NFL Off-season 2022

[Roy H.]

Bill relying on the draft for a WR1 instead of an established player is a bit frightening. But maybe he’ll go offensive line on round 1 and make it a moot point.

Take Jameson Williams if his injury gets him to the second round.

[SparzWizard]

Logan Ryan, Shaq Mason, Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady...what is this, the Tampa Bay Patriots? Might as well call Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola to suit up 

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

JuJu also tweeted that he's going to KC. AFC continues to just load up. Frustrating to watch as a Pats fan

Wow. Some teams have three or four really good receivers, but the Pats don't even have a clear No. 1.

I'd rather have no clear no. 1 than JuJu.

How come? I thought he was pretty good, but maybe he's not as good as I thought? Or is he a troublemaker?

From all apparent sources he has been really, really bad for their locker-room over the last couple of seasons. He's a good end-zone threat, and will probably thrive alongside Hill, but I see him more as a Sammy Watkins type.

Ah, okay. TP for the explanation.

[Kernewek]

Anyone read this?

https://theathletic.com/3190484/2022/03/21/the-most-toxic-environment-ive-ever-been-a-part-of-inside-urban-meyers-disastrous-year-with-jaguars/

If we consider that nearly all sports fans operate on a Venn Diagram between those who watch for vicarious excellence and ability, and those who watch for vicarious success and control, you'd be hard pressed to find a more outsized avatar for the second group than that special breed of 'prestige' NCAA coaches. The Sabans. The Ks. The Meyers. &c.

This is why their failure is so delicious: because they're insufferable. Well, that and because the NCAA exists in such a weird vacuum that these largely unexceptional people become convinced of their own exceptional nature by virtue of unequal resourcing, and -- alongside a healthy dash of the Peter principle -- we get to see them absolutely flourish in the big leagues.

Article is paywalled, but here are some gems:

Meyer said he conducted a six-month deep dive on the NFL that included interviews with his former Florida and Ohio State players as well as a study of the salary cap. But multiple sources said Meyer was unfamiliar with star players around the league, including 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, Seahawks safety Jamal Adams and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year.

“Who’s this 99 guy on the Rams?” Meyer asked one staffer during the season, according to a source. “I’m hearing he might be a problem for us.”

In training camp, Meyer pushed for live contact drills despite objections from veteran coaches. One of those drills fell on what Meyer called “Winner and Loser” days; two players would compete, and the winner would be announced over the loudspeaker. After one blocking drill, Meyer insisted Chark do extra reps; the receiver suffered a broken finger, underwent surgery and missed the preseason.

One of his players had missed an assignment during a preseason game, leading to a busted play. Meyer was enraged when it happened. A day later, he was still fuming. If the mistake ever happened again, Meyer warned, he would cut every single one of them.

“And do you know what would happen if I cut you guys?” Meyer said, according to four people in the room. “You couldn’t get a job paying more than $15 an hour.”

Meyer also forbade players from speaking with opponents on the field before games, once claimed the Jaguars lost because they dressed sloppily.

Sources said Meyer repeatedly belittled his staff to its members’ faces. He told his assistants he was a winner and they were losers, then demanded they defend their resumes.

Urban Meyer, self-described winner, was fired by the Jacksonville Jaguars after accumulating a career NFL coaching record of 2-11.

[SparzWizard]

Julian Edelman spotted working out with Tom Brady, catching passes.

Oh mah gawdness.

[celticsclay]

Julian Edelman spotted working out with Tom Brady, catching passes.

Oh mah gawdness.

I looked into this cause it made me wonder if he would come back, but think his knee is completely shot (and he looks a bit husky here by nfl standards.

[gouki88]

Julian Edelman spotted working out with Tom Brady, catching passes.

Oh mah gawdness.

I looked into this cause it made me wonder if he would come back, but think his knee is completely shot (and he looks a bit husky here by nfl standards.

I think it's more of a social thing than anything else.

Unless Tampa are looking for a full-back

[moiso]

Julian Edelman spotted working out with Tom Brady, catching passes.

Oh mah gawdness.

They said it's a recording from last year on First Thing First.

