Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Jimmy G Gone


The biggest winner of the trade between the Pats and 49er's for Jimmy Garoppolo was the quarterback himself.

The Pats got a 2nd round pick, but Jimmy G gets to start and is guaranteed to cash in big at the end of the season when he becomes a free agent.

He was never going to get the franchise tag and be paid over $20 million in 2018 if he wasn't the starter. They got almost four seasons out of him.

The 49er's released Brian Hoyer who was Brady's backup from 2009-2011. There is a good chance he will be back with the Pats.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Hogan's Hit


WR Chris Hogan is a great example of how any player can suffer a devastating injury on any play. It was going great for him yesterday against the Chargers until he took a huge hit while making a reception.

He left the field with his arm limp by his side. It did not look good. Did he break his arm or tear a muscle?

We should know soon to some degree, but maybe we will never get the full extent, unless he goes on IR.



Sunday, October 29, 2017

Game Mysteries


The Pats beat the Chargers 21-13 today, but there are some bigger issues. WR Chris Hogan was knocked out of the game in the 4th quarter after a devastating hit on his upper arm.

He was having a hard time raising it as he went to the locker room. Although he is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow, it will be a miracle if he isn't lost for the season or an extended period of time.

CB Stephon Gillmore was a late scratch and promptly left the stadium according to reports. This doesn't sound good. It would be interesting to see if the team has a policy about leaving before the game starts.

We will never know all of the facts behind these two stories.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

The Way To Do Overtime


After watching UMass beat Appalachian State 30-27 in double overtime, I think the college game has the right idea when it comes to a tie score at the end of regulation.

Both teams had a chance from the 25 yard line. UMass took the ball and scored. App State did the same on their possession. The teams would get to possess the ball until a winner was decided.

App State got the ball on the second OT. A fumble resulted in a turnover. UMass won on a field goal.

This seems like a good way to decide the outcome, although the NFL will never adopt it. Television networks don't want the games to get longer. That's enough to kill the idea.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Time To Deal


The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4pm. All of the "experts" claim that the Pats will do something to fill their needs, especially after losing Donta Hightower to IR.

The Pats seem to have a tradition of making a deal. Many of the players they acquired left after one season to move on to a bigger contract.

I will be surprised if they don't make a trade.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Lame Cam


Cam Newton is the face of the Carolina Panthers, but he does a lousy job representing the team and himself. He walked out of another press conference because he didn't like the questions.

There is no doubt that the media asks stupid and ridiculous questions. Just ask Coach Belichick or Tom Brady.

His inappropriate comments to a female reporter a few weeks ago was another example of his lack of class. He took a lot of heat for it and apologized like a little kid once he realized it could hurt his commercial endorsements.

Hopefully, he grows out of this because he is too talented to make a fool of himself.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

The Future of Eli


New York Giants QB Eli Manning is watching his team's hopes go down the drain with a record of 1-6. They are playing for respect at this point. It won't be getting any easier.

The Giants and Manning need to make some decisions at the end of the season. Eli will turn 37 in January and like Tom Brady, wants to be playing when he is 40.

He might do it, but it won't be with the Giants. His salaries for 2018 and 2019 are massive cap hits for Big Blue. There is talk about moving on from him, in spite of his two Super Bowl wins.

The problems of the Giants are not all his fault. They have been decimated by injuries on the offensive side. The Giants could decide to stay with him, but they are only kicking the problem down the road.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Joe Thomas Injured


The brilliant career of Browns LT Joe Thomas took a huge hit Sunday when his consecutive snap streak was ended at 10,363. It appears that he tore the triceps tendon in his left arm during his team's 12-9 loss to the Titans. If that's the case, he will be sidelined four to six months.

Thomas has dominated his position since being the 3rd overall pick in the 2007 draft. He has been selected for ten Pro Bowls and was First Team All-Pro seven times.

For all of his talent and accomplishments, he has never played in a playoff game.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Tyler Gabriel Plays Huge


In a sport dominated by gigantic men, Falcons WR Tyler Gabriel really stands out with his size. At 5'8" and 165 pounds, he is one of the smallest players in the league.

He has lasted since 2014 when the Browns signed him as a free agent out of Abeline Christian. Going into the game against the Pats, he had a career line of 113 receptions for 1,609 yards and 9 TD's.

He really proves that size doesn't matter. There are other intangibles that make all the difference in getting to the NFL.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Afraid To Play


The Pats and Falcons play tonight in a repeat of Super Bowl LI. It should have been on opening night, but the Falcons thought it was too soon after their stunning loss.

