It's great that the Pats and Dolphins are playing on Monday Night Football. They get to play on the big stage in front of the entire nation. It's the only game in town.
The NFL continues with its change in scheduling after November when they move selected games to their Thursday night telecast.
I'm not thrilled that the Pats are playing a 12:30pm game on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions. I admit that I'm a traditionalist with 1pm games. I think football was meant to be played on Sunday at that hour. I'm ok with 4pm starts, but I have my stated preference.
It's probably a matter of time before the league starts playing on Friday nights and Saturdays. That would be interesting because those times have traditionally been reserved for high school and college games.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Clayton's Long Road To The NFL
The road to the NFL is one that is not always successful for those who travel it. Making the 53 man roster is a major accomplishment for some players. Such is the case of the recent signing of RB Thomas Clayton.
Like most players in the NFL, he had a stellar high school career. He enrolled at Florida State University in 2002. He left after the season and went to Kansas State University. He sat out the 2003 season. He returned in 2004 to rush 14 times for 71 yards. He lead the team in rushing in 2006 with 637 yards. In 2006, he played in only five games, rushing for 338 yards.
The San Francisco 49er's selected him during the 6th round of the 2007 NFL draft. He spent the season on the practice squad and most of 2008 before getting called up to the 53 man roster for three games.
He tore his ACL in 2009 and was placed on Injured Reserve. The 49er's did not offer him a contract. The Pats signed him earlier this summer and released him twice, including the final cut. The Cleveland Browns signed him to their practice squad before the Pats re-acquired him.
The public doesn't always get to see this side of the game. Every team has a group of players who are fighting just to claim one of the rosters spots. They get signed and released more times than they can remember. They might never make the big money, but sometimes they stick with a team.
Former WR Troy Brown is a case in point.
Like most players in the NFL, he had a stellar high school career. He enrolled at Florida State University in 2002. He left after the season and went to Kansas State University. He sat out the 2003 season. He returned in 2004 to rush 14 times for 71 yards. He lead the team in rushing in 2006 with 637 yards. In 2006, he played in only five games, rushing for 338 yards.
The San Francisco 49er's selected him during the 6th round of the 2007 NFL draft. He spent the season on the practice squad and most of 2008 before getting called up to the 53 man roster for three games.
He tore his ACL in 2009 and was placed on Injured Reserve. The 49er's did not offer him a contract. The Pats signed him earlier this summer and released him twice, including the final cut. The Cleveland Browns signed him to their practice squad before the Pats re-acquired him.
The public doesn't always get to see this side of the game. Every team has a group of players who are fighting just to claim one of the rosters spots. They get signed and released more times than they can remember. They might never make the big money, but sometimes they stick with a team.
Former WR Troy Brown is a case in point.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Players Wasting Money
There are countless stories of NFL players who are financially destitute after their playing days are over. Young men are given large amounts of money. Many of them spend it frivolously on cars and jewelry. The Dallas Cowboys gave the public a stunning example of it the other day.
Rookie WR Dez Bryant made news during training camp when he refused to follow a rookie hazing tradition and carry the shoulder pads of WR Roy Williams after practice. It sparked a controversy about a tradition going on throughout the league.
At the time, Williams said that Bryant would pay for his action at some point. The other night Bryant took out the veteran Cowboy players to a local steakhouse. They ran up a tab of $54,896 which Bryant was forced to pick up.
This story received some play in the news and talk shows because of its blatant appearance of waste and excess. Players ordered the most expensive bottles of wine to run up the tab on Bryant. It sounds like a funny story, but makes people wonder what were these guys thinking when the tab for a dinner is larger than the annual wages of many of their fans.
No wonder some of these guys are financially broke after their playing days are over. Some players were probably wondering what type of watch they could have bought with that money.
Rookie WR Dez Bryant made news during training camp when he refused to follow a rookie hazing tradition and carry the shoulder pads of WR Roy Williams after practice. It sparked a controversy about a tradition going on throughout the league.
At the time, Williams said that Bryant would pay for his action at some point. The other night Bryant took out the veteran Cowboy players to a local steakhouse. They ran up a tab of $54,896 which Bryant was forced to pick up.
This story received some play in the news and talk shows because of its blatant appearance of waste and excess. Players ordered the most expensive bottles of wine to run up the tab on Bryant. It sounds like a funny story, but makes people wonder what were these guys thinking when the tab for a dinner is larger than the annual wages of many of their fans.
No wonder some of these guys are financially broke after their playing days are over. Some players were probably wondering what type of watch they could have bought with that money.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Ricky's Long Journey
When the Pats face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday it seems hard to believe that RB Ricky Williams has rushed for 9,012 career yards, enough to rank him 31st in NFL history.
