From the Charlotte Observer:
"Coach John Fox is standing strongly behind Jake Delhomme as the team's starting quarterback. He just said after practice "yes with a capital Y" when asked if he was committed to Delhomme as his starter.
"I didn't think that was a question, but if that needs to be clarified, yes with a capital Y," was his full quote on the subject.
Delhomme has played much better the past two weeks after a five-turnover performance in the opener against Philadelphia, but he still ranks next-to-last in the NFL in passing efficiency."
You know, I like Jake. I like his fire and competitiveness. I like how he takes responsibility for things that he shouldn't and always is the first to take blame when something goes wrong. Smitty breaks off his route and lets Terrance Newman intercept the pass, and Jake takes the blame for throwing the ball. Only problem with that is that he was throwing the ball to exactly where the play called for the ball to be thrown. But I think he's losing a lot of self-confidence. He still seems excitable, just not excited. He's not the same guy he was who cussed out Rodney Harrison for running into him after he threw the 85 yard bomb to Moose in the super bowl.
I think Fox just realizes that Jake gives him his best chance to win each week. That's not Jake's fault. It's not Jake's fault that they offered him a new contract this offseason. Sure it pays him for the next 5 years, but he also took a pay cut this year to help get us under the cap. Most of you probably don't realize that. Put the blame squarely on the shoulders of John Fox and Marty Hurney for not bringing in any competition that could push Jake.
Fox has staked his career on the arm and decisions of Jake Delhomme. I just hope that he hasn't bet wrong.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September spells ROCK! part one
Ok, so over the past week or so two great albums have been released. The first we'll talk about, "Life Starts Now" by Three Days Grace, was released on September 22nd (also my mom's birthday). This is the first album that was completely written after lead singer Adam Gontier left rehab and it shows. Three Days Grace's previous albums have had a dark and angry feel to them, from the music to the lyrics. No doubt Gontier's depression and alcahol and drug use led to the dark themes. The band not only showed growth in their second album, "One-X" but you could tell that Gontier's song writing had taken on a much different feel.
With the release of "Life Starts Now", you can see that Gontier's ghosts seem to be behind him. You can see the self-proclamations in lyrics from "Bitter Taste":
So long, so long
I have erased you
So long, so long
I’ve wanted to waste you
So long, so long
I have erased you
I have escaped
The bitter taste of you
Some songs seem to be grieving Gontier's past, as in "World So Cold":
Livin’ in a world so cold
Wasting away
Livin’ in a shell with no soul
Since you’ve gone away
Livin’ in a world so cold
Counting the days
Since you’ve gone away
You’ve gone away from me
And then there's the melodious, piano driven, redemption song "Last to Know." It begins with Gontier lamenting:
She just walked away
Why didn't she tell me
And where do I go tonight
This isn't happening to me
You were the first to say
That we were not okay
You were the first to lie
When we were not alright
This was my first love
She was the first to go
And when she left me for you
I was the last to know
My first impressions when listening to this song were "Well, here we go again. Another dark, depressing Three Days Grace song." But then the second chorus arrived and I realized how far they've come:
I'll be the first to say
That now I'm okay
And for the first time
I've opened up my eyes
This was my worst love
You'll be the first to go
And when she leaves you for dead
You'll be the last to know
So if you're looking for a refreshing change of pace, pick up "Life Starts Now" by Three Days Grace. Trust me.
BW
With the release of "Life Starts Now", you can see that Gontier's ghosts seem to be behind him. You can see the self-proclamations in lyrics from "Bitter Taste":
So long, so long
I have erased you
So long, so long
I’ve wanted to waste you
So long, so long
I have erased you
I have escaped
The bitter taste of you
Some songs seem to be grieving Gontier's past, as in "World So Cold":
Livin’ in a world so cold
Wasting away
Livin’ in a shell with no soul
Since you’ve gone away
Livin’ in a world so cold
Counting the days
Since you’ve gone away
You’ve gone away from me
And then there's the melodious, piano driven, redemption song "Last to Know." It begins with Gontier lamenting:
She just walked away
Why didn't she tell me
And where do I go tonight
This isn't happening to me
You were the first to say
That we were not okay
You were the first to lie
When we were not alright
This was my first love
She was the first to go
And when she left me for you
I was the last to know
My first impressions when listening to this song were "Well, here we go again. Another dark, depressing Three Days Grace song." But then the second chorus arrived and I realized how far they've come:
I'll be the first to say
That now I'm okay
And for the first time
I've opened up my eyes
This was my worst love
You'll be the first to go
And when she leaves you for dead
You'll be the last to know
So if you're looking for a refreshing change of pace, pick up "Life Starts Now" by Three Days Grace. Trust me.
