Official 2015 NFL News and Notes for Offseason Non FA Non Draft

[pbmax]

Rule Changes:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/24/injury-timeout-proposal-unanimously-approved-by-nfl-owners/


The rule will allow the injury spotter upstairs to communicate directly with the on-field officials, to stop the clock if a player appears to be shaken up to the point a further check is warranted.

There will be no hanky panky or hickey with this one at all.

Details: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/24/new-injury-timeout-rule-would-give-spotters-significant-power/

[Joemailman]

Nothing concrete yet, but probably come changes coming regarding extra points.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000481410/article/changes-to-extra-points-are-close-to-happening


Among the variations discussed:

» A team could go for two points from the 1 1/2-yard line or kick an extra point from the 15.

» Eliminate the extra point altogether and just place the ball at the 2-yard line, making it a two-point play.

» Narrow the goal posts.

» A college-type rule in which a defense could score a touchdown on a blocked kick or interception or fumble return on a two-point conversion.

[smuggler]

In college, a defensive conversion on an extra point or two point attempt is worth 2 points. Not a touchdown...

[pbmax]

Almost too much fun to be true. Dan Snyder owned sports radio station dumps a new show after getting prank called by someone claiming to be an ESPN Executive. Best part is that Bruce Allen called ESPN back to promise to look into it.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/26/dan-snyders-defense-on-censorship-charge-might-be-gullible-employees/


Apparently, somebody prank-called the station pretending to be ESPN president John Skipper, demanding that the show be taken off the air. But ESPN staffers told us at the owners meetings that Skipper never dips into radio business, especially with a relatively small local affiliate.

Three sources at the station told the Post that the prank caller (from an 860 area code, same as Bristol, Conn.) knew enough about station business and had Skipper’s accent down, making it believable to them. The caller threatened legal action if the show went on, replacing the syndicated “Mike and Mike” show. It apparently convinced Red Zebra Bradcasting station executive Rick Carmean, who alerted team officials and told the station the show would be shelved.

The Manti Te’o/fake deal girlfriend-level plot came unraveled when Allen called Skipper himself to tell him the station would look into it, and Skipper thanked him for his consideration before calling his underlings to find out what the hell exactly was going on.

[smuggler]

Wow. Fucking crazy...

[pbmax]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 47s48 seconds ago
NFL identifies former Falcons marketing exec as a lone agent in artificial noise finding http://wp.me/p14QSB-9JYE

Its like the NFL gets its version of reality from Action Movies, where Arnold, Bruce or Tom are responsible for everything. I am sure the marketing exec was standing next to the potentiometer cackling as he turned it louder.

[pbmax]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 45m45 minutes ago
NFL suspends Ray Farmer four games for Textgate http://wp.me/p14QSB-9JYA

Browns take another shot. No more play calling from upstairs for 4 games. He'll have to phone it in like Nixon.

[smuggler]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 47s48 seconds ago
NFL identifies former Falcons marketing exec as a lone agent in artificial noise finding http://wp.me/p14QSB-9JYE

Its like the NFL gets its version of reality from Action Movies, where Arnold, Bruce or Tom are responsible for everything. I am sure the marketing exec was standing next to the potentiometer cackling as he turned it louder.

It's like the league finding a single equipment tech responsible for deflategate. Yeah, I'm sure no one else had AAAANYTHING to do with it. The league thinks that most fans are absolutely stupid, and, unfortunately, they are largely correct.

[Smidgeon]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 45m45 minutes ago
NFL suspends Ray Farmer four games for Textgate http://wp.me/p14QSB-9JYA

Browns take another shot. No more play calling from upstairs for 4 games. He'll have to phone it in like Nixon.

Farmer took the fall for Haslam. Or whatever the owner's name is.

[mraynrand]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 45m45 minutes ago
NFL suspends Ray Farmer four games for Textgate http://wp.me/p14QSB-9JYA

Browns take another shot. No more play calling from upstairs for 4 games. He'll have to phone it in like Nixon.

They were considering a lighter sentence of an eight game suspension, but ruled that out. They really ought to punish the Browns for 'textgate' not help them.

[mraynrand]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 47s48 seconds ago
NFL identifies former Falcons marketing exec as a lone agent in artificial noise finding http://wp.me/p14QSB-9JYE

Its like the NFL gets its version of reality from Action Movies, where Arnold, Bruce or Tom are responsible for everything. I am sure the marketing exec was standing next to the potentiometer cackling as he turned it louder.

If this is a step towards taking the league back to less artificial noise, then I say thank god.

[Patler]

If this is a step towards taking the league back to less artificial noise, then I say thank god.

Where is OSHA when it comes to noise on the fields? Shouldn't they be requiring players to wear hearing protection? If not the players (I think they are independent contractors), then how about the stadium workers, grounds crew and others that are in standard employer/employee relationships? How about the cameramen and others on the broadcast crews?

[mraynrand]

Where is OSHA when it comes to noise on the fields? Shouldn't they be requiring players to wear hearing protection? If not the players (I think they are independent contractors), then how about the stadium workers, grounds crew and others that are in standard employer/employee relationships? How about the cameramen and others on the broadcast crews?

For the children. They should reduce the noise for the children.

[pbmax]

I'm telling you the real scandal is Seattle's fake enthusiasm/noise. Everyone knows all of Seattle is perpetually depressed.

[Freak Out]

Where is OSHA when it comes to noise on the fields? Shouldn't they be requiring players to wear hearing protection? If not the players (I think they are independent contractors), then how about the stadium workers, grounds crew and others that are in standard employer/employee relationships? How about the cameramen and others on the broadcast crews?

It would be interesting to see the numbers on a hearing conservation program at place like.....Seachick Central. The numbers would be high but considering that they only play 8 regular season games plus a playoff game or two it's very unlikely it would require mandated hearing protection. Is it a good idea for a fan or stadium worker to wear plugs...sure.

[Joemailman]

Bengals unveil "fresh new look" for 2015

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483087/article/bengals-troll-browns-with-fresh-new-look-for-team

[pbmax]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBmwBrsVIAEN9rM.jpg:large

[smuggler]

Silverstein posted on twitter that GB has $16.75 in cap space and that already includes the rookie allotment. Expect someone to get an extension between now and preseasonfinale...

[vince]

They could also just roll it forward to pay the additional cap hits that Cobb, Nelson, Bulaga and others are due to earn. Wait-and-see on guys in their last year seems to be in vogue these days. You can use the money to sign someone this year or just sit on it and use it to sign the same guy next year. It really doesn't matter anymore, especially if you can't get a discount by signing earlier or want another year of info before committing.

[smuggler]

Daniels *seems* to be the only guy worth an extension at present. I don't have an all-inclusive list of 2016 free agents, though.

E:

Perry and Neal
Crosby
Raji and Guion
Starks
Hayward
Daniels

Richardson/Barclay/Tolzien

and then a bunch of UDFA (they'll be RFA, so it doesn't matter too much)

[pbmax]

LOVIE DARLING

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer 2h2 hours ago
The Bucs invested 2 first-round picks and about $45 million since '12 to stock secondary with Barron, Revis and Goldson. All 3 are now gone.

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer 2h2 hours ago
The Redskins have traded a 2016 sixth-round pick to the Buccaneers for S Dashon Goldson anda a 2016 seventh-round pick.

[pbmax]

Packer Report ‏@PackerReport 3h3 hours ago
Greg Jennings' 63 career TD receptions than the combined total of the other 10 receivers who went in the top 100 picks.

[Joemailman]

Daniels *seems* to be the only guy worth an extension at present. I don't have an all-inclusive list of 2016 free agents, though.

E:

Perry and Neal
Crosby
Raji and Guion
Starks
Hayward
Daniels

Richardson/Barclay/Tolzien

and then a bunch of UDFA (they'll be RFA, so it doesn't matter too much)

Hayward has a chance to make a ton of money with a good 2015.

