The NFL thread 2008

[capt. scotty]

I hear what you are saying, Tracy, Pierre Thomas is a similar back to Bush.  You all need a bruiser, unless you're going to go to a full-time spread/run-and-gun offense.  But I also think drafting a high profile back would be a waste of a pick and money. You can snag a good running back in later rounds or in free agency.

I'm not sure I agree that Pierre Thomas is a Bush type back.  I'm biased as an Illini but he is capable of running between the tackles and as we have seen everywhere, a capable defense and passing game can make a very efficient running back by committee offense w/o big names so long as your main RB is not the aforementioned Reggie Bush.

Shit, look at what Mewelde Moore did in Pitt, or LaRon McClain and Ray Rice in B'more.  I think that any decent back will be enough in the Saints' running game so long it isn't that high steppin' fool from USC.

I agree, I think Pierre Thomas is solid. Obviously you can upgrade, but I dont see using higher than a 4th round pick for a RB being beneficial to them.

I dont know NO's whole team too well because I didnt see them play much, but I think both safety and CB should be priorities. After that I would think they should go after an OLineman, probably an interior lineman. 3rd-5th round they should probably look at LB or maybe WR. Their LB depth is decent but getting old, and I dont think taking an OLB to complement Vilma would be a bad idea. What Ive seen of Meachem doesnt look like he's going to be what they expected, and Lance Moore and Henderson are possession and deep threats only, respectively, so I think it would be wise to find a good complement to Colston considering how big a factor their pass game is.

Ruckus, since youre an Illini, what are your thoughts on Mendenhall? I absolutely loved him his senior yr and pimped him the whole college season to my friends saying this is the best RB in the NCAA, thinking we would never draft him as well. I thought he started off shaky with us and seemed tentative at first, but I definitely thought he started to hit a stride after a preseason game where he had 2 fumbles and began to run more decisively and with more power.  I have high hopes for him this year as long as we can improve our OLine a bit thru FA and the draft

[Ruckus]

If Peppers or Gross leaves (1 will be franchised), even bigger window for the Saints.

Obviously I was a big fan of Mendenhall from the time he was recruited.  It took awhile for him to reach the hype that was given him out of high school, but he sure did.

The term prototypical NFL back is thrown around so much and I don't even know what it means and I think it is a doodoo term.  That being said, Mendenhall seemed to fit that label (or what it means to mean) to a T.  He had a great mix of all the things you look for with not one really standing out.  Good speed, above average burst, lateral mobility, finishing leverage and vision and size.  What surprised me was the 40 time he put up at the combine.

I'm high on him but shoot, how can you compare to what the rookie RB class already did.  I figure he'll fit right in Pitt as long as he's mentally ready.  I mean, to have your shoulder broken in your rookie season on a single pop from a linebacker is unheard of.  As for his fumbleitis, i don't recall it being a problem in school but I'd have to look up the numbers.  Can't be as bad as Adrian Peterson ;D

Ya got a good one and if your line can make Mewelde Moore look good, Mendenhall will be just fine.

[capt. scotty]

If Peppers or Gross leaves (1 will be franchised), even bigger window for the Saints.
.

So you think they would try to sign one or you mean for NO to win the division?? I dont see how you could mean the former since they already have Jammal Brown, Will Smith, and Charles Grant.

[Ruckus]

If Peppers or Gross leaves (1 will be franchised), even bigger window for the Saints.
.

So you think they would try to sign one or you mean for NO to win the division?? I dont see how you could mean the former since they already have Jammal Brown, Will Smith, and Charles Grant.

Well I guess they signed Gross and franchised Peppers.  Why would Peppers want a long term deal when he would be guaranteed at least 50 mill over 3 years to be franchised over and over when a long term deal wouldn't get him more than 25 or 30 guaranteed.  Maybe I'm wrong after what the Raiders gave Asomoogashacka.

I just meant that the Saints aren't far and the Panthers may or may not repeat what they did last year so had they lost one, it would have been helpful to the Saints.  No, not that they would attempt to get Peppers.

[Ruckus]

If Peppers or Gross leaves (1 will be franchised), even bigger window for the Saints.
.

