GM Watch: John Dorsey

In the midst of watching the Fiesta Bowl,  I scroll through my timeline and see the tweet I have been waiting for:

One of my top candidates I came across a few weeks back when looking for some "lesser known" more "realistic" possibilities then the highly sought after Big 3: Gamble, Ross, Caldwell,

In learning about more about John Dorsey's qualifications, I learned that this is one guy that longtime Green Bay fans think very highly of and do not want to see go to another organization. Aside from a very quick "hiatus" with Seattle, John played & worked for the Packers since 1984.

In a recent Packer Update post:

"....a longtime NFL scribe thinks he might finally be ready to make the jump. “Dorsey is known for having a good eye for talent, and his college scouting background gives him a strong draft pedigree,” wrote Don Banks of Sports Illustrated. “He’s worked under both Ted Thompson and Ron Wolf in Green Bay, two of the most respected personnel evaluators in recent NFL history, and sources say he’s ready and willing to pursue all general manager opportunities after turning down offers to interview last year.”

One of the things that made Dorsey a top pick in my mind were some quotes I read in an interview done by Vic Ketchman in 2011 about his draft philosophy. Here are some parts I enjoyed and found interesting:

“Best player available. We live it,” Dorsey said. “Our job is to find the best player we can possibly find to improve our roster. I think that’s what we do. If we can make our roster as competitive as we possibly can, that’s all you can do. We’ve always been taught to stay true to the board, whatever you do, and we stay true to the board.”

The article goes on to mention how the selection of Aaron Rodgers as the 24th pick in 2005 as a prime example of sticking to best player available.  We all already know who the Packers QB was back then, Rodgers was available because many teams drafting earlier didn't "need" a quarterback and passed on him.

The BPA strategy isn't exactly rocket science, not a very unique strategy used.  In looking at previous Green Bay drafts, it seems that Thompson & his scouting team led by Dorsey, show strength is drafting for value.  Something that any team needing to rebuild would gladly welcome.

Regarding the combine and interviewing prospects Dorsey states:

“Every team is going to approach those 15 minutes a little differently. I think you can get a basic feel for who he is, but I think these guys are so prepped and so trained today that there’s too big of a wall in that setting. If you can create it like a locker room, because that’s where they’re going to have to exist, I think you can find the five factors it’s going to take to succeed,”

“One, are they a good guy? Two, do they work at their craft? Three, do they love football? Four, are they going to be good in the locker room? And five, would you like to have them as your neighbor?”

Another funny tidbit regarding Dorsey's "getting to know prospects" approach:

A friend of mine goes to Dorsey's barber. The barber said that Dorsey has an interesting way of judging character with the players that they are looking at. When all the other scouts are questioning them in a formal setting and getting formal answers, Dorsey will watch for when the player goes to the restroom, follow him in there and talk to the guy while he is taking a leak or washing his hands. Just makes small talk to see if the athlete will talk to him or blow him off and then judges from there. Kinda freaky in a way but extremely clever. Get the player out of their element and in a different setting and see how they really are. 

On second thought..... ....  the last thing this team needs are media stories about the Jets new General Manager stalking players in the bathroom at the combine..... 

Along with Caldwell, Gamble & Ross, I couldn't be happier to hear about this interview.  What draws me to both not only Dorsey but Caldwell as well are not only the organizations they have "grown" in but the people they have learned from.  Caldwell working under Dimitroff and John Dorsey under Ted Thompson. Both well respected great football minds with successful careers in their respectful organizations. 

Looking forward to hearing how these interviews pan out, and other candidates that make Jed Hughes and Woody's list.  GM Watch continues....

and PS.... ...I already know it's coming, so I may as well just beat you to it.   

It's About Tradition.

News of Fireman Ed "leaving" has left a fan base divided.  As a long time Jets fan it's only about one thing for me. 

Tradition.

             “The less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it” 
                      ~Mark Twain


There's no special story behind the J-E-T-S chant.  No magical reason for why it exists. The fact is, it does and has for years.

It started back in Shea Stadium as a battle between upper level fans in opposite end zones, each with their own leader of the chant.  It didn't take long for it to become a staple of Jets home games, and to me, Fireman Ed just happened to be the guy that kept the tradition alive.

For those of us who grew up at Giants Stadium, spending countless Sundays there with our fathers, this isn't about an annoying guy who shouldn't have a Twitter account and grew up a Dolphin fan.  It's about holding on to one of the last traditions that survived when the walls of Giants Stadium got torn down.

For me, many of my 20+ year traditions growing up a Jets fan ended in 2009.  

From tailgates, and familiar faces in Section 140, to running down the pedestrian ramps after a win and being surrounded by long time die hard fans who became family, these traditions all came to an end.

