Chargers v Colts

[PyroGenic]

I wonder how much LT actually plays. It's not exactly smart to play a guy that can't really run. Here's to hoping pride overtakes logic here. Go Colts!

[shally]

I wonder how much LT actually plays. It's not exactly smart to play a guy that can't really run. Here's to hoping pride overtakes logic here. Go Colts!

norv playing for his next job as OC tonight

[JasonCampbell]

Sproles time!

[PyroGenic]

Holy cheese, I wonder how many injections of pain killers LT's on to be able to run like that.

[PyroGenic]

If anybody just saw that, that was the best false start ever. Looked like Ugoh was being exorcised lol

[shally]

If anybody just saw that, that was the best false start ever. Looked like Ugoh was being exorcised lol

now peyton knows how to throw the bubble screen

[shally]

the chargers cant tackle worth squat and are giving up first downs becasue of that

and gonzales just torched them..

7-0

nice drive

[PyroGenic]

now peyton knows how to throw the bubble screen

Totally over my head lol


Wow, anybody see that 5 yard juke by Gonzalez? It was like he was playing an enlarged, real life version of that snake game on cell phones. I don't think I've laughed this much in a football game before.

[shally]

Totally over my head lol


Wow, anybody see that 5 yard juke by Gonzalez? It was like he was playing an enlarged, real life version of that snake game on cell phones. I don't think I've laughed this much in a football game before.

looks like gonzales is going to have a coming out party

[PyroGenic]

looks like gonzales is going to have a coming out party

I've been a fan. I think he's the lost Manning brother. He just has a shaved head and maintains a dopey disposition to keep people from becoming too curious.

[shally]

sproles !!!!

looks like joe washington

[JasonCampbell]

sproles !!!!

looks like joe washington

I love him.

[shally]

san diego will re sign him. with LT wounded, they need him

[shally]

and sproles returns punts straight up the field

unlike ARE..

[PyroGenic]

and sproles returns punts straight up the field

unlike ARE..

To be fair, any return man worth anything runs better than ARE.

[shally]

i want to see davis run the routes that gates does..

[PyroGenic]

i want to see davis run the routes that gates does..

Hah, doesn't that imply that there would be competent offensive game planning and play calling?

[PyroGenic]

.... why are they showing Manning stroke his hair?


The game is on Mute for me. Funniest game ever.

[shally]

Hah, doesn't that imply that there would be competent offensive game planning and play calling?

i think he can run up the field routes that cooley cant, or doesnt.. he was open the 2 times i saw it run.. wide open

[JasonCampbell]

What a punt!

[shally]

putting a tight end on freeney is a loser, norv

and a 3 and out...

madden talking about the impact of pass rushers.. are you watching Zorn ??

did you see that last punt ? 67 yards with backspin ????

[Dolla Bill]

Jesus.....I have punter envy. 67 yards and downed at the 6.

[shally]

What a punt!

yeah.. just like plack-a-cracker for us...

[shally]

Jesus.....I have punter envy. 67 yards and downed at the 6.

lechler is as good.. and available...

on the other hand, those west coast punters always worry me when they have to punt in the east

[Dolla Bill]

lechler is as good.. and available...

on the other hand, those west coast punters always worry me when they have to punt in the east

Yeah, weather is a huge concern. It is a nice and frigid 65 or so there right now.

[Dolla Bill]

Who else laughed when Michaels said bounced at the Colt 45? I know I giggled....

[shally]

Yeah, weather is a huge concern. It is a nice and frigid 65 or so there right now.

sproles putting on a clinic.. man is he quick

[JasonCampbell]

sproles putting on a clinic.. man is he quick

warrick dunn 2.0

[shally]

Yeah, weather is a huge concern. It is a nice and frigid 65 or so there right now.

plackenmeier was a dome punter in seattle.. at least half a dome..

