I always enjoy the NFL draft. There is way too much analysis by the "experts" leading up to it. Some of them actually make a living by being wrong on a regular basis and talking nonsense.
The draft is a very inexact science. It's hard to predict a player's future success in the NFL. There are so many factors that go into it.
The Pats have certainly had some great drafts over the years. There have also been selections that we should all forget.
Perhaps the greatest draft of all-time by any team was done by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974. That draft yielded four Hall of Famers. No draft has ever matched that.
The Steelers started the first round by selecting WR Lynn Swann. They would pair him up with 4th round selection John Stallworth and form one of the most lethal receiving tandems in the 1970's. Snapping the ball to QB Terry Bradshaw would be Mike Webster who was picked in the 5th round.
One of their anchors on the legendary Steel Curtain defense was LB Jack Lambert who was picked in the 2nd round.
Teams can only dream of making picks like this. It probably will never happen again, especially with players moving around the way they do.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Opening Lines
The awarding of the 2014 Super Bowl to New York City has created betting on internet gambling sites. You can wager on the over and under for game day temperature (34.5) and if it snows.
Yes 6/1
No 1/12
I have not seen their definition of "snowing". I would imagine it would at least need to be one inch.
I think the game day temperature is a very interesting wager, although I have no interest in on-line gambling of any type.
It's amazing that this type of action is available to those who want it. I support the right to gamble on-line. The government should regulate it and make some money.
Yes 6/1
No 1/12
I have not seen their definition of "snowing". I would imagine it would at least need to be one inch.
I think the game day temperature is a very interesting wager, although I have no interest in on-line gambling of any type.
It's amazing that this type of action is available to those who want it. I support the right to gamble on-line. The government should regulate it and make some money.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Not Coming To Gillette
New York City will be the site of Super Bowl XLVIII to be played in 2014. It was a bold, but expected move by the NFL owners. The site had the backing of Commissioner Roger Goodell and several other influential owners including Robert Kraft.
I think NYC is a logical choice based on its won merits. There is only one NYC in spite of the game being played at the Meadowlands. Some are concerned that other cold climate cities will now try for a future Super Bowl. League rules concerning cold weather sites were waived in order for the Big Apple to be considered.
A local Boston radio station was conducting a listener poll to determine if Foxborough should be a future site. Sure, it would be nice, but I just can't see the game coming here. I think the lack of hotel rooms would be a major issue among others.
I just don't think that the game was meant to be played outdoors in a cold stadium in February.
I think NYC is a logical choice based on its won merits. There is only one NYC in spite of the game being played at the Meadowlands. Some are concerned that other cold climate cities will now try for a future Super Bowl. League rules concerning cold weather sites were waived in order for the Big Apple to be considered.
A local Boston radio station was conducting a listener poll to determine if Foxborough should be a future site. Sure, it would be nice, but I just can't see the game coming here. I think the lack of hotel rooms would be a major issue among others.
I just don't think that the game was meant to be played outdoors in a cold stadium in February.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Weighty Issues
Coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets had a novel approach to raising money for charity. He recently underwent lap-band surgery to reduce his weight. He has dropped 40 pounds. He challenged NT Kris Jackson and RT Damien Woody to a weight loss contest leading into July's training camp.
The winner will have the others donate to an appropriate charity. This is certainly a win-win situation. What bothers me is the excess weight that some players are carrying now. Coach Ryan was closing in on 400 pounds prior to his surgery. Jenkins weighs in at 390, 30 pounds over his playing weight while Woody is 40 pounds over at 366.
The size of NFL players, particularly linemen, continues to push the envelope of good health. There was a time when nobody was over 300 pounds. Hall of Fame lineman John Hannah played at 275. Now he would raise a red flag at the Scouting Combine.
The NFL is starting to play closer attention to the health of its former players as studies have shown a shorter life span than the general public.
The winner will have the others donate to an appropriate charity. This is certainly a win-win situation. What bothers me is the excess weight that some players are carrying now. Coach Ryan was closing in on 400 pounds prior to his surgery. Jenkins weighs in at 390, 30 pounds over his playing weight while Woody is 40 pounds over at 366.
