. This is primarily because the question has to be asked who do you replace him with? Do you make Terrence Williams the number 1 receiver? Do you replace him with someone acquired via trade or free agency? If you are going to get rid of a talent like Dez Bryant you better have a good replacement because if not, Dak will be put in a bad spot.
Speaking of Dak, he had a bad game and put the Cowboys as a whole in a bad spot. Turning the ball over multiple times isn't good, especially when it leads to opposition points. If the Seahawks don't get a free 7 points the Cowboys are in much better position to win the game. Would they have won the game? No. Because of the final person to blame to for the Cowboys loss Dan Bailey.
Dan Bailey has been one of the best kickers in the NFL. He always plays well and gets the Cowboys points... except against the Seahawks. He had 2 key misses which left 6 points off the board, so even if Dak doesn't throw the pick the Cowboys still lose.
Should changes be made? I say fire Scott Linehan and get a new offensive coordinator who can better use Dak, Dez, and Zeke's talents and who can better take advantage of good defensive performances by the Cowboys defense.
Bills Make Playoffs! (from Week 17)
For Week 17 there were various spoiler scenarios that didn't come to fruition expect one and is was the one that had the Bills making the playoffs for the first time since 1999. After the Bills beat the Dolphins it was a matter of the Bengals beating the Ravens for the Bills to make the playoffs and it happened.
Now time for my votes for the various NFL Honors:
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kareem Hunt, KC Chiefs
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
Offensive Player of the Year: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
Defensive Player of the Year: Calais Campbell, Sacksonville Jaguars
Assistant Coach of the Year: Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints
Coach of the Year: Doug Marrone, Sacksonville Jaguars
Executive of the Year: Tom Coughlin, Sacksonville Jaguars
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
See ya for the Super Bowl! This is spiderfan out.
About the Giants... (from Week 1)
The Giants defense played good but ended up getting tired after a while. Being that the Cowboys defense shut down the Giants offense (as previously discussed) this means one of two things:
1.) The Cowboys defense is an underrated unit.
or
2.) The Giants offense is really bad.
You decide.
Why won't the Saints use Adrian Peterson? (from Week 2)
This is a question that IMO should not be asked, but is being asked because the Saints aren't using Adrian Peterson. The Saints brought him in and appear as if they don't want him there, so then the question becomes why did the Saints sign him in the first place? I've thought about for a while and still can't come up with a good reason. Somebody should trade for him IMO.
For all the people dissing TNF (from Week 3)
The Rams-49ers game was probably the best game of the year so far. A high scoring back and forth matchup that went down to the wire. Goff and Watkins are legit. Hoyer isn't.
About that Panthers-Pats game (from Week 4)
The reports of Cam Newton's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Brady is now playing the role of Drew Bress (in recent years), in that his defense is terrible (literally 32nd in the league) and yet he puts up fantastic numbers despite his age. The next few games will show how the Pats season will go IMO.
INJURIES! (from Week 5)
Whitney Mercilus, Brandon Marshall, OBJ, and JJ Watt have all suffered season ending injuries. The Texans defense and Giants offense won't be the same without these guys and should have a significant impact on both clubs. You hate to see injuries like this and I hope for speedy recovery for all the players involved. Here's the impact I see for the teams:
The Giants offense was already bad and the only thing keeping it somewhat functioning was OBJ. Marshall was never incorporated like he should have been and now the Giants offense should become the worst in the league. Add on top of that an overpayed overrated defense and you've got a recipe for an abysmal season. I would be surprised if McAdoo was the still the Giants coach after this season.
The Texans defense will be radically different without 2 of their best players. These injuries will test not only the skills of the other defensive players, but also Mike Vrabel as a defensive coordinator. We'll see what happens.
Thievery in New York (from Week 6)
The Jets got robbed. I don't care what Riveron says the Jets were still robbed. It is the worst call I've seen since the Dez catch and the Pats are now 4-2. I'm curious to see if the Jets stay kinda good or if they fall off the cliff after this loss.
