NFL 2016 Head Coaching and Offseason Stuff

[Suicane75]

SF seems like one of the worst places for the most even mannered of coaches to land. I can't imagine Chip is going to last very long.

[RedKingGold]

Doesn't make any sense. Kelly may say he doesn't want to be GM, but he sure ran the last one he worked for out of the stadium. Can't see him and Baalke getting along.

That's a lazy statement. Chip did not want GM power but made a power play to get personnel power after the Eagles fired Tom Gamble. Howie Roseman is a disease, and you really do not see too many solid coaches leaping at the Eagles job at this point.

[BillJasper]

That's a lazy statement. Chip did not want GM power but made a power play to get personnel power after the Eagles fired Tom Gamble. Howie Roseman is a disease, and you really do not see too many solid coaches leaping at the Eagles job at this point.

I'd argue that you didn't see too many solid coaches leaping at the 49ers job either.

[dawgfan]

Seems like a lot of folks have written off Chip as a coach, and yet he's 26-21 for a franchise that had gone 4-12 prior to his arrival.

Yeah, clearly his moves as GM this past year blew up in his face. He'll need to forge a good relationship with a quality GM, and that doesn't seem like a great bet in SF with this ownership.

But I think too many folks are under-valuing him as a coach. Maybe his coaching style doesn't work so well in the NFL (and I'm talking managing personalities, not his X's and O's), or maybe he's learned from his experience in Philly. We'll see. But I'm not going to bet against his ability to rehab Kaepernick's career and get the 49ers back on track.

[RedKingGold]

I'd argue that you didn't see too many solid coaches leaping at the 49ers job either.

I wouldn't argue with you on that, both teams right now are completely dysfunctional. I just feel like Chip Kelly is a good "coach" when he can focus on coaching. I also think Kaepernick has more natural talent than Bradford, Foles or Sanchez and is an overall better fit for what Kelly wants to do on offense.

If OT Anthony Davis comes back from his semi-retirement, the 49ers would have two solid tackles (with Joe Staley), a talented running back (Hyde) and athletic quarterback. That sounds like the kind of personnel Kelly likes.

[flere-imsaho]

If I'm an owner/GM, I could see myself talking myself into Kelly by saying "well, he learned his lesson about personnel".

[Logan]

If the choice was really between Kelly and Mike effing Shanahan, you take Kelly in a nanosecond, even if he hasn't learned a thing.

[molson]

SF seems like one of the worst places for the most even mannered of coaches to land. I can't imagine Chip is going to last very long.

Ya, I could see something like this-

-Surprising jump to 8-8, everybody is happy
-Surprising jump to 10-6 or 11-5 and the playoffs, everyone is delirious
-Still 10-6 or 11-5, fired for not taking the team to the "next level"

[corbes]

If the team owner is willing to relinquish control of the holiday-party scheduling it's entirely possible that the Kelly hire will work out swimmingly.

[BillJasper]

If the choice was really between Kelly and Mike effing Shanahan, you take Kelly in a nanosecond, even if he hasn't learned a thing.

Yeah. I think you're right.

[RedKingGold]

If the team owner is willing to relinquish control of the holiday-party scheduling it's entirely possible that the Kelly hire will work out swimmingly.

:thumbsup:

[BillJasper]

Is the Titans job the only one still open?

[stevew]

If the choice was really between Kelly and Mike effing Shanahan, you take Kelly in a nanosecond, even if he hasn't learned a thing.

+1

[stevew]

Bucs are hiring Koettler(sp)

[tucker rocky]

Eagles to hire Doug Pederson

EDP not happy:
https://youtu.be/cY-_8s2w9EI
:lol: :popcorn:

NSFW link

[TroyF]

Seems like a lot of folks have written off Chip as a coach, and yet he's 26-21 for a franchise that had gone 4-12 prior to his arrival.

Yeah, clearly his moves as GM this past year blew up in his face. He'll need to forge a good relationship with a quality GM, and that doesn't seem like a great bet in SF with this ownership.

But I think too many folks are under-valuing him as a coach. Maybe his coaching style doesn't work so well in the NFL (and I'm talking managing personalities, not his X's and O's), or maybe he's learned from his experience in Philly. We'll see. But I'm not going to bet against his ability to rehab Kaepernick's career and get the 49ers back on track.



I'm with you. I think the guy can flat out coach and it was a massive mistake for Philly to fire him. I keep hearing about how he can't succeed in the NFL. Well, two 10 win seasons with Michael Vick and Nick Foles/Mark Sanchez tells me otherwise.

The huge power play in Philly was due to the fact that his friend was fired and they put a guy he hated in charge of the GM duties. He got pissed and demanded things changed. As part of that, he ends up getting total control.

I'm not saying he deserved total control, but without the first idiotic move, the second never happens. I believe Chip will be very successful in SF. We'll see about Pederson in Philly.

[Logan]

If I'm a Giants fan, I'm okay with McAdoo showing up to his introductory press conference in a suit that is enormous on him. What I'm not sure I'd be okay with is him coloring his hair.

[Buccaneer]

Los Angeles Rams unveiled their new logo and unfortunately, they kept the St. Louis gold with the blue. If they had gone with the blue and white, they would have become my favorite team again (as they were in 1969 and 1970).

http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-42748265068768/los-angeles-rams-st-louis-classic-tk-1964-72-throwback-riddell-replica-helmet-6.jpg

[stevew]

I was hoping for a return to the Blue and Yellow. I thought their color rush jersey combo was pretty good.

[NobodyHere]

So how was Miami's offensive line last year?

Colts hire Joe Philbin as offensive line coach - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000623288/article/colts-hire-joe-philbin-as-offensive-line-coach)

[Suicane75]

I was hoping for a return to the Blue and Yellow. I thought their color rush jersey combo was pretty good.

I too was hoping for a return to either the classic yellow or classic blue/white scheme. I hate the gold. Hate, hate, hate.

[Young Drachma]

did the Giants break the Rooney rule?

The Giants are intrigued with McAdoo’s potential but wanted to get a cross-section of the available candidates with head-coaching experience. McAdoo was their first interview, but they also met with three others with more experience: their own defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, former Bills head coach Doug Marrone and former Falcons head coach Mike Smith. None of those candidates wowed the Giants, and they doubled back and kept the hiring in-house

Rumor mill is saying that McAdoo is close to finalizing a deal to be the Giants HC.

They interviewed Teryl Austin, Lions DC.

[NobodyHere]

The Rooney rule is the most racist rule there is in American jurisprudence.

[BillJasper]

So how was Miami's offensive line last year?

Colts hire Joe Philbin as offensive line coach - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000623288/article/colts-hire-joe-philbin-as-offensive-line-coach)

:lol:

[JPhillips]

The Rooney rule is the most racist rule there is in American jurisprudence.

SO much wrong here.

[Dutch]

To be fair, the rule should state that each team must interview at least one African-American...one white dude, one Hispanic dude, one Asian dude, one gay dude, one Jewish dude, one Native American dude, a Somoan, a female, and at least one senior citizen.

Then it wouldn't actually be a racist and very exclusionary rule.

[Suicane75]

They could interview Bruce Jenner and get four of em out of the way at once.

[JPhillips]

Then it wouldn't actually be a racist and very exclusionary rule.

It's neither. It doesn't exclude anyone, there is no limit on how many candidates you can interview. There is no punishment for hiring a white guy. There is no punishment for promoting from within.

It's designed to allow African-American coaches to be seen as head coaching candidates. It allows the coaches to work on their preparedness for those interviews, and it allows teams to see more "hot" candidates getting interviews.

It takes a day, costs a little travel and expenses, and doesn't stop any owner from hiring anyone or keep anyone from being hired. It does broaden the pool of candidates looked at and helps a group that has been historically overlooked by owners.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Rooney rule is the most racist rule there is in American jurisprudence.

It's absurd politically correct bullshit, just another sad sorry joke.

[BillJasper]

It's neither. It doesn't exclude anyone, there is no limit on how many candidates you can interview. There is no punishment for hiring a white guy. There is no punishment for promoting from within.

It's designed to allow African-American coaches to be seen as head coaching candidates. It allows the coaches to work on their preparedness for those interviews, and it allows teams to see more "hot" candidates getting interviews.

It takes a day, costs a little travel and expenses, and doesn't stop any owner from hiring anyone or keep anyone from being hired. It does broaden the pool of candidates looked at and helps a group that has been historically overlooked by owners.

+1

[EagleFan]

It's neither. It doesn't exclude anyone, there is no limit on how many candidates you can interview. There is no punishment for hiring a white guy. There is no punishment for promoting from within.

It's designed to allow African-American coaches to be seen as head coaching candidates. It allows the coaches to work on their preparedness for those interviews, and it allows teams to see more "hot" candidates getting interviews.