[smuggler]

Definitely true.

[Carolina_Packer]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/07/raiders-sign-packers-safety-sean-richardson-to-rfa-offer-sheet/

Does Green Bay's tender offer become the baseline that Oakland uses to create and offer for Richardson? What do you think the Pack will do? If Oakland's offer is not out of the question, I'd try and bring him back. I remember Jarrett Bush getting some play from TN a few years ago and the Packers brought him back. I'm not sure how well regarded Richardson is.

[pbmax]

I think this jump, at this point anyway, is more about flexibility in your hips and legs than vertical leap, but its still pretty impressive.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1KZqEglkaE&feature=youtu.be

[pbmax]

At this point, non-Draft News is killing Draft News in entertainment value.

Olivia Munn Cast As Psylocke In X-Men: Apocalypse (http://io9.com/olivia-munn-will-wield-psylockes-psy-blades-in-x-men-a-1697576550)

[smuggler]

Yum.

[Joemailman]

Seems Brady needs to stick to throwing a football:


https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/84FC1869501199475392286015488_3814d42a453.2.1.1217 4901688855849159.mp4?versionId=NHWSzSa6YnyhnS..R3N wwPw3k6F6d1ap

[denverYooper]

I think this jump, at this point anyway, is more about flexibility in your hips and legs than vertical leap, but its still pretty impressive.



https://youtube.com/watch?v=Pa9PrAhJbgM

[Fritz]

I'm curious if Nick Perry has any improvement left or if he's hit his ceiling. If he could add a move or two to the bull rush, and cover a little better, he could get a few more snaps and might be worth re-signing.

I love Mike Neal's hustle - he's the kind of vet that is worth having around in a Capers defense.

But obviously you shouldn't break the bank, nor have to, to keep either one.

For reasons I can't explain, I'm not as hot one Mike Daniels as others. He seems to get pushed around a lot. Kind of a hit-or-miss guy - it's either an "I almost got the QB" play or he gets shoved back. It's probably more perception than reality, though.

[smuggler]

He's an effort player. Not ideal for the defense we run, but always plays the game at full bore. Plus, he's quick and a little mean.

[pbmax]

Lions get a D Lineman. Lovie gets another draft pick.

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 2h2 hours ago
And he gets his 3 yrs, $9M RT @NFLSTROUD: #Bucs have agreed to a trade with the Lions for RFA DE George Johnson. Swap picks

[Guiness]

Daryn Colledge retires

https://twitter.com/TheNOVOAgency/status/588473349459693568

Good career, certainly showed up for work every day - started his first game as a rookie, and kept starting for 5 years.

[pbmax]

Your team is probably getting screwed by the NFL Schedule makers. And we all know who is reaping the benefits (Duke football, of course).

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/166141/inside-slant-innovating-the-nfl-schedule

[pbmax]

Greg Hardy is suspended for the first 10 games of the year according to Schefter.

[red]

jennings has signed with miami

8 million over 2 years

OUCH

we know know that playing for a shit team and QB will cut your value by more then half if you are a WR

good career move a few years ago, make sure you thank your sister (or maybe cunt punt her)

[Guiness]

jennings has signed with miami

8 million over 2 years

OUCH

we know know that playing for a shit team and QB will cut your value by more then half if you are a WR

good career move a few years ago, make sure you thank your sister (or maybe cunt punt her)

So the Vikings and Dolphins essentially swap WRs.

I'm not sure I understand the lack of love for him on the open market. He's been healthy these past two years, and made the most of a not great QB situation. Sure, he's not the WR he once was, but still managed 750 and 800 yards, leading the team both years.

[smuggler]

Would have made a lot more money had he just swallowed his pride and accepted TT's offseason offer two years ago. Oh well. Thanks for all the fish, dumbass!

[denverYooper]

Would have made a lot more money had he just swallowed his pride and accepted TT's offseason offer two years ago. Oh well. Thanks for all the fish, dumbass!

If I could rep this 42 times, I would.

[smuggler]

Oh Denver... You make me feel like a Slarty Bartfast.

[MadScientist]

Greg Hardy is suspended for the first 10 games of the year according to Schefter.
And now he loses his Bentley:
http://jalopnik.com/greg-hardy-abandons-bentley-in-flash-flood-1700164725

He may have enough money to think he owns the road, but the road and the water on it have other thoughts.

[Joemailman]

Dolphins' Dion Jordan, the #3 overall pick in the 2013 draft, suspended all of 2015 for failed drug test due to diluted test sample. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2446216-dion-jordan-suspended-for-2015-nfl-season-latest-details-comments-reaction?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

[pbmax]

Scott Bischoff ‏@Bischoff_Scott 20m20 minutes ago
Hearing that Rams DT Michael Brockers wants a long-term deal, could get moved. Multiple teams possibly involved, Lions, Cowboys, Texans.

[denverYooper]

Scott Bischoff ‏@Bischoff_Scott 20m20 minutes ago
Hearing that Rams DT Michael Brockers wants a long-term deal, could get moved. Multiple teams possibly involved, Lions, Cowboys, Texans.

Texans following the Jeff Fisher model of teambuilding?

[Fritz]

Scott Bischoff ‏@Bischoff_Scott 20m20 minutes ago
Hearing that Rams DT Michael Brockers wants a long-term deal, could get moved. Multiple teams possibly involved, Lions, Cowboys, Texans.

Maybe the Lions will trade a second and third for him. That'd leave them with a first, a sixth, and a seventh. They are in win-now mode.

Wonder what the axing price is.

[pbmax]

I am certain this is related to the NFL in some way (future cheerleaders?), but clearly its news you can use.

Barstool Sports ‏@barstoolsports 2h2 hours ago
ASU canceled its Undie Run, which donates clothes to the homeless, saying it cheapens degrees http://trib.al/eW0wcmt

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CD2LD25WAAEe5Sd.jpg

[mraynrand]

Well, that just made a shambles of my Saturday night!
http://thefinereport.com/wp-content/imagescaler/5544e5ab64172c4670d6d1c900dbd248.jpg

[Guiness]

Dolphins' Dion Jordan, the #3 overall pick in the 2013 draft, suspended all of 2015 for failed drug test due to diluted test sample. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2446216-dion-jordan-suspended-for-2015-nfl-season-latest-details-comments-reaction?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Weren't they trying to move him this spring?

[mraynrand]

I am certain this is related to the NFL in some way (future cheerleaders?), but clearly its news you can use.

Barstool Sports ‏@barstoolsports 2h2 hours ago
ASU canceled its Undie Run, which donates clothes to the homeless, saying it cheapens degrees http://trib.al/eW0wcmt

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CD2LD25WAAEe5Sd.jpg

At least option #2 still remains: studying with the asian kids at the law library

http://kordantnews.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/01/11/library.jpg

[pbmax]

New 3rd uniform for the 49ers. Blecch. http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2015/04/29/football-fashion-49ers-to-unveil-franchises-first-alternate-uniforms/#32617-3

http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/wp-content/blogs.dir/2277/files/49ers-unveil-new-black-alternates/49ersalt-7-kaepernick-back.jpg

[Smidgeon]

Looks like they aspire to be the Falcons West.

[pbmax]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 5h5 hours ago
Mike Pettine says the Browns aren't going to "over-prioritize the quarterback position" (apparently) http://wp.me/p14QSB-9LqB

They certainly live the philosophy.

[George Cumby]

Dear God those uniforms are ugly.

[mraynrand]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 5h5 hours ago
Mike Pettine says the Browns aren't going to "over-prioritize the quarterback position" (apparently) http://wp.me/p14QSB-9LqB

They certainly live the philosophy.

They might even just go without a QB. They're counting on the flying wedge.

http://www.corbisimages.com/images/Corbis-PG6092.jpg?size=67&uid=9d1baa70-9f9f-46f0-a678-0f59475beb67

[pbmax]

Now I know how the game Buck Buck started.

