Hall of Disappointments

The NFL will announce the latest Hall of Fame inductions Saturday night. Some of the finalists will be shocked or disappointed with the way it worked out. Deion Sanders has recently said that there are too many members. Worthy candidates will not get in.

We saw that with the special Senior inductions of ten former players, two coaches and three contributors. For some, it was probably their last chance for induction like the great Cowboys WR Drew Pearson.

The worst part was the Senior selections were unveiled on the NFL Network on their morning show when nobody was watching. What were they thinking? Why didn't they do it in prime time?

Boring Brady Rumors

There has been too much discussion on Boston sports talk radio about the future of Tom Brady. There are so many unfounded rumors out there. Everyone is speculating over where he might land.

It's hard to believe that fans will be inundated with this until the start of free agency on March 18th.

He will ultimately make a decision that he will need to live with , whatever it is. Until then, fans are being bored to death.

It's as bad as the talk about the red Sox and Mookie Betts and his potential trade.

Rivers Might Not Flow There

Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers will always share a connection going back to the 2004 NFL draft. Manning was selected by the Chargers as the first overall pick, but made it known that he would sit out the season before playing for them. They completed a trade with the Giants for draft picks which resulted in the selection of Phillip Rivers.

Manning retired last Friday. Rivers will be a free agent and recently moved his family to Florida. He has been qiet about his future planes, but they won't involve the Chargers.

Rivers will get future discussion about the Hall of Fame, but probably won't make it in spite of playing 16 seasons with 8 Pro Bowls. His 59,271 passing yards and 397 TD's might not be enough to get him there.

Try 4th and 15

The NFL Competition Committee has studied a number of proposals over the years to make the game safer and more interesting to the fans.

Recent changes to the onside kick rules have moved it to the point where in the last two years only 10.5% (12 of 114) have been recovered by the kicking team. It seems to be done under total desperation.

A proposed test in the Pro Bowl allowed for the offense to keep the ball on their own 25 yard line with a 4th and 15 situation. When teams tried to convert under this scenario during the regular season, they were successful 16.2% of the time.

This rule change should be tried out in pre-season games to see if it's viable.

The Ultimate Trade

Today is the 20 year anniversary of the agreement between the Jets and Pats allowing Bill Belichick to become the head coach in Foxborough after resigning from the Jets with only one day on the job.

There was a great deal of negotiation going back and forth before the terms were announced. The Pats gave up their first round pick (16th overall) in the 2001 draft, along with their 4th and 7th. In return, the Pats got Belichick as well as the Jets 5th in 2001 and 7th in 2002.

It didn't work out that great for the Jets, but it certainly did for the Pats.

Playing It Safe

It doesn't really matter that the AFC beat the NFC 38-33 in the Pro Bowl. It's always the strangest game of the year with the way they tweak the rues. It's a good idea for player safety, but it's not what the fans watch every Sunday.

The most important thing is for players not to get hurt, especially those who will be free agents. We only need to look back to Pats RB Robert Edwards who suffered a devastating knee injury while playing a beach volleyball game which was part of the scheduled activities. He was never the same player after and it lead to a short career.



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A Time For Mostert

San Francisco 49er's RB Raheem Mostert had the game of his life against the Packers last Sunday in the NFC Championship game.

He rushed for 220 yards and four TD's, the second best in NFL history to Eric Dickerson's 248 yards in 1986.

Mostert immediately became the latest example of how talent is misjudged and overlooked throughout the league.

He was undrafted from Purdue in 2016. He spent time on the practice squads of the Eagles, Dolphins, Ravens, Browns, Jets and Bears before ending up with the 49er's.

After they signed him, he finished the 2017 and 2018 seasons on injured reserve. When he finally got a chance to play this year, he rushed for 772 yards in the regular season.

His performance can only help his future in the league.

No January Madness

After LSU defeated Clemson in the College National Championship game, critics were complaining about the team selection process for the playoffs. They want more teams involved to give other conferences a chance.

