planetf1.com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/american-football/29235474

Peterson suspended from Vikings until this whole child abuse thing is sorted. While a shame for fans of the team, even I acknowledge that, if the reports are true, something should be done. This is just a silly little game and really not as important as a young kid who is getting beaten with tree branches. Much like the Ray Rice incident, I was surprised when they did so little (reinstated briefly after the Pats game). On the plus side, I could really see the rather inept Viking's offence we saw on Sunday return without Peterson around. I could see 1-15 Vikings in the regular season now which would amuse me in some perverse way. Also, be interesting to see which Matt Cassel turns up. The one from W1 who played well or the one from W2 who threw 4 interceptions... Another game like that and I think we might see Teddy Bridgewater getting a game. You know, after week 1 I really did fool myself into thinking Vikes would at least hit the playoffs.


Panthers were predicted to be one of the teams who would not be able to perform as well as they did last season. Looking pretty solid so far.

Bloody Hell, another RB has gotten himself into trouble:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29247819

Jonathan Dwyer of the Cardinals has been arrested on domestic abuse charges. I know the "event" of the Rice thing was months ago, but I think to most people this is going to look like 3 major NFL stars have been arrested for domestic type violence in the last two weeks.

I don't know if NFL players have a higher than average rate of crime, but I find this rather shocking nonetheless.

Huge win for Cardinals, finally got the best of the 49ers - gives them a chance of opening up a big record before a horrible end of season run of games. Cracking finish to the Seahawks/Broncos game, but can't help but feel a little cheated Manning had no chance to even the score.

Vikes loss to the Saints not as bad as the score alone suggests. We lost of QB, but this meant Teddy Bridgewater got a chance to show some class. Solid 60% completion and 150 yards. No TDs, but not INTs at least. Given the strength of Brees leading an offense, the end result wasn't awful.

Epic Sack on Brees by the excellently names Captain Munnerlyn. For those who ever watched WWE, he basically german suplexes him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtpcuXlkDPc

mac_d wrote:I don't know if NFL players have a higher than average rate of crime, but I find this rather shocking nonetheless.

If you think the NFL is shocking, you should check out the history of criminal complaints and lawsuits against members of congress.

Any of the Brit forumites remember these, from the early Channel4 programmes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2ZCgcDO6Ho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0DkPpWBWL0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OJmOMuWrME


Also, I'm curious if any American Football fans have any "non-obvious" favourites? To give an example: I am a Broncos fan, and we have had our share of players who grab the spotlight (John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Peyton Manning etc), but none of them could compete for the man love I had for Steve Atwater - one of the hardest hitting safeties ever. Don't think we've ever had a better pairing than him, and Dennis Smith.

Atwater's hit on the Chiefs' Christian Okoye has gone into American Football legend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvPxzQBIafo

#27

Well, the Wembley game was rather one sided. Raiders started well but the Dolphins just tore them apart. Ah well, I think the Raider nation still generally seemed to have a bit of a giggle. My nephew (aged about 4 and a half) could not understand the Raider nation. The Darth Vader guy especially merited a pause and discussion about if Darth Vader would be a pirate type.

Roughly a year on from my own trip to NFL London, I still maintain it was one of the most fun weekends I have had and had probably the best atmosphere of any weekend away (beating F1 and music festivals). I said it at the time, and I still maintain, the fans treat it as a big NFL game being in the UK rather than a A vs B game and that makes a fair bit of difference I think. Furthermore, the idea of a UK expansion team won't work I don't think. They should just limit the number of games over here to 2 or 3, and I'm kinda surprised they don't have a game in China (I know NBA is big in China, I don't know if NFL is but that would open up a potentially huge market. Either way, I can't see a team in the UK working. The logistics would involve a helluva lot of flying and everyone who posts in this thread seems to have a team allegiance already. I'm not dropping the Vikes even if a team came out in Glasgow. Vikes are my team until I die or until they do something so terrible I cannot forgive them. Very rarely do people switch teams. So maybe in 30 years we'll see a bunch of homegrown fans of their most local NFL team but short term I wouldn't go to every game even if I lived in London. I think the novelty of 2-3 games over here is enough, and any more will break the camels back. Just ,my take.

Young Teddy Bridgewater starts for the Vikings and scores his first NFL touchdown. Alas, I can't actually watch the Vikes game but I look forward to some highlights tomorrow on the NFL app thingy.

