NFL Week 13

[Guest Vitamin X]

Sunday, Dec. 5

Arizona at Detroit, 1:00 p.m.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1:00 p.m.

Buffalo at Miami, 1:00 p.m.

Carolina at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m.

Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m.

Houston at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 p.m.

Minnesota at Chicago, 1:00 p.m.

New England at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m.

San Francisco at St. Louis, 1:00 p.m.

Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m.

Denver at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Green Bay at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Washington, 4:15 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Jacksonville, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 6

Dallas at Seattle, 9:00 p.m.

 

I thought the last thread was getting all too clogged up with the Philly-Green Bay banter, so why not start the new thread a bit early? We could probably put injury reports and the like in here, as well.

 

Some great games lined up this week.

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

Nothing too exciting outside of Cincinati/Baltimore (if Boller doesn't step it up here, they're a lost cause), Denver/San Diego (Broncos need this one badly after the Raider's upended them), Green Bay/Philly (for obvious reasons), and in a marginally exciting game Pitts/Jax (although I never thought Jax was for real).

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Man, there are a LOT of ex-Steelers on the Jags.

[Guest Vitamin X]

I think Houston vs. New York (Jets) could turn out to be pretty exciting. The Texans could catch the Jets sleeping... Unless Pennington returns this week.

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

I think Houston vs. New York (Jets) could turn out to be pretty exciting. The Texans could catch the Jets sleeping... Unless Pennington returns this week.

The Jets look really ordinary without Pennington. The Texans won't make the playoffs under any circumstances. Although Andre Johnson is pretty exciting.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Also, presenting the top ten in the big 4 categories statistically-

 

Passing Offense (overall in parentheses)

1.Indianapolis Colts (1)

2.Minnesota Vikings (4)

3.Green Bay Packers (3)

4.St. Louis Rams (6)

5.Kansas City Chiefs (2)

6.Philadelphia Eagles (8)

7.Denver Broncos (5)

8.Oakland Raiders (19)

9.New Orleans Saints (16)

10.Houston Texans (11)

 

Passing Defense

1. Miami Dolphins (6)

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (1)

4. Baltimore Ravens (4)

5. Washington Redskins (2)

6. New York Giants (10)

7. Buffalo Bills (3)

8. New York Jets (7)

9. Tennessee Titans (11)

10. Chicago Bears (17)

 

Rushing Offense

1. Atlanta Falcons (18)

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (21)

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2)

4. New York Jets (12)

5. San Diego Chargers (7)

6. Denver Broncos (5)

7. Seattle Seahawks (10)

8. Green Bay Packers (3)

9. New York Giants (17)

10. Indianapolis Colts (1)

 

Rushing Defense

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (1)

2. San Diego Chargers (12)

3. Washington Redskins (2)

4. Buffalo Bills (3)

5. Denver Broncos (8)

6. Atlanta Falcons (19)

7. New York Jets (7)

8. New England Patriots (9)

9. Green Bay Packers (24)

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (13)

[KingPK 0]

The Texans are progressing pretty damn well for it only being their third year in the league. The defense needs work, but they do have a nice nucleus of players on the offense (Carr, Davis and Johnson). I could see them as a wildcard next year (this year if they were in the NFC).

 

Think the Browns fans still hold a grudge against Belichick for his tenure there?

[HarleyQuinn 0]

Emmitt Smith is out so Arizona will be trotting out Rookie QB John Navarre(for those Michigan football fans) and RB Larry Crooms.

 

Chad Pennington will share practice reps with QB Quincy Carter throughout the week.

 

Vinny Testaverde will be starting this week for the Dallas Cowboys as well.

[Brett Favre 0]

It looks like Chad Pennington will play on Sunday, with the way he's been talking. Herm has said it's 50/50, but Pennington said he wants to get back on the field as soon as possible. Our game is nothing but running without him, with the occasional deep ball. The defense has kept us in the games, past 2 weeks without Pennington (don't know what happened against Baltimore where they made Boller look like Montana). Whether Pennington comes back or not, it's a must win, a win they should have.

[Art Sandusky 0]

I'm actually kinda jazzed for Pittsburgh/Jacksonville. I've always liked Leftwich.

[MARTYEWR 0]

Good chance for my Bills to get a road win again this week at Miami. Dolphins outclassed the Niners last week, though, they may still be on a roll headed into this week.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Here's a more comprehensive preview for this weekend's games:

 

Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers return to the place where they endured a heartbreaking defeat. The Pittsburgh Steelers go to a place they would like to visit again in two months.

 

The San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos battle for first place in the AFC West and the Atlanta Falcons look to clinch the NFC South Division title in Week 13 of the NFL.