[shally]

warrick dunn 2.0

i love dunn, but he doesnt have that kind of quickness.. never did

sproles looks like metcalf, father and son

[Dolla Bill]

Sproles is running for a new contract. This is the right time to do it. Its amazing how well LDTs backups are doing in their contract years.

[shally]

Sproles is running for a new contract. This is the right time to do it. Its amazing how well LDTs backups are doing in their contract years.

bulls his way in..

he is going to break the bank.. ward and sproles have made themselves a ton of money this year

[shally]

colts trying to commit hara kiri

[JasonCampbell]

Well, I think Sproles is going to want more than we can afford to give him...sigh :(

[PyroGenic]

Well, I think Sproles is going to want more than we can afford to give him...sigh :(

Definitely. Plus I don't know why he'd leave a back up situation to be in another back up situation.

[shally]

Definitely. Plus I don't know why he'd leave a back up situation to be in another back up situation.

because he is 5 6" ??

even drew-jones outweighs him by 30 pounds

[shally]

manning looked like the OLD peyton on that 4th down.. yuchh

[shally]

norv looking for someone to kill

[JasonCampbell]

norv looking for someone to kill

LOL, he was

[shally]

LOL, he was

if i am kaeding, i back away slowly

[Dolla Bill]

Next year can't come soon enough. Isn't it next year they're realigning the playoff scenarios where the team with the better record gets home field?

[PyroGenic]

because he is 5 6" ??

even drew-jones outweighs him by 30 pounds

Production is usually enough for a desperate team to draw a blind eye to physical attributes. You know how every pro athlete lies about everything :)


edit: hmmm... he may be slightly more affordable now lol

[Dolla Bill]

Challenge it Norv! Challenge it! That was a fumble....

[shally]

Next year can't come soon enough. Isn't it next year they're realigning the playoff scenarios where the team with the better record gets home field?

nothing is certain.. they are talking about several scenarios but they dont want teams blowing off games the last week or 2 because they have nothing to play for

sproles fumbled away at least 3 points.. price just went down

[shally]

Challenge it Norv! Challenge it! That was a fumble....

no chance on that one.. clearly a fumble.. where is ed hochuli ? norv is searching for him

[Dolla Bill]

no chance on that one.. clearly a fumble.. where is ed hochuli ? norv is searching for him

Lol...I know. I was hoping that he would to lose a time out.

Sproles is a hell of a punt returner. I don't care if he did just fumble. He's not an everydown back. We know this.

[shally]

Lol...I know. I was hoping that he would to lose a time out.

Sproles is a hell of a punt returner. I don't care if he did just fumble. He's not an everydown back. We know this.

madden saying that sproles thinks he is.. he is going to be difficult to sign with that attitude

[shally]

bolts got a good spot

[Dolla Bill]

Less than 6 mins to go, lets see what the Colts D has.

[shally]

colt offensive line is getting it handed to them in pass protection

[Dolla Bill]

Unless you have ANY running game, its hard to win in the playoffs. The Colts have zero

[give_portis_the_rock]

Don't both teams look uninspired at this point?
It's been a very sloppy, poorly played game.

[shally]

Don't both teams look uninspired at this point?
It's been a very sloppy, poorly played game.

i disagree. i think the defenses have played very well

[Dolla Bill]

Chargers are playing for a FG at the moment.

Lol, and as I say that Rivers goes deep

[shally]

Chargers are playing for a FG at the moment.

Lol, and as I say that Rivers goes deep

he was late getting the WR the ball and gave the corner and safety time to get over..

[shally]

Chargers are playing for a FG at the moment.

Lol, and as I say that Rivers goes deep

if the chargers play for a FG and leave any time on the clock, they are going to get burned

[shally]

pass rush..

is blache watching ?

another incredible punt

[Dolla Bill]

Wow.....that punter is wicked....reminds me of the Seattle game with Plak, but he didn't do that.

[Dolla Bill]

pass rush..

is blache watching ?

another incredible punt

Its almost 11 PM, he's in bed by now.

