AFCN Hate Guide

[Battlelyon]

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Matt Canada has been a colossal failure.

The personnel is shit, but man… for those of us that actually watch the games you can easily see that this system is awful. People keep trying to give the man the benefit of the doubt but F that. Time to put this experiment out to pasture.

 

[cincygrad]

I've sampled regional food-stuff from all over the country. Some things are overrated and some are underrated. But I have never come across one so polarizing. It always amazes me how triggered folks get about Cincinnati chili. As Cincyfan said, its just because they call it chili and it offends folks' expectations. It's really just a spicy pasta sauce that happens to taste even better if you've been consuming some beers. And no, it really doesn't do anything to your belly if you're not geriatric.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Matt Canada has been a colossal failure.

The personnel is shit, but man… for those of us that actually watch the games you can easily see that this system is awful. People keep trying to give the man the benefit of the doubt but F that. Time to put this experiment out to pasture.

What is playing out is exactly what you and I discussed pre-season. Ben, behind this line, at this stage of his career is an abject failure of a set-up by the organization (IMO).

I don't watch enough to know about MC as the OC - but, I find it hard to think there is a "special" formula that is out there that would make Ben stop sailing passes, elbow suddenly strong again, WR's stop dropping passes, and this OL suddenly able to start both pass-blocking/Run-blocking at a level that would keep pressure off Ben and allow Harris to thrive.

Yesterdays game alone - I watched numerous throws off target. I watched several on-target throws dropped for no reason. The WR fumbled the ball trying to carry it 1-handed in his palm???? (WTF was that, by the way?). Watched the OL struggle to open lanes both inside and out. You could see Ben throwing off his back foot multiple times anticipating the rush and getting hit - which he wants no part of at this stage in his career.

Maybe this team sneaks into the playoffs....but, they are not built to win there, and really - does that benefit this team long-term? As a long-time Bengals fan, I've seen this script so many years in the 90's. Bengals suck most of the year, win a few meaningless games (or in this case Pitt wins a few, maybe sneaks into the playoffs) and suddenly, ownership thinks that things aren't that bad. Just a tweak here, and there and they can be good. I know that Pitt's organization is better than Cincinnati's - at least historically, but the past few off-seasons have not been what I consider normal approaches by the organization.

If they are not careful, they will fool themselves into thinking that this OL is "OK", and with the right QB they can win - or with the right OC they can win....and the problems are much deeper than that, IMO.

 

[Battlelyon]

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

What is playing out is exactly what you and I discussed pre-season. Ben, behind this line, at this stage of his career is an abject failure of a set-up by the organization (IMO).

I don't watch enough to know about MC as the OC - but, I find it hard to think there is a "special" formula that is out there that would make Ben stop sailing passes, elbow suddenly strong again, WR's stop dropping passes, and this OL suddenly able to start both pass-blocking/Run-blocking at a level that would keep pressure off Ben and allow Harris to thrive.

Yesterdays game alone - I watched numerous throws off target. I watched several on-target throws dropped for no reason. The WR fumbled the ball trying to carry it 1-handed in his palm???? (WTF was that, by the way?). Watched the OL struggle to open lanes both inside and out. You could see Ben throwing off his back foot multiple times anticipating the rush and getting hit - which he wants no part of at this stage in his career.

Maybe this team sneaks into the playoffs....but, they are not built to win there, and really - does that benefit this team long-term? As a long-time Bengals fan, I've seen this script so many years in the 90's. Bengals suck most of the year, win a few meaningless games (or in this case Pitt wins a few, maybe sneaks into the playoffs) and suddenly, ownership thinks that things aren't that bad. Just a tweak here, and there and they can be good. I know that Pitt's organization is better than Cincinnati's - at least historically, but the past few off-seasons have not been what I consider normal approaches by the organization.

If they are not careful, they will fool themselves into thinking that this OL is "OK", and with the right QB they can win - or with the right OC they can win....and the problems are much deeper than that, IMO.