It takes a day, costs a little travel and expenses, and doesn't stop any owner from hiring anyone or keep anyone from being hired. It does broaden the pool of candidates looked at and helps a group that has been historically overlooked by owners.

It serves no actual purpose in reality. It also becomes a derogatory badge that someone like Duce Staley is now stuck wearing... "he was a Rooney rule interview" Downplays any potential accomplishment.

[BillJasper]

It serves no actual purpose in reality. It also becomes a derogatory badge that someone like Duce Staley is now stuck wearing... "he was a Rooney rule interview" Downplays any potential accomplishment.

Some can make a mockery of it, but it actually gives people a chance that seldom existed before its existence.

Duce Staley has now interviewed for a head coaching job. That's an experience he and a lot of other people would've never gotten under the old system.

[sabotai]

To be fair, the rule should state that each team must interview at least one African-American...one white dude, one Hispanic dude, one Asian dude, one gay dude, one Jewish dude, one Native American dude, a Somoan, a female, and at least one senior citizen.

Then it wouldn't actually be a racist and very exclusionary rule.

The Rooney rule does not state that an NFL team must interview someone that is African-American. It states that a team has to interview at least one minority candidate.

[stevew]

Hue Jackson plans to call his own plays and not hire an offensive coordinator. Sounds like a really bad idea, but Cleveland really can't get any worse.

[Atocep]

Some can make a mockery of it, but it actually gives people a chance that seldom existed before its existence.

Duce Staley has now interviewed for a head coaching job. That's an experience he and a lot of other people would've never gotten under the old system.

+1

Staley's name is now out there to other teams. There may have not been any real interest in hiring him, but it does give his career a boost and likely gets him more interviews in the future.

[stevew]

They interviewed Teryl Austin, Lions DC.

Ok, that wasn't in the original article.

[JPhillips]

It serves no actual purpose in reality. It also becomes a derogatory badge that someone like Duce Staley is now stuck wearing... "he was a Rooney rule interview" Downplays any potential accomplishment.

Bullshit. Duce Staley could have always declined the interview if it was such a stigma.

This sort of thing happens all the time with internships, meet a mentor, summer programs, etc., and it happens for white folks, too.

[BillJasper]

Bullshit. Duce Staley could have always declined the interview if it was such a stigma.

This sort of thing happens all the time with internships, meet a mentor, summer programs, etc., and it happens for white folks, too.

It also isn't like the Rooney Rule is keeping hard working white coaches from getting hired and then hired again after failing elsewhere. This is a league with 80% minority players and 25% minority head coaches. :eek:

[EagleFan]

I love how people are acting like the ONLY reason that Staley got the interview was the damn rule. You guys are so full of yourselves that you can't even see how racist you are. Yep, the black man could only get an interview because of a rule, not because he earned it... Because that is what you ARE SAYING... racist fools.

[JPhillips]

NOBODY SAID THAT!

[Sweed]

Los Angeles Rams unveiled their new logo and unfortunately, they kept the St. Louis gold with the blue. If they had gone with the blue and white, they would have become my favorite team again (as they were in 1969 and 1970).

http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-42748265068768/los-angeles-rams-st-louis-classic-tk-1964-72-throwback-riddell-replica-helmet-6.jpg

As a Rams fan since 1968 this is so disappointing. The gold has sucked since the day they introduced it. I loved the yellow and blue and hoped it would return with the move to LA. The blue and white though is also classic\great and would have been awesome.

Your helmet brings back memories of Deacon Jones, Roman Gabriel, Jack Snow, Merlin Olsen, and so many others.

Opportunity wasted :mad:

[NobodyHere]

Manziel spotted in 'really good mood' at liquor store (http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/manziel-spotted-in-really-good-mood-at-liquor-store/ar-BBokQN7?li=BBnba9I)

[Dutch]

The Rooney rule does not state that an NFL team must interview someone that is African-American. It states that a team has to interview at least one minority candidate.

Sab,

Thanks for that, I honestly didn't realize it stated "minority" vs. "African-American". Just another case of perception becoming reality, I suppose.

[Buccaneer]

As a Rams fan since 1968 this is so disappointing. The gold has sucked since the day they introduced it. I loved the yellow and blue and hoped it would return with the move to LA. The blue and white though is also classic\great and would have been awesome.

Your helmet brings back memories of Deacon Jones, Roman Gabriel, Jack Snow, Merlin Olsen, and so many others.

Opportunity wasted :mad:

I have a hope that when the stadium gets built, they will re-brand the Rams back to their traditional colors. I believe the Tennessee Oilers/Titans did the same thing.

While my first love was the blue/white Rams (and the players you mentioned), I also understand blue/yellow since that's what they wore in the 1950s and early 1960s (as well as the later years).

[TroyF]

So we end up with 6 coaching hires and a few who stayed right where they were. My personal opinions:

Browns - Jackson - A+ They just have to hope the ownership doesn't screw this up

49ers - Kelly - A - I know others think differently, I think he's a fantastic coach

Dolphins - Gase - C+ - I think Gase is a great coach, but he's also young. I would not have hired a first time head coach were I the Dolphins

Bucs - Koetter - C - Really? Sorry, I don't see it. they get a C because maybe Winston will be able to bail them out of anything

Mcadoo - D+ - Horrible

Eagles - Pederson - F - Three years NFL experience and he did it under Andy Reid. This is beyond a reach. What a horrific hire.He'll get a year where the media will blame Chip Kelly for everything. Then he'll struggle to keep his job the following year. It doesn't get any dumber than this.

The guys who stayed put:

Detroit - I don't like Caldwell, but the Lions played better the second half of the year with the new OC. It isn't going to kill them to give it another year.

Titans - Dumb, dumb and dumb. You can't help but think the sale of the team is causing this. Really stupid and i feel horrible for Mariota.

[MrBug708]

Rams should fire Fisher

[MrBug708]

I logged in at 10:03 to put a deposit on Rams season tickets and it already is showing none left. Turns out it was a browser issue

[General Mike]

Mcadoo - D+ - Horrible



Maybe. I know I didn't like the hire, but I don't know if it is horrible. I think the bigger issue is that Reese is still the GM, and I think the organization needed a fresh start all around.

[JPhillips]

Yeah, the Giants are in a difficult spot. How many years does Eli have left, and is there enough time for him to learn a new offense? The offense was pretty good this year, so I can see why they'd want that continuity. It may not work, but it has some sense to it.

[Barkeep49]

I think you could do a lot worse than pick a coach whose mentor, including playoffs, is 172–121–1 (.587) during his career.

[Dutch]

I like the Dirk Koetter move mostly for the illusion of stability for Winston. He is a players coach, but he knows he's not one of the boys, so I like that. Winston respects him and Koetter isn't just an X's and O's guy, but a lifelong teacher. So I'm hopeful.

Bringing in Mike Smith is seen as a positive as well since the two combined seem to have a good vision of what NFL talent looks like...and they will dismantle the Tampa-2....which was an attempt by Lovie to cram a square peg (90's ball) into a round hole (modern defenses). I expect improvements and expect the Bucs to shake their laughing-stock image. Tough mountain to climb though.

[albionmoonlight]

I expect improvements and expect the Bucs to shake their laughing-stock image. Tough mountain to climb though.

I think that Winston is the real deal. Getting a star QB will do wonders over the next 3-5 years. As long as the coaches/front office can field an average or better defense, the Bucs should be a playoff team sooner rather than later.

[ISiddiqui]

I like the Dirk Koetter move mostly for the illusion of stability for Winston. He is a players coach, but he knows he's not one of the boys, so I like that. Winston respects him and Koetter isn't just an X's and O's guy, but a lifelong teacher. So I'm hopeful.

Bringing in Mike Smith is seen as a positive as well since the two combined seem to have a good vision of what NFL talent looks like...and they will dismantle the Tampa-2....which was an attempt by Lovie to cram a square peg (90's ball) into a round hole (modern defenses). I expect improvements and expect the Bucs to shake their laughing-stock image. Tough mountain to climb though.

Almost like a reverse Falcons of 2012-2014 coaching staff. In that case it was Mike Smith as HC and Dirk Koetter as OC. I just find it interesting.

[TroyF]

I think you could do a lot worse than pick a coach whose mentor, including playoffs, is 172–121–1 (.587) during his career.

I like Andy Reid. Always have. Dumb clock manager, but I like his style and his teams. That said, I do not necessarily care about his coaching tree. Like most head coaches, there are some hits and misses. I fully believe the Eagles went the wrong way in both their firing of Reid and their hiring of Pederson.

All of this is just my opinion. I never expected Carrol to succeed in Seattle. I think Lurie crapped the bed. Maybe Pederson will prove me wrong. (fwiw the Eagles are my favorite team in that division so I will be hoping he does well regardless of how well I think he will do.)

[SteveMax58]

Yeah, the Giants are in a difficult spot. How many years does Eli have left, and is there enough time for him to learn a new offense? The offense was pretty good this year, so I can see why they'd want that continuity. It may not work, but it has some sense to it.

