Vikes v. Saints game thread

[Redsfan320]

Let's start the discussion.

Go Favre!

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[Eric_the_Red]

Let's start the discussion.

Go Home Favre!

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There ya go.

I like the Saints more, and think they will win. The Vikings are a .500 team on the road, and if Harvin is out, they are done.

[Redsfan320]

Go win, Favre!

Much better. Saints are gonna lose. BAD!!!

:whodey: (I know, it's actually a Saints' chant, but I'm using it for the Vikes. Yeah!)

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[jimbo]

I'm rooting for the Saints simply because I don't want to see Farve's mug every time I turn on ESPN for the next two weeks, or any sports channel for that matter.

[yab1112]

I'm rooting for the Saints simply because I don't want to see Farve's mug every time I turn on ESPN for the next two weeks, or any sports channel for that matter.

My thoughts exactly. But I fear It'll make no difference. If his season ends today, we'll still see his face everywhere, the discussion will just be about him retiring/not retiring.:rolleyes:

[SandyD]

I'm pulling for the Saints, because ... well, they've been my team since 1967. And win or lose today, this team is special.

[paintmered]

Two plays in and Favre has already taken a shot and thrown for a first down.

[GIDP]

I really want the Vikings to win because I hate the Saints for some reason.

[paintmered]

I really want the Vikings to win because I hate the Saints for some reason.

Exactly the opposite for no other reason than I'm tired of seeing Favre. I don't have anything for or against either of these teams, and either would make for a good Super Bowl.

Vikes moving the ball early, already inside the red zone. Edit: and just like that, Peterson scores the TD.

[Redsfan320]

Okay, apparently my thread wasn't good enough. Was it because "game thread" wasn't in the title? :confused:

Anyway, Touchdown on the 1st drive!

7-0, Vikes!

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[GIDP]

Id like to see Favre make it to he SB then throw like 5 picks honestly.

[paintmered]

Okay, apparently my thread wasn't good enough. Was it because "game thread" wasn't in the title? :confused:

Anyway, Touchdown on the 1st drive!

7-0, Vikes!

320

Didn't see it, sorry. I'll merge the two.

[paintmered]

TD Saints on the screen pass. Tie game pending the PAT.

I hope everyone took the over today.

[Redsfan320]

Didn't see it, sorry. I'll merge the two.

That's cool.

14-7 vikes.

The Saints are taking penalty's intentionally, trying to get Favre carried out on a stretcher.

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[Tony Cloninger]

Do the Saints have any defense at all?

This looks like a Bengals and Chargers game from 1985.

[Redsfan320]

Well, the Saints finally hurt Favre like they wanted. Ridiculous.

21-21, tie

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[Redsfan320]

The saints have managed to hurt Favre,and barely get a TD, to wiggle back in the lead. Sickening.

28-21, Saints (yeah, right)

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[Roy Tucker]

I'm not a big Favre fan but the guy is playing on all guts now.

I figured the Saints defense would want to bang up his 40 yr. old body and that they have done.

[paintmered]

Pass Interference in the endzone on the Saints. First and goal on the one for the Vikings.

[Redsfan320]

WOW!! Vikes TD. Favre is the toughest player ever to step on a football field.

I'm hoping he can wrap this up without an OT.

28-28, tie

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[Roy Tucker]

The Vikings' defense has been more effective against the Saints offense than what I expected.

[paintmered]

No matter the outcome, this has been a great game. And so will the Super Bowl.

[paintmered]

12 men in the huddle on Minnesota. Huge penalty that backs them out of field goal range. 3rd down and 15 with :19 to go, ball on the 38.

[Kingspoint]

Great game.

Something hit me during the game as to why Chris Henry was liked by Mike Brown so much.

It was because Brat's Offense was totally useless without Henry.

They had to kowtow to Henry as they needed him as much as anyone.

Of course, this game has also reminded me once again how horrible a Coach Marvin Lewis is that he wants to have a running game and not do everything he can to fire Bratkowski, and how horrible Bratkowski is as an OC. Though it was obvious to me how horrible he was when he was a Seahawk, as Warren Moon was the only reason his Offense was good there just like Favre is to the Vikings this year.

[paintmered]

Favre throws the pick!

[Kingspoint]

Wow!

[paintmered]

Brees will have a shot for the hail mary with a second remaining. This one is going to overtime, and deservedly so.

[Roy Tucker]

Well, Favre has a lot of guts but that was a really stupid throw.