 

Favre and the Packers probably still have the memory of last season's divisional playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles fresh in their minds heading into Sunday's game.

 

Last January 11, the Packers outplayed the Eagles only to fall, 20-17, in overtime.

 

Of course, the play that forever will live in infamy was Donovan McNabb's 28-yard completion to Freddie Mitchell on a 4th-and-26 play late in the fourth quarter, setting up David Akers' game-tying field goal.

 

"There shouldn't be any revenge," Favre said. "That should never cross our minds. They made the plays, we didn't. To say, they ended our season, so we owe them one, that's untrue. We have to win this football game for a lot of reasons, we just didn't play better than them last year."

 

"Everything was on the line, and we got in the huddle and we talked about what we needed to do in order for us to continue to move the chains and possibly win the game," McNabb said. "Guys had full confidence that we could get it accomplished. It was an exciting time for Philadelphia history. It was an exciting time for people in the community. But at this point, it's nothing for us."

 

In overtime, safety Brian Dawkins intercepted a pass that Favre inexplicably heaved and returned it 35 yards to set up Akers' 31-yard field goal.

 

"You can't go back and undo what's done," Packers coach Mike Sherman said. "Now, when we hit the field and we go to the Philly stadium and we walk out of the locker room will there be a little something extra in their gut? I hope so, you know? I hope so.

 

"But as far as our preparation is concerned, I mean, it's totally focused on what we're trying to accomplish this year. We had our opportunity last year and we didn't take advantage of it and we have an opportunity to play a very good Philadelphia team this year, which we hope to take advantage of."

 

Green Bay (7-4) enters its latest meeting against the Eagles in the midst of a six-game winning streak and tied with Minnesota for first place in the NFC North.

 

While the Packers are in a heated race, the Eagles clinched their fourth straight NFC East title last Sunday with a 27-6 victory over the New York Giants.

 

Philadelphia became just the third team since the NFL instituted a 16-game schedule in 1978 to clinch a division title after 11 games, joining the 1985 Chicago Bears and 1997 San Francisco 49ers.

 

Roethlisberger puts his perfect record on the line and the Steelers (10-1) look to extend their winning streak to a franchise-record 10 games when they meet the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5) at Alltel Stadium in the Sunday night game.

 

Alltel Stadium also happens to be the site of Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6.

 

The Steelers are off to their best start since they had an identical record in 1975 en route to a 12-2 finish and a victory in Super Bowl X. The nine-game winning streak is the longest since they closed the 1976 season with nine consecutive wins.

 

Roethlisberger has established an NFL record for a rookie quarterback by winning his first nine starts.

 

Perhaps the NFL's most surprising team, the Chargers (8-3) have a chance to open a two-game lead when they host the Broncos (7-4). San Diego is looking to clinch its first winning season since 1995, the last time it made the playoffs.

 

One of the Chargers' losses this season came at the hands of the Broncos, a 23-13 setback on September 26.

 

The Atlanta Falcons (9-2) can become the second team to punch their postseason ticket when they travel to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers (4-7).

 

With a victory, the Falcons would win the NFC South title. Atlanta's other division titles came in 1998, the only time it made the Super Bowl, and in 1980.

 

Peyton Manning continues his march toward NFL history when the Indianapolis Colts (8-3) host the Tennessee Titans (4-7).

 

Manning has thrown 41 touchdown passes in 11 games and is eight shy of breaking Dan Marino's single-season record of 48 set in 1984. He has passed for at least four touchdowns in an NFL-record five straight games.

 

On Thanksgiving, Manning tied a career high with six touchdown passes in a 41-9 rout of the Detroit Lions.

 

Terry Robiskie was promoted from offensive coordinator to coach of the Cleveland Browns (3-8) on Tuesday. Five days later, he has to face the New England Patriots (10-1), who have merely won 25 of their last 26 games, including playoffs.

 

Robiskie replaced Butch Davis, who resigned on Tuesday.

 

The New York Jets (8-3) hope to have quarterback Chad Pennington back when they host the Houston Texans (5-6).

 

Pennington, who was signed to a seven-year, $64 million contract in September, has missed the last three games with a strained right rotator cuff. He has been upgraded to from questionable to probable.

 

The Jets went 2-1 under backup quarterback Quincy Carter, although they averaged 13.3 points in the three games, and are in control of their wild card fate. New York trails first-place New England by two games in the AFC East.

 

Like the Jets, the Baltimore Ravens (7-4) will be hoping to have a key component of their offense available when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (5-6). Running back Jamal Lewis, who has seven straight 100-yard games against the Bengals, is doubtful with an ankle injury.

 

The Vikings (7-4) seek their third straight win when they meet the struggling Chicago Bears (4-7).

