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We'll be back on Monday for more of our Monday Night Football marathon chat! Starting at 3 p.m. ET, we'll bring you fantasy football experts as well as X's and O's guys to help break down Monday's game!
Good afternoon, people! I hope your playoff games have gone well to this point. Let's get to your questions.
I'm losing by 18.8 pts. I have Westbrook going tonight, is there a chance he leads me to a victory?
Jason, there's certainly a chance. The way the Browns have had trouble stopping the run, 130 total yards and a TD is possible. And, of course, he could score twice and make it real easy for you. Good luck.
I'm down by 21 and i have McNabb and Philly D goin tonight...he's got David Akers. QB's get 6 pts per TD and 1 pt per 35 yards....do i have a chance?
You've always got a shot, Dan, but you'll definitely need TD passes, so just hope for a little naked bootleg down by the goal line and a couple via air.
I've got a conflict of interest. I've been riding the Ravens D this year, but this week they play my Cowboys. I'm thinking about picking up the Cowboys D and playing them instead of the Ravens so I can sleep at night. Thoughts on this?
I always root for my real team over my fantasy squad, but if you're into having something positive to fall back on, you could go with the Ravens D and if the Boys are stifled, at least you'll have that feather in your cap at the end of the day. I can't see sitting the Ravens D, personally.
What do think DeSean Jackson will do tonight? Another "fling the ball before crossing the TD line"? I need 8 points from him...
Well, he best find the end zone, because he hasn't had 80 yards receiving in two months. The Browns have been such pushovers on the ground, passing yards are no guarantee against them, especially of late.
Would you start Matt Cassel next week over Jay Cutler?
I believe I would, Matt. While Cassel has been pretty much hit and miss this season in terms of fantasy production, despite his top-10 ranking, he'll face the Cards, who have allowed the most passing TDs in the league, including 12 in the past 4 weeks (and with only 1 INT in that span).
What are your thoughts about philly def getting a few sacks? Last week, they played great, no sacks though. A change in philisophy perhaps?
Well, Jeff, there are a couple things at work here. First, the Browns don't allow many sacks, and secondly, with Ken Dorsey at QB and unable to stretch the field, they will likely be trying to get rid of the ball quickly. While the Eagles may get to him a couple times, I don't expect many sacks. Cleveland has allowed just 16 all season.
How about Cassel over Romo?
I can see why you'd do that. I know we're almost a week away, but if we get this wintry mix that is possible next weekend, it may change what Cassel is able to do. But if the weather is fine, I can definitely see why you'd do that, considering the matchups.
Do I dare start Cassel over P. Manning next week? I have Welker in standard format.
This is where I might stop it with Cassel, since Manning's yardage numbers are consistent and there's always the chance he has a big day. I expect both to have solid games, though.
Warner and Boldin have been killng me these last two weeks, but I still got to the championship (2 weeks long). I currently have westy, forte, CJ, Grant, Memo, Dunn and Foster. I planned to start forte and wesy, but am I crazy for even considering Desean Foster at St. Louis over Chris Johnson at Pitt?
Certainly not crazy for considering it. It's so tough to run (and score) against the Steelers, if Gore can't go, you have to think about it, because Foster should be able to produce against the Rams' poor defense.
I went to Lipscomb University in Nashville. Yes it is a real school. Please pick an RB for the championship game! Bush, Ricky Williams, Fargas, Caddillac, Benson THANKS!
Oh, I'm fully aware of the Bisons, Steve! Well, it's hard to recommend Bush after he exited early, even if he is able to go this week. I think I'd have to side with Benson, since he should get the most carries and faces a poor run defense in Cleveland. Not great choices, but at least he'll get opportunities.
I'd consider Cadillac No. 2, though, since he's seeing the ball more and could score against the Chargers.
I need to pick 3 from this miserable group for the championship next week - TJ, Walter, Coles, Hixon, Mason - who ya got!?
Right now, I'd say Coles, Houshmandzadeh and I'd take a shot on Mason vs. Dallas ... it's tough to leave Walter on the bench, but I don't love the Oakland matchup all that much. I could flip a coin on that third spot.
lj or kevin smith for the championship at flex?
I like Smith against the Saints' not-so-special defense. The Lions will be out to win in their final home game, and Smith is their best chance to control the clock in doing so. He's been very consistent the past month and a half, save for the Thanksgiving nightmare against Tennessee.
Cassel over Brees?? Saints may be running all day like the Titans did against the Lions
The way the Saints have played all season, it's hard to take Brees out. Even when they've run the ball well, Brees still gets his yards ... and he's thrown at least 2 TDs the past four weeks and 6 of the past 7.
You can only pick one player for next week who's it gonna be?? Branch, Cotchery, Hixon or Bess?? Thanks!
That's a tough call for me between Branch and Cotchery. Both defenses don't stop the pass and while you would think the Hawks would be coming from behind in the game, they are at home.I'll go with Branch, since his yardage totals have been more consistent. Cotchery won't have reached 50 yards in nearly a month by the time Sunday comes around.
Do you still have faith in Brandon Marshall as a "must-start"?
I still have faith in him, since he hasn't received fewer than 7 targets in any game this season, but his lack of TDs recently means that calling him a must-start might be a bit strong, since you could have two better options on the roster. Overall, though, I think he's a strong play.
Assuming J. Lewis doesn't rack up 30 points tonight, next week I need to pick 3 from the following in a PPR league (1.5 ppr for TE) to go with Thigpen. Holmes, Coles, A. Gonzales, Bryant, Ginn, Bradley or Keller. Any suggestions at this time? Where do you think the TD's will come from?Thanks.......
It's always tough to predict TDs, Mike, but I'd start by saying that I like Coles and Bryant next week among that group. As far as the third guy goes, I'd have to go with Holmes, since he's got at least 8 fantasy points the past 4 weeks, I believe. Tennessee gave up some big plays yesterday, so maybe Holmes can get you one on Sunday.
In a league with IDP, up 11 going into tonight where opponent has Shaun Rogers and Sean Jones. I can start two of the following three: CB McDonald, S Pool, S Dawkins. At least 1 has to be a safety, but both can be. Am I correct in leaning toward Pool and McDonald since I expect the Eagles to dominate the TOP?
I would agree with the Eagles should be able to control the clock tonight, even if the Browns try to run the ball to do the same. With Dorsey at QB, the defense just won't respect the pass. So, with that said, Pool is a solid play and since Dawkins isn't the fantasy playmaker he once was, I think I actually would start McDonald and hope he makes another pick tonight.
Made the big dance for next week. I have LT and Turner as Rb's, should I try to pick up Cadallac Williams as a sub for LT. How the mighty have fallen.
I wouldn't be able to pull the trigger on that, because I still think LT has a better chance of scoring, since Cadillac is going to share touches. But I agree, the fact you're asking goes to show the state of LT in fantasy these days.
I now its early in the week, but would you start P Thomas over any of these in week 16: Portis, Jacobs, or Chris Johnson? That DET matchup is always tempting.
If I had to say right now, I'd go with Thomas, because he's fresh, facing a poor defense and may get almost all the touches if Bush can't play. The others either have health questions or bad matchups.
Keith, I need some lineup help for the league championship this next week. Who is my 2nd RB in week 16, Kevin Smith or M. Lynch? Also, J. Carlson or D. Keller at TE?
Tough call at RB, since Lynch has had a nice run here, except for last week. I'm going against the grain slightly by going with Smith, but it's close.And at TE, since it's so hard to predict TDs, I'll go with Carlson, since the Jets have given up the 2nd-most points to TEs this season. Keller has slowed down the past two weeks, as well.
I cruised to a spot in our league's title game despite Portis' disappointing performance yesterday. I start 3 running backs every week (the other two are Forte and Thomas Jones), but I have picked up DeShaun Foster. If Gore is declared out against St. Louis this weekend, would you use Foster over Portis?
Congrats on making it in spite of ol' Clinton. I think starting Foster is worth considering, since Philly's defense is tough against the run and St. Louis' is not. Add in Portis being so banged up and I think Foster is actually the better play, but only if Gore is out, of course. Definitely more likely to score, because of the low-scoring nature of the Skins-Eagles game.
Need something positive in sports up here in a BIG WAY!! To make it to fantasy glory, do I try Adai this weekend or go with R. Bush or D. Foster this weekend? Thanks Keith!
You're right, Dave. This fantasy title would help your personal cause in this tough sports time in the Great Northwest.You may not have any choice. Bush is iffy and so is Addai, although it's a long way to game day. Considering the health problems both have had, if Foster goes this week, he'd actually be the safer option to make it through the game in one piece and get a full complement of carries.
What do you think about Chris Johnson this week? If Barber isn't 100%, do you think Choice performs similarly to Johnson? Both rough matchups...
Well, if Barber tries to play again this week and splits up the touches with Choice, that would make neither a great play in my mind. And since Johnson should get the majority of the carries against the Steelers, I'd side with him and hope he busts a rare long one against them.
Pick 1 RB for next week: C. Johnson, Addai, Rhodes, LJ, or S. Morris?
If Addai can't go again, I like Rhodes to have another decent game, especially since he can also get yardage through the passing game. If they split time and you don't feel good about either, though, Sammy Morris should continue to see his share of carries in New England, particularly if the weather becomes an issue. They should score points on the Cards, and he's scored 3 straight weeks already.
Who is the best play next week Ryan Grant, Chris Johnson, or SJax?
I think I'd go with Grant against a Bears run D which hasn't been the same over the past month or so.
All right everyone. Good luck as you all try to bring home a fantasy title in the coming week (or two). I'll see you all next week at the same time. But now I hand off to Gary Horton ...
Gary is def the man of fantasy chat. No contest.
You gotta love this time of year in the NFL. Every game has playoff implications. I can't remember a year in which so many teams were still in it. These races are going right down to the wire. I really like to see the heart of these teams late in the year. For example, last night, I though Dallas showed the heart of a champion in a game they had to win.
Non-MNF question but some related to strategy that you might know. In the kneel down formation, most teams put a WR or RB back deep. The Steelers put Polamalou (I know I butchered his name) back there. That makes a lot more sense because he is the guy that is supposed to make a tackle in case things really wrong. Why don't more teams do that? Is it just a case of someone on the Steelers coaching staff having a little bit more common sense than most?
That's a great question. I think you see a WR and a back because of the speed angle. If something bad happened, they could chase it down. But you're right, those guys don't tackle for a living, and Polomalu does. I've not thought about it, but you're right, that is an excellent point. Obviously the key may be an ability to tackle, but it may also be like putting in the hands team on an onside kick. Polomalu has great hands, but I never thought of a tackling angle.
Should I be worried? Our offence looks really bad right now, and the Offensive line was manhandled by Cowbosy...
I've had discussions with people at ESPN about this, and I would like to think that it is a one-game hiccup. What does bother me a little bit in Sunday night's game versus Dallas is that they were not outschemed, they were physically beaten by Ware and co. I have not seen that happen the entire year, and that would concern me. Having said that, I think they will bounce back. There's a lot of pride in that group, and I think they will recover. But that might have been the most shocking thing I saw all weekend. One other point: I watched this Dallas defense over the past few weeks, and it is playing great. I would tend to think we were watching a great Dallas pass rush last night as much as a poor Giants offensive line. Maybe more so.
What is your prediction for Westbrook tonight?
Westbrook could have a very positive game. He has carried the ball 55 times in the past two weeks and his coaches have done an excellent job of getting him the ball a lot of different ways. They use shovel passes, draws, screens, etc., but what I like is their recent commitment to offensive balance. I expect he could touch the ball 25 to 30 times tonight. However, the only concern that I have about Westbrook is that Cleveland NT Shaun Rogers is an absolute force inside. He is tough to block. He could be disruptive between the tackles.
Gary, Giants or Panthers? The Panthers have looked like the best team in the NFL while the Giants have looked like Duds
It seems like every week, we have a different feeling. We thought the Giants were the best in the NFL two weeks ago, and while Carolina was winning, it seemed like no one was excited about them. They are pretty similar teams--they win by running the football and playing good defense. But I think the difference is Manning over Delhomme. Manning can carry the offense if necessary, while Delhomme can't. I still do think the Giants will wind up in the Super Bowl. They would obviously prefer to play Carolina in the Meadowlands than away.
