Are you ready for some Football?!

[Ihateregistering1]

So I just realized I have yet to see a post regarding the NFL since the season started, so I figured what the hell? Let's get one started.

So:
-Who is your team?
-Who do you think will be in (and win) the Superbowl?
-Who do you think will be the surprise team this year both good and bad (ie. the team that shocks everyone with how good they are/how much they improve, and the team that falls short of expectations)?
-Offensive and Defensive MVP (who isn't a QB)?

-Falcons are my team.
-I think it'll probably be Green Bay vs. Patriots, with Green Bay winning (I refuse to think the Patriots might win it again).
-I won't say I think the Falcons will be better than anyone expects because I'm biased (though I'm as shocked as anyone with this 2-0 start), but I think Tampa Bay will be better than people think (which isn't saying much), and I think the Colts will fall short of expectations (I think Luck is overrated).
-Julio Jones and JJ Watt (something about having JJ initials apparently makes you awesome at football).

Oh, and before the usual suspects come in, I'll cover all the bases:
-DERP!!! Hand-egg!!
-Rubgy players are SOOOOOOOOO much tougher because they don't wear pads.
-It's American Football, the US isn't the center of the universe, etc etc
-Football is soooo boring!!
-Americans are so dumb!

 

[Guffe]

I'll be the first football fan to answer!!!
Football... in the European sense that is >
That's what I came here for, but it appeared we're talking about different sports with the same name.

I don't follow (A)Football, I've watched the Superbowl once and was bored to death, presumably because I couldn't understand the game. I have a few friends who are quite into AmercianFootball and the NFL has gathered the interest of many Finnish people during the last few years. As have other "American sports" like NHL (we follow a lot of hockey in this country) and the NBA and basketball in general has boomed in the past few years also.

But I can't answer your questions because I have no idea about anything you're asking for
Just decided to throw in my little comment here

 

[TheVampwizimp_v1legacy]

Thanks, FINLAND^ But we're talking about a real sport, the red-blooded, hard-hitting, bone-crunching, wife-beati... Uh, okay, uh, wait,--
--Yes, that's right, Football!!!

The Lions are my team, and hell yeah, they're gonna go all the way, win that Superbowl, write their names in legend...

They're going to suck. They are 0-2, and should have beat both teams they played (Chargers and Vikings), and our QB, the man we have hung our hopes on for 6 years now, is an overrated, middle-of-the-road player. Huge talent, average actual skill.

As for the Superbowl, I have a hard time doubting the Patriots. As much as I want them to fail, and for Tom Brady to finally have a crappy year, there's no reason they won't be as good this year as they were last year. I can't guess at who they will play, but they will likely beat whoever it is.

I am predicting that the Browns will be improved this year, because that would be amusing, and that the Lions will fall far short of the tentative but eager expectations of their fans. They have enough pieces to contend for a wildcard, but even the endless optimism that comes with being a Lions fan can't convince me that they will gel into a quality team this year.

J.J. Watt is a beast of a player, and has a good shot at winning an MVP this year or the next. I dunno about offensive MVP, but wouldn't it be crazy if Adrian Peterson had just a huge year and they had to give it to him?

 

[Ihateregistering1]

...and our QB, the man we have hung our hopes on for 6 years now, is an overrated, middle-of-the-road player. Huge talent, average actual skill.

Yeah, that sometimes happen to QBs when they are surrounded by mutant wide receivers like Calvin Johnson (thus far it's somewhat looking like that with Matt Ryan and Julio Jones this year as well).

 

[doggy go 7]

I'll be the first football fan to answer!!!
Football... in the European sense that is >

Another football fan drawn in by the promise of football, only to find that we're talking about American football. I similarly have friends who've gotten into American football, to the point that one has set up a uni team in London, but I've never managed to be too interested (I find the game too stop start and inconsistent for my tastes, but I imagine if I were around it more often I might be fonder of it).

The Lions are my team, and hell yeah, they're gonna go all the way, win that Superbowl, write their names in legend...

While I'm here though, this is something I've noticed with American sports in general, and was wondering if someone could help out. In England, when we refer to our chosen sports team (Arsenal all the way), once established the rest of the conversation is carried out in terms of we. For example "I support Arsenal, and we were royally fucked over by Diago Costa this weekend". Americans seem to use they when referring the their team (as in the quote above), and while the makes sense from a rational point of view (it's not like I'm playing the game at all), I've always found that the we encompasses a sense of community that the local team is all about, and I've always found it interesting that Americans don't do it (especially as they're perfectly willing to talk about we when it comes to their countries national exploits). Am I getting the wrong impression, do Americans use we, or is it just a small cultural distinction that I'm over-analysing?