[skinsfan36]

pass rush..

is blache watching ?

another incredible punt

scifres is a monster of a punter

[shally]

Its almost 11 PM, he's in bed by now.

tired out from all the strippers

[shally]

ball game here

put the ball in manning's hand

[shally]

looks like Campbell isnt the only qb who holds the ball too long..

again, pass rush is everything

[Dolla Bill]

Manning, out Manning'd himself. No RB back there to pick up the blitz, and he never saw it coming. He stared down Addai, but that was on Manning. He should of thrown it.

[JasonCampbell]

looks like Campbell isnt the only qb who holds the ball too long..

again, pass rush is everything

Probably should have kept Addai back there with him.

[shally]

Probably should have kept Addai back there with him.

defender jumped the route

[Dolla Bill]

Wow. Caught at his own 45, got to their 38. Nice return

[shally]

sproles set them up

63 yard punt with 28 yard return

[Dolla Bill]

News flash to Colts defensive coordinator. You need to cover Gates.

[shally]

sure FG position now.. but you dont want the colts in OT

[shally]

News flash to Colts defensive coordinator. You need to cover Gates.
easier said than done

[Dolla Bill]

But the Colts don't want their own D in OT.

[shally]

sproles 1 yard short.. sets up the fg try

[shally]

But the Colts don't want their own D in OT.

no, going to try and win it in regulation or OT on offense

[Dolla Bill]

no, going to try and win it in regulation or OT on offense

31 seconds with Peyton Manning, and 2 TOs. The Colts returner is retarded....you don't run across the field. You run up it. Did ARE get traded to the Colts?

[shally]

31 seconds with Peyton Manning, and 2 TOs. The Colts returner is retarded....you don't run across the field. You run up it. Did ARE get traded to the Colts?

lol

my thoughts exactly.. we arent the only ones with an impaired returner

[Dolla Bill]

Its amazing that an 8-8 team gets to HOST a playoff game. This is retarded to be honest....

[JasonCampbell]

Its amazing that an 8-8 team gets to HOST a playoff game. This is retarded to be honest....

While an 11-5 team sits at home no less.

[Dolla Bill]

Well...that could be ball game....Chargers won the toss.

[shally]

While an 11-5 team sits at home no less.

karma, bellichick, karma

[shally]

Well...that could be ball game....Chargers won the toss.

hello, mr sproles.... fate is calling on line 1

[JasonCampbell]

Well...that could be ball game....Chargers won the toss.

Each and every OT game I watch I always cheer for both teams to get possession of the ball (except for the Skins of course). It is a crime a team can lose the game without getting possession. And don't give me that, "Oh well, the defense should have gotten the ball for them" BS, the other team didn't have to do that!

[shally]

Its amazing that an 8-8 team gets to HOST a playoff game. This is retarded to be honest....
that might change, if anything does next year.. getting in at 8-8 is probably gift enough

[JasonCampbell]

karma, bellichick, karma

Okay, well aren't there a couple other 10-6, 9-7 teams out there in the AFC :)

[Dolla Bill]

I agree. I think the other team should get at least one possession. Its up to fate who gets the coin toss.

[shally]

Each and every OT game I watch I always cheer for both teams to get possession of the ball (except for the Skins of course). It is a crime a team can lose the game without getting possession. And don't give me that, "Oh well, the defense should have gotten the ball for them" BS, the other team didn't have to do that!

they asked dungy about that, and madden said he was okay with the rules as is...

[Dolla Bill]

Okay, well aren't there a couple other 10-6, 9-7 teams out there in the AFC :)

Jets 9-7

[shally]

Okay, well aren't there a couple other 10-6, 9-7 teams out there in the AFC :)

sucks to be them..lol

[shally]

Jets 9-7

they dont deserve to be in because mangini was a bellichick clone.. karma for him as well

[Dolla Bill]

Sproles for the first down. He is lightning in a bottle!

