Bleacher Report - Articles by glenn warciski

Could Antonio Pierce Be Playing His Last Year With The Giants?

glenn warciski — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:55:44 -0400

According to New York Newsday's Bob Glauber, Antonio Pierce and the Giants are not working on a contract extension.

Pierce has two years left on his current contract. Recall, in 2005, the Giants inked Pierce to a six-year, $26 million deal. This year, Pierce will be playing his ninth year in the league.

Because of his age, contract (he is due to make $4.35 million this year and $4.75 million in 2010), and the fact that the Giants have selected his replacements Jonathan Goff and Clint Sintim, he may be playing his last year with the Giants.

Clearly, it will be interesting to watch how Goff and Sintim perform in training camp. I do think they may move Sintim to inside linebacker. Right now, Sintim will be competing with Danny Clark for the starting strong side linebacker spot. Remember, a strong side linebacker comes off the field on third down and obvious passing plays.

In the recent rookie camp, Sintim was in pass coverage. According to Michael Eisen of Giants.com, The Giants believe Sintim can become an outstanding pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL. His biggest adjustment might be moving from the 3-4 defense used at Virginia to the 4-3 employed by the Giants.

In addition, he had few coverage duties in college and will likely be asked to expand his repertoire here.

In addition, head coach Tom Coughlin said of Sintim: “A big, strong kid. When he is rushing or whatever, he is a massive, strong guy. So we are seeing that. Plus, he has been in these coverage drills, and he has done okay in these coverage drills, too.”

Did you see Danny Clark on passing downs? Did Danny Clark play on third down?

Again, I do not think Sintim will be playing strong side linebacker in 2010. We will see how Pierce's situation unfolds.

Shaun O'Hara Wants Some Respect; Giants Are Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL

glenn warciski — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:32:54 -0400

The late, famous comedian/actor Rodney Dangerfield coined a phrase "I don't get no respect". Well, some Giants, like center Shaun O'Hara, feel the same way.

After winning Super Bowl XLII, an ESPN.com Power Ranking has the Super Bowl Champions at No. 6.

Nonplussed, O'Hara is scratching his head. He responded by saying, "I don't study all the rankings, but I'm aware of what's going on," he said. "We were a week or two removed from the Super Bowl, and everyone starts predicting the Cowboys to win the NFC East. You almost have to laugh. You just won a Super Bowl, and it's like, 'Hey, what do we have to do to get that respect?'"

Prior to Super Bowl XLII, I can recall SI's Paul Zimmerman, NY Daily News' Gary Myers, and an unknown scribe, yours truly, were predicting a Giants victory over the "best" team ever. Even if one goes back to Super Bowl XXV (please check out a video of Super Bowl XXV on this blog), I remember WFAN's Chris "Mad Dog" Russo predicting a Bills rout. He exclaimed "Bills 42 and Giants 14".

After the Giants' victory, Giants DE Leonard Marshall appeared on Dog's now defunct show on now-defunct SportsChannel New York, waving a sign with Dog's prediction. Much to my delight, and I know the delight of others, Russo had to eat crow.

Getting back to the recent Power Rankings, I am glad the so called "experts" at ESPN have decided to slot the Giants at number six. My feelings about this are:

1. I think the Giants thrive as an underdog.

2. I do feel Dallas is the team to beat in the NFC East.

3. I still think some experts believe the Giants caught "lightning in a bottle".

If the Giants do not get certain breaks in any of their playoff games, perhaps the outcomes would have been different.

Unless Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo figures out how to stop Dallas' potent offense, I think Dallas will continue to defeat the G-men. In all three matchups last year, Dallas outgained the Giants in every offensive category. Thankfully, as a Giant fan, I am glad the Giants were able to "stomp out" Dallas in their playoff game.

Frankly, because we are in a slow NFL news cycle, I think this poll was designed to be provocative. I think its intent was to get people roiled up, especially the Giants' players and fans. For the upcoming season, I think in order to assuage these critics, the Giants have to play consistent games throughout, and this includes Eli Manning.