His career began with a blaze after former Saints Head Coach Mike Ditka traded all of his 1999 draft picks to move up and select the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner with the overall 5th pick.
Ditka received much criticism for this move in spite of the fact he also got a 1st and 3rd pick for 2000 included with Williams.
Williams had 1,000 yard seasons in 2000 and 2001 before he was traded to the Miami Dolphins for four draft picks, including 2 first rounders. He had a great season in 2002, rushing for 1,853 yards.
He was forced to sit out the 2004 season as a result of violating the league's drug policy with his third failed drug test.
He agreed to return to the Dolphins for the 20005 after giving back some of his bonus money. Another failed drug test cost him the 2006 season. He signed with the Toronoto Argonauts of the CFL while under susupension from the NFL.
Although injured, he still played in 11 games, rushing for 526 yards on 109 carries. His CFL contract created an uproar because many felt the league should not sign players under suspension from the NFL. As a result, the CFL created the "Ricky Williams Rule" which barred suspended players from signing in the future.
After sitting out a four game suspension in 2007, he returned to the Dolphins. He has blended in will with the Wildcat offense, along with Ronnie Brown.
With a couple of productive season, he will be able to move into the top 15 NFL career rushers. Who would have thought this years ago?
His career began with a blaze after former Saints Head Coach Mike Ditka traded all of his 1999 draft picks to move up and select the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner with the overall 5th pick.
Ditka received much criticism for this move in spite of the fact he also got a 1st and 3rd pick for 2000 included with Williams.
Williams had 1,000 yard seasons in 2000 and 2001 before he was traded to the Miami Dolphins for four draft picks, including 2 first rounders. He had a great season in 2002, rushing for 1,853 yards.
He was forced to sit out the 2004 season as a result of violating the league's drug policy with his third failed drug test.
He agreed to return to the Dolphins for the 20005 after giving back some of his bonus money. Another failed drug test cost him the 2006 season. He signed with the Toronoto Argonauts of the CFL while under susupension from the NFL.
Although injured, he still played in 11 games, rushing for 526 yards on 109 carries. His CFL contract created an uproar because many felt the league should not sign players under suspension from the NFL. As a result, the CFL created the "Ricky Williams Rule" which barred suspended players from signing in the future.
After sitting out a four game suspension in 2007, he returned to the Dolphins. He has blended in will with the Wildcat offense, along with Ronnie Brown.
With a couple of productive season, he will be able to move into the top 15 NFL career rushers. Who would have thought this years ago?
Monday, September 27, 2010
One Hit Wonder?
Newly signed RB Dan Woodhead made a very impressive debut during the game against the Bills. The Pats signed him earlier this week after he was released by the Jets to fill the roster spot of Kevin Faulk
He is the classic example of a Division II player who gets overlooked in the NFL Draft. Not only was he undrafted, he was not invited to the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.33 for the 40 yard dash at a Pro Day for scouts. This was the 2nd fastest time of running back at the Combine.
The Jets kept him on the practice squad for the 2008 and 2009 season before releasing him. He played in one game last season.
His college career at Chadron State (Nebraska) was spectacular. He is the NCAA career record holder for rushing with 7,441 yards. His average game of 190.8 is also a record. He had a record 19 of 39 games where he rushed for over 200 yards and scored in 37 consecutive games. He is the only player in NCAA history to score over 100 career TD's. His 9,259 career all-purpose yards trail only Brian Westbrook. He also had 606 career points and a 15.5 average per game.
Why wasn't he even invited to the Scouting Combine? His size and height 5'9" 190 lbs. does not meet the usual NFL guidelines for scouts and other "experts". They also tend to look away from Division II & III players
It's hard to say what the future holds for him with the Pats, but he certainly turned a lot of heads yesterday.
He is the classic example of a Division II player who gets overlooked in the NFL Draft. Not only was he undrafted, he was not invited to the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.33 for the 40 yard dash at a Pro Day for scouts. This was the 2nd fastest time of running back at the Combine.
The Jets kept him on the practice squad for the 2008 and 2009 season before releasing him. He played in one game last season.
His college career at Chadron State (Nebraska) was spectacular. He is the NCAA career record holder for rushing with 7,441 yards. His average game of 190.8 is also a record. He had a record 19 of 39 games where he rushed for over 200 yards and scored in 37 consecutive games. He is the only player in NCAA history to score over 100 career TD's. His 9,259 career all-purpose yards trail only Brian Westbrook. He also had 606 career points and a 15.5 average per game.
