UMBC Football 327

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Player Safety: Past, Present, and Future

Since Roger Goodell took over as Commissioner of the NFL, one of his main priorities has been to improve player safety. Many fans and players disagree with Goodell’s new rules and claim that he is “ruining the game”. Rules have been changed for kickoffs, how defenders can play, and how quarterbacks can be hit. Most of the rule changes have aimed to eliminate flagrant hits on players who are unable to defend themselves. James Harrsion has also been made an example of, being the first player suspended for continuing flagrant hits.

During the 2010 season, the following rule changes were made:

1) A player who has just completed a catch is considered a defenseless player. When a player is considered defenseless, he is protected against hits to the head or neck area from defender’s helmets, elbows, etc. Defenders also are not allowed to “launch” themselves at the ball carrier.

2) Kickers and Punters are now considered defenseless players after kicking the ball to the opposing team. Quarterbacks are also considered defenseless players after a turnover.

3) If the ball carrier’s helmet comes completely off, the play is dead at the current spot of the ball.

During the 2011 season, some new rule changes were added:

1) Kickoffs were moved from the 30 yard line to the 35 yard line. This rule was put in place to increase touchbacks and give coverage players less time to accelerate to engage in flagrant hits. There have been talks of completely eliminating kickoffs for player safety reasons; however this rule has not been passed yet.

2) All kicking team players must be set within 5 yards of the 35 yard line kickoff spot. This eliminates the “running head start” that players have had in the past.

3) Players are protected against “blindside blocks”. This occurs when the blocker approaches the other player from the side or behind while moving toward his own end zone. Now players are not allowed to make contact with the top of their helmet or the forehead part of their helmet.

4) A receiver is considered defenseless until he is able to protect himself against contact or until he established himself as a runner. Prior to this rule, receivers were only protected against contact to their head and neck or against defenders launching themselves at them.

One of the major reasons for the new focus on player safety is the recent spotlight on player concussions. Both current and past football players are coming forth admitting to laying with concussions, something that can be detrimental to their health. Of course, nearly no player would admit to these symptoms because doing so would eliminate them from the game. Aaron Rogers withheld his symptoms in order to continue playing, locking up a Super Bowl berth in 2011. A standardized sideline test has now been implemented to test for concussions with a “’simple go or no go’” for players to return to the game.

One of the greatest examples of this system failing occurred last season in a game between the Browns and Steelers. In the 4^th quarter Colt McCoy scrambled attempting to make a play when James Harrison leapt at him, hitting McCoy in the facemask with the crown of his helmet.

McCoy was out for two plays before being allowed to come back. TWO PLAYS. On the following Monday McCoy failed a concussion test, leading the league to believe the Browns skipped the concussion test altogether. Coach Pat Shurmur said McCoy was not showing concussion like symptoms. Though, any spectator could see he was NOT alright.

Though concussions can be suffered as easily as any other injury in sports, none have the devastating long-term effects as concussions do. Two such cases can be found in the members of the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl winning team of 1985. The first case is that of Dave Duerson. Known for his physical style of play, Duerson was one of the game’s premier players. However, this style of play led to numerous concussions that eventually ended his NFL career. The effects of the concussions would still haunt Duerson's post-NFL life, as he developed CTE, a neurodegenerative disease linked to depression (1). This depression eventually caused Duerson to commit suicide in 2011. Another member of the Bears who his still dealing with the effects of concussions is former quarterback Jim McMahon. The boisterous quarterback was known for taking quite the pounding by defenses during his NFL career, leading to the development of many concussions. While McMahon does not suffer from depression like Duerson did, McMahon suffers from memory loss and has worked with neurosurgeons to try and remedy the issue (2). The most recent case of the severity of concussions has come from the tragic death of Junior Seau. Much like the late Dave Duerson, Seau suffered from depression in his post-NFL life. Seau eventually succumbed to the depression and committed suicide. Though it is uncertain, relatives of Seau said he had suffered concussions in this NFL career and have considered donating his brain to science to see if concussions had anything to do with his depression (3). Though numerous lawsuits have been filed by former players on the issue of head injuries (4), these three cases are paramount in the understanding on how severe concussions can be.

The players make the NFL, and without them football would not be as popular. Ale believes that with the advances in sports gear that promote safety, there is no excuse by the NFL that would be good enough to deny using them. He insinuates that it is not the game that needs to be changed, but rather the protection worn by the athletes that needs to improve.

