SUPER BOWL WEEK TWO-A-DAYS BEGIN TODAY
It's Super Bowl week so you'll have at least two posts per day for the next week. They won't all be about the big game, I'm not a hype-guy, but there is enough football to talk about. Wednesday is national signing day & I might have more than two posts then because of what transpires & the impact of who goes where. I will preview different aspects about the Super Bowl as the week progresses. Tho the NFL hates any news that doesn't concern Sunday's game during this week of the year, coaching news, possible free agents & the ongoing Peyton Manning story will get a few headlines & you'll read it here.
I watched Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski get off the plane yesterday. I was looking to see how he was moving on his high ankle sprain. He was still wearing a walking boot for support but he was not limping in any way. I think Gronkowski will start Sunday but how effective he is remains to be seen. The past two Super Bowls saw prominent AFC players with ankle issues. Two years ago Colts all-pro defensive end Dwight Freeney had an ankle sprain that left him totally ineffective in the game. Last year, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey had a high ankle sprain & tho he said he would play & the Steelers said he would play, he did not dress for the game. Gronkowski's ankle could prove to be a real problem for the Patriots. I think the Giants will put a linebacker in his face on the line of scrimmage, attempting to slow him down initially, then turning the coverage over to a safety. With a high ankle sprain, it's really tough to get thru the first 3-4 steps & get going. With a 240-pound linebacker in his grill, trying to slow his release, big Rob may be in for a tough afternoon & evening. It was suggested Gronkowski had his ankle shot up to get off the plane & look as tho his ankle was fine to prying eyes. Maybe, but look for the Giants to make his ability to get off the line as difficult as possible. Gronkowski is the lone injury question for either team, oh there will be a dozen or so guys listed as "Probable" or maybe even questionable, but the big tight end is the only one that really matters right now.
In the November 6th game at New England, won by the Giants 24-20 on a TD pass with 15-seconds remaining, the Giants were playing without starters RB Ahmad Bradshaw & WR Hakeem Nicks.
Super Bowl weekend means Hall of Fame voting. The 44 people who argue & vote & argue & vote, will convene bright & early Saturday morning to decide who will be inducted this August. Here's hoping Will Shields & Willie Roaf make it, but two offensive linemen might be a tall order in one season.
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to hire Jim Caldwell as their quarterback's coach. The Ravens will retain offensive coordinator Cam Cameron despite calls for his dismissal. The former Colts head coach hasn't had a lot of interest since he was canned by Indy.
I mentioned I thought Peyton Manning was going to be released by the Colts. I have my doubts about Manning ever playing again, his neck might not allow it. I don't see him playing just for the sake of stats or because he can't stand not playing. If he's not 95%, I think he'll retire after he's released. Other Colt Pro Bowl performers who could be shown the door are DE Dwight Freeney & WR Reggie Wayne. Wayne is a free agent who won't be retained & I think Freeney will be let go or traded. He will be 32 next month, he makes a huge amount of money & Freeney still has some trade value.
I watched Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski get off the plane yesterday. I was looking to see how he was moving on his high ankle sprain. He was still wearing a walking boot for support but he was not limping in any way. I think Gronkowski will start Sunday but how effective he is remains to be seen. The past two Super Bowls saw prominent AFC players with ankle issues. Two years ago Colts all-pro defensive end Dwight Freeney had an ankle sprain that left him totally ineffective in the game. Last year, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey had a high ankle sprain & tho he said he would play & the Steelers said he would play, he did not dress for the game. Gronkowski's ankle could prove to be a real problem for the Patriots. I think the Giants will put a linebacker in his face on the line of scrimmage, attempting to slow him down initially, then turning the coverage over to a safety. With a high ankle sprain, it's really tough to get thru the first 3-4 steps & get going. With a 240-pound linebacker in his grill, trying to slow his release, big Rob may be in for a tough afternoon & evening. It was suggested Gronkowski had his ankle shot up to get off the plane & look as tho his ankle was fine to prying eyes. Maybe, but look for the Giants to make his ability to get off the line as difficult as possible. Gronkowski is the lone injury question for either team, oh there will be a dozen or so guys listed as "Probable" or maybe even questionable, but the big tight end is the only one that really matters right now.
In the November 6th game at New England, won by the Giants 24-20 on a TD pass with 15-seconds remaining, the Giants were playing without starters RB Ahmad Bradshaw & WR Hakeem Nicks.
Super Bowl weekend means Hall of Fame voting. The 44 people who argue & vote & argue & vote, will convene bright & early Saturday morning to decide who will be inducted this August. Here's hoping Will Shields & Willie Roaf make it, but two offensive linemen might be a tall order in one season.
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to hire Jim Caldwell as their quarterback's coach. The Ravens will retain offensive coordinator Cam Cameron despite calls for his dismissal. The former Colts head coach hasn't had a lot of interest since he was canned by Indy.
I mentioned I thought Peyton Manning was going to be released by the Colts. I have my doubts about Manning ever playing again, his neck might not allow it. I don't see him playing just for the sake of stats or because he can't stand not playing. If he's not 95%, I think he'll retire after he's released. Other Colt Pro Bowl performers who could be shown the door are DE Dwight Freeney & WR Reggie Wayne. Wayne is a free agent who won't be retained & I think Freeney will be let go or traded. He will be 32 next month, he makes a huge amount of money & Freeney still has some trade value.
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