After reading a story on the celebrity gossip page of the New York Post, it's easy to see why so many professional athletes are in bad shape financially as they get older.
The story mentioned that Jet's QB Mark Sanchez and WR Braylon Edwards spent $2,500 at a Manhattan nightclub after the team's loss in the AFC Championship game against the Steelers.
Sanchez and Edwards spent the amount in a period of two hours after arriving at the club at 2:30am. The bar tab included $1,100 for a bottle of champagne, as well as numerous shots of tequila.
They had chauffeured driven Cadillac Escalades waiting for them after the place closed. I guess yellow cabs or black car service were inappropriate for their image. I'm sure their rides were not cheap, but they have a lot of money to burn.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Terry & Ben Show Act I
Whenever you hear comments from a current or former athlete you need to take them on face value. In today's New York Post, Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw was quoted as saying that he does not know or talk with Steeler's QB Ben Rothlisberger.
This seems quite odd given Bradshaw's role in Pittsburgh's Super Bowl history. Perhaps, the comments Bradshaw made four months before Big Ben's infamous motorcycle crash did not enhance their relationship.
Bradshaw openly stated that Ben should not be riding a motorcycle until he retired. He then stated that if he drove his bike into a tree after retiring, nobody would really care.
I guess those type of comments don't help a relationship. Bradshaw said he will be conducting a sitdown interview with Ben this week. It should be an interesting discussion.
This seems quite odd given Bradshaw's role in Pittsburgh's Super Bowl history. Perhaps, the comments Bradshaw made four months before Big Ben's infamous motorcycle crash did not enhance their relationship.
Bradshaw openly stated that Ben should not be riding a motorcycle until he retired. He then stated that if he drove his bike into a tree after retiring, nobody would really care.
I guess those type of comments don't help a relationship. Bradshaw said he will be conducting a sitdown interview with Ben this week. It should be an interesting discussion.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Boosters Are Not Rocket Science
College football boosters are a necessary evil of every program. They keeps many teams alive with their financial aid. They help buy equipment and pay travel for scouting and recruitment.
The NCAA has a long history of identifying problems with boosters and bad practices. The University of Connecticut has a different problem.
One of their top boosters donated $3million for a football complex. In return, the school named it after him.
Everything was going well until UConn named a new coach. The booster said that he should have been consulted before the final selection was made.
He said he felt direspected and demanded the return of his donation. He is threatening the school with legal action if they don't comply.
This is a great example of where boosters go over the line.They feel some type of entitlement. I thought naming a building after an individual is quite an honor. Why would this guy even think that his donation bought him that much influence in the athletic department?
Schools must keep their big donors happy. They need each other, but the schools need the money more.
I don't agree with his actions.
The NCAA has a long history of identifying problems with boosters and bad practices. The University of Connecticut has a different problem.
One of their top boosters donated $3million for a football complex. In return, the school named it after him.
Everything was going well until UConn named a new coach. The booster said that he should have been consulted before the final selection was made.
He said he felt direspected and demanded the return of his donation. He is threatening the school with legal action if they don't comply.
This is a great example of where boosters go over the line.They feel some type of entitlement. I thought naming a building after an individual is quite an honor. Why would this guy even think that his donation bought him that much influence in the athletic department?
Schools must keep their big donors happy. They need each other, but the schools need the money more.
I don't agree with his actions.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Parting Ways With Jeff
Nothing is certain in the NFL. That seemed especially true today with the ending of Jeff Fisher's tenure as coach of the Tennessee Titans. He had lead the team since being named interim coach during the 1994 season.
He had one year left on his contract which will pay him $8 million. He had a long and protracted argument during the season with owner Bud Adams over the retention of Vince Young as the team's quarterback. Fisher said that he would not be back if Young stayed with the team. Adams relented and said the team would release Young.
Something happened in the last couple of weeks to change Adam's mind. All parities are saying the decision was mutual. It's probably not the best idea to battle their differences in the media.
