How Superman became Kryptonite

July 7, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

From packing a punch to punch line

For the third time in three years Dwight Howard finds himself with a new team. It’s been a roller coaster career for the 27-year-old NBA star. From being the baby face star in Orlando, going to L.A. to make a west coast dream team, to becoming the diva of the NBA. For the past three years Howard’s antics and comments have made him go from the superhero of basketball, to the Lex Luthor of Houston. Outside of The Big Three in Miami, Howard is probably the most hated player in the NBA. How did this happen? When you force your way out of the franchise that drafted you by mocking the head coach and fan base that will tend to put you on people’s bad side. Then Dwight Howard went to LA to become a Laker phenom, which lasted only a year. Once again Dwight complained about the coaches, not being the focal point of a team with Kobe Bryant, and once again ridiculed yet another fan base. Is Dwight trying to be a villain? I think he’s trying too hard not to be a role model. Now the Howard road show will be heading to Houston. They say everything’s bigger in Texas, so naturally it might be the only place that can handle the NBA’s largest ego. While Houston has the talent to now become an NBA title contender, they need Howard to finally realize his full potential. There is no question that he is one of the greatest physically specimens in the game right now whose bursting at the seam with raw talent. However, for all of his physical gifts, Howard has never become the dominant player he should be. When at the top of their games big men like Shaq, Ewing, and Duncan couldn’t be stopped and took over the game. Howard is still a soft player who despite his physical prowess isn’t a bully in the paint. Maybe the third time will be the charm and Howard will become the force NBA scouts always dreamed about. If Houston wants a title, that is the Dwight Howard they need. The only drawback is that Howard brings more baggage then the Kardashian sisters going on vacation. The question is how long will Dwight Howard behave or be committed? Will this experiment only last a year and will he alienate himself from this fan base? When thing is for certain. Dwight Howard will always provide a show whether it’s on or off the court. Whether he’s throwing down a monster dunk, or participating in the Dwight Howard reality show on E, it’s going to be entertaining in Houston. Can someone pass the popcorn?

Diamonds in the rough: 5 players the Jets should sign

June 27, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With training camp closing in the Jets still have many holes on this roster. Luckily here are five free agents still available who can help them for 2013.

5) Sione Pouha DT/NT

The Jets defensive could use this veteran

While the Jets did release Pouha earlier this year, the fact that he is still available should make the Jets bring him back. If the Jets could bring him back at minimum value, this could be a great signing. While Pouha does bring with him health concerns from last season, when healthy he is one of the NFL’s best run stuffers. With the Jets failing to address the nose tackle position and with a lack of depth after Sheldon Richardson, if the price is right the Jets should take this risk.

4) Dallas Clark TE

The Jets need help at TE

While hey may be old, Dallas Clark can catch a football. With the Jets receivers struggling to catch balls, and a depletion at tight end, Clark could be a versatile piece in the west coast offense. While he may not be an every down tight end at this stage in his career, he could be used in passing situations. Cumberland and Winslow aren’t exactly sure bets at tight end, so why not bring in a veteran who can also help the development of the young Jets quarterbacks.

3) Vonta Leach FB

Leach could bring some pound back to ground and pound

Ok what do the Jets do when they have the ball? Ground and pound! Ever since Tony Richardson retired the Jets have had a gaping hole in their rushing attack without a capable fullback. With the Super Bowl Champions releasing arguably the best fullback in the NFL, I’m shocked the Jets haven’t made an offer to Leach. A three-time pro bowler and all pro, Leach has helped Ray Rice become one of the most dangerous backs in the NFL. Listen the Jets QB situation is a problem, but the running game has serious potential. Why not give the running back bigger holes with Leach plowing ahead in front of them. The Jets need to ground and pound and adding Leach could help the Jets get back to number 1 in rushing in the NFL.

