With 4 excellent games over 2 days, this is possibly the best NFL-weekend of the year (excluding the Super Bowl of course). First the Seattle Seahawks play host to the New Orleans Saints – Seattle are many peoples’ tip for the title, and expect a closely fought battle (21:35 Sat – Sky Sports). Later the “come-back king” Andrew Luck will hope to lead his Indianapolis Colts to another victory against the favoured New England Patriots (01:15 Sun – Sky Sports). Sunday, two ‘mirror images’ face off; the San Francisco 49ers play at the Carolina Panthers. Both have a strong ground attack, young fleet of foot QBs, hard hitting defences, the difference being that the ‘9ers have an edge in offensive weapons (18:05 Sun – Sky Sports). Final game of the weekend is an all AFC West showdown when the Chargers are hosted by the Broncos in Mile High Stadium. San Diego’s QB Phil Rivers has had Denver’s Peyton Manning’s number over the years, so the result is not cut-and-dry (21:40 Sun – Sky Sports).
NFL Playoffs - Divisional round
Published by Will Davies on
Noelinho's preview: http://noelinho.org/2014/01/11/2014-nfl-playoffs-divisional-round/
And they're off. Saints up first, and have already gone 3 and out.
16 yard punt - the ball slipped through the punter's hands, but he did manage to get away a little kick.
Percy Harvin just took a huge shot - it got flagged for defenceless player. Big doubt he's back in the game.
Seahawks FG.
Harvin's helmet has been taken away from him - usually means he'll not make it back onto the field.
Back-to-back first downs from the Saints.
Saints miss a FG (just) from around the 45.
In other news Harvin is back on the field.
Hi Will^
I have the game on and I will have no more distractions in about ten minutes
Howdy, any good action so faR?
Some hard hits, the main action is coming from the defences.
At this rate there still won't be a TD before you're 100% in.
Another Hawks FG.
Saints fumble at the start of the 2nd, Hawks recover in good field position.
Haven't got it on at the moment, distracted by the Caterham article and ITV2 + 1.
Harvin lighting it up
BeastMode TD
Huge blocking, huge hole, then he just powered through the outstretched arms for a score.
Ah, thats a pleasant scoreline to see when you switch it on.
I like Lynch scoring. My fantasy team is based on a Broncos Seahaws superbowl
The Hawks are currently up by Maldonado to nil.
I've already almost doubled my score from last week.
Wait, I've quadrupled it.
I had 3 last week, Lynch TD gives me 12 straight away.
I had 9 last week, 40 so far today.
Saints fail on 3rd and 10.
I had nothing last week because I only picked players from the teams I think will be in the superbowl. Risky tactics
That is how last year's overall winner did it - all 9ers and Ravens. Go big or go home :)
For the overall, yes. For SPC, might not be necessary!
If one of those teams makes it to the Champs game, that might send people clear.
Huge hold - flag wipes off a 35 yard run
Harvin is being wound up by the Saints.
Saints timeout before a Seattle punt.
Saints to start at their own 46.
Seattle's 12th Man's cheering registers on local seismometers: http://t.co/d3YY4sP2F5
Saints going for it on 4th
4th and 4
Never seen that anywhere before
Knew it would appeal to you. that account is going to tweet out traces all game - when they are set off by the crowd.
knocked down - Seattle have taken over
There have already been earthquakes in the general area today http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/#{%22feed%22%3A%221day_m25%22%2C%22search%22%3Anull%2C%22sort%22%3A%22newest%22%2C%22basemap%22%3A%22grayscale%22%2C%22autoUpdate%22%3Atrue%2C%22restrictListToMap%22%3Atrue%2C%22timeZone%22%3A%22local%22%2C%22mapposition%22%3A[[-69.9001176266854%2C-163.125]%2C[77.98904862437391%2C204.609375]]%2C%22overlays%22%3A{%22plates%22%3Atrue}%2C%22viewModes%22%3A{%22list%22%3Atrue%2C%22map%22%3Atrue%2C%22settings%22%3Afalse%2C%22help%22%3Afalse}}
From SkySports: 5 mins left in the 1st half @saints QB Drew Brees yet to complete a pass beyond the line of scrimmage
According to Game Centre he has thrown for 19 yards
YAC count towards his passing total - all catches must have been behind the line, screens or dump offs or similar.
No idea why I didn't think of that
Me either. I felt like I was being a bit patronising when typing that ;)
Huge penalty
Puts them in easy Lynch range, and with 4 shouts
If he had been one step back that was a TD
Another hit on Harvin - head hard into the ground
Lynch has just lost Fantasy points on those loss-of-yards plays.
