Where do you even start with a story like this? Do you start with how bad this trade really is for the Vikings? With how inept the Vikings front office and coaching staff are? Or do you start by talking about how the Vikings have gone downhill under Red McCombs?
It is only right that Moss should go to the Raiders. He belongs there. Good luck catching touch passes from Collins and Tuis-whatever, Randy. It is also ironic that the Raiders made this trade because it is obvious the Vikings were raided. Pillaged might be a better word. This is Herschel Walker in reverse. Napoleon Harris?!? Are you kidding me? An average linebacker, a 1st round pick, and a low round pick? For the 2nd best receiver in the league? Unbelievable!
The chronology of events makes you wonder what has been happening at HQ. Are the front office, owners, and coaching staff even talking to each other? First the trade rumors started flying, then Moss said he would be happy elsewhere, then the Vikings denied they were shopping Moss, then McCombs gave permission to trade him, then they sold the team, then Moss said he wanted to stay, then more rumors, then Tice said they would probably keep him, then the new owners said they were looking forward to working with Moss, and then he was traded away for virtually nothing. The Three Stooges look like brilliant engineers compared to the Vikings right now.
Randy Moss should have brought one great defender or at least two defensive starters, plus draft picks. Instead, Rob Brzezinski took an average linebacker, the 7th overall pick, and a low-round pick. He traded away the only player the Vikings can't win without, they are .500 without Moss and can't beat a good team without him. The 3-7 end of season slide started when Moss got injured.
Tice says he wants to be more of a running team. Really? The Vikings were in the top 4 last season in yards per rush. So far, so good. But they were among the league's worst in rush yards per game. Does that sound like the coaching staff knows how to run the ball? No! Tice doesn't know how to use the running game and they just traded away the only receiver on the team that can stop other teams from stacking the line against the run. Brilliant!
The other line they used when shopping Moss was that they could upgrade the defense. Napoleon Harris is a good linebacker, but he will not single-handedly improve the Vikings defense. Will they improve in the draft? Remember, this is the team that failed to make a pick in a draft and allowed another team to move into their spot and grab a great defender. Can we trust them to draft wisely? No matter who the Vikings get with those draft picks, they won't compare in value to Moss.
Should the Vikings have traded Moss? It depends. For 2 defenders and 2 high-round picks? Yes. For an average LB and any 2 picks? No. This was a bad trade for the Vikings and all but guarantees a sub-.500 season. We have all known for quite some time that Minnesota had one of the worst owners in the NFL and one of the worst coaching staffs in the league. Now we see that the front office is equally inept.
Reggie Fowler has paid big money for a team that just traded away one of its most valuable assets. You have to wonder if he had any say in this at all. He's not supposed to, but, for the money he spent, he could have laid down a few ground rules. When he takes over the team we will find out. If he gets control early enough, he should do a thorough house-cleaning starting in the front office. This trade demonstrates that the people there are not qualified.
The one thing that makes this trade look truly bad, is the fact that the Vikings are $30 million dollars under the cap. They could have signed 4 quality defenders that would have improved the defense, kept their potent offense intact, reinforced the running game, and drafted more quality defenders and turned this team into a contender in the NFC. Instead, they chose to re-tool the offense before making any improvements on defense. This is a trade that could have waited. This is a trade that should not have been made.
There is only one way this trade makes sense. If the Vikings now get Plaxico Burress or Derrick Mason, draft another big-time receiver, and spend most of their available cap money on defensive studs, they could turn this around. But that won't change the fact that they gave Randy Moss away for half of what he is worth. And that simple fact tells you all you need to know about the Vikings current organization. Fowler can't take control soon enough!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Colts Continue To Stack The Offense
The Colts signed offensive tackle Ryan Diem to a 7-year contract and made it cap-friendly with a $12 million signing bonus. This is another sign that Indianapolis believes they can win with offense only.
How can the defensive coaches continue to watch the team sign offensive studs and allow the defense to continue its deterioration without becoming a little bitter?
In a conference where the Colts' 12-4 record left them a #3 seed in the playoffs, it seems a bit foolish to build a dome-only offense and not do everything possible to shore up the defense. The Colts play all 8 road games outdoors next season. If they continue to play .500 or worse on the road, they will never get the #1 seed necessary for them to advance to the Super Bowl.
How can the defensive coaches continue to watch the team sign offensive studs and allow the defense to continue its deterioration without becoming a little bitter?
In a conference where the Colts' 12-4 record left them a #3 seed in the playoffs, it seems a bit foolish to build a dome-only offense and not do everything possible to shore up the defense. The Colts play all 8 road games outdoors next season. If they continue to play .500 or worse on the road, they will never get the #1 seed necessary for them to advance to the Super Bowl.
Vikings Can Afford a Defense
The Minnesota Vikings are in very good condition financially heading into this year's free agency and draft season. Thanks to the cheapest owner in the NFL, Red McCombs, the Vikings are poised to make some noise this off-season. Hopefully, the new owners will be more competitive than McCombs was cheap and they will be willing to spend the cap money available. I know that McCombs still owns the team and must sign off on all transactions, but it's not really his money he's spending any more. I believe Reggie Fowler may have suggested that Red open things up.
Which brings us to this; the Vikings are more than $30 million under the cap, made the playoffs last year (barely), and have a high-powered offense ready to go. That means the Vikings can spend most of their available cap money on free agents, and that means they can very easily improve the defense.
Some money will have to be spent on current players such as Chris Hovan and Jermaine Wiggins, but the majority will be available to help the defense. The offense should not need much tinkering. Kleinsasser will return healthy next year and most of the other offensive starters are already signed. They must sign Wiggins, he proved his value last season. But the rest of the offense is set. In fact, the only change they should make is to deal either Michael Bennett or Mewelde Moore. That would leave them with a quality starter in the backfield and plenty of depth with Moe Williams and Onterrio Smith.
Defensively, the Vikings have many holes and the money to fill them. On the defensive line, they will re-sign Hovan. Then they should pursue a big-time defensive end. John Abraham would look very good in a Vikings uniform, but there are a few good DE's out there.
The biggest improvement the Vikings need is at linebacker, and there are several very good ones available. Jeremiah Trotter should be pursued aggressively. The improvement he made to the Eagles when he became a starter last year was impressive. They could not only sign Trotter, but they could also go after Larry Foote or Kendrell Bell of the Steelers. Either of them would be a good fit in Minnesota.
This may sound like wishful thinking, but Abraham, Trotter, and Bell could all be signed and still leave over $10 million in cap room available for signing a big-time defensive back and several draft choices. And signing those three players would transform Minnesota's defense into one of the top defenses in the league and make the Vikings a real contender in the NFC.
What the Vikings actually do with all that cap room will be interesting to watch. It will also tell us whether the new owners are serious about winning, or are just trying to turn a profit.
Which brings us to this; the Vikings are more than $30 million under the cap, made the playoffs last year (barely), and have a high-powered offense ready to go. That means the Vikings can spend most of their available cap money on free agents, and that means they can very easily improve the defense.
Some money will have to be spent on current players such as Chris Hovan and Jermaine Wiggins, but the majority will be available to help the defense. The offense should not need much tinkering. Kleinsasser will return healthy next year and most of the other offensive starters are already signed. They must sign Wiggins, he proved his value last season. But the rest of the offense is set. In fact, the only change they should make is to deal either Michael Bennett or Mewelde Moore. That would leave them with a quality starter in the backfield and plenty of depth with Moe Williams and Onterrio Smith.
Defensively, the Vikings have many holes and the money to fill them. On the defensive line, they will re-sign Hovan. Then they should pursue a big-time defensive end. John Abraham would look very good in a Vikings uniform, but there are a few good DE's out there.
The biggest improvement the Vikings need is at linebacker, and there are several very good ones available. Jeremiah Trotter should be pursued aggressively. The improvement he made to the Eagles when he became a starter last year was impressive. They could not only sign Trotter, but they could also go after Larry Foote or Kendrell Bell of the Steelers. Either of them would be a good fit in Minnesota.
This may sound like wishful thinking, but Abraham, Trotter, and Bell could all be signed and still leave over $10 million in cap room available for signing a big-time defensive back and several draft choices. And signing those three players would transform Minnesota's defense into one of the top defenses in the league and make the Vikings a real contender in the NFC.
What the Vikings actually do with all that cap room will be interesting to watch. It will also tell us whether the new owners are serious about winning, or are just trying to turn a profit.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Salary Cap Issues Could Sink Titans
Last week, I included the Tennessee Titans on a list of teams that could make a big move up next season. I may have to adjust my thinking on that. I was aware that the Titans had some salary cap issues, but I didn't realize how bad it was. The Titans are apparently over $27 million over the cap and need to get under by March 1.
If the person who created this debacle hasn't already been fired, he should be released immediately to prevent any further damage. It is one thing to push the cap in order to buy a competitive team to make a run at the Super Bowl, but the Titans haven't even come close in the last few years.
Tennessee is now faced with the choice of blowing up their team and rebuilding through the draft, or just getting under the cap and playing with the team they have, minus the big-name free-agents they must let go to get under the cap.
And then there is this concerning Steve McNair:
Sure the Titans still believe in their great signal caller and he dropped his salary from $7.5 million to $765,000, but he also received the difference in signing bonus. And that means if he were to retire next year the club would have to pay that off immediately along with other bonus charges from former renegotiations. If McNair called it quits at the end of the 2005 season, the Titans would lose close to $14 million of salary cap space in 2006. That's a big pill to swallow.
How does a team get to this point? The Tennessee Titans have some tough choices to make. But, no matter what they do, they are facing a difficult season. Jeff Fisher is an excellent coach, but not even he will be able to win with what is left on this team in August.
If the person who created this debacle hasn't already been fired, he should be released immediately to prevent any further damage. It is one thing to push the cap in order to buy a competitive team to make a run at the Super Bowl, but the Titans haven't even come close in the last few years.
Tennessee is now faced with the choice of blowing up their team and rebuilding through the draft, or just getting under the cap and playing with the team they have, minus the big-name free-agents they must let go to get under the cap.
And then there is this concerning Steve McNair:
Sure the Titans still believe in their great signal caller and he dropped his salary from $7.5 million to $765,000, but he also received the difference in signing bonus. And that means if he were to retire next year the club would have to pay that off immediately along with other bonus charges from former renegotiations. If McNair called it quits at the end of the 2005 season, the Titans would lose close to $14 million of salary cap space in 2006. That's a big pill to swallow.
How does a team get to this point? The Tennessee Titans have some tough choices to make. But, no matter what they do, they are facing a difficult season. Jeff Fisher is an excellent coach, but not even he will be able to win with what is left on this team in August.
Friday, February 18, 2005
New Way of Handling Aging RBs Emerging
Last season we saw a new way of handling aging Running Backs that appears to be very successful; giving them a rest. This new way of handling backs might just catch on.
Curtis Martin, Jerome Bettis, and Emmitt Smith all had much better production last year than in previous years. In fact, Martin and Bettis had great years. The one common factor for all three was a reduced workload in the pres-season or beginning of the regular season.
Martin was held out of many workouts and had a very reduced workload throughout the pre-season. He responded with 1,697 yards and the NFL rushing title. Bettis had a reduced workload for different reasons, but when Staley went down the Bus was fresh and ran for 941 yards and 13 TDs. Emmitt Smith took it easy and responded with a much better year than his previous two with the Cardinals.
Now Mike Martz has announced that Steven Jackson will be his starter next year and Marshall Faulk will be a backup and/or 3rd down back. Maybe we will see a new trend in the NFL where coaches ease up a bit on their workhorses trying to squeeze a few more years of good production out of them.
We have seen a lot of backs turn 31 and go downhill in a hurry, statistically. Perhaps coaches can change that a bit.
Of course, that won't make all those Fantasy Football guys happy when they have more and more studs sharing time with backups. Faulk's fantasy value has just dropped and Steven Jackson's has just gone up. But neither went up or down as much as if Jackson were the only RB on the team and Faulk was playing elsewhere.
Curtis Martin, Jerome Bettis, and Emmitt Smith all had much better production last year than in previous years. In fact, Martin and Bettis had great years. The one common factor for all three was a reduced workload in the pres-season or beginning of the regular season.
Martin was held out of many workouts and had a very reduced workload throughout the pre-season. He responded with 1,697 yards and the NFL rushing title. Bettis had a reduced workload for different reasons, but when Staley went down the Bus was fresh and ran for 941 yards and 13 TDs. Emmitt Smith took it easy and responded with a much better year than his previous two with the Cardinals.
Now Mike Martz has announced that Steven Jackson will be his starter next year and Marshall Faulk will be a backup and/or 3rd down back. Maybe we will see a new trend in the NFL where coaches ease up a bit on their workhorses trying to squeeze a few more years of good production out of them.
We have seen a lot of backs turn 31 and go downhill in a hurry, statistically. Perhaps coaches can change that a bit.
Of course, that won't make all those Fantasy Football guys happy when they have more and more studs sharing time with backups. Faulk's fantasy value has just dropped and Steven Jackson's has just gone up. But neither went up or down as much as if Jackson were the only RB on the team and Faulk was playing elsewhere.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
2005 Up and Comers
It's probably too early to know which teams will make serious improvements next season. The free agent season and draft are still to come. But, from the choices and changes some teams have already made, we can see some possibilities. Here are a few teams that could improve by 2 or 3 wins or more next season, in no particular order.
Miami Dolphins: The Fins looked truly bad at times last year, but the defense was solid. If they improve the offensive line and get a good running back, this is easily a .500 team and could make a run at the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals: This is a team on the verge of something. Whether they go up or down depends on several things. But the improvement on offense last year will continue with the maturing of Carson Palmer. If they can make Rudi happy and make a little progress defensively, they could make some noise.
Tennessee Titans: After one of the most injury-plagued seasons in history, the Titans need to get healthy. They have good talent and coaching. Their transition from an aging team, injuries, and the loss of a few free agents studs all added up to a down year. But next year should be much better.
Dallas Cowboys: In one 7-game stretch they went 1-6. During that time the running game was non-existent and the passing game was just plain bad. The defense also let down last year. But, at the end of the year we saw signs of what was to come. Parcells found his running back and the defense started to play better. If the Cowboys can find a good QB and improve a little defensively, they can make a run at the weak NFC playoffs and give Philly a little competition in the division.
Minnesota Vikings: The sale of the team bodes well, but Mike Tice and the coaching staff will have to improve their game-day decisions. If Tice can open things up and get defensive help, this team goes 10-6.
Detroit Lions: They improved as the running game improved at the end of the season and they were a botched snap from a chance at the playoffs. Mariucci will look for help for Harrington, the receivers will be healthy, and the running game is strong. Detroit should go over .500 next year and, in the NFC, that means a shot at the playoffs.
Carolina Panthers: Another team that was killed by injuries. Once they adjusted and started to trust the players, they came on strong. If they're healthy next year, they should go 10-6.
Arizona Cardinals: Dennis Green was getting a lot of criticism last year, but the fact is the Cardinals made some big improvements, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If they could have beaten the worst team in the NFL (SF), they had a real shot at the division title (even if it was the worst division in football). They are a good QB and RB away from the NFC West division crown next year. But those are some pretty big holes to fill.
San Francisco 49ers: They would have to have been twice as good last year to only be horrible, so this team almost can't help but get better. Five wins is a big improvement.
Miami Dolphins: The Fins looked truly bad at times last year, but the defense was solid. If they improve the offensive line and get a good running back, this is easily a .500 team and could make a run at the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals: This is a team on the verge of something. Whether they go up or down depends on several things. But the improvement on offense last year will continue with the maturing of Carson Palmer. If they can make Rudi happy and make a little progress defensively, they could make some noise.
Tennessee Titans: After one of the most injury-plagued seasons in history, the Titans need to get healthy. They have good talent and coaching. Their transition from an aging team, injuries, and the loss of a few free agents studs all added up to a down year. But next year should be much better.
Dallas Cowboys: In one 7-game stretch they went 1-6. During that time the running game was non-existent and the passing game was just plain bad. The defense also let down last year. But, at the end of the year we saw signs of what was to come. Parcells found his running back and the defense started to play better. If the Cowboys can find a good QB and improve a little defensively, they can make a run at the weak NFC playoffs and give Philly a little competition in the division.
Minnesota Vikings: The sale of the team bodes well, but Mike Tice and the coaching staff will have to improve their game-day decisions. If Tice can open things up and get defensive help, this team goes 10-6.
Detroit Lions: They improved as the running game improved at the end of the season and they were a botched snap from a chance at the playoffs. Mariucci will look for help for Harrington, the receivers will be healthy, and the running game is strong. Detroit should go over .500 next year and, in the NFC, that means a shot at the playoffs.
Carolina Panthers: Another team that was killed by injuries. Once they adjusted and started to trust the players, they came on strong. If they're healthy next year, they should go 10-6.
Arizona Cardinals: Dennis Green was getting a lot of criticism last year, but the fact is the Cardinals made some big improvements, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If they could have beaten the worst team in the NFL (SF), they had a real shot at the division title (even if it was the worst division in football). They are a good QB and RB away from the NFC West division crown next year. But those are some pretty big holes to fill.
San Francisco 49ers: They would have to have been twice as good last year to only be horrible, so this team almost can't help but get better. Five wins is a big improvement.
Is Bledsoe Really That Bad?
I have seen a lot of articles today criticizing Drew Bledsoe as a quarterback. "Washed up" and "never was" seem to be a theme when discussing Bledsoe. But, I think everyone is missing a couple of points. Bledsoe will never be compared to Montana or Elway, but he is not a bad QB. I believe that Bledsoe is a guy in search of a system.
For all of the criticism this year, you wouldn't think Bledsoe compared well against some of the other QBs in the league. But he had more TD passes and total TDs than Michael Vick and a similar passer rating. I don't see anyone showing Vick the door. Bledsoe threw a lot of interceptions, 16, but 6 QBs threw more, including Jake Plummer, Kerry Collins, Trent Green, and Brett Favre. None of those QBs are being sent packing. In fact Favre is being begged to return and Plummer is getting ready to sign a new contract.
Could it be his won-loss record? He has a losing record in Buffalo, but remember that he came to Buffalo after the Bills went 3-13. Playing .500 was an improvement. And he did lead the Bills on a 9-game winning streak that nearly carried them into the playoffs. But most of all, don't forget that he took the Patriots to the Super Bowl under bill Parcells.
Bledsoe's stats aren't flashy, and he does show moments of incompetence, but he is still a good quarterback and leader under the right circumstances. I believe the Cowboys might be a great fit, since Parcells is familiar with Bledsoe and has the running game that Bledsoe needs to succeed. He could also get a call from Arizona or Cleveland, where he could help to lift a rebuilding franchise to the next level.
In a world where an average QB like Vick can be made by the press into a huge superstar, I guess it shouldn't surprise anyone that the media can also make a good QB look bad. If Bledsoe goes to Dallas, I believe he will succeed and show everyone that, with the right team and coaches, he can be a very good QB again.
For all of the criticism this year, you wouldn't think Bledsoe compared well against some of the other QBs in the league. But he had more TD passes and total TDs than Michael Vick and a similar passer rating. I don't see anyone showing Vick the door. Bledsoe threw a lot of interceptions, 16, but 6 QBs threw more, including Jake Plummer, Kerry Collins, Trent Green, and Brett Favre. None of those QBs are being sent packing. In fact Favre is being begged to return and Plummer is getting ready to sign a new contract.
Could it be his won-loss record? He has a losing record in Buffalo, but remember that he came to Buffalo after the Bills went 3-13. Playing .500 was an improvement. And he did lead the Bills on a 9-game winning streak that nearly carried them into the playoffs. But most of all, don't forget that he took the Patriots to the Super Bowl under bill Parcells.
Bledsoe's stats aren't flashy, and he does show moments of incompetence, but he is still a good quarterback and leader under the right circumstances. I believe the Cowboys might be a great fit, since Parcells is familiar with Bledsoe and has the running game that Bledsoe needs to succeed. He could also get a call from Arizona or Cleveland, where he could help to lift a rebuilding franchise to the next level.
In a world where an average QB like Vick can be made by the press into a huge superstar, I guess it shouldn't surprise anyone that the media can also make a good QB look bad. If Bledsoe goes to Dallas, I believe he will succeed and show everyone that, with the right team and coaches, he can be a very good QB again.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Fantasy Football: Keepers
My Fantasy Football League doesn't use keepers, but I like to keep an eye on what others are recommending as keepers. I think this gives me a leg up come draft day. But sometimes I look at these rankings and wonder what they are thinking.
At QB, most of them have Manning and Culpepper at #1 and #2, right where they should be. But Michael Vick at #4!?!? Are they Serious!? Vick threw only 14 TDs last season, and he ran for only 3 more. He was 13th in the league in passer rating at 78.1. From a Fantasy Football perspective, he wasn't even worth a starting spot in a 12-team league. Why would you waste a keeper spot on him? And don't tell me about potential. He's been in the league for 4 seasons, he should be a little more developed by now.
In the few Falcons games I watched this year, including the playoffs, I was not at all impressed with his passing ability. He was too inconsistent, and his passes often missed their mark by a wide margin. He is also too quick to give up on his receivers and run. Peerless Price is taking some heat, but he is a good receiver who had a great year in Buffalo. Vick should be finding him often, but he's not.
Among the running backs, I think they have Edgerrin James and Jamal Lewis over-rated. If you are thinking long-term, I think you have to consider 3 rookies; Julius Jones (Dal), Tatum Bell (Den), and Kevin Jones (Det). All three had injury-marred seasons, but they all finished very strong.
Julius Jones is playing for Parcells, so the Cowboys will lean on him when he's healthy. Tatum Bell is the next back on the Broncos' running back production line, and he should be the starter for near future. And Kevin Jones finished very strong and could be headed for a monster year if Harrington continues to struggle.
At QB, most of them have Manning and Culpepper at #1 and #2, right where they should be. But Michael Vick at #4!?!? Are they Serious!? Vick threw only 14 TDs last season, and he ran for only 3 more. He was 13th in the league in passer rating at 78.1. From a Fantasy Football perspective, he wasn't even worth a starting spot in a 12-team league. Why would you waste a keeper spot on him? And don't tell me about potential. He's been in the league for 4 seasons, he should be a little more developed by now.
In the few Falcons games I watched this year, including the playoffs, I was not at all impressed with his passing ability. He was too inconsistent, and his passes often missed their mark by a wide margin. He is also too quick to give up on his receivers and run. Peerless Price is taking some heat, but he is a good receiver who had a great year in Buffalo. Vick should be finding him often, but he's not.
Among the running backs, I think they have Edgerrin James and Jamal Lewis over-rated. If you are thinking long-term, I think you have to consider 3 rookies; Julius Jones (Dal), Tatum Bell (Den), and Kevin Jones (Det). All three had injury-marred seasons, but they all finished very strong.
Julius Jones is playing for Parcells, so the Cowboys will lean on him when he's healthy. Tatum Bell is the next back on the Broncos' running back production line, and he should be the starter for near future. And Kevin Jones finished very strong and could be headed for a monster year if Harrington continues to struggle.
What a Difference a Sale Makes
The Minnesota Vikings' sale has not been completed yet, but the influence of new ownership is becoming obvious. Not long ago, Vikings' current owner Red 'Do It Cheap' McCombs gave permission to Vikings management to seek a trade for Randy Moss. This was after Tice began rounding out the coaching staff with more 'who the heck is he' assistants that could be had for nothing. Not once were the Vikings mentioned when it came to seeking big name assistants from successful franchises.
Now the Vikings have been sold, pending approval from the league, and some things are already changing. Tice now says that Moss won't be traded.
"We're not trading him," Tice said. "He's not on the trading block. We've received no calls. We're not trying to shop him or any of our running backs, either."
The tone from Vikings HQ has definitely changed. The impression is that new owner Reggie Fowler has advised everyone to stand pat until he officially takes over. Even Randy Moss, the disgruntled one himself, is now saying he wants to stay in Minnesota. Technically, Fowler can't be involved in operations of the team until the deal closes, but it is hard to imagine he didn't give McCombs some instruction on how he wants this to progress. When you plop down $625 million, you can put a few conditions in place.
This sale puts almost everything in question. How will they handle the draft, free agency, and re-signing their own players? What happens with a new stadium? How safe is this not-so-great coaching staff?
It appears mid-March would be the earliest that Fowler could begin making changes himself, so everyone must proceed as if the team will remain intact. That means Tice will pursue the free agents he wants and, hopefully, be free to use the entire $30 million of cap space available to do it.
It also means it would be very difficult to replace the coaching staff prior to next season. If he were to replace the coaching staff, it would have to be someone recently retired, ala Joe Gibbs, or someone from the college ranks. It is doubtful that any other coaching staff in the league would allow the Vikings to talk to their assistants after March. The most likely scenario is that Tice and Co. will return for another season.
No matter which way the Vikings go, it will be an improvement. McCombs bought a team that was in the NFC championship in his first year. Since then the franchise has deteriorated into a team with one of the worst defenses in the NFL, a low-budget coaching staff with little experience, an offense that can't win without Moss, and two straight season-ending collapses.
There is now a light at the end of the tunnel.
Now the Vikings have been sold, pending approval from the league, and some things are already changing. Tice now says that Moss won't be traded.
"We're not trading him," Tice said. "He's not on the trading block. We've received no calls. We're not trying to shop him or any of our running backs, either."
The tone from Vikings HQ has definitely changed. The impression is that new owner Reggie Fowler has advised everyone to stand pat until he officially takes over. Even Randy Moss, the disgruntled one himself, is now saying he wants to stay in Minnesota. Technically, Fowler can't be involved in operations of the team until the deal closes, but it is hard to imagine he didn't give McCombs some instruction on how he wants this to progress. When you plop down $625 million, you can put a few conditions in place.
This sale puts almost everything in question. How will they handle the draft, free agency, and re-signing their own players? What happens with a new stadium? How safe is this not-so-great coaching staff?
It appears mid-March would be the earliest that Fowler could begin making changes himself, so everyone must proceed as if the team will remain intact. That means Tice will pursue the free agents he wants and, hopefully, be free to use the entire $30 million of cap space available to do it.
It also means it would be very difficult to replace the coaching staff prior to next season. If he were to replace the coaching staff, it would have to be someone recently retired, ala Joe Gibbs, or someone from the college ranks. It is doubtful that any other coaching staff in the league would allow the Vikings to talk to their assistants after March. The most likely scenario is that Tice and Co. will return for another season.
No matter which way the Vikings go, it will be an improvement. McCombs bought a team that was in the NFC championship in his first year. Since then the franchise has deteriorated into a team with one of the worst defenses in the NFL, a low-budget coaching staff with little experience, an offense that can't win without Moss, and two straight season-ending collapses.
There is now a light at the end of the tunnel.
Bills to Release Bledsoe
The Buffalo Bills will release Drew Bledsoe today to cut costs and make room for their QB of the future, J.P. Losman. Making the switch to Losman may be popular, but it is a huge risk. The Bills were one victory away from the playoffs last year and Bledsoe was playing very well down the stretch.
Bledsoe will catch on somewhere next year as a starter. There are plenty of teams that could use his talents, with Dallas rumors flying. The Cardinals are also looking for a quality QB. Bledsoe probably has 2-3 seasons of productive football left in him, and many teams could use that.
If Bledsoe does go to Dallas, you can look for the Cowboys to compete with Philly for first place next year. Parcells found his running game last year, will improve his defense, and Bledose could be the QB to help them make a playoff run. And Bledsoe has shown a lot of class since his demotion in New England. He is a Parcells kind of guy.
Bledsoe will catch on somewhere next year as a starter. There are plenty of teams that could use his talents, with Dallas rumors flying. The Cardinals are also looking for a quality QB. Bledsoe probably has 2-3 seasons of productive football left in him, and many teams could use that.
If Bledsoe does go to Dallas, you can look for the Cowboys to compete with Philly for first place next year. Parcells found his running game last year, will improve his defense, and Bledose could be the QB to help them make a playoff run. And Bledsoe has shown a lot of class since his demotion in New England. He is a Parcells kind of guy.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Rumors of the Week
The Denver Broncos might be shopping Trevor Pryce. This move could have two meanings; the Broncos are cutting costs, or they are changing the defense. Pryce is a 4-time pro-bowler and the Broncos' d-line struggled without him. It only makes sense to trade him if they are looking to switch to the 3-4 defense, which they have been talking about for a while.
The Cincinnati Bengals slapped the franchise tag on Rudi Johnson. Johnson's agent has threatened that Rudi might sit-out, but that wouldn't help Johnson in the long term. There are more quality backs out there than in previous years, so Rudi should count his blessings. He would make $6.3 million next year as the franchise player.
Jeff Garcia was dumped by the Cleveland Browns. Romeo Crennel apparently wants to correct the biggest mistakes from last year first. Garcia is past his prime and probably will be a backup next year. The Browns overpaid for his services last year, especially when you consider their won-lost record.
Drew Bledsoe may be out in Buffalo. The Bills might use Losman next season. This would be a huge gamble by the Bills considering how well Bledsoe and the team played down the stretch. Why would they go through the learning process again? Bledsoe could help a lot of teams out there.
Moose to the Eagles? Philadelphia is apparently interested in bringing Muhsin Muhammad to Philly to pair with Terrell Owens. This would make the Eagles the odds-on favorite for the Super Bowl next year if they could pull it off and keep the defense together, including Trotter.
The Cincinnati Bengals slapped the franchise tag on Rudi Johnson. Johnson's agent has threatened that Rudi might sit-out, but that wouldn't help Johnson in the long term. There are more quality backs out there than in previous years, so Rudi should count his blessings. He would make $6.3 million next year as the franchise player.
Jeff Garcia was dumped by the Cleveland Browns. Romeo Crennel apparently wants to correct the biggest mistakes from last year first. Garcia is past his prime and probably will be a backup next year. The Browns overpaid for his services last year, especially when you consider their won-lost record.
Drew Bledsoe may be out in Buffalo. The Bills might use Losman next season. This would be a huge gamble by the Bills considering how well Bledsoe and the team played down the stretch. Why would they go through the learning process again? Bledsoe could help a lot of teams out there.
Moose to the Eagles? Philadelphia is apparently interested in bringing Muhsin Muhammad to Philly to pair with Terrell Owens. This would make the Eagles the odds-on favorite for the Super Bowl next year if they could pull it off and keep the defense together, including Trotter.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Rejoice, Vikings Fans! McCombs Sells Team!
Finally! The Red McCombs debacle is over. The Vikings have been sold to Reggie Fowler. Hopefully, his first order will be for the GM and everyone else to not make any moves until he says so. This should put any trade of Randy Moss off for a time, too.
It's a good day for Vikings fans. One more year of McCombs and Co. would have been disastrous for the franchise. As it is, maybe things can be salvaged. It is only February, so the new ownership will have time to put their own people in place. We'll keep an eye on this.
It's a good day for Vikings fans. One more year of McCombs and Co. would have been disastrous for the franchise. As it is, maybe things can be salvaged. It is only February, so the new ownership will have time to put their own people in place. We'll keep an eye on this.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Pro Bowl Week Update
Apparently, Hawaii has passed a new law requiring all visiting on-air TV personalities to wear brightly-colored, obnoxious island garb while previewing all sporting events. How else to explain ESPN, Fox, and NFL Channel sports reporters wearing matching Hawaii-style shirts? Would they willingly allow themselves to look that foolish?
Stop asking Daunte Culpepper how he feels about a possible Randy Moss trade. He could possibly lose a friend and the best receiver on the team. How do you think he feels? The Vikings are .500 without Moss. Culpepper knows that losing Moss ends any hope of a playoff appearance with Tice as head coach. Love him or hate him, the Vikings are not a good team without Moss.
I guess Freddie Mitchell is tired of winning in Philadelphia and would prefer to move to a lesser team and be the top receiver. His comments yesterday almost guarantee he will be playing elsewhere next year. If his stats are any indication of his talent, it will probably be in Europe. He is a good #3 receiver at best. Someone should let him know that when you are getting a free ride on the gravy train, it is best to ride quietly.
Not much to say about the game itself. A bunch of talented players getting a free trip to Hawaii filling in for the Pro-Bowlers who won't play because of "injury", playing half-heartedly in a game where the main point is to avoid hurting yourself. Great for the players, but not much fun to watch. I'll probably watch anyway, what else is there to do on Sundays?
Stop asking Daunte Culpepper how he feels about a possible Randy Moss trade. He could possibly lose a friend and the best receiver on the team. How do you think he feels? The Vikings are .500 without Moss. Culpepper knows that losing Moss ends any hope of a playoff appearance with Tice as head coach. Love him or hate him, the Vikings are not a good team without Moss.
I guess Freddie Mitchell is tired of winning in Philadelphia and would prefer to move to a lesser team and be the top receiver. His comments yesterday almost guarantee he will be playing elsewhere next year. If his stats are any indication of his talent, it will probably be in Europe. He is a good #3 receiver at best. Someone should let him know that when you are getting a free ride on the gravy train, it is best to ride quietly.
Not much to say about the game itself. A bunch of talented players getting a free trip to Hawaii filling in for the Pro-Bowlers who won't play because of "injury", playing half-heartedly in a game where the main point is to avoid hurting yourself. Great for the players, but not much fun to watch. I'll probably watch anyway, what else is there to do on Sundays?
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Two-Minute Drill Only Sick Thing in Super Bowl
The Philadelphia Eagles are struggling with their loss to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Some are saying that McNabb was sick at the end of the game. McNabb denies that he was sick and, to his credit, refuses to blame anything for the poor performance of the Eagles in the final quarter Sunday.
The fact is, though, that no QB in the league could have won that game for the Eagles in the final minutes the way the Eagles tried to do it. With 5 minutes left in the game and the Eagles down 10 points, Eagles players were huddling every play, walking around the field, and generally acting as though they had plenty of time. They allowed at least 1:30 of additional time to run off the clock by not being prepared at the end.
Who to blame? I don't know for sure, but maybe one of those "genius" coaches on the Eagles staff? How do you send an offense onto the field in that situation without discussing how precious every second is?
Andy Reid should have talked to McNabb, the offensive coordinator should have talked to his unit, and McNabb himself should have taken control on the field. The Eagles could have been trying an onside kick with over 2 minutes left and gotten the ball back with 1-1/2 minutes left at the end if they had done just a decent job of clock management.
Andy Reid is a good coach, but he is not at the level of Bill Belichick. Belichick always sends his teams onto the field prepared for the current situation. And even after their defensive breakdown allowed the Eagles to close within 3, the Patriots were prepared with a perfectly executed onside kick reception.
I wonder if Reid will work on his two-minute drill in the off-season?
The fact is, though, that no QB in the league could have won that game for the Eagles in the final minutes the way the Eagles tried to do it. With 5 minutes left in the game and the Eagles down 10 points, Eagles players were huddling every play, walking around the field, and generally acting as though they had plenty of time. They allowed at least 1:30 of additional time to run off the clock by not being prepared at the end.
Who to blame? I don't know for sure, but maybe one of those "genius" coaches on the Eagles staff? How do you send an offense onto the field in that situation without discussing how precious every second is?
Andy Reid should have talked to McNabb, the offensive coordinator should have talked to his unit, and McNabb himself should have taken control on the field. The Eagles could have been trying an onside kick with over 2 minutes left and gotten the ball back with 1-1/2 minutes left at the end if they had done just a decent job of clock management.
Andy Reid is a good coach, but he is not at the level of Bill Belichick. Belichick always sends his teams onto the field prepared for the current situation. And even after their defensive breakdown allowed the Eagles to close within 3, the Patriots were prepared with a perfectly executed onside kick reception.
I wonder if Reid will work on his two-minute drill in the off-season?
Ye of Little Faith
A lot of people mocked Terrell Owens or poked a little fun at him when he declared that God had healed him for the Super Bowl. Most people, including me, thought TO would be limited or used mostly as a decoy. Owens caught 9 passes for 122 yards. A monster game for a decoy.
There has been little talk since of Owens' miraculous healing. A few who scoffed must now face the possibilty that perhaps there is a little something to what TO said. Some will say that it was his faith, his rehab, or some other explainable thing. But maybe, just maybe, it was something more.
There has been little talk since of Owens' miraculous healing. A few who scoffed must now face the possibilty that perhaps there is a little something to what TO said. Some will say that it was his faith, his rehab, or some other explainable thing. But maybe, just maybe, it was something more.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Patriots Super Again
In a great Super Bowl, the Patriots beat the Eagles and laid claim to being the new dynasty. They deserve it. Bill Belichick has proven that he is the best coach of this era, and among the best of all time.
The Eagles came out very strong and had a few opportunities to score some points in the opening quarter. But the Patriots managed to stop them each time with timely big plays. Which is usually how the Pats do it.
Not surprisingly, the Patriots used the rushing game and turnovers to turn things in their favor. But the most impressive thing was their run defense. McNabb was a non-factor running the ball and Westbrook was contained all day. Forcing the Eagles to pass allowed them to move the ball, but it also created opportunities for interceptions, which the Patriots took advantage of.
The game really wasn't that close after New England's opening TD drive. But the coaching staffs of both teams made huge blunders at the end. The Patriots defensive breakdown that allowed the Eagles to score their last TD made the game much closer. But Andy Reid's clock control at the end of the game was a disaster that prevented them from taking advantage of the Patriots' mistake.
The game lived up to the hype, even if the halftime show and ads were a bit disappointing. But the best thing of all was that the game kept your attention until the very end. And that is how Super Bowls should be.
The Eagles came out very strong and had a few opportunities to score some points in the opening quarter. But the Patriots managed to stop them each time with timely big plays. Which is usually how the Pats do it.
Not surprisingly, the Patriots used the rushing game and turnovers to turn things in their favor. But the most impressive thing was their run defense. McNabb was a non-factor running the ball and Westbrook was contained all day. Forcing the Eagles to pass allowed them to move the ball, but it also created opportunities for interceptions, which the Patriots took advantage of.
The game really wasn't that close after New England's opening TD drive. But the coaching staffs of both teams made huge blunders at the end. The Patriots defensive breakdown that allowed the Eagles to score their last TD made the game much closer. But Andy Reid's clock control at the end of the game was a disaster that prevented them from taking advantage of the Patriots' mistake.
The game lived up to the hype, even if the halftime show and ads were a bit disappointing. But the best thing of all was that the game kept your attention until the very end. And that is how Super Bowls should be.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Keys to Winning the Super Bowl
Tomorrow is the big game, finally! We are all tired of the hype and just want the game to start. When they do kick it off on Sunday, both teams will have certain things they want to accomplish to win the game. Here are the keys to winning the Super Bowl for each team as I see them.
Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb. How McNabb plays will determine the outcome for the Eagles. He must be patient and avoid forcing any passes. If he throws 2 or more interceptions, he will put his team in a hole I don't think they can get out of. McNabb must also be mobile. That doesn't mean he has to run a lot, it just means he has to move in the pocket and run when necessary. We all know McNabb is capable of taking the game over, he just needs to take what the Patriots give him.
Michael Westbrook. How the Eagles use Westbrook will be a huge factor. With Owens less than 100% and Lewis out, Westbrook must be able to get some big runs and get open out of the backfield. If Westbrook goes over 120 total yards yards, the Eagles will be in this game at the end and could pull it out.
Eagles D. The Philadelphia defense must do 2 things; keep Corey Dillon under control, and don't give up the big plays. If they can stop Corey Dillon from making the big runs and force some 3rd-and-long situations, their job will get much easier. The most important thing for the Eagles, though, is to keep Brady in a small pocket, limit his mobility in the backfield, and prevent him from going deep. Philadelphia must force New England into several 3-and-outs, prevent the big strike, and force them to make long, ball-control drives.
Special Teams. This may turn out to be the biggest key of all for the Eagles. Their best hope of winning is to win the field-position battle. If they can keep New England bottled-up deep in the Patriot side of the field, they will be able to hold the Patriots' scoring to a minimum.
New England
Corey Dillon. If Dillon breaks 100 yards and has a couple of big runs, the Patriots should win. I look for Dillon to get the ball often and for the Patriots to run at Philadelphia's defensive ends.
Blocking Trotter. The Eagles defense became much better this year when Trotter became a full-time starting linebacker. The Eagles held their opponents to far fewer yards after Trotter came on than before. He is the key to their defense. The Patriots must get a blocker on Trotter to make the running game work. If they get him blocked, the running game will work.
Tom Brady. If Brady has time to throw, and Dillon is able to be a little successful running the ball, the Patriots will run away with this one. How the Patriots handle the well-timed Eagle blitzes will determine Brady's effectiveness. I look for Brady to go deep a couple of times early.
New England D. One stat says it all; the Patriots did not lose a game this year when they got at least 2 interceptions. McNabb is a good passer, but he tends to throw some bad ones. If the Patriots get hold of 2 of them, this game could be a blowout. The Patriots must contain Westbrook, and I believe that will be the plan. With Owens at less than 100%, the Patriots will be able to concentrate more on Westbrook. It will be ok for New England if McNabb gets a couple of short runs, but they must not let him get open lanes and 20-yard runs.
Bold Prediction
I predicted a Steelers/Falcons Super Bowl, so my track record isn't that great. But I am going to throw it out there anyway.
The first quarter will be closely played and field position will be huge. Sometime in the first half the Patriots will come up with a big turnover or two. Dillon will start to get established and the Patriots will go into halftime with a small lead. I think the Patriots will slowly pull away in the 3rd quarter and put it away in the 4th.
Dillon goes for 125+, Owens is a non-factor, McNabb gives up 2 picks, the Patriots linebackers control the 2nd half.
New England 38, Philadelphia 20
Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb. How McNabb plays will determine the outcome for the Eagles. He must be patient and avoid forcing any passes. If he throws 2 or more interceptions, he will put his team in a hole I don't think they can get out of. McNabb must also be mobile. That doesn't mean he has to run a lot, it just means he has to move in the pocket and run when necessary. We all know McNabb is capable of taking the game over, he just needs to take what the Patriots give him.
Michael Westbrook. How the Eagles use Westbrook will be a huge factor. With Owens less than 100% and Lewis out, Westbrook must be able to get some big runs and get open out of the backfield. If Westbrook goes over 120 total yards yards, the Eagles will be in this game at the end and could pull it out.
Eagles D. The Philadelphia defense must do 2 things; keep Corey Dillon under control, and don't give up the big plays. If they can stop Corey Dillon from making the big runs and force some 3rd-and-long situations, their job will get much easier. The most important thing for the Eagles, though, is to keep Brady in a small pocket, limit his mobility in the backfield, and prevent him from going deep. Philadelphia must force New England into several 3-and-outs, prevent the big strike, and force them to make long, ball-control drives.