Inconsistency remains a huge issue in the NFL by what defines a flagrant penalty or a defenseless player. Referees remain unsure and are often confused about penalties which result in blown calls. Some of these penalty calls need to be judgment calls by the refs. The NFL has sent video examples of acceptable hits and flagrant ones to all 32 teams, however there is still a lot of confusion. Matt believes these rules are ridiculous and are taking away from the game, at this rate the NFL will turn into flag football. Charlie agrees with both Matt and Alex. The game should be safe for athletes, but some of these rules are going too far. More focus needs to be put on improving the protective gear of the players. If NASCAR drivers can crash their cars and walk away without concussions, NFL players should protection that gives them no fear that they aren’t safe.

Word Count: 1102

Sources

Friday, April 27, 2012

The Madden Cover: An Honor or a Curse?

Nothing is certain but death, taxes, and a new Madden NFL Football game every year. Since 1999 EA has been honoring NFL players who go above and beyond by allowing them to grace the cover of their insanely popular video game. Every year an athlete is chosen, an honor amongst players… or is it? Josh Cribbs said “Teams go on the Wheaties box, but individually, when you make the cover of ‘Madden,’ you’ve arrived.” But ever since 2004 there have been whispers of a “Madden Curse.” It is said that whoever has their image put on the cover is to be cursed, either by injury. The history so far:

1999: Garrison Hearst

This edition of Madden is where the curse began, as it was the first time in the game’s history that a player was featured on the cover of Madden. Hearst was the breakout star of the 49ers. He set the franchise rushing record and helped San Francisco reach the divisional round of the playoffs. After his appearance on the cover, Hearst broke his leg causing Hearst to miss the following two seasons. His career never recovered, making him the curse's first victim.

2000: Barry Sanders/Dorsey Levens

Sanders was, at the time, considered one of the greatest backs of all time, and many predicted that he would hold all of the major rushing records. However, shortly before the 1999 season, Sanders shockingly announced his retirement from football. His decision caused the Lions to go into a tailspin from 1999 to 2011. The PAL version of the game had Packers running back Dorsey Levens on the cover. Though Dorsey managed to go over 1,000 yards that season, his yards-per-carry average dropped to a pedestrian 3.7, and the Packers finished the 1999 season at the 0.500 mark, causing them to miss the post-season.

2001: Eddie George

For a while, it looked like George had beat the curse. He had career highs in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and yards from scrimmage. George's misfortune came in the 2000 AFC Divisional game against the Ravens, where on a last-second drive George bobbled a pass right into the hands of the eventual Super Bowl MVP Ray Lewis, sealing the Titans' fate. George’s reliable 1,000 yard seasons ceased to exist throughout the remainder of his career.

2002: Daunte Culpepper

Culpepper had led the Vikings to the NFC championship the season prior to making the cover. However, early in the 2001 season, Culpepper suffered a knee injury, ending his season prematurely. While he was able to regain his form the following two seasons, another knee injury, combined with disappointing stints with the Dolphins, Raiders, and Lions essentially ended his NFL career.

2003: Marshall Faulk

Faulk had come of a season where he got over 2000 yards from scrimmage, won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, and helped his team reach Super Bowl XXXVI (Source). Faulk failed to reach the 1,000 yard mark in the 2002 season, while suffering ankle injuries during that season was well as the following three seasons, eventually leading to his retirement in 2005.

2004: Michael Vick

After being put onto the cover of Madden 2004, Michael Vick suffered a broken fibula very early on during a preseason game against the Ravens. Vick was then sent to prison on charges for dog fighting.

2005: Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis only missed 2 games at the end of the 2005 season due to a sprained wrist. 2005 was also the first season that number 52 did not haul in an interception. The next season, Lewis broke his leg and didn’t play for most of the season.

2006: Donovan McNabb

In 2006, McNabb tore his ACL while lunging out of bounds which caused him to miss the rest of the season. Since then, McNabb was traded away by the Eagles and his career has gone down the toilet.

2007: Shaun Alexander

In 2007, Shaun Alexander broke his foot and missed half of the season. This was just a year after he set the NFL all-time record for rushing touchdowns in a season.

2008: Vince Young

In 2008, Vince Young was on the rise as an up and coming player. After being the Madden cover boy, he injured his leg which caused him to miss a game. He turned in an awful season with only 9 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Young was let go by the Titans just a few seasons after being on the Madden cover. He was signed by the Eagles and threw 4 touchdowns to 9 interceptions.

2009: Brett Favre

Brett Favre was once one of the highest regarded QBs to ever play in the NFL. Then Madden 2009 rolled around. Favre’s remaining football career was laughable. He played for both the Jets and Vikings failing with both. He was plagued with injuries and off-the-field issues in his final year.

2010: Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu

The curse struck only one of these players this year. Polamalu only played 5 games because of lingering knee issues, and the Steelers missed the playoffs.

