NFL News, Rumors and Musings

[Snowplow]

Also, wasn’t until very recently that I realized how rare teams like those Pats are. I used to think the Packers were similar under GM Ted Thompson (RIP), but while they had good players and good years, they really don’t compare to the Patriots. McCarthy (while he did win one SB) was a big reason why they underperformed in the playoffs. Now in Dallas he’s been exposed as a Caste Clown. RIP Ted Thompson, one of the few good ones.
Also sometimes we see teams like the 2011-2013 Texans, but they were not as successful and very short lived (and lacking on the OL) and now look at them now LOL.

Thanks for this site, I’ve learned a lot from you Don.

 

[Leonardfan]

Payton has been nothing if not consistent. A White QB, one or two at most White o-linemen, sometimes a White TE, and a few White LBs on defense, along with the still (ridiculously under the circumstances) underused Hendricksen. The White WRs he's screwed over could fill a book.

He has his formula, but Drew Brees made it work, just as Tom Brady was the key ingredient in New England. It won't be surprising if the Saints decline without the great Brees.

I totally concur. Brees helped make the Saints engine run just like Brady did in New England. I will say that at least Payton has an offensive mind and can make average/mediocre QBs like Bridgewater look better than they are through play calling. Mike Hass was the proverbial straw that broke the camels back for me in terms of going all in on believing in the caste system and he was screwed over by none other than Payton back in 2006.

 

[Don Wassall]

I said "one of the" because admittedly, I know not much about pre-2000 or so (bc of my age). I'd estimate the Caste era as starting around 1980, and, sorry for lack of clarity, when I said "this era" I was referring to the Caste system era in general as opposed to more modern times only. Were 80's and 90's teams really that bad? I'd have thought just by some of the names I know of and old highlights I watched the defenses at least were overall better than todays'. I think Marv Levy was pretty good in the 1990's, his teams were far better than most I believe. But of course, Belichick is the king of this century.


I honestly felt like Garoppolo was initially groomed to be the successor in 2014, but then Brady kept playing longer than anyone could have realistically expected, and was traded mid-2017. I also thought Stidham could have been the guy, but that didn't go well either.

Yes they were after the late '80s, especially '90s teams until the last few years of that decade. There weren't any White thousand yard receivers between 1987 and 1996, and of course no thousand yard running backs, and no tight ends after Mark Bavaro and Todd Christensen went over 1,000 yards in '86. Ricky Proehl was the only White starting receiver and even he wasn't allowed to eclipse a thousand yards. It wasn't any better on defense, those were the truly the worst years of the Caste System.

 

[Leonardfan]

I said "one of the" because admittedly, I know not much about pre-2000 or so (bc of my age). I'd estimate the Caste era as starting around 1980, and, sorry for lack of clarity, when I said "this era" I was referring to the Caste system era in general as opposed to more modern times only. Were 80's and 90's teams really that bad? I'd have thought just by some of the names I know of and old highlights I watched the defenses at least were overall better than todays'. I think Marv Levy was pretty good in the 1990's, his teams were far better than most I believe. But of course, Belichick is the king of this century.


I honestly felt like Garoppolo was initially groomed to be the successor in 2014, but then Brady kept playing longer than anyone could have realistically expected, and was traded mid-2017. I also thought Stidham could have been the guy, but that didn't go well either.

I agree with you on Jimmy G. Brady forced the Pats hand because he was playing on a very high level with no real sign of decline. I am sure it was a power struggle between with Kraft and Brady against Belichick that led to that trade. I will be interested to see exactly how the Pats draft this year - Caserio is gone to the Texans however it was Belichick who is the de facto GM so it may be just another really poor draft class.

 

[Snowplow]

Thanks for the info Don. Caste system is older than I thought. Seems like around ‘85 or ‘86 was when things really took off. Didn’t realize how bad things were despite the occasional team “teasing” us. By teasing I mean one or two years better than usual and then back to pure Caste, as the Texans did around 2011/12, unlike the general consistency of the Pats. I’ve learned quite a bit. Didn’t pay much attention until recently, and the good Texans did not last as long as I remembered. Also the 80’s Jets Sack Exchange, 90’s Bills and early 2000’s Rams tricked me into thinking things weren’t always as bad.

