Super Bowl LII

[Isgrimnur]

And never work another postseason game when they override the rules.

[LawBeefaroni]

It's idiotic and with all of the other player protection rules being passed, I can't believe this was allowed to stand. The game should be ruled over if there is no chance the outcome could be changed.

So should the refs stop calling penalties if the game is out of hand, since the outcome won't be changed? Rules are rules. A TD scored as time expires in any quarter must include an untimed extra point / 2 point try. Those are the rules. There aren't any player safety issues, since the defensive players didn't move a muscle, and Keenum just kneeled the ball down.

You are being ridiculous. They can easily make an exception for a TD on the last play of a post season game where the outcome cannot be changed.

It's the NFL. If they don't make an ostentatious show of following their convoluted rules to the letter (except in the instance of a "catch" or when it's the Patriots), the world would end. It's no accident that so many refs are lawyers in their day jobs.

[stessier]

What was the spread?

It started the week between Vikings -5.5 and -5 ( ended at -3.5). That extra point (or lack thereof) was huge.

Edit: Got my dates crossed on the tabs I had opened. It started at 3.5 and went to 5 by Friday and was 5.5 on Sunday.

The league is not supposed to kowtow to Vegas.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Have you ever thought about why teams need to put out injury reports and get fined if they lie?

[EvilHomer3k]

Right now, i just want PIT and their smugness DEAD.

I assume you know how ironic this is coming from a Pats fan?

[ImLawBoy]

What was the spread?

It started the week between Vikings -5.5 and -5 ( ended at -3.5). That extra point (or lack thereof) was huge.

Edit: Got my dates crossed on the tabs I had opened. It started at 3.5 and went to 5 by Friday and was 5.5 on Sunday.

The league is not supposed to kowtow to Vegas.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Have you ever thought about why teams need to put out injury reports and get fined if they lie?

That's not kowtowing to Vegas. That's acknowledging Vegas' existence and dealing with reality.

If they don't make an ostentatious show of following their convoluted rules to the letter (except in the instance of a "catch" or when it's the Patriots)

Are we doing the league unfairly favors the Pats this week? I can never keep straight when it's the league has it out for the Pats vs. favors the Pats.

[LawBeefaroni]

Are we doing the league unfairly favors the Pats this week? I can never keep straight when it's the league has it out for the Pats vs. favors the Pats.

Doesn't matter. Either way, rules tend to be...overlooked.

[RunningMn9]

You are being ridiculous. They can easily make an exception for a TD on the last play of a post season game where the outcome cannot be changed.

It's not complicated. If a team scores a TD in regulation (which the Vikings did), then they must attempt the point after try. Not "should". Not "Hey, it would be sorta cool if". Must.

It's just the rules. Sure - this time the rule wouldn't have changed the outcome of the game. Given that yesterday was the first time in NFL history a team scored a game-winning TD as time expired in the 4th Q of a playoff game, it hardly seems like we need to alter the rules to accommodate the only time this has ever happened. Just line up and kneel down the way the Vikings did, and go about your business. It will be OK, and no one will get hurt. I promise.

[ImLawBoy]

Can we just propose a new rule that says that going for the extra point is optional on the part of the scoring team so that you guys will stop arguing this silly point?

[stessier]

Right now, i just want PIT and their smugness DEAD.

I assume you know how ironic this is coming from a Pats fan?

Like recognizes like? There can be only one?

That being said, I don't think I'm smug. I'm like anti-smug - I always think they will lose. I acknowledge this may be equally annoying.

[The Meal]

Can we just propose a new rule that says that going for the extra point is optional on the part of the scoring team

That's a terrific proposal.

so that you guys will stop arguing this silly point?

That's a terrible idea. Argument is what keeps the dOOrs open.

[ImLawBoy]

Hey, I'm not trying to end all arguments. Just remove some of the lesser ones.

[LawBeefaroni]

Can we just propose a new rule that says that going for the extra point is optional on the part of the scoring team so that you guys will stop arguing this silly point?

Going for it is already optional. The scoring team can always take a knee.


Lining up for it is not. Although the Saints had less than 11 lined up yesterday, right? You really don't even have to line up.



