Previously I gave my perspective on the bargaining process. To reiterate, deal making usually happens in the last days of negotiations and sometimes take a few days past the deadline by extending the existing CBA for 24-48 hours. That usually happens when sides are very close to a deal and just have a few things to iron out.
Entering mediation for the final two weeks of the current deal looks like a positive step. It signals that both sides are serious about working a deal out. Things didn't look so good when two days were scheduled and the second day was canceled.
George Cohen is tasked with bringing the two sided to an agreement. Cohen isn't unfamiliar with sports CBA negotiations. He handled the MLS and MLS players union and they ultimately got a deal done.
Of course, the NFL is a much bigger fish. Billions of dollars are at stake and neither side wants to give in.
Cohen's job will be to make recommendations and try and find a middle ground.
Psychologically it helps the sided more agreeable to new ideas. If it comes from an outside neutral party then the two sides can view that the other side didn't make the proposal. Maybe both parties will be more at ease accepting ideas from a third party versus one side basically making demands and the other side rejecting it.
An article on George Cohen linked by Stephanie Stradley.
I haven't read the blog yet but John McClain states the positives of mediation in his blog.
They met two days already but are under a gag order so news is coming out of the conferences. The talks are planned for two weeks. Each day they negotiate the odds get better a deal will get done. If talks are called off then a work stoppage is extremely likely.
All us fans can do is hope for the best and prepare for a draft watching party.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Marc Savard Shuts It Down
Boston Bruin veteran Marc Savard shut down the remainder of his 2010-11 season due to lingering effects from a concussion.
This is the right decision on so many levels. In the middle of a strong Bruins season, Savard put his health above all else. The Bruins are a Stanley Cup contender and Savard has never won a Cup.
Props go out to the Bruins too for not putting pressure on Savard to continue. Savard discussed his situation with his agent, general manager and team doctor. They all agreed that ending the season early was in the best interest of Savard. The best interests of Savard...that sound refreshing.
Savard feels he came back to soon from a previous concussion. He suffered dizziness, headaches and depression. He admits he is scared. What scares him the most is the memory loss. He also admits that frustration sets but knows he needs time and patience to get through this.
While he is finished for the season, Savard won't call it a career yet. He said it is tough to finish a season but "I'm hoping to be able to continue at some point."
After making this decision, I have no doubt he will make the right one regarding his life, health and hockey career when the time comes.
This is the right decision on so many levels. In the middle of a strong Bruins season, Savard put his health above all else. The Bruins are a Stanley Cup contender and Savard has never won a Cup.
Props go out to the Bruins too for not putting pressure on Savard to continue. Savard discussed his situation with his agent, general manager and team doctor. They all agreed that ending the season early was in the best interest of Savard. The best interests of Savard...that sound refreshing.
Savard feels he came back to soon from a previous concussion. He suffered dizziness, headaches and depression. He admits he is scared. What scares him the most is the memory loss. He also admits that frustration sets but knows he needs time and patience to get through this.
While he is finished for the season, Savard won't call it a career yet. He said it is tough to finish a season but "I'm hoping to be able to continue at some point."
After making this decision, I have no doubt he will make the right one regarding his life, health and hockey career when the time comes.
Monday, February 7, 2011
My Insights Into NFL Labor Negotiations
I'm not going to rehash all the points reported and discussed in the media. Instead I'm going to offer my basic insight on labor negotiations. Last year I sat on the union side of the table as a negotiator for a new labor contract with the company I work for. It was very stressful, tiring and educational.
The first point to realize is that March 3rd is not a hard deadline. It is common practice in my industry to renew the current contract on a rolling basis during negotiations. If negotiations are progressing and the deadline looms, both parties usually mutually agree to renew the existing contract every 24 hours. This allows negotiations to continue beyond the deadline and avoid a work stoppage.
Another point to consider is that most deal making gets done in the last two weeks. My sessions met constantly for six weeks but the meat and potatoes wasn't really nailed down until the final three weeks. Right now some wonder why there is no sense of urgency between the two sides. There is but right now they are involved in waging the war of public relations. Saturday before the Super Bowl they had a formal full session between both negotiating committees. Expect more frequent meetings after the Super Bowl. Most of the deal making gets done off the record as evidence by informal meetings between NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith.
