The State of Washington

It's hard to figure out why teams sign certain players. It's a very inexact science. All teams make errors on a regular basis.

The Pats thought they had their kick returner when they signed Leon Washington in the off-season. The eight year veteran was a two time Pro Bowler who had returned 245 kickoffs for an average of 25.9 yards per return. He also returned 168 punts for an average of 9.9 yards.

Washington was hindered by an ankle injury throughout the season. He  spent most games on the inactive list. He had one carry for one yard and returned one kickoff for 19 yards. Most of the time, it appeared that it was a game time decision.

He was immediately  picked up by the Tennessee Titans. Will he play on Sunday or continue on his carousel around the league? Is this the end for him or can he try another team next year?

Moving The Chairs

Jets QB Mark Sanchez said all the right things the other day about his future with the team. They have him for two more years with a salary cap hit of $13.1 million in 2014. The team could cut him and save $8.3 million.

The team will be making some big decisions at the end of the season. It's a big guess whether Sanchez or Coach Rex Ryan will return. Will the Jets try to grab another quarterback in the draft?

I don't think we will see Ryan or Sanchez with the team next year. It's a complete mess. It might be time to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic.

They Play The Song Today

The NFL has played on Thanksgiving since the 1940's. In recent years, they went to three games, with a prime time battle at 8:30pm.

I have no doubt that network executives have thought of broadcasting four games. It would be difficult without starting one of them before noon.

I bet it was discussed in great detail, but they know it wouldn't work. The NFL would be on-board because it means more money in the coffers.

You can tell it's a big game, because they are showing the National Anthem before the start. They usually only do it during the playoffs because it steals valuable commercial time away from the broadcast. They made an exception today.

Is It Really Rex's Choice?

The drama and hype is building for the Dolphins and Jets game on Sunday. Gang Green plays host to a pair of 5-6 teams. A loss for either one, will almost eliminate their playoff chances.

If Rex Ryan is coaching to keep his job, you would never know it. He was very adamant about staying the course with QB Geno Smith, in spite of the rookie's dismal play. Rex danced around the question of whether he needed the permission of GM John Izdak to replace Smith with Matt Simms.

The NY tabloids are all over this story. A few weeks ago, it looked like Rex would make it to next season. Sunday is a big game for him and the Jets. The Dolphins have their own issues with the Incognito issue.

Serving Up The Soft Ones

I have several issues with college football, including how just about every team has soft opponents on their schedule. Teams look for some easy wins to pad their total to seven and become bowl eligible. The excessive amount of bowl games diminish their meaning, but they are also financial booms to the team involved. They also make money for the networks.

A look at some of Saturday's scores show how far the problem is getting out of hand: #1 Alabama beat Chattanooga 49-0, # 2 Florida State 80 and Idaho 14. # 4 Ohio State was 42-14 over Indiana. # 7 Clemson 52-6 over The Citadel. #12 South Carolina 70-10 over Coastal Carolina and #15 Fresno State 69-28 over New Mexico.

These scores happen throughout the season. Teams plays these games willingly because of the money. My school, UMass got some good pay days while taking a beating the last two seasons.

Hopefully, UMass will have their day when they schedule soft opponents to get the wins needed for a bowl game.

Brady & Manning Continue The Drama

The Pats won a thrilling 34-31 game over the Broncos last night. It had everything, including the Pats being down 24-0 at half time because of turnovers.

Brady lead the team to 31 unanswered points in the second half, but the Broncos wouldn't quit. Manning lead them down the field and sent the game into overtime.

The game had so many great plays, especially on third down. Both teams fought hard and deserved to win. It almost looked like the game would end in a tie.

It was interesting to see Coach Belichick give Manning the ball in OT and take the wind. In the end, the wind played a factor in the final punt of the game to Wes Welker. When it bounced off the leg of Bronco DB Tony Carter, the Pats were able to recover and kick the winning field goal.

I wonder how many fans turned the game off at half time. It was a frigid night at Gillette Stadium. What percentage of the fans stayed until the end of the game?

Brady & Manning XIV

It's several hours before the kickoff between the Pats and Broncos. Fans get to see Tom Brady and Peyton Manning going against each other for the 14th time. Brady has a 9-4 record and three Super Bowl wins, but Manning has all of the statistics and one ring.

Their numbers and accomplishments are amazing. They are the best of their time. This is one of the greatest match-ups ever. They are both near the end of their careers. How much longer will they play? Nobody really knows.

If you love the game, I don't know how you can hate Manning. I want the Pats to beat him and the Broncos, but I've always been a fan of Manning. He is one of the all-time greatest. We won't get too many more chances to see him and Brady battle. I hope fans enjoy it.

Still Hope For 75%

Sunday will be playoff elimination day for those teams who get their eighth loss of the season. Teams with a 9-7 record can still make the playoffs, especially if they with their division. Seattle did it a couple  of years ago with a record of 7-9.