 

[stormtrooper9091]

my team: Rams, lol
super bowl prediction: Indy vs Pack
surprises: I think Dolphins will be good and I think the overrated Crapboys will be crap just to make ESPN cry
MVPs: AFC Antonio Brown maybe, NFC: Adrian Peterson. Defense: Revis with a comeback in AFC and whoever linebacker in the NFC that has the most sacks

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I'll be the first football fan to answer!!!
Football... in the European sense that is >

In the whole-world-but-USA sense, really.

 

[Ihateregistering1]

While I'm here though, this is something I've noticed with American sports in general, and was wondering if someone could help out. In England, when we refer to our chosen sports team (Arsenal all the way), once established the rest of the conversation is carried out in terms of we. For example "I support Arsenal, and we were royally fucked over by Diago Costa this weekend". Americans seem to use they when referring the their team (as in the quote above), and while the makes sense from a rational point of view (it's not like I'm playing the game at all), I've always found that the we encompasses a sense of community that the local team is all about, and I've always found it interesting that Americans don't do it (especially as they're perfectly willing to talk about we when it comes to their countries national exploits). Am I getting the wrong impression, do Americans use we, or is it just a small cultural distinction that I'm over-analysing?

Interesting. Sometimes people do say 'we', but I think (if we're going to over-analyze things here) it has to do with the concept of individualism and meritocracy that's sort of a central idea in US culture. The NFL is EXTREMELY competitive, and I suppose there's the sense that when you refer to yourself like you're literally part of a team, it both diminishes the accomplishments of the guys who are actually good enough to play Professional Football, as well as makes you look like a doofus, doubly so if you're some fat slob who has the athletic ability (and consistency) of a bean-bag chair.

...and I think the overrated Crapboys will be crap just to make ESPN cry

Tony Romo went down last night and is probably out for the season, so that's probably the end of any hope for the Cowboys to make it to the playoffs. Then again, so far the NFC East looks like garbage, so they might slip in anyway.

 

[Drake the Dragonheart]

I bleed BLUE AND ORANGE! Welcome to Broncos Territory!
I really want to go with my heart on this and say Broncos get some serious revenge for SB 48 and stomp the seahags, but I will say Broncos over Packers. SB 32 repeat.
That defense has been outstanding, and if Peyton gets the offense going, look out. Rumors of Peyton's demise may be premature!

Surprise teams? the falcons look like they could shock. The Ravens could be the dissapointing shock team. 0-2 and just lost to the Raiders!

POTY's: I have a hard time seeing a non-qb winning the award, but let's say Julio Jones for offense, Von Miller on defense.

 

[TheVampwizimp_v1legacy]

The Lions are my team, and hell yeah, they're gonna go all the way, win that Superbowl, write their names in legend...

While I'm here though, this is something I've noticed with American sports in general, and was wondering if someone could help out. In England, when we refer to our chosen sports team (Arsenal all the way), once established the rest of the conversation is carried out in terms of we. For example "I support Arsenal, and we were royally fucked over by Diago Costa this weekend". Americans seem to use they when referring the their team (as in the quote above), and while the makes sense from a rational point of view (it's not like I'm playing the game at all), I've always found that the we encompasses a sense of community that the local team is all about, and I've always found it interesting that Americans don't do it (especially as they're perfectly willing to talk about we when it comes to their countries national exploits). Am I getting the wrong impression, do Americans use we, or is it just a small cultural distinction that I'm over-analysing?

Well, I actually use "we" oftentimes myself, I guess I just unconsciously wanted to distance myself from the team that has let me down my entire life, haha.

I think the "we" happens when people feel connected to their favorite team, and as much as I like football and want my local team to succeed, I don't feel like part of the Lions community, for a few reasons. When I talk about the Tigers I use we all the time, because I am a life-long lover of baseball and the Tigers mean a lot to me.

 

[09philj]

I'm not a big sports fan, but it should be clear that rugby (Union or League) is a vastly superior game to Football. The reason is simple. In Rugby, play happens! Actual play! For over half the match length! Seriously, american football rivals test cricket, golf, and snooker for how dull it is to watch.

 

[rosac]

Well I live in Newcastle so it's obligatory to support Newcastle United, even with their current dire form (seriously, the dressing room is toxic and the players either don;t give a fuck, do give a fuck but are crap or do give a fuck and get booked constantly.)

Go go Non-American football (I refuse to call it the S-word)

 

[Sleepy Sol]

I'm not very much into following sports consistently anymore, but I'm sort of rooting for the New Orleans Saints. Two games in I wouldn't really make any Super Bowl predictions but the Saints definitely look like they probably won't be in it (or possibly even playoffs). Especially after yesterday.

Seems to me like the Bills could end up improving even more and being particularly impressive this year.

Aaaaand no frigging idea on MVPs this year, since I'm not familiar with a lot of names and a QB is pretty likely to win the Offensive MVP award anyways.

 

[Catfood220]

Well I live in Newcastle so it's obligatory to support Newcastle United, even with their current dire form (seriously, the dressing room is toxic and the players either don;t give a fuck, do give a fuck but are crap or do give a fuck and get booked constantly.)