Both sides know the parameters of what they will accept and won't accept. It's a giant game. Both sides overshoot what they are seeking and eventually look to meet in that middle common ground. As an example, in my negotiations we knew already what we going to get as raises for the length of the new contract. We have an industry standard and the union and company know the standard is the outcome. Yet we over shot the standard and of course the company lowballed their offer. In the course of two days, offers and counter offers were passed over the negotiating table and we eventually met at the industry standard. Why this game is played I really don't know. I just know from first hand experience that it is.
The bottom line is that the NFL is a cash cow for both sides. The owners want a little more of the revenue back and I can't say I blame them. The players want to keep what they won in previous negotiations. I can't blame them either. I think the players will end up giving back some of the revenue but not as much as the owners want. In return, they will get a rookie scale to free up more money for vets instead of unproven high picks. Also I think the owners will give more benefits or money for retired players.
If there is a work stoppage, it will be over free agency, salary caps and maybe a cadre of hardline owners who will refuse to bend any toward the players demands.
I read in a Sporting News Daily article that the owners can start imposing work rules on players once the deadline passes. The players can stop it by appealing to the National Labor Board. From what I understand this is not true. The owners can only impose new rules on the players if negotiations reach an impasse. For impasse to occur, the NFLPA must show an unwillingness to make any movement or progress in negotiations. As long as they continue to negotiate in good faith, owners cannot declare an impasse. A lock out is not impasse. An lock out is the owners refusing to allow the players to return to work without a new contract or renewal of the old one. During the lock out, negotiations could continue and make progress.
In the end, both sides will not shoot the golden goose. They will get a deal done before the draft and camps will open on time. Of course, that's just my opinion. There could be a complete meltdown across the table. Hot heads might prevail and gum up the process.
The first point to realize is that March 3rd is not a hard deadline. It is common practice in my industry to renew the current contract on a rolling basis during negotiations. If negotiations are progressing and the deadline looms, both parties usually mutually agree to renew the existing contract every 24 hours. This allows negotiations to continue beyond the deadline and avoid a work stoppage.
Another point to consider is that most deal making gets done in the last two weeks. My sessions met constantly for six weeks but the meat and potatoes wasn't really nailed down until the final three weeks. Right now some wonder why there is no sense of urgency between the two sides. There is but right now they are involved in waging the war of public relations. Saturday before the Super Bowl they had a formal full session between both negotiating committees. Expect more frequent meetings after the Super Bowl. Most of the deal making gets done off the record as evidence by informal meetings between NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith.
Both sides know the parameters of what they will accept and won't accept. It's a giant game. Both sides overshoot what they are seeking and eventually look to meet in that middle common ground. As an example, in my negotiations we knew already what we going to get as raises for the length of the new contract. We have an industry standard and the union and company know the standard is the outcome. Yet we over shot the standard and of course the company lowballed their offer. In the course of two days, offers and counter offers were passed over the negotiating table and we eventually met at the industry standard. Why this game is played I really don't know. I just know from first hand experience that it is.
The bottom line is that the NFL is a cash cow for both sides. The owners want a little more of the revenue back and I can't say I blame them. The players want to keep what they won in previous negotiations. I can't blame them either. I think the players will end up giving back some of the revenue but not as much as the owners want. In return, they will get a rookie scale to free up more money for vets instead of unproven high picks. Also I think the owners will give more benefits or money for retired players.
If there is a work stoppage, it will be over free agency, salary caps and maybe a cadre of hardline owners who will refuse to bend any toward the players demands.
I read in a Sporting News Daily article that the owners can start imposing work rules on players once the deadline passes. The players can stop it by appealing to the National Labor Board. From what I understand this is not true. The owners can only impose new rules on the players if negotiations reach an impasse. For impasse to occur, the NFLPA must show an unwillingness to make any movement or progress in negotiations. As long as they continue to negotiate in good faith, owners cannot declare an impasse. A lock out is not impasse. An lock out is the owners refusing to allow the players to return to work without a new contract or renewal of the old one. During the lock out, negotiations could continue and make progress.
In the end, both sides will not shoot the golden goose. They will get a deal done before the draft and camps will open on time. Of course, that's just my opinion. There could be a complete meltdown across the table. Hot heads might prevail and gum up the process.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Central Florida, Houston and the Big East
I'm so far behind on my magazine subscriptions and other reading that I've finally decided to drop many of them and read a select few. Still just getting caught up on the ones I have.
