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NFL Open Thread

by John Cole

Your team sucks.

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October 31, 2010 1:42 pm Posted in: Sports  211 Comments

211 Responses

  1. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 1:46 pm · Link

    As does yours.

  2. Arclite - October 31, 2010 | 1:47 pm · Link

    I was a huge Giants fan. Then I moved to Japan in the 90s and was unable to watch it for six years. When I got back, I found I’d totally lost interest in watching sports on TV…

  3. Tom Levenson - October 31, 2010 | 1:49 pm · Link

    I’m a Giants fan too. Just not those Giants.

    Go SF!

  4. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 1:50 pm · Link

    Yes, yes it does. But I will still be cheering them on later no matter what with a tall, frosty glass of Bridgeport Hop Czar. Skol Vikings!

    Q: What do the Minnesota Vikings and Billy Graham have in common?

    A: They can both make 60,000 people stand up and yell “Jesus Christ!”

  5. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 1:51 pm · Link

    @S. cerevisiae: Bwahahahahahaha! Funny as hell.

    Thanks, Cole, for the open NFL thread. One thing I love about you is that you listen to your commentariat. You are such a giver.

  6. Martin - October 31, 2010 | 1:51 pm · Link

    So, I now have a (training) sword-wielding black belt in my household. Not sure that smile is ever going to come off his face. Getting candy today is just icing on that cake.

    Since half of y’alls teams are going to win and half lose, I’ll not take sides on the well wishing. Let’s just settle for clean games with no injuries. Oh, and FTFY!

  7. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 1:54 pm · Link

    @John Cole

    My team has more championships than yours.

  8. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 1:57 pm · Link

    @Andy K: That’s a bit unfair. No one can match Green Bay on Championships.

  9. RinaX - October 31, 2010 | 1:58 pm · Link

    Thank goodness for the Cowboys. Assuming the Jaguars don’t collapse in the second half (which is very possible), they may enable us to go into our bye week at 4-4 and give us fans an extra week of feeling ok before the inevitable shellacking we will take the second half of the season.

  10. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 1:59 pm · Link

    Grrrrrr…Packers’ aching defense playing well while the much healthier offense….is not.

  11. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:00 pm · Link

    @RinaX:

    If the season continues as it has begun, I may have to consider feeling compassion for Jerry Jones. This is a most disconcerting possibility.

  12. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 2:03 pm · Link

    @Andy K: Their defense is playing reeeaaallly well right now.

  13. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 2:04 pm · Link

    @morzer:

    My attitude towards Jones has changed over the last decade or so due to the fact that he’s willing to take on reclamation projects. I do wish he’d stay off the sideline, though.

  14. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 2:05 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus: No need to gloat about it!

    @morzer: Not me. I am savoring every Cowboy loss.

  15. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 2:06 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    C’est la vie.

  16. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 2:06 pm · Link

    @morzer: Na Ga Na Happen.

  17. Z - October 31, 2010 | 2:08 pm · Link

    My team sucks in London, byatches.

  18. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:13 pm · Link

    I swear that last gift touchdown to TO was among the most agonizing moments of embarrassment for a Dolphins fan in my lifetime.

  19. MeDrewNotYou - October 31, 2010 | 2:14 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: I feel the same way about the Cowboys and the Yankees. I’d want them to lose even if they were playing against the Berlin Nazis or the Beijing Puppy Poisoners.

  20. Brian S (formerly Incertus) - October 31, 2010 | 2:14 pm · Link

    My team isn’t playing terrifically this year, but they are the reigning champs, which is something I never thought I’d see. I’m considering quitting the game forever just so I can go out with that feeling.

  21. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:15 pm · Link

    @MeDrewNotYou:

    Did you have to bring up the Patriots and Jets on a beautiful Sunday?

  22. Brian S (formerly Incertus) - October 31, 2010 | 2:16 pm · Link

    @morzer: I saw that. Great defense up until the point when the DB dropped the ball. Just bad luck on that play.

  23. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:16 pm · Link

    @Brian S (formerly Incertus):

    Who dat team?

  24. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:17 pm · Link

    @Brian S (formerly Incertus):

    Teeth were ground and knives sharpened. Still, we shall endure. But why did it have to be that preening, insufferable egomaniac?

    Update: no, Jerry Jones did not walk into the endzone for the Bengals.

  25. debit - October 31, 2010 | 2:18 pm · Link

    This Packers game is really boring. Luckily, Oliver never fails to amuse.

    I’m actually debating how much I want to suffer today; rake the lawn or watch the Vikings? It’s a tough call.

  26. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 2:18 pm · Link

    @MeDrewNotYou: Ooooh. That’s a hard hypothetical choice for me! I mean, puppies!

    @morzer: Bwahahahahaha!

    @debit: Awwwww! Oliver is such a cutie. It looks like he’s settling right in.

