March Madness: Patriots Style

As happy as I still am about the Patriots winning the Super Bowl, part of me is a little envious that players I've grown to absolutely love, will be taken long before the Patriots will ever have a chance at drafting them.

Quick thoughts: 
If you know much about me, you probably know that corners and safeties are my absolute favorite players in the world of football. I've long debated which position is most important...I still go back and forth arguing with myself. Lately, I've been leaning more toward the safety, only because your safeties are your last line of defense. However, having a shutdown corner and a top notch safety both, would be my dream come true! Considering my Patriots need a little help to boost their secondary, should they look to the draft to fill the void, or use the free agency market? With one of my favorite veteran corners being released today, part of me can't help but hope that the Patriots will show some interest in Brandon Flowers. He needs a ring, he's still got some gas in the tank...will he be willing to take a pay cut to come to New England?

The biggest obstacles New England faces this offseason, heading into free agency and the draft, are the Dont'a Hightower situation and retaining our secondary.

• Last season, Dont'a Hightower turned down a deal from New England for $10 million per season...with another Championship under his belt and him arguably entering his prime, the 27 year old LB will most likely demand more money this year. New England will either have to pay up, or lose one of the strongest leaders on their team. 

• With Logan Ryan set to become a free agent, and Malcolm Butler a restricted free agent, the Patriots have some tough decisions to make. Though it seemed questionable at times, New England had one of the top ranked secondaries this past season. Malcolm Butler was ranked the 5th best cornerback in the league, and Logan Ryan 38th. When push came to shove, they buckled down and got their jobs done. Since both Ryan and Butler are Super Bowl Champions, and both have some experience under their belts, their stock went up. It's fair to say both corners have performed well enough to desire and demand significant money in their new contracts. Whether New England will pay them what they want, remains to be seen, however it is unlikely, considering there have been very few players the Patriots have viewed as vital and irreplaceable. It would be hard to swallow if the Patriots lose two of their best defenders this offseason. 

Just because New England won't pay, doesn't mean another team won't. I can assure you multiple teams around the league have their eyes on Hightower, Ryan, and Butler's situation.

Who could replace Hightower? 

My pick would be Haason Reddick from Temple. Reality: he'll long be off the board once the Patriots are on the clock. Since we're World Champions, we pick last in the first 3 rounds. And it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest for New England to trade out of the first round...as they often do.
Assuming the Patriots don't get Reddick, because well, lets face the obvious, there's plenty of other LB's the Patriots will be able to target in the 3rd and 4th rounds. New England is no stranger to drafting lesser talked about players and turning them into stars by developing their full potential.

Okay so what about the secondary?
As far as corners go, I think the Patriots make an effort to keep at least one of the two, when it comes to Butler and Ryan. After that, there are corners in free agency the Patriots could sign and help remold them to fit into their scheme. Brandon Flowers comes to mind, Prince Amukamara, Sam Shields, Stephen Gilmore...there's some corners available. Just getting them to adapt to New England's system would be the biggest challenge.
Now, I am the biggest Jabril Peppers fan...not just because he played at Michigan, but because of his talent, skill, and versatility. While he participated with the linebackers and safeties at the combine, I see him at his best as a safety. There's nothing I'd love more than to see him in a Patriots uniform. Safety, punt returner, using him in the wildcat...I get overly excited just thinking about it.
Likelihood of that happening? Slim to none.

How do we address the offensive line? 
The Patriots are in need of finding another option at center and a guard. While our offensive line wasn't absolutely atrocious this past season, there's of course room for improvement. I would use the free agency market to shop for a guard...TJ Lang from Green Bay would be a good option, Kevin Zeitler from Cincinnati would be my second choice. I wouldn't be opposed to either. I just don't see much talent as far as guards go in the draft. The same story goes for centers. I would again look to free agency to find a center. One that's had my attention the past few weeks is JC Tretter from Greenbay; he's young with lots of unexposed potential. Joe Hawley from Tampa Bay suffered a leg injury that hindered his performance toward the end of the season, however at 27, I think he's young enough to bounce right back.

