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NFP/Fortenbaugh: Time for fans to go on strike

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NFP/Fortenbaugh: Time for fans to go on strike

As the Players Union weighs the final “split the difference” offer from management we give you this little article from the National Football Post. It essentially says that the players and management both know the fans will be back whenever they get their crap together and that fans should take a stand.

If the players decertify and then this whole battle enters legal hell we’ll have to think long and hard about how it will effect operations here at the Ministry of PatsPropaganda.

2011 New England Patriots Draft Big Board

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PATSPROPAGANDA DRAFT PREDICTIONS SELF ANALYSIS

OUR PATRIOTS-ONLY MOCK DRAFT POSTED 4/14/2011

While mock drafts are fun, if you’re a fan obsessed with only one team like me, you really only get one player per mock (or two in the Patriots’ case) to look at. You know the drill, you see a new mock pop up, you go to it and instantly look who they have your team picking, then scan the rest of it with half-interest.

So what you’ll find below is my Patriots big board, which in reality is what most teams go into the draft with. This lists only prospects that I see as a fit for the Pats in ranked order. While team needs are certainly taken into account, ultimately it comes down to who fits the system and how much of an impact they would have for one team, the New England Patriots.

If there’s someone you personally like but don’t see on here make a case for them in the comments below. These rankings will change and grow.

Disclaimer:

  • I do not claim to be an expert. I don’t have access to coaches film. This is all for fun. It can only be as accurate as the scouting reports and magazines I see.
  • I do claim to pay attention to the Patriots schemes and desired personnel.
  • None of the top 50 are there by accident. They are there because I saw something somewhere that they were physical, tough, versatile players who took football seriously, in some combination.
  • My goal is to have 75% of the Patriots drafted players listed somewhere below. If I get 50% I’ll be happy. If I only get 25% I won’t be surprised.

So without further ado here it is. I will set up a permanent link on the front page of the site for easy access as it evolves. And it will evolve based on future research and input from readers, so please, make your opinion known!