BW
Monday Night Letdown
Wow. After the first half I really thought we looked so much better. Offense and Defense were starting to click. Jake was throwing the ball with touch and accuracy. The defense was beginning to stop the run and hold Dallas to 4 punts in a row after a missed field goal.
Then came the second half.
Granted, I don't believe that Jake's interceptions were completely his fault, I still think that, as the quarterback, it's your job to keep from forcing things. If a play isn't there, check down or throw it away. Could Moose have tried harder to keep the ball out of the DB's hands? Sure. Did Steve Smith break his slant route off and leave the door wide open for Newman? Of course he did.
The Panthers look uninspired and shell shocked. There is a lot of confusion on defense and missed assignments. I can't help but think that we're just not built for a Tampa 2 defense.
0-3. I don't remember the Panthers ever starting this poorly. It's going to take some monumental changes for this ship to right.
And the storm clouds are gathering.
Then came the second half.
Granted, I don't believe that Jake's interceptions were completely his fault, I still think that, as the quarterback, it's your job to keep from forcing things. If a play isn't there, check down or throw it away. Could Moose have tried harder to keep the ball out of the DB's hands? Sure. Did Steve Smith break his slant route off and leave the door wide open for Newman? Of course he did.
The Panthers look uninspired and shell shocked. There is a lot of confusion on defense and missed assignments. I can't help but think that we're just not built for a Tampa 2 defense.
0-3. I don't remember the Panthers ever starting this poorly. It's going to take some monumental changes for this ship to right.
And the storm clouds are gathering.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Week Three Picks
Ok, so I'm two weeks late getting started with this but I figured better late than never. I have been doing the Peter King Challenge on SI so I'm going to use my record from the first two weeks on there.
Washington at Detroit
The woeful Lions have actually looked a lot less woeful this year. They have a good young quarterback, a serviceable running back and an emerging defense. The real key to the Lions this year is getting the ball to Calvin Johnson. The only way they can do that is to be more balanced with the run game, force defenses to bring a safety down into the box and allow Johnson to get one on one match-ups. With the Redskins a shell of their former selves, I think the Lions will finally begin their ascent from the basement of the NFL.
Pick: Detroit
Green Bay at St. Louis
The Aaron Rodgers Era has begun. He proved last year that he has what it takes to lead the Cheese-heads to the promised land and has helped relieve the sting of Brett Favre becoming a Viking. Ryan Grant is back to his old self and Greg Jennings is quickly becoming one of the elite wide receivers in the league. On the other side of the ball, the Rams are no longer the greatest show on turf. Green Bay handles this one easily and calms fans who are steaming after losing last week to the Bengals.
Pick: Green Bay
San Fransisco at Minnesota
Adrian Peterson is the most naturally talented running back in the NFL. Brett Favre is still good. Percy Harvin looks to be right there with Mark Sanchez for the lead for rookie of the year. But don't count out San Fransisco. Coaching and long runs by Frank Gore turn out to be the difference for SF in this one.
Pick: San Fransisco
Atlanta at New England
Tom Brady will return to form this week but Bostons other golden boy, Matt Ryan, comes home to show he's a force to be reckoned with. The combination of Ryan running back Michael Turner, tight end Tony Gonzales and wide receiver Roddy White has been a handful for both teams Atlanta has played this year. The Hoody will do all he can to keep New England in this one, but look for Atlanta to flex some muscle in this one.
Pick: Atlanta
Tennessee at New York Jets
Although their record doesn't show it, Tennessee is not a one hit wonder. They are backing up last years strong showing with another one this year. They almost pulled a win from the Steelers to open the season and lost last week to an emerging Houston team. The Jets are looking smarter and smarter each week with the move up the draft to select Mark Sanchez. The leading candidate for rookie of the year has shown why Rex Ryan believed in him enough to trade up in the draft to take him earlier than most pundits believed he would go.
