There is plenty of fallout from the Andrew Luck retirement.
The AFC South has been flipped on its head.
The NFL MVP race will never be the same.
And QB Rankings have opened up endless oppostunities.
But mostly, you can still leave him alone.
This is Video 2 of 2 on the shocking Andrew Luck retirement announcement.
Andrew Luck is an adult human being. He is allowed to make whatever decision he pleases regarding his own well being. It may be shocking, but Andrew Luck’s NFL playing career doesn’t belong to you.
That is all.
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports
Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2
Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports
This is video 1 of 2. Please watch video 2 for my entire take on Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement announcement.
Andrew Luck is an adult human being. He is allowed to make whatever decision he pleases regarding his own well being. It may be shocking, but Andrew Luck’s NFL playing career doesn’t belong to you.
That is all.
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports
Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2
Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports
Today is my son, Derek Andrew Ettinger’s, 1st birthday!! And my 3rd wedding anniversary.
I was right about Antonio Brown.
I was right about the NCAA.
And I will be right about Dak Prescott.
That is all.
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports
Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2
Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports
If I ever get in a fight, I want Amir Garrett in my corner.
Trevor Bauer gets exiled to Cincinnati.
Yasiel Puig is also tough, but he sort of turned into a hold me back, hold me back “tough guy” when his “shot” was available.
CJ McCollum is now $100 million richer.
Jill Ellis surprisingly stepped down from the USWNT.
And don’t rush Andrew Luck!! He’ll play when he’s good and ready.
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports
Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2
Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports
From the 2nd round to a 2nd job….
Such are the travails of Christian Hackenberg.
After being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Hackenberg never saw the field. Literally, he wasn’t ALLOWED to look at the field. And then, the improbable happened. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a 2019 conditional draft pick. The condition being he remained on the Raiders’ roster for a certain amount of time.
I can’t imagine three weeks was long enough….
It wasn’t. The Jets won’t receive draft compensation for Hackenberg. They’ll receive nothing — and like it. As for Hackenberg, he’s home, beefing up his resume. Good luck my friend.
As for someone who actually knows how to throw a football, Andrew Luck is BACK!! He attended Minicamp for the Indianapolis Colts Tuesday. Everyone watched in amazement, as he threw a football….FIVE YARDS.
Luck is recovering from a January 2017 shoulder surgery. He missed all of last year due to setbacks in the rehabilitation process. Luck promised fans he would be on the field for Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season.
I CAN’T WAIT FOR FOOTBALL TO START!!
This, my friends, was just a sampler of NFL news and notes. Stay tuned with DaveTalksSports.com for in depth NFL coverage leading up to and during the season.
Are you as excited about the upcoming NFL season as I am, or is there something wrong with me???? Don’t answer that in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
The NFL is simple.
You can’t win without a quarterback.
Rather than waste time we can never get back, just trust this is an indisputable fact. Skeptical?? The list of Super Bowl winning QBs is all the evidence one would ever need. Listen, if you still think the “Trent Dilfers” of the world are a sustainable option at the QB position, you probably still think jean shorts are socially acceptable….
Jean shorts. The perfect segue to the New York Jets.
This past Saturday, the New York Jets shook up the NFL Draft. They traded up from the #6 overall pick to the #3 overall pick:
New York Jets Receive:
Indianapolis Colts Receive:
From the Colts point of view, this trade makes sense. With Andrew Luck set to return, the Colts don’t plan to draft a QB in the 1st round. Also, they’re in the midst of a rebuild, and stockpiling draft picks during a rebuild is never a bad idea.
As for the Jets, this is a SMART TRADE. I’ve listened to countless Jets’ fans criticize this trade, claiming they gave up TOO MUCH. That’s idiotic. The name of the game is find a franchise QB. In this QB rich draft, the Jets have that unique opportunity. Therefore, they had to do whatever possible to land a top-3 pick in the draft.
While you’re crying about three 2nd picks, I’m applauding aggressiveness.
The Jets HAD to jump ahead of the Denver Broncos. While they signed Case Keenum this offseason, they’re still in search of a REAL QB. Also, the Buffalo Bills were trying to acquire the #3 overall pick as well, so beating them to the punch was necessary. The Jets MUST love each of the top-3 QBs (Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Josh Allen) equally, for this trade can’t be made if they feel otherwise.
Dumb dumb fans should applaud general manager, Mike Maccagnan, for getting this deal done without including any future 1st round picks.
