NFL updates/news

[Drofu]

- Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended without pay for the first six regular-season games of the 2012 season.
- The Saints and the individuals disciplined today are expected to participate in efforts led by the league office to develop programs that will instruct players and coaches at all levels of the game on the need for respect for the game and those who participate in it, on principles of fair play, safety and sportsmanship, and to ensure that bounties will not be part of football at any level.
- Former Saints (and current St. Louis Rams) defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended indefinitely from the NFL, effective immediately. Commissioner Goodell will review Coach Williams’ status at the conclusion of the 2012 season and consider whether to reinstate him, and, if so, on what terms. Commissioner Goodell said he will give close attention to the extent to which Coach Williams cooperates with the NFL in any further proceedings.

I believe the rest has been mentioned.

Edit: This just in apparently!

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets and the Denver Broncos have run into problems completing a trade that would send Tebow to the Big Apple. The problems stem from Tebow's contract.

[Razeo]

Obviously the punishment on the Saint's coaching staff is being used as an example to the rest of the NFL teams. Looks like the NFL is levels above just taking it serious when it comes to this stuff. I'm curious to see what the punishment is for the players.

[korbs]

Cannot wait to see Manning with the Bronco's

[Vetali]

Tebow trade is official. I'm still sorta surprised at the team.

[Badpaladin]

Tebow trade is official. I'm still sorta surprised at the team.

The Jets organization is all about team drama. Not surprising at all that they'd bring in a guy the fans would demand play over Sanchez.

[conscript]

The Jets organization is all about team drama. Not surprising at all that they'd bring in a guy the fans would demand play over Sanchez.

Bringing in a guy to unite that locker room is an excellent move. Tebow was phenomenal at that last year in Denver. The role of the glue guy works perfectly in every situation for Tebow except this one where the team is staffed by the most fragile QB in the league. The Jets have time after time screwed over Sanchez. They know he isn't that great of a QB. Yet time and again they prop him up then immediately knock him down again. Between the organization flirting with other QBs, teammates and coaches in the media calling him out for sucking or for specific plays being the stupidest they have ever see, let's get him some support, but we will do it by bringing in a compete headcase WR, etc. Its no wonder Sanchez has never displayed any confidence on the field at all. Now they bring in perhaps the most fan loved athlete ever to back up the guy they tried to show a commitment to with that extension. They just constantly send the guy mixed messages. Literally last week it was you are our QB of the future. Now it is, sorry Mark, I know New York is already a brutal place to play and you have been struggling with confidence all your career, but now your backup is the phenomenon Tim Tebow. Hope you don't mind seeing Start Tebow billboards.

Sanchez is a horrible quarterback, but the Jets need to make up their damn mind as an organization and either commit or find someone else now rather than extend the guy then undercut him with Tebow.

[Vetali]

Bringing in a guy to unite that locker room is an excellent move. Tebow was phenomenal at that last year in Denver. The role of the glue guy works perfectly in every situation for Tebow except this one where the team is staffed by the most fragile QB in the league. The Jets have time after time screwed over Sanchez. They know he isn't that great of a QB. Yet time and again they prop him up then immediately knock him down again. Between the organization flirting with other QBs, teammates and coaches in the media calling him out for sucking or for specific plays being the stupidest they have ever see, let's get him some support, but we will do it by bringing in a compete headcase WR, etc. Its no wonder Sanchez has never displayed any confidence on the field at all. Now they bring in perhaps the most fan loved athlete ever to back up the guy they tried to show a commitment to with that extension. They just constantly send the guy mixed messages. Literally last week it was you are our QB of the future. Now it is, sorry Mark, I know New York is already a brutal place to play and you have been struggling with confidence all your career, but now your backup is the phenomenon Tim Tebow. Hope you don't mind seeing Start Tebow billboards.

Sanchez is a horrible quarterback, but the Jets need to make up their damn mind as an organization and either commit or find someone else now rather than extend the guy then undercut him with Tebow.

The coaching and management of that team makes me go "what?" a lot. I will find it hard to remotely believe that they are going to make Tebow compete for starting position after how much they resigned Sanchez for.

I wonder this year if they are going to say they are going to win the super bowl too.

[Elbren]

The coaching and management of that team makes me go "what?" a lot. I will find it hard to remotely believe that they are going to make Tebow compete for starting position after how much they resigned Sanchez for.

A 5 year deal, 2 draft picks, $2.5 Mil. ... and somehow, they still don't have a QB that can throw. Something is wrong with that.

[Badpaladin]

Sanchez is a horrible quarterback, but the Jets need to make up their damn mind as an organization and either commit or find someone else now rather than extend the guy then undercut him with Tebow.

Oh, I'm aware of what Tebow can do to an organization -- I was very pleased last season. I just don't think that it's going to be the same with the Jets. Broncos were a relatively drama-free organization that didn't publicly talk about how horrible they all were.

