BobbyWhioux

One of many rules that almost seems designed to cause plays to Fail The Eye Test (what it looks like happened didn't actually by rule really happen). Which I think explains the confusion on both parts and also why it's so easy to think "screwjob" when it goes against your team of choice.

I forgot this game was on this early so I just turned it on in the third quarter, so I didn't know who the ref was until that play come up. And as soon as I particularly heard "Gene Sterratore" I immediately felt a sense of dread about that review.

I doubt I've ever felt more sympathetic for the Dallas Cowboys than I do know. Honestly between Bryant, Whitten, Romo, and Murray if they weren't The Dallas Cowboys I'd probably actually like them.

Not only dumb but esoteric, seemingly only suddenly surfacing when it "needs" to. Its easy to see how complete the process and tuck rule scratch that "Conspiracy" itch football fans (and Americans) tend to have.

I kinda hope Jerry Jones has enough pull among the inner cabal of owners to make them change this dumb "complete the process" rule now that it's screwed his team.

Well that should put paid to "OMG the refs are helping Dallas"

I mostly have nothing but emnity for Baltimore but I truly do appreciate Terrell Suggs' commitment to kayfabing his name and college background during these player introductions.

It's like when they put a suit on a chimpanzee. It looks kinda close, it can imitate the form, but no one will ever think it's a dude. Jed know he's supposed to try and sound like Uncle Eddie and he can say the right phrases but we all know he's just quoting, reciting the same words but never really sounding like Uncle Eddie. It's really only because his parents were so bad (and the aforementioned .700 winning percentage under Harbaugh, let's be fair here) that we give him as much of a pass as we have. After all, we want him to be like his uncle too because that implies/requires they'd start winning Super Bowls again. Now, though? Probably not so much. Whoever replaces Harbaugh is unlikely to be an upgrade. Honestly I kinda hope they promote Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio [before someone else poaches him] just to keep him around. Along these lines I am also trying very hard to disregard Gonzo's post about who the 49ers are allegedly interviewing this weekend.

I remember reading (I believe it was from Barnwell) that the Niners had incredible injury luck on the defense for those three years, which I'm sure contributes a huge chunk to them being as good as they were. Even more so because the 49er Defense still does a lot less substitution and personnel switching than most teams. Back in 2011 they basically didn't substitute at all outside of the basic nickel/dime packages. Justin Smith, PATRICK WILLIS and NAVARRO BOWMAN played virtually every down. Barring actual injury and/or garbage time. Significant injuries to the latter two forced them to do more of that this year. And they've trended a little bit in that direction because everybody gets older and it just has to happen (also Aldon Smith's Misadventures Under The Mantle Of Charles Haley means his backup ends up having to play a lot, too). But the basic attitude is still "here's our best 11, they're playing every down, Bring It." Which is good because they don't ever get caught out by hurry up offenses or have to burn time outs on D very often (gratuitous wasting of TOs is Kaep's job and/or possibly Greg Roman's fault) And of course attrition is part of football; good teams tend to also have good injury luck, mediocre teams tend to have bad injury luck and bad teams tend to have really bad injury luck, while historically bad teams have the latter and little talent to begin with.

I will forever link Rex Ryan to that linked foot fetish roleplay video he and his wife made for themselves. Actually, what I will forever link Rex Ryan to is the subsequent promo Wes Welker (still a Patriot at the time) cut on him before a Jets/Pats game, wherein he responded to a reporter's stock question about preparing for the game by working in every foot based Jock Cliche (put our best foot forward, toe the line, etc.)

I mean who fires (basically) a coach with a near .700 winning percentage?

Jed York thinks he is his uncle. He is not. The fact that he at least wants to be his uncle puts him blissfully far ahead of his parents (who brought you such "hits" as Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan, and Mike "Pants Free" Singletary) and I appreciate the effort on his part. And I don't doubt that Jim Harbaugh is incredibly unpleasant to work with on a day to day basis for many of the same reasons he is also so successful. HOWEVER, Remember that rumor about the 49ers wanting to work a "head coach for draft picks" trade with Cleveland? Whether that's cause or symptom, it indicates that front office and coach were tired of each other. I wonder if Jed had an Al Davis moment where he thought the head coach was getting too much credit for the resurgence of the franchise. Given how "well" that worked out for the Raiders I hope not. If you like football teams with weird front offices then Boy Do I Live In The Right Part Of The Country

Nothing about the Cardinals as they are currently constituted dissuades me from my belief that once again the sub .500 Division Champion will win its home playoff game. Out of the field of playoff teams they would be the one I'd think was most susceptible to it. And here they are.

Even when winning comfortably, Tony Romo can't help but scramble around and gunsling his way into a 4th Quarter Pick. It really is like Ric Flair's compulsion to make that doomed attempt to climb the turnbuckle. Of course RGIII immediately threw it right back. Season Of Giving, etc.

#30 for Washington is a bastion of maturity and Playing Out The String with quiet dignity. Only used one hand on the face mask to try and corkscrew Beasley's head off. And only half-headbutted one opposing player while woofing at his objection to such a flagrant foul.

TROLL MODE ENGAGED as Dallas goes for a gratuitous onside kick and of course recover it because nobody saw it coming because why bother with it against Washington when you're already in full control and your playoff spot is locked in.

Meanwhile Kansas City comes as hauntingly close as possible to getting a TD pass to a wide receiver without actually getting it, as Bowe fumbles at the goal line and the tight end Kelce recovers in the end zone.

Speaking of the NFL working in its signature spots...

It's like two indie guys deciding to take turns hitting their signature convoluted spots, no matter how contrived.

I can't even feign surprise. Look, when I talk about how Aldon Smith reminds me of Charles Haley in every way, I'm not exaggerating. Well, he hasn't peed on a reporter's car yet, but a new offseason just waiting to be filled with knucklehead moments is just around the corner...

Goodell (nee Tagliabue): "GIve me your public money to build a new football stadium, or I'll take your beloved football team.... [Mr. McMahonVoice] ... TO LOS ANGELES~! " Yeah, that's been one of my pet conspiracy theories for a while

Grossman can be pickier than Thigpen because Grossman made more money in their respective careers. I imagine that is what this outcome means. Granted they both stole virtually every penny, but still...

I don't know about going far but the last time an under .500 team made the playoffs (it was either Seattle or Arizona, I'm blanking on which), I do recall they won their Wild Card game so I expect the South winner to win one for pride. Like Marcellus Wallace told Butchy, pride is a tricky thing. Twas Seattle, and the birth of "Beast Mode" as meme/nickname for Marshawn Lynch, no less.

I am thoroughly convinced the NFC South Champion will somehow defeat their superior Wild Card Opponent. The Lions regress, the Cardinals turn back into a pumpkin, Sanchez Butt Fumble Bonanza for Philly, something. This is completely devoid of all logic or sense and yet I feel it.

It's okay, Drew Brees just decided you didn't need nice things to see your team benefit, anyway.