ESPN Contributer and Grantland Columnist Bill Barnwell fears this is the end of the New England Patriots-Tom Brady Era of Domination in the NFL

An interesting report done by ESPN contributer and Grantland columnist Bill Barnwell states he fears the worst for the direction of New England Patriots' reign over the NFL and why its not Tom Brady's fault. Grantland for those who are unaware is a partner site of ESPN which has gems and expert opinion in the current sports climate; evidently Grantland is also home to unique reviews in the entertainment world. Today, Barnwell had written his woes for the Patriot and Tom Brady legacy. The first four games have been just as confusing as brutal for the Pats; masterminds Head Coach Bill Belicheck and Tom Brady (QB) have yet to come up with a solution to their offense's inefficiencies as of late.

Bill Barnwell points to the Tom Brady's supporting cast to be the culprit for the blowout on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 41-14 beatdown speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the offense and while the public's eyes are always pointed at the QB, Barnwell makes a strong case for why that assumption is wrong. During the Monday Night Football game, Tom Brady's throws were on point, had plenty of zip and were placed accurately. Brady neither looked unwavering from pressure and had good movement in the pocket, extending plays and making great aerial strikes as he always has done. Statistically, the players around Brady had an abysmal game against a physically dominant Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

The offensive line protecting Brady has seemed to get even worse. Throughout the first four games play, the O line was in need of a serious reboot. That reboot was suppossed to start with removing Right Guard Jordan Devey last week, who has been dreadful this season, to insert the much anticipated performance by fourth round draft pick Bryan Stork at Center. This effectively began a musical chairs of replacements and reshifting of the line, which in fact worsened the effectiveness of Brady's protection. Rookie Cameron Flemming was consistently outplayed by Allen Bailey (Chiefs DE) and lead to a Brady fumble from a stip sack. The other Brady fumble occured when Tamba Hali's (Chiefs DE) well timed jump at the beggining of the play dashed right by Patriots' Tackle Nate Solder. Solder and fellow veteran Sebastian Vollmer were benched during the game. Barnwell states that the Pat's offensive line's subpar play lead to seven out of twenty five of Brady's drop-backs being hurried.

Playcalling also was routed to curb the Chief's defensive domination of the line. Shovel passes, play actions and screens galore were implemented by Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels. Short game air strikes were due to insufficient time in the pocket for Brady. The Patriots rushing game was suspect as well. An abused O line lead to only twenty four yards rushing in the first half. On one third and two play, Stork ended the opening lane and the rush early because he was shoved completely backwards. On one particular third and three, Chiefs pass rushed with just four guys against five O men and three Chiefs beat the lineman at the jump and rushed Brady, who manuevered out of it well, into a hurried throw right into the hands of Julian Edelman (Patriot's WR) only to be dropped. Yes, even the recievers played appallingly bad also. Edelman, uncharacteristically would see three dropped balls that were very catchable. Of the wide receivers only Brandon Lefell had a good game, whom has shown consistency and promise this season.

Indeed, Brady looked as if he didn't trust his protection or his receivers and from those who watched the game, who could blame him? The Patriots may just be a victim of the excessive hype related to so many successful years of solid performances on offense and defense alike throughout the decades. If such a perception is the case then the veil is slowly being lifted and is revealing the huge holes in the Patriot's game. The Patriots seem victims of a muddled and inexperienced offensive line and recievers who are still trying to figure out their niches in the offense...or catch the ball; which, from Bill Barnwell's perspective, has left Tom Brady, future Hall of Famer, stuck in the middle with newbs.



