TSF Football Friday
Welcome to Football Friday. Each Friday I’ll focus in on some of the goings on around the NFL and offer my insight as well.
Let’s get started….
The sudden death of NFLPA Executive and Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw has left the Players Union in a scramble for a successor. With a possible capless season on 2010, the NFLPA would like to have someone in place as soon as possible. I would like to think that discussions of a successor would continue after funeral services for Mr. Upshaw were complete.
The early word is Richard Berthelsen, the Union’s most experienced official may be in line for the position. My guess is that former Philadelphia Eagle Troy Vincent will get the nod. Vincent has been active in the NFLPA and seems to have the backing of many current players.
Don’t bother waiting for the Philadelphia Eagles to make a for a Pro Bowl caliber wide receiver unless a few scenarios play out:
1. Reggie Brown’s hamstring injury lingers and becomes an ongoing problem.
2. The return of Kevin Curtis is delayed.
3. If the remaining receivers struggle in the last two preseason games.
4. The progress of rookie DeSean Jackson
If the Birds can’t pull off a major deal, they will wait to see who is a part of the final roster cuts prior to the start of the season. (See Levon Kirkland signing 2002). One name that comes to mind is speedster Devery Henderson of the New Orleans Saints. Henderson is lost in a numbers game in the Bayou and has been supplanted by second year receiver Robert Meachum. But Meachum has a knee injury and Henderson is now needed in the starting rotation.
What would this piece be without the mention of Brett Favre. Favre has been all of the rage in Gotham City, he’s applauded for running laps for fumbling a snap in practice, he says that being member of the Jets “Feels Right.” His first touchdown pass in a Jets uniform has gotten as much play than any of Michael Phelps’ medal winning races. With a favorable early schedule, the Jets should improve on last season’s 4-12 mark. But the Jets have no running game and Favre is Favre so there will be interceptions. What will happen if the Jets start out 1-3 and the Yankees outscore the Jets that week?
One thing’s for certain; they don’t have Eli Manning to kick around anymore. As for the Madden Curse, it should be kickin’ in riiigggghhhttt abooouuuutttt……………
Would someone tell me why Marvin Lewis has not stepped down as coach of the CIncinnati Bengals. The move by Owner Mike Brown to bring back troubled wide receiver Chris Henry in the wake of Chad Johnson’s shoulder injury without consulting Lewis was undermining and showed a total lack of respect for Lewis and his coaching staff.
I guess Brown was following the lead of his players.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I think Troy Vincent would be an excellant choice to replace the late Gene Upshaw.
The love fest with Farve in NY won’t last long. I’m sure the Jets will stink with him under center for all the reasons you mentioned.
I hope the Eagles get help for Dnab in the receiving core or it will be another long season with the crazy fans in Philly for the qb.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I added a piece about Marvin Lewis
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:49 pm
If Marvin doesn’t get the Bengals together this year, he will be looking for another job.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I think Lewis has lost this team and the owner has alot to do with that. He’ll be gone before mid-season.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
TBR,
So what do you think of my Niners?
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
That’s a damn shame too because Lewis turned that program around quick. I still shake my head as to why he didn’t get the Niners job.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Mizzo,
My Niners need all the help they can get.
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:34 am
Seriously, If Marv Lewis has any dignity left, he is already quietly preparing his exit. No way in hell I’m staying in an organization when they PUBLICLY disrespect me like that. Did anyone read Carson Palmer’s statement where he said everybody knows NFL coaches don’t run the team? Oh…its time for Marv to tell ERE BODY to kiss WHAT???
The station that was gonna show the Falcons preseason game locally here in Atlanta decided that Jaws the Revenge would be a better fare, and they’ll show the game later. They claim its because of a non sellout….seeing as its just preseason and that excuse is pretty suspect (well for real they SO didnt sell out, but blackout rule for preseason game? where is that written?) I dont think advertisers wanted to pay the rate for a live NFL game for the Buzzards.
LOL…pretty sure Fox will be showing old 80s movies on Sunday afternoons for the regular season home games too. LOL.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Michelle, I like what the Niners have in terms of backs and receivers, the key to the entire offense will be how Vernon Davis plays this season. He has the tools to become a great tight end, he is at his best after the catch. Issac Bruce will bring the young guys along nicely. Jason Hill may be in store for a decent season.
At QB, they need to find out what they have in Alex Smith. I watched the game the other night and was impressed by J.T. Sullivan. They can ill afford to go into the season with a QB by committee. Especially since the NFC West is theirs for the taking.
Defensively, WILLIS, WILLIS, WILLIS. Seriously, I like the mix of experience and youth. The secondary have guys that can cover and guys that can hit.
Not a bad combination. They should make a push for 10 wins
August 25th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Working on Davis. Here’s an interview I did with Willis.