ST's 2009 NFL Thread.

[Sim shady 12]

soo close lol...reminds me of my last high school track meet.

here is my picks

NY-J

Dallas

New England

Green Bay

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: Sim shady

soo close lol...reminds me of my last high school track meet.

here is my picks

NY-J

Dallas

New England

Green Bayquote>

Yeah, you were so close, but still so far away  Was a nice and competitive run this year, look forward to next season when I have to defend my crown.

Not taking any time to think about your wild card picks eh?  Only one game I know for sure I'm picking and that is GB.  The others I'm not so sure about and need to ponder on for a bit longer.

[Meg 368]

Redskins coach Jim Zorn's reward for failure

 

 

As expected, Redskins Coach Jim Zorn was fired today. Much of the media coverage is a look-back assessment of his disastrous tenure and look-ahead speculation about his successor. Almost as an afterthought comes the report that Zorn gets to walk away with roughly $2.4 million. The fact stops me in my tracks. Not because I’m a big football fan, but because it makes me wonder about a country that thinks so little about rewarding failure.

And there can be no mistaking the fact that Zorn is a man who failed miserably in his job. Indeed, as Post columnist Michael Wilbon observed, there were signs from the start that Zorn was in over his head. Hence, the bad decisions, silly plays and lost games. The numbers tell the story: an overall record of 12-20, highlighted by the team’s 4-12 finish this year, the worst in 15 years.

I recognize that Zorn had a legally binding contract that was broken with his firing. I also know that many people think Zorn is due the money because of the public humiliation he endured, or because Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is a jerk who should be made to pay, or because it wasn't all his fault. I'll concede all those points (particularly about Snyder) but I also don’t know how Zorn can feel right about getting millions of dollars when he failed to produce the desired results for his organization. Does he really think he has earned that $2.4 million?

Of course, it’s not just sports. It's similarly outrageous that Wall Street bankers and Fannie and Freddie executives are awarded big bonuses for their bad bets. Perhaps one of the reasons for this country’s troubles is that there’s no incentive to produce results. And that’s something everyone should be booing.

quote>

I take the author's point:  paying someone for failure is bad policy.

Still, I can't help but cheer that Jim Zorn hung in there, refused to resign, and is making Dan Snyder pay.

Zorn was over his head to start with.   He was hired as the offensive coordinator (a step up from his traditional job as quarterback coach) and then got stuck with the head coaching job when all of the qualified people refused to work for Snyder.    He's a good guy who was in a bad situation and didn't have the authority to take actions to make it any better.

The Wall Street brokers and executive screwed over everyone with their big bonuses.  Jim Zorn is just screwing over Dan Snyder, to which I can only say "You go, dude!".   I know that Snyder has gotten the last penny out of me that he is going to get.   Let him pay Jim Zorn out of his own pocket.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: Meg

Redskins coach Jim Zorn's reward for failure

 

 

As expected, Redskins Coach Jim Zorn was fired today. Much of the media coverage is a look-back assessment of his disastrous tenure and look-ahead speculation about his successor. Almost as an afterthought comes the report that Zorn gets to walk away with roughly $2.4 million. The fact stops me in my tracks. Not because I’m a big football fan, but because it makes me wonder about a country that thinks so little about rewarding failure.

And there can be no mistaking the fact that Zorn is a man who failed miserably in his job. Indeed, as Post columnist Michael Wilbon observed, there were signs from the start that Zorn was in over his head. Hence, the bad decisions, silly plays and lost games. The numbers tell the story: an overall record of 12-20, highlighted by the team’s 4-12 finish this year, the worst in 15 years.

I recognize that Zorn had a legally binding contract that was broken with his firing. I also know that many people think Zorn is due the money because of the public humiliation he endured, or because Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is a jerk who should be made to pay, or because it wasn't all his fault. I'll concede all those points (particularly about Snyder) but I also don’t know how Zorn can feel right about getting millions of dollars when he failed to produce the desired results for his organization. Does he really think he has earned that $2.4 million?

Of course, it’s not just sports. It's similarly outrageous that Wall Street bankers and Fannie and Freddie executives are awarded big bonuses for their bad bets. Perhaps one of the reasons for this country’s troubles is that there’s no incentive to produce results. And that’s something everyone should be booing. quote>

I take the author's point:  paying someone for failure is bad policy.

Still, I can't help but cheer that Jim Zorn hung in there, refused to resign, and is making Dan Snyder pay.

Zorn was over his head to start with.   He was hired as the offensive coordinator (a step up from his traditional job as quarterback coach) and then got stuck with the head coaching job when all of the qualified people refused to work for Snyder.    He's a good guy who was in a bad situation and didn't have the authority to take actions to make it any better.

