NFL 2014 offseason/draft thread

[Havok]

Here's one example of the Steelers' dominance:

In 1979 the Steelers led the NFL by committing 39 turnovers (26 INTs, 13 fumbles lost). They still won the SB (where they committed three turnovers to the Rams' one), beating all playoff opponents by double digits.

In other words, they won in spite of Bradshaw.

[Elfdart]

Up to 1977, I'd say yes. Bradshaw threw shitloads of picks, as did all deep ball QBs back then. The difference is that there were throws only Bradshaw and maybe one or two other QBs in his era could make. The bomb he threw to Stallworth in the SB against the Rams comes to mind (Think of Flacco's bomb in the playoffs against Denver in the 2012-13 playoffs). From 78-82 he was really dangerous as a passer and was the prime mover for the team. First, because a shoulder injury reduced his arm strength, so he couldn't just fire the ball 100 mph like he did earlier in his career. Second, because at one of the Pro Bowls, Don Coryell was the AFC coach. He taught Bradshaw how to throw before the receiver made his break, making it unnecessary to try to rifle the ball into a tight spot (which pissed off Coryell's players on the squad -Doug Wilkerson said something to the tune of "What are you doing, telling him our stuff?"- but the coach was a compulsive teacher, and even recommended Tom Moore as the Steelers' new OC).

Thirdly, Bradshaw simply matured as a QB, which usually cures what ails most young QBs in love with their own arm strength. I know people like bust his balls (and he often richly deserves it), especially on the grounds that he didn't lead a bunch of 4th quarter comebacks (he had his share, in point of fact). But that's because he usually kicked the other team's ass so badly that he didn't need to pull off as many miracle finishes. His last-minute TDs were more often than not, the coup de grace.

[Thanas]

Hav is back and I got a commercial made just for his fellow raiders:

[Havok]

That's a San Diego based commercial. They make those because they have no Lombardi Trophys to polish.

[Thanas]

Ooooooooh.

[Elfdart]

That's a San Diego based commercial. They make those because they have no Lombardi Trophys to polish.

I remember posting it a while back.

Oh, and fuck you too, Havok. What have I done to you lately for that little kick in the balls?

[Thanas]

Finally, a productive solution to the redskins naming controversy.

[Alferd Packer]

Has the league said anything about what they're going to do? Since there's no local TV broadcasts for the NFL, wouldn't it be conceivable for the NFL to lean on the TV networks to get them to stop calling them Redskins during their TV broadcasts?

[Thanas]

Never change Browns, never change.

Apparently Manziel is now doing coke on top of the partying.

[Thanas]

[Havok]

That's a San Diego based commercial. They make those because they have no Lombardi Trophys to polish.

I remember posting it a while back.

Oh, and fuck you too, Havok. What have I done to you lately for that little kick in the balls?

Well, I still support the Raiders, even if the Niners are my team. I mean, I was actually born and grew up in and around Oakland.

Speaking of the Oakland Raiders... what the hell is going on with them this offseason?

Oh wait, did I say Oakland Raiders? I meant the Baltimore Ravens.

[Thanas]

Oh wait, did I say Oakland Raiders? I meant the Baltimore Ravens.

The usual thing if you got one of the youngest rosters in the league and a few shitheads on it.

[Alferd Packer]

So if you smoke pot and get caught by the NFL, that's 8 times worse than beating the shit out of a woman.

Stay classy, Goodell.

[Thanas]

Repeat offender and all that. As per the CBA, the usual punishment for first time offenders is two games, unless convicted (then 4).

Rice still should have gotten four.

[Alferd Packer]

Yeah, I know. That was more a lame swipe at the NFL's outdated drug policy.

Anyway, I don't think four games would've been enough. They should've Pete Rosed his ass right out of football. While I am sure Rice is genuinely remorseful for beating the shit out of his wife, there are some actions which should permanent, irrevocable consequences, and beating someone to unconsciousness is one of them.

[Thanas]

Meh. There is a long list of people who deserve to be out of the league before Rice. Greg Hardy just got convicted of domestic abuse. Roethlisberger got into way more dire straits with all his legal issues.

[Alferd Packer]

Well, you'll get no arguments from me about those two assholes, but we have video of Ray Rice dragging his unconscious wife out of an elevator. And isn't there video of the actual attack which hasn't been made public? Regardless, an unimpeachable record exists of the events in question, and that make Rice's offense visceral and all-too-real, especially for those who've endured the same kind of abuse.

I mean, there's no good outcome to this situation. The NFL is going alienate people, no matter what they do or don't do regarding Rice. I just think the least bad option is to say, "We do not tolerate wife-beaters in the NFL" and ban him for life. And yeah, I know the player's union probably would fight such a ban tooth and nail, but I think even making the effort would be worthwhile for the league.

[Thanas]

Making an effort that is clear to go nowhere except result in the league being sued for breach of contract and punitive damages is doing nothing.

[Steve]

Alternatively it's a good PR move that costs a lot, and probably causes the player union to get egg on their face when they can be accused of backing a wife-beater. But you're right that the practical effects won't be much.

In other news, reportedly the Raiders ownership was touring San Antonio and the Alamodome, as they are mulling leaving Oakland. Hrm, the San Antonio Raiders...

Well, maybe proximity to the Spurs will help with that whole winning issue? .

[Havok]

As the Raiders are trying to get a new stadium, they could very well just be checking out the work of the company that made the Alamodome. I thought that I read an article that the Raiders signed some sort of agreement to stay in Oakland and would be demolishing the Colosseum in 2015.

[Alferd Packer]

As the Raiders are trying to get a new stadium, they could very well just be checking out the work of the company that made the Alamodome. I thought that I read an article that the Raiders signed some sort of agreement to stay in Oakland and would be demolishing the Colosseum in 2015.

Is the new stadium gonna be a baseball/football gig, like the current one is? Or are the A's gonna get their own stadium?

[Chardok]

Do we have an SDN fantasy league?

[Thanas]

No.

[Chardok]

I take it by the....somewhat terse nature of your response that there would be no interest in starting/participating in a league?

[Thanas]

Sorry, Fantasy is just not for me. But feel free to start one.