This is a place to keep tabs on the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals during the season since they have a "special" place in our hearts.
It will be interesting to see how the Ravens handle the loss of Dobbins. Rumors flying that they've brought in L'Eveon Bell and DeSean McCoy for tryouts.
CLEVELAND BROWNS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/12 at Chiefs, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 2: 9/19 vs. Houston, 1 PM, CBS Week 3: 9/26 vs. Bears, 1 PM, Fox Week 4: 10/3 at Vikings, 1 PM, CBS Week 5: 10/10 at Chargers, 4:05 PM, CBS Week 6: 10/17 vs. Cardinals, 4:05 PM, Fox Week 7: 10/21 vs. Broncos, 8:20 PM, Fox/NFL Network/ Amazon Week 8: 10/31 vs. Steelers, 1 PM, CBS Week 9: 11/7 at Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 10: 11/14 at Patriots, 1 PM, CBS Week 11: 11/21 vs. Lions, 1 PM, Fox Week 12: 11/28 at Ravens, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 13: BYE Week 14: 12/12 vs. Ravens, 1 PM, CBS Week 15: 12/19 vs. Raiders, time & TV TBD Week 16: 12/25 at Packers, 4:30 PM, Fox/NFL Network/Amazon Week 17: 1/3 at Steelers, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 18: 1/9 vs. Bengals, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Sunday Night Football: Week 12 at Ravens Monday Night Football: Week 17 at Steelers Thursday Night Football: Week 7 vs. Broncos Christmas Day: Week 16 vs. Packers
BALTIMORE RAVENS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/13 at Raiders, 8:15 PM, ESPN/ABC Week 2: 9/19 vs. Chiefs 8:20 PM, NBC Week 3: 9/26 at Lions, 1 PM, CBS Week 4: 10/3 at Broncos, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 5: 10/11 vs. Colts, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 6: 10/17 vs. Chargers, 1 PM, CBS Week 7: 10/24 vs. Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 8: BYE Week 9: 11/7 vs. Vikings, 1 PM, Fox Week 10: 11/11 at Dolphins, 8:20 PM, Fox/NFL Network/Amazon Week 11: 11/21 at Bears, 1 PM, CBS Week 12: 11/28 vs. Browns, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 13: 12/5 at Steelers, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 14: 12/12 at Browns, 1 PM, CBS Week 15: 12/19 vs. Packers, 1 PM, Fox Week 16: 12/26 at Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 17: 1/2 vs. Rams, 4:25 PM, Fox Week 18: 1/9 vs. Steelers, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Sunday Night Football: Week 2 vs. Chiefs, Week 12. vs. Browns Monday Night Football: Week 1 at Raiders, Week 5 vs. Colts, Thursday Night Football: Week 10 at Dolphins
PITTSBURGH STEELERS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/12 at Bills, 1 PM, CBS Week 2: 9/19 vs. Raiders 1 PM, CBS Week 3: 9/26 vs. Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 4: 10/3 at Packers, 4:25 PM CBS Week 5: 10/10 vs. Broncos, 1 PM, Fox Week 6: 10/17 vs. Seahawks, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 7: BYE Week 8: 10/31 at Browns, 1 PM, CBS Week 9: 11/8 vs. Bears, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 10: 11/14 vs. Lions, 1 PM, Fox Week 11: 11/21 at Chargers, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 12: 11/28 at Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 13: 12/5 vs. Ravens, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 14: 12/9 at Vikings, 8:20 PM Fox/NFL Network/ Amazon Week 15: 12/19 vs. Titans, 1 PM, CBS Week 16: 12/26 at Chiefs, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 17: 1/3 vs. Browns, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 18: 1/9 at Ravens, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Sunday Night Football: Week 6 vs. Seahawks, Week 11 at Chargers Monday Night Football: Week 9 vs. Bears, Week 17 vs. Browns Thursday Night Football: Week 14 at Vikings
CINCINNATI BENGALS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/12 vs. Vikings, 1 PM, Fox Week 2: 9/19 at Bears, 1 PM, Fox Week 3: 9/26 at Steelers, 1 PM, CBS Week 4: 9/30 vs. Jaguars, 8:20 PM, NFL Week 5: 10/10 vs. Packers, 1 PM, Fox Week 6: 10/17 at Lions,1 PM, Fox Week 7: 10/24 at Ravens, 1 PM, CBS Week 8: 10/31 at Jets, 1 PM, CBS Week 9: 11/7 vs. Browns, 1 PM, CBS Week 10: BYE Week 11: 11/21 at Raiders, 4:05 PM, CBS Week 12: 11/28 vs. Steelers, 1 PM, CBS Week 13: 12/5 vs. Chargers, 1 PM, Fox Week 14: 12/12 vs. 49ers, 1 PM, CBS Week 15: 12/19 at Broncos, 4:05 PM, CBS Week 16: 12/26 vs. Ravens, 1 PM, CBS Week 17: 1/2 vs. Chiefs, 1 PM, CBS Week 18: 1/9 at Browns, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Thursday Night Football: Week 4 vs. Jaguars
A few comments, with 1st quarter record predictions:
Ravens - Lamar is going to be playing superman again, at least early in the season. Their wideouts have been injured all throughout pre-season, plus we know Lamar was out with COVID. Result was they didn't get the passing game work in that they wanted. And despite the loss of JK, Gus is plenty good enough to run that option offense with Lamar. Defense is always solid. I hate to say it, but I think the Chiefs have a let-down game on the road after beating us week 1. Ravens go 4-0 to start.