OT.

[Oxilon]

Hilarious. Couldn't have happened to a more annoying player.

[paintmered]

I cringe every time I hear the PA announcer over the television. This is the same guy who did the Sugar Bowl and he was nothing short of nausea inducing.

Meanwhile, New Orleans will get the ball.

[KronoRed]

Well, Favre has a lot of guts but that was a really stupid throw.

OT.

I'm sure the Saints did something illegal, it's never Farve's fault ;)

[Redsfan320]

Here we go.

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[Joseph]

C'mon team!

[Roy Tucker]

Are the Saints really going to go for it at midfield?

[paintmered]

That ball very nearly came loose. First down for the Saints though.

Now it's under review...

[Roy Tucker]

Veeerry interesting play review here.

[paintmered]

The first down stands.

[Joseph]

The Saints were just handed the game.

[Dom Heffner]

I didn't know we were watching the refs play.

[Playadlc]

That ball is incomplete!

[Deepred05]

I dont think that was a catch...might get overturned

[Roy Tucker]

Dang. Review-mania strikes.

[paintmered]

That ball is incomplete!

Agreed.

[paintmered]

Vikings fans have a legitimate complaint about that call. Saints move to field goal range with the gift.

[paintmered]

Field goal time for the Saints and a trip to Miami...

And the kick is...delayed due to a timeout.

[Roy Tucker]

That NO kicker doesn't look very confident.

[paintmered]

Saints are Super Bowling.

[Playadlc]

The Saints have no shot to beat the Colts.

[Joseph]

Boooooooooo!

Officiating decided this game. Terrible.

[RBA]

He could had 20 more yards. He boomed that kick.

[Kingspoint]

The game was totally fixed.

That last catch wasn't even questionable it was so obvious that the ball hit the ground.

The Pass Interference call was so blatantly wrong.

The NFL looks more like the NBA every day.

Guess the NFL got the matchup they wanted.

[dabvu2498]

That may have been the most perfectly-struck fg I have ever seen. That would've been good from 65.

[KronoRed]

If the game had been fixed Farve would have been in the Super Bowl.

[RedsBaron]

I'm happy the Saints won, but I sure would pick the Colts in two weeks.

[Roy Tucker]

I would think the NFL would want Favre back in the Super Bowl if anything.

Congrats to the Saints. That not-confident kicker nailed it.

[OUReds]

The game was totally fixed.

That last catch wasn't even questionable it was so obvious that the ball hit the ground.

The Pass Interference call was so blatantly wrong.

The NFL looks more like the NBA every day.

Guess the NFL got the matchup they wanted.

Why on earth would they want the Saints over the Brett Farve show?

[Kingspoint]

If the game had been fixed Farve would have been in the Super Bowl.

It obviously was fixed, so it's obvious that's what the NFL wanted, whatever their reasons might be.

[KronoRed]

Why on earth would they want the Saints over the Brett Farve show?

They wouldn't, bad calls happen, I saw a few go against the Saints as well

Nice to see New Orleans reach their first super bowl.

[Roy Tucker]

Nah. I don't agree. Maybe a lousy call or 2, but that's all it was.

[Redsfan320]

The Pass Interference call was so blatantly wrong


It obviously was fixed, so it's obvious that's what the NFL wanted, whatever their reasons might be.

For once, KP, I agree. This was just sad.

31-28, Saints win.

The New Orleans Saints are the champions of the National Football Conference. :(

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[OUReds]

Nah. I don't agree. Maybe a lousy call or 2, but that's all it was.

Yeah, It's not like the last two calls were completely terrible, they were close.

[Deepred05]

At least we dont have to listen to Favre stories for two weeks. Close game, I still covered with 3 1/2 points.

[oneupper]

Two very tough and close calls went the Saints way. It happens. Vikings outplayed the Saints, but couldn't close the deal. It happens.

Saints vs. Colts should be a nice game.

[dabvu2498]

Boooooooooo! Officiating decided this game. Terrible. Officiating decides every close game. It is just a matter of timing as to how noticable it is.

[Redhook]

I'm glad the Saints won, the city of N.O. deserves some happy times.

Minnesota should've won the game, but they couldn't hold on to the ball. That was pathetic how many times they fumbled. I'd be furious right now if I was a Vikings fan.

The refs were pretty bad once again. Quite a few times they gave an extra foot or two on spots on key plays in the game. Also, the Brett Favre roughing penalty was putrid. Reminded of the Justin Smith/Gradkowski play a few years ago.

