The Lost Boys: The 2015 Season is Officially Lost for Dallas

November 27, 2015November 27, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Tony Romo’s injury is the final nail in the coffin for the Cowboys 2015 season

On Thursday evening there wasn’t much to be thankful for in Dallas, Texas as Tony Romo headed to the locker room. After heroically rushing back to try and save the Cowboys season, as Romo laid on the turf after a brutal hit by the Carolina defense the same thought ran through everyone’s mind. This season is over.

Technically speaking the Cowboys haven’t been officially eliminated from the NFC East, or as it should be called the NFC LEast. However, given that the team is 3-8 and will once again have to go with the incumbent Matt Cassel, the Cowboys should start waving the white flags.

It’s never easy to blame a season on injuries, but the injury bug is the main reason why Dallas is in their current predicament. It’s been a season that has highlights the Cowboys’ flaws and what they need to improve if this team wants to compete at a high level in 2016.

What are these flaws? An inability to run the football like they did a year ago and more importantly a defense that continues to I’ve games away. In six of the eight Dallas losses this season, the Cowboys had a lead that their defense couldn’t protect. This season also proved that the team needs to invest in a suitable backup for Romo given his injury history and age.

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For Dez Bryant and Dallas what once looked like a season to remember has become one they would like to forget.

So what now? The Cowboys have to evaluate their roster to prepare for 2016. One thing the team must consider is what to do with All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant. Like Romo, Bryant rushed back from an injury and has not looked healthy on the field. Given their current predicament, it only makes sense to shut down Bryant to make sure that he is completely healthy for next season. True, the Cowboys are still technically in the race, but instead of chasing an almost impossible playoff hope this season, Dallas should reload and prepare to make a run next season.

Given the distraction and lack of production this season, The Cowboys should release Hardy

Finally it’s time for the Cowboys to get the elephant out of the room, and by elephant I mean Greg Hardy. Given the details of the domestic violence case now being released and the locker room issues he has already caused their is no good reason to keep him on the team. Hardy has produced on the field and the only defense that Jerry Jones has had for Hardy’s issues is that he helped the team win games. Given that this season is pretty much over and that the frustration could boil over in the coming weeks, it only makes sense to release this powder keg before their is an explosion the the Dallas locker room during the trudge to finish the season. At this point it’s anyone’s guess on what the Cowboys will do, but I strongly recommend these two actions to put the team in a better position next season.

2015 was simply a disaster for the Dallas Cowboys. Now the key will be to pick up the shattered pieces from the 2015 season and begin the process to rebuild the Dallas roster back into a serious contender is 2016.

ChipWreck: Is This Chip Kelly’s Last Year in Philly?

November 24, 2015November 24, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Eagles have landed. In a year where the NFC East was ripe for the taking, the Philadelphia Eagles 2015 season has been a disaster. After

After two 10 win seasons, Kelly’s Eagles are 4-6 in 2015

back-to-back 10 win seasons Chip Kelly was the toast in the city of brotherly love. Now, those same fans who once praised Kelly are sharpening their pitchforks to run the third year coach out of town.

At 4-6 the Eagles are still in the NFC East, but after rookie quarterback Jameis Winston threw five touchdowns and Doug Martin ran for over 200 yards, the Eagles playoff chances are fading fast. This tension has been building in Philadelphia since Kelly took over football operations. In that time Kelly has let successful players such as Lesean McCoy, Desean Jackson, Nick Foles, and Jeremy Maclin go while bringing in players that made the Philly faithful scratch their heads. While Nick Foles played at a pro-bowl level, Kelly brought in the extremely fragile and unproved Sam Bradford who shockingly couldn’t make it through another NFL season.

The main problem? Kelly’s once dominant and playmaking offense is

Desean Jackson (left) and Lesean McCoy (right) were shipped out of town and since their departure the Eagles offense hasn’t recovered.

staler then a two week old cheesesteak. Chip’s confidence that his system was greater then the players has come back to haunt him as the Eagles have struggled to move the ball all season while his former players are making splashes in their new NFL homes. Fans have to wonder what kind of team the Eagles would be if those players still donned the green.

So what now? It would shock me if the Eagles fired Chip Kelly especially one year into giving him complete control. However, I predict that Chip Kelly will leave Philly at the end of this season. Why? He’s always been an opportunist, and their are just too many great opportunities out there. Don’t believe me?

Consider this. Chip Kelly was dying to get Marcus Mariota in this past draft and couldn’t pull off a deal. The Titans need a new coach and would probably give Chip full control if he became the coach. Also given the state of the AFC South, Kelly could see an easier road to the playoffs as well.

Still, there’s always college. With so many great college jobs that are available, or may become available he may go back to college football and

Could Kelly return to the PAC 12 as the Head Coach at USC? (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

look to win a National Championship. Possible jobs that could open include Texas and LSU while jobs that are already enticing include USC and the University of Miami. We know that Kelly can coach in college, and in recent years coaches like Saban and Harbaugh have thrived in their returns to the NCAA.

Could the Eagles make the playoffs? Sure. Could Kelly return next season? Of course. Still the way this season has gone and how the team has appeared to quit on Kelly, or at least the defense in the game against Tampa Bay, all eyes will been on Philadelphia as the soap opera plays itself out. Once thing is for certain, it certainly isn’t sunny in Philadelphia right now.