2) Braylon Edwards WR

With the Jets desperate for receivers Edwards could provide some depth

To say that the Jets are thin a wide receiver is a gross understatement. With Santonio Holmes will probably miss the start of the season with his injury, and the rest of the receiving core can’t even catch the ball in mini camp. Outside of Jeremy Kerley the Jets have nothing in the wide receiver department that warrants a threat. Unless Stephen Hill finally lives up to his potential, which I’m skeptical about this season, the Jets have a major problem. He may have some baggage but Braylon Edwards has had his best success in green and white. A physically gifted receiver who does have his warts, Edwards would be a cheap option with a lot of upside. Edwards has chemistry with Mark Sanchez and is at a point in his career where he needs to play well or face the threat of being out of the league. Look the Jets need a receiver, so why not bring one that’s had success in green and white and that would be a cheap option.

1) Kerry Rhodes S

It’s time to rebuild a burned bridge

Ok, ok I know this is a long-shot but hear me out. I understand that the Rex Ryan and Kerry Rhodes relationship was a tumultuous one at best, but it’s time to make amends. Chocolate, flowers, whatever it takes because like it or not these two need each other. Kerry Rhodes needs a place where he can be an aggressive safety and a place to get his career back on track. Rex Ryan’s job is on the line, so why not improve his defense. At the age of 30 he’s still got plenty left in the tank and adding him to the secondary would make the Jets a top secondary in the NFL. If the Jets are going to compete in 2013 they’re going to need a top 5 defense, and unless Rhodes is added it will be much more difficult to achieve this. Do you agree? Who else should the Jets look at? Comment below.

Can I get some help?? Tom Brady needs weapons

June 26, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

In the aftermath of the Hernandez situation Brady is lacking playmakers

In a matter of weeks Tom Brady has gone from master and commander of an elite offense, to a general without an army. After tight end Aaron Hernandez was released by the club on Wednesday in the wake of Hernandez’s arrest, Brady is left with a decimated offense. With Rob Gronkowski out for an unknown amount of time with his injury, and with Hernandez off the team, Tom terrific has lost both of his starting tight ends in a tight end heavy offense. To make matters worse, Wes Welker will be catching passes in Denver next season. Who’s left? Brandon Lloyd is still available but the Patriots have not made any indication that they will bring him back. Danny Amendola? To me this was an uncharacteristic signing for New England when they overpaid for an injury prone poor mans Wes Welker. Will Brady make him look good? Sure, will they regret not bringing Welker back? Absolutely. The rookies? While I love Aaron Dobson, he is still an unpolished receiver who would need to be eased into the NFL after playing at Marshall. Don’t get me wrong, he’s physically the best weapon the Patriots have at this point, but he is a very raw player. Josh Boyce could be another rookie that could help, but with a lingering toe injury he is way behind in understanding the Patriots complicated offensive attack. How about tight end? Jake Ballard is a solid receiver at tight end, but lacks the explosiveness that Hernandez and Gronk provided. To make matters worse there are slim pickings on the current free agent market. I can’t see the Patriots taking a chance on Terrell Owens or Braylon Edwards after the Randy Moss and Chad OchoCinco experiments both ended so well in Foxboro. While they could pick up a receiver, it wouldn’t be much of an improvement over the talent already on the roster. However, I think bringing in a guy like Dallas Clark, Kevin Boss, or Chris Cooley could be low risk high reward signing if the team decided to go in that direction. While they may be old veterans, they are good ball catcher how could thrive in New England’s system. Or, instead of going out to bring in players the Patriots may just adapt their scheme to running the ball more with LeGarrette Blount and Steven Ridley. Who knows maybe the prodigal son Tim Tebow will become the next ultimate weapon for the Patriots at tight end. Oh I can hear the Tim Tebow debates starting right about now. Whatever the Patriots decide to do, whether its run the ball more, use Tim Tebow as a weapon, or spread the field with additional receivers, it is clear that this team is hurting. This could be there year where another AFC East team finally dethrone the Pats as the division leader. One thing is for certain, it’s going to be a long training camp in New England

Tebow Time! why Jacksonville needs TimTebow

May 25, 2013May 25, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Tebow in Jacksonville just makes too much sense

