NFL Thread

[316what]

Raiders beat Eagles again...

Raiders: 3 Lombardi Trophies (one courtesy of Feables)
Eagles: ZERO

 

[SixMillionDollarMan Guy]

I've been waiting for 32 years for my Vikings to get back to the Super Bowl. We've lost 4 of them so I'm already resigned to the fact we'll lose another.

I just want get there and bask in the glory of the two weeks between the NFC Championship game and the Super Bowl. If we win it all, then it's just gravy.

 

[BadMoon]

I agree with FQR that the championship is all that matters. If you want to define success as playoff wins narrowly so that it benefits your team, that's fine, but I could give two craps about playoff wins without the "big win."

If your Eagles somehow defy the past and win big when it really matters this year, then I'll give them all the credit in the world. If the Saints blow it in their first game, first no one will be less surprised than me, but ultimately I'll agree with you 100% that the Saints were not prepared to win.

However, to narrowly define "winning pressure games" to only playoff games or games leading up to the playoffs (I guess?) but not the biggest playoff games--so that it benefits your team and not mine at this particular point in time--is a bit of a weak argument in my opinion.

First off they are not my team. I don't play for them. Just as you don't play for the Saints. Secondly, you can hate all you want on the Eagles however, a fact is that they have won more games than almost anyone in the NFL in the past 10 years. Granted they have not won the big game. They will get there. However, if your argument is soooo rudimentary as to look into the past then it doesn't matter anyways as we are not playing the past 10 years. We are playing the 09-10 season are we not?

 

[karamazov80]

To recap--You said the Saints couldn't handle pressure games. I said that they won two highly publicized, high pressure games (Giants and Pats). You said those games didn't count because both teams sucked ultimately, but that tonight's game somehow was a big-time pressure game and would have, I guess, proved that they could handle the big-time games if they had won, but by their losing they prove that they can't. Not sure I completely understand (tonight was a "must win" for some reason?), but OK. Then, you say that playoff games are all that matters, and I agree but only insofar as they lead to a win in the Superbowl. No, the past doesn't matter. But neither do regular season games or playoff games really, unless they facilitate or hinder a Superbowl win.

My argument is that the Eagles have not been able to handle the biggest of "big game" situations very well over the last decade by my definition. I'm not saying the Eagles can't do it this year, but if the past is any indication, then there is reason for concern. Not sure how looking to the past makes that a "rudimentary" argument, but if you say it is, fine.

And if the Eagles aren't your team, then that's fine, too. I'm proud to say that the Saints are my team though and always have been, even if they do frequently disappoint.

 

[JediMike71]

Well, I guess the big primetime games earlier this years against at the time undefeated Giants and Pats didn't mean anything.

Anyway, the Saints played poo tonight. Defense didn't come to play, offense lacked balance, Peyton seemed to panic and stop running the ball when we were down by 14 right near half time, as if there was only 5 minutes left in the game. Still, we had a shot at the end. I agree that the Saints can't play like this in the playoffs and win, and our defense will need a "come to Jesus" type change to have a shot. But. . .who knows?

As for wanting the Saints to lose so their fans will know that they aren't that good, that's ridiculous. The Saints have a damn good offense, a $h!t defense, and average special teams. What does that mean? Most reasonable Saints fans will realize that they can lose. Any team can on the wrong day. But to say they aren't good is just being disingenuous. I don't care what your schedule is or how you win--13 wins and 1 loss means you are an exceptionally good football team, period.

I am saying...13 and 1 and we are NOT done! What other team in the entire NFL can claim that they have won 13 games besides the Saints? The Colts. That is it. Yeah, tonight's game was a real heart breaker. I am not going to lie about that. The Saints seemed really flat on offense. The defense made a few plays, not many. As they're saying on NFL Network...the Saints were just "off". I'm sad to agree with them, but it was true. This by no means lessens my faith in them in the post-season. You other fans of other teams out there can say over and over how they have beat crap teams to get their 13-0 record before their first loss tonight. Whatever. Whose team has 13 wins huh? We've played some quality teams this season and BEAT them. The Patriots, the Giants to name a few.

