NFL's biggest surprise so far [Archive] - WannaBeBig Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Forums

MrWebb78

11-20-2005, 08:27 PM

what has surprised you the most so far this season? Constant debates I hear are:

1) Colts being 9-0(10-0 now)

2) Green Bay and Vikings sucking

3) TO's behavior

4) Eli Mannintg emerging as a "dominating" QB(I disagree btw)

for me I am surprised most by the Bears at 7-3. I counted them out from day1, and assumed they would go about 4-12 at best.

But I do like seeing the Colts undefeated so far:) it's just not that surprising, they have an easy schedule with the exception of about 5 games.

lifter4life

11-20-2005, 08:37 PM

I'm suprised by how terrible the patriots and the eagles are doing, and I don't think Eli is that dominating too either. I would like to hear some predictions of next weeks game when they play the 8-2 seahawks, I live in Seattle so you know my pick. go hawks

Invain

11-20-2005, 08:37 PM

Biggest suprise was the Lions tied for first in their division the first couple weeks or so. Not suprisingly, they're back to sucking, so everything's normal again.

D Breyer

11-20-2005, 08:45 PM

the vikings winning a single game supprised me.

11-20-2005, 08:46 PM

Jake Friggen Plummer's TD/INT ratio.

KingJustin

11-20-2005, 09:21 PM

MrWebb78

11-20-2005, 09:40 PM

Patriots sucking so bad ... I'm not too surprised about Green Bay, though.

I was all excited about Indianapolis' chance of going undefeated for the whole season, until I saw the rest of their schedule. The next 5 games are all against tough opponents. Steelers, Seahawks, Titans, Chargers and Jaguars ... then finishing up with the Cardinals.

4 of those are home games where they thrive. I don't know about undefeated, but 15-1 at worst sounds realistic.

As for the Pats, they lost 3 or 4 KEY guys to injuries. the guys who have made them the team they are are gone. I am not too shocked at their record.

Denver looks awesome right now too.

Lots of "Sports Analysis Professionals" AKA dumbass writers picked the Vikes to at least appear in the Super Bowl. HA!

gator

11-20-2005, 09:44 PM

Jake Friggen Plummer's TD/INT ratio.

Agreed.

Dirt

11-21-2005, 04:46 AM

what has surprised you the most so far this season? Constant debates I hear are:

The fact no one is talking about Denver.

rdkraus

11-21-2005, 06:42 AM

Jake Friggen Plummer's TD/INT ratio.

:withstupi

Really. Who knew?

Also, Jets demise from SB contender to ___________ (fill in the blank, cause it beats me).

Who was saying Eli is dominating? As a Giants fan, I'm pretty happy with his development, but he's not a Brady or a Peyton or a Favre yet? Maybe some day. We'll see. He's made great progress since last year, when I thought he would turn out to be bust.

f=ma

11-21-2005, 08:11 AM

TO's behavior is probably the least suprising thing this season

ElPietro

11-21-2005, 09:27 AM

Shaun Alexander.

He is a great back, with a great line and great blocking, but for someone to be challenging for both godly RB records in a season is astounding.

He is a TD machine but this is rediculous, even with a very soft schedule.

He was my pick 2nd overall, and I'm happy to have him.

I guess I could add in LT2's passer rating. :D

Relentless

11-21-2005, 09:38 AM

the bears' record, especially after losing Grossman

lilmase1153

11-21-2005, 09:39 AM

Broncos were a big suprise for myself, COlts will not go undeafted nor I doubt they will even go 15-1. They are more than likely gonna rest there starters big time in the last 3 or so games since they are pretty much locked in their division for the top spot..

If they chose to play starters in everygame, than Yes I would say they could go 16-0 not easily but They are almost unstoppable as of late..

MrWebb78

11-21-2005, 10:55 AM

They are more than likely gonna rest there starters big time in the last 3 or so games since they are pretty much locked in their division for the top spot..

