2011-2012 NFL / Super Bowl Thread

DrewD007 · Aug 23, 2011, 04:37 PM

Thought I'd start a topic considering the season is only a few weeks away.

Start off with some bad news, apparently former Illini Jarred Fayson, now with the Saints tore his MCL.

Also in former Illini injury news, Mike Hoomanawanui will be out at least two weeks with a strained calf.

Season starts Thursday September 8 with the past two Super Bowl champions, New Orleans and Green Bay playing at Lambeau.

IlliniRunIn07 · Aug 24, 2011, 06:56 AM

Considering what happened to Mikel a couple weeks ago, it has not been a good preseason for the professional Illini

IlliniSteve · Aug 24, 2011, 02:31 PM

Here are my meaningless predictions

NFC

North - Packers
South - Buccaneers
East - Eagles
West - Rams
Wild Cards - Falcons, Lions

AFC

North - Steelers
South - Texans
East - Patriots
West - San Diego
Wild Cards - Jets, Chiefs

orangekrush117 · Aug 30, 2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewD007

Thought I'd start a topic considering the season is only a few weeks away.

Start off with some bad news, apparently former Illini Jarred Fayson, now with the Saints tore his MCL.

Also in former Illini injury news, Mike Hoomanawanui will be out at least two weeks with a strained calf.

Season starts Thursday September 8 with the past two Super Bowl champions, New Orleans and Green Bay playing at Lambeau.

Also said that he got waived by Saints today. Tough break.

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf...saints_ha.html

bmb777 · Aug 30, 2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniSteve

Here are my meaningless predictions

NFC

North - Packers
South - Buccaneers
East - Eagles
West - Rams
Wild Cards - Falcons, Lions

AFC

North - Steelers
South - Texans
East - Patriots
West - San Diego
Wild Cards - Jets, Chiefs

Texans wont win the division. Bucs wont either.

KBLEE · Aug 30, 2011, 02:04 PM

NFC

North - Packers
South - Falcons
East - Eagles
West - Rams
Wild Cards - Cowboys, Lions

AFC

North - Steelers
South - Colts
East - Patriots
West - Chiefs
Wild Cards - Jets, Texans

OlivetNaz · Aug 30, 2011, 05:22 PM

I'm going to go with the Lions as a wild-card. I think they're being underestimated - especially their defense. I don't think they'll be good enough to match Green Bay without a bruiser like Leshoure at RB, but I think they'll be good enough to go 10-6 or 11-5 and snatch a wild card berth.

illini4everjp · Aug 30, 2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlivetNaz

I'm going to go with the Lions as a wild-card. I think they're being underestimated - especially their defense. I don't think they'll be good enough to match Green Bay without a bruiser like Leshoure at RB, but I think they'll be good enough to go 10-6 or 11-5 and snatch a wild card berth.

Without Mikel, I don't see that happening. They'll be a good team, definitely 6 or 7 wins but they aren't a playoff team, at least not in my opinion. They'll be fun to watch though for sure.

OlivetNaz · Aug 30, 2011, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illini4everjp

Without Mikel, I don't see that happening. They'll be a good team, definitely 6 or 7 wins but they aren't a playoff team, at least not in my opinion. They'll be fun to watch though for sure.

No one thought the Bears would be a playoff team last year, either...and they only went 11-5 en route to the NFC championship game. It isn't unreasonable or even a stretch of the imagination to expect that to happen again to a different team, as there's usually at least one surprise team in the NFL playoffs each year.

illini4everjp · Aug 30, 2011, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlivetNaz

No one thought the Bears would be a playoff team last year, either...and they only went 11-5 en route to the NFC championship game. It isn't unreasonable or even a stretch of the imagination to expect that to happen again to a different team, as there's usually at least one surprise team in the NFL playoffs each year.

Completely agree on the Bears and that the Lions could make a run, just don't see it happening, just like I didn't with the Bears. The Bears at least had a foundation that I think the Lions are still trying to build. They'll get there, but I don't think this is the year.

IlliniSteve · Aug 30, 2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmb777

Texans wont win the division. Bucs wont either.

Why not?

Colts are going downhill. That division is wide open in my opinion between Houston and Indy.

IlliniRunIn07 · Aug 31, 2011, 08:11 AM

I don't think many people are completely discounting the Lions. Analysts across the country seem to realize that this team has potential, and even wonder what could have been if they had not been plagued by the injury bug so early in the year. I'd root for them if they weren't in the NFC North as they appear to be a real hard nosed, Midwest type team. If the Bears can't take the division, I hope the Lions can. But I'm thinking the NFC North is going to be the best top-to-bottom division in the NFL this year.