Now in a new stadium, with new faces and a new atmosphere, the one thing that felt familiar week after week was hearing that chant.

Hearing a guy do it at a bar or in a parking lot can make you hate it, but experiencing a crowd of 80,000 fans do it in unison can quickly change your mind.

The Jets don't have much that is uniquely theirs and no matter how annoying it may be, it's part of what has become their identity.

I don't consider Fireman Ed as the face of the fan base, or some fan that I should look up to.  I see him as a man who deserves some respect from the fans for keeping a tradition alive, especially during times when the team needed it most.

To see some fans happy that members of our own fan base have ended such a tradition is a sign of a sadder state of affairs then even I thought existed.  

To those fans the only thing to say is:  you just don't get it.

It's not about the man. The chant can and will hopefully continue without him.

It's about hearing those 7 syllables and remembering feeling the stadium shake underneath you back in September of 2009 during a win vs the Patriots...... and smiling, hoping and waiting to feel that energy again.

One Picture To Sum It Up.....

I'll save the breakdown of those on my watch list for later. 

Best way to sum up tonight's first preseason game against the Bengals?  Who stood out the most?  

That's easy..... 

The USC Connection....... It's about that time.

Turner, McKnight, Sanchez

Let's Get It Started: On My Radar

The time is upon us.

Two weeks of camp are in the books, story lines and camp position battles are a plenty.

I've had my eyes on many players this preseason and tonight they'll be put under the microscope just a little bit more.  As I've said countless times before, my favorite part of preseason is not seeing the first team offense/defense take the field.  It's not even watching our early round rookies.  It's seeing the guys who know they have to impress every practice, every carry, every game to see their name on the final 53. 

That opportunity continues tonight.... and here's a list of specifically who and what I'll be watching: 

1) The Battle of the Big Boys: Harrison vs Tevaseu 

Damon Harrison has had a good showing in camp so far.  He's a wide-bodied, massive DT that can handle the double team and control the line of scrimmage with an athletic ability that can't be taught.  Looking to see if he can translate this skill on the field tonight and possibly take Martin Tevaseu's spot on the final roster or at least earn a spot on the practice squad. 

2) A Look Into The Future - Allen & Bush 

Yeremiah Bell and Laron Landry were solid off season signings and should hopefully help to sure the safety nightmare every Jet fan has suffered through.  Tanny & Co. made even more wishes come true this April by addressing the Safety position and drafting Josh Bush and 7th Round steal of the century Antonio Allen.  Allen has surpassed Bush in camp thus far, I'm looking forward to seeing this young safety tandem roam the backfield tonight. 

3) Who Gets A Catchy Nickname and the #5 Spot? 

After a great camp performance, I'd be surprised to see anyone but Ellis Lankster listed as the #4 CB this season. But who's taking #5?  I'm not interested in seeing Posey or Trufant.  I'm keeping my eyes on UDFA's Ryan Steed and Donnie Fletcher.  Steed was originally projected as a high draft pick but a slow combine time squashed those dreams.  He's been limited in camp and tonight will have lots to prove. Fletcher on the other hand had caught the attention of many at camp, seeing some looks at safety as well as CB.  One is great at man coverage, one is better in zone.  Which one if any steals that #5 spot away from the "little guys"? 

4) There's no Dowtin He Can Play 

It's almost a crime that Marcus Dowtin has been held out of training camp practice as of late. "The Hybrid" is one of those players whose versatility all over the field just can't be overlooked.  He's spent sometime with the safeties this preseason and is the perfect fit in the direction Rex's defense is going.  Looking to see if he can beat out a inconsistent Josh Mauga or hard-hitting Bellore for a spot. 

5) Speedy McSpeedster vs The 7th Round Mystery

I didn't believe until I saw it live at Cortland but the Dexter Jackson rumors are true.  He's fast and can catch whatever is thrown at him, and is a pretty speedy punt returner too.  To gain his spot as the #6 WR this year he may have to beat out 7th round pick Jordan White.  90% of fans fell in love with his stat sheet on April 29th but entering camp with an injury has kept him from showing the talent everyone is expecting him to have.  Let's see what both can do vs Bengals tonight. 

6) Scotty McKnight Didn't Ball with Sanchez at USC - Patrick Turner did. 

Why am I keeping an eye on Patrick Turner?  Because I've been a big fan of his for years.  His size, skill and chemistry with Sanchez is entirely underrated.  I fully expect him to make the roster and hope tonight he continues to impress and earn more field time this season. 


and lastly..... there's one player I'll be watching on the Bengals and here's why.....

