QB By Default

The media can't seem to get enough of Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez battling for the starting QB position with the New York Jets. Everyone says the right things about the job belonging to Sanchez, yet there is a segment of fans and the media who believe the Jets have no future without Tebow taking the snaps under center.

The New York Post has started a daily "Tebow Tracker" which gives a timeline of his various activities during practices open to the media. Any tipped balls to receivers are mention as well as positive plays.

I have never seen anything like this before. Some media members want Tebow to start in the worst way. They are ready to run Sanchez out of town. If he gets hurt, I think some will be happy because Tebow gets the job by default.

If the Jets have a losing record by November, it will get real nasty in the Big Apple with fans wanting Tebow to start.

Running Like Vick

I was at training camp today. It's always interesting to see how the team conducts a practice. The place was mobbed with fans. We were really packed in. I could hear conversations all around.

The guy behind me said; "Too bad Tom Brady can't run like Micheal Vick". I thought for a moment about what he said. Every player is unique unto themselves. I could have said: "Too bad Vick doesn't have the game skills  and leadership of Brady".

It's pointless too compare players, especially quarterbacks.If Brady wasn't playing here, I would be ok with Vick as quarterback for the Pats.

In the end, I think Vick's running will take a couple of years off his career. It's hard to say how long anyone plays, but I think Vick has a greater risk of injury because of his playing style.

Starting Too Early

I don't think it serves any purpose when a player makes some ridiculous prediction about his team winning the championship. So many say stupid things. Their predictions are so far off.

That didn't stop Eagles QB Michael Vick to announce that the Eagles have a chance to create a dynasty. That should be quite a challenge as the Eagles ending up 8-8 last year.

I always wonder why the Eagles fail to live up to pre-season expectations.They seem to do it so often. Coach Andy Reid should have a better record. I think they have a great chance to make the playoffs, but look at last year. There was so much hype about them at this time last year with their Dream Team.

I understand what Vick is trying to say. You want him to be a leader and care about the team. Everyone needs to to say the right things without talking trash.

One Way To End It

Most players have no control how their career ends.They either get cut or never receive another contract. Not too many go out in a blaze of glory by wining the Super Bowl.

RB Joseph Addai had a quiet ending for his time with the Pats. When he was released the other day, we were told the reason was his failure of the conditioning test. That appears to be the case. However, Addai apparently quit the test on his own while it was in progress. He failed the test because he didn't complete it.

He could hook up with another team.There are rumors about injuries effecting his playing style. After six years in the league, it might be all over for him.

The Life of Brian

With practice starting today, it only was natural that the media dig for stories. They are looking for one in Brian Waters not being here. He has another years on his contract that will pay him $1.4 million. He was placed on the "Did not report" list.

It appears that Waters might be excused from camp. He was signed to the team before the first game of last season. He had no problems missing camp, assimilating himself into the offensive line and earning Pro Bowl honors.

Coach Belichick was in classic mid-season form today at his press conference as he deflected questions about Waters. I would be shocked if he retired. I'm sure Belichick is letting him miss camp. It  keeps him healthy and the team is able to give playing time to those who really need it.

A New Chad

Chad Johnson has replaced the moniker for Chad Ochocinco. Now that he is with the Miami Dolphins, he is looking to start fresh again. He claims that his poor performance last year was due to him being forced to remain silent and not say some of the crazy stuff he comes up with.

He feels that by talking, he challenges himself to do better on the field. He said he will make a big impact on the team's offense. Some scoff at that idea. Some say the only reason he is even on the roster is because the team needs him for their debut on  HBO's "Hard Knocks". Without him goofing around, the show will be boring for the viewers. Some wonder if he will be on the opening day roster.

Joe Stayed Too Long

I was never impressed when Joe Paterno became the all-time leader in collegiate games won. I thought he hung around too long. There were times when I wondered how much he was actually coaching. He was up in the press box for a couple of years due to medical issues. I don't think he was calling the plays. He was probably getting in the way.

He had job security because the coaches under him wanted to keep the status quo. If Joe left, they might lose their jobs. Joe also kept the money flowing from alumnae. That was very important.

I think the sanctions against Penn State were fair. I agree with the comments that eliminating the program would have an economic impact on innocent people in the Happy Valley area.