[Kingspoint]

That was pathetic how many times they fumbled.

It's amazing that all season an Adrian Peterson handoff/run was more risky than a Brett Favre pass attempt.

[Redhook]

It's amazing that all season an Adrian Peterson handoff/run was more risky than a Brett Favre pass attempt.

It is amazing. It's very ironic that he's been the best back in the game over the last few years, yet he's the worst at holding onto the ball.

[Sea Ray]

Also, the Brett Favre roughing penalty was putrid. Reminded of the Justin Smith/Gradkowski play a few years ago.

I agree but I also think the play where he hurt his ankle should have been a penalty because it was a hit on the knee area, hence the Tom Brady Rule

[Kingspoint]

It is amazing. It's very ironic that he's been the best back in the game over the last few years, yet he's the worst at holding onto the ball.

Chester Taylor's an Unrestricted Free Agent and will remain one even if there's no CBA. I'd love to see the Bengals go after and get him and have him and Brian Leonard available as backs. If we're committing to the Running Game, then commit all the way and have Taylor on the team. That'd be better than a fullback.

[redsfandan]

Why on earth would they want the Saints over the Brett Farve show?
C'mon, Peyton vs Archie's old team? The greatest quarterback ever vs the team representing the city hit by Katrina?

It just HAS to be a conspiracy!! :lol:

[kaldaniels]

I gotta think this sets the stage for a week of people protesting the league's overtime format. Prepare yourselves.

[Ravenlord]

I gotta think this sets the stage for a week of people protesting the league's overtime format. Prepare yourselves.

i hope so. i like the NCAA's structure a whole lot better than the NFL's sudden luck structure.

[GAC]

The Vikes definitely outplayed the Saints.....475 total yards and 300+ yds passing by Favre. Turnovers kill, but the Vikes were able to recover and come back from them.... until that last one, by Favre, deep in N.O.'s territory at the end of the game. That was a killer, but over his career epitomized Brett Favre - trying to make something happen, force the ball where he shouldn't.

[blumj]

At least we dont have to listen to Favre stories for two weeks.
I wouldn't bet on that.

[KronoRed]

I wouldn't bet on that.

Yeah, tomorrow I bet we hear he's retiring and then he'll be signed by the Bears by the Super Bowl.

[reds1869]

i hope so. i like the NCAA's structure a whole lot better than the NFL's sudden luck structure.

I wish they would just start the clock and play another period. It doesn't need to be a full 15; 10 would do the trick. If the game is tied, leave it that way. In the post season just keep playing in a sudden death format after the ten minute mark. I think that would be the fairest system.

[blumj]

Yeah, tomorrow I bet we hear he's retiring and then he'll be signed by the Bears by the Super Bowl.
Too easy. He has all offseason to think about retiring and maybe retire and almost retire and eventually retire and unretire then retire again and think about unretiring again, and then sign with the Bears at the end of training camp.

[Eric_the_Red]

Anyone blaming the officials is displaying their ignorance for the world. Did the refs make the Vikings turn the ball over 5 times? Did the refs put 12 men in the Vikes huddle, taking them out of FG range? Did the refs force Favre to make that Favrian pass that was intercepted in the 4th quarter?

No? Okay then, stop blaming the refs for the Vikes being the Vikes.

[Redsfan320]

Anyone blaming the officials is displaying their ignorance for the world. Did the refs make the Vikings turn the ball over 5 times? Did the refs put 12 men in the Vikes huddle, taking them out of FG range? Did the refs force Favre to make that Favrian pass that was intercepted in the 4th quarter?

No? Okay then, stop blaming the refs for the Vikes being the Vikes.

No, but did the Vikings make the refs call a fictitious pass-interference. NO.

Certainly, all the turn-overs were ridiculous, and no, the Vikings probably didn't deserve the win, but the refs definitely wanted, for whatever reason, the Saints to win.

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[Roy Tucker]

Certainly, all the turn-overs were ridiculous, and no, the Vikings probably didn't deserve the win, but the refs definitely wanted, for whatever reason, the Saints to win.

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Why yes, of course. They had a pre-game meeting with Roger Goodell and it was all decided. I saw the memo.

[reds1869]

No, but did the Vikings make the refs call a fictitious pass-interference. NO.