7) The Prototypical Slot Receiver - Jordan Shipley 

If there's one team that has enough depth at the wide receiver position it's the Cincinnati Bengals.  Fans have been searching high and low for decent options since the Jets wide receivers suddenly came down with the injury bug.  Despite coming back from a knee injury that kept him out last season, I'd like to add Shipley's name to the mix.  Tonight I'm hoping our defense helps our cause and gets this natural slot receiver cut.  May Sanu, Green and Jones shine so I can finally get the Texas boy in Green & White since it didn't happen in the 2010 draft like I hoped.

Breaking Down the AFC EAST.......Female Fans

     
     With training camp only a week away, I may as well take this opportunity to post some light hearted material before it's all business as the Jets begin their quest for a Lombar........err..... winning season.

     If you know me, you know that there's nothing I love more then being critical of the casual female football fan.  I recently came across a funny read I had saved from a few years back on this very topic.

It's a summary of your "typical" female fan for each of the AFC East teams.....
............and yes I highly approve of the Jets fan description :)

Buffalo Bills

The female Buffalo Bills fans (from hereon referred to as a Buffalo Gal) is rare, bust she exists. Like all Bills fans she bears a wound that will never heal; the perpetual wound of “wide right” It’s the closest that the Bills ever got to winning one of the 4 Super Bowls that they appeared in. It was a period of unprecedented dominance in which no team could unseat them for all those seasons, but they just could not seal the deal. The Buffalo Gal has suffered a Super Bowl Hangover x4 ever since then. When in a good mood, the Buffalo gal is amiable and pleasant. Her arch-enemy is the Patriots girl. She has a small shrine somewhere in her living space dedicated to laying curse after curse on Tom Brady. That traffic accident he had on Thursday? That was no accident, that was the ill-will of 1,001 hate filled Buffalo Gals putting hexes on Tom Terrific. But he yet survived, as he is protected by far more powerful, and more sinister dark arts.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins woman is like a East Coast version of the Raiders girl. Like the Raiders girl she is stuck in the past. Like the Raiders girl she is categorized by most people as a “slut” and usually carries some sharp instrument with which to protect herself after she leaves her job “dancing” at 3AM. Chances are she picked the Dolphins as her team because she likes their colors and/or thinks dolphins are “cute”. Peroxide probably figures largely in her lifestyle. Almost everything about her, mentally physically and spiritually is fake or man-made. Everything except her loyalty. The Dolphins girl will always have 1972, and other than Don Shula those are the only things she really knows about football. She does know, however, that she is constantly hated on by Jets fans. She figures that the Jets girls are fat and jealous of her. If there’s one thing that’s hard to deny it’s that Dolphins women are exceptionally sexy, if you’re into that sort of thing.

New York J-E-T-S

The Jets girl is a more unassuming version of the Giants girl. She is definitely wife material. She cooks, understands the game, is a monster in bed, and one of those girls who is completely comfortable being one of the guys. The Jets woman is a low maintenance type who looks as beautiful in no makeup as she does all done up. She is an independent woman, word to Beyonce. She would rather do for herself than have someone do something for her, which is why she absolutely despises the Dolphins fans. A Dolphins and Jets girl are polar opposites in ideology, and they just plain don’t get along. The hate is mutual and deep-seated. If you are looking for a great (if sketchy) one night stand, look for a Dolphins girl. If you want a girl all your boys (and girls) will be jealous of, seek out a female Jets fan, you will never regret it.

The New England Patriots

The female Patriots fan didn’t even exist before Bill Belichick became head coach. She was previously just a Red Sox fan, and couldn’t give one single fuck about the Patriots who, for most of their existence, where extremely horrible. Once Belichick was hired as head coach and the Patriots started winning, they gained more attention in the area, but not enough to really unseat the Red Sox, or attract females fans. It was only once the male model Tom Brady became the starting QB that women became interested in the Patriots. Purely interested in that guy, the female fans of the Patriots hurriedly tried to assimilate some semblance of football knowledge. They failed, of course, and are regularly schooled by fans from any other team in the AFC East. Pats fans fight this with their Ungodly Levels of Obnoxiousness. The Pats girl is no exception and is perhaps the most annoying of fans; the one with the least right or knowledge to be obnoxious, but is the first and loudest one to proclaim that her team is the best. She masturbates to pictures of Tom Brady whenever possible. She would be arch enemies with Buffalo Gals, if she actually knew what a “Buffalo Bill” was.

(Written by John Minus @DonCoyote @BlkSportsOnline 2010)

Fly Like a Jet

"I've risked the fall, just to know how it feels to fly"

Words I live my life by.

Aside from being a Jets fan, I'm a girl who is as stubborn as they come, extremely independent, who takes risks in life .......and is extremely afraid of heights and roller coasters.