I wonder what will happen with the money from the $60 million fine. I hope the NCAA keeps the public updated. I have no doubt that some of it will be squandered and mismanaged.

Not Counting On Carter

Andre Carter took a big risk last year when he left the Redskins and signed a one year contract with the Pats. He was hoping to have a big year which would enable him to land a rich free agent contract.

He had a huge impact on defense, leading the team with 10 sacks before he suffered a season-ending ruptured quadricep in the 14th game.

Earlier this year, it was rumored that he was looking for a multiple year contract with big dollars. The Pats thought otherwise, feeling that he might need to start the season on the PUP.

With training camp three days away, Carter has no contract. The teams has not contacted him. His contract demands may have backfired. He should try to sign again for one year. If he starts on PUP, at least he's on the roster. Otherwise, he will be out of the league.

Making A Living Wage

Tom Brady has often talked about trying to play until he is 40. You can't blame him for that. He has the league's best coach and a team which is always in contention for the playoffs.

The money isn't that bad either. Brady has never tried to make the last possible dollar. He was paid well by the Pats last year to the tune of $12.25 million. He also picked up another $10 million in endorsements. As a result, he was #26 on the Sports Illustrated list of the Top 50 highest earning athletes for 2011. He was fifth in the NFL behind Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Mario Williams and Calvin Johnson.

The way things are going for Brady, he will probably build on the endorsements after he retires. It's like having a license to print money.

Giving Away Millions

The work stoppage created havoc last season, but one of the great benefits is the salary cap for drafted players. In the past, teams squandered money on players who never made an impact in the NFL. Now, they squander less. The draft is so unpredictable.

I like the contracts they gave to Andrew Luck and RGIII.  They both got four years at $22 & 21 million respectively. There is always an issue about guaranteed money, but these contracts make so much more sense.

These guys get paid very well. Hopefully, they have a career in the NFL. You never know.

Gino Reaches The End

Pats fans are saddened to hear that they will no longer hear the voice of Gino Cappelletti on the team's radio broadcasts. Cappelletti, 78, has decided to retire after doing color commentary for 33 seasons, including 29 with the legendary Gil Santos.

Many thought this would happen as Gino has lost some of his fast ball over the the last few years. He mispronounced names and sometimes got the game facts wrong. To some casual fans, this was unacceptable. The real fans loved this about Gino.

I always found his analysis to be insightful. He often told colorful stories of players from the past. He is in the team's Hall of Fame. His accomplishments are too long to list as a player, coach and radio analyst.

He is ones of those guys who you thought would do it forever, but it's all over. Gil Santos will return for play-by-play after having a major health scare. The games will go on, but it won't be the same without Gino.

Getting a Read On Reed

Ed Reed, the iconic safety with the Baltimore Ravens, is at the cross-roads with one year left on his contract. He is due to make $7.5 million this season. The Ravens don't appear to be in a hurry to sign him to an extension after a season of hip and neck injuries.

At 33, Reed could be past his prime. There is speculation that his injuries will effect his level of play this season. He has contemplated retirement, as well as a possible holdout for the upcoming training camp. This could be his last shot at a big contract. It becomes a question of whether it will be with the Ravens.

Expensive Bowls

The BCS controversy in college football is all about the money. Bowl officials don't want their games to lose any of their stature. The Rose Bowl has ensured that it will get a top billing annually because ESPN agreed to pay $80 million annually in broadcasting rights from 20165-2026. This is a 167% increase from their current payment of $30 million annually.

The proceeds from the game will continue to be split between the Pac 12 nad the Big 10 Conferences, except in those years where the game is for the national title. In that case, the BCS teams will get a share.

With so much money at stake, it's easy to see why teams violate NCAA regulations for recruitment and academics. It becomes wining at all cost. No wonder Penn Sate doesn't want anything to happen to its football program.

Toning Down Gronk

It seems like Rob Gronkowski makes the news by not being in the news. Rumors are that the team has spoke to him about toning down his off the field activities once training camp starts. Gronk has become a larger than life media darling with his partying and recent nude photo shoot for ESPN magazine.

