This Could be the Wildest NFL offseason in league history

 

While the Bears perpetually seem to be in search of a quarterback, more NFL teams than in the history of the NFL may join the QB hunt this season. The Bears QB has been up in the air for most of the year, but the Packers and Lions have joined the Bears as teams with uncertain QB situations. The Lions and Matthew Stafford have mutually agreed to part ways, and in light of the strange turn of events at the end of the Packers loss to the Bucs, Aaron Rodgers may also be in the wind. That sequence of events bears reviewing.

  What are the Packers without Rodgers?  The Bears.

With the Packers down 28-23 late in the fourth quarter the Packers had a first and goal from the Bucs eight yard line. After two incomplete passes, the Packers were looking at a third and eight. On that play Rodgers appeared to have a chance to run the ball in for a TD, but instead, chose to throw to DeVante Adams. The pass was broken up. As someone who’s watched Rodgers rip the heart of of the Bears teams for years, I was shocked to see him make, what definitely seems to have been a bad decision. I was even more shocked to see the Packers try a field goal on the next play. The Pack never got the ball back after that. In post game interview Rodgers didn’t seem overly happy about that turn of events.

Who would have thought that at the end of the 2020 NFL regular season the Minnesota Vikings, with Kirk Cousins at the helm, would have the most settled QB situation in the NFC North? While the Bears probably won’t have an upgrade at the QB position, the rest of the division could very well come back to them.

The Belle of the NFL QB Ball?  DeShaun Watson

Perhaps the biggest plum in the NFL QB market could be the Houston Texans DeShaun Watson. Watson has been vocal about getting out of Houston, with his preferred destination being the New York Jets. If the Jets situation looks good to DeShaun, the Texans must really be bad. Of course, if the Jets and Texans do work something out, that makes current Jets QB, Sam Darnold, expendable. I don’t know what the current trade value of a Sam Darnold is, but I would guess about a third round draft choice.

The 49ers will probably look beyond Jimmy Garoppolo and may be a potion landing spot for Aaron Rodgers. Which means Garoppollo may be in play for somebody. The Washington Football Team has potential, but are a QB short of really being dangerous. Look for them to pick off somebody in the QB carousel.

Other Guys of Note

Carson Wentz may also join the plethora of NFL QBs on the move. After a strong start to his career Wentz has made many Eagles fans wince. While the Rams have had some recent success, Jared Goff has questions surrounding him. A lack of mobility and inconsistency have been notable in Goff’s game.

After years of having great QB play in the form of Drew Brees, the New Orleans Saints face the prospect of moving on without him. Will Jameis Winston be the answer? Maybe, but if he is, the Saints probably are not as good.

The above are just some of the question marks involving the QB position of NFL teams. Many franchises are facing the uncertainty the Bears have known for years. The difference is, some of those teams will probably get it right.

Fantasy Basketball, the Adventure Begins

 

A couple of years ago I plunged into fantasy football with marginal success. This year I joined a fantasy basketball league for the first time. I’ve found it reinvigorated my flagging interest in the NBA and took my basketball focus away from the bungling of the Bulls franchise.

I joined a 10 team keeper league that had us bid on players. We had 200 dollars worth of monopoly money to bid on players. We have 15 man rosters and can play 10 men per day. Obviously talent comes into play, but so do things such as durability and load management. It made for some interesting bidding.

 James Harden went for $53 and LeBron James went for $52.   Ben  Simmons was a steal at $14. The guys I had my eyes on were Luka Donic and Nikola Jokic. Donic went for $71 and Jokic for $68. The guy bring the highest bid was Giannis Antekounmpo who went for $78. All that was too rich for my blood.

My two primary guys are Trae Young and Zion Williamson. I picked up Young for $50 and spent $40 for Williamson. I got some nice complimentary players in Rudy Gobert for $18 and De’Aron Fox for $14. Victor Oladipo was a $5 addition. Beyond that, my roster has largely been a revolving door.                                     

