2021-2 NFL Pro Football (pls, no other sports!)

Me, I'd give a slight edge to the Rams, on sheer momentum. With a better OL I'd put my money on Burrow, but the Bengals have not faced a D as physically overwhelming and talented as the Rams have this year. We'll see if Mixon can help offset the pocket breakdowns, however. If you can rush on the Rams, you can win - the Niners haven proven that conclusively.

Super Bowl LVI predictions: Guardian writers’ picks for Rams v Bengals in LA
Will Joe Burrow lead the underdogs to their first-ever Super Bowl title? Or will Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford win it for the hometown team?
London Guardian U.S. 12Feb2022 (Note: staff writers ID’ed by initials)

What the Rams need to do to win …
Play clean. The Rams have the talent advantage. Their defense ranks first in the league in pressure rate, and gets almost all of that with a four-man rush. Putting that up against this flaky Bengals OL? Yikes. Favorites lose Super Bowls by way of bone-headed plays, dodgy time management, or unforced turnovers – typically a cocktail of all three. If the Rams can keep the turnover battle even, they have the defense to take over the game. OC

Jalen Ramsey is one of the few CBs fierce enough to go toe-to-toe with Ja’Marr Chase. The rest of the Rams’ secondary has been less than inspiring. But Darious Williams and company must contain Joe Burrow’s other weapons. Tee Higgins, who would be the top wideout on most other teams, torched the Chiefs in the AFC Championship. MJ

Duh. Attack Burrow. He has dragged his team to the league’s final game despite being sacked 12 times in these playoffs, including nine times in the divisional round against the top-seeded Titans. And while Tennessee boast a fine group of pass rushers, they ain’t got nuthin’ on Aaron Donald, unquestionably the best all-around defensive player of the era; and Von Miller, a speedy, bendy, QB crusher. AL

It’s the duty of this vaunted Rams defense to make Burrow suffer. If the Rams prevent Burrow from getting the ball off in time, there will be an entire offseason for the Bengals to second-guess themselves for drafting Chase over the draft’s leading OT prospect. HF

Keep their eyes off the scoreboard and their foot on the accelerator. Sean McVay needs to stick to his offensive script so Matthew Stafford can use his football intelligence to carve up the Bengals with killer throws. GS

What the Bengals need to do to win …
Hit explosive plays on offense. The Rams’ secondary and linebacking corps is shaky, and that’s where Cincy will look to attack. If Burrow and Co can outpace the Rams in the explosive plays category, while the defense forces the Rams to sustain long, droning drives, they’ll have a shot. OC

Hello, Captain Obvious here … the Bengals must stop Donald, the best player in the NFL. No big deal, right? Cincy’s OL continues to be their weak link and the Rams (starring Donald) will be the unit’s toughest test yet. So far Chase has yet to show there is a corner who can consistently mark him. And even though Ramsey is one of the best, he will have his hands full if the Bengals move Chase around their formations. And if the Cincinnati line gives Burrow time to find him. AL and MJ

Don’t fall behind early. In the AFC championship game, the Bengals held the KC Chiefs to a single field-goal after halftime. That was impressive. They were also down 21-3 in the second quarter. That’s not a repeatable strategy. HF

Stuff the run. Cincinnati’s defense is unfairly maligned: they kept the Chiefs in check better than the Bills, after all. SF stopped LA rushing in the NFC Championship and it almost worked. If the Bengals do stifle Sony Michel and Cam Akers that opens up extra coverage from linebackers to help slow down Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. GS

Key players for the Rams …
Jalen Ramsey, CB. The big question for the Rams is how they will deploy their star CB. It would make sense for LA to double the Bengals’ best receiver, Chase, on the outside and then use Ramsey to take away Burrow’s second option inside. Ramsey has the talent to go one-and-one with Chase, freeing up the rest of the defense to sniff out other offensive threats. OC and HF

Matthew Stafford, QB. After toiling in the football hell otherwise known as Detroit, Stafford was rescued by McVay. He’s clearly an upgrade over Jared Goff but he’s also not a sure thing. He must play clean, especially given the tiny window the Rams have to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. MJ

