This was a horrible week for the NFL..and not one game was played. The league found itself in the spotlight of the national eye when former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested Tuesday and charged for first degree manslaughter. Hernandez, who was denied bail, is also facing multiple gun charges and could be looking at life in prison. Within hours of being arrested at his home in Massachusetts, the Patriots released the tight end. It was a smart move by an organization that looks to stay away from distractions (though they did sign Tim Tebow).
Hernandez arrest was just one of three this week. Cleveland Browns rookie Ausar Walcott was also arrested and charged with attempted murder in New Jersey and Indianapolis Colts safety Joe Lefeged was arrested on multiple gun charges in Washington. This string of player arrests bring the total to 31 since the end of the 2012 season, an alarming number for a league that prides itself on policing its players. Ironically, all this happened on a week where the NFL held its annual rookie symposium, a traditional event meant to transition first year players into the league and teach them how to stay out of trouble off the field.
We refer to professional athletes as "heroes". I hate when people say that. Just because you have a special athletic ability doesn't make you a hero. But, it does make you a public figure. Being an NFL player makes you a public figure. Right now the NFLhas a public figure problem. Every year around draft time you will hear this term used, "high character" player. A high character player is one that possesses a unique skill set on the field and is a model citizen off the field (no legal troubles, drug or alcohol problems etc).
Since Roger Goodell has been commissioner he has stressed discipline and healthy choices. When players made mistakes he has been firm with punishments and suspensions, no matter how big of a star they might be. Goodell must feel embarrassed after this weeks string of arrests. His league now has a character problem. Think about the business division you work for. If 31 people were to be arrested from February to June you would probably be questioning the company's human resources department and wonder if background checks were being conducted before hiring employees.
It's impossible to police grown men 24/7. Teams and owners invest time and money into players expecting results and hoping they will stay out of trouble. When a situation like Hernandez's occurs you can't help but shake your head. Aaron had just signed a long term contract with the Patriots last offseason worth over 40 million dollars. What went wrong here? Others will look to Hernandez's checkered past where he failed a drug test while attending college in Florida. Perhaps this should have been a red flag to the Patriots. A picture at age 19 of him holding a handgun in front of a bathroom mirror doesn't help his case either. There are too many cases of immaturity and legal mistakes amongst NFL players. I'm not sure why this keeps happening. Does money dilute your mind that badly that you feel you can do anything and get away with it? I didn't know we were playing the game of life with Monopoly money.
NFL spokes person Greg Aiello said this week "{the league} have policies and programs that hold all NFL employees accountable and provide them with programs of education and support." Obviously the message is being missed. Perhaps suspensions need to be more severe. Maybe the education needs to be updated. 31 arrests in five months doesn't demonstrate accountability to me. Goodell and his team should be ashamed, as I am, a fan of this league for over 15 years and someone who roots for this "public figures". Something better change quick and its up to the league office to figure it out. I look forward to what they come up with.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
New Wiki- Miguel Maysonet of the Cleveland Browns
Miguel Maysonet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Miguel Maysonet (born December 13, 1989 in Puerto Rico) is an American football running back for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Stony Brook University on Long Island. He holds most of the universities major records as a running back. Prior to attending Stony Brook he attended Hofstra University on Long Island.
Contents
1. High School
2. Hofstra University
3. Stony Brook University
4. NFL
|
High School
Maysonet attended Riverhead High School from 2005-2009. In his junior year in 2008, Miguel won the 2008 Hansen Award as the top football player in Suffolk County. He rushed for 2,328 yards and 33 touchdowns, leading Riverhead to a 12-0 record. In 2009 he was honored as New York State Gatorade Player of the Year and won the MVP of the Empire Challenge football game, which pits the best players from Long Island against the best players in New York City. Miguel was a three time all suffolk county pick for football and given all-Long Island honors twice. He finished his high school career with 75 touchdowns. He was a four sport athlete and lettered in several varsity sports such as track, basketball, and lacrosse.
Hofstra University
Upon graduating from Riverhead high school, Maysonet was recruited by Syracuse University and Stony Brook University. Ultimately, he chose to play college football at Hofstra University. As a freshman in 2009, he led the Pride in rushing with 385 yards, scoring three touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 68 yards. His best game of the season came against Maine where he had a career-high 95 yards. Following his successful rookie season, Hofstra chose to discontinue its football program due to poor attendance at home games and increasing costs to the athletic program. The university’s decision left many players such as Maysonet without a team to play for the following season. Many players chose to transfer to other FCS football programs.
Stony Brook
Following a successful rookie year at Hofstra, Miguel transferred to nearby Stony Brook University. In his sophomore season he rushed for 1,128 yards including four games where he rushed for over 100 yards. Behind Maysonet the Sea Wolves had the eight best rushing attack in the FCS and he was selected All-Big South first-team at running back. The following season Miguel played in all 13 games for the Sea Wolves, starting nine. He had one of the greatest seasons by a Stony Brook rusher, winning Big South Offensive Player of the Year and being award first-team All-Big South. In 2011 he rushed for 1,633 yards and 15 touchdowns. He set school and conference records for yardage in a season. Miguel had eight games with more than 100 yards rushing and two games with 4 TDs, also a Big South record.
2012 was Maysonet’s final season at Stony Brook. In 2012 he started all 13 games for the Sea Wolves in one of the greatest seasons by a rusher in FCS history. Miguel rushed for 1,964 yards (the 11th most for a season in FCS history) and scored 21 touchdowns. He was honored as the Walter Payton Award (outstanding FCS player) runner-up and won the CFPA All-Purpose Player of the Year award, as well as Big South Offensive Player of the Year.
NFL Draft
Following a historic college career at the FCS level of college football, Maysonet participated in the 2013 NFL scouting combine in anticipation for the 2013 NFL Draft. Maysonet posted 20 reps on the bench press at the combine and ran a 4.43 second 40 yard dash. Despite a decorated college career, few teams showed interest in Miguel prior to the draft. He ended up going undrafted.
Philadelphia Eagles
Shortly after the NFL draft Miguel was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. Miguel participated in rookie mini-camp in early May but was not able to participate in an Eagles mini camp taking place at the beginning of June because his school year had not finished. Shortly after the mini-camp Maysonet was cut from the team. Rumors were that he did not fit the offensive style of new Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. The signing of former Dallas Cowboys running back, Felix Jones, may also have played a role in Maysonet’s release.
Cleveland Browns
On May 21st 2013 the Cleveland Browns picked up Miguel Maysonet off waivers.
In Cleveland, he will compete with Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya, Brandon Jackson and Dion Lewis, another ex-Eagle for backup spots in the Browns’ backfield.
References
Sunday, June 23, 2013
An 18 Game season: A proposal and a solution
When the NFL players association and the owners were negotiating the current collective bargaining agreement in the summer of 2011, one of the proposed topics was expanding the regular season to an 18 game schedule. Currently, the league operates on a 17 week season. Each team plays 8 home games, 8 away games, and has a 1 week bye between week 4 and week 12.
