Official NFL 2022-2023 Thread

[Dave Bryce]

 

😁

 

dB

[ProfD]

The Broncos offense plays too anemic and poorly especially considering the level of talent on that side of the ball. They are not in sync at all. Their defense is good though.

 

OTOH, the Chargers need to get QB Justin Herbert a solid TE to fulfill a role similar to TEs Travis Kelce (Chiefs) and Mark Andrews (Ravens). They have a good defense too.

 

Neither team will threaten the AFC leaders.  The Chargers will put up a good fight. 😎

[GovernorSilver]

They've been hoping Gerald Everett would be that TE for Herbert.  He's faster and more athletic than Jared Cook at least.  He's made some plays but maybe he just needs more time in the Saints-style offense that Lombardi installed.   It's good to see Donald Parham Jr. back on the field.  After he's shaken off the rust, he'll once again be one of Herbert's favorite red zone targets.  He's a backup TE who is a receiving specialist.

 

Kelce has been playing the Andy Reid offense years before Mahommes got drafted.   Who knows... Antonio Gates started his Charger career as the 3rd string TE and hardly saw any action his first season until fairly late.  Gates secured #1 TE in his second season.

 

They could have used a few more rushing attempts.  

 

2nd game in a row the Chargers needed Lady Luck to bail them out, but they'll take it just like they gladly accepted the escape route from Cleveland.

[GovernorSilver]

Oh wow, JC Jackson was actually benched by halftime, after getting beat on some deep shots.  Replaced by the guy who lost his job to Jackson.

 

Can't help but wonder how much Telesco consulted with Staley before signing Jackson.  Putting up video game numbers in interceptions doesn't matter if a CB is not a fit for a particular defensive scheme.  Some CBs are suited to man to man and are not suited to zone.  Others are the opposite.   Jackson himself stated he's a bump and run CB.

 

Still, down a center and also the backup center, and yet you still get a win?  Lucky for sure

 

[Geoff Grace]

GovernorSilver, should I be congratulating you on the Chargers' victory tonight? I seem to recall that you stopped being a fan when they moved to LA; but at the same time, you seem pretty focused on how they're doing. How do you feel about them these days?

 

Best,

 

Geoff

[GovernorSilver]

31 minutes ago, Geoff Grace said:

GovernorSilver, should I be congratulating you on the Chargers' victory tonight? I seem to recall that you stopped being a fan when they moved to LA; but at the same time, you seem pretty focused on how they're doing. How do you feel about them these days?

 

Best,

 

Geoff

 

True, the death of Junior Seau coupled with the move to LA caused me to stop following the Chargers for a few years.  So I missed all the Anthony Lynn years, including the AFC Championship appearance.   I started following the San Diego State Aztecs instead.  SDSU bought the property where the Chargers stadium once stood and built their own stadium on it - though they infamously flubbed the opener on several levels.

 

Justin Herbert got me interested in them again.  He's fun to watch.  It helped when I saw a photo of him as a little kid rockin the Charger gear (hat, jersey, etc.).  He didn't grow up in San Diego, he grew up in a part of Oregon inhabited by Charger fans thanks to f ex-Oregon Duck Dan Fouts.  

 

Hopefully next offseason they'll get Herbert a true burner WR - someone who can reliably go deep and also be a threat on a jet sweep..  Allen and Mahommes have had that type of WR at their disposal.   Chargers have had so many holes to fill that maybe they really couldn't go after that type of playmaker.  But that howitzer arm would go to waste without a player like that.

[Geoff Grace]

The path you took away from the Chargers and back makes sense, GovernorSilver. Thanks for sharing that, and congratulations on tonight's victory.

 

Best,

 

Geoff

[bill5]

20 hours ago, Geoff Grace said:

 

So, if not the Bills or Eagles, who do you see as Super Bowl teams?

