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.

Mo Money Mo Problems for New York Jets

May 30, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Wilkerson’s contract could become a concern for the Jets

When the New York Jets selected USC defensive end Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft two things instantly became apparent. The Jets would have a dominant defensive line and now a contingency plan for star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

Since being drafted by the Jets in 2011, Wilkerson has emerged as one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL. In four seasons Wilkerson has started in all but four games for New York and has been the stalwart of the defense tallying 145 tackles, 24.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. His reputation in the trenches has earned the admiration of his peers as for the second straight year Wilkerson has made the NFL Top 100 players list.

With that track record in mind the defensive end is looking to cash in. Wilkerson could look seek a deal that would pay him at least $ 10 Million per year after J.J. Watt received his $16 Million per year contract. While Wilkerson will earn $ 6.49 Million this season, this will be the first time he has earned $ 1.5 Million for a season. By most standards Wilkerson has been underpaid and at the age of 25 is ripe for a long-term deal. However, Wilkerson finds himself in a difficult situation with the depth on the defensive line for the Jets when it comes to negotiating a new contract.

Sheldon Richardson is emerging as a superstar at defensive end earning the defensive rookie of the year in 2013 and following up with a sophomore campaign where he had 8 sacks. With Leonard Williams now in the fold after New York selected him in the First Round of the Draft, the Jets now have a surplus of young talented defensive ends.

Leonard Williams could form a tremendous trio with Wilkerson and Richardson. However, he also gives the Jets leverage and a backup plan if a deal with Wilkerson cannot be reachedWilliams in the fold, a prospect that most scouts felt was the best defensive prospect in the 2015 Draft, Wilkerson does not have the leverage with the Jets for a mega deal. While the Jets have reported that they want to keep Wilkerson, and would be a better team in 2015 with Wilkerson on the field, if the contract becomes too rich, New York may decide to move the star defensive end.

Don’t get me wrong the Jets would be a better team if they could keep Wilkerson. While the team will play a base 3-4, new head coach Todd Bowles has been known to adjust his defensive scheme for an opponent and handled a similar situation with getting talented defensive linemen on the field in Arizona. There have even been times where Bowles will play five defensive linemen and given their versatility it would not be surprising to see the three talented ends play different positions along the line for New York.

However, considering the Jets depth at the position if another team gives the Jets a great trade offer, Wilkerson may have played his last down as a Jets.

One team to keep an eye on for Wilkerson could be the Cleveland Browns. Mike Pettine was Wilkerson’s defense coordinator under Rex Ryan and could use Wilkerson’s versatility in his defense.

The only thing for certain is that this will be the biggest story that surrounds Florham Park this offseason.

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.

Giving Geno Fitz? Why Ryan Fitzpatrick Could Mean Trouble for Geno Smith

March 12, 2015March 12, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

When the New York Jets traded for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick they sent a clear message to their “franchise” quarterback Geno Smith. Put up or shut up. After two frustrating years filled with interceptions and movie trips to see Gone Girl the night before games, Geno Smith’s career in New York could be on life support.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is by no stretch a true franchise quarterback, but at the moment could be the Jets best option for opening day starter in 2015. Why? Chann Gailey is the Jets new offensive coordinator and has worked with Fitzpatrick before. Not only does Fitzpatrick know Gailey’s system, but his best success in the pros was in this system. In three seasons Fitzpatrick threw for more the 10,000 yards and 71 touchdowns in the new offense the Jets will run. Without Gailey, Fitzpatrick has only thrown for 52 touchdowns.

Now will Geno Smith be given ever opportunity to win the job out of camp? Yes, but this will be the final opportunity. Smith has the talent to be a very successful NFL quarterback, but has to show the consistency and mental toughness that are required to be effective at the position. With the new weapons around him and the attempt by the Jets to improve the offensive line, there will be no more excuses for Smith especially with a more than capable backup in Fitzpatrick.

Is New York a legitimate contender with Fitzpatrick? No, but they at least have a solid game manager who won’t turn the ball over and keep them in games. Wither way this is a defining year for Geno Smith. Either he will prove that he can be the future franchise quarterback for the Jets, or he will force New York to once again look for their first true franchise quarterback since Joe Namath.

