Rex Ryan is His Own Worst Enemy

September 21, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

“Belichick outcoached me”. “No question about it”. This is how Rex Ryan responded to yet another friendly reminder from Bill Belichick and Tom Brady that the AFC East is the Patriot’s division. After a week of the usual bravado and feeding the Buffalo fan base with optimism New England simply did what it does best. Defeat the Bills.

With a 40-32 loss on Sunday, the Patriots have won 20 of their last 22 meetings against the Bills will Ryan drops to 4-10 all-time against Belichick. What made the romp even more complete was how the Bills lost to the Patriots. Sure, there were the usual Ryan M.O. such as three turnovers, 14 penalties, and 140 penalty yards. However, what really popped the Ryan bravado was how the Patriots torched his defense.

In six years with the Jets it was clear that Rex Ryan could coach defense. When it came to coaching the whole team, that was a different story. Ryan failed to develop offensive players during his tenure with the Jets and despite having a top defensive unit every year, Ryan’s Jets lacked discipline and would have performance that made New York fans cover their eyes. Still, Ryan landed the job in Buffalo because of the potential he could have with that defense.

For Rex Ryan his defense is his baby. It’s clear that he can coach defense and with the personnel in Buffalo many thought Ryan would have one of the NFL’s premier units. However, after 40 points and 466 yards through the air it’s clear that Brady wasn’t rattled by Ryan’s defense. What was most troubling was that Rex Ryan’s defense wasn’t a Rex Ryan defense.

On 51% of his drop backs Ryan only rushed for after Brady. This number is alarming because Ryan loves to blitz. Ryan is known for utilizing different schemes and bringing pressure from all different directions but on sunday Ryan’s defense was too simple, and Brady carved them up. Ryan has been successful when being aggressive and forcing Brady to throw the ball earlier. This time Brady had plenty of time in the pocket as Ryan failed to turn up the heat in the pocket.

Still Ryan did his usual song and dance in the post-game conference. Blamed the loss on himself, talked about what went wrong, how the team would improve, and of course add a bit of bravado at the end.

Even after the loss Ryan still jabbed the Patriots by saying “There not exactly the Boy Scouts of America”. Ryan’s a great entertainer, but when it comes to defeating Bill Belichick is still the maestro of the AFC.

Randy Moss Wants to Play Again at 38?

August 26, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Randy Moss said that he still has the itch to play in the NFL again. While broadcasting a preseason game Moss said that even though he has been retired for two seasons, he has been keeping in shape in case he wanted to return to the game.

Let’s face it, I’m still waiting for Terrell Owens, and Chad Johnson, or Ocho Cinco or whatever moniker he goes by today, announce that they are also considering a comeback. Is that Brett Favre I hear getting off the lawn mower in Louisiana? But I digress.

Back to Moss. The biggest question is where would he go? The only place I could see him possibly working is New England but with the Patriots signing Reggie Wayne to a contract this past week has seemingly shut that door for a return. If Wayne doesn’t work out, a reunion in Foxboro could be the only logical landing spot for Moss given his chemistry with Brady and that he deeply regrets leaving New England.

Still, New England will probably be out on Moss given his age and that they have now added Reggie Wayne. The only other team in the NFL that is desperate at wide receiver is the Carolina Panthers.

With the Wayne signing a Moss Brady reunion seems highly unlikely

After Kelvin Benjamin tore his ACL coupled with the lack of talent at the receiving position already on the team, if the Panthers want to repeat as NFC South Division Champions, they need to give Cam Newton more weapons.

Even if the Panthers do decide to give Moss a chance, the biggest question with Moss has never been with his talent or physical shape, but his heart. Could Randy Moss return to the NFL and make an impact, it is possible but at this point teams like Carolina who are desperate at receiver should explore younger options than hoping a veteran like Moss miraculously finds the fountain of youth.

There’s still time before the season begins, and even thous Moss believes he can still play in the NFL it will be interesting to see if any team gives him even a tryout at this point.

Michael Vick in Buffalo?

August 6, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

“We will make the playoffs” has been what new Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan has boldly claimed this entire offseason. There’s good reason why Ryan is once again pounding his chest and spewing his usual bravado. The defensive mastermind takes over the best defensive unit statistically last season and a defense which led the NFL in sacks. With Ryan’s scheme and the Bills talent on defense Ryan should fill confident that he has a championship caliber defense.

However, Ryan forgets that you also need an offense and most specifically a quarterback. If this training camp has proven anything, the Bills have a major quarterback problem. Both Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel have not shown good leadership and have not exactly done anything to prove they should be the starter. With Manuel’s career flirting with being a bust, the Bills need some stability at quarterback.

