Next Stop For DeSean

Now that the Philadelphia Eagles have released WR DeSean Jackson, it should be interesting to see how much interest he generates on the open market.

There is no doubt about his skill level. Last year, he caught 82 balls for 1,332 yards and nine TD's. However, he carries a lot of baggage that has been with him even before he was drafted in 2008.

Rumors continue to circulate about his affiliation with gang members. He was questioned over the years in a few criminals cases.

Will this scare any teams away? Would the Pats even consider signing him after their fiasco with Aaron Hernandez?

I don't think he will ever end up in Foxborough, but some team will take a chance on him. He is too good of a player to remain unsigned.

Making A Deal For Johnny

There is something about Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel that makes me think that he will not be a big star in the NFL. Part of it is the whole "Johnny Football" nonsense. This guy has been anointed by the media. Some call it swagger, but I think it's all hype.

He put on a clinic at the Texas A&M Pro Day last week. There was a huge turnout of coaches and media. He took the field with shoulder pads and helmet, not the usual attire for that day. Wearing camouflage pants was a bit much.

If I was making the decision for the Houston Texans, I would try and trade my pick for a slew of draft choices. He will be a bust in the league.

Can't Sign Everyone

The Pats can't sign all of their free agents. They decided to let RB Legarrete Blount and LB Dane Fletcher go to Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay respectively.

I didn't think they would retain Blount who rushed for 772 yards and 5 TD's last year after being obtained in a trade from the Bucs for RB Jeff Demps. Blount shared snaps with Shane Vereen, Steven Ridley and Brandon Bolden. It was getting crowded in the backfield. The Pats feel they can either get someone in the draft or during training camp cuts.

Fletcher was a solid back-up and special teams player who was undrafted in 2010. He has three solid seasons. He missed the 2012 campaign after tearing his ACL. He will probably see more action than he did here.

Mr D

The NFL Network does a great job with their documentary of "A Football Life". It made a very compelling argument to elect former 49er' owner Ed DiBatartolo to the Hall of Fame. The team five Super Bowls under his ownership.

 He has been out of the league for many years, but his legacy still lives on. The NFL is al about the present, but Mr D was part of a great past that lives on.

Spotlight On Vick

I think Michael Vick's one year contract with the New York Jets was a big mistake for both parties. Social media has started a campaign against the player who will always live under a dark cloud for his conviction and jail time for running a dog fighting business.

He served his sentence and kept a pretty low profile in Philadelphia. His inability to consistently stay on the field lead the Eagles to  go in another direction for quarterback. Vick got a 1 year/$5 million deal with the Jets, but both parties might regret it in the end.

There has been a big backlash from animal lovers. Their voice is loud and will not be silenced. I think it's only going to get worse. I'm not sure how many other offers Vick had on the table, but he would have been a better fit in a small media market where the lights don't shine so brightly.

Going From The 20 yard Line

I like the plan by the NFL to conduct a test on the PAT during the first two preseason games by moving the ball to the 20 yard line. It will be like trying a 30 yard field goal.

Coach Belichick gave a great presentation to the owners and coaches yesterday. He criticized the current rule because PAT's are never missed or blocked. He said the fans don't enjoy this part of the game.

I agree with him. The PAT is boring unless it's for two. This idea needs to be explored further. It sounds like it will only be a test for two games.

Don't Even Think of Dunking

The NFL always lives up to its reputation as the No Fun League. They did it today when they announced another rule change.

Players can no longer jump and dunk the ball over the goal post. This probably was effected by the time Jimmy Graham of the Saints did it and bent the goal post. The game was delayed while repairs took place.

I never viewed that type of play as taunting, but it interpreted to be in order to implement the rule. Just another way to take the fun out of the game. They don't want any feelings to get hurt in a brutally violent game.

Can't Picture It

NFL owners and coaches are meeting this week. They will review proposed rule changes and conduct other related business.

One of the yearly traditions is a group photo of the 32 head coaches. Bill Belichick kept his tradition alive by skipping the picture session.

I wonder why he did it. He never explained his reason and doesn't need to. He is such a historian of the game. I think he would want to be part of the picture of head coaches for 2014. He will probably do the same thing again next year.

Vince +10

It has been ten days since Vince Wilfork went on a tirade and asked for his release after the Pats signed Darelle Revis.  The team has been silent and said nothing publicly about his contract. Vince is allegedly out of the country according to a local sports talks radio station.

He is still with the team under contract. I don't think the Kraft family ever wanted it to tend this way with Vince. It seems headed in that direction. If he wants to stay with the Pats, he will take a pay cut or not be here.

New Guy In The Big Apple

There is a great deal to say about the release of Mark Sanchez by the Jets and the free agency signing of Michael Vick. I think the New York Post said it best by their coverage.

The 2014 season will continue as the "No Ring Circus" based on the way the way the tabloid used pun-intended  headlines about Vick's dog problem. There will be a virtual feeding frenzy on Vick while he plays in the Big Apple.

I can see why he has only a one year contract for $5 million.

Gone After 13 Seasons

You can't blame players for wanting to get another contract for more money. Sometimes, they have no choice. The Carolina Panthers parted ways with Steve Smith, their all-time leading receiver with 836 receptions for 12,977 yards.

He played 13 seasons for the Panthers after being drafted in the 3rd round in 2001. He will be turning 35 this year and counted $7 million against the salary cap. He declined an offer to renegotiate his contract for less money.

He signed a 3 year/ $11million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He probably won't see all of that money. Such is the nature of NFL contracts.

Money Due Tuesday

The New York Jets face a day of reckoning next Tuesday with QB Mark Sanchez. He is due a $2 million roster bonus unless the team releases him.

Not too many people around the league expect the Jets to pay the money. He is a salary cap nightmare at a cost of  $11 million. If he stays, he will need to take a pay cut. Does the team even want him if they are going with Geno Smith?

Several teams will jump on him if he gets released.