Tag: Philadelphia Eagles

Any Given Sunday….Can Be The Craziest Sunday You’ve Ever Seen….Ever!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Jake-Elliott

This is why we will ALWAYS watch. Despite the “extracurricular” activites, and the controversy, and the injury risks, NFL fans will always be just that; fans. Week 3 has been a prime example of that.

The best word I can use to describe Week 3 in the NFL is — WOW!!!! Actually, the best way to sum up Sunday’s action would be, “HOLY CRAP!!”, but that wouldn’t maintain the level of sophistication you’ve grown accustomed to here at DaveTalksSports :).

While difficult, I’ve done you the favor of ranking Sunday’s insanity:

7.) Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Ravens and Jaguars took their talents across the pond on Sunday. No one, outside of die-hard, Jaguars’ fans, thought they would win. And NO ONE, could have predicted the way in which they won. This game can be summarized in one-line, Joe Flacco’s stat-line: 8 for 18 for 28 yards and 2 interceptions.

Hey Joe, I’ve never seen a QBR of 0.5 before, so thanks for that. Remember when the storyline was, ‘When will Blake Bortles get pulled from the game’?? That quickly turned into, ‘Joe Flacco actually got pulled from the game’. Final Score: Jaguars 44, – Ravens 7.

6.) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears

In one of the many shocking results on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Chicago Bears in overtime, 23-17. Antonio Brown and company had to come charging back to force overtime, as they found themselves down 17-7 at halftime. The halftime score SHOULD have been 21-7, if it weren’t for Marcus Cooper doing his best Leon Lett impersonation. With 6 seconds left in the 1st half, the Steelers had a 35-yard field goal attempt blocked. Cooper picked up the ball and streaked toward the endzone. Rather than sprint his way in for the score, he inexplicably slowed to a tortoise pace at the 2-yard line. Vance Mcdonald of the Steelers tracked him down and swatted the ball from his hands. The ball travelled out of the back of the endzone, and the Bears were afforded 1 untimed down from the 1-yard line. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Click here to see the madness.

5.) Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

With 10:20 left in the 2nd quarter, Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass. In atypical Aaron Rodgers’ fashion, he stared down his receiver, throwing a bad interception. This interception was returned 75-yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 21-7 lead (in Green Bay). But, as any Bengals fan will tell you, they never felt less confident in their team in that moment. In typical Benagals’ fashion, they scored a whopping 3 points in the 2nd half, allowing Rodgers and the Packers to creep back into the game.

Throughout the 4th quarter and overtime, Aaron Rodgers did what Aaron Rodgers does. You never thought you’d hear the name Geronimo Allison so many times did you?? Rodgers hit Allison 3 times on the game-tying drive, as well as the all important 72-yard connection in overtime. This set up a chip-shot field goal, leading the Packers to a wild 27-24 victory and keeping my hopes alive in my ‘suicide pool’.

4.) New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

SAY WHATTTTTT?!?!?! The New York Jets won a football game?? And it wasn’t against the Browns?? Ohhhh, it was against the Dolphins. That makes sense. As maligned as the Dolphins franchise is, this may be a new low….

The New York Jets are trying to lose on purpose, and they can’t even do that right. As a Jets’ fan, I’m on board with this strategy, so thanks a lot Jay Cutler!! Believe it or not, the 20-6 score doesn’t do it justice. The Dolphins were completely and utterly dominated, and if it not for an ULTIMATE ‘GARBARGE-TIME’ touchdown (as time expired) to DeVante Parker, they would have been shutout. Why 6?? Because the Dolphins missed the extra-point. “HA-ha!” (Nelson’s laugh in the Simpsons). That’s why.

3.) New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The New York Giants travelled to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in as close to a must-win as can be in Week 3. Their offensive line, and offense as a whole, has looked putrid through 2 weeks. And until the 4th quarter, the Giants were laying a golden goose egg again (they were down 14-0). Then, Odell Beckham Jr. showed his worth. Beckham Jr. scored 2 touchdowns in the span of 1 minute and 46 seconds. He also managed to receive a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his inane TD celebration, as well as lay down in the middle of the field, stopping play, when there was nothing wrong with him.

