Superbowl

Vegas Claret · Post by **Vegas Claret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 3:32 am

well I don't usually watch American Throwball, but I love sport. Got to be said, as a sporting moment that was beyond incredible !

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 4:23 am

Just watched the second half of this with my Patriots supporting American mate. I left his apartment with him in shock, with the most bizarre look on his face. Myself, a not particularly informed American football fan just kept repeating, "WHY ARE THE FALCONS THROWING THE BALL?" "WHAT ARE THEY DOING?" The game was OVER and they imploded. I can`t quite think of an equivalent level of incompetence in football as I have just witnessed. Fantastic TV though!

cutsy123 · Post by **cutsy123** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 8:14 am

Horrible yanks

claretdom · Post by **claretdom** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 8:17 am

Said on the news Brady was sacked 5 times last night ?

Why did they keep re-employing him ?

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 8:31 am

claretdom wrote:Said on the news Brady was sacked 5 times last night ?

Why did they keep re-employing him ?

Because they kept getting a QUARTERBACK from their original outlay every time. SORRY...that`s terrible! Supposedly, the best quarterback who has ever graced the game. If he`s better than Joe Montana, he must be SOME player.

Dyched · Post by **Dyched** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 9:49 am

In hindsight I shouldn't of gone to bed at half time.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 10:47 am

Dyched wrote:In hindsight I shouldn't of gone to bed at half time.

I think the Falcons offensive co-ordinator did the same thing after the 3rd quarter. BIZARRE tactics.

Dyched · Post by **Dyched** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 10:55 am

It's the first time I understood what was going on and really enjoyed it. The games looked over at h/t. The Patriots looked down and out.

Dyched · Post by **Dyched** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 10:55 am

HiroshimaClaret wrote:I think the Falcons offensive co-ordinator did the same thing after the 3rd quarter. BIZARRE tactics.

What changed?

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 12:05 pm

The Falcons had the game in their pocket, and inexplicably chose to continue with a reasonably high-risk pass strategy, backfiring horribly. Around 9 minutes left, Patriots dead, worldy catch then braindeath set in. What the Patriots did after that though was incredible. I HONESTLY can`t think of an example if you transferred that level of of ineptitude to football. The manager would certainly have a turnip placed on his head AND more in the papers

Chester Perry · Post by **Chester Perry** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 1:52 pm

Think Man utd v Bayern in Barcelona add Liverpool v Milan in Istanbul and multiply by those mad Liverpool v Newcastle games and Swansea v Crystal Palace this year

IndigoLake · Post by **IndigoLake** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 1:54 pm

Wow, I've only just found out the result. I only made it until the very start of the 2nd half (was about 3am here) and even with it being Tom Brady and the Patriots, I just couldn't see any way back for them (I doubt many did!). Just watched the rest of it today - incredible comeback...officially the biggest comeback in superbowl history. Brady must go down as the greatest QB to play the game now, surely.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 1:54 pm

Is it worse than the Seahawks passing when on a two yard run for a TD a couple of years ago?

Looks ace when it works, looks **** when it doesn't.

FCBurnley · Post by **FCBurnley** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 2:02 pm

[quote="Dyched"]What changed?[/quote

Either they deflated the ball at ht or Kraft visited the refs locker room with his wallet full and left with it empty.

minnieclaret · Post by **minnieclaret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 2:30 pm

Just finished editting it, got it to under 2 hours.
Definitely one to keep.
It's such a great sport because the scoring system allows for quick points and a turnaround like that. Feel for Atlanta, they should have trusted their kicker to give them the 11 point lead.

Firthy · Post by **Firthy** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 3:45 pm

Brady made me eat my words. Absolutely amazing. It wasn't just the Falcons risky offence, the Patriots defence was brilliant in the second half.

Couple of crucial plays changed the game. The 4th down conversion with 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and Edelmans catch with 2 minutes left in the game. I think the Falcons were shell shocked after that and never got back into it.

