I woke up this morning with a numb arm and neck stiffness. As usual I did my normal warm up to get the blood flowing so my body can somewhat function close to normal. From the years of pounding I've taken in the glamorous yet not so glamorous game of football, I have nerve problems stemming from neck and shoulder issues. Now don't get me wrong I am definitely not complaining, I love football and that's what I signed up for. There are many players who face these same ailments and more everyday. Knowing this, the big money NFL owners still want to add two more games to an already long and grueling season. I have thought about this issue since it became a topic, and I see no other reason to do it but to enhance the almighty dollars they have already.
Following the owners meeting Commissioner Goodell expressed a great amount of support to start an 18 game season. Followed by another statement that the league is looking for ways to increase revenues. Seriously ? The owners need more money ? And of course, it's at the players expense. When will the owners realize they need the players just as much as the players need them ? Yes, they provide many things for players in the NFL. Financial security, able to play a sport we love in front of thousands of supporters, incentives, benefits, etc. We are thankful for that, and are grateful. However, do they truly realize the impact it has on our lives ? The impact on our family lives, being away from our children, outside drama and distractions, being targeted and possibly taken advantage of by people. And let's not forget the impact it has on our bodies. Although we train a certain way, it's to prevent injury and minimize the amount of stress our bodies take from week to week. Long term damage is even worse. Concussions affect our mental capacities. From memory loss, to deteriorating motor skills, and many athletes are dying from Lou Gehrig disease because of the toxic proteins that form from brain trauma. Soreness, numbness, bad joint function and the list goes on. The average life expectancy of a normal person is 77 years old. For an NFL player it's 55, that's more than 20 years taken away. That's 20 plus years a player doesn't get to spend with his wife and kids. Heavier guys like lineman only live to be 50 -52 years old. So tell me, what two extra games would truly do for the NFL, besides take an extra 2-3 years per season off players lives and cause the possibility for more injuries.
This would also cause more labor issues. Already there is talk of a potential strike. This will cause even more problems considering there is no agreement in place. The players union is already fighting to retain fair revenue sharing, benefits, and more. This does nothing but create more of a problem for both sides. And a strike is not where the NFL wants to go with this. It looks bad for one, two it affects the players as far as pay, and three it affects the owners pockets too. Sure, they could find second and third tier players to fill in, but will as many people who come to see Andre Johnson come to see Jim from the Galleria ? I'm gonna guess, probably not. To me that would be like going to the Miss Universe Pageant expecting to see the most beautiful, most fit, the highest quality women each country has to offer but instead I get Aretha Franklin, Roseanne Barr, and Rosie O'donnell. I could only hope they bypass the swimsuit competition. Either that or I'm bringing my own stash of Pepto. The point, is that the owners will lose money fast, from concessions, television contracts, and advertisement. Then everyone is right back at square. one.
Sorry owners, but the players are what makes the NFL what it is. Fans come out to see their favorite players and teams, not average or third tier players or businessmen sitting in boxes sipping 50-year-old scotch talking about numbers or how big their yacht's are. Adding two meaningless games isn't gonna take their revenue to any substantial increase. The owners should really consider this and be fair. If they are really concerned about the player's health and livelihood as they say, then it's a no brainer. The schedule is fine, the divisions are equal in number and balance. There are more than enough injuries happening daily than need be. Even with the Collective Bargaining Agreement still being negotiated, fans are still very excited about the NFL. I'm sure most of these owners are golfers, they should take the same approach one would take when being coached on their swing. Less, is more.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Blinded ?
On a normal hot day in Houston, I sit in my office and stare at the slight bit of humidity in the air. Which leaves me a bit puzzled. How is there a slight film in the air although the sun is out and only a few clouds in the sky ? Why can't the sun just burn off whatever it is in the air ? I am just as confused about the Houston Texans and what the decision-making process is there. I am befuddled by personnel decisions mostly. I do not understand what it is they see or don't see. There are obvious needs for this team and they have not been addressed. And it doesn't look like they will be any time soon.
The Houston Texans organization is very good. They have a pretty good reputation, a respectable and generous owner, and seem to have guys with "character" on the team. But Is this the reason for their mediocrity ? Is being a "goody too shoes' hurting the Texans ? I think so, and if chances aren't taken this will turn out to be an average team and organization. On the offensive side of the ball I think they are pretty set. Schaub has developed into a very good QB, they have in my opinion the best WR in the game in Andre Johnson. Owen Daniels is one of the top tight ends in the game, even coming off of an injury. The offensive line is good but not great and the running back situation has become better with Foster developing. I still think they need a real #2 wide out to help Andre. Kevin Walters is decent but he is more of a third WR than a #2, and David Anderson is definitely a third or fourth wide out at this point.
Here is where I am puzzled. The linebackers are the strength of this defense. Cushing is suspended the first four games, and that will hurt. The defensive line and the secondary are for sure the weak spots. Mario Williams has had up and down years, has been injured quite often, and has not been the dominating force as projected. He is the only real threat on the defensive line. Antonio Smith was signed from Arizona, but he has not lived up to the money he received. After that there is a huge drop off. The secondary is young, very young. Kareem Jackson is a rookie and Quinn is a second year player. Eugene Wilson has the most experience back there. The Texans did nothing to improve these areas of the team. Even teams that have been winning of a consistent basis still go out and find more players to elevate their team. Sure they drafted Jackson in the first round, but after that what's left ? Plus, he is facing a learning curve himself. They have no real depth and no real experience overall. Failing to address these areas could be the key to why the Texans finish 9-7 again. Yep, just as I predicted last year.
You have to take some chances in this or any other business. If McNair is wanting to win now as he says, then he has to go out and get players to improve this team. Even if they have checkered pasts, as strong as the organization is, the change of environment might help ! Don't just settle for what you have because the players here now are stand up guys. Last I checked morals don't win football games, football players win football games. Look at the Redskins for example. Haynesworth has been a pain in the u know what, but when he is right he is a dominant player and Shanahan knows that. So hell yea they are going to keep him.
The Texans have this philosophy of building through the draft. That's fine and dandy, but who is going to teach these young players how to play ? Eventually they learn on their own, but that's after years of trial and error. How do they know if what they are learning fits the way they play ? Every player has a certain style, and they have to implement that style into the defense in order to be successful. It's also up to the coaches to know what kind of player they have and know how to design and call the defense around them. Aaron Glenn and I were able to play both zone and man to man coverage. Coaches could leave us out on the island and not worry about us. Do you think that gave us an advantage ? I would think so. That's why an experienced player is always needed . Coaches can say what they what in the film room, but when on the field it's totally different. Considering how fast things happen, learning from someone who has been there is a huge advantage than just solely watching film.
In my opinion this is where the Texans are failing. No real experience and no real play makers or game changers in certain positions. They will always be a .500 team unless this changes. They have just enough to get by at this point. However, they will soon be left behind because everyone else around them is improving. And as the sun eventually will burn off the slight film in the air, I'm sure the Texans will come to the realization that certain changes have to be made and addressed. Difference is, the sun has time and it's hand is not be forced. The Texans are on a much tighter time-table and a solar storm is sure to hit if things don't change.
The Houston Texans organization is very good. They have a pretty good reputation, a respectable and generous owner, and seem to have guys with "character" on the team. But Is this the reason for their mediocrity ? Is being a "goody too shoes' hurting the Texans ? I think so, and if chances aren't taken this will turn out to be an average team and organization. On the offensive side of the ball I think they are pretty set. Schaub has developed into a very good QB, they have in my opinion the best WR in the game in Andre Johnson. Owen Daniels is one of the top tight ends in the game, even coming off of an injury. The offensive line is good but not great and the running back situation has become better with Foster developing. I still think they need a real #2 wide out to help Andre. Kevin Walters is decent but he is more of a third WR than a #2, and David Anderson is definitely a third or fourth wide out at this point.
Here is where I am puzzled. The linebackers are the strength of this defense. Cushing is suspended the first four games, and that will hurt. The defensive line and the secondary are for sure the weak spots. Mario Williams has had up and down years, has been injured quite often, and has not been the dominating force as projected. He is the only real threat on the defensive line. Antonio Smith was signed from Arizona, but he has not lived up to the money he received. After that there is a huge drop off. The secondary is young, very young. Kareem Jackson is a rookie and Quinn is a second year player. Eugene Wilson has the most experience back there. The Texans did nothing to improve these areas of the team. Even teams that have been winning of a consistent basis still go out and find more players to elevate their team. Sure they drafted Jackson in the first round, but after that what's left ? Plus, he is facing a learning curve himself. They have no real depth and no real experience overall. Failing to address these areas could be the key to why the Texans finish 9-7 again. Yep, just as I predicted last year.