Pick: New York Jets
Kansas City at Philadelphia
This one seams easy on the surface but I think the Chiefs have something for the ailing Eagles. The Eagles are hurting right now with the loss of McNabb, but they are still a scary team. DeSean Jackson just might be the second most dynamic, small statured receiver in the league. I think that Kansas City will keep this one close, but they just don't have the firepower to match up with Philadelphia.
Pick: Philadelphia
New York Giants at Tampa Bay
The Giants were a trendy Super Bowl pick this preseason. While they've shown some flashes of brilliance, they didn't look as good against the over rated Cowboys. Even though Tony Romo turned the ball over four times on their own side of the field, the Giants could only muster field goals against the leagues worst defense. Tampa Bay's youth movement will take time to gain traction but I think the Giants will be too strong for Tampa Bay. Look for a close game here.
Pick: New York Giants
Cleveland at Baltimore
The semi-annual Cleveland vs. Used-to-be Cleveland battle is a no brainer this year. The Joe Flacco/Ray Lewis led Ravens are no longer just a smash-mouth, run first team. They can also beat you through the air as the Chiefs learned this year. Cleveland will still stack the box and force Flacco to beat them through the air. He will.
Pick: Baltimore
Jacksonville at Houston
Maurice Jones-Drew is a bowling ball. I don't mean he's fat, but tackling him as been described as trying to tackle a bowling ball. He's facing a team that doesn't fare too well against the run. Although I picked Houston to win this game in my Peter King Challenge, I've changed my mind. I think Jacksonville finally gets on track this week.
Pick: Jacksonville
New Orleans at Buffalo
Drew Brees is on pace to throw 5,352 yards and 72 touchdowns. It's hard to believe that Brees accomplishes as much as he does with so little help. He has no true playmakers at the running back position or wide receiver position. Marques Colston is back this year but has not put up the same numbers he did his first two years. Some may argue that Jeremy Shockey is a playmaker at TE, but I'm not convinced he's back to his true form. I like the Bills to bring the Saints back to earth this week.
Pick: Buffalo
Chicago at Seattle
As with most NFL teams, as the starting quarterback goes, so goes the team. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal. But when the quarterback is as inconsistent as Jay Cutler has been this year, it's a huge deal. Seattle is flying under the radar, but has a fairly good thing going in the rainy city. Look for Seattle to squeak one out against the jet-lagged Bears.
Pick: Seattle
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Cincinnati got a great win last week but needs to bring their A-game this week against a very good Pittsburgh team. Look for Pittsburgh defense to shut down anything Cincy tries to throw at them this week. This is a statement game for Pittsburgh.
Pick: Pittsburgh
Denver at Oakland
Well, the Raiders can run the ball but that's about it. JaMarcus Russell looks like a complete bust in the making. Sure he can throw the ball 70 yards and can scramble when he needs to. But a sub 40% completion percentage will not cut it in the NFL, first overall pick or not. Kyle Orton may not be Denver's answer to the long standing question: Will anyone ever be as good as Elway was? But I think he's sneaky-good. He does just enough to keep the team in it and doesn't make too many mistakes. This one could go either way but I say that Oakland actually pulls out a win behind a strong rushing effort.
Pick: Oakland
Miami at San Diego
The NFL is a very fast league, physically and mentally. They are also quick to adapt. The "wildcat" offense, erroneously named, looks like it might have actually run its course in one short year. At least, that's the picture so far this year. If Miami get's down early, look for rookie Pat White to get a lot of looks in the offense. I think Miami will line Pat up in a single wing look and use the extra blocker to run sweeps to the left and right to get the Fins back in it. Too bad it just won't be enough.
Pick: San Diego
Indianapolis at Arizona
The Colts are wishing they would have looked for more wide receiver help this off-season after having to sign Hank Baskett off the street. With Anthony Gonzales out for a while, teams will bracket Reggie Wayne with a cornerback and safety, eliminating his big play potential. The Colts will have to look to their running game to get things going and I just don't see that happening this week.
Pick: Arizona
Monday Night Football
Carolina at Dallas
A billion dollars might buy you a huge stadium, the largest replay screen imaginable and camera coverage of every single punt that comes near it, it doesn't buy chemistry. Dallas looks like a broken team. While I think the Panthers are a much better cohesive unit, Dallas still has plenty of play makers. This game is being billed as the battle of the maligned quarterbacks, but I think this game will be won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Whichever team can stop the other's running game will come out on top. As bad as I hate to say it, I think Dallas has the edge in this category. However, I'm playing Homer this week as i just can't see Carolina going 3-0. My prediction is Tony Romo throws a late interception that allows Carolina to win by a field goal.
Pick: Carolina
Last Week (12-4)
Overall (21-11)
BW
Washington at Detroit
The woeful Lions have actually looked a lot less woeful this year. They have a good young quarterback, a serviceable running back and an emerging defense. The real key to the Lions this year is getting the ball to Calvin Johnson. The only way they can do that is to be more balanced with the run game, force defenses to bring a safety down into the box and allow Johnson to get one on one match-ups. With the Redskins a shell of their former selves, I think the Lions will finally begin their ascent from the basement of the NFL.
Pick: Detroit
Green Bay at St. Louis
The Aaron Rodgers Era has begun. He proved last year that he has what it takes to lead the Cheese-heads to the promised land and has helped relieve the sting of Brett Favre becoming a Viking. Ryan Grant is back to his old self and Greg Jennings is quickly becoming one of the elite wide receivers in the league. On the other side of the ball, the Rams are no longer the greatest show on turf. Green Bay handles this one easily and calms fans who are steaming after losing last week to the Bengals.
Pick: Green Bay
San Fransisco at Minnesota
Adrian Peterson is the most naturally talented running back in the NFL. Brett Favre is still good. Percy Harvin looks to be right there with Mark Sanchez for the lead for rookie of the year. But don't count out San Fransisco. Coaching and long runs by Frank Gore turn out to be the difference for SF in this one.
Pick: San Fransisco
Atlanta at New England
Tom Brady will return to form this week but Bostons other golden boy, Matt Ryan, comes home to show he's a force to be reckoned with. The combination of Ryan running back Michael Turner, tight end Tony Gonzales and wide receiver Roddy White has been a handful for both teams Atlanta has played this year. The Hoody will do all he can to keep New England in this one, but look for Atlanta to flex some muscle in this one.
Pick: Atlanta
Tennessee at New York Jets
Although their record doesn't show it, Tennessee is not a one hit wonder. They are backing up last years strong showing with another one this year. They almost pulled a win from the Steelers to open the season and lost last week to an emerging Houston team. The Jets are looking smarter and smarter each week with the move up the draft to select Mark Sanchez. The leading candidate for rookie of the year has shown why Rex Ryan believed in him enough to trade up in the draft to take him earlier than most pundits believed he would go.
Pick: New York Jets
Kansas City at Philadelphia
This one seams easy on the surface but I think the Chiefs have something for the ailing Eagles. The Eagles are hurting right now with the loss of McNabb, but they are still a scary team. DeSean Jackson just might be the second most dynamic, small statured receiver in the league. I think that Kansas City will keep this one close, but they just don't have the firepower to match up with Philadelphia.
Pick: Philadelphia
New York Giants at Tampa Bay
The Giants were a trendy Super Bowl pick this preseason. While they've shown some flashes of brilliance, they didn't look as good against the over rated Cowboys. Even though Tony Romo turned the ball over four times on their own side of the field, the Giants could only muster field goals against the leagues worst defense. Tampa Bay's youth movement will take time to gain traction but I think the Giants will be too strong for Tampa Bay. Look for a close game here.
Pick: New York Giants
Cleveland at Baltimore
The semi-annual Cleveland vs. Used-to-be Cleveland battle is a no brainer this year. The Joe Flacco/Ray Lewis led Ravens are no longer just a smash-mouth, run first team. They can also beat you through the air as the Chiefs learned this year. Cleveland will still stack the box and force Flacco to beat them through the air. He will.
Pick: Baltimore
Jacksonville at Houston
Maurice Jones-Drew is a bowling ball. I don't mean he's fat, but tackling him as been described as trying to tackle a bowling ball. He's facing a team that doesn't fare too well against the run. Although I picked Houston to win this game in my Peter King Challenge, I've changed my mind. I think Jacksonville finally gets on track this week.
Pick: Jacksonville
New Orleans at Buffalo
Drew Brees is on pace to throw 5,352 yards and 72 touchdowns. It's hard to believe that Brees accomplishes as much as he does with so little help. He has no true playmakers at the running back position or wide receiver position. Marques Colston is back this year but has not put up the same numbers he did his first two years. Some may argue that Jeremy Shockey is a playmaker at TE, but I'm not convinced he's back to his true form. I like the Bills to bring the Saints back to earth this week.