[mraynrand]

Now I know how the game Buck Buck started.

Smear the queer!*











*warning: microagression!

[pbmax]

OAKLAND RAIDERS ‏@RAIDERS 21m21 minutes ago
Raiders mourn the passing of Marv Hubbard: http://bit.ly/1GWSjSM

Now Pete Banaszak is a one man backfield.

[pbmax]

Say it ain't so EDS!

Pete Dougherty ‏@PeteDougherty 5m5 minutes ago
Per @ProFootballTalk former Packers and current Bucs C Evan Dietrich-Smith has changed his name to Evan Smith: http://tinyurl.com/ouzao5v

If its true, that just leaves us with Electronic Data Systems (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Data_Systems).

[mraynrand]

If you're gonna go to all that trouble, he should have changed it to Evan Danger Smith.

[pbmax]

This is simply anti-fun.

Clarence Hill @clarencehilljr
The Cowboys took away Jerry Jones war room power. Now they have they muzzled his hyperbole. Today,he avoided 2 questions about SB run in '15

[red]

If you're gonna go to all that trouble, he should have changed it to Evan Danger Smith.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH_JRjJtNSw

[pbmax]

Today's Fact of the Day

Vincent Jan Goh ‏@VJGoh

Octopi is accepted, but technically incorrect; Octopus is derived from Greek, not Latin. Correct plural is Octopodes

[pbmax]

Lotta Tim Harris on this list along with Reggie and Clay.

http://www.footballperspective.com/justin-houston-demarcus-ware-and-adjusted-sack-rates/

[pbmax]

Chris B. Brown ‏@smartfootball 33m33 minutes ago
No one seems to mention Jimmy Garroppolo played in exact same offense in college as Bryce Petty and RG3, as his coaches came from Baylor

[pbmax]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/16/pettine-gets-hands-on-with-browns-offense-which-is-bad-for-manziel/


“That side of my brain’s been sort of asleep for a while,” Pettine said, via Cleveland.com. “It’s been great. I feel very rejuvenated as a coach to be a part of it.”

and


“We just don’t want to put our quarterback in situations where the percentages aren’t there,” Pettine said. “We don’t want to be in third-and-long and second-and-long, where the quarterback is getting hit a lot. When a quarterback is upright and can get through his reads quick and get the ball out of his hands he’s a lot better.”

The quotes aren't determinative, but I think the Browns are on their way to screwing up their offense again. The likeliest explantation os Pettine's quotes are that they are going to run the ball early and often. Given their receiving corps, this makes some sense, but isn't a long term successful strategy for an offense today. Its a sign of capitulation to the failure of the front office on the Offensive side of the ball. Its a good way to go 8-8 and 9-7 and have that be your ceiling.

I am not close and don't know Pettine, so he might know this. But I think he's a Rex Ryan guy, no? So I suspect he doesn't know this.

[denverYooper]

Justin Smith is retiring.

San Fran is about to go back to acquiring high first round picks to load up for their next run. Wow, what a depressing offseason for 9er fans.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFUGXb8WoAAEhUn.png

[red]

good

why can't the seahawks try and do something similar

[pbmax]

This won't help the Seahawks in negotiations with Wilson:

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 16m16 minutes ago
The extension #Dolphins gave QB Ryan Tannehill is 4 years for $77M, per source ($19.25M per year). $45M in guarantees, $25M fully guaranteed

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 10m10 minutes ago
So, Ryan Tannehill gets $19.25M per year in new money on his extension. A number that’ll be scrutinized for Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, etc.

[pbmax]

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 34m34 minutes ago
Had a chance to get a gander at the details of Tannehill deal and write up my thoughts for @cbssports. Very low risk buy for the Dolphins...

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 33m33 minutes ago
Basically in exchange for $3.2M more than he would've earned from 15-16, as making inj guar now full guar get the right to 4 more prime yrs

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 30m30 minutes ago
It's 3deals in 1. RT now gets $21.5M over 15-16 vd. $18.3M was set to make. MIA get $15M option for 17 (could be $10M below exclus franch #)

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 29m29 minutes ago
Then then final 3 years are worth a vast majority of the max of $77M in new $. $57M comes those 3yrs ($19M/yr) but all must be earned...

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 28m28 minutes ago
Dolphins could walk from the deal after 2yrs for all intents and purposes if need be. Bulk of money on pay-as-you go basis from 2018-20)

[Guiness]

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 34m34 minutes ago
Had a chance to get a gander at the details of Tannehill deal and write up my thoughts for @cbssports. Very low risk buy for the Dolphins...

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 33m33 minutes ago
Basically in exchange for $3.2M more than he would've earned from 15-16, as making inj guar now full guar get the right to 4 more prime yrs

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 30m30 minutes ago
It's 3deals in 1. RT now gets $21.5M over 15-16 vd. $18.3M was set to make. MIA get $15M option for 17 (could be $10M below exclus franch #)

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 29m29 minutes ago
Then then final 3 years are worth a vast majority of the max of $77M in new $. $57M comes those 3yrs ($19M/yr) but all must be earned...

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 28m28 minutes ago
Dolphins could walk from the deal after 2yrs for all intents and purposes if need be. Bulk of money on pay-as-you go basis from 2018-20)

You know what occurs to me as I try to sort through that? Why did Twitter and it's 140ish characters replace the blog?

[mraynrand]

Twitter = Newspeak. It is a cancer. But due to the newsfeed advantage, it will never go away (conceptually). Plus, it's important to know what your favorite celebrity had for breakfast.

[3irty1]

good

why can't the seahawks try and do something similar

I feel differently. This is just continued 49ers torment. Raising the bar its going to take to get home field advantage in the playoffs. That division was supposed to eat itself and now the 49ers are two easy wins.

[hoosier]

Justin Smith is retiring.

San Fran is about to go back to acquiring high first round picks to load up for their next run. Wow, what a depressing offseason for 9er fans.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFUGXb8WoAAEhUn.png

Couldn't happen to a more deserving group of fans. Well, maybe if it happened to Seattle that would be slightly better.

[pbmax]

You know what occurs to me as I try to sort through that? Why did Twitter and it's 140ish characters replace the blog?

Its a very good match for a phone interface. So its immediately mobile and usable unlike a lot of blog interfaces. Its basically a newswire for the Internet. Some write for it better than others. Some news fits better than others.

There are alternatives in between a blog and Twitter. Facebook, medium.com and Tumblr are all trying to occupy that space, but none are as easy to use from a phone.

[pbmax]

Well the Vimeo of 1920's football didn't work out, but you can find that link and other old time tales in this story of how the Nation's moral character was in jeopardy when a pro football team from New England was playing fast and loose with NFL rules.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2468402-deflategate-roaring-20s-style-new-englands-1st-controversial-nfl-champions

Bonus appearance of the legendary Pottsville Maroons and $100,000 pro prospect Red Grange.

[mraynrand]

Well the Vimeo of 1920's football id work out, but you can find that link and other old time tales in this story of how the Nation's moral character was in jeopardy when a pro football team from New England was playing fast and loose with NFL rules.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2468402-deflategate-roaring-20s-style-new-englands-1st-controversial-nfl-champions

Bonus appearance of the legendary Pottsville Maroons and $100,000 pro prospect Red Grange.

I can't read all that. Can you condense it into a tweet?

[pbmax]

I can't read all that. Can you condense it into a tweet?

PackerRats.com ‏@PackerRats 20s20 seconds ago
NE football. Always a bunch of cheaters. http://packerrats.com/showthread.php?27764-Official-2015-NFL-News-and-Notes-for-Offseason-Non-FA-Non-Draft&p=836671&viewfull=1#post836671 …

Actually, reminds me of a couple of the more pithy posters on the board.

[pbmax]

Aaron Schatz ‏@FO_ASchatz 1h1 hour ago Framingham, MA
The Jets have gone 8 straight years with below-average passing DVOA rating. Think that's bad? Bears went SIXTEEN years from 1997-2012.