**UPDATED April 27, 3pm EST**

Patspropaganda.com 2011 New England Patriots Mock Big Board

  1. Marcel Dareus (DL, 6-03, 319, Alabama): would cause havoc, maybe not the perfect size for DE, but strong enough to play any DL spot. NFL.com: Possesses the athleticism and explosiveness to be consistently disruptive against the run and pass. Hands that don’t stop, sheds blockers quickly, and frequently uses the swim move to get to the quarterback. Also has great power to push the pocket and stand his ground adequately when run at.
  2. AJ Green (WR, 6-04, 211, Georgia): smooth, gifted WR, who would add a large outside target currently missing from Pats WR corps. NFL.com: Has the ideal length, refined route-running skills, hands, and big-play ability to become one of the league’s top players at the position. Displays tremendous acceleration and fluidity for a taller player.
  3. Cameron Jordan (DL, 6-04, 287, Cal): has experience in 34, interior pass rush presence. Not ideal Pats DE, but versatility would make him useful. NFL.com:  Really a good fit for any team that stresses gap integrity. Has good strength at the point of attack, plays with sound positioning, locates the ball carrier, gets off blocks and uses his good quickness and agility against the run. Not a big-time pass rushing talent by any means, but still has some good power moves.
  4. JJ Watt (DE, 6-05, 290, Wisconsin), big, athletic five technique with outstanding work ethic. Arguably the cleanest Pats prospect in draft. NFL.com: A hard-working, intelligent, relentless player. Uses his hands extremely well to get off blocks both rushing the passer and against the run. Doesn’t possesses great initial quickness but closes hard and fast on the quarterback and has enough straight-lined speed to pursue from the backside.
  5. Julio Jones (WR, 6-03, 220, Alabama): physical, intimidating presence at WR, game changer. NFL.com: Vertical threat due to his height, strength, leaping ability, and speed. Generates big plays after the catch on screens and crossing patterns because of his physicality as a runner. Flashes outstanding hands and ball skills.
  6. Robert Quinn (OLB, 6-04, 265, UNC): not as athletic as some thought, but could transition to OLB, bring some athleticism/pass rush. NFL.com: He has an excellent first step and the burst to consistently get around the edge. He is a relentless pass rusher that will only improve once he develops an array of counter moves. He lacks the bulk to hold stout against the running game and can get overwhelmed by bigger blockers.
  7. Danny Watkins (G/C, 6-03, 310, Baylor): overaged, but could step in and play at either guard position. Nasty playing temperament. NFL.com: He plays with terrific balance and has the foot quickness to hold in pass protection. Despite his limited football experience, he engages very well with his hands and maintains a strong position.
  8. Gabe Carimi (LT/RT, 6-07, 314, Wisconsin): will need to get stronger but projects to either tackle spot, nasty playing temperament.NFL.com: His non-stop motor, coupled with his ideal size, make him a terror in the running game and he has enough athleticism to hold his own in pass protection.
  9. Anthony Costonzo (LT/RT, 6-07, 311, Boston College): need to improve strength versus power, but could develop and start on either side. NFL.com: Would be a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme or on a club that loves the screen game. Will probably never be a favorable matchup when facing bigger, more powerful NFL defensive lineman.
  10. Mark Ingram (RB, 5-09, 215, Alabama):  great instincts and quickness for the game, would fit in well with current stable. Late first round steal. NFL.com: Ingram projects as an every-down back who can make an impact on the ground and in the passing game. One of the most polished running back prospects in recent memory. Has rare natural running sense in terms of vision and patience.
  11. Aaron Williams (DB, 6-01, 204, Texas): big, physical corner would instantly add presence at nickel corner. NFL.com: Has experience lining up over the slot and maintains proper position to take away the easy crossing routes. When the ball is in the air, he has a great closing burst and the superb hands to make plays even on errant throws. He is aggressive in run support.
  12. Nate Solder (OT, 6-08, 319, Colorado): Vollmer clone, athletic, will need time in Dante U. NFL.com: Very sound in pass protection, not as susceptible to the bull rush as you might think given his leaner build, just needs to continue to develop his game against complete pass rushers with a vast array of skills and moves.
  13. Ryan Kerrigan (OLB, 6-04, 267, Purdue): relentless motor, better athlete than he’s given credit for. Has the size to play OLB for Pats. NFL.com – Explodes off the line and plays with sound leverage to get under offensive tackles. Persistent pass rusher with great closing burst that has a knack for making strip sacks. Reads quickly and has a strong lower half which makes him stout against the run. Very productive.
  14. Mike Pouncey (G/C, 6-05, 303, Florida): projects to guard, struggled with shotgun snapping at time. Not as good as twin Maurkice. NFL.com: He has outstanding football IQ and the ability to become a pro-bowl starter at guard or center.
  15. Clint Boling (G/C, 6-05, 308, Georgia): versatile, interior lineman, who plays hard and has experience against top competition. Worker. NFL.com: A savvy, maximum-effort guy who could find a home with a franchise that values technique and mobility up front above pure strength. Has great awareness and understands the finer points of line play.