All reasons why I decided to cross another item off my bucket list and go skydiving this weekend.

I flew like a Jet..... and it was an experience that words can't describe.  

The videos below sum up how amazing it was.  Looking fear in the face and telling it to go the hell away felt fabulous - I highly recommend it.

Enjoy  :)

Late Rounders

The draft is finally here.  


This time next week Jets fans will have already overused the word "beast" and will be either crowning some rookie the new league MVP or out drowning their sorrows over a questionable pick.


First round options have been analyzed to death.  I don't know about you but I'm ready to talk about some players whose names don't rhyme with Seagram, Rickshaw or Karen.


Last year, our very own John Conner was part of a documentary called "Late Rounders". Consider this my own version.  


On today's episode, I've decided to highlight two players I'd be more than happy to see in Green & White next year.  In my opinion, both players would be good options for the Jets to use one of their many 6th or 7th round picks on in the upcoming draft.


The one thing to keep in mind is that there are reasons these players are only projected to go in the late rounds, but as we all know, late rounders can sometimes end up being Pro Bowlers..... *cough* Brady *cough*


Let's start with my favorite late rounder.....


S Tramain Thomas (Arkansas)

To me, Tramain Thomas is a no brainer late round steal.


Which safety prospect is tied with Mark Barron for most career interceptions?  This guy.


The most exciting thing about Thomas is his ability to create turnovers and make plays in coverage.  As a starting safety in the SEC, he's recorded 13 pass break-ups, 12 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles.  His instincts in the middle of the field, ability to locate the ball quickly and make adjustments to come away with the ball are all qualities that a safety in today's league MUST possess.


The most common "positives" from scouts when evaluating Thomas have been regarding his ability to quickly redirect, accelerate and reach top speed  quickly to keep up with receivers.  His 4.51 40 time would have put him as the second fastest safety in this year's combine.  

At 5'11 7/8 and 200lbs he could use a few extra pounds on him, but that's nothing that a few meals with the offensive linemen couldn't fix.


While some have called him the most underrated safety prospect this year, there are definitely some negatives that would need to be addressed. While known to be an aggressive player, his tackling technique could use some work and he has been criticized for over pursing as well.  


You can't teach great cover instincts, but you can teach a guy how to become a better tackler.  


Thomas is projected to be drafted in the sixth round.  With the Jets blatant need for a safety who can actually cover, I see Tramain Thomas being the obvious choice for a late round pick who offers great value.  




FB/TE Emil Igwenagu (UMass)

Now I know those of you who suffer from Post Traumatic Ducasse Disorder stopped reading once you read the word "UMass" but :
A) this would be a 6th or 7th round selection.....
and B) remember Victor Cruz.


As a big Conner/Keller fan this choice may surprise some.  There's just something about a player with versatility that will always catch my eye and intrigue me.


After impressing many during the East West Shrine game, Igwenagu received an invite to the Senior Bowl where he continued to catch the interest of many teams.


Igwenagu (6'2 247lbs) has played TE, FB, LB, H-back as well as special teams.  While primarily playing TE for UMass, he fits right in to the new trend of versatile tight ends in the league.


Igwenagu can block as a TE, line up in the backfield as a blocker, carry the ball, and is a viable receiving threat as well.

In addition to his versatility, scouts took notice of Igwenagu's strength and work ethic. He's described as a gritty, tenacious, determined player who competes hard.  

He possesses great off-field qualities too. He's been the Minutemen's Co-Captain for the past two years and is a smart, accountable, unselfish player.

With Tannenbaum's love of drafting player from his alma mater, this is one UMass boy I wouldn't disagree with.  The Jets need a TE that can be an inline blocker and receiving threat too.  If nothing more than a great special teams addition, in my opinion Igwenagu is a developmental option definitely worthy of a late round look.

If Twitter Was Around In 2004......

A sunny, Saturday morning filled with Jets news and debates. It doesn't get much better than that.

As I sit and chuckle at the opposing views over last night's news regarding Mark Sanchez's contract extension, only one thought comes to mind:

What would my timeline look like if Twitter was around in 2004?!?

Present:

Sanchez gets drafted by the New York Jets in the days of ridiculous rookie contracts, goes to the AFC Championship game his first 2 years, decides to stop his tradition of bagging brunettes, starts dating blondes, and has a horrible 2011 season.

Tannenbaum & Co. then jump on the bandwagon of opportunity stemming from Peyton's neck, find a way to show the world they support their franchise QB, and create some breathing room cap wise.

So it's official - Mark Sanchez signs a 5 year contract extension worth $58.25 million dollars with $23 million dollars guaranteed.

