Belichick Welcomes in Ochocinco, Haynesworth, Proves to Be Genius

There's a part of me that worries about the state of mind of a flamboyant and bombastic loudmouth in the league, or even a part of me that wishes the New England Patriots the best. The funny thing is, if not a risk for an accomplished franchise filled with much mystique and prosperity from its most flourished era that defined one of the most exceptional dynasties in sports, Bill Belichick is an expert in grooming his players, particularly renegade stars of much rebellion.

Even though arrogance, egotism and fraud of Spygate described Belichick to be a con artist since he bamboozled the rules of America's famous game with all his fraudulent ploys on the field every Sunday, he can mold rebellious players into elite NFL stars. The Patriots are notorious for bringing in troubled players to overhaul a Super Bowl-caliber force, rising back into contention of all the immediate revamping.

It's not hard to believe, given Belichick's history to build a contender from temperamental talent allowing the Patriots to regain Super Bowl worthiness, that New England has traded for star wide receiver Chad Ochocinco and defiant defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. It is, seemingly, a remedy to restore faith, even though Bill Belichick said on Friday morning that the two trades haven't been finalized.

“We are in the process of working through the trades with Albert and Chad. They still haven’t officially been completed yet so there isn’t really anything I can comment with them,” Belichick said Friday morning. “We’re working through the process and when it’s complete – if it’s complete – we can talk about it then.”

It's a reasonably optimistic route down the right path to acquire Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals, though he has spent much of his controversial career blabbering to seek attention, to be highly regarded and, well, to become notably a worldwide athlete. So if the Patriots ever pondered on this risk that could tremendously be an antidote, and perhaps, form another dynasty unlike any other, it's imperative to realize that this is a short-term fix as New England is ready to hoist another Lombardi Trophy after next season.

It also means the addition of a brash or loudmouth wideout could kill the morale and divide a team of much chemistry and unity, based on Belichick's words of advice and being a consultant to his players. But this has been a problem for so long that no other franchise trust in Ochocinco, on edge inevitably as the Pro Bowl star is hated by many or maybe even misconceived for all the smack-talk, for all the sheepheaded antics and touchdown celebrations.

We saw a trade coming, and we were shortsighted, selling the Patriots short of pulling off an unexpected deal no one ever imagined. It's hard to discount every reaction of Belichick's masterminded gimmicks, clearly in attempt of his latest renovation to escape the futility and newfound vulnerability as the Patriots were under siege. For a while, New England wasn't as confident, as fierce or even as flawless, and with the acquisition of Ochocinco and even Fat Albert, the Patriots could easily transform into a championship-contender to largely be a dynamic force in the competitive AFC East.

“As it relates to Albert and Chad, any comments on them would just be premature,” Belichick said. “We’re in the process of it, no doubt about it. It’s not official, they’re not officially on our team and until they are, I just don’t think it’s appropriate to really talk about it as if they are because they’re not.”

As is evidenced by his sophisticated trend of developing the Patriots, Belichick has had the perfect veterans to fittingly blend in well of his demanding style in the past seasons. These are adjustments, mind you, that we are accustomed to witnessing every offseason by an elite franchise with an intellectual head coach in this organization assembling a talented cast of players. He is so much of a genius, in fact, that he has selected wisely during each NFL draft, has pulled off the risky, gut-wrenching moves and has won in each and every single trade deal.

At the most, he's won these deals as well, a pair of trades that were reported on Thursday, the first day of Patriots training camp. His intent is to resuscitate what is the longest championship drought that the Patriots lacked for much of the second decade of the 21st century to complete another chapter in New England's history books, if possible, addressing two of his team's greatest deficiencies at a minimal cost of surrendering a 2012 fifth-round pick and a 2013 fifth and sixth round selection.

As for Ochocinco, he'll always be known most around the league for his colorful, out-of-this-world antics and trash-talk, including the moment when he was a famous personality on "Dancing With the Stars," where he appeared with a hot female dancer, where he showed his skilled dance motions nationally. It seems that he has always been a daring, courageous individual of his flamboyant career, riding a bull for 1.5 seconds at a professional bull rider's event not too long ago. In fact, he tried to race a thoroughbred on one occasion and won the race, when he was given a head start.

In the midst of his silliness and buffoonish nonsense at times, he appeared in reality shows, talk shows and even showed his face publicly online, but his biggest problem is Twitter where he practically spends much of his time posting messages with almost 30,000 tweets. The clowning behavior of one of the talented receivers in the league only represents trouble. And then again, it could represent evolution in the Patriots culture, only if Ochocinco avoids performing touchdown celebrations or putting on a Hall of Fame frolic by wearing a mustard jacket that reads on the back "Future H.o.F 20??"

With this, Belichick has done well in finding Tom Brady's target at the wide receiver core this season, but Ochocinco would have to refrain from the playfulness and be serious in the way he approach the game every Sunday. The move puts the burden on players, but more than ever, it places the pressure on Belichick, built strongly to bounce back from a stunning 28-21 playoff loss last season.

The rationale for such a huge gamble on a player with a lot of baggage is that Belichick could have relatively passed on Ochocinco, perhaps for the sake of the Patriots and their cordial bond. The empty feeling Ochocinco may have in his heart has probably vanished this week, a sense of relief that comes from the drastic change in his professional career, released from the submerging Bengals in Cincinnati to fortunately contend in New England for a championship, courtesy of Beligenius, who has been a genius of cultivation within one franchise.

It's an especially larger market and a much demanding franchise, which is all the more reason Ochocinco needs to exclude the Twitter feed, to focus on football and prove to be one of the best wide receivers in the league and stand as a stellar wideout and dependable veteran. His mere presence in New England, along with his talent of presumably reeling in a historic total of catches, brings in confidence and probably improvise the deepest roster in the AFC East.

It was a sensible move, driven by Belichick's eagerness to build a winnable team and sharpen the installment of returning to prominence. This has pleased Ochocinco, once discontent in a Bengals uniform, now finally have a greater shot to revel in happiness. If he adjusts his ego and attitude, to become well-driven aiming for the better and has a more proficient work ethic, Ochocinco would be the town's exulted icon.

He wasn't brought to New England to be a prima donna or a drama queen, but was welcomed to contribute within the high-powered offense. The window for the Patriots is closing, but with the exception of Ochocinco, a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, the window may have just gotten wider. There are immense expectations for Haynesworth, one of the biggest free-agent busts in NFL history, after he was given a seven-year, $100-million deal with a then-record $41 million guaranteed at Washington.

The hefty defensive tackle, a lazy player of Redskins Circus where he was a no-show, couldn't pass a conditioning test and pouted about playing nose tackle in a 3-4 defense, is capable of being a sturdy defender on the field. There's much Haynesworth, 30, has done wrong in his life, getting sued by a bank, or even when a woman claimed he impregnated her and he is currently accused of sexual assault. The good thing is, Ochocinco has never been in legal troubles, but has exploded in tirades or outbursts.

However, if Belichick handled the likes of Corey Dillon and Randy Moss, then we know he can handle the mildness of Ochocinco, who had 67 catches for 831 yards and four touchdowns last season. This alone will test the relationship of Ochocinco and Belichick, and as much as they are egotistic, to sacrifice ego is imperative and everyone is probably curious to know how this relationship culminates in the end, particularly when Ochocinco is the No. 3 receiver with the Patriots, behind Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

It's clear, nonetheless, that he's a famous receiver, but now all he is missing is an NFL championship -- and finally -- he has a good shot. Much thanks to Belichick.

With the Birth of Jets-Patriots, There's No Rivalry Like Any Other

We all have flashbacks on moments when rivalries in sports came alive, moments we espoused the antipathy involving a pair of teams unable to stay above the fray and maintain a sense of calmness.

If you were a Jets' supporter dating back to the late '60s, you probably recall Joe Namath, the famous pretty boy with gorgeous features who chicks were dearly obsessed with.

Back in those days, he led the New York Jets in the bitter rivalry against the then-Boston Patriots. But today, in which a rivalry has renewed lingering debates in what has become newsworthy, the latest installment of the Jets-Patriots rivalry is what we demand as a way to amaze our senses, as every football lover craves the sentimental high and the beauty in witnessing the birth of an intriguing rivalry.


There are episodes, a number of episodes, when Rex Ryan loud-mouthed opponents at press conferences by his silly antics he exhibited, quickly considered to be the funniest clown in the NFL for belittling the Patriots and his own belly.