Buxtonclaret · Post by **Buxtonclaret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 7:12 pm

That last play to draw level was one of those iconic sporting moments, whoever you follow, despite the Patriots bad press over recent years.
Worth staying up for, despite the bags under my eyes.

ontario claret · Post by **ontario claret** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 11:19 pm

I turned it on when it was 14-0. Falcons immediately get a "Pick 6". First drive of the 2nd half, Falcons score another TD and make it 28-3. Teams usually get conservative when they're ahead by that much, but the Falcons decide to try to pass on 3rd and 1, Ryan fumbles, Pats get a TD, and it' s a whole new ball game. The key, I thought , was when the Falcon's right offensive tackle went out injured. That meant that they had to start helping out his replacement in their blocking schemes, and the Pats started to get a pass rush up the middle. Ryan couldn't see as well downfield, got sacked, and their left offensive tackle was called for holding, which took them out of field goal range. Get that field goal, and it's game over. Brady got the ball back on the 11 yard line, and the rest was history. Pats made the adjustments when they needed to, and it all came down to whoever won the coin flip in overtime.

Cubanclaret · Post by **Cubanclaret** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:02 am

Not sure If Atlanta had won the coin flip they would have scored a td though.
Ryan looked haunted by then. Don't think any sport quite compares to gridiron when it comes to momentum. Don't like patriots or the all American bum Brady - but you have to hand it to them - unbelievable stuff.

Saxoman · Post by **Saxoman** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:03 am

Did you enjoy lady gaga?

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 8:24 am

Insane comeback. Best Superbowl of all time. I have no love of Patriots or Belicheck - I wanted Falcons to win, but you cannot deny how good Brady is. He just wins.

Biggest Superbowl comeback in history before Sunday was 10pts. Pats got 25 in about 10 minutes of the 4th Q.

Easily the G. O. A. T. He was before the game but that's underlined it. Peyton Manning can keep his yardage records and his stats but Brady just wants to win Superbowls, and does.

What a game. What a sport.

minnieclaret · Post by **minnieclaret** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 8:44 am

ontario claret wrote:I turned it on when it was 14-0. Falcons immediately get a "Pick 6". First drive of the 2nd half, Falcons score another TD and make it 28-3. Teams usually get conservative when they're ahead by that much, but the Falcons decide to try to pass on 3rd and 1, Ryan fumbles, Pats get a TD, and it' s a whole new ball game. The key, I thought , was when the Falcon's right offensive tackle went out injured. That meant that they had to start helping out his replacement in their blocking schemes, and the Pats started to get a pass rush up the middle. Ryan couldn't see as well downfield, got sacked, and their left offensive tackle was called for holding, which took them out of field goal range. Get that field goal, and it's game over. Brady got the ball back on the 11 yard line, and the rest was history. Pats made the adjustments when they needed to, and it all came down to whoever won the coin flip in overtime.

There were a few Atlanta linemen who went down, needing treatment. As they are minor players, to the media, I never heard whether they had come out permanently or not.
The other change was Legarret Blount finally managed a few runs 4th quarter. Before then he'd done nothing. This threat created space for receivers. Which they gladly took.

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 8:48 am

Falcons D had to face 50+ Brady passes and 99 total plays against them, by the time Pats began rolling in the 4th the defence were absolutely knackered. Falcons almost scored too quickly with short drives.

Following THAT catch from Jones they merely had to get 3 runs for 0 yards and a successful field goal and they win the game

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 10:34 am

GOAT? He's up there. But Bart Starr achieved the same number of titles in a much shorter time. He still gets my vote.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:03 pm

ontario claret wrote:I turned it on when it was 14-0. Falcons immediately get a "Pick 6". First drive of the 2nd half, Falcons score another TD and make it 28-3. Teams usually get conservative when they're ahead by that much, but the Falcons decide to try to pass on 3rd and 1, Ryan fumbles, Pats get a TD, and it' s a whole new ball game. The key, I thought , was when the Falcon's right offensive tackle went out injured. That meant that they had to start helping out his replacement in their blocking schemes, and the Pats started to get a pass rush up the middle. Ryan couldn't see as well downfield, got sacked, and their left offensive tackle was called for holding, which took them out of field goal range. Get that field goal, and it's game over. Brady got the ball back on the 11 yard line, and the rest was history. Pats made the adjustments when they needed to, and it all came down to whoever won the coin flip in overtime.

