Now Ye're Talking - to an NFL expert

Boards.ie: Niamh

As most of you know, at week's end is Super Bowl 50, the biggest event on the NFL calendar and one of the most watched sporting events globally year on year. To help celebrate the big event, we've got Steve O'Rourke, NFL expert and sports journalist with The42.ie, ready to answer any and all questions you may have about America's game.

Steve's musings on American football have been published by ESPN and elsewhere and he is a former offensive co-ordinator in the Irish American Football League. And yes, he always goes for it on fourth down on Madden.

You can find most of his writing on the NFL by visiting http://www.the42.ie/nfl/news/ but if you'd prefer the really nerdy stuff where he explains the intricacies of the game, this is the link for you: http://www.the42.ie/coaches-film/news/

Steve will be here all next week to answer any questions you may have about the sport of American football, the NFL and Super Bowl in particular but he may also be able to steer you in the right direction if you're thinking of playing the game in Ireland.

Let's get the ball rolling...:pac:

diomed

Why do they call it football?

Dogberto

Who's going to win the Super Bowl and why?

Who should I support?

blapabrew22

What's your earliest AND most memorable Super Bowl memory?

A-Trak

As a young teen, John Madden Football '92 taught me the intricacies of American football, especially the "Hail Mary."

Do/did you play any of the games?

paulie21

Hey Steve, know your a fan of the Raiders, can Carr progress into an elite QB and get ye back in contention for superbowls?

Fr Tod Umptious

Hi,
Is talk by the NFL about a franchise in London just paying lip service to the British media/public or do the NFL really think its feasible ?

adrian522

If you were the OC of Denver how would you game plan this game? Same for the OC of Carolina.

Paully D

Hey Steve, thanks for doing this. I always enjoy reading your stuff on the NFL.

As a Ravens fan and draft nerd, I'd be interesting in hearing what you'd do with Baltimore's #6 pick in the upcoming draft?

StringerBell

Do you think the latest concussion stats are more indicative of them being recorded better, properly these days, or is it that the hits are getting harder/more frequent?

padd b1975

For a sport with such a short playing season and the amount of protection given to players, why is the career of the average American footballer so short?

DEFTLEFTHAND

Any truth to the rumours that the Oakland Raiders are Vegas bound?

DEFTLEFTHAND

EDIT: Question already asked.

salmocab

could you explain in fairly easy terms how the regular season works in so far as who plays who and how its decided.

helimachoptor

Why cant they change NFL to saturday? Kills me having to go to bed...

Few titans questions..

What do you think of the Titans hiring Mularkey and the GM Robinson?
Where do you think the Titans focus on the draft and do you think there's a p[possibility on a trade back?

Agent J

What on earth is the pro bowl and should we care?

alchemist33

Hi Steve. Will the Seahawks be better or worse off if Lynch doesn't play for them again?

davetherave

Who do you fancy for the Shamrock Bowl this year? Can you see anyone getting the better of the Trojans? And will it be another Belfast/Trinity affair?

Patty O Furniture

Hi Steve, A good a time as any, a few questions please for someone still picking this up, thanks.

Are there any Irish players in the NFL? i'm not too sure, but i could have sworn there's one from Monaghan?

As i know there's an english guy Menelik Watson@Oakland from watching NFL London.
What are the statistics involved, as i briefly heard NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mention 10yrs time? maybe some of the team in London+some in US? as that's a lot of airmiles when it does happen!

What's a good site & not too overwhelming to learn a bit more on the NFL as i watch the highlights also on the BBC on Tuesdays, as this is their 1st yr doin highlights & have more on screen info which is informative for anyone that doesn't know it.

I've been watching more & more NFL each year, afaik 1st Superbowl was the Packers in Superbowl XLV (2010)
I can see why they call it Superbowl 50, as no fun calling it Superbowl L, but one thing's for sure it's gonna be one 'L' of a game btwn Panthers v Broncos
But can anyone catch up with Cam Newton, especially when you see his Usain Bolt celebrations;)

The42.ie: Steve

diomed wrote: »

Why do they call it football?

Hi Diomed,

It's called football for the same reason rugby is called football because they both originated from Association football.

Also, the very first thing that happens in every game of American football is the foot making contact with the ball.

