The Super Bowl Thread

[bankshot1]

I enjoy doing "oppo research" and read the opponent's local paper and get the temperature.

This from the Atlanta Journal Constitution

http://markbradley.blog.myajc.com/2017/01/22/atlantas-falcons-just-became-americas-team

Facing the hated Patriots, the Falcons are now America’s Team


'The Atlanta Falcons aren’t just going to the Super Bowl. They’re going as the choice of everyone who isn’t a New England fan, and why would you be a New England fan if you don’t, you know, live in New England?...
Because the Patriots, as great as they have been and are, aren’t revered. They’re reviled. There’s that lingering suspicion that their coach and their franchise quarterback cheated along the way."

 

[Marciano490]

Cheated like pumping in crowd noise? Like that kind of cheating?

 

[snowmanny]

I have a serious concern about this as well. The stories are getting ratcheted up and it seems like some local fans are turning on the team and rooting for ATL because of Donald. I thought Brady was very logical. You support your friends because they are your friends. You might not agree with everything but you support them. I don't think it will become deflategate but this isn't going away, let's not be naive and think this will not almost be as big of a story as the game itself.

The entire country convicted the Patriots and Brady and made fun of them, including the previous President.
I can't stand Trump, but he stood up for them publicly. I'm not going to get all bent out of shape because they stay friends with him.

Trump praised Brady on the campaign trail in Maryland and I'm not sure he doesn't deserve one of those Profiles In Courage awards for that.

 

[j44thor]

Regarding CB matchups doesn't Butler on Sanu and Ryan/S bracket on Jones with Rowe on Gabriel match closest to what they typically do? Thinking specifically of how they matchup with DEN who have somewhat similar WRs.

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

The entire country convicted the Patriots and Brady and made fun of them, including the previous President.
I can't stand Trump, but he stood up for them publicly. I'm not going to get all bent out of shape because they stay friends with him.

Trump praised Brady on the campaign trail in Maryland and I'm not sure he doesn't deserve one of those Profiles In Courage awards for that.

But you're bent out of shape with Obama for making a deflategate joke?

 

[nothumb]

I have a serious concern about this as well. The stories are getting ratcheted up and it seems like some local fans are turning on the team and rooting for ATL because of Donald. I thought Brady was very logical. You support your friends because they are your friends. You might not agree with everything but you support them. I don't think it will become deflategate but this isn't going away, let's not be naive and think this will not almost be as big of a story as the game itself.

I don't really think it's logical to say "Donald Trump is my friend, so I support him being President." Gronk is his friend too, should he be in charge of NASA if he wants?

 

[Super Nomario]

Regarding CB matchups doesn't Butler on Sanu and Ryan/S bracket on Jones with Rowe on Gabriel match closest to what they typically do? Thinking specifically of how they matchup with DEN who have somewhat similar WRs.

Sanu is a big dude (6'2"), Gabriel little (5'8"). Usually they try to match size on size (it's usually Ryan on Thomas and Butler on Sanders with Denver).

 

[The Social Chair]

The issue will be with Kraft more than Brady. I'm not sure how we got from Christian Peter to his comments that Trump will be great for America.

 

[j44thor]

Sanu is a big dude (6'2"), Gabriel little (5'8"). Usually they try to match size on size (it's usually Ryan on Thomas and Butler on Sanders with Denver).

Didn't realize Sanu was that big, he doesn't seem to play that big. Isn't Gabriel more of a gadget player with manufactured and limited touches? Seems like a waste to have Butler focus on him if that is the case. I'd rather have Butler take his chances with ATL #2 WR instead of Gabriel.

 

[Kliq]

The Pats having their key guys be Trump supporters is just an excuse people will use to justify their hatred for New England. Just like "they are a bunch of cheaters" it will legitimize their hatred even if it doesn't make any sense--it will give them some form of moral high ground on to stand on.

Any person who asks me about the Pats/Trump I just say that since I'm not a fucking idiot I don't care about the political opinions of my favorite athletes, I like them because they are great at their jobs and have always carried themselves with grace.

 

[54thMA]

I enjoy doing "oppo research" and read the opponent's local paper and get the temperature.

This from the Atlanta Journal Constitution

http://markbradley.blog.myajc.com/2017/01/22/atlantas-falcons-just-became-americas-team

Facing the hated Patriots, the Falcons are now America’s Team


'The Atlanta Falcons aren’t just going to the Super Bowl. They’re going as the choice of everyone who isn’t a New England fan, and why would you be a New England fan if you don’t, you know, live in New England?...
Because the Patriots, as great as they have been and are, aren’t revered. They’re reviled. There’s that lingering suspicion that their coach and their franchise quarterback cheated along the way."