Your analysis is excellent I believe but it would all be made irrelevant (not a dig at all) and inconsequential IF the Falcons, after Jones` wonder catch had simply run the ball for 3 plays (VERY little risk and running the clock down!!!!!!!!) then gone for the fieldgoal (worst case scenario from 30 yards...). GAME OVER. Incredibly inept from a co-ordinator, I believe, whose sh*t smells of gold! My American mate STILL can`t get over the insanity of the Falcons` thinking.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:06 pm

Claretmatt4 wrote:Falcons D had to face 50+ Brady passes and 99 total plays against them, by the time Pats began rolling in the 4th the defence were absolutely knackered. Falcons almost scored too quickly with short drives.

Following THAT catch from Jones they merely had to get 3 runs for 0 yards and a successful field goal and they win the game

ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON! What the Falcons did was the dictionary definition of madness. I`m still trying to think of something comparable in football. I CAN`T!

iluva64 · Post by **iluva64** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:14 pm

Brazil v Germany last world cup

Chobulous · Post by **Chobulous** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:16 pm

HiroshimaClaret wrote: I`m still trying to think of something comparable in football. I CAN`T!

American football

West Brom v Stoke with Pulis in charge of both teams

Braindead · Post by **Braindead** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:50 pm

The Falcons much lauded OC Kyle Shanahan (Who is about to take over as Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers if rumours are to be believed), dropped the ball massively (Pardon the pun) for what should have been a simple 3 plays then a game ending Field Goal. Unfortunately what then happened was a 12-yard sack + loss of down and third-down holding penalty followed by an incompletion.
Just the most brainless drive in the history of the Superbowl I get that Shanahan and Ryan have a great relationship and he trusted him to get the job done but it makes no sense whatsoever for me, Matt Ryan could have knelt twice and then a FG would surely have resulted in the Superbowl heading for Atlanta.

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 12:51 pm

HiroshimaClaret wrote:Your analysis is excellent I believe but it would all be made irrelevant (not a dig at all) and inconsequential IF the Falcons, after Jones` wonder catch had simply run the ball for 3 plays (VERY little risk and running the clock down!!!!!!!!) then gone for the fieldgoal (worst case scenario from 30 yards...). GAME OVER.

It would have been a 41 yard field goal. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with going for the pass and masking it shorter. But Ryan should have certainly been ready to throw it away - he had moved out of the pocket.

Top Claret · Post by **Top Claret** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 7:42 pm

I would rather watch paint dry than sit up half the night watching that load of owd sweaty ********.

Yanks don't get sport, they just make in to a load of show biz ********, with all that raz mataz and endless commercial breaks

minnieclaret · Post by **minnieclaret** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 8:20 pm

Kyle Shanahan taking some flak on here but it was Matt Ryan who took the sack.
When he could, very easily, have got out of the pocket and launched it into row Z, for no loss.

Winstonswhite · Post by **Winstonswhite** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 8:31 pm

Top Claret wrote:I would rather watch paint dry than sit up half the night watching that load of owd sweaty ********.

Yanks don't get sport, they just make in to a load of show biz ********, with all that raz mataz and endless commercial breaks

With all due respect you haven't got a clue what you're talking about.

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 9:26 pm

Top Claret wrote:I would rather watch paint dry than sit up half the night watching that load of owd sweaty ********.

Yanks don't get sport, they just make in to a load of show biz ********, with all that raz mataz and endless commercial breaks

Or put another way, "I don't like it and only I matter". You overrate yourself.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 3:18 am

dsr wrote:It would have been a 41 yard field goal. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with going for the pass and masking it shorter. But Ryan should have certainly been ready to throw it away - he had moved out of the pocket.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 3:18 am

dsr wrote:It would have been a 41 yard field goal. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with going for the pass and masking it shorter. But Ryan should have certainly been ready to throw it away - he had moved out of the pocket.

