Super Bowl thread

[twballgame9]

I still think Pats-Seahawks tops the list, at least for the Pats Super Bowls. The Butler play was the best ever in Boston sports history.

I rank that just ahead of the goal line stand to end Rams Titans - similar idea, just with a stop with no time instead of turnover.

[TobaccoRoadEagle]

I still think Pats-Seahawks tops the list, at least for the Pats Super Bowls. The Butler play was the best ever in Boston sports history.

I rank that just ahead of the goal line stand to end Rams Titans - similar idea, just with a stop with no time instead of turnover.

giants bills - norwood wide right - same concept

[twballgame9]

Fucking NFL, that link worked when I posted it and fucking minions must have found it in those three minutes. Like the NSA.

EDIT: nevermind, they still allow it on youtube. Fuck the NFL anyway though.

[TobaccoRoadEagle]

Fucking NFL, that link worked when I posted it and fucking minions must have found it in those three minutes. Like the NSA.

EDIT: nevermind, they still allow it on youtube. Fuck the NFL anyway though.

maybe if you put an "s" after "http"

[BCMurt09]

I ventured over to the Falcons blogosphere just to see what's going on in the wake of SB LI and the Sark news. It is a dark, dark place. Can someone please go check on the city of Atlanta.

[TobaccoRoadEagle]

... It is a dark, dark place. Can someone please go check on the city of Atlanta.

[HJS]

Ryan can't take the sack that eventually moved them out of field goal range, that was atrocious. Also, apparently he checked into a passing play on the strip sack, not good. Lots of blame to go around on both the coaching staff and Ryan.

Also, brady is amazing, unquestionably the GOAT

Brady was incredible... but that D played right into his hands. He's a master at taking what teams will give. He struggled all game on connecting on the deep balls (some of which were wide open). It's as if those near-misses scared ATL out of their press coverage and opted instead to keep everything in front of them (i.e. allow catches within 8 yards of the LOS regardless of down or distance).

I don't know how you say he checked into a pass on 3rd and 1? Unless it was in a presser or something. They broke the huddle and Freeman immediately went to the wingback position (just off LOS outside the TE/RT). Perhaps he was to then shift to the backfield? You wouldn't know it from watching the play though. Irregardless... it is immaterial if Freeman makes contact on his "block".

Again... folks are over-thinking to show millennial-like "creative analysis." The problem with the Falcons was their D sucked. The problem on 3rd and 1 was the missed block. The problem on 1st from the 25 was the sack... but moreso was the hold after the completion (btw... wasn't that the series where the RT went out after another failed run on 1st down).

Trying to blame Ryan (who played a near perfect game against the supposed "best D in the NFL") is nothing more than social media deforming folks ability to see the actual problem and instead waste time searching for a "fresh takes" to engender retweets and likes.

Jeff Saturday just said that Ryan checked out on 3-1 on sportscenter. He sounded 100 percent certain.

And I agree, this is mostly on the Falcons D but some blame has to go on the offense for not at least getting a field goal.

I'm also only really throwing blame on Ryan to rouse the rabble.

Jeff Saturday should stick to having his ball-sack rubbed by the talented Manning.

Here is a breakdown of the play. Freeman not only cost them a fumble... but a likely TD.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/greg- ... 45367.html

[twballgame9]

Ryan can't take the sack that eventually moved them out of field goal range, that was atrocious. Also, apparently he checked into a passing play on the strip sack, not good. Lots of blame to go around on both the coaching staff and Ryan.

Also, brady is amazing, unquestionably the GOAT

Brady was incredible... but that D played right into his hands. He's a master at taking what teams will give. He struggled all game on connecting on the deep balls (some of which were wide open). It's as if those near-misses scared ATL out of their press coverage and opted instead to keep everything in front of them (i.e. allow catches within 8 yards of the LOS regardless of down or distance).

I don't know how you say he checked into a pass on 3rd and 1? Unless it was in a presser or something. They broke the huddle and Freeman immediately went to the wingback position (just off LOS outside the TE/RT). Perhaps he was to then shift to the backfield? You wouldn't know it from watching the play though. Irregardless... it is immaterial if Freeman makes contact on his "block".

Again... folks are over-thinking to show millennial-like "creative analysis." The problem with the Falcons was their D sucked. The problem on 3rd and 1 was the missed block. The problem on 1st from the 25 was the sack... but moreso was the hold after the completion (btw... wasn't that the series where the RT went out after another failed run on 1st down).

