New Coach, New Uniforms

Will Bill Parcells coach the Saints in Payton's absence?

People are hailing it as a bad decision for all parties involved, but I'm not as sold. He's close to Payton--he won't come in a try to usurp Payton's hopeful return in 2013. He can get a taste of coaching Brees and an elite team, without having to worry about the long term. He's shown in the past that he can turn a team into a winner quickly -- what would he do with a team that's already elite? Bringing in a completely random outside hire, or even promoting an assistant coach, could throw the team off. It could disrupt everything that that Saints have worked for since Brees and Payton got there. (Speaking of which, they better hurry up and sign Brees.)
I really think this wouldn't be a terrible idea, despite what the media and bloggers are saying. It in a strange way could be a stabilizing factor for a team in distress.  Payton's suspension won't be overturned this week. Not a chance, with the new audio of Williams telling his players to go out and get Frank Gore in January.
(Check out a summery of the limited audio available here Williams' Speech Details.)
Moreover, who else is there? Who else comes to mind who would want to be a head coach for a year and then give it up willingly? Who else is close to Payton and understands how his team runs? Who else's hand is strong enough to hold the team, without a GM, and keep everyone in line? Does it matter for the legacy? Only if he screws it up.

New Nike Uniforms
Well, they came out. Turns out all the uniforms that the world was panicking about online were fakes, or rejects. Who knows if they were old ideas that Nike floated out to see what everyone thought? If that is in fact the case, I'm glad they listened. Because they were awful. But I digress back into reality.
Here they are. Details about all 32 new uniforms (and pictures).
Nothing has majorly changed for most teams, with the notable exception of the Seahawks. But let's be honest, the Seahwaks' uniforms have never been particularly stunning. Nike was just trying to improve on a bad situation. Not sure they quite did, but it was an attempt. Other teams, such as the Panthers, have words on the inside of the collar. For the Panthers, it's "Keep Pounding", words uttered by cancer victim LB Sam Mills.
But Nike is really trying to tote them as state of the art. New fabric, new design, brighter colors. They say that the new uniforms will prevent holding, slip back into form easily after contact. All that film we see of players sticking their shoulder pads back into their jerseys will be gone. New V-shaped neck line, which appears looser but isn't. (That's a good thing.) Players are excited, or at least seem to be. The new uniforms are supposed to encourage a greater range of motion, be lighter and drier (good luck!).
However, the Packers are rejecting the new uniforms. They have requested that their uniforms remain the same in every way, fabric, colors, look and feel. The only change will be the Nike logo. Full Article on Packers' Decision. Overall, for a franchise steeped in history, it's not surprising. They might change their tune, but who cares? They're the Green Bay Packers, who basically invented football. They have said they are open to revisiting the idea after this season, but I'm glad for one that they aren't jumping on the Nike bandwagon. Because of my work, I've had a great deal of experience with Nike football gear. Nothing has ever jumped out at me as being better by far than the other equipment. That being said, I don't have the privilege of using most of it, but I do talk to the guys about it. I'll be interested to hear what the players say as the season gets under way.
Here's a complete break down team by team of the changes (or lack thereof.) Team By Team Breakdown.

Tebow, Saints, Manning oh my!

So much has happened in the football world in the last few days that I've hardly have had time to catch my breath. But let's see if we can break this down.
Starting with the Saints. 
Punishment handed down by the NFL:

• Greg Williams suspended indefinitely. 
• Sean Payton suspended for a year. 
• Mickey Loomis (Saints GM) suspended for 8 games. 
• Joe Vitt (assistant Head Coach of the Saints) suspended for 6 games. 
• Fined $500,000.
• Lose second round picks for the next two years. 
• Players' punishments not released yet.

