Breaking News Wednesday - It's an NFL Circus!

Holy breaking NFL news, Batman! What a crazy day, and it's only 1pm! Let's start with the Saints, yes?

Photo Credit: ESPN.com

NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell brought the hammer down on the New Orleans Saints for their "bounty system" that Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams headed. This disgusting system was finally brought to light, and we all knew that there were going to be serious consequences. I'll be honest, though, I didn't think they'd be this intense. Head Coach Sean Payton is now suspended for the 2012 season without pay beginning April 1, the team will be fined $500k, they will lose a second round draft pick in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, as expected, Williams is suspended indefinitely, which to me, says he's out for eternity. The Saints' general manager, Mickey Loomis, will also be suspended without pay the first eight games of this year's regular season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended (again, without pay) for the first six games of the 2012 regular season. For more specific information on the penalties, suspensions and overall picture of the sheer amount of trouble the Saints are in, read Adam Caplan's overview here. As a Falcons fan, this brings me immense amounts of satisfaction, but let's be honest, we always want a strong competition with the Saints. It's sad to see a team have this kind of serious infraction, and even harder to watch the fallout after. What happens to Brees and the rest of the Saints is up in the air. Without Payton, this team will undoubtedly be lost. He's one of the best coaches in the league, and it's really unfortunate to see this happen on his watch. However, there is a price to pay for such egregious acts such as this so-called "bounty system" that Williams had in place, and this is the result. We're still waiting to see if there will be individual player fines and suspensions handed out - my guess is it's just a matter of time. Was Goddell too heavy handed? I don't know, but it sure sends a very clear message. 

Moving on to the second piece of serious breaking news...Tim Tebow has officially been traded to the New York Jets for fourth and sixth round draft picks (the Broncos will also receive a seventh round pick). Fourth round?! SIXTH?! That's IT?! Wow. If that ain't a slap in the face. BUT, the Jets may just be a good fit for him, now that I think about it. Either that or (as my friend Jess and I discussed) Rex Ryan is asking to be fired, but whatever. He'll compete with Mark Sanchez (who is having his own set of issues right now) for a starting job that he may just get. I hope Tebow is prepared for New York fans, they're slightly different from the fickle Denver fan. Sanchez, hope you have your big boy pants on...get ready for Tebowmania, part two...this time, with the colorful Jets. Let's hope he has some Jets branded earmuffs for Rex Ryan's meetings, we know Tebows ears aren't prepared for the language he uses.

Days like this make me fall even more in love with football and the NFL (if even possible). This game is full of ups and downs and will throw you for a loop when you're not even remotely prepared for it. It's the business of it, the love for what happens on the field, and the thrilling fact that...well, it's pure entertainment. Keep your eyes glued to ESPN, friends, I'm sure there's more to come (and of course, you know I'll cover it).

Til next time...
S.

**UPDATE** There has been a snag in the Tebow-to-New York Jets trade. Apparently, Tebow has $5 million worth of recapture language...this means the Jets would have to pay back money to Denver. Jets have said they are unwilling to do this. If they can't get through this hang-up, Tebow would be back on the market and the trade would be nullified. Reportedly, the Rams are interested in him and would be willing to be a new trade parter with the Broncos, but if this is true, the terms of the trade change and of course, the question becomes "What of Sam Bradford?" Stay tuned, folks. He may just end up in Jacksonville, after all. Here's the latest from Pro Football Talk.

**UPDATE II**  It's official. The Jets now have Tim Tebow on their roster, for now, as Mark Sanchez's backup. The Jets have agreed to pay half of the $5 million to Denver, which apparently was good enough for them. "Dear Timmy, you're not worth more than a 4th and 6th round pick and half of the $5 mil we wanted. So. See ya. Love, the Broncos." Ouch. Well, here goes. The all-mighty Tim Tebow is now going to be tabloid fodder (Page 6 has to be in heaven right now) and will have to face hungry Jets fans. I'm sure Ryan will use him in the Wildcat - how successful that will actually be remains to be seen. Once again, Pro Football Talk has a great breakdown, which you should read.

