National Football League

[Amsterhammer]

Re: Re:

Alpe, my response to MI isn't about doping, its about a publication that is talking about NFL players.

And your response is largely irrelevant. You don’t have to know squat about American sports to run an investigation into doping by American pro athletes. You don’t have to know who the best teams are, when the season is, or even how the sport is played. All you have to be able to do is confirm that individuals buying performance enhancing substances are in fact playing for some pro team. If AJ had tried to argue that HGH was responsible for Manning having perhaps his best season ever in 2013, you might have a point, but they didn't. In fact, as I pointed out in the Clinic thread, one GH researcher argues that the substance probably wouldn't have had a significant effect on Manning's performance. But AJ never said that it did. All they said was that Ashley Manning received HGH, and that it's not legal for use for other than a few relatively rare and serious disorders. No one has yet rebutted either of those claims.

Your point that AJ is below average in investigative journalism is relevant, but you didn’t provide any evidence for what I assume is simply your opinion. I prefer to judge the story on merit, not on the basis of who did the investigation. Ask yourself this: if the same story had been reported by some other news organization that you think more favorably of, would that affect your opinion of its validity? Why should it? Sly didn't know that Collins was working for AJ. He didn't know that Collins was working for any news organization.

WOW, irrelevant! Should my feelings be hurt? Investigating is not their strong suit period. That they decided to make their USA sports splash with this story is strange at best. If ESPN would have done the investigation of course I would view it differently because...wait, that is obvious and doesn't require an explanation.

Actually, you were the one on this thread who concluded that PM was the one who used the contents of the package sent to his wife in FL. I see what type of reporting you prefer, this is why this story is worthy to you. Please provide evidence that they are even average at investigating.

Dude, you are the (only) one claiming that this story should somehow be treated less seriously because it was published on AJ. You are the one claiming their investigative reporting is below par. Ergo, it is incumbent upon you to provide evidence to support your assertion, not on MI to disprove your rather strange view.

So, kindly provide evidence why AJ's investigative reporting is "average" or worse.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Re: Re:

Well, his career is over, no matter how you slice it. He's done in Denver, and I have to wonder if another team wants to pick him up as a side show (yes, I said that).

Meanwhile, the latest on Chip Kelly seems to be one of too much power, too quickly, and not enough results after a promising first season (with Andy Reid's leftovers). As I noted, I will be really surprised if he's not in the NFL next season. Very likely as a HC and Tennesee seems to fit most, if he, the owner and GM can get along. SF, Miami and Cleveland would be my next guesses. If he wants to go back to college (he says no), the one spot he could land is LSU, where there's talk they'll fire Les Miles (for some stupid reason), that team is loaded with underclassmen, and any coach would relish going there. Interestingly enough, Chip had the highest winning percentage of any coach in Eagles history (not including interim coaches of 1-2 games). Better than Andy Reid even.

Elsewhere, the injury report continues to be just ugly.

Not only is Andy Dalton definitely out in Cincy, it appears that AJ McCarron's left wrist is more injured than thought, and he is now questionable for Sunday. The next man up is Keith Wenning, who has never taken a snap in the NFL and mostly played on practice squads. They also signed Mike Kafka, who played backup in four games in Philly a couple years back.

Not to be out done, Indianapolis (who isn't asthmatically eliminated) is down to Stephen Morris as their QB. Who? Yes, never played a snap in the NFL, and jumped around on 3 team's practice squads. Andrew Luck is still out. Matt Hassleback is banged up with multiple injuries (and 40!) and doubtful, and Charlie Whitehurst is out and on IR. The Colts signed Ryan Lindley (big arm, sat on bench in AZ, couldn't handle NFL speed), and Josh Freeman (int machine in TB who hasn't played in a couple years. Mercifully, they play at Tennessee.

Brian Hoyer appears to still be out with a concussion for Houston and Weeden will start again, this time against Jacksonville, who has a pretty poor defense.

Some good news for Carolina in that their best RB, Jonathan Stewart, who has missed the last couple of weeks, is expected to play off the bench this week, and be ready for the playoffs.

New England also dodged a bullet in that the ugly looking injury to tackle Sebastian Vollmer where he was carted off the field, turned out to only be a sprained ankle, and he's expected back for the playoffs.

Finally, we're now less than a week from Black Monday, where coaches get the axe. Lots of them on the chopping block. Three have been fired mid-season. Wisenhunt, Philbin and Kelly. Jim Tomsula in SF, Jim Caldwell in Detroit, Mike Mularkey in Tennessee, Dan Campbell in Miami (only temps anyway, though Campbell will likely interview for the job). There's been talk that Chuck Pagano in Indy will be fired, but I don't see it. And talk that Jeff Fisher would be booted, but the management has said no to this.