Speaking of that though, I seriously hope he can win an appeal against his failed drug test. The guy who administered the test is now fired because or performing bad tests, and DJ Williams hasn't failed a single test in his 8 years of being with the team. Not to mention not having any off-the-field issues like hitting women.

[Bamboozled]

Glad to see everything remained on topic during my .. extended leave of absence from the thread. Great season, though.

Now, a little on topic stuff.

The Tebow to Jets trade makes a lot of sense to me. Sanchez needed a capable quarterback behind him rather than just a warm body who just happened to be able to throw the ball to get him going. However, I don't think Sanchez is the answer for the Jets and they need to get another quarterback. Sorry, but Sanchez can't compete with Brady in the AFC-E. Then again, there's really no other quarterback that can.

On to RG3 with 'Skins, again, makes sense. There was news floating about that he was happy that Cleveland didn't trade up to get him which I think it's complete bullshit. From what I've seen (and I've watched a lot of interviews with this kid, seems like a genuinely good guy) he was going to be, and is going to be, proud to be selected at #2. Though, I wonder if the idea of not playing the Steelers / Ravens defence twice a year appealed to him. Let's be honest here, no one wants to play those defences.

Manning to Broncos... doesn't make as much sense to me. He had an offer on the table from the 49ers and he turned it down? The 49ers defence + Manning + Gore + revamped WR corp = profit. Don't get it. Sure, Harbaugh wants to be the 'leader' of the team, but it's Peyton Manning or Alex Smith. A future HOF QB or an average QB that makes just enough good plays for his defence to win them games. That to me, is a joke. Then, he decides to ship off to Denver and suddenly they become a powerhouse? No, no. The Denver Broncos aren't a powerhouse. Are they really better than teams like Houston, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and New England in the AFC? I don't think so, and just because you have Peyton Manning (9-10 in the post-season and a gummybear neck) doesn't make you a powerhouse. The lack of a dominate WR corp and a better-than-average RB doesn't scream to me 'AFC Champs'. Sorry Denver fans, but unless you get help at WR and give Peyton weapons, you're not winning anything.

I'll address this, but only because I love my Steelers - Mike Wallace doesn't want Larry Fitzgerald money. That, to me, was to ensure he remained a Steeler and other teams wouldn't then put in an offer. He's buying time so the he and the Steelers can work out a long term deal to ensure he stays with them. None of the releases (Hines Ward is the exception) really hurt them at all. I think I speak for all of Steelers nation here when I say...

Bruce Arians gone? About fucking time. Sorry, Indianapolis for you to take on this burden of one of the worst OC's in the league.

Teams that are impressing the hell outta me are Houston and New England. Stallworth + Lloyd will only make that WR corp even more deadly. Welker, Lloyd, Stallworth, Branch and Johnson? As much as it hurts to say, they have the best corp in the league. Bar none.

Eagles are looking like they could make a splash this year, too. Signing Jackson was a nice touch and ensures Vick will have his #1 guy for a long time to come.

Every other team are making improvements here and there. The only team I'm really disappointed with is Denver. The answer to their qb issues was not Manning, and they should have considered RG3 for a long term answer.

[Northern Goblin]

Every other team are making improvements here and there. The only team I'm really disappointed with is Denver. The answer to their qb issues was not Manning, and they should have considered RG3 for a long term answer.

Not sure they could compete with the Redskins for 2nd pick deals. Washington has really thrown their lot in for RGIII

[Bamboozled]

Not sure they could compete with the Redskins for 2nd pick deals. Washington has really thrown their lot in for RGIII

They could have at least made an offer. They're with a quarterback right now that is one hit away from calling it a career. It's interesting to note the Broncos will play the Steelers this year, and that LB core isn't forgetting the playoff game anytime soon. All I'm saying is, thinking that a veteran qb that is really at the end of his rope isn't the answer.

In all honesty, we're not sure if the 'Skins overpaid for RG3 yet, but generally giving up a lot of picks, especially first rounders, isn't a good idea. We'll see though, and if he turns out to be another Cam Newton, then I'll firmly apologize.

How about Andrew Luck's Pro Day today? Pretty impressive, albeit less so than RG3's.

[Skarsguard]

@Bamboozled Look what NY gave up for Eli and I'm sure if you asked any giants fans they would do it all over again to get those 2 rings he has brought them.

[Badpaladin]

They could have at least made an offer. They're with a quarterback right now that is one hit away from calling it a career. It's interesting to note the Broncos will play the Steelers this year, and that LB core isn't forgetting the playoff game anytime soon. All I'm saying is, thinking that a veteran qb that is really at the end of his rope isn't the answer.

That linebacking core won't be touching him. Ignoring the fact that the Broncos' line is actually very good, it just had to block for a guy that held on to the ball for well over 6 seconds, the NFL's no-bullshit rulings on the Saints are going to be keeping defenses wary. Don't be surprised if there is a record low in QB injuries this year. Especially as far as Manning is concerned - him and Brady are league darlings who the NFL doesn't want hurt.