I think they need to improve their pass defense and special teams coverage. Finally, I think they have to stay healthy. Last year, outside of injuries to Kiwinuka and Shockey, the Giants were very healthy.

Please check out: bloggingthegiants.blogspot.com and nygmennfl.blogspot.com.

Roger Goodell Wants to Close the Case, but Is Spygate Really Over?

glenn warciski — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:09:07 -0400

After much brouhaha, today, former Patriots' employee Matt Walsh met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Before Goodell spoke, he made a decision to have the media and public view Matt Walsh's tapes.

After showing all of the tapes, Goodell then addressed the media.

What We Know

•Thankfully, at this time, there is and was no tape of a St. Louis Rams' walk through prior to Super Bowl XXXVI.

•Matt Walsh did not have anything germane to add regarding video taping of opponents.

•Walsh did reveal that a Patriots player who is nameless at this point practiced while being on IR. At this time, Goodell wants to corroborate this new information prior to releasing the player's name.

•Walsh engaged in illegal selling of tickets.

What We Don't Know

•When Walsh handed over his tapes to Patriots scout Ernie Adams, what did Adams do with the information?

•If these tapes are pieces of information, why did the Patriots go to such lengths to collect the data?

•Did they use information on tapes to gain an advantage?

Because these questions remain unanswered, I think Goodell should hand over the investigation to an independent prosecutor. I think Goodell just wants to put a bookmark in this unfortunate saga and move on.

However, there is another layer of this Spygate drama.

We will have to wait to see if Senator Arlen Spector (R) of Pennsylvania is satisfied with Goodell's investigation. I think Spector has a hidden agenda.

Remember, the U.S. Government has given the NFL an anti-trust exemption. Under this anti-trust exemption, the NFL can negotiate television contracts with all 32 teams rather than have each team do this individually.

The anti-trust exemption has enabled the NFL to prosper. In the past, Spector has threatened to repeal the exemption.

In addition, the NFL is at war with the cable industry over the NFL Network. Comcast Corporation (based out of Philadelphia, PA) is one of the cable giants at odds with the NFL about the NFL Network. The NFL wants its network on regular cable programming while Comcast and others want the network on a tiered package.

What does this mean?

If Spector is not satisfied with Goodell's investigation to date, he can "dangle a carrot" over Goodell. He can continue to pressure Goodell or have the U.S. Government investigate this Spygate soap opera.

If Goodell refuses, Spector and Senator Patrick Leahy (D) of Vermont, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, would consider removing the anti-trust exemption. Undoubtedly, this would be good news for the cable industry.

Stay tuned. I do not think this is over.

A Giant Among Men: Eli Manning's Hero's Journey

glenn warciski — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:04:05 -0400

Right now, I think we are witnessing a legend in the making. With his improved play at the end of the season and in the playoffs which culminated with a dramatic victory over the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, I think Eli the Legend is born. As a Giant fan, I welcome you to read an article written beat writer Paul Schwartz.

When Eli Manning was acquired in a 2004 Draft day trade with the San Diego Chargers, there was much fanfare in Giant Nation. At the time, then GM Ernie Accorsi knew he obtained a franchise quarterback who would lead the Giants to a Super Bowl victory. In the beginning of his Giants career, unfortunately, Eli got off to a rough start. In their season opening game against the Eagles at the Linc, late in the game with Philadelphia having a huge lead, Eli came in the game to replace Kurt Warner.

Eli went back to pass and was clobbered by two Eagle defenders. Fortunately, Eli got up and was unscathed by the vicious sandwich hit. Subsequently, halfway through a lost 2004 season, Eli was named the starter. His fourth start came against the formidable Baltimore Ravens. The Giants were thumped 34-17 and Eli's quarterback rating in this game was a pathetic zero. Clearly, Eli had a bad day. From 2004 up until the Buffalo game in 2007, Eli Manning has been inconsistent. His inconsistency has been his bugaboo.

