John Elway Plays Pot to Jay Cutlers Kettle

by | Mar 21, 2009 | Contract Squabbles, NFL News

John Elway told something called The Pueblo Chieftain that he is “saddened” by the feud between his former team, the Denver Broncos, and their rising star quarterback Jay Cutler.

I wonder how sad he was back in 1983, when he refused to play for the team that drafted him?  Back in 1983, he used his status as a minor league baseball player in the Yankees organization to hold the Baltimore Colts, who had picked Elway first overall out of Stanford, hostage, because he felt they could not allow him to be successful.

The Colts got QB Mark Herrmann, the rights to OL Chris Hinton, and a first round pick–and remained a basement dwelling team for the better part of 15 years, until Peyton Manning came along.

While successful in getting his way, it was one of (if not THE) first example of what has become all too common in the NFL these days–players who, according to the collective bargaining agreement, should have little say in where they play (whether due to draft rights being held, or due to the fact that they already signed a contract) pissing and moaning until they force their way out.

The only situation in the NFL as galling (or more) than Elway’s situation was Eli Manning weaseling his way out of San Diego on draft day.  At least both of those moves appeared motivated by the talent on the team’s involved–neither of those situations is bad as Kobe Bryant demanding that the Charolette Hornets trade him to a team in a bigger market, simply so his star would shine brighter.

In this area, I tend to think that the owners need to take a stand.  Cutler is under contract–unless they get a king’s ransom of a trade offer for him, one that makes them a better team immediately, I think they should not move Cutler, and force his hand.  If the realationship is really damaged beyond repair, then I suggest that Bus Cook’s latest headline grabber make his way down to Mississippi, and help Brett Favre on the tractor.

Peppers to Patriots Makes Sense for No One

by | Mar 17, 2009 | 2009 Trades, NFL Random Thoughts

The latest big time trade rumor making the rounds in the NFL is that Julius Peppers will go to the Patriots, in exchange for the 34th pick in this year’s draft, which the Patriots acquired from the Chiefs for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel.

Peppers, who has been with the Carolina Panthers since the 2002 season, expressed his desire to leave the team earlier this offseason, and go to a team that features a 3-4 defense.  The team responded by tagging him as their franchise player.

On the surface, the move might make sense–the Panthers get rid of a disgruntled player, and get something back; Peppers goes to a perennial contender that plays the 3-4 defense he thinks will better suit him; and the Patriots get a big name pass rusher.

Digging in, though, the deal doesn’t really make sense to anyone.

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New NFLPA Director Prepares for “War”

by | Mar 16, 2009 | Business of Football, NFL News

DeMaurice Smith, a Washington, DC based attorney, was elected the new Executive Director of the NFL Players Association late Sunday night, replacing Gene Upshaw who passed away last August.

On Monday, Smith had his first press conference with reporters since being elected, via telephone.

Amongst the highlights of the call, Smith said of the league’s current labor situation:

“There isn’t a day where I don’t hope for peace, but at the same time there isn’t a day where we don’t prepare for war.”

Amazing.  It was one thing when Kellen Winslow Jr., still in college, went on a tirade claiming he was a “F*ckin’ Soldier.”

But for a man who has his law degree, and who is expected to lead a labor union for employees that average well over a million dollars per year (and a union that is probably going to be asking for a greater share of the pie, while the owners are going to be shooting for giving them less) to compare what he’s preparing for to war is absolutely ridiculous.

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Should Eagles Now Look at Trading McNabb?

by | Mar 11, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The Philadelphia Eagles have been relatively busy this free agency.  Unfortunately for Eagles fans, they’ve spent more time waving goodbye to former All-Pros than welcoming players to the fold.

First it was Drian Dawkins leaving for Denver.  Most recently it was Tra Thomas heading to Jacksonville.  In between they’ve lost or traded role players Correll Buckhalter, Lito Sheppard, Greg Lewis and Sean Considine.

Donovan McNabb wrote on his blog that he “will always regret not having the chance to win a championship with these guys.”  (Technically he did have a chance, but I think we get his point).

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Another Possible Winner in the TO to Buffalo Deal

by | Mar 10, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football

Andy already threw out Miles Austin as one potential sleeper for 2009, with T.O. no longer causing headaches in Dallas.

Another player that could move up draft boards come August thanks to T.O. landing in Buffalo is Marshawn Lynch.  After bursting on the scene with 1,115 yards as a rookie in 2007, Lynch took a bit of a step back in 2008 with just 1,036 yards in 2008.  This was partially due to the emergence of Fred Jackson as a capable backup, and partially due to some injuries suffered–although Lynch appeared in 15 games.

Additionally, in 2008 he actually scored more touchdowns on the ground (8 vs 7), slightly improved his yards per carry numbers (4.1 from 4.0), and got himself more involved in the passing game (47 receptions for 300 yards and a TD, vs 18-184-0 in his rookie season).

While the Bills have been making some changes to the offensive line that could impact Lynch’s ability to find holes in 2009, the addition of Owens on the outside should help keep defenses a little more honest when it comes to moving a safety up in the box.

In fact, if James Hardy can show signs of improvement in his second season, Lynch could possibly even crack our 2009 draft board top 10.