Players like Jones-Drew draw my ire.  I don't trust them - and apparently, neither does the Jaguar's management.  MJD will likely sit out this season.  He is showing his ignorance. He is sending a message.  He is acting out a passion play where he will lose and lose big.

First - if he refuses to play - he will likely never recover the losses - but he will make a stand... he will show everyone his (self assessed) value... and,  what a fool he is.

The new owner of the Jaguars made a statement regarding MJD's hold out.  Play, don't play, we will move on without you (MJD).

MJD obviously didn't calculate well.  He surely didn't think this owner would blow him off - which he did.  MJD led the AFC in rushing.  He was 40% of the team offense.  He had more carries than any other back.  AND, he had previously signed a contract and agreed to play at the salary contained in that contract.

It is this last fact that makes MJD untrustworthy to his franchise, fans and teammates.  He might argue he wasn't getting paid enough, he might be injured, he might, he might.  He signed the contract.  A reputable person lives with the contract until that contract expires. Or they try to work it out.  I suppose MJD did ask for more - but didn't like the response given.

There is NO reason to pay him more. There are several reasons why the Jaguars should NOT pay him more and cut their ties with him.  The Jags are in a major rebuilding mode. They won't win many games with or without him.  If they are really bad, they get another talented young player.  They stay under the cap and equitably reward players on the squad - player who will honor their contracts.  It is a bad business decision to reward one player who reveals his selfishness.  Do that, and other players will repeat MJD's behavior.   The Jags will never get out of the cellar.

There is another import factor - you cannot reward a person who refuses to honor their word.  That is what MJD is doing.  He will never again be trusted - no matter where he goes.  He has in one swift motion ruined his chances of making money elsewhere - and volutarily forfeits his earning potential.  He MAY receive a one-year deal - but no other organization will offer him a multi-year deal.  He has shown he will not honor a contract.  His word is worthless.

Good Luck MJD - I hope it is worth it - NOT!

2012 Homer Report

The 2012 season is nigh upon us.  Camp proceeds well and all reports are upbeat; filled with revelations.  This year's team is better than last.  Cohesiveness, reaction, and camaraderie are improved.  Players "know" the systems in place.  Thinking has evolved into action and reaction.  Last year's near miss at the Super Bowl is a lingering sore that motivates.  Knowing, that sans two fumbles, they would play for it all, is a memory that stings and prompts resolve - Never Again.

This year's schedule contains the league's elite.  It will proof the team - early.  Victories in the first few games, against quality opponents, will bring whispers - in dark places - where the fears and uncertainties  lurk.  I saw a photo from camp.  It was taken from the quarterback's perspective - that vision is a nightmare.  It affected me. The fear that vision inspires will haunt Qbs around the league as the realization last year's 49er team was no fluke.  That perspective alone will bring errors.  Errors affect wins; and losses.   Advantage 49ers.

Alex Smith... the NFL's whipping boy.  He led a no-name team to vie for a national championship.  His school's division prevented their consideration.  Smith's play was exceptional.  His coach continues to praise Smith - and understands his work habits, strengths and weaknesses.  Smith was precluded from developing properly.  His first five years were not unlike a child living in a dysfunctional family - no continuity.  His coaches were inexperienced and looking to move.  Alex and the other players faced change, uncertainty, and mixed messages.  The focus remained upon Alex - but, in reality, the 49ers collectively were a very bad team.  The talent laden Niners had no direction or motivation - why should they?  The organization was in a tail spin. Everyone knew it.  Enter Jim Harbaugh.  One never knows how a player will adapt to the coaching ranks.  Some are unable to make the transition.   Harbaugh came from a football family.  His father coached at the college rank.  Jim and his brother John grew up watching their father negotiate that profession.  It appears both sons learned well.

The impact of Jim's leadership took hold immediately.  By the time the 2011 season began, the 49ers were ready to compete.  A game 2 loss to the Cowboys made it clear what was needed and what was missing.  Harbaugh identified the issues and closed those doors quickly.  The Niners didn't lose another game until late November.  They might have lost fewer games had the WR corps been deeper.  Or, if Harbaugh was willing to let Alex expand the playbook.  It may be that the WR were incapable of adapting to Harbaugh's playbook.  Ultimately, it was that lack of WR depth that doomed the Niners championship ambitions - and - Kyle William's fumbles.  I wonder how well the 49ers would have played against NE in the Super Bowl.  I like to think their defense was superior to the Giants and the Niners would achieve the same outcome as the Giants.  Losing the Championship game was bitter.  How will that influence this years' team remains uncertain.