The42.ie: Steve

Dogberto wrote: »

Who's going to win the Super Bowl and why?

Who should I support?

Hi Dogberto,

I think the Panthers are going to win the Super Bowl because they match up very well with the Broncos on defence and have a much better offence. My worry is that we're going to see a blow-out similar to Super Bowl 48. I hope I'm wrong for the sake of the game.

Who should you support in the Super Bowl? The Panthers, they're a much more enjoyable team to watch. If you mean in general, you're going to have to give me some more details or else I could pull a name out of a hat for you?

The42.ie: Steve

blapabrew22 wrote: »

What's your earliest AND most memorable Super Bowl memory?

I couldn't tell you my earliest Super Bowl memory because I've watched so many editions of America's Game that even if I didn't see it, I feel like I did.

The most memorable one is 'The Tackle' (Super Bowl XXXIV). Funnily enough, I remember the Kurt Warner big TD pass to Isaac Bruce more than I do the Mike Jones tackle.

The42.ie: Steve

A-Trak wrote: »

As a young teen, John Madden Football '92 taught me the intricacies of American football, especially the "Hail Mary."

Do/did you play any of the games?

I loved Madden, not only because he was a former Raiders coach but because I was good at it (much better than Fifa anyway!)

I don't play it very much any more because I've a toddler now but I'm sure when he's a little older I'll get him playing it too. That said, the last Xbox version I played was a long way from the A, B or C choice on the Sega Megadrive.

It did help me fall in love with the sport though, and I know there are a lot of people who played it long before they started watching the sport.

The42.ie: Steve

paulie21 wrote: »

Hey Steve, know your a fan of the Raiders, can Carr progress into an elite QB and get ye back in contention for superbowls?

I don't see any reason why not. I think he's progressed much more this season than anyone could have predicted. As good as Carr is, the Raiders have build a strong offensive line in front of him and they'll need to keep most of that together in the off season if he's to continue to progress.

What I like most about Carr is that he's not just one-paced in his throws. He has touch when he needs it and he can bomb it when he needs it. As for Super Bowl contention, we've had a few home runs over the past few drafts (Mack, Cooper, Carr) but I think the Raiders need another one or two pieces to be in the conversation.

The42.ie: Steve

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Hi,
Is talk by the NFL about a franchise in London just paying lip service to the British media/public or do the NFL really think its feasible ?

I was sure it was just lip service for the longest time but they do appear to be serious. I'm just not sure how it works. Trying to convince that many players and staff to uproot and move to a new country, new culture, etc is going to be difficult.

There's also the issue of time zones. Teams travelling west to east in the US struggle (particularly with early kick offs). The vast, vast majority of NFL games in London have been poor and I think the time zone plays a massive role in that.

Then there's the issue of who'd support the team. If there was a team in Dublin based out of Croke Park I don't think it would stop me supporting the Raiders. Maybe other people are different, I don't know, but I do think it's something the NFL haven't considered, that UK/Ireland/European fans are much less likely to switch allegiances than US fans.

adrian522

What do you think of the college games taking place in Dublin? Do you think this is something that can happen regularly every year or every second year or is it something that will die out as the novelty wears out for Irish sports fans, especially with no college football on Irish TV?

The42.ie: Steve

adrian522 wrote: »

If you were the OC of Denver how would you game plan this game? Same for the OC of Carolina.

If I'm OC of the Denver, I try get a run attack going to shorten the game (ie, eat up the clock). The Panthers are going to score on the Broncos but if you limit the number of possessions they have, you at least limit the possibility of it turning into a shootout (which Denver just can't win). CJ Anderson is averaging over 70 yards per game on the ground for Denver in the post-season but Ronnie Hillman is averaging less than 30. If they've any chance of winning the game with their offence on Sunday, their combined average is going to have to be +180

If I'm Panthers OC I don't change a winning formula. Lots of designed QB runs, lots of power running to their left and mixing it up with deep throws and with the hope that good Ted Ginn and not terrible Ted Ginn is playing.

The42.ie: Steve

Paully D wrote: »

Hey Steve, thanks for doing this. I always enjoy reading your stuff on the NFL.

As a Ravens fan and draft nerd, I'd be interesting in hearing what you'd do with Baltimore's #6 pick in the upcoming draft?

