Isn't it nice to talk about sports for a change? I think it is, and I've going to break down the three biggest quarterback stories in the National Football League from today!
1) Philip Rivers. The long-time (and I do mean LONG-TIME!) San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers pivot has signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts., which also raises the following questions surrounding the deal:
- How much gas does Rivers have in his tank?
- How will he play on a team that has less of a receiving corps to throw to?
- Is it all about the money for Rivers?
Rivers is slated to make $25 million dollars from this, and that may have been the main incentive. He was rumoured to want to play in Florida, as he and his family had moved there recently. Personally, I think that Rivers will go out with a whimper in Indianapolis. This is the end for him.
2) Nick Foles. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded their quarterback to the Chicago Bears for only a fourth-round pick. This was a quarterback that beat the Patriots in a Super Bowl, was signed by the Jags for $80 million, then got hurt early in the season. With that all being said:
- Where do the Jags go from here?
- Why Chicago? Are the Bears giving on Trubisky already?
- Are the Jags going to make some more moves to bolster their position at QB?
These questions won't be answered until at least the draft. Until then, I got nothing.
3) Tom Brady. I hate to mention this man, because God knows I hate him (for cheating!), but now that he's no longer a Patriot, it's not so bad. Unfortunately for Tom, he's going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are terribad on the best of days. Which means:
- Will the Bucs get rid of Jameis Winston finally? (No-brainer!)
- Are the Pats going to be crap now? (Here's hoping!)
- Does this turn the Bucs into an instant playoff team?
I don't think this does anything to the Bucs right away. That team is a dumpster fire to begin with, and it will take more years of overhauling the roster that Brady doesn't have to fix them.
Agree or disagree with our post? Leave a comment below!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Brandon Bridge conundrum. (CFL)
Former CFL quarterback Brandon Bridge has stated publicly that he is leaving football as a whole to pursue a career in law enforcement, more specifically with the Peel Regional Police. Bridge had apparently made this decision due to the fact that Canadian football players don't get the same chances and opportunities that import players do, and that he was never really given the best shot at being a long-term starter in the CFL.
Unfortunately for Bridge, it's not so much the lack of chances (he's played for five CFL teams since he joined the league in 2015), but in his case, a lack of consistency. While Bridge does have impressive arm strength, and can hurl the ball down the field with ferocity, his decision-making process has been questionable at best, leading to bad plays and interceptions.
Career stats:
COMP/ATT: 225/344
YARDS: 2,769
TD-INT: 14-10
RATING: 90.5
These are not the numbers of consistency, and this is way he was relegated quickly with each team he played for in the CFL. His numbers are average at best, and teams can't take too much time to focus on one player, especially if said team is trying to make a playoff run. The CFL season might be longer than other leagues, but consistency needs to be found at the outset of every season, else a team might be derailed quickly, leading to a sub-par campaign.
Unfortunately for Bridge, he was supplanted at every stop in his career by other QB's that gave their respective teams a better chance of winning. I'm not saying Bridge was a washout, but after his tenure with the Argos ended, we all knew that for the rest of his career, he would mainly start a game here and there while serving as the primary backup.
Like or dislike this post? Got your own take? Leave a comment below!
Unfortunately for Bridge, it's not so much the lack of chances (he's played for five CFL teams since he joined the league in 2015), but in his case, a lack of consistency. While Bridge does have impressive arm strength, and can hurl the ball down the field with ferocity, his decision-making process has been questionable at best, leading to bad plays and interceptions.
Career stats:
COMP/ATT: 225/344
YARDS: 2,769
TD-INT: 14-10
RATING: 90.5
These are not the numbers of consistency, and this is way he was relegated quickly with each team he played for in the CFL. His numbers are average at best, and teams can't take too much time to focus on one player, especially if said team is trying to make a playoff run. The CFL season might be longer than other leagues, but consistency needs to be found at the outset of every season, else a team might be derailed quickly, leading to a sub-par campaign.
Unfortunately for Bridge, he was supplanted at every stop in his career by other QB's that gave their respective teams a better chance of winning. I'm not saying Bridge was a washout, but after his tenure with the Argos ended, we all knew that for the rest of his career, he would mainly start a game here and there while serving as the primary backup.
