NFL Free Agency Recap (So Far)

Well, for my 400th post, I decided I should talk about the massive number of moves that have occurred since the NFL has been back in session. Let's go through some of the ones I think are the most interesting, in chronological order (Note: This will be almost all about players leaving one team to go to another. Logan Mankins or Charles Johnson staying with their team isn't that interesting):

- Tuesday's biggest move saw the Seattle Seahawks getting a new QB, Mr. Tavaris Jackson. I have always been a T-Jack fan, though he has let me down some. That being said, when he has played recently he hasn't been awful. Furthermore, he gets to continue to play under his same coordinator, Derell Bevell, as he did last year with the Vikings. It is good continuity, though it might not lead to the playoffs again. It also means that Coach Pete Carroll will have his eyes on a QB in Round 1 of the 2012 draft... perhaps his former recruit and QB Matt Barkley of USC? Oh, and can't forget that the Hawks also signed Sidney Rice, so T-Jack has a familiar teammate to throw to.

- On Wednesday, Paul Posluszny signed a 6-year $45 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, Poz was 3rd in the NFL in tackles last year, so he is a solid young LB. But at the same time, he has an injury history, and a 6-year deal in the NFL for a non-QB seems a bit insane. Is he worth that much money? I for one don't think so.

- Teams with rookie QBs like bringing in vets to help ease the transition. The first example of this was the Titans signing Matt Hasslebeck to start while Jake Locker develops. Solid signing. Hasslebeck still has a few years, and Locker is at least a full season away from being ready.

- The same might not be true for Bruce Gradkowski in Cincy. While he was signed to give the Bengals a vet option, I have a feeling they will just go with Andy Dalton right off the bat. He is a smart QB, so it could work. The only problem? He plays for the Bengals. At least he has AJ Green and Jordan Shipley to throw to.

- Steve Breaston signing with the Chiefs might be my sleeper pick for biggest move of the offseason. He is a speedster, doesn't drop many passes, and is reunited with Todd Haley. He can work on the opposite side of Pro Bowler Dwayne Bowe, and they can help rookie Jonathan Baldwin develop into another good young threat for the AFC West's fasting-rising team. Look for the Chiefs to put up big offensive numbers this year.

- Skip Bayliss actually made a great point on First Take Thursday, when discussing Reggie Bush- He is the type of luxury back that can make a good team great, and a mediocre team worse. His trade to the Dolphins fits into the second part. He just isn't that good. He has his moments, maybe 4 or 5 a year, but he can't be an every down back. He can't even be a two-down back. The Dolphins are in a little trouble if he is their feature back, not to mention that they have no QB, or defense, and their best WR was diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder. Troubled times in South Beach.

- Two big moves involving my awful Redskins. First, they traded Fat Albert to New England. He needed to go, won't have to play NT since Wilfork plays there, and will probably have a career year like people do when they go to the Patriots. Still, he was an awful presence here, so good riddance. The second, and more important to me, is Donovan McNabb getting traded to the best spot for him, the Minnesota Vikings. I have wanted him there for years, and am very happy he got out of the downward spiral that is Washington. I believe that McNabb will be back in the playoffs this season, since he has a solid team around him. I think he can help Christian Ponder develop for a year or two, or even three if needed, and will be rooting or the Vikings to win it all this season so my man Donovan gets a ring.

- The Eagles traded Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals. Great move, even if I don't think Kolb is that great. They didn't give up a #1 pick, though Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a solid corner, and they get the QB that Larry Fitzgerald specifically requested. Appeasing your best player is never a bad idea.

- Chad Ochocinco was traded from the worst NFL franchise to the best. As he said on Twitter "God is so good" and "It's good to be in heaven". I think he is happy, and I think he will have a great year.

- Friday saw two big cornerbacks getting signed. Johnathan Joseph jumped off the Bungle Express to join the Houston Texans. Nnami Asomugha then surprised everyone and signed with the Eagles. Both got paid, though neither got a crazy amount. Now, here is an interesting stat, brought to you by ESPN's KC Joyner discussing the two CBs numbers the last two years:

"Joseph was targeted with 144 passes in that time frame and allowed 993 yards. That equates to a 6.9 yards per attempt (YPA) mark.

Now contrast that to Asomugha. He was targeted with 54 passes in the past two years and gave up 419 yards, or 7.8 YPA.

