NFL/NCAA (American Football)

[hibsbollah]

I'm Russell Wilson haha. Wish i could throw a ball like him!

It must be nice to be a genius lugz :aok:

[hibsbollah]

Here we go!

[Gatecrasher]

Here we go!
May the best team win!

[hibsbollah]

Shermaaaan!!

Love the guy.

[Gatecrasher]

Shermaaaan!!

Love the guy.

Ha Ha

[hibsbollah]

Gift wrapped TD. C'mon Russell.

[Gatecrasher]

Good goaline stop, Green Bay struggle in those situations.

not good enough settling for FG

[hibsbollah]

Two dumb mistakes by wide receivers lead to two turnovers deep in our territory. 6-0 is a great result. Got to put it behind us now.

[hibsbollah]

Any chance of getting the ball please?

[Gatecrasher]

Bullet to Cobb from A-Rod!

[hibsbollah]

This is horrible.

[Gatecrasher]

This is horrible.
There's still a very long way to go.

[Haymaker]

Every time I turn my back there seems to be an interception!

[Gatecrasher]

I couldn't have asked for a better first half, long may it continue into the second. I'm surprised how easy the D is getting to Wilson.

[hibsbollah]

Russell 2/9 ; 3 interceptions in the first half.:confused::rolleyes:

[Gatecrasher]

Seattle back in it, need a good long TD drive.

[hibsbollah]

Three and out to start the second half. 16-0 down. I think this game is over. Only one team looking fired up.

[Gatecrasher]

I'm so nervous right now :pray:

[NOLA]

kiss of death but the packers look good

[Gatecrasher]

kiss of death but the packers look good
:shhhsh!:

[Sergio sledge]

I'm happy that the packers look on their way to the superbowl, as I like their offence, but that pretty much ruins my fantasy challenge as I had 4 Seahawks on my team.....

[hibsbollah]

4th int by Russell. So disappointing.

Game over now. Good luck in the Super Bowl Gatey, I'm going to bed in a grump:aok:

[Gatecrasher]

4th int by Russell. So disappointing.

Game over now. Good luck in the Super Bowl Gatey, I'm going to bed in a grump:aok:
It's not over yet!

[Sergio sledge]

Lol, maybe I spoke too soon, TD and onside kick recovery by Seattle!

[hibsbollah]

Consolation.

[Gatecrasher]

****in *****

[Sergio sledge]

Seattle take the lead and convert the 2pt conversion! Packers will have just under 1.5mins to get into field goal range to tie up the game!

[hibsbollah]

I dont believe it

[Sergio sledge]

15 points in the last 44 seconds by the Seahawks, mental!

[hibsbollah]

I'm an emotional wreck. Overtime looms.

[Sergio sledge]

And GB drive right down the field to score a FG and tie it up!

[Gatecrasher]

Well done Bollah

[Sergio sledge]

What a crazy finish! Easy to say now, but GB should have passed more in the last few minutes as Sherman was playing with one arm, instead of trying to run the clock down.

[hibsbollah]

Well done Bollah

Crazy crazy game. Jumping around the living room:partyhibb commiserations, you were the better team for seven eights of that game.

[Gatecrasher]

Crazy crazy game. Jumping around the living room:partyhibb commiserations, you were the better team for seven eights of that game.
I'm kinda speechless at the moment, it all happened so fast.

[DarrenSQH]

What a game. Packers stopped playing at 55 mins

[Gatecrasher]

And the next game begins, I'll probably call it quits after Q1 but I'll be a patriot tonight :greengrin

[Haymaker]

These games are the best.

[Haymaker]

YAAAAAAAAASSSSSS!!!! :hyper :hyper :hyper :hyper

[Gatecrasher]

YAAAAAAAAASSSSSS!!!! :hyper :hyper :hyper :hyper

I had a feeling it would be a blow out after I watched the first Quarter, Congrats!

[Sylar]

Tired and a bit groggy this morning but I'm genuinely stunned by how easy that was last night. The Colts are a much better team than that - Blount ran them ragged (like he did last year in the Divisionals) and Brady found so many weapons to distribute the ball to. Big Nate Solder! :greengrin

I felt really sorry for you last night Gatey - that must have been a horrible pill to swallow as you looked good for it most of the game! Calvin and Bollah will be delighted and what a chance to win back to back Superbowls. I hope you don't, obviously, as I'd love to see us win another and get Brady/Belichick their 4th ring, but going up against that Seahawks defense is a scary prospect!

[Pretty Boy]

Just got my tickets for The Miami v Jets game.

Ticketmaster was a breeze, was expecting the usual meltdown.

[Gatecrasher]

Tired and a bit groggy this morning but I'm genuinely stunned by how easy that was last night. The Colts are a much better team than that - Blount ran them ragged (like he did last year in the Divisionals) and Brady found so many weapons to distribute the ball to. Big Nate Solder! :greengrin

I felt really sorry for you last night Gatey - that must have been a horrible pill to swallow as you looked good for it most of the game! Calvin and Bollah will be delighted and what a chance to win back to back Superbowls. I hope you don't, obviously, as I'd love to see us win another and get Brady/Belichick their 4th ring, but going up against that Seahawks defense is a scary prospect!

It feels like one of those moments that being a Hibs fan comes in handy.

I have had a bit of a chance to reflect on it a bit and I never felt safe in the game, even with a few minutes to go I knew what could still happen. I don't feel like the Seahawks beat The Packers I feel like the Packers beat themselves.


Not taking enough advantage of Seattle's shocking first half.
3rd and 19 - let them convert a 29 yard pass, only 2 rushers!
4 & 1 on the goaline and they didnt go for it.
The onside kick! What was Bostick doing? Jordy was right behind him to catch it!
despite having a great game Clinton-Dix should have stopped that 2 point converson.
after the 4th interception 2 runs and a pass? a first down would have pretty much ended the game.


There are probably a few other examples as well.

Well done to the Seahawks though, They stuck with it and scored when it mattered. I find it hard to hate on any of them, even Sherman as it looks like he played the final 7 or 8 minutes with some sort of fracture and Wilson seems a good guy.

I think if the 2 teams show up to the superbowl with their best on display New England will win. IF New England can shut down Lynch and put the game in Wilson's hands I don't think he will be good enough to keep up with Brady. If that was New England playing in Seattle last night they would have been more clinical.

[Gatecrasher]

Just got my tickets for The Miami v Jets game.

Ticketmaster was a breeze, was expecting the usual meltdown.

What area would you recommend getting tickets?

[lugz]

The playoffs have been amazing this year with a mix of close games and controversy.

Got just under 2 weeks to decide which team i dislike slightly less and back them in the final. Leaning towards NE, as with any SB winning team fans jump on a bandwagon but these new seattle fans have done my head in this season.

[Pretty Boy]

What area would you recommend getting tickets?

There's probably others better placed to advise as I've never been to the new Wembley before.

I went for the upper sideling tickets, section 528 iirc.

[lugz]

There's probably others better placed to advise as I've never been to the new Wembley before.

I went for the upper sideling tickets, section 528 iirc.

I was Upper sideline block 527 this season and thought the seats were great, between 30 & 40 yd line. You can see plays develop, only thing is atmosphere can be lacking at times but that depends on who's around u and the score i suppose.

[Gatecrasher]

Holy **** I didn't realise how quickly this all begins to add up.
Ticket: £70
Flights: £150
Hotel: £120

I could go on holiday for that.

[Sergio sledge]

http://deadspin.com/report-patriots-under-nfl-investigation-for-deflating-1680358128

[Sylar]

Holy **** I didn't realise how quickly this all begins to add up.
Ticket: £70
Flights: £150
Hotel: £120

I could go on holiday for that.

You could just go for cheaper tickets, no? I only paid £30 for my ticket to the Lions vs Falcons game this season in the upper deck :confused:

You'll be able to get a hotel for under £100 (Premier Inns around Earl's Court, Putney Bridge etc are usually c.£80 and on the main tube routes).

You should be able to get the train for around £80-100 return if you book far enough in advance too.

However, aye, for those coming from further afield, it's not cheap. I've no idea how people from Scotland manage to afford the season ticket and transport up and down/accommodation for each game!