I lost my first week’s matchup against a team headed up by Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Andre Drummond. Ben Simmons, Domantas Sabonis, Brandon Ingram and Nikola Vucevic also contributed to my demise. I’m kicking myself for not going harder for Andre Drummond who averaged 50 fantasy points per game against me.                              

Scouring the waiver wire has been a preoccupation for me and I think it’s done me some good. Luguentz Dort has been a nice pickup. He’s getting playing time and is even scoring some for the Thunder. Dort is averaging 38.0 fantasy points per game. I wish I had started with him originally. Another shooting guard I picked up is Alec Burks. Picking up Burks one of the few good things the Knicks have done in recent years.

A couple of shooting forwards I picked up include the Spurs Keldon Johnson and the Grizzles Kyle Anderson. With the injury to Ja Morant Anderson looks to handle more of the Grizzles scoring load.                                        

One guy that has been disappointing tome is John Wall. I’ve held on to him despite his not playing because I think he has a high upside once James Harden leaves Houston. I am getting impatient.

While I lost my first contest, I’m off to a good start in week two after making various tweaks. I hope it holds.

I Remember Them Sports Quiz 102

1. This RB out of Texas Southern began his NFL career with the Rams in 1967. He ran for 247 yards in one game in 1971. (2 points)

2. The Cardinals traded Steve Carlton to the Phillies for this man. (3 points)

3. He began his Cubs career in 1988 and was the Cubs first baseman through 2000. He was a .308 hitter in his 13 seasons with the team. (2 points)

4. A guard out of West Virginia Tech, this man began a long NBA career with the 76ers in 1983. He played with five teams in his 14 year NBA career. His best stint was a five year run with the Lakers beginning in 1991. (5 points)

5. A big goal scorer for the Minnesota North Stars, especially during the 70s, he had a “Shuffle” named after him. He topped out at 48 goals scored during the 1973-74 season. (3 points)

6. The ninth overall draft pick of the 1981 NFL draft, this LB out of Michigan started 91 games for the Rams during the 80s. (4 points)

7. This center began his 16 year NBA career with the Lakers in 1989. In addition to the Lakers, he also played for the Hornets and Kings. He was a very good passer for a big man. (2 points)

8. He started his 20 year major league carer with the Cubs in 1986. He finished with 569 career home runs but is basically a persona non grata because of the taint of rumored steroid use. (2 points)

9. After coming out of Western Illinois, this WR, who was also a special teams player, began his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills. He also played for the Panthers and Packers. He made one of the great hustle plays in Super Bowl history when he stripped the Cowboys Leon Lett when Lett was on his way to scoring a TD in Super Bowl XXVII. ( 3 points)

10. This man was a starter for the Phillies during the early 60s. He lost 19 games for the Phils in 1961 but came back and won 19 games for the team in 1962. (4 points)

                                            Answers Below

1. Willie Ellison. Willie ran for exactly 1000 yards in 1971.

2. Rick Wise. Rick was a good pitcher but he wasn’t Steve Carlton. Rick went 32-28 in two seasons with the Cardinals with an ERA of 3.24. He was a good hitting pitcher, hammering six home runs while with the Phillies in 1971.

3. Mark Grace. Gracie is an all time favorite among many Cubs fans. In addition to swinging a good stick, Mark won four gold gloves while in Chicago.

4. Sedale Threatt. Sedale averaged 11.9 ppg in his time wih the Lakers.

5. Bill Goldsworthy. Bill scored 258 goals in the NHL, 239 of those were with the North Stars.

6. Mel Owens. Mel was at his best during the mid 80s. He compiled nine sacks in 1985.

7. Vlade Divac. At his peak with the Lakers, Vlade was good for about 15 points and 10 rebounds a game.

8. Rafael Palmeiro. Palmeiro had 10 seasons of 100 RBIs or more and 1835 in his career. Out of all the alleged steroid users, he might have been hit the hardest by steroid backlash.

