2009 NFL Offseason Thread

[mtbykr]

Here's the schefter interview:

 

http://audio.weei.com/m/21997538/adam_schefter_nfl_network.htm

[mtbykr]

You would think the NFL could come up with some better games on Thanksgiving. I know their stuck with Detroit and Dallas...but Oakland.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/primetime_openi.html

 

 

The NFL announced its prime-time games on opening weekend today, as well as its Thanksgiving slate.

 

Kickoff Weekend

# Thursday Sept. 10 -- Tennessee at Pittsburgh (NBC, 8:30 p.m.)

# Sunday Sept. 13 -- Chicago at Green Bay (NBC, 8:30 p.m.)

# Monday, Sept. 14 -- Buffalo at New England (ESPN, 7 p.m.)

# Monday, Sept. 14 -- San Diego at Oakland (ESPN, 10:15 p.m.)

 

Thanksgiving day

# Green Bay at Detroit (Fox, 12:30 p.m.)

# Oakland at Dallas (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)

# NY Giants at Denver (NFL Network, 8:20 p.m.)

 

The opening weekend Monday night games will be part of the NFL’s celebration of the 50th anniversary season of the American Football League. The four clubs competing that night (New England, Buffalo, San Diego, Oakland) began playing in the inaugural 1960 AFL season.

[BSN07]

Detroit and Oakland, 2 worst franchises in the league. And now they have invaded both non NFL network games:wtf: ......Really?

 

I know every team needs pub, but can they please stop giving Detroit the TG game? The NFL is really good about adjusting things to better the game. This is one issue they continue to drop the ball on.

[mtbykr]

Who knows, maybe the NFL is doing it on purpose. They know people will watch the football on TG no matter what, so why not put the worst teams there so there is a bigger draw on Sundays.

[mtbykr]

The Ryan Clark rule passed. Welker didn't have a problem with the hit (although he didn't know his name at the time). I doubt this passes with just the Welker hit, I think the McGahee hit is what pushed it through.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/nfl_provides_mo.html

 

 

DANA POINT, Calif. -- The NFL passed four player safety rules proposals today at its annual meeting, including one designed to prevent crushing blows to defenseless receivers like the one Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker absorbed from Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark last season.

 

Welker was forced to leave the Patriots' 33-10 loss to the Steelers on Nov. 30, after he was blasted by Clark on an uncatchable ball late in the third quarter.

 

A Matt Cassel pass was tipped and as Welker completed his route and looked for the tipped ball, which he had no chance to catch, Clark launched himself and struck Welker under the chin with a shoulder/forearm. Clark was penalized on the play, but he was not fined. The NFL's vice president of officiating later said Clark's hit was legal.

 

Not anymore.

 

Although initial helmet-to-helmet contact with a defenseless receiver was already prohibited, the re-written rule passed today expands prohibited initial contact to include the forearm or shoulder in the head or neck area.

 

"I'm a big supporter of that rule," said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "I think anyone who is a fan of any team in the league who sees a hit like that on a defenseless receiver... I just think it's uncalled for. If it was 'legal' under the old system, I don't see a need for it. I think we're setting ourselves up for someone to be seriously hurt unnecessarily. If [the hit by Clark] is a legal hit, we got to seriously look at the whole area, and I think that's what they've done."

 

The other rules do away with the bunch formation on kickoffs, constrict kickoff return wedges to two players and provide protection for a defenseless defender on crack-back blocks by offensive players similar to the one that Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward delivered to break the jaw of Bengals rookie linebacker Keith Rivers last season.

 

That rule has similar language to the defenseless receiver rule, prohibiting initial contact by a blocker on a peel-back block to the head or neck area with the helmet, shoulder or forearm.

[TheKilo]

Detroit and Oakland, 2 worst franchises in the league. And now they have invaded both non NFL network games:wtf: ......Really?

 

I know every team needs pub, but can they please stop giving Detroit the TG game? The NFL is really good about adjusting things to better the game. This is one issue they continue to drop the ball on.

 

Tradition is everything in the NFL, Detroit and Dallas will get Thanksgiving games for the foreseeable future.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

The Ryan Clark rule passed. Welker didn't have a problem with the hit (although he didn't know his name at the time). I doubt this passes with just the Welker hit, I think the McGahee hit is what pushed it through.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/nfl_provides_mo.html

Yup, let's add another judgement call to the game.

[mtbykr]

The Tom Brady rule:

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80f5307a&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

 

» If a pass rusher, who is blocked into the quarterback's legs or into the ground on the way to the quarterback, continues to run or drives forcefully into the player, he'll draw a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and be subject to a fine. Call this the "Tom Brady Rule." The New England Patriots' quarterback suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 2008 opener on a hit by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, who claimed the contact happened by "accident" after he was blocked into Brady's leg. Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss disagreed, saying after the game the hit looked "dirty" to him.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

The Tom Brady rule:

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80f5307a&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

lol

 

 

 

HEEZ STILL RUNNING, M0M-N-TUM NO FAKTIR AT ALL, UNSP0RTZMINLIEK C0NDUHKT.