..

this all depends on other teams, like the broncos. the colts NEED homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. if the they need to win all of their games to do that, since the broncos have an outstanding record as well, then they will play all starters. they cant afford to go to denver in the cold in the playoffs, they would probably lose again.

but if denver loses a game or two more, then i would love it if they could rest starters for a week or two before playoffs. especially against Arizona in week 17, who needs starters against them.

ElPietro

11-21-2005, 11:03 AM

razorcut

11-21-2005, 11:05 AM

The competitiveness of the Bears and Bengals are the biggest surprises, IMO. Almost as equally surprising to me are the Texans (1-9). I knew they weren't necessarily a playoff team, but I was thinking maybe a 500 record this season.

lilmase1153

11-21-2005, 12:30 PM

If the colts are still perfect towards the end of the year you can sure as hell bet they won't rest their starters.

A superbowl is the ultimate goal, but most folks don't remember champs past a few years, an undefeated team would be mentioned forever in this league. Especially in the 16 game format which a team has never managed to do.

If they lose one game then yes they will rest. But to go undeafeated they could never pass that up, and you could argue that carrying such momentum into the playoffs would be worth any fatigue or injury risk.

Only two players that are irreplaceable right now on the colts are Peyton and Freeney. They have plenty of talented ball catchers, and Rhodes is one of the best backups in the league, so even if the worst could happen, they aren't going to be without a chance.
I have to disagree with you here Elp, Yes going undeafted throughout the season would be unforgettable (Just like those damn dolphin fans who whenever you say anything they say oh has your team gone undefeated.. Silly dolphin fans) But what is the Ultimate GOAL of any Athlete (Im not talking greedy TO type athlete either) thats to win the big game. Peyton knows this Harrison knows this James knows this Dungy knows this. SO even though It would be awesome for them to go 16-0 I dont think they will just for the sake of PERFECT season. If peyton does not win a superbiwl he will be another Marino good player with no ring.

*** The only way thye will play all starters is MrWebb said if they are in a tight race with The Broncos. That is the only Scenario I see that would justify playing starters in everygame.. Aside from that expect them to lose a game or 2

ElPietro

11-21-2005, 01:03 PM

Yes but you guys make it seem like resting their starters is the be-all-end-all of making it to the big show.

I think there are many arguments that can be made in favour of playing their starters as not. I also think there will be at least one or two more blowout games coming down the stretch where they could easily take a quarter or a half off anyway, so I can't see missing a game or two being the secret to winning it all.

I could be wrong since my memory is fuzzy, but they still have Bye weeks for the top teams yes? If that's true, why would they want to take that much time off. One extra week of rest can be a good thing, but 2 or 3 weeks off you can easily rust up not facing proper competition in real game situations.

MrWebb78

11-21-2005, 01:44 PM

i see it both ways. one one hand the Colts are a pretty ego free team. Last year for example, Manning could have SHATTERED the TD record. at least 3 or 4 games last year he sat out the 4th quarter of games in which they were WAY ahead. most memorable was thanksgiving against the Lions, Manning had 6 TDs in 3 quarters. instead of breaking the single game record and going for pprobably 9 in that game, he sat out and rested. His constant comments are along the lines of "it's not records we're after, it's super bowls."

plus, week 17 they play the Cardinals. They could rest most of their starters and destroy the cardinals. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. But we still have to get through some tough teams to worry about the last couple weeks.

ElPietro

11-21-2005, 01:54 PM

I agree, but there is a difference between an individual record and a team record. One can be viewed as selfish, but if it's a team goal, I'd think it would be viewed in a different light.

They would go to their grave considered one of, if not the best team ever to play football, with little more than a minor inconvenience at best for their super bowl chances.

11-21-2005, 01:57 PM

There's no way they'd rest their starters if they're still perfect. 0% chance. I'd back up my argument with facts, logical analysis, and impassioned rhetoric -- but I'm inherently correct and don't need to.

Meat_Head

11-21-2005, 02:23 PM

2 biggest NFL suprises: The Eagles performing terribly and being last in the division, and the Cowboys being first in the division after an ugly ugly season last year(thanks Drew Bledsoe...)

lilmase1153

11-21-2005, 03:15 PM

I can deffintely see both sides, but it does not all come down to just resting their players it comes down to what if Manning get hurts, what if Harrison gets hurt, ect ect..