9. Don Beebe. Don was on the four Bills teams that lost in a Super Bowl, but was on a Super Bowl winner in Green Bay.

10. Art Mahaffey. Maybe not a career highlight, but he was involved in a trade for Bob Uecker.

I Remember Them Sports Quiz 101

1. One of the great pass rushers in NFL history, this DE was named All Pro as a member of the Rams from 1965-69. He used the head slap to great advantage. (1 point)

2. He was a starter and reliever for the Pirates during the 60s. He picked up a combined total of 40 saves during the 1964 and 1965 seasons. (5 points)

3. Though he may be most known for shedding Gayle Sayers’ knee while tackling him, this defensive back was a solid performer for the 49ers during the 60s and a pretty good kick returner to boot. (4 points)

4. An extremely durable player, this right wing was an excellent goal scorer during the 80s and early 90s for the Blackhawks. He had five 40 goal seasons for the team. (3 points)

5. Before being known for his flamboyancy lifestyle as a member of the Bulls in the 90s this man was a key member of the Bad Boy Pistons teams of the 80s. (1 point)

6. Though he’s probably most known for having his three put back attempts blocked in the final seconds of a playoff game against the Bulls while with the Knicks, this power forward out of Pittsburgh was a good player with the Clippers. (4 points)

7. This man was a Yankee from 1964-74. He was a 20 game winner in 1965 and a 20 game loser in 1966. (3 points)

8. A Dodger for the entirety of his 18 year career, this shortstop began his tenure with the team in 1969. (2 points)

9. After playing his college ball at USC, this offensive lineman was a force in the Dolphins line for most of the 80s. He was named to the Pro Bowl as a LG in 1985 and 1986. (4 points)

10. A six time gold glove winner during the 80s, this A’s center fielder also swung a decent bat, hitting 33 homers in 1984. (3 points)

                                                    Answers Below

1. Deacon Jones. Deacon had a big game and a big personality. Unofficially, Deacon recorded 173.5 sacks during his career. His season high was 22, which he achieved twice.

2. Al McBean. Al’s career was over at the age of 32. I was surprised to see he was a pretty good hitter, hitting .197 in 264 at bats with three home runs.

3. Kermit Alexander. In seven seasons with the Niners, Kermit picked off 36 passes and recovered 23 fumbles. He led the NFL in fumble recoveries twice.

4. Steve Larmer. Durable and effective, this winger was one of the best Hawks in the last 50 years, or ever for that matter.

5. Dennis Rodman. Dennis was a good player whose off court escapades overshadowed what he did on the court.

6. Charles Smith. Before going to the Knicks, Charles could score. He averaged 21.1 ppg during the 1989-90 season and an even 20 ppg for the 1990-91 campaign for the Clippers.

7. Mel Stottlemyre. Mel was a real workhorse. He led the AL in complete games twice and pitched 303 innings in 1969.

8. Bill Russell. Bill wasn’t a great player but there is something to be said about tenure.

9. Roy Foster. Roy was another one of those great offensive linemen out of USC.

10. Dwayne Murphy. Dwayne was a nice package of defense, speed and power.

I Remember Them Sports Quiz 100

1. An effective pass rusher, this defensive lineman began his NFL career with the Rams in 1968 and finished it with the Redskins in 1981. He also played for the Chargers and Bengals. He was named to the Pro Bowl once with the Rams and twice with the Bengals. (3 points)

2. A two time all star, this guard out of San Francisco began his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors in 1974 before going on to the San Diego Clippers and Seattle Sonics. (3 points)

3. Before being traded to the Cardinals, this man closed for the Giants from 1965-69. (4 points)

4. After coming out of Colorado State, this man was a great passer rusher for the Detroit Lions. He was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1978 when he had an unofficial total of 23 sacks. (3 points)

5. Before helping establishing an ultra successful chain of doughnut shops, this defenseman helped the Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cups in the 60s. (2 points)