References:
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/new-england-patriots-kanas-city-chiefs-tom-brady/

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Tom Brady: Kieth Allison

Pre-Season (various): Brian J. McDermot

Julian Edelman: Brian J. McDermot

ESPN reporter Bill Williamson on the Oakland Raiders 0-4 heading into the bye week and say bye bye to Head Coach Dennis Allen who was just fired late Monday

ESPN Oakland Raiders reporter Bill Williamson broke the story that late monday night, Oakland Raiders Head Coach Dennis Allen has been fired after just 2 seasons. During his tenure, Dennis Allen lead his Raiders team to victory just eight times in a span of 36 games. After just two full seasons with the Oakland Raiders as Head Coach and an abysmal 0-4 record to begin the regular season, the Raiders organization has pulled the plug on Allen making the announcement on Monday. In those two season, the Raiders have unfortunately held the second to worst win percentage in the NFL. The only team with a lower win percentage than Oakland (.222 win percentage) is the Jacksonville Jaguars at .167 percentile.

Mark Davis, son of the famous former Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, whom now owns the Raider organization was reported as stating that he was weary from his beloved Raiders team continously losing in lopsided fashion and in big blowout games. A statement that would continue to reoccur as under Dennis Allen's tutelage the Raiders were blownout in 9 games of Allen's 36 and lost by more than twenty points. It appeared the loss on Sunday in Webley Stadium, UK against the Miami Dolphins was the tipping point leading to the firing of Allen, it was loss recorded at 38-14 making it another 20 point plus loss for Oakland. Former legendary owner Al Davis was no stranger to firing and replacing head coaches and as his son Mark Davis fires Allen that makes 7 head coaches fired since they traded Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay in 2001. The seven Raider head coaches axed makes it the longest streak of firing head coaches in the NFL. An ugly statistic added on to an even uglier slew of problems for Oakland.

When you don't win games in the NFL, you simply will not be coaching for long. Even Bill Williamson remarked that Allen's inability to keep the Raiders competitive and relevant was his downfall. This is a process that happens all too often in the NFL. Nevertheless, Mark Davis and the Raiders Organization had sound reasons for the firing. The two seasons before Dennis Allen was made head coach the Raiders were 8-8, not a great record but one that is often good enough to be in the playoff hunt/picture.  Questioning eyes are now on the Oakland Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie who personally picked Dennis Allen with confidence to lead the Raiders back to former glory of the Madden Era/ Al Davis era of smashmouth Raiders football. The 0-4 start this season paired with an NFL high of ten straight losses and an overall 8-28 record is reason enough for any NFL managers to send Allen the boot. The unfortunate truth is that Oakland heavily recycled and tried to improve their roster in the off-season last year and has found themselves in another dreadful season. As Oakland Raiders head into their bye week for the season (which they will definitelty need) they say 'bye bye' to Dennis Allen and look forward (so to speak) to another rebuilding year.

References:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11615699/dennis-allen-fired-head-coach-oakland-raiders

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Dear Al: Ron Hall

ESPN Green Bay Report Rob Demvosky on Why Packers Fan Can Keep Calm and R.E.L.A.X with an Aaron Rodgers 151.2 QB Rating FTW

ESPN Green Bay Packers reporter Rob Demvosky in an article published today tells his fellow Packers fans  they can now effectively take some R & R after the Packer's effective offesnsive performance.  During the first three drives of the game for the Packers, Rodgers looked indubitably different in pace and focus. Aaron Rodgers strung together three touchdown drives of 205 yards combined in just 8 mintues and 56 seconds in those opening three offesive drives. It was such an offensive onslaught and fervent pace that was reminiscent of Peyton Manning No-Huddle charges or the Philadelphia Eagles recent playcalling.  That is the style and type of offensive productivity that Packers fans have been accustomed to. Quite possibly, Packers fans galore may be too accustomed to it. Where there was panic in Green Bay last week; this week such frightened woes about the season for the Green Bay Packers were replaced with hype and hopes in a solid outing against the Bears.