Bengals - I would say that they're regretting the Jamar Chase pick, but from the sounds of things in Detroit, Sewell is struggling as well. That offense will still be really good once Burrow trusts his knee and his protection...sounds like they aren't there yet, so I think they lose the opener against that Vikings that they could otherwise win playing with confidence. They get off the schnide against Jax to go 1-3.
Steelers - Reports of their demise always seem to fall flat. I don't have a lot of belief in their longevity across the (even longer) season, but their defense is just sooo good. Loss of Tuitt early won't make a big difference. That OL, though, is in shambles. Both tackles are off-the-street guys, plus other new starters aren't great. Najee and Ben will earn every cent this season if they can produce behind that pile of garbage. The mystique is still enough to beat middle tier Bengals and Raiders, so they go 2-2.
Browns - I have some serious concerns about this defense. Has our starting back 7 played a single snap together, even in practice? Unless somehow the DL is dominant (like Clowney and Takk recapture their best + McDowell emerges), this D is gonna be just as bad as last year early on. The offense will be fine, and will carry us through 3 games, however, they aren't good enough to keep up with the Chiefs until proven otherwise. Browns lose another opener, but rise up to 3-1.
Browns - I have some serious concerns about this defense. Has our starting back 7 played a single snap together, even in practice? Unless somehow the DL is dominant (like Clowney and Takk recapture their best + McDowell emerges), this D is gonna be just as bad as last year early on.
I get your point, but I disagree. The single replacement of Andrew Sendejo with JJ3 makes this defense better than last year's. Add Walker in the middle, and I think the starting point for this year's D is last year's at it's best.
1. #GMstrong 2. "I'm just trying to be the best Nick I can be." ~ Nick Chubb 3. Forgive me Elf, I didn’t have faith. ~ Tulsa 4. ClemenZa #1
Browns - I have some serious concerns about this defense. Has our starting back 7 played a single snap together, even in practice? Unless somehow the DL is dominant (like Clowney and Takk recapture their best + McDowell emerges), this D is gonna be just as bad as last year early on.
I get your point, but I disagree. The single replacement of Andrew Sendejo with JJ3 makes this defense better than last year's. Add Walker in the middle, and I think the starting point for this year's D is last year's at it's best.
That actually probably the most reasonable and valid direct comparison to last year that there is. Literally, just the replacing Sendejo with JJ3 part makes us at least one score per game better. With just that one move, the giant gaping hole in our defense that gave up a 1st down anytime an opponent needed it has been effectively closed and opponents will have to actually work a little against us. I think perhaps folks forget just how much of a problem Sendejo and the Safety position was for us last year. Harrison & JJ3 is far and away better than Sendejo & Redwine/Joseph, and that is still not counting anything from Delpit. Edit to add that I just realized that not one of the starting Safeties from last year is even on the roster this year, and the guy that was our #2 CB has been replaced as well.
LB corps... at the very least, it is no worse than it was, and in terms of talent and intelligence/knowledge brought in, it is largely upgraded on paper.
The interior DLine is still worrisome until they show us something, but I do like the upside potential that is there.... I just need to see it be stout before I can trust that it isn't still a problem.
Last edited by PrplPplEater; 09/04/2111:22 AM.
Fear us, for we have Hughlett
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
Woods was hamstrung last year. He accepted it and had to play with what he had.
All true that this defense has not been able to play the indended starters because of soft tissue injuries and management being justifiably cautious.
However, there is still a boatload of preparation work that is done.
Key veterans at every level will help. Myles, Clowney, and Malik Jackson. Anthony Walker midlevel. JJ3, Harrison, and Ward on the back end.
Last year the secondary was a mess.
If we can get consistent pressure from the front. IMO we will be fine early on.
When things start to tighten after Thanksgiving. We should be hitting full stride.
I would not be surprised to see McDowell, play very early for Billings, I have concerns about Billings, for as large of a person, he was rag-dolled numerous times. McDowell on the other hand was rag dolling OL.....
Although the offense is much the same, DPJ and Felton will be adding something to the mix. You can tell that the Browns really like Felton.
It will ultimately come down to injuries. The teams that stay healthy finish well.
Everything will be alright in the end. If things are not alright, it must not be the end.
Billing made the team based on past experience over anything he showed in camp, and I get that to a degree.
We have to hope the guy continues to progress as the season unfolds because it is pretty obvious his season off turned him to to a ton of blubber.
The NT position has a history of big guys who look more fat than anything else, but they remained strong as an ox and could still move to some degree.
Let's just say that Billings hasn't found his sweet spot. My guess is the team has the guy on some weight targets and if he doesn't start to come close to meeting those targets he could get released 3-4-5 weeks in to the season.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
I remain hopeful that our defense’s sucktitude last year was based on Woods being a victim of bad personnel.
With Johnson, Hill, Walker, Clowney, Delpit, Greedy, and JOK we have no excuse to be bad this season
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
They will just let Lamar take Dobbins carries.
One day Lamar is going to get hit and not recover or it will be death by 1000 tackles.
"There's a gleam men. There's a gleam. Let's get the gleam." Marty Schottenheimer
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
To my eyes, JK was only slightly better than Gus Edwards. And they really like their now-2nd string Ty'son Williams. I don't see any change at all in their effectiveness running the ball
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
To my eyes, JK was only slightly better than Gus Edwards. And they really like their now-2nd string Ty'son Williams. I don't see any change at all in their effectiveness running the ball
I was thinking more along the lines of protection. They're probably all good runners but I don't have any idea of their blocking ability.
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
They will just let Lamar take Dobbins carries.
