Anyone watching tonight? Personally would have liked to have seen the Chiefs beat the Patriots to progress (bit tired of the Patriots). I'm a Lions fan - I wonder if they'll ever be in a Superbowl?

Y
A
W
N



If its owt to do with soft boys rugby I want the pussycats to win, and my Mrs prefers the teddy bears.

Take your sh1te sport, silly names , corn dogs and whooping elsewhere.

Stop copying everything the Americans fo thinking it's cool, grow a backbone.

Edit - so that's a no!

I have watched most of the last 30 or so superbowls but for some reason I am struggling to be bothered about this - and I have never enjoyed the much vaunted half time show - just get on with the damn game - there are enough breaks during it

MACCA wrote:Y
A
W
N



If its owt to do with soft boys rugby I want the pussycats to win, and my Mrs prefers the teddy bears.

Take your sh1te sport, silly names , corn dogs and whooping elsewhere.

Stop copying everything the Americans fo thinking it's cool, grow a backbone.

Edit - so that's a no!

Hi Macca. Not sure the rude reply is really warranted. I'm just looking to talk with like-minded people about a sport I enjoy. I'm not really interested in hearing from those who don't enjoy it. Admittedly, there aren't a lot of people on this forum who follow the NFL but there are at least a few. Cheers.

Chester Perry wrote:I have watched most of the last 30 or so superbowls but for some reason I am struggling to be bothered about this - and I have never enjoyed the much vaunted half time show - just get on with the damn game - there are enough breaks during it

Hi Chester. Are you perhaps feeling Patriots fatigue like myself? Do you follow a particular team? Agree, I'm not fussed about the halftime show and I absolutely detest Maroon 5. However, it can sometimes be pretty entertaining. I don't particularly like Lady Gaga but thought she was very good a couple of years ago. Didn't see it at the time but enjoyed U2's performance in the year following 9/11.

It's not for me thanks, hyped up yanks wearing loads of protective gear acting like American heroes.
Would love to see them up against our Rugby Union team !
Why they call it American football when they use their hands I don't know.
But, each to their own.

IndigoLake wrote:Hi Macca. Not sure the rude reply is really warranted. I'm just looking to talk with like-minded people about a sport I enjoy. I'm not really interested in hearing from those who don't enjoy it. Admittedly, there aren't a lot of people on this forum who follow the NFL but there are at least a few. Cheers.

Fair point, I was just being a d1ck.
I have to be a dick a few times a day as people start to realise I'm actually a nice and sound bloke, and it changes their mentality towards me you see.

Apologies, enjoy the match.

Aclaret wrote:It's not for me thanks, hyped up yanks wearing loads of protective gear acting like American heroes.
Would love to see them up against our Rugby Union team !
Why they call it American football when they use their hands I don't know.
But, each to their own.

No worries Aclaret! What I would say is that NFL players are, for the most part, excellent athletes. The speed and strength some of them display is really impressive. I admit the sport is a bit too stop-start and that's something that I also imagine puts some people off.

Also, the sport stems from rugby and the term 'rugby football'. According to Wikipedia, "American football evolved in the United States, originating from the sports of association football (known in the U.S. as soccer) and rugby football."

Looking forward to watching the Superbowl for only the second time. I don't really follow a team, I was rooting for the Eagles last year, probably the Patriots this year but I don't really mind either way.

I still haven't got to grips with the game but should be an entertaining spectacle regardless.

I’ll be keeping an eye on it. It’s just a bit, a lot really, to long. Really like the game, been following the Rams since 1984.. admittedly lost interest when the moved, shitty franchise sport that does care about fans. So yes. GO RAMS.

ClaretAndJew wrote:Looking forward to watching the Superbowl for only the second time. I don't really follow a team, I was rooting for the Eagles last year, probably the Patriots this year but I don't really mind either way.

I still haven't got to grips with the game but should be an entertaining spectacle regardless.

Hi ClaretAndJew. Nice! I have a feeling Tom Brady will find a way to win this year. However, I wouldn't mind seeing the Rams win as Patriots have had far too much success, haha. I'm a Lions fan and they're 1 of (I think) only 4 teams never to have appeared at the Super Bowl. I chose to support them as I like to suffer. It will make the future successes even sweeter!

Yes, I've been watching a lot more the last couple of years (I watch a couple of games each week during the season) and I'd say that I'm still getting to grips with it myself. I understand the basics but I'm not quite at the stage where I can predict the type of plays teams will make at a particular time. Enjoy!

