2013/2014 NFL Thread: Attack of the Matts

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Love Tim Tebow or hate him, you gotta admit, in a world for full Johnny Manziel, Alex Rodriguez, Jerry Sandusky, and however many athlete arrests we have nowadays, it's somewhat refreshing to see a professional athlete handle his adversity with class and dignity.

 

[Matt]

That is a very fair point, IMO. I wish he would've been more willing to give tight end or fullback a try from the beginning (although fullback is a dying position in the NFL). Had he started playing one of those positions three years ago, it may very well have been a different story with him.

 

[enterthemadness]

That is a very fair point, IMO. I wish he would've been more willing to give tight end or fullback a try from the beginning (although fullback is a dying position in the NFL). Had he started playing one of those positions three years ago, it may very well have been a different story with him.

I love using Tolbert to block for me in Madden 25. Out of the I-Formation.

Tebow has his head on his shoulders....

In Panthers News, QB Jimmy Clausen got WAIVED. And Injured all the time WR David Gettis is as well. Shame on Gettis...injuries doomed him in Carolina.

 

[Darthphere]

Love Tim Tebow or hate him, you gotta admit, in a world for full Johnny Manziel, Alex Rodriguez, Jerry Sandusky, and however many athlete arrests we have nowadays, it's somewhat refreshing to see a professional athlete handle his adversity with class and dignity.

Meh.

 

[Immortalfire]

I love using Tolbert to block for me in Madden 25. Out of the I-Formation.

Tebow has his head on his shoulders....

In Panthers News, QB Jimmy Clausen got WAIVED. And Injured all the time WR David Gettis is as well. Shame on Gettis...injuries doomed him in Carolina.

Time to bring back Matt Moore.

 

[enterthemadness]

Time to bring back Matt Moore.

I traded for him and Tim Tebow in Madden 25 (Owner Mode, Offline)...and all I do is get sack and throw INT's with him.


I threw a TD in triple coverage with Tebow though....only in Madden.

 

[runawayboulder]

Love Tim Tebow or hate him, you gotta admit, in a world for full Johnny Manziel, Alex Rodriguez, Jerry Sandusky, and however many athlete arrests we have nowadays, it's somewhat refreshing to see a professional athlete handle his adversity with class and dignity.

TRUTH

That's why I kinda feel for the guy and hope that he at least gets a job in the league doing something.

 

[Genesis 1.0]

Joe Flacco says he's a Johnny Football fan because of the growing hate for Manziel & it's something he can identify with. Heh, I love this guy.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9625856/joe-flacco-baltimore-ravens-fan-johnny-manziel

"I don't know if I'll be too popular for this," Flacco said, according to the Carroll County Times in Maryland. "But I don't know how I really felt about Johnny Manziel, but I feel like now everyone hates him. He's quickly becoming my favorite player in college football."

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Interesting stat ESPN just brought up. The defending Super Bowl champions from the previous season haven't won a playoff game since the New England Patriots did it in 2005.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Interesting stat ESPN just brought up. The defending Super Bowl champions from the previous season haven't won a playoff game since the New England Patriots did it in 2005.

And the defending champs won't win a playoff game this year either.

But that is an interesting stat tho for sure.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Here's my predictions for the upcoming season.

NFC

Spoiler

1. Green Bay Packers - (12-4) - They've lost 2 games at home in the past 3 seasons. Rodgers should have another solid season.

2. Atlanta Falcons -(11-5) The division is tougher than it's been in years. Saints and Bucs will give them a run. This is another team that's stellar at home.

3. Seattle Seahawks - (10-6) - Call me crazy, but I'm taking the Hawks over the Niners. In fact, my bold prediction for the year, Is the Niners missing the playoffs.

4. New York Giants (9-7) - This will come down to the last week of the season between all 4 teams. Giants are left standing

5. New Orleans Saints - (10-6) - Sean Payton is back.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (10-6) Their improved secondary will help them win games. Plus, Josh Freeman is underrated.


Wild Card - Seahawks def Buccaneers
Wild Card - Saints def Giants

Divisional - Falcons def Seahawks
Dvisonal - Saints def Packers

NFC Championship - Saints def Falcons

AFC

Spoiler

1. Denver Broncos (13-3) - The division is weak and Manning has a new weapon.


2. New England Patriots (12-4) - This is another division that is a lock. Dolphins are quietly gaining though.


3. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) - They can beat the Ravens and Steelers anywhere. They also have a decent schedule.