I think I saw someone a while back (from my lurking days) criticize Belichick for his defenses- I disagree. Johnson, Bruschi (I count him), Vrabel, Ninkovich, Gregory, Simon, Ninkovich. Probably missed a few but that’s more than most. Recall rewatching several 2013 Pats games and seeing 3/4 starters on the DL(!) Also not Belichick’s fault that guys like Silvestro and Bequette didn’t pan out, it happens.

As far as the Texans and Caserio- don’t expect much change. We all know Belichick is the real man in charge, plus the Texans have been awful lately and with the ownership being accused of racism I fully expect them to do everything to appease the woke crowd.

 

[Don Wassall]

1985 was the year the Caste System went hard-core and it's never let up since. 1990 was when the NFL Draft went super-black in the first round, with little variation since.

 

[Freethinker]

FA guard Kevin Zeitler signs with Baltimore. Sadly, this is a good move for that odious squad. The Ravens have had great White men on the offensive line, which has greatly contributed to their success in the last decade.

 

[Leonardfan]

The Texans and Dolphins trade LB busts, especially Lawson. Lawson was a first round pick, McKinney a second round pick. What struck me is how much these underachievers are being paid -- Lawson is in the midst of a three year $30 million deal, while McKinney is due $28.5 mil over the next three years. Meanwhile, premier linebacker Matt Milano just signed for 4 years and $41 million, about the same $10 million per year as these two mediocrities.

Texans acquired LB Shaq Lawson from the Dolphins for LB Benardrick McKinney.
The deal also involved a swap of late-round picks. Lawson signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Dolphins last year but only managed to start seven games. He totaled just four sacks and 18 QB Hits as a rotational pass rusher. A former first-round pick with the Bills, Lawson has been unable to consistently make plays and hasn't been able to push beyond the status of a premium backup.

Black Scrub season is in full effect. Plenty of mediocre black players will be getting unwarranted contracts.

The Jets are apparently interested in bringing back 2015 1st round bust Breshad Perriman. He is going into his 7th seven in his quest to unlock his magical "upside".

The Patriots sign an upsider TE Jonnu Smith to a free agent deal. Probably a sign of things to come in New England. 4 years - 50 million dollars - 31 million guaranteed - ridiculous contract for a player who has probably maxed out his potential.

Joe Thuney will hopefully end up with the Bengals to protect Joe Burrow.

 

[Leonardfan]

FA guard Kevin Zeitler signs with Baltimore. Sadly, this is a good move for that odious squad. The Ravens have had great White men on the offensive line, which has greatly contributed to their success in the last decade.

Yea I don't like that signing at all. The Ravens are pure caste - interior OL and TE are the only two spots on the team they will allow a white player.

 

[Don Wassall]

Black Scrub season is in full effect. Plenty of mediocre black players will be getting unwarranted contracts.

The Jets are apparently interested in bringing back 2015 1st round bust Breshad Perriman. He is going into his 7th seven in his quest to unlock his magical "upside".

The Patriots sign an upsider TE Jonnu Smith to a free agent deal. Probably a sign of things to come in New England. 4 years - 50 million dollars - 31 million guaranteed - ridiculous contract for a player who has probably maxed out his potential.

Joe Thuney will hopefully end up with the Bengals to protect Joe Burrow.

My hopes that the Patriots would be starting a White TE this year are likely dashed with that signing.

There should be a flurry of moves today and in the next few days as the free agent signing period started at noon today Eastern Time.

 

[Leonardfan]

My hopes that the Patriots would be starting a White TE this year are likely dashed with that signing.

There should be a flurry of moves today and in the next few days as the free agent signing period started at noon today Eastern Time.

Another black player signed by the Pats. Probably to supplant Beau Allen

Patriots signed DT Davon Godchaux, formerly of the Dolphins, to a two-year contract.
The deal is worth "up to" $16 million, and includes $9 million guaranteed. The Pats are reversing the New England-to-Miami pipeline as they look to shore up their run defense. Godchaux is a load in the middle of the line, though he was limited to five games last season after tearing his biceps in October. Stout in the run game, 26-year-old Godchaux can also create some pressure up the middle. It could prove to be a shrewd early signing in what is going to be a more confusing market than usual because of the declining salary cap.

 

[Leonardfan]

Patriots signed LB/EDGE Matt Judon to a 4 year deal. This means that Simon is probably gone and Winovich will have a reduced role - hopefully he gets out of there via trade. Time to write the Pats off.

 

[Snowplow]

Well, thank you Bill Belichick for two enjoyable decades. It was great while it lasted.