Odell Beckham Jr, WR. He’s been an offensive X-factor all postseason. At the Super Bowl, he has a chance to deliver his biggest career highlight since his NFT-worthy one-handed catch in 2014. AL

Aaron Donald, DT. Donald will be aiming to destroy the Bengals’ OL but Cincinnati will hopefully be planning how they can mitigate his power. GS

Key player for the Bengals …
Tyler Boyd, WR. So often in the Super Bowl, it comes down to a team’s third receiver. The defense doubles one of the top two guys and finds creative schematic quirks to isolate the other. Chase and Higgins will dominate the attention of the Rams D, and so it will fall on Boyd to be the chain-mover and post-catch creator who helps Burrow to move the ball into scoring range. OC

Jessie Bates, safety. Bates is the best-known member of Cincy’s “no-name” defense for a reason. He’s the one player on the Bengals defense who could force McVay into earlier-than-anticipated adjustments. MJ

CJ Uzomah, TE. While Bengals coach Zac Taylor still has Uzomah as a 50-50 prospect for Sunday, his limited participation in Bengals practices this week is an encouraging sign. Uzomah not only gives Burrow another target to play off of Chase and Higgins, he can chip in on pass protection too. AL

Evan McPherson, kicker. If these playoffs are any indication, everything could come down to a single FG. There’s nobody I’d trust more in that situation than McPherson, the most clutch kicker in the league. HF

Joe Burrow, QB. He never flinches when under pressure while often creating a more explosive play when the defense shuts down the official script. The Rams’ defensive front can be as punishing as they like, Burrow enjoys his medicine. GS

One bold prediction …
A special team’s snafu leads to a score. This year’s postseason has been dominated by special teams mishaps. Both the Rams and Bengals are nestled comfortably in the top-eight of special teams units, but the Football Gods care not for such trivial things. OC

Taylor’s gonna draw up something crazy. And given Cincinnati’s woebegone history, it feels like it will take a little crazy to beat the Rams in their backyard. AL

Joe Mixon rides to the Bengals’ rescue with a Super Bowl and MVP winning performance. Quick passes galore to the back keep the chains moving as Mixon leads Cincinnati in receiving yds and racks up 150+ yds from scrimmage. GS

The final score will be …
Rams 24-27 Bengals. This is tricky. The Rams can score points in chunks and have the kind of defense that could elevate any side to a championship. On the other hand, there is something about this Bengals team that makes you want to ditch any sense of intelligent analysis in favor of picking what’s fun. OC

Rams 35-22 Bengals. I can’t get over the mismatch that is the Rams’ elite defensive front against the Bengals’ below average OL. The Rams also have a huge advantage playing in their hometown. No, not because they have a robust fanbase. But because they have spent the week in their facilities, sticking to their routines. The Bengals, on the other hand, are sleeping in a hotel and dealing with the insane logistics that come with the Super Bowl. MJ

Rams 34-28 Bengals. Despite the Bengals’ team-of-destiny vibes, few teams make it to the top without taking some lumps in the beginning. The Rams have a prime chance to take their city back – and if they flop a second time, there’s no telling if they’ll have another. GM Les Snead mortgaged the team’s future to win right now. If their stars align, I just don’t see how they miss this moment. AL

Rams 24-30 Bengals (OT). The Rams lose without touching the ball in OT, something which finally forces the NFL to change its silly rules. Everyone wins (except, obviously, the Rams). HF

Rams 21-24 Bengals. The pressure is on but who will blink first? The Bengals have been excellent in the clutch and that will shade the Rams’ flashy roster. McVay’s failure from three years ago could also negatively influence his decisions. Burrow grinds against the odds to set McPherson up and McFearless drills the game-winner home. Who dey think gonna beat them Bengals? Nobody … finally! GS
 

Bengals will put two offensive linemen on Donald AND a running back; in addition Burrows will roll to whatever side Donald is playing on
so Joe will know exactly where he is. Also, this will give the other Monster LA defensive line more space they will have to cover to get to Joe.
Joe will get 21 points, but that may not be enough.

