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Best Offseason Moves

Chris C

– June 8, 2010Posted in: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Free Agency, Lists, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders

The offseason is filled with countless player movement.

Every team is trying to acquire the pieces that will put them over the top and into Super Bowl contention.

Even with the lack of a new CBA preventing over 200 players from being unrestricted free agents, there was still plenty of action especially on the trade market.

In fact, five of the seven moves I’ve highlighted below were results of trades and not free agent signings.

Without further ado, here are the best moves this offseason.

- For once it seems like Raiders are having a good season. Which leads us to wonder, what has gotten into Al Davis? He still can’t be running the show? Is he dead?

Regardless, picking up Campbell for a future fourth round pick was a steal. He can bring stability to the position that JaMarcus Russell couldn’t. While, I wouldn’t expect the Raiders to make the playoffs this year, seven wins aren’t out of the question. That’s saying a lot for a team that hasn’t won more than five games since 2002.

Dolphins trade for Brandon Marshall- This move grabbed the most headlines this offseason, and rightfully so. Marshall is a big time risk, but he is also a big time player.

For the Dolphins, this deal was a no brainer. Their best receiver last year was Davone Bess, who is best suited in the slot. Now they acquire a legitimate number one receiver in Marshall who has caught over 100 passes three years in a row. This move will also help the development of Chad Henne, who according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross can be better than Dan Marino.

Jets Trade for Santonio Holmes- How often do you find a former Super Bowl MVP who had over 1,200 yards last season and is only 26, available? I certainly can’t remember another time. Kudos to Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets for taking advantage of this opportunity and swooping in to snag Holmes before any other team.

The best part was it only cost them a fifth round pick. To put that in perspective, the 49ers acquired Ted Ginn Jr. for a fifth round pick this offseason. I’ll just let that sink in for a little bit.

Ravens Trade For Anquan Boldin- The third receiver trade on my list, but I love it nevertheless. Boldin may not be the player Marshall is, but he gives the Ravens the same type of impact Marshall will give the ‘Phins.

Joe Flacco struggled last year at times when his only options to throw to were Derrick Mason and Ray Rice coming out of the backfield. Now, defenses will have to respect all threats and that should open up the passing game as well as the running game.

Cardinals Trade For Kerry Rhodes- The Cardinals lost Antrel via free agency to the Giants. The Giants signed him to a record-breaking deal for a safety. While he was a good player , he wasn’t worth that kind of money and the Cardinals knew it.

So to replace him, they acquired Kerry Rhodes via trade from the Jets. The Jets grew tired of Rhodes last season after he failed to fit into their new scheme, so they were willing to deal him. However, Rhodes was a big time playmaker earlier in his career and if he can regain that form, this deal will go down as a steal for the Cardinals.

Broncos Revamp Defensive Line- The Broncos made it a priority this offseason to address their defensive line after they finished in the bottom third of the league in run defense. The certainly were aggressive acquiring a whole new three man front for their 3-4.

Jarvis Green, Justin Bannan, and Jamaal Williams will now anchor the defensive line. When playing a 3-4, the defensive line is essential because they need to be able to occupy blockers so the linebackers can be free to roam and make plays. With these three players on board, the Broncos run defense should be significantly improved.

Bears Sign Chester Taylor- The Bears made some noise this offseason, but I liked the Taylor signing the most. While Taylor will turn 31 during this season, he still has fresh legs having only logged over 160 carries once in his career.

He can form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Matt Forte, who struggled carrying the load by himself last year. He is also a great receiver out of the backfield, which makes him a great fit in Mike Martz’s scheme.

Tags: Anquan Boldin, best nfl offseason moves, brandon marshall, chester taylor, jamaal williams, jason campbell, kerry rhodes, santonio holmes

Worst Offseason Moves

Chris C

– June 8, 2010Posted in: Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Free Agency, Lists, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Washinton Redskins

The big question heading into the offseason was how the upcoming uncapped year.

And while it certainly did limit player movement to an extent, there were still plenty of moves made as teams tried to improve.

