Daily Debate: When Will we Get our Football Back?

Well, it's the day of reckoning for the NFL and unless something drastic happens in the next 12 hours it looks like we're headed for a lockout. The question then is, when do you think the two sides will finally come to an agreement?

From everything that has been said it doesn't seem like they are even close.  I think this lockout is going to get uglier before it gets better.  That being said, I still refuse to believe that we are going to miss any football games.  I think both sides realize that the NFL is on the precipice of complete world domination.  It would be an utterly terrible business decision not to come to an agreement before next season starts. 

If I had to put a date on it I would say July 1st.  I think they are going to get the players back on to the field just in time to get a full training camp and preseason in. 

What do you guys think?

-E

It's like a bad dream. The fact we might not have football scares me, and for some fans, really starting to become a reality. I agree it will be in the summer months, but I think we might go later than that. Maybe the middle of August. These players hate preseason, training camp, and just want to play games. No one has looked good in this, they both look selfish and appear stubborn. The ones who get hurt the most by this are the 2011 rookies. I wouldn't be surprised to see only a couple succeed next year.

-Charlie.

I think we underestimate the intelligence of both sides here boys. We all know they are not stupid. The owners fear that the NFLPA, if it decertifies, would have a great chance in court regarding anti-trust. I think they get this thing hammered out before St. Patrick's Day, giving us all more celebration to get schwasty.

-Pat

Daily Debate: Better Athletes?

Curly and I just got into a fairly heated argument during a game of NBA Jam about which sport has better athletes. I define "athletic" as being able to control your body well and make amazing dunks and layups. I say that NBA players are more athletic than NFL players. Curly thinks that since Ray Lewis is 250 pounds and runs fast he's athletic. I'm taking guys like LeBron and Dwight Howard any day over any NFL player. He says Meatsock Johnson is a great athlete. NFL players could never do what NBA players do. Ever heard of Michael Jordan?

-Mitch

I agree whole heartedly Mikko (don't get used to me saying that though because it doesn't happen often).  While NFL players are certainly extremely ahtletic I would give the nod to the NBA players as well.  This is mainly because playing basketball is so much more than being fast and strong.  You also have to be able to be coordinated enough to dribble, shoot, catch, and pass all while your running, jumping, and smashing into people.  Lets face it, while what Ray Lewis does is very impressive I could have found a caveman 400 years ago who would have done the same thing if he thought he could get a bite of steak at the end.  The only thing Ray Lewis has to worry about is running and hitting.  Like I said, NBA'ers have to be fast, strong, and agile all while dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.

-E

I agree with all you gents. The NBA athletes would make great athletes in other sports like football and soccer. Honestly, soccer is a spot that guys like Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul would excel at and probably play in other countries. Tell Curley to get off his obsession with football.

-Charlie.

Daily Debate:Best Potential Rookie Quarterback

I had trouble phrasing this so if you were a team who needed a quarterback, who would be the quarterback you are selecting. I am going to make this poll question as well. Now, the NFL is over and we cannot talk offseason until the lockout is figured out although we can still talk about the draft. Who ya got?

I am taking Cam Newton.  I know people love Blaine Gabbert, but that is all on his body type in terms of the NFL and that doesn't always work out like it should.  Newton is a proven winner, he is a physical freak, and is a duel threat.  He reminds me of a more athletic Ben Roethlisberger. Newton needs one or two years develop, but I think after those two  years, he will be a star.

-Charlie.



You are right, Cam Newton does remind me of a more athletic Ben Roethlisberger.  He reminds me of a good athlete that can go 10-23 with 150 yards and 2 interceptions. 

I'm taking Ryan Mallet every day of the week.  He has by far the strongest arm, he has the size, and he has the atheltic ability to be successful in the NFL.  Not to mention he is one of the only college QBs that played in a true pro-style offense.  The only knock on Mallet is his consistency.  In my opinion, if a guy has all the physical tools and a good work ethic, which by all accounts Mallet has, consistency will come.  If Mallet is drafted into a good situation with good coaches he could be a very, very good NFL QB.

E

Eric, the only knock on Mallet is his *(in)consistency? What about his "bad attitude" that everyone knows about? I don't know of any proof other than word of mouth (no videos of him screaming at reporters or anything) but still, it's out there.


I personally am not that impressed by a QB in this year's class. Can I just take Andrew Luck? If not, I'll give you a name...Pat Devlin out of Delaware.

