The 2013 NFL Season Thread

[BogusMeatFactory]

The amount of flopping in the NFL this season is ridiculous. Any time that time is an issue, down go the players. Roger Goodell needs to go David Stern on this nonsense.

I wish the Dolphins would say "Martin and Incognito have become too much of a distraction and both players will no longer be a part of our organization in any form". I know news like this gives ESPN a financial hard on, but for Christ's sake the Dolphins need to wash their hands of this mess on concentrate on football and not the social culture of locker rooms. But if losing to the Buccs doesn't open their eyes, nothing will.

The Detroit Lions is a team I hate to love. As a Bears fan, I should hate them, but damned if Matthew Stafford isn't my favorite player in the league. He won me over when after dislocating his shoulder he refused to leave the field and netted the Lions a W. He continues to amaze me with his toughness, leadership, and decisions while on the turf.

The Panthers are keeping things interesting, but I can't see Cam Newton leading the NORTH Carolina Panthers further than maybe one playoff win. People are calling them the hottest team in football at the moment, regardless of what the Chiefs, Broncos, and Saints are doing. I see the Panthers as an incomplete team that relies too heavily on Steve Smith catching everything and has a defense that could really use Peppers back.

My sleeper team as of now would be the Chargers. Sure, they aren't the same Chargers years back with an explosive offense with LT making defenses look foolish, but Rivers still holds the team together.

As for my Bears...seems like right now the only thing they have going for them is the frigid weather.

With the Bears, I really think they should have given Jay Cutler some more rest. I understand that it was a crucial game and Jay Cutler himself probably wanted to play, but only disaster could have come from the situation and it did.

All I have to say about that Sunday game between the Lions and Bears was that it was UGLY. The Lions won thanks to a very fortunate interception before half-time and an overturned touchdown. It was great to watch and I am happy, but there is just the pessimistic little voice on my shoulder that says we were lucky. Still, I can never say that a Lions game is boring... just look two weeks ago against the Cowboys.

[Stark]

What is flopping?

[LugNutX]

Right now the Panthers are just relying on their defense which has been the main catalyst for their string of wins. Cam hasn't had to do much. Carolina has one of the best front 7s right now.

Steve Smith isn't near as much of a factor this year and has been shut down in games. Olson has been there as well. They are winning by controlling the clock and ball wih a decent ground game and stopping the run. I think they are 28th in passing.

I have to agree with most of this - the defense is winning games right now, but the offense has played well too. Before the matchup with the 49ers (who have a great defense of their own), the Panthers put up 35, 30, 31 and 34 points respectively. Granted, those were against mostly bottom-feeders, but anytime you can score 4 TDs in a NFL contest, you're going to win.

They have a bit to go before I'm comfortable grouping them with the Chiefs, Broncos, Saints, etc. this season. If they can follow-up their win against SF with a win against New England on Monday night, I'll be convinced.

I don't get the warm fuzzies about this group like I have past Panthers' playoff teams, but they could be scary-good if the offense starts clicking with the current defense.

[BogusMeatFactory]

What is flopping?

players faking injuries to stop the clock for a moment in order to plan or disrupt the momentum of another team. It is a problem.

[Jmustang1968]

Right now the Panthers are just relying on their defense which has been the main catalyst for their string of wins. Cam hasn't had to do much. Carolina has one of the best front 7s right now.

Steve Smith isn't near as much of a factor this year and has been shut down in games. Olson has been there as well. They are winning by controlling the clock and ball wih a decent ground game and stopping the run. I think they are 28th in passing.

I have to agree with most of this - the defense is winning games right now, but the offense has played well too. Before the matchup with the 49ers (who have a great defense of their own), the Panthers put up 35, 30, 31 and 34 points respectively. Granted, those were against mostly bottom-feeders, but anytime you can score 4 TDs in a NFL contest, you're going to win.

They have a bit to go before I'm comfortable grouping them with the Chiefs, Broncos, Saints, etc. this season. If they can follow-up their win against SF with a win against New England on Monday night, I'll be convinced.

I don't get the warm fuzzies about this group like I have past Panthers' playoff teams, but they could be scary-good if the offense starts clicking with the current defense.

They only scored 4 offensive TDs in one of those games. They also had a lot of short fields. Your % chance of scoring goes up dramatically the shorter your starting field position.

The offense isn't terrible but good enough. The passing is still 28th in the league. I just don't see them keeping up with a team like the Saints when your offense has to match scoring drives. I also don't trust Cam. He is riding high now since there is success, but he sulks, broods, and cracks under the first signs of failure and hardship.

[Luke]

players faking injuries to stop the clock for a moment in order to plan or disrupt the momentum of another team. It is a problem.

And not only for moments, but for minutes and required commercial breaks. Players who flop should not be let back on the field. There have been instances where two or more players flop at the same time not remembering who is the flopper.

One more reason for me to prefer hockey over football.

I also don't trust Cam. He is riding high now since there is success, but he sulks, broods and cracks under the first signs of failure and hardship.

Cam really is a big baby and I can't argue with you on that. Not as bad as Cutler, but Cam certainly does the "Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm wearing a towel on my face?" charade. He also is far from the deepest spoon in the flatware drawer, but he is one hell of an athlete.

Is Cam a better QB than Jake? I don't think so.

[the King]

Whereas Brandon Marshall makes it really easy to not like the Bears.

Hey hey hey. You guys do have Suh.

That was more in reference to Marshall's comments about the Lions and Detroit yesterday.

[the King]

One more reason for me to prefer hockey over football.

Let's not pretend that sort of thing doesn't happen in hockey.

[Luke]

One more reason for me to prefer hockey over football.

Let's not pretend that sort of thing doesn't happen in hockey.

CONTEXT! CROSBY PLAYING AGAINST THE FLYERS.

(Different rules as well. We all know Crosby is a child on man skates)

[EvilRyu2099]

Cam really is a big baby and I can't argue with you on that. Not as bad as Cutler, but Cam certainly does the "Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm wearing a towel on my face?" charade. He also is far from the deepest spoon in the flatware drawer, but he is one hell of an athlete.

Is Cam a better QB than Jake? I don't think so.

I never liked Cam Newtom.. I find similar qualities in Colin Kaepernick tbh.. Both are good players, but their lack of mental toughness will keep them from being "great". Not saying they are stupid at all, but both don't have the mentality to be great.. And Jay Cutler is this generation's Jeff George, all the talent and a cannon arm, but is a crybaby and a hot head..