iamshack

Ugh...I am not interested in PK for 3/$38 or whatever....let him walk

QUOTE (zenryan @ Dec 7, 2010 -> 12:10 AM) If Wisconsin was a finesse team like Oregon then I would be concerned. Sitting 5 weeks for a team like Oregon can make then fall out of sync. The 5 week layoff is definitely to the advantage of Auburn, not necessarily because of Oregon falling out of sync but simply because they get to prepare for Oregon's pace for 5 weeks. If this game was Saturday, I would be very confident in Oregon. Even still, I think Auburn is completely overrated and Oregon may wear them down anyways.

QUOTE (zenryan @ Dec 7, 2010 -> 12:10 AM) If Wisconsin was a finesse team like Oregon then I would be concerned. Sitting 5 weeks for a team like Oregon can make then fall out of sync. I'm concerned that Wisconsin didn't appear to be the team they are now earlier in the year. They clearly developed some sort of momentum and rhythm towards the end of the year. Not sure how you can say they can't lose that just because they aren't a finesse team. Why did they start off a bit slow if doesn't matter?

The Pats carve up defenses that try and pressure them. You've got to stay patient, make tackles, and hope to limit them to some field goals instead of touchdowns. If you can hold them to 21-28 points, and your offense plays well against their mediocre defense, they can be beat. But you must remain patient. The Steelers and Jets both got frustrated, missed tackles, then tried to gamble with pressure and Brady exploited them.

QUOTE (FlaSoxxJim @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 10:55 PM) That's a big hurdle for most people to get over. You can put yourself at ease health-wise by using pasteurized eggs or pasteurized All Whites in the carton. Once you shake the egg white up in the drink you totally emulsify it so it just contributes texture and a nice frothy top to the drink. If you have ever had a meringue dessert before you have had whipped raw egg whites and you have lived to tell the tale. I think I could drink anything you make...they all seem mouthwatering to me....a Maple Leaf or Great White sounds extremely tasty at the moment...

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 09:50 PM) I don't quite understand why everyone assumes the DBacks are going to be bad. They had a good offense, they had a good defense, and their rotation was pretty solid...the main thing that was awful for them was their bullpen, and it was historically bad. Putz is part of that solution, and Towers has made a couple other moves (and will continue to make moves) to shore it up. I'm not suggesting they're going to be great by any stretch, but I could certainly see them being around .500. Beyond that, he gets quite a bit of money, and the Phoenix area is generally pretty relaxing. I wish JJ the best of luck. He had a hell of a season on the South Side, and we'll be thankful. Hopefully he tears the NL apart. Good points...they definitely have some nice young talent. I do still have questions about their rotation though.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 09:46 PM) I completely agree with you by the way and I think that is one of the may reasons why sometimes you have to take stats with a grain of salt. However, I don't think the Pats have an elite defense. It does have some good young talent though and it is improving and they obviously have a stellar defensive mind in Bellicheck. I also think that is part of why Orton has put up the numbers he has. He's been behind and they have no rushing attack so he's dropping back and constantly passing. Opposing defenses play softer defense in those situations and you can crank up the yardage. Not taking anything away from Kyle cause he's been better than I expected, but just another example of stats sometimes not being an end all be all. Yeah, agreed about the Pats. As for Orton, the only beef I would have with your analysis is that you'd think you would see a lower completion percentage and a higher number of interceptions. Being forced to throw a lot also should result in increased pressure as defenses tee off on you and that should mean more incompletions and more interceptions. Kyle Orton has had a really wild couple seasons in Denver.

QUOTE (zenryan @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 10:34 PM) Wisconsin being an underdog is amazing. I'm taking the Wisconsin ML and not looking back. I just wonder if Wisconsin's mojo will be lost by the time the game actually comes around...

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 10:23 PM) I don't think the Jets can beat the pats in the playoffs, especially since they'd have to go to Foxboro and win. Maybe the Ravens. I don't think teams that don't have above average passing attacks can beat the Pats though. Pats rush defense is solid, their pass defense is atrocious (32nd in the league). Agreed, but I don't even think it is as bad as that stat would suggest. The Pats are the highest scoring team in the league and so a lot of teams will be forced to throw a ton and accumulate a lot of yards and points in garbage time when the game is all but settled. If you look at the first halves of the last several games, the Patriots defense has played very well, limiting the Steelers to 3 points, the Colts to 14 points, and the Jets to 3 points. Now they obviously gave up some first half points to the Lions, but they clamped down in the second half. I think the Pats pass defense is probably more like middle of the road then dead last...