More injuries?! (from Week 7)
So in London, Carson Palmer broke his arm. The Cardinals have struggled to win without Palmer in recent years and their season now relies on Adrian Peterson. In Cleveland Joe Thomas who hadn't ever missed a snap with the Browns, has torn his triceps and is also out for the rest of the season. This of course will make Cleveland worse and probably turn them into a truly bad team. What is most saddening about these particular injuries is that both Palmer and Thomas may never play again, which is a shame.
From Week 8
-The Cowboys are good, but will be worse without Zeke. #FreeZeke #FireGoodell
Introducing the New York Football Tinys (from Week 9)
From now on the NFC New York team shall be referred to as the Tinys. The coaching staff and players are bad. They have officially shrunk from a playoff caliber-SB contending team to a team that may end up with the number 1 pick and Baker Mayfield. The Tinys should have done Eli a favor and traded him to the Jaguars at the deadline as to avoid the upcoming awkward situation of being benched not because he is bad but so that management can decide whether they want to keep Davis Webb or pick Baker Mayfield. Whoever the new front office and coaching staff end up being, they should enjoy rebuilding a team in a market that isn't used to rebuilds.
Case Keenum should be a starting NFL QB (from Week 10)
I know I have said this multiple times this season, but it is true (notice a trend here?). Case Keenum has played well enough this season to be the starting QB of the Vikings and then get a new contract with either the Vikings or another team to become a NFL starter. If he is benched for Bridgewater, it will be because management wants to see if they should give him a new contract. Non-football related decisions like that don't end well.
The Lolcows of Denver are "soft" (from Week 11)
A defense that I always thought was overrated, got torched by the worst offense in the league and got called "soft" by Mr. Lolcow himself John Elway. Mike McCoy also got fired as the OC of the Lolcows because apparently Brock's suckage is his fault. Yeah right.
Not only that, but now Paxton Lynch will be the starting QB of the Lolcows. This is funny because Lynch was drafted to be Mr. Lolcow's replacement for the departed Brock Osweiler. Now Lynch after playing bad in multiple training camps and preseasons is finally replacing Brock years after the fact. Truly hilarious.
Mr. Lolcow himself happens to be truly hilarious himself, because in his complaint about the team being soft he forgot something... he built the team. His questionable decisions have finally come back to bite him and the SB 50 champs have sunken to Lolcows. Enjoy your rebuild Broncos fans!
The Texans... ugh. (from Week 12)
Never forget that Tom Savage was supposed to start over Deshaun Watson FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON. This is important because whenever you see Tom Savage play, know that Bill O'Brien actively took 1st team training camp and preseason reps from Watson for Savage. Bill O'Brien actually thought that Savage was going to be better that Watson. Also know that whenever you hear "O'Brien has to change his offense for Savage" that is false. O'Brien had to change his offense for Watson, because remember O'Brien's offense was originally built for Tom Brady, which is former Pats QBs Hoyer and Mallett were ever on the roster. Savage was then meant to fill the role that nobody outside of Brady has done well. Run O'Brien's offense.
With this all in mind, I say Bill O'Brien should be fired as the Head Coach of Houston Texans. Admittedly there are injuries. Lots and lots of injuries. However, the offense's ineptitude for this season and in seasons past is on O'Brien. The Texans also need a coach that will properly use Watson. I think Mike Shula would make a great fit for the Texans being that he has helped Cam Newton become one of the NFL's top QBs.
I legitimately thought that the Texans had a shot to make the playoffs even with their injuries and Savage not being good. I no longer embraced the tank. However I have decided to re-embrace the tank and it is wonderful.
You play to win the game (from Week 13)
In honor of Herm Edwards being named the Head Coach of Arizona State, I figured I would bring up Edwards' famous "You play to win the game" rant. The Jets this season are playing to win and have played competitively for the vast majority of the season. Meanwhile, the other team in New York isn't winning and has been accused of quitting. You play to win the game folks.
