NFL Training Camp

[Gentle Giant]

The Pats' D is crumbling piece by piece. Belichick and Pioli were wise to invest in some new linebackers. Apart from that, I think on-field personnel is looking pretty good for the champs. The big wild card will be the losses of Weis and Crennel. Looks like Belichick will be calling plays. Wonder if that will make Brady more or less likely to call audibles?


FOXBORO, Mass. --Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Richard Seymour was not on the field for the opening practice of New England's training camp on Friday, starting what could be a lengthy holdout.

Seymour's absence would further erode the core of the Patriots' defense. A day earlier, veteran linebacker Ted Johnson unexpectedly announced his retirement. And last week, Tedy Bruschi said he would sit out the entire 2005 season while he recovers from a mild stroke, leaving New England without either of its starting inside linebackers from last year's championship team.

Seymour, who wants to re-negotiate a contract that has two years remaining, also did not report to the team's June mini-camp.

Drafted sixth overall in 2001 by the Patriots out of Georgia, he was named to the Pro Bowl in two of his first three seasons. He missed the last game of the regular season and the AFC playoffs last year with a knee injury, but returned for the Super Bowl, logging two tackles, including a sack of Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Seymour signed his six-year, $14.3 million deal in 2001, his rookie year.

Although holdouts are common in the NFL, the Patriots have largely been spared in recent years. Several high-profile players have signed below-market deals to remain with the team, including Bruschi and quarterback Tom Brady.

[Il Anto]

Yeah, I'm starting to get psyched for this season as my Jets will embark on their endeavor to displace the Pats as kings of the AFC East.

This is the year, baby!

[Enforcer]

Looks like the Lions have a very good team on paper. Hopefully they'll play the games there this year (on paper).

[Noj]

The additions of LaMont Jordan and Randy Moss mean the Raiders have some serious offensive weapons, especially in combination with the solid RBs and receivers like Jerry Porter already on the squad.

It's defense I'm worried about, I hope they can do something against the run this year besides make opposing RBs like LaDainian Thomlinson look like Barry Sanders.

[Jason Bivins]

Oh yeah, I'm jacked up for the season. I have absolutely no idea how the Skins will do, though I think 2 or 3 more wins in Gibbs' second season is a reasonable expectation.

And, of course, I'm hoping Jazz Corner FFL returns.

[bruce massey]

Larry, Larry, Larry......


They are and always will be the fucking Lions!

Is there a more disappointing franchise in all of sports?

[Chris D]

Originally Posted by Jason Bivins

And, of course, I'm hoping Jazz Corner FFL returns.

I'll second that!

[Enforcer]

Originally Posted by bruce massey

Larry, Larry, Larry......


They are and always will be the fucking Lions!

Is there a more disappointing franchise in all of sports?

Massey,

Sadly, no.

Depressed,
Larry

Until Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb are investigated for conspiring to throw the superbowl, I'm swearing off of football on the pro level.

It is as rigged as Nascar and as irritating to watch as professional wrestling.

Shame too. It used to be a great sport.

[Chris D]

That's just absurd, Scott.

What is?

[Chris D]

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

What is?

"Conspiring to throw the Super Bowl...."

McNabb left his heart and guts on that field. He came up short. Yeah, he couod have had a better 4th quarter. Think he doesn't know that?

For that, you're indicting him on a scandalous charge. It's like something out of the Weekly World News. Have you been hanging with Sasquatch?

[Slurpy]

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

Until Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb are investigated for conspiring to throw the superbowl, I'm swearing off of football on the pro level.

It is as rigged as Nascar and as irritating to watch as professional wrestling.

Shame too. It used to be a great sport.

OK, how much money did you lose, Scott? Fess up.

And Larry, 4 words to make you feel better: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

[Jason Bivins]

Dolan, you lying bitch. I know that the impending Ricky/Ronnie RB saga will suck you back in. Your Dolphins could suck less this year! The OC from Minnesota is on board and flashy big plays will proliferate.

The NFL's long since had its fangs in me. I happily submit every year.

But seriously Scott, two words: Gus Frerotte. Isn't that enough for any Miami fan to get pumped up???