Like or dislike this post? Got your own take? Leave a comment below!
League year begins, draft goes ahead! (NFL)
The start of the league year in the NFL is now underway, and there have already been some interesting moves in the last 24 hours. We will begin with some of the more interesting transactions that have happened thus far, as well as some analysis.
1) Marcus Mariota.
The former Tennessee Titans QB has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his tenure with the Titans that began with his drafting by the team in 2015. The Raiders were hoping to sign QB Tom Brady, but it looks like they've suddenly gone in a new direction. Could be interesting.
2) Case Keenum.
This one is a bit of a head scratcher, to say the least. The Cleveland Browns signed the former Washington Redskins pivot to a three-year deal worth $18 million, and it's unclear why, as they already have QB Baker Mayfield. But, it is Cleveland, and nothing they do ever makes sense.
3) DeAndre Hopkins.
He's finally out of Houston, having been sent to the Cardinals via a trade. This might just give the Cards' receiving corps a boost they need, as WR Larry Fitzgerald is likely playing in his last season in the NFL with Arizona.
4) Amari Cooper.
The Cowboys top WR has signed a five year, $100 million dollar contract to keep him in Dallas. Don't we all wish we could be on Jerry Jones' payroll? Unfortunately, the Cowboys will probably end up as a .500 team yet again in the coming season.
The NFL has also announced that the 2020 Draft will go ahead as planned, albeit without most of the public events that usually take place in the week leading up to it. We will more than likely see the Draft play out remotely, on television, with the draftees sitting at home instead of in the arena/venue at the same time. I applaud the NFL for keeping the Draft, as for a lot of us sports fans, it's a big annual event that we enjoy immensely.
Got an opinion about this post? Leave a comment below!
1) Marcus Mariota.
The former Tennessee Titans QB has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his tenure with the Titans that began with his drafting by the team in 2015. The Raiders were hoping to sign QB Tom Brady, but it looks like they've suddenly gone in a new direction. Could be interesting.
2) Case Keenum.
This one is a bit of a head scratcher, to say the least. The Cleveland Browns signed the former Washington Redskins pivot to a three-year deal worth $18 million, and it's unclear why, as they already have QB Baker Mayfield. But, it is Cleveland, and nothing they do ever makes sense.
3) DeAndre Hopkins.
He's finally out of Houston, having been sent to the Cardinals via a trade. This might just give the Cards' receiving corps a boost they need, as WR Larry Fitzgerald is likely playing in his last season in the NFL with Arizona.
4) Amari Cooper.
The Cowboys top WR has signed a five year, $100 million dollar contract to keep him in Dallas. Don't we all wish we could be on Jerry Jones' payroll? Unfortunately, the Cowboys will probably end up as a .500 team yet again in the coming season.
The NFL has also announced that the 2020 Draft will go ahead as planned, albeit without most of the public events that usually take place in the week leading up to it. We will more than likely see the Draft play out remotely, on television, with the draftees sitting at home instead of in the arena/venue at the same time. I applaud the NFL for keeping the Draft, as for a lot of us sports fans, it's a big annual event that we enjoy immensely.
Got an opinion about this post? Leave a comment below!
Thursday, March 5, 2020
CFL rule changes shouldn't even be an option. (CFL)
For some unknown reason that is unbeknownst to most of us, Canadian Football League commissioner Randy Ambrosie is trying to change as much of the league as he can in a very short amount of time. I'm going to break down two of Ambrosie's latest 'ideas', and explain why they aren't good ideas at all.
1) Playoff format. Ambrosie wants to change the longstanding playoff format in the CFL (in which there is nothing wrong), and have it so that the top two teams in their divisions would get a bye, and the next four teams would be decided by their overall season record, with the before mentioned top two teams choosing who they want to play in the next round after the bye.
Points of contention:
- Having the top two teams pick their opponents in the next round would be a lopsided farce.
- This course of action would also eliminate the Crossover Rule, which makes for entertaining playoff races at the end of the season, and adds an interesting unknown to the playoff picture.
