Super Bowl 56 Thoughts

I wanted to have a clear thought 48 hours later and put out what I think about Super Bowl 56. Compared to the last few years, it was one of the better Super Bowls. Not great, but it wasn't bad either. The Los Angeles Rams get their second title, which was their first since 1999. With their loss, the Cincinnati Bengals have been to three and lost all of them.

The Rams made the plays that mattered down the stretch. Who else but Cooper Kupp to get the game winner. He also was the MVP for his eight catch, 92 yard and two touchdown performance. Matthew Stafford was a little shaky, though he came up at a clutch moment to connect with his receiver. Their only big problem on offense was the abysmal run game along with Stafford's two interceptions. The defense struggled early, but got going in the second half, overwhelming Cincy's Joe Burrow. A little change in game plan goes a long way.

As for Cincinnati, they hung in there. A lot will question the penalties on that final defensive drive. You can't hold. Simple as that. In the end, they couldn't stop anything in regards to the passing game. Offensively, they ran it better and Joe Burrow was clean for the most part. That final offensive drive, I question why they didn't give the ball to Joe Mixon on third and 1. Burrow's offensive line struggled late in the game, which ultimately decided it. Give credit as I said for hanging in there.

The Bengals will be relevant throughout the decade, as will the Rams. I have a feeling they'll see another Super Bowl soon, though not against each other. One or two small improvements and Cincy could bring a title to Ohio. Health and who leaves and retires will determine how Los Angeles fares if they can't defend their title. Until then, let's keep eye on who makes the big moves during the offseason.

Super Bowl 56 Prep Thoughts

On paper, this should be a good matchup. Super Bowl 56 should be able to have a close matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams. Cincy hasn't been to a Super Bowl since 1988 and never won it in their only two appearances prior to this year. Los Angeles was in it last in 2018 and have only won it once in 1999 out of a total of four appearances.

Cincinnati needs to get the ground game going. Joe Mixon needs to play lights out phenomenal football.  The Ram defense will have a field day going after Joe Burrow. They have plenty of choices to throw to. JaMarr Chase will have to make good use of his opportunities. LA's secondary will also have to keep eye on the tight ends and if Mixon busts for a big one. Defensively, it's about stopping Matthew Stafford. Creating enough pressure to make him the Stafford of old and watching who is a potential receiver. 

Which brings me to the LA side on offense. Cam Akers and Sony Michel need to step it up. I believe Cooper Kupp will have a huge game as will Odell Beckham. Stafford has to get comfortable. Expect big plays also from the tight end and receiver Van Jefferson. While I would say the defense should keep close on what Mixon does, the goal should be to rattle Burrow. I'd also would try rattle the rookie kicker Evan McPherson. I got a feeling with how the playoffs have been all month, a kick is going to determine the outcome in a huge way. 

My prediction is 32 to 27 Los Angeles. This could go either way though. Cincinnati has been playing the underdog role greatly. It should be a more exciting matchup compared to the last three Super Bowls.

Postseason Overtime

The NFL's Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs game will be considered one of the best games in postseason history ever. With how it unfolded in the final two minutes of regulation, it hit the marks of nail biting drama.  Kansas City would win in overtime and it brought up the question of postseason rule changes. Under the current guidelines, the team that has the ball first can end it with a touchdown, which is what the Chiefs did. Buffalo did not get an opportunity.

This takes me back to about three years ago where the Chiefs were on the losing end of overtime against New England. I think it stings a bit more because of the dramatics of the fourth quarter. Both sides going stride for stride. It will be a marquee matchup for the next decade. Pat Mahomes and Josh Allen were outdoing each other greatly. To not see Allen get the ball in overtime does feel like a travesty. That is kind of why Chiefs fans felt that way in early 2019.

I think you have to go kind of college football with overtime. Both teams get an opportunity to score. They score on field goals or touchdowns barring extra points, it becomes sudden death. Turnovers, special teams, safeties, those should end the game. But the opposing side should get one shot at evening the game before it becomes sudden death or they fail to get points. I know it's perfect by any stretch, but I have a feeling there will be a rule change sooner or later. I don't think for this year, but it will be in the back of many people's minds.

While this doesn't ruin the game, you think of the what ifs on both sides, mostly Buffalo. Give credit on Allen for not dwelling on the losing effort. I think we got spoiled because of how dramatic all four games were. It might be disappointing for the Championship round, but Rams vs. 49ers should be interesting and Cincinnati are a good underdog against the Chiefs. This year's playoffs are a bit refreshing.

Who Wants to Coach? NFL 2022

There's about eight coaching spots to fill in the NFL. It all started before the season ended Las Vegas, but firings came with Jacksonville firing first year Urban Meyer. Pretty much lost the locker room. Then came the avalanche after the final week of the season. Denver got rid of Vic Fangio. Then immediately came the firings of Minnesota's Mike Zimmer, Chicago's Matt Nagy, and the surprise of Miami's Brian Flores. After that was New York Giants' Joe Judge and Houston's David Culley. Las Vegas is up in the air as Jon Gruden did resign in October and if Rich Bisaccia retains being the coach.

