The End For Steve Gregory

The Pats have begun the process of releasing veteran players because of salary cap issues. DB Steve Gregory became the first. His $3 million cap impact made him expendable. Earlier in the week, he lamented that this might happen.

He could return to the team at a cheaper price, but it looks like the Pats will move on and pursue free agents and draft choices to fill his spot.

Social media was filled with comments critical of his play, but he was able to carve out a career that has lasted eight years in spite of being undrafted in 2006. He played in 111 games, including 54 starts. He will end up some place as a backup.

The Best Name

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix had one of the most intriguing names at the NFL Scouting Combine. The safety from Alabama elected to enter the draft after his junior year. He was selected for the All SEC Defensive Team after the 2013 season in spite of a two game suspension and eventual knee surgery.

Like everyone else at the Combine, he had a remarkable high school and college career. It turns out that his first name is really Ha'Sean. If he ever makes it to the NFL, the commentators will have fun with his name.

No Invitation

The NFL Scouting Combine has concluded. Some players really helped their draft status by what they did there. As the coaches often say, "It doesn't matter how you get to the NFL, as long as you get there". The Pats drafted several players in the past who made the team, but were never invited to the Combine.

OL Sebastian Vollmer raised a lot of eyebrows in 2009 when the Pats selected him in the 2nd round. They later followed up with WR Julien Edelman in the 7th round, but at the time, he was still playing quarterback. DB's Tavon Wilson and Nate Ebner were drafted in the 2nd and 6th round respectively in 2012. Duron Harmon joined the other DB's when he was selected last year in the 2nd round.

All of these players made an impact on the team. It's the same all around the league. Every year there are players who were not invited, but got drafted. Some of those who were there, will never get drafted and won't make a roster as a free agent.

Strange Trades That Didn't Happen

The weird drama in the front office of the San Francisco 49er's will drag on and eventually someone will depart from the team. It was very strange to hear of the attempt by the Cleveland Browns to make a trade for coach Jim Harbaugh.

Team owner Jed York declined the offer, but it shows the strain between Harbaugh and the team as they attempt to negotiate a long term contract with the coach.

Reports indicate that the relationship between Harbaugh and GM Tent Baalke are strained to the point where they only communicate via email. This does not bode well for the long term.

It appears that the team will need to decide between Harbaugh and Baalke. I think Harbaugh is the favorite because he has guided the 49er's to three straight NFL Championship games, but you never know.

Throwing Chances Away

It seems to be the norm for some players to sit out certain drills at the NFL Scouting Combine. We see that especially with quarterbacks. Johnny Manziel and a few others didn't bother to throw any passes. They will wait until their school holds their Pro Day. Some quarterbacks feel more comfortable throwing to their own receivers, but others have no choice.

Only 19 quarterbacks were invited to the Combine. Jeff Matthews of Cornell is a prime example. He already has a mark against him by coming from an Ivy League school, in spite of his accomplishments on the field.

Matthews was asked to be a throwing quarterback for the receiver drills. He jumped on the chance to get more exposure. He projects to be a late round pick or might go undrafted. At least he is not afraid to show what he can do.

Endangered Species

As I watch the NFL Scouting Combine, it seems like the days of the featured running back are going away. So many teams like the Pats do "running back by committee".

This could be the second time in 51 years where a running back wasn't drafted in the first round. It happened last year. The NFL leading rushers in 2013 were mostly drafted in rounds 3-5. That has been the trend in recent years.

Running backs also have the shortest careers. So many are done too soon.

Never Six Feet

NFL teams are notorious for overstating the size of their players. Some seem to grow taller after leaving college. Nobody wants to be short.

QB Johnny Manziel measured at 5'11 3/4" at the Scouting Combine. He is not six feet tall. Whatever team drafts him might list him at six feet after rounding it off to the next inch. There has already been talk about him being a "short" quarterback.

The league has always been obsessed about height and weight. Manziel is now considered to be short and will need to deal with it.