 

 

Unbelievable.

[TheKilo]

WTF terrible rule

[CrespoBlows]

Patriot Propaganda with another awesome display of fair journalism.

 

Technically, the rule wouldn't apply to Pollard, because he didn't do what the rule protects against.

[mtbykr]

Patriot Propaganda with another awesome display of fair journalism.

 

It's NFL.com

 

 

 

Technically, the rule wouldn't apply to Pollard, because he didn't do what the rule protects against.

 

This rule was specifically passed because of what happened to Brady...yes it would have applied to him

 

» If a pass rusher, who is blocked into the quarterback's legs or into the ground on the way to the quarterback, continues to run or drives forcefully into the player, he'll draw a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and be subject to a fine. Call this the "Tom Brady Rule."

[TheKilo]

So we're telling players to stop playing before the whistle now? That's going to get someone seriously hurt.

 

Might as well put the red jerseys on the QBs now.

[CrespoBlows]

It's NFL.com

 

 

 

 

 

This rule was specifically passed because of what happened to Brady...yes it would have applied to him

 

Patriot Propaganda. Look at the way they put "accident" in quotations. What a bunch of snide douchebags. To add to this, Pollard never said the contact was on accident. Hitting Brady's knee was the accident. Leave it to unbiased journalists seeking the truth....

 

All over Brady's cock. Pollard was going for a sack. I figured you'd be the only person to state otherwise.

[David Bowie]

Didn't Brady almost die of infection due to that s***?

 

I remember attending a party celebrating Brady's injury. I thought it was a little f***ed up but they gave me a free cup so I got wasted and threw up all over their bushes.

[mtbykr]

Patriot Propaganda. Look at the way they put "accident" in quotations. What a bunch of snide douchebags. To add to this, Pollard never said the contact was on accident. Hitting Brady's knee was the accident. Leave it to unbiased journalists seeking the truth....

 

All over Brady's cock. Pollard was going for a sack. I figured you'd be the only person to state otherwise.

 

I haven't come down on either side of this so far in this thread, I have just pointed out what the article said............but it's nice of you to try and put words in my mouth.

 

 

 

Personally I don't like the new rules, both this one and the Ryan Clark one. Both are in reaction to isolated incidents, and the new rules will hurt the game more than help any players. The Brady rule was passed because of what happened to Brady and because it was Brady...it has nothing to do with 'patriots propaganda' but rather the league MVP going down week 1. The same rule would have been passed if it was Peyton taking the hit, because the NFL needs these guys out there every week.

 

The NFL is affecting the game on the field in a negative way by implementing rules like this. I remember the playoff game with the steelers in 97 when a pats LB (Todd Collins I believe) was about to tackle then steelers QB Kordel Stewart, he was afraid of a penalty on a crucial play and pulled up....Stewart started running again and went 40 yards for the TD and pats lose 7-6.

 

I understand the NFL wanting to protect it's players, but it's getting out of control.

[David Bowie]

retarded rule. In no cases have these ever been "dirty." I couldn't care less what randy moss thinks.

[mtbykr]

Rodney Harrison with Dan Patrick. Rodney has already taken classes and plans on being an NFL ref after his retirement:

 

 

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/03/harrison-rips-nfl-rule-changes/

 

Posted March 25, 2009

 

Harrison Rips NFL Rule Changes

From Dan Patrick of SI.com:

 

NFL safety Rodney Harrison is not happy with the NFL’s new rules. Here are some of his comments:

 

 

(Note: NFL officiating czar Mike Pereira joined the show earlier to defend the new rule changes.)

 

“It’s crazy. You’ve been taught since you were six and seven years old to finish the play.”

 

“Football is supposed to be a man’s sport.”

 

“The game is going to slow down and it’s going to get softer.”

 

“It’s like patty-cake right now.”

 

– Harrison doesn’t think that Tom Brady thought Bernard Pollard put a dirty hit on him. “I feel like Tom is a second-effort guy,” Harrison said. “He’s a guy who doesn’t give up on plays.”

 

– Harrison says the one rule they should get rid of is the chop block. Harrison doesn’t mind if Hines Ward hits a guy up high. Harrison just doesn’t like the low hits.

[CrespoBlows]

I haven't come down on either side of this so far in this thread, I have just pointed out what the article said............but it's nice of you to try and put words in my mouth.

 

You are learning very well from your friends at the Globe, and at NFL.com. Your statement above is true, you have not stated anything about Pollard's hit being dirty in this thread. However, you have stated in the past that you have thought that it was dirty.

 

http://www.talksox.com/forum/other-sports/11194-report-brady-done-2008-a-4.html#post349739

 

I don't put words in people's mouth. That's too easy. You trip yourself up on your own.

