football season is here!!!!!!!!!! (3 Viewers)

[tdubel]

Ron it's great to see that you have given my gators the respect they deserve, but you must know I'm going to be given you hell everyday all week, it wouldn't be a rivalry if I didn't, we will destroy the seminots this weekend, and it won't even be close, if anyone can take a look at the teams the gators have destroyed this year and by the margins how in the world can they not be no.1????? LSU, GA, Miami, yea we took a 1 point loss to ol' miss but I didn't think we would win every game, so after we take out the nots and win the SEC championship game there should be no question who should be in the BCS championship game, say it with me Ron.......gooooooo gators!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..Sammy

Sammy,
I agree the Gators are firing on all cylinders, but you lost to Ole Miss, plain and simple, the same team that beat LSU and probably should have beaten Alabama. Alabama though didn't lose and is #1, the SEC title game will be for all the marbles and it will be a barn burner. BUT, who is it after that, Oklahoma or USC for the big title?? Should be a fun finish to watch courtesy of the SEC!

TD

 

[jazzeum]

Great day for the home teams (Giants and Jets, so as not to confuse with this college football talk). I'm sure there have been better days but I can't think of them.

Quandry for Jets fans: who do you root for this weekend in Steelers v. Pats. Root for Pats to win to help you get that second seeding or root for Steelers to cement your lead in the AFC East. I'd play it safe and root for the Steelers. Right now, the Pats are outside looking in on the playoff picture, with Baltimore and Colts leading the Wild Card. I'd like to keep it that way.

 

[Capitolron]

Ron it's great to see that you have given my gators the respect they deserve, but you must know I'm going to be given you hell everyday all week, it wouldn't be a rivalry if I didn't, we will destroy the seminots this weekend, and it won't even be close, if anyone can take a look at the teams the gators have destroyed this year and by the margins how in the world can they not be no.1????? LSU, GA, Miami, yea we took a 1 point loss to ol' miss but I didn't think we would win every game, so after we take out the nots and win the SEC championship game there should be no question who should be in the BCS championship game, say it with me Ron.......gooooooo gators!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..Sammy

Sammy

I have seen many FSU vs. UF games in my time and its not of the question that a upset could happen. Usually, when Florida starts looking past the Seminoles - thats when trouble starts !

Now, there is no question the Gators are very strong - but, Alabama is no slouch either - SEC GAME will be like a BOWL GAME for sure.

Hey, I would be happy just to get the ACC Title this year - with all the ups and downs we have had. I believe the SEMINOLES will be a great team next year and should run the table very well.

As for those scummy gators - well lets see what happens.

Ron

 

[Capitolron]

Ron, mixed feelings, I am a Terp and a Nole, so happy one minute, sad the next, but overall, I think I will be a happy camper as I truly think you saw a great future rivalry over the next few years. MD was better than the score, but FSU was flawless last night, which again was nice to see!

As for ND, it is the money and loyal following. Every crowd you encounter, there will be at least a few ND Fans! A lot of hype, a lot of tradition. BUT, for now, they don't deserve to be on tv every week, whoever signed that contract should be fired! They have nose dived and the ratings have followed.

TD

Well Tom - This week you can root for your TERPS and help the SEMINOLES at the sametime !

 

[Louis Badolato]

Well, I've had a chance to reflect on week 12 on the NFL season (except for tonights match up between Greenbay and the Saints), and I must say I am a little surprised by the Jets. The didn't just beat the previously undefeated Titans, they dominated them 34-13, and frankly, I just didn't think they would get it done in a big game on the road for a second week in a row. The Jets have firmly placed themselves among the contenders in the AFC, alongside the aforementioned Titans, the Steelers and, after the drubbing they gave Miami, with Cassell throwing for 400+ yards for the second week in a row, the Patriots. Sadly, it looks like the horribly flawed Denver Broncos (who got blown out by the lowly Raiders), with no defense and no running game, will limp into the playoffs by winning the AFC West (don't you think there should be a rule that if the best team in a Division is at or under .500, they shouldn't send a representative to the playoffs, and there should be another wildcard team instead?).

