Who Should the Jets Target in the 2014 Free Agency Market?

The New York Jets had been reportedly targeting Jeremy Maclin but he has now signed a one year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles to stay there.  So who can they sign to help Geno Smith grow as a quarterback in the NFL?

Here are some players I can see them going after:

Kenny Britt, a talented receiver who has had some issues in his career off the field and also making plays on the field.  While NYC is not a great place for a player like this I think the Jets organization can help him out, he will be a big focal point on the offense and a fresh start is what he needs.  He would bring some great play-making to this team.

Dustin Keller-  I don't see him staying in Miami now, he is a free agent and he has history with the Jets, a solid tight end is a quarterbacks best friend.

Sidney Rice-  Injury issues ended his season last year but he can step in and make plays for this team, when healthy he plays well, the 2012 season he had 7 receiving touchdowns on a team that didn't throw much.  He can help the team's deep ball attack, and he probably would not cost much.

Mario Manningham- Another receiver that has a solid resume, he has played in NY before just on the other team but he had some success there.  He might not be the number one guy but he could line on the opposite side of the field from whoever that is and create plays.

Those 4 players are the most likely to get signed by the Jets over players such as Jimmy Graham or Anquan Boldin who are most likely to stay on their teams.

Darren McFadden- While he is injury prone he is a threat and top running back when healthy, he could help restore the Jets ground game to where it was back in 2009 and 2010.

The Jets are in need of help to continue to develop Geno Smith, and they need pass catchers that have played well in their careers as of late and that can continue to produce to help win.  It is time to let Geno loose and see what he is made of, but first he needs so more help.

My Top 5 Pick Prediction for the 2014 NFL Draft

Pick 1- Houston Texans

Pick: Blake Bortles, Quarterback UCF

The Houston Texans are in need of a quarterback, they have a running game and Andre Johnson who is one of the best receivers in the game, and their defense has players such as JJ Watt and Brian Cushing. Bortles could come in and be the starter right away because I do not seen any of the QBs from the 2013 squad having a real chance to start, and the free agent market does not look promising.  Bortles is also athletic which means aside from his passing skills they could add read-option plays that he and Arian Foster can use to their advantage.  I am also saying this because Texans head coach Bill O’Brien is not sold on Johnny Manziel.

Pick 2- St. Louis Rams

Pick: Greg Robinson, OT Auburn

The St. Louis Rams should continue to build their offensive line, Robinson will be helpful in the running game as he played on a line for a run-heavy team.  The Rams should also continue on protecting their quarterback as well, if Bradford comes back healthy and is well protected he and Tavon Austin could have success.  Not only that but playing in a division with three top-notch defenses you must protect the QB, Bradford has been injury prone since coming into the NFL in the 2010 season.

Pick 3- Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Johnny Manziel, Quarterback Texas A&M

The Jaguars have been struggling to find an answer at the quarterback position, Blaine Gabbert is not working out, whether it is injury or his turnovers, and Chad Henne is not franchise QB material.  Manziel would add a spark to this offense that was woeful last season, he is accurate and also is athletic and can make plays with his legs and arm.  If Maurice Jones Drew comes back then Manziel will have a great play maker in the backfield and he also has Justin Blackman as his receiver, Blackman could start becoming the player many hoped he would be with a QB such as Manziel. 

Pick 4- Cleveland Browns

Pick: Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback Louisville

The Browns are in re-build mode AGAIN, in the 2012 draft they took Trent Richardson at number 3 and he was traded away last year and then their other first rounder QB Brandon Weeden now wants out.  The Browns cannot miss on this pick, Bridgewater can come in and start right away, and they already have a good receiver in Josh Gordon who had his coming out party last year.  Bridgewater could be the beginning of a turnaround for the Browns as they try to once again re-build.

Pick 5- Oakland Raiders

Pick: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

Sammy Watkins is a dynamic play maker and the Raiders are in need of players such as him, their receiving corp. is nothing special, they have a lot of speed and can make plays but those plays are far and few between.  Watkins can be the number 1 receiver on this team, and I think he would be a great addition to a team that lacks offensive fire-power.  The Raiders are re-building again as well, so this is the perfect start. 

