Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Two Together


Jets GM John Idzik and Coach Rex Ryan held a joint press conference today. They certainly showed a united front. They have many personnel issues, starting at quarterback.

Rex said his contract issue will resolve itself. He's right on that. Owner Woody Johnson might wait until the season starts to determine if he wants Rex on a long term basis.

It says a lot if he starts next season without a contract extension.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Rex Is Back


Rex Ryan got a stay of execution for another season with the Jets as he will return for the final year of his contract in 2014. It has not been confirmed whether he got an extension or if one is in the works, otherwise he is a lame duck coach next season.

I was glad to see Rex return. He adds a lot of fun to the NFL with his remarks to the media and emotion for the game. I'm a big fan of his and want the Jets to win as long as it doesn't effect the Pats.

He will be under a great deal of pressure to win next season. GM John Idzak must assemble the right players for him to coach. They both share the responsibility for the final outcome. They will win or lose together and must keep owner Woody Johnson happy.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

School's Out For Kitna


Tim Tebow must have wondered if he would get a call from the Dallas Cowboys after QB Tony Romo was lost for the season with a herniated disc in his back.

The Cowboys went for "street" players and brought in David Carr, Tyler Thigpen, John Skelton and Caleb Hanie for a tryout to backup Kyle Orton

With their season on the line, they signed 41 year old John Kitna who has prior experience with them. The only problem is that Kitna has not played since the end of the 2011 season. He is a high school teacher and football coach at Lincoln HS in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington.

Kitna has taken some snaps as the opponent quarterback for his high school team, but that is far away from the NFL. He started 124 games with stops in Seattle, Cincinnati, Detroit and  Dallas. He will only play in a dire situation.

If the Cowboys make the playoffs, his school will need to hire a substitute teacher for at least a week. It won't be longer because I don't see the Cowboys going far.  

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Time To Get Paid


There is never a good way to select the players for the Pro Bowl. Aqib Talib and Stephen Gotskowski got the nod as starters. Tom Brady, Logan Mankins and Matthew Slater also made the team.

A player's legacy is often defined by championships won and Pro Bowl selections. It also means money in many cases because they have incentives built into their contracts.

Talib will be a free agent after signing a one year contract and taking a chance on this season. He stands to make a lot of money next season whether it's with the Pats or some place else.

The team finally found their shut-down corner after being without one for so many years. Now, they need to determine whether they are willing to pay for one. This will be a very big decision for the team. They can also give Talib the franchise tag which will pay him big-time and effect the team's salary cap.

Friday, December 27, 2013

All On Kyle


The Dallas Cowboys did the obvious today when they announced that Kyle Orton would be their starting quarterback in their do or die game against the Eagles on Sunday.

Jerry Jones previously signed Orton to a 3 year/$10 million contract for this exact purpose. He wasted a great deal of time in thinking that Tony Romo could be ready for the game in spite of a herniated disc in his back. Romo had surgery today to address the problem.

Watching Romo play last Sunday after his injury was painful. Teams take extraordinary steps to try and get players on the field. Romo's injury was too severe. The Cowboys did their best, but they should have made this decision after the game last Sunday.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Winston Won't Light It Up


Florida State QB Jameis Winston had quite a season this year. In addition to wining the Heisman Trophy and resolving a sexual assault allegation against him, he is also preparing to lead his team against Auburn in the Bowl Championship Series national title game on January 6th.

After the game, he will begin his preparation for the upcoming season of the Florida State baseball team. He plans to play both sports because he wants to follow the footsteps of Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders who had great careers in the NFL and MLB.

Winston was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 15th round after he graduated from high school last year. He was ranked as the 22nd best high school prospect by Perfect Game, but ended up with signing with Florida State who agreed to let him play both sports.

Sanders and Jackson were very unique athletes who were able to do something that few can accomplish. Winston is a pitcher, but projects to be an outfielder.

