Thetownend.com

Anyone a fan of the NFL on here?

What's your predictions for the Conference Championships?

Patriots and giants for me. Then patriots to beat giants in the superbowl.

My team are the eagles. Awful year for us after it started with such high hopes.

Giants to win it.

I reckon Patriots 49ers in the Superbowl.. Think Patriots may take it. And don't feel too bad about the Eagles season, I'm a Rams fan and I've had nothing to shout about for a good couple of years now..

I predict I'll fall asleep!

- Patriots coming good at the right time again (although Denver made them look better than they are) will be too much for the Ravens (who are always inconsistent)
- 49ers (beating the Saints was a phenomenal achievement) to overwhelm Giants (who make too many mistakes when under pressure)

Patriots to win Superbowl unfortunately.

Really hoping for a Ravens 49ers Superbowl...

Take my advise chaps,the Giants will walk the Superbowl,they beat Green Bay on Auto pilot.

This.....but can't see it...with the Ravens winning (Hated 49ers since days of Joe Montana)

I'll buy that.  Sadly I agree entirely with your post.

Mind you I thought the Saints or Packers would win the whole thing...so what the chuff do I know.

But only because Green Bay kept dropping the ball with no pressure from the Giants D.

Even the Denver Donkeys or the Bungles would have won with the Cheeseheads playing like they did!

I was going for the Saints.

Momentum always seems to be the thing with NFL teams - Pats have it as do 49ers.

I thought GB had it from like week 8.. I was shocked they dropped a game against the Chiefs.

I think part of that was due to the Packers effectivley having 2 weeks off having rested starters in week 17, their Defence wasnt reading plays and Rogers' timing to his wide-outs was well out of sync.  In saying that Giants are on fire and would have beaten anyone last week anyway.

Giants will do the Niners.  Alex Smith will get killed by the Giants D-line, they wont score more than 20 and the Giants can put up big numbers on anyone right now.

Pats will do the Ravens.  Brady, Gronkowski, enough said.

Giants/Pats Superbowl will be a toss-up, mainly depending on whether Giants can keep the hot streak going, a 2 week break wont help.  Brady will just lead Pats to victory confirming his status as the best QB of the current century.

My only hope is that the Patriots haven't won the superbowl since spygate...I hope that stays the same.

Well I predicted a Saints v Packers NFC Championship game so that shows what I know. Although in fairness I don't think I was on my own there. I suppose the moral of the story is that it doesn't matter how good you were during the regular season as for me the Packers and Saints were the best two teams in the NFL let alone the NFC.

It all starts again from scratch when the play offs start.

As Leefer said, I would not put it past the Giants, who have been consistently inconsistent all season, to win the whole thing.

Unlike certain bitter Jets fans, ;) I hope the Patriots win it though. Could easily be a rematch of the '08 Superbowl.

I'm a Pats fan so hope they'll win it.

Ahem....the Bengals (note correct spelling) are on the up mate. Andy Dalton, A J Green, two first round draft picks...need I go on? :hmmm:

Agree, both way ahead of everyone else.

Packers just came up against the wrong team/wrong time and the Saints were in trouble the second they stepped out of dome.  If that Saints/Niners game had of been in New Orleans it would have been a blowout.

Both games are very interesting.

In the AFC, it's another offense vs defense battle.
The Patriots defense it poor, if I remember the only team with a worse defense this year was the Packers (and we know what happened to them), but their offense is amongst the best in the league. Whereas the Ravens are a mirror image, a strong defense but a pretty poor offensive team.

In the NFC, it's defense all the way. Neither QB is very good when under pressure, and you can be sure that they will both be under pressure in this game. There are two things that make me lean towards  the 49ers, the fact that they have home field advantage & Frank Gore.


I have a feeling it will be the Patriots v 49ers, and hope that in the Superbowl that the 49ers can get pressure on Brady, because that's the key to beating the Patriots.

As we saw from the Superbowl in 2007, Brady doesn't cope well when he gets sacked a few times.

Definitely. Fair play to the 9ers though. They played a great game and I'm not that keen on Harbaugh but he's done an amazing job there.

I don't think Pats are as certain to beat the Ravens as everyone thinks. Remember a few years ago when they went to The Gillette as 10 point outsiders and Ray Rice smashed in a few early TDs and then Lewis and Co saw it out? I did bet again the Packers last week. I think resting Rodgers in week 17 was such a big mistake. So often you see Wild Card teams continue the momentum and beat the higher ranked teams like that.

I'm going for the Ravens and Giants. Eli Manning is so good on the road in the play off and in the 4th quarter he becomes the best QB in the league. Although its easy to see the Giants self destructing (bit like they did in the middle of the season) but I think the pressure they'll get on Alex Smith will be too much.

I follow the 'Denver Donkeys' and I couldn't be happier with their season. Watch every game online and there so many amazing moments -mainly courtesy of Tim Tebow that I had no complaints when the Pats smashed us last week. Think the Tebow stuff got out of hand in the end as well. You can criticise the guys playing abilty so much but the bloke is such a competitor and gets more wins than loses. Big decisions going forward though in terms of establishing the style of offense for the future.

To watch the Rams throw away another season was quite painful.. Yes we had a lot of injuries and with Sam Bradford out for the latter part didn't help, but it really was pitiful.

Roll on Jeff Fisher, now this is what a real Football coach looks like

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Jeff_Fisher_Coaches_Tour_MND-B_Iraq_July_4%2C_2009.jpg/150px-Jeff_Fisher_Coaches_Tour_MND-B_Iraq_July_4%2C_2009.jpg

However, this is not what a quality Offensive Coordinator looks like...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Schottenheimer

I think to take up any Football coaching role, you have to look an incy bit like Tom Selleck.

Well Brian Schottenheimer did manage to provide two AFC Championship games with a Jets offense that had Mark Sanchez so I rate him.
I think him and Fisher together is a good move for the Rams. If Bradford stays healthy and they don't waste their picks this year they could be in the play offs within 2 seasons. Only problem with the NFL is coaches have to get results fast or their out. Felt for Morris at the Bucs because I do just think it was a bit of a blip.

I think the way the NFL is capped it is possible for quite an impressive turn around from one season to the next.. I'm not saying you can go from 32nd to 1st but I'm hoping this season will prove something decent. I do rate Bradford, but he's still got a lot of experience to gain before I think he has the potential to lead a team to the plays-offs and maybe the Superbowl.

Good hire for the Rams. 

Fisher loves to run more than pass so that should take the pressure off Bradford and allow him to rebuild his game.  S-Jax is probably the happiest person in St Louis right now, he will get a lot more work and should have a great season.

I really hope so, the Rams haven't been right for a good 5/6 years. I wish I had the opportunity to see them with the Warner/Faulk line up with Martz in the driving seat.. Those were the days my friends.

This.  Been to watch the Bucs a few times this season and they have been woeful.

Good man! Another Donkeys fan!

While the 'Tebow Train' was entertaining, its not the best move for an organisation. The bloke is going to get pummeled and have a very short career. The problem with that is that he's going to get injured at some point and there is not another QB like him that can come in and play the same way. So, even if the Donkeys become Broncos again, the plan for everyone will be to hurt Timmy, which will kill the team.

They will always be 'Bungals' until they can stop choking both on and off the field.

Right then - bit of NFL trivia

Who is the only player to play for Swindon Town reserves and the New England Patriots ?

That's the first thing that Google has failed me on..

I think his name was John Smith? Appeared occasionally on C4's coverage back in the 80's. I can remember him but I'm not sure of his name.

I was right. Here's the sucker....

[url width=400 height=369]http://guy.com/a/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/PatriotsDolphins3.jpg[/url]

This is the guy

http://www.enotes.com/topic/John_Smith_(American_football)

Sounds like Donkey might be disappointed, looks like his Jets won't be coming to London after all.

Evidently the Rams will be the home team for the next three NFL games in London, starting with one against the Patriots next year.

Apparently the lease on their stadium expires in 3 years so rumours abound that they could become London's franchise.

Not the Patriots again.

Currently looks like a pretty lop-sided game.
Potentially the superbowl champs against an also ran from a fairly weak division.

Unless Fisher can turn the rams around, this could be a rout of epic proportions.

If anyone gets the Rams it will be LA, London is 2nd in pecking order so are probably looking at the Jags.

Can't complain about having Pats over here again, the most high profile team and QB in the game.

Disappointed isn't the word. And the Patriots again. It'll save me a few quid as I have no desire to go. Hopefully I'll get to go to Wembley in the Paint Pot.

Quite glad it's the Rams as they're the team I've always liked in the NFC but the Pats again is disappointing. Nothing against the Patriots but it's the same as when the Bucs came back this season, you'd like them to mix it up again.

Yeah big Stan Kronenke is more likely to ship the Rams out to LA rather than London and you can't really blame him on a buisness level. The blokes sporting team ownership is quite impressive but I'm glad he has never got involved with the Broncos. Think his company own the Nuggets (NBA), Avalanche (NHL), Rapids (MLS) and the Colorado Lacrosse team! as well as his stake in Arsenal and he owns the Pepsi Center in Denver. The guy makes the Glazer's look small time.

The fact a city the size of LA hasn't got a team at the moment when there are several teams that don't sell out most of their home games is a situation that would only happen in America. Don't see the point in the Jags with 2 other teams NFL in Florida (I'm aware that it's a huge state) and several good college teams. It can't be easy for a team to generate more interest from locals due the US TV blackout regulation. If the UK did get a team I think the novelty would wear off pretty quick kind of like Monarchs back in the 90's.

The Rams used to be in LA, but moved out in the 80/90s. LA is Raiders country and difficult for the Rams to capture an audience.

Agree with the comment about a UK team going the same way as the Monarchs.

Oh don't think the UK could even support two games per season let alone eight. At the moment, people make an effort (and spend a lot of money) once a season to go to Wembley. Not only that but they come from all over Britain and Europe, therefore you get a virtually full house for the one game a year. Once you go beyond that though, the numbers would start to drop dramatically.

I've been to three of the Wembley games and will get dragged along next season as the missus is a Pats fan. I'd much rather see the 'real thing' in America (which we'll probably do as well in fairness)

Also, UK NFL fans have their own teams and have been following them for 20 years or more in many cases. There's people on here who support the Broncos, Jets, Patriots, Rams and mighty all conquering Bengals. How many people would actually drop their team to follow a London franchcise? Not many I suspect.

The Bengals confounded the so called 'experts' who had them down for 1-15 or 0-16 before the start of the season on account of their rookie QB and the fact that the whole organization was supposedly going down the pan, by reaching the play offs from, in my opinion, the hardest division in the NFL at the moment.

I do agree though, they need to have several more winning seasons and a few more play off appearances before they lose that tag by which you referred to them.

I'm afraid I need to put Rattyman right.

The LA Raiders were originally the Oakland Raiders, and the Rams were form LA.

Therefore, you could argue that LA is spiritually he home of the Ram not the Raiders.

The Raiders always had a "Bad boy" following pretty much across the country, due to the pirate type logo, that was popular with gangs, and the fact that they were always a dirty team, and played up to that image.

I suppose it's a bit like someone from Swindon supporting Millwall because he thinks he will look "notorious"

They were only in LA for 12 years since 1960.

The only NFL game I've been to is Raiders v Seahawks at the Coliseum. Raiders won 20-17. In your face Frasier Crane.

The Raiders Cheerleaders are also the only cheerleaders I have met. My signed calendar mysteriously went AWOL following a "spring clean" from the Mrs.

That concludes dull Batch-Raiders facts.

Also, UK NFL fans have their own teams and have been following them for 20 years or more in many cases. There's people on here who support the Broncos, Jets, Patriots, Rams and mighty all conquering Bengals. How many people would actually drop their team to follow a London franchcise? Not many I suspect.
[/quote]

Surely this is the point.  If they put an NFL franchise in London (the city of my birth) would I abandon the Jets?  No way.  How could I?  I've invested nearly 30 years in the team (became a fan in 1982).  The Jets are my team and will always be.

It'd be like being, say, a Northampton Town fan living in Milton Keynes, who abandons Nothampton because someone parachutes a team into Milton Keynes.  As if anyone would do that.

Quite a few (fairly disgusted, I would imagine) Cobblers fans in MK, apparently.

Precisely, and rightly so.  Disgusted at those who've abandoned their clubs to follow franchise.