Yep as we predicted this team has been a mess. I still have reservations about Ben and his fault in all this though. Call it homerism or whatever, but this offense clearly performs better when Ben goes off script in the no-huddle. Ben is far removed from his days of being a game changer, but he is still very capable of delivering dimes. It’s been discussed a few times by both players & coaches but the QB & WRs are having trouble connecting for a multitude of reasons. Ben is so rushed in the pocket that he has to anticipate where his receivers will end up on their routes and most times the receiver is breaking a step too soon or a step too late which makes the throw look way off. It’s been the story all year. But that isn’t to say that some throws are completely on Ben. He deserves equal share of the blame. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have less concerns about Ben & his receivers than I do about this offensive system. MC seems to have zero clue what his offense does well and has zero feel for gameflow & scheming to their strengths. It’s pathetic how hard he tries to play his Mickey Mouse BS and it’s really starting to agitate Ben.

I’m scared about what this team will do. As you said, they aren’t built to contend. Everyone knows it. But I have a strong suspicion that they will beat both Cleveland & Baltimore to go 9-7-1 and somehow find themselves in the postseason if other teams do them a favor & lose. They would need a shit ton of luck & help to win a single game in the postseason.

The Steelers roster will be riddled with holes this offseason. But I’m not as concerned with the holes as I am about focusing on rebuilding their trenches. If they fail to do this yet again then they are doomed to be a basement dweller getting bullied around in the tranches like this year & 2020. I want them to go after OT Armstead & OG Scherff if they are available in FA. Draft a Center high. The Iowa kid would be a big get. Then find a way to get better depth on the defensive front (NT & OLB).

As for QB next season. Ugh. I hope they make a play for a vet. Would be nice if they somehow find a way to land a decent talent via trade or FA & possibly even draft someone. I like Pickett but he’s risky & I don’t want to draft a QB before addressing the OL so this will depend on what they do in FA. Rodgers would be crazy expensive & im not a big fan of throwing the farm at 1 player during a rebuild. Carr or Wilson could be a trade target. I’d welcome Ben back as a backup, but I doubt he would be willing to take on that role. If I’m being real here I truly hope he retires & doesn’t create an ugly situation. It’s a sour way to retire after such a memorable career. Which is why I still would love to watch him play 1 more time in the postseason, even if they get stomped lol.

All this said, I fully expect them to toy with the idea of bringing back Ben as the starter and drafting a fucking LB, WR or CB or some stupid shit in the 1st & 2nd Rds. Seems like the days of being a smart franchise are long gone under Tomlin.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Yep as we predicted this team has been a mess. I still have reservations about Ben and his fault in all this though. Call it homerism or whatever, but this offense clearly performs better when Ben goes off script in the no-huddle. Ben is far removed from his days of being a game changer, but he is still very capable of delivering dimes. It’s been discussed a few times by both players & coaches but the QB & WRs are having trouble connecting for a multitude of reasons. Ben is so rushed in the pocket that he has to anticipate where his receivers will end up on their routes and most times the receiver is breaking a step too soon or a step too late which makes the throw look way off. It’s been the story all year. But that isn’t to say that some throws are completely on Ben. He deserves equal share of the blame. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have less concerns about Ben & his receivers than I do about this offensive system. MC seems to have zero clue what his offense does well and has zero feel for gameflow & scheming to their strengths. It’s pathetic how hard he tries to play his Mickey Mouse BS and it’s really starting to agitate Ben.

I’m scared about what this team will do. As you said, they aren’t built to contend. Everyone knows it. But I have a strong suspicion that they will beat both Cleveland & Baltimore to go 9-7-1 and somehow find themselves in the postseason if other teams do them a favor & lose. They would need a shit ton of luck & help to win a single game in the postseason.

The Steelers roster will be riddled with holes this offseason. But I’m not as concerned with the holes as I am about focusing on rebuilding their trenches. If they fail to do this yet again then they are doomed to be a basement dweller getting bullied around in the tranches like this year & 2020. I want them to go after OT Armstead & OG Scherff if they are available in FA. Draft a Center high. The Iowa kid would be a big get. Then find a way to get better depth on the defensive front (NT & OLB).