Jackson and Sanders had abbreviated NFL seasons when they played both sports. I don't see how Winston can miss part of the season and still expect to be a starting quarterback. He might do better as a backup on some team, but he needs to find one that is willing to cater to his wishes.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

No Bowling Today


I'm very surprised to see that there are no college football bowl games on Christmas Day. I'm sure there was a lot of thought put into that decision by the television networks. They have played games in the past on Christmas.

Getting a television audience is not a problem. Having the fans give up their day and travel to watch a game with two mediocre teams is a hurdle that is difficult to overcome.

The schedule will resume relentlessly on Thursday.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Last Days of Rex


Black Monday is right around the corner after the games on Sunday. Coaches get fired every year. There are always some surprises either way. Mike Shanahan of the Redskins seems to want to get fired so he can get his $7million salary due him in 2014.

Jets owner Woody Johnson has not given Rex Ryan the endorsement that one would expect. Rex has stated that he believes he will be fired. The New York Post endorsed Ryan which leads me to believe he will get canned.

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Best Game of the Season


The Pats played their best game of the season during their 41-7 win over the Ravens. They still need to beat the Bills on Sunday to get a first round bye in the playoffs.

I hope to see this team on the field for the rest of the season. They played so well in all three phases of the game. After next week, it becomes a one game season.

If they play like yesterday and avoid injuries, there is a good chance to see them in the AFC Championship game.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

The Tower of London


Today could be the one of the last games of the great career of Redskins LB London Fletcher. His list of accomplishments is quite long between Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl Championship with the Rams.

He was undrafted in 1998 and went on to have a stellar career with the Rams, Bills and Redskins. He will best be known for his remarkable consecutive game streak which will continue today with  255. He also started 213 at linebacker, a record for that position.

Fletcher's streak is amazing considering the physicality of his position and his age at 38. He had many chances to end it because of injury, but was always able to get on the field.

Hopefully, he is healthy ten years from now.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Don't Take Me Out To Fenway


I'll never understand why Notre Dame decided to play ones of its home games on November 21, 2015 at Fenway Park against Boston College. The place is the worst stadium to watch football. The game will provide fans with terrible sight lines of the field.

Pats fans were so happy when the team played their last home game on December 1, 1968 against the Bills. They eventually moved to the newly built Schaefer/Sullivan Stadium after stops at Harvard and Boston College Stadiums.

I was surprised to see Notre Dame agree to play in such a small place. They could have attracted 68,000 at Gillette Stadium, but will end up with a live gate of about 40,000. The television revenue factors into it. They wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't worthwhile. It's all about the money in college football.

They are also selling the Fenway park angle.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Short By Two Yards


Giants WR Victor Cruz had insult added to injury during last week's 23-0 loss to the Seahawks. Late in the 3rd quarter, Cruz left the game with what appeared to be a concussion and knee injury after leaping to catch a 16 yard pass.

Cruz struck is head on the ground and stayed down for a few minutes. Seattle coach Pete Carroll challenged the play on whether Cruz had secured the ball after hitting the ground. The original ruling of a completion was overturned.

This play impacted Cruz in many ways. His concussion would have kept him out on Sunday and maybe next week, but now he will need arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The incomplete pass took 16 yards from his season total, dropping it to 998.

It was mostly his last play of the season. It prevented him from being the fourth Giants player to have three consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

All In The Name


The 34 college bowl game schedule start this weekend when Washington State and Colorado State meet in the New Mexico Bowl. The action will continue until Jan 6th when Auburn and Florida State play for the BCS National Championship.

There was a time when only a handful of teams played on New Year's Day. They  battled it out in games with iconic names like the Sugar, Rose, Orange and Cotton Bowls. A few games were added over the years. Sponsors bought up the naming rights. Players and fans no longer know the real name of the bowl their team is playing in.

Boston College fans are happy to finally make it back to a game. They were one of eleven ACC teams who became eligible after six wins. Once they got their seventh, they punched their ticket to the AdvoCare V100 on Dec 31st against Arizona State. The game was formerly known as the Independence Bowl.