Jadeveon Clowney- If the Texans do not take a QB with the top pick he would probably land in Houston. 

Will Aaron Hernandez and Richie Incognito Change how the NFL Teams will look at "Red-Flagged" Players?

To me the 2014 NFL Draft may see teams looking into a “red flagged” players past in different ways to see what kind of person they actually are.  I say this because of the recent issues in the Miami Dolphins locker room and also the Aaron Hernandez case.

While what happened in Miami is inexcusable there could have been preventive measures taken to stop it from happen, Miami should have looked into Incognito’s past a little more and saw that he has a trouble past. He spat in player’s faces which he was accused of, he had a fight in the spring of 2003 during practice, and also was charged in a fight in 2004.  Clearly he was an issue to have on a team before, so when the bullying scandal came out it should not have been a surprise, obviously him being in the NFL since 2005 may have changed how some felt about him.

Aaron Hernandez’s case is far worse, not only is he in trouble because he is accused of killing Odin Lloyd but he is also being looked at as the suspect in a double homicide in Boston in 2012.  He had his own issues in college as well, he got into a fight in 2007 after refusing to pay his tab at a local restaurant in Gainesville, Florida.  That was not it though, he had been involved with drugs in college and also a shootout outside of a bar, this was allegedly covered up with the help of then Florida Gator head coach Urban Meyer*.  Those should have been red flag indicators as well, but again it was covered up, though I am not sure how it was not even possibly discovered when he entered the draft.

These two players clearly have character issues when it pertains to violence, their college careers show this as true. 

I think that both of these incidents could change how “red flagged” players will be viewed entering the draft, 

because now that two players with troubled pasts have created issues legally the players entering the draft may have problems being picked.  Some players that are considered a high round pick could fall into the 4^th and 5^th rounds or may not even get drafted.

An example of that is the New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard who was projected to be picked as high as the second round but fell due to issues such as being ejected from a game for fighting.  He also was charged for allegedly punching a police officer in the face, he fell to the 7^th round.  That is the kind of player teams will take late in the draft or sign after if they go un-drafted.

There has been a history of troubled players taken high that have got into legal trouble such as Jamarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf.  This year’s draft I could see Johnny Manziel falling if any more character issues arise, he has been arrested once in 2012 and also was accused of making money for autographs.  The arrest was for failure to identify and carrying a fictitious license, he also had a disorderly conduct charge as well.

While he is one heck of a player his issues could cause him to drop out of the top 5 in the draft.  We will wait and see how he does in the NFL and how he carries himself.

I truly believe that Hernandez and Incognito will impact this year’s draft for troubled players because of what they did. 

The Legacy that Derek Jeter will Leave Behind

Derek Jeter announced that this season will in fact be has last one as a professional baseball player, he will be retiring at the seasons end with 20 years in the league.

He made his first appearance on May 29th, 1995, to put this in perspective I was only 6 and a half when this happened.  I have seen him play a long long time, it is crazy to think this is his last season.

Jeter's rookie season was in 1996 and he helped the Yankees win their first World Series since 1978 all while winning the AL rookie of the year unanimously, and from there his career kept going.  Jeter is a 5 time World Series champion, has 1 World Series MVP, 13 time all-star, has been the Yankees captain since 2003 and is part of the 3,000 hit club.  That is very impressive!

When fans think of Derek Jeter they think of someone who is classy, a champion, a great player and one of the greatest Yankees of all time.  Derek has only played with the Yankees his whole career, which is something almost rarely seen these days which adds to his legacy.  Even the team that hates the Yankees most, The Boston Red Sox and their fans have respect for him.  He has been classy his whole career and has not been caught up in scandals, sometimes that is hard to do in the big city that is New York City.  He could have easily found trouble and snapped back and criticism in brash ways but he did not, that speaks volumes about him.