I would love to see them go undefeated I have been a Colts fan from Mannings second season, I love James attitude towards the game I really like the colts (2nd fav team just cause Denver is my hometown) but honestly if Broncos lose 1 or more games I seriously dont think the Colts will start their players every game.

Elp you did bring a very good argument adn one I have not thought of, that if they continue to get blow outs that it would be rest enough with 1-2 quarters.. However their schedule is looking a bit rough you never know what will happen. So in short I want them to go undefeated (so my friend can stop talking about the stupid Dolphins adn cause it would be awesome) But it just does not seem likely and if they dont win the superbowl this year who knows if they may get another chance. The pats will be coming back strong next year and HEALTHY..

I am looking forward to how this will all play out.. Boys we have a very exciting Season and it is only gonna get better.

11-21-2005, 04:58 PM

1) Colts being 9-0(10-0 now)

This is HUGE for any team. I'm sort of happy for them, but my team is and always will be the Patriots. Since 6th grade. Which brings me to the fact that I'm very pissed they have been doing fairly badly. This was THEIR YEAR.

p0tential

11-21-2005, 05:09 PM

Has anyone mentioned the Bengals?

-TIM-

11-21-2005, 07:35 PM

DA' BEARS!

Not only is their record impressive, but the fact that they've won 6 in a row.

Nongan

11-21-2005, 07:50 PM

I don't see the Colts going undefeated. I am a Steeler's fan, and next week should be a good test for the Colts with Rothlisberger back, if the Steelers play well, they should be able to give the Colts a run for their money with the Steelers mostly healthy. Now I'm not saying the Steelers are going to win for sure, but if the Steelers can be on the top of their game on capatalize on any mistakes the Colts may make, they definantly have a shot (Anybody remeber New England last year :D)

Meat_Head

11-21-2005, 08:20 PM

DA' BEARS!

Not only is their record impressive, but the fact that they've won 6 in a row.

True, what about that defense! Freakin amazing and they get better every week.

The Colt WILL loose at least 1 of the next 5 games... I suspect against Jacksonville and/or Pittsburg.

Guido

11-22-2005, 08:41 AM

DA BEARSSSSSS!!!

They were predicted to be last in their division my almost everyone. Kyle Orton really turned out to be a nice surprise, the running backs are kicking ass, and the D-Fence is among the all-time greats. When you think about it, 2 of the games they lost, they really should have won (Redskins and Browns). They could be 9-1 right now, if not for having to start the season with a rookie QB who had to go through some growing pains but continues to improve every week.

BigEasy

11-27-2005, 08:16 PM

The Vikings 4 game winning streak

biggimp

11-27-2005, 10:44 PM

yup yup yup if the vikes win out they can finish 11-5... not that that would get them into the playoffs, but oh well i can dream :)

go 49ers! 2-9 but i still love you!

Guido

11-28-2005, 07:31 AM

Bears defense = CRUSHES ALL.

VDubb

12-01-2005, 08:10 AM

I'd say the Bears are the biggest surprise, though the Packers sucking complete ass is probably my favorite story of the year.

Colts have been great the past few years - it was only a matter of time before their D caught up with their O (at least a little bit).

Vikes still have plenty of chances to make the playoffs. The Bears could slip somewhere - they have a tough schedule left. Otherwise, the Giants aren't playing well, and we'd have the tiebreaker against them for the wild card.

All in all, it's been fun......and I can't wait to see how it plays out!

Shao-LiN

12-01-2005, 10:12 AM

So how bout those Colts, eh? Down goes Pittsburgh.

Meat_Head

12-01-2005, 12:45 PM

So how bout those Colts, eh? Down goes Pittsburgh.

They'll still get owned at Jacksonville, although Leftwich being out hurts the Jag's chances...