Pick: Buffalo
Chicago at Seattle
As with most NFL teams, as the starting quarterback goes, so goes the team. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal. But when the quarterback is as inconsistent as Jay Cutler has been this year, it's a huge deal. Seattle is flying under the radar, but has a fairly good thing going in the rainy city. Look for Seattle to squeak one out against the jet-lagged Bears.
Pick: Seattle
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Cincinnati got a great win last week but needs to bring their A-game this week against a very good Pittsburgh team. Look for Pittsburgh defense to shut down anything Cincy tries to throw at them this week. This is a statement game for Pittsburgh.
Pick: Pittsburgh
Denver at Oakland
Well, the Raiders can run the ball but that's about it. JaMarcus Russell looks like a complete bust in the making. Sure he can throw the ball 70 yards and can scramble when he needs to. But a sub 40% completion percentage will not cut it in the NFL, first overall pick or not. Kyle Orton may not be Denver's answer to the long standing question: Will anyone ever be as good as Elway was? But I think he's sneaky-good. He does just enough to keep the team in it and doesn't make too many mistakes. This one could go either way but I say that Oakland actually pulls out a win behind a strong rushing effort.
Pick: Oakland
Miami at San Diego
The NFL is a very fast league, physically and mentally. They are also quick to adapt. The "wildcat" offense, erroneously named, looks like it might have actually run its course in one short year. At least, that's the picture so far this year. If Miami get's down early, look for rookie Pat White to get a lot of looks in the offense. I think Miami will line Pat up in a single wing look and use the extra blocker to run sweeps to the left and right to get the Fins back in it. Too bad it just won't be enough.
Pick: San Diego
Indianapolis at Arizona
The Colts are wishing they would have looked for more wide receiver help this off-season after having to sign Hank Baskett off the street. With Anthony Gonzales out for a while, teams will bracket Reggie Wayne with a cornerback and safety, eliminating his big play potential. The Colts will have to look to their running game to get things going and I just don't see that happening this week.
Pick: Arizona
Monday Night Football
Carolina at Dallas
A billion dollars might buy you a huge stadium, the largest replay screen imaginable and camera coverage of every single punt that comes near it, it doesn't buy chemistry. Dallas looks like a broken team. While I think the Panthers are a much better cohesive unit, Dallas still has plenty of play makers. This game is being billed as the battle of the maligned quarterbacks, but I think this game will be won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Whichever team can stop the other's running game will come out on top. As bad as I hate to say it, I think Dallas has the edge in this category. However, I'm playing Homer this week as i just can't see Carolina going 3-0. My prediction is Tony Romo throws a late interception that allows Carolina to win by a field goal.
Pick: Carolina
Last Week (12-4)
Overall (21-11)
BW
Friday, September 25, 2009
Peppers a genius?
Julius Peppers is a genius.
Maybe not the Mensa type genius, but a genius nonetheless.
First, let me give the back story. Last year Peppers earned $14,137,500. That broke down into a $6,500,000 base salary and $5,235,000 in bonuses, keep this in the back of your mind. That was technically his last year under contract with the Carolina Panthers. Normally, this would not be a huge deal as anyone in their right mind would re-sign Peppers to a long term deal. Most assumed that Peppers would be re-signed before the 2008 season in order to save the Panthers a large amount of cap space. Although it was reported that the Panthers offered Peppers a mind blowing contract before the 2008 season, which would have made him one of the highest paid defensive players in the league, Peppers declined to sign it. Therefore, it was paramount that the Panthers re-sign Peppers or risk losing him to free agency with nothing but a compensatory third round draft pick to show for it.
Then enters Jordan Gross and his All-pro 2009 season. It just happened to be Gross' last year under contract as well. So the Panthers were facing the possiblity of losing one or both of their top five players in one year. Most assumed that one of these players would receive the franchise tag. The franchise tag basically prevents the player from being an unrestricted free agent. Unrestricted free agents are allowed to negotiate with any team for any compensation and accept without the signing team owing the previous team any compensation. However, if the franchise tag is placed on a player it makes him a 'restricted' free agent. This means that the player may sign an offer sheet from another team, but in order for that team to acquire the player, it must give up two future first round draft picks to the team who placed the franchise tag.
