Throughout the 2011 season, Jermichael Finley stressed his desire to remain a "Packer for life." The contract he signed yesterday is far from a lifetime deal, but it's a step in the right direction.
Finley inked a two-year contract extension last night worth $15 million, which appears to be a great deal for both sides. Aaron Rodgers keeps one of his favorite targets for at least two more years and Finley can hit free agency again as a 26-year old in 2014.
The 6-5, 250 pound tight end is one of the most athletic offensive players in the NFL. He has the size of a standard TE, but the quickness and cutting ability of a wide receiver. Together, those attributes have caused several defensive coordinators to lose sleep.
The former Texas Longhorn caught 55 balls in 2011 for 767 yards and eight touchdowns in an offense that routinely had 10 or more players catch a pass in any given game.
Finley's repeated cases of the "Dropsies" were a hot button issue all season. Angry fans expressed their displeasure via twitter and hurled insult after insult at him in each of Green Bay's two losses, where his drops seemed to play a key role.
The big man seemed to take it all in stride and did his best not to react negatively.
The underlying issue in all of this is that the Packers now have a decision to make about how to use the franchise tag, which can be applied to one unrestricted free agent each year.
That's where backup quarterback Matt Flynn comes into play. Flynn has started just two games in his NFL career, but shined brightly in each performance. Filling in for an injured Rodgers at New England in 2010, he completed 24 of 37 for 251 yards and three touchdowns.
Fast-forward to the 2011 regular season finale in which Rodgers, along with top weapons Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley sat out, Flynn rewrote the Green Bay record books, a book that was first published 93 years ago. He threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns, setting the franchise record for both and becoming the subject of bar bets for decades to come.
In his two starts, both of which were against teams that went on to the postseason, Flynn has completed 68% of his passes for 731 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. While his resume is far from complete, that won't stop many teams from trying to acquire Flynn should the Pack stick the tag on him.
Flynn would get a one-year deal worth about $14 million, which is about $6 million more than Rodgers makes. However, that gets wiped away as long as the Packers work out a deal.
The Redskins, Seahawks, Browns, and Dolphins are all in need of a signal caller and are sitting pretty in the draft. Joe Philbin, former offensive coordinator for the Packers, was hired as the head coach for Miami last month. Assuming at least two of those squads pursue him, that will certainly drive up the price and could easily land the Packers a top 15 draft pick.
Kevin Kolb brought the Eagles a good corner in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second rounder a year ago. Flynn's stock is likely even higher than Kolb's was.
Green Bay desperately needs an outside linebacker to play on the opposite side as Clay Matthews. CM3 was doubled nearly every play as opposing defenses keyed in on him as the only real pass rushing threat in green and gold. The draft pick that Matt Flynn would likely bring in could certainly resolve some key issues for a defense that ranked at or near the bottom in every statistical category.
The franchise tag period began on Monday and will run through March 5th.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Record Setting Crowd Expected for Rivalry Game
http://www.independentcollegian.com/record-settng-crowd-expected-for-rivalry-game-1.2697868#.TzQKLBzwznI
Monday, February 6, 2012
Is the Brady-Belichick Era Over?
As impressive as Eli Manning and the Giants were in their second Super Bowl win in four years, the bigger story from this game is what we should make of the Patriots going forward.
There was a time when New England was the best and possibly most feared team in the league, year in, year out. Tom Brady was lethal and unstoppable. Bill Belichick was crafty and ruthless.
When the Patriots won three championships in four years ('01, '03, '04), it seemed as if they could do no wrong, especially in the playoffs. More specifically, in Super Bowls.
In Super Bowl 36, Brady and the Pats were tied at 17 with St. Louis. They got the ball back with 1:30 left and Brady went to work. With no timeouts left, he took his team right down the field. Brady completed his first three passes of the drive before misfiring. He followed that up with a 23-yard pass to Troy Brown and then a 6-yarder to Jeramaine Wiggins before spiking it at the Rams 30 with seven seconds left, which set up the game-winning field goal.
Two years later in Super Bowl 38, Brady once again needed a last minute miracle. This time, against the Carolina Panthers. Standing at his own 40 with 1:08 to play, Brady once again delivered. He calmly guided the Patriots right down the field in an orderly, methodical fashion. He came through with two huge, clutch passes to Deon Branch on his way to setting up Adam Vinatieri for another clincher.