This is so lame. The Falcons had an epic 28 point collapse. It should never had happened if their team was that good.

As Coach Belichick would say, neither of these teams are the same that played in the Super Bowl. It's a new season with new players on both teams.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

The Winless Bowl


I attended today's game between UMass (0-6) and Georgia Southern (0-5). One of them had to get their first win.

UMass got off to a great start and never looked back in their 55-20 victory.

The first play from scrimmage was a Georgia Southern pass which was going for a touchdown until a UMass defender tackled and stripped the ball.

Points kept piling up on the board. A Georgia Southern player was ejected and their coach had an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Late in the 4th quarter, UMass was headed for a score when they had first and ten. A penalty and negative plays quickly turned it into 3rd and 37 before they ended up with 4th and 42.

I have never seen such long yardage on 4th down.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Plan For Silence


Marshawn Lynch decided to be selfish in the Raiders win over the Chiefs last might. His running on the field and making contact with an official will cost him a one game suspension. He is lucky with only that.

His passion for playing in Oakland should not be confused with making bad decisions without considering their impact on the team.

Lynch brings so much energy and passion to his game. It's too bad that some of it is misdirected. Will we ever hear his side of the story?

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Marshawn's Great Example


The Raiders and Chiefs are playing tonight in Oakland. RB Marshawn Lynch is giving everyone a great example of a selfish player.

In the second quarter, he decided to run from the bench and into a tussle between the Raiders offensive line and the defense of the Chiefs. He also bumped into an official.

The Raiders were penalized and he was ejected. There is no doubt he will be fined next week.

Thanks to he his selfishness, the Raiders will play the rest of the game without their best running back.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Cruz To The End


Some players don't know when their career is over. They make one final push to grab a roster spot. We are seeing that with former Giants WR Victor Cruz who conducted a public campaign after the Giants lost Odell Beckham Jr and Brandon Marshall to season ending injuries.

Although he had some support on sports talk radio, he didn't have it from those who count. The Giants appear to have no interest in a former player whose best days are behind him.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Dolphins Not Endangered


The 1972 Miami Dolphins can rest easy knowing that their undefeated season is not threatened this year. The Chiefs were 5-0 until they lost to the Steelers last Sunday.

For another year, that great team can rejoice in knowing that they were the only undefeated team to win the Super Bowl.

The Pats were close, but the Giants decided the final outcome after the 2007 season.

Monday, October 16, 2017

A Hole In Green Bay


There are too many players going down with devastating injuries. There doesn't seem to be anything that can be done about it. So many of them are caused by falls or awkward movements.

The Packers lost QB Aaron Rodgers with a broken collar bone. It remains to be seen if he is out for the season. Players and fans saw their season turn on one play.

Will they sign another quarterback? I'm sure there will be calls for them to give Colin Kaepernick a chance. There is always Robert Griffin III.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Kaepernick Suits Up


Colin Kaepernick has hired a big-time lawyer and filed a grievance against the NFL owners. He claims collusion to keep him out of the league. He was first player to take a knee for the National Anthem protest.

He is the originator and face of the movement that has spread across the league and caused great controversy with fans.

This is the beginning of a long process that has no determined end date.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

The Head of Luke


Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly suffered his third concussion during his team's 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles the other night. He will probably miss a few games.

His concussion history is not good. He missed three games in 2015 and six last season. It's only a matter of time before he gets another one.

At this pace, he must be wondering if his playing days are numbered. Players realize that concussions are part of the game, but here comes a time when they are forced into retirement because of them.

Friday, October 13, 2017

David Harris


Unless the Pats win the Super Bowl, we will hear forever how Coach Belichick tweaked the roster too much this season. He is the first to say that every team is different year to year.

So many of his off-season player moves have experienced mixed results. LB David Harris had a stellar ten year career with the Jets. He was released by them in a house cleaning effort. Great things were expected from him, but he has only played seven defensive snaps in the four games being active.

There is talk that he is only around until Shea McClellin returns from IR. What will his future be after that?

He has guaranteed money this year, but not playing time.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Giant Problems


Giant fans are watching their season unravel before their eyes as their team has started out 0-5. They already lost Odell Beckham Jr and Brandon Marshall to season ending injuries.

Now they are dealing with the suspension of CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie because he left the bench area and went to the locker room during the team's 27-22 loss to the Chargers.

Coach Ben McAdoo first said that Rodgers-Cromartie would be inactive this Sunday against the Broncos. He is now suspended for the game which will cost him $410,588 of his salary.

