Best argument I’ve read on players’ behalf

by | Mar 17, 2011 | Business of Football, NFL Random Thoughts

I still maintain that there is not a right side to the NFL lockout. I believe there is enough blame for this situation to go around and that the NFL and the NFL’s union, err, former-and-someday-to-be-again union, should realize they have more incentives to work together to find a deal than they do to stop negotiating and keep the players out of work.

However, I came across a post today that is the best I have read at putting forth the players’ perspective.

I don’t agree with every point TJ “The Dude” Johnson makes. But it’s a well-written, well-researched look at the reasons the players have taken the strategy they have used.

In fact, if they hired this guy to make their case with the public they’d probably be better off. If you have a few minutes, check it out. I thought it was a pretty good read.

Neither owners, nor players sympathetic in bargaining breakdown

by | Mar 15, 2011 | Business of Football, NFL Random Thoughts

Since the NFL and NFLPA decided they could not come up with an agreement for how to split $9 billion on Friday afternoon I’ve checked in on the twittersphere from time to time and it’s not really helping either side win the public relations battle.

I was already irritated that a bunch of rich guys couldn’t come to an agreement with a bunch of richer guys on how to split a plenty big pot o’ cash. But then I started reading.

Some players, in between hollow apologies to fans or tweets of disbelief wondering why fans are irritated with them instead of or in addition to being upset with the owners, are posting “jokes” like Alex Brown (alexbrown96) did Sunday afternoon: So since I am unemployed and have a pregnant wife and 2 other kids can I go get WIC?

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Randy Moss is a Hall of Famer but could have been so much more

by | Jan 18, 2011 | Hall of Fame, NFL Random Thoughts

One reader who left some comments said Randy Moss is worth a Hall of Fame post discussion of his own. I think he’s right. I’ve been thinking about this post for awhile but that comment finally spurred me to do some research. Here’s what I found.

It will be difficult for Hall of Fame voters to deny Randy Moss a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame based on the numbers he has put up, despite controversies that have followed Moss around throughout his career.

He has made highlight reel plays and posted several amazing game logs and seasons and, through minor incident here and minor incident there, put up some fantastic numbers during the first 13 years of his career.

But an analysis of those statistics also indicates that he could have been so much more. Had Moss maintained the pace he was on the first six years of his career he very likely would have eclipsed Jerry Rice, at least statistically, as the greatest wide receiver of all time.

And frankly it wouldn’t have been close.
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Packers fans should give it up for Ted Thompson

by | Jan 17, 2011 | NFL Random Thoughts

Okay, I don’t get it, Packers fans.

Green Bay is on a tremendous roll right now having ripped through two division champions on the road despite an injury-plagued season and is a game against long-time rival Chicago away from reaching the Super Bowl.

And for the second time in four years the green and gold has reached this point, last losing to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game on a frigid night at Lambeau Field, after Brett Favre threw a bad interception to end the season.

That was an upset loss, as Green Bay was the top seed following a 13-3 regular season in 2007. But that stuff happens. Any given Sunday, yada, yada.

How about sustained success? The team is 21-11 the past two regular seasons with two playoff appearances, and, again, the Packers are in the NFC Championship game for the second time in four seasons. Furthermore, with a lot of depth and a collection of young skill players on both sides of the ball, the team would appear destined to stay competitive well into the future.

Yet many Packers fans still can’t stand Ted Thompson. (more…)

NFL playoffs continue with divisional games

by | Jan 15, 2011 | NFL Picks, NFL Random Thoughts

I haven’t had a very good handle on the NFC all season long. I thought the Bears were going to suck. I was wrong. I thought the 49ers were going to win the NFC West. I was wrong — although in fairness to me, there really wasn’t a team that ended up deserving to win that putrid, dreck-filled division.

Anyway, the trend continued last week. I hit the two AFC matchups, even nailing the scenario in which the Jets would beat Indy, almost to a T.

But the NFC games stymied me. But what the hell. Let’s have another go at it this week, eh? (Pointspreads via Vegas.com)

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