Bring back Bennett?
Since Martellus Bennett has long been one of my favorite players, I was absolutely stoked when New England signed him. I've supported him since his very first season in Chicago and always told everyone he was ridiculously underrated. Considering Gronk hasn't been able to stay healthy for an entire season the past few years, it seems important to me that we resign Bennett. His skill set,  durability, and just flat out passion for football makes it almost a no brainer to me. I think Martellus Bennett proved himself to be incredibly valuable this season and a huge difference maker. I say pay the man and keep Party Marty in New England.

As always,
Go Patriots.

Johnny Manziel: why Dallas isn't the answer and neither is any other NFL team

I find it absolutely hysterical, okay maybe baffling, that there are so many people who think Johnny Manziel "deserves a second chance". First of all, he's had an array of chances, and what's he done with them? Absolutely nothing to better himself. 

Second, I find it absolutely absurd that so many people think that Jerry Jones is the one who can step in and save Johnny Football. Dallas, is already a circus...a media frenzy, no matter if the Cowboys are winning, losing, whatever the case may be, Dallas is always a controversial media circus. And the thing is, that's exactly what Jerry Jones wants. He LOVES it. He wouldn't have it any other way. Why on earth would would this be good for Johnny Manziel? The last thing he needs is to have any more of a spotlight on him than he already does. He loves the attention, that's what he lives for. Since he gained popularity and national attention at Texas A&M, he's cared more about being Johnny Manziel the Hollywood star, than Johnny Football. Not everyone can handle the fame, the spotlight, the national attention, and definitely not everyone can handle the expectations that come with being an NFL player. To make things worse, by many he was flat out expected to come into the NFL and do exactly what he did at A&M. Some would argue that I am a little too biased to be writing a post about Johnny Football. I've never been a fan, never liked his personality or attitude, and I have absolutely never believed the hype surrounding him. Again, he let everything go to his head way too quickly and became a fame hungry, attention seeking, wannabe Hollywood star, who gained a bad sense of entitlement, and now, NFL fans all around the world are watching the monster that he became unfold. 

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are not the answer for Johnny Manziel. No NFL team is the answer for Johnny Manziel. His issues run deeper than anything any NFL coach or GM or owner or executive are capable of handling. ‘Handling’ isn't even the right word. Fixing and turning his life around is more like what needs to happen. Manziel's future in the NFL shouldn't even be a concern to anyone right now. The concern needs to be centered around getting him to acknowledge that he has a problem (okay, multiple problems) and getting him the help he needs. I love football but I have a serious issue with people who put football and winning a few games over what's right and what's wrong and someone's well being. Someone's sanity and the safety of our society takes top priority in my book. 

Sure, some might say what about Michael Irvin? He was a very very troubled man at one point in time and Jerry Jones brought him to Dallas and well, luckily, Irvin was able to turn his life around and he is now a much, much different man. My counter argument to that: Irvin and Manziel are two completely different scenarios. How? Irvin got to the point where he had had enough of his own self and WANTED to change. He admitted he had serious problems and sought help. Manziel has yet to do that. In fact, he denies that he has any issues, he doesn't party too much, he never does drugs and doesn't drink too much, and he absolutely denies ever laying a hand on a woman or having anger issues. Johnny Manziel doesn't see the problems within himself!! And that my friends is the world of difference. 

Jerry Jones didn't make the changes for Irvin. And he won't make the changes for Johnny Manziel, either. No one can make the changes for him. It has to be something he decides he wants to do himself. 

Irvin was lucky enough to save himself before it was too late. When it comes to Johnny Manziel...well, it's questionable if he even makes it to his 24th birthday. Those are some pretty scary words but he's on a downward spiral and he's going nowhere fast. 

Simply put, as of now, there's no place for Johnny Manziel in the NFL. I don't know if I think he should ever be allowed to play in the NFL again. There are some things "sorry" just can't fix and some things you should never even be associated with to begin with. Some things I will just never tolerate and never be able to forgive. Laying your hands on a woman and threatening her...continuously being photographed doing drugs and nonstop partying and then denying that it was even you in the photographs? those are definitely at the top of my "unforgivable, inexcusable" list. 

Tis all for now.

As always, 

Go Patriots! 

Players of the Year : Early picks

The 2015 season hasn't even started yet, but there are already frontrunners for the player of the year awards. I thought it would be fun to make picks at the start of the season, middle of the season, and then of course again at the end of the season. Let's jump in!