On the other hand, how angry can you get when you will be paid $8 million and have other coaching and media options available now?
The move now leaves Coach Belichick as the longest tenured coach with one team.
He had one year left on his contract which will pay him $8 million. He had a long and protracted argument during the season with owner Bud Adams over the retention of Vince Young as the team's quarterback. Fisher said that he would not be back if Young stayed with the team. Adams relented and said the team would release Young.
Something happened in the last couple of weeks to change Adam's mind. All parities are saying the decision was mutual. It's probably not the best idea to battle their differences in the media.
On the other hand, how angry can you get when you will be paid $8 million and have other coaching and media options available now?
The move now leaves Coach Belichick as the longest tenured coach with one team.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Start For Vick
I just read a story about Michael Vick getting his first commercial endorsement since his arrest and subsequent incarceration. It's a company, "Unequal technologies", that doesn't really have a household name. They make football pads.
Vick wore one of their protective vests earlier this season when he injured his ribs. It's not Coca Cola or NIKE, but it's a start for Vick who lost countless millions after his arrest when his contracts were cancelled.
He will probably never get back to the eight figure contracts he signed. To many, he is a pariah because of the nature of his crimes. I think he should be able to rehabilitate his image. Whether it happens remains to be seen.
Vick wore one of their protective vests earlier this season when he injured his ribs. It's not Coca Cola or NIKE, but it's a start for Vick who lost countless millions after his arrest when his contracts were cancelled.
He will probably never get back to the eight figure contracts he signed. To many, he is a pariah because of the nature of his crimes. I think he should be able to rehabilitate his image. Whether it happens remains to be seen.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Let's Not Play the Game
I still wonder why they play the Pro bowl. The kickoff is Sunday in Hawaii. It's a nice perk for the players selected. It's a meaningless game with rule changes that enable high scores.
I think the entire process is flawed. Fans now have their input, in addition to players and coaches. Now that the Packers and Steelers are in the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl roster must be adjusted to replace the players from those teams, in addition to those who cannot play due to injury.
Matt Cassell will be replacing Tom Brady as a result of his recent surgery. Eventually, players are selected based on being the last healthy body standing. The game is also flawed for the amount of players that get selected for each team.
I think the "All Pro" teams are more relevant and reflective of "all-star" play. Various news agencies, including UPI and AP, select their team based on position. There are no separate rosters for the AFC and NFC. Tom Brady was the unanimous selection for quarterback. Since no game is played, the rosters stay as they are.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Pro Bowl still gets played is money. NFL Charities donates $100,000 to 19 different non-profits in Hawaii. That's a good reason, but the NFL owners could cut their own check if they desired.
I think the entire process is flawed. Fans now have their input, in addition to players and coaches. Now that the Packers and Steelers are in the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl roster must be adjusted to replace the players from those teams, in addition to those who cannot play due to injury.
Matt Cassell will be replacing Tom Brady as a result of his recent surgery. Eventually, players are selected based on being the last healthy body standing. The game is also flawed for the amount of players that get selected for each team.
I think the "All Pro" teams are more relevant and reflective of "all-star" play. Various news agencies, including UPI and AP, select their team based on position. There are no separate rosters for the AFC and NFC. Tom Brady was the unanimous selection for quarterback. Since no game is played, the rosters stay as they are.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Pro Bowl still gets played is money. NFL Charities donates $100,000 to 19 different non-profits in Hawaii. That's a good reason, but the NFL owners could cut their own check if they desired.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Not A Happy Holmes
Some of the players from the Jets are grumbling about the game plan used in their loss to the Steelers. WR Santonio Holmes openly criticized Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for not putting him on the field for the first few plays of their opening series.
This was perhaps the best opportunity for the Jets to make it to the Super Bowl. They have 18 free-agents. The team will not be signing all of them. Do they even want Holmes back? It's easy to see why the Steelers let him go in a trade for a 5th round draft choice.