4. Houston Texans (11-5) - Are basically the Atlanta Falcons these days. They'll put together another solid season.

5. Baltimore Ravens - (10-6) - They've made some improvements on defense, but it's not enough to win the division.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers - (10-6) - Steelers bounce back and sneak into the playoffs.


Wild Card - Bengals def Steelers
Wild Card - Texans def Ravens

Divisional - Bengals def Patriots
Divisional - Broncos def Texans

AFC Championship - Broncos def Bengals

Super Bowl 48

Spoiler

Broncos def Saints

Denver Broncos - Super Bowl 48 Champions

 

[Genesis 1.0]

And the defending champs won't win a playoff game this year either.

But that is an interesting stat tho for sure.

The bitter is strong with this one.

Love it.

 

[Wheels]

Someone has to win the AFC North. I wouldn't bet on my Steelers.

 

[chesslover]

Adios BJ Coleman-hola Seneca Wallace.

 

[Genesis 1.0]

Someone has to win the AFC North. I wouldn't bet on my Steelers.

Eh, I think the Ravens will back into the playoffs, probably by winning the division. If we let the Bengals win it again by default, I'll be truly disgusted.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Here's my predictions for the upcoming season.

NFC

Spoiler

1. Green Bay Packers - (12-4) - They've lost 2 games at home in the past 3 seasons. Rodgers should have another solid season.

2. Atlanta Falcons -(11-5) The division is tougher than it's been in years. Saints and Bucs will give them a run. This is another team that's stellar at home.

3. Seattle Seahawks - (10-6) - Call me crazy, but I'm taking the Hawks over the Niners. In fact, my bold prediction for the year, Is the Niners missing the playoffs.

4. New York Giants (9-7) - This will come down to the last week of the season between all 4 teams. Giants are left standing

5. New Orleans Saints - (10-6) - Sean Payton is back.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (10-6) Their improved secondary will help them win games. Plus, Josh Freeman is underrated.


Wild Card - Seahawks def Buccaneers
Wild Card - Saints def Giants

Divisional - Falcons def Seahawks
Dvisonal - Saints def Packers

NFC Championship - Saints def Falcons

AFC

Spoiler

1. Denver Broncos (13-3) - The division is weak and Manning has a new weapon.


2. New England Patriots (12-4) - This is another division that is a lock. Dolphins are quietly gaining though.


3. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) - They can beat the Ravens and Steelers anywhere. They also have a decent schedule.

4. Houston Texans (11-5) - Are basically the Atlanta Falcons these days. They'll put together another solid season.

5. Baltimore Ravens - (10-6) - They've made some improvements on defense, but it's not enough to win the division.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers - (10-6) - Steelers bounce back and sneak into the playoffs.


Wild Card - Bengals def Steelers
Wild Card - Texans def Ravens

Divisional - Bengals def Patriots
Divisional - Broncos def Texans

AFC Championship - Broncos def Bengals

Super Bowl 48

Spoiler

Broncos def Saints

Denver Broncos - Super Bowl 48 Champions

No way the 49ers miss the playoffs. No way.

Seattle might win the division, but the 49ers aren't missing the playoffs.

The bitter is strong with this one.

Love it.

Has nothing to do with bitterness. Despite them beating my team in the Super Bowl, I don't hate, and even kind of like the Ravens.

It has everything to do with:

1.) Joe Flacco is -NOT- elite. He is a GOOD QB, and he is certainly no Dilfer or Brad Johnson, but he is NOT elite, and he was bailed out more than a couple times during the post-season by Anquan Boldin...

2.) Which brings me to point #2 - Where's Anquan? Not with Baltimore anymore. While Torrey Smith is the biggest weapon for the Ravens in the passing game, Anquan Boldin is the one who bailed Flacco out and made him look good. Boldin is gone. But he's not even the biggest loss...

3.) Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were the heart of that defense, and while they were both older, both of them were still very significant players. One is whining his way through retirement, while the other one is in Houston.

Baltimore is NOT the same team that went on their run and won the Super Bowl last year, and I believe they lost too many pieces to do any sort of worthwhile damage this year.

Can they MAKE the playoffs? Absolutely. They aren't crap, and that division is. But they aren't gonna squeak through the Denvers, or New Englands of the post season.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

No way the 49ers miss the playoffs. No way.

Seattle might win the division, but the 49ers aren't missing the playoffs.

There's a few reasons why I think the 49ers won't make the playoffs.

