A Sharpe Bust in Canton

The only time the name Shannon Sharpe and the word bust will be uttered in the same sentence is in reference to his place today and forevermore in the National Football League's Hall of Fame.* Sharpe is probably best known for his trash talking but it should be noted that this three time Super Bowl winner revolutionized the tight end position. Players such as Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates have a lot to thank Shannon for. Congratulations Shannon; I can't wait to hear your speech.

Readers of this blog may remember that I was upset that Sharpe was not elected at his first opportunity in 2009.

T-20 days

till impact. Good thing I've got my Football Outsiders Almanac to and two weeks off from school to study.

Standard

Went to bed with a tight back.

Woke up with a migraine, 3 out of 10 but threatening.

Took hot shower, stretched till the water ran cold.

Rolled on the back roller, stretched till my morning tamale was warm.

Took two Exedrin Migraine (generics) and headed to work.

Felt 100% better when I picked up a football and went outside.

No bets tonight. Corp has moved to the fake $$ realm.

Bloody Parachute

Yesterday Jets speedster RB Leon Washington suffered a season ending compound fracture to his right fibula. In the last year of his rookie contract, Washington had a lot to lose from an injury like this. Good thing he bought insurance from Lloyds of London.

Well played, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

B-56, O-MyGod

So the Washington Redskins, perennial bottom dwellers in the NFC East have stripped Head Coach Jim Zorn of his play calling duties. For Monday night's game against division rival Philadelphia Eagles, 'Skins owner Daniel Snyder has turned now to a man with a great deal of experience making calls:

Last week, newly minted Offensive Coordinator Sherman Lewis was calling Bingo at a senior center in Novi, Michigan. Volunteering is perhaps the coolest thing one can do with one's time and I don't want to disrespect it here.

That said, this man has been out of professional football since 2004. The game has changed a great deal since then. When Sherm retired, the offensive scheme he is familiar with (West Coast Offense) was in a state of decline and offenses like the pistol, the wildcat, and the matchup based schemes that Josh McDaniels runs were in their infancy. More importantly, defensive schemes are more complex now too.

I admire Sherm for giving this a try on short notice but I don't envy him. The West Coast Offense calls for quick decision making and accurate passes, something Skins QB Jason Cambell has struggled with. What the Redskins really struggle with though is an overactive owner, one who has no business evaluating talent for the sidelines or between them. Rather than hire offensive masterminds like Josh McDaniels, Cam Cameron, or Dan Henning, the owner has put his offense in the hands of a very nice, very old, very retired Sherm Lewis. I'm rooting for you, Sherm, but there is no free space in the NFL, old man.

Reposting from Bronco Talk: The Awesomeness that is Brandon Stokley

Very cool piece about a very cool guy. Get well soon Stoke.

Original post here.

Josh here is one lucky kid, and probably Brandon Stokley's biggest fan.

Brandon Stokley is an awesome example of everything that is good in the NFL. He’s a big team-player, a hard worker and great role model for the younger generation.

This email from Matt in Pittsburgh hit our inbox the other day and has stuck with us since, for two reasons — first, Matt’s son is one lucky kid! Second, Brandon Stokley “gets it.” After the Immaculate Deflection, being on top of the world, and probably making the biggest play of his career, Stokley took the time to meet and greet fans with an impromptu “thank you.” Sometimes it’s the little things… We pass Matt and Josh’s story along to you, joining them in saying “Thanks, Stokes!”

My name is Matt and I am a long time Broncos fan who lives in Pittsburgh – Imagine that!

My son’s name is Josh and he is 8 years old. And if I could I’d like to give thanks where I believe it is due.

Last year I took my son to the Browns vs. Broncos game – a nail biter that the Broncos pulled out in the end. After the game Brandon Stokley made his way over to the fans and handed Josh a pair of his game worn gloves. You’ll never know what that meant to a young football fanatic or to his dad.

