Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Linebacker to retire due to rule enforcement?

James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers was permitted to skip practice today, after informing Coach Mike Tomlin that he is considering retirement. The reasons for his sudden thoughts on retirement: the $75,000 fine he was assessed for Mohamed Massaquoi of the Cleveland Browns, and his thought that he will not be able to play football under the current rules. His exact quote, as told to the Fox Sports Radio program 'Into the Night with Tony Bruno' was: I'm going to sit down and have a serious conversation with my coach tomorrow and see if I can actually play by NFL rules and still be effective," Harrison told guest host Judy McDonald. "If not, I may have to give up playing football."

According to the NFL rulebook, rule 12, 2, 7g bans "using any part of a player's helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/hairline parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily," and also states, "violent or unnecessary use of the helmet is impermissible against any opponent." This is not a new rule; it presently exists and was on the books prior to Sunday's action. This rule applies to ANY player, including the ball carrier, or the intended target of a pass. As such, Harrison's hit was in direct violation of the rule.

To state that he might not be able to play if the rule is enforced in simply nothing more than an attempt to cover his actions. Hits such as the one that he put on Massaquoi can leave a person paralysed (just ask Darryl Stingley - here's a video for those that haven't seen that hit to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1lYWg0_Yz8 ).

There is nothing wrong with enforcing a rule that is already on the books. There is nothing wrong with attempting to prevent hits that can literally cripple a player for life. But there is a lot wrong with an NFL linebacker, whose career has been during a time with that existing rule being on the books, questioning his ability to play when that rule is enforced. Stop trying to be a drama queen like Brett Favre. Play football as it was meant to be played, and by the letter of the rules.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Rangers Finally Win a Playoff Series

The Texas Rangers organization has been around for fifty seasons. They began their existence as the second incarnation of the Washington Senators franchise, after the original Senators moved to Minnesota. Coming into the league as an expansion franchise along with the Los Angeles (later California, then Anaheim, then Los Angeles of Anaheim) Angeles, they spent their first ten seasons in Washington before moving to Texas, where they play now.

Why the brief history lesson? Well, prior to last night, the Rangers franchise had never won a playoff series in their fifty years. They are, in fact, the only franchise to have not won a playoff series in that time frame. Yes, even the Montreal Expos won a playoff series before the Rangers (1981 against Philadelphia when Steve Rogers outdeuled Steve Carlton in Game 5). To be eclipsed in anything by a team as historically terrible as the Expos is a bit sobering.

The Ranges have had their opportunities in the past, having made the postseason in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Over those three trips to the playoffs, they had won a combined one game. Of course, in each postseason appearance, they ran into the eventual World Series champion New York Yankees. Featuring lineups filled with home run threats and a pitching staff that would not frighten any legitimate major league lineups, they tried to bash their way to postseason victory.

This approach changed with the introduction of Nolan Ryan as team president. Ryan introduced the concept of getting actual pitchers on the roster, pitchers that threw strikes and and could get out of trouble. This concept was extended throughout the Rangers system, and was capped off with the mid-season acquisition of Cliff Lee. Now the Rangers had a legitimate ace, which they have lacked seemingly over their entire franchise history. With ease, the Rangers made the playoffs behind their strong pitching staff and a potential MVP candidate in Josh Hamilton, winning the AL West by nine games.

After going up 2-0 in the series, the Rays fought back, evening the series at two games each. Game five was played in Tampa, and it seemed as though the Rangers franchise would once again find a way to lose in the postseason. The Rangers struck first, scoring a first inning run on a groundball by Hamilton on a hit and run with Elvis Andrus on second. The Rays would score in the third, making it a 1-1 ballgame, and seemingly opening the door for yet another Rangers playoff exit.

But the Rangers did not go away. Nelson Cruz stole third in the top of the fourth inning, and scored on the wild throw down the line. Cliff Lee held the Rays scoreless the rest of the way, as the Rangers tacked on insurance runs in the sixth and two more in the ninth innings, finally sending this franchise to the second round, where they face their old nemesis - the New York Yankees.

After the game, the Rangers went to celebrate. Previously, upon clinching their first playoff berth in over a decade, they had celebrated with champagne, as most teams normally do. However, their prized slugger Hamilton, who has a history of alcohol and drug abuse, was unable to celebrate with the team. This time, they grabbed Hamilton and brought him into the clubhouse to celebrate with them. Making certain that no one would be left out this time, they had bottles of Canada Dry ginger ale ready so that Hamilton could join in this time, and get a taste of the celebration.

Congratulations to the Rangers. It has been a long time coming, and definitely well earned.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Is Jed York onto something?

