Archive for July, 2009

Derrick Mason Announces Retirement

Derrick Mason announced recently that he is retiring from the NFL, citing a long career of achievements, with little else to prove or accomplish.

“After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all,” Mason told jocklife.com. “Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end, and I am ready to see what else life has to offer.”

This is especially interesting for two reasons.

First, the most logical explanation-the one many cheap-shot artists will acknowledge before all others: the contract issue.

Mason had been trying to get his contract re-worked all off-season, and until just recently, had never given any signs that he was finished with football.

In fact, Mason spent much of 2008 playing through pain after a shoulder injury, and wore a special harness all the way up until the Ravens’ AFC title game loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In regards to the supposed money issue, Mason said, “I have made enough money, more than enough money”.

Indeed, he has.

Which brings this writer to another thought, and quite possibly, his ultimate reason for not returning.

In an interview with ESPN on Monday, Mason admitted that he was not completely sure about his retirement announcement, saying that he was only “99% sure”, and that his family would have “97%” to do with his final decision.

The interview report also stated that any swaying from Baltimore would not change Mason’s mind.

So, if the family doesn’t have the complete say, and his team has no say, then what could explain this sudden change of heart from a guy who is only 35, and could still have another three solid years in the league?

Aside from the simple wear-and-tear of the NFL, it could be something as mundane as losing his long-time quarterback and friend, Steve McNair.

Perhaps the death of his friend reminded him of life’s treasures, the presence of time as being a luxury few of us have, and that spending that time with his family and friends is now more important to him that going after that elusive Super Bowl ring.

That’s not too outlandish, is it?

Mason was, like many, completely broken over McNair’s passing, and was visibly distraught at the former Titan’s funeral.

Regardless of his reason for leaving the game, it’s very arguable that he is leaving too early.

And if it’s impacted by a heavy heart, Baltimore-and the rest of us-could yet again see this remarkable man hit an NFL field.

But even if he doesn’t, we can still look back on all the games in which (much like McNair) Mason gave it everything he had.

Brian Leonard Awaits His Chance

No matter how much people pigeon-hole him into the cliche’ “lead-blocking” role, Brian Leonard is always going to wake up in the morning the same way: as a running back.

The fact is, he isn’t slow. He does have moves, and he is agile.

Several sites across the web (count them—it’s probably 100 percent) say he’s not worth “handcuffing” to Cedric Benson in fantasy football.

They say he’s a waste of time as a running back, simply in general.

He’s just another white guy trying to tote the ball, when he should wise up and just block, already.

I’m sorry, but I’m not sorry. I am merely not convinced.

I’m not convinced that Cedric Benson is the answer for Cincinnati. Moreover, I’m not convinced that Brian Leonard isn’t.

I am convinced, however, that he can be “the guy” in the Bengals backfield, and that he has all the necessary tools to be an effective, and damn me if I’m wrong, a star running back.

But let’s not get carried away (pun intended).

It’s not even preseason. Benson isn’t hurt, hasn’t fumbled away the starting job, or broken the law.

Ah, but there’s time.

However, with recent reports suggesting that Leonard is, in fact, Benson’s top backup heading into training camp at the end of the month, there is reason for speculation, and yes, even hope.

Leonard has little experience as a starter in the NFL, but he does have one 100-yard effort to his name.

Hell, he hasn’t even scored a touchdown, yet.

But, if you’re a giddy, college-to-pro football fan like me and half of the rest of the world, you’re holding out hope (there’s that word again) that we get to see a couple more of those famous “Leonard Leap’s“.

In St. Louis, Leonard was used sparingly in his rookie season, until he got is first crack at starting when Steven Jackson went down with an injury.

Leonard responded with a solid 102-yard effort, only to crash into a wall in the form of a formidable Baltimore Ravens rush defense the next week.

Ever since then, Leonard battled shoulder injuries, and quite frankly, was never the same.

But to be even more honest, he wasn’t given much of an opportunity, either.

He was demoted to fullback, and saw Antonio Pittman step in and take on the load, despite Jackson still missing time.

Antonio Pittman. Really?

Regardless of your opinion of the Rams, Leonard, or even Pittman, that’s all in the past now.

Now it’s all about the future.

Leonard apparently has the go-ahead for third-down back duties, and probably will split goal-line and short yardage carries with Benson, while giving way to the regular carries to the former Bear.

His main competition is 31-year-old Kenny Watson, and Bernard Scott, a small-school, rookie running back.

While both of these backs have talent, Leonard is arguably the most versatile, as he’s a stellar blocker, exceptional receiver, and is actually a pretty darn good running back, too.

