Super Bowl LI

[LordMortis]

How is it the detroitlions . com is reporting Lions news based on Adam Schefter?

http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions- ... 3471854782

Isn't this the backwards way of reporting?

[ImLawBoy]

Don't understand any of the Chip Kelly love, nationally. His offensive is childlike and predictable, the defensive coordinators have caught up to his play calling and the defense gets worn out because it's on the field forever. The o has been on a rocket sled to the basement and he *does*not*adjust* to the other team's adjustments.

We've lived with him. All he does is drink our beer and clog the toilet. :eyeroll:

A lot of that has to do with not having a decent QB to run the offense. Look at what manning did in his drives Sunday. If (when) he goes to Tennessee with Mariota and gets Kaepernick as a backup/1a,I expect to see a dramatic improvement.

Didn't Kelly hand pick his QB this year?

From the limited pickings available. His number one option was to trade to draft mariota but Tennessee wasn't budging.

Actually, the limited pickings included keeping his current QB (who was 14-4 under Kelly and statistically superior to Bradford) and not giving away draft picks in the bargain. If you were hiring a head coach based solely on his offense, maybe Kelly seems like a good idea. If you're hiring him to run a professional football team, including personnel decisions (which I'm guessing Kelly will want - either immediately or in the near future), he doesn't seem like a wise choice.

[Isgrimnur]

How is it the detroitlions . com is reporting Lions news based on Adam Schefter?

http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions- ... 3471854782

Isn't this the backwards way of reporting?

It's hyperlinks all the way down. Seriously, I posted the Chip Kelly thing earlier, and went with link #2 of 3 because the third was a video post.

[El Guapo]

Don't understand any of the Chip Kelly love, nationally. His offensive is childlike and predictable, the defensive coordinators have caught up to his play calling and the defense gets worn out because it's on the field forever. The o has been on a rocket sled to the basement and he *does*not*adjust* to the other team's adjustments.

We've lived with him. All he does is drink our beer and clog the toilet. :eyeroll:

A lot of that has to do with not having a decent QB to run the offense. Look at what manning did in his drives Sunday. If (when) he goes to Tennessee with Mariota and gets Kaepernick as a backup/1a,I expect to see a dramatic improvement.

Didn't Kelly hand pick his QB this year?

From the limited pickings available. His number one option was to trade to draft mariota but Tennessee wasn't budging.

Actually, the limited pickings included keeping his current QB (who was 14-4 under Kelly and statistically superior to Bradford) and not giving away draft picks in the bargain. If you were hiring a head coach based solely on his offense, maybe Kelly seems like a good idea. If you're hiring him to run a professional football team, including personnel decisions (which I'm guessing Kelly will want - either immediately or in the near future), he doesn't seem like a wise choice.

Belichick, in slamming Kelly's firing, pointed out that none of the players that Kelly traded / sent packing are doing anything on their new teams either. Which is kind of faint praise, but there you go.

[ImLawBoy]

Don't understand any of the Chip Kelly love, nationally. His offensive is childlike and predictable, the defensive coordinators have caught up to his play calling and the defense gets worn out because it's on the field forever. The o has been on a rocket sled to the basement and he *does*not*adjust* to the other team's adjustments.

We've lived with him. All he does is drink our beer and clog the toilet. :eyeroll:

A lot of that has to do with not having a decent QB to run the offense. Look at what manning did in his drives Sunday. If (when) he goes to Tennessee with Mariota and gets Kaepernick as a backup/1a,I expect to see a dramatic improvement.

Didn't Kelly hand pick his QB this year?

From the limited pickings available. His number one option was to trade to draft mariota but Tennessee wasn't budging.

Actually, the limited pickings included keeping his current QB (who was 14-4 under Kelly and statistically superior to Bradford) and not giving away draft picks in the bargain. If you were hiring a head coach based solely on his offense, maybe Kelly seems like a good idea. If you're hiring him to run a professional football team, including personnel decisions (which I'm guessing Kelly will want - either immediately or in the near future), he doesn't seem like a wise choice.

Belichick, in slamming Kelly's firing, pointed out that none of the players that Kelly traded / sent packing are doing anything on their new teams either. Which is kind of faint praise, but there you go.