Personally, I am in favor of expanding the season to 18 games. Extending the season means more games, tighter playoff races toward the end of the season and more sundays to eat, drink and "pig out" with friends. Ultimately the players voted down the notion of a 18 game season because of health risk (a topic that has become important to many current NFL players). But, If they were to expand the season to 18 games here is how I propose the league structure the schedule:
- Each team continues to play their 3 division opponents twice (6 games in total) from week 1-16.
- Each team will continue to play one out of conference division in weeks 1-16 (ex: NFC East plays AFC East)
-Each team will continue to play 2 in conference games against teams from the other 2 division in their conference (ex:NFC east vs. NFC North or NFC South or NFC West)
-Each team will continue to play another division in their conference (ex: NFC East vs NFC West)
- Each team will have 2 bye weeks. The first bye week must fall between after week 3 and before week 8. The second bye week must occur between week 10 and week 16, essentially making week 9 a "re-start or second start" of the season where every team is playing.
-Week 18 and Week 19 will be treated as "flex weeks". Schedules will be determine after week 17. If there are close division races the top teams will play each other in Week 18 to determine the division winner. If a division winner has been determined already by week 18 and the second place team is fighting for a wild card position with another team in the conference then those two teams will play each other in week 18.
-Week 19 will be used as a tie breaker week. If a division is still yet to be decided the two teams fighting for first place will play each other for the division title. Also, teams directly battling for seeding will play each other. For example, if the number 2 seeded team and the number 3 seeded team are separated by 1 game in the loss column, they would play each other for the right to a first round bye.
I believe that this schedule structure will provide for a better end of season experience for the NFL fan. With an 18 game schedule there are better odds of an under .500 winning percentage team not making the playoffs because more winning teams will be involved with important games down the stretch. This schedule makes football more meaningful towards the end of the season in more cities. I think it would also place a greater emphasis on winning your divisional games and your division. Having to fight through an 18 game season just to make the playoffs could be exhausting for a team. This schedule system rewards teams that play consistent winning football over the course of the season.
Who Needs Home cooking?? HFA doesn't matter anymore
An NFL team goes into a game expecting to win. For most teams, the season goals are as followed:
-Win the Division
- Get a first round bye
-Get the number 1 seed in the conference
For years teams have lived by this model. Conventional wisdom says that it makes sense. Winning your division guarantees a home playoff game. Getting a first round bye means you get a home playoff game and you only have to win two games to get to the Superbowl. Get the one seed in the conference and it means you play those two games at home.
I disagree with conventional wisdom...and apparently the league is starting to agree with me. In fact in the past 13 years there has only been one Superbowl matchup between number one seeds, Superbowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Six of the last seven Superbowl winners have played on wildcard weekend of the playoffs. Two six seeds (Packers in 2010 and Steelers in 2006) have won the Superbowl. The Giants were the number 5 seed when they upset the Patriots in 2007; in fact they won 11 straight games on the road that season. The Ravens had to play at Denver and at New England (top two seeds in the AFC this past season) in order to get to the Superbowl and win it.
What does this trend say about home field advantage? Has it become a myth? I don't think so. There are still stadiums around the league where home field advantage plays a huge factor in the game. The Seattle Seahawks did not lose at game at home last season and their stadium can get so loud that they have been accused of pumping crowd noise through speakers. Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City is always a difficult place for opponents to play, despite how bad the Chiefs have been. The Raiders have been bad for a decade, yet the "Black Hole" is still an intimidating place for opposing teams to visit.
A 17 game season can be broken into 4 sections. Each month is its own mini season. What the home field advantage trend has shown is that teams who enter the post season on a hot streak have a better chance of winning in the playoffs than the teams who rest down the stretch. The Falcons, the NFC's number one seed last year finished 2-2 in the month of December after starting the season 11-1. They barely beat the Seahawks in the divisional round 30-28 and lost the NFC championship game at home to the 49ers. Conversely, the Ravens lost 3 games in a row in late November/ early December, but found their way and ended up finishing the season on a 5-1 hot streak, winning the Superbowl.
Fans don't want to hear it, but cheering in the stands might not have the desired effect that it once had in this league. I still implore you to go to your favorite team's stadium and root your team on...it just doesn't mean they are going to get a check mark in the win column.
-Win the Division
- Get a first round bye
-Get the number 1 seed in the conference
For years teams have lived by this model. Conventional wisdom says that it makes sense. Winning your division guarantees a home playoff game. Getting a first round bye means you get a home playoff game and you only have to win two games to get to the Superbowl. Get the one seed in the conference and it means you play those two games at home.
I disagree with conventional wisdom...and apparently the league is starting to agree with me. In fact in the past 13 years there has only been one Superbowl matchup between number one seeds, Superbowl XLIV between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Six of the last seven Superbowl winners have played on wildcard weekend of the playoffs. Two six seeds (Packers in 2010 and Steelers in 2006) have won the Superbowl. The Giants were the number 5 seed when they upset the Patriots in 2007; in fact they won 11 straight games on the road that season. The Ravens had to play at Denver and at New England (top two seeds in the AFC this past season) in order to get to the Superbowl and win it.
What does this trend say about home field advantage? Has it become a myth? I don't think so. There are still stadiums around the league where home field advantage plays a huge factor in the game. The Seattle Seahawks did not lose at game at home last season and their stadium can get so loud that they have been accused of pumping crowd noise through speakers. Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City is always a difficult place for opponents to play, despite how bad the Chiefs have been. The Raiders have been bad for a decade, yet the "Black Hole" is still an intimidating place for opposing teams to visit.
A 17 game season can be broken into 4 sections. Each month is its own mini season. What the home field advantage trend has shown is that teams who enter the post season on a hot streak have a better chance of winning in the playoffs than the teams who rest down the stretch. The Falcons, the NFC's number one seed last year finished 2-2 in the month of December after starting the season 11-1. They barely beat the Seahawks in the divisional round 30-28 and lost the NFC championship game at home to the 49ers. Conversely, the Ravens lost 3 games in a row in late November/ early December, but found their way and ended up finishing the season on a 5-1 hot streak, winning the Superbowl.
Fans don't want to hear it, but cheering in the stands might not have the desired effect that it once had in this league. I still implore you to go to your favorite team's stadium and root your team on...it just doesn't mean they are going to get a check mark in the win column.
Monday, June 17, 2013
NFL Counter Arguement: Referees should have better training
Every game in the NFL is precious. It is not like baseball where you play everyday. For 17 select Sundays you have a chance to win a game. The margin between winning a losing is so small. Any one loss can effect a teams playoff chances. Its a shame to see a game ruined by a bad call. To often we see a pass interference call, a roughing the passer call or a holding call that can change the entire outcome of a game.