Originally Posted by Slurpy

OK, how much money did you lose, Scott? Fess up.

And Larry, 4 words to make you feel better: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

None. I don't bet on sports.


Jason, how many more times must I tell you, I don't follow the Dolphins anymore. Haven't since the '02 season.


Chris, you and I must have been watching another game that evening. I can't remember all the details now, but I saw a quarterback who was both over and under throwing the ball. I've watched the game long enough to know that when a QB is off, he' ll usually do one or the other. Never both. They never even attempted to go to T.O. in the red zone. His under throw to the RB in the flat who didn't have a defender within 10 yards of him looked well rehhearsed. With a few minutes left in the game, they never once went into the hurry up. And even though several of the linemen tried to line up quickly, McNabb very non-chalantly waved them back into the huddle.

Hey, no sweat gentlmen, we've got PLENTY of time. Wow, what a laid back motherfuker, eh?

Reid said after the game that he was trying to get McNabb to go into the hurry up. Yet everytime they showed him on the sidelines he was simply standing there with his laminated piece of paper calmly looking out over the top of his granny glasses. Even the most mellow coach in the world would have been hopping up and down screaming like a fucking loon for Donovan to get his shit together and hurry things along. It's the fucking superbowl for christs sake!!!!

Reid also states they were having problems getting the calls into the huddle. No excuse. Comms ain't working, send them in with players. And more than one at a fucking time!!

Lame.

Then with their backs to their own endzone and no time outs at the end of the game, did Donovan try to launch one towards mid-field and hope for the best? Did he try to get something out of bounds about 20 yards down field? No. He dumps it to the back WHO IS STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FUCKING FIELD!!!!!!!

Now, had Reid and McNabb proven over the years that they had no idea how to handle being down late, then maybe I'd buy the whole "heart and guts on the field" bit.

But unfortunately, it's horseshit.

I actually couldn't believe the number of people I spoke to at work the next day whose first words from their mouths was "that game was fucking rigged".

And those are just the details that I remember.

[Captain Hate]

Originally Posted by Skin's Fan #1

Oh yeah, I'm jacked up for the season. I have absolutely no idea how the Skins will do, though I think 2 or 3 more wins in Gibbs' second season is a reasonable expectation.

Let's see, two wins against the Cowplops and one more to make up for that stupid loss to the Browns I'd say we are there!!! Where's HL been, another fan of the Skins!!!

Originally Posted by Blivmania

And, of course, I'm hoping Jazz Corner FFL returns.

Yes, like the great Joe Gibbs, I will have an improved second season.

Btw, what poor college campus is Botch Davis stinking up? Colorado?? Romeo Crennell, baby!!!!

Scottie, why are you down on Andy Reid so much?? Are you trying to tell us that you'd take Tater over him??

[Captain Hate]

Originally Posted by bruce massey

Larry, Larry, Larry......


They are and always will be the fucking Lions!

Is there a more disappointing franchise in all of sports?

How quickly the Arizona Cardinals are forgotten.

[LennyH]

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

Until Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb are investigated for conspiring to throw the superbowl, I'm swearing off of football on the pro level.

I've watched every game Donovan has played as an Eagle. He's streaky. When he's great, he's great. When he's off, he looks just like he did in the super bowl. Had he brought his A game, he'd have been a champion. End of story.

Andy Reid lives to win a superbowl as a head coach. Anyone who follows the Eagles closely knows that. No amount of money would make him throw a superbowl.

You swear off football because of this?

No.

It's just the straw that broke the camels back.

And Reid is a joke. No coach in a champioship game simply stands around like he did when his team is down late in the game. His demeanor spoke volumes.

And why was he so angry about T.O. announcing that he was going to play? what coach doesn't want his star player in the game? Especially when the player says he can go?

But, the game has just lost its allure for me. It's changed way too much over the years. I used to sit in front of the tube for 10 hours every Sunday devouring every intricate detail of the game. For 27 years!

I may still go to a game every now and then, but watching the video game version of it on tv is downright maddening! A digital line showing the line of scrimmage. Another showing the first down. One to show the ten yards necessary for a kickoff to be legal, etc.......

A digital overlay showing down and distance? When it's already on the fucking screen up in the corner??!!