With a Super Bowl victory under his belt, the Super Bowl MVP is frank about the upcoming 2008 season. He thinks the Giants have to improve in many areas in order to be successful in 08. Most importantly, he includes himself. He is working on improving his leg strength. If he gets stronger in this area, he thinks he will be able to add 10 more yards to his deep throws.

I think he is talking like a leader. He is taking action and focusing on getting better. I think nobility is not about being better than someone but being better than one used to be. Nonetheless, I think we can expect a consistent Eli Manning playing at a high level this season.

NFL Should Junk the Current Salary System

glenn warciski — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:41:32 -0400

As the NFL owners are meeting this week in sunny Palm Beach, Florida(for fans of my blog who live in the Northeast...I am enjoying the weather: it is 80 degrees and sunny), I think they should start thinking about junking the current salary system.

I agree with Mike Florio of Profootballtalk.com. Florio thinks the current system in place for high draft picks is ludicrous. At this time, a team must commit at least $30 million dollars guaranteed to a top five draft pick. I think this is ridiculous too. A future player who has not played a down in the NFL is going to receive $30 million dollars! I think the NFL should implement a rookie wage scale. Furthermore, I think this would help teams who are foundering. They do not have to commit a ton of money to a potential player and focus on using money on current players or free agents.

I would take this a step further.

With a looming work stoppage in 2010, instead of thinking about changing the rules for a players' length of hair, I think the owners need to focus on creating a salary system which rewards players for their performance on the field and not on potential.

If I had the microphone at a meeting today, I would suggest the following:

1. Keep the salary cap system in place. I would require a ceiling and a floor. A team cannot go over the cap and a team has to spend their money above a "floor" number.

2. Come up with a revenue sharing program which will help all teams. In the next few years, Dallas and the Giants and Jets will have new stadiums. These stadiums will replace the older stadiums because they will have more luxury boxes. With more luxury boxes, a team will collect much more revenue than a team in a smaller market.
Teams like Dallas will have more money to spend. I think by sharing revenue will help keep the league viable. I do not want the Buffalo Bills or any other small market team be forced to move. Although there is sharing of the television money, there is no sharing of luxury box money.

According to a Washington Post article, some owners such as Steelers' owner Dan Rooney fear the following: What extra cash can do is enable teams to spend their way around the restraints of the salary cap -- at least over the short term -- by restructuring players' contracts by putting cash in the players' pockets in the form of one-time bonuses in exchange for lowering their immediate salary impact against the cap. There is a saying in the league that "cash solves cap," and the NFL's salary cap is a soft ceiling that can be exceeded. I share the same fear as Rooney.

With baseball starting up for the 2008 season, I think only a handful of teams can win the World Series. I think baseball is in †financial shambles. I would not want the NFL becoming like the MLB. With the NFL, next year, there are more than a handful of teams which can win the Super Bowl. I can only hope the NFL owners can come to an agreement in this area.

3. I would suggest putting more money into the NFL retired players fund. Over the past year, former players Mike Ditka and Kyle Turley have been very vocal about the current system. They feel more money and energy needs to be addressed to take care of former players.

4. Current players under contract can receive performance and team incentive bonuses at the end of the season. Let us take, Giants defensive end Osi Umeniyora as an example. According to New York Daily News writer Ralph Vacchiano, although under contract until 2012, Osi through a source may consider holding out of training camp for more money. Umeniyora signed a extension in 2005. Although he has received guaranteed money, I think Osi like other players in the NFL should be rewarded each year if they play at a high level and meet required benchmarks. I would suggest the following using Osi's situation as an example:

1. Individually-Use the following as criteria- games played, tackles, sacks. Where did he rank with the rest of the defensive ends in the league?

2. Team- Use the following as criteria- ranking of total defense in NFL, yards allowed rushing and passing, team sacks.

I know this is crude and can be reshaped. I would want to create good will amongst the owners and players. With the current system, I think the owners have the upper hand, they can cut or release a player and are not required to pay them the remainder of their salary. In the NFL, a player only receives guaranteed money.