-Mitzy

Mitz, there is report out there that Mallet thought he was Tony Montana . I wouldn't call this a great source at all, but I do wonder about it because Mel Kiper dropped him off the big board last week. I really think his attitude is coming into question with a lot of people.  Mitchy, I like Devlin and I think Andy Dalton is a sneaky pick in the middle rounds.

-Sir Charles.

Daily Debate: Who Is The Best Without A Ring?

I heard this on the Dan Patrick Radio Show and I am borrowing the idea, thanks Dan! Now that Aaron Rodgers has a ring, who is the best quarterback without a Super Bowl? The guy people will probably identify with that title during the 2011 season.

I personally think it's Phillip Rivers. He is a great statistical quarterback who has won a couple playoff games, yet he hasn't got to the big game. One of my early prediction is people will start banging the drum about never getting to the big one. People seem to like Rivers, and I have no idea why.

-Charlie.

Call me biased but I have always thought Phillis Rivers has too much of an ego to be really successful. Aaron Rodgers is confident but not cocky like Rivers.


I feel like you could probably throw Tony Romo into that conversation for best without a ring. The guy has been wildly successful in the regular season but finite success in the playoffs. I think if he stays healthy for all of 2011 (if there is a 2011 season) the 'Boys could end up in Indy when it's all said and done.

-Mitz

Daily Debate: How Much Does The NFC Championship Game Cost

Grandpa Dan who is still mad about the Atlanta Falcons reference here on SNO Tap asked me would I be interested in going to the NFC Championship game at Solider Field. I told him if the price was right, I would totally be down to it but here is my question, how much is it worth?

I personally would pay about 200 dollars for a good ticket, I know that will not get me a spot in the Windy City but here is why I don't pay more... I cant afford anymore, I couldn't deal with the FIBs if the Bears were to win the game afterwards and would likely do something stupid, and it's going to be cold. I am perfectly okay with spending some cash on food and beer for the game, but over 400 like some people are paying is ridiculous.

-Charlie.

I'll put my personal offer at $100. I'm perfectly content with watching this one within the comfort of four heated walls. That's not taking away from how excited I am to see the Pack roll the Bears. Where you at Mikey?


-Mits

First off Mitchy, the lowest face value ticket is more than $100. Individual tickets go on sale for Sunday's game today at 2 P.M. central and the lowest priced ticket is $134. It's not even worth going to secondary outlets such as Stubhub because of how outrageous those prices are. I would love to go to the game, but it just does not make sense seeing how expensive the tickets are. Second off Mitchy, I thought you were a Raiders fan? I do not get how you can root for two teams in the NFL. Pick one. Here is a link to an article in the Chicago Tribune today about secondary market prices.
-Michael

I would't pay a dime to go sit in that rat hole. In fact, I think the Bears would have to pay me in order to get me into Soldier Field. I'm not about to drive six hours to go sit in that stink pot. Besides, the bastards probably don't even serve Miller Lite. Illinois is afraid to admit that not only does Wisconsin have the better football team but they also brew the better beer. No way I'm paying 8 bucks for some shitty Old Style.

Pay to watch the NFC Championship game in a shitty stadium with the worst playing surface in the league? No thanks. I'll plop down on my couch, drink my Miller Lite, and watch the Pack punch their ticket from the cozy confines of my own home.

-E


MY GOD THAT's MIKE FANT'S MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!


-Charles.

What is Mike Fant's music?

-Michael

Daily Debate: Cam Newton's Draft Spot

Well hopefully this will take the steam off the Brady-Manning, Duke-Michigan State feuds going on right now but it probably won't. Hey I tried. Cam Newton, not shocking decided to go pro for the upcoming 2011 season.  I wonder how high or low he will go. 

I have no idea why people want Blaine Gabbert who is the top rated quarterback.  Watch the tape of him at Nebraska, he struggled mightily with pressure, but yes he does have an NFL-ready body.  Newton reminds me of Daunte Culpepper. Remember Daunte had the size and speed like Netwon, yet in my opinion, Newton is faster than Culpepper. I think Cam will land either at the 10th spot with the Washington Redskins, or the 12th spot with the Minnesota Vikings. Both of those teams need a new quarterback and both make logical sense for Newton.   What do you guys think?

-Charlie

I'll start by saying that it's only natural that Cam, runs away from his problems. I am by no means, a Cam-Hater but when they reveal what really went down (probably next year) he'll be long gone counting his millions that someone, i.e. the Minnesota Vikings, will sheepishly give to him. No one will care at that point what happened this year.