Last week I made an argument that instant replay ruins the purity of the game and made a case for why it should be removed. This week I'm focusing my argument toward the referees. The "Zebras" are part of the game. Fans love to hate them when they make a bad call against their team. I still can't get over a call in the 2002 NFC Wildcard game between the 49ers and the Giants. On the last play of the game the Giants botched a game winning field goal attempt because of a bad snap. The punter, Matt Allen, on a last ditch effort to make a play, through the ball towards the endzone. The Giants were penalized for having an in-eligible man down field. However, the 49ers should have been penalized for pass interference on the play since an eligible Giants receiver was pulled down by the collar. The Giants should have gotten the ball at the 2 yard line and re-kicked the field goal. However, the refs messed up the call and penalized the Giants. The game ended and the 49ers won the playoff game. A year later Jim Fossel was fired as Giants head coach as the team never recovered from the playoff loss. Here is a link to the play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK21LwJ195E
Mistakes like this happen in sports, but they shouldn't, especially since we now have better technology then we did even in 2002. This begs the question, are our referees better than they were in 2002?
My initial response is yes. But the official work in the NFL could be a lot stronger. It's still common that 1-3 games a year are effected by bad officiating. Last year the NFL officials went on strike. Even if you are not an NFL fan you probably heard about this. Officials complained about wages, benefits, and pensions, while the league complained about getting younger refs in better shape and establishing a training program for young officials. A strike ensued for the first 3 weeks of the season culminating in a horrible blown call in a Monday Night Football game involving the Seahawks and Packers. Both teams would make the playoffs so the blown call did not effect either teams playoff chances, but the Packers lost out the 2nd seed in the NFC playoff seeding because of the loss (lost tie breaker to San Fran who they ended up losing to in the divisional round).
The NFL prides itself on being a world class brand. It's puzzling that a league which is so focused on image was willing to let replacement officials make a fool of themselves in the first three games of the season. Now that the real refs are back it is time to make some changes. Most of my ideas are currently being implemented, but quite frankly this should have been done a while ago. Here is my list:
- Officials should be required to pass a fitness test in order to officiate a professional game. Most of these NFL players are world class athletes. The refs need to be able to keep up with them stamina wise for a 60 minute game.
- There needs to be better communication between the officiating team on the field and the one in the booth. I'll cut the team on the field some slack. Sometimes a play happens so fast it is hard to make a call correctly. But the team upstairs has the benefit of technology. If a play is called incorrect it should be rectified by the upstairs team either by buzzing down to the field team or telling the clock operator to stop play. A wrong call should never be allowed to stand in the NFL.
- There needs to be a training system for young officials. This requires involving the NCAA and high school leagues. A ref should only be allowed to call a professional game if they have a certain amount of experience at each level (5 years high school, 6 years college etc). Obviously the more experienced referees call the bigger games.
- Officials should get a weekly grade that everyone has access to (fans, teams, players, coaches). Teachers in this country are being evaluated constantly and there record is open for the public to view. Why not allow fans, the customers of the brand review the officials record? It makes the game more interactive and makes the officials want to do a better job calling a game.
- Finally, we should have more women officials in the game. This is not really a training argument, but more of a gender one. Women should be allowed the opportunity to be officials as long as they go through the same training system as the men.
Ultimately my argument is for a better NFL. This post along with the instant replay post are commentary on utilizing technology in the 21st century to make our game better. Just like the 6 million dollar man..."we can fix the game..we have the technology!"...so let's do it.
Last week I made an argument that instant replay ruins the purity of the game and made a case for why it should be removed. This week I'm focusing my argument toward the referees. The "Zebras" are part of the game. Fans love to hate them when they make a bad call against their team. I still can't get over a call in the 2002 NFC Wildcard game between the 49ers and the Giants. On the last play of the game the Giants botched a game winning field goal attempt because of a bad snap. The punter, Matt Allen, on a last ditch effort to make a play, through the ball towards the endzone. The Giants were penalized for having an in-eligible man down field. However, the 49ers should have been penalized for pass interference on the play since an eligible Giants receiver was pulled down by the collar. The Giants should have gotten the ball at the 2 yard line and re-kicked the field goal. However, the refs messed up the call and penalized the Giants. The game ended and the 49ers won the playoff game. A year later Jim Fossel was fired as Giants head coach as the team never recovered from the playoff loss. Here is a link to the play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK21LwJ195E
Mistakes like this happen in sports, but they shouldn't, especially since we now have better technology then we did even in 2002. This begs the question, are our referees better than they were in 2002?
My initial response is yes. But the official work in the NFL could be a lot stronger. It's still common that 1-3 games a year are effected by bad officiating. Last year the NFL officials went on strike. Even if you are not an NFL fan you probably heard about this. Officials complained about wages, benefits, and pensions, while the league complained about getting younger refs in better shape and establishing a training program for young officials. A strike ensued for the first 3 weeks of the season culminating in a horrible blown call in a Monday Night Football game involving the Seahawks and Packers. Both teams would make the playoffs so the blown call did not effect either teams playoff chances, but the Packers lost out the 2nd seed in the NFC playoff seeding because of the loss (lost tie breaker to San Fran who they ended up losing to in the divisional round).
The NFL prides itself on being a world class brand. It's puzzling that a league which is so focused on image was willing to let replacement officials make a fool of themselves in the first three games of the season. Now that the real refs are back it is time to make some changes. Most of my ideas are currently being implemented, but quite frankly this should have been done a while ago. Here is my list:
- Officials should be required to pass a fitness test in order to officiate a professional game. Most of these NFL players are world class athletes. The refs need to be able to keep up with them stamina wise for a 60 minute game.
- There needs to be better communication between the officiating team on the field and the one in the booth. I'll cut the team on the field some slack. Sometimes a play happens so fast it is hard to make a call correctly. But the team upstairs has the benefit of technology. If a play is called incorrect it should be rectified by the upstairs team either by buzzing down to the field team or telling the clock operator to stop play. A wrong call should never be allowed to stand in the NFL.
- There needs to be a training system for young officials. This requires involving the NCAA and high school leagues. A ref should only be allowed to call a professional game if they have a certain amount of experience at each level (5 years high school, 6 years college etc). Obviously the more experienced referees call the bigger games.
- Officials should get a weekly grade that everyone has access to (fans, teams, players, coaches). Teachers in this country are being evaluated constantly and there record is open for the public to view. Why not allow fans, the customers of the brand review the officials record? It makes the game more interactive and makes the officials want to do a better job calling a game.
- Finally, we should have more women officials in the game. This is not really a training argument, but more of a gender one. Women should be allowed the opportunity to be officials as long as they go through the same training system as the men.
Ultimately my argument is for a better NFL. This post along with the instant replay post are commentary on utilizing technology in the 21st century to make our game better. Just like the 6 million dollar man..."we can fix the game..we have the technology!"...so let's do it.
[Paul James' blog post was written for "The Kick is Good", a blog written about the upcoming NFL 2013 season. Find more posts at http://thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com #506iv #nflrefs and follow him on twitter @PJ_thekicksgood ]
Sunday, June 16, 2013
NFL Recipe: Making Chili for the Game!
There is nothing better than spending Sundays in the fall watching the game and enjoying some delicious snacks. Cooking has become a hobby of mine in recent years. I try to have a different type of meal every Sunday throughout the season to keep things fresh. But when in doubt, my go to dish is my turkey chili. Packed with protein and vegetables this is a relatively cheap meal (all ingredients come to less than $40 dollars) that can feed many. Here is the recipe. Give it a shot and let me know how it tastes!