The Wall Street brokers and executive screwed over everyone with their big bonuses.  Jim Zorn is just screwing over Dan Snyder, to which I can only say "You go, dude!".   I know that Snyder has gotten the last penny out of me that he is going to get.   Let him pay Jim Zorn out of his own pocket.quote>

Hopefully you wont  have to put up with snyder much longer, Another few losing years  public opnion may force him out.

What i thought was wierd was Bruce Allen saying they were "in the process of interviewing for the job"?

Dont we already know Shanahan  has that job?

 

[Meg 368]

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

Hopefully you wont  have to put up with snyder much longer, Another few losing years  public opnion may force him out. quote>

I hope so but the only way I see that working is widespread refusal to buy tickets.  I know that I will not be renewing my season tickets next year.  Which kinda hurts, seeing as how I spend 15 years on the waiting list to get them.  but such is life.

What i thought was wierd was Bruce Allen saying they were "in the process of interviewing for the job"?

Dont we already know Shanahan  has that job?  quote>

If Shanahan has any brains in his head (which I believe he does), he is setting some very strict conditions under which he will take this job.   One of them had better be that Snyder keeps his nose out of it and lets the professionals do their jobs.

For example:   everyone has been telling Snyder that we need offensive linemen.   This is no secret.  But he doesn't want to get any because they are boring.   He would rather get the "most dominent defensive tackle in the league".   Lovely concept except for a) the guy is hurt; b) other teams are still using the QB as a mop; and c) he'll be paying Haynesworth for the rest of the decade.

The general manager and the head coach of a football team need to be able to get the kind of players they need, not the kind of players that make the owner feel important.    If Shanahan can get this through Snyder's thick skull, he might have a chance.   Last time the team interviewed for a head coach, no one could get this through Snyder's skull and they all refused to take the job.   Which is why it fell on Zorn (the newly hired offensive coordinator) to do the job.

No one can jump from QB coach to head coach in a week, have their hands tied, and be expected to win any games.  I'm hoping that Snyder has learned something here.  I'm sorry he had to kick Jim Zorn around to do it.

 

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: Meg

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

Hopefully you wont  have to put up with snyder much longer, Another few losing years  public opnion may force him out. quote>

I hope so but the only way I see that working is widespread refusal to buy tickets.  I know that I will not be renewing my season tickets next year.  Which kinda hurts, seeing as how I spend 15 years on the waiting list to get them.  but such is life.

What i thought was wierd was Bruce Allen saying they were "in the process of interviewing for the job"?

Dont we already know Shanahan  has that job?  quote>

If Shanahan has any brains in his head (which I believe he does), he is setting some very strict conditions under which he will take this job.   One of them had better be that Snyder keeps his nose out of it and lets the professionals do their jobs.

For example:   everyone has been telling Snyder that we need offensive linemen.   This is no secret.  But he doesn't want to get any because they are boring.   He would rather get the "most dominent defensive tackle in the league".   Lovely concept except for a) the guy is hurt; b) other teams are still using the QB as a mop; and c) he'll be paying Haynesworth for the rest of the decade.

The general manager and the head coach of a football team need to be able to get the kind of players they need, not the kind of players that make the owner feel important.    If Shanahan can get this through Snyder's thick skull, he might have a chance.   Last time the team interviewed for a head coach, no one could get this through Snyder's skull and they all refused to take the job.   Which is why it fell on Zorn (the newly hired offensive coordinator) to do the job.

No one can jump from QB coach to head coach in a week, have their hands tied, and be expected to win any games.  I'm hoping that Snyder has learned something here.  I'm sorry he had to kick Jim Zorn around to do it.

 quote>

This guy sounds a lot like Al Davis of the Raiders who can't keep his nose out of the coach doing his job...and people wonder why the Raiders have sucked rotten eggs for nearly 20 years...

 

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: blade2k5

Originally posted by: Meg

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

Hopefully you wont  have to put up with snyder much longer, Another few losing years  public opnion may force him out. quote>

I hope so but the only way I see that working is widespread refusal to buy tickets.  I know that I will not be renewing my season tickets next year.  Which kinda hurts, seeing as how I spend 15 years on the waiting list to get them.  but such is life.

What i thought was wierd was Bruce Allen saying they were "in the process of interviewing for the job"?

Dont we already know Shanahan  has that job?  quote>

If Shanahan has any brains in his head (which I believe he does), he is setting some very strict conditions under which he will take this job.   One of them had better be that Snyder keeps his nose out of it and lets the professionals do their jobs.

For example:   everyone has been telling Snyder that we need offensive linemen.   This is no secret.  But he doesn't want to get any because they are boring.   He would rather get the "most dominent defensive tackle in the league".   Lovely concept except for a) the guy is hurt; b) other teams are still using the QB as a mop; and c) he'll be paying Haynesworth for the rest of the decade.