With his new found wealth, bachelorhood and young age, it's hard to picture him being someone he can't be.Everything will be fine as long as he doesn't get arrested or get himself into trouble. There always seems to be a very fine line with all players.

Tale of Wes

Wes Welker didn't get the multi-year contract that he was expecting. I'm not sure if that's not a bad idea. He will make $9.5 million this year and it's all guaranteed. If the Pats don't sign him after next season, he will get huge dollars on the free agent market by some team that is foolish enough to throw money around and pay for past performance.

Welker is in a very difficult situation. He deserves a three year contract like they gave to randy Moss, but it won't be in Foxborough. He always seems to be one play away from ending his career. He is a gladiator to the end. He is cut from the same cloth as the great Wayne Chrbet of the Jets. We all know how bad that ended when he sustained one final concussion on a pass reception to end his career.

If the Pats franchise him next year, he gets at least $11.5 million guaranteed. Otherwise he cashes in on being a free agent. We can't cry for Wes.

Raising The Salary Bar

Saints QB Drew Brees has raised the bar when it comes to the insane salaries being paid to some players. His five years for $100 million surpasses the $96 million contract signed by Peyton Manning.

The contract for Brees makes a bit more sense than Manning's. However, both teams will face salary cap issues down the road. Both of these players will have their contracts restructured at some point.

The NFL salary structure continues to be quite lopsided with a few players making all of the money. So many players end up playing for the veteran minimum, with some incentives thrown in.

A Site For Tissue

Everyone agrees that there might be a link between brain injuries and the violence on the playing field.The recent death of former LB Junior Seau shed light on a couple of institutions competing for a sample of his brain.

The NFL sponsored site at Boston University was vying for the tissue along with the Brain Injury Research Institute. The family finally decided on the National Institutes For Health. The government agency will issue their own findings.

Instead of competing with each other, everyone should be sharing research and working for the common goal. The BU center has been viewed as biased because of their affiliation with the league. It's important to do the research with out being concerned about who gets the credit.

I think the final results will be a nightmare for the NFL.

A Time To Sit

QB Drew Brees has been very adamant about getting a new multi-year contract from the Saints. He has talked about not reporting to training camp. He might now be looking at making a decision. He has until 4pm on next Monday to get a new contract. Otherwise, his only option is to sign for the franchise tag of $16.3 million dollars. He has until the 10th week of the season to sign the tender, but at that point, it will be pro-rated for games missed.

Fans have a hard time feeling bad for him. He will make at least $16.3 million this season, but will be back to square one at the end of the season. He might need to force the hands of the Saints by siting out part of camp.

The Saints have been turned upside down by Bountygate. I can see why he doesn't have a contract yet. Brees wants to play there. I just don't see them paying him the $20.3 million that he wants.

Donovan Time

Many players have their careers ended for them either an injury or lack of a contract from any team. QB Donovan MacNabb is seeing his time slip away as he attempts to find interest from any team..He asked for his release at the end of the 2011 season from the Vikings after being benched  with a 1-5 record and only 4 TD's The Vikings appear to be going with Christian Ponder under center.

This leaves MacNabb hoping to land on some team that needs a veteran back-up QB. His chances of starting are slim to none unless someone goes down with an injury and a team gets desperate. Being 35 years old doesn't help him. Teams are more inclined to groom a younger player for a possible starting job.

MacNabb is a great example of a player who doesn't want to end his career, but knows that his options are few. His end might come through no effort on his part.

Losing Players

College football is filled with players who live on the edge of the law. They are the future of the NFL. An interesting comment by a writer clearly illustrates this.

Of the top seven running backs coming out of high school in 2011, only two are with their same school. That is a horrible statistic. I wonder how the other positions fared.

There are too many arrests in college sports. Football programs seem to be out of control. Schools take a blind eye to it. They are more concerned with putting a successful team on the field and making it to a bowl game. After all, they need to keep the alumnae happy and the money flowing

Colleges stack their rosters with over 90 players. If someone messes up and gets kicked off the team, there is someone else on the depth chart to take their place.

He Might Be Relevant

Players drafted in late rounds sometimes would be better off if they not been drafted at all. They would have been able to sign with the team of their choice. Sometimes, it makes all of the difference in their career.

