OL Depth
DB Depth
LB Depth
....maybe a 4th/5th WR and/or 3rd TE.
Expectations above that are not realistic.
That said, all the positions mentioned need upgrading and perhaps this minor league is a way for the Giants to do so at league minimum level, without spending draft picks on them.
RE: I'm watching these games as a chance to find Â
OL Depth
DB Depth
LB Depth
....maybe a 4th/5th WR and/or 3rd TE.
Expectations above that are not realistic.
That said, all the positions mentioned need upgrading and perhaps this minor league is a way for the Giants to do so at league minimum level, without spending draft picks on them.
I'm reasonably sure we can find a FS better that Curtis Riley, and he started for us, lol.
But I would love it if the AAF became the minor league system for the NFL. Players like Lauletta, McIntosh, Avery Moss, Sean Chandler, Evan Brown, Nick Gates, etc would benefit greatly from receiving live reps. I would tune into every game to check out these players as I am sure others would as well. The league could be profitable if the NFL invested in it. It would allow the NFL to try out some new proposed rule changes while also evaluating the referees.
But I would love it if the AAF became the minor league system for the NFL. Players like Lauletta, McIntosh, Avery Moss, Sean Chandler, Evan Brown, Nick Gates, etc would benefit greatly from receiving live reps. I would tune into every game to check out these players as I am sure others would as well. The league could be profitable if the NFL invested in it. It would allow the NFL to try out some new proposed rule changes while also evaluating the referees.
This is really what they want this league to essentially become. Polian said that's the goal.
It's funny, I don't even notice that there aren't kickoffs. Whenever I watch NFL games, it's always when I either get up to get a beer or take a piss, so I often miss the touchback anyway. This doesn't feel any different.
than the NBA on ABC showcase game. Football is so far & away ahead of every other sport with regards to popularity.
The XFL debuted to huge ratings in week 1 years ago because I think people (including myself) were curious. After week 1 the ratings were a disaster.
The AAF debuted to more modest ratings this past weekend and I think this can really grow as a developmental league for the NFL. They have the financial backing and very good people in place.
there have been leagues out there attempting to have an alternative, but the quality of play keeps tripping them up.
Even ignoring the XFL or the NFL Europe, the CFL has been in existence for decades and viewership peaked back when it was a sideshow on ESPN's early days, probably coinciding with Australian Rules Football's heyday!
These leagues aren't making it for one major reason - people in the end do care about the quality of play.
The only way I can see any alternate league succeeding is if they truly use it as a feeder system, moving players up and down from clubs so some attachment to the players with an established club forms in the fan's minds. Otherwise, we are just going to be watching a bunch of talentless hacks mucking it out in tertiary cities that will locally support them, but national interest will be nearly zilch.
there have been leagues out there attempting to have an alternative, but the quality of play keeps tripping them up.
Even ignoring the XFL or the NFL Europe, the CFL has been in existence for decades and viewership peaked back when it was a sideshow on ESPN's early days, probably coinciding with Australian Rules Football's heyday!
These leagues aren't making it for one major reason - people in the end do care about the quality of play.
The only way I can see any alternate league succeeding is if they truly use it as a feeder system, moving players up and down from clubs so some attachment to the players with an established club forms in the fan's minds. Otherwise, we are just going to be watching a bunch of talentless hacks mucking it out in tertiary cities that will locally support them, but national interest will be nearly zilch.
Alternate leagues haven't succeeded because a) they haven't been given a chance and b) the NFL and its toadies have conspired to trash the league. (the CFL predates the NFL and has been successful, but its entry in the US was handicapped by league rules that mandated a certain number of Canadians on every team and its reluctance to link itself to the US. For example, its tv commentators almost never tell you what US college a player attended).
You weren't around in the AFL days, or the WFL or the USFL. They all started the same way every other league started- ex-NFL players, players from small colleges and guys cut and waived from the NFL. What the AFL got was time: time to sort out owners, time for NBC to market it and time to acquire players. It took 7 or 8 years for it to get to parity with the NFL.