Holmes is throwing everyone under the bus. The Jets played much the way the Pats did the previous week. In their biggest game of the year, they let their opponent sustain a 10 minute opening drive. That set the tone for the game.
It was very similar to the opening drive by the Giants in Super Bow XLII. The Pats never really recovered from it until the 4th quarter. We all know what happened after that.
This was perhaps the best opportunity for the Jets to make it to the Super Bowl. They have 18 free-agents. The team will not be signing all of them. Do they even want Holmes back? It's easy to see why the Steelers let him go in a trade for a 5th round draft choice.
Holmes is throwing everyone under the bus. The Jets played much the way the Pats did the previous week. In their biggest game of the year, they let their opponent sustain a 10 minute opening drive. That set the tone for the game.
It was very similar to the opening drive by the Giants in Super Bow XLII. The Pats never really recovered from it until the 4th quarter. We all know what happened after that.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Unfair Questions
I think ESPN is doing a disservice to QB Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears by having an on-line poll questioning his toughness during yesterday's NFC Championship game.
Cutler left the game with a knee injury. He was replaced by the ineffective Todd Collins before yielding to third stringer Caleb Hanie.
Poll results indicate that fans are questioning his toughness by a margin of 2 to 1. I find this outrageous. How do you measure knee pain? I realize it was the team's biggest game of the year, but Cutler's lack of mobility had the potential to hurt the team. Did he have an obligation to hurt his knee even more?
Sometimes, I don't know what fans want or expect.
Cutler left the game with a knee injury. He was replaced by the ineffective Todd Collins before yielding to third stringer Caleb Hanie.
Poll results indicate that fans are questioning his toughness by a margin of 2 to 1. I find this outrageous. How do you measure knee pain? I realize it was the team's biggest game of the year, but Cutler's lack of mobility had the potential to hurt the team. Did he have an obligation to hurt his knee even more?
Sometimes, I don't know what fans want or expect.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
A Defensive Icon
There are so many great stories among the players and coaches in today's AFC and NFC Championship games.
Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau has been coaching since he finished his Hall of Fame playing career with the Detroit Lions (1959-1972). He is credited with developing the "zone blitz" early in his coaching career.
At the age of 74, he shows no signs of slowing down. It's hard to believe that he was on the playing field on November 9, 1970 when his Lions lost to the New Orleans Saints on a last minute 63 yard field goal by Jim Dempsey. That record still stands after 40 years.
Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau has been coaching since he finished his Hall of Fame playing career with the Detroit Lions (1959-1972). He is credited with developing the "zone blitz" early in his coaching career.
At the age of 74, he shows no signs of slowing down. It's hard to believe that he was on the playing field on November 9, 1970 when his Lions lost to the New Orleans Saints on a last minute 63 yard field goal by Jim Dempsey. That record still stands after 40 years.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Battle In the Windy City
When the Bears and Packers met tomorrow in the NFC Championship game, it will only be the second time in their history that they have met in the playoffs. Their rivalry includes 182 battles over the years.
Their first playoff game was one week after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Bears won it at Wrigley Field on their way to the league championship.
Their previous rosters include 47 Hall of Famers. Between the two franchises, they have won 21 league championships.
The list goes on and on.They are truly two of the iconic franchises of the NFL. Hopefully, the game lives up to its hype.
Their first playoff game was one week after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Bears won it at Wrigley Field on their way to the league championship.
Their previous rosters include 47 Hall of Famers. Between the two franchises, they have won 21 league championships.
The list goes on and on.They are truly two of the iconic franchises of the NFL. Hopefully, the game lives up to its hype.
Friday, January 21, 2011
An Eye On Taylor
Football can be a very cruel to its players. Some guys end up spending their careers on losing teams. Even the great Barry Sanders only had one post-season game in his career.
Jason Taylor, at the age of 36, will be playing in his first AFC Championship game Sunday. At least, he hopes he does.
He suffered a concussion in last week's game against the Pats when he struck his head on the turf at Gillette. He was held out of practice because of "concussion symptoms". He might be a game time decision.