Tim Tebow. Those two words probably just sparked a debate or instantly made your mind jump to a conclusion about the lightning rod quarterback. For Tebow, there are two schools of thought. The first, is the logical one, which is Tim Tebow can’t play quarterback in the NFL. He’s a glorified running back/fullback whose throws make anyone who can throw a spiral cringe. However, there is the other side of the argument, that he turned around the Broncos season and has won a playoff game. Not to mention proved, that while he does have his warts, when it is crunch time he is a clutch quarterback. Since being released by the New York Jets after what was a tumultuous season, Tebow has not been offered a contract and shunned by prospective NFL teams. Despite the spread option gaining more popularity in the pros, the style of offense Tebow thrives in, teams don’t want to take him in. While people may believe this is because of his particular skill set, it might be what I call the “Tim Tebow effect” on a team. With the world of sports, media such as ESPN, constantly reporting on Tebow, the circus atmosphere that follows

Jacksonville needs the attention Tebow brings to jump-start the ailing franchise

creates a toxic environment for the entire organization. This plagued the Jets last season and has resulted in their complete overhaul this offseason. Ozzie Newsome, the GM of the Baltimore Ravens, had a great quote: “it’s hard enough to win in this league with no distractions, but when you have a major distraction you have no chance”. Teams don’t want to deal with the frenzy that analysts, like Skip Bayless, who all seem to have a love affair with Tebow, constantly bombarding the franchise with questions such as “when are you going to play Tebow”? The perfect place for Tebow to go and have a successful career in the NFL is Jacksonville. It’s his hometown, and he is a beloved sports icon from his glory days with the Gators in the state of Florida. Despite the Jaguars front office constantly stating that they will not go out and sign Tim Tebow, they need to reconsider. Unlike the other 31 teams, the Jaguars games are constantly blacked out as a result of poor attendance, just look at the picture above. They need to generate interest in one of the NFL’s perennial doormat franchises in order to sell more tickets and generate more revenue. Enter Tim Tebow, whose sheer presence in a Jaguars uniform would sell tickets and get fans in the seat. Unlike most teams the Jaguars could use this publicity stunt as they face dropping attendance and relocation rumors. The Jaguars also don’t have a quarterback of the future, I think Blaine Gabbert has proven that. This team isn’t going anywhere fast so why not take a flyer on Tebow? Worst case scenario is that he stinks or is relegated to the sidelines, but people will still buy tickets and Tebow jerseys. Even if it doesn’t turn out well on the grid iron, the Jags still will make a lot of money if Tebow is on the roster. Last year the Jags had one sellout.

Fans would support this team for the simple reason that they love Tebow

Can you guess which game? It was when the Jets played the Jaguars with Tim Tebow on the sidelines as the backup. They still came to see him even though he would never get into the game. The best case scenario is this. With Tebow they can improve their running game, which will benefit the Jags best player Maurice Jones-Drew. With a running game that allows for their best player to flourish the Jags could be one of the NFL leaders in rushing. With a better run game it can help their mediocre defense by having them on the field for fewer snaps which will keep them fresher and cut down on the mistakes. Do I think if Tebow started all sixteen games that the Jaguars would be a playoff team, no. The division is too talented with both then Colts and Texans at the top, but I can see this team being an 8-8 team. That’s a lot better the 2-14 team we saw last season. Listen Jacksonville, the fans want Tebow, we’ve seen countless petitions and billboards to prove this. This is a franchise that needs money, attention, and a spark that Mr. Tebow can provide instantly. Sure this move will create a buzz in sports media, but seriously when was the last time someone talked about the Jaguars? Tebow in New York was a terrible mistake and a wasted opportunity by the Jets, but in Jacksonville he can become a Florida legend once again. It’s time for “Tebow magic” in the NFL, when Jacksonville realizes that Tim Tebow is their best option moving forward. Do you think the Jags should sign Tebow? DO you think Tebow will ever play QB in the pros again? Please answer the poll and voice your opinion.

