1.) A lot's being made about the big hits in the league and how to protect the players. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to protect the players is to give them less protection. The penalties on hitting defenseless receivers are hard to avoid. Safeties are taught to seperate the player from the ball. You can't ask them to judfe whether or not the player is defenseless or not. It's a split second's decision and a split second is the difference between a receiver being defenseless and a receiver side stepping the hit and escaping for a 72 yard touchdown. I hear people rationalizing that the reason there are more head injuries now then there used to be is that doctors are better equipped at diagnosing them. While that might be a part of the reason, I'm not sold that it's that simple. The equipment players wear now is so much more advancedthan what they use to. They're lighter, more comfortable, and safer.This, I think, gives the players sense of immortality that previous generations lacked allowing defenders to launch themselves at the opposition with no fear of what injury might befall themselves. I mean, what is the purpose of shoulder pads? Sure they protect you, but mostly they allow you to hit others without fearing of hurting your shoulder. It's like, if you took the gloves off of boxers, there would probably be less head injuries because a boxer's hands would usually be too sore before they reach the point of doing any serious damage. Or maybe not, I'm just guessing here.
2.) The Giants are worst in the league at converting third and three or less. That's of no real surprise. They're playing on Monday night this week, watch them. Anytime they're in third and short away from the goal line, Manning's in the shotgun. I can't emphasize enough how meticulous this is. I mean, at least have the threat of the run. That isn't to say that they don't run from th gun in these situations, but that's the point. A run from the shotgun is effective when the defense is sure you're passing and, therefore, not really holding the line. If you're in the gun in short yardage, the defense will be weary towards the run and inside hand offs aren't nearly as effective when the defense is looking for them. They've converted a few of these, but mostly because Bradshaw made three people miss and just passe the chains.
3.) By the way, I nominate "Playing ahead of the chains" as the next football cliche that will be run into the ground mercilessly.
4.) That was absolutely a pass interference on Denver at the end of the Jets game. It had to be called. It's just a shame that a team could do everything wrong at the end of the game and be rewared so handsomely. I think defensive penalties in general are ridiculously harsh. Offensive holding is a ten yard penalty and a repeat of the down. Defensive holding is a five yard penalty and automatic first down. That hardly seems fair. Defensive holding should be a ten yard penalty and if the offense passes the marker it's a first down. I've seen too many times a team fail on third and 15 plus and be rewarded with an automatic first down because of a five yard penalty. Offensive pass interference is the same as offensive holding while defensive pass interference is a spot foul and automatic first down. I don't think defensive PI should be changed, but I think offensive PI should be changed and enforced strongly. An offensive PI should be however many yards ownfield from the line of scrimmage the penalty occurred and a loss of down. It's not fair that a defense could get a fifty yard penalty but offenses can't. Morewover, offensive PU needs to be called more, just look at the Texans Chiefs game. Andre Johnson blatantly pushed the defender away from the ball and the refs called defensive PI solely because there was contact. Maybe PI should be challangeable.....
5.) Why do the Packers get such a free pass? I see no real difference between the Packers and the Cowboys: Both teams have bad coaches who tend to mess up the ends of games, both teams have high powered offenses, both teams feature great regular season QBs who fold in big spots. I don't get it.
6.) When Vick gets healthy, it's time for Reid to make a call on the future of the team. If he thinks the future is with Kolb, then he's the starter. If not, you go with Vick.
7.) LDT is such a jerk. He was asked if he enjoyed the Charger's struggles, he grinned and said no comment is needed, the smile says it all. Moreover, he got a Jets tattoo and said that his years in San Diego are dead. Why spit in the face of those fans that cheered you for your whole career because you don't like the way the organization treated you? That hurts the fans. Plus, what did the Chargers do to him that was so terrible? After three paltry seasons they decide he was no longer a starting HB? Here's a newsflash for Tomlinson: The Jets thought the same thing! They brought you in to be Green's backup. If you were so confident in your abilities during the off season, why didn't you sign an incentive laden contract with San Diego and agree to compete for the starting job?I dislike the Chargers and hate their front office, but I don't blame them for this oe.
8.) I don't buy that Revis is so hurt. There's no way he can cover so well if his hamstring's as bad as the Jet PR is making it out to be. He didn't get toasted on any play last week, he was always steo for step with the WR, but Orton put the ball where it needed to be to be caught. No DB can cover a perfect throw. Revis's problem is that people think he's hurt and Cromartie's playing so well so offenses will go after Revis. If the Jets want to help him, stop making excuses and put it out there that he's a hundred percent and looks great in practice and put him on the other team's number one WR and let his reputation work for him. He's playing just as good as last year but teams think it's okay to go after him, so they are.
Limerick of the Week
Yankee fans are beginning to sweat
We can't help but bite our nails and fret
He can't get an out
Against hitters so stout
There's never been a pitcher in history worse than A.J. Burnett
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