Did he count the draft picks he traded away in that?

[Default]

Point is, he won with Andy Reid's players and he destroyed the team bringing in "his" players. He then threw his players under the bus all year for not executing. He's done great against bad teams, but if you play a good team, the defense gets ground down because he doesn't believe in time of possession. I've listened to all of his press conferences and he always blows off t.o.p. and pointed to the number of snaps. Go back to last year and subtract special teams and defensive touchdowns and you'll see less than an offensive powerhouse.

<edit for posting from phone>

[EvilHomer3k]

Oh, the NFL keeps trying to shove a team into LA and it always seems to fail. I guess a third time is a charm, huh?

San Diego and Oakland both have contracts that expire this year. San Diego has offered very little (compared to other recent deals) in building a stadium. In addition they want to build in an area that isn't as desirable as the current location of Qualcomm. Finally, the proposed stadium by the city is not as nice as the Spanos family would like.

The NFL would like to move two teams to LA and has plans for a very nice stadium in a good area. Plus, they are requiring less money than San Diego. Finally, from a financial standpoint, LA is a bigger market which makes the franchise worth more money. Maybe the city of SD will come up with a last minute proposal that keeps the Chargers in San Diego but unless the owners vote it down I think the Chargers move to LA beginning in 2016.

[stessier]

Because Detroit can never have anything nice.

Tim TwentymanVerified account
‏@ttwentyman
Statement from Calvin Johnson: “Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future."

[LordMortis]

Because Detroit can never have anything nice.

Tim TwentymanVerified account
‏@ttwentyman
Statement from Calvin Johnson: “Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future."

He's still a great receiver. He's not a 24 million a year receiver but he's still great. His was a tidal wave but being a tidal wave at nearly seven feet doesn't last.

If I had his cash and his payout, I'd walk away as well but I'd force the Lions make that decision for me or at the very least negotiate a peace that doesn't involve me losing the my whole guarantee.

No matter what happens, it's been a pleasure to see him. He's been by far the highlight of the team for nearly a decade. (Or maybe not this year. I've been on Lion Sabbatical and will decide if I stay that way somewhere between one and two games into next season)

[naednek]

Sean Payton will be staying in New Orleans. Niners will find a coach after everyone else passes because, who wants to work for York? Not many.

[El Guapo]

Because Detroit can never have anything nice.

Tim TwentymanVerified account
‏@ttwentyman
Statement from Calvin Johnson: “Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future."

He's still a great receiver. He's not a 24 million a year receiver but he's still great. His was a tidal wave but being a tidal wave at nearly seven feet doesn't last.

If I had his cash and his payout, I'd walk away as well but I'd force the Lions make that decision for me or at the very least negotiate a peace that doesn't involve me losing the my whole guarantee.

No matter what happens, it's been a pleasure to see him. He's been by far the highlight of the team for nearly a decade. (Or maybe not this year. I've been on Lion Sabbatical and will decide if I stay that way somewhere between one and two games into next season)

I dunno, he seems to have trouble catching the ball.

[RunningMn9]

Because of his growth curve.

Also...because he was most recently Blaine Gabbert's backup.

[LawBeefaroni]

Because Detroit can never have anything nice.

Tim TwentymanVerified account
‏@ttwentyman
Statement from Calvin Johnson: “Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future."

He's still a great receiver. He's not a 24 million a year receiver but he's still great. His was a tidal wave but being a tidal wave at nearly seven feet doesn't last.

If I had his cash and his payout, I'd walk away as well but I'd force the Lions make that decision for me or at the very least negotiate a peace that doesn't involve me losing the my whole guarantee.

No matter what happens, it's been a pleasure to see him. He's been by far the highlight of the team for nearly a decade. (Or maybe not this year. I've been on Lion Sabbatical and will decide if I stay that way somewhere between one and two games into next season)

He's been the Barry Sanders of the 00s for me. And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on this piece of shit team.

[El Guapo]

Because Detroit can never have anything nice.

Tim TwentymanVerified account
‏@ttwentyman
Statement from Calvin Johnson: “Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future."