One day Lamar is going to get hit and not recover or it will be death by 1000 tackles.
No they won't. Gus Edwards is a good back. He will get a ton of carries this year.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
The place where the Browns have a clear advantage over all the other teams in the AFCN is the offensive line.
The Steelers line will struggle again this year, and I have serious doubts Ben makes it through the season unscathed. They have no depth on the OL.
I think Baltimore's line will struggle this year as well, even though they tried to fix it this offseason. I think Villanueva will struggle at RT, and their OL depth is not very good.
I also think both those teams lack the depth of the Browns. This is very important, with a 17th game added this year.
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Everytime Troy Aikman or Joe Buck or whatever dumb one sits next to them makes another call about Gus Edwards and his 1 yard outside carry, I'm going to Break my TV! "They hopped on the bust guts."
When I first heard that the Ravens' had Bell in for a visit I added him to my fantasy squad. I didn't like RB depth. So I guessed that between Bell and Freeman they would sign Bell. The fact that they signed him to the PS only gives them and Bell time to get him up to speed. Then he will be moved to the 53. This seems inevitable since they only have Gus Edwards and a guy named Ty'Son Williams on their current 53 man roster.
A little off topic here, but is there going to be a extra playoff spot for two teams in each conference again?
" Now here you are running these dirty old streets tattoo on your neck fake gold on your teeth, got the hood here snowed but you can't fool me, we both know who you are"
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Well, the other side to that equation is that they have to have a good defense to enable him to run as much as he does. Peters going down won't help that cause.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
The playing surface at their training facility is something to look at. But I have to wonder if there is something about the way they are choosing to practice that is contributing to these injuries?
If they don't do an in-depth examination of all of their process, shame on them.
You hate to see injuries. Baltimore has been hit hard
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Holy cow! I just tuned in to this thread today, and the Ravens are being decimated IN PRACTICE. Could you imagine Chubb, Hunt, Johnson, and Ward going down in one week, for the year? Lamar's risk rate just skyrocketed I would think.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
One of the most important factors for any team in the championship conversation is injury luck. It’s going to take a lot of depth luck to overcome their losses.
"Team Chemistry No Match for Team Biology" (Onion Sports Headline)
I think they signed Murray as well, who IMO is the best of the bunch
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
So now Devonta Freeman has joined L'eveon Bell on the Ravens practice squad. That's a heck of a practice squad, lol.
The deal is that someone is going to get the rock. To me, 99% of being a good back is getting the carries.
If all of Chubb, Hunt, and Johnson got hurt today, Felton could gain around 1300 yards if given the carries. That is only 76 yards a game.
I think you forget how long it took us to get a 1,000 yard rusher after The Return and just how big of a deal that was and how we thought we had finally 'arrived' as a team when it happened.
Fear us, for we have Hughlett
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
Does Leveon Bell still have anything left in the tank? I remember both Freeman and Murray looking pretty used up in previous stops.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I think they'll be fine at RB. Lamar stirs that drink. In fact, I would say that in a normal offense, Bell, Freeman, and Murray are all meh at this point, but with all eyes on Lamar, they have the opportunity to produce well above what they would elsewhere.
Peters hurts them, though. ANY loss that forces them to play from behind more often hurts that team quite a bit, and losing an elite corner definitely ups those chances of falling behind.
Does Leveon Bell still have anything left in the tank? I remember both Freeman and Murray looking pretty used up in previous stops.
I'd say he was pretty much done when he left the Steelers, but he keeps hanging around.
When even the Jets cast you off mid-season, that's a sign. The Chiefs picked him up only as depth and wouldn't keep him even at the paltry $1 million they got him for in 2020. He's playing for the Ravens at $252k (and the Jets are still carrying dead money for his last contract).
Edit: the $252k is his practice squad contract. As a veteran with 7 years, as soon as he is signed to the 53, he will get a minimum of $1.075 million.
Last edited by PrplPplEater; 09/10/2110:43 AM.
Fear us, for we have Hughlett
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
Does Leveon Bell still have anything left in the tank? I remember both Freeman and Murray looking pretty used up in previous stops.
Once he left the Steelers "charmed" OLine, we saw that his "patience" behind the OLine was really hesitation.
The Jets OLine did not get the "look-the-other-way" treatment that the Steelers OLine got/gets with the OLine holding the opponent like they were their lover until a hole magically appeared for Bell to trot on through.
Steelers defense is very good .. couple that with their short passing game and our defense … that means two tough games with them.
And Cincy looks much better as long as the OL holds up
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Burrow was already limping at one point in the game. I was watching the game a little bit, and from the plays I saw the Bengals might've managed to put an even worse Oline out there than last year.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
Steelers defense is very good .. couple that with their short passing game and our defense … that means two tough games with them.
And Cincy looks much better as long as the OL holds up
I saw some of that game. Cincy's OL was squat! absolute excercomont, very bad, a water filled paper bag to stop a leak, their OL was autrocious. But it didn't matter because their dumb qb could place the ball faster than for it to matter.
Burrow is going to get injured again. Mark it down.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
From what I saw half the sacks was attributed to not the oline but the blocking back missed some blocks and Hunter blew past the edge blocker Drew Simple. Even Mixon ran for 122 yds so how bad was The oline?
It seemed like whenever I looked Burrow was getting smashed. He was limping at one point (didn't seem to affect him, though). I don't see how that performance translates to when they go up against a team that can really rush the passer without Burrow basically leaving in a body bag.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
Burrow has about 1/2 the arm of Elway...if that.
