Words on things I watched, read & heard

[farn]

I watching Mayo, Spikes & HT on the same field together the other day. Vince, Chandler, DMC. Can't believe we had so much talent on that side of the ball for a few years.

I think IDL might be my biggest gripe. TE is what it is. They addressed it at least even though depending on two rooks. I guess they did with Allen but I'd liked to have seen more.

I think it’s by design. Whenever BB wins, his LBs are top notch. The 2005-2013 stretch was arguably his weakest LB groups.

For the most part, BB wants to get the top players at the positions that « not the most expensive ». So he’ll have top 5 players at iLB, safety, punter, kicker, STs, iOL... He doesn’t want to compete with the market at positions that are premium $ such as CB (he has Gilmore, but he also has had many lower priced CBs over the years), WR, LT...

 

[long distance]

good thread BGC, thanks

worries about front 7 are overblown by definition
with dominant secondary that features 5, 6 or even 7 players even more so
outside top pass rushers its also the easiest market (they can get guys like Guy, Shelton, KVN etc at any time for peanuts)

same goes for experience: DL has plenty of solid vets, at LB Bentley looked the green dot the first time he put pats gear on, same goes for Jennings this year, Calhoun and Copeland are in the league a long time and know what the job is here..
and there are so many young groups across the league taking over and showing impact..

 

[Uptown]

 

[Uptown]

 

[n6249c]

love the JC confidence!

and “It is what it is”. Clearly Brian has been paying attention and learning the nuances.

 

[captain stone]

I watching Mayo, Spikes & HT on the same field together the other day. Vince, Chandler, DMC. Can't believe we had so much talent on that side of the ball for a few years.

One reason that Bill was ok with letting the clock run at the end of SB 49...because other than the fluke catch by Kearse - which Harmon absolutely should've had broken-up anyway; the unacceptably bone-headed penalty by Arrington at the end of the first half - which basically got him benched for the second half; and the short field after Brady's 2nd INT - the Seahags really didn't do much vs the defense that night.

 

[jmt57]

• OL - I asked two people I trust who were up there this summer and more importantly, who will actually talk to me. "Who was the best group & player from that unit". Both said secondary/OL. One person ... "Defensive Backs but actually the (OL) has been on a mission They've been right there all summer".

That person said Wynn/Gilmore. The other said JC/Wynn.

Both noted how much better Eluemunor was playing, he was standing out in a "good way". No sloppiness, penalties etc.

I've mentioned along with others how much potential this group has. I think even if RT is a weak-link and it most likely will be looking at that group but by how much? Remember playing OL is all about surviving as opposed to winning. Just get to the next play by any means, doesn't have to be pretty. If we get health & good enough at RT we should have a top 10-12 OL.

There's been a clear focus on being physical, establishing a presence with that group all summer. This team isn't ready but they are set on what type on team they want to be.

• QB - Not sure this has been mentioned enough but Cam has really taken over from leadership standpoint. Chirping at guys on both sides. Working with guys after practice, outside of practice. Being that positive force. Both people I talked to mentioned this and its been whispered by others. He's been the QB1 since day 1 he got here and it's more than evident to people watching. Football is football but he's in a different place here and been very good in all areas. Not an easy task.

From everything I've seen and heard Stiddy has had a very good camp. I doubt anyone lost faith in him but rather most had expectations different than the staff.

I honestly don't think play calling for either would be that different but I'm curious in general where we're going in that direction. I have my thoughts but it's more curiosity than conviction.

Just seems we can do more with Cam rn and again don't downplay the confidence he seems to have from the team. Guys always gravitate and they have here.

Another thing I'm curious about is scrambling drills on offense. I'm sure the staff and offense have put stuff together but individually. Between Harry, MS, 11... Im sure there's been talks of where Cam wants guys. It's a huge part of his game and hopefully now we can benefit from it rather than being on the other side.

So far the offense as a whole just doesn't look like it's there but I do have hope but the running game just makes sense when you look at the personnel. You do see the pieces for versatile enough offense. Sanu, Harry & Edleman are all very good blockers. We have the bodies in Sony, Harris, Rex & White to run or hopefully pass on any down. I don't think we're setting any records but again the pieces are there to at least compete with most teams. Certainly within the division.