[Sylar]

http://deadspin.com/report-patriots-under-nfl-investigation-for-deflating-1680358128

Is it not the case that the balls are centrally distributed for both teams? E.g., the Patriots don't hand the officials specific balls for their own offensive downs? They're handed over when requested by the officials - if that's the case, wouldn't both teams use this deflated ball?

Finally, how do they verify they've been deflated deliberately and didn't just lose pressure during the game (slow puncture etc?).

[DH1875]

Finally, how do they verify they've been deflated deliberately and didn't just lose pressure during the game (slow puncture etc?).


Cause its the patriots :agree:. Knew you'd breeze past the colts last night :boo hoo:. Roll on the Superbowl, go Seahawks :thumbsup:.

Got my tickets for the Jets game, just need to get my hotel sorted. Is Hammersmith to out of the way for Wembley and/or London city?

[Haymaker]

Got my tickets for the Jets game, just need to get my hotel sorted. Is Hammersmith to out of the way for Wembley and/or London city?


Not really, it will still take a while on the tube but anywhere in London takes a while to get to Wembley! And it is pretty much in Shepards Bush so not a bad night out.

[hibsbollah]

It feels like one of those moments that being a Hibs fan comes in handy.

I have had a bit of a chance to reflect on it a bit and I never felt safe in the game, even with a few minutes to go I knew what could still happen. I don't feel like the Seahawks beat The Packers I feel like the Packers beat themselves.


Not taking enough advantage of Seattle's shocking first half.
3rd and 19 - let them convert a 29 yard pass, only 2 rushers!
4 & 1 on the goaline and they didnt go for it.
The onside kick! What was Bostick doing? Jordy was right behind him to catch it!
despite having a great game Clinton-Dix should have stopped that 2 point converson.
after the 4th interception 2 runs and a pass? a first down would have pretty much ended the game.


There are probably a few other examples as well.

Well done to the Seahawks though, They stuck with it and scored when it mattered. I find it hard to hate on any of them, even Sherman as it looks like he played the final 7 or 8 minutes with some sort of fracture and Wilson seems a good guy.

I think if the 2 teams show up to the superbowl with their best on display New England will win. IF New England can shut down Lynch and put the game in Wilson's hands I don't think he will be good enough to keep up with Brady. If that was New England playing in Seattle last night they would have been more clinical.

Pretty good analysis, I think you beat yourselves with some dumb decisions late on and although we didnt know it at the time some big defensive plays early by us (two goalline stands, sherman interception) kept us in the game when it could have been a blowout at halftime.

But it was a ridiculous ending. We were trailing 19-7 with 4 mins left, you had the ball, and we only had one timeout left. In that scenario, the game should be over. For the combination of 1. That drive for the wilson td to close the gap 2. Recovery the onside kick 3. The beast mode run straight after 4. That crazy two point conversion pass, and then overcoming the disappointment of you getting it to OT only for 5. Russell to hit Kearse to win the game on a play that had resulted in multiple interceptions earlier on...AND bearing in mind how bad the whole offense was performing prior to that point...

Well it was just ridiculous.

Looking forward to the superbowl, Only one of Russells four interceptions were down to bad throws by him, so im reasonably confident he will back to his usual self for the superbowl. Im more worried about Sherman and Thomas' injuries. Without those two at full strength I think Brady can pick apart our backups. I just think its a great, great matchup with about seven or eight fascinating matchups. Gronk vs Chancellor will be epic.

Oh and lugz, noone hates gloryhunting seahawks fans more than me :greengrin

[lugz]

Pretty good analysis, I think you beat yourselves with some dumb decisions late on and although we didnt know it at the time some big defensive plays early by us (two goalline stands, sherman interception) kept us in the game when it could have been a blowout at halftime.

But it was a ridiculous ending. We were trailing 19-7 with 4 mins left, you had the ball, and we only had one timeout left. In that scenario, the game should be over. For the combination of 1. That drive for the wilson td to close the gap 2. Recovery the onside kick 3. The beast mode run straight after 4. That crazy two point conversion pass, and then overcoming the disappointment of you getting it to OT only for 5. Russell to hit Kearse to win the game on a play that had resulted in multiple interceptions earlier on...

Well it was just ridiculous.

Looking forward to the superbowl, Only one of Russells four interceptions were down to bad throws by him, so im reasonably confident he will back to his usual self for the superbowl. Im more worried about Sherman and Thomas' injuries. Without those two at full strength I think Brady can pick apart our backups. I just think its a great, great matchup with about seven or eight fascinating matchups. Gronk vs Chancellor will be epic.

Oh and lugz, noone hates gloryhunting seahawks fans more than me :greengrin

haha it happens every year. I don't mind your team they play hard and have deserved their success. It would wind me up if we somehow won a SB then all of a sudden there are 1000s of eagles fans in Britain.

[DH1875]

Holy **** I didn't realise how quickly this all begins to add up.
Ticket: £70
Flights: £150
Hotel: £120

I could go on holiday for that.


You are, your off to London for the weekend :thumbsup:.

What game you going down for and where are you staying?

[DH1875]

Not really, it will still take a while on the tube but anywhere in London takes a while to get to Wembley! And it is pretty much in Shepards Bush so not a bad night out.

Still looking at hotels :brickwall. Keep coming back to one in Hammersmith. So its a decent enough area then?

[Haymaker]

Still looking at hotels :brickwall. Keep coming back to one in Hammersmith. So its a decent enough area then?

Hammersmith is alright aye, if you want to go out after the game then as I said Shepards Bush is round the corner. The tubes stop at around 1am so you can go anywhere to be honest.

[DH1875]

Seems our game against the fish sold out in record time :confused:. I know they have a fan base over here but honestly surprised given how poor a side we are.

[SmithyHibee]

Got tickets for Chiefs vs Lions, section 501 so right at halfway line and in the upper tier £80. Booked to stay at the Generator Hostel at Tavistock Square which is £50 a night based on two of us in a twin room with the all important private bathroom! Just trains to sort out when they're released and I've got an 18-25 railcard to help bring the cost of that down. Expecting it to be an expensive weekend down there as well but I'm sure it'll be worth it to see my first game and hopefully Megatron and Jamaal Charles!

[Haymaker]

Expecting it to be an expensive weekend down there as well


If you're like me and enjoy a beer or two at the football it will be! £20.80 for 4 pints of "lager" (Carlsberg) :bitchy:

[James.]

Seems our game against the fish sold out in record time :confused:. I know they have a fan base over here but honestly surprised given how poor a side we are.

Both teams must be in the top 10 in terms of fan bases in the UK? :confused: Gutted to be missing it but sadly in my line of work I can't pick or choose my holidays!

[James.]

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear....

The upstanding New England Deflatriots appear to have been caught cheating again! :wink:

I have no idea about the virtues of an under inflated football (or eleven of them for that matter) but it seems serious enough.

[Sergio sledge]

Is it not the case that the balls are centrally distributed for both teams? E.g., the Patriots don't hand the officials specific balls for their own offensive downs? They're handed over when requested by the officials - if that's the case, wouldn't both teams use this deflated ball?

Finally, how do they verify they've been deflated deliberately and didn't just lose pressure during the game (slow puncture etc?).

I found this on another article:

"For every N.F.L. game, each team has 12 to 20 balls that it has meticulously groomed and prepared according to the needs of its starting quarterback. The balls, brushed and primed using various obvious and semisecret techniques, bear the team logo and are switched out from sideline to sideline depending on which team is on offense.

That means that from series to series, the ball in play can feel wholly different, but each team's quarterback always has a ball prepped by his equipment staff the way he likes it."

Seems 11 of the 12 patriots balls were underinflated. It could just be that they were inflated inside at a warm temperature and then when they cooled down they lost pressure due to the air contracting. I've no idea how they'd prove that it was deliberate.

[Haymaker]

Surely the refs inspect each ball and would notice every time they held them. I notice if a football is under inflated in my youth games.

Plus how can they prove it was deliberately done?

[James.]

Surely the refs inspect each ball and would notice every time they held them. I notice if a football is under inflated in my youth games.

Plus how can they prove it was deliberately done?