Thanks Paully, always nice to know that somebody is reading!

The Ravens draft well in the first round. For every one Michael Oher (and look at him, he's back in the Super Bowl despite not being very good) there's a Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed... the list goes on! You were unlucky with Perriman getting injured this season, think he'll be a big asset.

As for 2016, offensive line and pass rush are definite needs but they really need to sort out that secondary so Jalen Ramsey the corner from Florida State looks like he might be the guy. I honestly haven't had a chance to really look at a mock first round yet. I'll get to it from Tuesday though! Where do you see the pick going yourself?

The42.ie: Steve

StringerBell wrote: »

Do you think the latest concussion stats are more indicative of them being recorded better, properly these days, or is it that the hits are getting harder/more frequent?

Definitely a case of people paying more attention to it. I had a concussion myself over Christmas (non-football related) and I'll tell you, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It's horrible.

The size of the players is obviously an issue too, like rugby there are guys playing positions that nobody that size has ever played before.

I think one way of combating it, and I might be alone in this, is penalising any and every hit to the head, accidental or not, as it would at least cut out those type of hits. There's not perfect solution though. The human body simply wasn't made to absorb the collisions that take place on a football field.

The42.ie: Steve

padd b1975 wrote: »

For a sport with such a short playing season and the amount of protection given to players, why is the career of the average American footballer so short?

Because what you see as protection (helmets, padding, etc), the players see as weapons and they use it as such.

The42.ie: Steve

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

Any truth to the rumours that the Oakland Raiders are Vegas bound?

I think the Raiders will go to wherever stumps up the most money for a stadium. I'd be surprised -- because of their fear of gambling -- if the NFL allowed a move to Las Vegas. Really difficult to know where they'll end up but it's very unlikely to be Oakland.

The42.ie: Steve

salmocab wrote: »

could you explain in fairly easy terms how the regular season works in so far as who plays who and how its decided.

*Deep breath*

Well each team plays 16 games.

Six of those are against the other three teams in their division (three home, three road).

Four games (two home, two away) against another complete division in their conference. This division rotates every year.

Four games (two home, two away) against another complete division in the other conference. Again, this division rotates every year.

The final two games (one home, one away) comes against the team that finished in the same place (first, second, third or fourth) in the other two divisions in their conference that they've not already been scheduled to play.

*Exhale*

The42.ie: Steve

helimachoptor wrote: »

Why cant they change NFL to saturday? Kills me having to go to bed...

Few titans questions..

What do you think of the Titans hiring Mularkey and the GM Robinson?
Where do you think the Titans focus on the draft and do you think there's a p[possibility on a trade back?

Because college football own Saturday and it's unlikely they'll ever give it back!

I think the Titans took a terrible decision in Mularkey. Bad teams make bad decisions and continue to be bad unfortunately. Hard to see him lasting next season.

Robinson's appointment too can only be viewed in the light of what Ted Sundquist said after his interview for the job, that the owners don't think there's a problem with the team... and that's their biggest problem.

I don't think they trade back because it's the right thing to do. Joey Bosa doesn't fit their defence (at least on paper) and they'd be much better off trading back and addressing the offensive line and giving Mariota the protection he deserves.

All of which means they'll probably draft Bosa.

The42.ie: Steve

Agent J wrote: »

What on earth is the pro bowl and should we care?

It's the worst game in all of professional sports and no, no you should not.

The42.ie: Steve

alchemist33 wrote: »

Hi Steve. Will the Seahawks be better or worse off if Lynch doesn't play for them again?

Sad to say, but he didn't look all that good this season and the fact that he's talking retirement makes me wonder if his heart is still in it.

I think everyone, neutrals included, will miss Beast Mode but Thomas Rawls played quite well until he got injured.

The42.ie: Steve

davetherave wrote: »

Who do you fancy for the Shamrock Bowl this year? Can you see anyone getting the better of the Trojans? And will it be another Belfast/Trinity affair?

I think the good people at NFL Ireland do a much better job than I could at previewing the IAFL to be honest but, from an outsiders point of view, it's very difficult to look past the Trojans. One game lost in four years is phenomenal.

Are Trinity missing Rob McDowel this year? That's massive if they are because he's a phenomenal player.

I think UCD, with a new coaching staff, may cause a shock or two this year too but I still think the Trojans will win it all.