He has scored me 24 points today
He was up at 26 before that negative play or 2.
I am sure he will get them back
0-16 at half time. Given some of the turnarounds we have seen recently that is not huge
Doesn't look like Brees is enjoying handling+throwing the slippery ball in the wind.
I heard one of the commentators say he has been practising with a glove and a wet ball all week.
Apparently at Seahawks practice Pete Carroll was walking round with a squirty bottle to wet players' hands as well as the ball.
No onside kick from Peyton? Thought he might try it then, is likely at some point if Seattle keep scoring (to the Saints not scoring)
Percy Harvin is concussed and will not return.
Brees completes a couple of decent throws to start the quarter.
to start*towards the start ofWoohoo, I'm up to 50 points this week.
FUMBLE, recovered, but that's a huge loss of yards before the punt
Brady warming up in Gillette Stadium - that's quite early for him.
Is that an indicator of how cold it is, if he needs so long to get warm?
I think it's rain that's the issue more than anything.
Huge 3rd and 9 conversion
Could be
Seahawks have to challenge
Looks like that should be challenged
Was Pete Carroll not watching?
Jimmy Graham with 0 catches for 0 yards so far.
just doing a bunch of code updates. if comments don't go through, just keep trying, should be minimal disruption. soz.
I guess he didn't get word from above. The coaches upstairs should have called that
No problem.
No worries :)
Saw someone in the crowd wearing a helmet that is about 3 feet in diameter
Saints are hooking up - down to the 15
Looks like Brees has finally found out how to make a forward pass
1st and goal for the Saints. Surely we can't have another team come from behind and win
No catches for any TE in the game so far.
Heavy set formation
TD Saints and they are going for 2
Maybe no onside kick this time.
And they make it. For all the domination Saints are down to a one score to tie
Straight out the back of the end zone if they can
I just lost six points.
Me too
Hawks' D lost 3 because they've conceded points.
THey had 26 earlier now they have 20
You have them with double points :) I think we all do
You'd be mad not to. Likely Super Bowl team and one of the best defenses. Why not?!
Just lost another six points. Down from 26 to 14 :-(
I worked on the basis of a Broncos-Seahawks superbowl and the Broncos D is hopeless so there was only one choice
I dunno why they lost even more... perhaps the 2pt just got added on.
I'm working on the basis of a Chargers - Panthers Super Bowl.
*Not really. That would be mad.
Down to 14. Either 2 points or is there a yardage score?
That would be an amazing outcome
It's about the only way I can really see the Chargers winning it.
I didn't think so
...yeah, I'll agree to that
Seahawks losing the physical battle badly at the moment.
greeting fellow f1 / nfl fans
this game has stepped up now, drew brees finding some form but these conditions are the opposite to what they see most weeks. seattle are super impressive, especially on the defensive side of the ball. hoping the saints can put together a decent drive and we get an exciting finish.
Evening.
Hi John
Dropped the INT.
I saw the interception, looked at my keyboward to post a comment on it and missed that he dropped it
He jumped through Graham to knock that ball away
amazing that graham hasn't had a catch today.
There is no way I would have believed that would happen
Bruno Mars in the superbowl half time show. Really?
if that happens and someone had put money on it at the start of the season, they could probably fly themselves to watch the superbowl in their own private box, huge odds.
im being captain obvious and selecting the seahawks v broncos for the superbowl.
He's invited the RHCP to join
Me too
as mentioned though the broncos defence is a worry
That has to be intentional grounding
UNBELIEVABLE
unbelievable,
2 Seahawks touch the ball and still its a completion
...off the tip by the D - it's normally the other way round.
How can you get a delay of game penalty and then have to take a time out?
burn a crucial time out, might regret that later
3rd and 15
4 down territory, esp with only 4 minutes left
enter graham...
I have that feeling. 4th and 15 for a TD
4th down, hit the endzone
Going for a FG
Less than 4 minutes and they go for the kick
Onside, onside!! No wait, no good
oops fg. missed by a mile.
Why not go for it? If you fail you are in the same position you are now. If you make it then its Xmas
run run run,,.... is Jason garrett calling the plays
Great job by Lynch breaking tackles
What a pass by Wilson.
Huge, just huge
what a catch, silly play call but it came off.
woah hang about...
That looks like control to me
that's a catch, controlled it all the way.
But did the control come between his knee coming up and his toe going down?
Not really. The whole "run every play" thing doesn't work. You still have to mix it up. The Saints are great at stopping the run when they expect run.
Desperation challenge cost the final TO
TD Seahawks. It's Lynch
1 more first down and its just about all over....
or just get another touchdown....