[Donoghus]

Anyone read this?

https://theathletic.com/3190484/2022/03/21/the-most-toxic-environment-ive-ever-been-a-part-of-inside-urban-meyers-disastrous-year-with-jaguars/

If we consider that nearly all sports fans operate on a Venn Diagram between those who watch for vicarious excellence and ability, and those who watch for vicarious success and control, you'd be hard pressed to find a more outsized avatar for the second group than that special breed of 'prestige' NCAA coaches. The Sabans. The Ks. The Meyers. &c.

This is why their failure is so delicious: because they're insufferable. Well, that and because the NCAA exists in such a weird vacuum that these largely unexceptional people become convinced of their own exceptional nature by virtue of unequal resourcing, and -- alongside a healthy dash of the Peter principle -- we get to see them absolutely flourish in the big leagues.

Article is paywalled, but here are some gems:

Meyer said he conducted a six-month deep dive on the NFL that included interviews with his former Florida and Ohio State players as well as a study of the salary cap. But multiple sources said Meyer was unfamiliar with star players around the league, including 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, Seahawks safety Jamal Adams and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year.

“Who’s this 99 guy on the Rams?” Meyer asked one staffer during the season, according to a source. “I’m hearing he might be a problem for us.”

In training camp, Meyer pushed for live contact drills despite objections from veteran coaches. One of those drills fell on what Meyer called “Winner and Loser” days; two players would compete, and the winner would be announced over the loudspeaker. After one blocking drill, Meyer insisted Chark do extra reps; the receiver suffered a broken finger, underwent surgery and missed the preseason.

One of his players had missed an assignment during a preseason game, leading to a busted play. Meyer was enraged when it happened. A day later, he was still fuming. If the mistake ever happened again, Meyer warned, he would cut every single one of them.

“And do you know what would happen if I cut you guys?” Meyer said, according to four people in the room. “You couldn’t get a job paying more than $15 an hour.”

Meyer also forbade players from speaking with opponents on the field before games, once claimed the Jaguars lost because they dressed sloppily.

Sources said Meyer repeatedly belittled his staff to its members’ faces. He told his assistants he was a winner and they were losers, then demanded they defend their resumes.

Urban Meyer, self-described winner, was fired by the Jacksonville Jaguars after accumulating a career NFL coaching record of 2-11.

Meyer's a scumbag.

He was a scumbag everywhere he went in college.  He was a scumbag at Jacksonville. Another coach big shot who flamed out & got humbled by the pro game.

The sad thing is that he'll probably fall back on his feet in the college game or another cushy TV gig.

[Roy H.]

Anyone read this?

https://theathletic.com/3190484/2022/03/21/the-most-toxic-environment-ive-ever-been-a-part-of-inside-urban-meyers-disastrous-year-with-jaguars/

If we consider that nearly all sports fans operate on a Venn Diagram between those who watch for vicarious excellence and ability, and those who watch for vicarious success and control, you'd be hard pressed to find a more outsized avatar for the second group than that special breed of 'prestige' NCAA coaches. The Sabans. The Ks. The Meyers. &c.

This is why their failure is so delicious: because they're insufferable. Well, that and because the NCAA exists in such a weird vacuum that these largely unexceptional people become convinced of their own exceptional nature by virtue of unequal resourcing, and -- alongside a healthy dash of the Peter principle -- we get to see them absolutely flourish in the big leagues.

Article is paywalled, but here are some gems:

Meyer said he conducted a six-month deep dive on the NFL that included interviews with his former Florida and Ohio State players as well as a study of the salary cap. But multiple sources said Meyer was unfamiliar with star players around the league, including 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, Seahawks safety Jamal Adams and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year.

“Who’s this 99 guy on the Rams?” Meyer asked one staffer during the season, according to a source. “I’m hearing he might be a problem for us.”

In training camp, Meyer pushed for live contact drills despite objections from veteran coaches. One of those drills fell on what Meyer called “Winner and Loser” days; two players would compete, and the winner would be announced over the loudspeaker. After one blocking drill, Meyer insisted Chark do extra reps; the receiver suffered a broken finger, underwent surgery and missed the preseason.

