Team Owners Opt out of Collective Barganing Agreement

 

 

 

League owners voted unanimously today to end their labor agreement with the NFL Players Association in 2011. Both parties reassured football fans that the next three seasons won’t be interrupted by contract disputes.

According to NFL.com, this move was anticipated but not this early in negotiations.

Signed two years ago, the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement was to last for seven years (until 2013) with an option to terminate in five (2011). The owners voted to opt out now because they felt that the current CBA heavily favored the players.

The owners said that they are paying the players $4.5 billion. Currently, League revenues are estimated at around $8.5 billion.

With that said, there are many question and scenarios to ponder.

-Why did the owners agree to this deal anyway knowing that it is ’unfair’?

-The 2010 and 2011 seasons will operate without a salary cap. In what ways will this affect free agency?

-Will there be a strike or a lockout in the near future?

 

According to NFL.com Senior Analyst Pat Kirwan, this may happen in 2010 if both sides are unable to reach a new deal within two years.

- Free agency will require six years of service instead of four years for the 2010 year.

-Teams will have to use three restriction tags instead of one.

-Teams that go deep in the playoffs could have some spending restrictions.

The ending of the NFL Draft and the creation of a rival league are also some possibilities.

I don’t really feel sorry for the owners, and I disagree with most of their issues regarding the agreement. In 2006, two teams voted against the current CBA. Two years later, those two teams were right while the other 30 played themselves.  It seems to me that the 30 teams that voted for the CBA were afraid of the NFLPA, so they agreed to whatever the union wanted.

The only issue that I agree with the owners on is the rookie contracts. These guys are way overpaid, and they don’t deserve those mega contracts because they are unproven.  It is a damn shame that some of these guys act like that it is beneath them to actually prove themselves to the team that drafted them.  Under this CBA, owners spent more on unproven rookies than dependable vets. The veterans suffered and paid their dues in the league, and they deserve a higher percentage of player salaries. Paying $70 million on a first round bust is beyond foolish; it is insane!

What do you all out there think? Do the owners have a legitimate beef? Will the NFLPA and team owners agree to a new deal before 2010?

 

Red Zone Picks Week 13

Panthers vs Niners- San Fran will win but it wont be easy. Testaverde may be old but he still knows his way around the gridiron.

Texans vs Titans- For whatever reason, I like the Titans today.

Falcons vs Rams- If I had to pick a winner, I would say the Falcons. A 3-3 tie would be a little more interesting though.

Seahawks vs Eagles- If Philly played like they did last week, Seattle is in trouble. Eagles win!

Lions vs Vikings- Adrian is back. Lions beware! Minnesota wins.

Jaguars vs Colts- Indianapolis dont need Marvin Harrison to beat this team!

Chargers vs Chiefs- Look for Kansas City to sweep the season series.

Jets vs Dolphins- 0-12 Miami! Cam should have stayed his ass in San Diego!

Broncos vs Raiders- Denver will light JaMarcus up!

Browns vs Cardinals- Finally, Brows fans will have something to cheer about. The team is actually a wild card contender. A win against Arizona will help justify their cause.

Bucs vs Saints- New Orleans will win this one.

Giants vs Bears- Two strong defenses. Very interesting. Giants offense gives the New York the edge though.

Ravens vs Patriots- Baltimore, I hope you studied the film of what Philly did. If you didn’t, don’t even bother showing up!

Redskins vs Bills-Win this one for Sean, DC!

Red Zone Picks: Week 12

And We’re back! I’m sorry for falling off on the picks but I was burned out on making them. Now that I am refreshed, I’ll make my picks for the rest of this week.

Saints vs Panthers- Carolina’s instablility at quarterback is really killing this team. I expect the Saints to score early and often. New Orleans win.

Bills vs Jaguars- New England thrashed Buffalo last week. Expect Jacksonvill to run away with the win.

Redskins vs Bucs- This game is going to be close. Washington wins this one on the ground.

Seahawks vs Rams- LOL @ This matchup. Seattle wins this in a route.

Vikings vs Giants- I’m not really liking  Minny’s chances today. Rookie Juggernuat Adrian Peterson is still feeling the effects of his injury. The Giants is playing decent football now espically the defense. Giants win.

Raiders vs Chiefs- Another classic AFC West matchup and another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams. In this chapter, the Raiders will not get the pen at all. Kansas City wins!