So how does a proud, accomplished franchise known as the New England Patriots respond after Ryan and Antonio Cromartie made inane comments towards a hard-driven team that earned its fair share of Super Bowl greatness last decade?

By now, the Patriots are motivated, and it is now clear that Brady's Bunch is angry, hearing Cromartie boldly slur Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

It should be interesting to see how the Patriots, the favorites by many to reach the Super Bowl with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, answers to the Jets. And as usual, it will be appealing to see how New England answers to the Jets cornerback for lashing out on the enemies of football.

As for Ryan, he's a bombastic clown to many, simply because he is constantly trash-talking or saying sarcastic stuff that pisses off the average critic or opponent, particularly the emotional Patriots.

After hearing that, as always, the Patriots are alarmed and ready to meet on a collision course against the Jets for what could be an epic showdown.

It's abundantly clear, no matter if this is the eventful matchup of the weekend or one of the greatest clashes in sports, that there's bad blood involving a pair of sinister franchises, whether it's because of Belichick's Spygate scandal or Ryan's bombastic post-game interviews.

When the Patriots encounter the loudmouthed Jets this weekend, they'll be alarmed and fiercely approach the Jets by their ferocious style with a greedy and masterful offensive scheme.

For Ryan, that is, he should be very careful of ripping Brady with his nonsense. Once again, as for what has become a daily rite, he blasted Brady about his work ethic. Not too long ago, he said the Jets substantial matchup against the Patriots "is about Bill Belichick versus Rex Ryan...There's no question, it's personal."

It's certainly an event that features two disdained coaches, one of whom is Belichick, a disloyal con artist and usually has a genius/deceptive idea of pulling off the victory. He stands on the sideline, and on Sunday across from Ryan, he'll acknowledge the Jets head coach by gazing at him directly with an evil stare, reminding us of the old days when Belichick barely exchanged handshakes with his ex-partner and former demon Eric Mangini after a relationship unraveled for the infamous accusation in 2007.

Ryan's personality is so molded, he couldn't change his ways if his life depended on it, wearing the same Jets vest in every appearance. Pretty much, he's set in his ways and there's no suggestions for shifting the identity of a man who allows his emotions to send him on a laughable tirade. The difference in Belichick's traits is that he is very vague and close-minded, unwilling to release a number of specifics to the press.

Instead, he is serious and dull in his coaching role, not really the kind of coach comfortable with alerting or exciting the media. Don't you hate Belichick? Haven't you given him the nickname BELICHEAT??

There are not too many people outside of New England who really cares for Belichick, an evil-doer responsible for the corruption of scandals in the NFL, when Spygate literally embarrassed the Patriots and their remarkable dynasty that even turned into an asterisk.

Many believe, if not everyone other than a Patriots fan, that the titles won last decade are tainted by the scandal.

You don't have to like Ryan or his characteristics, but if he does somehow backs up his nonsense by winning the Super Bowl unexpectedly, then he clearly deserves respect when the Jets reach gratifying heights under one of the most unlikable coaches in the game.

The timing couldn't be better for Ryan definitely to confirm that he's worthy of his coaching job.

However, even though he's an owner of four Super Bowl rings, Belichick can't significantly be undermined. The history in the past is an indicator that the Patriots can be victorious in the AFC Divisional showdown, of which adds to a bloody war.

The horror, which all the remarks that the Jets publicly said magnified the Patriots mentality level, is staring directly at the Jets. For now, as times in the season becomes intense and crucial, it's not so surprising to hear Ryan jabber from the mouth when it actually could be a solution that inspires mental toughness, tenacity and stability.


But, on the other hand, his words may have just taunted the Patriots badly that it has awakened them, energized them and enraged them. If anything, however, Ryan is a sportswriter's best friend whenever he takes the podium to give his animated news conference.

Clearly the face of the Jets and its organization, he is unique and hilarious unlike many coaches, a majority of whom take a moral stance in the business, but also take their jobs very seriously.

Not Ryan. He lives for the moment. He assures victories. Each week, it seems, he is teased in the New York tabloids, while his star quarterback accepts all the praise.


The headlines focus strictly on Mark Sanchez or either Ryan, but more than ever, the tabloids absorbs its attention on Sanchez, a beloved superstar in a town where fans love to cheer on their sports franchise, in a town where he's compared to Namath with his sex appeal.

And as a result, he's as well-known as Derek Jeter. But this weekend, in reality, we'll learn if he's a pretty boy or a franchise quarterback, a vital element for the Jets future of possibly capturing multiple titles.

He's nowhere near as superb as Brady, yet he is the face of the Jets, but with much on the line, he has to beat the Patriots and then he'll earn more cheers from a rabid fanbase in New York.

It's one thing to be defined as a good quarterback, but he still needs to perform amazingly in a game that he's placed under the radar until he produce eye-opening wins and elevate his legacy.

His 54.8 completion percentage and 75.3 quarterback rating, which ranks low in the NFL, is evidence that if he desires to validate his legacy and improve as one of the league's top quarterbacks, he'll need to beat the Patriots.

If so, maybe this can shut Ryan's mouth.

Who cares??

As long as he backs up his trash-talking, I couldn't care less what he says. His trash-talking, dirty mouth doesn't bother me. And it shouldn't bother you, either.

Aside from Ryan's mouth, in the playoffs alone, his quarterback, Sanchez is 3-1 as a starter. Although he settles for the entire spotlight given to him, he's matured and ignores the media, including the critics that belittle his performances each week.

The underdogs of such a watchful playoff game are the Jets, even if New York is loaded with supremely talented running back LaDainian Tomlinson, a veteran star everyone thought was washed up and well past his prime.

Along with running back Shonn Greene, who had 35 carries for 152 yards in the Jets' 17-16 win at Indianapolis last Saturday, and Braylon Edwards, a lengthy and explosive wide receiver, Sanchez is surrounded by reinforcements and Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

The luxury of having a coordinator as confident as Schottenheimer is that he trusts Sanchez and allows him to call the plays.

Ever since the summer, when the overblown reality TV show "Hard Knocks" bothered us, the Jets created unnecessary drama, from the television chaos to the revelations of Ryan's foot fetish.

The Jets are caught in the middle of bedlam, but amid the insanity, they are managing to win when it matters. There's no doubt that he's not an excellent football coach, not even an average coach, but a funny man with a unique style of coaching.

It turns out that Ryan cares about his mind-blowing ego, but not so much about winning games. In many ways, he's concern with not only his legacy but winning as well, especially outlasting the Patriots in this intense rivalry.

Where there is bad blood, Ryan is definitely inclined to open his mouth and rip his foes, such as the Patriots, ready to face the Jets and silence their babbling.

This is the fourth time in the last two seasons that Belichick and Ryan meet. More troubling is that the Jets talk too much, but the Patriots let the game speak for itself.

In Ryan's tenure, the Jets have trailed painfully by a score of 24-7 and 24-3 in two road meetings at New England, but it's a new year, so none of this is relevant. Whether the Patriots are the stronger team of survival, the Jets are committed to an assertive, play-making defense.

Whether the Patriots utilize a systematic style, as agile running back Danny Woodhead could be a problem for the Jets to handle since New England diagrams running plays out of the shotgun, New York has the deepest secondary with Darrelle Revis and Cromartie, even if the shut-down corner was a factor in the Jets win over the Colts.

Facing a tougher assignment this postseason, Revis is expected to cover Brady's go-to receivers Deion Branch and Wes Welker. So obviously, as the Jets have spent much time talking, the Patriots have spent time preparing.

By now, however, the Jets-Patriots enlarge as an intense rivalry, from the nonsensical chatter to the preparations and quietness by New England. That's what we love, a rivalry like no other.

Peyton Manning's Hell Toss Diminishes Comeback In Cordial Patriots-Colts Rivalry

The rivalry, which defined the significations of the NFL over the last decade, sort of reminds us of a bittersweet, warmhearted meeting with limited drama and endless action-packed scenes that leave us breathless as the final minutes trickle down.

For nearly 10 years, as we embraced a rivalry without bad blood, the Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots has never been verified as a typical rivalry, nothing like Alien vs. Predator, Batman vs. Joker, Disney Princesses vs. Villains, King Kong vs. Godzilla or even Kendall vs. Greenlee from All My Children. And because we live in an insatiable society, we have relished the birth of a rivalry in the most endearing sport on our continent, anxious to witness Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady.

