The Energon Pub

by **SirSoundwaveIV** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 3:13 pm

First-Aid wrote:Drew Brees....just wow. A game to go yet and he's already broken Marino's record. What an amazing season. Aaron Rogers has had an amazing year, but I'm sorry...Brees is the MVP, hands down. I'm glad I got to see the pass "live" on TV. History is always cool to see.

Agree with MVP, disagree with hands down. Brees broke Marino's yards record, yes, but Rodgers has better stats in almost every other category (averaging 120 QBR for the year!) his team has the better record and "better" losses (they lost to the chiefs who could very well be only a field goal away from the playoffs when the dust settles next week, Saints lost to two teams who will have top 5 picks in the next draft (rams and bucs)), and the head to head goes to Rodgers.

There's no real "wrong" choice for MVP this year if its Brees or Rodgers in my book, but saying hands down for either is a mite ridiculous. You can make a serious case for both, though I'd be willing to bet both the Packers and the Saints would be far worse off without their franchise QBs.

Anyways I hope the Chiefs absolutely rip apart the Broncos, Orton's one of my more liked QBs and I just want the Chiefs to deliver another kick to the balls to Tebow's insane fanbase.

News Credits: 1 · by **Heavy B** » Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:23 pm

Dr. Heavy B wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:Brady has over 3600 yards for the season so far. Rodgers has 3400 and Brees 3300. Do you think Marino's record of 5084 yards will get surpassed this year, and if so, who will do it first?

Hard to say. While Brady has a Higher passing yard, Brees has a better average YPG (Brady 330, Brees 335. Not much but still.) Gun to my head, I'd favor Brees because he has come the closest. In 2008 Brees had a total yards of 5069. That is 15 yards from tieing, 16 yards from breaking. That is one good play, 2 average passing plays. That is a good motivation. If Brees keeps the 335 average, he will break the record by season end (335x16=5360). By that same token, Brady would also break the record, assuming he keeps the average up. (Brady 330x16=5280.)

And no, I don't have anything better to do with my day then look up stats.

Damn I'm good...

by **SirSoundwaveIV** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 5:00 pm

Stories of today so far:
Jets lose, eliminated from the playoffs
Record breaking Flynn, starless Packers beat the Lions
Falcons up 28-0 on the Bucs, probably sending the lions to NO next week
49ers clinch number 2 seed with win at the Rams, New Orleans clobbers the Panthers and gets the three seed

I'm still in disbelief at Flynn, he'll get some serious cash from that performance from the Jets this FA. Oddly enough, that win probably killed Rodgers chances at the MVP, Brees was fantastic this year, and no doubt will probably win it. I really don't want Brady to win- not because of the player, but because Skip Bayless is just a massive tool

News Credits: 2 · by **First-Aid** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 1:13 pm

I agree about Flynn ruining Rodgers chance at the MVP. He just proved that it's not the player, but the system that is incredibly effective. Rodgers is good, but when you can get your BACKUP QB 500 plus yards and 6 TDs then you have good offensive team planning and depth.

How 'bout them COwboys?? Oops.

OK...the matchups are set! Who is winning the first round?

Game 1: Cincinnati at Houston. Houston is just too deep for the Bengals. It's nice to see Cincy back in the playoffs (saved Marvin Lewis's job, I think) but that Texans defense is just too solid and the offense is too deep. Houston 28, Cincy 13.

Game 2: Detroit at New Orleans. Detroit may be a sleeper here, but I just can't see New Orleans losing here. Drew Brees is the MVP, the offense is way too deep for even Detroit's formidable defense. The only way I see Detroit winning is if that dirty bastitch Suh does his thing and intetionally injures Brees...which is not really that far-fetched. New Orleans 31, Detroit 20.

Game 3: Atlanta at New York Giants. New York has been playing very well as of late, but I still don't trust them to be consistent enough to win against Matty Ice and Michael Turner. I expect a back and forth game, with Atlanta winning a close one. Atlanta 20, New York 17.

