Thursday, September 30, 2010

Players Wasting Money

There are countless stories of NFL players who are financially destitute after their playing days are over. Young men are given large amounts of money. Many of them spend it frivolously on cars and jewelry. The Dallas Cowboys gave the public a stunning example of it the other day.

Rookie WR Dez Bryant made news during training camp when he refused to follow a rookie hazing tradition and carry the shoulder pads of WR Roy Williams after practice. It sparked a controversy about a tradition going on throughout the league.

At the time, Williams said that Bryant would pay for his action at some point. The other night Bryant took out the veteran Cowboy players to a local steakhouse. They ran up a tab of $54,896 which Bryant was forced to pick up.

This story received some play in the news and talk shows because of its blatant appearance of waste and excess. Players ordered the most expensive bottles of wine to run up the tab on Bryant. It sounds like a funny story, but makes people wonder what were these guys thinking when the tab for a dinner is larger than the annual wages of many of their fans.

No wonder some of these guys are financially broke after their playing days are over. Some players were probably wondering what type of watch they could have bought with that money.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Ricky's Long Journey

When the Pats face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday it seems hard to believe that RB Ricky Williams has rushed for 9,012 career yards, enough to rank him 31st in NFL history.

His career began with a blaze after former Saints Head Coach Mike Ditka traded all of his 1999 draft picks to move up and select the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner with the overall 5th pick.

Ditka received much criticism for this move in spite of the fact he also got a 1st and 3rd pick for 2000 included with Williams.

Williams had 1,000 yard seasons in 2000 and 2001 before he was traded to the Miami Dolphins for four draft picks, including 2 first rounders. He had a great season in 2002, rushing for 1,853 yards.

He was forced to sit out the 2004 season as a result of violating the league's drug policy with his third failed drug test.

He agreed to return to the Dolphins for the 20005 after giving back some of his bonus money. Another failed drug test cost him the 2006 season. He signed with the Toronoto Argonauts of the CFL while under susupension from the NFL.

Although injured, he still played in 11 games, rushing for 526 yards on 109 carries. His CFL contract created an uproar because many felt the league should not sign players under suspension from the NFL. As a result, the CFL created the "Ricky Williams Rule" which barred suspended players from signing in the future.

After sitting out a four game suspension in 2007, he returned to the Dolphins. He has blended in will with the Wildcat offense, along with Ronnie Brown.

With a couple of productive season, he will be able to move into the top 15 NFL career rushers. Who would have thought this years ago?

Monday, September 27, 2010

One Hit Wonder?

Newly signed RB Dan Woodhead made a very impressive debut during the game against the Bills. The Pats signed him earlier this week after he was released by the Jets to fill the roster spot of Kevin Faulk

He is the classic example of a Division II player who gets overlooked in the NFL Draft. Not only was he undrafted, he was not invited to the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.33 for the 40 yard dash at a Pro Day for scouts. This was the 2nd fastest time of running back at the Combine.

The Jets kept him on the practice squad for the 2008 and 2009 season before releasing him. He played in one game last season.

His college career at Chadron State (Nebraska) was spectacular. He is the NCAA career record holder for rushing with 7,441 yards. His average game of 190.8 is also a record. He had a record 19 of 39 games where he rushed for over 200 yards and scored in 37 consecutive games. He is the only player in NCAA history to score over 100 career TD's. His 9,259 career all-purpose yards trail only Brian Westbrook. He also had 606 career points and a 15.5 average per game.

Why wasn't he even invited to the Scouting Combine? His size and height 5'9" 190 lbs. does not meet the usual NFL guidelines for scouts and other "experts". They also tend to look away from Division II & III players

It's hard to say what the future holds for him with the Pats, but he certainly turned a lot of heads yesterday.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Randy's Grade

There are always things that could have been done better during the 38-30 win by the Pats over the Bills. The "experts"will be analyzing the problems on defense where there was the greatest deficiency.

One local writer is critical after every game no matter what.. I'm sure he will say that Randy Moss quit playing during the second half because he was rarely thrown to. He had two great receptions for 46 yards and two TD's in the first 30 minutes, but was silent after that. I look forward to see the writer's comments tomorrow because they usually don't make any sense.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Many Faces of Bill

Many times, Coach Belichick gives the impression that he doesn't enjoy doing his press conferences. He does what he needs to meet the league requirement for media access. His ones of Fridays are often quite informative. He gives long and expanded answers on various football related topics.