Hopefully, by implementing a new player compensation system, this would limit the amount of player hold outs, revamp the rookie salary structure,and dissolve the bellicose franchise tagging.

NFL Big Men: Brandon Jacobs

glenn warciski — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:30:24 -0400

Born and raised in the swamps of southern Louisiana, Brandon Jacobs has emerged as a potential star in the NFL. As a Giants fan, recall, in the NFC Championship game and the Super Bowl, Brandon set the tone in the beginning of each game by punishing Packers cornerback Charles Woodson and Patriots safety Rodney Harrison respectively.

Jacobs, a huge man listed at 6-4 and 256 lbs, was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round (110th overall) in the 2005 draft. Like in past drafts, former GM Ernie Accorsi would take chances on guys from smaller schools. (i.e WR Ron Dixon from Lambuth, OT Jeff Hatch from Penn.)

In his senior year, Jacobs played at Southern Illinois. Before transferring to Southern Illinois, Brandon played at Auburn where he was third string behind eventual first round picks Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Ronnie Brown.

Unfortunately, last year, Williams suffered perhaps a career ending knee injury. He may not be able to play again. Brown has played for the inept Miami Dolphins. Last year, he too suffered a knee injury and missed most of the season. Conversely, Brown will be able to make a recovery and return for the 2008 season. Although I think it is premature at this point to state Jacobs is the better back out of the three, I think because of his size Jacobs too may not last long in the NFL.

Jacobs is not an anomaly. In the past there have been big backs in the NFL, Christian "Nigerian Nightmare" Okoye, Barry Word, Natrone Means, Bam Morris, Dwayne Crutchfield, Craig "Iron Head" Heyward, Jerome Bettis, and Mike Alstott. These players show a correlation between size and longevity in the NFL.

If we throw out the high and low, (13 years for Bettis and four years for Crutchfield) the average years of service for the Big Backs in the table is about eight years. Upon further investigation from an article I culled from the New York Times, the NFL players union studied team rosters from the 1987 to 1996 seasons, an average of 1,647 players a year, or about 16,000 player years.

The study showed the average career of an N.F.L. player is 3.3 years. The shortest careers were those of running backs (2.57 years), followed by wide receivers (2.81) and cornerbacks (2.94). According to the report, clearly, it is the position and not the size of the player. My next question is: Why is there a short shelf life on running backs?

The study states the following: The short careers may be due mostly to the large number of high-speed collisions these players experience, N.F.L. officials said. Moreover, the study continues with: the only active running backs in their 40's are, well, there are none. How hard is it for a fullback or a running back to have the kind of career recently retire punter Sean Landeta has had?(Landeta's career spanned 25 years of service) Running backs had an 81.8 percent chance of getting to a second year, but a 63 percent chance of reaching a third, a 40.4 percent chance of reaching a fifth, and a six percent chance of reaching a 10th.

Last year, Jacobs missed five games due to injury. Despite playing in only 11 games, Brandon gained 1,009 yards rushing with five yards rushing per attempt. This upcoming season, Jacobs will be a four year veteran. His first two years, he was Tiki Barber's backup. Last year, he was named the starter.

I think this season, Jacobs will be the starter and will share carries with Bradshaw and Ward. Generally speaking, teams in the NFL have a two back system. For this season, the Giants will have the luxury of having three backs in the stable. I think Jacobs will share the carries with the other guys. Therefore, if he shares carries and can avoid injury, he may have a long NFL career.

I can conclude: It is the position, stupid!

NFL: Giants 2008 Draft Preview

glenn warciski — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:48:15 -0400

With free agency winding down and not much news to report on, I will begin discussing the 2008 Giants NFL Draft.

I think the Giants will address the following areas:

1. Defensive tackle
2. Wide receiver
3. Linebacker
4 Offensive tackle
5. Safety
6. Cornerback

In his most recent mock draft, Sports Illustrated's Don Banks thinks the Giants will select Penn State linebacker Dan Conner for their first round pick.