FWIW, the final spread favored Minnesota by 5.5. The PAT that wasn't was the difference between win or lose for anyone betting on the spread. What they should do is allow for an uncontested PAT to be automatic. Like if the defense doesn't line up and the team on offense kneels, it's 1 point (they can still go for 2, otherwise a defending team up by one or two would just not line up and force 1 on the opposition). Seems complicated enough for the NFL to enact.

[LordMortis]

Are we doing the league unfairly favors the Pats this week? I can never keep straight when it's the league has it out for the Pats vs. favors the Pats.

That depends. Are you talking about the refs or Godell?

[naednek]

Right now, i just want PIT and their smugness DEAD.

I assume you know how ironic this is coming from a Pats fan?

ya i was going to make that point. Steelers get their lessons from the Patriots when it comes to being smug

[The Meal]

Can we just propose a new rule that says that going for the extra point is optional on the part of the scoring team so that you guys will stop arguing this silly point?

Going for it is already optional. The scoring team can always take a knee.


Lining up for it is not. Although the Saints had less than 11 lined up yesterday, right? You really don't even have to line up.

But... but... but... the game can't end on a defensive penalty!

[LawBeefaroni]

Can we just propose a new rule that says that going for the extra point is optional on the part of the scoring team so that you guys will stop arguing this silly point?

Going for it is already optional. The scoring team can always take a knee.


Lining up for it is not. Although the Saints had less than 11 lined up yesterday, right? You really don't even have to line up.

But... but... but... the game can't end on a defensive penalty!

I assume the Vikings declined. If the refs even bothered to call it.


It the offense wasn't allowed to decline, I imagine some awesome sour grapes could be doled out. A losing team could just lineup offsides/illegally indefinitely.

[LawBeefaroni]

Final play via espn box score:

3rd and 10 at MIN 39
(0:00 - 4th) Stefon Diggs Pass From Case Keenum for 61 Yrds (Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. C.Keenum rushes kneels. ATTEMPT FAILS.

[The Meal]

Can we just propose a new rule that says that going for the extra point is optional on the part of the scoring team so that you guys will stop arguing this silly point?

Going for it is already optional. The scoring team can always take a knee.


Lining up for it is not. Although the Saints had less than 11 lined up yesterday, right? You really don't even have to line up.

But... but... but... the game can't end on a defensive penalty!

I assume the Vikings declined. If the refs even bothered to call it.


It the offense wasn't allowed to decline, I imagine some awesome sour grapes could be doled out. A losing team could just lineup offsides/illegally indefinitely.

Hence the silliness behind rules are RULES! In this case Jeff is correct, things could've been legitimized without the PAT farce. Clearing the field and trotting out the injured punter for a worthless PAT 20 minutes after the last play of the game accomplished less-than-nothing. Imlawboy's suggestion (allowing the PAT try with 0:00 on the clock of a post-season game with a >2 point margin to be an option given to the scoring team) should be codified. Maybe even written on a once-folded index card.

[Isgrimnur]

Perhaps Sean Payton will bring it up in the Competition Committee this year.

[stessier]

Can we just propose a new rule that says that going for the extra point is optional on the part of the scoring team so that you guys will stop arguing this silly point?

Going for it is already optional. The scoring team can always take a knee.


Lining up for it is not. Although the Saints had less than 11 lined up yesterday, right? You really don't even have to line up.

But... but... but... the game can't end on a defensive penalty!

I assume the Vikings declined. If the refs even bothered to call it.


It the offense wasn't allowed to decline, I imagine some awesome sour grapes could be doled out. A losing team could just lineup offsides/illegally indefinitely.

Hence the silliness behind rules are RULES! In this case Jeff is correct, things could've been legitimized without the PAT farce. Clearing the field and trotting out the injured punter for a worthless PAT 20 minutes after the last play of the game accomplished less-than-nothing. Imlawboy's suggestion (allowing the PAT try with 0:00 on the clock of a post-season game with a >2 point margin to be an option given to the scoring team) should be codified. Maybe even written on a once-folded index card.

The other team doesn't have to be out there. It's happened during the regular season. The Pats scored to win as time expired and the Bills walked to the locker room before the extra point. Vinateri lined up and then ran in for an easy 2 points. (For anyone who doesn't click the link - this was 1998 and pre-Belichick.) The Pats and Bills have never really liked each other.

