Surprise moves by teams

Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll set the bar this year by Franchising Olindo Mare. What to build confidence in the city Pete. I wouldn't have a problem with this if they were going to sign Nate Burleson to a deal. They are ready to let him test the market and this seems a bit crazy to let your best WR walk and sign a seventy year old punter. Let's see if that bites pretty boy on the ass. Get ready for more grey hair Pete, you deserve it.

NY Jets: All signs point to Thomas Jones taking a walk unless he takes much less money. When there could be a lockout next year, that seems impossible. Think Jones can survive a season with no football at his age? Nope. His career would be over and he needs to capitalize now. With all the moves at RB his options are open.

Chargers: LT got an expected boot but now the Chargers aren't giving Sproles the 7.2 Million tender he needs to stay. Guess the Bolts are good with Jacob Hester and drafting a back. I am scratching my head at why a playoff caliber team would fuck with it's offense, the best part of their team. Who are they going to get?? everyone out there is just like LT or not a long term solution. Without a major trade for a back who is young, this kills them.

Bucs: It's a youth movement damnit, no we're not cheap sorry ass owners! The Bucs are letting go of their top WR Antonio Bryant at a time when they need a veteran who can help a 2nd year QB. They better be itching to pull the Boldin or Marshall trigger because if last year was a "rebuilding" year then this year will be....Uh....just plain sorry.

The 30 Curse

The curse of turning 30 for an NFL running back has struck again. Monday it was L.T. and yesterday was Brian Westbrook. Two of the NFL best this past decade. So here we explore where these two may land and who may be next to get the hook because of their age.

Tomlinson: He has stated he wants to play for a veteran QB on a team who is in contention for a Super Bowl. He may have a few options, but he is not an every down back anymore, and his options are cold weather smash mouth teams. Neither of which bodes well for him. First up, Green Bay...Grant started to look like the player who earned a new contract towards the end of the season, but behind him is nothing. LT could be a good sub in for Grant through the year. Problem is how effective will he be in the Frozen Tundra?
NY Giants...Jacobs is bound to slip on a banana and Bradshaw showed he is not an every down back the Giants need. LT could add depth amongst a time share situation which could help Jacobs get through a whole season.
Indianapolis...Although Brown is the future, Addai has not shown much. Depending on what Addai's contract looks like LT has a very outside chance but not realistic.
New Orleans...With Mike Bell becoming a FA, who will steal those goal line carries? Reggie is not the answer and for some reason Sean Peyton didn't use Thomas more in those situations. After the big win, Peyton may reconsider just giving the rock to Thomas more in the goal line, but this is really only a sleeper option for LT.

Realistically, LT will have opportunity knock in places like Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, and maybe Cleveland. If he wants to play, it won't be with a veteran QB and won't be with a contender.

Brian Westbrook: I called his demise last year on this blog and it unfortunately came to fruition. He is the perfect example of what a crazy workload does to a RB. While he was as impressive as they come, it was only a matter of time. With the NFL suddenly freaking out over concussions, I don't see Westbrook having an option that he would want to jump at over retirement. In the end, I think he calls it quits and prepares for Canton.

Other players on the verge of the curse or just plain old getting washed up:

Clinton Portis: He was another back teams rode hard and it is showing. Maybe his his work ethic has something to do with it, but without a stellar performance this year, Shanny will send him packing if he doesn't before the season starts.

Willie Parker: Definitely not what he was, and it shows when Pittsburgh throws the ball 30 times a game. His slow deterioration has shown in the play calling by Tomlin.

Thomas Jones: Yes, this one is crazy due to his production the past two years. However, he has been pounding the rock for the Jets and he has looked good because of a low work load throughout his career until winding up in NY. Regardless, the body does not heal as quick at his age and all it is going to take is one injury and he will be done. He may have another year or two if he is kept healthy but the Football Reaper is waiting.

Marion Barber: Dallas has moved on without officially moving on. The goal this year was to get him back to that "closer" role. However, Choice and Jones looked far more impressive. Yes, he is only 26, but you saw what injury did to him after the first five games of the season. He will be the goal line back, but does Dallas really need him? He still has value in fantasy for his scoring potential, but is becoming nothing more that a situational player.

Others to keep tabs on: Willis Mcgahee, Edgerrin James, and Justin Fargas.

