NFL Takeaways From Latest News and Rumors
By Erik Lambert
Feb 21, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
It may be the off-season but there is a lot of NFL news to digest and analyze. Here are just some tidbits from the recent happenings.
Pete Carroll all but throws down the gloves with Jim Harbaugh
There is no rivalry better in NFL football at present than the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Not just between the players but the two coaches Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh as well. They’ve been at it since college and it’s clear they respect but don’t like each other. Carroll reinforced that notion when he coily called Harbaugh a “great coach” and then followed it by stated “we love beating him.” Intended or untended, it was an inescapable slight to the fact that Carroll and his Seahawks have largely owned the rivalry with Harbaugh’s 49ers the past few seasons. As if the war needed any more fuel for the fire.
Chicago deserves the 2015 draft over Los Angeles
New York may still be in the mix for the 2015 NFL draft but the smart money is it’s either going to Los Angeles or Chicago. Both are big media markets that can handle the worldwide coverage and large influx of tourists it creates. Looking at it though, in all fairness the nod should go to Chicago. While Los Angeles wants back into pro football, the fact of the matter is that until they are, they aren’t. Chicago is one of the best sports cities in the country, home to a cornerstone franchise and deserve the draft since they have no hopes of ever hosting a Super Bowl like Los Angeles does.
Jacksonville Jaguars show their desperation to win
It just goes to show how desperate a perennial loser is to win. The Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t had a winning season since 2007. Some of their seasons have been hard to watch. So it’s easy to sympathize with their burning desire to win. However, should they do it at the cost of their own self respect. Justin Blackmon has caused them nothing but headaches since he was drafted in 2012. Despite obvious talent that has flashed constantly, he can’t stay out of trouble. That is why the Jags spent the off-season reloading the offense at wide receiver. It wasn’t said, but it was certainly implied that the team was ready to move on from Blackmon. That is until news broke that the team would consider playing him in 2014 if he’s reinstated. There is nothing wrong with giving players another chance, but are the Jaguars setting a bad example by continuing to tolerate such a player?
Jimmy Clausen picked a good team to save career in Chicago Bears
One of the more interesting free agent signings over the past week was when former 2010 second round pick Jimmy Clausen reached an agreement with the Chicago Bears. Most remember the Notre Dame product for his forgettable rookie season in Carolina where he threw three touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Panthers finished 2-14, drafted Cam Newton the next year and relegated Clausen to the bench. Long considered a bust, the 26-year old holds out hope for resurrecting his career and he may have picked the right team. The Bears are under the guidance of Marc Trestman, a head coach noted for his ability to develop quarterbacks. Coming out of college Clausen was lauded for his accuracy, mobility and quick release. Those are three traits Trestman prefers. Given the murky backup situation for the Bears, Clausen has a chance to battle his way onto the roster and perhaps ride a similar career upswing to former journeyman Josh McCown.