1. Their insane schedule. They start of the season against Green Bay and then head to Seattle(whom they play twice this season). They didn't even beat St. Louis last season. They play them week 4. They also play the NFC South. Saints and Bucs will both be better. Yes, the Seahawks have basically the same schedule, but I think they're still far better than the 49ers.

2. The NFC has too many good teams. The Chicago Bears missed the playoffs last season at 10-6. I think the same happens to someone this season.

3. Colin Kaepernick. I think he struggles. Teams have film on him and he rushes the ball FAR too much. He's also playing 16 games this season rather than 8.

Like I said, you can call me crazy, but I think the 49ers are in for a rude awakening.

 

[Kaleb]

No way the 49ers miss the playoffs. No way.

Seattle might win the division, but the 49ers aren't missing the playoffs.



Has nothing to do with bitterness. Despite them beating my team in the Super Bowl, I don't hate, and even kind of like the Ravens.

It has everything to do with:

1.) Joe Flacco is -NOT- elite. He is a GOOD QB, and he is certainly no Dilfer or Brad Johnson, but he is NOT elite, and he was bailed out more than a couple times during the post-season by Anquan Boldin...

2.) Which brings me to point #2 - Where's Anquan? Not with Baltimore anymore. While Torrey Smith is the biggest weapon for the Ravens in the passing game, Anquan Boldin is the one who bailed Flacco out and made him look good. Boldin is gone. But he's not even the biggest loss...

3.) Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were the heart of that defense, and while they were both older, both of them were still very significant players. One is whining his way through retirement, while the other one is in Houston.

Baltimore is NOT the same team that went on their run and won the Super Bowl last year, and I believe they lost too many pieces to do any sort of worthwhile damage this year.

Can they MAKE the playoffs? Absolutely. They aren't crap, and that division is. But they aren't gonna squeak through the Denvers, or New Englands of the post season.

This I dont understand,Every QB will look for their best player (WR/TE) to help him out.

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

There's a few reasons why I think the 49ers won't make the playoffs.

1. Their insane schedule. They start of the season against Green Bay and then head to Seattle(whom they play twice this season). They didn't even beat St. Louis last season. They play them week 4. They also play the NFC South. Saints and Bucs will both be better. Yes, the Seahawks have basically the same schedule, but I think they're still far better than the 49ers.

The Packers, who the 49ers beat twice last year - once in Lambeau, and once in the playoffs.

Saints and Bucs I'm not worried about. Perhaps you haven't been watching the 49ers under Harbaugh? We don't lose to those types of teams. Who do we lose to? The Giants / Ravens / Seahawks of the NFL - the defensive minded teams.

I can't remember the last offensive minded team we lost to under Harbaugh. Saints / Packers / Patriots / Steelers / Bengals / Lions / Falcons... we've beaten them all.

I think you're crazy if you think the Seahawks are "far" better than the 49ers. The Seahawks absolutely CAN beat us, and absolutely CAN win the division. That is not far fetched in the least bit, and I am very concerned about Seattle. But they aren't "far" better than us, just as we aren't "far" better than them. I'd say it's probably pretty equal. I'd give a slight advantage to the 49ers, partially based on bias, and partially not, but it's not a heavy advantage in either direction.

2. The NFC has too many good teams. The Chicago Bears missed the playoffs last season at 10-6. I think the same happens to someone this season.

The NFC does have a lot of good teams, you're right. But I don't think there's enough to keep the 49ers out of the playoffs.

3. Colin Kaepernick. I think he struggles. Teams have film on him and he rushes the ball FAR too much. He's also playing 16 games this season rather than 8.

Rushes too much? Is the Green Bay playoff game the only game you've seen of Kaepernick??? Kaepernick is a pass first QB who is also a beast running the ball. He isn't some sort of Michael Vick or something here.

He's had a single rushing attempt all pre-season, and going back to last year, here are his rushing stats:

Super Bowl - 7 for 62 yards (8.9 average), 1 TD
@ ATL - 2 for 21 yards (10.5 average)
v. GB - 16 for 181 (11.3 average), 2 TD

His starts during the regular season, he had 4, 6, 9, 6, 7, 7, and 3 attempts.

Yea, he's got legs, and Harbaugh utilizes them.

You say that Kaepernick rushes too much, and that Seattle is -sssooooo- much better, but in the same span of regular season games, here's Russell Wilson's rushing attempts:

7, 5, 9, 3, 9, 6, 10

In the same span of games (the final 7 weeks beginning with Kaepernick's 1st start against Chicago) Russell Wilson had 49 rushing attempts to Kaepernick's 42.