The size of NFL players, particularly linemen, continues to push the envelope of good health. There was a time when nobody was over 300 pounds. Hall of Fame lineman John Hannah played at 275. Now he would raise a red flag at the Scouting Combine.
The NFL is starting to play closer attention to the health of its former players as studies have shown a shorter life span than the general public.
Monday, May 24, 2010
More Back-up QB's
It appears that the Pats are quietly stockpiling quarterbacks to battle for the back-up spot behind Tom Brady. They already have incumbent back-up Brian Hoyer. WR Isaiah Stanback was considered to be the emergency 3rd QB last season. They recently added 6th round draft pick Zac Robinson.
They recently released Jeff Rowe and claimed Mike Teel off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. Teel was caught in a numbers game after the Seahawks signed J.P. Losman.
Teel and Rowe were both inactive for most of last season with neither throwing a pass. Teel was a three year starter at Rutgers and holds the team all-time records for TD passes (98) and yards completed (9,398).
Stanback showed some versatility last season by filling the role of receiver and 3rd QB. Hoyer looks like the number two going into camp. It looks like Teel and Robinson will be battling for a spot on the practice squad at best, unless something changes.
They recently released Jeff Rowe and claimed Mike Teel off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. Teel was caught in a numbers game after the Seahawks signed J.P. Losman.
Teel and Rowe were both inactive for most of last season with neither throwing a pass. Teel was a three year starter at Rutgers and holds the team all-time records for TD passes (98) and yards completed (9,398).
Stanback showed some versatility last season by filling the role of receiver and 3rd QB. Hoyer looks like the number two going into camp. It looks like Teel and Robinson will be battling for a spot on the practice squad at best, unless something changes.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Spygate Drones On
Carl Mayer, a lawyer and New York Jets season ticket holder, has been pursuing a civil lawsuit against the NFL and Pats over the secret video-taping of signals from the Jets coaches that resulted in "Spygate".
He initially filed a $185 million suit charging that the games were in effect rigged. His suit was thrown out in federal court and again by the U.S Circuit Court of Appeals.
The three judge panel ruled that fans can protest by refusing to buy game tickets or team merchandise, but have no legal right to seek money damages in court.
Mayer has said that he will appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. There is no guarantee that the court will hear the case, but the filing keeps the case alive in the media.
He initially filed a $185 million suit charging that the games were in effect rigged. His suit was thrown out in federal court and again by the U.S Circuit Court of Appeals.
The three judge panel ruled that fans can protest by refusing to buy game tickets or team merchandise, but have no legal right to seek money damages in court.
Mayer has said that he will appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. There is no guarantee that the court will hear the case, but the filing keeps the case alive in the media.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Romo Changes Mind
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo decided at the last minute not to play in a qualifying round for a spot in the Byron Nelson Golf Classic this week. He made the cut during a preliminary round to qualify for another attempt scheduled yesterday.
A problem arose because it was also the first day of Organized Team Activities for the Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones and Coach Wade Phillips appeared happy that Romo made the decision to join the team instead of playing golf.
What strikes me odd is that Romo must have had full intent on playing yesterday, but thought differently at the last minute. He knew of the potential conflict, but appeared to be ready to miss the O.T.A.
He spoke as if nothing happened. Although this O.T.A is not mandatory, it does not say much if the team's starting QB decides to blow it off.
Later next month, Romo will attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open. Apparently, there are no conflicts with that date.
A problem arose because it was also the first day of Organized Team Activities for the Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones and Coach Wade Phillips appeared happy that Romo made the decision to join the team instead of playing golf.
What strikes me odd is that Romo must have had full intent on playing yesterday, but thought differently at the last minute. He knew of the potential conflict, but appeared to be ready to miss the O.T.A.
He spoke as if nothing happened. Although this O.T.A is not mandatory, it does not say much if the team's starting QB decides to blow it off.
Later next month, Romo will attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open. Apparently, there are no conflicts with that date.
