The NFL club in Washington, D.C. has faced pressure for years over the derogatory term the team uses as a nickname. Public awareness and media coverage of this pressure has intensified over the past couple of years, but team owner Dan Snyder has remained steadfast that he will no be changing the name of the team. He has faced lawsuits, protests, and a denial of the copyright all while maintaining that the term "redskin" is not offensive. Roger Goodell and the rest of the league have stood by Snyder, but have recently begun to back off from their support. Despite the diminishing support of the league, it seems apparent that Snyder is going to remain firm and would never change the name of the team while he owns it. However, a recent report by Mike Wise at ESPN (you can read that here) states that at least two members of the British Parliament wrote to Goodell strongly urging that the team name be changed. Washington is scheduled to play in London this upcoming season. There are a couple of reasons that this new pressure from abroad could be the catalyst to change the name.
1) Despite all of his bumblings, Goodell's main jobs are to maximize league revenue and to maintain the image of the league. The two members of Parliament (Ruth Smeeth and Ian Austin) said in their letter that having a team using a racial slur as a name goes against what the British have been working hard to combat in their own football (soccer) league. England has strict anti-racism laws pertaining to sports stemming from the Football (Offences) Act of 1991. Sending a team to play in London whose name goes against this act would be a huge blow to the image the NFL is trying to portray in England. Parliament has also suggested that they will discuss having the network that airs the games in London not air them. That would be a blow to league revenues.
2) Smeeth and Austin did say that if the name will not be changed, the least the NFL could do is send another team in their place. This could be an option, but may prove to be too tricky for the league to accomplish. The Cincinnati/Washington game in London is scheduled to be a home game for the Bengals. Their other home opponents are Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Denver. The level of interest of any of these teams to change from going to Cincinnati to London is questionable at best, and this would cause a scheduling nightmare for the league. While the full schedule has not been released, it's close to being done and changing the London opponent would affect bye-weeks and the schedules for the other opponents for the team that replaces Washington in London. It would be easier to change the name.
So, to help our good friends Dan and Roger out, here are a few suggestions for a new team name:
1) Washington Iconoclasts: Snyder has already shown a willingness to besmirch Native Americans so this is sort of an ode to him (though he'd probably love that) and would be a nod to George Preston Marshall who changed the name of the team to the Redskins in the first place. It's also an ode to the extreme right wing members of our government.
2) Washington Potomacs: This would recognize the river in Washington, D.C. and would be a somewhat inoffensive way to "honor" Native Americans as Snyder claims his current team name is doing. This also would not require a mascot change, though that could still prove to be problematic with those who are opposed to the current name and mascot.
3) Washington Jeffersonians: When the United States was being formed there were two ideologies that were being discussed (to use a polite term). One was the views of Alexander Hamilton who argued for a strong, centralized government. The other set of views were most prominently held by Thomas Jefferson, who argued that the national government not be so strong and that the individual states should maintain more rights and powers. As Snyder seemingly believes and acts as if his team is a sovereign entity of the league, it would be appropriate to name the team after a Founding Father who most likely would share the same view.
4) Washington Senators: When baseball returned to the nation's capital they had the option to name the team after the previous team in Washington, D.C. but opted to go with "Nationals". This would be a nice throwback option honoring sports history in the city.
5) Washington Pigskins: If Dan doesn't want to change the whole name then what about just changing half of the name? Especially the offensive part of the name? Using this name would also allow fans to continue to dress up as The Hoggetts and actually have it make sense in terms of representing the team. Their mascot could also be a football. Simple, but effective.
What do you think? Could pressure from English lawmakers actually result in the team and league acting on this issue? What do you think the new name of the team should be?
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Thursday, December 10, 2015
My NFL Holiday Wish List
The NFL season has a few weeks left and this season is filled with intrigue. Will Peyton Manning play again this season or will Brock Osweiller keep the reigns? Which teams will claim a wild card berth? Does anyone want to win the NFC East? Are the Patriots losing it/are they just bad without Rob Gronkowski? Its all set up for quite an exciting end to the season. But since we're so close to the playoffs, chatter has also started about the offseason. I've done my part in that with my last two posts about Sean Payton and Peyton Manning, but many other questions will be asked over the next few weeks and months. With the holiday season upon us, here's my Wish List for issues I hope gain national attention and will hopefully be addressed by someone, as well as my take on the issue:
What is a catch?
The NFL has addressed this issue over the past few offseasons. We've seen Calvin Johnson an Dez Bryant lose touchdowns because the catch rule makes no sense. But the NFL's solution to fixing this issue has been to make it more confusing. Anyone surprised? Bryant has recently proposed letting players have a say in developing the rule. Even though I think he's a loud-mouthed arrogant jerk, I agree with him on this point. Let the NFLPA establish a 6-member group that will have the opportunity to have a say in rule changes, and split the group with 3 offensive players and 3 defensive players. And not just for this rule change, but for all of them. Owners don't play the game and should not have sole say in the rules that govern on the field play. If Goodell truly wants to start establishing a better relationship with players then he needs to let players have some voice (from actual players, not just their union reps) in rules for the game.
Hire full time game officials:
Every week there are numerous discussions amongst pundits and fans about poor officiating throughout the NFL. Goodell has offered the proposal of switching up the officiating crews each week in an effort to limit bias and even out the amount of particular calls each crew makes. While a novel suggestion, it doesn't address the issue of NFL officials being confused about the wording of particular NFL rules. Solution? At the least, make the crew chief of each crew a full time NFL employee. This way they can spend the offseason studying the rules, consulting with league officials for clarification, and watching film to help better determine when a penalty should and should not be called. These crew chiefs could then help better train the rest of their crew on rule changes and what is/isn't a penalty. The NFL could certainly afford to do this, and it will make for a better game day product - possibly even result in fans complaining less that the officials dictated the outcome of a game. We can all hope, right?
Don't make any more rules based on what happened to one player:
I'm an advocate for player safety, but not a fan of changing rules just because one star player gets hurt. Probably the most famous of such rules is the Brady Rule which states that defensive players cannot lunge towards a QB if that defensive player is on the ground. Makes sense. We want to protect out players. But in the wake of the most recent knee injury to Gronkowski, Brady has spoken out for the need of a rule change to prevent defensive players from hitting a receiver in the legs. This has been a common tactic for defensive players over the years, especially as tackling ability as declined across the league, but the receiver is not defenseless in this case. Defensive players already cannot dive at a QBs knees nor can they dive at players who are already engaged with another player. That makes sense. Another rule change to benefit Brady is not what the league needs. Look at player safety, but make rule changes that will benefit everyones' health, not just the stat line for an already babied QB.
Adjust the rules for offseason team/player contact:
Speaking of player safety, has anyone else noticed the increasing occurrence of hamstring injuries since the NFL limited how much time teams can have players practice together at team headquarters during the offseason? This has been especially problematic for skill players. I'm not advocating for an increase in padded practices (though that would certainly help with the tackling issue in the league), but rather that teams should have more opportunities during the offseason to have players come together to work out. This way the team's medical staff can monitor the players and help them better prepare their bodies to avoid these soft tissue issues.
Stop holding communities hostage:
This of course is in regards to one or two teams moving to Los Angeles. NFL owners love threatening the communities their in to get money for stadiums from local and state governments, even though these billionaire owners can afford to build a stadium on their own. These people have shown little to no regard with tight budgets and the programs that money could be better used for. On top of that, NFL owners are reportedly seeking a $500 million relocation fee from each team that wants to move from where they are to LA. Why? Because those other owners would lose the leverage of threatening to leave their current cities for LA. This is a despicable practice and shows a lack of respect for NFL fans in each city (except Green Bay - if only each NFL team had the ownership structure of Green Bay!) - despite fans being the reason the NFL Owners have received broadcast fees in the billions of dollars. These people aren't hurting for money, and they should be willing to invest in their teams if they want to own them through stadium upkeep/building, facilities for players, and medical staff.
Actually follow the concussion protocol!:
On the subject of medical staffs - what was the point of having team and independent doctors on NFL sidelines to pull players out of games to evaluate them if those players are suspected of suffering a head injury if they're not actually going to do it? Over the past few weeks players such as Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Newton have been allowed to stay in games to finish drives before being evaluated by medical staff. This certainly helps a team succeed, but how does this help player health and safety? It doesn't. If you're going to have a procedure in place to evaluate players for possible concussions, then you better follow it. Who cares if the player doesn't want to come out?! Take away their helmet until they are properly evaluated and pull them out right after the play in question. As far as franchises who do not follow the protocol - fine them, and if you have to doc draft choices. Maybe start with losing a 4th round for a first offense that changes to a 3rd rounder for the next offense and so on. The league, players, and teams need to understand how serious the concussion issue is and do everything they can to make sure players are properly evaluated.
And finally:
Fix the arbitration process for league discipline:
Better yet - appoint someone besides Goodell to oversee fines and suspensions. Major League Baseball has Joe Torre doing this for Commissioner Rob Manfred. Who couldn't the NFL do this? Goodell has lost all credibility when it comes to fining and suspending players so they need to do something. Appointing a separate person to oversee player/team discipline probably won't happen, but the next best thing would be to appoint an independent arbitration panel to hear grievances. Follow the MLB model of a 3 person panel where one person is selected by the NFLPA, one by the league office, and a third by both parties. This would allow for appeals to be fairly and properly heard and will avoid such unnecessary fiascos like the Tom Brady trial.
This is a lengthy list, though certainly incomplete, and I greatly appreciate you staying with me through all of this. I highly doubt that any of these ideas would ever actually be considered by the NFL, but it's nice to hope that businessmen might be sensible enough to establish an actual sensible business model. But then again that's probably asking too much from owners who became this rich for following a business model that's probably not fair and sensible for all. But we are in the season of hope and goodwill, so there's that.
What is a catch?
The NFL has addressed this issue over the past few offseasons. We've seen Calvin Johnson an Dez Bryant lose touchdowns because the catch rule makes no sense. But the NFL's solution to fixing this issue has been to make it more confusing. Anyone surprised? Bryant has recently proposed letting players have a say in developing the rule. Even though I think he's a loud-mouthed arrogant jerk, I agree with him on this point. Let the NFLPA establish a 6-member group that will have the opportunity to have a say in rule changes, and split the group with 3 offensive players and 3 defensive players. And not just for this rule change, but for all of them. Owners don't play the game and should not have sole say in the rules that govern on the field play. If Goodell truly wants to start establishing a better relationship with players then he needs to let players have some voice (from actual players, not just their union reps) in rules for the game.
Hire full time game officials:
Every week there are numerous discussions amongst pundits and fans about poor officiating throughout the NFL. Goodell has offered the proposal of switching up the officiating crews each week in an effort to limit bias and even out the amount of particular calls each crew makes. While a novel suggestion, it doesn't address the issue of NFL officials being confused about the wording of particular NFL rules. Solution? At the least, make the crew chief of each crew a full time NFL employee. This way they can spend the offseason studying the rules, consulting with league officials for clarification, and watching film to help better determine when a penalty should and should not be called. These crew chiefs could then help better train the rest of their crew on rule changes and what is/isn't a penalty. The NFL could certainly afford to do this, and it will make for a better game day product - possibly even result in fans complaining less that the officials dictated the outcome of a game. We can all hope, right?
Don't make any more rules based on what happened to one player:
I'm an advocate for player safety, but not a fan of changing rules just because one star player gets hurt. Probably the most famous of such rules is the Brady Rule which states that defensive players cannot lunge towards a QB if that defensive player is on the ground. Makes sense. We want to protect out players. But in the wake of the most recent knee injury to Gronkowski, Brady has spoken out for the need of a rule change to prevent defensive players from hitting a receiver in the legs. This has been a common tactic for defensive players over the years, especially as tackling ability as declined across the league, but the receiver is not defenseless in this case. Defensive players already cannot dive at a QBs knees nor can they dive at players who are already engaged with another player. That makes sense. Another rule change to benefit Brady is not what the league needs. Look at player safety, but make rule changes that will benefit everyones' health, not just the stat line for an already babied QB.
Adjust the rules for offseason team/player contact:
Speaking of player safety, has anyone else noticed the increasing occurrence of hamstring injuries since the NFL limited how much time teams can have players practice together at team headquarters during the offseason? This has been especially problematic for skill players. I'm not advocating for an increase in padded practices (though that would certainly help with the tackling issue in the league), but rather that teams should have more opportunities during the offseason to have players come together to work out. This way the team's medical staff can monitor the players and help them better prepare their bodies to avoid these soft tissue issues.
Stop holding communities hostage:
This of course is in regards to one or two teams moving to Los Angeles. NFL owners love threatening the communities their in to get money for stadiums from local and state governments, even though these billionaire owners can afford to build a stadium on their own. These people have shown little to no regard with tight budgets and the programs that money could be better used for. On top of that, NFL owners are reportedly seeking a $500 million relocation fee from each team that wants to move from where they are to LA. Why? Because those other owners would lose the leverage of threatening to leave their current cities for LA. This is a despicable practice and shows a lack of respect for NFL fans in each city (except Green Bay - if only each NFL team had the ownership structure of Green Bay!) - despite fans being the reason the NFL Owners have received broadcast fees in the billions of dollars. These people aren't hurting for money, and they should be willing to invest in their teams if they want to own them through stadium upkeep/building, facilities for players, and medical staff.
Actually follow the concussion protocol!:
On the subject of medical staffs - what was the point of having team and independent doctors on NFL sidelines to pull players out of games to evaluate them if those players are suspected of suffering a head injury if they're not actually going to do it? Over the past few weeks players such as Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Newton have been allowed to stay in games to finish drives before being evaluated by medical staff. This certainly helps a team succeed, but how does this help player health and safety? It doesn't. If you're going to have a procedure in place to evaluate players for possible concussions, then you better follow it. Who cares if the player doesn't want to come out?! Take away their helmet until they are properly evaluated and pull them out right after the play in question. As far as franchises who do not follow the protocol - fine them, and if you have to doc draft choices. Maybe start with losing a 4th round for a first offense that changes to a 3rd rounder for the next offense and so on. The league, players, and teams need to understand how serious the concussion issue is and do everything they can to make sure players are properly evaluated.
And finally:
Fix the arbitration process for league discipline:
Better yet - appoint someone besides Goodell to oversee fines and suspensions. Major League Baseball has Joe Torre doing this for Commissioner Rob Manfred. Who couldn't the NFL do this? Goodell has lost all credibility when it comes to fining and suspending players so they need to do something. Appointing a separate person to oversee player/team discipline probably won't happen, but the next best thing would be to appoint an independent arbitration panel to hear grievances. Follow the MLB model of a 3 person panel where one person is selected by the NFLPA, one by the league office, and a third by both parties. This would allow for appeals to be fairly and properly heard and will avoid such unnecessary fiascos like the Tom Brady trial.
This is a lengthy list, though certainly incomplete, and I greatly appreciate you staying with me through all of this. I highly doubt that any of these ideas would ever actually be considered by the NFL, but it's nice to hope that businessmen might be sensible enough to establish an actual sensible business model. But then again that's probably asking too much from owners who became this rich for following a business model that's probably not fair and sensible for all. But we are in the season of hope and goodwill, so there's that.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Peyton Manning: A Man on the Move
Peyton Manning has been losing his ability to make throws thanks to those neck surgeries a few years ago and now has seemingly lost his job to Brock Osweiler thanks to a plantar fascia tear in his foot that will take some time to heal. Not to say that Brock Osweiler is a better quarterback than Manning - Manning is one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game (see my post from 2/18/15 entitled "Tom Brady - G.O.A.T?") - but he is a much better fit for Gary Kubiak's system with his ability to run bootlegs and get out of the pocket. So, as we are prone to do with athletes, let's start the drum beating on Manning's time in Denver coming to a close and speculate on where he might play next season. Manning has said he wants to play one more year - and hopefully his health allows him to do so. So, in no particular order, here are five teams I believe would want to sign Peyton for a farewell tour.
1) Washington Redskins
Washington's quarterback situation is puzzling for a couple of reasons. For one, there's the whole RGIII fiasco. They strangely decided to exercise his fifth year player option meaning he'll make around $15 million next year if he's still on the team. That's an absurd amount of money to pay a 3rd string quarterback who's playing safety on the scout team defense. Washington does have a good tight end (if he can stay healthy) and an explosive young running back (even if they decide to let Alfred Morris walk this year). Manning won't be able to throw deep to DeSean Jackson but should be able to make throws to allow Jackson to use his speed to gain yards after the catch. But another issue? I don't think Peyton wants to play in the same division as his little brother.
2) St. Louis Rams
Yes, St. Louis traded for Nick Foles and then gave him an extension. But they already benched him. Jeff Fisher needs wins to keep his job and a year of Manning (combined with drafting a young QB to learn from him) could get him the wins he needs and the time to develop that young QB. The Rams have a stud young running back and a ferocious (or capable of being so) defense. To get Manning, though, they'll need to upgrade the pass catching options in free agency and the draft. But would Peyton want to face the Seattle defense twice a year? Super Bowl flashbacks could haunt Manning if he chose to go here.
3) Cleveland Browns
The revolving door at quarterback is going to continue for the Browns and it's been made quite obvious that Johnny Manziel has lost the trust of at least the coaching staff. Why not try to get Manning for a year while they try to develop another young quarterback? They'll need some receivers and to figure out their running back situation, but they should again have an outstanding offensive line even when Alex Mack leaves this offseason. Could Cleveland convince Manning to go against the other AFC North defenses?
