NFL 2012 Season Thread

[Chuckínho]

To each their own.
The most obvious different between Australian Rules and Rugby codes is that Australian Rules players like to wear singlets instead of jerseys with sleeves. Their field is an oval instead of rectangular and there are no offsides.
My enjoyment of these games is due in part to the constant changing of possesion. Each "play" involves some sort of challenge for possession. My limited understanidng of the eligibility of recievers in American Football makes me feel that rugby may be a bit more egalitarian in that anyone can receive the ball.

For the benefits of the Americans I have spoken of rugby in the singular there are two different types with different rules. I prefer Rugby Union for its flow and flair and unpredictable possession. There isn't a first down, it is the endzone or useless. The drop goal adds another less predictable nuance in that there may not be an obvious formation or special teams coming onto the pitch to have a kick.

What do NFL players do in their offseason. Do they train much or go to Mexico or get married or go back to their hometowns which they seldom seem to represent due to the draft.

 

[Chuckínho]

Attacking rugby is not slow and boring, it is actually a beautiful fast flowing game which gets so tense. Unfortunately we English are to blame for reducing rugby to more of a "force errors then kick penalties" game in recent years but you still get some wonderful matches.

It is very very different to American Football and you can definitely enjoy both (I do), not like Baseball and Cricket where they are completely different by in my opinion you cant really enjoy both of them.

Every time a referee gives a scrum penalty or Jonny Wilkinson lines up for a shot at goal, a rugby fairy dies

 

[Chuckínho]

Aussie Rules seems to involve a lot of punting and jump catches. Rugby is pretty slow and boring IMO. So many players on the field makes the game slow to a crawl for me because no one ever has any space to run. There aren't as many stoppages as American football, obviously, but it's no where near as fun to watch.

Some numbers gleaned from various dodgy sources...

Player numbers
NFL = 11 players (at a time - unlimited interchange) roster 45 players
Rugby Union = 15 players (substitutions - players cannot return) roster 23 players
Rugby League = 13 players (12 interchanges possible) roster 17 players
Australian Rules = 18 players (unlimited interchange I beleive) roster 22 players

Field Dimensions
NFL = 110 x 49m
Rugby Union = 100 x 70m
Rugby League = 122 x 70m
Australian Rules = Oval - massive

As such it seems that the NFL pitch is actually narrower than the others and this teamed with interchange regulations leads to quite different dynamics. I would assume that continuous play of any sport for 80-90 minutes would take it toll over time and cause some horrific injuries.

 

[Back Door Skip]

What do NFL players do in their offseason. Do they train much or go to Mexico or get married or go back to their hometowns which they seldom seem to represent due to the draft.

There's a saying that the most popular sport season in America is the NFL season and the second is the NFL offseason.

Most players will take a short vacation then go back to work whether it's conditioning, working on their catching, throwing or tackling depending on their position and or hitting the weight room, its basically a full time job all year sans a few weeks or maybe a month off or so.

 

[Bobby]

I like Australian Rules Football, it's neat. We have teams here, they play on the cricket fields.

 

[Chuckínho]

You even get a point for missing

 

[jschuck12001]

Skip what the hell are you guys going to do, I've always thought Welker was a bit over rated and didn't show in the big games but I'm trying to figure out who else is available for them to get as an impact player. I'm thinking Jennings or Amendola, It would be interesting if you signed both.

 

[newbie original]

Ravens traded Anquan Boldin to San Francisco (NFC). If Wes Welker signs with Denver, Peyton Manning's team will be ready for another season as Superbowl favorites and a very easy schedule.

 

[jschuck12001]

Ravens traded Anquan Boldin to San Francisco (NFC). If Wes Welker signs with Denver, Peyton Manning's team will be ready for another season as Superbowl favorites and a very easy schedule.

He signed per his twitter account, 2 year deal. Newbie who is your team? I was just curious because I noticed you like to talk football.

 

[Deisler]

Am i the only one who thinks Bellicik did the right thing in letting Wes go?

 

[AndreaPirlo21]

Am i the only one who thinks Bellicik did the right thing in letting Wes go?

They could get Jennings or Amendola.

 

[jschuck12001]

Am i the only one who thinks Bellicik did the right thing in letting Wes go?

I agree as long as they replace him. I'm thinking they already have their eye on someone in the draft, not a Pats fan but I hate seeing Tom Brady having to carry this team on his shoulders for the last 6 years, they need play makers on offense.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

He's not worth that money at his age. They can get that production from Gronk and Hernandez.

 

[4ndr3i]

49ers  7/1   
Broncos  15/2       
Patriots  15/2         
Packers  10/1         
Seahawks  12/1         
Saints  14/1         
Falcons  16/1         
Ravens  16/1        
Texans  16/1         
Steelers  18/1         
Giants  20/1         
Bears  25/1         
Cowboys  25/1         
Redskins  25/1         
EAGLES  30/1         
Colts  33/1         
Bengals  35/1         
Chargers  35/1         
Lions  40/1         
Chiefs  40/1         
Jets  40/1         
Panthers  50/1         
Dolphins  50/1         
Vikings  50/1         
Rams  50/1        
Bucs  60/1         
Cardinals  66/1         
Browns  66/1         
Titans  75/1         
Bills  100/1         
[B]Raiders[/B]  [B]100/1[/B]         
Jags  150/1

Well, looks like my Raiders aren't hot favorites this season for winning the super bowl.

 

[AndreaPirlo21]

Well, looks like my Raiders aren't hot favorites this season for winning the super bowl.

Not surprising if you see what they did last year.

 

[jschuck12001]

Not surprising if you see what they did last year.

Drea the cap is killing us, we cant even sign or own players. We lost Zoe today.

 

[4ndr3i]

Not surprising if you see what they did last year.

I have faith this will turn out to be one of those epic underdog winning stories, Hollywood-style.

 

[jschuck12001]

I have faith this will turn out to be one of those epic underdog winning stories, Hollywood-style.

Well here is a fact, for the last 6 years at least 1 team that finished in last place the prior year has made the playoffs the next year. Many times its been multiple teams like this year with my Skins, the Colts, and Vikings. Its always better when you're a fan of an average or poor team and they start winning, there are plenty of band-wagoners who root for the top teams.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Well, looks like my Raiders aren't hot favorites this season for winning the super bowl.

You also released former top 10 picks Darius Heyward-Bey and Michael Huff the other day.

Bey is gonna be a deep threat with a good team and people are gonna be like "why the hell did the Raiders release him?"

 

[4ndr3i]

We must be making cap space for a huge trade. I wouldn't be surprised if we get Joe Flacco.

Well here is a fact, for the last 6 years at least 1 team that finished in last place the prior year has made the playoffs the next year. Many times its been multiple teams like this year with my Skins, the Colts, and Vikings. Its always better when you're a fan of an average or poor team and they start winning, there are plenty of band-wagoners who root for the top teams.

Like Back Door Skip.