The Sports Bar

[Stormtrooper]

2 things.

The Jets QB race is down to 4, as (shock of all shocks) David Garrard retired because he is incapable of staying healthy (his knee was not holding up). It's a shame for Garrard, who was a talented QB when he was on the field in his prime, but this is about as surprising as the Sun coming up in the morning. This also greatly increases Mark Sanchez's chances of staying on the team, as the Jets would be making a big gamble by going into a year with a combined 1 start out of their QBs.

also,

15 years ago today, David Wells pitched a Perfect Game against the Minnesota Twins.

Interesting factoid about this game, the only 2 players still active that played in this game are from this game are Derek Jeter and the Twins starting pitcher LaTroy Hawkins (currently with the Mets). Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte were active for the game but obviously did not play.

MLB put the entire game (Yankees broadcast from MSG Network) on Youtube. Here it is.

[Megatron]

Sanchez was likely going to stay on the team no matter what. That extension they gave him would likely hurt them just as much to release him as it is to keep him (don't have the numbers and too lazy to look up, but iirc keeping him on the roster saves them money actually). No matter who it is, though, I think another top 10 pick is in store and likely a new head coach. Sure surprises can happen and their defense will still keep them in games, but atm I wouldn't want to go to bat with any of their options at QB. Plus with Bridgewater as a much more sure thing than any of the QBs in this recent class, tanking may not necessarily be the worst thing for them and get a clean slate.

And I'm surprised MLB is actually allowing a full game to be shown on youtube. They were stingy as hell at allowing even highlights/moments on there for the longest time (Maggs walk off HR in 2006 ALCS is always a struggle to look for).

In other news, Seahawks DE and last years first round pick Bruce Irvin has been suspended 4 games for PED's.

[Stormtrooper]

Originally Posted by Megatron

Sanchez was likely going to stay on the team no matter what. That extension they gave him would likely hurt them just as much to release him as it is to keep him (don't have the numbers and too lazy to look up, but iirc keeping him on the roster saves them money actually). No matter who it is, though, I think another top 10 pick is in store and likely a new head coach. Sure surprises can happen and their defense will still keep them in games, but atm I wouldn't want to go to bat with any of their options at QB. Plus with Bridgewater as a much more sure thing than any of the QBs in this recent class, tanking may not necessarily be the worst thing for them and get a clean slate.

1. There's been talks about cutting Sanchez all offseason. They have plenty of cap room to be able to afford it now so the money isn't an issue. They just can't do it for football reasons because he's the most competant non-Geno QB.
2. They have Geno Smith, who will be starting after the Jets Bye week (Week 10) at the latest. He's worth going with (once he's ready).
3. I looked at their schedule and found 6 wins. Buffalo twice (they suck still), Cleveland, Oakland, Tennesee, and one more I forget. I figure they will win most of those, and maybe pull off one win against a different team, and there's 6 wins.
4. I refuse to EVER believe in tanking a season for a draft pick. I find it pathetic. I'd rather not tank and miss out then intentionally lose games. It is for that reason why I am in favor of every league holding a draft lottery.
5. I actually don't want to lose Rex. He's a great D coach and he proved that he's able to be successful by going to back to back conference championships with Mark Sanchez at QB.

Originally Posted by Megatron

And I'm surprised MLB is actually allowing a full game to be shown on youtube. They were stingy as hell at allowing even highlights/moments on there for the longest time (Maggs walk off HR in 2006 ALCS is always a struggle to look for).

Actually, if you click on it and look to the right at similar videos, and they have dozens of classic games on there. All on the MLB Classics Youtube page (which is run by MLB). They used to totally suck, but maybe they're getting better now. They may just not be as good with clips as they are with full games.

[Megatron]

I'll take your word on the Sanchez cap situation since I don't follow them nearly close enough to know the full details but, nevertheless, this teams ceiling looks about 8-8. The NFL schedule makers didn't do them much help with their first 9 games before the bye (only Tampa, Buffalo, and Tennessee look like manageable games). Say they're 3-6 or 2-7 after the Bye their playoff chances would be slim to none.

Then if they were to fall to say 3-10 or 4-9, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't simply "tank" or, to put it in coachspeak "see what they have with everyone on the roster". As a fan I hate watching teams not put their best players out there as much as anyone, but from a GM's perspective sometimes starting from the bottom is the best way to rebuild instead of consistent 6-10 7-9 seasons if the prospect at #1 is worthy enough (which many believe is the case with Bridgewater and the manbeast Clowney).

And Ryan is in all the makings of being on the hot seat. New GM who may want his own "guy". Back to back missed playoff appearances (which would be 3 in a row should the season play out like most figure). Great defensive mind, but that offense has always been a mess under him (whether that's due to the scheme's he's run or the players he's gotten is up for debate).

[Stormtrooper]

Originally Posted by Megatron

I'll take your word on the Sanchez cap situation since I don't follow them nearly close enough to know the full details but, nevertheless, this teams ceiling looks about 8-8. The NFL schedule makers didn't do them much help with their first 9 games before the bye (only Tampa, Buffalo, and Tennessee look like manageable games). Say they're 3-6 or 2-7 after the Bye their playoff chances would be slim to none.

Oh I don't think any Jet fan has playoff hopes this year. I damn sure don't. As I said I see 6 wins from this team, and that's being a bit generous.