Yesterday was no exception when asked about adding a player to the 53 man roster. He discussed the practice squad, "street" players available and the process of bringing in a player for a workout.

It all seems so simple when you hear that they have made a roster transaction, but a tremendous amount of thought and effort goes into the final decision to sign or release a player.

It's very interesting to see the change in the coach's demeanor compared to how he is after a loss.

Friday, September 24, 2010

The Wreck of Rex

Pats fans are already panicking with the team at 1-1. Injuries have hit some key players. There are questions about the defense. The team played poorly against the Jets. They need to win on Sunday against the Bills.

On the other hand, I listened to Rex Ryan's press conference from Tuesday. Almost all of the 17 minutes was devoted to the drunk driving arrest of Braylon Edwards and the behavior of the team, including the coach.

Ryan could not shift the focus of the questioning. The arrest is just another embarrassing act which includes a few players caught eating cheeseburgers at practice recently.

Ryan made a point that all of the players on the roster were selected by him. He stands behind them. He has dug himself into a hole with his Super Bowl predictions.

What a striking contrast to the way Coach Belichick handles his various problems and situations.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

More Thoughts On Faulk

Injuries are part of life in the NFL, but it was rather disheartening to see Kevin Faulk end his season with a torn ACL. Before the start of the Jets game, I decided to tape it on my VCR. Little did I realize that I may have seen Faulk play his last down.

He won't have surgery for at least a month until the swelling in his knee subsides. Wes Welker made it back from a similar injury, but each case is different.

Faulk faces a long rehab and no contract for the 2011 season. He will also be at the ancient age of 35, old for anyone in the NFL, especially a running back. He plans to rehab as much as possible and see how his body feels before deciding on his future.

The Pats face the future without such a dependable player. Who will take his place? Julien Edelman has seen a few snaps in the back field, but how do you replace such a special player?

What about the draft next year? Will Faulk fight his way back, only to be cut at the ending of training camp?

It seems nobody leaves this game on their own terms.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

End of the Line For Faulk?

News reports indicate that Kevin Faulk suffered a torn ACL during the game against the Jets. This could be a huge blow for the Pats as well as Faulk's career. He turned 34 last June and looks at a long rehabilitation process to get back on the field next year at the advanced age of 35. Time may have caught up with him.

It seemed inevitable that Faulk would reach this point because of his punishing style of play. His dependabilty on third down cannot be easily replaced. When Brady went down in the first game of the 2008 season, the team still finished with a record of 11-5. No player is indispensable. It could happen to Randy Moss or Wes Welker next week or in week 12.

It's such a cliche, but everyone needs to play like it's the last play of their career because it could very well be.
.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Moss Joins the List

There are members of the media who have an axe to grind with Randy Moss. They jump on him at every opportunity. One local writer "grades" all phases of the game. He gave Moss a "F" saying that he had quit on the team after his one hand TD catch. He also said Moss was "cancerous" to the team. It sounds more like he wants to run him out of town.

The Pats lost the game for a variety of reasons. The Jet defenders made the plays on Moss when they had to. Brady made some bad throws. I thought Moss played to his limit. I'm not sure what plays Moss allegedly quit on.

I wish the writer would be more specific and list the plays and define what he means by quitting. This is sounding like 2009 all over again in a campaign to target Moss..

On the other hand, there is a list of players who the media wanted run out of town. Just look at two of their greatest receivers: Irving Fryar and Terry Glenn. Moss can join the list.

How great would this team be with a fantasy receiver core of Fryar, Moss and Glenn!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Quiet Times

Tom Brady made a valid point when he complained about Pats fans leaving the games early. I've been to the stadium many times and can verify that. Personally, I like to stay to the very last play. It costs so much to attend a game. I want to see everything.

I've seen fans leave early during close games. I attend with a season ticket holder. There is a guy in the next row who arrives late and reads the newspaper. It's his ticket and he can do what he wants with it. Brady got a lot a feedback from the fans about his comments. Nobody is obligated to stay to the end or to even cheer.

The Kraft family has done a great job in turning the game day experience into one for the entire family. The old days at Foxboro Stadium were a scene of debauchery and outrageous behavior.

I was at the last game of the 1985 season against the Bengals during the team's run to the Super Bowl. A large group stormed the field after the final whistle and tore down the goal posts. As they carried them out of the stadium, one of the uprights struck a power line, electrocuting a fan. I don't think Brady wants to get back to the old days.

I'm not sure how to address this issue. During the game, fans are urged to text a certain number if they observe inappropriate behavior. This can result in ejection and loss of season tickets. I think this causes fans to keep quiet out of fear.