Yeah and it'd be nearly guaranteed to be yet another wasted year with Eli as your QB, who isn't getting any younger.

I felt like the Giants should have parted ways with Coughlin 2 offseasons ago. Last offseason I was 50/50 on it. This season, I feel like Coughlin actually had the team highly competitive despite the lack of talent. Though being competitive means you will be in close games, where being smart matters. And nobody (at least not me anyway) ever accused Coughlin of being a smart tactician.

I also feel like McAdoo shares some of that blame (and a little praise as well). While he did a good job schematically, I never found his playcalling to be anything special, least of all his late game playcalls (which Coughlin accepts blame for, but I'm not convinced he was the one making those calls).

I expect McAdoo to be a bit of a continuation of Coughlin. And despite the Giants typical stability, I expect McAdoo and Reese to both be gone in 2 seasons. I hope I'm wrong.

[Logan]

I expect McAdoo to be a bit of a continuation of Coughlin. And despite the Giants typical stability, I expect McAdoo and Reese to both be gone in 2 seasons. I hope I'm wrong.

That's the real issue. Keeping Reese, when he should have been the first let go, means that you're tying the two together for a couple years at least because no strong GM candidate is going to take the job after next season if he's being stuck with a coach with no history of success. So you have to give them two years to figure things out and then maybe you just wasted the final two years of Eli's potential as a Super Bowl-caliber QB.

[SteveMax58]

That's the real issue. Keeping Reese, when he should have been the first let go, means that you're tying the two together for a couple years at least because no strong GM candidate is going to take the job after next season if he's being stuck with a coach with no history of success. So you have to give them two years to figure things out and then maybe you just wasted the final two years of Eli's potential as a Super Bowl-caliber QB.

Yep, and assuming things don't go unexpectedly great, I think they reboot with a new GM and coach at that point. Potentially with or without Eli.

[Dutch]

I think that Winston is the real deal. Getting a star QB will do wonders over the next 3-5 years. As long as the coaches/front office can field an average or better defense, the Bucs should be a playoff team sooner rather than later.

Gerald McCoy is a gritty player, but he's almost alone sans defensive scheming. We need some muscle up front.

Almost like a reverse Falcons of 2012-2014 coaching staff. In that case it was Mike Smith as HC and Dirk Koetter as OC. I just find it interesting.

I dont know of a situation like this...although I'm sure its happened. I think Mike Smith will drop back to coordinator without much trouble...they are apparently good friends....and I see them as in the right order personality-wise.

[Suicane75]

Yep, and assuming things don't go unexpectedly great, I think they reboot with a new GM and coach at that point. Potentially with or without Eli.

I would say there's a 100% chance it will either be with or without him. I see no other outcomes.

[Kodos]

Shrewd analysis. This is why I stay at FOFC.

[SteveMax58]

I would say there's a 100% chance it will either be with or without him. I see no other outcomes.

:D I report, you decide.

I really just mean that at that point they won't care to try and salvage the Eli years and will be looking for the longer term solution at head coach and GM whether Eli stays for an extra season or not.

[Thomkal]

A sad story of what playing NFL Football can lead to:

Former Steelers receiver Antwaan Randle El: 'If I could go back, I wouldn't [play football]' | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/01/19/If-I-could-go-back-I-wouldn-t-play-football/stories/201601190177?utm_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=echobox&utm_term=Autofeed)

[Abe Sargent]

Whoa! Thanks Thomkal!

[BillJasper]

Raiders, Oakland to work on a lease for 2016 | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/23/raiders-oakland-to-work-on-a-lease-for-2016/)

Am I the only one that would play hardball with the Raiders on this lease? Getting them to commit for more than a single season.

[TroyF]

A sad story of what playing NFL Football can lead to:

Former Steelers receiver Antwaan Randle El: 'If I could go back, I wouldn't [play football]' | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/01/19/If-I-could-go-back-I-wouldn-t-play-football/stories/201601190177?utm_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=echobox&utm_term=Autofeed)

He went back the following day and took back a vast majority of the comments, but did say he would stick to baseball.

I hear those type of comments a lot. It's really easy for a guy to say he would choose baseball. The problem is baseball is a freaking brutal sport to be good at. In football you are competing against a bunch of American athletes. You also go right to "the show" if you are good.

In baseball? You get past the first or second round and you aren't getting a living wage.

If health were really the dominating decision maker for these athletes, they would obviously choose baseball or basketball. I don't think health is the motivating factor. I wonder if 18 year Randall-El would look at the options before him and still stick with baseball.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I wonder if 18 year Randall-El would look at the options before him and still stick with baseball.

You know the answer to that & I know the answer to that ... and it'd be the same choice he made the first time.

[rowech]

You know the answer to that & I know the answer to that ... and it'd be the same choice he made the first time.

What would have been interesting for him is had he switched to baseball after college. I wonder if playing QB did as much damage in his time at that position as the time he spent at WR did.

[MrBug708]

These athletes who say they would pick another sport instead. The vast majority play the one they were the best at. And when Randall El failed at baseball and was possibly working at a Dick's sporting goods, he'd wonder if he should have picked football.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Raiders, Oakland to work on a lease for 2016 | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/23/raiders-oakland-to-work-on-a-lease-for-2016/)

Am I the only one that would play hardball with the Raiders on this lease? Getting them to commit for more than a single season.

Not at all. I would rake them over the coals unless they gave me a multi-year deal. They have no leverage whatsoever, rip them a new one.

[stevew]

I'm fairly sure Randel El would have had at least 3/5 elite tools in baseball(fielding, speed, throwing)and his 14th round selection was based on the fact that he was signed to play college football. But who really knows.

[TroyF]

Not at all. I would rake them over the coals unless they gave me a multi-year deal. They have no leverage whatsoever, rip them a new one.


Really? You think the NFL doesn't have other options? Oakland tells the Raiders they won't sign a multi year deal in that POS stadium and the NFL will force Oakland to stay?

The only reason Oakland kept the Raiders right now is because of Al Davis and their vendetta against him. (along with Silent Stan's money) The Raiders would like to wait until the rest of the dominos fall before they make their decision, but if forced they could be out of Oakland next week and the owners would approve it. (Toronto, San Antonio, St. Louis, San Diego (which would still have a superior stadium to the one in Oakland), etc.

Sorry, I disagree. Oakland has zero leverage here. When your stadium has multiple sewage problems each year, you really can't hold anyone hostage.

[Thomkal]

Johnny just can't stay out of trouble it seems. By all means Dallas trade for him :)

Report: Police Question Johnny Manziel Over An "Altercation" With His Girlfriend [UPDATE] (http://deadspin.com/report-police-question-johnny-manziel-over-an-alterca-1756123393?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)

[Toddzilla]

So Manziel's girlfriend calls the cops, claims there was an assault, disappears when the cops get there, won'y cooperate with the cops when they do find her, claims her boyfriend (Manziel) is in danger, and when the cops do find him, he's fine.

WHY is this a story? If anything, it speaks to her character, not his.

[Thomkal]

So Manziel's girlfriend calls the cops, claims there was an assault, disappears when the cops get there, won'y cooperate with the cops when they do find her, claims her boyfriend (Manziel) is in danger, and when the cops do find him, he's fine.

WHY is this a story? If anything, it speaks to her character, not his.

I did not see or it wasn't there when I posted this-about the Fort Worth PD statement. It does sound like here its the girlfriend who is troubled. So what happened with the assault? who was involved? Its a story because Johnny is associated with her. These days anything in his "orbit" is going to be reported on.

[miami_fan]

I did not see or it wasn't there when I posted this-about the Fort Worth PD statement. It does sound like here its the girlfriend who is troubled. So what happened with the assault? who was involved? Its a story because Johnny is associated with her. These days anything in his "orbit" is going to be reported on.

Pretty much. This is an instance of the problem being "us" and not him.

[CU Tiger]

or him choosing who he associates with as has been a problem for a while...

[claphamsa]

looks like megatron is retiring... seems like the 2 best players in my memmory to retire young were both Lions....

[claphamsa]

then again, he has banked 113M so...why keep playing

[Scoobz0202]

Megatron, HOF or not? I thought, "Oh yea, one of if not the greatest WR in this generation."

Then I looked at the numbers and ehhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Career vs Peak

[claphamsa]

ive always struggled to understand the offensive stats in NFL, its so variable on talent around you and system....we need an NFL WAR!

[stevew]

Will be interesting to see how intent they are on making him pay back the 3.2

[cuervo72]

looks like megatron is retiring... seems like the 2 best players ever to retire young were both Lions....

Ever (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Brown)?

[BillJasper]

Calvin Johnson needs to do what is best for him.

[claphamsa]

Ever (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Brown)?

fixed

[cuervo72]

Ok, better. :)

[BillJasper]

or him choosing who he associates with as has been a problem for a while...

