Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Chad on the Bubble

News reports indicate that the Pats are trying to restructure the contract of Chad Ochocinco. He is taking a beating today in the media because so many think he was a waste of money.

By all accounts, Chad was a huge and expensive failure during the 2011 season. He had a base salary of $3 million, with a $4.5 million bonus. For all of this, the team got 15 receptions from him for 276 yards. There were 219 players in the league who caught more balls than him and 154 with more yardage. He only had six receptions in the last 10 games of the season.

It's very possible that he has lot his skills at the age of 34. He was such a talented and productive receiver throughout his career. His failure has been a hug mystery.

Apparently, Coach Belichick thinks enough of him to at least try and restructure his contract, rather than cutting him. If Chad wants to keep playing, he needs to give up some money. If some other team wants to give him a ton of money, good luck to them

I think they should sign him to the veteran minimum and maybe add some incentives. Otherwise, it's time to cut ties with him. I hope he stays for one more season.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Road To Mistakes

The Scouting Combine has its flaws for evaluating talent. They didn't invite everyone who will probably get drafted. There are many stars in the league who never went there or got drafted. It shows how inexact the entire process can be.

Today, I was watching the defensive back go through their tests. Deion Sanders provided some outstanding commentary. I agree with his statement about too many players are training for the activities of the Combine and not real-game situations.

Coach Belichick has often made statements mocking the event. He said it doesn't matter how high a player can jump of how many jumping jacks they can do. It doesn't measure potential success in the NFL.

I think the personnel people in the league are too hung up on some of the measurements generated over these several days. It often results in drafting players too high or not at all.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Falling Down the Board

The Scouting Combine is a make or break deal for many players. Their performance can greatly influence where they are drafted. Some think that too much emphasis is placed on tests such as the vertical leap and broad jump. Agility skills and speed are also measured.

RB Vick Ballard of Mississippi State has a strong collegiate resume. His performance in the 40 has become comedy fodder on the internet. A video shows him stumbling from the start and ultimately crashing across the finish line.

"Experts" projected him to be a 4th or 5th round pick. He was considered the 15th best back out of 184 available. Will this effect him on draft day? For some teams it might.

I think the Combine serves a very useful purpose, but I think there is too much emphasis placed on some of the drills. Failure to perform at a high level can cost them money, based on where they are selected in the draft.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

The 2012 Journey Begins

The NFL Scouting Combine provides for some interesting viewing for fans. They can see the various drills the players are put through. The invitation process has its flaws. They rarely invite Division II players. Danny Woodhead is a good example of a player who never got invited.

Some positions have fewer players. There are only 10 quarterbacks. Some have elected not to throw, including Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin. They will do it on their "Pro Days".

For others, it's the chance of a lifetime to show their skills. One bad moment or move can effect their assessment and drop them down in the draft.

Not all of the 300 players there will get drafted and will need to fight their way onto a roster as a free agent.

The road to the NFL varies for every player. Some never get there.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

18 and Counting

On this day in 1994, the Kraft family bought the Pats and changed the team forever. Prior to that, the team floundered through the late 80's and early 90's under the ownership of Victor Kiam and later with James Orthwein. There was speculation that the team might relocate to St Louis.

Orthwein brought Bill Parcells to the team in 1993. The Krafts were able to use their Foxboro Stdium ownership to their advantage in order to pull the deal off. The rest is history.

It has been a marvelous ride for fans as the team has made the playoff 13 times, with five Super Bowl appearances and three wins. We can't forget the 11 Divisional titles and six AFC Championship games.

They have the most wins of any franchise since 1994. There isn't much more a fan could ask for.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Gronk's Side

After the loss in the Super Bowl, I wrote comments that were critical of Rob Gronkowski dancing at a party after the game. I just read an interview with him that gave his side of the story.

I'm ok with it and as they always say' "it's time to move on". Everyone feels bad about the loss, including Gronk. He said he understood the feelings of the fans and why they responded the way they did.

Fans have so much invested emotionally in the game. When the end of the season comes, it's a hard feeling to deal with, especially losing the Super Bowl.

In retrospect, we should be grateful that our team has been to the Super Bowl seven times. Three wins are nice. It would be better to win a few more, but as Tom Brady said; " I would rather play in the Super Bowl and lose than not play in it".

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Read on Weedon

As the Scouting Combine moves forward we will hear many interesting stories about the players there. Brandon Weedon, the 28 year old quarterback from Oklahoma State, certainly has his tale.

