The Patriot Way

The New England Patriots have been the NFL’s most successful franchise in the 21^st century. In the 13 seasons since Head Coach Bill Belichick took the reins in 2000, the Patriots have had 12 winning seasons, made 10 playoff appearances, won 10 division titles, played in 7 AFC Championship Games, won 5 AFC Championships, and won 3 Super Bowls. Absolute dominance in their trade….

What Is “The Patriot Way”?

Over the years, the term, “The Patriot Way” has been injected into the sports lexicon. Patriots personnel and media alike attribute their way of doing business as the key to the team’s long term success. The organization has presented The Patriot Way as a cold, efficient, no-nonsense dedication to achieving and winning. They position themselves as an organization of high character individuals with limited tolerance for off-the-field issues and distractions. This…is The Patriot Way.

I have a different take on The Patriot Way. The Patriot Way is a clean shaven, coat-and-tie, modern version of the Commitment to Excellence – The Oakland Raiders Way…the late Raiders owner Al Davis' way. It is the way known for four decades by the motto, “Just Win, Baby!” And the Patriots have transposed it into their blueprint in the modern game with remarkable seamlessness.

The Raider Way

For you younger readers, understand that prior to 2003, the Raiders were the model of achievement in professional sports, not the laughing stock they became in the last 10 years as Davis aged, became excessively erratic (even by his eccentric standards), and the club was plagued by drafting and coaching fiascoes. They were the villains of the NFL. Fans either loved or hated them, but everyone respected them. More years than not, opponents feared them.

The Raiders had a reputation for taking big risks. They signed other teams’ castaways and rejects that Davis thought had high-level football ability remaining in their careers. The Raiders gambled on individuals with questionable character issues. They were renegades on the field: some say “rough”; some say “dirty”. Most would agree they were intimidating. 

The blueprint of The Patriot Way! 1

The South End of a Northbound Bull

Unlike the Raiders, who were openly frowned upon by the mainstream but were completely transparent in how they won, the Patriots have presented a corporate America-like face. They have been admired by the media and the critics. Behind the scenes, it is clear to me that they harbor surly and unsavory people and practices. What you see when the camera lights are on is not necessarily a reflection of what happens behind the scenes. 

The Patriot Way, Spygate – In 2007, former New York Jets Head Coach Eric Mangini reported to the NFL that Bill Belichick instructed his film crew to videotape the defensive signals of his division opponents for years, going back to The Hoodie’s arrival in 2000. Presumably, the Patriots would study them and attempt to use the information gathered in the return match. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was reportedly made aware of this practice the year before and instructed Belichick to stop. 

How did Mangini catch the Pats? Mangini was an assistant on Belichick’s staff before earning the top coaching spot with the Jets. And where did Belichick try to implement this tactic? In a Week 1 game against Mangini’s Jets. REALLY?!?!? Talk about trying to hide in plain sight…!

The scandal became known as Spygate and fueled a host of rumors and innuendo about other possible misbehavior. The Boston Globe alleged that the Patriots videotaped the walkthrough of the St. Louis Rams prior to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans, the Patriots first Super Bowl win. The allegation was never proven and the Globe retracted its claim during the 2008 offseason. But the damage was done.

The Patriots were docked a first round draft pick and both the team and The Hoodie were fined a total of $750,000. Just the cost to do business…The Patriot Way! The Patriots have lost in both of their Super Bowl appearances since Spygate.

The Patriot Way! 2

The Patriot Way, Randy Moss – The Patriots acquired future Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders (that’s ironic) prior to the 2007 season. Let me be crystal clear: there is no question…ZERO...about the talent Moss brought to the team. There is also no question that controversy and chaos follow Moss everywhere he goes.

Moss would go on to set a single season record for touchdown receptions, helping the Patriots to the only 16-0 regular season record in NFL history, en route to winning the AFC Championship. Three years later, in 2010, Moss would publicly throw the Patriots under the bus, demanding a contract extension. Moss was soon traded back to the team that drafted him, the Minnesota Vikings, implying that Moss’ antics weren’t in line with “The Patriot Way”. The Vikings would soon release Moss, with soon-to-be-fired Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress saying Moss was a “programmatic non-fit”. Moss reportedly undermined Childress with the last straw being embarrassing, rude behavior by Moss at a catered team event. 

Not bringing in off field distractions…”The Patriot Way”! Unless, of course, that player can help your offense break records and reach a Super Bowl…. 

