The NFL announced that the Pro Bowl will be played again in Hawaii a week before the Super Bowl. Last season's game drew a great deal of criticism due to the quality of play on the field.
The NFL Players Association supports the idea of keeping the game alive. They say the quality of play will change next year. I'm not sure how they intend to do that without major rule changes for that particular game.
The league is in favor of the game. It will be paid $4.5 million by the state of Hawaii for the opportunity to host it. It also drew 12.5 million viewers last year on television which made it the most watched all-star game among the four major sports.
In the end, it's always about the money.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
T.O. Gets Released
Just when things could not get any worse for WR Terrell Owens, news came of his release by the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League. This is not even the AFL (Arena Football League). He was basically playing in the minor league of indoor football.
Owens had told the team that he would be unable to play in the next two games as the team makes a run for the playoffs. The final straw was his no-show at a team benefit for a local children's hospital.
He finished his season by playing in 11 games with 35 receptions for 420 yards and 10 TD's.His release also terminated his partial ownership of the team.
Where does this leave T.O? His appearance on Dr Phil clearly illustrated his financial problems caused by child support issues and bad financial planning. He basically spent all of the money he earned in the NFL. At the age of 38, he has nothing to show for it other than his age and no future in football. He also has no teams interested in him.
Owens had told the team that he would be unable to play in the next two games as the team makes a run for the playoffs. The final straw was his no-show at a team benefit for a local children's hospital.
He finished his season by playing in 11 games with 35 receptions for 420 yards and 10 TD's.His release also terminated his partial ownership of the team.
Where does this leave T.O? His appearance on Dr Phil clearly illustrated his financial problems caused by child support issues and bad financial planning. He basically spent all of the money he earned in the NFL. At the age of 38, he has nothing to show for it other than his age and no future in football. He also has no teams interested in him.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Off-season Antics
Overall, the players on the Pats seem to stay out of legal trouble. You can't say that for the rest of the league. Lions DT Nick Fairley is a shining example of how to do it wrong.
First he got arrested in Mobile, AL on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. This past weekend, he was stopped by a state trooper in Alabama for driving 100 m.p.h. He didn't stop initially, although the trooper had his lights on and siren blaring. He was charged with reckless driving, no proof of insurance and having an open container.
He will probably wiggle his way out. Some of these players always seem to do it. Alfonso Dennard, the Pats 7th round draft pick, has a date in court for assaulting a police officer. The Pats were able to draft him because they knew other teams would not touch him. His arrest made him the bargain of the draft.
First he got arrested in Mobile, AL on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. This past weekend, he was stopped by a state trooper in Alabama for driving 100 m.p.h. He didn't stop initially, although the trooper had his lights on and siren blaring. He was charged with reckless driving, no proof of insurance and having an open container.
He will probably wiggle his way out. Some of these players always seem to do it. Alfonso Dennard, the Pats 7th round draft pick, has a date in court for assaulting a police officer. The Pats were able to draft him because they knew other teams would not touch him. His arrest made him the bargain of the draft.
Monday, May 28, 2012
The Third Tight End
Everyone has an opinion about the roster. It appears the team will carry three tight ends this season. It doesn't mean they will dress three. Coach Belichick has a way of finding a third tight end among his positional players.
The word is that Daniel Fells will grab that third spot. He has the reputation as a great blocker during his five seasons in the NFL. He managed to be out of the league in 2007. He was undrafted out of college in 2006. He signed with Atlanta, but was inactive for all of their games
Last season, he had 19 catches for 256 yards. He can catch and run with the ball. It definitely looks like Fells will be in the mix until the final cut at training camp.
The word is that Daniel Fells will grab that third spot. He has the reputation as a great blocker during his five seasons in the NFL. He managed to be out of the league in 2007. He was undrafted out of college in 2006. He signed with Atlanta, but was inactive for all of their games
Last season, he had 19 catches for 256 yards. He can catch and run with the ball. It definitely looks like Fells will be in the mix until the final cut at training camp.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Vincent Brown - "The Undertaker"
Former LB Vincent Brown is a classic example of a player who probably won't get into the team's Hall of Fame. Brown played eight seasons for the Pats after being drafted in the 2nd round out of Mississippi Valley State in 1988. He started 103 of his 123 games with the team through the 1995 season. He only missed five to injury.
He was All-Pro for three straight years from 1991-1993. However, he only played on one team with a wining record. The 1994 team under Bill Parcells lost their playoff game to the Cleveland Browns (20-13), coached by Bill Belichick.
Parcells released Brown prior to the 1996 season. He advised him to consider coaching. Brown started on his long odyssey. He was re-united with Parcells with the Dallas Cowboys in 2006. He has recently been the linebackers coach at the University of Virginia while on his.third stint with head coach Mike London.
Brown was a great player on a bunch of teams that could not play well. He was with the Steve Grogan/Tony Eason/Mark Wilson/Doug Flutie/Hugh Millen and Drew Bledsoe era. The 1994 team was a big turn around for the Pats and created a great deal of excitement with their playoff game. The team stumbled to 6-10 the following year.