I give up when "kneel down" questions get answered on a "Fantasy Football" chat during playoffs, and in most cases, championships!!!
Just so you know, Gary's focus isn't fantasy--this part of the chat's all about nuts and bolts.
Do you think the Patriots can sneek into the playoffs at this point?
Of course they can, but it's so competitive in the East. I think they'll handle the Cardinals and Bills, and that should get them in, but it's very competitive. It looks like Indy will be one Wild Card, and the other will be in the AFC East. One of those three teams--Jets, Pats, or Dolphins--will be left out, with probably an 11-5 record.
Do you think the Eagles can make the playoffs at this point
It's an uphill battle. The best they can do is 10-5-1, and that ridiculous tie with Cincinnati could really come back to haunt them. Atlanta, Dallas, and Tampa Bay are all 9-5, which means if all three of those teams won out along with the Eagles, they would be left at home. Philadelphia needs to close out the season with a win, and two of those other three teams have to lose a game. That tie is killing them. So they will need some help. But they are a pretty hot team right now.
Ben Roethlisberger stats: most wins during first 5 seasons in NFL history; 17 come from behind drives; Super Bowl ring; etc. At what point do we drop the game manager tag?
I don't think anyone thinks he's a game manager. There's a wide gap between one and what Roethlisberger does. But he may get less credit because when they are at their best, they are running the ball and playing great defense. He is capable of taking a game over and making big plays with the passing game, especially play-action. He may be the toughest QB in the league in his ability to take a hit. To me, he fits perfectly in Pittsburgh. His skills really fit the team, and people who know the game have an appreciation for him.
So would you pick the Eagles tonight against the Browns?
I would. I love the gameplan for the Eagles--that they are making a conscious effort to run the ball and show offensive balance. This is a big offensive line which is better running the ball than in pass protection. Westbrook is on fire, McNabb is playing well, and the blitz package that Jim Johnson will bring against Ken Dorsey will confuse him and lead to turnovers. In my opinion, the Browns may play hard early because it's a national game, but in the end, this one won't be close.
Much has been made about Devin Hester's inability to be effective in the kick return game. Question: Which Hester has a greater overall positive impact on his team: The version of the last 2 years, a big threat on any kick and a near non-factor on offense, or this year's version - solid offensive contributor, non-factor on kick returns.
The Hester I saw that was a magical return specialist was the one I liked the best. He could make plays that changed the game. Obviously he could be a nice complementary receiver, but I don't think he can ever dominate in that area as much as he can give you big plays in the kicking game. I am baffled as to why those return skills have gone away although I have heard a lot of reasons.
Whats going on with the Jets Defense allowing 27 points against the Bills
They did not have a very good tackling game. Marshawn Lynch embarrassed them. They just gave up too many big plays. I'm not sure J.P. Losman is a good measuring stick of where you're at. I don't see any momentum to this team--their playcalling is uneven, they don't attack downfield, and they have no consistency. Three weeks ago we loved this team, and now they are barely hanging on. It may be a symbol of what the league is like these days.
What do you see as the game plan for the Browns? Jamal Lewis has looked largely ineffective this year and Dorsey never looked good in SF. What do you expect from them?
My gameplan would be to pound the ball with Lewis. Even though he looks like he's slowing down, I would give him 25 carries. I would also use the Wildcat formation that we saw last week to try to offset things. My passing game would be short and safe, because I don't see any way that Dorsey would have time to get the ball out on a seven-step drop. It would be a combination of those three things, and I would concentrate on the third-and-short situations to move the change. I would try to limit the possessions of Philadelphia's more explosive offense. But I'm not sure they'll do any of those things.
It's another exciting week of football. and this thing is going right down to the wire. All of a sudden, there are some compelling games this week. My opinion is that this is the best time of the year for football.
Scouts Inc.'s Ken Moll is up next.
Fella's ,This should be a better game than most "Experts" think- Let's get to it !
IF the Eagles win the next three games, what are the odds that they miss the playoffs at 10-5-1? Atlanta and Tampa each have two winnable games left (though Minnesota could beat the Falcons next Sunday).
Matt, They have a pretty good chance to get in but it is going to depend on some other Clubs do- It's going to be close-
Demarcus Ware's coming up on the NFL Sack record, his chances in your opinion?
John , I belive he needs three more to tie Strahan- I would say 50/50 - I'd love to see him get it- That would get under some Giants Fans skin !!
Hi Ken...1st time poster...need help picking 3 of 4 rb's for next week...Barber, Grant, Turner and K Smith. I'm leaning toward leaving Barber on the bench.
Charlies, That's a good thought . Barber is banged up and the Ravens will be tough to run against. I would bench Barber this weekend.
Ken.. Major league fried eggs, here. Is Tony Romo playing up to an all pro level this year?
Shirley, NO , and stay away from the cholestrol
Question about Graham Harrell. I've heard projections that he'll most likely be a 3rd - 5th round pick in the '09 draft, but why? The guy put up great numbers during his career and helped put Tech on the map as one of the best offensive teams in the nation. I realize he's played in a spread offense, but he's accurate, spreads the ball around to different receivers and showed he can win big games. It was impressive to see him work the game winning drive vs. Texas.
Jay,Lot's depends on how well he does when he works out - Arm strength, accuracy, height weight and speed- Too many signal callers rise and fall on those type of numbers but that's just the way it is. SIZE MATTERS !!
Is Westbrook playing tonight?
Joey ,Brian Westdelphia is goig to have a big game tonight !
why is it that the steelers are underrated every year? they go the whole season unnoticed and then around december people realize what a postseason threat they can be.
Taylor, There is no question that they are one of the best teams in the league but as you know they could have lost three or more games over the last few weeks. They haven't really dominated anyone. That doesn't mean they aren't very good it just means they could easliy being on the outside looking in !!
I was wondering if it was possible for the Colts to have A 1st round bye?
Dallon,The best they can do in a wild card spot. They will likely be the top (toughest) Wild card team in this years post season. They should get a decent draw but let's see how things fall these last two weeks.
what would you have done in fishers shoes yesterday..........kick or pass it
Ty,It's so easy to second guess but we wern't on the sideline or talked to the special teams coach , etc. --- The good thing is it doesn't hurt them too bad- who knows that Bironas would have handled that situation , Yes he's done it before but if he does make it the potentially explosive(tough to stop ) Texans offense would have got theball back with time on the clock. I don't really second guess him !
Tim Tebow as an NFL QB prospect - yea or nay?
JP,It will be a huge difference for him but with his tools, intelligence, work ethic and toughness he has a good chance to make in the league but it may take a couple of years--
Who is going to win the AFC East?
Peter, As bad as the Jets are playing I'm going with them. They have to go to the West coast and than have to beat a well coached Dolphins team , but for some reason I see them getting it done !
STEELERS OR TITANS?
Jerry, I would have said the Titans but if Haynesworth doesn't play , Tennessee is a different defense. SHould be a great match up, but unless Collins plays better they have no chance !!
Give the Vikes some love! If they beat the Giants in 2 weeks they will have beaten all of the NFC Division leaders!
Randy,I picked the Vikings to win the divison before the season and it looks like they have a great chance if they can finish the job - What a HUGE win in the desert for them !!
And will have still (Vikings) won 0 Super Bowls. There's their credit.
is there any chance that Plaxico Burress can come back and play in the playoffs. God knows the G-men really need him
Joe,I believe he can but don't see it happening - I don't think Coughlin wants him back !!
Sorry, Randy. But it would be a lot more fun being a Vikings fan than a GB fan right now... Wow.
Yes the Steelers haven't been blowing anyone out but their schedule is the toughest in the league. Doesn't that count for anything?
Michael,The Steelers are great and yes had a very tough schedule but I'M JUST SAYING !!!!
FIGHT!!!
Why are the Giants struggling right now?
Idlemaro,I believe they will be alright but they have to get their offensive line back playing better. Not having the "HAMMER" (Jacobs) is a big reason- His pounding the ball with the G-men's gound attack sets up everything else- Yes loosing PLAX has also hurts but not as much as loosing Jacobs .
Is it true the Kansas City Chiefs just fired GM Carl Peterson !!!
Todd, That's whats being reported- It may mean a bunch of chancges there !
Do the Cowboys really have a chance to the playoffs
Chris,They have the talent to get in - They won 4 of their last five with the only loss to the Steelers on the road (which they should have won) - One game at a time and let's see what happens--
What is wrong with the Browns? The players or management and coaching staff?
Chris, I have some strong thoughts on the Browns situation but I'll just say there are some people in charge that shouldn't be - There are some people that are undermining others that they have no business being involved --
Will the rain in philly affect the passing game with mcnabb?
Scott, It should hurt the entire Philly offense more than the Browns offensive attack due to the type of back (receiver and runner) that Westbrook is. I still don't see this being close. Philly wins by double digits-
Do you think the Steelers can beat the Titans with Hayneworth out
Dallon, Steelers have a great chance if Haynesworht doesn't play--
Wouldn't it be advantageous for the Bears offense to go to the spread sometimes on 2nd and 3rd short yardage? I'm tired of seeing the same, old-fashioned offense I saw in the eighties! Plus, Forte would have some running room.
paul, That's a good thought but it depends on what defense they are going against. Yes spreading out a defense (by formation) is helpful if the Coordinator respects the pass in those situations. If you line up in a spread formation but don't remove a defender (adjust out to cover the pass) it actually hurts the running game.
with haynesworth probably out,would it be smart to play tenn defense against pitt next week or play another defense like miami?
Dave,I would stay with the Titans "D" as they are talented and will be playing at home with lots on the line !!
The Browns are 2-0 on Monday night can they make it 3-0 tonight with Ken Dorsey starting and if so what is it going to take to get the job done?
Chris,I don't see it but for the Browns to win , McNabb will have to be off, Westbrook banged up and out of the game and a few turnovers in the Browns favor !!
Do you think the Vikings have a shot of winning a playoff game this year?
Adithya, When you have such a great ground attack and "salty" defense you always have a chance to win --
Answer please, or it's coal for you! Will Dallas run down Balt's D next Sat? Is their only chance to knock Romo out in first qtr?
Santa, I've been good this year (Past years not so much) -- If Romo plays well Dallas will win. I don't see the BOYS running the ball well nor do I see the Ravens scoring many points - low scoring affair--
Any chance you think Philly will go to the playoffs?
John, Obviously they have to run the table , and yes they would have a good chance if that happens !
Here's for hoping the Browns go 3-0 on Monday night and knock off the Eagles, anything to reduce the speed bumps in the way of the Cowboys!
Hoping tonights game is a low scoring affair. How about a projected line for McNabb?
Micah, 200 yards, two TD's --
Fella's it been great- Really shouldn't be much of a game tonight but the Browns do play well on MNF-
OK, my turn. I've got a soda, some crackers, and my iPod set to shuffle on the "Power Pop" genre, so let's talk about where things are going with two weeks until the playoffs...
Would you postulate on the likelyhood of Philadelphia using a cover 2 defense more often than a safety blitz with man coverage on the back end to blanket Clevelend's receivers. And don't be loquacious!!
I don't know how often the Eagles really play a Cover-2, and you don't play a coverage that has trouble covering tight ends going up the seam when you are playing the Cleveland Browns and Kellen Winslow.I will point out that based on our game charting numbers, the Eagles run zone blitzes more often than every other team. You would be surprised how often Trent Cole -- their best pass rusher -- is dropping into coverage.
Do you think the Steelers can beat the Titans this week with Haynesworth out?
Well, this is the NFL, first of all -- any team can beat any other team in any week. If the question is whether it is likely that the Steelers beat the Titans with Haynesworth out, the answer is that yes, with Haynesworth out, Pittsburgh is the better team. He may be the most valuable defensive player in the NFL, and he's one of the reason why the Titans blitz less than any team except Indianapolis. With no Haynesworth, they'll have to send some people to get pressure on Big Ben, and that means coverage won't be as tight.