These punishments are deserved for the bounties. Let's start with Greg Williams. He was the mastermind of this, the instigator, and the source. Without him this probably wouldn't have happened, or would have at least stopped when the league warned them. He needed to rightfully bear the brunt of this and clearly will. He's probably feeling it right now, but even Jeff Fisher said the punishment was deserved. Williams is probably kicking himself for this, but it's not like no one saw this coming. Besides, his suspension doesn't affect the Saints currently -- he had left them at the end of the season regardless.
Sean Payton's suspension is a concern for the Saints. Not only does the team not have Drew Brees under contract, but these punishments won't help him come back. Sean Payton is the mastermind behind the whole team, the revival, the championship. He and Brees are on the same page and are one of the great head coach tandums in the league. This will hurt the Saints more than anything else, even the fine and the other suspensions. If I'm the Saints, I'm hating this right now and am concerned about next years' season.
Mickey Loomis and Joe Vitt are minor players in this. Though Loomis is high level management, which makes it a bigger deal, they are both still bit players. Their suspensions are to emphasize that no one in any way involved with this (as far as upper level management and coaches) will go unpunished. No one is immune.
The money and the draft picks would hurt more if the Saints were a franchise in a bad place, like Jacksonville or Carolina. But they should bounce back from those and continue to thrive. The Saints are a team much like New England was after spygate -- they are a good team at the core and have an identity and a strong fan base. What makes them different from the Spygate New England team is the fact that they will lose their head coach. We'll see if they can have a good year next year without Sean Payton. And if he comes back to the Saints after that.

Now, to Peyton. Manning that is. 
He signed with the Broncos, which I didn't think was the best choice (I was rooting for the 49ers), but I understand why he did it. A great young defense, John Elway over his shoulder and a team that made a playoff run with a bad (sorry) quarterback. There's a lot of hope in Denver and the coaching staff will give him plenty of room to be in charge of the offense. Their offense was structured around Tebow, though all that really amounts to is no structure at all. Peyton will bring that stability. As much as I hate to see him in orange, there are so many worse places he could have ended up. He'll hopefully do well in Denver and finally give that city what they haven't had since Elway. They deserve it and all the other teams in that division want to die. The Texans are jumping for joy. Tom Brady just wishes he could have gone out of the conference. Could you imagine a Peyton v. Brady Super Bowl?
Also, he didn't go to the Dolphins so he didn't have to play Brady twice a year. You can't tell me that wasn't part of it. Can you blame him?

Finally, to the ever continuing Tebow show. 
Listen. He's not a great quarterback. He's an icon. But as far as actually being a great quarterback, he's far from that. He could learn a lot sitting behind Manning. A lot. If I'm Tim Tebow, I don't necessarily want to be traded quite yet. This would be an invaluable experience for him. His trade value would be very high if he sat   behind Manning for a year.
Secondly, the Jets? Really? Really? You consented to go to the Jets? Though I'm pretty sure you had no choice in the matter. Mark Sanchez is about to run back off to California. He's tired of this. The last thing he wants is Tebow coming to his show. Not only do the fans already hate him, they would be shouting for Tebow right away. He's never had any real competition behind him, so this would be a change. Not sure he can handle the pressure, or that he wants it. So far he hasn't done a great job of performing under pressure.
But if you're Tebow, I can't see this being a good thing. The Jets are the biggest show in the NFL, and not in a good way. It's not the kind of atmosphere that you want to be around. After all that's been said about that locker room, it's hard to believe that Tebow would actively want to go there. However, rumor has it he picked them over the Jags, which I can understand. But he's not going to start -- he'll probably sit behind Sanchez. Why not just sit behind Peyton? It would be better, not worse, for him. Infinitely better. This trade makes little sense from either side to me -- unless the Jets think he can be a calming presence in their locker room. I could easily see the Jets dealing Tebow again.

Super Bowl XLVI Wrap

What a game.

Super Bowl XLVI certainly lived up to the hype – yet the end result was the same.

The Giants outplayed the Patriots in the clutch. I’m not even going to touch the specifics of the game right now for several reasons. I haven’t looked at the game film and ESPN and co. have dealt with it plenty. I probably will go through it at some point.

Rather, I would like to discuss the ramifications of this game – basically what it all means.

Firstly, the question now needs to be raised ‘Are the Giants a dynasty in the making?’ Let me elaborate. Over the course of the last five Super Bowls, the Giants have won two of them. Once knocking off the ‘perfect’ Patriots through superior play in the clutch, something New England used to be known for. If Eli and Coughlin win one more in the next three or four years, I think the topic needs to come up.

On a similar subject, Eli had become ELIte. Leave him alone. I know many people don’t like him because of the way he acted on draft day. That was eight years ago. And it looks like a pretty good decision now, doesn’t it? Regardless of how one personally feels about him, one must admit that he has turned elite. I’m not a huge fan of Brady, but will admit that he is an elite quarterback. Between setting the record for 4^th quarter touchdowns and beating Green Bay, Sand Francisco and the Patriots (all on the road), in the playoffs when it mattered most, Eli had proven he needs to be in the conversation. Big bro Peyton may have four NFL MVPS, but Eli had two Super Bowl MVPs and rings. Both against New England, Peyton’s kryptonite.

Tom Coughlin—now the oldest coach to ever win a Super Bowl—has also changed the way he will be viewed in NFL history. He has now won as many Super Bowls as greats such as Lombardi and Parcells. He has survived New York. He has prepared his team under pressure. He has adapted to the new NFL, yet maintained enough of the ‘old’ coaching style. He had proved that the way to win Super Bowls is the way coaches have for years—quiet preparation, not big talk. He is not Rex Ryan. He controls his team, but not with an iron fist like he used to. And he had maintained a winning atmosphere  

Now, on to New England’s Head Coach and Quarterback.

Let me start by saying that I understand both Brady and Belichick are first ballot hall of famers. Nothing will change that. What I’m  talking about is how they’re viewed. Basically the legacy effect.

Here’s what it comes down to—for Brady more than Belichick.

They won their three Super Bowls in a small window of time—just four years. Yes, dynasty. No doubt. But long term, they didn’t have dominant success. Yes, the 16-0 season, but Indy gave theirs up two years later and Green Bay almost had one this year. And because they did lost the super Bowl that year, it becomes a novelty in NFL history. A what if statement. Then followed several years of regular season success and playoff disappointment. This year, they once again fell short on the big stage.

All I’m saying is that a lot of the credit for New England’s success in those years (2001-2004) went to Brady. Though he was good during those years, the Patriots of today have shown that there was more going on there than just a good quarterback. Those teams proved attitude, that a team first mentality can win championships without dominant players and create a dynasty. Players on those teams say that this mentality was the key to their success –it helped them stay together in times of trouble and have faith they could win the tough games. Those Patriots teams were great—there is no doubt. All I want to raise here is how much of a role Brady truly played. Widen the scope on those teams. Next time you want to say Brady is better than Manning look closer at the talent around each of them. Compare the mentality of the teams. Anyway, that is a discussion for a later time. It appears now that Brady and Belichick have lost the magic.

Over all, this Super Bowl was good for the Giants’ legacy, yet a blemish on New England’s long term picture. It will go down as a great Super Bowl, though not as epic as the first match-up. After all, you only get a chance to make a team go 18-1 once. 

Super Bowl XVLI

Let’s talk about the Super Bowl.

Firstly, I was right in thinking it would be rematch of a fairly recent Super Bowl. I was just about seven years too early. On a later date, I’ll address the conference championship games. Right now, it hurts too much for us poor, 35 yard field goal victims.

So it’s Giants vs. Patriots in the Super Bowl. A rematch of the infamous Super Bowl XLII—the one that changed how the recent Patriots were seen for a long time and still does today. And this one could have similar ramifications. Here they are.

If the Giants win:

Tom Coughlin will be seen as an elite coach.

Eli will be “Elite Eli”, as he claimed he was before the season started.

The Giants pass rush, their entire defense, will go down as a unit that performs well under pressure and as one of the elite units, if it isn’t already.

The Patriots’ legacy will be challenged – except for Belichick’s. (More on this later).

If the Patriots win:

Belichick will go down in history s the modern Walsh, with Tom Brady as his Montana, unequaled in the last fifteen years.

The Patriots will prove that they don’t choke in the big games, playoff games, in recent memory.

Defense doesn’t need to win championships.

However, I think the Giants will win. Here’s why – defense still wins championships.

They’ve already beaten New England once this season. It will be a close game, don’t get me wrong. But Eli will pull it out, like he has all season, setting the record for fourth quarter touchdowns this season. The Giants are their best under pressure and there is no greater pressure than the Super Bowl.

New England has offense, but several key players are banged up. Notably “Gronk” and Matt Light. Those two players could tip the balance in favor of the Giants if they don’t play well. And the Giants are fairly healthy. Advantage – Giants.

But I really feel that the Giants’ defense will tip this game for New York. They’ve got great players n every level—defensive line, linebackers and secondary. Because their front four can bring so much pressure, so consistently, they will throw Brady off, out of rhythm. This takes the pressure off the ‘backers and the secondary. The secondary is opportunistic, and many of them were here for the last Super Bowl—notably, Webster, the leader. They will not waste any misfires by Tom Brady. And there will be some, with all the pressure brought in the trenches.