Finally, a football player kids can look up to

Found this article via PFT...This kid is wants to be a neurosurgeon, is a stem cell researcher, saxophonist, singer, developed an obesity program adopted by the department of the interior, a Rhodes scholar, and is a Safety from FSU entering the draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=100218/myronrolle

Brandon Marshall and Tiki Barber

Quick talk on two players opening their mouths over the weekend.....

Tiki Barber opened his mouth yet again but this time threw his own brother under the bus. Since Tiki left the Giants high and dry three years ago, he says the only reason his brother has kept playing longer than him is due to Ronde's "lack of work" on every down. He thinks he worked every down and that Ronde being a CB doesn't have too. Last I checked, his brother was an integral part of the Bucs defense. Blitzing, zone, and man coverage. He is also an every down CB in all packages. Tiki has done nothing but criticize since becoming a broadcaster and he has shown his insecurity after making this comment. No wonder most the Giants team has issue with him in his final few years. Really, how many running backs do you hear call out the corner position as to why they are no longer playing? Classy.

Brandon Marshall says the reason he wants out of Denver is because the death of Darrent Williams still haunts him. I guess since the selfishness, acting hurt, and calling out the coaches route didn't work he has decided to go psychological. Here's a thought, MAYBE the city didn't kill Darrent Williams. MAYBE the football team had nothing to do with it. MAYBE it is just an easy scapegoat for you to use, no matter how to true it is. Does he think crime doesn't exist in any other city? Think there are not senseless acts of crime anywhere else? Is moving going to erase your memory and your inner demons? Allegedly, Marshall had an altercation with the man who killed Williams earlier that evening. Maybe, taking stock of your own actions and learning from your mistakes can lead to a better quality of life. After looking at all the possible reasons a person would want to leave a team, this while understandable is a new one. I have never heard Portis or other players whom live in Miami move out of state after the Sean Taylor murder. The guy may just need help and it is understandable that he could relate the town to a tragic event. However, using this now as a new reason seems a little odd and makes it hard for empathy when he's tried other outs and acts the way he does at times.

Fantasy Player impact as of 2-18-10

Ladanian Tomlinson: He has been a bust for fantasy owners the last three years and is on the way out. Thing is, depending where he lands he could possibly become relevant again. I'm thinking Willis Mcgahee in Baltimore, Jamal Lewis three years ago, or Thomas Jones to the Jets. He will need to find a place where he is the number 2 back and maybe a goal line threat, but it is a possibility. Or maybe he is plain done.

Terrell Owens: Rumours are Chad Johnson is willing to take a pay cut for him and Matt Jones will be converted to a TE. TO going to Cinci would be a perfect fit and he could easily become a top ten WR again if this happens. Housh jacked all the TD's from Chad when he was there and I could see this being a repeat of the situation.

Jamaal Lewis: All signs point to him retiring and at best he is a goal line back for somebody. However, I don't see who takes a risk on him.

Jerome Harrison: With Jamaal leaving, then is Harrison the real deal? He showed he can be the guy, but durability wise he has already had issues. If Cleveland picks up another decent RB then I think Harrison is in a time share and really in this offense is he worth anything but a reserve at the moment?

Derik Mason: He wants 2 year contract or he is retiring...again. Baltimore will give him the two years because they need him desperately. With Stallworth maybe posing a threat in the slot, this could open things up even more for Mason. Now, if Boldin or Marshall is brought in then I think that seriously hurts him. Flacco would have way too many options and part of Mason's appeal is that he is the lone weapon at WR.

Matt Jones: As mentioned, Cinci may want to convert him to TE which makes sense since they are desperate for one and would save using a draft pick on one. If he keeps the powder away, then this could be a great idea. He most likely will not be asked to block, so when in there he could pose a serious match up problem with slower LB's. If he comes out of Training Camp with the position secured, I think he could be a dangerous sleeper.

What the NFL CBA/LOCKOUT is REALLY about!

Many of us believe the current CBA negotiations are about contracts and owners wanting more money. But, there is a much more interesting and bigger picture to the reasons behind all of this. The NFL has done well keeping it from our eyes but after doing some fact finding here is what it boils down to. The NFL wants to be a Corporation essentially. The laws passed by every President since Ron Reagan have tilted the balances in the favor of corporate law and the NFL wants in.

In 2001 the hat company "American Needle" sued the NFL on antitrust grounds for granting exclusive licensing rights to Reebok instead of spreading the licenses around as it had previously done. This, American Needle said violated Section 1 of antitrust law since the 32 teams would have "colluded" to make a decision giving one company a monopoly instead of promoting competition. A Federal district court in Chicago said it wasn't collusion but rather was a decision made by a "single entity" called the NFL so it wasn't collusion of multiple companies to create monopoly contract with Reebok. So, American Needle petitioned the case, moving it to the Supreme Court and here is where the NFL found a great opening.

