RIP Gene Upshaw 1945-2008

The NFL World lost one of its ambassadors today, as Gene Upshaw died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 63. I wanna touch on cancer issue first before I get to his NFL career.

Imagine being a family member of Upshaw's, finding out four days ago that your loved one was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and then all of a sudden, he is no longer with you. I can't imagine that, and I've been so fortunate that I have never been put in either side of that situation. Many others have not been so fortunate.

Just a few days ago, a friend of mine lost her mother to Pancreatic Cancer. Unlike Upshaw's bout, this bout lasted for a long time. I don't exactly know how long, but it was a sad situation for far too long. She was one of the nicest people you would ever meet in your life. And I'm not just saying that because of her passing, but I firmly believed it. We may not have spoken a lot, but everytime we did, she was a joy to be around. She had a great smile and a wonderful personality. Her kids definitely were raised by a wonderful person, and it shows. She will be missed.

Back to Upshaw. I think many people may know of his career. 15 years, all with the Oakland Raiders, to go along with 3 Super Bowl appearances in 3 different decades. He was one of the best Offensive Lineman the game has seen, a hall of famer on and off the field. Raiders owner Al Davis said that the community lost a "great man."

Let's just put that in perspective. Yes, we lost a great football player and a leader of the players organization. But, we also lost a husband, a father, and a great guy. Gene will be missed.

Brett Favre to the New York J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets!

After all, could you really see Brett Favre wearing this?


(Photo Credit: Tampa Tribune)



I didn't think so.

Foxsports.com first reported that Brett Favre and the Packers agreed to a trade with the New York Jets in exchange for a fourth-round pick next year, which could be upgraded to a second-round pick depending on Brett's performance.

Finally, we have the culmination of a soap opera that has gone on for WAY too long. Too many feelings hurt, trusts broken, and relationships damaged. From GM Ted Thompson to President/CEO Mark Murphy and Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the power players in Green Bay botched this situation and made it the drama it was.

But, lets not forget that blame can be shared on Brett's strong shoulders as well. His pre-madonna attitude made it difficult on the organization, and made this ordeal a burden on the fans and players.

Reaction coming up tomorrow on "The Josh Pacheco Show" on ESPN Radio.

Colt Brennan Live Blog at AFC - NFC Hall of Fame Game

Well, today marks the return of professional football...it's been six months of rumors, Brett Favre, and well, Brett Favre, until now.

Colt Brennan is expected to start the second half for the Washington Redskins, and according to head coach Jim Zorn, his performance and game situation will determine how long he plays.

The game is airing live on NBC Sports. I'll be with you for the live Colt Brennan blog when he checks in!

______________________________________________

3:52 pm: Well, Colt has his work cut out for him. The Colts (I mean, Indy) lead the 'Skins 16-9 and after seeing Jason Campbell and Todd Collins, its time to start the competition for the 3rd string QB position.

3:56 pm: Brennan makes his debut in something unfamiliar to Warrior fans....under center. Screen pass for 6 yards, followed by a hand-off which lost a yard.

3:58 pm: Beautiful pass from Brennan to Billy McMullen up the left post. Still has a littl of that side arm motion, but puts the ball right on the numbers for a long gain of 34 yards and a first down. Had to take a timeout after that. Wonder if that was mis-communication on his part, or his teamates?

4:01 pm: First down completion to USC TE Fred Davis for 8 yards. Simple play. Davis was in the flat right side with alot of room. Good start as he is 3-3 for 48 yards. They get the first down on the next play with a 5 yard rush.

4:02 pm: I like the way the Redskins are running the football. 5 yard gain up the gut. But, on second down, Brennan couldn't find anywhere to go, held the football and stayed in the pocket too long and got sacked for a loss of a yard.

4:03 pm: Brennan capps a perfect drive with a nice touchdown in the right corner of the end zone to WR Maurice Mann. He got great protection from his blind side, and was able to fling one in from 20 yards out to pick up his first NFL Touchdown!