One of my favorite publications in the Sporting News Daily. It gives a ton of sports info for only $2.99 a month and is digitally delivered. My only beef with them is other than an iPad, no other portable device supports the Zinio reader.
Enough of that little rant.
I mentioned Zino, delayed reading and Sporting News Daily because I came across an interesting little blurb.
Much speculation has been making the rounds on the Houston Cougar message boards, fans and internet about Big East expansion. Of course we all know that if it's on the internet it must be true.
So I take the blurb on the January 28th Sporting News Daily with a grain of salt.
One of the unconfirmed theories floated by Cougar fans and speculators is that Villanova, Central Florida and Houston are the next choices for Big East expansion. The current thinking is Villanova has a foot up on the other schools should they decided to commit to a BCS level football team. If they don't then its Houston or Central Florida.
Again, unfounded as far as I know, Big East member South Florida is rumored to lobby against Central Florida's membership.
Sporting News Daily reports that USF doesn't wield the power to keep UCF out. The article states instead "there is no school in the Big East with less power, less of commissioner John Marinatto's ear, than USF." According to the article and internet rumor, it's not USF that is UCF's biggest stumbling block. What hurts UCF instead is the close location of USF. The location doesn't add significant recruiting or television markets.
The article mentions in the last paragraph that Houston brings the No. 4 market and a recruiting hotbed. Again, no mention that Houston is actually in the expansion picture but it adds fuel to the fire of internet speculation.
One of my favorite publications in the Sporting News Daily. It gives a ton of sports info for only $2.99 a month and is digitally delivered. My only beef with them is other than an iPad, no other portable device supports the Zinio reader.
Enough of that little rant.
I mentioned Zino, delayed reading and Sporting News Daily because I came across an interesting little blurb.
Much speculation has been making the rounds on the Houston Cougar message boards, fans and internet about Big East expansion. Of course we all know that if it's on the internet it must be true.
So I take the blurb on the January 28th Sporting News Daily with a grain of salt.
One of the unconfirmed theories floated by Cougar fans and speculators is that Villanova, Central Florida and Houston are the next choices for Big East expansion. The current thinking is Villanova has a foot up on the other schools should they decided to commit to a BCS level football team. If they don't then its Houston or Central Florida.
Again, unfounded as far as I know, Big East member South Florida is rumored to lobby against Central Florida's membership.
Sporting News Daily reports that USF doesn't wield the power to keep UCF out. The article states instead "there is no school in the Big East with less power, less of commissioner John Marinatto's ear, than USF." According to the article and internet rumor, it's not USF that is UCF's biggest stumbling block. What hurts UCF instead is the close location of USF. The location doesn't add significant recruiting or television markets.
The article mentions in the last paragraph that Houston brings the No. 4 market and a recruiting hotbed. Again, no mention that Houston is actually in the expansion picture but it adds fuel to the fire of internet speculation.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Return of Keenum
I seriously doubted that the NCAA would grant Houston Cougar quarterback Case Keenum a sixth year of eligibility. Under NCAA rules, an athlete has five years to complete four years of competition. Most players use the freshman year to use the so called red shirt year. During a red shirt year, an athlete may practice and attend meetings but cannot enter competition. Once a player enters a contest, even if for one player, that red shirt year is over and it counts against eligibility rules.
Normally to get a medical red shirt, basically a sixth year to complete four years of competition, a player must demonstrate that two years were lost to circumstances beyond his control...mainly injury.
Case Keenum took a red shirt his freshman year as a back up to Kevin Kolb and maybe Blake Joseph (I really don't remember). The injury he suffered against UCLA happened during his fourth year as an active player and fifth year of eligibility. Basically most Cougar fans knew that Keenum's career at UH was over and the season was lost. Houston limped to a 5-7 finish.
The University's announcement that Keenum applied for a sixth year met some hope but mostly skepticism.
On Friday, the University of Houston announced that the NCAA granted Keenum one more year of eligibility.
The UH athletic department reportedly gave evidence to the NCAA that Keenum was hurt before his freshman year and later hurt again during an all star high school game. The injuries prevented Keenum from competing his freshman year. Combined with his 2010 injury, Keenum lost two years and thereby met the NCAA's requirement.
Without further delay, here is the media reaction/documentation of Keenum's return.