The Bengal's secondary is not as bad as the press says it is, but it is still an uphill battle.

A high scoring team (with a defense that is suspect) like the Bengals should not be able to withstand the battering the Rams will give them for four quarters.
However, it is asking a lot of a defensive club to play at their maximum for four quarters. Look for Burrows to start scoring in
the fourth quarter.

Once again, the burden is with Mr. Stafford, if he has a good game=Rams win, if he does not-Bengals win.
 
I'm a fan of Joe Burrow, and really enjoyed his game at LSU ..... but think he's in a difficult situation against the Rams.
Just seems like things are stacked against him for this game. But go Bengals!

But on the other hand, if the Rams buy into all the hype .... it might be a bad omen for them, and bring on overconfidence.


iu
 

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Like I said before I know practically nothing about the game of football. My son is coming over and bringing food and we will watch it together. That makes for a good day for me because I will not have to cook food for myself. Go whatever team and score a home run. 🤣
 
so how come a game with four penalties, 2 on each side for three quarters (i think) then the Bengals get three penalties against them in the Ram's last drive? in the last two minutes?
 
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Maybe he has still got 'it', maybe he don't-but it is something to kick around until the 2022 season starts.

The LA front four is scary, better that the 'Steel Curtain,'-seeking arguments to keep thread going.
 
The Cleveland Browns give up oodles of draft choices for Houston's quarterback Watson.
Three first round draft picks and others.
Watson is going to receive 230 million:cautious: guaranteed!
The NFL with their multi-millionaries-it is really getting werid.

Now, what are the Cleveland Browns going to do with their quarterback-Baker Mayfield, who is a pretty good quarterback?

Oponion, this is a bad trade...
 
jerry old said:
The Cleveland Browns give up oodles of draft choices for Houston's quarterback Watson.
Three first round draft picks and others.
Watson is going to receive 230 million:cautious: guaranteed!
The NFL with their multi-millionaries-it is really getting werid.

Now, what are the Cleveland Browns going to do with their quarterback-Baker Mayfield, who is a pretty good quarterback?

Oponion, this is a bad trade...
Click to expand...

Yeah ... it was all over the local (Houston) news last night. Watson still hasn't been cleared of all his charges yet - the civil suits.
Don't know how this will all play out, but I know that I will be watching.

Pittsburgh was thought to make a grab for Watson, since they are in need, but Cleveland beat them to it.
 
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Some interesting trades for this coming season.
Gives me something to do in the off-season, keeping up.
Enjoyed watching the Combine and ready for the Draft to begin.
 
Bonnie reminded us of Watson involvement with the law; apparently, in order to NOW play in the NFL you have to be
a criminal, or at least have several civil cases pending.

I have to close, I'm writing a letter to Watson-asking if he needs a new yard man when he moves to Cleveland. 😟 😔
 
jerry old said:
Bonnie reminded us of Watson involvement with the law; apparently, in order to NOW play in the NFL you have to be
a criminal, or at least have several civil cases pending.

I have to close, I'm writing a letter to Watson-asking if he needs a new yard man when he moves to Cleveland. 😟 😔
Click to expand...

Is their young QB Mills, actually expected to be the starter for Houston?

I have honestly been curious about that; Plus, Jerry,
if so, then you could ask him if he needs some yard help. :LOL:
 
Kaila said:
Is their young QB Mills, actually expected to be the starter for Houston?

I have honestly been curious about that; Plus, Jerry,
if so, then you could ask him if he needs some yard help. :LOL:
Click to expand...

Don't know where Cleveland would be picking in the draft this year, but Houston will get their 1st pick, so guessing it will be a QB.

Checked -- Cleveland had the No. 13 first round pick, and Houston already had the 3rd pick.
So they have a chance to get two great players in the first round if they don't blow it.
 
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jerry old said:
But, but, but Bonnie
Houston's history of 'Blowing it' has become chronic.
Their goofy owner, coaches...They've had good players, but their staff appears weird, just weird
Click to expand...


Do you have to remind me Jerry ⁉️

At present it seems daunting, true, but I'm trying to imagine that miracles can happen.