COLTS 16, REDSKINS 16: 5:51 left in 3rd Quarter

4:13 pm: Colt's getting ready to start his second series from the 12 yard-line. He was 4-4 for 68 yards and a TD on the first drive. He's been getting some great help from the running game, as they picked up a seven-yard rush on first down, and a one-yard rush on second down, followed by a 5-yard holding penalty against the Colts to give them a first down.

4:15 pm: Brennan's first incompletion was not a good one. He instinctively held off on throwing the football immediately on the three-step drop, but then forced a pass up the sideline where he had a lot of space to run. He followed that up with a play-action pass right up the seam with a rocket thru two defenders for 26 yards.

4:17 pm: After a one-yard loss, Brennan set up a screen pass for nine yards to RB Rock Cartwright, and now on third and short, he throws a bad pass on a slant behind the receiver Billy McMullen who was wide open. Doesn't matter, however, as the Colts were lined up in the neutral zone and gives the 'Skins a first down.

4:19 pm: Final play of the third quarter is a Brennan rollout to the right finding Maurice Mann for seven yards. Brennan is 7-8 in the third quarter as we are still tied at 16.

INDIANAPOLIS 16, WASHINGTON 16: END OF THIRD QUARTER

4:21 pm: Start of the Fourth Quarter, and Brennan runs a delayed handoff to Rock Cartwright for no gain. Great stat by the NBC guys, two total incompletions by all Washington QB's, meanwhile Cartwright gets close to a first down on third and short. One of the OL guys are injured for Washington as we will see if they give them the first or not. I think he got it.

4:25 pm: Back from the injury timeout as Brennan fires a quick pass over the middle for 7 yards to continue his outstanding play. Cartwright jukes and jives for two yards on second down.

4:26 pm: Adam Schefter of NBC is talking to Fred Dean. He had my favorite HOF speech on Saturday. He was funnier than Conan O' Brien! Third down and one and Brennan gives to Cartwright for a first down as they get close to the eleven yard line.

4:27 pm: Marcus Mason gets a chance to run the football for five yards on first down. Outside of the time out that Brennan called early in his first drive, he has run the offense extremely well, as Mason gets another run for a yard.

4:28 pm: Third and four, and Brennan does a little Brett Favre-like improv, rolling to his right and finding Mason inside the one, and Mason backed his way into the end zone! 5 Yard TD Pass and Brennan gets some props from his teamates on the sidelines as with the extra point, the Redskins will lead by a TD!

REDSKINS 23, COLTS 16: 10:22 left in 4th Quarter

4:37 pm: Brennan's stats thru his first two drives: 9-10, 123 yards, 2 TD's, and a 157.5 QB rating. Oh, I HATE these Viagra commercials they are playing.

4:39 pm: Looks like Brennan's day is done. Derek Devine is the guy competing with Brennan for the #3 spot on the Depth Chart. Honestly, based on Brennan's performance, Devine's got a lot of work to do, but he's been lucky with a solid running game that has gotten them by on the first three plays.

Unless Brennan gets back in, which I doubt, this live blog is complete for the night. We will talk a lot about Brennan's performance on Monday's edition of "The Josh Pacheco Show" on ESPN Radio. Thanks for logging on!

Colt Brennan signs contract

Promising news for former UH Warrior quarterback Colt Brennan this morning. ESPN.com's John Clayton is reporting that Brennan has inked a 4-year deal worth $1.8 Million dollars.

From the very beginning, I have liked and respected the way Colt Brennan has played the game of football. My only question mark was his somewhat side-arm throwing motion, but I felt that if that could be worked on, he would make a pretty decent NFL QB.

But, let's also not forget where he is. He's with the Redskins, of course, but the Head Coach, Jim Zorn, just recently left the Seattle Seahawks, where he was the Quarterbacks Coach. I think he knows a thing or two about making quarterbacks better, and that can only help Colt.

Along with the positive health report that Clayton reported on, this signing should give Colt a little bit of comfort that he may be on the roster once opening weekend starts. Some are saying that he could be the #3 Quarterback on the Depth Chart. Hopefully, he doesn't take this to heart and start to cruise through training camp (I think he will continue to work hard and strive to move up the depth chart).

