Tuesday, February 28, 2017

High Price For Hightower


It wasn't a big surprise to hear a report that the Pats will not be placing the franchise tag on Donta Hightower. It looks like they are willing to let him test free agency and find his value on the open market.

The Pats have many free agents and won't be able to keep all of them. Hightower was a very critical part of the defense, but everyone is replaceable on the Pats. Tom Brady might find that out someday.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Combine 2017


The NFL Scouting Combine starts this week. Over 300 players were invited. Some will never get drafted. Others will never make a roster. There will be many players on rosters in September who were not invited.

The process is far from perfect. There is no way to measure the intangibles of an individual. The NFL Network loves to show excerpts of Tom Brady's time there.

Draft guru Mike Mayock was shown on a clip from 2000 saying that Brady would be a good player to draft and try to develop. Teams picked six other quarterbacks before him. Everyone was wrong.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Nick Mangold Jets Away


Jets center Nick Mangold was the heart and soul of their offensive line until he got older and carried a $6.07 million cap hit. The team released him early to allow him to pursue offers from other teams.

The former first round pick in 2006 was seen as an endangered species due to his age and salary. He is one of many around the league who will met a similar fate.

Will he play again in 2017? It remains to be seen. There are cheaper and younger alternatives out there.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Gronk At 27


Rob Gronkowski claims that he will be ready for the season opener after having his second back surgery.

At 27, he has a lot of miles on his body. His injuries have caused him to miss 22 games in his career. His first back procedure wiped out his 2009 college season. He had four surgeries for his broken arm and one for his torn ACL.

He wants to play as long as he can. Will he be in the league in five years at the age of 32? That seems to be a lofty goal, considering his history of injuries.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Tom The Fool


Tom Brady gets the Fool of the Year award for posting a video of himself wiping out on a ski jump. He made it into a big joke, but his actions disrespected his fans, the Krafts and coaches.

Why would he engage in such risky behavior? Apparently, he gave up cliff diving a few years ago after a stunt sparked outrage.

He makes a big deal about taking care of his body and wanting to play until he is 45. He has become delusional. He is one play away from a career ending injury. I think he feels that he is invincible.

He will never leave the game on his own terms.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Who Takes Less Money?


Fans really need to pump the brakes when it comes to telling TE Martellus Bennett to take a discount in order to stay with the Pats. Why would he do that?

He has been quite active on social media asking fans if they would take a pay cut on their job. Fans need to realize that the NFL is a business with players who have short careers. They deserve to make every dollar they can.

Winning games and championships is nice, but players are doing it for a living. Bennett's market value might surprise himself and the fans. Where he ends up is anyone's guess.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Take A Chance With Floyd


The Pats have nothing to lose if they try to sign WR Michael Floyd. He began a prison sentence for his drunk driving charge and will probably face a suspension from the league.

They should try to get him on a one year contract for cheap money. He has no leverage to get a long term one. If he has a good year, he can cash in after the 2017 season. He won't count much against the salary cap.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Days of Martie


Pats TE Martellus Bennett will test free agency. He has a Super Bowl ring with the Pats, so now he can play for the big contract and money.

He will get the dollars, wherever it is. Careers are short. He knows that the window to earn big money is real small.

Can't blame him for trying to get the last dollar

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Season of Cyrus


Rookie DB Cyrus Jones will get his Super Bowl ring, but it's a season he would like to forget for many reasons.

The second round pick saw his playing time ended after his dismal performance returning punts. He fumbled five of them and returned 10 for just 42 yards. This was after leading the NCAA in returns for a TD (four) while a senior at Alabama.

Jones took to social media to discuss his performance for 2016. He can only improve or the team will release him. He has a lot to prove as a returner if he ever gets another chance.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Young No Longer Young


Some players never know when it's over. Former QB Vince Young was a big bust during his short time in the NFL. His agent has talked to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League about a possible return to action.