6. This shortstop spent most of his career with the Pirates but was traded to the Cardinals after the 1962 season. He won a batting title while with the Pirates in 1960. (4 points)

7. A point guard out of Texas, he began his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs in 1980 and spent nine of his 10 NBA seasons with that franchise. (3 points)

8. This third baseman played for the A’s during the 60s and 70s before signing as a free agent with the Milwaukee Brewers. (2 points)

9. This great defensive tackle played for the Rams in the 60s and 70s before going on to a notable TV career. (1 point)

10. A left-handed hitting outfielder with speed, he began his career with the Cardinals reaching the big leagues in 1965. He was later traded to the Reds for Vada Pinson. He had his best seasons with the Reds, even leading the NL in stolen bases with 57 in 1970. (5 points)

                                                 Answers Below

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1. Coy Bacon. Though sacks were not an official stat during Coy’s playing days, unofficially he was credited with 130 sacks during his career.

2. Phil Smith. In a nine year NBA career Phil averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds.

3. Frank Linzy. Frank racked up 77 saves while with the Giants despite averaging only 4.4 Ks per nine innings. It was a different time.

4. Bubba Baker. After coming out of Colorado state, he began his NFL career in 1978 with the Lions. He was one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the history of the Lions franchise.

5. Tim Horton. Tim used his tremendous strength to great advantage as a NHL defenseman. After a long run with the Leafs, Tim played for the Penguins, Rangers and Sabres.

6. Dick Groat. Dick was also an outstanding basketball player, even playing briefly in the NBA.

7. Johnny Moore. Johnny averaged nine or more assists for five consecutive seasons during the 90s.

8. Sal Bando. Sal was a foundation player for those great A’s teams of the 70s.

9. Merlin Olsen. Merlin had a great career in football, broadcasting and as an actor.

10. Bobby Tolan. At his peak Bobby’s top three WARs were 5.3, 5.4 and 4.9.

I Remember Them Sports Quiz 99

1. He started his career with the Blue Jays, but this power hitting 1B/DH,s career took off when he signed with the Tigers as a free agent. He led the AL in RBIs from 1990-92. (3 points)

2. Though Denny McLain won 31 games fro the 1968 Tigers, this rotund lefty powered them to their world series win over the Cardinals. (2 points)

3. This RB out of Wyoming was Larry Czonka’s primary backfield partner with perfect Miami Dolphins team. (2 points)

4. He started his NHL career with the Bruins, but this strapping left winger hit his stride after being traded to the Blackhawks. He topped out at 54 goals during the 1982-83 season. (3 points)

5. One of the greatest sixth men in NBA history, this Celtics G/F out of Ohio State averaged 20.8 ppg in his 16 year run with the Celtics. (2 points)

6. Before becoming one of the hosts on one of the greatest NFL studio shows, this man was a very good CB for both the Eagles and Rams during the 60s. (3 points)

7. This guard out of Guilford made a grandiose name change. He also averaged 20.3 ppg in a 13 year NBA career. He topped out at 30.2 ppg for the San Diego Rickets during the 1979-80 season. (3 points)

8. “Mongo” was part of the great 1985 Bears defensive line after beginning his NFL career with the New England Patriots. (3 points)

9. From 1971-81 this righty toiled in the NL for the Cubs and Reds. He led the NL with 22 losses in 1974. (5 points)

10. A lefty reliever, he was active in the 60s and 70s. His best work was with the Cardinals from 1966-69. During that time he saved 59 games and had an ERA of 2.10. (4 points)

                                                 Answers Below

1. Cecil Fielder. Cecil also led the AL in homers in 1990 and 1991 with totals of 51 and 44.

2. Mickey Lolich. Mickey went 207-175 in 13 seasons with the Tigers. He also famously hit a big home run in the 1968 World series.

