NFL 2008/2009 season

[cyclohexane]

Saw the game on TV. Was bizarre seeing NFL action, as it was the first time I'd watched TV since coming home. The last time I was watching anything on TV was in LA and a certain veteran player was only beginning to entertain thoughts of coming out of retirement.

- J.T. O'Sullivan did really well. It's almost a lock that he is the starter when the season begins

O'Sullivan looked way better than he has, ever. Niners might have an offense for a change. Still, the fact that he's been on eight teams in six years is a bit worrisome.

Running game was excellent too. I hope they find a way to keep Thomas Clayton on the roster this year, as he led the NFL in rushing during the preseason last year and looked really good last night against the Bears. I still fail to see why we bothered signing DeShaun Foster; we could have easily drafted a younger, fresher back to pair with Frank Gore, and Clayton is still around, having spent last year on the practice squad.

It seems Smith is the odd QB here. That's unfortunate because I don't think he was treated fairly (practice w/ the first unit and playing with 1st stringers in games)

He was pretty much set up to fail; the revolving door at offensive coordinator, the fact that he'd played out of the shotgun in his entire (short) college career, the lack of offensive weapons around him, and most recently Martz giving more reps to O'Sullivan.

Granted, except for Hostler the OCs were all quality coordinators, and the NFL greats find ways to adapt, but when you stick a 20-year-old shotgun QB into a pro-style offense and throw him the wolves by having his first career start against the 2005 Colts...

Plenty of teams could use a QB, and it probably would be better for him to get a change of scenery. Smith's a good guy (spends his free time lobbying for education reform and fudning in California), and at the age of 24 he's got time to get things together. If Smith restructured his contract for a pay cut I'm sure teams like the Vikings or the Chiefs wouldn't be opposed to giving something like a sixth-rounder to give him a shot and have some insurance behind their currently shaky QB situations.

Either that, or the Colts and Patriots could use a back-up QB. They run a lot of the shotgun spread, which is what Smith was doing in college with Urban Meyer.

Da Bears QB situation is strikingly similar to ours (Grossman vs. Orton)

Kyle Orton was above and beyond the best QB on the field, though he had amazing protection from the much-maligned Bears O-line. He looked nothing like his 2005 rookie year, which the Bears clawed their way clumsily to a 10-win year thanks to lots of help from defense and special teams. Rex Grossman came back from injury in play-offs, and they promptly sucked it up. Orton walked the talk when he said he'd be the starter if given a fair chance.

Caleb Hanie is going to be the Bears No. 2 QB soon; he looked decent and protected the ball playing out the final minutes. Grossman only completed one pass; seems like a decent enough fellow (he was helping Orton out in the film room before the game), but he'll be looking for work when his contract is up.

- If the 9ers offense plays somewhat similar to how they played so far then there is hope (meaning 4-12 instead of 3-13)

I might stretch it to 5-11 or 6-10. Not sure about the 8-8 I've been hearing; I kind of don't want to see Nolan keep his job, seeing how he mismanaged the team for so many years. There's a reason the Ravens don't compete every year...

Now tell us about your team

No one else has played this week yet. =)

[Inked Photography]

Any advice on Fantasy football. Who is a good running back to get?

[digitalzed]

Originally Posted by Inked Photography

Any advice on Fantasy football. Who is a good running back to get?

Adrian Peterson of the Vikings might be a good choice.

[aam1234]

Michael, do you write about sports along with taking photos of them. That was great info and analysis.

- "He was pretty much set up to fail" re: Smith.

That's what I think too. It seems Nolan is trying hard to make Alex fall on his face. That doesn't mean Alex is good, heck he could be the next Ryan Leaf, but he didn't get the best setup for him to show what he got.

- Forgot to mention. Vernon Davis catching a 40 yarder. That's sweet.
- How about that Josh Morgan fellow. What a nice surprise.


- "No one else has played this week yet. =)"

I know. Just wanted to re-start the conversation

[Inked Photography]

The cowboys play tonight. Let's see if Romo can get out of his mind celebrity status and start playing football.

[aam1234]

Romo can play. His problem is playing well in the playoffs.

Man, I would really hate it if the 'Boys get the 6th Superbowl before us. So I hope they did as last season

[Inked Photography]

That he can. But he is a choke artist. He is definately not a finishers. He is too worried about being in the limelight.

[digitalzed]

Originally Posted by Inked Photography

That he can. But he is a choke artist. He is definately not a finishers. He is too worried about being in the limelight.

This is his year and it's up to him if he seizes the opportunity. He's talented enough but is he mentally ready?

[aam1234]

He should be. One and a half seasons as the starter with loaded players around him.

[digitalzed]

Originally Posted by aam1234

He should be. One and a half seasons as the starter with loaded players around him.

Yeah, we'll see if having some bimbo nibbling his ear (or lower) will really affect him.