It is very cheap and easy to trash a new league with "quality of play". That is to be expected. Hopefully, Charlie Ebersol and his partners will have more nerve than his Dad did and stick with it. They were smart to head off some of the immediate critiques from NFL toadies in the sporting press by getting NFL-connected coaches and executives and billing it as a no-threat developmental league. I also fully expect the NFL will have its claws out for the reboot of the XFL. The NFL will probably spare the AAF so as to be able to say that it is not a monopoly because oh look there is this other league.
You weren't around in the AFL days, or the WFL or the USFL.
I was around for the USFL. What did all of those leagues have in common? Talented football players. And that's what sunk the other leagues.
The USFL would've had a difficult time maintaining sustained success, just as any league will, because they couldn't keep turning a profit with the salaries they were using to lure players there.
The AFL and NFL merged and the WFL sort of did the same thing the USFL did - a net effect of raising player salaries (as well as having a pretty good group of coaches migrate over to the NFL).
But how did they all first compete? by having a high level of talent. If football itself was the draw, Semipro leagues would at least have some relevency.
Quality of play wasn't really consistent across all of the games. The SA/SD game was actually not bad. The ATL team looked awful, there were also a lot of drops and mis-throws last night but it's also Week 1 and literally the first weekend of the league. Of course it's going to be sloppy.
I think everyone should be used to the NFL not even resembling its best product until around Thanksgiving. And that's the highest level. We've been talking about the dip in the quality of play there for years now - so, I think it depends on expectations.
I was actually expecting worse, honestly. Given the talent pool, the limited prep time, ironing out all of the kinks, etc.... I didn't think it was terrible and think there's room to grow.
It's like watching minor league baseball. Same type of thing. If you just really enjoy the sport, you'll find some intrigue - I think it's true enough to the game that it can work.
The XFL was different - I was totally turned off by that the minute I watched it and knew it had zero staying power. That's not football.
But if they stick with this and develop it, I think it can work.
It's in its infancy... I'd temper my expectations for now .
The team I picked seems to be very weak @ WR - Denham the TE seems to be our only viable pass catcher.
Woodrum was in camp with NYG as a UDFA - I thought he played well. Drops absolutely sabotaged him but he had them in the game.
Linehan wasn't awful after Woodrum had to leave with the hammy injury, but the mistakes just gave Arizona too many chances. Kind of felt like the game turned on the muffed punt that turned into 8 points on the very next play.
The Arizona QB played well.
Perez - the Iron QB was probably the most impressive of the bunch.
I also like Patton - that WR the Iron have. They look like the best team to me right now, but the Apollos won really convincingly too - albeit against ATL who will probably be the worst in the league.
SLC has the Iron next, too. On the road. We might be looking at 0-2 :(
The football groundhog may have given you and I 6 (10) more weeks of shitty football!
I also fear I may have one of the worst coaches. Erickson's clock management at times was baffling. Not calling timeout on the plus side of the 2 min warning when he had 3 left and waiting... the 2nd TD drive before the half they almost ran out of time, too - there was no urgency or clock management at all.
RE: RE: The team that was picked for me is just weak Â
The football groundhog may have given you and I 6 (10) more weeks of shitty football!
I also fear I may have one of the worst coaches. Erickson's clock management at times was baffling. Not calling timeout on the plus side of the 2 min warning when he had 3 left and waiting... the 2nd TD drive before the half they almost ran out of time, too - there was no urgency or clock management at all.
I am a degenerate. I took the under.
Quote:
Home teams look like a solid bet in this league.
I am a degenerate. I took the under.
Two unders yesterday, it's a solid play (ok, a tad degenerate) lol.
3-0 B'Ham! Forge on!
Now it's on CBS Sports. ch. 221 Direct TV.
Tonight is NFL Network.
Yup - on CBS Sports.
Last night the SA/SD game was on regular CBS. They'll all be televised, I believe.
Quote:
.
Yup - on CBS Sports.
Last night the SA/SD game was on regular CBS. They'll all be televised, I believe.
