The 2011-12 U.S. Sports Thread

[RodgersThat]

Randy Moss ...

A first ballot Hall of Fame player to me despite his off-field issues. A player so dominant in his position that the GB Packers drafted THREE CB's the season after he made his debut in the NFL and utterly destroyed teams as part of the second highest scoring NFL team in history - the incredibly prolific Minnesota offense led by QB Randall Cunningham, RB Robert Smith, and WR's Cris Carter, Randy Moss & Jake Reed. He forced teams to play a lot more cover 2 - deeper lying safeties to try and cut off the "home run" plays that Moss was killing teams with, forcing teams to concede shorter pass 13-15 yd plays to his teammates or Moss himself.

Not surprisingly, Moss was also part of the highest scoring team in NFL history, the "perfect season" Patriots of the 2007-2008 season.

He was a tremendous athlete with a huge 39" vertical leap and he played football, basketball, baseball and track in HS.

Even though Jerry Rice was the best WR I'd ever seen in person (was in the old Cowboys stadium when he torched the Dallas secondary for an 81 yd TD back in 95), he relied on his precise route running, intelligence and deceptive acceleration to dominate the NFL. Moss was a freak of nature - a devastating combination of size, speed, good hands and positional awareness.

The only issue might be that HoF voters might punish him for a couple of transgressions and controversies and make him sweat a year or two before they vote him in.

[-CADS-]

Randy Moss ...

A first ballot Hall of Fame player to me despite his off-field issues. A player so dominant in his position that the GB Packers drafted THREE CB's the season after he made his debut in the NFL and utterly destroyed teams as part of the second highest scoring NFL team in history - the incredibly prolific Minnesota offense led by QB Randall Cunningham, RB Robert Smith, and WR's Cris Carter, Randy Moss & Jake Reed. He forced teams to play a lot more cover 2 - deeper lying safeties to try and cut off the "home run" plays that Moss was killing teams with, forcing teams to concede shorter pass 13-15 yd plays to his teammates or Moss himself.

Not surprisingly, Moss was also part of the highest scoring team in NFL history, the "perfect season" Patriots of the 2007-2008 season.

He was a tremendous athlete with a huge 39" vertical leap and he played football, basketball, baseball and track in HS.

Even though Jerry Rice was the best WR I'd ever seen in person (was in the old Cowboys stadium when he torched the Dallas secondary for an 81 yd TD back in 95), he relied on his precise route running, intelligence and deceptive acceleration to dominate the NFL. Moss was a freak of nature - a devastating combination of size, speed, good hands and positional awareness.

The only issue might be that HoF voters might punish him for a couple of transgressions and controversies and make him sweat a year or two before they vote him in.

There's no doubt he's an all time great. His career stats and records:

• 954 receptions - Tied 8th all time
• 14,858 receiving yards - 5th all time
• 153 receiving Touchdowns - Tied 2nd all time
• 64 100-yard games - 2nd all time
• 29 Touchdowns of at least 50 yards - 2nd all time
• Owns the league’s single-season record for receiving touchdowns with 23 in 2007.
• Has the single-season rookie record for receiving TD, 17 in 1998.
• Moss, Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens are the only players to rank in the top five in NFL history in receiving yards, touchdown receptions and 100-yard games

Just a shame he doesn't have a Superbowl ring to go with all those numbers.

[Starblind]

We now have a thread icon

[-CADS-]

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Praise the Lord!

[lfcstlouis]

There's no doubt he's an all time great. His career stats and records:

• 954 receptions - Tied 8th all time
• 14,858 receiving yards - 5th all time
• 153 receiving Touchdowns - Tied 2nd all time
• 64 100-yard games - 2nd all time
• 29 Touchdowns of at least 50 yards - 2nd all time
• Owns the league’s single-season record for receiving touchdowns with 23 in 2007.
• Has the single-season rookie record for receiving TD, 17 in 1998.
• Moss, Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens are the only players to rank in the top five in NFL history in receiving yards, touchdown receptions and 100-yard games

Just a shame he doesn't have a Superbowl ring to go with all those numbers.

It's interesting to see the stats like that. I don't think I've ever seen them all laid out like that. Seems pretty impressive. The one thing that stands out for me the most when I think of Moss is his lack of effort for the entire game. I remember him hold his mouth gaurd on running plays, or if the ball wasn't going to come to him.

Still a very impressive resume and defo a 1st ballot HOF'er.

[StiflerLFC]

How are Minnesota Vikings shaping up? Was a big fan of them with Favre as QB. They in line to do well?