He was drafted by the New York Yankees as a pitcher in the 2nd round of the 2002 draft. He was so highly regarded that in 2003, the Yankees sent him to the LA Dodgers, along with two other prospects in order to get Kevin Brown.

In 2005, he ended up with the Kansas City Royals as a result of the Rule 5 Draft. He finished his playing career the next year in the California League.

His enrollment at Oklahoma Sate in 2007 started this odyssey to the NFL. Teams will pass on him because of his age, but he put up some great numbers the last two years.

Numbers drive the Scouting Combine and draft. He has raw talent. Someone will take him at some point. I wonder what pick.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wright End

The end of a player's career is often without ceremony in the NFL. It's usually just a press release by the team summarizing their career in a few sentences. We saw that today when the Pats released OL Rich Ohrnberger and DL Mike Wright. Both were the victims of concussions last season.

Ohrnberger was drafted by the Pats in the 4th round of the 2009 draft. He was stricken by the injury bug, only playing in five games over a three year period. He was placed on IR last season on Sept 3rd because of a concussion.

Wright was a great story after making the roster in 2005 as an undrafted free agent from the University of Cincinnati. He missed the last six games of the 2010 season because of multiple concussions.

There was much speculation whether he would return for 2011. He played the opener against Miami, but suffered another concussion. He was inactive the next four games before being placed on IR. His career with the Pats ended after playing in 81 games.

It doesn't look well for either player. They are both young and have good years left, but they will be tossed onto the scrap heap of players with concussions. They will be replaced by someone who is probably at the NFL Scouting Combine or a journeyman.

Everyone gets replaced at some point. It doesn't matter who you are.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Mighty Quinn Speaks

Denver QB Brady Quinn blasted fellow QB Tim Tebow in the new issue of GQ. He called Tebow overrated and was only given the starting job because of the fans.

Once the team got rid of Kyle Orton, Quinn thought the job was his, but Coach John Foxx thought otherwise. Quinn was very critical of Tebow's playing style, especially his lack of passing.

Criticizing your teammates is not always the best tact to take. I think Quinn feels he has nothing to lose. He wants to be a starter. The more he sits on the bench, the less his value becomes. He doesn't want to be a career back-up.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Ticking On Welker

The clock starts to tick today on the Pats assigning the franchise tag to Wes Welker. They have until March 5th, the end of the league's business year. If they do, Welker will make $9.5 million this year.

Word is that he is looking for a three year contract. That might be a sticking point, given his age and the physical beating he has taken since he came here in 2007.

The negotiations will be very difficult if the Pats pull the trigger. I think they are willing to pay him the money for one year, but might be hesitant for a long term commitment with so much money.

They also need a deep threat. I'm not sure if Chad Ochocinco is the answer.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Going To the AFL

If WR Buddy Farnham ever makes it to the NFL, his route will go through the Arena Football League as he signed a contract with the Orlando Predators for the 2012 season. This will give him some additional exposure and playing time after sitting out the entire 2011 regular NFL season.

He made an impression on Coach Belichick during the 2011 pre-season 42-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Buddy played both ways, catching three balls for 34 yards and picking off a pass while playing safety. His play drew praise from Coach Belichick in his opening press conference remarks.

Farnham has faced an uphill struggle after a marvelous career at Brown University. Being an Ivy Leaguer probably caused him to be bypassed in the 2010 draft.

As an Undrafted Free Agent, he began the paper trail of personnel transactions with the Pats. He was in the final cut on September 4, 2010 and signed to the practice squad on December 29, 2010.

This can only be a postiive more for Farham. I think Belichick likes his football skills, but he doesn't have enough experience. I look for Buddy to be signed by the Pats and have a great training camp. I think he will either be on the Practice Squad or a periodic player like Ray Ventrone. Both of these guys have a future with the team.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Trying To Pick Right

With the NFL Scouting Combine starting on February 23rd, analysts are discussing and debating who should be the overall top pick. Most say that it will be QB Andrew Luck of Stanford. Some think QB Robert Griffin from Baylor.

The Colts hold the overall first pick as they did back in 1998. Back then, it was a debate over Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf. The Colts selected Manning and the rest is history. The San Diego Chargers had the misfortune of drafting Leaf. He was a total bust and a waste of money for the team.

The Pats had the same predicament back in 1993 with their overall first selection. It came down to Drew Bledsoe and Rick Mirier. I remember many of the local "experts" wanted the Pats to select Mirier. Bledsoe changed the history of the team forever, while Mirier played for several different teams.

