Thursday, April 30, 2020

No Room Yet For Andy


The Bengals released QB Andy Dalton in light of drafting Joe Burrow as the #1 overall selection.

The rumors are starting about the Pats signing him at a low price. Talk shows are already split over the thought of doing this.

It might be worth a shot to bring him into the picture if they can do it at the right price. They have salary cap limitations at this point.



Wednesday, April 29, 2020

No Cam Here


So many experts think that QB Cam Newton will end up with the Pats. Why do they feel that way?

Newton is coming off a season that ended early because of a shoulder injury. Teams have been unable to evaluate him medically in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

If they ever sign him, it will be for cheap money with incentives.


Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Playing Cold Games


The NFL is trying to evaluate their 2020 season in light of the pandemic.

One report indicated that the league could still play a 16 game season if they started by October 15th. The bye week and Pro Bowl would be eliminated, with the Super Bowl being played on February 28th.

This sounds like an idea that might work if the medical concerns can be addressed.


Monday, April 27, 2020

James Develin



The career of FB James Develin end today when he announced his retirement after eight seasons with the Pats and three Super Bowl rings.

Coach Belichick couldn't rave enough about him. He was such a special player who was able to last ten years in the league after transitioning from a defensive lineman at Brown University to a fullback.

The team can only hope they get a player like him for the 2020 season.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

They Want QB's


NFL "experts" are already giving grades to the 32 teams for how they did in the draft. One gave the Pats a B-.

What does that really mean?

They signed two quarterbacks. Are fans happy now?

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Draft Was Nice


I thought the NFL and the networks did a great job televising the draft. The logistics were overwhelming, but they got it done.

It was entertaining and consistent with the product of the past other than the feel of the live crowd.

Friday, April 24, 2020

2020 Draft - Day 2


Many fans were waiting for the Pats to do something big with their 23rd pick in the first round of the draft. Would the team package a player and picks to move up to select a marque quarterback?

None of that happened as the team traded with the Chargers for their second and third round picks.

When the draft resumes, the Pats will now have one in the second and four in the third. This should allow the team to be very flexible in their moves.

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Tua Time


Players will be competing against each other tonight in the first round of the NFL draft. Since all the salaries are slotted for a certain amount, getting drafted earlier means more money.

Alabama QB Tula Tagovailoa is a great example in light of his devastating injury last season. He was projected to be one of the top picks, but will teams stay away because of his injury?

No matter what happens, it has already cost him money. Others will benefit by getting selected ahead of them.


Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Virtual Practice


It was a good idea that the NFL did a practice run of their upcoming virtual draft. All teams participated and even did mock trades.

There was an initial glitch that caused a twenty minute delay, but things went well after that.

The program should get huge ratings as long as it doesn't look like the amateur hour.



Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Gronk Headed South


The Pats traded Rob Gronkowski and a seventh round pick to Tampa Bay in exchange for one in the fourth round. It was the best they could get for a player who decided he wanted to revive his career, but only with Tom Brady as his quarterback.

The Bucs get a player who ended his career too early. Maybe a year off helped his body recuperate from all of his injuries.

Whoever the Pats draft with that pick will always be known as the compensation for Gronk.

Monday, April 20, 2020

That Crazy 2020 Draft


The NFL has a great opportunity to draw a huge audience to its three day draft this weekend.

It will be so different, but they can really showcase themselves like no other sport when is comes down to selecting players.


Sunday, April 19, 2020

Draft 2020


What will happen with NFL teams and players after the draft? Can they ever practice together?

Teams are trying to do the right things when it comes t health and safety.

Hopefully, it works out well for all.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

First On The Bubble


Some former players are always the first to criticize their coach. There isn't anything to gain by doing this, but they have their reason.

Coach Matt Patricia has been called out for bringing too much of the "Patriot Way" to Detroit.

His bigger concern for this season is to avoid being one of the first coaches fired if his team starts slow. His two year record of 9-22-1 makes him a prime candidate for this dubious honor.

Anything less than a wining record will probably end his time there.

Friday, April 17, 2020

Can't Pick Them All


Mock drafts have their limitations. Those who closely follow college football can get many of the first round picks correct, if not by team.

One of the craziest exercises has been taking place in the New York Post where writers make predictions for all of the picks by the Giants and Jets in their respective rounds. They even list the players chosen before and after the team's pick.

This is such a stretch to guess who a team will select in the seventh round. It really has its limitations.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Only Nine Wins


Las Vegas oddsmakers still favor the Pats to win the AFC East, but make them 20/1 for winning the Super Bowl.

They only predicted nine wins for a team without Tom Brady, the fewest since 2003.

There is no doubt the team will be very different this season. Fans will need to deal with losses like never before.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Will Odell Be Traded?


Some trade rumors take on a life of their own, especially with mock drafts.

One story that won't go away is the Browns trading Odell Beckham Jr to the Vikings.

It would make sense for both teams. Things have not worked out that well for Beckham in Cleveland. He should welcome a fresh start somewhere else as his career is moving on.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Squeezed Out By Brady


Former Bucs QB Jameis Winston is a great example of what can happen to the overall #1 pick in the draft. He became expendable when the team signed Tom Brady.

Winston was a controversial pick in 2015 and never really lived up to his hype. The lack of support from coach Bruce Arians sealed his fate.