The answer to this problem could be Michael Vick. Why? Vick already has worked with Lesean McCoy already in Philadelphia and Ryan last year in New York. While his best playing days are behind Vick at the age of 35, he still could have some gas in the tank and would be a veteran presence in the huddle. His ability to run the read-option would also help McCoy in the running game by giving the explosive back more space to run.
Last season it was clear that Ryan wanted to start Vick in New York but was told by the former front office to play and try to develop Geno Smith. It was obvious that Ryan felt Vick gave his team the best chance to win and in limited time with New York last year Vick proved he had some football left.

Vick at this point in his career isn’t going to carry the Bills, but he would give them a veteran quarterback whose big arm would stretch the field with Sammy Watkins and improve the running game. He might not be the best option, but he would be the best option for Buffalo. Don’t be surprised if Vick is under center for the Bills week one, especially if their current quarterbacks continue to be incumbent throughout the preseason.

Beyond Repair? Browns Already Looking to Move on From Johnny Manziel

June 3, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Has Johnny Manziel become another mistake by the lake?

Another day, another story about Johnny Manziel. After a fan was trash talking the Browns’ quarterback at a golf tournament in Texas, Manziel reportedly threw a water bottle at the heckling fan in frustration. While I can actual see Manziel’s side of fans that cross the line and berate athletes, his handling of the situation proves the lack of maturity that continues to plague the young quarterback.

It appears that Cleveland, who traded up to select Manziel in the first round last year, is reportedly looking to move on from Johnny Football. It’s one thing to question if Maziel’s natural ability will translate to the field. Personally, I don’t think he will given his size, arm, and that his best success came ad libbing an offense at the college level. Best comparison would be Troy Smith from Ohio State with a higher celebrity status.

I can get why Maziel reacted the way he did with the fan over the weekend. Still, he should have the maturity to realize that he is already on thin ice with his off the field escapades and should either not go out to public events or bring a security detail with him. Still, even if Manziel can mature the bridge could have already been burned in Cleveland. Given the quarterback talent on the roster Johnny Football can he be the starter in Cleveland, but as a leader of men the question is has he lost his team?

Johnny has gone to rehab, but it remains to be seen if the party boy is truly gone.

Robert Griffin the III is the best example of a quarterback that has seemingly lost the faith of the players and coaches in an NFL organization. Thing is Griffin is a former Rookie of the Year and has been in the league for a couple of years. Manizel has only started two games in the pros and has made more headlines for his off the field antics then play on the field.

Look, I get it Johnny. You’re young and want a good time. But whether he likes it or not a quarterback is the CEO of an NFL franchise. Sorry Johnny, I don’t see many other star signal callers rolling dollar bills in vegas or throwing water bottles at fans.

Can Manizel be saved? Of course. If he is willing to put in the work and be a mature adult he can be a successful quarterback in the NFL. I don’t see a star quarterback, but a serviceable starter is not out of the question. However, it may be best for Johnny and the Browns to part ways. There is just too much turmoil in the Cleveland organization to have a quarterback like Manziel. It’s like throwing gasoline of a dumpster fire.

Will the divorce come this season? Probably not. But don’t be surprised if the Browns decide to move on from Johnny Manziel sooner than later.

Quarterback Roulette: Where Will Top Prospects Land?

April 9, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Jameis Winston: Round 1 Pick 1

This pick has seemingly been locked for a long time. Winston has been the consensus top quarterback in the class and has been almost locked as the top pick for months. Barring some trade or a bold decision, it looks like Winston will be a Buccaneer. It makes too much sense. Tampa Bay has been desperate fort a franchise quarterback for years, Winston is from the Tampa area, the small market could help the media exposure around Winston, and Tampa has some great weapons on offense. With the state of the NFC South, it’s not that far-fetched that if Winston can play well from day one, the Buccaneers could compete for the division title.

Marcus Mariota: Round 1 Pick 2

The biggest question about this year’s draft will be where will Mariota go? Will he be drafted high or fall? Will a team trade up for him? Which team could trade for him? In this scenario I have Tennessee grabbing him here for one of two reasons. First, they need a franchise quarterback and Zach Mettenberger is probably not the answer. The other reason he could go here is that Tennessee could play the leverage game and try to trade him for more draft picks. Either way Mariota will probably be off the board sooner than later.