I'm not expecting much from the TE position except some flashes. I'd really be happy if Asiasi was a 3 down player that blocked well to start but again think he'll flash with Cam. He's the most talented guy we have which might not be saying much now but he'll get opportunities.

I'd love to see us give these guys easy targets from leak routes, dummy blocks etc. Just get them featured when you can.

On defense it's pretty simple. We have an all-world secondary which is extremely versatile across the board. They lead a historically great 3rd down defense last year. How will we complement them this year with so many new faces?

I remember last summer a certain someone bringing up the types of players/bodies we have and we saw how Bill deployed them. I would have loved to see the evolution of that defense but we took a few big hits there.

To me that's the biggest question mark. How will the new prospects & players assimilate themselves in this multiple defense.

Most notably the LB's. We ask a ton of our guys & have a standard. We played a lot of 1/2 IDL last year and that puts a lot of responsibility, expectations on that group.

From gap exchange, reading OL protection (is it man protect, who's sliding ...), ID run fits ... There's just a ton to pick up.

We also played a lot of nickel, dime, even dollar at points last year and were really good. Top 3 usage & % in dime or very close to it off the top of my head.

So we are constantly asking a lot from our DB's/LB's. A lot more than most teams imo.

Fwiw ... We've drafted as many DB's day 1/2 over the last decade than we have LB/DL. It's been a clear point of focus for Bill and he's been traveling towards this destination - package(s) for some time.

I'm also expecting more 2hi looks, more shell looks across the league bc of the offense we're seeing. Curious if we see any spike here. We actually have the pieces with Dugger & DMC. Really hope Dugger makes us proud.

View attachment 28369

View attachment 28370



Hope everyone is feeling well. It's been a crazy year and we just passed the mid-season premiere with the awful, heartbreaking loss of the Black Panther. 40-something is way too young, my goodness. Rest in power & peace.

Football is back though! It's not that important but omg do we need it. I can't wait to watch it in rhythm again. The matchups, the chess game, adjustments, physicality, toughness & smarts. I really love just watching everything unfold. Esp the young prospects who will taking over and shaping the league.

For the first time in a long time I'm looking forward to Bills games. The teams mirror each other in a lot of ways. From play calling, great coaching and wanting to be a bully. These two teams aren't the exact opposite in terms of style we've seen before. Those should be 2 very fun, hard fought fights.

GO PATS!!!

LOL been out most of the day and I just remembered Ian is switching over everything like rn. I suck.

GO PATS!!!

Thanks for the insightful analysis.

I soak up posts like this, and friends and co-workers think I am some sort of football savant.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

So looking at the roster on offense ...

We're depending on Harry, Kobi Meyers & Gunner to make a big jump.

When you draft a player year 1 for a lot of teams its about integrating that player into the system. Team, terminology & what's expected of them at their position. Year two is when you spend time really developing that skill set.

So needless to say Bill will be expecting big jumps from a lot of players on both sides. But mainly those 3 above on offense. We really need Harry to work out. Don't be a superstar just what ask. Win the contested-tight stuff. On 3rd down/RZ. + blocker. We also desperately need another quick option at WR.This WR could get ugly if we lost Edleman. It's a thin group but it is what it is rn.

Obviously the OL stands out. It's supposed to be our strength. We're trying to play bully ball. Have our Rec Corp pick up yac with hopefully some help from the RBs early in the game. There's an obvious plan here and we want to be a physical, versatile first and foremost. If Cam is healthy we have a shot at the division imo.

Looking at the defense, gone are days of the big, tall, physical DEs. We've been manipulating pressure using of LB's for years and the roster reflects that. We still have more than a few guys that can rush off the edge but not the prototype we've seen for years.

Our run defense is the biggest question mark imo. If that holds up I believe Bill has enough to make it work in other areas. Again kinda thin/unproven in some cases if say, Guy goes down. Will Onwenu contribute on that side?

I'm hoping Wise & Cowart are put in good spots to contribute bc we need all the push up front we can get. Wise was very good in a limited role rushing the passer last year. Hopefully we get some luck there.

I'll be really interested in how much nickel/dime we run coming out early. 1/2 IDL with our guys flying around behind them. In a normal year with HT/Chung I'd be thrilled bc I think we would continue to see that evolution. Just interested to see what kinda subs were running early and how much. Defense is tricky from year to year you always have to tinker.