I know that was confusing, but bear with me.
So the end of the season came and went for Panther fans in a devastating first round loss to the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. Most panther fans, including myself, would love to forget this debacle. If this wasn't enough of a blow to Panther pride, rumors began circulating after the game that Julius Peppers was saying goodbyes in the locker room after the game. He was thanking players for their help through the years and basically telling them he was leaving Carolina. A couple days later the news broke. Julius Peppers would not sign a long term deal to remain in Carolina. He stated, through his agent, that he could not reach his full potential in Carolina and would prefer to play for a team that ran a 3-4 defense. Since he was a free-agent-to-be, he could not be outright traded. Fans were outraged. Most called him a traitor, some said "Fine, let him walk." and only a few said "Franchise him." The Panther's only options were to place the franchise tag on him in order to receive compensation if he signed with another team or let him walk and receive nothing. Only, Jordan Gross was just as high of a priority to be resigned.
Then began the dramatic race to the franchise tag deadline on February 19th.
Everyone knew the best scenario for the Panthers at this point was to re-sign Gross to a long term deal and place the Franchise tag on Peppers. Days passed without news on either front. Then, on February 19th, the last day to place the franchise tag, the Panthers signed Jordan Gross to a six year contract at 1:30. Not an hour later, the Panther's announced that they had placed the franchise tag on Julius Peppers. All was well in Panther Nation again. That is, until everyone realized that Peppers really didn't want to be a Panther. The rules of the franchise tag are:
Teams who franchise players are required to give them one-year tender offers for an average of the top five 2008 salary cap figures of players at their position, or a 20 percent raise over their own 2008 salary, whichever is greater.
Julius Peppers fell into the second category.
Remember the salary I mentioned at the beginning? The $14,137,500? That meant that his 2009 contract would pay him $16,683,000. This is higher than the quarterback position franchise tag, the most expensive in football. With Peppers stating that he would only play for a team running the 3-4 defense, it left the Panthers with very little room to work. Although Peppers could receive an offer sheet from another team for a long term contract, it was unlikely that anyone would give up two first round draft picks in order to get, what some NFL pundits describe, "the greatest athlete in football, but not the best defensive end." The Panther's only two choices were to force Peppers to play for the Panthers or do a sign and trade to another team for compensation with either draft picks or players. With the Panther's limited to three or four teams that Peppers would potentially play for, it looked like Peppers was going to play for the Panthers and make over $1 million dollars per game.
We all know what happened. Peppers ended up staying in Carolina and is currently $2 million dollars richer as he has played in 2 regular season games. Everyone believes that Peppers and/or his agent were colossally stupid for handcuffing the Panthers.
I think they're geniuses. No one would pay Peppers $16 million guaranteed. If the Panthers place the franchise tag on Peppers again this year, which is a possibility although it would be the last year possible, Peppers would make $20 million guaranteed for one year. Which is smarter? Getting paid $32 million dollars guaranteed for two years and hitting the free agency market at 31? Or getting that same $32 million guaranteed over 6 years and basically ending your career with that team?
Julius told the Panthers that he would only go to those specific teams for a reason. He knew there was no way that the Panthers would trade him. They would have to pay him.
I say Julius Peppers is a genius. A rich genius.
BW
Maybe not the Mensa type genius, but a genius nonetheless.
First, let me give the back story. Last year Peppers earned $14,137,500. That broke down into a $6,500,000 base salary and $5,235,000 in bonuses, keep this in the back of your mind. That was technically his last year under contract with the Carolina Panthers. Normally, this would not be a huge deal as anyone in their right mind would re-sign Peppers to a long term deal. Most assumed that Peppers would be re-signed before the 2008 season in order to save the Panthers a large amount of cap space. Although it was reported that the Panthers offered Peppers a mind blowing contract before the 2008 season, which would have made him one of the highest paid defensive players in the league, Peppers declined to sign it. Therefore, it was paramount that the Panthers re-sign Peppers or risk losing him to free agency with nothing but a compensatory third round draft pick to show for it.