He is more than a Yankee, he is an icon in New York sports history, he helped close down the old Yankee Stadium and helped open the new one (he mentions this in his letter that is on his Facebook page, that is where this is taken from).  He has played in a Subway World Series, and he has dazzled with his play, he will be missed once this season is gone.

I can say when I watched him play he gave it his all even to this day, he is fierce and wants nothing to do with losing, he wants that title every single season he goes out and plays.  He has handled tough situations well, his leadership is one of the biggest reasons why the Yankees are always in contention for the playoffs every single season.  I am not sure what the post-Jeter Yankees life will be like once he retires, but it will be interesting to watch.

Yankee baseball without the captain or as some call him "Captain Clutch" or "Mr. November" will not be the same.  This is one of the biggest announcements in sports in my 25 years of life.  I have friends who are big Yankee fans, their shocked as well, Jeter will always be remembered and I am sure he will always be a part of the Yankees beyond 2014.

His legacy he will leave behind will be one of the greatest ones we have ever known, classy, clutch and one hell of a player.  Thank you Derek Jeter, and best of luck in 2014....

My Reaction to the Ted Wells Miami Dolphins Bullying Report

I just read the Ted Wells report on Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito that had been shortened to bullet points and I am skimming through the whole report and I can say that Incognito should not be back on the Dolphins.

Incognito had been venting on twitter over the past few days making statements that he was the victim and not Martin saying that the truth would sink Martin and his camp.  Martin was bullied by Incognito and other offensive linemen (John Jerry and Mike Pouncey), not only was Martin harassed but also another young offensive lineman and an assistant trainer.  Racial slurs were used, not only slurs against African-Americans but also Asians, there were homophobic slurs and remarks against Martins mother and sister, that is not what a good teammate and friend does to someone they care about. 

The report also rejects the idea Martin made any of his claims up to leave the team, another blow to Incognito and his claims. 

What I find disturbing about all of this are the findings we knew nothing about which is that two fellow offensive linemen joined in and that Martin was not the only one who was being harassed.  How does a team allow this to happen?  To me at the very least the offensive line coach should  have said something because I bet you he knew what was going on...

What this whole situation tells me is the changes need to come to the NFL, nobody should feel like they do not belong on a team because racial slurs are being used against them or when people use other slurs and threats against them and their loved ones.  I think the NFL will come down with suspensions for not just Incognito but Pouncey and Jerry as well, they will be looking at the report first before making any decision.  The NFL workplace policies could change, and I think they should, bullying has no place anywhere no matter the age of the bullies and those being bullied.

Martin probably felt that he could not stand up for himself, he dealt with bullying from a young age and that bothered him so one can probably gather he does not know how to handle it.  Imagine if he hauled off and decked Incognito, he would have been in trouble I am sure.  Now that I think about the texting back and forth between Martin and Incognito I think Martin said a lot of the things he did to feel like he fit in.  

Back to Incognito now....

According to an article on "The Big Lead" by Ryan Glasspiegel that the Ted Wells report showed that Incognito tried to destroy evidence as it pertains the fine book that Incognito had.  The article states that Martin had been fined for "being a pussy" and also he had been fined $10,000 for skipping the offensive linemen's trip to Las Vegas. 

Not only did Incognito have that book which is awful he also tried to destroy the evidence, but yet he acts like the victim.  To me Incognito should be suspended all of 2014 without pay assuming anyone would want him on their team (I would not even give him a thought if I was a teams GM or coach). 

Pouncey and Jerry should also receive suspensions as well and without pay.

The report also shows that former Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland asked Incognito to make Martin tougher both mentally and physically.

The 2014 Miami Dolphins better turn that culture around, this report is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what will happen to Richie Incognito.

And my last thought here:

Incognito better come out and apologize to Martin, to the Dolphins organization, the fans and also everyone he offended as well.  He cannot vent on twitter acting like he did nothing wrong and then be silent when the findings come out! 