 

[Scotty]

BGC - Great summary , its only a week and we are headlong into the season. I just hope we get off to a good start

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Our main competition in division has to be Buffalo without a doubt. They've done a great job drafting over the last few year's. 2017-2019 they've got at least 3 starters per class.
White, 2nd Dawkins, 5th Milano, Allen, Edmunds, 4th T Johnson (plays 11 as well as anyone imo) 5th Neal not a starter but they love and he contributes, Oliver, 2nd Ford, 3rd Singletary, 3rd Knox.

I said before they mirror us in a lot of ways in all phases.

On offense you'll see a lot of stuff we run or ran. Nub sets, running game mostly. They want to be a bully also. I wouldn't be surprised if they are. Big time OL. Powerful running QB that can do some things in the passing game. Diggs really makes that rec corp. Now all of sudden you're forced to either A)Follow him with you're #1CB - a tough ask no matter the CB or B)Doubling him. Diggs is an elite tracker. Great intermediate threat. Great at contested balls/catch point. Very crisp r/r. Just what Allen needs.

That means a LB or Knox, Beasley if you're smart with Brown on the other side who can fly.

They got Moss to hopefully be that dog between the tackles to Singletary who can kick outside.

Gab Davis is a rookie in position to make some splash plays if he sees time. Limited but very good in a few areas and could capitalize on 3rd/4th DB. Great tracking, very good play speed & + blocker. Just a good fit and someone who could help ease Allen's deep ball issues along with others.

I know they're going to or want to catch fire like Tenn, Balt and be that monster in the run game you don't want to face. They have the means for sure. Still though they have more than a few rec weapons to put up 25-30 imo.

It's Buffalo. Everything is on Allen. Word from Buffalo is he's had a shaky camp. Flashes. Big time flashes but no consistency. No big jump physically but better everywhere else. More comfortable and relaxed with what's being called or in front of him.

Knox has supposedly had some drops but who cares I say if that's all you're going to say. Supposedly he looks good moving and after the catch. If he drops 7-8 balls its not the worst thing in the world.

Just think the potential is there with this team but it's all on Allen. He's going to have to throw for 23+ TD for them to be legit imo and actually win 11+ games. There's a prop for 20.5 TD pass and I kinda want to hit hard. Again unless they wanna be in a dog fight EVERY game they need to convert some TD pass imo. It's not like they're hurting for weapons?

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

This is very cool. Who throws the fastest, launch points ...

 

[Patriot Missile]

Looking at this roster I have very little expectations. I know the secondary is the strength and possibly the best unit in the league. Health worries me with this unit if the front seven fail in their duties. When rbs get to the second level and your secondary has to tackle more, the chances are greater for a tackling injury. So little footage this offseason to gauge some of these groups as a fan so to speak.

We know the secondary was great last year and oline started to improve with players coming back, hopefully even more, provided Andrews gets back on track, which in turn should improve the running game.

Other than that we all got a lot questions that should be answered over the next 3 or 4 months regarding the other positions. On paper you look at the wr’s and te’s and its pretty hard to get excited about. But it is an unknown and players could step up in a big way.

Could see this being a hard fought learning experience of 6-10 or a team that finds its identity with 10-6. If Josh is able tailor something great for Cam, maybe 11-5 with 12-4 being premium. One can dream, but without a true preseason right now I’m gonna just expect a 8-8 split and adjust as the season goes along.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Thoughts on stuff I think

• Crowd noise can effect everything from snap/cadence, think pre-snap for a QB, pass rushers jumping the snap off crowd noise (Michael Bennett, ), timeouts ... Its been a calling card for certain home teams like Sea, KC & NO. I'll be curious to see how/if it effects some teams?

• I also have to imagine traveling, the visiting team might have a few concerns/problems. Especially younger, undisciplined teams. For weeks teams have been getting coddled and in a bubble of sorts within their teams/communities. Everything within arms reach, friendly faces. No pre-season, scrimmages. No live action. Away from everything familiar & safe.

• You have believe the best coaching staffs will matter & be a difference? A staff that can get their guys focused & prepared for battle. Ready for the unknown. Might be worth double this year. Teams with a clear understanding of who they are, what they want to do what be able to get in a zone and use more often than usual in "neutral" settings as the game goes on.

• How will the lack of physicality, getting "calloused" up, competition effect certain players & teams. Guys coming back from injury, rookies & the speed of the game - conditioning/cardio/football shape.