Titans vs Bengals- Cincy should win this one.

Texans vs Browns- Cleveland should win this one. It wont be easy though.

49ers vs Cardinals- Arizona Wins! one step closer to a early first round pick for San Francisco and one step closer to the unemployment line for Mike Nolan.

Ravens vs Chargers- If I have to pick a winner in this hot mess of a game, I would pick Baltimore because they are still salty over that freak field goal last week. I would also pick Baltimore because at least Brian Billick act like he know what he is doing unlike a indecisive and frazzled Norv Turner. Ravens win!

Broncos vs Bears-Denver wins a close one.

Eagles vs Patriots- Philadelphia is better off not showing up.

Steelers vs Dolphins-Miami, see above!

Red Zone Picks: Week 9

Saying that we have a lot of interesting and marquee matchups this week is a gross understatement. Of course the Patriots/Colts game is considered to be the game of the season and AFC Championship preview. Finally, New England is up against some real competetion.

Chargers vs Vikings

I like the way the San Diego Chargers are playing now. I’m glad that they have woken up from that disasterous start. With that said, I believe the Chargers will extend their winning streak today because Minny’s D will not be able to stop L.T.  Adrian is turing out to be a good back for the Vikings but he is the entire offense. Not a good look.

49ers vs Falcons

To me, it seems as if  this is the worst matchup of week 9. We all know about Atlanta’s struggles and San Francisco’s offense is mediocre at best. If the Niners lose this game, then they better hit up area high schools and get some offense. Look for Coach Nolan to call Menlo School tomorrow. Falcons win!

Bengals vs Bills

Cincinatti wins this one because of their offense. The Bengals’ defense is terrible but I believe that the offense will pick up the tab.

Lions vs Broncos

Denver wins this one easily. There is no way Detroit can win this one. Lions are pretty good this year but not good enough to be on of the AFC’s best.

Packers vs Chiefs

This is another game that is evenly matched. Green Bay wins this one and wins this one ugly because Kansas City’s defense is shot.

Jaguars vs Saints

Jacksonville will run New Orleans into submission. The only way that the Saints will win is if they get an early lead.

Redskins vs Jets

The Skins will handle a weak New York team.

Panthers vs Titans

Having Steve Smith on your team doesn’t mean jack if you can’t throw him the ball. Who’s under center for Carolina this week? Vinny “Nine Lives” Testaverde or David Carr (wreck)?  If Carolina wants to win, they better start Testaverde.

Cardinals vs Bucs

Look for Kurt Warner to light up Tampa’s week secondary. Arizona wins.

Seahawks vs Browns

Seattle wins but it won’t be easy. Cleveland is actually dangerous this year.

Raiders vs Texans

Two Words: Houston Wins!

Cowboys vs Eagles

TO returns to Philly in the Sunday Night game. Although the Eagles have been struggling somewhat this year, this game will be pretty close. Close will not help Philly. Cowboys win.

Ravens vs Steelers

Look for a rejuvinated Ravens’ D to come out fighting in this classic AFC North matchup. The defense will show but the offense won’t. Pittsburgh wins.

Colts vs Patriots

My head says that New England will probably win and these sportscasters will talk about them running the table. However, my heart says that Indianapolis will win and the 72 Dolphins will not have to worry about NE breaking thier record.  I rarely use my heart in decisions but I will use it today. The Colts win, damnit!

Red Zone Picks: Week 8

Well, it seems as if the only interesting thing happening in Week 8 is the Miami and New York game. The game is intersting because this gives the NFL a bit of international exposure. Otherwise, this week doesn’t really seem lively.

 Colts vs Panthers

Indianapolis wins this hands down. The Colts’ offense is high scoring, Carolina’s is one dimensional. The only way Carolina can pull an upset here is take away the pass. Look for Carolina to blitz early and often. This may work for awhile before Dungy makes 2nd half adjustments.

Bears vs Lions

What a classic Black N Blue divison match up. Honestly, I look for this game to go either way because Chicago’s defene may stop Detroit’s offense but that does not matter without a decent offense.  I’ll leave this one open .

Bengals vs Steelers

Look for a Salty Pittsburgh team to take out thier frustations over the Denver loss on this AFC North foe. Steelers win.

Giants vs. Dolphins

Cherrio! Look for the Giants to beat the bloody life out of this weak Miami team! Fish and Chips anyone?