No matter what happens, there will always be discussion about teams passing on Tom Brady until the 6th round and the 199th selection.Of the six quarterbacks selected ahead of Brady, only Chad Pennington ever had any type of NFL career.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Peyton Seeing the End?

If Peyton Manning gets released, the team that signs him will be taking a great risk financially. Manning has already said that he will rework his contract with a new team and make it incentive filled.

I think that is the only way he will fins a home. It was announced today that Manning had four neck surgeries instead of the three previously mentioned.

All reports indicate that Manning is far from being able to return to the field. He seems determined to play at some point in 2012.

He is the force behind the team's success since 1998 and the reason that Lucas Oil Field was built. He should retire and keep his legacy intact. He has nothing to gain by continuing his career.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Randy To Chicago?

Randy Moss has his first contract offer since announcing that he wants to return to the NFL. Chicago has stepped up to the plate and made an offer. Unfortunately, it's not the Chicago Bears, but rather the Chicago Slaughter of the Indoor Football League.

It's the same league that signed Terrell Owens. Players usually make $300 per game, but I'm sure they could find more dollars for Randy. Maybe $1,000 per game.

I think he needs to make this move to try and convince teams that he can still play the game after being away for a year.I have my own doubts that he can make it back. He has unlimited ability, but just turned 35. He has nothing to lose by giving it a shot. I hope he does.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Not Retiring

The New York Giants face a problem that happens across the league. How do you honor a player without retiring his number?

Giants fans have wondered why Michael Strahan's 92 has not been retired. The team did it quickly for Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor. Perhaps, it's because they already have 11 numbers retired. They are basically running out like most teams. You see it in training camp when two rookies share the same number on offense and defense.

Most teams have decided to use a Ring of Honor or team Hall of Fame. When Tedy Bruschi retired, he wanted someone else to wear his number. It didn't happen until this season when Brian Waters took it over.

For many years, nobody wore Steve Grogan's number 14 during the regular season. It was issued in training camp. The players who wore it never made the team. They finally issued it a couple years ago to Zoltan Mesko.

It's a wonderful honor to have a number retired, but unless the league expands to three digits, it needs to stop.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Rambling Randy

All of a sudden Randy Moss is back in the news with his on-line streams about his desire to return to the NFL. His broadcast was on his 35th birthday. He sounded very enthusiastic and wants to find the right team.

This brings us to the Pats. Will they have another go-around? Moss the the type of receiver the Pats need so desperately, but is he the answer at the age of 35 and being out of the game for a year?

He also brings the baggage of being Randy Moss. After the Vikings released him, the Titans were the only team that put in a claim for him. He has a reputation of being a diva.

It certainly creates energy for the off-season along with the upcoming Scouting Combine, free agency and the draft. It got the focus away from Peyton Manning.

I hope Moss is able to find a team and be successful. He is a very exciting player to watch. I don't think it will be here. If he ends up with the Jets, it would bring more intrigue to the Pats-Jets rivalry.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Giving Up Money

Professional athletes deserve the right to earn every possible dollar. Salaries have gotten out of control with the cost passed onto the fans. Football is the only sport where contracts are not guaranteed.

We are seeing the results of this as the NFL business year ends and a new one begins. Steelers WR Hines Ward was told that the team planned to release him. At the age of 35, Ward was due to make $4 million for the 2012 season.

Ward has stated that he is willing to renegotiate his contract in order to finish his career with the only team he has played for. His desire to stay in Pittsburgh will actually cost him money. This is not uncommon in the NFL. Kevin Faulk played at the minimum salary of a veteran in order to keep his career alive. You would never see this in baseball or basketball.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Faulk's Last Stand

Pats RB Kevin Faulk is staring at football's Grim Reaper. After returning this season form ACL surgery to a diminished role, he was inactive for the Super Bowl. During a recent interview, he reflected on that decision and his career.

Faulk was devastated over his inactivation. He knew it might be his last game and was hoping to get on the field. Now, he is a free agent with a very uncertain future.

He could return for a 14th season, with no guarantee of making the roster. He could sign with another team and face the same fate.

Faulk acknowledged that he is potentially leaving the game against his will. He has enjoyed a marvelous ride that brought him to six AFC Championship games, five Super Bowls and three rings. He is the team's all-time leader in kick-off and punt return yardage, as well as most receptions by a ruining back. He has done it all.