Dang about Zeitler. Still one of the best. And it was cheap, I think $7.5M per year over 3yrs. I guess tough market, plus he wants a contender. Wish he went to either Cincy or Minny, Burrow and Cousins need help at G badly. Hopefully Thuney goes to either, preferably the former since their situation is worse and he’s from Ohio, so maybe he wants to be close to home.

Speaking of Vikings, star DE Danielle Hunter is unhappy with his contract and may force a trade. Was hurt all last year. Hopefully it can clear the way for more James Lynch and Kenny Willekes (impressed in camp before tearing his ACL). Still can’t believe he lasted until the 7th.

 

[Leonardfan]

Thuney signs with the Chiefs

 

[Extra Point]

It's not going to happen but it would be funny if a white player kneeled when the black national anthem is played.

 

[HaywoodZarathustra]

I've been watching some of those games from the seventies including old Monday Night Football with Cosell, Meredith, and Gifford and it is stark and astounding comparing that product with what passes for pro football today. I recommend you all do this. All the players were fit and trim, even offensive linemen. There were a lot, but it wasn't just an ocean of black players. Players batted down passes or picked one off or made a sack and they didn't get up and perform rabid, electrified Kabuki Theater as if they've just solved world hunger. Scored a touchdown and ran back to the sidelines; smack talking seemed to be embarrassing and uncool.

 

[Bucky]

Linsley is indeed headed out West. Rumored to be closing in on a 5yr deal.

 

[Bucky]

• 49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk’s 5-year, $27 million deal. with $9.25 million over the first two years.

 

[Snowplow]

Browns, Vikings, Jets, and Bengals are all interested in Hendrickson.
My dream is he lands with Cleveland, and then Sendejo (rumored to be considering retirement) stays one more year and then they trade for Ioannidis from the Redskins and swap Njoku for Andy Isabella. Doubt all that happens but a man can dream, right?
Vikings are also a good spot. Not sure what to think of the Jets since I have no clue what QB will look like. Bengals have Burrow, Sample, Hubbard, and Wilson but if they stay sumo heavy I can’t get behind them.

 

[Leonardfan]

Belichick showing his desperation - 5 players signed today. So much for the patriot way. He’s a caste whore like the rest of them.

 

[Bucky]

End of an era that is for sure.

 

[Leonardfan]

End of an era that is for sure.

Urban Meyer is looking to run the few whites on the Jags out of town with his signings too. I really would prefer by some miracle that one of the black quarterbacks ends up in Jacksonsville instead of Lawrence.

 

[Leonardfan]

Trey Hendrickson to the Bengals. Hopefully Hubbard and Hendrickson will serve as the full time bookends on the Bengals D-line. It's a shame they didn't get Thuney as well.

 

[Snowplow]

Maybe Margus Hunt also comes back as a part of the interior rotation. They also have LB Logan Wilson.
OL better not be pathetic. Loooove Burrow but I can’t support a team with a majority sumo OL. Price needs to put it together and take the starting C job while overrated sumo Hopkins is out with injury. Jonah Williams is a good piece. Word is they’re talking to RT Rick Wagner. Detroit should have never let him go, did well in GB last year, who also should have kept him. That gets them to 3/5. Maybe Eric Fisher, and move Williams to LG where some say he profiles better? Or find guys in the draft. Really would hate to see a team with a great young QB, promising TE, and solid defense ruined by a sumo-dominated line.

 

[Leonardfan]

Maybe Margus Hunt also comes back as a part of the interior rotation. They also have LB Logan Wilson.
OL better not be pathetic. Loooove Burrow but I can’t support a team with a majority sumo OL. Price needs to put it together and take the starting C job while overrated sumo Hopkins is out with injury. Jonah Williams is a good piece. Word is they’re talking to RT Rick Wagner. Detroit should have never let him go, did well in GB last year, who also should have kept him. That gets them to 3/5. Maybe Eric Fisher, and move Williams to LG where some say he profiles better? Or find guys in the draft. Really would hate to see a team with a great young QB, promising TE, and solid defense ruined by a sumo-dominated line.

I agree. You would think Fisher would be a sought after commodity. I know he had an achilles injury that he needs to recover from but if I were a team I'd see if I can get him on a cheaper deal due to that injury. He's a top 10 LT when healthy. The draft seems to at least have a decent number of white OL so hopefully the Bengals will draft a few. You can't have enough good OL. I was disappointed to see Elfein sign with the Panthers.