  16. Aldon Smith (OLB, 6-04, 263, Missouri): raw, but potential is there, would need time, wonder if he has the FBI to fit in New England. NFL.com: He’s a fluid, natural pass rusher who overcomes lack of excellent get-off with terrific hand usage, elite lateral-mobility, very good closing speed, and a strong desire to get to the quarterback.
  17. Jabaal Sheard (OLB, 6-04, 260, Pitt): quick to diagnose, variety of pass rush moves. Team leader despite one incident. NFL.com: Sheard is long and thickly built. Powerful bull rusher that has a vast repertoire of counter moves and uses his long arms to bat down passes. Strong kid that delivers a powerful punch, sheds effectively and quickly locates the ball. High motor player that makes plays on the backside. Very productive.
  18. Cameron Heyward (DL, 6-05, 294, Ohio State): looks the part, but possibly the most polarizing prospect in the draft. NFL.com: He is a powerful athlete at the point of attack that can eat up blocks in the running game and uses heavy active hands to shed quickly. He possesses a less than ideal burst, but is a relentless pass rusher that gets more sacks than he should.
  19. Derek Sherrod (G/T, 6-05, 321, Mississippi State): versatile, played tackle, but projects to guard. NFL.com: Nice blend of length and good feet, he can slide laterally with pass rushers and push them by the launch point but struggles to anchor against the bull rush.
  20. Brandon Harris (DB, 5-10, 191, Miami): smooth, will develop into starting cb. NFL.com: Strong kid with a tireless work ethic and he should be a mid-to-late first round pick. Harris is a true gamer that is at his best when the lights are on and he has the tools to become a starting cornerback at the next level. He excels in man coverage, as he is explosive with an elite closing burst and he has very fluid hips to maintain speed in transition.
  21. Muhammad Wilkerson (DL, 6-04, 315, Temple): has the size/anchor strength for DE, also has some interior pass rush ability. NFL.com: Ideal size, excellent shedding ability and the athleticism to pursue from the backside and rush the passer. Jolts offensive lineman at the point of attack, can beat the double team, finds the football and makes plays against the run.
  22. Ryan Williams (RB, 5-09, 212, Virginia Tech): violent natural runner, hampered by injuries in 2010. NFL.com: Has the vision, toughness, burst, and lateral-mobility necessary to move the chains and make some big plays. However, he must do a better job holding onto the football and improve his ability to consistently contribute on third downs.
  23. Brooks Reed (OLB, 6-03, 263, Arizona): fastest 10-yard split at combine, explosive, smart pass rusher, excellent spin move. Raw but has intangibles. NFL.com: Gets to the quarterback with a variety of moves and a relentless motor. Uses his hands really well to maintain gap integrity and disengage from blockers against the run. Lack of size, his all-out playing style, and minor injury history pose some questions about his durability.
  24. Rahim Moore (FS, 6-00, 202, UCLA): ballhawking free safety, could fill potential need after 2010. NFL.com: True difference maker at the safety position, and he projects to be an immediate starter at the next level. He is extremely rangy with the deep speed to hold up in cover-3, and he has a great closing burst when the ball is in the air.
  25. Rodney Hudson (C/G, 6-02, 299, Florida State): bit undersized for guard but versatile and could be eventual Koppen replacement. Well-rounded, polished skill set. NFL.com: Should be an immediate starter at guard or center and could make a few Pro Bowls down the line. He can handle power or speed pass rushers with his outstanding balance, flexibility and wide base.
  26. Leonard Hankerson (WR, 6-02, 209, Miami) big, durable, passion for the game. Best WR at Senior Bowl. Would add presence Pats WRs lack. NFL.com: Steadily builds speed, which coupled with his height allows him to make some plays vertically. Tough and hard-working.
  27. Torrey Smith (WR/KR, 6-01, 204, Maryland): deep threat, high character, still raw and will need time to develop. NFL.com: Big-play speed and enough size to develop into a starting NFL receiver who can stretch a defense. Shows great burst off the line and the top-end speed to consistently get behind the secondary.
  28. Ras-I Dowling (DB, 6-02, 205, Virginia): tall, playmaker, could project to FS eventually, projected as high round pick before battling injuries in 2010. NFL.com: A monster of a cornerback who seeks out contact in run support and is a sound tackler. He really excels in zone coverage with terrific instincts and has the ball skills to make plays on underneath routes.
  29. Kyle Rudolph (TE, 6-06, 259, Notre Dame): eventual Crumpler replacement, him and Gronk in 2-TE sets would be scary. NFL.com: He is fast and has the hip fluidity to separate in and out of his breaks in man coverage. He has tremendous hands and shows a knack for coming down with the ball in traffic.
  30. Jason Pinkston (RT/RG, 6-04, 305, Pittsburgh) NFL.com: physical and coordinated in the run game and very fluid redirecting vs. the pass. deceptively athletic and has the football intelligence to make an NFL roster. He does not impress on the hoof, but he understands blocking schemes and very rarely misses his assignment. He also possesses quick feet.