Bridgewater is the real deal, a real talented kid who makes a lot of great throws. Still immensely tiddled off that the Browns drafted f**king Manziel when he was still on the table

Pedrosa_4_Ever wrote:Bridgewater is the real deal, a real talented kid who makes a lot of great throws. Still immensely tiddled off that the Browns drafted f**king Manziel when he was still on the table

I just watched the Falcons @ Vikes highlight video and the Teddy Bridgewater highlight video.

Bridgewater looks really good actually. I'm officially jumping on his band-wagon. I've been a big supporter of Matt Cassel (certainly over Ponder) but Bridgewater looks like he's one of those guys that can really move as well as throw the ball. Not sure how good the Falcon's defense is really though. They do appear to be 31st of 32 teams in Yards allowed per game... Still, a good start for the guy.

I'm thinking about buying a new Vikes Jersey (mine is an old reebok one). However, I dislike wearing #28 while Peterson is potentially facing criminal charges. I'd consider buying a #5 at this point over #16 (wouldn't buy #7 Ponder). Patterson and Jennings also make a good argument for them. I nearly bought a Jared Allen one a year or so ago, glad I didn't.



Total sidenote but for those watching Sky Sports coverage of the Wembley game, Neil Reynolds was on the sidelines with a black guy who was a a safety I think. I didn't pick up his name. However, my dad and I estimated the guy played in 1984 so must have been 21 or over, making him at least 51 probably older. You'd have thought the guy was younger than that by the way he looked. I also think his analysis is often quite simple but makes it very clear for the fans. Probably best for people like me that know the basics but not the in depth stuff.
(Not Cecil Martin btw. A man who doesn't really offer much but I love him anyway!)

So it looks like it's back to Ponder for the Vikes then...

Pedrosa_4_Ever wrote:So it looks like it's back to Ponder for the Vikes then...

How did that work out for the Vikes....

Lost 42 -10.

F**king Ponder. Okay, Cassel hasn't been great and Teddy Bridgewater hasn't really played enough to get fair judgement, but Ponder is... not great.

Argentum wrote:Any of the Brit forumites remember these, from the early Channel4 programmes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2ZCgcDO6Ho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0DkPpWBWL0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OJmOMuWrME


Also, I'm curious if any American Football fans have any "non-obvious" favourites? To give an example: I am a Broncos fan, and we have had our share of players who grab the spotlight (John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Peyton Manning etc), but none of them could compete for the man love I had for Steve Atwater - one of the hardest hitting safeties ever. Don't think we've ever had a better pairing than him, and Dennis Smith.

Atwater's hit on the Chiefs' Christian Okoye has gone into American Football legend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvPxzQBIafo

#27

Ah, Steve Atwater... one of my favorites as well. If he had played on one of the coast he would be in the NFL Hall of Fame ... as would Randy Gradishar, Dennis Smith Karl Mecklenburgand a few others from the Broncos. It is really tough for teams that play in the middle USA to get recognition. Look how long it took some of those great Vikings to make it. Playing in Dallas of course being the exception.

A personal favorite of mine was Rod Smith, an undrafted wide receiver who became one of the best in the league and retired holding most of the all-time receiving records for an undrafted player. Hell of a receiver with great "guts". Add Rick Upchurch and Billy Thompson to the list!

While the last post covered QBs who aren't great, Peyton Manning is now the QB with the most TD passes ever in the NFL. Congrats to him. I think he'll win his second Superbowl ring this season.

Kudos to Brett Favre who hald the record previously. He was asked if he's be annoyed or anything at this and basically said "Records are meant to be broken" and roughly stated that being second to Peyton Manning is still pretty spectacular.




Vikes lost from a 16-10 lead due to the Bills taking it up the field. Bills converted on a couple of big plays included a 3rd and 20 (ish) and even a 4th and 20. 2W-5L pretty much means, barring some superhuman performances, the Vikes are out this year. I admit, I'm not surprised.

I reckon Broncos vs Packers Superbowl still for some reason.

Ah, this weekend is annoying for sport. This is one of the few races that overlaps with NFL coverage.

Vikings @ Red Skins is on at 6pm. I'll probably watch that game. At 8pm I'm going to be rather split, especially if it's a good game or the Vikings are playing well. F1 will still win my heart in the end.