Peyton Manning is a Bronco

Photo Credit: USAToday.com

There aren't enough words to describe my excitement about Peyton Manning's choice of becoming the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos. Right, I know, I'm such a homer for the team I grew up watching. But how could a Denver native not be excited about this? I wrote about Peyton visiting Denver, but never really thought he'd actually end up there. As he was choosing between the San Francisco 49ers and the Broncos, every part of me assumed he'd end up in San Fran under Jim Harbaugh, but it after some thought it actually makes a lot of sense as to why he chose Denver.

Manning has always said he wanted to stay in the AFC, and the Broncos fit that requirement. He also reportedly felt more comfortable with Denver's front office  - he has a strong rapport with John Elway and head coach John Fox is willing to hand him the keys to the offense (along with a 5-year and 90-million-dollar contract) and just...well, drive. Manning is one of the most prolific quarterbacks of recent NFL history, but certainly (and inarguably) one of the best ever. The Denver Broncos also have a young group of receivers, and there are rumors floating around about some free agents that are now visiting Denver as a result of the Peyton acquisition (there are also rumors that veteran center and former teammate of Manning, Jeff Saturday, is now visiting with the Broncos). Also worth noting, Eric Decker is about to have a monster season. I'm calling it now.

Yesterday, I was on my friend LaMar's incredible radio program, Life After the Game (listen to yesterday's show here), and talked about everything Petyon. LaMar made a great point that Peyton Manning turns his receivers into Pro Bowlers. Truth, my friend. The Broncos are now instant Super Bowl contenders (even Vegas agreed). All this Petyon chatter is great, but lest we forget the once chosen one, Tim Tebow. In my opinion (and as I said on LATG), the Broncos will trade him. Tebow just isn't the answer, and John Elway has made it well known that he isn't his biggest fan. Sure, he surprised a lot of us, including me, with his run this year, but he's not the long term answer. He needs a different role and a different offensive scheme. I think the obvious needs to be stated - Jacksonville would be a great fit for him. Yes, he'd be the hometown hero, only hours away from where he played college football at UF, but he'd put people in the seats of a stadium and franchise that desperately needs it. It's marketing brilliance. However, there are new reports of him being looked at by big time teams like the Packers and Patriots. We'll see where he lands, but it's safe to say he's out of Denver.

As a Denver native, this is exciting, and I think expectations are high for Manning - pressure can be a blessing and a curse, but I can't wait to see where this season takes the Broncos with him at the helm. Where the rest of the chips fall, especially with Tebow, remains to be seen, but you can bet it'll be a big story.

So. Peyton's in Denver.

How 'bout that, kids. Sounds like Petyon Manning just landed in the Mile High City...simultaneously giving every Bronco fan a heart attack from pure joy. Move aside, Tebow.

Ok. Jokes aside for the moment. Before I launch into what's really on my mind, I feel it necessary to address Manning's press conference as he parted ways from the Colts. There is no question...this guy is a straight up class act. There are a lot of athletes that could really take notes from him (here's looking at you, LeBron). His departure was bittersweet - for him and the organization - and he expressed his thoughts with grace and eloquence. I think it's safe to say most everyone thinks Mannning is a standup guy and would welcome him to their organization with open arms. But is Manning the right choice for my hometown team? Let's analyze further.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Manning's people are saying nothing's serious, he's just looking around at various cities and facilities who are interested, but let's be real. He's doing his due diligence and he knows there are at least 10 teams interested in his services at QB. Free agency starts next week, and from what I've been reading. it sounds like he wants to make a decision by next week, too. That's quick.