With young Jason Campbell still at the helm, fresh off of watching current #2 QB Todd Collins lead the team into the playoffs, I think Campbell may be looking back over his shoulder, might press the issue at times, and might play his way on the bench.

If so, this could be the prime opportunity for Colt Brennan. Just keep working hard, young man.

Chad Johnson. Headcase.

Earlier today on the Josh Pacheco Show, we talked about Chad Johnson and how he said he will be coming back to Bengals training camp to be with the team and work out. After I got off the air, Chad spoke on his satellite radio show (another reason why satellite radio sucks, people who don't know how to do radio end up being on "radio") and said he still wants to be traded away from Cincinnati.

MAKE UP YOUR MIND!

Chad knows what he is doing, though. He's trying to maximize his monetary value. If he doesn't report to Cincinnati, we know they aren't going to trade him, but not playing this year means his value decreases. Being there shows he is going to play, look out for himself, pad his stats, and look for another team next year with his value intact.

It is unfortunate that we look at a player like Johnson and see an act like his in a negative light. Before, someone going to camp meant a reconciliatory gesture. NOW, it means an act of posturing.

Pacman's Back....well, sort of

John Clayton of ESPN.com reports today that Pacman Jones is back in the NFL, kinda. Pacman is allowed to practice with his teamates, play preseason games, and perform in organized team activities. But, let's stop short of the word reinstatement.

A final determination will be made by Sept. 1. Jones will have to be on perfect behavior in order to be eligible for the 2008 season.

What's the deal with the commish? Why are we continuing to set limits on Pacman? Last I checked, and I've said this numerous times on the air, Pacman hasn't done anything to show me that he deseves another suspension. He's stayed free of the law. The only questionable things he has done is go to a strip club, which almost every guy is guilty of, and take almost 3/4 of a year to pay a gambling debt, which is common among gamblers in america. Not suspensionable to me.

September 1st, by the way, is three days before the Thursday night regular season opener, and six days before the matchup in Cleveland against the "let's exchange our draft picks with Dallas" Browns. Hopefully, a decision is made long before then.

And, if you are a Giants, Eagles, or Redskins fan, you are hoping Jones is reinstated so your offensive players can do this:



Thanks to panthersinthepros

Jason Taylor's Ego Too Big For Himself

I feel bad for the Miami Dolphins. They have had a bad couple of years. Only one win this past year, a brand new regime coming in, and the realistic expectation that as long as the Bellichick dynasty continues in New England, the Miami Dolphins will NEVER win a division crown.

With that all understood, it gets worse now with their best player saying he won't be attending training camp, among other team events. Their two best players appear to be out before this coming season. Zach Thomas is now with the Cowboys, and Taylor may either retire or ask to be traded.

This is all on Taylor. Apparently, his ego has gone through the roof since being a part of "Dancing With The Stars." For example, go to youtube.com. The first bunch of videos are from him on the hit show, not of him on the football field. I think that has gone to his head. In fact, take some of the quotes he has made:

"I know what the reaction's going to be: Oh, he's the leader of that team, and he needs to be there," Taylor wrote. "But, see, there're different types of leadership in sports. There're guys that can talk all the time, and try to lead by saying: 'Oh, this is what we need to do, let's go, rah, rah rah.' They're rah-rah guys.

"And then they're guys, like me, who lead by example. And people are saying now, 'Your example should be being there working out with the team.' Well, at the end of the day, I will show up and I will do anything I need to do, and I will be the best football player I can be."

Some leader by example, huh? I'll lead, as soon as I'm ready to. Yeah, whatever. And more...

"Yes, there's a new defense to learn," Taylor wrote. "But we've had a lot of coaches the last five years, and I've learned all those defenses. We'll make it work, trust me. We're not reinventing the wheel here."

Come on. Every coach has certain wrinkles to their defenses. Even Jason Taylor should realize that. Bogus.

Maybe it is time for Miami to get rid of this "distraction." Just like the Cincinnati Bengals should get rid of Chad Johnson, it's the same thing here with Taylor. Get rid of the monstrous ego. Now's the time to completely re-build the team.