Maybe they will hire someone who knows something about the draft process, and what football talent looks like .... Who knows!
If they mess up this golden opportunity this year, they might as well sell the team. They've been given enough chances.
 
The first wave of free agency has passed. Still to come are the draft selections and then the UDFAs and of course, more trades, LOL. Here's one sportswriter's opinion on the best/worst so far:

5 Winners (and Losers) from the start of NFL Free Agency
MSN Sports by Robert Zeglinsky 19Mar2022
Pt 1 of 2
(Note from Lethe: I rearranged this into the two separate categories [RZ had them alternating], since I had to split the article into two posts anyway - makes for easier reading)

Usually, a Super Bowl contender isn’t built by spending and bringing in every superstar imaginable. At the risk of sounding like an old man yelling at a cloud, championship teams used to focus on homegrown talent. What’s with all the spending? Dagnabbit, it ain’t right!

But something appears to be in the NFL water lately. I don’t know if it’s inspired by the Rams’ recent all-in bid being successful, but it does make for more fun across the league. Who knew that when one team tried to push in all their chips, everyone else would jump into the fray as if pro football was some sort of Royal Rumble.

By that same token, many teams who could’ve turned their card green to spend, spend, spend are probably kicking themselves now. Competitive windows don’t last forever. Waste your chance at one and it might be a long time before another opens.

With the significant waves of this year’s free-agent period behind us, here’s how I see the major winners and losers as the dust settles.

WINNERS:

Winner: Buffalo Bills
Notable acquisitions:
Edge, Von Miller
TE, O.J. Howard
Edge, Jordan Phillips
G, Rodger Saffold

Notable departures:
WR, Cole Beasley
CB, Levi Wallace

The Bills could have done absolutely nothing during free agency. They could’ve sat on their hands and avoided every last phone call and text, like you and I sometimes do. And they would’ve still come out shining. The group that fell to Kansas City in last year’s playoffs could’ve run it back and won it all next year. Josh Allen is that good and that unstoppable. No question.

Instead, they captured the league’s top insurance policy: Von Miller. Signing Miller alone makes their free-agent period a win. Bringing back Jordan Phillips and getting another big-bodied tight end like O.J. Howard makes the NFL’s best team a seemingly invincible juggernaut.

The Bills aren’t messing around. They’re ready to win the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl, and they’ll maximize every opening to make it a possibility. Kudos to them. The stacked AFC should beware of a coming bison stampede.

Winner: Denver Broncos
Notable acquisitions:
QB, Russell Wilson (via trade)
Edge, Randy Gregory

Notable departures:
QB, Teddy Bridgewater
QB, Drew Lock

After a few years of quarterback Purgatory, the Broncos couldn't afford to go another season without a legitimate game-changing quarterback. Denver would've been doing a disservice to a contending roster on paper if it didn't pull out all the stops. It's hard to do better in this department than acquiring a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback like Russell Wilson. Wilson, 33, gives the Broncos instant credibility as a power player in a stacked AFC. The pass rush prowess of Randy Gregory opposite Bradley Chubb is a delightful cherry on top.

Winner: Las Vegas Raiders
Notable acquisitions:
Edge, Chandler Jones
WR, Davante Adams (via trade)

Notable departures:
Edge, Yannick Ngakoue (via trade)

Many were befuddled by the Raiders ‘ approach after the off-seasons that the Chargers and Broncos were having. When your divisional rivals are making big bets for the near future, you can’t afford to sit on the sideline. Inaction is inertia and is a failure.

Boy, do those criticisms feel silly now. The accomplished Chandler Jones will give Las Vegas one of football’s better pass rush duos alongside Maxx Crosby. And Adams helps form an almost unprecedented offensive receiving Cerberus with Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow. That’s a trio that presents a matchup problem for every NFL defense. I’m not sure how dangerous the Raiders are yet, because chemistry takes time to develop, but it’s clear Josh McDaniels doesn’t want to take any time messing around.