Demvosky goes on to make the notations that the Chicago Bears are currently ranked 23rd in yards allowed and missing three DB starters including Charles Tillman at CB is who on the reserve list. Nevertheless, the Bears would see Rodgers and company score a touchdown or more throughout every quarter of play. Packers effectively handed the Bears their second loss of the season with 38-17 victory. Packer's own division again becomes manageable as the last two consecutive outings for wins place them right behind the 3-1 Detriot Lions. The NFC North, just a couple weeks ago, looked grim for Green Bay; two wins later for the Packers and with all other contenders(Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings) except for the Lions at 2-2 , the NFC North is not only wide open but its a division where Aaron Rodgers and Packers should be dominating in the weeks to come. Even Rodgers stated something to that effect in the post game interviews, "Well, I just know it's a long season, so there's always going to be mini-freakouts along the way...You just got to stick together, stay the course. [Coach Mike McCarthy] talked about trusting the process this week. I just wanted to remind everybody that it's a long season and at some point we were going to get this thing figured out."

The game was great for fans of the Packers high flying air assaults. Not only were Rodgers numbers on point for the game, he shared the wealth as well. Rodgers hooked up with....of course.. Jordy Nelson for 10 catches, 100+ yards & a couple touchdowns but found help from Randall Cobb (118 yards with two touchdowns), Richard Rodgers (a nice big 43 yard catch for the rookie) and Davante Adams (2 catches, 18 yards). This offensive clinic was almost as impressive as Rodgers QB rating for the game. Never since a 2009 game against the Browns (155.4) has it ever been this high at 151.2 which was thanks to 22 of 28 completions with 302 yards and four touchdowns. Tied in second for their division, consecutive wins their last couple outings and a near Aaron Rodgers' career high 151.2 QB rating is more than enough for the Green Bay Packer's world to 'R.E.L.A.X.' just take Rodgers' word for it.

References:

http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/13611/aaron-rodgers-packers-quick-hitting-offense-should-help-fans-r-e-l-a-x

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11576354/aaron-rodgers-tells-panicking-green-bay-packers-fans-relax

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Aaron Rodgers: Mike Morbeck

Green Bay Offense: Joe Bielawa

Vince Lombardi Quote: Next TwentyEight

ESPN Reporter Andy Jasner Is Worried About Philadelphia Eagles' Sack Drought And Why You Should Be Concerned

ESPN reporter Andy Jasner is woried about the Philadelphia Eagle's defensive effeciency and thinks you should be just as concerned. If you remember three weeks ago, the Eagles recorded a respectable three sacks during their come from behind victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Those pass rushes are an element in what would become a 34-17 shootout win. Andy Jasner is much more concerned with the fact that since that game the Eagles haven't posted another sack as of yet. While offensive productivity is relatively good and Philly can boast a solid rating for their QB, Nick Foles, who is in the top ten performing quarterbacks, leaving the game with no sacks for your defense is a worrying statistic. The NFL and football itself is evolving and its general trend on defensive effeciency is tightly related to how much pressure you can place on your opposing quarterbacks. Sacks in a game are often under appreciated, many DBs around the league will tell you if you can get a sack it takes pressure of your back and places it on the offense. When teams pass rush effectively it deters and keeps offenses honest, the less time the quarterback has in the pocket, the more likelihood that the plays turns out in the defense's advantage.

The Philadelphia Eagles are no stranger to this defensive philosophy. The great and revered former Eagles Defensive Coach Jim Johnson was a pass rush intensive playcaller, which gave a reputation and respect around the league for the heavy hits and blitz rushes back in the day with great pieces to that stellar defensive puzzle such as Brian Dawkins at strong safety who molded well with playcalling and style for consecutive successful years of a strong Eagles defense. Very talented stars have took up that helm at defense like Trent Cole, who has impresive speed and power, yet ever since the new direction along with the failure of the last couple years with the 'Wide 9' style, which saw disasterous results in pass rushing, getting sacks has been a big gap and great detriment to Ealges defensive productivity. Many Eagles recognize this recurring problem such as Connor Barwin who made the statement that "I think we're rushing the passer really well when we have the opportunities,But the opportunities haven't been what we've wanted them to be. And that's on us to make it happen. Or else everybody's going to keep talking about it -- and rightfully so."

