Official NFL Discussion Thread

[codey_v2]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BHK1978" data-cite="BHK1978" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> Cowboys fans seem to be the biggest of the fair weather fans (I would say that Patriots as well but I have ranted about their "fans" in at least six different posts in this thread, so I am not going to beat that dead horse again).</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm a die hard Cowboys fan (even got great end zone tickets to see them beat Baltimore this year) and I couldn't disagree more. Maybe outside of the state of Texas where I know they're popular, but in Texas if you like football you either love the Cowboys, Texans, or Titans (due to the Oilers thing) and you don't stop.</p><p> </p><p> Everyone I know that's a fan, from Dallas down to Corpus, is a fan no matter what, and would still be a fan even if (god forbid) Mark Sanchez was under center for a full season. I mean, that's basically what we had last year when we started every free agent career backup available.</p><p> </p><p> Point is, we're not fairweather fans! If that were the case, the franchise wouldn't stay the most popular through years like last year. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[lukess11]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="codey_v2" data-cite="codey_v2" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm a die hard Cowboys fan (even got great end zone tickets to see them beat Baltimore this year) and I couldn't disagree more. Maybe outside of the state of Texas where I know they're popular, but in Texas if you like football you either love the Cowboys, Texans, or Titans (due to the Oilers thing) and you don't stop.<p> </p><p> Everyone I know that's a fan, from Dallas down to Corpus, is a fan no matter what, and would still be a fan even if (god forbid) Mark Sanchez was under center for a full season. I mean, that's basically what we had last year when we started every free agent career backup available.</p><p> </p><p> Point is, we're not fairweather fans! If that were the case, the franchise wouldn't stay the most popular through years like last year. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I live in New Jersey and only know fans of the Cowboys who are diehard fans. I have never thought about liking another team. I watch every game I can when it is on TV. I would say Cowboy fans are very die hard.</p>

[lazorbeak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="codey_v2" data-cite="codey_v2" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm a die hard Cowboys fan (even got great end zone tickets to see them beat Baltimore this year) and I couldn't disagree more. Maybe outside of the state of Texas where I know they're popular, but in Texas if you like football you either love the Cowboys, Texans, or Titans (due to the Oilers thing) and you don't stop.<p> </p><p> Everyone I know that's a fan, from Dallas down to Corpus, is a fan no matter what, and would still be a fan even if (god forbid) Mark Sanchez was under center for a full season. I mean, that's basically what we had last year when we started every free agent career backup available.</p><p> </p><p> Point is, we're not fairweather fans! If that were the case, the franchise wouldn't stay the most popular through years like last year. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> As a Packer fan living in Texas, yes, Cowboys fans are not fairweather fans. That's like saying Steelers fans are "fairweather." They aren't, there are just a lot of them. A fair-weather fanbase would be the Chargers, where half the crowd is cheering for the other team, or Arizona, who was bottom 10 in attendance the minute they're not a super bowl contender.</p>

[LoganRodzen]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="codey_v2" data-cite="codey_v2" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm a die hard Cowboys fan (even got great end zone tickets to see them beat Baltimore this year) and I couldn't disagree more. Maybe outside of the state of Texas where I know they're popular, but in Texas if you like football you either love the Cowboys, Texans, or Titans (due to the Oilers thing) and you don't stop.<p> </p><p> Everyone I know that's a fan, from Dallas down to Corpus, is a fan no matter what, and would still be a fan even if (god forbid) Mark Sanchez was under center for a full season. I mean, that's basically what we had last year when we started every free agent career backup available.</p><p> </p><p> Point is, we're not fairweather fans! If that were the case, the franchise wouldn't stay the most popular through years like last year. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Texas fans are football fans first and foremost. At least from what I've always read and watched. Everyone knows Texas breathes football. Whether you have a college or pro team, everyone loves football in Texas. </p><p> </p><p> I'm from Maine and I feel the same way towards football. I've never been a Patriots fan and I've loved the Titans since I was 9 years old (1998; when I can remember starting to watch regularly). I've watched them through some great seasons and some pretty terrible seasons, but I've always just enjoyed football for what it is: a great team sport with a ton of action.</p>

[sabataged]

I agree with Cowboy fair weather fans. Don't get me wrong the Dallas Cowboys have one of the largest die hard fans as well. The problem is that Dallas Cowboy games are shown more then any other team in the United States. I have seen several graphs about how many times "local teams" were shown in what area. The Dallas Cowboys stretched over 2/3's of the United States. I dont doubt the rabid loyal fan base but I doubt that fan in Montana who is a "Cowboy" fan because this is the team he gets to see most on tv.