4) Houston Texans
They've already cut Ryan Mallett and Bryian Hoyer is just a journeyman. They'll need a running back (highly doubtful they bring back Arian Foster with his age and all his injuries), but they do have some great talent on defense and DeAndre Hopkins could help entice Manning. Could playing his former team twice during the regular season also add some intrigue for Manning? Plus he'd be a great mentor for Tom Savage - the former 4th round pick Bill O'Brien said he'd like to develop.
5) New Orleans Saints
As I wrote last time it looks like Sean Payton will be leaving and Drew Brees (and his really big cap hit) could follow him out the door and to a new team. There's some talent on offense with Brandon Cooks and Mark Ingram, but the defense is a work in progress. Could the prodigal son of Archie Manning come for one season and bring some excitement to The Big Easy?
The Surprise Team - New York Jets
Peyton doesn't want to play in the same division as his brother, but could they share a city and a stadium? The Jets have some talent with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker (whom Manning already has worked with), and Chris Ivory at running back - plus the defense is great. After missing this season's match-up with Brady, would Peyton want to have two more potential match-ups against his most prominent foe?
1) Washington Redskins
Washington's quarterback situation is puzzling for a couple of reasons. For one, there's the whole RGIII fiasco. They strangely decided to exercise his fifth year player option meaning he'll make around $15 million next year if he's still on the team. That's an absurd amount of money to pay a 3rd string quarterback who's playing safety on the scout team defense. Washington does have a good tight end (if he can stay healthy) and an explosive young running back (even if they decide to let Alfred Morris walk this year). Manning won't be able to throw deep to DeSean Jackson but should be able to make throws to allow Jackson to use his speed to gain yards after the catch. But another issue? I don't think Peyton wants to play in the same division as his little brother.
2) St. Louis Rams
Yes, St. Louis traded for Nick Foles and then gave him an extension. But they already benched him. Jeff Fisher needs wins to keep his job and a year of Manning (combined with drafting a young QB to learn from him) could get him the wins he needs and the time to develop that young QB. The Rams have a stud young running back and a ferocious (or capable of being so) defense. To get Manning, though, they'll need to upgrade the pass catching options in free agency and the draft. But would Peyton want to face the Seattle defense twice a year? Super Bowl flashbacks could haunt Manning if he chose to go here.
3) Cleveland Browns
The revolving door at quarterback is going to continue for the Browns and it's been made quite obvious that Johnny Manziel has lost the trust of at least the coaching staff. Why not try to get Manning for a year while they try to develop another young quarterback? They'll need some receivers and to figure out their running back situation, but they should again have an outstanding offensive line even when Alex Mack leaves this offseason. Could Cleveland convince Manning to go against the other AFC North defenses?
4) Houston Texans
They've already cut Ryan Mallett and Bryian Hoyer is just a journeyman. They'll need a running back (highly doubtful they bring back Arian Foster with his age and all his injuries), but they do have some great talent on defense and DeAndre Hopkins could help entice Manning. Could playing his former team twice during the regular season also add some intrigue for Manning? Plus he'd be a great mentor for Tom Savage - the former 4th round pick Bill O'Brien said he'd like to develop.
5) New Orleans Saints
As I wrote last time it looks like Sean Payton will be leaving and Drew Brees (and his really big cap hit) could follow him out the door and to a new team. There's some talent on offense with Brandon Cooks and Mark Ingram, but the defense is a work in progress. Could the prodigal son of Archie Manning come for one season and bring some excitement to The Big Easy?
The Surprise Team - New York Jets
Peyton doesn't want to play in the same division as his brother, but could they share a city and a stadium? The Jets have some talent with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker (whom Manning already has worked with), and Chris Ivory at running back - plus the defense is great. After missing this season's match-up with Brady, would Peyton want to have two more potential match-ups against his most prominent foe?
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Sean Payton's Next Destination
Sean Payton brought hope, life, and Drew Brees to New Orleans and gave the city reason to celebrate by winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2009. But all good things must come to an end and he'll leave the Saints once this season comes to a close. There have been abundant rumors on this possibility for a few reasons. The Saints are doubtful to make the playoffs this year and are in salary cap hell. They will probably need to jettison Brees and his $30 million cap hit next year, and it's unlikely that Payton will want to stick around for another rebuilding project. The uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation doesn't help matters either. Rumors have been swirling that USC (those once mighty Trojans who have fallen on hard times since Pete Carroll left), but why would Payton want to confine himself to dealing with academic requirements and a better than the BCS but still questionable playoff system when he knows he can be a successful NFL head coach. I highly doubt he'll also want to also deal with boosters and alumni. Rather, I see five potential NFL destinations he could bring some excitement to next fall.
The Longshot
Washington Redskins
It's very likely that Jay Gruden will be fired following this season. He's benched and spoken against publicly Dan Snyder's favorite player - RGIII - and has shown he's not quite suited - not yet anyway - to running the entire operation. Snyder also has little patience with head coaches, which is why this team should be considered long shots for Payton. Could Payton work with such a meddlesome owner? Will he want too much control over the roster? It's possible he would like the idea of trying to turn Kirk Cousins into a decent NFL quarterback, and if it doesn't work after a year he can just say that he tried and go get his own QB. But there are a lot of question marks surrounding this team, especially on defense which haven't exactly been good recently in New Orleans. But the NFC East would be a lot more interesting with Chip Kelly and Payton squaring off twice a year. Ultimately I think Payton says no thanks to Snyder and goes somewhere he can work his magic in peace.
Maybe, but Not Likely
Detroit Lions
Payton could have the chance to bring the joy of a Super Bowl victory to Detroit much like he did for New Orleans, and we all know Detroit needs something to feel good about these days. He'd also have some excellent pieces on offense with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Golden Tate. He could coach up Eric Ebron and might actually help Ameer Abdullah with his fumbling issues. But Detroit is also in salary cap hell, with Stafford and Johnson counting more than $46 million against next years cap, and Detroit also has a host of defensive issues - especially after allowing a stand out pair of defensive tackles walk in free agency. Suh wouldn't have been worth the cap hit but Nick Fairly should have been resigned. However, Detroit is clearing house and now in charge Martha Ford desperately wants the team to win. Still, this option should be low on the list.
Indianapolis Colts
Payton would work wonders with Andrew Luck under center and there's some other decent parts on offense with T.Y. Hilton, Frank Gore (still productive enough despite his age), and a pair of young tight ends. General Manager Ryan Grigson should be fired any minute now for his failure to add difference makers to the defense and for the capital offense (at least in Indiana) of having no offensive line to protect the star quarterback. However, I think it's unlikely that Chuck Pagano is also let go. Jim Irsay values loyalty and Pagano's done the best with what he's been given. If Irsay decided to simply clean house then this job would jump higher on the list, but Pagano should end up staying on in Indy.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have already fired Ken Whisenhunt and they'll want to hire a head coach who can help develop Marcus Mariota. Interim head coach Mike Mularkey would be a decent choice to stay on as offensive coordinator once a new head coach is brought in, but I think it's more likely that the Titans will end up hiring current Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Bevell has been instrumental in the development of Russell Wilson and he'd be tutoring a similar (though certainly taller) version of him in Mariota. Plus there's little else roster wise in Tennessee to entice Payton.
The Likeliest Destination
Houston Texans
Why? Because Payton's kids go to school in the Dallas area and he's already said he enjoys being so close to them so he can go home during the week. It would be a much shorter flight from Houston to Dallas than it is from New Orleans. Bill O'Brien will be fired after the season for another unsuccessful year and for once again failing to develop a quarterback. Added note: I think it's more likely than not that O'Brien ends up getting that aforementioned USC job. Anyway, Payton would get to pick his own quarterback - possibly drafting one to develop after signing Drew Brees once the Saints cut him for salary cap purposes/to fully restart rebuilding that roster. There is talent on offense, though a new running back will be needed, and unlike every other option there's also talent on defense! Payton would jump for joy and spray the entire press room at his introductory news conference with champagne with the chance to coach a defense with JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney (assuming he can overcome his knee issues). Maybe he won't since that's probably frowned upon, but either way, Sean Payton should be the next coach of the Houston Texans.
The Longshot
Washington Redskins
It's very likely that Jay Gruden will be fired following this season. He's benched and spoken against publicly Dan Snyder's favorite player - RGIII - and has shown he's not quite suited - not yet anyway - to running the entire operation. Snyder also has little patience with head coaches, which is why this team should be considered long shots for Payton. Could Payton work with such a meddlesome owner? Will he want too much control over the roster? It's possible he would like the idea of trying to turn Kirk Cousins into a decent NFL quarterback, and if it doesn't work after a year he can just say that he tried and go get his own QB. But there are a lot of question marks surrounding this team, especially on defense which haven't exactly been good recently in New Orleans. But the NFC East would be a lot more interesting with Chip Kelly and Payton squaring off twice a year. Ultimately I think Payton says no thanks to Snyder and goes somewhere he can work his magic in peace.
Maybe, but Not Likely
Detroit Lions
Payton could have the chance to bring the joy of a Super Bowl victory to Detroit much like he did for New Orleans, and we all know Detroit needs something to feel good about these days. He'd also have some excellent pieces on offense with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Golden Tate. He could coach up Eric Ebron and might actually help Ameer Abdullah with his fumbling issues. But Detroit is also in salary cap hell, with Stafford and Johnson counting more than $46 million against next years cap, and Detroit also has a host of defensive issues - especially after allowing a stand out pair of defensive tackles walk in free agency. Suh wouldn't have been worth the cap hit but Nick Fairly should have been resigned. However, Detroit is clearing house and now in charge Martha Ford desperately wants the team to win. Still, this option should be low on the list.
Indianapolis Colts
Payton would work wonders with Andrew Luck under center and there's some other decent parts on offense with T.Y. Hilton, Frank Gore (still productive enough despite his age), and a pair of young tight ends. General Manager Ryan Grigson should be fired any minute now for his failure to add difference makers to the defense and for the capital offense (at least in Indiana) of having no offensive line to protect the star quarterback. However, I think it's unlikely that Chuck Pagano is also let go. Jim Irsay values loyalty and Pagano's done the best with what he's been given. If Irsay decided to simply clean house then this job would jump higher on the list, but Pagano should end up staying on in Indy.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have already fired Ken Whisenhunt and they'll want to hire a head coach who can help develop Marcus Mariota. Interim head coach Mike Mularkey would be a decent choice to stay on as offensive coordinator once a new head coach is brought in, but I think it's more likely that the Titans will end up hiring current Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Bevell has been instrumental in the development of Russell Wilson and he'd be tutoring a similar (though certainly taller) version of him in Mariota. Plus there's little else roster wise in Tennessee to entice Payton.
The Likeliest Destination
Houston Texans
Why? Because Payton's kids go to school in the Dallas area and he's already said he enjoys being so close to them so he can go home during the week. It would be a much shorter flight from Houston to Dallas than it is from New Orleans. Bill O'Brien will be fired after the season for another unsuccessful year and for once again failing to develop a quarterback. Added note: I think it's more likely than not that O'Brien ends up getting that aforementioned USC job. Anyway, Payton would get to pick his own quarterback - possibly drafting one to develop after signing Drew Brees once the Saints cut him for salary cap purposes/to fully restart rebuilding that roster. There is talent on offense, though a new running back will be needed, and unlike every other option there's also talent on defense! Payton would jump for joy and spray the entire press room at his introductory news conference with champagne with the chance to coach a defense with JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney (assuming he can overcome his knee issues). Maybe he won't since that's probably frowned upon, but either way, Sean Payton should be the next coach of the Houston Texans.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Ten Players That Deserve a Super Bowl Ring
There have been countless great players to suit up in the NFL but not all of them got to savor a Super Bowl victory. When you think of all-time greats who never won a ring the names Dan Marino, Tony Gonzalez, and Barry Sanders come to mind. A lot goes into building a team that can win a championship with luck, getting on a hot streak (hello 2007 and 2011 NY Giants), and health also playing key factors. But there are players in the NFL who wow us on seemingly a weekly basis who haven't gotten that ring yet - some have gotten close and some play on perennially bad teams. Below is a list of current NFL stars, in no particular order, that I hope get to lift the Lombardi Trophy before they call it a career - whether it's with their current team or they have to go elsewhere. I'll only be discussing players who have been in the league a while so you won't see players like Andrew Luck or AJ Green - guys who are still young and should get at least one shot at a title. Maybe I'll revisit this list in a couple of years...
Joe Thomas - OT, Cleveland Browns
Thomas is widely considered the best offensive tackle in the game today and, in my book, has a claim to be the best of all time. He is the anchor of the Browns o-line and manhandles opposing defensive players every week. He's had the misfortune of having to protect a different (though still mediocre at best) QB every season and has seen little to no talent at the skill positions around him. He's already a slam dunk hall of famer, but the man deserves a ring. I hope (and this coming from a Steelers fan) he gets that chance in Cleveland but those chances seem slim to nil until they figure out the rest of the offense - though Mike Pettine is doing a decent job of coaching up his team so far. Plus, how could you not root for a guy who was out on a lake fishing when he was selected 3rd overall in the NFL Draft? Great player, humble man, and deserves a ring.
Steve Smith, Sr - WR, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is playing in his final season having declared he will retire after this campaign and he's had a very decorated career. He holds eleven franchise records for the Carolina Panthers including most receiving yards, most all purpose yards, and most touchdowns. His best shot at a ring was in 2003 but that went out the window when the Panthers kicked the ball out of bounds on a kickoff, allowing Tom Brady to drive 20 yards to win the game on an Adam Vinatieri field goal. Carolina thought he was washed up leading to him signing with the Ravens. Sadly for Smith, the Ravens have a higher probability of getting the #1 pick in the 2016 draft than they do of making the playoffs this year. It's a horrible way to go out, but maybe the Ravens will convince him to suit up for one more year. Smith is also the last person in the NFL you want to piss off - being just as likely to punch an opposing player in the face as he is to score a touchdown. His intensity after winning a ring would also quadruple that of Richard Sherman when the Seahawks beat the 49ers in the NFC Championship game a few years ago - who wouldn't want to see that?
Jason Witten - TE, Dallas Cowboys
When you think of great tight ends you think Sterling and Shannon Sharpe, Tony Gonzalez, and Rob Gronkowski. If you don't already, you should also think of Witten. He's closing in on 1,000 receptions, has over 10,000 receiving yards, should catch his 60th TD any week now, and has only lost fumbles over the course of his entire career. Witten's played on some great offenses but the Cowboys have been held back by some unlucky bounces (think Tony Romo's botched hold on a field goal attempt in the playoffs a few years back) and by horrible defenses. Well, the defense is playing better this year but the rest of the offense needs to help keep this team afloat. He's suffering through Brandon Weeden/Matt Cassell at QB right now and hasn't had running mate Dez Bryant for a few weeks, but the NFC East is wide open so there's some hope.
Andre Johnson - WR, Indianapolis Colts
Four or five years ago Johnson was considered one of the best, if not the best, wide receivers in the game along with Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson. Despite his domination, he suffered through poor quarterback play, little to no help from other offensive players, and a lackluster defense. Now in Indianapolis he has a QB, but the Colts are a complete mess all around. The Colts were preseason favorites to go deep into the playoffs, but those chances look derailed due to poor team building. Johnson may never get a chance at a Super Bowl as his skills have eroded considerably.
Carson Palmer - QB, Arizona Cardinals & Larry Fitzgerald - WR, Arizona Cardinals
Palmer is a former #1 overall draft pick who got to play with some talent in Cincinnati, but a devastating knee injury in the playoffs led the Bengals to seek a replacement and his being traded to the Raiders. After landing in Arizona with Bruce Arians, Palmer revived hope in the desert until another knee injury ended his season. Now back fully healthy, this feels like a team that has a great shot at winning a title. Fitzgerald has been through ups and downs in Arizona and now has, in Palmer, the best QB he's played with since Kurt Warner. And I think Palmer is better than Warner. Both of these players seem rejuvenated this season, possibly knowing that their window to win is rapidly closing as they are both coming closer to the end of their careers.
Calvin Johnson - WR, Detroit Lions
Megatron was unstoppable until last year when nagging injuries and years of facing double/triple teams began taking a toll on him. He has some good help around him on offense now (Golden Tate, Eric Ebron, an actual QB in Matthew Stafford, and a running back if Ameer Abdullah can solve his fumbling issues). But Detroit doesn't know how to build a defense or a coaching staff. Let's hope that the Lions bring in an actual head coach (who can build an actual staff) so Johnson and Co. have a shot at a title while he's still in the prime of his career. Winning a Super Bowl would also be a huge boon to the city of Detroit, much like it was for New Orleans when the Saints won shortly after Hurricane Katrina.
Phillip Rivers - QB, San Diego Chargers & Antonio Gates - TE, San Diego Chargers
Rivers is a member of the famous 2004 draft class also involving Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning. And if Manning can have two rings, why can't Rivers get at least one? He's a much better QB than Eli. Rivers has put together a spectacular career, leading the Chargers to the #1 ranked offense a few times. The team has had some bad luck in the playoffs, but Mike McCoy is a good coach who's overseeing a good team. Rivers needs a game changing wide receiver, especially with Antonio Gates nearing the end of his career. Gates himself should also be mentioned amongst the best TEs in the game and is also a certain hall of famer, but he can't play forever. I think Peyton Manning will soon become a liability for the Broncos, and although this year is a long shot, the Chargers should be in a great position to win it all next year.
