Rob's House

I disagree with Orton being "eh", but I will say I've been really impressed with how Manuel's handled this situation. Instead of pouting he's taken a positive approach and tried to learn what he can from this opportunity and be a good teammate. These kind of things make me think there may be hope for him yet. Who knows, they might have saved his career by pulling him now rather than leaving him out there to catch a permanent case of David Carr syndrome. I don't see him taking the reigns from Orton in the next few years, but if he can build some confidence and learn to keep his cool under pressure he may have another chapter left to write.

"Maybe not all of them, but most of them. And all it takes is most of them." - Eric Cartman

The real picture isn't quite as clear as the one you paint. Yes, it is his 10th season in the league, but it's his first real action in a couple of years. Secondly, too much is made out of career numbers. If he'd been playing year in year out for the last 9 years it would mean more, but he's got about 5 years of starting. Also, his career average includes his rookie season and spot duty which are less indicative of future performance than his most recent performance as a long term starter. A better barometer of his performance would be to look at the two years he spent in Denver before the John Fox change where he very consistent with a QB rating around 87 both of those years. Your analysis also ignores his progression. In seasons in which he's started at least a dozen games his QB rating has risen steadily: 59.7, 79.6, 86.8, 87.5, in that order. It shows he's one of the rare QBs that does improve steadily and significantly. That is a more accurate indicator of what is to be expected than a raw average. Plus, his QB rating doesn't have to remain at 104 for him to be a viable QB.

Last year the Texans were 2-2 after 4 games.

And here I was thinking I was smarter than McKelvin.

As long as he keeps throwing TDs he can be a straight up communist for all I care.

My wife dragged me to Gone Girl so naturally I thought it would suck ads, and that's before I even knew Ben Affleck had the starring role, but to my surprise it was actually pretty good. Not sure I cared too much for the ending (I hate it when everyone dies at the end) but if you don't know what's coming it's a good ride.

I'm not even that high on Hackett. I don't think he's a great OC, but I don't think he's the village idiot he's made out to be either. My main issue is that I think the majority of criticism toward him is unfounded. I've said for a long while that 80-90% of those criticizing the play calling don't have the foggiest idea what they're talking about (to clarify, I'm acknowledging that the other 10-20% do know what they're talking about - and everyone thinks they're in that group). Personally, I'm not going to criticize this past win. People can argue the tired bit about not getting 6 TOs every week, and if we use the same game plan against Denver then I'll agree with them, but when you're going against an offense you think you can beat up a conservative offensive plan isn't as idiotic as the Madden experts among us would have me believe.

This is the hell I deal with. People are always telling me I'm not white enough. I'm like, "nigga please".

I'm glad we made the trade, largely for the reasons you gave. I was just making fun of the argument that they nailed it because their plan B sucked.

Tell them to take you off the list. Worked for me.

Yes it is (We need a pass the joint emoticon)

It wouldn't break my heart to re-sign Pears if his price is right. He's been rough at G but he's a serviceable T and I like having depth there. Haven't seen enough of Hairston to say one way or the other. Either way, the 2 of them only represent 1 starter who could be replaced by Richardson if they think he's ready or sign a veteran. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against drafting OL, I just wouldn't prioritize it this year. It hasn't really worked out thus far but I was stoked that we addressed the line with 3 picks last year.

I thought EJ-Fan-4-Ever drank it all. You been holding out on me? I didn't say that. It may well be true, but I didn't say it.

Hard to say, but if they're FAs at the end of the year (are they?) I'd be inclined to doubt it. Either way, I don't like the idea of going into another season relying on mid to late round rookies to start on the O line.

Our most immediate need is OL, but we've got 3 young guys that may yet develop and OL has a steep learning curve. Unless a great value pick drops I think we do better addressing that in FA. Our least immediate need is DL but that's where I'd look to draft first (all prospects being equal) Because it's the strength of our team. Kyle Williams is getting old, Hughes may leave or play 1 more year under the tag, and you can never have too many pass rushers. With no other glaring position of need I start filling the pipeline now (unless a substantially better value exists at another position). TE, S, QB, & RB would also be on my radar in no particular order. I'm looking for guys that make us better 2-5 years from now. The roster's strong enough that I don't expect a 3rd rd rookie to be an instant upgrade at any position. Edit: If a top RB like Melvin Gordon fell to us in the second I might seriously consider taking him.

Depends on what flavor of Kool Aid they're serving on it.

If it makes you feel any better, I don't think you're an idiot or one of the worst offenders. I just thought you were being overly critical. A lot of EJ fans **** on Hackett b/c he was their EJ scapegoat. Perhaps you're not one of them. It's cool. And my bait is wonderful.

Based on months and months of posting. And my bait tastes lovely. I've mastered the art of baiting. :lol: Oh **** dude! You're serious! Project Much?

He definitely had room for improvement but I'd hardly say he sucked. He made some nice deep passes and a few clutch plays. Regardless of how good the Redskins D was, it's hard to suck your way to a 25/30 for 299 stat line against a good team. If Manuel had done that it would have made his top 3 performances. When a guy who has played as much football at the level EJ has & is still considered a PROJECT don't you have to wonder what it is about him that prevents him from playing at the level of equally experienced QBs who aren't considered PROJECTS?

That's ridiculous. Teams that pass a lot never win. Look at QBs with big passing numbers: Brees, Manning, Rogers, Brady, Luck. What do they all have in common? Looooosers.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I think White makes a strong case that it's not whether you are right or wrong, but simply that you and Hackett/Marrone disagree about the game plan. Your plan might be great too, but it's hard to say their's sucked when they won by 20 points. This is obnoxious.

I love the argument that the Bills made a great move trading up because they would have blown the pick otherwise even though other talent was available. Next time I get too drunk to drive home and crash at my friend's house I'll explain to my wife how getting wasted and passing out was brilliant because otherwise I'd have gotten wasted and wrecked the car, and hope she doesn't realize that drinking less was an option.

If the pass protection doesn't improve it'll be hard to run a pass first offense with a pocket passer. Hopefully the addition of Urbik, half a season of experience for the young guys, and coaching up the line over the bye will help, but the lack of progress to this point leaves me skeptical. But with Orton's knack for nailing the intermediate routes and the talent we have among our receivers, this offense could be scary with better protection. The loss of Fred Jackson hurts the passing game on two fronts as well - He's our best pass blocking back and the best receiver out of the backfield. It really helps to have that element on a pass first team.

I'm guessing if Hackett changed his name to EJ you'd find a way to defend him rather than bend over backwards trying to find something negative to say. I feel bad for you. You, NoSaint, and a few others who know what you're talking about are being drowned out by those who jumped on the anti-Hackett band wagon, not because they had reasonable criticisms, but because they needed a scapegoat for Manuel.