I think we've all had a crazy girlfriend before settling down.

[Julio Riddols]

I honestly don't think Calvin is quite HoF material, but if Terrell Davis got in, then Calvin could too. He had those 3 really good years 2011 to 2013, but really wasn't at the top of his position for more than that. There are just too many receivers in line to get in, and guys like Torry Holt, Marvin Harrison, T.O, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, etc. deserve it more in my opinion for their consistency and longevity before Calvin gets in.

That's not to say Calvin wasn't great, but his numbers were really only tops in the game for a year or two and I just don't think that's enough in today's NFL to really separate from the field.

[stevew]

Megatron is a peak value argument. I think he was a position defining player and people will talk about him for far longer than guys like Holt, Harrison, and Johnson at least. If there's still an NFL in 20 years, your children/grandchildren will ask what it was like to see him play.

[albionmoonlight]

I like Calvin Johnson a lot. He seems like a super class act and a great guy.

But I also see a lot of people on the internet talking about him retiring in his prime. I don't see that. He is no longer in his prime. He's still an above-average player. But he was clearly entering the grizzled veteran stage of his career. This isn't like he chose to retire after the 2012 season.

I guess we are so used to athletes playing until they literally are unable to play anymore that we find it notable when a guy with anything left in the tank decides to quit.

Wish him all the best. Certainly a unique talent.

[cuervo72]

Similar Players:

Career Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson, Cris Collinsworth, Sterling Sharpe, John Gilliam, Mark Clayton, Bob Hayes*, Laveranues Coles, Herman Moore, Mark Duper

[BillJasper]

Not sure I see Calvin Johnson as a Hall of Famer.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

then again, he has banked 113M so...why keep playing

$113M goes a long ways in Detroit anymore.

[CraigSca]

To ease Detroit's pain, at least they were to score Randy Edsall.

[Kodos]

The influence of Peyton Manning can be seen in how numbers changed since he arrived - NFL (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14687265/the-influence-peyton-manning-seen-how-numbers-changed-arrived-nfl)

Interesting article about Manning.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Everything in this thread from post #327 - #343 sucks.

Calvin Johnson will be in the Hall of Fame.

I keep seeing a lot of chatter about people think Cam Newton is bad or a thug or something. I have no idea what's happening here. He seems like a super nice, friendly, out going, sharp-dressed guy. I don't get this. It's stupid. Much like posts #327 - #343.

The NFL is also stupid.

I don't care who plays in Los Angeles.

Randy Edsall is also stupid.

[Dutch]

I keep seeing a lot of chatter about people think Cam Newton is bad or a thug or something. I have no idea what's happening here. He seems like a super nice, friendly, out going, sharp-dressed guy. I don't get this. It's stupid.

I have no idea where this has come from. I think you can basically make any extreme story you want from cherry picking stupid shit off the Facebook or off the Twitter or off the America On The Line. Raci$m sells, we love it and are enthralled by it, so we have to endure RACIST 'MURICA stories because a black guy is the quarterback in the Super Bowl.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I have no idea where this has come from.

He's an unlikable showboat, so he's getting called out by noted racists like ... Charles Barkley. "Thug" might, in this instance, be an inaccurate use of the word. Then again, him playing the race card was so silly that maybe it isn't all that far off either. People don't Cam-hate because he's black, they Cam-hate because he's an insufferable asshole on the field.

The Cam Newton hate is over his showboating, not his race « Hot Air Headlines (http://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2016/01/29/the-cam-newton-hate-is-over-his-showboating-not-his-race/)

[rowech]

He's an unlikable showboat, so he's getting called out by noted racists like ... Charles Barkley. "Thug" might, in this instance, be an inaccurate use of the word. Then again, him playing the race card was so silly that maybe it isn't all that far off either. People don't Cam-hate because he's black, they Cam-hate because he's an insufferable asshole on the field.

The Cam Newton hate is over his showboating, not his race « Hot Air Headlines (http://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2016/01/29/the-cam-newton-hate-is-over-his-showboating-not-his-race/)

And the outrage over Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, JJ Watt, etc?

[BillJasper]

He's an unlikable showboat, so he's getting called out by noted racists like ... Charles Barkley. "Thug" might, in this instance, be an inaccurate use of the word. Then again, him playing the race card was so silly that maybe it isn't all that far off either. People don't Cam-hate because he's black, they Cam-hate because he's an insufferable asshole on the field.

The Cam Newton hate is over his showboating, not his race « Hot Air Headlines (http://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2016/01/29/the-cam-newton-hate-is-over-his-showboating-not-his-race/)

He seems to genuinely have fun playing the game. The league needs more like him.

[Dutch]

And the outrage over Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, JJ Watt, etc?

What outrage? All I know about any of this is what I've seen on ESPN. (EDIT: And I'm not saying there isn't, but none of my friends are outraged by Cam Newton...they may or may not like him and some may not like him because of his celebrations but they aren't outraged.)

[Vince, Pt. II]

I believe that's the point he's trying to make. If it's about Cam showboating, and not about race, why aren't those other players (who also showboat) having the same reaction?

[Dutch]

I believe that's the point he's trying to make. If it's about Cam showboating, and not about race, why aren't those other players (who also showboat) having the same reaction?

It's not because he's black. At least, not on a grand scale that is being purported by ESPN. As for Aaron Rodgers, I didn't realize he did the Discount Doublecheck every game...didn't know Favre had a celebration...same for JJ Watt! I DO know that Cam has one....thanks to ESPN. Logically though, it would appear that ... QB TD Celebration level of effort = level of "outrage". Not racism.

[miami_fan]

It's not because he's black. At least, not on a grand scale that is being purported by ESPN. As for Aaron Rodgers, I didn't realize he did the Discount Doublecheck every game...didn't know Favre had a celebration...same for JJ Watt! I DO know that Cam has one....thanks to ESPN. Logically though, it would appear that ... QB TD Celebration level of effort = level of "outrage". Not racism.

What evidence do you need to be provided with that will prove that racism is a factor in the dislike of SOME for Cam Newton?

[GrantDawg]

What evidence do you need to be provided with that will prove that racism is a factor in the dislike of SOME for Cam Newton?


Sure for some. But people hated Manziel for show-boating as well. I think he is white, right?

[GrantDawg]

Further on Cam....
Some people don't like him because of the laptop incident in college.
Some people still feel he knew his dad was trying to sell him to the highest bidder in college.
Some felt he was a cheater and never should have won the Heisman.
And some don't like him because he is black.
Racism may be a reason for some. But there are other reasons that probably make up the greater percentage. (btw, I don't have a problem with him expect he plays my Falcons).

[ISiddiqui]

I'd argue that most of the it is race related. The people who I usually confront about hating Cam by other examples say something like "I don't know about them showboating, if they do it to, then I don't like it either". Really, you don't know about JJ Watt's showboating? Or are you trying to backtrack from your racist statements?

[miami_fan]

Sure for some. But people hated Manziel for show-boating as well. I think he is white, right?

Nobody said that there are not reasons for people to hate Cam for his showboating if you are inclined to do so. If you hate showboating (specifically at the QB position), then you are absolutely going to hate Cam, Johnny, AND Aaron Rodgers (among others) because all three are showboating QBs. I am just wondering why we are uncomfortable with the idea that racism might be a factor for those that hate Cam.

I find it similar to the discussion as to whether hate towards Tim Tebow had anything to do with his religious views. Those on one side saying that the views have nothing to do with their hate for him as a QB and vice versa on the other side.

[Dutch]

What evidence do you need to be provided with that will prove that racism is a factor in the dislike of SOME for Cam Newton?

I didn't discount some are in it because he's black. I put that disclaimer in the other post already.

[JonInMiddleGA]

He seems to genuinely have fun playing the game. The league needs more like him.

The planet needs less assholes like him.

He's a CEI away from being worth a karmic chuckle afaic.

The sad part is that he's far from being the most deserving guy in the league for that fate, just one among the masses of them.

[Dutch]

I'd argue that most of the it is race related. The people who I usually confront about hating Cam by other examples say something like "I don't know about them showboating, if they do it to, then I don't like it either". Really, you don't know about JJ Watt's showboating? Or are you trying to backtrack from your racist statements?

Where do you confront these people?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Some people still feel he knew his dad was trying to sell him to the highest bidder in college.

Trying?

[ISiddiqui]

Where do you confront these people?

The local pub, Facebook, to name a couple places.

[Dutch]

The local pub, Facebook, to name a couple places.

You must be a real joy at the local pub. "What the fuck are you racist bastards doing? Trying to relax? Fuck no...we're going to argue about how racist you bastards are right now!" :)

[ISiddiqui]

You must be a real joy at the local pub. "What the fuck are you racist bastards doing? Trying to relax? Fuck no...we're going to argue about how racist you bastards are right now!" :)

I most definitely am :p. Most of us can't stand those racist anti-Cam dance bastards. If you are trying to relax don't be talking about how you hate Cam due to showboating. Bring some sports intelligence if you are going to talk about sports with me.