Adrian Peterson - RB, Minnesota Vikings
Your personal feelings and his somewhat recent legal issues aside, Peterson is the best running back of this generation. He has single handedly carried the Vikings for years and isn't showing any signs of slowing down. He has the best QB he's played with in Teddy Bridgewater, though he's still growing into the position, and Mike Zimmer can coach. With Detroit and Chicago bumbling around, the Packers are their only obstacle in the NFC North - but with Aaron Rodgers that's a mountain of an obstacle. Peterson has a great chance to jump from 22nd on the all-time NFL rushing list into the top 5 before his career is over, but at 30 (a dangerous age for running backs) who knows how many great, dominant seasons he has left? I wouldn't count him out, and if the Vikings keep building up their team like they have been the last couple of years, Peterson should get another shot at a playoff run.
This list seems pretty obvious and is very offense heavy. I had a hard time thinking of great defensive players I would want to see win a ring who haven't recently won one (Darrelle Revis for instance) or that have played more than just a few years (think JJ Watt). Barely missing the cut based on my criteria were Frank Gore, Alex Smith (would love to see him win a ring to stick it to the 49ers and Jim Harbaugh), Matt Forte, Nick Mangold (one of, if not the, best centers in the league), and Sebastian Janikowski. Could you imagine how hard Janikowski would party if he won a Super Bowl? It would be amazing! Please let me know in the comments below who you would want to see win a Super Bowl who doesn't already have one. Thanks for reading!
Joe Thomas - OT, Cleveland Browns
Thomas is widely considered the best offensive tackle in the game today and, in my book, has a claim to be the best of all time. He is the anchor of the Browns o-line and manhandles opposing defensive players every week. He's had the misfortune of having to protect a different (though still mediocre at best) QB every season and has seen little to no talent at the skill positions around him. He's already a slam dunk hall of famer, but the man deserves a ring. I hope (and this coming from a Steelers fan) he gets that chance in Cleveland but those chances seem slim to nil until they figure out the rest of the offense - though Mike Pettine is doing a decent job of coaching up his team so far. Plus, how could you not root for a guy who was out on a lake fishing when he was selected 3rd overall in the NFL Draft? Great player, humble man, and deserves a ring.
Steve Smith, Sr - WR, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is playing in his final season having declared he will retire after this campaign and he's had a very decorated career. He holds eleven franchise records for the Carolina Panthers including most receiving yards, most all purpose yards, and most touchdowns. His best shot at a ring was in 2003 but that went out the window when the Panthers kicked the ball out of bounds on a kickoff, allowing Tom Brady to drive 20 yards to win the game on an Adam Vinatieri field goal. Carolina thought he was washed up leading to him signing with the Ravens. Sadly for Smith, the Ravens have a higher probability of getting the #1 pick in the 2016 draft than they do of making the playoffs this year. It's a horrible way to go out, but maybe the Ravens will convince him to suit up for one more year. Smith is also the last person in the NFL you want to piss off - being just as likely to punch an opposing player in the face as he is to score a touchdown. His intensity after winning a ring would also quadruple that of Richard Sherman when the Seahawks beat the 49ers in the NFC Championship game a few years ago - who wouldn't want to see that?
Jason Witten - TE, Dallas Cowboys
When you think of great tight ends you think Sterling and Shannon Sharpe, Tony Gonzalez, and Rob Gronkowski. If you don't already, you should also think of Witten. He's closing in on 1,000 receptions, has over 10,000 receiving yards, should catch his 60th TD any week now, and has only lost fumbles over the course of his entire career. Witten's played on some great offenses but the Cowboys have been held back by some unlucky bounces (think Tony Romo's botched hold on a field goal attempt in the playoffs a few years back) and by horrible defenses. Well, the defense is playing better this year but the rest of the offense needs to help keep this team afloat. He's suffering through Brandon Weeden/Matt Cassell at QB right now and hasn't had running mate Dez Bryant for a few weeks, but the NFC East is wide open so there's some hope.
Andre Johnson - WR, Indianapolis Colts
Four or five years ago Johnson was considered one of the best, if not the best, wide receivers in the game along with Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson. Despite his domination, he suffered through poor quarterback play, little to no help from other offensive players, and a lackluster defense. Now in Indianapolis he has a QB, but the Colts are a complete mess all around. The Colts were preseason favorites to go deep into the playoffs, but those chances look derailed due to poor team building. Johnson may never get a chance at a Super Bowl as his skills have eroded considerably.
Carson Palmer - QB, Arizona Cardinals & Larry Fitzgerald - WR, Arizona Cardinals
Palmer is a former #1 overall draft pick who got to play with some talent in Cincinnati, but a devastating knee injury in the playoffs led the Bengals to seek a replacement and his being traded to the Raiders. After landing in Arizona with Bruce Arians, Palmer revived hope in the desert until another knee injury ended his season. Now back fully healthy, this feels like a team that has a great shot at winning a title. Fitzgerald has been through ups and downs in Arizona and now has, in Palmer, the best QB he's played with since Kurt Warner. And I think Palmer is better than Warner. Both of these players seem rejuvenated this season, possibly knowing that their window to win is rapidly closing as they are both coming closer to the end of their careers.
Calvin Johnson - WR, Detroit Lions
Megatron was unstoppable until last year when nagging injuries and years of facing double/triple teams began taking a toll on him. He has some good help around him on offense now (Golden Tate, Eric Ebron, an actual QB in Matthew Stafford, and a running back if Ameer Abdullah can solve his fumbling issues). But Detroit doesn't know how to build a defense or a coaching staff. Let's hope that the Lions bring in an actual head coach (who can build an actual staff) so Johnson and Co. have a shot at a title while he's still in the prime of his career. Winning a Super Bowl would also be a huge boon to the city of Detroit, much like it was for New Orleans when the Saints won shortly after Hurricane Katrina.
Phillip Rivers - QB, San Diego Chargers & Antonio Gates - TE, San Diego Chargers
Rivers is a member of the famous 2004 draft class also involving Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning. And if Manning can have two rings, why can't Rivers get at least one? He's a much better QB than Eli. Rivers has put together a spectacular career, leading the Chargers to the #1 ranked offense a few times. The team has had some bad luck in the playoffs, but Mike McCoy is a good coach who's overseeing a good team. Rivers needs a game changing wide receiver, especially with Antonio Gates nearing the end of his career. Gates himself should also be mentioned amongst the best TEs in the game and is also a certain hall of famer, but he can't play forever. I think Peyton Manning will soon become a liability for the Broncos, and although this year is a long shot, the Chargers should be in a great position to win it all next year.
Adrian Peterson - RB, Minnesota Vikings
Your personal feelings and his somewhat recent legal issues aside, Peterson is the best running back of this generation. He has single handedly carried the Vikings for years and isn't showing any signs of slowing down. He has the best QB he's played with in Teddy Bridgewater, though he's still growing into the position, and Mike Zimmer can coach. With Detroit and Chicago bumbling around, the Packers are their only obstacle in the NFC North - but with Aaron Rodgers that's a mountain of an obstacle. Peterson has a great chance to jump from 22nd on the all-time NFL rushing list into the top 5 before his career is over, but at 30 (a dangerous age for running backs) who knows how many great, dominant seasons he has left? I wouldn't count him out, and if the Vikings keep building up their team like they have been the last couple of years, Peterson should get another shot at a playoff run.
This list seems pretty obvious and is very offense heavy. I had a hard time thinking of great defensive players I would want to see win a ring who haven't recently won one (Darrelle Revis for instance) or that have played more than just a few years (think JJ Watt). Barely missing the cut based on my criteria were Frank Gore, Alex Smith (would love to see him win a ring to stick it to the 49ers and Jim Harbaugh), Matt Forte, Nick Mangold (one of, if not the, best centers in the league), and Sebastian Janikowski. Could you imagine how hard Janikowski would party if he won a Super Bowl? It would be amazing! Please let me know in the comments below who you would want to see win a Super Bowl who doesn't already have one. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
A New, but Old, Tale of Cleveland Misery: Johnny Manziel
Let me start by saying that the futility in Cleveland is laughably absurd. Ray Farmer, GM of the Browns, has no idea what he's doing with the roster and may not have an idea of what NFL rules are. Farmer decided not to help his handpicked quarterback of the future, more on that in a minute, and neglected the wide receiver position in free agency and the draft. The two "notable" moves he made were giving Terrelle Pryor a tryout (since cut, still trying to catch on as a wide receiver somewhere after showing he will never be an NFL QB) and signing Dwayne Bowe. Bowe had a monster campaign in 2010 with over 1,100 yards and 15 TDs but has gotten worse each season since. Not exactly a trend that most teams would pay money for, but hey, this is the Browns. True, Travis Benjamin has been a revelation this season, but he's in his fourth year and has never produced much of anything before this year. Maybe he just needed a chance and maybe he'll burn out - who knows but my money's on the latter. Farmer, I'm sure with some input from owner Jimmy Haslam, also decided that to stop the rotating door of Cleveland QBs he would draft Johnny Manziel. He probably thought Russell Wilson is doing pretty good, and Manziel is slightly taller and slightly more athletic, so Manziel will probably pan out. He was wrong when he drafted Manziel and he's still wrong.
Mike Pettine, head coach of the Browns, isn't doing much better at trying to turn around the franchise. He's helped coach up one of the best secondaries in the NFL and inherited what should be one of the best offensive lines in football, but he's made matters worse by deciding that Josh McCown gives the team a better chance to win and hasn't put in any effort in developing Manziel as a quarterback. Yeah, Manziel didn't help himself in college and his first pro season by living up to his Johnny Football persona, but reports this year have indicated that he's now willing to put in the effort to improve himself. If the Browns actually believe that Manziel could be the future for the franchise, why do they continue to insist that a 36-year old journeyman is the better option right now? Obviously the coaching staff has zero confidence in Manziel, but the best move forward for the team would be to start him the rest of the season no matter what. He'll have good games and more than his share of bad games and moments, but he needs to play so the Browns can evaluate the position more clearly in the offseason. No matter who starts they're most likely going to be in a great position to draft a QB early in the 2016 draft anyway.
But Manziel's future in the league is not as a quarterback. If it hasn't been obvious so far, I have severe doubts that Manziel could even be a competent back up. Instead I think he could have a decent NFL future as a wide receiver. There is a lot of precedent for making such a move as several players have done it. The two most prominent being Hines Ward and Julian Edelman. Manziel will never be the quality players that Ward was and Edelman is, but plenty of other guys have made the switch and managed to stay in the league a decent amount of time. Players such as Antwaan Randle El, Denard Robinson, Joshua Cribbs, and Brad Smith have done decently enough. Terrelle Pryor is still trying to find his footing but he should be ok. Even Braxton Miller, former Ohio State quarterback, figured out his future was at another position and has made the change during his final season of NCAA eligibility.
But what receiving position would Manziel play? Well, based on his rushing ability in college and his skill set, playing the slot would be his best bet. Throw him some quick outs and slants and let him try to create plays after the catch. You could even run some reverses and have him throw from a reverse every once in awhile. The question is, would Manziel buy into this? Is he as stubborn as Tim Tebow who is out of the league (again) after refusing to make a position switch? Can he be mature enough to realize his own shortcomings and make a decision that could prolong his playing career? Or his he vying for a position alongside Tebow with the SEC-Network? Only time will tell but officials in Cleveland need to think of this and approach him about making the switch - but then again it's Cleveland.
In a perfect scenario, the coaching staff would have him make the switch now. Give him a couple or few weeks to practice his new position and keep it simple for him while he transitions. And McCown wouldn't be the one throwing him the ball. Rather, Connor Shaw should get a chance to show what he can do. Having Manziel in the slot, Shaw behind center, McCown on the bench, Benjamin on the outside, and a sure to improve (if only slightly because it can't get any worse) running game can't be any worse than what the Browns have right now....and then next April Cleveland can draft another QB to add to that famous jersey with all the Browns quarterbacks since 2002. At the very least they should just cut their loses and try to trade Manziel to a team interested in making him a receiver - Chip Kelly anyone?
Mike Pettine, head coach of the Browns, isn't doing much better at trying to turn around the franchise. He's helped coach up one of the best secondaries in the NFL and inherited what should be one of the best offensive lines in football, but he's made matters worse by deciding that Josh McCown gives the team a better chance to win and hasn't put in any effort in developing Manziel as a quarterback. Yeah, Manziel didn't help himself in college and his first pro season by living up to his Johnny Football persona, but reports this year have indicated that he's now willing to put in the effort to improve himself. If the Browns actually believe that Manziel could be the future for the franchise, why do they continue to insist that a 36-year old journeyman is the better option right now? Obviously the coaching staff has zero confidence in Manziel, but the best move forward for the team would be to start him the rest of the season no matter what. He'll have good games and more than his share of bad games and moments, but he needs to play so the Browns can evaluate the position more clearly in the offseason. No matter who starts they're most likely going to be in a great position to draft a QB early in the 2016 draft anyway.
But Manziel's future in the league is not as a quarterback. If it hasn't been obvious so far, I have severe doubts that Manziel could even be a competent back up. Instead I think he could have a decent NFL future as a wide receiver. There is a lot of precedent for making such a move as several players have done it. The two most prominent being Hines Ward and Julian Edelman. Manziel will never be the quality players that Ward was and Edelman is, but plenty of other guys have made the switch and managed to stay in the league a decent amount of time. Players such as Antwaan Randle El, Denard Robinson, Joshua Cribbs, and Brad Smith have done decently enough. Terrelle Pryor is still trying to find his footing but he should be ok. Even Braxton Miller, former Ohio State quarterback, figured out his future was at another position and has made the change during his final season of NCAA eligibility.
But what receiving position would Manziel play? Well, based on his rushing ability in college and his skill set, playing the slot would be his best bet. Throw him some quick outs and slants and let him try to create plays after the catch. You could even run some reverses and have him throw from a reverse every once in awhile. The question is, would Manziel buy into this? Is he as stubborn as Tim Tebow who is out of the league (again) after refusing to make a position switch? Can he be mature enough to realize his own shortcomings and make a decision that could prolong his playing career? Or his he vying for a position alongside Tebow with the SEC-Network? Only time will tell but officials in Cleveland need to think of this and approach him about making the switch - but then again it's Cleveland.
In a perfect scenario, the coaching staff would have him make the switch now. Give him a couple or few weeks to practice his new position and keep it simple for him while he transitions. And McCown wouldn't be the one throwing him the ball. Rather, Connor Shaw should get a chance to show what he can do. Having Manziel in the slot, Shaw behind center, McCown on the bench, Benjamin on the outside, and a sure to improve (if only slightly because it can't get any worse) running game can't be any worse than what the Browns have right now....and then next April Cleveland can draft another QB to add to that famous jersey with all the Browns quarterbacks since 2002. At the very least they should just cut their loses and try to trade Manziel to a team interested in making him a receiver - Chip Kelly anyone?
Monday, September 14, 2015
Random Thoughts: Week 1
We're through the first round of Sunday action in the NFL, and while I only watched a couple of games (thanks cable, and thanks Fox for only showing a 1pm game in New England) I have some thoughts on some players. These are just observations and opinions on my part, but I stand by them. Time will tell if I'm right or not.
- Jay Cutler is going to be fine under Adam Gase. Cutler has looked lost the last few years as he worked with head coaches and coordinators who did not work to his strengths. Enter Gase, who has realized that Cutler is effective when running bootlegs and rolling out of the pocket. Though he did throw an interception, Cutler played a pretty good game. And besides, that mistake was a result of Clay Matthews running hard to jump in front of the receiver. Cutler may end up imploding again, which would mean he's done in Chicago, but getting Alshon Jeffrey healthy will certainly help his case. Throw in an above average tight end and Forte playing for his next contract and Da Bears have some nice offensive pieces. Now if only they had a defense...
- Aaron Rodgers is going to be more than fine even without Jordy Nelson. Yeah, Nelson being out for the year hurts the offense but having James Jones, a receive Rodgers knows and trusts, will help ease that blow. They only have average, at best, tight ends, but Eddie Lacy is a beast and Devante Adams should come into his own. Don't worry about the Packers, the NFC North still runs through Green Bay...
- Peyton Manning is not fine. My only late afternoon option was watching Baltimore vs Denver and Manning looked broken all afternoon. Maybe it's the young and inexperienced (aside from Evan Matthis) offensive line, maybe it's the fact that Manning's neck is still messed up. Either way, Denver's not going to win a lot of games without scoring some offensive touchdowns. If Peyton continues his decline Denver will be competing for a top 5 draft pick, not a Super Bowl.
- Houston needs to stick with Ryan Mallet. This isn't college and you can't just rotate your quarterbacks based on situations and who's playing better. If Hoyer was bad enough to be pulled he's not good enough to keep starting. Bill O'Brien needs to stick with Mallet and let him jell with the first string offense. If he's not good enough either, well, you'll have a shot to get a new quarterback early in next year's draft.
- Losing Terrell Suggs for the year is a huge blow to Baltimore's defense. He's the new heart and soul of that unit and provides a consistent pass rush. Trading away Ngata already left a void in the leadership department, but this one is going to hurt worse. Despite having Jimmy Smith play pretty well yesterday, their secondary isn't that great and relies on the front seven generating pressure. Unless the offense starts clicking, and could be okay once their first round rookie wide receiver can play, Baltimore will be sitting home come playoff time.