He's still a great receiver. He's not a 24 million a year receiver but he's still great. His was a tidal wave but being a tidal wave at nearly seven feet doesn't last.

If I had his cash and his payout, I'd walk away as well but I'd force the Lions make that decision for me or at the very least negotiate a peace that doesn't involve me losing the my whole guarantee.

No matter what happens, it's been a pleasure to see him. He's been by far the highlight of the team for nearly a decade. (Or maybe not this year. I've been on Lion Sabbatical and will decide if I stay that way somewhere between one and two games into next season)

He's been the Barry Sanders of the 00s for me. And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on this piece of shit team.

[RunningMn9]

Belichick, in slamming Kelly's firing, pointed out that none of the players that Kelly traded / sent packing are doing anything on their new teams either. Which is kind of faint praise, but there you go.

Uhhh....yeah...DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are featured WRs on playoff teams. Shady had some injury issues - but when not hurt, was fantastic for Buffalo.

In contrast, how did Kiko Alonso do this year? How did the nothing you got for Maclin do?

[LordMortis]

You don't want someone who has trouble catching the ball.

Also, I had no idea Brady was that tall.

Also, I hear we might be getting your scouting guy as our next GM. How good is your scouting guy?

[El Guapo]

Belichick, in slamming Kelly's firing, pointed out that none of the players that Kelly traded / sent packing are doing anything on their new teams either. Which is kind of faint praise, but there you go.

Uhhh....yeah...DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are featured WRs on playoff teams. Shady had some injury issues - but when not hurt, was fantastic for Buffalo.

In contrast, how did Kiko Alonso do this year? How did the nothing you got for Maclin do?

Me? I am actually upset that I personally received nothing in exchange for Maclin.

I suspect Belichick is naturally inclined to sympathize with Kelly given his own experience getting canned from the Browns head coaching gig.

[RunningMn9]

Me? I am actually upset that I personally received nothing in exchange for Maclin.

I suspect Belichick is naturally inclined to sympathize with Kelly given his own experience getting canned from the Browns head coaching gig.

I'm metaphorically referring to Kelly (and Belichick). The moves that Kelly has made have been roundly criticized, and with good reason. They were terrible moves from a personnel standpoint.

[LawBeefaroni]

Because Detroit can never have anything nice.

Tim TwentymanVerified account
‏@ttwentyman
Statement from Calvin Johnson: “Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future."

He's still a great receiver. He's not a 24 million a year receiver but he's still great. His was a tidal wave but being a tidal wave at nearly seven feet doesn't last.

If I had his cash and his payout, I'd walk away as well but I'd force the Lions make that decision for me or at the very least negotiate a peace that doesn't involve me losing the my whole guarantee.

No matter what happens, it's been a pleasure to see him. He's been by far the highlight of the team for nearly a decade. (Or maybe not this year. I've been on Lion Sabbatical and will decide if I stay that way somewhere between one and two games into next season)

He's been the Barry Sanders of the 00s for me. And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on this piece of shit team.

Don't Randy Moss him.

[Jeff V]

He's been the Barry Sanders of the 00s for me. And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on this piece of shit team.

The Bears can use a larger-than-runt sized WR, especially if Jeffery doesn't come back.

[LawBeefaroni]

He's been the Barry Sanders of the 00s for me. And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on this piece of shit team.

The Bears can use a larger-than-runt sized WR, especially if Jeffery doesn't come back.

Let me rephrase that.

And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on a piece of shit team.

No Forte, no Gould, with Cutler? He knows better than that. I'll put it this way. The Bears are 0-6 against the Lions - the shitty, awful Lions - since 2012. He's seen it first hand.

[LordMortis]

No Forte, no Gould, with Cutler? He knows better than that. I'll put it this way. The Bears are 0-6 against the Lions - the shitty, awful Lions - since 2012. He's seen it first hand.

I will say the Bears are next in line to dominate the NFC North. Green Bay is falling out and Minnesota is on the rise. I'm pretty certain it goes something like Green Bay, Minnesota, Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Chicago.

/runs to the Internet...