I don't agree with Michael Irvin that he would give up his Super Bowl rings, and his football hall of fame bust in Canton, Ohio for ONE undefeated season?! Ummm....NO! That is an incredibly STUPID think to say! A Super Bowl ring, and the rare opportunity to have your name and likeness in the N.F.L. Hall Of Fame means SO much more than an undefeated season! In the end it matters if you have got to the Super Bowl...and WON IT! That is what every one of the 32 teams in this league strive for every season. To get to the Super Bowl and win it. That is what owners pay the coaches and the players for....to win a Super Bowl for their team.

I am, and always will be a DIE-HARD Saints fan! They are now 13-1! 13 AND ONE! Their season IS NOT over by a long shot! They have won the N.F.C. South division, and a first week playoff bye!

I know our Saints have an incredible offense, that just stumbled tonight. We DO NOT have a ????? defense! We have a good defense that played poorly tonight. That does not make them ?????! I completely disagree with that! Look at what our defense has done this season karamasov80! You CANNOT deny they played up to and above their opponents this season! They have contributed to our 13 wins this season IN SO MANY WAYS! I will not support that horrible comment that they play like ?????! NO WAY!
GO SAINTS! ALL OF YOUR FANS, INCULDING MYSELF, STILL LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU!

13 AND ONE...AND WE ARE NOT DONE!

 

[karamazov80]

Well, I think the lovable loser Saints reared their faces tonight. The whole "abandon the run and pray we don't get sacked or throw an interception" strategy may have been necessary last year and the year before, but I don't think we needed to go there so soon tonight. I just don't understand why the panic set in so quickly. A disturbing trend, this is.

 

[BadMoon]

And if the Eagles aren't your team, then that's fine, too. I'm proud to say that the Saints are my team though and always have been, even if they do frequently disappoint.

Please then enlighten me. What do you contribute towards your team? Are you the owner? Do you play for them? Do you even serve water to the players?

 

[karamazov80]

So saying that some team is "yours" requires a vague contribution of some kind? OK. I would think you would at least require some degree of financial ownership if you want to get literal, but. . .I have contributed by watching and being a fan through thick and thin. I've paid to see games (even one at LSU!) and paid for food/beer when I did, paid for t-shirts, football cards, and other nicknacks, and probably have bought things from the sponsors who pay for commercial time. I figure that's as much as your typical water boy would contribute in the grand scheme of things.

What else do you want?

--edit: I forgot to mention that I also was filmed in some kind of educational commercial with former Saints player Brad Edelman when I was 8 or 9. --

 

[BadMoon]

So saying that some team is "yours" requires a vague contribution of some kind? OK. I would think you would at least require some degree of financial ownership if you want to get literal, but. . .I have contributed by watching and being a fan through thick and thin. I've paid to see games (even one at LSU!) and paid for food/beer when I did, paid for t-shirts, football cards, and other nicknacks, and probably have bought things from the sponsors who pay for commercial time. I figure that's as much as your typical water boy would contribute in the grand scheme of things.

What else do you want?

Nothing at all. I actually get pissed at myself when I say we, or us, or whatever. I did it once tonight and was mad at myself. We are just fans. That's all. I hate when people are delusional and think anything but.

 

[p!tu]

Nothing at all. I actually get pissed at myself when I say we, or us, or whatever. I did it once tonight and was mad at myself. We are just fans. That's all. I hate when people are delusional and think anything but.

just because we say our team doesn't mean we are delusional and thinking we own it.... some one is over thinking ???? a little bit.

 

[JediMike71]

BadMoon why do you keep asking that? We as fans claim them as OUR team! Yeah, we're not team owners, yeah we are not coaches, or players...or even the water boy. WE ARE FANS!