Additionally, John Fennelly, on Blogging the Giants blog, thinks the G-Men should select a linebacker too. On the contrary, I do not think the Giants will pick a linebacker with their first round selection. I think they will draft a cornerback, offensive tackle, or defensive tackle.

Right now, I will focus on the first round pick.

*Defensive Tackle* - Looking at a current depth chart, I noticed the Giants look thin at defensive tackle. In addition, I think the Giants' tackles have trouble fighting off blocks, when it comes to teams that have behemoth offensive lines, i.e. Dallas Cowboys.

I think the Giants' best defensive tackle is Fred Robbins. Robbins is 31 years old. Even though he is under contract until 2010, I think the Giants will use a pick this year to find his replacement.

*Cornerback* - Currently, the NFL is a passing league. I think a team needs quantity and quality in the defensive backfield. I think there is no secret the Giants want to upgrade in this area.

Before DeAngelo Hall became a Raider, the Giants were interested in his services. Hall is young (24 years old) and a proven two time All-Pro.

Despite playing well all year, Giants' starter Sam Madison is 34 years old. So, I think this year will be his last as a Giant. Even though his contract runs through 2010, I think the Giants will be selecting his replacement this year.

Aaron Ross is as solid as the other starter. Fortunately, Corey Webster shined at the end of the year and in the playoffs. However, I think he has to prove he can play an entire season, at a high level. Therefore, because of age and uncertainty, I think the Giants may select a cornerback with their first round pick.

*Offensive tackle* - With Giants offensive line coach, Pat Flaherty, visiting Boston College to look at an offensive tackle, the Giants are looking to add depth to their offensive line. On the other hand, this could be a smoke screen.

The Giants may want teams to know they are interested in this area, but are really looking to select for another position. I think the Giants are young rght now and very good along the offensive line.

I think they have trouble against bigger and athletic defensive lines. Take for example, the Super Bowl game against the Patriots. I think the Patriots have one of the best lines in the game. Seymour, Wolfolk, and Warren are outstanding. The Giants had trouble moving these guys. Look at the stats, the Giants were only able to get 91 yards rushing. During the season, the Giants were 4th in the NFL in yards rushing. (2148 rushing yards).

I think, if their is a weakness along the line, it is the left side. David Diehl a former guard switched from right tackle to left tackle. If I'm not mistaken, Diehl committed only two penalties all year. According to Andy, at Ultimate New York Giants blog, Diehl allowed 14.5 sacks.

Moreover, if you view the video on my blog, which I titled "Manning's Moment", the pass rush was coming from the Patriots right side. At times, Diehl and Seubert had trouble handling New England's pressure. Nonetheless, because they want to improve and repeat as champions, the Giants may select an offensive tackle with their first round pick.

I welcome you to check out my Giants blog.

New York Football Giants

www.nygmennfl.blogspot.com

NFL Offseason: Smart Teams Spend Little in Free Agency?

glenn warciski — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:45:36 -0400

Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News thinks teams who are frugal with their money during the free agent signing period are smart.

I think there is some truth to what he has to share. However, I think Gosselin is using a skewed metric.

I think his point is if a team signs a player or several players as free agents and does not win a Super Bowl, then this team was a failure. According to Gosselin, teams who doled out serious dough are foolish.

Of course, Gosselin supports his thinking by pointing out the Giants.

Last year, the Giants were prudent and spent $1,000,000 on LB Kawika Mitchell and won the Super Bowl. Two years ago, the Steelers signed their only free agent WR Cedric Wilson and won the Super Bowl.

I think free agency is not a panacea. I do not think signing other teams stars will guarantee a Super Bowl victory.

On the contrary, I think signing players can make a team better.