Oh the Bills are totally a SB caliber team, I just suspect the curse continues.    It is a weird year so far, as IMO only the Bills have played top-notch most of the year. Certainly the Eagles are possible as well, mostly by default as other teams in the NFC haven't stepped up yet. The Bucs will find their groove and I would still put money on them, never count out Tom Brady just because he's been out of sync a week or two. And the Giants have impressed, though I see them regressing in the second half. When Dak is back I like the Cowboys' odds too. Funny how the NFC very recently was the laughing stock of the league and now they look like one of the best. In the AFC, the Chiefs are still there of course and I think the Ravens find their groove when Bateman is back. 

 

  

20 hours ago, Grave Bryce said:

Did you see a Super Bowl team there the year Philly won it?  If so, you were one of the few.

Agreed, but I think that is the exception.

 

ETA: Chargers need Allen bad. 

[ProfD]

30 minutes ago, bill5 said:

Oh the Bills are totally a SB caliber team, I just suspect the curse continues.

If/when the Bills make it to the Super Bowl they will not leave it up the Kicker...or they will rent K Justin Tucker from the Ravens.🤣😎

[surfergirl]

If the rumors that Sean Payton wants to coach the Cargers are true, they better make the playoffs or Staley will probably be out of a job.

One coach who should be out of a job after the worst job of 4th quarter coaching I've seen is the "offensive genius" Kyle Shanahan. I realize he has a banged up defense and a qb who is not built come from behind, but when you need 2 scores and huddle up 16 times on 19 plays. Fortunately I'm not a 49ers fan, my boyfriend is. We bought a TV set just so we could watch football, now he wants to sell it.

[ProfD]

28 minutes ago, surfergirl said:

One coach who should be out of a job after the worst job of 4th quarter coaching I've seen is the "offensive genius" Kyle Shanahan.

Considering the success Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has had with the 49ers, it will take a few years of bad 4th quarter coaching job for him to get fired.  Keep the TV.😁😎

[GovernorSilver]

Watching the MNF highlight vid,  I learned that it's totally legal, on special teams, to shove your opponent at another opponent to jar the ball loose.  It's legal because you're not technically touching the punt returner yourself.  That's what Ja'Sir Taylor did to cause the muffed punt return.  So, that OT win wasn't totally by luck.

 

Hopkins is a warrior - essentially a one-legged kicker, playing through pain to nail that winning FG.

 

Keenan Allen's return will help the Chargers offense for sure.  He's their best route runner and creates separation better than any other receiver on this team.  The attention he'd draw from DBs would benefit the other skill players.   He's reportedly on pace to return to full practices, ahead of the Seattle game.

 

That said, what the Chargers need the most at this time are healthy ribs for Herbert and a healthy center.

 

Rich Eisen continues to moan about Herbert not being used to strike downfield more often.  Rich, the Chargers don't have that downfield burner WR right now, or a healthy center for that matter.  Guyton was the downfield burner, but he's out injured.  You can't just call on Santa Claus to wave a magic wand to turn grant Tyreek Hill speed to a group of possession WRs.

 

Credit due to the Broncos defense, who have been one of the NFL's best against the pass in 2022, and were also stingy against the run in this game.

[bill5]

2 hours ago, ProfD said:

Considering the success Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has had with the 49ers, it will take a few years of bad 4th quarter coaching job for him to get fired.  Keep the TV.😁😎

No kidding. Bronco and Colt fans should have such a "bad" coach

[ProfD]

The talking heads are questioning why the NFL added a Thursday night game. They list the pros (money) and cons (less time to recover from Sunday, limited game prep for opponent, fewer practices) to name a few.

 

Of course, it always comes down to money. From a scheduling perspective, I doubt the NFL knew some matchups would be stinkers.

 

As a football fan, I'm going to watch the Thursday night games. But, if the NFL dropped it, I'm not going to storm the stadium.😎

[GovernorSilver]

Chargers WR corps looks depleted for the Seattle game.  Keenan Allen might sit out, and thus go into the bye week without playing another down.  Josh Palmer is out on concussion protocol.   That leaves Mike Williams, Deandre Carter, and practice squad WRs to face Seattle.