The following year, they didn't need a last minute drive to beat the Eagles. However, Brady still played an integral role in winning his third Super Bowl in four years, completing 23 of 33 for 236 yards and 2 TD's. Belichick's defense supplied the dagger in the end, intercepting Donovan McNabb with nine seconds remaining.
New England was at a point where they couldn't do anything wrong. They made every big play and won every big game. In 2007, they finished the regular season a perfect 16-0 and rewrote the NFL's offensive record books in the process before falling to none other than the Giants in Super Bowl 42.
Before that game, Brady and Belichick had won 14 of their first 16 playoff games, including a perfect three-for-three in Super Bowls. However, the Patriots are just 3-3 since, including 0-2 in Super Bowls. In 2009, they were embarrassed by the Ravens, 33-14 in front of their home crowd. A year later, they were once again ousted at home in their first playoff game. This time, by the Jets, 28-21.
Sunday's Super Bowl showed us that Brady, Belichick, and the Patriots may not be what they used to. Instead of finding a way to win, they squandered opportunities and made crucial mistakes, two things they didn't used to do.
On the very first play of the game, Tom Brady launched a pass under heavy pressure intended for nobody in particular. Standing in the end zone and inside the tackle box upon release, the referee rightfully called him for intentional grounding, giving the Giants two points and the ball back. A mental lapse like that had never before been seen from Brady in a title game.
With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, which is historically when Brady plays his best, he again made a very poor decision. With about 14 minutes left, he threw a jump ball for Rob Gronkowski near the end zone. Under normal circumstances, that's probably not the worst of ideas, especially considering "Gronk" caught 17 touchdowns in the regular season. However, with a badly sprained ankle, his leaping ability was non-existent and the pass was picked off. Brady needs to know that he shouldn't be throwing 50/50 balls to someone who can't jump.
Brady wasn't the only Patriot who made mental mistakes. Wes Welker, his favorite target and one of the most sure-handed players in the league, dropped a long pass with four minutes to play that would have put New England in prime position. Deon Branch, a receiver Brady connected with several times in past Super Bowls when he had to have a big completion to move the chains, dropped a pass on the last drive. Aaron Hernandez would do the same.
Even Bill Belichick, a so-called "defensive genius," had his share of problems. His once vaunted defense was ranked second to last in the NFL in 2011 and lacked even the smallest hint of a pass rush.
Long story short, these are not the Patriots from years past. The swagger and charisma from defenders like Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law, Mike Vrabel, and Lawyer Milloy are no longer present. The cold-blooded, clutch performances from the aging Brady and Branch aren't as frequent.
When Tom Brady takes the field next season, he'll be 35 years old. Assuming Matt Hasselbeck and Peyton Manning find homes next year, Brady will be the second oldest starting QB in the NFL by a year.
It's completely fair to ask if this is it for one of the NFL's finest dynasties.
There was a time when New England was the best and possibly most feared team in the league, year in, year out. Tom Brady was lethal and unstoppable. Bill Belichick was crafty and ruthless.
When the Patriots won three championships in four years ('01, '03, '04), it seemed as if they could do no wrong, especially in the playoffs. More specifically, in Super Bowls.
In Super Bowl 36, Brady and the Pats were tied at 17 with St. Louis. They got the ball back with 1:30 left and Brady went to work. With no timeouts left, he took his team right down the field. Brady completed his first three passes of the drive before misfiring. He followed that up with a 23-yard pass to Troy Brown and then a 6-yarder to Jeramaine Wiggins before spiking it at the Rams 30 with seven seconds left, which set up the game-winning field goal.
Two years later in Super Bowl 38, Brady once again needed a last minute miracle. This time, against the Carolina Panthers. Standing at his own 40 with 1:08 to play, Brady once again delivered. He calmly guided the Patriots right down the field in an orderly, methodical fashion. He came through with two huge, clutch passes to Deon Branch on his way to setting up Adam Vinatieri for another clincher.
The following year, they didn't need a last minute drive to beat the Eagles. However, Brady still played an integral role in winning his third Super Bowl in four years, completing 23 of 33 for 236 yards and 2 TD's. Belichick's defense supplied the dagger in the end, intercepting Donovan McNabb with nine seconds remaining.
New England was at a point where they couldn't do anything wrong. They made every big play and won every big game. In 2007, they finished the regular season a perfect 16-0 and rewrote the NFL's offensive record books in the process before falling to none other than the Giants in Super Bowl 42.