WE ARE FANS THAT LOVE OUR TEAM! We take ownership of our team, just like every other N.F.L. fan out there does for a team that they love and follow and support throughout the season.

I have, like karamazov80, paid for Saints memorabilia over the years. Bought their football cards, and collected them. I still do. I've bought their hats, shirts, jerseys, books, action figures, and I still do! I have been to some of their games over the years, and bought tickets, and paid for parking, and food and drink at the game. All of this helps support our team. I will keep doing that. I will keep standing up for and supporting this team.

I will keep ownership of the Saints as a true fan! I have always done that. So yeah, we as fans know and feel that it is OUR TEAM! Every fan feels that they own a piece of their team in some way. That's why fans go to the games and spend their time and money on the games, and supporting their team. Or even watching the games on T.V. and listening to them on the radio. The team becomes YOUR team when you start supporting them in all those ways. It is a big part of being a fan!

 

[karamazov80]

I personally feel that I am part of the "nation" of Saints fans. I feel a connection with this team, the state, the city, and the fans. I don't think it is any less appropriate than saying "we" are a part of the United States, or a certain religion, or the human race, or whatever. "We" are the Saints if we are fans who feel that we are part of this nebulous, abstract entity. Of course, I'm not a part of that group of players, owners, or staff, but I don't personally think that that should restrict the way I feel about the team or conceptualize my relationship with them.

 

[JediMike71]

My thought EXACTLY!

I know sometimes I disagree with you, but now I cannot agree with you more!

Not being a coach, player, or team owner does NOT mean that you cannot say that it is "YOUR" team, or "OUR" team. Every fan that chooses to support a team with not only their money for memorabilia and game tickets...is a fan. Why would they waste their time, and money if they didn't care enough for a team to call all their own?

Fans have always taken ownership of their favorite team and they always will! That is why team owners bring teams to particular cites. In the hopes of the team being accepted and supported by a fan base in that city and area, and yes, even nationwide or worldwide.

For the fans of the Saints...this is MY team. This is YOUR team. This is OUR team!

THE "WHO DAT NATION" ROLLS ON! 13-1! WE'RE VERY PROUD OF THAT RECORD AND "OUR TEAM". THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS!

 

[karamazov80]

I think it does mean a lot for the city that "we" are doing so well. Unfortunately, I think it is a sad fact when a football team matters so much, because that means that there aren't enough other, truly important things for people to be concerned with. Things like recovering from the hurricanes of 4 years ago and thriving economically and culturally. But sadly, it isn't like New Orleans has much else to enjoy or look forward to. Abandoned by the federal government and run by a bunch of inept political hacks, the football team is what is left. Even in this economy, people won't take academic jobs at UNO or the other N.O.-based universities because they they realize that one more hurricane and that's that.

So, I feel that this is a bittersweet thing in that the Saints success matters so much to so many people.

 

[BadMoon]

you are all insane then!

 

[p!tu]

you are all insane then!

 

[BadMoon]

you are all insane then!

And I love it! hahahahaha! Give "your teams" love. I want to see you heartbroken. Especially the Saints that talked ???? all year only to see them fail epically.

 

[BadMoon]

Trust me I know you are insane. I will kiss you on the mouth you little ****** pickle.

 

[p!tu]

Trust me I know you are insane. I will kiss you on the mouth you little ****** pickle.

 

[JediMike71]

And I love it! hahahahaha! Give "your teams" love. I want to see you heartbroken. Especially the Saints that talked ???? all year only to see them fail epically.

WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM? WE'VE MADE OUR POINT. ENOUGH SAID.


The Saints have NOT talked "????" as you put it all year long. The Saints have remained focused and humble taking one game at a time. While at the same time the media has pushed and pushed the "perfect season" and as N.F.L. Network calls it..."the path to perfection". They have only lost ONE game now. This in NO WAY keeps them out of the playoffs, or even an opportunity to get to the Super Bowl.