A rather even first half in the Pats v Ravens game.  I think the Pats will pull away in the second half though.

I'd love a Ravens/Niners SuperBowl... and ultimately a Niners victory!

I've lumped on a Giants Superbowl victory and Eli Manning as MVP. COME ON GIANTS!

I've lumped on the Giants tonight with a 3.5pt start ....... Hope Ladbrokes opens up early tomorrow!

Anyone but NE.  Almost anyone but the Giants.

But it's been a good game so far, enjoying it.

In fairness though there must be quite few NFL fans over here who love the sport but don't support a particular team like me. I've got a soft spot for the Saints but only because I backed them at 33s to win the Superbowl two years ago and backed them again this year, therefore gutted to see them lose to the 49er in the way that they did. I've got no reason to support the Saints other than through my wallet, or any other team for that matter. If London had a competitive franchise then I could easily see myself getting involved.

Yes, but not enough to be even close to making a London franchise viable.

People like you are the key to this.  If there are enough, and you'll travel to London regularly, then they may have a goer.

BTW another red zone stop for the Ravens...these 3s are not 7s...it could be crucial.

Oh dear, taxi for the Raven's kicker.

What a finish. The game was in the balance right to the very end. Go Pats!

Tough game.  Couldn't believe that miss at the end but delighted at another Super Bowl for the Patriots.

So now 3 teams left, & I can't say I like any of them.

It will be a bit like having to choose between Oxford, City & Rovers winning. :(

Cundiff won't have a job in the morning

You could tell he was going to miss it. He'll be lambasted in the press in MD and as LucienSanchez says, he won't have a job in the morning. Furthermore, I doubt whether he will play in the NFL again.

Who's still up watching then? Just me??????

I'm still watching.

I’d need to see the replay again but it looked like a shit snap of the ball was also to blame. The place holder did his best to recover the situation and Cundiff should have made it but the snapper has to take equal blame.  Lets not forget if Lee Evans had of made that fairly easy reception a minute earlier that kick wouldn’t have been needed by the Ravens.

There is little chance Cundiff is out of a job, he is certainly one of the 10 best kickers in the league and the Ravens are too well run to get rid of him and let a rival pick him up.

Pats/Giants is pretty close on paper, Pats are 3.5pt favourites which seems reasonable and it should be a great game.

good job I didn't put money on the 49ers like I was going to..

I reckon Giants could take it you know, I think they really want it.

Just checked the MVP odds. I got Eli Manning at 9/2, that's now gone to 13/8.

Fucking great, it's Oxford versus Bristol City in the superbowl.  I'll be wanting Bristol City to win, but bloody hell that's depressing.

Was really hoping for a 49ers vs Ravens final, Cundiff has to be the most hated guy in Baltimore right now

Even more than Marlo Stanfield?

You pose a good question, in that case, a flip of a coin is needed.

 :D,kept banging on about the 49;s defence but the Giants defence was brilliant especially on third downs,up till 3.30am watching it ::)

As was I.  Up till 3.30, then couldnt get to fucking sleep until 5.30 and was up for work at 7.30!

I think Paolo is going to be on the football league show on 5live after 10!

you want it to be one way.

So I'm assuming the Patriots are Oxford?

I'd take any of those Play Off teams over the Patriots. Hopefully Belichick decides against the usual tramp look, the scruffy cunt!

You got it.

Don't know if anyone is interested, but the application for Superbash tickets is now open via NFLUK.

I went last year & it's a very good night out.

Ticket sales have been delayed for the Wembley game .... Apparantly the Rams may not be able to make it?

Didnt they check their diaries before signing up for next 3 years?

What time is actual kick off for the Superbowl later..know coverage starts at 10.30.

Around midnight?

11.15 I think

Haven't followed NFL for a while who are the favourites for tonight

Cheers,think the Pats are favourites but only marginal.

Patriots 8/11
Giants 11/10

If its a high scoring game the Patriots will stroll it.  Giants need to keep it tight and low scoring to win it.

I am going to back the Patriots. 

I think the Giants will win fairly convincingly myself.

Think the Giants are going to just edge it

They better do.

Anyone but the fucking Patriots.

Absolutely despise the patriots, they are the man united of the NFL, so many hate them

The Cowboys are the Man Utd of the NFL (minus the success), most loved and most hated at the same time.

In terms of a prediction I have a bet on Giants by 7-12 points at 13/2.

Realistically i wouldnt be surprised to see the Pats win comfortably, Brady and Belichick with 2 weeks to prepare is a dangerous thing.

 :zzz:

Far too Americanised (note the spelling, fuck off am I putting a z there) for me. Can't stand it.

Says the bloke who just posted this...

'I'll start us off with

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocacolonization'

Don't like the Patriots, & don't like the Giants.

Don't care who wins, just hope it's a good game.

Tried to get into this but have switched it off before kick off, a 'Kick-Off Show' is a fucking joke. One big commercialised fame fest.

Fucking hell they drag this on...  the teams came out 10 mins ago and there's still 10 to go.  Get on with it for fuck sake.

This.

Its not just sport is it, its just a massive show.

Hence how I found that word.

That.

Wrong, it's one long set of advertisements posing as a sports event.  That said, I'll probably watch it all...

Who are the patriots patriotic to?  Is it the English?

This just reminds me of Ace Ventura.  "Laces out".

Ive seen this one before.  Its a repeat.  The one with the hats on win.

Right.... so instead of adverts we get Chappers every few mins.  Think the Yanks get off lightly.

Completely lost with this haha.

Fucking hell!  Sure they just said this would go on until 3:30 am.

Good job we don't come from a country that invented a stop/start sport where a game can last 5 days without a winner.

Oh....

A good converted try. 

Im going to bed now.  Ive found the most interesting thing about this is doing a running commentary on twitter.  I have now however started to annoy myself.  Good night.  Go people with helmets! run into each other!  Throw that rugby ball!

Have fun.

Reading thro this it seems as though I'm the only Pats fan here. Why all the hatred? Until recent years they were regularly struggling so the man u comparisons don't really work. Anyway, the way it's going everyone but me will be happy tonight!

Google Spygate.  The coach has less charm than Neil Warnock.  The officials reinterpret rules for them (see Tuck Rule).  I am in danger of being called for roughing Brady whenever I go to the fridge (as that's about as close as you can get).

Bitter?  You better fucking believe it.  Anyone but the Patsies.

But Donkey, surely as a Jets fan you can't want a Giants win.

Would be like supporting the scummers in a game

 
Can understand the dislike of Belichick but the rest is just a version of "We always get shit refs" and yeah, bitter! The decision for the safety in first quarter doesn't follow ur theory though.
I've followed Pats since 1982 and they were crap for years so I'll take the hatred and enjoy the success.

Nope, Patriots are enemy number one.

When America sought independence from British monarchy, those opposing the British were called patriots. So the opposite of your second question.

I get that, like I said I'm bitter about it.  You've been a Pats fan for as long as I've been a Jets fan.  I'd take any success, wouldn't care if they all hated us...

For all the Patriots hating ..... That is a bloody brilliant drive ...... Brady is a class act!

Very impressive drive by the Patriots to end the half.

However, I get the feeling that if the game is close at the end the Giants will win.

[gritted teeth]yes it was, the git[/gritted teeth]

Alistair Kirkwood has just announced on Sky that tickets for this years IS will go on sale tomorrow morning.

So anyone want to give their opinion on the half time show?

No ...... Thought not!

Hardly a good Wiltshire marching band was it?

Or even rocking robin and the robinettes

The Patriots offence is just a bloody machine!

No pressure on Brady = Trouble for the Giants.

Wow, That's a hit

Lucky Tynes

Yeah, Manning must've had no-one else!  Ouch.

Giants are going to win this.

Manning is a 4th quarter genius

Giants have got to now really.

Fucking idiot...lie down!

Incredible catch from Manningham early in that drive.

Holy shit, they let him score that TD and he tried to pull out!!

Brady's got 1 min to go the length of the field!

The Patriots have got dropsy

Must be game over

Hope still a little hope..... Jeez!

Hmmm never write off Brady!

Come on Giants.

GAME OVER.

The golden boy just can't beat the Giants.

Still no clean superbowls.  Film that.

That'll do nicely.

I bid you good night.

£100 for a Giants & Eli Manning MVP combo. Lovely stuff!

Just watched the highlights. How can that take FOUR HOURS. Rubbish.

I do like the way the players do over the top celebrations after every play though, and would happily see that incorporated into our game.

Flint makes a successful 15 yard square pass to McCormack, which result in the team gathering for endless high fives and a few of those things were they jump up and bump chests! Whilst the audience watching at home watch an advert for one of those George Foreman lean mean grilling machine things .....

I watched the start of this and it served its purpose well. I dropped straight off to sleep when i went to bed

Well done you!

Thanks

Watched it all,brilliant.

The Manningham catch was incredible and the game could have been won/lost with the last play of the game,only one turnover during the game and that turned out to be the game changer.
Felt all along the Giants would win.

Agreed, excellent very evenly matched contest that could have gone either way in the end.  Ahmad Bradshaw is the most relieved man in NYC today, he made a terrible error with that TD run.

Eli>Peyton in the Manning household now.

I thoroughly enjoyed thre game (not just because the Patriots lost).  It felt tense, the momentum shifted, the Manningham catch was great, the two consecutive Patriots drops in the last minutes (esp the second one) was all part of the spectacle.

Hernandez was outstanding untill that last fumble.

And Blackburn's interception in front of Gronkowski was brilliant.

Wes Welker's probably feeling a bit suicidal this morning.

That was a brutal drop for someone of Welker's calibre.

"If" is a big word but IF Gronk had of been fit i suspect the result may have been different.

As the game moved into the third quater, it seemed clear that any turnover would be important.  Now to find clips of Brady crying.  :cry:

Maybe a new left shoulder to cry on ;)

Thoroughly enjoyed that one. Thought all along the Giants were going to win, but you can never doubt Tom Brady.
Tuck was the key player for the Giants D, made some very key tackles and sacks, and Hernandez made up for an unfit Gronkowski.

Tweets from steelers:


James Harrison and Ryan Clark are apparently sore winners even in games that they're not playing in.

Harrison, the controversial Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker has never shied away from letting his emotions be known, and the moments following Super Bowl XLVI were no exception.

"Told you," Harrison tweeted, "cheaters never win!!!!!!!!!"

His teammate Clark chimed in as well, posting on his own Twitter account, "0-2 post spy gate! Just saying!! Cant spell ELIte w/o Eli!!"

Just booked tickets for Wembley, anyone else planning on going?

Not at the moment, really don't want to see the Patriots again.

Not for me either, can't see myself ever going unless it's the Falcons playing.

Been to a couple of games in the States and i suspect the London game would be a bit of a letdown in comparison due the neutral feel of the crowd.

Yes have booked.  Been to them all bar the first one.  Have been oohing and aahing and still am really.

I can't justify to myself paying upwards of £50 per ticket to watch two teams I couldn't care less about.

Been to the last 2 (one 50 yard line, one endzone) so i won't be going this year. The ticket prices are steep, but it is Wembley (the location and the pricing in general) that is putting me off more to be honest. I hate the place.

Correct. It's far better to see the 'real thing'. Having said that, I'll be going to Wembley as the missus is a Pats fan. I'm really not a fan of the Wembley games though or the idea of a  London franchise or any of that bollocks.

Timmmmmmeh is a Jet.  I am excited by this.

Peyton Manning is a Bronco! I'm excited by this....Although I wish it had happened 10 years ago!

Hope he's who he needs to be for you.  Your season will be great or awful, I don't see 8-8 for you next season.

Our season?  Fuck knows, looks like I follow a circus on both sides of the Atlantic, let's hope it's as successful!

Well he will make Sanchez look better.

Tebow is dreadfull.

As a QB, yes.  But in the Wildcat, it'll be good.  Also, we should line up both Sanchez and Tebow in the shotgun and Mangold can snap to either.  Need to make good use of the best centre in the game.

Irrelevant. Next year will certainly be the year of Michael Vick and the mighty phillidelphia Eagles!!!!

That's the key I guess.  If he is being brought in as backup/competition to Sanchez then it will end in tears.

Stick him in the backfield for the odd play I suppose could work.

He is just a circus that I would want anywhere near my team

Sanchez has just been give a five year multi-million dollar deal, there's no way Tebow is coming in to replace him.  We're successful with Sanchez or fucked.  Tebow, opens up a lot of options.  He's like Brad Smith was for us, only a lot better at it.