• Refs - How will refs call it with absolutely no worries of being booed. No pushback back from the crowd - subconsciously throwing a flag for the home team or road team. They'll hear most of the stuff from the sidelines but not from 20K+ telling them to look that jumbotron in Dallas stadium. No ref will admit they do it on purpose but again subconsciously what's the effect? Do they automatically call it a little different? How will taking the human element away from humans effect the calls, if any? Same for players & coaches making calls in tough situations or playing in certain venues?

• Fwiw it's worth I believe if the NFL makes it through the first 3-5 weeks they'll power through and have a full season. I'm sure we'll see C19 pop up but if they can manage/handle it without any meltdowns the first month I don't see it stopping unless catastrophe hits.

• Im very curious about ST in particular. Again how's everyone's cardio in the 3th/4th after running a few live 50 yard sprints? A return or punt can open real quick and all a sudden now you're chasing someone east/west and head on a swivel for the first time in a year.

• How chirpy will teams be knowing a lot more ears are listening in on play calls, checks, both coaches/players. Depending on the unit/circumstances I can see helping each group but I guess you could make a case of things Will be evened out throughout the game. Less highs/lows?

• Looking over so TB roster and personnel usage from last year and I wouldn't be surprised to see more 12 personnel with the addition of Gronk. They only used it about 25% of the time. Should help protect Brady with more players chipping in there, the run game and still gives Brady many options in the passing game.

• Curious how, if any the Rams rushing attack might change. With the loss of Gurley and Brown/Akers looking to share the workload I wonder if we see more gap stuff. Not to mention everyone and their mother is throwing heavy looks at them up front. J/c if we see more variation.

• Lots of talk about the Pats drafting as there should be. It's crucial to hit on your picks. It's a young man's game and cheap QB talent is an enormous cheat code for 3-4 years if you can get. Without getting into the draft here are the players that will be under the gun in 2020. We have to see something from Harry, Williams, Harris, Sony, Meyers, Froholdt, Rivers, Gunner, Dugger. Dugger might jump out but he's a top 40 pick that should contribute right away no matter the depth/talent there. Maybe not "impact" but certainly contribute. The rest are more than obvious.

• Mentioned it in the gambling thread but I could see the Giants & Vikings fighting for the NFCCG. Neither division is that scary. The conference is tough but it's not some vicious gauntlet some make it out to be. Sometimes new coaches will catch fire. You see it from time to time and this offense could be legit if healthy. I'm expecting a much more disciplined defense & ST. I wouldn't be surprised if Arizona was a lot better too.

• I'm also really interested in Cleveland. They have so much talent there what's going to happen? Will Baker rebound? Beckham actually put in a full 16 of top 3-5 WR play? Garrett stay healthy? I'm not sure that organization is stable enough to handle another 8-8, losing season with some of those names on the roster? I could see them blowing it up depending on how bad they are if they're bad. If the Ravens/Steelers are healthy that division could be too much for an unstable group with no vision. I guess you replace NYJ with Cleveland minus the talent. Gase/Darnold are under the scope.

• Balt really hit lightening in a bottle last year in all phases. No way that happens twice?!? I actually think they can sustain that type of play but injuries could be the down fall? Idk obviously tough to predict but they had a ton of luck last year in that department. Believe it or not but they had serious interest in Clowney & Hopkins. Either one might have really put them over the top. Let's see how they respond after an historic year. Same for SF.

• Alluded to it somewhat but specifically really interested in injuries after the summer of no scrimmages, games at all. Every sport has it's own shape, you have to be in. Lots will be using Sept to get there but at what cost? Between real injuries and Covid you might see some patch units in Oct/Nov. Just interested in what types we see? When? Could you imagine someone fighting back from injury than getting hit with a positive C19 test? Hopefully we see a healthy year but there's some potential for disaster if circumstances get ugly.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

I wouldn't be surprised a bit if we added another TE/IDL. I'm actually expecting it with cuts around the league.

IDL is interesting. Like I mentioned above we used A LOT of 1/2 IDL last year bc we had the experience & smarts at LB/DB. What's the evolution like this year if there is any? Again that's a lot of younger guys at LB make key reads/id. Just a lot on their plate.