Finally, St. Louis/Missouri issued a proposal to the NFL for a new stadium there. If not for the Rams, for a future team. It's really $100m short of private funds, but the Raiders issued no proposal. There's a lot to say on this, and I'll write more, but suffice so report for now, January 13 is when the big meeting, and perhaps a real decision, will be made. My gut still tells me the Raiders and Chargers are going to LA, though I expect the city of Oakland to fight for the brand "Raiders", as it fits their city, regardless if the team played in LA before. We'll see.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Re: Re:

Dude, you are the (only) one claiming that this story should somehow be treated less seriously because it was published on AJ. You are the one claiming their investigative reporting is below par. Ergo, it is incumbent upon you to provide evidence to support your assertion, not on MI to disprove your rather strange view.

So, kindly provide evidence why AJ's investigative reporting is "average" or worse.

No I also share the opinion that Al jazebera is not the sports go to publication. I don't understand this love affair with Al jazebera here. You guys want evidence to prove that these fools are not a great news publication. I think it is obvious what slant they have. In my opinion it is similar to Foxnews or Msnbc. Not far from the National Enquire. Anyhow I notice other people also share the skeptical view on Al jazebell.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/al-jazeera-faces-critical-credibility-851316

 

[jmdirt]

Re: Re:

Alpe, my response to MI isn't about doping, its about a publication that is talking about NFL players.

And your response is largely irrelevant. You don’t have to know squat about American sports to run an investigation into doping by American pro athletes. You don’t have to know who the best teams are, when the season is, or even how the sport is played. All you have to be able to do is confirm that individuals buying performance enhancing substances are in fact playing for some pro team. If AJ had tried to argue that HGH was responsible for Manning having perhaps his best season ever in 2013, you might have a point, but they didn't. In fact, as I pointed out in the Clinic thread, one GH researcher argues that the substance probably wouldn't have had a significant effect on Manning's performance. But AJ never said that it did. All they said was that Ashley Manning received HGH, and that it's not legal for use for other than a few relatively rare and serious disorders. No one has yet rebutted either of those claims.

Your point that AJ is below average in investigative journalism is relevant, but you didn’t provide any evidence for what I assume is simply your opinion. I prefer to judge the story on merit, not on the basis of who did the investigation. Ask yourself this: if the same story had been reported by some other news organization that you think more favorably of, would that affect your opinion of its validity? Why should it? Sly didn't know that Collins was working for AJ. He didn't know that Collins was working for any news organization.

WOW, irrelevant! Should my feelings be hurt? Investigating is not their strong suit period. That they decided to make their USA sports splash with this story is strange at best. If ESPN would have done the investigation of course I would view it differently because...wait, that is obvious and doesn't require an explanation.

Actually, you were the one on this thread who concluded that PM was the one who used the contents of the package sent to his wife in FL. I see what type of reporting you prefer, this is why this story is worthy to you. Please provide evidence that they are even average at investigating.

Dude, you are the (only) one claiming that this story should somehow be treated less seriously because it was published on AJ. You are the one claiming their investigative reporting is below par. Ergo, it is incumbent upon you to provide evidence to support your assertion, not on MI to disprove your rather strange view.

So, kindly provide evidence why AJ's investigative reporting is "average" or worse.

Clearly, you haven't read what sports journalist have said. I read several professional opinions, and heard two on the radio while forming my opinion that they are below average at investigating (and non existential is USA sports). MI, and now you, want me to support my opinion, so why don't you have to support yours?

 

[jmdirt]

Re: Re:

Well, his career is over, no matter how you slice it. He's done in Denver, and I have to wonder if another team wants to pick him up as a side show (yes, I said that).

Unfortunately, I agree that he might not ever play again. Unless he comes back in the playoffs and performs really well, or at the very least has some good spring workouts, I can't see him playing next season. Is Osweiler the future of the team? I think he can be.

 

[Amsterhammer]

Re: Re:

Clearly, you haven't read what sports journalist have said. I read several professional opinions, and heard two on the radio while forming my opinion that they are below average at investigating (and non existential is USA sports). MI, and now you, want me to support my opinion, so why don't you have to support yours?

Please provide a link(s) to such "professional opinions". Look, I have no idea about Al-J's credibility on this particular story, but what I do know is this - there is a built-in bias among many Americans (presumably this is reflected by members of the media as well) against Al-J simply because it's 'Arab'. This leads to an entirely misplaced attitude of smug superiority, and denigration.

I have been watching Al-J. Int. for years now, and it is an excellent news station, that regularly airs excellent, in depth, investigations and special reports about places and events that get no coverage elsewhere. Al J. Int. is largely staffed by Brits and Americans who previously worked for CNN, the BBC, or Sky, for example. I have nothing but praise for them as a news organization, including their remarkably unbiased reporting on Israel/Palestine.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

I love me some al jazabell also especially their Monday night football coverage.

 

[jmdirt]

Re: Re:

Clearly, you haven't read what sports journalist have said. I read several professional opinions, and heard two on the radio while forming my opinion that they are below average at investigating (and non existential is USA sports). MI, and now you, want me to support my opinion, so why don't you have to support yours?

Please provide a link(s) to such "professional opinions". Look, I have no idea about Al-J's credibility on this particular story, but what I do know is this - there is a built-in bias among many Americans (presumably this is reflected by members of the media as well) against Al-J simply because it's 'Arab'. This leads to an entirely misplaced attitude of smug superiority, and denigration.

I have been watching Al-J. Int. for years now, and it is an excellent news station, that regularly airs excellent, in depth, investigations and special reports about places and events that get no coverage elsewhere. Al J. Int. is largely staffed by Brits and Americans who previously worked for CNN, the BBC, or Sky, for example. I have nothing but praise for them as a news organization, including their remarkably unbiased reporting on Israel/Palestine.

Ask Frank Schwab and Reese Schonfeld to provide proof since they will be far better at it. We should expect the insiders to stand behind one of the greats, but Tiki Barber, Mike Ditka, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, etc. have all questioned Al Jazeera America's sudden interest in investigating USA sports, and the motivation of this documentary. Yesterday after I heard several questions about them on the radio, I did a quick Google search and there were multiple sources criticizing their "single-source investigations" (all prior to this documentary). I formed my opinion on that, and my bias. Its my opinion, yet you want me to support it, but you don't want to support yours. WTF.

EDIT: You guys are FN unreal! I have an opinion (that I did quick research to help form) and you want me to support my opinion. The support for your opinion is that you have watched them for years...SFW. If you have watched Faux news for years does that make them the number one source in the world?

 

[Amsterhammer]

Re: Re:

Clearly, you haven't read what sports journalist have said. I read several professional opinions, and heard two on the radio while forming my opinion that they are below average at investigating (and non existential is USA sports). MI, and now you, want me to support my opinion, so why don't you have to support yours?

Please provide a link(s) to such "professional opinions". Look, I have no idea about Al-J's credibility on this particular story, but what I do know is this - there is a built-in bias among many Americans (presumably this is reflected by members of the media as well) against Al-J simply because it's 'Arab'. This leads to an entirely misplaced attitude of smug superiority, and denigration.

I have been watching Al-J. Int. for years now, and it is an excellent news station, that regularly airs excellent, in depth, investigations and special reports about places and events that get no coverage elsewhere. Al J. Int. is largely staffed by Brits and Americans who previously worked for CNN, the BBC, or Sky, for example. I have nothing but praise for them as a news organization, including their remarkably unbiased reporting on Israel/Palestine.

Ask Frank Schwab and Reese Schonfeld to provide proof since they will be far better at it. We should expect the insiders to stand behind one of the greats, but Tiki Barber, Mike Ditka, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, etc. have all questioned Al Jazeera America's sudden interest in investigating USA sports, and the motivation of this documentary. Yesterday after I heard several questions about them on the radio, I did a quick Google search and there were multiple sources criticizing their "single-source investigations" (all prior to this documentary). I formed my opinion on that, and my bias. Its my opinion, yet you want me to support it, but you don't want to support yours. WTF.

First of all, I am totally not invested in this story. I am neither a Peyton fanboy, nor a Clinic crusader. I seriously do not give a flying **** what happens in the end. As you should know by now, my place of residence doesn't give me ready access to American radio or tv, except CNN Int. Therefore, that list of names you put up doesn't really mean squat to me, but I'm willing to bet that not one of them is what might be called a 'liberal', and that most, if not all, are 'rill Muricans' with all of the anti-foreign opinion bias that we so often see from members of the wrong wing. So basically, when asked for evidence or proof for your contention of bias on the part of Al-J, your response is 'because these guys say so'. That sucks, dude.

As for the part that I bolded, where in the name of all that is holy do you and 'doze guys' get off questioning why any tv station has a "sudden interest" in airing a potentially explosive story like this one? Dafuq, dude? Neither you, nor any of them, would likely have said one word if this had been a major US network. That's the kind of petty, Murican bias that rankles with me. If you did searches to 'confirm' your biased view of the messenger - while ignoring the substance of the story - you should have links to hand that show Al-J's reporting is either questionable or unreliable. When you make an accusation, the burden of proof is on you.

 

[jmdirt]

Re: Re:

Clearly, you haven't read what sports journalist have said. I read several professional opinions, and heard two on the radio while forming my opinion that they are below average at investigating (and non existential is USA sports). MI, and now you, want me to support my opinion, so why don't you have to support yours?

Please provide a link(s) to such "professional opinions". Look, I have no idea about Al-J's credibility on this particular story, but what I do know is this - there is a built-in bias among many Americans (presumably this is reflected by members of the media as well) against Al-J simply because it's 'Arab'. This leads to an entirely misplaced attitude of smug superiority, and denigration.

I have been watching Al-J. Int. for years now, and it is an excellent news station, that regularly airs excellent, in depth, investigations and special reports about places and events that get no coverage elsewhere. Al J. Int. is largely staffed by Brits and Americans who previously worked for CNN, the BBC, or Sky, for example. I have nothing but praise for them as a news organization, including their remarkably unbiased reporting on Israel/Palestine.

Ask Frank Schwab and Reese Schonfeld to provide proof since they will be far better at it. We should expect the insiders to stand behind one of the greats, but Tiki Barber, Mike Ditka, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, etc. have all questioned Al Jazeera America's sudden interest in investigating USA sports, and the motivation of this documentary. Yesterday after I heard several questions about them on the radio, I did a quick Google search and there were multiple sources criticizing their "single-source investigations" (all prior to this documentary). I formed my opinion on that, and my bias. Its my opinion, yet you want me to support it, but you don't want to support yours. WTF.

First of all, I am totally not invested in this story. I am neither a Peyton fanboy, nor a Clinic crusader. I seriously do not give a flying **** what happens in the end. As you should know by now, my place of residence doesn't give me ready access to American radio or tv, except CNN Int. Therefore, that list of names you put up doesn't really mean squat to me, but I'm willing to bet that not one of them is what might be called a 'liberal', and that most, if not all, are 'rill Muricans' with all of the anti-foreign opinion bias that we so often see from members of the wrong wing. So basically, when asked for evidence or proof for your contention of bias on the part of Al-J, your response is 'because these guys say so'. That sucks, dude.

As for the part that I bolded, where in the name of all that is holy do you and 'doze guys' get off questioning why any tv station has a "sudden interest" in airing a potentially explosive story like this one? Dafuq, dude? Neither you, nor any of them, would likely have said one word if this had been a major US network. That's the kind of petty, Murican bias that rankles with me. If you did searches to 'confirm' your biased view of the messenger - while ignoring the substance of the story - you should have links to hand that show Al-J's reporting is either questionable or unreliable. When you make an accusation, the burden of proof is on you.

So you are saying that your opinion is correct, and my opinion is incorrect. NICE! 360 Massengill. Google opinion sometime. At least I took the time to find other sources to help form my opinion. I did't save the links to my hard drive for future proof, nor would posting a list of links at the end of a 10 page reply make my junk big like yours and your client's. Your reply is "because I have watched it for years", that sucks, dude. That list of names...seriously?! You are in the wrong thread if you don't know those.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Re: Re:

Surprised this story has so much traction, with nothing going on. Yeah, I guess it's not really "doping" talk, but I still think it's about little, until we get more information. Is AJ junk reporting? I don't think so, though I don't look at them for American sports reporting. But if their research turns out to be solid, so be it. Meanwhile, it is mostly a lot of opinion otherwise. Should people have to defend their opinion? As an opinion, no. But if you expect to be taken seriously in that opinion, you may want to back it up with some facts.

We should expect the insiders to stand behind one of the greats, but Tiki Barber, Mike Ditka, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, etc. have all questioned Al Jazeera America's sudden interest in investigating USA sports..

Therefore, that list of names you put up doesn't really mean squat to me, but I'm willing to bet that not one of them is what might be called a 'liberal', and that most.

Well, they're not politicians. And they're not exactly field hockey or speed skating stars, but Barber played in the NFL for the Giants, Ditka was coach of the Bears, ESPN is the four letter sports network in the US, and Yahoo a big search engine/web portal.

Come on, you knew all that, didn't you?

I honestly don't care what the say about this issue though. One could view this as all of them have something to lose with PM or the NFL being tarnished. The reputation of a "hero" and the league is sullied, and the interest in their expert analysis goes down, the attention to them goes down. Their paycheck dwindles...

I guess with deflategate dead, some kind of sensationalism had to fill the void. So expect a lot of opinions, regardless of whether more evidence comes out soon or not.