The balls are apparently inspected before hand. So if they have been tampered with it's been when they've returned them to New England. Was it not one of the Colts' DBs that noticed when he picked off Brady?

[Haymaker]

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/01/20/nfl-says-patriots-used-under-inflated-footballs/7UlPZI3eotRTBadM89saeO/story.html


The balls are apparently inspected before hand. So if they have been tampered with it's been when they've returned them to New England. Was it not one of the Colts' DBs that noticed when he picked off Brady?

Was a coach when he was picked off. However the refs continued to handle the balls every play the Patriots had. Plus, why were 11 under weight? Surely if you were being sneaky you would have one under weight and slip it into the game when on certain plays to avoid detection?

EDIT: Apparently the balls were weighed at half time and corrected. Patriots went on to score 28 points in the second half.

Aaron Rodgers over inflates his game balls.

[DH1875]

Both teams must be in the top 10 in terms of fan bases in the UK? :confused: Gutted to be missing it but sadly in my line of work I can't pick or choose my holidays!


We arent in the top 10 :boo hoo::boo hoo::boo hoo:. Can't believe your missing it, thats what sick days are for.

[HibsMax]

I don't know what happened and I will wait until the NFL reports back. At the moment all we know is that 11 out of 12 balls used by the Patriots (not kicking balls) were found to be under-inflated at half-time. I didn't hear but I assume they were re-inflated.....and the Pats went on to score a bucketload of points. The balls were all OK beforehand. This has nothing to do with temperature as (1) c'mon, it's New England, we play in much colder temps than this without balls deflating, and (2) the Colts' balls were found to be OK. Someone deflated the Pats' game balls but we don't know who. The obvious culprits are the Patriots because softer balls are easier to grip, throw and catch. Brady has also been noted as saying he likes playing with under-inflated balls. Given that statement and the common belief that a softer ball gives a team an advantage, there is only one guilty party - the Pats. That's all well and good but I prefer my evidence to have a little more meat on it. This is all circumstantial. If we're going to conduct a proper investigation then all parties have to be considered.

This looks pretty bad and even if it didn't have any bearing on the final scoreline, it's just another reason to taint the legacy. It doesn't matter if we go on to win the Superbowl by 50 points, all people will remember is the Pats and yet another controversy (even though the whole Spygate thing was blown out of proportion - that's the opinion of people close to the game, not fans who are usually rabid haters).

[Haymaker]

I don't know what happened and I will wait until the NFL reports back. At the moment all we know is that 11 out of 12 balls used by the Patriots (not kicking balls) were found to be under-inflated at half-time. I didn't hear but I assume they were re-inflated.....and the Pats went on to score a bucketload of points. The balls were all OK beforehand. This has nothing to do with temperature as (1) c'mon, it's New England, we play in much colder temps than this without balls deflating, and (2) the Colts' balls were found to be OK. Someone deflated the Pats' game balls but we don't know who. The obvious culprits are the Patriots because softer balls are easier to grip, throw and catch. Brady has also been noted as saying he likes playing with under-inflated balls. Given that statement and the common belief that a softer ball gives a team an advantage, there is only one guilty party - the Pats. That's all well and good but I prefer my evidence to have a little more meat on it. This is all circumstantial. If we're going to conduct a proper investigation then all parties have to be considered.

This looks pretty bad and even if it didn't have any bearing on the final scoreline, it's just another reason to taint the legacy. It doesn't matter if we go on to win the Superbowl by 50 points, all people will remember is the Pats and yet another controversy (even though the whole Spygate thing was blown out of proportion - that's the opinion of people close to the game, not fans who are usually rabid haters).

I read somewhere that once the balls are delivered to the Ref then the balls are therefore the refs responsibility.

[Sergio sledge]

http://deadspin.com/report-nfl-was-aware-of-patriots-deflation-allegations-1680914291?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Rumours are that the pats have done this before....

[HibsMax]

http://deadspin.com/report-nfl-was-aware-of-patriots-deflation-allegations-1680914291?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Rumours are that the pats have done this before....

Pretty much everything the Pats have ever done is under the microscope now (well, more than ever I should say).

This is just ugly. I've never been in this position before. I kinda feel like I'm supporting one of the Old Firm.

[DH1875]

I read somewhere that once the balls are delivered to the Ref then the balls are therefore the refs responsibility.

Aye, it was the ref what done it :greengrin

[Haymaker]

Aye, it was the ref what done it :greengrin

Yep. :greengrin

[HibsMax]

I read somewhere that once the balls are delivered to the Ref then the balls are therefore the refs responsibility.

As this story was growing legs there was a lot of misinformation spread around. Here is my understanding:

Each team provides 12 balls which are inspected by the referee 2hr 15mins before the game.
After the balls have been inspected they are returned to the ball boy / team equipment manager (not sure exactly who, but someone on the team).
There are 12 K (kicking balls) which are delivered to the referee and not touched by anyone from either team.
The visiting team is allowed to bring 12 extra balls for outside games.


Sunday's Game:

You can get the full script online but basically someone on the Colts thought the ball felt weird (after he intercepted Brady).
This information was run up the chain and at half time the balls were re-inspected.
The Colts' balls were found to be fine.
11 out of 12 of the Pats' balls were found to be about 2psi under the legal lower limit.
I have not read this confirmed but I am assuming that the 11 balls were re-inflated to spec meaning (1) the "advantage" was only for one half, (2) the "advantage" was clearly misjudged since the Pats scored more points in the second half with the inflated balls.


Belichick spoke this morning and said he has no idea how this could have happened.

All of this sounds extremely odd but without evidence we don't know whether:

The Pats did this looking for an advantage,
Someone else did this for some reason e.g., make the Pats look bad.


The first option is easier to believe so the court of public opinion has already completed their trial and found the Pats guilty of tampering. I'm not burying my head in the sand but I will wait for the process to complete before making my own judgement. When you think about it, with the Pats checkered past it's not that difficult to make us look bad. All you need to do is suggest some wrongdoing and pretty much everyone will lap it up even with a total lack of evidence.

Perhaps someone was trying to disadvantage the Pats as opposed to them seeking an advantage? However, again given our past it's much simpler to assume that the Pats are the guilty party rather than a victim.

[HibsMax]

Belichick Press Conference Summary: I know nothing.
Brady Press Conference Summary: I know nothing.

One thing from Brady's presser that I didn't like was this. At one point he said that he liked playing with balls at the lower end of the PSI scale. Later on he said he couldn't tell the difference between the balls in the first half versus those in the second half. How can you have a PSI preference but also not feel the difference? One thing I would say is that I like playing with a light pool cue (18.5oz) but if you gave me a 19.5oz cue I probably wouldn't notice. That doesn't change my preference for playing with a lighter cue though.

[NOLA]

Both teams must be in the top 10 in terms of fan bases in the UK? :confused: Gutted to be missing it but sadly in my line of work I can't pick or choose my holidays!

no idea of the top 10 UK nfl fanbases but if i was to guess id go with this in no order -
patriots giants dolphins packers 49rs steelers cowboys eagles bears raiders, in the last 10 years the Saints UK fanbase has grown and im guessing with their recent success the Seahawks will be more fashionable now (glory hunters) :greengrin

[Gatecrasher]

http://youtu.be/50Kfd6GCjso

[Gatecrasher]

http://youtu.be/OTRmyXX6ipU

[DH1875]

no idea of the top 10 UK nfl fanbases but if i was to guess id go with this in no order -
patriots giants dolphins packers 49rs steelers cowboys eagles bears raiders, in the last 10 years the Saints UK fanbase has grown and im guessing with their recent success the Seahawks will be more fashionable now (glory hunters) :greengrin

Tampa Bay are some how in the top 10. NFLUK done a report on this a couple of years ago. We were nowhere near top 10 and thats when we had a decent team.

[James.]

no idea of the top 10 UK nfl fanbases but if i was to guess id go with this in no order -
patriots giants dolphins packers 49rs steelers cowboys eagles bears raiders, in the last 10 years the Saints UK fanbase has grown and im guessing with their recent success the Seahawks will be more fashionable now (glory hunters) :greengrin

Cant find any decent surveys or stats to back up any claims but Deflatriots and Dolphins seem to be particularly popular. However there's a fascinating map out there which breaks every US county down by NFL support. Only one team in the league failed to register as being the most supported team in any county and that would be us Jets :rolleyes: I would have thought we would be the dominant team in the likes of Queens, Long Island and even upstate where Cortland is however it appears New York is Giants' country.