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 09:34 PM) I don't see anyone beating them the rest of the year honestly. The only thing that concerns me is their secondary. Now if Mark Sanchez was a good QB, he could easily exploit that, but he's probably the most overrated QB in the league. I think it's REALLY hard to say this about New England considering their offense relies a TON on the short passing game (although they have been running the ball much better as of late), and their defense is extremely mediocre, if not downright poor. The Pats, and Tom Brady for that matter, could certainly win out from here, however, should they run into some nasty weather, I think they could easily get their asses handed to them by a physical running team that plays good defense, i.e. the Jets/Ravens/Steelers/Chiefs. I love what the Pats do, and Bellichick is insanely brilliant, and Brady is incredibly talented. But I just worry about what a game in the snow and wind might do to their offense come playoff time...

One other thing before I forget....I love how Mike & Mike used to be all over Cutler's jock at the beginning of the 08' season during Cutler's last season with Denver, but now Golic basically laughs and insults Cutler whenever his name comes up. Now if they want to admit they were just wrong, fine...but they act as if they never saw anything in Cutler to be impressed about, and that he is just some no talent ass clown now that he is on the Bears.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 09:28 PM) FWIW, Cutler hasn't had a winning team as a starter, before this year, since high school. I LOVE this stat....because Cutler played at one of the traditional college powerhouses like Ohio State or Florida or USC, right? The guy played in the toughest conference in football for Vanderbilt! Not incredibly shocking that he didn't have a winning season there.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 09:26 PM) Surprised nobody has pointed it out, but Trent Dilfer really is a tool. Not that I am one who cares about "respect" from the national media or anything, but they've lately been warming up to the Bears and letting up on the over-the-top criticism of Cutler, but Dilfer never gives the Bears, and specifically Cutler, credit for anything, ever. His latest statement was to laugh when asked whether the Bears were a legit team and he said the defense is good, but they can't win with Cutler at quarterback. Ummm... first of all did Dilfer forget who he is? Secondly, when Cutler is playing like he is now (which has been often his career, contrary to popular belief, it's not a fluke) Cutler is 10x the QB Dilfer ever was. Keyshawn Johnson actually put him back in his place though, he reminded him that he played on a lot of teams with great defenses. Dilfer said a QB has to make critical 3rd down throws and Johnson said "I think Cutler can make those throws." BTW Dilfer obviously hasn't been paying attention to the Bears offense since the bye because they've been $$ on 3rd down. What a jerk. It seems like Jay has ticked off quite a lot of people and this prohibits them from being able to evaluate him and the Bears objectively. While the Bears haven't exactly played the schedule that a lot of the elite teams have, they do have some very good wins over the Packers, Eagles, and Cowboys (when Romo was still playing). This is more than most teams can say. I think barring an absolute blowout this weekend against New England, a lot of people will begin to jump on the Bears' bandwagon.

QUOTE (ozzfest @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 08:20 PM) Does anyone know if the metro Detroit area will have coverage of the game? Most likely, as it is the national game of the week and the Lions will be playing in the early time slot against the Packers. Check this website later in the week and click on where it says "map link" and then find your region on the map and it should show you what game you'll be getting. Week 14 Map Index

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 05:32 PM) Running off Jay Cutler and trading Peyton Hillis for no reason. And Tony Sheffler and Brandon Marshall

I can't wait to see what they signed him for...considering how quickly he pulled the trigger, knowing full-well we wanted him back but wanted to get PK taken care of first...

Makes me think JJ is not particularly confident in his ability to stay healthy right now...

My guess is Landis is hoping he can land both clients with the White Sox. Probably in his best interest to get Putz signed first, as signing PK first might preclude us from signing Putz (or at least make us think we are precluded). Then with public sentiment on the side of signing PK, we do so, after locking up Putz.

QUOTE (justBLAZE @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 05:02 PM) #WhiteSox are engaged in attempting to re-sign J.J. Putz. Not sure if they'll match #Diamondbacks' offer but they're making late try. - Phil Rogers Ahh, and the trick seems to have worked.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 04:37 PM) It's not like Jenks was giving up a ton of soft hits. I'll tip my cap to our relievers, when they got hit, they got hit very hard. Actually, Bobby did seem to give up quite a few bs hits...

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 04:20 PM) So, if the Bears win 1 super bowl, you'll agree that Lovie Smith >> Ditka? I love Da Coach, but talk about an overrated figure. Ditka should be known more for the championships he prevented that team from winning than the one he managed to win.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 04:05 PM) Money? He can make far more money if he signs for 1 year with someone and proves that he's a healthy, quality closer again, and then cashes in next year. I can't imagine why he'd want to sign with a rebuilding team for multiple years unless they are showing him 2/$14 or something.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 03:03 PM) Looks like we're going to get Jenks back. I'm not buying it. Why would he want to commit to multiple years to play for the DBacks?

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 02:59 PM) Floyd? Bacon? Teahen? My guess is Viciedo.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Dec 6, 2010 -> 03:38 PM) Exactly, Kevin Towers is one of the masters of leaks like this. I don't think KW falls for it. It's not Kevin Towers. It's Craig Landis.