 

[Amsterhammer]

I had to look up Tiki Barber, but of course I knew something about the rest, though I've never come into contact with Yahoo sports. I just found anti Al-J bias perfectly understandable coming from the world of jock culture (though certainly, no such sweeping generalization is fair,) but was more than a little surprised to see such views here. I notice Peyton's wife hasn't denied receiving 'stuff', so I find the concentration on the messenger, rather than the message, a glaring perversion of where the emphasis, and the questions, should be directed. Again, I could care less if his wife did or didn't take what is alleged, and certainly, every news organization sometimes makes mistakes. But, my whole point about Al-J, regardless of whatever expertise they may lack in specific sports reporting, was that they are a serious, respected, global news organization, who would certainly not have gone public without due editorial diligence.

 

[jmdirt]

RE: Chip. Maybe being GM and coach is too much for anybody, but some of the moves he made were solid. I don't think that Phili was that far away from doubling their win total and being a playoff team. IMO, he can be a good coach in the NFL. Lurie said it was a risk/reward thing, I think that he should have risked one more year with Chip as the coach, but give Roseman his old job back (he did that part). Bringing in a new coach, and new system next year will likely make for a building year with 4-6 wins. They should draft a QB to build the new system around. So will chip be at USC next season?

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

I had to look up Tiki Barber, but of course I knew something about the rest, though I've never come into contact with Yahoo sports. I just found anti Al-J bias perfectly understandable coming from the world of jock culture (though certainly, no such sweeping generalization is fair,) but was more than a little surprised to see such views here. I notice Peyton's wife hasn't denied receiving 'stuff', so I find the concentration on the messenger, rather than the message, a glaring perversion of where the emphasis, and the questions, should be directed. Again, I could care less if his wife did or didn't take what is alleged, and certainly, every news organization sometimes makes mistakes. But, my whole point about Al-J, regardless of whatever expertise they may lack in specific sports reporting, was that they are a serious, respected, global news organization, who would certainly not have gone public without due editorial diligence.

I griped about Al J not being a mainstream USA sports source, but then threw in Yahoo Sports which isn't on my list of go-to sites, but they had a piece that supported the direction I was going. Tiki was a stud, and his morning radio show is usually entertaining (his side-kick is kinda annoying though). I think that something was shipped to FL, but I also think it really was for his wife (gut feeling about vain rich ladies). So I'm not dismissing the message, but I'm still questioning the messenger. To read how I feel about PM's recovery you will have to go to the clinic.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Re:

RE: Chip. Maybe being GM and coach is too much for anybody, but some of the moves he made were solid. I don't think that Phili was that far away from doubling their win total and being a playoff team. IMO, he can be a good coach in the NFL. Lurie said it was a risk/reward thing, I think that he should have risked one more year with Chip as the coach, but give Roseman his old job back (he did that part). Bringing in a new coach, and new system next year will likely make for a building year with 4-6 wins. They should draft a QB to build the new system around. So will chip be at USC next season?

Double-duties as GM & HC is a tough row to hoe. When the HC shows up in suits and ties to do the GM duties, he can't focus on the coaching duties that still need to get done. And when he shows up in T-shirts for the HC duties, the GM duties are neglected. The only way it can work is if the HC has solid assistants to carry out the HC role when he's being GM, and excellent front office/player personnel guys to do the GM duties when he's acting as the HC. But IMO, it is way too much responsibility to do both jobs really well, which requires attention to detail in this era of the NFL. I think it is incumbent on the owner to realize that, staff accordingly, and not set the HC up for failure. So Lurie is responsible for part of the mess in Philly.

So, I think Chip can be a good if not great HC in the NFL. It may take some more time to get there, but I can think of one current NFL HC who pretty much flopped in his first two NFL HC stints, and is doing just fine in his third kick at the cat.

Not a huge crop of great QBs in this 2016 draft. There are 3 guys, maybe 4, who could go first round, and the 3rd and 4th guys at the top of the list could be a stretch as a first rounder. With the constant need and desire to get a franchise QB, there will be some stretching going on for a QB in 2016. After those first 4 QBs, the next 4 are 2nd to 4th rounders. The problem for Philly is currently there are 8 teams who would draft ahead of them if the draft was held today, and 3 of those teams may be seriously in the hunt for a QB (SD, SF, CLE).

At the top of the QB prospects list, I like Cal Bears QB Jared Goff best, followed by Memphis' Paxton Lynch. Goff has been impressive when I've seen him play. Both have good arm strength to make all the throws, but Goff gets the edge on accuracy, vision, and footwork. Lynch needs some work on footwork and vision, and consistency with accuracy. Lynch gets the edge on durability (at 6'6" to 6'7" and 230 to 245 lbs.) Goff will need to put some good weight on his 6'4" 210 lb slight frame.