[Kelric]

The other team doesn't have to be out there. It's happened during the regular season. The Pats scored to win as time expired and the Bills walked to the locker room before the extra point. Vinateri lined up and then ran in for an easy 2 points. (For anyone who doesn't click the link - this was 1998 and pre-Belichick.) The Pats and Bills have never really liked each other.

I don't remember the game, but wow does that article bring back some memories. Bledsoe, Ben Coates, Terry Glenn, Shawn Jefferson, Andre Reed, Eric Moulds... I bet Vinatieri is the only one from those rosters still in the NFL, and possibly the only one from those rosters to have played in this decade.

[lytong]

It is the final spam.

[El Guapo]

I guess I'm not really sure what to make of the AFC Championship matchup. Bortles is so bad that, even with a strong defense, the Patriots *should* win by a lot. But then, this is 2018, and I can't really argue that Blake Bortles vs. Nick Foles is the Super Bowl matchup we deserve at this point.

Someone should have top NFL and Fox executives on live cams during the championship games to get their reaction shots if we wind up closing in on Bortles v. Foles.

[Kurth]

I guess I'm not really sure what to make of the AFC Championship matchup. Bortles is so bad that, even with a strong defense, the Patriots *should* win by a lot. But then, this is 2018, and I can't really argue that Blake Bortles vs. Nick Foles is the Super Bowl matchup we deserve at this point.

Someone should have top NFL and Fox executives on live cams during the championship games to get their reaction shots if we wind up closing in on Bortles v. Foles.

The Eagles in the SB would be a huge ratings draw. Widespread fan base. Never won a SB before. And there’s at least a good narrative that goes along with backup QB who almost retired now playing for a SB.

And the Jags hold some interest, too. That D is impressive.

Plus, aren’t people tired of seeing the Brady Patriots win yet another championship? It’s like the old rerun that just keeps airing. Enough already!

[El Guapo]

I guess I'm not really sure what to make of the AFC Championship matchup. Bortles is so bad that, even with a strong defense, the Patriots *should* win by a lot. But then, this is 2018, and I can't really argue that Blake Bortles vs. Nick Foles is the Super Bowl matchup we deserve at this point.

Someone should have top NFL and Fox executives on live cams during the championship games to get their reaction shots if we wind up closing in on Bortles v. Foles.

The Eagles in the SB would be a huge ratings draw. Widespread fan base. Never won a SB before. And there’s at least a good narrative that goes along with backup QB who almost retired now playing for a SB.

And the Jags hold some interest, too. That D is impressive.

Plus, aren’t people tired of seeing the Brady Patriots win yet another championship? It’s like the old rerun that just keeps airing. Enough already!

I feel like Vikings vs. Patriots would probably be the best TV matchup, of what's remaining. You would have the Vikings (a tortured fan base if there ever was one, and who everyone outside of New England would root for), trying to win the Super Bowl in their home stadium, against the villainous Patriots. Plus both Brady and Keenum are actually good quarterbacks, so you'd probably get some actual scoring. Whereas Jaguars vs. Eagles would feature terrible quarterbacks against good to great defenses (the Eagles defense is pretty decent, right?), and could easily end up like 10-3 or something.

[Pyperkub]

What was the spread?

It started the week between Vikings -5.5 and -5 ( ended at -3.5). That extra point (or lack thereof) was huge.

Edit: Got my dates crossed on the tabs I had opened. It started at 3.5 and went to 5 by Friday and was 5.5 on Sunday.

The league is not supposed to kowtow to Vegas.

Key words being "supposed to". The NFL has always had a relationship with gambling. Look at Fantasy Football, as well as the daily fantasy, in addition to the NFL being fine with pregame shows hosting gambling experts for 40+ years, and a huge segment on SVP's sportscenter being dedicated to bad gambling beats.

[gameoverman]

I think the NFL would love a Vikings/Jaguars Super Bowl. This miracle play has made the Vikings instant stars. The mainstream viewers the NFL loves to draw in for its SB audience will be there for the Vikings if they make it. On the other side, the Patriots would be the ultimate antagonist for the Vikings. The Patriots are very good, they have tons of post season experience, and are led by all time greats at QB and coaching. However, the Jaguars would be a good opponent for a very different reason.