[James.]

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/10/twitter-map-nfl-fans

a link to the map. Pretty cool.

[DH1875]

And it seems the Eagles have a bigger fan base in new jersey than us :confused:

[NOLA]

Tampa Bay are some how in the top 10. NFLUK done a report on this a couple of years ago. We were nowhere near top 10 and thats when we had a decent team.
found this report from last year - http://www.tuesdaymorningfootball.com/blog/like-dislike-couldnt-care-less-about

[Sylar]

Y'know what? ESPN and all of those other fans out there who have already tried and condemned us better be prepared to apologise if we're found to have done nothing wrong. This witch-hunt is getting totally silly now and is proving to be a ludicrous distraction from the Superbowl.

The ONLY way it can be clarified if this was cheating or not will be if either someone in the New England equipment team 'confesses' or if the officials have a before/after measurements for the Colts balls for comparison.

Brady has said he likes the ball at the minimum legal limit of 12.5, so that's what they're set to. Belichick was quite right yesterday when he points out that the controlled environment they're prepared in is a lot warmer than field conditions. The temperature (anyone remember/familiar with Boyle's law?) would undoubtedly impact ball pressure and if the balls are originally only set at the limit, of course they're going to gradually reduce in pressure over time, which would be reduced in frigid conditions.

It would be interesting to know what the Colts' footballs started at and how those measurements differed when they were measured at half time - all the officials said was that they were within legal limits - did their balls still experience a drop in pressure though?

It would be really interesting for someone to conduct a proper, independent experiment on ball-pressure differentials, simulating the gameday temperatures from last week. Inflate them to minimum 12.5 requirement in a warm environment, expose them to the temperature experienced in Foxborough last week for the same duration as the first half took and then check them again once back inside. With my science hat on, I'd expect them to be less pressurised.

No doubt the fact that I'm a fan will nullify my science background here and I'll be lumped in with those accused of defending cheating/being an apologist but to my mind, some people have been far too quick and willing to pass out the condemnation and guilty verdicts simply because it's us.

[hibsbollah]

I really don't care about the inflated balls story. Its something the officials should have better control over. What worries me is the potential for creating a 'no one likes us we don't care' attitude in the Patriots camp. Bellichik will use it as motivation.

[Sylar]

I really don't care about the inflated balls story. Its something the officials should have better control over. What worries me is the potential for creating a 'no one likes us we don't care' attitude in the Patriots camp. Bellichik will use it as motivation.

In fairness G, I think that's an attitude that permeates in New England already.

We're a team that most people in the league love to hate/kick - a combination of our success over the past decade and the Spygate debacle. That's certainly how I feel anyway but c'est la vie...

This has probably been a welcome distraction from some of the other issues that have arisen since the seasons' close. It takes the heat off of the officials from the Detroit vs Dallas game and then Dallas vs Green Bay game. It's prevented wide scrutiny of the Rams' seemingly imminent move back to Los Angeles. It stopped anyone discussing the Jets' owner being investigated by the NFL for tapping up Revis again in a press conference.

ESPN and the wider American sport journalist community have been despicable in their instantaneous condemnation and judgement over this matter, willing to immediately accuse us of deceitful, underhand methods.

I'm glad to see the science community have been starting to emerge, giving everyone in the NFL a lesson in thermodynamics!

[Sylar]

Did anyone actually bother watching the Pro Bowl?

I can't say the format of it intrigued me enough to tune in but I see Watt and Stafford received a good deal of plaudits for their 'performances'...kinda hard to take a football game seriously when it's played in cotton wool.

[HibsMax]

In fairness G, I think that's an attitude that permeates in New England already.

We're a team that most people in the league love to hate/kick - a combination of our success over the past decade and the Spygate debacle. That's certainly how I feel anyway but c'est la vie...

This has probably been a welcome distraction from some of the other issues that have arisen since the seasons' close. It takes the heat off of the officials from the Detroit vs Dallas game and then Dallas vs Green Bay game. It's prevented wide scrutiny of the Rams' seemingly imminent move back to Los Angeles. It stopped anyone discussing the Jets' owner being investigated by the NFL for tapping up Revis again in a press conference.

ESPN and the wider American sport journalist community have been despicable in their instantaneous condemnation and judgement over this matter, willing to immediately accuse us of deceitful, underhand methods.

I'm glad to see the science community have been starting to emerge, giving everyone in the NFL a lesson in thermodynamics!
ESPN had an opinion piece last week. The piece basically said we're guilty, that we should be kicked out of the Superbowl and that the AFC Conference should be taken away from us. All of this before anything has even been proven. The article was written by a black woman which I found especially interesting. That's not a racist remark, but if anyone should feel strongly about convicting without evidence, I would think it would be an African American. There were many comments on that story, I chimed in as well, but not a single person who accused us of being cheats could present any evidence that condemns the Patriots. In fact, even though I asked about 20 times not a single person even attempted to defend their case.

I'll be as pissed off as anyone else if we're found guilty but until that happens, the rest can GFT.

[Sergio sledge]

Ball manufacturer calls BS (http://deadspin.com/nfl-football-manufacturer-also-says-bill-belichick-is-f-1681802079?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)

Pretty sure you think all the refs are against you anyway don't you Sylar? Maybe the refs set this all up... :greengrin:

[Haymaker]

Ball manufacturer calls BS (http://deadspin.com/nfl-football-manufacturer-also-says-bill-belichick-is-f-1681802079?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)

Pretty sure you think all the refs are against you anyway don't you Sylar? Maybe the refs set this all up... :greengrin:


Not surprised a big company with a product under the spotlight says it is BS.

[HibsMax]

Ball manufacturer calls BS (http://deadspin.com/nfl-football-manufacturer-also-says-bill-belichick-is-f-1681802079?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)

Pretty sure you think all the refs are against you anyway don't you Sylar? Maybe the refs set this all up... :greengrin:
Isn't it possible that the refs screwed up the pre-game football preparation? Or is that so absurd that Pats simply had to have cheated? The refs were the ones who inflated the balls, and 11 of them were found to be under-inflated at half-time. Rather than calling into the question the pre-game preparation of these balls, people are assuming that there is foul play. If the Pats balls were all under the same PSI at half time, that seems pretty skillful. I mean, that takes a little skill to sneakily reduce the PSI in 11 balls by the same amount. If their PSIs were all over the place then that would look more like tampering. However, if the ref accidentally (because we can't call his integrity into question. noooo) under-inflated every ball by the same amount I would expect to see a more uniform PSI across all the balls. I don't know about the 12th ball that seemed to be OK.

To be able to answer this mystery we need to know the exact PSI in all the balls before, during and after the game. Only then can we try to figure out what might have happened.

[James.]

The NYC media has really come into its own the past few days to see who can come up with the worst Deflategate headline. Some of my favourite headlines...

Ball-oney: Bull Belichik Deflategate Excuses
Ballsh#t!
Slime Balls
Deflatriots Cheated

and my favourite complete with close up mugshot of Tom Terrific

Brady: My Balls are Perfect

I do think there has been some foul play however I do think the Patsies would be getting an easier ride if there hadn't been past discrepancies with this organisation!

[Sylar]

Ball manufacturer calls BS (http://deadspin.com/nfl-football-manufacturer-also-says-bill-belichick-is-f-1681802079?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)

Pretty sure you think all the refs are against you anyway don't you Sylar? Maybe the refs set this all up... :greengrin:

I don't think there's any kind of vendetta from the officials, other than that being pursued by a media that hates us. We've been the subject of lynch-mob journalism this week and have undergone sentencing without fair trial. The ref's aren't to blame in any of this, neither are the Colts. I don't blame them for passing an underinflated ball to the officials after the INT, as clearly it's not right. I've lambasted the officials a few times this season for ludicrous calls against us but I've equally lambasted them for ludicrous calls against other teams too. The penalties/yardage against table on here earlier in the season confirmed we've had a hard time of it from the officials but I'm not paranoid to cry vendetta.

