Webster-Bradshaw exchange made first hall visit memorable

by | Aug 4, 2012 | Hall of Fame

Terry Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and during his speech, he famously proclaimed a wish: “Oh, what I would give to put my hands under Mike Webster’s butt one more time.”

In 1997, Webster, arguably the best center to ever play the game, earned his own induction into the Hall. When Bradshaw introduced Webster, the two made Bradshaw’s eight-year fantasy come true. Hundreds of Steelers fans went crazy as Bradshaw pulled a football from beneath the podium and took a snap.

Webster was going through some highly-publicized personal issues at the time and he would later become one of the first examples of NFL retirees suffering from brain damage and other post-career issues. And five years later he would pass away at the young age of 50.

But for that afternoon in Canton, Ohio, Webster was the star – probably more the star than he had ever been, since playing on the offensive line rarely leads to receiving much publicity. (more…)

Forte has not earned top-tier money

by | Jul 13, 2012 | 2012 season, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

I don’t dislike Matt Forte. And I can certainly understand his desire for a long-term contract, given the short span the careers of most running backs.

But as the Monday deadline approaches for franchised players to sign long-term deals, Forte also plays a major role in whether or not this deal gets done. He’s got to look in the mirror and realize the limits to his value.

It’s not that I don’t think he’s a good back. In the open-field he’s exciting to watch and he’ll break incredibly big plays a few times a season. But he reportedly has been citing deals given to Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy when discussing how he wants fair market value and that kind of coin, my friends, he has not earned.

Let’s compare: (more…)

Cousins will do fine in Redskins’ family

by | May 1, 2012 | 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Random Thoughts

Why are people feeling sorry for Kirk Cousins? Why do people think his selection by the Washington Redskins was controversial?

The Redskins thought he was a value in the fourth round so they took him. Cousins may be a backup. Or Robert Griffin III could be a flop. Then Washington has a backup plan in place.

Look no further than 1994, the year Washington drafted both Heath Shuler and Gus Frerotte to see that it’s not unheard of for the unheralded guy to end up better than the big shot. Or, as a commenter in a National Football League Post column pointed out, the 1971 draft when the Houston Oilers selected both Dan Pastorini and Lynn Dickey. Both had long careers, but Dickey arguably outperformed Pastorini over the long haul after he got his shot with Green Bay. (more…)

Steelers, Patriots, Browns and maybe Vikings among day one winners

by | Apr 27, 2012 | 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Random Thoughts

Two of the AFC’s long-time powerhouses got better Thursday night, potentially solidifying their chances of chasing yet another Lombardi Trophy in 2012.

New England, in my eyes, retained its standing as the favorites for a repeat shot at the Super Bowl with their maneuverings. Normally more of a threat to trade down, New England got aggressive and jumped up in trying to fill the defensive deficiencies that dogged the team last season.
In landing defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont’a Hightower, the Patriots are much better on defense than they were when the day started.

Pittsburgh didn’t have to do any wheeling-and-dealing to win the night. As other teams traded up and down before the Steelers’ pick came up, Stanford guard David DeCastro inexplicably dropped into their laps.

(more…)

Steelers’ gamble on Wallace likely pays off

by | Apr 20, 2012 | 2012 season, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

It’s the last day teams can sign restricted free agents to contracts and it appears as though tendering wide receiver Mike Wallace at just a first-round level is going to pay off for Pittsburgh.

I think the Steelers had even semi-resigned themselves to losing the wideout, who reportedly wants a new contract that pays him as a top five receiver.

Now, those contract demands likely hurt his cause. Wallace is a very good receiver with some dynamic numbers – 18.7 yards per catch and 24 touchdowns in his first three seasons. But he also disappears for stretches too. He’s on his way toward the top, but does not yet belong in the same category as a Larry Fitzgerald, a Calvin Johnson or an Andre Johnson, among others. (more…)