Belichick vs Kraft Beef Reaction

It’s sad to see what has become of two of the core members of the Pat’s Dynasty. Bill’s name has been dragged through the mud the past four years as people have said he is an incompetent GM and an out of touch coach. Now, its gotten to the point where Bill couldn’t get a job in the latest hiring cycle and his future as a head coach is in jeopardy.

What’s made the Bill situation more awkward is the role that Kraft has seemed to play in the smearing of Bill’s name. Reports have come out for the last five or so years about Kraft not liking Belichick and saying a demeaning thing here and there. But this offseason, it has turned into a full frontal assault on Bill.

First, the documentary, “The Dynasty,” came out. A lot of former Pats have called it terrible, and it seems like a hit piece Kraft helped make to simultaneously shit on Belichick, while also making himself look good so he can get into the Hall of Fame. Now, a report has come out that Kraft has been talking about Bill behind his back to sabotage Bill and prevent him from getting a job. The article stated a big reason for this is that Brady has left and had success and if Bill does the same, then Kraft looks like the reason the Pats dynasty failed and the least important of the three. Kraft’s main hope of looking good is if Bill doesn’t get a job and he can rebuild the Pats to a title contender.

It has gotten to the point that people are now defending Bill and shitting on Kraft, which I never thought I’d see. It’s also important to remember that while I’m sure there’s some truth to all of this, it also is likely getting blown out of proportion to make it into an entertaining story.

Regardless, this is tough as a Pats fan because I really like both of them. I think Bill is the greatest coach and GM ever, and Kraft is the greatest owner of all time. Both completely deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame and every Pats fan should be grateful for both of them. I think time is what’s needed to heal this relationship. After a couple years, I’m sure the beef will mostly subside and they’ll be thankful for each other and what they were able to accomplish together.

Current Quaterbacks Going to the Hall Of Fame

No Doubt

Aaron Rodgers: A four time MVP who throws the prettiest ball of all time. He’ll be a first ballot HOF and no one will bat an eye.

Patrick Mahomes: He is putting up numbers and accolades at a faster pace than any QB ever. It pains me to say, but he will make a run at the NFL GOAT and at minimum should be on the Mt. Rushmore for QBs if he stays healthy.

Lamar Jackson: Every player who has won the MVP award multiple times has or is guaranteed to go to the Hall of Fame. For that reason, plus the fact that he is probably the best athlete and running QB ever, I think Lamar has punched his ticket to Canton and he still should have many productive years left.

Likely In

Russell Wilson: Forget the last two years. He’s a nine time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl Champ, an All-Pro, and the QB of a legendary team. I do think he needs one more MVP/OPOY/All-Pro type season to guarantee himself a spot. The one thing that could keep him out is if his play continues to be this ugly moving forward.

Young, but will eventually make it

Justin Herbert: I think his floor is a Dan Marino type career where his team lets him down but he puts up all time numbers. If he can even win one Super Bowl, I think he goes down as a Top 10 QB ever. Getting Jim Harbaugh will only help him.

Joe Burrow: He is a gamer and a winner. I think the Bengals will win at least one Super Bowl and he’ll have many individual accolades. He’s also the only active QB who has shown he can consistently beat Mahomes.

Missing Out

Josh Allen: His play is absolutely amazing but playing like Superman has its consequences. I think he takes too many hits and it will lead to him having too short of a career to do what he needs to make the Hall.

Matthew Stafford: I don’t get the Hall buzz for Stafford. He has made two Pro Bowls, never been an All-Pro, never been considered a Top 5 QB, and never won a major award. It’s not even a question, he’s out.

Rookie QB Strategy

Every time a team drafts a potential franchise QB, the fanbase is pumped up but often gets let down. The truth is, that a huge determinate of a QB’s success is where they end up. Even a guy like Andrew Luck, who was one of the best QB prospects ever, played great for the Colts but had his career shut down due to his front office not being able to protect him. Below is what I think teams should down before/after drafting their future QB.

First, they need to build the team around him. With few exceptions (i.e. Luck) you can’t just draft a QB onto an awful team and expect things to turn around. It’s much smarter to draft a QB onto a team that has pieces around him. Start with a solid O-Line that can protect him. Then you want 1 or 2 good to great playmakers he can get the ball to and make him look good. Finally, an, at minimum, average defense that won’t lose him games in which he’s played well enough to win.

QBs should play as soon as possible. If a QB isn’t remotely ready or you have a capable guy ahead of him, then I get it. But if he is the best option you have, why not play him and let him get experience? The first year might suck, but if they are going to be a future star, then it should make them better. Trevor Lawrence had Urban Meyer his first year and has still developed into a good QB.

There are 3 types of exits for QBs after you have drafted them. If after one year they show complete ineptitude and are a bad locker room guy, then its time to move on. After year 2, if they have not shown flashes that they can be great, then its time to move on. Finally, by the end of year 3, if they have not developed into a good QB, it is time to move on. Devoting more than 3 years to a guy who isn’t the answer is unwise. Especially because every current star QB who has been drafted the last 10 years, has shown his talent by the end of year 3.