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Cold Decision
New York City gave its presentation to the NFL in a pitch to bring Super Bowl XLVIII to the Big Apple in 2014. The final decision will be made at the owners meeting in July. Awarding the games to NYC would set a precedent as being the first game played in a cold weather climate.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is in favor of the game being played at the new Giants and Jets stadium at the Meadowlands. All of the necessary infrastructure is in place to host such an event.
As a rule, the metropolitan New York City area is not a victim of winter blizzards. Playing a football game outside during the first week of February is a risky proposition. It cannot be postponed. Some Super Bowls have been effected by rainy conditions, but a major Northeast blizzard could really put a crimp into the plans of the NFL.
If I had to vote either way, I would reluctantly vote for NYC and hope that a disastrous storm does not occur.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is in favor of the game being played at the new Giants and Jets stadium at the Meadowlands. All of the necessary infrastructure is in place to host such an event.
As a rule, the metropolitan New York City area is not a victim of winter blizzards. Playing a football game outside during the first week of February is a risky proposition. It cannot be postponed. Some Super Bowls have been effected by rainy conditions, but a major Northeast blizzard could really put a crimp into the plans of the NFL.
If I had to vote either way, I would reluctantly vote for NYC and hope that a disastrous storm does not occur.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Brady Resurfaces
QB Tom Brady did an extensive phone interview with local radio station WEEI. He covered a number of topics including calling out his team for not listening to the coaching staff last year. He mentioned the missing leaders in the locker including Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi and Larry Izzo. He criticized himself for doing a poor job at leadership.
He discussed the changes in his life that now involve a wife, two sons and a home on the west coast. In spite of his world travels, he has maintained his workout routine. Being a celebrity, with paparazzi trailing, has always been a challenge for him. He said he is getting better at controlling himself when difficult situations occur with them.
His life is always under a microscope. He received some criticism for buying a pit bull in spite of the fact that he has two young children. His enormous mansion, under construction in California, has received criticism for being wasteful.
In spite of it all, he is looking forward to getting back on the field, but is unsure whether we will see WR Wes Welker this year. Perhaps ,signing Terry Holt was an insurance policy. Welker may not make it back until closer to December, if he returns at all.
He discussed the changes in his life that now involve a wife, two sons and a home on the west coast. In spite of his world travels, he has maintained his workout routine. Being a celebrity, with paparazzi trailing, has always been a challenge for him. He said he is getting better at controlling himself when difficult situations occur with them.
His life is always under a microscope. He received some criticism for buying a pit bull in spite of the fact that he has two young children. His enormous mansion, under construction in California, has received criticism for being wasteful.
In spite of it all, he is looking forward to getting back on the field, but is unsure whether we will see WR Wes Welker this year. Perhaps ,signing Terry Holt was an insurance policy. Welker may not make it back until closer to December, if he returns at all.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
L.T. Gone Wild
Our legal system always gives the defendant the presumption of innocence. Lawrence Taylor will have his day in court on charges of allegedly raping a teenage prostitute.
L.T has a history of domestic issues. He appears to have skated away from prosecution in several instances. His record is nothing to be proud of.
Since 2002, he has been married twice and police have responded to his home on eight occasions.
In 2002, police responded after his wife of six months accused Taylor of punching her and kicking her with golf spikes when she accused him of infedelity. He was not arrested, but she obtained a restraining order.
A few months later, Taylor threw a TV remote against the wall and grabbed her in a dispute over watching a program. He was not arrested and they divorced in 2005.
Taylor married his third wife in July 2007. Police had responded to his home prior to that time. L.T. told the police they were just arguing. Another series of calls prompted police to respond additional times as recently as March 4, 2010.
L.T has clearly been enabled by the responding officers. Perhaps they were intimidated or impressed by his celebrity status. He clearly has been unable to make a smooth transition into the life of a former player. He exhibited tremendous aggression on the field. He appears to have a problem with turning that aggression off, years after ending his playing days.
L.T has a history of domestic issues. He appears to have skated away from prosecution in several instances. His record is nothing to be proud of.
Since 2002, he has been married twice and police have responded to his home on eight occasions.
