American Football

[kieran_vale]

The Titans are such a bad team offensively. It’s really a damning indictment of how ordinary the AFC is that they’ve made the playoffs.

 

[JJ1532]

Yet another blowout, yawn. Game over by half time, the Titans aren't putting up anything close to 20 points. Hopefully the NFC game later is better.

 

[JJ1532]

Oh wow, that's insane luck for Mariota. Goes for a poor throw, gets batted by the Chiefs right back to him and he dives for the touchdown. Amazing.

 

[kieran_vale]

Like to see what points you’d get in fantasy football for that. This was all not before the Titans nearly butchered it by having a false start on the half yard line.

Need to score on this drive and there might be a chance. I just think the Chiefs have another score in them and no way will the Titans match that.

 

[Aberstone]

Here come the Titans...

 

[JJ1532]

Yet another blowout, yawn. Game over by half time, the Titans aren't putting up anything close to 20 points. Hopefully the NFC game later is better.

Haha, nailed it. Suppose I didn't factor in just how much the Chiefs choke come play off time. Incredible turnaround and now the Titans leave. Their ability to convert a 2 pointer is hilarious though.

 

[Renegade]

Kelce's concussion changed everything, can't believe we'll have to watch the Patriots hammer the fucking Titans. Eugh.

 

[JJ1532]

Well fair play to the Titans and Mariota, that was some comeback in those conditions. I would say they are definitely getting stomped in the next round, but after my half time prediction earlier, I'll refrain. Got to be some big changes coming in Kansas City though, Reid could go after that shit show of a 2nd half. Wonder if Smith goes with him?

 

[Renegade]

The Chiefs would be mental to get rid of Andy Reid. Perennial playoffs, doesn't actually have that horrible of a playoff record, would have waltzed this game with Kelce. There was a clear point where their offence just stopped. He's not Marvin Lewis like.

https://twitter.com/gifdsports/status/949803426531233792/video/1

McDonough had a Gary Neville moment on commentary.

 

[JJ1532]

Man, very impressive performance by the Falcons to totally shut down the Rams. Bizarrely for them, next weeks game looks to be easier for them, given how terrible the Eagles have been since Wentz went down.

2 away wins out of 2 so far this weekend, wonder if that continues tomorrow?

 

[kieran_vale]

The Chiefs would be mental to get rid of Andy Reid. Perennial playoffs, doesn't actually have that horrible of a playoff record, would have waltzed this game with Kelce. There was a clear point where their offence just stopped. He's not Marvin Lewis like.

Agreed though you'd think after a lengthy career in coaching he'd have at least improved a little in the art of clock management.

Titans or Bills for the Pats then in the divisional round. I've got a sneaky suspicion the Jags are not going to have it all their own way in this game later on. Bills have to find a way to take away the run (not their strongest suit unfortunately for them) and make Bortles try to beat them. Thats where the Jags have struggled occasionally.

As for Saints and Panthers I think the Saints are going to dish out a bit of a beatdown on them. Panthers just don't seem to match up well with them and even if they can slow down Ingram and Kamara good luck stopping Drew Brees.

 

[Anon]

I've not quite bought into the Panthers and I've always had a soft spot for the Saints - they got me into NFL with the SB win in 2009. Love the way Payton has changed that offense and adapted to Brees age, improved the defense, losing Cooks and gaining Kamara, and having two legit no1 running backs.

Re: Chiefs, I think that was a really poor showing by Reid. Kelce's prior concussion helped stall the offense earlier in the season, and it clearly marked a turning point in this game. After that previous warning, how that offense couldn't adapt to even a reasonable level after losing Kelce, and with a HC known for creative looks and misdirection, baffles me really. And i agree about his game management too, every season he has a few gaffes, he's done it for years.

That said, they obviously shouldn't get rid of him. They were a bad, bad team before he arrived and he should at least be given a few years with Mahomes under center to see what he can do before ownership decide to stick or twist.

Titans, urgh. Echo what others have said, the talent on that offense should get better results, and theres no way they give the Patriots any issues. Patriots get into the playoffs and have one probably difficult game to reach a SB.

 

[kieran_vale]

Both QB’s may as well be playing for the opposing Defense so far.

Great play by the Jags D on the interception. What happened after when Bortles had the ball on the edge of field goal range the less said the better.

 

[JJ1532]

Awkward that the American media reporting the Jags will probably bring back Bortles next season and then he plays like he has so far today, not making easy throws to wide open receivers. Top quality game this.

 

[kieran_vale]

That is some really dumb shit jumping offside on that field goal try there. Just idiotic.