[give_portis_the_rock]

Okay, well aren't there a couple other 10-6, 9-7 teams out there in the AFC :)

No 10-6 teams, but yeah there's one 9-7 team that missed the AFC tournament. There's three 9-7 teams in the NFC that missed.

[shally]

made something out of nothing..otherwise it is 3 and out

[Dolla Bill]

Look for the rules to change next year because of this very game. There's no way that an 8-8 team should host a playoff game, much less be in the playoffs.

[shally]

rivers got away with a grounding

[Dolla Bill]

Wow.....Chargers are getting bailed out by the penalties...

[Dolla Bill]

Good bye Colts. Great way to end your season....

[shally]

stupid penalty

[give_portis_the_rock]

That holding call was BS, the contact was minimal and it was within 5 yards anyway

[Dolla Bill]

stupid penalty

Which one? Lol...

[Dolla Bill]

That holding call was BS

Oh yeah it was....

[shally]

kick the fg now, norv

[JasonCampbell]

F'ing NFL OT rules

[shally]

and sproles just became a multi millionaire

[Dolla Bill]

Congratulations Chargers....you never earned this chance.

[akhhorus]

Im going to go out on a limb and predict that Sproles will be the Bolts' starting RB next year, and LDT will be dealt to the Patriots.

[shally]

Which one? Lol...

325 total yards for sproles..

[Dolla Bill]

I cannot stand Phillip Rivers...

[JasonCampbell]

#55 was held on that TD play. BS

[Dolla Bill]

#55 was held on that TD play. BS

Yep. Great no call by the refs.....again....

You guys think we just saw the last of Tony Dungy? I don't.

[give_portis_the_rock]

Why are the refs trying to compensate for Week 2?
That game was of no consequence now that the Chargers won the division

[JasonCampbell]

Yep. Great no call by the refs.....again....

You guys think we just saw the last of Tony Dungy? I don't.

It was blatantly obvious too. The guy was jumping all over the place after it happened trying to get their attention.

I don't like college nearly as much as I do the NFL, but the OT rules suck. No only is the college OT more fair, but it is so much more entertaining. Why does the NFL want their MVP standing on the sideline the entire OT?

[Dolla Bill]

Why are the refs trying to compensate for Week 2?
That game was of no consequence now that the Chargers won the division


I don't like to point fingers or make excuses, but man...the Colts were shafted in this game from the get go. 8-8 team hosting an 11-5 team in the playoffs. Ridiculous....

[shally]

Im going to go out on a limb and predict that Sproles will be the Bolts' starting RB next year, and LDT will be dealt to the Patriots.

they better keep bennet as well

[shally]

and there was also a no-call on the kickoff as well

still the colts couldnt run, and barely could stop the run.. that will kill you every time, even if the refs dont

[Dolla Bill]

Sproles will not see FA. Better just cross him off now.

[JasonCampbell]

Im going to go out on a limb and predict that Sproles will be the Bolts' starting RB next year, and LDT will be dealt to the Patriots.

Is that even feasible with LT's contract. SD would be wise to unload him, pick up a first round pick, and sign a bruiser.

[JasonCampbell]

Sproles will not see FA. Better just cross him off now.

I did that at halftime :(

[shally]

norv will find a way to ruin him

[Luis Landa]

Instead of trying to sign Darren Sproles as a FA I think we should draft RB Devin Moore from Wyoming in the 4th or 5th round. I think he could be our Darren Sproles.

[shally]

Instead of trying to sign Darren Sproles as a FA I think we should draft RB Devin Moore from Wyoming in the 4th or 5th round. I think he could be our Darren Sproles.

other quick guys out there.. josh cribbs, hightower, you just have to find them

[akhhorus]

Is that even feasible with LT's contract. SD would be wise to unload him, pick up a first round pick, and sign a bruiser.

In theory they could. I think there's basically about 7-8 million of dead cap room on his contract if they dealt him, but he costs a ton every year to keep on the cap. They might save a million or two if they dealt him. You have to figure that New England, Seattle, Tampa, Arizona and Eagles have to be interested.