Whereas I am devestated we let manning go :( I trust Pagano to do a good job for us but I'd rather of kept manning than draft Luck with the first pick

If salary cap was no issue, you get them both and have Luck learn behind Manning.  However, you may just have got very lucky indeed.

I'm surprised the Jets stuck with Sanchez. What with all his off the field antics that they weren't happy about.

Anyone else see the news about the NFL suspending the Saints head coach for this 'bounty hunting' programme? Absolutely mental!

The Dream Team   :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Seems like a poor trade for Denver... Tebow might have flourished training with Manning, plus there is no guarantee Manning will offer any longevity.

Only receiving the Jets 4th and 6th round picks seems a bit of a bum deal also.

Whereas I think we overpaid for him.  All depends on your viewpoint, I guess.

It was completely the right thing to do, they had to take Luck with first pick and move Peyton on. You cant pass up a franchise QB of the next 12-15 years to give an ageing huge injury risk like Peyton another run.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/saints-payton-suspended-season-nfl-15972691#.T2o0t8VUyUY

Shocking.

As a Falcons fan i can sum this up with  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

At wembley for the Rams v Patriots game.

Whatever happens, it won't be as much fun as yesterday :)

Enjoy the game. Hope the Patsies lose.

God that was painful, so many smug cheatriot fans :(

What did you expect? Patriots were always going to be convincing winners.

Thought they would win, but was hoping the Rams would put up a bit of a fight.
Especially after they scored a TD on their first possesion.
Trouble was that was as good as it got, the Pats scoring TD's on their first five possessions.

Good start by The Rams but was all they did offensively for the whole game. No contest in the end, good crowd though.

As for smug cheatriot fans?? Really? I can't say I noticed any smugness and 'cheatriot' has to be the worst play on words ever ::)

How are the Jets doing donkey? ;)

American Football is shite and all you American sympathisers (note the lack of a z) should be shot for betraying the crown.

so i missed this in feb so haven't read beyond today, what are peoples' thoughts on an EPL game being played in the US of States?

i think we're on dangerous ground here?

I just got back.  I have been to them all bar the first one and as per normal had a great day from the tailgate to the actual game.  A shame it turned out to be so one sided but hey ho.

Another full house and will be interesting to see if London manages 2 sell outs next year with an additional game scheduled.

Seems to be a case of when and not if we'll have an NFL team in London. Reckon it would do ok though the extra revenue it would generate for the NFL as a whole means capacity crowds probably aren't a necessity.

Would be interesting to see what happens if they linked up with a football club, so maybe an Arsenal branded team playing at the Emirates. Happens in other countries, think some clubs in Spain get involved in other sports. Whilst the hard core fans probably wouldn't be interested it could appeal to the day trippers and the armchair fans.

Everyone seems to be a Patriot fan nowadays. I've been sort of following them for 25 years, back when they were shit.

Is the Patriots fan thing solely because it's new 'england'?

5 Superbowl appearances in the last 10 years helps as well (winning 3 between 2002 and 2005)

Cowboys are the most hated (and most liked at the same time), the Jets seem to the rival the Cowboys these days in the hatred stakes so its quite good to see them being one of the worse teams in the league right now.

Went last night, I've wanted to see Brady live for ages and was on hols in 2009 so didn't manage to see him then.

Overall it was a good day out, Tailgate was awesome and the game was good albeit one sided for the last three quarters.

I really want to get to a game in the states.

As you know...fucking awful.  Yesterday was so far removed from anything approaching competence it was shocking.  I'm looking forward to next week...bye week - yay!

So you'll remember the snow plough incident then ?

Do it. Not knocking the London game but it's nothing like seeing the real thing where you have actual home fans and proper tail gating.

Bit before my time, I started following them in the mid to late 80's. Followed them quite closely for some time but nowadays I'll just check the results from time to time and occasionally watch a televised game. Think it got a bit boring when they started winning everything, more fun when they were shit.

Worth going to a game if you're over there, all the US sports are totally different from a spectator point of view. Went to a Broncos game in the middle of a snow storm, only time I've ever heard a stadium announcer tell the crowd to stop throwing snow balls on to the pitch. Got to see the Nuggets and Red Sox play as well.

Totally agree, whilst the one London game I went was enjoyable the 2 games I went to were in the US were brilliant.

Obviously the atmosphere is a lot better when you are surrounded by home fans as opposed the the random mixture of fans the London game attracts.

Then there is college football which is on a whole different level and makes NFL crowds look rather tame and quiet

Think that's exactly it. Went to one of the NHL games in the O2, and to be honest the "show" was pretty much the same as it was in San Jose, Dallas and Toronto. But the crowd largely didn't care who won.

I used to go and watch Patriots games every year in the late seventies and early eighties, as my brother used to play for them (John Smith, the "snowplough guy")

Just read about the Snowplow Game after seeing your post. Great gamesmanship :)

Your brother sounds half decent too!


How did it all come about then, did you move to the US of A.

Or have I just been wooshed?

We lived in Oxford, and both my brothers were in the Swindon youth team. John had a powerful shot, and after playing one game for Swindon first team, he was spotted by an American Football scout, and offered a trial with NY Jets. They signed him as a kicker, and immediately traded him to the Patriots. He always says that the first game of American football he ever saw, he played in it, but I think he may be exagerating a bit.

The rest of the family stayed here, but he used to fly us out every Christmas for a few weeks to watch him.

College stuff is a lot more 'blue collar'. The reason being that tickets for college games are plentiful and cheap. To get $20 'nose bleed' tickets for the Broncos I had to pay $100. Ticketmaster did 'official scalping' as all of the tickets at the stadium belong to season ticket holders, who sell back individual game tickets. Ticketmaster then made a fortune flogging them - I never understood the difference between what they did and what prosecutable scalpers did outside the stadium?

At NFL games there is always a 'rowdy' area, but at college games that stretches around the ground. I've done the CFL Colts (pre-Ravens), Air Force, Navy and Broncos. Brilliant atmosphere, especially if you partake in the tailgate parties beforehand (Watched a massive crowd punch up at the CFL game!) . For Navy and Air Force, there is a large section of the ground given over to a band and uniformed Navy/Air Force members. Each time they scored, the squaddies had to pile onto the pitch and do as many press ups as the team had points on the board. Really funny when I saw Air Force run rampant over one team and the squaddies having to do increasing amounts of press us as Air Force racked up 50 odd points!

Agree with the posts about NHL. Have done Caps, Sens & Avalanche. Same is true of MLB, where I've done Orioles, Rockies & Astros. Everything is built the same and the 'product' is presented in the same way at the stadium and on the local TV.

When I was first in DC, there was a cable channel called HTS (Home Team Sports) that gave you all the minutiae on the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA franchises in the local area. Wall to wall sport 363 days per year - Bit of trivia: The only day there isn't any major league sport in the US is the day before Thanksgiving.

Oops! Sorry, I'll get my coat...............

Pretty bloody amazing story that, never really thought of American Football scouts being over here in what, the early 70s? Must have seen him on C4 in the 80s when I was into American Football (go Bears!).

Clive Allen spent a season as the Kicker for the London Monarachs once he gave up footy.

Think Martin Johnson gave the NFL a try as well at one point but failed and Dwain Chambers spent some time with in NFL Europe team trying to be a WR while serving his drugs ban

He actually got spotted when he was on holiday in New York. He was always obsessive about training, so was taking the opportunity to practice by shooting at an American football goal in a park, trying to hit the single upright from 30 yards (he had a great shot on him !). Some guy was walking his dog and stopped to watch him. He came and asked him if he could hit the post on the left and he did. He then said hit the post on the right and he did. He then hit the one on the left again, and the guy asked for his address details and said he worked for the NY Jets. When he got back to England there was a letter with airline tickets in it for a trail.

He swears that hitting the post 3 times in a row was a complete fluke, and he could never do it again, but he was lucky at the right time.
He had 10 years on (what was then) megamoney.

Fantastic. The scouting makes much more sense now :) Talk about right place and right time to show the skills! He's still in the US then (according to Wiki and the JS sport centre website).  

A whole life/career set up by a bloke walking his dog... edit: well skill as well, but you know what I mean...

Thanks for sharing.

Hehe.  Great story. :)

I started following the Pats when C4 started covering NFL in about 1982 ish.  They were shit for years as I recall.
Can't even remember why I picked them - probably was the New England bit - might have been because my sister worked in Boston one summer?

Wasn't John Smith one of the presenters on C4 in the early days?

Superb Owl tonight, who else is staying up?

Think so. Much under rated STFC player and a real gentleman.

Yep, have tomorrow booked off.

I'll probably give it until 2am, so may get to see half-time.

Little (eldest) one will probably be up at 6am to tear open her presents, so can't really pull off staying up all the way through, even though I have no work tomorrow.

Recording it. Couldn't possibly stay up all the way through.

Find NFL really boring... Maybe because I dont understand it well enough, but there seems to be loads of breaks in play?

There are lots of breaks in play and to be honest, it's pretty infuriating even if you are an NFL fan. Recording games is in fact the best way to watch them, then you can just ffwd through the crap.

Absolutely no interest in NFL but staying up and watching this shitter version of rugby.

Beers, chicken wings and Doritos swayed it. 

Ah right, i've watched a few times and tried really hard to enjoy it... Pretty difficult when it just switches to pundits ect constantly. To be honest, us Brits have a plethora of sports to choose from as it is, cant ever see NFL being massively popular here no matter how much hype it's given or how many games are played at Wembley.

I tend to agree, the NFL will only ever have a cult following over here. (American) football should just be played in America and soccer everywhere else and that's how it should stay.

It's good with friends + beer + snacks + gambling. The breaks give you ample time to get more beer/ get more snacks/ make more bets/ go to the toilet.

Same here.
I watched the first play off game for San Fran after taking a coupld of hours kip before.  The had a full on night planned for the Divisional Championship where I had beers in, hot dogs, wings, pretzels and invited my brother over. Only totally fucked up and planned it for the Saturday, so ended up watching boxing on the Saturday and then having a sober affair for the game day.
Used to stay up as a kid to watch it in the late 80's and as a 49ers fan was spolied, but then they were shit for a long time.  Looking forward to it.

May have to try and get a couple of mates round to watch then to give it more of a chance, have to say I only know 1-2 people who watch NFL avidly though.

i only really watch the super bowl, occasionally see the odd season game but i just like the whole event.

Well you learn something every day - apparently Jim and Jon Harbaugh are brothers - who knew?? :jawdrop:

Managed to catch Atlanta Falcons vs Denver Broncos earlier this season when I had a few days in Atlanta. For a 60 min match, it in reality lasted well over 3 hours. Was good to watch live as are most sports but not sure if I would enjoy as much on TV. Also thought that quite a few of the fans didn't really know the rules, sounds like the Arkells on a good day.

You could always move from the Arkells

Yeah, just like going to the CG, it's luck of the draw who you have sitting around you. Some people are complete idiots but then again I went to a game in Baltimore earlier in the season and the guys who were sat behind us had encyclopedic knowledge of the game.

So then, Ravens or 49ers?

Think its going to be tight as fuck but I'm going 49ers - I think Kaepernick will be the difference. Very, very tough one to call though.

B'more bitch

Jebus - Jason Witten's had a bit of a wardrobe disaster there. ???

I just dont understand the game and I really hate warbley singing so I'll probably give it a miss

'MURICA

Looks much better when he's wearing the Blue Star ;)

Couldn't look any worse really ;)

Alycia Keys murdering the national anthem ::)

I would though.

And Jennifer Hudson.

Well, here we go.
49ers get the ball first, I think this is going to be a battle of Defense.

Not a clue who is going to win, have a feeling it will come down to a late FG.

D'OH!

CBS coverage :crash:

Oh well, that will do for me. I'm off to bed.

Changed my mind Im supporting the Red ones

Hmm who would President Jed Bartlet want to win?

San Francisco for me.

i don't like the whole Franchise thing with the Ravens, Diamond Mike probably likes them too.

Oh... they've scored a try.

Good start for the Ravens, a defensive stop & then a TD on the first drive.

That said the 49ers were 17-0 down against Atlanta & came back to win so no need to panic yet.

This is def part of the 80%

Good drive by San Fran, but they need to score Touchdowns when they get in the Red Zone

They should definitely try and score more points than the other team.