The beauty of what has emerged into an annual contest is that usually a blunder materializes near the end of a mesmerizing masterpiece, an epic event hyped intensely to attract our consciousness on a compelling Sunday. In considering a renewed masterpiece, the latest installment in football history is noteworthy for a pair of high-profile franchises.

This time, especially in the final moments, resembled last season’s date at the Colts’ $720-million Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. As in the last meeting, it felt like a playoff atmosphere on a bone-chilling evening in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

That said, the comparisons of Bill Belichick’s fourth and two blunder with Peyton’s Hell Toss mostly describes one of the most inexplicable rivalries in the history of football. As anticipated, it was vividly one of the most thrilling games this season, circling two premier pocket passers with unreal resumes while quarterbacking their teams charmingly to triumph.

And normally, in sports, teams hate opposing teams, but there is no real animosity between the Colts and Patriots, just as there is with the Red Sox and Yankees or Lakers and Celtics.

It's a collision course in football worth rooting for, but maybe it's too cordial and sweet for which both star quarterbacks are classy in the greatest of duels, well-respected for representing humility and civility.

It's fair to suggest that Brady is defined as the villain for such a bombastic nature, arrogantly wearing his pompous facial expressions or uttering his sardonic comments via radio airwaves or even during press conferences, a pretentious trait which doesn't settle too well with disgusted fans.

The difference from the last engagement is that Brady outdueled Manning in a yearly bout. While on the verge of stringing together another breathtaking comeback, the Colts, after trailing by 17 early in the fourth quarter, were victimized by Manning's Hell Toss, the latest blunder in a notable duel. With a minute left, he walked off distraught and furious, wearing an irritable scowl by the time he stood on the sideline following one of the most embarrassing miscues of his monumental career.


He is, without question, the star of the Colts and has been verified as the endearing icon at the most laborious position on turf. This year, of course, Belichick trusted in his uninspired and inexperienced defense to hinder Manning and the Colts stout passing attack. Amid his prime, as long as he's a Colt, he can lead Indianapolis to their second championship in five seasons, if he doesn't replicate his miscues when much is at stake.

Quite simply, he might have a shot at redemption as both the Colts and Patriots are on path to play in a rematch possibly in the AFC Championship Game. For once, in his lifetime, he wasn't savvy or wise with possession on the Patriots 24 in position to tie it 31-31 on an Adam Vinatieri field goal or either win it on a sensational game-winning connection with one of his reliable receivers in Jacob Tamme or Reggie Wayne, since wide receiver Austin Collie was forced to leave the game with an apparent aggravation of his concussion.

The annual Quarterback clash, the friendly meeting, of course, almost went in the favor of Manning. Next thing, he clumsily hurled a late interception directly into the quick hands of James Sanders for the Patriots to secure a dramatic 31-28 lead in a convincing fashion. It didn't matter that just last season he was praised as the greatest quarterback ever, installing hope in a small town where football is top priority, ever since the Colts arrived overnight in 1984 and became known as the Indianapolis Colts, not the Baltimore Colts.

Months later, he exposes his flaws, even when he is considered the beneficiary of a humbled franchise. Whatever happens, Patriots-Colts is a showdown like no other and a lopsided deficit quickly metamorphosed into a wild finish, but ended all so miserably on a night when Manning hadn't played like a four-time MVP.

His struggles favored the Patriots, a team riding at 8-2, tied for the best record in the NFL, while the Colts are forced to recover in a hurry at 6-4 with two straight road losses. Each contest ending so poorly on late-game picks by Manning to prevent believable comebacks.


This time, a sequel was written, recalling horrendous memories of Belichick's fatuous decision to go for it on fourth-and-two from his own 28. This time, it was called Manning's Hell Toss, a poor decision that cost the Colts a winnable game. It seemed he tried to pass the ball to Pierre Garcon, his intended receiver, on a deep throw. Right then and there, Sanders read the play and showed off his leaping ability to reel in the interception for the glaring play of the game.

"I was thinking touchdown there," Manning said, shaking his head in disappointment. "I just got my body twisted around a bit. I'm not sure what happened there."

So was he being greedy?

No, he was aiming for the win.

Not to sound like an overstatement, but people are downplaying the mental toughness and immediate impact Patriots running back Danny Woodhead, a 5-foot-8 running back from Division II Chadron State, has had on such a remarkable season.

He alleviates much of the pressure off Brady, who now has plenty of time in the pocket to find a receiver.

His rushing ability widens the passing attack, diagrammed perfectly on Brady's well-executed passing capacity. For much of the game, the Patriots controlled the momentum, leading 21-14 at the half and added to a large deficit when they had a 31-14 lead. In his lifetime, Brady has improved to 8-4 against Manning, including 2-1 in the postseason. On the opposite side of things, Manning has fallen to 6-10 all time against the Patriots, and more staggering, he has thrown 23 interceptions along with averaging 36 touchdown passes. Their last six meetings have been decided by 22 points.

As the perfectionist faltered in the critical moment, he almost had it.

"We were in an uptempo mode the last seven minutes," Manning said. "We almost scored three touchdowns. But you're playing against the clock."

Maybe Brady was ranked as the top quarterback in prior sporting magazines for holding the edge over Manning. It's just too bad that a near-beautiful comeback diminished in the final minutes of a friendly rivalry which will never produce a tremendous amount of blood.

NFL Needs To Protect Its League Before it's Too Late

So now, as if the scary trauma has barely created an everlasting debate, one discussion that has everyone fussing about hard blows to the head is that the NFL is refusing to ignore hamlet-to-hamlet hits. What they can do is set stricter barriers to eliminate the vicious, violent hits and finally realize the risk of players suffering concussions.

At last, the richest enterprise in sports has become medically aware of head injuries, a health issue that can risk long-term dangers to the brain. If an athlete suffers a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet blow, the league should respond proactively and levy suspensions to hard-hitting players who makes contact with opponents and sympathetically avoids a punishment after a brutal collision.

In theory, it should surprise no one that the NFL is contemplating whether or not a suspension will mitigate the head shots.

For a long time, this has been a heavy burden, and now that it is clearly evident in which fines aren’t enough to deter players from making nasty hits to the head, the league is closely evaluating the violent scenes, ready to enforce a harsher sanction.

Finally, the NFL is reacting to unnecessary violence and realizes players are sustaining serious injuries for dangerous hits or intentionally late shots.

Fair enough. The NFL, in a way, is compromising with the welfare of injured players, but the idea of possible suspensions doesn’t settle too well for some players. In fact, the latest fuss involving hits to the head is mandated in some ways, but viewed as an overreaction prior to three controversial incidents last Sunday. There has been much dialogue about brutality in football over the past week.

And before it is too late, the NFL must protect its league from tragedies, especially when the red flags are alarming and have shown signs of possible death. It’s not an issue the league can sugarcoat, but a common crisis that can quickly turn into a devastating scene if the NFL ignores the incidents and fails to address a perpetual dilemma.

At this very moment, it’s acceptable to assume that the league is considering suspending players for violent helmet-to-helmet hits. Earlier in the week, NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said he could impose harsher fines and possible suspensions immediately.

“It could happen immediately,” Anderson said of the hazardous hits after several players sustained concussions Sunday. “The level of discipline on those types of hits is going to be much more aggressive…and that could include a suspension even for a first-time offender.”

You heard that? No warnings.

By the abundance of concussions lately, the uncompassionate hits to the head finally have caught the league’s attention. So no longer is the league lagging on a controversial trend, willing to protect their players from suffering a blow to the head and limiting the staggering growth of head injuries.

Just as the Players Association and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell examines the possibilities of neck and head trauma and revisits a longtime concern, former safety Rodney Harrison and former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who can easily be the league’s peacemaker, now are football analysts for NBC and advocate suspensions for harmful hits.

“Fines aren’t getting it done,” Anderson said. “Suspensions will get their attention.”

Absolutely.

Every way, that is, the NFL has informed its officiating crew to start ejecting players for flagrant helmet-to-helmet shots, a new policy that was plotted in a memo from supervisor of officials Mike Pereira. Over the years, there have been career-threatening injuries and deaths, and suddenly, the league is handling the issue with stricter measures.

Every player understands the risk factor, knowingly realizing that merciless hits are part of the game. It’s good to know that the NFL is fundamentally concerned with the health dangers of players, aiming to abate the number of helmets slamming into other helmets.

“Officials will be reminded this week to pay strict attention to these rules and disqualify the fouling player if the action is judged to be flagrant,” Pereira wrote in the memo. “Actions that involve flagrant helmet to helmet contact are the likely acts that will include disqualification. Our commissioner and this office remain very focused on the safety of players.”