Eagles vs Vikings

Philly will pull this off but it will be a tough win for these birds.

Browns vs Rams

St. Louis’ path to the slums of history continues as Clevland wins!

Raiders vs Titans

Tough game. Look for the Raiders defense to dominate and lead the team to victory against a fiesty Tennessee team.

Bills vs Jets

Buffalo don’t have any business losing this game. This one should be efortless.

Texans vs Chargers

Team muntiny = Wins. San Diego should take this one because it seems as if they have some swagger back.

Jags vs Bucs

Look for Jacksonville to run early and often. Tampa will not be able to stop the run.

Patriots vs Redskins

Its a damn shame what New England will do to Washington. Pats win.

Saints vs 49ers

Well, at least New Orleans have some sort of an offense. Niners are a team in trouble right now. Saints win!

Packers vs Broncos

Very tough game to call. These two teams are extremely gritty. However, Denver’s D is more diciplined. Broncos win!

Red Zone Picks: Week 7

I’m so sorry about posting my picks at the last minute. I didn’t realize that I did not post my picks for this week until now. Well, let’s run it down.

Ravens vs Bills

Honestly, I don’t like Baltimore’s chances here.  Ray Lewis is a game time decision, and there are some key defensive players out. The offense is jacked up.  Buffalo wins. Coach Billick, please get that offense together!

Falcons vs Saints

New Orleans received a huge jolt of confidence after beating Seattle. Look for it to continue against a Leftwich lead Falcon team. Saints win barely.

Cardinals vs Redskins

This game is going to be a close one. To me, these teams are evenly matched. However, I dont believe that the Cardinals’ D can stop Portis and Betts. Washington wins a nailbiter.

49ers vs Giants

Eli may not be Peyton but surely he can manage a game. The Defense will deliver. The Giants’ offense will determine if the team will win or not.  New York wins.

Patriots vs Dolphins

Yawnnnn! New England wins. Play the Colts already, geesh!

Titans vs Texans

Tennessee is fiesty but the Texans are more solid and stronger. Houston wins comfortably.

Lions vs Bucs

Surprisingly, this is a pretty even matchup. This game can go either way.  However, Tampa Bay cannot hang with Detroit’s weapons. Lions win!

Chiefs vs Raiders

A classic AFC West matchup. This game will be full of intensity and unfortunatly this will be sloppy. Raiders win in a close one.

Jets vs Bengals

The Bengals should win this one easily. I don’t see the Jets’ D stopping Cincy’s receivers.

Rams vs Seahawks

LOL @ this game. Seattle will run over St. Louis. The Rams will fall to 0-6

Bears vs Eagles

Once again the Bears’ D will lead Chicago to victory.

Vikings vs Cowboys

Minnesota will win because Dallas’ D will have problems containing Adrian Peterson.  Great upset for this young team!

Steelers vs Broncos

Here’s another hard and brutal AFC Matchup. This may be the closest game of the week. Steelers will win because of thier tough D!

Colts vs Jaguars

SMH@ this game. Indy should win this one in convincing fashion!

Red Zone Picks: Week 6

Week 6  features a marquee matchup between two media darling teams, and that is about all. Like I said in the Dallas/Buffalo entry, the New England/Dallas game is worth watching. However, for optimum viewing pleasure, I suggesst watching the game with the volume down because of the mancrushing. I also suggest not watching the pregame shows because they will talk about this game for most of the time. I’ll predict this game first just to get it out the way!

Patriots vs Cowboys

Most are billing this game as a Super Bowl Preview. I’m not convinced nor impressed because the Patriots still play in the unpredictiable AFC and they haven’t really played anyone special this year. Dallas on the other hand, is a solid NFC contender but so is Green Bay and Detroit. As far as this game is concerned, it will be high scoring and it will be up to the defenses  to determine the game’s outcome. Unfortunately, the Patriots win again because their defense is stronger than Dallas’.

Bengals vs Chiefs

Ocho Cinco will run rings around Kansas City’s secondary. Bengals win in a route.

Eagles vs Jets

This is a nice game with evenly matched teams. The Jets have the abilty to win big here because McNabb is exposed and I would not be shocked if the Jets’ d register 13 sacks this week. New York wins

Rams vs Ravens

Surprisingly enough, the Rams have a legitimate shot here because of Baltimore’s offensive problems. However, the Ravens’ defense looked pretty strong  against San Francisco. Ravens win barely.