Hey everybody, LOOK AT ME!!

Despite a valiant effort by the Giants, they coughed up a lead in the 4th quarter — twice. With the game tied at 24, overtime looked like a certainty. But the Eagles took a final shot from their own 38-yard line (thanks to an awful punt by the Giants), and 13 seconds left in regulation. After a 19-yard completion to Alshon Jeffrey, the Eagles sent rookie kicker, Jake Elliot, onto the field to try a 61-yard, miracle field goal. ELLIOT MADE THE KICK!! He skimmed the inside of the right field goal post with about 2 yards to spare. And as time expired, the Eagles put the Giants away 27-24.

2.) New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson nearly did what no rookie quarterback has ever done before, win in Foxborough. But, yet again, if you’ve ever seen the Patriots play, you knew they weren’t losing this football game. When the Houson Texans failed to score a touchdown, settling for a field goal with 2:24 to play, you knew it was over. Tom Brady, down 5, from his own 25, is the surest bet in sports. They even spotted the Texans 10 yards, pushing their drive back to their own 15-yard line (thanks to a holding penalty). And not even when it was 3rd and 18, with 54 seconds left, from his own 48, should anyone have doubted the greatest QB of all-time. 2 plays, 52 yards and 31 seconds later, the game was over. I can’t actually stomach writing this, so while I vomit, watch the final drive by clicking here. The Patriots beat the Houston Texans 36-33 in dramatic fashion, but it’s only dramatic to the unaware. To the rest of us, it’s Tom Brady being Tom Brady.

1.) Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions

All I have to say is what in the hell was that?? Okay, maybe that’s not all I have to say, but I have never seen a game end like that. Matthew Stafford and the Lions had the ball, down 30-26 with 2:23 left to play. Starting at their own 26-yard line, they drove the ball all the way to the Falcons’ 1-yard line. So let’s set the table: 1st and Goal from the 1 with 19 seconds left. You have to score, don’t you?! Not if you’re the Detroit Lions. After 2 quick incompletions, Stafford found Golden Tate on 3rd down. He dove into the endzone with 8 seconds left, and the Lions had done it!! Until they didn’t. The play was reviewed and ultimately reversed. The official said Tate’s knee hit the ground prior to him crossing the goal line.

Lions huddle: “Alright guys, let’s re-group and score this touchdown on 4th down!!”

Referee: “Game over!”

According to the dumbest NFL rule in existence, there must be a 10-second run off due to the Lions having no timeouts left. Therefore, the game was over. That’s the most RIDICULOUS thing I’ve ever seen on an NFL field.

And that’s saying a lot….

 

What were you watching on Sunday?? Tell me the craziest thing you saw 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. – 8:10 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.

 

 

And The Worst Team In New York Is……..

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

eli

The Giants are a really bad football team. Expectations were sky high leading into the season for the New York Giants. Some were calling it a “Super Bowl or Bust Season”. Experts and fans alike saw their 11-5 record from last year, combined with a ferocious defense, and expected improvement. Not so much.

The New York Giants took on the Detroit Lions in their home opener on Monday Night Football. How can I put this nicely?? The Giants looked TERRIBLE — again. Click here to see the box score. They have a multitude of problems, none of which can be fixed mid-season. Let’s go to the video tape! Okay, I don’t have video tape, but I did make a list:

  • They have the worst offensive line in the NFL
  • They have the worst rushing attack in the NFL
  • They have 13 total points through 2 games
  • Eli Manning is old

Offensive Line Is Offensive

This may be the worst offensive line ever. But it’s not their fault. To return the exact same starting offensive line from last year (when they were dreadful!) is criminal. Giants’ General Manager Jerry Reese should be arrested. This offensive line’s ineptitude was on full display last night, giving up 5 sacks. Psst….you do know the Lions have 1 of the worst defensive lines in the NFL right?? I’m just sayin’.