Certainly, all the turn-overs were ridiculous, and no, the Vikings probably didn't deserve the win, but the refs definitely wanted, for whatever reason, the Saints to win.

320

If I had been in that official's position I would have called interference, too. I would not have with the benefit of the HD close up I received on my couch. It is very easy as fans to forget that we often--no, usually--have a better view of the action than those on the field. Unfortunately, interference is not a reviewable call and the ref made a judgement based on what they saw: a receiver going to ground after appearing to be pushed by a defender.

[KoryMac5]

The Vikings did enough to lose this game however you can't discount an awful pass interference call when it happens. The ball wasn't catchable and contact was minimal. I was really suprised the ref threw the flag since he was behind the play and shielded by the Saints player.

Either way I think the Super Bowl is a great match up and one that I look forward to. Plus I don't have to hear Favre mentioned 30 times during the broadcast. My wife and I commented that if Favre was a drinking game we both would be dead of alcohol poisoning.

[blumj]

Most of the games I watch, the refs rarely seem to be able to see what happened clearly enough to make accurate PI calls. They usually seem more like guesses than the reality of what we see in close-up on HD in slow motion replays. I think it's because they don't have the luxury of close-up, HD, or slow motion.

[Sea Ray]

I wish the NFL would tweak its OT to say that "each team must have a possession" and then the team that's ahead wins.

[Razor Shines]

I wish the NFL would tweak its OT to say that "each team must have a possession" and then the team that's ahead wins.

I think they can stick with the sudden death format but no kickers. You should have to get in the endzone to win. I think that would be a fun overtime.

[NJReds]

I wish the NFL would tweak its OT to say that "each team must have a possession" and then the team that's ahead wins.

Agreed. I've been saying that for years. It makes too much sense. Each team gets the ball once, and then sudden death if necessary.

[redsfandan]

Why yes, of course. They had a pre-game meeting with Roger Goodell and it was all decided. I saw the memo.
Thanks Roy, I think I needed that laugh.


Even with the replay system that's currently in place mistakes will happen. And that interference call looked like a mistake to me as well. But I've also always been of the opinion that if a player were to blame a ref for a loss they're just shifting the blame off of themselves. The Vikings had five turnovers. And that doesn't count the three fumbles that they managed to recover. So that's EIGHT turnovers they could have had. I think most teams would have a hard time overcoming that many turnovers.

The Saints only had 3 fumbles, losing one, and no interceptions. I don't think it's a secret that if you can win the battle of turnovers you'll improve your chances of winning. And that's what decided who won and who lost. If the Vikings had only one turnover, like the Saints, the Vikings would be in the Super Bowl and that interference call wouldn't be getting nearly as much attention.

I bet there are some people that predicted that the Saints would win like this. I mean is it a shock that four of the five Viking turnovers were by Favre and Adrian Peterson?

[Sea Ray]

I think they can stick with the sudden death format nut no kickers. You should have'to get in the endzone to win. I think that would be a fun overtime.

I disagree on two counts.

1) That doesn't address the problem. Under this scenario you can still have a team winnifg w/o the other team ever getting the ball.

2) I don't want a part of the game ignored in OT. That's what I don't like about the college system. It eliminates the kickoff/punt teams. If a team is superior in the kicking game then I think that should be a factor in who wins

[Hoosier Red]

I disagree on two counts.

1) That doesn't address the problem. Under this scenario you can still have a team winnifg w/o the other team ever getting the ball.

2) I don't want a part of the game ignored in OT. That's what I don't like about the college system. It eliminates the kickoff/punt teams. If a team is superior in the kicking game then I think that should be a factor in who wins

I agree. The best solution I've heard is that you have to score (at least) 4 points to win. THis still leaves the opportunity for a team to lose without touching the ball but if you give up a touchdown on the first drive it's hard to blame the system. It also would bring an interesting strategical decision for a coach. 4th and 4 from the 20, do I kick and know I'm only a field goal from winning but have to give the ball back? or do I go for it and try to end the game right now?

[Puffy]

At one point in the game the Saints had 9 penalties for 88 yards and the Vikes had two for 10 yards. That point was right before the 12 men in the huddle call.

Before overtime it was 9 penalties to 3, 88 yards to 15.