Offensive rookie of the year: Amari Cooper. Sorry, I'm not convinced that it's going to be Jameis or Mariota...I'm just not sold on either one (at least not yet). Amari Cooper, however? I believe he boosts the Raiders from winning 2/3 games a season, to winning 6/7 games a season. No, he doesn't make the Raiders a Super Bowl or even playoff team, but he will definitely give opposing secondaries a hard time. 

Defensive rookie of the year: Randy Gregory. I'm not even kidding, I used refer to Randy Gregory as "the gem that fell to the second round." With good reason, though, as he did get into some trouble earlier this year. Still, all of that aside, Randy Gregory will fill the hole in the Cowboys' pass rush while Greg Hardy serves his much too short, 4 game suspension. If you need further convincing as to why Gregory is already a frontrunner for DROTY, just check out some of his game film from his time at Nebraska...so good it's almost scary. 

Offensive player of the year: Antonio Brown or Andrew Luck. I honestly cannot narrow it down to just 1. Antonio Brown will again, dominate the WR position this season; but Andrew Luck just seems to get better and better every season. And look at that receiving corp he's surrounded by...it's almost childish how talented it is. I could make a case for either Luck or Brown to win OPOTY...but right now, it's just too close to tell. 

Defensive player of the year: JJ Watt. Come on, you had to see it coming. There is just not a better defensive player in the NFL right now, than JJ Watt. Enough said. 

Comeback player of the year: Eric Berry. An all-time favorite of mine. It was hard not to love the guy before, but now that he's overcome and returning from a hard-fought battle with cancer, it's almost impossible to not want to see Berry dominate the league at his position again, and also win every award/honor possible. 

Breakout player: Blake Bortles or Jordan Matthews. No, the Jags will not be going to the playoffs this year...they probably won't even win more than 7 games. But you can bet that Blake Bortles will make a huge leap at the quarterback position. You can expect a few more touchdowns, one or two fewer interceptions, and a couple comeback, game-winning drives from Bortles. I think this season we really get a glimpse at how good Blake Bortles can and will be in the NFL. Jordan Matthews has big shoes to fill. Considering one of Philly's finest, Jeremy Maclin, is now in Kansas City, someone has to take over and pick up that slack. Matthews is that guy. 

Coach of the year: Mike Zimmer. Love what Zimmer is doing in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to see what this season brings for the Vikings. I love the direction they are headed and I think Mike Zimmer was the perfect fit for head coach. Just what the Vikings needed. 

Surprise teams that will miss the playoffs this year: 49ers (not a surprise, I know), Panthers (just don't see them making a postseason run, this year), Broncos (sorry, a Gary Kubiak-led team without one of their best offensive players, Julius Thomas, just doesn't scream 'playoffs' to me). 

That is all for now. 

As always, Go Patriots! 

Inside a Patriots fan's head: week 1

With only 1 day left until NFL football officially returns, and the Patriots kick off their 2015 season...as the reigning champs, I must add...I'm all sorts of mixed emotions. Excited is the biggest one, of course! But also...just like every season...I'm anxious, nervous, jittery, slightly confused (but i stay confused. hahaha), but mostly, I'm freaking excited. And ready to watch Brady and my Patriots destroy every team we play this season. 

With all of that being said, I thought I would take it upon myself to give everyone a little inside look into the minds of *diehard* Patriots fans across the world, as our season opener is quickly approaching. 

Ehem, I now present: thoughts running through every Pats fans mind - week 1 edition:

• "I basically spend my entire life wondering what exactly Belichick is doing. But hey, in Bill I trust." --- this especially ran through my mind when I saw that we cut Jonas Gray, yesterday. I was literally scratching my head, but then I decided that if Coach says we don't need him, we don't need him.
• "Let's make bets on what the first offensive play-call of the season is going to be...think like McDaniel's everyone! Run on 1st & 10, run on 2nd & 9, and deep pass on 3rd & 2...sounds about right." --- very McDaniels - like .
• "Please don't let Gronk get hurt this season, please don't let Gronk get hurt this season, please don't let Gronk get hurt this season." --- I mean does this one even need an explanation? Let's bubble wrap him before every game this season.
• "All I want for Christmas is a Patriots Super Bowl win. And 53 jerseys, one for every player on the roster." --- this is literally me, and surely I'm not alone. 
• "I'm finally able to go a couple days without crying because Wilfork isn't a Patriots anymore...it's tough, though. *wipes a tear*" --- gonna miss the big man in New England but I know he will absolutely tear it up in Houston. 
• "Ughhh, we still have Josh McDaniels?" --- don't even try to lie and say that you don't want Bill O'Brien back as offensive coordinator. But hey, let's cut McDaniel's some slack...I mean we did just win the Super Bowl. 
• "I wonder who Brady is gonna throw his first pass of the season, to...Gronk, Gronk, orrr maybe Gronk?" --- ya know, because everyone says Brady always forces it to Gronk? Hahaha
• "I can't wait to them raise that Championship banner. The Lombardi is finally back where it belongs." --- plus, it's probably the only time we see Belichick smile this whole season. Enjoy it while we can, PatsNation. 