Yep, CBS sports, NFL Network, TNT. Some are streamed on their app, and some are on Bleacher Report Live (also an app on the phone/computer).
DB Depth
LB Depth
....maybe a 4th/5th WR and/or 3rd TE.
Expectations above that are not realistic.
That said, all the positions mentioned need upgrading and perhaps this minor league is a way for the Giants to do so at league minimum level, without spending draft picks on them.
DB Depth
LB Depth
....maybe a 4th/5th WR and/or 3rd TE.
Expectations above that are not realistic.
That said, all the positions mentioned need upgrading and perhaps this minor league is a way for the Giants to do so at league minimum level, without spending draft picks on them.
I'm reasonably sure we can find a FS better that Curtis Riley, and he started for us, lol.
Hahaha.
May I suggest the Birmingham Iron?
you'll see Mettenberger soon, I think.
Lawrence Tynes said that any one of the teams playing last night would beat them by 14-21 points.
Yes, from a pure physical maturity standpoint, 25-30 year old men are stronger than 19-20 year olds.
Also, most of these players were top contributors on their college teams only a few years ago.
I think we may have an advantage over the replay guy....I'm guessing he is watching on a small TV...
We will now scout arc's team.
TRich found his niche!
All three home teams won and covered.
Woooo! Let's go!
Come to the winners! Come to Orlando!!!!!
Quote:
Sheesh.
Come to the winners! Come to Orlando!!!!!
I do dig the Apollos!
Yup. And Woodrum (SLC QB) was signed by NYG as a UDFA.
I believe so.
You gotta catch that!
I don't think any OL will be strong in this league, just not enough continuity and cohesion when you have only 4-5 weeks of practice.
So far, they've been awful up front. Ugh.
This is really what they want this league to essentially become. Polian said that's the goal.
I think ATL is a disaster.
Where's the D, Arc????
I think ATL is on the highway to 0-10. Their HC resigned last month. Vick, the OC, resigned last week. It's not good.
San Diego minus the pts is my best bet next week.
I'm gonna say that every time I eat scallions in the future.
The announcers in this game are really monotone. Might as well play music or something.
Quote:
on the move here.
I'm gonna say that every time I eat scallions in the future.
The announcers in this game are really monotone. Might as well play music or something.
Yes, not too energetic. But, seeing as how it's on NFL network, we can be thankful that it's not Emmitt and Irvin or something like that.
Down goes Wolford!
Not even sure it would be too out of place!!!
So long as you stop into my "Gilbert caddies for Eli and then takes the reins in 2020" campaign.
Really makes me appreciate the difficulty of the task.
Oh geez, you're right it could be worse.
Teams are gonna have to find a pure hands guy.
SLC needs to calm this shit down and take this the other way.
SLC needs a big play here.
Good play by the DB
Shades of WCW Wrestling
Yes please
TD before half would be big.
Commenting with all the insight and energy of a cinder block.
LOL yup. Already lost my QB!
DOINK.
The XFL debuted to huge ratings in week 1 years ago because I think people (including myself) were curious. After week 1 the ratings were a disaster.
The AAF debuted to more modest ratings this past weekend and I think this can really grow as a developmental league for the NFL. They have the financial backing and very good people in place.
The game thread was pretty generous in making it seem like there's good football being played. Those games were pretty brutal.
The game thread was pretty generous in making it seem like there's good football being played. Those games were pretty brutal.
Let's give it more time...they had a month to practice together and they had one scrimmage. I think the play will improve.
Even ignoring the XFL or the NFL Europe, the CFL has been in existence for decades and viewership peaked back when it was a sideshow on ESPN's early days, probably coinciding with Australian Rules Football's heyday!
These leagues aren't making it for one major reason - people in the end do care about the quality of play.
The only way I can see any alternate league succeeding is if they truly use it as a feeder system, moving players up and down from clubs so some attachment to the players with an established club forms in the fan's minds. Otherwise, we are just going to be watching a bunch of talentless hacks mucking it out in tertiary cities that will locally support them, but national interest will be nearly zilch.