Usually helps ;)

Ravens 21-6 at Half Time, and they get the ball first in the second half.

I wonder if the 49ers will try an onside kick to start the second half?

109 yard TD return. I think that's that.

Someone's forgotten to put 50p in the meter :)

Tranmere fans will be blaming us for it!

at least 15 mins before restart, game looks pretty much over, can i go to b ed now?

And we are off again

49ers really need to step it up both sides of the ball... they've been very poor

OMG! Hope you all didn't go to bed when the lights went out? Turned into a fantastic game when they game back. Superb rally by the 49ers, with Ravens hanging on by the skin of their teeth.

The best Superbowl for years that was.

The Ray Lewis lovefest was a bit annoying for someone who got away with murder

Papers this morning focussing much more on Beyonce than on the American football.  Is that a fair reflection?

No, was a very good game and was quite dramaric right down to the end.

However, more people in the UK know who Beyonce is compared to Joe Flacco

i enjoyed it, was looking very tense towards the end. i suppose if the 49ers had come back to win it then a lot of questions would have been asked about the power outage?

Who won? Have the Ravens always been Baltimore? Don't remember them when I used to watch Gridiron on Channel 4.

The Ravens won.

They were moved to Baltimore by Art Model from Cleveland (where they were the Browns) because the local council in Cleveland wouldn't build a new stadium.

The NFL then awarded Cleveland a new Franchise when the league expanded on the proviso that a new stadium was built by the local council (which they did). Hence why the Browns are still in the league.

I went to bed just after the Ravens returned the 49ers second half kick-off. Big mistake :(

Although in the grand scheme of things, my daughter was up at 6 so I'm quite thankful I did because I'd be struggling to function on two hours sleep.

Should have done what I did - Had to get up at 5.30, so just didn't bother going to bed.

i went to bed about 5, builders turned up at 8 to fit the new bathroom.

i feel fucked

For anyone with Virgin they are offering Picture Box free for February and for the next few days they have Friday Night Lights showing which is based on a book following a high school football team from Odessa in Texas over a season, its very good, amazing the crowds that they get in for a school competition

I watched the first series. It was ok.

I think they did make it into a series as well, but this is the film, I really enjoyed it

They've been showing the series on Sky Atlantic since last year. I believe they are showing the end of series 3 this week.

Don't know if anyone is interested, but it's just been announced that there will be three International series games next season, with the Jaguars, Falcons & Raiders all playing home games in the UK.

Surely that destroys the 'N' in NFL?

It's going to be taken over by Apple & re-branded the i_NFL  :)

It will probably become the WFL, and the Superbowl will become the World Cup

Whilst were on, well done to the Bengals for stopping Tom Terrific's charge to the most consecutive games with a td pass.

And a little tip for all rookie qbs...no turnovers = win.

Oh yes, that's quite a 'D' they have there  :clap:...now if only the 'O' would start firing on all cylinders :hmmm:

Just watched the Jets v Falcons game and it was a pretty good game which I thought the Jets deserved to win. Not sure what's gone wrong with the Falcons though.

Re. games at Wembley, I went to the Steelers v Vikings game last week and I enjoyed it (Steelers losing helped massively). It was probably the best game they've had there although the Saints v Chargers in 08 runs it close.

It will be interesting to see what crowd they get for the Jags v 9ers in October. I personally think that once it gets to a third game the crowds will begin to dwindle. We shall see though.

Having a top D is good fun.  It looks like the rest of the league have woken up to Mo Wilkerson.  Same as, regarding our Offence, although, I don't see the Jets in the same league as you guys this year.

Oh, and this was on a Jets site in the US...made me laugh...

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/10/08/...racts-dancers/

Page not found I'm afraid.

Sorry, try this...http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/10/08/new-york-strip-club-bans-giants-games-after-booing-distracts-dancers/

I'm just enjoying being a Broncos fan at the moment!

Indeed. Not sure who can stop your offence. Maybe a Rex Ryan defence.;)

Maybe - But I wouldn't hold yer breath!  :D

The Giants are bombing hard at the moment! I'm interested to hear how the TEF NFL fanboys chose their team to support?

Having followed it without a team for 6 or 7 years, I went to the Broncos/Niners game at Wembley - to make it interesting, me and my mate picked teams for a little wager. He went Broncos, I got Niners... and that was that - I support the first team I saw live.

I lived in the Denver metro area for several years.

Spent a year studying at Georgia Tech Uni in Atlanta, starting following the Falcons.

This season is crap

I love nfl as a neutral but want to support a team! Just waiting for that inspiration to jump out at me :)

I came to support Cowboys after choosing to buy a Cowboys jersey over a Redskins one in the old JJB at Greenbridge. Bought my brother in law a 'Boys jersey as well. Think it was one of the earlier closing down sales, paid £5 for the two. That really is it. Fell in love with the game a short while after.

Stay neutral! A pop round a friends house every now and again to watch games with a couple of other mates. One of them has no team but just likes to watch. Must admit, that when the Broncos aren't playing I do exactly the same and choose one of the two teams to align myself with.

We make the evenings fun by placing 20p bets on the next score (Home touchdown, away touchdown, home FG, away FG, home safety, away safety, home interception, away interception etc). I'm not a big gambler, but some of the lads bet on numbers (eg. number of the players shirt that scores next), which makes it interesting too!

Started out just watching any game that was on and then saw Art Monk make a fantastic catch against the Giants back in 86.
Still watch whatever game is on.

Started watching in 1982, as Channel 4 scheduled their programme against Songs of Praise and Highway. To an 8 year old, that worked. First show I saw, the Jets won and I liked their kit.

Good job I picked the Jets as NY is easier to sell as a holiday destination to the wife than Buffalo! 

I went to a Jets game when I went to NY last year, the stadium was impressive.

Bit of a glory supporter Im afraid, Ravens but only because of Ed Reed, and Madden 12. And because i won some money betting on Baltimore on the Superbowl

I first saw the Bengals on a 10 minute highlight clip (probably not even that long) on World Of Sport on ITV on a Saturday lunch time. I've no idea what the game was but I assume it must have been a play off game in '82 or even the Superbowl from that year when they lost to the 49ers.

I just loved the name the Cincinnati Bengals (and probably the tiger strip helmets as well :gay:) but didn't think any more about it until 85 when C4 started showing NFL games (you sure they were showing it in 82 donkey??) and my mates decided they were going to get into it so I did as well. The Bengals were the obvious team for me to support. Apart from staying up for a couple of Superbowls though, I can't really say it grabbed me. I just followed from a distance until I really started getting into it round about 01/02. This pretty much coincided with my 'falling out of love' with the Premier League. Thinking about it, beyond my undying love and obsession for STFC, I really only have a passing interest in football (soccer) these days. My interest in the NFL is far, far greater.

When C4 first started showing the NFL in the 80's before the first game they broadcast a show "Max Boyce meets the Dallas Cowboys", so I decided to follow the Cowboys and have been doing so ever since.

Have been to Dallas twice to watch them play, both times in Texas Stadium.

We are going over again in a couple of weeks to watch the Boys play in Jerry-World for the first time :)

When I was a nipper, if I woke in the night I'd sneak downstairs and often my dad was up watching tv. Most times I'd be shipped back off to bed, but whenever the american football was on, I'd get to stay. No idea when the Jets became my team, they just kinda did. Not the worst start to the year so far, given how low my expectations for this season!

More of an ice hockey fan now though.

I had a sports-fuelled few weeks in Boston about eight years ago and as a result of this I've been Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins and Pats ever since. I don't know what it's like now but going to the Gillette Stadium on a non-NFL day is a bit of a nightmare as the trains don't run direct when the Pats aren't playing. We went to see New England Revolution and it meant taking a train from Boston to Mansfield and then getting a family store to allow us to use their phone in order to call a taxi to get to Foxboro.

Forgive the pretentiousness but I've refrained from seeing NFL at Wembley as it's not going to be the same as the 'American fan experience' but I've been given a free ticket for the 49ers/Jaguars game later this month so I'll go to that.

Growing up, I liked the Dolphins because of Dan Marino... and Ace Ventura.

(http://cdn0.dailydot.com/uploaded/images/original/2013/1/16/ace1.gif)

Don't ruin it for yourself. Feel free to pass it on to me.

I don't follow any team but kind of like Vikings for obvious reasons

I'm very new all this.

2 guys I work with are into it and play for the Swindon Storm.
At work we were trying to find out why teams had their nicknames (lots of fan voted ones it seems) but Baltimore's nickname is due to Poe and the poem - which at least has some sort of link.

Anyway. This year I watched the Super Bowl and decided I'd adopt whoever won as my team.
Although I wanted the Ravens to win anyway due to said link.

Really starting to get into it now. Loved Peyton Mannings touch down the other night!

When I went to see the NHL at the O2 it was pretty similar to that of watching an NHL game in the USA/Canada. Well the "show" itself was.

If you mean the fans themself, well yeah there wasn't a home team so there was no partisan support. Then again I've always found American fans a bit dull compared to a (good/big game) British crowd.

Pretty sure.  :toocool:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1308139/Channel-4-live-American-football-Sunday-nights.html

With the franchise system in American football, what happens if your team ups sticks and leaves? Do you follow them in their new incarnation, follow the next nearest team, or nobody at all?

Not made the new stadium, only the old one - the dump in the swamp.

Well I'm going now so happy to be proved wrong.

NHL was good fun when I saw the Bruins play. The Dropkick Murphys played some kind of shows too. Huzzah.

I follow Pittsburgh Steelers. Got given the jersey at 8 years old by an American aunt. Best NFL team in history so I believe  :hmmm:

Just a minute, hockey doesn't have a half time :)

Perhaps they just started playing...!?!

Either way, it happened... Probably just at Full-Time then

:)

Exactly the same reason I've had no intention in going until the Falcons had a game there, next season as it happens.

Obviously for people who haven't seen a game before then its great but I'd just be comparing it to the real gameday experience in the States. I can't see it matching up in the slightest mainly due to the neutral makeup of the majority of the crowd and the general sport tourist feel to it.

That definitely sounds pretentious!

Green Bay may have something to say about that (most NFL Championships), and Chicago have won the most NFL games.

(But, yeah, 6 Superbowls is bloody impressive).

The Cheeseheads are the nearest they've got to a football style crowd. Green Bay is only a small place by American standards too, 300,000 or so - makes their achievements all the more impressive then!

Talking of places, about time Los Angeles had a franchise again. They'd be seriously peeved if a franchise was granted to London, which has been mooted.

Fans owned as well (I think).  And yes, I don't know too much about it, but LA not having a franchise is weird...especially as they had two!

You should watch a Seattle home game, no home crowd comes close to the noise they make.

Apparently so...

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/loudest-crowd-roar-at-a-sports-stadium/

49ers fan from the original C4 days, just before they were regular top dogs alongside the Cowboys.  The fun with NFL is that you know a shit spell has to come thanks to the draft and trade systems in place.  Oddly, watched a few baseball games live but never NFL - all that is going to change in 2 weeks time when I'll be in Miami to watch the Dolphins take on the Bengals.

http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/12th-Man-lifts-CenturyLink-Field-into-Guinness-World-Record-book-for-loudest-stadium/346bb94e-6236-4159-b0df-d00e22e8d592

It's hardly Galatasary v Fenerbahce though, very very contrived

Or Gala v Besiktas

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2429432/Didier-Drogba-forced-flee-rioting-fans-Galatasarays-derby-Besiktas-abandoned-93rd-minute.html

This knocks it into a cocked hat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xppDvbNHjkQ

I didnt really know what to expect when I went to see the Jets last year, Its so different to just going to the football over here, There are no away fans to speak off, so you dont get that banter, but its more of a show rather then the game. Enjoyable, and anyone who goes over to USA I would recommend going to see a game just for the expereince more then anything!

An interesting read

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/manginis-mess-sent-to-save-the-cleveland-browns-eric-mangini-instead-put-on-a-clinic-on-how-to-drive-a-teams-morale-into-the-ground/Content?oid=3625467&showFullText=true

That is excellent donkey, I enjoyed reading that. So much so in fact, that I've just ordered the book from Amazon 8)

When you read that, it's not surprising Mangini (aka Mangina :)) has not had another head coaching gig since Cleveland. I see that, according to Wiki, he's now Offensive 'Senior Consultant' in San Francisco, which I am guessing doesn't involve too much direct player contact :hmmm:

It's funny though, because if you had asked me who who was the real player's coach and who was the complete 'a' hole out of Mangini and Shanahan, I would have said Shanahan was more likely to be the bastard out of the two.