  27. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 2:20 pm · Link

    @Brian S (formerly Incertus): Too late. Had you made the announcement in the pre-season I think it would be accepable, but since you’ve waited until week 8, and the Saints have returned to the pack, you must suffer through the entirety of the season. Sorry.

    And Tramon Williams rips the ball from the Jets’ receiver!

  28. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 2:20 pm · Link

    Tramon Williams is having a good game. Two takeaways.

    ETA: Maybe.

  29. debit - October 31, 2010 | 2:21 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: He’s terrorized every other cat, befuddled the dog and claimed everything as his. Yeah, he’s settled in.

  30. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:21 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    We are all Green Bay fans now!

  31. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:22 pm · Link

    @debit:

    Briefly I misread the thread, and thought you had Jerry Jones in your neighborhood assaulting pets!

  32. MeDrewNotYou - October 31, 2010 | 2:23 pm · Link

    @morzer: Ooh. I know, as a Colts fan, I’m on very dangerous ground here, but I kinda like the Patriots. I hate the coach (WTH is with Belichick’s sweat pants/shirts?) and most of the players, but I really enjoy watching them play.

  33. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 2:25 pm · Link

    @morzer:

    I sense Jets hate. I can’t share the sentiment. David Harris is the first alumnus of my high school to get to the NFL.

  34. JPL - October 31, 2010 | 2:26 pm · Link

    HAHAHAHA John has new abodes which means at least a few trick or treaters to interrupt the Pitt/NO game. Nice!

  35. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 2:31 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    I’ve been loving Tramon for a long time. I don’t think Harris gets the starting job back (if he ever gets healthy).

  36. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:31 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    Well, it’s a tradition with the Dolphins and Jets. Plus, there’s always Fireman Ed as a justification. I don’t actually “hate” hate the Jets, preening bunch of exhibitionist frauds though the other New York team may be.

    Svensker, if you are lurking, yes, I know I promised to support Rex Ryan’s next challenge!

  37. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:32 pm · Link

    @MeDrewNotYou:

    I certainly enjoyed the infamous 4th and 2!

  38. Brian S (formerly Incertus) - October 31, 2010 | 2:36 pm · Link

    @morzer: I don’t hate Jets fans as a group. I just hate the ones who live in south Florida. There are a lot of Steelers fans down here as well, but they’re not quite as obnoxious.

  39. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:37 pm · Link

    @Brian S (formerly Incertus):

    I could genuinely respect the Steelers, but not while they have Roethlisberger at QB. There are just some people I can’t feel sympathy or admiration for.

  40. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 2:42 pm · Link

    @morzer:

    I am aware of your football traditions.

  41. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 2:44 pm · Link

    @debit: Ha. Sounds like Oliver is shooting for alpha status.

    @morzer: Oh, hell, no. Go J-E-T-S!

    FYWP.

  42. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:47 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Ah, I had forgotten your loyalty to the No Country For Old Men franchise. Go Packers!

  43. Len - October 31, 2010 | 2:49 pm · Link

    If by my team you mean the Dallas Cowboys, yes, I agree. They suck big time. Big time!

  44. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:51 pm · Link

    sigh Oh Davone Bess, how could you turn it over to the Bungles?

  45. Gator90 - October 31, 2010 | 2:52 pm · Link

    Remember the movie “Gangs of New York”? Those people were the ancestors of today’s Jet fans.

  46. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 2:57 pm · Link

    My team doesn’t suck. Sure, we’re 2-4 in the WCHA, but take out the empty net goals and all of those losses were by one goal to top five teams.

    I am getting really tired of losing to Duluth 3-2. Again, without the ENG last night, that’s five games in a row against them we’ve lost by that score, including last year’s WCHA championship game and last year’s NCAA semifinal.

    Fortunately, there’s no NFL team in Detroit that could make me sad by losing all the time.

  47. Interrobang - October 31, 2010 | 2:58 pm · Link

    I don’t have a team, so nyeaaaah. ;)

  48. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 2:58 pm · Link

    @Gator90:

    Is that a slam on my Irish cousins? I’ll admit that there are some louts amongst them, but…Well, where do you think the Maras came from?

  49. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 2:58 pm · Link

    @morzer: J-E-T-S! Not that I have any hope for the Vikes, but still.

  50. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 2:59 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Shall Brett Favre be streaking today, do you think?

  51. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 3:04 pm · Link

    Brandon Jackson has been running well today. Didn’t expect that.

  52. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:05 pm · Link

    @Andy K: Really well. I am pleased.

  53. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:05 pm · Link

    @morzer: No gray badger, please! I don’t think he should start, but my bet is that he will start. Ugh.

  54. low-tech cyclist - October 31, 2010 | 3:08 pm · Link

    Your team sucks.

    It does – I’m a Redskins fan.

    Right now, the ‘Skins are losing to the 1-5 Lions.

  55. MeDrewNotYou - October 31, 2010 | 3:08 pm · Link

    As Jacksonville was kicking their extra point, I swear I heard the crowd chanting, “Let’s go Rangers!” That’d be sad if it weren’t the Cowboys’ fans. As it is, its just funny.

