NFL in London

National Football League in London

2023 NFL berlin

London Ballin’

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Normally we would be gushing about all things NFL in London, but after taking a trip to the MLB games at WestHam stadium this past weekend, we thought we would touch on baseball with a little London Ballin’ news.

Baseball was back in London after taking a Covid break following their first games in 2019.
Back then, we were treated to the Yankees and BoSox blasting so many homers, they actually scored more runs than the first NFL game here.

The 2023 series featured two teams at the bottom of their division, as the St Louis Cardinals hosted the Chicago Cubs in an NL Central dumpster fire across the pond.
Sure the teams might be struggling to make the post season, but that should be nothing new to NFLUK fans who have witnessed some truly dire games.

Despite the premonition that this might be a ‘sucky series’, the games delivered, and all of the fans seemed to thoroughly enjoying the novelty of having baseball in London, with the weather helping to make the whole weekend magical.

That being said, we did have a few thoughts on how the games went down.

The Good

MLB Europe

Wow, they really can put on a show! From the games themselves, to the craziness of Trafalgar Square takeover, London really went big baseball for the weekend.

Having the benefit of the NFL hosting games for a few decades is obviously going to help, but the MLB seemed to go above and beyond in putting it all together.

Unlike early NFL games which seemed a bit chaotic when Wembley was still growing,  the MLB seemed to have a finger on all of the action, making everything feel quite seamless.
As a fan, it’s nice to have consistency from North America, and for European fans to get the real deal experience.

The Games

It was quite the dinger fest on Saturday, as the Cubs took advantage of the short wall, to pop a few over the fence.

St. Louis rebounded in true form on the Sunday, given midwest fans a chance to salivate in the fact that they were able to snag a win abroad.

While there might have been more pomp and circumstance poured into the trip than the games itself, they certainly didn’t disappoint.

Celebrities

The NFL usually brings over their usual slug of ex-players and hangers on, but with baseball, everything is a little different.

The Cubs have a legacy of some great celeb fans, so when Bill Murray and Nick Offerman showed up to offer support to battle the heavyweight status of John Goodman and his Cards, it all started to feel quite Hollywoody.

Add to this was Bill Murray’s hilarious and rambling appearance on BT Sport during the game. Not only was Bill too quick-witted for the hosts, when he finally had enough, he just walked away.
Classic Bill.

The Bad

It’s never fun to crap on someone who goes out of their way to host you, but sometimes you need to address the mighty elephants in the room.

Atmosphere

While it certainly looked like a baseball game, in no way did it feel like one inside the stadium.
A lack of home field announcer, walk on music, or any vibe was quite shocking, as it just felt silent and awkward.

Maybe other people could hear, but where we seated up by the Cardinals Wags, it was shockingly quiet.

To that, it did seem that there was a caste system of enjoyment for MLB fans on the night.
Those seated near the first base line were treated to t-shirts, appearances and engagement, while the rest of the stadium looked on in a ‘what’s going on here’?

There was also a ‘house band’ which not only no one could see, but barely hear. The might have been there to pump up the crowd, but no one could hear or care.

Food

For all the talk of bringing the baseball to Britain, maybe they should have left the food at home.

A much touted ‘2 foot hot dog’ with all the toppings seemed a bit much, and they were, as people littered them all over the stadium. You didn’t need to walk far to spot lost weiners all over the place, and needed to address you walk to avoid stepping on them.

All of the food sampled by our group was cringe enough to add plans of ‘stopping at McDonald’s’ on the way home.

Don’t even get us started on the Dorito Nachos…they were everywhere too!

Dirty Dirty

Unlike other stadiums, it seems like the staff at WestHam stadium don’t clean up during the games.

In fact one toilet near our gate was NEVER cleaned the entire game. By the 7th inning they might as well have locked the doors, as the bins were over-filling, plastic cups and food littered the floor, and just so much piss everywhere.