The New York Giants started 0-6, but are riding a four game winning streak to improve to 4-6. They face the Cowboys in a crucial NFC East game where they have a chance to stay in contention.

The season is already over for Houston, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Jacksonville because they already have eight losses. Buffalo and Washington are fighting to stay alive.

From this point forward, every week will send another team or two to the sidelines for the playoffs. The league likes the fact that 75% of the teams are still in contention.

Cunningham Lands In New York

Former Pats LB Jermaine Cunningham didn't see much of the field during training camp because of injuries. He was expected to be cut from the team when the final roster was announced. It ended a disappointing tenure for their 2nd round pick in 2010.

Like many other players, he waited for the phone to ring. He finally got a call form the 49er's and spent most of October with them before getting released.

The Jets signed him this week. Will he make any difference in their defense? They must have seen something that caught their attention. There are many players out on the street looking to get back into the NFL. What made Cunningham the choice of the Jets?

Incentive To Play

The Pats have a number of players who will be free agents after the season. Aqib Talib signed a one year contract, hoping to have a big year and reap the financial rewards in free agency.

It was surprising when Talib didn't get a multi-year contract from a team. He decided to roll the dice and try again at the end of this season.

Talib has played very well so far, but is injury prone. His hip seems to be a point of concern in the future and has caused him to miss games.

 He should be paid like one of the best corner backs, but it probably won't be in Foxborough. Some team will offer him a ridiculous amount of money because of his position.

Missing Welker

The war of attrition continues around the NFL. The team with the best shot in the playoffs will be the one that is healthiest. Players from all teams are dropping every week.

Pats fans will be disappointed to hear that Wes Welker will not be playing when the Broncos come to Foxborough on Sunday night.

Welker took a huge hit late in the 4th quarter in his team's win over the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. He sustained a concussion and must pass all of the protocol tests before he is back on the field.

When Welker was hit, he immediately released the ball as he fell to the ground. It was easy to see that he had no idea where he was. Welker's name will appear as an entry on the team's injury report, but will this particular hit effect him down the road?

Saturday Night Games

New York Jets Coach Rex Ryan has always done things differently. It might not have been the best idea to cancel team meetings on Saturday night before their game against the Bills. The team ended up spending their evening at Dave and Buster's, a game arcade near their hotel in Buffalo.

The Jets played a sloppy game on Sunday and lost 37-14, dropping them to 5-5. Ryan is taking intense criticism for the move which was seen by some as a sign of disrespect to the Bills.

If the Jets won, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but they are fighting to stay alive in the playoff run. Ryan called it a team-building exercise. I think the team needs to get to the playoffs to save his job.

If Ryan gets fired, it won't be for one thing. However, going to the arcade will never rank as one of his best decisions.

Tom & Cam

Tonight's MNF game should be a great match-up between Tom Brady and Cam Newton, two great quarterbacks. Brady has three Super Bowl Rings. Cam has unlimited potential and is so athletic on the field. His three year career is off to a great start. He is a huge threat in the running game. His numbers are amazing.

I don't think running quarterbacks like Cam have a long life in the NFL. Brady is in his 14th season. I don't see Cam doing that.

How Big Is The Bowl?

Some college football teams were trying to get their 6th win yesterday to qualify for a bowl game. Boston College did it with their win over North Carolina State. They are now 6-4 overall.

BC will not be dictating its post-season schedule, but at least they will go to a game. Some alumnae will complain about the quality of the opponent, but with over 30 bowl games, almost anyone gets in.

Every year at this time, we hear there are too many games. As long as the television networks continue to pay broadcasting rights, there will be games. Fans still watch them regardless of the level of competition.

Akron @ UMass

I went to Gillette Stadium today to watch UMass play Akron. It was a close, but sloppy game on a 55 degree day.

Akron turned the ball over three times in the first half, but was able to prevail 17-13. UMass killed themselves with their inability to move the ball and convert on third down.

In spite of it all, UMass had a chance to go ahead late in the fourth quarter, but they turned the ball over on downs. Akron put on a great drive to burn the clock and get a late field goal to seal the win.

UMass falls to 1-9, while Akron improves to 4-8. The move to Division 1A has not been smooth for UMass during its first two years. Poor attendance at Gillette Stadium doesn't help. There is virtually no student support at the games because of the 80 mile ride from Amherst.

Things will be different next year as UMass plans to play three home games in Amherst. The team needs more support from students and alumnae.

Todd Christensen

The death of former Oakland Raider TE Todd Christensen was a footnote in the local paper's sports column. He joins the long list of former NFL players who died too young. His death at 57 came during surgery for a liver transplant.

He was a 2nd round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 1978 after playing running back at BYU. He broke his foot in Cowboy training camp and was placed on IR. He signed the following season with the Giants, but played in only one game.

Raiders owner Al Davis saw something different. He was converted to tight end and spent the next ten seasons in Oakland where he won Super Bowls in 1981 and 1984. He finished his career with 467 catches for 5,872 yards and 41 TD's. He also played in five Pro Bowls.

