NFL 2024 season - v. Greatest Pats...and 31 other cool teams

[El Barto]

So...the NBA?


I wouldn't worry about it Stads. Seriously.

Isn't the NBA "ruined" at this point? All I ever hear is how the game's awful now.

[TAC]

Isn't the NBA "ruined" at this point? All I ever hear is how the game's awful now.

I think all leagues struggle with trying to prop up offenses. Every rule change in each league seem to be made to stimulate scoring. Defense doesn't boost ratings. Or cash.

[bosk1]

Isn't the NBA "ruined" at this point? All I ever hear is how the game's awful now.

Pretty close, IMO.  But while I think the new kickoff rules are kinda dumb and unnecessary, I don't think they have as much potential to drastically change the game as Stadler is making out.  If teams start getting an inordinate amount of returns, teams will figure out how to train their kickers to have the ball hit inside the 5 and bounce into the endzone for the 20 YL touchback and will happily eat the yards where it ends up going through the endzone for the 40 YL touchback rather than risk a return for TD.  And, yeah, THAT in and of itself changes the game.  But not to extent some worry that it might.

[El Barto]

I think all leagues struggle with trying to prop up offenses. Every rule change in each league seem to be made to stimulate scoring. Defense doesn't boost ratings. Or cash.

So it's dumbed down to appeal to the LCD. Just like the modern NFL. Fuck yeah, capitalism!!

[El Barto]

Pretty close, IMO.  But while I think the new kickoff rules are kinda dumb and unnecessary, I don't think they have as much potential to drastically change the game as Stadler is making out.  If teams start getting an inordinate amount of returns, teams will figure out how to train their kickers to have the ball hit inside the 5 and bounce into the endzone for the 20 YL touchback and will happily eat the yards where it ends up going through the endzone for the 40 YL touchback rather than risk a return for TD.  And, yeah, THAT in and of itself changes the game.  But not to extent some worry that it might.

I honestly have no idea how it'll turn out, but none of the outcomes seem particularly favourable to me. I also like the surprise onside kick, which is no more. As for bouncing it into the EZ, that's going to be rough since squib kicks are also no longer a thing.

[pg1067]

I just saw a kickoff reel from the new XFL.

The kicker tees up all by his lonesome at the kicking team’s 30 yard line.

The rest of the kicking team lines up at the receiving team’s 35 with the receiving team lined up directly across from them at their own 30 yard line.

No one is allowed to move until the receiver fields the ball.  This prevents the head on collisions that take place when players run full speed at each other.

I kinda liked it. Have you guys seen this?

I'm foreseeing two things (in addition to the possible increase in KR TDs):  (1) a flurry of flags for moving too early; and (2) some real hilarity when a returner breaks through the cluster of blockers and the kicker tries to make an open-field tackle.

[El Barto]

I'm foreseeing two things (in addition to the possible increase in KR TDs):  (1) a flurry of flags for moving too early; and (2) some real hilarity when a returner breaks through the cluster of blockers and the kicker tries to make an open-field tackle.

Good point. That's something that might even effect the punt game. You'll still need accuracy above all else for your kicker, but a kick off specialist that can tackle might be a real bonus. The Cowboys used to have a kicker that loved to level return guys, but they're kind of hard to come by.

[DragonAttack]

I honestly have no idea how it'll turn out, but none of the outcomes seem particularly favourable to me. I also like the surprise onside kick, which is no more. As for bouncing it into the EZ, that's going to be rough since squib kicks are also no longer a thing.

That has become almost nonexistent with the newer rules.  And, we'll never again have a Sean Payton showing immense nads decision by choosing to open the second half of a Super Bowl game with one. 

btw....absolutely love the new thread title!   

[Stadler]

That has become almost nonexistent with the newer rules.  And, we'll never again have a Sean Payton showing immense nads decision by choosing to open the second half of a Super Bowl game with one. 

btw....absolutely love the new thread title!   

Actually, I do too; I didn't pick up on that until you pointed it out!!

[faizoff]

On the "run away from the law" section of the offseason, looks like Cam Sutton freshly released from the Lions roster self reported to the Tampa Police, the jail he checked into is close to my office.

Chiefs Rashee Rice appears to be involved in a hit n run and dashcam footage isn't as scary as I thought it would be. Still a major asshole for racing in the streets.

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-kansas-city-chiefs-wide-receiver-rashee-rice-collision/287-d3c39c05-b11e-4107-8c4f-87e4d12319a0

[El Barto]

On the "run away from the law" section of the offseason, looks like Cam Sutton freshly released from the Lions roster self reported to the Tampa Police, the jail he checked into is close to my office.

Chiefs Rashee Rice appears to be involved in a hit n run and dashcam footage isn't as scary as I thought it would be. Still a major asshole for racing in the streets.

