The American Football Thread

[debaserr]

He's a mini Oden.

[Sparky]

the refs have been hilarious during the preseason. I saw one play they marked a touchback even though they caught the ball 20 yards away from the endzone.

excited to see if a.p takes any snaps on friday

[Thom Yorke]

Just had my draft in a basic fantasy league with 8 guys. I got the first overall pick and took Foster. I was tempted to take one of the big QBs, but Foster is just so far ahead of the other RBs with AP questionable, and there's a lot more elite QBs than RBs.

Starters

QB - Eli Manning (32)
-Not the greatest fantasy QB, but I don't mind using a late 4th round pick on 5,000 yards and a couple Super Bowls.
RB - Arian Foster (1)
- No second guesses here.
RB - Trent Richardson (16)
- Probably my most iffy/worst pick, but he has massive potential.
WR - Larry Fitzgerald (17)
- One of the sure bets to put up great numbers.
WR - A.J. Green (33)
- Massive potential, and very unlikely to fall off from his rookie year
TE - Jermichael Finley (49)
- One of the most talented TEs with one of the most pass-happy teams
RB/WR - Michael Turner (48)
- Terrific value, offsets a lot of the risk with the Richardson pick.
DEF - Detroit Lions (81)
- Got them as the third D off the board, big potential.
K - Stephen Gostkowski (113)
- Had him ranked as one of the top kickers. Pats can put up the points.

Bench

QB - Philip Rivers (65)
- Banking on a rebound, but it's great to have him as a backup.
RB - Doug Martin (80)
- Pure potential pick, I'm betting on him taking the starting job.
RB - Toby Gerhart (112)
- Potential starting RB in the last round, even though I'm not a big fan.
WR - Miles Austin (64)
- Another rebound bid, one of my favourite receivers.
WR - Michael Crabtree (96)
- Big potential if Smith can improve/incorporate him into the offense more.
TE - Jacob Tamme (97)
- Had chemistry with P. Manning before, hoping for the same thing in Denver.

MJD went one pick before mine at the end of the second round so I was pretty pissed. Trent Richardson was one of my more iffy picks, I think.

I couldn't believe I got Turner that low, and thought I got pretty good value for most of my picks.

Overall, I'm happy. I feel like I got a good mix of proven and consistent talent, potential picks, and some good rebound bids.

[Sparky]

never been a miles austin fan but i really believe rivers will have a better year.
Gerhart actually averages 4 yards a carry too, and will probably get better if adrianne comes back healthy.

[Thom Yorke]

Got blown away in fantasy this week... Richardson looks like he could be an awful pick, but at least I got Martin late. At least all of my receivers look good though. Considering starting Rivers over Manning already too.

I'm really impressed with the Bucs. I think if there's one team that makes a big jump this year, it's them.

[Bloozcrooz]

Dont know about fantasy but my Dallas Cowboys looked pretty impressive in their first game. Just hope we can sustain that kind of intensity they showed they are capable of.

[FRED HALE SR.]

Originally Posted by Bloozcrooz

Dont know about fantasy but my Dallas Cowboys looked pretty impressive in their first game. Just hope we can sustain that kind of intensity they showed they are capable of.

The Boys looked good. If Romo can stay consistent and they can keep Murray going they're playoff bound. The defense is an absolute beast of a squad.

[Bloozcrooz]

^^^You said it there. We all know that Romo can look as good as any of the q.b's who are considered "elite". Usually right up till it comes down to a game that really matters..like a playoff game or a game or a must win to get into the playoff's. I heard on ESPN's PTI session though that he's been puttin in the extra work on his off time. Asking questions and looking for suggestions from some of yesterdays icons like Steve Young. Only time will tell but im really impressed so far with him spreading the ball around and being more aware of whats taking place as the plays unfold on the field. He looks focused and yes...with the Murry and Felix tandom along with an unexpected Ogletree stepping up to the plate like a stud. I think if our offensive line can step it up just a little bit we have as good of shot as anyone this year. I just hope that Dez gets his act together and has a break out year all year long. Cause honestly I think he has the most potential of anyone on the offensive side of the ball.
As for the deffense im not sure if Ratliff will be back for Seattle but they looked good without him. Maybe a full pre season and training camp was what was needed for Ryans deffensive scheme to be implemented and take effect. I have to say im excited for the first time in a long time im not holding my breath ever time the other team throws the ball deep on us. Again its still early and even though the Giants were super bowl champs I dont think they are that great of a squad. Lets see what happens when we play Philly cause they killled us both times last year.

[FRED HALE SR.]

Originally Posted by Bloozcrooz

^^^You said it there. We all know that Romo can look as good as any of the q.b's who are considered "elite". Usually right up till it comes down to a game that really matters..like a playoff game or a game or a must win to get into the playoff's. I heard on ESPN's PTI session though that he's been puttin in the extra work on his off time. Asking questions and looking for suggestions from some of yesterdays icons like Steve Young. Only time will tell but im really impressed so far with him spreading the ball around and being more aware of whats taking place as the plays unfold on the field. He looks focused and yes...with the Murry and Felix tandom along with an unexpected Ogletree stepping up to the plate like a stud. I think if our offensive line can step it up just a little bit we have as good of shot as anyone this year. I just hope that Dez gets his act together and has a break out year all year long. Cause honestly I think he has the most potential of anyone on the offensive side of the ball.
As for the deffense im not sure if Ratliff will be back for Seattle but they looked good without him. Maybe a full pre season and training camp was what was needed for Ryans deffensive scheme to be implemented and take effect. I have to say im excited for the first time in a long time im not holding my breath ever time the other team throws the ball deep on us. Again its still early and even though the Giants were super bowl champs I dont think they are that great of a squad. Lets see what happens when we play Philly cause they killled us both times last year.

Romo just needs to keep his head in the game the same problem hes always had. Hes a hell of a qb when he starts spreading the ball as you said. Would be nice to have his favorite target in Witten back at full health, but he looked great in that first game. Dez Bryant has all the makings of a pro bowler, but he has that Romo thing going on with his head at times. If he stays healthy hes good for 1000 yds and 10 tds easy.

I think the Boys are gonna Pound the Beagles this weekend. The Giants have never really impressed me besides their D-LINE, but they have a knack for making the playoffs and then going on a run. Washington might be a darkhorse they bludgeoned the Saints in their game and RG3 is a hell of a wildcard with his ability to stretch the defense and run. You gotta like Dallas's chances after the first game, but its a long season where health and consistency will be the biggest part.

I'm a bolts fan but they looked rather average overall and they let RUN DMC go crazy on them. If they can put up some kind of fight with their run stoppage they might have a chance to squeak in, but i'm not holding my breath.

As it stands I think my preseason pick with my buddies of NE vs SF looks like it might have some merit.

[Bloozcrooz]

Yeah you can never go wrong picking New England long as Brady and Belichick are still there and healthy. As far as San Fran I dont really know. I would like to think my Cowboys would be going but you also have Green Bay in the mix as well. I think The 9'ers have as good of chance as anyone though and all the weapons the need to make it.
To touch on your favorite team "the bolts" and I assume you mean the chargers. I havent really payed that much attention to what they have going on lately. I always assume they will make a late season run and get in the playoff's and be a contender. But I havent heard much as to what the expectations are this year. Not sure if Gates is still with them or Vincent Jackson?