Frankly, Philadelphia Eagles just have been unable to bring their defense back to the luster and productivity of Jim Johnson era of Ealges defense. The wide 9 gimmick defense seemed to bring in even less sacks than less intensive pass rushing teams during the last two seasons. While the defense seems better positioned in many areas of personell and playcalling, there is noticeable disconnect with what the Eagles set out to do on defense and what the numbers and statistics state. Even Connor Barwin addressed that he believed that their defense was getting good pressure but quick releases (from opposing QBs) and other factors lead to no sacks in the last two outings. Nonetheless, many Eagles realize that if they want their undefeated season to stay that way, Eagles defensive coordinators, defensive leaders like Cole and Barwin and others will have to figure out this conundrum and start getting QBs on the ground.

References: http://espn.go.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/8034/eagles-stuck-on-sack-total-since-opener

Lawsuit against Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones could have no ruling due Jones' legal defense citing the expiration of statute of limitations, and not the validity of sexual assault charges

A report done by the Associated Press today has it that Ms. Jana Weckerly alleges an incident in 2009 at a dalls hotel in which Jerry Jones (Owner of Cowboys) groped and forced her to do things she did not want her to do. She claims that Jones had grabbed her genitals and was kissing her without consent.  Another claim is that Jerry Jones, the Cowboys and attorney for Jerry Jones, Levi McCathern have attempted to pay her hush money for the last four years. Weckerly stated that she can provide proof that the payments occured from her bank records via her bank account receiving payments from Jones, though no proof was provided as of yet.   She is also making the claim that the Cowboys organization, Jerry Jones and a long standing lawyer for Jones were involved in stealing her cell phone's memory card in order to leak and upload possible embarrasing or detrimental photos to hinder her case. Jones, the Cowboys and McCathern have denied any and all allegations made thus far.

ESPN's Cowboys reporter Todd Archer clarifies that the media stir about the story began to rise during the beginning of training camp. During Cowboys training camp sessions there were pictures released with friends of Weckerly who were seen in the company of Jones, which started a heap of new stories and went viral. Apparently the Cowboys organization has known about the photos of the incident for some time. The organization was also briefed on the lawsuit last week that could potentially be coming. Levi McCathern states they will be taking legal action of their own. The new

legal proceedings that have now formed may not hold due to the statue of limitations of either civil case regarding sexual assault or a case of civil conspiracy which both have already passed/expired at five and two years respectively.

Weckerly's attorney, Thomas Bowden, states that alleged payments to Ms. Weckerly were a plot to intimidate her from going to the police or the courts for a solution before the statutes of limitations had expired. Bowden also stated during the proceedings "Who is my client to go against a billion-dollar man?...She just did what she was told, judge." Jones' lawyer, McCathern, during the early legal proceedings made the argument that there was no hush money given and even if there was, it wouldn't constitute 'being under duress' for not filing the lawsuit before the statue of limitations had ended. McCathern made a statement in response stating that this  is "nothing more than attempt to embarrasess and extort the Cowboy's owner". A police statement regarding the event from Dallas police spokesman claimed that he could not confirm whether or not the assault was reported. The lawsuit is also short on details as no location of the event nor the date were listed or specified. More light will be shed and certainly more news cameras as the next hearing will take place on October 16th, where Ms. Weckerly will be seeking recompense for damages at over one million dollars.