Jacksonville was a mess and not getting along with Trevor Lawrence among other players pretty much got Meyer let go. Not to mention his behavior. Zimmer's teams in Minnesota were never consistent and his specialty in defense were up to snuff. Great offenses when healthy. Nagy always had offense problems in Chicago. Different quarterbacks, inconsistent running. Defense can't always save an offense. Flores had problems with some players similar to Meyer. I'd also wager Miami blowing opportunities to get into the playoffs this year and last year. Since 2002, they have only made the playoffs twice (2008, 2016)

Denver hasn't been the same over the last six seasons. Fangio's defenses were underwhelming and the offense was always changing. Struggled after starting well this season. Judge could not work with the pieces he was given on offense for New York once his key guys were hurt. Three coaches in six years for the team. Culley got put in a bad situation. No DeShaun Watson and no defense. The mess of Bill O'Brien still lingers. The situation regarding Gruden, he ain't coaching again. Bisaccia kept his composure to get only Vegas' second playoff berth in the last 20 years.

Dallas seemed like a question mark, but sounds like they are going to keep Mike McCarthy as their coach. Chicago has an interest in Brian Flores, though offense should be a priority. Minnesota should be a better fit for him New York needs an offensive minded guy. I wouldn't mind seeing Bisaccia get a crack at being the full time coach for Las Vegas. I don't know what direction you go with Denver and Jacksonville. The former needs to get out of the hump and back to some form of relevancy and the latter needs a winning formula with someone who can get the pieces together and win. I'm not sure Houston fixes their almost two year old mess.

Who has a good chance to be a coach again? Share you thoughts.

2021 NFL Hall of Fame

Quite a good list of players and coaches

First off is Alan Faneca. He was a force as one of Pittsburgh's linemen being their first pick in 1998. Blocked for some strong running games of the day when Jerome Bettis was leading the way and a Super Bowl. Pro Bowler nine times, also had a couple good years with the Jets before ending it with Arizona in 2010. Not sure what the criteria is for linemen. Must have really impressed given what the teams he was on was able to do. Can't complain.

Next is the coach selection, Tom Flores. While his numbers aren't great because of his three years with the Seahawks from 1992 to 94, he was integral to the Raiders from 79 to 87. Following John Madden's retirement from coaching, he picked up the team and got them to win the Super Bowl his second year and his second title in 83. A Latino coach, there is representation for what he was able to do. Great choices in guys like Marcus Allen and Howie Long as guys like Jim Plunkett and Gene Upshaw were getting older. Flores was also able to not get distracted by owner Al Davis and all the things going on during the 80s, especially when they moved to Los Angeles. That alone should make him Hall of Fame worthy.

Surprised but not at the same time, Calvin Johnson got in first ballot. I didn't think he'd get in first try given his stats are over 11 thousand yards and 83 touchdowns. I'm used to receivers waiting a while. Second overall pick of 07 and his career all in Detroit, he did a lot of damage in his final six years, especially when Matthew Stafford stayed healthy. Leading touchdown receiver in 2008, the 0-16 team. Led the league in yards in 2011 and 12, the 12 year being the record one, shattering Jerry Rice's yards that he got in 1995. Six time Pro Bowler, knew he would get in. Couldn't imagine being first ballot. But Canton gets a really good player.

This must have been long overdue for John Lynch. Third round pick in 1993, he didn't light things up until a few years into his career. A lot of has to do with his ferocious play. Very big hitter. That's why he was a nine time Pro Bowler and knew when to make those big plays. When you think Tampa's defense, I feel like he's left behind considering guys like Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks. It did get him a Super Bowl. His stats are not the greatest with just over a thousand tackles and 26 interceptions. Safety wise, that's not too bad given his position. How he is in San Francisco now as a GM probably helps a little bit. Maybe it was the right year to get him. Not saying he doesn't deserve it, but better late than never.

I don't even need to explain Peyton Manning. First overall pick of 1998. Lead the league in interceptions with 28, a rookie record that is still there. Improvements over the years. Rarely getting sacked in Indianapolis. Gets them the elusive Super Bowl in 2006. Lots of records, MVPS, leading in stats at the time of retirement in yards and touchdowns thrown. Injury forces him out and he does to Denver. Single season records in touchdowns and yards. Not a good final year, but ends it with a Super Bowl win. Very obvious first ballot guy. Where he goes outside of his TV show, he can do whatever he wants.