It could be that there were staffing issues, as we encountered some of the rudest stadium employees ever.
Turns out you can’t ask questions of staff manning the doors to the numerous private rooms on the upper decks.
Asking something like ‘are there bars on this floor’ were responded with such venom, one would think we asked if Ted Lasso was here.

All in all, it was a great series of games, and an enjoyable weekend of baseball in the capital.

But like anything, there is still a learning curve here to climb.

 

 

June News

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You hear that May? It was a ‘see ya!’, as we move ever closer to the start of the 2023 NFL season, and we hit you with some June News!

You see once June is gone, then it’s July, and then hoo-wee, it’s preseason, and training camp, and time to start thinking of your fantasy options for the new year.

Here are some of the stories that we have been following:

Brady Owns You

So Tom Brady is finally an NFL owner, and everyone starting thinking the same thing ‘he’s going to play again.’

With a tough set of rules that includes needing a positive vote from every NFL team, not to mention the fact that fat-Brady hasn’t been seen doing anything physical, means that Brady will most definitely not be suiting up for the Raiders.

It would be nice if big-wig owner Mark Davis forced TB12 to have to get a haircut similar to his, and they could match outfits and walk around like twins.

For one of those men, this would be a major league dream. Let you guess who that player might be.

Dee-Hopping

Now that the Cardinals have flushed away the big time payday of star WR Deandre Hopkins, now comes the big question as to who could afford him.

With DH wanting at least $15M guaranteed, that is a big-ass bridge too far for many clubs who are struggling to do the maths on their salary caps.

Given that he asking for that much money, it looks like the Cowboys and Giants are out of the discussion, as there is no way they can find that kind of cash in the couch cushions.

Of course one team that does have that kind of money is the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Be a scary thought to put all that action together, but it seems likely.

Bear the Eff Off

It looked like the Bears were going to be shuffling off to Arlington Heights in a few years, as the tattered Soldier Field seems less and less desirable for the Bears org.

Boasting the smallest stadium in the NFL with one of the oldest franchises, many are wondering where the Bears will go to build on the next hundred years.

It seems that Arlington might be off the table, as a recent look at the tax situation means that the Bears might not only NOT get a good deal, it is now WAY more expensive to move north than they originally thought.

Chicago Bears org has now been crying that they will need some sort of tax help to make the move a reality. Really hard to see through those tears in a cost of living crisis.

Ed Bills

The Buffalo Bill finally stretched their tight pants to pull out the wallet, and pay DT Ed Oliver.

Often inconsistent, Oliver was a top 10 pick that has had moments of shine for Buffalo.

The Bills agreed to a four-year, $68 million deal that guarantees Ed at least $45million, and should have him settle in nicely for the Bills.

Going to be a tough D division with a Patriots squad that just seems to keep getting better.

Pools, Pools, Pools

Just an FYI for all you NFL fans in the UK that we are looking to expand on our Weekly Fantasy Pools once again this year.

After expanding on our offerings last season, we are now looking to add a few new leagues for UK fans to play along in.

With a mix of free and pay to play leagues across the NFL app, ESPN and Sleepr, we are hoping to create a big more excitement this season, and develop a bit of a fantasy hub so that you guys can get involved as well.

Please feel free to reach out to us, and we will get you on the list of potential players for this season.

Thanks for reading our June News, and here’s to having a great summer of 2023!

Top 10 NFL Coaches of All Time

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Let’s shake up the Argument Tree by asking who are the ‘Top NFL Coaches of All Time’!
Sure this kind of click bait type of headline is sure to fire up some of our ardent fans, but don’t worry, we let ChatGPT do it.
Not to miss out on the digital-slavery part of history, we sequestered an AI to craft an article on the ‘Top 10 NFL Coaches of All Time.’

So how does it do? Let’s find out and take a look at the list.

The National Football League (NFL) has witnessed countless coaching greats who have left an indelible mark on the game. These strategic masterminds have steered their teams to glory, sculpting dynasties and inspiring generations of players. In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of NFL coaching to bring you the top 10 coaches of all time. Brace yourself for a blend of informative insights, quirky anecdotes, and a dash of humor as we celebrate these legendary figures.