2011: Drew Brees

Individually he has performed fine. But in 2011 the Saints were upset by the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs. And now there is the Bountygate scandal which has significantly affected the Saints.

2012: Peyton Hillis

Hillis busted on the scene in 2011 and became the first fan-voted athlete on the cover of Madden. In 2012 Hillis had drama with the Browns management over a new contract and sat out part of the season with a hamstring issue. Then he got traded to the Chiefs to be their 2^nd string back.

2013: Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson was announced as the Madden 13 cover athlete on April 25^th. Are the Lions scared? More than likely.

With all that said, Charlie still doesn’t believe in the Madden curse. It is his opinion that the reason a “curse” was even mentioned is because these players were put into a spotlight for making the cover and therefore their injuries were more spotlighted. Then, having a collection of players who happened to be spotlighted and injuries fed the fire. Matt believes that there is a curse because he is superstitious. The history doesn’t lie and anybody can search what has happened to these players after they were on the cover. Nobody knows if this “curse” is because of the players pre-existing knowledge of the curse and past history, or if there really is something more. Alex thinks that while some might consider these events as coincidences, these successive unfortunate events to the Madden cover athletes are the work of the nefarious Madden Curse.

Word Count: 1,103

Sources

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=100805/madden
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/98744-madden-curse-strikes-again-ranking-the-12-curse-victims
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/sports/football/browns/is-the-madden-curse-real-lets-look-at-the-history
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7405565/after-tough-season-cleveland-browns-peyton-hillis-believer-madden-video-game-curse
http://www.nfl.com/fantasy/story/09000d5d828994d6/article/megatron-is-the-winner-or-loser-of-the-madden-13-vote
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1101289-madden-curse-how-a-video-game-changed-the-lives-of-players-in-the-nfl
http://www.footballnation.com/content/madden-curse-is-it-real/14446/

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Bountygate - The Fall of the New Orleans Saints

Well it wouldn’t be an NFL offseason without something big and interesting happening. Last year it was the lockout. This year it was the NFL’s investigation and eventually punishing of the New Orleans Saints. The Big Easy was once again questioned about their involvement in a bounty system, paying for big hits on key players. Not only was the Saints organization found guilty, they were punished thoroughly by Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner.

In fact, a punishment this severe has never before been dealt out by the NFL. The fines for the organization included (1 & 2):

Saints head coach Sean Payton is suspended without pay for the entire 2012 season.
Former Saints/current Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended indefinitely. (Commissioner Roger Goodell will review Williams' status at the conclusion of the 2012 season and consider whether to reinstate him.)
Saints GM Mickey Loomis is suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of the 2012 season.
Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended without pay for the first six regular-season games of the 2012 season.
The Saints are stripped of their 2012 and 2013 second-round draft picks and have been hit with a $500,000 fine.

The Saints lost their second round picks instead of first since their 2012 first round pick was traded to New England. Though the punishment was doled out by the big man himself, Roger Goodell has allowed Loomis, Payton, Vitt, and Williams a chance to appeal his decision (5). Loomis, Payton, and Vitt all chose to appeal while Williams refused.

*UPDATE*

As expected, the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff appealed the punishment that was handed down by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Also as expected, the NFL denied the Saints’ appeal (10 & 11). This means that the Saints coaches are still suspended, the team still loses their draft picks, and the $500,000 fine is still due to be paid. Roger Goodell still says that there are player punishments to come.

While the coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints should shoulder most of the blame in the Bountygate scandal, it takes two to tango. Some of the blame rests on the shoulders of the players who doled out the hits that were rewarded through the bounty program. One such player is inside linebacker and defensive captain Jonathon Vilma. Before the 2009 NFC Championship Game, Vilma reportedly offered $10,000 to the player who could knock out then-quarterback Brett Favre out of the game (6). One has to wonder if that bounty was split between the multiple players who hit Favre on nearly all of the Vikings offensive snaps, resulting in a severe ankle injury that would ultimately affect him the following season. Though Vilma isn’t the only Saint involved in the bounty program, as the official investigative report by the NFL revealed that in addition to Vilma, twenty-two to twenty-seven players of the Saints defense have been determined to have participated in Bountygate (6). Though not all of the players could be suspended and/or fined by the NFL, the uncertainty has caused organizations like the Vikings, ironically one of the teams most affected by the bounty programs, to rid themselves of former Saints players like defensive tackle Remi Ayodele, for fear that they might miss some if not all of the season due to their involvement in Bountygate (7). While the coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints suffered pretty severe penalties from Bountygate, one can only imagine the penalties Commissioner Rodger Goodell will levy out to those numerous players involved in this horrid scandal. According to the NFL, up to 27 players could be penalized for their involvement in the bounty program. Those 27 players should find their punishment doled out in the coming days (4).