  56. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:09 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: Badger? I understand to what you are referring, but I don’t understand why badger is the term.

  57. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 3:10 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I’ve got a feeling he gets the first play- maybe the series- then he’s out. Keeps the streak alive w/out putting the Queens in hot water.

  58. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:11 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    I believe I am to blame.

  59. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:13 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus: morzer started it by talking about Favre’s gray badger a few weeks back and whether or not Favre would expose it. Ask him why a badger. Maybe because Favre played for Wisconsin for so long? Anyway, it’s taken on a life of its own, and with that, I need some brain bleach.

    @Omnes Omnibus: That’s what I said!

  60. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:14 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: Ew.

  61. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:15 pm · Link

    Jets miss the FG. Woo, as they say, hoo.

  62. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 3:15 pm · Link

    Bullet dodged.

  63. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:17 pm · Link

    @Andy K: In the words of Al Davis, “Just win, baby.”

  64. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:17 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    We are all Green Bay fans now. Repeat ad lib!

  65. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:18 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    It ought to be noted that Asiangrrl is the one who keeps the meme alive. I usually refer to Beans as Ol Man Dither.

  66. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:20 pm · Link

    Jaguars 28 Jerry Jones ‘Boys 3

  67. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:21 pm · Link

    @morzer: J-E-T-S!

    @Andy K: I actually think that’s the prudent play. I don’t give a rat’s ass about Favre’s streak, but I know he does. So, letting him play one play to keep the damn streak alive and then benching his ass is the right thing to do.

    @morzer: Only because you have permanently seared the image in my brain, thankyewverymuch.

    ETA after morzer’s last comment: DOUBLE EW!

  68. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:22 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Well, we could try “salt and pepper raccoon” if you prefer…

  69. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 3:24 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    It means something to the league, too, not just Favre.

    I don’t think it’s cheap, either. Both Gehrig and Ripken did similar things during their streaks, in a much less physically demanding sport.

  70. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:25 pm · Link

    Seriously, whodathunk that we are coming up to the 4th quarter, and the Jets and Packers would have a grand total of 3 points between them?

  71. debit - October 31, 2010 | 3:26 pm · Link

    If you have not seen An Engineer’s Guide to Cats, I suggest you watch it right now. Then follow it with An Engineer’s Guide to Voting.

    morzer: EW!

  72. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:27 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    I imagine most of these longevity records have some games when the player carried an injury to keep the streak going.

  73. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 3:28 pm · Link

    @Andy K: I don’t follow the NFL enough to know if this is true of Favre’s streak, but I thought that Ripken’s streak was one of the most selfish things I’ve ever seen in sports. It became very clear that he was wearing down, and he absolutely hurt the Orioles’ chances of winning games late in the season and later in his career because he never took a day off.

    The fact that it’s so celebrated indicates that most sports fans don’t have any ability to think rationally.

  74. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:29 pm · Link

    @morzer: There is a difference between let a guy take a couple of snaps to keep the streak going and letting a guy try to play and finding that he can’t.

  75. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:29 pm · Link

    @Andy K: Eh, whatever. I don’t particularly care—I just would rather not have him playing.

    Jags, 28: ‘Boys, 3. So tasty!

  76. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:31 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    I am not saying I approve, but if Favre does this, he would hardly be the only sportsman to do so. Hypocritical, yes, no, maybe ..but hardly unique.

    FWIW, if the coach/owner lets this happen, they are arguably more to blame than the player.

  77. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:31 pm · Link

    @morzer: Agreed. Again, I just don’t want him to play. Please let it be so.

  78. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:33 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    If the league cared, they could rule that a player must log 25% of game time for a game to count towards a record. Of course, they won’t, because gaudy stats attract audiences.

  79. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:35 pm · Link

    Thank you, Ricky Williams! Thank you, Aqua Buddha!

  80. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 3:37 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal:

    ...I thought that Ripken’s streak was one of the most selfish things I’ve ever seen in sports. It became very clear that he was wearing down, and he absolutely hurt the Orioles’ chances of winning games late in the season and later in his career because he never took a day off.

    He had a handful of truly great seasons, but I think Ripken was overrated. Without the streak, he’s not even Robin Yount or Alan Trammell; with the streak he’s an advertiser’s wet dream.

  81. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:37 pm · Link

    Woodson interception. No challenges for the Jets. Yippee.

  82. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:38 pm · Link

    @morzer: That makes too much sense for it to actually happen. And, I take it the ‘Fins are winning?

  83. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:39 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    8 points up.

  84. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 3:43 pm · Link

    A touchdown there would have been nice.

  85. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:44 pm · Link

    @Andy K: It’s points.

  86. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 3:45 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Is true. Hope is enough for win.

  87. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:47 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    2 ints for Sanchez.. what’s going on over there?!

  88. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:48 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:
    @Andy K:

    Get a room, you two!