So you think they would try to sign one or you mean for NO to win the division?? I dont see how you could mean the former since they already have Jammal Brown, Will Smith, and Charles Grant.

Well I guess they signed Gross and franchised Peppers.  Why would Peppers want a long term deal when he would be guaranteed at least 50 mill over 3 years to be franchised over and over when a long term deal wouldn't get him more than 25 or 30 guaranteed.  Maybe I'm wrong after what the Raiders gave Asomoogashacka.

I just meant that the Saints aren't far and the Panthers may or may not repeat what they did last year so had they lost one, it would have been helpful to the Saints.  No, not that they would attempt to get Peppers.

That Tracy >:(

Why are we talking about the Saints?

[capt. scotty]

BECAUSE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS

...and everyone is still in denial

Stu Scott says BOOYAH!!!

[Ruckus]

BECAUSE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS

...and everyone is still in denial

Stu Scott says BOOYAH!!!

::)  Anyways, props to Mike Tomlin.  Incredible with his age and lack of experience how he handled that team.  

[ycartrob]

BECAUSE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS

...and everyone is still in denial

Stu Scott says BOOYAH!!!

::)  Anyways, props to Mike Tomlin.  Incredible with his age and lack of experience how he handled that team.  

Well, once Brady went down and the Pats were disabled, the AFC became anyobodys, with no 1 real dominant team. Of course, you can't take away the Steelers 2 SB wins this decade, but they are no where close to the dynasty (not close) they were in the 70's. The Titans and Colts both had better teams this year, it just didn't pan out. When the Steel Curtain was around, there was no one better.

[capt. scotty]

BECAUSE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS

...and everyone is still in denial

Stu Scott says BOOYAH!!!

::)  Anyways, props to Mike Tomlin.  Incredible with his age and lack of experience how he handled that team.  

Well, once Brady went down and the Pats were disabled, the AFC became anyobodys, with no 1 real dominant team. Of course, you can't take away the Steelers 2 SB wins this decade, but they are no where close to the dynasty (not close) they were in the 70's. The Titans and Colts both had better teams this year, it just didn't pan out. When the Steel Curtain was around, there was no one better.

All kinds of local media for the 2nd half of the year, and fans, kept talking about how this team's defense stacks up to one's of the 70's and they basically ended on the fact well have to see what this team does in the playoffs before we annoint them in the same class.

Well, they won the superbowl, and though they ended up giving up the most yards they did all year and broke down in the 4th a bit, if it wasnt for how good they played the first 3 quarters, plus a game changing INT for a TD by the NFL Defensive MVP Harrison, and we arent winning that game.

You cant exactly compare because those old teams were a 4-3, but now that they won the SB most here think this D is as good as the old Steel Curtain's, and even veteran writers like Ed Bouchette, Mike Prisuta, and others who were around to see those teams agree.

[ycartrob]

BECAUSE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS

...and everyone is still in denial

Stu Scott says BOOYAH!!!

::)  Anyways, props to Mike Tomlin.  Incredible with his age and lack of experience how he handled that team.  

Well, once Brady went down and the Pats were disabled, the AFC became anyobodys, with no 1 real dominant team. Of course, you can't take away the Steelers 2 SB wins this decade, but they are no where close to the dynasty (not close) they were in the 70's. The Titans and Colts both had better teams this year, it just didn't pan out. When the Steel Curtain was around, there was no one better.

All kinds of local media for the 2nd half of the year, and fans, kept talking about how this team's defense stacks up to one's of the 70's and they basically ended on the fact well have to see what this team does in the playoffs before we annoint them in the same class.

Well, they won the superbowl, and though they ended up giving up the most yards they did all year and broke down in the 4th a bit, if it wasnt for how good they played the first 3 quarters, plus a game changing INT for a TD by the NFL Defensive MVP Harrison, and we arent winning that game.

You cant exactly compare because those old teams were a 4-3, but now that they won the SB most here think this D is as good as the old Steel Curtain's, and even veteran writers like Ed Bouchette, Mike Prisuta, and others who were around to see those teams agree.