No doubt, he has spoke to some of his former teammates about the decision he faces. It's a difficult one to make because it's final. The NFL has a bleak future for any running back who will be 36 in June.

I think Faulk will take his time, but in the end, I think it's over. It's a matter of time before he has that final press conference that will leave him, Coach Belichick and his fans in tears as they celebrate his incredible NFL journey.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Are They "Hall Worthy"?

I love football analysis, bit I'm growing tired of listening to whether certain players are worthy of election to the Hall of Fame. We were inundated during the last few weeks as to whether Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin are worthy candidates in the future.

I think the term "Future Hall of Famer" is used too often these days. They would need to build another wing in Canton to include all of the players that are thrown into the mix. The "experts" seem to imply that here is a magical formula for election to the hall, based on the amount of Super Bowls won.

Championships make a huge difference. There are players who get bypassed because they played on lousy teams. I have an issue with the amount receivers and running backs who are considered electable.

One needs only to look on the recent elections to see that RB Jermome Bettis was bypassed again as well as WR's Chris Carter, Andre Rison and Tim Brown.

In the past, 10,00 rushing yards was a standard to make it. Now there are 26 players who have rushed for over 10,000, including the recently retired Ricky Williams.

The election committee needs to focus on other positions. Many are still puzzled about Ray Guy has not been elected. Perhaps, it's because he is a punter and not considered as a player. There is also a shortage of cornerbacks and safeties.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Peyton's Drama

The status of Peyton Manning will be the main story during the off-season. It continues to get a great deal of coverage on the NFL Network. The latest story paints a gloomy picture.

Manning allegedly has trouble throwing the ball to the left or down field with any great velocity. There is talk about nerves needing to regenerate. The time frame can be long and drawn out. Nobody can put an exact time on it.

In spite of the uncertainty, teams are willing to take a risk if Manning gets released by the Colts. He is willing to sign a contract heavy with incentives, but wants to go to a contender.

I think some team will sign him, but he will not start the season. I think he will end up on the PUP list. At some point in the 2012, they will need to put him on IR if they can't activate him.

My gut feeling is that he will never play again. That will be disappointing because I have always been a fan of his.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Gronk Was Wrong

Former Pats player and current NBC analyst Rodney Harrison was very critical of the team's post-game party after the Super Bowl. He called out Rob Gronkowski for acting immature in the videos that showed him and Matt Light dancing without their shirts on.

Harrison said that this never would have happened during his time with the team. He won titles with them in 2003, 2004 and was on the 2007 team that lost to the Giants. He was also on the 1994 team with the San Diego Chargers that also lost. He said this type of behavior would never occur with those teams.

I agree with Rodney. I think Gronk was way out of line. He should have been more subdued and somber. The guy just played in the biggest game of his life and his team lost. They should not be making a public spectacle of themselves.

Gronk must be under the delusion that he will be making the Super Bowl an annual event. He is so wrong in his thinking. He is only 22 and acts like he is in high school. He has become a fan favorite for his larger than life personality on a team that toes the line for everything.

As a fan, it looks like the loss didn't matter to him. I'm sure it did, but it's all about perception. Gronk has a bright future ahead of him. His ability can take him to Canton. He might be goofy the rest of his career, but I wish he showed the fans more respect. Everyone felt bad enough about the loss to the Giants. He didn't need to treat the rest of the night like it was a frat party.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Ricky Stops Running.

The retirement of Raven's RB Ricky Williams shows what a remarkable career he had in spite of himself.

After Mike Ditka traded his entire 1999 draft selection to select him number one overall, it was downhill from there. Williams spent three turbulent years with the New Orleans Saints before his departure to Miami for the 2002 season

He missed the 2006 season because of a drug suspension and only played in one game in 2007. Williams was facing a lifetime ban for his marijuana use. As a result of his suspension, the Dolphins attempted to recover some of his signing bonus. It got messy between Williams and the the team.

He stayed with Miami through 2010 before signing with Baltimore for his final season. He got to play in the recent AFC Championship game as his career highlight.

He will be remembered for being one of only 26 players to rush for 10,000 yards. He ended up with 2,431 carries for 10,009 yards and 66 TD's. He had great numbers, but squandered portions of his career.

He is a great example of what might have been. You never really know. He could have gotten hurt during his suspension and never made it back. He played 11 season, way past the average for a RB.