Anyone who says the refs gave the game to the Vikings is crazy. The Saints were battling the the Vikings and the refs all game (until OT - and I think the refs got every call in OT correct except for the pass interference one. That ball looked uncatchable to me)

[Chip R]

Anyone who says the refs gave the game to the Vikings is crazy. The Saints were battling the the Vikings and the refs all game (until OT - and I think the refs got every call in OT correct except for the pass interference one. That ball looked uncatchable to me)


I think it looked uncatchable because the defender made the receiver fall down. If the receiver was able to run a few more yards, the pass would have looked more catchable.

[Puffy]

I agree Chip - but that one was at least arguable. And since I was rooting for Saints I was trying to be diplomatic (for once ;))

[Betterread]

The Saints were battling the the Vikings and the refs all game (until OT - and I think the refs got every call in OT correct except for the pass interference one. That ball looked uncatchable to me)


The Saints deserved to win - they made plays the Vikes didn't. But there was a horrible missed call on the opening overtime kickoff return. Cedric Griffin was bearing down on the returner at full speed and as he was passing by a Saints blocker, the guy shoved him straingt between the shoulderblades and he came down fast and hard the wrong way. He blew out his ACL and MCL. As a corner, that's it. You're done.
So the Saints guy got away with one, the return set the Saints up at the 40 and a player I really enjoy will never be the same.

[Razor Shines]

I disagree on two counts.

1) That doesn't address the problem. Under this scenario you can still have a team winnifg w/o the other team ever getting the ball.

2) I don't want a part of the game ignored in OT. That's what I don't like about the college system. It eliminates the kickoff/punt teams. If a team is superior in the kicking game then I think that should be a factor in who wins

As to your first point, I don't care all that much. If you give up a TD on the opening drive then too bad, you lose.

I only mind the kicker deciding the game if it's sudden death.

[Dom Heffner]

Officiating decides every close game. It is just a matter of timing as to how noticable it is.

I would normally agree with you on this, but the officials were involved on nearly every single play of overtime.

After awhile I thought there was a third team on the field wearing black and white.

[Sea Ray]

As to your first point, I don't care all that much. If you give up a TD on the opening drive then too bad, you lose.



In a shootout game like this one that's very significant. I'll put it another way. I believe that if Minn had won the toss and opted to receive that Favre would have taken them down the field and scored at least a FG. Thus the cointoss decided the game and that's not right

[Chip R]

Thus the cointoss decided the game and that's not right

The Saints sure didn't feel that way the week before.

[kaldaniels]

Everyone stop for a second here if you don't mind...

I never have understood the logic, where when a call late in the game clearly sets up a team for the win, of people claiming (example) well 1) if the Vikings hadn't turned the ball over 5 times they would have won, 2) if the Vikings had ran the ball instead of letting Farve throw it on their final series, they would have won, 3) (diff game) if U Miami had just stopped OSU on 4th and long, they would have won. Do you catch my drift?

When disputing an isolated call in the final moments of a game...why is it fair game to bring previous game events into question? Frankly I don't think it is fair game.

I didn't think the pass interference (which lets face it, it was debatable) was a bad call in the OSU-Miami game, but if someone thought it was a bad call, I completely understand the logic of claiming that that call cost them the game. Who cares about previous happenings in the game...it was the last play and right or wrong, that call prevented Miami from winning.

OK...rant over.

[GAC]

Like my granddad use to say.... "And if a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his butt every time he hopped." ;)

As for Favre? He had a stupendous season. Even at age 40 that has to weigh in any decision for next year. Would be surprised if he doesn't comes back with the Vikes.

[Eric_the_Red]

Everyone stop for a second here if you don't mind...

I never have understood the logic, where when a call late in the game clearly sets up a team for the win, of people claiming (example) well 1) if the Vikings hadn't turned the ball over 5 times they would have won, 2) if the Vikings had ran the ball instead of letting Farve throw it on their final series, they would have won, 3) (diff game) if U Miami had just stopped OSU on 4th and long, they would have won. Do you catch my drift?

When disputing an isolated call in the final moments of a game...why is it fair game to bring previous game events into question? Frankly I don't think it is fair game.

I didn't think the pass interference (which lets face it, it was debatable) was a bad call in the OSU-Miami game, but if someone thought it was a bad call, I completely understand the logic of claiming that that call cost them the game. Who cares about previous happenings in the game...it was the last play and right or wrong, that call prevented Miami from winning.

OK...rant over.

Why not both?

If the Vikes weren't penalized and forced to throw, maybe they run and kick the game-winning FG. If the PI wasn't called, maybe the Vikes get the ball back and win. Neither is bigger or more important than the other.

