SUPERBOWL XLV

[dew1679666265]

The Kia commercial with the aliens stealing the car was horrible. I also thought the Budweiser commercial where they sang Tiny Dancer was random and not funny.

 

I thought the Kia commercial was ok. The Budweiser one was bad, though.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

godaddy needs to quit wasting everybody's time with their crappy ads

[Guest]

The Packers may be entering a window where they are like the Patriots in the AFC, but I'm not counting on multiple championships. Belichick and Brady haven't won in six years. And no offense, Packer fans, but they are way ahead of McCarthy-Rodgers.

 

I wouldn't say they're way ahead. Belichick is a better coach than McCarthy but Rodgers is significantly better the last two years than Brady was when the Pats won their first Super Bowl. Brady's got three 4000-yard seasons and two 100+ QB rating seasons while Rodgers already has two of each (and would have three 4000-yarders if not for injuries this year).

[Guest]

1) Big Ben deserves some heat for his poor performance. the two picks were his fault, and he missed a host of pretty wide-open throws

 

I thought his performance was split between the first and second halves. First half, he was pretty terrible. Second half he was much better, but still off on a couple throws.

 

His halftime numbers actually looked a lot like his numbers in the first Super Bowl agains the Seahawks.

 

Agreed. I thought he was better in the second half but he still wasn't that great and he's definitely not going to get the criticism he deserves for it. Now he's got two crappy Super Bowl performances and one good one. But he's still going to be viewed by a lot of people as a great QB in the Manning-Brady-Brees-Rodgers discussion and a clutch player even though he's stunk on the biggest stage twice.

[dew1679666265]

Agreed. I thought he was better in the second half but he still wasn't that great and he's definitely not going to get the criticism he deserves for it. Now he's got two crappy Super Bowl performances and one good one. But he's still going to be viewed by a lot of people as a great QB in the Manning-Brady-Brees-Rodgers discussion and a clutch player even though he's stunk on the biggest stage twice.

 

I can't tell you how many times I've heard people flat out say Ben's stats don't matter – and that they expect his numbers to be bad, because he's not as "pretty" as Peyton and Brady – but that he'll make a few good clutch throws and that's what matters.

 

That's ignoring that a poor overall performance is why you're in that clutch moment in the first place and not up by a decent margin (like the Packers were much of last night).

[sneakypower]

Just because the Packers have a young core doesn't mean they are going to win multiple Superbowls. I'm sure they'll be good for a really long time (as all team with elite QB are), but the Pack are far from a given to win another title.

 

Brady has 3 rings, but NONE since 2004. And he was borderline elite when he won his 3 (definitely not elite when he won his 2nd). Peyton only has 1 ring. Brees 1. Then if you consider Rivers elite, he has 0 Superbowl appearances. Roethlisberger has 2 rings, but doesn't have elite stats outside of a sub .500 2009 season.

it's more than just Rodgers, they've got stars all over the field on both sides of the ball. and Woodson aside, they're all really young.

[dew1679666265]

it's more than just Rodgers, they've got stars all over the field on both sides of the ball. and Woodson aside, they're all really young.

 

Do they really have any old, key players outside of Driver, Clifton, Wells and Woodson? Grant's only 28 and doesn't have all that much mileage on him. Jennings is just 27.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Just because the Packers have a young core doesn't mean they are going to win multiple Superbowls. I'm sure they'll be good for a really long time (as all team with elite QB are), but the Pack are far from a given to win another title.

 

Brady has 3 rings, but NONE since 2004. And he was borderline elite when he won his 3 (definitely not elite when he won his 2nd). Peyton only has 1 ring. Brees 1. Then if you consider Rivers elite, he has 0 Superbowl appearances. Roethlisberger has 2 rings, but doesn't have elite stats outside of a sub .500 2009 season.

it's more than just Rodgers, they've got stars all over the field on both sides of the ball. and Woodson aside, they're all really young.

 

its mostly Rodgers, though. free agency and big contracts else where will eventually deplete the team of talent. That reality puts a lot of pressure on their drafting abilities. And despite the unusual number of injuries this year, they aren't guaranteed any more health next year. What happens if they remain completely healthy next year except for Rodgers who blows out a knee in the 3rd game? Is Matt Flynn capable of carrying them through the playoffs? They lose 2 of the 3 playoff games they had with out Rodgers. the league turns over so quickly anymore, I'm not buying the dynasty just yet.

[javy knows my name]

The Darth Vader commercial was the best, with "Detroit's back" just behind at #2. All the Dorritos commercials were pretty mediocre. I actually groaned at the housesitting one.

 

No good Bud Light commercials, either, for the second straight year. And where the [expletive] was Mayhem?!

[C.C.]

2) the Chrysler ad was the best commercial

 

Yes, this. Gave me the chills.

 

I also loved the Doritos commercial with the Pug in it. Of course I'm partial to pugs.

[NeifiIsMyHomeBoy]

Just because the Packers have a young core doesn't mean they are going to win multiple Superbowls. I'm sure they'll be good for a really long time (as all team with elite QB are), but the Pack are far from a given to win another title.