With the way the Colts offense is playing, do you see them getting to AFC championship game?
Yes, and the way their defense played yesterday, I have my doubts. I was on the "Colts are hot going into the playoff" bandwagon until they struggled to beat the Detroit Lions. Eek.
Are the 49ers Def. worth picking up vs. STL? Also, Hill or Thigpen next week?
Any defense is worth picking up against St. Louis, and I would much rather have Hill against the Rams than Thigpen against the Dolphins.
I think that the Eagles are clearly as good as any team in the NFL as long as Westbrook is healthy. Firstly, do you think this is accurate, and secondly, who do you think represents the AFC? You can't count out Peyton
First, yes, and second, no idea. We get to enjoy a very good postseason this year, because there really are no outstanding teams. We have a lot of good teams but each one has weaknesses and question marks, and they all match up differently against each other. I would be pretty shocked to see the AFC East or AFC West division champion make it all the way, but otherwise, all bets are off.
Hey Aaron, What should my strategy be on setting my lineup if the c'ship round is a 2 week playoff of weeks 16 + 17? First seed, been starting studs all year, but u know how week 17 goes.
The problem is that the losses by the Giants and Titans took away the "guarantee" that those teams would be sitting people in the final week. Now we're not really sure what's going on. If you have to pick your starters now for both weeks, you have no idea who will be sitting in Week 17. I don't know the specific players but I think I would just go with the usual guys.
who is your top running back combo in the nfl right now
It's a tough question because you never know how much to split up the value between the backs and their offensive line. Usually when you have a couple of backs who both have great numbers, what you really have is a very good offensive line. I guess I would go with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart first because I think they depend less on their line than the Giants trio of Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw, and because I love Chris Johnson but I think Stewart is better than LenDale White.
Hey Aaron! I am smelling a blowout tonight, but do you see McNabb possibly posting 2 TDs and 225 passing yards? I need 20 fantasy points to advance to my championship game. Thanks!
McNabb has more than 225 yards in 8 of his 13 starts this year, and isn't like Cleveland is a great defense. I don't think you have to worry too much.
If Miami does make it to the playoffs, do you think they have what it takes to win a championship?
Unless they have a miraculous, 2007 Giants-like leap in quality come January 1, no.
lendale white is slacking alittle in some aspects but could start at other places......but how about petterson and taylor
Honestly, Chester Taylor is just a guy. He's average at best. The Vikings realize this, which is why Peterson's had something like 80 percent of the carries this year.
What are the chances the Jets make the Super Bowl?
Very, very tiny. They just aren't as good as Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Indianapolis, and Baltimore. The same goes for the Dolphins and Patriots.
Up 17.5 pts. with nobody left what are the chances I win if he has the Eagles D tonight. 2 pts. for sacks and turnovers. Its for a shot at the Super Bowl. Thanks
The Eagles have one of the five best pass rushes in the NFL and the Browns are starting Ken Dorsey on the road, so, you know, good luck with that.
Ken picked the Giants over Carolina. How about you Aaron?
The Giants are probably still the better team, although the Panthers are certainly hot right now -- plus the home field gives them the edge. If I was setting the line I'd make it Giants -4.
Who's your MVP this year?
I'm not really that partial to the Kurt Warner for MVP argument, because I do believe a lot of his value comes from the fact that Fitzgerald and Boldin are a fabulous starting wide receiver pair, and there's no doubt that team has picked on an easy schedule. I love Brees but you don't win MVP if you fail to make the playoffs, that's just kind of how it works. I liked Merril Hoge's idea on this week's NFL Matchup, that Matt Ryan was the MVP -- he's #1 in per-play value by the Football Outsiders stats -- but he didn't play that well this week. The rules do allow you to vote for a unit instead of a single player, and I think that it would be a nice political statement on the value of linemen if someone would vote for the Giants offensive line or Broncos offensive line, or maybe the Titans defensive line.
Romo for MVP.. i mean.. cmon, Brad Johnson and Brooks Bollinger.. no contest really, is it?? no way they'd be in the talks for playoffs without him.
If we're voting for MVP not just based on how good a player is but also on how bad his backups are, then it is really easy -- the MVP is Chad Pennington. The Dolphins went into training camp planning a battle between Chad Henne and John Beck with Josh McCown hanging out as the "wiley" veteran. Yikes.
MVP>>>>>>>>>>>>Steve Smith
I think Steve Smith is a great player, but he's not the MVP this year. He probably should have won it in 2005.
May I digress for a moment... Derek in Minneapolis, stop hitting the "Post" button, buddy. I try not to ask questions that get asked 12 times in a row. Thanks.
What about Cassel for MVP. He comes in and replaces one of the greatest QB's of all time, everyone in the world doubting him and he had no running game until Morris came back. And Kevin O'Connell isn't a good back up so with out Cassel the Pats won't be in the playoff picture.
How do you know Kevin O'Connell isn't a good backup? When did you see him play? Nobody thought Cassel was any good when he started, now you are suddenly convinced that O'Connell could not have done what he did?Cassel has played well in the last few weeks and he's definitely earned himself a starting job somewhere, but remember, he was god awful with no pocket presence whatsoever back in September and October, and he's picked on a really weak schedule. You don't get MVP because you've figured out how to pick on Raiders defensive backs without "21" on their uniforms. The Pats are the #16 offense in the FO ratings.
Who ya got, Oklahoma Sooners Vs Detroit Lions?
Lions by two touchdowns. As bad as that team is, people forget that there's a huge jump between the quality of play in college football and the quality of play in the NFL. All those Lions who we think are terrrible were among the BEST players at their schools, primarily at BCS schools. Most of those Oklahoma guys won't even play in the NFL.However, I'll happily take Sam Bradford over any quarterback on the Detroit roster, and come April, the Lions may end up doing the same.
Your thoughts on this, i heard a rumor this weekend on talk radio about the GM from New England possibly moving over and taking the job in Detroit.. if he did, your thoughts on bringing along a possible coach from the NE staff and maybe even Cassel, since he should be a starter.. what better place, than Detroit?
Seriously, what does Scott Pioli have to do to convince people that he likes it in New England and doesn't want to leave? Does he need to stick a big sign in front of his lawn, with flashing neon letters that spell "FOXBORO IS TOTALLY AWESOME?" Should he change his Facebook status to "Scott Pioli is staying in New England?" Does he need a tattoo that says "Scott + Bill BFF?" We go through this every year, where Pioli is rumored to be leaving because he wants to prove himself without Belichick. Earth to people: These two guys like each other. They like working with each other. Why on earth would Pioli leave the comfort of a good situation, a good working environment, and an owner who understands football, and go work for the Ford family?
hey aaron,how do you think jim mora jr will do in seattle next year or is it too early?
Seahawks are a colossal, colossal bounce-back candidate. They've had terrible luck when it comes to fumble recovery and the most injuries of any team in the NFC.
What do you think about the Denver Broncos making it to the playoff? Do you think the NFL should change the playoff format? What do you think the Broncos chances of advancing are?
Yeah, every so often you are going to end up with a year like this where the divisions are so unbalanced that good teams are missing the playoffs and bad teams are making it in. This is probably the most unbalanced year in NFL history, to be honest. You can't change the playoff format based on what happens in one or two weird unbalanced years. Division champions need to be in the playoffs, and there needs to be some sort of benefit to winning the division -- thus, the home game. The only logical change would be a four-team expansion that brought the NFL to 36 teams, with the league going back to three divisions per conference with three wild cards.As for the Broncos, they are very likely to get in. Right now they would be the worst team in the playoffs -- they rank 23rd in the Football Outsiders DVOA ratings -- but they get to host Buffalo next week, which is even worse (25th) and totally self-destructed over the last month. I can't imagine it will really come down to the last game.Then, in the first round, the Colts will just blow the poor Broncos defense out of the water. But hey, playoffs is better than no playoffs.
Great NFL mind - as I've got three stud backs needing to start two for the championship. (Lynch, Pierre Thomas and Thomas Jones) thanks!
Hmmm, tough one. Detroit = awful, so you have to go with Pierre Thomas. (Just don't call him a stud back -- if I may paraphrase Daniel Patrick Moynihan, this is "defining stud back down." He's a good back.) The other two guys, well, they both have good numbers and are playing bad defenses, but I would go with Jones. He gets more touchdowns AND his team is more likely to be winning and thus running out the clock.
I need a survivor team for next week, who do i choose, Giants or Patriots or Denver
Is that even a question? The Giants are playing Carolina, for crying out loud. The Patriots have no secondary and are playing a team with great passing. Denver is hosting Buffalo. Broncos all the way.
OK, folks, that's it for me. Good luck to all your fantasy teams in various Week 16 championships, and I'll see you next week to finish out the MNF season.
OK.. Time to talk about MNF.. Do the Browns score a TD tonight? Can they protect their QB from the blitz package Jim Johnson will surely bring?
What do you think about the redskins problems, and do you think portis will be a redskin next year. I know his salary is high.
What do you think the Redskins' chances are? Is it their battered o-line that's causing them the most problems? Or do you think it's the frustration amongst some of their stars *cough Portis* that's hindering their efforts?
Guys.. The Redskins have a good defense, and a good defensive coordinator.. Unfortunately they don't seem to believe in their identity (strong ground game) and Zorn keeps wanting to use the west coast passing attack that they are not ready for. He simply can't refrain from taking shots downfield when he should rely on the ground game of Portis, etc. It certainly hasn't helped that they have lost their two starting tackles.
GO BROWNS! Prove em all wrong (See Cincy yesterday!) Oh ya.. and im a Cowboys fan, so i need the eagles to lose.. but we wont talk about that.. seriously tho.. 2-0 on Monday night.. they'll keep it close i think, Screens and dumpm passes (See Cowboys Vs Giants)
What do you expect from tonight's game? You have an unhealthy Westbrook (opportunity to give him less of a load to make sure he doesn't get hurt more) and a Browns team that has given up. Do you see this game being close at all? I think this may look like the Colts/Bengals game.
I don't think it will be close. Cleveland's offense will have a hard time handling the pressure package that Jim Johnson will bring. We may see more of Buckhalter than normal but the Iggles should still have plenty of offense to win this one..
Where will the Giants finish up? I would not mind them being 2nd if they are 1 they are looking at playing either the Cards or the Cowboys
I think they will get the #1 seed.. May loose to Carolina this weekend, but I don't see it..
As an avid Colts fan, do you see the colts on the decline. I mean, our O Line is no where near as good as it once was; Manning has been good but not his Great, granted he had surgery this offseason. So, do you think were on the decline or just having a rough season.
Decline.. Their run defense is being exposed and the O line is not as talented.. They still need a stud at RB.
Do you forsee Jason Campbell being the starter next year in Washington or do you think Colt Brennan is in a position to take over the reigns? Thanks!
It all depends on who the head coach is.. If they bring in a new coach it will be wide open. Campbell can be extremely accurate when given time. He is not getting the kind of protection he needs, at this point and it has hurt him. Brennan is still a wild card.. His arm strength is suspect although he is a gamer. Great instincts for the game, but can he avoid the off field issues that have hurt him in the past?
Doug, what do you think the hottest team in the NFC's (vikings) chances are for a postseason run...given they make it in?
Nobody wants to play them.. Their ground game is huge - great O line. Their defense is improved thanks to a legitimate pass rush this year. I could see them winning 1-2 but the QB questions will prevent them from going all the way.
So, here's the obligatory Bill Cowher question from another angle... Why would Bill Cowher have any interest in coaching in Cleveland? There will be a good number of teams throwing cash at him this offseason. I don't see why he would tarnish his Pittsburgh legacy and insult the fans there by taking a Cleveland job, especially when he'll have his pick of available jobs.
$$$ - the answer to all issues in the NFL.
Doug...why should I stay a Bills fan??? How much more of this can one fan base take???