In the NFC, the Giants, absent their two best offensive weapons, Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress, put up 37 points in a comfortable win over the best passing offense in the NFL, when they easily could have looked past the Cardinals with three division games coming up in a row (at Redskins, Eagles, at Dallas). As a lifelong Giants fan, I am anything but objective, but to me at 10-1, with wins over the Steelers (8-3) Redskins (7-4), Cowboys (7-4), Ravens (7-4), Cardinals (7-4), and Eagles (5-5-1), they seem to be the class of the NFC. The Buccaneers (8-3), Panthers (8-3), and the Redskins (7-4), Cowboys (7-4), Cardinals (7-4) are also in the playoff debate. The only question in the NFC is which presently 6-5 or 5-5 team will win the NFC North, and limp into the playoffs?

 

[Warrior]

"Quandry for Jets fans: who do you root for this weekend in Steelers v. Pats. Root for Pats to win to help you get that second seeding or root for Steelers to cement your lead in the AFC East. I'd play it safe and root for the Steelers. Right now, the Pats are outside looking in on the playoff picture, with Baltimore and Colts leading the Wild Card. I'd like to keep it that way."

I remember when Brady went down this year, the whole world counted the Patriots out. Just like in 2001; when Bledsoe went down, the whole world counted the Patriots out. How'd that one turn out? Just ask any Rams fan.

This game vs the Stoolers is huge, actually a playoff game to be honest. If the Patriots lose, they are in big trouble as they lose the tiebreaker with the Dolts (they are incredible, winning at Pittsburg and at San Diego, they just keep rolling along, they were dead earlier this season, now they could be a sleeper for the Super Bowl) for a playoff berth and who knows what will happen with the Ravens. Unless the Jets go in the toilet, the AFC East title is not going to happen this year despite Cassels heroics. After the way he has played this year, he is set $$$$$$$$$$$$wise for life, good for the kid.

The Jets have a cream puff schedule the rest of the way, 13-3, AFC East title and a first round bye are virtual locks, unless Favre has a meltdown and costs them a game (or two) they have no business losing (ie, the Raiders game earlier this year, how did they blow that one; oh yeah, they're the Jets, that's how).

 

[sammy719]

"Quandry for Jets fans: who do you root for this weekend in Steelers v. Pats. Root for Pats to win to help you get that second seeding or root for Steelers to cement your lead in the AFC East. I'd play it safe and root for the Steelers. Right now, the Pats are outside looking in on the playoff picture, with Baltimore and Colts leading the Wild Card. I'd like to keep it that way."

I remember when Brady went down this year, the whole world counted the Patriots out. Just like in 2001; when Bledsoe went down, the whole world counted the Patriots out. How'd that one turn out? Just ask any Rams fan.

This game vs the Stoolers is huge, actually a playoff game to be honest. If the Patriots lose, they are in big trouble as they lose the tiebreaker with the Dolts (they are incredible, winning at Pittsburg and at San Diego, they just keep rolling along, they were dead earlier this season, now they could be a sleeper for the Super Bowl) for a playoff berth and who knows what will happen with the Ravens. Unless the Jets go in the toilet, the AFC East title is not going to happen this year despite Cassels heroics. After the way he has played this year, he is set $$$$$$$$$$$$wise for life, good for the kid.

The Jets have a cream puff schedule the rest of the way, 13-3, AFC East title and a first round bye are virtual locks, unless Favre has a meltdown and costs them a game (or two) they have no business losing (ie, the Raiders game earlier this year, how did they blow that one; oh yeah, they're the Jets, that's how).

I prey that the pats killl the steelers and my ravens win against the bengals then we are tied for first place in the afc north again, and in 2 weeks the evil steelers come to baltimore for a battle of first palce ( I hope) if there is one team i truly hate it is the steelers.....sammy

 

[jazzeum]

I always find it amusing how people complain about how this team or that team has an easy schedule. Usually, the comment comes from fans of teams chasing after the team that has the easy schedule. Secondly, the team doesn't make the schedule. So, what are they to do? Offer to play harder teams? "No, I don't think I want to play 49ers next week. I'd like to play the Giants, then the Cowboys, Steelers after that, give me the Titans again and after that I'll have a dessert menu of Cardinals or Falcons."