I can't say I've heard of Nate Jackson but he seems to be a decent writer. Some times when you read memoir type books they are really badly written (unless they've been ghost written). That's not the case with this guy though and I look forward to reading the whole thing.

Recently watched 'Undefeated' a documentary about the Manasas Tigers, a bit like Friday Night Lights about a high school football team, really enjoyed it.  Very interesting how hard the coach had to work to keep the team together

How easy/difficult was it to get Jets tickets Derbys?  Planning on taking the Mrs over to NY next year for her 30th and wouldn't mind trying to arrange it on a Jets home game weekend, if getting tickets isn't impossible.

I have two tickets for the International Series at Wembley on the 27th next weekend, Jags Vs 49ers, £100 for the pair, upper tier good view! If anyone interested send me a PM!

Not sure on that game specifically, but stubhub has most games - people flogging their season tickets for the individual games.

Was quite easy, I went to a place in times square who were seeling tickets for all kinds of events, if you head towards M&M's world in time square, and the Hershey Store, you should walk past it :), I would suggest get the tickets as soon as you get there, or before you go if you can

How much were the tickets?

Edit to say been on ticketmaster, and saw you can pick up tickets at good prices for lofty but pretty central positions.

I think I paid 70 dollars for my ticket, was a lofty position. Bear in mind the Metlife stadium is in New Jersey, so leave plenty of time to get to the stadium!

70 dollars? Bloody hell that's good, looking online for this seasons games your looking at around $150 - which I didn't think was that bad to be honest.

You can get tickets for any game you want, it's just a matter of how much you want to pay.
This company is excellent. I've used them several times...

http://www.ticketsolutions.com/sports/nfl/

Yeah I got a good deal, snapped them up. 150 dollars, its either an NFL game or a show on broadway pretty much! That's how much the Lion King cost

Stubhub is where I get my tickets from whenever I am in the states.

I'm told that my 10pm train journey back to Bristol after next weeks game at Wembley is too early. I thought for a 17pm start that would be okay.

Dearest TEF'ers who have been to NFL games, will I have to leave early in order to catch this train?

Game will take 3 to 3 1/2 hours, but with the Jags playing is likely to be over much earlier :)

Depends on how long it will take you to get back to Paddington I guess

Cheers.

I'll probably end up leaving a little early, I can't miss that train!

My tickets now sold incase anyone was interested, had a couple of PM's. Getmein appears to be a good site to sell upon!

Went to London last week and they had an NFL stand in Westgate.  Spent quite a bit of time there, not sure why though  :I'm a complete mofleakin Deak

(http://i.imgur.com/XenLEtJ.jpg)

Bought a National Express ticket from Wembley to Bristol. It leaves after the game regardless of when that is, which is ideal.

Sorry, but is american football a sport?

Define 'sport'

Keeping your body in pristine condition, dealing with the speed and power, just because they wear padding and helmets, getting hit by a Defense player is equivalent to getting run over by a lorry. Make no mistake, although I disagree with using football in the title, it is a sport.

I'm sure I would enjoy going to an NFL game, however the stop/start nature of the game I find really irritating, which is a problem with all American sports really. That said, the NHL games I went to some time ago were great fun (and violent). Only spoiled by the fat, greedy yanks getting out of their seats every 10 minutes to stuff their stupid faces with awful looking food.

What an earth makes you think it isnt? bearing in mind that darts, snooker, motor racing are considered sports

IMO, as a battle of tactics and counter-tactics it's fascinating to watch.

When did NFL come to England?

This game on ch4 is the first game I've ever sat down to watch.

It's very confusing.

2007.

Unfortunate first game for you to watch, this won't be a competitive game

Fuck me. I really am behind the times.

Thought it was just my music taste.

Spot on, american football is a great game, tactics, skill, being pushed to physical limits. And the stop start nature adds to the tension I find.

I don't mind the interruptions, it's the ad breaks that bother me. I'd happily listen to the analysis instead of seeing the same advert five times in half an hour

Quite fancy the Falcons/Lions match next year, seems like a good evening's entertainment.

Jacksonville the most populous city in Florida and the 12th largest in USA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population

Everyday you learn more and more

shite game for the neutral, and a bad intro to London for the Jags. Still, good to see a game over here again!

donlkey, what's the score,
donkey donkey what's the score!!!

 8) 8) 8)

Always gonna be very tough...and our D has gone awol. You deserve your lead.

Dammit.

That's the best I've seen the Bengals play since '05 and Carson Palmer was at his peak, throwing it around to Chad Johnson and T J Houshmandzadeh for fun. I just hope they can keep it up.

Edit: Oh my word - Crocker with the pick 6 :clap:

Yep, we've become the Jags today.

You're right about how well you're playing. At the start of the season I picked the Bengals to go all the way on a Jets fans site.

Denver 7 Washington 21 WTF?

Manning can't do anything without the ball. And the Broncos defence is not that convincing - Dallas put up almost 50 points on them and even the Jags managed to put points on the board against them.

21 each now  :eek:

Denver 28-21 up now :)

The Jets fuckin' suck right now :-/

Never in doubt!  :toocool:

That's by far the most appealing of the three games IMO. I'll probably go to that one.

My team blow you all out of the water! 8 and 0 boys! Kc chiefs!
Dw not just a glory hunter....I lived in Missouri for a year and chose the chiefs as my team :)

Does Missouri have the right to have the nickname Misery? This was from someone from Boston, which I suspect is probably better than most places in the States however.

Trouble is, they have at least 2 defeats coming up in the next month.

Anyone see the touchdown by the Bengals last night,?  Absolutely amazing. Bernard (sp) was it? Saw it earlier, one of the best. Still lost though in ot to the Dolphins, by sacking the QB for a safety, ouch.

Just watched it. One of the best TD's I've ever seen. Giovanni Bernard's a rookie but, barring injury (the great unknown) looks destined for great things. I thought he'd be good when they drafted him and he's not disappointed.* Not a great performance from the Bengals in general and Andy Dalton in particular. Oh well you win some, you lose some. 6-3 and top of the AFC North, it could be a lot worse.

*I'm so impressed I've changed my avatar 8)

I wouldn't disagree with that.

Feck! Recording failed! Tried to watch the highlights last night and fell asleep! I am doomed not to see this TD.

Now off to Youtube

Update:

Woop! There it is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSYbJrDi7bY

Good blocking and poor tackling methinks

The Amercian Football Show is about to start on Channel 4

At one point you think the play has completely broken down and there's no chance of a First Down let alone a TD - amazing.

Neil Reynolds on Sky (Dolphins fan) put it down to playing against a 'tired defence'. Yeah, right. Sour grapes possibly?? Sadly he had the last laugh though.

And what a brilliant programme that is. Love it.

Poor defence or not, the TD was brilliant, unless you think Maradona's second v England in 86 was all down to bad defending.

And the fact that he was a cheating c*nt!

Who Bernard?  Didn't see any cheating there. ;-)



Ooh Diego Maradona, oh Diego Maradona, oh Diego Maradona, he put the english out, out, out.

You put your left arm in.....

Where are Saints fans when you need them?!

After what Dalton did to us, I was very concerned about Brees, but our front four were magnificent.  I though our secondary was good, too, despite the numbers Brees put up.  Ryan really is a top coach, and deserves a lot of credit for that win.

Now then ESPN, I thought we were the worst team in the NFL...go fuck yourselves.

I was there to watch it.  Cracking atmosphere despite probably only being just over half full.  Totally unique.

The safety at the end was a pretty accurate way to finish the game with neither offence being able to impress for long, but how the Bengals lost it is beyond me.

My first live game despite being a 49ers fan since the early 80's.

Some yanks redesigned all the badges of their handegg teams, to mimic european football badges. I don't have a clue what they looked like previously, so it's lost on me, but no doubt there's some in here who might like it.

http://www.footballasfootball.com

Some of them arent bad tbf

Prefer my team as is tho

(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab225/mark_woolhouse/download_zpsbae28f16.jpg)

Anyone help with a free link to the Broncos Chiefs game?

Probably easier to watch it on the box, It's on C4 at silly o'clock in the morning.

Aha! Didn't realise. Record and watch in the morning then! Cool!!

I work from home on Mondays, always a bonus to be able to record the C4 game and watch throughout the day.

This is without doubt the game of the season so far

as a part time bengals fan i enjoyed the Browns implosion earlier today

The Bengals were brilliant on Defence and Special Teams but I just don't know what to make of Andy Dalton - talk about Jekyl & Hyde ???

Suited me too, as the Jets remain, absurdly, the no. 6 seed.

he's massively ginger, he's bound to have self esteem issues that present themselves in the odd stinker

the Jets O-team looks awful

It's not a game full of quality, but the Jet's o-line and receiving corps aren't doing Geno Smith (who also looks poor) any favours...

they've upped their game for the last two plays! the jets caught the ball!!

ahem, then there's an interception

Supposed to have been the worst team in the nfl, according to some experts. Yes, some of that was horrible, but we're rebuilding. Any year we beat the Pats can't be all bad.

What a shit few days of sport! England, Town and now those lucky bastard Pats!  :badmood:

Have decided to try and start following the NFL. Philadelphia Eagles will be my team, because I met some good people from there in the summer, they're supposed to be shit and they were playing in 8 inches of snow earlier.

Footbawwwlll 8)

Far from it I'm afraid, probably going to the playoffs

Apart from Town, that's accurate again this week!

Just confirmed the Jets have the 18th pick in the draft. That's 17 teams worse than the Jets, who  were described as a circus, a glorified expansion team, and on for the first pick in the draft. Sexy Rexy stays as coach and we ends the Dolphins season. 8-8 has never felt so good.

Good luck to the Bengals, my pre-season tip, in the playoffs. Of course, in reality it's anyone but the Pats.

Eagles did good, apparantly. Woo

It makes me laugh how you can be anti a team that is 3,000 miles away from you.

You are a bit like a Man U fan in Singapore who thinks he should hate Liverpool

Made the playoffs.

I've vaguely followed the Eagles since my secondary school days. It's more just a passing interest really.

If they do beat the Saints, then it's the 49ers or the Packers next up.

Unfortunately for you they would actually end up travelling to Seattle, that's pretty much the toughest game you can get these days.

I thought it was split east/west, until the final?

I shouldn't laugh, but I just did.

Nah its split into 2 conferences, AFC/NFC, don't know why but it's not for geographical reasons.

Mainly historical, AFC is the old AFL and NFC the old NFL.

Good win for the Colts (45-44) , behind till 4 odd minutes left.
0 and 8 for KC in the post season

Love wildcard weekend
New Orleans @ Philly next
Better than watching England crumble again

What a game...although I do keep flicking over to the cricket in hope...

The Colts vs. Chiefs game was all the more fun for the fact that the Chiefs last throw was caught on the touchline within field goal distance but he only managed to get one foot in play.  Pretty impressive comeback by the Colts, didn't look like they could stop the Chiefs in the first half.

All set to see if the 49ers can keep their recent record against the Cheeseheads up tonight.  Starting to look good now they have their full set of receivers back.

What a comeback that was.

Some consolation for another crap season.
The Eagles Super Bowl cabinet remains empty for another year :)

the chargers were annoyingly good last night!

Oh dear,what a melt down - definitely not the way to get rid of that 'Bungles' tag, which I detest. Unbelieveable  :doh:

I was going to post 'And that my dear friends is why Cincinnati are called the 'Bungles'' not to annoy you, but in a tone of despair. Can't believe they choke year after year.

Yes, I fear for my Broncos next week. Wouldn't be surprised to see an 'upset'.

They should be fine to get through the AFC with that home field advantage you would imagine, Peyton at home is such a machine.

The problem for the Broncos is they became elite just when the NFL decided to hold the first Superbowl in a cold weather conditions.  Peyton is historically bad in cold weather conditions and you would assume its going to be a bit fresh on a January evening in New Jersey.  If they were to come up against one of the elite defences such as the Seahawks or Niners on that night it might not be pretty for Peyton.

Two really tough Divisional Championship games to come.  49ers have a great Defence but just not sure if the Offence will do enough at Seattle to see us through.  No idea who will win the AFC shootout.

