NFL Off-Season Discussion Thread *Over a year old!*

[TaQud]

Aw man, According to his twitter, Phil Dawson has signed with the 49ers, (which means David akers will get the boot)

[Chrinthania]

Aw man, According to his twitter, Phil Dawson has signed with the 49ers, (which means David akers will get the boot)

Yeah, because that's what you need to win Superbowls, a 50/50 kicker like Akers.

[TaQud]

Aw man, According to his twitter, Phil Dawson has signed with the 49ers, (which means David akers will get the boot)

Yeah, because that's what you need to win Superbowls, a 50/50 kicker like Akers.

its not that its that I like Phil Dawson. the last Brown from 1999.

[Inky Noodles]

Flacco and Rice are both good. /that topic

Yeah.

But I can't tell who wil win the AFC north with all the ravens leaving .

They still can win it. They just need to resign Reed, get Harrison, and possibly... that Broncos player what's his name.
That would make it easier.

[Chrinthania]

Yeah.

But I can't tell who wil win the AFC north with all the ravens leaving .

They still can win it. They just need to resign Reed, get Harrison, and possibly... that Broncos player what's his name.
That would make it easier.

Elvis Dumerville. The one the agent couldn't send a fax to keep a Bronco.

[Chrinthania]

Breaking NFL News:

At the annual NFL meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, the clubs "overwhelmingly" agree to drop the so-called Tuck Rule; other rules added

From NFL.com:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100000 ... al-meeting

It won't erase the past for the Oakland Raiders, but NFL owners have voted to eliminate the "Tuck Rule"

A source told Ian Rappoport on Wednesday that the elimination of the "Tuck Rule" passed overwhelmingly at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix.

The rule's elimination makes it so a player loses possession when he tries to bring the ball back to his body. If the passer loses control while the ball is going forward, it's still incomplete. If he loses the ball while tucking, it's a fumble.

NFL owners also passed a rule that would ban players from leading with the crown of their helmets outside the tackle box.

In addition, the rule regarding the illegal throwing of the challenge flag on automatically reviewable plays -- also known as the Jim Schwartz rule -- was changed, according to The Associated Press. Moving forward, the play still would be reviewed no matter what. Any coach who illegally challenges a play would be charged a timeout. He wouldn't get the timeout back even if he wins the challenge. If the team is out of timeouts, it would be charged a 15-yard penalty.

The "Tuck Rule" vote tally, per Ian Rappoport on the NFL Network, 29 clubs in favor of its removal, 1 club (Pittsburgh) not in favor of its removal, 2 abstentions (New England, Washington)
"Crown-of-the-Helmet Rule" vote tally, per Ian Rappoport on the NFL Network, 31 clubs vote in favor of this rule, 1 club (Cincinnati) voted against the measure. No abstentions.
"Jim Schwartz Rule" passes "Overwhelmingly"

[TaQud]

"Aw no tuck rule?"
-Tom Brady

[Maurepas]

They also voted to make it a penalty to lower your head,

[The Emerald Dawn]

They also voted to make it a penalty to lower your head,

(Image)

Yeah, it's...getting silly honestly. When you think about how they're going to apply this rule it just makes you want to slap him around.

[Chrinthania]

They also voted to make it a penalty to lower your head,

(Image)

Sort of. They vote that you cannot use the crown of the helmet (the part considered the top of the helmet) when hitting another player outside of the tackle box. It is a penalty that will be enforced on both offensive and defensive players.

[TaQud]

Ed reed joining the texans.

@The Ravens

now they got an overpaid quarterback and there defense is weakening...

[Idaho Conservatives]

The tuck rule needed to go a while ago. Now we can get rid of the ten minute review delay-commercial break every time a quarterback is strip sacked, and watch more football.

As far as the helmet spearing rule, I am not opposed to it on principle (if defenders can't lead with their heads, why should ball carriers be able to?) but am concerned more about its enforcement. More than likely this will just be another excuse by Goodell to chuck more yellow flags around and fine/suspend even more players. It exists just so he and the owners can look like they care about player safety when they are in court for the inevitable multi-billion dollar concussion lawsuit.

[Chetssaland]

I'm all for player safety, and have been on the league's side for many a debate, but I don't agree with this new rule.

[TaQud]

i just think there's no winning side to players safety right now in the NFL.

(it Seems) The more safety they give to players, the more people complain the NFL is becoming soft or basically turning into flag football)
The less safety they give to players, the more likely lawsuits will happen about head injuries players have gotten over there career.

[The Emerald Dawn]

i just think there's no winning side to players safety right now in the NFL.

(it Seems) The more safety they give to players, the more people complain the NFL is becoming soft or basically turning into flag football)
The less safety they give to players, the more likely lawsuits will happen about head injuries players have gotten over there career.

My position is: Now that we know, give players the choice.

If players choose to play football, knowing they could be brain-damaged, that's their right.