Taylor has come so close and now he might be a scratch. Everyone who plays football gets a concussion, but the depth of this problem is only being recognized now.
So many people leave the game with crippled bodies later on in life. Too Many players suffer neurological issues in their later years.
It's sad to note that the great slot receiver Wayne Chrebet ended his career on one play when he suffered a concussion. He reportedly had at least seven of them. The last play of his career was a completed reception.
It would be unfortunate if Taylor didn't get to play in this game.
Jason Taylor, at the age of 36, will be playing in his first AFC Championship game Sunday. At least, he hopes he does.
He suffered a concussion in last week's game against the Pats when he struck his head on the turf at Gillette. He was held out of practice because of "concussion symptoms". He might be a game time decision.
Taylor has come so close and now he might be a scratch. Everyone who plays football gets a concussion, but the depth of this problem is only being recognized now.
So many people leave the game with crippled bodies later on in life. Too Many players suffer neurological issues in their later years.
It's sad to note that the great slot receiver Wayne Chrebet ended his career on one play when he suffered a concussion. He reportedly had at least seven of them. The last play of his career was a completed reception.
It would be unfortunate if Taylor didn't get to play in this game.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Sanctioning of Wes
When Wes Welker made his Rex Ryan foot fetish references last week everyone had a few laughs except for Coach Belichick. He decided to punish Welker by benching him for the opening series against the Jets.
We will never get the true story behind it all, but he violated the coach's order not to trash talk and he brought Ryan's family into the fray. One can only imagine how sensitive Coach Belichick is to family matters.
He has been divorced and was the subject of a civil suit a few years ago from husband of a former employee in the New York Giants front office. Belichick has been able to dodge the scrutiny by the media and must have been very sensitive to Ryan's issue.
It's easy to see why he benched Welker. Everyone seems to agree that it did not play a factor in the outcome of the game, but there might have been some locker room issues leading up to the game. We will never know the answer to that.
We will never get the true story behind it all, but he violated the coach's order not to trash talk and he brought Ryan's family into the fray. One can only imagine how sensitive Coach Belichick is to family matters.
He has been divorced and was the subject of a civil suit a few years ago from husband of a former employee in the New York Giants front office. Belichick has been able to dodge the scrutiny by the media and must have been very sensitive to Ryan's issue.
It's easy to see why he benched Welker. Everyone seems to agree that it did not play a factor in the outcome of the game, but there might have been some locker room issues leading up to the game. We will never know the answer to that.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Assist From Byrd
Rex Ryan has tried many different ways to motivate his team throughout the season. He scored big when he decided to have former DL Dennis Byrd address the team the night before the game.
Byrd was paralyzed during a 1992 game. He has regained the ability to walk, but his football career ended on that one play.
Byrd spoke about the fact that the players might never have this opportunity again. So many things can happen in a career. Many players never get to the playoffs. It has taken Jason Taylor nine years for this chance.
The speech was received with a standing ovation by the team and coaches. Byrd's game jersey was carried out to mid-field by the team's captains for the coin toss.
The true value of Byrd's speech may never be known, but based on the comments from the players, it had a huge impact.
I think this is a team of destiny. I think they will beat the Steeler's in the AFC Championship game.
Byrd was paralyzed during a 1992 game. He has regained the ability to walk, but his football career ended on that one play.
Byrd spoke about the fact that the players might never have this opportunity again. So many things can happen in a career. Many players never get to the playoffs. It has taken Jason Taylor nine years for this chance.
The speech was received with a standing ovation by the team and coaches. Byrd's game jersey was carried out to mid-field by the team's captains for the coin toss.
The true value of Byrd's speech may never be known, but based on the comments from the players, it had a huge impact.
I think this is a team of destiny. I think they will beat the Steeler's in the AFC Championship game.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Many Unresolved Issues
It's been two days and it's still hard to believe the season came to a screeching halt in the 28-21 loss to the Jets. Rex and his team have moved onto preparing for the Steelers while Coach Belichick held his last press conference of the season.
