Friday, November 30, 2012

No Towel

The NFL does everything they can to maximize any possible sponsorship along the way. I was surprised today when I bought a bottle of TIDE detergent. Apparently, they are the official detergent of the NFL. I didn't know that.

They have partnered with the NFL to market themselves and give fans a rally towel for their team. I'm not sure of the size of the towel. I don't think it's very big.

I lost my eligibility for a "free" towel when I threw my receipt away earlier today. I can't believe I did that.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Business As Usual

The NFL continues to fine players for illegal hits. It doesn't seems to stop anyone.DT Ndamukong Su  of the Lions was fined $50,000 for kicking Houston QB Matt Schaub during their Thanksgiving Day game.

The networks always show the violent hits in the highlights. Rather than suspend players, the NFL just issues a fine and collects the money from the players. It becomes the cost of doing business for some of them.

The league wants to avoid suspensions which only end up hurting the product they put before the public.They don't want to turn the game into flag football. There is a fine line between what is legal and illegal. The speed of the game causes a big blur. Things happen very quickly.

I often wonder what the response will be when there is a real tragedy. What happens when we see the next Daryl Stingley?

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Ship Is Sinking

It could get very ugly at Met Life Stadium on Sunday when the New York Jets host the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams are 4-7 and one game away from missing the playoffs. Thousands of Jets fans are trying to dump their tickets to on-line brokers with the count is up to 7,000. Some are selling as low as $18. The Jets have failed to sell-out their games, but the team has bought up the unsold tickets to avoid a television blackout.

Maybe the team might be better off if they didn't broadcast their game. The season for Rex & Co. has gotten very ugly. It will get out of hand with another loss. I just don't see them running the table over the last five games.

Fans of the Pats can sit back and watch as the ship goes down in New York. Offensive Coordinator Tony Sparano will be the first to go. That might not be enough for Jet fans. Owner Woody Johnson might need to clean house, including Rex Ryan and GM Michael Tannenbaum.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Problem With PED's

The NFL continues to catch players using Performance Enhancement Drugs. It results in a four game suspension. It happened to Brandon Bolden and now it's Jermaine Cunningham's turn. His bout with PED's will also cost him four games during the final stretch of the regular season.

Privacy laws prohibit the NFL from identifying the substance. This puts the players at a disadvantage. The list of banned substances is very long. Some were legal in the past and available over the counter. Others were prescribed for conditions like Attention Deficit Disorder.

It gives the perception that the player was taking steroids or human growth hormone. That is so unfair. What was legal in the past is now a punishable offense. I feel the NFL really needs to tweak their PED policy. I don't think it's working the way it was intended.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Ed Hangs It Up

The recent 49-19 loss by the Jets to the Pats on Thanksgiving night continues to have repercussions. The legendary "Fireman Ed" has decided to hang up his helmet and stop leading his J-E-T-S chant at home games.

This is a shocking development to fans who have watched Ed Anzalone do his thing since 1975. He has been involved with various team activities at times although he is not employed by them.

Ed claims he has been harassed at games by fans for wearing a Mark Sanchez game jersey. It has happened at his seat, in the parking lot and various places around the stadium. Apparently, the loss to the Pats was the final straw. He will continue to attend games, but will dress differently and change his seats.

It's too bad it had to end this way for Ed. He was very passionate about his cheering. The television cameras always put his mug on the screen at some point during a broadcast.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

The Pro Bowl Farce

The Pro Bowl is becoming a complete joke. It starts with the game. I think they should vote players to the team, but they should stop playing the game. Football doesn't adapt itself to an all-star game. The rules are different to protect the players. As a result, there is little defense played. The score is right out of Arena Football, with both teams racing up and down the field.

Letting the fans vote if a bigger travesty. They vote for their own team or ones from their fantasy squad. Troy Polamalu leads the voting at strong safety, but he has only played in five quarters the entire season. How can you be voted to the Pro Bowl if you are injured for most of the season?

 Polamalu is one of the great players of his time, but the honor should go to someone who is playing at the highest level at their position in the current season.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Rex Watch

The New York Jets were able to sneak into the 2009 playoffs with a 9-7 record. They went on to the AFC Championship game which they ultimately lost. With a current record of 4-7, they would need to win their remaining five games.

The face the Cardinals, Jaguars, Titans, Chargers and Bills. None of them have a wining record, but are fighting for a possible wild card spot. It certainly won't be easy with the way the Jets are playing.

To make matters worse, the New York tabloids have Coach Rex Ryan in their sights. One more loss will eliminate them from the playoffs. When that happens, the floodgates will open. Every mistake he makes will be magnified by the media.