BeastMode TD & Game!
Looks like we all made the right call on the play the Saints went for a field goal on
52 fantasy points for Marshawn Lynch
if he didn't make a great catch new Orleans would have had the ball and a chance to score with plenty of time left. it was a risky play call.
.Lynch gets his Skittles
Yes, but you don't get yards playing the very play the opposition expect when they're so good at stopping that play. Took them a bit by surprise, in a weak area. If you're serious about winning the Super Bowl, you have to believe in your offense to make those plays.
strangely that td kept New Orleans in the game. had he fallen short they could take a knee and run down the clock, now, its highly unlikely but the saints have a chance to get a late td, then do an onside punt. its not going to happen, but its still possible.
But with no TOs and against the Hawks' pass D it will be almost impossible.
Still no catch for Graham but he did the defence some damage that time
here we go, game on this play
Saints score
Seahawks need to recover the onside kick
Bring on the hands team
td the saints, very nice. seattle should already be in the rooms celebrating with their second beer now.
The TD came up on my screen first in the playoff challenge area, then I saw it; actual score on NFL.com not updated.
Even if the Saints recover the ball, they still need a TD in 20 seconds, AND a 2PC.
Although free-football might be interesting :)
Saints ball
yes hilarious seattle, poor play calling and time management by the seahawks, will get away with it though
That was incredibly stupid.
Why no out of bounds?
That was absolutely beyond stupid
what was colston thinking, surely he has to know the rules.
get oob, get 1 shot for the TD?!
seattle dodged a bullet there, might not get away with that rubbish again,.
Either that or keep running
OK, forget the idiotic forward pass, one point about the initial kick. It hadn't gone 10 yards. Why were Seattle trying to do anything before it had gone 10 yards? Never touch it until it's gone the distance. It wasn't even close
He'll be currently being string up by Peyton in the locker room.
They weren't rubbish though.
#whodat #whatwasthat
Hi guys.
Marshawn Lynch, 52 points. So he's on for 104 points in the Super Bowl :-)
True. Gave that man a HC position.
Evening Kai - you can take my spot, I'm going to bed - tiredness has overtaken me.
I'm staying for now, given that it's the Pats game!
Tiredness has about overtaken me, too, but I'll fight it for a bit.
Good night.
I'd love to watch it, but zzzzzs are more important right now. If I'm awake long enough I'll find a radio stream... byee all.
Hello there. Have you calmed down from last night?
Nope. :)
So, those still here, is four hours long enough for the late game tomorrow (Broncos)? How long as the Broncos-Ravens game last year?
I love when they compliment the other team - "talented players", etc. Classy.
:)
Broncos tend to score and give away lots of points which means there is a low chance of OT
Russell Wilson threw 9/18 for 108 today.
*for 103.
The good news is I had Marshawn Lynch. The bad news I had Jimmy Graham.
The other bad news is everyone else had Marshawn Lynch too.
Thanks.
I also had Drew Brees.
That may be more successful, given that most people expected him to be on the losing team.
I cannot believe how well the Seahaws D dealt with him.
Are you trying to make me feel stupid? It's working, Mr. Smartypants. :p
32 pts. I need em.
no they played well but the play calling in the last 4 minutes was horrendous, they just had to run the clock down, also lynch should have not gone into the endzone. time management is important and they made some silly calls late that kept the saints in the game.
maybe ive been burned way too many times by poor play calling and poor time management to keep opponents in the game and ultimately cost the game for the cowboys over the years. its been their biggest flaw to over pass the ball late keeping time on the clock, when taking time out of the clock is just as important as getting yards or even points in some cases.
No, I'm saying if he scored well, that's good. Just because others don't pick him doesn't mean he's a bad pick :-)
Yeah, I got lucky there. I have enough to think about with my picks. I can't worry about what everyone else is doing. I just hope, mainly. Haha.
The ideal thing is to pick someone no-one else does and for him to win. Marshawn Lynch scored me a load of points but everyone seems to have him so really I gained nothing
I disagree. Taking the TD was the right call. It made it a 2 score game, which also required a 2PC. If he goes down, even on the 1, they might fumble the next snap, Wilson might throw a pick. Either way, if they then don't score, it's still a 1 score game.
Making it a two score game makes it much harder for the Saints.
True. But if he's the top scorer this week, and you don't have him, you've lost out. So it's as much about not losing out as gaining on others.
It's like picking Suarez in Fantasy Football. You pick him not to beat everyone else, but because without him, you'll struggle to get anywhere near the top.
the saints wouldn't have got the ball at all, they could only stop the clock once due to burned timeouts, seattle could have taken a knee and run the clock to zero.
