What a year!!

Well I’m back! It’s been a while but I took some well-deserved time off. What a year in the NFL eh??

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! What’s that you ask? Yes NFL Playoff’s we’ll take a look at that in a minute. But first we’ll take a look at all the coaches who got the axes.

Not going to lie it’s been a weird NFL year, a comeback year for sure we’ll call it. With the ratings and  all the other I’m not going to call it distractions but this year it seems we just concentrated on football.

Now back to the task at hand. From what I just heard these coaches have been fired. Not in any particular order.

Marvin Lewis – Cincinnati Bengals – Fired

Adam Gase – Miami Dolphins – Fired

Todd Bowles – New York Jets – Fired

Vance Joseph – Denver Broncos – Fired

Dirk Koetter – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Fired

Steve Wilks – Arizona Cardinals – fired

Rumors surrounding coaching vacancies

Sources say The Denver Broncos will be pursuing Mike Shanahan and will consider Steelers OLine coach and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak. 

The Oakland Raiders fired G.M. Reggie McKenzie during the season and hired Mike Mayock the NFL Network draft guru to replace him.   

Didn’t John Harbaugh just sign an extension with the Ravens? So how is he being pursued by all the other teams? Weird.

NFL Playoffs

My Wildcard   predictions

NFC

The Philadelphia Eagles (6)  Vs The Chicago Bears(3)

I think the Nick Foles rib injury might be a hindrance to the Eagles and in a very close defensive game the Chicago Bears will win by 3 points.

The Seattle Seahawks (5) Vs The Dallas cowboys (4)

You know I wasn’t a firm believer in Russell Wilson but I think he’ll just do some spectacular magical type play in a tight game to lift the Seahawks past The Cowboys.

   

AFC

The Indianapolis Colts (6) vs The Houston Texans (3)

I believe that Andrew Luck is and will not be denied. I think the colts are clicking on all cylinders and will come out on top of The Texans.

The Los Angeles Chargers (5) vs The Baltimore Ravens (4)

Didn’t these guys play already with The Ravens winning? So I’ll stick with that.

 Divisional Round

NFC

The Los Angeles Rams (2) vs The Seattle Seahawks

I have The Rams winning in a very close game maybe by 7. But it will be close for sure. The Rams have the blueprint on how to beat Seattle. Well at least in the Jeff fisher era.

The New Orleans Saints (1) vs the Chicago Bears

Well because it’s in the Saints Dome – I’m predicting the Saints. That’s why home field advantage is very Important.

AFC

The Kansas City chiefs (1) vs The Indianapolis Colts

This will be a close one but I’m going with home field advantage once again and have The Chiefs come out on top.

The New England Patriots(2) vs The Baltimore Ravens (4)

If there’s’ one coach who can take away your weapons it’s Bill Belichick That man is truly a defensive genius and will have an answer for Lamar Jackson.  And the Ravens

I’m taking the New England Patriots

NFC Championship

The Los Angeles Rams vs The New Orleans Saints

I believe it’s the Saints Year - They have a good Defense as well – Winner The New Orleans Saints

AFC Championship

The Kansas City Chiefs vs The New England Patriots

The first time they met New England won. That was before a bunch of mitigating factors

I’m take The Kansas City chiefs. Home filed Advantage once again and NE will have to put up at least 40 points which I don’t think they can do.

The SUPER BOWL  

The New Orleans Saints vs The Kansas City Chiefs

I’ll leave that one up to you!

Thank you for reading and for all the love and support. I wish you a GREAT 2019.

See you next year and stay tuned. The NFL Season is never over!!

Joe Jeremiah

What is wrong with the NFL?

What is wrong with the NFL?

What is wrong with the NFL? Technically, I do not think anything’s wrong with the league of all leagues. Ratings is up from last year, the anthem drama seems to have died down but something is missing from years past.

I will start with this, I was watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. It was a heck of a game. WOW! This is what made the NFL so damn special in the first place nonstop violent action.

This is what I have noticed.

The Refs. 