  89. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:48 pm · Link

    And Carson Palmer wins the pole-vault off a defender to the sideline prize, formerly owned by Ted Ginn.

  90. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:49 pm · Link

    @morzer: GB’s defense is playing really well.

  91. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:51 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Is Sanchez cracking under pressure?

  92. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 3:53 pm · Link

    @Andy K: I’m a Detroit fan, and I think that Trammell should have a plaque in Cooperstown, but there’s no question at all that Ripken was better. Ripken might have been a bit better defensively than Trammell, though it’s hard to tell. He had a slightly better OPS+, and he played about 700 more games and had 800 more hits and 250 more home runs than Trammell. In other words, he’s slightly better on rate stats, and absurdly ahead in counting stats.

    Ripken was just about as good as Robin Yount once you correct for the fact that Yount played half of his career at a less demanding position. Then again, I don’t think that this, in and of itself, constitutes evidence that Ripken was overrated. Rather, it’s that I think Yount is criminally underrated.

    Cal Ripken Jr. was selfish and annoying, but he was also really damned good.

  93. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 3:54 pm · Link

    @morzer: Neither offense is playing particularly well. Both INTs were situations where the GB player wrestled the ball out of the Jet player’s hands.

  94. MeDrewNotYou - October 31, 2010 | 3:55 pm · Link

    LMAO! CBS just cut from the JAX@DAL game with almost 6 minutes left to BUF@KC

  95. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:57 pm · Link

    @MeDrewNotYou:

    How are the mighty fallen!

  96. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 3:57 pm · Link

    @MeDrewNotYou: Well, given the score of the JAX/’Boys game, it’s not surprising. Still, it’s delicious!

    @MeDrewNotYou: Exactly. But, I have to ask, why the hell is Gus Johnson always so damn excited?

  97. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 3:58 pm · Link

    Sean Smith – INTERCEPTION! Hurrah!

  98. MeDrewNotYou - October 31, 2010 | 4:00 pm · Link

    @morzer: @asiangrrlMN: Actually it seems to be a good decision. They cut into BUF@KC at 2min and things are looking pretty exciting.

  99. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 4:00 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal:

    Who was it that the Brewers brought up who displaced Yount? Molitor? It isn’t as if Yount misplayed his way to center field.

    I don’t have the stats handy, but when Ripken had off years- offensively- they were a lot worse than Tram’s or Yount’s bad years.

    I’d take Tram over either Yount or Ripken any day if I needed a clutch hit. ANY day.

  100. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 4:03 pm · Link

    Nice sack by Matthews.

  101. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 4:03 pm · Link

    Wow. Kudos to McCarthy and Capers for getting the defense to play so well today.

  102. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:06 pm · Link

    C’mon, Buffalo!

  103. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 4:06 pm · Link

    @Andy K: Get through this game with a W. Try to get the offense right against the ‘Boys next week and then get some rest and get healthier.

  104. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 4:10 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Agreed.

    And there’s your dagger.

    Hey, the Lions, after never having beaten the Washington Redskins ever, look like they’re going to take their second in a row from ‘em.

  105. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:12 pm · Link

    Looking ominous for the Bills, alas.

  106. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 4:12 pm · Link

    @Andy K: First road shutout since 1991. Okay then.

  107. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 4:13 pm · Link

    Shit! Couldn’t keep ‘em under 100 yards rushing- but did until the last play of the game.

    When was the last shutout? I’m thinking against the Eagles in McNabb’s rookie season.

  108. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 4:14 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal: This year is the best Bulldog team in quite a while. They have two outstanding lines and are solid all around. If they get strong goaltending they are going to make some noise in the spring.

  109. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 4:15 pm · Link

    @Andy K: Game ball to Williams.

  110. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 4:16 pm · Link

    I’ll see y’all in a bit. Gonna leave the Pizza Bar now.

  111. Brian S (formerly Incertus) - October 31, 2010 | 4:18 pm · Link

    About that Miami-Cincy game, I have a tactical question to ask. When Miami scored the TD, they went up 21-14 before the extra point. Why not go for 2 there? If you miss, you’re up by a TD and an extra point. If you make it, you’re up by 2 scores near the end of the game. As it turned out, it didn’t matter because Palmer threw a pick, but if he’d driven them to a TD and 2-pointer, then it’s tied and you’re in overtime, which is probably what happens if you go for the 2-pointer and miss. I guess you can argue that it’s tougher to make a 2 than to kick it, and so you’ve made it harder for the opposing team to tie, but I’d say that the possibility of a 2-score game makes the gamble worth it.

  112. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:20 pm · Link

    @Brian S (formerly Incertus):

    It’s arguable. I’d prefer the more certain approach there, and force them to take the extra risk to tie it up.

  113. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 4:21 pm · Link

    @S. cerevisiae: I have a feeling that we aren’t talking about the same UMD hockey team. I’m talking about the one that is the defending national champions, and has won five titles in the last ten years.

