Ah, the memories… (New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and then Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday.)

Hard to believe this was one year ago to the day. The owners and the NFLPA finally get the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) done and we got football back for the 2011 season.

Since then, center Jeff Saturday has left Indianapolis and is now a Packer (weird). His former quarterback Peyton Manning is now a Bronco (more weird) and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped his aspiring actress gal pal audition for a part in a movie (ultimate weirdness… And no, I will not post the link to that bizarre video. You can Google it.) Oh, how times have changed.

I’ve also gone through some changes and have been away for the off season. Now I’m back with new priorities along with some new perspective gained over the summer. But that’s for another post.

Now let’s get down to the business at hand – Rams talk.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Audibles: Catching Up On Rams Off Season”

It's been a fun first year.

Can you believe it was a year ago we began this unexpected writing adventure not knowing how long it would last and where it was would exactly take us.

But 365 days and 370+ posts later we’re still here and inexplicably so are all of you.  I hope you’ve had as much fun as we have.

We started during the NFL lockout (Boo!) and then we watched Josh McDaniels pick a TE in the second round of the 2011 draft (What???).  We were fortunate enough to have a front row seat during the lockout hearing proceedings in St. Louis (Score!) and jumped for joy as players and coaches finally got back to work in July (Woohoo!).  Then a shortened training camp commenced at Rams Park where I got to meet fellow Rams nuts (Yay!).  Then the 2011 season.  Well, you know how that ended… 2-14 with the second overall pick in the 2012 draft (Sad trombone).  Which brings us to the present in anticipation for the 2012 draft (Are we there yet?).

Through it all, we’ve experienced the highs and lows of being a NFL/Rams fan.  And we probably wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.  Okay, the Rams could have had more wins but you get the general idea.

We’ve come a long way, my friends.  So here’s to another great year and thanks again for joining us on this ride.

» Continue reading “Happy Birthday Pigskin Arch!”

Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo was on the “Ram cam” on NFL Network this morning talking about various topics.

He was in a good mood and actually cracked a quick “Sneaky, isn’t it?” laugh, too.  It was good to see him so upbeat.

How does it feel to be back?

I think like everyone else in this league we’re all fired up.  Glad to be back doing what we do.  I mean there are no coaches unless you have players, so it’s great to have players back.

How does this lockout impact your preparations for this season?

Well, it’s a little bit different and obviously we’re navigating through that.  Just in the last 24 or so hours we’re getting the rules on how we can practice and how we go about things so it will change and I think it’s all good , I think it’s just great that guys are coming back they’re in the building.  It feels like a real NFL team again now that we have players in here and I just think that our organization has done a good job getting through this and now we’re just looking forward to getting to the the real good stuff which is the playing of football.

Are you able to talk about Quintin Mikell?

Well, I wasn’t listening to Coach Belichick but I’m going to ditto on what he said.  Sneaky, isn’t it?

How do you expect Sam Bradford to build on his rookie season?

Well, I tell you what if the reports are coming back on how he handled this period when we weren’t working together are true then we’re expecting some great things.  He’s lead the team offensively through this thing.  Took just the playbook to absorb as much as he could on his own and I was really proud of him in the way he handled it.  He jumped right back into it and I think today’s Thursday so he was here Tuesday getting right back into this thing but we’re certainly excited about what Sam can do for us in year two.

What is your level of interest in Plaxico Burress?

Well, we’re interested in anybody that will help our football team.  Certainly I’m familiar with Plaxico and what we shared a couple of years ago.   I think the world of him.  Our people here, Bill Devaney and Kevin Demoff, are working through all those things and any way we can help this football team, looking at all positions and obviously WR will be one of them.

How are you approaching this free agency frenzy?

A lot of phone calls, obviously, a lot of conversations with agents.  I’ve talked to a lot of players.  It’s all about communication now and letting people know how interested we are.  It’s a little bit like, I go back to my college days, when you get close to the signing day.  You tell college recruits that you’re recruiting that we can only take three, we’ve offered scholarships to five.  Because it has to happen quick.  The time element is really important in this particular situation.  I think it will all even itself out and hopefully when it’s all said and done we’ll have a good football team when we get back to work.

Do you play your starters more in the pre-season?

That’s an interesting question and it’s been asked a couple of times.  I’m going to be perfectly honest with you.  I haven’t gotten that far in my thought process.  We’ve been kinda just digging through and practicing through a certain way in pads and no pads.  We’ve had to change the whole training camp structure around now.  We’ll have to make a conscience decision on how we want to approach that.  It still is four pre-season games we haven’t lost anything there and we always have the injury risk.  There are certain players you don’t want to lose before you open up opening day.  So as we get closer that I think we’ll make that decision.

