The NFL has gone crazy today with headlines being written about more then just free agency. I'll do my best to make sense of it all....
I'll start with a free agency update. With Denver winning the race for Peyton Manning that left there superstar QB Tim Tebow wondering what was going to happen to him, It didn't take long for Denver to put him on the trade block and say they were open to offers. An offer came today, in the form of the New York Jets. He adds a dynamic piece the Jets offence with his run play abilities but his throwing is still questionable and with Mark Sanchez, the jets current QB the two of them don't show to much promise for the Jets pass game next season unless they both improve. Sanchez thought he was number one QB after signing a new contract but now his skills and locker room leadership will be tested again with the arrival of Tebow. My belief is the Jets are going to try and return to run first team, allow Sanchez to throw on play action and short sharp passes while gaining yards on the ground. With Tebow added expect a whole 'Tebow Playbook' to be thought up by Rex Ryan and his coaches, Sanchez won't like sharing the QB position and as soon as he throws his first interception (probably week 1) expect the fans to be begging for Tebow. I feel this move is just going to cause the Jets more headaches then answers....
With Manning landing in Denver Alex Smith was quickly snapped up by his former team San Francisco. He returns with a 3 year deal and a pay rise, which was well earned last year when he took the 49ers to the play off's. Expect them to have another chance at the post season again this year.
Denver signed Calib Hanie as back up QB, he won't push for a starter job but he is there in case Manning gets injured.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded for Middle Linebacker Demeco Ryans yesterday. He has been a starter for Houston since he was drafted 6 years ago in to the NFL. The Eagles gave Houston a fourth round draft pick in this years draft and swapped third picks.This fills a massive need for the Eagles as Ryans is a Pro Bowl player and one of the top players in the league. This is a steal for Philadelphia who will gain Ryans leadership skills and abilities which is much needed at the linebacker position. He will fit straight in the starting role and help the younger players around him progress in there development.
Now for the massive breaking news today.....
The New Orleans Saints have been torn apart today and the organisation has been handed a huge blow. Commissioner Roger Goodell, the man in charge of the NFL has today imposed sanctions on the management of the Saints for their part in the 'bounty' scandal which has been going on for three years. The bounty program consisted of coaches placing bounty's on opposition players for big hits and knock outs which would then cause the hit player to leave the game. on some occasions specific high profile players such as Cam Newton and Mike Vick were targeted when they played the Saints. If a player managed to get someone removed he would receive a bonus payment as reward. This violates League rules and endangers players across the league as it is going out to hurt someone which is not what the NFL is about.
The sanctions passed by Roger Goodell are as follows:
» The New Orleans Saints are fined $500,000. In addition, because the violation involves a competitive rule, the Saints will forfeit their selections in the second round of the 2012 and 2013 NFL drafts.
» Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is suspended without pay for the 2012 NFL season, effective April 1.
» Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of the 2012 season.
» Former Saints (and current St. Louis Rams) defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended indefinitely from the NFL, effective immediately. Commissioner Goodell will review Coach Williams' status at the conclusion of the 2012 season and consider whether to reinstate him, and, if so, on what terms. Commissioner Goodell said he will give close attention to the extent to which Coach Williams cooperates with the NFL in any further proceedings.
» Saints assistant Head Coach Joe Vitt is suspended without pay for the first six regular-season games of the 2012 season.
This is a massive blow to the Saints who are being punished for allowing such programs to exist and this is being used a warning to make sure no other team runs such a program, but how will this effect the Saints season. The punishments may not be over as it may now target players responsible for some of the big hits. This could tear New Orleans apart as players may want a quick exit to avoid association, watch this space!
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