  31. Ben Ijalana (G/T, 6-04, 317, Villanova); versatile but played against lower competition. Will need time. NFL.com: Strength and finishing attitude will make him a powerful drive blocker. He makes good decisions in pass protection and has quick feet and long arms to handle athletic defensive lineman.
  32. Mikel Leshoure (RB, 6-00, 230, Illinois): big back who runs hard would compliment Woodhead/Green-Ellis well. NFL.com: With some improvements on third down, Leshoure has the size, athleticism and competitiveness to develop into an every-down back.
  33. Quinton Carter (DB, 6-01, 208, Oklahoma): NFL.com: smart football player that understands his responsibilities in zone coverage and he has the smooth hips and lateral agility to mirror slot receivers in and out of their breaks. Fierce competitor .
  34. Allen Bailey (DL, 6-04, 288): physical beast that might not have ideal size but could contribute in a number of different ways. NFL.com: Uses his hands, power moves and good get off to pressure the passer. Very complete against the run. Holds his base very well, gets off blocks, fights through double teams and is a sure tackler when arriving at the ball-carrier.
  35. Kenrick Ellis (DT/DE, 6-05, 346, Hampton) character flags but could be a dominating presence on the DL in multiple spots. NFL.com: Rare combination of size and explosiveness. Can be disruptive with his power or quickness.
  36. Shane Vereen (RB, 5-10, 210, CAL) shifty, sudden back with good awareness, could eventually contribute on third down. NFL.com: compact runner with a low center of gravity. Patient back that shows the ability to find holes and cutback lanes. Runs hard and fights for extra yards after contact. Possesses great hands and instincts as a receiver. Can split out wide and shows good effort and technique in pass protection.
  37. Martez Wilson (OLB, 6-04, 250, Illinois): potential rush OLB, is a bit high cut, will need development playing vs. run. Play inside, 2-point. NFL.com: Should be able to hold outside contain using his long arms and strength to keep tight ends off his body against the run, and jam at the line or pressure the quarterback in passing situations.
  38. Stefen Wisniewski (C/G, 6-03, 313, Penn State): technically sound, could start day one. Eventual Koppen replacement. NFL.com: He has great football intelligence, quickly recognizes stunts and blitzes and is rarely caught out of position. However, he lacks the lower body strength to generate a consistent push in the running game and will not thwart the bull rush in the NFL.
  39. Cliff Matthews (OLB, 6-04, 257, South Carolina): captain, competes hard, has the size and will. NFL.com: Lack of power to be productive against the run and explosiveness to rush the quarterback.
  40. Demarco Murray (RB, 6-00, 213, Oklahoma): violent runner, who can line up all over. Needs to add some bulk. NFL.com: His high cut frame gives him the look of a wide receiver and his precise route running and soft hands make him a weapon on third down.
  41. Johnny White (RB, 5-09, 210, UNC): Todd McShay’s potential steal of the draft. NFL.com: Will provide outstanding value as a change-of-pace, third-down back and special-teams ace early in his career. Despite lack of reps, he allows plays to develop and decisively hits the hole. He has exceptional acceleration and agility.
  42. Ahmad Black (S/Nickel Corner, 5-09, 187, Florida) might not have the size/speed on paper that you look for but he just makes plays. NFL.com: Contribute immediately in sub-packages and as a special teams cover guy even if he never becomes a starter. Has excellent instincts. Plays tough and is durable despite lack of size.
  43. Robert Sands (S, 6-04, 217, West Virginia): NFL.com: well-rounded safety prospect with rare size, good speed, and a physical mentality and could become an excellent starter in the NFL
  44. Greg Romeus (OLB, 6-06, 270, Pittsburgh): coming off an ACL, still raw, but has size/intangibles for Pats system. NFL.com: He is a powerful rusher with good speed that will be even more effective once he adds more counter moves to his repertoire. He is very strong and difficult to move in the running game and shows the agility to make tackles from the backside.
  45. Tandon Doss (WR, 6-02, 201, Indiana): tough possession slot receiver. NFL.com: Gets open underneath with polished route-running and good quickness. Eats up cushions in a hurry with elite burst off the line
  46. Craig Marshall (DE/OLB, 6-04, 265, South Florida) Raw but has the frame and skills to warrant a draft pick.
  47. John Moffitt (G/C, 6-04, 319, Wisconsin):athletic interior lineman, will need time, a favorite of Tedy Bruschi. NFL.com: Displays very good football intelligence and understands blocking schemes. However, he lacks the strength and overall athleticism to be effective at the next level against faster and stronger athletes.
  48. Marcus Gilchrist (DB, 5-10, 195, Clemson): versatile defensive back who could project to free safety. Experience as a kick returner as well. Good at taking on the run, has scheme versatility.
  49. Zak Hurd (RT/RG, 6-07, 313, Connecticut): NFL.com: has the measurables and toughness to make it as a starting offensive lineman, but may need to slide inside to guard.
  50. Cecil Shorts (WR, 6-00, 205, Mount Union) highly productive small school guy, two time captain. NFL.com: smooth, reliable, intelligent receiver prospect who was highly productive against lower competition but lacks a “wow” factor in terms of size, top-end speed and big-play ability

