The last time I was hangin’ with my colleagues, we spoke about what we looked forward to in the 2015 NFL season. We (of course) acknowledged how Tom Brady probably will not be starting week one… and Adrian Peterson will be, most likely in a Minnesota Vikings uniform. If you’re not caught up on all that info, you’re not trying very hard. Or, the point is I find it reaching me at a somewhat alarming rate.
Top Five NFL Topics, From Tim Tebow to ‘Fart Taxes’
These are the Top Five topics that came next in our conversation:
- These PAT rule changes
Every year in the offseason certain topics are brought to the table, supposedly improving the game, imbedded to make it more enjoyable or safer. Moving the kickoff to the thirty-five, the illegally hitting a defenseless receivers/targeting an opponent, or nitpicking of after-play celebrations; the discussion always leads to the NFL overregulating, destroying its product. Yet, every year the games exponentially top previous television ratings.
The next aspect of the game to be tested is the PAT/two-point conversion. They moved the kick for one back to the 15-yard line (with the two-point conversion still being held at the 2-yard line). The defense has a chance to score on the attempt, like in college; this for some reason, reminds me of the video games. In games portraying the NFL (Madden, and back in my day it was Gameday or Blitz) as soon as you achieved a turnover, the conversion was over, that was it… You did feel somewhat let down compared to NCAA games, where you had a chance to pick-two (like a pick-six), or recover a fumble and run it back for points. It may take a little while but if the rule is fully enacted it will affect some games.
Also, in a decent sized sample, if the ball is kicked from the fifteen, logic is that there will be more blocked kicks. It’s still an “easy” chip shot… however, if you were a coach and was given the opportunity to get the ball on the two for two points; or on the fifteen for only one, it does make some sense to take the former then the latter. Whilst a team is on its second or third-string kicker, the fifteen is going to seem like the thirty. The penalties (mostly “sportsman like conducts” after the touchdown) if was added it to this fifteen yard field goal attempt, it would actually be seen as a useful threat or deterrent. It’s much better than putting it on the ensuing kickoff (which arguably affects the game less).
- The Atlanta Falcons waive linebacker Prince Shembo for kicking a dog
Maybe he shouldn’t have thrown that burrito out the window.
I don’t mean to make too much light of a semi-serious subject. I love animals, and even more specifically dogs. I don’t condone animal abuse of any kind. This obviously isn’t in the same league, as far as spotlight or convictions, as Michael Vick (who was playing for the Falcons when his was arrested for dog fighting) but it’s the first thing that comes to many minds. Losing one’s (high profile) job over an incident like this may be a shame; but being there myself, losing your beloved pet is a shame to say the least.
- What game(s) will you be attending/watching?
With the release of the NFL schedule in April, we have had plenty time to digest; applying checkmarks next to the games we want to attend. It gets several kudos for arranging it so there’s compelling, rivalry, or a thrilling array every weekend. A big part of their success is due to it. There is no setting that compares to the competitive theatre, we call professional football. From the morning of, when I cram all the pregame reports, to the prolific tailgating, to the last seconds off the clock, a Sunday during football season can only be described as the model in which the rest of the sports leagues strive to replicate.
Like the live event, only seldom do I feel the television schedule gets boring. Every once in a while there’s a blowout game and they seemingly refuse to break away to another. Other than those rare occurrences I dig (like most Americans) the product they’re packaging and selling. In other words, I would rather catch a one-sided NFL game than a close, nail-biter of any other breed.
- Johnny Manziel, with a dose of Tim Tebow
A year ago… all the hubbub was about Johnny Manziel, and how he would impact the league with his larger than life “Johnny Football” (Money Sign) personality. Brian Hoyer turned some heads with some better than average execution during the beginning of last season; especially for a modern Cleveland Browns quarterback. As Hoyer temporarily took a step into the background, it gave Manziel a window of opportunity to show some signs of rookie upside. To say the least, he struggled in his athletic role but primarily as an expected future-leader of the game.
One year later… including completing a stint in rehab (oh, no-no-no) to “improve”, his on and off-field behavior adds to a well scrutinized “rap-sheet.” I’m actually impressed with the fortitude it takes to first of all, admit you have a problem, or seek help with a situation that you feel is swallowing you whole. On the other hand, it is a double-edged sword of sorts; there is an inherited expectation or responsibility that rehabilitated person owns. Hearing of an incident like him throwing a water bottle at a fan, whether justified or not, with his spotlight being so bright it makes someone question his real commitment to the cause. The Browns are sticking to their guns, claiming they’re “not moving past Manziel.” You have never heard about Peyton Manning pulling these types of stunts; and all the grief Johnny Football experiences (according to most fans) he instigated it.
Are we still talking about Tim Tebow? Oh, hell yes! The Philadelphia Eagles have given gods’ greatest gift to football his latest shot to perform miracles on another NFL team. I don’t think the other QB’s on the team are as big of believers as I. Matt Barkley, a man who supposedly leads the race for the third string quarterback spot, stated “He (Tebow) is not taking my reps on the field.” Mark Sanchez called him a camp arm in an interview, or that’s how some people interpreted it “we needed another guy while Sam’s (knee is) recovering” Sanchez admitted. A week later he retracted, or clarified on his statement “I think that kind of came off the wrong way. At least it was not exactly what I intended to say. It took on a life of its own.” So far, Tebow has shrugged off all his critical insinuations, claiming it doesn’t bother him (people actually say his ever-infamous throwing motion is looking better). That’s right Timmy, don’t give up, and don’t listen to them. The NFL needs you, the world needs you… I need you.
- OTA’s
I was building this really in-depth, comprehensive examination of all the OTA’s (organized team activities), then I learned something that made me slam the backspace button so long and hard, I almost erased the whole damn article. Everything can wait, two words: FART-TAX. Von Miller recently spoke out about how the Denver Broncos enforce a “fart-tax”, during their meetings (or I would like to personally name it, the pay-per-poot).
Von Miller said the Broncos have a fine system for, um, flatulence in meetings. Said he thinks he's been fined the most.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 3, 2015
Don’t get me wrong, I understand why a team would consider it a distraction and why other teams would do the same. I’ve been in a meeting, trying to get work done and had it happen, halting progress to laugh like a bunch of fifteen year olds, but(t) c’mon, it’s a natural body function. You’re going to fine someone for passing gas? How many times does it happen that you have to make it law of the land? How much total has Von Miller had to pay? Is it just a single repeat offender that forced the hand (over the nose) of the Broncos, and they had to regulate it? File this under: topics of conversation that make me love sports even more.
