THINGS I LEARNED TODAY
1. Why did the Packers issue a press release saying Favre could compete and then turn around and say he can't? Is anyone talking to anyone in the Packer building? And I love it when things go bad, here comes the PR firm, and when things are good, everyone cannot wait to be in front and center.
2. No one looks good right now in Green Bay. Everyone I talked to today in the league is very happy Favre is gone. Everyone, except Jeff Garcia I bet. This is not world peace that needs to be resolved; this is a Hall of Fame player who wants to keep playing. Let him play!!!!
3. The Bucs and Jets seem to be the best course of actions for the Packers as trade partners. Just do it, and lets be done with this.
4. Kyle Boller starting in the first game allows him to play with the best offensive line the Ravens can put out there. But when Troy Smith and Joe Flacco go in the game the Ravens back-line might be so bad, they won't be able to execute the offense. Second lines are critical when you have quarterbacks to develop and learn more about their talents.
5. I still think NY Giant running back Derrick Ward is a back I would trade for this summer. He has too much skill to be sitting on the bench.
6. Jacob Ford the sixth round pick of the Titans a year ago had a pass rushing frame and skill set. He is worth watching and the Titans do a great job of developing players in the DL. Ford has skills worth developing. I believe you don't even evaluate DL until their second year in the NFL.
7. Speaking of last years' draft, Anthony Waters of the Chargers selected in the third round and had to red shirt. I look for him to be a player for them down the line. He has very good skills.
8. HBO starts Hard Knocks tomorrow and if I was a potential head coaching candidate, I would stay clear of the cameras. You don't want to make it appear like your politicking for a job. If I were Jason Garrett, that camera would never find me.
9. Andre Hall was one of those backs I watched last year each day at the Denver practices and wondered why did he get cut twice? Here is what he had to say in the Denver Post today; All you want anywhere in football is a fair shot," Hall said. "I went to Chicago, I didn't have one. I went to Tampa Bay, I didn't have one. Here it is different, here they look at you and decide by what they see. So everybody is on the edge here, everybody is on eggshells here, and that's the way I like it because at least you know you're in the mix." This kid is very talented and if he can learn what to do and be consistent and prove he can stay healthy, his future is unlimited.
10.I know the Cards just released Marcel Shipp, but unless JJ Arrington comes a long way, I don't see any depth in the Card backfield. Pre season will be critical for evaluating their running backs.
11.My condolences to Gene Stallings and his family for losing their son John David. And to the Carey family for losing Skip, the voice of the Atlanta Braves.