[WarEagle]

I like the NFL sudden death concept in OT. Seems more pure than the odd back & forth of college OT that produces inflated scores. As Madden said, "If you lose the toss, it isn't like your defense isn't still playing..." Besides, the Colts surely would've gotten the ball back if they didn't make a stupid holding penalty. So fate wasn't really dictated by a coin toss tonight at all.

[JasonCampbell]

I like the NFL sudden death concept in OT. Seems more pure than the odd back & forth of college OT that produces inflated scores. As Madden said, "If you lose the toss, it isn't like your defense isn't still playing..." Besides, the Colts surely would've gotten the ball back if they didn't make a stupid holding penalty. So fate wasn't really dictated by a coin toss tonight at all.

No, but your offense never gets a chance to play. It is a bogus rule. If it doesn't make any difference or isn't that important, why does the winner of the coin toss always choose to receive?

[give_portis_the_rock]

I like the NFL sudden death concept in OT. Seems more pure than the odd back & forth of college OT that produces inflated scores. As Madden said, "If you lose the toss, it isn't like your defense isn't still playing..." Besides, the Colts surely would've gotten the ball back if they didn't make a stupid holding penalty. So fate wasn't really dictated by a coin toss tonight at all.

Why not a marriage of the two?
Keep the back and forth aspect, but without the short field. Have the team that first scores kick off to the other team, and give them a chance to produce points. Keep doing this until one team can't match points anymore. It's fair, and it doesn't produce inflated scores (because teams still need to travel the full length of the field).

My main problem with the current system (other than the fact that one team can win without even getting a defensive stop) is that, once teams are in field goal range, it's pretty much over (barring a choke job by the kicker).

[shally]

Why not a marriage of the two?
Keep the back and forth aspect, but without the short field. Have the team that first scores kick off to the other team, and give them a chance to produce points. Keep doing this until one team can't match points anymore. It's fair, and it doesn't produce inflated scores (because teams still need to travel the full length of the field).

My main problem with the current system (other than the fact that one team can win without even getting a defensive stop) is that, once teams are in field goal range, it's pretty much over (barring a choke job by the kicker).

choke jobs happen enough

but the basic problem is that the people who make the rules are still pretty happy with the system. they might tinker with the playoff seedings a little bit, but i dont expect anyone to truly mount any kind of effort to change sudden death.

it has been around for so long as part of the landscape, that it is accepted as the norm.. yes,hockey has moved to shootouts and so forth but they are still true to their form of playing playoff overtime until someone wins.. it could happen on the very first shift, and if it does, a team should have made a defensive save. that is the culture of hockey.. baseball and basketball have a different culture.. each team gets a shot at winning in OT.. but the simple fact is that the NFL is still the most popular team sport in the US, and i dont think they will tinker with that basic a part of it's format

and it doesnt happen on the very first possession to the exclusion of the kicking team never winning. they do. so, play some better defense...get a turnover.. i think this argument has no legs in the long and short runs

[shally]

No, but your offense never gets a chance to play. It is a bogus rule. If it doesn't make any difference or isn't that important, why does the winner of the coin toss always choose to receive?

it is akin to chess players choosing white, if they have a choice, at the elite level.. going on offense gives you the edge, all things being equal, but it certainly doesnt guarantee a win... ask hasselbeck about that.. he made the snarky remark that seattle would take the ball and take the win.. didnt work out that way, did it..? you still have to score

[give_portis_the_rock]

choke jobs happen enough

but the basic problem is that the people who make the rules are still pretty happy with the system. they might tinker with the playoff seedings a little bit, but i dont expect anyone to truly mount any kind of effort to change sudden death.

it has been around for so long as part of the landscape, that it is accepted as the norm.. yes,hockey has moved to shootouts and so forth but they are still true to their form of playing playoff overtime until someone wins.. it could happen on the very first shift, and if it does, a team should have made a defensive save. that is the culture of hockey.. baseball and basketball have a different culture.. each team gets a shot at winning in OT.. but the simple fact is that the NFL is still the most popular team sport in the US, and i dont think they will tinker with that basic a part of it's format

and it doesnt happen on the very first possession to the exclusion of the kicking team never winning. they do. so, play some better defense...get a turnover.. i think this argument has no legs in the long and short runs

But in this case, the defence DID make a stop.
That holding call was on 3rd down. If not for that questionable call, the Chargers drive would have ended.