Whosthis

The42.ie: Steve wrote: »

Because college football own Saturday and it's unlikely they'll ever give it back!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_Broadcasting_Act_of_1961

That should help explain it.

The42.ie: Steve

Patty O Furniture wrote: »

Hi Steve, A good a time as any, a few questions please for someone still picking this up, thanks.

Are there any Irish players in the NFL? i'm not too sure, but i could have sworn there's one from Monaghan?

As i know there's an english guy Menelik Watson@Oakland from watching NFL London.
What are the statistics involved, as i briefly heard NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mention 10yrs time? maybe some of the team in London+some in US? as that's a lot of airmiles when it does happen!

What's a good site & not too overwhelming to learn a bit more on the NFL as i watch the highlights also on the BBC on Tuesdays, as this is their 1st yr doin highlights & have more on screen info which is informative for anyone that doesn't know it.

I've been watching more & more NFL each year, afaik 1st Superbowl was the Packers in Superbowl XLV (2010)
I can see why they call it Superbowl 50, as no fun calling it Superbowl L, but one thing's for sure it's gonna be one 'L' of a game btwn Panthers v Broncos
But can anyone catch up with Cam Newton, especially when you see his Usain Bolt celebrations;)

Patrick Murray was the closest we've come in recent years to an Irish player in the NFL alright. His uncles played for Monaghan but he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the start of this season and hasn't played since.

Yeah, 2021 looks to be the year a London team will happen if it happens at all.

You could check out The42.ie (ADVERTISEMENT ALERT). I like to think we've a good mix of stuff for beginners and experts alike. Here's a good link to get you started http://www.the42.ie/nfl-2015-preview/news/?jrnl_af=1

They're going back to Roman numerals next year from what I remember though Super Bowl LI is a bit ****ty really isn't it?

The42.ie: Steve

adrian522 wrote: »

What do you think of the college games taking place in Dublin? Do you think this is something that can happen regularly every year or every second year or is it something that will die out as the novelty wears out for Irish sports fans, especially with no college football on Irish TV?

I think if the teams are right, it's a great idea. I'm not sure Boston College v Georgia Tech can be sold the way a Notre Dame or even Penn State game can.

For it to succeed long-term, I think the organisers (whoever it is at the time) need to look at some of the big names and pitting them against smaller teams who will take the pay cheque.

Pudsy33

He Steven, thanks for doing this.

I think the PAT rule change has been universally regarded as a success, although Belichick might be regretting his support of the rule after last weekends events. My question is; are there any other rule changes you'd like to see implemented? Personally I'd like to see kick offs brought back to encourage returns although I understand the potential safety issues involved.

jasonb

Hi Steve,

Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions.

I'm a long time Broncos fan, my earliest memories of the sport were Elway making miracles to get us to the SB, and then staying up late on a school night watching them being spanked my whomever they met from the NFC.

Elway (and I!) got our glory years in the late 90s, but two years ago it was back to the old days, watching a Broncos team being pushed over in the SB, this time by Seattle. Hell, I even watched the game on Channel 4 again, just like the old days!

Anyhow, there's a question in all this. 2 years ago the Broncos had the best regular season Offense, but once they met a good Defence they were stuffed. This year, it's the other way around, and the Broncos have the best regular season Defence. Could this make a difference, or are we going to see SB 48 all over again?

Thanks...

J.

drkpower

The42.ie: Steve wrote: »

*Deep breath*

Well each team plays 16 games.

Six of those are against the other three teams in their division (three home, three road).

Four games (two home, two away) against another complete division in their conference. This division rotates every year.

Four games (two home, two away) against another complete division in the other conference. Again, this division rotates every year.

The final two games (one home, one away) comes against the team that finished in the same place (first, second, third or fourth) in the other two divisions in their conference that they've not already been scheduled to play.

*Exhale*

Don't teams occasionally play a team from the other conference? [ie. Jets Giants a few years ago in second last regular season game].

How does that work?

Loughc

drkpower wrote: »

Don't teams occasionally play a team from the other conference? [ie. Jets Giants a few years ago in second last regular season game].

How does that work?

Would that not be one of these games;

Four games (two home, two away) against another complete division in the other conference. Again, this division rotates every year.