Photo Credit: John Leyba - The Denver Post

Denver really needs a quarterback (apologies, Tebow lovers, but he's not the guy to lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl). However, I'm not convinced Manning is the answer, either. He's a prolific quarterback, immensely talented to a point that is almost outrageous. He's a future Hall of Fame player. So what's not to love? Well. He's 35 and has had neck surgery three times and missed all of last season. I want to believe that if anyone can bounce back, it's him; however, it's neck surgery. That, my friends, is pretty damn serious, especially in the position he's in. At 35, he's no spring chicken (sorry to sound like a grandma) but we need to be realistic here. So, what do Elway, Fox and Xanders do here? My opinion? It's worth the risk. Peyton Manning is a player on par with the greatest of all time. I think it's worth looking into what he can do now. He's been working out, rehabbing and mentally preparing for an entire year, now. He's ready to face the next season and prove he's still got it. Maybe I'm biased (ever so slightly), but I think he's a fantastic fit for Denver and is well matched with John Fox as a head coach. Excuse my excitement over what could potentially not happen, but I'm giddy. We need someone who will be a strong leader. Maybe (just maybe) Manning could be a mentor and teacher for Tebow. This could really be a great move for the Broncos. I'll reserve a total meltdown of pure, unadulterated joy (or disappointment) until there's official word next week, but in the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed.

Just because I think he's awesome...here's the press conference I mentioned earlier. Class, grace and eloquence that everyone could learn from.

Now's Your Chance, Auburn!

AP Photo

When news broke that LSU would be without 3 players this week in their game against Auburn, all I could think was "here's your chance, Auburn...don't blow it!" Star cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, leading rusher Spencer Ware and fourth leading tackler Tharold Simon are all suspended because they violated LSU's drug policy. These three, right here, are some of the best on this year's LSU team...and clearly three that make the dumbest decisions. Apparently bad decisions are kind of the MO this year for the Tigers - remember when Jordan Jefferson was suspended for his bar fight? Right.

Ok, let's be real for a second. Even without these three, LSU will likely still pull out a win (sorry, Auburn fans) but it puts a damper on morale and leaves holes for Auburn to strike. Prior to the suspensions, Auburn didn't have a prayer, now, they might be able to capitalize on the chaos.

Steve Franz/LSU Athletics

So, what does Les Miles say in all of this? Nothing, naturally. He was vague and non-commital, just saying it was an "internal" affair, which is fine, everyone was going to find out sooner or later. At least this didn't happen right before the LSU-Bama game. Can you even imagine? Yeesh. The timing is good for LSU, if it was going to happen at all. Here's the thing that makes me question the Tigers this year: can they survive all these distractions? I'm not sure they can. There's only so much bend a team can have before it breaks.

I will say this. I'm calling calling the much anticipated LSU v. Alabama match up now. It'll be a big ol' loss for the the "Mad Hatter" and his Tigers. Yup. I said it...'Bama will win.

Tebow Named Starting QB in Denver

Well, shock me not, Denver Broncos. This has been coming since Kyle Orton's rough start this season. There's been consistent outcry in Denver for Tebow to step in as the starter, despite being at the 3rd spot behind Brady Quinn. Last Sunday against the Chargers, Tebow ran for a touchdown and and threw for second one after stepping in for Orton. Now, as a result, it's his time to step out as the starter to prove himself to Broncos Nation.

So what now? The team must stand behind Tebow as their starter (Quinn ran off to see his girlfriend, by the way) and work with him to win games. The Broncos currently stand at 1-4 (ouch) as they travel to Miami to take on an 0-5 Dophins team...ironically during a game that will honor the 2009 Florida Gator team that won the national title. Based on his performance at the game, he deserves the chance to start and lead this broken down team to hopefully salvage the season.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I've never been a huge Tebow supporter, even as a Broncos fan, but I'm willing to see what he's got, just for the sake of seeing it. Honestly, at this point, anything is better than the status quo. So let's see what he's got. I hope that the team is doing this because they feel like he's the best option and really believe in him. Is it just me, or does it kind of seem like he is just a castoff from the McDaniels era? I can't believe I'm saying this right now, but let's give him a chance. Here's the issue I do have with the new starter - he's inconsistent and his throwing motion is questionable. I feel he's a moving target for defenses with a strong pass rush, and his inconsistencies make me very nervous. Let's see what happens in the next few games before we judge head coach John Fox one way or another.

My closing thoughts? Don't blow it, because there's been enough heartbreak in Denver. I surely hope he doesn't give anyone a reason to dislike him more (he's got PLENTY of supporters) and prove to John Elway and John Fox that they should keep him.

