One of Coach Belichick's moves caught the attention of the media as well as his players. Large pictures of significant game highlights have been removed from the walls of the locker room. When asked about it, Belichick remarked that the wall needed to be painted.
He further stated that this 2010 team needs to establish its own identity. He wanted to sever any connection to the past. Many "experts" are questioning whether the team can do better than a 9-7 record this season.
Tom Brady, Matt Light and Kevin Faulke are the only players left from the three Super Bowl championship teams. Only 17 players remain from the undefeated 2007 regular season.
It's time to move on. Belichick has a strong sense of the history of the game, but this team has to move forward and forge its own identity. Winning three super Bowl has nothing to do with this year's team. It won't help them win the Eastern Division or make the playoffs.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Brady Starts
I listened to Tom Brady's interview after today's practice. He said all the right things. As a player representative, he knows first hand the difficulty with signing a player of his caliber because of the lack of a CBA.
He is a very unique player who is able to put distractions aside. He has a great passion for playing for the Pats and the NFL. He remarked about his concern that he still must get a roster spot on the team. That has never been lost on him.
The media continues to stir up a contract controversy. A local sorts talk show decided to analyze some of his specific quotes. Brady said that all he was concerned about was playing this year. They faulted him for not saying that he wanted to play the rest of his career with the Pats. They never listened to him saying how his perspective has changed over the years, especially after being hurt in 2008. Every play or practice could be your last. He said that, but nobody listened.
People who say "just pay him " have no clue of the whole picture. One of the talk show "experts" continued to rant that he would have advised Brady to not report to training camp if he was his agent. He never mentioned that Brady has a contract for 2010.
The bottom line is that Brady is scheduled to play for $7 million this year. He is underpaid by NFL standards. If they don't sign a new contract, they could franchise hm next year for about $14 million. Nobody wants it to get to that point.
However, if it does, it would keep a lot of "experts" busy with making comments that don't make any sense.
He is a very unique player who is able to put distractions aside. He has a great passion for playing for the Pats and the NFL. He remarked about his concern that he still must get a roster spot on the team. That has never been lost on him.
The media continues to stir up a contract controversy. A local sorts talk show decided to analyze some of his specific quotes. Brady said that all he was concerned about was playing this year. They faulted him for not saying that he wanted to play the rest of his career with the Pats. They never listened to him saying how his perspective has changed over the years, especially after being hurt in 2008. Every play or practice could be your last. He said that, but nobody listened.
People who say "just pay him " have no clue of the whole picture. One of the talk show "experts" continued to rant that he would have advised Brady to not report to training camp if he was his agent. He never mentioned that Brady has a contract for 2010.
The bottom line is that Brady is scheduled to play for $7 million this year. He is underpaid by NFL standards. If they don't sign a new contract, they could franchise hm next year for about $14 million. Nobody wants it to get to that point.
However, if it does, it would keep a lot of "experts" busy with making comments that don't make any sense.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Cutting Crable
I don't think it's any big surprise that LB Shawn Crable has been cut after never making it onto the field for his first two seasons. The team released him after he flunked his physical and conditioning test.
Crable was a 3rd round pick in the 2008 draft that has yielded mixed results. They struck gold in the first with LB Jerod Mayo, but have had uncertainty with CB Terrence Wheatley (2nd), Johnathan Whilhite (4th), and WR Matthew Slater (5th). QB Kevin O'Connell (3rd) and LB Bo Rudd (6th) are no longer with the team.
On the other hand, they traded a 2nd round pick that year to Miami for Wes Welker and a 4th to Oakland for Randy Moss.
I think overall they did well getting Mayo, Welker and Moss. However, the talk show "experts" have pounced on Crable's release to say that the Pats had a bad draft. I think that will continue whenever the Pats release one of their former draft picks from any year.
Crable was a 3rd round pick in the 2008 draft that has yielded mixed results. They struck gold in the first with LB Jerod Mayo, but have had uncertainty with CB Terrence Wheatley (2nd), Johnathan Whilhite (4th), and WR Matthew Slater (5th). QB Kevin O'Connell (3rd) and LB Bo Rudd (6th) are no longer with the team.
On the other hand, they traded a 2nd round pick that year to Miami for Wes Welker and a 4th to Oakland for Randy Moss.