Oh, in case you don't know what makes Jason Taylor famous now...



Thanks to DanceWTS1

NFL Labor Deal Issue A Matter of Greed

The NFL Owners decided today to opt out of the current labor deal, which could lead to, among other things, a possible lockout in three years. They feel that the rookie pool salary is too high, labor costs are high and rising, and getting money back from players who don't perform or cause problems is too hard to do.

The rookie salary issue is huge. Take this comment from ESPN.com

Giving some rookie more money than veteran is an insane practice. I would be upset if a new hire was paid more than me to do the same job I've been doing for years.

Jake Long is getting paid more for not even taking a snap than any other offensive lineman on his team who's worked hard and given up a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. It's not right.

Everything else is straight up greed. The owners are unhappy that the players get 60 percent of all revenue, and they get only 40. They will make sure that that part gets buried behind the headlines, but it's the truth. The greed between the two unions, and the fact that they always fight for what is good for themselves, not for the game, is sickening.

And guess who's money is tangled in all of this? You buy NFL Sunday Ticket? What about the jerseys and hats? Yea, people are being greedy over your money.

Odell Thurman Saga Disappointing

Both the Cincinnati Bengals and Odell Thurman were going for thhe same goal...cleaning up their negative image. The Bengals were pretty much known as the "Jail Cats" for their players' numerous offenses with the law. Thurman had just been re-instated after missing two years for a substance abuse violation.

Now, the Bengals are shooting themselves in the foot. The Cats released Odell Thurman "due to a dispute over the amount of time Thurman was away from the team dealing with a family matter," a team spokesman said. Thurman had taken a leave of absence due to his grandmother falling seriously ill, and later passing away. He had been away for a few weeks to be by her side, and when he was about to leave his family's side to go back to the team, they let him know that he was no longer a Cincinnati Bengal.

This is a touchy issue, because it deals with a death of a family member and the rights of a team. The team has the right to tell you when you have to come back to work, while dealing with the death and severe illness of a loved one is a tough burden to bear. It's hard to work in that sort of situation. Some people would say that work is a good cure to those trying times that ail you, but in this case, the organization is being a little unfair.

I feel bad for Thurman. He is trying to do the right thing. It's unfortunate that the leash was short on him to begin with, due to the past suspension, but we are 3 1/2 months away from the regular season. The Bengals could've cut him a little more slack.

Too bad this is what the Bengals will be missing out on:



Thanks to whodey9857

Greed overcomes the NFL again

The NFL Owners are talking about opting out of the labor agreement they are in with the players association. According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com:

One management source called it a "high likelihood" that the owners will exercise their option to terminate the agreement, which will trigger a number of alternatives, including a potential work stoppage by 2011. Another source said "be prepared" for the action, although it was "not a 100 percent proposition yet."

This could mean salary cap-less play in 2010, and the lack of a system for the following NFL draft. Unrestricted free-agency would change as well around that time frame.

What is the most important entity in the NFL? It's not the owners, and it isn't the players. It's us, the fans. Our money, attention, and want for the NFL product has led to the NFL being the most popular sports league in the country. We've supported them through allegations of steroids and lots of greed from players.

Yet, the greed continues. They both have it good on each side of the aisle. But, how are they going to get the message to show them that what they are doing is hurting the fans and the game?

When we stop spending money on them.

Oh, and because we spend money on the NFL, this is what we get:



Thanks to
Fantasy Sports Girl!

Sit Down, Senator Specter

That was Tuesday in the NFL press conference regarding Roger Goodell's interview with Matt Walsh, and the revelation that nothing new, generally, had come from the interview, therefore closing spygate. And now today, Senator Arlen Specter:



Please, sit down and shut up, Mr. Senator. The only thing you are succeeding in is putting your name out there for everyone to hear, feeding your ego, and making yourself look good.

Problem is, you are representing a mass constituency of people in Pensylvania who have needs, issues, concerns, and feelings. Have you thought to ask your people in Pennsylvania if this is what they want? You represent them, not yourself.

