When will Tom Brady pass Payton Manning’s career passing touchdowns mark?

Tom already leads the all time list. Regular season plus playoffs. If you’re talking strictly regular season, he will pass him mid season this year. I say by week 10

Has a team ever had home field advantage in the Super Bowl?

No. Strictly speaking. No team played in their home stadium. It could happen but luck of the draw, with so many teams, so many Superbowl locations, it hasn't. But there are two close calls.

The closest you get (Happy to be corrected) was Los Angeles Rams in 1980. It was at the Rose Bowl. Pasadena. 10 miles away. They were from LA. That did little good as the home crowd were "soft" fans, many had booed them before their winning streak late in the season.

The team, in turn, were angry at the fans for lack of respect. Pretty far from Twelfth Man. BTW best Super Bowl of the 50 in my opinion. Those angry Rams players took it out on the Steelers, and absent one mistake and some good Steeler playing at the end of the game, would have shocked the world.

I am reminded that SuperBowl XIX was played in the Bay Area (at Stanford) and the 49ers won that Superbowl in 1985, about 30 miles from Candlestick Park. Not surprisingly, the crowd looks a little red-ish...

The 49ers of the 1980's didn't need home field that much... They ripped Marino to shreds.

Which NFL teams has Tom Brady never won a game against?

He's never beaten the Patriots, but he'd have to be traded in order for that to happen. Which is a small possibility. I could see Brady thinking he has another year left and Patriots seeing it differently, but it isn't likely.

As far as other teams he has beaten them all.

Here is his record

Has anyone been drafted into the NFL that did not go to a Division I school?

Lots of them - it’s quite common for players from division II & III NCAA schools (and even NAIA programmes) to be drafted - Hall of Fame guard Gene Upshaw went to NAIA school Texas A&I (now known as Texas A&M - Kingsville), as did Redskins DB Darrell Green. They were both first round picks. As was Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State) - arguably the greatest WR of all time. Shannon Sharpe meanwhile was a 7th round pick from DII school Savannah State in Georgia and he too ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a storied career for the Broncos & Ravens. Some players are late developers who didn’t light it up in high school and ended up at a lower level college program, but then blossomed when given the opportunity. NFL scouting networks aren’t afraid to go off the beaten track occasionally to find diamonds in the rough and then draft them - a few don’t pan out, but many do go on to have successful careers.

Why doesn't anyone project any running back to be drafted within the first round in the 2019 NFL Draft?

Because NFL team have adopted a more passing theme than the running theme. Most teams have Veteran running-backs such as CJ Anderson, Jonathan Stewart, and Adrian Peterson. And its because of the age gape for QB’s which leads to worse game performances which = losses. And anymore big time college QB’s such as Baker May-field, and Lamar Jackson. Both were chosen in the first round. Baker was picked first overall by the browns, the browns have been a team with a struggling offense, and had not won but two games within the past two seasons. The main-center of any teams offense is the Quarterback! Baker is a dual threat QB, which means he can be a impact in both rushing and passing. Also linemen are needed in order to block for a run/pass. You can have both a flashy quarterback and running back on your team but it doesn’t mean you’ll gain yards. Having protection is everything! Also if you keep having a shootout ( no defense game ) and go against a team with a great defense, you do not really stand a chance. “Defense wins championships” running backs are not simply important as a QB, WR, OL, and defense anymore.

Behind stingy defense, Bucs snap seven-game road losing streak

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The shift to Todd Bowles’ aggressive defense continues to pay off for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who got an important divisional road win against the Carolina Panthers Thursday night, avoiding an 0-2 start for the first time since 2014.

Defensive backs got their hands on a number of Cam Newton passes. Vernon Hargreaves III finished with 12 tackles. There was consistent pressure all night. Outside linebacker Shaq Barrett registered three sacks, including two on back-to-back plays, becoming the first Bucs player since at least 1991 to register three sacks in a single quarter. Rookie Anthony Nelson batted down a pass and in the third quarter, forced a fumble that was recovered by Ndamukong Suh.

QB Breakdown: After throwing three interceptions last week – including two pick-sixes – quarterback Jameis Winston managed to avoid any turnovers. His offensive line did a much better job keeping him clean in the pocket, with the one sack given up a coverage sack. Overall, Winston appeared more in-sync with his receivers -- Chris Godwin finishing 8-of-9 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown -- and was aided by a consistent ground game, with Peyton Barber rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown.

The biggest thing for Winston was that he didn’t have to do it all on his own, something the coaching staff has emphasized with him since Day 1 -- that he needs to rely on the players around him and not try to be “Superman." With this win against the Panthers, Winston managed to snap a 12-game losing streak in road starts. He also got a jolt of confidence after one of the worst performances of his career, which likely would have gotten him benched under Koetter.