  114. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 4:22 pm · Link

    Go, Vikes, I guess.

    ETA: Slurp slurp slurp. Ugh. Did anyone doubt that the very manly Brett Favre would start, even with a crushed brain and a missing heart?

    @morzer: I agree. Again. With you. Yipes! I just think it’s stupid.

    @Omnes Omnibus: Well, screw you, too, Sir.

    @morzer: EW!

  115. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:24 pm · Link

    I will say that I despise the practice of icing the kicker. It’s utterly cheap and unsporting, and if the NFL banned the practice it would enhance the game.

  116. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 4:24 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: I disagree. I shall be cheering for the Pats.

  117. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:25 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    C’mon, even I feel more eagerness to see them win against the Patsies, despite the presence of SAPR.

  118. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:27 pm · Link

    Lions look good for a win. Could this be the season when they burn past the Vikings?

  119. Barb (formerly Gex) - October 31, 2010 | 4:27 pm · Link

    Just so you know, local comics in MN call your QB Rapelisburger.

  120. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:30 pm · Link

    My God, the Chiefs just missed a 39 yard field goal by a mile.

  121. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 4:31 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal: Ah, yes. They have definitely done better at filling the trophy case. Maybe the guys can keep pace with them this year.

  122. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:31 pm · Link

    @Barb (formerly Gex):

    Only the ones who like him…

  123. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 4:31 pm · Link

    Holy shit. Troy Aikman is tying himself in knots trying to explain why Brett cannot be benched. He has been treated special since he started playing. Therefore, he has to continue to be treated special (his mangling, not mine) even if he plays poorly. So, no benching for Brett! WTF?

    @morzer: There’s always a first time.

    @debit: Yeah. NOT good.

  124. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 4:32 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Has an NFL QB ever been allowed to throw from a palanquin/motorized scooter?

  125. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 4:32 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    Who was it that the Brewers brought up who displaced Yount? Molitor? It isn’t as if Yount misplayed his way to center field.

    Ernie Riles, but the move had nothing to do with the Brewrs’ feelings about him. Yount moved to the outfield because he wrecked his shoulder in 1984 and couldn’t handle the number of throws a shortstop has to make.

    I don’t have the stats handy, but when Ripken had off years- offensively- they were a lot worse than Tram’s or Yount’s bad years.

    Not true. If you exclude the partial, bad years at the end of their careers, Ripken had a total of six years (out of nineteen) with an OPS+ below 100, and only one season with an OPS+ below 90: an 89 in 1998. Trammell had eight (out of seventeen) below 100, five below 90 and a career low of 85 in 1979. Yount had six seasons (out of nineteen) below 100, two below 90, and a career low of 76 in 1976.

    Ripken’s worst years were consistently better than either of the others’

    I’d take Tram over either Yount or Ripken any day if I needed a clutch hit. ANY day.

    And you’d be making a suboptimal choice. I can easily defend taking Yount over Ripken, though I could go the other way, too. I can’t defend taking Trammell. Your memories simply do not match the facts.

  126. debit - October 31, 2010 | 4:33 pm · Link

    FUCK. Harvin is hurt. FUCK.

  127. WaterGirl - October 31, 2010 | 4:40 pm · Link

    I know this is an NFL open thread, but it’s the only open thread we’ve got. We are trying to find a movie to go to so as not to sit at home all evening with buckets of candy only to get 3 trick or treaters the whole night.

    Has anyone seen the movie “Red”?

  128. debit - October 31, 2010 | 4:43 pm · Link

    @WaterGirl: Not me. I wanted to, but Ebert spoiled it for me.

  129. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 4:43 pm · Link

    @morzer: By the way, love the word palanquin.

    @WaterGirl: Helen Mirren with big guns. What more could you want?

    Oh. Touchdown, Vikes. Yay.

  130. debit - October 31, 2010 | 4:46 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: Wow. They lost the challenge. I didn’t expect that in a million years.

  131. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 4:48 pm · Link

    @debit: Me, neither. Very weird.

    Crap. Harvin may not be back.

  132. West of the Cascades - October 31, 2010 | 4:49 pm · Link

    How did Cole guess that I am a Buffalo Bills fan?? My team sucks more than anyone else’s team AND I STILL WATCHED THE WHOLE DAMNED GAME. Thanks to the Bills waiting all the way to the last second of overtime to lose, I wasted nearly 4 hours today instead of the usual 3.

  133. WaterGirl - October 31, 2010 | 4:53 pm · Link

    @debit:
    Spoiled, as in he said it sucked, or spoiled because he gave too much away? Really cute kitty, by the way!

    @asiangrrlMN:
    Yes, there is that!

  134. debit - October 31, 2010 | 4:56 pm · Link

    @WaterGirl: Spoiled as in he gave away a major plot development about a character. He wasn’t fan of the film and so probably didn’t care about ruining it for someone else. I usually like Ebert, but it was a dickish thing to do.