The Jets’ QB situation went from an absolute mess to pretty attractive overnight. Jeremy Bates is the Jets’ new offensive coordinator and has been a QB coach for years. Josh McCown may stink, but there are worse QBs to learn from. And Teddy Bridgewater, if healthy, will spark the competitive juices of the Jets’ newest QB.
Well done Mike Maccagnan!! Now, all you have to do is not screw this up. If Maccagnan drafts the Jets’ QB for the next 10-12 years, he’ll find his pot at the end of the rainbow; job security in New York.
I’m a smart guy.
I like to think I have a pretty firm grip on the English language. I’m a fast learner. And I can reason through or understand pretty much everything that happens in the world.
But today, I’m stumped!!
For the life of me, I can’t understand the San Francisco 49ers’ latest decision.
Thursday afternoon, the 49ers signed quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension ($27.5 million per year). Garoppolo, who was traded to the 49ers (for a 2018 2nd-round pick) by the New England Patriots on October 31st, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. There are varying reports as it pertains to the guaranteed money in the contract. Some have reported $74 million guaranteed, while others have reported $90 million. Either way, that’s a fine pay day!!
Allow me to express my confusion. I happen to like Jimmy Garoppolo. I think he has the potential to be a good quarterback for a decade or more. BUT, I wouldn’t make him THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!!
7. Garoppolo has started just 7 games in his career. Granted, he’s won every start, injecting hope into the 49ers franchise, but no one’s confusing him with Joe Montana.
See, this is how the NFL works. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. Without a “franchise quarterback”, you can’t win a Super Bowl. Yes, I know Nick Foles just won a Super Bowl, but check the list of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. As each top-15 quarterback heads toward free agency, they become the highest paid player in NFL history. First, it was Aaron Rodgers. Then Andrew Luck. Then Derek Carr. Then Matthew Stafford. While each have flaws, one can understand paying them the big bucks. It’s called track record. It’s called having a sample size bigger than 7 games.
Just ask the Seattle Seahawks how Matt Flynn’s contract worked out….
Side Note: If Garoppolo is worth $27.5 million per year, what is Kirk Cousins worth????
Apparently, 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, doesn’t care for track record:
“We want Jimmy to be a Niner for a long, long time,” Lynch said on January 2nd. “That process is going to take place here. We’re eager to get that done, to have the opportunity. You have our assurances, and the fans do, that we’d like nothing more than to make him (Garoppolo) a Niner for a long, long time.”
Lynch and head coach/offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, are excited to work with their 137.5 million dollar man….
Kyle, John, he’s all yours.
Like, Love, or Hate this contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
The AFC South is usually stinky. It’s like that co-worker who opts for a cologne bath rather than a shower. Yeah, that kind of stink. However, this season, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the smell of the AFC South….
Last Season’s Standings:
Houston Texans: 9-7
Tennessee Titans: 9-7
Indianapolis Colts: 8-8
Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-13
From worst-to-first we go….
Jacksonville Jaguars
This division as a whole will be better, but that doesn’t apply to this bottom feeder. The Jacksonville Jaguars will be awful this season — again. Their level of bad will depend on the number of turnovers their quarterback has (and if they beat the Jets or not). New head coach, Doug Marrone, has inexplicably decided to stick with Blake Bortles under center. Bortles, the former #3 overall pick (2014), has been nothing short of a disaster early on in his career. I envision feeling very badly for rookie running back, Leonard Fournette at some point this season.
Key Additions: Leonard Fournette (Draft), Calais Campbell, Barry Church
Key Losses: Julius Thomas, Luke Joeckel, Kelvin Beachum
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts will go as far as their quarterback will take them. The only problem is their quarterback is injured. And when he’s not injured, he’s being sacked, and in turn, re-injured. The way Colts’ management has treated Andrew Luck is criminal. I can’t recall a quarterback, with hall of fame talent like Luck, ever taking snaps behind a worse offensive line. And I’m sorry Colts’ fans, that streak of missing the playoffs in 2 consecutive years won’t end this year.