It is rather ironic that Brown was cut prior to the 1996 season which resulted in the hiring of Bill Belichick as defensive coordinator and the team's appearance in Super Bowl XXXI.
Brown's career would be viewed in a different light if had won a championship.
He was All-Pro for three straight years from 1991-1993. However, he only played on one team with a wining record. The 1994 team under Bill Parcells lost their playoff game to the Cleveland Browns (20-13), coached by Bill Belichick.
Parcells released Brown prior to the 1996 season. He advised him to consider coaching. Brown started on his long odyssey. He was re-united with Parcells with the Dallas Cowboys in 2006. He has recently been the linebackers coach at the University of Virginia while on his.third stint with head coach Mike London.
Brown was a great player on a bunch of teams that could not play well. He was with the Steve Grogan/Tony Eason/Mark Wilson/Doug Flutie/Hugh Millen and Drew Bledsoe era. The 1994 team was a big turn around for the Pats and created a great deal of excitement with their playoff game. The team stumbled to 6-10 the following year.
It is rather ironic that Brown was cut prior to the 1996 season which resulted in the hiring of Bill Belichick as defensive coordinator and the team's appearance in Super Bowl XXXI.
Brown's career would be viewed in a different light if had won a championship.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Difficult To Rank 100
The NFL Network has a great deal of entertaining programming. They need to fill their schedule during the off-season. As a result, they are constantly coming up with their lists.
They have been showing the Top 100 of the 2011 season. I find it difficult to accept how they come up with their rankings. Apparently, so does Bear's LB Brian Urlacher who felt he should have been higher than #51.
What is the difference that separates #50 from #52? I'm sure the NFL Network uses one of their sophisticated ranking models. I think it's much easier to come up with the Top 10 rather tan the Top 100. Maybe they should just call the show the "Best Players of the NFL".
They have been showing the Top 100 of the 2011 season. I find it difficult to accept how they come up with their rankings. Apparently, so does Bear's LB Brian Urlacher who felt he should have been higher than #51.
What is the difference that separates #50 from #52? I'm sure the NFL Network uses one of their sophisticated ranking models. I think it's much easier to come up with the Top 10 rather tan the Top 100. Maybe they should just call the show the "Best Players of the NFL".
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Not Light On Thoughts
Matt Light is a natural to be in front of a camera. For many seasons, he did a weekly radio interview. He spoke very well and insightful.
Last night, he was on the NFL Network on their "Total Access" segment. He was paired up with former Pats Heith Evans and Willie MaGinest. He spoke on a variety of topics related to the team. There was great dialogue between everyone.
The NFL Network does a great job in giving players exposure to analyst work by bringing them in for a tryout or guest spot. Some fair better than others. Light has great potential if that is a direction he wants to go in.
Last night, he was on the NFL Network on their "Total Access" segment. He was paired up with former Pats Heith Evans and Willie MaGinest. He spoke on a variety of topics related to the team. There was great dialogue between everyone.
The NFL Network does a great job in giving players exposure to analyst work by bringing them in for a tryout or guest spot. Some fair better than others. Light has great potential if that is a direction he wants to go in.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
More Padding
You can always count on the NFL Players Association to take stances that are contrary to the benefit and safety of its members. NFL owners recently voted to require players to wear knee and thigh pads during the 2012 season. In recent years, players have been wearing less padding under their uniforms in spite of the increase in player size and speed.
It would make sense to protect the players from possible knee injury and leg contusions, but the NFLPA doesn't see it that way. They object because it was not collectively bargained. according tot the union contract. Some players complain that the pads restrict their movement and slow them down.
No matter what might make sense, the PA is determined to reject any proposal unless it comes from them.
It would make sense to protect the players from possible knee injury and leg contusions, but the NFLPA doesn't see it that way. They object because it was not collectively bargained. according tot the union contract. Some players complain that the pads restrict their movement and slow them down.
No matter what might make sense, the PA is determined to reject any proposal unless it comes from them.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Jumping On the Wagon
Tom Brady's father has been a successful businessman in California. If his son wasn't so famous, nobody would care about what he had to say. He is the latest to jump on the concussion bandwagon during a recent interview.
He said if he knew about concussions back then, he might have been hesitant about allowing young Tom to play football. Brady started playing when he was 14. He was also a very good baseball player. He even got drafted as a catcher out of high school. Brady Sr always thought baseball would be the sport of choice for his son.
Why is everyone having a moment of enlightenment about concussions? I am not a doctor, but I have have known about their dangers since I was a kid. I know people who played football in the 1960's and 70's who suffered from concussions. They have problems to this day. This is not anything new. How can people be that unaware of the potential dangers in football?
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that a game played with violent collisions is going to have bad results for some. All of a sudden, it has become popular to be outraged about concussions. Where were these people years ago?
He said if he knew about concussions back then, he might have been hesitant about allowing young Tom to play football. Brady started playing when he was 14. He was also a very good baseball player. He even got drafted as a catcher out of high school. Brady Sr always thought baseball would be the sport of choice for his son.