Apparently "The Patriot Way" includes pulling the rug from under their franchise quarterback (Tom Brady, right). How many times have the Pats unceremoniously cut his favorite targets (Randy Moss, left) without warning? 3

The Patriot Way, Albert Haynesworth – Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was released by the Washington Redskins. In 2009, Haynesworth, a two time All-Pro, signed a $100 million free agent contract with the Redskins and then everything went to hell in D.C.. Haynesworth did not like the 3-4 defensive scheme that the Skins were transitioning toward (which would have rubbed out Haynesworth’s statistical contributions). He constantly butted heads with Redskins coach Mike Shanahan in 2010, failing a conditioning test in training camp and eventually being suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.

The Patriots brand of vulture capitalism surfaced, trading a fifth round pick for Haynesworth, a physical beast, just before the start of the 2011 season. The Pats had enough of Haynesworth, the last straw being a sideline argument with assistant coach Pepper Johnson during a game,  and released him late in the regular season. Haynesworth has not played a game since 2011. 

Acquiring disruptive players who are bad teammates is not “The Patriot Way”…unless you can acquire that guy for peanuts and he has the potential to blow up the middle of your opponent’s offensive line.

The Patriot Way! 4

The Patriot Way, Chad Ochocinco – Prior to the start of the 2011 season, the Patriots acquired perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals for a pair of low round draft picks. Ochocinco was coming off of a relatively productive season with the Bengals, considering his age, the two games he missed due to injury, and the absolute ineptitude of the Bengals in the 2010 season. Ochocinco’s resume is a borderline Hall of Fame resume. His reputation is that of a “look at me” showman. Certainly not consistent with The Patriot Way!

In all fairness to Ocho, he kept quiet during the 2011 run to the Super Bowl by New England. Unfortunately, he was quiet off the field and on it, only starting three games and catching 15 passes during the regular season. Reportedly, Ochocinco had trouble catching on to the offensive system. The Pats would lose Super Bowl XLVI to the New York Giants and Ochocinco soon lost his job, being cut shortly after the season. 

Signing flash-in-the-pan showmen is not The Patriot Way! Signing such a player with the understanding he’d better tone it down is. Even when the former class clown transitions to the teacher’s pet, if he doesn’t shred defenses on the field, he is rewarded with a pink slip. The Patriot Way!

Ochocinco (left): I'm all on board with The Patriot Way! Brady (right): Don't get too comfortable on board.

5

The Patriot Way, Aaron Hernandez – The embodiment of The Patriot Way is found in former tight end Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez was an eye catching, standout talent at the University of Florida. The red flags of behavioral issues and alleged gang affiliations caught so many eyes that this early round talent fell to the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Getting blockbuster talent on the cheap – The Patriot Way! 

The Pats took a flyer on Hernandez and it paid off on the field in a big way.  In Hernandez’s Pro Bowl season of 2011, he and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski, with their size, speed, and hands, were too much for opposing defenses to handle, especially with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady calling the signals. The Patriots reached Super Bowl XLVI, losing to the New York Giants. Hernandez was rewarded with a lucrative contract extension worth nearly $40 million with a record (for a tight end) $13 million signing bonus.

On June 26, 2013 Hernandez was arrested and charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd. The Patriots released Hernandez that morning. Signing gangbangers…if they can help you get to the Super Bowl…it’s “The Patriot Way”!

The Patriot Way! 6

JUST ANOTHER TEAM

Success can reveal the character of an organization. It can also help cover up or enable people to overlook some of its less desirable attributes. The Patriots have been a model of efficiency on the field. However, they are not to be heralded as superheroes hanging out in The Hall of Justice. They are just another championship caliber organization in the industry of American sports. The Patriot Way is just that – their way, nothing more.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from http://theoaklnadraiders.wordpress.com

2) Image from www.jetsrant.com

3) Image from www.aolnews.com

4) Image from www.tumblr.com

5) Image from http://sports.yahoo.com

6) Image from www.bostonglobe.com

Fat, Fat, and All That

Earlier this week, Washington Post columnist Sally Jenkins wrote a piece critical of the conditioning of Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman. In short, Jenkins says Grossman is too fat.

Grossman is not the first, nor will he be the last, athlete to be criticized for his management of his weight. What we may not see for a while are some of the hum dingers of quotes like what can be found in Jenkins’ article. The line that stood out most to me was, “If Grossman has an inherent limitation, it’s his lack of mobility. He has no business compounding it with a knife and fork if he expects to lead the Redskins to the playoffs.”


FAT!