Ingredients:
- 3 cans of beans. All 3 cans do not have to be the same. You can mix in black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans etc. I prefer red kidney beans.
- 1 Vidalia Onion
- 1-2 packages of chopped turkey meat. You can use chopped beef also but turkey meat is leaner and healthier. I do not notice a difference in taste between the two.
- 1 red or green pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce. This can be a pre-maid store brand sauce such as Ragu, Francisco Rinaldi, etc
- Olive Oil
- 1 jar of chopped garlic
- Chili Powder
-Crushed Red Pepper
- Tabasco Sauce
Directions:
1) Begin by selecting a pot that is large enough to support 1-2 packages of chopped meat. A large pasta pot or dutch oven will work nice.
2) Wash all your vegetables (onions, peppers). Using a cutting board chop up the onion and peppers. The cutting size for these vegetables is subjective. Personally, I like mincing both to small bite size pieces.
3) Place the pot on the stove top and begin to warm. Pour olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Take a tablespoon of chopped garlic and place it in the pot. The let the garlic and oil simmer.
4) Slide your chopped onion and pepper into the pot. Allow both to cook until soft.
5) While your vegetables are cooking, begin preparing the meat. If necessary defrost the meat until it thaws. Place the meat in a large bowl. Chose a spice to give the meat some flavor (I sprinkle in salt, pepper and adobo). Mix the spices into the meat by hand. Once vegetables have cooked, place the meat in the pot for browning. Periodically tend to the meat making sure it browns.
6) Once meat has browned add your three jars of beans. Be careful not to add too much bean juice from the bean jars (it will make your chili soupy). Stir beans into meat.
7) Pour in one jar of diced tomatoes. If you are making this dish for a big group and are using two packages of chopped meat then you may choose to add a second jar of diced tomatoes.
8) Open you jar of store brand tomato sauce. Slowly add the sauce to the mix. Do not use the entire jar of sauce as it will make your chili too soupy. A quarter of the jar sauce is usually a safe amount to add. Stir the sauce into the meat so that it spreads through the chili.
9) Add a teaspoon of chili powder to your sauce (if desired add more to make chili spicier). Sprinkle in a couple leaves of crushed red pepper. Pour half a teaspoon of Tabasco sauce. Mix all these elements together into the sauce and meat.
10) Once all ingredients are mixed lower the heat on the stove burner. Allow the chili to cook on low heat for about 2 hours. Once chili has had time to fully cook turn the burner off. Serve the Chili in large soup bowls with shredded cheese to your guests and enjoy the game!
**Note: Sometimes this recipe tastes better when the chili has had a chance to sit overnight in refrigerator after cooking. If possible, prepare the chili on Saturday and serve on Sundays****
Ingredients:
- 3 cans of beans. All 3 cans do not have to be the same. You can mix in black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans etc. I prefer red kidney beans.
- 1 Vidalia Onion
- 1-2 packages of chopped turkey meat. You can use chopped beef also but turkey meat is leaner and healthier. I do not notice a difference in taste between the two.
- 1 red or green pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce. This can be a pre-maid store brand sauce such as Ragu, Francisco Rinaldi, etc
- Olive Oil
- 1 jar of chopped garlic
- Chili Powder
-Crushed Red Pepper
- Tabasco Sauce
Directions:
1) Begin by selecting a pot that is large enough to support 1-2 packages of chopped meat. A large pasta pot or dutch oven will work nice.
2) Wash all your vegetables (onions, peppers). Using a cutting board chop up the onion and peppers. The cutting size for these vegetables is subjective. Personally, I like mincing both to small bite size pieces.
3) Place the pot on the stove top and begin to warm. Pour olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot. Take a tablespoon of chopped garlic and place it in the pot. The let the garlic and oil simmer.
4) Slide your chopped onion and pepper into the pot. Allow both to cook until soft.
5) While your vegetables are cooking, begin preparing the meat. If necessary defrost the meat until it thaws. Place the meat in a large bowl. Chose a spice to give the meat some flavor (I sprinkle in salt, pepper and adobo). Mix the spices into the meat by hand. Once vegetables have cooked, place the meat in the pot for browning. Periodically tend to the meat making sure it browns.
6) Once meat has browned add your three jars of beans. Be careful not to add too much bean juice from the bean jars (it will make your chili soupy). Stir beans into meat.
7) Pour in one jar of diced tomatoes. If you are making this dish for a big group and are using two packages of chopped meat then you may choose to add a second jar of diced tomatoes.
8) Open you jar of store brand tomato sauce. Slowly add the sauce to the mix. Do not use the entire jar of sauce as it will make your chili too soupy. A quarter of the jar sauce is usually a safe amount to add. Stir the sauce into the meat so that it spreads through the chili.
9) Add a teaspoon of chili powder to your sauce (if desired add more to make chili spicier). Sprinkle in a couple leaves of crushed red pepper. Pour half a teaspoon of Tabasco sauce. Mix all these elements together into the sauce and meat.
10) Once all ingredients are mixed lower the heat on the stove burner. Allow the chili to cook on low heat for about 2 hours. Once chili has had time to fully cook turn the burner off. Serve the Chili in large soup bowls with shredded cheese to your guests and enjoy the game!
**Note: Sometimes this recipe tastes better when the chili has had a chance to sit overnight in refrigerator after cooking. If possible, prepare the chili on Saturday and serve on Sundays****
[Paul James' blog post was written for "The Kick is Good", a blog written about the upcoming NFL 2013 season. Find more posts at http://thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com #506iv #chilirecipe and follow him on twitter @PJ_thekicksgood ]
Monday, June 10, 2013
Death of the Linebacker: Is the position no longer that important??
Lawrence Taylor was a scary dude on the field. If you don't believe me just ask Joe Theisman . The 80's and early 90's were the decades where linebackers like "LT" flourished. The running game was much more important those days in the league and you needed to have good backers that could both stuff the run at the line of scrimmage and rush the passer.
The NFL has transitioned to a passing league over the past seven years. Premium's have been placed on drafting a franchise quarterback and being able to rush the passer with the defensive line. As teams move to more 3 and 4 wide receiver sets, there is a need for cornerbacks to cover on the field. Since 11 players are allowed on either side of the ball at a time it means that someone must come off the field when an extra DB enters the game. The position being effected is the linebacker position. Most linebackers weight between the 240-270 pound range. This is a great weight to play at if you're making your bread and butter at the line of scrimmage. Playing in space is a whole other story though. Big linebackers have a hard time covering athletic tight ends or small and quick slot receivers.
With the retirement of future hall of fame linebackers Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher this offseason, one has to wonder if we will ever see a linebacker play as an important roll on their team as these two players did. These two were game changers at the position. Opposing offenses feared Ray Lewis, and Urlacher always had to be accounted for when playing the bears defense. I can think of only a handful of inside backers (Pat Willis of the 49ers is one) that teams must really account for when game planing. I'm not counting Aldon Smith and Clay Matthews in this argument, I view both players more as pass rushers than I do traditional linebackers. Traditional linebackers are not placed high on teams draft need lists. Because there is such a de-emphasis on the position most players are drafted in the later rounds and are relatively unknown.