IntenselyOrange · Aug 31, 2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniSteve

Here are my meaningless predictions

NFC

North - Packers
South - Buccaneers
East - Eagles
West - Rams
Wild Cards - Falcons, Lions

AFC

North - Steelers
South - Texans
East - Patriots
West - San Diego
Wild Cards - Jets, Chiefs

NFC
Division Winners: Packers, Saints, Cowboys, 49ers
Wild Card:Giants, Falcons

AFC
Division Winners: Steelers, Texans, Patriots, Chargers
Wild Cards: Jets, Ravens

I too like the Texans. I don't like the Colts offseason and I don't trust Manning is ready. I think the Texans win by default.

I struggled to find playoff worthy teams in the NFC. I guess the Eagles should have been there but I don't trust that their QB will play more than 9 games - and he'll certainly throw more INTs than he did last season. I like the Bucs but man, 4 games against the Falcons and Saints is rough.

bmb777 · Aug 31, 2011, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniSteve

Why not?

Colts are going downhill. That division is wide open in my opinion between Houston and Indy.

as long as Manning starts Colts will always be the team to beat in the division. even if he misses a week or 2, Colts will still be the team to beat. I think Texans can contend for a wild card spot, but are not good enough to overtake the Colts as long as Manning is playing.

KBLEE · Sep 1, 2011, 08:50 AM

Just saw that the Oakland Raiders claimed J Lehman off waivers yesterday.

DrewD007 · Sep 1, 2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBLEE

Just saw that the Oakland Raiders claimed J Lehman off waivers yesterday.

It's Leman. There's no h.

OlivetNaz · Sep 1, 2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illini4everjp

Completely agree on the Bears and that the Lions could make a run, just don't see it happening, just like I didn't with the Bears. The Bears at least had a foundation that I think the Lions are still trying to build. They'll get there, but I don't think this is the year.

It could go either way. If they fall short, it's only by a piece or two. They have the receiver to stretch the field (Titus Young). They have the big target (Johnson). They have the good QB, and they have a defensive front 7 that is just aggressive enough to toe the line between "scary" and "dirty." The only questions they have, to me, are along the OL, and whether or not their RB's can handle the pounding. Jahvid Best isn't exactly a power back...

KBLEE · Sep 1, 2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewD007

It's Leman. There's no h.

Wow - I'm surprised you knew who I was talking about. Check back tomorrow when I discuss Bruce Webber and Jeremy Richmond... :rolleyes:

GeorgiaIllini · Sep 1, 2011, 11:16 AM

According to Sports Radio 680 in Atlanta, the Falcons signed Kelvin Hayden to a one year deal today.

Now they are a lock for the Super Bowl.

bmb777 · Sep 2, 2011, 01:07 AM

granted I'm biased, but with some luck, Titans could contend for their division. last year they started out strong, but when Vince Young showed how inmature he was, and Kerry Collins taking over as QB, who I'm pretty sure played in the NFL when they wore leather helmets, they fell apart. this year, Hasselbeck is an upgrade over Young or Collins, and Jake Locker progressing, he would be an upgrade as well. Both have played well in the pre-season. Receivers are better this year than last year, and so far defense is better than last year. with Chris Johnson now signing a new contract they will have their best offensive weapon back. no other RB has more yards in the past 3 seasons than him. Their offensive line is among the best, if not the best in the NFL. for a team that runs the ball more that is a plus. and Hasselbeck has an offensive line that will protect him, unlike with the Seahawks last year when every play he was flirting with life and death with their offensive line.

do I think they will win the division or get a wild card spot? no. but its certainly possible.

I know people think Locker was drafted too high at number 8, but if he had come out after his junior season, he would have likely been the number 1 pick. he returned for his senior season, and played on a pretty bad Washington team, leading them to bowl victory over a superior Michigan team.

DrewD007 · Sep 2, 2011, 05:15 AM

Rams finish preseason 4-0. They have a real tough schedule this season though, with games against Philadelphia, New York (Giants), Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay and New Orleans, with 4 of those being on the road.

illini4everjp · Sep 2, 2011, 06:25 AM

Lance Briggs is demanding a trade. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,1976638.story

His stupidity leaves me speechless.

bmb777 · Sep 2, 2011, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewD007

Rams finish preseason 4-0. They have a real tough schedule this season though, with games against Philadelphia, New York (Giants), Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay and New Orleans, with 4 of those being on the road.

I like the Rams. They are probably my 2nd favorite team. I dont know that they are good enough to beat the Eagles, Ravens, Steelers, Cowboys, Packers, and Saints.

IlliniRunIn07 · Sep 2, 2011, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illini4everjp

Lance Briggs is demanding a trade. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,1976638.story

His stupidity leaves me speechless.

Quote:

He signed a six-year, $36 million deal in 2008 after first testing the free-agent market

This is what pisses me off about it. Every player wants security which is understandable. But you're not going to get top dollar if you sign such a long contract. No team wants to get involved in a long burdensome contract. And Lance, you signed the contract so why is it suddenly a bad one now?

illini4everjp · Sep 3, 2011, 08:49 AM

Chester Taylor has been (re)released by the Bears. Possible landing spot? The Lions.