In his article, last year, Gosselin points out the Browns, Cowboys, Seahawks and 49ers each signed a player to a contract in excess of $39 million. Okay, each of these four teams did not win the Super Bowl. Although these teams did not receive any jewelry, two out of the 4 teams did get better and make the playoffs (Dallas and Seattle), while Cleveland finished the season at 10-6, an improvement over the previous year, and just missed making the playoffs.

Gosselin also fails to mention the New England Patriots were very active last year during free agency.

They signed several players including notables LB Adalius Thomas and WR Donte Stallworth. Recall, New England were 18-0 and went to the Super Bowl.

In closing, I think the market will bear what a player is worth. I think a team may improve by signing a player via free agency. I think the message is Caveat Emptor: Let the Buyer Beware!

I welcome you to check out:

New York Football Giants

www.nygmennfl.blogspot.com

Bill Parcells Rebuilding the Dolphins His Way

glenn warciski — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:22:23 -0400

With Miami Dolphins senior executive officer Bill Parcells at the helm, I think he will have the Dolphins in the playoffs in 2008 or 2009.

Living down here in South Florida, I think there is excitement because the Tuna is in town determined to make the Miami Dolphins competitive again. Coming off a disastrous 1-15 season, Miami has hit rock bottom. With Parcells calling the shots, there is hope and optimism a proud franchise will make a comeback.

Coming out of "retirement" for the umpteenth time, Parcells was first interested in the Atlanta Falcons job. As a long time New York Football Giants fan, I know Parcells is an opportunist. I think he used Atlanta as leverage so he could squeeze more money out of Miami owner Wayne Huizenga. Since Don Shula has left Miami, there has been five head coaches. Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannstadt, Jim Bates, Nick Saban, and Cam Cameron. Clearly, the wheels are following off here in Miami, Huizenga had to do get the Dolphins back on track. I think will the Parcells hire, without question, the Dolphins are going in the right direction.

Since taking over, Parcells first move was to obtain Jeff Ireland. Parcells worked with Ireland when they were both with the Cowboys. Thankfully, for the Dolphins, Jerry Jones let Ireland go to Miami. Today, Ireland is the general manager. I think Jones could have made a fuss about this. Because I think Parcells is the GM and Ireland is his assistant. I think Parcells will stay down here in Miami for at least 4 years. Then he will retire again. Subsequently, Ireland will be running the franchise.

Before even naming a head coach, Parcells was busy hiring assistant coaches. I think this was odd. Generally speaking, a head coach is hired and then he builds his staff. I think Parcells already had Miami Head Coach Tony Sparano under contract. Parcells was waiting for Dallas Cowboys to lose in the playoffs. During the playoffs, Tony Sparano was an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys. In the meantime, Parcells was inteviewing coaches for the vacant head coaching job. I think this was a sham. I think the coaches who Parcells interviewed knew it too. I think they were afraid to speak out because I think Parcells wields a lot of power around the NFL. These coaches kept their mouths shut.

Speaking of keeping things tight lipped, Parcells does not like any of his inner circle speaking to the media. This goes for the head coach as well as assistants. A few weeks ago, Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports broke a story about the Dolphins shopping their best player Jason Taylor. When Parcells got wind of this he told ESPN's Chris Mortensen in an interview this was irresponsible journalism. To this day, I do not think Cole has retracted his story. I think Parcells was incensed news was leaked about Taylor being on the trading block.

In addition, Sports Illustrated's Peter King broke a story about a video of former Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan sent from BC coach Jeff Jagodzinski to Bill Parcells. If this is true, this is against NFL rules. A NFL team cannot solicit a college team for information. Generally, NFL Films has video of potential draft selections. A NFL team will ask NFL Films for a video of a college player. To this day, Miami Sr. VP. of Media Relations Harvey Greene asserts no request was made by Parcells or Ireland. Moreover, BC coach Jag has denied sending a tape of Ryan to Parcells.