The Roughriders have excusive rights to Young, but that might be a moot point. Young will turn 34 in May and has not been on an NFL roster since 2014 when he was with the Browns for two weeks in training camp. His last regular season game was with the Eagles in 2011.

Young was the third overall pick by the Titans in the 2006 draft. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year, but never lived up to his hype. It's a real reach to think that he could make it in the CFL at this point.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Joe Is Right


There is way too much talk about Tom Brady being the greatest quarterback and player of all time. His accomplishments can never be discounted, but Joe Montana had one of the best comments.

I agree with him that you cannot compare players from different eras. The game and rules have changed over the years. There are things on both sides of the ball that cannot be done now.

It might take decades, but there might be another Tom Brady out there. We just don't know where or when.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Signing Brady


The Pats and Tom Brady are talking about a contract extension after the 2019 season. He will be 40 this year and in uncharted waters. He needs to keep staying healthy and not get injured.

Brady wants to play until he is 45. It's hard to imagine how he made it this far and still be productive.

I have no doubt that they will put together a contract that pays him and protects the team in every way.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Cruz To The End


It came to an end yesterday for Victor Cruz and the Giants after the team released him. It was inevitable with his $7 million cap hit for 2017.

His diminished production, age and injury history sealed his fate. Cruz wants to keep playing, but he is just another 30 year old receiver on the scrap heap. There are younger, faster and less expensive guys out there.

His time with the Giants was memorable. If he never plays another down with them, he leaves a legacy of 303 catches for 4,549 yards and 25 TD's.

He needs to find a team that is willing to give him a chance at making their roster.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Danny's Expensive Cap


Danny Amendola always made the reception when the Pats really needed it. We saw that in Super Bowl LI and the AFC Championship game. It has been like that throughout his four years with the team.

He has been dogged by injuries and a contract that continues to be an albatross. He redid it last year in order to stay with the team.

He goes into the 2017 season with a salary cap hit of $7.71 million, the fourth highest on the team. He outpaces Julian Edelman with $5.75 million and Chris Hogan with $2.67 million.

There is no way he is on the roster in September with that number. It either comes down drastically or he gets released.

One local writer said he deserves to be on the team over Michael Floyd. Sentimentality is not part of the NFL.

Monday, February 13, 2017

Dollars For Gronk


Rob Gronkowski has often stated that he has never spent any of the money earned in his NFL career. His off-season will include a role in a movie and other paid gigs.

He appeared in two commercials during the Super Bowl. The one for T-Mobile earned him a check of $250,000 while Justin Bieber pocketed a cool $1.75 million.

He has vowed to be in another Super Bowl parade next year with the Pats. Fans and the media love him. He as a license to print money with all of his deals.

His opportunities are limitless once he calls it a career.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Rex Is Back


Rex Ryan was able to get himself fired from the Jets and Bills, but I predict a great future for him after he was signed by ESPN as an analyst for next season.

No team wants to hire him as a head coach after his recent flameouts. He has no desire to be a defensive coordinator. Television is the perfect spot for him. He will be a big hit with his outrageous comments and great knowledge of the game.

Some might laugh at his hiring, but he was also pursued by FOX, CBS and the NFL Network. They all wanted him.

Saturday, February 11, 2017

The 200 Yard Club


It remains to be seen how much longer Hall of Fame RB OJ Simpson will remain in prison in Nevada. His name still gets mentioned during broadcasts when it comes to historical records.

We heard it back in December when Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi had his third 200 yard rushing game in the same season.

He joined three other legends including OJ with the Bills in 1973, Earl Campbell with Houston in 1980 and Tiki Barber with the Giants in 2005.

He is in very select company.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Some Never Go


Pats fans are spoiled with five wins in nine Super Bowl games out of the overall 51 in history. Dallas, Pittsburgh and Denver are next with eight appearances. San Francisco has six. Then we have Green Bay, Miami, NY Giants, Oakland/L.A Raiders and Washington with five.

