Yes We Cam!

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton, from Auburn University, took significant steps toward silencing critics of his selection with the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Newton has a record setting performance for passing yards in his Opening Day debut, with 422 yards, two touchdowns passing, one touchdown rushing, and one interception. His QB rating of 110.4 places him in the Top 10 of NFL QBs after week 1.

If there were any questions about whether or not the rookie, Newton, should be the Opening Day starter over the second year veteran, Jimmy Clausen, a second round pick in 2010, they were quickly answered. Besides the fact that the Panthers had the top pick and significantly more money invested in Newton, Clausen had an entire season of rookie hard knocks. There was only one direction for the team to go: up. That often starts with a change at the quarterback position.

If I am Jimmy Clausen, I would start coming up with a price to sell the #2 jersey to Newton (Newton wore the number at Auburn and offered to purchase it) while Clausen still owns it. To own the number, one needs to be on the team. That clock is ticking! 2

JUST ONE GAME

Former Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, in 2006, said of quarterback Tony Romo, “Let’s not put him in (home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame) Canton (Ohio) just yet,”

Romo had his first ever career start, ironically against the Panthers, in a crisp performance and a win, replacing the aging and inconsistently effective veteran Drew Bledsoe. The sports world was abuzz with unrestrained enthusiasm over the new Cowboys signal caller. Parcells, correctly, helped curb the enthusiasm.

I think we, as fans and media members, would be wise to do the same, though Newton, who often appears wise beyond his 22 years, helped quell some possibly over-heightened expectations. Newton pointed out that, in fact, his team lost and that his goal is to win. Some other members of the media also pointed out that Newton did rack up his record setting yards against an Arizona Cardinals team with some challenges in its secondary. Newton had as great a rookie debut as anyone could expect, but it will be the exception, not the rule.

SLOW DOWN! 1

2011 AND BEYOND

What we can expect from Newton and the Panthers, right away, is a quarterback and a team that will have to be taken seriously every week. No NFL team gives up 400 yards passing per game, so Newton has demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level in an NFL game. With that capability in mind, we can expect the Panthers to be competitive every week. That, in and of itself, is a quantum leap from the Panthers of 2010.

Newton will experience rookie hard knocks. Dan Marino, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, and John Elway were all in the playoffs in their rookie seasons. However, all of those teams were loaded with talent on the defensive side of the ball (Marino’s Dolphins were the defending AFC Champions in his rookie year).

There are several individual standouts on the Panthers’ roster, but the team is still in a rebuilding mode. However, if Newton experiences a rapid rookie progression, it is not out of the realm of possibility for the Panthers to beat some quality opponents next season and factor into the playoff race in 2012. In other words, the time remaining for teams and fans to get excited about seeing the Panthers on their schedule is running very short, if not already expired.

I guess Newton's QB Camp with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, with highlights shown on ESPN, paid off. In one session, Gruden threw out a play called “...flip right, double-X, Jet, 36 counter, naked waggle, X-7, X-quarter.” When asked for the name of a play a play at Auburn, Newton, looking shocked and amazed, replied, "Thirty-six." Clearly, the kid is a quick study! 3

DON’T PUT HIM IN CANTON, YET, BUT….

What cannot be ignored are three important things. First is that Newton got his career off to a great start, with a single game performance that many NFL starting quarterbacks never experience in their entire careers. Second, Newton’s expectations were high, entering week one, and he exceeded them by any reasonable measure. Third, overachieving is nothing new to Newton, and I am sure the Panthers and their fans couldn’t be happier.

Right now, this kid has the world in the palm of his hand. Sunday was one indicator that he plans to keep it that way. Well done, young man; well done. 4

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Eligibility is all Relative

This past week NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell declared former Ohio State University quarterback Terrelle Pryor eligible for the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft, taking place today. Goodell included one proviso in Pryor’s eligibility. Pryor, who would have been suspended for the first five games of the OSU season, would be suspended for the first five games of the 2011 NFL regular season – no playing, no practicing, no nothing.