The Sad Tale of Sharper

Former DB Darren Sharper had a great NFL career playing in five Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls over the course of 14 seasons. He won a ring with the Saints. He made a smooth transition to the NFL Network as one of their analysts. I heard him on numerous occasions and always thought he did a good job.

The recent news about his arrest is very disturbing. He is charged with drugging and raping two women in California. He is also being investigated for another eleven druggings and seven rapes across four states in the last 6-7 months.

All of this happened while he was on the staff of the NFL Network. He has been suspended from his job. He faces a long uphill legal battle. If he ever beats the charges, it would still be difficult for him to return in front of the camera.

His story will continue to unfold over the next several months.

No Gonzalez Here

Pats fans were hearing the rumor that TE Tony Gonzalez might try to play another year if he had a shot at going to the Super Bowl with a contending team.

That story ended today with the announcement that he will be joining the crew at CBS for the "The NFL Today" show. Gonzalez will bring his 17 years of playing experience to the broadcast.

CBS decided to change their line-up as they have struggled behind "Fox NFL Sunday". It was surprising to hear that Dan Marino and Shannon Sharpe will not be returning to the show. Gonzalez will be joining James Brown, Boomer Esiason and Bill Cowher.

You don't keep your job as a coach if your team doesn't win. It works the same for television ratings. Someone pays the price.

Ray's Bad Day

Baltimore RB Ray Rice has been portrayed as a guy who overcame the odds to make it to the NFL. Now, we are seeing video released by TMZ of Rice dragging his unconscious wife from an elevator at a casino in Atlantic City.

Police charged both of them after it was revealed that they had some type of altercation. How will this case play out? Will it fall quietly by the wayside? I'm sure the Ravens front office wants it to go away. Will it effect his future with the team?

Who will be the next NFL player to get arrested?

Vince On Line 1

No athlete ever wants to hear talk on the radio about him being overpaid and expendable, but it's happening with Vince Wilfork these days. He is 32 years old, returning from Achilles surgery and counts $11.5 million against the salary cap. He has always been a fan favorite and seems to enjoy a great relationship with the Kraft family.

I would not be surprised if they just release him. I think he can still play, but it won't be for money like that here.

This will be a story that evolves over the next few weeks.

A Good Pay

The NFL continues to make money with ease. Revenue in 2013 was $10 billion up from the $7 billion of 2006. At the head of all this is Commissioner Roger Goodell who serves at the will of the owners.

He is very well compensated for his efforts. In 2012, he earned a $35.1 million salary and also got a $5 million bonus and $4.1 million pension payment. Is $44.2 million too much compensation for the leader of a $10 billion business? The team owners seem to have no issue with it. A few weeks ago, the league sold its television rights for eight Thursday night games to CBS for $300 million.

If Goodell stayed on the job for another 20 years, his total compensation would exceed the $760 million legal settlement with the former players over injuries and concussions. Meanwhile, players in their 70's and 80's get a few financial crumbs thrown to them.

Say No To Johnny

It's important to have confidence, but Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel borders on being delusional. Many think he will be selected number one overall by the Houston Texans in the upcoming draft. Some have labeled him as a "can't miss" prospect. I think that term gets used too often.

Manziel has called out the Texans and warned them that they should draft him or he will spend the rest of his career trying to beat them. He just assumes that he is going to be great.

Some feel that he is not the quarterback to build a team around. I have that same feeling. I think he is overrated and will not be as successful as he feels. He probably has already measured himself for his Hall of Fame jacket.

Mike On The Line

It was surprising to hear the extent of the consulting relationship that Michael Lombardi had with Coach Belichick while working for the NFL Network from 2007-2012.

Lombardi was consulted for game planning and was considered to be an influential factor in the team's drafts from 2010-2012.

All of this stayed under the radar and was never noticed by the media or fans. Coach Belichick obviously thought enough of him to seek his advice. Their relationship goes back to his head coaching days with the Cleveland Browns in the early 1990's where Lombardi was involved in player personnel.