Ghosts Can’t Play Running Back

And that segues perfectly into the nonexistent rushing attack. A team’s rushing attack, when effective, is a combination of a stout offensive line and a talented running back. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. 1 doesn’t often go without the other. However, even if this offensive line was good, I doubt you’d be able to run the ball with the three-headed-kitten of Paul Perkins, Orleans Darkwa, and Shane Vereen. This ‘bad ass’ trio has combined for a lowly 97 total rushing yards through 2 games (worst in the NFL).

That’s Not Gonna Cut It

13. 13 points. How is it possible the New York Giants only have 13 points through 2 games?! It’s the franchise’s worst 2-game stretch since 1947, when the team only scored 7 points. The Giants’ 13 total points ranks 3rd worst in the NFL (only the 49ers and Bengals have less). I don’t care who you’re playing, you’re not going to win averaging single-digit points per game. Odell Beckham Jr. may have played last night (in limited action), but he’s only 1 guy. And last time I checked, he’s not the Lord and Savior.

Eli Manning Is Old And Slow

Eli Manning has always been slow. But now, he’s old AND slow. And he’s playing like he really, Really, REALLY doesn’t want to get hurt. I don’t blame him, but this is a bad combination for a team relying heavily on their passing attack. Even if Odell Beckham Jr. was at full strength, and Brandon Marshall wasn’t dropping more passes than Sprint drops phone calls, Eli Manning simply isn’t willing to stand in the pocket and take a whoopin’ like he used to.

The Giants’ schedule doesn’t get any easier either, as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in Week 3.

Strap in and get comfy. This is going to be a lonnngggg ride.

And I thought life as a Jets’ fan was rough….

 

Are the Giants the worst team in the NFL?? Convince 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 6:00 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!!

 

 

 

Get Used To Me Couch, The NFL Is Back!!!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

jets stink

That was fun!! We should do that every week. What do you say, we get together next Sunday, around 1 o’ clock?? Yeah, you can come over, and we’ll watch football for 11 straight hours while we eat guacamole and drink beer. It’ll be great!!

After being forced to wait 7 months for football, the NFL finally returned, and it did not disappoint. My team, however, is another story:

New York Jets

1 down, 15 to go. As a lifelong Jets’ fan, this is going to be the weirdest season I’ve ever experienced. Today, I am glad they lost. Their performance was encouraging. It showed me they are capable of losing to anyone. Although their defense is decent, they will be on the field too often to impact the game positively. They lost 21-12 to the 1st place Buffalo Bills (man that sounds weird).

New York Giants

Few teams looked worse than the Jets yesterday. The Giants were one of them. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys 19-3. 3. 3 points.

“7. 7 miles per hour. And usually when I pull someone over they pull over to the side of the road!”

Last time I checked it’s hard to win a football game when you only score 3 points. Did I mention the Giants only scored 3 points?? People can talk about Odell Beckham Jr. not playing all they want, but it all boils down to the Giants’ offensive line. They can’t protect Eli Manning. They can’t provide running lanes for their running backs. I’m surprised they don’t get penalized more often. Last night, they made the Cowboys defense look like the ‘Steel Curtain’.

The Giants have the worst offensive line in the NFL. 

Stinky QB Play

Two quarterbacks were pulled from their respective games yesterday, Tom Savage and Scott Tolzien. I’m not sure who was worse….

Scott Tolzien: 9/18 for 128 yards, 2 INT’s, and 1 fumble

or

Tom Savage: 7/13 for 62 yards and 2 lost fumbles

Tolzien was pulled from the game for newly acquired Jacoby Brissett. Brissett has only been on the Indianapolis Colts for 8 days, so he will be given a longer leash than Tolzien. It’s safe to say the Colts can’t wait for Andrew Luck to return to the field. For my eyeballs’ sake, I can’t either.

Despite having the emotional Houston crowd behind him, Savage was only able to muster 62 yards passing against a mediocre Jacksonville Jaguars defense. Oh, and the Jaguars had 10 sacks. Savage was replaced with rookie Deshaun Watson. Watson looked good, scoring a touchdown on his opening drive, but it was too little, way too late. The damage had been done. Hopefully, the Texans are smart enough to start Watson next week.