However, occasionally some teams thought they were making an improvement when actually they were making a colossal mistake. It happens every year, and this year was no different.

So I have highlighted, the moves that were the worst this offseason in the NFL.

Browns Sign Jake Delhomee- I think Mike Holmgren is one of the best football minds in the game, but I’m still scratching my head over this one. Did anyone in the Browns front office watch any tape of Delhomme since his epic meltdown in the 2009 playoffs?

And they paid him $7 million dollars. Add that to the money Carolina is still paying him and Jake Delhomme is raking in almost $20 million this yearI can’t believe I just said Jake Delhomme and $20 million in the same sentence. The Browns will regret this decision when Delhomme throws his first pick six … in training camp.

Bills Hire Chan Gailey- Gailey was last a coach in the NFL in 1999, where he failed to win a playoff game. Since then he coached Georgia Tech for six years, failing to finish in the top 25 once, and was fired as the Chiefs offensive coordinator before the start of this past season. And that qualifies him to get another chance as an NFL head coach how?

There are some many guys who have never even gotten a first chance (Leslie Frazier, Russ Grimm, Ron Rivera) and yet Gailey gets a second chance.

Seahawks Trade for Charlie Whitehurst- I’m guessing the Seahawks know something we don’t know, at least I hope. In his three years in the league Whitehurst hasn’t even attempted a pass. His only action has been in the preseason when he’s playing second and third stringers.

I mean, he couldn’t even beat out Billy Volek for the backup job in San Diego. I think the Seahawks wish they could have kept the second round pick they traded for him and instead drafted Jimmy Clausen.

Bears Hire Mike Martz- Last time I checked it was 2010 and not 2001, the last time Mike Martz coordinated a high-octane offense. In his last stops in Detroit (‘06, ‘07) and San Fran (‘08) he left a lot to be desired as the offenses weren’t very good.

Jay Cutler led the league with 26 interceptions last season, the last thing he needs is a coordinator who wants to throw the ball 40 times a game. If the Bears are counting on him to save their offense, they’re in trouble.

Jets Sign LaDainian Tomlinson- I like most of what the Jets did this offseason, but this move didn’t set well with me. Did anyone watch his guy play last season? I feel like ever time I saw him he was running into his offensive lineman and falling forward for a 2 yard gain.

At least, he is only being counted on to spell Shonn Greene. However, keeping Thomas Jones in that role would have been a much better idea.

Eagles Trade Donovan McNabb to Redskins- Note that last part. I wasn’t a big fan of dealing Donovan McNabb in the beginning because the Eagles have a roster that is capable for contending for a Super Bowl. But I’ll give them a pass because they’ve had good success in getting rid of veterans at the right time except Brian Dawkins.

Anyway, I still don’t get why they would trade him to the Redskins of all teams. I mean c’mon. They’re your divisional rival and your going to play him twice next season. Imagine if McNabb beats the Eagles in Philly and the Redskins make the playoffs over the Eagles. I wouldn’t want to see what Philly fans would do.

Rams Draft Sam Bradford- I went into grave detail on this subject a few weeks ago, so I’ll be brief here. Bottom line, Bradford has a laundry list of question marks (durability, system quarterback, lack of weapons around him, awkward delivery) that make him a huge risk, a risk that a lowly Rams franchise can’t afford to go wrong.

They would have been much better off trading down (the Redskins were in love with Bradford) and stockpiling picks.

Tags: chan gailey, charlie whitehurst, donovan mcnabb, jake delhomme, ladain tomlinson, mike martz, sam bradford, worst nfl offseason moves

6 Teams That Will Miss the Playoffs in 2010

Chris C

– June 7, 2010Posted in: 2010 Preview, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Lists, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patroits, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles

Everybody is aware of the parity that exists in the NFL today.

It is one of the main reason why the NFL is so popular.

At the start of every year any team can rise above the odds and make the playoffs.

But it goes both ways.

Just because you were good the year before, don’t count on returning to the playoffs the following year.

Over the past five seasons at least six teams (half the playoff field) has failed to make it back the following year.