Why wasn't he even invited to the Scouting Combine? His size and height 5'9" 190 lbs. does not meet the usual NFL guidelines for scouts and other "experts". They also tend to look away from Division II & III players
It's hard to say what the future holds for him with the Pats, but he certainly turned a lot of heads yesterday.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Randy's Grade
There are always things that could have been done better during the 38-30 win by the Pats over the Bills. The "experts"will be analyzing the problems on defense where there was the greatest deficiency.
One local writer is critical after every game no matter what.. I'm sure he will say that Randy Moss quit playing during the second half because he was rarely thrown to. He had two great receptions for 46 yards and two TD's in the first 30 minutes, but was silent after that. I look forward to see the writer's comments tomorrow because they usually don't make any sense.
One local writer is critical after every game no matter what.. I'm sure he will say that Randy Moss quit playing during the second half because he was rarely thrown to. He had two great receptions for 46 yards and two TD's in the first 30 minutes, but was silent after that. I look forward to see the writer's comments tomorrow because they usually don't make any sense.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Many Faces of Bill
Many times, Coach Belichick gives the impression that he doesn't enjoy doing his press conferences. He does what he needs to meet the league requirement for media access. His ones of Fridays are often quite informative. He gives long and expanded answers on various football related topics.
Yesterday was no exception when asked about adding a player to the 53 man roster. He discussed the practice squad, "street" players available and the process of bringing in a player for a workout.
It all seems so simple when you hear that they have made a roster transaction, but a tremendous amount of thought and effort goes into the final decision to sign or release a player.
It's very interesting to see the change in the coach's demeanor compared to how he is after a loss.
Yesterday was no exception when asked about adding a player to the 53 man roster. He discussed the practice squad, "street" players available and the process of bringing in a player for a workout.
It all seems so simple when you hear that they have made a roster transaction, but a tremendous amount of thought and effort goes into the final decision to sign or release a player.
It's very interesting to see the change in the coach's demeanor compared to how he is after a loss.
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Wreck of Rex
Pats fans are already panicking with the team at 1-1. Injuries have hit some key players. There are questions about the defense. The team played poorly against the Jets. They need to win on Sunday against the Bills.
On the other hand, I listened to Rex Ryan's press conference from Tuesday. Almost all of the 17 minutes was devoted to the drunk driving arrest of Braylon Edwards and the behavior of the team, including the coach.
Ryan could not shift the focus of the questioning. The arrest is just another embarrassing act which includes a few players caught eating cheeseburgers at practice recently.
Ryan made a point that all of the players on the roster were selected by him. He stands behind them. He has dug himself into a hole with his Super Bowl predictions.
What a striking contrast to the way Coach Belichick handles his various problems and situations.
On the other hand, I listened to Rex Ryan's press conference from Tuesday. Almost all of the 17 minutes was devoted to the drunk driving arrest of Braylon Edwards and the behavior of the team, including the coach.
Ryan could not shift the focus of the questioning. The arrest is just another embarrassing act which includes a few players caught eating cheeseburgers at practice recently.
Ryan made a point that all of the players on the roster were selected by him. He stands behind them. He has dug himself into a hole with his Super Bowl predictions.
What a striking contrast to the way Coach Belichick handles his various problems and situations.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More Thoughts On Faulk
Injuries are part of life in the NFL, but it was rather disheartening to see Kevin Faulk end his season with a torn ACL. Before the start of the Jets game, I decided to tape it on my VCR. Little did I realize that I may have seen Faulk play his last down.
He won't have surgery for at least a month until the swelling in his knee subsides. Wes Welker made it back from a similar injury, but each case is different.
Faulk faces a long rehab and no contract for the 2011 season. He will also be at the ancient age of 35, old for anyone in the NFL, especially a running back. He plans to rehab as much as possible and see how his body feels before deciding on his future.
The Pats face the future without such a dependable player. Who will take his place? Julien Edelman has seen a few snaps in the back field, but how do you replace such a special player?
What about the draft next year? Will Faulk fight his way back, only to be cut at the ending of training camp?
It seems nobody leaves this game on their own terms.
He won't have surgery for at least a month until the swelling in his knee subsides. Wes Welker made it back from a similar injury, but each case is different.
Faulk faces a long rehab and no contract for the 2011 season. He will also be at the ancient age of 35, old for anyone in the NFL, especially a running back. He plans to rehab as much as possible and see how his body feels before deciding on his future.
The Pats face the future without such a dependable player. Who will take his place? Julien Edelman has seen a few snaps in the back field, but how do you replace such a special player?