Bears vs Vikings

Surely, Griesse cannot screw this game up. Chicago wins.

Dolphins vs Browns

Green is out and Miami’s  supporting cast is out of sync. Brown win!

Titans vs Bucs

Vince Young and LenDale White will run all over the Bucs for the win!

Redskins vs Packers

This one has the potential to be a real nailbiter. Green Bay knows how to scrap up a win.  However, I dont believe that the Packers’ D can stop Betts and Portis. Washington Wins!

Texans vs Jaguars

Jacksonville is good but I dont believe they have the stamina to go to the distance with Houston. The Texans will win a close one here.

Panthers vs Cardinals

Short on quarterbacks and thier pro bowl receiver is short on patience, Carolina will have a hard time in the Desert. Kurt Warner will continue on his comeback crusade and lead Arizona to a win!

Raiders vs Chargers

San Diego will continue to ignore Norv Turner and Oakland will not have any answers for the Chargers’ offense. San Diego should win this one if not, they really need to fire Turner.

Saints vs Seahawks

The ‘Aints will contnue their dramatic downward spiral. Seattle will run all the way to another W!

Falcons vs Giants

This is a game that can actually go either way because both of these teams are not really hot this year. I pick the Giants again because their defense is playing pretty well right now.

Red Zone Picks: Week 5

Honestly, this may be the dullest week in the regular season because I really don’t see any standout games.  This week will be mundane.

Jaguars vs Chiefs

Look for Jacksonville to stop KC’s running game early. Jags win!

Cardinals vs Rams

It doesnt matter who’s missing in Arizona, the Cards will beat the Lambs easily!

Falcons vs Titans

Last weeks win against Houston gives the Falcons some ray of cofidence. Look for Atlanta to take this same attitude against the Titans. Look for another sloppy Falcons win.

Redskins vs Lions

This game is somewhat interesting in the terms of DC’s running game vs Detroits passing game. Actually, this may be a close, high scoring game. Detroit gets the slight edge because of Washinton’s week passing defense.

Browns vs Patriots

LMAO, Wake me up when New England plays the Colts or somebody! NEXT!

Steelers vs Seahawks

Look for Pittsburgh to light up Seattle in this. Super Bowl XL rematch.

Jets vs Giants

The battle of New York. Sounds interesting until it is on the field. I’ll just pict the drama kings in blue because their defense is on a roll now.

Panthers vs Saints

A meeting of two mediocre teams in the NFC South. I will give the edge to Carolina because their defense can actually stop people.

Dolphins vs Texans

Houston rebounds here in spectacular fashion.

Bucs vs Colts

Tampa doesn’t stand a chance against a strong Colts’ D. Indy wins!

Chargers vs Broncos

As long as Norv Turner is the coach, the Chargers will not win a game. Denver Wins. The word of the day for Chargers fans is Boycott!

Ravens vs 49ers

This is a piviotal game that can go either way. Eventhough the Ravens’ defense is falling off a bit, they are still dangerous. Baltimore wins another nailbiter.

Bears vs Packers

Chicago can win this by ball control. However, Gresie is still suffering from rust. Green Bay wins a close one.

Cowboys vs Bills

Dallas will run up the score here.

Week 4 thoughts/analysis

Photos from NFL.com

Like I expected in my predictions, Week 4 was a pivotal week with games that could go either way. The Panthers/Bucs game and the Jets/Bills game were two noteworthy examples of that. At the same time, there were some interesting upsets.  Let’s run it down!

Cardinals-21   Steelers-14

Damn. Just Damn! I was for certain that Arizona would get pummled. However, they actually had enough of heart to scrap up a win. This was the same heart that nearly beat the 49ers in week one. If they can get the quarterback situation on solid ground, they may be NFC west champs! Steelers O line was MIA as Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 4 times. I wonder if  the O line is solid.  Franceia had some contract problems, you know.

Falcons-26   Texans-16

What an upset for Atlanta. Joey Harrington looked great out against Houston’s defense, completeing 23 of 29 passes. To me, the Texans had a legitimate shot to win in the fourth if Ron Dayne didnt fumble Matt Schuab’s pass. Shockingly enough, Atlanta was missing DeAngelo Hall but had enough to hold on for the win.

Bills-17   Jets-14

This was a piviotal game in every sense of the word. Honestly both teams stated their case to be the winner. 