  1. Vince Lombardi – The Perfectionist Maestro:

Kicking off our list is none other than Vince Lombardi, the epitome of coaching excellence. Known for his relentless pursuit of perfection, Lombardi led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowl victories. His stern demeanor and iconic quotes like, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing,” still resonate within the football community. Lombardi was a true legend and set the benchmark for greatness.

  1. Bill Belichick – The Hooded Genius:

No top 10 list would be complete without the modern-day coaching genius, Bill Belichick. The mastermind behind the New England Patriots’ dynasty, Belichick’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to adapt are unparalleled. Whether it’s his poker-faced sideline demeanor or his affinity for hoodies, Belichick’s success and his dry wit make him a force to be reckoned with and a man of few words, unless you mention the Jets!

  1. Don Shula – The Winningest Coach:

Don Shula, the iconic coach of the Miami Dolphins, etched his name in the annals of NFL history. With 347 career victories, he holds the record for the most wins by a head coach. Shula’s wit and leadership helped him lead the Dolphins to two Super Bowl victories and an undefeated season in 1972, earning him the nickname “Donnie Football.” He might not have always smiled, but when he did, it was usually followed by a victory.

  1. Bill Walsh – The Architect of a Dynasty:

Bill Walsh’s innovative offensive strategies revolutionized the game. As the architect of the San Francisco 49ers’ dynasty in the 1980s, he introduced the groundbreaking West Coast offense. Known for his attention to detail, Walsh’s humor often came through in his “Walshisms” – pithy one-liners that kept players on their toes. The combination of his wit and strategic genius earned him a place among the greatest coaches of all time.

  1. Tom Landry – The Stetson-Wearing Legend:

Tom Landry, the iconic coach of the Dallas Cowboys, epitomized class and style on the sidelines. Sporting his trademark fedora, Landry led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories and appeared in five. His calm and composed demeanor earned him the nickname “The Man in the Hat.” Under that cool exterior, Landry’s dry sense of humor added an extra dimension to his coaching prowess.

  1. Chuck Noll – The Steeler of Success:

Chuck Noll is synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ success in the 1970s. Noll’s calm and composed approach helped him build a dynasty, guiding the Steelers to four Super Bowl wins. Known for his witty comebacks and playful banter with players, he balanced authority and camaraderie to create an environment of excellence. Noll’s coaching style reminds us that humor and success can go hand in hand.

  1. Joe Gibbs – The Racing Champion Turned Coach:

Joe Gibbs, a former NASCAR racing team owner, transitioned seamlessly into coaching and found remarkable success with the Washington Redskins. Known for his sharp wit and humor, Gibbs led the Redskins to three Super Bowl victories. His ability to motivate players and his strategic brilliance made him a beloved figure both on and off the field. Whether he was calling plays or cracking jokes, Gibbs knew how to keep the team fired up and laughing their way to victory.

  1. Paul Brown – The Innovative Mastermind:

Paul Brown, the founder and original coach of the Cleveland Browns, was a true innovator. He introduced a host of new strategies and techniques that revolutionized the game. Brown’s dry sense of humor and quick wit added an extra dimension to his coaching prowess. His famous quote, “The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate you away from those who are still undecided,” showcases his ability to lighten the mood while staying focused on success.

  1. Bill Parcells – The Big Tuna:

Nicknamed “The Big Tuna,” Bill Parcells left an indelible mark on the NFL with his tough, no-nonsense coaching style. Parcells’ ability to turn struggling teams around and lead them to success is legendary. His dry humor often came through in his press conferences, leaving reporters both amused and perplexed. Parcells had a knack for delivering punchy one-liners, making him as entertaining off the field as he was formidable on it.

  1. George Halas – The Founding Father:

Rounding out our list is the legendary George Halas, the founder of the Chicago Bears and one of the architects of the NFL itself. Halas’ coaching career spanned over four decades, during which he led the Bears to six NFL Championships. Known for his fiery personality and sharp wit, Halas was a true pioneer of the game. He once quipped, “Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates his commitment to excellence.