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor 3

SHAME ON YOU, OSU

Pryor, of course, was involved in the recent OSU scandal involving improper benefits to players. Pryor, among others, was alleged to have received cash, and tattoos, and other possible benefits in exchange for game memorabilia. Upon discovery of the alleged activity, the NCAA investigated Ohio State, Pryor and other players were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, OSU was placed on probation, and longtime, legendary Head Football Coach Jim Tressel was forced to resign. 

Roger Goodell received a barrage of criticism from current and former players, television analysts and talk show hosts following his decision to suspend Pryor for five games. The criticism frequently aired was that the NFL had no business being concerned with infractions that happened at the college level. I find the probability of Goodell’s concern for the integrity of the NCAA discipline process doubtful.

GOODELL: MAN OF THE SHIELD

I do find his stated concern for the integrity of the NFL draft to be probable. The NFL is a business that ultimately seeks to make money. Given that mission, NCAA discipline is no more relevant than its impact on the NFL game. I think that many, if not most, of the general public has an erroneous perception that Goodell’s decision to suspend Pryor was a means of enforcing NCAA discipline that would have otherwise been avoided by Pryor playing professional football.

The notion that the NFL would oblige the NCAA by acting as a bureaucratic means of extradition of wayward players for any reason other than the best interests of the National Football League is absurd. The NFL has no ownership stake in the NCAA. It functions entirely independently of the NCAA, and vice-versa. Its 32 owners have clearly demonstrated that their mission is to earn a profit. Arbitrary delay of the entry of new talent into the league runs counter to that mission.

I buy into the reason that Roger Goodell offered for suspending Pryor: Pryor undermined the integrity of the NFL Draft. He effectively circumvented the 2011 draft and attempted to enter the league prior to the 2012 draft class he would have been a part of had he returned to Ohio State in 2011 and served his five game suspension imposed by OSU.

Goodell's primary, secondary, and tertiary concerns, not the NCAA. 1

THE NFL DOES NOT OFFER EARLY CHECK IN

There is substantial speculation on whether Pryor would have been allowed to remain on the team after Tressel resigned and how his circumstances may have changed after his coach left, had Pryor chosen to return this season. This speculation is irrelevant, however, because Pryor resigned from the university and hired an agent, ending his college eligibility, before OSU took any additional disciplinary steps against Pryor. Pryor, at the time he hired an agent, had the option to return to Ohio State, serve his five game suspension, and play for OSU in the 2011 season.

By applying for the supplemental draft, Pryor essentially attempted to enter the league after the deadline to apply for the 2011 draft and the 2011 draft itself had passed. Yet Pryor wanted to play in 2011. The supplemental draft exists for players with special circumstances, such as a revocation of college eligibility prior to the upcoming season. Pryor’s eligibility was not revoked at the time he forewent his remaining eligibility by hiring an agent. At best, Pryor jumped the gun and assumed he would be kicked off of the OSU team. At worst, he decided that having to serve a suspension under the tenure of a new head coach was inconvenient and not beneficial to his long term interests.

Pryor is trying to get into the NFL, not the Hilton. There is no early check in program. 2

OATMEAL IS BETTER THAN NO MEAL FOR PRYOR

I think that Roger Goodell made the correct choice to suspend Pryor for five games of the 2011 NFL season. I think it is important, however, to emphasize that the reason for the suspension has nothing to do with NCAA discipline. In fact, it appears that the suspension is a compromise by Goodell.

Pryor’s supplemental draft application approval is not by the book, as he voluntarily left the Ohio State football team.  On one hand, Pryor is an exceptional athletic talent with the potential to make the league better. Conversely, the league likely thought it had to send a message that players could not simply skip the regular draft because their circumstances with their college teams were suddenly no longer to their liking as a consequence of players’ own actions.

There are two alternatives to suspending Pryor. The first would be to make Pryor wait until 2012 to enter the regular NFL draft, not allowing him to play at all in the NFL in 2011. The second alternative would be to allow Pryor to enter the supplemental draft without any strings attached, possibly sending a message that the NFL is willing to allow players to enter the league when they feel like it, for whatever reason. With the five game suspension, college players in similar circumstances in the future know that a supplemental draft application approval will be neither a slam dunk nor an easy road to professional football. 

