QB By Default

The media can't seem to get enough of Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez battling for the starting QB position with the New York Jets. Everyone says the right things about the job belonging to Sanchez, yet there is a segment of fans and the media who believe the Jets have no future without Tebow taking the snaps under center.

The New York Post has started a daily "Tebow Tracker" which gives a timeline of his various activities during practices open to the media. Any tipped balls to receivers are mention as well as positive plays.

I have never seen anything like this before. Some media members want Tebow to start in the worst way. They are ready to run Sanchez out of town. If he gets hurt, I think some will be happy because Tebow gets the job by default.

If the Jets have a losing record by November, it will get real nasty in the Big Apple with fans wanting Tebow to start.

Running Like Vick

I was at training camp today. It's always interesting to see how the team conducts a practice. The place was mobbed with fans. We were really packed in. I could hear conversations all around.

The guy behind me said; "Too bad Tom Brady can't run like Micheal Vick". I thought for a moment about what he said. Every player is unique unto themselves. I could have said: "Too bad Vick doesn't have the game skills  and leadership of Brady".

It's pointless too compare players, especially quarterbacks.If Brady wasn't playing here, I would be ok with Vick as quarterback for the Pats.

In the end, I think Vick's running will take a couple of years off his career. It's hard to say how long anyone plays, but I think Vick has a greater risk of injury because of his playing style.

Starting Too Early

I don't think it serves any purpose when a player makes some ridiculous prediction about his team winning the championship. So many say stupid things. Their predictions are so far off.

That didn't stop Eagles QB Michael Vick to announce that the Eagles have a chance to create a dynasty. That should be quite a challenge as the Eagles ending up 8-8 last year.

I always wonder why the Eagles fail to live up to pre-season expectations.They seem to do it so often. Coach Andy Reid should have a better record. I think they have a great chance to make the playoffs, but look at last year. There was so much hype about them at this time last year with their Dream Team.

I understand what Vick is trying to say. You want him to be a leader and care about the team. Everyone needs to to say the right things without talking trash.

One Way To End It

Most players have no control how their career ends.They either get cut or never receive another contract. Not too many go out in a blaze of glory by wining the Super Bowl.

RB Joseph Addai had a quiet ending for his time with the Pats. When he was released the other day, we were told the reason was his failure of the conditioning test. That appears to be the case. However, Addai apparently quit the test on his own while it was in progress. He failed the test because he didn't complete it.

He could hook up with another team.There are rumors about injuries effecting his playing style. After six years in the league, it might be all over for him.

The Life of Brian

With practice starting today, it only was natural that the media dig for stories. They are looking for one in Brian Waters not being here. He has another years on his contract that will pay him $1.4 million. He was placed on the "Did not report" list.

It appears that Waters might be excused from camp. He was signed to the team before the first game of last season. He had no problems missing camp, assimilating himself into the offensive line and earning Pro Bowl honors.

Coach Belichick was in classic mid-season form today at his press conference as he deflected questions about Waters. I would be shocked if he retired. I'm sure Belichick is letting him miss camp. It  keeps him healthy and the team is able to give playing time to those who really need it.

A New Chad

Chad Johnson has replaced the moniker for Chad Ochocinco. Now that he is with the Miami Dolphins, he is looking to start fresh again. He claims that his poor performance last year was due to him being forced to remain silent and not say some of the crazy stuff he comes up with.

He feels that by talking, he challenges himself to do better on the field. He said he will make a big impact on the team's offense. Some scoff at that idea. Some say the only reason he is even on the roster is because the team needs him for their debut on  HBO's "Hard Knocks". Without him goofing around, the show will be boring for the viewers. Some wonder if he will be on the opening day roster.

Joe Stayed Too Long

I was never impressed when Joe Paterno became the all-time leader in collegiate games won. I thought he hung around too long. There were times when I wondered how much he was actually coaching. He was up in the press box for a couple of years due to medical issues. I don't think he was calling the plays. He was probably getting in the way.

He had job security because the coaches under him wanted to keep the status quo. If Joe left, they might lose their jobs. Joe also kept the money flowing from alumnae. That was very important.

I think the sanctions against Penn State were fair. I agree with the comments that eliminating the program would have an economic impact on innocent people in the Happy Valley area.

I wonder what will happen with the money from the $60 million fine. I hope the NCAA keeps the public updated. I have no doubt that some of it will be squandered and mismanaged.

Not Counting On Carter

Andre Carter took a big risk last year when he left the Redskins and signed a one year contract with the Pats. He was hoping to have a big year which would enable him to land a rich free agent contract.

He had a huge impact on defense, leading the team with 10 sacks before he suffered a season-ending ruptured quadricep in the 14th game.

Earlier this year, it was rumored that he was looking for a multiple year contract with big dollars. The Pats thought otherwise, feeling that he might need to start the season on the PUP.

With training camp three days away, Carter has no contract. The teams has not contacted him. His contract demands may have backfired. He should try to sign again for one year. If he starts on PUP, at least he's on the roster. Otherwise, he will be out of the league.

Making A Living Wage

Tom Brady has often talked about trying to play until he is 40. You can't blame him for that. He has the league's best coach and a team which is always in contention for the playoffs.

The money isn't that bad either. Brady has never tried to make the last possible dollar. He was paid well by the Pats last year to the tune of $12.25 million. He also picked up another $10 million in endorsements. As a result, he was #26 on the Sports Illustrated list of the Top 50 highest earning athletes for 2011. He was fifth in the NFL behind Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Mario Williams and Calvin Johnson.

The way things are going for Brady, he will probably build on the endorsements after he retires. It's like having a license to print money.

Giving Away Millions

The work stoppage created havoc last season, but one of the great benefits is the salary cap for drafted players. In the past, teams squandered money on players who never made an impact in the NFL. Now, they squander less. The draft is so unpredictable.

I like the contracts they gave to Andrew Luck and RGIII.  They both got four years at $22 & 21 million respectively. There is always an issue about guaranteed money, but these contracts make so much more sense.

These guys get paid very well. Hopefully, they have a career in the NFL. You never know.

Gino Reaches The End

Pats fans are saddened to hear that they will no longer hear the voice of Gino Cappelletti on the team's radio broadcasts. Cappelletti, 78, has decided to retire after doing color commentary for 33 seasons, including 29 with the legendary Gil Santos.

Many thought this would happen as Gino has lost some of his fast ball over the the last few years. He mispronounced names and sometimes got the game facts wrong. To some casual fans, this was unacceptable. The real fans loved this about Gino.

I always found his analysis to be insightful. He often told colorful stories of players from the past. He is in the team's Hall of Fame. His accomplishments are too long to list as a player, coach and radio analyst.

He is ones of those guys who you thought would do it forever, but it's all over. Gil Santos will return for play-by-play after having a major health scare. The games will go on, but it won't be the same without Gino.

Getting a Read On Reed

Ed Reed, the iconic safety with the Baltimore Ravens, is at the cross-roads with one year left on his contract. He is due to make $7.5 million this season. The Ravens don't appear to be in a hurry to sign him to an extension after a season of hip and neck injuries.

At 33, Reed could be past his prime. There is speculation that his injuries will effect his level of play this season. He has contemplated retirement, as well as a possible holdout for the upcoming training camp. This could be his last shot at a big contract. It becomes a question of whether it will be with the Ravens.