One day after losing to the Eagles to drop to 0-5 on the season, Jed York - owner and president of the San Fransisco 49ers - stated that not only will his team make the playoffs this season, but will outright win the NFC West. On the surface, this statement seems completely preposterous. Since 1990, no team that has ever started 0-5 has even reached the playoffs, let alone win it's division. So, it would seem that it would be relatively simple to dismiss this statement outright.

But let's take a closer look here. It isn't as though the 49ers play in anything that resembles a juggernaut of a division in the NFC West. Presently, the division leader is Arizona at 3-2 (who has been outscored by their opponents 88 to 138). Following them is Seattle at 2-2 and the Rams at 2-3. This division won't exactly confuse anyone as anything beyond mediocre. After five games, the 49ers are only three games back, so the difference in record is possible to come back from.

Now, let's look at their remaining schedule. Starting next week, they host Oakland, head to Carolina, play Denver in London, host St. Louis and Tampa Bay after a bye week, go to Arizona and Green Bay, host Seattle, go to San Diego and St. Louis, and finish up hosting Arizona. Of those teams, only three (Tampa, Green Bay, and Arizona) are over .500. Also in the 49ers favor, they have played only one game in division.

Looking at the teams in the NFC West, the other teams also have some potentially serious issues. Arizona is starting an undrafted rookie free agent in Max Hall (who I personally think will turn out to be decent, but that's another topic). Matt Hasselback has been one hit from the IR for the last three seasons, and does anyone really trust Charlie Whitehurst? St. Louis might be in the best shape quarterback-wise with Bradford, but his primary target is now out for the season. Seattle has troubles getting to the quarterback. Arizona's defense as a whole is terrible, ignoring the uncharacteristically bad day that Drew Brees and the Saints had yesterday. St. Louis has serious problems amongst it's receiving corps now that Clayton is out for the year.

Maybe Jed York is right. The NFC West certainly seems wide open for anyone to take, even as unlikely as it would seem for a 0-5 team to win a division.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Randy Moss Trade

As I am certain that everyone has heard by now, Randy Moss was traded to the Vikings yesterday for a third round pick. On the surface, this is not a trade that appears to make any sense for New England. Presently they are sitting at 3-1 on the bye week, have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs, and yet they trade their primary deep threat.
So, why would they do this? On the surface, it would appear that there are two distinct reasons for the trade. First, to acquire an asset for a player that does not fit into their long-term plans. Moss is in the final year of his contract and wants an extension, which the Patriots were quite unwilling to give. He was not going to be there after this season - pure and simple. Secondly, this is simply what the Patriots do. They get rid of players that want more than they feel that they are worth. This follows their pattern. Look at the examples: Deion Branch, Asante Samuel, Richard Seymour, and now Randy Moss. And this does not even reflect the current holdout of Logan Mankins or the almost holdout of Vince Wilfork this offseason.
However, what does this mean for the offense as it stands now? Theoretically, this makes Welker the primary receiving option, even if he stays in the slot. Brandon Tate would move into the position vacated by the departure of Moss, but can he really be counted on? Granted, Tate has been impressive this season, but he has a history of injuries. Last season, he began the year on the PUP list, played in two games, then ended the season on the IR. Even if Tate stays healthy, then who is the number three receiver? This is a fairly important part of the Patriots offense. Looking at their depth chart, this job would fall to Julian Edelman (who is a Welker clone as a slot receiver), Matthew Slater (who is a special teams player with a grand total of ZERO career receptions over this three years in the NFL), and Taylor Price (who hasn't seen the field this season). Does anyone truly feel comfortable with any of those options?
My thought is that the Patriots will be running a lot of two tight end sets. Hernandez and Gronkowski appear to be legitimate targets, and Hernandez has shown potential as a playmaker (he already has two plays of 40+ yards this season). The running game should also be more of an option. It feels as though the Patriots are attempting to recreate the offensive gameplan from 2001-2006, where they would control the ball with short passes and the running game.

On the Vikings side of the ball, this is a trade that absolutely makes sense. Acquiring a receiver that is still amongst the best at his position for a third round pick is an easy trade to make most times. But to acquire Randy Moss in a contract year after he's been traded and feels disrespected by the Patriots? Moss is going to be motivated. Expect huge numbers from Moss by the end of the year.
This also makes the Vikings offense truly impressive. Not only do they have one of the top three backs in the NFL in Adrian Petersen, but they have dramatically improved their receiving corps. Adding Moss to a roster that already includes Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Greg Camarillo, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Sidney Rice (when he comes back)? That is a formidable group right there.

It will be interesting to see how this trade impacts the end results of both teams, but it certainly appears that the Vikings are now the favorites to come out of the NFC and make the Super Bowl.