Seahawks an example

Now that the Seattle Seahawks raised the Lombardi Trophy to cap off a dominating season, all general managers across the league go to work. Teams are going back to the labto determine what the blueprint for their respective teams will be. The Seahawks built their team like everybody else: Through the draft and free-agency.

So what set the Seahawks apart from everyone else? Well, let's start with the head coach- Pete Carroll. After a mediocre tenure as an NFL head coach with the New York Jets in the '90s, Carroll packed his bags and took his talents to college football. It was there that Carroll found his winning ways. Carroll brought a winning and positive attitude to the Seahawk organization.

Through the draft, the Seahawks obtained their most notable players: Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman. Both of these players were not drafted in the first round. In fact, Wilson wasn't getting the attention Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and Ryan Tannehill got in 2012. Sherman, on the other hand, was drafted in 4th round. He now is the best cornerback in the game. This is the kind of stuff that separates an organization from others. Only few front offices have the ability to evaluate talent well.

So what should your team focus on for next season?

Who do you side with?

Richie Incognito, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman has been getting quite a lot of support lately. A lot of that support is coming from his own locker room. After being suspended on Sunday night for allegations that he bullied fellow offensive lineman, Johnathan Martin. Players like Brian Hartline and Tyson Clabo have made it clear that "Richie" is not a bad guy. Incognito, who has a reputation for being the NFL's dirtiest player, feels like his past is haunting him.



Martin, a former Stanford University standout, left the team suddenly on Monday afternoon. This behavior shocked his teammates and fans. Most teammates that have spoken on the matter are saying that Martin was like Incognito's little brother. In fact, the infamous voice mail that Martin brought forward recently, was a laughing matter back in April.

I don't know why, but when I first heard that Martin left the team due to hazing, the first guy that came to mind was Incognito. Maybe, I am like the rest of us who will judge people on the past. As more of this situation develops, it's only looking worse for both- especially, Martin. Incognito, will probably find another team, but get paid minimum salary; Martin will be known as a gentle giant (in other words-soft), who you can trust in the locker room. That will make it tough for him to get another gig in the NFL.

So who do you side with? Was Incognito just doing what all NFL players do in a locker room environment? Did he go overboard? Or is Martin too soft (mentally, physically, and emotionally) to play football?

Martin claims harrasment

Jonathan Martin, a 6'5" 312-pound offensive lineman, left the Miami Dolphins squad earlier this week due to an unsafe workplace environment. After a few days, rumors and unnamed sources are coming out. Most of those rumors or accusations are pointing towards Guard Richie Incognito. Incognito, who usually gets in trouble for on-the-field penalties, has been accused of harassing Martin. Those unnamed sources, who are most likely other young players on the Dolphins, stated that veterans are taking advantage of rookies and other young players on the team. In fact, reports claim that Incognito asked for $15,000 for a Las Vegas trip with other Dolphin veterans.

Rookie hazing has always been a part of sports, but it usually takes place in training camps. It's difficult for coaches, front office, and even fans to find out that these things are happening in the middle of a losing streak. It would be hard to believe that not one coach was aware of anything like this. In fact, the Dolphins have asked the NFL to start an investigation in to this matter.



Incognito displayed his plea for innocence on Twitter:

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

Buddha

@68INCOGNITO at 4:47 am. November 3, 2013.

For now, the Dolphins aren't speaking any further on this matter except for the following press release found on the official Miami Dolphins website:

“The Miami Dolphins, including Coach Joe Philbin and Jonathan's teammates, have been in communication with Jonathan and his family since his departure from the club and continue to be in contact. Our primary concern for Jonathan is his overall health and well-being. As an organization, we take any accusations of player misconduct seriously. The notion of bullying is based on speculation and has not been presented to us as a concern from Jonathan or anyone else internally. The reports that the NFLPA is investigating our players are inaccurate. Additionally, the NFL offered its assistance during this time, which we appreciated and gladly accepted. We will continue to make Jonathan's health and well-being a focus as we do with all of our players."

It's great to see the Dolphin Organization supporting Martin. Some may question Martin's toughness- especially mental. I believe this could have been handled in-house by Martin, as well as other coaches. Once again, I would find it hard to believe that a professional football team with at least 20 coaches wouldn't know what was going on.

 So what are your thoughts on the whole situation? In this blown out of proportion? Is Martin overreacting? Or did Incognito and other teammates go too far?

Can the Chiefs go undefeated?

After a dismal season in 2012, in which the Kansas City Chiefs finished with a record of 2-14, some changes needed to be made. First, they started at the top. Scott Pioli, who was hired after the 2008 season as the General Manager, was let go. Pioli, who came over from the New England Patriots, was expected to bring a new winning tradition. Pioli was replaced by John Dorsey. Dorsey injected the team with enthusiasm from the beginning. He went on to hire Head Coach Andy Reid, who was successful in Philadelphia. So far this season, Reid has his new team at 7-0.



Also, after tying for the worst record, changes to the roster had to be made. Most importantly, the Chiefs brought in former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Alex Smith. Smith has never been flashy, but tends to get the job done. That's exactly how we can describe his season so far. Although he's only thrown nine touchdowns this season, he still maintains a good touchdown-to-interception ratio. Smith, a nine-year veteran, plays it safe and minimizes turnovers.