I've also heard we've been running at will in camp and our DL has been nonexistent. Scary when you have to play some of the teams we'll see (Buffalo X2, Oak, KC, SF, Balty) All those teams should return a very good-great OL with the ability to bully you if they wanted.

I know the DL is a topic on here. It's definitely a concern.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Thoughts on stuff I think

• Crowd noise can effect everything from snap/cadence, think pre-snap for a QB, pass rushers jumping the snap off crowd noise (Michael Bennett, ), timeouts ... Its been a calling card for certain home teams like Sea, KC & NO. I'll be curious to see how/if it effects some teams?

• I also have to imagine traveling, the visiting team might have a few concerns/problems. Especially younger, undisciplined teams. For weeks teams have been getting coddled and in a bubble of sorts within their teams/communities. Everything within arms reach, friendly faces. No pre-season, scrimmages. No live action. Away from everything familiar & safe.

• You have believe the best coaching staffs will matter & be a difference? A staff that can get their guys focused & prepared for battle. Ready for the unknown. Might be worth double this year. Teams with a clear understanding of who they are, what they want to do what be able to get in a zone and use more often than usual in "neutral" settings as the game goes on.

• How will the lack of physicality, getting "calloused" up, competition effect certain players & teams. Guys coming back from injury, rookies & the speed of the game - conditioning/cardio/football shape.

• Refs - How will refs call it with absolutely no worries of being booed. No pushback back from the crowd - subconsciously throwing a flag for the home team or road team. They'll hear most of the stuff from the sidelines but not from 20K+ telling them to look that jumbotron in Dallas stadium. No ref will admit they do it on purpose but again subconsciously what's the effect? Do they automatically call it a little different? How will taking the human element away from humans effect the calls, if any? Same for players & coaches making calls in tough situations or playing in certain venues?

• Fwiw it's worth I believe if the NFL makes it through the first 3-5 weeks they'll power through and have a full season. I'm sure we'll see C19 pop up but if they can manage/handle it without any meltdowns the first month I don't see it stopping unless catastrophe hits.

• Im very curious about ST in particular. Again how's everyone's cardio in the 3th/4th after running a few live 50 yard sprints? A return or punt can open real quick and all a sudden now you're chasing someone east/west and head on a swivel for the first time in a year.

• How chirpy will teams be knowing a lot more ears are listening in on play calls, checks, both coaches/players. Depending on the unit/circumstances I can see helping each group but I guess you could make a case of things Will be evened out throughout the game. Less highs/lows?

• Looking over so TB roster and personnel usage from last year and I wouldn't be surprised to see more 12 personnel with the addition of Gronk. They only used it about 25% of the time. Should help protect Brady with more players chipping in there, the run game and still gives Brady many options in the passing game.

• Curious how, if any the Rams rushing attack might change. With the loss of Gurley and Brown/Akers looking to share the workload I wonder if we see more gap stuff. Not to mention everyone and their mother is throwing heavy looks at them up front. J/c if we see more variation.

• Lots of talk about the Pats drafting as there should be. It's crucial to hit on your picks. It's a young man's game and cheap QB talent is an enormous cheat code for 3-4 years if you can get. Without getting into the draft here are the players that will be under the gun in 2020. We have to see something from Harry, Williams, Harris, Sony, Meyers, Froholdt, Rivers, Gunner, Dugger. Dugger might jump out but he's a top 40 pick that should contribute right away no matter the depth/talent there. Maybe not "impact" but certainly contribute. The rest are more than obvious.

• Mentioned it in the gambling thread but I could see the Giants & Vikings fighting for the NFCCG. Neither division is that scary. The conference is tough but it's not some vicious gauntlet some make it out to be. Sometimes new coaches will catch fire. You see it from time to time and this offense could be legit if healthy. I'm expecting a much more disciplined defense & ST. I wouldn't be surprised if Arizona was a lot better too.

• I'm also really interested in Cleveland. They have so much talent there what's going to happen? Will Baker rebound? Beckham actually put in a full 16 of top 3-5 WR play? Garrett stay healthy? I'm not sure that organization is stable enough to handle another 8-8, losing season with some of those names on the roster? I could see them blowing it up depending on how bad they are if they're bad. If the Ravens/Steelers are healthy that division could be too much for an unstable group with no vision. I guess you replace NYJ with Cleveland minus the talent. Gase/Darnold are under the scope.