[CrespoBlows]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4013606

 

15th time he's asked for a trade. He should stick around. If the Chiefs add Michael Crabtree they could have a really good offense.

[mtbykr]

You are learning very well from your friends at the Globe' date=' and at NFL.com. Your statement above is true, you have not stated anything about Pollard's hit being dirty in this thread. However, you have stated in the past that you have thought that it was dirty.[/quote']

 

When I said I haven't come down on either side I was referring to the new rules the NFL laid out, not whether or not I think the hit on Brady was dirty. Whether or not the hit was dirty is irrelevant here, the rule was implemented to make sure it doesn't happen again.

 

 

 

I don't put words in people's mouth. That's too easy. You trip yourself up on your own.

 

That's exactly what you did, you took my post about the new rules (which i didn't give an opinion one way or the other) and turned it into a 'was the hit on brady dirty' argument. If I trip myself up, at least provide an example.

[CrespoBlows]

When I said I haven't come down on either side I was referring to the new rules the NFL laid out' date=' not whether or not I think the hit on Brady was dirty. Whether or not the hit was dirty is irrelevant here, the rule was implemented to make sure it doesn't happen again.[/quote']

 

Using the posted example of you calling Pollard's hit dirty, it would only be logical to assume that you would be OK with the rule change.

 

The hit being dirty is the whole point of the rule change. If it was a clean hit (according to the NFL), I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have changed the rules. To top things off, they call it "The Tom Brady Rule."

 

 

That's exactly what you did, you took my post about the new rules (which i didn't give an opinion one way or the other) and turned it into a 'was the hit on brady dirty' argument. If I trip myself up, at least provide an example.

 

Read the link I provided. You are calling Pollard's hit on Brady dirty. I put no words in your mouth.

 

I said that the rule wouldn't apply to Pollard, because he didn't do anything that the rule said he should have been fined/penalized for for. Brady stepped into Pollard. You said that it would apply to Pollard, thus stating that the hit was illegal, or in your words "dirty." Unless you have changed your mind in the last six months, but I have no evidence of that. I can only go by what you post.

[David Bowie]

not so funny meow is it?

[mtbykr]

Using the posted example of you calling Pollard's hit dirty' date=' it would only be logical to assume that you would be OK with the rule change.[/quote']

 

What you assumed and what I said when addressed were different

 

 

The hit being dirty is the whole point of the rule change. If it was a clean hit (according to the NFL), I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have changed the rules. To top things off, they call it "The Tom Brady Rule."

 

I disagree, the whole reason for the rule being put in place is to lessen the likelihood of the NFL losing someone of his stature again. They don't want the same thing to happen to Brady, Manning, ect.. next year. They need these guys playing to help with their ratings. Maybe the NFL thinks the hit was dirty, but who's to say...the reason for the rule is to keep their ratings up.

 

 

 

 

Read the link I provided. You are calling Pollard's hit on Brady dirty. I put no words in your mouth.

 

Again the 'putting words in my mouth' quote was referring to the rule change, not whether or not I thought the hit was dirty.

 

 

I said that the rule wouldn't apply to Pollard, because he didn't do anything that the rule said he should have been fined/penalized for for. Brady stepped into Pollard. You said that it would apply to Pollard, thus stating that the hit was illegal, or in your words "dirty." Unless you have changed your mind in the last six months, but I have no evidence of that. I can only go by what you post.

 

Dirty and illegal are two completely different things. Offsides is illegal, but that doesn't make it dirty. Under the new rule this hit would have been flagged and fined....but dirty is someone's opinion. I believe Pollard was playing to the whistle, however he also looks at TB's legs and puts his helmet into his knee. Rodney has stated he didn't think the hit was dirty, and doesn't think that TB does either.....well they would know better than me so maybe I'm wrong. Again though, dirty is only opinion and has to be based on intent. No one really knows that but Pollard.

[TheKilo]

Put a skirt on them JFC.

[CrespoBlows]

Didn't this same thing happen to Carson Palmer against Pittsburgh?

[TheKilo]

That wasn't a dirty hit though, Palmer plays for the Bengals.

[BSN07]

That wasn't a dirty hit though' date=' Palmer plays for the Bengals.[/quote']

 

There was a lot of talk after that hit.But nothing ever came of it. And yes he plays for the Bengals, and he is not Tom Brady. This probably didn't help his case.

[mtbykr]

Ya Carson went down in the playoffs. I heard (but can't find a link) that they made a small change to the rule after that hit. Palmer got hurt and the Bengals lost/season over....Brady went down game 1, so the reigning MVP is out the whole year. It took a Brady getting hurt to put this rule through, the same thing would have happened if Peyton went down.

[TheKilo]

Right, and the rule needs to be changed when it's Tom Brady that gets hurt, or is a Patriot.