Adding to the WR corps in the offseason was needed and done with a perspective of winning.  Providing Smith a large, capable veteran WR in Randy Moss will provide benefits.  Ditto Mario Maningham.  A rookie wideout selected in round one shows how obvious the WR deficit was to the coach.  He also bolstered the RB field.  LaMichale James is a back who may be the second incarnation of Barry Sanders - time will tell.  But it's curious who will make the roster at runningback and how many the team will field.  The defense returns intact which is why they must take this year seriously - it's seldom a team can return an entire starting group - one that was ranked #1 in the most important areas.

This year the San Francisco Forty Niners are stacked top to bottom.  It is up to them to make the most of this blessing and use their talents to claim a sixth Lombardi.  

Randy Moss and Those Words

We can never know what players think, or what motivates them. All we know is how they produce. The actions of the MEDIA assures no other outcome. Players answering reporter questions do not reveal repressed truth's. The words players offer are an assembly of coached, defensive remarks that hopefully are not misused to their detriment. If a player speaks the truth, and that truth doesn't align with the reporter's perspective, or the reporter wants to show off his power, the player is placed in the spotlight and his work and words are "Questioned". A players: ability, commitment, and performance are parsed, evaluated, within the reporters perspective; and comments made. Taking down a famous person must motivate some reporters who work to find/create controversy. Sliming is the means. Truth is the victim.

Sliming a player serves what purpose? Is it pay back for not granting an interview? Does it aid the reporter - so one of "HIS" players makes the team? Or do these acts to Punish the Truth - provide the reporter a better employment opportunity? What kind of profession rewards the members who convolute words, twist circumstance, betray confidence, and manufacture intent to impugn and punish for controversy's sake?

Randy Moss is a player with his share of slime. His work ethic was challenged. His comments were used against him and framed with insinuation. It didn't matter Moss produced, set records, gave fans season after season of highlight reel production - and helped win games. Catching Moss (or another player) speaking controversial words remains the goal. What was the objective? Did Minnesota improve after Moss' departure? Was the reporter blamed for losing a productive WR? Nope.

The reporting on Moss' honestly admitting: "I take plays off." didn't include WHY? Or WHEN? Moss was singled out as a part-time player who didn't give his all. Is there a player in the NFL who doesn't take a play off? Every player takes a down off now and then. He must. No player is able to go full speed, full time. Moss is not the exception. Nor is he the rule. Were those words never reported would Minnesota's future improve? Moss' future? We will never know. All we know is Moss was accused of being a part-time player, who betrayed his teammates and fans. Moss alone was responsible for any failure, and the fallout. That attacks followed Moss after he left Minnesota. No matter what he did - Those Words - played over and over and over. They were used to intimate were it not for Moss - a team's success was enhanced. The Truth was punished again.

When Moss went to NE, Those Words preceded his arrival. Moss played so well his team nearly achieve a perfect season. That didn't matter. All that mattered was Moss was upset about the SB loss and his behaviors were... (insert worst possible connection and motivation).

A similar reporting follows Coach Harbaugh - his actions are "secretive... indicate a lack of confidence... shows he is a micro-manager who wants to control the MEDIA". Coach - Ignore them and stop giving them words to use against you. Let them make it ALL up. That's what they do - if you won't give them what they want.

Now Moss is with the Niners and Those Words persist. Moss has been a great addition. He works hard, teaches, sets a good example, plays well - with passion; but "Those Words" keep getting printed along with any suspicion that might be drawn. Disgusting.

Randy is older and wiser. He is playing because he wants a Super Bowl win. He is doing all he can to realize that goal for himself, his team, and the fans. I want him and the Niners to succeed. I want to see the phony, change of heart from reporters who watch and wait for evidence they can use to report Moss failed - again. Randy doesn't need my support or advice. He paid the price for Those Words - and more. The Forty Niners are a very good team that benefits from Moss being a member. His presence makes them considerably better in a area needing improvement. Had Moss been on last year's edition, chances are exceedingly high the 49ers compete for another SB. If Moss needs to take a play off now and then - I don't care. I trust Randy knows when the time is right, and those times when 100% effort is required. I'll trust Randy Moss. Alex Smith is another player the MEDIA lay in wait to ambush. Once Alex Smith trusts Randy to make the catch or knock it down, this team will provide reporters even more substance for controversy - How could the MEDIA be so uninformed? Alex and Randy can help one another silence the noise... and controversy geeks. I hope they do.

Training Camp Recriminations

This time of year is filled with speculation and nonsense.  Why most reporting on the team go looking for controversy, try to create controversy, and complain escapes me.  Were I there, I'd happily write what I saw and report good news.  Camp is filled with men who will not make the squad.  Years of toil will get washed away with no fan fare.  Former DB Eric Wright was on NFL Am today and spoke of a moment when he faced another losing his job due to Eric's appearance.  Real-Life drama's play out.  Lives are ruined.