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Sports Illustrated Story

It should not make any difference that Tom Brady and Randy Moss are on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week. There are a number of athletes and teams who have been "jinxed" by being on the cover.

I don't believe in superstitions, but there are many out there who do. There are instances where athletes have been injured or their teams have began losing after appearances on the cover.

Does this mean the Pats will lose on Sunday against the Jets? The Las Vegas line have the Pats winning by 1 1/2.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Big Drive

I think some callers to sports talk shows stay up at night to think of stupid things to say. There was a caller today who complained that Tom Brady was driving a $90.000 Audi, provided to him by a charity, when he was involved in his high profile accident last week.

Apparently, Brady has use of the complimentary car from Audi because of his involvement with "Best Buddies". It's well known that he devotes his time and money to this very worth cause.

The caller criticized "celebrity charities" and said Brady should either give the car for a family to use or take the equivalent cash value and return it to the charity.

So many charities benefit from the help of "celebrities". I admit that some charities have a high administrative costs, but I think this person's comments were out of line as far as what Brady should do with the car.

Would this person be happy if Brady drove a Kia?

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Everyone Wins With This Trade

Trading RB Laurence Maroney to the Denver Broncos, along with a 2011 6th round draft choice in exchange for Denver's 4th rounder next year, is a win for everyone.

I was surprised that Maroney made it to the opening day roster. However, he had a sore thigh and sat out the opening game against the Bengals. Things were not looking good for him because of the other four backs on the roster.

He will be reunited with Josh MacDaniels, who must believe that Maroney still has something left in the tank. It was a relatively low risk trade for them by giving up a 4th rounder.

A change of scenery might do Maroney good. As the team's first round draft pick in 2006, he was viewed as a disappointment by many, especially because of his running style.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Moss Erupts

Randy Moss really let loose during his post-game press conference yesterday. It was his first time addressing the media this season. He certainly spoke with a great degree of emotion and honesty.

I find it puzzling that the team has not initiated any prior contract talks since he will be a free agent at the end of the season. Perhaps his days are over here because of the high cost to retain him and Wes Welker whose contact expires after the 2011 season.

Moss was just being honest when he said that there is a perception that he is a bad guy. When he started to answer questions, he became agitated and probably said things that will get spun by the media.

Given his long history of media problems, it seemed inevitable that there would be a day like this. His comments appeared to be self-centered and took attention away from a great effort by the team.

Was he being honest when he said that he wanted to get this off his chest and not be talking about it during week 10? Fans should hope this is the case. Maybe silence from Moss for the rest of the season is the best route to take.

It will be interesting to see how the front office responds to his comments. He indicated that he wants to stay here and doesn't want to play for another team.

He will be under a microscope for the rest of the season. Somehow, I don't think this has ended. It might get messy before it's over. It remains to be seen where this all ends.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

A Season of Hope

It's three hours until the Pats kick off their season against the Bengals. It's a season filled with hope and promise, as well as reality. The team has already lost players to injury for the season. The roster of today will not be the one that finishes the season.

The team lost Tom Brady for the 2008 season when it was just minutes old. You never know what will happen to players. It can have such an impact on the team.

So much has been said and written about the team's chances this year. It's a clean slate for every team. There will be surprises and disappointments around the league.

As Coach Belichick has often said: "only one team wins the last game of the season".

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Vegas Speaks

The season needs to start as soon as possible. We have listened to the "experts" for too long. Some predict a dire outcome for the Pats season. Others have them winning the AFC East. There are questions about the depth of the offensive and the inexperienced corners.

I feel quite optimistic about the season. The team is certainly a lot younger. There are 16 games to be played. The official line in Las Vegas has the over and under of 9.5 wins. I'm not sure how you win .5 of a game, but most "experts" give them a 9 or 10 win season.

It remains to be seen if they will win the Division or even make the playoffs. That's why the games are played according to Coach Belichick.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Bill Is The Best

I was watching an interview with Coach Belichick on "Patriots All Access". He certainly has critics, but there is nobody else I would want coaching this team. He is the best in all phases of the game. I can't imagine what it will be like when he doesn't coach the team any more.

I have followed the team since 1966, starting with the old AFL. This is the greatest time ever. Some of this is a byproduct of our 24/7 media world. No doubt, other coaches such as Chuck Fairbanks never had the media exposure of today.

Belichick brings such a passion to the game. He is criticized for his mundane and droning press conferences, but I think they are so informative. The media tries their best to pry information about the team. He is so good at dealing with those questions.