Past:

Five games into the 2002 season, and only 3 appearances in his first 2 seasons in the NFL, Chad Pennington takes over as starting QB for the New York Jets, wins the AFC East Division Title, yet loses to the Raiders in the Divisional round of the playoffs.

The 2003 season begins and so do Chad's injuries. He plays only 10 regular season games to end the season....6-10

September 2004: It's official - Chad Pennington signs a team record 7 year contract extension worth $64.2 million dollars with $23 million dollars guaranteed.

The comparisons of the two contracts can be argued to death, as can which QB deserved it more. It's almost pointless to do yet puts the over reaction to Sanchez's contract into perspective.

For those that think that the length of a contract matters consider this: according to Pennington's extension in 2004, he would have still been in green & white, doing the Tone Time dance last season.

I'm going to sit back with technology that wasn't around during Chad's 41-0 win over the Colts, watch as the debate over Sanchez's contract continues and laugh as I think to myself:

What would my timeline look like if Twitter was around in 2004?

If 75 Yards Means A "Bad" Game For Revis, I'll Take It.

If giving up eight catches for 75 yards means Darrelle Revis had a bad day, then please sign him up as a New York Jet for another 10 years

     

Waking up today to fan’s reactions to Revis’ performance yesterday is quite entertaining, and yet another reminder of how fickle the New York Jets fan base can really be at times.

Yesterday’s win against the Buffalo Bills wasn’t a pretty one by any measure, and you certainly won’t find me giving any player credit unless it’s deserved. I’ll admit that halfway through the game yesterday I even commented on Stevie Johnson’s performance. Why wouldn’t I?  I saw one too many completions to a receiver covered by the best cornerback in the game. It’s not common to see a wide receiver catch anything but air when put on Revis Island.

Today, amidst a sea of predictable overreaction, I watched the game again and took a little closer look at Revis’ performance, took it for what it was, and haven’t for one second questioned the rare talent and skill we’ve all know he has.

If you found yourself sitting in front of the computer last night, voting Kyle Arrington into the ProBowl, putting your #24 jersey up for sale on eBay and making ridiculous comments like “Revis is awful”, “He’s been exposed” and “It looked like Revis didn’t even want to play today”……. well this one is for you.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is as accurate a quarterback as Stevie Johnson is a great route runner.  Eight catches for 75 yards and 3 yard touchdown really sounds a lot worse then it is.  Most other teams stay up all night praying that they had a secondary that could perform that well against a starting wide receiver. 

Johnson’s receptions for the most part were under 10 yards.  He was effective on making a few quick moves on Revis off the line and getting open for a quick pass.  Any defensive back will tell you that it’s hard to defend a slant-a-thon like we witnessed yesterday.

Jets fans complain every week about poor safety play yet never take the time to consider that Revis may actually feel the same way.  I’m not sure how much Revis actually trusts Brodney Pool and Eric Smith.  All reasons why he played man coverage, gave Johnson a lot of cushion and kept the play in front of him the entire game. 

In my opinion, Revis knows how fast Johnson is, and this was his way of making sure that he didn’t get beat over the top.  When you can’t trust your safeties to be there, you don’t compromise your coverage, you don’t jump short throws, and you let Fitzy make a few short completions.

Looking at the game and the Stevie Johnson touchdown more closely definitely shows that there was some miscommunication between Revis and Pool.  Revis backed off, expecting inside help and like so many other times this season it wasn’t there. 

No excuses need to made for his performance yesterday, nor should any credit be taken away from Fitzpatrick and Johnson’s effectiveness against him. The fact is, Jets fans have been spoiled with wide receivers completely disappearing on Revis Island, and have set new standards for what is considered a good or bad performance.

Like I said before, I’ll take the guy whose “bad day” only costs the team 75 yards and one touchdown any day of the week and be grateful.

And in case you didn't hear..... NEWSFLASH:  Darrelle Revis is human.

Oprah: The One Person I Hate More Than Even Tom Brady.

I can only make fun of Tom Brady "weeee-ing" like a school girl down a water slide for so long. Thanks to the NFL lockout there isn't much else to share my strong opinions on these days, so I decided to share my "Why I Think Oprah Is A Phony Fake Bitch" story with everyone.  Enjoy!

(*patient names changed for confidentiality)

While it may be hard to believe, I don't just spend my days ranting and raving about football and the New York Jets.  If there's one thing I'm passionate about it's my career.  

I'm an Occupational Therapist specializing in Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke.  I love my job,  I help people to move again, perform everyday functions and get their lives back.  Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you that my patients mean the world to me.  I share their goals and devote myself to see them improve.

About 6 years ago now I had the "pleasure" of treating Luther Vandross. Luther had suffered a major stroke and needed intensive therapy. We treated him for months and progress was slow and steady.  Interesting enough, the stories getting out to public and the media were that he was doing much better than he actually was.  To this day I'm not sure why.

A few months into his therapy I found out that Oprah was coming to tape a full segment on Luther's recovery.  It was going to be Luther's first interview since his stroke. You would have thought the President was coming.....but come to think of it Oprah probably sees herself as more of a VIP anyway.

The Daytime Diva had many demands, they got more ludicrous by the day.  I got my first taste of what this Oprah woman was really about when she demanded that only "good looking patients" be used in the background as they filmed her walking around the therapy gym with Luther.  

I'm sorry Oprah, but my 28 year-old patient that got hit by a drunk driver really can't help if he's missing part of his skull and isn't looking like a Gucci model at the moment, but let me find you someone who is.

Two of my patients - Jenn & Beth were asked to be apart of the taping.

Now, there are some patients who you never ever forget.  Their stories can hit a soft spot with me when I thought I lost the capability to have that happen anymore.  Jenn and Beth were prime examples of this.  

Jenn had a sudden brain hemorrhage while in Biology class at Rutgers and hadn't been home in 3 years still needing daily therapy.  She was still learning how to navigate her power wheelchair with minimal hand function. Her optimism after all she had gone through was contagious.

Beth was enjoying life as a new mom when she got in a tragic car accident.  She had spent years away from her family recovering from her brain injury.  Betsey's family couldn't afford to bring her home to their 3rd floor apartment nor make the necessary modifications to accommodate her power wheelchair.

These two young ladies taught me more than I can even begin to describe in this post.

Jenn & Beth were ecstatic when they heard about the opportunity to be a part of the Oprah segment.  They couldn't wait.  They loved Oprah, looked up to her.  It was great to see them have something to smile and get excited about.

Together they decided to write Oprah a letter.  They showed it to me and my colleagues.  Basically they told Oprah their stories and said they would be honored to meet her and shake her hand.  They asked for nothing else but the opportunity to meet her even if just for one minute. 

I immediately thought it was a great idea.  I mean everyone knew Oprah was this giving, unselfish, philanthropist right?  She loved changing people's lives for the better.  I thought that she would read these stories, meet the girls and maybe help get them home to their families.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Oprah stormed in as usual the morning of the taping.  Jenn & Beth were on their therapy mats as instructed.  They asked that we give Oprah their letters so that they wouldn't bother her.  

I'll never forget my colleague handing Oprah the letters and pointing out the girls.  My jaw dropped as Oprah said "No! I don't have any time for this shit" as she skimmed their letters.  

She tossed them away and went on about making her demands.  She never once looked in their direction or spoke one-single word to them.  She cared so much about Luther, yet never shook any of our hands for our work with him.

I stood there in shock and before I knew it the words "Wow, you are one selfish bitch" were coming out of my mouth.  She turned in my direction but just huffed off acting like the Diva she is.

Let's just say the rest of the day wasn't pleasant.  I take it personal when you mistreat one of my patients. I took no part in the taping and let it be known that the "Most Powerful Woman" on TV was a fraud.   

Jenn & Beth were upset, but also now knew that everything that Oprah says and does behind the camera are lies.  It was clear to all of us that in Oprah's eyes, no kind act was worth doing if there weren't two-million viewers watching it.  I have no problem letting the world know that in my eyes her philanthropy is nothing but bullshit.

Oprah had a tough childhood? Boo-effing-hoo.  These two girls will never live a normal life again and only asked for a handshake.  Her fat ass never worked as hard as they did to get to the point that they were at.  

Those who perform small random acts of kindness are the ones I admire and remember.  They're the ones who really make a difference in this world.  

Oprah?  She just filled the 4pm spot on ABC.

In a nutshell ........ Enjoy your retirement wench.   

DeMaurice Smith: "Voice of the Players"......or not.

There’s nothing better than sitting back and watching a “fresh approach” to something go horribly wrong.

Unfortunately, this new way of doing things, otherwise known as DeMaurice Smith, is directly impacting me -- an NFL fan who thoroughly enjoys the sport 365 days a year.

In 2009, upon the sudden passing of Gene Upshaw, Smith was elected president of the NFLPA.  It was seen as a surprise by many, a solution to the union’s sudden need for a change.

So much for that change being positive.

What the NFLPA got was a Washington-based attorney, a trial lawyer who represented Fortune 500 companies, rubbed elbows with President Barack Obama, and knows his way around Capitol Hill with his eyes closed. What they didn’t get was someone who had even the slightest clue about the world of the NFL, let alone the mind of a professional football player.

It was obvious that his business experience trumped his football experience.  Unfortunately for players and fans the ramifications of his hiring are being showcased loud and clear right now.