Even ignoring the XFL or the NFL Europe, the CFL has been in existence for decades and viewership peaked back when it was a sideshow on ESPN's early days, probably coinciding with Australian Rules Football's heyday!
These leagues aren't making it for one major reason - people in the end do care about the quality of play.
The only way I can see any alternate league succeeding is if they truly use it as a feeder system, moving players up and down from clubs so some attachment to the players with an established club forms in the fan's minds. Otherwise, we are just going to be watching a bunch of talentless hacks mucking it out in tertiary cities that will locally support them, but national interest will be nearly zilch.
You weren't around in the AFL days, or the WFL or the USFL. They all started the same way every other league started- ex-NFL players, players from small colleges and guys cut and waived from the NFL. What the AFL got was time: time to sort out owners, time for NBC to market it and time to acquire players. It took 7 or 8 years for it to get to parity with the NFL.
It is very cheap and easy to trash a new league with "quality of play". That is to be expected. Hopefully, Charlie Ebersol and his partners will have more nerve than his Dad did and stick with it. They were smart to head off some of the immediate critiques from NFL toadies in the sporting press by getting NFL-connected coaches and executives and billing it as a no-threat developmental league. I also fully expect the NFL will have its claws out for the reboot of the XFL. The NFL will probably spare the AAF so as to be able to say that it is not a monopoly because oh look there is this other league.
I was around for the USFL. What did all of those leagues have in common? Talented football players. And that's what sunk the other leagues.
The USFL would've had a difficult time maintaining sustained success, just as any league will, because they couldn't keep turning a profit with the salaries they were using to lure players there.
The AFL and NFL merged and the WFL sort of did the same thing the USFL did - a net effect of raising player salaries (as well as having a pretty good group of coaches migrate over to the NFL).
But how did they all first compete? by having a high level of talent. If football itself was the draw, Semipro leagues would at least have some relevency.
I think everyone should be used to the NFL not even resembling its best product until around Thanksgiving. And that's the highest level. We've been talking about the dip in the quality of play there for years now - so, I think it depends on expectations.
I was actually expecting worse, honestly. Given the talent pool, the limited prep time, ironing out all of the kinks, etc.... I didn't think it was terrible and think there's room to grow.
It's like watching minor league baseball. Same type of thing. If you just really enjoy the sport, you'll find some intrigue - I think it's true enough to the game that it can work.
The XFL was different - I was totally turned off by that the minute I watched it and knew it had zero staying power. That's not football.
But if they stick with this and develop it, I think it can work.
It's in its infancy... I'd temper my expectations for now .
Woodrum was in camp with NYG as a UDFA - I thought he played well. Drops absolutely sabotaged him but he had them in the game.
Linehan wasn't awful after Woodrum had to leave with the hammy injury, but the mistakes just gave Arizona too many chances. Kind of felt like the game turned on the muffed punt that turned into 8 points on the very next play.
The Arizona QB played well.
Perez - the Iron QB was probably the most impressive of the bunch.
I also like Patton - that WR the Iron have. They look like the best team to me right now, but the Apollos won really convincingly too - albeit against ATL who will probably be the worst in the league.
SLC has the Iron next, too. On the road. We might be looking at 0-2 :(
The football groundhog may have given you and I 6 (10) more weeks of shitty football!
I also fear I may have one of the worst coaches. Erickson's clock management at times was baffling. Not calling timeout on the plus side of the 2 min warning when he had 3 left and waiting... the 2nd TD drive before the half they almost ran out of time, too - there was no urgency or clock management at all.
Quote:
period.
The football groundhog may have given you and I 6 (10) more weeks of shitty football!
I also fear I may have one of the worst coaches. Erickson's clock management at times was baffling. Not calling timeout on the plus side of the 2 min warning when he had 3 left and waiting... the 2nd TD drive before the half they almost ran out of time, too - there was no urgency or clock management at all.
Hey but both of our teams road uni's are sweet!
Ooof. Bercovici has probably had a tough start to his week. That guy got absolutely lit up in that game.