In an era in which so many hits and collisions have threatened players’ careers or diagnosed star players with long-term health issues, the NFL is proactive in reacting to the tragic hits. More importantly, the NFL has implemented barriers governing to players who sustain vital blows to the head.

It was just over two weeks ago when a helmet-to-helmet hit that gave Houston quarterback Matt Schaub a concussion led to a $15,000 fine for San Diego cornerback Drayton Florence.

Few, if any, can recall the fine given to Washington safety LaRon Landry and will forfeit a game check of $16,764 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on New York Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens.

Prior to his disastrous shot, Landry had been fined $7,500 for a pair of unnecessary roughness penalties. It’s a ruling that has been long overdue for a league with intense and violent plays and will lessen life-threatening injuries.

If nothing else, imposing rules and suspensions isn’t the toughest issue to tackle, given that concussions are inevitable in game of collisions and perilous hits. The NFL recently has had to address a battered crisis involving the well-being of players to avoid the possibilities of career-threatening injuries or even deaths.

There have been nightmarish moments that we can recall. A few years ago, former Bills’ player Kevin Everett suffered a life-threatening spinal-cord injury, a crestfallen incident that saddened us all.

Years ago, the late Darryl Stingley, who was paralyzed for the rest of his life, was a depressing tragedy in the sport known as America’s pastime.

And now, the league is smart for suggesting a new protocol to reduce illegal hits on defenseless players, to constitute a rule to stop collisions and to lessen injuries by enforcing precise rules.

The league is most famous for enforcing rules, and since the league is losing players to injury, this would be a good time to address the issue. Ever since Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson delivered a vicious shot to DeSean Jackson, the images are clearly a reality check for the NFL. All on the same day, a fine was given to New England free safety Brandon Meriweather for his hits on Baltimore’s tight end Todd Heap.

And in comparison, Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison had a pair of hard hits and nearly beheaded Cleveland receiver Josh Cribbs on a play. Seen as a defensive assassin, he has been known for making hard hits and unluckily was handed a fine for his shot on Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, even when it was ruled a legal hit.

He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in an interview on Tuesday that the hit on Massaquoi “was a legal hit.”

“All you have to do is look at the tape,” Harrison said.

Common sense tells us hard hits are triggering concussions. By enforcing stronger guidelines, it is considered the smartest idea.

Protect your league before it’s too late.

Vikings Should Be Able to Get It Back Together With Randy Moss's Return

Back in the 2007 NFL off-season, Oakland Raiders' wide receiver Randy Moss was frustrated with his team. The Raiders had a great signing in Moss, but he didn't live up to it. He was solid in Minnesota. The Raiders looked as if that they were going to trade him.

The teams that were in battle were basically the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots, who wanted to make a leap for the Pro-Bowl receiver. Brett Favre and Tom Brady could both really use a guy like Moss.

Favre was pushing for the Packers to get Moss. Imagine a combination of one of the league's best quarterbacks of all-time pairing up with one of the league's best wide receivers of all-time.

A combination of Favre and Moss would be scary.

Deadly.

An Exorcist type of movie for cornerbacks.

Yeah, it was that scary.

But the deal never got through for the Packers, and the Patriots ended up with Moss by giving up just a fourth-round draft-pick. With that, the Patriots rolled for the next three years with Moss as they had a Super Bowl appearance. Moss would end his Pats' career with 50 touchdowns!

This season, Moss had to tell the media something. He said he felt like this would be his last season in New England. He said it's business. He said he feels like he is not wanted in the locker room.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were telling him something different. They brainwashed Moss. They used him for their own needs. If it weren't for Moss, Brady wouldn't have gotten his 50 touchdowns in a season. Wes Welker wouldn't have gotten as much of attention. Bill Belichick wouldn't have had his undefeated season.

Moss was a huge key to success in all of this.

Then he had a dispute with the coaches. And Moss demanded a trade.

That week, Brady seemed like he didn't care. He probably doesn't know what is coming to him. So Brady, contact Deion Branch. You do that. Let's see how that works out.

Meanwhile, Moss got traded. All the Vikes had to do was give up a third-round draft pick. And now Moss is there's. At 33 years old, it doesn't matter, really. So what if Moss is a bit old? He has a lot of good, solid years left in him. And with Brett Favre, there's no question when he would end his career.

"I'm very fortunate to be back home where it all started," said Moss, the West Virginia native who referred to Minnesota as home seven times Thursday. "It's been a hectic last 48 hours. I didn't really know what to expect. I'm back home."

Moss is back in Minnesota where it all started.

We remember all the good times, and the all the great things he has done.

He had a miraculous rookie year, having 17 touchdowns and making a great pair with legendary receiver, Cris Carter. This would help out Randall Cunningham gets his stats and made him look like a better quarterback than he already was.

Now it is time for Moss to do that with Favre.

But remember, Moss did also have some bad memories in Minnesota.

Who could forget his "taking-your-pants" celebration where he pretty much mooned the fans after scoring a touchdown. Or when he sprayed water out of his water bottle at the referee? Or when he quit with three seconds left in the game?

But that's back then. Moss has matured. You can whatever you want, but I think Moss is going to do well in Minnesota.

Favre has now got his wish in having Moss. Finally. Favre has been struggling because he doesn't have his deep threat. And that deep threat is Sidney Rice, who won't be back by Week Eight or so. But now Moss is in the building. And when Rice returns, the Vikings have a solid set of receivers like Rice, Moss, Percy Harvin, Greg Camarillo, Bernard Berrian, and Visante Shiancoe.

Plus, this puts a lot of pressure of running back Adrian Peterson, who is currently the team's leading receiver surprisingly. But now all he needs to pay attention to is running the ball. With the receivers and Favre, the Vikings can roll in the running game. With Peterson, the Vikes can attack in the passing game.

It's just that simple.

The defense just won't know what is coming.

"To all the Vikings fans that are coming to the Metrodome, pull your 84 jerseys out, man," Moss said. "I think this is going to be a fun ride."

Indeed it is.

The Vikes will face the New York Jets this week. Many are saying the Vikings will struggle. Bosh! They will win. I think they can easily win. They know what's coming.

With Moss, things are going to change.

Welcome back, No. 84!

Patriots-Jets: A Bitter War Sends a Reality Check to Lackluster Jets

It doesn’t take long, just unforeseen drivel and everlasting trash talk, before a long-awaited Sunday sends each team into a bitter clash and lures television viewers, as the game of the weekend is Patriots vs. Jets, a pair of teams set to meet on a collision course in a late afternoon war.

So now, it’s a traditional birthright to anoint a couple of teams that have fueled a hated rivalry and allured fans all over the world, magnetizing our minds and hearts as loyalists wait to be entertained by a resentful feud in an emotional contest. If there’s anybody more whimsical and comical, it’s New York Jets' head coach Rex Ryan, the funniest man who tells jokes about his own belly during news conferences and becomes famous in a community, where local tabloids tease the next comedian to make Broadway laugh.

If there’s a villain everyone despises greatly, it’s Bill Belichick, of course: the Spygate criminal and arrogant mastermind who really wasn’t a modest genius, but a devious con artist for ruining the aspects of football with his slick demeanor. Now, suddenly, we are witnessing an unfriendly tale in football and a competitive symphony between the Jets and Patriots.


By now, it is known that the Jets disclosed the truth and accused the Patriots of cheating, shockingly disgracing and embarrassing Belichick as three of their Super Bowl rings were called into uncertainty and tainted. The full-blown history of animosity comes as no surprise, and it was exactly not surprising a few weeks ago when Tom Brady was asked if he watches “Hard Knocks,” the Jets reality show and said bitterly that he loathes the Jets.

“I hate the Jets, so I refuse to support that show.”

This was a harsh statement for the Jets, who are now fiery and ready to take on the enemies of the AFC East division. It was a modest assessment that those were retaliation words, more than senseless words, and could easily force the Jets to be meaner, disciplined, and more violent. Maybe this is a wake up call entering the second week of the regular season, currently 0-1 in the standings.

Maybe this cures any thoughts of another meltdown as the Jets take on their foes in a critical matchup early in the unpredictable season. Seen as darlings and a rebirth in football, the overexposed show on HBO has advertised the Jets as primary contenders in an unsettled division. As recently, the team wearing green in New York is overrated, unprepared, and incapable of riding to the Super Bowl.