He wasn`t ready to throw it away it seems, apparently the make-up of their offensive mentality. Therefore should never have done it. I`m happy to be proven wrong but a 41 yard field goal? Really? After the amazing Jones catch, with 4mins and 47 secs left on the clock, they had a 1st and 10 on the Patriots 22 yard line. Is 41 yards the worst case screnario, let`s say, if Ryan kneels down 3 times? Would it not be 35-40yds, depending how he kneels down? Don`t mean to be pedantic, it was just THE biggest suicide move I`ve seen in sport (which my huge American football mate ((Yankee)) agrees with. He`s still in shock, stating the Falcons kicker was the best this year between 35-40yds.

Great debating this...what an ending!!!!

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 7:23 am

HiroshimaClaret wrote:He wasn`t ready to throw it away it seems, apparently the make-up of their offensive mentality. Therefore should never have done it. I`m happy to be proven wrong but a 41 yard field goal? Really? After the amazing Jones catch, with 4mins and 47 secs left on the clock, they had a 1st and 10 on the Patriots 22 yard line. Is 41 yards the worst case screnario, let`s say, if Ryan kneels down 3 times? Would it not be 35-40yds, depending how he kneels down? Don`t mean to be pedantic, it was just THE biggest suicide move I`ve seen in sport (which my huge American football mate ((Yankee)) agrees with. He`s still in shock, stating the Falcons kicker was the best this year between 35-40yds.

Great debating this...what an ending!!!!

Made no logical sense to pass the ball, nobody can tell you otherwise. Don't care what the team makeup was they needed to extend the lead forcing the Pats to score an extra time, they only just managed to tie the game so with one more required it would've been curtains.

Also why the hell did the falcons kneel to go to overtime? They could've launched it deep on a Hail Mary.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:41 am

Claretmatt4 wrote:Made no logical sense to pass the ball, nobody can tell you otherwise. Don't care what the team makeup was they needed to extend the lead forcing the Pats to score an extra time, they only just managed to tie the game so with one more required it would've been curtains.

Also why the hell did the falcons kneel to go to overtime? They could've launched it deep on a Hail Mary.

Don`t understand what you`re saying claretmatt. I thought we agreed regards the nonsense of the Falcons plays? You seem to be reversing your viewpoint! Sorry if I have misunderstood your post.

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:48 am

Haha it's early so probably my fault. Just maintaining that to throw was madness no matter how much coaches trust ryan

BurningBeard · Post by **BurningBeard** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:58 am

Mental weakness and a lack of situational awareness from the players and coaches cost Atlanta the game.

Love him or hate him BB is a genius and will find a way 99% off the time.

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:59 am

I am not a rugby fan, not interested in either code. Just wondering if it appeals to the fans of american football .
Superbowl is a huge event i know, but as a sport, how does it compare?
My only knowledge is that they all run or throw the ball. Seems odd that rugby hasn't caught on in the states over the decades too.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 9:06 am

An ex-professional American footballer`s SPOT ON analysis - what i am trying to say...

`On the subject of running the football, though: The Falcons should've made the run a big part of their strategy immediately after getting to the cusp of the red zone with less than five minutes remaining in the game. Julio Jones' insane catch gave Atlanta a first down at the Patriots' 22-yard line. If the Falcons had run the ball on three consecutive downs, they could've burned clock and set up a very makeable field goal (especially for the reliable Matt Bryant) to increase their lead to 11 points. That would've forced New England to face the daunting prospect of scoring a touchdown, converting a two-point attempt, securing an onside kick and swiftly driving into field goal range. This should've been enough to make the Falcons take a conservative approach with the game almost in hand. But after one run play (more on that below), they decided to throw the ball. A sack and a holding penalty later, Atlanta was out of field-goal range and had to punt.`

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 9:15 am

HiroshimaClaret wrote:He wasn`t ready to throw it away it seems, apparently the make-up of their offensive mentality. Therefore should never have done it. I`m happy to be proven wrong but a 41 yard field goal? Really? After the amazing Jones catch, with 4mins and 47 secs left on the clock, they had a 1st and 10 on the Patriots 22 yard line. Is 41 yards the worst case screnario, let`s say, if Ryan kneels down 3 times? Would it not be 35-40yds, depending how he kneels down? Don`t mean to be pedantic, it was just THE biggest suicide move I`ve seen in sport (which my huge American football mate ((Yankee)) agrees with. He`s still in shock, stating the Falcons kicker was the best this year between 35-40yds.