[Guiness]

Reading an article about the Skins picking up the 5th year, $16M option on RG3, and saw something that surprised me


So they rolled the dice with $16 million for 2016 in order to avoid having to pay roughly $20 million or more, if Griffin becomes the guy in 2015 that he was in 2012. And if he stinks, the smart move will be to yank him from the field, ensconce him in bubble wrap, and then cut him in the offseason before that $16 million becomes fully guaranteed next March.

I thought the 5th year option was fully guaranteed (injury and skill) when it was exercised.

[pbmax]

Bears have a mean Twitter game. Not much else, but at least its something.

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 3h3 hours ago
Well done RT @ChicagoBears: It may be #SaySomethingNiceDay, but we'll wait until #OppositeDay to say something nice about the @packers.

[pbmax]

Forget the discussion of elite QB play, here is the new standard.

Scott Kacsmar ‏@FO_ScottKacsmar 49s50 seconds ago
If you're paying out the ass for league-average QB play, your team is in trouble. Teams like CHI/CAR/CIN/SF/DET beware @stpete2you @Cianaf

The only problem here is that Kacsmar is probably on good ground differentiating between great QB play and above average talent, I think the $100 million threshold is causing him to assume each of these deals is astronomically out of whack. Not sure that is the case with all of them.

[pbmax]

Aaron Schatz ‏@FO_ASchatz 3h3 hours ago Framingham, MA
Transformation of the NFL stat of the day: every single NFL defense faced shotgun on at least 64.6 percent of plays last year.

[wootah]

The intro's of Mike Daniels on the video's for the NFL top100 players on NFL.com are hilarious. I don't recall the exact quotes, but it was something like (for Lacy) "The guy is like 2 cheese burgers away of putting his hand in the dirt next to me on the D line." (& Pep) "It's like you're playing in the backyard with your friends and suddenly your older brother joins the game. It's just not fair.".

[pbmax]

Whoa. I copied the wrong Tweet there, sorry.

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 2h2 hours ago
Russell Wilson's agent sends 16-page position statement to Seahawks http://wp.me/p14QSB-9MSg

Favre would just hold a sixteen part interview with Greta. And half of all statements would start with "I don't know...".

[Guiness]

The intro's of Mike Daniels on the video's for the NFL top100 players on NFL.com are hilarious. I don't recall the exact quotes, but it was something like (for Lacy) "The guy is like 2 cheese burgers away of putting his hand in the dirt next to me on the D line." (& Pep) "It's like you're playing in the backyard with your friends and suddenly your older brother joins the game. It's just not fair.".

http://www.dtonline.org/areas/6/1/19/p.gif

(link?)

[pbmax]

Things are not bright with the Giants:


B. How can they replace the injured veteran: When Beatty got injured, the Giants slid rookie Ereck Flowers to left tackle and promoted Marshall Newhouse to right tackle, while keeping former right tackle Justin Pugh at guard.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2489793-everything-is-awesome-a-readers-guide-to-every-minicamp-story-ever

Plus the best line of the summer so far:


Often the recovery news is accompanied by meaningless percentages. After the draft, Giants general manager Jerry Reese told WFAN's Mike Francesa (via NJ.com) that Victor Cruz was "probably 85, close to 90 percent" after last season's patellar tendon injury. Three weeks later during OTAs, Cruz himself told the New York Post's Paul Schwartz he was at 80 percent. Using regression analysis on those data points, Cruz will be paralyzed by Labor Day.

[pbmax]

Remember when?

Scott Kacsmar ‏@FO_ScottKacsmar 20h20 hours ago
May 1977: Bears traded a 1st-round pick for Browns QB Mike Phipps, who had thrown 40 TD & 81 INT.

Browns used pick to draft Ozzie Newsome


But the NFC Central was so bad then (looking at it from Ohio) that this cowpie of a move didn't hinder the Bears' chances in the Division much, did it? Sure it took him one year to unseat the immortal Bob Avellini. But he led them to a 10-6 record and second place in the NFCC in '79. Browns were stuck with Brian Sipe. :lol:

[smuggler]

Wasn't Sipe a significantly better QB than Phipps? Or is that the joke?

[pbmax]

Wasn't Sipe a significantly better QB than Phipps? Or is that the joke?

Yes, he was and it was.

[Freak Out]

I loved watching the Browns then....very good team that always fell short. Oh how we all remember the fumble.

[pbmax]

One of the best games was versus the Bears in the 86 opener I think. First year of Instant Replay, and after the Bears SB win if I remember it correctly. Kosar at this point, not Sipe.

Browns had a respectable year in 85, going 8-8, which was a substantial improvement from the previous year.

Was in college and every Bears fan was ready for a repeat of 85. Browns scored on them like nobody's business. Just for good measure, got the benefit of a very shaky instant replay call (might have been the first one ever) in which the refs called NOTHING on the field, actually ceding the call to the booth.

But somehow the Bears found an Offense that day and the Browns D was left back in Berea. Despite scaring the bejesus out of Bears fans everywhere, Browns lost in Chicago 41-31. Was a good omen for a 12-4 season.

[pbmax]

Bill Arnsparger passed away at 88. But here is one version of how he helped birth the zone blitz in the NFL. Doesn't answer the obvious, who thought of this (or from whom did they steal) at LSU?

Peter King: http://mmqb.si.com/2015/07/20/nfl-training-camp-primer-peter-king-schedule/5/


1. I think the football world lost a valuable person Friday with the death of Bill Arnsparger at 88. Arnsparger was the defensive mastermind of the unbeaten Dolphins team in 1972, and the father of the Zone Blitz. (Heck of a résumé, even if those are the only two things he ever did. And they’re not.) But I’ve always been fascinated by Arnsparger’s role with the Zone Blitz. In 1984, the Bengals had an imaginative rookie head coach, Sam Wyche, and an imaginative first-year defensive coordinator, Dick LeBeau. In those days—and still today, for the most part—the Bengals used their coaches as scouts for the draft. In 1984, the Bengals had three first-round draft picks, and the assistants were beating the bushes to see every prime prospect in America. So LeBeau journeyed to LSU to scout a meager crop of Tigers that spring, and spent an afternoon with LSU defensive boss Arnsparger. At the time, who could blame LeBeau for simply inheriting a good defense—the ’83 Bengals allowed a league-beat 270.4 yards a game, 23 yards fewer than the number two Saints—and being a caretaker. But he didn’t. That day in Baton Rouge, LeBeau looked at lots of things LSU was doing that the NFL wasn’t. Namely, dropping defensive linemen and linebackers into shallow zones, covering mostly backs and tight ends on wheel routes and shallow crosses, while unexpectedly blitzing corners or safeties off the edges. When LeBeau left campus and flew on to his next stop, he took a napkin on his Delta flight and began doodling X’s and O’s, imagining dropping traditional but athletic defensive ends Eddie Edwards and Ross Browner into coverage, while letting his defensive backs apply pressure. A few years ago, talking to LeBeau about it, I recall him telling me, “I owe a lot of credit to Bill Arnsparger. He really taught me a lot about the scheme.” Think of the Zone Blitz’s effect on football, and you’ve got to think of Arnsparger’s last effect too. He’ll be missed.

[pbmax]

Bad Contract Team, 2015

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-nfls-all-bad-contracts-team/?ex_cid=story-twitter

Jared Allen lines up at DE.

[MadScientist]

Bad Contract Team, 2015

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-nfls-all-bad-contracts-team/?ex_cid=story-twitter

Jared Allen lines up at DE.

Best thing about that list is that there are no Packers on it. A corollary to this would be the worst contract(s) for each team. Not sure who would be it for the Packers.