Best Of The Rest

  • Buster Skrine (DB, 5-10, 185, Chattanooga) small school, raw, but physical freak. NFL.com: He has elite recovery speed and quickly closes when the ball is in the air. However, he will struggle to mirror slot receivers as he is a bit tight in the hips and he will get pushed around by bigger receivers at the next level.
  • Chris Matthews (WR, 6-05, 219, Kentucky): developmental, big physical WR with natural athletic ability. Builds speed, not quick off line.
  • Stevan Ridley (RB, 5-11, 225, LSU) NFL.com: no nonsense runner that explodes through the holes and is very difficult to take down, limited receiver.
  • Jarvis Jenkins (DL,6-04, 310, Clemson):developmental 5-technique who must get stronger, learn to play with better leverage. NFL.com: Doesn’t appear to have the skill set worthy of staying on the field in obvious passing downs. He does a good job of getting off the ball, getting off blockers and making plays in the backfield against the run.
  • Andrew Jackson (G, 6-05, 299, Fresno State): needs to stay healthy, athletic, long, fires off ball. NFL.com: Chance to turn into a starting NFL guard with the addition of some needed bulk and strength.
  • JT Thomas (LB, 6-01, 241, West Virginia) undersized but has intangibles, speed and instincts.
  • Steven Friday (OLB, 6-04, 250, Virginia Tech) can get after QB, will need time in other areas.
  • Corbin Bryant (DT/DE, 6-04, 285, Northwestern) great first step, developmental 34 DE. Interior pass rush type player.
  • Bilal Powell (RB, 5-11, 207, Louisville) NFL.com: knack for finding a seam and can accelerate on a dime to find daylight. He is very elusive in the open field.
  • Tyler Sash (S, 6-00, 211, Iowa):NFL.com: impressive football intelligence and excellent effort in run support to the table but probably lacks the range and athleticism in coverage
  • Luke Stocker (TE, 6-05, 258, Tennessee): NFL.com: has the frame, tenacity and strength to develop into a powerful run blocker. Stocker is a blue collar-type player
  • Jalil Brown (DB, 6-01, 204, Colorado): big developmental prospect, NFL.com: Uses his length and strength to prevent the free release, can turn and run, but does not possess the hips to prevent separation
  • Alex Linnenkuhl (C, 6-02, 304, Oregon State): tough, hard working, wrestling background.
  • Randall Cobb (WR, 5-10, 191, Kentucky): former QB, athlete, NFL.com: could still make plays as a scat back, sub-package slot receiver and as a returner. Plays his best in the biggest moments.
  • Darren Evans (RB, 6-00, 227, Virginia Tech): north-south runner who lowers his shoulder and pumps his legs through defenders. He is also a tenacious blocker in pass protection.
  • Terrence Turner (WR, 6-02, 220, Indiana): respected team leader, special teams potential. NFL.com: Turner’s a hard-working, coachable player who gets the most out of his ability and will probably turn into a good special teamer.
  • Brandon Fusco (C, 6-04, 316, Slipper Rock) small school center has the nastiness and physical attributes you look for, but will take time to develop as he’s coming from D-2.
  • Garett Chisolm (G, 6-05, 312, South Carolina) coming off ACL, but big/athletic
  • Ryan Whalen (WR, 6-01, 202, Stanford): tough, highly competitive
  • Bryant Browning (RG/RT, 6-04, 313, Ohio State): smart, thick, tough
  • Jake Kirkpatrick (C, TCU): strong, can handle beefy NTs.