I find that article odd though - are they suggesting they have a product that defies the laws of physics? Every single pressurised vessel undergoes pressure differential and given the temperature on the field at game-time, the known starting pressure and rough approximation of internal temperature in the locker-room, several research scientists (including a leading professor in thermal gas properties at Boston College) have concluded that a 1.7psi drop would be standard? It might still be the case that someone on the Patriots' staff has deflated the balls intentionally and if that's the case, I'll be beyond disappointed but I've grown so utterly tired and weary of people hammering the nail into the coffin without so much as a scrape of evidence other than hearsay and circumstance.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Unless the NFL have solid evidence of someone intentionally letting air out of the balls, there's no way they can categorically identify foul play. If they would release the before/after measurements of the Colts' ball, we could have a go at working out whether natural dynamics are responsible or something foul is at work.

[HibsMax]

I don't think there's any kind of vendetta from the officials, other than that being pursued by a media that hates us. We've been the subject of lynch-mob journalism this week and have undergone sentencing without fair trial. The ref's aren't to blame in any of this, neither are the Colts. I don't blame them for passing an underinflated ball to the officials after the INT, as clearly it's not right. I've lambasted the officials a few times this season for ludicrous calls against us but I've equally lambasted them for ludicrous calls against other teams too. The penalties/yardage against table on here earlier in the season confirmed we've had a hard time of it from the officials but I'm not paranoid to cry vendetta.

I find that article odd though - are they suggesting they have a product that defies the laws of physics? Every single pressurised vessel undergoes pressure differential and given the temperature on the field at game-time, the known starting pressure and rough approximation of internal temperature in the locker-room, several research scientists (including a leading professor in thermal gas properties at Boston College) have concluded that a 1.7psi drop would be standard? It might still be the case that someone on the Patriots' staff has deflated the balls intentionally and if that's the case, I'll be beyond disappointed but I've grown so utterly tired and weary of people hammering the nail into the coffin without so much as a scrape of evidence other than hearsay and circumstance.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Unless the NFL have solid evidence of someone intentionally letting air out of the balls, there's no way they can categorically identify foul play. If they would release the before/after measurements of the Colts' ball, we could have a go at working out whether natural dynamics are responsible or something foul is at work.

I bet they don't know the before / after pressure of the Colts balls. Just a gut feeling.

I was listening to ESPN Radio and they were discussing an article that appeared on a couple of places e.g., slate.com. The article is a result of some data analysis that shows the Pats got significantly better at NOT fumbling the ball after 2007 which coincidentally was when the league voted to allow visiting teams to use their own balls. This, of course, means that the Pats started cheating (deflating footballs) 7-8 years ago. I mean, there is NO other explanation, right? I love numbers and the data is interesting but the one crucial data point that is missing from his analysis is the PSI of every other team's balls - and he doesn't present that. Read the article if you're interested: link (http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2015/01/stats_show_the_new_england_patriots_became_nearly_ fumble_proof_after_a_2006.html).

[Sergio sledge]

I don't think there's any kind of vendetta from the officials, other than that being pursued by a media that hates us. We've been the subject of lynch-mob journalism this week and have undergone sentencing without fair trial. The ref's aren't to blame in any of this, neither are the Colts. I don't blame them for passing an underinflated ball to the officials after the INT, as clearly it's not right. I've lambasted the officials a few times this season for ludicrous calls against us but I've equally lambasted them for ludicrous calls against other teams too. The penalties/yardage against table on here earlier in the season confirmed we've had a hard time of it from the officials but I'm not paranoid to cry vendetta.

I find that article odd though - are they suggesting they have a product that defies the laws of physics? Every single pressurised vessel undergoes pressure differential and given the temperature on the field at game-time, the known starting pressure and rough approximation of internal temperature in the locker-room, several research scientists (including a leading professor in thermal gas properties at Boston College) have concluded that a 1.7psi drop would be standard? It might still be the case that someone on the Patriots' staff has deflated the balls intentionally and if that's the case, I'll be beyond disappointed but I've grown so utterly tired and weary of people hammering the nail into the coffin without so much as a scrape of evidence other than hearsay and circumstance.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Unless the NFL have solid evidence of someone intentionally letting air out of the balls, there's no way they can categorically identify foul play. If they would release the before/after measurements of the Colts' ball, we could have a go at working out whether natural dynamics are responsible or something foul is at work.

I guess if the material they use to make the ball insulates the internal air in the ball enough then it would take the air inside the ball a long time to cool down enough to reduce the pressure inside the ball.

I don't think they'll ever be able to prove foul play, if there was any, but it does seem odd that the colts balls were ok and the pats balls weren't.

I'm just finding it funny reading the extreme reactions on both sides of the argument and stirring it up a bit... :greengrin

[Gatecrasher]

I'm bored of deflate gate now can we move on and discuss how nervous all you guys are :greengrin

[Sylar]

I guess if the material they use to make the ball insulates the internal air in the ball enough then it would take the air inside the ball a long time to cool down enough to reduce the pressure inside the ball.

I don't think they'll ever be able to prove foul play, if there was any, but it does seem odd that the colts balls were ok and the pats balls weren't.

I'm just finding it funny reading the extreme reactions on both sides of the argument and stirring it up a bit... :greengrin

That's the easiest part to answer! They don't just pump their balls (oh, the innuendo - amazing how deep and childish the New York media must have had to dig to 'come into their own') up to the minimum legal limit. Ergo, if their starting point is higher and both sets of balls experience a reduction in pressure, the Colts would still have been within legal limits, even given the deflation. Start at the limit though and any reduction becomes 'illegal'.


I'm bored of deflate gate now can we move on and discuss how nervous all you guys are :greengrin

Nerves haven't kicked in yet as I'm still pissed off about 'deflate-gate'...I flip between a wee bit confident and not-at-all confident. I reckon that defense is going to make winning very difficult indeed. They'll be pumped up and desperate to go back to back.

[hibsbollah]

I'm bored of deflate gate now can we move on and discuss how nervous all you guys are :greengrin

Really really nervous:greengrin trying to decide whether to take the whole day off or just the morning. Vegas has the Pats as one point favorites, it's definitely a close match on paper but the way they have just steamrolled everyone through the playoffs leads me to feeling mostly pessimistic.

[HibsMax]

Really really nervous:greengrin trying to decide whether to take the whole day off or just the morning. Vegas has the Pats as one point favorites, it's definitely a close match on paper but the way they have just steamrolled everyone through the playoffs leads me to feeling mostly pessimistic.
Plus we cheat so it's a given that we'll win. Just like the last two times...

[hibsbollah]

Plus we cheat so it's a given that we'll win. Just like the last two times...

I take it back. We're going to pummel you by thirty points and Brady will be crying like a girl by mid way through the third while I consider opening my fifth sierra Nevada.

[Haymaker]

Marshawn Lynch was quite funny at Media day! :agree:

[hibsbollah]

Marshawn Lynch was quite funny at Media day! :agree:

Was it the skittles thing?

[DH1875]

Plus we cheat so it's a given that we'll win. Just like the last two times...

:faf::faf::faf: Its funny because its true

[Sylar]

I take it back. We're going to pummel you by thirty points and Brady will be crying like a girl by mid way through the third while I consider opening my fifth sierra Nevada.

Excellent shout for Sunday sir, excellent :thumbsup:

[Haymaker]

Was it the skittles thing?

Only replied "only here so I don't get fined."

29 times!

[HibsMax]

:faf::faf::faf: Its funny because its true

At last, I've found someone with the evidence that proves we cheated. Please share since nobody else has found anything.

[Calvin]

Excellent shout for Sunday sir, excellent :thumbsup:
Last week I had an exam that had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in the taste test. I love my job :greengrin

I'm quite nervous, but am consoled by the fact that 10 weeks ago I didn't think we'd make the postseason.

I think I want us to beat the Patriots almost as much as I want us to win the Super Bowl. I'm not overly confident, but we just seem to have such a knack of pulling it out of the bag when it really matters.

[hibsbollah]

I'm quite nervous, but am consoled by the fact that 10 weeks ago I didn't think we'd make the postseason.