Yep.
It's wierd to have a Colts-Pats game that is not all about Brady vs Manning
Interception. NO TD. Definitely out of bounds
7-0 Colts and their offence hasn't stood up yet
Giving the Pats a head start. How nice of them. :D
this game has a hint of ugliness about it, might be an ugly scoreline for the colts
That was a really silly mistake that gave the Pats the TD.
Are these American talking heads on Sky Sports?
Sky sports has a logo top right of the screen saying
sky SPORTS 3HD
LIVE
But yes there are American talking heads on it
Ah. Figured. Morning Steven.
Morning.
Did you see the last game?
Hang on - the Patriots are Brady and a team of scrubs?? That's what they said at the start of the season anyway.
No, missed it. I did see the score at the end. Did I miss anything?
Lovely catch by Amendola.
It was a bit odd. Brees went through the whole first half without making a forward pass. Graham didn't make a single reception in the whole game
Second TD for the Pats
Patriots want to end this quick. Ruthless.
We saw so many games last week where a big lead disappeared but they do look impressive
Blount is in my fantasy team :-)
Those weren't Tom Brady's leads, though... And by golly, Tom's also made some amazing comebacks this season.
have to hand it to the patriots, constantly turning players over. it seems every year they have a bunch of new players yet with belichick and brady they just keep on winning, easily the best side over the last 12 or so years and no real signs of slowing down either.
I felt the same way.
Hey Kai!
Hey! :)
does anyone here follow a team that is still alive in the playoffs. if not who do you go for?
Pats all the way! I also like the 49ers. :)
Brady just made 6,000 postseason yards. He's in a group of one.
the ones with the best looking branding :)
youre looking good for another week at least. I don't mind the pats and 49ers too.
Yes. I'm a Patriots fan. If they lose, I'll support the Seahawks.
ggod luck, although you've seen a lot of success over the years.
good luck i mean
I don't follow a team but I am a big Peyton Manning fan so Broncos for now. I like a QB who calls his own plays
TD Colts
woah that was impressive by luck, game back on.
I like the Seahawks but I haven't followed them much this year. I like the Chargers, too.
Luck made some big mistakes last year along with some big plays.
..last week. ;)
I like the no huddle fast plays too, controls the game his way, just hope he ends up with another superbowl or two, he is so much better than his brother.
In recent years, yes. Before Super Bowl XXXVI, none whatsoever.
Luck's spirals are a bit all over the place so far.
It would be just wrong if he finsihed with just one but then I remember Dan Marino getting none and Jim Kelly taking the Bills to four consecutive superbowls and winning none of them
yeah before brady they were pretty ordinary, shame they didn't sack eli for the perfect season a few years ago, also that catch on the helmet was ridiculous
I think NoxTV is safe now.
*NowTV
Until we win another Super Bowl, those two losses still hurt.
im still picking the seahawks to win the superbowl this year.
I'd love to see them play the Panthers next week.
They do a have a certain feel to them this year.
QB - Safety - Defensive end to Linebacker. Interesting career progression for Collins
their defence is so strong
I know this is way off topic but I just read the most fabulous twitter conversation between William Shatner ( Capt Kirk in Star Trek) and Bobak Ferdowski who is the NASA guy who became famous because he has a Mowhawk/Mohican hair cut. Shatner is giving him warp speeds in relation to light speed and how you can't go to Mars at warp 5 because you couldn't stop in time.
Twitter has some incredible stuff on it
I have no idea what you are talking about but ill back the nasa guy over the actor. nasa 1 - actor 0
Yes, and they have a team spirit, an interdependence and unity that may take them all the way.
The weird thing is that a lot of the Star Trek actors are genuinely into real space stuff. In this conversation they are both correct.
I guess they have to learn that stuff for the roles they play, personally ive never watched star trek.
1st and goal
Nice jump! TD Pats.
surely warp speed isn't a real thing?
Fantasy points!
It's weird but a lot of the astronauts first got interested in space through Star Trek. It so odd when the real and the fantasy meet up on twitter.
It is. NASA are working on it
madness.
The discussion they are having on it is not serious though
blount scores, I like the way he plays, tough solid and extremely mobile for his size. I wish the cowboys picked him up in the offseason to compliment murray
I have no idea what NASA will do once they have used all the ideas Gene Roddenberry came up with. He invented Star Trek.
The CBS guys just hinted at people like you. ;)
21-7 is not as one sided as it looked like it was going to be early on
I'm amazed it has taken so long for the Patriots to run more. We always do better when we run the ball, as long as it isn't Ridley.
