Carey

ITA about Belichick getting snubbed. If the reason for Brady not winning MVP is what New England did sans Brady in weeks 1-4, then Bill should earn the award hands down. Not that I'd lose sleep over it, but how many times did Manning win MVP? Still bitter about 2008 when IMO James Harrison should have won (right call esp. given the fact Peyton beat Pittsburgh at Heinz Field that year). It went from Manning winning for being the reason that Indy was playoff-bound despite a 5th seed spot to Manning deserves it because he's the GOAT and Indy had the best record following 14-0 and eventually 16-3. In the end, Brady probably gets snubbed since the voters feel the need to give it to someone new, yet Manning won it 5 times

Actually, IIRC, ESPN had to demote Brent in order to keep Fowler (around the time FS1 was running well). Of course, Brent was in his mid-70s when the switch was made. Those comments didn't help him, but they were not going to keep him as their lead announcer no matter what

Couldn't agree more about the Darren situation. It would be very hypocritical for them to put him in when so many others aren't there yet. If I'm wrong and he gets there, so be it, but only if it's a year where you put in over 100 people within a single year

I wonder if that exit will result in a pick-em between Alabama & Clemson

The Steelers do have that negative history, but that typically doesn't happen in the postseason and the month leading up to that. But being down double digits and a dozen defensive errors is a trend that Pittsburgh needs to get fixed in a hurry or they'll be out quick. The offense probably isn't going to score on every possession; while they have done well late in games, the AFC North isn't as good as Miami (who is also a great 4th quarter team). Could be a blowout, but could also be in a different way, but I think either team can win

Big picture: Packers secondary falling apart ranks high on what Dallas did not want to see. Unless of course the Packers actually win the game since I can't picture Detroit winning at CenturyLink. Speaking of which, if Seattle gets fortunately enough to escape Atlanta, and New York wins twice, it should make for an interesting game between the Seahawks & Giants. Seattle has humiliated the GMEN several times; but the Seahawks have yet to face a postseason version of New York based off of past decade Guess I was wrong about the schedule, but correct in their edit to put the awful Oakland at Houston game on ESPN. Bad news for Miami though if they win; short week heading to chilly Foxborough. Still a bit salty over no Steelers on Saturday night, but if they win, Arrowhead in the afternoon might not be as painful as Arrowhead at night. Still tough since it's Kansas City's first home playoff game in 6 years

It would be nice for the league to do away with endzone celebrations, or modify them. However, I can't say I have a problem when people get penalyzed for it. Well, several people are upset that they didn't announce the schedule yet. IIRC they usually wait until postgame & not halftime. As mentioned, I think it's a lock for Pittsburgh to host Miami Saturday night at 8:00. ESPN is supposed to get an NFC game, but I think the league will switch it up because they can. Oakland/Houston is perfect for ESPN. So sorry to see Oakland's fall, but I like their chances more than Houston (albeit small)

Feel bad as well. But it sorta sucks for Pittsburgh since a win vs Miami gives them a shot at Oakland. They probably would have had a better shot at the Raiders than at Kansas City, and had the Chiefs been the wild card, the Steelers would have hope at hosting the AFC Title game. I think Kansas City is the only team that could knock off New England, but I really can't see that anyway. Pats probably going to NRG next month; New England could be the road team and would win. They are so prepared and answer the call toward whatever happens within their organization. Total respect for them Still saddened for Pittsburgh, but it's meaningless. If you want the title you have to beat the best (sometimes in tough situations, a la Baltimore in 2012)

If you wait 15 minutes, FOX might also make the switch to Giants/Redskins for more competitive & meaningful programming

Yeah, it's 100% health related for Gary Kubiak. I think definitely the correct call. I think Tom Coughlin to Denver would be a great fit (unless I'm forgetting something) Tomorrow is going to be a joy. My popcorn is on the clock. Though with Mike McCoy, the injury situation was surreal so maybe he survives, but if not, it would be the correct call

I think I would have been surprised if Michigan did get blown out, until Peppers went down before the game. Turned out to be a great second half to make it an okay game overall. IMO, hats off to both teams for playing the game like it was for the world. I can see people not giving much effort for most of the bowls, but the New Year's Six should be treated with respect With Alabama vs Washington, it has the feeling of that Pats/Ravens NFL postseason game from a couple seasons ago. Everything in present day tells you to pick New England, but bet on Baltimore based on history. Alabama is basically playing in their penultimate venue and no one scores on them; meanwhile, Chris Peterson isn't really a fan of losing to teams he's supposed to lose to. It's a noon start for Washington too. I doubt they win the game, but I think they can keep it close. They could pull the upset with a couple miscues from the Tide & Washington being competitive With Clemson vs Ohio State, it has the feeling of that Pats/Seahawks NFL postseason game from a couple seasons ago. Even a coin-toss isn't enough to pick a winner. Both teams can match well with the Crimson Tide, both have the experience as of late. Urban Meyer has the edge, but the Tigers defense can get to Barrett easier than the Buckeyes can get to Deshaun. But OSU's secondary...It should be a rematch of one of the games from the past years of the CFP