As always, go Patriots! 

I'm baaaack...and so is football, baby!

After a ridiculously long break...hiatus? offseason? whatever you wanna call it...I'm back! 
And in perfect time, too. I mean have you seen the cuts and roster moves being made around the NFL?! Making my head spin, you guys.

Now, for me to sit here and talk about every single cut and/or trade that surprised me, we would be here for like 3 days...because do you know how much I can talk about football?

Anyway, to kick things off again, let's start with the 4 cuts that surprised me the most, and left me scratching my head:

1. Tim Tebow, released by the Eagles. Now, to say that I honestly did not see this one coming would be a lie. I do not agree with this move at all, though, because hello, did anyone see the preseason performances he had?? He looked absolutely brilliant in Chip Kelly's offense...ya know the offensive scheme where he's trying to turn the NFL Philadelphia Eagles into the NCAA Oregon Ducks? But anyway, that's another post for another day. And hey, whatever works, ya know. But...Tim Tebow deserved a spot on that 53 man roster and trust me, I firmly believe that in about 4 - 5 weeks, if not sooner, the Eagles organization will regret cutting Tebow and keeping Sanchez. Tim Tebow not only fit into Kelly's offense incredibly well, he also brought a different vibe to the team, creating a different attitude and atmosphere...one that only boosted the Eagles, and during the preseason, made them look like legit contenders for a deep postseason run. I won't say that Tebow made the Eagles Super Bowl contenders...not this season, anyway...but over the next couple seasons? Absolutely. Look at how well he did in the preseason. A year or two of experience with that receiving corp and offensive line, to mesh and create chemistry? You can't tell me that wouldn't have been scary...unfortunately the good guys always get the short end of the stick. In Tebow's case, it almost feels like no matter what he does or where he goes, he will never be given the chance to make a final 53 man roster as a quarterback. No, he does not want to be used only for special plays and wildcat formations...he wants to be able to do what he did in Florida, and what he did in Denver...and do it even better. And believe me, he could and would. Best of luck to Tebow. Hopefully some team gives him the chance he honestly deserves and he absolutely exceeds all expectations. Good luck, man. 
2. Jonas Gray, cut by my Pats. So when I got the notification about this cut, my reaction was kind of like: "um, excuse me what?" in a typical, dumb blonde, valley girl voice. So let's get this straight; no LeGarrette Blount for our regular season opener vs Pittsburgh...no Stevan Ridley because he's a Jet now (gross), annnd not even Shane Vereen to fall back on, because he's now a Giant (seriously, did anyone else just get sick, too?). I guess we can survive one week with James White, but when he wasn't in Belichick's doghouse, Jonas Gray was running all over opposing teams. I mean he was literally abusing defenses around the league. So this cut came as a surprise to me to say the least. I can't say I like it, or even agree with it, but obviously the Pats have a plan. Let's goooo.
3. Devon Still, released by the Bengals. This one broke my heart, on more than just simply a football level. By now, everyone is aware of Devon's daughter, Leah's, battle with cancer. Over the past two seasons, Leah and Devon have captured the hearts of millions of football fans across the world. Leah's unfortunate disease keeps her in and out of doctor's offices and hospital rooms. Still is a good football player and can tear up the defensive tackle position, perfect fit for a team lacking aggression and needing that spark on defense. 
4. Redskins' decision to keep RGIII. This was a highly questionable decision to me. We know for a fact that Kirk Cousins is starting in Washington this season, not RGIII; and it's pretty obvious Jay Gruden wants to move on from RGIII, who is injury prone, and in my opinion, doesn't fit in Washington's scheme anymore. Sure, he looked good and led the Redskins to the playoffs in his rookie season...but what has he done since then? Defenses picked up on his playing style, and injuries have plagued RGIII all throughout his NFL career...personally, I think it's in Washington's best interest to part ways with RGII, whether it's via trade or just flat out cutting him. Does this mean RGII can't and won't be successful playing with another team in the NFL? Not at all. In fact, maybe he goes to a different team, wins the starting role, and absolutely dominates. I just don't see that happening in Washington. (seriously, how was Tebow cut and RGII not? Man the NFL gives me headaches.)

