No Audience for Mankins' Moans posted by Randolph Charlotin

I thought Logan Mankins was going to be different. I believed he could conduct his contract negotiations privately. Because he kept a low profile after the season and through the draft, I figured Mankins would continue to keep his distance from the Patriots and let his agent and New England hammer out a new deal.

 

Boy, was I wrong. On Monday, loose-lipped Logan demanded a trade and took a few swipes at the organization at the same time.

 "Right now, this is about principle with me and keeping your word and how you treat people,” Mankins told ESPN Boston on Monday. This is what I thought the foundation of the Patriots was built on. Apparently, I was wrong. Growing up, I was taught a man's word is his bond. Obviously this isn't the case with the Patriots." 

"At this point, I'm pretty frustrated, from everything that's happened and the way negotiations have gone. I want to be traded. I don't need to be here any more."

 

A player crying foul over contract negotiations is nothing new. But this year there seems to be a spike in angst as franchises face an uncertain future with an uncapped year and labor negotiations coming up. With teams being very reluctant to hand over big deals without the legislation for how contracts will be structured for the next labor deal, the players are being left without the financial security of a long term contract.

 

Mankins is in limbo with several other restricted free agents in search of new deals, including Dallas’ Miles Austin, Indianapolis’ Raheem Brock, and San Diego’s Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill. Like the pair from the Chargers, Mankins opted not to sign his tender and will continue to hold out.

Continue reading "No Audience for Mankins' Moans"

A "Lights Out" Alternative posted by Randolph Charlotin

A day after the NFL Network revealed San Diego shopped OLB Shawn Merriman during the NFL Draft to New Orleans and two other teams, the Patriots re-signed DE Derrick Burgess. Knowing what is out there, Burgess’ return doesn’t excite the fan base much.

 

If given a choice between the two players, the average person would prefer Shawn “Lights Out” Merriman over Derrick “No Moniker” Burgess. But the bottom line is Burgess is better for the Patriots than Merriman.

 

It’s easy to point to money being the main reason, as Burgess probably resigned for just several hundred thousand dollars compared to Merriman’s tender which is valued at $3.27 million. But it’s deeper than that.

 

First look at Merriman’s situation. What is known is the Chargers would had exchanged Merriman for a first round pick if it wasn’t for Merriman’s agent, Tom Condon, demanding a new lucrative contract from his new team. Merriman has since fired Condon for David Dunn, removing the perceived obstacle.

 

If Dunn can speak any sense into Merriman, Dunn will convince Shawn to sign his tender and play for a new contract.

 

Merriman wants to be paid like Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware and Minnesota’s Jared Allen after seeing the deals signed by the league’s best pass rushers. But Merriman has to reestablish his reputation as the AFC’s most feared pass rusher before he gets comparable money.

 

In his first three years, Merriman totaled 39.5 sacks and earned three Pro Bowl selections. But he missed all but the season opener in 2008 and nagging injuries last year slashed his production down to just four sacks. Merriman considers himself healthy heading into 2010 and he will be motivated. If he recaptures his dominant play, $3.27 million for the year would be a bargain.

Continue reading "A "Lights Out" Alternative"

Market Value Set for Mankins posted by Randolph Charlotin

If your jaw dropped five feet from the amount of Jahri Evans’ new contract, understand a smile of equal distance stretched across the face of Logan Mankins’ agent Frank Bauer.

 

In case you missed it, before the Lawrence Taylor arrest and JaMarcus Russell’s release (talk about polar opposite stories – Taylor goes to a New York prison while Russell gets out of Oakland, which replicates the depressing hopelessness found behind bars), the Saints agreed to pay Evans $56.7 million over seven years, the biggest contract in NFL history for a guard.

 

Mankins, meanwhile, remains far away from the Patriots organized team activities (OTA), working on his ranch as he waits in limbo as a restricted free agent. New England gave Mankins the highest tender, meaning any team that signed Logan to an offer sheet would have to give away a first and third round pick to the Pats for Mankins. It’s a price teams were unwilling to pay.

 

Sitting down at the bargaining table with the Pats hasn’t happened either, as communication between the two sides has been practically non-existent. But maybe Evans’ contract is the spark needed to get Mankins and the Pats talking.