While one should not throw stones if living in a glass house, as Ms. Jenkins is on this issue (she is not a hippo, but she’s no stringbean, either), it caught my attention and gave me a little chuckle. One of my favorite sports journalists, talk show host Jim Rome, refuses to allow personal appearances to be fodder for his show. It’s a pillar of The Jim Rome Show.

The Daily Hat Trick may have the luxury of raising the bar when we have 2,000,000 readers per day. As it stands, my daily bogey for readership is three figures, not seven. When I get to seven, I’ll raise my standards. Until then, enjoy some samples of pithy comments of the past about players packing on the pounds.

C'mon Sally. You could stand to put the fork down, yourself. 1

TO THE PRESS!

Recently acquired and controversial New England Patriots defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth:

“And so the biggest question for Redskins fans remains this: will the pros of Albert Haynesworth's expulsion…outweigh the cons…?”
--Michael Katz, S.B. Nation D.C., September 9, 2011


Warrick Dunn (on the ground) looks like he is afraid Albert is going to eat him! 2

 Former University of Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody:

“He's a big, fat blob,”
--Unidentified NFC personnel man, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, “Will Alabama’s Cody Be a Mountain of Bust?”, April 18, 2010

"BLOB"? Harsh: yes. Unfair? Hmm.... 3

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley on Turner Sports office having a betting pool on his weight:

"That is starting to hurt my feelings. I don't mind skinny people making fun of me, we all do that, but I don't want fat people making fun of me."
--Source: barkleyquotes.blogspot.com


Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley on Peter Vescey calling him fat on TV:
"…The truth is, I'm going to have to get bigger clothes or start hanging out with fat people to look skinnier."
--Source: barkleyquotes.blogspot.com

The supply of Barkley fat quotes were limitless. 4

Former Major League Baseball player John Kruk:

“John Kruk Is Dead Weight On ESPN...and Lots of It”
--Headline for an article in Bleacher Report by Andrew Brining, August 13, 2009

A LOT of it! 5

New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan, after losing some weight:

“I think everyone in New York is happy about that, except maybe Macy’s losing one of their floats.”
--Former Cleveland Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini, Associated Press article, November 11, 2010


Rex Ryan was a source of girth references, too. 6


Former Cleveland Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia

"My arm feels fine. I just can't command either side of the plate."
--Source: Article by Rob Iracane, “What's Eating C.C. Sabathia? What's C.C. Sabathia Eating?” in the Walkoff Walk blog, April 17, 2008.

If he ate a burger, he wouldn't have to keep it on the plate. 7

NBA player Eddie Curry in an article on overpaid players:

“…Eddy Curry, is Exhibit A…Only A? A guy that size is Exhibit A through Z…”
--John Karalis of Bloguin, September 14, 2011


Because I am so sure Curry was trying to put a Big Mac through the hoop. 8

 Former Cleveland Cavalier Shaquille O’Neal

“Shaq Misses Entire Second Half With Pulled Pork Sandwich”
--The Onion Sports Network, January 22, 2010

I couldn't make this up. You know what? If I were hungry enough, I may have missed a little time for a delicious pulled pork sandwich, too! 9

Bon appetite, Hat Trick readers!

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.


1) Image from c-spanvideo.org
2) Image from maxminimus.blogspot.com
3) Image from warblogle.com
4) Image from basketballmedicine.blogspot.com
5) Image from phantomballplayer.blogspot.com
6) Image with citation from prior Daily Hat Trick article
7) Image from ftrsports.com
8) Image from nysportspace.com
9) Image from theonionsportsnetwork.com

End of Lockout Celebration? Not So Fast My Friend!

The NFL lockout is over. Pop the champagne bottles! Break out the party favors!! We can all celebrate!!!

Well, not all of us. Now that the ink is on the paper and the deal is done, NFL teams ARE back to the business of football. Unfortunately, the business of football is not all glamour, glory and pleasantries. The new collective bargaining agreement brings us back to the realities of salary cap casualties.


The 2010 season was an uncapped year. There is a cap in 2011, meaning teams will have to go through this, always, difficult, unpleasant, but fiscally necessary annual exercise. Some players, usually veterans, usually good players, often fan favorites, and, sometimes, all-time franchise greats have to turn in their playbooks, often after an entire career of service. Their clubs simply cannot afford to keep them at their salary for the upcoming season.

Today, the Hat Trick is going to look at a few teams and players that have no choice but to part ways. As I said yesterday, the free agency movements will be fast and furious, compared to years past. These players may have signed a contract with a new team or have been retained by their current team at a restructured/reduced salary by the time you read this article. Nonetheless, here are some big names of players are will likely be cut or are in danger of being cut for cap purposes.

There is no putting lipstick on the piggy bank. 1

BALTIMORE RAVENS HOUSE CLEANING

It would be a shame for the last act, as Ravens, for tight end Todd Heap, wide receiver Derrick Mason, and running back Willis McGahee to be turning in their playbooks and equipment, right before being shown the door. Derrick Mason is the NFL’s 12th all-time leading receiver, with a chance to be in the Hall of Fame one day. Todd Heap is the NFL’s 5th all-time leading receiver among active tight ends. McGahee is the Ravens’ third all-time leading rusher in franchise history. All three of these players, at some point, are likely to honored by the team in some manner, such as placement in the Ring of Honor, after they retire. All three may have ended their days with the Ravens by being unceremoniously cut before training camp.

I expect all three players to be able to play football in 2011, should they choose. I think there is zero chance of McGahee returning to the Ravens, with Ray Rice already established as the starter. Mason retired, then unretired, less than a month later, from the Ravens in 2009. While still productive, I am unsure how much of a pay cut Mason would be willing to accept to return to Baltimore. The same applies to Heap. I think the Ravens would have a spot for him at the right price.

In spite of bending over backwards for the Ravens during his career, Mason was sent packing on Monday. 2

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Donovan McNabb, QB: I would never say “never” to any question regarding the Washington Redskins that should be answered using logic and reason. Owner Dan Snyder somehow infected Mike Shanahan, whose reputation was unimpeachable before his arrival in our nation’s capital, with the dysfunction and irrationality with which Snyder has run the Redskins during his tenure as owner.


Shanahan appears to not get along with Donovan McNabb and it appears as though the marriage between the coach and QB cannot work. Assuming the Redskins do not floor all of us (though the “floor”, when it comes to the Redskins, is well padded due to frequent use) and keep McNabb as the starter, the QB will be released or traded. There are several NFL teams with good, contender-caliber components everywhere on the field except under center. Granted, 2010 was McNabb’s worst season as a pro, but considering his team, many may be inclined to give him a mulligan.


Albert Haynesworth, DT: Physically, Haynesworth is one of the biggest freaks in the history of the defensive tackle position. His salary, with respect to his performance and motivation with the Redskins, however, is outrageous. The Redskins are in the undesirable position of having to trade Haynesworth and getting little in return, while feeling some salary cap pain in penalties, triggered by Haynesworth’s titanic signing bonus from 2009 in his $100 million contract, or cut Haynesworth and take a titanic pounding in salary cap penalties because they cannot convince another team to throw millions down the black hole that is Fat Albert.

You would be amazed at how many knee slappers like this you can find about Haynesworth on the Internet. 3

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Carson Palmer, QB: Carson Palmer put his house up for sale during the offseason, demanded a trade from the Bengals (which I completely understand), and said he would retire before playing again for Cincinnati. Bengals Owner Paul Brown said he would not reward a player for refusing to report by trading him.


Yeah, yeah. That’s great, Mr. Brown, except nothing from nothing leaves nothing. Palmer does not appear to be bluffing and the Bengals will get nothing for a starting QB in his prime if they refuse to deal him. Oatmeal is better than no meal.


Chad Ochocinco, WR: Chad Ochocinco is still a productive wide receiver, worth more to the market than his $6 million salary. However, the expectations in Cincinnati are low next season. With no legitimate, experienced NFL QB in Cincinnati and almost no chance of resigning Ochocinco after this season, the Bengals may be poised to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver or trade him.

You think I'm sticking around after this year? Pssttt! CHILD PLEASE! 4

OTHER HIGH PROFILE BUBBLE PLAYERS

Steve Smith, WR – Carolina Panthers: Smith is probably a Hall-of-Famer. The leading receiver in Panthers history was not happy with the state of affairs in Carolina at the end of last year. With a hefty salary, an age greater than 30, and chronic injury problems, Smith is likely to be on the salary cap chopping block.

This could be a win-win. When Smith IS healthy, he is lethal to opposing defenses. Smith has good years left in his tank. The question is, “How many?”


Reggie Bush, RB – New Orleans Saints: If you have been reading the Hat Trick for any extended period of time, you know that I am a New Orleans native and may be somewhat biased. I will try to be objective. Here goes….

Bush is due nearly $12 million in salary next year and he will not collect that. Casual observers of the Saints may assume that he will simply be cut because he is not an every down running back and he has been hampered by injuries throughout his career. Die hards, like me, understand Bush’s value to the offense and the team. More so, so does Saints Head Coach Sean Payton and his opinion is one of a small few that actually counts. Since the Saints control his rights and, I believe, will make a good faith effort to keep him, I think they will make Bush a fair, probably slightly favorable, offer reflective of his true, current NFL market value.


Not everybody can fly to the end zone from the 6 yard line. 5

 Roy Williams, WR – Dallas Cowboys: The status of Roy Williams’ future with the Cowboys has been a soap opera since his arrival in Big D. When Williams joined the Cowboys via a trade with the Detroit Lions in 2008, the consensus opinion was that Williams was being brought in to replace Terrell Owens and be the Cowboys primary target in the future. Williams is earning franchise receiver money, but the “washed up” T.O. put up better numbers than Williams in less-than-desirable offenses in Buffalo and Cincinnati in 2009 and 2010, respectively, and then-rookie receiver Dez Bryant excelled last season. Something’s gotta give.


Lee Evans, WR – Buffalo Bills: The third all-time leading receiver in franchise history (Andre’ Reed, Eric Moulds) is earning a Pro Bowler’s salary but has not looked anything like an NFL standout since 2008. Granted, the Bills have had myriad issues on offense and at the quarterback position over the past several years. Regardless, the emergence of young Stevie Johnson as a favorite target for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick may make Evans, and his salary cap liability, expendable.


David Garrard, QB – Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags drafted QB Blaine Gabbert in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Garrard is expected to earn close to $8 million in 2011. The Jaguars were in contention for a playoff spot until the end of the 2010 season, so a change at quarterback may be unlikely before the season starts. However, if the Jags get off to a very bad start (such as an 0-3 or 0-4 start), not beyond the realm of possibilities, Garrard and his salary may come off of the Jaguars books before the trade deadline.


Nick Barnett, LB – Green Bay Packers: Barnett announced this afternoon that he would not be with the Packers this season. The eight year veteran starting linebacker and member of last year’s Super Bowl champion Packers team missed most of last season due to injury and would have counted $4 million against the salary cap, according to ESPN.com, perhaps too much for a 30 year old LB riddled with injury problems in recent years. Barnett had missed 19 regular season games during the past three years.


Nate Clements, CB – San Francisco 49ers: Clements, according to ESPN, will count $17 million against the cap this season. The 31 year old cornerback has seen his productivity decline since joining the 49ers, though he still has some tread left on his tires.


Vince Young, QB – Tennessee Titans: With the Titans announcement, last season, that they intended to sever ties with Young, the use of their first round pick in the 2011 draft to acquire quarterback Jake Locker, and the $13 million cap liability attached to Young, the question is “Where will he end up?” and not “Will the Titans release him?”

He needs a team, too. 6

Get your popcorn ready!


Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.


1) Image from riverfronttimes.com
2) Image from mirror.co.uk
3) Image from albany.com
4) Image from thepigskindoctors.com
5) Image from egotvonline.com
6) Image from blacksportsonline.com

The Daily Hat Trick 2010 NFL Good, Bad, and Ugly Awards

"It's the most...wonderful...time...of the (NFL's) year!!! With the playoffs a-coming and analysts humming; the Super Bowl's near! It's the most wonderful time of the year!"
Too bad I could not find a musical accompaniment. The NFL's regular season is over, the playoffs are upon us. There are four more weeks of National Football League action (plus the Pro Bowl) remaining. The Daily Hat Trick will dive in and give you the in-depth, top-secret analysis of the playoffs later this week. First, I would like to take a moment, before the Associated Press steals my spotlight, and recognize the best, worst, and most hideous of the 2010 regular season in the National Football League.

Good, Bad, and Ugly Awards

The Good - Michael Vick from pariah to premier quarterback. From monster to MVP. From insufferable to inspirational. In three decades of watching this sport, I have never seen a comeback story that measures up to this one. Vick's Philadelphia Eagles team not only has a dog in the hunt, but he, single handedly is responsible for the NFC's top-seeded Bears and Falcons being on the run from said dog. Nobody but nobody wants to face this team and Eagles Coach Andy Reid and Eagles fans have Vick to thank for that (and dogs).

From sporting a "Mean Machine" jersey to this jersey,
which was sent to the Hall of Fame after a
record setting Monday Night Football performance. 3

Honorable mention deserves to go to a few people. Andy Reid for having to step out of his comfort zone (both on the field and in the media) to take the risk of giving Vick the opportunity to excel.... Peyton Manning for succeeding in the equivalent of racing in NASCAR with two bad cylinders and four bald, spare tires and STILL winning the AFC South and reaching the playoffs for a post-merger record tying ninth consecutive season (Dallas Cowboys 1975-1983).... The Detroit Lions for fighting every week, in spite of losing some extremely close games under some very questionable circumstances.