The NFL then got in line and SUPPORTED American Needle's case and said yeah, we are a single entity like the District court said. Why???? Because then the NFL would not be 32 teams competing with each other but rather a single entity whom would be competing with other forms of entertainment. In essence, a corporation! Then it could technically make decisions on whom it gave a contract to for licensing and not be accused of collusion. Even more, it would make the NFL almost immune on antitrust cases the Players Union have used in creating Free Agency and Benefits.

In easy terms, the whole means of bargaining would be shifted to the NFL's favor since teams would be able to "collude" on issues such as the salary cap and allow them to become a solid front against the players. If all the teams agree on a set "policy" then a free agent and the Union will have nowhere to go and no real strength to sue them on the basis of antitrust.

So what do you think the Supreme Court will do? Hmmm, given their continuous rulings in support of corporations and the amount of money the NFL has, I think this will happen easily. Congress will have a right to repute the decision and ultimately overturn it, but given their handling of MLB's steroids issue, this would be laughable. Add another unchecked powerhouse company to the growing list in our land of "equality". This is why there will be no CBA this year until the ruling comes down and why there is a threat of a lockout.

What is more bothersome is that this will affect all other sports leagues. This is why all Players Unions and all Leagues are closely following this. How will this all affect us the fan? What will happen to ticket prices if every show in town is decided to be the same price so that we don't have the voice to demand lower prices or we will go somewhere else? Imagine all the Leagues defining a base ticket price. How about the NFL exclusively on NFL network causing you to have to buy the option if you want to watch games? Online content? Blackouts? Will teams agree to get rid of revenue sharing and create a situation like Baseball where teams in the bottom will always be there? How fun will supporting the home team be? Just at the apex of the NFL's popularity, they seem destined on ruining it for the little guy...us.

Somebody tell the Bengals "Hard Knocks" is over

In continuing their new legacy as "America's Rehab Team", the Bengals have signed Matt Jones to a contract at WR. This is actually a great pick up for them since they lacked a strong possession guy and Laverneus Coles seriously underachieved last year. If Matt can literally keep his nose clean, then this could be one hell of a deal. My bigger issue with the Bengals is that they actually worked out or spoke with Pac Man Jones. The Bengals are a paradox to me. On one hand you have Carson Palmer, your leader whom is this clean cut West Coast USC Johnny be Good product and then all around him are guys whom have serious off the field issues. Even after what happened to oft troubled WR Chris Henry (Whom was turning things around), you would think the Bengals would think twice about problem children.

But, it's not their fault, Pope Roger Goodell seems to be the decider on whom is morally beyond reproach and who isn't. Or rather, he is the decider on when they have been absolved. Most recently, the league approved the Tebow ad which is a first for a Special Interest Group within a moral context. Mike Vick, you have to wait before I re-instate you because your abuse of dogs deserves at minimum 30 days of hail Mary's post jail, and you need to prove to me you have changed. Donte Stallworth, you killed someone by driving drunk, but we will re-instate you pretty quickly once released because you showed me repentance. Pac-Man, I am tired of you making it rain and your crew shooting up people. You deserve one year of banishment, but I will forgive you my child. All you other drunks, druggies, and dealers.....You are pre-forgiven.

I don't know of any other business outside of sports which would so readily allow this kind of action pass and hire that employee back when they came out of the pen. Errr...my bad Martha Stewart. I don't know of any business outside of sports and television which would take......Errr, Rush Limbaugh back in politics....Okay, outside of Sports, Politics, and Televison, I don't know....Wait, convicted child molesting priests have kept their job too. I Quit, it's just me, sorry. Lets put it this way.....if this was you, you would be fucked. But as long as we are entertained then who cares right?

Mike Martz is the fine line between nuts and genius

I know coming to a new team you want to say all the right things to endear yourself to the guys, but Martz must really think he is the evil genius. First he comes out to state that Greg Olsen needs to learn how to block first before he can be a receiver. Sounds great, lets take away one of the Bear's best weapons before you run a play with him on the field. Ego 1- Rationale 0. Then yesterday he states Jay Cutler has Kurt Warner's accuracy with a stronger arm. I found this to be pretty foolish without looking at the numbers, but after looking at them I know he is more nut bag than genius.

Jay Cutler '09: 60.5% completion 6.61 YPA 76.8 Rating
'08: 62.3% completion 7.3 YPA 88.1 Rating
'07: 63.6% completion 7.5 YPA 88.1 Rating

Kurt Warner '09: 66.1% completion 7.32 YPA 93.2 Rating
'08: 67.1% completion 7.7 YPA 96.9 Rating
'07: 62.3% completion 7.6 YPA 89.9 Rating

If you go the Greatest Show on Turf Route then it gets really bad.
For 99-01 he averages about 66% completion, 8.5 YPA and his worst year was a 98 Rating.

None of this means anything if Martz makes things right in Chicago and he is a definite upgrade compared to what they had, but he seems to be setting the bar pretty high for a QB whom I believe can be great if not burdened with a ton of comparisons to future Hall of Fame QB's. I would like to see Chicago do well, but so far Martz is giving his critics ammo if he doesn't produce with a QB he regards so highly and by downplaying both Hester's and Olsen's roles.

Free Agency 2010 Uncapped Year

There are many questions for the coming year and how it will affect Free Agency. Basically, here is a dumbed down easy version without getting into the details and possible scenarios which are bountiful. Also the following are considered UFA and RFA this coming year if a CBA is not put into place. Mostly sticking to the big names.

First, no cap means no spending limits or minimums for teams. You spend what you want on who you want.

Secondly, Teams will be allowed to slap the "Franchise/Transition" tag on TWO players this year, not just one.

Third, the divisional Playoff Teams would not be allowed to sign a UFA unless they lost one.

Given these points, don't think teams are going to drop the dough. The whole reason there is an potential lockout is due to the fact owners want more than just 40 cents on the revenue dollar. Think if they don't have to spend they are going to? Also, nobody is sure what the league will do once a CBA is reached and places cap limits on teams again. So if you sign a player to a long term contract this year you really won't know how if affects your cap down the road. This will create major unbalanced bids. Teams doing well will buy the best and teams not doing well financially will need the draft to help. Even then, college players will potentially hold out knowing this is their last chance to get the big payday without first earning it. The good thing which owners want is to make draft picks be dependent on performance for their money instead of being a big payday based on speculation and not performance.

Here is the list:

UFA QB: Chad Pennington, Kyle Boller, David Carr, Daunte Culpepper, Jon Kitna, Joey Harrington

RFA QB: Kyle Orton, Jason Campbell, Matt Moore, Tavaris Jackson, Kellen Clemens, Brodie Croyle, Charlie Frye, Troy Smith.

UFA RB: Leon Washington, Chester Taylor, Willie Parker, Kevin Faulk, Adrian Peterson (no, the other one) Justin Griffith, Tony Richardson

RFA RB: Ronnie Brown (Brown has a 5 mil. option in his contract if 2010 is uncapped. Ball will be in Miami's court to not only sign him a franchise tender, but also another 5mil.) Doubt they will go that high on him.) Pierre Thomas, Jerome Harrison, Darren Sproles, L'Ron Mclain, Cadillac Williams, Mike Bell, Lendale White, Jerious Norwood.

UFA WR: T.O., Antonio Bryant, Derrik Mason, Kevin Walter, Isaac Bruce, Chris Chambers, David Clowney, Bobby Wade, Kelley Washington

RFA WR: Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Miles Austin, Braylon Edwards, Malcom Floyd, Steve Breaston, Lance Moore, Jason Avant

UFA TE: Ben Watson, Alge Crumpler, Randy Mcmichael, Derek Schouman, Leonard Pope,
LJ Smith, Matt Spaeth, David Martin

RFA TE: Owen Daniels, Tony Scheffler, Bo Scaife, Anthony Fasano, Jeff King,

UFA DL/ DT: Julius Peppers, Aaron Kampman, Leonard Little, Adewale Ogunleye, Reggie Hayward, Derrik Burgess, Kyle VanDen Bosch, Jarvis Green, Anthony Montgomery, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour, Casey Hampton, Jason Taylor

RFA DL: Marcus Spears, Ray Edwards, Elvis Dumervil, Darryl Tapp,

UFA LB: Karlos Dansby, Bertrand Barry, Gary Brackett, Keith Bulluck, Angelo Crowell, Larry Foote, Cato June, Scott Fujita, Zack Thomas, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Mike Vrabel

RFA LB: Shawne Merriman, Demeco Ryans, Kirk Morrison, Barrett Ruud, Thomas Davis, D'Qwell Jackson, Ahmad Brooks, Keith Ellison, Chris Gocong, Derrik Johnson

UFA DB/S: Leigh Bodden, Dunta Robinson, Dre Bly, Nick Harper, Rodderick Hood, Walt Harris, Ken Lucas, Deshea Townsend, Anthony Henry, Ralph Brown, Darren Sharper, Will Allen, Ryan Clark, Sean Jones, Roy Williams

RFA DB/S: Carlos Rogers, Will Blackmon, Ellis Hobbs, Marlin Jackson, Karl Pymah, Fabian Washington, Anthony Bethea, Roman Harper, Atari Bigby, Daneal Manning

There are only three OL big names in Mawae, Chad Clifton and Bobbie Williams whom are UFA.

Season End quick notes

Super Bowl: Pretty good one overall until the last part of fourth Quarter. Pretty anti climatic yet still a great game. Best Commercial: ETrade and the Megan Fox commercial. Overall a shitty year for advertising. Tebow ad was a hot topic but I admit done tasteful even if it had no place to be aired during the Super Bowl. Great shot of Brees tearing up while holding his child after the win. No matter who you were rooting for it was gonna be a great ending to the season.
By the way, Hyundai is going to be the new GM.
I am officially starting a new award for the Super Bowl: "The Rocky Mountain Oyster Award" this goes to head coach Sean Peyton whom completely changed the game on his call of an onside kick to start the second half. It takes some BIG ones to make that call which could make or break your team in the biggest game of your life.

Miami did as good a job as I can remember at hosting the Bowl. Halftime show spared no expense and other than the U2 performance some years ago after 9-11 I can't remember a better produced show. Miami Dolphins will be the franchise everyone wants to play for within three years. The Tuna and the celebrities who are part of the organization will be a huge draw for players in the coming years.

Way to go Warren Sapp! I know he is innocent till proven otherwise, but dude...let it go. You are no longer a player and should be hanging around other professionals instead of living la vida loca on South Beach. I wonder how he and guys like Jamie Dukes (whom can't spell properly based on his Twitter posts) work in this industry. What ever happened to needing talent and not a name in working for media?

Tebow AD

So, it wasn't as bad as expected, but what it means is still not acceptable. My main thought was we should not expose our children to adult topics during a family "event". However, I still do not agree due to the fact that it opens pandora's box of moral ad's to possibly come during an event not meant to be one of conscience.

Why the Tebow Ad is a disgrace!

What is wrong with us? I, being a Florida Gator fan and follower of Tebow, have loved the guy since day one. But now, he has ruined my man crush. Dude wants to promote how he helps the impovershed in the Pacific Rim, cool. Dude wants to say he hasn't laid pipe, cool. Dude wants to talk about his belief system in an interview, cool. But for a player who has yet to be drafted, yet to run a play in the NFL, and yet to be questioned by another point of view to have a commercial in the Super Bowl is a joke. Is this what we have come to? The Supreme Court decides that Corporations can spend unlimited amounts backing candidates, and now major corporations are going to push what they see as moral down our throats? Way to go seperation of church and state! Especially on this day, a day that people tune in to escape the every day issues and watch a game they love. You say it sends the right message to our youth? I say why does your young child who may be watching the game and isn't of age for sexual activity have to become aware of an adult issue during a game which is meant to be for all ages? I can see all the dad's out there, watching the game with family and friends, when the commercial comes on....after, just as the game returns and Peyton is driving for the go ahead score to win the game, little Bobby tugs on daddy's shirt. "Dad, so Tim's mommy wasn't gonna have him"? "Did you and Mommy want me"? Peyton completes to Wayne at the ten...."No son, we planned on having you"? Hand off to Addai..."So what happens if someone doesn't want their kid"? Hmmm, watch the game and ignore having a talk with your impressionable child, or do you do the right thing, have the talk and ignore the game? Who knew Football, Religion, and Morals went hand in hand? Way to go NFL for allowing this, and way to go CBS for being a leader in shoving an arguement (against our Constitutional rights I may add) down our throat on the last day it should be so. Pretty soon, Super Bowl Sunday will surpass Thanksgiving as the day families bicker most. Thanks for not letting us make our own decisions on how we educate our children and when we educate them. Think about it, should Trojan be allowed to buy ad time on Nickelodeon promoting safe sex during Dora the Expolorer?