Basically, absolutely nothing should come as a surprise in the NFL anymore. Every season around this time, gives us further proof that literally anything is possible. But at the end of the day, every day,  football still has my heart...and my undivided attention...and a lot of my money...annnd yeah. Basically, football is my life and it's been that way for the past 10 years and that will probably never change. 

So glad to be back writing and I cannot wait to get back to posting more often. BUT...most importantly...I cannot wait to watch Tom Brady and Co. tear it up this season. 

As always, GO PATS. (man did i miss that.)

Bold Predictions: 2015 NFL Season

My bold predictions for the upcoming NFL season. Part 2 coming later!

1. The Jaguars win at least 5 games. Even though Jacksonville has a reasonably tough schedule this season, Blake Bortles will be entering his second season in the NFL and his chemistry with the young receivers will be much improved. Though the Jaguars defense is nothing to get overly excited about, they can get the job done. I have Jacksonville going 6-10. 
2. Jay Cutler is in potential MVP talks. I'm the furthest thing from a Jay Cutler apologist, but now that Marc Trestman is gone, and they've brought in a new offensive coordinator, Jay Cutler could honestly lead the Bears to the playoffs. Sure his outrageous number of interceptions needs to decrease, and his whiny attitude needs to improve...but with the talent around him on offense, minus Brandon Marshall now, there's no reason Jay can't be a good quarterback. And if I'm being honest, I think the key to his success lies in his attitude. 
3. The Seahawks lose 3 home games. Seattle's schedule is pretty tough. Nothing they can't handle, but challenging nonetheless. They're set to face some tough opponents at Century Link Field this season. I could easily see Seattle losing to Carolina, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. 
4. Antonio Brown records his third-straight 100-catch season. He's a baller. What else can you say. He's just that good. 
5. The Patriots will once again represent the AFC in the Super Bowl...and Brady will become the first and only quarterback to win five Super Bowls. #OneForTheThumb

As always, go Patriots. 

4 Teams That Are on the Verge of Being Super Bowl Contenders

Within the next 3 seasons, the NFL will be a totally different league. The powerhouse teams we've come to expect to see on top season after season will slowly start to decline, and those we've gotten so used to making fun of Sunday after Sunday will be climbing the rankings. I'm not saying all of these team emerge as sure-bet playoff contenders and make deep post-season runs this season, but it's coming. 

On the Rise:

Arizona Cardinals - with Bruce Arians quickly emerging as a legitimate head coach in the NFL, who's proven to be capable of winning...even when the odds are against him, I mean come on, they went through how many quarterback injuries last season?.. Arizona is a good quarterback away from making serious noise in the NFC and being a legitimate threat to their division rivals, the Seahawks.

St. Louis Rams - umm, hello defense. Get them a decent quarterback and a good versatile receiver and the NFC West will be even more competitive.

Buffalo Bills - it kills me to admit this because, well, the Bills are very much a threat to my Patriots this upcoming season. With Rex Ryan stepping in as head coach, giving him an already good defense, trading for Shady McCoy...what an off season. Again, with a good quarterback, this team will make tons of noise in the AFC East. Personally, I think you take your chances with EJ Manuel and see what happens. He has the potential to be a decent (not great, but decent) quarterback in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings - Mike Zimmer was able to pretty impressive things with the Vikings this past season. Despite losing Adrian Peterson for the season, and all of the controversy surrounding that, Mike Zimmer was able to take Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings offense to new levels. Assuming Adrian Peterson returns to Minnesota and Teddy Bridgwater continues to improve, the NFC North should keep an eye on the Vikings. With an already good defense that should get even better and one of the best running games in the league...the Vikings aren't too far from being able to keep up with Green Bay. 


As always, go Pats!