- Because one division is usually better than the other, the top team in the weaker division would choose a weaker opponent in the second round, making for a lousy game for the fan.
2) The rouge. Ambrosie is also looking at getting rid of the failed field goal rouge, and adjusting how the kick rouge (punting) would be adjusted. The rouge is helps to make the Canadian game that much more Canadian, and is something that shouldn't be touched either. It seems to me that Ambrosie is trying to remove as many of the Canadia elements as possible in a way to make the game more American as to possibly bring in more fans.
The problem with this train of thought is that Canadian football fans want to watch the Canadian game. As someone who watches and is a fan of all three main leagues (NFL, CFL, NCAA), I enjoy the distinct differences between all of them. There is no need whatsoever to change any part of th Canadian game. It's the small differences like the rouge and crossover rule that make it unique to begin with, and a treat to watch.
Ambrosie better tread more carefully....
Agree or disagree with this post? Leave a comment below!
1) Playoff format. Ambrosie wants to change the longstanding playoff format in the CFL (in which there is nothing wrong), and have it so that the top two teams in their divisions would get a bye, and the next four teams would be decided by their overall season record, with the before mentioned top two teams choosing who they want to play in the next round after the bye.
Points of contention:
- Having the top two teams pick their opponents in the next round would be a lopsided farce.
- This course of action would also eliminate the Crossover Rule, which makes for entertaining playoff races at the end of the season, and adds an interesting unknown to the playoff picture.
- Because one division is usually better than the other, the top team in the weaker division would choose a weaker opponent in the second round, making for a lousy game for the fan.
2) The rouge. Ambrosie is also looking at getting rid of the failed field goal rouge, and adjusting how the kick rouge (punting) would be adjusted. The rouge is helps to make the Canadian game that much more Canadian, and is something that shouldn't be touched either. It seems to me that Ambrosie is trying to remove as many of the Canadia elements as possible in a way to make the game more American as to possibly bring in more fans.
The problem with this train of thought is that Canadian football fans want to watch the Canadian game. As someone who watches and is a fan of all three main leagues (NFL, CFL, NCAA), I enjoy the distinct differences between all of them. There is no need whatsoever to change any part of th Canadian game. It's the small differences like the rouge and crossover rule that make it unique to begin with, and a treat to watch.
Ambrosie better tread more carefully....
Agree or disagree with this post? Leave a comment below!
Friday, February 14, 2020
OPINION: Sanity prevails, and the Eskimos stay. (CFL)
It seems that after a long (one whole year, apparently) process in which many Inuit communities and leaders were consulted by the team, the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League will be keeping their name, and TTS thinks that's a good thing. The fact that this even came for debate is kind of silly in itself, but at least it's over. I will make a few points about this below, and what my take is of it.
1) It's a team name/moniker. The Edmonton Eskimos have been in existence since 1949, and yet this problem with their name has generated more noise in only the last few years. People need to understand that this is a team name for a sports franchise. No one is purposely trying to slag anyone of a certain ethnicity as such.
2) When did we start taking everything so seriously? There was a time when you could joke about things and find humour in them without anyone freaking out and crying foul. Sports teams with certain names these days are facing unwarranted backlash, and/or some sort of issues related to said names. Why are we all so sensitive and unwelcoming these days? Sports teams are not named for derogatory reasons! In fact, I will go so far as to say that some franchises have honoured certain groups or peoples by keeping their names in the limelight, so to speak.
3) Let's all be friends. I have always had great respect for the Inuit, and they have proved yet again with this situation that they are an interesting people that don't seem to get all hot and bothered like other aboriginals over anything. I personally have never once referred to the Inuit as 'eskimos', and I don't know anyone that has. I believe that they see this as a minor thing, knowing that it's a sports team that is not trying to relate the moniker to some kind of politics.
There are no ulterior motives here, and both sides have seen that. Now, let's move on and get ready for June. Football awaits us!
Got a take on this? Leave a comment below!
1) It's a team name/moniker. The Edmonton Eskimos have been in existence since 1949, and yet this problem with their name has generated more noise in only the last few years. People need to understand that this is a team name for a sports franchise. No one is purposely trying to slag anyone of a certain ethnicity as such.