Going to a bowl game means money for both schools. There is a lot at stake. ESPN has every game covered except  three. They pay a great deal of money for broadcasting rights. The games are very expensive to host. Selling the naming rights is just another way of generating revenue.

Unfortunately, it kills whatever tradition is built up over the years by the game. I didn't know the AdvoCare V100 was once the Independence Bowl. It doesn't even have a catchy name. I can't imagine players bragging about their time at the AdvoCare V100 Bowl.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Just Like "The Fridge"


The New York Jets lost their game Sunday to Carolina, but at least they had one of the most exciting offensive plays of the year.

In the third quarter, DL Sheldon Richardson was part of the formation on first and goal from the two. He was given the ball, but was stopped at the one. He got it again and plowed into the end zone for the score. It cut Carolina's lead to 16-13.

It was reminiscent of DL William "Refrigerator" Perry who did the same for the great Chicago Bears team of 1985. He scored three TD's during the regular season and one in the Super Bowl win over the Pats.

The NFL needs more plays like that where players switch sides of the ball.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Post-Career Reality


NBC Nightly News did a great job tonight on a story about the wives of former NFL players who are suffering from brain injuries. The three players profiled spent time in the league during the 80's and early 90's.

They all suffer from physical ailments, memory loss and depression. Their careers were long enough for them to suffer chronic problems that will effect them the rest of their lives.

The NFL and NFLPA had their landmark $762 million concussion lawsuit settlement, but there is great concern that many players prior to 1980 will fall through the cracks because they had short careers.

This problem isn't over.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Great Award For Peyton


A lot of fans are not thrilled with the fact that Peyton Manning was selected by Sports Illustrated as the "Athlete of the Year". They can't be happy for him and his resurgence in Denver after it appeared his career might be over.

I'll never understand why a true fan of the game would hate him. He is one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the position whether you like him or not. His spot in the Hall of Fame is ensured.

Fans hate certain teams and players. I don't get it.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

The Expensive Word


Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are always brief and terse during their post-game press conference when the Pats lose. Today was no exception after they lost 24-20 to the Dolphins. The road to the number one seed in the AFC got a bit murkier.

Brady abruptly ended the questioning after he uttered a word you can't say on television. There will be some type of fine. He will just write a check, but he should have thought before he spoke. He got caught up in the moment and will apologize.

I think it just shows how passionate he is about playing and winning.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Tom Having A Meltdown


Fans around the NFL see Coach Belichick as being very stoic and not having much personality. He is far from that. He keeps a even keel throughout the season no matter what type of adversity the team faces.

Meanwhile in the Big Apple, Coach Tom Coughlin is getting testy with the press as his 5-8 team attempts to play hard in their final three games. He got into a heated exchange with a reporter when asked about the removal of the "Super Bowl Countdown " clock in the team's locker room. He claimed no knowledge of its status. Apparently, GM Jerry Reese had it taken down.

That was a good idea to remove it. At 5-8, the only way the team is going to the Super Bowl is by purchasing a ticket. The drama continues.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Need Three Wins


It was a big deal for the Chargers to beat the Broncos 27-20 in Thursday Night Football. If the season ended today, the Pats would have the number one seed in the AFC and home field advantage, including the AFC Championship game.

This is great news for fans, but a little premature with three games left to play. They still need to keep their bye as well as win their playoff game to make it to the AFC finals. A lot can happen between now and then.

Talk shows will be jumping on this and beating it to death with all sorts of playoff scenarios. It makes for interesting conversation, but you can only take so much. The Pats need to beat the Dolphins on Sunday and then finish the season with wins over the Ravens and Bills.

Given the amount of injuries suffered by the Pats, they have their work cut out for them.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

It's Good


NFL kickers routinely kick field goals of 60-70 yards during pregame warm-ups. Coaches are not inclined to try such a long one during a game. It can end in a disaster if the defense returns the missed kick. It also gives the other team great field position.