[pbmax]

Chancellor and Bennett are threatening to hold out od Seattle's camp if they don't get more money.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/07/29/seattle-seahawks-kam-chancellor-contract-training-camp-hold-out

[hoosier]

One of the best games was versus the Bears in the 86 opener I think. First year of Instant Replay, and after the Bears SB win if I remember it correctly. Kosar at this point, not Sipe.

Browns had a respectable year in 85, going 8-8, which was a substantial improvement from the previous year.

Was in college and every Bears fan was ready for a repeat of 85. Browns scored on them like nobody's business. Just for good measure, got the benefit of a very shaky instant replay call (might have been the first one ever) in which the refs called NOTHING on the field, actually ceding the call to the booth.

But somehow the Bears found an Offense that day and the Browns D was left back in Berea. Despite scaring the bejesus out of Bears fans everywhere, Browns lost in Chicago 41-31. Was a good omen for a 12-4 season.

The '85 Browns were dangerous with their two-headed monster in the backfield. They almost beat a 12-4 team (Dolphins) in the divisional round. And of course that gets me thinking about what would happen to them in each of the next two years. And that in turn makes me realize that the Browns lost championship games three times in one decade. Or was the loss to the Raiders a divisional game? It gets a little easier to stomach what happened last January when you think about what Browns fans have gone through....:-)

[pbmax]

It was the best of times, soon to be the worst of times.

[pbmax]

Roger Goodell's NFL Punishment Generator: http://deadspin.com/taste-roger-goodells-wrath-with-our-nfl-punishment-gene-1720846778

[pbmax]

How did I miss this Bears joke?


You might also remember that the Bears OC last season was Aaron Kromer, who was caught anonymously shit-talking Jay Cutler to the NFL Network, and then had to tearfully apologize to the team after the fact. Kyle Shanahan laughs at your inability to leak things discreetly, Kromer. Since being jettisoned, Kromer has been arrested for allegedly punching a boy over the use of lawn chairs. Those are, presumably, the same lawn chairs that Chicago used to protect its quarterbacks last season.

Why Your Team Sucks: Chicago Bears (http://deadspin.com/why-your-team-sucks-2015-chicago-bears-1720623495)

[pbmax]

QBR gets a remake, and gets much better in the process. ESPN hired the guy (Advanced NFL Stats creator Brian Burke) whose work the original QBR was based on (EPA - expected points added). He has apparently been at work throwing out the clutch factor and the tilt toward the final result since he got there.

Football Perspective ‏@fbgchase 25m25 minutes ago Queens, NY
With three changes, ESPN's QBR has shifted more towards a stat to measure how good a QB is and away from QBQWinz http://www.footballperspective.com/espns-total-qbr-updated-for-2015/ …

EDIT: Not sure how much Burke was involved here. ESPN is still using subjective measures to fiddle with QBR, for instance, they are now adjusting for pressure on the QB during the play.

[Bossman641]

Eric Berry returning to practice Wednesday was fantastic. As someone who has seen family members go through chemo, I cannot fathom how he kept working out through the whole thing.

[pbmax]

Field Yates ‏@FieldYates 3h3 hours ago Southington, CT
Have Tweeted before, but worth mentioning w/football back: Browns OT Joe Thomas has played every single snap in his career: 8,196 & counting

IF ONLY WE HAD TRADED FINLEY TO CLEVELAND FOR HIM AND A 3RD ROUND PICK

[pbmax]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 2m2 minutes ago
Broncos' Kyle Williams out for season with torn Achilles http://wp.me/p14QSB-9OBu

Should have had more protein snacks at practice.

[smuggler]

IF ONLY WE HAD TRADED FINLEY TO CLEVELAND FOR HIM AND A 3RD ROUND PICK

Was this an option??

[pbmax]

Was this an option??

No. Just making fun of commenters, here and elsewhere, overestimating the value of Packer players they hate and want to see traded.

[smuggler]

Didn't he get his CEI against the Browns?

[pbmax]

Seahawks spending come more cash.

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 9h9 hours ago
The guarantee for #Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner is $22M, to go with four years, $43M. A monster deal.

[pbmax]

Didn't he get his CEI against the Browns?

Yep.

[Guiness]

Seahawks spending come more cash.

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 9h9 hours ago
The guarantee for #Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner is $22M, to go with four years, $43M. A monster deal.

Overthecap.com puts Seattle at $163M, with the NFL cap announced at $143. They've got some work to do there. Memo to Kam Chancellor: give up on your holdout idea, it ain't happening.

[pbmax]

JSO Camp reports:

■ Typically, the Packers let their cornerbacks settle in on one side or the other, but first-round pick Damarious Randall played a good dose of both left and right. He replaced Shields on the plays the veteran was out.

■ The Packers have used Micah Hyde first and Randall Cobb second in punt return drills through two practices. Rookie Ty Montgomery, who returned two punts for touchdowns last season at Stanford, has worked with the punt rush team. He is expected to be in the mix on kickoff returns.

I'LL ADMIT THAT WHEN M3 TRIES TO REINVENT THE WHEEL WITH SOME NEW PLAYERS, IT DRIVES ME CRAZY. BUT HYDE PROBABLY MAKES THIS SENSIBLE.


Last year, he played inside mostly in the nickel package, but toward the end of the season when it was clear Hawk had nothing left, he started receiving snaps in the base 3-4 as well. Before he left with an injury, Matthews played 25 of 43 snaps inside against the Seahawks in the final game.
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/clay-matthews-same-barrington-refine-roles-at-inside-linebacker-b99548152z1-320359611.html

SOMEONE ON THE BOARD ASKED THIS QUESTION YESTERDAY. AM I WRONG, OR IS SPOON CONFUSED? MATTHEWS, PUTTING ASIDE NASCAR OR THE 4-3, WAS INSIDE ONLY AS A ROVING BLITZER BEFORE THE BYE WEEK. AFTER THE BYE WEEK, HE WAS STARTING INSIDE IN BASE, MOVING BACK TO OUTSIDE ONLY FOR OBVIOUS PASSING SITUATIONS.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Ronda Rousey Knocks Out Bethe Correia in 34 Seconds
https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/files/2015/08/rousey1.jpg&w=1484

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/623897322351632385/dirdTOyv_normal.jpg Eddy Lacy (https://twitter.com/Lil_Eazy_Ana_42)
Rousey is unreal #Congrats #UFC
12:33 AM - 2 Aug 2015


I saw that Lacy is a fan. One tweet is pathetic excuse for a packer story, but it may be the only chance to scoop the omnipresent pbmax this season. You can't stop him, you can't even hope to contain him.

[pbmax]

This one is for smuggler, this is the most recent update I can find on the appeal/contempt of court action in Doty's decision in the Peterson case.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/21/judge-orders-nfl-nflpa-settlement-talks-on-adrian-peterson-matter/

[Bossman641]

SOMEONE ON THE BOARD ASKED THIS QUESTION YESTERDAY. AM I WRONG, OR IS SPOON CONFUSED? MATTHEWS, PUTTING ASIDE NASCAR OR THE 4-3, WAS INSIDE ONLY AS A ROVING BLITZER BEFORE THE BYE WEEK. AFTER THE BYE WEEK, HE WAS STARTING INSIDE IN BASE, MOVING BACK TO OUTSIDE ONLY FOR OBVIOUS PASSING SITUATIONS.

As I remember it, prior to the midseason switch that saw CM3 playing inside in base, he was getting snaps inside in nickel when the Packers played their 2-4-5. DL were Daniels/Jones/etc, OLB were Peppers and Neal/Perry with their hands on ground, and CM3 and Hawk/Jones in the middle.

[pbmax]

Pretty sure when either Perry or Jones had a hand in the dirt, it was a variation of that Quad/4-3 package they mostly dumped early in the season. But that doesn't mean some version of it survived longer that kept CMIII in the middle.

I just remember him moving around to blitz more than be stationed as an ILB prior to the bye week change.

[smuggler]

Not sure if the settlement for the contempt motion has any bearing on the NFL's appeal of the Doty decision. Even if the league wins their appeal, Peterson has to get off on time served, so it all seems a bit moot except wrt legal precedent. (And Brady.)