 

[Billie]

Re:

RE: Chip. Maybe being GM and coach is too much for anybody, but some of the moves he made were solid. I don't think that Phili was that far away from doubling their win total and being a playoff team. IMO, he can be a good coach in the NFL. Lurie said it was a risk/reward thing, I think that he should have risked one more year with Chip as the coach, but give Roseman his old job back (he did that part). Bringing in a new coach, and new system next year will likely make for a building year with 4-6 wins. They should draft a QB to build the new system around. So will chip be at USC next season?

Problem is that there was a huge rift between Chip and Howie Roseman. Roseman was GM but Chip didn't think much of him as a talent evaluator (saw him more as a guy that was great with the salary cap). When Chip joined the Eagles he brought in Tom Gamble (chip thinks very highly of him as a talent evaluator) as VP of personnel (right under Howie). Chip had a much better relationship with Gamble than with Roseman. The latter felt his feet getting warm and fired him at the end of last year. IT was a real messy situation with Gamble being escorted out of the building by security not havign a chance to say anything to Chip.

Chip obviously not happy with the situation goes to Lurie (last new year) and says he can't work with Roseman and has to decide between the two. Lurie gives Kelly control but keeps Roseman around (in another title, more on the background). Chip brings in a new VP of player personnel (Marynowitz who was also fired yesterday).

Now after only 15 games with Chip in control Lurie goes completely back on his decision of last year and makes Roseman the main man again. This type of short term thinking is not how you run a succesfull sports franchise.

 

[Merckx index]

Re: Re:

No I also share the opinion that Al jazebera is not the sports go to publication. I don't understand this love affair with Al jazebera here. You guys want evidence to prove that these fools are not a great news publication. I think it is obvious what slant they have. In my opinion it is similar to Foxnews or Msnbc. Not far from the National Enquire. Anyhow I notice other people also share the skeptical view on Al jazebell.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/al-jazeera-faces-critical-credibility-851316

Did you read your own link?

The network earlier this month was awarded the prestigious Alfred I. duPont Award from Columbia University for excellence in broadcast and investigative journalism for the six-part documentary series, Hard Earned, about working class American trying to get by.

As for Barber, Ditka, ESPN, etc., I can only repeat that the opinions of people in American sports are irrelevant, because the AJ report was not about sports, it was about doping. Most American sports journalists have shown again and again and again that they know very little about doping. One of them the other day, e.g., played the "done so much for other people" card for Manning. Tells us that Manning is less likely to dope than other athletes because of all the goodwill he has done. This kind of unbelievable stupidity and naivete, along with outright cheer leading, creates a vacuum that AJ does a service by stepping in to investigate.

As a former NFL player, Barber probably does know something about doping, but if he's denying that NFL players dope, he's either lying or was incredibly out of the loop in his playing days. If he isn't denying that, then his opinion on AJ, too, is irrelevant.

The Kelly firing tells me that Lurie is an owner that coaches looking for a job would do well to avoid. I'm not saying Kelly didn't make some bad personnel moves, but if you're going to give your coach all that power, then repeatedly support him and say he's taking the team in the right direction, you don't fire him after one bad year. The Eagles might have continued to flounder next year, but at least give Kelly a little time.

There has been speculation that Lurie would have kept Kelly as coach only, and Kelly refused. Firing him is a little more understandable if that's the case, but still, Lurie was the one who gave Kelly all that power in the first place. Kelly had the right to think he was going to be allowed to use that power for more than one year.

 

[jmdirt]

Re: Re:

No I also share the opinion that Al jazebera is not the sports go to publication. I don't understand this love affair with Al jazebera here. You guys want evidence to prove that these fools are not a great news publication. I think it is obvious what slant they have. In my opinion it is similar to Foxnews or Msnbc. Not far from the National Enquire. Anyhow I notice other people also share the skeptical view on Al jazebell.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/al-jazeera-faces-critical-credibility-851316

Did you read your own link?

The network earlier this month was awarded the prestigious Alfred I. duPont Award from Columbia University for excellence in broadcast and investigative journalism for the six-part documentary series, Hard Earned, about working class American trying to get by.

As for Barber, Ditka, ESPN, etc., I can only repeat that the opinions of people in American sports are irrelevant, because the AJ report was not about sports, it was about doping. Most American sports journalists have shown again and again and again that they know very little about doping. One of them the other day, e.g., assured his readers that Peyton was innocent because "he's a nice guy". We all know that nice guys never dope, only jerks like LA do. And for that matter, we know that Peyton isn't a jerk, because we know everything about celebrities, every aspect of their private lives, and are completely competent to judge who is a nice guy and who isn't. This kind of unbelievable stupidity and naivete, along with outright cheer leading, creates a vacuum that AJ does a service by stepping in to investigate.