But with plenty of talent and reinforcements, the Jets are capable of punching a ticket to Dallas. As it is, no one expected the Jets to begin the season 0-1, but at the New Meadowlands Stadium, particularly with a feel of desperation to avoid an 0-2 skid, the Jets will enter the game with a stronger, urgent mentality and partly because of its opponent. In many instances, the Jets seem very vulnerable and have to withstand the pressure as doubt becomes immense for a team which embodied much fluidity.

For now, of course, the Jets are a respectable pick to win the division, despite the slow start that can suddenly transform into a credible streak. But with all the adversity, New York is suddenly facing hard times. And ever since they collapsed on Monday Night Football in their season opener against Baltimore and accounted for the most penalty yards in 22 years, learned defensive star Kris Jenkins will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, and lastly, were accused by a female reporter who filed a harassment complaint against players and coaches, the Jets hit a downside.


In a way, this is a huge advantage for the Patriots. This is supposed to be an ecstatic game in the most intense atmosphere. The Pats will treat it as if they are contending for a playoff berth or like this is a postseason matchup, still upset over the revelations of Spygate. Back in the day, Jets owner Woody Johnson hired Eric Mangini from Belichick’s staff. From there, it sparked an ugly feud, and Belichick refused to talk to him as he clearly was viewed as a traitor for accepting the coaching gig in New York and converting to green attire. He simply broke NFL rules for spying on teams, publicly creating a fuss once the Jets exposed evidence of his secretive tapes. That explains why THE BRADY BUNCH hates the Jets, as well as BELICHEAT, right?

Exactly, end of discussion.

By working underneath the so-called mastermind, Mangini obviously knew all of Belichick’s secrets and infected schemes. Ever since then, the Pats disliked the Jets. Ever since then, the Jets disliked the Pats. So, it’s a mutual feeling of hate and bitterness, no doubt. And publicly announcing that a player strongly dislikes a team builds rivalries, and the Pats and Jets have become the biggest, most appealing rivals in the NFL. This isn’t just another game. This is a violent game with lots of implications.

The Pats and Jets are expected to collide with powerful blows and brutal contact, to spill blood all over the turf. How interesting we are gazing at yet another rivalry happening before our very eyes, more fun and exciting than the Lakers-Celtics, Yankees-Red Sox, North Carolina-Duke, or Candiens-Bruins. All that matters is a bitter rivalry on opposite sides. As it turns out, Ryan is bombastic and silly, but more than ever, he’s a flawless defensive specialist with innovative tactics to inhibit Brady’s passing display, another way to make his task miserable.


The problem is, of course, the Jets offense and Mark Sanchez’s miserable performance. In comparison, he’s a pretty boy as was Joe Namath, who recently tweeted “conservative play calling style,” referring to the Jets' struggling offense.

Sanchez has the intangibles to be the best quarterback in the league, but as of now, his body language reveals frustration and paranoia terrified to hurl downfield passes and worried about throwing interceptions for an encore season, tossing a mere 22 picks last season, and pitifully lost 31-14 to the Patriots last November.

He badly tossed four interceptions, and New England’s top receiver Wes Welker caught 15 passes for 192 yards. But this time around, Sanchez is looking to rebound and get even with the demons standing in their way, just as the Pats are looking to maintain an edge over the Jets.

So here we go, ready to watch the Jets-Pats war.

Let the fight begin.

NFL Is Your Sport, but Who Is Super Bowl Bound?

This was a season of suspense, a season that defined a team’s longevity and willpower.

We are witnesses of an incredible journey from a league that has paranoid our senses.

If you’re wondering why we suffered greatly and have impatiently waited for the season-opener of a 16-game regular season, well, it’s because we grasp the mindset of intense, non-stop drama.

Isn’t this what we live for, a dramatic year that could magnetize our minds and raise our self-consciousness? Aren’t fans essentially infatuated with football until the Super Bowl?

Despite a potential lockout in the 2011 season and merciless concussions and head injures that have raised much concern throughout the year, fans are in for football.

As sports depart from a relentless age of sleazes who cast shame on a league, our society truly admires an indelible season that expunges a dreadful period of DUI criminals, dog-killers and psychotic goons.

It doesn’t take long to cure a league where rebellious players try to get away with their despicable actions.

Whenever there’s a stern, narrow-minded commissioner willing to eliminate touchdown celebrations and constitute a personal conduct policy, crimes vanish and much tension mitigates.

Besides cracking down on mischievous megastars, the Indianapolis Colts excited us with their successive streak, a franchise that almost reached a historic plateau.

On Bourbon Street, the New Orleans Saints intrigued the hearts of avid fans as the home team achieved the improbable and captured an historic milestone by finishing the entire season unbeaten.

Early on, the Denver Broncos were in conversations for their incredible streak, and were unbeaten before collapsing midway.

But now, teams such as the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers are surprising us, as we sit back and relish an engaging postseason.

Any team can win the grandest prize on the biggest stage at this point. It’s impossible to ensure that any of these teams are ultimate champions. This has the makings to be a riveting postseason.

There’s no telling if the Minnesota Vikings are worthy of flying to Miami, even though they have arguably the most weapons, entering the playoffs.

There’s no telling if the shaky Saints deserves to dance in South Beach, after losing three consecutive games. And there’s no telling whether the Colts would falter in the AFC Championship game if they meet the San Diego Chargers, the villains and hottest team making it to the playoffs.

Until further notice, we don’t know which team will dominate. It depends on the environment, weather conditions and momentum, though.

Football is a sport of momentum, and vital fundamentals are required at a time when winning is meaningful.

By the end of the first round, maybe it would be easier to forecast. But until then, analyzing the likelihood of a franchise’s status is unpredictable.

Where tailgate parties reside, the Jets played their final game at Giants Stadium in the frigid climate

Amid a night of playoff ramifications, die-hard Jets fans renamed the venue, “FINAL GAME AT JETS STADIUM."

What turned into an exhilarating site, Jets coach Rex Ryan’s mental toughness and inspiration paid off. Whether he’s portrayed as a sensitive moron or someone who’s just ill tempered, he has cultivated an adverse group.

As we all know, media personnel in New York are critical of underperforming sports teams.

So clinching a playoff berth is huge for the Jets, a franchise that has coped with much scrutiny and mediocrity. Sure enough, the Jets can beguile us all by advancing to the AFC Championship game.

There’s no need to place a hot team on the backburner when Ryan has been specialized in defense.

Don’t forget there’s a rookie quarterback by the name of Mark Sanchez, who was willing to take on a steep challenge and implored the Jets to select him in last April’s draft.

Isn’t it fair to refer to him as Sanchize?

But more so, credit the lethal defense for elevating the intensity level in the late weeks.

In a rematch against the inspirational Cincinnati Bengals, who they routed in a 37-0 win, the Jets will have to attempt to win two games in six days.

In general, I’m impressed by the Jets’ tenacious defensive core.

On any given week, a forceful defense could spoil an opposing team’s optimism.

The NFL’s best defense happens to be the Jets, despite their 9-7 record that barely qualifies for a legitimate taste of the postseason.

Mind you, Darrelle Revis and Dwight Lowery are shutdown cornerbacks, with quickness and awareness. That hurts for an explosive wideout as proficient as Chad Ochocinco, when these two teams meet again for a significant matchup.

The Bengals are practically ailing in the receiver core, and Ochocinco is nursing a sore knee. That raises concern, especially when prolific quarterback Carson Palmer could use his primary target to exploit an unparalleled passing game.

Either way you view it, the best team, the scariest team and the team nobody wants to play are the Chargers.

Turns out they are the Super Chargers, exposing an outlook that defies logic with their ability to move the ball efficiently on the ground.

LaDainian Tomlinson is a decisive factor in the Chargers' chase for a potential Super Bowl appearance, as is a sturdy Philip Rivers. Late in the season, Coach Norv Turner has relied on the growth of Rivers’ passing game.

His powerful throws are significant, if the Chargers expect to pass the test of wills, which includes advancing to the Super Bowl.

In recent weeks, the masses have anointed San Diego and have given the Chargers the edge.

If so, tight end Antonio Gates must play a large role. To be honest, he has been, by far, the most productive star in the receiver core and amassed 79 catches for 1,457 yards.

Near the goal line, Tomlinson is lightning fast and he’s not to be reckoned with.

He has 12 touchdowns and isn’t easy to slow down inside the 20.

Doesn’t that remind you of Ravens’ running back Ray Rice?

