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Detroit Lions
Football is an abundantly strange sport sometimes. You can hit another man as hard as you can, committing what would reasonably be considered assault in most any other circumstance, and people will praise you for it. If you hurt that same guy's feelings, though? That's when people will start to complain. That seems to be the crux of this situation with Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril supposedly taunting Matt Ryan after Ryan was injured by one of his own players. Suh is firing back, saying that Ryan's injury was karma for the Falcons' own dirty play. Is anyone in the right here?
- "Exactly what did Suh do wrong here? I am so tired about everyone whining about Suh being a dirty player. He did absolutely nothing dirty in this game. Even if he did trash talk, so what? Last I checked, trash talking was pretty common in football. At least he stands by what he says and doesn't back down. " -- SN commenter thelendr1
- "Karma, huh? Which team, exactly, won that game? Also, I think Stafford's injury is a tad more severe. So whose karma really got cashed in?" -- SN commenter coldbeerdrinker85
Is Suh a dirty player?
Ndamukong Suh is quickly acquiring a reputation as a man who takes certain liberties with the health and safety of opposing players -- he hits hard, hits often and isn't above going for the head.
Part of the job?
"The man's sitting on the ground. We've obviously continued to do our job, getting to him, causing havoc. ... At that time, when he's on the ground, there's nothing that I have to say to him. We've done our job, we've been in his face, we've caused him to go down, we've caused his offensive lineman to hurt him." -- Ndamukong Suh
What's your take on taunting?
Trash talk happens all the time on the playing field -- certain players are famed for their ability to get inside an opponent's head. Does it cross a line when there's an injury involved?
This never would have happened with Rod Marinelli and Mike Nolan. And by that we mean both a confrontation between coaches and a meaningful game between the Lions and 49ers. Jim Harbaugh's 49ers knocked Jim Schwartz's Lions from the ranks of the unbeaten in Detroit on Sunday, but was what happened between the coaches after the win a bigger story?
- "Losing is bad enough. But to make yourself a laughing stock by chasing after the other coach for something said is REALLY embarrasing. But hang in there Schwartz, perhaps time will reduce the shame of your being such a baby in public." -- SN commenter HP_Pavilion
- "Harbaugh might be a good coach, but his ego is overblown and his sense of sportsmanship is extremely lacking. ... They are both to blame, but I lay the most blame on Harbaugh." -- SN commenter Rebel-999
Who gets the blame?
You've seen the video by now. Harbaugh offers a rather exuberant handshake, Schwartz bumps him and chases him down the field.
Did it overshadow the game?
There was a game leading up to the handshake, a game in which the 49ers followed a road win in Philadelphia with another in Detroit against a previously unbeaten team.
Do we need handshakes?
Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini would probably join Harbaugh and Schwartz in voting no on this one. What's your take on the tradition?
Who is doing a better job?
Back to the football for a moment. There are only four teams in the league with as many as five wins. Which coach deserves more credit for getting these teams in that club?
The Detroit Lions won more than five games in a season just three times in the past decade. After improving to 5-0 this season with a 24-13 win against the Bears, they've got more than two months to add to that total. But forget small progress. With expectations soaring, are the Lions legitimate Super Bowl contenders? More: Submit your NFL Power Rankings
Are you sold on the Lions?
The Lions are 5-0, but it's starting to look like they could go 14-2 and still lose the division to the Packers. Between a tough division and their own inexperience, are they contenders?
Who is the real cornerstone?
Ndamukong Suh didn't have a sack in Monday's game, but ask Jay Cutler how solid of a cornerstone the defensive tackle is for the Lions.
Is Calvin Johnson the defining talent?
The NFC North has the league's two remaining unbeaten teams. It also has four unique talents. Does "Megatron" fit that category best of all?
Should Randy Moss be worried?
Randy Moss holds the single-season record with 23 touchdown catches. Moss and Jerry Rice (22) are the only receivers to break 20. Johnson has nine in five games.
The first game of the NFL season kicks off in a little more than 24 hours, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't at least a little excited. Pro football can be a messy affair at times -- see the entire labor battle during the offseason -- but it's a glorious sport at its heart. Most every team's fan base has something to look forward to this weekend, although Colts fans may be dreading a future without Peyton Manning after the news that he'll miss at least his first game with a neck injury.
- Rank: Is Peyton Manning still in the MVP race? | Which are football's best teams?
- Vote: Which teams are the favorite to win each division?
Best game?
There are a lot of good matchups in Week 1 of the NFL's 2011 regular season. Steelers-Ravens, for example, could be a preview of a future AFC playoff game.
Colts without Manning?
Peyton Manning is out for an undetermined amount of time. This could be a prime opportunity for other teams to break Indianapolis' stranglehold on the AFC South.
AFC East
The Patriots responded to their 14-2 record last season by signing or trading for several marquee names. Are they good enough to beat the Jets?
AFC North
The Steelers fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season, as their vaunted defense wasn't able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
AFC South
Peyton Manning took a pay cut in order for the Colts to keep some of their key players, but is it enough for Indianapolis to win the AFC South?
AFC West
There's a brewing quarterback controversy in Denver, with Kyle Orton delaying the seemingly inevitable succession of Tim Tebow to the starting job. Can the Broncos compete with Orton?
NFC East
The Eagles made a number of humongous moves this offseason, including trading Kevin Kolb and signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Are they the team to beat in the NFC East?
NFC North
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on an incredible run to a Super Bowl title last year. Are they the favorites in the NFC North once again?
NFC South
The Saints looked to make another deep run at a Super Bowl, but were stunned by the lowly Seahawks. Are they still an elite team?