Keenum's Interview on Sports Radio 610
Normally to get a medical red shirt, basically a sixth year to complete four years of competition, a player must demonstrate that two years were lost to circumstances beyond his control...mainly injury.
Case Keenum took a red shirt his freshman year as a back up to Kevin Kolb and maybe Blake Joseph (I really don't remember). The injury he suffered against UCLA happened during his fourth year as an active player and fifth year of eligibility. Basically most Cougar fans knew that Keenum's career at UH was over and the season was lost. Houston limped to a 5-7 finish.
The University's announcement that Keenum applied for a sixth year met some hope but mostly skepticism.
On Friday, the University of Houston announced that the NCAA granted Keenum one more year of eligibility.
The UH athletic department reportedly gave evidence to the NCAA that Keenum was hurt before his freshman year and later hurt again during an all star high school game. The injuries prevented Keenum from competing his freshman year. Combined with his 2010 injury, Keenum lost two years and thereby met the NCAA's requirement.
Without further delay, here is the media reaction/documentation of Keenum's return.
1560 AM's Travis Rodger's Interview of Keenum
Case Scores Six - Houston Chronicle
Little Dicky Justice Writes a Niiiiice Column for Case
Official University of Houston Announcement
SB Houston- He's Baaaack
Houston Sports Fan In General Scott Robinson Celebrates Some Houston Good News
And Keenum's Press Conference:
Case Scores Six - Houston Chronicle
Little Dicky Justice Writes a Niiiiice Column for Case
Official University of Houston Announcement
SB Houston- He's Baaaack
Houston Sports Fan In General Scott Robinson Celebrates Some Houston Good News
And Keenum's Press Conference:
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
NFL Week 11 - Yeah Yeah Yeah
I try to write a weekly NFL column. Work and the Texans funks I go into sometimes keep me from it. Sometimes I just flat out get lazy.
The Big Topic - Andre Johnson vs. Cortland Finnegan
By now it is obvious that Johnson and Finnegan don't like each other. All that came to a head last week when Johnson pretty much kicked Finnegan's ass. Evidently they had been jawing at each other all game. The play before the fight there was a little pushing and shoving between the two. The next play Finnegan shoved his hands under Johnson's face mask and Johnson ripped Finnegan's helmet off and proceeded to connect three times to the head.
Being a Texans fan, I'm biased. I'm not going to hide that fact.
However, I don't blame Johnson one bit for going after Finnegan. If he is getting some cheap shots, at some point enough is enough and you have to send a message. Finnegan has a reputation for being a dirty player. Is he? I don't really know. He is feisty, pesky and a runt. It was probably a combination of things that got Johnson angry. Finnegan probably began with head games, which I'm sure most defensive backs do, and started mixing in some borderline tactics.
I'll pretty much sum up the fight this way: it was like a hockey brawl. In the NHL, most teams employ an enforcer, goon or tough guy. This guys sole job is to be a pain in the ass and rough up the star players. At some point, the other team sends in their enforcer to either retaliate against the other teams star or the enforcer himself. The enforcers eventually square off, drop gloves and go at it. For some strange reason, it is ingrained in NHL culture. Despite what NHL powers say about cleaning up the game, fighting remains an integral part of the sport. It doesn't happen every game but the potential for a fight exists at every game.
Fortunately, fighting isn't part of NFL culture. No team has a goon to go head hunting on for the other teams stars. No goons face off to send a message. But every once in a while, tempers do fly and fights happen.
This thing between Johnson and Finnegan had been brewing for three years. It finally reached a point where they dropped gloves and went at it. Finnegan accomplished what he wanted by getting Johnson ejected. Johnson accomplished his goal of beating Finnegan's ass. A fair trade off. Finnegan was also ejected.
A corollary topic has been about commissioner Roger Goodell's meting out of punishment. The consensus among the shows I've listened to and the articles I read is that there is no rhyme or reason on how Goodell decides punishments. Fines, suspensions or a mixture, there is no hard rule. It seems arbitrary at times.
The other consensus is that if Goodell suspended Finnegan he would have also had to suspend Johnson. I honestly believe both should have been suspended. Johnson knocked Finnegan's helmet off and landed three hits to the head. That alone should warrant suspension. Finnegan had three prior fines. On the third one he should have been suspended and any further incidents increase fine and at least one game suspension.