Bottom line? In the 70's the Steelers were the cream of the crop and they knew it, and none of their fans would get excited, or celebrate, if an opposing QB went down in the first game of the season with an injury; they couldn't care less. Why? Because they knew they were the shit. Rooting for Tom Brady to get hurt, and to celebrate when he does, isn't something a confident (or classy) fan does. Pretty bush league, IMO.

[capt. scotty]

Im pretty sure our D knows theyre the best and acted like it. The offense is what held this team back at any point this year.

And I wasnt rooting for Brady to get hurt, I just said that after it happened I wasnt sad or felt bad for NE

[ManNamedTruth]

Rooting for Tom Brady to get hurt, and to celebrate when he does, isn't something a confident (or classy) fan does. Pretty bush league, IMO.

Wait, who are you accusing of doing this? I don't remember headdy or any steeler fans "celebrating" when Brady went down. Doesn't mean I felt bad for him either. And what, I guess if it wasn't for Brady going down Patriots are automatically gonna win the Super Bowl. I guess we need an asterisk next to this team.
*Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XLIII Champions

*=Tom Brady missed season due to injury

[aMillionDreams]

It would go nicely with your asterisk from the 70s*

*=the steel curtain was built with steroids.

[ManNamedTruth]

It would go nicely with your asterisk from the 70s*

*=the steel curtain was built with steroids.

show me the test results.

[aMillionDreams]

It would go nicely with your asterisk from the 70s*

*=the steel curtain was built with steroids.

show me the test results.

That's a convenient argument. The truth hurts, true!

[ManNamedTruth]

It would go nicely with your asterisk from the 70s*

*=the steel curtain was built with steroids.

show me the test results.

That's a convenient argument. The truth hurts, true!

I wanted to end that as quickly as possible.  ;D I'm glad that's over with. :)

[ycartrob]

Id just like to mention also that Tom Brady tore his ACL on my birthday this year

The Lord works in mysterious ways..and Ive also heard hes a Steeler fan

:)

There you go true, just want to refresh your memory about headdy celebrating the fact Brady went down.

[ManNamedTruth]

Id just like to mention also that Tom Brady tore his ACL on my birthday this year

The Lord works in mysterious ways..and Ive also heard hes a Steeler fan

:)

There you go true, just want to refresh your memory about headdy celebrating the fact Brady went down.

It still doesn't say he celebrated because Brady was injured, just that it happened to be his birthday. He didn't say that he raised his glass in the air and said "Here's to Tom Brady getting knocked the fuck out!".

[ycartrob]

Id just like to mention also that Tom Brady tore his ACL on my birthday this year

The Lord works in mysterious ways..and Ive also heard hes a Steeler fan

:)

There you go true, just want to refresh your memory about headdy celebrating the fact Brady went down.

It still doesn't say he celebrated because Brady was injured, just that it happened to be his birthday. He didn't say that he raised his glass in the air and said "Here's to Tom Brady getting knocked the fuck out!".

no, not at all. Mentioning that it happened on your birthday and saying that God made it happen, and that God is a Steelers fan b/c God tore Brady's ACL is totally lamenting the fact that it happened.

my bad (and by "my bad" I mean, get a clue).

[capt. scotty]

Id just like to mention also that Tom Brady tore his ACL on my birthday this year

The Lord works in mysterious ways..and Ive also heard hes a Steeler fan

:)

There you go true, just want to refresh your memory about headdy celebrating the fact Brady went down.

It still doesn't say he celebrated because Brady was injured, just that it happened to be his birthday. He didn't say that he raised his glass in the air and said "Here's to Tom Brady getting knocked the fuck out!".

no, not at all. Mentioning that it happened on your birthday and saying that God made it happen, and that God is a Steelers fan b/c God tore Brady's ACL is totally lamenting the fact that it happened.

my bad (and by "my bad" I mean, get a clue).

How does talking about it after the fact have anything to do with rooting for it or hoping it happens, which is what you initially stated I said? Ive never liked Brady and always found him smug, cocky, and more important than the team around him, so the fact that it happened on my birthday I found ironic. How is that wishing for an injury or wanting an easier path to the super bowl?!?!

Lets just say it was a present that I wouldnt have tried to bring back to the store.




...And if you look back to posts in September about Brady getting injured, "coupon" seemed much happier and more into than me  :)