Another key player to the success of the Chiefs this year is Running Back, Jamaal Charles. He has regained his form that had made him one of the best running backs in the league a couple of seasons ago. Through seven games, he has rushed for 635 yards and averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Charles, a six-year veteran, also does well minimizing turnovers. So far this season, Charles has only lost 2 fumbles.

Smith and Charles may be the offensive leaders and helping the team win, but they're not the main reasons this team is undefeated. In fact, it's not one player that stands out; It's the Chiefs Defense. The Chiefs' stingy Pass Defense ranks 4th in the NFL. They have racked up 10 interceptions and 36 quarterback sacks. This defense is quicker and always looking for the turnover



So how about the remaining schedule? Well, the Chiefs will face the 3-5 Buffalo Bills tomorrow. The Chiefs will get a bye in week 10, but their schedule doesn't get easier. Usually, the worst team in the NFL gets the easiest schedule next season. The next month is nothing easy for the Chiefs. They will encounter Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos twice, and the San Diego Chargers all in a matter of three weeks. This will not only determine if the Chiefs go undefeated, but really give them that challenge to determine if they are a true undefeated team.

Snyder not changing team's name

For over eight decades, the Washington Redskins have been in existence. All of a sudden, a group of Native Americans have come forward and stated that they are offended by the name. The Oneida Nation, who have brought forward this claim, defines the term Redskins as a racial slur. The Oneida had their chance to meet with NFL executives today. Neither Daniel Snyder (Washington Redskins owner), nor Roger Goodell (NFL Commissioner) attended the meeting. Ray Halbritter, the Oneida Nation leader, left disappointed after the meeting. He feels the executives he met with defend the use of the Redskin name.

Daniel Snyder jumped on a Public Relations opportunity and wrote a letter to the fans. He defends the use of the Redskins name and there is no inclination as to changing the name. Snyder had the chance to meet with Goodell in person yesterday. Synder made it clear to Goodell that he is not willing to change the name. 

As a result, Halbritter has called on the Goodell to exercise his authority as the NFL Commissioner. Halbritter wants goodell to sanction Snyder for "conduct detrimental to the rest of the league." The NFL execs that conducted the meeting, promised Halbritter and other Oneida representatives that they will have their chance to meet with Goodell, Snyder, and the rest of the league's owners around Super Bowl week.

So why now? Why are the Native Americans coming forward with their racist claim after so many years?Well, Native American leaders have met before with former NFL Commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, in 1992. The Redskins and the Kansas City Chiefs were the teams in question. Tagliabue simply told them he can't pressure the teams to change their names. This matter died out quickly after that. 

So will the matter die out, as well? Or will there be enough media-driven material to keep it alive until Super Bowl week? Keep in mind, Native Americans were polled and nearly 80% were not offended by the Redskins name. This is going to make it tough for the Oneida Nation to state their case.

NFL Franchise soon to come in London

The National Football League may not be done expanding. At one point, the NFL wanted to penetrate the European market with the NFL Europe. That may or may have not worked (depending on your perspective). The reason it may have worked is because when NFL teams go to London and play, the games are sold out. Over 80,000 fans pack Wembley Stadium like if it's a soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea (two of London's well known soccer clubs). Similar language might have made it easy to attract this market. Also, some British may enjoy a tough and physical sport that is similar to rugby.
 (image provided by wembleystadium.com)

The NFL started tapping in to the European market in 2007, when the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins engaged in a match in Wembley. It has been a success ever since. This season, the NFL has scheduled two games, including the Jacksonville Jaguars vs San Francisco 49ers this upcoming Sunday. Next year, three regular season games will be played in London. Amongst the teams playing next year are the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, and the Dolphins. As a result of the attention the NFL is getting in London, there is speculation of the league landing a franchise in London.

The Cowboys, America's team, will be showcased in London next year. Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner, will have a chance to market the Cowboy brand overseas. He was one of the owners pushing for his team to go.

I know there's a Canadian football league, but why not try Toronto? Vancouver? I can't imagine the issues that may arise with culture shock and travelling.

Meriweather suspended for 1 game

Brandon Meriweather, Washington Redskins safety, had his suspension reduced from two games to one after an illegal hit against the Chicago Bears in week 7. Meriweather, who's no stranger to illegal helmet-to-helmet hits, was previously fined for a helmet to helmet hit against Eddie Lacy (Green Bay Packers Running Back). The NFL decided to reduce the suspension after taking notice of the fact the referees in the Redskins-Bears game were not sure if the hit warranted a penalty. The league has taken measures in recent years to come down hard on these illegal hits that result in concussions. Some retired players, who have had numerous concussions, admit that their lives after football is affected as a result of these concussions.

Redskins don't have much depth as far as defensive backs go. Their other safety, Reed Doughty, is listed as probable for the game. Redskins might have to call on their young cornerbacks to fill in those vacated spots. All this coming with the Redskins squaring off against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos this upcoming weekend.

Does the punishment fit the crime or is the NFL softening up on a repeat offender?