The top two seeds in each conference from the 2008-2009 playoffs (Tennessee, Pittsburgh, New York Giants, Carolina) all failed to reach the playoffs this past season.

I did this piece last year and last week I wrote about which teams will take their place.

Now for my picks for this year:

New England Patriots- The end of an era has finally come. These Patriots are no longer the ones that won 3 titles last decade. Their defense is a shade of its former self. Bill Belichick might finally be losing a step as evidenced by his decision to go for it against the Colts this past year.

The Pats have had a quiet offseason, resigning their players, but not adding much. They had a chance to draft Dez Bryant, but in typical Belichick fashion they traded down. With the Jets and Dolphins taking making strides forward, expect the Patriots to be the odd team out.

Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals were the surprise team last season, winning the AFC North and finishing 10-6. However, It will be tough to repeat that feat this season. First, there is no way they go 6-0 in the division again.

The Ravens have improved adding Anquan Boldin, the Steelers will be back, and quietly the Browns have made some small improvements. Also I’m not a fan of the Antonio Bryant signing. He has never been consistent and has only preformed in contract years.

Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles finally bit the bullet this offseason and dealt Donovan McNabb after 11 seasons. Long term the move should pay off, but they will suffer in the short term. In Kevin Kolb, you have the unknown.

Is he the guy who played great in two starts for McNabb last year, or is he the guy who threw four picks in relief duty in 2007. Beyond Kolb, there are also questions about LeSean McCoy’s durability and some question marks on the defense.

Arizona Cardinals- The Cardinals proved most pundits wrong last year by making it back to the playoffs, after they were called a one year one wonder. As impressive as that was, I don’t think they can pull it off two years in a row.

The NFC West has been terrible for two years, but improved this offseason. The 49ers beat the Cardinals twice last year and the Seahawks should be improved with Pete Carroll at the helm.

Minnesota Vikings- The NFC runner ups may struggle to reach the playoffs this upcoming season. A lot of that hinges on whether or not #4 decides to come back and if he does they should probably be removed from this list. But even if he does return, I’m still not sold on this team.

It will be hard for Favre to come close to the numbers he produced last season. Also the offensive line showed signs of breaking down at the end of last season and the secondary is a cause for concern.

New Orleans Saints- Now, I’ll admit this is a reach, but if someone told you the Steelers wouldn’t make the playoffs at this time last year you would have though they were crazy too. Never underestimate the Super Bowl hangover.

It’s a lot different playing the hunted, rather the hunter. Plus, arguably their best player last season, Darren Sharper, is coming off micro fracture surgery and is 34 so he can’t be counted on to have the same type of impact.

Tags: nfl playoff forecast, nfl playoff picks, nfl season preview

Roger Goodell Gives Commencement Speech

Chris C

– June 1, 2010Posted in: NFL

Commissioner Roger Goodell gave the commencement speech at U-Mass Lowell over the weekend.

He was introduced by New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft. The two are close friends despite the fact that Goodell stripped Kraft’s Patriots of a first round pick as a result of spygate.

He accepted a posthumous honorary degree on behalf of his father Sen. Charles Goodell, a New York Republican whose unpopular stance against the Vietnam War eventually ended his political career.

Speaking about the tough choices his father made Goodell said “He lost his re-election. He lost his political career he loved so very dearly. But what did he retain? Something much bigger. His principles. His integrity. His character. He established an important legacy.”

He also spoke to the graduates about he got his foot into the door with the NFL. It wasn’t easy by any means, but he did it.

“I wrote more than 40 letters to the NFL,” he said. “Everybody. The results: a big pile of rejections. Some plan, huh? But I was determined and persistent and kept writing. Finally, there was a polite but somewhat dismissive reply from a weary executive at the NFL to, quote, ‘Stop by if you’re in the area.’ So I told him, ‘I’m in the area.’ ”

“I got in my car,” Goodell said, “and drove all night from Pittsburgh to New York, and I was on his doorstep the next morning. Six months later, 12 or 13 more letters later, they offered me a three-month internship. So it doesn’t matter how you get in that door. Just get in that door. The lesson: Seize every opportunity.”