• Balt really hit lightening in a bottle last year in all phases. No way that happens twice?!? I actually think they can sustain that type of play but injuries could be the down fall? Idk obviously tough to predict but they had a ton of luck last year in that department. Believe it or not but they had serious interest in Clowney & Hopkins. Either one might have really put them over the top. Let's see how they respond after an historic year. Same for SF.

• Alluded to it somewhat but specifically really interested in injuries after the summer of no scrimmages, games at all. Every sport has it's own shape, you have to be in. Lots will be using Sept to get there but at what cost? Between real injuries and Covid you might see some patch units in Oct/Nov. Just interested in what types we see? When? Could you imagine someone fighting back from injury than getting hit with a positive C19 test? Hopefully we see a healthy year but there's some potential for disaster if circumstances get ugly.

Kirk Herby alluding some of the bacon bits above. The effect of no crowd. "You can hear everything".

Teams that can get in a zone, go on a mission, "just play" will have a huge advantage. Some Teams & players love the crowd & are just used to. Esp at home.

 

[captain stone]

Thoughts on stuff I think

• Crowd noise can effect everything from snap/cadence, think pre-snap for a QB, pass rushers jumping the snap off crowd noise (Michael Bennett, ), timeouts ... Its been a calling card for certain home teams like Sea, KC & NO. I'll be curious to see how/if it effects some teams?

• I also have to imagine traveling, the visiting team might have a few concerns/problems. Especially younger, undisciplined teams. For weeks teams have been getting coddled and in a bubble of sorts within their teams/communities. Everything within arms reach, friendly faces. No pre-season, scrimmages. No live action. Away from everything familiar & safe.

• You have believe the best coaching staffs will matter & be a difference? A staff that can get their guys focused & prepared for battle. Ready for the unknown. Might be worth double this year. Teams with a clear understanding of who they are, what they want to do what be able to get in a zone and use more often than usual in "neutral" settings as the game goes on.

• How will the lack of physicality, getting "calloused" up, competition effect certain players & teams. Guys coming back from injury, rookies & the speed of the game - conditioning/cardio/football shape.

• Refs - How will refs call it with absolutely no worries of being booed. No pushback back from the crowd - subconsciously throwing a flag for the home team or road team. They'll hear most of the stuff from the sidelines but not from 20K+ telling them to look that jumbotron in Dallas stadium. No ref will admit they do it on purpose but again subconsciously what's the effect? Do they automatically call it a little different? How will taking the human element away from humans effect the calls, if any? Same for players & coaches making calls in tough situations or playing in certain venues?

• Fwiw it's worth I believe if the NFL makes it through the first 3-5 weeks they'll power through and have a full season. I'm sure we'll see C19 pop up but if they can manage/handle it without any meltdowns the first month I don't see it stopping unless catastrophe hits.

• Im very curious about ST in particular. Again how's everyone's cardio in the 3th/4th after running a few live 50 yard sprints? A return or punt can open real quick and all a sudden now you're chasing someone east/west and head on a swivel for the first time in a year.

• How chirpy will teams be knowing a lot more ears are listening in on play calls, checks, both coaches/players. Depending on the unit/circumstances I can see helping each group but I guess you could make a case of things Will be evened out throughout the game. Less highs/lows?

• Looking over so TB roster and personnel usage from last year and I wouldn't be surprised to see more 12 personnel with the addition of Gronk. They only used it about 25% of the time. Should help protect Brady with more players chipping in there, the run game and still gives Brady many options in the passing game.

• Curious how, if any the Rams rushing attack might change. With the loss of Gurley and Brown/Akers looking to share the workload I wonder if we see more gap stuff. Not to mention everyone and their mother is throwing heavy looks at them up front. J/c if we see more variation.

• Lots of talk about the Pats drafting as there should be. It's crucial to hit on your picks. It's a young man's game and cheap QB talent is an enormous cheat code for 3-4 years if you can get. Without getting into the draft here are the players that will be under the gun in 2020. We have to see something from Harry, Williams, Harris, Sony, Meyers, Froholdt, Rivers, Gunner, Dugger. Dugger might jump out but he's a top 40 pick that should contribute right away no matter the depth/talent there. Maybe not "impact" but certainly contribute. The rest are more than obvious.