The Coach indicated that there are many loose ends to tie up. It's made more complicated by the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. So many things are uncertain, especially the off-season workout program and signing their own players and free agents. The team can prepare for the draft, but that still raises a lot of questions.
In six weeks, we could be looking at a lockout and no football other than labor negotiations or lack thereof.
Coach Belichick did not seem to excited to be going to Hawaii to coach the Pro Bowl team for the AFC. That dubious honor goes with the loss to the Jets.
A more perplexing question for another time is why have the Pats been so flat in the playoffs for the last two seasons. They have played so poorly in both losses. That can be tied into their third loss in Super Bowl XLII in the final minutes.
Although the team was 14-2 in the regular season, it just wasn't ready for the playoffs.
The Coach indicated that there are many loose ends to tie up. It's made more complicated by the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. So many things are uncertain, especially the off-season workout program and signing their own players and free agents. The team can prepare for the draft, but that still raises a lot of questions.
In six weeks, we could be looking at a lockout and no football other than labor negotiations or lack thereof.
Coach Belichick did not seem to excited to be going to Hawaii to coach the Pro Bowl team for the AFC. That dubious honor goes with the loss to the Jets.
A more perplexing question for another time is why have the Pats been so flat in the playoffs for the last two seasons. They have played so poorly in both losses. That can be tied into their third loss in Super Bowl XLII in the final minutes.
Although the team was 14-2 in the regular season, it just wasn't ready for the playoffs.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Can't Change the Outcome
It was a shocking loss to the Jets yesterday. Nobody expected that. Everyone thought the Pats could just show up and win by 40 points.
That is where everyone is wrong. There are no certainties in the NFL. If people were so sure on the outcome, they should have contacted a bookie and bet the house.
The Pats looked flat right from the start. Tom Brady threw an interception at the worst time. He was correct in saying that records like that don't really matter. His passing accuracy got them to a 14-2 record, but in the end, they lost their final game of the season.
I shall refrain today from listening to the dissection by the "experts" on talk radio. It won't change the outcome of the game. They will find fault where fault doesn't exist.
The Jets played and were coached better. There is no other way to say it. I'm looking forward to their matchup with the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.
That is where everyone is wrong. There are no certainties in the NFL. If people were so sure on the outcome, they should have contacted a bookie and bet the house.
The Pats looked flat right from the start. Tom Brady threw an interception at the worst time. He was correct in saying that records like that don't really matter. His passing accuracy got them to a 14-2 record, but in the end, they lost their final game of the season.
I shall refrain today from listening to the dissection by the "experts" on talk radio. It won't change the outcome of the game. They will find fault where fault doesn't exist.
The Jets played and were coached better. There is no other way to say it. I'm looking forward to their matchup with the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Thanks Rex
In seven hours the Pats either move onto next week against the Steelers or their season is over. So much has been said and written about this game. Rex Ryan has lead his team with their trash talking and crazy statements.
I must thank them for creating all of this hype. Can you imagine what the week would have been like if the Pats were playing the Kansas City Chiefs?
Football is part of the entertainment industry and Rex has certainly done his share to turn this game into a spectacle.
As a life-long fan, it's very exciting to think that this game is grabbing all of the attention of the sporting world. We have come a long ways since the teams of Dick MacPherson and Rod Rust.
No matter what happens, the season has been a great ride. I hope it doesn't stop.
I must thank them for creating all of this hype. Can you imagine what the week would have been like if the Pats were playing the Kansas City Chiefs?
Football is part of the entertainment industry and Rex has certainly done his share to turn this game into a spectacle.
As a life-long fan, it's very exciting to think that this game is grabbing all of the attention of the sporting world. We have come a long ways since the teams of Dick MacPherson and Rod Rust.