NFL All-Time Team

Offense

QB: Tom Brady

The Super Bowl wins, the career passing records, the longevity and so much more make Brady the undisputed GOAT.

RB: Barry Sanders

This was a tough decision but if you watch Barry Sanders highlights it’s clear why he’s the best running back ever. He was so shifty and made NFL players look like JV players.

WR: Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson

Rice is the undisputed GOAT WR and put up mind boggling stats for two decades, maybe none more impressive than having a 1,200 yard season and being an All-Pro at age 40. “Moss” is literally a verb we use to describe an incredible catch by a WR. That tells you everything you need to know about how good Randy was. Johnson is perfectly nicknamed Megatron as he was not human. 6’5” 240 lbs, ran a 4.3 40, could out leap anyone, and dominated despite being on an awful team his whole career.

TE: Rob Gronkowski

He may not have the longevity of other TEs, but when he played, he absolutely dominated. He was unguardable in the passing game, but what really sets his place as the best TE is his willingness and ability to block. Many older TE could block but weren’t great catchers and many modern TEs are just bigger WRs, but Gronk could do it all.

LT: Anthony Muñoz

The 11x All-Pro and Hall of Famer is the epitome of a perfect left tackle.

LG: Randall McDaniel

McDaniel is not super well-known but was a stalwart at left guard for 14 years.

C: Mike Webster

A star for the Steel Curtain Steelers Dynasty, Webster was part of two All-Decade Teams.

RG: Bruce Matthews

The 10x All-Pro was extremely versatile and could play all over the offensive line.

RT: Joe Thomas

He was a left tackle, but the extremely durable 8x All-Pro played 10,363 snaps in a row and excelled for bad Cleveland teams his whole career.

Defense

Interior DLine: Aaron Donald, JJ Watt

Donald is still active in the league but is still already in the conversation as the greatest defensive player of all time. He has won three DPOY awards and has been wreaking havoc his whole career. Injuries may have cut his prime short, but Watt could make plays from any position on the D-Line and also won three DPOY awards.

Edge Rushers: Lawrence Taylor, Bruce Smith

Lawrence Taylor still lays claim to being the defensive GOAT and is the last defensive player to win MVP. Bruce Smith dominated for two decades and holds the record for most sacks in a career.

Linebackers: Ray Lewis, Mike Singletary, Jack Lambert

As much as I don’t like Lewis, he is the epitome of what a MLB should be and was the heart of a physical Ravens defense his whole career. Mike Singletary was the man in the middle for the greatest defense in NFL history and won two DPOY awards. Jack Lambert was one of the stars of the Steel Curtain Defense that won four Super Bowls in the 70s.

CB: Rod Woodson, Deion Sanders

With 7th All-Pros and 11 Pro Bowls, Rod Woodson is one of the greatest defensive players ever. Prime Time was as flashy as he was dominant and this team wouldn’t be complete without his swagger and skill.

Safeties: Ronnie Lott, Ed Reed

The heart of the defense for those great 1980s 49ers teams could make plays all over the field. Ed Reed was the ultimate centerfielder and was always a threat to produce a takeaway and take one back to the house.

Special Teams

Kicker: Justin Tucker

With more First Team All-Pro selections than any other kicker and the highest field goal percentage of all time, Tucker is a clear choice.

Returner: Devin Hester

The Windy City Flyer had more return touchdowns than any player in NFL history and could take a kick or punt back to the end zone at any point.

Top 10 QBs of All Time

1 Tom Brady

Numbers. Awards. Super Bowls. He has done it all and done it better than anyone else we’ve ever seen. The one and only GOAT.

2 Joe Montana

A guy who played his best during the biggest moments. His Super Bowl stats: 4-0, 3 Super Bowl MVPs, 11 TDs-0 INTs, and a QB rating of 127.8. Oh yeah and he wasn’t too bad in the regular season, winning 2 MVPs and being a 5 time All-Pro.

3 Peyton Manning

A super likable guy off the field, but a killer on it. A ten time All-Pro, 5 time MVP, and he won 2 Super Bowls.

4 Aaron Rodgers

He probably throws the greatest ball in NFL history and doesn’t even look like he’s trying. It’s no surprise he’s won 4 MVPs and put up a ridiculous TD-Int ratio of 475-105. He can still build on his insane resume.

5 Patrick Mahomes

Probably the most talented QB to ever play. At only 28, he still has a lot of his legacy left to write and could make a run for the top spot on this list.

6 Brett Favre

The ultimate gunslinger. Favre would improvise like no one else and was never afraid to make any throw, which led to many interceptions, but also 3 MVPs and a Super Bowl.

7 John Elway

One of the most hyped QBs coming out of college and he delivered with 2 Super Bowls and an MVP.

8 Johnny Unitas

Unitas was putting up big numbers in the passing game well before most QBs were. His 3 MVPs and 7 All-Pro selections show how dominant he was.