Minnesota and Buffalo have the dubious honor of four tries and four losses. At least their fans got to see their team in the big game.

Cleveland, Detroit, Jacksonville and Houston have never been there. It won't happen any time soon. They would be happy just to have a playoff game.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

High Price For Hightower


During the 2015 season, fans heard that the Pats would never be able to keep Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower.

Jones was traded prior to the 2016 season and Collins in the middle. Hightower is the last one standing from that great group of draft picks.

Collins landed a big money contract with the Browns. What does the future look like for Hightower? The Pats could give him the franchise tag, but they have so many other free agents to sign or let go.

Fans have heard how critical Hightower is to the Pats defense. They also know that Coach Belichick has no problems in cutting ties with any player, especially if they have a big impact on the salary cap.

I have no idea how this will end.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Rules Change Over Time


Several years ago, the NFL Competition Committee changed the rules about overtime. Each team would get a possession, unless the first team scored a touchdown.

Everyone was happy with this new rule. It placed an emphasis on the defense to stop the other team on first possession.

In light of the situation in super Bowl LI, there is grumbling about revisiting the rule to ensure both teams get to possess the ball.

This sounds like sour grapes. The Falcons only had to stop the Pats from getting to the end zone. They couldn't do it.

Game over.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Never Together Again


The Pats are having their victory parade in Boston today. When it's over, they will depart and go their own way. This is the last time they will all be together.

There are many free agents. Some will get resigned while others will find more money on a new team. Some will boycott the White House visit for personal reasons. Someone will be missing from their ring ceremony.

They will have a reunion someday, but it's not guaranteed that they will all be around. This is truly the last time they will all be together.

Monday, February 6, 2017

The Greatest Finish


I don't think anyone saw the Pats winning last night after being down by 25 points in the 3rd quarter. They pulled off a miraculous victory in overtime. No team has ever come back from such a deficit.

It was a game that will be talked about forever. So many plays had to be made to give them a chance, but they never gave up.

It was a game for the ages.

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Only One Super Bowl LI


Before the day is over, Super Bowl LI will be history. One team will go home happy. The other will forever be known as the losers of the game.

The Pats are favored by 3 over the Falcons, with the over/under of 58 1/2. Will it be an offensive battle? Who will be the MVP? Who will be the one to not make a play and cost his team the game?

Mistakes get made. Players carry the burden of costing their team a championship. They often have to live it for the rest of their life.

No matter what happens, they are part of the game's history.

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Time For Ty


Tonight is the special night for some former NFL players. The Hall of Fame selections will be announced.

The process to get their has its flaws. Some very deserving candidates come up short. It tends to be heavy on certain positions.

This could be the night for CB Ty Law. It would be a great cap to a brilliant career. If he made it this far, it's only a matter of time before he walks through the door.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Manziel Whine


Former QB Johnny Manziel is the poster-boy for how to throw away a NFL career. His antics on and off the field will keep him out of the league forever. Why would any team want all of his baggage?

He has tried to stay relevant by showing up at Texas A&M on National Signing Day and did an autograph show at a local Houston mall.

He even said that if he got another chance, he would treat a preseason game like the Super Bowl.

It's a little bit late at this point. The opportunity might never be there. He has himself to thank for that.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Non-fan Nonsense


People say the craziest things when it comes to the Super Bowl. There are so many people who watch the game who are not fans and could care less about the outcome. They feel they need to comment to be part of the scene.

I understand their point. Everyone is not a fan of football, but why make silly comments on social media in an effort to get attention.

Nobody knows how the game will turn out.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Stay With Vince


So many crazy things get said during Super Bowl week. One writer is proposing to rename the Lombardi Trophy after Bill Belichick.

While fans of the team will be flattered, I think it's a stupid idea. Vince Lombardi is one of the icons of the game.

Belichick has certainly made history and broken many records. They can name something else after him in the future. I have no idea what it could be.