References:
http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/11594094/attorneys-dallas-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-argue-assault-claim-filed-too-late

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/11584093/accuser-alleges-jerry-jones-dallas-cowboys-paid-silence

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Jerry Jones (Top): Hail Merry

Jerry Jones (Bottom): Algorhythm Labs

The Bad, Ugly and a touch of Good: The Paradigm That Is The NFL/ ESPN Wishy-Washy See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil Policy With Respect To Public Image and Profitable Partnerships

A tornado of accusations, pending trials, videos, pictures and massive media targeting has left a dizzying and harmful impact on the NFL's image this season. Even worse, NFL leaders across the league seem hellbent on a downplay to miraculous catharsis (funnelled by public outrage) ending with unclear, impartial and vague official responses as a gameplan. Fans, reporters and outside onlookers might be fooled into believing that they are watching a terrible horror movie on the SciFi channel. Even on this week's South Park, Roger Goodell was referenced as being a  broken machine spitting out useless words in the midst of a crisis. It seems the best way to get the changes echoed throughout public interests is to threaten deep pockets via public outrage (Sponsorships and Partner Companies/ Corporations; E.G. Radisson Hotel Chain dropping the Vikings). Despite the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil theme employed by the NFL's containment crew, this theme has also been a gameplan for ESPN who faced an integrity crisis just one year ago while covering the NFL's concussion ordeal.

Even the Ombudsman of ESPN, Robert Lipsyte (Longstanding New York Times Reporter, former correspondent of CBS Sunday Morning and NBC Nightly News) is torn between heralding media coverage to shed light and public awareness of NFL domestic violence recurrences and that of last year's scandal involving ESPN journalism backing out due to pressure from the NFL for aiding in the PBS Documentary "League of Denial". ESPN president John Skipper removed his organization from a 15 month relationship with PBS in fear of losing a mutli billion dollar NFL deal. Skipper would eventually call the documentary 'sensationalism' with experts whom he believed mispresented facts. Skipper's decision placed ESPN under negative press as Jay McMillian, reporter for the Goose Creek, South Carolina area, likened ESPN journalistic integrity to TMZ or Mad Magazine. ESPN's Skipper states that there was no pressure from NFL Commissioner Goodell; the statement was much to the contrast of a New York Times report implicating Skipper and ESPN's appeasement to the pro football juggernaut.

This next part is going to sound familar and a paradigm to the struggles facing the NFL in leu of violent misconduct and behavior. ESPN removed their brand from PBS along with Skipper statements that tried to downplay the ESPN-PBS joint documentary project. The problem was however, ESPN's Skipper and PBS's President Paula Kerger were jointly at the helm of an Aspens Ideas Festival panel just a couple years back where John Skipper personally stated "We're not the public trust that PBS is, but we do a certain amount of programming that is a bit of the public trust." While on the documentary's promotional tour ESPN Journalist Dwayne Bray proudly commented that “the NFL is just going to have to understand" with regards to ESPN-PBS's "FrontLine" relationship. As the ESPN network pulled away only a few short weeks before the airing of "League of Denial", they made use of promoting two ESPN reporter's books regarding the documentary along with an article in ESPN magazine both contradictory to Skipper's previous appallment with the documentary but clearly under Skipper's approval. Many claimed that such a move was to save journalistic face but many more contend that it was another baneful example of the calculus of marketing/ profitability.

While ESPN has previously been appeasing to their largest network provider, the NFL, they are slowly regaining their journalistic integrity it appears. Indeed, the tables have seemed to turn as ESPN journalists break more stories on NFL related violences this season.  A new article by Robert Lipsyte this week shows the bad and the ugly paradigm of ESPN journalism referencing his earlier posts about ESPN's journalistic integrity and direction while stating the good done via the exposure of the Ray Rice scandal. Though one has to wonder if such a resurgeance in protecting the integrity of the game via ESPN journalism is just an opportunistic way to cash in on the unexpected growing stock of holistic integrity this fall. That may seem harsh, nevertheless, it is a strategy which was used by ESPN just one year ago to advantageously play both sides of the fence.