 

[Anon]

If I was the Jags, and regardless of what happens today, I'd sign him up to a contract with no guarantees past year one, and also then make a play for a QB in the draft. No other team is going to offer Bortles guarantees in multi years, so would envision staying in Florida would be his best option too.

 

[kieran_vale]

Just thinking out loud maybe Eli with his connections to Coughlin for a year while they develop someone from the draft?

Bills 3-0 up and barring any defensive TD’s that’s probably enough. Been car crash tv but somewhat compelling to watch.

 

[JJ1532]

How these teams have managed to score 3 each is a miracle. Yes, defences have been solid, but the offences have been atrocious. Hopefully the 2nd half is a little better.

 

[Anon]

Just thinking out loud maybe Eli with his connections to Coughlin for a year while they develop someone from the draft?

Even in that scenario, you'd still want to draft a QB on top. In which case for a one year rental, I'd probably rather keep Bortles.

 

[pride_of_notts]

Honestly I am not suprised Bills Jags is such a low scoring game Bills i think have deployed the smart options in challenging Bortles to throw the ball given how strong the Jags run game is. Personally I think the Jags could go into free agency for a QB with a few good Vets availble Alex Smith being the obvious one and then there is the Cousins situation whether to tag or not also I can see at least one of the QB's from the vikings as well.

 

[kieran_vale]

That’s a sickener of a way for Tyrods game to end. What a story if Peterman can actually lead them on a scoring drive here.

Edit - nope

 

[Anon]

That’s a sickener of a way for Tyrods game to end. What a story if Peterman can actually lead them on a scoring drive here.

Edit - nope

Yeah that was pretty scary. Glad he's up and moving, although it just highlights that as much as you try to make the game safer, I don't think Fowler did much wrong - the game will never be safe.

 

[JJ1532]

Yeah that was pretty scary. Glad he's up and moving, although it just highlights that as much as you try to make the game safer, I don't think Fowler did much wrong - the game will never be safe.

Yanking him to the ground by his neck seemed a touch excessive, but in the heat of the moment, I can see why he wanted to make sure Taylor was down.

Difference between the Panthers and Saints entirely highlighted in this opening quarter. Panthers get into the red zone, have to settle for a field goal, don't even get that. Saints then get possession and convert a TD via the former Panther Ted Ginn Jr.

 

[kieran_vale]

I've seen it suggested Drew Brees has shown some decline this year. Well I'm certainly not seeing it. Throwing some lasers so far. It's a joy to watch him play.

Cams played well too, just got very little help from his receivers. If can key on Olsen then he doesn't have lot else.

 

[Anon]

I've seen it suggested Drew Brees has shown some decline this year. Well I'm certainly not seeing it. Throwing some lasers so far. It's a joy to watch him play.

Yeah I hadn't watched them much earlier in the season, and at the time openly wondered if the use of two legit RB1s was because both were playing great and/or Brees has taken a step back.

The adjustment for their offense this season has been great to watch. Same for their defense, it's the best they've had in my time of watching.

 

[kieran_vale]

Yeah I hadn't watched them much earlier in the season, and at the time openly wondered if the use of two legit RB1s was because both were playing great and/or Brees has taken a step back.

The adjustment for their offense this season has been great to watch. Same for their defense, it's the best they've had in my time of watching.

Completely agree, to be honest I wish the Patriots had done this more during Bradys career rather than focus on pass first at every opportunity. Green Bay you could say similar with Rodgers as well to be fair. The best thing with Kamara is he's a threat in the passing game too.

Absolute masterclass so far. Just great to watch an elite QB playing at this level.

Think this is already getting beyond Carolina, with their type of offense the last thing they need is to be playing from behind.

 

[Luke_1884]

Good game this, going down to the wire.

 

[Luke_1884]

Announced earlier:

Shame they've dumped Twickenham. Not massive games but I don't think they're as bad as some people on social media are making out, some very good players will be on show.

 

[kieran_vale]

I think they're 3 very good quality games especially the Jags and Eagles. Got the chance to see some new teams here as well. Can understand why they've reduced it to three games as will want to see how the one at Tottenham goes logistically. Only downside is there is less capacity there so can see a lot of the people who don't possess season tickets being disappointed.

 

[markwwfc1992]

Really looking forward to Seattle and Philly coming over. Hoping to get to all 3 this year, although it's a shame it's only 3. A few months ago I was hyped about seeing one of my favourite QB's Carson Palmer coming over with the Cardinals, and he only lasted a few minutes before he was injured. At least I can say I saw his last ever game I guess.