Pivotal play: Late in the fourth quarter, Bucs cornerback Carlton Davis was slapped with an illegal hands to the face penalty, advancing the Panthers from the Tampa Bay 22 to the 11-yard line with 1:45 remaining. After a delay of game penalty, on fourth-and 2, Vernon Hargreaves -- who had a pick-6 last week, tackled Christian McCaffrey at the 2-yard line to preserve a 20-14 win.

Promising trend: Against the Panthers, the Bucs snapped a seven-game road losing streak. They also managed to do something they haven’t done much of in the last 10 years – they found a way to come back from a deficit. From 2009 through Week 1 of 2019, they were 36-105 when trailing at any point in a game. Granted they only trailed by three points – when the Panthers hit their second field goal to make it 6-3 in the second quarter -- but for a team that has struggled to get out of its own way, this was an important step.

Are the Patriots a lock after Week One to make the Super Bowl?

Week 1 turned out exactly as expected. Just as I expect the Patriots to be in the Super Bowl when the game finally rolls around. But there’s no guarantee of anything. As the Giants showed them twice, all it takes is one spectacular play in the playoffs to uproot a Super Bowl run.

Injuries happen. If Edelman or Antonio Brown goes down, it’s not the end of the world. I think that point was clear week one. If Brady goes down, that might be doom for this year. If Stephon Gilmore gets hurt, the pass coverage gets really shaken up if not derailed. Gilmore’s ability to entirely and effectively shut down a #2 receiver means that the team can use double coverage on the #1 and make it very difficult to advance the ball downfield. Without an all-pro corner, the defense would likely be in disarray.

I’d put the odds of the Patriots to win the Super Bowl about three times higher than anyone else. But all that can change very quickly.

For Antonio Brown, a Rape Accusation Raises a Question of Privilege in the N.F.L.

Antonio Brown as a Pittsburgh Steeler last season, warming up before a game against the Denver Broncos.CreditCreditJustin Edmonds/Getty Images

This is the second piece in our four-part series about offensive position groups in the NFL. Part 1 is on quarterbacks. Part 3 is wide receivers. Part 4 is tight ends.

One great running back can carry an offense. A stable filled with them can transform one, though.

The NFL’s transition away from top-heavy backfields hasn’t come full circle yet, but the amount that can be devastated by a single injury continues to dwindle. Versatile running back rotations have become the norm rather than an exception, giving teams the opportunity to showcase a wide variety of ground options and a way to embarrass slow-footed linebackers through the air. A deep vein of multi-purpose backs can plaster over holes elsewhere in the offense and open up game-changing gaps for their offenses downfield.

So who does it best?

After ranking 2019’s backup quarterback situations, I decided to take on the running back (and, in a few cases, fullback) rotations that offer the most support to their clubs. The result was a lineup 1-32 of the NFL’s most potent backfields.

This array doesn’t only count star power at the top. The lineup is a look at depth and versatility at running back, so while stars like Todd Gurley, Saquon Barkley, and Christian McCaffrey may lead individual tailback listings, a relative lack of power behind them ultimately kept their groups from cracking the top five. The teams at the top of the rankings are the ones that can carve up a defense in a hundred different ways both on the ground and through the air — and the ones that won’t get derailed if their No. 1 back goes down.

Injuries and depth-sapping trades have already taken a toll on these rankings. The 49ers, once the deepest group in the league, dropped from the top spot into 10th, and even their place there depends on Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman being able to complement each other to drive an offense that badly needs playmakers. The Texans escaped from the bottom five only as long as Carlos Hyde can prove he’s not washed.

So, with an eye on depth, power, and flexibility in mind, let’s take a look at the strongest — and weakest — backfields in the league.

Brown has denied the accusations in a statement from his lawyer, and on Wednesday his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said in an interview with ESPN: “I’m advising him to let the truth come out. I’m advising him to concentrate on football. I’m advising him to cooperate with the Patriots, with the N.F.L., with the N.F.L. Players Association. Antonio and I both strongly believe that these allegations are very serious. In no way do we condone any type of illegal conduct, misbehavior. None of that happened here.”

Late Tuesday night, the Patriots issued a statement saying that the N.F.L. planned to do its own investigation of the accusations.

The league, after mishandling reports of violence against women in the past, strengthened its personal conduct policy in 2014 — when some prominent players, including the running back Ray Rice, were charged with abuse or domestic violence, then later suspended. But enforcement of the policy remains complicated, with the league meting out punishments that appear inconsistent and struggling to get the cooperation of those involved.

Brown practiced Wednesday with the New England Patriots, who officially signed him on Monday, two days after he was released by the Oakland Raiders. But he has not commented publicly on the allegations, and remaining silent — no provocative Instagram stories or elaborately produced videos — must be sapping his willpower.