Bill Nunn, I don't have a lot to say. But considering he was able to do during his time with Pittsburgh, it meant something for the Rooneys. Being there from 1968 until his passing in 2014, he was in the front office. The guy could find talent that was necessary. More than likely, that's how they were able to build such a big team in the 70s and the team holding relevancy in the 90s and 2000s. More than its fair share of Hall of Fame players, how this guy didn't get in when he was alive, I don't know. But the consistency of the franchise gets him the enshrinement. 

Drew Pearson may be a controversial one to younger people. But what they fail to understand is how different the league was in the 70s. You weren't seeing 4000 yard seasons consistently with two or three receivers with a thousand plus yards each. If you want to blame somebody, blame the 1999 Rams. But Pearson was a consistent player and a favorite for Dallas and their quarterback, Roger Staubach.  The Hail Mary was due to those two in 1975. His stat line is good for the 70s and 80s at 7800 yards and 48 touchdowns. Who knows what could have been if it wasn't for a car accident in 1984 that ended his career. Still, you'd think he would have had a fighting chance considering a Super Bowl and being part of the 70s Hall of Fame team. The disappointment last year may have set in for the NFL to get him in. If they're going to do that, then get Everson Walls in. Fuck the Dwight Clark catch, which wasn't even that special of a catch. That stigma should have been erased when he won the Super Bowl with the Giants

Last is Charles Woodson. Fourth overall in 98, he was a leading man in regards to the secondary he was with. Huge knack for making some big tackles and picking off the opposing team. A rookie of the year and Pro Bowls in his first four years, health issues plagued the later years of his first stint with the Raiders. Did a lot more when he went to Green Bay. That includes a Super Bowl, two time leading interception guy, a defensive player of the year award. Did decent his second stint with the Raiders. At 1200 plus tackles and 65 interceptions, a team player all the way, Not a surprise he's first ballot.

Don't know if there will be ceremonies for last years to go with this, but there's some really special groups that will be remembered for years to come.

Super Bowl LV Post Thoughts

I would have thought Super Bowl LV would have been close. Or at least competitive. With it all said and done, Tampa Bay gets a championship with its Buccaneers in mediocre game that left a lot to be desired. There is no conspiracies or anything like that. The Kansas City Chiefs did not play well, but the referees did not do a good job either. And the NFL wonders why they get ripped a number of times for questionable, blatant calls, and calls that don't get made.

If it wasn't for his fourth quarter last year, Pat Mahomes would have had a mediocre Super Bowl. This year, it was without Eric Fisher at left tackle and no center with Daniel Kilgore. Pressure was going to come. Safe to say Mahomes did not feel comfortable. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was not given a fighting chance in carries despite 64 yards rushing. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce both had decent games, but the rest, not so much. That defense couldn't create pressure on Tampa and couldn't stop the run, which was one of the more interesting aspects. Frustration mounts when you can't do anything.

Tampa played a clean game. That was one of the factors I thought would play in. Tom Brady put in my predictions in how he would perform outside of passing yards. Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones defied expectations in their performances. Fournette also doing it receiving wise with nearly 50 yards to go with his 89 rushing yards and a score. Antonio Brown got his chance to shine with a score. Defensively, stopping the run was not going to be a problem. It was stopping Mahomes and they kept him in check. A couple plays, he acted like Barry Sanders or Josh Allen.

That being said, this will be one of the forgettable Super Bowls. Not trash tiered level, but enough to be considered a huge disappointment. I do think the refs played a factor into this game. They are not the primary reason the Chiefs lost, but some of the calls in the first half were a bit ridiculous. I think Mike Evans flopped on purpose to draw pass interference on the touchdown drive late in the second quarter. Some of the holding calls didn't look like holding. Penalties on uncatchable passes. No consistency and given some of the guys on the Bucs, I'm amazed both sides didn't get penalized for face masks. It did get chippy.

Commercial wise, I can't complain. The best being the Tide commercial with the hoodie that had Jason Alexander's face. If you're a Seinfeld fan, you'll notice the song. Big deep cut into a nod to a late episode of the show. Some of them were weird like the Doritios ad and the Uber Eats that had Wayne's World. Too much promotion for the Paramount Plus app that begins next month. Most of the other stuff, I don't care much.

All together, not an abysmal Super Bowl, but not a good one as far as a package goes.

The 2021 QB Effect

Even with the Super Bowl a few days away, some wonder who is going to land with a team at quarterback. That will be on many people's minds after the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams made a swap of their signal callers. Matthew Stafford goes to California for the sun and Clayton Kershaw. Jared Goff goes to a dysfunctional franchise that hasn't won a playoff game in almost 30 years and only been in it eight times since 1991. Who's the next domino to fall?

Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson are guys who want to leave their teams. Amidst new coaching in Philadelphia, the relationship with Wentz may be beyond repair. But someone has to be desperate. Maybe San Francisco? I can't imagine having that much faith left in Jimmy Garoppolo. And I read something that Garoppolo could go back to New England, who really needs a signal caller. Watson obviously does not like the culture in Houston. The potential of another swap could be with Las Vegas and Derek Carr. I'm assuming Jon Gruden doesn't like Carr. Both him and Watson have prime years ahead of them. The uptick of Vegas is Josh Jacobs being a strong back, though the DUI at the end of the year, I don't know.