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New features in Madden ‘12: Lockout Edition

Franchise Mode

  • Prevent players from entering facility.
  • Keep your fan fury meter below 75%.
  • Prevent the restaurants around the stadium from going bankrupt.
  • Persuade music tours to make winter outdoor concert appearances.
  • Try to convince the public that the players are the ones at fault.
  • Choose which yacht/mansion/jet to sell.
  • Scout the UFL for replacement players.
  • Generate growth, any way possible.

Create-a-Player

  • Find the Cobra health insurance plan that’s best for you.
  • Rehab injuries with unqualified physical therapists who know nothing about football.
  • Go into credit card debt.
  • Find alternative outlets for pent up aggression like bar brawls and spousal abuse.
  • See if that one year of college eligibility is still good.
  • Pursue second career in manual labor.
  • Work out with a bowflex.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/new-features-in-madden-12-lockout-edition/

Bill Simmons: Greed is good in NFL labor talks

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Must read alert!!! I know I give Simmons a hard time because he has to pretend like he knows as much about football as he does about basketball, but this article is an outstanding read. If you want have the NFL CBA negotiations boiled down into the simplest form, this is the place.

It’s hard to read this and not find yourself even more on the side of the players. The practices of the NFL and the owners are sadly much like many businesses are run today. Without any concern for the people, the environment, or anything else that is not the bottom line. 

The ironic part is that it will be this greed that eventually knocks the NFL off it’s lofty pedestal. It might not be this time with the CBA, but whenever you have an organization that has been so committed to “growth” as Roger Goodell’s NFL has been it will inevitably hit a ceiling at some point. Especially when this growth is being manufactured at the expense of the players and fans who made it what it was.

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NFL/NFLPA agree to extend the current CBA 24 more hours… so they can work on extending it ever further. Whole lotta extending going on…

Please mean that there is some hope…

https://www.patspropaganda.com/nflnflpa-agree-to-extend-the-current-cba-24-more/

NFL Lockout Thoughts… and should fans be included in negotiations?

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It’s been getting harder and harder to legitimately talk about the 2011 NFL season as we get closer and closer to the expiration of the current CBA. Sure, we’ve buried ourselves in draft research, and that will be a crutch until early May. 

But if there’s a lockout, the selection of Mr. Irrelevant will be a depressing final gasp of the NFL as we know it. So as we all wait for the union and players association to come forward with a real actual announcement there are just a few things we’d like to touch on.

First, I recommend you read Andrew Brandt’s article here as to what the possible outcomes for Friday could be. I’m most optimistic about an extension, that seems most plausible at this point. 

Second, I’ve been getting quite a few emails from various fan organizations like SportsFans.org who would like to have the fans at least included as observers of the negotiations. They’ve even been featured in major news outlets like the New York Times. 

We also had a group named Block the Lockout presenting 150,000 signatures to owners today.

Unlike a lot of fans I actually make a little money off the NFL. Make that a VERY little, but still, it’s something. And I feel confident saying that I stand to lose as much as any other NFL fan in the event of a lockout, but I don’t believe fans have any place at the bargaining table, even as observers.

What could fans possibly add to this process? It’s the responsibility for the NFL and the players to work out a deal that is amenable to both sides. All that really truly matters to fans is whether or not there’s a lockout. That’s the only issue that legitimately can concern them.

Sure, we can be against an 18 game season, but when it comes down to it are any fans really going to be that put out by having two more real games per year?

If you don’t like the deal that the NFL and players eventually come to then stop supporting the NFL. Cancel your season tickets. Don’t subscribe to DirecTV’s Sunday ticket. Don’t buy any more schwag. And yes, stop writing obsessive blogs that are solely focused on one team.