References:

http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/96/was-espn-sloppy-naive-or-compromised

http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/176/winning-ugly-espn-journalism-prevails

http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/453/espn-flexes-journalistic-muscle-on-rice

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Roger Goodell Today Show Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Research: The U.S. Army

Frontline 'League of Denial' Peabody Award: Peabody Awards

Visualization of NFL Head Injuries: Jer Thorp

Terrifying Sight: John Martinez Pavliga

Power Rankings Contend Oakland Raiders Are The Best Of The Worst This Season

A couple of lighter stories this week in the NFL made headlines for certain teams. A nice piece done by Jeff Legwold, Denver Broncos Reporter and member of Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors, entailed in a comedic tone of how Broncos Head Coach John Fox will be taking the bye week in stride and with no golfing. While during last year's bye week, Fox needed an aortic valve replaced when he fell ill while golfing in Charlotte, NC. An incident which left the Broncos without their mastermind for four weeks last season. Though, the best of the worst stories this week would have to be the Oakland Raiders and their silver lining through an already cloudy season. Just ask Bill Williamson, ESPN reporter for the Raiders.

After a hard fought loss to New England, power rankings via ESPN have Oakland as the best of the only three remaining win-less teams. Even better, in the hearts of hopeful Raiders fans, is that Oakland will be facing off against Miami Dolphins (1-2) whom are also off to a shaky start, going in the wrong direction after consecutive losses.

Raiders and Dolphins are set to do battle across the pond in London, UK at Wembley Stadium this Sunday. The match-up could make for a interesting and close scrap, as both teams are fighting to stay relevant in this season's playoff picture.

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Raider Nation: Nathan Jongewaard

Dolphins Vs. Raiders: June Rivera

Wembley Stadium (Daytime): Daniel

Wembley Stadium (Nighttime): Vtravelled.com

ESPN Analyst Adam Teicher On Why Kansas City Chiefs Are Better Off Without RB Kniles Davis

Interesting story out of Kansas City today from 20 year veteran Kansas City Chiefs reporter, Adam Teicher, who explains why KC is better off without their backup RB Kniles Davis. Despite a 34-15 win against the Miami Dolphins with a 132 yard and 1 touchdown game for Running Back Kniles Davis, there may be cause for concern with the Chiefs run game.

Former Arkansas alum, Kniles Davis replaced the injured Jaamal Charles this week. Unfortunately, Davis had quite serious issues keeping hold and control of the football the year before as a rookie. Issues that also plagued him during his career as a Razorback Running Back. While Davis' ball carrying abilities are now under scrutiny, Davis has impressive speed and combines results/ statistics. It is important to note that Davis is no stranger to injuries throughout his football career. One major ankle injury in 2011 has hampered Kniles' explosiveness.

Nevertheless, last Sunday could have been a glimpse into a recurring problem. Davis was responsible for two fumbles during the game, one caused by not securing the ball with two hands while the other one was a complete snafu intended only to kill the clock. Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid was unconcerned with the fumbles and brushed off the questions about Davis' performance during the post game interviews.

One thing is for certain, Adam Teicher is more concerned than Reid but has a solid argument for his case. Teicher noted in the article that Davis is tied with the most fumbles at three along with three other NFL RBs. Additionally, Teicher noted that although Davis did seem more comfortable and secure with the ball this season, the fumbles just keep piling up. Furthermore, Teicher is pointing to the increase in offensive efficiency when Davis is on the bench and more intensive passing play-calls are performed. Teicher's opinion? Don't trust Kniles Davis with the ball. Sharp statement but one that may need to be addressed with regards to the Cheifs' upcoming home game against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football.

References:
http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-chiefs/post/_/id/7898/with-many-fumbles-chiefs-wary-of-knile-davis

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Kansas City Chiefs Symbol: .sanden.