- And the Steelers might be joining them in watching the playoffs if their secondary doesn't step up. The front seven is just fine, but the secondary looked completely lost and out of place in Thursday night's opener. So much for their plan of disrupting Gronkowski's routes. They seemingly didn't even know he was on the field. Quite a feat for such a large man. Secondary coach Carnell Lake needs to have his players practice better to get better techniques down. Unless they can improve, Big Ben and the offense can only take the team so far. Best case scenario is a wildcard spot. Maybe the 2016 draft will finally be the time the Steelers draft a defensive back in the first round after not having done so since moving up 2003 to get Polamalu. They won't get another player like him, no one else will ever be like him, but they need better players in the secondary.
- And finally, Eli Manning proved once again that he is not an elite quarterback. Stop saying he is just because he went #1 overall, has 2 Super Bowl rings, and has a famous last name. He's not Peyton. And he's only the third best quarterback from the first round of the 2004 draft. That's right - Roethlisberger and Rivers are much better than Eli. Eli's stat line from last night against Dallas - 20/36 for 193 yards and QB rating of 45.4. He's league average and only won those two rings because of his defense. This is finally the year, even after his new 4 year - $84 million contract extension, that people start realizing Eli is average - not elite. As a result, Tom Coughlin will be ushered into retirement and the NFC East will be a two team race between the Cowboys and Eagles.
Am I right? Am I wrong? Let me know what you think in the comments below...
- Jay Cutler is going to be fine under Adam Gase. Cutler has looked lost the last few years as he worked with head coaches and coordinators who did not work to his strengths. Enter Gase, who has realized that Cutler is effective when running bootlegs and rolling out of the pocket. Though he did throw an interception, Cutler played a pretty good game. And besides, that mistake was a result of Clay Matthews running hard to jump in front of the receiver. Cutler may end up imploding again, which would mean he's done in Chicago, but getting Alshon Jeffrey healthy will certainly help his case. Throw in an above average tight end and Forte playing for his next contract and Da Bears have some nice offensive pieces. Now if only they had a defense...
- Aaron Rodgers is going to be more than fine even without Jordy Nelson. Yeah, Nelson being out for the year hurts the offense but having James Jones, a receive Rodgers knows and trusts, will help ease that blow. They only have average, at best, tight ends, but Eddie Lacy is a beast and Devante Adams should come into his own. Don't worry about the Packers, the NFC North still runs through Green Bay...
- Peyton Manning is not fine. My only late afternoon option was watching Baltimore vs Denver and Manning looked broken all afternoon. Maybe it's the young and inexperienced (aside from Evan Matthis) offensive line, maybe it's the fact that Manning's neck is still messed up. Either way, Denver's not going to win a lot of games without scoring some offensive touchdowns. If Peyton continues his decline Denver will be competing for a top 5 draft pick, not a Super Bowl.
- Houston needs to stick with Ryan Mallet. This isn't college and you can't just rotate your quarterbacks based on situations and who's playing better. If Hoyer was bad enough to be pulled he's not good enough to keep starting. Bill O'Brien needs to stick with Mallet and let him jell with the first string offense. If he's not good enough either, well, you'll have a shot to get a new quarterback early in next year's draft.
- Losing Terrell Suggs for the year is a huge blow to Baltimore's defense. He's the new heart and soul of that unit and provides a consistent pass rush. Trading away Ngata already left a void in the leadership department, but this one is going to hurt worse. Despite having Jimmy Smith play pretty well yesterday, their secondary isn't that great and relies on the front seven generating pressure. Unless the offense starts clicking, and could be okay once their first round rookie wide receiver can play, Baltimore will be sitting home come playoff time.
- And the Steelers might be joining them in watching the playoffs if their secondary doesn't step up. The front seven is just fine, but the secondary looked completely lost and out of place in Thursday night's opener. So much for their plan of disrupting Gronkowski's routes. They seemingly didn't even know he was on the field. Quite a feat for such a large man. Secondary coach Carnell Lake needs to have his players practice better to get better techniques down. Unless they can improve, Big Ben and the offense can only take the team so far. Best case scenario is a wildcard spot. Maybe the 2016 draft will finally be the time the Steelers draft a defensive back in the first round after not having done so since moving up 2003 to get Polamalu. They won't get another player like him, no one else will ever be like him, but they need better players in the secondary.
- And finally, Eli Manning proved once again that he is not an elite quarterback. Stop saying he is just because he went #1 overall, has 2 Super Bowl rings, and has a famous last name. He's not Peyton. And he's only the third best quarterback from the first round of the 2004 draft. That's right - Roethlisberger and Rivers are much better than Eli. Eli's stat line from last night against Dallas - 20/36 for 193 yards and QB rating of 45.4. He's league average and only won those two rings because of his defense. This is finally the year, even after his new 4 year - $84 million contract extension, that people start realizing Eli is average - not elite. As a result, Tom Coughlin will be ushered into retirement and the NFC East will be a two team race between the Cowboys and Eagles.
Am I right? Am I wrong? Let me know what you think in the comments below...
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Training Camp - Fond Memories and Kick-Off to the NFL Season
NFL Training Camps are set to open in just a few days. This is an exciting part of the NFL offseason as fans get the chance to see their teams and favorite players practice. You might even get to meet a few of your favorite players. I grew up about an hour away from Pittsburgh in southwest Pennsylvania, and going to the Steelers training camps at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA (only about 30-40 minutes from where we lived) provided some of my fondest childhood memories. Below are some of my most memorable moments:
- Getting player autographs! At Steelers training camp the players leave the field by going up these long wooden stairs, walk through a roped-off section through the fans, and into the locker room. Steelers fans crowd around these ropes in the hopes of collecting as many autographs as possible. Rookies were more than delighted to sign - even more than once if you came back to them and often on the same page in my Steelers notebook. They didn't care. I didn't care. It was exciting for everyone! Though not all players would happily oblige their adoring fans...
- Speaking of some players, often star players, not signing for their fans... Kevin Greene was a jerk. In the mid-1990's, Greene appeared a few times at pro wrestling events with Hulk Hogan. Greene even kind of looked like Hulk Hogan. At training camp, Greene would walk through the fans doing Hogan's famous crowd preening moves - you know the one where he puts his hands up to ears to entice louder cheers? Greene would do these as he walked through the entire line, only signing a few autographs. I remember one fan in particular who showed up every day one summer completed decked out in Kevin Greene merchandise. Jersey, hat, steelers pants, a Kevin Greene photo in hand. He was almost always at the front of the crowd and every day would call out for an autograph from his favorite player. Greene never obliged. The next year, that same man showed up to training camp wearing plain street clothes and didn't bother trying to get autographs. A year or two later an aging Greene left for Carolina. No one seemed to mind...
- Mike Tomczak (the best back-up QB ever in the NFL) was not a jerk, but Neil O'Donnell (the man who helped the Dallas Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX by throwing two of the worst interceptions of all time) was a bigger douche than Kevin Greene. It was the summer before my fifth grade year and I had managed to find a spot in the player line right next to the locker room entrance. It was me, some kid who was maybe a year or two younger than me, and then the doors. Tomczak signed autographs for everyone. It took him forever to get into the locker room after a grueling practice session, but he didn't care. The boy next to me and I were waiting for Tomczak to finish signing our books and Neil O'Donnell was walking by. The boy next to me said, "Mr. O'Donnell, can I please get an autograph?" Tomczak looked at him and said, "Come on, Neil. Just sign a couple." O'Donnell huffed like it was the biggest burden in the world and reluctantly signed for the kid next to me. When I asked for an autograph as well O'Donnell rolled his eyes, made a noise that suggested saying "as if", and walked away. Tomczak was nice enough to apologize to me though. That was the pre-season before Super Bowl XXX and I'm kind of glad, even though my favorite team lost the Super Bowl, that O'Donnell had a shitty game and left for the Jets soon after.
- Some players were not only jerks but were also stupid. Bam Morris was one of those idiots, and not just because he would later get arrested in Denver when cops found a bunch of cocaine in the trunk of his car during a traffic stop. One day at training camp the ropes that separated the fans from the players were lowered so a delivery truck could go through. Fans made sure the ropes never made it back up. As the crowd of players and fans mingled, Bam Morris decided to ride his motorcycle into the crowd so he could talk to some woman. He almost ran over several fans and then got shot down. I was standing near by and it turns out the woman was married. Despite these past few stories, training camp was more often a great experience than not...
- I met The Bus! One of my favorite player interactions ever was when I met Jerome Bettis. He was very nice and talked some football with me. Not too shabby for a kid about to enter middle school and his autograph is on it's own separate page.
- Though meeting The Bus was not my favorite interaction at training camp. One day, this was the same summer that O'Donnell blew me off for an autograph but a different day, I saw a group of what looked like coaches walking away from the crowd and locker room back up towards the dorms. I took off running, autograph book in hand, and a group of 5 or 6 other kids followed me. When we arrived at the group one of the kids asked who these guys were. I looked at him, astonished, and replied, "It's Coach Cowher!" Bill Cowher looked at me and smiled, one of the few times he probably ever smiled while coaching, and took my autograph book. He found a blank page and signed it for me. Dick Lebeau was there too but he stayed behind the other coaches. After Cowher gave all of us autographs, the group of kids and I walked back to where the players were. Those other kids still weren't quite sure who we had met...
Not all teams open training camp to the public and not all teams provide time for autograph sessions. The fact that the Steelers do this truly shows that they appreciate their fans and shows just why they're one of the greatest franchises in the NFL. I went back to Steelers training camp a few times during college (having attended a university about an hour or so away from St. Vincent's College) and it was wonderful to see that they have added so many great and interactive experiences for the fans. Plus, there's no better way to get pumped up for the season by seeing and showing support to your team during the dog days of summer.
Do you have any fond memories of training camp? Any funny or interesting stories? Please share them below...
- Getting player autographs! At Steelers training camp the players leave the field by going up these long wooden stairs, walk through a roped-off section through the fans, and into the locker room. Steelers fans crowd around these ropes in the hopes of collecting as many autographs as possible. Rookies were more than delighted to sign - even more than once if you came back to them and often on the same page in my Steelers notebook. They didn't care. I didn't care. It was exciting for everyone! Though not all players would happily oblige their adoring fans...
- Speaking of some players, often star players, not signing for their fans... Kevin Greene was a jerk. In the mid-1990's, Greene appeared a few times at pro wrestling events with Hulk Hogan. Greene even kind of looked like Hulk Hogan. At training camp, Greene would walk through the fans doing Hogan's famous crowd preening moves - you know the one where he puts his hands up to ears to entice louder cheers? Greene would do these as he walked through the entire line, only signing a few autographs. I remember one fan in particular who showed up every day one summer completed decked out in Kevin Greene merchandise. Jersey, hat, steelers pants, a Kevin Greene photo in hand. He was almost always at the front of the crowd and every day would call out for an autograph from his favorite player. Greene never obliged. The next year, that same man showed up to training camp wearing plain street clothes and didn't bother trying to get autographs. A year or two later an aging Greene left for Carolina. No one seemed to mind...
- Mike Tomczak (the best back-up QB ever in the NFL) was not a jerk, but Neil O'Donnell (the man who helped the Dallas Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX by throwing two of the worst interceptions of all time) was a bigger douche than Kevin Greene. It was the summer before my fifth grade year and I had managed to find a spot in the player line right next to the locker room entrance. It was me, some kid who was maybe a year or two younger than me, and then the doors. Tomczak signed autographs for everyone. It took him forever to get into the locker room after a grueling practice session, but he didn't care. The boy next to me and I were waiting for Tomczak to finish signing our books and Neil O'Donnell was walking by. The boy next to me said, "Mr. O'Donnell, can I please get an autograph?" Tomczak looked at him and said, "Come on, Neil. Just sign a couple." O'Donnell huffed like it was the biggest burden in the world and reluctantly signed for the kid next to me. When I asked for an autograph as well O'Donnell rolled his eyes, made a noise that suggested saying "as if", and walked away. Tomczak was nice enough to apologize to me though. That was the pre-season before Super Bowl XXX and I'm kind of glad, even though my favorite team lost the Super Bowl, that O'Donnell had a shitty game and left for the Jets soon after.
- Some players were not only jerks but were also stupid. Bam Morris was one of those idiots, and not just because he would later get arrested in Denver when cops found a bunch of cocaine in the trunk of his car during a traffic stop. One day at training camp the ropes that separated the fans from the players were lowered so a delivery truck could go through. Fans made sure the ropes never made it back up. As the crowd of players and fans mingled, Bam Morris decided to ride his motorcycle into the crowd so he could talk to some woman. He almost ran over several fans and then got shot down. I was standing near by and it turns out the woman was married. Despite these past few stories, training camp was more often a great experience than not...
- I met The Bus! One of my favorite player interactions ever was when I met Jerome Bettis. He was very nice and talked some football with me. Not too shabby for a kid about to enter middle school and his autograph is on it's own separate page.
- Though meeting The Bus was not my favorite interaction at training camp. One day, this was the same summer that O'Donnell blew me off for an autograph but a different day, I saw a group of what looked like coaches walking away from the crowd and locker room back up towards the dorms. I took off running, autograph book in hand, and a group of 5 or 6 other kids followed me. When we arrived at the group one of the kids asked who these guys were. I looked at him, astonished, and replied, "It's Coach Cowher!" Bill Cowher looked at me and smiled, one of the few times he probably ever smiled while coaching, and took my autograph book. He found a blank page and signed it for me. Dick Lebeau was there too but he stayed behind the other coaches. After Cowher gave all of us autographs, the group of kids and I walked back to where the players were. Those other kids still weren't quite sure who we had met...
Not all teams open training camp to the public and not all teams provide time for autograph sessions. The fact that the Steelers do this truly shows that they appreciate their fans and shows just why they're one of the greatest franchises in the NFL. I went back to Steelers training camp a few times during college (having attended a university about an hour or so away from St. Vincent's College) and it was wonderful to see that they have added so many great and interactive experiences for the fans. Plus, there's no better way to get pumped up for the season by seeing and showing support to your team during the dog days of summer.
Do you have any fond memories of training camp? Any funny or interesting stories? Please share them below...
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Dez Bryant Needs to Shut Up and Play
Star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant, had his contract end after last season. His agent and the team could not come to terms on a new contract, so Bryant was given the franchise tag designation. Once he signs his offer Dez will make $12.823 million next season. That's not a shabby salary to go out and catch footballs for four months. However, like most players given the franchise tag, Bryant is refusing to sign it to place pressure on Jerry and Stephen Jones to give him a long term contract.
I have no problem, nor should anyone else, with Bryant doing this. Football players have notoriously short careers and need to maximize their earnings. What I have a problem with is that Dez has recently said that he's considering not signing his franchise offer and possibly sitting out some regular season games. Everyone wants job security, especially at a place they truly enjoy being, but this is not the way to get what you want. There is nothing professional about refusing your services because you don't get what you want. And if he doesn't get it from Dallas, almost every other team in the league will be willing to give it to him.
Of course if he doesn't get that long term deal from Dallas it's very likely that he'll be given the franchise tag again next year. That would mean a one-year contract worth 125% of the one he received this year. To clarify, if Dez does not get a long term deal, he'll make approximately $27 million over two years - fully guaranteed! As it is very unlikely Dallas would use the franchise tag a third time, Bryant would be set to hit the free agent market at 28 - still very much in his prime - and set to receive one of largest, if not the largest, contracts ever given to a wide receiver.
I'm not complaining about the money given to people to play a game - that's a subject for another time. What I will complain about is Bryant continuing to talk about his contract in a very public way. All this will do will make fans, maybe even a few Cowboys fans, resent him - especially if he starts trash talking the team or management. So Dez, it's your turn to listen. Stop complaining. Stop whining. Do what a lot of other players who have been given the franchise tag have done. Keep that franchise offer in a safe place and sign it once you're ready to report to training camp. Make sure you get in enough practice time to be ready for preseason action. Let your agents continue to negotiate and see what happens. No one feels sorry for you, so just shut up and play.
I have no problem, nor should anyone else, with Bryant doing this. Football players have notoriously short careers and need to maximize their earnings. What I have a problem with is that Dez has recently said that he's considering not signing his franchise offer and possibly sitting out some regular season games. Everyone wants job security, especially at a place they truly enjoy being, but this is not the way to get what you want. There is nothing professional about refusing your services because you don't get what you want. And if he doesn't get it from Dallas, almost every other team in the league will be willing to give it to him.
Of course if he doesn't get that long term deal from Dallas it's very likely that he'll be given the franchise tag again next year. That would mean a one-year contract worth 125% of the one he received this year. To clarify, if Dez does not get a long term deal, he'll make approximately $27 million over two years - fully guaranteed! As it is very unlikely Dallas would use the franchise tag a third time, Bryant would be set to hit the free agent market at 28 - still very much in his prime - and set to receive one of largest, if not the largest, contracts ever given to a wide receiver.