If you’re looking for help in the fantasy realm, take a flier on Leonard late in your draft in deep leagues. He just might be worth it.

And if you’re looking for someone to cheer for in this little place we like to call “real life”, Leonard’s your man.

Because, come on. The guy jumps over people.

Brett Favre Meets With Minnesota Trainer For Second Time

Let’s be honest. Brett Favre signing with the Vikings is as good as done.

It won’t be huge news. Well, not as big as it might have been, had he kept the rumors quiet through all this time.

But in recent weeks, despite “thinking” we knew he’d come back, we’ve begun to get concrete information that suggests he will sign sometime this month.

Then again, there’s that report swirling around that he may already be under contract with Minnesota.

In case you’ve been sleeping in a cave (it’s not winter yet, friends), here’s a quick look at what you need to know, in regards to The Brett Favre Saga:

• Dr. James Andrews, the guy that did the surgery on Brett’s arm, says that in conversations with Favre, he found out Favre did indeed want to continue playing, planned on it, and said that the Vikings were his only suitor.

• Andrews then reported that the arm was holding up well, and that Favre should make a full recovery.

• A report surfaced a few days ago that Brett Favre and his wife, Deanna, had placed a $30,000 down payment on a condo in Minnesota, furthering speculation that a contract was either already in line, or an announcement would soon be made.

• Eric Sugarman, a Minnesota trainer, made his second trip to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to meet with Favre, and check in on his progress. Favre’s arm is reportedly 100%, and all signs point to a “go”.

• The last bit of information is the most interesting: Reports have the Minnesota Vikings designing 40% of their plays in their playbook specifically for Favre. Talk about sweetening the deal.

Now, for all those Favre-haters, Packers-lovers (I’m one of those), or just regular NFL fans, it’s becoming quite clear that what they feared/hoped for the most is almost certainly about to happen.

Brett Favre is poised to actually don the purple and yellow, and there’s not much we can do about it.

Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

As I’ve said before in other Favre-related articles, the guy is 40 and won’t be around forever. Whether you like it or not, it’s impossible to provide a completely logical argument for him to not return.

When he was healthy last season, he had 20 touchdowns, was leading the Jets past winning clubs, and owned an 8-3 record.

Now that he’s healthy again, and supported by a stellar cast, he could easily regain his 2007 form.

That, or he’ll slip-up in his own prima dona image and never recover.

But really, just cherish these moments, and these days leading up to his signing.

And when it happens, remember it as something glorious:

Brett Favre came back again, despite constant criticism, simply because he wanted to play football-or to spite Ted Thompson. Or both.

At this point, it doesn’t matter anymore. People are going to believe what they want to believe.

But regardless of their opinion, one thing is not up for argument.

Favre has made an impact on the league that will last a life-time, and for years beyond our children’s life-times.

Favre still makes the game great, and worth watching.

And that’s why, despite every tiny tid-bit of Favre news being minuscule and sometimes pointless, it’s such a big deal.

New York Jets’ Danny Woodhead: Better Than Advertised

Thomas Jones will be 31 in August, yet his spot as the New York Jets’ starting running back is finely cemented.

Rookie Shonn Greene has somehow already earned the “closer” role, while the bit-size Leon Washington continues his change-of-pace role.

Great. So, where does that leave Danny Woodhead?

Who?

This guy.

Still don’t know who he is? I’m not surprised.

Woodhead, a 5’7” running back out of D-II Chadron State, probably isn’t a household name outside of Nebraska.

Turned down by several D-I schools due to his lack of height, Woodhead decided not to attempt to be a walk-on with a big school. Rather, he felt more like being wanted by a team, instead of being just another player.

And I agree with that sentiment. Because Woodhead isn’t just another player.

He’s a physical specimen with outstanding speed and agility.

Since Woodhead wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine in 2008, due to his small school and lack of size, he was forced to pack in his work-outs for scouts at his “pro day.”

According to a report from NFLDraftWatch.net, Woodhead posted impressive times in almost every major category.

He displayed speed and agility, running times between 4.33 and 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, which would place second overall for all college running backs.

He also posted the best agility time (4.03 seconds), the second-best vertical jump (38.5 in), and the best 60-yard shuttle time (11.2) seconds.

Despite only being 5’7” and weighing in at 200 pounds, Woodhead had the best athletic times, overall, of all the running back prospects in the nation.

If those numbers don’t sway you, perhaps a look at his college stats will.

Woodhead, the former NCAA’s all-time leading rusher (record recently broken by Mount Union’s Nate Kmic), put up his fourth straight 1,500-yard season in 2007, as well as his fourth straight season with at least 21 touchdowns.