Remind me of that when he becomes a thorn in our side.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
Burrow has about 1/2 the arm of Elway...if that.
Remind me of that when he becomes a thorn in our side.
If he ever does become a thorn in our side, it won't be anywhere near because he looks like Elway doing so. He can't scramble like Elway and doesn't have the arm of Elway...not even close.
If you say so, he reminds me of a YOUNG Elway. Maybe go back and watch some of his rookie highlights. And you could be right about his arm, but I think he has the arm.
He certainly did. I thought he played phenomenal. I also think he doesn't finish the season.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
Burrow has about 1/2 the arm of Elway...if that.
Remind me of that when he becomes a thorn in our side.
If he ever does become a thorn in our side, it won't be anywhere near because he looks like Elway doing so. He can't scramble like Elway and doesn't have the arm of Elway...not even close.
Mahomes is the thorn in our side. We came a minute away from playing the bills last year. I think he is our 2020's Elway.
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
I think the Bengals will beat the bears - yes. I think the Raiders will give the Steelers a game. I think they have a chance. I think we beat Texans. I think the Ravens will give KC a game. That'll be a great game to watch.
Happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.
I think the Bears D won't let the Bengals do what they did vs Vikings. I've been harping on it a little too much, but I'm not getting on the Bengals bandwagon, so to speak. I think the Vikings played really really poorly (and Burrow is still the real deal when he's upright).
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I think Burrows is outstanding. I love the Cinci WR core, and Mixon is very good especially when fresh like this early season game. But I agree to the thinking their OL is going to get Burrows hurt... just think for one game early in the season, they have a solid chance.
Happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.
Mixon is really a difference maker. He was fabulous Sunday without a great OL. I can see him finishing as a top 3 back this year
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
I definitely think Burrow is the real deal. He has a ton of poise and definitely has the "It" factor. I think their biggest challenge against the Bears will be keeping him upright against Khalil Mack.
I imagine they'll run a lot and try to get some quick passes in to nullify his pass-rush set, but the couple of long drop backs I presume they will have will expose Burrow and their OL to one hell of a relentless pass-rusher.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
Mixon is a really good back, but he can't do it on his own. Against a tough D like the Bears have the Oline will have to pull their weight and I think they'll come crashing back to Earth.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I dont see anything special about the Bears D. They have Mack and who else? The Rams had their way with Bears D. I can see Cincy putting up 27 or more In a win Plus Andy Dalton will get sacked 5-times
The Browns should beat the Texans easily On talent alone.but dont be surprised if its close through 3 q. But Hunt needs more touches
The Ravens are in real trouble. No pass rush and their best cover corner Is out to allow the pass rush to get home KC will put 35 on them easy. Plus their RG got hurt.
Steelers should take care of the Raiders But Carr has the talents to look like Bert Jones at times.
The Steeler defense is legit, as expected, but their offense is as trash as expected, too. They aren't going to score off of blocked punts every week. I think the Raiders win.
Bengals-Bears: that's a coin flip. I don't really know either team well enough to gauge it. Who knows what the Bengals are when they're actually healthy.
Raven-Chiefs: I'll be SHOCKED if this is anything other than a Ravens loss. I don't see their defense as being good enough to contain the Chiefs, and that offense is going nowhere.
Us v Texans: I'll simply say that if this isn't a 'W', heads should roll.
Fear us, for we have Hughlett
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
The Raiders have beaten The Chiefs The Ravens The Browns in the last 12 months. How many teams can say that.
Kickers!
" You have to be able to throw the ball and throw the ball effectively in this league to keep up with the better football teams" Warren Moon. 1,8,12. Yes We Can Yes We Can!
When will they say that about the Browns in my lifetime?
I listened to their podcast for the first time, they kept 10-12 linebackers... .. (but how are they able to play Pre-vent with 12 linebackers on their roster?)
No. They don't play great, they sit around. They wait around. They do nothing, for 3/4th of the game. then. In One 90. second stretch, they make a game changing touchdown on defense, Then force another 3 and out, Then score on offense. a 14 point swing. They have done it for years, it's their recipe.
Absorb what the other team does, for 30 minutes, stay within 12-17 points, no more than 17, then, when the time comes. SNAP, make your move and it's over you win. They have nothing left in the tank.
" You have to be able to throw the ball and throw the ball effectively in this league to keep up with the better football teams" Warren Moon. 1,8,12. Yes We Can Yes We Can!
Bengals-Bears: that's a coin flip. I don't really know either team well enough to gauge it.
You know this. Bears win, it's the bengals, and they are on the road. Fields should be starting, they win either way, if Fields is playing, the Bears win by a dozen.
Quote:
Raven-Chiefs: I'll be SHOCKED if this is anything other than a Ravens loss.
If Lamar Jackson is healthy, No win they get will shock me.
Quote:
Browns v Texans:
Browns are already under pressure to get back to 500. They'll have to play smart, and dominate. And the Browns shouldn't let it come down to one possession either way, not even an onside kick. The Browns are better period.
" You have to be able to throw the ball and throw the ball effectively in this league to keep up with the better football teams" Warren Moon. 1,8,12. Yes We Can Yes We Can!
The Steeler defense is legit, as expected, but their offense is as trash as expected, too. They aren't going to score off of blocked punts every week. I think the Raiders win.
Bengals-Bears: that's a coin flip. I don't really know either team well enough to gauge it. Who knows what the Bengals are when they're actually healthy.
Raven-Chiefs: I'll be SHOCKED if this is anything other than a Ravens loss. I don't see their defense as being good enough to contain the Chiefs, and that offense is going nowhere.