As a former NFL player, Barber probably does know something about doping, but if he's denying that NFL players dope, he's either lying or was incredibly out of the loop in his playing days. If he isn't denying that, then his opinion on AJ, too, is irrelevant.

The Kelly firing tells me that Lurie is an owner that coaches looking for a job would do well to avoid. I'm not saying Kelly didn't make some bad personnel moves, but if you're going to give your coach all that power, then repeatedly support him and say he's taking the team in the right direction, you don't fire him after one bad year. The Eagles might have continued to flounder next year, but at least give Kelly a little time.

There has been speculation that Lurie would have kept Kelly as coach only, and Kelly refused. Firing him is a little more understandable if that's the case, but still, Lurie was the one who gave Kelly all that power in the first place. Kelly had the right to think he was going to be allowed to use that power for more than one year.

Tiki is very clear that the you can't last in the NFL without clinic.

 

[jmdirt]

Re: Re:

RE: Chip. Maybe being GM and coach is too much for anybody, but some of the moves he made were solid. I don't think that Phili was that far away from doubling their win total and being a playoff team. IMO, he can be a good coach in the NFL. Lurie said it was a risk/reward thing, I think that he should have risked one more year with Chip as the coach, but give Roseman his old job back (he did that part). Bringing in a new coach, and new system next year will likely make for a building year with 4-6 wins. They should draft a QB to build the new system around. So will chip be at USC next season?

Double-duties as GM & HC is a tough row to hoe. When the HC shows up in suits and ties to do the GM duties, he can't focus on the coaching duties that still need to get done. And when he shows up in T-shirts for the HC duties, the GM duties are neglected. The only way it can work is if the HC has solid assistants to carry out the HC role when he's being GM, and excellent front office/player personnel guys to do the GM duties when he's acting as the HC. But IMO, it is way too much responsibility to do both jobs really well, which requires attention to detail in this era of the NFL. I think it is incumbent on the owner to realize that, staff accordingly, and not set the HC up for failure. So Lurie is responsible for part of the mess in Philly.

So, I think Chip can be a good if not great HC in the NFL. It may take some more time to get there, but I can think of one current NFL HC who pretty much flopped in his first two NFL HC stints, and is doing just fine in his third kick at the cat.

Not a huge crop of great QBs in this 2016 draft. There are 3 guys, maybe 4, who could go first round, and the 3rd and 4th guys at the top of the list could be a stretch as a first rounder. With the constant need and desire to get a franchise QB, there will be some stretching going on for a QB in 2016. After those first 4 QBs, the next 4 are 2nd to 4th rounders. The problem for Philly is currently there are 8 teams who would draft ahead of them if the draft was held today, and 3 of those teams may be seriously in the hunt for a QB (SD, SF, CLE).

At the top of the QB prospects list, I like Cal Bears QB Jared Goff best, followed by Memphis' Paxton Lynch. Goff has been impressive when I've seen him play. Both have good arm strength to make all the throws, but Goff gets the edge on accuracy, vision, and footwork. Lynch needs some work on footwork and vision, and consistency with accuracy. Lynch gets the edge on durability (at 6'6" to 6'7" and 230 to 245 lbs.) Goff will need to put some good weight on his 6'4" 210 lb slight frame.

Rivers, Gabbert (Kaep), and Manziel are out? I see all four of those staying put. Of course that doesn't mean that these teams won't be looking for a QB. Even if Rivers plays another year or two, its time for them to start looking to the future. I don't see SF making a major change behind center. As much as JFM tries be F up, he still seems to be the guy in CLE. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I could see both Goff and Lynch being good in the NFL.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

You could add a few teams to the QB search. If not for short term, but a little longer, 2-3 seasons.Dallas, Arizona, Chicago, New York Jets (maybe Giants too).

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

You could add a few teams to the QB search. If not for short term, but a little longer, 2-3 seasons.Dallas, Arizona, Chicago, New York Jets (maybe Giants too).

After signing Eli to the four year extension, can the Giants afford to get rid of him? Others who might be looking at QBs: Houston or do they like Hoyer and Weeden, New Orleans, Phili, Baltimore... What will RG3 do? Will he be a starter next year on one of these teams?

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Agree there Alpe on those teams that may be looking for a QB. And maybe Philly.

@jmdirt: last draft there were rumors SD was considering sending Rivers to Titans for the Titans first pick (& Mariota). Now SD might look for Rivers heir to be developed behind starter Rivers. San Francisco has to upgrade at QB. Same with Browns. Two mocks I saw had either SF or Browns taking a QB, but not SD. One mock had Eagles drafting a QB in round 1. But we'll see come May. Lots can happen btw now & then.