A big thing recently was rumors of Andrew Luck returning. All because of some alleged texts. Stuff involving people that are friends with his wife and talking about him missing football and Jimmy (assuming Indianapolis Colt owner Jim Isray). Luck retired because of health reasons. Why would he want to return? Married and has a kid. Works in architecture. The Colts will find somebody. Just a matter of when. New Orleans wants to keep Jameis Winston. Likely a precaution depending on Drew Brees. 

Other notable people include Matt Ryan and Cam Newton. Ryan has potential to leave Atlanta, but their owner believes he will be back along with Julio Jones. Supposedly, Ron Rivera may want Newton to be with him in Washington. It's a different ball game compared to Carolina. A lot can happen over the next month or two. Someone is going to get themselves set for a Super Bowl run down the road. 

Super Bowl LV Thoughts

Very simple. My thoughts on what could happen with Super Bowl LV. It's going to be different given the pandemic, but should be an entertaining game, nonetheless.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there has to be stability on offense. No turnovers is the key and maybe getting Antonio Brown back if he can recover from his knee injury. A 43 year old Tom Brady will have to throw for 60 percent or better completion rate on his passes. The receivers like Mike Evans need to be super aware of when passes are coming to them. A guy like Scott Miller could surprise people. Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones have to be ready to tote the rock. Defensively, I would say it would be easy to stop the Kansas City Chiefs run game, but you never know. The secondary and linebackers have to keep eye on Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman and where they are on the field. Do that and that's how they win.

For the Chiefs, they need the run game to show up. They have to trust their rookie running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Pat Mahomes will definitely put on a show, but a banged up offensive line might be a bit of trouble. Tampa has the number one run defense, but they have to try to rush it. Feed the ball here and there to keep the defense honest. Hill and Kelce will be given some targets, but don't be surprised if you see one of the others play a factor. On defense, pressure on Brady will be a huge importance and the difference between winning and losing. Evans, Chris Godwin, and Brown are tough to deal with, but a tight end such as Rob Gronkowski could be a nightmare. Each position of the Chief defense has to put 110 percent into being ready to deliver the hits, deflections, and turnovers if they can stop the Bucs.

I think the Chiefs will win. It will be close, but it comes down to both teams run games and the turnover battle. 

Playoff Moving

The people that are hired for Fox Sports 1, I don't care much for. For as bad as ESPN is at times with attention seeking, this is much worse. When you have idiots Skip Bayless, it's easy to change the channel. Or buffoons like Colin Cowherd. This take he had a few days ago for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs game is so bad, it makes you wonder why someone like him still has a job. He thinks Pat Mahomes deserves his chance to play and that the game should be moved until he is healthy.

That's not how football works. I don't know if Cowherd has bets riding on the Chiefs to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, but the timetable to get the season finished is very tight. The NFL is the only league to be on schedule right now. If it was COVID issues and Mahomes and a half dozen players got the virus, I get it. This is a health issue pertaining to injury, though. Cleveland played their playoff game without their head coach and left guard. I doubt they complained that much.

Mahomes is going through the concussion protocol despite his injury being a tweaked nerve in his neck. Call it a weird theory, but maybe the neck nerve issue caused it him to have issues with his head to the effects of getting a concussion. I'm sure doctor reports are confidential., but it's still a concern. A neck issue is not something simple. You're hoping there isn't any aggravation if you're Andy Reid. I do think Mahomes will play, but it's a matter of seeing his health if he takes any major hits. Last thing anyone wants to see is a player become a paralyzed person. The last time anything major like that I can think of was Buffalo's Kevin Everett in 2007.

If Chad Henne is going to start, that's what can potentially happen. I know a Josh Allen and Mahomes game is what Cowherd wants, but the NFL will not bow to this selfish prick. These teams and players have followed a strict regiment since July. They have done a lot to get the season almost finished and they will not adhere to a loudmouth radio host who's angry that the major star of one team may not play. You don't rush concussion protocols. Barring any setbacks from either team, the game will play on Sunday. Suck it up, Cowherd! 

Who Wants to Coach? NFL 2021

Three firings before it ended, and another four more, maybe five.

Before it ended came the firings of Matt Patricia, Dan Quinn, and Bill O'Brien. O'Brien damaged the Houston Texans pretty badly. Supposedly, they are looking at Marvin Lewis and a favorite may be Jim Caldwell. Both have done well with the teams they have been around. Quinn had a number of struggles the last couple of years with the Atlanta Falcons. No run game and defense killed his chances. Detroit had no defense under Patricia. Along with running game issues and the health of Matthew Stafford, no surprise he was let go.