There’s no doubt that he’s the difference in the Ravens’ entertaining offense.

The arrival of offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has improved the Ravens' offense mightily, offsetting a typical 3-4 defense. His offensive recipe is designed to force the 3-4 into a nickel or dime formation, making life easier for Baltimore’s running game to explode.

No wonder Rice is the biggest star of an emerging offense and discards all of the weaknesses.

He’s the most entertaining and dangerous runner in the AFC, lethal with a remarkable 1,338 yards and a 5.3-yard average.

This should be enough to put a scare on the faces of New England.

Yes, Bill Belichick and the Patriots are well experienced, but they’re deteriorating before our very eyes.

After losing all its veteran leaders, New England is amid a rebuilding stage and has been dealing with road woes.

Wipe away an effortless win at a neutral site in London, and the Patriots would’ve officially been 1-6 on the road this season.

Because they have much mystique and dominated in the prior decade, the Pats aren’t forgotten just yet.

Then again, they might be out of the picture for good. The last thing New England needed was a severe injury to change the complexion, especially when it involves a speedy receiver.

Wes Welker, a primary target and a dynamic weapon, sustained a left knee injury. It’s believed to be a torn ACL and MCL.

That could cost New England a trip to Miami. He was a receiver the Pats relied on heavily, in what appeared to be Welker’s breakout season.

He led the league with 123 catches for 1,348 yards and four touchdowns, but Belichick is now forced to rely on a temperamental Randy Moss, who not long ago, created a distraction when many acknowledged that he had quit on his team.

Good luck facing a tough-minded Baltimore defense.

Seems safety Ed Reed is healthy enough to disrupt and frustrate Tom Brady in the first round of the postseason. This season, Reed was sidelined for four games with a groin injury, but his presence intimidates any team's offense.

There’s also the hard-hitting Ray Lewis, the veteran linebacker who applies unsympathetic hits to players.

Let’s not leave out the Dallas Cowboys, a franchise that owner Jerry Jones has earned his money from a new and colossal venue.

For once, Dallas avoided derision and further doom in December.

For the rematch, the Cowboys will face the Philadelphia Eagles next Saturday. For the longest time, they were fragile in December and couldn’t steer clear of letdowns.

Still, Dallas is a much-scrutinized franchise, until it captures its first playoff victory.

After escaping T.O. drama and after Tony Romo dumped Jessica Simpson to leave alone the celeb lifestyle, he's focused on improving as a quarterback and the Cowboys started performing at a high level.

Wade Phillips is delighted and confident he has salvaged his job status by winning a playoff game.

Like anything else, we try our hardest to guess which team will survive the next few weeks, leading up to the Super Bowl.

Did you know nothing is guaranteed?

How about you just watch and see what happens.

After all, it’s the NFL where drama lives.

Patriots Can't Just Send Them Home, Belichick Step Up as Leader

The irony, whether if this decade portrays a dynasty or asterisk is, the New England Patriots have shifted directions. Instead of chasing another Lombardi Trophy, the franchise accused of Sypgate, is deteriorating and is unbalanced. For almost a full decade, the Patriots were referred to as a sleaze in professional sports, committing a stupid act. The Pats were classified as disloyal con artist, without trusting in integrity.

They didn’t have enough aplomb to dominate at will in most perspectives. But even if the three-time Super Bowl champs won their titles purely, controversy very seldom reduces when issues affects the Patriots. Most of the drama comes from the unbearable scandal of Spygate, especially for the masses that dislikes a team for its deceptive spying. Whether it’s legit or a fraud, as usual, the Patriots created a ruckus, not regarding to cheating, but leadership woes.

For much of the season a lack of chemistry has created problems as the Patriots try returning to a championship caliber franchise. Years ago, under the craftiness of Bill Belichick, New England emerged into a vital threat and accumulated titles, in which it’s fair acknowledging he’s a genius after becoming an expertise at assembling a franchise. Granted, the clever-minded Belichick established a successful and dimensional franchise with high-minded knowledge of the game, such as selecting wisely in the NFL Draft and finding the pieces to fit within a branch of talented players.

But, unfortunately, their Super Bowl titles are tainted. Problem is now, there’s no structure or leadership after most of the Patriots inspirational leaders either retired or were sent elsewhere in a trade. So now, a typical fan is screaming and crying, witnessing unfamiliarity as rebuilding is currently taking a stance. From precedence to mediocrity, the Patriots are retooling. Because of its youth, they’re not as lethal or intimidating.

However, youth isn’t the only problem or the rebuilding stage. Instead of faulting the lack of leadership among the veterans, fault Belichick for the absence of inspirational structure. The Patriots are in an awkward position, and Belichick hasn’t stepped up to encourage his players.

Still, New England controls its own fate within the AFC East and will come away with the division.

But there’s no margin for error, no time for disruptions. When it seemed nothing could interfere with the Patriots of making a bold statement and aggressive drive to the Super Bowl, a transition and Belichick’s disciplinary actions and fourth-down blunder were signs of innovation.

Just when it seemed the minor problems have come and gone, worse problems hatched for the Patriots. Of late, much confusion has created trouble. And since Belichick’s fourth down miscue, New England hasn’t been the same with its approach, losing confidence and aspiration. And now, that brings us to the criticism of wide receiver Randy Moss, bashed for quitting on the Patriots in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Frustrated with all the mediocrity, lack of receptions, and loses, Moss quit on his teammates. Known for insubordination, Moss’ attitude and demeanor can divide and inhibit the Patriots of gelling as a robust team. According to reports, Moss was one of the four players sent home for arriving late to a meeting Wednesday because of snow.

Adalius Thomas had a message sent when Belichick sent home the linebacker, irritable after he was banished from attending the meeting. That’s not all, when he was punished harsher on Sunday as Belichick played the role of a principal and not a coach, benching Thomas in a critical game against the Panthers.

Yes, Belichick knows what it takes to play consistent in a 16-game season, leading the Brady Bunch to an unbeaten season two years ago. But at the time, the Patriots were elite and had the pedigree to symbolize a championship caliber team. Eventually, a team no matter what sport, experiences a rebuilding age when eminence shortens, unknown of capabilities.

What we must come to realize is the Patriots are reconstructing. What we must come to realize it’s a young and inexperience team, and still is maturing into an average contender. What we must come to realize, Belichick needs to be the leader of a disoriented team. Anyone is inspired if there’s motivation and leadership, rather than sending five players home for tardiness as a way of issuing a statement.

Considering the loss of Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon, Mike Vrabel and Asante Samuel, the Patriots are starting at the bottom by replacing a veteran core with a young core. It’s the beginning of a new era, and no one is emerging into an inspirational adviser or difference maker in a substandard defense.

Teams wills are tested on the road, confirming if they’re a legitimate team or not. A team, which preserves victories on the road, inherits credit and is characterized as a contender. The Patriots, unfortunately, has yet followed road values. The inability to win on the road is persuading us to believe there isn’t enough in the tank. The lack of experience and leadership influences us to believe there isn’t enough encouragement.

With a 1-5 record on the road, is an unfamiliar scenario for the Patriots. The last time New England lost five road games in a single season was in 2000, Belichick’s first year when the team finished 5-11 at the bottom. Today, most probably wonder if Belichick regrets trading defensive end Richard Seymour, a monstrous force dealt to Oakland for a 2011 first-round draft pick. Today, most probably wonder if Moss has surrendered on the Patriots, dispirited of explosive receiver and teammate Wes Welker’s productivity.

He has ability to cut across the middle and catch passes to showboat excellent speed. And Welker has missed only one start this season, and has a staggering 105 catches for 1,158 yards. Being a non-factor within the Patriots’ offense is frustrating for Moss, especially when Welker was targeted 36 times in the last three games.

Moss had a catch for 16 yards in Sunday’s 20-10 win, but was criticized for fumbling, dropping a ball on a critical play and committing a false start. However, the folks are more concern with Brady’s interception in the first-half, which cost the Patriots when Moss was drilled of not completing a route that seemed well-executed if he had connected.

Whether he quit or not, Chris Gamble, certainly thinks so when he told the Boston Globe “we knew Moss was going to shut it down. That’s what we wanted him to do. That’s what we did…He’d just give up a lot. Slow down, he’s not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell, his body language.”

But, of course, Tom Brady, a prolific quarterback known for his desperation victories and clutch finishes has thrown 11 interceptions, eight of his picked off passes were intended for Moss. Nonetheless, he defended his receiver and also blasted at Carolina defensive back.