Great debating this...what an ending!!!!

They did run it and lose a yard on first down, so 2nd and 11 on the 23. if he kneels down twice, lose two more yards, 4th and 13 on the 25; add 8 yards for the throw back to the kicker, and add 10 yards for the width of the end zone, you get a 43 yard field goal. Which should be made, but isn't a gimme.

Bad play calling, yes. But the play as called should have involved a roll out by the quarterback so that he could throw it away easily, if he had to. Trying to complete a safe pass would have taken time as well as made the field goal easier. (Green Bay at Seattle last year proved you can lose a two-score lead in three minutes.)

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 1:22 pm

Claretmatt4 wrote:Haha it's early so probably my fault. Just maintaining that to throw was madness no matter how much coaches trust ryan

Never do anything before a cup of tea! I agree 100% with your opinion. I only mentioned `kneeling down` in response to another post.

Have a great day!

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 1:27 pm

dsr wrote:They did run it and lose a yard on first down, so 2nd and 11 on the 23. if he kneels down twice, lose two more yards, 4th and 13 on the 25; add 8 yards for the throw back to the kicker, and add 10 yards for the width of the end zone, you get a 43 yard field goal. Which should be made, but isn't a gimme.

Bad play calling, yes. But the play as called should have involved a roll out by the quarterback so that he could throw it away easily, if he had to. Trying to complete a safe pass would have taken time as well as made the field goal easier. (Green Bay at Seattle last year proved you can lose a two-score lead in three minutes.)

Yeah, Ok. They ran it once. A 1 yard loss is nothing! Minor inconvenience as they ran the clock down. Do it again then once more. The vast majority of the US community say it was insane tactics. Can they really be wrong?
eam inthe
ALL good debate though!

Has there ever been a game of football where the management have committed suicide from SUCH a strong position? I think not. The games are too different.

Akin to a Premier League decider, a team is 2-1 up in the 87th minute and a midfielder (under instruction) of the team about to win the championship, boots the ball from the halfway line behind his own goal for a corner to the opposition. A ludicrous comparison but the only one?

ontario claret · Post by **ontario claret** » Fri Feb 10, 2017 5:52 pm

The reason why the Falcons had a 28-3 lead was that they sacked Brady 5 times, while the Pats weren't getting anywhere close to Ryan. That changed when their right offensive tackle went out injured, permanently. Offensive line play is the most underrated aspect of American football. It can take years for a good line to gel, and the teams that win always have the best O-line. That's what the Packers' dynasty in the '60s was built on. Win the battles in the trenches, you win the game. Very simple.

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Fri Feb 10, 2017 6:22 pm

ontario claret wrote:The reason why the Falcons had a 28-3 lead was that they sacked Brady 5 times, while the Pats weren't getting anywhere close to Ryan. That changed when their right offensive tackle went out injured, permanently. Offensive line play is the most underrated aspect of American football. It can take years for a good line to gel, and the teams that win always have the best O-line. That's what the Packers' dynasty in the '60s was built on. Win the battles in the trenches, you win the game. Very simple.

Even with that, 3 runs up the middle for no gain or one yard loss would do. 40-45 yard FG is easily make able.

It made the most sense at the time and does in retrosoect

ontario claret · Post by **ontario claret** » Fri Feb 10, 2017 6:43 pm

Look, I totally agree. The Falcons blew it. But the entire tenure of the game changed when the Pats started getting a pass rush. That, and the resident genius, Belichick, doing his usual thing. Nobody makes better half-time changes.

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Fri Feb 10, 2017 6:44 pm

Agree there too Ontario. Even when the Pats got the ball back they had a lot to do. Must have been 50/1 even then. Only Belicheck could mastermind that.

ontario claret · Post by **ontario claret** » Mon Feb 13, 2017 6:23 pm

Pats are a funny team. Nobody else would trade a starting LB in the middle of the season, but they did this year. The fringe players come and go, and the guy who scored the winning TD, I'd never heard of. White? Who he? Blount was getting the ball most of the time this year. And, by the way, the Falcons fired their defensive coordinator this week.