My Reaction to Michael Sam and His Decision

Michael Sam came out and said that he was gay to the public on February 9th on ESPN's "Outside The Lines" to Chris Connelly.  He had told his teammates back in August in 2013, he is one of the first openly gay collegiate football players.

There have been different reactions to this, but the amount of support he has received is amazing, from his college teammates to NFL players and teams and also NFL all time greats such as Deion Sanders.  To me this shows the NFL is ready for an openly gay player, players such as Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams have come out in support.

One thing players have said is that they do not care about his orientation, they have said as long as he can help them win then that is all they care about.  Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Denver Broncos executive John Elway have also come out in support of Michael as well.

How do I think this could turn out in the NFL?

To begin I think that he will be accepted in the locker room of an NFL team based on the reactions and support that he has received.  While I think some players and executives in the NFL may look at him as the gay player and teammate that he will play well.  He does not want to be known as the gay guy, and I agree with him, as long as he produces that is all that counts.  So what if a gay player records 15 sacks in a season, all that matters is that he was able to do so.

I think this will also generate buzz because sadly some teams may pass on him in the draft in the early rounds if he falls that far because they may be afraid of how he will affect a locker room.  Well clearly he did not affect the Missouri locker room, his teammates have said they care about him and will protect him, so that shows how much people care about him.

I almost feel like he could be the Jackie Robinson for gays in the NFL, call my crazy but that is who he will be in my eyes.  He can be a hero and role model to many people who are both fans and non-fans of the NFL simply because he came out and is not afraid of it.

I think he will make a positive influence in any locker room, he was strong enough to come out and tell his story before it could be leaked.  To me that shows courage which is a trait that is looked upon in the NFL, this will help him in his career.

How do I feel about this?

I am going to support him 100% of the way, I do not care what religion, sex, race or sexual orientation you are, as long as you are a great person that is all that should matter.  I hope he does well in the NFL and do so without any sort of fear via his teammates.

Nobody should be remembered for what they look like or their sexual orientation is but rather how they perform their duties and do them well.  I think he will play well in the NFL, he did in college so why would his preferences change how he plays?

My final take is also this: if a player has a DUI manslaughter charge on their record (Donte Stallworth), Dog fighting record (Michael Vick) or been accused of sexual assault (Ben Roethlisberger) and they can still play then someone who has not committed a crime like Michael Sam can play as well. (Credit Jon Stewart for making these thoughts on his show).

I agree with what he said on his show which is why I have selected that as my final take, it was in response to those who have said that Sam could be a distraction on NFL teams.  Well if a player killed someone and he can play and not be a huge distraction then why is a gay man going to be?  He NEVER killed anyone!

If we as Americans can forgive those players it is time to accept gays in the NFL, Sam has been very thankful as well to his supporters.  He is showing true bravery as well as being thankful at the same time, I would take him on my teams roster in a second!

Wide Receivers that the New England Patriots Could Sign in 2014

I did some research on 2014 free agent wide receivers to see who the New England Patriots could sign in order to bolster that spot on their roster.

I say the Patriots will resign Julian Edelman who generated over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, he could come back and still contribute.  They could use him in the slot and for gains across the middle of the field.

Aside from him I think the Patriots will make another splash in free agency, here are the receivers I can see them sign:

Eric Decker- He played for Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in 2010 when McDaniels was the head coach and he was a rookie that season meaning that McDaniels had some hand in taking him in the draft.  He has had back to back 1,000 yard seasons and both with at least 11 touchdowns that is the type of production he would make a great addition to the Patriots offense.

Jeremy Maclin- While he is coming off a torn ACL it should be noted that he did this on July 27th, 2013 so he has had plenty of time off to come back strong.  I think he is a number one receiver and he would be on a team that is stable (note that in 2013 he did not play so prior he has had dealt with injuries at the QB spot).  Brady and Maclin could create some magic on the field, to be honest I could see him put up 1,300 yards and 12 or 13 touchdowns in 2014.