These are all factors that go into a game, and what happens in the first quarter is just as important as OT. That's why it is silly to blame the officials: the Viking players were just as responsible for that loss, probably moreso, and blaming the officiating is looking for the easy way out for the team and their fans.

[Sea Ray]

Everyone stop for a second here if you don't mind...

I never have understood the logic, where when a call late in the game clearly sets up a team for the win, of people claiming (example) well 1) if the Vikings hadn't turned the ball over 5 times they would have won, 2) if the Vikings had ran the ball instead of letting Farve throw it on their final series, they would have won, 3) (diff game) if U Miami had just stopped OSU on 4th and long, they would have won. Do you catch my drift?

When disputing an isolated call in the final moments of a game...why is it fair game to bring previous game events into question? Frankly I don't think it is fair game.

I didn't think the pass interference (which lets face it, it was debatable) was a bad call in the OSU-Miami game, but if someone thought it was a bad call, I completely understand the logic of claiming that that call cost them the game. Who cares about previous happenings in the game...it was the last play and right or wrong, that call prevented Miami from winning.

OK...rant over.


I agree with your rant and for that reason I just tune out such talk. I also tune out the saying "well, they should never have been in a position where a bad call could cost them the game." Hey, it's the NFL and everyone's got players and competition is stiff. Calls by the officials could easily determine winners/losers.

[texasdave]

If after 4 quarters the score is tied then start the sudden death exactly where the fourth quarter left off.

[RedsBaron]

If after 4 quarters the score is tied then start the sudden death exactly where the fourth quarter left off.

I like that idea.

[Roy Tucker]

If after 4 quarters the score is tied then start the sudden death exactly where the fourth quarter left off.

Where is the motivation for a team to score before the buzzer then?

Score tied, you have the ball on the opponents 35 yard line, 3 seconds left. Kick a 57 yd. FG? Heck no, just hang onto the ball and go to OT where you have more time.

I kinda like the 4 point thing. I'd like to see a 10 minute OT where you play the full 10 (or some other time). But it would take 30 minutes to play those 10 and TV wouldn't like that. Every tie-breaker scenario has its drawbacks though.

[Hoosier Red]

Where is the motivation for a team to score before the buzzer then?

Score tied, you have the ball on the opponents 35 yard line, 3 seconds left. Kick a 57 yd. FG? Heck no, just hang onto the ball and go to OT where you have more time.

I kinda like the 4 point thing. I'd like to see a 10 minute OT where you play the full 10 (or some other time). But it would take 30 minutes to play those 10 and TV wouldn't like that. Every tie-breaker scenario has its drawbacks though.

I've heard 6 which also makes sense, but I like 4 because it would inevitably lead to a weird situation where a team kicks a field goal then forces a safety to win. I take delight in weird scores, and one where Team A beats Team B by 5 points in overtime would be the best.

[bucksfan2]

FWIW I think Childress blew the game. I was confused at the time, and still am somewhat confused by the play calling during Minnesota's last possession. Minn was set up with a 50+ yard FG at the time and Childress calls up to ultra conservative running plays. That is fine if you have a 40 yard FG or 35 yd FG, but not a 50 yarder. Then when Minn has 12 men in the huddle your moved back to a 55+ yard FG where you need to pass the ball. Favre knew he needed to make a play and unfortunately for Minn he threw an int.

As for OT the only change I would make is guarantee the opposite team gets a possession. If both teams touch the ball in OT I have no problem with that.

[redsfandan]

I agree with your rant and for that reason I just tune out such talk. I also tune out the saying "well, they should never have been in a position where a bad call could cost them the game." Hey, it's the NFL and everyone's got players and competition is stiff. Calls by the officials could easily determine winners/losers.
I don't think bad calls should be ignored. But I can't agree with blaming the loss on one bad call when there were so many turnovers. Was the bad call a factor in the loss? Sure. Were the turnovers a bigger factor in the loss? Yep.

[Roy Tucker]

Read this in Bill Plaschke's column on tie-breakers. It makes a whole lot of sense to me.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke27-2010jan27,0,4627659.column?page=2



Give both teams the ball.

If a team that wins the coin toss scores, then that team kicks off to the other team for its one shot. If the team that wins the toss is stopped, the other team simply takes over and they play until someone scores.

[NJReds]

Read this in Bill Plaschke's column on tie-breakers. It makes a whole lot of sense to me.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke27-2010jan27,0,4627659.column?page=2

It makes too much sense. I can't see a downside.

