[Isamu]

Now that things have gotten settled I myself can't wait to watch some football. Really hope the Steelers can make a run at another Superbowl. So how about everyone else? What teams do you root for and who do you want to see make it to the playoffs/Superbowl?

[FlyingElf]

Everyone is expecting the Lions to make a good run this year. We'll see. Its something I've heard far too many times in the past to get too excited about, but it would be nice to play a meaningful game in December...

And not meaningful in the way that we beat Tampa Bay, keeping them out of the postseason, and letting Green Bay in who won it all...

This post has been edited by FlyingElf: 07 August 2011 - 05:44 PM

[-JUNK-]

FOOTBAWL!!!!

[FlyingElf]

You already posted that on my fantasy football thread, geez!

[KirbyFanOne]

I was looking forward to a year with no high blood pressure, anger spikes, severe bouts of depression, and heart attack risk increase.

But I guess football is better than any of that so...

[-JUNK-]

FlyingElf, on 07 August 2011 - 07:03 PM, said:

You already posted that on my fantasy football thread, geez!

Hey I don't mind football. I just like to go FOOTBAWL~ *puts touch down signal up with arms*

[rondo]

I am ready for both the College and NFL seasons. And the mass of injuries, which I am sure will affect both my teams and my fantasy teams as well.

[YoungBirdcall]

I am beyond ready for this NFL season. I expect my favorite team, the Chicago Bears, to be back in the playoff hunt. Why? Because of the lockout-shortened off season, teams with continuity of player personnel & coaching staff will have a tremendous advantage over teams with high-profile Free Agent acquisitions and teams with new coaches. The Bears' coaching staff & core players have all been here for a while, so I'm expecting big things.

[rondo]

YoungBirdcall, on 08 August 2011 - 11:31 AM, said:

I am beyond ready for this NFL season. I expect my favorite team, the Chicago Bears, to be back in the playoff hunt. Why? Because of the lockout-shortened off season, teams with continuity of player personnel & coaching staff will have a tremendous advantage over teams with high-profile Free Agent acquisitions and teams with new coaches. The Bears' coaching staff & core players have all been here for a while, so I'm expecting big things.

Didn't they trade off Greg Olsen, and let Kreutz go? What about Tommie Harris?

[YoungBirdcall]

Yeah they traded Greg Olsen, presumably because he just didn't fit Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz's scheme. Tommie Harris was released because he's been a shell of his former self and a disappointment for the past three seasons. I'm sorry to see Kreutz go because he's a great leader, he's done a lot for the Bears organization, and his presence would give continuity to a young offensive line. However, he wanted more than the $4 million 1-year salary that the Bears offered him. In my opinion, that price is too high anyway; at this point, Olin is a $2 million-a-year guy in terms of playing ability.

So even though we lost three big names, we really didn't lose all that much in terms of production. I was sad to learn of Olsen's trade, but it's in the best interest of both the Bears and Greg himself. His talents won't be wasted in Carolina; they'll feature him heavily in the passing game. He still needs to learn how to run block, though. Especially with how frequently the Panthers like to run the ball.

Bottom line: I'm not worried (at all) about the departures.

[wrexness]

I think the only notable departure from that list is Olsen himself. Kreutz will be missed more for his leadership than his on-field play, and Harris just was not the beast he used to be. Olsen himself showed that even in a Martz style offense he could get his touches, but he was certainly being underutilized unfortunately.

Anyway, Chicago should be strong, but being in a division with the defending Super Bowl champs, an improved Lions team and a Vikings team that has added McNabb, it will be tough to repeat as division champs.

[KirbyFanOne]

I'm interested in seeing how Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco will respond to the Patriots system. Troublemakers both of them to some degree, but the latter more than the former.

[FlyingElf]

The Pats organization just holds that respect that will keep Haynesworth in check I think. I think if either of them will be a problem its him though. I'm pretty sure that Ochocinco wants to win games. He has never caused problems with the Bengals are winning. That being said, the Bengals don't win all that often.

[Isamu]

Hasn't Haynesworth missed a few practices already?

[KirbyFanOne]

Isamu, on 08 August 2011 - 03:23 PM, said:

Hasn't Haynesworth missed a few practices already?

I think everyone in the league has.

[wrexness]

He's referring to the fact that Fat Albert has missed the last few practices due to "unspecified reasons" I believe. But yes Albert has definitely been a far bigger problem child than Ocho. At least Chad wants to win instead of just drawing a paycheck.

This post has been edited by wrexness: 08 August 2011 - 09:39 PM

[Jello]

Im looking forward to seeing my Bears in action! I even procured a new bears shirt :-D ALTHOUGH My dreams of getting a Bears Brad Maynard Jersey have been dashed as they traded him away

[FlyingElf]

That just means that if you get one now, they'll be cheap as they try to unload the rest of their stock.

[wrexness]

Typically true. Though I just checked the Bears web store and didn't see any at all. Also a little frustrating is the fact that the Greg Olsen jerseys are still full price. :/

[Isamu]

Cameron Heyward looks to be progressing well with the Steelers.

[YoungBirdcall]

Jeremy Maclin (Eagles WR) has some sort of Bubonic Plague that no one can figure out. He even left Philadelphia and returned to his home town of St. Louis so that he could see other doctors who might be able to diagnose what is wrong with him. Apparently this mystery illness has been bothering him since the Spring. Team sources say that he's super skinny now. A huge bummer, especially because I was expecting him to have a breakout year and I was therefore targeting him in my upcoming fantasy football drafts.

[Femme Fatale]

I'm ready...bring it on!!!

[Jello]

Bears pre-season starts tonight!!! Cant wait to see my boys in action!

[excel excel]

Bears kickin butt against the Falcons! Hester was so close to the goal! Solid D is getting it done. 30-6! They are taking it to the Falcons!

[Isamu]

The Steelers need to pull their heads out of their butts or this is going to be a long season.

[YoungBirdcall]

BEAR DOWN!

Also, I agree with Isamu on the Steelers comment. But only because Big Ben is the quarterback on one of my fantasy teams!

[Unlucky Slayer]

Let's Go Bears!

The NFC North is prolly the toughest division in the league right now. Lions are looking great. Vikings are better than last year already and of course the fudge packing crew.

[rondo]

Unlucky Slayer, on 12 September 2011 - 12:13 PM, said:

Let's Go Bears!

The NFC North is prolly the toughest division in the league right now. Lions are looking great. Vikings are better than last year already and of course the fudge packing crew.

I'll have more confidence in the Vikings when McNabb passes for over 40 yards.

[KirbyFanOne]

There's a reason I called the file blindpatriotism.jpg

[Femme Fatale]

Bears win!!! Pats win!!! Oh happy day !