Jay Glazer

Now, the formalities of this and that
Is that Kris Kross ain’t comin’ off wack
And for all y’all suckas that don’t know
Check it out

Jump, jump
The Mac Dad will make you, jump, jump
Daddy Mac will make you, jump, jump
Kris Kross will make you jump, jump

It’s finally time to jump, NFL fans.  Jay Glazer reports at 3:52am both sides agreed to terms of the CBA.

A few hurdles still remain but it’s considered mere formality now.

The 10-man executive committee and the 10 Brady suit plaintiffs will get together at 9am ET to get the process started.  Once the plaintiffs have signed off the executive committee will take a vote to recommend that the player reps approve the newly anointed CBA.  Then the player reps will pass on the terms to all the league players.

SI’s Peter King is reporting we could be seeing the proud parents of Baby CBA, Commissioner Roger Goodell and De Smith, holding a birth announcement (news conference) as early as this afternoon.

Here’s a little teaser regarding the start of league year.  Details are still to come.

Jay Glazer

Did they or didn’t they? 

Did Peyton Manning and Drew Brees in fact ask for special treatment as part of the anti-trust law suit settlement?  Did they indeed request an exemption from the franchise tag for the rest of their career?

Manning’s agent Tom Condon says on NFL Network, “Absolutely not.”

He explains further:

Well, of course Dew is a part of the executive committee so he was literally sitting in the meetings. 

The story came from an unnamed source.  Certainly not from Drew or Peyton. 

Drew, Peyton and Tom Brady made a statement about a week or so ago that they were completely supportive of the players’ position.  They thought it was a fair offer and they encouraged management to accept the offer and to get back to playing football.

My understanding is that offer included a one-time franchise limitation.  And I have to assume that is where this came from.

Condon maintains “it was a part of the proposal that the players and the executive committee made to the NFL management council.”

But if Drew Brees was “literally sitting in the meetings,” who’s the say he didn’t bring up the offer?  I’m highly suspicious.  Seems to me they put it out there to see what they could get away with and once they saw the backlash they withdrew their demands.

When asked whether that part of the universal settlement was specific for Manning and Brees, Tom Condon replied:

No.  No.  No, not specific at all.  It would affect any player.  You can franchise a player only one time in his career.

Interesting to note Drew Brees and Peyton Manning both have been franchise once already.

What’s the process?

Here’s an outline of how this process will play out as SI’s Jim Trotter understands it.

• The executive committee votes to froward a proposed settlement agreement to the player reps.
• The players reps then debate and vote whether to forward the settlement agreement to the plaintiffs in the anti-trust case.
• The named plaintiffs then have to approve the settlement before the owners can vote on it, presumably tomorrow.
• If the owners approve the settlement agreement, then the players would have to reform as a union to finalize CBA issues.

In other words, both lawsuits (Brady vs. NFL and TV money case) will have to be settled.  Then the players need 51% majority vote to re-certify the NFLPA as a union.  And lastly, the union has to vote to ratify the new CBA.

Some player reps have already left meetings but some have stayed behind to further discuss the proposal with NFLPA executive committee.  It’s possible the reps who left have already casted their votes. 

So, we’re close.  Very close but not there yet.

Mayhem - Allstate

I was watching NFL Live for the first time in a few weeks.  (Basically, I only watch it live when Trey Wingo is hosting but I digress.)

Trey Wingo, Tim Hasselbeck and Mike Golic were discussing the end of the 130 day lockout.

As I watched I couldn’t help but think, “Will the beginning of the end signal the start of a different type of  ’out,’ sheer chaos, or both?”

Lockout

Items still left to be ironed out in the negotiations before we can even get to that are:

• Settlement of the anti-trust law suit Brady et al vs. NFL
• Settlement of the “lockout insurance” case in Judge Doty’s court
• $320M in lost player benefits from an uncapped 2010
• Off season player safety concerns
• Re-formation of the NFL Players Union

As the main plaintiffs in the anti-trust law suit, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Logan Mankins, and Vincent Jackson made their settlement terms known.

• Peyton Manning and Drew Brees want exemptions from the franchise tag for the rest of their careers.  Both QB’s were slapped with the tag back in February.
• Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson want to become UFA’s (unrestricted free agents) or receive $10M.  Both Mankins and Jackson were hold outs in 2010 over contract disputes.

But surprise!  Just as we’ve seen one too many times throughout this lockout, the Fab Four reverse course and ultimately withdrew their demands late last night.

After some debate over possible special relief for at least some of the 10 player-plaintiffs, it was determined it would be too cumbersome to try and work out individual deals,” Borges writes.  “Since the bulk of plaintiffs were well-placed NFL veterans, the best way to go, it was decided, was to stick simply with the larger deal negotiated between the NFLPA and the league’s owners.