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

Agree there Alpe on those teams that may be looking for a QB. And maybe Philly.

@jmdirt: last draft there were rumors SD was considering sending Rivers to Titans for the Titans first pick (& Mariota). Now SD might look for Rivers heir to be developed behind starter Rivers. San Francisco has to upgrade at QB. Same with Browns. Two mocks I saw had either SF or Browns taking a QB, but not SD. One mock had Eagles drafting a QB in round 1. But we'll see come May. Lots can happen btw now & then.

I do remember the PR trade rumors now that you mention it (it was longer than one day ago so I had forgotten until you posted it. I wonder were Kaep will land if SF drafts or trades for a QB? He and RG3 might be good candidates to go to New Orleans. I could also see either going to Dallas.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

All of these QB's about to be discarded will find work. It's whether they find work as a starting QB, that's the question. As we have seen from the rash of injuries, it really benefits a team to have an experienced, skilled back-up (Chip Kelly stated just this).

Right now it looks like Tennessee, Cleveland, San Diego, Dallas and SF are the bottom feeders here. The 49ers are done with Kaep and Gabbert, and a flatlined organization. So picking a QB early in the draft will help re-ignite hope.

2017's draft seems a bit thin on QB, except one potential star, Brad Kaaya of Miami.

The most likely destination for RG3 to me is Dallas. But that $16m extension on his contract may be tricky. The genius of Dan Snyder at work.

If the Browns draft yet another QB in the first round, they really are a hapless organization. But having an impatient owner, and a revolving door office and coaching staff, you never know.

One interesting draft note. Penn State's QB Christian Hackenberg was highly touted two seasons ago as a future pro. He's since played good, but not as well. His stock seems to have dropped a little, and he will probably get drafted in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. The team that really could draft him there is Houston. Why? Because coach Bill O'Brien was the coach of Penn State when he recruited Hackenberg and Hackenberg rose so quickly.

As to Eli, he has proven himself to be remarkably durable, and I imagine the Giants will peg him as their starter in 2016, and maybe 2017. But I also think Ol' Tom Coughlin is likely finished in New York, if not this year, next, the Giants will start a re-build with a new coach, and likely a new QB. So drafting someone in the 3rd round or so, especially if they get a steal in their eyes, may be too hard to pass up.

Boy, all this off-season talk, and the season isn't even over!

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Re: Re:

No I also share the opinion that Al jazebera is not the sports go to publication. I don't understand this love affair with Al jazebera here. You guys want evidence to prove that these fools are not a great news publication. I think it is obvious what slant they have. In my opinion it is similar to Foxnews or Msnbc. Not far from the National Enquire. Anyhow I notice other people also share the skeptical view on Al jazebell.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/al-jazeera-faces-critical-credibility-851316

Did you read your own link?

The network earlier this month was awarded the prestigious Alfred I. duPont Award from Columbia University for excellence in broadcast and investigative journalism for the six-part documentary series, Hard Earned, about working class American trying to get by.

As for Barber, Ditka, ESPN, etc., I can only repeat that the opinions of people in American sports are irrelevant, because the AJ report was not about sports, it was about doping. Most American sports journalists have shown again and again and again that they know very little about doping. One of them the other day, e.g., played the "done so much for other people" card for Manning. Tells us that Manning is less likely to dope than other athletes because of all the goodwill he has done. This kind of unbelievable stupidity and naivete, along with outright cheer leading, creates a vacuum that AJ does a service by stepping in to investigate.

As a former NFL player, Barber probably does know something about doping, but if he's denying that NFL players dope, he's either lying or was incredibly out of the loop in his playing days. If he isn't denying that, then his opinion on AJ, too, is irrelevant.

The Kelly firing tells me that Lurie is an owner that coaches looking for a job would do well to avoid. I'm not saying Kelly didn't make some bad personnel moves, but if you're going to give your coach all that power, then repeatedly support him and say he's taking the team in the right direction, you don't fire him after one bad year. The Eagles might have continued to flounder next year, but at least give Kelly a little time.

There has been speculation that Lurie would have kept Kelly as coach only, and Kelly refused. Firing him is a little more understandable if that's the case, but still, Lurie was the one who gave Kelly all that power in the first place. Kelly had the right to think he was going to be allowed to use that power for more than one year.

Yeah I read the linked story. The Dupont award was not in sports journo.

I'm not saying that he was not doing PEDS. I'm saying AJ is not a publication nor new source I will ever put weight into. PERIOD. Obviously a few of you are enamored with them.

I know when I'm in Japan AJ is not even a remote linked source to any news story there so maybe I'm not the only person who feels that way.
I only brought that point up because a couple of you are in different countries and obviously spend a good deal of time watching other sources of news.