Sunday, August 31, 2014

Time To Move On


The Pats will be making numerous personnel moves this week to tweak their roster. It didn't surprise me that they traded QB Ryan Mallet to the Houston Texans for a 6th round pick in 2016. I don't think they could have received more than that. He was due to be a free agent after this season and only has a few passing attempts to his credit.

The pressure will be on Jimmy Garoppolo to be Tom Brady's back-up. This decision will be debated on talk shows. As long as Brady stays healthy, everything will be a moot point.

Time will tell if he is the heir apparent.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

The Beginning For Some


Players around the league will be nervous today about their status with their respective team. It's a process that gets repeated every year as rosters get trimmed to 53 players.

Pats QB Jimmy Garropollo admits to being naïve to all of it. He never attended a NFL game until the Pats pre-season opener against the Redskins. He didn't have a playbook in college or any of the media attention that follows each team. He doesn't know what to expect today and admitted to that.

As a second round draft pick, he will probably make the team. He will never be this naïve or young again. He will be exposed to the harsh realties of the NFL. His career is just beginning. He will see it end today for others. How long will Jimmy play in the NFL? What type of career will he have? How will it end?

Nobody knows.

Friday, August 29, 2014

The Final Wait


All of the "experts" have made their picks on who will be on the 53 man roster for the Pats. The team will also have 10 spots on the practice squad. It's fun to try and guess, but very unpredictable.

The 53 will not be set in stone, as it will be tweaked going into next weekend. The Pats will add players from the waiver wire. There will be a number of surprises no matter what happens.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Pre-season Game 4


Tonight will be the last chance for some players to make the Pats roster. It's the same all around the NFL. The recent cuts on Tuesday released a total of 480 players around the league. By Saturday, that number will total 1,134.

About 200 of them will find a spot on a team's practice squad. The rest will be hoping for a call. Some are veterans who have been in the league for a long time while others are rookies who dream about being on a roster.

"Street" players get signed throughout the season because of injuries. One player's misfortunate becomes an opportunity for others. Some will need to look at pursuing another career. Their football days will be over.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Logan Takes Off


Most fans were shocked when the team traded six-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins to Tampa Bay for TE Jim Wright and a 4th round draft pick next year.

Some thought that Mankins did not have a great season last year, but the real issue was money. His trade will free up $13 million in cap space over the next two years and $20 million over three.

When Mankins held out two years ago, he eventually signed a contract with numbers that were prohibitive in the future. He had no inclination to restructure it. The Pats were not going forward with that type of an impact on the salary cap.

Ultimately, he became a victim of the cap.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Three In A Year


The clock is ticking very ominously on Broncos WR Wes Welker after his concussion in last Saturday night's game against the Houston Texans. It was his third in the last twelve months.

The play was very typical of Welker who has taken a beating over the course of his career. He took a tremendous hit after getting the ball in his hands. His head took the force of the blow.

How many more concussions can he take? He reminds me so much of Wayne Chrbet, the former Jets receiver who took an untold number of hits to his head in his illustrious career. It all came to an end for him with one final reception and concussion that forced him into retirement.

I hope that Welker doesn't occur the same fate, but he is going in that direction.

Monday, August 25, 2014

The Cuts Are Coming


All teams need to reduce their rosters to 75 players by 4pm tomorrow. Coach Belichick has already started the process by releasing veterans Tommy Kelly, Will Smith and James Anderson. Their release doesn't necessarily mean the end with the Pats.

Belichick often does this to veterans to allow them the opportunity to catch on with another team before the market gets flooded with players. The roster will get tweaked almost daily between now and the first regular season game. If they don't get signed by another team, they will be available during the season if the need arises.

Kelly was coming back from a torn ACL suffered during last season. He played well for the Pats until he got hurt. He restructured his contract in the off-season, but his age may have been a factor.

Anderson and Smith were expected to fill holes on the defense, but apparently fell behind on the depth chart. Ultimately, the end will come for many of the players cut around the league.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Johnny Boring


Johnny Manziel continues his boorish behavior during the pre-season. He was fined $12,000 last week for "giving the finger" to the Washington Redskins bench during their game. He said that players and fans were taunting him.

Last night, after throwing his first NFL TD pass against the St Louis Rams, he proceeded with his "money gesture". This will probably draw a fine also.

This stuff might go over well in college, but he will be on a short leash in the NFL. I don't understand why there is such an infatuation with him. I think he is so overrated.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Iron Mike Jumps In


There are two weeks to go before the start of the regular season and the Washington Redskin controversy is going strong. Two of the league's top television announcers, Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms have said they will not use the term Redskin during their broadcasts this season.

This could create some awkward moments for the fans. Mike Ditka weighed in on the controversy and called it nothing but a political correctness issue. His comments will probably draw some type of suspension or slap on the write from his employer ESPN.

The controversy will continue to grow during the season. So many are jumping on the bandwagon. This is getting out of hand. I don't believe the name is offensive. I understand their point, but it's becoming an issue of political correctness.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Pre-season game 3


It's the third pre-season game for the Pats as by play the Caroline Panthers at Gillette Stadium. There are so many players that are fighting for an opportunity to get time and show what they can do.

