NFL 2019 Season Discussions

[Zzzptm]

Plus throwing the ball at the opposing team increased the chances of an interception by at least 3.141 percent.

No, it would increase it by:  S X(x)e^ax dx   

I can confirm that Typhon's formula corresponds with back-testing of the data. Definitely not a good move, THROWING AT THE OTHER TEAM!

[Zzzptm]

Cowboys proved once again that they can't beat a team with a winning record. I left after it was 14-0 and the Cowboys failed to get past the Viking secondary, leaving that second score unanswered. Game over if you spot the opposition two touchdowns and go nowhere like that.

And while the Cowboys came back, they didn't hold on in the clutch, like what a championship team is supposed to do.

In other action, I have no explanation for how Atlanta ripped apart the Saints other than maybe that coaching reshuffle for the Falcons may have been what they needed.

Ravens are still breaking football, I see... even though it was against the 0-9 Bengals, Jackson still came up with a play for the ages. This is a very strong team, and I'm interested in following more of their games, as I think they can contend with the Patriots over the AFC championship.

The Packers still have Aaron Rogers working for them, I see... he's best when served chilled.

Waterfowl vs. Numbers tonight, picking the San Jose Squared Sevens to win this one.

[Typhon]

...maybe that coaching reshuffle for the Falcons may have been what they needed.

By golly I think your are beginning to understand this game a little bit.   

Just between you and me:  I had Atlanta plus 13 1/2.

[Zzzptm]

Then there was this takeaway from week 10 action... as in, literally, a takeaway...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukWm2iZvzsw

The Giants should call a cop about that mugging!

[Typhon]

It will be raining throughout the Dallas/New England game today.  Not too cold, 50^oF.

[Jack the Stripper]

^^Will be listening on the Dallas Cowboys radio network while I work. The weather might hopefully play into the Cowboys hands with the Patriots stuggling to run the ball of late.

[Jack the Stripper]

That fake tripping call ripped away any chance the Cowboys had of winning 

[Zzzptm]

That fake tripping call ripped away any chance the Cowboys had of winning 

Yeah, close but no cigars for the Boys.

Thing is though, they're still a team that can't beat an opponent with a winning record. Is the QB good, but not great? Is the coach adequate, but not audacious enough? Is it both? Yes, the Pats' defense is good, but their offense has some big issues. Settling for field goals isn't how you win games, it's how coaches defend bad choices - "Hey, at least we didn't get shut out!"

[Typhon]

That fake tripping call ripped away any chance the Cowboys had of winning 

Agreed, you never really know about this league anymore.  Check this out.

[Zzzptm]

^Bingo. I really do think that sports betting is having an impact on the officiating in games.

And yes, overall, the calls balance out. But when we look at more than just yards gained/yards lost, we can see some really odd outliers in terms of *points* gained/lost over bad calls.

Just ask any Dallas fan to define a "catch" and you'll get a history lesson that goes back years... with notes as to how that same logic that pretty much wrecked Dallas' passing game never seemed to have to apply to any other team. Of course, observer bias... but there are numerous inconsistencies in officiating. Just ask the Saints fans about what constitutes defensive pass interference...

[Jack the Stripper]

That fake tripping call ripped away any chance the Cowboys had of winning 

Yeah, close but no cigars for the Boys.

Thing is though, they're still a team that can't beat an opponent with a winning record. Is the QB good, but not great? Is the coach adequate, but not audacious enough? Is it both? Yes, the Pats' defense is good, but their offense has some big issues. Settling for field goals isn't how you win games, it's how coaches defend bad choices - "Hey, at least we didn't get shut out!"

It's that classic adage "Talent will only take you so far" with the current Cowboys. They have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL but they fall well short in the coaching department, and is why they can't beat other talented teams. If they can't out talent you they don't win. Simple!

It's so unbelievably glaring it's one of the great mysteries of the world how Garrett still continues to survive as head coach.

[Zzzptm]

I think it was the 13-3 season when Dak and Zeke were rookies that renewed Garrett's lease at the helm.

Looking at his record for 10 years... 5-3 in 2010, then 8-8 and 8-8. And another 8-8. 2014 had a great run, 12-4 and then out in the second playoff round. How much of that was Romo going cold? Or was that Romo getting blamed for coaching shortcomings?

2015 went 4-12, and that's when it looked like Garrett was done. One more year... and that one year was 13-3. Heartbreaking loss in the playoffs, that year.

2017 was 9-7, no playoffs, then 2018 had another playoff run after a 10-6 season... and that run ended with an out in the second round. Both of those years, Dallas' wins came mostly from weak teams, with Dallas struggling to hold its own against teams with a winning record.

11 weeks in, Dallas stands at 6-5. Bills are 8-3, but with a weak schedule. I think Dallas beats them on Thursday, beats the Bears, loses to the Rams, then beats out Washington and Philly. 10-6 and then out when they meet the 49ers, Packers, or Saints.

Looking at the Eagles, though, that team could still win 4 of its next 5 - Dolphins, Giants twice, and Washington. If Dallas goes 9-7, they're out. I see Seattle and Minnesota as stronger wildcard contenders.

And if Dallas goes 8-8, Jerry Jones will be an idiot to keep Garrett around.

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[Jack the Stripper]

He needs to go Z. It's obvious he can't take this team to the next level. Yesterday was another predictable loss. If Jerry has decided he's not gonna be the man next season then he should sack him now, what would be the point on continuing on with him? Try and at least salvage something from the season. I wouldn't be surprised if unrest has crept into the locker room.

[Zzzptm]

Jones said today that he won't fire Garrett in the middle of the season. I'm wondering if the translation is "no other coach that's good enough can stand my meddling, and he's the best of the bunch that can."

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[Jack the Stripper]

^^Thats probably it in a nutshell. He needs time to find his next "yes" man.