New York Jets Mock Draft 1.0 (Post Combine)

February 25, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

First Round: Amari Cooper WR Alabama

With the sixth pick in the upcoming draft, it looks like the Jets will probably miss out on both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. If Mariota does fall to the Jets, New York could trade him to Philadelphia for a plethora of draft picks. However, in this mock draft there will be no trade scenarios and will be based on a seven round mock draft. With the pick the Jets would draft Amari Copper out of Alabama.

Cooper would be a great fit for the Jets who desperately need a playmaker to team with Eric Decker. While the Jets have the money to spend in free agency, reports from inside the organization have reported that the Jets will use that cap space for corner backs and interior line men. While the offensive line needs to be upgraded and Brandon Scherff would be a nice piece for New York, the team desperately needs play makers and will likely release Percy Harvin due to his large cap hit. Cooper can take over a game and has the size and explosiveness to be a number one receiver for whoever plays quarterback in New York. In my mock draft, he is the second receiver off the board as the Raiders take Kevin White out of West Virginia. The reason? White is two inches taller at 6’3 and ran a 4.35 40 yard dash compared to Cooper’s 4.42 time. The Raiders love big recovers who are fast and White would fit the build. However, the Jets would get a receiver who could make an impact from day one in Cooper.

Round 2: Byron Jones CB Connecticut

There is no question that the Jets secondary was abysmal last season. With Todd Bowles already stressing the need for corners in his defense the question will be when, not if the Jets draft a corner. Even if the team brings in a free agent corner, Dee Milliner’s injury concerns and the lack of depth at the position are still a huge problem. Jones is freak athlete who jumped 44 1/2 inches in the vertical leap and broke the combine record with a broad jump of over twelve feet. While his play on the field has some concerns, there is no question that his explosiveness and size at 6’1 and 199 pounds make him a great prospect. Jones has struggled in zone defenses, but has proven he is a solid man and press cover corner which fits perfectly into Bowles system.

While this may seem a little early, Bowles could look at Jones as a player he could mold into a great NFL corner. Jones also could be extra valuable to the Jets because New York has to play New England twice a year. With New England using big tight ends on the outside and in the slot, Jones’ size and explosiveness could help Bowles slow down Tom Brady’s tight ends.

Round 3: Duke Johnson RB Miami

With running backs falling in the last few drafts the Jets could get a steal in round three with Johnson. While the Jets already have Chris Ivory, Johnson’s speed and shiftiness as a runner would make him a perfect complementary piece. The best way to take pressure off whoever New York’s quarterback is going to be next season is to run the ball. While he may not be a full-time back right away, his ability to catch on third downs and ability to break off big runs would make Johnson a valuable part of the Jets offense. Scouts compare Johnson to Lesean McCoy and if he is anything like McCoy is in Philadelphia, New York would get another explosive playmaker on the offense.

Round 4: Denzel Perryman ILB Miami

Back to Miami again. Unless something dramatically changes it looks like David Harris will hit the open market and will probably get a big contract that the Jets cannot match. With a base 3-4 defense Todd Bowles and the Jets could use a second middle linebacker behind Demario Davis in the draft. Perryman ran a 4.78 at the combine and is slightly undersized at 5-11 and 236 pounds. However, he would be a great fit in the Jets defense with both great instincts and tackling. Perryman is great against the run and led the Hurricanes with 110 tackles and 9.5 tackles for a loss. On top of that, he has the athleticism and versatility to stay on the field on passing downs, one achilles heel for David Harris. While the Jets can improve most of their woes in free agency, losing Harris could be a big blow. However, Perryman could be a day one starter and could form a formidable tandem with Davis in the middle of the Jets defense for years to come.

Round 5: Corey Crawford DE Clemson

There is no question the defensive line is the strongest position on the New York Jets. However, this unit still could use some depth. Todd Bowles says that his defense is about versatility and having the ability to adjust. Crawford could be a player that would thrive under Bowles. The 6’5 283 pound defensive end from Clemson showed his versatility playing all the positions on the defensive line will also lining up as a stand up 3-4 outside linebacker. With Bowles switching between 4-3 and 3-4 fronts, and player with the versatility like Crawford gives the Jets a solid backup at multiple positions.

Round 7: Hayes Pullard ILB USC

As stated before not only is it likely that the Jets will lose David Harris, but that their depth at middle linebacker is thin. Even with Davis and Perryman, the depth at middle linebacker is still an issue and the Jets could be an injury away from a disaster. Pullard was a tackling machine at USC with 377 tackles over the past four season with the Trojans. His aggressiveness has gotten him in trouble with numerous penalties and an ejection for targeting last season. Still Pullard has proven that he is a tackling machine. While he may not be as polished and ready as Perryman, Pullard could be a versatile linebacker in Todd Bowles defense who can move around and make plays on special teams where he led the Trojans in coverage. A solid all-around player Pullard would be a nice piece on the Jets defense.

Priority Free Agent: Tyler Varga FB/RB Yale

While he could be picked in the draft, if Varga is available after the draft the Jets should go after him immediately. With Tommy Bohanon struggling at full back, the Jets could use one in Varga. As a running back in college, Varga ran for 1,423 in his senior season with 26 touchdowns. He has a nose for the end zone and proved it in the Senior Bowl, with two rushing touchdowns. While he may need to develop as a blocker, Varga showed at the Senior Bowl that he is able to block well as a full back, but his value is versatility. Varga can not only block but run with the ball effectively. In essence New York would not only get a full back, but also a running back that can line up in the backfield or as a full back depending on the situation. Todd Bowles has stressed that he wants versatile players on New York next season, and Varga could be a player that fits the mold perfectly.

New Flight Plan: Why The New York Jets Must Play Geno Smith

November 25, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Jets need to see if Geno Smith has anything to offer in the long-term

It’s a saying that has been used to describe the New York Jets 2014 season almost as much as “interception by Geno Smith”. That phrase is “the Jets have hit rock bottom”.

Here they are again! After being embarrassed for the second time this season by the Buffalo Bills in a 38-3 drubbing at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday Night Football, the 2-9 Jets have officially hit rock bottom. They’ve lost their best player to injury in Muhammad Wilkerson and had to turn from struggling veteran starter Michael Vick back to the incumbent Geno Smith. With five games left in this regrettable and lost season, the Jets should just let Geno Smith start the final games.

It’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that Rex Ryan will be gone after the season and the organization is due for a major overhaul. With these last five games basically being a tryout for next years squad it just makes sense to start Smith. After sitting on the bench for a few weeks and realizing that his time with the Jets is now in the eleventh hour, Smith needs to play well over the final five games to prove that he should be in the mix for the starting job in 2015.

With the Jets seemingly on their way to a top five pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, if Smith wants to have any shot in New York next season he needs to finish the season with an exclamation point rather then a question mark. As the Jets starter smith has guided New York to a 9-15 record while throwing 19 touchdowns to 31 interceptions. Not exactly the numbers a team wants from their so-called franchise quarterback.

If Smith wants any shot with the Jets, or in the NFL in the long-run, he needs to go from game manager to playmaker. If he can throw and run for touchdowns while eliminating the costly mistakes that he has become well-known for, he might have a shot in the NFL.

Don’t get me wrong, Smith has great physical tools including a plus arm and great feet, but it’s the mental side of the game that worries me. This has been well documented this season whether he’s late for a meeting, or pouting on the sidelines, Geno Smith needs to prove over the final five games that he is a leader and takes being the general of the offense seriously.

It’s a long shot to think that the Jets won’t address the quarterback position this offseason, but in the present they need to evaluate Smith. While many of the offensive woes can be placed on Smith, people must realize that the entire roster is a mess.

Outside of the lack of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, the Jets offensive line outside of Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold has been a disaster. Then of course is the defense which has cornerbacks that probably shouldn’t be on an NFL roster let alone starting for the team and New York’s first round pick Calvin Pryor who has played so bad that the team has benched him.

The Jets are a disaster. There’s no way around that. However, with the plethora of problems on both sides of the ball and in the front office, ifGeno Smith can show some signs at life, it could give the organization a year to build up the rest of the roster around Smith and then make a decision on what to do at quarterback next year.

Is Geno Smith’s replacement in the 2015 NFL Draft? Could Mariota or Winston be the next QB for the Jets?

However, if Smith plays like he has throughout his first 24 starts, then the Jets scouts will once again be looking for a quarterback at the combine for the third time in six years. Do I hear the Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston Jets rumors off in the distance?

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