Oak

12-01-2005, 03:56 PM

They'll still get owned at Jacksonville, although Leftwich being out hurts the Jag's chances...

THAT would be the surprise of the season...even with Leftwich, they don't match up well.

The Bears gotta be the biggest surprise to me. Came out of no where.

Meat_Head

12-01-2005, 04:13 PM

trich daddy

12-02-2005, 03:09 AM

Leftwich being out doesn't hurt the Jags as much as it could. They're a solid running team with a good defense. Jimmy Smith is one of the top receivers in the league..... and let's face it - you can't say the same for Leftwich at the qb position.

That said, the biggest surprise this year has to be the Colts. Who would've thought they'd go from big pansy to big nasty? Right now, they're just stepping on the neck of every team in the league..... the only thing that can stop them is......... themselves. See: end of 1st half of Bengals game. Don't forget: that game would've been a blowout had Peyton not tripped over the left guard's foot and thrown a pick.

Oak

12-02-2005, 07:59 AM

Assuming Taylor can play, and Garrand doesn't completely suck, they match up pretty well with the Colts considering its a home game for Jacksonville - especially if Indianapolis' starters are on the bench(which they most likely will be).

now if Dungy is resting his starters I will agree with you here. However, I hope he doesn't. I'd hate to see them blow a chance at a perfect season by doing that. I've never been a Indy fan, although I got respect for Payton, but I'd love someone to shut-up the '72 Dolphins who always bust out the bubbly whenever the last undefeated team loses. I swear, those guys would celebrate if the Dolphins lost.

Meat_Head

12-02-2005, 12:32 PM

now if Dungy is resting his starters I will agree with you here. However, I hope he doesn't. I'd hate to see them blow a chance at a perfect season by doing that. I've never been a Indy fan, although I got respect for Payton, but I'd love someone to shut-up the '72 Dolphins who always bust out the bubbly whenever the last undefeated team loses. I swear, those guys would celebrate if the Dolphins lost.

It would be both a stupid and smart move on his part. Obviously there's added risk of injury if you play them, but how long has it been since you've heard of Peyton, Harrison, James(in the past 2 seasons), etc even having minor injuries? They're resilient and solid players, and I think Dungy would keep alot of momentum, morale, and confidence in his team if he lets them play.

Really the smartest thing he could do would be to let the guys further back in the depth chart get some playing time until they make a mistake or until the Colts start losing a game, then throw the starters in to bail them out. Why miss a chance to make history if you don't have to or need to?

Gyno Rhino

12-02-2005, 12:36 PM

Bears is surprising.

Manning (P) really is that good. We knew it at Tenn, now y'all know it.

Pissed about the Pats performance this year? Try being a diehard 49ers or Browns fan. Every year is just another sadly chiseled mark on the wall signalling my joyous embrace with the grave has slid closer.

Oak

12-02-2005, 01:09 PM

It would be both a stupid and smart move on his part. Obviously there's added risk of injury if you play them, but how long has it been since you've heard of Peyton, Harrison, James(in the past 2 seasons), etc even having minor injuries? They're resilient and solid players, and I think Dungy would keep alot of momentum, morale, and confidence in his team if he lets them play.

Really the smartest thing he could do would be to let the guys further back in the depth chart get some playing time until they make a mistake or until the Colts start losing a game, then throw the starters in to bail them out. Why miss a chance to make history if you don't have to or need to?

He's made the comments that he would do it. To me it would be a mistake. Everyone remembers the '72 Dolphins, and not because they won the SuperBowl. If I'm Payton, Edge, or Harrison (or any of the starters for that matter) I create some major internal interference if he wants to sit me (selfish, yes, but this chance doesn't some along very often).

icanrace

12-04-2005, 02:44 PM

Eli Manning = WAY, WAY, WAY OVER-RATED

Shao-LiN

12-04-2005, 04:14 PM

I think what makes Eli Manning overrated is that everyone blows out of proportion the small things said about him...stuff like "he's making a name for himself", or "he's improved since last season" are true. But people turn that into "OMG HE MIGHT BE AS GOOD AS PEYTON" just because he's related to him.