The NFL is not all glory and winning. There are many players who live blue collar careers and never make it to the Big Show.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Stopping the Coronation

The dust is settling from the Super Bowl loss. Tom Brady's wife stated a firestorm with her criticism of Pats receivers. It was bad enough they lost the game, but now Brady's wife gets involved.

Last week, I was growing very tired of the comparison of Brady to the all-time great quarterbacks. It seems like the only way of judgement is the amount of Super Bowls won by the. Everything else is left out of the equation. That hurts the likes of Dan Marino and Brett Favre.

Somewhere along the line, the "experts" decided that only Super Bowl wins would count and nothing else. They didn't take the era into account. I think it's unfair to compare Brady to Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw. It makes for an interesting discussion, but you can never come up with a firm answer on who was the best.

An entire generation of Jets fans never got to see the impact that Joe Namath had on the game. He might be on the list of the best, but his place in the game has been jaded by images of him as a drunken old man.

If the Pats had won, many would have crowned Brady as the best even if it wasn't true. I'm glad the discussion is over until next season.

Monday, February 6, 2012

No Future Guarantees

The loss to the Giants will be discussed forever. People will always talk about the safety Brady took and the missed pass to Wes Welker late in the game which would have kept the drive alive.

This game reminded me too much of Super Bowl XLII. In that game, the Giants had a long opening drive. The Pats had an unproductive first quarter in both games. Both games were lost in the fourth quarter.

The inability of the Pats to stop the Giants on third down contributed to their demise. They never had one three and out. The Giants converted too many crucial plays

I thought the Pats had a real good shot at wining this game before kick-off. The safety proved to be the beginning of the end of the night.

We can always say next year, but it took four years to get back to the Super Bowl. There is no guarantee that it will happen again.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Can't Afford To Lose

As a fan, I want the Pats to win the game today. So much has been written and spoken about this game's impact on Bil Belchick's legacy. He has a chance to win his fourth Super Bowl with Tom Brady. It took so much to get to this point.

If they lose the game, I will be forced to stop listening to sports talk radio for a few weeks. The comments will be unbearable. Even if they win, we will hear some bizarre thoughts. Losing seems to bring out some of these people.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

The Final Night Before

The night before any game is a special night for the team. Players and coaches follow their routine in leading up to the game. Players will go to bed tonight and wake up tomorrow on game day. Each team will be forced to sit eight players to get to the 45 man roster.

There will be players on both teams who are playing in the last game of their professional career. Some don't know it yet. It might come down to training camp next year, but some players will not leave the game on their own terms.

Some players are truly having their last "night before the game". The transition to ex-player can be very challenging. I saw a striking discussion with Rodney Harrison talking about the pain he endures from his years of playing in the league.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Extra Long Half-time

Coach Belichick tries to prepare the team for anything. His attention to detail is extraordinary. He has many people working with him. He made a great point today about the difference in the half-time on Sunday.The typical NFL game is 12 minutes, but the Super Bowl is 31. Hanging around for another 19 minutes will effect some players.

He had the team simulate that situation by having them practice and then stop for 31 minutes before resuming again. It will be like that on Sunday. Since they are playing indoors, the weather will not be a factor.

I wonder if the NFL ever gave much consideration to have the retractable roof at Lucas Oil Stadium open for the game. I'm sure it's easier to play the game with it closed.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Going With Edelman

Coach Belichick has always said that anyone on the roster should be ready to play. He made the decision to use Julien Edelman as a defensive back early in the season. They brought veteran free agents in for tryouts, but Edelman has carved a role for himself on defense . Belichick is ready to go with him.

I'm sure the Giants will test him early and often. If the Giants burn him early, the Pats defense will need to adjust on the fly. I think it's one of the keys to the game.

Edelman continues a fantasy ride since being a 7th round pick in 2009. He came in as a QB and quickly became a return specialist and special teamer. His ability to switch positions illustrates his remarkable athletic skills.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

A Time For Carson

The injury to TE Rob Gronkowski has created the improbable story for TE Carson Butler. He was signed to the practice squad last Thursday. Gronk will be a game time decision. Butler is needed for practice and possible game day activation

Butler was with the Pats for a short time in training camp this year and last. Since being signed as an undrafted free-agent in 2009, he has been with the Lions, 49er's, Bengals, Giants , Titans and the Pats. He has never been active for a game.

He is with the team in Indianapolis. He sat out the entire season after being released by the Pats in September. No matter what happens, he might never be able to top this ride right now.