I think overall they did well getting Mayo, Welker and Moss. However, the talk show "experts" have pounced on Crable's release to say that the Pats had a bad draft. I think that will continue whenever the Pats release one of their former draft picks from any year.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
T.O is Back
Terrell Owens signed a one year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals for $2 million and another similar amount in performance bonuses. He will be teaming up with Chad Ocho Cinco. This tandem might make the all-time career "hot dog" team. Both players are notorious self-promoters on the field with their bizarre antics and comments.
I'm a big fan of both players and look forward to seeing them on the weekly highlights. While they are criticized for some of their antics, they have never been involved in any trouble off the field. With Owens being 36 years old, he may have mellowed to the point where he does not need to be the focus of the offense.
I hope they try to outdo each other with their touchdown celebrations. The NFL will be keeping them on a short leash because the league wants to keep its image as the "No Fun League". I don't believe in taunting, but the NFL has stifled any type of player celebrations. They need to loosen up a bit. This tandem might be the one to do it in 2010.
I'm a big fan of both players and look forward to seeing them on the weekly highlights. While they are criticized for some of their antics, they have never been involved in any trouble off the field. With Owens being 36 years old, he may have mellowed to the point where he does not need to be the focus of the offense.
I hope they try to outdo each other with their touchdown celebrations. The NFL will be keeping them on a short leash because the league wants to keep its image as the "No Fun League". I don't believe in taunting, but the NFL has stifled any type of player celebrations. They need to loosen up a bit. This tandem might be the one to do it in 2010.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Moves By Welker
WR Wes Welker has defied the odds and appears to be on his way back from major knee reconstructive surgery. The team placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list. This move will cause some "experts" to over analyze and will stir up callers on sports talk radio.
This move is a no-brainier by the team. It allows the Pats to gauge the rate of Welker's progression through training camp. It also allows the team an exemption on the roster. He will not count against the 80 player limit. The team can remove him from the P.U.P list during the first 10 weeks of the season.
There is no reason to push him at this point. It remains to be seen whether he starts the season on the active roster. At the same time, the team gets to look at some of the younger receivers in camp. He will play this season at a time to be determined.
This move is a no-brainier by the team. It allows the Pats to gauge the rate of Welker's progression through training camp. It also allows the team an exemption on the roster. He will not count against the 80 player limit. The team can remove him from the P.U.P list during the first 10 weeks of the season.
There is no reason to push him at this point. It remains to be seen whether he starts the season on the active roster. At the same time, the team gets to look at some of the younger receivers in camp. He will play this season at a time to be determined.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Canton Group
A football coach's career is a reflection of the relationships he has with his staff and players. The recent passing of the legendary coach Don Coryall is a great example.
Before joining the San Diego Chargers, Coryall was head coach at San Diego State College. There he coached future Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs who would later join his staff. Another member of the coaching staff was future Hall of Famer John Madden.
QB Dan Fouts played on Coryall's teams at San Diego State and later joined him with the Chargers where they fine-tuned the "Air Coryall" offense. Fouts would begin his journey to Canton by teaming with TE Kellon Winslow and WR Charlie Joiner, another two Hall of Famers.
Coryall, who is the only coach to win 100 games at both the college and professional level, is not in the Hall of Fame, although two members of his coaching staff and three of his former players made the cut. Something is missing here.
Before joining the San Diego Chargers, Coryall was head coach at San Diego State College. There he coached future Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs who would later join his staff. Another member of the coaching staff was future Hall of Famer John Madden.
QB Dan Fouts played on Coryall's teams at San Diego State and later joined him with the Chargers where they fine-tuned the "Air Coryall" offense. Fouts would begin his journey to Canton by teaming with TE Kellon Winslow and WR Charlie Joiner, another two Hall of Famers.
Coryall, who is the only coach to win 100 games at both the college and professional level, is not in the Hall of Fame, although two members of his coaching staff and three of his former players made the cut. Something is missing here.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Callers Are Restless
This was not a good day to listen to Boston sports talk radio. There was some football talk which I was so glad to hear. However, some callers started to say some real foolish things about the status of Tom Brady's contract.