John.. I know you are getting tired of hearing this but they ARE getting close.. Jauron is a very smart coach and stability can be huge.. The pieces are starting to fall into place. Great special teams, improved ground game.. Still need help at WR
Do you really think that Zorn gets fired after 14 games? hes still at 500 in the east.
Snyder is not known for his patience.. Rumor was that he was hired for a one year deal after which Snyder would make a run for Cowher.
Hey Doug, still in my high stakes survivor pool and I need your help. Who is your "lock" for next week?
Lets see... Who are the Lions playing this week?? Seriously, I'd go with Miami over KC
Doug, I think that was a bit of a cop out answer. If KC, Detroit, Washington, Cleveland, and other teams (JAX?) all offer Cowher 9 million a year then why pick Cleveland? My point is that Cleveland is playing from behind the 8-ball offering Cowher. With everything else being equal, he'd go elsewhere.
Money will be huge, but the deciding factor will be total control. He's not going anywhere that he can't either be the GM as well or at least bring in "his guy" as GM. Cleveland has an owner that is willing to spend money to win, which is also huge.. Washington has an owner that likes to meddle too much, KC is a long ways away (although it IS a possibility).
I say the superbowl representative from the AFC is the Colts or the Steelers. Tennessee is losing its wheels especially if Haynesworth is gone and no one else is really all that consistent. Who do you take in the Colts steelers AFC title game.
Don't see the Colts as being able to get there.. We don't know how long Haynesworth will be gone, do we? If it did come down to a Colts/Steelers AFC title game I'd go with the Steelers - too much defense.
Is Travaris Jackson for real?
I don't trust him to sustain a high level of play. He wants to take too many chances and does not protect the ball well enough.
how do u like clev +22 over 36
Don't see them loosing by that many points.. They aren't that bad and Westbrook is not apt to play any more than he has to as he's not 100%.
What do see being Darren Sproles' role next year? Will he become a Michael Truner kind of player-backing up a stud while being a stud himself?
He pretty much needs to stay in the back-up role.. Change of pace ball carrier that can't carry the ball more than 10-15 times a game.
Biggest sleeper in draft? Ndamukong Suh!
COLTS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What injury is worse to their own team? Haynesworth or P.Williams?
Haynesworth
Need help for tonight! I have Cribbs in my FFL and we get points on yardage. How injured is he and should I drop him for Baskett or Curtis? You da man!
If you get points for return yardage keep Cribbs - he's not THAT hurt and should see a lot of KO return yardage.
What do you see happening to Willis McGahee after this year if he doesn't start performing?
He'l still be a Raven.. Remember he gained over 1,200 yards last year.. When healthy he is a stud.
If you were grading the Arizona Cardinals yesterday, would you give them an F?
No.. A C.. It was almost predictable - they had just locked up the NFC West and were facing a buzz saw - Minnesota matches up well with the Cards..
I'm not disagreeing, because I've heard the same rumors. But I could never understand why. If Snyder really only wanted someone to kill time waiting for Cowher, why not hire Gregg Williams, who had obviously won the hearts of his players? If Williams could turn that last year's late season bonding into a successfull 2008, great, if not, you weren't planning on keeping him anyway. Plus Snyder could then have fired Williams and still possibly retained Zorn as coordinator under Cowher. Now Zorn is either head coach or nothing.
I think he already lost Williams before he found out that Cowher was not going to sign.. He had signed Zorn as his O coordinator and was stuck so he just decided the best way out was to name him head coach.
Will Tyler Thigpen be the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs next season?
Depends on who the head coach is.. With the resignation of King Carl (Peterson) in KC the whole organization could be looking at a clean sweep.
Is a Broncos collapse possible? I know they are tough to beat at home but the Bills are due for a win...
Sure it's possible.. I'd never bet a lot of money on the Broncos. They have been way too inconsistent this year.
How impressed were you with Cedric Benson yesterday?
Benson has a lot of talent.. he was a monster at UT and was probably a bit immature when he came into the league.. he may be growing up and ready to perform the way he is capable of.
I LOVE YOU FOR GIVING ME MORE HOPE!
Do you guys think the Cleveland Browns should start from scratch?
No, they have a good base - TE and WR - They have a lot of draft picks from the past 3-4 years that have not lived up to expectations but there IS some talent up there.. What they DO need to do is find out what they have at QB and bring in good defensive players (draft and FA market).
I find this a outrage. Seriously we already beat Pittsburgh. Plus, we scored more than any other team against the steel curtain. We got the the best QB in the league(You know its true Brady), one of the top 3 recieving tandems in the league,the best defensive end tandem in the league, the best clutch kicker in history, and the best safety in the league and i know he'll be ready for the playoffs. What else do you you need to beat the steelers?
A better ground game and better protection for you against that awsome pass rush from their linebackers.
Tonite's game worries me. This is the kind of game that the Eagles like to blow.
Don't see it happening at home.
Do you think Brian Griese played well in relief of the injured Jeff Garcia.?
Better than I thought he would. He can be a quality QB when he's on. Unfortunately he has too many off moments, over the years.
Cowboys and Ravens both on a short week. Who do you have winning?
It's not that short (less than 24 hrs as it's a night game).. Anyway, I see Dallas winning at home.
What do you think the Bears main problem on offense is besides their O-line? It seem to me that they need another outside playmaker to help out of their conservative mode.
Paul, they don't need ANOTHER outside playmaker, they need AN outside playmaker.. I'm not a huge fan of any of their WRs.. They need a #1 and a #2 WR that can stretch the secondary.
Don't know if this is the right spot but could Stu Scott, the MNF crew and the entire nation stop referring to Bill Parcells having the Dolphins playing well... We have a coach and his name is Tony Sporano
Sporano IS the head coach, but don't fool yourself, BP still controls the Dolphins in virtually every aspect.
Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?! A Monday night party!!! LOL
Do the Eagles honestly have a chance to make it to the post season? I know that logistically it is possible but could it be a reality?
Possible but hardly likely.
Which defensive player will get the most tackles tonight?
D'Qwell Jackson
What do you think of the Chargers' chances of making the playoffs? They just need to beat the Bucs and the flailing Broncos to get in...
Slim.. Don't see them beating the Bucs in TB..
Ive been waiting 1hr. 30 min. plus for someone to answer my question. I'm Down by 49 points. Do i have a chance to win? This is what scoring is for my league. oh and i'm playing to get into the title game.TD Pass6 Every 20 passing yards 2 400+ yard passing game2 2pt Passing Conversion2 Interceptions Thrown-2
Wait for another 15 minutes.. I don't play fantasy football.. Don't understand all those points, etc.. I just talk about football. There will be more fantasy league talk at 8.
Will the Chargers win the division?
Don't see it happening.
The Broncos need a win next week vs. Buffalo, or a win at S.D., or one loss by S.D. You think Denver squeeks into the playoffs? If so, could they pull an upset in the playoffs, since they would have a 1st round home game?
Teams don't want to face the Broncos with their explosive passing game.. But I don't see them beating the Colts or Ravens.. Not enough defense to stop Manning and company and don't think they can protect Cutler against Baltimore's pressure package.
Can you see the Dolphins beating a team like the Colts or Ravens in a home playoff game?
Not the Colts, but they should match-up OK vs the Ravens.
not happening kevin....tooo inconsistent!
What makes you so confident in the Dolphins as the "lock" for next week? I'm curious because I see around 7 teams favored by more points. Thanks.
Too many distractions around KC.. King Carl resigning and Miami will be coming into KC with a lot of intensity and should be sky high as they hope to make the playoffs..
Thanks guys.. Out of time.. Enjoy the MNF game tonight..
What do you think is the reason for the McNabb resurgance?
He doesn't play the Ravens every week.Hey everyone -- you can yell at me about Quick Reads (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3771238) or my secret column on tonight's game (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3766755).
What's your stance on pancakes? And on "flexing" games to get the "most important" games on Primetime? What effect, if any, does it have on the 4+ teams involved?
I am for pancakes. I think. Unless you're putting something in them.Primetime doesn't really matter. Teams are still traveling the same day. Maybe West Coast teams who would be playing at 1:00 EST on the road are better off.
Where will Nnamdi Asomugha end up next year? Would he look as good in Purple as i think he would?
He'd be good for any team, but I doubt Minnesota can afford another huge signing bonus.Teams that are willing to pay a corner that much money aren't always easy to find. Maybe Tennessee signs him to replace Nick Harper instead of signing Haynesworth? Redskins? Saints? Ravens would be scary.
Our QB next year will be...
Is this a serious question?
Is it the beginning of the end for LT? Is he becoming Shaun Alexander??
LT didn't have the traumatic season of overuse like Alexander did. His offensive line is playing way worse (would love to know why). If his line gets a lot better, he'll get a lot better.
Miami needs a shutdown corner bad.
That could work too. I feel like Asomugha would want a team that's closer to the Super Bowl than Miami, though. I could be wrong.
should the lions lose there right to an nfl franchise if they have 2 or 3 more seasons like this?
Most sport leagues outside America have a nifty little thing called relegation, where the worst 2-4 teams in the league get sent down to a lower level of play, with the best 2-4 teams in that league being pushed up a level. The result is that teams can't fail as miserably as the Lions have for so many years, since that level of inanity ends up with your team playing at a level equivalent to A-ball and they stop making money.Relegation would be the only way to ensure that the Lions get better.
whats josh cribbs stat line gonna look like tonight
I dunno. I bet he doesn't lead the team in rushing yards, though.
Bill, I'd agree, but Miami has already shown leaps and bounds in the rebuilding area. Miami is only a few pieces away on D and a few on offense from annual playoff contenders. Then again his price would be too high for Miami (most likely a 1st or two) to afford at this stage.
Maybe. I think the Plexiglass Principle will get them next year and they go 7-9, 8-8. Asomugha hired a new agent last week. You've gotta figure that he's going to hold out and leave Oakland.
Is Shaun Merriman really THAT important to my play? I was dominant a year ago, and now that we have no pass rush, I'm being picked on. Can you explain to the good men and women in this chat why a pass rush is so important to corners?
I pointed out earlier this year that Cromartie wouldn't have a lot of picks this season just because teams would either A) stop throwing at him or B) he wouldn't be as good, and wouldn't get as many picks. At the time, he had two interceptions. Since then, he has...zero. A pass rush and coverage go hand-in-hand in most situations. The Giants' corners look better than they actually are because of the rush. The Chiefs' corners look worse.
Bill do you think the Colts can keep their winning streak alive and take 8 staight?
Sure, but for your sake, I hope you're not thinking they're a great team. That seven-game winning streak has exactly two games with a win of a touchdown or more, and they came against Detroit and Cincinnati.
Who thinks the Panthers will beat the Giants next week?
Let me guess: You.
Hey Bill lets talk dark horse teams...who do you like to make a run late
The Eagles, who are making a run.
can the vikings win the super bowl?
If you had asked me this question last year and replaced Vikings with Giants, I would've laughed at you. So anything's possible. Unlikely? Sure. Possible? You bet.
Do you have a case for Chad Pennington being the MVP?
That's some perverted idea of value, but I think he's been more valuable to the Dolphins than Brett Favre has been to the Jets.
Ive been waiting 2hrs. plus for someone to answer my question. I'm Down by 49 points. Do i have a chance to win? This is what scoring is for my league. oh and i'm playing to get into the title game.TD Pass6 Every 20 passing yards 2 400+ yard passing game2 2pt Passing Conversion2 Interceptions Thrown-2
No one probably answered your question because you didn't include the players you had on your roster who would make it possible for you to win. Therefore, I'm going to assume you have no players playing and unless you can hack the scoring system of whatever league you're in, no. You will lose. Handily.
Why didn't Jeff Fisher let Rob Bironas try that 49-yard field goal?
I have no idea. And why did Kerry Collins throw deep? It's KERRY COLLINS.
What's with people at ESPN, did they not see the Dolphins last year? Also to all the people that bash the Lions, I know how bad they are; but I would not want to lose the franchise. I think the problems are internal, and the people of Detroit deserve more respect than that and need something to cheer for good or bad. Orlovsky, Johnson and K.Smith could be building blocks, am I wrong?