No matter what happens, the season has been a great ride. I hope it doesn't stop.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Tony G
I felt so bad when Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez got hurt in the 3rd quarter of the blowout loss against Green Bay. He has played 14 seasons and gone to 10 Pro Bowls. He is one of the greatest tight ends of all time. I always enjoyed watching him as a fan of the game.
After tonight's loss, Gonzalez has played in four losing playoff games in his career. His chances of ever playing in a Super Bowl get slimmer. Hopefully, he will be back next year. I would hate to think that I saw the last play of his career. Nobody knows at his point.
After tonight's loss, Gonzalez has played in four losing playoff games in his career. His chances of ever playing in a Super Bowl get slimmer. Hopefully, he will be back next year. I would hate to think that I saw the last play of his career. Nobody knows at his point.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Jets Last Stand
The Pats and Jets need to play their game before they start pulling each other's hair. Rex Ryan has been over the top with his rhetoric that borders on nonsense. He appears ready to take on Bill Belichick in a steel cage match.
Antonio Cromartie has resorted to a level seen at grammar school recess by calling Tom Brady "names". Some refer to this as trash talking. Others call in unprofessional. At times, I don't know what to make of it.
These guys are all grown men paid enormous amounts of money to play a kids game. I understand it's bigger than that, but in the overall scheme of life, it's still a game. Football is a billion dollar industry, but it's part of the entrainment industry.
All of this rhetoric won't score any touchdowns or make tackles. Players need to focus on the game. All of this nonsense gives writers and sports talk shows something to focus on. It's entertaining at times, but it all comes back to "playing the game between the white lines".
Antonio Cromartie has resorted to a level seen at grammar school recess by calling Tom Brady "names". Some refer to this as trash talking. Others call in unprofessional. At times, I don't know what to make of it.
These guys are all grown men paid enormous amounts of money to play a kids game. I understand it's bigger than that, but in the overall scheme of life, it's still a game. Football is a billion dollar industry, but it's part of the entrainment industry.
All of this rhetoric won't score any touchdowns or make tackles. Players need to focus on the game. All of this nonsense gives writers and sports talk shows something to focus on. It's entertaining at times, but it all comes back to "playing the game between the white lines".
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Ramping Up Rex
If the strategy used by Rex Ryan helps the Jets beat the Pats on Sunday, he will regard himself as a genius. Ryan has taken on a personal crusade against Bill Belichick saying that it's a match between the two coaches. He is right to a certain degree.
Belichick has deflected all of Ryan's rhetoric by saying neither coach is suiting up for the game on Sunday. It's hard to gauge the motivation behind Ryan's bluster.
He is certainly putting himself out on a limb with some of his comments. Although I find them quite entertaining, they border on being absurd.
The Past need to win on Sunday, not only to keep their season alive, but to silence Ryan once and for all. No matter what the outcome is, we have not heard the last from Rex. A loss to the Jets would make last season's loss to the Ravens seem like nothing.
Belichick has deflected all of Ryan's rhetoric by saying neither coach is suiting up for the game on Sunday. It's hard to gauge the motivation behind Ryan's bluster.
He is certainly putting himself out on a limb with some of his comments. Although I find them quite entertaining, they border on being absurd.
The Past need to win on Sunday, not only to keep their season alive, but to silence Ryan once and for all. No matter what the outcome is, we have not heard the last from Rex. A loss to the Jets would make last season's loss to the Ravens seem like nothing.
Monday, January 10, 2011
No More Bowling
The collegiate bowl season is finally ending tonight with the BSC title game between Auburn and Oregon. It will be the last of 35 games. They are a financial windfall for the schools and sometimes for the network. ESPN broadcast most of them to relatively decent-sized television audiences. In many cases, the stadiums were lacking fans.
It's difficult to create hype in cities that are not home to the teams. Some of the match-ups involved teams with 7-5 records. This does not lend itself to generating interest.
Perhaps the names need to be changed. Sponsors have bought up the naming rights, but some were so lame including the Kraft Fight Hunger, BBVA Compass, Chick-Fil-A and my favorite Beef 'O' Brady.