 

Back in February, New England slapped the franchise tag on NT Vince Wilfork. Though disappointed, Wilfork accepted it as long as it was part of the process towards reaching a new agreement.

 

I don’t know how many exchanges were made between the Patriots and Wilfork’s people, but after Pittsburgh agreed with NT Casey Hampton on a three-year $21.3 million contract on February 25th, Wilfork and the Patriots reached a five-year deal worth up to $40 million on March 8.

Continue reading "Market Value Set for Mankins"

Steps Behind posted by Randolph Charlotin

Because I’ve been immersed in my mock draft and inspired to write a few articles, I haven’t posted for a while. During this time, a lot of news regarding the Patriots crossed the news wire. I should had said a little something about every bit of news, but I was distracted.

 

But like a cornerback with 4.2 speed, watch me quickly make up lost ground:

 

At some point, TE Chris Baker signed with Seattle. I completely missed it. But his replacement, Alge Crumpler, already signed on the dotted line. Best of luck, Baker. Now the Pats need a receiving TE.

 

After heaping effusive praise on Florida QB Tim Tebow, Bill Belichick was seen eating dinner with Tebow in Boston. Don’t read too much into it. I don’t want Tebow unless he becomes a Hall of Fame tight end or consistently pressure the quarterback as a rush linebacker. QB Brian Hoyer was good enough to be the sole back-up to Tom Brady as a rookie. If Hoyer takes the next step in his development, Tebow will be an afterthought.

 

What should be news is that New England watched Northwestern DE Corey Wootton work out. The verdict: he’s not athletic enough to switch to OLB. Clearly the Patriots are finally taking the need for an OLB seriously.

 

The NFL released the preseason schedule, and the Patriots play four NFC teams: New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis, and the New York Giants. And that means absolutely nothing. It’s not a revenge game against the Saints. Beating the Giants won’t change the result of Super Bowl XLII. All we’ll get is some good looks at the rookies and guys cleared to play after rehabbing from injury. I’ll be looking particularly at OLB Shawn Crable, WR Brandon Tate, and ILB Tyrone McKenzie.

Continue reading "Steps Behind"

Let's Go (Free Agent) Shopping! posted by Amari Harris

Shopping for free agents in the NFL is not much different from shopping for groceries at the grocery store.  You must make your grocery list based on what you need, while keeping an eye out for great deals.  You want to avoid overpaying for something that you either don’t need or won’t be satisfied with.  You need to keep you eye out for dropping prices.  It is also essential that you stay away from flawed products that have disappointed in the past.  These are all keys to being a smart shopper in the NFL free agent market. 

 

So who in the league is getting the best bargains, and who is pulling a “Dan Snyder” and just buying  the shiniest new toy?  Well, that is a much more difficult question in the 2010 off-season than it has been in the past.  Even Dan Snyder has reeled it in a bit, and hired some expert shoppers in Bruce Allen and Mike Shannahan.  Despite speculation that an uncapped season would bring on a spending frenzy the likes we have never seen, NFL ball clubs are actually being more cautious with their financial decisions. 

 

The uncapped year has seen several teams cut high priced veterans to accelerate the guaranteed portions of their contracts to this year, so they are not as limited in their ability to sign players the following year.  Teams are also putting their guys on “lay away” by putting restricted free agent (RFA) tenders on any of their players whose contracts are up and have less than 6 accrued years in the NFL.  These tenders mean that teams have ultimate leverage because if another team wants to sign that player then they would have to give up a draft pick, and the tendering team doesn't feel the pressure to sign that player to a long term contract.  So you can essentially have that player play for half a season or a even a full season before you decide to pony up the rest of the money for your RFA (hence, lay away).  Either way, it seems that most NFL teams are saying and doing all the right things to improve their teams at this juncture.  Still, there have been some good moves and some bad moves, and now that the first week of free agency is coming to a close it is time to evaluate what the GMs and owners are doing.

Continue reading "Let's Go (Free Agent) Shopping!"

