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Simply put, I am a football fanatic. I'm well-informed on the game- its players, statistics, history, rules, etc. I love the sport and I enjoy sharing my point of view.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Brady is all about winning

Tom Brady's recent contract agreement with the Patriots really shows what's most important to him is winning. Brady's three year extension is worth $27 million and will give the Patriots more room under the salary cap. This will likely lead to the signing of his best bud and go to guy Wes Welker. With the increased cap space the Pats can lock up some of their free agents and/or dip into the free agency market and try to catch a big name. Like Dwayne Bowe or Mike Wallace.

This isn't the first time Brady has taken a pay cut to help his team, he did it back in 2005. There aren't enough players like Brady; taking less money to help his team stay in contention. That's a true professional.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

NFL Combine preview

The annual NFL Scouting Combine, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, coverage starts on Saturday, February 23 and lasts until Tuesday February 26 and is aired on the NFL Network. For me the off season is better than the regular season and no, I'm not crazy. Free agency and the draft process are very exciting and enjoyable. Researching players, seeing their strengths and weaknesses, what team may select which player, reading the draft "experts" analysis, and the list goes on. The combine tests the players' physical and mental attributes. Every year there are players to watch for who have been doubted and criticized, told they can't make it in the pros. Or players who had issues off the field that have hurt their draft status. And 2013 is no different.

Here are my Top 5 players to watch for:
Manti Te'o- linebacker, Notre Dame- After all the buzz and criticism surrounding Te'o and the "catfish" hoax, people are quick to say he isn't a first round talent. I strongly disagree but, still, Te'o will need a strong all around combine performance to persuade scouts.
Tyrann Mathieu- cornerback, LSU- The man nicknamed the "Honey Badger," for his ferocious and fearless play, had issues with drugs that got him kicked off the Tigers football team and checked into rehabilitation. His character along with his small frame (5'9" 178lbs) has scouts doubting his abilities. I believe he's a third or fourth round talent but he needs to prove that to the scouts and GMs in Indy.
Denard Robinson- wide receiver, Michigan- Robinson was a record setting quarterback for the Wolverines until last season when he was converted to runningback and wide receiver. He's got the speed to be a receiver, that's for sure. But it's about more than speed. Scouts question his hands and ability to play the position. I think he's a sixth or seventh round pick. He can't afford to drop many balls at the combine.
Marcus Lattimore- runningback, South Carolina- Lattimore is a force at running back when healthy. After suffering a gruesome knee injury last season Lattimore recently said that NFL team doctors will be "shocked" by his progress, so obviously team personnel are going to have their eyes on that knee during drills. And with Eddie Lacy out, a strong showing at the combine would do wonders for Lattimore's draft stock.
Ezekiel Ansah- defensive end, BYU- While Ansah hasn't been criticized or had any troubles, he's a freakish athlete who's going to be drafted in the first round despite having so little football experience. He's very raw and when the scouts see how fast he runs and how high he jumps, plus the game tape, he's a sure-fire first rounder. I can't wait to see this guy's workouts.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Patriots won't use franchise tag on Welker

If the Patriots used the franchise tag on wide receiver Wes Welker this season, the 31 year old would have been guaranteed $11.5 million. Despite the stats he puts up on a yearly basis that's far too much dough and New England has said they won't tag him leaving tackle Sebastian Vollmer and cornerback Aqib Talib as the only tag-worthy recipients remaining.
I think Welker's done with the Patriots. I'd love for him to remain a Patriot but I just don't see both sides agreeing on a deal before the start of free agency on March 12. Once that day comes Welker's agent will be fielding plenty of offers from teams around the league. It's going to be an interesting free agency period this year, to say the least.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

New England is ideal landing spot for Freeney

The Indianapolis Colts have told free agent Dwight Freeney that he will not be re-signed this offseason, making the 11 year veteran available to teams in need of a savvy veteran pass rusher with some gas left in the tank. I expect the New England Patriots to bring him in for a work out one free agency begins. The Patriots need a pass rusher and Freeney can provide just that. He had a quiet season in 2012 but that's in large part due to the fact that after playing as a defensive end his first ten years in the league he was forced to play outside linebacker for the first time, a tough transition for any player to make. If the Patriots were to sign Freeney, who turns 33 this month, they would be getting a smart, talented, durable player who would improve their defense for a fair price. After 11 seasons in the league most players have made the big bucks and are financially satisfied and they'll take a pay cut to win a Super Bowl, we'll see if that's the case with Dwight Freeney.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ravens won't repeat

The Ravens won't win the Super Bowl next year. There's no repeat in this team's near future. The Ravens barely got by this year and they're likely to lose some very key players. Baltimore doesn't have much cap room meaning less money to re-sign free agents. Their key free agents include Ed Reed, Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbe, Bryant McKinnie, Dennis Pitta, and Joe Flacco. Players are going to have to be cut in order to create the money needed to re-sign even a few of those guys. And when you add that Ray Lewis retired after their Super Bowl XLVII victory this team has to replace it's heart and soul for the past 17 seasons.
The bottom line is this team won't have the talent or leadership, specifically on defense, to win the Super Bowl next season. You heard it here first, no way in hell this team repeats.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Saints make right choice in Rob Ryan

The New Orleans Saints hired Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator. After having the worst defense in the league in 2012 the Saints are looking to turn things around and I think Rob Ryan is the right guy for the job. He's going to run a 3-4 defense and the Saints have very little cap room so expect to see some guys released. I'm interested to see who stays and who goes. And I expect to see the Saints draft defense in April particularly along the front seven.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Flacco an "elite" quarterback?

Joe Flacco's performance in the post season, throwing 11 touchdown passes and zero interceptions, not to mention being clutch and reliable when it mattered most, has got me wondering where he ranks amongst the best quarterbacks in the league.

My top five quarterbacks:

1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Drew Brees
5. Joe Flacco