NFC West
Speaking of the Seahawks, they won the NFC West despite a 7-9 record. Will they sneak into the playoffs once more?
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
Initially the NFC North looked like it was going to be all Favre, all the time, but the real story wasn't anywhere near Minnesota. Detroit performed reasonably well with a cast of young talent, the Packers rode Aaron Rodgers' arm to a playoff spot, and the Bears surprised everyone by getting the NFC's No. 2 seed in the playoffs. What grade would you give each team in the NFC North? Cast your vote now!
AFC Grades: East | North | South | West | NFC Grades: East | South | West
Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre's swan song with the Vikings ended up being a disaster -- the veteran QB never found his groove, and the Vikings paid the price.
Detroit Lions
The Lions aren't a good team just yet, but they're at least semi-respectable -- and any team that ignores Ndamukong Suh does so at its peril.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers needed two wins in their last two games to make the playoffs and got them, including a close call against the rival Bears.
Chicago Bears
Fans may have their issues with Lovie Smith and Jay Cutler, but the coach and his QB led the Bears to a first-round bye in the playoffs.
- Vote: Is Ryan Grant a bigger loss than Sidney Rice? | Will Packers win Week 2?
- Rank 'Em: Is Aaron Rodgers at the front of the early MVP race?
In the world of NFC North football, is it a bigger deal that Brett Favre doesn't have anyone to throw the ball to 30 yards down the field, or that Aaron Rodgers doesn't have anyone to hand the ball to a few yards behind the line of scrimmage?
SportsNation made it clear in the preseason that Favre or no Favre (a question that is the natural state of Favre), the Packers were the favorites in the division. But losing running back Ryan Grant for the season seems like kind of a big deal, especially as the Packers aren't the Cowboys when it comes to running back depth. So is the division up for grabs?
Lisa (Kansas)
What does Grants loss mean for the Packers?
NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert
I think it's huge. Many teams run a two-back offense, but the Packers aren't one of them. Grant has been their guy for almost all running plays the past three years or so. We haven't seen Brandon Jackson in the No. 1 role since he was a rookie. At the very least, he has a lot to prove. Otherwise, teams are going to gang up even more on the Packers' passing game. Full transcript
Mo (Chicago)
Will Green Bay go after a guy like M. Lynch?
Chris Mortensen
It's not GM Ted Thompson's way. He values draft picks. But I admit that Lynch was on my mind when Ryan Grant unfortunately was hurt because the Packers had good grades on Lynch - coach Mike McCarthy liked him a lot, if I recollect. I guess if Brandon Jackson struggles, the subject could be revisited before the trade deadline (Tuesday after week 6). Full transcript
Nathan (Coralville, IA)
Are the Vikings in trouble?
Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson
Let me answer that a week from now. I see them as a pretty evenly matched team against the 'Phins. Both teams have issues right now, but Minny should be able to throw against this secondary. Still on the fence on Minny. I do expect much more from Favre though. Surely he will have a better feel for his receivers after a long week of practice to prepare. But..I don't see Minny as a SB contender. Full transcript
- Rank 'Em: How do first-rounders stack up in fantasy football? | Vote: Rookie roles?
- More: Matthew Berry and Nate Ravitz talk to Sam Bradford | Fantasy analysis
The folks in charge of running the Bears, Panthers, Ravens and Redskins weren't the only general managers without a pick in the first round of the NFL draft. In fact, they have company that numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Fantasy owners could only sit and watch the picks unfold Thursday night, but now they're in the game. C.J. Spiller was the first running back off the board, but does he become a viable fantasy option if he's sharing touches with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson? Will Carson Palmer find a go-to option in rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham?
And beyond the eight fantasy-eligible players selected in the first round, what impact will something like the 49ers drafting two offensive linemen have on the fantasy fortunes of Alex Smith? With protection in front of him, Frank Gore behind him and Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis to throw to, could Smith finally become a factor in fantasy football?
“People out there stop putting the T.O. jacket on Dez Bryant it doesn't fit. So many times owners listen to these so called guru's and miss out on Pro Bowl type players, nice pick Jerry.,
” -- tripplecitty
“I hope this means BUF is getting rid of Lynch because if they aren't this pick is pointless. With so many holes on that team to take a RB at #9 was a serious stretch. I'd love to see Spiller as the next Chris Johnson but remember TEN has a very solid O-line, where as BUD started 12+ different lineman last season alone.
” -- SMojsov
“Jahvid Best could have Chris Johnsonlike ability.
” -- AjP_
“i absolutely LOVE this pick, mathews definitely looks legit. with the combo of power, good speed, breaks tackles, bloacks well, can still catch well enough, he's the perfect fit for our offense. sproles and mathews are gonna be beastly this coming season, mark my words
” -- chargerschica
It's just like the census, only this one is fun and doesn't come in the mail. And nobody from FOX News or MSNBC will yell at you about it. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2010 MLB survey
2009 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 1)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (Overall: No. 7)
3. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 16)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 23)
5. Philadelphia Phillies (Overall: No. 24)
Take part in the 2010 NFL survey
2009 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Overall: No. 3)
2. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 13)
3. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 14)
4. Tennessee Titans (Overall: No. 15)
5. New England Patriots (Overall: No. 19)
Take part in the 2010 NBA survey
2009 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 5)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 9)
3. New Orleans Hornets (Overall: No. 12)
4. Houston Rockets (Overall: No. 17)
5. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 18)
Take part in the 2010 NHL survey
2009 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Carolina Hurricanes (Overall: No. 2)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 4)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 6)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 8)
5. St. Louis Blues (Overall: No. 10)
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