Before that game, Brady and Belichick had won 14 of their first 16 playoff games, including a perfect three-for-three in Super Bowls. However, the Patriots are just 3-3 since, including 0-2 in Super Bowls. In 2009, they were embarrassed by the Ravens, 33-14 in front of their home crowd. A year later, they were once again ousted at home in their first playoff game. This time, by the Jets, 28-21.
Sunday's Super Bowl showed us that Brady, Belichick, and the Patriots may not be what they used to. Instead of finding a way to win, they squandered opportunities and made crucial mistakes, two things they didn't used to do.
On the very first play of the game, Tom Brady launched a pass under heavy pressure intended for nobody in particular. Standing in the end zone and inside the tackle box upon release, the referee rightfully called him for intentional grounding, giving the Giants two points and the ball back. A mental lapse like that had never before been seen from Brady in a title game.
With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, which is historically when Brady plays his best, he again made a very poor decision. With about 14 minutes left, he threw a jump ball for Rob Gronkowski near the end zone. Under normal circumstances, that's probably not the worst of ideas, especially considering "Gronk" caught 17 touchdowns in the regular season. However, with a badly sprained ankle, his leaping ability was non-existent and the pass was picked off. Brady needs to know that he shouldn't be throwing 50/50 balls to someone who can't jump.
Brady wasn't the only Patriot who made mental mistakes. Wes Welker, his favorite target and one of the most sure-handed players in the league, dropped a long pass with four minutes to play that would have put New England in prime position. Deon Branch, a receiver Brady connected with several times in past Super Bowls when he had to have a big completion to move the chains, dropped a pass on the last drive. Aaron Hernandez would do the same.
Even Bill Belichick, a so-called "defensive genius," had his share of problems. His once vaunted defense was ranked second to last in the NFL in 2011 and lacked even the smallest hint of a pass rush.
Long story short, these are not the Patriots from years past. The swagger and charisma from defenders like Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law, Mike Vrabel, and Lawyer Milloy are no longer present. The cold-blooded, clutch performances from the aging Brady and Branch aren't as frequent.
When Tom Brady takes the field next season, he'll be 35 years old. Assuming Matt Hasselbeck and Peyton Manning find homes next year, Brady will be the second oldest starting QB in the NFL by a year.
It's completely fair to ask if this is it for one of the NFL's finest dynasties.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Don't Let 60 Days Overshadow 60 Years
The death of Joe Paterno has sparked column after column of reflection. As little as two and a half months ago, all of those columns would have read the same exact way. However, when former assistant Jerry Sandusky was indicted on 40 counts of child sex abuse on November 4th of last year, things changed.
We learned that Paterno didn't exactly take swift action when he learned of an alleged incident that occurred in 2002. Mike McQueary, a grad assistant at the time, witnessed one of these acts in the locker room showers. He tells Paterno, who then told the President at the time, Graham Spanier. Spanier sat on the information and failed to tell authorities, as did Paterno.
Less than a week after this story went public and Sandusky was indicted, Joe Paterno, the winningest college football coach of all time, was fired.
I have to admit that at first, I completely agreed with the decision. This story broke on a Saturday. By Monday morning, I was convinced he should be canned.
However, as time has gone on, my opinion has changed more and more, and it has nothing to do with all of his health problems than ensued. When Penn State took the field without Paterno at home against Nebraska, it suddenly hit me that this just wasn't right.
Paterno took over as head coach for the Nittany Lions in 1966. In his 62 years, he compiled a 409-136-3 record, including 24-12-1 in bowl games. He was a National Champion in 1982 and 1986. Other honors and awards include being named Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year ('86)," AP Coach of the Year ('05), recipient of the Paul "Bear" Bryant award ('86), and elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. No coach has won more football games than Joe Pa.
As remarkable as Paterno's accomplishments on the field were, it's what he did off of it that truly shows what kind of person he was. Contrary to many others in his profession, Paterno put a huge emphasis on education. Instead of running a football factory like most other institutions of high football prestige, he combined athletics with education as soon as he took over. His "Grand Experiment" led to some of the highest graduation rates in the country during his entire tenure.
Joe and his wife Sue contributed over $4 million to the University's academics, which helped to open facilities such as the Penn State All-Sports Museum and the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. Paterno raised nearly $14 million to expand the school's library, which was named after him.
In a time when NCAA violations are as common as first down carries by a halfback in the Penn State offense, it has to be noted that Paterno went his entire career without committing one.
Possibly the most telling example that shows what kind of man he was are the things that former players say about him. It's common for football players to give their head coach credit for finding them in recruiting, offering a scholarship, and providing them with the basics for becoming an outstanding talent. However, what Joe's former players say takes that to a whole different level:
"Thank you Joe for taking a chance on me and making me into the man I am today. I will never forget the lessons I learned from you." - former linebacker Aaron Maybin
"You have been my idol. You are a one of a kind man. Words cannot express all my feelings." - former receiver Graham Zug
"We should not be discouraged by his death, but encouraged by his life. It would be a blessing to impact others the way he did." - current defensive tackle Devon Still
“Paterno always wanted his players to call him Joe, he didn’t want them to call him coach because he always wanted to create a family-type atmosphere. If you talk to a former Penn State player they will call him Joe. He never put himself above anybody and always was a friend first.” - former Purdue head coach Joe Tiller
Paterno lived out his life in the same house he bought for $8,000 when he arrived in State College 62 years ago. His home phone number was always listed in the phone book so his players could get a hold of him whenever necessary. He always thought of himself as a regular, everyday guy and never wanted to be treated any differently than anyone else.
While Paterno could have done more after learning about the shower incident, we have completely forgotten who the bad guys are in this situation. Jerry Sandusky and Graham Spanier are alleged felons. They're the ones who should be taking the heat that Paterno unfairly took. Even if Joe went to the police, what would that have changed? It wouldn't have undone any of the rapes. It wouldn't have made the lives of these men any easier than it is now. Joe went up the chain of command and told his boss what was going on. At that point, it's no longer a Joe Paterno issue. His job is to win football games. Spanier's job was to oversee all legal matters involving Penn State University.
Joe Paterno won more football games and did more for his players and university than any other coach in NCAA history. You can choose to remember him any way you wish. As for me, I'll let his players and colleagues, the people who knew him best, make that decision for me.
We learned that Paterno didn't exactly take swift action when he learned of an alleged incident that occurred in 2002. Mike McQueary, a grad assistant at the time, witnessed one of these acts in the locker room showers. He tells Paterno, who then told the President at the time, Graham Spanier. Spanier sat on the information and failed to tell authorities, as did Paterno.
Less than a week after this story went public and Sandusky was indicted, Joe Paterno, the winningest college football coach of all time, was fired.
I have to admit that at first, I completely agreed with the decision. This story broke on a Saturday. By Monday morning, I was convinced he should be canned.
However, as time has gone on, my opinion has changed more and more, and it has nothing to do with all of his health problems than ensued. When Penn State took the field without Paterno at home against Nebraska, it suddenly hit me that this just wasn't right.
Paterno took over as head coach for the Nittany Lions in 1966. In his 62 years, he compiled a 409-136-3 record, including 24-12-1 in bowl games. He was a National Champion in 1982 and 1986. Other honors and awards include being named Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year ('86)," AP Coach of the Year ('05), recipient of the Paul "Bear" Bryant award ('86), and elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. No coach has won more football games than Joe Pa.
As remarkable as Paterno's accomplishments on the field were, it's what he did off of it that truly shows what kind of person he was. Contrary to many others in his profession, Paterno put a huge emphasis on education. Instead of running a football factory like most other institutions of high football prestige, he combined athletics with education as soon as he took over. His "Grand Experiment" led to some of the highest graduation rates in the country during his entire tenure.
Joe and his wife Sue contributed over $4 million to the University's academics, which helped to open facilities such as the Penn State All-Sports Museum and the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. Paterno raised nearly $14 million to expand the school's library, which was named after him.
In a time when NCAA violations are as common as first down carries by a halfback in the Penn State offense, it has to be noted that Paterno went his entire career without committing one.
Possibly the most telling example that shows what kind of man he was are the things that former players say about him. It's common for football players to give their head coach credit for finding them in recruiting, offering a scholarship, and providing them with the basics for becoming an outstanding talent. However, what Joe's former players say takes that to a whole different level:
"Thank you Joe for taking a chance on me and making me into the man I am today. I will never forget the lessons I learned from you." - former linebacker Aaron Maybin
"You have been my idol. You are a one of a kind man. Words cannot express all my feelings." - former receiver Graham Zug
"We should not be discouraged by his death, but encouraged by his life. It would be a blessing to impact others the way he did." - current defensive tackle Devon Still
“Paterno always wanted his players to call him Joe, he didn’t want them to call him coach because he always wanted to create a family-type atmosphere. If you talk to a former Penn State player they will call him Joe. He never put himself above anybody and always was a friend first.” - former Purdue head coach Joe Tiller
Paterno lived out his life in the same house he bought for $8,000 when he arrived in State College 62 years ago. His home phone number was always listed in the phone book so his players could get a hold of him whenever necessary. He always thought of himself as a regular, everyday guy and never wanted to be treated any differently than anyone else.
While Paterno could have done more after learning about the shower incident, we have completely forgotten who the bad guys are in this situation. Jerry Sandusky and Graham Spanier are alleged felons. They're the ones who should be taking the heat that Paterno unfairly took. Even if Joe went to the police, what would that have changed? It wouldn't have undone any of the rapes. It wouldn't have made the lives of these men any easier than it is now. Joe went up the chain of command and told his boss what was going on. At that point, it's no longer a Joe Paterno issue. His job is to win football games. Spanier's job was to oversee all legal matters involving Penn State University.
Joe Paterno won more football games and did more for his players and university than any other coach in NCAA history. You can choose to remember him any way you wish. As for me, I'll let his players and colleagues, the people who knew him best, make that decision for me.
Friday, January 20, 2012
NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship Picks
Baltimore @ New England - 3:00 p.m.
This matchup features a lot of similarities in last week's New Orleans/San Francisco game. One team has an elite offense and the other has an elite defense. With all do respect to the Patriots, they will be luckiest team in NFL history if they win a Super Bowl. Pittsburgh, who would have been their hardest possible matchup, got Tebowed in the first round. The Saints and Packers were both knocked out early over on the NFC side. Instead of facing Pitt, Baltimore, and New Orleans/Green Bay, they will have faced Denver, Baltimore, and San Francisco/New York Giants.
Baltimore's defense has carried them to this point, which shouldn't surprise many. They've done it this way for years. Add in Ray Rice, arguably the NFL's best running back who totaled over 2,000 total yards in 2011, and you have a classic, prototypical team that is built to win in the playoffs. The Patriots have a much different approach: Throw it. Again. And again.
In a season where offense reigned supreme all year long, I have to think that defense will eventually take over, and I think we've reached that point. I challenge anyone to find me two players who care and want to win more than Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Those two are first ballot Hall of Famers, without question. However, they know time is running out on them to win another Super Bowl. This could very well be their last shot and there's no way those two let this one slip. The Patriots defense is downright awful. The best way to beat Tom Brady is to keep him off the field. Ray Rice and Ricky Williams will control the football and wear down the New England defense with long, sustained drives that keep Brady on the sidelines. Defensively, Baltimore has what it takes to stop Brady: A stong pass rush and DB's who can cover. As long as Joe Flacco can manage the game and not lose it, the Ravens will be booking flights to Indy.
Prediction: Baltimore, 28-24.
New York Giants @ San Francisco
It's a shame we wont get to see that New Orleans/Green Bay rematch, but these two teams don't mind. The 49ers, much like the Ravens, take a very old school approach to the game. That shouldn't come as a surprise, considering their head coaches are brothers. San Francisco's defense showed what they're capable of doing last week. Drew Brees, who was as hot as any quarterback in history coming into the playoffs, turned him and the Saints offense over five times. Eli Manning, despite his extremely impressive year, is more prone to the interception than Brees (Eli threw 16 in 2011).
The player to watch in this one is Giants WR Hakeem Nicks. Teams have been doubling Victor Cruz lately, which is giving Nicks a lot of one-on-one looks. If the 49ers elect to to go with a similar game plan and have success covering Nicks with just one DB, Manning could have problems. Last week, Manning had all day long to throw against Green Bay, who have zero pass rush outside of Clay Matthews. Unfortunately for New York, San Fran can come at you from every which way.
Everyone knows what Patrick Willis brings to the table, but the guy who doesn't get enough attention is Aldon Smith. The outside linebacker piled up14 sacks in the regular season and added another last week. Those two linebackers combined with some very talented players in the secondary will give Eli some big issues. Expect Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner to deflect and intercept some passes. Much like the AFC Title game, the 49ers will use defense, a heavy pass rush, cover corners and safeties, and a great run game to control things. Bring on the Harbaugh Bowl rematch. This time, it's for a ring. Mom and Dad must be proud...or terrified.
Prediction: San Francisco, 30-20.
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