Adam Gase being fired was not a surprise. The New York Jets going 2 and 14 this year don't help. Too many problems on both sides. Cover 0 blitz, anyone? Salvaging the season and being 7 and 9 did not save Anthony Lynn from getting canned with the LA Chargers. Some injuries and poor defense hampered this season. Hopefully whoever is hired does not mess with what Justin Herbert did as a rookie. Doug Marrone being fired from the Jacksonville Jaguars is not a stunning thing. Second rate talent, though they were in some close games.

I thought Doug Pederson was safe in Philadelphia. Not the case with being let go yesterday. Supposedly, disagreements with Eagle owner Jeffrey Lurie to go with an abysmal year and questionable approaches. Losing the locker don't help. Carson Wentz's situation does not help either. Too much toxicity from the sounds of it. One likely candidate is running back coach Duce Staley, who has ties with Philly. Lots of surprise considering reactions from a number of sports networks. The one that is still in the air is Matt Nagy. Despite two playoff appearances. the Chicago Bears were one and done. Even with a good defense, the offense was still a hassle. Inconsistency is the word I would describe it. If he's gone, three coaches in eight years.

There are some places that one could envy and head to. Some are an easy fix and a couple are ones that require a year or two to rebuild. Have to play that hand and see what can be done with what will be a lowered salary cap.

Tank Culture in Football

Do I think there's tanking in football? Sometimes. But the ire that is stemming towards the Philadelphia Eagles is very obvious for anyone following the disastrous final game of the season. Tight game between them and the Washington Football Team. Then comes the decision to not tie the game on a field goal. Pretty common for Doug Pederson this year. But the changing from quarterback Jalen Hurts to Nate Sudfeld is what is driving many up a wall.

Washington won, securing the NFC East and being the last team to get into the playoffs. It eliminated the New York Giants from contention, but what I'll say is this. It isn't so much the Giants being eliminated that bothers people. Most will not disagree, including former players, that they could have more than six wins. It's how they were eliminated that's the issue. You play with pride. Players want to show they are still worth something to their team or to another team if they express interest in them. People are bringing up a press conference bite of Eagles center Jason Kelce valuing winning over tanking. That will not age well.

I see people bring up playoff bound teams resting players. That's a huge apples and oranges situation. Why risk injury with your starters before heading into the postseason? The look on Hurts' face when he got benched says it all. He was the reason the game was close with his two rushing touchdowns. He didn't look good from a passing perspective, but there is uptick to him compared to Sudfeld. I don't know how Pederson can keep a straight face and say that he was coaching to win. That is flat out chickenshit. Even beyond current and former Giant players, you got angry fans. Angry analysts. Former Eagle players feeling embarrassed. Some are questioning the inactives thing because you can get in trouble for that, but I don't think that's a huge factor.

What this will go into is the culture of the Eagles. This brings a bad message to kids and a bad message to high school football programs all over the country. It's the kind of bad moments that brings toxicity to a locker room. The ones defending Pederson's decisions don't seem to grasp the blatant tanking. Other teams played with pride like Detroit and Houston. If it was a blow out, I would understand. Philadelphia played a big game defensively to give Jim Schwartz a proper curtain call.

Philadelphia gets the sixth overall pick of this year's draft. It does make a difference where you are early. However, whoever they get is going to face a lot of unwarranted hype and potential scrutiny if he messes up or doesn't live up to the pick. Sudfeld I can see being a scapegoat. Unfortunate that Pederson will more than likely keep his job. Shame on owner Jeffrey Lurie and anyone involved in that organization. A shame also that the NFL will probably not investigate this. No excuses should be made at all.

Punchy and Drunky

For goodness sake, don't do anything stupid while drunk. Like speeding 30 plus miles an hour over the speed limit. Call a cab or an Uber. The Denver Broncos don't have many options now at running back following Melvin Gordon's DUI charge. A few days ago, he was pulled over. Cops noticed the signs of intoxication. Tests were done. He'll be facing suspension for sure. Denver has to have a game plan on what could happen to him next in a month when his court appearance comes up. This is courtesy of local places in Colorado such as 9News.

New Orleans barely survived with an overtime win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. They did this without their star receiver Michael Thomas. An altercation occurred between him and second year corner Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Punches were thrown, Thomas was suspended. There is speculation on what might have happened. The thing is, Thomas has never had outside of some political tweets any sort of trouble. I can't think of any moment where he has made a nuisance of himself.

There might be a story on him having issues with the coaching staff. Possibly Sean Payton. Or that he wasn't suspended at all, but fined to set an example of what could happen next. Until things get calmer, the story probably won't be revealed until later on. We'll also have to see if Thomas starts having big issues similar to Antonio Brown. I think he's smarter than Brown and could handle stuff a lot better, but you never know. 