Yep, two great match-ups,

Brady v 'The Good' Manning, the best two QB's in the AFC over the last 10 years.
49ers v Seahawks, a inter division battle with two team that really don't like each other.

I have seen today that the Seahawks are refusing to sell tickets to anyone from California, as they want the stadium as full of home fans as possible :)

Sadly (for me), I can't see the Niners beating the Seahawks in Seattle. I'd love Russell Wilson and Beastmode to win the whole thing, in that case.

I think the Niners can do the Seahawks, Wilson hasn't been great recently and Niners are on the fire right now. I really like the Seahawks though and the atmosphere at that stadium will be unbelievable. This game is defacto Super Bowl IMO, the winner should take down the winner in the AFC.

They all do that. Broncos are keeping out the Pats fans too.

Helps that they're Mac, Charlie and Dennis' team too.

I've adopted the Carolina Panthers because that's where my cousin lives.

I just chose places I'd been too, and asked which was the shittest. Philadelphia was quite a unanimous response to that question.

Lucky you hadnt been to Cleveland then  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

I adopted New England Patriots because I've been to the Gillette (albeit for soccer).

However, I own a Cowboys jersey simply because of 'King of the Hill'.

(http://cdn.static.ovimg.com/episode/131895.jpg)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must visit though

Big night, made sure I'm working from home tomorrow.

As for a prediction it's all about the weather for me. If its windy then Peyton will struggle as per past history and Seahawks defence will kill him. If conditions suit Peyton he will find a way to win because that's what he does.

Should be a corker of a game either way.

First year in many that I don't have the first week of Feb off of work, so no all-nighter for me.

Maybe I'll try to make it to half-time, haven't decided yet.

Not allowed tomorrow off, boooo.

I think I'd quite like Wilson and the Seahawks to take it.

Hoping for a Seahawks win, purely to see what kind of interview Sherman gives...

I'm not going to watch it for the first time in years but I'll record it. Mind you, I say this most years and end up staying up.

What time does it start?

11.30pm Uk time and oddly it is quite literally the greatest show on earth.  Going for the Seahawks as an NFC boy, fucking 49ers.

I really wish I had booked tomorrow off

I think the Seahawks will do. They've for the most part gone about their business quietly whilst Manning and the Broncos had got all the praise and attention.

Saying that I'd like to see Peyton Manning top off an excellent season with the win...

For the first time for a long time I don't really have a team I don't want to win.

Would be good for Manning to win, as he has been awesome this season.
That said, the Seahawks defense has also been great this season.

Just hope it's a good, close game.

Not very close right now, Broncos having a mare!

anything that could go wrong, has. Peyton Manning has come over all Eli in this game... bananas.

Didn't expect Denver to get such a whooping

I don't wanna talk about it!

Why do I support teams that let me down just when I'm getting all excited!

Totally fed up and wired from booze and a 3.30am cycle home!

Owned..

Is this why Homer Simpson was so disappointed to find out he owned the Denver Broncos that one time?

Loved that, what a defence, what a team

It all went wrong for Denver from the first snap of the game and just wend down hill from there. Fair play to Seattle though, a thoroughly deserved win.  I've never seen Peyton Manning put under so much pressure. And Percy Harvin appeared out of nowhere after missing most of the season - what a player he is. Great game, unless you're a Denver fan.

The first play of each half was indicative of the whole game. I didn't see the Hawks running away with it. I do enjoy a good D and theirs was awesome.

It was a brilliant performance by Seattle. The intensity of the hits on the receivers and running backs was incredible. That meant the short passes weren't working out for the Broncos. The fact that Manning had D in his face all game rattled him and his long throws were awful.

Question some of the guys watching with me had was whether Manning could throw long passes anymore or whether he had finally lost it? My answer was that he could if he could set his feet. The Hawks D didn't give him enough time to do that.

I have no idea about NFL.  Not been interested since the days of Dan Marino.  I did however start watching and decided that it seemed that the Broncos are a bit like Man United.  So I decided to support Seattle.  Seemed to be going well after the first quarter so I went to bed.

Hooray for my team.

I am now a plastic NFL fan feel free to berate me.  I am ashamed of myself.

So anyone going next Sunday?

Looking forward to this, we're there for the whole weekend so will probably check out the Fan Rally on Regent Street on the Saturday.

Not going, but was on the tube with some NY Jets fans the other week after they had played at Wembley.

Having never really followed it too much, I've decided that I'll support the NY Giants and after a shaky start (lost first two games despite leading in the fourth quarter) we're looking decent despite some big injuries.  Got the Eagles this week which I understand is a big rivalry match, so FUCK YOU EAGLES.

Eagles are 2-3 and coming off the back of a big win against the Saints.

My best mates wife went to High School with Blake Bortles (Starting QB for the Jags), so kinda adopted them as my team. Which isn't great because they're not very good.. only won 1 in 5 this season. Facing the Bills who have won 3 in 5.

Still, should be a good game.

Next year we're off to Florida for our honeymoon, so we're going to try and catch a Jags game while we're over there. Plus a UCF College game and an Orlando City SC game (my best mate is the director of their academy). Good job the Mrs (to be) is into sports eh?!

I would like to think that I am this forums biggest Dallas Cowboys fan  :pint:

With our injury woes (Almost comparable to the Towns) I still believe we will continue to run the NFC East and have a one-and-done playoff run!

Have you been to AT&T, we went a couple of years ago the place is truly incredible.

I was hoping we could win a few games whilst Tony was injured, but it just hasn't happened for us.
Think we may be too far back before he comes back which is a shame because I thought we had an outside chance of reaching the superbowl this year

I'd love to go to the AT&T - looks phenomenal!

I'd like to do a lot of the stadia in the States, Edward Jones Dome (Rams) and University of Phoenix (Cardinals), Century Link Field (Seahawks) & Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts) to name but a few.

One for all you Patriot hating fools........

But the Patriots are like the Chelsea or Man United of the NFL, it's "cool" to dislike them.

Plus they're a bunch of cheats.

When they win a Super Bowl without having cheated we can all give them some credit ;)

I'm so glad there's no 'over-gronking' in real football.

Bengals 8-0 so far! Hurrah!

I watched a College Football match t'other night.. finished Bowling Green Falcons 62-24 Ohio Bobcats..

Decent match.

Watched the "A Football Life" on the 2006 Rose Bowl the other day.
Vince Young's Texas versus Matt Leinart's USC.
Definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it

But that's mainly because of the recent bandwagon jumpers like yourself.

I have supported the Patriots (well, wanted them to win) since 1972 when they were pretty crap.
It's just that the recent surge in interest in the NFL coincided with their period of dominance.

I know loads of Boston Patriots fans, and they love the fact that everyone else is against them.
It's more a Millwall attitude than a Man U attitude to be honest.

And anyway, you should know that the Dallas Cowboys are the Man U of the NFL.

I have a Dallas Cowboys shirt but I don't support them, I just fucking love 'King of the Hill'.

Stampede!

More like Liverpool. Won nothing in a very long time but steeped in past glories.

.

I may be the second biggest fan then  :-[

Its been terrible without Tony, I never imagined we would miss him as much, I mean I knew our hopes hang with him considering how many game winning drives he has completed particularly over the last few seasons, but Weeden was an embarrassment, Cassel has been a bust but yet almost an improvement (Not scoring a TD against the Seahawks was shameful.. Its still last years O-line), we simply are not playing well collaboratively (D last week stepped up, week before special teams killed us and D didn't...) now we must beat the Eagles to harvest any post season hopes. Its shit or bust and having Tony on the IR until week 11 is bad management in my eyes when you consider he is already throwing the ball. By the Miami game we could be done already! Now we also have the shit storm surrounding Hardy since the media decided to bring up old news. The whole franchise is in a bit of a mess at the moment!

AT&T... Happening next year, am thinking Thanksgiving but thats an expensive time of year to travel. If not then I will await for what we are scheduled, home game preferable as I would like to do a stadium tour! Fingers crossed we pick up the W on Monday morning. I will be sleeping and watching the condensed version on gamepass before work!

I've followed the Eagles on and off since the late 90s, but yeah, call me a bandwagoner if you like.

When you go it's worth doing the stadium tour, make sure you do the guided tour.

When we went we did it with a tour company, and although not cheap it was well worth it.
Stayed at the same hotel as the team (not that you see the players) although the tour company have a meet & greet party where a few players are there (we got photos & autographs with Tyron Smith, Brandon Carr & Terrence Williams). We also got a tour of valley ranch, a stadium tour and entry to a tailgate party close to the stadium

Another 8-7 winning season for the Bungles perhaps?

Bengals to go 16-0 and 0-1 in the play offs. It is destined

I bet you "hate the Redskins"

The usual Cinci 'one and done'

Unfortunately, the 'one and done' comments are something the Bengals and their fans are going to have put up with until they actually win a game in the Post Season. Until then, they can only do what they are doing i.e. win every game with Dalton playing as well as any QB in the NFL at the moment.

Whenever they win there is always some media 'talking head' saying 'yes but...'

They win in Baltimore...yes but, the Ravens have a losing record this year. They've not played anyone yet.
They come from 17 points down to beat Seattle in over time...yes but, they can't win in Pittsburg
So they in in Pittsburgh...yes but, they can't win in Prime Time.
They wipe the floor with Cleveland on Thursday night to win in Prime Time (I would also count Seattle and Pitt as Prime Time due to the significance of the games but whatever)

Even then, they've still got that annoying little asterisk next to them of being 'one and done' the last 4 years. They can't do anything about it until January and I think they will. I think the attitude of the team and coaching staff in general and most importantly Andy Dalton in particular has changed. They can only prove that when January comes round of course.

Not particularly.

Favour:

Please could you kindly complete this very basic survey for a sibling, cheers.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2TGWNHG

Thanks.

Done.

Does said sibling work in the US sports holiday industry? Something I've been tempted to do in the past

The Good Lady and I have been to the other AT&T- the one where San Francisco Giants play baseball. Watched a game against the Miami Marlins (Giants won 6-4). The Leftpondians certainly know how to put on a show :)

Done

Done.

Done

I must say I didn't see the Texans breaking that winning streak, the season for the Cowboys is done.

I didn't see Peyton Manning throwing 5 interceptions and being benched. In fact, I'm glad I didn't see Peyton Manning throwing 5 interceptions and being benched!

I fear for the Broncos.

Just added Osweiler to my fantasy team. Hope he can put up some points and throw some TDs against Chicago!

Former Pats QB Doug Flutie loses both parents on the same day. Both having a heart attack within a couple of hours of eachother. Wow, that's pretty harsh.

Remember seeing Flutie play for the Calgary Stampeders against the Baltimore CFL Colts in the early 90s, then again for the Chargers against the Broncos in the mid noughties. Class act and defied those who said he was too small to be a QB in the NFL.

That was a terrible game for Monday Night Football. Both Defences dominated and the Bengals could quite conceivably have won 6-3. There is never any shortage of people wanting to jump on the 'Typical Bengals, choking again...' band wagon and they just have to go out and prove them wrong, starting Sunday in Arizona.

You're right about the Cowboys though, they're just incapable of winning without Romo.


I never knew about that NMH. I just looked it up - interesting  :hmmm:

Does anyone play for Swindon Storm? Thinking of attending open sessions

Baltimore couldn't get an NFL franchise for years after the 'Colts' franchise left town and went to Indianapolis. They had a stadium and financial backing, but the NFL wouldn't let them have an expansion team as it was argued that it would affect the Redskins. So, they bought a CFL team and named it the 'CFL Colts'. They filled the stadium every game. They then had the opportunity to bring the Browns in from Cleveland, with the promise of a new stadium, which they build at Camden Yards, in the car park of the Baltimore Orioles MLB team - The Baltimore Ravens were born. There was uproar in Cleveland, who managed to find a backer to start the Browns again......and so it goes on!

And apparently they even won the Grey Cup in 1995, that completely passed me by - although to be fair they were only around for a couple of years I'm still surprised at myself for not knowing that. I've seen Baseball and Football at Camden Yards, it's an impressive set up and it's right in the down town area so you don't have to drive miles to get there.

Do it. I played at uni having never played before, and its a cracking sport to get into. I'd play for the Storm if my shifts were better.

Not strictly NFL, but High School Football..

John Krahn from ML King High School in Southern California.