“When guys play Randy, they want to show everyone what they can do. I guess they came out of the game pretty confident. Randy is one of the best players in the history of the NFL,” said Brady. “When it doesn’t go perfect out there, everyone wants to jump on Randy. It’s all of us, and we all have to do a better job.”

Well said. And it starts with Belichick’s mental state of inspiriting a young core. The man wearing the blue hoodie is responsible for huddling up his team and demanding a sense of urgency. As many times as Brady has led the Patriots in pivotal situations, there’s no excuse for falling poorly. And as many times as Belichick has utilized artistic tactics, it’s hard dismissing the Patriots from playoff contention.

Still, lack of talent and leadership might hurt at the end, unless Belichick changes the approach.

Saints March In, Patriots March Out: 16-0 Belongs In New Orleans

If you believe in marching bands, the New Orleans Saints is the one franchise you believe in. On Bourbon Street, the most active street in the country, a festive crowd is marching with the Saints.


The Superdome, where inside the noise factor used to be silent and less entertaining, is now the loudest venue in the league.

Unlike before, 70,000 fans are now in the stands, optimistic the Saints can finish the season 16-0. In a friendly site, the powerhouse of the NFL happens to be New Orleans.

Is there a team able to match their intensity and hinder their unforeseen dominance? I wouldn’t think so.

As potent as the Saints are in a season, winning seems like an illusion, overpowering each opponent is discernible. With a 38-17 rout in a Monday Night Football showdown, the Saints degraded Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

Believe it or not, getting pummeled was as awful as Belichick’s fourth-down blunder two weeks ago, when he flunked the road test in Indianapolis.

Again, the Patriots were pushed around and described as amateurs, not the dynasty of our decade. So the most hated team in the league was again denied an opportunity to alleviate their road woes.

The Spygate suspects are latest victims of losing to the Saints, a franchise America has grown to accept for its inspirational loyalty within a community distressed when a tragedy left a town in self-destruction.

In contrast, our country has grown to hate the Patriots for Belichick’s devious tactics of deceiving the game. Since then, the Patriots have been featured as a sham, accumulating more Super Bowl victories than any team this decade.



















Now, the Saints polished into legitimate contenders and potentially can march to Miami. Assuming the Patriots weren’t Tom Brady-less, much absorption was given to New England, the almighty team of the NFL to begin the season.

At the start of the season, it is funny Drew Brees was ignored until a delusional population excluded doubt and followed the marching band.

At an 11-0, the Saints' star power is unstoppable and impossible to defeat. Remember, they’re unbeaten, as are the Colts, making us wish for a Saints-Colts Super Bowl, a wonderful combination in what should have the makings for an astounding Super Bowl matchup for the ages.

The Saints are nearing New England’s 16-0 regular-season record two years ago and the ‘72 Miami Dolphins' perfect NFL record.

Look at the schedule. If South Beach believes the record is untouchable, it could be the year the Saints fool us all and surpass an unimaginable milestone.


















If so, New Orleans would provoke the biggest celebration—perhaps bigger than Mardi Gras—and embrace the greatest Saints' team of all time. It’s possible with a light schedule.

Think about it.

I’ll be kind enough to define the Saints as the NFC champs a month in advance. It’s hard to imagine Brees and company faltering late in the season, especially against inferior teams.

Let’s all apologize to Peyton Manning and Brett Favre, and crown Brees as MVP.

What is suggested as the scorching debate, the MVP race is the most interesting in recent memory. But if you ask me, Brees earns my vote. The well-deserved award belongs to a compelling quarterback for rejuvenating a town devoid of much reverence amid a devastating tragedy.

Before his arrival, the Saints were the Ain’ts, consisting of an incompetent quarterback. Back then, the Saints were marching through a hellish period when seats were empty and television ratings were paltry. Now football is worth watching each week, and viewers are now guaranteed a captivating event.

They’ll obviously earn a top seed in the playoffs, but an awe-inspiring season is meaningless if the Saints stumble in the playoffs. Right now, New Orleans' storybook season seems relentless, while the Patriots’ horrid struggles continue to hurt a lousy defense on the road.

Against the Breezy Boys, Belichick’s defense was painful watching.

Here’s some statistics: In the game we all waited for, Brees manhandled and shoved Brady out of the spotlight. He completed 18-of-23 passes for 371 yards and an overwhelming 158.3 passer rating in a flawless performance against one of the greatest quarterbacks in the game.

It never was a quarterback duel, but simply a peculiar performance by Brady, who’s known for directing late finishes to secure victories in sensational contests, completed 21-of-36 passes for 237 yards and no touchdowns.

More shocking, Brady had no touchdowns, a rarity none of us could even imagine. Most of us would’ve forecasted that he’ll connect with Randy Moss for a touchdown. Even more stunning, he was replaced by rookie Brian Hoyer, a sign of quickly losing confidence in Brady.


He’s the one despised coach. He’s the one wearing a five-year-old hoodie. Belichick is the one blamed and criticized for the 4th-and-2 blunder at his own 28-yard line while leading by six. As a dynasty is receding, the beginning of a new one is emerging before our very eyes.

A coach by the name of Sean Payton has installed a high-powered offense, which has created an action-packed three hours of fun. Even deadlier and armed with competitors is a lethal defense.

For most opponents, the Saints are difficult to read defensively. Their aggressive and robust defense is established by the guru Gregg Williams.

Though the status of the secondary remains unknown, a veteran core is bonding as a cohesive unit. No secondary clobbered the Patriots' dynamic passing game as well as the Saints.

Just last week, Mike McKenzie signed as a utility cornerback and came to New Orleans’ aid in the secondary, disrupting the Brady Bunch.

Not much action was seen from an explosive Wes Welker or Randy Moss. Late in the third, Moss had a chance to complete a pivotal play to keep the drive alive for a potential comeback, but as usual, McKenzie interfered with the pass on 4th-and-4 at the Saints’ 10.

Keep in mind that Brees is the key to the Saints and has thrown for 5,000 yards this season, joining the company of Dan Marino for a remarkable plateau. Everyone understands the Saints have a solid supporting cast.

A plethora of reliable running backs in Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell is essential to a high-powered offense that is unstoppable.

Their rush attack is as dangerous as launching throws down field, applying all the fundamentals in the physical game of football.

Let’s all speculate. No team can beat the Saints. No team can stop the marching band.

Let’s all predict: 16-0.

Quit Your Whinin’: Bill Belichick Is Just a Big Fat Jerk

Everyone is hyped up all over Bill Belichick making the fourth-down call in the Colts game (in which I attended). Boston fans have his back, as they always will. I understand your saying Bill Simmons, but right now, this is what I think:

Bill Belichick is a jerk.

Now I would've said something a whole lot worse, but as twelve-year-old blogger, I'll just keep that to myself.

During the game, Belichick was challenging on meaningless calls. It was just like when the Colts beat the Cheatriots in 2008, 18-15. Belichick made not one, but two challenges. I think he lost on both of them.
I know one of them included Twelve Men on the Field. And then there was John Madden saying what is the point of that. The Patriots need to win. But there is Bill, trying to be a smart-ass.

And people call him genius? Listen man, you are not. Going for it on Fourth-and-Two, you fail. If you punted, I don't think Peyton Manning would have made it. But here you are, thinking the Pats are the same team from 2007.

They're not.

And besides, we all know you cheated. To all of you Boston fans saying he didn't, it's just homerism. And like what 18to88.com says, it isn't homerism if it's true.

But that's not all what makes Belichick a jerk. This guy isn't even a team player. No sportsmanship at all. When the Pats lose, he starts being an ass in the press conference being all sad and then he develops his little crackily voice.

Seriously? What's the point of that?

But back with the sportsmanship deal. During the 2007-08 season Super Bowl, when the Giants won, here came Belichick just leaving the game. Didn't even shake hands with the coach. That's how much of an ass he was.

No sportsmanship whatsoever. And here was NY's Tom Coughlin looking for him to say a good game and all of that to be a good sport, but Bill was nowhere to be found.

Talk about some good sportsmanship.

And the Super Bowl they won this decade, they don't deserve. We all know the Pats taped the Rams' practices. But Commish Roger Goodell doesn't want to ruin the NFL with this scandal and doesn't want to lose some of it's fans with the Patriots as cheaters
.
And that's what makes Donovan McNabb a little pissed, too, saying the Eagles should've gotten those rings. McNabb deserves a ring, not Brady.