I'm not complaining about the money given to people to play a game - that's a subject for another time. What I will complain about is Bryant continuing to talk about his contract in a very public way. All this will do will make fans, maybe even a few Cowboys fans, resent him - especially if he starts trash talking the team or management. So Dez, it's your turn to listen. Stop complaining. Stop whining. Do what a lot of other players who have been given the franchise tag have done. Keep that franchise offer in a safe place and sign it once you're ready to report to training camp. Make sure you get in enough practice time to be ready for preseason action. Let your agents continue to negotiate and see what happens. No one feels sorry for you, so just shut up and play.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Quick NFL Thoughts
Well, it's April. NFL Free Agency has come with its usual quick bang and the cupboard is almost empty. The NFL Draft is at the end of the month, leaving fans to read countless mock drafts that mean absolutely nothing - but still offer up debate and hope for everyone. But before we get to the draft let's take a second and reflect on how exciting and interesting the NFL off-season has been so far. Here are some quick thoughts:
- I wrote earlier this year that I thought Rex Ryan and the Raiders needed each other. Well, it turns out Rex didn't need them as he decided to go to Buffalo instead - leaving the oh so attractive Raiders job to Jack Del Rio. I'm sure Rex simply didn't want to work in a division that didn't include his buddy Bill Belichick, but that's besides the point. Rex is going to ruin the Buffalo defense. He's a 3-4 guy, they've assembled players for and play a 4-3. Rex should take the example of Mike Tomlin (another defensive guy who went to a team that employed a different defense than he was use to) and not mess with the system. True there's no Dick Lebeau in Buffalo, but Mario Williams didn't have fun playing outside linebacker his last season in Houston. Why make him do it again? No need to fix what isn't broken. Try finding a quarterback, Rex.
- It's been a relatively quiet off-season on the legal front. There have been a few arrests - mostly for drunk driving - and thankfully so after last year. Are players finally realizing there could be repercussions if they break the law? Ray Rice is seemingly shunned by the league, though is also an aging, less effective running back. Though Greg Hardy got paid nicely even though he's facing a lengthy suspension and there's plenty of interest in Adrian Peterson if the Vikings can't convince him to come back. It's still early in the off-season, but let's hope that NFL players (and let's include executives and owners) have learned the lesson that they are not above the law. For some reason Jameis Winston is coming to mind as I typed that last sentence...
- Speaking of Winston, reports have come out that the Buccaneers are leaning towards him with the #1 overall pick because they don't like how quiet and reserved Marcus Mariota is. Wait. What? How does that make any sense? Mariota is the better player, though he'll probably need some time to adjust to the NFL. But that shouldn't stop teams from taking him. Who cares if he needs to sit a season or two? The new CBA has locked in rookie contracts so that they aren't a burden on the team. Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers both sat on the bench for a couple of seasons after being drafted. Palmer has done pretty well for himself despite his knee issues and Rodgers is the best QB in football. Lovie Smith clearly knows nothing about quarterbacks. Good luck to them when they screw up the first pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.
- Speaking of Mariota, with more and more reports coming out about it, I'm believing the hype that Cleveland will trade up for him - possibly with the Titans though Washington remains a possibility since I don't believe the Titans will take a QB at #2. This offers more proof that Ray Farmer has no idea what he is doing. Did he go to the Matt Millen school of NFL General Managers? I think the Justin Gilbert pick last year will turn out ok, but he wasted his second first round pick on Manziel. Manziel is not an NFL QB and should just be cut - no one should ask for him to be included in a draft pick deal. It's not out of the question to consider that Farmer will give up more picks in an attempt to finally find a franchise QB for Cleveland. What they should do is stay where they are, draft a WR and another defensive piece in the first round, and then add someone like Brent Hundley from UCLA in the second round. But poorly run teams don't like doing what they should and instead think they're going to outsmart everyone by constantly reaching on players. Is there something in the water in Cleveland that causes people to make bad decisions?
- Getting away from the draft, this has been a very exciting off-season. Why? PLAYER TRADES! Trades involving players actually on NFL rosters rarely happen in the NFL and thankfully this off-season has been full of them! Philly has been the most active jettisoning LeSean McCoy and Nick Foles, but a bunch of other teams are getting in on the action as well. Keep it up, NFL! Trades generate a ton of interest from fans - just look at the MLB. The rising salary cap has helped make trades possible so teams can absorb bad contracts, which in turn generates buzz in every NFL market. There's also the issue of teams locking up their best players preventing them from hitting free agency. Less quality free agents means more trades! Please, please, please let this be a continuing trend in the NFL!
- The other interesting major development has been the retirement of four talented players. Well, ok, three talented players and Jake Locker. And all for very different reasons. Locker "lost his passion", though actually was barely good enough to be a back-up - though back-up QB in the NFL is not a bad gig. Patrick Willis has foot issues. Jason Worilds has decided to pursue other opportunities. The most interesting case is Chris Borland. He would be entering his second NFL season and was an excellent linebacker last year. He's leaving the game due to future potential health issues. He did his research, consulted with former players, and came to the conclusion that playing in the NFL wasn't worth possibly suffering from CTE later in life. This is somewhat reminiscent of Robert Smith retiring at the age of 28 while still productive, and playing with a young Randy Moss and a still effective Dante Culpepper. All of these players have people scratching their heads and questioning their decisions, but all should be applauded. Especially Borland. Here's to hoping that Chris Borland leaving the game because of potential brain trauma issues gets and keeps the conversation going about player safety in the NFL.
Please share your thoughts/questions about any of these topics or on this NFL off-season in general below.
- I wrote earlier this year that I thought Rex Ryan and the Raiders needed each other. Well, it turns out Rex didn't need them as he decided to go to Buffalo instead - leaving the oh so attractive Raiders job to Jack Del Rio. I'm sure Rex simply didn't want to work in a division that didn't include his buddy Bill Belichick, but that's besides the point. Rex is going to ruin the Buffalo defense. He's a 3-4 guy, they've assembled players for and play a 4-3. Rex should take the example of Mike Tomlin (another defensive guy who went to a team that employed a different defense than he was use to) and not mess with the system. True there's no Dick Lebeau in Buffalo, but Mario Williams didn't have fun playing outside linebacker his last season in Houston. Why make him do it again? No need to fix what isn't broken. Try finding a quarterback, Rex.
- It's been a relatively quiet off-season on the legal front. There have been a few arrests - mostly for drunk driving - and thankfully so after last year. Are players finally realizing there could be repercussions if they break the law? Ray Rice is seemingly shunned by the league, though is also an aging, less effective running back. Though Greg Hardy got paid nicely even though he's facing a lengthy suspension and there's plenty of interest in Adrian Peterson if the Vikings can't convince him to come back. It's still early in the off-season, but let's hope that NFL players (and let's include executives and owners) have learned the lesson that they are not above the law. For some reason Jameis Winston is coming to mind as I typed that last sentence...
- Speaking of Winston, reports have come out that the Buccaneers are leaning towards him with the #1 overall pick because they don't like how quiet and reserved Marcus Mariota is. Wait. What? How does that make any sense? Mariota is the better player, though he'll probably need some time to adjust to the NFL. But that shouldn't stop teams from taking him. Who cares if he needs to sit a season or two? The new CBA has locked in rookie contracts so that they aren't a burden on the team. Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers both sat on the bench for a couple of seasons after being drafted. Palmer has done pretty well for himself despite his knee issues and Rodgers is the best QB in football. Lovie Smith clearly knows nothing about quarterbacks. Good luck to them when they screw up the first pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.
- Speaking of Mariota, with more and more reports coming out about it, I'm believing the hype that Cleveland will trade up for him - possibly with the Titans though Washington remains a possibility since I don't believe the Titans will take a QB at #2. This offers more proof that Ray Farmer has no idea what he is doing. Did he go to the Matt Millen school of NFL General Managers? I think the Justin Gilbert pick last year will turn out ok, but he wasted his second first round pick on Manziel. Manziel is not an NFL QB and should just be cut - no one should ask for him to be included in a draft pick deal. It's not out of the question to consider that Farmer will give up more picks in an attempt to finally find a franchise QB for Cleveland. What they should do is stay where they are, draft a WR and another defensive piece in the first round, and then add someone like Brent Hundley from UCLA in the second round. But poorly run teams don't like doing what they should and instead think they're going to outsmart everyone by constantly reaching on players. Is there something in the water in Cleveland that causes people to make bad decisions?
- Getting away from the draft, this has been a very exciting off-season. Why? PLAYER TRADES! Trades involving players actually on NFL rosters rarely happen in the NFL and thankfully this off-season has been full of them! Philly has been the most active jettisoning LeSean McCoy and Nick Foles, but a bunch of other teams are getting in on the action as well. Keep it up, NFL! Trades generate a ton of interest from fans - just look at the MLB. The rising salary cap has helped make trades possible so teams can absorb bad contracts, which in turn generates buzz in every NFL market. There's also the issue of teams locking up their best players preventing them from hitting free agency. Less quality free agents means more trades! Please, please, please let this be a continuing trend in the NFL!
- The other interesting major development has been the retirement of four talented players. Well, ok, three talented players and Jake Locker. And all for very different reasons. Locker "lost his passion", though actually was barely good enough to be a back-up - though back-up QB in the NFL is not a bad gig. Patrick Willis has foot issues. Jason Worilds has decided to pursue other opportunities. The most interesting case is Chris Borland. He would be entering his second NFL season and was an excellent linebacker last year. He's leaving the game due to future potential health issues. He did his research, consulted with former players, and came to the conclusion that playing in the NFL wasn't worth possibly suffering from CTE later in life. This is somewhat reminiscent of Robert Smith retiring at the age of 28 while still productive, and playing with a young Randy Moss and a still effective Dante Culpepper. All of these players have people scratching their heads and questioning their decisions, but all should be applauded. Especially Borland. Here's to hoping that Chris Borland leaving the game because of potential brain trauma issues gets and keeps the conversation going about player safety in the NFL.
Please share your thoughts/questions about any of these topics or on this NFL off-season in general below.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tom Brady - G.O.A.T.?
After winning his fourth Super Bowl in six tries, and once again being claimed the title game's MVP, many NFL writers and former NFL players are shouting from the rooftops that Tom Brady is the greatest NFL quarterback of all time. Why? Because he plays in an era where QB statistics have exploded and he's won those aforementioned Super Bowls. Do you know who else has won four Super Bowls? Terry Bradshaw with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sadly this does not mean greatness. Bradshaw was an average quarterback, at best, who was blessed to play with two Hall of Fame wide receivers, a Hall of Fame running back, and a defense that was arguably one of the greatest defenses of all time. The third quarterback to win four Super Bowls? Joe Montana - a man widely considered to be the greatest QB of all time.
My top 5 all time QB list:
1. Joe Montana
2. Dan Marino
3. Roger Staubach
4. Peyton Manning
5. Johnny Unitas
So why isn't Brady on this list? Well, to start he's only had two truly great statistical seasons. One would be the famous 2006/2007 season when the only loss the Patriots suffered was against the Giants in the Super Bowl. That was also the season Belichick basically got Randy Moss from Oakland for a bag of (deflated) footballs and Moss remembered how great he was after leaving the Black Hole. Brady won his first NFL MVP award that year. His second truly great season came in 2010 when he set the record for TD:INT ratio and won his second MVP award. That's two truly great seasons out of the 14 Brady's been in the NFL. True he missed one season when Bernard Pollard destroyed his knee 8 minutes into the 2008 season. But the Patriots really didn't miss a beat with Matt "I Can't Believe I Tricked Scott Pioli Into Paying Me To Be a Starting QB" Cassel - going 11-5 and barely missing the playoffs. Would the Patriots have won an extra game and got into the playoffs with Brady at the helm instead? Maybe, but those are the breaks...
But four Super Bowls!?!? That must mean something since only two other players have done it in NFL History. Well, let's take a look at those...
Super Bowl XXXVI vs. St. Louis Rams
Brady was awful in this game - almost Ben Roethlisberger in his first Super Bowl awful - with a final stat line of 16/27 for 145 yds and 1 TD. We can forgive him for this because he was a rookie. This game was not won because of Brady. This game was won because the defense returned a Kurt Warner INT for a TD and the right leg of Adam Vinatieri.
Super Bowl XXXVIII vs. Carolina Panthers
Brady had a much better outing this time going 32/48 for 354 yds, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Basically the same stat line Jake Delhomme put up, though he didn't throw a pick. This game will most be remembered for Panthers kicker John Casey kicking the ball out of bounds on a kickoff in the final moments of the game. This provided an opportunity for Brady to drive a very short distance so Vinatieri could once again win the game for the Patriots.
Super Bowl XXXIX vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This time around Brady was outplayed by Donavan McNabb. Brady went 23/33 for 236 yds and 1 TD while McNabb went 30/51 for 357 yds and 3 TDS. Unfortunately for McNabb he also threw 3 INTs. The Patriots defense won this game, and it sure didn't hurt to have a rejuvenated Corey Dillon. This game is also more remembered for Terrell Owens bitching about how McNabb couldn't run the offense because he was too busy throwing up in the huddle.
Super Bowl XLIX vs. Seattle Seahawks
Brady actually put up pretty great stats in this game going 37/50 with 328 yds and 4 TDs. But he also threw two picks, and had a lower QBR and QB Rating than Russell Wilson. Brady did win MVP, but my thoughts are that honor should have gone to Julian Edelman. Brady also spent most of the game throwing screen passes. This was reminiscent of Brad Johnson's Super Bowl with Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's not exactly a compliment to be compared to Brad Johnson.
I won't even get into the two Super Bowl loses against the Giants (2007 & 2011). Brady was harassed by the Giants defensive line for 120 minutes in those games and he lost to Eli "I'm Still Better Known Than Cooper - Maybe" Manning - who himself is an average QB at best.
While Brady was an elite QB for some of his seasons in New England, he cannot be considered the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.). He's not even in the conversation, though if I were to expand my Top 5 to a Top 10 there might be room for him on the list. But he would certainly come after some current QBs (Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning for instance) and some other guys who played in the same era. Plus he does that thing - A LOT - where he throws the ball into the ground, spins around, and falls to the ground. How could a guy be considered the greatest when he does that?
My top 5 all time QB list:
1. Joe Montana
2. Dan Marino
3. Roger Staubach
4. Peyton Manning
5. Johnny Unitas
So why isn't Brady on this list? Well, to start he's only had two truly great statistical seasons. One would be the famous 2006/2007 season when the only loss the Patriots suffered was against the Giants in the Super Bowl. That was also the season Belichick basically got Randy Moss from Oakland for a bag of (deflated) footballs and Moss remembered how great he was after leaving the Black Hole. Brady won his first NFL MVP award that year. His second truly great season came in 2010 when he set the record for TD:INT ratio and won his second MVP award. That's two truly great seasons out of the 14 Brady's been in the NFL. True he missed one season when Bernard Pollard destroyed his knee 8 minutes into the 2008 season. But the Patriots really didn't miss a beat with Matt "I Can't Believe I Tricked Scott Pioli Into Paying Me To Be a Starting QB" Cassel - going 11-5 and barely missing the playoffs. Would the Patriots have won an extra game and got into the playoffs with Brady at the helm instead? Maybe, but those are the breaks...
But four Super Bowls!?!? That must mean something since only two other players have done it in NFL History. Well, let's take a look at those...
Super Bowl XXXVI vs. St. Louis Rams
Brady was awful in this game - almost Ben Roethlisberger in his first Super Bowl awful - with a final stat line of 16/27 for 145 yds and 1 TD. We can forgive him for this because he was a rookie. This game was not won because of Brady. This game was won because the defense returned a Kurt Warner INT for a TD and the right leg of Adam Vinatieri.
Super Bowl XXXVIII vs. Carolina Panthers
Brady had a much better outing this time going 32/48 for 354 yds, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Basically the same stat line Jake Delhomme put up, though he didn't throw a pick. This game will most be remembered for Panthers kicker John Casey kicking the ball out of bounds on a kickoff in the final moments of the game. This provided an opportunity for Brady to drive a very short distance so Vinatieri could once again win the game for the Patriots.
Super Bowl XXXIX vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This time around Brady was outplayed by Donavan McNabb. Brady went 23/33 for 236 yds and 1 TD while McNabb went 30/51 for 357 yds and 3 TDS. Unfortunately for McNabb he also threw 3 INTs. The Patriots defense won this game, and it sure didn't hurt to have a rejuvenated Corey Dillon. This game is also more remembered for Terrell Owens bitching about how McNabb couldn't run the offense because he was too busy throwing up in the huddle.
Super Bowl XLIX vs. Seattle Seahawks
Brady actually put up pretty great stats in this game going 37/50 with 328 yds and 4 TDs. But he also threw two picks, and had a lower QBR and QB Rating than Russell Wilson. Brady did win MVP, but my thoughts are that honor should have gone to Julian Edelman. Brady also spent most of the game throwing screen passes. This was reminiscent of Brad Johnson's Super Bowl with Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's not exactly a compliment to be compared to Brad Johnson.
I won't even get into the two Super Bowl loses against the Giants (2007 & 2011). Brady was harassed by the Giants defensive line for 120 minutes in those games and he lost to Eli "I'm Still Better Known Than Cooper - Maybe" Manning - who himself is an average QB at best.
While Brady was an elite QB for some of his seasons in New England, he cannot be considered the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.). He's not even in the conversation, though if I were to expand my Top 5 to a Top 10 there might be room for him on the list. But he would certainly come after some current QBs (Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning for instance) and some other guys who played in the same era. Plus he does that thing - A LOT - where he throws the ball into the ground, spins around, and falls to the ground. How could a guy be considered the greatest when he does that?
Saturday, December 6, 2014
The Raiders Need Rex Ryan
The Oakland Raiders are set to earn another in a long line of top 10 picks in the upcoming draft - being the frontrunners for the #1 overall pick. They lack playmakers and they lack leadership. Interim head coach Tony Sparano is not a legitimate choice to lead the team beyond this season. He's a decent offensive line coach, but this is the same man who's amazing innovation brought an offensive scheme from the 1920's to the 21st century. General Manager Reggie McKenzie knows he needs a head coach who can inspire his players. It would be great if that guy could also help mold Derek Carr, but a solid leader is what they need the most.
Most reports from people with actual connections to the NFL signal that Jim Harbaugh will head to Oakland when he finally wears out his welcome in San Francisco. But why would McKenzie hire a guy who is going to butt heads with him at every turn? Harbaugh does have a track record of turning around teams - see his work at Stanford and most recently with the 49ers. He would also be a great mentor for Derek Carr. However, I think Harbaugh ends up going home to Michigan or, if he prefers to stay in the NFL, ends up taking over for Ryan in New York. I think he'd prefer New York since he'd get to pick his own QB of the future instead of being saddled with Carr.
So Harbaugh would go to New York to battle Bill Belichick twice a year and honestly who doesn't want to see those two game plan against each other!? Ryan, on the other hand, will almost assuredly be let go by the Jets at the end of the season so their GM, John Idzik, can select his own head coach. After missing out on Harbaugh, Ryan makes a lot of sense to lead the Silver and Black.
While he has shown that he cannot develop a young QB, Ryan brings a lot of credentials that Oakland has been missing since Jon Gruden got shipped to Tampa Bay. With his offensive deficiencies Ryan would need to hire an offensive coordinator who can develop Carr, and no, Marty Morhinweg is not the answer. How about Jay Gruden if/when Daniel Snyder fires him for being mean to his beloved RGIII? He helped Andy Dalton look good. Jay hasn't looked at good in our nation's capitol, but Washington is a worse mess than the Jets right now.
The Raiders need help on defense too. If Ryan can convince McKenzie and Mark Davis that he'll bring in a guy to develop Carr then he should get the job. Ryan is a masterful defensive mind and he's a hell of a motivator. Just look at all the current Jets players who are standing up for him to the press. They love playing for him and they play hard for him too. Passion to play the game of football left Oakland 12 years ago and Ryan will bring plenty of passion with him. If he fails, he'll end up becoming a defensive coordinator somewhere - at least for awhile. But why not go big? See if Ryan can bring back some of that excellence Oakland claims to be committed to.
Most reports from people with actual connections to the NFL signal that Jim Harbaugh will head to Oakland when he finally wears out his welcome in San Francisco. But why would McKenzie hire a guy who is going to butt heads with him at every turn? Harbaugh does have a track record of turning around teams - see his work at Stanford and most recently with the 49ers. He would also be a great mentor for Derek Carr. However, I think Harbaugh ends up going home to Michigan or, if he prefers to stay in the NFL, ends up taking over for Ryan in New York. I think he'd prefer New York since he'd get to pick his own QB of the future instead of being saddled with Carr.
So Harbaugh would go to New York to battle Bill Belichick twice a year and honestly who doesn't want to see those two game plan against each other!? Ryan, on the other hand, will almost assuredly be let go by the Jets at the end of the season so their GM, John Idzik, can select his own head coach. After missing out on Harbaugh, Ryan makes a lot of sense to lead the Silver and Black.
While he has shown that he cannot develop a young QB, Ryan brings a lot of credentials that Oakland has been missing since Jon Gruden got shipped to Tampa Bay. With his offensive deficiencies Ryan would need to hire an offensive coordinator who can develop Carr, and no, Marty Morhinweg is not the answer. How about Jay Gruden if/when Daniel Snyder fires him for being mean to his beloved RGIII? He helped Andy Dalton look good. Jay hasn't looked at good in our nation's capitol, but Washington is a worse mess than the Jets right now.
The Raiders need help on defense too. If Ryan can convince McKenzie and Mark Davis that he'll bring in a guy to develop Carr then he should get the job. Ryan is a masterful defensive mind and he's a hell of a motivator. Just look at all the current Jets players who are standing up for him to the press. They love playing for him and they play hard for him too. Passion to play the game of football left Oakland 12 years ago and Ryan will bring plenty of passion with him. If he fails, he'll end up becoming a defensive coordinator somewhere - at least for awhile. But why not go big? See if Ryan can bring back some of that excellence Oakland claims to be committed to.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Troy Polamalu - Thank You and Goodbye
I should start out disclosing that I am a diehard Steelers fan and I have loved watching Polamalu fly around, terrorizing opposing offenses for the last 12 seasons. He - along with Casey Hampton, Lamarr Woodley, and James Harrison - has been the heart of the most recent incarnation of the Steel Curtain. Despite everything he's meant to the team, the city, and fans across the country it's time for the Steelers to say good-bye to yet another celebrated and decorated defensive stalwart. Over the past few seasons we have seen Pittsburgh cut or fail to resign Hampton, Woodley, and Harrison when they became too injury prone, expensive, or lost too much of their ability. While the Steelers did resign Harrison (after an uneventful year in Cincinnati), the move was out of desperation after training camp injuries left the linebacking corps thin. There are a few reasons why Polamalu should be the next great Steelers defensive player released during the 2015 offseason.
- Polamalu is 33 years old and has battled injuries the last few years. While he played all 16 regular season games in 2011 (when he won defensive player of the year) and 2013, he missed significant time in 2012 and has missed several more games so far this season. He's missed the last two weeks due to a knee injury. If we apply the theory that the SanFrancisco Giants will win the World Series in even years, then we could also make the argument that Polamalu will be healthy in 2015. However, I fail to see how a (will be) 34 year old safety with a history of bad knees will somehow stay healthy.
- Polamalu's cap hit in 2015 is $8.25 million. That's a lot of money for an injury prone player who's lost a lot of his effectiveness. If the Steelers cut him before the 2015 season they'll have $4.5 million in dead money on their cap. Overall that would mean a savings of $3.75 million. If the Steelers cut him before 2016 (the last year of his current contract) they'd have $2.25 million of dead money out of an $8 million cap hit. They'd save more money waiting a year, but why delay the inevitable?
- The Steelers should use the money they'd save cutting Polamalu (coupled with an extension for Roethlisberger) and use it to upgrade the most neglected part of their team - the cornerback position. And by upgrade I mean stop waiting until the 5th round of the draft to take a corner. Maybe be crazy and take one in the 3rd?
- The Steelers will miss Polamalu's leadership but they have a replacement, from a playing perspective, who will be ready to step in on a full time basis next year - Shamarko Thomas. Thomas will be entering his third season, which is typically when Dick Lebeau expects his players to make a huge leap in their development. Thomas is not the same caliber of player as Polamalu (no one really is), but his play will be better than that of what Polamalu has become.
- Polamalu's game is based on instinct and timing. He has made more than a few spectacular plays over the years because of this, and has even managed a few this year. But more often than not trying to make a big play has left Polamalu out of position and has resulted in more than a few big plays.
Troy Polamalu has meant everything to Steelers fans over his amazing career. He is no doubt a future Hall of Famer. He may still think that he has a lot to offer as a player - his leadership ability cannot be questioned - but if he wants to keep playing, it should not be in Black and Gold after this year. The Steelers need to say good-bye to Troy, just as they have to several defensive greats who have come before him.
- Polamalu is 33 years old and has battled injuries the last few years. While he played all 16 regular season games in 2011 (when he won defensive player of the year) and 2013, he missed significant time in 2012 and has missed several more games so far this season. He's missed the last two weeks due to a knee injury. If we apply the theory that the SanFrancisco Giants will win the World Series in even years, then we could also make the argument that Polamalu will be healthy in 2015. However, I fail to see how a (will be) 34 year old safety with a history of bad knees will somehow stay healthy.
- Polamalu's cap hit in 2015 is $8.25 million. That's a lot of money for an injury prone player who's lost a lot of his effectiveness. If the Steelers cut him before the 2015 season they'll have $4.5 million in dead money on their cap. Overall that would mean a savings of $3.75 million. If the Steelers cut him before 2016 (the last year of his current contract) they'd have $2.25 million of dead money out of an $8 million cap hit. They'd save more money waiting a year, but why delay the inevitable?
- The Steelers should use the money they'd save cutting Polamalu (coupled with an extension for Roethlisberger) and use it to upgrade the most neglected part of their team - the cornerback position. And by upgrade I mean stop waiting until the 5th round of the draft to take a corner. Maybe be crazy and take one in the 3rd?
- The Steelers will miss Polamalu's leadership but they have a replacement, from a playing perspective, who will be ready to step in on a full time basis next year - Shamarko Thomas. Thomas will be entering his third season, which is typically when Dick Lebeau expects his players to make a huge leap in their development. Thomas is not the same caliber of player as Polamalu (no one really is), but his play will be better than that of what Polamalu has become.
- Polamalu's game is based on instinct and timing. He has made more than a few spectacular plays over the years because of this, and has even managed a few this year. But more often than not trying to make a big play has left Polamalu out of position and has resulted in more than a few big plays.
Troy Polamalu has meant everything to Steelers fans over his amazing career. He is no doubt a future Hall of Famer. He may still think that he has a lot to offer as a player - his leadership ability cannot be questioned - but if he wants to keep playing, it should not be in Black and Gold after this year. The Steelers need to say good-bye to Troy, just as they have to several defensive greats who have come before him.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Some Thoughts on College Football
It's been a while since my last post and I hope I haven't kept you on the edge of your seat, anxiously waiting for my immortal wisdom. I also hope people who read my post on fantasy football players I like this year aren't too mad - sorry about Toby Gerhart, I should have known better. But who's happy with Phillip Rivers leading their team? Anyone?
Anyway, I was trying to think of something NFL related to write about this time but I'm watching college football as I write. Call it inspiration, or laziness, or whatever - but here are some thoughts on the state of college football.
- Not many, if any, of you who will read this will agree, but I think college football is was more exciting and interesting to watch than the NFL. Maybe it's because I've watched the college game for two more years than the NFL, but I honestly think the games are more exciting. Every single game a team plays matters - though a little less so with the new playoff system, but still important - and you genuinely never know when an upset is going to occur. Boise State beating Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl (with the Statue of Liberty play no less!) and Appalachian State going into The Big House to defeat Michigan (also in 2007, with Michigan ranked #5 at the time) are two examples of two of the best upsets in football of all time. Upsets in the NFL feel less-fulfilling since, you know, they're all professionals and get paid to play football. I love the NFL, I just love the college game a little bit more.
- One reason college football is a little more exciting this year is the start of a brand new playoff system to determine a "true national champion"! College football is a game of tradition if anything else. The Pac-1o Champ plays the Big-10 Champ in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State and Michigan have and always will hate each other. And every conference has an association with the (now) way too many bowl games that exist. The bowl games have been in place for ever and the Associated Press (until near the end of the BCS era) has determined the top 25 teams in the country basically since teams started playing. Despite not playing a role in the BCS (who can blame them really) and not really factoring into the new playoff rankings, the AP Poll still matters to a lot of people. The problem with that system was that the top two teams in the country never got a chance to play each other in a bowl game to determine the winner. Enter the BCS where we had computers picking the best two teams in the country (after the AP rightfully did not want to be associated with this nonsense). I'm really excited for a college playoff. It just needs to be bigger and I think it will be soon. Let's also hope that the selection committee does an adequate job of selecting the four participants for this year.
- The "experts" tasked to join football's answer to the March Madness Selection Committee recently released their first poll of the season. There's not much to argue with, with it being the initial ranking, since only the final ranking in December will matter - but there's definitely an inherent love of the SEC in these rankings. I know most people who follow both college and pro football think the SEC should just swap places with the AFC South, but the league isn't so much better than the other conferences that those one-loss second place SEC teams should be ranked so much higher than one-loss conference leaders. I think they're setting it up so that a potential one or two loss SEC Champ - and possible a one loss SEC team that doesn't participate in the conference championship game - definitely gets in. I'm one, of many, who think that the college football playoff should only be open to conference champions.
- Speaking of conference champions, I should disclose that I'm a huge Notre Dame fan. You probably hate me a little bit more right now. Despite my fandom, it's time for Notre Dame to join a fucking conference in football. They've already jumped ship from the (now defunct) Big East and have joined the ACC in all other sports. In turn they have made the ACC a mightier powerhouse when it comes to college lacrosse. So just join the conference in football already! Yeah, it doesn't make sense in terms of geography, but the college football geographical landscape has changed a lot over the last few years. In fact, no more independents at all! Every team should join a fucking conference! There are ten conferences (with four independent schools) in the FBS division (Division I, i.e. major college sports). If every team joined a conference and every conference had a championship game, then college football could have a ten-team playoff using some of the current bowl games for playoff match-ups and the top two teams could get a bye. If my math doesn't work out, let the two highest ranked conference game losers in as wildcards and give us a twelve team college playoff! I don't think I'm the only fan who wants to see this.
- A lot of you, even if you don't follow the college game, have heard the name Jameis Winston. He's the defending Heisman winner and widely perceived to be the best player at the college level. He's not. Despite being undefeated (so far) as a starter at Florida State, he makes too many poor decisions. He threw three more interceptions against Louisville on Thursday night (giving him nine so far this year - he threw ten last year when he won the Heisman) and he tends to lock onto his primary receiver or decide to scramble if that guy isn't open. Some people think he's comparable to Cam Newton - I think he's more comparable to Vince Young. He's incredibly immature and thinks he's better than he is because he's treated like a god on his campus. He's going to make an NFL Head Coach and GM regret taking him next April.
- Why do we still pretend that college football players are student athletes when announcers constantly refer to first year players as rookies? They're freshmen - either true freshmen or redshirt freshmen - certainly not rookies.
- I find it humorous that juniors and seniors in college are praised for their game experience but when they reach the NFL commentators note their lack of experience as rookies. Hence the term "rookie mistakes". I know it takes time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but this is their livelihood and they aren't as inexperienced as commentators lead you to believe.
- I'm watching the TCU-WVU game as I write this and I can honestly say this is the best game I've watched in a while. Both teams are hailed for their offensive ability - TCU had the #1 offense in the nation coming into this game - but the defenses have stolen the show. WVU has played an aggressive defensive scheme. While it hasn't always worked out, it's been awesome to watch when it has. Update: TCU won this game with a field goal as time expired to keep their playoff hopes alive. Great and exciting game!
- Speaking of two Big-12 teams, the conference is underrated and will probably be left out of the first college playoff. That's what happens when you lose a few teams and can't play a conference championship game. Meanwhile, the Big-10 is properly rated (it sucks) and will also probably miss out on the playoff.
- My top four teams as of right now that should be in the playoff? 1 - Mississippi State, 2 - Florida State (they should have lost to Notre Dame but, alas, they are undefeated - for now), 3 - Oregon, 4 - Michigan State. Notre Dame is out because, again, you should win a conference to be in the playoff! That last sentence hurt to write.
- Notre Dame plays Navy tonight. The Fighting Irish are coming off a tough loss to Florida State (again, a game they should have won) and a bye. Navy typically plays them tough but I don't think the game will be close. Instead I'll be paying more attention to Stanford vs. Oregon and Auburn vs. Ole Miss. Stanford/Oregon is a classic old school vs. new school game. Oregon's offense is fast and is innovating even the pro game while Stanford can run and plays stout defense. Auburn/Ole Miss is basically an elimination game for the playoff, based on the current rankings. Update: Stanford/Oregon was a blowout. Notre Dame/Navy was much closer. A little too close for comfort. Glad I mostly stuck with the Notre Dame game.
Thanks for staying with me throughout this. Please leave your thoughts and/or comments below. Also, if there's an interest, I'll do a future post on my idea for a college football playoff that I came up with back in college. Fuck it, I'll end up doing it even if there's no interest.
Anyway, I was trying to think of something NFL related to write about this time but I'm watching college football as I write. Call it inspiration, or laziness, or whatever - but here are some thoughts on the state of college football.
- Not many, if any, of you who will read this will agree, but I think college football is was more exciting and interesting to watch than the NFL. Maybe it's because I've watched the college game for two more years than the NFL, but I honestly think the games are more exciting. Every single game a team plays matters - though a little less so with the new playoff system, but still important - and you genuinely never know when an upset is going to occur. Boise State beating Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl (with the Statue of Liberty play no less!) and Appalachian State going into The Big House to defeat Michigan (also in 2007, with Michigan ranked #5 at the time) are two examples of two of the best upsets in football of all time. Upsets in the NFL feel less-fulfilling since, you know, they're all professionals and get paid to play football. I love the NFL, I just love the college game a little bit more.
- One reason college football is a little more exciting this year is the start of a brand new playoff system to determine a "true national champion"! College football is a game of tradition if anything else. The Pac-1o Champ plays the Big-10 Champ in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State and Michigan have and always will hate each other. And every conference has an association with the (now) way too many bowl games that exist. The bowl games have been in place for ever and the Associated Press (until near the end of the BCS era) has determined the top 25 teams in the country basically since teams started playing. Despite not playing a role in the BCS (who can blame them really) and not really factoring into the new playoff rankings, the AP Poll still matters to a lot of people. The problem with that system was that the top two teams in the country never got a chance to play each other in a bowl game to determine the winner. Enter the BCS where we had computers picking the best two teams in the country (after the AP rightfully did not want to be associated with this nonsense). I'm really excited for a college playoff. It just needs to be bigger and I think it will be soon. Let's also hope that the selection committee does an adequate job of selecting the four participants for this year.
- The "experts" tasked to join football's answer to the March Madness Selection Committee recently released their first poll of the season. There's not much to argue with, with it being the initial ranking, since only the final ranking in December will matter - but there's definitely an inherent love of the SEC in these rankings. I know most people who follow both college and pro football think the SEC should just swap places with the AFC South, but the league isn't so much better than the other conferences that those one-loss second place SEC teams should be ranked so much higher than one-loss conference leaders. I think they're setting it up so that a potential one or two loss SEC Champ - and possible a one loss SEC team that doesn't participate in the conference championship game - definitely gets in. I'm one, of many, who think that the college football playoff should only be open to conference champions.
- Speaking of conference champions, I should disclose that I'm a huge Notre Dame fan. You probably hate me a little bit more right now. Despite my fandom, it's time for Notre Dame to join a fucking conference in football. They've already jumped ship from the (now defunct) Big East and have joined the ACC in all other sports. In turn they have made the ACC a mightier powerhouse when it comes to college lacrosse. So just join the conference in football already! Yeah, it doesn't make sense in terms of geography, but the college football geographical landscape has changed a lot over the last few years. In fact, no more independents at all! Every team should join a fucking conference! There are ten conferences (with four independent schools) in the FBS division (Division I, i.e. major college sports). If every team joined a conference and every conference had a championship game, then college football could have a ten-team playoff using some of the current bowl games for playoff match-ups and the top two teams could get a bye. If my math doesn't work out, let the two highest ranked conference game losers in as wildcards and give us a twelve team college playoff! I don't think I'm the only fan who wants to see this.
- A lot of you, even if you don't follow the college game, have heard the name Jameis Winston. He's the defending Heisman winner and widely perceived to be the best player at the college level. He's not. Despite being undefeated (so far) as a starter at Florida State, he makes too many poor decisions. He threw three more interceptions against Louisville on Thursday night (giving him nine so far this year - he threw ten last year when he won the Heisman) and he tends to lock onto his primary receiver or decide to scramble if that guy isn't open. Some people think he's comparable to Cam Newton - I think he's more comparable to Vince Young. He's incredibly immature and thinks he's better than he is because he's treated like a god on his campus. He's going to make an NFL Head Coach and GM regret taking him next April.
- Why do we still pretend that college football players are student athletes when announcers constantly refer to first year players as rookies? They're freshmen - either true freshmen or redshirt freshmen - certainly not rookies.
- I find it humorous that juniors and seniors in college are praised for their game experience but when they reach the NFL commentators note their lack of experience as rookies. Hence the term "rookie mistakes". I know it takes time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but this is their livelihood and they aren't as inexperienced as commentators lead you to believe.
- I'm watching the TCU-WVU game as I write this and I can honestly say this is the best game I've watched in a while. Both teams are hailed for their offensive ability - TCU had the #1 offense in the nation coming into this game - but the defenses have stolen the show. WVU has played an aggressive defensive scheme. While it hasn't always worked out, it's been awesome to watch when it has. Update: TCU won this game with a field goal as time expired to keep their playoff hopes alive. Great and exciting game!
- Speaking of two Big-12 teams, the conference is underrated and will probably be left out of the first college playoff. That's what happens when you lose a few teams and can't play a conference championship game. Meanwhile, the Big-10 is properly rated (it sucks) and will also probably miss out on the playoff.
- My top four teams as of right now that should be in the playoff? 1 - Mississippi State, 2 - Florida State (they should have lost to Notre Dame but, alas, they are undefeated - for now), 3 - Oregon, 4 - Michigan State. Notre Dame is out because, again, you should win a conference to be in the playoff! That last sentence hurt to write.
- Notre Dame plays Navy tonight. The Fighting Irish are coming off a tough loss to Florida State (again, a game they should have won) and a bye. Navy typically plays them tough but I don't think the game will be close. Instead I'll be paying more attention to Stanford vs. Oregon and Auburn vs. Ole Miss. Stanford/Oregon is a classic old school vs. new school game. Oregon's offense is fast and is innovating even the pro game while Stanford can run and plays stout defense. Auburn/Ole Miss is basically an elimination game for the playoff, based on the current rankings. Update: Stanford/Oregon was a blowout. Notre Dame/Navy was much closer. A little too close for comfort. Glad I mostly stuck with the Notre Dame game.
Thanks for staying with me throughout this. Please leave your thoughts and/or comments below. Also, if there's an interest, I'll do a future post on my idea for a college football playoff that I came up with back in college. Fuck it, I'll end up doing it even if there's no interest.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
No Good Bums
In my last post I wrote about some decent options for fantasy football. This time around I'll be listing off some guys that I would not want, or at least hesitate to, draft. Some of the guys I mention below are players that I expect will have a significant decline in their fantasy value while other guys I expect to fall just a hair shy of expectations. I'm not going to list obvious guys like Chris "CJNoK" Johnson or Shaun Hill - nobody wants them.
Lower Your Expectations (Guys I would draft but lower than in previous years/lower than when the experts say to draft them):
Calvin Johnson - WR, Lions: Let's start off with the biggest name that will appear on this list. While he is the greatest wide receiver on the planet and will go down as one of the all time greats at his position, there is reason to believe that he will fall just short of the monster numbers that we're use to seeing from him. Detroit added a 2nd WR (Golden Tate), and they've been really working on screen plays to Reggie Bush and the rest of the running backs. While he'll finish the season as one of the top fantasy receivers (especially with Josh Gordon done for the year), don't expect 100+ yards and a touchdown or 2 every week.
Kyle Rudolph - TE, Vikings: Everyone is predicting that he's going to have a huge year. Why? Norv Turner, that's why. Just look what he did with Antonio Gates! While TE's have thrived in Turner's offensive schemes, there's a lot else going on with this offense. The Vikings have 3 pretty decent WR's (Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Jerome Simpson) and Adrian Peterson is going to be more involved in the passing game. Norv, in my opinion, actually helps out his running backs more. Just look what he did with Emmitt Smith, Frank Gore, and Ladainian Tomlinson. Plus his QB is Matt Cassell. I'll feel better about him once Teddy Bridgewater becomes the starter.
Cam Newton - QB, Panthers: Who is he going to throw to? A rookie, an aging TE, and a bunch of nobodies. His running ability adds to his value but he gets hurt a lot. He needed surgery on his ankles this offseason and now he has a bruised/broken rib. He'll be starting week 1, but how long can he last? He'd be a good mid-round selection if you put off drafting your starting QB for some reason, or a solid back-up for bye weeks and match-up purposes. However, I don't want him leading my fantasy football team.
Andy Dalton - QB, Bengals: He's put up pretty decent numbers throwing to AJ Green the past couple of years, but I don't really trust him this year. Yeah the Bengals just gave him a huge vote of confidence signing him to a big deal. But let's look at another AFC North QB who recently cashed in and then was horrible - Joe Flacco. Dalton probably won't be as wildly inconsistent as Flacco was last year, but I'm not drafting a mid-tier QB who recently signed an elite QB deal to lead my team. Though he's another good back-up option.
Arian Foster - RB, Texans: He's coming off a lost season, is in a new offensive scheme that's not as RB friendly, and his QB is Ryan Fitzpatrick. He could surprise, but in my eyes he's not a first round fantasy pick any more. Maybe not even a second rounder.
Fools Gold (Avoid these guys, they will disappoint!):
Tom Brady - QB & Rob Gronkowski - TE, Patriots: These two are tied together because without Gronk, Brady has no one, NO ONE, to throw to. Gronk is one step away from another season ending injury. Counting on him to stay healthy is like counting on getting struck by lighting, winning the lottery, and surviving the Apocalypse all in one night. Brady, as I mentioned, has no one else to throw to and he just lost his best offensive lineman for future players. Brady's future is now and Belichick continues to waste it. Sorry, Bill and fantasy owners, but 2007 was a long time ago.
Eli Manning - QB, Giants: I've never liked Manning. Out of the 3 top QBs in the 2004 draft, he should have been the last one picked. He was lucky in both Super Bowl runs (aided by great defense - DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!) and is struggling to learn a new offense. All he's ever had is his last name, and he's certainly never come close to being Peyton Lite. Hell, he's never come close to being Cooper Lite.
Maurice Jones Drew - RB, Raiders: One of the best backs in the league finally got out of Jacksonville and then promptly landed with the Raiders. He's getting old (for a RB), he's taken a ton of hits throughout his career, and he's going split carries with Darren McFadden. But then again, maybe he'll become a touchdown vulture for all those points this prolific Raiders offense is going to score this year...
Torrey Smith - WR, Ravens: Smith is still a bit of a one trick pony - he likes to run deep. Though he averaged 17.4 yards per catch last year, he also only scored 4 touchdowns. I don't trust Joe Flacco and Gary Kubiak incorporates his running backs (Pierce could be a steal this year) and TEs more.
Mike Wallace - WR, Dolphins: He was never worth the massive contract Miami gave him a couple of off-seasons ago and he's more of a one trick pony than Torrey Smith. He and Ryan Tannehill have never been on the same page and there's no reason to think it's suddenly going to click. His stats were more in line with a #2 receiver last year and that trend should continue. Plus he gets moody when things don't go well and no one wants to deal with that.
So there you have it, ten guys that people think will help your fantasy team this year but won't. If you disagree with the list and/or think someone else should be added, leave a comment below. You can also send a tastefully written e-mail about how stupid I am to spunkmeyeronsports@gmail.com.
Lower Your Expectations (Guys I would draft but lower than in previous years/lower than when the experts say to draft them):
Calvin Johnson - WR, Lions: Let's start off with the biggest name that will appear on this list. While he is the greatest wide receiver on the planet and will go down as one of the all time greats at his position, there is reason to believe that he will fall just short of the monster numbers that we're use to seeing from him. Detroit added a 2nd WR (Golden Tate), and they've been really working on screen plays to Reggie Bush and the rest of the running backs. While he'll finish the season as one of the top fantasy receivers (especially with Josh Gordon done for the year), don't expect 100+ yards and a touchdown or 2 every week.
Kyle Rudolph - TE, Vikings: Everyone is predicting that he's going to have a huge year. Why? Norv Turner, that's why. Just look what he did with Antonio Gates! While TE's have thrived in Turner's offensive schemes, there's a lot else going on with this offense. The Vikings have 3 pretty decent WR's (Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Jerome Simpson) and Adrian Peterson is going to be more involved in the passing game. Norv, in my opinion, actually helps out his running backs more. Just look what he did with Emmitt Smith, Frank Gore, and Ladainian Tomlinson. Plus his QB is Matt Cassell. I'll feel better about him once Teddy Bridgewater becomes the starter.
Cam Newton - QB, Panthers: Who is he going to throw to? A rookie, an aging TE, and a bunch of nobodies. His running ability adds to his value but he gets hurt a lot. He needed surgery on his ankles this offseason and now he has a bruised/broken rib. He'll be starting week 1, but how long can he last? He'd be a good mid-round selection if you put off drafting your starting QB for some reason, or a solid back-up for bye weeks and match-up purposes. However, I don't want him leading my fantasy football team.
Andy Dalton - QB, Bengals: He's put up pretty decent numbers throwing to AJ Green the past couple of years, but I don't really trust him this year. Yeah the Bengals just gave him a huge vote of confidence signing him to a big deal. But let's look at another AFC North QB who recently cashed in and then was horrible - Joe Flacco. Dalton probably won't be as wildly inconsistent as Flacco was last year, but I'm not drafting a mid-tier QB who recently signed an elite QB deal to lead my team. Though he's another good back-up option.
Arian Foster - RB, Texans: He's coming off a lost season, is in a new offensive scheme that's not as RB friendly, and his QB is Ryan Fitzpatrick. He could surprise, but in my eyes he's not a first round fantasy pick any more. Maybe not even a second rounder.
Fools Gold (Avoid these guys, they will disappoint!):
Tom Brady - QB & Rob Gronkowski - TE, Patriots: These two are tied together because without Gronk, Brady has no one, NO ONE, to throw to. Gronk is one step away from another season ending injury. Counting on him to stay healthy is like counting on getting struck by lighting, winning the lottery, and surviving the Apocalypse all in one night. Brady, as I mentioned, has no one else to throw to and he just lost his best offensive lineman for future players. Brady's future is now and Belichick continues to waste it. Sorry, Bill and fantasy owners, but 2007 was a long time ago.
Eli Manning - QB, Giants: I've never liked Manning. Out of the 3 top QBs in the 2004 draft, he should have been the last one picked. He was lucky in both Super Bowl runs (aided by great defense - DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!) and is struggling to learn a new offense. All he's ever had is his last name, and he's certainly never come close to being Peyton Lite. Hell, he's never come close to being Cooper Lite.
Maurice Jones Drew - RB, Raiders: One of the best backs in the league finally got out of Jacksonville and then promptly landed with the Raiders. He's getting old (for a RB), he's taken a ton of hits throughout his career, and he's going split carries with Darren McFadden. But then again, maybe he'll become a touchdown vulture for all those points this prolific Raiders offense is going to score this year...
Torrey Smith - WR, Ravens: Smith is still a bit of a one trick pony - he likes to run deep. Though he averaged 17.4 yards per catch last year, he also only scored 4 touchdowns. I don't trust Joe Flacco and Gary Kubiak incorporates his running backs (Pierce could be a steal this year) and TEs more.
Mike Wallace - WR, Dolphins: He was never worth the massive contract Miami gave him a couple of off-seasons ago and he's more of a one trick pony than Torrey Smith. He and Ryan Tannehill have never been on the same page and there's no reason to think it's suddenly going to click. His stats were more in line with a #2 receiver last year and that trend should continue. Plus he gets moody when things don't go well and no one wants to deal with that.
So there you have it, ten guys that people think will help your fantasy team this year but won't. If you disagree with the list and/or think someone else should be added, leave a comment below. You can also send a tastefully written e-mail about how stupid I am to spunkmeyeronsports@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Decent Fantasy Football Options
A couple of years ago Bill Simmons and Grantland held the Fantasy Island competition. One's submission had to list players who wouldn't be highly sought after in fantasy football drafts and poetic reasons why you would want them on their team. Well, Grantland proceeded to select, out of all the submissions including one from your's truly, the worst ten people they possibly could have picked. These people then drafted fantasy football teams and then had to write blog posts each week about their teams, players, etc. The winner of this competition would receive a one-year contract to write about fantasy football for Grantland. This competition was so successful that it ended before the bye weeks began that season. In honor at this failed attempt, I'm going to resurrect, in my own way, the concept of the submission to a failed concept. Below is a list of players that I would want on my fantasy team this year if the value matches up to the draft round or dollar amount for auction leagues.
Quarterbacks:
Drew Brees (Saints): I was going to say any NFC South quarterback, but Josh McCown doesn't strike confidence in anyone but Lovie Smith and Cam Newton has absolutely no one to throw to. Matt Ryan would be another decent choice, but Roddy White tends to get hurt and Julio Jones has been talking too much. So out of the four NFC South quarterbacks I'd take Brees. New Orleans' offense is spectacular and he has some good young wideouts to throw to, plus Jimmy Graham. Plus New Orleans has the best defense (more exact - best secondary) in the division which is a big reason I'd pick Brees over Ryan. Brees knows his window is closing and he wants another ring. This could be his best year yet.
Phillip Rivers (Chargers): This could very well be the first time ever that someone has recommended Phillip Rivers as a viable, dependable starter for fantasy football. If not, it hasn't happened very often. Rivers typically drives fantasy owners crazy with his erratic play. With Mike McCoy (and not Norv Turner) running the show and with the weapons that he has I fully expect Rivers to build on his success from last year. If I can't get Brees, I'd take Rivers. I can't believe I just said that.
Teddy Bridgewater (Vikings): Hear me out on this one. Yes, he's behind Matt Cassell at the moment. But do you really think Mike Zimmer thinks he can win with Matt Cassell? Scott Pioli thought that once and it cost him his job. A lot of people think that whoever wins the job in Minnesota will simply hand off to Peterson. Not going to happen. Peterson is getting older and needs to be used more wisely. The Vikings also have some pretty good receivers and an above average tight end. Bridgewater might not start right away, but he'll start sooner or later this season. Keep an eye on him. He could surprise.
Running Backs:
Matt Forte (Bears): I wrote in a previous post how LeSean McCoy is the best all around back in football. But I never draft high enough to get him. So I'd happily take Forte. He runs, he catches, and Marc Trestman's offense is designed to score points.
Giovani Bernard (Bengals): He's clearly atop the depth chart in Cincinnati. A.J. Green gets all the fantasy football attention, but the Bengals will bring a more balanced offensive attack this year. I don't normally trust second year running back - but that's mostly if they have a lot of success as a rookie. Bernard had an ok year last year, so he should be just fine in 2014.
Toby Gerhart (Jaguars): He put up pretty good numbers in college and he's sat behind Adrian Peterson his entire career. He made some flashes as a backup and now gets a chance to start. Sounds a little bit like some guy who played behind LaDainian Tomlinson and then had a few very successful seasons for the Falcons. Not saying Gerhart will be the next Michael Turner, but he has a shot.
Wide Receivers:
Golden Tate (Lions): Megatron gets all of the attention, but there's a reason the Lions signed Tate. They haven't had a reliable #2 receiver ever. Stafford is going to have to find other players to throw to when Johnson gets double or triple covered. Even with Reggie Bush catching passes out of the backfield, Tate should see his fair share of throws. He probably won't reach 1,000 yards receiving, but he could approach double digit touchdowns. He's worth a mid to late round pick in fantasy drafts.
Hakeem Nicks (Colts): He's greatly upgraded at quarterback (I've never believed in Eli Manning) and he just needs to stay healthy. If he can, he'll become the Colts' #1 receiver. If he does that he'll greatly reward his fantasy owners. He's a high risk/high reward kind of guy.