The general manager and the head coach of a football team need to be able to get the kind of players they need, not the kind of players that make the owner feel important.    If Shanahan can get this through Snyder's thick skull, he might have a chance.   Last time the team interviewed for a head coach, no one could get this through Snyder's skull and they all refused to take the job.   Which is why it fell on Zorn (the newly hired offensive coordinator) to do the job.

No one can jump from QB coach to head coach in a week, have their hands tied, and be expected to win any games.  I'm hoping that Snyder has learned something here.  I'm sorry he had to kick Jim Zorn around to do it.

 quote>

This guy sounds a lot like Al Davis of the Raiders who can't keep his nose out of the coach doing his job...and people wonder why the Raiders have sucked rotten eggs for nearly 20 years.. quote>

Umm The Raider's were in the Super bowl in 2003.

And would have been in 2002 except for a bad call against the Pats that led to a rule change. or mabey that was the same year.....

We  know how Meg feels down here we have had to deal with Mark Cuban thinking for the 1st few years he was here

that he was running a fantasy basketball team.

 

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

Originally posted by: blade2k5

Originally posted by: Meg

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

Hopefully you wont  have to put up with snyder much longer, Another few losing years  public opnion may force him out. quote>

I hope so but the only way I see that working is widespread refusal to buy tickets.  I know that I will not be renewing my season tickets next year.  Which kinda hurts, seeing as how I spend 15 years on the waiting list to get them.  but such is life.

What i thought was wierd was Bruce Allen saying they were "in the process of interviewing for the job"?

Dont we already know Shanahan  has that job?  quote>

If Shanahan has any brains in his head (which I believe he does), he is setting some very strict conditions under which he will take this job.   One of them had better be that Snyder keeps his nose out of it and lets the professionals do their jobs.

For example:   everyone has been telling Snyder that we need offensive linemen.   This is no secret.  But he doesn't want to get any because they are boring.   He would rather get the "most dominent defensive tackle in the league".   Lovely concept except for a) the guy is hurt; b) other teams are still using the QB as a mop; and c) he'll be paying Haynesworth for the rest of the decade.

The general manager and the head coach of a football team need to be able to get the kind of players they need, not the kind of players that make the owner feel important.    If Shanahan can get this through Snyder's thick skull, he might have a chance.   Last time the team interviewed for a head coach, no one could get this through Snyder's skull and they all refused to take the job.   Which is why it fell on Zorn (the newly hired offensive coordinator) to do the job.

No one can jump from QB coach to head coach in a week, have their hands tied, and be expected to win any games.  I'm hoping that Snyder has learned something here.  I'm sorry he had to kick Jim Zorn around to do it.

 quote>

This guy sounds a lot like Al Davis of the Raiders who can't keep his nose out of the coach doing his job...and people wonder why the Raiders have sucked rotten eggs for nearly 20 years.. quote>

Umm The Raider's were in the Super bowl in 2003.

And would have been in 2002 except for a bad call against the Pats that led to a rule change. or mabey that was the same year.....

We  know how Meg feels down here we have had to deal with Mark Cuban thinking for the 1st few years he was here

that he was running a fantasy basketball team.

 quote>

 Umm...they lost that SB too, and that wasn't the point.

[Easy Bakes 253]

I know i was just pointing out the Radiers were contenders only 6 years ago.
Al Davis has an excuse though, hes 80 years old and senile.
Latest news is hes after Mike Leach for the Raiders head coaching job.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/319610-nfl-coaching-news-mike-leach-to-the-oalan-raiders

[Meg 368]

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

We  know how Meg feels down here we have had to deal with Mark Cuban thinking for the 1st few years he was here

that he was running a fantasy basketball team. quote>

Snyder seems to regard the players as his own little toy soldiers he can move around as he pleases.

The wiki article on him is overly kind.

 

[Sim shady 12]

Originally posted by: Easy Bakes

We  know how Meg feels down here we have had to deal with Mark Cuban thinking for the 1st few years he was here

that he was running a fantasy basketball team.

 quote>

In all fairness to Mark Cuban, he is a passionate owner that-to my knowledge- has never had a losing season with the Mavericks during his tenure with the exception of his first year (1999).  We are lucky that we havent experienced anything close to the 90s, thanks to him

On another basketball related note, the Mavericks better resign Dirk Nowiztki in the off-season or else.  Crazy how it seems like every decent played in the NBA is a free agent this summer...Lebron, Wade, Nowizki, Joe Johnson, Ray Allen, T-Mac, Chris Bosh, and many many more.  Crazy.

I wonder how having the cap removed will affect free-agency in the NFL this off-season?

[GreekMan 246]

looks like the skins got shannahan for head coach.......

[Sim shady 12]

Shannahan is overrated...He is a good coach but he shouldn't be running the draft room by himself.