[pbmax]

You never want a letter of recommendation from Bretsky:

Ed Werder ‏@Edwerderespn 6m6 minutes ago
#Ravens source confirms team's worst fears on S Matt Elam - complete biceps tear, surgery, season-ending IR for him

[Guiness]

This one is for smuggler, this is the most recent update I can find on the appeal/contempt of court action in Doty's decision in the Peterson case.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/21/judge-orders-nfl-nflpa-settlement-talks-on-adrian-peterson-matter/

So catch me up on this? What's outstanding?

He's been re-instated, but filed a suit (that didn't get resolved) to get re-instated, right? Now that he's back in, is it a moot point, or is he looking for financial compensation? Article talks about a contempt motion because they didn't submit his case to an arbritrator.

[pbmax]

So catch me up on this? What's outstanding?

He's been re-instated, but filed a suit (that didn't get resolved) to get re-instated, right? Now that he's back in, is it a moot point, or is he looking for financial compensation? Article talks about a contempt motion because they didn't submit his case to an arbritrator.

There are two outstanding issues. One is the League's appeal of the Judge's overturning of the arbitration ruling. Federal Judges are supposed to give great weight to the arbitrator's ruling in contract cases. However, given that Doty is relying on a previous Fed Court ruling about ex post facto policy changes (and that ruling has stood), I don't see the appeal as very strong. Also not sure its decisive with Brady's case, as this one has much more to do with due process, though there is a claim (for both the phone and the equipment tampering) that Goodell changed the rules and policies again without notice after an incident.

The other issue is that after Doty's ruling, the NFL did not reinstate Peterson to be eligible. He put him on the Exempt List again. NFLPA is arguing that Goodell stands in contempt with this action. Since its well after the fact, this is mainly about contract service and bonuses. Though after his renegotiation, I am unsure how much this means to him.

[smuggler]

The motion for contempt that the NFLPA filed depends on whether Goodell wanted to keep Peterson on the commissioner's list (players on this list still get paid, so Peterson didn't suffer much in the way of wage-based damages), or whether the Vikings wanted to keep him away from the team until the shitstorm settled a bit and requested he be kept there. If Goodell can show that the latter is true, the NFLPA's motion will fail. Mostly, this is just a case of the NFLPA being combative (and with good cause).

I still think the NFL will win it's appeal of the Doty decision, but it's academic at this point. It's a question of which precedent you apply. The precedent for courts to stand aside when two sides have agreed to binding arbitration, or the precedent of prohibition of retroactive punishment from being levied on employees by their employers (which certainly happened in the Peterson case). I think the arbitration precedent blankets the ex-post-facto precedent, so the league is in good shape. Even though Goodell is an arbitrary douche.

[pbmax]

I don't think the NFL can win the contempt argument by showing it was the Vikings who didn't want him there. They are bound by the CBA and the ruling as well. if Goodell should have made him active, then the Vikings needed to either accept him back or release him.

I agree that for strictly cash based purposes, both cases are moot. This is for controlling precedent going forward.

[pbmax]

Aaron Hernandez might have tampered with a tipster, who may or may not have information that a juror lied during questioning about discussing the case.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/08/03/jury-tipster-had-sexually-explicit-relationship-with-hernandez/


The anonymous tipster who called an Aaron Hernandez defense attorney and raised questions about a member of the jury who convicted his client of murder was having a "sexually explicit relationship" with the former tight end “prior to and during the trial,” according to prosecutors.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/herald_bulldog/2015/08/prosecutor_tipster_had_sexually_explicit

[pbmax]

Tyler Dunne ‏@TyDunne 5m5 minutes ago
Former #Bills head coach Marv Levy turned 90 years old yesterday, which means this is worth watching again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YITZV4Ud6pw …



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YITZV4Ud6pw

And of course, this:

Well the Internet is not finished until someone puts up Over Officious Jerk on You Tube.

[pbmax]

Tweet of the Day (in response)

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 3m3 minutes ago
Record & Fact book fact of the day: There were two winless teams in the 2014 preseason. Both made it to the final eight. Cowboys and Colts.

Andrew El-Hayek ‏@AndrewElHayek 2m2 minutes ago
@ProFootballTalk did the Colts put up a banner for that too?

[pbmax]

Super 70s Sports ‏@Super70sSports 13h13 hours ago
The kids going back to school this month have no idea what they're missing. But we sure do.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CM--Tr1WUAAy0V0.jpg:large

#NonToxic!

[run pMc]

I had those pencils. Thought they were cool, except for Tampon Bay's.

[pbmax]

Matt Maiocco ‏@MaioccoCSN 39m39 minutes ago
Ahmad Brooks' future with #49ers is in question after grand jury charges him with misdemeanor sexual battery.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/mcdonald-brooks-indicted-grand-jury-sex-crimes …

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 45m45 minutes ago
49ers' Ahmad Brooks indicted for sexual battery, Ray McDonald indicted for rape http://wp.me/p14QSB-9PNN


At this point, the most sensible person in San Francisco last year might have been Jim Harbaugh.

[run pMc]

Aldon Smith, Ray McDonald, and now Brooks. Yikes. No wonder Justin Smith, Willis, and Borland retired. Do they even have enough people to field a defense?
Does anyone care or feel sorry for them after Harbaugh? He was kind of a wanker, wouldn't be surprised if that was a contagious thing.

[Patler]

At this point, the most sensible person in San Francisco last year might have been Jim Harbaugh.

My entire body shuddered a bit when I read that!

[ThunderDan]

Super 70s Sports ‏@Super70sSports 13h13 hours ago
The kids going back to school this month have no idea what they're missing. But we sure do.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CM--Tr1WUAAy0V0.jpg:large

#NonToxic!

I had those also. Love the LA Rams and St Louis Cardinals pencils.

[pbmax]

My entire body shuddered a bit when I read that!

Kinda frightening, yes it is.

Big question going forward is what do York and Baalke have planned? They interviewed Adam Case but made it very difficult for him to accept the job (had to keep certain assistant coaches, some coaches he couldn't bring with him) and then elevated the guy everyone thought they wanted to hire all along.

And many of Baalke's FA moves and draft picks have been a disaster, both inside and outside the game.

Just a bad stretch or do they really think they were the smarts behind Harbaugh? They had legitimate complaints against his offense with Kapernick, especially once the run game suffered, though choosing CK over Smith was probably the correct call.

[Pugger]

I don't recall those pencils...

[Cheesehead Craig]

Loved those pencils. I'd arrange them by divisions in the packet.

[smuggler]

The week 1 matchup between the Steelers and Pats will have no LeVeon Bell or Martsvis Bryant, and no Blount or Brady

[run pMc]

One construction worker dead, another injured Wednesday morning working on the Vikings stadium.
#unfortunate #cursed

[pbmax]

Was in Twin Cities recently. It looks impressive and very large from the outside. Sits low from the vantage points I saw, so it looks nothing like the imposing architect's drawings. Probably a better view closer, I was just on the highway.

Unfortunate about the accident, I hope it was just random chance and not avoidable.

[smuggler]

Two workers fell, so I'd think it was a scaffolding failure or something along those lines. Unlikely they'd both be shirking OSHA regs, right?

[Pugger]

Working on these behemoths is dangerous work. Didn't a couple men die building Miller Park?

[pbmax]

Working on these behemoths is dangerous work. Didn't a couple men die building Miller Park?

Yes. High wind blew over a crane that should not have been operating in the conditions of that day.

[Fritz]

Super 70s Sports ‏@Super70sSports 13h13 hours ago
The kids going back to school this month have no idea what they're missing. But we sure do.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CM--Tr1WUAAy0V0.jpg:large

#NonToxic!



Did anyone else notice the Packer pencil was larger than the others?

I used to fondle my Packer pencil fondly.