Who’s bright idea was it to try and squeeze every last drop out of this law suit anyway?  It’s got the stench of Kessler written all over it.  And Mike Florio agrees.

Holdout 

From the league’s and owners’ standpoint they didn’t “lose” money since the preseason will most likely start on time.  Games will not be missed and therefore no tangible loss of revenue.

But from the coaches and teams perspective it’s not quite so rosy.  As the lockout dragged on for what amounts to the entire off season, lost were weeks of OTA’s, mini-camps and most importantly time for a proper free agency period.

We’re one step closer to the finish line.  As NFLPA George Atallah said yesterday:

George Atallah 7/18/11 tweet

When I first saw this tweet I disagree with him.  I haven’t attempted a marathon yet – I’m training for my first one right now – but I’ve completed a half marathon back in April.  As I approached the 12th mile I could see hundreds of spectators cheering the runners on.  They had no clue who I was but they yelled and roared me through that last mile.  Their words energized me to push through the last few strides and it helped me cross the finish line.  *And the crowd goes wild…

But in the case of the NFL lockout getting to mile 25 is not enough – just as George Atallah stated.  In this case I will not cheer and woot until that CBA is signed, sealed, and electronically sent off to wherever electronically sent files go.

1) I just got win of this late last night.  STL PD’s Jim Thomas breaks down the Rams could look like.  Hmm, second place in the NFC West yet doesn’t say who the division winner will be.  What’s up with that?  With the offense taking shape now is the time to bolster the defense with free agency.  Thomas brings up the sore sticking point of Atogwe’s departure from the team.  (At least it’s a sticking point for me.)

Year 3 of Spag’s tenure needs to shape a different identity for the defense (I know I sound like a broken record…)  It can’t be Spag’s D anymore.  Someone needs to really stand out as the defensive leader.  Any takers?

2) Here’s a great breakdown and hopefully the final one from Mike Silver.  These small yet important topics will be discussed today in the meetings.  Hopefully, the CBA momentum won’t get tripped up by any of the seven hurdles.

3) Former Mizzou standouts host a youth football camp in Kirkwood, MO.  Jeremy Maclin and his former college teammates Danario Alexander and Sean Weatherspoon braved the heat and coached kids ages ranging from 6 to 16 in basic football drills.  Check out what they had to say about the lockout and getting back to their own fields.

We’re at mile 25.  Will you be cheering or jeering?

Harry Potter glasses

Bittersweet…  At 12:01 am Friday, I took my son to watch what was the finale in the Harry Potter series, The Deathly Hallows Part 2.  Ups and downs, epic battles between heroes and villains, and sacrifices made for the greater good.  Sound familiar?

J.K. Rowling has cast her magic for over a decade and with this final installment she closes this chapter of Harry’s story.  Maybe we can close out our own saga called the lockout this week as well.

“Bloody hell, it’s about time!”  That’s what Ron Weasley would say if he were a fan of the NFL.

1) I think it’s fitting the NFL lockout will finally meet it’s doom this week.  This wizard’s chess match will see its conclusion and we can get back to what we all love most – quiddich football.  I predict the timeline for the next week: Agreement in principle will be made Tuesday, July 19, with the owners vote in Atlanta on July 21, and free agency starting the following about a week from that.

2) I think even though we whined like Moaning Myrtle over how long it actually took both sides to come to an agreement it’s better to get a CBA drawn up in proper order than to rush for the sake of not losing money.  Get it right the first time around, gentlemen.  We don’t want to revisit this ugliness again anytime soon.  I’m hearing this new CBA should be good for the next 10 years or so depending on the opt out clauses.

3) I think I owe DeMaurice Smith an apology owl.  In what can only be called a stunning turn of events De Smith conjured up secret spell only a few outside of the Players’ executive committee knew about – Secureus lockoutis insuransum.  Maybe he possess the gift of Divination like Professor Trelawny and saw this impasse coming.  He saved the spell for a moment like this.  His flick of the wrist could have been the turning point in these negotiations.  *tips Fedora hat.

4) I think I may also owe Steven Jackson an apology.  I got on his case earlier in the summer when he didn’t show up (despite being in town) for player organized workouts.  He explains his absence in an interview with Bryan Burwell:

One: Just because a particular person doesn’t show up for the workouts doesn’t mean he’s bucking the system or he’s not a team player. Two: I’m a father of two now, and we have no insurance to cover us in case of an injury in those organized workouts. So I put myself in a difficult situation if I do that. And finally, I think I have earned the trust of my teammates who know I’m going to do my job.

I understand where he’s coming from, I do.  And I don’t blame him – especially about not having the insurance.  But there’s still a part of me wishes he could have been there to help the younger players.  Guess that’s just the Molly Weasley nuturer in me.