He’s also known for his ridiculous 2006 season, in which he compiled over 2,700 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in just 13 games.

Woodhead also displayed his receiving ability throughout his career, as he topped at least 30 receptions in his final three years, and scored eight touchdowns on receptions for his career.

Let’s be honest with ourselves.

If you put Woodhead’s numbers up to any other back in that 2008 draft, without knowing his size, name, or school, he’s your first pick, hands down.

And even if that isn’t the case, and you’d still prefer all the other bigger, more experienced backs who faced tough competition, his numbers and athleticism put him in the middle rounds at least, right?

Wrong.

Despite all the numbers, Woodhead found himself undrafted in 2008, while soon signing a free agent contract with the Jets.

But here we are, two years removed from his sensational finale at Chadron State, still hoping he gets an honest chance.

With the flush of smaller backs taking the league by storm, now is as good a time as ever for Woodhead to make his splash and earn a spot with a team.

If that happens to be New York, then so be it.

However, considering the Jets have money invested in Jones, a third-rounder invested in Shonn Greene, and already have a 5’8” running back in Washington, there may not be room for Woodhead.

But there should be.

Woodhead is just like Darren Sproles, Jerious Norwood, and Maurice Jones-Drew.

He’s an ultra-athletic back that has been doubted his entire life, told “no” by anyone he meets, and has constantly overcome the odds.

The only difference is, those running backs previously listed got their chance at a D-I school, and they didn’t have to wait for their shot in the NFL.

Not like Woodhead has.

I know this article won’t save Woodhead’s career. It won’t make him the New York Jets’ starter, and it won’t even guarantee him a spot on their roster.

But what I hope it does is make people aware of his talent and his humble personality. I hope New York fans, and NFL fans alike, can recognize his ability and cheer him on.

Because Danny Woodhead is an underdog, even though he shouldn’t be.

Maurice Jones-Drew: Finally By Himself

Whether you’re a Jacksonville fan or an eager fantasy owner anticipating your first round move for your draft, Maurice Jones-Drew and his immediate future are in your sights.

At least, it should be.

Considering all the amazing things he’s done in his short career, all while splitting carries with the Jaguar legend Fred Taylor, it’s almost jaw-dropping.

Just look at his first year in the league. He paired with Taylor to form one of the league’s best rush attacks, as he fell less than 60 yards short of 1,000 rushing yards, and also dropped in 13 rushing touchdowns.

Not bad for a rookie.

Oh, and then there was that bone-crunching block he delivered on the huge Shawne Merriman. You know, this hit.

Needless to say, MJD launched himself into the NFL as a star. He was easily a household name in Florida, while putting up good numbers and enough highlight reel plays, that he was probably already well known throughout the states.

This just in: Jones-Drew is good; really good. And in 2009, he’ll have the backfield all to himself.

Good-bye Fred Taylor. Hello rushing title?

The truth is, last season, despite seeing MJD cross the goal line 12 times, the Jacksonville ground game suffered.

The offensive line was terrible with constantly nicked up blockers, as several starters were lost for a slew of games, and some for the season.

Despite shady blocking for both the rush and pass, MJD put up over 800 rush yards, the previously mentioned 12 scores, and a respectable 4.0 yards per carry.

The line has been restored—on paper, at least.

David Garrard should be more comfortable, both with his new receivers (Torry Holt, and two rookies) and his growing connection with tight end, Mercedes Lewis.

The best part, though, is that the leash is being taken off, and the real MJD will finally be released.

For the past three years, the Jaguars have had too much depth at running back (didn’t know that existed), and Jones-Drew was being held back.

And in a big way, we all were being held back from greatness.

This is Jones-Drew’s time, both as a fantasy weapon for your team, and as an icon for the league.

He has the strength and drive to run inside. If he can blow up a guy like Merriman on that play at the goal line, he can handle just about anyone inside.

He has the speed, quickness, and overall athleticism needed to succeed in the NFL, and is regarded as one of the top running backs in terms of physical shape.

He is a specimen worth taking notes on.

But these are things you already know. All you need to do is hit up NFL.com, rotoworld.com, or Yahoo.com to find MJD’s stats.

Just read interviews with his teammates to hear how confident they are in his abilities as the feature back. Even ask the departed Fred Taylor.

There isn’t a general “feeling” that this guy is as good as advertised. It’s common knowledge.

So, the next time someone balks at you selecting him third on a long list of deserving running backs, don’t feel so bad.

The next time someone gives you a hard time for ranking him over everyone else but Adrian Peterson, just laugh it off.

Because even if the numbers don’t prove your point, 2009 will.

MJD is just too good to not become one of the elite running backs this season. And mostly, it’s because he already is one.