Heh yup, Cardinals live on sky vs Cowboys for me, gonna be horrible picking between them.

Same here.. Chargers-Dolphins will collide with F1. I'll probably watch the game up until the race starts..

Stopped watching Vikes game 10-0 down as F1 was getting ready to start. Vikes just scored a TD at the end of Q2 and another in Q3 now.

Now I am really feeling torn, though F1 is still the choice here for me. Given I post in the NFL thread on a F1 forum rather than an F1 thread on an NFL forum, I suppose that could be expected.

Edit: Vikes won and the race was good fun. My 4 hours of non-stop sport ends, and I'm off to bed. Recording the Steelers Ravens game that is on C4 as the last Sunday night game. Would like to watch Broncos @ Pats but I'm shattered.

Haven't seen the game, but the Chargers score is rather surprising.

Adrian Peterson plead down to misdemeanor assault in the case about his child. This could mean he might return in the next few weeks depending on what the NFL commissioner does. (I'm kinda unclear on the whole situation).

AP is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Vikings when I started paying attention to the NFL. Other factors were Jared Allen and the fact their mascot held the record for shaving with an axe. The last one might sound crazy, but I actually find that very endearing. I own one Jersey, and it is #28. I haven't worn my jersey since the whole thing came up as I'm a little uncomfortable in case it says I'm okay with him beating his child or something (though I doubt many, if any, people in my local area follow NFL enough to use this to judge me). AP is a star player. And he scored an amazing TD at the Wembley game last year (and a second less spectacular TD), and that game (and actually, the whole atmosphere that weekend) represent one of the most fun times I have ever had.

I'm generally of the camp that if the legal matter is settled and AP goes and does whatever training course or pays fines or attends therapy or whatever and says he is going to take the experience, learn from it and try to become a better person and better father etc then he should be welcomed back. Same with Michael Vick a few years ago. Same with pretty much anyone who has been in prison. I do have lines that are drawn. I would be less willing and less happy to have a rapist or paedo (I guess that's almost just like 2 different classes of rape in many ways). I'd probably take a murderer on the team before that.

I assume AP is still under contract with the Vikes despite the NFL app's news sections somewhat confusing my when they ask where he could go now and they only have the Vikings as an option. The likely option, but just an option. I guess this is because the Vikes might try to get out of the contract or trade him away? (Or it might be to do with the special list he is on while the case was on going) I really can't see him being traded, but I also think that AP is getting into the second half of his career and plays in a position where he takes a lot of big hits. Asiata isn't AP but he does seem to be a solid RB. Might it be sensible, if AP's stock isn't too damaged to trade him and see what they can get in return while also clearing a large space on salary cap (I think it's around $15 million a year he makes)? I think there might be a riot if he did. And AP tearing it up on the run might ease some of the pressure on Bridgewater. I would like to see AP back, though at this point the season is pretty much dead for us.



I've been watching HIMYM lately and Marshal is a Vikes fan. A few jokes are made about how he hates Packers fans and vice versa. It's somewhat odd for me. Obviously I didn't grow up in a country where NFL is one of the "main" sports so I have allegiances based on geography. The 4 teams I started to like early on happen to be two pairs of fierce rivals. Steelers/Ravens and Vikes/Packers. I'd probably actually say the Packers were my second favourite team. One of the first games I ever properly watched was a Steeers Ravens game where the teams just seemed to be trying to kill each other.

Still could be worse, could be a Raiders fan.

mac_d wrote:Adrian Peterson plead down to misdemeanor assault in the case about his child. This could mean he might return in the next few weeks depending on what the NFL commissioner does. (I'm kinda unclear on the whole situation).

AP is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Vikings when I started paying attention to the NFL. Other factors were Jared Allen and the fact their mascot held the record for shaving with an axe. The last one might sound crazy, but I actually find that very endearing. I own one Jersey, and it is #28. I haven't worn my jersey since the whole thing came up as I'm a little uncomfortable in case it says I'm okay with him beating his child or something (though I doubt many, if any, people in my local area follow NFL enough to use this to judge me). AP is a star player. And he scored an amazing TD at the Wembley game last year (and a second less spectacular TD), and that game (and actually, the whole atmosphere that weekend) represent one of the most fun times I have ever had.

I'm generally of the camp that if the legal matter is settled and AP goes and does whatever training course or pays fines or attends therapy or whatever and says he is going to take the experience, learn from it and try to become a better person and better father etc then he should be welcomed back. Same with Michael Vick a few years ago. Same with pretty much anyone who has been in prison. I do have lines that are drawn. I would be less willing and less happy to have a rapist or paedo (I guess that's almost just like 2 different classes of rape in many ways). I'd probably take a murderer on the team before that.

I assume AP is still under contract with the Vikes despite the NFL app's news sections somewhat confusing my when they ask where he could go now and they only have the Vikings as an option. The likely option, but just an option. I guess this is because the Vikes might try to get out of the contract or trade him away? (Or it might be to do with the special list he is on while the case was on going) I really can't see him being traded, but I also think that AP is getting into the second half of his career and plays in a position where he takes a lot of big hits. Asiata isn't AP but he does seem to be a solid RB. Might it be sensible, if AP's stock isn't too damaged to trade him and see what they can get in return while also clearing a large space on salary cap (I think it's around $15 million a year he makes)? I think there might be a riot if he did. And AP tearing it up on the run might ease some of the pressure on Bridgewater. I would like to see AP back, though at this point the season is pretty much dead for us.



I've been watching HIMYM lately and Marshal is a Vikes fan. A few jokes are made about how he hates Packers fans and vice versa. It's somewhat odd for me. Obviously I didn't grow up in a country where NFL is one of the "main" sports so I have allegiances based on geography. The 4 teams I started to like early on happen to be two pairs of fierce rivals. Steelers/Ravens and Vikes/Packers. I'd probably actually say the Packers were my second favourite team. One of the first games I ever properly watched was a Steeers Ravens game where the teams just seemed to be trying to kill each other.

Still could be worse, could be a Raiders fan.

He'll more than likely be suspended for a significant time by the league. The NFL is having a bit of an image problem so the execs will want to be seen to be making a stand.

Reading the descriptions of the injuries his kid had, misdemeanor assault seems a massive get-out.

Wembley 2015:

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins – Sunday October 4
Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday October 25
Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs – Sunday November 1

Divisional game is pretty surprising. Lions/Chiefs could be good, Bills/Jags is underwhelming. Wonder if they're testing out a lesser name fixture to see if it still sells out.

medgar wrote:Wembley 2015:

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins – Sunday October 4
Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday October 25
Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs – Sunday November 1

Divisional game is pretty surprising. Lions/Chiefs could be good, Bills/Jags is underwhelming. Wonder if they're testing out a lesser name fixture to see if it still sells out.

None of these really tickle me. I'd quite like to go back to an NFL game but it's quite a lot of money, so I'd need to be really tempted.

Packers looked really good last night. I expect them to win the NFC North, though the Lions are doing rather well too. I think the Packers are possibly the best NFC team, and I am still backing them for a Superbowl appearance.

uggh, Cardinals 8-1 and lose Palmer for the season. Stanton shouldn't be horrific or anything but it sucks having started to build some momentum. Tough run of games to come, hoping they can limp to 10-6/11-5 and at least see a playoff game.

Apparently Palmer was miked up or whatever when he did his ACL in and was in so much pain he was in tears. Don't think that is an audio clip I want to hear.

I'm not a Cardinals fan, but I also don't dislike them (truth be told, I don't even dislike the other teams in the Vikings' division, let alone any other team). I think they have had a strong enough start they are likely to make it to the playoffs assuming Stanton is half decent (I don't know the player). I don't know if the Cardinals have a strong running game either? It's unfortunate for any team to lose one of their big name players, especially when it's someone so central as their QB.

In London this weekend, so I'm unlikely to be able to watch the Vikings Bears divisional game. Staying in a premier inn so only get 30 mins of Wifi before they pap me off it. Will probably use that 30 mins just to watch all the Sunday night game highlights.

Chargers seem to have gone off the boil too. I thought Rivers might lead them to the playoffs without too much hassle. I expect they'll win this weekend though, up against the Raiders who aren't having the best time at the moment...