    And thanks! Oliver is wearing out the batteries in my camera.

  135. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 5:01 pm · Link

    @debit: That is a dickish thing to do. It’s one reason I don’t read reviews if I actually want to see a movie. I hate spoilers like that.

    Damn. Touchdown, Pats.

    Seriously? I mean, I’m glad Harvin is back, but kick return?

  136. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 5:08 pm · Link

    @debit: The problem is in the distinction between being a reviewer and being a critic. A reviewer should be wary of plot spoilers. A critic usually has to discuss them, because it’s hard to really discuss a movie (or any other form of storytelling) without discussing major plot points. I know that Ebert thinks of himself, justifiably, as a critic. In general, I find the work of a critic much more interesting to read, and I’m sure it’s more interesting to write.

    I’m not sure what Ebert’s newspaper columns are supposed to be, but his personal writings are always likely to be criticism rather than reviews. If you don’t want plot spoilers, don’t read them. They aren’t meant for what you. Giving away a major plot development is not being dickish; it’s doing exactly what he claims to be doing.

  137. debit - October 31, 2010 | 5:08 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: Yeah, but he looks like he’s moving okay. :crosses fingers:

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal: This was in his column at the Sun Times. If spoilers are to be expected there, then why does he specifically make note of avoiding them in other reviews?

  138. debit - October 31, 2010 | 5:15 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal: And just to be clear: I’m a fan. I follow his twitter and read his blog. I still think he was dick to spoil it for me just because he didn’t like the film or thought the spoiler was predictable.

  139. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 5:22 pm · Link

    @debit: That’s probably why I said I don’t know what his newspaper column is supposed to be.

  140. debit - October 31, 2010 | 5:31 pm · Link

    Halftime. I must make banana bread now, If Rufus will get off my arms.

  141. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 5:31 pm · Link

    This is a boring game. Bleah.

    @debit: Yum. I’ll be over for the second half.

  142. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 5:43 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    There’s a game on?

  143. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 5:46 pm · Link

    For a supposed invalid, Favre is certainly scuttling about.

  144. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 5:48 pm · Link

    @Andy K: Oh, you’re VERY funny.

    @morzer: Yes, he is. Harrumph.

  145. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 5:55 pm · Link

    Oh fuck you Brady.

  146. debit - October 31, 2010 | 5:56 pm · Link

    Fuck. Never come out of the kitchen, deb. Never come out of the kitchen.

  147. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 5:56 pm · Link

    Gah. That was waaaaaay too easy for the Patriots.

    @S. cerevisiae: Seconded.

    @debit: Go back!

  148. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 5:58 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    I am sensing Vikings hatred….

  149. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 5:58 pm · Link

    Wow. That was an amazing pass by Brady and whichever receiver is #19. He was throwing the ball before he finished spinning around. He obviously saw #19 about to break open, and the two of them stayed on the same page while he was avoiding the tackle so that Brady could start the pass before he could see the receiver again.

  150. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:00 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Look on the bright side – even if the Minnies lose, you’ll still be level with the Detroit Lions….

  151. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:02 pm · Link

    @morzer: Bite me.

    @morzer: Oh, I do.

    One freaking foot! Seriously. Know where you are! Gaaaaaaaaah!

    @morzer: Suck it.

  152. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:03 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Well, if you insist…

  153. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:06 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    On the brighter side, you are still two games ahead of the Bills….

    evil chuckle

  154. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 6:08 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal: I know. Bastard.

  155. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:09 pm · Link

    Brad Childress is starting to look like one of those haunted, guilt-ridden characters in Dostoyevsky….

  156. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:10 pm · Link

    @morzer: He SHOULD.

    @morzer: Yes. Nom nom nom. Just don’t break skin.

  157. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:10 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Can I combine biting and sucking and simply chew?

  158. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:13 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Joking aside, I suspect that his current misery largely derives from having humiliated himself (and the team) so publicly for a QB who just hasn’t got it done. How does one come back from that?

  159. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:14 pm · Link

    @morzer: One shouldn’t if there is any justice in the world.

    Oh, motherfuck.

    @morzer: Ican’tfuckingstandthis!

    Goddamnfuckshitballsasshole!

  160. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:16 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Today’s been a day of very odd interceptions and give aways by defenders and attackers alike. Halloween strikes again.

  161. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:19 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Goddamnfuckshitballsasshole!

    You can see Sarah Palin from your house?

  162. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:21 pm · Link

    @morzer: EWWWWWW!

    I don’t know if I should even bother watching the rest of the game.

  163. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 6:22 pm · Link

    @morzer:

    Joking aside, I suspect that his current misery largely derives from having humiliated himself (and the team) so publicly for a QB who just hasn’t got it done. How does one come back from that?

    I think Childress is toast, and I have no idea whether he deserves it or not. However, I don’t think he’s humiliated himself this week. Quite the opposite: some combination of people in the Vikings’ organization humiliated him. Brad Childress has basically made it clear that:

    a) he doesn’t want Brett Favre as his quarterback, and
    b) he doesn’t really have enough authority in the organization to tell Favre that he can’t play.