Conclusion:

The top 10 NFL coaches of all time have left an enduring legacy on the sport, achieving remarkable success while injecting humor and wit into the game. From the perfectionist ways of Vince Lombardi to the dry humor of Bill Belichick and the witty banter of Joe Gibbs, these coaching greats have inspired players and fans alike.

Their ability to lead, strategize, and entertain has solidified their places in football history. As we celebrate these legends, let us not only cherish their coaching achievements but also appreciate the smiles, laughter, and occasional comedic relief they brought to the intensity of the game.

Not a bad job for an AI, although we would comment that the list is notably lacking any coaches of colour, as well as Nathaniel Hackett.

 

 

London Games 2023

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Alright NFL fans, the Draft is done, the season schedule is about to be released on May 11th, and we are due to know who is playing in the London Games 2023 on May 4th.

Prior to that date of course, we like to make our own predictions on who is going to play in London, and when.
It’s an annual fun tradition for us, and in no way is meant to confuse, or claim that these are the real games.
Although we have benefited from some great press from US media personalities reporting our news as gospel. (which it ain’t!)

Much like the Pro Bowl, this is just for fun, not to be taken too seriously, and forged under the influence of alcohol.
Funny enough we have gotten a few right in the past, let’s see how we do this year.

Methodology

No, we didn’t smoke ‘meth’ to come up with these, but we did look at schedule, past London appearances, recent team changes, and potential strength of travel schedule to determine who we think will be making it to the UK in the fall.

The London games have been moving steadily towards a two-chunk set at Tottenham early in the month, and a late October Wembley game in between the time changes.
This time change is a big part of the UK games, as it represents a 4 hour time difference between the east coast, and more appetising for networks schedulers.

We also asked ChatGPT but it got all weird and porny, so we just went back to our old faithful methods.

Again, no real science behind it.

If you want to listen to our DraftOver podcast, and our NFL London picks, listen here:

London Games 2023?

Raiders vs Bills-Oct 8, 2023

First up at Tottenham stadium this year will be the Buffalo Bills hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct 8, 2023 at 2:30pm. There are no tickets, because this is a guess.

The Bills are set to host the following teams in 2023, with their previous London visits in brackets:
Broncos (’22), Jaguars (’22), Giants (’22), Cowboys (’14), Bucs (’22*), Raiders (’19), Jets, Dolphins, Patriots.

Given the toughness and ticket sales of the AFC East this season, it is very unlikely that NFL would schedule a divisional game abroad in 2023.
Each one of these games is going to be very important, and not one they want to lose out on big rivalry matches.

Given that the Broncos & Bucs were in Europe recently, that leaves the Jags, Raiders and Cowboys as top targets. The league could surprise us by having the Jags play twice in London this year, but it feels like a bit of an odd bunching.

With Jerry Jones and America’s team commanding such presence, it would seem unlikely that they would travel from Texas to London as visitors. Jones has a lot of pull with the league, and he would probably poo-poo this quickly.

It would seem likely then, that the struggling Las Vegas Raiders would be the most likely candidate to play the Buffalo Bills in October 2023.

Panthers vs Titans-Oct 15, 2023

We know that the Titans are in a building year (again), so while this might not be a HUGE loss to Tennessee home fans, they will want to see a good game out of it.

The Titans have the following Home opponents for 2023:
Chargers (’18); Seahawks (’18); Bengals (’19); Ravens (’17); Panthers (’19); Falcons (’21); as well as the Texans, Colts and Jags.

Again, while a divisional game sounds appetising, and their division truly sucks, it would seem unlikely that owners would offer that up, as the Jags played the Texans in 2019 in a craptastic result.

The Bengals, Falcons and Seahawks will be looking to tap into their heat, and would probably push back to a Europe trip after having been here only a few short years ago.

Carolina has been making massive changes to the team, which always doesn’t translate that well into fan support, which is why we think that they will be the ones making the trek to London town in 2023.