These people really need to understand the scope of the uncapped 2010 season and the uncertainty of 2011 without a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Only two drafts picks in the first two rounds have been signed by their teams.
Without doubt, Brady is one of the lower paid quarterbacks. Callers felt that he should take a hometown discount because his wife made $35 million last year. What does that have to do with anything?
Obviously, Brady's life has evolved since his rookie year. He is married with two kids. I don't think the income of a player's spouse should be a factor in contact negotiation.
These people really need to understand the scope of the uncapped 2010 season and the uncertainty of 2011 without a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Only two drafts picks in the first two rounds have been signed by their teams.
Without doubt, Brady is one of the lower paid quarterbacks. Callers felt that he should take a hometown discount because his wife made $35 million last year. What does that have to do with anything?
Obviously, Brady's life has evolved since his rookie year. He is married with two kids. I don't think the income of a player's spouse should be a factor in contact negotiation.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Favre Window Shrinking
Vikings head coach Brad Childress made a personal trip to Brett Favre's home in Mississippi to discuss the upcoming season and the direction of the offense for the 2010 season. It looks like Favre will do like he did last season and report to training camps two weeks into it. He continues to recover from ankle surgery, the third in his career. He reports that he is not 100%, but admits that by turning 41 in October, it's not likely that he will ever be 100%.
Favre had one of his best seasons last year, leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. There is no purpose in Favre reporting early to camp. He has been throwing to high school players for the last several weeks. He will be ready to roll whenever he shows up.
Favre had one of his best seasons last year, leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. There is no purpose in Favre reporting early to camp. He has been throwing to high school players for the last several weeks. He will be ready to roll whenever he shows up.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday Morning Nonsense
It must be a real slow Sunday morning for sports talk radio in Boston. Callers have been discussing the commitment of Tom Brady to the Pats in light of the amount of time he spent on the west coast this off-season. They think he has changed as a player. Some are saying that Brady should be traded and the future of the Pats is with Brian Hoyer.
One caller even suggested that Brady might not report to training camp as a ploy to get his contract negotiations jump started. This person appears to forget that Brady is under contract through this season.
As a rule, I enjoy listening to talk radio until the comments by callers stop making any sense. Today is that day.
One caller even suggested that Brady might not report to training camp as a ploy to get his contract negotiations jump started. This person appears to forget that Brady is under contract through this season.
As a rule, I enjoy listening to talk radio until the comments by callers stop making any sense. Today is that day.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
No Work For T.O.
As training camp approaches, Terrell Owens remains unsigned. In a recent interview, he claimed that owners are avoiding him because he has been labeled a "troublemaker". Owens pointed out that he has never been involved in any off-field problems, unlike some of the other players in the league. He is correct. He has a reputation of being a selfish player who is more concerned about getting the ball into his hands than winning.
He was like that throughout most of his career. Last year, he kept a low profile in Buffalo, the only team that expressed any interest in signing him. He finished the season with 55 catches for 829 yards and 5 TD's. He was not offered a new contract.
At 36 years old, he also faces the uncertainty of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a reputation for not willing to take a pay cut. He made $6 million last year.
He feels his best chance is to hook up with a team that is a playoff contender looking for help in the receiving area. He wants to get into camp early in order to work on his timing and build some team chemistry.
The reality is that 36 year old receivers are not in big demand at $6 million. He said he wants to play two or three more seasons, but that might not be his call.
He was like that throughout most of his career. Last year, he kept a low profile in Buffalo, the only team that expressed any interest in signing him. He finished the season with 55 catches for 829 yards and 5 TD's. He was not offered a new contract.
At 36 years old, he also faces the uncertainty of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a reputation for not willing to take a pay cut. He made $6 million last year.
He feels his best chance is to hook up with a team that is a playoff contender looking for help in the receiving area. He wants to get into camp early in order to work on his timing and build some team chemistry.
The reality is that 36 year old receivers are not in big demand at $6 million. He said he wants to play two or three more seasons, but that might not be his call.
Friday, July 9, 2010
End Near For Vick?
It sounded like the Philadelphia Eagles would be expanding the role of QB Michael Vick this season with the departure of Donovan McNabb. Now, it looks like the team might cut Vick once they get an opportunity. The Eagles are being drawn into Vick's latest controversy. They won't release him until they have a chance to do so under the right circumstances. They don't want a r grievance filed by the Players Association.