    The dysfunction here goes way, way beyond Brad Childress. As a Lions’ fan, I recognize this set of behaviors, and it means that the ultimate people in charge, the owners, have no business running a lemonade stand, let alone a professional football team. If you don’t want Brad Childress making those sorts of decisions, then fire him. If you don’t, you’re incompetent.

  164. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:22 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    There’s still time. It’s perfectly possible for Favre to mount a dramatic comeback.

  165. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:25 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal:

    No, no. I am not saying he humiliated himself this week. I am talking about the pitiable begging and pleading for the Great One to return in the preseason. You know – the Three Amigos go to Mississippi, the fact he missed training camp etc etc.

    ADDENDUM: That said, I agree with your view of how dysfunctional the Vikings have become.

  166. BubbaDave - October 31, 2010 | 6:27 pm · Link

    My team is the Cowboys, so yes they do. But at least I’m not aware of any rapists on our team….

  167. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:28 pm · Link

    @morzer: Agree with you on this. I will say that if Childress has changed his mind, then more power to him. Someone has to tell Favre he is not the answer this season. Oh, and as for the miracle comeback? Bite me.

  168. debit - October 31, 2010 | 6:34 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Oh, and as for the miracle comeback? Bite me.

    Heh. Well, the bread is in the oven and I’ve done the dishes, so I have no excuse to stay in the kitchen. I apologize in advance.

    Damn, Percy Harvin is one fine man.

  169. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 6:37 pm · Link

    @morzer:

    Of course! There are no prisoners in The Great Northern War! Shit, I cheer for the Bears when they’re playing the Queens.

  170. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:38 pm · Link

    @debit: Well, the Vikes are sucking hard, anyway. And, yes, he is. Too bad he’s a baby.

    @Andy K: What if the Bears are ahead of you in the standings? What then, Mr. K?

    @Omnes Omnibus: That’s what I’m saying.

  171. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 6:40 pm · Link

    @Andy K: I cheer for whichever result will most benefit GB.

    ETA: Two intentional grounding penalties on Favre today?

  172. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:41 pm · Link

    @debit:

    Maybe you should consider re-doing the dishes?

  173. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 6:42 pm · Link

    @morzer: Again, I don’t pay close enough attention to anything NFL to be sure of this, but do we know that begging for Favre to come back was Childress’ idea or that he really supported it? He could have just been playing the good employee. It’s not like the idea that he didn’t like Favre came out of nowhere; they didn’t get along last year, either.

    And this part of it does not necessarily indicate that he lacks authority. It isn’t the head coach’s job to decide who is on the team. That’s the GM’s call, and the coach should work with it, unless the lines of authority are explicitly drawn differently, a la Holmgren.

  174. debit - October 31, 2010 | 6:42 pm · Link

    @morzer: Look, I said I was sorry.

    And Jackson is warming up.

  175. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:43 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    Despite the Jay Cutler factor? Now that’s an achievement!

  176. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:44 pm · Link

    @debit: Well, we’re marching now, so you can come out of the kitchen.

    And, may I please nut-punch Troy Aikman? He is REALLY getting on my last nerve. There. He just snapped it.

    And, I would like to nut-punch the other guy, too (I think it’s Kenny Albert. It’s not. It’s Tom someone). Fuck his Favre fetish with my rusty pitchfork.

    Boo-yah! Tarvaris Jackson got it going on. We’re back in the game! debit stays out of the kitchen!

  177. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:44 pm · Link

    @debit:

    Bad, wicked Zoot!

  178. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:45 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal:

    If it wasn’t his idea, that makes the public humiliation even worse, because he has to be a good soldier about something he fundamentally disagreed with – and which made him look terrible.

  179. debit - October 31, 2010 | 6:46 pm · Link

    @morzer: I should like to be spanked.

    Going for two. Hmmm.

    ETA: Holy shit.

  180. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 6:46 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN: There are certain games that Aikman should not call. Cowboy games and games that feature Favre.

  181. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 6:47 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    What if the Bears are ahead of you in the standings? What then, Mr. K?

    A Bears’ win, then a fortuitous comet and/or meteorite strike.

  182. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:48 pm · Link

    @debit:

    You picked a good time to emerge from the kitchen, apparently. You seem to be a lucky groundhog for the Vikings!

  183. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:49 pm · Link

    @debit:

    My timetable is getting rather busy with you Vikings fans. First, I have to chew Asiangrrl, and now I have to spank you as well?

  184. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 6:49 pm · Link

    See, they were only mostly dead.

  185. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 6:50 pm · Link

    @morzer: Umm… Wha?

  186. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:50 pm · Link

    @Andy K:

    Now you know what it feels like for a Dolphins fan to watch a Patriots/Jets game. Although a meteor strike before any result would be perfectly acceptable.