Trying to blame Ryan (who played a near perfect game against the supposed "best D in the NFL") is nothing more than social media deforming folks ability to see the actual problem and instead waste time searching for a "fresh takes" to engender retweets and likes.

Jeff Saturday just said that Ryan checked out on 3-1 on sportscenter. He sounded 100 percent certain.

And I agree, this is mostly on the Falcons D but some blame has to go on the offense for not at least getting a field goal.

I'm also only really throwing blame on Ryan to rouse the rabble.

Jeff Saturday should stick to having his ball-sack rubbed by the talented Manning.

Here is a breakdown of the play. Freeman not only cost them a fumble... but a likely TD.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/greg- ... 45367.html

Eh, that's some 20/20 hindsight right there. Zero chance Ryan was getting anything on that throw given that he was going to release falling backward due to Long.



Also, I watched actual football players analyze this play and they said Freeman appeared to have responsibility for Van Noy and Hightower, whoever came, and the Pats fooled him into thinking it was Van Noy, which is why he was looking across the formation at the snap and never saw Hightower until the last second.



Freeman had a bad read and definitely fucked up, but assuming a TD is a bit much. Not to mention that Hightower isn't getting slowed much by Freeman even if he did block him, guy's huge.

[RegalBCeagle]

Trying to blame Ryan (who played a near perfect game against the supposed "best D in the NFL") is nothing more than social media deforming folks ability to see the actual problem and instead waste time searching for a "fresh takes" to engender retweets and likes.

Uhhh, not one person proclaimed them the "best D in the NFL." It was rightfully noted that they had the #1 scoring defense, but Houston was ranked the #1 Defense. There was also plenty of discussion how the "#1 scoring defense" was further misleading because the Patriots did not play most of the top offensive teams - i/e they had a pretty weak schedule.

[HJS]

Here is a breakdown of the play. Freeman not only cost them a fumble... but a likely TD.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/greg- ... 45367.html

Also, I watched actual football players analyze this play and they said Freeman appeared to have responsibility for Van Noy and Hightower, whoever came, and the Pats fooled him into thinking it was Van Noy, which is why he was looking across the formation at the snap and never saw Hightower until the last second.



Freeman had a bad read and definitely fucked up, but assuming a TD is a bit much. Not to mention that Hightower isn't getting slowed much by Freeman even if he did block him, guy's huge.

The camera angle is a bit misleading on that pic. Here is the pic taken at the exact same moment as your link pic.
Rowe is near Robinson in that frame, but has no ability to cover him as Robinson is in full sprint going North to South and Rowe is covering Jones East to West. The only person covering Robinson is Butler (#28) who has his back turned in your pick and is in panic chase mode. In the NFL, it doesn't get much more open than that. Whether he would have connected on the pass is unknowable... but the NFL MVP recognized it and was throwing to a wide open receiver... who was the deepest man on the field. BTW... the gif below shows that Ryan wasn't "back-peddling" because of pressure from Long. He actually steps up as he is throwing.

As for Freeman vs. Hightower... RBs have blocked LBs and DEs before... usually going at their legs. Freeman really didn't needed to do much other than get in the way. Instead, Hightower went untouched. Was Freeman was fooled? He was something. I thought it looked like he thought he was supposed to go out on a screen. If he was fooled, it really has nothing to do with the Pat's lineup. Sending the "huge" pass-rushing specialist instead of the rolled-up DB is really not much of a trick. Heck... some would say that it is the least trickiest decision you could make. The below shows there was nothing to be tricked by. He either didn't know what he was doing or he had no interest in blocking.

[twballgame9]

Here is a breakdown of the play. Freeman not only cost them a fumble... but a likely TD.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/greg- ... 45367.html

Also, I watched actual football players analyze this play and they said Freeman appeared to have responsibility for Van Noy and Hightower, whoever came, and the Pats fooled him into thinking it was Van Noy, which is why he was looking across the formation at the snap and never saw Hightower until the last second.



Freeman had a bad read and definitely fucked up, but assuming a TD is a bit much. Not to mention that Hightower isn't getting slowed much by Freeman even if he did block him, guy's huge.

The camera angle is a bit misleading on that pic. Pat's 28 has his back turned and is in full chase mode... so... yes, he was wide open. Whether he would have connected on the pass is unknowable... but the NFL MVP recognized and was throwing to a wide open receiver.

As for Freeman vs. Hightower... RBs have blocked LBs and DEs before... usually going at their legs. Freeman really didn't needed to do much other than get in the way. Instead, Hightower went untouched. Was Freeman was fooled? He was something. I thought it looked like he thought he was supposed to go out on a screen. If he was fooled, it really has nothing to do with the Pat's lineup. Sending the "huge" pass-rushing specialist instead of the rolled-up DB is really not much of a trick. Heck... some would say that it is the least trickiest decision you could make.