 

Wonder if they might trade for the allegedly discontented Jets WR Elijah Moore.

[ProfD]

34 minutes ago, GovernorSilver said:

Wonder if they might trade for the allegedly discontented Jets WR Elijah Moore.

I doubt the Jets will let him go but he would defintely help the Chargers offense tremendously. 

 

Otherwise, the Chargers still have enough offense to be competitive against Seahawks.  They don't have the Legion of Boom defense anymore.😁😎

[GovernorSilver]

35 minutes ago, ProfD said:

I doubt the Jets will let him go but he would defintely help the Chargers offense tremendously. 

 

Otherwise, the Chargers still have enough offense to be competitive against Seahawks.  They don't have the Legion of Boom defense anymore.😁😎

 

True, the Legion of Boom was a victim of its own success.  After the Superbowl blowout win over the Broncos, the NFL changed the rules to neutralize that defense.

 

It was around this time of year that the Chargers traded for Keenan McCardell, to replace then-starter Reche Caldwell who was lost for the season.  McCardell had a contract dispute with the Bucs and was going to sit out the rest of the season.  Instead, he went to San Diego and boosted the Chargers offense with his veteran presence.  They began a winning streak upon his arrival to make the playoffs.  

 

Doesn't look like Elijah Moore's relationship with the Jets will sour as badly, after his HC had a talk with him.   The thought just sprung to my head when I read he skipped practice out of frustration.  It initially sounded like a Keyshawn "just give me the damn ball" Johnson situation.

[GovernorSilver]

He does want a trade after all "sources say".   I had nothing to do with this, I swear

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34839826/frustrated-jets-wr-elijah-moore-excused-practice

 

Source also says the Jets are not considering a trade.

 

We'll see what happens.  If the Jets determine they can get good value for trading him they'll change their minds in a New York minute.

[ProfD]

1 hour ago, GovernorSilver said:

We'll see what happens.  If the Jets determine they can get value for trading him they'll change their minds in a New York minute.

According to some reports, the Bears should go after WR Elijah Moore considering the WR help they need.

 

But, if WR Moore wants to play for a team on the rise, it's conceivable that the Chargers could land him.

 

I still don't believe the Jets will make him  available. He's a 2nd round draft pick and a rising star on their team. 😎

[bill5]

Panthers trade McCaffrey to the 49ers, wow. I don't get this move. Jimmy G already proved he doesn't have what it takes to win the big one; Mc won't put them over the top. 

 

For once there were some fireworks on a TNF game tonight, although I wouldn't call it a good game. Both of these teams are lousy.

[Geoff Grace]

Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel are going to make a helluva one-two punch! 
 

Best,

 

Geoff

[ProfD]

I'm not surprised that RB Christian McCaffrey was traded to the 49ers;  a better team with a chance of winning now.  McCaffrey won't be toiling away on a team that isn't going anywhere.  

 

Considering RB McCaffrey's injury history, HC Kyle Shanahan will use him more effectively.  The 49ers have enough offensive weapons which in turn helps to preserve McCaffrey.

 

The trade reminds me of QB Matt Stafford getting a lifeline to leave the Lions and go to the Rams.  

 

Meanwhile, the Panthers are in disarray.  They can use draft picks in their rebuilding process.😎

[GovernorSilver]

Niners paid a pretty penny for McCaffrey but that's the kind of bold move you make if you feel you just need that one special piece to have the edge over your rivals in the race to the Super Bowl.

 

They did get to the Big Dance before with Jimmy G at QB, and were actually threatening at one point to seize the lead and start running away (literally) with it, because the Chiefs struggled to stop their rushing attack.   That was with just one decent starter and ok backup(s) in their RB stable, not a back like McCaffrey.  I was surprised when the Niners let up on that relentless running game and decided to put the ball in Jimmy G's hands.

 

Heck, they even got to the NFC Championship game last year and had the eventual Superbowl winner on the ropes for a bit.

[GovernorSilver]

I Googled for Trey Lance to remind myself what happened to him and this came up.

