outlaw4

Certainly would rather be us than the Steelers right now. Will say Steelers also got screwed by the refs for being called offsides on a blocked FG returned for a TD.

Raiders making this a game now.

PFF is the sound I made reading those numbers. It's on a curve where 100 is the ability of a tacklng dummy.

That can't be real, can it?

Still a big deal right now. It's the next game up, one after a bad loss.

Something I noticed as well. Unfortunately something that experience with a clean pocket can't fix since that's generally not allowed with any semblance of consistency.

At this point, Darnold is an asset we have to protect.

Do those traffic cones that in front on Darnold on every play have names?

Just want to point out that Boger did the 49ers/Packers game that also had atrocious refereeing. I pretty much expected crap calls going in and, boy, did the stripes delivered.

I won't pretend to understand all the nuances of our run defense today. I'm just going to say that for all the resources we invested on the D and the extra time to prepare for this game, today was a completely unacceptable performance all round.

Same explanation as why Peppers got a roughing the kicker penalty against Dallas in 2005 when we clearly tipped the ball.

Something I want to believe although there's a small part of me that feels there might've been some truth to it. I'm just glad we never pulled the trigger because the damage would've been fatal to the current regime. I think of it this way. If we get to that point where we have to talk big numbers on a future contract, then that means our gamble paid off. A good problem to have.

My heart says one thing but my mind says no CMC/Horn, the latter being a much bigger loss. Defense will come back to earth some although not helped by short fields thanks to a Darnold fumble or two. Most importantly, have to remember it's a game versus the Cowboys and the officials. That roughing the kicker penalty when we clearly deflected the ball back in 2005 remains a sore point to this day. I'm hoping this is a 2003 type of deal when we lose in the regular season but get revenge in the playoffs Cowboys 27 Panthers 19

I distinctly remember that bomb to Anderson. I also remember that was one game that gave me a more positive opinion of Darnold at the time but couldn't put my finger on why until now. At his best, the man can throw beautiful intermediate dimes, even on the run. Let's hope for a repeat performance.

We'll have a better picture after the Dallas game. This group will seriously enter the conversation if - even if we end up losing - whack Dak like a pinata. Forget the stats; I don't recall our pass rush being this violent against opposing quarterbacks. That and it's not where our opponents can focus on just one or two guys either. Whatever we're doing is giving just about everyone a shot at the quarterback at some point, via skill and/or design. The question is whether we can sustain this or whether injuries/opponents getting smarter will set us back.

Prevent defense is excellent at preventing victories.

You would think that trying to bribe the tester would mean being punished more severely than the original five games.

If Darnold continues to progress, we'll need to send Adam Gase a thank you card.

Not sure if the "last night" in the title thread is necessary. I will say we were giving our backs an actual chance later in the game but unsure how much of that was attrition or better execution.

Don't see why we don't put CMC on IR and use his spot for someone else.

On the record, I was on the fence with Darnold. Inexplicably, I saw enough Jets games in the past and noticed those flashes of potential. What scared me was that we had tried this QB reclamation route before with David Carr and it did not work at all. He took so much pummeling with the Texans that he literally crumbled onto the turf if a lineman looked at him the wrong way. The damage had been done and even now, that's my concern with Darnold. If not risk of regression, keeping him healthy.

Brady calling runs up the middle in short yardage when it clearly isn't working is becoming a meme now. Thankfully, someone finally told him what New England did all the time with Brady and just let Darnold get it instead. More Tremble plays are welcome. I'd have to look back but not sure if I want to keep trying WR screens.

Not going to crown him just yet. Still a long season and yes, those fumbles are a concern (same problem Delhomme had when he played). That said, what Darnold did in the second half is going to get him more respect, not just from the fans and media but more importantly, opposing defenses. Obviously, we shouldn't put everything on him but tonight, we all but had to and without CMC, he delivered.

Can I smash this victory pie against the refs and the injury bug?