You have to take some chances in this or any other business. If McNair is wanting to win now as he says, then he has to go out and get players to improve this team. Even if they have checkered pasts, as strong as the organization is, the change of environment might help ! Don't just settle for what you have because the players here now are stand up guys. Last I checked morals don't win football games, football players win football games. Look at the Redskins for example. Haynesworth has been a pain in the u know what, but when he is right he is a dominant player and Shanahan knows that. So hell yea they are going to keep him.
The Texans have this philosophy of building through the draft. That's fine and dandy, but who is going to teach these young players how to play ? Eventually they learn on their own, but that's after years of trial and error. How do they know if what they are learning fits the way they play ? Every player has a certain style, and they have to implement that style into the defense in order to be successful. It's also up to the coaches to know what kind of player they have and know how to design and call the defense around them. Aaron Glenn and I were able to play both zone and man to man coverage. Coaches could leave us out on the island and not worry about us. Do you think that gave us an advantage ? I would think so. That's why an experienced player is always needed . Coaches can say what they what in the film room, but when on the field it's totally different. Considering how fast things happen, learning from someone who has been there is a huge advantage than just solely watching film.
In my opinion this is where the Texans are failing. No real experience and no real play makers or game changers in certain positions. They will always be a .500 team unless this changes. They have just enough to get by at this point. However, they will soon be left behind because everyone else around them is improving. And as the sun eventually will burn off the slight film in the air, I'm sure the Texans will come to the realization that certain changes have to be made and addressed. Difference is, the sun has time and it's hand is not be forced. The Texans are on a much tighter time-table and a solar storm is sure to hit if things don't change.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Mo Money ! Mo Money !
If many of you watched the Jets Giants game last night, I think it's important to realize what a tricky position both the Jets and cornerback Darrelle Revis are in. Without Revis in the line up last night, it's very obvious the Jets are very weak at corner. Cromartie played well, but besides him no one else showed they could make up for the loss Revis. I'm sure the Jets are now evaluating their options to get him signed, but Revis as well is probably doing some soul-searching himself.
Darrelle Revis was without question the best cornerback in the NFL last year. He definitely confirmed that there are still "shut down" corners left in this era of football. At this point he has out played his contract, but for the insane amount of money he wants based off of a deal done by the crypt keeper, Al Davis he and his agent need to use more common sense. This looks really bad for Revis. As a former player I do understand wanting to paid what you're worth. The year I resigned with the Jets I saw a bigger purpose than just being paid crazy money. I could have easily gone out to free agency and gotten paid by many clubs. However, I did not want to start over, I trusted Bill, and I knew we had an opportunity to do something special. Personally, I did not want to miss out on that. Which is why I don't understand the logic behind this hold out.
From what I've read, the Jets offered Revis a 10 year $120 million contract. And Revis is seeking $160 million to "take care of his family". For real dawg ? He can't take care of his family with $120 million ? How many families is he supporting ? Is there a supreme gold addition of Ramen Noodles out there that I don't know about ? To use the "I have to take care of my family excuse" as his reason is total bullbleep. How about this Darrelle, just be honest and tell all your fans, that pay your salary by the way, that you have fed into the hype, your head is the same size as the newly opened Meadowlands Stadiums, and your poo doesn't stink so you should be paid like it. At least we all would respect you more for being honest. Instead, you pulled a cliché statement out of butt and you want us to all jump on your side for your "family". I'm sorry but I can not do that.
It's apparent NFL clubs are taking a harder look at how they are paying players. There are some salaries that have gotten out of control. What Revis and his agent have forgotten is that you can't have the "daddy he got some more money I want some too" attitude. Clubs have different pay scales and guidelines they follow. You have to work within the confines of those guidelines. He can't just say I want this and expect to get it. No matter how good of a player he is, no matter how valuable he is to the Jets, all clubs have the same mentality. You can, and will be replaced. Sure, he can ask for a trade and but from my personal knowledge of GM Mike Tannebaum, they'll ship him off. The only problem with that, is will he sacrifice being on a good team and winning for being on a crappy team and being paid. It will be hard for him to get on certain teams demanding that type of money. What if the Jets end up going to the Super Bowl as predicted ? Then that may be an opportunity missed. We went to the AFC Championship in 98, thinking we would go back, we never had a sniff at it again. Those are things you can't get back, those are the things in life you don't want to look back at and regret.
