Leave it to the media to make an issue of anything. Tom Brady joked that Pats fans should drink a lot before the home opener on Sunday so they will be very loud. Naturally, he was criticized for encouraging bad behavior and a statement was issued by him through a team spokesperson back-pedaling from his words.
Nowadays you need to be concerned about being watched by the PC Police. They saw this in Brady and called him out on it.
Nobody bothered to realize that drinking and tail-gating are part of the NFL fan culture whether it's at the stadium or at home. Bud Light is the "official beer of the NFL and pay billions over the next several years to proclaim that right.
This whole situation is filled with hypocrisy. Brady is only commenting on what happens all across America on Sundays.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
A Start on Monday Night
It's the last hour before the kickoff of the 2011 season for the Pats. They begin with a great amount of optimism. There are 16 new faces on the roster and questions about how some of the players will perform.
Who will get hurt this season? That happens before you know it. Tom Brady got knocked out of the 2008 season during the first quarter of the opener.
It should be a great battle for the Eastern Division with the Jets. Tonight should be a challenge in the Florida heat and humidity. Every game will be a separate entity.
I think the team will finish 12-4. I'm not ready to comment on the playoffs.
Who will get hurt this season? That happens before you know it. Tom Brady got knocked out of the 2008 season during the first quarter of the opener.
It should be a great battle for the Eastern Division with the Jets. Tonight should be a challenge in the Florida heat and humidity. Every game will be a separate entity.
I think the team will finish 12-4. I'm not ready to comment on the playoffs.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Late Cuts
The final cut to the 53 man roster can be painful for players and coaches. Decisions get made at the last minute. Many are based purely on financial ones rather than playing ability.
The Jacksonville Jaguars caught everyone by surprise when they released starting QB Byron Leftwich last Tuesday shortly before the league's 4pm deadline. Leftwich was due $9 million which was thought to be the major reason for the move.
I think it was odd because they should have resolved the big cap number prior to this point.They lost more time in getting their offense up and running.
The team took a lot of heat from their fans, but they mentioned the Pats as having a late cut in the form of CB Darius Butler.
It was harder in the case of Leftwich who was informed as he got off a team bus returning from a charity event where he was introduced as the starting quarterback for 2011.
That is a good example of poor timing for delivering bad news.
The Jacksonville Jaguars caught everyone by surprise when they released starting QB Byron Leftwich last Tuesday shortly before the league's 4pm deadline. Leftwich was due $9 million which was thought to be the major reason for the move.
I think it was odd because they should have resolved the big cap number prior to this point.They lost more time in getting their offense up and running.
The team took a lot of heat from their fans, but they mentioned the Pats as having a late cut in the form of CB Darius Butler.
It was harder in the case of Leftwich who was informed as he got off a team bus returning from a charity event where he was introduced as the starting quarterback for 2011.
That is a good example of poor timing for delivering bad news.
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Fantasy World
I heard some harsh criticism on sports talk radio today about fantasy football. The NFL has instructed all home teams to display live game stats from out of town games. This is seen as a concession to the fantasy football fans who are more concerned about TD's and yards gained.
I played fantasy football only once about 10 years ago. I never got into it. On the other hand, I always thought it was a good way to become more familiar with the players around the league.
Following the Pats is hard enough, but there are so many players in the league. I never felt comfortable about picking a team of players I didn't know.
The hosts of the show were dumping on fantasy football. One comment made a lot of sense. It gets a lot more of the marginal fans into the game. That is good for the growth of the game and exposure to the advertisers, but do they care about their team?
The league is trying to sell the live game day experience. Ticket prices exclude many fans. It's often better to watch the game from the comfort of your home.
I understand their point about marginal fans. Sometimes, I hear strange comments who are more concerned about a player's stats than whether their team lost.
I remember Coach Belichick talking about fantasy football. He has never been into stats. He said: "Sometimes the only yard a back gets can be on a third and one. That can change the outcome of the game".
I thought of putting a team together, but have not done it.
I played fantasy football only once about 10 years ago. I never got into it. On the other hand, I always thought it was a good way to become more familiar with the players around the league.
Following the Pats is hard enough, but there are so many players in the league. I never felt comfortable about picking a team of players I didn't know.
The hosts of the show were dumping on fantasy football. One comment made a lot of sense. It gets a lot more of the marginal fans into the game. That is good for the growth of the game and exposure to the advertisers, but do they care about their team?