They have a valid point, but how many teams should be included? I have no issue with eight, but any more would be an issue of player safety after a 12 game season and playoff rounds to get there.

In the end, there is no good way to select these teams.

No More Checks For Eli

The future of Eli Manning in the NFL was looking very cloudy after March 19 when he would become a free agent. How many teams really want to sign a 39 year old quarterback who would command a huge salary? He had no desire to be a backup.

Many felt he should retire. He was healthy and avoided injuries that ended the careers of many other quarterbacks.

He has finally decided to call it quits and will retire tomorrow as a Giant. He can take comfort that his NFL career earnings of $252.3 million tops all players, just ahead of brother Peyton ($248.7 million).

He could be passed by free agent QB's Drew Brees ($244.7 million) and Tom Brady ($235.2 million) if they decide to keep playing, but Eli made his money and is moving on.

It Changed 26 Years Ago

It was 26 years ago yesterday that the fortunes of football changed forever in New England. Robert Kraft bought the Pats from James Orthwein for the unheard of price of $175 million. He was ready to move the team to St Louis. The franchise is now worth an estimated $2 billion.

Bill Parcells was in his first year of coaching the team. Eventually, he would leave after the Super Bowl loss of the 1996 team. He was followed by Pete Carroll who will coach in the Super Bowl in two weeks, but never made the playoffs.

In 2000, Bill Belichick came aboard and helped lead them to 19 Eastern Division tiles, 10 AFC Championship games and six Super Bowl wins.

The Hit That Probably Caused AB's Issues

Antonio Brown continues to post bizarre comments on social media. Some of his behavior is indicative of an individual who might be suffering from mental health issues.

His agent Drew Rosenhuas has said he will no longer represent him until he seeks help. Social media has questioned whether he might be suffering from CTE, especially after being knocked out in a January 2016 playoff game against the Bengals by LB Vontaze Burfict.

A review of the video shows a massive and devastating helmet to helmet hit on Brown. Many feel his behavior started to change after that moment.

It's up to Brown to seek professional help, but nobody could come out of that play without a brain injury.

Championship Sunday 2020

The AFC and NFC Championship games should be two great ones today. Pats fans took it for granted that their team would be there today, but looked what happened. Now they don't even know if Tom Brady will be with the team next year.

On the AFC side, I would like to see the Titans win as I have always been a fan of Mike Vrabel since he played for the Pats. It would be great to see WR Tajae Sharpe in the Super Bowl since he went to UMass.

The 49er's and Packers are two franchises with a rich history. Many fans would like to see Tom Brady's former backup, Jimmy Garoppolo play in the big game.

Hopefully, we see two very competitive contests.

Stars Are On The Field

College all-star games give draft eligible players an opportunity to showcase their talents to NFL scouts and personnel people.

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is being played tonight in front of a very small crowd at the Rose Bow. It is also being televised by the NFL Network.

Players come mostly from FBS and FSC conferences. The game is sponsored by the NFL Players Association. Participants are given exposure to the players union and the business side of the NFL during a weeklong series of events.

According to its official website, 112 players participated in the 2018 game, representing 84 colleges. In the end, 42 were invited to the Scouting Combine, with 19 selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. A number signed as undrafted free agents.

There will be additional all-star games at different sites, including one for Division II and III players.

Dollars For Ryan

Coaches careers live and die with their quarterbacks. They often make the difference between coaching for another season or getting fired.

Titans coach Mike Vrabel was not satisfied with going with Marcus Mariota before the season began. He traded with the Dolphins for Ryan Tannehill who was the 6th overall pick in the 2012 draft.

When this season started, Mariota went 2-4 before Vrabel made a switch to Tannehill. The results speak for themselves as the Titans will face the Chiefs on Sunday in the AFC Championship game. He also lead the league with a 117.5 passer rating.

Tannehill has a great opportunity to cash in when free agency begins. Timing is everything.