 

Brady has 3 rings, but NONE since 2004. And he was borderline elite when he won his 3 (definitely not elite when he won his 2nd). Peyton only has 1 ring. Brees 1. Then if you consider Rivers elite, he has 0 Superbowl appearances. Roethlisberger has 2 rings, but doesn't have elite stats outside of a sub .500 2009 season.

it's more than just Rodgers, they've got stars all over the field on both sides of the ball. and Woodson aside, they're all really young.

 

its mostly Rodgers, though. free agency and big contracts else where will eventually deplete the team of talent. That reality puts a lot of pressure on their drafting abilities. And despite the unusual number of injuries this year, they aren't guaranteed any more health next year. What happens if they remain completely healthy next year except for Rodgers who blows out a knee in the 3rd game? Is Matt Flynn capable of carrying them through the playoffs? They lose 2 of the 3 playoff games they had with out Rodgers. the league turns over so quickly anymore, I'm not buying the dynasty just yet.

 

GB lost Aaron Kampman to free agency and came up with Clay Matthews to replace him. They lost Al Harris to a debilitating injury and replaced him with Tramon Williams. I'm not at all concerned about Thompson, or his ability to assemble talent through the draft. If he's proved one thing over the past few years, its that he is every bit as good of a general manager as Ron Wolf was.

 

As for free agents leaving, I think you are blowing the argument out of proportion, as you win in the NFL through the draft. As long as the core is intact, GB will be a major title contender. I'm standing by my original assertion they might have dynasty potential.

[Guest]

Just because the Packers have a young core doesn't mean they are going to win multiple Superbowls. I'm sure they'll be good for a really long time (as all team with elite QB are), but the Pack are far from a given to win another title.

 

Brady has 3 rings, but NONE since 2004. And he was borderline elite when he won his 3 (definitely not elite when he won his 2nd). Peyton only has 1 ring. Brees 1. Then if you consider Rivers elite, he has 0 Superbowl appearances. Roethlisberger has 2 rings, but doesn't have elite stats outside of a sub .500 2009 season.

it's more than just Rodgers, they've got stars all over the field on both sides of the ball. and Woodson aside, they're all really young.

 

Exactly. And they've shown a great ability to draft.

 

You can't predict multiple Super Bowls but they certainly look like they're in the best position in the NFC to win a few this decade.

[rawaction]

Just because the Packers have a young core doesn't mean they are going to win multiple Superbowls. I'm sure they'll be good for a really long time (as all team with elite QB are), but the Pack are far from a given to win another title.

 

Brady has 3 rings, but NONE since 2004. And he was borderline elite when he won his 3 (definitely not elite when he won his 2nd). Peyton only has 1 ring. Brees 1. Then if you consider Rivers elite, he has 0 Superbowl appearances. Roethlisberger has 2 rings, but doesn't have elite stats outside of a sub .500 2009 season.

it's more than just Rodgers, they've got stars all over the field on both sides of the ball. and Woodson aside, they're all really young.

 

its mostly Rodgers, though. free agency and big contracts else where will eventually deplete the team of talent. That reality puts a lot of pressure on their drafting abilities. And despite the unusual number of injuries this year, they aren't guaranteed any more health next year. What happens if they remain completely healthy next year except for Rodgers who blows out a knee in the 3rd game? Is Matt Flynn capable of carrying them through the playoffs? They lose 2 of the 3 playoff games they had with out Rodgers. the league turns over so quickly anymore, I'm not buying the dynasty just yet.

 

Exactly. It's more than just Rodgers, but nothing's happening without him. They are going to have to lock up Rodgers, Jennings, Clay, Tramon, Raji and possibly Collins, Hawk, and Bulaga. The first 5 are all worthy of being top 5 paid at their positions within 2-3 years. The latter 3 would be tough to replace, especially when you consider every other position that will need to be replaced/upgraded by then.

 

The 2006 Colts had Peyton Manning, a 23-yo Addai, 28 yo Wayne, 27 yo Clark, 3 of their 5 OL under 27, and the only starter over 27 on defense was 28-yo Raheem Brock. Yet, they now have to replace the entire OL within the next couple years, need to develop another WR and RB and have needs on all 3 levels of the defense. Things change fast in the NFL (not that the Colts are bad).

[Guest]

And MojoPin is right, they don't need to get to the SB to block the Bears from even making the playoffs. Doesn't help that Bears 3 best players are all over 30.

[mul21]

And MojoPin is right, they don't need to get to the SB to block the Bears from even making the playoffs. Doesn't help that Bears 3 best players are all over 30.

 

Cutler's not over 30.

[Tyrant]

What happens if they remain completely healthy next year except for Rodgers who blows out a knee in the 3rd game?

 

They would be the same as any other team that loses an elite quarterback. I'm not sure what that's supposed to prove.

[Magnetic Curses]

the bears in the 80's only went to won superbowl and were about as dominant a team as there could have been.