Exploring a Timeless Wilderness, Before the Drilling Begins

Brown attended his first practice as a New England Patriot on Wednesday.CreditSteven Senne/Associated Press

Brown’s talent granted him certain privileges that were not extended to teammates who did not regularly catch 100 passes or score 10 touchdowns per season. And as well as any superstar, he has leveraged his superior production to his advantage and for everyone’s entertainment. Whether co-starring in a Drake video or flouting fines for yet another instantly memed touchdown celebration, Brown has cultivated a following that strains to see what he can possibly do next. 

The NFL’s best and worst running back stables, ranked from teams 1-32

This is the second piece in our four-part series about offensive position groups in the NFL. Part 1 is on quarterbacks. Part 3 is wide receivers. Part 4 is tight ends.

One great running back can carry an offense. A stable filled with them can transform one, though.

The NFL’s transition away from top-heavy backfields hasn’t come full circle yet, but the amount that can be devastated by a single injury continues to dwindle. Versatile running back rotations have become the norm rather than an exception, giving teams the opportunity to showcase a wide variety of ground options and a way to embarrass slow-footed linebackers through the air. A deep vein of multi-purpose backs can plaster over holes elsewhere in the offense and open up game-changing gaps for their offenses downfield.

So who does it best?

After ranking 2019’s backup quarterback situations, I decided to take on the running back (and, in a few cases, fullback) rotations that offer the most support to their clubs. The result was a lineup 1-32 of the NFL’s most potent backfields.

This array doesn’t only count star power at the top. The lineup is a look at depth and versatility at running back, so while stars like Todd Gurley, Saquon Barkley, and Christian McCaffrey may lead individual tailback listings, a relative lack of power behind them ultimately kept their groups from cracking the top five. The teams at the top of the rankings are the ones that can carve up a defense in a hundred different ways both on the ground and through the air — and the ones that won’t get derailed if their No. 1 back goes down.

Injuries and depth-sapping trades have already taken a toll on these rankings. The 49ers, once the deepest group in the league, dropped from the top spot into 10th, and even their place there depends on Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman being able to complement each other to drive an offense that badly needs playmakers. The Texans escaped from the bottom five only as long as Carlos Hyde can prove he’s not washed.

So, with an eye on depth, power, and flexibility in mind, let’s take a look at the strongest — and weakest — backfields in the league.

Jason Witten's return, Cowboys wanted to go for the 50 burger vs. Giants

[Mic'd Up] Jason Witten's return, Cowboys wanted to go for the 50 burger vs. Giants from r/nfl

What do you think of the Miami Dolphins players who asked to be traded after their blowout loss in week 1 of the 2019 NFL season?

It’s not that surprising considering the Dolphins have been in rebuild mode all offseason. They’re playing exactly like how they were projected to play. But still, a Dolphins defense featuring FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, SS Reshad Jones, outside CBs Cordrea Tankersley & Xavien Howard, & slot CB Bobby McCain (looks ok on paper) should not have any reason to justify allowing 5 passing touchdowns. The Dolphins are also starting a veteran journeyman backup QB in Ryan Fitzpatrick, who can be pretty good as a spot starter & nothing else. They have a promising but underwhelming 2nd option in Josh Rosen, who’s starting to look like a bit of a draft bust. They have no WRs besides a very average Devante Parker plus two depth guys in Jakeem Grant & Albert Wilson. Kenny Stills is gone, and so are Laremy Tunsil & Ja’Waun James. They have a first-year head coach in the midst of all of this. Nothing went right for the Dolphins this offseason & they simply didn’t make the right moves. It’s not surprising, then, that they are seeing their own players quit on the team.


------------------------------------------------------------------

They have every right to voice their fustration and make their complaints heard and have the right to contact their agents to see if theres a way to get out of a bad situation, but ultimately it will be all for nothing. The best thing for these players to do is just play to the best of their ability so they will look good among NFL scouts. Regardless of the situation even if its the worst one, they are still obligated to fulfill their contract obligations.

Should adults be wearing college football jerseys, etc., to work?

I have a colleague who is a huge SF Giants fan (baseball). Occasionally, when the Giants play at home, he may wear a Giants jersey (especially, if he plans to attend the game). Actually, during playoffs, a big portion of SF may be wearing something orange to support the team (say, socks) :-).

Unless you interact with customers, in the Bay Area, nobody cares what you wear. Shorts and sandals are not uncommon among software engineers.

---------------------------------------

Depending upon the public view of the employee, if it is done on Casual Friday, then fine.

However, I have never worked at a place nor been a consultant to a company that would allow their professional staff wear things like that other than on a “Casual Friday” and when clients are not present.

Indeed, at one place that I consulted, Casual Friday was considered a sports jacket and a tie…….

Professionals have to remain professional.