As for QB next season. Ugh. I hope they make a play for a vet. Would be nice if they somehow find a way to land a decent talent via trade or FA & possibly even draft someone. I like Pickett but he’s risky & I don’t want to draft a QB before addressing the OL so this will depend on what they do in FA. Rodgers would be crazy expensive & im not a big fan of throwing the farm at 1 player during a rebuild. Carr or Wilson could be a trade target. I’d welcome Ben back as a backup, but I doubt he would be willing to take on that role. If I’m being real here I truly hope he retires & doesn’t create an ugly situation. It’s a sour way to retire after such a memorable career. Which is why I still would love to watch him play 1 more time in the postseason, even if they get stomped lol.

All this said, I fully expect them to toy with the idea of bringing back Ben as the starter and drafting a fucking LB, WR or CB or some stupid shit in the 1st Rd. Seems like the days of being a smart franchise are long gone under Tomlin.

Yep. We agree more than we don't on this.

Cincinnati is in the same boat with the OL. They just can't ignore it any longer. It's the 1 thing that holds back this offense from being a legit top 3 offense. No other QB that has similar stats to Burrow has been sacked more than 35 times. Burrow has been sacked 47. They need, no less, than 2 new OL (C/RG). I'm good with bringing Reiff back for 1 more year, and knowing they have some young options to back him up, but need experience. Hopkins, IMO, has always been overvalued. He has 1 decent year, and other than that has never been that great. He has not, IMO, looked good since his ACL last year. He struggles to move guys, and move laterally. Spain has been solid, if unspectacular - I wouldn't be sad if they replaced LG/C/RG at all - but they have to stop bargain basement hunting and pay for guys, or draft high end potential. I am with you on the Iowa C - I think he should be 1A for the Bengals. Gardner, from Cincinnati, would be my 1B as I think he's a big-time DB that can play the press-man coverage the Bengals like to play.

The rest of the roster is really just needing some depth - they are set for a nice window if they act on the OL - and sadly, could already be firmly in that window had they not pissed away 2 years of off-season with the OL knowing they were going to draft Burrow in 2020. I'll never understand why any Franchise drafts a QB and gives him a shit line. Setting everyone up for failure.

 

[thedddd]

I've sampled regional food-stuff from all over the country. Some things are overrated and some are underrated. But I have never come across one so polarizing. It always amazes me how triggered folks get about Cincinnati chili. As Cincyfan said, its just because they call it chili and it offends folks' expectations. It's really just a spicy pasta sauce that happens to taste even better if you've been consuming some beers. And no, it really doesn't do anything to your belly if you're not geriatric.

Ask people about fries on a sandwich or a chicken salad. You will be surprised.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Yep. We agree more than we don't on this.

Cincinnati is in the same boat with the OL. They just can't ignore it any longer. It's the 1 thing that holds back this offense from being a legit top 3 offense. No other QB that has similar stats to Burrow has been sacked more than 35 times. Burrow has been sacked 47. They need, no less, than 2 new OL (C/RG). I'm good with bringing Reiff back for 1 more year, and knowing they have some young options to back him up, but need experience. Hopkins, IMO, has always been overvalued. He has 1 decent year, and other than that has never been that great. He has not, IMO, looked good since his ACL last year. He struggles to move guys, and move laterally. Spain has been solid, if unspectacular - I wouldn't be sad if they replaced LG/C/RG at all - but they have to stop bargain basement hunting and pay for guys, or draft high end potential. I am with you on the Iowa C - I think he should be 1A for the Bengals. Gardner, from Cincinnati, would be my 1B as I think he's a big-time DB that can play the press-man coverage the Bengals like to play.

The rest of the roster is really just needing some depth - they are set for a nice window if they act on the OL - and sadly, could already be firmly in that window had they not pissed away 2 years of off-season with the OL knowing they were going to draft Burrow in 2020. I'll never understand why any Franchise drafts a QB and gives him a shit line. Setting everyone up for failure.