The biggest honorable mention goes to Tom Brady, the probable NFL MVP in 2010. Brady, assuming there are no spycams involved, is having one of the best all-around (decision making, passing, leadership, improving the performance of his teammates, adjusting to adverse changes, etc.) seasons that any quarterback can have. "Wes Welker is coming off a knee injury? No problem. I've got Moss. Randy Moss is traded? No problem, bring Deion Branch back. Deion is washed up and I can't move the offense with him? Watch me. Danny Woodhead is too small? The defense will see me coming from a mile away? I hope they can play with binoculars so they can see us housing it from 50 yards away. "

Perhaps UGG should start making fluffy, furry cleats? 4

The Bad - The Carolina Panthers were not expected to be Super Bowl contenders, but this franchise is expected to be a well prepared challenge for its opponent, no matter who the opponent is, every week. John Fox has been one of the best coaches of his time, which goes back to 2002. So what do the Panthers do? They make Jake Delhomme into the scapegoat for its underachieving and cut him, paying Delhomme $13 million in the process. 1 Whether that was fair or not, they replace him with a completely unproven and untested Matt Moore and rookie Jimmy Clausen, who, all knew going into the season, had a LOT to learn and would not be ready to start effectively in 2010.

And John Fox, the best coach in the team's history? Fired. I think of it as euthanasia.

Fox: FIRED?!? I thought I'd never get to leave! BYE! 5 

There is not too much honorable mention to mention. Many of the NFL stories in 2010 that were "not good" were so "bad" that they were "ugly" (see below). The Houston Texans were bad. Explosive offense...possibly the worst team defense in the history of the National Football league, in spite of the presence of DE Mario Williams and LB Brian Cushing. The expectations after 2009, the first winning season in franchise history, were high and the potential for Toro the Bull to gore Blue the Colt in the AFC South was at its peek, heading into the 2010 season. After Jaxson de Ville (Jaguars) shredded Toro's hopes and dreams on a flukish Hail Mary in Week 10, the Texans became bull jerky.

FAIL! 6

Toro to 2010: "Goodbye and
good riddance! NO MORE TEXANS!" 7





The Ugly - This was the toughest Hat Trick award to decide upon. With so much to choose from - the Minnesota Vikings Favre/Chilly/Moss drama, the Vince Young/Jeff Fisher fiasco in Tennessee, the Dallas Cowboys/Wade Phillips catastrophe, the woeful and disappointing underachieving of the Cincinnati Bengals (in spite of T.O. more than pulling his weight and keeping uncharacteristically quiet) - there was PLENTY of "ugly" to choose from in the NFL in 2010. The only shock is that the Oakland Raiders are nowhere near making this season's list, yet their coach, Tom Cable, may still get the ax.

The Vikings, with Dong-gate/Text-gate/Sterger-gate (or whatever sensational label you prefer), the Chilly schism, and trading a second day draft pick to acquire Randy Moss for a MONTH and CUTTING HIM (REALLY??)...seemed to be a run away for the 2010 Hat Trick Ugly award at one point. However, even Grace Jones, Rosie O'Donnell, and Amy Winehouse had to stand, in shock and awe, at the ugliness that became the 2010 Washington Redskins.

NOT UGLY: The first Jenn Sterger photo of 2011. Sterger (right) and who really cares about the name of girl on the left? She's hot.
Who didn't see this photo coming after the word "Sterger" appeared? 8

Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan must have understood that owner Daniel Snyder had a long, time honored tradition of throwing money down the toilet after overpriced, underachieving free agents. But guys with gambling addictions, followers of the Wesely Snipes tax plan, and graduates of the Bernie Madoff School of Investments were sending mail to Redskins Park offering financial advice to Snyder in the wake of the $40 million Albert Haynesworth write-off. To make matters worse, Shanahan attempted to "shame" Haynesworth, for not participating in voluntary offseason mini-camps, by requiring Fat Albert to pass a conditioning test for which Usain Bolt would need to rigorously train. Fat Albert flunked his "conditioning tests" and sat his fat butt on the sidelines since he was not "allowed" to practice. Oh yeah! They sure taught him a lesson!