So Joseph was thrown at three times as often and had a YPA nearly a yard lower than Asomugha. Add in the fact that Joseph is three years younger and presumably will have a per-year contract figure that is much smaller than what Asomugha will eventually get, and it means the Texans may have made the best big-name value acquisition of the 2011 free-agent period."

- Mike Sims-Walker signing with the Rams gives them a solid possession receiver for the first time in a while. Bradford will like that. The same thing goes for Plax signing with the Jets. He is worth the risk because he was so good. He can go up and get some of those high passes Sanchize throws.

- Peyton Manning re-signed with the Colts. Not a surprise, but it is good to see him staying with his team.

That's all I got right now. Waiting for some more moves, like more RBs signing. Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams and Ahmad Bradshaw are still out there.

FOOOOOOTBAAAAAAALLLLL

I am so happy football is back. Seriously, it is amazing. Fantasy football will get me through the fall. Watching NFL Redzone is how I like to spend my Sunday afternoons. I look forward to being able to head to the bar to watch the Thursday night games. Thrilled, ecstatic, overjoyed.

That being said....


I fully expect the Redskins to be so bad that they will not go 0-16. You see, 0-16 would guarantee us Andrew Luck and the #1 pick overall. Instead, I think the Skins will be so bad that they will win at least 3 games, thus ruining our chances for a real franchise QB. We will end up drafting Matt Barkley who will be a complete bust. Or, we won't even draft a QB because we really think that John Beck will come around... ugh. My only possible saving grace is that Landry Jones at Oklahoma becomes the next Sam Bradford and we land him. Seems like a nice enough kid, and can make all the throws asked of him.

So I am very happy that the NFL is back. I just wish that the Redskins were a real NFL franchise.

How to Fix the All Star Game!!!

The MLB All Star Game is tonight live from Arizona. Here are a few thoughts on how to make this silly game meaningful again, or at least to help the experience some.

- How to make it more meaningful? Make it meaningless again! There is no reason why it should determine home field advantage in the World Series. That is just a stupid idea. They just need to go back to making it about the stars playing for more money or something. Or playing for pride. Here is an idea- The winning team's players gets double their All Star bonus, plus a charity of their choice gets like $500,000 or something.

- Stop the fan vote. I am sorry, but the fans have shit for brains. Can't put it any plainer. For example, I know that he has done a lot over his career, and I know that he isn't even playing tonight, but you tell me how Derek Jeter deserves to be an All-Star this year. Really, the fan voting just leads to the Yankees/Soxs taking on the Phillies/Cardinals/Mets. 6 or 7 teams get all the representatives, and the other teams are left out in the cold. Which brings me to step 3-

- Keep the rule that all teams have to be represented. For example, if managers were picking rosters and teams did not have to have at least one representative, Tyler Clippard would not be in the roster. Same with the fans. But he will lead the league with relief strikeouts and holds by the end of the year, so he is certainly worthy of being an All Star.

- Make it so that a player has to have played at least 70 games to be eligible for an All Star selection. We will call this the Pablo Sandoval rule. He was selected to replace Jose Reyes by his manager and NL All Star manager, Bruce Bochy. The problem is that Sandoval has only played 50 games this year. In no way is he deserving. An infielder with similar numbers, such as Michael Morse or Danny Espinosa from my Washington Nationals, have played more than 70 games and deserve that roster spot.

- Move the game to Wednesday. Pitchers that have thrown on Sunday aren't eligible to play the following Tuesday. So, most of the good pitchers, like Justin Verlander, cannot participate. Hurts your star power. Move it to Wednesday, which would be their throwing day anyway. They can come in, toss an inning, make an appearance and then hit the showers.

- I really liked the NHL All Star game format this year. Naming captains and then drafting the team from the appointed All Stars was a great idea. If Prince Fielder and David Ortiz were drafting for their teams, there would be some drama. No more AL vs NL. Instead, you have guys from teams that never play each other facing each other. You have Papi and Jeter on the same roster. You get to see a 1-2 punch of Verlander and Halladay in the first few innings. Love the idea. This is what should happen.


Just a few ideas there. I might come up with more soon, but I think this is a good start.

RIP John Mackey

John Mackey, the greatest tight end to ever play football, passed away late last night at the age of 69. He was a proud graduate of Syracuse University, played 9 seasons in the NFL (8 with the Baltimore Colts) and revolutionized the tight end position. I recommend finding his highlights online, because they are stunning. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, and had his #88 jersey honored and placed in the rafters of the Dome. He was the first president of the NFLPA, helping to bring about NFL Free Agency. His battles with dementia brought about by his years of taking hits in the NFL should act as a warning to all those who play, and those that think the retired NFL players do not need any kind of benefits. RIP John. A great Orangeman.