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-kansas-city-chiefs-wide-receiver-rashee-rice-collision/287-d3c39c05-b11e-4107-8c4f-87e4d12319a0

Those two guys really suck. Seriously, we've all driving 130 down that stretch of central. There's nothing wrong with that, unless you're a total idiot. The fun is knowing when you can push it and when you can't. I see people doing this all the time around there, and they're alternating between driving flat out and driving 55 all pissed off, waiting for an opportunity to break out. There's skill involved. These morons were only thinking about speed. Hope they nail that jackass to a tree in the spirit of Easter.

[Stadler]

Those two guys really suck. Seriously, we've all driving 130 down that stretch of central. There's nothing wrong with that, unless you're a total idiot. The fun is knowing when you can push it and when you can't. I see people doing this all the time around there, and they're alternating between driving flat out and driving 55 all pissed off, waiting for an opportunity to break out. There's skill involved. These morons were only thinking about speed. Hope they nail that jackass to a tree in the spirit of Easter.

Hahaha.

[hefdaddy42]

Bills finalizing trade of star WR Stefon Diggs to Texans

Holy shit.  Texans are getting serious.

[Stadler]

Bills finalizing trade of star WR Stefon Diggs to Texans

Holy shit.  Texans are getting serious.

You're not kidding; they already have Mixon and now this.  Mixon I sort of get, running backs are starting to be a dime a dozen, but I do think this is a blow to the Bills, and may be a sign that they are hitting the pause button.

[El Barto]

You're not kidding; they already have Mixon and now this.  Mixon I sort of get, running backs are starting to be a dime a dozen, but I do think this is a blow to the Bills, and may be a sign that they are hitting the pause button.

I was thinking it was the self destruct button. However, in this league you never know.

[Stadler]

I was thinking it was the self destruct button. However, in this league you never know.

If I'm Josh Allen, I think I'd find it hard to understand what the commitment is.  He was the ONE CONSTANT on that offense besides Allen, and perhaps the one reason why Allen wasn't carted off the field each game.

[Jamesman42]

Tyreek leaves KC and the Chiefs win back to back SBs.

Now watch Allen go win it this year (I know these are not the same and I also hope I am wrong).

[El Barto]

Tyreek leaves KC and the Chiefs win back to back SBs.

Now watch Allen go win it this year (I know these are not the same and I also hope I am wrong).

Tampa replaced Tom Brady with Baker Mayfield and got better. 

[hunnus2000]

If I'm Josh Allen, I think I'd find it hard to understand what the commitment is.  He was the ONE CONSTANT on that offense besides Allen, and perhaps the one reason why Allen wasn't carted off the field each game.

Please sit down first:

I actually agree with this post. 

[faizoff]

Bill Belichick going on the Pat McAfee show to do the draft next week should be an interesting view. I'd watch that just to hear BB's thought process. Guy can be pretty funny at times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUA2LpFgtvw&ab_channel=ThePatMcAfeeShow

[El Barto]

Bill Belichick going on the Pat McAfee show to do the draft next week should be an interesting view. I'd watch that just to hear BB's thought process. Guy can be pretty funny at times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUA2LpFgtvw&ab_channel=ThePatMcAfeeShow

Yeah, but it kind of depends on if he's actually done any scouting. Bill always looked for intangibles, and those don't show up on the typical ESPN scouting reports. Insofar as I've seen he's been doing his own thing, and that probably didn't include much deep research.

Also, if NE actually does pass up 3 first round picks (plus a latter pick) to draft the consolation QB they really deserve to suck. I don't know if Minnesota is actually considering that, but it'd only be moving down to 11. Rumour has it that RKK specifically wants to draft a QB to create buzz and put butts in seats. You put butts in seats by winning. Not by drafting a new QB who may or may not suck. How'd it work out in 2021?

[Stadler]

Yeah, but it kind of depends on if he's actually done any scouting. Bill always looked for intangibles, and those don't show up on the typical ESPN scouting reports. Insofar as I've seen he's been doing his own thing, and that probably didn't include much deep research.

Also, if NE actually does pass up 3 first round picks (plus a latter pick) to draft the consolation QB they really deserve to suck. I don't know if Minnesota is actually considering that, but it'd only be moving down to 11. Rumour has it that RKK specifically wants to draft a QB to create buzz and put butts in seats. You put butts in seats by winning. Not by drafting a new QB who may or may not suck. How'd it work out in 2021?

Maybe I'm a Luddite here, but as soon as "create buzz" is a variable on your draft board, IMO you're dead in the water.  I am seriously thinking about switching back to the Giants as my primary team.  I don't like Jones, at all, but at least I can get behind Daboll. 

[Dream Team]

Maybe I'm a Luddite here, but as soon as "create buzz" is a variable on your draft board, IMO you're dead in the water.  I am seriously thinking about switching back to the Giants as my primary team.  I don't like Jones, at all, but at least I can get behind Daboll.

If you did that you'd definitely never be accused of front-running. Giants play in a pretty tough division (especially so if Washington is relevant). But yeah as far as the draft goes, if you don't have a top 10 pick (or top 3 if you're going for QB) then it's really nothing to get too excited about and not worth the hype it generates.