They have a long and interesting working relationship. His joining the front office should be beneficial.

What Time In London?

For some reason, there was a lot of discussion on a local sports talk show today about the possibility of having a NFL team in London. Naturally, this created a pile of really strange calls. One person wanted to have some type of spring league that would allow for player development. They obviously  never heard of NFL Europe or the other leagues that have tried to make a go of it.

The NFL wants to grow the game internationally, but Americans are the only ones who play it for the most part. There are some leagues in Europe that play the equivalent of Division 3 caliber games.

Fans support the few games the league plays in London because they are a novelty type of entertainment. The NFL will never eclipse soccer in terms of popularity.

What are the plans if the team struggles with attendance? Would the league ever pull the plug on a team there if it doesn't work out?

Together Again With Bill

It was interesting to hear that former Cleveland GM Michael Lombardi might be reunited with Coach Belichick after having some type of interview in Foxborough. They had their best days 30 years ago in Cleveland.

BB has been criticized on talk radio for having just a bunch of  "yes men" over the years. Lombardi might be like this if they hire him. I'm sure there is a really good reason why Bill  might offer him a job with the team.

"Experts" At Work

The story of Michael Sam continues to make news. Numerous draft "experts" have weighed in on him. It's hard to get a real gauge on his potential when you listen to them.

Being defensive player of the year in the SEC is quite an accomplishment, but some of the analysts talk as if Sam will only be a situational pass rusher or play on special teams. They cited his small size at 6'2" and 260 pounds for playing defensive end. Some felt he would need to play in a certain type of defense that could use his skills.

Draft "experts" love to point out the weaknesses of a player. From the way they talk, he will be lucky to get drafted at all. Already, an odds maker in Las Vegas has established the draft line "over and under" for him to be 125.5. This would make him a late 4th round selection.

The NFL Draft should be quite an event this year.

Never Change The Name

Leave it to Congress to get involved in the Washington Redskins name controversy. A couple of members decided to get into the fray by saying the name should be changed.

The Redskins turned the tables on them with their press release which blasted Congress over the various social issues facing Native Americans. They enumerated the problems from poverty, crime, unemployment and education. They also criticized Congress for not focusing on their own work.

I hope they never give in and change the name, but there will be those who will never give up the battle.

Michael's Open Story

We always hear about the high regard that Coach Belichick has for the SEC. Many of their players get drafted and make their respective teams.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Michael Sam of Missouri, the SEC defensive player of the year. He has admitted to being gay. Will it effect his standing in the draft? He was considered to be a 3rd round pick. Will teams shy away from him?

Pats owner Robert Kraft said he would be welcomed on his team. No matter what, it will be a big step to select the first openly gay player. He has great pass rushing skills. That's something the Pats could use.

It should be quite a story as we move forward to the draft.

New Names Soon

Fans must realize that  the roster on opening day next season will be different from the one that went to the AFC Championship game.

Robert Kraft has been criticized for his comments about he bottom third of the roster. He is so right, but nobody wants to hear that.

In the end, the Pats will have a new roster filled with draft picks and free agents with at least 15 new players.

Talking Pepper

Pats fans were left wondering when long time coach Pepper Johnson chose to leave the team. He had so many years with Coach Belichick as a player and member of his coaching staff.

Pepper has finally spoken after accepting a job as the defensive line coach with the Buffalo Bills. He is reunited with former Belichick associate Jim Schwartz who was fired from the Lions, but emerged as the defensive coordinator with his new team.

Johnson's long term goal has been to be a coordinator. He was passed over twice while in Foxborough. It must have been a real insult to lose the job to Matt Patricia who didn't have the resume of Pepper.

Everyone said the right things when Johnson left the team. Now, he will face Belichick twice a season. We might even learn more than we know at this point.