Us v Texans: I'll simply say that if this isn't a 'W', heads should roll.
idk, the Texans have a better record than us and they beat the mighty Urban Meyer and his Jags. Oh and the newly anointed GOAT Trevor Larwence.
Steelers vs Raiders Bengals at Bears Browns vs Texans Ravens vs Chiefs
Bengals 1-1 Browns 1-1 Ravens 1-1 Steelers 2-0. (seems obvious) Do I think the Ravens will beat the chiefs? I think the Ravens will go 16-0 (15-1 now), as long as Lamar is playing and healthy, so, of course.
(you know they play the Browns twice TL?, Cuss! don't remind me, it's going to StinK! if they sweep us. CuSS!) s o $%$gun. dang with a bye, son of, 'it's what I think will happen though. ahhhh!!!! million frowns. son of a gunnn.... !!!! @%^#$$% ravens. Done w/ this
I dont see anything special about the Bears D. They have Mack and who else? The Rams had their way with Bears D. I can see Cincy putting up 27 or more In a win Plus Andy Dalton will get sacked 5-times
Justin Fields should be starting, Dalton was clearly done 2 years ago., I don't see HOW Justin Fields isn't starting and playing all the time there, good or bad play he has more tools at this point.
Quote:
The Browns should beat the Texans easily On talent alone.but dont be surprised if its close through 3 q. But Hunt needs more touches,
Chubb does too.
Originally Posted By: Iluvmyxstripper
The Ravens are in real trouble.
Oh MY have I heard that one before.Ravens' are in real trouble, Again! They are about to implode, the Ravens can't keep this charade going, on and on, heard it since 2019, Who is going to beat them.
As long as that dum-<><><<. quarterback, is running around like a pinball machine, bouncing off of tackles like I don't know what. Who can beat them.
" You have to be able to throw the ball and throw the ball effectively in this league to keep up with the better football teams" Warren Moon. 1,8,12. Yes We Can Yes We Can!
Let's hope so. If the Ravens somehow win this week, I just give up on the existence of any kind of balance to the universe.
And speaking of, as the Browns and Ravens fight to get back even, the Steelers just quietly are going to rack up 2 Ws to start the year. No way the Raiders go on the road and win that game. The zombie franchise lives.
As long as that dum-<><><<. quarterback, is running around like a pinball machine, bouncing off of tackles like I don't know what. Who can beat them.
The Raiders???
Make us a Championship Team 2021 Draft: Newsome, JOK, Schwartz and others. Berry is awesome Get off early start and we will go all the way! SB baby! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
I saw that Ben had a horrible rating for Sunday's game, but then some people online (social media) are disputing that. I didn't actually see the game. Can someone give an accurate description as to whether Roethsliberger did well or not, based on watching the game?
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
So I’m seeing that Ronnie Staley is going to be out a bit now …Ravens upcoming schedule is not the easiest. Baltimore could accrue some losses here
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
I'll take a low risk, high reward (like Takk, McD) signing if it means upgrading from those two players and their snap counts based on their performance up to this point.
"We'll see how much Brat...errr..........Baker improves w/out Hue in his way."
Because we have Takitaki and Wilson playing a significant amount of snaps we could benefit greatly from an upgrade.
This. Reuben's issues are largely his off-field conduct. We seem to be willing to check out 'project' talents that meet team needs. We seem confident that our locker room can handle these types of additions.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
We definitely need better LB play. Not sure it’s Foster, but it’s gotta be somebody
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Charges were subsequently dropped due to lack of evidence.
I did a quick read of his wiki, and this sorta statement is repeated a couple times throughout the timeline. Where there's smoke, there's fire.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I just hope that we are looking HARD at his past and present conduct.
Tough, Smart Accountable:
Wonderlic of 9 and a history of conduct issues..... I trust Berry, but still question whether this one may be dipping a little too deeply into the Risk Well. It doesn't hurt to take a look, though. We do need to get better at LB, and a cheap infusion of talent with the right mindset would be golden. With a Wonderlic of 9, though, I wonder how quickly he can learn a defense.
Fear us, for we have Hughlett
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
The great thing about the FA scrap heap is that it's easy to cut bait if things start going sour.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
The great thing about the FA scrap heap is that it's easy to cut bait if things start going sour.
The flip side of that is that now we have enough talent that we can’t pick anyone up without cutting someone else who probably has a fairly high street value and might themselves get snatched up quickly. I love taking a look but who would you cut to make room for a super high risk guy that hasn’t played since 2018? Maybe just stick him on the PS I guess.
"Team Chemistry No Match for Team Biology" (Onion Sports Headline)
The great thing about the FA scrap heap is that it's easy to cut bait if things start going sour.
The flip side of that is that now we have enough talent that we can’t pick anyone up without cutting someone else who probably has a fairly high street value and might themselves get snatched up quickly. I love taking a look but who would you cut to make room for a super high risk guy that hasn’t played since 2018? Maybe just stick him on the PS I guess.
any of the LB outside of JOK and maybe takitaki would be pretty easy to cut. But Foster is a bum, no idea why we are even looking at that trash
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday. -John Wayne
The great thing about the FA scrap heap is that it's easy to cut bait if things start going sour.
The flip side of that is that now we have enough talent that we can’t pick anyone up without cutting someone else who probably has a fairly high street value and might themselves get snatched up quickly. I love taking a look but who would you cut to make room for a super high risk guy that hasn’t played since 2018? Maybe just stick him on the PS I guess.
any of the LB outside of JOK and maybe takitaki would be pretty easy to cut. But Foster is a bum, no idea why we are even looking at that trash
Are you trashing Walker after one game?