Too Smart For Their Own Good

The Philadelphia Eagles looked good yesterday. Carson Wentz looked good yesterday. And most would say head coach, Doug Pederson, looked good yesterday. The Eagles beat the Washington Redskins 30-17. Pederson’s mathematical blunder went unnoticed because they were winning, but bonehead decisions like these will cost you games in the future. The Eagles returned a Kirk Cousins’ fumble for a touchdown, going up 28-17 with 1:29 left in the 4th quarter. Pederson and the Eagles proceeded to go for a 2-point conversion.

I’ll give you a second to let that sink in….

Now, if you know anything about football, or numbers, you’d know going for 2-points in this situation is the wrong decision. There is no difference in being up 12 (kicking the extra point) versus being up 13 (going for 2). The only risk is not converting the 2-point conversion, only being up 11, and allowing the Redskins to climb back into the game. If you didn’t notice this mistake, don’t feel bad. The professional commentators announcing the game didn’t notice either.

 

There are still 2 Monday Night Football games left to close out Week 1. The New Orleans Saints will visit the Minnesota Vikings @ 7:10 P.M. EST, and the Los Angeles Charges will visit the Denver Broncos @ 10:20 P.M. EST. Both games can be seen on ESPN. I will be sound asleep before the 2nd game starts.

 

What was your biggest take away from the 1st Sunday of the NFL season?? Tell me all about it 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!!

 

 

 

 

What’s A Zeke?? (AKA NFC East Preview)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

nfc-east-preview

No one will be paying attention to football in the NFC East this season. Well, at least for the first 6 weeks. All eyes will be glued to the Ezekiel Elliot situation. Elliot has been suspended by the NFL for 6 games due to violation of the personal conduct policy. ‘Zeke’ as his friend calls him, has decided to appeal the suspension. The appeals process started Tuesday, and ahhh who cares!! Don’t be a bad guy, and you won’t get suspended. Anyway, let’s talk about the NFC East….

Last Season’s Standings:

Dallas Cowboys: 13-3

New York Giants: 11-5

Washington Redskins: 8-7-1

Philadelphia Eagles: 7-9

You know how this works by now. Worst-to-first….

Philadelphia Eagles

Expect regression. Yes, their offensive line is pretty good. Yes, Carson Wentz has a few new weapons to play with. Yes, they still have ugly uniforms. But that doesn’t mean they’re going to be good this year. I don’t think Wentz is going to be an elite quarterback. Their defense is nothing to write home about. And expect to be extremely disappointed with their latest running back acquisition, LaGarrette Blount. He will be the bust of the year. And the Eagles will call 4th place in the NFC East home. Sorry Philly. Beautiful city. Amazing cheese steaks. Bad football team.

Key Additions: Alshon Jeffrey, Jordan Matthews (Trade), LaGarette Blount

Key Losses: Bennie Logan, Conor Barwin, Leodis McKelvin

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins seem to be stuck in purgatory. Never good enough to make a run in the playoffs, but never bad enough to get the top pick in the NFL Draft. After an offseason of playing hardball with their own quarterback (smart!), the Redskins can look forward to another season of average. They will be the definition of average this season. Like last year, they will have a good passing attack, but their running game will plod it’s way down the field. Outside of their left tackle (Trent Williams), their offensive line is not very good, and their defense is eh.

Key Additions: Terrelle Pryor, D.J. Swearinger, Brian Quick

Key Losses: Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Kory Lichtensteiger

Dallas Cowboys

Last season was no Tony Romo, no problem. This year it’ll be No Ezekiel Elliot, big problem. Listen, their offensive line is so good I could run for 1,000 yards back there, but potentially missing Elliot for 6 games is not a recipe for success. No matter how many games Elliot plays this season, expect regression across the board. Last season’s record of 13-3 (2 of their losses coming by way of the Giants) was the result of a perfect storm. Their defense will take a BIG step back this season. While they will make the playoffs this year, I don’t see an NFC East Division Title in their near future.