RammyClaret61 wrote:I’ll be keeping an eye on it. It’s just a bit, a lot really, to long. Really like the game, been following the Rams since 1984.. admittedly lost interest when the moved, shitty franchise sport that does care about fans. So yes. GO RAMS.

Hi Rammy. Agree it can be too slow and drawn out. Least it gives lots of opportunity for going to the loo or getting another drink, haha. I'll also be supporting the Rams tonight. Do you think they'll win?

IndigoLake wrote:Hi ClaretAndJew. Nice! I have a feeling Tom Brady will find a way to win this year. However, I wouldn't mind seeing the Rams win as Patriots have had far too much success, haha. I'm a Lions fan and they're 1 of (I think) only 4 teams never to have appeared at the Super Bowl. I chose to support them as I like to suffer. It will make the future successes even sweeter!

Yes, I've been watching a lot more the last couple of years (I watch a couple of games each week during the season) and I'd say that I'm still getting to grips with it myself. I understand the basics but I'm not quite at the stage where I can predict the type of plays teams will make at a particular time. Enjoy!

I just find it fascinating that there's also this outside association with the game, the build up, the half time shows etc, it's almost like the game is secondary to everything else. It's entertainment.

Of course, the sport itself is obviously very tough and the players must be fit as fiddles and peak athletes. My only gripe is the constant stop start nature of it, but you get used to it.

ClaretAndJew wrote:I just find it fascinating that there's also this outside association with the game, the build up, the half time shows etc, it's almost like the game is secondary to everything else. It's entertainment.

Of course, the sport itself is obviously very tough and the players must be fit as fiddles and peak athletes. My only gripe is the constant stop start nature of it, but you get used to it.

Yeah, it's a real spectacle. I went to see the Los Angeles Chargers Vs the Tennessee Titans at Wembley last October - was a great experience and a really good atmosphere. However, I have heard that the US experience is on another level with the tailgate before the game. People really make a day of it. I'd love to attend a game in the US one day - maybe in a few years.

Agree, it can be too stop-start though it doesn't bother me too much anymore. I tend to do other things (like post on here) in between play. Are you aware of the college football scene? It's amazing how big that is as well - college football games draw huge crowds as well and the atmosphere for those is also very good (often bordering on tribal!) as well.

Indigo, sorry but I havn't much idea of US football, who is in the final and where are they from ? Is it played in a neutral City ?
Me and Mrs Aclaret were in California a few years back in Huntington Beach when the final was on, think Los Angeles were playing ? The bars were full of folk wearing there team shirts, we tried watching for a short while but like I say not really our thing.
Enjoy the game.

Aclaret wrote:Indigo, sorry but I havn't much idea of US football, who is in the final and where are they from ? Is it played in a neutral City ?
Me and Mrs Aclaret were in California a few years back in Huntington Beach when the final was on, think Los Angeles were playing ? The bars were full of folk wearing there team shirts, we tried watching for a short while but like I say not really our thing.
Enjoy the game.

No worries Aclaret. This year's Superbowl features the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots! It's indeed being played elsewhere in Atlanta, Georgia. What year did you go to California? Was it 2016? That was the year the Superbowl took place in Santa Clara, California. It was between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. No worries, it isn't for everyone Thanks!

Yep that must have been the one in Jan/Feb 2016.
Plenty of travelling for the fans then

As a Dolphins fan i detest the Patriots with a passion considering they've won the AFC East for the last eight years.
Their record though is remarkable considering the NFL is set up to prevent one team dominating with the draft system etc so begrudging hats off to Belichick and Brady.
I picked the Rams in about week three to go all the way, with Todd Gurley fit again, Aaron Donald again the Defensive player of the year and Jared Goff having a breakout year, i sincerely hope they crush the Pats.

Like most people in the planet I didn’t want the Patriots to get through but hey ho.

People comparing NFL players are soft compared to rugby players don’t have a clue. From a sports science and tactical point of view it’s the most advanced sport in the world.

One thing I will say is that I never really ‘got it’ watching just the highlights. You have to watch the full game to fully appreciate what goes into scoring the points.

Sorry guys, I'm a big Pats fan (from 1985 when they were tubbed by the tubby Fridge of Bears fame).

Look, I know this sounds patronising, but to the skeptics amongst you, once you invest the time in working out what's going on (and the tactics of the game) it is a fantastic sport/spectacle.

Also to those who think they're padded up softies, I'd suggest you try catching a ball then being hit without any preparation to take that hit.......