Instead the Commish issued a slap on the wrist to both and let bygones be bygones. The fines send no message to other players about fighting. Game suspensions are the best way to get a player's attention. They don't get paid for those games. Plus he knows it hurts the team by his absence. Sometimes letting your teammates down and their anger is enough to keep one in line.
The Big Topic - Andre Johnson vs. Cortland Finnegan
By now it is obvious that Johnson and Finnegan don't like each other. All that came to a head last week when Johnson pretty much kicked Finnegan's ass. Evidently they had been jawing at each other all game. The play before the fight there was a little pushing and shoving between the two. The next play Finnegan shoved his hands under Johnson's face mask and Johnson ripped Finnegan's helmet off and proceeded to connect three times to the head.
Being a Texans fan, I'm biased. I'm not going to hide that fact.
However, I don't blame Johnson one bit for going after Finnegan. If he is getting some cheap shots, at some point enough is enough and you have to send a message. Finnegan has a reputation for being a dirty player. Is he? I don't really know. He is feisty, pesky and a runt. It was probably a combination of things that got Johnson angry. Finnegan probably began with head games, which I'm sure most defensive backs do, and started mixing in some borderline tactics.
I'll pretty much sum up the fight this way: it was like a hockey brawl. In the NHL, most teams employ an enforcer, goon or tough guy. This guys sole job is to be a pain in the ass and rough up the star players. At some point, the other team sends in their enforcer to either retaliate against the other teams star or the enforcer himself. The enforcers eventually square off, drop gloves and go at it. For some strange reason, it is ingrained in NHL culture. Despite what NHL powers say about cleaning up the game, fighting remains an integral part of the sport. It doesn't happen every game but the potential for a fight exists at every game.
Fortunately, fighting isn't part of NFL culture. No team has a goon to go head hunting on for the other teams stars. No goons face off to send a message. But every once in a while, tempers do fly and fights happen.
This thing between Johnson and Finnegan had been brewing for three years. It finally reached a point where they dropped gloves and went at it. Finnegan accomplished what he wanted by getting Johnson ejected. Johnson accomplished his goal of beating Finnegan's ass. A fair trade off. Finnegan was also ejected.
A corollary topic has been about commissioner Roger Goodell's meting out of punishment. The consensus among the shows I've listened to and the articles I read is that there is no rhyme or reason on how Goodell decides punishments. Fines, suspensions or a mixture, there is no hard rule. It seems arbitrary at times.
The other consensus is that if Goodell suspended Finnegan he would have also had to suspend Johnson. I honestly believe both should have been suspended. Johnson knocked Finnegan's helmet off and landed three hits to the head. That alone should warrant suspension. Finnegan had three prior fines. On the third one he should have been suspended and any further incidents increase fine and at least one game suspension.
Instead the Commish issued a slap on the wrist to both and let bygones be bygones. The fines send no message to other players about fighting. Game suspensions are the best way to get a player's attention. They don't get paid for those games. Plus he knows it hurts the team by his absence. Sometimes letting your teammates down and their anger is enough to keep one in line.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
NFL Week 8 - Moss Gone
I'm back from vacation and ready to bring up the quality of this blog for the rest of the year. I've been writing subpar columns from what I used to write in my opinion.
Moss is Gone
Randy Moss literally talked his way off the Minnesota Vikings and probably the NFL (at least for the season). The Vikings placed Moss on waivers after his one catch for 8 yards performance against the Patriots.
Last week the NFL fined Moss $25,000 for not making himself available to weekly media interviews. There is an interview clause in the standard player contract. Players must make themselves available, usually teams arrange a specific day once a week, for interviews. The moody Moss sat his day away from media day.
After the Vikings vs. Patriots game, he claimed he will only conduct interviews with himself. He went on to say how much he missed the Pats and Bill Belichick. On Monday, head coach Brad Childress informed the players that Moss no longer played for the Vikings.
Moss actually talked his way off two teams this season. The Patriots were not to pleased with his performance or his rambling, long winded, self important press conference after opening week games.
The Vikings paid a big price for Moss. A third round may not seem steep on the surface but it is. The third round usually is where teams try to fill depth on the roster and occasionally an immediate contributor. Instead the Vikings received a three game rental for Moss.