Pryor: "Time for an upgrade!" 4

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The Saints are Coming!

1

The New Orleans Saints were clearly the winner in last night's first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Saints selected University of California Defensive End Cameron Jordan, an absolute beast by any measure, and a great value at pick #24. The real whopper, however, was a trade up with the New England Patriots to the #28 spot to draft University of Alabama Running Back and 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Jr..

Cameron Jordan

The selection of Jordan shores up a significant hole on the Saints' defensive line that was never fully shored up after the release of Charles Grant. The Saints signed Alex Brown in the 2010 offseason to replace Grant, but Brown often proved to be a cut below par against the run. Jordan's speed, agility, and strength in his 6'4" 287 pound frame should provide an immediate boost to the Saints' front seven.

Notice how svelte Cameron Jordan is? Can you imagine how much muscle THIS guy is packing at 287 pounds? 2

Mark Ingram

The selection of Mark Ingram provided more questions than answers for the Saints. Ingram has all of the tools to be an elite superstar power running back in the NFL, an asset the Saints have sorely lacked since Deuce McAllister's last productive season in 2006. The Saints recently signed RB Pierre Thomas to a multi-million dollar extension and have second year workhorse RB Chris Ivory. This throws into question how Thomas and Ivory's roles may have changed. The elephant in the room, in the view of many, however, was the future of Reggie Bush, the former 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, second overall pick in the 2006 draft, one of the most popular and (when healthy) versatile players on the team.

Mark Ingram: Get ready, NFL! 3

Reggie Bush

Much of the sports world was abuzz after Bush posted "Its been fun New Orleans" from his Twitter page. Listening to New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton's remarks very shortly after the pick, I am of the opinion that Payton has no intention of letting Reggie go. Bush's role is different from that of Ingram, Ivory, and Thomas. He has a different skill set and, whether he touches the ball or not, a significant portion of the offense (directly or indirectly) runs through or around Bush.

I doubt that the Saints will keep Bush at the nearly $12 million salary he is expected to receive next year. I also think he is more valuable to the Saints, because of the coach and the offensive scheme, than he would be to another team. If and when Bush and the Saints renegotiate, I think they will make Bush a more favorable offer than he would receive elsewhere. I do not blame Bush for being a upset, though. That is human nature.

Can you believe this was Reggie's "workout" (with Kim Kardashian) barley over a year ago? Now this? How fortunes change quickly in pro football! 4

Great Start

The sparks flew for the black & gold in last night's draft. With the plugs they acquired, the fireworks should be bright in the Big Easy in 2011. What is certain is that the Saints got their men. WHO DAT!


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Must See Sports - Fifth Weekend of April 2011 - Part 1

Thursday, April 28


2011 NFL Draft

A lot of football fans have called this day “Christmas in April” (or something to that extent) and I certainly understand why. It is the most tangible beginning of the coming NFL season. It is an event that allows us to witness, first hand, which players and on what team they will be making an impact in the near future of the NFL.

Of course, this draft is a little different. It is unlikely to have any dramatic trades of veterans in exchange for moving up or down in the draft order. The impact of any picks on salary cap room is a mystery. In fact, the earnings ceiling for any of these players is a mystery. There may be as many questions as answers arising from this year’s draft. Still, it is a spring time tradition and I suspect that TV executives and their sponsors will not be disappointed by the ratings from this prime-time event.


Friday, April 29

NBA Playoffs

San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies – Game 6 (Memphis leads 3-2)

The Memphis Grizzlies have been the (not so) big surprise of the 2011 playoffs, thus far. The Spurs put together the best record in the Western Conference during the regular season. However, it appears that age and injury have hampered the Spurs and the young Grizzlies’ physical play has given the advantage to the eight seeded underdog.

While it appears likely that Memphis tanked at the end of the regular season to ensure a matchup with the Spurs instead of the Lakers, the direction this series has taken has been shocking. Take away a Gary Neal three point basket as time expired last night, and Memphis rubs out #1 San Antonio in just 5 games. The Spurs are alive, but appear to be in ICU. I don’t think they have enough to go back to Memphis and win.

Advantage: Grizzlies

Hello, My Baby! Hello, My Honey! Hello, My NFL!