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. - John Muir
Being "tied for first place" used to mean something.
_________
If this team is being built to outplay teams like KC and BAL, we're still a work in progress. Tonight's SNF game showed me that:
1. We couldn't beat KC last week 2. KC couldn't beat BAL this week.
I foresee BAL giving us the same trouble they always do. That team had more injured #1's on the sidelines than any other NFL team- and they managed to do what CLE couldn't.
As stacked as this team looks on paper, it is not yet a lock for a deep playoff run. It's still the NFL- every given Sunday. Today's win would feel a lot better if the rest of the AFCN was playing the way they look on paper. The game's still played on grass- not paper.
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
I'm looking for your 5-6 game "gelling period" for this D, but Dawg- I've now spent 2 consecutive games feeling underwhelmed. Usually, I can see flashes of what might be, but so far, I'm just seeing alotta mediocrity.
We need better from the D. If today's CLE defense met tonight's BAL offense, I'm not confident CLE'd have an answer.
Nope, we'd lose that one. We could really lose any Sunday. But I think we'll be good by the end of games 5 or 6. If we don't see real improvement by then, Woods needs to answer for that.
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
I wish I had your confidence, basically your forecast is predicated on belief ... at this moment we've seen no improvement in 2 games and not seen anything that would indicate that players are gelling or a light bulb is going to switch on. My concern is that our D woes are as much scheme and coaching as it is new players gelling.
Happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.
Baltimore at Detroit (90% chance Baltimore wins) Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (66% chance Pittsburgh wins) Chicago at Cleveland (70% chance Cleveland wins)
I still think we have a lot of work to do to catch Baltimore, and last night proved it
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
I'm actually going to put my neck on the line and say Cincy beats Pittsburgh.
yeah, there’s a good chance its close, especially if Watt, Tuitt, Haden, etc are still injured
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Underwhelmed 2.0 here as well. The Rats looked more dialed in when it counted. They survived last night with a stupid blind luck mistake (seen it before repeatedly). We couldn't stop them IMO with our soft play.
But how many folks did we put out? Body count was high.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
Big issue with our team: we don’t have play makers outside of Chubb when it counts. Our defense literally can’t get off the field against Houston, let alone the Chiefs when it counts
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Big issue with our team: we don’t have play makers outside of Chubb when it counts. Our defense literally can’t get off the field against Houston, let alone the Chiefs when it counts
Joe. Woods.
You have all pro talent in Ward and Garrett who were both terrible yesterday.
You had a third string rookie QB in his first game action and decided not to do anything to make his like harder. You actually created a comfortable environment for him to succeed.
Not to make excuses, but this defense has only been together for 2 weeks, and even then there have been changes.
I was frustrated with the defense yesterday. I am not ready to call for anyone's head just yet, though. We lost the green dot after week 1. We just got Delpit back. JOK is playing his 2nd game as a pro, as is Newsome. 3/4 of our starting DL is new. (actually, most of it, including depth, is new) Our starting FS and Nickel were on the Rams last year. It does take some time to get all on the same page, and playing instinctually.
If we haven't found our footing after week 5 or 6, then I will not stand in the way of those calling for Woods's head. At this early point in the season, though, it's still way too early.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
I understand the frustration. I share it, and would like to add...
In both KC games now, the road team was winning and gave up 2 4th quarter TOs (1 fumble and 1 falling-down pick) to let the home team off the hook. Of course, God hating the Browns and all, we came down on the losing side of both road losses.
Bright spot for me is that as poorly as our defense played yesterday, we have ABSOLUTELY been a much better run D so far this year. That doesn't guarantee that we hold Lamar & Co. completely in check, but it is step 1 in that process.
Not to make excuses, but this defense has only been together for 2 weeks, and even then there have been changes.
I was frustrated with the defense yesterday. I am not ready to call for anyone's head just yet, though. We lost the green dot after week 1. We just got Delpit back. JOK is playing his 2nd game as a pro, as is Newsome. 3/4 of our starting DL is new. (actually, most of it, including depth, is new) Our starting FS and Nickel were on the Rams last year. It does take some time to get all on the same page, and playing instinctually.
If we haven't found our footing after week 5 or 6, then I will not stand in the way of those calling for Woods's head. At this early point in the season, though, it's still way too early.
They've only played real games for two weeks; they've been together for about 12 weeks.
Fear us, for we have Hughlett
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
"The Browns' biggest weakness is still at the second level of their defense. Cleveland allowed Houston to convert seven of 13 third-down attempts largely because they repeatedly failed to tackle the ball carrier in the open field. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods also has some explaining to do, directing a largely vanilla defense that didn't show any significant creativity until a key sequence late in which he sent Grant Delpit on a blitz (resulting in the Browns' lone sack of the day) and then dialed up a well-timed stunt on the defensive line, leading to a quarterback pressure that produced an incompletion. The Browns weren't able to get too aggressive last season because of personnel deficiencies; That's no longer a valid excuse, and they need to be better going forward."
I agree Milk … if you look at our players, there’s no way we should be ranked 31st right now
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Also watched the Steelers for a while and Ben is not the Ben of old. Not sure how they won so big other than Josh Allen playing like a poser.
How did Steelers win? Same way they always win. Defense + Refs.
Look up their long pass plays and the fake PIs.
they also blocked a punt for a TD.. those plays help. It's very hard to win in this league if you have to score every point starting 80 yards away.
OK, fair enough, I was counting blocking a punt as defense, but I guess technically it's special teams.