Thursday Night Money

NFL owners scored a bonanza when they negotiated with CBS to broadcast eight games on Thursday night. The winning bid was between $250-300 million. It will mean about $8 million per team. The NFL network will broadcast the rest of the schedule and simulcast the ones with CBS.

The contract is only for next season. The league would like to get the other bidders involved in the future. Fox, ABC, ESPN, TBS and NBC Universal all wanted a piece of the action. It's easy to see why. During recent years, 34 of the top 35 rated Thursday night shows were NFL games.

There are those who say there is not enough time between games for players to recover. They have a valid point, but Thursday Night Football has an excellent track record when it comes to viewer ratings. In the end, it's all about the money.

Two Targets

I read an article about the Pats salary cap issues. It gave a listing of all the players contracts with a breakdown of salary, bonus, incentives, dead money and a host of other things.

Many fans want the team to go on a spending spree in the free agent market. If they do, it will come at the expense of some of the veteran contracts.

Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins are walking around with a target on them. Both have huge salary cap hits for 2014. There is no way this will continue. They will either restructure or get released

It can be done in such a way that the players and team are happy. Who knows how it will work out.

Forever The MVP

Some Pats fans want the team to splurge in the free agent market. It makes sense to some degree, but who are your best players on game day? It doesn't matter where you got drafted as long as you make it to the NFL.

Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith did it the hard way. He wasn't even a starter against the Broncos. In the end, he returned an interception 69 yards for a TD and recovered a fumble to get the honors.

Not bad for a 7th round pick from the 2011 draft, the 242nd player selected. Pete Carroll, his coach at USC, took a chance with him. He proved them wrong.

He will always be the MVP of Super Bowl XLVIII. They can never take it away from him even if he has a short career.

The Candid Wes

Everyone wants to place blame when a team loses. WR Wes Welker said the Broncos were not prepared for the crowd noise at MetLife Stadium which resulted in a safety during the first play of the Super Bowl.

Welker didn't mention Coach john Fox by name, but he was the one with the responsibility to prepare the team for any circumstance during the game.

Welker also seems to be at odds with Peyton Manning. Welker called the loss "embarrassing". Champ Bailey said the same thing. Manning took exceptions to the term is his post-game remarks.

Will this just blow over as something said in the heat of the moment?

Never Competitive

I don't think anyone predicted the dismantling of the Broncos by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl last night. The 43-8 score shows that the game was out of control from the first play when Peyton Manning had the ball snapped into the end zone for a safety.

The highest scoring offense in NFL history was no match for the league's #1 ranked defense. The Broncos had 11 yards in their first three possessions. The Seahawks scored on their three first half possessions, as well as getting the safety and an interception of Manning returned for a touchdown.

The game wasn't even competitive. Manning will face the music for losing not only another playoff game, but is now 1-2 in the Super Bowl. I think this loss will drive his next year. He might never get back there, but he will certainly try.

One Moment To Define

It all comes down to the game this evening. We have heard so much about it defining the legacy of Peyton Manning. It will be enhanced if the Broncos can pull off a victory, but he just won his 5th  Offensive MVP award. His resume speaks for itself. He will be linked forever with the short list of great quarterbacks. There is no exact answer to the question of who is the greatest.

The game is more than Manning. Every player has their own unique story about how they got to this moment. Some players will compete in the last game of their career. One moment might define it.

Everybody wants to be a hero. Nobody wants to be the one to cost their team a championship. Winners of this game will always have this as part of their legacy. One team will go home without the trophy.

Champ's Chance

Every player has a special story on how they got to the Super Bowl. The great Champ Bailey finally made it to the big game after a stellar career of 15 seasons.

His resume is so distinguished with 12 Pro Bowls, 7 times on the All-Pro team, 52 interceptions and selected as a member of the All-Decade team for 2000.

In spite of all these honors, the cornerback never played for a chance at a ring. It might be his one and only time. The clock is ticking down on his career. He missed most of the season with injuries. He is back for maybe one last stand.