In 2002, police responded after his wife of six months accused Taylor of punching her and kicking her with golf spikes when she accused him of infedelity. He was not arrested, but she obtained a restraining order.
A few months later, Taylor threw a TV remote against the wall and grabbed her in a dispute over watching a program. He was not arrested and they divorced in 2005.
Taylor married his third wife in July 2007. Police had responded to his home prior to that time. L.T. told the police they were just arguing. Another series of calls prompted police to respond additional times as recently as March 4, 2010.
L.T has clearly been enabled by the responding officers. Perhaps they were intimidated or impressed by his celebrity status. He clearly has been unable to make a smooth transition into the life of a former player. He exhibited tremendous aggression on the field. He appears to have a problem with turning that aggression off, years after ending his playing days.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Enabling L.T.
It comes as no surprise that Lawrence Taylor is in the news again. I assumed that it would involve drugs or alcohol. This time he raised the bar to another level when he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15 year old "prostitute". The circumstances are rather messy, but it doesn't look good.
Taylor has lived a life of excess on and off the field. Part of his problem can be attributed to people that enabled and tolerated his bad behavior. As a player, it can be laid at the feet of coaches Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. Both of these guys had a different set of rules for Taylor.
L.T. is the first to brag about it in his autobiography. He often gave a mediocre effort at practice, sometimes showing up in flip-flips. Parcells and Belichick tolerated this because they knew that L.T. was a different person on game day. Only a guy like Taylor could avoid practice and still be an All-Pro.
He was the anchor of the Giants defense on their two Super Bowl teams. It's hard to imagine Coach Belichick tolerating a player like Taylor today. Maybe he learned something from that process. Whatever it was, it certainly didn't help L.T.
Taylor has lived a life of excess on and off the field. Part of his problem can be attributed to people that enabled and tolerated his bad behavior. As a player, it can be laid at the feet of coaches Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. Both of these guys had a different set of rules for Taylor.
L.T. is the first to brag about it in his autobiography. He often gave a mediocre effort at practice, sometimes showing up in flip-flips. Parcells and Belichick tolerated this because they knew that L.T. was a different person on game day. Only a guy like Taylor could avoid practice and still be an All-Pro.
He was the anchor of the Giants defense on their two Super Bowl teams. It's hard to imagine Coach Belichick tolerating a player like Taylor today. Maybe he learned something from that process. Whatever it was, it certainly didn't help L.T.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Draft of Failure
The release of QB Jemarcus Russell by the Oakland Raiders could have an impact on the negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. One of the key points in the on-going negotiations is a demand by owners that rookies have some type of salary cap. The Players Association is against this or any salary limitation..
Russell is the poster boy of an overpriced first round draft choice. He was selected number one overall by the Raiders in 2007. He signed a five year, $62 million contract after a long holdout causing him to miss much of his first training camp.
The Raiders decided to cut their ties with Russell after paying him $39 million in his first three years. That resulted in only seven wins as a starter. He was due a $9 million roster bonus. His release was seen as eminent once the Raiders traded with the Washington Redskins for QB Jason Campbell.
Russell joins a growing list of first round draft busts who cost their team a fortune.
Russell is the poster boy of an overpriced first round draft choice. He was selected number one overall by the Raiders in 2007. He signed a five year, $62 million contract after a long holdout causing him to miss much of his first training camp.
The Raiders decided to cut their ties with Russell after paying him $39 million in his first three years. That resulted in only seven wins as a starter. He was due a $9 million roster bonus. His release was seen as eminent once the Raiders traded with the Washington Redskins for QB Jason Campbell.
Russell joins a growing list of first round draft busts who cost their team a fortune.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Brothers Ventrone
NFL teams can only have 80 players on their roster going into training camp. Draft choices who are not signed, do not count against the figure. Once they are on-board, another player must be cut to get to the limit.
The recent rookie and free-agent camp at Gillette Stadium featured Ross Ventrone, the younger brother of former Pats safety Ray Ventrone. Ray was an undrafted free-agent in 2005 before fighting his way onto the practice squad. He played 17 games in four seasons before being released in the final cut last season. He was picked up by the Cleveland Browns and played the season with them.
