Admire Adam Stenavich?

[El Guapo]

I was disappointed that the D gave up two, long drives in the 2H. They were exhausted, but made a play when they had to. Great game. Now get a W in Denver. Packers 24, Broncos 14.

Let's not forget that the defense was lights out in the first half. In the second half, we started with the ball but had the following three drives:
-3 plays; punt; 1:04
-4 plays; TD; 2:10
-3 plays; punt; 1:43

The second half defense was not lights out but respectable. When our offense was didn't stay on the field, it put our defense in a tough spot. Had they scored on one more of those 3rd Qtr possessions, things may have been different.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Let's not forget that the defense was lights out in the first half. In the second half, we started with the ball but had the following three drives:
-3 plays; punt; 1:04
-4 plays; TD; 2:10
-3 plays; punt; 1:43

The second half defense was not lights out but respectable. When our offense was didn't stay on the field, it put our defense in a tough spot. Had they scored on one more of those 3rd Qtr possessions, things may have been different.

Given the altitude in Denver, I expect the Packers to sub a lot. Denver may play "hurry up" to counter, but their guys will need a break too, altitude acclimated or not. No surprise if it's a low-scoring game, decided by which D plays better. I like the Packers' chances to get the W.

And if the defensive units do play to a standstill, I trust Love to make a play.

 

[milani]

Given the altitude in Denver, I expect the Packers to sub a lot. Denver may play "hurry up" to counter, but their guys will need a break too, altitude acclimated or not. No surprise if it's a low-scoring game, decided by which D plays better. I like the Packers' chances to get the W.

And if the defensive units do play to a standstill, I trust Love to make a play.

I know that in hockey teams that go in there try to shorten their shifts.

 

[Thirteen Below]

I know that in hockey teams that go in there try to shorten their shifts.

I know this is off the wall, but I wonder if the NFL has a habit of ''randomly" testing players for blood doping after playing in Denver. It would certainly make sense to do that, but I can't speculate on whether they would consider it worth doing.

Having said that probably stupid thing, I yield the floor and invite all those present to step forward and laugh at me.

 

[milani]

I know this is off the wall, but I wonder if the NFL has a habit of ''randomly" testing players for blood doping after playing in Denver. It would certainly make sense to do that, but I can't speculate on whether they would consider it worth doing.

Having said that probably stupid thing, I yield the floor and invite all those present to step forward and laugh at me.

Probably would have to get the Union to agree to it. I do not think the rank and file would like it. Not sure how the Broncos would feel.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I know this is off the wall, but I wonder if the NFL has a habit of ''randomly" testing players for blood doping after playing in Denver. It would certainly make sense to do that, but I can't speculate on whether they would consider it worth doing.

Having said that probably stupid thing, I yield the floor and invite all those present to step forward and laugh at me.

It's actually a good question 13. The only problem is that it requires athletes to train at altitude for a period of time, and then have their blood drawn. The blood is then infused back just before an event.

It used to be common among long-distance runners. I don't think it would be practical for a football player, at least during the season, due to the time it takes to train at altitude. A runner is aiming for one event probably weeks or months in the future. Skiers don't do it because they train and perform at altitude.

I guess they could train at altitude during the offseason, knowing they had a game at altitude (Denver) on the schedule, and then have the "doped" blood infused prior to the game. Doesn't sound practical.

It's still an interesting question 13. Although I know how doping works, I don't know if there is a test for it as there is for PEDs.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Probably would have to get the Union to agree to it. I do not think the rank and file would like it. Not sure how the Broncos would feel.

And I don't know if 1) blood doping is legal, and/or 2) if blood doping can even be detected (ala PEDs). And as you note, there is the matter of the Union and the Broncos. There is a reason it's called "home-field advantage".

Anyway, interesting thought experiment by 13.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I know that in hockey teams that go in there try to shorten their shifts.

Someone suggested to me that playing at altitude wasn't as ******* football players as it is on NBA/NHL players. The reason, NBA/NHL players are always moving.

I called BS on this notion. Playing football doesn't have the constant, fluid motion of the NBA/NHL, but it is far more intense. I think of the NBA/NHL players as endurance athletes, runners, and NFL players as sprinters. Once the ball is snapped, every player is playing flat-out intense (okay, maybe not place kickers or punters).

(And take a look especially at the OL and DL guys after a series. They're on the sidelines, sweating even on cold days, and breathing hard.)

So 60 minutes of football is like "high-intensity interval training (HIIT)", where you go flat out for a short period of time, and then only get a short rest (40 seconds between plays in the NFL, I think), and then you have to go at it again.

I do HIIT workouts on a stationary bike (spinning), and I alternate 30 seconds all out with 30 seconds of recovery. It doesn't take long to get gassed.

As for the Packers playing in Denver, it is what it is. I think by this time in the season these guys are in very good condition. They will sub more often and make generous use of oxygen on the sidelines.

 

[Poppa San]

Playing football doesn't have the constant, fluid motion of the NBA/NFL,

Did you mean NHL? You did this several times.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Did you mean NHL? You did this several times.

Oops, thanks for the catch Poppa. I'll correct this.