5) I think it’s unfortunate the new Rams regime went and fired equipment manager Todd Hewitt.  I’m not sure we’ll ever really find out the real reason.  Or maybe we will since Hewitt filed an age discrimination lawsuit against the Rams.  Will Spags’ micromanaging personality, a la Dolores Umbridge, come back to bite him in the bum this time?  As long as the team wins these sort of things will be overlooked and reluctantly swept under the rug.  Calling Mr. Filch!

6) I think to be fair the league shouldn’t force players serve time in the NFL detention chamber. Specifically free agents, who have had off-the-field issues with the law.  Technically, if they are not under contract with a team how can the league expect them to abide by team and league rules?  Unless there’s some general “I am a player of the NFL” contract that I’m not aware of they should be exempt.  That’s good news for you, Cedric Benson.  Ahem.

7) I think the news about the Rams new season tickets sales doubling despite the lockout is not surprising.  They are riding the Bradford Express gravy train as far as Sam’s arm and intellect will take them.  We’re all hoping that the last stop will be right to the Super Bowl and the Lombardi Trophy.  Although the TriWizard Cup is pretty bad ass, too.

.8) I think James Harrison should do the Steelers and himself a favor by installing some sort of thought filter.  I agree with his football comments about the safety, discipline, and fines.  And people should lend an ear.  But the rest of the smack could have saved for a howler.  There’s a fine line between an individual’s right to free speech and talking like an donkey rear.  He (we) all need to remember he’s representing not only himself but his family and the Steelers organization – lockout or otherwise.  Like it or not it’s a full time job.

9) Is anyone else wondering what’s in the beer in Northern Ireland?  Within a 14 month span three who call N. Ireland their home have won a major PGA tournament.  Graeme McDowell (2010 US Open), Rory McIlroy (2011 US Open), and yesterday Darren Clarke at the 2011 British Open.  Do they have a supply of Felix Felicis somewhere???

10) And last but not least a shout out to the US Women’s National Soccer Team.  It was one helluva ride.  Who said drama was limited to men’s sports?  Thank you ladies and hope you qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

Football is near.  I can almost smell it, can’t you?

Good (late) morning folks!

I’m still reeling from a lack-of-sleep induced migraine but had to share today’s Follow Friday.

So, I’m sitting here trying to pick the best candidate for today and came up empty.

That is until this little gem came across my timeline.

WARNING: Lots of foul mouthery in this clip but it’s needed to get his point across.

Today’s honors go to Minnesota Vikings punter, (and yes, I said punter) Chris Kluwe.

Now we all know kickers and punters are a rare breed.  We take them for granted and think they’re all a bit nuts.  But that’s half the fun of following @ChrisWarcraft.

Actually, he’s quite articulate (as seen by this video clip) and has gotten into a Twitter feud with SI’s Peter King over the slightly less well known subject of directional kicking.

Today’s labor updates:

From Washington Post, Mark Maske:

The official end of the lockout would come only after the deal is approved by both sides, down on paper, & court case is dealt with.

Very close.  Not done yet.  Still lots of work to do.  Nothing is for certain.  Natural ebb and flow.  Hope floats.

Have a good Friday.

I hear that was a something called the MLB All-Star game on last night.  Anyone catch that?  No?  Neither did I.  I was doing something far more interesting and meaningful.

The NFL writers of Aerys got together for another edition of the Aerys Huddle.  In our chat we covered the lockout (of course), NFL players and social media, and impact rookies.  Our moderator threw in a surprise topic at the end about “He-who-shall-not-be-named” and the chat room went nuts.  All I could say was, “NO COMMENT.”

1) Aerys Huddle Part 1 – Lockout, Schmockout: Question 1: On Monday, two stories were released about the NFL Lockout. One cited reports that the lockout would end July 21. Another was by an anonymous player who said the owners are just using the media to pressure players into a deal and that a deal is not even close. Which do you believe?

See what our writers had to say.  We weren’t as harsh as James Harrison but we weren’t very kind to either side.

2) Speaking of James Harrison I woke up to this hot mess.  In all fairness to him, I actually do agree on some of his critcisms.  Such as the 18 game proposal, players rather sustain concussions rather than lose a knee, etc.  But it all gets lost in the other misguided things he says.  If you were one of the teammates he didn’t bash publicly what would you say to him?  That’s assuming you had the guts to go and confront him.

This is just another sign of where we need to start football very soon.  James Harrison needs someone to hit.

3) Here’s some “lighter” news: Rams front office goes to Joplin today to continue clean up efforts for the city that was hit hard by the May tornadoes.

I love that the Rams have a community service day each month.

There are still 3 more parts of the Aerys Huddle to come and I’ll update this post as they roll in.  So check back later today for some great comments and insight from our writers.

Have a good one everybody!