Over the past month, Parcells has used free agency to begin revamping the current Miami roster. Miami has signed quarterback Josh McCown, WR Ernest Wilford, LB Reggie Torbor, WR Tab Perry, DB Nathan Jones, Kicker Dave Raymer, S Keith Davis, FB Boomer Grigsby, LB Charlie Anderson, DT Randy Starks, TE Sean Ryan, obtained NT Jason Ferguson in a trade with the Cowboys. With all of these signings, I find the acquistion of former 49ers guard Justin Smiley questionable. His signing was announced 27 minutes into the free agent signing period. Before the free agency signing period began on February 29th, I think Smiley had a contract already in place. If this is the case, this would be in violation of NFL rules.

Whether Parcells' behavior is questionable, I think the NFL would have to investigate. Needless to say, I think he will turn around the Dolphins like he did the Giants, Patriots, Jets, and Cowboys.

David Carr: Giants Sign a Lemon

glenn warciski — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:02:54 -0400

Regarding the Giants' recent signing of David Carr; I do not like this move.

I think Carr is a bust. Just like Ryan Leaf, he is another overrated college quarterback. I think Carr does not recognize defenses and holds onto the ball too long.

Last year at Carolina, he was so bad that fans incessantly booed him and Coach Fox could not play him at home games. If one thinks Carolina has tough fans, I think 76,000 at Giants Stadium would be much louder.

Last year, when Chris Palmer was announced quarterbacks' coach he was called upon to help develop Eli Manning into a much better quarterback. I recall media hacks scoffing at the Palmer hire. Well, Eli won the Super Bowl. One can only hope Palmer can do the same with Carr.

Matt Walsh and New England Patriot Games

glenn warciski — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:26:01 -0400

Recently I have read several articles attempting to discredit former Patriots employee Matt Walsh.

Right now, I do not think it is fair to demonize the messenger so one can dismiss the message.

Hopefully Matt Walsh talks and can shed light on this Spygate drama. Because of Belichick's behavior and the NFL bungling the investigation, one can surmise a cover up.

Remember, once he was caught, I thought Belichick was not open and honest with the media. If he was open and honest, I do not think we would be having this drama.
On top of that, under orders by commissioner Roger Goodell the NFL destroyed the evidence.

What is the NFL hiding? Is Belichick's taping of opponents just the tip of the iceberg? Is cheating in the NFL pervasive like a nasty MRSA infection which will not go away?

Glenn Warciski
New York Football Giants
www.nygmennfl.blogspot.com

A Giant Formula

glenn warciski — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:12:35 -0400

Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News writes an interesting column about NFL teams following the Giants formula of adding pass rushers.

During this current free agency period, teams are adding defensive linemen to their rosters.

On March 2,, the Saints added former Jacksonville Jaguar pass rusher Bobby Mccray to the team. Mccray will add depth to the Saints pass rush. He will likely be a back up.

The 49ers added former Bengal Justin Smith. Smith will help revamp the 49ers defensive line. The Vikings are looking to add a pass rusher to their team. According to profootballtalk.com, the Vikes are interested in Titans pass rusher Antwan Odom. Another Titan, Travis Laboy is being courted by the Arizona Cardinals.

From here on, look for teams to add pass rushers via free agency or in the upcoming draft. As a result of the Giants success, teams will copy and hope their team wins the Super Bowl.

Update: Former Raider Chris Clemons signs with the Eagles. Travis Laboy will be playing in the Arizona desert. Antwan Odom does not go to Minnesota. He made a decision to sign with the Bengals. Calvin Pace signed with the Jets.

I think the Jets will also draft a pass rusher in the first round. With Pace, I think they are following the Giants formula. Remember, they play the Patriots twice each year. I will be interested to see how this works for them this upcoming season.

Free Agency Good for the NFL?: Just Ask Terrell Owens

glenn warciski — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:10:50 -0500

One week later, the sharks are full.

On February 29th, the NFL free agent signing period commenced. At the stroke of midnight, the sharks (NFL teams) began their feeding frenzy.

Teams began gobbling up players at a frenetic pace. On profootballtalk.com, I thought Mike Florio did an excellent job keeping track of players signing with their new teams.