Swashbuckled: Bucs steal Revis from Jets

April 22, 2013May 20, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Revis deal could go down as one of the all time steals

Well the soap opera in New York is over. No Tim Tebow is still a Jet, but Darrelle Revis has been traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But seriously the return from this deal is baffling me. The Jets were originally saying they were going to get multiple picks back in a Herschel Walker type of deal in order to re stock the cupboard. However, when I heard the Jets would only get the first round pick, thirteenth overall this year, and a conditional mid round pick next year I was speechless. How could you give up the best defensive player in the NFL for just two draft picks? Heck get at least two or three picks in next years loaded draft instead of a mid round pick that the team would have received as compensation for losing Revis in free agency. While it is clear the Jets will now be rebuilding after this trade, what hurts even more is the contract Revis just signed. While 96 million dollars over six years is extremely high for a corner back, the contract has no guaranteed money. Essentially the Bucs can cut Revis at anytime without taking a hit to the salary cap. Are you kidding me Idzik? While this is a lot of money you couldn’t offer this contract to Revis? For all the drama of the offseason about losing arguably the best Jet in team history you let him go for two draft picks and a workable contract? At least then it would be easier to trade and cut Revis without the consequences of a cap hit. I understand that Woody Johnson didn’t want to pay Revis, but seriously the contract would have been a no brainer and a win win for the Jets. Look the only positive that I can see now is that the Jets don’t have to deal with the annual Revis “I want a new contract” fit. But seriously, the best cover corner since Deion Sanders for no guaranteed money and two picks, the Jets are crazy. Either way it’s a monumental draft for this franchise that they cannot afford any screw ups. If they don’t get a couple of good players that can help this season, well it might be time to start selling those season tickets. A lot of experts are saying that the Jets may take one of the top two corners in the first round, but I think this would be idiotic. No matter what they would do, or how well they played, they would always be compared to Revis. Talk about unfair pressure and unrealistic expectations. Either way the eyes of Jets nation will be focused on Radio City Music Hall this thursday as the Jets begin a new chapter in their long tumultuous history as they close the Darrelle Revis chapter. Time will tell who was the winner in this deal, but right now it looks like the Bucs just looted gang green. What do you think about the Revis trade? Who was the winner and loser? Comment below about your opinion and what you’d like me to write about next.

Do Over! The 5 worst draft picks in the Rex Ryan era

March 16, 2013May 20, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Rex may be a mastermind with defense, but he’s no draft guru

With the draft only 40 days away it’s clear that if the 2013 New York Jets are going to avoid another crash landing of a season they need to hit a home run in the draft. Despite clearing up cap room the Jets have been losing players in a mass “rexodus” during free agency. Dustin Keller will take his talents to South Beach, while Mike Devito, Yeremiah Bell, Laron Landry, and Shonn Greene have all found new homes. The Jets biggest signings Willie Colon, David Garrard, and Mike Goodson, are not exactly Super Bowl winning moves by any stretch. There’s also a soap opera with a certain all pro corner that the Jets are trying to move in order to gain more draft picks. What is clear is that if the Jets want to compete next year they must have a great draft. However, the Jets track record during the Ryan era hasn’t been great as the team has had the fewest picks in the league while getting marginal talent. At least when Eric Mangini was the coach he brought in Revis, Mangold, Ferguson, Keller, and Harris just to name a few. Here is the list of the worst draft picks of the Rex Ryan era

5) Stephen Hill: WR 2nd round pick 2012

The Jets hope that the potential will eventually turn into production

Ok I know Hill has only been in the league for one season but the Jets need to start drafting for production, not potential. While he still has major upside, when asked to step up and be a go to receiver this past season he fell flat on his face. Hill had 21 catches for 3 touchdowns this season and was plagued by major drops coupled with an inability to run routes. What hurts is that the Jets should have drafted Alshon Jeffrey who had 8 touchdown catches and showed big play ability for the Bears. This is another example of the Jets trading down for a player who might develop 3 to 4 years down the road. While Hill hasn’t shown the production despite the skill set, the silver lining is that Calvin Johnson took three years to start dominating in this NFL and the hope is that Hill could follow a similar path and become the big play threat gang green envisioned him becoming.