 

Willis McGahee hopes to have a successful homecoming Sunday when the Buffalo Bills (5-6) meet the Miami Dolphins (2-9).

 

In college, McGahee starred for the Miami Hurricanes, rushing for 2,067 yards and 31 touchdowns in just 21 games.

 

It also will be a homecoming for rookie quarterback John Navarre, who will make his first career start for the Arizona Cardinals (4-7) against the Detroit Lions (4-7).

 

A seventh-round pick, Navarre was a three-year starter at Michigan, winning 31 of 42 games. He became the first player in school history to throw for more than 9,000 yards. Last year, Navarre completed 59 percent of his passes for 3,331 yards and 24 touchdowns.

 

In other games, the New Orleans Saints (4-7) host the Carolina Panthers (4-7), the St. Louis Rams (5-6) entertain the San Francisco 49ers (1-10); the Oakland Raiders (4-7) meet the Kansas City Chiefs (3-8); and the New York Giants (5-6) face the Washington Redskins (3-8).

 

On Monday, the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) host the Dallas Cowboys (4-7).

 

It will mark the first meeting between Mike Holmgren and Bill Parcells since Super Bowl XXXI.

 

Considered two of the game's best coaches, Holmgren and Parcells last met in Super Bowl XXXI in January 1997. Holmgren won his only championship in that game, guiding the Green Bay Packers to a 35-21 victory over Parcells' New England Patriots.

[HarleyQuinn 0]

Also with Kelly Holcomb out, Luke McCown makes his first NFL Start against the Patriots D. Should make for a nice entrance heh.

[Guest Jason]

As the NFL Football Regular Season unwinds, the playoffs begin. With all the talent most of the teams have within their group, it is almost everybody’s ballgame; However, only one can win, so with that said, who will be the 2004-2005 Super Bowl Champions? I think the Championship goes hand-in-hand with whichever team from Pennsylvania can dominate the other. In my opinion, someone from Pennsylvania, whether that be the Steelers or the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

Philadelphia Eagles - With Terrell Owens added to the stuttered Eagles offense, this team has reached heights it hasn’t clinched before. Could that have been the winning addition to this team? Well, it appears so. Philadelphia has always been stuck losing in the NFC Finals, but this time, they have all the tools and the past experience to win the Super Bowl.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers - Rothlesburger (sp?) was considered a back-up quarterback since coming to the Steelers, but when he had to take over the Steelers offense, the entire team has changed around for the better. They play hard, and with his direction, they are winning games that they never thought would have happened. There is contract disputes currently with the two starting Wide Receivers, so hopefully that doesn’t take away from the focus of winning games.

 

In my opinion, Pittsburgh is a long-shot, but who thought they would go this far? They have the tools to prove us all wrong, they have done it already; However, my pick is Philadelphia to win. They are just the complete team. Now, you might be thinking, the Colts and Patriots, but the Colts have too weak of defense, and the Patriots will end up having an off-game. I’m going with Philadelphia winning the Super Bowl. They want it more then any other team.

 

What's your thoughts?

[therealworldschampion 0]

NE scares the ever-loving hell out of me because Belichick always has something planned for an opposing offense, no doubt he will have a plan for McNabb and Owens.

 

Indy would be a shootout.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Experience to get to the Super Bowl? All of the Eagle players are experienced at choking in the NFC Title game but that's about it.

[therealworldschampion 0]

*cheap shot*Heh so says the Browns fan...

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Hey, I'm just telling the truth. Doesn't have anything to do with the team I root for.

[therealworldschampion 0]

I'm taking it one game at a time in the playoffs, hell it's just not the Eagles that have the choking tendency, the whole goddamn city has it (Phillies in 1993, Flyers in the 90s, Smarty Jones)

[HarleyQuinn 0]

Honestly...whoever wins the AFC Championship will take the Super Bowl.

 

New England: Has scored 20 points or more in a game all season long except once. Very capable offense that is now even more dangerous with Corey Dillon running the ball. Secondary will be getting healthier by the playoffs and their defense is as solid as they get in the NFL.

 

Indianapolis: Good luck trying to stop that offense. I have doubts that New England could stop them considering how hot Peyton and Edge are. The Colts D is their big weakness and has gotten exposed numerous times but if they keep the opponents score low, the Colts should romp.

 

Pittsburgh: Roethlisberger is Brady V. 2 in that he does enough to get the job done and doesn't make many mistakes. Duce and Bettis can both hit 100+ yards if starting and Bettis is a dangerous goalline back. Their D is also very solid and really stepping it up as of late.