Wizoom

Hi Steve,

Longtime reader, first time poster.

Let's get down to the tough questions:

Who wins in a fight? Dick LeBeau or Pete Carroll? And why. Also, Rivera and Kubiak, same question.

ALSO, Cam Newton and Superman. Same question.

smackbunnybaby

Wizoom wrote: »

Hi Steve,

Longtime reader, first time poster.

Let's get down to the tough questions:

Who wins in a fight? Dick LeBeau or Pete Carroll? And why. Also, Rivera and Kubiak, same question.

ALSO, Cam Newton and Superman. Same question.

Someone with the balls to ask the questions we all want answers to.

The42.ie: Steve

Pudsy33 wrote: »

He Steven, thanks for doing this.

I think the PAT rule change has been universally regarded as a success, although Belichick might be regretting his support of the rule after last weekends events. My question is; are there any other rule changes you'd like to see implemented? Personally I'd like to see kick offs brought back to encourage returns although I understand the potential safety issues involved.

No hassle at all, delighted to be asked.

I'd like to see the PAT rule changed even more. Maybe bring in a 3-point conversion where you can get 3 by running/passing into the endzone from the 15/20 yard line or with a 50-yard FG. I like that because I think it would encourage more teams to go for two.

I'd obviously like the NFL to change the catch rule too. It's far too convoluted at the moment. They need to strip it right back and just make it control of the ball, two feet in bounds and leave it at that.

The42.ie: Steve

jasonb wrote: »

Hi Steve,

Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions.

I'm a long time Broncos fan, my earliest memories of the sport were Elway making miracles to get us to the SB, and then staying up late on a school night watching them being spanked my whomever they met from the NFC.

Elway (and I!) got our glory years in the late 90s, but two years ago it was back to the old days, watching a Broncos team being pushed over in the SB, this time by Seattle. Hell, I even watched the game on Channel 4 again, just like the old days!

Anyhow, there's a question in all this. 2 years ago the Broncos had the best regular season Offense, but once they met a good Defence they were stuffed. This year, it's the other way around, and the Broncos have the best regular season Defence. Could this make a difference, or are we going to see SB 48 all over again?

Thanks...

J.

Hey J,

The defence is definitely reason you guys got to the Super Bowl, they stepped up big time against the Steelers and Patriots too but I don't know if the gap between you and the Panthers D is as big as it was between you and the AFC teams. Likewise, I'm not sure it's as big as the gap between your D and the Seahawks two years ago.

I'm not saying it's impossible for Denver to win, of course it's not, I just think Panthers have too many weapons across O and D.

The42.ie: Steve

drkpower wrote: »

Don't teams occasionally play a team from the other conference? [ie. Jets Giants a few years ago in second last regular season game].

How does that work?

They do, they play four games against teams from a division in the other conference. So if the Giants play the Jets a year, they'll also play the Patriots, Dolphins and Bills.

Likewise the Jets would play the Cowboys, Eagles and Washington professional football team in the same season they'd play the Giants.

The42.ie: Steve

Wizoom wrote: »

Hi Steve,

Longtime reader, first time poster.

Let's get down to the tough questions:

Who wins in a fight? Dick LeBeau or Pete Carroll? And why. Also, Rivera and Kubiak, same question.

ALSO, Cam Newton and Superman. Same question.

Hi Wizoom, I'm going to try answer this one without getting anyone sued. Notably me and the people in Boards.

Pete Carroll obviously wins the first match because he's clearly not human. I mean, he claims to be 64 but could easily pass for a man in his late 40s. What witchcraft is he using or did he turn into a vampire 15 years ago? I don't know the answer and the Seattle Seahawks press guy won't reply to my emails any more.

Riverboat obviously wins the second fight. Gary Kubiak is afraid of Peyton Manning and Ron Rivera is 65% scarier.

Superman obviously beats Cam in a fight for the same reason as Superman beats Batman. It's a multimillionaire in a uniform versus a guy who can lift entire buildings and fly around the world. Superman and it wouldn't even be close.

smackbunnybaby

Is next year the year that Rod Streater finally breaks out?

Realt Dearg Sec

smackbunnybaby wrote: »

Is next year the year that Rod Streater finally breaks out?

Similar question: is next year the year that Aaron Hernandez finally breaks out?