Jordan Matthews (Eagles): Yeah, he's a rookie but he plays for Chip Kelly. He'll get plenty of opportunities even as a #3 receiver. I also don't have faith that Jeremy Maclin can stay healthy for a full season. Mathews is another potential double digit touchdown guy...that is if LeSean McCoy doesn't steal everyones' scoring opportunities.
Tight Ends:
Jordan Reed (Washington): DeSean Jackson will receive a lot of attention and RGIII won't always be able to wait until he gets open downfield. Reed will be a great second option down the middle of the field. Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts will get some catches, but Reed could, and should, be second on the team with catches. I also don't think RGIII will run as much this year as he tries to prove he's a pocket passer.
Dennis Pitta (Ravens): I don't really trust Joe Flacco but you never know which Joe will show. If it's good Joe, then he can light up that stat sheet. If it's bad Joe, he can still find his receivers some of the time. Pitta also had a chance to shine this year since Gary Kubiak loves incorporating tight ends into the passing game. I wouldn't worry too much about Owen Daniels taking too many catches away from Pitta at this stage of his career.
Tyler Eifert (Bengals): Yeah, Jermaine Gresham is the starter but Eifert still saw a decent amount of playing time as a rookie. Gresham also always disappoints his fantasy owners (trust me, first hand experience here).Eifert has the skills to supplant Gresham as the year goes on and Andy Dalton will need a reliable target when Green is covered too tightly. Eifert is worth a late round selection - just don't rely too much on him at the beginning of the season.
Defense: Pick the highest rated one when you think it's appropriate. Preferably late. Let other people waste early draft picks on defense.
Kicker: Pick one last or you will be made fun of relentlessly for the entire season. It doesn't matter which one you pick, you will change kickers - maybe more than once.
Do not take this as you need most or all of these players. These are just players that I happen to like for this upcoming season and I think could help your fantasy football team. There are certainly better options out there than the players on this list. These are (mostly) supplemental guys - not guys you want to rely on week in and week out. Also, if anyone from Grantland happens to ever read this: You didn't pick me for your failed Fantasy Island competition, but I still get to write about fantasy football! I just don't get paid and I probably have a really small audience. So take that!
Quarterbacks:
Drew Brees (Saints): I was going to say any NFC South quarterback, but Josh McCown doesn't strike confidence in anyone but Lovie Smith and Cam Newton has absolutely no one to throw to. Matt Ryan would be another decent choice, but Roddy White tends to get hurt and Julio Jones has been talking too much. So out of the four NFC South quarterbacks I'd take Brees. New Orleans' offense is spectacular and he has some good young wideouts to throw to, plus Jimmy Graham. Plus New Orleans has the best defense (more exact - best secondary) in the division which is a big reason I'd pick Brees over Ryan. Brees knows his window is closing and he wants another ring. This could be his best year yet.
Phillip Rivers (Chargers): This could very well be the first time ever that someone has recommended Phillip Rivers as a viable, dependable starter for fantasy football. If not, it hasn't happened very often. Rivers typically drives fantasy owners crazy with his erratic play. With Mike McCoy (and not Norv Turner) running the show and with the weapons that he has I fully expect Rivers to build on his success from last year. If I can't get Brees, I'd take Rivers. I can't believe I just said that.
Teddy Bridgewater (Vikings): Hear me out on this one. Yes, he's behind Matt Cassell at the moment. But do you really think Mike Zimmer thinks he can win with Matt Cassell? Scott Pioli thought that once and it cost him his job. A lot of people think that whoever wins the job in Minnesota will simply hand off to Peterson. Not going to happen. Peterson is getting older and needs to be used more wisely. The Vikings also have some pretty good receivers and an above average tight end. Bridgewater might not start right away, but he'll start sooner or later this season. Keep an eye on him. He could surprise.
Running Backs:
Matt Forte (Bears): I wrote in a previous post how LeSean McCoy is the best all around back in football. But I never draft high enough to get him. So I'd happily take Forte. He runs, he catches, and Marc Trestman's offense is designed to score points.
Giovani Bernard (Bengals): He's clearly atop the depth chart in Cincinnati. A.J. Green gets all the fantasy football attention, but the Bengals will bring a more balanced offensive attack this year. I don't normally trust second year running back - but that's mostly if they have a lot of success as a rookie. Bernard had an ok year last year, so he should be just fine in 2014.
Toby Gerhart (Jaguars): He put up pretty good numbers in college and he's sat behind Adrian Peterson his entire career. He made some flashes as a backup and now gets a chance to start. Sounds a little bit like some guy who played behind LaDainian Tomlinson and then had a few very successful seasons for the Falcons. Not saying Gerhart will be the next Michael Turner, but he has a shot.
Wide Receivers:
Golden Tate (Lions): Megatron gets all of the attention, but there's a reason the Lions signed Tate. They haven't had a reliable #2 receiver ever. Stafford is going to have to find other players to throw to when Johnson gets double or triple covered. Even with Reggie Bush catching passes out of the backfield, Tate should see his fair share of throws. He probably won't reach 1,000 yards receiving, but he could approach double digit touchdowns. He's worth a mid to late round pick in fantasy drafts.
Hakeem Nicks (Colts): He's greatly upgraded at quarterback (I've never believed in Eli Manning) and he just needs to stay healthy. If he can, he'll become the Colts' #1 receiver. If he does that he'll greatly reward his fantasy owners. He's a high risk/high reward kind of guy.
Jordan Matthews (Eagles): Yeah, he's a rookie but he plays for Chip Kelly. He'll get plenty of opportunities even as a #3 receiver. I also don't have faith that Jeremy Maclin can stay healthy for a full season. Mathews is another potential double digit touchdown guy...that is if LeSean McCoy doesn't steal everyones' scoring opportunities.
Tight Ends:
Jordan Reed (Washington): DeSean Jackson will receive a lot of attention and RGIII won't always be able to wait until he gets open downfield. Reed will be a great second option down the middle of the field. Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts will get some catches, but Reed could, and should, be second on the team with catches. I also don't think RGIII will run as much this year as he tries to prove he's a pocket passer.
Dennis Pitta (Ravens): I don't really trust Joe Flacco but you never know which Joe will show. If it's good Joe, then he can light up that stat sheet. If it's bad Joe, he can still find his receivers some of the time. Pitta also had a chance to shine this year since Gary Kubiak loves incorporating tight ends into the passing game. I wouldn't worry too much about Owen Daniels taking too many catches away from Pitta at this stage of his career.
Tyler Eifert (Bengals): Yeah, Jermaine Gresham is the starter but Eifert still saw a decent amount of playing time as a rookie. Gresham also always disappoints his fantasy owners (trust me, first hand experience here).Eifert has the skills to supplant Gresham as the year goes on and Andy Dalton will need a reliable target when Green is covered too tightly. Eifert is worth a late round selection - just don't rely too much on him at the beginning of the season.
Defense: Pick the highest rated one when you think it's appropriate. Preferably late. Let other people waste early draft picks on defense.
Kicker: Pick one last or you will be made fun of relentlessly for the entire season. It doesn't matter which one you pick, you will change kickers - maybe more than once.
Do not take this as you need most or all of these players. These are just players that I happen to like for this upcoming season and I think could help your fantasy football team. There are certainly better options out there than the players on this list. These are (mostly) supplemental guys - not guys you want to rely on week in and week out. Also, if anyone from Grantland happens to ever read this: You didn't pick me for your failed Fantasy Island competition, but I still get to write about fantasy football! I just don't get paid and I probably have a really small audience. So take that!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
The NFLPA Needs to Step Up
The NFL and the NFLPA need to step up and fix the broken mess of a system of NFL suspensions. Seeing that Orlando Scandrick was suspended for four games for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) is another black mark on the Ray Rice suspension. Especially when reports suggest that he tested positive for recreational drugs during the off-season. Not sure why his suspension was listed as PEDs since recreational drugs do not enhance performance. You also may have noticed that there have been quite a few notable suspensions so far this year. According to Matt Verderame at SBNation, there have already been 16 notable suspensions this year, with one more high profile case being decided - Josh Gordon. You can see his article here. When you look at the chart that Verderame created, you'll notice that there is a column that lists the reason for the suspension. Most of the suspensions are for PEDs and Substance Abuse (usually recreational drug use). Two players were suspended for Conduct Detrimental to the League. One was Nigel Bradham who is expected to fill in for the injured Kiko Alonso for the Bills. The other was Ray Rice for - well, we all know what Ray Rice did. These two suspensions are also the shortest on the list. Many of us are left wondering how a player could be suspended longer for recreational drug use than for knocking their significant other unconscious? Well, one is collectively bargained (PEDs & Substance abuse) and all the other stuff isn't. Let's take a look at a few other notable cases.
Plaxico Burress was suspended for four games by the Giants (not the NFL) in 2008 after his gun went off in a NYC nightclub, resulting in him shooting himself in the thigh. The length of the suspension doesn't bother me since it was for the remainder of that season and then Burress went to jail for two years. The problem I have is that Burress was reinstated right after he got out of jail and did not face any further suspension. I know he served his time, but couldn't the NFL have stepped up and suspended him at least another two games? You know, to help advocate for gun safety?
Michael Vick was arrested in the 2007 offseason and served a little less than two years in jail for running a dog fighting ring. After being reinstated in 2009, he was suspended for three games by the NFL. Seems like an appropriate amount of games for someone who committed a felony, right? Also, why was Vick suspended after serving his jail sentence but Burress wasn't? Was it just the timing of the arrests?
Ben Rothlisberger has twice been accused of sexual assault, but did not face a suspension until the second charge in 2010. Despite charges being dropped, Goodell suspended Big Ben for six games, though that amount was later reduced to four. What was the basis for this suspension if law enforcement officials decided there wasn't enough evidence to pursue charges? If the suspension was for conduct detrimental to the league, why did Goodell wait until after the charges were dropped to issue it?
Four players who committed (or allegedly committed) serious crimes that ultimately served NFL suspensions equal to or less than those that violated the leagues substance abuse policies. I'm not saying that drug use is not a problem in our society. I understand that it is and drug use should be taken seriously. But shouldn't gun safety also be taken seriously? What about animal cruelty? What about sexual assault? What about domestic violence? Who is Roger Goodell to decide which crimes are less important than others?
But what can be done to help fix this sad state of suspension affairs in the NFL. As I started this post - DeMaurice Smith and the NFLPA need to step up. For the meantime, Smith and union reps should announce that they want to work with Goodell in the future in handling non-PED/Substance Abuse suspension cases. You know, the stuff that isn't collectively bargained. Having more than one voice should at least help make future suspensions more consistent than they currently are and the players will feel that they will be more accurately judged - which should increase the likely hood of accepting the suspensions. When the time comes, however, the NFLPA needs to step up to the negotiating table with the owners and demand reforms to suspendible offenses. They need to demand that a panel of league and union appointed arbitrators will be in charge of hearings and issuing suspensions. Five of them would be a great starting point - 2 from the league, 2 from the union, and 1 jointly appointed. Goodell has shown that he cannot handle making suspension decisions on his own. I also strongly believe that players should be suspended from all team contact and activities if they are charged or arrested until the matter has been solved in court. After that, the panel of arbitrators can issue further punishment if necessary. This should include all PED/Substance Abuse cases. Goodell should handle none of it, but should be allowed to speak to the panel regarding owner concerns.
I don't know what the NFLPA would have to give up or give in to in order for the changes to be accepted by the owners, but anything (except for a longer regular season) should be on the table. After all, since when did cheating at a game become worse than breaking the law?
Plaxico Burress was suspended for four games by the Giants (not the NFL) in 2008 after his gun went off in a NYC nightclub, resulting in him shooting himself in the thigh. The length of the suspension doesn't bother me since it was for the remainder of that season and then Burress went to jail for two years. The problem I have is that Burress was reinstated right after he got out of jail and did not face any further suspension. I know he served his time, but couldn't the NFL have stepped up and suspended him at least another two games? You know, to help advocate for gun safety?
Michael Vick was arrested in the 2007 offseason and served a little less than two years in jail for running a dog fighting ring. After being reinstated in 2009, he was suspended for three games by the NFL. Seems like an appropriate amount of games for someone who committed a felony, right? Also, why was Vick suspended after serving his jail sentence but Burress wasn't? Was it just the timing of the arrests?
Ben Rothlisberger has twice been accused of sexual assault, but did not face a suspension until the second charge in 2010. Despite charges being dropped, Goodell suspended Big Ben for six games, though that amount was later reduced to four. What was the basis for this suspension if law enforcement officials decided there wasn't enough evidence to pursue charges? If the suspension was for conduct detrimental to the league, why did Goodell wait until after the charges were dropped to issue it?
Four players who committed (or allegedly committed) serious crimes that ultimately served NFL suspensions equal to or less than those that violated the leagues substance abuse policies. I'm not saying that drug use is not a problem in our society. I understand that it is and drug use should be taken seriously. But shouldn't gun safety also be taken seriously? What about animal cruelty? What about sexual assault? What about domestic violence? Who is Roger Goodell to decide which crimes are less important than others?
But what can be done to help fix this sad state of suspension affairs in the NFL. As I started this post - DeMaurice Smith and the NFLPA need to step up. For the meantime, Smith and union reps should announce that they want to work with Goodell in the future in handling non-PED/Substance Abuse suspension cases. You know, the stuff that isn't collectively bargained. Having more than one voice should at least help make future suspensions more consistent than they currently are and the players will feel that they will be more accurately judged - which should increase the likely hood of accepting the suspensions. When the time comes, however, the NFLPA needs to step up to the negotiating table with the owners and demand reforms to suspendible offenses. They need to demand that a panel of league and union appointed arbitrators will be in charge of hearings and issuing suspensions. Five of them would be a great starting point - 2 from the league, 2 from the union, and 1 jointly appointed. Goodell has shown that he cannot handle making suspension decisions on his own. I also strongly believe that players should be suspended from all team contact and activities if they are charged or arrested until the matter has been solved in court. After that, the panel of arbitrators can issue further punishment if necessary. This should include all PED/Substance Abuse cases. Goodell should handle none of it, but should be allowed to speak to the panel regarding owner concerns.
I don't know what the NFLPA would have to give up or give in to in order for the changes to be accepted by the owners, but anything (except for a longer regular season) should be on the table. After all, since when did cheating at a game become worse than breaking the law?
Thursday, May 29, 2014
LeSean McCoy is Right
LeSean McCoy
recently ignited debate amongst football fans, and even from some players, by
saying that he’s the best running back in the NFL. I tend to agree with him
based off of his production and his versatility. However, conventional wisdom
says that Adrian Peterson is the best back in the league. One could even argue
that Peterson will one day be regarded as the best running back in league
history. Although I contend that Barry Sanders will always hold that title.
Either way, McCoy’s comments and the backlash that followed got me thinking:
Who is the best running back in the league? When considering this, I don’t only
want to look at rushing stats, as running backs need to contribute in the
passing game these days, so I’m going to look at them as well. To make this a
little more interesting, I’m going to compare the top-5 running backs (stats
wise) from the 2013 season. This includes McCoy, Peterson, Jamaal Charles, Matt
Forte, and Alfred Morris. For comparisons sake I’ll be looking at stats from
2011-2013, a good although not completely telling window. All stats for this post were found
courtesy of ESPN at www.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics.
Rush Rush Rush Rec. Rec. Rec. Total Total
Yards Avg. TD Rec. Yards Avg. TD Yards TD
McCoy:
2011: 1,309 4.8 17 48 315 6.6 3 1,624 20
2012: 840 4.2 2 54 373 6.9 3 1,213 5
2013: 1,607 5.1
9 52 539 10.4 2 2,146 11
Average: 1,252 4.7
9.3 51.3 409 7.97 2.7 1,661 12
Peterson:
2011: 970 4.7 12 18 139 7.7 1
1,109 13
2012: 2,097 6.0 12 40 217 5.4 1 2,314 13
2013: 1,266 4.5 10 29 171 5.9 1
1,437 11
Average: 1,444.3 5.1 11.3 29 175.7 6.3 1
1,620 12.3
Charles:
2011+: 83 6.9 0 5 9 1.8 1 92 1
2012: 1,509 5.3 5 35 236 6.7 1 1,745 6
2013: 1,287 5.0 12 70 693 9.9 7 1,980 19
Average: 959.7 5.7 5.7 36.7 312.7 6.1 3
1,272.3 8.7
Forte:
2011: 997 4.9 3 52
490 9.4 1 1,487
4
2012: 1,094 4.4 5 44 340 7.7 1 1,434
6
2013: 1,339 4.6 9 74 594 8.0 3 1,933 12
Average: 1,143.3 4.6 5.7 56.7 474.7 8.4 1.7
1,618 7.3
Morris*:
2012: 1,613 4.8 13 11 77 7.0
0 1,690 13
2013: 1,275 4.6 7 9 78 8.7
0 1,353 7
Average: 1,444 4.7 10 10 77.5 7.9 0 1,521.5 10
All five of
these players should, and very often do, make up the first five picks of
fantasy football drafts. The order that they go in depends on the mindset of
individual fantasy owners, with Peterson being the first pick a majority of the
time. That’s fine and all for fantasy football, but in real life I’ll take
McCoy. Peterson has more rushing yards but McCoy is more involved in the
overall game. For my money McCoy is the best running back in football today, Forte is second, and Peterson comes in third.
Please share
your thoughts about who you think the best running back in the NFL is and why.
+ Although
all of the backs on this list suffered a bad injury at some point, this is the
season that Charles blew out his knee in the second game of the season.
*Morris’ rookie year was 2012. His average is
based on two years worth of stats.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)