[mraynrand]

Did anyone else notice the Packer pencil was larger than the others?

I used to fondle my Packer pencil fondly.

Clearly you have pencil envy.

[Patler]

Yes. High wind blew over a crane that should not have been operating in the conditions of that day.

Three men died, and a statue outside Miller Park commemorates them.

For anyone not interested in machines, physics and the like; don't bother reading the rest of this, because I am going to drone on about the accident a bit. I followed the accident investigation as close as I could. I still read articles about it, when I find a new one. I am fascinated by it.

This wasn't just "a crane", it was the largest mobile crane in the world. As tall as a 50 story building. Using it required building runways for it to travel on, because the counterweight alone, not including the crane itself, was something like 2 million pounds. They were lifting a 500 ton section of the roof, which actually was an "easy" lift for the crane weight-wise, depending on conditions, crane configuration for the lift, etc. The crane collapsed, it wasn't blown over by the wind. Everyone agrees that wind was a factor, but it was very likely not the only reason, as is often the case in catastrophic failures.

[pbmax]

YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG

Field Yates ‏@FieldYates 11m11 minutes ago
Browns got 5 picks in Julio deal:
* Phil Taylor
* Greg Little
* Owen Marecic
* Brandon Weeden
* 4th rder to move up 1 slot to draft T-Rich

[pbmax]

I thought the final verdict was that no lifting should have been done that day due to wind velocity?

[Joemailman]

I thought the final verdict was that no lifting should have been done that day due to wind velocity?

I remember an article in the Wausau Daily Herald after that happened. They interviewed some local crane operators. The consensus was that they wouldn't have been lifting anything with the kind of winds they had in Milwaukee that day.

[smuggler]

Browns got 5 picks in Julio deal:
* Phil Taylor
* Greg Little
* Owen Marecic
* Brandon Weeden
* 4th rder to move up 1 slot to draft T-Rich

Damn... that sucks. Phil Taylor is solid, but the rest...

[Patler]

I thought the final verdict was that no lifting should have been done that day due to wind velocity?

I think most, if not all, agree with that. However, the complete failure of the crane itself probably was not solely caused by the wind. Lifting in winds can be unsafe, but not because the crane will collapse. There are lots of issues about load stability and the like, which can be extremely dangerous for workers, but not because you expect the crane to collapse, especially with the load not being near the cranes capacity.

More than likely, the wind set into motion a string of events that caused the collapse. Other issues mentioned include:

Unstable areas of the crane runway, which caused them to move the location, and required a higher lift and longer reach.
A broken water main that no one can say for sure if it broke before or because of the crane collapse. If before, it may have caused the runway issue.
The use of a softer material spacer in the kingpin assembly. The king pin is solid steel, a foot in diameter and 10 feet long. It is primarily a pivot point, but also bears the weight of side loading. Credible evidence indicated the first loud snap heard on video of the accident was likely the spacer shattering. The second bang was the kingpin dislodging, Thereafter, the crane collapsed.
A malfunctioning anemometer on the crane at a critical elevation.


They should not have lifted because of the wind, but if all else had been right, would the crane have collapsed? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe the only result would have been an unsuccessful lift and an aborted attempt.

The issue that has always intrigued me is the decision to use a half inch thick spacer ring of softer material in the kingpin assembly. Had that not failed, would the collapse have occurred? Without side loading because of wind it might not have mattered. Secondarily, did a soft runway increase the side loading problem? I'm not sure anyone knows the answers to these questions.

It was agreed that the lift should not have been performed because of the wind, but did the result have to be a complete collapse of the crane?

[pbmax]

Got it. Its fantastic they worked through the entire assembly and wreckage like that and didn't go with the first, obvious answer. I am sure that information proved valuable elsewhere, even if only as a cautionary tale.

[smuggler]

Patler, that is an unusually insightful and technical post for a layman. Are you an operating engineer?

[Patler]

Patler, that is an unusually insightful and technical post for a layman. Are you an operating engineer?

I'm not an operating engineer, but not exactly a typical layman either. I have been involved with issues relating to mammoth machine designs for more than 30 years, some stationary, some mobile (as well as more reasonable sized equipment, too.) That is why I was so fascinated by the investigation of the "Big Blue" collapse. Truth be told, I was reading everything the papers had even before the accident, as the crane was being trucked in and erected. Before the accident, some had said the crane was "overkill" for the moderate lifts that would be needed at Miller Park. They are amazing pieces equipment.

As a young man, I operated all sorts of machinery.

[Patler]

Got it. Its fantastic they worked through the entire assembly and wreckage like that and didn't go with the first, obvious answer. I am sure that information proved valuable elsewhere, even if only as a cautionary tale.

Agreed. Much like plane crash investigations to discover what can be learned to prevent similar events in the future. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to determine if something caused or was caused by the event.

[pbmax]

If you perform the 2015 San Francisco 49ers offseason to the Packers, here is who you lose:

Green Bay would have lost Mike McCarthy, Jordy Nelson, Jarrett Boykin, Jeff Janis, Eddie Lacy, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, Don Barclay, BJ Raji, Nick Perry, Mike Neal, AJ Hawk, Brad Jones, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Demetri Goodson, and Tim Masthay.

Frightening part is, they have lost four of them on their own (Nelson, Boykin, Hawk, Jones and Tramontana). Plus Goodson is hurt.

You can do this with any team: http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/9/4/9261761/what-if-your-team-had-suffered-the-same-offseason-fate-as-the-niners

[Guiness]

Chicago did steller as well, hitting on 9 of 17, which is far more than the number of games they'll win this year!

Chicago would have lost Marc Trestman, Brandon Marshall, Josh Morgan, Marquess Wilson, Matt Forte, Matt Slauson, Jordan Mills, Eben Britton, Stephen Paea, Lance Briggs, Shea McClellin, Jon Bostic, DJ Williams, Tim Jennings, Charles Tillman, Terrance Mitchell, and Pat O'Donnell.

[smuggler]

Chicago 5-11, pretty much a foregone conclusion for everyone except Chitown betters, keeping the Vegas over/under nice and high for the rest of the world to take advantage of. (over/under is 7 games, the best play in the entire league)

[pbmax]

So RG3 had a run-in with Doctors who made one diagnosis, then changed it, now has resigned. The guy who reversed the decision has a history of mis-judging concussion severity.

Resigning: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/redskins-still-waiting-on-rgiiis-clearance/2015/09/04/3c6d69a6-5348-11e5-9812-92d5948a40f8_story.html?postshare=7611441452417119

Reversed Original Decision last Friday: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/hanging-over-the-redskins-serious-concern-about-robert-griffin-iiis-readiness/2015/08/28/d394d98a-4dc7-11e5-bfb9-9736d04fc8e4_story.html

Its not clear that Dr. Robert N. Kurtzke reversed himself, which seems to be what some headlines imply. Seems like he reversed the team Docs. However, there seems to have been a report that cleared RG3 at some point. So the timeline and process itself is very unclear. Its also not clear whether the League, NFLPA or the Team forced the resignation.


Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 5m5 minutes ago
Anyone that has followed me on social media knows I HATE talking about my struggle w/ this. But reading this man's name just hit a nerve...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 9m9 minutes ago
After practice that week my headaches + pressure in my head got so bad, I swerved behind the wheel + had to pull over. I knew I wasn't OK...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 11m11 minutes ago
I've never had a doctor be so condescending while spewing BS. But I wanted to play, and he told me I was fine to play. So I played...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 16m16 minutes ago
When I explained that taking painkillers and continuing to play w/ bad symptoms didn't seem smart, he asked me who the doctor was...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 18m18 minutes ago
He cleared me to play just days after. So I began practicing w/ headaches + what felt like a 5 lb weight in my head. Alecko Eskandarian added,

GCinDC @grcanty
@alecko11 did he advise that it was ok to keep playing?