Will need to do a bit of research on the Chiefs too

[RodgersThat]

There's no doubt he's an all time great. His career stats and records:

• 954 receptions - Tied 8th all time
• 14,858 receiving yards - 5th all time
• 153 receiving Touchdowns - Tied 2nd all time
• 64 100-yard games - 2nd all time
• 29 Touchdowns of at least 50 yards - 2nd all time
• Owns the league’s single-season record for receiving touchdowns with 23 in 2007.
• Has the single-season rookie record for receiving TD, 17 in 1998.
• Moss, Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens are the only players to rank in the top five in NFL history in receiving yards, touchdown receptions and 100-yard games

Just a shame he doesn't have a Superbowl ring to go with all those numbers.

CADS ...thanks for adding in the stats. Truly they are monumental stats and if Michael Irvin made it to the Hall with far less stellar statistics, Cris Carter, Tim Brown, Andre Reed AND Moss have to make the Hall.

[lfcstlouis]

How are Minnesota Vikings shaping up? Was a big fan of them with Favre as QB. They in line to do well?

Will need to do a bit of research on the Chiefs too

Adrian Peterson will still be my first pick in my fantasy league, otherwise, they could be good. Picked up McNabb at QB, so they might have a decent season.

Chiefs are feast or famine, so who knows.

[RodgersThat]

How are Minnesota Vikings shaping up? Was a big fan of them with Favre as QB. They in line to do well?

Will need to do a bit of research on the Chiefs too

Stifler ... Vikings are in training camp in Mankato, MN as of Monday. Unfortunately I don't think it will be a stellar season for the Vikings. Lots of changes in offense and I for one am not very confident that signing an ageing McNabb (now the likely starter) was the right move. This year's first round draft pick, QB Christian Ponder is now likely to be his backup. There are also concerns with Minnesota's receiving corps following Sidney Rice's shock departure. Michael Jenkins joined from Atlanta but I just don't see him as the answer. Bernard Berrian has shown too many lapses in concentration over the years to elicit much confidence.

But Minnesota still has Adrian Peterson and has addressed a big concern on the O-line by signing free agent tackle Charlie Johnson from Indy. Their top 10 defense from 2010-2011 remains mostly intact with Pat Williams leaving but he's 38 now and its probably for the best. Antoine Winfield remains solid at LCB but Cedric Griffin (a Texas ex) is a big question mark at RCB.

Newly signed veterans can't join in the practices until Thursday when the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is expected to be ratified.

[RodgersThat]

Adrian Peterson will still be my first pick in my fantasy league, otherwise, they could be good. Picked up McNabb at QB, so they might have a decent season.

Chiefs are feast or famine, so who knows.

Peterson is def Top 5 still but McNabb .. I'm not so sure. Hope McNabb was a late round pickup ?

My team's FFL draft is still 3 weeks out so lots to keep up with.
Haven't won my league in 7 yrs now so its time to break the drought

KC has some solid FF picks in Dwayne Bowe and Cassel. But I agree - with them its always feast or famine !

[lfcstlouis]

Peterson is def Top 5 still but McNabb .. I'm not so sure. Hope McNabb was a late round pickup ?

My team's FFL draft is still 3 weeks out so lots to keep up with.
Haven't won my league in 7 yrs now so its time to break the drought

KC has some solid FF picks in Dwayne Bowe and Cassel. But I agree - with them its always feast or famine !

Oh God no on McNabb, I meant the Vikings picked them up. After rereading it does appear a bit jumbled. Yeah, our draft is still 2 weeks out and I haven't done any of the homework for it. I won it 3 years ago, then last place (after a whole year of bragging) and then came in 3rd last year.

If you haven't seen the show The League, highly recommend for any fantasy sports fan.

[riacan]

I am moving to Pittsburgh next week to work for the Steelers and will be completely wrapped in the NFL next season.

Can't wait

[-CADS-]

I am moving to Pittsburgh next week to work for the Steelers and will be completely wrapped in the NFL next season.

Can't wait

Good luck.

I've always liked the Steelers myself.

[lfcstlouis]

I am moving to Pittsburgh next week to work for the Steelers and will be completely wrapped in the NFL next season.

Can't wait

Can you spare a few tickets on the 50 for me? I hear there are plenty of open seats there. I guess Pitts not much of a Football town.

[Starblind]

I am moving to Pittsburgh next week to work for the Steelers and will be completely wrapped in the NFL next season.