Yep, I know. Bet I'm the only one with him too! I knew he was a great pick for today.
Good thinking and running by Luck
they're not allowed to quit until they've sussed teleportation. figure that out and i don't care if they disband it.
their success would kind ruin football though...
I am sure teleportation would be illegal in sports. Would be handy to teleport Pastor just before he crashed though.
And F1. ;) But hey, would make sports more of a phenomenon: "People still actually run - with their legs??"
:)
People are working on teleportation now. I think they have managed one electron or something similar so far so it will be a bit of time before they can teleport the ball out from under a pile of players arguing over who has possession
Finally someone could beat Usain Bolt
Vinateri is in his 18th season in the NFL!!! I knew he had been around for ever but that is ridiculous.
Successful too.
Corrected.
:)
NASA's warp drive research. Still at a very early stage
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2014/01/nasas-star-trek-future-a-warp-drive-solution-for-faster-than-light-space-travel-a-2013-most-popular.html
where are they on vulcan death grip?
I think that is top secret like the Vulcan mind meld
bah
Do you have a need for a Vulcan death grip?
Delay of game.
again, would probably ruin football.
That was BIZARRE.
How to massively screw up a punt. Snap the ball waaay over the punter's head
I have seen a punter have to jump to catch the snap but never anything like that
Disaster of a snap.
What were they trying to do with that??
Punt. Center gave it too much air.
If you have an eleven point lead it is better to give away a certain safety than 1st down on the 2 yard line and a probable touchdown
He took the name long snapper too literally
Yes. The commentators are dead wrong on this.
2 < 7
Ah. One suggestion is that he can only kick it out the back once the ball is in the end zone.
And that if it's not on the end zone, it's a first down from the kick.
You could see the point if it was late in the game and there was only time for one play and you had a one point lead.
That should have been a pick.
Yeah. Poor kicker panicked and tried to do something. It turned out to be less bad than it could've been.
Johnny Manziel has put his name in for the draft. Can't wait to see him in the NFL. He could revive a flagging franchise
For those who have not seen Manziel play college football this is a great summary of what he is like
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/31/sports/ncaafootball/manziel-is-having-a-good-time-playing-his-game.html?_r=2&
Ah, I see what he was doing now. He was trying to throw an incomplete forward pass.
Interception
Pats punter in the locker room.
Boy oh boy.
Kicker to punt
Gostkowski just hit the best punt of the day!
Great pass and catch
Vinateri adds another 3 points to take the Colts to within 6 points of the Pats
To be so close and only get 3 points out of it was a bit disappointing for the Colts.
They needed a TD and a field goal to win so that is one down and one to go
Great job of getting free and still making the critical pass
TD Patriots. That has to be the game
Going for 2 because they have a 12 point lead
I go to my wife and I miss the TD. Oh well.
Just 3rd quarter though. But yes, the Pats are relentless.
still time, 2 point conversion...is good
I am sure the time with her was worth missing it.
And what happened there?
Asked me to do an errand (which has since been cancelled). Hehe.
You must have had a really good excuse to get out of it
My puppy eyes beat hers. Hahaha!
:)
Fantastic pass by Luck
Another great pass and TD by Luck
woah the colts just wont go away,
Bad Pats defense, or just great Colts offense?
Hard to say. The runs and passes were perfect but maybe the Pats switched off because they had just scored
I have to go now, will watch the rest of this match later, cheers all, have a good one.
Bye John
Bye John.
Bye John.
I love that camera shot above the field.
Feed comes back to the start of the drive. It buffers for just a second, next thing I see, the Pats just scored a TD.
nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey, good bye....
Pats are ruling this roost.
I'm surprised the Colts have as many points as they do.
Was that on just 1 play?
Very musical.
The Colts are going to have to do something special to win from here
Long run for TD.
73 yard run
Intercepted
WOW. Int by Pats.
WOW. That escalated quickly.
Luck pushing his luck now down big - and it's not working.
Yes, pun intended.
Pass completion stats are low.
Luck 15/30
Brady 10/20
Thing is, Brady's passing isn't the Pats' primary option today, whereas Luck's passing is for the Colts'.
I am drifting in and out of sleep
Colts yardage
Luck 292
Rushing 53
Pats yardage
Brady 183
Rushing 183
Says it all. TD Pats. And that's really it now.
I'm going to watch something besides football for the remainder of the evening. See you guys tomorrow for more.
Good night.
My NowTV just stopped. Think it's bed time. If Pats lose from here, I don't want to see it!
Good night Kai
I think you are safe. Good night
And I have been given another chore (this time I can't puppy-eye my way out of this). Will keep the stream going though.