The move was just the latest in a season gone awry for the Vikings. Brett Favre started the season with his usual drama queen act. Then came the off field allegations of Favre's behavior. His on field performance nose dived from last year. The defense hasn't played at the same level as last year either. Mix in the Moss fiasco and the Vikings place second after Dallas in the underachieving category.
McNabb Benched
The Redskins are one of more storied NFL programs. That is until Daniel Snyder took over. Since then the 'skins are now pretty much a joke.
I figured the hiring of Mike Shanahan might bring some stability to the organization. Instead it's more of the same. First, while not entirely Shanahan's doing, came the Fat Albert Haynesworth fiasco.
This week Shanahan added more fuel to the burning franchise. Late in the game, old rat face benched starter Donovan McNabb and inserted the Sex Cannon Rex Grossman. The move proved an utter failure. Sexy Rex fumbled the first snap and Detroit rookie Ndamukong Suh returned it for a game ensuring touchdown.
Shanahan's reasoning in the post game presser? McNabb didn't have the two minute offense down. Oh really? That speaks volumes about Shanahan's coaching. McNabb has been a Redskin since last Easter. He's had since the with OTAs, camping and preseason as well as in season practice to learn it. Either McNabb is stupid, which isn't the case. He ran a variation of the West Coast offense for Andy Reid in Philly. Or Shanahan isn't a very good instructor.
Yesterday Shanahan backtracked from his statements. He claimed that McNabb had leg injuries and "cardiovascular endurance" issues. What? So now McNabb isn't in shape? Again I find that hard to believe.
For whatever reason, Shanahan made the decision in game that Grossman gave him the best chance to win. Hard to believe but what other reason is there other than Shanahan's ineptitude? One thing Shanahan is not know for is his personnel evaluation. After he won a power struggle over his general manager in Denver, he assumed control of all personnel decisions. He ended up getting fired and leaving the Broncos a mess on defense.
Now it looks like Snyder may have made another bad coaching hire and the 'skins continue the downward spiral.
Dallas Karma
I think I'll leave the Dallas Karma bit its own entry.
Raheem Morris Not Over His Head
Last year there was much said and written about Raheem Morris in over his head as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many pundits thought Morris was one and done in Tampa. He fired his offensive coordinator before the season started. He fired the defensive coordinator midseason and took over the defense calls himself. Many saw that as signs of disarray and a sinking ship.
Fast forward to this year and the Bucs are sitting at 5-2 and in contention in the NFC South. It looks to me that Morris is anything but in over his head.
It's just another reason to not listen to the talking heads in the media. If they new what they were talking about they would be making money in football and not watching and making stuff up.
Stat Line of the Week
The box score of the Green Bay versus NY Jets. The Packers won 9-0 on the strength of Mason Crosby's three field goals.
1st Quarter
FG 4:41 Mason Crosby 20 yd FG
Plays: 5 | Yards: 34 | Time: 1:51
4th Quarter
FG 6:36 Mason Crosby 41 yd FG
Plays: 8 | Yards: 34 | Time: 3:58
FG 0:27 Mason Crosby 40 yd FG
Plays: 4 | Yards: 1 | Time: 2:03
Player of the Week
David Garrard
I think this selection is more indicative of how far the Dallas Cowboys have fallen than how good a player Garrard is. Garrard has been down right awful and benched this season. Yet he was an efficient 17 of 21 passing for 260 yards and 4 TDs.
JaMarcus Russell Player of the Week
Matt Schaub
Schaub played a terrible game when the Texans had a chance to sweep the season series from the Colts and claim sole possession of first place in the AFC South. Instead he didn't show up and threw a costly pick six and fumbled on his last snap of the game.
Goat of the Week
Rex Grossman/Mike Shanahan
Grossman for fumbling the ball on the first snap and Shanahan for putting in a cold quarterback in the closing seconds of the game.
Moss is Gone
Randy Moss literally talked his way off the Minnesota Vikings and probably the NFL (at least for the season). The Vikings placed Moss on waivers after his one catch for 8 yards performance against the Patriots.
Last week the NFL fined Moss $25,000 for not making himself available to weekly media interviews. There is an interview clause in the standard player contract. Players must make themselves available, usually teams arrange a specific day once a week, for interviews. The moody Moss sat his day away from media day.