 

https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/162350-why-49ers-run-game-experienced-decline-2022/

 

Losing Elijah Mitchell appears to have been a motivator for this trade.

 

I'm guessing the Chargers will stand pat and take their chances against the Seahawks with a WR corps of Mike Williams, Deandre Carter, and practice squad players, then hope that Keenan Allen will feel good enough to be activated after the bye week.   If Allen had been on IR, then they would have been more likely to make a move before the Nov. trade deadline.

[bill5]

12 hours ago, ProfD said:

I'm not surprised that RB Christian McCaffrey was traded to the 49ers;  a better team with a chance of winning now.  McCaffrey won't be toiling away on a team that isn't going anywhere.  

 

Considering RB McCaffrey's injury history, HC Kyle Shanahan will use him more effectively.  The 49ers have enough offensive weapons which in turn helps to preserve McCaffrey.

 

The trade reminds me of QB Matt Stafford getting a lifeline to leave the Lions and go to the Rams.  

Kinda. Except that McCaffrey isn't the missing piece. Again they will never win a SB with Jimmy G, he's proven that already. So a couple of pretty high picks for a guy who is expensive and has an injury history......I'm sure they think he can be the difference maker, but they're kidding themselves. The only reason they have any shot is because the NFC is so incredibly weak. But even if they made it, if they beat whoever goes from the AFC, it would be the upset of the century. 

[bill5]

11 hours ago, GovernorSilver said:

I'm guessing the Chargers will stand pat and take their chances against the Seahawks with a WR corps of Mike Williams, Deandre Carter, and practice squad players, then hope that Keenan Allen will feel good enough to be activated after the bye week.   If Allen had been on IR, then they would have been more likely to make a move before the Nov. trade deadline.

I am really surprised the Chargers did not go after a WR in this past very WR-heavy draft, esp given how they filled other needs and had a real WR need with Allen's injury history, Williams being kind of "eh" and no TE to speak of. 

[GovernorSilver]

2 hours ago, bill5 said:

I am really surprised the Chargers did not go after a WR in this past very WR-heavy draft, esp given how they filled other needs and had a real WR need with Allen's injury history, Williams being kind of "eh" and no TE to speak of. 

 

I was surprised too, as well as other Charger fans.  

 

The problem with this WR corps was that they only had one WR who could outrun the defense deep, to catch the home run ball, and now he's out for the season.   This is the bigger hole in the WR corps than either Williams or Allen.

 

Gerald Everett is not Antonio Gates or Kellen Winslow - I get that.  But he's has been a decent free agent TE - didn't cost much, and he's younger and faster than last year's starter.    I've got no real complaints - I would complain if he were a superstar who came in with superstar expectations, but he's not a superstar..  The only complaints I've seen about him have been from fantasy footballers, though he seems to be a popular choice for fantasy FB for the upcoming Seattle game.

 

The Zion Johnson pick I was good with, because they did need OL help.  Now that was a big freakin hole on this team.

 

The rest of the draft picks included 4 DBs.  The Chargers already brought in 2 free agent CBs in Jackson and Callahan, drafting 4 more DBs was excessive.  - surely they could have spent at least one of those 4 picks for a WR instead.  .  The very last pick was spent on a fullback, which is the least used position on this offense and thus kind of a waste.

[bill5]

Agreed all around. This has to be a frustrating year for Charger fans.

 

 

[Geoff Grace]

Congrats, ProfD, on Washington’s victory today. The Commanders were the better team. Taylor Heinike is a great backup quarterback.

 

The Packers have a lot more questions than answers right now.

 

Best,

 

Geoff

[ProfD]

Thanks brotha Geoff.

 

Commanders tried to best themselves but the Packers didn't cooperate.🤣

 

QB Aaron Rodgers has to sorely miss having WR Davante Adams. The Packers offense is ordinary without a big play threat on the field. None of the other WRs has stepped up to the plate.

 

In other news...the Bucs got crushed by the Panthers. Brady is another future HOF QB playing on a team below .500. 😎