But Kaepernick "rushes too much" while Seattle is somehow sooo much better than the 49ers with a QB who rushes MORE?

Like I said, you can call me crazy, but I think the 49ers are in for a rude awakening.

Maybe. I don't have any impressions that we're gonna win the Super Bowl or anything this year. But to say we won't even make the playoffs is quite the stretch, when most consider the team to be the best team in all of football right now.

This I dont understand,Every QB will look for their best player (WR/TE) to help him out.

It's a lot different when Flacco is chucking up prayers and Boldin is bailing him out.

Not quite the same as feeding Boldin via the gameplan.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Eh, I think the Ravens will back into the playoffs, probably by winning the division. If we let the Bengals win it again by default, I'll be truly disgusted.

Prepare to be disgusted, punk. I think they'll fully earn the playoffs this year and get at least one playoff win under their belt. I'm not seeing a Superbowl trip this year (next year maybe), but I do think this'll be our best year in decades.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

The Packers, who the 49ers beat twice last year - once in Lambeau, and once in the playoffs.

It's hard to keep beating a team like that. The game is gonna be close. I'm not saying the Packers are going to win, but if they do, the 49ers could lose the following week and be in a 0-2 hole.

Saints and Bucs I'm not worried about. Perhaps you haven't been watching the 49ers under Harbaugh? We don't lose to those types of teams. Who do we lose to? The Giants / Ravens / Seahawks of the NFL - the defensive minded teams.

Saints have Sean Payton back. While they might not be a big difference maker, it still makes them dangerous. They have A LOT to prove this season. The Buccaneers have improved their secondary. I think the Niners need to cirlce those games. It could make the difference if they're in or out. I'm also gonna say the Panthers game will be tough.(although I might be biased on that). They've also improved their secondary and have a defense that's up and coming.

I also would be put the Giants/Ravens in the offensive category. The Giants were ranked 31st in the NFL last season on defense. The Ravens were ranked 17th.

I can't remember the last offensive minded team we lost to under Harbaugh. Saints / Packers / Patriots / Steelers / Bengals / Lions / Falcons... we've beaten them all.

Steelers and Benglas have better defenses than offense. But that's irrelevant this year since the 49ers don't play them.

I think you're crazy if you think the Seahawks are "far" better than the 49ers. The Seahawks absolutely CAN beat us, and absolutely CAN win the division. That is not far fetched in the least bit, and I am very concerned about Seattle. But they aren't "far" better than us, just as we aren't "far" better than them. I'd say it's probably pretty equal. I'd give a slight advantage to the 49ers, partially based on bias, and partially not, but it's not a heavy advantage in either direction.

I went a little overboard by saying far better. That's my bad. However, I think the Seahawks have the better running game and the better defense.

The NFC does have a lot of good teams, you're right. But I don't think there's enough to keep the 49ers out of the playoffs.

I think it does. The following teams can win more than 10 games. Packers, Falcons, Seahawks, Washington, Dallas, NY Giants, Buccaneers, Saints, Bears, 49ers and probably a surprise team. Will all those teams win more than 10 games? Probably not. But there's enough there where a good team will be out.

Rushes too much? Is the Green Bay playoff game the only game you've seen of Kaepernick??? Kaepernick is a pass first QB who is also a beast running the ball. He isn't some sort of Michael Vick or something here.

He's had a single rushing attempt all pre-season, and going back to last year, here are his rushing stats:

Super Bowl - 7 for 62 yards (8.9 average), 1 TD
@ ATL - 2 for 21 yards (10.5 average)
v. GB - 16 for 181 (11.3 average), 2 TD

His starts during the regular season, he had 4, 6, 9, 6, 7, 7, and 3 attempts.

Yea, he's got legs, and Harbaugh utilizes them.

You say that Kaepernick rushes too much, and that Seattle is -sssooooo- much better, but in the same span of regular season games, here's Russell Wilson's rushing attempts:

7, 5, 9, 3, 9, 6, 10

In the same span of games (the final 7 weeks beginning with Kaepernick's 1st start against Chicago) Russell Wilson had 49 rushing attempts to Kaepernick's 42.

If Kaepernick would have played the whole season, he would have passed Wilson in rushing attempts(of course this is based on AVG rushing attempts). Kaepernick also came in during the St.Louis game and rushed for 66yds on 8 attempts.

But Kaepernick "rushes too much" while Seattle is somehow sooo much better than the 49ers with a QB who rushes MORE?