Watch the replay again. That's Butler 21..I believe White is 28. My point was Ryan was not getting anything on that throw not that he wasn't open. He was falling backward because he saw long coming at his legs. You cut that part out. The guy was definitely open.

Hightower ran right through freeman because he wasn't looking but there was contact. You can see him looking at van noy 53 at the snap.

Lol at Dante Hightower as a pass rushing specialist. Oh and he's listed at 270 at MLB.

Van Noy is LB not a DB.

I agree he was open.

Everything else you posted was wrong

[HJS]

My point was Ryan was not getting anything on that throw not that he wasn't open. He was falling backward because he saw long coming at his legs. You cut that part out. The guy was definitely open.

I edited my post while you were replying.

The gif below shows that Ryan wasn't "back-peddling" because of pressure from Long. His feet are set and he is actually stepping forward as he is throwing.

[HJS]

Van Noy is LB not a DB.

I thought you were talking about 23 not 50. As you can see from the pic, Van Noy lined-up over the RT. That would never be Freeman's responsibilty... Freeman's primary responsibilty would be 23 or 54. If neither came, I'd assume he would chip 50 on his way out for a pass. Further, at the snap, Van Noy did a stunt all the way across the formation to try and shoot between the Center and LEFT guard. The hope is to give Van Noy a free shot up the middle if the LG and C were already committed to engae others. Really impossible to understand what was going through Freeman's head while he made the mistake. But, whatever the Pats formation and stunt was trying to do, confusing Freeman was not part of the plan (just a considerable fortuitous benefit).

Perhaps the real question that should be asked about the play... is not the play call... but the personnel. Why wasn't Coleman in the game instead? Given his size, he would be more of a threat to run on 3rd and 1 and would likely be a more formidible blocker.

[twballgame9]

My point was Ryan was not getting anything on that throw not that he wasn't open. He was falling backward because he saw long coming at his legs. You cut that part out. The guy was definitely open.

I edited my post while you were replying.

The gif below shows that Ryan wasn't "back-peddling" because of pressure from Long. His feet are set and he is actually stepping forward as he is throwing.

No he's not. And he actually steps sideways when he starts to throw.

[twballgame9]

Van Noy is LB not a DB.

I thought you were talking about 23 not 50. As you can see from the pic, Van Noy lined-up over the RT. That would never be Freeman's responsibilty... Freeman's primary responsibilty would be 23 or 54. If neither came, I'd assume he would chip 50 on his way out for a pass. Further, at the snap, Van Noy did a stunt all the way across the formation to try and shoot between the Center and LEFT guard. The hope is to give Van Noy a free shot up the middle if the LG and C were already committed to engae others. Really impossible to understand what was going through Freeman's head while he made the mistake. But, whatever the Pats formation and stunt was trying to do, confusing Freeman was not part of the plan (just a considerable fortuitous benefit).

Perhaps the real question that should be asked about the play... is not the play call... but the personnel. Why wasn't Coleman in the game instead? Given his size, he would be more of a threat to run on 3rd and 1 and would likely be a more formidible blocker.

Chung is clearly in coverage. It's man and Ryan knew it at the snap. RBS block across the formation out of the offset shotgun all the time. He had which ever LB came. Van Noy shows blitz. Freeman is looking right at him.

[twballgame9]

Van noy is 53 not 50. I'm struggling with you not knowing who any of the players are.

Van Noy didn't stunt he dropped back in zone under the man deep. The guy that stunts is a DE, ninkovich

[gallopingghost]

Counting Hightower, the Pats had 6 in the box. so they were basically begging the Falcons to throw. They went with this strategy for most of the 2nd half after getting run all over in the first half. Look at the stats, the Falcons averaged less than 2 yds per carry in the 2nd half, so Bill went all in to stop the run. If Freeman had just slid to the flat he would have been wide open for a short quick pass. That is how you beat the blitz, not with a long downfield pass that takes time to develop. Shanahan must have/should have known that pressure would be coming. Wrong call, not that it should have been a run, but the wrong pass play. Oh, did I say that hindsight is 20/20.

[DomingoOrtiz]

Van Noy is LB not a DB.

Perhaps the real question that should be asked about the play... is not the play call... but the personnel. Why wasn't Coleman in the game instead? Given his size, he would be more of a threat to run on 3rd and 1 and would likely be a more formidible blocker.