QB Chandler Harnish holds the distinction being tabbed Mr Irrelevant in this year's draft. He was the last selection, taken 253rd overall by the Colts.

The three year starter at Northern Illinois has a very impressive resume. You wonder why he slipped to the 7th round, but he did. Admittedly, he will have an uphill battle to make the Colts roster, especially with the drafting of QB Andrew Luck.

The last pick has produced some decent players over the years. Former Pats LB Marty Moore carved out a productive career over the course of seven seasons.It remains to be seen what will happen with Harnish. He might never take a snap or could be another Tom Brady. You never know with some of those late picks

Is He a Captain?

It didn't work last season when Jets Coach Rex Ryan appointed several  payers as captains. Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes ended up having a very public spat as the team floundered to a record of 8-8.

Now he is saying that the team has plenty of leaders and captains are not needed. He might be right on that as he tries a different approach this season. It can't get any worse from last season.

I wonder how the team will handle the pre-game coin toss. Usually the captains come out to mid-field. If Ryan designates a player, isn't he at least an honorary captain for the game?

Tale of the Ring

We always hear about players wanting to win a Super Bowl ring. It's all about getting one. Some players decide where to sign based on that. Whenever you hear of a player selling their ring, you wonder what the story is behind it.

Former Green Bay DT Jay Ross is selling the ring he received as a Practice Squad member on the Super Bowl XLV championship team. For him, it might be financial reasons.

He signed with Atlanta after being undrafted in 2010. He made it to the  final cut at  training camp. The Packers signed him on October 20, 2010 to their Practice Squad, but was never activated for any games.

He made it to the final cut of the Packer's 2011 camp, but never caught on with another team until the Buffalo Bills signed him to their 90 man roster. He gets another shot at making a living, but needs to make the roster to get a game check.

Ross is like so many other players on the fringes of the NFL. If they get on a Practice Squad, they will make about $5,000 per week. He also sat out last year because nobody wanted him. This might be one of his last chances.

Why not sell the ring if he needs the money.

Moving Around

It's very obvious that the league wants to get a team in Los Angeles and London sooner rather than later. LA has the 2nd largest media market in America. The NFL has been void from there for so long. They need to have a team there. London will work out whenever they decide to go forward. Those two are the best cities for future franchises.

The 22

The NFL does a great job in controlling the program content of the NFL Network. They announced that their "Game Rewind" program will show the "Coach's 22" film of the game. Fans will be able to see the same game video that the coaches analyze.

I'm a big supporter of this. I wonder if the NFL Network will show it during it's nightly programming. I'm sure they will.They do a great job with everything. It will be great to hear the comments of the coaches.

I'm sure Coach Belichick will give some incredible commentary whenever he does it.

The Inferno Dims For Dante

Some players make a big splash as first round draft picks and end their careers with little notice. We are seeing this with former QB Dante Culpepper. He is a great example of how one injury can alter a career.

He was a first round pick out of Central Florida by the Vikings in 2000. He didn't play until the following season, but made up for lost time. By 2004, he had played in three Pro Bowls and lead the league in 2004 with 4,717 passing yards and 379 completions. The following season he suffered a devestating knee injury that would alter his career.

He was released by the Vikings. Over the next four seasons, he played in a total of 38 games between Miami, Oakland and Detroit. He threw for 3,991 and 14 TD's . He was able to get five starts with Detroit in 2009 before his release.

He attempted to keep his career alive by signing with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League in 2010. He sat out the 2011 season.

In a recent interview, he acknowledged that his career is probably over, but he has not submitted his retirement papers. His time with the Vikings was brilliant, but it all ended so quickly on one play.

Not Part of the Core

The window is narrowing for the Pats to strike a long term deal with WR Wes Welker. Team owner Robert Kraft made some interesting comments about contract extensions. The team gave TE Rob Gronkowski one in spite of having two years left on his current contrcat. He said the team needed to sign its core players and use the salary cap in a productive manner to ensure stability.

Where does this leave Welker? Is he considered a core player? Does the team place a big emphasis on keeping a 31 year old slot receiver? I don't think they do.

I predict that the team will pay him the $9.5 million due this season and take a gamble that he might leave after the 2012 season.