Oh and Lance Briggs is still a dbag.

Aug 23, 2011, 04:37 PM	#1
DrewD007 Location: Swansea, IL Posts: 3,531	Thought I'd start a topic considering the season is only a few weeks away. Start off with some bad news, apparently former Illini Jarred Fayson, now with the Saints tore his MCL. Also in former Illini injury news, Mike Hoomanawanui will be out at least two weeks with a strained calf. Season starts Thursday September 8 with the past two Super Bowl champions, New Orleans and Green Bay playing at Lambeau. __________________ Follow me! http://www.twitter.com/illinidrew11

Aug 30, 2011, 05:22 PM	#7
OlivetNaz Location: East Central IL Posts: 4,091	I'm going to go with the Lions as a wild-card. I think they're being underestimated - especially their defense. I don't think they'll be good enough to match Green Bay without a bruiser like Leshoure at RB, but I think they'll be good enough to go 10-6 or 11-5 and snatch a wild card berth. __________________ "If life were logical, men would ride side-saddle."

Sep 2, 2011, 05:15 AM	#21
DrewD007 Location: Swansea, IL Posts: 3,531	Rams finish preseason 4-0. They have a real tough schedule this season though, with games against Philadelphia, New York (Giants), Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay and New Orleans, with 4 of those being on the road. __________________ Follow me! http://www.twitter.com/illinidrew11

Sep 2, 2011, 06:25 AM	#22
illini4everjp Illini Foot Soldier Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 18,742	Lance Briggs is demanding a trade. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,1976638.story His stupidity leaves me speechless. __________________

Sep 3, 2011, 08:49 AM	#25
illini4everjp Illini Foot Soldier Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 18,742	Chester Taylor has been (re)released by the Bears. Possible landing spot? The Lions. Oh and Lance Briggs is still a dbag. __________________

Aug 24, 2011, 06:56 AM	#2
IlliniRunIn07 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,792	Considering what happened to Mikel a couple weeks ago, it has not been a good preseason for the professional Illini

Aug 24, 2011, 02:31 PM	#3
IlliniSteve Posts: 5,906	Here are my meaningless predictions NFC North - Packers South - Buccaneers East - Eagles West - Rams Wild Cards - Falcons, Lions AFC North - Steelers South - Texans East - Patriots West - San Diego Wild Cards - Jets, Chiefs

Aug 30, 2011, 02:04 PM	#6
KBLEE Location: Montgomery, IL Posts: 6,254	NFC North - Packers South - Falcons East - Eagles West - Rams Wild Cards - Cowboys, Lions AFC North - Steelers South - Colts East - Patriots West - Chiefs Wild Cards - Jets, Texans

Aug 31, 2011, 08:11 AM	#12
IlliniRunIn07 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,792	I don't think many people are completely discounting the Lions. Analysts across the country seem to realize that this team has potential, and even wonder what could have been if they had not been plagued by the injury bug so early in the year. I'd root for them if they weren't in the NFC North as they appear to be a real hard nosed, Midwest type team. If the Bears can't take the division, I hope the Lions can. But I'm thinking the NFC North is going to be the best top-to-bottom division in the NFL this year.

Sep 1, 2011, 08:50 AM	#15
KBLEE Location: Montgomery, IL Posts: 6,254	Just saw that the Oakland Raiders claimed J Lehman off waivers yesterday.

Sep 1, 2011, 11:16 AM	#19
GeorgiaIllini Posts: 1,949	According to Sports Radio 680 in Atlanta, the Falcons signed Kelvin Hayden to a one year deal today. Now they are a lock for the Super Bowl.

Sep 2, 2011, 01:07 AM	#20
bmb777 Banned Location: Southeast IL Posts: 3,417	granted I'm biased, but with some luck, Titans could contend for their division. last year they started out strong, but when Vince Young showed how inmature he was, and Kerry Collins taking over as QB, who I'm pretty sure played in the NFL when they wore leather helmets, they fell apart. this year, Hasselbeck is an upgrade over Young or Collins, and Jake Locker progressing, he would be an upgrade as well. Both have played well in the pre-season. Receivers are better this year than last year, and so far defense is better than last year. with Chris Johnson now signing a new contract they will have their best offensive weapon back. no other RB has more yards in the past 3 seasons than him. Their offensive line is among the best, if not the best in the NFL. for a team that runs the ball more that is a plus. and Hasselbeck has an offensive line that will protect him, unlike with the Seahawks last year when every play he was flirting with life and death with their offensive line. do I think they will win the division or get a wild card spot? no. but its certainly possible. I know people think Locker was drafted too high at number 8, but if he had come out after his junior season, he would have likely been the number 1 pick. he returned for his senior season, and played on a pretty bad Washington team, leading them to bowl victory over a superior Michigan team.