Coleman was hurt.

[twballgame9]

Van Noy is LB not a DB.

Perhaps the real question that should be asked about the play... is not the play call... but the personnel. Why wasn't Coleman in the game instead? Given his size, he would be more of a threat to run on 3rd and 1 and would likely be a more formidible blocker.

Coleman was hurt.

Freeman is also the third-down back precisely for the reason that he's a pass-catching threat

[HJS]

I don't know the every player on the Pats D, don't own a starter jacket, don't have 6 friends named Sully and don't think Brady Quinn is the best college QB evah. So, sorry for the confusion.

Here is the play at the snap. Freeman isn't looking across the formation. His initial move is back and to his right before running forward as if to go out on a pass. At that point it's like a light went off and he said, "Oh shit. I was supposed to block him." And he barely chips him and turns and chases him.
https://mobile.twitter.com/billbarnwell ... 97/photo/1

After the game, Shanahan confirmed that Hightower was Freeman's responsibility. However, when asked, Freeman said Hightower wasn't his man.

You guys are right. Coleman got hurt the play before. Perhaps the play run was one normally part of Coleman's personnel package and Freeman simply didn't know what he was doing. That at least is what it looked like.

[twballgame9]

I don't know the every player on the Pats D, don't own a starter jacket, don't have 6 friends named Sully and don't think Brady Quinn is the best college QB evah. So, sorry for the confusion.

Here is the play at the snap. Freeman isn't looking across the formation. His initial move is back and to his right before running forward as if to go out on a pass. At that point it's like a light went off and he said, "Oh shit. I was supposed to block him." And he barely chips him and turns and chases him.
https://mobile.twitter.com/billbarnwell ... 97/photo/1

After the game, Shanahan confirmed that Hightower was Freeman's responsibility. However, when asked, Freeman said Hightower wasn't his man.

You guys are right. Coleman got hurt the play before. Perhaps the play run was one normally part of Coleman's personnel package and Freeman simply didn't know what he was doing. That at least is what it looked like.

He takes a step back, sees van noy bluff, and then starts to go out in the flat which is about the time he realizes that Hightower is coming. Too late. Which is what I have been saying from the beginning.

I don't have any idea if Coleman would be a better blocker.

[twballgame9]

And freeman is most definitely looking across the formation pre snap. The picture above shows it clear as day. He didn't see Hightower until the last minute because he wasn't looking at him as he stepped back.

[BCMurt09]

I think we can all agree though Matty is looking for the home run ball here. He is locked in on Butler who has streaked past the secondary and by the time the ball would have reached him would have had at least 5 yards on them and would almost walk in for the TD. TWB I'm not sure that I agree that Matt would not have been able to get everything on the throw because of the pressure. He looks to be stepping into it and is starting his throwing motion (i.e. arm beginning to come forward, but that's a whole other argument) when Hightower hits him and strips. An argument can be made that Matty had a mental lapse of trying to be a hero and not a game manager, as he saw the chance to ice the win (pun not intended), and cement his legacy by throwing ~70 yard TD to go up two scores on the Patriots and win the Super Bowl.

[twballgame9]

I still don't think he gets anything on that throw, but yes, he is definitely trying to throw it.

[hansen]

A missed block and shitty coach in the second half cost Matty Ice and Atlanta a title.
End of story.

[twballgame9]

A missed block and shitty coach in the second half cost Matty Ice and Atlanta a title.
End of story.

Jesus Hansbrough. And the most ridiculous comeback of all time. But you wouldn't understand that you're a cardinal fan. Roll over, get swept.

[RegalBCeagle]

This thread has me on pins and needles. Whoever wins this argument will win the Super Bowl. Damn... I can't take the suspense!

[hansen]

A missed block and shitty coach in the second half cost Matty Ice and Atlanta a title.
End of story.

Jesus Hansbrough. And the most ridiculous comeback of all time. But you wouldn't understand that you're a cardinal fan. Roll over, get swept.

Chris Carpenter's bicep injury significantly changed that 2004 series before it even started.

[twballgame9]

A missed block and shitty coach in the second half cost Matty Ice and Atlanta a title.
End of story.

Jesus Hansbrough. And the most ridiculous comeback of all time. But you wouldn't understand that you're a cardinal fan. Roll over, get swept.

Chris Carpenter's bicep injury significantly changed that 2004 series before it even started.

Chris Carpenter was mediocre against good hitting. Like a Rich Man's Jeff Suppan.

[DavidGordonsFoot]

This thread has the potential to be the next "Bruins Weirdos."