The league is trying to sell the live game day experience. Ticket prices exclude many fans. It's often better to watch the game from the comfort of your home.
I understand their point about marginal fans. Sometimes, I hear strange comments who are more concerned about a player's stats than whether their team lost.
I remember Coach Belichick talking about fantasy football. He has never been into stats. He said: "Sometimes the only yard a back gets can be on a third and one. That can change the outcome of the game".
I thought of putting a team together, but have not done it.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Opening Night 2011
Nobody knows how the opening night game between the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints will end. It's the start of a new season for all teams. Nothing in the past matters.
It looks like it's a beautiful night in Green Bay. The fans are having a huge party with live music. It's all made for television.
After being in rain for the last four days around here, it looks like Green Bay is the place for the nice weather. I find this so ironic. The opening night is a lovely scene in Green Bay.
The regular season ends in 17 weeks. It surely will not look like this in Green Bay at that point. It's nice that the league decided to show the world that there is another side to the city of Green Bay other than brutally cold weather.
The season starts.
It looks like it's a beautiful night in Green Bay. The fans are having a huge party with live music. It's all made for television.
After being in rain for the last four days around here, it looks like Green Bay is the place for the nice weather. I find this so ironic. The opening night is a lovely scene in Green Bay.
The regular season ends in 17 weeks. It surely will not look like this in Green Bay at that point. It's nice that the league decided to show the world that there is another side to the city of Green Bay other than brutally cold weather.
The season starts.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Kicking the Numbers
Coach Belichick has been openly critical of the decision to move kickoffs up to the 35 yard line. The league says that it is for player safety. Belichick said the league is trying to eliminate the most exciting play of the game.
Before the rule change, 82% of the kicks were returned. The goal set by the league is 70%. They feel it will reduce injury. They seem to have the numbers to back it up.
There is an average of 7 injuries for every 100 plays run from the line of scrimmage compared to 11 for every 100 kicks. It certainly is a dangerous play. Modifications in recent years have not cut down the injury rate.
I'm sure the Competition Committee will evaluate this after the season. I believe they should give it a shot. It's too bad there will be fewer returns, but the injuries in the game are just too frequent.
Before the rule change, 82% of the kicks were returned. The goal set by the league is 70%. They feel it will reduce injury. They seem to have the numbers to back it up.
There is an average of 7 injuries for every 100 plays run from the line of scrimmage compared to 11 for every 100 kicks. It certainly is a dangerous play. Modifications in recent years have not cut down the injury rate.
I'm sure the Competition Committee will evaluate this after the season. I believe they should give it a shot. It's too bad there will be fewer returns, but the injuries in the game are just too frequent.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Peyton Out of Place
As he enters his 13th season, it looks like Peyton Manning's streak of 227 starts will come to an end with the season opener. He has not practiced in training camp after neck surgery on May 23. This was his second operation. There is talk that he might need another surgery which will end his season.
The Colts have reacted by signing retired QB Kerry Collins a few weeks ago. This looks like the perfect opportunity for the 38 year old Collins who recently walked away form the game after 17 seasons.
Where does this leave Manning if he misses the season? After three neck surgeries, I would assume that most doctors would advise against playing football. Manning recently signed a massive contract that will pay him all sorts of guaranteed money. I assume the Colts have some type of insurance on it.
I think we are seeing the end of Manning. This injury might be too tough to come back from. If he plays again, it will be the first step into doing long term damage to himself. He needs to walk away from the game.
The Colts have reacted by signing retired QB Kerry Collins a few weeks ago. This looks like the perfect opportunity for the 38 year old Collins who recently walked away form the game after 17 seasons.
Where does this leave Manning if he misses the season? After three neck surgeries, I would assume that most doctors would advise against playing football. Manning recently signed a massive contract that will pay him all sorts of guaranteed money. I assume the Colts have some type of insurance on it.
I think we are seeing the end of Manning. This injury might be too tough to come back from. If he plays again, it will be the first step into doing long term damage to himself. He needs to walk away from the game.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Moss - Act 2
The Pats won with Randy Moss and without him.There is a rumor that he is willing to come out of retirement if offered a contract by the team.
This might not be a bad idea if they do it after the first game when contracts are no longer guaranteed for the entire season. They would only be paying Moss per game if the whole thing didn't work out.