I don't know how you do things in your local pubs, but we don't really like it when people spout off racist nonsense in ours. Though I guess you would rather just let them relax, even if they spout some slurs while chatting with you about the game? :p

[miami_fan]

I didn't discount some are in it because he's black. I put that disclaimer in the other post already.

You stated that it is not because he is black at least not on a grand scale. All we are really discussing are the percentage breakdown of the factors that going into hating Cam and what percentage race has to rise to make it significant on a grand scale for each individual.

I can only tell you in discussions I have had with the anti Cam faction, showboating, fake personality and the most recent factor, he does not act like Peyton Manning have all come up as reasons to dislike him. Unfortunately, far too often, it ends with most saying something to the effect of "I know others also fit those factors but when Cam does "X", it just rubs me the wrong way." I think it is fair ask what this unknown emotional factor is.

[Kodos]

He's stopped doing this this season, but Cam always seemed to be pouting alone at the far end of the bench with a towel over his head when things went poorly in past seasons. Didn't seem like a "team" guy.

I don't consider myself a hater of Newton. I put myself as more of a Cam disliker. I like that he gives footballs to kids after scores. But I've always preferred the Barry Sanders type of player to the Deion Sanders type.

Regardless of how much I like him, he's turned into a hell of a dual-threat QB. He's much better than I ever thought he would end up being.

[Logan]

I guess what's confusing me about the racism angle being so front and center is where was any of this the last two years? By my recollection there was a black QB starting for the NFC during the last two Super Bowls. Are the racists cool with black QBs as long as they don't dance?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I really like Cam Newton.

Football is a game and it's entertainment. We ask the guys playing it to play with a ton of emotion, give their all, put their bodies and minds on the line, but then get all pissy and upset if they show "too much" emotion after scoring a touchdown, getting a first down, or if something doesn't go their way (the pouting). It's a ridiculous double standard and it's so weird to me that there is this large portion of the fanbase that thinks the game should be treated so seriously and sacrosanct.

I like seeing players have fun and do their crazy ass dances and celebrations and shit. It's a game. It's entertainment. If these guys are going to put it all out there, let them have some fun and be expressive.

Also, when it comes to Cam Newton, I think a lot of it's race based. J.J. Watt does all kinds of shananigans on the field and sidelines and no one really says anything about him.

I do find Russell Wilson insufferable. He's an amazing player. I love watching him play, but he seems like a weird alien person with his Jesus water and his Googled twitter compliments about his girlfriend and all that. He doesn't seem like a real person.

Oh! The Lions signed Al Golden to coach their tight ends. All of the crappy ex-college head coaches are belong to us!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Travis Kelce is known for doing a different dance on every single touchdown. It amuses me. Not sure why Cam Newton is any different than that.

[Logan]

The only people I've seen attempt to take on JJ Watt for being completely insufferable are the Barstool Sports guys.

[Kodos]

Deion Sanders pulling his groin while high-stepping was a good moment for me.

[Thomkal]

I think some people have a problem with Cam because at times he looks like he is celebrating himself-telling the world how great he is, how much of a superman he is instead of how good whomever just caught his TD pass is. With Benjamin hurt, he basically has a bunch of no-name receivers and Greg Olsen to throw to. Makes him stand out all the more.

[dawgfan]

I do find Russell Wilson insufferable. He's an amazing player. I love watching him play, but he seems like a weird alien person with his Jesus water and his Googled twitter compliments about his girlfriend and all that. He doesn't seem like a real person.
Oh, he's real all right. He really is that religious, and he really does believe some of the crazy stuff he's trying to sell. Believe me, as a Seahawks fan I cringe at some of that stuff.

But his heart is in the right place, and I'll take his kind of weirdness over Adam Jones or Richie Incognito any day.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Travis Kelce is known for doing a different dance on every single touchdown. It amuses me. Not sure why Cam Newton is any different than that.

Maybe I can help with the difference.

Travis Kelce = who?

Give him an equivalent profile & if he's equally annoying I'm sure he'll get his turn in the barrel.

[CU Tiger]

how is this for an opinion.

I strongly disliked Cam because of, well everything that came before the NFL. Stolen laptops, Cecil made them pay, Auburn and the numerous accusation there et al.

I also thought he'd be an NFL flop.

I am actually coming around on him now Largely BECAUSE of the antics.

What does that mean about my racial views?

[Kodos]

The only people I've seen attempt to take on JJ Watt for being completely insufferable are the Barstool Sports guys.

For one thing, I think I only saw one Texans game all season. So he's not even really on my radar.

[Thomkal]

Looks like the Browns may be ready to cut bait on Johnny Football:

Statement from Cleveland Browns EVP of Football Operations Sashi Brown on Johnny Manziel (http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Statement-from-Cleveland-Browns-EVP-of-Football-Operations-Sashi-Brown-on-Johnny-Manziel/df6a9b4e-48e3-4095-9f77-3ed4f0c23e60)

[Fidatelo]

I don't know a lot about Cam. I saw some kind of talk show clip where he had bright pants and did a great job explaining all the things that he has to account for when running a play, which was cool and made me like him. He also seems really good at football.

That said, as a Broncos fan I fully expect to hate him by the end of SB50.

[Eaglesfan27]

how is this for an opinion.

I strongly disliked Cam because of, well everything that came before the NFL. Stolen laptops, Cecil made them pay, Auburn and the numerous accusation there et al.

I also thought he'd be an NFL flop.

I am actually coming around on him now Largely BECAUSE of the antics.

What does that mean about my racial views?

This mostly summarizes me as well. I like that he is enthusiastic on the field and has fun out there.

[stevew]

Carson Wentz moving all the way up to #2 on a mock. Would be the highest FCS player drafted since McNair went #3.

[AlexB]

Didn't know anything about Cam before he was drafted, but seems to be an enthusiastic guy, exciting to watch and love the way he presents the TD ball to the kids (that girl's excitement at getting the ball in the the Championship game was priceless!). And the Superman celebration is pretty cool IMHO.

Didn't realise he was hated - jealousy is at the root of it I'm guessing?

[Radii]

Didn't realise he was hated - jealousy is at the root of it I'm guessing?


Cam isn't really doing anything new this year but until they started winning no one really seemed to care, so I suppose so for the most part?


Also just from reading a little (and I do mean a little, I really don't go too far out of my way seeking out any of this) on a couple forums and reddit, a signifcant majority of people seem to like Cam. But it makes for a good storyline and there's 2 weeks between the NFC/AFC Championship and the Super Bowl so its getting a ridiculous amount of attention.

There are definitely people who dislike Cam a whole lot for various reasons, how much of it racial/generational is worthwhile to talk about, and its a legit story on the whole, but holy crap has it gotten to be a huge thing this week.

[Dutch]

This mostly summarizes me as well. I like that he is enthusiastic on the field and has fun out there.

Basically, this is me too. I remember that Cowboys WR back in the day with the gunslinging antics and loved it. Not sure why the NFL didnt like it. Its football, not golf.

[Thomkal]

Report: Kaepernick wants to sever ties with 49ers to join Jets | FOX Sports (http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-join-new-york-jets-020216)

[dawgfan]

Report: Kaepernick wants to sever ties with 49ers to join Jets | FOX Sports (http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/san-francisco-49ers-colin-kaepernick-join-new-york-jets-020216)
Chip Kelly is the best thing to happen to Kaep - he'd be an idiot to leave that behind.

[claphamsa]

also would make 16M with the 49ers....much much less with the jets

[Logan]

I'd pay good money to watch the NYJ media and Kaep interact.

[Thomkal]

Chip Kelly is the best thing to happen to Kaep - he'd be an idiot to leave that behind.

Is he really? He sure didn't do well with his hand-picked choice for QB in Philly. Jury remains out on being a good NFL coach in my mind.

[dawgfan]

Is he really? He sure didn't do well with his hand-picked choice for QB in Philly. Jury remains out on being a good NFL coach in my mind.
Bradford was closer to what he wanted than Foles, but I'd hardly say he was who he really wanted.

It's funny how a 6-9 season after two 10-6 seasons suddenly puts his bonafides in question as a coach. As a GM? Sure.

[ISiddiqui]

Sad stuff. Kenny Stabler had CTE:

Log In - The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/04/sports/football/ken-stabler-nfl-cte-brain-disease.html)

On a scale of 1 to 4, Stabler had high Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or C.T.E., the degenerative brain disease believed to be caused by repeated blows to the head, according to researchers at Boston University. The relationship between blows to the head and brain degeneration is still poorly understood, and some experts caution that other factors, like unrelated mood problems or dementia, might contribute to symptoms experienced by those later found to have had C.T.E.

[BillJasper]

I think the NFL could be in trouble here. Just a feeling that we're just skimming the surface on concussions.