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 50m50 minutes ago
The fact that this quack still works w/ high profiled athletes is A JOKE. This man put my life at risk and is a name I will never forget.

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 54m54 minutes ago
10 years ago when I suffered a Grade 3 concussion that took me a year to recover from, Dr. Kurtzke suggested to "just keep taking Tylenol".

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 55m55 minutes ago
I cannot tell you how much pent up anger I have towards this man, as he is the same doc who nearly caused me brain damage and maybe worse...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 57m57 minutes ago
I have just read that the neurologist involved in the RG3 concussion fiasco is Dr. Kurtzke...


From Wiki:
Alecko Eskandarian (born July 9, 1982) is an American former soccer player of Armenian-Iranian descent. He is the assistant coach for New York Cosmos and head coach for their reserve team, New York Cosmos B.

He attended the University of Virginia as an undergrad.

[pbmax]

The source of the confusion is, of course, the Redskins.

From the above WaPo article about Griffin being declared out for the Friday contest:


On Thursday night, the Redskins announced that an independent neurologist had cleared Griffin to resume competition.

[pbmax]

Tebow is available to be a backupWR/RB/FB/TE/quasiQB.

[pbmax]

wrong thread again.

[Guiness]

So RG3 had a run-in with Doctors who made one diagnosis, then changed it, now has resigned. The guy who reversed the decision has a history of mis-judging concussion severity.

Resigning: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/redskins-still-waiting-on-rgiiis-clearance/2015/09/04/3c6d69a6-5348-11e5-9812-92d5948a40f8_story.html?postshare=7611441452417119

Reversed Original Decision last Friday: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/hanging-over-the-redskins-serious-concern-about-robert-griffin-iiis-readiness/2015/08/28/d394d98a-4dc7-11e5-bfb9-9736d04fc8e4_story.html

Its not clear that Dr. Robert N. Kurtzke reversed himself, which seems to be what some headlines imply. Seems like he reversed the team Docs. However, there seems to have been a report that cleared RG3 at some point. So the timeline and process itself is very unclear. Its also not clear whether the League, NFLPA or the Team forced the resignation.


Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 5m5 minutes ago
Anyone that has followed me on social media knows I HATE talking about my struggle w/ this. But reading this man's name just hit a nerve...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 9m9 minutes ago
After practice that week my headaches + pressure in my head got so bad, I swerved behind the wheel + had to pull over. I knew I wasn't OK...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 11m11 minutes ago
I've never had a doctor be so condescending while spewing BS. But I wanted to play, and he told me I was fine to play. So I played...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 16m16 minutes ago
When I explained that taking painkillers and continuing to play w/ bad symptoms didn't seem smart, he asked me who the doctor was...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 18m18 minutes ago
He cleared me to play just days after. So I began practicing w/ headaches + what felt like a 5 lb weight in my head. Alecko Eskandarian added,

GCinDC @grcanty
@alecko11 did he advise that it was ok to keep playing?

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 50m50 minutes ago
The fact that this quack still works w/ high profiled athletes is A JOKE. This man put my life at risk and is a name I will never forget.

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 54m54 minutes ago
10 years ago when I suffered a Grade 3 concussion that took me a year to recover from, Dr. Kurtzke suggested to "just keep taking Tylenol".

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 55m55 minutes ago
I cannot tell you how much pent up anger I have towards this man, as he is the same doc who nearly caused me brain damage and maybe worse...

Alecko Eskandarian ‏@alecko11 57m57 minutes ago
I have just read that the neurologist involved in the RG3 concussion fiasco is Dr. Kurtzke...


From Wiki:
Alecko Eskandarian (born July 9, 1982) is an American former soccer player of Armenian-Iranian descent. He is the assistant coach for New York Cosmos and head coach for their reserve team, New York Cosmos B.

He attended the University of Virginia as an undergrad.

Twitter is the worst interview format EVER.

[pbmax]

Deadspin says that Kurtzke pulled a double move. He overruled the team Docs apparently on Thursday, then reversed himself on Friday.

http://deadspin.com/report-neurologist-who-switched-rg3s-concussion-diagno-1728910401?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitte r&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

[pbmax]

Peter Burns ‏@PeterBurnsESPN

Montee Ball 924 college carries
Eddie Lacy 355 college carries.
But the #Broncos felt Lacy had been “worked” too hard. HUGE whiff in draft.

[red]

Tebow is available to be a backupWR/RB/FB/TE/shittyQB.

fixed it

[Joemailman]

Browns have suspended OL coach indefinitely:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000523654/article/browns-suspend-oline-coach-andy-moeller-indefinitely


The Cleveland Browns on Monday announced that offensive line coach Andy Moeller has been suspended indefinitely by the team effective immediately.

"Over the weekend, Andy was involved in an incident, involving allegations that we take very seriously," the team said in a statement. "We have followed our internal protocol, determining that right now it is best for the team and for Andy to take time away from the organization to focus on his personal matters. We are going to respect the process of investigation on this personal matter and will have no further comment at this time."

The Browns provided no further details. Moeller has encountered trouble before, serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy as a Ravens assistant in 2011. That ban stemmed from Moeller's arrest on drunken-driving charges.

[mraynrand]

http://media.fyre.co/f69DYeFqQfeJMGqqWfmt_wpid-meme7073123594.jpg

[mraynrand]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsnN1wnlV4o

[pbmax]

Browns have suspended OL coach indefinitely:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000523654/article/browns-suspend-oline-coach-andy-moeller-indefinitely

Schefter says it was an assault of a female guest at his home.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13604912/cleveland-browns-o-line-coach-andy-moeller-investigation-alleged-assault?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

[pbmax]

How have we not seen this before?


http://cowboyszone.com/images/temp/jerry-jones-emperor.jpg

[pbmax]

Nothing in the world is more consistent that a defensive background head coach with a QB problem being completely in the dark about how much its going to limit him. You'd think hard lessons would have been learned about that by now.

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 2m2 minutes ago
Max contract, as first reported by ESPN, worth $108M over 6yrs. Dareus comes off monster year but has been a problem in past. Huge $ for him

[Fritz]

Browns have suspended OL coach indefinitely:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000523654/article/browns-suspend-oline-coach-andy-moeller-indefinitely


Geez, I wonder if he's related to former University of Michigan coach Gary Moeller, who was fired supposedly because of a drunken incident at a restaurant.

But he finished 8-4 that season. Had they gone 11-1, he'd probably still be the coach.

[pbmax]

Technically, this isn't the offseason, but still, not worth another thread and no one want to read a thread about Brady anymore.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/12/nfl-will-test-psi-on-a-random-basis-only/

Random testing with balls taken out of play and replaced with backups at halftime. What are the larger goal?

1. Obviously monitoring for tampering during the game (they League probably is not going to lose the balls pregame anymore (http://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-game/preparing-the-footballs-for-nfl-games).

2. Measure enough and you could get very good data on natural deflation under game conditions.

3. Remove them from play and secure them. For later inspection?

Kinda curious why they don't take a few at the end of the game as well. Also, if they are trying to generate some actual results from inflation patterns, why not announce that?

But most importantly, what is the competitive advantage here? Why worry about this? Doubt its the QB's passing. Despite a previous paper on the subject of Patriots low fumble rates getting shredded by blogs for some simple errors, does the League believe the Patriots fumble less because of the PSI?

[pbmax]

BI Sports ‏@BI_Sports 43m43 minutes ago
Microsoft paid the NFL $400M to use its tablets, and announcers are still calling them iPads http://read.bi/1ETfUUP

[pbmax]

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 8m8 minutes ago
Situation between Colts and Chuck Pagano looking more and more like 49ers scenario w/Harbaugh from a year ago: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25299724/chuck-paganos-days-appear-numbered-as-friction-with-colts-gm-grows …

I don't know who will get the Colts job, or even if it will be open. But I do know Nick Saban will get a raise and Bret Bielema will write a letter to Jim Irsay and Ryan Grigson.