Ravens vs Jaguars-Oct 29, 2023

The Jags ended the 2022 season quite respectably after stagnating under Urban decay. With Dougie P leading the way, and Lawrence finding his form, Jacksonville might not be a chore to trek to Wembley to.

Jacksonville has some tough teams on tap in 2023 with: Chiefs (22*); Bengals (19), 49ers, Falcons, Panthers, and their division tripe as well.

The one team that does stick out here are the Baltimore Ravens, who haven’t been to the UK since 2017.
With Lamar firmly in control, and the team now ready to rock to the playoffs, it seems tempting to think that the Ravens will be facing the Jags in north London under a harvest moon.

That’s it for our predictions for the London Games 2023.
Who do you think will be coming to the UK?
Let’s see how we do!

 

 

 

Robot NFL 2073

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What could happen when you ask Chat GPTeasy for what a Robot NFL 2073 might look like and you get this.

Would you watch an NFL made up of robot players? Or will there be a league that challenges the dominance of the league with a rocket sock’em battle-bots of rocketry?

AI will know, let’s see how she does in what happens when you ask it what Robot NFL 2073 might look like for us all.

The National Football League, or NFL, is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. It has evolved significantly since its inception in 1920, and the game of football has undergone many changes in terms of rules, equipment, and player safety. However, the future of the NFL could look very different from what we see today, with the possibility of robot players becoming a reality in the next 50 years.

Robot players could revolutionise the game of football, providing a safer, faster, and more entertaining experience for both players and fans. In this article, we’ll explore what the future of the NFL could look like with robot players, including possible team names, rule changes, and how the game might develop.

Possible Team Names

With robot players, NFL teams would have the opportunity to create new and unique team names that reflect the futuristic nature of the game. Here are some possible team names that could emerge:

  1. Cyberhawks
  2. Steel Titans
  3. Digital Warriors
  4. Machine Mavericks
  5. Tech Trojans

Rule Changes

Robot players would require a significant overhaul of the current NFL rulebook. Here are some possible rule changes that could be implemented to accommodate robot players:

  1. No more human players: Robot players would replace human players entirely, eliminating the risk of injury to human players.
  2. No more penalties for rough play: With no human players, there would be no need for penalties for rough play.
  3. Increased scoring opportunities: Robot players would be able to throw the ball with greater accuracy and power, resulting in more scoring opportunities for each team.
  4. Longer games: With robot players, games could be extended to allow for more action on the field.
  5. Fewer timeouts: With robot players, fewer timeouts would be needed, as the robots would not require rest or hydration breaks.

Game Development

With the implementation of robot players, the game of football could evolve significantly. Here are some possible developments that could occur:

  1. Greater emphasis on strategy: With robot players, coaches would need to develop new strategies to maximise the abilities of their robotic players.
  2. Faster and more exciting gameplay: Robot players would be able to run, pass, and tackle at lightning-fast speeds, resulting in a faster and more exciting game for fans.
  3. Increased fan engagement: The introduction of robot players would likely attract new fans to the game, resulting in increased fan engagement and revenue for the NFL.
  4. Improved player safety: Robot players would eliminate the risk of injury to human players, making the game safer overall.

Conclusion

The future of the NFL with robot players is a fascinating concept that could revolutionize the game of football as we know it. With the elimination of human players, the game could become safer and more exciting, with faster gameplay and increased scoring opportunities. While the implementation of robot players would require significant rule changes and adaptations, the potential benefits for the NFL are vast.

As we look to the future of the NFL, it’s exciting to imagine what the game could look like in 50 years with robot players. With new team names, rule changes, and game developments, the future of the NFL could be an entirely new and exciting experience for fans around the world.

So how does that cook your prediction of how the league will look?
AI comes up with some truly horrible names, as they have no idea how cruel and torturous humans can be when it comes to shaming when we feel indignant.
Or do they.

Thanks to GPTizzle for the 411, and the unpaid writing gig.
“You’re doing good kid. keep it up. 15,000 more articles, then you get named credit.”
But if you prefer to listen to our podcast, here ya go!

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