This can only get worse. It becomes a question of how many games will the Giants lose this year. Fans are unhappy.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Winning Without Gronk


We always hear about Rob Gronkowski being so important to the offense of the Pats, but they are 11-0 without him since the start of the 2016 season. They are also better in most offensive statistical categories.

What does this mean? Gronk has a history of injuries. He missed the game last week which will hurt him financially. His contract was changed to provide him with all sorts of bonuses, based on playing time. Losing any more games will hurt him big time.

The team is ready to go with or without him.




Tuesday, October 10, 2017

See You At The Super Bowl


Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to all teams about standing for the National Anthem. It's a reaction to fans being unhappy with the player protests and its impact on television ratings.

Jerry Jones drew a line in the sand with his players. A group of unions filed a protest against him saying that he was in violation of the National Labor Relations Act. The NFLPA has been silent on this so far.

Once you get the lawyers and unions involved, it will never end. This will be going on during the Super Bowl.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Jerry Draws A Line In The Sand


There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to the player protest about the National Anthem.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones just raised the stakes when he said that any player who doesn't stand for the Anthem won't play.

What happens if a critical player kneels or sits? This is going to get real interesting.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Day of Imjuries


As violent as the game is, many injuries come without having any player contact. We saw that today with Odell Beckham JR and JJ Watt.

Beckham suffered a major ankle injury on a pass play while Watt trip over his feet and destroyed his knee.

It's a shame when any player gets hurt. Injuries are a part of the game, but you hate to see the marque players go out. They are not spared that fate.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

The Tuck Rule Game


NFL Films produces a great deal of programming that is shown on the NFL Network. Their "Timeline" series is outstanding.

I just watched "The Tuck Rule" episode. It was an extraordinary telling of what happened in the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Pats and Raiders on Jan 19, 2002.

The play and the game had a very profound impact on both franchises, coaches and players.

Friday, October 6, 2017

The Future of Branch


It's never good when a player is healthy and is left behind on a team's road trip. Such was the case with DL Alan Branch. Something is going on. It remains to be seen what his role is for the rest of the season.

Branch had a great season last year and was awarded a contract extension. He came into camp out of shape and spent too much time on the sidelines. His playing time has decreased the last few weeks.

Coach Belichick has no problems moving on from situations like this.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Their Season Is Done


It already looks like the season of several teams are in grave danger after starting 0-4. At this point, it would take a miracle for the Browns, Chargers, Giants and 49er's to make the playoffs.

It will be a struggle for the teams to fight their way back. It's even tougher for their fans who are starting to realize that the season will be a loss.

With the exception of the Giants, a winning record or more wins than last year, would be a major achievement.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Revis Nonense


There is no doubt that the Pats have a horrible defense so far. They rank last in the league in several categories.

The way free agency is structured forced the Pats to move in another direction with several players. Their replacements were met with great fanfare, but things have not worked out, especially for Kona Ealy and Stephon Gillmore.

Ealy was released and signed by the Jets where he is doing well. Gillmore has everyone wondering why Coach Belichick would pay so much money for a guy who keeps making mistakes and getting penalties.

Talk radio is trying to say that Darrelle Revis would be a great signing. He is owed $6 million by the Jets and could be had for cheap money.

It might be worth checking him out, but I wouldn't expect anything from him. No other team pursued him.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Charging To Nowhere


The former San Diego Chargers probably wished they never moved to Los Angeles. They are playing in a 27,000 seat soccer stadium in nearby Carson, while a new stadium is being built which they will share with the Rams.

The team is 0-4 and fails to draw their own fans. During a recent loss to the Eagles, the stadium was filled with fans who had traveled from Philadelphia. The Chargers were booed loudly when they took the field.

The fans in San Diego never wanted them to leave. It was the greed of their owner who wanted a publicly funded stadium built. The voters wouldn't approve it, so he took his team and left.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Playing With The Numbers


Media outlets are reporting that the average NFL salary is $2.4 million. Many players must be wondering how this figured was determined, since they don't make this much money.

The huge salaries and bonuses of skilled players, especially quarterbacks, skew the figure. Most teams have players making below this amount.

It would be interesting to see the percentage of players who make less than $2.4 million.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Choosing Not To Show


The NFL and their broadcast partners are realizing that showing protests during the National Anthem is not good for the bottom line. Viewership is down from last year. The league will need to give back some ad revenue to sponsors. Nobody wants to see that.

Showing the National Anthem also interferes with the broadcast production of game because it takes up time that could be devoted to commercials.

The NFL is all about the money. People should not kid themselves. Like anything else, this will pass.