3. Jim Kiick. I was surprised to see Jim was named to the Pro Bowl his first two years in the NFL. He picked up over 1000 combined yards rushing and receiving in his first tour seasons with the Dolphins.

4. Al Secord. Al was eventually traded to the Maple Leafs in a package that brought the Hawks Rick Vaive, Steve Thomas and Bob McGill.

5. John Havlicek. John is still the Celtics all time leading scorer. Plus, as Johnny Most said, “Havlicek stole the ball!”

6. Irv Cross. Irv was a two time Pro Bowl cornerback, but is probably better known for his work on NFL Today with Brent Musburger, Phyllis George and Jimmy the Greek Snyder.

7. World B. Free. In four seasons with the Cavs World averaged 23 points per game.

8. Steve McMichael. In 13 seasons with the Bears Steve racked up 92.5 sacks and recovered 16 fumbles.

9. Bill Bonham. In 10 seasons in the majors he went 75-83 with an ERA of 4.01.

10. Joe Hoerner. Joe pitched for a number of teams in his long career, but his best work, by far, was with the Cards and Phillies.

I Remember Them Sports Quiz 98

1. “Downtown” started his career with the Giants but had his best seasons with the Padres in 1969 and 1970 when he hit 20 and 23 home runs respectively. (4 points)

2. This offensive lineman’s NFL career spanned from 1970-81 with the Rams. He played his college ball at Michigan State and was named to the Pro Bowl from 1976-81 as a center. (4 points)

3. This right-hander’s career spanned from 1955-71. Most his time was spent with the Tigers and Phillies. He won over 100 games in both the American and National leagues. (2 points)

4. A tough guy defenseman with the Bruins in the 60s, he suffered a horrifying injury when he took a stick to the head in a preseason brawl before the 1969-70 season. He missed that season but returned for the 1970-71 season. (3 points)

5. After playing his college ball at UNLV, this guard began his NBA career in 1975 with the Phoenix Suns. He had an 11 year NBA career and averaged 13.3 ppg. His best season was with the Indiana Pacers in 1977-78 when he averaged 18.2 ppg. (4 points)

6. An excellent corner back, he played his college ball at Texas and then played or the Rams from 1985-91. He was named to the Pro Bowl from 1986-89. (3 points)

7. After coming out of that football factory, Nebraska-Kearney he played LG for the Jets from 1967-81. (4 points)

8. An excellent three point shooter, he went to college at Minnesota before beginning his NBA career with the Knicks in 1982. In nine seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 8.6 ppg. (3 points)

9. “One Dog”, first reached the majors in 1987 with the Cardinals. He led the AL in triples from 1991-94 as a member of the White Sox. ( 2points)

10. This running back out of Kansas began his NFL career with he Jets, but is best known for his work with the Redskins. (1 point)

                                                  Answers Below

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1. Ollie Brown. Ollie ultimately spent 13 seasons in the majors with six different teams.

2. Rich Saul. Rich provided really good value for an eighth round draft pick.

3. Jim Bunning. Bunning won 20 games for the Tigers in 1957. He also won 19 games for the Phillies from 1964-66.

4. Ted Green. Ted finished his pro career with the Winnipeg Jets of the WHA.

5. Ricky Sobers. Ricky was one of a ton of guys who went on from UNLV to play in the NBA.

6. Jerry Gray. In seven seasons with the Rams, Jerry picked off 22 passes, eight in 1986 alone. He also recovered six fumbles as a Ram.

7. Randy Rassmussen. Randy was a 12^th round pick who really panned out. He was also extremely durable.

8. Trent Tucker. After his time with the Knicks, Trent went on to play for the Bulls and Kings.

9. Lance Johnson. After his time with the White Sox, Lance went on to the Mets where he led the NL in triples with 21 in 1996.

10. John Riggins. John was named All Pro in 1983 when he led the NFL with 24 rushing TDs and 24 total TDs scored. He also led the NFL in rushing TDs with 14 in 1984.