Catching Up

How much does it suck to be Mark Sanchez?  I’m setting the over/under on Tebow taking over as the Jets starting QB at Game 5. 

  

So, we all thought the coverage of Tim Tebow was relentless when he was playing in the relative boondocks of Denver, Colorado, right?  Now that he’s a backup (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) quarterback in The City So Nice They Named It Twice, coverage of Yahweh’s favorite football player last year seems measured by comparison.

The latest musing on Tebow’s role with the Jets is that he would be a 2-point conversion specialist.  I personally think it would be awesome if the Jets went for two after every touchdown with Tebow running the read-option.  We’ve seen how effective Tebow is in short-yardage/goal-line situations.  Let’s say he converts at a 75% rate.  Let’s also assume the Jets score four touchdowns a game.  I know.  Big assumption.  Given all of that, Tebow represents a +2 points; instead of 28 points, the Jets would score 30. 

But wouldn’t 28 points win a lot of NFL games,?

In 2011, only four teams scored at a rate of 28 points per game or better;  Green Bay, New Orleans, New England and Detroit.  Those teams combined won 51 games against 13 losses, a composite record of 13-3-0. 

So, yeah.  Probably more important to worry about the touchdowns than whether you’re going for two.

Because if only two touchdowns are scored you’re going to have games where you break even; if three touchdowns are scored the 75% conversion rate is going to deliver some 24 point games, but infrequently some 18 point games, too.

In case you’re wondering, in 2011, 29 of 36 NFL kickers converted 100% of their extra point attempts.  The seven kickers who missed an extra point missed exactly one attempt each.  1200 of 1207 extra points were converted; a 99.42% success rate.

Appealing Personalities

All the members of the New Orleans Saints’ management team sanctioned in “Bountygate” are appealing their judgments.  They are appealing to Roger Goodell, the man who handed down the judgments being appealed. 

So, Goodell handed down whatever he thought was a fair decision already; presumably he felt the punishment suited the crime.  The owners are already on record as supporting Goodell’s judgment.  I have to think these two factors would go a long way toward fast-tracking this appeals process.

Of course, I may be underthinking this one.  But what’s the basis for the appeal?  And how can Goodell back off from a player safety issue?

Whatever Goodell decides to do, whither Bill Parcells? 

This seems a delightful turn of events.  Bill Parcells, Guest Head Coach for the Saints and his good, dear friend, Sean Payton.  Perhaps more importantly, I think it’s a politically adept move on the part of the Saints.  Suddenly, the story isn’t about an institutional mercenary thuggery; the story is all about Parcells’ love for and devotion to his former protégé, Sean Payton.  If the Tuna – a certifiable NFL legend destined for a bust in Canton – blesses him, Sean Payton must be an awesome dude! 

And all of a sudden, that full year suspension seems a little rough.  Doesn’t it?

And if the penalty against Payton is reduced it would argue for reduction of penalties across the board, wouldn't it?

Well played, sirs.  Well played, indeed.

Crazy Talk

Apparently, there was some speculative bloggery about a Matt Forte for Wes Welker trade.  I admit, I did consider it for a moment but with Woodhead, Ridley and Vereen on the roster and the reinforcements at fullback, I’d rather overpay for Welker than Forte.  Running backs just don’t last.

It got me thinking, though.  What would I consider in exchange for Wes Welker?  He is on the wrong side of 30 and has a lot of wear on the tires.  What say you, Magic 8-Ball?

Mike Wallace – The Pittsburgh WR was the subject of rumors in Patriots Nation before Brandon Lloyd was signed.  It was generally accepted that New England could not afford both Welker and Wallace.  If the Patriots are going to run more out of the I-formation with a fullback, Brady’s play-action skills and the ability to throw the deep ball improves.  Would Wallace really need to learn that much of the offense or could he simply be a Randy Moss-like weapon?  Ultimately, giving up a 1^st round pick in a draft deep in defensive talent on top of swapping salaries is just too much.

Asante Samuel – There’s been plenty of chatter about bringing Samuel back to New England since Philadelphia put him up for bid so I include him here for due diligence but Samuel is too old and brings too much baggage.

Ray Rice – Wishful thinking on my part but if the rumors being mongered involved Rice instead of Forte I’d be a lot more interested.

Jared Allen – He’s 29-years old and he’s coming off a 22 sack season.  Yeah, I’d make this trade in a heartbeat if the salaries are a wash.  Not that I have any reason to believe Minnesota would be interested in this.

And that’s it.  That’s the list.

Sign Wes Welker!

Guilty Pleasures

Remember “Hey, Soul Sister!”?  Here’s the latest brain-worm song from Train.