Night, all!
Good night
No more points scored after everyone left.
Bellichik tied Don Shula for second place with 19 post season wins
will be sleeping or at work when these games are on but I feel the 49ers will get up over Carolina in the first game, think the experience of the 49ers will win out.
the second game is interesting, in a game earlier in the season the chargers ran the ball well and put together some long time zapping drives and denied the broncos possession which was an interesting tactic and one that worked, it may work again but will the broncos have too many weapons in offense to win such a big game.... ill pick the broncos,, just.
First game of the day has started. I am tipping the 49ers to overcome the disadvantage of playing at Carolina
Kaepernick sacked on 3rd and 10 leaving the 49ers to settle for a field goal. 3-0
Evening - just tuning in, in time for the '9ers to take a 3-0 lead.
Good timing Will^
I replaced AJ Green with Crabtree - I'm hoping he's not as much of a Fantasy bust.
Hi there.
1 reception for 1 yard so far
Hmmm...
Interception by Willis
They have only had one posseesion so far so you have time
Great dive - looked too far back to make the catcxh
Some times the streams cross
http://t.co/L5s8NqYB7r
Panthers picking up too many penalties. 5 yards now another 15. Both automatic first downs
When a QB slides the run ends at the start of the slide, so those huge slides of Kaep's don't actually count towards his/the '9ers' yards.
Physical stuff
Not sure why he does that. Some day he will slide into someone and get injured
There is quite a bit of niggle in the game. Panthers seem to be losing out from it with penalties.
Another field goal 6-0
Better to slide than to get run over, or to do a Dalton-dive and fumble against the ground, but if he went a stride further and shortened the slide he'd also make more yards.
@RapSheet: Michael Crabtree doesn't look quite right. Something wrong with his shoulder
I don't remember him taking a big hit
I read that he was roughed up a bit - while I was just tuning in.
Going to be 3rd and goal
Designed run for Caaaaaaaam?
Didn't make it. Has to go for the field goal. I wouldn't try 4th down this early in the game
Tolbert stopped. Riverboat Ron going to go for it on 4th?
Riverboat Ron (so named because he's been gambling big this season) might try it.
If it fails it leaves SF in a dangerous position but then SF only need a FG to go 9 up
Short?
He went for it and it didn't work
Although the '9ers are now pinned on the half-yard line.
Cam got tackled early so had no momentum
Would've been better to fake a dive, then toss it back to Tolbert/Stewart. But hey, I'm not an NFL HC ;)
Nearly an interception
The punt will still give the Panthers good field position.
Very nice return
It shouldn't have given them as good a position as it did.
Lovely dip to draw the defender to commit, before heading outside.
Touchdown. Riverboat Ron made the right call
Fantastic throw. They're right - nothing wrong with the coverage on that throw. Just a great throw.
Nice graphics showint the receiver's route and the ball path
Damn, missed those.
Terrible throw by Kaepernick
Read double option
I love watching Cam Newton play.
So unusual for teams to let their QBs run now
For obvious reasons, and I dare say, for the same reason, QBs like Newton, Kaepernick, Griffin will not become the standard because they'll just get injured too much if they run it so often.
I thought Cam was going to get the TD there
He into his own player, that's all that stopped him.
That might be offside
It's close.
I guess they will go for it on 4th and goal again
Too far this time, no?
Or maybe not
2 yards
Yep, too far. If it's more than one, it's too far, when the three points are so easy.
And when they are now ahead, no need for heroics (yet)
Yes, it might not be brave, but it puts you further ahead.
I love the way these teams go at each other.
So close.
Mikell hurt on the play.
Late flag on the play. Pass interference
Challenge that? ...left foot looked oob though.
That's a catch.
Can't. Review only.
was the left foot down already, before the right that dug the turf?
Ahhh
Can't challenge in the last two minutes which is a rule so stupid that I would expect it from the FIA
You can see the pellets being kicked up
TD for me
That's a phenomenal catch.
I am sure Harbaugh is quite happy to take the 15 yards because his reaction forced the ref to review
If there's a 15 yard penalty, could we see a fair catch free kick? Or will it be too far?
They should definitely fair catch this kick if it's a possibility.
1s on the clock
49ers lead at half time.
Darn it, Harbaugh schemed against my plan.
how so?
Great job by Boldin. Poor coverage though
TD run by Kaepernick.
SF lead 20-10
Panthers need a score, preferably before the 9ers
There is a lot to happen in this game yet
The guy who sacked Newton looked like he popped up out of the ground on first look
Sacked again.
That was an 8 minute Panthers' drive, for no points. Game is getting shorter.