 

the packers played great in spurts in the postseason, but were by no means unbeatable. good, but incredibly lucky, as many super bowl teams are wont to do.

 

The biggest thing to me about the Packers this year is the way they were able to overcome injuries. Few teams make it an entire season without injuries, but the Packers got hit extra hard. If they can win the Super Bowl with Grant, Finley and both starting safeties out extended periods and Driver and Woodson out for much of the Super Bowl, what can they do mostly healthy?

 

their biggest injuries were to grant and finley, a replaceable RB and a very good TE. the others were to players who were outplayed by their backups. they lost both games that rodgers either sat or mostly sat. if they lose an important player at an important position, they're out of the playoffs.

 

it's not like they lost a player like urlacher for the season.

[Magnetic Curses]

What happens if they remain completely healthy next year except for Rodgers who blows out a knee in the 3rd game?

 

They would be the same as any other team that loses an elite quarterback. I'm not sure what that's supposed to prove.

 

ok, clay matthews then.

 

they lost luxury-type players.

[Magnetic Curses]

And MojoPin is right, they don't need to get to the SB to block the Bears from even making the playoffs. Doesn't help that Bears 3 best players are all over 30.

 

Cutler's not over 30.

 

their best offensive players are young or younger. they will need to replace urlacher and peppers within the next 3 years and briggs within the next 5, maybe sooner.

 

the good thing is that in lovie's scheme, there are positions you don't ever have to draft high.

[sneakypower]

it's more than just Rodgers, they've got stars all over the field on both sides of the ball. and Woodson aside, they're all really young.

 

its mostly Rodgers, though. free agency and big contracts else where will eventually deplete the team of talent. That reality puts a lot of pressure on their drafting abilities. And despite the unusual number of injuries this year, they aren't guaranteed any more health next year. What happens if they remain completely healthy next year except for Rodgers who blows out a knee in the 3rd game? Is Matt Flynn capable of carrying them through the playoffs? They lose 2 of the 3 playoff games they had with out Rodgers. the league turns over so quickly anymore, I'm not buying the dynasty just yet.

Sitton, Matthews, T.Williams, Bishop, Wells were amongst the very best players at their respective positions this year, and guys like Raji, Jennings, Finley, Collins, Johnson, Shields, Masthay, Bulaga have obvious potential to be right there too

 

the Packers are probably in better shape backup QB-wise than most other teams, frankly

[rawaction]

Anyone can replace 1 or 2 players a year. The key is not getting to the point where you wake up one day and you have gaping holes. The Steelers are great at not ever having to fill multiple holes in the same offseason. The Patriots actually have had multiple holes, but have thousands of draft picks to fill them.

 

But the Bears went from the SB to needing to replace their entire OL. Both starting WRs became FAs. One RB was traded, and the high draft pick RB had multiple arrests and was cut. Hillenmeyer, Vasher, and Mike Brown either got hurt, underperformed, or both. Grossman never turned the corner and regressed.

 

It happens. It's happening to the Colts right now, and they are a very well run franchise. Their entire OL needs to be replaced within the next 2 years. Bob Sanders is a non-factor. Freeney and Mathis are aging and they got nothing at DT. Their starting SB CBs are gone. LB continues to be a revolving door there.

[dew1679666265]

their biggest injuries were to grant and finley, a replaceable RB and a very good TE. the others were to players who were outplayed by their backups. they lost both games that rodgers either sat or mostly sat. if they lose an important player at an important position, they're out of the playoffs.

 

it's not like they lost a player like urlacher for the season.

 

Grant's yds/att for his career: 4.4

Jackson's yds/att this year: 3.7

 

Not a huge difference, but nearly a full yard less per carry isn't insignificant. Plus, consider John Kuhn (3.3 ypc) got more carries than he might have otherwise and that difference gets a little larger. It's not crippling for a team that passes most of the time, but it still hurts.

 

And a guy who, in his second year in the league, caught 55 passes for 676 yards (12.3 ypc) and five touchdowns is a good player to have around – even if he is only luxury. In eight fewer games this year, Finley caught 70 more yards, as many touchdowns and 3 more ypc than Andrew Quarless.

[dew1679666265]

ok, clay matthews then.

 

they lost luxury-type players.

 

I'm not sure they're luxury type players, considering their replacements aren't as good. But if they are, and if they have those luxury type players stay healthy next year, they'll be even better. That's the point.

[sneakypower]

What happens if they remain completely healthy next year except for Rodgers who blows out a knee in the 3rd game?

 

They would be the same as any other team that loses an elite quarterback. I'm not sure what that's supposed to prove.

 

ok, clay matthews then.

 

they lost luxury-type players.

sure, if they had lost Matthews on top of starters like Barnett, Grant, Finley, Jones, Burnett, Tauscher, they might not have had the 2nd-best point differential in all of football

 

point taken.

[OleMissCub]

Speaking of Matthews, he just tweeted "One RING to rule them all..."

 

He is now my new favorite player