Saints fans in New Orleans were disgusted with the punishments given to their team by Commissioner Goodell because the penalties were “too harsh” (10). If we were Saints fans, we too would believe these punishments were “too harsh”, but as a fans of different teams, we believe the punishment are acceptable. Saints fans protested outside of the Superdome in New Orleans in support of their team and coach. Fans wore custom made shirts, marched around stadium property, and made signs; all were acts of a non-violent protest.

In response to the punishments given to the Saints, players took to social media to display their feelings. A few of the players who made their opinions public on Twitter were Drew Brees, Darren Sharper, and Deuce McAllister (11). Drew Brees posted “I am speechless. Sean Payton is a great man, coach, and mentor. The best there is. I need to hear an explanation for this punishment.” Darren Sharper said “Terrible day for the saints fan base! Ruling is very strong! Now it's imperative the saints get deal done with Brees!” Finally Deuce McAllister posted “We take the good with the bad. You find out who's in and who's out and you go play ball. It’s an attitude @Saints.” Needless to say everybody who loves and follows the New Orleans Saints is against these punishments. With Goodell looking out for player safety, what did they expect to happen though?

Goodell has claimed that he made the punishment severe in order to send a message that this sort of action will not be tolerated (3). And despite how heavy this punishment is, it is our opinion that the NFL didn’t lay down stiff enough penalties. First round picks couldn’t be taken as their 2012 first round pick was traded to New England. But only partial year suspensions for the GM and Assistant Coach could have been bumped up to full year suspensions, as with Payton. Even a lifetime ban, as the case with Williams, could have been doled out to Payton. This was HIS team. He is supposed to be the leader to these men and he allowed corruption of the game to take place. Though Williams was clearly the driving force, Payton’s hands were just as dirty in our opinion.

Word Count: 1000

Sources

Monday, March 5, 2012

Peyton Manning: The Man, The Myth, The... Free Agent?

Rumors surrounding Peyton Manning, the current QB for the Indianapolis Colts, have been circulating since the dreaded lockout this past summer. While players and coaches were meeting to make sure another NFL season would happen, Peyton was attempting to recover from neck surgery without the help of the Colt’s personal trainers. The lockout was eventually ended as the season start approached. Manning was ruled out from the season opener and had another surgery soon after. That was when the world realized that Peyton was in fact human and waited with held breath to hear when he would make his return to the Colts. The world is still waiting.

With the NFL Combine over all the teams have gotten a good look at potential draftees, especially important for the Colts who hold the Drafts #1 pick. It is widely predicted that the Colts will use that pick on Andrew Luck, a QB out of Stanford. This is a big deal. Drafting a QB this high in the draft means that the team not only needs the player, but that he is going to be their starter. This regularly would be no big deal, if say your team was the Redskins. But this is Peyton Manning we are talking about. He is a Super Bowl MVP, 4 time NFL MVP, 11 time Pro Bowl nominee, and holds countless records (1). And he is potentially being replaced by a unproven rookie.

But making more news than Peyton potentially being let go from the Colts, his only team since drafted in 1998 (2), is who would be interested in giving him a chance to play again. Multiple teams have been attached to rumors of being interested in giving Manning a shot. The Jets, Dolphins, Redskins, Chiefs, Cardinals, Seahawks, and 49ers have all been in one way or another mentioned in ties to Manning rumors. Though, the most likely landing places for Manning would be with the Redskins, Dolphins, or Seahawks (which seems to be universally agreed upon) as none of these teams have any confidence in their current QBs (Rex Grossman/John Beck, Chad Henne, and Tavaris Jackson respectively) (3 & 4).

As it stands right now though, Peyton Manning is still a Colt and Jim Irsay will have you know it. It has become very much a PR battle between Peyton and Irsay, with both sides trying to look like the good guy. Time is running out though, as the Colts owe Peyton $28 million on March 8^th. The general consensus is that the Colts will let Manning go before that bonus is due. What’s worse is that Irsay has said that Manning’s return to the Colts is dependent on his health (5).While Peyton has been cleared medically (6), the coaching staff cannot view Peyton throwing before his bonus is due (6). This leaves a $28 million risk in the hands of the Colts. Do you risk it and keep a QB who was one of the greats and hope he returns to greatness? Or do you save your money and invest in Luck and a new era in Indy?

Regardless of what happens in the coming week, Peyton WILL make headlines. It is my personal opinion that Peyton Manning will not be wearing his #18 in a Colts jersey in 2012, and most of the evidence seems to point that way. We all wait with baited breath to see what happens to the legendary Peyton Manning.