DRIVES with DAVE Podcast #36: Bye Bye Sam Darnold

Before Sam Darnold was set to enter the NFL Draft out of USC, he was considered a CAN’T-MISS NFL PROSPECT. Yeah, okay.

And now, just 3 years later (and a QB Record of 13-25) Darnold has been sent packing to Carolina for 2nd, 4th, and 6th round picks. 

And while I’m trying to convince myself to be mad about this….I’m just not. 

I kinda like it….What do you think??

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“LEAVE ANDREW LUCK ALONE!!!! (DaveTalksSports Podcast – Ep. #45 Part II)

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.

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The Jets Did Something SMART?!?!

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.

jets draft

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:

  • 2018 #3 overall pick

Indianapolis Colts Receive:

  • 2018 #6 overall pick
  • 2018 2nd round pick (37)
  • 2018 2nd round pick (49)
  • 2019 2nd round pick

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.

jets-gm-mike-maccagnan

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.

 

The Results Are In: THE NFL IS INSANE!!

So I sat here for approximately 10 minutes, staring at a blank screen, trying to think of the most creative way to describe the (unofficial) start to the NFL’s free agency. And then, I realized I should just tell it like it is….

The NFL is wild. The NFL is insane. The amount of players that change teams every year is astronomical. Redskins become Vikings, Patriots become Dolphins, Browns become Jets, and Cats and Dogs are living together. It’s madness I tell you. MADNESS!!

Monday, March 12th, marked the unofficial start to free agency. The official start to free agency is Wednesday, March 14th at 4:00 P.M. EST. The league calls this the “legal tampering” period. While Monday created some buzz, the NFL world didn’t tilt on its axis until Tuesday. As usual, we’ve made a list to attempt to organize the insanity (today, let’s go most important to least important):

1.) Kirk Cousins (Vikings)

While this is the biggest story of free agency, it’s not surprising. Not even a little bit. It was rumored the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings were finalists in the Kirk Cousins’ sweepstakes. That made this equation rather simple; Money Vs. Winning. What will it be?? We know where Carmelo Anthony stands on the matter. Anyone who thought Cousins would choose the Jets doesn’t understand football, or the Jets.

Players don’t actively CHOOSE to play for the Jets. They sign with the Jets when there is no other viable option (or when the contract is twice as much as the next offer). Kirk Cousins went with the team that provides the best opportunity to win (and he’s also getting paid a few bucks). Cousins will reportedly earn $84 million over the next 3 seasons (fully guaranteed). This is the 1st multiple year, fully guaranteed contract for a QB in NFL history.

2.) Jimmy Graham / Jordy Nelson / Muhammed Wilkerson (Packers)

jimmy-graham-dunk-4

The 2nd happiest man in the NFL right now is….Jimmy Graham. “They’re going to pay me to play with the best QB in the history of the world?! You’re joking!”

No Jimmy, they’re not joking. Just be happy the Packers enjoy making a splash rather than fixing their offensive line. Get used to hearing, “Rodgers to Graham for the touchdown!!”

The end of an era is upon us in Green Bay. Jordy Nelson was released by the Packers Tuesday. This move will save them $10 million, however, it’s rumored they could bring him back on a cheaper deal.

And the Packers will throw their hat in the ‘draw out Muhammed Wilkerson’s potential’ ring. As a Jets’ fan, all I have to say is, good luck!!

3.) New York Jets

bridgewater

The New York Jets were busy on Tuesday. After swinging and missing on Kirk Cousins, they turned their attention to an oft-injured, 39-year old, train wreck in Josh McCown. The Jets will bring back ol’ man river on a 1-year, $10 million deal. Thankfully, that wasn’t the only QB move they made. Teddy Bridgewater will reportedly join the Jets’ band of misfits under center. Bridgewater, who’s still fighting his way back from a gruesome injury in 2016, will compete for the starting job. He’ll also be on a 1-year deal (reportedly for $5 million). At least this will spark QB competition, while simultaneously incentivizing Bridgewater to earn his next contract.

If the Jets don’t draft a QB with the #6 pick, because of these moves, I’ll lose my mind!!

The Jets will also add RB Isaiah Crowell, CB Trumaine Johnson, and LB Avery Williamson.

Crowell is an average running back with good break away speed. While it wasn’t the Jets’ biggest need, there are worse RBs out there (ahem..New York Giants..Jonathan Stewart..ahem). Williamson is a tackling machine, and should plug in very nicely when the Jets don’t retain Demario Davis. And the prize of the Jets’ offseason, SO FAR, is Trumaine Johnson. He’s the best cornerback available, and CB is a position of need for the Jets.

4.) Danny Amendola (Dolphins) / Malcolm Butler (Titans) / Dion Lewis (Titans)

danny-amendola

Nothing makes me happier than watching the Patriots lose good football players. The only problem is, it doesn’t matter. As long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are upright, they’ll continue to own the AFC East. Butler will go from being benched in the Super Bowl, to being the Titans’ top CB, and Lewis will join Butler on a Titan’s team that’s trending upward. Amendola choosing to stay in division makes me chuckle….

Honorable Mentions

Drew Brees – Brees was reportedly offered a 2-year, $60 million contract to play for the Arizona Cardinals. He took $50 million to stay with the New Orleans Saints. He’s smart. 

Sammy Watkins – How is it that this guy is still getting paid so much?! 3-years, $48 million (Chiefs) for a receiver who will undoubtedly be injured by Week 10 is just stupid.

Sam Bradford – How is it that this guy is still getting paid so much?! Bradford will “play” quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals next year, for $20 million. All I have to say is, HAHA!

With official free agency starting today at 4:00 P.M. EST, stay tuned for the latest news and notes from around the NFL.

 

Which team has had the best free agency so far?? Tell me in the comment section below.

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