Justy2

It's Gumballiya time tonight! Sports talk fodder for weeks to come.

I agree that if they go PPV or NFL Network is forced onto a higher tier then the NFL can kiss their product goodbye. I agree that PPV killed boxing. It's fine for somebody who goes to a sports bar regularly or has the money to throw around, but not everyone can do that. In addition I like the idea of having a few options of games to watch. I don't need every game like the Sports Ticket but a choice of a few top tier games that the broadcast networks offer. The NFL needs to keep the status quo and dump the idea of the NFL Network carrying live games. I don't mind all the other NFL related stuff that the NFL Network can offer like vintage games or re-broadcasts. Just don't force me to pick it up to watch the regular games.

You nailed it right there. The Ravens threw the game. With San Fran winning it was perfect chance to move up in the draft. Miami is guaranteed #1 already so letting them win one doesn't hurt.

SF 49ers + 3rd String QB > Bungles... sad, sad, sad.

I was thinking the same thing. I have about $40 in my pocket now I can kick that in. If this takes off then I'll grab the bags of plastic and aluminum recyclables at work and cash those in. That should put us over the top.

Rivers is hobbling around in some pain now.

Bollock just threw an INT... picking up where Rivers left off.

Yeah, I just saw the play. Gates looked pretty banged up and was in some obvious pain.

I am a homer, not hiding behind any false pretenses here. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way my opinion. The last game was clearly not the Pats best, no excuses. It should have been a loss, however like any team with a long winning streak you take the gifts. Yet again, the Patriots did not loose their cool, the other team did. This is one of their strengths. No matter the situation they know that they can win, not think, they know. They put themselves in a position where all the screw up were made irrelevant. That is a team with experience. The Patriots just got their two losses out of the way. In the process they recieved two wins. The psychology of experiencing a loss is in their minds. They understand that they can be beat. Belichek is going to drill that into their minds all week. They are not going to take Pittsburgh for granted. They are not going to be playing the team that lost to the jets. They are going to be playing a playoff calibur team. They will be mentally prepared. In addition, they will be at home. The Patroits will be feeding off that energy. If they win this one game home field and the bye is essentially assured. The team has something to play for outside of just playing to win the next game of the streak. They will be playing Sunday to assure their playoff benefits. Yes, you can say that the mindset should have been there last week. Yes, it should have, but every team plays a crap game or two. Remember however for the Pats that crap game is better than most teams and is good enough for a win. As for the defense showing its age. That has yet to truly be seen. Personally I think that the D got too comfortable relying on the offense to blow out opponents. The teams were so far out of contention by the second half most teams had to abandon the run and just try to compete with the passing game for quick scores. The Pats D just got too used to playing a Nickel D with the occasional pass rush. This game against the Steelers the Pats D will be fully prepared for a rough game with a strong running attack. However, don't forget that this game could easily be a shootout. In that event I like my chances. Unlike the defense I have total faith in Brady and the offense. Don't expect a third bad game in a row. I fully expect both teams to be ready and it will be an awesome match. No blowout, the next blowout is scheduled against the Jets.

You missed the memo? Oh that's right you were probably watching the Pats beat Dallas the first time when that memo went out.

Well you know we can't all be in an 8 team league like you. As for Bowie, waiver wire steal. Nobody else is catching the ball in KC.

If he goes 19-0 I'll be humping a lot more than his leg.

That just means that Brady can sit back on the 5 and loft the ball for a 95 yard touchdown pass.

Is Virginia still pressing charges? 18-21, maybe 25 months just on federal charges, does not look good for Vick. If VA tacks on addition time for crimes against the State of Virginia Vick may never see another snap.

I don't think that the Packers have it, but hey what do I know, it's the NFC.

A great game that nobody will see. NFL Network

If anyone starts seeing a Mist start pouring over the field I would suggest getting out of town quickly.

No, it does not change my opinion of the Patriots. Philly played a great game, every NFL team has the ability. Whether or not they can realize it is another question. I have no doubt that the Dolphins are going to be just as fierce in an attempt to protect their heritage. The Patriots are a damn good team, they win. This year it has been easier with additional firepower, however the core of the team is still the team that needed to battle every game to win over the last few years. They will find a way and they won't give up until the dagger is driven into their heart and they're defeated.

Anybody whose actually watched the Pats all year know that they give up those in routes. It's not a big secret so don't act like anything was exposed that offensive coordinators didn't already know about. What Philly was able to do was a protect Freeley long enough for him to exploit it. Now also consider the fact the Freeley plays good against the Pats. He was able to lead Miami to a surprise win over the Patriots last year. Freeley played his a$$ off last night and he almost did it. However, it is one thing to keep stride with the Pats its another thing to beat them. Don't forget the garbage pass interfence call and the blown field goal was a 10 point swing. If that doesn't happen that 4th quarter would have been much less interesting. Looking to next week, does anyone have the balls to say that Kyle Boller is going to replicate Freeley's performance? I don't think so. Great game by the Eagles, it was good to watch a team give the Patriots an actual game.

Don't you hate the damn Patriots! Score a defensive touchdown. HOW DARE THEY!

Yeah I say let him play. I was ready to write him off after last year, but he can throw it still. I think it would be better for him to retire on top than a shell of his former self, but he may have enough gas in the tank to still be on top next year. As for Aaron Rodgers maybe when he attains free-agency he can actually play in a game. Favre may still be playing QB when that time comes.

LOL... We learned well from the masters.

I can't tell. Is Detroit sucking as usual or is Green Bay for real? Detroit is not playing a disciplined game, IMO. Yet, Green Bay has had some luck on some drives.

A. I'm joking around, people are so thin-skinned here. B. You take a star QB away from any team and they'll more than likely suck.

1972 Steve Grogan, John Hannah, Stanley Morgan Squish the Fish Snowblower Field Goal I've been with the Patriots since they sucked and now I'm enjoying the glory. As for your other question, I think that Indy is the other real team when they're not all in the hospital.