Yes, the fans made the NFL everything it has become, but to include them in negotiations is pointless. Why should billionaire owners, or players who risk life and limb listen to anything fans have to say? Because we watch them and spend money to support them? Guess what, there will always be fans, no matter how long a lockout, or how contentious the negotiations become. What could fans possibly have to add to the proceedings other than another complication that could stand in the way of a deal?

Anyway, that’s my two cents on that, and with that said I’ve been tossing around a lot of ideas as to what would become of PatsPropaganda during a prolonged lockout (which luckily seems far less likely with the ruling of Judge Doty last night).

But still, if we get to May and there’s a lockout, there won’t be much to say after we analyze all the Pats draft picks. So with that in mind we’ll just have to find other ways to stay entertained, and that might even include adopting a college football team. We’re still figuring it out, as are the NFL and players, but there would definitely be some new non-Pats content springing up on here.

An NFL blogger fans’ take on the CBA circus

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The NFL owners and players cancelled their negotiations on a new CBA today, and with a March 3rd expiration of the current CBA looming large, fans are obviously starting to feel a little pessimistic. If we get to March 3rd without a new CBA it’s seems likely that, in the words of Peter King, “football games will be lost”.

I find the whole situation to be pretty disturbing so I’ve avoided commenting on it. Of course negotiations of this nature, when so much money is involved, are always difficult. These entities are on a level of trying to make billions into trillions while most of us are just worrying about thousands.

Frankly what bothers me the most has been the rhetoric coming from the NFL and owners. Orwellian terms like “Enhanced season”. Ironically for me it’s real propaganda that has been coming out of Goodell’s NFL for the past year. 

Last summer, when fans would logically ask why negotiations hadn’t already started we were told that they needed the hard deadline of March 3rd to make things get done. Well here we are three weeks from that deadline, and there’s no more progress today than we had last summer. We’ve known for over a year where the two sides stand on the issues. 

How do you push for 18 games and still say you’re concerned about the players health? How can you continue to say fans are for the “enhanced season” when there’s clearly a great majority of knowledgeable fans that I see every day who are dead against it? I have yet to see a fan argue for an 18 game season. I really wish the NFL would stop speaking for the fans and let the fans speak for themselves.

I believe the fans are clearly on the players side. At least the fans that are paying attention. Fans who aren’t paying attention see two more opportunities to get drunk and watch football and say “hells yeah”.

The real issue isn’t about the rich owners versus the rich players like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. The real issue is about the average NFL player whose career lasts just a few seasons. It’s about the people who put their well-being in jeopardy every Sunday and will never have a million dollar contract. It’s about being responsible and taking care of the people who put life and limb at risk for our entertainment. That should be priority number one! 

What has been apparent for the last couple years since Roger Goodell took over is that his goal as commissioner is to take the NFL to another level. He made the draft a primetime event, they’re want to make a game in London a yearly event. They want to take the NFL brand worldwide, and now it seems like they don’t care if it’s at the expense of the players or the fans.

You can agree or disagree with that philosophy. This is American capitalism, and they have the right to grow their business however they see fit. But such a philosophy is not without risk.

You’re betting that fans will still want to attend regular season football games in mid-January. You’re betting that the rest of the world has the same taste for violent sport that Americans have. You’re betting that the teams that play for the Super Bowl in mid-to-late February won’t just be the teams that won the battle of attrition. 

In the age of HD, and a coming age of 3-D television, and the current difficult economic times that are a reality for many of the fans, I think the NFL is about to leave a lot of us behind.

Given the choice of watching a meaningless regular season game on January 20th with weather in the teens, at a cost of over $100 per ticket, $50 for parking and whatever else you have to pay for beer, or watching the game in HD or even 3D, from the comfort of my own couch, with my car freely parked in my driveway and a store bough twelve pack for $10, well… the choice is pretty clear.

We can only hope that negotiations resume quickly, because a lockout is not in anyone’s interest. But the old adage “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” remains true and the NFL seems hell bent on fixing what isn’t broken.

The only thing that truly appears broken to me is how the NFL treats their players and fans, on whose backs the NFL dynasty was built.