Would he mess up the current receiving corp of Branch, Welker and Ochocinco? That could happen. I'm sure Coach Belichick and his staff have given it some thought.
We may never know if the team gave it any consideration, but I think it would be worth one more try.
This might not be a bad idea if they do it after the first game when contracts are no longer guaranteed for the entire season. They would only be paying Moss per game if the whole thing didn't work out.
Would he mess up the current receiving corp of Branch, Welker and Ochocinco? That could happen. I'm sure Coach Belichick and his staff have given it some thought.
We may never know if the team gave it any consideration, but I think it would be worth one more try.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Roster Turmoil
With 2,000 players on the NFL active rosters and practice squads at any given time, it's overwhelming to keep track of the transactions. There are always another 400 unrestricted free agents or "street players".
The moves by the Pats have been very interesting. Who will play safety now? Are they really keeping three quarterbacks? There must be a reason if they are. Is Brady or Hoyer hurt?
We will never get the answers from Coach Belichick. He will "do what is best for the team". That might mean bringing TE Algae Crumpler back now that there are only two on the roster. What about Garrett Mills who is several years younger and eligible for the practice squad?
The next several days will be very exciting as the roster is tweaked. Once the season starts, anything can happen. Lawrence Maroney and Danny Woodhead are two great examples.
The moves by the Pats have been very interesting. Who will play safety now? Are they really keeping three quarterbacks? There must be a reason if they are. Is Brady or Hoyer hurt?
We will never get the answers from Coach Belichick. He will "do what is best for the team". That might mean bringing TE Algae Crumpler back now that there are only two on the roster. What about Garrett Mills who is several years younger and eligible for the practice squad?
The next several days will be very exciting as the roster is tweaked. Once the season starts, anything can happen. Lawrence Maroney and Danny Woodhead are two great examples.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Cutting Players
There were so many cuts from the team today that we don't have enough time to talk about all of them. Surely, Brandon Merriweather was a surprise no matter what the talk shows said. You can add Brandon Tate.
The Pats have a 53 man roster, but this group will not be the 53 that starts the season. Players will be added and cut before opening day on Sept 12th.
I always find these days to be so exciting as every team in the NFL tries to see who has been cut. Players go from team to team. It's all abut keeping your playing career alive.
The Pats have a 53 man roster, but this group will not be the 53 that starts the season. Players will be added and cut before opening day on Sept 12th.
I always find these days to be so exciting as every team in the NFL tries to see who has been cut. Players go from team to team. It's all abut keeping your playing career alive.
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Big Cut
It has been a crazy pre-season because of the player lockout. All teams must be down to 53 players by 4pm tomorrow. The Pats will need to cut 27 from their 80 man roster. There will be many players cut who are capable of playing for other teams. It happens every year.
Once the cuts are made, the Pats will tweak their roster like the other teams. There might be a trade or two in order to get a player before his release.
There are always surprises. Some really make you wonder. Tomorrow should be no different.
Once the cuts are made, the Pats will tweak their roster like the other teams. There might be a trade or two in order to get a player before his release.
There are always surprises. Some really make you wonder. Tomorrow should be no different.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The End For Fred
The player lockout left many without jobs when the pre-season started. For various reasons, some free-agents were unable to find work. In some instances, it was a matter of Father Time catching up to them. Such is the case of RB Fred Taylor who was not offered a new contract by the Pats.
Taylor will sign a one day contact with the Jacksonville Jaguars and retire as a member of the team. In 13 NFL seasons, Taylor rushed for 11,695 yards. He spent his first 11 years with the Jags and is their all-time rushing leader with 11,272 yards.
He spent the last two season with the Pats, but was frequently injured. He showed flashes of his former self, but only carried the ball 106 times for 424 yards.
Taylor was a long shot to play this season. It's cheaper to sign a younger player with an upside. At Taylor's age, he did not have a lot of things going for him.
Taylor will sign a one day contact with the Jacksonville Jaguars and retire as a member of the team. In 13 NFL seasons, Taylor rushed for 11,695 yards. He spent his first 11 years with the Jags and is their all-time rushing leader with 11,272 yards.
He spent the last two season with the Pats, but was frequently injured. He showed flashes of his former self, but only carried the ball 106 times for 424 yards.
Taylor was a long shot to play this season. It's cheaper to sign a younger player with an upside. At Taylor's age, he did not have a lot of things going for him.
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