Back to the Drawing Board posted by Amari Harris

It has been a while and I don’t really have an excuse for not posting anything the last couple weeks.  I guess since the Cowboys got trounced by the Minnesota Vikings I just haven’t had much inspiration.  But I’ve come out of my temporary depression and have officially transitioned to the off-season.  In between cartons of Ben & Jerry’s and episodes of Cash Cab I have thought long and hard about what the Cowboys need to do over the  next 6-7 months in order to take the next step from playoff team to Super Bowl contender.

 

The good thing about getting beat up on in the playoffs is that your flaws get exposed.  You definitely don’t leave with the feeling that you are one of the elite teams when you get beat 34-3.  For one, it would certainly help to secure one of those top seeds.  Having homefield advantage was huge in this years playoffs (unless you were the Jets) and the Cowboys could literally have homefield advantage for the entire playoffs and the Super Bowl  if they play their cards right.  The two top seeds faced each other in the big game this year and I’d be willing to bet that at least one #1 seed will be in the Super Bowl in 2011.  Now if the Cowboys want that #1 seed, they will have to improve on their performance from this season.  They may not need to make a lot of personnel changes but some things will need to be solidified. 

 

1.)    Offensive Line

 

Although I fully expect everyone on the offensive line to return next season, the Cowboys could definitely continue to build depth at that position.  Nearly every draft expert has the Cowboys picking an offensive tackle at #27 and I can’t disagree with that assessment.  Someone is probably going to get hurt on this aging line and you need a tackle for the future and the present.  It wouldn’t hurt to get a couple of interior guys either.

Continue reading "Back to the Drawing Board"

Sunday Proved That Tom Brady Is Better Than Peyton Manning posted by Colin Linneweber

Superstar quarterback Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts were defeated by the New Orleans Saints 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The game was ultimately decided by a crucial Manning miscue when his pass was intercepted and returned 74 yards for a touchdown by Saints cornerback Tracy Porter with only three minutes remaining in the decisive fourth quarter.

Manning, 33, a four-time AP NFL MVP and ten-time Pro Bowl selection, is rightfully considered one of the greatest signal-callers of all-time.

However, as this past weekend yet again proved, Manning is simply not a better player than New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Manning, who is now a mediocre 9-9 in the postseason, went 31 for 45 for 333 yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately, despite his otherwise impressive numbers, Manning’s  most recent performance in “The Magic City” will mainly be recalled for his sloppy gaffe that cost the Colts the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Colts selected Manning out of the University of Tennessee with the first overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft.

Essentially from the instant he made his debut with the Colts, Manning has been brilliant and he is expected to capture every vital league passing record before he eventually retires from the sport.

Regardless of his otherworldly statistics under center, Manning was long criticized by both fans and the media alike for his penchant to struggle in big games.

In stark contrast to their aforementioned .500 winning percentage in the playoffs, Manning and the Colts are an overwhelming 130-62 (67.7 percent) in the regular season.

Continue reading "Sunday Proved That Tom Brady Is Better ..."

Saints take advantage of Manning's mistake to capture first-ever Super Bowl posted by Joe Anello

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

 

After getting out to an early 10-0 lead, Peyton looked primed to make the Saints a footnote on his way to history. New Orleans kept it close with two field goals in the second quarter, even after failing a fourth down conversion down at the goal line. When the second half kicked off, it was all Saints. A surprising and successful onside kick led to a Pierre Thomas touchdown, signaling a momentum shift. 

In the fourth quarter, down seven after a Jeremy Shockey touchdown and reviewed two-point conversion, Peyton Manning had the ball in his hands heading down the field, a moment we all expected him to take head on. Then a poor throw fell into the hands of corner Tracy Porter, who promptly returned it 74 yards for the game-sealing score. The Saints victory party began with over 44 seconds left in the Super Bowl, as Manning led his team to the goal line and failed to convert on fourth down. 

Continue reading "Saints take advantage of Manning's ..."

Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets posted by Joe Anello

Can't bet against the point spread? Feel too much pressure when deciding between your heart and your head? Vegas has you covered with these completely ridiculous prop bets, covered by Esquire. Here's a few choice selections and my useless advice.