9 Dan Marino

He was dominant and put up modern day numbers in the 80s. The fact he’s on this list despite not winning the big one shows how good he was.

10 Drew Brees

He put up huge numbers year after year and brought NOLA a much needed Super Bowl.

Edge Rusher and Defensive Lineman Rankings

Having a star edge rusher or interior defensive lineman who can wreak havoc is one of the most sought after weapons teams look for. Thankfully, there has never been more talent at these positions than there is now. Below is my ranking of these players:

1. TJ Watt EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Myles Garret EDGE, Cleveland Browns

3. Micah Parsons EDGE, Dallas Cowboys

4. Aaron Donald, IDL, Los Angeles Rams

5. Nick Bosa EDGE, San Francisco 49ers

6. Chris Jones, IDL, Kansas City Chiefs

7. Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders

8. Khalil Mack, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers

9. Trey Hendrickson EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals

10. Aidan Hutchinson EDGE, Detroit Lions

End of Season Top 10 QBs

Below are my top 10 QBs in the NFL. I am not solely basing it off this year, but instead the last couple of years plus how I think they’ll perform moving forward.

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Do I even have to explain?

2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow had a tough year, first dealing with a nagging calf injury that hampered him the first 4 games, then going on IR after the 10th game of the year. During the 5.5 games he was healthy, he threw for 13 TDs and showed how good he is.

3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Allen is the modern day Brett Favre. He is an absurd athlete who routinely makes jaw dropping plays. He will also go rouge every now and then and make you ask yourself what the hell he is doing. His 173 total TDs the past 4 years make up for those mistakes.

4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar balled out and won his 2nd league MVP this year. He is one of the most athletic players we’ve ever seen and can do things at QB that no one else in the league can. He needs to play better in the playoffs though.

5. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert is insanely talented, but has struggled to win. The lack of coaching and injuries around him in the past is reasonable enough to blame. However, with Jim Harbaugh now his coach, there are no more excuses. He needs to start winning games and making runs in the postseason.

6. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts is a special QB and a great duel threat. He had some up and down moments this year, but the season ended on a bad note. He will need to shake it off next year.

7. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets

This season did not go as he wanted it to, however, I am still a believer that this all-time great will come back with a splash next year.

8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Dak played great at times this year, but does not always bring it during big games.

9. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lawrence struggled this year, especially when his team needed him down the stretch. He’ll need to work out some kinks this offseason to return to the player he was last year.

10. Brock Purdy, San Franciso 49ers

He is definitely aided by his coach and playmakers around him, but he still gets them the ball and plays great. My only concern is that he struggles to bring his team back if they get too far behind.

On the Bubble:

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

He’s a solid starting QB, but is limited.

CJ Stroud, Houston Texans

Stroud established himself as one of the best young QBs in the league this year. Should he continue to develop, he could easily enter the top 10 next year.

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Kirk’s absence shows the Vikings and the world how good he really is. He just doesn’t get it done in the playoffs.

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

He’s a very similar QB to Brock Purdy. I give Purdy the slight edge, because I trust him more in big games.

Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos

I still am a Russ believer. He played well this year despite the fact that he did not have that much talent around him. I think Sean Payton scapegoating him for all of Denver’s woes is laughable. He may not be at his peak anymore, but is still a good starting quarterback.

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

He rebounded well this year and led a young team to the playoffs. I still think he’s slightly overrated.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Kyler has all the talent in the world and he played well in limited action this season. I’m excited to see him back to full strength next year for an entire season.

Thank You

This was my first year covering the NFL and I want to say thank you to all who followed. It was a great year of football with many ups and downs (especially as a Patriots fan!) I really enjoyed writing about the NFL this season and will continue to write an article at least once a week during the offseason, so be sure to check back each Monday.

Super Bowl Reaction

Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers

Wow. We can officially anoint the Chiefs as a dynasty. Mahomes is already a Top 5 QB all time and Andy Reid a Top 5 coach. The fact they won during a year many people wrote them off and were “worried” about them shows their dominance. They have a great all around organization from the front office to the coaches to the players. They will be a problem for the foreseeable future.

The 49ers once again come so close without winning. They had a more talented team and honestly outplayed the Chiefs. But the Chiefs won, and that’s all that matters in the Super Bowl. With an older team, you have to wonder if they’ll be able to get back here again soon.

Once again, the football season sadly comes to an end. It was a great and unique season and reminds us why the NFL is the best sports league in the world.

Game/Betting Picks Results

Game: 0-1 (42-18 Overall)

Spread: 0-1 (42-17-1)

O/U: 0-1 (31-28-1)

Super Bowl Preview

Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers

The most perfect matchup for the game we’ve been waiting for all year. A potential dynasty is on the line for the Chiefs. While the 49ers have come so close the past 5 years and are hungry to win one. It’s worth noting that the Chiefs potential dynasty started with a win vs the 49ers. It can now be cemented or prevented against the Niners. I think the 49ers win, cover (-2), and the over (47.5) hits.