:agree: we were 3-3 and then 6-4, were four games behind Arizona at one point, and everyone was :dunno: when we traded away Harvin
Whos talking about Harvin now?!

What gives me hope is our fourth quarter heroics recently. If we're 14 points down in the 4th I'll still be confident because Wilson's getting stronger as games wind down.

[NOLA]

ths years super bowl reminds me of last years matchup, a high flying offence versus a dominant D, think the outcome will be similar, seahawks win for me.

[Haymaker]

ths years super bowl reminds me of last years matchup, a high flying offence versus a dominant D, think the outcome will be similar, seahawks win for me.

Difference is Tom Brady under centre and not Peyton 'choke' Manning. :greengrin

[Sylar]

Difference is Tom Brady under centre and not Peyton 'choke' Manning. :greengrin

It's also not a defense that's operating at the same level as last year but strong defense usually triumphs over blistering offense...

Having said that, if the Seahawks D of last year turns up, I agree with NOLA - likely they'll go back to back :agree:

Our offense has looked fierce most of this year but I'm not sure we've faced what you would call an 'elite' defense.

[HibsMax]

ths years super bowl reminds me of last years matchup, a high flying offence versus a dominant D, think the outcome will be similar, seahawks win for me.

Do you mean the result or the scoreline? I think it's going to be a great game, probably close scoring. I am baised towards the Pats but I feel that we have more offensive weapons than the Seahawks, and our D isn't too shabby either.

[hibsbollah]

Do you mean the result or the scoreline? I think it's going to be a great game, probably close scoring. I am baised towards the Pats but I feel that we have more offensive weapons than the Seahawks, and our D isn't too shabby either.

You definitely have more 'offensive weapons' than us; I would say Bradys pats are arguably the most difficult to prepare for ever in history. Strong running game, receivers all over the field, short and deep threat, good o line, use the slot a lot and a legend at TE.

Defense underrated, 5th best in the league in terms of yards allowed. Two outstanding corners who are better than our two wideouts.

Thats why you're favourites.

[HibsMax]

You definitely have more 'offensive weapons' than us; I would say Bradys pats are arguably the most difficult to prepare for ever in history. Strong running game, receivers all over the field, short and deep threat, good o line, use the slot a lot and a legend at TE.

Defense underrated, 5th best in the league in terms of yards allowed. Two outstanding corners who are better than our two wideouts.

Thats why you're favourites.

Not so sure about the deep threat. I don't mean that we cannot complete long plays but we don't have anyone who can stretch the field like some other teams do. Gronk can charge up the middle. Short, quick passes is what we're good at...which probably means you can expect an 80 yard touchdown pass to LaFell. :)

[hibsbollah]

Not so sure about the deep threat. I don't mean that we cannot complete long plays but we don't have anyone who can stretch the field like some other teams do. Gronk can charge up the middle. Short, quick passes is what we're good at...which probably means you can expect an 80 yard touchdown pass to LaFell. :)

That's true. And im sure you know your team better than I do. I just mean you look at that offense and there's threats everywhere.

[Haymaker]

That's true. And im sure you know your team better than I do. I just mean you look at that offense and there's threats everywhere.

:agree:


But on the other hand... Russel Wilson. Loved that guy since his days at NC State.

[hibsbollah]

:agree:


But on the other hand... Russel Wilson. Loved that guy since his days at NC State.

:agree: I wouldn't tolerate adultery normally. But if my wife said she was running off with Russell Wilson and his new beard I'd just shrug and say 'fair enough sweetheart. If I was in your place id do the same'.

[Gatecrasher]

http://youtu.be/MNpkSyryQz4

[Sylar]

Whilst part of me hopes Richard Sherman's girlfriend goes into labour on Sunday morning (:greengrin), I do hope he gets to do both - experience the birth of his first child and play in the Superbowl. I'd rather it was 2 teams at full strength competing for this so there are no excuses other than 'the best team won'.

I was reading that Kam Chancellor hurt his knee in practice yesterday but he looks like he's 'probable' for Sunday.

On the Richard Sherman story, I read an interview with Eric Decker who had this to say:


"Well, it's different when it's a girlfriend and a wife,'' Decker said on WFAN radio. "So I think if it was my wife giving birth, you know, ultimately I believe my purpose is to be a father and a husband.

What a total nonsense - 'it's different when it's a girlfriend and a wife' - erm, no it isn't you Medieval prize A plum - your first child is arriving - the marital status of the parents is totally irrelevant to how momentous an occasion it is!

[NOLA]

Do you mean the result or the scoreline? I think it's going to be a great game, probably close scoring. I am baised towards the Pats but I feel that we have more offensive weapons than the Seahawks, and our D isn't too shabby either.

dont think the scoreline will be anything like last year but im expecting the seahawks to win though i dont really care TBH if its not my team :greengrin if i was working monday i wouldnt even watch it

[Sylar]

I'm officially nervous.

[Sylar]

Seems Vegas no longer have us as favourites after a spree of big bets on the Seahawks...

[Gatecrasher]

MVP MVP MVP

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12257541/aaron-rodgers-green-bay-packers-named-nfl-mvp

Superbowl Sunday :flag:

[Sylar]

I'm going to be a wreck come KO :greengrin

I'd quite happily never see us win another one if we could find a way to win tonight!

Regardless, it's been a great season and I didn't see us being where we are after 3 weeks (probably the same can be said by the Seahawks fans). Sad to think that after tonight, I'll be counting down and patiently waiting until Spring Training gets underway.

[hibsbollah]

Off to gamesmaster at the museum and then stocking up with sierra nevada and becks blue (don't want to get wrecked, its a long night) and pizza. Seahawks beanie on.

Just Win Please.
Defence.

[Haymaker]

Absolutely buzzing! :thumbsup:

[Scottie]

Absolutely buzzing! :thumbsup:

Me too. :agree:

Go Seahawks from a Rams fan. :aok:

[Haymaker]

Me too. :agree:

Go Seahawks from a Rams fan. :aok:

Boooo! :greengrin

[Sylar]

Seahawks now favourites according to William Hill!

Might stick £20 on them just to soften the blow if we do end up losing :greengrin

[Sylar]

Anyone want a last minute ticket?

http://www.stubhub.com/super-bowl-tickets/super-bowl-xlix-glendale-university-of-phoenix-stadium-2-1-2015-9117285/

:bitchy:

[Sylar]

Apparently the Jets and Bills are expected to pursue Revis in the off-season when he enters free agency.

Fingers crossed the NFL pursue the Jets with full legal force for tapping him up earlier in this off-season :agree:

[Haymaker]

Apparently the Jets and Bills are expected to pursue Revis in the off-season when he enters free agency.

Fingers crossed the NFL pursue the Jets with full legal force for tapping him up earlier in this off-season :agree:

Oh yes. And the patriots resign him for our push for #5 next season

[Sylar]

Oh yes. And the patriots resign him for our push for #5 next season

I'm glad you're confident - my ******** is already making buttons!

[Haymaker]

I'm glad you're confident - my ******** is already making buttons!

Blind faith my friend!

[Sylar]

Blind faith my friend!

I'm glad I have a game of 5's to go to soon - I physically feel like I'm buzzing...

[Haymaker]

I'm glad I have a game of 5's to go to soon - I physically feel like I'm buzzing...

I am already on the sauce to calm myself down! It aint helping!

[Sylar]

I am already on the sauce to calm myself down! It aint helping!

I have 4 bottles of Sam Adams chilling in the fridge for later - if that doesn't work, there are 5 bottles of red wine and an array of single malts to knock me out :greengrin

[marinello59]

I have 4 bottles of Sam Adams chilling in the fridge for later - if that doesn't work, there are 5 bottles of red wine and an array of single malts to knock me out :greengrin

Don't you know any Doctors? A couple of tranqs might be better for you liver and chances of seeing the game.:greengrin

[DH1875]

Well I'd just like to take this opportunity to wish the seahawks all the best for tonight :thumbsup:.

[hibsbollah]

I have 4 bottles of Sam Adams chilling in the fridge for later - if that doesn't work, there are 5 bottles of red wine and an array of single malts to knock me out :greengrin

:drunk: :faint: :taxi

I got some Corona because the selection was rubbish. Also a big Leffe blonde. But I've now decided that's not good enough and am going out again for some premium craft ales. I might pop into the bookies; bets I like the look of include Russell MVP, Edelman MVP.

Pretty excited now.

[Sylar]

Well I'd just like to take this opportunity to wish the seahawks all the best for tonight :thumbsup:.

I do love you DH :greengrin

Are you definitely going to Wembley next season?

[Sylar]

:drunk: :faint: :taxi

I got some Corona because the selection was rubbish. Also a big Leffe blonde. But I've now decided that's not good enough and am going out again for some premium craft ales. I might pop into the bookies; bets I like the look of include Russell MVP, Edelman MVP.

Pretty excited now.

I think Lynch for first TD is probably a good bet too at 7/1.

You just watching it in the house G?

[hibsbollah]

I think Lynch for first TD is probably a good bet too at 7/1.

You just watching it in the house G?

Yep. I'm too excited to watch it with people who don't care about the outcome as much as me. If that makes sense. If I was in a bar in the pacific northwest it would be different. :greengrin kids will be asleep, Mrs Bollah knows to go to bed at 11pm.

[DH1875]

I do love you DH :greengrin

Are you definitely going to Wembley next season?


:agree::agree::agree: 4 of us going down. Tickets bought but still trying to figure out where we're staying.


Whats everyone else up to tonight? Was ment to be going out in Glasgow but with the soccer game on earlier it got knocked on the head and we went out last night. Ended up in the casino till the early hours so feeling a bit rough. Got tomorrow of work so heading out shortly for supplies but not sure what to do/get as its the first time in years I've not been out to watch the game.

[DH1875]

Yep. I'm too excited to watch it with people who don't care about the outcome as much as me. If that makes sense. If I was in a bar in the pacific northwest it would be different. :greengrin kids will be asleep, Mrs Bollah knows to go to bed at 11pm.


Is Mrs Bollah getting up for the HT show? My Mrs who has no interest in the NFL is all excited cause she has heard Katy Perry is doing it and has declared she is getting up at HT to watch it lol

[Haymaker]

Having a private party at my local football club with a bunch of Pats fans and a Ravens fan! Beer, Pizzas and Football! :thumbsup:

[may 21/05/2016]

I've just bet £50 on the Seahawks have I
done my Money

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

[hibsbollah]

Is Mrs Bollah getting up for the HT show? My Mrs who has no interest in the NFL is all excited cause she has heard Katy Perry is doing it and has declared she is getting up at HT to watch it lol

Nah, she likes her zzz's:greengrin

I liked Katy in front of the press 'I'm just here so I don't get fined'.

[Pretty Boy]

I've just had a wee punt on under 47.5 points at 10/11.

Reckon that's a good shout?

[DH1875]

I've just bet £50 on the Seahawks have I
done my Money

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

As safe as houses :pray::pray::pray:

[hibsbollah]

I've just had a wee punt on under 47.5 points at 10/11.

Reckon that's a good shout?

Could be a defensive game, New England has a strong defensive unit too. Good shout. I did MVPs; Russell Wilson 7/2, Edelman 25/1 and Luke Willson 100/1. This is excellent value; Russell might have to look away from the Pats cornerbacks and Wilson likes Willson in the red zone.

[Sylar]

I'm in the house watching it (probably from behind the sofa) with the wife heading off to bed.

Just back from playing football so the excess energy is burned off and I'm going to try and enjoy it for the spectacle it is, irrespective of what happens.

May the best team win! :aok:

[Gatecrasher]

Pizza ordered, watching nfl network with a few beers, lovely!

[Gatecrasher]

All the pundits seem to be siding with the Seahawks.

sky just showed a guy Tebowing, let's make this a thing again.

[Calvin]

I got some Corona because the selection was rubbish. Also a big Leffe blonde. But I've now decided that's not good enough and am going out again for some premium craft ales.

Quite right. Corona isn't Seahawks class.

I wasn't nervous til it hit 10pm and now I feel sick. I wanted to have a wee snooze this evening so I'm not too shattered for work tomorrow but couldn't even manage it. Maybe I was subconsciously more nervous than I thought!

[DH1875]

Channel 4 or SKY sports?

[Gatecrasher]

Channel 4 or SKY sports?
Sky sports for me.

[DH1875]

Adam Richman is putting the weight back on :agree:.

[Gatecrasher]

I'm calling a pats win 27-24

its going to be very close, it won't surprise me if the Seahawks do win.

[nellio]

Channel 4 or SKY sports?

SKY for me as well. Been watching NFL Sunday on SKY all season.

[Calvin]

Just back from a last minute dash to buy some chicken wings. What's with the weird law that 24 hour supermarkets only open for 6 hours in England? Shabby stuff.

Got a growler of Cromarty Happy Chappy though, perfect evening drinking.

Let's do this!

[Gatecrasher]

The team entrances weren't as grand as the last few years.

its all over the top but it's brilliant as well.

[hibsbollah]

Here we go!!!!
Haven't been this nervous since last year :greengrin

[Scottie]

Go Seahawks :wink:

[Gatecrasher]

Blount starting well.

[hibsbollah]

Pats oline winning the battle up front so far.

[Gatecrasher]

INT seahawks! Then some quality music comes on.

[hibsbollah]

Great interception but thats a bad guy to get injured. Fingers crossed hes ok. Lane covers the slot.

[Gatecrasher]

Lovely run by Edelman there, NE in the red zone

TD Pats.

[Future17]

Great interception but thats a bad guy to get injured. Fingers crossed hes ok. Lane covers the slot.

You called it. Simon being targeted.

[hibsbollah]

You called it. Simon being targeted.

And now HE'S hurt.

[NOLA]

Pats look in control so far Seahawks cant do anything on offense yet looks good for the pats half time cant come soon enough for the Seahawks

[Gatecrasher]

Pats look in control so far Seahawks cant do anything on offense yet looks good for the pats half time cant come soon enough for the Seahawks
It looks like to me that the pats are trying to play Wilson similar to how the Packers tried.

[Gatecrasher]

Out of nowhere Seattle have some offence.

[hibsbollah]

What a throw that was.

[hibsbollah]

Beast.
7-7.

[Gatecrasher]

TD Seattle!

[NOLA]

Much needed td for the hawks there pats for me still look more likely going into the half

[Sylar]

Aside from the interception, I'm reasonably happy with a rather even first half.

Felt we were robbed a little with a dodgy call on our first drive (it was so clearly roughing the punter rather than running into) but it's been a very good contest thus far.

Nothing but respect for how hard Seattle came back on their last drive. Hoping Hightower is OK, as he's contained Lynch well thus far.

[The_Exile]

Think a defensive play is going to be the difference here, still too close to call. Some fantastic battles all over the field.

[Gatecrasher]

Aside from the interception, I'm reasonably happy with a rather even first half.

Felt we were robbed a little with a dodgy call on our first drive (it was so clearly roughing the punter rather than running into) but it's been a very good contest thus far.

Nothing but respect for how hard Seattle came back on their last drive. Hoping Hightower is OK, as he's contained Lynch well thus far.
There's very little between the teams, it's going to get really good in the second half imo.

Gronk! TD

[NOLA]

Too easy for the pats there

[Sylar]

What gives me heart is that we're finding a lot of space offensively but Seattle will undoubtedly make adjustments as they're just too good to keep leaving so many open receivers.

Glad we managed to score before going into the half given that the Seahawks get the ball to start the second.

[hibsbollah]

What gives me heart is that we're finding a lot of space offensively but Seattle will undoubtedly make adjustments as they're just too good to keep leaving so many open receivers.

Glad we managed to score before going into the half given that the Seahawks get the ball to start the second.

We're running out of healthy defensive backs though Scott. Linebackers are having to start covering vereen and Gronk and edelman.

[hibsbollah]

Kick the fg ffs.

[The_Exile]

Gutsy play with 6 secs left!!!

[McKenzie]

Kick the fg ffs.

Big big call from Carroll.

Pays off. Wow

[The_Exile]

Incredible!!!!

[hibsbollah]

Wow!!!!
I love russell.

[marinello59]

Wow

[Gatecrasher]

Wow, they were either going to look really good or really stupid and came up good.