Good to know everyone in the US outside of Patriots fans will be pulling for the Falcons, a team that has as many playoff wins as the Patriots have Super Bowl appearances.

That's quite a track record for a team that's been around for 51 years.

Some of the comments are all world too by the way.

 

[Conigliaro's Potential]

Reading comments on the AJC website? That way madness lies.

 

[Captaincoop]

I enjoy doing "oppo research" and read the opponent's local paper and get the temperature.

This from the Atlanta Journal Constitution

http://markbradley.blog.myajc.com/2017/01/22/atlantas-falcons-just-became-americas-team

Facing the hated Patriots, the Falcons are now America’s Team


'The Atlanta Falcons aren’t just going to the Super Bowl. They’re going as the choice of everyone who isn’t a New England fan, and why would you be a New England fan if you don’t, you know, live in New England?...
Because the Patriots, as great as they have been and are, aren’t revered. They’re reviled. There’s that lingering suspicion that their coach and their franchise quarterback cheated along the way."

I read this guy's previous lousy article, wherein he acknowledged that the Patriots are the rightful favorites and then went on to say he'd be surprised if they can beat the Falcons. He must be churning out one bad piece about this game every 12 hours.

 

[southshoresoxfan]

Just remind anyone getting all moral high ground on you that Vicks dog ring happened while in Atlanta and they got busted pumping on crowdnoise.

Yourteamcheats.com/atl should do the trick nicely.

 

[54thMA]

I read this guy's previous lousy article, wherein he acknowledged that the Patriots are the rightful favorites and then went on to say he'd be surprised if they can beat the Falcons. He must be churning out one bad piece about this game every 12 hours.

It's good to know that the Falcons are now America's team because they are a bastion of integrity and the Patriots are a bunch of cheaters.

 

[dbn]

Just remind anyone getting all moral high ground on you that Vicks dog ring happened while in Atlanta and they got busted pumping on crowdnoise.

Yourteamcheats.com/atl should do the trick nicely.

Let's not us go comparing the sins of star players' off-the-field doings. Pretty sure we lose on that metric.

 

[RedOctober3829]

AFCCG replay on NFLN

 

[j-man]

Wow, that's a really bold call.

how so 4 wins in 16 years if u win sunday u tie SF 81-94 and there was no cap utail 93 couild Bill walsh live in this 24-7 wolid if he was coaching i doudt it

sure i wouild like Atl to win

but u have to respct what NE has done esp in the last 10 years when the leauge office hates u as well and u still win

 

[Oppo]

Check your sarcasm-o-meter

 

[wiffleballhero]

Well, shows what I know....

I had a brief moment of naive relief that the Pats were playing Atlanta because it just seemed obvious that the 'cheating' narrative would be embarrassingly idiotic playing Atlanta, crowd noise and all.

 

[snowmanny]

But you're bent out of shape with Obama for making a deflategate joke?

Did I say that? No.You made that up.
Belichick didn't look thrilled with it.

 

[54thMA]

AFCCG replay on NFLN

Seattle Super Bowl on right after as well, can't get enough of this, soaking it all in and enjoying every second of it.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Did I say that? No.You made that up.
Belichick didn't look thrilled with it.

Slater looks like such a nerd in that pic. Love it.

 

[thebradybunch12]

I enjoy doing "oppo research" and read the opponent's local paper and get the temperature.

This from the Atlanta Journal Constitution

http://markbradley.blog.myajc.com/2017/01/22/atlantas-falcons-just-became-americas-team

Facing the hated Patriots, the Falcons are now America’s Team


'The Atlanta Falcons aren’t just going to the Super Bowl. They’re going as the choice of everyone who isn’t a New England fan, and why would you be a New England fan if you don’t, you know, live in New England?...
Because the Patriots, as great as they have been and are, aren’t revered. They’re reviled. There’s that lingering suspicion that their coach and their franchise quarterback cheated along the way."

In an article about Robert Kraft there was a comment that said something along the lines that although the Pats have reached dynastic success they dont have the National favorability like the Steelers or Packers have.

Aside from the joy I get from seeing the NFL lament/root against the Pats, I think it's of worth to note that Internationally the Pats are loved. Mexico, England, Germany to name a few. The media and Roger have done an incredible job of skewing the national view of the Pats but not suprisingly the other countries that watch and root for the Pats are removed from the cesspool that is the media in this country.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Seattle Super Bowl on right after as well, can't get enough of this, soaking it all in and enjoying every second of it.