Can't wait

Awesome mate. Did you have a post about this a while back, or do I have you confused for someone else? (quite possible!)

[RodgersThat]

I am moving to Pittsburgh next week to work for the Steelers and will be completely wrapped in the NFL next season.

Can't wait

Seriously, you can't go wrong being a Pittsburgh fan but there are few sporting symbols more obnoxious than a puke yellow "terrible towel". Then again, it might just be pure jealousy considering their incredible success in the 2000's.


Personally am a Dallas Cowboys guy but that just means I'm just a glutton for seemingly interminable waits between league titles (21 for LFC and now 15 for Dallas!!)

[BostonFans]

Seriously, you can't go wrong being a Pittsburgh fan but there are few sporting symbols more obnoxious than a puke yellow "terrible towel". Then again, it might just be pure jealousy considering their incredible success in the 2000's.


Personally am a Dallas Cowboys guy but that just means I'm just a glutton for seemingly interminable waits between league titles (21 for LFC and now 15 for Dallas!!)

What do you think of Jason Garrett? I like what he's done so far, seems to be working on establishing himself as the man in charge, whereas Wade Phillips seemed to have no control over their egos. Too much of an old, sleepy grandfather type.

I'm a Packers fan myself, so I'm coming into this season flying

[riacan]

Good luck.

I've always liked the Steelers myself.

Cheers mate

Can you spare a few tickets on the 50 for me? I hear there are plenty of open seats there. I guess Pitts not much of a Football town.

Hahaha you're kidding football is religion in Pittsburgh. They have sold out every single home game since 1973 and have a 15 year waiting list for tickets.

However, I will be pitch side for every game

Awesome mate. Did you have a post about this a while back, or do I have you confused for someone else? (quite possible!)

Cheers dude, yeah I created a thread a while ago talking about the scholarship I got, so yeah that was me

Had my interview with consulate today and fly out next week, can't wait!

Seriously, you can't go wrong being a Pittsburgh fan but there are few sporting symbols more obnoxious than a puke yellow "terrible towel". Then again, it might just be pure jealousy considering their incredible success in the 2000's.


Personally am a Dallas Cowboys guy but that just means I'm just a glutton for seemingly interminable waits between league titles (21 for LFC and now 15 for Dallas!!)

The terrible towel does a lot for charity so it can' be that bad, I even have one written in Irish

We did incredibly well in 2000's hopefully we'll make the super bowl again this season.

Thank **** there is gonna be a season!

[Starblind]

Cheers dude, yeah I created a thread a while ago talking about the scholarship I got, so yeah that was me

Had my interview with consulate today and fly out next week, can't wait!

Good for you mate, sounds like an amazing experience

I look forward to some "insider input" into this thread

[RodgersThat]

What do you think of Jason Garrett? I like what he's done so far, seems to be working on establishing himself as the man in charge, whereas Wade Phillips seemed to have no control over their egos. Too much of an old, sleepy grandfather type.

I'm a Packers fan myself, so I'm coming into this season flying

Have to agree that Garrett was a 100X improvement on grandpa Wade Phillips. Personally I strongly disliked Phillip's coaching style and it started many years before he came to Dallas. Most people in Dallas forget or chose to ignore the fact that Phillips was the "genius" who benched an on-form Doug Flutie in a critical AFC Wildcard game that became legend as the Music City Miracle when the Tennessee Titans scored on the final kickoff. Flutie had led the Bills to a fantastic run but was again "shorted" out of a golden opportunity to take the Bills further that season. And to be benched for Rob Johnson ?? Yeah, smooth move Wade.

Its a crying shame that Jerry Jones stuck it out with Phillips while he had a roster that was stocked and ready for a strong run in the NFC but coaching is everything in the NFL and Phillips never really was the guy who would take us to the promised land.

Garrett was always one of the smartest Cowboys players back in the old Jimmy Johnson/Barry Switzer/Chan Gailey days. Several years ago he was called an offensive genius and Jerry Jones was lauded for keeping him as a "head coach in waiting". I don't know what the deal was last season but his offensive schemes seemed stale and predictable and the Cowboys offense was moribund. Then suddenly everything was fresh again after Phillips was fired. Hmmm ....

The NFC East is a the beast of the NFC again and with Philly looking Super, the Cowboys are staring at a Wild Card spot at best. At least Romo's finally settled and ready to go if rumors of him leading off-season workouts and practices are true. Then again, like LFC, us Cowboys fans have seen too many false dawns so I'll believe it when I truly see it.