The first roster cut to 75 is coming up next week. Some talented players will no longer be part of the team. There will be a story behind each release.

It's always a shock for any fan when it happens, but it's the same for all teams.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

More To Practice


I think that it was a great idea for the NFL to expand their practice squads to ten players and change the criteria for those on it. The league is full of success stories of players who couldn't make the team in their rookie training camp, but went on to have great careers.

As the season winds into November, teams are filled with injuries and often have issues with practicing. This allows for healthy players to be on the scout team.

The new guidelines will allow clubs to keep a player on the practice squad for up to three seasons. They will now have the options to stay on the squad for six games instead of the current three before counting it as a season.

Too many players never get a chance to play in the league. The talent pool is there, but the jobs don't exist. There will now be more opportunities.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Jumping Back To School


Former Giants RB David Wilson ended his career too soon because of a neck injury. He recently retired at the age of 23. Now, he wants to devote his time to being a track athlete.

He excelled at the triple jump in high school and college. He won the national high school title in the event and finished 6th in the NCAA Championships. His best jump of 53 feet, 1.74 inches would have placed him 11th overall in the 2012 Olympics. He wants to compete in the 2016 games.

He will return to Virginia Tech to finish his degree and work with his former track coach. He left for the NFL after his junior year.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Decisions About Decisions


Coach Mike Pettine and the Cleveland Browns seem to be milking their face time with all of the attention being focused on the Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel controversy. They need to make a decision real soon on their starting quarterback. They can't waste the last two weeks of training camp.

Offensive players need to have a system in place. Sharing the snaps isn't working. There is no fluid in their play.

The coach is loving all the attention after living under the shadow of Rex Ryan in New York.

Monday, August 18, 2014

A Game Too Long


The NFL is placing more emphasis on defensive holding and interference this season. The referees are calling more penalties than ever. When the Pats played the Eagles the other night, they combined for 21 infractions. The game lasted over 3.5 hours.

The league wants more scoring and offense, but not at the cost of longer games. The penalties and replays are making the games too long. They want them to last about three hours.

The Competition Committee will need to look at this when they meet at the end of the season. The last thing the NFL wants is to lose people from the television audience.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

FB James Develin


Every player has their own story on how they made it to the NFL. The road for FB James Develin has not been easy after being an undrafted defensive end out of Brown University in 2010.

He decided to switch positions when he played for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz of the Arena Football League. He followed that with a stint with the Florida Tuskers of the now defunct United Football League.

He was in training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2010-2012, but was cut each time. The Pats finally signed him to their practice squad in 2012. He made his NFL debut before the end of the season.

Things got better for him in 2013 when he appeared in all 18 regular and post-season games, including eight starts. During the win over Houston, he finally made it into the end zone.

In spite of all of this, he is fighting for a roster spot. Nobody carries a pure FB on their roster. He has also been getting snaps with the tight ends. Coach Belichick has sung his praises during press conferences. That might be his best hope for making the team.


Saturday, August 16, 2014

Their Guy


I think the NFL wants Johnny Manziel to be a starter because he drives the television ratings for the NFL Network. His pre-season game last Saturday night drew 2.82 million viewers according to the ratings.

Will Brian Hoyer start the first game? It's a long journey into December. So much will happen.

If Hoyer starts, he will be on a very short leash.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Game 2


There are many questions to answer about tonight's pre-season match against the Eagles. It appears that Tom Brady will start, as well as a number of other first teamers.

Many players will be fighting for playing time to prove that they belong in the NFL. Unfortunately, players will be cut. For some, it will be the end of the line. It doesn't matter whether they are a seasoned veteran or a rookie.

The goal is to always make it through the game without any major injuries. The regular season is a train wreck for that stuff.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

The Time For Vick


Michael Vick seems to have been embraced by New York Jets fans. Nobody expects him to play much this year unless QB Geno Smith falters or gets hurt. Vick has a one year contract with the team, but has a great chance to audition for free agency in 2015.

It appears that Smith is the starter, but everyone needs to be ready to play at any moment. Nobody knows if Geno Smith will play all 16 games.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Jake Ballard


The New York Giants cried foul when the Pats claimed TE Jake Ballard off waivers after the 2012 Super Bowl. Ballard tore his ACL in the win over the Pats. When the Giants tried to put him on Injured reserve, the Pats plucked him off the waiver wire. It was totally legitimate for both teams.

It was a futile attempt by the Pats to find another tight end. He spent the entire 2012 season on the PUP list before being released by the Pats at the end of the 2013 training camp. He was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals where he caught passes in eight games.

He announced his retirement the other day due to the injury he sustained in the Super Bowl. His career held so much promise for the undrafted free agent, but it never got off the ground.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Eagles Land



Bill Belichick approaches every practice as if were their last. It was so informative to be at training camp today for the joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles. There was so much to see.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Trying To Avoid Five


Former WR Irving Fryar had a chaotic career with the Pats after they made him the first overall selection in the 1984 draft. His brilliant play on the field was marred by a number of controversial actions in his personal life.