I envy the Bengals and to some degree the Browns & Ravens. At least those teams have promising pieces to build around. Steelers have a plethora of capable talent, but unspectacular as well. Players like Claypool are not the type to build with. Kid is an over privileged twat. I loved what Ryan Clark said about him a few weeks ago sayin he had all the physical tools to dominate this game but instead is just soft & has a terrible attitude & work ethic. I like Najee & Freiermuth. They seem to have their heads on straight as far as work ethic & morals go. Diontae Johnson is the only receiver worth a damn. I like Juju but he is rarely ever used correctly & honestly doesn’t have the skill set to be a game changer. Dotson at LG & Moore at OT are decent pieces but need to take a giant leap next year. C Kendrick Green has been a laughable failure, and I don’t think moving him back to his true position at Guard would help him in the NFL. Kid gets bullied and looks completely lost every game.

On defense the Steelers are needing to revamp pretty much everything. The DL needs a tuneup. Tuitt getting the year off is a questionable decision at best. His brother died while he was in training camp & I truly feel for him. But they’ve been claiming he has been dealing with a knee issue. They are very tight-lipped about him which makes me think he’s merely grieving. They are shelling out $15m to him and giving him the year off? I know he’s human & I have no right to tell someone how they can grieve, but I know how the rest of the working world works and nobody gets that sort of treatment. Especially with millions on a contract. They should have traded him. The ILBs have been terrible this year but can’t really fault them when there are free ranging OL swallowing them up every play. Devin Bush has been rough after his ACL tear. Shows a lot of promise & now looks like a shell of his former self. The secondary is about to lose both Haden & Edmunds.

Steelers are in full rebuild mode whether they like it or not. But they will have the cap space & draft capital to drastically change their roster this offseason. If they aren’t a big player in FA then next year is going to be rough

 

[thedddd]

The one thing Zach Wilson has over Darnold and Mayfield this season....is a come from behind victory.

Zach Wilson's Career 4th quarter comebacks and game-winning drives | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Zach Wilson Career 4th quarter comebacks for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[Wamu]

I've sampled regional food-stuff from all over the country. Some things are overrated and some are underrated. But I have never come across one so polarizing. It always amazes me how triggered folks get about Cincinnati chili. As Cincyfan said, its just because they call it chili and it offends folks' expectations. It's really just a spicy pasta sauce that happens to taste even better if you've been consuming some beers. And no, it really doesn't do anything to your belly if you're not geriatric.

Let me respond to this since I make fun of that slop as often as possible.

In what reality does making fun of something mean triggered?

And do you really need an explanation as to why a Browns fan would take shots at Cincy?

 

[Cincyfan78]

SportsCenter with a hard troll job -

Opened up by asking what coat size Joe Burrow wears...LOL

Savage. Even if SC has sucked for 20 years now.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Let me respond to this since I make fun of that slop as often as possible.

In what reality does making fun of something mean triggered?

And do you really need an explanation as to why a Browns fan would take shots at Cincy?

I don't think he meant anyone here....just in general - people can get pretty damned passionate about their chili - LOL

Cleveland taking a shot - fair game. It's how it rolls around here. I mean, they don't like our Chili, but our river never caught on fire - talk about a toxic dump of an area.... LOL

 

[Wamu]

I don't think he meant anyone here....just in general - people can get pretty damned passionate about their chili - LOL

Cleveland taking a shot - fair game. It's how it rolls around here. I mean, they don't like our Chili, but our river never caught on fire - talk about a toxic dump of an area.... LOL

Bringing up the Cuyahoga River fire from 1969? Seems a bit outdated to me. But yeah my shots at Cincy are all in good fun. Never something personal. It's what a rivalry is all about. And while I'm a Browns fan the city of Cleveland can fuck itself sideways, not from there. I will say though I'm a big Joe Burrow fan.