What about the draft next year? Will Faulk fight his way back, only to be cut at the ending of training camp?
It seems nobody leaves this game on their own terms.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
End of the Line For Faulk?
News reports indicate that Kevin Faulk suffered a torn ACL during the game against the Jets. This could be a huge blow for the Pats as well as Faulk's career. He turned 34 last June and looks at a long rehabilitation process to get back on the field next year at the advanced age of 35. Time may have caught up with him.
It seemed inevitable that Faulk would reach this point because of his punishing style of play. His dependabilty on third down cannot be easily replaced. When Brady went down in the first game of the 2008 season, the team still finished with a record of 11-5. No player is indispensable. It could happen to Randy Moss or Wes Welker next week or in week 12.
It's such a cliche, but everyone needs to play like it's the last play of their career because it could very well be.
.
It seemed inevitable that Faulk would reach this point because of his punishing style of play. His dependabilty on third down cannot be easily replaced. When Brady went down in the first game of the 2008 season, the team still finished with a record of 11-5. No player is indispensable. It could happen to Randy Moss or Wes Welker next week or in week 12.
It's such a cliche, but everyone needs to play like it's the last play of their career because it could very well be.
.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Moss Joins the List
There are members of the media who have an axe to grind with Randy Moss. They jump on him at every opportunity. One local writer "grades" all phases of the game. He gave Moss a "F" saying that he had quit on the team after his one hand TD catch. He also said Moss was "cancerous" to the team. It sounds more like he wants to run him out of town.
The Pats lost the game for a variety of reasons. The Jet defenders made the plays on Moss when they had to. Brady made some bad throws. I thought Moss played to his limit. I'm not sure what plays Moss allegedly quit on.
I wish the writer would be more specific and list the plays and define what he means by quitting. This is sounding like 2009 all over again in a campaign to target Moss..
On the other hand, there is a list of players who the media wanted run out of town. Just look at two of their greatest receivers: Irving Fryar and Terry Glenn. Moss can join the list.
How great would this team be with a fantasy receiver core of Fryar, Moss and Glenn!
The Pats lost the game for a variety of reasons. The Jet defenders made the plays on Moss when they had to. Brady made some bad throws. I thought Moss played to his limit. I'm not sure what plays Moss allegedly quit on.
I wish the writer would be more specific and list the plays and define what he means by quitting. This is sounding like 2009 all over again in a campaign to target Moss..
On the other hand, there is a list of players who the media wanted run out of town. Just look at two of their greatest receivers: Irving Fryar and Terry Glenn. Moss can join the list.
How great would this team be with a fantasy receiver core of Fryar, Moss and Glenn!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The Quiet Times
Tom Brady made a valid point when he complained about Pats fans leaving the games early. I've been to the stadium many times and can verify that. Personally, I like to stay to the very last play. It costs so much to attend a game. I want to see everything.
I've seen fans leave early during close games. I attend with a season ticket holder. There is a guy in the next row who arrives late and reads the newspaper. It's his ticket and he can do what he wants with it. Brady got a lot a feedback from the fans about his comments. Nobody is obligated to stay to the end or to even cheer.
The Kraft family has done a great job in turning the game day experience into one for the entire family. The old days at Foxboro Stadium were a scene of debauchery and outrageous behavior.
I was at the last game of the 1985 season against the Bengals during the team's run to the Super Bowl. A large group stormed the field after the final whistle and tore down the goal posts. As they carried them out of the stadium, one of the uprights struck a power line, electrocuting a fan. I don't think Brady wants to get back to the old days.
I'm not sure how to address this issue. During the game, fans are urged to text a certain number if they observe inappropriate behavior. This can result in ejection and loss of season tickets. I think this causes fans to keep quiet out of fear.
I've seen fans leave early during close games. I attend with a season ticket holder. There is a guy in the next row who arrives late and reads the newspaper. It's his ticket and he can do what he wants with it. Brady got a lot a feedback from the fans about his comments. Nobody is obligated to stay to the end or to even cheer.
The Kraft family has done a great job in turning the game day experience into one for the entire family. The old days at Foxboro Stadium were a scene of debauchery and outrageous behavior.
I was at the last game of the 1985 season against the Bengals during the team's run to the Super Bowl. A large group stormed the field after the final whistle and tore down the goal posts. As they carried them out of the stadium, one of the uprights struck a power line, electrocuting a fan. I don't think Brady wants to get back to the old days.
I'm not sure how to address this issue. During the game, fans are urged to text a certain number if they observe inappropriate behavior. This can result in ejection and loss of season tickets. I think this causes fans to keep quiet out of fear.
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