Goodell left the students with the same message that his father left him. It was what his father told him when he told his father he wanted to be NFL commissioner one day.

“Create your own pressure,” Goodell said. “Listen to yourself. Push yourself.”

Tags: Roger Goodell, roger goodell commencement speech, roger goodell UMass-Lowell

6 Teams That Will Crash the Playoff Party in 2010

Chris C

– May 28, 2010Posted in: 2010 Preview, Atlanta Falcons, Lists, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans

One of the best things about the NFL is the parity that exists in the league.

No other sport comes close to matching the parity in the NFL.

Just two years ago in 2008, the Miami Dolphins made the playoffs with an 11-5 record one years after going 1-15 and finishing with the worst record in the league.

Tell me what other sport that happens in.

You can’t.

And that’s part of the reason why the NFL is the most popular sport in the country.

At the start of every season, every fan of every fan genuinely believes their team has a shot to make the playoffs and they’re right in believing so.

You can’t say that bout Royals or Pirates fans.

Over the past five years there have been at least six teams (half the playoff field) in the playoffs that weren’t the year before and three years there were seven teams.

I did this piece last year, and I nailed four out six teams including the Super Bowl winning New Orleans Saints and the surprising Cincinnati Bengals.

Now for my pick for this year:

Miami Dolphins- As a Jets fan this kills for me to say this, but the Dolphins are looking good. The already had a great running game and now upgraded the passing game by adding one of the best receivers in the game, Brandon Marshall.

Chad Henne should take major strides this year in his first full year as a starter and with Marshall in town. Don’t forget they also added Karlos Dansby to help shore up the middle of the defense. They also have a pair of second year corners in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, who will only get better.

The Dolphins are a well coached and disciplined team and should find a way to sneak in the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Tennessee Titans- If Jeff Fisher had put in Vince Young earlier; the Titans would probably have made the playoffs last season. Instead, he stuck with an old, ineffective Kerry Collins for six games (the Titans went 0-6) and that effectively cost the Titans a chance at the playoffs.

Vince recaptured some of his rookie year magic leading the Titans to an 8-2 record down the stretch. Coupled with the tantalizing play of Chris Johnson and the Titans have a dynamic backfield. If the Titans can get a consistent pass rush, they can challenge the Colts in the AFC South.

Pittsburgh Steelers- I’m not that worried about Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension. He’ll likely only be banned for four games and whether it’s Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon at the helm, they have both proven that they are capable of leading the team.

Also Rashard Mendenahll should be featured more as he gets a full season as the starter. But perhaps the biggest difference in this years Steelers team will be a healthy Troy Polamalu. When he was on the field last year, the Steelers were a completely different team.

I also get the sense that the team suffered from a “Super Bowl hangover” last year and will be hungry to recapture their Super Bowl glory of two years ago.

Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons finished 9-7 last season, marking the first time in franchise history that the team has had back-to-back winning season. However, it didn’t result in a playoff berth.

In the off-season the Falcons filled their glaring hole at cornerback by signing Dunta Robinson. While Robinson may be a tad overrated; he is still far superior to their other options at corner. They also drafted outside linebacker Sean Witherspoon in the first round and he should be able to come in and start right away, giving their linebacker corps a serious boost.

With Matt Ryan entering his third season and Michael Turner fully recovered from his ankle injury the Falcons are primed to take a huge step forward next season.

San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers have been on the cusp of making the playoffs for a couple of years now, and this is the year that they will finally break through the wall.

The 49ers have the talent. They swept the Cardinals last season and nearly took down the Colts and Vikings. Most of their success will depend on former number one overall pick Alex Smith. Smith showed some promise last year and will be in the same offensive system for consecutive years for the first time since college.

He has two great targets to throw in Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Frank Gore and the running game should receive a nice boost this year after the 49ers drafted two offensive linemen in the first round.

New York Giants- With the Jets taking up all the headlines in New York now, the Giants are flying under the radar, right where they want to be. After a disappointing season last year, the Giants are motivated not to let that happen again.