2) When did we start taking everything so seriously? There was a time when you could joke about things and find humour in them without anyone freaking out and crying foul. Sports teams with certain names these days are facing unwarranted backlash, and/or some sort of issues related to said names. Why are we all so sensitive and unwelcoming these days? Sports teams are not named for derogatory reasons! In fact, I will go so far as to say that some franchises have honoured certain groups or peoples by keeping their names in the limelight, so to speak.
3) Let's all be friends. I have always had great respect for the Inuit, and they have proved yet again with this situation that they are an interesting people that don't seem to get all hot and bothered like other aboriginals over anything. I personally have never once referred to the Inuit as 'eskimos', and I don't know anyone that has. I believe that they see this as a minor thing, knowing that it's a sports team that is not trying to relate the moniker to some kind of politics.
There are no ulterior motives here, and both sides have seen that. Now, let's move on and get ready for June. Football awaits us!
Got a take on this? Leave a comment below!
Friday, February 7, 2020
Argos sign Nichols, Streveler goes south. (CFL)
Nichols signs.
In a somewhat surprising move in the Canadian Football League, the Toronto Argonauts have signed former Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols to a three year contract, effectively bringing him in as the starter for their team. This is both interesting news, and problematic for the Argos, who have struggled the past couple of seasons.
This is the same team who management (Pinball Clemons, et al.) have been telling us as of late that QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson is 'their man', as well as signing him to a contract on Monday. For a team to declare who they want as a starter only to sign another quarterback for a longer deal later in the week makes little sense. Most sports pundits and writers alike (including me) had Nichols signing with the Ottawa RedBlacks, as it had become known that new head coach Paul LaPolice wanted to bring him there, a while before going and signing former Stamps QB Nick Arbuckle.
While Matt Nichols could bring some stability for the Argos' offence, his signing is still surprising, and confusing at this point in time. Will the Argos let go the rest of their quarterbacks on the roster now? Will there be a competition between Nichols and Bethel-Thompson for the starting job? These questions won't be resolved until training camp at the earliest, pre-season at the latest.
Chris Streveler goes south.
In another surprising move, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers granted the release of star quarterback Chris Streveler to let him pursue opportunities in the NFL. Streveler then quickly signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Streveler was a key piece of the 2019 Grey Cup championship team, and it was a little perplexing to see the Bombers let him go so easily.
They should have re-signed him for more money, as he has proven he can carry the team on his back and be the player they need him to be. Streveler has a dynamic that any team could want/use, and it's a shame he's left the 'Peg. While the Bombers did re-sign QB Zach Collaros earlier, they will be hard pressed to find another tank like Streveler.
-TTS
Got something to say about this post? Leave a comment below!
In a somewhat surprising move in the Canadian Football League, the Toronto Argonauts have signed former Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols to a three year contract, effectively bringing him in as the starter for their team. This is both interesting news, and problematic for the Argos, who have struggled the past couple of seasons.
This is the same team who management (Pinball Clemons, et al.) have been telling us as of late that QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson is 'their man', as well as signing him to a contract on Monday. For a team to declare who they want as a starter only to sign another quarterback for a longer deal later in the week makes little sense. Most sports pundits and writers alike (including me) had Nichols signing with the Ottawa RedBlacks, as it had become known that new head coach Paul LaPolice wanted to bring him there, a while before going and signing former Stamps QB Nick Arbuckle.
While Matt Nichols could bring some stability for the Argos' offence, his signing is still surprising, and confusing at this point in time. Will the Argos let go the rest of their quarterbacks on the roster now? Will there be a competition between Nichols and Bethel-Thompson for the starting job? These questions won't be resolved until training camp at the earliest, pre-season at the latest.
Chris Streveler goes south.
In another surprising move, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers granted the release of star quarterback Chris Streveler to let him pursue opportunities in the NFL. Streveler then quickly signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Streveler was a key piece of the 2019 Grey Cup championship team, and it was a little perplexing to see the Bombers let him go so easily.