I don't know which people at ESPN you're talking about.I agree that the people of Detroit deserve to keep their team -- it's certainly not their fault. As for building blocks? Not so much on Orlovsky and Smith. I think if you looked at the Lions roster and could take any guys you want at their current salary, you'd grab Calvin Johnson, Clifford Avril, and Ernie Sims.
will the offensive firepower of the broncos be enough to make up for their lack of defense and take them past the first round?
Probably depends upon who they match up against. Broncos-Colts would be a fun first-round matchup, and I think the Broncos could win it. Against the Ravens? I don't know about that one.
can u imagine the giants if they signed nnamdi....match that up with the up and coming ross and webster and a future stud in kenny phillips that would be a rediculous secondary
Nnamdi would be great on the Giants, but they just gave Webster a huge deal and Aaron Ross is a first-round pick in his second season. If they want to spend money, you'd have to imagine it would be at linebacker.
Next year's the last year for the rookie salary cap, right? How much more $$ do you see desperate franchises dole out to unproven rookies?
Depends on what happens with the CBA. I'm not really opposed to the rookie salary structure staying the way it is -- you're getting a potential star in the prime of his career, you should pay that much. "Unproven", sure, but if you can't scout, well, that's your fault.
was it a bad decision for green bay to trade Bret Favre????
Not really, although his departure has a fair amount to do with Ryan Grant's year. I think not having any depth at safety, not doing proper medical checks on Justin Harrell, and a lot of bad luck in games has cost them this year. We had them as the ninth-best team in football heading into this week, and they'll probably end the year in the top 12.
Your colleague Aaron Schatz called Chester Taylor "just a guy" do you support this claim. Taylor is the top 3rd down back in football and could start for 15 teams in this league. He also picked the Car, and NYG combo over Peterson and Taylor. Please tell me you feel differently?
You support your claim. How is he the best third-down back in football? He's got a below-average DVOA, meaning that he's worse than the AVERAGE back in the situations he plays in.Taylor's also picked up a first down six of the 20 times he carried the ball on third down this year. Try again.
i got a quick question (i haven't played i a while)... can jamal lewis still run?
Stunning fact: Jamal Lewis won't turn 30 until next season.
Was this just an injury-filled fluke season for the Seahawks or are we going to be at the bottom of the NFC for a while? Please give me hope, I'm allready missing our annual playoff loss!
This was an injury-filled fluke season for the Seahawks. I'm not even being sarcastic. They've had awful luck on fumbles, they're the most-injured team in the NFC...
Just to support my case Taylor has had a better single season then any guy on the Giants and Panthers up until Deangelo Williams this year.
Jim Brown had a better year than Chester Taylor in 1963. Does that make him a better candidate?
First I'll say that I am a big Eagles fan! Anyway has the Eagles new offensive scheme or philosophy highly affected Desean Jackson's playmaking ability? He had produced low fantasy points the last two Eagle wins.
I think DeSean Jackson not performing well has been DeSean Jackson's problem. He hasn't done anything with the ball when he's got it. I also think that it's naturally going to happen with Curtis and Brown back.
i have been trying to make it in the leagu but it isent workin out. do you have tips
Go play in Aren...oh.
Who is the best running back in the NFl??(total package)
Portis.
What was the fatal flaw with the rams ths season?
I have to pick one? Man. You're making it rough. They were really injured again this year. I can't just pick one. Terrible coaching. Awful drafting after the first round.
Why do you say Portis is the best Running back?
Does it all. Excellent runner. Very good receiver. Incredible blocker. Holds onto the football. Portis averages one fumble every 93 touches. Adrian Peterson averages one every 59 carries.
Is the word "Distraction" the most overused and overrated term used in sports today??
Tough one. I like "veteran presence" since it's ONLY used in sports. "Distraction" is an excuse for a loss. Sorry.
what changes does jacksonville make in the off season?
Hmmm. Probably cut Taylor. Make sure all the offensive linemen are healthy and add one or two more in the draft. Consider signing Haynesworth. Bring in a middle linebacker to replace Peterson -- they're a perfect landing spot for James Laurinaitis in the draft.
On 3rd down he Taylor has 23 catches for 240 yards. And as I stated earlier 14 of his 20 carries on 3rd down are on 3rd and medium and long. Please tell me that Derrick Ward or Jonathan Stewart are better players because thats laughable.
Dude. You said he was the best third-down running back in the league. That means running the ball. He also happens to have been THROWN the ball the most times on third down. Only 10 of the 29 passes he's been thrown on third down have resulted in first downs, which is what really matters, not picking up yardage in a vacuum. Sorry buddy.
Should I just hand in my resignation, or do you think it's worth me sticking around here anymore?
There's only 32 head coaching jobs in the league. When you get one, unless you have another one waiting for you, you generally want to keep it.
Can you see the Jets going after Haynesworth?
Wouldn't make sense. They have Jenkins as the nose in the 3-4 already, Haynesworth isn't a great fit there, and they've already spent a ton of money on their front seven.
Where can go and actually be appreciated? Minnesota, Tampa Bay, or Detroit?
Minnesota. Tampa's already got QBs out the wazoo. Minny is the perfect fit for him if Childress stays.
Maybe he said something like "HEY MIKE LOOK I'M A COMPUTER" to Mike Sellers when Sellers fumbled on the goal line.
westbrook is the best running back besides peterson
Westbrook's better than Peterson.
Best WR tandem in the NFL OTHER than Boldin and Fitz?
Royal-Marshall.
WHy are you a A.P hater? Cuz he fumbles?
Too boom-and-bust. And the booms aren't frequent enough. I think he's super-talented and incredibly exciting, but he's nowhere near consistent enough to be the league's best back.
I have no scout department, no support from the front office, maybe I can just get a job with the same pay replace Monte Kiffin in Tampa, why not? Plus it's warmer there in the winter.
I guess that's true too. Can't think of a situation where an NFL head coach quit his job to become a defensive coordinator, but I guess it's possible.
royal-marshall is overthinking it. Royal Marshall also sounds like it could be the name of a coen brothers movie.
Really? Who's better than Royal-Marshall? Housh-Ochocinco?
I looked at the standings and if the Colts win last two games, and the Titans lose both games,they (Colts) should have a division title?
No. The Titans have the division locked up.
Did I miss something? When did Webster resign? I admit, we(Giants) need him bad, I see Ross get burned every other play. Webster has been great this year.
Either today or yesterday. Webster's definitely outplaying Ross, although I don't know if the difference is as stark as you make it. Pretty amazing considering he was a healthy scratch a year ago.
Is Adrian Peterson the most overrated player in the NFL? I'm beginning to think so.
Nah. Still probably Chris Chambers.
Watching the game, we notice the flash packages and such with Cribbs in as WR/QB. What are the chances that Patrick White from WVU can make it in the pros as a Josh Cribbs?
Very good point -- a lot of doors are going to be opened up for college quarterbacks like White and Tebow if teams use offenses predicated on having an agile quarterback. Maybe Eric Crouch will make a comeback.
Do you see Rex Ryan being a big target, as he was last year, for head coach for some of these defensively sorry teams?
I think he has to get in line behind Jim Schwartz of the Titans.
how good do you think marshawn lynch BEAST MODE really is
In beast mode? Man, have you seen the way he play?
Do you think Cleveland really wants me?
They want Cowher. Bad. If they can't get him, they'll settle for you. Which is probably smarter for them, anyway. You've got more of a track record of rebuilding franchises than Cowher does.
What did you think of Barry Sanders career? Was he to boom or bust because he led the league in getting tackled for loss quite often.
Ah, but Sanders was the boom king! If you have enough booms, you can pull that style off. Peterson doesn't have enough yet.
How many more years can Tim Russkel draft a lineman or CB in the 1st that doesnt pan out before he gets fired?
I'd be patient with Jackson. How many of the league's elite defensive linemen made a huge impact their first season? Very few.
That was a really nice throw under pressure by Dorsey -- and a good catch by Edwards. browns in the red zone. Uh-oh
Well, that sounds exciting. I'm off to go catch the rest of the game -- have a good one, everyone!
Thanks. Bill. Good stuff, as always, by our MNF marathon chatters. Now you're stuck with me.
Later Bill.Thanks again.
how come everyone thinks i wont make an impact in the pros
Because you're chatting when you could be in the film room.
buzz starting off strong... but can he keep it up the whole game?
I'm already tapping the helmet, asking out of the game.
And Tebows too busy helping other people in need....jerk!
Good Evening Buzz!!! Hopefully not going to be boring like the 1st half last week.
Me or the game? You may be out of luck on both counts.
Don't you think Tennessee REALLY needs to re-sign Haynesworth? I know the owner doesn't like throwing money at people, but Haynesworth is the key to their efensive success. They could fall way off if they let him just walk away.
He's not walking anywhere all that well right now, is he?
Holy crap it's Buzz
If you could make a team, what philosophies on offense and defense would you use? Personally, I would like a run-heavy offense with an aggressive 3-4/4-3 hybrid defense. You?
Descartes on offense, Hobbes on defense.
Browns have played good every Monday Night, they might be ready to play tonight.
Evening master buzz....i feel thinner tonite by watching andy reid and romeo crennel
I must warn you, I went to the gym late today and am wired and will be up all night. Sucks to be you.
Wow Buzz. That Haynesworth comment was mean. Did you not have your pop tarts this morning?
I'm just saying, the guy's hurt. no?
Philosopher on offense would definitely be Descartes. I am, therefore I score.
The ye ole Leviathan defense.
And your parents said that philosophy major wouldn't come in handy.
Since Buzz(kill)Master is here, the analysis ends...
I'm the Killmaster?
doing* darn
Well i was referring to the game mainly but just please post one of my comments about 10 mins ago to Ephraim about Royal and Marshall being one of the best WR tandems in the nfl they only got 1 season together and they tearing it up and Royal has speed can burn anyone on anyplay and a great return man. Biggest thing is its theyre first year together just wait for the future my friends.
I noticed earlier today that ever since my 22/26 comment on THE PULSE that one day, my comments have been getting more attention.
unless it's some kind of candy analysis. then it is ON.
Ok, well limp away then. Haynesworth commands a double team, and that makes the rest of the DL very effective. The team is lucky he didn't tear his ACL and should be back for the playoffs. If he was done for the year, that would've really damaged the Titans' chances of getting to the Super Bowl
I would go with Sun Tzu's philosophy. He would have won the game before it even started.
You trying to say Herm Edwards can't take Sun Tzu?
How did Marshall and Royal do yesterday?
This just in, Buzz traded to the Cincy Bengals.
Ladies and Gentlemen, time to announce tonight's players of the game. For the Philadelphia Eagles, coming in at 6'5 265 lbs. from the Australian rules football leauge, Saverio "Sav" Rocca. And for the Cleveland Browns coming in at 6'5 220 lbs. from Ohio the one the only, Dave Zastudil!!
Thank you Buzz now i will let you all tell me how bad the Eagles whoop the Browns while im here at work.
Trying to punch it in here, second and goal.
Doesn't a lot of eastern philoshophy revolve around the fact that there really isn't time? So could you ever actually win since there'd be no time to create the action? Yeah it's gonna be a long night.
OH, yea, I was actually disagreeing with the guy about royal-marshall. I sent him welker-moss as an example of a better duo, but i don't think it made the cut list.
Well, Herm does play to win the games. It's a tossup.
I didn't goto college. I'm more of a Patrick Swayze in Road House kind of intellectual.
How come my comment wasn't posted
Didn't see it, my man.
Almost INT.
Eagles have to settle for the FG try.
If we were to compare philosophers to head coaches Bill Belichek would definately be Sun Tzu.
Did you not see the game yesterday Denver clearly gave up on that game i turned it off at halftime. Please argue with me if you please!!!
Throw it to DeSean. i need some points.
Go for it on 4th down.
They take the three points, 10-3 Eagles.
The odds of the browns winning are about as good as beating shaq in scrabble.
philly can send mcnabb home too us true faithful fans!!!!! GO BEARS!!!!!
