The Steelers are the most successful team of the super bowl era. They are also one of the most solidly run head to toe, have a shot almost every year lately, have a defensive physical philosophy, and arguably the largest number of hardcore fans across the US. Personally I root for the Patriots and as such actively root against the Steelers (they're probably our main rival in the teams current era) but I think they're the organization most deserving of respect in the entire NFL, at least historically.
Whichever team you root for just learn the history and stick with em through the rough patches. There is nothing worse than a bandwaggoner (my team picked up a lot of those after they finally got good).
Other historically interesting teams.
Packers - Have a huge hardcore fanbase. Team is publicly owned. Lots of great pre-superbowl era history in addition to being one of the most successful teams in the super bowl era although their success bookends a pretty long terrible period.
Cowboys - Actually have a pretty interesting history but most of it is overshadowed by the huge douchy reputation their greatest teams built about 15 years ago. Had a rivalry with almost every team that was ever dominant for more than a stretch, but mostly known for their dynasty in the 90s by todays fans. Prepare to be hated if you root for them.
Pittsburgh is really underrated as a place to visit, it has a bad reputation of being dirty from past eras but it's has a good amount of charm/good arts and indie type culture nowadays. However picking the Steelers is going with the most successful team with the biggest fanbase so it's a front-runner type team pick, which is objectionable to many people. Have great game-day environment though (sometimes cold weather). QB is a possibly reforming possible rapist (or major asshole at least) but is a ridiculous warrior on the field.
The Packers are also known for maybe the best game-day environment and stadium (also with lots of history) with the only caveat being it's probably the coldest place games happen outdoors.
Miami Dolphins are a thought, they play in a fun (but not hardcore football) place to visit, and recently they play a very unconventional/experimental offensive style, with moderate but not great success. Had dominant teams in the early 70's but haven't been a major factor more modernly.
Dallas Cowboys have a very distinct culture, they have always had a superstar/hollywood type culture and have had great players and great teams. Known as America's Team, however they are also one of the most hated teams too due to a perception of obnoxiousness. Have appeared in the most Super Bowls and won the 2nd most, most recently 3 wins in the 90's. For example of their culture, their new stadium is the most expensive, showiest biggest tribute to excess but also supposedly ridiculously awesome. The Super Bowl is there this year.
Kansas City Chiefs are a solid respectable choice, modest history of success, great fanbase and stadium environment I've heard. Have had some down years but also looking up recently (made playoffs this year).
New Orleans Saints are a popular choice recently cause they were putridly bad for most of their history but recently have put together solid and exciting teams (with one of the best QBs in the league). They have a unique city and culture, and their rise coincided with the recovery of the city from Hurricane Katrina which really made caused a big community support for the team to rise. They are more known for offense though. Well liked team in general (not many haters), won the last Super Bowl.
Helpful stuff? Any other teams in particular you are curious about?
if you want an underdog to cheer for, go for the detroit lions, although they are pretty much one of the worst franchises in football history (only team from the merger to have not made their conferences championship game in the super bowl era, i think), have lots of talent in calvin johnson, ndamukong suh etc. given time and hard work i think they are destined to make the playoffs.
On January 24 2011 12:57 GTR wrote: if you want an underdog to cheer for, go for the detroit lions, although they are pretty much one of the worst franchises in football history (only team from the merger to have not made their conferences championship game in the super bowl era, i think), have lots of talent in calvin johnson, ndamukong suh etc. given time and hard work i think they are destined to make the playoffs.
Worst advice. Well unless you said to root for Cleveland. Only do these if you are a masochist.
I believe I might be able to help with Q9. The NFL realizes that there are fans who don't live in the US and cannot always watch the games. Thus they have set up their own streaming specifically for non-US residents (they wont even let me at the page without a proxy). Because I can't get at the page, I don't know if it is free or not. But you can check it out here: http://www.nfl.com/gameaccess and click on "Game Pass"
In addition to that, you can keep an eye on live play-by-play of every game on the website and they have tons of highlight videos.
On January 24 2011 12:57 GTR wrote: if you want an underdog to cheer for, go for the detroit lions, although they are pretty much one of the worst franchises in football history (only team from the merger to have not made their conferences championship game in the super bowl era, i think), have lots of talent in calvin johnson, ndamukong suh etc. given time and hard work i think they are destined to make the playoffs.
Worst advice. Well unless you said to root for Cleveland. Only do these if you are a masochist.
Well the OP also said he liked guys with a bit of a mean streak in them, and ndamukong suh is quickly earning that reputation with what hes done to QBs this year.
Q10: you can tackle with your legs, but it is pointless, since the runner can escape from that much more easily.
Q11: Kneeling the ball is essentially a run play, or a QB slide. Since the QB is down, this means the play is over. The play clock has 0:40 seconds on it (the time limit between plays). Kneeling the ball happens only when your team is winning and there is no possible chance of the other team getting the ball back. There are 4 downs, and 3 can be used for a kneel without a turnover on downs. This adds up to (40x3) 120 seconds of allowed time on the play clock. 120 seconds is exactly 2 minutes, so when the winning team has the ball, with under 2 minutes left, they can kneel the ball. If the losing team has no timeouts left, and there is less than 40 seconds left in the game, no other plays need to be run, so it is over. This is why you see everyone on the field before time expires.
Here is the reason you want to kneel the ball when in this situation
Q10 - Just to clear things up. I am pretty sure that you are not allowed to tackle with your legs. It is a tripping penalty. It is a rare call and might be why there is some confusion.
No one plays on offense and defense regularly. The last player I can recall who played offense and defense was Deion Sanders, (look him up he's awesome) he played Cornerback and returned kicks regularly and made a decent number of appearances at Wide Receiver.
Troy Brown of the Patriots played nickle back (defense) and wide receiver (offense) for the Pats He actually had a couple interceptions a stripped ball on defense.. He was primarily an offensive player though
I think it's easy to root for most teams in the NFL because mostr can be competative. Having said that.. unless you like rooting for perennial losers I wouldn't root for the Lions
No one plays on offense and defense regularly. The last player I can recall who played offense and defense was Deion Sanders, (look him up he's awesome) he played Cornerback and returned kicks regularly and made a decent number of appearances at Wide Receiver.
Troy Brown of the Patriots played nickle back (defense) and wide receiver (offense) for the Pats He actually had a couple interceptions a stripped ball on defense.. He was primarily an offensive player though
I think it's easy to root for most teams in the NFL because mostr can be competative. Having said that.. unless you like rooting for perennial losers I wouldn't root for the Lions
He and Devin Hester were the last two big ones to do that.
Though Hester, I'm not sure if he played both in the same season, or converted fully
On February 11 2011 22:54 10or10 wrote: update: question 12 was added after reading in the superbowl thread, I guess it will be easy to answer for you... update2: question 13 added.
ST = Special teams, punting the ball, kicking field goals, and kickoffs.
Yes, there is a quite long breaks in between seasons. They aren't allowed to practice most of that time, but most players will keep themselves in good shape and study game film and such during the off-season.
no saints fans makes me sad . Cheer for a team that catches your attention when watching :o. i got into saints when reggie bush (cause i only watched college before and i only liked USC cause i live close to it) joined. then jets cause of sanchez... ironically i don't like USC anymore .
EPT
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