17 years old, 7 foot tall and 440lbs.

Fucking size of him!

likewise! (well, at least try to!)

One for OST...

Bengals in London on the 30th October next year, hosting the Redskins.

That'll be the one I try to get to I think, the pick of the bunch.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000587776/article/2016-uk-international-series-schedule-announced

Also the Jags Vs Colts, division rivals, should be a great game.

I think I might just pop along to that one  :hmmm:

Maybe, but the division sucks this year, although the Jags may just be on the up. I fancy seeing the Bengals though, home team and easy to support for the game.

Always easy to support against the Deadskins 👍

The O-Line for the Jags is certainly starting to turn a few heads. Blake Bortles is starting to have more good games than bad, a fully fit Julius Thomas is very useful, and Allen Hurns/Allen Robinson are really starting to shine, Rashad Greene coming back in from injury is helpful too. I think the Jags are going to start to come along nicely.

They could be playing in the Rams game as well, potentially 2 weeks in a row over here. Bit odd, don't know why the NFL could pick a fixture that is already decided.

Decent stream for the Eagles v Lions game if anyone's interested:

Roll on Panthers vs Cowboys. I cannot wait. Romo to take that '0' from Carolina!

38-7 after 3 quarters. :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

No time to be a bird.

In other news Sanchez sucks, who'd a thunk it?

Tough one for the Cowboys, Cam Newton is in seriously good form.

Yep, the scary thing is that on the betting markets the Cowboys are slight favourites.

If Dallas can win this game, you get the feeling they might win the East, but that's going to be a big ask as Carolina have looked really good this year

They've been superb (obviously, looking at their form), I can't see them going undefeated though.

This could be a long night for the Cowboys.

Good.

Its a game. We are looking sharp when we get a couple of first downs in a drive.

Defense looks piss poor.

2 Tony Romo Pick-6's... he's having a 'mare!

That's an understatement 😩

Really, they have given up less points than the offense have ;)

Its the game unless we can stop the first Carolina drive, we need a turnover at least and no more picks. I would say its a game of two halves..... :pint:

Or 1 quarter? It's all about the 4th anyway, right?..

Surely it's just a matter of time before this is introduced to football over here... http://www.nfl.com/flexible-schedules

A happy donkey in his stable tonight. Hopefully, OST will be happy on Monday night, too. The win fucking aged me, though.

I absolutely loved the Jets winning along with the Chiefs which means that thanks to their loss to the Ravens, the horrible, dirty Steelers are on the outside of the play off picture looking in. Knowing them though, they will find a way of fluking their way in. Not confident of beating the Broncos on their patch tbh although the Bengals desperately need the bye to get Dalton healthy for the play offs. Don't think they will get it though. I hope I'm spectacularly wrong.

Edit: WTF happened with that coin toss at the start of overtime in the Jets game?

That coin toss was brilliant. The reaction of the patriots player was priceless. Fair play to the official for telling him what he'd done!

The Pats player tried to pass it off saying that he wanted to kick and choose sides.. It was a bit weird.

I do enjoy a good Patriots fuck up... :D

Also, what the hell was that field goal attempt at the end of the Bengals-Broncos game?!?

Phew! Go Broncos!

Just watched it. That was a hell of a game.

I already stated that I was desperate for the Bengals to get a bye so Dalton got got an extra week to get fit for the play offs as I couldn't see them winning a play off game with McCarron at QB. I have to say though that I have revised that opinion. The sooner they get Dalton back the better but I can definitely see them getting that elusive play off win in the Wild Card round this year if McCarron has to be called upon again. He did not look like a rookie at all. The first half was unbelievable but fair play to the Broncos, they kept going and won a tough, tough game.

Don't disagree, but I think that they are two of the weaker teams in the playoffs.

I think the AFC is pretty weak compared to NFC. Obviously the Pats will be a threat as they always are but there isn't another team I could see winning the SB. Chiefs are on a roll but Alex Smith isn't going to cut it at the cunch part of the season.

The NFC looks stacked. Cardinals, Panthers & Seahawks are a class apart at the moment IMO

Agreed. Having seen the way the Cards demolished the Packers this week, it would be a brave man to bet against them.

I see the Rams have been voted to relocated back to LA..

The votes were 30-2 in favour of the move.

Who were the two that voted against? Oakland and San Diego?

With Peyton Manning leaving the Broncos at the end of the season, I wonder where they'll finish up..

Personally I think they'll fall short of the Super Bowl which will be Patriots Vs Cardinals..

Panthers have had an amazing season and I can't help but think they've overachieved a little.

Personally I think the Cards look like the team to beat and can almost see them winning it.

Safest best is that the Superbowl winner will come from the NFC.

Manning looks done to me, the injures haven't helped but age has caught up with him. He can still move the chains and setup the running game but the long throws seem to generally be beyond him now.

The Superbowl is potentially a one sided game in favour of the NFC

I agree to both.. I just have a hunch regarding Arizona..

Like the Cardinals a lot, I'm a sucker for a mean defence that kicks a bit of arse.

As a Falcons fan I can't root for Panthers so I'm all over Cardinals for (hopefully) the next 3 weeks

I've just managed to get a shift swap for the 7th February (night shift) result!

I've not managed to book the day after off yet, not sure I'll be able to as I think I'm all out of holiday... Balls.

I'm on nights on the 8th too  :pint: :pint:

You should never write off them Patriots...

Agreed... but I just can't see it being their year..

I hope not, because Peyton is going to be rejuvenated!

So long Brady! We've got fully pumped up balls and thin air to throw them through! :smugfu:

Did anyone see the Panthers/Seahawks game last night?

Russell Wilson had a typical 'game of two halves'.

They came close to getting it level. I picked the Seahawks to win the SB. Got closer than my beloved Cowboys!

But so did most teams to be fair ;)

I thought about posting the same...but I figured from the inside of my glass house, best to keep hold of my stones.

Cards for the SB, btw.

I caught the highlights from the Cardinals game, looked quite the spectacle for the neutral. I've relatives who live near Phoenix who were at the game.

They're certainly looking like the team to beat.

Surely the big question is "Can the Patriots win a Superbowl without cheating"?

No, cos the Broncos D are going to snuff him out.

I hope so

I cannot see past the Panthers for the Superbowl!

Anyone going this year?

I'm going to Colts @ Jags (hopefully) - Tickets on sale 10am tomorrow.

Bengals v Redskins

Julian Clary at QB?

 :gay: :gay:

Yawn Yawn

 :D :D

Yeah - The annoying thing about that Deflategate bollocks and the other stuff is that they didn't need to do it. They wiped the floor with the Colts in that game and even the most diehard Patriots detractor knows deep down that messing around with the balls did not change the outcome one bit.

It would seem that cheating is endemic within the Patriots organisation, regardless of whether their team needed the boost or not.

What makes it worse is that didnt need to cheat either. They have the best coach in history of the game and certainly one of the best QB's ever.  Their record over the last 15 years is amazing given the way the league is setup to produce parity. Other teams can produce 3 or 4 decent years but nothing close to NE.

Deflategate wouldn't have made much difference, if any, to that game, not the point though

Which was kind of my point really  ;)

Indeed, just getting it off my chest as it kind of irks me when people use the cheating stuff to try and play down their achievements.

Don't get me wrong I hope they lose against the Broncos as I'm bored of them but massively respect what they have done this century

...whilst cheating ;)

Tickets purchased today! Lovely.

And the answer is......Nope :D

Woot!

I thank you!  :smugfu:

I decided against buying a ticket for the London games in Oct - just too expensive really.

I'm a NY Giants fan and fancied the Panthers all season, though to be honest the Bengals, Cardinals and Seahawks were all excellent at times too.

Cam Newton is a beast and will win the Superbowl on his own.

Cam Newton is a beast and will win the Superbowl on his own.
[/quote]

Is that allowed?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMTzhPKSffU

Broncos v Patriots was a terrible game. Panthers v Cardinals however was something else. It will be a travesty if the Panthers don't win the whole thing.

That's the wrong way around (unless you support the Panthers or Patriots).
Much better to watch a game where the result is in doubt until the last minute, than a one sided blowout.

As for the SuperBowl , it's one of those games where I don't mind which team wins.
Ironic that the roles have switched around from the last time that Denver got to the big game.
Then, they were the #1 offence against the #1 defence (Seahawks), this time they have got there on the back of the leagues best defence.

Just hope that the game comes down to the last drive

That's true up to a point but both Defences were so on top it was utterly boring until the Patriots got the touchdown at the death. The Panthers game by comparison was a joy to watch. Absolutely no one would have predicted the blow out which it ended up being. It would have been better if it had been closer but I found it way, way more enjoyable. I suppose the fact that I am rarity in that I am a neutral who quite likes the Patriots didn't help. There are different ways of seeing the same thing.

I hope the Panthers win the SB because they play how you (or I do at least) want to see the game played. And it will be a new name on the trophy.

I've got to say, I enjoyed the Patriots/Broncos defensive showdown. I thought it was a decent game. The reaction from some of the Broncos players when Manning slid for the first down was brilliant!

As for the Super Bowl itself now, I'm really looking forward to it, but I can't really see past the Panthers. As much as I'd like for it to be the Broncos.

That's my favourite type of game, a defensive slugfest! Not a fan of high scoring shootouts

I've got most predictions wrong in the playoffs so far but I think the Panthers could do to the Broncos what the Seahwaks did a couple of years ago. Cam is good enough to get points on the board against an excellent Denver defence, I've thought all season Peyton is done so I'm going to predict he struggles again in a Super Bowl.

Not just me then?  Love it.  A QB being smacked into the ground by some pissed off d-lineman is a thing of beauty.  As long as no-one tried to rub their balls on Tom Brady's face, we'll be ok.  Oh, what was that Denver?

Me too, the league have made it easier & easier for the offence over recent years, but still enjoy seeing a QB running for his life:)

Fuck yeah!

3 and out - Punt
3 and out - Punt
3 and out - Punt
3 and out - Punt
3 and out - Punt
3 and out - Punt
3 and out - Punt
3 and out - Punt

Terriffic stuff  ::)

Haha there's a bit more to it than that though, right?

For me, it's as interesting to see the big hits as much as the big plays. Plus seeing how the offence deal with a stubborn defence, etc.

Yes, you want a bit of everything of course. I love to see Jo Flacco or Ben Roethlisberger in particular get pummled into the turf and trampled over by some 20 stone (Bengals) Defensive End. Going back to that Broncos v Pats game though, there was no Offence whatsoever on either side - it was terrible to watch - in my opinion.

That's fair enough. Each to their own. I actually found it more interesting than the Panthers' game.

Each to their own indeed...some weird mother fuckers even support the Pittsburgh Steelers...I can't even comprehend how that works  ???

Haha yeah, what's that all about?

Not if you had something riding on it. As a Broncos fan I was gripped!

Of course - And to be fair, Von Miller was unbelievable.

It's the inbreeding, the same applies to the Philthy Iggles fans

I have family in Pittsburgh, lots of them............


.....as it happens, still ended up a 49ers fan - it's been a terrific fall from grace in little over 12 months.

I can't see it getting much better next year... or until Baalke/York are gone

True story.

So its Superbowl Sunday.

You would have to think the Panthers are clear favourites, but that Denver defense are really good.
I guess it depends whether they can contain Cam Newton.

I just hope it's a close game that is decided in the fourth quarter, not like the last time the Broncos got there

Don't want the game over in the first 5 mins unless it's in favour of Denver! 5am start on Monday means recording and avoiding the result for me.

Go Broncos!

Although I can't help but think that the Panthers will run out as winners.

A top defence will always beat a top offence. Broncos to win

Let's hope!

Off to bed. Watching it tomorrow night.

Intriguing first half, still wide open.

Defense on top, but can Denver keep forcing turnovers

Wow, what a defensive performance that was

good shout.

Only was able to watch most of the first quarter, but my observations was the Cam Newton was very nervous, he was certainly overthrowing his passes, and he got very little protection, but the big call in that quarter was where they ruled a Newton pass incomplete, and Carolina challenged the decision. Looking at the replays it looked like it should be overturned, and ruled a complete pass. The ref decided not to...and two plays later, the ball is fumbled after Denver pressure on Newton, a touchdown is scored...10-0, to which Carolina never recovered.

Not the most interesting game ever but quite intriguing at the same time.