That's only scratching the surface in the South. Between the Atlanta Falcons and the coronavirus and Alabama's Nick Saban and their athletic director testing positive, football in October gets scarier and scarier.

Rona Titan

And it had to happen to an undefeated team in the NFL. 

The Tennessee Titans are the first team to have an outbreak in the league. Couple handfuls, which includes four players. Two defensive guys, a long snapper, and a backup tight end, as brought up by Titans Wire. Minnesota is not going to take it lightly either as the Vikings suspended activities along with Tennessee. The matchup between Tennessee and Pittsburgh has been postponed with the suggestion of playing on Monday night or Tuesday.

Defensively, it will hurt a little bit if injuries occur. Of course, you need to keep players fresh as a game goes on. Small things can impact a team. The tight end who tested positive I don't think would have gotten any play on the team for the time being.. Barring an injury, not a huge deal. However, that long snapper is going to bite. The Titans have won thanks to their field goal efforts in the closing minutes of games this season. You need a guy that can snap it cleanly for the punter or the field goal/extra point holder. Given how extra points have been since 2015, they are a cog that can dictate the closing seconds of halves.

I don't think it will get as severe as the MLB back in the end of July, but I think you'll see another team get some positives. A lot of concern will come around November and December when flu season hits. Half the league is in cold weather, snow driven areas, regardless of having a domed stadium or not. With how much the NFL has handled things, this should be taken cared of a lot better than baseball.

NFL Preseason is Good

Yes, we're in a different approach to football. But that doesn't mean all change is a good idea. By this time in the next 24 to 48 hours, the NFL will have to rethink about having less preseason games or none at all. This isn't a season where you can blindly say bad luck. Things are very strange, but we need tune ups to get some rust off of some of these players.

The fact that ACL injuries are the feared ones in Saquon Barkley and Nick Bosa, that's a good indication of how terrible injuries are. Last week, Marlon Mack and Blake Jarwin suffered season ending injuries. And the numbers keep piling up. Concussions, ankle injuries, hamstrings. One would think to take it with a grain of salt, but the lack of facing any opponents in August. That should be a huge warning sign. San Francisco lost a few key guys on offense to add with their defensive end Bosa being hurt.

Other teams include the Packers with a few guys. Carolina losing Christian McCaffrey. Concussion or worse for Sammy Watkins and Kansas City. Regardless of severity, it's big name players. One last thing I'll talk is that we're going to see more of this pile up for the next couple of weeks. Anything after the start of October or the middle of it will be coincidence. Until then, it's anyone's guess who the next person is going to suffer the next severe injury. You hope it doesn't happen, but only a matter of when and who.

NFL NFC Thoughts 2020

 A little later than what I wanted, but ignoring politics and other issues, here's how I look at the NFL's NFC Conference.

The East is open as there aren't many positives. Potent offenses in Dallas and New York. Each have issues defensively. Facing the AFC North and NFC West won't be easy. Philadelphia has issues on both sides with health and whether Carson Wentz will even be starting. Change could occur. Only a matter of when in the season. Washington seems to be rebuild. Ron Rivera knows how to build a team considering his early years with Carolina. How many chances will he get? Maybe a team you will see be relevant in a couple years if there aren't any major problems.

If I'm looking at the North, I'm looking at Minnesota and Green Bay. They both sport top offenses and can run the ball. One of the few times since 1992 that Green Bay had a back of that caliber. Minnesota may have the edge defensively, but the Packers could prove last year was no fluke despite losing in the Championship game. Chicago is a make or break year. They have a defense that can make plays. Can whichever quarterback play lights out and will the run game be good? Truly Mitch Trubisky's last chance to be relevant. And Detroit is a question mark. Ultimately, health on offense and a defense that desperately needs to be better. For a defensive minded coach, Matt Patricia hasn't done anything. Who knows how many more chances he'll get for a franchise that hasn't had many positives since 1999.

Any team in the South has a legit chance in winning the division. New Orleans has the best opportunity. Most of the offense is intact and the defense has been good the last couple of years. Getting past the hump to another Super Bowl is all that is needed. The many additions to Tampa Bay make it an interesting team. They look ready offensively, but I do question if they'll be healthy throughout the year and the run game. Have an above average defense, and it will be playoffs for the first time since 2007 Atlanta needs the run game badly. Matt Ryan can only do so much. Todd Gurley could solve their issues, but he is injury prone. Health of the defense will also play a factor. Could be a playoff team, but I don't know. Carolina has guys on offense, but I'm not sure for defense. Very slim chance of them being in the postseason, but you never know.

