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NFL Half Way Point - 11/11/2006 5:54:20 PM

cloudboy

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Contenders for the Super Bowl:

AFC:

1. Indianapolis
2. New England
3. Denver
4. San Diego
5. Baltimore
6. Jax

NFC

1. Chicago
2. New York
3. Atlanta
4. Seattle
5. New Orleans
6. Dallas

-------------------

One Scouting Report:

I'm from Baltimore and I follow the Ravens. So for all of you picking games or trying to make predictions, I can shed light on what's happening with the old 2000 Superbowl Champs.

Left over from 2000 are: OT: Jonathan Ogden, MLB: Ray Lewis, CB: Chris Mcallister, RB: Jamal Lewis, K: Matt Stover, G: Edwin Mulitalo (out for the season.)

Baltimore may be turning a corner this season after Brian Billick fired Jim Fassell, whose heart wasn't in the job of being offensive coordinator. Ogden, Derrick Mason, and Jamal Lewis all complained about Fassell, and he reportedly was butting heads with QB coach, Rich Newheisal. After Billick fired Fassell and took over, the Baltimore Offense has been a ball control machine, dominating opponents in time of possession and avoiding sacks, ints, and penalties. Steve McNair has been extremely solid in his decision making and has hit some big passes off play action fakes and rollouts. The running game has been average, but handoffs are almost always gaining positive yards, even if its just 2-3 yards a carry. RB Jamal Lewis looks past his prime and has yet to burst out for any breakaways this season. Matt Stover hasn't missed a FG this season and he kicked a game winner v. CLE.

On defense, Baltimore is stout against the run as the club has reverted back to a 4-3 scheme with a very solid DL. The LBs might be the best unit in the league, and TSN named both Bart Scott and Ray Lewis to its AFC Pro Bowl roster. The secondary has picked off quite a few INTs (17) but has bit lit up by the long ball as well. Teams with a vertical passing game have been effective against Baltimore, whereas running teams with poor passing have suffered (TB and OAK). DEN barely sqeaked by BAL, as BAL's offense at the time lacked an identity and failed to convert on opp'ts to win the game. SD was effective when it passed the ball against BAL, but Marty S.'s conservative play calling let BAL back into the game.

In sum, look for Baltimore to do well against teams with mediocre defenses, as the club will just outplay such teams on both sides of the ball.

Prognosis: Come December, this is a team built to do well in cold weather. If BAL wins the turnover battle it could theoretically beat out the Colts in a dome. On the other hand, if McNair is put under pressure and teams can stop the run (like DEN) the offense can litterally grind to halt. High scoring games would be a problem for BAL b/c the offense has problems scoring TDs.

I can't predict if the Raven's will improve, but if the offense gets better under Billick, and if McNair settles into a comfort zone, teams will have problems beating the Ravens.

Although the second half schedule looks forgiving, it does feature two games against PITT, one against ATL, and one against CIN. Those are all very dangerous teams, and how BAL does against them will be a good measuring stick for the postseason.

Other scouting reports welcome.

< Message edited by cloudboy -- 11/11/2006 5:58:14 PM >

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/11/2006 8:24:50 PM

SissySean

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I have to disagree with Atlanta and Dallas. Of course I am a Eagles fan, but that aside, Atlanta put together a couple good games but not consitant over the long haul and Vick is more over rated than Donovan. Dalas, I put on the same level as the Eagles, maybe evne a step or two below. Romo is good but not there yet. I have to go with the Colts, they stepped up the D and Manning is the best in the league, maybe ever.

< Message edited by SissySean -- 11/11/2006 8:25:09 PM >

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/11/2006 10:21:24 PM

cloudboy

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I don't know the NFC as well as the AFC. The Eagles have been finding ways to lose, so, if they figure out how to reverse losing in the fourth quarter, they'll might make the playoffs.

Vick can take a game over, so if he has a good game, ATL can beat anyone.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 6:35:08 AM

caitlyn

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The Cowboys won't win, because that grumpy old man won't take the training wheels off until it's too late.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 8:21:02 AM

Lordandmaster

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I think Carolina has to be on that list too. I wouldn't count out Cincinnati and Kansas City just yet, either.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 9:10:08 AM

SissySean

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Kansas City may suprise a lot of people. Quietly lurking in the background. Cinci is a tough one, some games they look great then others they just don't show at all. I do like Palmer though. They are lucky to be in that division.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 12:00:57 PM

Lordandmaster

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God DAMN there's a lot of upsets brewing this afternoon. Cleveland 14, Atlanta 3. Cincinnati 28, San Diego 14. Tennessee 26, Baltimore 17. Miami 13, Kansas City 0. Green Bay 17, Minnesota 14. New York Jets 7, New England 6. Houston 13, Jacksonville 3.

I'm anxious to see how many of these leads are going to stand.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 1:46:52 PM

Lordandmaster

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Wow, all those upsets stood up, with only two exceptions: San Diego came back to beat Cincinnati, and Baltimore came back to beat Tennessee. Which was the biggest upset of all? Hard to say, but Cleveland on the road over Atlanta and Houston on the road over Jacksonville were big ones.

Edited to add: Damn, now there's another one brewing. Pittsburgh 14, New Orleans 7.

Edited to add again: New Orleans has come back, but look at the halftime score in Oakland: Oakland 13, Denver 7.

< Message edited by Lordandmaster -- 11/12/2006 2:30:10 PM >

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 1:51:42 PM

caitlyn

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TO dropping the first pass thrown to him ... now that was an upset.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 4:33:18 PM

KatyLied

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I've been gone all day, who won the Denver game??

n/m I found it

< Message edited by KatyLied -- 11/12/2006 4:36:47 PM >

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 9:34:19 PM

cloudboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lordandmaster

Wow, all those upsets stood up, with only two exceptions: San Diego came back to beat Cincinnati, and Baltimore came back to beat Tennessee. Which was the biggest upset of all? Hard to say, but Cleveland on the road over Atlanta and Houston on the road over Jacksonville were big ones.

Edited to add: Damn, now there's another one brewing. Pittsburgh 14, New Orleans 7.

Edited to add again: New Orleans has come back, but look at the halftime score in Oakland: Oakland 13, Denver 7.

Definitely a tough week for calling games. Who knew the Ravens had a AIR ATTACK? (Vince Young looked very good.)

David Rivers looked great against BAL, and if he steps up, the Chargers are going to be a great two-way monster (defense and offense.) What a QB class that draft produced: Manning, Roethelsberger, and Rivers.

CLE is feisty -- as in fact most NFL teams are.

CIN looks like its imploding.

NE looks like its been exposed. Preseason, everyone had the Jets ranked about #32. Chad Pennington is looking like a lock for comeback player of the year.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/12/2006 9:43:46 PM

Lordandmaster

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Pennington really hasn't been that great, you know. He's had a couple of atrocious games, one or two very good ones, and most have been in the good-enough-not-to-lose category.

I think Atlanta is cooked. New Orleans is still for real, but I'd be surprised if Atlanta wins 10 games.

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RE: NFL Half Way Point - 11/13/2006 2:52:21 AM

FangsNfeet

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quote:

ORIGINAL: caitlyn

The Cowboys won't win, because that grumpy old man won't take the training wheels off until it's too late.

Are you talking about Tuna or Jerry? The Cowboys have seven games left. If they can when five, they're in the playoffs. I don't know what's going to happen this week. Dallas will be going up against an undefeated team but I think as long as Romo stays as QB, they can do it.

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