It's All About Odell

The gifted WR Odell Beckham JR has often been accused of selfish behavior. It was on full view Monday night at the LSU/Clemson National Championship game.

The former LSU player was seen passing out money to players on the field in direct violation of NCAA rules. Many feel that players should get paid, but this was not the place for that.

While in the LSU locker room, he was involved in an incident with a security guard who was trying to stop players from smoking cigars because of the smoke detectors.

Beckham thought it was a good idea to pat the male guard on his rear. As a result, there is now an arrest warrant out for him with a charge of battery.

Rather than make it a moment for the players, he shined the light on himself and created another needless mess.

The Browns will eventually have buyer's remorse over him after giving up so much in their trade with the Giants.

The End For Luke Kuechly

Panthers LB Luke Kuechly announced his retirement today at the age of 28 after eight stellar seasons, including seven Pro Bowl selections. He walked away from a contract that had two years and $20 million remaining.

He didn't want to retire, but felt it was the right time. Since 2015, he has suffered three concussions and endured two shoulder surgeries.

His record speaks for itself after being the ninth overall pick in 2012. He was building a Hall of fame resume until it all ended today.

Ocho XFL

The XFL promises to be interesting when it starts playing in February. Former WR Chad Ochocino Johnson will have a tryout next Monday in Houston as a kicker.

Although he hasn't played since 2011, the 42 year old Johnson posted a video of nailing a 60 yard field goal from a tee.

Since there are no extra points in the XFL, he might be able to make enough of an impression to pursue this further. He has played soccer in recent years.

The league needs a gimmick to attract fans and viewers to the games. He might be the right guy.

Seven and Counting In Cleveland

It looks like Josh McDaniels will return to the Pats as their offensive coordinator for the 2020 season after not getting the head coaching job in Cleveland.

It's probably best for him that things didn't work out. The owner has fired six coaches since taking over the team in 2012. He is too involved in the daily operations for any head coach.

McDaniels would be required to submit his game plan to the owner and analytics department by Friday and attend a meeting to discuss it. It's easy to see why this job has been a turnstile for coaches.

He is one of the highest paid assistant coaches in the league. He is much better off in New England as long as he keeps enjoying what he does.

Down By 24

The NFL had some great playoff games this weekend. The one between the Texans and Chiefs was something else.

The Texans had a 24-0 lead in the second quarter. It was beginning to look dire for the Chiefs, but they stormed back with 41 unanswered points before winning 51-31.

Teams have overcome bigger deficits. The Bills were behind 32 to the Houston Oilers in a 1993 playoff game before coming back to win in overtime.

I think many fans thought it was over for the Chiefs, but the team felt differently.

The Heisman Five

No matter how the game between Titans and Ravens ends, it will be the first time that five Heisman trophy winners have been on the same field.

It's quite a collection of players who have seen their careers go in different directions.

The Ravens will have QB Lamar Jackson (2016 Louisville), backup QB Robert Griffin III (Baylor 2011) and RB Mark Ingram (Alabama 2009).

The Titans have RB Derrick Henry (Alabama 2015) and QB Marcus Mariota (Oregon 2015).

It's more of a coincidence than anything else.

Debut of Josh McGown

Josh McGown was already retired when he agreed last August to return to the Eagles for his 17th season as the backup to Carson Wentz.

He never expected to see action in the team's 17-9 loss to the Seahawks in the wild card game, but was forced to play after Wentz suffered a concussion in the first quarter.

He proceeded to tear his hamstring to the bone, but kept playing because the Eagles had no true backup.

After becoming the oldest to ever make his playoff debut, he finished with 18/24 for 174 yards. He also rushed five times for 23 yards, but was sacked six times.

He faces a six month rehab after surgery. He will he 41 when the season opens, but has not ruled out a return.

If he played his last game, it was quite a finish for him.

Wrong On Lamar

Lamar Jackson is a great example of the limitations of scouting departments and the Draft Combine. Jackson purposely didn't run the 40 or do drills because many teams knew about his speed, but wanted to convert him to a wide receiver.