Strasgasm

Just read this and had a mini-Strasgasm. I know he probably won't be right until late 2012 or 2013, but the fact that there is progress for Stephen Strasburg is amazing news for me.

Missed A Ton

So, I have been lazy and haven't written anything recently. Time to change. I have missed a ton, so let's play catch up!

- MY WASHINGTON NATIONALS have been playing great baseball recently. I don't know if they will still be in it in September, but I like that they are a real team now. Everyone (well almost... more on that in a bit) has been playing so well, the pitching has been great, it is wonderful. I love going to games and actually expecting to win sometimes. It is great. The Nats are great.

- Jim Riggleman is a punk. Why would you leave. If you follow my FB, you know my thoughts on this bum. He signed a contact, knew his situation, and tried to strong-arm Rizzo into an extension. Rizzo earned his 5-year deal by going out, signing players and creating a team that is now above .500. Who the hell does Riggleman think he is, when all he has accomplished has been getting us to 3rd place? You earn extensions for entire seasons, not for winning 11 through June. Davey Johnson will be just fine leading us and helping us grow, and some new guy will get one hell of a team to work with next year. Riggleman? He will be known for ruining Kerry Wood's arm and leaving a great young team on the rise.

- Now, I said almost everyone was carrying their weight on the team. There is a BIG exception to that, and his name happens to be Jayson Werth. He is paid $126 million to hit and field consistently. Instead, he strikes out looking more than anyone I have ever seen. He never swings at first pitch strikes (new Werth drinking game: 1 swig for looking at a strike, 2 if it is 1st pitch). He needs to start earning his money like the rest of the team, including...

- Danny Espinosa. He is the first rookie second baseman to ever have 15 home runs before the all-star break. He has an .800 OPS. He is a Gold Glove caliber 2nd baseman (he won't win it this year, just because everyone knows Brandon Phillips more). I love having him on the team.

- Congrats to the Bruins for winning the Stanley Cup. I now have no hope for my Caps to win one anytime soon, unless Neuvirth or Holtby magically becomes Tim Thomas.

- NBA Draft thoughts? Jan Vesely is a pimp/Casanova, and I think Rick Jackson should have gotten drafted. Other than that, nothing too special.

- Congrats Jonny Flynn on getting traded from the Timberwolves. Now, prove yourself in Houston.

- Rory McElroy had an insane US Open. I hope he becomes dominant, just cause it would be fun to have that dominant guy in the sport again.

- NASCAR still exists, and I don't know why.

- I think I need to get a guest column from University of Maryland starting defensive tackle, former Gonzaga actor and good friend AJ Francis. I would love to know his thoughts on the state of college football, the NCAA, the NFL Lockout, pro wrestling, and the DC sports scene. I also want him, a lifelong DC man (so I think) why his favorite NFL team is the Cowboys, why he referred to the Phoenix Suns as "we", if he cares about baseball at all, and who he roots for the in NBA.

- You should follow AJ on Twitter, The_Franchyze. You should follow me on Twitter, JFLANland.

- RE: The Matt Kemp for MVP talk- Yes, a 40-40 season is nice, and he is on pace for just that. He is still on a losing team (and franchise now). In 2006, Alfonso Soriano had the first 40-40-40 (HR, SB, 2B) season in baseball history for the losing Washington Nationals (Add in 20 OF Assists, the first to ever have that with 40-40 season). He finished 6th in the MVP voting. Don't expect the MVP just because you go 40-40.

- I really hope that my girlfriend Maria Sharapova (apologies to my actual girlfriend for finding out this way, and to Sasha Vujacic) wins Wimbledon. I have no other rooting interests.

- Anyone who ever liked pro wrestling should find CM Punk's shoot promo from last night's Raw. It felt real, raw, powerful and amazing. I wish wrestling was still like that.

- TO will be in the Hall of Fame, no doubt. But you have to think that his antagonistic attitude will cost him first ballot, right?

- I am sure the Women's World Cup is fun to watch, but without Tommy Smyth? Meh.



Ok, now that I am a bit caught up, I will try to stay on top of things. Have a good evening y'all.