2005 Chicago Bears 11-5-0 Lost NFC Divisional Playoffs
2006 Chicago Bears 13-3-0 Lost Super Bowl XLI
2007 Green Bay Packers 13-3-0 Lost NFC Championship Game
2008 Minnesota Vikings 10-6-0 Lost NFC Wild Card Playoffs
2009 Minnesota Vikings 12-4-0 Lost NFC Championship Game
2010 Chicago Bears 11-5-0 Lost NFC Championship Game
2011 Green Bay Packers 15-1-0 Lost NFC Divisional Playoffs
2012 Green Bay Packers 11-5-0 Lost NFC Divisional Playoffs
2013 Green Bay Packers 8-7-1 Lost NFC Wild Card Playoffs
2014 Green Bay Packers 12-4-0 Lost NFC Championship Game
2015 Minnesota Vikings 11-5-0

Yep. That's how it works...

[El Guapo]

He's been the Barry Sanders of the 00s for me. And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on this piece of shit team.

The Bears can use a larger-than-runt sized WR, especially if Jeffery doesn't come back.

Let me rephrase that.

And in light of that, I'd much rather see him go somewhere and succeed than end his career on a down note and/or prematurely on a piece of shit team.

No Forte, no Gould, with Cutler? He knows better than that. I'll put it this way. The Bears are 0-6 against the Lions - the shitty, awful Lions - since 2012. He's seen it first hand.

[Jeff V]

The Bears are 0-6 against the Lions - the shitty, awful Lions - since 2012. He's seen it first hand.

Yes, and he knows the part he played in those Bear losses. Without him to defeat us...BEARS WIN! I'm sure he will be amused if he catches the game-winning touchdown as well.

[Pyperkub]

Me? I am actually upset that I personally received nothing in exchange for Maclin.

I suspect Belichick is naturally inclined to sympathize with Kelly given his own experience getting canned from the Browns head coaching gig.

I'm metaphorically referring to Kelly (and Belichick). The moves that Kelly has made have been roundly criticized, and with good reason. They were terrible moves from a personnel standpoint.

Some of them. Getting rid of McCoy was relatively good sense given the number of carries he had had (and he did break down this year) and Kiko Alonzo had no injury history, AFAIK (incorrect as pointed out by RM9, but still Kelly's pick to lead the defense based on his experience @ Oregon - still not a bad deal IMHO, YMMV). Signing Murray to replace him (after they had already signed Matthews) was a bit silly, though for Kelly's offense (and the NFL in general nowadays), you do need multiple backs to carry the load - in that sense, signing another quality RB made sense (though I think Murray was overpriced for what he was going to add after they already had Matthews).

Getting rid of Jackson wasn't a talent move, it was a team chemistry move - and as such needs to be evaluated on that level.

Trading for Bradford was not the best move, but if you can't get a solid QB in this league, you aren't going to win and he looks like he was probably the best they could get - while Foles did less than Bradford did in St Louis or Philly. I see this as a gamble that didn't pay off, but one that had to be made in trying to make the next step. In hindsight, yeah they would have been better off with Foles, but not better than last year. Improving the OL would have been a bigger priority to me.

Additionally, I think Kelly has learned from those mistakes and won't necessarily repeat them, while a new GM/coach may well repeat them - Kelly's a smart guy, IMHO, and whoever hires him will be fortunate that Philly didn't have the gumption to stick with him.

[RunningMn9]

Some of them. Getting rid of McCoy was relatively good sense given the number of carries he had had (and he did break down this year) and Kiko Alonzo had no injury history, AFAIK.

1) Shady didn't "break down". Shady tore his MCL. It's the NFL, that happens.
2) Kiko Alonso missed all of last year with a torn ACL. He also tore his other ACL in college. He then missed five more games this year due to knee issues.

[Pyperkub]

yeah, I wasn't up to date on Alonzo, but the numbers generally indicate the RB's with that many carries have health issues in the following year.

[Default]

You task a down hill running back with taking handouts out of the shotgun or catching a swing pass and don't even consider that you are asking Demarco to do the very oposite of what he does best?

It's not just that Chip as a gm was beyond awful, it was the guy having not a clue using players in a way that leveraged their strengths. He blows as a coach in ways that can't be fathomed by anyone other isn't in Philly. He threw away all of his talent and brought in low talent, gutless wonders. Shady was not a cancer in the locker room. He never was. Chip is not capable of coaching in the NFL.