What is even more amazing is, we were at the game yesterday (at Cincinnati Week 1). During warm ups, Brandon Stokley again came over to the sideline and again made a big impression on my son. He tossed a football up to him and smiled at him. It was huge. It’s so amazing to me that he took the time on 2 separate occasions, in 2 separate cities, to make an effort to interact with the fans.

In a society that tends to shine light mainly on the negative things that athletes do, I would like to shine some light on the positive influence that one athlete had when he took the time to do the right thing. In world of whiny wide receivers who don’t have time for the fans, and always want more money, as a parent, I think more attention needs to be given to guys like Brandon Stokley – not only did he make the game winning play, but he touched my son’s life in a unique way and will be my son’s hero for years.

I would love to give Stokley some attention for doing something awesome – is this possible?

Thanks,
Matt

The option to defer

When teams win the coin toss in the NFL, they have the option to receive the opening kick off or to kick to the other team first (i.e. defer until the second half).

Who should elect to receive the opening kick:

• Ball control offenses like Miami, Jacksonville. These teams do not play well from behind. They prefer to grind out long drives keep the other team off the field. Best for them to play with a lead.
• Teams with good defenses. Who cares if the other team gets the ball first to start the second half. Let's score now and let our defense takeover the game.
  
• Bad teams like the Chiefs. They need to score and keep the game close. They need to get something going. These teams might be out of the game by halftime. Their best shot is to strike early.
  

Who should defer:

• Teams who are matched against a similar opponent. One more possession in the second half might make the difference.
• Teams with strong passing attacks. Even if they are down a little after the first half, teams with strong passing games are generally built to comeback. They can afford to see how the first half shakes out.
  
• The Dallas Cowboys. The 'Boys drafted a kickoff specialist who can boot the ball into tomorrow. They should use this weapon immediately and force the other team to start on the 20. Game on.
  

Thoughts?

Motivation

Brian Dawkins following Denver's Week 1 win:

“I am a blessed man. I am an anointed man. I do what I do and I don’t take it for granted. I love what I do. It is an opportunity for me to go out and have a great time. Just this game of football, people who are going to watch this interview would love to do what I do for a living. People come to the game to have a great time. I go to the games to have a great time. I am not going to allow anything to deter me from that. My preparation is key, my conditioning is key and my belief in the abilities I’ve been blessed with to get the job done is key.”

Preseason Brutality

One of the more painful realizations in preseason is that there are guys on the team who will survive roster cuts only to be cut the following day when coaches begin plucking from the waiver wire. Guys on the bubble: You aren't just competing against your teammates, you're also competing against the 750 people about to be cut from all the other teams.

Opportunities Siezed and lost

I really shouldn't be writing this now because the list of people who want something from me today is lengthening at a disturbing rate. Quickly, shall we?

So Brett Favre will start for the Vikings. Goody. That leaves only two spots for three arms: Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and John David Booty.

So who is the odd man out? JDB is cheap, and has never had a chance to show his stuff. The Vikings are likely to keep him and let him develop. Sage just signed for $3 Million guaranteed so I'm guessing the Vikes would like him to earn a little of that cash. Tarvaris on the other hand, had and lost the starting job twice for the Vikings. He at times is the goat of the NFL. But here's what really matters:

Before all this Brett business began, Tarvaris and Sage were supposedly neck and neck in the race for starter. Coach Childress decided that Sage would start the first preseason game and that Tarvaris would start the second. Then they'd both be appraised. Sage played extremely well in game 1 but the coach stuck to his word that he'd decide after game 2.

Then Brett crashed the party (late as always) and must now start preseason game 2. So... Sage looked amazing and thanks to Brett, Tarvaris won't ge his shot. It's possible that T will get some reps in Friday's game but they won't be with the first team offense so he'll never get to show what might have been. My guess is he'll be traded or cut within the week.

If Brett had decided to play for the Vikings before they signed Sage to a fatty contract, Tarvaris would still have a job. Then again, if he hadn't blown it against the Eagles last year he'd probably still have a job too. Sports: the original and still the best reality TV.

Brett Favre is not insane

I have shied away from most of the Michael Vick and Brett Favre media frenzies because the sporting world is so saturated with all of that. I was literally doubting Favre's sanity after he voluntarily went through arm surgery and then walked away from millions of dollars and a juicy job with the playoff contending Minnesota Vikings. Now NFL.com is reporting that Favre has inked a one year deal with the Vikings to play for them this season. Ok this proves he's not insane.

But at some point, Farve's habitual decision to wait until the midnight hour has to come under scrutiny. The phrase "Give our team the best chance to win" is as hackneyed as any in sports but it's extremely appropriate in this conversation. Is Favre the best QB the Vikings have? Technically yes but with such little time to prepare, he is hurting this team.

Brett, people always talk about you as a warrior, but the enlistment period started a long time ago. Get thee to camp, on the double!

We talkin bout practice?

I lust for preseason football more than most. Finally, we start hearing less about baseball, NASCAR, and other "sports" and more about what really matters: football. But here's the thing: Unless you read individual practice reports such as this one, preaseason football doesn't offer much to the casual fan. However, if that four hour baseball game can't hold your interest, here are a few things to know about preseason football:

1. If you catch any preseason games, know when the starters are playing against starters. NFL players shrink from 2400 to 15oo before the season starts. Everyone looks good against guys who will be selling cell phones in a few weeks.

2. Holdouts matter. Rookies don't care because they want to get paid but NFL schemes and responsibilities are so complicated that even rookies who report to training camps on time struggle to learn everything. Cutting "class" time and conditioning in half means that rookie holdouts are both less effective in their first year and more likely to get injured. Chris "Beanie" Wells can now ask his agent to "Show me the knee brace!"

3. Pray for your favorite players. Every year, coaches face the age old dilemma: If they don't force their players to hit each other, they won't be ready for the regular season violence. If they do force them to "go to the ground," friendly fire casualties become inevitable. Stewart Bradley, one of my favorite players, is already out for the season.

4. Preseason interviews are worthless. I tend to think most football interviews are worthless but never moreso than in the preseason. What's to say? "Guys looked good in practice but they have more to learn?" "As a team we are not focused on what happened last year?" "We are really coming together as a team?" Everyone's undefeated in August.

5. The fourth quarter is still the most exciting. You won't see any of your old favorites playing in the fourth quarter of a preaseason game but you may find some new ones. This is where Joe the Undrafted Football Player literally has his 15 minutes to earn his way onto an NFL roster. As head coach Raheem Morris might put it, "30 dogs, eight bones."

Not Quick Vick

For the last two years, sports reporters struggling for material have had a constant fallback in convicted felon Michael Vick, who did time for financing a dog fighting ring. With Vick's conditional reinstatement to the NFL coming this week, speculation abounds about which team will take a chance on the former number one draft pick.

I just can't get motivated for this story. Vick was a mediocre quarterback who hasn't played football now in over two years. Even if he does sign with a team (and he will), I predict he will never maintain a starting job in the NFL. Oh he'll get some starts at some point, but he could never throw accurately and it's my prediction that he won't run well either.

Football at the highest level is an incredibly fast game. Vick's talent lay in his ability to outrun defenders. Blazing speed is a temporary gift, one that leaks out as age creeps in. Speed drops especially quickly when one is confined to a small room for 19 months.

Bottom line: Vick is popular in the media because he financed the killing of dogs. This story will fade over the next few years along with his career.

Trash Day

ESPN and Brocotalk are reporting that the Broncos have cut ties with LBs Louis Green and Boss Bailey. It wasn't a matter of if, but a matter of when. 

Rats abandoning USS McDaniels

Adam Schefter is reporting that Broncos Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall has asked to be traded. 

Buyer's Remorse

BroncoTalk.net is reporting that just three months after signing him, The Denver Broncos have cut running back J.J. Arrington because he failed a physical (imminent season ending microfracture surgery). This three month relationship tryst cost the boys in blue and orange 1.8 Million greenbacks. 

Josh, it's a crime to burn money, homie. 

Cannon Fodder

According to NFL.com, the Broncos have signed backup RB Darius Walker. This brings the RB total to eight. Two thoughts:

1. Clearly McDaniels wants warm bodies for full contract drills. Why else would you bring in a career backup when you already have JJ Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Peyton Hillis, Ryan Torain, LaMont Jordan, and a guy named Knowshon Moreno?
   
   
   
2. Unfortunately, every RB signed makes Ryan Torain's future in Dove Valley a little less likely. Cutting this guy would be a huge mistake.
   

Blockbuster

I am actually a huge fan of the Chicago Bears future for Jay Cutler trade. The Broncos get two firsts, a third, and an underrated Kyle Orton for a fifth and a big armed big baby? Cutler has all the talent in the world but the NFL is full of talented players who desTrOy teams by putting themselves first. Don't be surprised to see Chicago's finest doing situps in his new windy city driveway.

It takes stones to pull the trigger on a trade like this. Both sides will profit. The biggest losers are the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are football's America. In giving up massive draft picks for Jared Allen last year, they had already mortgaged their future. The only way out of the hole would have been to spend their last dollar in the Cutler sweepstakes. They will be reminded of their gutless inaction twice a year for years to come.

It should never have come to this but I believe the Broncos made out like Burt Reynolds.

WTF?

ESPN has just reported that the Broncos are trying to trade Jay Cutler because he no longer appears interested in playing for them.

Big ups to the brash new coach and the big baby quarterback. Great job all around people. Seriously, well played.

My fan allegiance is now also on the market.

Broncos D looks to... Get Older?

This is not a post about the Jay Cutler debacle although it does indirectly pertain...

In the last week, the Broncos have signed free agents Brian Dawkins (35), Andre Goodman (30), Andra Davis (30), and Renaldo Hill (30). With Champ Bailey (30) opposite Goodman at the other corner, the Broncos will definitely be in contention for the oldest secondary in the league.

I like most of these moves individually but collectively, they are quite puzzling. In an era in which teams constantly try to get younger, the Broncos appear to be doing the opposite. This flies in the face of everything one would expect for a rebuilding year, a year in which the entire defensive scheme will likely shift (to a 3-4). Why would the Broncos go the veteran route now?

Theory 1: Jay Cutler's contract expires in 2 years. Even the Barrel Man knows Cutler is unlikely to resign after last weeks events. Perhaps Head Coach McDaniels wants to try a desperate "win now" approach for the next two years and then rebuild. Problem here? The broncos need a NT and a much better pass rush. Can they really hope to get an entire D line in the draft AND have them compete right away?

Theory 2: It might not be possible to bring in a bunch of rookies, teach them the 3-4 Defense and expect them to win playoff games before free agency and salary contracts decimate the team. Better to bring in veterans, install the defense and help Denver reset the tone around here. THEN rebuild. Call it the "three years to greatness plan." Problem here? By the time the defense puts it together, the offense will be gone. Stokely will retire, Cutler will not re-up, and Eddie Royal will be looking for a new deal. Also, seeing as how over 30% of NFL coaches were fired this offseason, no coach should bank on a 3 year plan.

Theory 3: McDaniels actually sees these guys as relatively long term solutions. The Broncos have taken fliers on aging defenders (Dre Bly, John Lynch) in the past, with varying degrees of success. Lynch certainly had some miles left in the tank but the Bly signing is much more contentious. Problem here? One would expect a new administration to have a new mindset. That said, Patriots Coach Bill Belichick (from whom McDaniels learned the craft) has made a career out of cobbling together veterans who still have something left to give (Adalius Thomas, Teddy Bruschi, etc.)

My best bet is Theory 1. The Broncos aren't rebuilding, they're reloading.