Some Thoughts on the NBA Finals

Why hello there, true believers (Sorry Stan Lee, I had to steal that at least once). As you may know, the NBA Finals took place over the past 8 weeks. Ok, it wasn't that long, but it certainly seemed that way. Luckily, they were fun to watch, and the team that all of America was rooting for won. Anyway, I just wanted to share some thoughts on the series, the players, the coaches, the fans (I apologies in advance, Kevin Belt) and a quick look forward at the NBA going into next season... or the 2012-2013 season. Whichever comes first. Enjoy!

- I am thrilled for Dirk. He is fun to watch. A big, goofy looking German guy who shoots the lights out from 3, has the most polished mid-range game in the NBA, and can play with his back to the basket? Sounds like a blast. He needed this title after the collapse in 2006. He improved his own game, made a commitment to his team, and got the job done. A true Champion, the best European player ever in the NBA, and arguably one of the 25 best to ever play the game.

- For the 2nd time in recent history, an underdog team that played as one single unit beat a group of superstars. The last time, it was the Pistons beating the already-champion Lakers. This time, it is the Mavs beating the "without Wade, none of you have won anything at all" Heat. Similarities, other than their cohesiveness? They both had former Wizards. The Pistons had Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton (DAMN YOU MICHAEL JORDAN FOR TRADING HIM FOR STUPID JERRY STACKHOUSE!), and Ben Wallace (traded for Bo Outlaw...). The Mavs had DeShawn "Soulja Boy" Stevenson, Brendon Haywood and the injured Caron Butler. I liked seeing the former Wizards win. Gave me another reason to root against the Heat. After the game, the three got together and chanted "Worst to First" as they celebrated. Thanks for reminding us... Also, if you want a title, just play for us for a bit then leave. Works wonders...

- Count me as a member of the Mark Cuban fan club. I love that man. He speaks his mind, knows his business, is amazingly entertaining, and is now a Champion. He also said "Shit" on Sportscenter, made fun of the Big 3 by saying Dirk took less cash so the Mavs could sign Jan Mahinmi and Brian Cardinel, and let the founding owner of the Mavericks accept the championship trophy. Thumbs up all around.

- Jason Terry, JJ Barrea and Jason Kidd = a championship backcourt. Who knew.

- In a footnote to his column on the finals, Bill Simmons makes a case for Shawn Marion being considered one of the 100 All Time best to play the game. I haven't researched it enough to make a decision, but doesn't that just seem weird to you. Anyway, congrats to The Matrix.

- How did the Mavericks stifle the Heat? How did they keep the Heat cold? Zone defense. Not just for college anymore. One has to wonder... If LeBron had gone to college and experienced, say, the Boeheim 2-3 zone, would he have known how to crack it better? I think so. Stay in school kids.

- The fans in Miami... Normally, I only rip on the Braves for not selling out World Series games. I just figure that everyone else, if they were in the Finals, would be able to pack their arena/stadium/park with rabid fans... But there were at least 4,000 Mavericks fans in an arena that seats 19,600. That is over 20% Mavs fans. What... The... Hell. Protect your house. It is bad enough that you never go to baseball games for a team that has won 2 titles in less than 20 years, but this was the NBA Finals. Did you just assume Game 7 was going to happen? Did you have somewhere else important to be on a Sunday night in mid-June? You don't sell your tickets to Mavericks fans! Your team is in the Finals! Go root for them! Mark Cuban was completely right- The Mavs fans punked the shit out of the Heat fans in Game 6.

- Coach Spo: Fired? Maybe. I say give him one more season, unless LeBron and Wade both say he has to go. Then, well, he has to go.

- Wade is a horse. He was going great until he tweaked his hip in Game 5. Just wasn't the same guy in Game 6. I don't blame him for the loss though. I don't blame Bosh either. Sure, he isn't the dominant inside presence, but he never has been. He is a finesse 4, not a power 5. So he is fine too. Even Mario Chalmers played well. The rest of the Heat? Not so much. Their bench was destroyed by the Mavs when it mattered most. But really, who gets blamed? LeBron!

- LeBron James came up small. Like, minute. Miniscule. A tiny iota of a clutch player in the Finals. Who is to blame? I like one of Simmons' arguments from his earlier post. LeBron has never been yelled at before. Like, who was the last guy to tell the next Great One that he had to shape up and fly right? Wade did it in this series. He yelled at him for 8 seconds straight, in front of everyone. That broke LeBron's spirit. He became a kid again, not knowing what to say. He shut down. Read Simmons' article for this part especially. It is true. All facts.

- Now, why is everyone happy that LeBron lost. Well, there are a few factors. First, it is because he broke Cleveland's heart on National TV and hasn't felt any remorse. Was it a business decision? Sure. But Melo got out of Denver and then thanked everyone in the city for helping him grow up and become a man. He didn't have a big special after the trade was finalized to announce to whom he waived his no-trade clause. He just went. LeBron made himself bigger than the game, and the city that made it possible, as Stephen Colbert said, for him to get paid millions for bouncing an inflatable ball.

Second, it is because he went to team up with his friends and try to own the NBA. That isn't fun. Super groups might be nice in music, or comic books, but in sports we want competition. Dynasties become more hated than beloved, and everyone expected the Heat to become one, so the hate came early and often.

Third, it is because of the crab dribble. That is a travel, Bron bron. Stop complaining.

Fourth, it is because you still don't understand the fans of America. Your post game comments were horrendous. Word for word, here is what the clueless king said:

“At the end of the day, all the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day, they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems they had today. They can get a few days or a few months or whatever the case may be on being happy about not only myself, but the Miami Heat not accomplishing their goal. But they have to get back to the real world at some point."

Super, LeBron. Just super. You are a billionaire athlete, and you can't find it within yourself to ignore what the common man says about you. Instead, you actively remind them that they have to deal with real troubles, like the economy, putting food on their tables, providing for their families, and so forth. That's a great way to win over people. Belittling people always brings fans. You have no idea what the real world is like at all. You have been surrounded by enablers and yes men since you were 14. You are a pompous ass, no two ways around it. You have bragged and boasted about being great, and winning "not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7" titles, then you come out there in your designer suit, with your pocket square, after choking in the NBA Finals, and tell the average Joe watching at home that he isn't allowed to take any comfort in watching you go down, and really he is a sad, pathetic person with no impact on society because he isn't a 6'8 basketball playing billionaire. And you wonder why people hate you.

Furthermore, I have never heard a member of a team sport say the word "I" so much in a press conference. Wade talked about the failures of the team. Bosh said that the Mavericks were a better team, played as a team, and wanted it more as a team. What does Brony boy say? I will be back. I will be a champion. I did not choke. You want to watch me fail? I am a billionaire, and I am better than you. Again, you wonder why people hate you.

And finally, there was that peach of a post-game tweet:

"The Greater Man upstairs knows when it's my time. Right now isn't the time."

Oh, ok, that explains it all. God didn't want the Heat to win. That is why you averaged 3 points in the 4th Quarter all series. It is because the Holy Spirit descended down from Heaven, sat on the rim and knocked the ball away. That is why you played hot potato with the ball in the 4th, passing it off to everyone else, even when guarded by the 5'9 JJ Barrea. It isn't because you choked, it is because it wasn't in God's divine plan. Well, LeBron, I have a feeling that, if there is a big invisible man in the sky, he probably has more important things to worry about then you almost missing the backboard with a 15-foot jumper.

What kind of crazy cop-out excuse is that. Own up to how you played. You sucked. You were awful. LeBum, LeBrick. Not the chosen one, the choking one. If you accepted all the blame, then we wouldn't care. We might even like you more for it. You could take it, like Magic Johnson did in 1984 following his Tragic Magic labeling (even though he already had a ring) and have it drive you all summer to become a better player. Learn a post move. Work on your outside shot. Learn how to play without the ball so you and Wade can mesh together. You know, what Magic did following a loss. What Dirk did following a loss. What real champions do following a loss. But instead, you will probably be hanging out in your mansion, not worried about the NBA lockout cause, as you reminded all of us, you are better than us and don't give the real world the time of day. You will design a new shoe, do some commercials, and just hang out with your boys. And they will tell you everything is fine. So will your mother. And your agent. And Nike. All the while, Kevin Durant will be in the gym. So will D-Rose. Kobe too. And Dwight. And John Wall. And Melo. And Paul Pierce. Wade and Bosh will be there waiting for you. But you won't show up because it isn't your fault. You didn't choke. It was God's will. Your time will come. Just sit back and relax, and pretty soon you will show those commoners why you are King James... And you wonder why we smile that you lost. Why, for one series, everyone outside of Miami became Mavericks fans. You wonder why we hate you? That's why, LeBron.