The offense will be fine and I expect Eli Manning to his game to another level as Hakeem Nicks emerges, giving him two reliable targets to throw to. The question with this team is the defense.

The defensive line should be improved with Osi Umenyiora and Chris Canty both fully recovered from their injuries. Add in Antrel Role and hopefully a 100% Kenny Phillips and the secondary should be significantly better than last year.

Tags: Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, nfl playoff forecast, nfl playoff picks, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans

Jets Built For The Long Term

Chris C

– May 27, 2010Posted in: Features, NFL, New York Jets

Super Bowl or bust.

That statement has been associated a lot with the Jets this offseason.

And it easy to see why evidenced by their offseason acquisitions. The Jets are clearly gunning for a Super Bowl.

Despite making the AFC Championship Game last year, Mike Tannenbaum realized this team was still only 9-7 and had holes to fill in order to be a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl.

And so Tannenbaum aggressively filled those holes. He signed Jason Taylor to help the pass rush and LaDainian Tomlinson to form a 1-2 punch with Shonn Greene.

He traded for Antonio Cromartie to lock up receivers opposite Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes to give Mark Sanchez a big play threat.

As previously stated, these moves have the Jets thinking Super Bowl and rightfully so.

But if the Jets don’t make it to the Super Bowl for some reason, not all is lost like many pundits have been saying.

In fact, expect these Jets to be contenders for a long time.

The face of the franchise, Mark Sanchez, is just 23 years old and should hold down the most crucial position on the field, quarterback, for years to come.

Their backfield future is bright with budding second year star and playoff hero, Shonn Greene, and rookie fourth round pick Joe McKnight.

The two compliment each other well. Greene being the bruising, early down back while McKnight can handle third down duties. Add in fifth round pick fullback John Connor and you have the makings of a dynamic backfield.

Sanchez isn’t lacking in reliable targets either.

All of the Jets top three receivers –Edwards, Cotchery, Holmes — are 27 or younger. While the Jets likely won’t be able to keep both Edwards and Holmes after this year, a combination of two of the three is just fine. Don’t forget about third year tight end Dustin Keller, who showed a great rapport with Sanchez in the playoffs.

The core of the team last year was the offensive line and it is relatively young. D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold are the heat of the line, play the two most integral positions, left tackle and center, and are both only 26.

The rest of line is composed of Brandon Moore, who is turning 30 and is still has a few good years left in him. Rookie Vladimir Ducasse, only 22, will likely fill the left guard spot. The only position of concern is right tackle, where Damien Woody is 32. He played at an elite level last year, but the Jets have to start planning for the future.

Ducasee could slide over to the right tackle position, leaving a hole at left guard, where it is easier to find a replacement.

On the defensive side of the ball the Jets are in great shape too.

However, the defensive line is need of some youth.

Kris Jenkins, Shaun Ellis, and Sione Pouha are all 30 or older.

The Jets should look to address the defensive line in the offseason net year and knowing Mike Tannenbaum’s track record I expect him to aggressively address it.

Though, the Jets do have a lot of young players they like on the defensive line including Mike DeVito, whom is expected to start this year, Ropati Pitoitua, and Rodrique Wright.

The linebacker core is in better shape. Led by David Harris and Bart Scott in the middle the Jets have one of the best duos in the league. On the outside the Jets could use a little help though.

Calvin Pace is a solid starter at one slot, but Jason Taylor is locked in at the other spot and he is only a one-year fix.

The best are of the defense though, is the secondary.

They have arguably the league’s best cornerback trio in Revis, Cromatrie, and Wilson and all are 26 or younger.

The leader of the defense, Jim Leonhard, is only 27 and the other projected starter at safety, Brodney Pool, is only 26.

So can we finally end this Super Bowl or bust talk.

These Jets are ready to compete now and will be a force to be reckon with in the next few years.

The league better get used to the loud talking Rex Ryan and his Jets because they aren’t just a one-year wonder. They are here to stay and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

Tags: New York Jets, new york jets future, new york jets super bowl

Jared Allen Ditches the Mullet

Chris C

– May 26, 2010Posted in: Minnesota Vikings, NFL, News

Jared Allen has done the unimaginable.

He has cut his trademark mullet.

Of course, he did it for a women. His wife to be, a matter of fact, as they are set to wed sometime soon.

“The things men do for love,” Allen told Vikings.com.

Quite the contrary to what he said just few short months ago.

In that interview Allen said, “The mullet isn’t just a hairdo. It’s definitely a lifestyle. You’re carrying on a legacy,” he said “If I approach you from the front, it’s like, wow, that dude is pretty serious. Then I walk away and you’re like, damn, he likes to party. With two Rs.”

In response to if/when he will ditch the mullet Allen said, “Yeah i might cut it some day, when I die.

Well, he’s certainly not dead, but the mullet is gone.

A sad day indeed.

But don;t fret, the mullet may be back sooner than you think.

Allen hinted on this Twitter page Wednesday that “The Mullet” might reappear at some point.

“The mullet was trimmed for the wedding but the Moolay is more than just some hair, its a lifestyle! You gotta keep a positive Mullitude…”

Tags: jared allen, jared allen cuts mullet, jared allen minnesota vikings, jared allen mullet

Defending a New York Super Bowl

Chris C

– May 25, 2010Posted in: Features, NFL

A cold weather Super Bowl. Get your hand warmers ready because were headed for one.

Whether you love it or hate it, later today the NFL will announce that the 2014 Super Bowl will be in New York.

Well, technically New Jersey. Doesn’t sounds as good does it. No need to worry though.

The game will be played in New Jersey at the open aired and beautiful New Meadowlands Stadium.

The teams would fly into New Jersey and practice there.

However, all the parties and media would be in New York, the greatest city in the world.

It has been 48 years since the NFL championship game has last been played in New York, a 16-7 win for the Packers over the Giants in front of 64,000 at Yankee Stadium. Go back one time further and you have “The Greatest Game Ever Played” in 1958 between the Colts and Giants.

No one was complaining about having the big game in cold and frigid temperatures back then and they shouldn’t be now.

It’s not like there has been perfect, sunny, 70 degree weather every Super Bowl.

Just look back to 2007, where the game was held in Miami (a possible host for this year), and there was nearly an inch of rain on the ground and winds of 20mph. Or in Detroit in 2006, where there was an inch of snow outside on the ground (the game was held in a dome). How about 2005 in Jacksonville, where the temperature was in the 50s the whole week. So much for that Florida weather.

Will Leitch, founding editor of Deadspin, has this to say: “The problem is not weather. The problem is showing visitors a pleasant time. New York, better than anywhere, with the possible exceptions of New Orleans and Miami, assures this won’t be an issue. If you can’t enjoy New York City, even in February, the issue is with you, not the venue.”

And he’s exactly right. The Super Bowl is much more than just the game. It’s about all the parties and buildup prior to the game. And what better place to host it than New York City.

Imagine the NFL Experience expo held in the Javits Center, the NFL’s official Super Bowl party at the American Museum of Natural History and the Super Bowl Saturday night concerts overlooking the city’s skyline at Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

No other city can compare to that or even come close.

The idea of weather being a deterrent is off base and over exaggerated.

The coldest game played at the Meadowlands since 2000 was in fact, the last game played at the Meadowlands this past January between the Jets and Bengals.

The game time temperature for that game for 20 degrees. I was at that game and the cold didn’t bother me one bit. It was one the best experiences I have of going to a football game and I won’t ever forget those memories.

Even if the weather is bad we’ve still seen some of the greatest games ever played in frigid conditions.

The “tuck rule game” that essentially launched the Patriots mini dynasty, the 2008 NFC Championship between the Giants and Packers with Brett Favre blowing the game by throwing a interception, and who could forget the “Ice Bowl” played between the Packers and Cowboys in negative temperatures (-13 degrees at kickoff).

A game can be great regardless of the weather. Cold weather isn’t going to prevent it.

Besides most people that go to the Super Bowl go to be a witness and part of the event; not to enjoy some fun in the sun.

On February 2, 2014 history will be made as the first Super Bowl will be played outdoors in a cold weather city.