Chip Kelly Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach overworking his players? CB Cary Williams Believes so

After another hard fought comeback victory on Sunday, is there already unrest in the locker room for the undefeated Eagles? Apparently, that is indeed the case. Corner Back Cary Williams is carrying on in his sixth season yet, he negatively expressed after game remarks on the conditioning program set forth by Kelly:

"I am just gonna be honest with you, its hard to go out there and fight for 60 minutes when you are fighting throughout the week to make it to one practice. I'm not the only one, I'm just the only one that's man enough to stand up here and talk to you about it. It is my opinion its an issue in our start"

While it may offer an explanation to the apparent slow start, quick finish type of play seen in the last three outings; ESPN Analyst and Hall of Famer Chris Carter discussed the naivety of the quote and stated that earlier on in his career he regrets not being more disciplined with conditioning. Whether or not these concerns have reached Chip Kelly's desk is unclear as of now or if any other voices will come up on the subject. One this is for certain, despite an untarnished record there is discord in the Eagles locker room.

References:

ESPN's Mike and Mike In The Morning Radio Show

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Eagles' Practice: Brian O'Mahoney

Chip Kelly: Zennie Abraham

ESPN Columnist Dan Batard's Take On An Inherently Violent NFL Creating Violent Situations

Is the constant collisions of players battling on the gridiron each Sunday to blame for violent outbursts of the NFL's players off the field? Dan Le Batard, writer for ESPN.com, thinks so. In a new article showcased this week, Batard gives numerous reasons and examples of NFL players to strengthen his argument.

Batard raises the question of how much impact recurring hard hits and concussions play a role in the behavior and thought patterns of a seasoned NFL Veteran. He goes on to purport and list tragic events by NFL former NFL stars as the likes of Junior Seau, Andre Waters, Dave Duerson, Jovan Belcher, and, Davone Bess;  apart from the media stirred Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Jonathan Dwyer cases Batard takes us back in time to show us a glimpse of how such enduring damage can create fatal circumstances.

Nevertheless, Batard also places the NFL domestic violence faux pas and ensuing media frenzy in objectively numerical terms referencing a paper by researchers at FiveThirtyEight.com, which shows that among all NFL employees, less than 0.5% players have had cases or crimes or incidents involving violence in a domesticated location. 

Batard sheds light also on the role of the player's position, noting that RBs (Running Backs) take the brunt of the damage throughout a career and hints at a possible correlation between concussive type hits accrued throughout time with mental health and stability. Batard's spin on things is that more research, more eyeballs, and, more concern should be raised to help spread awareness and scientific validity to these claims. As one could come to the conclusion, the repercussions of not addressing this issue now could not only hurt the league but everyone involved in it.

References:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11558730/does-football-contribute-bad-behavior-nfl-prevent


Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Ray Rice: Kieth Allison

Americand Tradition: KAZ Vorpal

Former Tennessee Titans Kicker Rob Bironas Dies In Car Crash Late Saturday Night

More upsetting NFL news yesterday from a report by Metro Nashville Police, TN unfortunately entails the fatal car crash of the 4th most accurate Kicker in NFL history. Bironas, had reportedly sped of the course of road and crashed at approximately 11 P.M. just one mile away from his home.

The report states clearly that no drugs or alcohol were seen or found, on person or at the crash site, nor any evidence relating to any drug or alcohol use before the crash. Although released by the Titans only a few months earlier, Bironas was in talks and coordinating workouts for both the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was expected by analysts to return to the field soon.

Bironas was quoted in 2006 as playing in the NFL was his ultimate goal. A goal that he not only accomplished but indefinitely made his own mark on the gridiron. Rob Bironas is the Titan's second all time leading scorer and has the franchise record for 11 game winning FGs (Field Goals).

Photography:

Rob Bironas: Parker Anderson

Bironas Record Ball: Ryan Schreiber

Cinderella Start For Unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles

The most unlikely of underdogs is emerging in the NFC East this season to take the first NFL top spot this week as currently the only unbeaten team. The Eagles now are the first team in the NFL to have ever won their first three games all the while trailing 10 or more points in the game.