But Belichick whines in his head when the Pats lose. He's just a jerk, okay? Put it that way. I mean, this just has to be agreeable.

Quit whining Bill. You've been a jerk.

Fix the attitude.

Fix your image.

Be a team player.

Article also seen at mvn.com/footbasket

Brady Bunch, Belichick Hapless, As Colts Aim for Perfection

Not too sure if the ending of an epic rival went as plan, but this is why over the years we’ve embraced the Patriots-Colts rivalry. Sure, it’s not as bitter as the Celtics-Lakers, North Carolina-Duke, or Red Sox-Yankees, but in an epic period where football has paranoid our senses and allured our interest, the two premier quarterbacks in the league are the beauty of the league.

In the last decade, each of them has captivated our consciousness. In the last decade, the epic theater of the National Football League is Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, indeed, having absolute admiration without even giving each other the evil stare or clowning with silly trash-talking.

Although each of them plays the game with class and dignity, we as fans are entertained and waited for a much-friendlier, less-bloodier rivalry. So again, our country appeared brainwashed with the calendar broadcasting, presumably the game of the year.


None of us were brainwashed, forecasting an epic finish in NFL history and absolutely it was a remarkable finish, in which astoundingly the Indianapolis Colts trailed exactly with two minutes and eight seconds remaining.

The New England Patriots controlled their own destiny and were minutes away from knocking off the unbeaten Colts and almost ruined perfection. But, obviously, the team of the decade and the three-time champions aren’t nearly as ideal as they were, when their potent and dynamic defense posed agony and created discomfort.

As New England rebuilds a new roster defensively, opponents are intimidated or hesitant to attack, which could have easily forced so-called coaching guru Bill Belichick to foolishly lose confidence in the lackluster defense and strictly prayed for a stud offense to come through at desperation times.

Sunday night transformed into a hapless collapse, upsetting Patriots' faithful, but generated loud cheers inside the spacious Lucas Oil Stadium, where echoed sounds and choruses are heard louder than anywhere else.

Belichick was known as one of the most intelligent masterminds in football, knowing when to toss the red flags for challenging difficult plays, knowing when to organize successful plays, and knowing when to take gambles.

He also has been known for his devious demeanor, a psyche animus people cannot stand. As usual, in their biggest game and test, Belichick wore a blue hoodie and stood on the sidelines with an arrogant stare that mostly everyone loves to hate.

The Patriots, by far, might have experienced the biggest miscue and errant call during Belichick’s tenure. After not having enough belief in the defense, he daringly relied on The Brady Bunch to conserve clock and earn first downs. Instead, punting the ball made sense, but on 4th-and-2 at their own 28-yard line they selected to attempt an adventurous task costing the Patriots a possible victory over the Manning and Dangerous.

The smart decision would have been forcing Manning and Dangerous to start at the 20, in which Manning would have had to showcase his unbelievable arm strength and closely imitate NFL legend Dan Marino.

There are solid weapons surrounding the perilous Manning, in which the Colts are riding a perfect season because of youth and aptitude, discovered on their electrifying drive to advance to a splendid 9-0 pulling off an astounding 35-34 victory over the 6-3 Patriots.

The fans sported blue and anointed Manning and booed the Spygate suspects. It was silent much of the game, on a dicey night everything seemed to be working accordingly for the Brady Bunch.

Throughout the night, Brady connected with primary target Randy Moss, who caught two passes for touchdowns and blew pass the Colts shorthanded and depleted secondary without the most dangerous safety in the league Bob Sanders, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.


But with a composed and experienced Manning, anything is possible. Winning, indeed, was possible when he typically called his no-huddled plays orchestrating on the most breathtaking drive all season.

Next thing viewers knew, Manning hurled a fascinating 14-yard pass to wideout Reggie Wayne, tying the game with 13 seconds left and took advantage of Belichick’s foolish mistakes to turn a tense night into amazingly a cheerful atmosphere.

If he never had burnt his final timeout or went for it on fourth down, the Patriots could have survived and eased closer to home field advantage. Oh sure, New Englanders have awakened this morning, wondering what faltered and angry with Belichick.

Oh definitely, the Brady Bunch has given us reason to believe they could upset the Colts, when the Pats damn-near left Indianapolis with a satisfying victory.

Considering the Colts have decisive depth, the Manning and Dangerous are Super Bowl caliber. Two receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie are emerging in their performance level each game, though both struggled in an intense matchup.

As years progress, in previous seasons, Dwight Freeney is a fierce and physical defensive end whose speed allows him to pressure opposing offenses.

But the particular, star on this night, was strong safety Melvin Bullitt, who was silent for much of the night until he bull-rushed and denied Kevin Faulk of the first down when the Pats needed a yard and a half. He never had full control when Bullitt’s hit stopped him short of the first down, setting up good field position for the Colts.

Near the end, Brady stood on the sideline helplessly disappointed with the turn-of-events. His precision and natural abilities were overshadowed, and his 375 passing yards for three touchdowns was eclipsed for playing on the same field with Manning.


The Pats are fortunate he recovered successfully from reconstructive knee surgery, and thrown for a remarkable 1,395 yards the last four games. But the Brady Bunch was least favorites, as the Manning and Dangerous dominated as time trickled. It’s impressive rookie coach and Tony Dungy’s successor Jim Caldwell is unbeaten, while the Pats continue to shrink as the decade recedes.

But for now, the Colts are a team everyone doubts, when the Brady Bunch should be the one’s accepting most of the doubt.

Looks Like People Are Going to Be More Serious on the Broncos

People were never serious about Josh McDaniels when he became the new coach of the Denver Broncos. Nobody believed he could lead the team after crybaby Jay Cutler left the team when McDaniels granted his wish in trading him to the Chicago Bears.

Then came Brandon Marshall, saying he wanted to leave as well. McDaniels really could’ve done it as he was calling other teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets. He then brought back a little bit trust from his fans when Marshall stayed.

McDaniels made some good moves in the offseason like drafting Knowshon Moreno and signing Correll Buckhalter. But everyone thought the Broncos will fail under quarterbacks of Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, who were battling for the starting job.

Orton was named the starter. His stats weren’t good, but his win/loss record was efficient and was enough for the Broncos of him being the franchise QB and the leader of the team. And he was wearing that number eight, a number ahead of one of the greats: John Elway.

In the first game of the NFL season, the Broncos were leading the Bengals, 6-0. The Bengals drove down the field as running back Cedric Benson scored a touchdown to give the Bengals the lead, and most importantly, a victory. It was 7-6, but things weren’t over.

The Broncos had one last shot. It was a Hail Mary pass as Orton threw to Brandon Marshall. The pass was tipped by Leon Hall. Was it over? Probably but then, out of nowhere, Brandon Stokley, one of the best slot receivers in NFL history, caught the ball and ran all the way for a touchdown to give the Broncos an easy, and an astonishing win.

So there are Music City Miracles, and yes, there are Mile-High Miracles as well. The Broncos then went on to win a few more games. But even though they still stand at undefeated, people still doubt them as a real NFL team. Are they for real? Well, they had to prove the test against the New England Patriots.

The Patriots were rolling in the first half of the game. With a missed field goal by the Broncos, the Pats rolled down the field. The drive really opened when Sammy Morris broke for a long gain after catching a dump-off pass from Tom Brady. He was down inside the red zone as the Pats got an easy touchdown to Wes Welker to lead the game.

Then, with the first half almost over, the Pats were leading, 10-7, and they were in the red zone. A touchdown was made by Tom Brady. He’s back! But look, he wasn’t fully back as the Broncos proved it during the second half.

You really think Josh McDaniels will lose to the Patriots! The Patriots for crying out loud! Josh had to bring revenge. It was the pupil, as in McDaniels, vs. the Teacher, in which that is Bill Belichick. The Broncos caught up in the game and rolled to victory in overtime, 20-17.

“It was a little bit more special to me because I knew how hard it would be to beat them,” McDaniels said. He added: “It’s a great challenge coaching against Bill and his staff, and playing against that team with all those great players. That’s why it’s special. It’s not special just because I was in New England.”

McDaniels is now going to make a dynasty with the Broncos. They are rolling and are one of the best teams in the AFC. But now, they are facing more tougher tests in the weeks passing by.

They face the Chargers on Monday Night next week, then the Ravens, and then the Steelers. Tough road games as they face 3-4 defenses, and man they are tough! But hey, these guys can do it.

And now, I don’t think anyone should be surprised at all if they beat those teams.

Seriously.