NFL’s COLOR RUSH Needs to be Stopped!

November 19, 2015November 19, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Stop the madness! Stop the madness please! Two weeks into the NFL’s Color Rush uniform program it is clear that this idea was terrible. No, it’s no just that last week’s designs left millions of color blind fans scratching their heads trying to figure out which team had the ball, or that it looked like Christmas vomited in the Meadowlands.

If that wasn’t enough we get the Titans and Jaguars in the Thursday Night matchup tonight in uniforms that just make fans groan. Let’s start with the Titans. I understand that they’ve worn
the powder blue color in the past but the monotone light blue look is horribly. That’s the main problem with the color rush uniforms is that it’s basically one solid color. If the pants or even the socks were a different color it would balance out the uniforms much better. Instead the Titans looks like oversized infants in baby blue onesies.

And then there are the Jaguars, or the Gold Rangers from Power Rangers. I really can’t tell the difference. This isn’t even a Notre Dame gold and looks like the mustard one might find in the back of the cabinet that’s five years past it’s expiration date. What’s even worse? The fact that the Jaguars didn’t go with a all gold helmet but keep their terrible two-tone helmet that’s already a disaster.

Do I give the NFL credit for trying something new? Yes, but this idea just seems like a quick cash grab in order to sell more jerseys. Instead of pushing the envelope with new or innovative designs, the league has just decided to basically keep the same uniform, dose it in one bright color and they’re done. I love the idea of new uniforms and having the Thursday game be the embodies different uniforms but the NFL is missing a golden opportunity.

Instead of Color Rush the NFL should do Throwback Thursday next season. That way fans can see the great looks of the past while fans of those respective teams can buy the throwbacks at the team store. There are so many teams with great throwbacks it’s an opportunity for the NFL to not only make additional revenue off of uniforms, but to honor it’s rich history.

Just look at what could have been this week. The Titans could have worn their Oilers throwbacks. What about the Jaguars? Even though Jacksonville has only been in existence since 1995, they still can use throwback uniforms. My suggestion would be their original 1995 uniforms which utilize their original logo and teal colors.
There are so many teams with iconic throwbacks and it would be great to see them again. A couple of favorites could be the Elway Broncos, the Eagles kelly greens, and of course the Bucs creamsicles. The hashtag throwback thursday has already become a staple in pop culture, so why can’t the NFL utilize this? There are plenty of great opportunities to honor the past uniforms rather then just running out this monotone disasters that are the Color Rush threads. I understand that Color Rush is here to stay for this season, but can we please let these terrible uniforms go after the season and give the people what they really want? Throwback Thursday Night Football.

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.

Is the Sun Setting on Robert Griffin’s Career in Washington ?

August 22, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

For RG III, his run in Washington could be coming to an end.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. When the Washington Redskins traded up for Robert Griffin the Third in the 2012 draft, the once proud Washington franchise has their savior. For one season Griffin flashed a rocket arm and blistering speed propelling the Redskins into the playoffs. The Offensive rookie of the year looked poised to become a star in the NFL.

My how things have changed. Ever since leaving the field to an injury in the 2013 Wildcard game Griffin’s career has been marred by what could have been as the once promising star is facing the real possibility that his once promising career is going down in flames.

It’s been a plethora of issues of Griffin. From his health, relationship with the organization, and players raising major issues in Washington over the past few seasons the divorce between Griffin and Washington seems to be inevitable.

After suffering a concussion in the preseason game against the Detroit Lions, Robert Griffin’s health has become a major liability to an organization that has been buried in the NFC East by its more talented counterparts. With a lack of draft picks in recent years, thanks to the Griffin trade, the Redskins have a depleted roster and have constructed a poor offensive line that allowed Griffin to be beat up and eventually knocked out of the game against Detroit.

Griffin’s latest injury coupled with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL does not bode well for his 2015 campaign

At this point the best thing for both parties is to move on. Griffin has won only five games over the past two seasons for the Redskins, after winning nine his rookie year, and started only 20 games over the past two years. It’s just not working in D.C. and Washington has already fired on coach in Mike Shanahan during the Griffin regime and shouldn’t blow up the organization once again to try to make it “work” with RGIII.

Griffin hasn’t exactly made it easy for the Redskins. From spats with teammates to saying “I think I’m the best quarterback in the NFL” just days before the preseason game, Griffin has become a lightning rod and has made himself a bigger target. It’s one thing to be confident and make statements, but you have to back it up. So far, Griffin has not proven since his rookie season that he should be the quarterback and face of the Washington franchise. Not only has the off the field baggage hurt RG3’s chances in Washington, but more importunely his on the field play has.

Here’s the ugly truth, Griffin will probably never be the same player he was in his rookie season. His knee has already hindered his once great speed, and he’s already proven that he doesn’t have the body to survive being a running quarterback in this league. Coupled with bad throwing mechanics that Griffin has not refined it’s hard to imagine Griffin becoming an elite pocket passer.

Still the major problem with Griffin is health. Like Sam Bradford they have the talent to be great quarterbacks in the NFL, but not the durability. Part of being a successful player in the NFL is having the ability to stay on the field and protect your body. Griffin has not learned how to do that, and until he does it’s hard pressed to see him surviving through a sixteen game schedule.

Divorces are ugly and unless Griffin can drastically turn it around and stay healthy for the 2015 season, this will be his last year in the nation’s capital.