I think the only was he can save his job is to get a show of support from owner Woody Johnson, but that hasn't happened. He might escape the axe if the Jets play competitive in their remaining games. It might not be good enough for their fans who are getting very restless. They are now looking at 45 years without a trip to the Super Bowl..


Friday, November 23, 2012

A Hit To Remember

WR Julian Edelman was having the game of his career last night against the Jets until he got blasted by safety LaRon Landy early in the second quarter. He suffered a crushing helmet to helmet hit and was on the ground for several moments. He left the game and never returned after suffering a head injury. The hit was considered to be legal.

Edeleman already had a 56 yard TD reception and scored another on a kickoff fumble by Joe McKnight. His status for the game against Miami is questionable, but if he ever has neurological problems later on in life, he can look back at this game as being a part of the cause.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Big Game Tonight

It's a huge game for the New York Jets tonight when they take on the Pats. Another loss will almost eliminate the Jets from playoff contention. A loss by the Pats would put them in a bad situation for getting a first round bye in the playoffs. They would most likely host a Wild card game.

The Pats travel to Miami next weekend and play them at home in the season finale. A loss in either game would also put them into the first round of the playoffs.

It should be a very competitive game. The Jets are fighting for their lives. A loss would be devastating for Coach Rex Ryan.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

A Bunch of Characters



Whenever the Pats acquire a player with character issues, we hear the same discussion that the team has changed its direction about signing players with questionable backgrounds. The league is full of players with various issues.

The recent trade for CB Aqib Talib shows that the Pats are willing to do what it takes to win. They were able to scoop up CB Alfonso Dennard in the 7th round of the 2012 draft because he was previously arrested the week before. Many thought he would have been a 2nd or 3rd round selection. They said the same for Aaron Hernandez who slipped to the 4th round after testing positive for pot.

Ted Washington and Corey Dillon helped them win a Super Bowl. They took a shot with Albert Haynesworth and Chad Johnson, but it didn't work out for either one of them.

LB Brandon Spikes had some off-field issues. He is also considered by many to be a dirty players, but because he plays for our team, he is ok.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A Chance For Hoyer

Players around the NFL often make the roster because of injury to others. There are very opportunistic moments that players need to take advantage of. We are seeing that with former Pats QB Brian Hoyer who was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Backup QB Bryan Leftwich, who was playing in the place of Ben Roethlisberger, also sustained an injury to his ribs. The Steelers reached out to Hoyer who had been unemployed since he was cut by the Pats at the end of training camp.

This is a great chance for Hoyer who had only played in garbage time for the Pats. He might never be a starter, but he could continue to carve out a career similar to the one of Leftwich. Hoyer was undrafted unlike Leftwich who was the 7th player selected in the 2003 draft.

Leftwich has made a career of being a journeyman backup with several teams. Hoyer is back on a team. It's a chance to stay on a roster and be a backup. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

A Break For Gronk

The Pats took a big hit yesterday during their 59-24 win over the Colts when they lost Rob Gronkowski to a broken arm. He underwent surgery today and will miss 4-8 weeks. This is on top of the tenuous health of Aaron Hernandez. All of a sudden, the team is left without two of its most potent offensive weapons.

Rodney Harrison suffered a similar injury when he played for the Pats. He said it took him over six weeks to get back to normal. I doubt if we will see Gronk before the playoffs. The team rushed Hernandez back too soon. Hopefully, they don't do it with Gronk.

Some question why he was even on the field during the final PAT in a 35 point rout. He was hit in the arm by Sergio Brown who spent three seasons with the Pats. Gronk routinely plays on the point after. With 45 players dressed, teams use their starters on various special teams.Wes Welker was returning kicks late into the 4th quarter. The same thing could have happened to him.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

A Business Trip For Adam

Fans certainly have the right to express themselves. That's what it's all about. There are great rivalries throughout the NFL.

I was disappointed that Pats fans decided to boo Adam Vinatieri when he came out on the field to kick a field goal during the Colt's loss to the Pats. I also saw some negative comments on Facebook about him..

They obviously don't realize his role in the three Super Bowls titles. If they did, they never would have done it. He left the Pats over money. The Colts were willing to drastically overpay him. The Pats had a much lower offer on the table. After 17 season, he is playing as well as ever.

I understand the frustrations of fans when their team loses a player to free agency, but it's a business. The game has a rich history and tradition. It's part of the American culture, but for the guys who get paid to maim each other, it's a business at the end of the day.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Jets Hitting Turbulence

At this point in the season, every game becomes bigger for teams. In some cases, another loss can almost eliminate them for playoff consideration. We are seeing that when the Jets (3-6) play the Rams (3-5-1).