Eagles' are slowly be named as the underdogs to watch out for as they have trumped their NFC East rival Washington today and last week taking out the heavy favorites in the Indianapolis Colts. Spectacularly, the Eagles have not held any lead at all before half time so far. Despite the odds and points scored against them in first halves, the Eagles have dominated the second half this season with 3 come from behind victories all aided by intensive, fast paced offensive play-calling. Additionally, Lesean McCoy has been the Running Back with the moves and is regarded as the best this year for his position. Despite the great lateral agility of McCoy, he only averaged 1 yard a carry this week, as the majority of the offensive second half onslaught was carried throughout the air thanks to a near impecable 115.2 QB rating from second season superstar Nick Foles.

Second Year Head Coach Kelly currently has the NFL defenses shaken with the fervent pace and high risk, high reward play-calling on offense paired with a steadfast well disciplined defense making huge plays when needed despite the laundry list of 1st string defesive backs injured already this season.

The Eagles take NFL history and another win on their belt this week from yet another come from behind 2nd half shootout leading to victory. The already unlikely Cinderella story of the Eagles unbeaten season keeps getting better and better despite the statistical odds placed against them.

Photography:

Eagles' Swoop: Kevin Burkett

Domestic Violence in NFL

The NFL is off to rough start this season for off-the-field issues. While last season saw many changes to the protection of players with new rules in place, it seems that the NFL is under heated pressure from Media and Sponsorship sources.

Starting off with a repulsive Ray Rice domestic violence video released early before the season, the video has been a springboard for other reprehensible violent actions and accusations of a myriad of NFL pro players indicted in domestic violence cases throughout the league in a short two week span.

The growing number of cases is alarming, though not as alarming as the actions being taken across the league for the fiasco that is the NFL domestic violence incidents. While many sponsors have taken action including such notable companies as the Radisson Hotel Chain, releasing affiliation and ties with the Minnesota Vikings. Many other sponsors are equally expressing their displeasure with the NFL's battered public image and are equally as worried about the NFL's future with regards to a set disciplinary actions to be taken to prevent and hem the growing misbehavior of high profile NFL athletes.

It seems that not only are sponsors sweating across the league. Roger Goodell is currently facing outcries to be removed from his Commissioner position after creating an initial lax response to the Ray Rice incident only to then admit defeat after media sources spoke out against the removed focus on the incident and Goodell's placed importance on protecting the player rather than the League and its moral standing.

As more claims are brought against various NFL players with regards to Domestic Violence, a tentative strategic outline was announced by Goodell to curb and "fix" the issues that could spell a new era for the NFL and how it plans to be perceived to the outside world. In totality, an unexpected twist this season as off field issues are doing much more damage to both the players, teams and the league itself, as the NFL tries to regain its identity from a tarnished beginning this season.

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

NFL Domestic Violence Covergirl Photoshop: Adweek.com

Las Vegas SuperBook Still Has 0-2 Saints at 6-1 Odds for Season

Amazing news out of Las Vegas this week regarding the NFL Saints and their unbelievable unchanged odds of going to the SuperBowl.

Before the season had started, Las Vegas SuperBook had the projected odds of the New Orleans Saints winning the 2014-2015 NFL season at 6-1.

Two weeks and two consecutive losses later, the 0-2 Saints have miraculously unchanged results according to Las Vegas SuperBook.

While all other teams season odds have been updated, the Saints are still projected to win their division and the playoffs with an unheard of 6-1 odds despite being win-less thus far.

Admittedly, the Saints do have a favorable schedule for the remainder of the season and advantageous matchups for their offensive to wreak havoc. Namely, the Doplphins, Browns and many other sub-par teams will be expected to go down to the Saints' offense multiple shootouts to boost their horrendous record thus far.

To put this into proper NFL statistical analysis, only 11% of all teams have ever made it to the playoffs starting off the season 0-2. Never once has any team won the SuperBowl the same year as an 0-2 beginning.

Nevertheless, while the odds may be against one of the perceived favorites at the start of the year, the New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas SuperBook strongly disagrees.

Photography:

Saints Training Camp: Tom Pumphret