[Chip R]

I've said this before and I firmly believe that the NFL likes the term "Sudden Death" when it comes to overtime. It makes it sound risky and dangerous. Any other kind of overtime is not sudden death so it takes away some of the excitement of the idea. There's also something to be said for a format where a score could end the game immediately. It keeps viewers glued to their sets because they know that the next play could be the last one. If you have an overtime where each team gets a shot - be it college style or an extra period where each team gets a chance - the drama is lessened somewhat. If one team scores, you know the other team will get a chance and you can turn the channel during a commercial.

Wikipedia says that overtime for the playoffs started in 1941. They more than likely modeled it after hockey. It makes more sense in hockey where possession changes quite often. I believe the first actual scheduled championship game was in 1933. I wonder what they would have done if there was a tie before 1941? But in the 40s, it wasn't as easy to score as it is now. You didn't play on Field Turf in domes and there weren't field goal kicking specialists who could kick a 40-50 yard field goal with regularity. The ball wasn't as tapered as it is now and offenses weren't built to throw the ball all over the place. Back then, sudden death probably seemed like a good idea because it would have been more likely that each team had the ball at least once. I don't think sudden death is that big of a problem since studies have shown the team that wins the toss only wins less than 50% of the time. Look at the Arizona-New Orleans divisional playoff game. Arizona won the toss and NO won on a turnover on the first series.

But I think if you really want to make it fair there should be a 10 minute extra period where every element of the game is used. If, at the end of the extra period, go to sudden death in the playoffs. In the regular season, I'd call it a tie after the extra period.

[Sea Ray]

But I think if you really want to make it fair there should be a 10 minute extra period where every element of the game is used. If, at the end of the extra period, go to sudden death in the playoffs. In the regular season, I'd call it a tie after the extra period.


How makes this idea superior to the one put forth by me and others including Bill Plaschke?

Your scenario would make the game unnecessarily long.

[kaldaniels]

I'm just thinking aloud here...

What about giving each team 5 plays from their opponent's 5 yd line. Team who scores the most touchdowns wins, kinda like soccer's format.

[hebroncougar]

FWIW I think Childress blew the game. I was confused at the time, and still am somewhat confused by the play calling during Minnesota's last possession. Minn was set up with a 50+ yard FG at the time and Childress calls up to ultra conservative running plays. That is fine if you have a 40 yard FG or 35 yd FG, but not a 50 yarder. Then when Minn has 12 men in the huddle your moved back to a 55+ yard FG where you need to pass the ball. Favre knew he needed to make a play and unfortunately for Minn he threw an int.

As for OT the only change I would make is guarantee the opposite team gets a possession. If both teams touch the ball in OT I have no problem with that.

Well, obviously he shouldn't be calling pass plays in pressure situations, Sir Brett proved that. So, I guess he should have been calling runs......oh wait, they had how many fumbles? Sorry, this loss sure as heck isn't on the coach, he wasn't the one turning the ball over.

[Chip R]

How makes this idea superior to the one put forth by me and others including Bill Plaschke?

Your scenario would make the game unnecessarily long.

See, there you go with reading comprehension again. Did I say it was superior? It's just my opinion and you don't have to like it. And I'm going to say this only once: Stop taking things I and others say out of context. It looks like you are trying to start an argument. I'd rather you just put me on ignore.

[Sea Ray]

See, there you go with reading comprehension again. Did I say it was superior? It's just my opinion and you don't have to like it. And I'm going to say this only once: Stop taking things I and others say out of context. It looks like you are trying to start an argument. I'd rather you just put me on ignore.

I wasn't trying to start any arguments but I was trying to stimulate discussion. You brought up another idea and my intention was to compare and contrast your idea with others brought up. I was expecting you to explain your suggestion. Isn't that what this board is all about?


Don't take me personally, Chip. I find agreement quite boring so I generally don't pop in unless I disagree with something. So if you wonder why everytime you hear from me I'm disagreeing with what you've written, that's why. I'm not a rah, rah high five guy.

I assumed you wouldn't bring up an inferior solution. I don't have a problem with you. You're one of the better posters around here. Given that reality,why should I put you on ignore?


Perhaps you have an issue with my wording. Here I'll try again, sans the word superior...


Why do you feel your suggested solution is more "fair" than the one brought up by Bill Plaschke? Of all the suggested options in this thread, would you like to see yours adopted by the NFL?