Who knew Sun Tzu had a video camera? Many of them actually.
How come the ESpN Media can't leave T.O. and the Cowboys alone? they love to bring the Cowboys down when they are up and this is the way they chose to bring them down.
Shhhh. It's a conspiracy. We're out to get you.
Herm Edwards this year has played to LOSE the game. We've lost at least 3 games because of his crappy playcalling. FYI CARL PETERSON GOT CANNED!
Man! Hank Williams Jr. gets me pumped before these games. These announcers get on here and it's like another day at the office. Boys, this is the big leagues. Let's hear ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!? I'm not sure they are tonight. So BLA BLA bland.
In their defense ... it is the Eagles and Browns.
watch out for the who-deys...down goes the skins - next up the clowns
Who is TS from Pitt? I don't remember chatting with anybody name TS.
I blame the media for the cowboys not winning a playoff game in over 10 yrs
Man at least your team gets attention. I feel like without teh starcaps incident the Vikings would get less coverage than the Lions.
How come TO and the Cowboys leave the media and the rest of the public alone. I'm just as sick of seeing them on ESPN as everyon else.
Gotta love the victimization of America...even the media is out to get ya! I always just figured it was the evil monkey in my closet.
A monday night party?
What do you think is the biggest problem with the raiders organization?
Whoa, whoa, whoa. We're only here for another couple of hours.
10-3 at the end of the first.
Bungal fans sicken me because you stole the WHO DEY from the Saints. Give it back or Drew Brees will shove a football down your throat-hole
I blame the media for forcing the cowboys to do 'hard knocks!' and dating formerly-relevent pop singers with overbearing fathers.
The party starts when the fans start throwing snowballs at Andy Reid.
Braylon Edwards is a waste of a five-hour energy drink!
I do believe that it is a conspiracy. Leave T.O. alone and I promise there will be no drama in Dallas. Tell Ed Werner to give it a try.
Look, if you want to believe in conspiracy theories, go for it. But T.O. as a victim is the best you can do? C'mon, that's like wearing a tinfoil hat.
Buzz, I did not write that thing about Edwards. Somebody is stealing my name!!!!
Drew Brees has moved on to telling all of us very loudly the name of the city he plays in.
Has any team played more Monday night games than the Browns this year? Seems like the only time Braylan Edwards catches the ball
The East Coast bias is the reason for all of the Raider problems.
I think I like Belichek better when he was "natilly clad"
So basically u have to be a crappy team to use the WHO DEY label?
Careful Buzz, if you don't talk about Carolina at all tonight, you will be the next one to recieve a Steve Smith knuckle-sandwhich.
the raiders #1 problem, of course, if that their fans costume selection has never made any sense and mostly reflects pro-wrestling stars of the mid-80s. everything else basically flows from there.
Brady, really? Who cares? It's the Aint's. The Bengals atleast we're a superbowl team at one point... Saints have never been there or done that.
Now someone is stealing my name! Shenanigans!
If I was president I'd make anyone with a tin hat meet the inside of a microwave.
i like how Dcowboy1993 doesnt realize he can put his real name on this chat, he doesnt need to hide himself because of his fake Cowboy pride
Ephraim has atleast 2 fashion comments during MNF...
If Art Shell was the buzzmaster, then we'd be looking at a blank screen
Gratz to your stinkin Panthers Lucas wish my team stayed as healthy as yours has.
The ill-Eagles are nothing more than an ordinary football team. They will not make the playoffs.
Wow dorsey got rid of that ball like it was a hot potato.(note the benchwarmers reference)
how bad can the browns be i am glade i am a dolphin fan here in ohio
Old people + computers is like drinking + driving. Doesn't work.
What if Al Davis was Buzz ?????
You can't tell me that T.O. hasn't changed since joining the Cowboys. He is competitive and people take that as complaining. When he gets the ball, things happen. Any teammate of his will tell you that. All the Cowboys fans are behind him and hope he does get the ball.
Yes, when he dropped that first pass, they weren't booing, they were saying Boo-ell.
Al davis doesnt know how to type
The ill-Eagles are nothing more than an ordinary football team. It's time to rebuild.
If Al Davis was Buzz I'd be fired by now.
You know what Dallas fans? Stop whining, it could be worse. You could be from Seattle.
I thought they were saying moovers?
How come When the Eagles tackled Cribbs for a loss it isn't a QB sack? He's lined up as a QB!!
He would suck our souls out through the screen Chris.
I'm an eagles fan is anyone watchin teh game
Yea, you know how much jerry jones hates the cowboys being in the news all the time. if there's a freakin conspiracy - and let's be clear here, it's a concerted business plan, not a conspiracy - it's on Jerry Jones's part to sign a bunch of attention starved creeps with a track record of being in the news, so the word "cowboys" stays in the news at all times, thus driving sweet sweet merchandise sales to help fund his billion-dollar monstrocity. i hope that clears things up.
Alex must have Phillys "D" for fantasy lol.
Can Cle finaaly score a TD?
They don't have the ball, which might actually be their best bet tonight.
Although McNabb is picking them apart at the moment.
If the Browns fire Crennell, do you think they'll steall Gene Chizik away from Auburn?
When Crayton dropped the ball last year, every Cowboy fan was booing him too. That is called passion. I watched the game in Iraq and there was a lot of people there that were die hard Cowboy fans. They love T.O. and all the other players but don't like any Cowboy to make a mistake.
does cleveland have a pro team i dont think they played a game this year
They better hope McNabb or Westbrook make a mistake or two or the browns are gonna be in for a long night.
Westbrook is a beast
honestly jerry jones is an idiot all he does is whine the whole marion barber thing shouldnt have happened
Buckhalter does his best Westbrook impression, picking up the first down.
When i was with my unit in Iraq last year for the season and the Cowgirls choked in the playoffs they started cheering for the GIANTS!!!!!!
If the Browns fire Crennell, they'll hire the Pillsberry Doughboy to replace him. *touches bellybutton* HEE HEE
is there anyone that can tackle on the browns
First and goal coming up after another long completion. Can we just call this at halftime? Like the Ryder Cup scores? Eagles win 14 and 2?
D Jackson rookie of the year
i thought cleveland was a semi-pro team haha
desean jackson, please, score a td... for my fantasy football playoff hopes!
the bvrowns have a bad team but they dont look to bad tonight im not saying its playoff caliber but at least it aint lion caliber
If Rodgers is hurt the Browns don't stand a chance. Not that they did anyway.
He did limp off.
Lets watch Shaun Rogers blow his breakfast everywhere on the sidelines! Hmmmmmmm exciting! Remember when Marshall Faulk got jacked up at that Chiefs game and barfed all over the 50 yard line?
DWADE you are out of your mind.... Hes not even the best rookie WR and not even top 10 Rookie overall.
And he's no match for Flacco and Ryan either, getting picked off on the Wildcat formation there.
I.N.T.S! INTS INTS INTS!
NO, WHY! That's -2 points for me. WHY!?
Big INT
Let's not crazy with this rookie of the year for Jackson stuff. He'd by my 6th or 7th choice. It goes Ryan, Forte, Chris Johnson, Flacco, Steve Slaton for the top 5.
Eddie Royal is better than Jackson
He was wide open, toss it higher you moron!
desean jackson is nice, but he doesn't crack the top 5 for rookie of the year...ryan forte flacco hightower johnson....maybe not the top 10.
D Jackson could score 4 more TDs this year and he still wouldn't be top 3 in ROY: 1. Matt Ryan 2. Matt Forte 3. Chris Johnson
hahah who has desean jackson, you just got negative points!!!
the eagles will get nothing and like it
interception!!! thats the only time i've seen a brown with the ball in the endzone
And THAT's why you have to be careful with wildcat packages
Haha someone in my league has Jackson and was up 1 point.....I hope he doesn't do anything for the rest fo the game now...
Royal is a lot better then Jackson in every aspect.
Can't play defense on just 1st and 2nd down. Have to play all 3 downs.
hightower, what a joke. Matt Ryab Forte or Chris Johnson. That's it.
What a bonehead!!
Zach has arrived. Let the party begin.
I have DeSean Jackson and am in a 1 point game with the #1 seed. #@!% it!
I'm just bitter I lost in the semifinals because of that crazy Jets play. As a Jets fan, is it bad that I'm torn on how happy I am because of that knowing they won't make the playoffs?
Zach are you going to stay this time or run away midway thru the 3rd?
How bout some love for Clady for ROY votes also he wont win but darn good player.
Hightower? He had one good game and hes in consideration of R.O.Y. Come on
I'd have to say that the Broncos have the best roookie class. Eddie Royal, Peyton Hillis, Ryan Torrain, Ryan Clady, Spencer Larson, Wesley Woodyard...
It's Braylon Edwards' night. Nice catch there.
Oh God, not Zach.
you're crazy for being a jets fan.
Andy Reid messing with the playbook
I agree with Zach and thats only because im a Bronco fan but it might be true they had the best draft.
Good call Chris, he's only given up 1 or .5 sacks? Impressive. But linemen never get ROY.
Or the Heisman.
i would like edwards to go to the dolphins along with anderson (as a back up to chad)
call me crazy (seriously) but i think the dolphins are going to win the East
wow i was expecting a blowout im shocked the browns have actually scored
Picked off, TD Samuel.
At least Jackson has the excuse of not being a QB ...
Pick Six Eagles!!! HooRAH
Samuel...NIIIICE
Asante Smauel, TD pick six.
Asante Samuel pick 6! E-A-G-L-E-S!!!
17-3 Eagles.
Joe Flacco wouldn't have thrown that.
But he would have run it back had he been playing CB.
I can see it now, everyone is going to be on the Iggles bbandwagon for a while...
Ken Dorsey in a nutshell right there. He makes an all-pro throw across the middle followed by a pick 6
Ok top 5 ROY votes from me: 1) Ryan 2) Flacco 3) Johnson 4) Clady 5) Forte
NICE PICK ASANTE DOING WHAT WE WANTED HIM TO DO
Yes, yes he would have.
good thing sam picked up the ball in endzone come on man dont show boat
Is the Eagles team aware that you have to cross the goal line with the ball or at least get two feet in the end zone for it to be a touchdown?
Ken Dorsey was amazing at Miami. But so was maurice clarrett and what happened there?
That's news to Ohio State fans.
Like they say Brendan, you got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to run. You never count your money when your sittin' at the table, there'll be time enough for counting, when the dealing's done.
As a Jets fan it is nice to see Asante Samuel hurt somebody other than the Jets.
Ah, yes, have to love the commercial, kickoff, commericial.
I'm warning you Buzz. You better light up the Carolina bandwagon...
They need Kosar
I can not believe Samuels just pulled a 'Desean Jackson' and dropped the ball before the endzone. Lucky for him he got away with it
there is still plenty of time left for ken d.
Dorsey was a Heisman Trophy finalist in both 2001 and 2002.
The Browns are going to need a touchdown to stay in this game.
I'm pretty sure that was an illegal forward pass (Asante's flip) and the ball should be down at the spot of the foul. Vincent Jackson did the same stupid thing last year for the Chargers.
My ROY 1) Ryan, 2) Forte, 3) Johnson, 4) Flacco, 5) Clady, 6) Royal
Zach... even Joe Flacco wouldn't say that...
Huh??? Maurice Clarett played at Miami (FL)? Under an assumed name, maybe?
Is it not illegal for Samuel to intentionally fumble the ball forward into the endzone?
Pretty sure it's fine as long as he picks it back up.
I apologize for the mistake post. Feel free to ban me.
hey Romeo.....buh-bye!
Dorsey isn't a good football name. Dorsett, that's different.
come on Eagles do it again....
Down goes Dorsey on third down. This game is what we thought it was!
Dorsey made two passes against the Colts. One incomplete the other an interception.
put a fork in those browns there is no time there done when you look at romeo all he is looking for is where is my sandwich is somebody going to get my sandwich
ROY canidates: Matt Ryan. No other rookie is in his league.