After the Vikings vs. Patriots game, he claimed he will only conduct interviews with himself. He went on to say how much he missed the Pats and Bill Belichick. On Monday, head coach Brad Childress informed the players that Moss no longer played for the Vikings.
Moss actually talked his way off two teams this season. The Patriots were not to pleased with his performance or his rambling, long winded, self important press conference after opening week games.
The Vikings paid a big price for Moss. A third round may not seem steep on the surface but it is. The third round usually is where teams try to fill depth on the roster and occasionally an immediate contributor. Instead the Vikings received a three game rental for Moss.
The move was just the latest in a season gone awry for the Vikings. Brett Favre started the season with his usual drama queen act. Then came the off field allegations of Favre's behavior. His on field performance nose dived from last year. The defense hasn't played at the same level as last year either. Mix in the Moss fiasco and the Vikings place second after Dallas in the underachieving category.
McNabb Benched
The Redskins are one of more storied NFL programs. That is until Daniel Snyder took over. Since then the 'skins are now pretty much a joke.
I figured the hiring of Mike Shanahan might bring some stability to the organization. Instead it's more of the same. First, while not entirely Shanahan's doing, came the Fat Albert Haynesworth fiasco.
This week Shanahan added more fuel to the burning franchise. Late in the game, old rat face benched starter Donovan McNabb and inserted the Sex Cannon Rex Grossman. The move proved an utter failure. Sexy Rex fumbled the first snap and Detroit rookie Ndamukong Suh returned it for a game ensuring touchdown.
Shanahan's reasoning in the post game presser? McNabb didn't have the two minute offense down. Oh really? That speaks volumes about Shanahan's coaching. McNabb has been a Redskin since last Easter. He's had since the with OTAs, camping and preseason as well as in season practice to learn it. Either McNabb is stupid, which isn't the case. He ran a variation of the West Coast offense for Andy Reid in Philly. Or Shanahan isn't a very good instructor.
Yesterday Shanahan backtracked from his statements. He claimed that McNabb had leg injuries and "cardiovascular endurance" issues. What? So now McNabb isn't in shape? Again I find that hard to believe.
For whatever reason, Shanahan made the decision in game that Grossman gave him the best chance to win. Hard to believe but what other reason is there other than Shanahan's ineptitude? One thing Shanahan is not know for is his personnel evaluation. After he won a power struggle over his general manager in Denver, he assumed control of all personnel decisions. He ended up getting fired and leaving the Broncos a mess on defense.
Now it looks like Snyder may have made another bad coaching hire and the 'skins continue the downward spiral.
Dallas Karma
I think I'll leave the Dallas Karma bit its own entry.
Raheem Morris Not Over His Head
Last year there was much said and written about Raheem Morris in over his head as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many pundits thought Morris was one and done in Tampa. He fired his offensive coordinator before the season started. He fired the defensive coordinator midseason and took over the defense calls himself. Many saw that as signs of disarray and a sinking ship.
Fast forward to this year and the Bucs are sitting at 5-2 and in contention in the NFC South. It looks to me that Morris is anything but in over his head.
It's just another reason to not listen to the talking heads in the media. If they new what they were talking about they would be making money in football and not watching and making stuff up.
Stat Line of the Week
The box score of the Green Bay versus NY Jets. The Packers won 9-0 on the strength of Mason Crosby's three field goals.
1st Quarter
FG 4:41 Mason Crosby 20 yd FG
Plays: 5 | Yards: 34 | Time: 1:51
4th Quarter
FG 6:36 Mason Crosby 41 yd FG
Plays: 8 | Yards: 34 | Time: 3:58
FG 0:27 Mason Crosby 40 yd FG
Plays: 4 | Yards: 1 | Time: 2:03
Player of the Week
David Garrard
I think this selection is more indicative of how far the Dallas Cowboys have fallen than how good a player Garrard is. Garrard has been down right awful and benched this season. Yet he was an efficient 17 of 21 passing for 260 yards and 4 TDs.
JaMarcus Russell Player of the Week
Matt Schaub
Schaub played a terrible game when the Texans had a chance to sweep the season series from the Colts and claim sole possession of first place in the AFC South. Instead he didn't show up and threw a costly pick six and fumbled on his last snap of the game.
Goat of the Week
Rex Grossman/Mike Shanahan
Grossman for fumbling the ball on the first snap and Shanahan for putting in a cold quarterback in the closing seconds of the game.
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