I Told You So

This post is directed at my father a Razorback fan.

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Dad, I told you so.

I know how you hate the sound of that from your goofy son, but it applies in this situation.

Do you remember our conversation after the news broke that Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino fled in the dark of night during the middle of a season to take the University of Arkansas job?

I opined that Razorback Nation will regret that hiring.

To be the leader of an organization and bail on your people like that was unreal.

I felt that he was untrustworthy.

I have nothing against his coaching record, which is obviously very good, but one sleeps much better at night when you know that an honest individual is in charge.

And Coach Petrino's lies evidently caught up with him in Fayettville.

He was fired today.

I can't blame university officials for firing Petrino; despite the arguments being made that his excellent football abilities outweigh the problems in his personal life.

I don't think those defenders have a full understanding of the institution's liability that Coach Petrino has introduced with his alleged relationships and then (again allegedly) hiring someone to work for the school--based on qualities other than job skills and abilities.

As more information is released on the former coach and the employee in question, Jessica Dorrell, the story won't be going away anytime soon.

I hope the University of Arkansas finds an honest and talented replacement, and that Bobby Petrino gets his life straightened out--though I don't want to see him back in the NFL.  

Down in the Dolphin Dumps

Several media reports have made been released regarding (including this one) how the Miami Dolphins are viewed as a team to eschew in free agency--despite the good tradition, fantastic weather, and willingness of ownership to spend money.

With all the assets there, becoming a destination to avoid almost always takes lots of managerial effort.

I feel sorry for Dolphin fans, and I have always liked the "Fins", but have no sympathy for their current leadership.

When General Manager Jeff Ireland asked then prospect Dez Bryant if his mother was a prostitute during an interview, I thought Bryant showed great restraint in not breaking the Miami leader's nose.

Instead, Bryant accepted Ireland's apology when it was offered by phone later.

In the general manager's apology, he even felt comfortable in stating that he "meant no disrespect" to Dez.

Really?

Talk about bad judgment followed-up by lousy judgment.

Yes, it requires steady arrogance and mismanagement to create a toxic environment that NFL free agents will want to avoid.

Sorry to see the Dolphins team is perceived as having that.

Best of luck with the draft Dolphins management, you'll need it to compete against the other NFL franchises who have signed experienced players that want to suit-up for their new team on game night.

Remember Mike Goodson when Drafting

When the Raiders lost a workhorse running back in Michael Bush to the Bears, I was watching if they would pursue anyone through free agency.  Bush is a good receiver, blocks well, and was the team's leading rusher last year--making most of his opportunity as a feature back while Darren McFadden was out injured.

Well, they did not sign anyone, but did make a notable trade with the Panthers today.

The Raiders acquired RB Mike Goodson for OL Bruce Campbell.

Goodson should fly under the radar going into training camp; as he only played in four games last year and rarely touched the ball.

But 2010 was a different story for Goodson, as he became the feature back, and gained over 700 total yards when the Panthers regular running backs all got hurt.

Like RB Bush, Goodson catches, blocks, and runs well--and is a good fit for a Raider coaching staff that will likely continue to emphasize their great running game.

Depending on the Raiders draft and McFadden's health, Goodson may be an excellent late round investment in a 2012 Fantasy Football Draft.

Tebow to the Jets

Not sure I think this is a good fit (and Mark Sanchez will be hearing boos for every incomplete pass as soon as training camp starts), but I getting a 4th round pick for Tebow is great for the Broncos.

He is a QB that they never really wanted, and they are ecstatic about starting the season with Manning at the helm.

The Broncos were not going to redesign their offense and acquire the personnel necessary to compliment Tebow's style, and they knew he had value to other teams on the open market.

Signing Manning, the traditional QB, and trading Tebow for a draft pick?

Sounds like a good business decision.

But, not unlike all business decisions, there is still risk involved.

Where will Peyton Go?

RJ Bell over at Pregame.com recently posted odds as to what team Peyton Manning would play for next season (after rating retirement as a 1 in 5 chance).

Here are the leaders with additional commentary from me:

1) Dolphins 20%

A once proud franchise with a good fan following--it would make sense that ownership in South Florida would be interested in making a big splash with Manning.  The team played well toward the end of the season despite having a lame-duck head coach and a cast-off second-string QB in Matt Moore.  With Moore, the team would have options if Peyton is not immediately ready.

2) Redskins 17%

Similar to the Dolphins, the many proud Redskin fans are looking for someone to help end their suffering.  Big name players, coaches, and QBs (McNabb) have not helped, but with a free-spending owner, I see the Skins making a play for Peyton.  The defense played well early, but was inconsistent late, and Coach Shanahan has looked very average with no John Elway at QB.

3) Colts 14%

I don't see a scenario where this happens.  The Colts ownership and Peyton have been going back in forth in a less than positive way.  He is reportedly working out using Duke University's facility.  They will release Manning before the March deadline, and draft a QB at the #1 pick.  Welcome to rebuilding Colts fans.   

4) Jets 11%

The Jets are about as dysfunctional a team as one can imagine--a talented group, but wow lots of sideshows.  As such, I see them pitching Peyton, but can't believe they would be his favorite destination this late in his career.  As one gets older, drama becomes more and more a distraction to avoid at all costs.

5) (Tie) Cardinals and Broncos 3%

The Broncos are a "no." I expect them to draft a QB of the future (or the present if Tim Tebow falls into disfavor), and making Peyton an offer would make little sense since their roster will be geared to the running Tebow.  I think the Cardinals should be at a higher than 3%.  The Cardinals play in a warm place, have good offensive weapons, would allow Peyton to run the show, and may want to make changes without trading any of their remaining draft picks.  

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My underdog destination would be Seattle. 

They have some receiving talent (youth and veteran), the running game is great with Marshawn Lynch (watching Lynch knock over, juke, and outrun potential tacklers is wildly entertaining), and a offer a solid defense.  If Peyton hit it off with energetic head coach Pete Carroll, they may have something special there.  

Pregame's full list is available here.

Congrats Giants

This is where I get to admit that my Patriots pick was wrong and give props to the New York Giants for winning the Super Bowl.

So now that I have admitted failure, I'll just change the subject.

Was it me or were the Super Bowl commercials really bad this year?

Haha.

Super Bowl Pick

Well, after listening to all the arguments about who will win the Super Bowl, I am going contrarian, and picking the Patriots.  I say 24-20.

It feels weird saying "Pats will win" is contrarian, but I have not heard much love for those New Englanders.

Instead, lots of inflammatory comments have been the storyline from Giants players.

I like how the Pats coaching staff seems to always have a creative game plan.

I look for them to run against those Giant speed rushers early and often--thereby slowing them down when Brady is ready to pass.

I am concerned about Gronk's ankle, but a bad ankle does not make a 6'7'' guy any smaller.  I expect him to be at least a good decoy.

As a big Hakeem Nicks fan, I would be concerned about his injury.  Victor Cruz has had a fantastic season and was certainly able to sneak up on defenses as Nicks drew lots of double teams.

So, I'll be interested to see how Nicks is playing early.

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Whatever the outcome, I hope you enjoy the game and are surrounded with lots of good food.