Gore goes big - 39 yards on 3rd and 1.
Weather report from Mile High: gusty.
I guess it will be slightly chilly too
Perfect Peyton-felling weather.
Yay!
He won't allow my fantasy team to suffer
Because that would ease the Pats' route to New York?
~It would kill mine
I have 6 Broncos. Kill is an understatement
It would kill mine too, but I don't care :-)
Because it's a Manning.
I've Peyton, Moreno, Thomas x2 + Prater, but I'd give that up without a second thought for the Chargers to progress.
Definitely agree with that logic.
I have most of those. Possibly all of them. Maybe not Moreno.
I have those and Decker. This is going to be a very close fantasy competition
Cam sacked again
Yep.
I hate being 25 seconds behind. Stupid delays.
It's going to be all about the fringe players... AJ Green's 3 and Crabtree's 2 looking bad right now
That is not roughing the passer
Bad call
Oh, come on, what could he do?
(NOT) rough the passre
Interception.
I don't think you can challenge roughing the passer? But Noelinho might know the exact answer.
Well, no harm done by the bad call then.
Penalties aren't challengeable, only calls.
Fight well away from the action
Thanks
'9ers win. 23-10
Game over
Great job by the 49ers.
Woohoo. 3-0 on this week's picks. Hope my next pick is a dud.
I'm considering changing it to take the Chargers...
I still say, Broncos should win. Hope they lose 60-0 though.
Best result would be that, with Manning getting benched.
I am surprised you two are so anti-Denver, Manning
Not when you remember who we support! We're among the most likely, surely.
= AFC West enemies.
Here we go!
I am not moving until this is over
Flags for facemask
That is an incredible stupid penalty
Rivers sacked again
There were two Chargers blocking the same man
Bad throw from Rivers when he had an open area to pass through
Should never have got that first down.
Should have been an interception
San Diego burn a second time out with 5 minutes left in the first quarter
That is a couple of times one of the Broncos has made a first down by going straight through tackles
NT/DT is an area of weakness on D
The Broncos drive should never have lasted this long. Aside from the tackle breaking Manning hit a Charger in the chest with the ball and he couldn't catch it
Broncos TD - 2yard TD catch by DThomas.
Chargers having trouble with the noise.
I am surprised that they are having so much trouble. 2 time outs and one delay of game and we are still in the first quarter
Denver stealing one of Seattle's 'plays'?
Omaha
It used to be only Eli who did that but everyone seems to have stolen it and Peyton uses it all the time
Drew Brees also uses it I think.
That is very close. I think probable fumble is the right call
Ball looked to be popping out before his back side hit the turf.
Does he ever really have possession? I wouldn't give him possession to be honest.
Oh, wait, he's a Bronco? I'll give a fumble :-)
It looked like he had it in his hands, both feet were down, then on the way down he started to lose control.
I think it's generous to give that as possession, but if you do, It's a fumble.
Great job of stripping the ball to cause the fumble
He didn't even bother to do anything else. He just picked at the football like a hawk.
How did Mathews get out of that pile?
Seemed impossible
He slammed into three players and then gave six stiff arms.
He never got enveloped, just bounced to the outside
Madden skills
On Madden, he'd be penalised for a facemask.
Rivers sacked again
And you get even anywhere close to the D on an inside run and their hands have you on the ground before you know it.
Chargers are flat today.
Denver have been 'working' on that turf.
He aimed left so that the wind would carry it in but the wind is wearing an orange shirt
Short as well as wide, wasn't it?
That has to be a great book title
The wind wears an orange shirt.
Banana skins found in Mile High
Did you know that the only reason people slip on banana skins is because when they made silent movies it was not acceptable to use anything a dog left in the road so they used banana skins to represent little bundles of doggy doo
That is the second time Peyton caused an offside
Good fact
Pereira agrees with me on the pass/fumble. Not that it matters, or that it did the Chargers any good.
Got him again with Omaha! Set!
Did I mention that the Chargers have an awful run-D.
I find it odd that there have only been 7 points in the game so far
Denver have an awful D. Look at how many points they have had scored against them this season
Touchdown for Welker.
No... the very short passing game is not going to get you there.
Unbelievable. Decker goes through all those tackles and the grass gets him
Turf Monster gets another one
I was just thinking that giving the ball to Manning with 3 minutes left was bad. Then I thought Decker would get the TD.
It looked like one of the Chargers caught the punter on the head after Decker. Also looked like he banged his knee down hard which is not great for a punter
Manning got them to jump again
I may not watch the whole game. This isn't close in the slightest.
He says jump, the Chargers say "how early?"