[Sylar]

Balls of steel from the Seahawks.

That's a hard one to take.

[The_Exile]

That's what champions are made of, genuinely cannot wait for this second half to begin. Brilliant game so far.

[Gatecrasher]

Katy Perry time :drool:

[McKenzie]

Kick the fg ffs.

You were saying...

[Pete]

Not watched American football since about 1989 but I've sort of enjoyed this.

Half time lasts 45 minutes? WTF?

[Calvin]

Kick the fg ffs.
They knew they could get the play away in time to kick the FG (2 seconds left after the TD.)

Great call. Glad to see we've learned from Green Bay's mistakes of a fortnight ago. Who dares wins in postseason football.

[hibsbollah]

You were saying...

:hilarious I know. Bonkers call but it worked.
Bobby Wagner has ten tackles, nine of them solo, first half, on target for a superbowl record.

[Sylar]

Offensively, I'm confident. Defensively, I'm not and not necessarily because of Lynch (though I reckon he'll get going before too long).

Wilson's ability to pick out passes toward the end of the half was just ridiculous. He's a stunning young QB and if he wins here tonight, he'll already enter the group of elite QBs.

I do wonder/hope if the health of Seattle's defense can hold up. The picture of Lang's broken arm is fairly horrific though I don't think it was deliberate.

I've absolutely no complaints here if Seattle do win - their mental toughness is unbelievable.

[Calvin]

It's unbelievable we're going in tied. Given how we usually play in the second half, Belichick must be raging.

[Sylar]

It's unbelievable we're going in tied. Given how we usually play in the second half, Belichick must be raging.

I'm horrified of the thought of what adjustments you're going to make actually. We're no slouches in the second half either but that's usually from the luxury of receiving the ball...

At least it hasn't been the damp squib last year was :agree:

[Calvin]

I'm horrified of the thought of what adjustments you're going to make actually. We're no slouches in the second half either but that's usually from the luxury of receiving the ball...

At least it hasn't been the damp squib last year was :agree:
Yeah it's set up for a cracker of a half! I think this is the best chance you could ever hope for the exploit our secondary. Weirdly enough it might become a bit of a shoot out if there's some early second half scoring.

[NOLA]

Katy Perry legs astride a beast ooerr missus

[Sylar]

Katy Perry legs astride a beast ooerr missus

Thank **** for the mute button though :greengrin

[Calvin]

Some pretty good production values here.

[hibsbollah]

Yeah it's set up for a cracker of a half! I think this is the best chance you could ever hope for the exploit our secondary. Weirdly enough it might become a bit of a shoot out if there's some early second half scoring.

I think we have a guy called deshawn shead who plays cornerback but hes hardly even got a game on special teams this season. Jeron Johnson backup safety. Thats it for the bench. Chancellor Thomas and Sherman all banged up. Any more injuries and Lynch will have to play back there :greengrin

Russells ability to keep pulling out these amazing plays never ceases to amaze me.

[Pete]

Shame for anyone that's stuck in the pie queue.

[Gatecrasher]

Wasn't as good as I thought it would be. The whole missy Elliot part was so out of place.

[Sylar]

I know that it's part and parcel of Superbowl Sunday but this can't be good for either set of players!

[Gatecrasher]

Shame for anyone that's stuck in the pie queue.
I'm sure that stadium is a bit better equipped than ER :greengrin

[Scottie]

Brilliant first half watching as a neutral. Two outstanding QB's on display tonight.

Hope for more of the same in the 2nd half.

Ram's next year's Super Bowl winners you heard it here first. :greengrin

[Haymaker]

Katy Perry.

[Calvin]

Important stop for the Pats there. A TD on the first drive of the half would have set a dangerous tone.

[Sylar]

Offensive PI not picked up, Seattle score.

Glad we managed to stop Lynch again - I worried when he picked up some decent yardage early in that drive.

[hibsbollah]

That would have been a harsh call imo. But I'm not unbiased.

[hibsbollah]

Kam on Edelman. I like THAT matchup.

[Gatecrasher]

Int Seahawks!

[Sylar]

****.

[The_Exile]

Poor throw there, the Seahawks must capitalise on this now, make it a 2 possesion game.

[Sylar]

Who the **** is this Matthews guy?!

I demand they introduce a playing requirement in the regular season to be Superbowl eligible :greengrin - he's killing us!

[Sylar]

Now comes the question of when I go to bed...I've seen this movie too many times before.

Shameful defensive performance to start the second half.

[Gatecrasher]

Now comes the question of when I go to bed...I've seen this movie too many times before.

Shameful defensive performance to start the second half.
I would at least give it to the middle of the fourth.

[hibsbollah]

Now comes the question of when I go to bed...I've seen this movie too many times before.

Shameful defensive performance to start the second half.

You need to get Brady some time in the pocket. We're in his face every down this half.

Wagner must be in contention for mvp. Hes everywhere.

[hibsbollah]

Feed the Beast please Pete.

[Sylar]

You need to get Brady some time in the pocket. We're in his face every down this half.

Wagner must be in contention for mvp. Hes everywhere.

Right now, I'd give it to Matthews - he's been clutch for you so far when it really matters!

Great story for the young man.

[hibsbollah]

Right now, I'd give it to Matthews - he's been clutch for you so far when it really matters!

Great story for the young man.

I didn't even know what position he played. Good special teams guy.

[Sylar]

Failing to convert there and 10 points behind...

We concede another TD here and I'm going to bed.

[hibsbollah]

Another perfect pass from Russell...dropped.

[Sylar]

When is roughing/running into the punter not roughing/running into the punter? Looked like the Seahawks punter took a bump after the kick was away - I half expected a flag to appear.

[hibsbollah]

No way was that a personal foul.

[Calvin]

Annoying.

[McKenzie]

Game on

[hibsbollah]

Whoah!!! Blatant pi!! Where's the flag?

[Gatecrasher]

Big moment here, even with a TD Seattle should have plenty of time for a drive.

Edelmen! If pats win he's definitely MVP.

what a sickening play for pats fans.

[McKenzie]

Haha how's he kept that alive? Unbelievable

[hibsbollah]

Thats the luckiest thing ive ever seen.

[Gatecrasher]

Holy ****!!!!

[Pete]

Is that the patriots won it?

[hibsbollah]

:boo hoo:
Congratulations pats.
Night night.

[Gatecrasher]

Is that the patriots won it?
If they can keep possession for 2 plays.

[The_Exile]

Most ridiculous play call I've ever seen, well done Pats.

[Gatecrasher]

Jeezo poor penalty by Seattle

[Gatecrasher]

Fight!

[Calvin]

That is truly the worst thing I've seen in my time as a football fan. Truly truly mystifying.

[Sylar]

I'm honestly stunned...you have Marshawn Lynch inside the 2 yard line with 2 downs and 2 TO's to win the game and you throw it?!?!

Absolutely and totally elated after what was probably the best Superbowl I've watched!!!

Commiserations Bollah/Calvin - there was really nothing to separate us other than that silly call.

Wilson will get plenty of more rings throughout his career - he's an exceptional young QB.

[Gatecrasher]

Well done New England, and the pats guys on here. Commiserations to the Seahawks fans both teams were Awsome and there was little between them. Most exiting Super Bowl in the last few years anyway, probably longer.

[The_Exile]

That is truly the worst thing I've seen in my time as a football fan. Truly truly mystifying.

To pick that play, over handing it off to Lynch, of all the running backs in the league. I'd fire whoever was responsible for that.

[Pete]

I didn't really know what was totally going on but that was brilliant. Totally flew by.

Go dolphins!

[Calvin]

I'm honestly stunned...you have Marshawn Lynch inside the 2 yard line with 2 downs and 2 TO's to win the game and you throw it?!?!

Absolutely and totally elated after what was probably the best Superbowl I've watched!!!

Commiserations Bollah/Calvin - there was really nothing to separate us other than that silly call.

Wilson will get plenty of more rings throughout his career - he's an exceptional young QB.
Congratulations sir. It was a fantastic game. It's a shame that it was settled by a mistake but over the piece I can't begrudge the Patriots the victory.

I'm off to cry myself to sleep.

Sherman's face though, even I found that funny.