Teams are not beating a path to his door.

Monday, April 13, 2020

Don Muhlbach


A good long snapper can have a lengthy career in the NFL. Don Muhlbach of the Lions was undrafted in 2004 out of Texas A&M where he played that same position.

He was signed by the Ravens, but was cut in training camp. He joined the Lions where he has played since. His 244 career games is 56th on the NFL all-time list.

He was just re-signed by the Lions and will entering 17th season with them.

It has been a tough ride for him at times. He endured the winless season of 2008 and has only experienced four winning ones. His playoff times have passed quickly with three quick exits in the Wild Card game.

No matter what, he has persevered and lasted this long.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

XFL 2020


Will the XFL be back next year after playing only five games? The Coronavirus pandemic forced this action. All employees have been laid off.

The league had decent television ratings. Attendance wasn't the greatest, but it was surviving.

Nobody knows what the future holds, but a business can only lose so much money.



Friday, April 10, 2020

Rex On The Loose


For some reason, former Jets head coach Rex Ryan has been picking fights with players.

He started with his criticism of WR Amari Cooper before he shifted his focus to his former QB Geno Smith.

He claims that Coach Belichick could never had won six Super Bowls with Smith.

As expected, this caused a social media battle between Ryan and Smith.

If Rex is trying to draw attention to himself, he is doing a very good job.

Thursday, April 9, 2020

A First For Saban


The Coronavirus pandemic has forced all sorts of changes for professional sports.

It has caused Alabama head coach Nick Saban to do something he never expected.

He now has his own email account. It's a first for him and something totally new in his life. In the past, his wife was in charge of his emails.

Maybe a Twitter account is on the horizon.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

A Stern Talk


Tom Brady got his two hours of time on Howard Stern today. It was quite an interview from what I've heard so far.

It lasted almost two hours, including all of the technical issues from doing this remotely.

I only heard the parts they released to the public. It sounds like he revealed a few things.

In the end, he knew that he would not be part of the team in 2020.

It's a great chance for him to re-invent himself by making a team relevant. They will be the national telecast game on many occasions.

He can build his brand in a new area of the country and help the franchise increase its financial value.


Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Gamble On Tua


Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa had a great chance of being the over #1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, but a devastating hip injury derailed his season. It was similar to the one that ended the career of Bo Jackson.

There is no doubt he is an outstanding quarterback, but what about his injury history? It seems like a big risk for any team to take.

The league is starving for quarterbacks. There is a team out there that is willing to roll the dice and go after him.

Monday, April 6, 2020

Tom Dempsey


The NFL lost a legend with the passing of kicker Tom Dempsey from complications caused by the Coronavirus. Reports indicated that he originally beat the virus, but died at a nursing home in Louisiana where he had been dealing with dementia for the last seven years.

Dempsey had an improbable career after being born without toes on his right foot and missing four fingers on his right hand. He was able to last 11 seasons in the NFL by using a specially designed flat-front shoe and kicking the ball straight on.

After setting an NFL record with a 63 yard field goal, his accomplishment drew criticism from a few because they felt his shoe gave him an unfair advantage.

The league implemented "The Dempsey Rule" in 1977 which stated that a player's kicking leg must have a kicking surface that conforms to a normal shoe. His record stood for 43 years until it was broken in 2013.

His iconic moment came while playing for the Saints in the final moment in a game against the Lions on Nov 8, 1970 when he nailed his game wining kick.

Sunday, April 5, 2020

The 2019 Ironmen


It's a big challenge for any player to make it through the sixteen game NFL season. Injuries seem to hit everyone.

The league had 23 of them who never missed a snap during the regular season. Of that amount, 22 were offensive linemen and the other was Seahawks QB Russell Wilson.

On the defensive side, only five did it. Four of them were safeties and one linebacker.

OL Joe Thuney lead the Pats by missing only ten plays, followed by Tom Brady and Shaq Mason. The defense was lead by Stephon Gilmore, Devin McCourty, Karl Van Noy and Jamie Collins.

It's quite an accomplishment for them, considering one play could end their season or career.



Saturday, April 4, 2020

Bad Start To The Season


The chief medical officer of the NFL has come out and questioned whether the season will start on time or how long it will be.

OTA's will be delayed which will impact the start of training camp. The league wants to put a quality product on the field and guard the safety of the players.

There is another issue of whether body contact will be a health issue.

Friday, April 3, 2020

No TB and AB


Tom Brady's signing with Tampa Bay has generated a lot of excitement for fans and players. Free agents have found it to be a better destination.

WR Antonio Brown has expressed his desire to be reunited with Brady, but don't count on it happening.

Coach Bruce Arians has thrown cold water on that already by saying he would not be a good fit in the locker room.

Every team knows that if they sign Brown, he will end up getting put on the Commissioner's Reserve list for eight games at least.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

QB 2020


The Pats released QB Cody Kesslar in a move to get some more salary cap space. Will they reach for another one in the draft?

There will be many changes to this team. It reminds me of the old days when the team had quarterback competition. Fans have been spoiled for so long.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Free Up Space


The Pats will need to renegotiate some contracts, trade or release players to get more salary cap room.

Joe Thuney and Stephon Gilmore have huge cap hits that must be dealt with. Donta Hightower could also be on the short list.

Something has to give one way or other. They don't have money to sign their draft picks.