And the chess thing has no parallels with the NFL. Because it is impossible to get a check mate on your first move in chess. But it is possible to score on your first possession in overtime. There are no chess matches where the player with the black pieces doesn't get to move. Chess is more like basketball or hockey. In basketball and hockey there are a greater volume of scoring opportunities and that's why their overtime systems are rarely criticized.

[WarEagle]

But in this case, the defence DID make a stop.
That holding call was on 3rd down. If not for that questionable call, the Chargers drive would have ended.

And the chess thing has no parallels with the NFL.

The announcers were commenting on the "by the book" referee during OT. Other NFL referees surely have a "let them play" philosophy in the rare fifth quarter of a playoff game. Not that guy. What a jerk.

The penalty that you reference really angered me when I saw the replay. He pulled on the guy's jersey a little. Come on...

[Fathead]

The Colts have no room to argue about that call. They are the ones who whined to the NFL about how their poor recievers were getting touched and the meanie Patriots beat them up and took their lunch money. Now the refs call stupid contact and holding penalties on DBs all the time. They don't get to whine that they had one called on them.

[smoak]

The Colts have no room to argue about that call. They are the ones who whined to the NFL about how their poor recievers were getting touched and the meanie Patriots beat them up and took their lunch money. Now the refs call stupid contact and holding penalties on DBs all the time. They don't get to whine that they had one called on them.

Not to mention they choked away a game when they were completely in control. Norv & Rivers were doing everything in their power to give it away, but Manning wanted to choke more I guess.

Between the three of four penalties on the one drive and the third and two SACK inside their own 10!? For the love of Red Grange does anyone still commit to a running game in this moronic NFL. Granted I didn't watch the first half, but from what I saw, I was impressed by how much energy the SD defense had... I felt like they really had a step and don't know why Indy wanted get cute. A first down there and the game is all but over.

[smoak]

No, but your offense never gets a chance to play. It is a bogus rule. If it doesn't make any difference or isn't that important, why does the winner of the coin toss always choose to receive?

I'll admit that I love the rule and if the NFL ever adopt the college rule, I am done watching games. I HATE the college rule more than I hate coaches that remind me of PT Barnum.

All kidding aside, sudden death gives football such a sense of importance... I mean the drama and sense of finality can't be beaten as opposed to the queer college rules that eliminate defense and special teams. HATE IT!

I fell asleep in overtime, but the Colts can't complain b/c they crapped the bed.

[WarEagle]

[QUOTE=smoak;1188813]I'll admit that I love the rule and if the NFL ever adopt the college rule, I am done watching games. I HATE the college rule more than I hate coaches that remind me of PT Barnum.

All kidding aside, sudden death gives football such a sense of importance... I mean the drama and sense of finality can't be beaten as opposed to the queer college rules that eliminate defense and special teams. HATE IT! [QUOTE]

Agree with you on the college rules. It's like inviting your family to an orgy. My skin crawls.

[Dolla Bill]

Not to mention they choked away a game when they were completely in control. Norv & Rivers were doing everything in their power to give it away, but Manning wanted to choke more I guess.

Between the three of four penalties on the one drive and the third and two SACK inside their own 10!? For the love of Red Grange does anyone still commit to a running game in this moronic NFL. Granted I didn't watch the first half, but from what I saw, I was impressed by how much energy the SD defense had... I felt like they really had a step and don't know why Indy wanted get cute. A first down there and the game is all but over.