There is too many flags/ so called penalties. I counted; there was 9 or 10 flags in one game, some called back etc. However, it feels to me like the refs wants the spotlight or something. Yes, I am being petty but every play there seems to be a flag thrown. DeSean Jackson had an 84-yard punt return for a TD and the crowd went bananas. Everyone was excited only to have it called back in regards to a stupid flag, losing all the momentum. For every big play there seems to be a penalty flag. Do they want this turning 

into the No Fun League? For Pete’s sake let the players play…

The new roughing the passer rule among other rule changes.

What is this new rule? It is freaking ridiculous! You cannot lay a finger on the QB or risk being penalized.

Check out some of the outrageous rule changes – courtesy of  

* https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/2018-rules-changes-and-points-of-emphasis/

PROTECTION OF QUARTERBACKS

The Committee reviewed hits on quarterbacks inside and outside the pocket. In some instances, the defender used all or part of his body weight to land on the quarterback immediately after the ball was thrown. These actions put the quarterback at risk for injury. The Officiating Department will emphasize that the defender is responsible for avoiding landing on the quarterback when taking him to the ground.

PROTECTION OF RUNNERS WHO GIVE THEMSELVES UP

If a runner (including a quarterback) gives himself up, then he is down where the first body part touches the ground. The runner should not benefit from additional yardage after the first body part touches. Defenders do not have to go down to initiate contact to stop a runner from gaining more yards after he contacts the ground.

USE OF HELMET

The most significant change for 2018 is the new Use of Helmet rule. The rule states that it is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. This rule pertains to all players on the field, and to all areas of the field.

Lowering the head (not to include bracing for contact)

Initiating contact with the helmet to any part of an opponent. Contact does not have to be to an opponent’s head or neck area — lowering the head and initiating contact to an opponent’s torso, hips, and lower body, is also a foul.

Making contact on an opponent (both offense and defense)

Players can be ejected for use of helmet fouls — and all ejections will be reviewed by senior officials in Art McNally GameDay Central in New York.

All right, let us cut the BS. The NFL game on the field is not the same as they are making the game soft. Why ruin such a great thing, I knew this was going to happen. Check this. The more popular the NFL got the more eyes were placed on the sport by people who have no idea what they’re watching. All they see is the violence and lose their minds. Well I guess that is the causality of something becoming too popular.

I wonder how the NFL legends back in the 80’s and 90’s would play in today’s NFL. These rules are not only changing the game but it is making it unwatchable sometimes. With the 20 flags per game followed by the 50 commercials. Do not get me wrong I still love this game and watch it every minute I can but these new rules will cause more harm than good. My question is what is going to happen around playoff time when the stakes are higher and some flag is thrown costing a team a chance to move on because a D-Lineman fell on a QB. The Monday Night Football game Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Pittsburgh Steelers was insane! They were calling flags for a defense accidentally falling on a QB!

Anyways I read today that the NFL eyeing a temporary solution for its roughing the passer rule nightmare. So hopefully that is true and we can fix a few things. The NFL did not need to do a complete 180 on the rules change they just needed to tweak a few things for the greater good.

I had to add this tidbit that just came in a few hours ago.... Courtesy of Jason Witten from ESPN

“It’s just gone too far with that rule,” ESPN’s Jason Witten said regarding the NFL’s enhanced emphasis on roughing the passer. “I knew they wanted to make it about the health and safety and protect these quarterbacks. It just seems like we just went a little bit to the left wing. 

Very interesting comments. 

Well that is all for today folks. This was a touchy subject for me. Until next time.

QB or not QB that’s the question.

Peace

Joe Jeremiah

Rule changes used courtesy of https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/2018-rules-changes-and-points-of-emphasis/

I'm Back! NFL Season right around the corner.

Well I am baaaack for another NFL football season. Are you ready for some football??

Feels good to be back, after a weird off-season. Well it has been a quiet off-season to be honest, no bizarre arrests or players getting into big trouble. The only thing that still seems to be  in the news are the anthem protests. I am patiently waiting for the season to start got this day marked in my calendar. 

09-06/ 6:20PM – Eagles vs Falcons.

News and notes:

Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant’s is still without a team? Weird.  I think he made a huge mistake not taking that offer from The Baltimore Ravens, 3 years 21 million. The NFL season is what?  19 days away and he is still unsigned. So he’s missed training camp, getting to know the playbook, meeting the team, not to mention  preseason football is almost done. Shaking my head. What if this might be the end of Dez Bryant’s career, some analysts are saying this. Maybe there is something he is asking for that we the fans do not know of. I am actually a Dez Bryant fan, so I hope this is not the end.

Aaron Donald

This is a tricky one. I’ve been watching  The Los Angeles Rams closely and I was wondering do they have a salary cap? How they are able to afford all these top players, sign them to long-term contacts and reset market values? Look at these notable signings.

AUG 20 2018

Rob Havenstein, RT - Signed a 4-year $32.5 million contract extension with Los Angeles (LA)

JUL 24 2018

Todd Gurley, RB - Signed a 4-year $57.5 million contract extension with Los Angeles (LA)

JUL 17 2018

Brandin Cooks, WR - Signed a 5 year $80 million contract extension with Los Angeles (LA)

APR 24 2018

Marcus Peters, CB - Los Angeles (LA) exercised a $9.069 million option for 2019

MAR 26 2018

Ndamukong Suh, DT - Signed a 1-year $14 million contract with Los Angeles (LA)

MAR 8 2018

Aqib Talib, CB - Traded to Los Angeles (LA) from Denver (DEN) for 2018 5th round pick (#160 - traded)

What about Bob? I mean what about Aaron Donald? He’s due for a substantial raise, is not he Look at his stats.

Aaron Donald Achievements –

All-Pro – 2015, AP Defensive rookie of the year 2015, Associated Press NFL Defensive player of the year 2018

Now there is critics out there saying he is demanding QB money and that is unheard of for a 3-4 Defensive Nose Tackle. However, I think he deserves to be paid and top dollar too. They signed NFL Defensive genius Wade Philips as well, imagine what can be. The Rams are a scary team with Donald happy. I read he is asking for something outrageous like 25/30 mill a year. That is only a rumor but if that is the case, he will reset the entire market for  defensive linemen. I think that this holdout/ standoff will last a while with nobody about to blink first. Truthfully, the Rams has all the leverage, Donald is under contact for this year and they can franchise tag him for 2 more years. Yikes! So stay tuned on this one.

Khalil Mack

Apparently, the two sides have not spoken since February 2018. I do not know how this one is going to unfold. I do not even know how much money Mack is asking for. This one is a weird one so I am sourcing the great Adam Schefter

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports there is "no end in sight" to Khalil Mack's holdout.

Mack will be up to $1.628 million in fines after missing Saturday's second preseason game. Those fines will probably eventually be waived, but the sides seem to have made genuinely no progress. It cannot be taken for granted that Mack will be in uniform come Week 1. That would be an unmitigated disaster for the Silver and Black in the first year of Jon Gruden's 10-year, $100 million contract. Aug 16 - 7:33 PM

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Notable signing –

Adrian Peterson signed for the vet minimum with the Washington Redskins. He has not guaranteed anything, salary, roster spot etc. And he has a few weeks to prove his worth before roster cuts, which is September 1^st. Hopefully he does good and pads his stats cause I don’t know if he’s a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Well that is all for now folks. The NFL season is just around the corner. Can’t wait!!

Stay tuned for the next article.

Peace.

Joe Jeremiah

The NFL Draft 2018

                  The NFL Draft 2018

Well I am back! What an off-season so far eh!

I will dive right into it. I’ll be taking a look and giving my opinions on the 2018 NFL draft. Only the Top 10!

Therefore, here’s, the top 10 picks from the 2018.

1.      BROWNS – QB -  Baker Mayfield

2.      GIANTS –   RB - Saquon Barkley

3.      JETS – QB -  Sam Darnold

4.      BROWNS – CB - Denzel Ward

5.      BRONCOS – DE - Bradley Chubb

6.      COLTS –  OG - Quenton Nelson

7.      BILLS –  QB - Josh Allen

8.      BEARS – LB -  Roquan Smith

9.      49ERS – OT-  Mike McGlinchey

10.  CARDINALS – QB -  Josh Rosen

Those are your Top 10, 2018 NFL Draft picks.

While I was sitting back watching the draft anticipating the top pick, we are all thinking it was going to be Sam Darnold N0. One to the Browns. Then BOOM pick is in. “The Cleveland Browns pick QB Oklahoma Baker Mayfield. We were shocked! To say the least. Now the week leading up to that pick I was hearing rumblings that the Browns were going to take Mayfiled. However, you know, it is all smoke and mirrors with the NFL draft. Mind games and politicking time of year. 

  

Analyzation Time.

 Number 1 overall - BROWNS – QB – Baker Mayfield.

I can see why the Browns picked Baker Mayfield. Reports were coming out that people were starting to “sour” on Sam Darnold. Sad comparisons to Matt Barkley were starting to arise and stats showing how most USC Quarterbacks are “busts” except Carson Palmer. Darnold’s hand size was starting to come into question and they say  in the AFC North you need 2 things a as a QB. A big arm or medium to large hand size. After sometime passed I realize I like the Baker pick. Cleveland needs a fiery QB to deal with the supporting cast of characters they required. So hey I am okay with that pick.  GRADE A-

Number 2. GIANTS – RB – Saquon Barkley

Absolutely love this pick. The Giants needed a star RB and they got one. It seems like they are working on the O- Line. Therefore, with that in mind they have a scary offence on paper. QB Eli, WR Beckham, Barkley, TE Engram, WR Sheppard. In addition, they have a good defense. Do not expect too much the first year. Year 2, they might make some crazy noise in the stacked NFC East.  GRADE A+

Number 3.  JETS – QB- Sam Darnold

Yes, seems like Jets “settled” for this pick.  I have a feeling they were all in on Baker Mayfield.  I am not sure why but people are questioning Sam Darnold… It is all those USC picks from the past. They seem to all be “system QB’s” or something. However, hey hopefully he has proves all the doubters wrong. GRADE B+

Number 4. BROWNS – CB -Denzel Ward

Not sure, what the Browns were thinking with this pick. Hate to say this but you have Bradley Chubb on the clock and you select this pick?? Imagine Chubb alongside Myles Garrett!! All I have to say is I really hope they know what they are doing.  GRADE C+

Number 5. BRONCOS – DE – Bradley Chubb

Excellent pick!! Putting this defensive beast alongside Von Miller!! What a scary combo. I know everyone is saying the Broncos need a QB… However, do they? Yes, I believe in Case. The Broncos are not in as bad a position as people may say. GRADE A

Number 6. COLTS – OG – Quenton Nelson

This was a great pick by the Colts. They desperately need O-Line help and thy got this pick right. Nelson is a beast of an O-Line and it should help anchor and bolster up a below than average line. In addition, here is the start of better protection for Andrew Luck. GRADE A

Number 7. BILLS – QB – Josh Allen

Yes, I understand why the Bills chose QB Josh Allen. He was all the tools and intangibles to be great. Cannon of an arm. Great mobility. However, his accuracy is suspect and when Wyoming played Big 10 teams they were slaughtered. Plus! I am not sure about those Tweets that came out. It’s also suspect of the timing but hey he’s (Allen) is going to have more to prove now to his new teammates. People are saying that he is going to have a lot of work to do and smoothing things over with the African American players so we will see how this pans out. Grade C-

Number 8. BEARS – OLB – Roquan Smith

I am 50/50 on this pick. He should have went to the 49ERS yes I am being a bit bias here. Given the situation with Reuben Foster and his legal woes. However, hey a nice solid pick for the Bears and trying to bring back the Monsters of The Midway mentality. GRADE B+

Number 9. 49ERS – OT – Mike McGlinchey

Yes, they have to protect the Franchise Jimmy G! They have a bunch of glaring needs etc. But a nice solid pick to beef up the O- Line. It’s not a sexy pick but a needed pick. GRADE – A-

Number 10. CARDINALS – QB – Josh Rosen

Nobody wanted to slide slippedy slide. I get the feeling Rosen was quickly going to slide if the Cards did not take him. We all could see it. Okay it was an alright pick as they have some question marks about Bradford and his health., you never know with this this pick. I have a feeling Rosen could be maybe another Aaron Rodgers or a Joey Harrington. Time will tell. GRADE B-

Well there you have folks my grades on the top 10 picks. The season has officially begun. *Make some noise*

Until next time!!

Joe Jeremiah

Free Agency Part 2 cont.....

*****MAJOR NEWS FLASH*****

Rams agree to one-year deal with Pro Bowl tackle Ndamukong Suh

That Rams are going to be INSANE...  NFC West looks stacked.

That front D Line, you double Donald then what leave Suh to roam free? 

It's going to be a crazy 2018 season. 

Stay tuned!

Joe Jeremiah

Free Agency Part 2

Free Agency Part 2

Welcome back folks!

This is part 2 of free agency all the major moves have been completed. Here is a look at all the transactions from my perspective and how they will affect their new teams going forward.

Vikings sign QB Kirk Cousins (3 years, $84 Million)

Well this move makes sense Kirk Cousins goes to an already stacked Vikings Team from top to bottom. Offense and Defense one could argue they were a QB away from the Super Bowl but Case Keenum almost got them there. Was this move an upgrade? Sure Guess time will tell. Grade A

Bears sign WR Allen Robinson (3years, $42 Million)

I do not know if this is going to be better than Alshon Jeffery or how this will help Mitchell Trubisky’s development but’s it seems on paper to be a good signing. Robinson when healthy is a number one receiver. Remember what I said if and when healthy. Grade B+

Chiefs sign WR Sammy Watkins (3 years, 48 Million)

This is the era of the QB and WR’s being paid eh. Does anyone think Watkins is worth that much? Maybe, he is an athletic freak but how does he command that kind of money when LeVeon Bell is begging for a contact. Go figure. Now with Patrick Mahomes slinging the rock down the field with that cannon. I think this will be a good signing. Grade B

Titans sign Malcom CB Malcom Butler (5 years, 61 Million)

This is a good deal for a reliable, durable No 2. CB. I know we are all like why was he benched in the Super Bowl then receive such a high contact. We must remember this is a QB/WR era type league. Premiums go up for DE, and CB. So they get a lot more that they are worth. Therefore, that is the case for Malcom Butler. Grade B+

49ERS sign CB Richard Sherman (3 years, 39 Million)

This is an interesting signing. A good one if Richard was not coming off an Achilles injury, which is a very hard injury to regain top form in the NFL. I am not being bias but when Sherman was on the Seahawks, he was dominant but was that because of the scheme? I think if Sherman can get back to top form this will be a great signing. Grade A

Vikings sign DT Sheldon Richardson (1 year)

This is a great dominant signing IF this person can stay out of trouble. Let us face it the Vikings have one of if not the best defense in the league. Like I said if he could get back to his Jets form. Then Look out. Grade B-

Texans sign S Tyrann Mathieu ( 1 year, 7 million)

This is a strange signing; the Honey Badger was once called one of the best safeties in the league now he signs for a measly 7 million. Is he injury prone is the question. This is  a prove it deal but with J.J Watt, Clowney and Mathieu on that defense. This could be the steal of free agency 2018. Grade A

Broncos sign QB case Keenum ( 2 years, 36 Million)

Will the real Case Keenum please stand up was the question being asked by Mike Zimmer. We all in the back of our minds think this. The Broncos made this signing hoping they get the Vikings Case Keenum. However, what if the get the Texans Case Keenum or better yet the Rams Case Keenum yes it’s Jeff Fisher’s fault for the Rams we get it. However, Case was signed because it seems sexy on paper but this might backfire without a guru of an Offensive coordinator. Grade C

Packers sign Jimmy Graham ( 3 years, 30 Million)

Jimmy Graham, he’s one of those guys that had a few good years for one team and will paid like a number 1 wherever he goes based on potential. But yes he did have 10 Touchdowns for the Hawks last year but do we think he’s’ going to really make a difference for the Packers. This signing seems like the Packers wanted to show their fans look the old regime of not signing “top” free agents are over. Grade C-

NFL free agency Grades of D-

Cardinals sign QB Sam Bradford ( 1 years, 20 Million) and Mile Glennon.

Patriots sign RB Jeremy Hill (1 year)

Bills sign QB AJ McCarron ( 2 years, 10 Million)

Raiders sign RB Doug Martin ( 1 Year)

Ndamukong Suh remains unsigned while he makes up his mind.

Well that is it for Free agency folks yes there were a ton more but I decided to write about the ones that I feel were notable and made the most news. Stay tuned for my next entry, which more than likely will be the NFL Draft 2018!!

See you soon!

Joe Jeremiah

FREE AGENCY - Part 1

                             FREE AGENCY - Part 1

                                           Welcome to the 2018 NFL Season!

Well guess who’s back!

It has been a crazy couple of months taking a break and being away. It feels good to be back and the NFL year  has officially begun.

We are going to look at all the off-season moves so far in this crazy 2018 NFL Free agency. There have been some great moves and some head scratchers but that the NFL and what make it so good. It is an all year thing. A male soap opera that never ends. To be honest there is no offseason to be frank.

Okay here is a list of all the Top 20 Free agency moves so far. I have listed the free agents signings by rank.

1.      Drew Brees                      QB Team SAINTS 2 years

2.      Kirk Cousins                    QB Team – VIKINGS 3 years

3.      Andrew Norwall              G Team JAGUARS 5 years

4.      Trumaine Jonshson          CB Team JETS  5 years

5.      Nate solder                       OT Team NY Giants 4 years

6.      Kyle Fuller                       CB Team BEARS   4 years

7.      Case Keenum                   QB Team BRONCOS 2 years

8.      Trey Burton                      TE   Team EAGLES   4 years

9.      Malcom Butler                  CB Team  TITANS    5 years

10.  Star Lotulelei                    DT  Team BILLS     5 years

11.  Sheldon Richardson          DT   Team VIKINGS 1 year

12.  Sammy Watkins                WR   Team CHIEFS  3 years

13.  Dontari Poe                        DT    Team PANTHERS 3 years

14.  Jimmy Graham                  TE       Team  PACKERS  3 years

15.  Allen Robinson                  WR     Team BEARS       3 years

16.  Justin  Pugh                        OT/G    Team CARDINALS 5 years

17.  Austin Seferian- Jenkins     TE    Team   JAGUARS  2 years

18.  Rashaan Melvin                   CB     Team  RAINDERS 1 year

19.  Morgan Burnett                    S        Team   UNRESTRICTED

20.  Muhammad Wilkerson         DE     Team   PACKERS 1 year

Notables still “on the bench” AKA Free Agents.

1.      Ndamukong Suh                 DT

2.      Johnathan Hankins              DT

3.      E.J. Gaines                          CB

4.      Bashaud Breeland               CB

5.      Robert Ayers                       4-3 DE

6.      Eric Reid                             S

7.      Morgan Burnett                   S

8.      NaVorro Bowman              ILB

9.      Byron Maxwell                  CB

10.  Junior Galette                    3-4 OLB

11.  Terrelle Pryor                    WR              

Some of these signings are one year prove it deals with some top guys or used to be top guys like Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. If they keep their nose clean and produce, they could be in line for some big money.

Finally, Kirk cousins chose his team and were paid. Here are the details of his contact.

According to Mark Rosen of CBS Minnesota, the deal will pay Cousins an NFL record $28 million per season, totaling out at $84 million over the three years.

The $28 million annually is just north of the $27.5 million Jimmy Garoppolo received on his five-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the offseason. It is also the first fully guaranteed multi-year deal for a quarterback in league history.

This changes the game folks. Now just like the NBA contacts will  become guaranteed for the top QB’s and then who knows other positions.

Think about it. Aaron Rodgers is due for an extension, then there is the new up and coming superstars that is going to command top dollar. Like The Eagles Carson Wentz, The Rams  Jared Goff and The Cowboys  Dak Prescott and there is many others. Get ready! We’re going into a NEW Era of the NFL. I am glad too. For such a violent game where the average NFL career lasts 2.5 years these guys deserve to get every penny they can get.

Anyway folks that’s it for now stay tuned for PART 2!

Joe Jeremiah