Kenny Britt- This is a wildcard but I think he would make a great fit and Bill Belichick has a history of helping troubled players such as Aqib Talib and  Randy Moss. Britt is a 1,000 yard receiver and can get you 8-10 touchdowns a season in my opinion.

Marion Manningham- While he has had down years on the 49ers due to injuries I think he would be a great addition to the Patriots.  He has won a Super Bowl with the Giants and has been on successful 49er teams, he would definitely would want to go to a contender where he could contribute, I would put him lower on the totem pole than Britt.

Other receivers that I could see them signing:
Anquan Boldin
Jerome Simpson
Golden Tate

All statistics taken from www.nfl.com

Did Peyton Manning's Legacy Take a Big Hit Following the Super Bowl 48 Loss?

Peyton Manning left Metlife Stadium on Sunday on the short end of the stick in the Super Bowl losing it 43-8.

Many said that if he won this game that he could be or would be the greatest quarterback that has ever played the game.  Well I would safely say that conversation is over, because he has shown in the playoffs that he comes up short.  His playoff record is 11-12 (1-2 in Super Bowls), and  has 8 one and dones in the playoffs. 

This is not to take away from his legacy, he constantly puts up MVP numbers ever year, but when it comes to crunch time in the playoffs he has not shined.  The 2006 season was the season he got the monkey of no title off his back when he lead a comeback against the Patriots in the AFC title game to go the Super Bowl.  Manning was able to help lead his team to victory over the Chicago Bears, but since he has lost 2 Super Bowls, and in both of those games he has thrown a pick-six.

While this recent Super Bowl was probably not largely affected by the pick-six (score says it all) the game against the Saints where he threw one was costly.  Manning cannot be faulted for everything this past one either, that pass protection was not up to par and Manning was trying to hit his targets but had to move around.

While his playoff failures are well documented it is unfair to say that he is not one of the all time greats regardless.  People consider Dan Marino one of the all time greats and he never won a Super Bowl, in fact he only went to one of those.  So to say Manning does not have credentials to be an all time great is a slap in the face to him.

However the playoff failures will follow him in his legacy, and much like Tom Brady and the Patriots record setting bunch in 2007 the 2013 Broncos fell victim to a tough defense that took Manning and his offense out of their comfort zone.

I said in my Super Bowl prediction that I did not have confidence in the Broncos being able to win because of Seattle's defense.  I made a reference to the 2007 Patriots who as I mentioned lost in the Super Bowl to the Giants ending their bid to do 19-0, that is one example of how top offenses have failed in big games.  Manning also knows how that works because in 2004 he and the Colts only scored 3 points in the AFC Divisional round game against the Patriots, that year Manning threw a then record 49 touchdown passes.

Manning's class and love for the game should also detract those who attack his credentials, after the Super Bowl was over Sunday Manning found Sherman and asked if he was okay.  I have to say Manning is a true sportsman for this, and I love to see when players do this sort of thing.

I have in the past been a critic of Manning, and part of me still is because he cannot come up in big spots in the post season, and this year he did that again and came up short big time.

Regardless of that he is still one of the best players in NFL history, every year his team will be in contention, every year he will put up MVP and video game numbers and every year he handles himself with class.  Manning may not be clutch, but he is great, I just hope that one day people will look back at him and think of him as a pioneer for the game of football.

I say that because of his feats, Manning beats most people with his head and can make all the throws, the only thing he lacks in mobility and also arm strength, but he used his brains and adapted to make it work for him.

And one last thing.... he also came back from four neck surgeries, yes FOUR to make two trips to the playoffs, a Super Bowl appearance and oh yeah the greatest regular season a quarterback has ever had setting the touchdown passing record and the passing yard mark for the regular season.

So has Manning's legacy taken a huge hit? No, but it did take some, Manning will be regarded as the best regular season quarterback of all time and his playoff record may tarnish him, but we cannot forget the great regular seasons he has had. 

Manning will be back next year with a bigger chip on his shoulder, I look forward to seeing how he does next season.