[NobodyHere]

Manziel allegedly hit ex-girlfriend; won't be charged - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000632627/article/manziel-allegedly-hit-exgirlfriend-wont-be-charged)

I'm sure another team will be rushing to sign him when he's released.

[cuervo72]

Cowboys ain't care.

[Thomkal]

Manziel allegedly hit ex-girlfriend; won't be charged - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000632627/article/manziel-allegedly-hit-exgirlfriend-wont-be-charged)

I'm sure another team will be rushing to sign him when he's released.

Cleveland Browns will cut Johnny Manziel on March 9 - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000631373/article/cleveland-browns-will-cut-johnny-manziel-on-march-9)

[cartman]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t4Shpvh6uzg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Logan]

Manziel's agent fired him.

[Logan]

His father was interviewed and said "if they don't get him help, he won't live to see his 24th birthday". Not sure who the "they" would be there but maybe his father should be part of that.

[Dutch]

His father was interviewed and said "if they don't get him help, he won't live to see his 24th birthday". Not sure who the "they" would be there but maybe his father should be part of that.

I can only assume (hope) that this is above and beyond help his father gives.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I have a relative who has major drug addiction issues, and has for years (nearly decades). They have an incredibly strong support system from the family and all of the reasons in the world to clean their act up (four children, dependent grandparents, etc), but they just can't do it. This person's father is still around, and the father can and does do everything in his power to support, help and admonish said person, all to no avail. Like I said, this has been going on for nearly twenty years.

It could very well be that Manziel's father is in the same place, and simply understands that it doesn't matter what he does.

[Kodos]

I have a sister-in-law who is in the same position. All sorts of support, but none of it matters, because she doesn't really want to stop.

[JPhillips]

The tragedy is that sometimes addiction is beyond help. The opiate addiction in my Ohio hometown has claimed a lot of decent people that just couldn't ever get clean.

[NobodyHere]

I can't imagine trying to convince a millionaire that he needs to change his lifestyle.

[cartman]

The affidavit filed for the restraining order on Manziel has been released.

Affidavit: Johnny Manziel Restrained, Beat, And Threatened To Kill Colleen Crowley Â* (http://deadspin.com/affidavit-johnny-manziel-restrained-beat-and-threate-1757855165)

[Thomkal]

The affidavit filed for the restraining order on Manziel has been released.

Affidavit: Johnny Manziel Restrained, Beat, And Threatened To Kill Colleen Crowley Â* (http://deadspin.com/affidavit-johnny-manziel-restrained-beat-and-threate-1757855165)

If this is true the only football Manziel will be playing is in the Correctional Facility League. But I have to say I'm not sure I believe it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hasn't this been kind of the drumbeat for his dad for several years now though?

What I mean is, didn't he say pretty much the same thing 2-3 years ago? (In an ESPN piece or something maybe?)

[JonInMiddleGA]

But I have to say I'm not sure I believe it.

Prior to any evidence aside from this, you are not (and should not be) alone.

Someone can file a statement claiming they ran off in a UFO with Rob Zombie.

[Thomkal]

Meanwhile, the NFL player's favorite pastime during the offseason-Getting into trouble...

LeSean McCoy reportedly involved in altercation - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000634658/article/lesean-mccoy-reportedly-involved-in-altercation)

[BillJasper]

Meanwhile, the NFL player's favorite pastime during the offseason-Getting into trouble...

LeSean McCoy reportedly involved in altercation - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000634658/article/lesean-mccoy-reportedly-involved-in-altercation)

Something doesn't feel right there. Why would they let him go after an altercation? Seems like they would have at least took him down and booked him.

[cartman]

It doesn't sound like the two off-duty cops let anyone go. It appears they got a beating, and ones that did it walked away.

[TroyF]

Reports are coming out that Manzeil showed up to a Cleveland practice drunk and to cover for him the Browns put him in the concussion program.

The Browns should face some punishment for this.

[Logan]

Reports are coming out that Manzeil showed up to a Cleveland practice drunk and to cover for him the Browns put him in the concussion program.

The Browns should face some punishment for this.

A punishment like you would see for manipulating the injury report? Why? They weren't hiding an injury to get a competitive advantage. If saying he has a concussion keeps him inactive, what's the big deal?

And you could probably make the case, if he has a legitimate alcohol problem, that this method protected him...which I normally wouldn't say was their responsibility but since USC is getting sued by Sark for firing him while he's claiming he deserves to be "protected" as a drunk, that would make some sense.

[sabotai]

Giants cut a few of their bigger contract players. LT Will Beatty and OG Geoff Schwartz were cut, and Jon Beason retires (and was released by the Giants) because his knee is trashed. Beatty's cut will leave $5 million in dead money, but he had a huge contract and it still frees up over $4 million. All the cuts frees up over $11 million in cap space for them and they'll now have over $50 million in cap space during the off season.

[ISiddiqui]

Raiders sign a 1 year lease to stay in Oakland:

Oakland Raiders sign new lease with O.co Coliseum for 2016 season (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14762511/oakland-raiders-sign-new-lease-oco-coliseum-2016-season)

[cartman]

Pretty good read on some of the behind the scenes stuff that went on during the LA relocation saga.

The real story behind NFL owners' battle to bring football back to Los Angeles (http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/14752649/the-real-story-nfl-owners-battle-bring-football-back-los-angeles)

[TroyF]

A punishment like you would see for manipulating the injury report? Why? They weren't hiding an injury to get a competitive advantage. If saying he has a concussion keeps him inactive, what's the big deal?

And you could probably make the case, if he has a legitimate alcohol problem, that this method protected him...which I normally wouldn't say was their responsibility but since USC is getting sued by Sark for firing him while he's claiming he deserves to be "protected" as a drunk, that would make some sense.


I missed this. . . but yes, they should be punished if it is true. The concussion protocol is serious business and an NFL team shouldn't be allowed to "protect" players by falsely putting them in it.

Beyond that, I don't buy for a second they were "protecting" Johnny from anything. They'd already made the decision to move on at that point. They were protecting themselves from the questions.

Sorry, the concussion protocol is for concussions. Not alcohol, drugs, DUI, domestic abuse or eye injuries.

[NobodyHere]

Haven't the Browns been punished enough?

[albionmoonlight]

It seems like the Browns could have just made him inactive--Coach's Decision and not taken any questions on it. The media would have just assumed that they had decided to move on and didn't want to risk him getting injured. Seems strange to use the concussion protocol for that, considering what a hot button issue concussions are.

Heck, if they had just put him on IR with a "head" injury, it would not have been such a big deal, I figure. But to formally use the concussion procedures just seems like a strange and unforced error on their part.

[cartman]

From what I understand, if a player complains to trainers of headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light, etc, they automatically get entered into the concussion protocol. Even if it is clear the cause is a hangover.

[JPhillips]

just seems like a strange and unforced error on their part.

The end of every analysis of every decision the Browns make.

[JonInMiddleGA]

From what I understand, if a player complains to trainers of headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light, etc, they automatically get entered into the concussion protocol. Even if it is clear the cause is a hangover.

Pretty much this. Which is why this seems like no story at all frankly.

edit to add: If teams are supposed to lose their minds every time a player might experience any symptom and "take no chances" is the new mantra then how do you ding a team for this? Did he know what he was doing by giving those complaints? Probably so. And did they know better? Most likely so. But the second he retires the bidding will begin for his brain for some "CTE study" and then the Browns would have been vilified for not putting him on the protocol every time he had a headache.

[Thomkal]

Peyton Manning may not be so squeaky clean after all...

New documents reveal additional lawsuits between Peyton Manning, sexual assault accuser | NFL | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-news/4695000-peyton-manning-sexual-assault-lawsuit-accusation-tennessee-broncos-colts-jamie-naughright)

[Arles]

Peyton Manning may not be so squeaky clean after all...

New documents reveal additional lawsuits between Peyton Manning, sexual assault accuser | NFL | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-news/4695000-peyton-manning-sexual-assault-lawsuit-accusation-tennessee-broncos-colts-jamie-naughright)
I don't know about all this. I mean, the "new documents" were basically a defamation suit filed back in 2003 after Peyton talked about her in his book in 2000 (after signing a NDA). This has all been public record and there's nothing new about the actual assault case. The last set of "documents" referenced came out in 2005 (when the last suit was settled out of court) and this is now somehow a big story? The gist seems that the female trainer claims Peyton put his junk in her face while she was working on his foot at Tennessee nearly 20 years ago - he denied and said it was a prank. She settled out of court and no charges were ever filed. I'm sure Peyton was inappropriate, but she settled out of court and dropped the charges.