Oy.

Wonder what it will be this year. Perhaps a digital box to show where the pocket is??

Flags for hitting a "defenseless" receiver? Coaches up by 14 or more in the fourth putting the ball in the air like it's the fucking preseason?

CHALLENGES??!!!!

Count me out.

[LennyH]

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

And Reid is a joke. No coach in a champioship game simply stands around like he did when his team is down late in the game. His demeanor spoke volumes.

And why was he so angry about T.O. announcing that he was going to play? what coach doesn't want his star player in the game? Especially when the player says he can go?

Andy Reid is far from a joke. The Eagles are a very well coached team, from Andy on down. And this is Andy's doing because he calls the shots. But he has made tactical errors toward the end of a game before. This, IMO, is his biggest weakness.

I don't know what you mean about him being angry about T.O. playing. He was preparing as if T.O wouldn't be there, for obvious reasons, but I hardly think he was angry. He certainly was aprehensive. Who could blame him for that?

[jesus marion joseph]

Dolan, wake up quick. Goody has snuck into your house and started posting under your username on a football thread!!

[LennyH]

Originally Posted by jesus marion joseph

Dolan, wake up quick. Goody has snuck into your house and started posting under your username on a football thread!!

It is hard to believe that this Dolan, the sports conspiracy theorist, is the same Dolan from the political threads.

[bruce massey]

Originally Posted by Captain Hate

How quickly the Arizona Cardinals are forgotten.

My Dear Captain...

The Cardinals are owned by the cheapest asshole in the league and have NEVER had any expectations for success.

The Lions are one of the oldest franchises in football. They invented the Thanksgiving Day game. They haven't won a fuckin thing since '55 and have been torturing their fans for decades.Their asshole owner wouldn't last a moment with his grandfather. Mr. Ford (we never called him Henry) wouldn't have put up with the inept mediocrity that Billy Dirt has nurtured, for a Detroit minute. Wayne Fontes! What a dumb fuck! And how long did he coach the Lions?

Pay attention to NFL highlights. Any time great plays are recalled, 90 % of the time you'll find the Lions on defense.

If the Lions ever win the Super Bowl it will be a sign to head to the hills...it's in the Bible...

..And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:behold the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof. Revelations 5:5

See..5:5, the last championship was in '55

Oh, this could get deep!

[Captain Hate]

Originally Posted by bruce massey

The Cardinals are owned by the cheapest asshole in the league and have NEVER had any expectations for success.

Well that was pretty much my point except I think the Cards were pretty competitive when they first moved out there. You can't really blame the Zona fans for staying away when the Bidwell morons gouged the fans at least as much as anybody in the league for psl's.

I still like the progress the Lions are making since Millen took over; I'm not about to call him a managerial genius but I'm hoping for Joey Harrington to have a monster season. Let me put it this way: I'd rather have him at the helm now than Brett Favre.

Originally Posted by jesus marion joseph

Dolan, wake up quick. Goody has snuck into your house and started posting under your username on a football thread!!

Wha--??!!

So I guess you're going to tell me that McNabb gave his all, huh big boy?!

I guess you missed the fact that a team called the "Patriots" have won 3 of the four superbowls played during the Bush admin?

Give me a break, jmj. Ok?

I may not be a teacher, but I CAN play one on tv.



Straight jackets on sale three flights down last door on the left.



















































slosh...............

[Captain Hate]

Originally Posted by LennyH

It is hard to believe that this Dolan, the sports conspiracy theorist, is the same Dolan from the political threads.

Life is like a box of chocolates.....

Exactly.


No matter how hard you try, you always get fucked by those nasty coconut filled bastards.

[jesus marion joseph]

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

Wha--??!!

So I guess you're going to tell me that McNabb gave his all, huh big boy?!

I guess you missed the fact that a team called the "Patriots" have won 3 of the four superbowls played during the Bush admin?

Give me a break, jmj. Ok?

I may not be a teacher, but I CAN play one on tv.



Straight jackets on sale three flights down last door on the left.



















































slosh...............

Okay, now you're scaring me.......

Hey!!!


Who the fuck typed all that shit above using my username??!!