Bucs-20  Panthers 7

Carolina is sorely missing Jake Delhomme, and it looks like he will be on the shelf for a while. Tampa did a great job in containing Steve Smith and Deshaun Foster.

Raiders-35  Dolphins-17

I just knew that Oakland would win this game. However, I wasn’t expecting Huggy Bear’s son to explode for over 100 yards rushing.  LMAO @ Joey Porter guaranteeing victory.

Seahawks-23  49ers-3

Seattle shows early NFC west dominance while the 49ers hit a snag. Word is, that Niner fans are calling for Mike Nolan’s head.

Giants-16  Eagles-3

12 sacks! Maybe this is a breakthough game for New York. If the D continue at this rate, they may be an interesting wild card team later. McNabb, you may still have some legs. Why didn’t you use them Sunday?

Browns-27  Ravens-13

Like I said in my recent entry, Ray, Ed, et al are tired of carying the team. This game is a classic example of a spectacular defense eroding due to wear, tear and an ineffective offense!

Lions-37   Bears-27

See Ravens/Browns.

Cowboys-35  Rams-7

Romo sure is earning his money this year. However, the defense is still porous. The D looked good because they were playing the Lambs!

Packers-23  Vikings-16

No shock here. Farve got his record and his win. Minnesota put up a great fight though.

Colts-38  Broncos-20

Nothing out of the ordinary here. This game was tough in the beginning but eventually, the Colts’ Offense dominated the second half.

Chiefs-30  Chargers-16

Marty!, Marty!   If I were Charger fans, I would boycott all home games until they fire Norv Turner! Teams don’t go from 14-2 to 1-3  unless there were significant roster changes. In San Diego’s case, this is the same 14-2 team from last season.  This is all the coaching staff’s fault!

Patriots-34  Bengals-14

The most anticlimatic game belongs to the Pats and Bengals. We all knew who was going to win!

Red Zone Picks: Week 4

Week four will be a week of uncertainty. There are a handful of pivotal games with no convincing winners, and some guaranteed games. However, there is one game that I will avoid watching at all costs.

Texans vs Falcons

This is a battle of two fiesty teams. However, I believe that the Texans’ is too much for the Falcons to handle. Houston wins in  a real close one; maybe in overtime.

Ravens vs Browns

A prolific matchup between bitter AFC rivals. This year’s chapter is very interesting because this is the first time that Jamal Lewis will play against his old team.  Will the quarterback tandem of McNair and Boller be enough for victory? I say maybe. Ravens win in a close one

Raiders vs Dolphins

LOL @ Joey Porter’s simple ass guaranteeing a victory. He said “we (dolphins) will win the game” I say “No you wont” Look for a pissed off Daunte Culpepper and stingy defense to lead Oakland to victory.

Packers vs Vikings

Favre will continue to make a way out of noway and leave the Metrodome with Marino’s record and a Packers win. However, this will not be a easy win by no means.

Jets vs Bills

Look for Thomas Jones and Marshawn Lynch to battle it out in this low scoring game. Jets win?

Cowboys vs Rams

TO and Romo will have a field day picking the ‘Lambs apart. Dallas wins big again!

Bears vs Lions

To me , this hot mess of a game is known as the Circus game. Why? Because this will be lopsided and cruel. Look for Kitna and Calvin Johnson to wear down Chicago’s defense. Don’t even bother watching the game because as far as I am concerned, it is animal cruelty. Lions win big.

Bucs vs Panthers

This is another one of those pivotal games that can go either way. These teams are very similar to me. Carolina wins? Tampa wins? Honestly, this game is real piviotal.

Seahawks vs 49ers

Look for San Francisco to take advatage of a battered Seahawks team. Niners win in a tough one.

Chiefs vs Chargers

Shockingly this will be a close game since Norv Turner made his offense impotent. Kansas City wins.

Steelers vs Cardinals

Arizona doens’t have a chance and Matt, you now have to share  so therefore the Cards isn’t your team anymore!

Broncos vs. Colts

What a hard nosed and tough AFC clash. These teams match up very well. However, Denver’s D cannot stop Harrison and Co. Indy wins.

Eagles vs Giants

Look for Philadelphia to have a repeat performance against a weak Giant defense. Philly wins easily.

Patriots vs Bengals

This is another circus game. Avoid this one because this one is cruel. Patriots will whoop Cincy’s ass thoroughly!