Vick has been questioned about a shooting at his 30th birthday party at a club in Virginia Beach, VA. The circumstances are very murky, with witnesses and the victim not cooperating with police. The victim, Quanis Phillips, was shot 3-5 minutes after Vick left the party after being in some type of verbal altercation with a "guest". Phillips was a co-defendant in the federal dog-fighting case which landed Vick in prison. Vick is prohibited from associating with Phillips as one of his parole guidelines. Phillips was said to be an uninvited guest.
Vick has been questioned by investigators. He has not been identified as the shooter and police said he was very cooperative. The fact remains that Phillips was at the party, Vick got into an altercation and the shooting resulted. Naturally, people didn't see anything.
As talented as Vick is, this might be the last straw for the Eagles. They took a lot of criticism for signing Vick, but this is one distraction that the team doesn't need as it prepares for training camp.
Vick has been questioned about a shooting at his 30th birthday party at a club in Virginia Beach, VA. The circumstances are very murky, with witnesses and the victim not cooperating with police. The victim, Quanis Phillips, was shot 3-5 minutes after Vick left the party after being in some type of verbal altercation with a "guest". Phillips was a co-defendant in the federal dog-fighting case which landed Vick in prison. Vick is prohibited from associating with Phillips as one of his parole guidelines. Phillips was said to be an uninvited guest.
Vick has been questioned by investigators. He has not been identified as the shooter and police said he was very cooperative. The fact remains that Phillips was at the party, Vick got into an altercation and the shooting resulted. Naturally, people didn't see anything.
As talented as Vick is, this might be the last straw for the Eagles. They took a lot of criticism for signing Vick, but this is one distraction that the team doesn't need as it prepares for training camp.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Favre Passing Time
As the start of NFL training camp approaches, Brett Favre is keeping his decision close to his vest regarding whether he will return for a 20th season.
It looks like he is leaning on a return based on his actions back home. He has been throwing passes to receivers at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Misissippi. According to the team's head coach, Nevill Barr, Favre has been stopping by the school since late spring and usually throws to the receivers for about an hour.
Favre is coming off one of his best seasons ever, throwing for 33 TD's and only 7 interceptions. His final play of the season was a poorly timed interception in the Vikings 31-28 loss to New Orleans in the NFC Championship game.
It looks like he is leaning on a return based on his actions back home. He has been throwing passes to receivers at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Misissippi. According to the team's head coach, Nevill Barr, Favre has been stopping by the school since late spring and usually throws to the receivers for about an hour.
Favre is coming off one of his best seasons ever, throwing for 33 TD's and only 7 interceptions. His final play of the season was a poorly timed interception in the Vikings 31-28 loss to New Orleans in the NFC Championship game.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Logo Debate
The official website for the Pats is conducting an on-line poll to determine which logo the fans prefer. They can vote on "Pat Patriot", the "Flying Elvis" or can chose both. That seems like the easy way out.
I like both logos for the uniqueness. It was inevitable that "Pat Patriot" would be replaced when the Kraft family bought the team. The "Flying Elvis" design is more in step with the "swoosh" logo that is the standard for NFL teams.
By changing logos, teams can create a demand for new team merchandise. The "throwback" jerseys have sold well. It's a huge business for the league.
The results of the poll are interesting: 36% prefer "Pat Patriot", 32% prefer the "Flying Elvis" and 32% will take either. I must admit that I was in the his last group. I like both logos. The team probably should not have given fans the opportunity to vote for both. Maybe they are afraid that the fans prefer the original "Pat Patriot".
I like both logos for the uniqueness. It was inevitable that "Pat Patriot" would be replaced when the Kraft family bought the team. The "Flying Elvis" design is more in step with the "swoosh" logo that is the standard for NFL teams.
By changing logos, teams can create a demand for new team merchandise. The "throwback" jerseys have sold well. It's a huge business for the league.
The results of the poll are interesting: 36% prefer "Pat Patriot", 32% prefer the "Flying Elvis" and 32% will take either. I must admit that I was in the his last group. I like both logos. The team probably should not have given fans the opportunity to vote for both. Maybe they are afraid that the fans prefer the original "Pat Patriot".
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