I dont battle Batman at night, I battle Joe Flacco
the worst part of the commercial-kickoff-commercial combo is the double-dip of the soloflex jerk that's always giving his fat clothes to his fat friends.
The rule on fumbles is that only the fumbler can pick the ball up and advance it
Well Dexter Jackson made nothing out of nothing.
He'll be surprised to learn he's back in the league.
2nd fashion/clothing related comment of the night. Ephraim, you've met your quota.
Dexter Jackson? Didn't he play for Tampa Bay years ago?
Who has the best shot to be HC in Cleavland next year?
Dorsey earned a degree in business management/marketing.
If Jake lives in Minnesota Duluth, congrats on the DII title game win.
That was not funny, that was an imposter post.
That rule is only one 4th down plays actually im pretty sure.
How is it that nobody can see that the Philly defender gave up the ball before crossing the goal line??????????????
Everybody can see it, Mike. We also saw him pick it back up in the end zone.
I thought that if the offensive player -Asante- fumbles the ball forward into the endzone, it is a touchback for the other team?
Has to go through the endzone.
I will skip the halftime show....I have heard enough about T.O. to last 3 lifetimes
We are waiting for Chower in Happy Valley, for the day that JoePA retires or passes on.
Eagles inside the 20 with 1:15 to play
All right DeSean, time to make up for the interception.
Screen to Westbrook for the TD i say.
I am NOT in a love/hate relationship with running. I hate running. I do not run. I sit on the couch and eat pretzels.
You're in the right place.
Darn.
Westbrook just shy of the line
next play run it in
No timeout left, though. And only 9 seconds.
Give it to desean.
andy reid should eat his way into the enzone
They should do a qb sneak or kick a field goal. No runs for Westbrook.
Shouldn't the refs put more time back on the clock since they didn't wave the time dead while decising whether Westbrook had scored there?
What kind of pretzels?
Picked off, TD saved by Baskett. But there's a flag down!
Wow!!! BOOOO McNABB!!!
That was crazy awesome!
Flag on Eagles, and the half is over. Nice job by Westbrook and Baskett saving the TD return.
too bad he didnt return it
wow what was that the browns made a play
Philly would have been screwed either way.
All right, see you in the third quarter!
Oh boy -- picked off in the end zone. But the Cleveland defender gets tackled before he can run it all the way back!
All I have to say... is thank god it wasn't DeSean who threw it that time!
This game is two plays away from the Browns having the lead....
And we're back!
Buzz master... tick tock
You're fired, Buzz.
Buzzmaster comes when he wants to come!
Why are my comments never posted?
Wow, do you have egg on your face now.
Can we get Westbrook more involved? Don't they know I am fighting for 5th place?
I don't understand, the Cowboys are in control of their playoff destiny...are the Eagles? If the Eagles win out and beat Dallas on christmas, does that mean they are in?
They can't be, right? Because the Falcons and Bucs are both 9-5?
this game is almost as boring as watching snow melt
kickoff play injury commercial
this game is meaningless, it has no playoff implications
What's the turnover count? 2 or 3?
Two Eagles' picks, one for Dorsey.
WOW WHAT AN AMAZING CATCH!!!
Who cares about 5th place geez...
where is the passing interference call?
This game is as boring as watching Buzz moderate a chat.
Now that's boring.
Couldn't be more false Isaac. Philly wins out, and the falcons or bucs lose, and the Birds are in the playoffs. Yeah, the Eagles ares still in it
If only the Eagles hadn't tied the Bengals we'd know more about their playoff control issues
Only hockey fans understand a third column in the standings.
I'm just kidding. Locked up 5th yesterday
WHy is Jamal Lewis still running the ball right now? The best thing for the browns seems to have cribbs just line up as a running back since he's the only one gaining any rushing yeards
Why is Cribbs not passing the ball?
I think the Eagles aren't technically out of the playoffs, but they are going to need A LOT of help.
Romeo needs to go. The browns have too much talent to not be at least a 500. team.
This game is as boring as listening to a book on tape by Kirk Heinrich
Down goes Ali!
Always wanted to say that
lol a 500. team thats hilarious
Cribbs should be throwing. I have seen high school QB's better than Dorsey.
yeah Braylan shows up on Mondays to make them catches
Really need Westbrook to take a seat for the rest of the half...The championship is on the line!
yep, with all that talent and we still expect only .500 out of the Browns
Sorry i dont got time for books im more of a person that likes to be able to see what happens rather then imagine it.
but dorsey is a third string quarterback
The Browns like to beat themselves, and the Eagles like to beat themselves...so for me, this is an interesting game. The Eagles are trying to lose it (see redzone turnovers), but the Browns' will to fail is strong.
Stupid local candy store commercial. They got a 2 year old with a cold talking about it.Jeesh
Chris has an IQ of 56, thats being generous
the Browns and Bengals will always fignt for last place in the AFC North
Theres no excuse for the Browns being this bad. The QB injuries have nothing to do with it, they're better now than they were with Quinn / Anderson!
Kirk Hinrich, the Bulls' guard? Does he have a side business reading books on tape, now? Well, he is injured...so I guess he needs something to do to fill his time...
why did the browns play twice on monday night, they don't deserve it
As as a Philly fan can distract Andy Reid with a cheeseburger to prevent him calling any offensive plays...we should be good for the playoffs
so who backs up Dorsey right now
Bruce Gradkowski?
Now why would you say thats my IQ some of the most book smart people i have ever met have no common sense.....
Which has what to do with IQ?
Yeah, at least childress gave up playcalling duties when he realized he was terrible at it.
Who wins a Sumo-Wrestling match, Reid or Crennel?
Blame the coaching, and Jamal is way too slow to be an NFL RB these days
Browns are way out of sync.
The will to implode is strong with these two teams. Lose they must.
gradkowski is better than Dorsey
The Browns need a whole new coaching staff
The Browns have THREE Monday Night games this year....it's all about being that "sexy" pick
Mangino beats both in a Sumo Wrestling competition
You know what is the worst feeling in the world, when your an eagles fan and you are going against Mcnabb and westbrook in fantasy for alot of money, I am still up by 19 points but I doubt that will last long, should have played braylon edwards
Charlie weis wins the sumo match.
Jamal is a good running back but Cribbs should get more carries
Fake Ryan (NOLA) makes a good point about Browns/sync
I think they should bring back Doug Pederson...he knows that Philly offense
I almost drafted Braylon Edwards for my team, then I remembered you don't get points for drops.
I said it at the time, the Browns should have drafted Adrian Peterson over Joe Thomas. Terrible decision, but then again, it is the Browns.
Eagles should bring back Freddie Mitchell.
Heck, bring back Fred Barnett and Calvin Johnson.
Fake Ryan is even more right now.
I feel left out... no one has copied my name yet..
I dont think you want to ignore my post buzz, you know i can find you muahaha
Desean Jackson reminds me of Peter Warrick....he will never be a number 1 receiver
Rodgers is back.
Mangino versus Weis for the Sumo Championship, winner gets free cheeseburgers for life.
Eagles inside the 30 on the long completion.
These would be the same Browns that drafted Tim Couch over Mcnabb
I am still waiting for my beer though its been a bad night at work....
I want in on the chesseburger sumo match
The Browns' D is horrible
Very true Kyle, I was just thanking a browns fan the other day. Say what you will about McNabb...he's not Tim Couch.
that wasnt the same draft
McNabb is better but Couch had no coaching in Cleveland while he was there.
Well Pat, I mean you COULD do it with one arm tied behind your back, but not with one arm in a sling.
Eagles still pass-happy.
A lot of us in Lexington knew the score on Couch especially when he got drafted by the expansion Browns
Yeah it was, the 99 draft had Couch go first over Mcnabb at 2.
Same draft with Couch, McNabb, Culpepper, and Cade NcNown
Hindsight is 20/20 with who the Browns should have drafted. The Browns should have hired me and my sports almanac to draft for them.
Another Philly drive stalls
Short FG is good, 20-3.
whats the score please
His last name is couch? what could the browns honestly expect from him.
BUZZ - I puked in my mouth a little bit after I read the comments from the guys chatting earlier saying Portis was better than AD and a poster comment he was the most overrated player in the league. I guess if 15 out of 20 games over 100 yards rushing and breaking the Vikings all time RB rushing record in 14 games is overrated, he's pretty overrated then. P.S. I think we are watching the next quarterback of the Vikings in green tonight...
DeSean Jackson is going to play QB for the Vikings?
30 pass attempts to 19 rushing attepmts? Really Reid? REALLY?
By far the worst draft ever.
And in that same draft the Bengals had the wisdom to draft Akili Smith....another UGH
AD also has 19 rushes of 20 yards or more compared to the 13 by Portis. And Portis's long for this year is only 30 yards
i agree, the vikings are the team of the future
Those are all bad but the worst is Ryan Leaf. The name of infamy in San Diego
What about Mel Kiper telling Tebow that he won't be a QB in the NFL. Tebow is a great guy, says all the right things, does all the right stuff, and Kiper is trying to hurt his dream. Not cool man, not cool.
On the other hand, isn't it better to give an honest opinion to a guy who is probably surrounded by a lot of yes-men?
But aren't Peterson's runs overshadowed by the Vikings fine QB play?
The Eagles are just toying with the Browns...got to keep those ratings
The Eagles need to be a run first team. They only win when they run at least 50% of the time or more.
Nice try BUZZ, but the comment was regarding a different guy in green that passes the ball more regularly.
There is no future, just another Now. There is no past, just a list of Nows.
Ryan Leaf is dumb as a bag of hammers
I guess i agree with Fake Ryan about Peterson.
Does anyone else think the Browns play the worst defensive scheme ever the pressure kills us think we might try that ourselves Romeo has to go
I wish I was surrounded by a lot of yes-women. I'm usually surrounded by no, you're drunk-women.
I'm sure Kiper meant to say he wouldn't be a starting QB Being a benchwarmer could be lucrative
Or being a starting H-Back or FB?
Tebow will most likely not be successful in the NFL but he is a great college player, btw they will beat the gooners by at least 2 td's
Brett Favre is going to Minnesota?
The Browns haven't scored a TD in 14 quarters...That's amazing.
I get the logic mike. But who needs a bag of hammers?
Eagles should run to pass instead of pass to run
The Eagles can't be a run first team. Buckhalter and Westbrook aren't good enough between the tackles.
Wow, at least Cleveland fans have Cleveland State.
"winner winner chicken dinner".....LMAO
Im the defensive MVP of the league. My D is going to kill the titans!
winner winner chicken dinner???
SportsCenter in-game highlight of Cleveland State's halfcourt buzzer beater to beat Syracuse.
Rumor has it that Cleveland State is going to the Knicks in 2010.
since when did cleveland become a state?
Hey, comparing us to Ryan Leaf is insulting to bags of hammers you jerk.
Off topic, but why are there Amway commercials now? I thought everyone knew they are a pyramid scheme.
These days, pyramid schemes are almost the safer financial investment.
why does everyone hate on westbrook
Who? Who in this world is possibly hating on Westbrook?
How about a bag of wet mice? A bag of Steelers offensive linemen? What else is useless? Shania Twain?
Wondering if Cribbs got tackled for a loss in the wildcat formation is that considered a sack?
I think the owner of the Orlando Magic is either the founder or ceo of amway
Geico.com, so easy a bag of hammers could do it.
Buzz, give me a pop tart, and then find 3 friends to give u a pop tart have them find 3 friends to give them pop tarts
Westbrook? Hate! Hate! Hate!
I'm not hating on Westbrook. I think he's a great back, but he's part of the reason the Eagles can't close out games. They can't run the ball when they need to.
Nice first down pick-up by Avant.
Do they call him Idiot Avant?
jesse...a bag of steelers linemen LOL
That was a sweet pass by McNabb to Avant.
Westbrook is a top 5 back Tom you dont know what your talking about
You can hate the Eagles but you have to respect the Eagles Cheerleaders
The eagles should be up by 30.
End of the third quarter, 20-3 Eagles.
Nothing but love for the Eagles cheerleaders.
if not for MNF chat I would have changed the channel long ago...yawn
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network!