Three time cheaters! 12s*

 

[snowmanny]

Who are the teams that the Pats have faced in the playoffs (or in general, if a wider net is needed) who would be considered "offensive juggernauts" and how have the Pats done against them.
I'm on mobile ATM but will do some digging later. Ones that spring to mind:
2001 Rams "Greatest Show on Turf" (Pats win in playoffs, lose in regular season)
2014 Broncos (Pats lose in playoffs, win in regular season)
2003-2009 Colts (about 50/50 overall)
Who am I missing?
What are the commonalities with those teams and the Falcons?

I know it was a long time ago and wasn't the Pats and he wasn't the head coach but when you talk about Belichick and offensive juggernauts we have to at least mention the 1990 Bills (#1 in regular season scoring; 95 points in two playoff games heading into the Super Bowl).

 

[Leather]

Good God, probably 90% of the owners and 50% of the players voted for Trump. Kraft was also one of the biggest NFL donors to Obama in 2012, so while I certainly wish my team's management didn't have close Trump ties, I just don't think it really matters.

 

[Leather]

I mean John fucking Rocker was a star for Atlanta, and he was a caricature of a current Trump supporter.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Not a caricature so much as a, um, but...yeah, ok.

 

[AB in DC]

So basically Atlanta has only two ways to win:

1) Ryan/Julio/Sanu/etc just go nuts and the Falcons win a massive shootout
2) Coaching staff finds creative ways to move Beasley around on the DL and get interior pressure, forcing Brady to make mistakes.

That's really it.

 

[InstaFace]

Cheated like pumping in crowd noise? Like that kind of cheating?

Nonono, cheating like running an illegal offseason practice.

edit: OK, covered already.

 

[DJnVa]

So basically Atlanta has only two ways to win:

1) Ryan/Julio/Sanu/etc just go nuts and the Falcons win a massive shootout
2) Coaching staff finds creative ways to move Beasley around on the DL and get interior pressure, forcing Brady to make mistakes.

That's really it.

Isn't that kinda like saying that the Pats only have 2 ways to win:

1--Brady has a really good game
2--Coaching staff finds way to shut down Jones and the 2 really good RBs.

 

[dbn]

There's only two ways this game could end:

1--the Patriots win
2--the Falcons win

 

[lambeau]

In addition to his size, J Jones of course ran a 4.39 40 with a 38.5 vertical. Combine results aren't everything, but:
Rowe 4.45 and 39.0 at 6-1
Ryan 4.54 and 32.5 at 5-11
Sanu 4.67 and 36.0 at 6-2
Maybe Rowe is a better physical match with Jones.

 

[Byrdbrain]

Thanks for posting this. Great angle for the article but it needed some editing. Geez:



Undersized for the line or LB but it's a little weird to use that phrase in a whole article making the point that he's huge compared to JE and DA. He's also not huge compared to a lot of other WR that run his kind of routes. Gronk is huge.

edited to add some data
just on the pats:
Floyd: 6-2, 220
Mitchell: 5-11, 205

Julio Jones: 6-3, 220
Mohamed Sanu: 6-2, 210

Gronk: 6-6, 265 (!)

Still, it was great to get his story out there and I was glad to learn some more about the guy. I'd say he's a testament to BB's philosophy of growing talent, taking smart and disciplined players, and his appreciation for leadership (that and discipline are obviously intertwined).

It says he was undersized coming out of high school not now. If he was anywhere near 6'2" 225 at that time I'm sure he would have been heavily recruited.
I vaguely remember him from "Hard Knocks" and there is no way he was that big even out of college.

 

[Kliq]

I have no reason to hate Atlanta. I like Matty Ice, Jones, Beasley, Freeman was good on my fantasy team this year, I don't even dislike Dan Quinn despite his Carroll-fingerprints. On the scale of NFL teams I dislike they are pretty low. I'm kind of liking that because if the Pats lose, it is to a team I don't have any dislike for (as opposed to losing to Pittsburgh, Denver, Seattle, New York, etc) which lowers my pregame anxiety.

However if the Atlanta press is going to go full-blown on the Pats; I can see myself working into a vengeful
mood in two weeks.

 

[Kliq]

In that same vein, watching the recap of SB 49 and my God where the Seahawks annoying, Baldwin just caught the TD and here comes the good stuff...

 

[54thMA]

In that same vein, watching the recap of SB 49 and my God where the Seahawks annoying, Baldwin just caught the TD and here comes the good stuff...

Of all the images, Amendola at the end gets me every time.............

 

[InstaFace]

on the overhead shot of Brady and Garoppolo watching and then reacting to the Butler pick, some third guy comes prancing through the frame, jumping out of his shoes. I've always kinda wondered who that was.