Key Additions: Christine Michael, Johnathan Hankins, Kamar Aiken
Key Losses: Trent Cole, Dwayne Allen, D’Qwell Jackson
Houston Texans
Being a Houston Texans fan must be frustrating. The Texans have such a talented roster, outside of the MOST IMPORTANT POSITION on the field, quarterback. Yes, they drafted Deshaun Watson in the 2017 Draft (12th pick), but as per head coach, Bill O’Brien, Watson will ride the pine to start the season. O’Brien will turn the reigns over to Mr. Tom Savage. No no, you don’t need glasses. You read that right. The question though, is when, not if, Watson will take over at quarterback?? We know how you feel DeAndre Hopkins, but don’t jump overboard yet. Help is coming….
Key Additions: Deshaun Watson (Draft), Breno Giacomini, Marcus Gilchrist
Key Losses: Vince Wilfork, A.J. Bouye, Antonio Smith
Tennessee Titans
Are you sensing a theme in this division?? Every team will go as far as their quarterback will take them. Marcus Mariota is one of the great, young quarterbacks in this league. Despite breaking his leg in December of 2016, Mariota looks poised to lead his Titans to an AFC South Division Title. Mariota will line up behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and when he’s not running the ball, will hand it off to the best running back tandem in the league (Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry).
Jump on the bandwagon while you still can!! It’s getting crowded on here!!
Key Additions: Eric Decker, Logan Ryan, Corey Davis (Draft)
Key Losses: Jason McCourty, Kendall Wright, Chance Wormack
This Season’s Predictions:
Tennessee Titans: 11-5
Houston Texans: 9-7
Indianapolis Colts: 6-10
Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-12
Who do you think will win the AFC South?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Something spectacular is about to happen. After four grueling months, only four of the NFL’s best teams remain. And with the Lombardi Trophy in their grasp, it is going to take an incredible feat, by a still unknown hero, to earn a trip to Glendale, Arizona and an appearance in Super Bowl XLIX. We could see the ‘passing of the torch’ from a hall of fame quarterback to a future hall of famer. Or we could see an opportunity for the first back-to-back championships in 10 years. No matter what happens, history is about to be made. I think we are going to witness two unbelievable football games, and I wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers vs. *Seattle Seahawks – Sunday @ 3:05 P.M. (FOX)
* – Indicates Home Team
The Packers and Seahawks will meet for the second time this season in the NFC Championship. The first meeting didn’t go so well for the Packers, as they were blown out 36-16 in Week 1. Revenge should play a slight factor, but the outcome of this game rests primarily on the calf of Aaron Rodgers. If he is healthy enough to keep the Seahawks’ tenacious defense in check, they have a shot, however, if he is only 70% of himself, the Packers are in for a long afternoon. Another key to this game is Marshawn Lynch versus the Packers run defense. The Packers were 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed this season (119.9 ypg), while the Seahawks were the number one rushing team (172.6 ypg). Despite all the evidence to support a Seahawks victory, I think Aaron Rodgers is going to give us one of the grittiest performances we’ve ever seen. Also, expect Jordy Nelson to wake up after a lackluster performance in the Divisional Round, and show Richard Sherman a thing or two. Home/Road splits be damned. Give me the Packers, in the upset, squeezing out a 1 point victory.
Prediction: Packers 28 – Seahawks 27
AFC Championship
Indianapolis Colts vs. *New England Patriots – Sunday @ 6:40 P.M. (CBS)
* – Indicates Home Team
Oh Bill Belichick, as much as I dislike your sweatshirt and your general attitude towards everyone, I have to give you credit. You are the best coach in the NFL. You and Tom Brady are Greg Popovich and Tim Duncan. Thirteen years have gone by, you haven’t aged, your productivity is still top notch, and just when everyone counts you out, you remind them why you’re still the best. I guess cranky, surly head coach plus humble superstar is a decent combination. I digress. Just like the NFC, the AFC Championship is a repeat matchup of a lopsided affair (NE 42 – Indy 20) from earlier in the year. You will remember, however, that was the game where Jonas Gray ran for 201 yards and 4 touchdowns, so expect this Sunday’s game to be a lot closer. Andrew Luck’s game also took another step forward this season, as he led the league in touchdowns, but Luck will need to come up with a performance for the ages if the Colts are going to take down Goliath. The other key to this game will be limiting “The Gronk”. He can’t be stopped completely, but if the Colts can keep him out of the end zone, that’ll give them a fighting chance. Unfortunately for all of us bitter Jets fans out there, I expect Tom Brady and the Patriots to make their 6th Super Bowl appearance in 14 years.
Prediction: Patriots 31 – Colts 28
Who do you have in this year’s Super Bowl?? Let me know in the comment section below.
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!
Dave Talks Sports 