The Jets desperately need to win this game. Seven losses would make a Wild Card spot very difficult. I think Rex Ryan needs to make the playoffs to save his job in the future. I think he is safe for this year, but if they miss the playoffs this year and next, I think it will be all over for him.

Mark Sanchez needs to have a strong performance and lead the offense to a win. If he plays poorly, there will be more clamoring for Tim Tebow. Some anonymous Jet have thrown Tebow under the bus by saying he is a lousy player. Dissension has hit the team. Ryan has addressed it publicly, but it appears the Jets are fracturing. Will it effect their play?

It seems so long ago when Ryan and the Jets had back to back trips to the AFC Championship game. As they say in the Big Apple, it's only been 44 years since a return trip to the Super Bowl.

I think the Jets are doing a good job in making it 45 years.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Friday Afternoon With Bill

Coach Belichick has some great press conferences on Fridays. He often elaborates on things pertaining to the game. Today, a question about Colt's kicker Adam Vinatieri lead to some great insight about how players are selected to the Hall of Fame.

He reflected upon that there is only one kicker and no punter in the Hall. His description of the diversity among the players by position, individual accomplishments, length of career and championships was very insightful. There is definitely a gap by position in the Hall.

It's too bad that the press is always asking dumb and useless questions. When given the time and opportunity, the Coach has some really great talking points.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Don't Worry About The Window

Pats fans waste a great deal of time worrying about Tom Brady's "window". Some think that he has a certain amount of years left in his career. They should know that there is nothing for certain in the NFL. They can ask Pittsburgh fans how they feel about losing Ben Roethslisberger to a throwing shoulder injury and a dislocated rib that is close to his aorta. No time table is given for his return.

It happened on one play. With that moment, the fortunes of the Steelers was placed in jeopardy. Who knows how the rest of the season will play out? There is talk that he might be placed on Injured Reserve.

Every player is one down away from either IR or a career ending injury. Fans should not waste time wondering how many good years Brady has left. It could all end on one snap.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

At Least 12 Heads Injured

The NFL always claims that they are concerned about player safety. Last weekend, at least 12 players suffered some form of concussion. Three quarterbacks took big hits, including Michael Vick, Jay Cutler and Alex Smith. Vick might miss the rest of the year for the Eagles. Cutler is most likely out for the Bear's game on Sunday. Smith stayed in the game and threw a TD pass for the 49er's, in spite of having blurred vision.

Why was Smith allowed to keep playing? Were the protocols in place to ensure that players didn't make the decision? Players usually don't take themselves out because they know that someone is ready to grab their job. Brady Quinn and Matt Cassell have been taking turns playing quarterback for the Chiefs after each of them had a previous concussion. RB Fred Jackson of the Bills took a vicious hit by Brandon Spikes in the closing moments of their loss to the Pats.

Concussion vary in their severity. The league takes a very public stance on player safety. They issue huge fines for illegal hits, yet their television partners love to show the big hits that knock players out of the game and cause potential brain damage down the road.

The NFL likes to have it both ways because it's all about the money.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

No Discounting Anyone



Many Pats fans already assume their team will be playing in the Super Bowl. It's only a matter of the NFC opponent. They believe the defensive problems will be resolved in time for another championship.

Not everyone feels the same way. Last night, ESPN went on record as saying it will be the Houston Texans and the Atlanta Falcons. They disregard the 49er's and Bears in the NFC and the Ravens and Pats in the AFC.

Anything could happen when the playoffs arrive. Last year, the Giants were finishing the season with a record of 9-7. They were close to having a losing season. In the end, it worked out pretty good for them in the Super Bowl.

Monday, November 12, 2012

The Ninth Game

The goal for the Pats is to win the Eastern Division, but they need to play well in all three phases of the game. They lead the NFL in offensive, but their defense is ranked 25th and 29th against the pass.

Some feel the defense is better than last year, but they give up too many yards. Team are able to convert on 3rd and long, keeping drives alive.

This team should finish at least 11-5, assuming there are no catastrophic injuries. It's looking more like Aaron Hernandez will have problems with his ankle until the end of the season.

We keep hearing about "opportunistic defensive plays". They are winning the turnover battle. The defense won the game against the Bills in the final 23 seconds.

It would be quite ironic if they go to the Super Bowl and lose the lead in the final minutes. That happens when you give up too many yards.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Almost Lost It

One of the analysts made a great point when he said that the team that makes fewer bad plays is the one that usually wins. The Pats were in a spot to lose the game until Devon McCourty got an interception during the final minute of the games. Although the Pats beat the Bills 37-31 and are now 6-3, they could have very easily lost the game.

