Post #5 - Bounty too high for Bounty Program?

Typically during this time of year, all NFL fans are talking about is the draft. Who will be taken first? Who will my favorite team draft? What player will make the biggest impact as a rookie? After last year’s hold out headlines, everyone was hoping to get back to the regularity of the draft. However, an even bigger headline has once again overstepped the draft and became center of attention.

                Apparently, the New Orleans Saints have had what is called a “Bounty Program” for several years. This program is a money earning system where players that purposely injure other players get paid. Also, important players for opposing teams also have money placed on them before the game so that if any player does knock them out, then that player will receive the total. It is a ruthless, merciless system that completely takes away the morality and integrity of the NFL game.

                However, the punishments for the Saints team have just been passed down, and most would consider these to be very serious if not extreme. Head Coach Sean Payton was suspended an entire year without pay. The defensive coordinator, who had just moved to the St. Louis Rams, is now suspended indefinitely. Another suspended component of the team is the General Manager Mickey Loomis, who now can have no contact with the team through the first eight games of the season. And finally, the team now faces a $500,000 fine and loses their second round pick for the next two years.

                Seems like a lot, right? Some would argue that it is not enough and a punishment like this should result in suspension of players, too. Another group would argue it is just right and that all teams will learn from this mistake. I am in the final group and believe that this punishment is too severe and some aspects should be re-evaluated.

                Head Coach Sean Payton, who has had an amazing track record through his years at the NFL, has no connection to the program at all. It is said by many of the interviewed players that the bounty program was talked through defensive meetings, in which case Payton was not a part of. Is this not America where a man is innocent until proven guilty? In my honest opinion, I see Payton completely innocent and punished for absolutely no reason.

                The other severe part is the number of draft picks taken away. I see the ability to take away this year’s draft pick. They need to punish the team somehow. But after everything they are taking away from the team this year, they are going to take away another pick next year? That is just a jab in the gut to remind the team of mistakes made in the past. Keep the punishments to this year and move on with it.

Post 4 - "What are you doing?!?!"

For anyone interested in professional football, they know the big headline free agent that is searching the market right now: Peyton Manning.

The Indianapolis Colt, the home team of the future Hall of Famer for 14 years, finally made the tough decision and held their press conference on Wednesday March 7. With the number one draft pick and the ability to pick up college star Andre Luck, the Colts were conflicted whether to keep the previously injured Manning and build the team around him or draft Luck and build from the ground up.

Manning’s stats have been matched by very few and he is arguably one of the best in football today. In his 13 year (excluding this last year since he didn’t play) career, he has completed 4,682 passes, thrown for 54,828 yards, thrown 400 touchdowns, and received an overall quarterback rating of 95.

Luck, considered to be a future prodigy for NFL football, has had a very successful college career as well. In his 3 year career, Luck completed 713 passes, threw 9,430 yards, and threw 82 touchdowns.

If we multiply Luck’s numbers by 5 to give him nearly the same amount of time played (plus an additional 2 years) as Manning, Luck’s numbers turn out to be 3,565 passes completed, 47,150 yards thrown, and 410 touchdowns completed.

Comparing them, we have to see that even with Luck’s additional 2 years (averaged) played; he still only beats Manning in one category: touchdowns by 10. Also, Luck’s numbers come from playing in college. Manning played in the entire new level of the NFL and his numbers are more impressive.

Is Peyton Manning getting old? The answer unfortunately is yes. However, with numbers continuously being put up that leave the Colts in playoff contention each year, my question is “What are you doing?!?!” You have arguably the best quarterback in NFL history and you’re letting him go! Maybe a readjustment at the managerial level need be done rather than at the quarterback spot.

Post #3 - Linsanity vs. Tebowmania

If one is a watcher of professional sports, they will see the madness that particular athletes have sent millions of fans.

It started in NFL football with Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos. After being the back up for the first 5 games of the season, the fans boo’d and jeered until they got what they want. Game 6, the fans cheered and roared as college football sensation Tim Tebow made his first start of the season.

After going 1-4 with Kyle Orton, Tebow led the team to a 7-4 record and a wildcard spot. Not only did he lead them to the playoffs, but he led them deep into playoffs as they were able to defeat the Pittsburg Steelers in overtime. Unfortunately, this Tebowmania fell apart as Tom Brady and the New England Patriots beat the Broncos and sent them home.

Jeremy Lin started midway through a struggling New York Knicks season. With Carmelo Anthony out due to injury, it was Lin that carried the team on his back, scoring more points through the first 10 games as a starter than any player in history.

Since he’s started, the Knicks have gone 10-3 and have became contenders for the playoffs and even considered by many sports analyst to possibly win the championship. Linsanity has ran wild on the NBA and many are wondering which is better, Linsanity or Tebowmania?

While Linsanity is hot right now, it is too early to tell where the Knicks will end up. Eventually, Linsanity could contend with Tebowmania. But, while Tebow has a playoff win, with an amazing overtime touchdown to beat what many considered to be the best defense in football. Lin is still playing in the regular season and many don’t know how far the Knicks will go. If Lin can carry the Knicks into the playoffs, then Linsanity could overtake Tebowmania.

But for now, Tebowmania reigns supreme over the land!