How many times will The Who's Pete Townshend do his windmill move?
Line: 5.5

My take: The over! During these Super Bowl halftime medleys, every frontman pulls off his signature move at least once, like Springsteen's guitar catch or power slide, Mick Jagger's being creepy or Janet Jackson's being naked. (Snap.) Once you start the windmill, it's hard to stop. 

 

How many times will CBS cut to Archie Manning?
Line: 4

My take: Archie's obviously the father pf Peyton, but he's a New Orleans sports legend, as he's the most famous Saints QB ever. The line started at 2.5, making the over the safest bet in the history of gambling. At 4, it's still too low. Over and over again.

How many times will CBS cut to Kim Kardashian?
Line: 2.5

My take: Not quite the slam dunk of Archie, Kim's still pretty enough to make it on-screen at least three times. If boyfriend Reggie Bush has a great day or gets injured (either one is likely), the curvaceous Kim could garner enough screen time to be the MVP. (Her looks don't hurt either.)

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets"

Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 posted by Joe Anello

The wait is over. Super Bowl 44 is nigh. Manning versus Brees starts in mere hours. After prepping you for the game yesterday with separate previews of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, it's time to bring the two together for my Super Bowl predictions. 

As you're enjoying commercials and stuffing your face with every snack food known to man, it's hard to remember there's a game to be watched. If you miss it, you could miss one of the most explosive Super Bowl match-ups in history. Behind Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, these offenses are always threats to hit the big play. That gives defensive coordinators headaches. Each defense will look to pressure the opposing QB early and often. Whoever best achieves that goal has the best chance to take home the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

Peyton Manning has evolved into a master of pass protection in the past few years, always knowing where the blitz is coming from and where to slide his linemen. New Orleans' front four won't be able to pressure Manning on their own, so mixing in blitzes effectively will be at the top of Saints coordinator Gregg Williams' to-do list. Unfortunately, Manning has the ability to expose any blitz at any time, taking those opportunities to hit a big play down the field. If the Saints can't surprise Manning with pressure, it will be a long day for that defense.

Unlike the Ravens or the Jets, the Saints defense can't shut down an offense. We saw it in the Minnesota game where their defense caused five turnovers but still gave up close to 500 yards of offense. Everyone has already mentioned it, but the Saints depend on turnovers. Peyton Manning won't give them the same chances that Brett Favre did. He always finds the open receiver, whether its superstar Reggie Wayne or rookie Austin Collie.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44"

Saints sign CB Robinson to 5-year deal (AP)

The New Orleans Saints have signed their first-round draft choice. Saints spokesman Greg Bensel says Patrick Robinson has agreed to a five-year contract and is expected to report for training camp Friday. Robinson, a cornerback out of Florida State, was the last of the Saints' six 2010 draft picks to reach a deal. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Ex-Saints DE Grant signs with Dolphins (AP)

Defensive end Charles Grant has signed with the Miami Dolphins. Grant spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Dolphins for the start of training camp Friday. He started all 16 games for the Saints last season and had 5 1/2 sacks. The 31-year-old Grant has 106 career starts and 47 sacks. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Jets sign QB Brunell to 2-year deal (AP)

The Jets signed veteran quarterback Mark Brunell, who backed up Drew Brees last season for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, to a two-year contract Wednesday. The move had been expected for several months as New York sought an experienced quarterback to serve as a backup to Mark Sanchez. The Jets couldn't sign Brunell until free agency restrictions were lifted last week on the final... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Goodell to visit 7 training camps (AP)

Commissioner Roger Goodell will visit seven NFL training camps during the first week of August. Goodell plans to visit the Browns on Aug. 5, before the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Aug 7. Cleveland opens its camp on July 31. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, who posted the tentative itinerary on Twitter, says Goodell also plans to visit the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints on Aug. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Vikings WR Rice has lingering hip injury (AP)

The agent for Sidney Rice says the receiver has a lingering hip injury but should be ready when the Minnesota Vikings open the regular season against the New Orleans Saints. Drew Rosenhaus tweeted the update on Thursday. Rosenhaus says Rice "does not anticipate that this injury will require surgery and he's hopeful that he will be fully healthy for the start of the season." Rice had a... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports