Blog Archives: Articles

Is the Annual NFL International Series Working in London?

In an increasingly global economic world, it seems no brand can claim true dominance without reaching every corner of the globe. Sports franchises and organizations are no different. Every professional team and league searches beyond domestic borders to reach new fans and new pocketbooks in different parts of the world.

The NFL is a perfect example of a powerhouse sports organization looking to push its brand name to the top of the list worldwide. The NFL faces a difficult struggle though. When Americans hear the term “football” they immediately think of NCAA football and the NFL. Across the rest of the globe however, the term “football” is used to refer to what Americans call soccer. Therein lies the challenge for the NFL, sell their brand of football to billions of citizens in different countries where another football is king and try to dethrone the most popular sport in the world at the same time.

Does the New York Media have a Love Affair with Tim Tebow and Vendetta Against Mark Sanchez?

Uh oh… I’m starting to see a pattern here.  There is a love affair with Tim Tebow.  But wait Erik, we already knew that, that’s why everyone is Tebowing and he’s the most popular player in the NFL you say….

No, I’m talking about the New York Media, at least for one beat writer.  Manish Mehta put out an article yesterday quoting Jets’ QB coach Matt Cavanaugh being critical of Mark Sanchez and saying that he is to blame for some of the Jets failures last year.

Today, an article about the same coach and same writer, Mehta talk about Tebow and how the coach is “pleasantly surprised” on his throwing mechanics.  It’s almost like the media WANTS a QB controversy so badly!  Now I’m not saying that Manish is making this story up, but you must take into consideration the way the article is written, which story gets released first (as one interview was most likely  have taken place), the words used in the headlines and the way the information is presented to the fans.

As they say “Let’s go to the video tape” er uh, the web:

Exhibit A:  The headlines.  They speak for themselves.

Exhibit B:  The Opening Paragraphs - 

New England Patriots: How They’ve Improved this Off-Season

The New England Patriots came within two minutes of a Super Bowl last season but the franchise had serious work to do to improve for the 2012 NFL season. The defense let up huge plays last year and needed widespread fixes while the offense still needed a big downfield wide receiving threat. After the off-season, it looks like the Patriots hit all their team needs and will be the top contenders for the NFL Super Bowl.

On defense, Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower, their two top draft picks, will really strengthen the pass rush. Jones is a pass rushing specialist and the hybrid defensive end-outside linebacker position while Hightower was the most talented linebacker in college football and will bring both stability to the interior of the defense and quarterback pressure. At the back of the defense, the Patriots are big believers in skilled, tough hitting safety Tavon Wilson.

On offense, the Patriots now have several downfield receiving weapons. In addition to short, mid, and slot-range receiving weapons Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, New England added downfield threats Anthony Gonzalez (the former Colt and Peyton Manning’s second favorite target before Gonzalez’s injuries) and Brandon Lloyd (who has thrived in coordinator Josh McDaniel’s offense). It’s an offense that will air it out and crush many hapless NFL teams.

So, it looks like the Patriots are ready for the coming season!

This article was written by Paul Grossinger

2012 NFL Rookie Signing Tracker

2012 NFL Rookies are now free to sign with their respective teams. The 2012 NFL Draft is in the books and with the new rookie wage scale teams are working fast to sign their rookies. The Seattle Seahawks already locked up first round pick Bruce Irvin (15th overall) and the San Diego Chargers got Melvin Ingram (18th overall) under contract.

With so many rookies though, it can be tough to keep up with all the signings. That’s why I created this 2012 NFL Rookie Signing Tracker, which will keep track of the contracts signed by all first round picks.

What will number one overall pick Andrew Luck’s contract look like? What about Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III? Don’t forget about playmakers like Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon.

Bookmark this page and come back frequently to see which 2012 NFL Rookies have signed contracts with their new teams and how much they have signed for.

UPDATE (5/21): Quinton Coples (#16) and Dre Krikpatrick (#17) have signed.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns

4. Matt Kalil, OT, Minnesota Vikings

5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

6. Morris Claiborne, CB, Dallas Cowboys

7. Mark Barron, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

8. Ryan Tannehill, AB, Miami Dolphins

9. Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers

• 4 yrs, $12.58 M (fully guaranteed)

10. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills

11. Dontari Poe, DT, Kansas City Chiefs

12. Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

13. Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

14. Michael Brockers, DT, St. Louis Rams

15. Bruce Irvin, DE, Seattle Seahawks

• 4yrs, $9.34 M (fully guaranteed)
• $5.2 M signing bonus

Eli Manning Saturday Night Live Highlights

Eli Manning hosted Saturday Night Live the other night. While older brother Peyton set the bar high, Eli did not disappoint. For a guy who is rarely open to the media, Eli showed  he had a personality and while he wasn’t great he was a helluva lot better than a host of other athletes.

He spent his opening monologue answering questions about New York, his adopted state, and it even featured a cameo by his offensive line.

The most talked sketch featured Eli as a spokesperson for Little Brothers, a foundation that helps little brothers get revenge on their older brothers. The highlight was Eli locking Andy Samberg in a car trunk while calling him Peyton. This was clearly a spinoff to Peyton’s United Way sketch when he hosted.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

The 2012 NFL Draft is this Thursday so it’s time to unviel my final (and only) Mock Draft of the year. Enjoy.

1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins
Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kahlil, OT, USC

4. Cleveland Browns
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. St. Louis Rams
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Wacky Super Bowl XLVI Prop Bets

1. How long will it take Kelly Clarkson to sing the National Anthem?
Over/Under: 1 minute 34 Seconds

2. Will Kelly Clarkson’s bare belly be showing when she sings the National Anthem?
Yes (only): 3/1

3. What color will Madonna’s hair be when she begins the Super Bowl Halftime show?
Blonde: -400
Any other color: +250

4. Will Madonna be wearing fishnet stockings at any point during the Super Bowl Halftime show?
Yes: -110
No: -110

5. How many times will Peyton Manning be shown on TV during the game?
Over/Under: 3 1/2

6. How many times will Gisele Bundchen be shown on TV during the game?
Over: 1/2 (-150)
Under: 1/2 (+110)

7. If Tom Brady’s son is shown on TV during the game will he be wearing a Tom Brady Jersey?
Yes: -200
No: +150

8. How many times will David Tyree’s 2008 Super Bowl catch be shown be shown on TV during the game?
Over/Under: 1

9. How many times will Robert Kraft be shown on TV during the game?
Over/Under: 3 1/2

(Source)