Originally Posted by Megatron

Then if they were to fall to say 3-10 or 4-9, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't simply "tank" or, to put it in coachspeak "see what they have with everyone on the roster". As a fan I hate watching teams not put their best players out there as much as anyone, but from a GM's perspective sometimes starting from the bottom is the best way to rebuild instead of consistent 6-10 7-9 seasons if the prospect at #1 is worthy enough (which many believe is the case with Bridgewater and the manbeast Clowney).

Playing the young guys isn't the same as tanking. Tanking is trying to lose games. Play who you will, but make sure you're tyring to win those games. Remember, a shit season will result in a new coach, which the coach shouldn't want, so it's not really a good idea to tank.

And in 1998 everyone thought Ryan Leaf was gonna be an awesome QB and he was considered worthy of the #2 pick. We know how that turned out. And while I expect Clowney to be a beast, every collegiate player is an unproven NFL commodity.

Originally Posted by Megatron

And Ryan is in all the makings of being on the hot seat. New GM who may want his own "guy". Back to back missed playoff appearances (which would be 3 in a row should the season play out like most figure). Great defensive mind, but that offense has always been a mess under him (whether that's due to the scheme's he's run or the players he's gotten is up for debate).

To be fair to Rex and the missed playoffs thing, he was 8-8 and 5-11. It's not like he had 2 shit years, just one bad one and one decent one. I think it's a mistake to just shoo Rex out of the job. He's had a great D all 4 years, and is expected to have another excellent one this year.

[Megatron]

While there always are chances of busts happening (Leaf, Russel, etc.) teams that hit the jackpot on those QBs are usually set for a decade plus (Indy with Manning, Giants with Eli, Falcons are set for a while with Ryan, same for Ravens and Flacco, etc. etc.). Unless Geno comes out and blows everyones beliefs of him out of the water (which I doubt since I believe many of his gaudy stats were merely a product of the system Holgorsen had in place) I wouldn't knock the Jets going for a top QB. It certainly wouldn't be unprecedented territory to ditch a 2nd rounder for a top 5 pick, or even a first rounder. Carolina did it with Cam over Clausen. Cleveland did it with Weeden over McCoy (although they weren't in back to back years).

And fair or not, not many coaches are gonna stay around if they miss the playoffs 3 straight years without a hell of a resume. While he has two CC appearances to his name, there's been better coaches fired for less (Jon Gruden, Andy Reid, Jeff Fisher are a few off the top of my head).

[Stormtrooper]

Originally Posted by Megatron

While there always are chances of busts happening (Leaf, Russel, etc.) teams that hit the jackpot on those QBs are usually set for a decade plus (Indy with Manning, Giants with Eli, Falcons are set for a while with Ryan, same for Ravens and Flacco, etc. etc.). Unless Geno comes out and blows everyones beliefs of him out of the water (which I doubt since I believe many of his gaudy stats were merely a product of the system Holgorsen had in place) I wouldn't knock the Jets going for a top QB. It certainly wouldn't be unprecedented territory to ditch a 2nd rounder for a top 5 pick, or even a first rounder. Carolina did it with Cam over Clausen. Cleveland did it with Weeden over McCoy (although they weren't in back to back years).

Oh if they went with the top QB next year it wouldn't be a problem, as long as they actually give Geno a chance (or can somehow get equal value for him). That's what they did with Cam over Clausen, and Weeden over McCoy. If the non-first rounder isn't working out, draft a clear cut #1 overall pick QB.

The Browns never should have drafted Weeden by the way. Very marginal improvement and Weeden's older. Keep with McCoy or sign a FA QB and use the 1st rounder on a guy that is gonna be around longer. If McCoy still doesn't work then get an new guy next year (the guy the next year will have better potential then Weeden).

Originally Posted by Megatron

And fair or not, not many coaches are gonna stay around if they miss the playoffs 3 straight years without a hell of a resume. While he has two CC appearances to his name, there's been better coaches fired for less (Jon Gruden, Andy Reid, Jeff Fisher are a few off the top of my head).

Reid and Fisher had such a long history that both franchises needed a change (and Fisher had 2 rebuilds already and shouldn't have gotten a 3rd). And Reid also had a lot worse year in terms of unreached potential (Philly was the "Dream Team" after all for 2 seasons). Jets never really failed to reach their potential (nobody thought 2012 Jets were gonna be anything, and not many thought the Jets would be great in 2011).

I do agree that he can be fired, and people get fired for less, but that doesn't mean every coach should be fired, or that Rex should.


Basically, Rex has never underperformed to the fair expectations of the team (sure he underperformed to his own Super Bowl aspirations, but so has every other NFL Coach), so why should he be fired? He's been dealt a shit hand this year (cap hell forced them to lose talented players) and last (injuries to numerous key starters).

[Harthan]

Just got back from the Indians game tonight. Fucking awesome. Maybe my favorite Indians game I've ever attended, though last year's epic 10-9 win over the Reds is also very high up there. Ubaldo Jimenez had a fine, albeit short start allowing 2 earned over five but striking out 9. Rich Hill allowed a two run homer to tie it at three, which is where it stayed until the bottom of the tenth. Mark Reynolds strikes out. Michael Brantley grounds out. It looks like we're going to the eleventh, but Stubbs walks and steals. Bourn hits an infield single. Runners at the corners, two outs, Kipnis comes up, and nonchalantly knocks one of the park for a fucking awesome walk off. Phenomenal win, awesome celebration with my fellow 34,000+ in the park, awesome night.

#RollTribe