[Stadler]

If you did that you'd definitely never be accused of front-running. Giants play in a pretty tough division (especially so if Washington is relevant). But yeah as far as the draft goes, if you don't have a top 10 pick (or top 3 if you're going for QB) then it's really nothing to get too excited about and not worth the hype it generates.

One, I grew up a Giants fan; that's how I got into the Patriots, via Belichick.

Two, not sure I follow the latter part.  I can't recall once ever being "excited" about draft picks. It's one step in the process and just as many star picks flame out as flame on.  Honestly, I like Belichick's approach of staying clear of the top ten or so.  I just don't think the risk is worth it.   

[Dream Team]

One, I grew up a Giants fan; that's how I got into the Patriots, via Belichick.

Two, not sure I follow the latter part.  I can't recall once ever being "excited" about draft picks. It's one step in the process and just as many star picks flame out as flame on.  Honestly, I like Belichick's approach of staying clear of the top ten or so.  I just don't think the risk is worth it.

I was talking about how the draft is over-hyped by fans and media, not you specifically.

[El Barto]

Maybe I'm a Luddite here, but as soon as "create buzz" is a variable on your draft board, IMO you're dead in the water.  I am seriously thinking about switching back to the Giants as my primary team.  I don't like Jones, at all, but at least I can get behind Daboll.

I have no idea who I'd switch back to. I briefly considered Dallas, but sticking with McCarthy is one of the dumbest things Jerry's done, IMO, which gives me the same problem I'm seeing with RKK. For me I just want to get behind a well run organization, where I can actually respect the people running the show. That's not Dallas, and it doesn't appear like it'll be NE.

[hefdaddy42]

Maybe I'm a Luddite here, but as soon as "create buzz" is a variable on your draft board, IMO you're dead in the water. 

You may be a bit of a Luddite here.

As EB said, the best way to put butts in seats (which is the name of the game for owners) is by winning.  But not every team is going to win.  So if you don't think you're going to win, you have to find some other way to put butts in seats, which is done by creating buzz, which only means finding something else to get your fans excited about.

[El Barto]

You may be a bit of a Luddite here.

As EB said, the best way to put butts in seats (which is the name of the game for owners) is by winning.  But not every team is going to win.  So if you don't think you're going to win, you have to find some other way to put butts in seats, which is done by creating buzz, which only means finding something else to get your fans excited about.

The thing is, NE still has a waiting list to get season tickets. That's not going to go away. Another year or two of sucking ass won't really hurt that much so long as they look like they're turning the corner. And if it would be a financial hardship, why not expand the percentage of season tickets offered?

[hefdaddy42]

The thing is, NE still has a waiting list to get season tickets. That's not going to go away. Another year or two of sucking ass won't really hurt that much so long as they look like they're turning the corner. And if it would be a financial hardship, why not expand the percentage of season tickets offered?

I don't know.

I wasn't speaking about NE specifically, but in general.  I know next to nothing about NE's specific situation, except that the greatest coach of all time apparently let the game pass him by, got fired, and then no one else wanted to hire him.  Which again, isn't as much about NE as it is Mr. Bill.

[El Barto]

Simply pointing out that "creating buzz" to sell tickets right now is a loser approach.

[hefdaddy42]

Simply pointing out that "creating buzz" to sell tickets right now is a loser approach.

For NE, possibly so.

For most teams in the league, not so much.

[El Barto]

For NE, possibly so.

For most teams in the league, not so much.

Would you want your team to base their draft on creating buzz, rather than taking the best long term approach? NE can turn 1 first rounder into 3 by moving back 8 spots. RKK [allegedly] doesn't favour that approach because a new franchise QB will get him a quicker return.

[hefdaddy42]

Would you want your team to base their draft on creating buzz, rather than taking the best long term approach? NE can turn 1 first rounder into 3 by moving back 8 spots. RKK [allegedly] doesn't favour that approach because a new franchise QB will get him a quicker return.

Depends on how much you trust your team.  I'm a Panthers fan (technically, for now), and I don't trust David Tepper as far as I could throw him.  He doesn't know shit about taking a long term approach.  Of course, he doesn't know anything about the short term either.  So I'm fucked either way.

Teams that haven't had consistent success don't know anything about a long term approach.

[Stadler]

I don't know.

I wasn't speaking about NE specifically, but in general.  I know next to nothing about NE's specific situation, except that the greatest coach of all time apparently let the game pass him by, got fired, and then no one else wanted to hire him.  Which again, isn't as much about NE as it is Mr. Bill.

None of that is precisely true.  The game has NOT passed him by, KRAFT did, he wasn't fired, it was a mutual decision by all accounts, and there was interest, even if it didn't pan out. 

[Stadler]

Would you want your team to base their draft on creating buzz, rather than taking the best long term approach? NE can turn 1 first rounder into 3 by moving back 8 spots. RKK [allegedly] doesn't favour that approach because a new franchise QB will get him a quicker return.

RKK is turning into Daniel Snyder.