[Skarsguard]

That linebacking core won't be touching him. Ignoring the fact that the Broncos' line is actually very good, it just had to block for a guy that held on to the ball for well over 6 seconds, the NFL's no-bullshit rulings on the Saints are going to be keeping defenses wary. Don't be surprised if there is a record low in QB injuries this year. Especially as far as Manning is concerned - him and Brady are league darlings who the NFL doesn't want hurt.

Payton Manning has one of the fastest release times in the NFL so yeah he probably won't be sacked much anyways. I also believe that Defense's will be more scared to make contact with the QB this upcoming year esp when the Comish decides on what to do with the players involved in this mess anyways.

[Rivenda]

Oh hello Bush, glad to see you in Chicago babe! I've always been like Pay the man guy, but really Forte crying over this Bush deal, and stuff just makes me ... meh. Besides I don't know how much money he was offered but I guess it was to little for him. But I also like the deal because of these two reasons:

1. Bush is talented enough to give you leverage over Forte if he holds out or his contract demands continue to be ridiculous. Bush can step in to Marion Barbers role on the goal line and keep Forte fresh.

2. Bush is a nice compliment to Forte as he is a big punishing runner that can grind people down and take the goal line touches.
Also should Forte not sign a deal, we could trade him for a 1. round pick.
So all in all I'm quite happy, now we have a propper RB if Forte decides not to play, if we didn't have Bush we would be pretty f'cked. Bear down

[Drofu]

I still say Sanchez will be the starter and Tebow won't be in till mid season after people get angry enough to get him in after Sanchez loses a few games. There is no way the Jets will bench Sanchez at the start of the season as a second-string.

[Skarsguard]

Oh hello Bush, glad to see you in Chicago babe! I've always been like Pay the man guy, but really Forte crying over this Bush deal, and stuff just makes me ... meh. Besides I don't know how much money he was offered but I guess it was to little for him. But I also like the deal because of these two reasons:

1. Bush is talented enough to give you leverage over Forte if he holds out or his contract demands continue to be ridiculous. Bush can step in to Marion Barbers role on the goal line and keep Forte fresh.

2. Bush is a nice compliment to Forte as he is a big punishing runner that can grind people down and take the goal line touches.
Also should Forte not sign a deal, we could trade him for a 1. round pick.
So all in all I'm quite happy, now we have a propper RB if Forte decides not to play, if we didn't have Bush we would be pretty f'cked. Bear down

I don't know why he is whining over Bush this is a 2 running back league now you will just be setting yourself up if you only have one good running back. I wouldn't want Bush to be my only running back that's for sure he is a good package back thou bringing him in on certain plays and downs is they you play him.

---------- Post added 2012-03-23 at 07:11 AM ----------

I still say Sanchez will be the starter and Tebow won't be in till mid season after people get angry enough to get him in after Sanchez loses a few games. There is no way the Jets will bench Sanchez at the start of the season as a second-string.

They will probably keep Sanchez as the starter for the whole year I think and they will use Tebow in any kind of Wildcat formation and red zone plays. Yeah there will be Tebow mania chanting his name when Sanchez throws incomplete passes or interceptions but the Jets knew that when they got him.

[Elbren]

I don't know why he is whining over Bush this is a 2 running back league now you will just be setting yourself up if you only have one good running back. I wouldn't want Bush to be my only running back that's for sure he is a good package back thou bringing him in on certain plays and downs is they you play him.

He's been whining like this for awhile now. Forget the fact that the $7.7 Mil. he's getting from the franchise tag is fully guaranteed. I could actually see him holding out this time, which would be really stupid if he did. Bush, unlike their previous backup RB's, could actually fill in full time at the position and that offensive looks like they're going to be much improved this year.

[Rivenda]

The Bears offense have already been improved. Mike Martz isn't here! Beside with Marshall and now Bush oh dear.. A DE and some people for the OL and a SS would be perfect spots to fill in the draft.
Matt Forte

12 games, 997 yards [4.9 per carry], 3 TDs, 490 yards receiving [9.4 per catch], 1 TD.

Michael Bush

16/9 starts, 977 yards [3.8 per carry], 7 TDs, 418 yards receiving [11.3 yards per catch], 1 TD
Not that big of a deal tbh. I could live with that if we can get another first round pick imo, not to mention we get better salery cap. Also how many times havn't Forte been able to get over the pylon from the one yard line, things that Bell and Barber. I really don't care if Forte plays at Bears next season, we have Bush which is imo close to Forte. Surely it would be nice to have him, but the way Forte behaves at the moment is just not my taste, ofcause we don't know how much he demands but I think the Bears are willing to go just a bit under Foster.Anyway RB's doesn't win SB anymore, so you don't need the best RB to win it.