Winner: Los Angeles Chargers
Notable acquisitions:
CB, J.C. Jackson
Edge, Khalil Mack (via trade)
WR, Mike Williams (re-signed)

Notable departures:
Edge, Uchenna Nwosu
OT, Bryan Bulaga

Speaking of loading up, the Chargers clearly want to see their talisman, Justin Herbert, flourish as much as he can. L.A. had multiple Brinks trucks of cap space and cash ready to spend on a roster stuck in neutral, and they did not disappoint. J.C. Jackson is a top-five corner. Khalil Mack, 30, still has a lot of wrecking ball left in him and should comprise a fantastic pass rush duo with Joey Bosa. And Mike Williams, well, let’s just say he’s a toy for Herbert that the Chargers could ill-afford to live without.

The Chargers have one of the league’s top young quarterbacks and an ideal supporting cast on both sides of the ball. They may have broken the bank over the past couple of weeks, but something tells me they won’t care about their account balance a year from now. That’s a bill past due for Future Chargers to worry about.

Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notable acquisitions:
QB, Tom Brady (came out of retirement)
G, Shaq Mason (via trade)
CB, Carlton Davis (re-signed)
C, Ryan Jensen (re-signed)
WR, Chris Godwin (re-signed)
WR, Russell Gage

Notable departures:
G, Alex Cappa (retirement)
TE, O.J. Howard

Hey, did you know Tom Brady came out of a short-lived retirement? You did? That’s a shame. Let me remind you again anyway!

Tom Brady came out of retirement, and he brought the Buccaneers’ band back together. Brady, 45, definitely couldn’t stay away from a weak NFC and an even weaker NFC South. Plus, with his return, most of Tampa Bay’s significant contributors are now on their way back (sans Rob Gronkowski, but we know how that likely ends). How could you possibly decline when you have a chance to cruise to Ring No. 8?

The Buccaneers win this off-season simply by keeping their operation together. They have Brady to thank for that blessing.
 
5 Winners (and Losers) from the start of NFL Free Agency
MSN Sports by Robert Zeglinsky 19Mar2022
Pt 2 of 2

LOSERS

Loser: Green Bay Packers
Notable acquisitions:
QB, Aaron Rodgers (re-signed)
LB, De’Vondre Campbell (re-signed)
CB, Rasul Douglas (re-signed)

Notable departures:
Davante Adams

By the time next year’s playoffs start, Aaron Rodgers will be 39. The Packers will be primed for a Super Bowl run, fresh off their likely latest NFC North division title. Or so they say. We might have different definitions of “primed.”

After Rodgers stole the treasure from the Temple of Doom on Lombardi Ave, it was always a dicey prospect keeping both him and Davante Adams. And in trading him, the Packers did an admirable job recouping some decent assets from Las Vegas. Still, I can never vouch for dealing an All-Pro receiver in his prime when your quarterback is almost 40. Green Bay might replace Adams well with their war chest of draft picks, but that’s no guarantee.

The Packers’ offense ran through Adams over the last three years. As great as Rodgers is, they have to effectively start over in the middle of a competitive, closing, window. An unnecessary risk for a team where money should be no object until Rodgers retires.

Loser: Indianapolis Colts
Notable acquisitions:
Edge, Yannick Ngakoue (via trade)
TE, Mo Alie-Cox (re-signed)

Notable departures:
CB, Rock Ya-Sin (via trade)

The Colts might have rid themselves of the dead weight of Carson Wentz, but that does not mean they have a coherent plan. It’s fair to wonder whether Indianapolis and Chris Ballard have any aims on, you know, winning. Arguably no one has done a better job of managing the Colts’ roster assets and salary cap than Ballard since he took over as GM. And arguably, no one has done so little with so much flexibility since Ballard took over as GM.

What’s the point of leaving yourself salary cap breathing room if you never use it to sand over your team’s holes? No one’s handing out trophies for the salary cap champion. You don’t get extra brownie points for winning while having almost $40 million in unspent money. Those dollars could’ve perhaps gone to a quarterback, which Ballard has yet to address in a meaningful fashion since Andrew Luck retired four years ago.