Anywho, I agree that the 'Skins or Vikings could land him, but what about those Niners? Last I checked, they have a new head coach and a QB in Alex Smith that is wildly inconsistent. They do need help at corner, but Harbaugh might want a new QB for himself to work with.

-Mitch

Daily Debate: When Does Favre Get His Number Retired?

Mitch texted me this Daily Debate so I am not sure why he didn't post it, but I will do it instead for him before I head to off to sell office supplies like my name is Dwight Schrute.  Brett Favre, now that he is retired and I feel confident saying that, when will the Green Bay Packers retire his number?

I personally feel it will be in about 3-5 years.  To get into the Pro Hall of Fame, it's a five year wait period. We can all agree that Favre's numbers make him a first ballot Hall of Famer.  I believe the Packers will want to do it before his HOF speech at Canton in 2016. I just hope that Ted Thompson and Favre do not carry over their grudge for years to come.  Do it in three years against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau.  I would like to see that.

-Charlie.

I didn't do it because I forgot about it Chuck. Fuck me, right? 


Anyway, I don't think it will be next year either. The Packers front office is going to wait a while for the fans' wounds to heal from his last two years with Minnesota. The time will come soon though. I give it 2-3 years.

-Mitch


No question here that we all think his number is going to be retired at Lambeau Field right? Right? Can you see a scenario where they actually don't because Brett is unwilling to come back when Ted Thompson is still making genius personnel moves? I think I can. At first I was looking to agree with Chuck, however, I believe it would be the season after he gets into Canton, not before.  But, I can also see this thing dragging out to the 7-10 year range. There is just so much ego on the side of Favre that we never know what his next move will be. He could end up in the front office of the Vikings or Bears for all we know. Then I'd say, "Absolutely Hell No" to retiring Favre's number.

-Pat

Daily Debate: Michigan's Head Coach Vacancy

Les Miles decided that he will not take his talents to Michigan and keep enjoying the turf of Tiger Stadium.  What puzzles me about the situation is Miles has a specific buyout to go coach the Wolverines and he is 57 years old. He will not get that many more chances for his dream job.  So why question is why are the Wolverines having trouble finding a head coach?

Even a team like Notre Dame who also has lost their luster as a football program had Brian Kelly as their coach almost right away.  I really think Rich Rodriguez sit them back by running that open spread and the 3-3-5 defense. Sure they have athletes, but are they going to fit in every system.  Michigan better find a coach by this weekend or these recruits will start looking elsewhere.

-Charlie.

You hit the nail on the head with this one Chuck.  If Michigan would have offered Miles the job three years ago when all of Lloyd Carr's recruits were there he would have jumped the first flight to Ann Arbor.  However, with the current talent at Michigan I don't see many coaches who run a pro style offense wanting to coach there.  Michigan is going to have to turn to a second tier coach looking for his first big break.

-Eric

Daily Debate: Who Ya Got?

It seems like this game has been somewhat under the radar with all the coaching moves and the NFL playoffs but Auburn and Oregon will meet for the National Title tonight in Glendale, AZ.  So, the obvious question is..Who ya got?



If I were a betting man I'd be putting my money on Auburn.  Both these teams are known for prolific offenses and I think the game will come down to which defense can come up with a few key stops.  The Auburn defense is by far the most athletic and fast defense the Ducks have seen all year and I'm not sure if they will be able to wear the Tigers down like they have all of their other opponents.  Nick Fairley should be able to cause some significant disruption to the Ducks' spread offense.  The only chance the Ducks have is to try and get him running side to side and tire him out.

Therefore, I'm taking the Auburn Tigers for this years' BCS National Title.

-Eric

I've already put in my two cents on how I think the game will end (see below). I'm taking my Ducks.

-Mitch

Eric, while I agree with most things said on there... what about the Ducks' defense?  They around the top 20 nationally, I do think they deserve some credit.

Big key to the game will be the play of Darren Thomas, quarterback of the Ducks.  The Tigers have shown the inability to stop the pass all season, but they have been alright due to a heavy pass rush. I think Thomas could have a breakout game.  For the Ducks, stopping Cam Newton is like trying to stop me from doing the Dougie when it comes on, nearly impossible.  I kept having flashbacks to the Ducks struggling against Terrelle Pyror, a homeless man's Newton, in last year's Rose Bowl. But this is a new team.

I think this is the best National Championship game we have had since 2005.  Both teams are evenly matched.  One thing about both teams is they don't quit. Both have seen large deficits during a game (See Stanford and Alabama) so if one starts 21-0, don't turn off the television. I will take the Ducks by a field goal. Oregon 38-35  

-Charlie.