As we start the new season, all I can say is that I hope this ride never ends, but it will.

Belichick said it himself in the past: "nobody plays this game forever."

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Lawsuits In Motion

The story of Tom Brady's car crash continues to evolve. So far, he appears to be ok. It will be interesting to see if he has any physical ramifications from it. One thing for certain is that he will be involved in a civil lawsuit with the other driver suing him for injuries, pain and suffering.

It has not been determined who was at fault, but one of the people in the other car had to be extricated by first responders. Rumors report the person as being unconscious. Between Brady's celebrity and the passenger's injuries, look for a huge lawsuit being filed with a settlement being made eventually.

Lawyers will be tripping over each other to get the business of the other driver. 33% of any settlement will be a huge payday for even Perry Mason.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Roster Talk

The 53 man roster of today will not be the same that finishes the season. There is no doubt about that.

Players on the Pats know that "roster decisions" can be made that leave them off the team at any given time. That has been proven to players like Tyrone McKenzie who now resides on the practice squad.

More changes will be made to the roster before they kick the ball off against Cincinnati.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Randy Speaks

Randy Moss is finally spoke to the media. He discussed his contract status as he enters his final year with team. He expressed frustration that nothing has happened to re-sign him. He will make $6.4 million this season.

At the age of 33, he still preforms at a high level, based upon his three years with the Pats. He seems quite durable up to this point. He has been a fine citizen during his tenure. This is in stark contrast to some of his bad actions.

Given the status of the CBA, the team may go to the end of the season without Moss or Tom Brady signed to a new contract. Randy said he understands the nature of the business, but still feels that the team doesn't want him.

A lot remains to be seen. I agree with some of his comments, but until the labor situation is cleared up, I don't think you will see him or Brady with a new contract.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Surprising Cuts

The Pats needed to release 17 players to get to the mandated 53 man roster. They went above and beyond by releasing 22 and placing Brandon MaGowan on season ending Injured Reserve.

Several of the players should be back on the practice squad, assuming they are not claimed by another team. Overall, there were 704 players released around the league.

Apparently, Derrick Burgees is done with the team after costing them a third and fifth round draft pick when they traded for him prior to last season. He never lived up to their expectations.

With the emergence of the young linebackers, it sealed the fate of Special Teams player Eric Alexander. I was surprised to see them release Pierre Woods.

By releasing extra players, the Pats are able to sign several players released by other teams. A lot of dust still needs to settle before the roster takes its final look.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

The Grim Cut-down

All teams in the NFL will trim their rosters to 53 players today. They must release 17. Tomorrow, they can announce their practice squad of 8 players. This time of the year always brings a great deal of surprises for veteran players.

The Past have their own veteran son the bubble. Will Laurence Maroney and James Sanders stick around? Will any of the Pats 2009 draft choices be given their walking papers.?

Around the league, there are many questions. What about LaDainien Tomlinson, Adam Vinitieri, Joey Galloway, Terrell Owens, Antwaan Randle El, Matt Leinart and Trent Edwards? So many great players from past seasons, but time and younger players catch everyone eventually.

Very few players ever get to end their careers on their own terms. There will be a lot of unhappy players after 4pm today.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Tickets Available

After watching the Pats play the Jets in their new Meadowlands Stadium, it becomes apparent that the Jets will face an uphill battle to sell out their home games and avoid a local television blackout.

Jets owner Woody Johnson has vowed that Jets fans will not be subject to a blackout. There are 4,000 ticket available for the first two home games. There are also 2,000 that require the purchase of a Personal Seat License.

The Jets may end up buying their own seats for their first two home games. The PSL has proved to be a disaster with many lifelong season ticket holders giving up their seats.

The Jets will probably never give the actual live attendance last night. They may have sold the seats, but the stadium looked quite empty.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Keep An Eye On Ocho

Chad Ochcinco has tweeted that he has a very unique celebration if he scores a touchdown during the Bengals and Pats game at Gillette on opening day.

He plans to grab a rifle from one of the ceremonial Minutemean and fire it, much like the group does after every time the Pats score.

If he pulls it off, it will definitely get him national exposure as well as an enormous fine from the league. The Pats have not indicated whether any extra security will be in place to prevent Ochocinco from grabbing one of the rifles. One would assume that none of the Minutemen would willingly turn his rifle over to number 85.

Perhaps the best way to prevent this potential debacle is to have the defensive backs shut him down and keep him out of the end zone.