I will also say "fair enough".. any play not made by the offense that can change a game.. a turnover, a safety, a blocked kick, a big return, heck pinning a team back inside the 5 and keeping them there and getting possession in + territory is like a turnover...
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
NFL tie breaking procedures are available at NFL.com. let me try from memory. In a 3 way tie, compare any two teams to eliminate one and then go back to the two way tie breaker. ONE Paramount in the tie breaking process is an individuals quest in achieving winning 'it's own' division, closest to being 1st place in it's own div. so standing out right away is KC is tied for 2nd place, the Browns and Ravens are tied for first 4 way with Cincy holding the tie breaker, because it's loss to Chicago was a loss to a non afc team, meaning their wnning percentage vs the afc is better but, that puts KC out, (in consideration for the first spot) and today the two way tie breaker would revert to Cleveland vs Baltimore, clubs in the same division tie breaker, until they get one winning club to award the playoff spot to, and then start all over with the teams still trying to gain a spot. ( At this point I forgot you have a hypothetical Browns over Ravens win, .. I'm throwing that out.) 3 way tie, today, comes down to Ravens over us. Wait, we didn't lose head to head, A we = 0-0 in div record B. we = 1-1 in afc record c. The spirit of rule #4(D) is common opponents 3 or more, would probably say the Kc loss vs win gives the tie break to Baltimore, but if it throws out, the Browns may find a way ahead of Baltimore in strength opponent, which would also be thrown out for not enough, until total touchdowns which I bet Baltimore still has. So. Baltimore 1st in. Then start over Cleveland and KC tie break. - Is head to head #1? yes. If that didn't exist Cleveland would win on the fact they're in a first place div. tie and kc is in a 2nd place div. tie. But, head to head exists, so I think it's Baltimore, then KC, then Cleveland in the tie breaks today. Off my head.
Wait, I thought of something, Strenght of victory is ahead of TDs, which the 10 point win, vs. the 1 point win, would put Cleveland in spot #1 ahead of Baltimore. So if you don't have the strength of victory: it's Baltimore, KC, then Cleveland. If you DO have the strength of victory, it's Cleveland, Baltimore, then KC. (because Baltimore has the head to head over Kc. Very easy just one step at a time. (but, playing only one game, so many of those may be thrown out, or not thrown out.)
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
I wish I had your confidence, basically your forecast is predicated on belief ... at this moment we've seen no improvement in 2 games and not seen anything that would indicate that players are gelling or a light bulb is going to switch on. My concern is that our D woes are as much scheme and coaching as it is new players gelling.
And all of that is fixable. Coaches need to adapt to players as much as players to the scheme. On paper, Woods knows what they should be able to do, now he is trying to bring that all together, but coaches and players are still learning each other and tweaking the defensive schemes. Like Purp said, the D is an unfinished product.
And yes, much of my confidence comes from what 'should' happen under normal circumstances. If Woods is going to dominate with his D here, we will know by mid-season or around games 10-11 at the latest. But marked improvements should start showing weekly after the next game or two. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they start showing that next week. The reason I say that is that week 1 did not give Woods a good sample of the D's current capabilities because they were playing Mahomes and the Chiefs... They beat everybody, so a loss to them might make you think you still have work to do but the extent of that work needing to be done showed up this week, IMHO.
To me it’s clear that the lynch pin for our defense is the assumption we’re going to create a lot of pressure on the QB and we’re simply not doing that for whatever reason. Maybe Garrett is still dealing with Covid lungs (my formerly very fit brother in law struggles to run a mile a year after almost being hospitalized twice for covid). Maybe Clowney isn’t totally right. Maybe it is a “gelling” thing. I don’t know but we’re not scaring QBs up front. I think we’re built on the backend to thrive on rushed passes and quick check downs. But the QBs are just sitting back there, waiting for guys to get open.
Last edited by 10YrOvernightSuccess; 09/20/2104:24 PM.
"Team Chemistry No Match for Team Biology" (Onion Sports Headline)
I think we split with Baltimore... we win at home and lose at their place... we play them at their place in primetime which will be tough.... then they play steelers and we get a bye.... don't think we'll beat them at their place in primetime but should be able to bounce back to win after a bye at home...
Has anybody watched the Bears thus far? I haven’t really. All i know is that their OL has typically been bad and that Dalton has a low ceiling. I’m hoping he plays instead of Fields, but I think we’ll see the latter
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
All I really know is that they are 1-1 and their win was against Cincy.
Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee tore them up in Week 1. Stafford went 20/26 for 321 with 3TD. I saw some of the highlights, and Kupp got behind their Safeties more than once. If Schwartz or OBJ get to play, either one should be able to do the same.
They don't appear to give up much in the Run game, but that may be their ability to stop it, but it also may be more a factor of how they are in the pass game. Hard to say at this point without watching them.
I think Dalton was hurt against Cinci, so we will likely see Fields. However, their coach says Dalton is the starter if healthy, and he did NOT tear his ACL.
Fear us, for we have Hughlett
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
A coworker is a Bears fan and he said their OL is swiss cheese.. even if Dalton starts I think there is a good chance we will see both QBs at some point.
We should hang 35 on them, like the Rams did.. and if our defense can't keep them under 25, then we will have another discussion next week on whether or not our defense really has the ability to be as good as we thought it would be.
IMO the Browns as well as the other teams are different after Thanksgiving. Some in a good way others not so good.
Last year the Steelers started 11-0. They didn't finish so hot.
As fans we devour every piece of news on every player on our team. So, we either build guys up or tear them down.