Ugly 9

Snyder is a known spend thrift. Haynesworth is a known attitude problem. Shanahan, while I think he handled the Haynesworth situation poorly, had a stellar reputation, going into the 2010 season. So while the situation was ugly, it was not superlative. The comic-tragic manner in which Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator, and Mike's son, Kyle Shanahan treated and handled possible future Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb, whose reputation is that of the consummate team player, leader, and class act, created one of the most unfortunate and ugly situations I have ever seen on an NFL team.

Uglier 10

McNabb was brought over from Philadelphia to help lead the Redskins back into contention. Mike Shanahan and McNabb were never on the same page. The Shanahans insulted the intelligence of McNabb, football fans, and any creature with an IQ greater than that of a walnut by trying...badly...to whitewash McNabb's benching, in favor of Rex Grossman, in the closing minutes of a loss to the Detroit Lions as a "cardiovascular" issue. Fired Vikings coach Brad Childress, who said he cut Randy Moss because he was a "programmatic non-fit", called "B.S." on that move. The Redskins appear to reward McNabb for his professionalism and patience with, what was announced to the media, as a lucrative contract extension, only for the public to find out, within 24 hours, that McNabb signed up for some magic beans and fool's gold. The final insult: McNabb is effectively made inactive (emergency QB) for the final games of the season.

Ugliest 11

A lot of media outlets have had fun, affectionately, comparing Broncos QB Tim Tebow to Jesus Christ because of Tebow's well publicized, strong Christian faith. I am not the strongest person on Bible knowledge, but turning the other cheek, enduring undeserved tribulations, perseverance, standing upright in the face of indignity...many of these themes recur in the Bible and are thought of as Christ-like characteristics. After 2010, maybe the press should give McNabb just a little "Jesus ink" like Tebow. More power to Tebow, for trying to carry out God's mission, but McNabb has certainly endured a missionary-like persecution!

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info

WWJD? 2   

1) Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/04/371139/panthers-cut-delhomme.html
2) Image from profootballweekly.com
3) Image from rootzoo.com
4) Image from thepigskindoctors.com
5) Image from bleacherreprt.net
6) Image from torotimes.com
7) Image from footballbabble.com
8) Image from xuqu.com via deathvalleyvoice.com
9) Image from from dragoart.com via rekotrill.com
10) Image from redskins.com

11) Image from lehighvalleylive.com

Peyton Manning, Josh McDaniels, and Fat Albert - Confused, Dumb, and Dumber

Yours truly was away from civilization for a week, making The Daily Hat Trick a little less than “daily”. To borrow a catch phrase from sportstalk host Jim Rome, “I took so much vacation because I got so much vacation,”

Now I am back home sweet home and you, the reader, get your daily dose of the Hat Trick back. I hope that is a good thing.

There have been so many occurrences in the world of sports over the past 10 days or so, that I could not pick one topic to feature for the first day back in publication, so I thought I would just pitch in my two cents on some issues that jumped to the center of my NFL dashboard in the last week.

Peyton Manning

What is going on in Indianapolis? Nobody is perfect and even the most elite athletes have slumps, but Peyton Manning has not struggled as badly as he has in recent weeks since his rookie season in 1998. Consider the following quote from Peyton Manning’s coach:

“Well, I'll start off by saying this: do not blame that game on the defense, OK? I don't care who you play, whether it's a high school team, a junior college team, a college team, much less an NFL team; when you turn the ball over five times -- four interceptions, one for a touchdown, three others in field position to set up touchdowns -- you ain't going to beat anybody I just talked about. Anybody. All right? And that was a disgraceful performance, in my opinion. We threw that game. We gave it away by doing that. We gave 'em the friggin' game. In my opinion, that sucked. Ah. You know? You can't turn the ball over five times like that. Holy crap! I don't know who the hell we think we are when we do something like that! Unbelievable...five turnovers. One of them for -- We've thrown four interceptions for touchdowns this year. That might be an NFL record! And we've still got six games left, so there's no telling how many we'll have. That's pitiful! I mean, it's absolutely pitiful to perform like that. Pitiful!” 1

If you are like me and live, breathe, and sleep sports, you probably know exactly where I am going with this and had a slight chuckle, unless you live in Indianapolis. If you are a causal fan (or under the age of 20), it seems like something Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell could say, given the mediocrity of his team and his quarterback. Here is the rest of the quote:

“What's that? Ah -- Playoffs? Don't talk about -- playoffs?! You kidding me?! Playoffs?! I just hope we can win a game! Another game!” 2

Unless you go out of your way to avoid every commercial during NFL games, you know that those were the words of Peyton Manning’s and the Colts’ former coach (and one of my favorite all-time NFL personalities), Jim Mora, Sr. Those words were spoken in the midst of a Colts tailspin in 2001, the last time the Colts had a losing record and the last time they missed the playoffs.