One of his players had missed an assignment during a preseason game, leading to a busted play. Meyer was enraged when it happened. A day later, he was still fuming. If the mistake ever happened again, Meyer warned, he would cut every single one of them.

“And do you know what would happen if I cut you guys?” Meyer said, according to four people in the room. “You couldn’t get a job paying more than $15 an hour.”

Meyer also forbade players from speaking with opponents on the field before games, once claimed the Jaguars lost because they dressed sloppily.

Sources said Meyer repeatedly belittled his staff to its members’ faces. He told his assistants he was a winner and they were losers, then demanded they defend their resumes.

Urban Meyer, self-described winner, was fired by the Jacksonville Jaguars after accumulating a career NFL coaching record of 2-11.

Meyer's a scumbag.

He was a scumbag everywhere he went in college.  He was a scumbag at Jacksonville. Another coach big shot who flamed out & got humbled by the pro game.

The sad thing is that he'll probably fall back on his feet in the college game or another cushy TV gig.

Yeah.  I see a difference between Meyer and Saban.  I think Saban could have been successful in the pro game.  In fact, if the Dolphins had signed Drew Brees instead of passing on him for Duante Culpepper (!!) I think he sticks around the NFL and has some success. 

I don't think Meyer could lead any current NFL team to a winning record.  He's too dysfunctional.

[Moranis]

As a Buckeye fan I always felt a little weird rooting for Meyer to succeed.  He just doesn't strike me as a good guy and the type of guy you like to root for.

[Kernewek]

Yeah.  I see a difference between Meyer and Saban.  I think Saban could have been successful in the pro game.  In fact, if the Dolphins had signed Drew Brees instead of passing on him for Duante Culpepper (!!) I think he sticks around the NFL and has some success. 

Quite possible, but as an NFL coach he was clearly "some guy" (15-17), even if he had some good stints as a member of a coaching staff.

To wit, Pete Carroll appears to be the only one who really made the leap successfully.

[Donoghus]

Yeah.  I see a difference between Meyer and Saban.  I think Saban could have been successful in the pro game.  In fact, if the Dolphins had signed Drew Brees instead of passing on him for Duante Culpepper (!!) I think he sticks around the NFL and has some success. 

Quite possible, but as an NFL coach he was clearly "some guy" (15-17), even if he had some good stints as a member of a coaching staff.

To wit, Pete Carroll appears to be the only one who really made the leap successfully.

Jimmy Johnson is probably the gold standard. 

Bobby Ross did lead San Diego to the Super Bowl but the landscape is definitely littered with college coaches who crash & burned.  Often, in spectacular fashion.

[Roy H.]

Yeah.  I see a difference between Meyer and Saban.  I think Saban could have been successful in the pro game.  In fact, if the Dolphins had signed Drew Brees instead of passing on him for Duante Culpepper (!!) I think he sticks around the NFL and has some success. 

Quite possible, but as an NFL coach he was clearly "some guy" (15-17), even if he had some good stints as a member of a coaching staff.

To wit, Pete Carroll appears to be the only one who really made the leap successfully.

I just don't think you can call 15-17 an abject failure, particularly with terrible roster building hampering him.  You're right, you can't say that there's proof he would have been successful, but you also can't say he would have been bad.  My guess is that there are HOF coaches out there who were worse than two games below .500 in their first two seasons.  Belichick certainly was.  Carroll -- a success story -- started his career 6-10 with the Jets, had success in New England, and then went 14-18 in his first two years with the Seahawks.  Bill Walsh:  8-24 in his first two seasons.  Jimmy Johnson also started 8-24 after being a successful college coach.

You can argue that Saban didn't want to put in the work, I suppose, but he got paid an insane amount of money to return to college, where he could control his personnel rather than rely on a mediocre front office and the whims of the salary cap and free agency.

Essentially, nothing is going to convince me that Nick Saban isn't one of the most brilliant football minds in the country.

[Phantom255x]

Watson, Herbert, Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Matty Ice, Burrow, Russell Wilson

Good lord the AFC is going to be a bloodbath and the Pats will have a really tough time. And there's also a few other QBs like Tannehill and Derek Carr who aren't scrubs either, it's LOADED in the AFC.