Opening Night, 2010 2

The NFL lockout has plagued American sports fans for more than a month. The players union has decertified. Suits are being heard in court. Judges are ordering the league and player representatives to mediate. What a grand mess for our grand game!

But, never fear! Sheriff Roger Goodell is here! And he has the most unique and revolutionary means of solving the NFL’s labor problem ever conceived by the mind of a mere mortal. Ignore the problem and pretend it does not exist! I see why they made him commissioner!

I have often thought of Goodell as a visionary who, labor issues aside, is taking our current national pastime to a new level in this relatively new century. His approach to the owners’ lockout of the players, however, is eye popping. Goodell’s approach to the inevitable disruption of regular operations has been to simply plow ahead and see where it goes.

You don’t believe me? Let’s look at the evidence, thus far. Scouting combine? It went on as planned, without a hitch, televised and all. The NFL Draft? Eight days away and counting. ESPN even has a little count down ticker on its website. Isn’t that cute? Nobody seems the least bit concerned that there can be no draft day trades of players, as there have been every single year draft’s existence, that I am aware of, prior to this year. The show must go on!

Now, for the real whopper, the NFL has released its 2011 schedule, with dates, times and everything! Preseason games, Monday night games, Sunday night games, home games, road games, and games slated for possible flex scheduling are all settled and ready to be played. Never mind that the league has no players right now. It is a minor setback. Everyone will be ready to roll before the opening whistle.


PAGE FROM MERRIE MELODIES

I am in my mid-thirties and grew up watching the animated Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts, most of which were directed by Chuck Jones. Many of you, I am sure, remember the classic short, “One Froggy Evening”, directed by Jones, in which a construction worker finds a singing dancing frog, later named Michigan J. Frog. Frog refuses to perform in front of anyone except the man who found him. The man goes broke attempting to rent a theater to get people to see the frog, who simply sits and croaks once the curtain rises.

Roger Goodell's vision of Opening Night, 2011 1

Roger Goodell, apparently, has a league of Michigan J. Frogs. Everyone says to the media and to one another that a resolution will be reached. Goodell moves forward with the season, as if there will be a season without a hitch. We have had a scouting combine, we are preparing for a draft, and the NFL has just released a nice, neat, 16 game schedule with the season beginning prior to the second week in September, like it always has in recent years.


Here is a news flash for the commissioner: if the present course remains unchanged, the curtain may go up on the evening of Thursday, September 8th for the New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers to start the season, but the only green there to see will be the tundra at Lambeau Field and a metaphorical singing and dancing frog that is the NFL players!


HOW TO SELL A STORY: REPETITION

I would find this situation somewhat comical if it were not seriously threatening the upcoming football season. The regular season is going to start on time. REALLY? How is that going to happen without a preseason? Preseason to start in August. REALLY? How can you have preseason games without a training camp? Players will have training camp. REALLY? How useful is training camp, particularly for players new to a team or a system, without minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs)? How can you have OTAs without a team facility for the players to ORGANIZE? Players are meeting up at parks and throwing the ball around?

That’s a TA, not an OTA. You know what else is a TA? A boys night out to a gentleman’s club! In either case a TA is not an OTA and neither is seriously going to prepare the players to perform at their best, which is what I expect when I pay money for tickets or invest time out of my Sunday watching beer and car commercials in between the action I want to see. Roger Goodell is trying to sell us a singing, dancing frog, but all we are going to hear, unless something changes, are croaking and crickets!


"Team activities": TAs? Or T&A? 3



GET THAT FROG DANCING AGAIN!

I will not continue to beat the dead horse about how much I side with the players and how greedy, and foolish, I think the owners are in this tug of war with the only asset that customers (that would be us, fans) really care about: the players. There are $9 billion at stake. Cut up the pie, serve it up, and let’s get back to football! You know what happens when you leave a pie sitting out? It gets cold. Then it gets dry. Then it gets stale. Then it has to be thrown away. Stop playing games, get to the table, iron out the wrinkles, let everyone make some money, and let us, again, see our precious frog: NFL Football.

LET'S PLAY BALL! 4

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