Cove's Redzone Pub. The NFL chat thread.

I like the Bengals but I just don't trust Dalton enough. I can't see him having the bottle or the consistency to put together a playoff run. Still, it's not impossible, I'd definitely like to see it.

 

It is hard to call though, my playoff predictions:

AFC:

Bengals
Patriots
Broncos
Colts
Chiefs (wild card)
Ravens (wild card)

NFC:

Saints
Packers
Cowboys
Seahawks
49ers (wild card)
Lions / Panthers (wild card)

Really fancy the Panthers to sneak wild card, Cam Newton been impressive of late.

Anyone can win it through that playoff list.

 

The AFC playoff picture is looking great. It seems like it's five teams nailed on and then the second wildcard spot can be taken by pretty much anyone.

 

Agreed, even the Texans could turn their season round - would be ridiculous if it happened.

 

Nah they'll get crushed on Sunday... maybe.

Seriously though, I dunno how they'll do. Not at all convinced on Case Keenum, and Foster/Johnson aren't firing enough to make their offense any kind of threat. Even JJ Watt has taken a long step back from last year, but there's a lot of talent through the roster. Whoever gets that last wildcard spot, I don't think they'll be a big playoff threat (but I said the same of Ravens last season).

 

Indeed, the AFC is going to be close.

Don't think the Broncos will walk away with it especially if they came across the Colts in the playoffs.

A team with a decent offence. Not convinced with Broncos defence as Colts and Cowboys have shown already this season that it can be unlocked.

 

Ahh I think with Reggie out for the year, our season is pretty much done. We should still make the playoffs but we've lost way too many crucial starters (five offensive starters have gone down this year so far!) to do well - I think Denver would turn us over if we faced them again, especially as some of the pressure would be off Manning. Broncos DEF certainly is dodgy though. Your Chiefs have a terrifying D but I think an overreliance on Charles will mean a Super Bowl run will be hard - but hey, who knows.

 

Strange that the Broncos have the 3rd worst Pass Defense in the league (behind Dallas and Philly). If Peyton wasn't having his worldie season, they'd be ****ed...

 

Aldon Smith just turned himself in with the SCPD
www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000273970/article/aldon-smith-turns-himself-in-on-weapons-charges

Part of a deal but... this is his second strike, one more, and he's going away for a long, looong time.

 

I saw an article today someone (can't remember who) saying that we should play Ponder on Sunday.... Now I've not seen him play myself but he seems to have a bit of a reputation, so why not Casell?

 

They both suck but Cassel has a worse reputation. Ponder's reputation is for being very limited rather than being total ****e, whereas Cassel loses games on his own. Chiefs have gone from the #1 pick to being the last undefeated team - a lot of that is on changing from Cassel to Smith, and Smith isn't even very good. Cassel on his own last season was responsible for more turnovers than most other entire teams were.

Not like it matters at this point. Stick Joe Webb back there again just to make the draft pick better.

 

This is so true!

 

Aldon Smith returns to the 49'ers training grounds. Has been activated today by staff. I have so many questions right now...

 

Yeah this is exactly why I don't trust Dalton to give them a good playoff run.

 

DAMN, Gio Bernard. You go, little guy.

 

That run....oh man...

 

Geno Atkins out for the season, tore his ACL. This could ruin the Bengals' playoff run. Offensively they still got some punch but defensively...
But what is up with this season?! So many ACL or season ending injuries every week, it's ridiculous.

 

Geno Atkins, man, that's a huge loss. Still, if every AFC playoff chasing team could lose a star player, I'd feel better about Reggie going down.

 

40 ACL sprains this season. That seems really not right.

 

I dont think its helped by the fact that the players are scared about making 'high' hits so are deliberately going low. The problem is that hitting the knees is just as dangerous.

Im sure I saw an interview with a player who suffered such an injury but didnt blame the player, I will try to find it.