The future of linebacker is a hybrid position. The New York Giants drafted a player in the 4th round during this years draft named Cooper Taylor. Taylor's position is listed as safety, but at 6-4 and 228 pounds he looks more like the new age linebacker, having the speed of a defensive back and the physicality of a linebacker. This league is shaping up to be suited for players that fit Taylor's profile. If he and the Giants are successful it will bring league wide change to the way teams play defense. This change could have an effect all the way down to pee-wee football. The intricacies of playing linebacker will change. Colleges will be searching for players that fit the safety mold rather than the linebacker mold.
The changes to the league mean there will be a rebirth to the safety position. It's already being seen as safeties are being drafted ahead of linebackers in the first and second rounds of the NFL Draft. Of course with every rebirth comes a death.
RIP to the traditional linebacker. I'll miss your bone crushing hits.
The NFL has transitioned to a passing league over the past seven years. Premium's have been placed on drafting a franchise quarterback and being able to rush the passer with the defensive line. As teams move to more 3 and 4 wide receiver sets, there is a need for cornerbacks to cover on the field. Since 11 players are allowed on either side of the ball at a time it means that someone must come off the field when an extra DB enters the game. The position being effected is the linebacker position. Most linebackers weight between the 240-270 pound range. This is a great weight to play at if you're making your bread and butter at the line of scrimmage. Playing in space is a whole other story though. Big linebackers have a hard time covering athletic tight ends or small and quick slot receivers.
With the retirement of future hall of fame linebackers Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher this offseason, one has to wonder if we will ever see a linebacker play as an important roll on their team as these two players did. These two were game changers at the position. Opposing offenses feared Ray Lewis, and Urlacher always had to be accounted for when playing the bears defense. I can think of only a handful of inside backers (Pat Willis of the 49ers is one) that teams must really account for when game planing. I'm not counting Aldon Smith and Clay Matthews in this argument, I view both players more as pass rushers than I do traditional linebackers. Traditional linebackers are not placed high on teams draft need lists. Because there is such a de-emphasis on the position most players are drafted in the later rounds and are relatively unknown.
The future of linebacker is a hybrid position. The New York Giants drafted a player in the 4th round during this years draft named Cooper Taylor. Taylor's position is listed as safety, but at 6-4 and 228 pounds he looks more like the new age linebacker, having the speed of a defensive back and the physicality of a linebacker. This league is shaping up to be suited for players that fit Taylor's profile. If he and the Giants are successful it will bring league wide change to the way teams play defense. This change could have an effect all the way down to pee-wee football. The intricacies of playing linebacker will change. Colleges will be searching for players that fit the safety mold rather than the linebacker mold.
The changes to the league mean there will be a rebirth to the safety position. It's already being seen as safeties are being drafted ahead of linebackers in the first and second rounds of the NFL Draft. Of course with every rebirth comes a death.
RIP to the traditional linebacker. I'll miss your bone crushing hits.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
META Resume
I
gave this Meta Resume a try. This is a mix of my personal life and my
pseudonym as I am not sure what my final project is going to be on
ultimately in this masters program. 3 years from now this whole page
could be a lot different. Feedback is always welcome!
******************************************************************************************************
thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/about-author.html
Paul
James is an American Journalist who writes weekly about the National
Football League.
check
out his posts at http://thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_James
Paul
James writes
his own blog about the NFL for pleasure and as a learning instrument.
James is enrolled in Quinnipiac University Online and is pursuing a
masters degree in interactive media....
thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/about-author.html
Jun
2, 2013 – Stay
connected with the blog by following Paul James on twitter
"@PJ_thekickisgood"
for all the latest NFL News! Posted by Steve at 7:58 PM ...
Greater
New York City Area - Writer For Thekickisgoodblog
Paul
James' Overview.
Current. Writer at
The Kick is Good Blog. Past. Director/ Technical Director at MSG
Varsity Network; Studio Director at News ....
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The Quinnpiac University School of Communications' master of science program ininteractive media focuses ... QU Online | Quinnipiac University Connecticut ...
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Paul James Interview - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwnk-ikSxww
Sep 19, 2009 - Uploaded by AKlerides
Paul James is a producer for the show The Kick is Good Show on 88.7fm WRHU.
He is a writer and has produced ...
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A case against instant replay
Instant Replay is an element that makes the NFL the most popular sport in America. The NFL has been incorporating instant replay into the game since 1986. However, replay really took hold in the league after the 1998 season when the coaches challenge option was created as a reaction to a phantom touchdown call in a Jets vs. Seahawks game.
I am in favor of using technology to your advantage. Obviously I am a fan of football. Therefore, I like instant replay and a proponent of its usage.
But I can make the case that instant replay ruins the purity of the game. Part of the reason why I am a fan of the NFL is because of it's purity. There is nothing better then watching an offense try to methodically march down the field in the fourth quarter with 2:53 left on the clock and one timeout down by four points against a hungry defense looking to put the game on ice. To this scenario I say game on!
As a fan I can't wait to see how this drama plays out. I'm sitting at the edge of my seat with anticipation of something big happening. My voice is getting louder when I yell at the TV because the pressure is greater. I eat and drink more, which is probably bad for my health but good for the moment.
Readers who don't follow the game probably think that 2:53 is not that much time. You're right, it's not in real time. But in NFL time 2:53 is an eternity. Part of the reason is due to the commercials. The other reason is due to instant replay. Every time there is a controversial call on the field play has to be stopped so that the officials can walk off the field, go to the replay booth, view the play, determine if there is conclusive evidence to overturn their call on the field, find out where the ball should be spotted, what the correct time on the clock should be, etc, etc. It gets worse after the 2:00 warning where all close plays are automatically reviewed upstairs.
During this time I could probably do a lap around my block and be back in time to hear the decision. Meanwhile only ten seconds have come off the clock. That ten seconds took five minutes in real time. My girlfriend is now mad because I told her there was only three minutes left in the game and that I would be going to her parents house for dinner. Now i'm going to be late because of instant replay.
In the past year the league has gotten worse with the instant replay rules. It used to be that coaches had two challenges they could make a game on plays pertaining to a turn over, field position, or touchdown. If you challenged and you were wrong you lost a timeout. If you use both challenges in the first half you are out of challenges for the game. If a coach challenged and won correctly on both he was rewarded with a third challenge...are you still following me?
Now the league has mandated that every turnover and touchdown be reviewed by the booth. This takes up time during the game and also takes away the fun of the challenge system. There is nothing left for coaches to challenge because it is being done for them. Where is the strategy in that? At least it was fun to debate whether a coach should challenge a fumble or touchdown call. It takes the fun away from the game.
This is a case where technology is a detriment to the sport. For years, baseball has refused to incorporate instant replay into their game because they think it will effect the purity of the sport. Questions about balls and strikes makes the game no fun (plus baseball games are already too long, now we're going to review every close pitch?). I don't want a game that is so reliant on technology; if I did I would just play video games.