Westbrook does everything for the Eagles.
im nixing this game in 15 minutes in favor of family guy
well the Daily Show starts soon...:-))
Reruns. Although that might still win.
Westbrook is 60% of the Eagles offense
lmao at steve smith: did you say somethin?!!
You're up 17 in the fourth quarter. No passes! Run the clock.
Red Zone = Vomit Zone...clever.
When Animals Strike is on the Discovery Channel just in case anyone was wondering.
Animals are unionized? Are they asking for a bailout?
The vomit zone? eeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I'm flipping back and forth between MNF and Raw
The Browns should have studied film for this game. The only way to stop T. Cole is to flagrantly hold him. It has been working for every other team we've played, I don't know why Romeo hasn't briefed his boys about it.
the eagles are the strong difense we are going to be champs soon or later.
They can't Buzz. That's what I'm saying...
i never trust a left footed kicker....especially one from Louisville...j/k
Anyone from Phily....eeeeewwwwwwwww
OMG this is agonizing!!! The Eagles just need to score the 50 points they should have and we should just stop stopping the Eagles!
No Buzz, some dude just got mauled by a bear.
Was he trying to collectively bargain with it?
Did you ever watch Akers play in college Mike?
does anyone remember the backyard football commercial where akers was picked last?
Anyone want a couple family matters update.
How about they show the game less and the Cheerleaders more?
The NFC East is amazing, no doubt about it. I don't think any other division has every team hate every other team so much. You have rivalries in other divisions, sure...but most aren't competitive (Steelers/Browns), (Patriots/Dolphins...before Brady got hurt), and so on.
lol...Cleveland will try anything these days.
What a throw by Dorsey...
The Vikes should trade for Cribbs to take over at QB.
Scott with the uncomfortable sports related comment.
chris I am sure I saw Akers play but my memory has been muddled by years of abuse
Yes, but how about this CLE/PHI rivalry? Smokin'
is the game over
Officially? No.
Seeing that replay of Samuels' pick 6 makes me wonder how any Eagle would do that after the DeSean Jackson debacle earlier this year.
Dorsey picked off ... again.
Steve Walsh wasn't available if you want to go with a Miami bust?
Interception!
The Browns are hilarious....LOL
Good game so far. I just wish the Browns would actually make it competitive.
Spoken like someone who has watched 14 Lions games.
Scott what about Bears/Packers and Vikes/Packers?
Is there such a thing as a good Miami QB after 1990?
Does Jim from the office do the verizon commericals?
Wow Buzz really gets the big names to come and chat with us. Former Cowboy and MNF commentator Dandy Don Meredith is joining us from Philly!!
Eagles back in the red zone. Good news for the Browns.
Gino Toretta makes a mean roast beef sandwich at Arbys.
philly really shouldnt have lost a game if it wasnt for andy dumb play calling
which is funnier The Family Guy or watching the Browns
Not this time. TD pass to Greg Lewis.
i think they would have lost a few...
that TD was TOO EASY....LOL
There we go, this score makes me feel a bit better.
Better question mike, Which is funnier: Clevelend Brown(family guy) or the Clevelend Browns.
Colts 10-4...2-2 div and 8-2 conf...next two opponents, Jacksonville and Tenn...Tenn 12-2..4-1 div...8-2 conf...next two opponents...Pittsburg and Indy...
Tiebreaker after division record is record against common opponents. Titans beat Bears and Packers, Colts lost to them.
What do you call 44 millionaires watching the Super Bowl? The Cleveland Browns
Oh thank god. They made the extra point. /sarcasm
Aside from the Baltimore Ravens implosion, the Eagles haven't lost a game by more than 5 points all season. I definitely think if it weren't for poor coaching decisions, the Eagles wouldn't be fighting for their playoff lives.
This game is over, unless Frank Reich comes in at QB for the Browns
The Cleveland mantra . . .Wait till next year!
Cleveland Brown definitely...and Boom goes the dynamite.
The Browns are just terrible. That's about all you can say.
Jim, what's your point? TEN has already clinched a first round bye, meaning they won the division.
why so serious andy reid?
ya maybe two but they should have beat the giants the first time, and the bengals
I thought Conf record was next tiebreak after div rec.
It's after common opponents.
How did anyone in the Brown's booth not catch that mistake by Samuel's and challenge it? What a complete debacle of an organization...
What were they supposed to challenge? He picked up the ball after he dropped it. That's legal.
Buzz, going back to the Tebow discussion, I believe that Tebow will be a great QB in the NFL, just like Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco.
With romeo Crennel coaching and Jamal Lewis running the ball this game was over from the start
Well my Bengals get the Browns next week and just might win 2 games in a row...stop the presses
You can complain about Andy Reid all you want Jeffrey Lurie will not fire him he has a man crush on Reid
Can't have two turnovers inside the red zone if they expect to beat washington and dallas to close out the season.
That Josh Cribbs lining up at QB is really going gangbusters for the Browns right now.
The Eagles really haven't been interested in surround McNabb with talent at the skilled positions since he's been the starting Qb.
I think that Tebow will be converted into a tight end
those 3 quarterbacks you just said are not anything like tebow? where were you goin with that
Jim is stubbornly determined to get the Colts that division title. That ship has sailed. Be happy with a Wild Card. Could be worse -- you could be a Browns or Lions fan!
If you were one of the top non-senior QB, would you really come out knowing there's a chance the Lions might take you?
But if Dungy were more willing to use the time machine the Colts could still do it
Family Matters Update: Carl and Urkel are baking cookies.
this Jon Stewart guy is pretty funny
Ok I was wondering just which team challenges the least? I mean which team is afraid to toss the red flag?
I like Tebow in the league. He's got a shot at pro QB gig
Cmon the Lions will take Crabtree and sign Cassel.
But knowing the Lions., Sam Cassell.
When I see Steiny post, I always think of Charley Steiner in that Y2K commercial yelling FOLLOW ME TO FREEDOM!
Why is everyone down on being the Lions' QB? Think of the vacation time you get with that gig
And that's what you get for throwing the ball. Kolb picked off.
Fun Fact: The Browns stink
Pick Six!!!
See Buzz. If the Eagles could run the ball, they wouldn't have these problems...
Hey Buzz...any chance Andre Woodson has a shot at being an NFL quarterback after being cut from Giants practice squad? Perhaps the Bears could give him a chance, haha?
Belichick would put McNabb back in now
You know some guy somewhere is yelling at his TV because he needs another couple of points from McNabb in his fantasy league playoffs.
lets go Browns
They CAN run the ball TOM...they have brian westbrook the 5th best rb in the league!!!
Why were the Eagles throwing the ball with a 23 point lead in the 4th quarter?
Tom....I feel sorry for Matthew Stafford...he a has to know he is going to Detroit
Andy Reid is determined to take this game past three hours.
andre woodson will not be a NFL QB...he has a laser for an arm but his accuracy is horrendous, he is slower than most of the people typing in this chat and his throwing motion takes way too long...he would get eaten alive by a safety with a half a brain
And that Eagles fan is one of the major Reaons you shouldn't want McNabb gone Kolb isn't ready to start
Stafford can wait a year to go to detroit cuz most likely there gonna stink next year too.
At some point people gotta stop making excuses for Andy Reid. They can run the ball they just don't.
Quick question Buzz...If the Steelers win out and get the #1 seed, is that one of the greatest accomplishments in NFL history considering the strength of their schedule??
I don't know about NFL history, but it's pretty darn impressive.
I'm ignoring the Andre Woodson question...lol
According to the Detroit Free Press, 3 mock drafts had them taking Sam Bradford. A great reason for him to go back to Oklahoma.
Mo, I agree his accuracy is off and he is slow, but he led the SEC in passing yards and TD's his senior year at UK. We all know how good secondaries are in the SEC, so how did that happen, and why can't it happen again?
Andy Reid believes in Passing the ball 75% of the time Running the ball 25% of the time
theres been 44 great nfl sccomplishments, theres one every February
Bucs-Raiders in the SB was not a great accomplishment for any of us.
There is no logical reason to get rid of McNabb...He would be scooped up in a millisecond and the Eagles would suffer greatly
Anyone else think Kolb looks like Jim Breuer?
Ok if you found out you would be drafted by the Detroit Lions wouldn't you stay in college?
I am that guy yelling at the TV. But, only for 1 more Westbrook point. Not looking very likely.
How bout Cowher to Detroit next year?
I think the Joker was referring to the Pro Bowl, Buzz
id rather go to the lions than browns, no doubt...get to play in a dome!!!
Maybe not. That's true Brandt but he also takes too many sacks and fumbles everytime the wind blows.
Kevin Kolb is terrible...McNabb is the man!
cleveland might be worse than detroit....this offesne is rediculous
I can't get the game - Are Westbrook and McNabb done for the night?
Almost certainly.
Philly fans complain too much. Ask Detroit fans if they would take 3 straight NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance. Think they would complain? It's not like your Dallas or San Fran of the late '80's and early '90's.
The Eagles O-line is poor at best You can blame some of McNabb's sacks on them
mike i bet when the eagles lose in the next 2 weeks, youll ben saying "out with mcnabb!!!"
No doubt Woodson has issues, but as a Bears fan, I seriously don't understand how he (or most QB's out there for that matter) could be worse than Orton and Grossman, haha... Just hoping to see a fellow alum up in the Windy City, lol...
Go to Detroit over Cleveland Less likely to get a staph infection that way
I don't see Cowher going to Detroit. He had a sweet job in Pitt he walked away from.
How good of a chance do the browns have at landing Cowher or Marty?
hey mo, nobodies worse than Detroit. 3, 2 or even 1 win is better than zilch!
I think some Eagle fans get off on their tough crowd image
Excellent! Thanks! I'm playing against them in our FFL Championship game and I'm up by 15
If the Eagles do get rid of McNabb Eagles fans better get ready to hear the words rebuilding Kolb isn't a Starter he is far from it
Getting rid of McNabb would be as silly as Auburn getting rid of Tuberville for a guy who couldn't win in the Big 12 North. ...
Brandt.....bring in jared lorenzen....the hefty lefty's got some wheels
Joker...I could care less about the eagles and whether they succeed but to get rid of McNabb in favor of Kolb is ludicrous
Joe: nobody thought Cassell was a starter either....
The Lions would make Dorsey look like a Probowler
Andre Johnson connected with quarterback Ken Dorsey for 2 touchdowns and 199 yards in the National Championship game.
SEC QBs that don't have the last name of Manning just aren't good. I wouldn't want one leading my team.
By the way, as we all mock the Browns for how bad they look right now, I think there are good times ahead. I'm not a Browns fan at all, but with a healthy Brady Quinn next year, they will be on the rise. Quinn is the best young prospect out there right now. I still can't believe Leinart got drafted ahead of him... Absolute comedy what his career is at this point, haha! I think he spent too much time on the beach with Paris Hilton in college...
You want to know how good Kevin Kolb is DeSean Jackson is doing just as well passing wise as Kolb is
I'm a Michigan Fan, and I never remember Braylon dropping passes like he does in Cleavland, It must be something in the water over there in Ohio.
Two-minute warning.
Barkley thinks that Auburn signing is Turrible
Yeah!! Nobody thought Tarvaris Jackson was a sta......UMMMMM, WAIT.
Cassel had the 2 things Kolb hasn't had yet time to learn and alot of Offensive Talent
Im praying that the Eagles get a spot in the playoffs. Is it too tough to beat Dallas? They can do it at home
next Sunday Bengals v Browns...tune in and hilarity will ensue
tebow to the rams!
the "e-a-g-l-e-s" arent as good as the cowboys so quit bragging haha
Good lord Dorsey just take a knee.
Later Buzz....have a good week
The Eagles are looking great.
Look at what McNabb has done for your team. What were they before? And just wait and see how bad they are next year if they get rid of McNabb. It's like asking Indy to get rid of Manning for Jim "The Future" Sorgi.
Buzz, as always it has been real my man. Im out see you tomorrow.
All right, that'll do it. Join me next week for the final MNF of the season!