That would also be Mora’s last year as an NFL head coach. At the moment, history appears to be dangerously close to repeating itself in Indianapolis. Jim Caldwell may follow Mora’s footsteps if he runs the ship of the defending AFC champs into the ground much further. Manning is turning the ball over at an alarming rate that would cause Brett Favre to raise an eyebrow.


2001 - "PLAYOFFS?!?"   6

DeLorean with Flux Capacitor 7

2010 - "Hey, y'all. Watch this!"  8

Just what is wrong with Manning? I have had friends make clever suggestions about sibling rivalry pressure and one suggestion (from a chick) that maybe Peyton and wife Ashley Manning, er, um, have not been practicing the motions to make a little Manning. At that point, I thought I had heard everything.

It is true that Manning is missing many of his weapons: Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Joseph Addai (or anything resembling a competent running game), and a defense that leaves him much room for error. But, as University of Texas coaching legend Darrell Royal once said, when you throw the ball, three things can happen, and two of them are bad. Manning, in the opinion of many, may be the greatest quarterback (if not greatest player) ever to play the game. If so, he needs to do a better job of taking care of the football.

Josh McDaniels

Good riddance to bad rubbish! Being a blogger and not a journalist, I am not bound by the journalistic pillar of being unbiased and therefore am free to voice my personal opinion on newsworthy people. I cannot think of a head coach that I have liked less in the past 10 years than Josh McDaniels. Those who know me personally know the depth of loathing that I have for Bill Belichick and his era of Patriots, but the man has won three Super Bowls. If Sean Payton, coach of my New Orleans Saints, decided to suddenly retire and The Hoodie were hired as the next coach, I would welcome him with open arms. McDaniels is a horse (or a Bronco) of another color, though.

"You've got a lot to learn, son." 5

It requires a truly special brand of stupidity and sophomoric hubris to ruin a franchise that, until this season, was considered a legitimate threat to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl almost every season. It requires a rare lack of people skills, a lack which dwarfs the lack possessed by computer geeks and Dungeons & Dragons players, to run off your franchise quarterback before your first draft by losing his trust because you were not forthright with him about your attempt to use him as trade bait for greener grass. It takes an unprecedented failure to prepare in order to allow an Oakland Raiders franchise – bankrupt of an identity in its offensive backfield – to come into your stadium, historically one of the roughest places for visitors in the history of the NFL, and bitch-slap you by hanging 59 points on you. And it takes a complete failure to grasp concepts instilled into most of us as children, such as, “Do as I say and not as I do,” to watch your mentor, Belichick, and your team have their reputations tarnished and their pockets lightened by the Spygate controversy, then do the same stupid (and unethical) thing when your coaching future is already on rocky ground and give the media the gift of the label, “Spygate II”

It sickens me to see any professional sports franchise drug down by stupidity. Arrogance dragging down a team (a team I do not like)…amusing. Stupidity? Annoying...! GOOD RIDDANCE!

Albert Haynesworth

Hey hey hey! No more Fat Albert! Who did not see this coming? It only cost the Redskins $40 million and what feels like a lost season! Albert Haynesworth displayed a level of professionalism that could cause Randy Moss to give him a tongue lashing. Based on reports I have read and heard on sports radio, Haynesworth, apparently, refused to speak to Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan at team headquarters, asking the General Manager, Bruce Allen, to relay the message. Hey Albert: eighth grade called and it wants its conflict resolution methods back! REALLY, Albert? REALLY? “Tell Coach I’m not speaking to him.,”??? What is next? He takes his ball and goes home?

Hey hey hey! Can you tell the difference? 3

The Redskins took care of that for Fat Albert, suspending him for the remaining four games of the regular season and signaling that his offseason release is all but immanent. There are bad free agent moves and free agent busts in the NFL every year, whether caused by injury, system incompatibility, decreased motivation, aging, or otherwise. Daniel Snyder may be the KING of throwing away money on the wrong free agents. The stench of the Albert Haynesworth signing stinks so badly that those in the State of Denmark during the time of Shakespeare’s Hamlet would faint.

"Peeee-youuuuu" 4

1, 2) Source: Wikipedia

3) Image from grudge-match.com

4) Image from sportsfanlive.com

5) Image from ozelink.com.au

6) Image from starvalleyindependent.com

7) Image from gadzooki.com

8) Image from coltzilla.com