 

[lancer]

Louis has got a great point. There should be NO sub-.500 team in the playoffs. Ever. If a division winner is under .500, tough. Go to the next ranked wild-card team. If no one can meet the .500 benchmark then leave the spot empty and award a first round bye to whoever. Losers do not belong in the playoffs! --- lancer

 

[tdubel]

I prey that the pats killl the steelers and my ravens win against the bengals then we are tied for first place in the afc north again, and in 2 weeks the evil steelers come to baltimore for a battle of first palce ( I hope) if there is one team i truly hate it is the steelers.....sammy

Why are the Steelers so hated? I live in Baltimore, but am a life long Pittsburgh fan in general due to where my father grew up and family still live. It wasn't too long ago when the Colts left Baltimore and the Steelers became everyone's home team. It was comical watching my neighbors become closet Steeler fans! Baltimore has won their fair share so it can't be jealousy?

I will also say this, I had Ravens season tix for the first 6 years they were here because of a love for NFL football, unfortunately, I missed watching the Steelers on tv, so now another family member owns them. Getting to the point, I sat in those stands for 6 years and watched the way fans acted, treated opposing fans, etc. IT WAS DISGRACEFUL and I would never subject my little guy much less myself to this again. For the record, the seats were in a very high dollar section, awesome seats, its almost like people forgot their class and manners once they showed up to the game. To me, it is an embarassment on Baltimore. I have been to more Steelers games than I can count and have never seen the kind of BS like I saw in Baltimore. I have also been to the 49ers, Dallas, Washington and Miami and have not seen what I saw in Baltimore for 6 years. Those that know me , know that I am no "prude" when it comes to this kind of stuff, but physical altercations, namecalling that is not suitable for print, etc is what you experience in Baltimore as an opposing fan. I for one have always enjoyed a good ribbing or banter or passionate debate, but I draw the line at drunken fisticuffs, too bad most of Baltimore doesn't.

What are others experiences around the Country?

TD

 

[jazzeum]

Don't count me as one who dislikes the Steelers. From all that I know, they're a class organization, with highly regarded ownership and very loyal fans, not to mention a cornerstone of the old NFL.

Unfortunately, bad behavior isn't confined to Baltimore or to football. I have seen it at both Yankees and Mets games. However, some of the worst behavior, which I think the NFL is now trying to curb, has taken place at Giants Stadium where Jets fans at halftime would subject women to all kinds of taunts, daring them to take off their top, etc. The Jets didn't do much or didn't have the manpower/security to stop it. This first came to light last year in a Times article. Somehow fans think that because they're paying big money they can act like morons and leave their manners at the door.

 

[Warrior]

Brad and Tom,
Having worked security for five years at the old Patriots stadium, the behavior comes down to one word; booze. What other sport/event encourages you to get to the stadium four hours before the game and drink yourself into a coma, Real Sports on HBO did a story about this and it was pretty disturbing.

I can tell you guys some stories of fans I and other security personnel had to deal with over the years and most of the stories are pretty frightening, booze does weird things to people. To top it off, like they haven't had enough to drink, after the game they go out into the parking lot and do the same thing for another three hours and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle, which is frightening as well.

The Patriots have installed some pretty high tech security cameras at the new stadium and do not tollerate moronic behavior, they also have family only sections set up at the stadium as well.

I found the majority of these "fans" who caused trouble were 20 somethings with beer muscles and fleabrains................

 

[Spitfrnd]

Brad and Tom,
Having worked security for five years at the old Patriots stadium, the behavior comes down to one word; booze. What other sport/event encourages you to get to the stadium four hours before the game and drink yourself into a coma.................

Well I would say the other football (soccer) qualifies.

 

[Warrior]

"Well I would say the other football (soccer) qualifies."

Great point, the folks who attended the MLS soccer games at the old stadium were extremely passionate, but not as boozed up as the NFL crowd, perhaps in Europe things are a little different, our friends from the Uk could enlighten us on that.................

 

[jrsteel]

Brad and Tom,
Having worked security for five years at the old Patriots stadium, the behavior comes down to one word; booze. What other sport/event encourages you to get to the stadium four hours before the game and drink yourself into a coma, Real Sports on HBO did a story about this and it was pretty disturbing.

I can tell you guys some stories of fans I and other security personnel had to deal with over the years and most of the stories are pretty frightening, booze does weird things to people. To top it off, like they haven't had enough to drink, after the game they go out into the parking lot and do the same thing for another three hours and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle, which is frightening as well.

The Patriots have installed some pretty high tech security cameras at the new stadium and do not tollerate moronic behavior, they also have family only sections set up at the stadium as well.