Surprisingly enough, I’ve stayed fairly quiet regarding my opinions on the current lockout.  I’ve kept an optimistic view that the two parties shared one common goal:  to get back to playing football. But after seeing Smith’s comments Monday it’s clear to me that this poor excuse for a leader is largely responsible for the lack of football in my life.

Someone might want to warn Mr. Smith that it’s really not a wise choice to get in the way of me and my football.

Smith is out of his league.  Last I checked he’s no labor attorney.  He’s a trial lawyer with no labor law experience whatsoever. If Upshaw could walk out of his grave right now I bet he would.  Upshaw had a great relationship with NFL owners and commissioner at the time Paul Tagliabue.  Don’t think for one second that the efforts put into establishing that relationship weren’t a key reason why the last labor fight was a short, less dramatic one.

The NFLPA is now in more of a mess than their “fearless” leader even cares to realize.  It’s obvious that Smith cares more about good sound bites and extra face time on national television then actually facing the reality of the situation at hand. The man wants to make his mark in NFL history and he thinks that trudging this matter in courtroom after courtroom is the way to do it.  I don’t need law experience to know that new collective bargaining agreements don’t get done in courtrooms.

Smith needs to stop making things personal.  Enough already with the redundant, arrogant and hard-balled rhetoric that has completely undermined any efforts to reach a new deal.  Cut the asinine “This is war” comments and go back to Capitol Hill where you belong.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the players, themselves, are questioning whether this man has their best interests in mind, but it’s too late now.

So, to quote the man of the hour himself: “Congratulations,” DeMaurice. You are singlehandedly turning off many fans that were once favoring the side of the players and have ruined what was once one of the best player/owner relationships in all sports.

Unfortunately, I’m not holding my breath for a new deal anytime soon -- that is as long as I continue to see your mug behind that podium

How the NFL Lock-Out Potentially Helps the New York Jets in the 2011 Draft.

Believe it or not, the NFL lockout in one very small way has actually helped some teams, including the New York Jets.

Maybe I’m suffering from a chocolate bunny overdose, or desperately trying to find something good in a time of such turmoil in the NFL. Either way, this is a scenario we as fans cannot afford to ignore.

It’s a pretty easy concept when you think about it.

It’s finally draft week, and not too much has changed. There will still be three days, seven rounds and a green room filled with anxious soon-to-be NFL players at Radio City Music Hall.

This year is first time in NFL history that the draft will be held before free agency. An offseason with no trades and no free agent signings has taken away one of the primary ways that teams fill their needs for the upcoming (knock on wood) season. The only avenue teams currently have is to wager parts of their futures on the unproven.

The lockout has done wonders for hockey and basketball fans, but it has also benefited some college prospects, too, namely quarterbacks. There are only six or so teams desperate for a quarterback and approximately five more that are in the market for one.

In any other year a handful of these teams would have already signed players like Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb or Alex Smith, leaving their draft picks to fill other holes. But without the freedom to sign veteran players, these QB-needy teams will be stretching to grab the next Mark Sanchez as early as possible. I mean why wouldn’t they? Last I checked a quarterback is one of the more necessary parts of a football team.

Or in the case of this bizarre NFL offseason, desperate times should call for desperate measures.

Players who in any other year would be drafted during the second round are going to be celebrating Thursday night. “Over-drafting” and “quarterback” are two words that will go hand-in-hand this year. Players will be drafted higher due to need, not talent. It’s notion that you won’t hear the Kaepernicks, Malletts and Daltons of the world complaining about.

What does this mean for the Jets?

I wouldn’t expect Mike T. -- aka “the Draft King” -- to move up unless there is a player available that Rex & Co. simply cannot live without. The more quarterbacks drafted early in the first round will mean more players dropping down, giving the Jets more options with the 30th selection.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

By the middle of Round 1, I fully expect to see greedy teams starting to make some moves. Bidding wars and trades will start to come fast and furious in an attempt to put war rooms in their places.

Get used to that little bell sound and team logos changing on the screen quickly as moves are made, or, more specifically, quarterbacks are selected.

The Jets aren’t the only team looking for the next great pass rusher this week. Fourteen teams run a 3-4 defense and four of those teams will be drafting alongside the Jets in the last seven picks of the first round. If you’re a Jets fan, the hope is more teams move into this slot to grab a quarterback.

If the infamous draft pick hoarder, Bill Belichick, takes the bait from a team like Denver or San Francisco and moves out of the 17th or 28th spot it will only help the Jets.

On the other hand, if players the Jets are targeting get taken right before they are scheduled to select, Tannenbaum may begin fielding offers in preparation to make moves himself.  I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if the Tennessee Titans or Denver Broncos trade into the Jets spot to grab a QB, leaving the Jets with a second round pick and an additional third.