The NFL should take a page out of MLB's book and rely less on the replay. They should let the game play out on the field rather than manipulate it up in the replay booth. Train referees to make better calls on the field so that we don't have to review every call!
With replay referees still make bad calls. Who could forget the monday night football disaster from last year between the packers and seahawks (granted it was replacement officials). They still got the call wrong and it took 20 minutes to make a decision.
Keep wasting fans time with replay and soon the NFL wont be the most popular sport in America.
[Paul James' blog post was written for "The Kick is Good", a blog written about the upcoming NFL 2013 season. Find more posts at http://thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com #506iv #instantreplay and follow him on twitter @PJ_thekicksgood ]
I am in favor of using technology to your advantage. Obviously I am a fan of football. Therefore, I like instant replay and a proponent of its usage.
But I can make the case that instant replay ruins the purity of the game. Part of the reason why I am a fan of the NFL is because of it's purity. There is nothing better then watching an offense try to methodically march down the field in the fourth quarter with 2:53 left on the clock and one timeout down by four points against a hungry defense looking to put the game on ice. To this scenario I say game on!
As a fan I can't wait to see how this drama plays out. I'm sitting at the edge of my seat with anticipation of something big happening. My voice is getting louder when I yell at the TV because the pressure is greater. I eat and drink more, which is probably bad for my health but good for the moment.
Readers who don't follow the game probably think that 2:53 is not that much time. You're right, it's not in real time. But in NFL time 2:53 is an eternity. Part of the reason is due to the commercials. The other reason is due to instant replay. Every time there is a controversial call on the field play has to be stopped so that the officials can walk off the field, go to the replay booth, view the play, determine if there is conclusive evidence to overturn their call on the field, find out where the ball should be spotted, what the correct time on the clock should be, etc, etc. It gets worse after the 2:00 warning where all close plays are automatically reviewed upstairs.
During this time I could probably do a lap around my block and be back in time to hear the decision. Meanwhile only ten seconds have come off the clock. That ten seconds took five minutes in real time. My girlfriend is now mad because I told her there was only three minutes left in the game and that I would be going to her parents house for dinner. Now i'm going to be late because of instant replay.
In the past year the league has gotten worse with the instant replay rules. It used to be that coaches had two challenges they could make a game on plays pertaining to a turn over, field position, or touchdown. If you challenged and you were wrong you lost a timeout. If you use both challenges in the first half you are out of challenges for the game. If a coach challenged and won correctly on both he was rewarded with a third challenge...are you still following me?
Now the league has mandated that every turnover and touchdown be reviewed by the booth. This takes up time during the game and also takes away the fun of the challenge system. There is nothing left for coaches to challenge because it is being done for them. Where is the strategy in that? At least it was fun to debate whether a coach should challenge a fumble or touchdown call. It takes the fun away from the game.
This is a case where technology is a detriment to the sport. For years, baseball has refused to incorporate instant replay into their game because they think it will effect the purity of the sport. Questions about balls and strikes makes the game no fun (plus baseball games are already too long, now we're going to review every close pitch?). I don't want a game that is so reliant on technology; if I did I would just play video games.
The NFL should take a page out of MLB's book and rely less on the replay. They should let the game play out on the field rather than manipulate it up in the replay booth. Train referees to make better calls on the field so that we don't have to review every call!
With replay referees still make bad calls. Who could forget the monday night football disaster from last year between the packers and seahawks (granted it was replacement officials). They still got the call wrong and it took 20 minutes to make a decision.
Keep wasting fans time with replay and soon the NFL wont be the most popular sport in America.
[Paul James' blog post was written for "The Kick is Good", a blog written about the upcoming NFL 2013 season. Find more posts at http://thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com #506iv #instantreplay and follow him on twitter @PJ_thekicksgood ]
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Building it the Right Way: The Cincinnati Bengals
Three years ago the Cincinnati Bengals were horrible. They were a team with a bunch of loud mouth players getting their but kicked on the field. I remember watching them play the Jets on Thanksgiving Night of 2010 and thinking "this team sucks!" Brad Smith scored two touchdowns via kickoff returns and an end around against them.
Off the field the team wasn't much better. They were a bad group of character guys who were always getting into trouble with the law. Chad Johnson change his name to Chad "Ochocinco". This became the point of his career when he also became "Ocho-Stinko." Their quarterback, Carson Palmer, was so fed up with the organization after the season he said he'd "rather retire then play another down for the Bengals". When a player in his prime would rather give up money and not play just to get away from an organization you know there are some real problems.
Fast forward three years and the Bengals are now in prime position to be a Superbowl contender in a very good AFC. How did their fortunes change? Staying the course with their coaching staff was a big plus. Mike Brown (Bengals owner) could have fired long time coach Marvin Lewis after a pitiful 4-12 season. Although he has not had the best record over his decade tenure with the team, Lewis is a man of principal and became more important to ownership then its fledgling stars of Palmer, Owens and "Ocho". His coaching staff made up of Jay Gruden (offensive coordinator) and Mike Zimmer (defensive coordinator) are probably in the top 5 of the league.
The silver-lining of having a bad season is that you get a high draft pick. Every once in a while a team gets lucky and a great player falls into their lap. Such is the case with the Bengals and wide receiver AJ Green in the 2011 draft. Green has developed into a top NFL receiver and does not provide the headaches or bulletin board fodder that other high profile players at his position do. Matching him up with their second round pick in the 2011 draft, quarterback Andy Dalton, was a good decision. Dalton is a solid NFL QB and lead the team to playoff appearances in back to back seasons.
Mix in 2010 tight end draft pick Jermaine Gresham (just as good as Jermichael Finley of the Packers just doesn't get enough recognition) with Mohammed Sanu, a 3rd round pick from Rutgers in 2012 and the Bengals have a very formidable offense for opposing defenses. Their defense isn't half bad either. They have a pair of stud lineman in Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson and their secondary is solid with veteran Leon Hall and youngster Dre Kirkpatrick.
After 3 years of rebuilding the team the right way with high character young guys through the draft the time is now for the Bengals to win a Super Bowl. It is at least their time to win the AFC North division. Baltimore and Pittsburgh seem to be rebuilding (or retooling) and the Browns are a long way away from contention.
Provided their star players stay healthy, Bengals fans may proudly say again "Who dey think gonna beat them Bengals!" at the end of this season...while hoisting a Lombardi trophy.
Off the field the team wasn't much better. They were a bad group of character guys who were always getting into trouble with the law. Chad Johnson change his name to Chad "Ochocinco". This became the point of his career when he also became "Ocho-Stinko." Their quarterback, Carson Palmer, was so fed up with the organization after the season he said he'd "rather retire then play another down for the Bengals". When a player in his prime would rather give up money and not play just to get away from an organization you know there are some real problems.
Fast forward three years and the Bengals are now in prime position to be a Superbowl contender in a very good AFC. How did their fortunes change? Staying the course with their coaching staff was a big plus. Mike Brown (Bengals owner) could have fired long time coach Marvin Lewis after a pitiful 4-12 season. Although he has not had the best record over his decade tenure with the team, Lewis is a man of principal and became more important to ownership then its fledgling stars of Palmer, Owens and "Ocho". His coaching staff made up of Jay Gruden (offensive coordinator) and Mike Zimmer (defensive coordinator) are probably in the top 5 of the league.