Special Teams. This may turn out to be the biggest key of all for the Eagles. Their best hope of winning is to win the field-position battle. If they can keep New England bottled-up deep in the Patriot side of the field, they will be able to hold the Patriots' scoring to a minimum.
New England
Corey Dillon. If Dillon breaks 100 yards and has a couple of big runs, the Patriots should win. I look for Dillon to get the ball often and for the Patriots to run at Philadelphia's defensive ends.
Blocking Trotter. The Eagles defense became much better this year when Trotter became a full-time starting linebacker. The Eagles held their opponents to far fewer yards after Trotter came on than before. He is the key to their defense. The Patriots must get a blocker on Trotter to make the running game work. If they get him blocked, the running game will work.
Tom Brady. If Brady has time to throw, and Dillon is able to be a little successful running the ball, the Patriots will run away with this one. How the Patriots handle the well-timed Eagle blitzes will determine Brady's effectiveness. I look for Brady to go deep a couple of times early.
New England D. One stat says it all; the Patriots did not lose a game this year when they got at least 2 interceptions. McNabb is a good passer, but he tends to throw some bad ones. If the Patriots get hold of 2 of them, this game could be a blowout. The Patriots must contain Westbrook, and I believe that will be the plan. With Owens at less than 100%, the Patriots will be able to concentrate more on Westbrook. It will be ok for New England if McNabb gets a couple of short runs, but they must not let him get open lanes and 20-yard runs.
Bold Prediction
I predicted a Steelers/Falcons Super Bowl, so my track record isn't that great. But I am going to throw it out there anyway.
The first quarter will be closely played and field position will be huge. Sometime in the first half the Patriots will come up with a big turnover or two. Dillon will start to get established and the Patriots will go into halftime with a small lead. I think the Patriots will slowly pull away in the 3rd quarter and put it away in the 4th.
Dillon goes for 125+, Owens is a non-factor, McNabb gives up 2 picks, the Patriots linebackers control the 2nd half.
New England 38, Philadelphia 20
Friday, February 04, 2005
Emmitt Smith Retires
It is always a little sad to see the great ones move on from their football lives. Emmitt Smith was one of the great ones. And he is one of the rare people who also made the people around him better players, and better people.
He will be remembered for many things. I will always remember watching him play a playoff game against the Giants with a separated(?) shoulder. It was a heroic performance!
Emmitt Smith is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. He helped carry an entire team to not just a Super Bowl victory, but to an entire dynasty.
My top 5 backs of all time:
Jim Brown
Walter Payton
Emmitt Smith
Barry Sanders
Terrell Davis
I expect a lot of disagreement with number 5, but the point is that Emmitt Smith retires as one of the 3 best running backs in history.
He will be remembered for many things. I will always remember watching him play a playoff game against the Giants with a separated(?) shoulder. It was a heroic performance!
Emmitt Smith is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. He helped carry an entire team to not just a Super Bowl victory, but to an entire dynasty.
My top 5 backs of all time:
Jim Brown
Walter Payton
Emmitt Smith
Barry Sanders
Terrell Davis
I expect a lot of disagreement with number 5, but the point is that Emmitt Smith retires as one of the 3 best running backs in history.
Goodbye, Dad
My father passed away and we have been attending the services in Denver. My Dad taught me many things and was a great family man. He will be missed!
One thing my father passed on to me was a love for football. I grew up watching Notre Dame, Green Bay, and the Vikings, since Dad was born in the upper midwest. And I also came to love the Broncos of the AFL. Some of my fondest memories are sitting in front of a TV with my Dad and brothers and my own sons watching football. I will miss those times!
One thing my father passed on to me was a love for football. I grew up watching Notre Dame, Green Bay, and the Vikings, since Dad was born in the upper midwest. And I also came to love the Broncos of the AFL. Some of my fondest memories are sitting in front of a TV with my Dad and brothers and my own sons watching football. I will miss those times!
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
If You Don't Win, Don't Come Back
Since the Buffalo Bills lost Super Bowl 28 to Dallas, only one team has managed to return to the Super Bowl after losing it. There have been 10 straight different SB losers, and only New England managed to return to the big game.
And this includes a few pretty good franchises. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not returned since losing SB-20 even with 4 AFC championship chances. Green Bay has not even sniffed the Super Bowl since losing to Denver. And Tennessee looked like a long-term contender when they lost to the Rams.
Does losing a Super Bowl take that much out of a team these days, or is parity just serving up some one-hit wonders? I say it is parity. In the same amount of time only 2 teams, Denver and New England, have returned after winning. We have had 8 different Champions in the last 10 years. Philly could make it 9 of 11.
And this includes a few pretty good franchises. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not returned since losing SB-20 even with 4 AFC championship chances. Green Bay has not even sniffed the Super Bowl since losing to Denver. And Tennessee looked like a long-term contender when they lost to the Rams.
Does losing a Super Bowl take that much out of a team these days, or is parity just serving up some one-hit wonders? I say it is parity. In the same amount of time only 2 teams, Denver and New England, have returned after winning. We have had 8 different Champions in the last 10 years. Philly could make it 9 of 11.
Arena Football Kicks Off
The Arena Football League kicked off last weekend. Did anyone notice? Now that the NFL has become involved in the AFL you would expect to hear more about it. But I didn't see a single ad for the AFL this year. If they want it to succeed, they are going to have to do some advertising.
Arena Football will never compete with the NFL for the hearts of most football fans. But it has drawn a loyal following over the years. There are not many sports that offer the excitement that the AFL does.
There are 2 big problems for the AFL in finding a larger audience. First, as exciting as the game is to watch at the arena, that feeling does not completely translate to the television screen. And second, their season starts too early. They should wait until a week or two after the Super Bowl to start, and give us a chance to miss football.
Arena Football will never compete with the NFL for the hearts of most football fans. But it has drawn a loyal following over the years. There are not many sports that offer the excitement that the AFL does.
There are 2 big problems for the AFL in finding a larger audience. First, as exciting as the game is to watch at the arena, that feeling does not completely translate to the television screen. And second, their season starts too early. They should wait until a week or two after the Super Bowl to start, and give us a chance to miss football.
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