With all due respect, there is nothing more to gain from any kind of investigation. It seems like we know all we can know. Are you trying to set us all up for another letdown, similar to what it felt like when our hopes were high, expecting to get breakthrough information, only to realize that we got the same thing that we knew already. And, I have a good feeling that any internal investigation would reveal the same thing here.

Please, stop wasting taxpayer dollars. Focus on things your people actually care about.

Goodbye, Spygate!

If you were waiting for a huge revelation from the NFL, Matt Walsh, and all parties involved regarding "Spygate," you were left empty. It's like watching an overdone promo for a brand new show on television that is supposed to be revolutionary, only to be left with a dud that did nothing for you.

That's what many felt like they got today from Matt Walsh.

For months, we waited while the NFL and Matt Walsh worked out an agreement so they could talk, thinking that we would get new information that we didn't know before, that Matt Walsh held the key to unlocking the secret items in the dark closet of the Patriots' videotaping operations.

Instead, we heard Roger Goodell tell us that the meetings revealed nothing that people didn't already know.

Thanks a lot.

At least we can finally, and I mean, FINALLY, put Spygate to rest. It's something I called for months ago, and if not for Matt Walsh leading us along, it would have ended months ago. Punishments won't change, nothing new will likely emerge, and we can all go back to talking about stuff on the field.

Maybe we should talk about the cheerleaders on the Chargers videotape.

Oh, and I guess Bellichick was right after all, somewhat:

(Thanks to the Associated Press)

Good Luck Colt Brennan

Colt Brennan had to wait a little while, but after a day and a half of the NFL Draft, Colt was taken in the 6th round by the Washington Redskins. He was the only Warrior taken in the draft, with Davone Bess, Ryan Grice-Mullins, and Jason Rivers signing free agent deals. Two bad two of those three receivers had a year of eligibility left.

For Brennan, this was a great move. Now, the pressure is off of him. Brennan is not expected to compete for a starting job right away, and he shouldn't be. Often times, teams and players make the mistake of getting someone in "too early." Here, Brennan will be developed by Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn, who was formerly the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator. The Redskins have a starter in Jason Campbell, and a number two guy in Todd Collins. All Colt needs to do is progress, keep his head up, and he may be in good shape.

I feel bad for Jordan Dizon. Dizon, the pride of Kauai and the former Buffalo of Colorado, was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions. Dizon is extremely good, don't get me wrong. BUT, it's the Detroit Lions. I wouldn't want to be stuck in that organization, and neither would you.

Who may play sooner? I think it would be Dizon, even though to some he is oversized, but I see some need for a linebacker in Detroit. He could possibly be on the field this season if he works hard.

As always, feel free to leave your comments while I finish up my Star-Bulletin Top 10 Softball poll. And, of course, I've gotta leave the video of the day. Thanks to LEONARDDAVISPROBOWL, here is the best of Colt Brennan.

Cincinnati's Big Mistake

If you have been following the Cincinnati Bengals / Chad Johnson fiasco, you've probably formed an opinion by now on who's side you are on what you would do. For those of you that haven't followed the story, here's the quick and dirty. Ocho Cinco is unhappy. He wants out. He feels like he is the scapegoat for all of Cincy's issues from last season. Oh, and in case you don't remember, here is what he said on SportsCenter a while back:



If you are an employer, and you are paying X amount of dollars to this guy, what would you do to react? I'm sure you would say that you would let him go on the spot. Not the Cincinnati Bengals. They maintain they will not trade or let go of Chad Johnson as long as he is still under contract with them, which he is for another few seasons.

Cincinnati today revealed that they had turned down a trade offer from the Washington Redskins for Chad Johnson. The Redskins offered two first round draft picks over the next two drafts for number 85, which the Bengals declined. Maybe this seems too common sense for me, but wouldnt you take the first good offer you get, and I think the Redskins offer is good, and run with it to get the distraction out of town?

The Bengals are playing with fire. If they keep him, he sits, and he causes an enormous distraction for the rest of the team. If they trade him, he could be good for someone else. In BOTH ways, the Cincinnati Bengals aren't a good team this coming season.

Feel free to comment and let your voice be heard!