The greatest spectacle in sports will finally be paired with greatest city.

Below zero temperatures or snow, the game will be played and quite frankly, I can’t wait.

Tags: 2014 super bowl, new jersey super bowl, new york super bowl, Super Bowl XLVIII

Dwayne Bowe Causes A Stir

Chris C

– May 24, 2010Posted in: Kansas City Chiefs, NFL, News

Dwayne Bowe, wide receiver for the Kansas City Cheifs, had some interesting things to say in a guest column he wrote for the upcoming issue of ESPN The Magazine.

“My rookie year, we were playing in San Diego,” Bowe says. “You hear stories about groupies hanging out in hotel lobbies, but some of my teammates had it set up so there was a girl in every room. The older guys get on MySpace and Facebook a week before we go to a city; when a pretty one writes back, they arrange to fly her in three or four days in advance. They call it importing.”

“Younger guys don’t have the money to do it,” Bowe added. “Anyway, these girls had the whole top floor. They know everything about us — first and last names, sisters and brothers, salary. This one girl was talking to me like she’d known me for years. ‘Hey, D-Bowe, how’s Grandma?’ I’m like, ‘How do you know my grandma?’ She knew that I talk about her every time I’m interviewed for a story.

“I told her I had a girlfriend, but she didn’t care. She was wearing my jersey, sitting in my lap, making it look like we knew each other. Then she took a picture and put it on Facebook. That almost got me in trouble.”

These comments have been casuing quite the stir.

The Chiefs have kept mum on the issue, but that hasn’t stopped other people from speaking out.

Former teammate on that 2007 Chiefs team, Jimmy Wilkerson, disputed Bowe’s claims and basically called it a flat out lie.

Though, it’s tough to believe Wilkerson’s denial. It’s in Wilkerson’s best interest as a married man to try and dispel the credibility of Bowe’s story.

Now, I’m not saying Wilkerson was involved, but Bowe has greater credibility because he had no incentive to share this story.

Current ESPN analyst Marcellus Wiley, appearing on a Miami radio station, said that Bowe “broke the code” of silence by fellow NFL players regarding their road trip interactions with groupies, essentially confirming what Bowe had said to be true.

He then shared his won tale of a road trip to Seattle in 1999, while he was with the Buffalo Bills. “There were a few ladies already setup, already there, already in the hotel,” Wiley said.

Wiley went on to say that this did not happen every road trip. The amount of time and effort spent organizing something like Bowe and Wiley described prevented it have happening frequently. He also added that he estimates that as many as 80% of NFL players cheat on their wives or girlfriends.

While these revelations shouldn’t really shock anyone, it is quite newsworthy.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the league office gave the Chiefs a call and Commissioner Goodell asked Bowe to have a face to face meeting.

A seemingly innocuous comment from Bowe could have some long lasting effects for Bowe and the Chiefs.

Tags: dwayne bowe, dwayne bowe espn the magazine, dwayne bowe importing, marcellus wiley

Giants Stadium Demolished

Chris C

– May 24, 2010Posted in: NFL, News

This past football season was the final season of football at Giants Stadium.

It opened on a rather sour note on October 10, 1976 with a Giants loss to the arch-rival Dallas Cowboys.

However, it went out with a bang on January 3rd of this past year as the New York Jets demolished the Cincinnati Bengals 37-0 to earn a playoff berth.

The venue was far more than the home of the new York Giants and New York Jets (since 1984).

It mosted many college football games as well as soccer games.

Countless concerts took place there. The 1994 FIFA World Cup was hosted there. Even Pope John Paul II held mass there.

Even though it wasn’t the nicest of stadiums, I’ll always have good memories of it.

It was where I saw my first football game and many more after that rooting for my New York Jets.

While the new stadium should no doubt be an upgrade, I’ll miss Giants Stadium.

I’ll never forget the last game there where the Jets trounced the Bengals. The place was going absolutely ballistic. It wa sunlike anything I have ever experienced at a football game.

With that, I say goodbye to Giants Stadium and hope the new stadium will bring just as many memories.