 

[Ed Hillel]

on the overhead shot of Brady and Garoppolo watching and then reacting to the Butler pick, some third guy comes prancing through the frame, jumping out of his shoes. I've always kinda wondered who that was.

Amendola. Flies by like a gazelle.

 

[JimD]

The Kraft/Brady/Belichick friendship with Trump might grow into a headache the next two weeks but it won't come close to the deflategate story in coverage.

The only way it becomes a headache is if Kraft or Brady does or says something really stupid during these two weeks.

 

[Kliq]

My two favorite parts are Butler crying on the sideline, overwhelmed with his own accomplishment and just bawling. I also love the post game conversations between the guys; just the love that they have for one another, very few things in life can make men so emotional.

 

[Bowhemian]

For each and every SB, regardless if the Pats are playing, I hate at least 1 of the 2 teams playing, Active hate, disdain. Last year it was the Broncos and the corpse of Manning. Before that it was the Seahawks. This year, I just can't manufacture any hate for the Falcons. I mean, I couldn't stand them back in their "Dirty Bird" days, but that is too long ago to really care.
I am going to need someone to go ahead and help me with that.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

I wonder if the QB goes to the WH this time if NE wins the SB?

 

[TheoShmeo]

We even have a thread now in which Trump has been declared mentally ill by the equivalent of Johnny from Burger King, M.D. (i.e., anyone on the internet without medical or psychological qualifications and who has not, you know, actually examined the President), so I get that Trump obsession reigns. But mercy, why anyone would care even a little bit whether Tom Brady or Bob Kraft supports Trump, or any other candidate for that matter, is bizarre. Does anyone think that their support contributed in any way to Trump's winning the election? Boo hoo, we have different opinions!

Oh, and Bowhemian, your point about Atlanta is well taken. I lived there for three years in the 80s and while the Hawks and Celts were rivals of a sort at that time (think the Bird-Wilkins duel), I can't manufacture even mild hate for the Falcons or the City of Atlanta. Thing is, the CHB made this very point this morning in the Globe, and thinking along with him is somewhat disturbing. And his point -- that Atlanta people generally don't give a crap about pro sports -- is absolutely true. I guess those going to the game from Atlanta will be passionate fans so maybe they'll engender some dislike for those on site. Maybe.

 

[caesarbear]

We even have a thread now in which Trump has been declared mentally ill by the equivalent of Johnny from Burger King, M.D. (i.e., anyone on the internet without medical or psychological qualifications and who has not, you know, actually examined the President), so I get that Trump obsession reigns. But mercy, why anyone would care even a little bit whether Tom Brady or Bob Kraft supports Trump, or any other candidate for that matter, is bizarre. Does anyone think that their support contributed in any way to Trump's winning the election? Boo hoo, we have different opinions!

Supporting a racist misogynist emboldens a racist misogynist.

 

[Curt S Loew]

Really? Trump has been more of a distraction in this thread than he has in the game. Sad!

 

[Saints Rest]

My two favorite parts are Butler crying on the sideline, overwhelmed with his own accomplishment and just bawling. I also love the post game conversations between the guys; just the love that they have for one another, very few things in life can make men so emotional.

For me it's the shot of Butler weeping, barely able to walk, coming off the field escorted by teammates. That level of catharsis, in the purest sense of the word, is one I can never remember seeing on the field so openly.

 

[8slim]

For me it's the shot of Butler weeping, barely able to walk, coming off the field escorted by teammates. That level of catharsis, in the purest sense of the word, is one I can never remember seeing on the field so openly.

Yep, you could see as it happened that he was utterly distraught over the freak catch moments prior. That he could reverse that totally leveled him. It's an amazingly raw and real moment.

 

[j44thor]

In addition to his size, J Jones of course ran a 4.39 40 with a 38.5 vertical. Combine results aren't everything, but:
Rowe 4.45 and 39.0 at 6-1
Ryan 4.54 and 32.5 at 5-11
Sanu 4.67 and 36.0 at 6-2
Maybe Rowe is a better physical match with Jones.

Seems like Rowe strictly plays zone in some version of Cover 3 or Tampa 2 sticking to the WR on his sideline vertically. Perhaps he doesn't have change of direction skills for man, he was a FS for 3yrs in college.

Don't think he has played much at all in the slot so might be tough for him to matchup with Jones who will be shifted around quite a bit. Probably best to just play your sides and glue a S over the top on Jones. ATL secondary WR are not that scary with neither Gabriel nor Sanu going over 100yds this season.