The silver-lining of having a bad season is that you get a high draft pick. Every once in a while a team gets lucky and a great player falls into their lap. Such is the case with the Bengals and wide receiver AJ Green in the 2011 draft. Green has developed into a top NFL receiver and does not provide the headaches or bulletin board fodder that other high profile players at his position do. Matching him up with their second round pick in the 2011 draft, quarterback Andy Dalton, was a good decision. Dalton is a solid NFL QB and lead the team to playoff appearances in back to back seasons.
Mix in 2010 tight end draft pick Jermaine Gresham (just as good as Jermichael Finley of the Packers just doesn't get enough recognition) with Mohammed Sanu, a 3rd round pick from Rutgers in 2012 and the Bengals have a very formidable offense for opposing defenses. Their defense isn't half bad either. They have a pair of stud lineman in Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson and their secondary is solid with veteran Leon Hall and youngster Dre Kirkpatrick.
After 3 years of rebuilding the team the right way with high character young guys through the draft the time is now for the Bengals to win a Super Bowl. It is at least their time to win the AFC North division. Baltimore and Pittsburgh seem to be rebuilding (or retooling) and the Browns are a long way away from contention.
Provided their star players stay healthy, Bengals fans may proudly say again "Who dey think gonna beat them Bengals!" at the end of this season...while hoisting a Lombardi trophy.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
About the Author
Thank you for visiting "The Kick Is Good" blog. This site is for the NFL fan who is passionate about the game. Posts will consists of bio-sketches, team analysis, and questions about the structure of the game. We are happy you've come along for the ride.
The author of this blog, Paul James, has been an NFL fan since 1997. His sundays from September-January are spent lounging in his basement and watching the game on his custom made entertainment system for watching football. James is a New Yorker but is knowledgeable on all NFL teams and players. His purpose for writing this blog is to entertain fans from every NFL market. James has been working in sports media production for over three years and loves telling a great story.
Stay connected with the blog by following Paul James on twitter "@PJ_thekickisgood" for all the latest NFL News!
Flag On the Play: NY Jets
**Flag on the play is a weekly article on The Kick is Good blog that focuses on teams or players that are trending downward**
For as much negative press that the New York Jets receive, for as ridiculous their loud mouth coach's comments can be (stating at last year's combine that his 2013 team was the most talented one yet), for as many paternity suits that now number one cornerback Antonio Cromartie has faced...this organization has actually been one of the most successful in the past decade.
I know...now i'm the one sounding ridiculous. But the proof is in the pudding...and in this case the pudding is the team's record over the past 12 seasons
Here is the Jets record since 2000
00": 9-7 (missed playoffs but over .500)
01": 10-6 (lost in wild card round to oakland)
02": 9-7 (won AFC East, Won first round playoff game vs. IND, Lost Divisional round game to OAK)
03": 6-10 (no playoffs)
04": 10-6 (won wildcard game vs San Diego, Lost in Divisional round to PIT)
05": 4-12 (no playoffs)
06": 10-6 (lost wildcard game to NE)
07:" 4-12 (no playoffs)
08": 9-7 (no playoffs but over .500)
09': 9-7 (won wildcard game vs. CIN, won Divisional round vs SD, lost Conference champ vs. IND)
10": 11-5 (won wildcard game vs IND, won Divisional round vs NE, lost Conference champ vs PIT)
11": 9-7 (no playoffs)
12": 6-10 (no playoffs)
Overall that record comes out to 106- 102, an over .500 winning percentage with 6 playoff appearances and two conference championship appearances. That's a pretty good resume in my opinion (consider that the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills have a combined 3 playoff appearances over that same span). The Jets success is masked by the fact that the Patriots have been a dynasty in the league since 2001, winning 3 superbowls and 10 division championships during the same exact time.
At this point you are probably wondering why I think this team is trending downward after praising it's success over the last decade. The main reason is faulty management and poor drafting over the past five seasons. It is funny how a bad draft pick can cause an entire fan base to become paranoid for years to come (see picking Vernon Gholston 6th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft). Since Rex Ryan has been head coach the team has only drafted one highly productive starter/impact player, Muhammed Wilkerson. In a league that is all about building your team through the draft and supplementing it with free agents, one player out of 21 picks is not a good percentage.
During the Ryan administration the team has focused more on free agency. In 2010 they brought in Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Jason Taylor and Ladianian Tomlinson as free agents. They signed Holmes and Cromartie, two players with a checkered past, to long term contract extensions. Even though Holmes restructured his deal for this year they are still paying him a significant amount of money towards the cap that is preventing them from going out and making moves to make the team better. Don't be surprised if Holmes is a "cap-casualty" in 2014. Even if the Jets cut him they don't have any player in their wide receiver corp to replace him. Young receivers Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley show potential but still need to be coached up..a dangerous thought for a Jets coaching staff that are all coaching for their jobs this season after missing the playoffs for back to back seasons.
New general manager John Idzik has done a nice job trimming some of the fat this offseason. Cutting ties with Eric Smith, Bryan Thomas, and Bart Scott saved the team a lot of money but also left them with some major holes on the defensive side of the ball. All three of these players were starting caliber, but probably only starters on a Jets team that was lacking defensive talent. These players will be contributing in reserve rolls on their respective teams for the rest of their career. The problem for the Jets is that they haven't replaced these "mediocre" players with players of better quality. Antwan Barnes was signed from San Diego but has had an underwhelming career up to this point. Can he break out in New York...I don't think so. The losses of Sione Pouha (Indy) and Mike Devito (Chiefs) hurts both in the locker room and on the defensive line. Young players like Kenrick Ellis and first round draftpick Sheldon Richardson will have to step up. Although I am am in favor of upgrading your roster with younger players there is usually a learning curve in the NFL. Something tells me the Jets line will be taking a lot of punches to the mouth. The safety position isn't much better. Yeramiah Bell is an older player but was still solid for the team last year and better than any option they currently have on the roster. Laron Landry was too rich for their blood and used them to get the big contract he was looking for. Although I would not have paid him 24 million dollars over four years I think Jet fans are in for a rude awakening when playing teams with good tight ends. Get used to the names Josh Bush and Antonio Allen as your safety tandem (sprinkle in Dawan Landry as well)
The offensive side of the ball is equally as messy. Mark Sanchez's albatross of a contract makes him un-moveable. He might also be the best quarterback on the roster which is a scary proposition. Geno Smith is young and hopefully the future for the team at the QB position but is not ready to start right away. The offensive line has two new guards. They traded a 4th round pick for running back Chris Ivory who has never been able to stay healthy for a season. And the other running back they signed, Mike Goodson, was arrested last month for possessing marijuana and a hand gun in the state of New Jersey (charges are still pending).