[Default]

Oh, and PK?

Chip does *not* learn from his mistakes, because he thinks it's the players "not executing", not the predictable play calling or the refusal to adjust his play calling at the half. He's been consistently out coached all year, with a few exceptions, and the quality of play is abysmal. Just look at the lack of tackling skills this year.

[pr0ner]

Another head coaching job is available, as the Bucs have fired Lovie Smith.

[RunningMn9]

Another head coaching job is available, as the Bucs have fired Lovie Smith.

That makes little sense to me? They made progress this year.

[Pyperkub]

Oh, and PK?

Chip does *not* learn from his mistakes, because he thinks it's the players "not executing", not the predictable play calling or the refusal to adjust his play calling at the half. He's been consistently out coached all year, with a few exceptions, and the quality of play is abysmal. Just look at the lack of tackling skills this year.

I guess it's different looking from the west coast with the disaster the Yorks created when they forced out Harbaugh, the only good coach they've ever hired.

[pr0ner]

Another head coaching job is available, as the Bucs have fired Lovie Smith.

That makes little sense to me? They made progress this year.

Yeah, I don't know what's up with that one.

[Xmann]

Another head coaching job is available, as the Bucs have fired Lovie Smith.

That makes little sense to me? They made progress this year.

Yeah, I don't know what's up with that one.

Rumor is their OC is being courted by several other teams and they don't want to lose him.

Still makes no sense to me. Lovie gets fired after just 2 seasons. Ridiculous.

[LawBeefaroni]

Another head coaching job is available, as the Bucs have fired Lovie Smith.

That makes little sense to me? They made progress this year.

Yeah, I don't know what's up with that one.

Rumor is their OC is being courted by several other teams and they don't want to lose him.

Still makes no sense to me. Lovie gets fired after just 2 seasons. Ridiculous.

Interestingly, the job search in Miami is being run by Mike Tannenbaum, who used to be Koetter’s agent. By creating a market for Koetter’s services, Tannenbaum may have done more for Koetter’s career this week than he ever did during his time as Koetter’s agent.

What we don’t know yet is whether Koetter wants the Buccaneers job. Assistant coaches almost always want to become head coaches, but that doesn’t mean Koetter wants this specific job — especially if he has options, and the Dolphins’ interest is legitimate.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers can’t just hand the job to Koetter immediately. To comply with the Rooney Rule, they have to interview a minority candidate first.

All kinds of fun in those three paragraphs.

[Remus West]

What happens to the cap hit if Megatron retires?

[Isgrimnur]

Russell Street Report

When a player is released (or retires), the team is relieved of having the pay the player’s base salary (P5) and any Roster Bonus that may become due after that, but still will need to account for any Signing or Option Bonus prorations that haven’t yet counted against the Salary Cap.
...
The retirement of a player is treated the same as the release of a player.

USA Today

Large signing bonuses and guarantees can be dangerous because every dollar spent hits the salary cap eventually. A player who leaves via trade, release or retirement before any bonus proration or other guaranteed money have been amortized carries an accelerated cap hit.

[El Guapo]

What happens to the cap hit if Megatron retires?

Is there any indication that he might retire? Or is this a game by him so that he can then unretire and sign with the Patriots?

[Remus West]

What happens to the cap hit if Megatron retires?

Is there any indication that he might retire? Or is this a game by him so that he can then unretire and sign with the Patriots?

He has mentioned "considering his future" among other possible signs. Even if he retired he would still be a Lion so he would not be eligible to sign with the Pats unless the Lions traded his rights I believe. Otherwise you'd have disgruntled players "retiring" left and right every season. Franchise tag me and I don't want it? Retire. etc.

[LordMortis]

What happens to the cap hit if Megatron retires?

Is there any indication that he might retire? Or is this a game by him so that he can then unretire and sign with the Patriots?

Lots of local speculation based around Terry Foster, a local news columnist turned radio show host and his putting two and two and two together.

CJ being beat up. People of that mass not built to last with that sort of punishment. Him about to get married. Getting Game balls in the last two games.