To catch up (from Week 14)
So, the Cleveland Browns fired VP of Football Operations Sashi Brown this past week. They then hired former Chiefs GM John Dorsey to replace him. Now personally I do not think that Brown should have been fired. I think the talent level on the Browns is better than 1-28 and so therefore he should not be blamed for the terrible record. I do however blame Hue Jackson who came in as a highly touted coach, who was produced no results, and has made questionable coaching decisions throughout his tenure such as the mismanagement of Deshone Kizer.
Kizer BTW should stay the QB of the Browns, instead of them drafting Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen or Josh Allen. This is primarily because Kizer has shown flashes this season and I think it would be waste to either get rid of him or put him on the bench. Imagine if Hue actually got behind Kizer instead of changing the lineup constantly. The Browns would not be winless. Apparently none of that matters because Hue will stay on at least for next year. A true Browns move.
Paul DePodesta (AKA The Moneyball Guy) will stay on, as he answers to Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and not new GM John Dorsey. Smart on the Browns for keeping DePodesta, one of the few smart things they have done in recent years.
What is a catch? (from Week 15)
We begin this week with a topic that shouldn't be controversial, but is anyway. That is the simple, yet complicated question: what is a catch? This question comes up because of the controversial ending to the Patriots-Steelers game where inside the red zone Steelers tight end Jesse James caught a TD that would have won the game. Except the refs ruled it an incomplete pass and on the next play Big Ben threw a game losing interception.
It appears to me that James catches the ball, breaks the plain of the endzone, and scores a TD no questions asked. The play is over before the bobble of the ball, and you could argue the bobble is meaningless because the ball had been secured. What does this all mean? It means the Steelers were robbed plain and simple. It also means that NFL refs still have no idea what a catch is after all these years, which is scary because more games could end like this.
The Cowboys... ugh. (from Week 16)
Everything went well for Cowboys on Sunday except the Cowboys winning. There is a lot of blame to go around after a game like that so let me first start with OC Scott Linehan, who called a terrible game at the worst possible time. I have been on his case for years (a fact which the people at Cowboys Universe didn't like) and now people are starting to catch on.
Speaking of catches Dez Bryant does also deserve some blame for his lost fumble and drop that resulted in a red zone interception. However, I disagree with the calls to get rid of him and think he should stay a Cowboy. This is primarily because the question has to be asked who do you replace him with? Do you make Terrence Williams the number 1 receiver? Do you replace him with someone acquired via trade or free agency? If you are going to get rid of a talent like Dez Bryant you better have a good replacement because if not, Dak will be put in a bad spot.
Speaking of Dak, he had a bad game and put the Cowboys as a whole in a bad spot. Turning the ball over multiple times isn't good, especially when it leads to opposition points. If the Seahawks don't get a free 7 points the Cowboys are in much better position to win the game. Would they have won the game? No. Because of the final person to blame to for the Cowboys loss Dan Bailey.
Dan Bailey has been one of the best kickers in the NFL. He always plays well and gets the Cowboys points... except against the Seahawks. He had 2 key misses which left 6 points off the board, so even if Dak doesn't throw the pick the Cowboys still lose.
Should changes be made? I say fire Scott Linehan and get a new offensive coordinator who can better use Dak, Dez, and Zeke's talents and who can better take advantage of good defensive performances by the Cowboys defense.
Bills Make Playoffs! (from Week 17)
For Week 17 there were various spoiler scenarios that didn't come to fruition expect one and is was the one that had the Bills making the playoffs for the first time since 1999. After the Bills beat the Dolphins it was a matter of the Bengals beating the Ravens for the Bills to make the playoffs and it happened.
Now time for my votes for the various NFL Honors:
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kareem Hunt, KC Chiefs
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
Offensive Player of the Year: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
Defensive Player of the Year: Calais Campbell, Sacksonville Jaguars
Assistant Coach of the Year: Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints
Coach of the Year: Doug Marrone, Sacksonville Jaguars
Executive of the Year: Tom Coughlin, Sacksonville Jaguars
Most Valuable Player: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
See ya for the Super Bowl! This is spiderfan out.