MrWebb78

12-04-2005, 05:38 PM

eli is good. but for sportswriters to make him out to be so outstanding although is just abover average is typical sportswriter hype garbage. I have no doubt he will be awesome in about 3 years. but to assume he will be as good as Peyton just because they're brothers is silly.

rdkraus

12-05-2005, 06:23 AM

Eli has started about one year of games. He is about as good as you would expect for a good rookie. He does have a way of getting it done when he needs to at the end of the game; that is very good to see. He did it again this week. Even though the offense was stopped by the Boys in the second half, he got them in position to seal the game with a 33 yard field goal (which was missed !). He also had a couple catchable balls dropped.

Lot's of potential. Let's see where he is in two, three years.

Guido

12-05-2005, 08:59 AM

Look at these stats:

Green Bay Chicago
1st Downs 26 10
Total Yards 358 188
Passing 258 49
Rushing 100 139
Penalties 9-70 4-61
3rd Down Conversions 5-16 0-10
4th Down Conversions 3-4 0-0
Turnovers 4 2
Possession 34:47 25:13

Now tell me who won.

It's scary that the Bears QB can have one of his crappiest games, Favre THROWS for more yards than the Bears have given up TOTAL on average, and yet they still win 19-7. When it comes to not allowing points and sticking with their game plan, the Bears are just scary - even despite their crappy QB.

Relentless

12-05-2005, 02:44 PM

Leftwich being out doesn't hurt the Jags as much as it could. They're a solid running team with a good defense. Jimmy Smith is one of the top receivers in the league..... and let's face it - you can't say the same for Leftwich at the qb position.

They'll still get owned at Jacksonville, although Leftwich being out hurts the Jag's chances...

Assuming Taylor can play, and Garrand doesn't completely suck, they match up pretty well with the Colts considering its a home game for Jacksonville - especially if Indianapolis' starters are on the bench(which they most likely will be).

Do you guys still hold the same opinion after the 35-3 hiding the Colts gave the supposedly staunch Titans? Or for that matter after seeing the Jags give up 14 pts before halftime to CLEVELAND? Hell, the Jags barely pulled that one out of the crapper! Their 3rd quarter figgie as well as their second 3rd qtr TD were helped greatly by penalties on Cleveland as well. Jacksonville will need to play a LOT better than that to even stay in the same ZIP code as the Colts.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Colts bandwagon jumper, or a Jax hater. But I think you guys are WAY off. ;)

MrWebb78

12-05-2005, 03:07 PM

Jacksonville is a very good team. But still 2nd place to them Colts:)

Meat_Head

12-05-2005, 04:57 PM

Do you guys still hold the same opinion after the 35-3 hiding the Colts gave the supposedly staunch Titans? Or for that matter after seeing the Jags give up 14 pts before halftime to CLEVELAND? Hell, the Jags barely pulled that one out of the crapper! Their 3rd quarter figgie as well as their second 3rd qtr TD were helped greatly by penalties on Cleveland as well. Jacksonville will need to play a LOT better than that to even stay in the same ZIP code as the Colts.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Colts bandwagon jumper, or a Jax hater. But I think you guys are WAY off. ;)

I'm discouraged, especially after that first half. I still think Jacksonville can put up a great fight, but they desperately need Leftwich and a great running game to have a chance. No suprise about the 35-3 game against the Titans, they royally BLOW.

Did anyone see the last couple of Cowboy's games? Parcells has to be making the WORST decisions on offense he has ever made in a season. He tries to run Julius Jones up the middle(where he can't do ANYTHING) instead of to side, he doesn't pull Larry Allen in front of either of the running backs, and he ALWAYS runs it on 1st and 2nd down, no matter what the distance is. Even when they don't run it on 1st-3rd and long, so often Bledsoe flicks the ball to one of the backs for a 3-4 yard pass instead of looking down the field to 2 pro-bowl quality recievers and a pro-bowl tight end who frequently burn their defenders. I think they WANTED the Giants to rape them...