Four quarterbacks were selected before him in the first round. The Ravens even passed when they selected a tight end, but made another trade to finally get him with the last pick in the first round.

When Jackson was being recruited in high school, many wanted to convert him to a defensive back. He chose Louisville as his best option to pursue being a quarterback.

The entire process of talent evaluation is very inexact.

MJ In Dallas

It will be great to see how Mike McCarthy does as the new coach of the Dallas Cowboys and dealing with owner Jerry Jones.

It will be big theatre as always, but so much fun to watch.

Hopefully, it works out for Mike and Jerry. He wants to win so much. Dallas is Dallas. Can't beat their franchise value.

Winston Money

Pats fans have their own concerns about the future of free agent Tom Brady. Things could always be worse. They could be Tampa Bay fans dealing with the pending free agency of QB Jameis Winston.

He lead the league in passing with 5,109 yards and 33 TD's. He also threw 30 interceptions and became the first to have at least 30/30. He also broke Peyton's Manning's single-season record by throwing seven pick-sixes.

Fans should also note that he wants to make at least $30 million annually. Winston is a prolific passer, but also a turnover machine who can bring an offensive drive to a halt.

Taking Up Half The Money

The future of Tom Brady with the Pats is really up in the air. It seems like he will keep playing, but will it be in Foxborough?

They will need to pay him somewhere between his 2019 salary of $23 million and the highest paid quarterback in Russell Wilson who makes $35 million.

They have around $49 million to work with, based on the salary cap number. Paying him over half of it will challenge the team to sign their free agent players and those from other teams. They probably won't resign Kyle Van Noy or Joe Thuney who expect big paydays in free agency.

Fans will have plenty to consider before the start of spring.

End of The 2019 Season

Most fans thought the Pats could beat the Dolphins in the last game of the regular season to ensure a first round bye in the playoffs.

It didn't happen so the team ended up in the wild card game against the Titans. We all know how that ended so badly.

There was an expectation that this would be a rest weekend for the Pats and not the end of the season.

One Game Season Tonight

We are moments away from the kickoff in the first wild card game today featuring the Bills and Texans.

The marque event tonight will be the Pats and Titans with all of its storylines.

If the Pats lose, their season is over. No matter what, it will be the last time Tom Brady plays at home this season.

What does the future hold for him? Will he retire, return to the Pats or play somewhere else?

Some many questions and so few answers.

Eli @ 39

Giants QB Eli Manning turned 39 today which is ancient in the NFL. What does his future hold as a free agent?

It was a tough year for Manning as he played in only four games and was a backup to Daniel Jones. He said he had no desire for this role in the future.

He feels he can still play and has avoided injuries throughout his career. There is a team that can use him as a starter, but can he find the right fit?

He can also just decide to call it a career.

Number Seven For Snyder

Redskins owner Dan Snyder has experienced little success since taking over team ownership in 2001. He introduced Ron Rivera as the next head coach, his seventh time doing this.

Everyone said all of the right things. The press conference was filled with sound bites and clichés.

Hopefully, Rivera can turn this iconic franchise around. It was once the hottest ticket in town for decades, but the team has given them away and covered over seats so the stadium didn't appear empty on television.

Will Rivera have success when others have failed? It will be a huge challenge.

Must Win In 2020

The Giants are a mess. They keep losing and firing coaches. Pat Shurmer was the latest to get the axe after only two seasons.

GM Dave Gettleman kept his job of two years, in spite of a record of 9-23. The Giants have the worst record of any team since 2017, going 12-36.

Team owners cited the desire to have some type of stability in the front office. The fact that Gettleman has been with the Giants since 1999 helped save his job.

Although he spent 2014-2017 as the GM of the Panthers, the team was glad to have him back when they signed him for the 2018 season and beyond.

If he doesn't produce in 2020, he will be looking for a job next January.