If not, and the Jets trade down for extra picks in round three or later, Tannenbaum would put his talents to use and find a way to trade some of those and land a spot back up in the second round.

The possibilities are endless, making it one of the best and worst parts of the draft.

Any situation that makes a draft unpredictable, with the potential for lots of movement, usually means good things for the Jets. That’s precisely what could begin to happen on Thursday night.

One thing is highly recommended: don’t walk away from the television or channel surf for too long because anything – and I mean anything -- can happen.

And usually does.

The No Fun League Strikes Again

Anyone new to American sports would think that football was a relatively new sport created in the 1980’s.  With all the recent implementation of new rules and changes to existing ones, one would never believe the sport has been around since 1879.

First the infamous “Tuck Rule” in 2002 thanks to my favorite ponytail wearing quarterback. Then came the changes to the overtime rules after old man Favre suffered a dreadful NFC Championship game loss in overtime.

As if the current news regarding the NFL couldn’t be annoying enough, today’s biggest story aside from Bill Belichick sleeping through breakfast involved yet another rule change.

Jason La Canfora of NFL.com reports:

“NFL kickoffs will take place at the 35-yard line -- not the 30 -- under a modified kickoff proposal passed by the league's owners at the NFL Annual Meeting on Tuesday, according to a league source. The proposal keeps touchbacks at the 20 and continues to allow the two-man blocking wedge.”

Saying that Devin Hester should be on suicide watch may be a little bit extreme, but this rule change most definitely has an effect on an important aspect of the game.

Fans can definitely expect to see a lot more touchbacks than previously.  In 2010, 927 kicks landed in the end zone or farther.  509 of them were returned, and 416 were touchbacks.  There’s no question that with the implementation of the new rules, the percentage of touchbacks will increase greatly giving kickers the advantage, and will take away the threat from kick return specialists.

In 2010, players like Josh Cribbs, DeSean Jackson, Leon Washington, Brad Smith racked up 23 touchdowns all from kick returns.  It’s one of the most exciting yet overlooked parts of the game.

What Jets fan didn’t love shouting “Leee-onnnn” at every kick-off?  Or used to sit at the edge of their seat waiting for Chad Morton to return yet another one in the end zone?

Let’s face it, a kick-off return for a touchdown can sometimes be the most memorable play of a game. 

Last year, kickers like Sebastian Janikowski would routinely kick the ball one to two yards into the endzone with a good possibility of it being returned. 

Ed Hochuli will be swinging his arms at his sides a plenty this year because that same kick will be six to seven yards deep with players kneeling in the end zone for yet another touchback.  

Excuse me while I yawn.

The fact is players get paid millions because they are most dangerous at returning kick-offs and getting great field position for their team. 

Leon Washington should be thanking his lucky stars he signed his new contract or else he’d be seeing his value drop like Darren Sproles and Brad Smith are as we speak. It’s even safe to say that players may no longer be drafted purely because of their great return abilities.

So who benefits?

Aging kickers like Ryan Longwell and Adam Vinatieri do.  These guys have accuracy and no longer have to worry about losing some leg strength.  A kicker’s accuracy will be valued more than a big leg. 

Of course as I type I have to think about Nick Folk.  I don’t consider him a big-legged kicker or a very accurate one.  In fact he’s really just a pain in my…….I digress.

I expect to see teams treat kick-offs like punts.  Special teams coaches will use sky kicks and emphasize hang-time.  Kickers will get air under the ball for a 5 second hang time, let the coverage team get under it and force the returner to call a fair catch inside his own 10 yard line……..or else he’ll get killed.  

No fun for Brad Smith and when you think about it even less fun for players like Lance Laury, Jamaal Westermann and John Conner who are dying to get their hands on the little fast men.  They can’t even line up at the 20 yard line anymore and only have five yards from the kick off to get a running start.

Aside from the Rutgers tragedy, I personally can only recall news of two concussions suffered last year during kick-off returns.

I’m all for the NFL Competition Committee implementing rules that will increase players’ safety, but this newest rule could potentially effect an entire phase of a team’s offense.   

When the league implemented increased fines and punishment for “big hits” they weren’t necessarily changing the game, but rather sending a message to the players.  In the end, the players could still play the game the way they always have.

The new kick-off rules are different in that they actually change how the game is played, no matter how slightly.

My new optimistic side says hey….it’s better than having them take away kick-offs completely.

Vikings, Packers and Lions fans will sleep better tonight. 

Who knows?  Maybe now my nightmares of there ever being another Ted Ginn Jr in the AFC East will finally end too.