With all of the injuries, lack of interest, and low attendance in the preseason games, I think the 18-game schedule is in the foreseeable future. As far as fans wanting to see football within preseason, I have to say no to that. At least the majority of fans don't love the thought of paying a lot of money to see people playing that will end up bagging groceries or fixing cars in September. 18 games within a season would make sure the owners and league don't lose a penny for getting rid of two preseason games in favor of two more meaningful games, while testing the players for this change Peyton being the GM is a great idea. Based on what we know, I agree it's too soon. Maybe Manning has the skills to lead, which was shown throughout his tenure. It's a different level. Sure Elway joined as a big time leader, but it helps to know John had nearly a decade of experience in the AFL, much more than Manning has now. IMO, Peyton and Bill Polian now would be an upgrade over Grigson. Not sure the relationship, with Peyton not retiring with Indianapolis; with Polian, despite getting exposed for not having a contingency over Manning's absense after all the warnings of that, probably shouldn't have been booted for one year of awfulness following a decade of dominance

Or full of players that would not automatically be cured for meaningful games if they got hurt in a meaningless game!

San Francisco wasn't in the Super Bowl in 1987. That was New York in that calendar year and Washington in the 1987 season I agree that Dallas playing at NRG Stadium is very beneficial; even if they had to travel, it would faze the likes of a Dak or a Zeke. I think they’re having the mentality that New England has had over the past decade in a half (and the Patriots still have that today). No matter the situation, they play the game Even if they don’t win, the Cowboys are going to be a tough out in the years to come if/when all goes well, especially when the defense rises one more level. Really they have been in contention since 2006 (save for a couple years). But a super bowl berth close to home is helpful, as it was with Denver last year and for Seattle a year before, albeit 99 yards within a 100-yard field Rex getting fired reminded me of Singletary's ouster. That one was a little lame since the 49ers weren't going anywhere. Same thing here, right when Buffalo was mathematically gone. What sucks here was that the guy was given 2-years only and really didn't falter like the Jets, or other teams outside that division like Jacksonville & Cleveland. Really, I think it may have been a mistake to hire Rex; I guess Doug Marrone was right to flat out quit. I do remember saying that he saw something in the Pegulas that would have someone saying "No Thanks!" to the job

In this Thanksgiving Bowl, you'd think Detroit was relaxing for January and Dallas needed the game tonight for a shot at January. What a shame, since the Lions have a short week vs a team with a lot of momentum in Green Bay, who has a long week heading into Sunday I don't think we'll see Romo, but if that's the case, maybe Mark Sanchez can do something. I don't know what they'll do if Dak gets unlucky on Sunday. Personally, I think they'll be fine against anyone but New England, if Prescott goes down. But I think it's the end of the road for Tony. He would get hurt with a half of garbage time, so it's pointless to use him at all

Detroit must be looking ahead to Green Bay. Which, if so, is stupid. You can clinch a safety net of sorts in the event the Packers are unstoppable. Furthermore, there's a chance Detroit can clinch a bye (which is not completely in their control but still)

Yeah, it kind of sucks that New York got nailed with that call. I didn't lose sleep over it (well, I didn't really sleep but that was for something completely unrelated; nothing negative FTR!). I have to admit I was salty with that call for Philly. You could say the narrative was that Brees, Brady, Rodgers gets those calls because they are old enough, but now I can't justify how Wentz would get it. Carson hasn't done anything at all yet. Cam will be the reigning MVP for 6 more weeks. BTW, there's just one thing more special than being drafted second in the first round! Finally Carolina is still in the playoff hunt, but their chances off making it are a little less than the Giants' chances of missing Outside of that, not a Philly fan, but there really isn't anything to hate about Carson Wentz. They were supposed to call that, especially after MNF. I wasn't too concerned despite what I said here because it's a different officiating crew. It would be troubling if a crew running Panthers games don't throw the flag when they are supposed to, but then they would have the history of throwing the flag all the time in another game. I tend to look at that trend more than what happened in back-to-back NFL games. Hats off to Dallas. Especially Jason Garrett and what he's overcome, not just this year but throughout this decade. Through common sense on one hand you could give the HC of the year to him. OTOH, through logic it really should go to Belichick if Brady gets snubbed for the MVP (though it depends on who wins it). Garrett isn't Landry or Johnson, but he's the best outside of that for the most part. (about par with Parcells & Switzer). Jones IMO got it right with sticking with him. Those early postseason misses Jason had came at the end of every regular season, and then got unlucky at Green Bay when Dallas finally returned. The only thing left is to win at least one playoff game with that position. FTR, Jerry is still undefeated in the Super Bowl No I knew, merylinkid. At first I read that I said, "Well, that has to suck to deal with Dallas in January as one of the Final 8 teams," but then a second later I interpreted that as relief and a nice sight for the Cowboys community