Anyhow enjoy the game....

I watched regularly years ago tried to watch the whole thing one year when my team the Redskins (nearest team in colour to Claret) beat Denver Broncos in the Super bowl, alas I fell asleep in the 3rd quarter.

A friend introduced me to NFL Redzone on Sky a couple of years ago, which shows all the action from all the Sunday games as it happens in the regular season. A brilliant watch.

I will record tonight's match, as I ain't staying up till 4am. Then I will just watch the actual game as it goes on and on forever and a day.

My thoughts on the game, I'd like Los Angeles Rams to win but I think the Patriots will edge it.

Like someone said earlier the whole franchise where a whole team can be moved to a completely different city really frustrates me, I believe the Raiders are moving from Oakland to Las Vegas. Thank God, Milton Keynes Dons aside that isn't common place in football.

I've always found it really weird how, every time an NFL thread gets started here, a few people will pop in just to tell everyone how much they don't like the sport. Why even go to the bother of opening the thread?

Shouting for the Pats as the Rams shouldn’t even be there. Saints totally stitched up by a corrupt back judge.
Redskins fan meself but going nowhere as long as Snyder is owning the team.

Squarepusher wrote:I've always found it really weird how, every time an NFL thread gets started here, a few people will pop in just to tell everyone how much they don't like the sport. Why even go to the bother of opening the thread?

People will be people.

It’s exactly the same scenario on England international threads.

I have a season ticket for the London games.

I saw the Rams last year and will be rooting for them but I think Brady will find a way to beat them.

As for people complaining about the game because they are too thick to understand it - get a life.
Simpletons say similar things about cricket and rugby union. If you can't appreciate elite athletes at the top of their game I suggest you keep your ignorance to yourself.

This thread has already attracted more interest than I expected - good to see

I had considered going to the US for this year's Superbowl. Plan was to do a 1-week road trip culminating in being in Atlanta for the game (but without tickets). Finances didn't really permit but something I'd love to do in the future. May also just go over to the US to see a normal league game (and maybe catch a college game if I can). Has anyone seen an NFL game in the US? Good experience I imagine?

Good to see the insecure “I HATE THAT FOREIGN NONSENSE AND EVERYBODY SHOULD KNOW THAT EVERY TIME IT GETS MENTIONED” has returned like it does every time

Rams for me.

MACCA wrote:
If its owt to do with soft boys rugby I want the pussycats to win, and my Mrs prefers the teddy bears.

“Soft boys rugby”. NFL players are superior athletes, freakishly strong and freakishly quick - which is why if they didn’t wear the protection they do, there would literally be deaths in every game.

Hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-1MQ0Cnbhs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A video like this speaks volumes when it comes to why NFL players need padding. Some of the hits are ridiculous. (Helmets ripped right off in many cases...head helmets I mean )

I used to be a big Steelers fan back in the day, then switched my allegiance to the Redskins. Buffalo used to play a couple of games per season at Skydome in Toronto, but that fizzled out after a few seasons, possibly due to Ontario drinking laws, ‘tailgating parties’ prior to the game were verboten. As for the Super Bowl, it’s become little more than a vehicle for advertisers, expect this year’s game to last four hours, rather than the typical three. The ‘pre game’ show on telly lasts literally ALL DAY, more ad’s for eyeballs, talk about overkill!

When the internet came along I reconnected with real footy, I haven’t watched an NFL game since, don’t miss it at all.

Buccaneers fan here! Roger Best, you wouldn't be willing to part with yours when they're over here, would you?

PS Rooting for LA. Not a fan of the same team winning all the time!!!

NY Giants fan here. I went to watch the Philadelphia Eagles a couple of years ago, what a great day out. You would not believe how wasted people get before the game but i so no trouble.I would like the Rams to win but think the Patriots will walk it. Superbowl Sunday is one of if not the biggest partying (and gambling) days of the year here.

I'll check the score on google, if it's very close going into the last 5 mins (or the 30 they drag that out to) then I'll watch, otherwise I'll probably do the washing up

Followed the Patriots fortunes since the mid 80's.
I'll be watching.

Here's the inside scoop. The key to the game will be whether the Patriots can shut down Todd Gurley, the best running back in the NFL right now. It'll be Gurley left, Gurley right, Gurley up the middle. Bill Belichick is still the best coach in the league, and usually comes up with a game plan to stop the opposition, but Timothy McVie is right up there, too, so don't expect too many mistakes from him. Of course, New England has Tom Brady at quarterback, the most important position on the field, and he never makes a mental mistake. My prediction, Patriots by 10.