I also heard that they have created "opportunistic turnovers" throughout the season. These have killed drives and given the Pats an extra chance to score. I'm sure we will hear about the yards given up and the inability to close a game.

They are right on these two points. If things don't change, it will come back to bite them in the playoffs. Some think that they will run the table and go undefeated. I think that is a reach. They need to play better.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Not Bowl Bound

It has been a rough season for UMass football with their attempt to become a Division 1 power. Their inaugural season has them at 0-9, including 0-5 in the Mid-American Conference. They have three games left to salvage their season.

Today might be their best hope when the play 1-9 Akron. Both teams have seen their season implode. UMass has been outscored 188-21 in their last four games.Attendance at Gillette stadium has been less than expected. It looks pretty empty when you have 10,000 fans in a 68,000 seat arena.

I plan to attend the last two games of the season. Hopefully, they can get to 3-9. If they can ever have a 7-5 season in the future, they will get a bowl bid. It just won't happen this year.

Friday, November 9, 2012

No Luck For Brady

I enjoy listening to sports talk radio as long as discussions don't get into hypothetical situations. That's one of the reasons I don't play fantasy football. I'm not a big fan of talking about trades that would never take place.

That was my issue with the absurd discussion of trading Tom Brady for Andrew Luck in a straight up deal. They actually spent time talking about this. This is too hypothetical for me to listen to.

Brady wants to play at least another five years. Maybe, he will never win another Super Bowl or even get back there.Nobody knows.

Andrew Luck is having a great rookie year and has replaced Peyton Manning. Those are big shoes to fill. Time willl tell how Luck's career will unfold. He has great potential and maybe he will do more things than Brady ever did.

I'm not ready to trade at this moment or in the future. I'm with Tom until the end of his career. I always wonder if it will end on his terms.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

The Crazy Schedule

The NFL will allow flex-scheduling next weekend. The Pats have been moved to a 4:25 start against the Indianapolis Colts. It's not that big of a deal, but they must travel to New York to play the Jets four days later on Thanksgiving night. They travel to Miami for a game on December 2nd. Teams will play the same amount of games during that period, but the Pats only have three days to prepare for the Jets.

As much as I like Thursday night games, I don't think they help promote player safety. There will be little recovery time after the Bills game. They get it on the other end, but I don't think it's the best thing to do this late in the season.

Everyone goes along with it because it's all about the television revenue. There are no high salaries and big bonuses without it. As long as nobody gets hurt, everyone is cool about it.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Firing Jerry

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was locked out of his team's locker room after their 19-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Jones could be heard banging on the door and yelling to be let in. Players said they had never seen him so upset. He wanted to speak to the team and answer questions from the media.

During a pregame interview, he mentioned that he would have fired the guy making all of the team's personnel decisions. That would be difficult to do because he would need to fire himself. The team is hitting a bump at 3-5 and face a big challenge to make the playoffs.

As owner of the team, Jones can do anything he wants. He has his own press conferences and regularly updates the media on injuries and other personnel transactions. I'm sure he enjoys his role, but it hasn't worked out in recent years. Nobody could ever convince him otherwise.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Not Really Valid

I have my doubts about the validity of the Sporting News mid-season poll of NFL players. They reached out to 103 from 27 different teams. Players were told not to vote for anyone associated with their team. I assume they used the proper protocol to determine the correct sample size.

Rex Ryan won the vote for the most overrated head coach. That is no surprise, but it was to hear about Bill Belichick being ranked next. I find it hard to believe that he is viewed this way. The Pats were selected as the best organization. Isn't that a reflection of his effort as CEO of football?

Andy Reid, Mike Shanahan and 13 other coaches also received consideration. Who voted on this? What was their level of experience in the NFL? Many players have no clue of the game's history. They only know about the teams they are playing.


Monday, November 5, 2012

Playing For Their Job

With 10 minutes left in the third quarter, the Saints are leading the Eagles 21-3. This game was anointed as the one that Coach Andy Reid and QB Michael Vick were playing for their survival. The Eagles need to make the playoffs for Reid to keep his job. Vick is due a ton of money over the next two seasons. It's hard to say that he is the guy if their season ends after 16 games.

Going into the game, the Eagles were 3-4, but not playing well. It's not working right now, whatever it is. Usually, the quarterback goes before the coach. It could be a double one for Reid and Vick if they don't make the playoffs. Vick needs the team to win games for him to keep his job. Otherwise, he will be the first to be thrown under the bus.