Again, Kaeprnick actually rushed more than Wilson last season based on AVG rushing attempts. Kaepernick would have rushed the ball over 120 times compared to Wilson's 94 attempts if he had started the whole season. While that's not a huge difference between them, more rushing attempts means more chances to get hurt. Kaepernick is not the only QB in that category. Wilson, Newton, and RG3 are right there with him.

I never said Seattle was better based on their QB. I think heading into the season, Seattle has the better defense and running game. I think that's the difference maker.

Maybe. I don't have any impressions that we're gonna win the Super Bowl or anything this year. But to say we won't even make the playoffs is quite the stretch, when most consider the team to be the best team in all of football right now.

If I'm wrong at the end of the season, they I'll say I'm wrong. I just think the dominoes could fall where the 49ers are out of the playoffs. Sometimes the losing Super Bowl teams tend to have a hangover. I think that happens this season.

 

[Genesis 1.0]

Prepare to be disgusted, punk. I think they'll fully earn the playoffs this year and get at least one playoff win under their belt. I'm not seeing a Superbowl trip this year (next year maybe), but I do think this'll be our best year in decades.

Damn I love football season. Every year the Bengals fanbase says it'll be their year, usually followed by transforming into the Bungles. Difference is this year they actually seem to have it together.

 

[Immortalfire]

Marvin Lewis just signed another contract extension.

 

[DoomsdayApex]

I think The 49ers could be in trouble this year too. The NFC is stacked. Kaepernick's passing will be tested with opposing defenses now having tape on him. He has fantastic arm velocity and a quick release but there are times where he pitches instead of passing, and that could bite him in the ass (check out The Ram games -- he appeared very average). Sorry, but The Packers have the superior secondary. If Green Bay improves against the run, I don't see Colin beating them. Then, there's Seattle. I am starting to loath their fanbase (pompous and self-entitled morons who think they got screwed out of OROY, DROY and the Super Bowl) but they have the best secondary in the NFL. Kaep is gonna have to rush for 150 yards to give the 49ers a chance.

 

[DoomsdayApex]

Here's my predictions for the upcoming season.

NFC

Spoiler

1. Green Bay Packers - (12-4) - They've lost 2 games at home in the past 3 seasons. Rodgers should have another solid season.

2. Atlanta Falcons -(11-5) The division is tougher than it's been in years. Saints and Bucs will give them a run. This is another team that's stellar at home.

3. Seattle Seahawks - (10-6) - Call me crazy, but I'm taking the Hawks over the Niners. In fact, my bold prediction for the year, Is the Niners missing the playoffs.

4. New York Giants (9-7) - This will come down to the last week of the season between all 4 teams. Giants are left standing

5. New Orleans Saints - (10-6) - Sean Payton is back.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (10-6) Their improved secondary will help them win games. Plus, Josh Freeman is underrated.


Wild Card - Seahawks def Buccaneers
Wild Card - Saints def Giants

Divisional - Falcons def Seahawks
Dvisonal - Saints def Packers

NFC Championship - Saints def Falcons

AFC

Spoiler

1. Denver Broncos (13-3) - The division is weak and Manning has a new weapon.


2. New England Patriots (12-4) - This is another division that is a lock. Dolphins are quietly gaining though.


3. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) - They can beat the Ravens and Steelers anywhere. They also have a decent schedule.

4. Houston Texans (11-5) - Are basically the Atlanta Falcons these days. They'll put together another solid season.

5. Baltimore Ravens - (10-6) - They've made some improvements on defense, but it's not enough to win the division.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers - (10-6) - Steelers bounce back and sneak into the playoffs.


Wild Card - Bengals def Steelers
Wild Card - Texans def Ravens

Divisional - Bengals def Patriots
Divisional - Broncos def Texans

AFC Championship - Broncos def Bengals

Super Bowl 48

Spoiler

Broncos def Saints

Denver Broncos - Super Bowl 48 Champions

Ouch! There's no way The Saints and The Bucs make it to the playoffs. New Orleans is gonna need more than Payton back. They just made the transition to a 3-4 defense without the correct personnel. That defense could be horrific again. Adding Vaccaro changes nothing (mostly because he was overhyped coming out of Texas) simply because they are dreadful at tackling and possess no pass rush. As for Tampa, they acquired Revis, Goldson and drafted Banks, but they lost Bennett and Miller. The way I see it, where Freeman goes so do The Buccaneers, and he's not a dependable QB. His decision-making is shockingly bad half the time (I believe he had 4-5 games where he threw for 3-4 interceptions, and completed less than 52% of his passes).