Any NFL fans out there?

poliss · August 28, 2011, 02:30:39 AM

The NFL is back on Channel 4 starting on 12th of September at 1.00am. First game is the Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets. The big game will be on the 26th of September when the Colts are going to grind the Steelers into the dirt!

(Guess who I support?) I hope our key players, Manning, Freeney and Saturday are injury free.
No Garry Imlach this year but good old Mike Carlson will be back. I hope Nat Coombs will join him.

So is this all gobbledygook to you or do you watch gridiron too?

Sithlord75 · August 28, 2011, 03:21:05 AM

I have watched and found it interesting that a game of 60mins took hours to play. Also found it interesting that for an 11 a side game then need for 45 players was a bit strange! That said, I used to like watching the 49ners when Joe was QBacking them but don't get to see much Down Here (and more importantly Out Here). The Super Bowl is played live when it is on.

On the subject of football, please to see my AFL team has made it into the playoffs for the first time for a couple of years - and in the first year of our rookie coach. Now to see how far we go (not holding any hope of winning - the two at the top are waaaaay too good for everyone else, even on their bad days this year).

Mustermark · August 28, 2011, 03:25:14 AM

Wouldn't say I'm an NFL fan exactly, but since coming to the US, I've embraced the sporting culture. I have been to see the Carolina Panthers play (Charlotte is about 3 hours from us).

The Panthers game was quite good fun but probably not the game at its best. The best bit was when the blokes had some orange juice and the girls came out to dance. I've watched a few NFL games on TV too, including the Superowl, but with the padding and all it's not quite the brutal physical game that rugby is (I'm a Bath fan).

I have a friend who is a huge colts fan - her house if full of Colts memorabilia. I'm sure we'll get to a bar on 26th and see the Colts triumph...

Sithlord75 · August 28, 2011, 03:33:50 AM

Quote from: Mustermark on August 28, 2011, 03:25:14 AM
I've watched a few NFL games on TV too, including the Superowl, but with the padding and all it's not quite the brutal physical game that rugby is (I'm a Bath fan).

The game last night here between the All Blacks and Wallabies was pretty physical - 25 phases before the Blacks scored. Fortunately they didn't score enough

Mustermark · August 28, 2011, 03:39:36 AM

Quote from: Sithlord75 on August 28, 2011, 03:33:50 AM
Quote from: Mustermark on August 28, 2011, 03:25:14 AM
I've watched a few NFL games on TV too, including the Superowl, but with the padding and all it's not quite the brutal physical game that rugby is (I'm a Bath fan).

The game last night here between the All Blacks and Wallabies was pretty physical - 25 phases before the Blacks scored. Fortunately they didn't score enough

Now there's a grudge match. Would like to have tuned in to that.

The fun one in our house is England v Wales. My wife is Welsh (and she used to play rugby!!!) and nothing makes her happier than the boys in red beating my lot - like last season when, if I recall correctly, the Welsh stopped the English getting the grand-slam in the 5 nations.

We're a bit off topic now - sorry poliss!

Alex · August 28, 2011, 08:19:42 AM

Hi,

I used to watch the NFL when it first came to Ch4. I supported the Chicago Bears for a number of years. Used to enjoy watching William 'The Frdige' Perry demolish the opposition.

Haven't watched it for years now. Good to see it's back. I'll have to dust off the recorder.

Alex

Newportnobby · August 28, 2011, 10:50:03 AM

I have been a keen follower of gridiron since it was first broadcast on British TV and have been extremely disappointed how it has moved around schedules to end up in the wee small hours. I'm an avid Packers fan (Cheesehead), but watch the Superbowl every year regardless of who's playing.
One of the funniest shows I ever saw on TV was 'Max Boyce meets the Dallas Cowboys. Boy, did he get knocked about

Lawrence · August 28, 2011, 11:41:17 AM

Go Broncos!

Gooders · August 28, 2011, 12:05:59 PM

Always had a soft spot for the Pats - perhaps because in the 80s they were slaughtered by Chicago in Superbowl 20 and I was a sucker for an underdog. How times have changed.

poliss · August 28, 2011, 02:49:53 PM

Back in the 80s me and my mate were thinking about which team to support. We wen't for one that was in line for a perfect record......of losses.

That team was the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately they spoiled it by winning their last three games. They were so bad no good players would sign for them. How times have changed.
The 'padding' is more like armour plate. Would you like to be hit by three 17 stone chappies launching themselves into you at full pelt?

Mustermark · August 28, 2011, 09:27:26 PM

Quote from: poliss on August 28, 2011, 02:49:53 PM
The 'padding' is more like armour plate. Would you like to be hit by three 17 stone chappies launching themselves into you at full pelt?

I'm 17 stone and 6'4" myself, but you are so very right to suppose I would not enjoy that. But i'd prefer it with the armour on than without!!!

Lawrence · August 28, 2011, 10:52:46 PM

Gentlemen, I give you what has become known as simply, The Drive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_CYdodPwY

poliss · August 29, 2011, 01:56:26 AM

Elway was one of the greats. There were a few around in those days. Montana and Marino were two more.
You'd think the padding and helmets would protect you, but I've seen legs bend at the knee the wrong way and lots of players been taken off the field on carts wearing a neck brace. Some of them even manage to shoot themselves in the leg when they go out drinking for the night.

Sithlord75 · August 29, 2011, 10:00:39 AM

I do follow Ben Graham's career with interest - although I don't follow his former AFL team down here. Nice to see an Aussie doing well - but then he did well at the Cats prior to conversion! The Cats went onto win the Premiership twice since he retired but he can take some credit for getting them there on the build up. Awesome kicker - and given the amount of great punters the AFL has, he was a standout.

Tank · August 29, 2011, 10:00:48 AM

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but I've always hated American Football. I'm a rugby man, and I always saw the NFL as a load of 'girls' who thought they were hard, but had to wear helmets and body armour! They've basically stolen the game of rugby, changed a few rules around, and put make-up on.

Anyway, morning all!