It is no different from other hazardous professions, except that it pays WAY better.

[Idaho Conservatives]

i just think there's no winning side to players safety right now in the NFL.

(it Seems) The more safety they give to players, the more people complain the NFL is becoming soft or basically turning into flag football)
The less safety they give to players, the more likely lawsuits will happen about head injuries players have gotten over there career.

My position is: Now that we know, give players the choice.

If players choose to play football, knowing they could be brain-damaged, that's their right.

It is no different from other hazardous professions, except that it pays WAY better.

I have to agree: These players know they are probably going to get their knees destroyed and their brains mashed into pulp by the time they're thirty, but they go for it anyway, because how many folks wish they could get paid several million dollars for playing a kids' game four months a year?

I believe the league is over-officiated right now. It seems to me that rules like "roughing the quarterback" for looking at him funny, or "pass interference" called on a CB for just breaking on the ball, are designed only to hamper the defense to increase scoring, and presumably hike TV revenue. That is as much to blame as a concussion suit. It may be a good idea now, but in the long run, cheapening NFL offense until box scores start to resemble Madden (Matthew Stafford throws for 4900 yards at age 24: it's a disappointing season) isn't good for no one but fantasy football players.

[Northern Dominus]

Well it looks like Brian Urlacher won't be getting a Ray Lewis style legacy contract and is parting ways with the Chicago Bears:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1575 ... -part-ways

As a Bears fan I honestly don't know what to make of this.

On the one hand it makes good football sense. Urlacher was getting long in the tooth at least two seasons ago. He's definetly not the big-hitting player he used to be, although how much of that is due to rules-neutering in the league these days is up for debate. Plus, if we're honest, his recent shitty attitude didn't help things either. From a fiscal stance as well that frees up a lot of salary cap to draft a new young linebacker or get a free agent of some sort to fill his shoes.

However, as a Bears fan... I gotta say we love our middle linebackers. The thing is Urlacher is a fixture and pretty well beloved in Chicago. Yes he's a national figure but as I mentioned, middle linebackers are celebrated by Bears fans, and it didn't hurt that until recently Brian Urlacher had a pretty good public persona as well.

Honestly, I'll have to wait and see. Roach is already gone and now Urlacher, leaving me to wonder about Emery's commitment to defense... and of course if it's purely financially motivated the buck stops at Virginia McCasky, cheap dried-up old shrew that she is.

[Idaho Conservatives]

Well it looks like Brian Urlacher won't be getting a Ray Lewis style legacy contract and is parting ways with the Chicago Bears:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1575 ... -part-ways

As a Bears fan I honestly don't know what to make of this.

On the one hand it makes good football sense. Urlacher was getting long in the tooth at least two seasons ago. He's definetly not the big-hitting player he used to be, although how much of that is due to rules-neutering in the league these days is up for debate. Plus, if we're honest, his recent shitty attitude didn't help things either. From a fiscal stance as well that frees up a lot of salary cap to draft a new young linebacker or get a free agent of some sort to fill his shoes.

However, as a Bears fan... I gotta say we love our middle linebackers. The thing is Urlacher is a fixture and pretty well beloved in Chicago. Yes he's a national figure but as I mentioned, middle linebackers are celebrated by Bears fans, and it didn't hurt that until recently Brian Urlacher had a pretty good public persona as well.

Honestly, I'll have to wait and see. Roach is already gone and now Urlacher, leaving me to wonder about Emery's commitment to defense... and of course if it's purely financially motivated the buck stops at Virginia McCasky, cheap dried-up old shrew that she is.

Pardon my ignorance, but what has Urlacher done wrong? He always seemed like a pretty decent guy to me.

And if you think the McCaskey is cheap, take a look at Mike Brown. He's got the most cap space in the league, and still refuses to lock up his young studs with long term contracts.

[TaQud]

Well it looks like Brian Urlacher won't be getting a Ray Lewis style legacy contract and is parting ways with the Chicago Bears:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1575 ... -part-ways

As a Bears fan I honestly don't know what to make of this.

On the one hand it makes good football sense. Urlacher was getting long in the tooth at least two seasons ago. He's definetly not the big-hitting player he used to be, although how much of that is due to rules-neutering in the league these days is up for debate. Plus, if we're honest, his recent shitty attitude didn't help things either. From a fiscal stance as well that frees up a lot of salary cap to draft a new young linebacker or get a free agent of some sort to fill his shoes.

However, as a Bears fan... I gotta say we love our middle linebackers. The thing is Urlacher is a fixture and pretty well beloved in Chicago. Yes he's a national figure but as I mentioned, middle linebackers are celebrated by Bears fans, and it didn't hurt that until recently Brian Urlacher had a pretty good public persona as well.