Things lined up perfectly during the game last Sunday between the Broncos and Titans. As play expired in the first half, Broncos kicker Matt Prager booted a 64 yard field goal to break the NFL record of 63 shared by several players

Prager's kick cut the Titan's lead to 21-20 at the half. The Broncos won the game 51-28. There was a risk to the play because the Titans could have run the ball back for a score.

The record of 63 yards was first set in 1970 by Tom Dempsey. He held it until 1998 when Jason Elam kicked one from 63. Sebastian Janikowski did it in 2011 and David Akers in 2012. Janikowski also missed one from 76 yards.

The record might stand for a long time. It would take a special set of circumstances for a coach to try one from 65.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Ready For Firing


I think Mike Shanahan will lead the list of coaches who will get fired at the end of the season. At 3-10, it's only getting worse for the Redskins. RG III has been playing hurt and isn't the greatest leader. He has said things he shouldn't have said at press conferences. Coach Shanahan plans to bench him on Sunday and probably for the remainder of the season.

Griffin's knee injury last year was mishandled from the start. No coach can work with owner Dan Snyder. He controls the purse strings and calls some of the shots no matter what Shanahan says.

I think Rex Ryan has a better chance of coaching his team next year.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

9 at 24


There is a pall around the fan base concerning Gronk. They wonder how far the team can go in the playoffs without him. It would have been great to have one of the most dynamic players in the league on offense. You can't possibly replace him.

Fans seem to think it's all over for the Pats. They will be one and done in the playoffs. The difference in their offensive stats since his return is so profound. He had such an impact.

Maybe it will be the final straw and the Pats will make a quick exit in the playoffs. Fans need to realize that Gronk won't be ready for training camp and might have a repeat of this year's schedule.

He is so talented at the age of 24. He's on a track for the Hall of Fame, but I think his career will be cut short. He is facing his 8th surgery since entering the NFL and 9th overall. That's not good.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Moving On Without Gronk


The Pats pulled off an incredible 27-26 win over the Cleveland Browns, but the loss of Rob Gronkowski with a likely ACL tear could be devastating for the offense. Since the return of Gronk, the offense has improved immensely in all categories. He allows Tom Brady to do so much more with the ball.

Gronk is done for the season. They will go on without him, but how far they can go in the playoffs will be a big question. Players, coaches and fans cannot lament his loss because he is not going to be part of the 2013 season from this point forward.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Reed Not Leaving Easily


Jets safety Ed Reed fired back at critics who said his best days are behind him and that he was a shadow of his former self.

Reed will walk into the Hall of Fame, but his exit from the NFL isn't going the way he wished. Rex Ryan is one of his biggest supporters, but he might not be around to coach him after this season.

Reed said he has enough left to play for two more years. I hope he does. He is one of the best ever to play the position. Maybe, he can return to his former level of play. At his age, it's not likely.

I think Reed will be ones of those players who need to have the uniform ripped off his back before he gives it up. I admire that in anyone.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Playing In The Small House


Tim Tebow finally got offered a contract to play quarterback. The only problem is that it's not in the NFL. Instead, he was offered $200,000 to play for the Milano Seamen of the Italian Federation of American Football.

The eight team league begins in March and concludes with the Italian Super Bowl in July. The Seamen have the league's largest stadium with a capacity of 8,000. It's a far cry from the NFL. It's not even the Arena Football League, but it's a chance to show that he can still play.

I doubt he will accept their offer unless he gets an escape clause to go to a team in the NFL. Tebow could stay here and shop himself around when the free agency period starts in March. His phone has not been ringing during the regular season. It probably won't in March.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Who Throws The Ball On Sunday?


Tim Tebow must be wondering if he will ever get another chance to play quarterback in the NFL. Team rosters are full of veteran retreads and young ones who will be out of the league after a year or two.