Bryce Petty: Round 1 Pick 19

Every year quarterbacks go earlier in the draft then projected. It is a quarterback driven lead after all and teams will be aggressive to get a quarterback before they come off the board. With two first round picks, the Browns have the luxury to use one of the picks on a quarterback while still getting a talented player with the other. I have Petty going with the later pick. Cleveland has made it clear that they are no longer sold on Manziel and Petty has the type of character make up a franchise would want at quarterback. Petty will need some time to sit and learn the playbook and with Josh McCown now on the Browns it has made it the perfect situation for Petty to sit and learn rather than playing right away. It also could give Cleveland the excuse to move on from Manziel.

Garrett Grayson: Round 2 Pick 6

The Washington Redskins could be looking to move on from Robert Griffin III. However, they probably will not want to use a first round pick on a quarterback even if Mariota is available. In the second round Washington could take a shot on Garrett Grayson who has been battling Hundley and Petty to be the third quarterback off the board. Grayson has the size and enough arm talent to possibly be a future franchise quarterback in the NFL. While Griffin has more physical talent, the problems with his leadership and durability will have Washington looking for a possible replacement plan.

Brett Hundley: Round 2 Pick 23 UCLA

Despite three different quarterbacks in 2014, the Arizona Cardinals were able to make the playoffs. However, with Carson Palmer’s health now a question mark the team needs a solid backup plan. Hundley could be the future starter in Arizona, and could be groomed in the meantime under Palmer. Arizona has the defense to be a contender but they will need a quarterback to get there. Hundley could be that option if Palmer is hurt again and Hundley’s skill set is perfect for not only this team but this division. With a division with great defenses and pass rushers, a mobile quarterback in the pocket is crucial. There’s a reason the NFC West has two of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league, it’s because this division has great defenses. Arizona needs a quarterback to get back to the postseason and Hundley is a great security blanket should Palmer get hurt again.

What NFL Team Could be the Dark Horse for Landing Marcus Mariota

April 3, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Where will Mariota go? This has been the biggest question when it comes to the 2015 NFL Draft. At the moment, it is assumed that Florida State’s Jameis Winston will be drafted with the first overall pick. After that, the picture gets very murky.

Could the Titans draft Mariota? While the team does have Zach Mettenberger primed to take over the starting role, the Titans may feel that Mariota has more upside and better mobility to make up for Tennessee’s shaky offensive line then Mettenberger.

What about the Redskins? The Robert Griffin saga could be reaching its conclusion with Griffin’s option for next season counting for $16 Million against the cap. The organization may decide that the once emerging star and rookie of the year has overstayed his welcome in the nation’s capital.

The Jets? Even though the Jets front office has been adamant that it will continue to try to develop Geno Smith, head coach Todd Bowles has said that the Jets will look to address the quarterback position in the draft. New York hasn’t had a franchise signal caller since Joe Namath and could feel that Mariota is their future franchise quarterback.

Even beyond those teams there has been numerous speculations especially that Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles, who have been wheeling and dealing all offseason, will try to move up to take Mariota even though Kelly denies this possible option. However, there is one team that people aren’t talking about who could be in the sweepstakes for Mariota’s services and has the ammunition to go up and get the quarterback. That team is…

The Cleveland Browns. Scratching your head? Let me explain. Despite the poor play at quarterback last season Cleveland finished with a 7-9 record and had a chance to make the playoffs. Cleveland is desperate for a franchise quarterback and thought that they might have found one in last year’s draft. Unfortunately, Johnny Football is now Johnny Rehab as last year’s first round pick has careened out of control. While Cleveland still has holes at the wide receiver and tight end, the most glaring is quarterback.

While the Browns have signed Josh McCown
he is a stop-gap at best at this point in his career. The team has no idea when Manziel will be back and more importantly if he can play in the NFL. Cleveland needs a franchise quarterback to build around and has something no other team has, two first round picks.

Cleveland could trade both picks, or move one pick will keeping the other first round pick this year in a package deal to move up and grab Mariota. If they elect to keep a first rounder this year, and presumably give up high future picks, the team could use that pick to give Mariota a play maker. Would Mariota make the Browns a contender over night? Probably not, but Cleveland is in a better spot then people think.

Despite their tough division and poor quarterback play last season the team finished with a decent record. Mike Pettine has a solid running game and an underrated defense. Like Rex Ryan, we know that Pettine’s square will have a formidable defense. If Mariota can come in and make plays then the Browns could make a run at a division title as soon as next year.

Will this happen? It’s anyone’s guess. While it would make sense for Cleveland to move up, they may feel there are better quarterback options later in the draft or they still, I don’t see how, but still have faith in Johnny Manziel. Either way, don’t be surprised if a franchise that’s been desperate for a franchise quarterback decides to pull the trigger and move up for Mariota.

One thing we do know. It’s going to be an interesting draft because Mariota could go anywhere.