I'd say the West will be the toughest division. All four teams have quarterbacks that can make big plays and the defenses are strong groups. San Francisco loses a little in the run game, but they still got a strong committee that can keep them in games. They lost some guys on defense, but there's still a good chance for the postseason. Seattle's run game can be good when healthy and that will be the key along with the young defensive unit. Is there enough to stop opposing offenses? Arizona could be the dark horse. If they click, they will surprise the league. They got pieces on offense and when good, the defense can hold its own. But they have to be committed every snap they play. And the Rams are a tough group to determine. Jared Goff can be good, but the run game will take a hit and it's hard to know how the defense will be. They did okay last year, but it could be a different story in a little more than a week.

Overall, this should be an interesting season as the league enters its second full century of football.

NFL AFC Thoughts 2020

Depending on health issues and too much focus on politics, here are my thoughts on the AFC for the NFL.

I will not say the East is wide open.  Buffalo has a decent chance to win the division. Young players with fresh experience of the postseason. A strong defense will be needed to keep them in games. Josh Allen needs to step up on offense if he wants to keep improving. New England's lost their share of players because of the offseason and virus. They might cobble together an okay year. Both sides should be concerned. The NY Jets have to be good all year round, not just the second half. Its offense has to be much better and score points to compliment a borderline good defense. And with Miami, it's a matter of building a core group. Obviously, a lot of improvement is needed because I don't see them as contenders. Maybe in a couple years.

Into the North, there's not many positives for Cincinnati. All the fans can hope for is more than two wins. Kind of a rebuild with Joe Burrow and healthy players. This year is make or break for Cleveland. They got the pieces. Maybe less hype will make them good and get a winning record for the first time since 2007.  Pittsburgh, if healthy, has a fighting chance. Offensively, it has to be 100 percent and future quarterbacks learn from Ben Roethlisberger. Add in the great defense, and it could be a contender. The only hurdle is Baltimore. There will be lots of hype. What offensive tricks do they have, and can the defense hold its own? It will be a big fight between those two teams.

Anyone could win the South. Bill O'Brien better hope his Texans can still contend. Not many offensive weapons to go and a questionable defense make it concerning. Bone headed decisions in the offseason could seal his reception. Offensive boosts will help Indianapolis. It has the defense. The passing game should get a little better, but its living on borrowed time. Jacksonville's offense should click. Can it score points this year in both facets? A swiss cheese run defense has to do much better and overall needs to create more turnovers. And Tennessee could be the team to beat this year. Plenty of fireworks in running and passing. Only question is the defense. Otherwise, this is a wide open division.

If Denver wants to win the West, Drew Lock must play well. Not a bad group offensively and the run game got a big boost. With a defense that didn't give up many touchdowns, fans should hope for the playoffs. The LA Chargers might be in rebuild for a while. Hard to know where the offense goes despite some good talent. It will have to rely on its defense for this year and maybe next year.  The new Las Vegas Raiders have a potent offense. They can run and throw. Defensively, the secondary must do better and overall prevent many touchdown scores. And with Kansas City, the issue on offense will be the run game. Passing should be no problem and the defense should be energized to defend their title. Super Bowl hangover? Maybe, but this group all together should have a good season.

Those are my thoughts regarding the AFC. Tomorrow will be thoughts on the NFC.

Pats Lawrence

No surprise, NFL players are opting out. Little over 60, maybe more. This included six or more Patriots players, a number of which are defensive guys. For as much disdain as I have for their tainted legacy over the last 20 years, some say they might be tanking on purpose to get Trevor Lawrence. I'm going to call bullshit on this one.

Granted, the best quarterback they have is Cam Newton, though he hasn't played in almost a year. They don't have much experience with the other ones either. Brian Hoyer has started, but poor play and injuries haven't helped. That Stidham guy is terrible. Offensively, the run game wasn't good last year. No tight ends contributed. But it's not an offense that is going to tank. Defensively, they will find others to fill in the spots.

Bill Belichick has been around the NFL for 40 years. He knows what he can do with a defense. He's a reason the Giants have two of the four Super Bowl trophies (technically, four since he lost to them in 2007 and 2011). He got the best of Lawrence Taylor, arguably the greatest defensive player and NFL player ever. For 20 years, he knows what he needs in his Pats defense. Ty Law, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi early on. Vince Wilfork, Asante Samuel, in the middle part of the 2000s. Those are small examples.

However, this is not a Pats problem. A lot of reshuffling is going to happen for many of the teams. I would not have my expectations be high when the season begins next month if they start on time. Without any pre-season games, it won't serve as a good test until they meet an opponent in the regular season. Safety first, but not even one game? I have a bad feeling about the first week.

But what does the team gain from tanking? I think most of the bandwagoners will disappear if that happened. And even if Lawrence were to get, he's going somewhere else. I can see Tampa a little bit. The L.A. Chargers. Maybe Carolina or Pittsburgh. There's other locations I can see him going to. But yeah, they wouldn't tank on purpose. If Parcells didn't do it, neither would Belichick. Too much fight in someone like him to want to give up that quickly.

Dak Dalt!

I think 2020 will be interesting. Who knows how the NFC East is going to be. I scratch my head at Dallas signing Andy Dalton.