You Packers and Steelers fans .. laugh it up ... misery loves company but I think I'll have to commiserate with Bengals or Bills fans at this point.

[RodgersThat]

I am moving to Pittsburgh next week to work for the Steelers and will be completely wrapped in the NFL next season.

Can't wait

Dont get me wrong - I may rib about the Terrible towel and your success but one can't help but admire Pittsburgh and the Green Bay Packers. A history and tradition of winning and owners and management who did it right.

One thing that the Rooney's brought to the NFL that I will forever admire beyond their Super Bowl wins and a winning tradition is the notion of fairness in hiring. The Rooney Rule is the best decision the NFL has ever made about encouraging minorities to seek (and successfully land) head coaching positions in the NFL. And its only divine justice that Pitt was the first team to directly benefit from that astute and wise decision - Tomlin is an absolutely amazing coach and I have oodles of respect for him and Pittsburgh.

Riacan mate ... congrats on the gig. You will be our AFC North Insider then !

[BostonFans]

Garrett was always one of the smartest Cowboys players back in the old Jimmy Johnson/Barry Switzer/Chan Gailey days.

This is huge for me. Not only have I read about how intelligent Garrett was as a back-up quarterback (a real student of the game), but he's also a link back to a time when the Cowboys were the most feared, bad-ass team in the league. Yesterday, I read that Garrett stripped all of the stars off of the rookie's helmets, and they must be earned in practice. That's ******* brilliant coaching right there.

Everyone's drooling about the Eagles, but they're a Mike Vick scramble away from Vince Young taking the reins

The Giants are spent, losing their best player (Osi) and got played by Plaxico Burress. The Redskins are just a mess in general. I wouldn't sleep on the Cowboys this year, especially if they get Lofa Tatupu in the middle of their linebacking corps.

[Starblind]

Everyone's drooling about the Eagles, but they're a Mike Vick scramble away from Vince Young taking the reins

Oi - leave my Eagles alone!

In fairness, I'll say exactly what I said last year. We'll look good for two-thirds of the regular season then either just miss the playoffs or choke early on during them. So predictable

[BostonFans]

Oi - leave my Eagles alone!

In fairness, I'll say exactly what I said last year. We'll look good for two-thirds of the regular season then either just miss the playoffs or choke early on during them. So predictable

Being honest, I'm just trying to find a way to make myself not terrified of the Eagles. You've catered your defense to shut down the Packers' passing attack with three premier corners.

Might your late season travails be caused by a certain walrus-ian figure on the sidelines who has difficulty with clock management and challenges flags?

[RodgersThat]

Might your late season travails be caused by a certain walrus-ian figure on the sidelines who has difficulty with clock management and challenges flags?

^^ This.

In this era of parity every team is in the same boat of course. Jon Kitna isn't exactly an inspiring backup to Romo.

I will say this (and not because we have a common alma mater ) but VY is not a bad backup to Vick because in terms of game planning, he can pull off most of the mobile QB plays that Vick can although Vick has also significantly improved his pocket presence and passing last season. I think VY will benefit greatly in a West-Coast style offense under Marty Mornhinweg and QB coach Doug Pedersen.

[lfcstlouis]

Oi - leave my Eagles alone!

In fairness, I'll say exactly what I said last year. We'll look good for two-thirds of the regular season then either just miss the playoffs or choke early on during them. So predictable

Could be worse, you might just shoot yourself in the leg this year like the Jets..... oh wait.

[Starblind]

Might your late season travails be caused by a certain walrus-ian figure on the sidelines who has difficulty with clock management and challenges flags?

Could do

I've said it before, but this could be a big season for him. Especially now the main problem (the D) has been addressed and we're expected to do big things.

The other thing that infuriated me last season was a lack of TDs being scored when in the red zone. Too often we had to settle for a FG but because we were a relatively high-scoring team anyway this didn't seem to get highlighted too often.

[BostonFans]

The other thing that infuriated me last season was a lack of TDs being scored when in the red zone. Too often we had to settle for a FG but because we were a relatively high-scoring team anyway this didn't seem to get highlighted too often.

Donald Lee will help with that. Massively.

[Starblind]

Donald Lee will help with that. Massively.

Probably but I'm sure we'll find a way to screw something up


Off-topic: You based in Boston, perchance?

[BostonFans]

Probably but I'm sure we'll find a way to screw something up


Off-topic: You based in Boston, perchance?

Yup, based in Boston. Although I have a hearty distaste for just about every single Boston sports teams. Barring the New England Revolution, can't dislike a team coached by Steve Nicol.