Key Additions: Nolan Carroll, Stephen Paea, Taco Charlton (Draft)

Key Losses: Ronald Leary, Brandon Carr, Rolando McClain  

New York Giants

The New York Giants are always an interesting team, right?? They have spectacular regular season’s, and fall short of expectations. And then they turn around and run the table, as an underdog, twice. All while simultaneously having stability. Curious, isn’t it?? I expect the former this season. They will have a very good regular season en route to their 9th NFC East Division Title, but they’ll lose in the 1st round of the playoffs. Pencil in more of the same from Eli Manning, decent numbers with too many turnovers. Their running game will be bad, but their defense will be top-10 in the league.

Oh, and expect to see Eli Manning on his back more than you’re accustomed. This offensive line is REALLY BAD!!

Key Additions: Brandon Marshall, Rhett Ellison, Evan Engram (Draft) 

Key Losses: Ronald Leary, Johnathan Hankins, Rashad Jennings, Marshall Newhouse

 

This Season’s Predictions:

New York Giants: 10-6

Dallas Cowboys: 9-7

Washington Redskins: 7-9

Philadelphia Eagles: 6-10

This is a well-balanced, healthy, nutritious meal. No, this is a well-balanced division. Expect entertaining football when the NFC East is on TV.

Who do you think will win the NFC East?? If you have a different opinion than me, you’re wrong, but you can still post it 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!!

One Liner Friday’s

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

20130802-062952.jpg

Hello everybody and welcome back to another edition of One Liner Friday’s. Here you can find the past week in sports wrapped up in one line and one line only. Enjoy!!

So do you think Sergio Garcia and Riley Cooper are best buds?

I think so, I think they hang out at each other’s house and try to come up with ways to alienate themselves and potentially ruin any success they may have ever created leading up to that very moment.

I am slightly disappointed that Michael Vick is taking this whole forgiveness route, I don’t know about you but I think Cooper deserves the “Old Michael Vick” treatment.

You know what I mean.

Inbee Park!!

Who?

Oh you know just a professional female golfer who’s playing for her 4th consecutive grand slam title.

I don’t know how to put this, but I’m kind of a big deal.

Tiger shoots an opening round 66, making every putt under the sun at the Bridgestone Invitational.

This comes just a week after the Open Championship, where he couldn’t putt the ball into a garbage can if it was right in front of him.

SHUT UP BUCK SHOWALTER!!

For those of who didn’t see what he had to say about A-Rod and The Yankees, have no fear:

“If Bud (Selig) lets them get away with that, they’re under the luxury tax,” Showalter told USA Today. “If they can reset, they can spend again and I guarantee you in two years Matt Wieters is in New York. They’re the ones who signed him to that contract.”

Let them get away with that?

I’m sorry, did The Yankees ask A-Rod or anyone else on their team to do steroids?

Are The Yankees, or any team, complicit in the use of steroids?

Is Buck Showalter the biggest crybaby known to man?

It is amazing how big the target on their back is, and how this is only a “story” because it involves The Yankees.

They don’t boo the bad teams.

Alabama is clearly the best college football team in the country, but why does everyone get so riled up over preseason rankings?

Everyone understands that this is not the same roster from last season right?

Just checking.

How about we play the games and see what happens (or let a computer decide everything and not even bother; either way).

I love how everyone is writing Canelo Alvarez off before his fight with Floyd Mayweather, but as I’ve said before and I’ll say it again right now:
Canelo Alvarez will hand Floyd Mayweather his first professional loss of his career.

Isn’t it hysterical that Greg Oden, who was drafted 6 years ago and still hasn’t played even close to a full season in the NBA due to chronic injuries; get’s to choosethe team that will have the ‘privilege’ to pay him millions of dollars.

No, inmate #174954, you will no longer get airtime on my watch; thank you very much!

So, Kansas City Chief’s offensive coordinator is obviously messin’ with the same stuff Derek Rose is if he thinks Alex Smith is the best QB in the NFL.

I get it, he’s trying to build Smith’s confidence after it was trampled last season, but Smith is not even the best team in his division forget the whole league.

Let me end by saying that what Riley Cooper said is horrible.

It is obviously extremely insensitive, and I feel that that word (along with any slur towards anyone) has no place in society.