SGr wrote:“Soft boys rugby”. NFL players are superior athletes, freakishly strong and freakishly quick - which is why if they didn’t wear the protection they do, there would literally be deaths in every game.

Hope this helps.

I fully concur.

Squarepusher wrote:I've always found it really weird how, every time an NFL thread gets started here, a few people will pop in just to tell everyone how much they don't like the sport. Why even go to the bother of opening the thread?

It's only because I wish I could stay up until daft o'clock to watch it, go my mates house for the big booze up and have tomorrow off.

I'll however be tucked up in bed for 21.30 ready for another week at work

We are just very envious people.

ontario claret wrote:Here's the inside scoop. The key to the game will be whether the Patriots can shut down Todd Gurley, the best running back in the NFL right now. It'll be Gurley left, Gurley right, Gurley up the middle. Bill Belichick is still the best coach in the league, and usually comes up with a game plan to stop the opposition, but Timothy McVie is right up there, too, so don't expect too many mistakes from him. Of course, New England has Tom Brady at quarterback, the most important position on the field, and he never makes a mental mistake. My prediction, Patriots by 10.

You might be right but Gurley was a non-factor in the NFC championship game and may be playing hurt. CJ Anderson has been a bigger part of the Rams offense in recent weeks so NE has them both to think about as well as the receivers.

Timothy McVeigh is the Oklahoma City bomber. Sean McVay coaches the LA Rams.

Brady does make mental mistakes especially if pressured up the middle, but granted not as many mistakes as other QBs. His competitiveness and coolness under pressure as well as experience and craft and BB's and McDaniels' scheme see him through.

Other than that, solid post. Hope your prediction is accurate. Go Pats.

McVay. Yep. That guy. (And he's very young. Still in his 30s.) And Gurley's had 2 weeks to rest. RBs are forever playing hurt. That's why their careers are so short.

Timothy McVie was the guy who blew up the federal building in Oklahoma City. Went to Starpoint High School, in the north west corner of New York state, just north of Buffalo.

ontario claret wrote:Timothy McVie was the guy who blew up the federal building in Oklahoma City. Went to Starpoint High School, in the north west corner of New York state, just north of Buffalo.

Not much good came out of the Buffalo area, other than fires on the north, south, east and west sides.

Oh, and Irv Weinstein asking “Do you know where your children are?”

whentheballmoves wrote:Buccaneers fan here! Roger Best, you wouldn't be willing to part with yours when they're over here, would you?

They are playing the Carolina panthers and i would like to see cam newton but if i can't make it i will let you know.

RogerBest wrote:They are playing the Carolina panthers and i would like to see cam newton but if i can't make it i will let you know.

Isn't there talk of them ditching Newton?

Not a massive fan of nfl
Might watch some tonight
Get a bit confused about some of the phrases such as sack and tight end

IndigoLake wrote:This thread has already attracted more interest than I expected - good to see

I had considered going to the US for this year's Superbowl. Plan was to do a 1-week road trip culminating in being in Atlanta for the game (but without tickets). Finances didn't really permit but something I'd love to do in the future. May also just go over to the US to see a normal league game (and maybe catch a college game if I can). Has anyone seen an NFL game in the US? Good experience I imagine?

I went to a dolphins game in Miami, and I've seen them 3 or 4 times in London. I'd definitely recommend seeing a game over there, the atmosphere is so much better - in fact the full day is. The games over here are still an exhibition to an extent filled with supporters of all teams, from all over the world attending. Naturally I'll be hoping Brady is sacked 10 times tonight and the Rams take the title

Everyone in position? A few Buds to hand?

Belial wrote:I went to a dolphins game in Miami, and I've seen them 3 or 4 times in London. I'd definitely recommend seeing a game over there, the atmosphere is so much better - in fact the full day is. The games over here are still an exhibition to an extent filled with supporters of all teams, from all over the world attending. Naturally I'll be hoping Brady is sacked 10 times tonight and the Rams take the title

Sounds like a great experience! Yes, I saw the Chargers Titans game last October...came over from Spain Enjoyed it a lot and hoping to go again this year.

Goddy wrote:Everyone in position? A few Buds to hand?

Ohhhhh yes!

Got a bottle of JD in hand instead. But looking forward to a good game. Giants fan here and been to the games in London. Was fortunate seeing the Giants at Twickenham back in 2016. Come on Rams!!