• Mentioned it in the gambling thread but I could see the Giants & Vikings fighting for the NFCCG. Neither division is that scary. The conference is tough but it's not some vicious gauntlet some make it out to be. Sometimes new coaches will catch fire. You see it from time to time and this offense could be legit if healthy. I'm expecting a much more disciplined defense & ST. I wouldn't be surprised if Arizona was a lot better too.

• I'm also really interested in Cleveland. They have so much talent there what's going to happen? Will Baker rebound? Beckham actually put in a full 16 of top 3-5 WR play? Garrett stay healthy? I'm not sure that organization is stable enough to handle another 8-8, losing season with some of those names on the roster? I could see them blowing it up depending on how bad they are if they're bad. If the Ravens/Steelers are healthy that division could be too much for an unstable group with no vision. I guess you replace NYJ with Cleveland minus the talent. Gase/Darnold are under the scope.

• Balt really hit lightening in a bottle last year in all phases. No way that happens twice?!? I actually think they can sustain that type of play but injuries could be the down fall? Idk obviously tough to predict but they had a ton of luck last year in that department. Believe it or not but they had serious interest in Clowney & Hopkins. Either one might have really put them over the top. Let's see how they respond after an historic year. Same for SF.

• Alluded to it somewhat but specifically really interested in injuries after the summer of no scrimmages, games at all. Every sport has it's own shape, you have to be in. Lots will be using Sept to get there but at what cost? Between real injuries and Covid you might see some patch units in Oct/Nov. Just interested in what types we see? When? Could you imagine someone fighting back from injury than getting hit with a positive C19 test? Hopefully we see a healthy year but there's some potential for disaster if circumstances get ugly.

You're giving PatsFanKen a run for his money here...All worthy topics, and that's why I want to see a full season - so many questions to answer...

...One thing though: the Vagiants...fighting for the NFCC?!?

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

You're giving PatsFanKen a run for his money here...All worthy topics, and that's why I want to see a full season - so many questions to answer...

...One thing though: the Vagiants...fighting for the NFCC?!?

I have a feeling it could be a wild season!

As a dark horse/sleeper pick I think NYG could do some things. I mean Dallas has a potentially great offense but I'm not so sure about defense. New coaching staff. Phila/Washington could be hurting by the middle of Oct? I just wouldn't be surprised if they were a lot better than most think.

 

[stinkypete]

Did you read the New Rules thread? If not, here is a section that may have been written just for you, Captain.

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So this is interesting. Just two days ago, a friend posted a section of a memo he received from his employer regulating social media behavior, and the memo specifically mentioned that too many "negative responses" - including those as simple as thumbs-down, dislikes, puking emojis, whatever - could result in adverse action against his employment. Now this. Forced positivity. The whims of social media dictating real life. This is straight out of a Black Mirror episode. It's real, and it's coming to a football forum near you.

(And I don't care if this is political, it's a freakin' football forum...and I agree, the constant negativity that has surrounded this team the past three years threatened to take the enjoyment out of this game entirely...but it also sells, and isn't that what this is really about!)

Back to the main point of this thread. I'm in a minority here, but I think this team is in a healthier place than it was a year ago, even if we're not looked at as a serious contender.

 

[luuked]

As a dark horse/sleeper pick I think NYG could do some things. I mean Dallas has a potentially great offense but I'm not so sure about defense. New coaching staff. Phila/Washington could be hurting by the middle of Oct? I just wouldn't be surprised if they were a lot better than most think.

Can you expand on why you think so highly of the Giants ?

I'd love to understand the disconnect between the oddsmakers who set their overs at 6 and you who thinks they might be a darkhorse for a NFCCG. Because that would be then another overs to hammer.

 

[ivanvamp]

Kirk Herby alluding some of the bacon bits above. The effect of no crowd. "You can hear everything".

Teams that can get in a zone, go on a mission, "just play" will have a huge advantage. Some Teams & players love the crowd & are just used to. Esp at home.

I suspect that this will mean that teams that have a lot of continuity will have an advantage. Like if the whole Pats' D returned from the year before, they would just know where everyone is supposed to be and communication would be much easier. Now with so many young players on D, they'll need more open communication, which will make it easier for the offense to identify what's going on. I mean sometimes the DBs communicates at the line like, "Hey if they run a rub, we'll just switch." Normally with crowd noise it's loud enough for them to hear but not the QB. But in empty stadiums, the QB will be able to hear that stuff too.

Gonna be really really interesting.