This team is definitely in rebuilding mode. If this team doesn't make the playoffs (and my money is against it) team owner Woody Johnson and GM Idzik will probably be looking for a new coaching staff next January (just what they need, more change!). Ultimately, I think Idzik has a plan to make this team a contender. Look at the Seattle team that he helped build over the last 4 years. 4 good drafts later they are a superbowl favorite for 2013. 2016 is a far cry for Jets fans but that should be a fair assessment of when the team should be a contender again.
As for this year..a somewhat favorable month of September (vs Tampa, @ New England, vs. Buffalo, @ Tennesee) and December ( vs. Miami, vs. Oakland, @ Carolina, vs Cleveland, @ Miami) could give fans some hope of a respectable record. The month of October is a killer with games against the Patriots, Steelers, Bengals, Falcons and Saints, teams I believe are all ranked in the top 10 of the league.
This Jets team will probably be one of the worst in the league. Other than Oakland or Jacksonville I don't see any teams with less talented/ proven players than they have. I expect them to be picking in the top half of the draft again next season.
I can hear Jet fans across the tri-state already yelling "oh the pain!"
[Paul James' blog post was written for "The Kick is Good", a blog written about the upcoming NFL 2013 season. Find more posts at http://thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com #506iv #Flagontheplay and follow him on twitter @PJ_thekicksgood ]
For as much negative press that the New York Jets receive, for as ridiculous their loud mouth coach's comments can be (stating at last year's combine that his 2013 team was the most talented one yet), for as many paternity suits that now number one cornerback Antonio Cromartie has faced...this organization has actually been one of the most successful in the past decade.
I know...now i'm the one sounding ridiculous. But the proof is in the pudding...and in this case the pudding is the team's record over the past 12 seasons
Here is the Jets record since 2000
00": 9-7 (missed playoffs but over .500)
01": 10-6 (lost in wild card round to oakland)
02": 9-7 (won AFC East, Won first round playoff game vs. IND, Lost Divisional round game to OAK)
03": 6-10 (no playoffs)
04": 10-6 (won wildcard game vs San Diego, Lost in Divisional round to PIT)
05": 4-12 (no playoffs)
06": 10-6 (lost wildcard game to NE)
07:" 4-12 (no playoffs)
08": 9-7 (no playoffs but over .500)
09': 9-7 (won wildcard game vs. CIN, won Divisional round vs SD, lost Conference champ vs. IND)
10": 11-5 (won wildcard game vs IND, won Divisional round vs NE, lost Conference champ vs PIT)
11": 9-7 (no playoffs)
12": 6-10 (no playoffs)
Overall that record comes out to 106- 102, an over .500 winning percentage with 6 playoff appearances and two conference championship appearances. That's a pretty good resume in my opinion (consider that the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills have a combined 3 playoff appearances over that same span). The Jets success is masked by the fact that the Patriots have been a dynasty in the league since 2001, winning 3 superbowls and 10 division championships during the same exact time.
At this point you are probably wondering why I think this team is trending downward after praising it's success over the last decade. The main reason is faulty management and poor drafting over the past five seasons. It is funny how a bad draft pick can cause an entire fan base to become paranoid for years to come (see picking Vernon Gholston 6th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft). Since Rex Ryan has been head coach the team has only drafted one highly productive starter/impact player, Muhammed Wilkerson. In a league that is all about building your team through the draft and supplementing it with free agents, one player out of 21 picks is not a good percentage.
During the Ryan administration the team has focused more on free agency. In 2010 they brought in Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Jason Taylor and Ladianian Tomlinson as free agents. They signed Holmes and Cromartie, two players with a checkered past, to long term contract extensions. Even though Holmes restructured his deal for this year they are still paying him a significant amount of money towards the cap that is preventing them from going out and making moves to make the team better. Don't be surprised if Holmes is a "cap-casualty" in 2014. Even if the Jets cut him they don't have any player in their wide receiver corp to replace him. Young receivers Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley show potential but still need to be coached up..a dangerous thought for a Jets coaching staff that are all coaching for their jobs this season after missing the playoffs for back to back seasons.
New general manager John Idzik has done a nice job trimming some of the fat this offseason. Cutting ties with Eric Smith, Bryan Thomas, and Bart Scott saved the team a lot of money but also left them with some major holes on the defensive side of the ball. All three of these players were starting caliber, but probably only starters on a Jets team that was lacking defensive talent. These players will be contributing in reserve rolls on their respective teams for the rest of their career. The problem for the Jets is that they haven't replaced these "mediocre" players with players of better quality. Antwan Barnes was signed from San Diego but has had an underwhelming career up to this point. Can he break out in New York...I don't think so. The losses of Sione Pouha (Indy) and Mike Devito (Chiefs) hurts both in the locker room and on the defensive line. Young players like Kenrick Ellis and first round draftpick Sheldon Richardson will have to step up. Although I am am in favor of upgrading your roster with younger players there is usually a learning curve in the NFL. Something tells me the Jets line will be taking a lot of punches to the mouth. The safety position isn't much better. Yeramiah Bell is an older player but was still solid for the team last year and better than any option they currently have on the roster. Laron Landry was too rich for their blood and used them to get the big contract he was looking for. Although I would not have paid him 24 million dollars over four years I think Jet fans are in for a rude awakening when playing teams with good tight ends. Get used to the names Josh Bush and Antonio Allen as your safety tandem (sprinkle in Dawan Landry as well)
The offensive side of the ball is equally as messy. Mark Sanchez's albatross of a contract makes him un-moveable. He might also be the best quarterback on the roster which is a scary proposition. Geno Smith is young and hopefully the future for the team at the QB position but is not ready to start right away. The offensive line has two new guards. They traded a 4th round pick for running back Chris Ivory who has never been able to stay healthy for a season. And the other running back they signed, Mike Goodson, was arrested last month for possessing marijuana and a hand gun in the state of New Jersey (charges are still pending).
This team is definitely in rebuilding mode. If this team doesn't make the playoffs (and my money is against it) team owner Woody Johnson and GM Idzik will probably be looking for a new coaching staff next January (just what they need, more change!). Ultimately, I think Idzik has a plan to make this team a contender. Look at the Seattle team that he helped build over the last 4 years. 4 good drafts later they are a superbowl favorite for 2013. 2016 is a far cry for Jets fans but that should be a fair assessment of when the team should be a contender again.
As for this year..a somewhat favorable month of September (vs Tampa, @ New England, vs. Buffalo, @ Tennesee) and December ( vs. Miami, vs. Oakland, @ Carolina, vs Cleveland, @ Miami) could give fans some hope of a respectable record. The month of October is a killer with games against the Patriots, Steelers, Bengals, Falcons and Saints, teams I believe are all ranked in the top 10 of the league.
This Jets team will probably be one of the worst in the league. Other than Oakland or Jacksonville I don't see any teams with less talented/ proven players than they have. I expect them to be picking in the top half of the draft again next season.
I can hear Jet fans across the tri-state already yelling "oh the pain!"
[Paul James' blog post was written for "The Kick is Good", a blog written about the upcoming NFL 2013 season. Find more posts at http://thekickisgoodblog.blogspot.com #506iv #Flagontheplay and follow him on twitter @PJ_thekicksgood ]
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