No one really has leverage here in my opinion. A common ground needs to be reached in some way to get this done. Honestly, I think the offer by the Jets was very fair. It has many advantages, and even though nothing is certain it makes him a Jet for his career. I just don't see the downside in that. On top of that you are playing on a team that wants to win and will do what it takes to win. Revis needs to put his pride aside and leave his ego at the door and just play. He will be rewarded, the Jets have already assured him of that. What does being the highest paid corner in the league do for him ? It doesn't help him win. It doesn't make his career any better than it is or would be if he took less money. Ultimately, if he isn't on a winning team then he is just another corner to pass through the NFL. Now that's something to be proud of. Guess then you could put him and a professional groupie in the same category. Only he would be the highest paid groupie in the league. Karrine Steffans beware, your crown is in jeopardy. There is a new Vixen in the spotlight. I'm not certain of this but he has covered more people than even you.
Darrelle Revis was without question the best cornerback in the NFL last year. He definitely confirmed that there are still "shut down" corners left in this era of football. At this point he has out played his contract, but for the insane amount of money he wants based off of a deal done by the crypt keeper, Al Davis he and his agent need to use more common sense. This looks really bad for Revis. As a former player I do understand wanting to paid what you're worth. The year I resigned with the Jets I saw a bigger purpose than just being paid crazy money. I could have easily gone out to free agency and gotten paid by many clubs. However, I did not want to start over, I trusted Bill, and I knew we had an opportunity to do something special. Personally, I did not want to miss out on that. Which is why I don't understand the logic behind this hold out.
From what I've read, the Jets offered Revis a 10 year $120 million contract. And Revis is seeking $160 million to "take care of his family". For real dawg ? He can't take care of his family with $120 million ? How many families is he supporting ? Is there a supreme gold addition of Ramen Noodles out there that I don't know about ? To use the "I have to take care of my family excuse" as his reason is total bullbleep. How about this Darrelle, just be honest and tell all your fans, that pay your salary by the way, that you have fed into the hype, your head is the same size as the newly opened Meadowlands Stadiums, and your poo doesn't stink so you should be paid like it. At least we all would respect you more for being honest. Instead, you pulled a cliché statement out of butt and you want us to all jump on your side for your "family". I'm sorry but I can not do that.
It's apparent NFL clubs are taking a harder look at how they are paying players. There are some salaries that have gotten out of control. What Revis and his agent have forgotten is that you can't have the "daddy he got some more money I want some too" attitude. Clubs have different pay scales and guidelines they follow. You have to work within the confines of those guidelines. He can't just say I want this and expect to get it. No matter how good of a player he is, no matter how valuable he is to the Jets, all clubs have the same mentality. You can, and will be replaced. Sure, he can ask for a trade and but from my personal knowledge of GM Mike Tannebaum, they'll ship him off. The only problem with that, is will he sacrifice being on a good team and winning for being on a crappy team and being paid. It will be hard for him to get on certain teams demanding that type of money. What if the Jets end up going to the Super Bowl as predicted ? Then that may be an opportunity missed. We went to the AFC Championship in 98, thinking we would go back, we never had a sniff at it again. Those are things you can't get back, those are the things in life you don't want to look back at and regret.
No one really has leverage here in my opinion. A common ground needs to be reached in some way to get this done. Honestly, I think the offer by the Jets was very fair. It has many advantages, and even though nothing is certain it makes him a Jet for his career. I just don't see the downside in that. On top of that you are playing on a team that wants to win and will do what it takes to win. Revis needs to put his pride aside and leave his ego at the door and just play. He will be rewarded, the Jets have already assured him of that. What does being the highest paid corner in the league do for him ? It doesn't help him win. It doesn't make his career any better than it is or would be if he took less money. Ultimately, if he isn't on a winning team then he is just another corner to pass through the NFL. Now that's something to be proud of. Guess then you could put him and a professional groupie in the same category. Only he would be the highest paid groupie in the league. Karrine Steffans beware, your crown is in jeopardy. There is a new Vixen in the spotlight. I'm not certain of this but he has covered more people than even you.
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