Game 4: Pittsburgh at Denver. The Tebow show is over. Despite the fact that Big Ben is still hobbling, Pittsburgh'd defense is going to crush Denver. The overall speed of the Steelers is remarkable and matches up well with the college-themed offense Denver is forced to run. I expect no less than 4 turnovers by Denver, at least one of which will be returned for 6 points. The main thing against Pittsburgh is the loss of RB Rashard Mendenhall, but backup Isaac Redman seems capable of carrying the load. The game plan is to keep Ben healthy and let the D beat the snot out of Tebow. I expect him pulled before the end of the game. Pittsburgh 20, Denver 3.

by **SirSoundwaveIV** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:23 pm

Well, Rodgers is still a star, honestly (no matter what system you're in, his numbers are fabulous, period), but Mccarthy deserves a ton of the credit for his own system. Doesn't really lower Rodgers value though- there's no way in hell we go 15-1 without Rodgers leading the charge (we'd still make playoffs, but there's a reasonable chance we'd be a wild card)- but Brees is certainly more valuable to the Saints simply because the Packers always have a good backup to their great starter (just look at the list) Capers has to figure out that damned defense this year, though I'm thinking a lot of our problems is that we don't have a full 3 starters on our DL- we have Pickett at DE, Raji at NT...and no one at out other DE spot. Losing Collins sucked big time too. Thompson hopefully will address this with the draft. And, back on Flynn, don't be surprised if Thompson franchise tags him and trades him for a handful of high picks- I'm thinking probably more than what the Eagles nabbed for Kolb, only because Flynn proved himself more (beat the lions this year, came within seconds of beating the 14-2 pats AT the pats last year) so I'd say...1st and 2nd round pick. The Jets or Seahawks, I'm willing to bet, would pay the price, and the Redskins and Dolphins would both certainly be listening. (and if you think that's too high...well, look what the cards coughed up for their probable back up come next year)

As for the picks...I agree with pretty much all of them XP. I just can't see Detroit beating NO at NO- too immature, and if they just got torched by Flynn....Brees is going to have a field day.

News Credits: 2 · by **First-Aid** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 12:17 am

Have to disagree with Flynn getting franchised. There is no way in hell that the Packers would pay a backup QB the equivalent of the averages of the top 5 paid QBs in the NFL...that could be $15 million next year! Matt Forte will probably get that tag this year...but he's a starting all-pro RB. If Flynn is a free agent, he will be playing- and starting- elsewhere in the NFL next year, more than likely. If he is under contract for next year, the Pack could trade him for some picks- defensive, more than likely- while his value is high. But will one game really make that much of a difference in his price though? That's the big question.

by **SirSoundwaveIV** » Tue Jan 03, 2012 3:03 pm

Thompson can be a gambler, he'd be willing to try it to trade him off for picks, there'd be no shortage of interest in the guy to boot, and he loves his picks. Its a possibility. And well, its been two games and packers have a legacy of good back up QBs becoming starters elsewhere, but kolb got a lot of attention and flynn's looked better than him in kolbs couple of starts. I'd say there'd be two teams willing to cough up a bunch of picks for flynn, them being the jets and redskins.

Also, Packers need to draft a stud DE, a later round DE, a couple of CBs Woodson isn't getting any younger. Throw in a back end QB, a couple of OL, a safety as well, and I think that'll sum up the packers draft nicely this year.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1008 ... matt-flynn

This article I think sums up this situation fairly nicely

by **Marcus Rush** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:23 pm

Alright I'll admit it right now, that game in Houston featuring the Bengals and Texans, was absolutely fabulous. Man a defensive struggle all the way till the last quarter. My hats off to both franchises for a great game.

Now on to the next Battle Royal

by **SirSoundwaveIV** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:32 pm

Lions look like they're doing what they need to do right now- mostly mistake free football, getting some bounces their way. I still pick NO, but Detroit certainly has a shot if they keep this up.

News Credits: 2 · by **First-Aid** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:41 pm

A very good first game. I am very impressed with TJ Yates...he is certainly not playing like a backup QB. It helps to have Arian Foster, but still he is playing very good. Houston may be the most complete team in the playoffs at this point. I am looking forward to seeing them against Baltimore next week.

News Credits: 1452 · by **Blurrz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:52 pm

Them Saints are milking the play action like crazy...

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:15 pm

News Credits: 1452 · by **Blurrz** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:18 pm

Good game by the Saints... offense was off the charts in this game.

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:20 pm

Blurrz wrote:Good game by the Saints... offense was off the charts in this game.

Agreed...
Detroit has a bright future too!

News Credits: 2 · by **First-Aid** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:43 am

Bright future for Detroit indeed. I tell you, the old Black and Blue Division currently houses three of the top 8 QBs in the NFL right now. So much for the running game. In fact, if you look at it, the only team that RELIES on the running game was Minnesota...and they sucked. I honestly think the Lions could make the Super Bowl in the next couple years. THey need a good RB, one shutdown corner, and a couple good LBs...and if their draft goes well, they could have that next year. THE NFC North may well be the new AFC East and could be the strongest division in the league for several years to come.

As for the Saints...I can sum it all up in two words: Drew Brees. I know the Niners have a good defense, but I just feel like Brees is going to pick it apart. THe Niners right now remind me a little bit of the 1984 Bears...not the 85 Bears, but the 84 team. They are missing one or two pieces, but are a damned good defense and a decent O. They just need a little more time. I think San Fran's run ends next week.

by **SirSoundwaveIV** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:20 pm

I know I've been on the "their offense isn't good enough to support their D" train for weeks now, but I actually think the niners could very well win. All 3 of the saints losses were handed to them outdoors, and their best offensive games towards the end of the year all came in domes (whether home or away). I say right now I'm about 55/45 leaning towards the Niners.

As for the steelers, they're playing awful right now. I don't think I've watched a team play this bad in the playoffs since the packers played the greatest show on turf in like 2001, 2002. (Farve threw about 6 INTs that game and we lost like 55-14, something embaressing like that)

News Credits: 1452 · by **Blurrz** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:13 pm

Haha oh boy, what a game. Clutch Tebow

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:19 pm

Um... I thought the Broncos were not supposed to win against the Steelers???

That is where the term "any given Sunday" comes from..

News Credits: 2 · by **First-Aid** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:25 pm

I...I just don't know what to say. I'm beginning to wonder if Tim Tebow DOES in fact have help from above. Granted, virtually the entire D-line of the Steelers were backups, Polamalu was fighting a concussion, and Big Ben had one leg to stand on, but it just is nuts. THe other major thing was the Steelers playing without Ryan Clark- who is the toughest player in the NFL IMHO now that I know he has sickle cell trait.

THe Giants just manhandled Atlanta. Matty Ice thawed in the playoffs yet again. WIll this be the last game for the Falcons head coach? I tend to think so...he should have kicked FGs at two points in the game but went for it and got nothing, and it cost them a game earlier in the year as well. So our matchups are as follows:

Game 1: Denver at New England. The Patriots defense hasn't been able to stop a damned thing on the ground all year. Denver runs like nobody's business. BUt if it came to a shootout, New England will beat them every time. I know I said it last time, but I just cannot see Denver outscoring the Pats. New England 28, Denver 14

Game 2: All of the national attention will be on the Pat-Broncos and the Giants-Packers, but this may be the biggest game of the weekend. These teams win with defense. They have VERY good lines, can put pressure on the QB, and have able secondaries. BOth teams have good running games and wideouts. Baltimore has the experience of Joe Flacco and Houston the youthful energy of TJ Yates. The probleb with this game is that Baltimore has Joe Flacco. Joe can be amazing...and Joe can be horrid. In the playoffs, he tends to be horrid. I believe the winner of this game will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl...and I think it's Houston's turn. I will say though, this is a hard one to call. Houston 17, Baltimore 16.