He was accidently stabbed by his wife during the 1985 Super Bowl run and was involved in a drug controversy after the game in 1986. He made a lethal receiving tandem with Stanley Morgan during his time with the team.

Few thought that he would ever play 16 years in the league with stops in Miami, Philadelphia and Washington. After he retired, he became an ordained minister with a church near his hometown.

Now, he faces up to five year in prison if he accepts a plea bargain to resolve a case involving loan fraud charges. His mother also faces time for her part.

How did it go so wrong? Things seem to be going well for him in retirement.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

The Gillette Eagles


I plan to attend the joint practice on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium between the Pats and the Philadelphia Eagles. They are very interesting to watch. I've seen a couple of them in the past.

It's hard to believe that there is order and planning in all of the drills, but it's very fluid. A lot gets done in the two hours.

There is always a huge turnout of fans. You get very close to the field and see it all.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Steve Gregory


Former Pats safety Steve Gregory abruptly announced his retirement from the NFL. He cited his new perspective on life after the recent birth of his daughter. Gregory mentioned that he was happy to leave the game on his own terms and in good health. He hopes to pursue a coaching career.

He had quite a ride in the NFL after being undrafted in 2006. He was signed by the Chargers and played six seasons before the Pats got him after the 2011 season. He played in 111 regular season games, but will always be remembered for his role in the Mark Sanchez "butt fumble" play against the Jets during the 2012 season. He picked up the ball and scored a TD.

The Pats released him back in February. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and was expected to battle for a starting spot.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Your New Back-up


After one pre-season game, we can speculate about the back-up quarterback situation with the Pats. There is discussion after last night's loss to the Redskins.

Ryan Mallett and Jimmy Garropollo had mostly 2nd and 3rd stringers in front of them. If the team was trying to showcase Mallet, it didn't work last night. I don't think he has much trade value other than a late round pick. His future is not in Foxborough.

Garropollo looked good when he was in there. I think he will win the back-up job.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Pre-season Game 1


It's the start of the 2014 season as the Pats face the Redskins after three days of joint practices. There are so many things to watch for tonight.

Hopefully, nobody gets hurt. Gronk never made the trip. The starters won't play that much. Ryan Mallet will start and play most of the game.

We hear all the rumors of trading Mallet. What is his value to another team? Will the Pats take a 4th round pick in next year's draft?

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

It Was An Issue Once



Several teams around the NFL have ongoing competition for the starting quarterback job. Some teams have gone without a franchise QB for over a decade.

It's hard to believe that was the way of life in Foxboro before the Kraft era. The list the various starters is rather long.

Bill Parcells drafted Drew Bledsoe in 1993 to be the starter. Everything was going great until the infamous hit in 2001 by Moe Lewis against the New York Jets. The Brady era started and continues. The only controversy is determining the backup.

The Brady era will end eventually. I'm not sure what happens after that.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

18 Last Year


There are two goals for every team as the preseason games begin: get a good look at players under competitive conditions and don't lose anyone to injury. Last year, 18 players suffered season ending injuries during the meaningless games.

The preseason is a necessary evil. Coach Belichick believes in them as a way of player assessment. It is often the only chance a player has to show that he belongs in the NFL.

No matter what happens, there will be players injured and lost for the season. It's part of the game.

Monday, August 4, 2014

The Roster


All teams face the problem of players getting hurt during the preseason. The Pats are no different. It's a small miracle if a team gets to opening day without losing someone to Injured Reserve.

We always see stories of marginal players being placed on IR. Some negotiate settlements with their team and remain as free agents.

There are about 1,800 players who are looking for a chance with a team. It might never happen for many of them. They all have their own story.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Jermaine Cunningham


The future looked so bright for LB Jermaine Cunningham when the Pats drafted him 53rd overall in 2010. He had a great rookie season, but it was all downhill from there. He was finally released after the first game of the 2013 season. He was able to catch on with the New York Jets. They liked him enough to sign him for this season.

It appears that he may have torn his Achilles tendon. That could end his season. It will force him into a long rehab process if he wants to return to the NFL.

Cunningham never lived up to the hype of a 2nd round pick. That doesn't surprise me. His career could be over. He is so replaceable.

There is too much emphasis put on where someone is drafted.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

#37 For Brady


Tom Brady turned 37 today as he prepares for his 15th NFL season. He is ancient by NFL standards. Very few players make it to this point and play at his level. Brady does it all. It's a sight to behold.

How much longer will it go on? Nobody knows. It has been such a great ride.

Friday, August 1, 2014

No Chip Shots



I like the experiment being done during the first two preseason games involving the extra point attempt. The ball will be moved from the 2 yard line back to the 15. It will result in the equivalent of a 33 yard field goal.

This is in response to the controversy over the extra point. It has almost a 100% success rate. Some want to make it more exciting for the fans, rather than it being an almost automatic point.

The league will go back to the regular format for the rest of the preseason and regular season games. The Competition Committee will evaluate it again at the end of the season. There is also a proposal to make the two point conversion attempt from the one yard line.

Both of these ideas merit further consideration. The NFL is often slow to make any changes, but they are good ideas.