With ‘Gronk’ hobbled, the pressure will rest on the shoulders of the other receivers and running backs. Wait, they have other offensive players? The Giants need to be careful of Welker, always a threat, but manageable with their big linebackers to jam him on the line of scrimmage. Just don’t let him out into the flat. He’ll kill you out there.

All this being said, I think that it will be a low scoring, close game.

23-20 Giants.

Bring it Super Sunday. 

Conference Championships

Here we are, basically two weeks away from the Super Bowl. Now, let me begin by saying I'm proud to report that both of my Super Bowl picks are still in the game. That's better than last year, when they both got knocked out in the second round. I think both championships this year will be good, close games, but here's who will come out on top and why. 

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
In my bracket, I have the Ravens in the Super Bowl. So I can't exactly back down now. I've said all along that I'm not scared of New England. Baltimore has won playoff games on the road there before. They key for the Ravens in this game is simply to run the ball. It will take clock away, keeping Brady and company off the field, and exploit one of the Patriots' major weaknesses -- one of the worst run defenses in the league. Also, Joe Flacco has to play well. He's been under heavy fire, from both inside the locker room and out, being called the weak link on a team that has a star running back and defense. If you're going to believe in the Ravens, you must believe in Joe Flacco. And Cam Cameron's ability to call runs - lots of them. Ray Rice can make up the difference if Flacco struggles. Yes, Tom Brady is formidable. But the defense isn't. And they say defense wins championships. It'll be a good game, regardless of who wins. But I think it's the Ravens' game to lose.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
This is an interesting game, one no one would have predicted at the beginning of the season, featuring another one of my Super Bowl bracket picks -- the Giants. San Francisco is a great story. Rookie Coach, redeemed first round quarterback. But right now I believe that's where the story rends. Alex Smith is not Eli Manning. When both defense are as stellar as these two, then to get the result of the game, one must look at the respective offenses. Yes, the 49ers have Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. But the Giants have Bradshaw, Jacobs, Cruz and Eli. For all the Eli haters out there, you must admit that he has at least gotten it together at the end of the season and in the playoffs. I'm not saying that the Giants are going to blow them out -- but I do believe they will win with a combination of hot offense and stingy defense.


Conclusion? 
Super Bowl XLVI will be Ravens v. Giants, a rematch of Super Bowl XXXV. 

Divisional Round 2011

So, here are the picks for this weekends playoff games.

Saints over 49ers. The spread is 3.5, in favor of the Saints and I would take the Saints.
Reasoning -- at the very least, the Saints will win by a touchdown. They say offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. That principle has had a lot of influence on the picks this week, because several of these match ups show a heavily offensive team with a heavily defensive one. Regardless, I think the Saints offense is too much for the 49ers defense in this case. Saints by a touchdown.

Patriots over Broncos. The spread is 13.5 in favor of the Patriots. I want to say Denver will beat the spread.
Reasoning -- Tim Tebow. If he can continue the upward trend, he has a chance to keep this game close. The defense will have to play better than they did in the last meeting. Remember, Denver owned the first quarter last time. They did fall apart, but they showed they have the potential. Don't be surprised if Denver wins this one -- the Patriots haven't won a playoff game since 2007.

SUNDAY GAMES
Ravens over Texans. The spread is 9, in favor of the Ravens. Take the Ravens. TJ Yates is going to have a long day.
Reasoning -- The Ravens are playing at home. They're strongest there. TJ Yates is a rookie quarterback, who has definitely impressed me, but he's still a rookie. He's got a lot of learning to do here, and it's not going to be pretty. With a week off, Baltimore is rested and prepared for this.

Giants over Packers. The spread is the Packers favored by 8. Take the Giants.
Reasoning -- Remember 2007. Please. This Giants team reminds me so much of that one. Yes, the Packers are an offensive powerhouse. But the Giants can bring the pressure like no one else in the NFC. I would not be surprised to see them win, as they almost did in week 13. So, I'm just going to go out on a limb and pick them. Sorry, Packers nation.

Playoffs Round 1

Alright here's the second set of playoff picks for wild card weekend. Giants over Falcons (NY giant beat spread 3). Steelers over Broncos but Broncos beat spread (9 or 8.5). Wasn't so great on spread picks yesterday, but got both winners.