Then enters Jordan Gross and his All-pro 2009 season. It just happened to be Gross' last year under contract as well. So the Panthers were facing the possiblity of losing one or both of their top five players in one year. Most assumed that one of these players would receive the franchise tag. The franchise tag basically prevents the player from being an unrestricted free agent. Unrestricted free agents are allowed to negotiate with any team for any compensation and accept without the signing team owing the previous team any compensation. However, if the franchise tag is placed on a player it makes him a 'restricted' free agent. This means that the player may sign an offer sheet from another team, but in order for that team to acquire the player, it must give up two future first round draft picks to the team who placed the franchise tag.
I know that was confusing, but bear with me.
So the end of the season came and went for Panther fans in a devastating first round loss to the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. Most panther fans, including myself, would love to forget this debacle. If this wasn't enough of a blow to Panther pride, rumors began circulating after the game that Julius Peppers was saying goodbyes in the locker room after the game. He was thanking players for their help through the years and basically telling them he was leaving Carolina. A couple days later the news broke. Julius Peppers would not sign a long term deal to remain in Carolina. He stated, through his agent, that he could not reach his full potential in Carolina and would prefer to play for a team that ran a 3-4 defense. Since he was a free-agent-to-be, he could not be outright traded. Fans were outraged. Most called him a traitor, some said "Fine, let him walk." and only a few said "Franchise him." The Panther's only options were to place the franchise tag on him in order to receive compensation if he signed with another team or let him walk and receive nothing. Only, Jordan Gross was just as high of a priority to be resigned.
Then began the dramatic race to the franchise tag deadline on February 19th.
Everyone knew the best scenario for the Panthers at this point was to re-sign Gross to a long term deal and place the Franchise tag on Peppers. Days passed without news on either front. Then, on February 19th, the last day to place the franchise tag, the Panthers signed Jordan Gross to a six year contract at 1:30. Not an hour later, the Panther's announced that they had placed the franchise tag on Julius Peppers. All was well in Panther Nation again. That is, until everyone realized that Peppers really didn't want to be a Panther. The rules of the franchise tag are:
Teams who franchise players are required to give them one-year tender offers for an average of the top five 2008 salary cap figures of players at their position, or a 20 percent raise over their own 2008 salary, whichever is greater.
Julius Peppers fell into the second category.
Remember the salary I mentioned at the beginning? The $14,137,500? That meant that his 2009 contract would pay him $16,683,000. This is higher than the quarterback position franchise tag, the most expensive in football. With Peppers stating that he would only play for a team running the 3-4 defense, it left the Panthers with very little room to work. Although Peppers could receive an offer sheet from another team for a long term contract, it was unlikely that anyone would give up two first round draft picks in order to get, what some NFL pundits describe, "the greatest athlete in football, but not the best defensive end." The Panther's only two choices were to force Peppers to play for the Panthers or do a sign and trade to another team for compensation with either draft picks or players. With the Panther's limited to three or four teams that Peppers would potentially play for, it looked like Peppers was going to play for the Panthers and make over $1 million dollars per game.
We all know what happened. Peppers ended up staying in Carolina and is currently $2 million dollars richer as he has played in 2 regular season games. Everyone believes that Peppers and/or his agent were colossally stupid for handcuffing the Panthers.
I think they're geniuses. No one would pay Peppers $16 million guaranteed. If the Panthers place the franchise tag on Peppers again this year, which is a possibility although it would be the last year possible, Peppers would make $20 million guaranteed for one year. Which is smarter? Getting paid $32 million dollars guaranteed for two years and hitting the free agency market at 31? Or getting that same $32 million guaranteed over 6 years and basically ending your career with that team?
Julius told the Panthers that he would only go to those specific teams for a reason. He knew there was no way that the Panthers would trade him. They would have to pay him.
I say Julius Peppers is a genius. A rich genius.
BW
You must have clicked the wrong link
Otherwise you wouldn't be at the Draw on Third blog's first post. This blog is my way of venting my frustrations, celebrating the victories and discussing the issues with my favorite team, the Carolina Panthers. However, I will be discussing other topics from time to time and obviously during the offseason when there is no new Panther news. I try to be as little a "homer" as possible, but it's hard. For instance, in my next post I'm going to tell you why I think Julius Peppers is a hidden genius. Feel free to comment anything you would like. I will try to respond to as many comments as I can. I don't just write this for me but for you as well.
So hit that little 'follow' button at the bottom and join me on the Panther Bandwagon, I'm driving.
So hit that little 'follow' button at the bottom and join me on the Panther Bandwagon, I'm driving.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