But here's some funny stuff about Cleveland since you brought up that fire. Former mayor Ralph Perk once caught his hair on fire with a welding torch during a ribbon cutting ceremony. And he turned down dinner at the White House back in the early 70's because it interfered with his wife's bowling night.

Cleveland rocks!

Cincinnati can't top that. But they do have Jerry Springer. Who lost his job as mayor after he bounced a check to a hooker.

 

[Manster7588]

Yep. We agree more than we don't on this.

Cincinnati is in the same boat with the OL. They just can't ignore it any longer. It's the 1 thing that holds back this offense from being a legit top 3 offense. No other QB that has similar stats to Burrow has been sacked more than 35 times. Burrow has been sacked 47. They need, no less, than 2 new OL (C/RG). I'm good with bringing Reiff back for 1 more year, and knowing they have some young options to back him up, but need experience. Hopkins, IMO, has always been overvalued. He has 1 decent year, and other than that has never been that great. He has not, IMO, looked good since his ACL last year. He struggles to move guys, and move laterally. Spain has been solid, if unspectacular - I wouldn't be sad if they replaced LG/C/RG at all - but they have to stop bargain basement hunting and pay for guys, or draft high end potential. I am with you on the Iowa C - I think he should be 1A for the Bengals. Gardner, from Cincinnati, would be my 1B as I think he's a big-time DB that can play the press-man coverage the Bengals like to play.

The rest of the roster is really just needing some depth - they are set for a nice window if they act on the OL - and sadly, could already be firmly in that window had they not pissed away 2 years of off-season with the OL knowing they were going to draft Burrow in 2020. I'll never understand why any Franchise drafts a QB and gives him a shit line. Setting everyone up for failure.

I think its more about the Chili on Spaghetti, regardless on where the chili comes from. I haven't tried it, but I'll wager I'll love a Hotdog smothered in Skyline Chili and cheese.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I think its more about the Chili on Spaghetti, regardless on where the chili comes from. I haven't tried it, but I'll wager I'll love a Hotdog smothered in Skyline Chili and cheese.

Some people do put noodles in their chili - so I guess this isn't any different.

Again, the vast difference is that it's more of a meat-sauce than actual chili. I think chili "purist" take offense to that, which I can certainly see. If you are from the south, or Texas specifically, there's no way you're accepting Skyline as actual chili.

All that aside - it's awesome. It's not a gut bomb, unlike white-castle sliders. White-Castles you have once or twice a year just to remind yourself why you only have it once or twice a year...LOL

 

[Wamu]

I think its more about the Chili on Spaghetti, regardless on where the chili comes from. I haven't tried it, but I'll wager I'll love a Hotdog smothered in Skyline Chili and cheese.

Antibiotics are needed for skyline chili. Be careful!

 

[Wamu]

Some people do put noodles in their chili - so I guess this isn't any different.

Again, the vast difference is that it's more of a meat-sauce than actual chili. I think chili "purist" take offense to that, which I can certainly see. If you are from the south, or Texas specifically, there's no way you're accepting Skyline as actual chili.

All that aside - it's awesome. It's not a gut bomb, unlike white-castle sliders. White-Castles you have once or twice a year just to remind yourself why you only have it once or twice a year...LOL

In my early 20's white castle sliders and alcohol were a great combo. One of the bars I drank at back in the day had a white castle a block away.

 

[Cincyfan78]

In my early 20's white castle sliders and alcohol were a great combo. One of the bars I drank at back in the day had a white castle a block away.

Well, yah!

I mean, you can't get too hungover if you shit everything out!

 

[Manster7588]

Some people do put noodles in their chili - so I guess this isn't any different.

Again, the vast difference is that it's more of a meat-sauce than actual chili. I think chili "purist" take offense to that, which I can certainly see. If you are from the south, or Texas specifically, there's no way you're accepting Skyline as actual chili.

All that aside - it's awesome. It's not a gut bomb, unlike white-castle sliders. White-Castles you have once or twice a year just to remind yourself why you only have it once or twice a year...LOL

Not normal people.