The Peyton Manning Effect

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Peyton Manning is, without question, one of the best quarterbacks in recent history. He's a future Hall of Famer and all around good guy. He's literally everywhere you look - commercials, to SNL, and participating in community service efforts. One place he isn't? On the field. Manning had surgery on his neck in May, and seemingly isn't ready to be on the field come the Colts' season opener in Houston.

Manning on the PUP list is bad for a whole myriad of reasons. The first of which is obviously the QBs health. Let's face it, he is the face, name, and heart of the Colts - talented, well spoken, and a clear leader...this team needs their guy back. Of course we're all concerned for Manning's health - he's a guy that people want to see do well - but he can't push this. Neck injuries are serious, and the Colts organization is taking it as such; but, without him on the field, it's clear the team won't perform or start the season the way they should. Adding to the already stressful chaos, the Colts signed Kerry Collins into a backup position. They lured the guy out of retirement and planted seeds of doubt into their own team's minds. Bad juju, folks. It's easy to see why Jim Caldwell and company don't necessarily have total faith in Curtis Painter (or Dan Orlovsky...), but was it a good move to bring in a QB who has been hitting the links, not the gym, without any sort of established bond with the team? Yes, he's a veteran quarterback with far more experience than Painter, but is it really the right move, even if he's not starting the next game, or even the one after that? I know the NFL isn't really about making guys feel good, but talk about a confidence buster for Painter. It seems that I'm not alone in this feeling, as members of the Colts, including Pro Bowl wideout Reggie Wayne, have stepped out in support of Painter.

Getty Images

Manning is a pro. He's a competitor. What else? He wants to play. He's started all 208 regular season games of his career and is, hands down, one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league. Manning's bad days are akin to most NFL QB's good ones. That's saying something. Yes, I have an affinity for the oh-so-charming Peyton Manning, and have an incredible amount of respect for him, but I think this situation, (which is out of his control) is going to throw the team into disarray. Add in the signing of Kerry Collins and you have a team confused with a ton of different opinions. I'm not sure starting Collins (which is what will inevitably happen) against Houston is the right move - the Texans are finally in contention for the AFC South title, and look poised to win.

I think one of two things will happen for the Colts in 2011. Either Manning will come back stronger (think Tom Brady) and lead the Colts to the season they deserve...or the Colts will struggle. There really is no gray space here, and it's hard to predict which will happen. Manning is strong, and most absolutely a fighter, and no doubt everyone is watching...and waiting to see what will happen.

Updates on the Miami Situation

If you need my thoughts on the situation as a whole, read my update from yesterday here. I feel I need to explain something further, especially after talking with my buddy Ryan last night. Let's be real here. This is about the adults in the situation. These players were kids...likely kids who have rough backgrounds and of course are going to jump at money, gifts, etc dangled in front of them. WHERE was the administration in all of this and why is UM President Donna Shalala giving a half-assed "heartfelt" letter to the Miami family? Where is the statement of strength and conviction saying "YES, we will investigate this and we will go after Nevin Shapiro?" Ugh. Just ugh. Disgusting.

Yesterday, former UM Head Coach Jimmy Johnson went on the "Paul and Young Ron Show" and ripped Nevin Shapiro, calling him a "jock sniffer wanna-be" and a "scumbag." You can read more about Coach Johnson's reaction here. Of course it's a bit ironic given Johnson had a few scandals of his own, but he is a standup guy who fights for what he believes in, and he still considers himself a part of the Miami family, that's for certain. Today, UM blog "Beyond U Sports" wrote a piece about Shapiro and his cowardice simply because he had an axe to grind and felt "unsupported." Give me a break. Anyway, you can check that out here.

New UM Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst (finally) released a statement today. He said "I know our family is hurting right now and that is what has made the past few days so difficult...There are tough times ahead, challenges to overcome and serious decisions to be made...we will be stronger as a result... Now, the community, the coaches, the student-athletes and the University have my unconditional support as we move towards a better day. Now, the community, the coaches, the student-athletes and the University have my unconditional support as we move towards a better day. And there will be a better day." Now THAT is a statement I can get behind.