Within the first 48 hours, the New York Football Giants lost three players from their Super Bowl roster.

Gibril Wilson, Kawika Mitchell, and Reggie Torbor signed with new clubs. All of these former Giants signed with new teams for more money. Giants' management was not willing to shell out the big bucks for these players.

I think fans have to realize contracts in the NFL are not guaranteed. Consequently, if a player who is under contract is suddenly released or cut, he will not get paid. This is why so much hinges on the signing bonus. A player keeps this money.

In the case of Gibril Wilson, he signed with the Oakland Raiders for six years and $39 million. $16 million of his contract is guaranteed. In a couple of years, if he is cut, he will not get paid the remainder of his contract.

In the NFL, an injury to a player can shorten his career as well as his earning potential. A few years ago, Terrell Owens challenged the Eagles as well as the NFL on their current contract policy.

He became a free agent in 2004 and the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a lucrative deal. He inked a seven year, $49 million contract. Owens made $9 million in 2004. Most of this money came from his signing bonus. His base salary was $660,000.

In his first season in Philadelphia, Owens had a monster year. He had 77 catches for 1200 receiving yards and 14 TDs. Without question, he was the catalyst on the Eagles' offense.

Because of his magnificent season the Eagles—after losing in three consecutive NFL Championship games—finally made it to the Super Bowl. I think a lot of credit has to be given to Owens.

Furthermore, Owens was horse collar tackled by the notorious Roy Williams of the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, Owens was injured in game 14 of the season. He sustained a high ankle sprain. Miraculously, Owens was able to bounce back from the serious injury and played very well in their Super Bowl loss to the Patriots.

During the offseason, Owens and his new agent Drew (The Shark) Rosenhaus made a decision to hold out for more money.

Although Owens was under contract, he felt he wanted to be compensated for playing at a high level. I think his thought process went something like this: if an NFL team can cut a player because he is playing poorly or injured, and not pay him the remainder of his contract, then a player should have the right to renegotiate his contract if he had a magnificent season.

In 2005, Owens was scheduled to make $3.5 million. This was chump change. One of the best receivers in the game was not among the top 10 highest paid wide receivers.

What is wrong with this picture? 10 other wide receivers were being paid more than the best receiver in the game.

During the 2005 offseason, Owens contemplated holding out of training camp. There was a brouhaha regarding Owens and his perceived greed. I think the media focused too much on Owens and not on his message.

Remember, prior to the beginning of Eagles camp in the summer of 2005, there were helicopters hovering over Owens' suburban Jersey home. There was footage of him working out at his home (doing sit ups).

Unsuccessful, Owens did not get the money he wanted. Eventually, he returned to play for the Eagles in 2005 for seven games.

Midway through the season, Owens became a distraction for Eagles' management and the team, too. A decision was made to banish him, and he was suspended for four games without pay and then deactivated for the rest of the season.

I think Owens is misunderstood. He handled the situation clumsily and the media picked up on that and focused only on his perceived antics and greed.

Looking at it from his side, I think he deserved an increase in pay. I think he has a big heart and this was manifested by his recovering quickly from a serious injury in order for him to play in the Super Bowl.

In 2006, Owens signed a contract to play for the Dallas Cowboys. He signed a three year, $25 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus. He was going to receive $5 million in base salary in 2006. In the end, thanks to Jerry Jones, I think Owens is being fairly compensated.

I like free agency. I think it gives players an opportunity to make more money, and has played a role in having parity in the NFL.

Over the years, the Giants were able to make some key additions via free agency, helping to build their current roster. Nevertheless, signing WR Plaxico Burress and LB Antonio Pierce filled important areas of need. Clearly, both players were instrumental in the Giants winning the Super Bowl.

On the other hand, free agency is not a panacea. Giants' management has signed players who did not work out. Please check out my poll at www.nygmennfl.com.

As fans, please remember that although these free agent contracts may seem very striking in the dollar amount, one has take a closer look at the numbers.