That was some performance from Von Miller, it's takes some effort for a defensive player to get MVP even when there was absolutely no candidates from either teams offense as per last night.

It's right that Peyton gets a 2nd ring based on his career efforts. He was totally ineffective again last night though, imagine he will retire in the next few days as he arm has moved into noodle territory now.

What a great defensive showdown.

Two of the most important games he's gonna play, against New England and the Superbowl, and he was magnificent in both, I think Von Millet might have just played himself into the Hall of Fame. A well deserved MVP.

I think he's been tagged as a Franchise Player now too.

Holy thread revival

NFL gamepass currently offering a 99p 30 day subscription - means that you can watch the Super Bowl with full US coverage (I.e. all the expensive hyped up adverts) if you are that way inclined

Watch their pharmaceutical adverts and be afraid.

Those adverts are horrendous!

The need to list out every possible side effect is rather funny.

I don't want either team to win.

Fair play to Brady if Tampa Bay win. 

Did anyone on here get tickets for this years games at Tottenham?

Yep, off to Jets Falcons.

Me too.

Dolphins v Jags via my NFL Wembley season ticket. Wasn’t allowed to buy for both games.

Streaming the Donkeys against the Bungles.

Com the Orange Crush!

Bloody rubbish!

Bloody Donkeys lose again!

The Cowboys give the Washington No names a good thrashing.

Looking interesting for the NFC playoff seedlings

And that’s my team. What a beat down. Need to start thinking about keeping this team healthy. LFG Cowboys!!!

Might only have been the Jags, but my Jets with a cracking win considering we are 20 players and a Head Coach out with Covid.

We've been a whole offence and offensive coach down for several years now!

Watched my first NFL game last night at the Tilted Kilt in Clarksville (in between whooping the Yanks at pool; they are awful). Surprised how much I enjoyed it. Had no idea what was going on, mind you. It was the Cowboys game

Ravens have been rubbish for weeks now.
Cant see them making the play offs.

Chiefs & Packers looking strong. Everyone else has been streaky.

Bengals look good with a lot of young talent. I fancy them for Superbowl next season…

The Bungles? Not a chance!!

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Whilst my NFL fandom has only been the last 9 season. The Bengals team seem to have firmly moved on from Andy Dalton Bungles era.

We’ll see I guess. They could still reach the post season this season but have the Chiefs up next.

The defence have been playing well for several weeks, especially now the Lawrence & Gregory are back playing.

The fact the offence clicked last night is a good sign going into the playoffs.

Still worry about us beating Rodgers in Green Bay (if we can get that far), but at least we look like we can compete with the best teams

Playoffs are all about 'D'

Cowboys will choke at some point like they always do

Possibly, but it’s the first time in a long time that they have had a reasonable defence

But they are still a bit suspect to the running game.

I hope I'm not jinxing them but the Bengals certainly seem to be on an upward trajectory. The improvement just since last season has been phenomenal. No team in the league has 3 better receivers than Chase, Higgins and Boyd and the running game with Mixon is none too shabby either. And of course the sky's the limit for Burrow. I just hope to God that they focus on strengthening the O line in free agency and the draft this year.

But the other key element this season is how much the D has improved. They've really loosened up the purse strings in recent years and spent big on defence in free agency and gone heavy on it in the draft and are starting to reap the rewards with players like Reader, Hendrickson, Hilton, Wilson etc...

KC is a massive game...reading the Bengals' forums, they think they are good enough to beat the Chiefs but at the same time won't be shocked to lose by 20+ points. I would go along with that, especially considering how inconsistent they've been this season (although to be fair, most teams have been) but they are a young team and I'm sure exciting times are ahead.

I'd happily get pummelled by the Chiefs if it means we can win vs the Browns.
Like you I'm maybe a touch biased as they're my team, but I think the Bengals in the next few years might make the superbowl.

That's the thing though, I wouldn't want to go up to Cleveland needing to win to get in. They may have to of course...

Bengals arent my team, Ravens are.

Ravens & Jackson have been found out. He’s just gonna get hit till his legs are gone now.
Steelers have nothing and Big Ben is done
Browns are the Browns.

It’s definitely Bengals division for the foreseeable future, imo

NFL is no different to football in so much as there are a couple of very good teams, a lot of teams who are much of a muchness and some mediocre ones.

The flashy offensive team most often get found out in the playoffs if they can't defend stop the run game and opposition taking time off the clock.

Ah, I completely misremembered things.
With the cap space and having a relatively healthy roster, most of which will stick around next year it does look good

Bengals win 34-31...amazing game, amazing team :clap:

At what cost?

Bizarre last couple of mins.

Slugfest between 2 teams with little to no D.

What do I know - I just watched my Donkeys get slaughtered by the Chargers!

The Broncos still haven't come close to replacing Peyton Manning it seems to me (easier said than done I know) The NFL is crazy this year. No team has been consistent all season. Makes it interesting though. Very exciting times for the Bengals but they absolutely must focus 100% on protecting Burrow this off season

We had a D for the second half - KC only scored 3 points :)

Very fortunate with some of the refereeing (especially in the last 2 mins) but they were shite for both teams so we'll move on quickly past that

Manning papered over cracks. Bronco's have had a decent D for the last few years which has carried them. But, they have been relied upon to make too many big plays and they spend too long on the field.

Offense has been their problem. While their quarterbacks have been decidedly average at best, their offensive line has been the problem. It has provided no protection whatsoever. The QBs have been forced to hurry, been inaccurate or made bad decisions.

They fired the offense coach in 2020 and brought in Pat Shurmer. He has been awful and the local media have been calling for his head for much of the season.

Special teams have also been an issue in the last couple of years. We seem to keep giving away big plays.

I'll stick with what I have said before though. The team that can keep a high powered offence off the field for the longest will win the Superbowl.

I'm just happy the Eagles have turned around their terrible early season form and are now in with a chance of the playoffs.

They’re in the play offs. Haven’t beat a team with a winning record all season, and expect them to lose gallantly in the wildcard round to a good team (probably the buccaneers), but the fact they’re there at all is a result. Three first round picks next year too, futures looking bright

Didn’t take you guys to be fans of the Millwall of the NFL.

Green Bay have been pretty consistently winning all season? Unless you mean performances.

Bengals are going to be scary in a few years. Their o-line still needs some work IMO but Chase, Burrow & Mixon will be causing problems for a while!

Without a doubt, really good outfit, and they're only just getting started.


Forza Cardinals.

Only if they (as a team) change tack & spend a bit. They have a reputation of letting good players leave when they want to be paid.

If I recall they are one of the teams that don’t even use all their cap space.

They can only spend so much, same as everyone else. The three I mentioned before will probably demand pretty sizable contracts once their rookie contracts are up. It's nice to see the Bengals do a rebuild properly (thus far at least).

No-one rebuilds like the Jets. Rebuilding since 1969...

Indeed, but History has shown the Bengals don’t use all of their cap, they have had a tendency to let players go rather than pay their star players.

To be fair, they've spent mega bucks (even in NFL terms) on defensive free agents in the last couple of years and it's now paying dividends. Amazing though the offence is, they couldn't have beaten KC without the D holding them to 3 points in the second half on Sunday which was a massive achievement. If they now put the same emphasis on strengthening the O line this off season they should be a force to be reckoned with (Burrow gets knocked around far more than what's good for him!)

Still haven't replaced Joe Nameth 😉

Truth.

Indeed, I was surprised they didn't take Sewell in the draft but I guess the decision to take Chase has been more than justified. I'm surprised Burrow hasn't got hurt again this year but fair play to him, he's a tough cookie. Depending on how Sunday goes I could see a Chiefs / Bengals AFCCG

I think the only people who didn’t have the Bengals taking Sewell in the draft were…well…the Bengals.
I expect Burrows put in a good word for Chase!

Which makes sense I guess, they had an obvious gaping hole in their offensive line and Burrow got badly hurt (and I still think he's fortunate he hasn't been on IR again this year). I imagine the connection with Chase at LSU played a part in the pick, I think quite a few people had Waddle ahead of him but that worked out as I think Tua probably wanted his Bama team mate in Miami.

In the draft last year you had a group of 'very good' receivers and you had Chase who was regarded (rightly as it turned out) to be head and shoulders above the rest (with the added bonus of the Burrow connection). If he'd not been there when the Bengals picked it would have made total sense to go with Sewell and go back for one of the 'other' receivers in round 2. But he was thankfully and now, even the most ardent Sewell proponent (and there were many) would have to admit they did absolutely the right thing.

It was the right choice but I still think Burrow not getting hurt is through luck rather than judgement. He's been hit a lot. Even Aaron Rodgers had to tell him to start sliding! Either way what's done is done and they have a hell of a team. Interested to see them in the playoffs!

So long Vic Fangio.

I know he was a good defense coach, but he was a poor Head coach.

Watched the Broncos do their normal and lead going into the 4th quarter, then throw it away! Can't believe we lost the ball on KC's 5 yard line and they ran it all the way in for a TD!

Then, to march straight back up the field and go for a FG on 4th, when there is only 7 mins left and we were down by 7 was stupid.

Off to watch the Falcons today, Christmas present for my son.  Nothing in it for them but Saints need to lose to ensure the 49ers get into the Play Offs (although the 49ers have their guaranteed win team today in the Rams), so I will join him in supporting them today.  Actually, the 49ers and Rams bot achieve their goal today if they tie - maybe the can agree to take a knee from the start.

Cowboys are pleased to have 49ers  :pint:

Enjoy the game Mr T? Pretty impressive stadium they've got there in Atlanta, shame they don't have a team to match it...

It is indeed an impressive stadium.  Falcons managed 7 wins in the season, which is a miracle having watched them most weekends as the nipper follows them.  I must admit the last quarter was spent watching my phone update the 49 ers game and left me chuckling after some Saints fans had clocked me doing so and passed on their commiserations when the Rams scored with 2 mins left.

Popping back in a couple of months to watch Atlanta Utd a couple of times.  I did get my son to the Stevenage game on our return.  He's watched two Swindon games live and not seen us score yet!

All US stadia are impressive! Even the older ones!!

Wonder whether the Broncos will take the Cowboys Defensive or Offensive coordinator as Head Coach? Brian Callahan from the Bungle might also cause a scene on here!

Talk about Doug Pedersen (cos he won SB without his main QB) or Jim Harbaugh (Michigan, cos he's a big name). Dan Quinn (Cowboys D and former Falcons HC was the early favourite)

I managed to catch one of those Falcons wins in London!

Bears and Vikings tearing it down. Makes sense. Surprised by Dolphins sacking Flores though after he's given them back to back winning years (albeit with no playoffs). Fangio will make a great DC somewhere (or maybe Chicago fancy him back as their head coach).

The games last night were brilliant. Right down to the wire. Leaves some excitement for the playoffs ahead!

Everyone's predictions for the wildcard round?

Steelers @ Chiefs
Patriots @ Bills
Raiders @ Bengals

Eagles @ Buccaneers
49ers @ Cowboys
Cardinals @ Rams

Bengals...it's Bengals ;)  ...and just remember who is in the play offs and whose season is over ;D

I hadn't really considered Callahan as an HC candidate due to lack of experience but I suppose he and the equally inexperienced Lou Anaroumo (DC) are both possible candidates. Plenty of inexperienced coaches have done pretty well in recent seasons....e.g. Sean McVeigh, Matt Lafleur, Kliff Kingsbury and the Bengals very own Zac Taylor...

I've seen the Falcons a couple of times....v Detroit at Wembley a few years ago and at Tottenham this season v The Jets.

That Chargers v Raiders game was insane.

Predictions (I'm normally pretty awful at this)...my predictions in bold...

Steelers @ Chiefs
Patriots @ Bills
Raiders @ Bengals

Eagles @ Buccaneers
49ers @ Cowboys
Cardinals @ Rams

I went for the last two purely on the basis that not all the games are going to be home wins...

Always difficult to predict.

Steelers @ Chiefs Too much offense. Steelers really arent very good.
Patriots @ Bills Don't know why, just do
Raiders @ Bengals Hate the Raiders, but they are on a roll.

Eagles @ Buccaneers Never liked the Eagles
49ers @ Cowboys Home field advantage
Cardinals @ Rams Cards spanked them early in the season but Rams got revenge. Think they will do it again.

Bengals hate the Raiders? News to me...

Chiefs
Patriots
Bengals
Eagles
Cowboys
Rams