[Gert T 0]

Pittsburgh Steelers - Rothlesburger (sp?) was considered a back-up quarterback since coming to the Steelers, but when he had to take over the Steelers offense, the entire team has changed around for the better. They play hard, and with his direction, they are winning games that they never thought would have happened. There is contract disputes currently with the two starting Wide Receivers, so hopefully that doesn’t take away from the focus of winning games.

They were 1-1 when he made his first start. He's played well, but the Steelers are winning because of him not having to throw the ball much and controlling the time of possession.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

The reason they can run the ball, though, is because Ben can throw the ball. Thus, they can't put 8-9 in the box.

[jimmy no nose 0]

The Steelers-Jags game will probably be an easy Steeler win unless the Jags decide to go with Fred Taylor more instead of trying to pass the ball so much. Taylor has been a Steeler killer his entire career since they used to be in the same division. I think he went over 100 against the Steelers once when they had a pretty good D. I know it's a different team now, but I still think Taylor has been really underused for a back who is averaging nearly 5 a carry this year.

[KingPK 0]

They have the tools to prove us all wrong, they have done it already; However, my pick is Philadelphia to win. They are just the complete team.

IMO, both the Steelers and Pats are more "complete" teams than the Eagles. Both have efficient offenses, with a back that can steamroll defenders and very competent man at the helm (Brady and Ben Ro), defenses that can mix it up and confuse opponents while knocking the stuffing out of them, and special teams that do their job well (though I'd definitely rather have Vinatieri up there with the game on the line than Jeff Reed).

 

The Eagles are damn good, BUT their rushing D is still middle of the road (gives up an average of 4.5 yds/carry, which is 25th in the league) and I'm not sure if the other receivers can make up for TO should he be completely neutralized (or injured).

 

And what's all this "Philly proved us wrong" stuff. EVERYONE thought they were Super Bowl contenders already. They still have to prove that they can actually GET THERE now.

[Guest Vitamin X]

I'd love to see what would happen to all these Eagles fans should Green Bay win Sunday. It's not as far a reach as so many of them claim, and everyone is still pointing out the errors in their 4 game losing streak rather than respecting what they've done right in the 6 game winning streak, which they put on the line against the Eagles this Sunday.

 

I'm taking it one game at a time in the playoffs, hell it's just not the Eagles that have the choking tendency, the whole goddamn city has it (Phillies in 1993, Flyers in the 90s, Smarty Jones)

No, I don't believe that counts necessarily as much as the Eagles. Choking to me is defined as consistently freezing up in big-time game situations. The Pack have lost in the playoffs on: 2003- a heartbreaking collapse, 2002- An even more heartbreaking home playoff loss in which they'd gotten exposed for finishing the season so poorly, 2001- Demolished in St. Louis 45-17. But I wouldn't call Mike Sherman and the team he's built chokers at all (and trust me, I wouldn't hesistate to completely rag on my favorite teams- witness the game in which the Packers lost to the Titans). Now the Eagles has been just a couple big plays away from the big game 3 years in a row, and haven't gotten the job done. I think that definitely shows they're missing something, whether T.O. and Jevon Kearse are those missing pieces or not, who knows, but they're certainly playing a lot better. Now the Minnesota Vikings, while it is a pretty tired label, really do personify the choking label pretty damn well. The Bills are pretty close in that respect as well.

 

I wouldn't put the Browns in the same category, however. The times they lost in the AFC Championship game had been to very good teams, despite how good Bernie Kosar was.

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

Until I see something to suggest otherwise, the Patriots are still the best team in the league.

[Guest Vitamin X]

I agree wholeheartedly. If the Pack get lucky enough to reach the Super Bowl, the last team I'd want to face is Belichick's Pats.

 

They've won 23 of their past 24 games, their lone loss coming as a result of a myriad of freak injuries in one game, on the road, against a very good Pittsburgh team.

[packwingfn 0]

for any packers fan, their showin all the team videos from 92-02 on ESPN classic, today from 12-7 est

[Guest Vitamin X]

Holy crap, I almost forgot about that.

 

Mark Chmura! LeRoy Butler! REGGIE F'N WHITE! Levens and Bennett in the backfield! Robert Brooks~! It's a trip hearing Brett Favre being referred to as "one of the league's hottest young quarterbacks!" For me, it's like he never really aged for some reason.

 

Aw man, how quickly that team came together, how quickly that team fell apart quick after the back to back Super Bowl appearances. Watching Reggie White really makes me miss having a quality DE who can play both the run and pass.

[packwingfn 0]

George Teague, Doug Evans, Terrell Buckley.

 

I miss those Defensive Backs!

 

And man Sharpe and Brooks both were nasty, too bad both their careers were shortened due to injury, they would probably be both hall-of-famers