As soon as Baby^ falls asleep, I may call time also.
INT WTF
feeet down forsure
Good interception. The ball was thrown so hard it bounced off Decker
Here endeth the redzone streak.
That might just be the only thing the Chargers can take away from the game.
Chargers kick off the second half so Denver get the ball first. Great tackle by the kicker
So long as he doesn't get injured like the punter - no one left to do any kicking.
When Denver are waiting to get a play off I spend so much time looking at the play clock to try an understand what Peyton is doing
Trying to work out the coverage from the look of the D, and thereby change his receivers' routes to best take advantage of any mismatches? /maybe
That is what he is doing but it is fascinating to watch how he does that and manages the play clock
I thought Welker had that
Have you noticed how Welker is wearing a HUGE helmet to protect from another concussion
Didn't notice. Maybe it is made by the same people who made Kimi's Ferrari caps
Field goal scraped the paint on the post
soo close
Te'o out with concussion. Apparently he was asking for his girlfriend,
Boom.
Apparently during the concussion was the first time he'd seen her.
Apparently after the hit, he was seeing her twice.
Apparently the Chargers have forgotten how to play football too.
Them must think they're in next year's camp already - taking it slow.
They won't get a better chance to intercept. That is one of those dropped by each team
Flag on the play against San Diego just as they get close to a first down
Huge penalty.
He may have seen that quite late in fairness.
Well, that was badly timed.
Nice punt, shame about the last 2ft.
What are your thoughts on whether we need a Pro Bowl thread? (I doubt I'll be staying up for it.)
Don't bother. A waste of four hours.
What time does the Pro Bowl kick off at? Normally I wouldn't bother but I am a little curious about the new format
The only difference is who plays on each side.
It's from Hawaii... erm, let me check the KO - it might just be you ;)
Manning: Would you like to jump again please?
Chargers: Absolutely we would
Manning: Omagh.
Chargers: neutral zone infraction
They've worked out his play call nicely.
Blew the field goal.
Can't believe the Denver D has gone 3 quarters without losing a point or that the offence has scored less than 20
I think the Pro Bowl kicks off at 0030 on the Monday morning.
Doubt that I will see much of that
I'll not bother to submit a thread. Nothing worse than us requesting a thread, only to leave it with a comment or 2 in.
I think you are right. If it turns out there is interest nearer the time then a thread can be submitted
Good plan, I'll write it and send it, then anyone can request it to be set up (if I'm already awol/asleep).
RedZone woes.
Ohh wait... TD Chargers
TD Chargers.
Ont he coverage there - Jammer is an ex-Charger - he wasn't very good.
Finally
Return for the TD but a flag on the play
Phew.
3rd and lots
Late flag, urgh
Late, late flag after Welker asked for it
Both penalties against San Diego
I was looking at Welker - it was the other one then?
This looks like a Jeff Triplette tribute act refereeing
John Fox look slike he's trying to give himself another heart attack.
Surely that play came late?
Rewound it and the play clock had just hit 00. The rule is an official has to see the clock hit 00 then turn to see if play has started so it was only just legal
Ooooo. Ok then.
TD Moreno
24-7 with 8 minutes to go.
This game is over. Bed time.
OK, Denver scored, bedtime to listen to the final throws. Night.
Night guys.
SD score? It's currently being reviewed.
It's good
...I'm not getting back up :)
5:4 to go and 10 points in the game. It os still possible for the Chargers to win
Onside kick recovered by San Diego. Time to get back out of bed
Decker jumped miles in the air. Caught it and dropped it
Rivers sacked for a loss of 4-ish
Chargers ball!
First dowwn Chargers in the Denver half
Chargers at the 15
1st down - incomplete
3rd and 5
Thrown away
4th and 5
Field goal Chargers - 3:53 to play and 7 points in the game.
Massive turn around
Broncos recover the ball on their own 25
Addai injured.
Broncos now on 2nd and 17
Addai on his feet on the sideline. Looks OK
Incomplete pass from Manning.
3rd and 17
Come on D!
First down Broncos
Chargers claiming he didn't get two feet down. One foot was down and the other dragged for about two ffet before the line
2:57 left. Chargers have one time out.
2nd and 7
3rd and 6 next
First down
2 minute warning
Can't see it, now the time is disappearing
Manning takes a time out at 1:12 after trying to draw the Chargers into the neutral zone and they refuse to go.
All you are looking for is an interception.
3rd and 1
First down Denver.
Game over
For most of that game it looked like an easy Denver win but in the end it was only 7 points and could have been tied after me telling Noelinho last night there was no chance of that
Chargers got far further than they might've hoped going into this season.