  187. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:50 pm · Link

    @debit: I’ll spank ya!

    @Omnes Omnibus: No kidding. Troy becomes such a fanboy.

    @Andy K: Ha. That’s funny.

    OK. I just gotta say, I don’t like seeing Favre taken off on a cart. No matter how much I don’t want him to play, I retract my previous statements about wanting him to get hurt to get out of the game.

  188. freelancer - October 31, 2010 | 6:50 pm · Link

    Seriously, Who hires these color guys?! “I’m not one for speculation, but, Troy Aikman, you certainly know what it’s like to be blasted on the chin”.

    Oy.

  189. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:52 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    If he really got his head clocked back,it might be a lot worse than just a shot to the chin and some split skin. Let’s hope not.

  190. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:53 pm · Link

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    You had to be there to get it. Or read the thread.

  191. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 6:54 pm · Link

    @morzer: Yeah. I really don’t want that.

    @morzer: Threesome!

    @Omnes Omnibus: I told him to bite me and then to suck it so he asked if he could combine the two and chew. I said yes. debit told him to spank her for coming out of the kitchen. There ya go.

    It is Thom Brenneman. I want to nut-punch him, too.

  192. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 6:56 pm · Link

    How the rubbery fuck did Allen screw that tackle up?

  193. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 6:57 pm · Link

    @freelancer:

    Aikman is the color guy. Thom Brenneman (I think that’s who’s with Aikman) is the play-by-play guy- and not usually Aikman’s partner.

    BTW, I really liked Brenneman in the Cubs’ radio booth with Ron Santo, though I don’t think Santo liked young Thom too much.

  194. Omnes Omnibus - October 31, 2010 | 6:57 pm · Link

    @morzer: I went out to eat so I guess I’ll just remain bewildered.

  195. That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal - October 31, 2010 | 7:00 pm · Link

    @Andy K: Brenneman is an ass, but he came by it naturally, because his father is worse. Marty almost single-handedly drove Adam Dunn out of Cincinnati.

  196. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 7:03 pm · Link

    That’s BenJarvis Rose-and-Thistle ‘He Does Not Care For Me” Green-Ellis, Mister Announcer Boy.

  197. debit - October 31, 2010 | 7:06 pm · Link

    I don’t think the review will save us.

  198. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 7:06 pm · Link

    @debit:

    No, sadly. Or the reverse.

  199. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 7:07 pm · Link

    Oh, fuck me. Sigh.

  200. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 7:09 pm · Link

    Our defense was EPIC FAIL on the last series, hell the whole game. Can’t blame that on the old man or Chilly. Asher Allen should be benched.

  201. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 7:09 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Can I perform my previous assignments first?

  202. Andy K - October 31, 2010 | 7:09 pm · Link

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal:

    Ass or not, he was a lot better than later Harry Caray…Though I did prefer Dewayne Staats above all but Jack Brickhouse.

  203. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 7:10 pm · Link

    @S. cerevisiae:

    Allen missed the crucial tackle, and did so pretty badly.

  204. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 7:12 pm · Link

    @morzer: Saving the best for last?

    And, Cole is right. My team definitely sucks.

    @morzer: I can’t even snark at you. Sigh.

  205. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 7:14 pm · Link

    @asiangrrlMN:

    nods sagely

  206. morzer - October 31, 2010 | 7:16 pm · Link

    I have to say, the Vikings look pretty unenthusiastic as a team. To me, that feels like the real difference between the two sides.

  207. asiangrrlMN - October 31, 2010 | 7:31 pm · Link

    @morzer: Well, the feeling is mutual. I’m pretty goddamn unenthusiastic about the Vikings as a team.

  208. S. cerevisiae - October 31, 2010 | 7:41 pm · Link

    All I can say is I would hate to be an oddsmaker in Vegas this year. I really don’t see any dominant teams – this will probably go down as the great year of parity. I really have no clue on a Super Bowl favorite because every good team has flaws and most of the bad teams have talent or potential. In any other year at 2-5 I would be looking at hockey schedules and watching potential college draft choices, but I could really see NFC first seed going to an 11-5 team. Not that we are going to win out – I’m not completely delusional.

  209. billgerat - October 31, 2010 | 7:57 pm · Link

    My team, the Seachickens, definitely sucked today, but it doesn’t help when even the review refs still can’t make the right call. Come Monday, I hope the League hands out a few suspensions to the Zebras.

  210. Anonymous At Work - October 31, 2010 | 8:55 pm · Link

    My team’s Tampa Bay. We may suck but we still win…somehow…

  211. Svensker - October 31, 2010 | 9:49 pm · Link

    @morzer:

    Meh. Horrible game. And boring. Then I had to choose whether to root for Favre to get smashed in the ankle or for Brady to break another leg. I would have been happy with both. Finally decided to root for the Vikes to avenge Randy Moss, but that didn’t work out so well either.

    Pooey. Rotten horrible day all around.


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