There's just a mixed bag out there, and ironies a-plenty, and it continues to get uglier by the day. I've read a mixed bag of opinions...some saying this will end with the death penalty for Miami, others saying "not quite" but that it will be close...either way it's bad news.

Oh one last great article sent to me by my boyfriend's father...separating fact from fiction. We'll see if any of it holds down the line.

Below is video of Coach Golden's presser this morning. Take a look - leave your thoughts in the comments.


Until next time...
S.

It's ALMOST Fantasy Football time

This, my friends, is the greatest time of the year.

Smell that? THAT is anticipation...for the pigskin, the gridiron, and for me to sit behind a computer screen and create the most epic fantasy football team you've ever seen. Last year, one of my best friends came up with the totally brilliant idea of an all girls fantasy league. Believe me, if you thought YOUR fantasy league was competitive, you haven't seen anything by comparison. This year, I finally got the e-mail I've been waiting for...the email from Alissa that yes, it is indeed time once again to be a part of the greatest fantasy league in existence. SO, in honor of this great activity, I'll be posting a Fantasy Football special blog update in the coming days. I know you're just as excited as I am. Bring it.

Welp...About the End to That Lockout...

Well kids...it felt so good last night, only have a nasty aftertaste this morning. Quick recap: the owners voted 31-0 to accept the new terms of the collective bargaining agreement (with the Oakland Raiders abstaining...I'll refrain from commenting on that). Basically, owners say "Joy! let's play ball!" They did, however, stipulate that the players would have some of next week to iron out any other changes and modifications to the proposed CBA.

Seems that the NFLPA is still deciding about whether or not to accept the new terms of the CBA. The NFLPA has also said they will release no more statements today (Friday) " out of respect for the Kraft family while they mourn the loss of Myra Kraft." While a vote is still possible today, I wouldn't hold your breath.

Apparently there are two major issues still being fought over by the players. They involve an opt-out clause seven years into the proposed ten year agreement and to be allowed to report to team facilities and vote in person on re-certifying as a union. Sounds like family trouble to me. That last part of their two major issues is due to the desire for electronic voting...makes sense to me, in the age of Twitter and e-mail, and the like.

Listen, I totally get the players side. I can understand the owners' point of view...but I'm also a fan. I just want to watch my favorite sport this fall. Please? Pretty please! Seriously now...

Some things to note...IF this deal is approved by the players, everything resumes IMMEDIATELY. This means beginning Saturday, workouts can begin at team facilities. Contracts can be touched and discussed, draft picks can finally be signed and teams can begin working on negotiations with free agents and undrafted rookies (hallelujah, amen, because the Falcons need a strong pass-rusher and I won't even start on the Broncos' free agency needs). Sunday, those undrafted rookies can be signed, and Wednesday is the biggie...free agency opens its gates all the way, training camps officially can begin, and the salary cap will officially be enforced.

Stay tuned to the ongoing lockout saga...I think we're all ready for a little football.

Lockout Blues...maybe it all ends today?

I know...I've made a point of avoiding any sort of discussion about the lockout (for a number of reasons, one of which being that I literally cannot discuss it due to other duties aside from my writing my little heart out). Today is a major day for the NFL where a deal has to get done - granted, it has to be the right deal, but it needs to happen. Yes, there's a deadline. Yes, there are many unresolved issues; however, this deal needs to happen. The owner's vote should happen today and it looks like they just might settle this thing.

Like Chris Mortensen said, this is a long-term agreement that they're trying to reach, of course it is going to take time and of course there are many complicated components to sort out. So, since the players declined to vote on the CBA yesterday, we all wait with baited breath to see what happens today. Seems to me that there's a push and pull factor here where the players don't want to reveal their hand and neither do the owners...just yet, anyway. I think we need to take this progress at face value and hope that moving forward today will mean we see a settlement and a definitive (and resounding) "It's a Go" for the NFL season.

FYI....if this four-month lockout ends in time (aka today), then the Rams and Bears will move forward and play in the August 7th Hall of Fame game, followed shortly thereafter by the regular pre-season schedule. Another big question relates to (official) training camps and when those begin...I think they will begin immediately come August, but others have different thoughts on that.

Regardless, stay tuned, today is a BIG day...