Sunchips: NFL Notebook July 25th

Johnny Sunchips

 These are the Dog Days

  July and August not only represent the Dog Days in Major League Baseball, the same can be said in the NFL. The scrutinization of hundreds of hopeful players doing whatever they can to make a teams roster will be challenged by severe heat, intense coaches, galvanizing fans, and one giant leap in athletic prowess from their days in college. Many of those dreams will never be realized. There are some that are assured continuing onward, top draft picks and a revolving crop of high priced free agents playing their part but they have a shot, albeit a long one, to fulfill their dreams, and that's a lot more than most can say. No if's, ands or buts will remain after the next several weeks, and looking in the mirror may be easier knowing that he did all he could do in pursuit of a shot at glory. Let the games begin.

 Big shoes to fill in New England:

 The biggest loss of the upcoming season for the Patriots may have taken place off the field. The retiring of Dante  Scarnecchia after 30 years as the teams offensive line coach leaves a huge void for new coach Dave Deguglielmo to  fill. Scarnecchia's uncanny ability to create cohesion with a majority of plan b free agents, some of whom were left on the scrap heap (Russ Hochstein), draftees who were unable to grasp the NFL style (Greg Robinson-Randall) was a large part of the franchise's successful run the past thirteen years, including three super bowls.He even took a guard out of Purdue (Matt Light) and transformed him into a potential hall of fame offensive tackle. Protecting Tom Brady in the few years remaining in his career is a must if the Pats can hoist another trophy, so Deguglielmo's 22 years of NFL experience will be put to the test.

 Belichick a Bill?

 Rocker Jon Bon Jovi has been rumored to be part of an ownership group aiming to purchase the Buffalo Bills and possibly move the franchise north of the border to Toronto, or keep them nearby in the Buffalo area. Bon Jovi and his partners, Larry Tannenbaum and the Rogers family, have not revealed any details, but where there is smoke, there is usually fire. Bon Jovi and Patriot head coach Bill Belichick are very good friends. Belichick has been reported this past week as wanting to win a super bowl without Tom Brady, prompting speculation that he wants to prove that it may be more about the coach than the Hall of Famer to be QB. Is there life after New England for the head coach? Could Bill Belichick wind up with Buffalo in the near future?


 Tale of two Running Backs:

 The Kansas City Chiefs avoided potential disaster by agree to terms on a 2 year contract extension with RB Jamaal Charles. Charles, the nucleus of the Chiefs offense, amassing for a whopping 35.3% of the teams production,was a threat to holdout earlier this week. 

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The pro bowl running back combined for over 2,000 yds. from scrimmage in 2013 and should remain the focal point of their offense. In Seattle, star running back Marshawn Lynch looks like a holdout, wanting more money up front of a deal that pits him in the third year, worth a robust 30 million. History tells us that holdouts take more time to get in game shape in the NFL. Lost practice time can prove a detriment to any team, especially a team that will get the best shot of their opponents in 2014. Another example in the category of "a price to pay for winning'.


Rice Suspended:

 Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has been suspended two games by Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating
the leagues personal conduct policy. The punishment stems from a February altercation between Rice and his then fiancée at an Atlantic City casino. The star running back was seen "allegedly" shoving Janay Palmer through an
open elevator door, where she lay unconscious. In a league where a player can be suspended for an "illegal helmet to helmet hit" for a game, this seems less than a slap on the wrist. Domestic violence is a severe epidemic in todays society, and should not be condoned or enabled in any way. You commit the crime, you pay the price. This price was much to lenient.

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