It's hard to believe that some player will forever be known as the MVP of the Beef 'O' Brady Bowl.
It's difficult to create hype in cities that are not home to the teams. Some of the match-ups involved teams with 7-5 records. This does not lend itself to generating interest.
Perhaps the names need to be changed. Sponsors have bought up the naming rights, but some were so lame including the Kraft Fight Hunger, BBVA Compass, Chick-Fil-A and my favorite Beef 'O' Brady.
It's hard to believe that some player will forever be known as the MVP of the Beef 'O' Brady Bowl.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Ended Season
The season has ended for the Saints, Colts, Chiefs and Eagles. Nobody ever wanted it to end this way, but it did. We can only look forward to their 2011 campaign.
The season ends so abruptly in the playoffs. One game and you are cleaning out your locker at the end of the season. It happens to all teams, but one. Who will it be?
The season ends so abruptly in the playoffs. One game and you are cleaning out your locker at the end of the season. It happens to all teams, but one. Who will it be?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Bad Injuries
The Pats decided to place DL Mike Wright on Injured reserve after missing the last six games from the effects of a concussion.
Wright's injury must be quite serious for the team to make the move. The team has been silent on his condition other than to say that he was making progress.
There are degrees of concussions, but one has to wonder about the recent ones suffered by Dan Connelly and Danny Woodhead. Concussions seem to be part of the game, much like knee injuries.
However, this injury can have lifelong effects. Neurologists can administer tests to the player to determine any cognitive defect, but in the end, the true damage from a concussion might take many years to manifest itself.
Wright's injury must be quite serious for the team to make the move. The team has been silent on his condition other than to say that he was making progress.
There are degrees of concussions, but one has to wonder about the recent ones suffered by Dan Connelly and Danny Woodhead. Concussions seem to be part of the game, much like knee injuries.
However, this injury can have lifelong effects. Neurologists can administer tests to the player to determine any cognitive defect, but in the end, the true damage from a concussion might take many years to manifest itself.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Talking About the Playoffs
NFL players chase the dream of winning a Super Bowl ring. Some never get a chance to play in the big game.
The New York Jets have four players with interesting stories lead by Tony Richardson who at the age of 39 has played 16 seasons and 234 games. He has been to the playoffs five times, but never to the big one.
Shaun Ellis at 33 is the longest tenured Jet with 11 seasons and 156 games. He made it to the AFC Championship game twice in losing scenarios and has four attempts at the playoffs.
LaDainian Tomlinson has played 10 seasons and 166 games, carrying the ball 3,099 times for 13,404 yards. He has five seasons of playoff experience.
Jason Taylor at 35 has played for 14 seasons and 217 games. He has not been to the playoffs since 2001.
This scenario is typical of most NFL teams. Even the great Barry Sanders only played in one playoff game during his stellar career.
The New York Jets have four players with interesting stories lead by Tony Richardson who at the age of 39 has played 16 seasons and 234 games. He has been to the playoffs five times, but never to the big one.
Shaun Ellis at 33 is the longest tenured Jet with 11 seasons and 156 games. He made it to the AFC Championship game twice in losing scenarios and has four attempts at the playoffs.
LaDainian Tomlinson has played 10 seasons and 166 games, carrying the ball 3,099 times for 13,404 yards. He has five seasons of playoff experience.
Jason Taylor at 35 has played for 14 seasons and 217 games. He has not been to the playoffs since 2001.
This scenario is typical of most NFL teams. Even the great Barry Sanders only played in one playoff game during his stellar career.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Rex Mentioned This
Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan announced that Peyton Manning is a better quarterback than Tom Brady. He said Manning prepares better for the game and Brady depends on Belichick to make him the player he is.
He has a very good point. Who knows how Brady would fare on another NFL team with a different coach?
Brady and Belichick are a marriage made in heaven. It's very unique to this team and particular time. This is working and winning games and championships in spite of what Rex Ryan says.