Smoak, I respectfully disagree. Manning didn't choke the game away, he played well enough. Its his defense that couldn't stop the run that choked the game away. Its bad enough that the Colts had to play the 8-8 Chargers at their field, but to fight against the refs is another thing. IMO, the refs were making sure the game stayed within striking distance, and were making up for their gaffe at week 2. The no calls vs. what was called, were ridiculous.

[Fathead]

The refs certainly didn't make the Colts choke on pass protection on 3rd and 2 and certainly didn't make Manning hold the ball rather than throw a quick slant to ice the game.

[BIGREDSKINSFAN1963]

that holding call was questionable,but not that 15 yard face mask penalty.
hell of a great way to end the game though!

[RedskinsDave]

Smoak, I respectfully disagree. Manning didn't choke the game away, he played well enough. Its his defense that couldn't stop the run that choked the game away. Its bad enough that the Colts had to play the 8-8 Chargers at their field, but to fight against the refs is another thing. IMO, the refs were making sure the game stayed within striking distance, and were making up for their gaffe at week 2. The no calls vs. what was called, were ridiculous.

I agree about the calls, especially on the last drive. The player Hickdouche was throwing to when the grounding call was missed had his back to the ball. They should have had a 3rd and very long. Then the holding call was horse dung. It all looked like make ups from shafting them in week 2.

[shally]

But in this case, the defence DID make a stop.
That holding call was on 3rd down. If not for that questionable call, the Chargers drive would have ended.

And the chess thing has no parallels with the NFL. Because it is impossible to get a check mate on your first move in chess. But it is possible to score on your first possession in overtime. There are no chess matches where the player with the black pieces doesn't get to move. Chess is more like basketball or hockey. In basketball and hockey there are a greater volume of scoring opportunities and that's why their overtime systems are rarely criticized.

you were doing fine until you introduced the variable of the botched refs call into your argument.. once that is a factor, every thing is skewed and all your argument goes out the window because the chargers SHOULD have had an opportunity in OT but DIDNT.. the reason they didnt had nothing to do with the system. botched calls affect the outcome of all times of games, overtimes included. you simply cannot account for that in any scheme..

[The_Sonny_Of_Sammy]

No, but your offense never gets a chance to play. It is a bogus rule. If it doesn't make any difference or isn't that important, why does the winner of the coin toss always choose to receive?
http://theenvelope.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-12/33648176.jpg

"Call it.";)

[JasonCampbell]

"Call it.";)

Okay, that got me laughing pretty hard. Well done :)

[nicefellow31]

Why not a marriage of the two?
Keep the back and forth aspect, but without the short field. Have the team that first scores kick off to the other team, and give them a chance to produce points. Keep doing this until one team can't match points anymore. It's fair, and it doesn't produce inflated scores (because teams still need to travel the full length of the field).

My main problem with the current system (other than the fact that one team can win without even getting a defensive stop) is that, once teams are in field goal range, it's pretty much over (barring a choke job by the kicker).

I'm late to this argument, but I agree 100% with you. If a team scores on the opening possesion, then they have to kick off. Other team needs to tie or its over. If they do tie, then next score wins.

[shally]

I'm late to this argument, but I agree 100% with you. If a team scores on the opening possesion, then they have to kick off. Other team needs to tie or its over. If they do tie, then next score wins.

makes it too complicated

also, the longer the game goes, the more tired players are going to get. risk of injury probably goes up as well.

i like the sudden nature of it.. the game can end, and often does, on the basis of a single play.. makes each play critically important. you cant take any play off..

[Fathead]

I'm late to this argument, but I agree 100% with you. If a team scores on the opening possesion, then they have to kick off. Other team needs to tie or its over. If they do tie, then next score wins.

That's silly. So essentially, you just don't want it to go to sudden death immediately? If both teams punt, or both score FGs, or both score TDs, then its the same system! The team that got the ball first still gets to end the game without the other team having a chance to answer!


Both teams have opportunities to win during regulation. If you can't win in regulation, you accept that you may not get the chance in overtime.