Game 3: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers: With all the talk about Eli Manning becoming an "elite quarterback", there is one player who puts him to shame...and they will be playing against him in this game. Green Bay's offense is a machine, plain and simple. And it doesn't even seem to matter what parts are in there. There simply is not an answer for it right now in the NFL. Now, what will determine this game is the Packer defense- the team that led the NFL in interceptions. Manning can throw picks...in fact, he usually does. If he throws 2 or more picks, this game is over. I'd almost go as far as to say that he can't throw ANY picks or the game will be over. The trick will be: can that pathetic Packers D stop Thunder and Lightning? I don't think they have to. I think they will simply outscore them. Packers 30, Giants 23

Game 4: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco Forty Niners: This game boils down to one thing: can the Niners stop the offensive Einstein that is Drew Brees? I think they might. But can they ALSO stop Darren Sproles, Chris Ivory, and Pierre Thomas WHILE maintaining coverage on receivers while a man with the football knowledge equivalent of Spock looks over their defense? Doubtful. FOr the Niners, this game is ALL about the D. They can't play with N'Orleans in a shootout...the only one who can is playing the Giants. If San Fran holds the Saints to 21 points, they have a shot. Don't see it happening though. New Orleans 33, 49ers 21.

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 10:00 am

Good picks...

by **Marcus Rush** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:20 pm

I would like to ask the question to those who have watched the Saints this season. Can you name a victory of theirs over a top 5 defense at the time of that victory in the elements against a team that has not given up a 30pt game all season long?

Same question can be asked of Green Bay Packers. The first elite defense they faced was Kansas City, which ranked 4 at the time, and they got hammered. Not saying the Saints will lose horrifically. But I can honestly see a team such as the Niners holding them to about 24 points. And if that is the case, Alex Smith can easily pick apart their subpar defense and move the ball down the field. Besides NEVER underestimate the value of ball control. Niners can run the ball very well and eat up the clock like nobody else. In that alone it reduces Brees' number of possessions. You reduce the number of times they have the ball in his hands, and you have an even greater chance at victory.

Plus face it, the field out in Candlestick absolutely sucks. It is the suckiest suck that has ever sucked a sucking suck. Its pitted, its uneven, its muddy and it is moss grown. Its a horrible field to play on. The elements are an enemy to Drew Brees, that is another factor against the Saints this season.

I can see it being a 24 SF - 23 NO game. Primarily because I figure defenses will be the heroes here that and special teams. Never forget the power of a punter who can launch a ball 70 yards and hit a needle nearly every time.

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:43 pm

Brees has so many weapons he can utilize..
And since they f'ed up and lost to the Rams they seem to be a team "on a mission".

We will see.. Remember "any given Sunday"..

by **Marcus Rush** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:27 pm

Cyber Bishop wrote:Brees has so many weapons he can utilize..
And since they f'ed up and lost to the Rams they seem to be a team "on a mission".

We will see.. Remember "any given Sunday"..

Shame this is a Saturday game. I hope they come up with a good catch phrase for Saturday games so we can use them during playoffs.

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:30 am

Marcus Rush wrote:
Cyber Bishop wrote:Brees has so many weapons he can utilize..
And since they f'ed up and lost to the Rams they seem to be a team "on a mission".

We will see.. Remember "any given Sunday"..

Shame this is a Saturday game. I hope they come up with a good catch phrase for Saturday games so we can use them during playoffs.

I know.. It is the only football phrase there is... :???:

by **Marcus Rush** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 3:12 pm

Cyber Bishop wrote:
Marcus Rush wrote:
Cyber Bishop wrote:Brees has so many weapons he can utilize..
And since they f'ed up and lost to the Rams they seem to be a team "on a mission".

We will see.. Remember "any given Sunday"..

Shame this is a Saturday game. I hope they come up with a good catch phrase for Saturday games so we can use them during playoffs.

I know.. It is the only football phrase there is...

Indeed, shame I gotta work through that game too. It sucks horrifically. I do trust I can get some excellent analysis when I return, but I don't trust those ESPN fools.