NFL Takeaways: Logan Mankins Trade Is Classic Belichick
By Erik Lambert
January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) drops back to pass as guard Logan Mankins (70) blocks against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Trades and cut signings are flying fast and furious around the NFL and they’re making for some interesting subplots.
Mankins deal is classic New England Patriots unload of aging vet
No doubt the trading of six-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins came as a shock to many NFL fans when the New England Patriots sent him to Tampa Bay for tight end Tim Wright and a 4th round pick in 2015. Then, upon reflection, the move is a trademark for the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick. They get the best years out of a player and deal them off just as age is starting to become an issue. Mankins is 32. New England did back in 2009 when they sent Richard Seymour, their five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to Oakland. Seymour was pushing 30 at the time. It’s just another example that the Patriots are as business-like as a franchise gets. They can’t afford to get sentimental if they want to stay on top.
Fishy rule violations continue to hover around Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks are the world champions. That makes them the best in the business. Period. However, that doesn’t make them immune from criticism and it’s getting to be an interesting issue regarding the organization after they were fined over $300,000 for violating league rules about no contact during off-season practices. This is the second time Seattle has been flagged for this violation, and that’s not counting a number of their players earning suspensions for performance enhancing drugs. Does this mean Carroll and his crew are trying to cheat the system? Maybe not, but it’s certainly eye-opening.
Chicago Bears should counter Bills taking Jordan Palmer
It’s not uncommon NFL practice to swipe players up who were cut from teams on the coming regular season schedule and bringing them in for a sort of inside edge on what they can expect in the game. More than a few saw that in play when the Buffalo Bills, who play the Chicago Bears on opening day, signed quarterback Jordan Palmer a day after he was cut by them. Buffalo does have need of help at quarterback, but the fact that they chose Palmer specifically, who has limited game experience is interesting. Clearly his time working with Bears coach Marc Trestman is valued, as are the secrets to his scheme.
Underhanded? Maybe a little but turnabout is fair play. Chicago is still on the lookout for help at defensive tackle. Buffalo recently released veteran Alan Branch, a solid role player known best for his run-stopping ability, something the Bears need. The fact he knows the Bills defense is just an amazing coincidence.