I found the majority of these "fans" who caused trouble were 20 somethings with beer muscles and fleabrains................

You are right about the 20 something crowd. The main event for them isn't the game, it's the partying. Playing stupid drinking games, chugging whiskey and then go into the stadium and start fights, puke and pass out. There's nothing wrong with having a couple beers, grilling some bratwurst before the game but some people are just there to get wasted.

 

[Warrior]

"You are right about the 20 something crowd. The main event for them isn't the game, it's the partying. Playing stupid drinking games, chugging whiskey and then go into the stadium and start fights, puke and pass out. There's nothing wrong with having a couple beers, grilling some bratwurst before the game but some people are just there to get wasted."

I don't mean to paint with a broad brush and say all 20 somethings are the trouble makers, as we had problems with all age groups, but the younger fans were the majority of the trouble makers. As you said, the game is secondary to most of them and all they do is try to drink each other under the table. It is amazing to see them staggering into the stadium, I can remember many a Sunday thinking "This is going to be a fun day" seeing them all half stewed stumbling around the stadium.

Speaking of Sunday, good luck vs the Patriots, Cassel is red hot right now, but the #1 defense in the NFL is coming to town. The weather is going to be sunny in the 40's, so we'll see how things shake out.........

 

[tdubel]

Brad, George, JR,

All good points, and people drink in every stadium, I just hate to say though that Baltimore seemingly has more of it than other places. It gives real meaning to the word Baltomoron. Sad but true state of affairs. I love to drink, honestly, I can find a wine, beer, drink for any occasion, I really enjoy my time spent doing so. BUT I also don't act like an idiot, still show the same class regardless of how many I have had, wouldn't it be grand if others could do the same.

 

[sammy719]

Brad, George, JR,

All good points, and people drink in every stadium, I just hate to say though that Baltimore seemingly has more of it than other places. It gives real meaning to the word Baltomoron. Sad but true state of affairs. I love to drink, honestly, I can find a wine, beer, drink for any occasion, I really enjoy my time spent doing so. BUT I also don't act like an idiot, still show the same class regardless of how many I have had, wouldn't it be grand if others could do the same.

mr. tdubel, when you start categorizing a whole city because of some drunking idiots, name calling and such, well your doing the exact same thing, you may want to look in the mirror, you sound like you have a personal grudge against the great state of maryland and I do take offense to the "Baltomoron" remark, we true Marylanders are very loyal to our sports teams. I may kid around with the other forum members favorite teams but I do not cross the line like you have.....Sammy

 

[jazzeum]

Can we all calm down a little bit and not get riled up over what should be fun. Sammy, I will let Tom speak for himself but Tom is a Marylander through and through who had relatives fight for Maryland in the Civil War, both for the North and the South.

 

[tdubel]

mr. tdubel, when you start categorizing a whole city because of some drunking idiots, name calling and such, well your doing the exact same thing, you may want to look in the mirror, you sound like you have a personal grudge against the great state of maryland and I do take offense to the "Baltomoron" remark, we true Marylanders are very loyal to our sports teams. I may kid around with the other forum members favorite teams but I do not cross the line like you have.....Sammy

Sammy,

I think you need take off the Pimilco "Blinders" and look at this from an observation position. No offense, but have you been to a game lately? It doesn't matter if you are in the club level (my seats), the upper/lower, etc. every section has a host of drunken idiots in it, so to me, that pretty much seems like game, set match. I also hold Terps season tix, no issues there. I think a majority of fans attending Ravens events leave their class and manners at the door, hence my comment Baltomoron, if you are not in that category, fine, so be it, I commend you.

I am a lifelong Marylander, but I also look at the world and every issue through black and white eyes, I call it as I see it, plain and simple. Like it or not, the typical Ravens game experience is anything but pleasant and I find that disgraceful. TRUE loyalty also should breed some class, not righteous indignation and rudeness to all opposition. I do apologize as you are probably from your post not part of the group I describe, but sadly, I believe you are in the minority and I do feel bad for those fans. BUT, I will tell you, I am not the only one who has this opinion. Because of my job, I interact with a lot of people from all over the USA and the majority who have visited Bmore for a Ravens game share the same opinion. I use to never be able to give my tix to business contacts from out of town for fear of the experience they would endure!

TD