After Grayson serves 5 games, I sort of hope it continues beyond 5 games. To be clear, Allen should return only after he shows legitimate proof that he received help & is receiving help. I don't think Duke should have to force it upon him, but instead let the kid think real hard about receiving the help on his own. That way he might change as opposed to getting help just long enough to play

Hypocritical admins! It's really awful that people will say that if a kid doesn't like something, then leave! Or no one told you to play college football. Then when kids take this advice, they get upset over their inability to make these kids feel inferior. Whatever. Really happens outside of sports, and that's a shame. No one has to try hard to dislike Brian Kelly. While his exit at Cincinnati was not cool, I actually didn't lose sleep over it. Cincinnati was virtually screwed out of being in the BCS Title Game. It greatly pales in comparison to what happened to Auburn 5 years prior to some extent, but to win every game and go down in history without National Champs or Runners-Up next to your name is more than enough to move on. Everything about his exit was messed up, but based on that, I didn't have too much of a problem with it. Yeah I'm in the minority of giving Brian Kelly "credit" for anything, but fortunately not in the minority for McCaffrey or Fournette. Fournette didn't go to the NFL last year based off of the NFL rules as it relates to when a kid can declare. McCaffrey played in the Rose Bowl last year, and won. Too much outrage over his decision without a word on how they could have taken Stanford over Oklahoma in 2015 for the 4th spot. There is nothing to gain playing in the Sun Bowl after the Rose Bowl win the year before. I might prefer people playing one more time, but if you're ready it's not a big deal. It would suck if everyone skipped the bowl, as it would turn into what the NBA is, where the product sucks because college hoops kids leave when they can but aren't ready

I think it would require a significant amount of stuff well out of those teams control. Basically you'd have to do a range of stuff that might happen in Week 17 and then factor that into what has to happen in Week 16. Fortunately it would not involve games those teams got beat in, but it's still a loss. I don't think I'd do it since I'm not getting paid (nor do I have time to do it). However I'm okay with those that getting paid to do it not doing it at all. Looks like some of the other stuff that needs to happen doesn't play out. With games on Sunday & Monday, it would be easy to figure it out (Detroit plays on MNF, so that would factor into Green Bay's SOV). Either way, it would be nice for them to make mention to how it's a lot and doesn't need to be calculated until it becomes likely that the SOV would factor into a team clinching a playoff spot. Personally I don't think it takes 24 hours, but it wouldn't take 5 minutes either

This is one of a handful of reasons why people hate the league. They say that if this happened to Brees, that gets flagged. Then the NFL says they probably would have missed the call anyway. Problem is, Drew gets taken down on a great defensive play, and here comes the flag

I didn't have a problem with it. I think Gus knew he was done anyway (I believe it was a decided last week at least). I think they should have waited, esp given the painful loss, but Shad Khan would have received more heat had Gus got Kiffin'd. OTOH, if Bradley wanted to go his own way I can't blame him, but I guess if you're under contract you still have to travel back with the team no matter what Totally right call. I guess they could have done it earlier or wait a couple weeks, but Bradley is free for the holidays. Great man, but wasn't the guy. I think he'll be fine. He'll get work and gets to wait until after the new year to start looking

I think if Cleveland wins, Pegula might surface on the field, put Ryan out of his misery, and then leave

I guess this means Pete Carroll is on pace to punt inside the redzone on the way to his next blowout victory. Or just punt on first down anywhere. Then he can state that he has a heart and didn't want to run up the score too much

Even if Brady doesn't have a great performance at the end of his career, I think he'll be alright. No reason to think the Pats won't win throughout the rest of this decade and into the next one. If NE doubles efforts in their run game and triples efforts toward their defense (a la Denver), Brady and Bill might actually win more titles themselves than Pittsburgh, Dallas, and San Francisco. Right now they are very close to being in the end game more than any other team (of course, Dallas might keep pace with that this year). IIRC, Dallas had been either tied or had the lead in Super Bowl appearances from 1978-1985, and then from 1993-Present