If they make it, that means they slayed the giant in his own stadium...in the AFC championship game. So while they'd be a nameless, faceless team to the mainstream viewer, that makes them more scary as a threat. Who are these guys? Do the Vikings have a chance against them? Did someone really name their kid Blake Bortles? That's a compelling angle for the NFL to play.

[Jaymann]

If it is Eagles vs Patriots and NE gets a lead, I will probably turn it off at half time.

[LawBeefaroni]

Plus, aren’t people tired of seeing the Brady Patriots win yet another championship? It’s like the old rerun that just keeps airing. Enough already!

More importantly for ratings, aren't people tired of yet another Justin Timberlake halftime show? How is that bland-as-paste yawn inducer still getting this gig? Oh, wait, that's how.

[Pyperkub]

I guess I'm not really sure what to make of the AFC Championship matchup. Bortles is so bad that, even with a strong defense, the Patriots *should* win by a lot. But then, this is 2018, and I can't really argue that Blake Bortles vs. Nick Foles is the Super Bowl matchup we deserve at this point.

Someone should have top NFL and Fox executives on live cams during the championship games to get their reaction shots if we wind up closing in on Bortles v. Foles.

Bortles has been playing really well in the playoffs. Reminds me of the Hoss in '91.

[msteelers]

Bortles had 87 passing yards against the Bills. Let’s not start saying he’s playing really well after one extremely effective game.

[EvilHomer3k]

I'd love to see Vikings/Jaguars but I don't think it would be anywhere near as much of a draw as Vikings Patriots. Plus, the game would likely be a low scoring affair that most people don't want to see (I do). No matter what, I'll enjoy the fact that the Vikings beat that douchebag Payton.

[El Guapo]

Bortles had 87 passing yards against the Bills. Let’s not start saying he’s playing really well after one extremely effective game.

All he does is win.

[msteelers]

Bortles had 87 passing yards against the Bills. Let’s not start saying he’s playing really well after one extremely effective game.

All he does is win.

That was fantastic... up until the flashbacks started.

[El Guapo]

Bortles had 87 passing yards against the Bills. Let’s not start saying he’s playing really well after one extremely effective game.

All he does is win.

That was fantastic... up until the flashbacks started.

I remember.

[Pyperkub]

Bortles had 87 passing yards against the Bills. Let’s not start saying he’s playing really well after one extremely effective game.

The wind was pretty terrible in that game, as I recall. He did a lot to sustain drives in that game when it mattered. Of course, I'm of the opinion that the onsides kick was the right call, given how well Jacksonville's offense was moving the ball at the time. I think that if Jacksonville hadn't been in FG range already, they would have not played it as conservatively, and would have run out the clock.

[gameoverman]

There's that saying "That was then, this is now" and Bortles makes me think of that. Whatever his failings as a QB previous to these playoffs, he did go to Pittsburgh and make big plays against that defense in their own stadium. At 35-28 he could easily have folded and the Steelers win, but he made a big play on that drive.

That's the kind of intangible that makes a win in NE not impossible. Regardless of how the Jaguar defense played, the Steeler defense still had Bortles to exploit and yet he exploited them in the end. NE can fall into the same trap.

[El Guapo]

That's the stuff of a stirring pregame speech - "Boys, I am telling you today that a win is not impossible!"

I will agree that since Bortles played well enough to beat Pittsburgh, it's possible that he'll play well enough to beat New England. It's improbable, but as long as the Jaguars defense (and Fournette) play well enough, it's possible.

[stessier]

Whelp, the dream is dead. Brady's throwing hand was severed during practice today. No way Hoyer leads us to the promised land.

(Sure they only listed him as limited with a right hand injury, but i know how to decipher Patriot injury reports.)

[WYBaugh]

Bortles had 87 passing yards against the Bills. Let’s not start saying he’s playing really well after one extremely effective game.

The wind was pretty terrible in that game, as I recall. He did a lot to sustain drives in that game when it mattered. Of course, I'm of the opinion that the onsides kick was the right call, given how well Jacksonville's offense was moving the ball at the time. I think that if Jacksonville hadn't been in FG range already, they would have not played it as conservatively, and would have run out the clock.

I was thinking it was a mistake to onside but you may be right. Pitt had 2 timeouts and over 2 minutes on the clock. I think we would have turtled or BB would have made his trademark INT.

I was at the Bills game. I really don't think the wind on the field was much of a factor...he and the receivers just plain sucked.