After his playing days, he became a color analyst for NFL and college games. He had been experiencing liver problems for the last two years which was traced to complications from gall bladder surgery 25 years ago.

Reed Flying With Jets

It was always a long shot to have Ed Reed sign with the Pats. After he was released by Houston, he had to clear waivers. Teams with a worse record than the Pats could put in a claim for him.

He ended up with the New York Jets where he will be reunited with Rex Ryan, his former defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens.

I think it's a great move for the Jets and Reed. We will see whether Reed has anything left in the tank. It would have been nice to see him in Foxborough. He will be a free agent at the end of the season, but also a year older and closer to retirement. We will probably never see the magic that could have been with Reed and Coach Belichick.

Saved By His Stroke

Reports indicate that Texan coach Gary Kubiak will be back on the sidelines after suffering a slight stroke during a game two weeks ago.

Kubiak's situation illustrates the health challenges faced by coaches in a job surrounded by stress. His name has been prominently mentioned for coaches who might get fired before the end of the season. I'm sure that contributed to his stress level.

It would be a public relations disaster for the team to fire Kubiak now. They must let him finish the season no matter what happens. I don't think he will be coaching there next season. The team will make a deal with him at the end of the season to ease him away.

Is It The End For Reed?

The end came for Ed Reed today when the Houston Texans released him after a disappointing season. Reed signed a 3 year/$15 million contract as a free agent after coming off hip surgery.

Reed has always been one of Coach Belichick's favorite defensive players, but is it too late at this stage for Reed to make an appearance in Foxborough? He has lost a step and was relegated to backup duty in Houston. His frustration finally erupted after their most recent loss which resulted in the team releasing him.

If the Pats have a chance, why not sign him? Whoever gets Reed him will owe him $412,000, as well as $62,500 for each game he is on the active roster.

Reed probably should have retired last season. You can't blame him for signing a $15 million contract. He must have known he wasn't going to see most of that money.

It's hard to walk away from the game when someone throws money at you.

Bowl Talk

It's hard to generate a lot of excitement about local college football around here. Boston College and UMass are the only ones that seem to get any type of coverage. There are many good programs in Division 2 & 3, but we don't hear much about them.

BC beat New Mexico State last weekend, improving to 6-4. They only need to win one of their last three games to have seven wins and qualify for one of the many bowls available.

They can even get a game at 7-6. They have three chances to get a bowl bid.

Time To Stuff The Ballot Boxes

Fans can vote for the Pro Bowl, but I don't think it's a good idea to have them involved. The NFL wants it that way because they favor anything that makes the game more popular.

There is no fair way to select the Pro Bowl. In the past, it was done by the players and coaches. They often voted for people they were familiar with or had faced in a game.

Fans can now stuff the ballot box if they want to. Players end up getting selected because of their popularity. The game is still important to many because some get bonuses for being selected.

By the time the game is played, many will miss it because of the Super Bowl or injury. The AFC and NFC teams end up going way down on the depth charts to finalize their rosters.

Leonard Leads

Former New York Giants great Leonard Marshall has been diagnosed with CTE. It seems so cruel that the former three time Pro Bowler would be afflicted with his current condition. He played 13 seasons in in the NFL Now, he has a very real brain trauma condition.

Where does he go from here? He is in the uncharted waters of brain concussions in post playing days. There will be many more after him.

TD Joins The List

Hall of Fame RB Tony Dorsett announced that he suffers from CTE, the chronic brain debilitating disease linked to so many former NFL players. He is now predisposed to early-stage Alzheimer's.

Dorsett joins growing list of players with a potentially bleak future. His announcement puts a high profile player into the news cycle of the CTE story.

As long as the game I played, CTE will be a problem when players retire and get older. The game is so fast and violent. The human body was not made to absorb so many train-like collisions.

The real tragedy is that players will die, or in some instances, take their own life. We don't need any more Dave Duerson or Junior Seau stories.

Dolphins Swimming In Controversy

The bullying controversy in Miami involving teammates Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin has ignited a huge discussion. The NFL will be conducting its own investigation. There are rumors that the Miami coaching staff encouraged Incognito to "toughen" Martin up.

Bullying and taunting are wrong in any workplace, but I don't think the NFL is a "normal" work environment. It's been interesting to hear comments from current and former players about this.

Incognito has been suspended by the Dolphins, but Martin has not been heard from. Where will this all end up? It has become a huge story in the media. Everyone has their own take on it.

Who Do You Know?

Many fans know the roster of their favorite home team. They recognize everyone on the 53 man roster, Practice Squad and IR.

With the way players move around so much from team to team, do they really know their teammates? We saw that over the weekend when Jets safety Willie Colon admitted that he didn't know WR Greg Salas in spite of him being on the roster for a few weeks. Salas had a huge game in the Jets win over the Saints.

I can see how it happens. Some players move around a lot. There are only so many people they can know on their team before they head to another one. They are fighting just to stay in the league.