4) John Conner: FB: 5th round 2010

From terminator to terminated

John “the terminator” Conner was supposed to be the fullback of the future. Now the terminator has been terminated by the Jets as the glorified fullback never lived up to expectations. John Conner became famous because of his appearance on Hark Knocks, click the link, where he became one of Ryan’s favorite players. However, it became apparent that while Conner could deliver punishing hits he often would miss blocking assignments and never opened up holes for the running game. The glorified fullback of the Jets became overhyped especially because fullbacks aren’t supposed to be well-known. Either way this fifth round pick could have been used to add depth or they could have added the bruising running back Anthony Dixon who was later drafted by the 49ers.

3) Kyle Wilson: CB 1st round pick 29th overall 2010 draft

The first pick in arguably one of the worst drafts in team history

Well the 2010 draft was the worst of Ryan’s era. 3 of the 4 picks are on this list and the first one of this draft was Kyle Wilson. While the 2010 draft wasn’t exactly the most talented draft this move was a head scratcher. Even though Revis would hold out, the Jets traded for Cornerback Antonio Cromartie to line up alongside him. Why did the Jets need another corner? What the Jets should have tried to do was trade down to add more picks to an already slim number of draft picks. Then they could have added talented players like Terrence Cody, Dexter McCluster, or Brandon Spikes who were available in the second round. Wilson has never lived up the to hype as a great corner in this league and while he was a solid corner in 2012 he’s always left something to be desired. He has only produced 3 interceptions in his three-year tenure and while he could be a starting corner for the 2013 squad I feel the Jets could do better. Maybe he’ll make the jump this season and start becoming a great corner, but I’m skeptical. The reason he is on this list is because in my opinion that with his skill set and performance the Jets could have picked up a similar player in the middle of the draft instead of wasting a first round pick.

2) Mark Sanchez: QB 5th overall in 2009 draft:

It’s put up or shut up time for the Sanchize

Ah yes the Sanchize. While many of you will probably argue that he is the worst selection of the Ryan era, you probably have a very good case. I too thought about making him number one on this list but this is why he narrowly misses the cut. He has brought this team to two AFC championship games and has 4-2 playoff record with a 9-3 touchdown to interception ratio in the playoffs. While he was awful in 2012, highlighted by the “Buttfumble” (click on the link) you have to feel sorry for the guy because he had no help. The result of the Jets’ lack of draft picks left them with minimal depth especially at wide receiver. When he had talent, Sanchez was a serviceable quarterback. The problem is he hasn’t progressed as expected and hasn’t emerged as a star quarterback that you’d expect with the fifth overall selection. Add in that the Jets traded three players and their first and second round selections to get Sanchez means that the Jets have paid a steep price for mediocrity. While Sanchez’s Jets career is in jeopardy in 2013 maybe the competition and the prospectus of a strong draft class can help him take another step in his development. This is the make it or break it year for Sanchez and if he wants to escape this list in the future he better hold onto the ball and be better than a career 68-69 touchdown to interception ratio.

1) Vladimir Ducasse: OL 2010 second round selection 62nd overall

Vlad has been bad!!!!

The “P” word once again enticed the Jets to draft for potential over a finished product. Vladimir Ducasse is the poster boy for the worst draft in Ryan era in 2010 when the Jets reached for him in the second round. A very raw prospect that scouts predicted would take years to develop the Jets thought he would be able to start after the release of Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca. How did this turn out Jets fans? For a lineman who was projected to be a mid round selection the Jets took on a project in the second round of a draft where the had only four picks. In his career Ducasse has made one start and has been embarrassed by opposing defenses whenever he is on the field. The Jets foolishly decided not to trade this pick to try to grab more depth in the later rounds and the lack of depth from the 2009 and 2010 drafts caught up with them in the 2012 season. While Ducasse will compete for a starting role in 2013 for a second rounder he should be starting at this point and not be a question mark. Maybe the project going forward will finally become a polished NFL starter but I’m skeptical. Looking back at this draft the Jets Passed great linebackers like Brandon Spikes and Navorro Bowman who would’ve tremendously improved the defense. There were also talented players later on the Jets should have traded down for like Jimmy Graham,or Aaron Hernandez. Overall Ducasse has been a bust and unlike Sanchez has been a glorified bench warmer. Here’s hoping the Jets 2013 draft will be much better. Do you agree or disagree with these selections? Who do you think I missed? Don’t forget to subscribe and comment below Thanks.

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