Why is everyone having a moment of enlightenment about concussions? I am not a doctor, but I have have known about their dangers since I was a kid. I know people who played football in the 1960's and 70's who suffered from concussions. They have problems to this day. This is not anything new. How can people be that unaware of the potential dangers in football?
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that a game played with violent collisions is going to have bad results for some. All of a sudden, it has become popular to be outraged about concussions. Where were these people years ago?
Monday, May 21, 2012
Ted Johnson
It was great to see former LB Ted Johnson on Ch 4's Sports Final on Sunday night. After all, he is the poster boy for concussions with the Pats and NFL. His career ended much too early. Now he suffers with the impending doom of Alzheimer's because of his repeated concussions.
He looked very lucid during his talk. Other than a few pounds, it looked like he could go out on the field.
His picture in the Boston Globe portrayed him in a very bad light. The article was good. I felt bad when I first saw it. His story is very tragic. He played 10 years before it ended so suddenly.
Coach Belichick knows that he made a mistake with managing his concussions.
He looked very lucid during his talk. Other than a few pounds, it looked like he could go out on the field.
His picture in the Boston Globe portrayed him in a very bad light. The article was good. I felt bad when I first saw it. His story is very tragic. He played 10 years before it ended so suddenly.
Coach Belichick knows that he made a mistake with managing his concussions.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Spencer For Hire
The Pats look like they plan to use a full-back in their offense during the 2012 season, considering they have two on their roster. They picked up Tony Fiammetta after his release by the Dallas Cowboys.
Fiammetta is a classic blocker. He only has four carries for four yards in his career. He was drafted in the 4th round in 2009 by the Carolina Panthers. They released him prior to the start of the 2011 season. Dallas signed him to their roster for the last two seasons. He missed time with the Panthers because of concussion issues.
Spencer Larsen, a free agent from Denver, is a very intriguing player. The LB/FB was a 6th round pick out of Arizona in 2008. He is former teammate of Rob Gronkowski. The Broncos began to use him on both sides of the ball.
He holds the distinction of being the first player since 2003 to start on defense and offense in a game. He did this against Atlanta on November 16, 2008. He is only the fourth player 1990 to accomplish this. He is also a special teams player.
There should be a good battle for the roster spot, but I give the edge to Larsen because of this ability to play multiple positions. I think the team would be less inclined to keep pure full-back like Fiammetta.
Fiammetta is a classic blocker. He only has four carries for four yards in his career. He was drafted in the 4th round in 2009 by the Carolina Panthers. They released him prior to the start of the 2011 season. Dallas signed him to their roster for the last two seasons. He missed time with the Panthers because of concussion issues.
Spencer Larsen, a free agent from Denver, is a very intriguing player. The LB/FB was a 6th round pick out of Arizona in 2008. He is former teammate of Rob Gronkowski. The Broncos began to use him on both sides of the ball.
He holds the distinction of being the first player since 2003 to start on defense and offense in a game. He did this against Atlanta on November 16, 2008. He is only the fourth player 1990 to accomplish this. He is also a special teams player.
There should be a good battle for the roster spot, but I give the edge to Larsen because of this ability to play multiple positions. I think the team would be less inclined to keep pure full-back like Fiammetta.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
A Vote For Fred
The team's Hall of Fame nominees are now being voted on by the fans. There is stiff competition this year between former HC Bill Parcells, WR Troy Brown and Safety, Fred Marion.
I still don't like the how the team selects the inductees because it tends to focus more on players from the Kraft era. It's only natural for that to happen. I never followed the team until 1966, so my memory of some of the oldest players is non-existent.This is one of the oldest arguments in sports. You can only evaluate players you have seen in your own lifetime.
With that in mind, I cast an on-line vote for Fred Marion. I think it's unfair to have Coach Parcells compete with Brown and Marion. The fact that Parcells must be voted in slows the process down. He should have been voted in automatically. Any further conversation is wasting time. I think the team is wrong in only having one inductee annually. Many deserving players will never make it.
Brown was a brilliant player and a no-brainer as an inductee. However, by voting for Marion, I feel that I am advocating for the older players from a much different era. So many fans have no clue of the Billy Sullivan, Victor Kiam, and James Orthwein ownership eras.
In the end, it depends on how old you are as far as remembering players.
I still don't like the how the team selects the inductees because it tends to focus more on players from the Kraft era. It's only natural for that to happen. I never followed the team until 1966, so my memory of some of the oldest players is non-existent.This is one of the oldest arguments in sports. You can only evaluate players you have seen in your own lifetime.
With that in mind, I cast an on-line vote for Fred Marion. I think it's unfair to have Coach Parcells compete with Brown and Marion. The fact that Parcells must be voted in slows the process down. He should have been voted in automatically. Any further conversation is wasting time. I think the team is wrong in only having one inductee annually. Many deserving players will never make it.
Brown was a brilliant player and a no-brainer as an inductee. However, by voting for Marion, I feel that I am advocating for the older players from a much different era. So many fans have no clue of the Billy Sullivan, Victor Kiam, and James Orthwein ownership eras.
In the end, it depends on how old you are as far as remembering players.
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