FB: American Rivers Conference

[doolittledog]

What are the rules differences between 9-man and 8-man football???  And are there any other forms out there...like 7-man???

And to the smart guys out there...besides 1 having 9 men on the field and the other having 8!!! 

[du-sz]

BTW, the Shawn Merriman should be shutting it down.

The Chargers, my team, are really pissing me off about this.

Clearly they don't value his services past the term of his present contact.  A.J. Smith is a prick for letting this come to this.  A very shrewd prick, but a prick nonetheless.

Sure, it's Merrimen's "decision"... and his teammates praise his toughness, but I wonder if any Bolt veterans have thoughts about how management could give a crap less about one of their best player's long-term health and ability to earn a living playing football at a high level.

Clearly the Chargers have assessed their risk.  Merriman is a free agent after '09 and if he continues to perform at levels similar to his 1st 3 years, then he will command a very high price for his services...a price that it appears the Chargers would be unwilling to pay.

Given that Smith fancies himself a good judge of talent (his track record entitles him to some self-applied back patting), it is clear that he believes that Merriman's replacement is already in the 3-deep.

On the other hand, if Merriman has a subpar year due to decreased mobility, the pedestrian stats will cost him bargaining leverage.  If he gets hurt further then misses '09 to rehab, his bargaining position is shot.

If Merriman were to to pass on this year, fix the PCL and LCL, rehab in '08...while there are no guarantees...the chances are very good that his '09 would be worthy of a top 1 or 2 LB and blow the Chargers salary cap, making him unsignable.

I honestly think that A.J. Smith sees it as beneficial to the Chargers for Merriman to forego surgery now not because it helps the defense but because in the long run saves the Chargers money in resigning Merriman as damaged goods.

Anybody that doesn't think pro football is about the money is naive.

I totally agree on that. The Chargers really want to win right now as they feel they have the stars aligned for a postseason run.  I'm sure they'll do anything to have their defensive stud on the field. I hate to see him trot out there if he isn't ready, but as a huuuge San Diego fan its going to hurt having Merriman out there. 

Glad to hear I'm not the only Chargers fan on the IIAC boards 

[youcantseemestill]

BTW, the Shawn Merriman should be shutting it down.

The Chargers, my team, are really pissing me off about this.

Clearly they don't value his services past the term of his present contact.  A.J. Smith is a prick for letting this come to this.  A very shrewd prick, but a prick nonetheless.

Sure, it's Merrimen's "decision"... and his teammates praise his toughness, but I wonder if any Bolt veterans have thoughts about how management could give a crap less about one of their best player's long-term health and ability to earn a living playing football at a high level.

Clearly the Chargers have assessed their risk.  Merriman is a free agent after '09 and if he continues to perform at levels similar to his 1st 3 years, then he will command a very high price for his services...a price that it appears the Chargers would be unwilling to pay.

Given that Smith fancies himself a good judge of talent (his track record entitles him to some self-applied back patting), it is clear that he believes that Merriman's replacement is already in the 3-deep.

On the other hand, if Merriman has a subpar year due to decreased mobility, the pedestrian stats will cost him bargaining leverage.  If he gets hurt further then misses '09 to rehab, his bargaining position is shot.

If Merriman were to to pass on this year, fix the PCL and LCL, rehab in '08...while there are no guarantees...the chances are very good that his '09 would be worthy of a top 1 or 2 LB and blow the Chargers salary cap, making him unsignable.

I honestly think that A.J. Smith sees it as beneficial to the Chargers for Merriman to forego surgery now not because it helps the defense but because in the long run saves the Chargers money in resigning Merriman as damaged goods.

Anybody that doesn't think pro football is about the money is naive.

I have to make a counter point to some of this Heys.....

I am a HUGE NFL guy.  I love the game and I follow it year-round.  The biggest problem i have with this while situation is that Merriman took it to the press himself, publicizing every move he was making, every doctor he was seeing and every comment that was made back to him.  He is making sure that every single person that follows the Chargers or the NFL knows that he has a serious knee injury.  Now, he is going to 'man-up' and 'play through the pain' as long as he can to try and 'do anything to help this team win.' 

No initially I have no problem with any of those cliches, however, this one has left me with a sour taste in my mouth over a player that I enjoy watching (sans the 'accidental' PED incident).  If he is really that hurt, it is up to HIM, not the Chargers to shut himself down if that is truely what he wants.  I get the feeling like he is looking to be a hero figure in all of this.  Hoping to erase all lingering doubt about his character and past disgressions. 

I am a HUGE fan of what the Chargers are going to put on the field this season, and AJ Smith deserves most/all(?) the credit for that.  But, I am in his and the team's corner on this one.  If Merriman blows his knee apart and can never play again, the Chargers will save themselves some money in the long run and be able to distance themselves from the distraction.   I have a feeling it will be 'Lights out!' for Shawn Merriman this season, and maybe for good.

btw - Walter Court here on the porn name front......I actually like it.

[Ash Park]

Hell I'll jump in on this porn name thing.....Avenue Buck here!

[BeaverFan3208]

Hell I'll jump in on this porn name thing.....Avenue Buck here!

Grover Jackson

[MNbeev]

What are the rules differences between 9-man and 8-man football???  And are there any other forms out there...like 7-man???

And to the smart guys out there...besides 1 having 9 men on the field and the other having 8!!! 

The big difference is the extra man...ok, ok terrible.  9 man you take away the 2 tackles and have to have 5 men on the LOS, same as 8-man.  Both ends are eligible, same as 8-man, meaning there really isn't a huge difference except in field width and length.  9-man 40 X 100 yds, 8-man 40 x 80yds.  I guess having the extra guy it keeps the passing game open a little more.  I see in 9 man more they have a man split out.  O and D depend on the team, 3 mean in the backfield compared to 2, and I have also seen the spread...On D, pack everyone in the box.  STOP THE RUN!!!

I am not sure about 7-man...there are games of 7 - 7 flag football played though... 

[DBQ1965]

Who would want to watch someone name Lee Eliot in a porn movie?

[Pat Coleman]

There is 6-man football played in HS in Texas and I am certain elsewhere as well.

[doolittledog]

Who would want to watch someone name Lee Eliot in a porn movie?

So have you taken in any live football action already this week???  Before the big trip across the pond!!!

[DutchFan2004]

http://gustavus.edu/athletics/

Does this mean that some coaches from Wartburg may get to go to GAC and follow President Ohle there?

[MNbeev]

There is 6-man football played in HS in Texas and I am certain elsewhere as well.

I knew there was something like that, thanks Mr. Coleman.

[doolittledog]

http://gustavus.edu/athletics/

Does this mean that some coaches from Wartburg may get to go to GAC and follow President Ohle there?

29 years coaching and a 5 month old daughter?!?!  Sounds like coach is on family #2!!!

[MNbeev]

29 years of coaching, could be the reason he is on Family #2...And why he might want to spend some more time with his family.  Don't want a #3.   

[Purple Heys]

There is 6-man football played in HS in Texas and I am certain elsewhere as well.

We play 2-man Beach Football in San Diego.

8)

[the_mayne_event]

ICCC Pres resinged today getting a $400,000 sevrence package