They should have re-signed him for more money, as he has proven he can carry the team on his back and be the player they need him to be. Streveler has a dynamic that any team could want/use, and it's a shame he's left the 'Peg. While the Bombers did re-sign QB Zach Collaros earlier, they will be hard pressed to find another tank like Streveler.
-TTS
Got something to say about this post? Leave a comment below!
Thursday, January 30, 2020
NFL Super Bowl LIV prediction! (NFL)
Well, the day of reckoning is soon upon us. The seas will part, the sky will open, and..... hopefully some points will be scored. What? Oh you thought this was something else? Nope, just TTS' prediction for Sunday's SUPER BOWL LIV!
1) The case for Kansas City.
Patrick Mahomes is an extremely dynamic quarterback, and most likely the best in the game right now. He can throw from the side, scramble from the pocket to pick up huge gains with his feet, and toss the long bombs with insane accuracy. Take his weapons into consideration as well (Travis Kelce, et al.), and it's hard to look past this offence at all.
This is also a team that can come from behind and score enough points to put them ahead in the blink of an eye. Head coach Andy Reid has done an amazing job in KC, and looks to win that elusive Lombardi trophy in his second attempt. The main roadblock here is their defence. It's not the most consistent, and has a tendency to dig a deep hole before rebounding.
2) The case for San Francisco.
Mostert, Sherman, Garoppolo, Gould. The 49ers are stacked with talent, have a running game that is second to none, and a head coach in Kyle Shanahan seen as a master strategist that has taken a team that only had a handful of wins last season into a defensive juggernaut that has steamrolled it's way straight into the Super Bowl with Richard Sherman as it's anchor.
Shanahan has shown his ability to adapt from game to game, going from an air attack with Jimmy Garoppolo, to letting Raheem Mostert run wild and grind the game down, eating up clock and yardage at the same time. TE George Kittle has shown he can catch just about anything, and can make the big plays when needed.
3) Analysis.
While the Chiefs might get the opening score and follow up with a quick field goal, expect the 49ers defence to hunker down and start rushing Mahomes, interrupting Mahomes, and sacking Mahomes. The 49ers are also more likely to use Mostert as a mobile battering ram, content to let him hammer through the Chiefs for yardage and points.
Jimmy Garoppolo will make some big throws when necessary, but the ground game is what will count here.
PICK: 49ers
LAST WEEK: 2-0
POST-SEASON: 6-4
Like our prediction? Leave a comment below!
1) The case for Kansas City.
Patrick Mahomes is an extremely dynamic quarterback, and most likely the best in the game right now. He can throw from the side, scramble from the pocket to pick up huge gains with his feet, and toss the long bombs with insane accuracy. Take his weapons into consideration as well (Travis Kelce, et al.), and it's hard to look past this offence at all.
This is also a team that can come from behind and score enough points to put them ahead in the blink of an eye. Head coach Andy Reid has done an amazing job in KC, and looks to win that elusive Lombardi trophy in his second attempt. The main roadblock here is their defence. It's not the most consistent, and has a tendency to dig a deep hole before rebounding.
2) The case for San Francisco.
Mostert, Sherman, Garoppolo, Gould. The 49ers are stacked with talent, have a running game that is second to none, and a head coach in Kyle Shanahan seen as a master strategist that has taken a team that only had a handful of wins last season into a defensive juggernaut that has steamrolled it's way straight into the Super Bowl with Richard Sherman as it's anchor.
Shanahan has shown his ability to adapt from game to game, going from an air attack with Jimmy Garoppolo, to letting Raheem Mostert run wild and grind the game down, eating up clock and yardage at the same time. TE George Kittle has shown he can catch just about anything, and can make the big plays when needed.
3) Analysis.
While the Chiefs might get the opening score and follow up with a quick field goal, expect the 49ers defence to hunker down and start rushing Mahomes, interrupting Mahomes, and sacking Mahomes. The 49ers are also more likely to use Mostert as a mobile battering ram, content to let him hammer through the Chiefs for yardage and points.
Jimmy Garoppolo will make some big throws when necessary, but the ground game is what will count here.
PICK: 49ers
LAST WEEK: 2-0
POST-SEASON: 6-4
Like our prediction? Leave a comment below!
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