Barring any injury to Dak Prescott, Dalton is going be riding the bench  for the season. Maybe be in when a blowout lead is in place. Prescott has started all games since he came into the league in 2016. Last year was his best stats with yards and touchdowns. His record is rather good. And with the franchise tag on him, he still wants to have a contract so he could be paid very well and stay with his drafted team. It buys Dallas enough time, will it be enough?

With health issues to other big paid quarterbacks, it may be a pressing concern. Dalton has had some health issues, but nothing overly major in his nine seasons. But there are other teams he could have went to. I'm surprised New England didn't try to get him. They need someone competent to backup the Stidham kid. They have Brian Hoyer, but it's a different kind of Hoyer. Jacksonville needs someone. Gardner Minshew was good, but could he handle being a starter? Not to mention Jay Gruden is calling plays now, and Dalton had good success with him when they were in Cincinnati together from 2011 to 2013. I think he could still start somewhere. Maybe he prefers being close to home. Texas is where he grew up and he played at TCU college.

There's a lot more that could be said. Dallas gets a good backup, but it feels like a waste. If the season gets started on time, we'll truly get to see how things pan out. As of now, not bad, but could have been better.

2020 NFL Draft Reaction

I'm going to talk mainly the choices that were in the first round and a few notables outside of it.

I would say that the teams got what they needed to fix certain spots in the positions that they have problems in. Joe Burrow was obvious with going to the Bengals. Washington, Detroit and the New York Giants got big help with their picks. Big defensive boosts for the first two and an offensive one for the last. Miami and the LA Chargers got guys that could be the next big signal callers. Some defensive guys going to Carolina, Arizona, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Atlanta. Receivers going to Denver, Philadelphia, Minnesota. Kansas City needing a running back. New Orleans getting a new center. Tampa and Miami getting insurance for offensive lineman. Some of the big notables in that round

Some notables in other rounds Jake Fromm going to Buffalo. Jalen Hurts was a surprise pick for Philadelphia. Jonathan Taylor heads to Indy and the thought of a one two punch with Marlon Mack. Jon Runyan Jr. following in his father's footsteps as a lineman for Green Bay.  Certain guys were seen going other places this weekend. Trent Williams goes to the 49ers in the wake of the retirement of longtime vet Joe Staley. Matt Brieda heads to Miami, which will help the ground game. Jameis Winston backs up Drew Brees in New Orleans. The NFC South and AFC East have some interesting playmakers heading into the regular season, pending if it even starts on time.

The Hurts pick may seem weird, but I don't think it is. I'd consider it insurance in case Carson Wentz goes down. Knocked out of the playoffs this past season. Lingering injuries in 2018 that stemmed from the end of the 2017 season. Makes sense a little bit. Not to mention Wentz is now a risky player. Green Bay fans are upset with Jordan Love in the first round as their pick. Regardless of talent, Aaron Rodgers has injury history. Not his best year last season, but could be better this upcoming year.

This is the best we're going to see for sports until things go back to normal.

Big Mouth Fat Boy

The NFL offseason is one to see this year. Let's go back to 2011. Giant running back Brandon Jacobs made it very clear his disdain for Jet coach Rex Ryan, and saying fat boy, big bellied coach. Someone that stood up against the loudmouth who acted like he could win anything. It's a shtick. Worked in 2009 and 2010. Has not worked since due to many failures with the Jets and later on with Buffalo. His criticisms of players as an analyst on ESPN is one that was due to get ripped on.

This isn't shocking to me. The Ryan family is nothing but arrogant. You can talk all you want about dad Buddy in 1989 putting a bounty of Luis Zendejas and punching Kevin Gilbride in 1993 as a Houston Oiler member. The reason I bring up Jacobs was that both the Giants and Jets faced each other Christmas Eve of 2011. It's a game I do remember. A very critical one and Big Blue had reasons to be mad because of Rex's approach to wanting success and covering the then three Giant Super Bowl trophies. You could look at that game as the focal point to where the Jets began to crumble under his tenure.

His criticism of Amari Cooper's big contract with Dallas was not warranted. Criticize him all you want, but you can't call him a turd for wanting big money for the success he has had the last five years. Cooper put up his best numbers last year. He's had huge games. And the ripping of former Jet players has gotten ones that played for him to rip him. The latest one being Geno Smith. I don't think Smith was that good in 2013, but the fact he won eight games should be a surprise. Without him (though he wasn't a huge factor), I'm not sure the Jets get to that number. And I'm not a Jet fan.

This is the one guy who can get away with stuff on ESPN. It brings in viewers. You get the controversy. You get both sides going at it. This is the cycle we see from many sports networks. That one guy that has no idea what he's talking about. Skip Bayless (how the hell did that guy get famous?), Colin Cowherd. Many more. Bad publicity can be good, regardless of consequences.