 

In Middle Illinois where I live I see tons of Cowboys shirts and hats when they are winning..when they are not a good team all that is tucked away.

[codey_v2]

I'd say that any fan of a team from out of their local area is going to be on the fairweather side. Like was said earlier, true fairweather teams are the ones that lose a massive part of their fanbase when they're not winning, like the Chargers and Cardinals.

[CQI13]

<p>You also have to look at the age of the fans - those in their 30s likely grew up watching Emmitt, Michael and Troy. It was no surprise when LeBron said he grew up a Yankees and Cowboys fan.</p><p> </p><p>

In all honesty though, I'm a proud fairweather fan. I don't have the time (or desire) to follow sports closely and I never really understood a sporting event ruining your day/week. I like getting enjoyment out of watching sports, so more often than not I pick teams on a game by game basis.</p>

[BHK1978]

<p>In regards to the Cowboys, when they stunk in the late 1980's nobody was calling them American's Team. From looking at their attendance figures during that period their games were not selling out. Granted I myself would not want pay to see a terrible team play but I have never considered myself diehard fan when it comes to football. The only team I am a diehard fan of is the Yankees which admittedly has a huge amount of fair weather fans. Maybe the biggest in sports or if not they are close to it (Lakers fans I am looking at you). </p><p> </p><p>

The only time they seemed to draw really good at home during that period of time was when they were playing a good team, which to me means that the fans were there to see the visiting team play. </p><p> </p><p>

That was what I was talking about. The time between the end of the Landry era and the start of the Jimmy Johnson era. For the most part that was the last time they were really terrible. Maybe they were still big in Texas but they were not nationally. Nationally the 49ers, Raiders, Dolphins, and Broncos were the big bandwagon teams of the 1980's. Hell half the people I grew up with who call themselves Patriots fans were proud Dolphins and Raiders fans back in the 80's. </p><p> </p><p>

Speaking of the Raiders, I often wonder if it is viewed as "good for football" when they are doing good. Much like the Yankees they are hated by a lot of different fan bases nationally (Maybe not so much anymore because they have been terrible for the last decade or so) so people seem to want to see them lose.</p>

[BHK1978]

<p>You know it is pretty bad for the Chargers when the mayor of Los Angeles says that the city pretty much does not want them. I have to wonder how long they will remain in Los Angeles. I honestly cannot see them moving back to San Diego, so I am not sure where they could move them.</p><p> </p><p>

Well there is a crap filled stadium in Oakland that is soon to be vacant...</p>

[BHK1978]

<p>I was reading an article the other day where the writer of said article was complaining about how there have been six free agent Quaterbacks signed since the start of the new season, yet Colin Kaepernick sits at home. Come on now the guy was not very good during his last couple of seasons and he has not played a game in the NFL in two years (has it really been that long?). Plus I would imagine any team that would sign him would have to deal with both the positive and negative publicity that comes with signing him and most teams do not want to deal with that sort of headache. </p><p> </p><p>

If he truly wants back in the NFL, why does he not try and go the Doug Flutie route. Go up to the CFL (I am sure there are some garbage tier teams up there that would love to sign him) and try to make it up there. </p><p> </p><p>

Now I am not under any delusions, I do believe the owners probably have colluded to keep him out of the NFL and he is suing them because of that. However, I think it might be hard to prove his case. Granted I am not a legal expert so I probably do not know what I am talking about when it comes to the legality of his case.</p>

[Jaysin]

