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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T.O. to Tennessee?

by | Mar 5, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, NFL News

If early media coverage of the Terrell Owens saga proves accurate it seems the brash former Cowboy, Eagle and 49er wide receiver might have trouble finding his next suitor.

Stephen A. Smith on ESPN News Thursday night indicated that Owens would like to play for Indianapolis, the New York Giants or New England. He cited no sources in his report, however, so it’s uncertain to me whether he was saying so based on solid information or just guessing where T.O. would like to play.

And the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network’s further reporting, courtesy of Chris Mortensen, indicated that all 16 NFC teams and 14 AFC teams have said they have no interest in signing the enigmatic receiver, cut loose officially by the Dallas Cowboys Thursday.

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McDaniels’ Cutler talks not worth the risk

by | Mar 2, 2009 | 2009 Trades, NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

Last year Jay Cutler threw for 4,526 yards, third most in the NFL. In his first three seasons as “the next John Elway” he’s thrown for 9,024 yards and 54 touchdowns. He needs to cut down on his 37 interceptions but he’s without question the best quarterback Denver has seen since the Hall of Famer retired.

Over the weekend it was reported that Denver’s rookie coach Josh McDaniels floated – or was at least willing to listen to – offers from Detroit and Tampa Bay that would have sent Cutler away.

Those reported deals would have reunited McDaniels with New England backup Matt Cassel.

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Redskins start free agency with a bang

by | Feb 27, 2009 | NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

In 2006 the Washington Redskins spent large chunks of cash and draft picks to bring in luminaries such as Andre Carter, Adam Archuleta, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El, with only the latter remaining on the team.

The next two offseasons the Redskins were uncharacteristically quiet during free agency, appearing to have learned from 2006 and several other high-priced free agent mistakes acquired since Daniel Snyder bought the franchise.

Last year, as Washington sat on the sidelines, it was the Oakland Raiders that went on a free agency binge, doling out millions of dollars on a bunch of malcontents and scrubs. The constant cash register ringing earned ridicule from us at Zoneblitz.com among others.

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Favre retiring again … stay tuned

by | Feb 11, 2009 | Hall of Fame, NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

Could it be?

For the second offseason in a row, good ol’ number four is retiring.

Brett Favre has instructed his agent to tell the New York Jets he has decided to retire, according to ESPN.

Last year Zoneblitz predicted that Favre’s retirement would be short-lived. I had a hunch the guy would be back for at least one more last minute comeback win over my hometown Vikings.

I’m not 100 percent convinced he’s done for good this time, but I’m leaning toward believing it. Favre looked pretty rough the last quarter of the 2008 season. He can still fling the pig but with increasing frequency it ends up falling to the ground or fluttering into the hands of defensive players.

He’s not the same player in the cold either.

Nonetheless, if he does retire it’ll close the book on an interesting and at times amazing career. And when Tony gets around to writing the 2014 Hall of Fame post Favre’s name will definitely be on the list.

Pittsburgh v Arizona in Tampa

by | Jan 18, 2009 | NFL News

Arizona made the Super Bowl.

Damn.

The Arizona Cardinals … in the Super Bowl.

“We are who we thought we were,” read one of the signs Fox caught during the broadcast. … Well, you aren’t who I thought you were – I’ve been wrong on Arizona three times now during the playoffs.

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