Stanton's been ok but he's a backup for a reason. he can make the deep throws that Arians loves but his accuracy can be wayward. Most important thing is so far he's avoided turnovers when he's stepped in, that's going to be key going forward. Defense is still pretty elite and should keep them in games. They should be alright but the remaining games are tough, 4 divisonal games (3 away) plus home games against two probable playoff teams (Lions and Chiefs). Just anxious to see another win or two to remove the possibility of caving in for a 9-7 record

On another note, jesus Patriots

http://deadspin.com/maybe-you-shouldnt- ... 1658660978

medgar wrote:
On another note, jesus Patriots

http://deadspin.com/maybe-you-shouldnt- ... 1658660978

Ouch!

Yeah Lions have been pretty solid. My dad tells me Megatron is back now too so we might see them get better and better.


That Patriots tweet is hilarious. You'd think they would have read the name in their head or somethibg to make syre it wasn't something like this. Sent this on to a few buddies.

Watched play reporting of Vikes game. Seemed to be a lot of possessions with only one first down. *inaudible*.

mac_d wrote:Yeah Lions have been pretty solid. My dad tells me Megatron is back now too so we might see them get better and better.


That Patriots tweet is hilarious. You'd think they would have read the name in their head or somethibg to make syre it wasn't something like this. Sent this on to a few buddies.

They're claiming it was done by a script that just put the username of who ever was the 1Mth follower with no human intervention. I guess they'll rethink that approach in the future.

RaggedMan wrote:

mac_d wrote:Yeah Lions have been pretty solid. My dad tells me Megatron is back now too so we might see them get better and better.


That Patriots tweet is hilarious. You'd think they would have read the name in their head or somethibg to make syre it wasn't something like this. Sent this on to a few buddies.

They're claiming it was done by a script that just put the username of who ever was the 1Mth follower with no human intervention. I guess they'll rethink that approach in the future.

In all honesty, I do believe them in this case it was a script rather than a person.




Green Bay @ Minnesota just now. I'll be happy if this isn't an absolute slaughter by the Packers. First quarter is almost gone and it's still 0-0.

And as I type, Green Bay score a TD. I have to admit, GB have looked the better team so far. 7 point lead.

Edit: Not a bad result for the Vikings. Patriots beat the Lions (barring anything crazy in the last few mins I didn't catch) pretty conclusively. Packers should now be top of the NFC North. I still think we'll see them at the Superbowl.

Watching Cowboys vs Giants and I think I just saw Beckham Jr make the best catch in history.. Just wow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hn7ur1f30g

Yeah that was insane. The WR class this year could be the best in history, just so ridiculously deep on talent.

The Beckham catch is just amazing. That's just astounding.

Heads up game: Packers v. Patriots - Sunday 4:25 pm EST
If both teams play well, it is going to be a cracker!

bourbon19 wrote:Heads up game: Packers v. Patriots - Sunday 4:25 pm EST
If both teams play well, it is going to be a cracker!

looking forward to that one. Go Pats!

Mr-E wrote:

bourbon19 wrote:Heads up game: Packers v. Patriots - Sunday 4:25 pm EST
If both teams play well, it is going to be a cracker!

looking forward to that one. Go Pats!

Patriots Packers is a big game. I'm expecting the Packers to make it to the Superbowl. Patriots could be the team they are up against.

Anyway, that sends 5 teams to 9-3. Bad luck for the Cardinals too. I hope the wheels don't fall off now.


Vikes had a good game. 2 punts blocked and brought back to score is relatively unique. Well played.



Anyway I'm looking at who is ahead in each division at this late stage:
AFC East: Patriots looking good
AFC North: Very tight
AFC South: Colts looking good.
AFC West: Broncos and Chargers both seem like they have a shout. Chargers seem to have gone off the boil a bit lately, they looked great at the start of the season.

NFC East: Eagles and Cowboys
NFC North: Packers leading, but Lions still close.
NFC South: The division prompting a league rethink. Falcons and Saints on 5-7 records take top two places. Falcons playing well against other NFC south teams at least.
NFC North: Cardinals holding it but the Seahawks and 49ers aren't too far off.

Cards are screwed. One win might do as their tiebreaker results are pretty good but they're done against any good playoff team. Still some chance of caving entirely and missing out, depends whether Stanton's awful play is limited to away games or not.

Disappointment for Pats fans. But we'll bounce back next week. Bellichick better get a handle on the Packers though in case we make it to the post season and find them waiting for us (which would be very likely)!