Well Miles Austin is screwed He just appeared on Sports Illustrated cover. With that jinx you know something bad is gonna happen to him. What I think is interesting about Austin is that he has remained injury free for really the first time in his career. Last year he showed huge potential but got injured, and the real reason he wasn't a starter going into this year was because he was injured during training camp. For that reason alone, I am reluctant to see him recieve the huge contract he will recieve this off-season. Great player though, and I do sincerely hope that those injuries were just a bad run of luck.

[blade2k5 1,523]

My picks for wildcard weekend.

SAT:

NY-J @ CIN  Bengals claim they didn't try last week...whatever, they will try this week and the results will be the same.  Jets will win and go on while the Bengals go home and wonder about not trying to win.

PHI @ DAL  Dallas better be for real...

SUN:

BAL @ NE  Can't go against a proven playoff winner.  The Ravens haven't proven anything this year except that a bunch of old men can still play...

GB @ ARZ  There is no doubt about this one.  Arizona has had two cracks at the Packers this season and failed both times.  Cards haven't proven they can beat GB.

Remember: PLAYOFFS: picks must be posted by Saturday 12am EST, Friday 11pm Central, 10pm Mountain and 9pm Pacific.  That's tonight folks

[Easy Bakes 253]

Sat

NY-J @ CIN  a tough pick  but I just have to pick one of these replays from last week to go the other way. This seems the likliest of the 3 to do that.

PHI @ DAL  Cowboys match up well anf the defece is playing well + we get columbo back too.

SUN:

BAL @ NE  got to go with the ravens on this one,  the pats are to old as well. neither of them will get past Indy or SD anyway.

GB @ ARZ  GB had the cardinals number , even not trying you should not get shut out. and looks like Boldin wont play either.

[GreekMan 246]

jets

eagles

pats

pack

[Sim shady 12]

Im still leery of Marc Columbo starting over Doug Free after Free played so well this last half of the season.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: Sim shady

Im still leery of Marc Columbo starting over Doug Free after Free played so well this last half of the season.quote>

 Free played well and will get playing time,geting columbo back is awesome for depth though.

[blade2k5 1,523]

Jets won in what turned out to be a really good game.  That's 1 down, 3 more to go

Oh, and Dallas better be for real...

[Sim shady 12]

Oh dang. Them 'Boys just completed the three-peat. The Vikings will be tough, but no matter what happens, I consider this season a success because we got the monkey off our back. 13 years of futility are over, we win Yes, im happy lol.

and 2-0 on picks so far.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: Sim shady

Oh dang. Them 'Boys just completed the three-peat. The Vikings will be tough, but no matter what happens, I consider this season a success because we got the monkey off our back. 13 years of futility are over, we win Yes, im happy lol.

and 2-0 on picks so far.quote>

1-1 for me, disapointed in the bengal performance today, But all was well after  the Boys taking it too the Eagles, I mean that was was a total domination of a good team. And I found out today im very bad at Wii bowling.

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: Sim shady

Oh dang. Them 'Boys just completed the three-peat. The Vikings will be tough, but no matter what happens, I consider this season a success because we got the monkey off our back. 13 years of futility are over, we win Yes, im happy lol.

and 2-0 on picks so far.quote>

Dallas saved themselves from an embarrasing tongue-lashing if they hadn't won their game yesterday.  Anyways, congrats to Dallas for getting Godzilla off their back and finally winning a playoff game  Now those Boys better prove they're men and whoop the NFL's Golden Boy and his merry band of purple people eaters...

EDIT:  Oh my!  The Ravens score 14 pts in less than 3 minutes to open the game and now have the ball on the Ravens 41-yard line at 8:58 in the 1Q...

[Sim shady 12]

Vikings are going to be tough.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Ravens dominting the so far mistake prone Patriots ) 3 turn overs that led to points

24-7 and they wouldnt have got that is the ravens had not been stupid and challenged that  muffed punt.

no 7 for them pats if they didnt get the ball.

[GreekMan 246]

Bring on the JETS! aint noway them jets stop us!

the eagles, pats, and cincy each had 14 points. how wierd will it be if the pack get 14 points

[Easy Bakes 253]

The got 24 but Arizona blowing them out 38-24

Wow tied up at 38 5 minutes left

[GreekMan 246]

WOW 45-45! what a game. i am watching ot now!

go PACK!

[Meg 368]

Just when I'm sitting here saying Neil Rackers can do that in his sleep, he doesn't.

I hope he gets another chance.

Being indifferent to who wins this game, I'm just enjoying the ride. But I don't like seeing kickers get blamed for things.

[GreekMan 246]

i can't believe that! I watched that game for literally 2 minutes and it ends! WOOOOOOOOOOOW!

what a way to end the game 96 total points!

[Sim shady 12]

good game by both qb's, but Kurt Warner was better