I feel your pain you poor person you, I'm an Aston Villa supporter and the club has been a mess since our owner stopped giving a shit and decided to make us exist on almost no investment. Best players being sold, sometimes for a pittance (if you can call £8 million a pittance) or allowed to walk for free. I feel your pain.

Are you a member of the Barclays Premier League user group? If not then you should join, our numbers are few but we are a friendly bunch. Plus we need supporters of other teams to balance out the sheer number of Liverpool supporters

 

[rosac]

Well I live in Newcastle so it's obligatory to support Newcastle United, even with their current dire form (seriously, the dressing room is toxic and the players either don;t give a fuck, do give a fuck but are crap or do give a fuck and get booked constantly.)

I feel your pain you poor person you, I'm an Aston Villa supporter and the club has been a mess since our owner stopped giving a shit and decided to make us exist on almost no investment. Best players being sold, sometimes for a pittance (if you can call £8 million a pittance) or allowed to walk for free. I feel your pain.

Are you a member of the Barclays Premier League user group? If not then you should join, our numbers are few but we are a friendly bunch. Plus we need supporters of other teams to balance out the sheer number of Liverpool supporters

The worst thing is that we did invest in new players, one has been noted as one of Frances worst players (Thauvin) Mitrovic gets sent off and attracts so many cards even the club jokes about it (but is back for chelsea thank god) and I can;t remember the third signings name (Mmeba?) but he's doing alright.

Cisse is shit. Janmaat is our best attacker and he's a right back lolwut.

 

[mysecondlife]

I root for the Oakland Raiders and...

wha WHA WHATTTT???

THEY ACTUALLY HAVE A NUMBER GREATER THAN 0 IN THE WIN COLUMN AND ITS NOT EVEN WEEK 10!!!!

--

As for Superbowl prediction.... too early to guess. I'll just throw in Packers and Colts. (I noticed there's a lot of Viking fans here so lol)

--

Raiders already surprised me this season for good. As for bad, lol Ravens. But then, Seahawks haven't been to a good start.

--

0 clues on MVP candidate. I don't follow NFL down to individuals.

 

[MrFalconfly]

Oh, and before the usual trolls come in, I'll cover all the Troll bases:
-DERP!!! Hand-egg!!
-Rubgy players are SOOOOOOOOO much tougher because they don't wear pads.
-It's American Football, the US isn't the center of the universe, etc etc
-Football is soooo boring!!
-Americans are so dumb!

You forgot American Football being a bit, sort of, stop-and-start.

Way too many breaks, and way too many commercials.

 

[Ihateregistering1]

Oh, and before the usual trolls come in, I'll cover all the Troll bases:
-DERP!!! Hand-egg!!
-Rubgy players are SOOOOOOOOO much tougher because they don't wear pads.
-It's American Football, the US isn't the center of the universe, etc etc
-Football is soooo boring!!
-Americans are so dumb!

You forgot American Football being a bit, sort of, stop-and-start.

Way too many breaks, and way too many commercials.

I thought that I had covered that with 'Football is SOOOOO boring!'. But anyway, I have to change this, apparently calling someone a troll gets you automatically warned.

 

[MrFalconfly]

Oh, and before the usual trolls come in, I'll cover all the Troll bases:
-DERP!!! Hand-egg!!
-Rubgy players are SOOOOOOOOO much tougher because they don't wear pads.
-It's American Football, the US isn't the center of the universe, etc etc
-Football is soooo boring!!
-Americans are so dumb!

You forgot American Football being a bit, sort of, stop-and-start.

Way too many breaks, and way too many commercials.

I thought that I had covered that with 'Football is SOOOOO boring!'. But anyway, I have to change this, apparently calling someone a troll gets you automatically warned.

No, no.

I just wanted to be helpful.

In any way, stop-and-start play isn't strictly "boring". It just stops just as you get to the good part (and for what? A commercial for shitty beer?).

 

[Ihateregistering1]

Oh, and before the usual trolls come in, I'll cover all the Troll bases:
-DERP!!! Hand-egg!!
-Rubgy players are SOOOOOOOOO much tougher because they don't wear pads.
-It's American Football, the US isn't the center of the universe, etc etc
-Football is soooo boring!!
-Americans are so dumb!

You forgot American Football being a bit, sort of, stop-and-start.

Way too many breaks, and way too many commercials.

I thought that I had covered that with 'Football is SOOOOO boring!'. But anyway, I have to change this, apparently calling someone a troll gets you automatically warned.

No, no.

I just wanted to be helpful.

In any way, stop-and-start play isn't strictly "boring". It just stops just as you get to the good part (and for what? A commercial for shitty beer?).

Well, with the wonder of DVR and what-not, I usually just save the games and then go watch the ones I want, that way you can fast-forward past all the play stoppages. You can watch tons of games in the same period of time, it's great.