The reality is there are lots of good players on every team. The Texans played hard against us. It would have been touch and go if Tyrod stays in the game.
Games are close. Many decided by a field goal. Bucs Cowboys.
Teams are probably better than some think or, not as good as some believe.
The league is built to have parody.
The Browns could easily be 2-0 or 0-2.
I for one never believe any team is a gimmie. Over many years I have learned to take nothing for granted.
The goal is win the division. Hoping you are peaking when post season begins. That is how the Bucs won last year.
When the season is ready to open. I hear people talking about the Bucs repeating. Please. Not likely.
Going undeafted. Give me a break.
We are a good team. We should be in every game. Other than that. Who the hell knows?
Yeah, I noticed Krupp tore them up a lot. I know they have Mack, but the weird thing is I literally never hear about him anymore
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Has anybody watched the Bears thus far? I haven’t really. All i know is that their OL has typically been bad and that Dalton has a low ceiling. I’m hoping he plays instead of Fields, but I think we’ll see the latter
I watched the Bears Cincy game. They are way better than Houston, particularly defensively. They have some really good veteran players on the defensive side of the ball. This game will be won by who out coaches who and which QB plays better.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
Yeah, that's the goal.
I'm sure the scheme will be designed in a way that the staff believes gives us the best chance to win... but it wouldn't be the first time that we let a rookie or mediocre QB on a sub mediocre team look like a rock star.
Their offense is just really predictable and their OL/Ben limit the things they can do with those great WRs
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
A coworker is a Bears fan and he said their OL is swiss cheese.. even if Dalton starts I think there is a good chance we will see both QBs at some point.
We should hang 35 on them, like the Rams did.. and if our defense can't keep them under 25, then we will have another discussion next week on whether or not our defense really has the ability to be as good as we thought it would be.
Our defense will be just fine. The problem is as fans we expected them to come out of the gate and play like they had been together for years instead of weeks.
I not for a moment personally believe that we won't get better every week. If some of you believe that this is the finished product you are just being silly IMO.
If looking back you didn't believe that this defense might struggle out of the gate then you just are expecting to much I think.
The real thing we all should be looking for IMO is that week over week it gets better and better.
Last season people where putting forks in the Buc's and how did that turn out?
If the defense gets worse or shows no improvement then there will be cause for alarm, now is clearly not that time IMO.
BTTB
AKA Upbeat Dawg
Can't believe I am in a group that is comprised of the best NOT just fans but people on the planet.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
Yeah, that's the goal.
I'm sure the scheme will be designed in a way that the staff believes gives us the best chance to win... but it wouldn't be the first time that we let a rookie or mediocre QB on a sub mediocre team look like a rock star.
There's quite a bit of difference in that happening and Woods "going out of his way to make it happen".
At that point the crap gets so deep you need hip waders.
Stand up for those less fortunate than yourself. That's what Jesus told us to do.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
Yeah, that's the goal.
I'm sure the scheme will be designed in a way that the staff believes gives us the best chance to win... but it wouldn't be the first time that we let a rookie or mediocre QB on a sub mediocre team look like a rock star.
There's quite a bit of difference in that happening and Woods "going out of his way to make it happen".
At that point the crap gets so deep you need hip waders.
How about "not doing or won't do anything to correct what's happening...again"?
So Roethlisberger has an "injured" left pectoral. Apparently not torn, and he's trying to play Sunday against the Bengals, but it's not determined yet. We'll see how the 39 year old recovers.
He’s literally out of gas. It may not even be an injury as much as a justification to let him walk away
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
I'd normally agree and Ben was probably an underrated player his whole career, but as an absolute scummy human being I don't find it sad at all in this particular case.
Happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.
To me it's sad when a good player reaches the end of the line.
It's even worse when they seem to refuse to believe it
It’s gotta be a strange feeling. I’m sure there are still moments when a player feels like their old selves, makes a great play, etc … and thinks “there we go.” Plus, it’s all they know and are ultra competitive.
"First down inside the 10. A score here likely puts us in the Super Bowl. Landry is far to the left as Hooper settles into the slot. OBJ is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Hunt are split in the backfield as Baker takes the snap ... Here we go."
Ben has been a good football player for many years.
When I think about him being gone I smile, no sadness from me for him. I also remind myself that often when a player gets long in the tooth people are constantly writing them off every time they stubble, case and point Brady.
How many times has he been written off, only to rise from the dead and get yet another ring.
I also haven't changed my mind about Pittsburg as a team. If there was someone that could beat the Bills it would be Pittsburg, and IMO someone in Buffalo should be fired. That team is one dimensional on offense, and if Pittsburg is good at anything it's creating a pass rush. From here out Pittsburg will struggle on both sides of the ball.
BTTB
AKA Upbeat Dawg
Can't believe I am in a group that is comprised of the best NOT just fans but people on the planet.
I'd normally agree and Ben was probably an underrated player his whole career, but as an absolute scummy human being I don't find it sad at all in this particular case.
I understand.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
To your point, there are numerous people that are in the same spot he is now, but only played a tiny fraction (and got paid even less) of the time Ben did.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
To me it's sad when a good player reaches the end of the line.
To me that comment is rich, rrrich. To almost never see a Browns players career with the team ending not be met with a themed post of, good riddance, player x was never good anyway. But a discussion on Ben R.s diminishing skills gets that.
I met Ben's grandfather in an out of the way store in SE Kansas. He started off the conversation by saying his grandson lived in Pennsylvania and owned a pheasant farm...and played football. Ben will be just fine.
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