The Pats play the 4-8 Browns on Sunday. They have four quarterbacks on their active roster and Brian Hoyer on IR. Brandon Weedon, selected in the first round of 2012, has been benched for poor play. Veteran Jason Campbell is out with a concussion.

They signed Caleb Hanie a few days ago, but he only has four career starts. They could also go with 2nd year Alex Tanney who they signed from the Cowboys practice squad.

It looks like the Pats defense could have their day with whoever plays on Sunday. Hopefully, the Browns quarterback doesn't pass for 300 yards.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Don't Ask Winslow


It seems like many fans know more about their team than the players. I can understand someone not knowing all of their teammates by name, especially if they get signed during the season.

Jets TE Kellen Winslow didn't know that his team was still in playoff contention. That is inexcusable, even if the Jets are 5-7. A loss this weekend will eliminate them, but Winslow should have known.

His gaffe was discovered after free-agent WR Donte Stallworth asked him to comment on Twitter about who he thought would be playing in the Super Bowl. Winslow picked the Broncos and Pats in the AFC Championship game and the Panthers and Seahawks for the NFC.

Winslow refused to answer questions from reporters, but went back on Twitter to try and laugh it off. With guys like him, it's easy to see why the Jets are 5-7 and ready for elimination.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Cutting Quarters


The group overseeing high school football in Massachusetts has made another mistake in the playoff format. They already had too many divisions and teams in the playoffs. Schools had a chance to go to a Super Bowl game at Gillette Stadium even if they had a losing record.

Now, it appears the teams playing on Saturday in Foxborough will be competing during 10 minute quarters instead of the usual 12. This allows for shorter games and more to be played.

It's great that the kids have the opportunity to play in a place like Gillette. A smaller roster of games would have been better. In this day and age, everyone has to be included. Kids need to learn that there are winners and losers. Not everyone gets a trophy on Saturday.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

The Kick of a Lifetime


I didn't see the Auburn-Alabama game with its thrilling finish. I only saw the highlights. It was one for the ages. The 34-28 last play of the game loss knocked Alabama out of the top ranking in the national polls and dropped them to fourth. It probably cost them a third consecutive national title.

The final play will live on forever as one of the most exciting finishes to any football game. It started with a 57 yard Alabama field goal attempt by backup kicker Adam Griffith. Cade Foster, their starting kicker, was pulled after missing two field goals and having a third blocked by Auburn.

Griffith's kick was wide and was returned 100 yards by Chris Davis for the winning score. It was a highly unusual play, one rarely successful. All three players will be linked together as part of the game lore in the future.

It was the play of a lifetime by Davis and one that both kickers would like to forget.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Playing The Field


I think the NFL needs to take action against Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin after his controversial interference non-call last Thursday against the Ravens.

Tomlin claimed that he was watching the video board when Ravens returner Jacoby Jones was running down the sidelines for an apparent 100 yard kickoff return. Tomlin stepped on the field, causing Jones to break stride to avoid him. He was tackled after that.

Jones may have made it to the end zone. We will never know, but Tomlin's actions showed poor sportsmanship. He claims it was all innocent. Players get too close to the field all the time. No flag was thrown on the play. The NFL will review the film to determine if any action should be taken.

I think the league needs to fine him. Others say the Steelers should lose a draft choice. Tomlin's actions didn't effect the overall outcome of the game, but what if it did? How would the league react then?

Sunday, December 1, 2013

The Costly Turnover


There has been a great deal of talk about the future of RB Steven Ridley with the Pats. His fumbles have come at bad times. He was benched last week after he coughed up the ball against the Broncos. How much will he play today against Houston?

Ridley has reached out to former RB Kevin Faulk who had his own problems holding onto the ball early in his career. He might be able to help, but Ridley is the one who can fix it.

Whoever has the ball, takes the blame for any turnover. It comes with the job description. In Ridley's case, he might not be here much longer if he keeps dropping it.