I’m here to bring levity and comedy (hopefully) to the world of sports, so please don’t take offense to anything I say or any pictures I may post even in regards to a sensitive situation.

Thanks for reading as always, and I hope you all enjoyed this weeks One Liners.

If 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!

NFL Free Agency Continued (Day 2)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Day 1 of free agency in the NFL was just a warm-up for the real action.  Day 2 is where all the big moves came pouring in.  There were many big moves all across the NFL, but one clearly stood out amongst all the rest.  Wes Welker, the longtime Patriot signed with their AFC rival Denver Broncos.  This is a huge deal for the Denver Broncos.  Let’s take a quick peak at that receiving core and see the weapons Peyton Manning will have to work with this coming season.  He has Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker on the outside, and now Wes Welker will fill in the slot for Manning’s high powered offense.  Combine that with the Broncos good young defense and solid rushing attack, and you might see Peyton playing in Eli’s house come Super Bowl Sunday.  While I’m sure that Tom Brady is upset to lose such a dependable receiver in Wes Welker, the move they made Wednesday is not a bad replacement for Welker.  The New England Patriots signed Danny Amendola to their roster.  Danny Amendola is a younger version of Wes Welker and should fit nicely into the Patriots offense.  I think Amedola will actually improve with Brady’s help, assuming he can stay healthy.  The only concern with Amendola is that he is injury prone.  However, in New England being one of many options should keep him healthier longer, unlike in St. Louis where he was the only receiving option.  His workload with the Rams could have a lot to do with his prior injuries.  Another huge signing Wednesday was the former Miami Dolphin Reggie Bush signing with the Detroit Lions.  WOW, can’t you just see it now?  Megatron and Reggie Bush on the same field should be something special to watch in the Motor City.  Another running back on the move Wednesday was Rashard Mendenhall.  The former Pittsburgh Steeler was signed by the Arizona Cardinals.  When healthy Mendenhall is a very solid back that could help any team.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up a solid safety in former San Francisco 49er, Dashon Goldson.  And as if the Seattle Seahawks defense needed to get any better, they signed former defensive end and former Detroit Lion Cliff Avril.  This should strengthen their pass rush and bring more toughness to their defense.  One last defensive signing that took place on Wednesday was former Philadelphia Eagle Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie signed with the Denver Broncos.  Maybe this will keep the Broncos secondary from having any deep balls launched over their heads.  Ouch.  Too Soon?  Na, definitely not soon enough.  Ah yes, I almost forgot, the New York Football Jets.  What a train wreck they are.  The news regarding the Jets is not who they’ve signed.  It is the lack of signings by the Jets and the amount of players they’ve not re-signed and let walk out the door that is the concern.  Strong Safety Laron Landry has signed with the Indianapolis Colts and should give Andrew Luck some help on the other side of the ball.  He is a hard hitting safety that should bring the pain in the middle of the Colts secondary.  The Jets also let Shonne Green slip away, as he signed with the Tennessee Titans.  This move I’m not all that upset about because I never thought Green was good enough to be a featured back anyway, but they need to sign someone.

There are still some big names in limbo in free agency, that should get signed in before the weekend.  Some of those names are: Greg Jennings, James Harrison, Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Steven Jackson, and last but certainly not least Brian Urlacher.  All of these names have yet to find their final destinations for the upcoming season.  Hold on to your hats because this ride isn’t over yet.  You can check back tomorrow for the rest of the signings here @ DaveTalksSports.com.

If 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 athttp://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

To Leave Or Not To Leave, That Is The Question (Either Way It’s All About The Benjamin’s Baby!!)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 P.M. marked the beginning of free agency in the NFL. It didn’t take long for teams to start signing and resigning players shortly after the 4 O’ clock hour. There were many moves that happened right away, and there are many moves that are still going to take place. I will give you a recap of what moves have been made and where your favorite players will be suiting up next season. I will also give you a quick rundown of some key players who have yet to sign a new deal. Some of these moves make you scratch your head from a football standpoint, but you need to remember these moves are about one thing and one thing only; money. With that being said, let’s take this thing for a ride.

One of the biggest signings so far has surely been Mike Wallace. Tuesday afternoon, the former Pittsburgh Steeler, signed the dotted line to play for the Miami Dolphins. The deal is reportedly for 5 years and 60 million dollars (30 million of which are guaranteed). It appears that the Steelers only offered Wallace 10 million per year, however Wallace was looking for a minimum of 12 million per year (cha ching). Another significant signing that occurred on Tuesday was the Cleveland Browns signing former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger to a 5 year, 40 million dollar contract. This is big money for a pretty unproven player in Kruger. He is a good linebacker but does not have the track record that would merit a contract of this magnitude. Only time will tell if the Browns made a smart move by signing Kruger (considering we are talking about the Browns I’m sure this move will backfire). There were a couple of moves at the tight end position Tuesday with Martellus Bennett and Anthony Fasano both on the move. Bennett, the former New York Giant, inked a 4 year, 20 million deal with the Chicago Bears, giving Jay Cutler another legitimate option other than Brandon Marshall. Anthony Fasano formerly of the Miami Dolphins signed with the already very busy Kansas City Chiefs. The deal is reportedly for 4 years and 16 million dollars. The Chiefs continue to improve their roster, and dare I say that the Chiefs might sniff at a winning record this season? Yeah you’re right, probably not. The biggest news at the tight end position by far was the decision by future Hall-Of-Famer Tony Gonzalez to come back to play one more season with the Atlanta Falcons. This season will be Gonzalez’s 18th, and based on his production from 2012, I’m sure the Falcons are giddy at the news of his comeback.

On the defensive side of the ball there hasn’t been as much noise, but there have been some moves that will impact the New York teams next season. The Giants had released Chris Canty who is now a member of the defending champion Baltimore Ravens. In his place, the Giants have brought in Cullen Jenkins formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. The New York Jets made some noise a day prior to the free agent frenzy with the earth shattering signing of David Garrard, however they made a couple moves Tuesday as well. They restructured Santonio Holmes’ and Antonio Cromarties’ contracts and they can wave bye-bye to Mike Devito as he is off to the most popular place to live these days (apparently), Kansas City. Another noteworthy move from the defensive side of the ball was that the Eagles released Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha is one of the worst free agent signings in recent history (don’t worry Albert Haynesworth, your’e still #1 in my heart). Another notable release was Ryan Fitzpatrick being let go from the Buffalo Bills. At least they didn’t wipe their butt with all that money (haha). William Gay, formerly of the solid Arizona Cardinals defense will add some depth to an aging Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Also, Dunta Robinson, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, signed with the new and improved Kansas City Chiefs.

At this point there are still some big names hanging out in free agency that have yet to sign somewhere. Most notably Wes Welker, Reggie Bush, Ahmad Bradshaw, Greg Jennings, Rashard Mendenhall, and Steven Jackson. All of these guys will find a home in the coming days, it is just a matter of where. You also have Victor Cruz in waiting as a restricted free agent. For those of you who don’t know what it means to be a restricted free agent allow me to explain: A restricted free agent can negotiate with any team until April 19th. If another team presents said free agent with an offer, the original team has an opportunity to match or exceed the offer. If the original team decides not to match the offer, they will receive draft compensation based on the qualifying offer. While I like Victor Cruz as a player (and I’m sure the Giants like him too), it’s not about the player, it’s about the money. Can the Giants keep Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz? I highly doubt it.

Let us move on to the other New York “team”, the Jets. The New York Jets are going to be one of the worst teams in the league this year. They have two quarterbacks who are both completely useless, and they are losing players in bulk this offseason. They already released Calvin Pace, Bart Scott, and Erik Smith in February. As I mentioned earlier, they lost mike Devito to free agency, they waived Sione Po’uha, and it is likely that Darrelle Revis will be traded before this years draft. It is safe to say that they are in rebuilding mode.

All in all it has been a busy couple of days in free agency, and the fun has only begun. As it stands so far, you’d have to say that the Kansas City Chiefs are the big winner so far. There are big names still left to sign so that may change in a heartbeat. Stay tuned for the rest of the moves around the NFL.

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