He has a very good point. Who knows how Brady would fare on another NFL team with a different coach?
Brady and Belichick are a marriage made in heaven. It's very unique to this team and particular time. This is working and winning games and championships in spite of what Rex Ryan says.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Go Seahawks
The NFL is always concerned about its image. The integrity of the playoff system is taking a hit with the 7-9 NFC Western Division Champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the 11-5 New Orleans Saints.
This is the first 7-9 team to make the playoffs. Three teams since 2002 have been 8-8. The NFL owners may want parity, but this is carrying it to the extreme.
If Seattle loses, this "problem" disappears, but can you imagine if they ran the table and faced the Pats in the Super Bowl?
This is the first 7-9 team to make the playoffs. Three teams since 2002 have been 8-8. The NFL owners may want parity, but this is carrying it to the extreme.
If Seattle loses, this "problem" disappears, but can you imagine if they ran the table and faced the Pats in the Super Bowl?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Holding On
Nothing is for certain in any aspect of sports. One item I find intriguing is the amount of career fumbles for BenJarvis Green-Ellis. He has never fumbled once in his career.
This total includes 329 carries with the Pats, 920 times in college with Indian aand Mississippi State and 650 times in high school in New Orleans.
It's a phenomenal stat. Hopefully, the article I read is not the kiss of death that causes him to cough up the ball at the worst moment in the team's playoff game.
This is adds to the mystery of why he was not drafted out of college. A thousand yard season is pretty good production from an undrafted free agent.
This total includes 329 carries with the Pats, 920 times in college with Indian aand Mississippi State and 650 times in high school in New Orleans.
It's a phenomenal stat. Hopefully, the article I read is not the kiss of death that causes him to cough up the ball at the worst moment in the team's playoff game.
This is adds to the mystery of why he was not drafted out of college. A thousand yard season is pretty good production from an undrafted free agent.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Number 46 On Deck
The Penn State football program began its annual "Joe Paterno Watch" with the conclusion of their Outback Bowl game against Florida.
Paterno insists that he will return for a 46th season, much to the chagrin of some of the alumnae. He has rejected calls for his resignation or termination. Some feel that his age has caught up to him at 85.
Paterno said he feels good and is planning to go forward in the 2011 season. Penn State is faced with a dilemma. They can't force him out after 45 years because it would be a public relations nightmare.
He certainly has the support of his coaching staff who realize their job security is dependent on Paterno maintaining the status quo.
Some feel that he is merely a figurehead who has turned over many of his duties to his staff. That might be true, but Penn State made it to a bowl game and that is keeping the wolves away from the door.
Paterno insists that he will return for a 46th season, much to the chagrin of some of the alumnae. He has rejected calls for his resignation or termination. Some feel that his age has caught up to him at 85.
Paterno said he feels good and is planning to go forward in the 2011 season. Penn State is faced with a dilemma. They can't force him out after 45 years because it would be a public relations nightmare.
He certainly has the support of his coaching staff who realize their job security is dependent on Paterno maintaining the status quo.
Some feel that he is merely a figurehead who has turned over many of his duties to his staff. That might be true, but Penn State made it to a bowl game and that is keeping the wolves away from the door.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Last Game of 2010
It's 10 minutes before the kickoff of the last game of the regular season. The contest with the Dolphins is basically meaningless as far as any playoff implications for the Pats.
There has been discussion among the "experts" that the team needs to rest the starters. Coach Belichick has always indicated that it is on a player by player basis.
As an acknowledgement to the debacle in Houston last year, Wes Welker is on the inactive list for today. Hopefully, the team makes it through this game in one piece.
There has been discussion among the "experts" that the team needs to rest the starters. Coach Belichick has always indicated that it is on a player by player basis.
As an acknowledgement to the debacle in Houston last year, Wes Welker is on the inactive list for today. Hopefully, the team makes it through this game in one piece.
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