On a bigger scale, this seems like sour grapes from people upset Cam got a bunch of criticism after the Super Bowl and want to change the narrative. No new information has come out (outside of re-opening old known documents) and this just looks like a smear campaign against Peyton. I'm no fan of Manning, in fact I find him a little insufferable with all his endorsements. Still, I'm not sure what the point is here. Brett Favre is getting into the Hall of Fame - should we reopen the sexting scandal this week? Kobe is going through his rape allegations one more time even though he was found not guilty? Heck, Marvin Harrison was just put into the Hall of Fame and was not charged in the case involving a shooting that looked pretty bad. Maybe we should reopen that too with no new information. At this point, unless there is new testimony or data - why bring this stuff up? Again, it smells like sour grapes against Peyton as he's riding out into the sunset.

What's funny is if Cam would have won and a set of white reporters had brought up his felony theft charge at Florida to take him down a peg, these same reporters railing on Manning would be outraged people would do that to Cam after he won.

[Thomkal]

I don't disagree with what you said here Arles, but this is coming up as its part of a new Title IX lawsuit against the Univ of Tennessee, of which he was one of those named. So that's why the media is bringing it up again.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14776509/lawsuit-alleges-peyton-manning-tennessee-athletes-created-hostile-sexual-environment

[NobodyHere]

Peyton Manning may not be so squeaky clean after all...

New documents reveal additional lawsuits between Peyton Manning, sexual assault accuser | NFL | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-news/4695000-peyton-manning-sexual-assault-lawsuit-accusation-tennessee-broncos-colts-jamie-naughright)

I hope Manning was squeaky clean when he put his genitals on that trainer's face.

[Arles]

I don't mind the story on the Tennessee suit, but the Sporting News story above isn't referencing that. That story, as well as the NY Daily News story below (as we as a few other ESPN hatchet jobs) are what I am referring to (and both came out before the suit was even announced):

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/king-peyton-manning-squeaky-clean-image-built-lies-article-1.2530395

On the morning after Super Bowl 50, I posted a picture on my Facebook page of Cam Newton smiling and embracing Peyton Manning after the game and simply asked why that warm photo wasn't being talked about instead of Cam being frustrated at the post-game press conference. It has since been shared more than 234,000 times and seen by more than 20 million people. It now has nearly 6,000 comments, but on that morning, just one leaped out at me, which mentioned something to the effect of "Peyton sexually assaulted a girl in college."

Now, I get a lot of crap posted on my Facebook page, but I decided, on a whim, to Google "Peyton Manning sexual assault University of Tennessee." That's how I discovered the two old USA Today articles about the case. Later that day, when I wrote an article on the racial double standards in the media between Peyton Manning and Cam Newton, I decided to mention the sexual assault case, and how the allegations had somehow slid right off of Peyton like virtually every other mistake he has ever made in his career.
Obviously, there was a ton of new information that sparked this story :rant: It was basically a bitter Newton fan (who badly wanted to bring in race) trumping it up to try and deflect from Cam's criticism.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I don't disagree with what you said here Arles, but this is coming up as its part of a new Title IX lawsuit against the Univ of Tennessee, of which he was one of those named. So that's why the media is bringing it up again.

Eh, there's a hair to be split there IMO.

It's vaguely relevant again because of the lawsuit, that part is fair enough. The media has latched onto it however 'cause it's Manning & it's a chance to attack an old icon while giving some relief to the "new face of the NFL".

[miami_fan]

I don't mind the story on the Tennessee suit, but the Sporting News story above isn't referencing that. That story, as well as the NY Daily News story below (as we as a few other ESPN hatchet jobs) are what I am referring to (and both came out before the suit was even announced):

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/king-peyton-manning-squeaky-clean-image-built-lies-article-1.2530395


Obviously, there was a ton of new information that sparked this story :rant: It was basically a bitter Newton fan (who badly wanted to bring in race) trumping it up to try and deflect from Cam's criticism.

I find it similar to the media's response to steroids in baseball and Bill Cosby. It was not taken seriously enough before (using the current day's sensibilities) and now the media is going over the top to make up for lost time. I have not dug deeply into the case but I only remember hearing about Peyton mooning a trainer. I did not know (or care to know) any of the other stuff.

[QuikSand]

Not much actual news here, but the Washington/Cousins thing isn't looking like a hometown discount lovefest...

Kirk Cousins, Washington hit roadblock in contract talks - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/2/16/11023196/kirk-cousins-washington-contract-talks-franchise-tag)

[Thomkal]

have to think they will franchise him at least. Can't believe they would go from him and RGIII to nothing.

[Thomkal]

Looks like the NFC West has a case of Aussie fever. Jerryd Hayne with the 49ers last season and now the Cards have signed CB Joel Wilkinson.

Cardinals Sign Aussie Rules Player Joel Wilkinson (http://www.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Cardinals-Sign-Aussie-Rules-Player-Joel-Wilkinson/d92a4b37-be97-40f8-ad6d-cb02f47334c7)

[albionmoonlight]

I think that the smart play for Washington is to franchise Cousins. Signing him to a long term deal this offseason seems like you would be buying really high on him.

Make him prove it for another year before you lay out franchise-altering money for him. Let's say he has another Pro Bowl season. Would you really end up paying much more for them after that than you would this offseason?

[stevew]

Agreed. Cousins decided he wasn't garbage last season but I'm skeptical that it wasn't some 2013 McCown/Foles type outlier. If you franchise him it saves the long term commitment. Then if he proves to be more than pocket lint™ you do a long term deal next offseason.

[stevew]

Jarod Mayo retires

[QuikSand]

pocket lint™

my work is done here

[cartman]

Jared Allen announced his retirement.

[albionmoonlight]

Randy Gregory suspended for substance abuse violation.

Really sucks when you can see a guy destroying his gifts and there just isn't a damn thing anyone can do about it.

Addiction is a bitch.

[stevew]

Heath Miller retiring. Had a great career. 2 rings, 3 super bowls. Stats were pretty solid for a TE who primarily blocked. Never going to be a Hall Of Famer, although I'm not discounting a veterans committee vote in 35 years. But he'll be remembered for a long time.

[Thomkal]

Big Ben will surely miss him.

[Thomkal]

Looks like the Rams are throwing in the towel early, would love to see my beloved Cardinals sign Lauranitis,

Rams cut Chris Long, James Laurinaitis, Jared Cook - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000637315/article/rams-cut-chris-long-james-laurinaitis-jared-cook)

[stevew]

Jeff Fisher only needs 6 more seasons for a turnaround.

[Warhammer]

This move is not what you think. This is cost saving, Laurinitis is on the decline, Long hardly played last year, and Cook was a black hole at TE that couldn't block. They saved $20 million in cutting them. Expect Long and Laurinitis to be resigned at a lower number.

[Thomkal]

This move is not what you think. This is cost saving, Laurinitis is on the decline, Long hardly played last year, and Cook was a black hole at TE that couldn't block. They saved $20 million in cutting them. Expect Long and Laurinitis to be resigned at a lower number.

I don't disagree with you on the cost saving part. But in reading the rest of the article, it does not say anything about resigning, in fact Jeff Fisher thanked them for their time on the team like he was saying goodbye to them. It would not surprise me if they do resign them, but only if there are no takers in free agency.

[MizzouRah]

This move is not what you think. This is cost saving, Laurinitis is on the decline, Long hardly played last year, and Cook was a black hole at TE that couldn't block. They saved $20 million in cutting them. Expect Long and Laurinitis to be resigned at a lower number.

Yeah.. really nothing shattering about those 3 guys. All 3 are on the decline and the money they saved will allow for them to resign their better players with expiring contracts.

[stevew]

The Ravens are eying Trent Richardson.

[BillJasper]

The Ravens are eying Trent Richardson.

:lol:

[stevew]

I hope he makes him bleed.


Jason Pierre-Paul Sues ESPN, Adam Schefter Over Released Medical Records | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2619482-jason-pierre-paul-sues-espn-adam-schefter-over-released-medical-records?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl)

[bhlloy]

Watching the combine, Wentz looks really good. I can see him being a very very good QB in this league. Not completely convinced by Lynch yet, but he clearly has some upside too

[Logan]

Sam Bradford and the Eagles agree on a new deal. Two years, $36 million, with $26MM guaranteed.

[bhlloy]

I wish I was a mediocre NFL QB who couldn't stay healthy. Holy crap that's a lot of money

[Atocep]

Jeff Fisher only needs 6 more seasons for a turnaround.

And it sounds like he may get it. ESPN saying an extension is in the works.

[QuikSand]

Sam Bradford and the Eagles agree on a new deal. Two years, $36 million, with $26MM guaranteed.

Wow, I did not see that coming.

[EagleFan]

Sam Bradford and the Eagles agree on a new deal. Two years, $36 million, with $26MM guaranteed.

:banghead: :rant:

[stevew]

And it sounds like he may get it. ESPN saying an extension is in the works.

Of course, why bother trying

[miami_fan]

Sam Bradford and the Eagles agree on a new deal. Two years, $36 million, with $26MM guaranteed.

Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. The last list I saw of top free agent list that I saw had Bradford as the #1 free agent followed by Cousins, Osweiler, Fitzpatrick, Chase Daniel, and Drew Stanton.

[SegRat]

Joe Flacco is the highest paid player in the NFL. I'm happy I'm not a Ravens fan.

[QuikSand]

Joe Flacco is the highest paid player in the NFL. I'm happy I'm not a Ravens fan.

Not sure if this is just headline-reading.. but it's not like the new extension with Flacco is terrible for the team. He gets tons of guaranteed money for the next three years, and the team frees up cap space now. They were not going to cut him, even if he's overpaid... so the only major risk is injury.

Ravens, Joe Flacco agree to three-year contract extension - Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-have-deal-with-quarterback-joe-flacco-20160302-story.html)

The Ravens finalized a three-year contract extension with their franchise quarterback on Wednesday. The extension is worth $66.4 million and includes $44 million ($40 million signing bonus and $4 million base in 2016) in guaranteed money.

Flacco's salary cap hit drops from $28.55 million to $22.55 in 2016, giving the team an additional $6 million of room.

[stevew]

Flacco is a good QB that can make all the throws.

Maybe he's more like Jeff Hostetler or Brad Johnson or Mark Rypien or Trent Dilfer but he's still won.

[Logan]

I'd rather pay Flacco $30 million than Bradford $15.

edit: I left off the "MM" on Bradford's accidentally but I still like it so I'll just leave it.

[QuikSand]

So, lots of franchise tags announced -- what I see so far:

Denver - Uber Von Miller
Washington - QB Kirk Cousins
KC - S Eric Berry
Chicago - WR Alshon Jeffrey
LA Rams - CB Trumaine Johnson
Carolina - CB Josh Norman
Buffalo - OT Cordy Glenn

...I'm sure I'm missing something here. No giant surprises, I guess. 'Tis the season.

[BillJasper]

And it sounds like he may get it. ESPN saying an extension is in the works.

Getting to work making LA fans apathetic before they play their first game!

[Kodos]

The Sheriff rides off into the sunset as a Super Bowl champion. Thanks, Peyton. See you in Canton.

Peyton Manning to announce retirement Monday (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14913587/peyton-manning-announce-retirement-monday)

[Buccaneer]

Great call for Manning. It was amazing watching the #3 all-time greatest QB.

[mckerney]

As a player I'll always remember Manning as a cheater who joined up with a bigger group of cheaters at the end of his career to be carried to a Super Bowl.

[Dutch]

The Sheriff rides off into the sunset as a Super Bowl champion. Thanks, Peyton. See you in Canton.

Peyton Manning to announce retirement Monday (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14913587/peyton-manning-announce-retirement-monday)

Gonna miss him. A true star player. He was great for the NFL.

[HomerSimpson98]

Not NFL related but SEC Network airing some of Peyton's games while he was at Rocky Top. Great to see this "old stuff". Man I miss Ron Franklin.

[BillJasper]

It was fun to watch Manning play.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Not NFL related but SEC Network airing some of Peyton's games while he was at Rocky Top. Great to see this "old stuff". Man I miss Ron Franklin.

Ended up watching a couple of those games last night. The SEC title game vs Auburn, which we were at and then the 1985 UT vs UGA game, with "inexperienced quarterbacks" Manning vs Mike Bobo.

[HomerSimpson98]

Saw the UGA game as well. I'll always wonder how good could Robert Edwards have been in the league. Such size and power with a definite 5th gear. Man, it was so cool re-watching that game. Peyton could really sling that sucker around too.

[stevew]

Eagles traded Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell to the Dolphins for some sort of picks.

[cartman]

Eagles also traded DeMarco Murray to the Titans.

[corbes]

Eagles also found a box of Chip Kelly's stuff, which they're putting out at the end of the driveway with a "FREE" sign.

[NobodyHere]

The Colts resign Dwayne Allen for 29.4 million dollars / 4 years.

Let the overpaying begin!

[stevew]

wow that's a lot of money for a TE

[NobodyHere]

Especially for someone who can't stay healthy

[Suicane75]

I hope only $500 of that is guaranteed.

[Suicane75]

Also, nice to see the Eagles going the empty Cupboard route. Over/Under on Ryan Matthews getting hurt?

[EagleFan]

If only they put Bradford out on the curb with the rest of Kelly's things.

[Honolulu_Blue]

While no surprise, it's official: Calvin Johnson has retired.

[QuikSand]

Eagles also traded DeMarco Murray to the Titans.

This seems like a no-brainer good move for the Titans, right? I don't know how much of the contract remains in salary for them to pick-up, but it has to be well below market value (even after an uninspired season). Profound position of need for them, and establishing a legitimate rushing threat would have to be really good for the young QB.

[albionmoonlight]

Eagles also found a box of Chip Kelly's stuff, which they're putting out at the end of the driveway with a "FREE" sign.

It is funny to see this. It is also amazing that you have a multi-million-dollar organization run by people steeped in numbers and measurables and analytics, and there still seems to be something so personally unlikable about Chip Kelly that the Eagles are driven, in part, by trying to eliminate any memory of his time with the team.

Dude must put the ass in asshole.

[AlexB]

Eagles traded Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell to the Dolphins for some sort of picks.

I read the Maxwell story yesterday, and was meh! But excited about Alonso, if he can stay healthy. Does depend on the picks though - they were talking about a sixth for Maxwell, no reports what the compensation for Alonso would be

[Vince, Pt. II]

This seems like a no-brainer good move for the Titans, right? I don't know how much of the contract remains in salary for them to pick-up, but it has to be well below market value (even after an uninspired season). Profound position of need for them, and establishing a legitimate rushing threat would have to be really good for the young QB.

My first thought as well. This is almost a no-lose scenario for them.

[stevew]

Malik Jackson got 5/90 from the Jacksonville Jagbroncos.

[EagleFan]

I read the Maxwell story yesterday, and was meh! But excited about Alonso, if he can stay healthy. Does depend on the picks though - they were talking about a sixth for Maxwell, no reports what the compensation for Alonso would be

I thought both were below average last year. Alonzo had a way of taking himself out of plays.

[stevew]

Dolphins continue to be offseason champs, signing Mario Williams for something like 2 years and 8m a year(details sketchy)

[stevew]

This seems like a no-brainer good move for the Titans, right? I don't know how much of the contract remains in salary for them to pick-up, but it has to be well below market value (even after an uninspired season). Profound position of need for them, and establishing a legitimate rushing threat would have to be really good for the young QB.

agreed. He'd likely have never signed there in FA but his new deal looks to be for around 6m a season and that's pretty low for a starting caliber running back on a second contract.

[stevew]

Bruce Irvin is going to get $$$$$$ for basically accomplishing almost nothing. And he will already turn 29 this year despite only being in his 5th season in the league.

[Thomkal]

JPP looks like will resign with the Giants for a year. He thanked the Cardinals for their interest, which was the first I had heard of their interest. :)

[NobodyHere]

Colts resign the league's oldest player, Adam Vinatieri, to a 2 year deal.

Hopefully old Adam has some leg left in him. His field goal percentage has been over 90% the past two seasons.

[Logan]

Giants are signing Janoris Jenkins. Rapaport says its for $12MM a year.

[Kodos]

Colts resign the league's oldest player, Adam Vinatieri, to a 2 year deal.

Hopefully old Adam has some leg left in him. His field goal percentage has been over 90% the past two seasons.

If there is such a thing as a Hall of Fame kicker, he must look like Adam Vinatieri.

[Thomkal]

Bruce Irvin is going to get $$$$$$ for basically accomplishing almost nothing. And he will already turn 29 this year despite only being in his 5th season in the league.

It's looking like Oakland (and not Arizona damnit) is where he will land.

[Thomkal]

Giants are signing Janoris Jenkins. Rapaport says its for $12MM a year.

great signing for them I think, they had to get somebody decent for their crappy secondary.

[SteveMax58]

Giants are signing Janoris Jenkins. Rapaport says its for $12MM a year.

I like the signing.

Would be nice to get Prince back for cheap(ish) but he'll probably get $6-8M from somebody out there and we have a lot of holes to fill.

Would love to see them go after Vernon.

[Abe Sargent]

Alright folks, hold onto your butts, because open season on FA time!

[Logan]

Looks like the Giants are signing Snacks Harrison as well, $8-9MM a year. I think he may have looked better than he actually is from playing alongside all that DL talent with the Jets.

[cartman]

Sounds like Osweiler to the Texans.

[korme]

WHOA!

[tucker rocky]

Sounds like Osweiler to the Texans.
RG3 to Denver?
Trade for QB?

[Logan]

An all time tweet...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wow I know I'm going to get killed for this and I don't have a lot of room to talk, but this latest QB contract is unbelievable........ ��</p>&mdash; Matt Flynn (@mflynn3) <a href="https://twitter.com/mflynn3/status/707674879424733184">March 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>