Ross is also an undrafted free-agent safety from Villanova. Similar in size, he is expected to battle for a roster spot on special teams or the practice squad. If he is like his brother, he has an excellent chance at sticking around. He has drawn positive comments from Coach Belichick.
The recent rookie and free-agent camp at Gillette Stadium featured Ross Ventrone, the younger brother of former Pats safety Ray Ventrone. Ray was an undrafted free-agent in 2005 before fighting his way onto the practice squad. He played 17 games in four seasons before being released in the final cut last season. He was picked up by the Cleveland Browns and played the season with them.
Ross is also an undrafted free-agent safety from Villanova. Similar in size, he is expected to battle for a roster spot on special teams or the practice squad. If he is like his brother, he has an excellent chance at sticking around. He has drawn positive comments from Coach Belichick.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Dillon Fumbles Off Field
RB Corey Dillon has not made a smooth transition into retirement from the NFL. Dillon spent three season with the Pats (2004-2006 ) leading the team in rushing in 2004 with 1,635 yards as the team won their third Super Bowl. He ranks 8th on the all-time team list for rushing with 3,170 yards.
Dillon spent seven season with the Cincinnati Bengals where he had six consecutive years of over 1,000 yards. He was considered a bad apple in the locker room and was released after the 2003 season. The Pats gladly picked him up as a reclamation project. He fit into the team very well.
Two weeks ago, Dillon was arrested for drunk driving in Malibu, California. Over the weekend, he as arrested again for domestic assault. Dillon and his wife are going through a messy divorce. They allegedly argued over child support and custody issues before his wife dialed 911.
Dillon is similar to many former NFL players who face one of the league's dark secrets. What do you do with the rest of life life after you stop playing? Dillon retired at the age of 32. Like so many others, he did not have a post-playing career to fall into. The league is littered with players with broken marriages and damaged bodies. A large portion of players never earn their college degree.
It's a self-perpetuating system because as soon as someone gets older, there is a younger player more than willing to take their place. Former layers are thrown onto the junk pile to fend for themselves.
Dillon spent seven season with the Cincinnati Bengals where he had six consecutive years of over 1,000 yards. He was considered a bad apple in the locker room and was released after the 2003 season. The Pats gladly picked him up as a reclamation project. He fit into the team very well.
Two weeks ago, Dillon was arrested for drunk driving in Malibu, California. Over the weekend, he as arrested again for domestic assault. Dillon and his wife are going through a messy divorce. They allegedly argued over child support and custody issues before his wife dialed 911.
Dillon is similar to many former NFL players who face one of the league's dark secrets. What do you do with the rest of life life after you stop playing? Dillon retired at the age of 32. Like so many others, he did not have a post-playing career to fall into. The league is littered with players with broken marriages and damaged bodies. A large portion of players never earn their college degree.
It's a self-perpetuating system because as soon as someone gets older, there is a younger player more than willing to take their place. Former layers are thrown onto the junk pile to fend for themselves.
Monday, May 3, 2010
A Story Resurfaces
When a lawsuit is filed, numerous allegations surface. Eventually, they can take a life of their own, especially is they are stirred by the media.
The former security director for the New Orleans Saints has filed a lawsuit accusing the team of covering up the theft of prescription pain pills from the team's drug locker. A "senior staff member" is accused of stealing Vicodin while another was given enough to constitute abuse.
Head Coach Sean Payton was not named in the court papers and has denied any wrongdoing. The story first surfaced a few months ago and appeared to be dying. Assuming the suits goes forward, Peyton and other team officials will be forced to give depositions under oath.
The team's best hope is that the case is settled out of court.
The former security director for the New Orleans Saints has filed a lawsuit accusing the team of covering up the theft of prescription pain pills from the team's drug locker. A "senior staff member" is accused of stealing Vicodin while another was given enough to constitute abuse.
Head Coach Sean Payton was not named in the court papers and has denied any wrongdoing. The story first surfaced a few months ago and appeared to be dying. Assuming the suits goes forward, Peyton and other team officials will be forced to give depositions under oath.
The team's best hope is that the case is settled out of court.
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