Honestly, I'll have to wait and see. Roach is already gone and now Urlacher, leaving me to wonder about Emery's commitment to defense... and of course if it's purely financially motivated the buck stops at Virginia McCasky, cheap dried-up old shrew that she is.

Pardon my ignorance, but what has Urlacher done wrong? He always seemed like a pretty decent guy to me.

this.

[Minnysota]

They still can win it. They just need to resign Reed, get Harrison, and possibly... that Broncos player what's his name.
That would make it easier.

Let's replace some of the aging players on our defense with other aging players.

:Ravenlogic:

[Maurepas]

I would say maybe the Saints could pick up Urlacher, we've had a lot of success with short-term contracts for older players(Darren Sharper, for example), but I'm still a believer in Jonathan Vilma so we don't really need a Middle Linebacker. Plus Vilma is awesome because he always puts the team first, took a massive paycut in his new contract.

Saints need a decent Nose Tackle.

[TaQud]

I would say maybe the Saints could pick up Urlacher, we've had a lot of success with short-term contracts for older players(Darren Sharper, for example), but I'm still a believer in Jonathan Vilma so we don't really need a Middle Linebacker. Plus Vilma is awesome because he always puts the team first, took a massive paycut in his new contract.

Saints need a decent Nose Tackle.

Saints need a Defense is more like it.

[Chetssaland]

Well it looks like Brian Urlacher won't be getting a Ray Lewis style legacy contract and is parting ways with the Chicago Bears:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1575 ... -part-ways

As a Bears fan I honestly don't know what to make of this.

On the one hand it makes good football sense. Urlacher was getting long in the tooth at least two seasons ago. He's definetly not the big-hitting player he used to be, although how much of that is due to rules-neutering in the league these days is up for debate. Plus, if we're honest, his recent shitty attitude didn't help things either. From a fiscal stance as well that frees up a lot of salary cap to draft a new young linebacker or get a free agent of some sort to fill his shoes.

However, as a Bears fan... I gotta say we love our middle linebackers. The thing is Urlacher is a fixture and pretty well beloved in Chicago. Yes he's a national figure but as I mentioned, middle linebackers are celebrated by Bears fans, and it didn't hurt that until recently Brian Urlacher had a pretty good public persona as well.

Honestly, I'll have to wait and see. Roach is already gone and now Urlacher, leaving me to wonder about Emery's commitment to defense... and of course if it's purely financially motivated the buck stops at Virginia McCasky, cheap dried-up old shrew that she is.

Pardon my ignorance, but what has Urlacher done wrong? He always seemed like a pretty decent guy to me.

And if you think the McCaskey is cheap, take a look at Mike Brown. He's got the most cap space in the league, and still refuses to lock up his young studs with long term contracts.

He complained about the fans. I forget what exactly, but it was a story locally for a few days.

On an unrelated note, I almost feel sorry for Taqud and his fellow Clevelanders after tonight. But not too much.

[Maurepas]

I would say maybe the Saints could pick up Urlacher, we've had a lot of success with short-term contracts for older players(Darren Sharper, for example), but I'm still a believer in Jonathan Vilma so we don't really need a Middle Linebacker. Plus Vilma is awesome because he always puts the team first, took a massive paycut in his new contract.

Saints need a decent Nose Tackle.

Saints need a Defense is more like it.

Tbqh, I think the Defense isn't as bad as the statistics from last year would state. I mean, we had more or less an interim coaching staff, and Spags' scheme just doesn't work with the Saints personnel.

We needed Gregg Williams, whose defense I'm still a big believer in, and Spags just isn't Gregg Williams. He relied on a lot of coverage schemes and did all his blitzing from the front four. Williams did his blitzing from the backs, and only had a front three most of the time who were there to bottle up runs.

For good reason, as that's what our defense is built to do, the front four suck total balls, and we have guys like Roman Harper who is one of the best blitzing backs in the league, in my opinion, but terrible in coverage. Spags wanted him to do coverage, and Will Smith to blitz, who blows at it. Williams would've had Harper blitzing and Smith bottling up the run.

Unlike a lot of people, I love the Rob Ryan hire. He's everything I think the Saints need in a Coordinator: A Buddy Ryan protege who spends his time blitzing and whose defenses are known more for opportunism than yardage statistics. That's Saints defense, and Spags is none of that.

[Delator]

The tuck rule needed to go a while ago. Now we can get rid of the ten minute review delay-commercial break every time a quarterback is strip sacked, and watch more football.

As far as the helmet spearing rule, I am not opposed to it on principle but am concerned more about its enforcement.

Yep. Because if there was one thing the NFL needed, it was a rule that will basically ensure stoppage of play and a review every time a team runs the ball.

Plays well for the TV networks though. With a four hour game, you can sell more ad time!



I'm done. The NFL is now more about pleasing network executives and keeping lawyers at bay than it is about putting a quality product on the field for the paying customer.

And that's fine. It's their League.

But I won't be watching.