<p>The last two Browns games have been a fun ride. Greg Williams and Kitchens seem to connect with our team on a much deeper level than Hue and Todd.</p><p> </p><p>

Bakermania is runnin wild</p>

[cappyboy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="codey_v2" data-cite="codey_v2" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'd say that any fan of a team from out of their local area is going to be on the fairweather side. Like was said earlier, true fairweather teams are the ones that lose a massive part of their fanbase when they're not winning, like the Chargers and Cardinals.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I don't know as I'd say that at all, Codey. Out of market fans all have their own story. I grew up in Maine and was a Cowboys fan back when them being America's Team still meant something. But when Jerry Jones bought the team, I felt abandoned as a fan. I had looked at Landry like a lovable grandfather type so to see him tossed aside for Jimmy Johnson hurt. After a while, I tried to embrace the dictates of geography and back the Pats. But when Carroll and Parcells started succeeding there, I started feeling like a sellout. So when the Browns came back to the league, I made sure I was there for the return game. Even though I'd had to tape it and watch it the next day because of a conflicting work sked. And once I started connecting with fellow Browns fans online, I came to feel I'd found the fan base where I really belonged, birth geography be hanged. Also helped that while the Browns were in hiatus that I'd lost my beloved Hartford Whalers in the NHL and could feel the Cleveland fan's pain first hand. But at any rate, if I were the type of fan your describing, I should still be with the 'Boys or Pats.</p>

[Jaysin]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="codey_v2" data-cite="codey_v2" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'd say that any fan of a team from out of their local area is going to be on the fairweather side. Like was said earlier, true fairweather teams are the ones that lose a massive part of their fanbase when they're not winning, like the Chargers and Cardinals.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I've been a Jaguars fan since they were brought into the league and I live in Ohio. Generalizations like that really don't work.</p><p> </p><p> I think the Patriots have the most fairweather fans though in the NFL. Especially female fans. I've had countless women say the reason they like Tom Brady is because he's hot.</p><p> </p><p> To be fair though, every team is going to have fairweather fans. Except the Cleveland Browns fans. We bleed Orange and Brown...I just happen to bleed orange, brown, teal, and black <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[cappyboy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I've been a Jaguars fan since they were brought into the league and I live in Ohio. Generalizations like that really don't work.<p> </p><p> I think the Patriots have the most fairweather fans though in the NFL. Especially female fans. I've had countless women say the reason they like Tom Brady is because he's hot.</p><p> </p><p> To be fair though, every team is going to have fairweather fans. Except the Cleveland Browns fans. We bleed Orange and Brown...I just happen to bleed orange, brown, teal, and black <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> And didn't Jacksonville come into the league while the Browns were on hiatus? IIRC they came in at the same time Carolina did. I know the Panthers did because they came in the year after Cleveland left the league. I remember that because I was in the process of moving here to VA from Maine that offseason. And just before I left the Northeast my sister down here sent me a Panthers hat. So I was thinking I'd get down here, back the Panthers from Day 1 and be set. Only to get here and find out this was Skins country. By the time, I could find economic justification going to a bar for football, the Browns were back and I'd made that bond.</p>

[Jaysin]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="cappyboy" data-cite="cappyboy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>And didn't Jacksonville come into the league while the Browns were on hiatus? IIRC they came in at the same time Carolina did. I know the Panthers did because they came in the year after Cleveland left the league. I remember that because I was in the process of moving here to VA from Maine that offseason. And just before I left the Northeast my sister down here sent me a Panthers hat. So I was thinking I'd get down here, back the Panthers from Day 1 and be set. Only to get here and find out this was Skins country. By the time, I could find economic justification going to a bar for football, the Browns were back and I'd made that bond.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yep, the Jags and Panthers came into the league the same season. Which was after the Ravens left Cleveland behind. I had no one to cheer for and I saw one Jags game and was hooked.</p>

[lukess11]

On the fairweather fan thing, I am a die hard Cowboys fan who lives in New Jersey. I left the hospital in an Aikman jersey. Tony Romo is my favorite player of all time. I feel that geography can make fans stronger due to the lengths you have to go to follow the games sometimes.