You have to take a deep breath and plunge into the pool at a certain point. Ballard’s Colts seem willing to do anything but get their clothes wet

Loser: Jacksonville Jaguars
Notable acquisitions:
WR, Christian Kirk
WR, Zay Jones
TE, Evan Engram
CB, Darious Williams

Notable departures:
G, Andrew Norwell
WR, D.J. Chark Jr.

The Jaguars already learned about the danger of retaining GM Trent Baalke. When Byron Leftwich refused to coach them because of the embattled GM’s presence, that should’ve been a blaring red alarm for everyone in Duval County to cut their losses. Instead, Baalke stayed on, hired Doug Pederson, and continues to dig his claws in deeper in Jacksonville.

We know the Jaguars have one of the best quarterback prospects ever in Trevor Lawrence. We know they have to support him. I don’t think anyone considered that Baalke and Co. would do it by overpaying for a bunch of uninspiring middle-tier receivers. If Lawrence is good, I suppose it doesn’t matter what his supporting cast resembles. But man, I don’t feel great about the Jaguars unnecessarily tying themselves to a receiving corps that Lawrence is 99 percent likely going to have to elevate by himself. Young quarterbacks need more help than that low bar, no matter how gifted.

This over-aggressive “buy anything” approach was not advisable, and Lawrence still deserves a competent general manager. Maybe someday soon, after the Jaguars dig out of salary cap hell for No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, he gets one.

Loser: Kansas City Chiefs
Notable acquisitions:
S, Justin Reid
WR, JuJu Smith-Schuster

Notable departures:
S, Tyrann Mathieu

I may be a lot of things, but I’m not stupid. While I would never outright bet against Pat Mahomes unleashing a red and yellow tsunami as he pleases, I can’t help but feel underwhelmed by the Chiefs’ free agency. And the worst part for Kansas City is they essentially had no choice.

Their first competitive window with Mahomes is reaching its fateful conclusion. They’re a bit cap-strapped and have to start making difficult decisions, like letting former All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu walk away. The Chiefs aren’t in a place where they can spend willy nilly and fix their issues in one fell swoop. Last year, they already achieved that when they repaired an offensive line that failed them in Super Bowl 55.

But that lack of flexibility hurts a heck of a lot more when everyone else can piece together All-Star teams. It’s even worse when three of those All-Star squads — the Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers — are in your division, and you have to play them twice a year. Everyone else got a lot stronger while the Chiefs more or less stayed … the same? I’ll tell you, it doesn’t look any better in text.

As long as Mahomes is slinging the ball around, you’d be foolish to count the Chiefs out. Still, 2022 might be the first time you’d at least consider them a sizable underdog now and then. The Bills, for one, deserve the belt first. I can’t help but feel that AFC title game defeat to the Bengals will sting for a long time.

Loser: New England Patriots
Notable acquisitions:
RB, Ty Montgomery

Notable departures:
CB, J.C. Jackson
G, Shaq Mason (via trade)

Look, Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Heck, he’s one of the greatest coaches in any sport and any league, ever. Bar none.

That said, I have to question what looks like a small-scale rebuild for a coach who will be 70 in April. Could the Patriots not afford $16.5 million per year for a 26-year-old elite corner like J.C. Jackson? That’s pennies for a guy with 22 picks in the last three years. And I know Belichick might have a secret soft spot for Tom Brady, but I fail to see how trading a top and affordable guard like Shaq Mason — who is still only 28 — helps Mac Jones in the near term. Is a fifth-round pick for a player in his physical prime that valuable?

Maybe Belichick saw the rest of the AFC and decided to let the Patriots bide their time for a little while. It won’t help Jones, and it won’t help a roster that New England spent $163 million on last year. I can’t say I agree with such rationale. I guess I underestimated how much Belichick was willing to turtle at this stage of his football career.
 
I goggled Cowboys. there under the cap, but you know jerry jones is a professional liar (but he's good at it).
They let their best, and only seasoned, wide receiver slip away of salary dispute.
Their quarterback is a good qb, but i just don't see him winning playoff games.

NFL gossip, Baker Mayfield is headed for colts
Belichick remains a mystery, but he enjoys the guessing game.
 

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