[cappyboy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yep, the Jags and Panthers came into the league the same season. Which was after the Ravens left Cleveland behind. I had no one to cheer for and I saw one Jags game and was hooked.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thought I remembered that correctly but wanted to be sure. In most cases, it doesn't make sense to have split loyalties between two teams in the same conference. But you are certainly an exception with the timeline being what it is.</p>

[BHK1978]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="cappyboy" data-cite="cappyboy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I know the Panthers did because they came in the year after Cleveland left the league. </div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Technically speaking the Browns never "left" the league. The Ravens are considered an expansion team. Yes I know that makes absolutely no sense but it is true. Same goes for the SuperSonics (Or was it Super Sonics? I have come across both spellings in the past and I am not sure which is right.) they never left the league as the city of Seattle retained their history. Once again it makes absolutely no sense but it is true.</p><p> </p><p> As far as being geographic fair-weather fans if you do not live in the same area, well for I am clearly not the poster boy for that. I have been a Yankees fans since the mid-80's and I live in the heart of Red Sox territory. Don Mattingly and Steve Sax were two of my favorite players as a young kid. I was a fan of them when they were the worst team in baseball and I still am a fan.</p><p> </p><p> Same goes for the Giants in football. I have been a fan of them going by to the 80's and L.T. (the original L.T. not the running back.) and Phil Simms were my two favorite players when I was a kid. Granted L.T. turned out not to be the best player to look up to...</p><p> </p><p> Though I am a Bruins (though I am not really big into hockey and I never really have been) and Celtics fans so I guess I have some loyalty to my region. Just to take this a side off topic, @cappyboy I would love to find myself a Whalers hat but they stopped selling them locally. Yes I know I can buy them online but I always like seeing the product in person before buying it.</p><p> </p><p> I just never understood people considering you a traitor for being a fan of an outer market team.</p>

[lukess11]

How bout dem boys?

[moon_lit_tears]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="lukess11" data-cite="lukess11" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="26529" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>How bout dem boys?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It’s pretty awesome especially when your FF opp gets 9 points from a crap QB. <span class="ipsEmoji">🤣</span><span class="ipsEmoji">🤣</span><span class="ipsEmoji">🤣</span><span class="ipsEmoji">🤣</span><span class="ipsEmoji">🤣</span><span class="ipsEmoji">🤣</span><span class="ipsEmoji">🤣</span></p><p> </p><p> Though I can’t say much. I’m a skins fan, which is why I think the Cowboys suck</p>

[BHK1978]

Man, the damn Giants...up ten points in the 4th Quarter and they still manage to blow the lead (Which I totally called before it happened). I mean they still won in O.T. but I am a tad bit conflicted because now they are pulling away for the other bottom feeders and I want them to get a good draft pick.<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[Jaysin]

<p>Pretty cool that Amazon Prime has games streaming.</p><p> </p><p>

Made it possible for me to watch the Jaguars game tonight</p>

[D-Lyrium]

On the fairweather fan thing, I am a die hard Cowboys fan who lives in New Jersey. I left the hospital in an Aikman jersey. Tony Romo is my favorite player of all time. I feel that geography can make fans stronger due to the lengths you have to go to follow the games sometimes.

 

As an NFL fan in the UK, I can definitely second this.

 

You can't beat staying up until 4am to watch the referees give the Chargers a win they utterly didn't deserve.

[The Swanton825]

As an NFL fan in the UK, I can definitely second this.

 

You can't beat staying up until 4am to watch the referees give the Chargers a win they utterly didn't deserve.

 

The Steelers shouldn't have even been in that situation where the refs could sway the game that much, but they keep playing down to their opponents once they get a lead and Big Ben keeps throwing stupid INTs. And I should know stupid passing, Kirk Cousins does it every important game.

[BHK1978]

I am in a picks league every year (that does not use the spread) and I usually run around the high 70's to low 80's in correct picks every season. This year not so much, this year I am three games over .500. I have never been that low, I am not sure what the heck is happening. I guess I lost my mojo or something because I am just terrible this season.