The faux controversy(s) are more than hyperbole.  They are an unneeded distraction that takes the focus away from success.  Players having to confront the distraction are forced to wonder if the distractions/rumors are true, how it may impact them, and/or others.  Their attentions are removed from learning and improving.  Team work suffers and relationships are truncated.  As I said, were I there, my focus would be positive.

Women love to repeat rumors and gauge reaction to the rumor for impact.  Men respect the players and all they have done to get on the field for a try-out.  New players, who haven't digested the play book face questions and innuendo - they aren't playing like a pro-prospect "should" according to reporters.  That's why reporters write instead of coaching or working in the office of a team.  Reporters are surely the last word on talent.

Reporter's words do stand to rob the team of potential stars.  Controversy is the means. How many players were cut due to unwanted intrigue or hyper-ventilation?  Lies and careers are at stake.  But, apparently, it is more important to make ungrounded accusations, inspire angst, worry, and in-fighting, than reporting on the good that happens.  Keeping the focus on controversy, potential enemies on the team, (who said, where'd you hear that?) ruins meaningful growth and letting the players earn a position based upon their output.

Coaches will make the calls on who stays based upon their own evaluations.  But I'm confident to state some players lost an opportunity because a reporter wrote negatives or placed the player in an unwinnable, controversial  position.  The team lost too.  We will never know what players may have developed and to what heights.

I wish the best to all the players who managed to get into camp.  Do your best.  Give it your all.  Have no REGRETS!  Stay focused.  Do not let a pencil pusher rob you of your dreams.  

Johnny Unitas and Alex Smith

While a boy; Johnny Unitas was my favorite football player.  I became a 49er fan after John left the game and my home town loyalties kicked in.  I grew up a Colts fan because  of Unitas' play during a game in the 1960s.  Unitas was sacked violently and left the field.  His nose was bashed in and heavily bleeding.  Unitas returned to the game and threw the winning touchdown.  That impressed a boy age 6.  I learned later his nose bled so badly a teammate stuffed mud and other ingredients in it to stop the flow.  I've studied Unitas since and know a great deal about the man; and the player.  John played with broken ribs, a index finger and other body parts. Unitas refused to quit.  He faced adversity early.  Unitas was deemed to dumb to play the position, after signing his first contract to play with Pittsburgh.  Unitas did not listen to his detractors.

Deacon Jones a fellow Hall of Player and Unita's peer said of him: There was no way to beat him.  If you tried to rattle him by hitting him, he'd get back up. If  you tried to rush him out of the pocket, he was able to improvise. Some said making him throw deep was the answer - because Unitas supposedly didn't have the arm strength - but he hit Raymond Berry or John Mackey in stride down the field every time.

I have a football autographed by John that sits in my office below a group of candid B&W pictures of Unitas.  My favorite is Unitas going to work. (See above)   The others show Unitas in similar situations - down to earth and humble.  John showed no ego.

What most impresses me about Unitas was not his command of the game or his accomplishments on the field - those are significant and easy to revere.  John's toughness is legendary and impressive, but that's not his most admirable quality.  Johnny Unitas' most admirable quality, is a trait rare in today's game.  It's even more rare when comparing Unitas against today's players.


 Johnny Unitas never complained.

Unitas was grateful to play football and said so repeatedly.  Except for when the Irsays moved his beloved team in the middle of the night; no one heard complaint from Unitas.  Unitas kept trying - no matter what he faced.  He refused to yield when adversity came.  He methodically used his abilities and the abilities of his teammates to win games in a sport he was "grateful" to play.

I've seen a similar quality in Alex Smith.  I don't hear whining.  I haven't seen quit.  No matter what occurs, Alex keeps trying.  Alex has faced a lot.  I needn't recount the adversity he faced.  The Forty Niners will benefit from having Alex Smith going forward because all he faced has toughened him.  Adversity has motivated him to work harder, practice and study more.  His work to run a training camp last year was evidence how committed he is to the 49ers - and success.  His struggles have prepared him for the successes to come.

Success is earned - it's not a matter of luck, happenstance, or athletic prowess.  Success is a product of overcoming; adversity, mistakes, and a burning desire to SUCCEED.  The current status of the Forty Niner organization is also ripe for success.  The new coaching staff, players, management, and game planning have shown success is possible.  Kyle Williams notwithstanding (Hopefully) this team is ready for a Super Bowl appearance. After all Alex has endured, he did not complain.  He approached his job professionally and with passion.  Even after his accurate, albeit restricted, play last season - the Peyton Manning question arose.  Alex did not criticize the team or single out an individual, nor did he act in any way to the team's detriment, or his own.

I strongly suspect Coach Harbaugh had all the players on a short lease last year.  The absence of a pre-season and other factors contributed to a playing Not to Lose mentality. A "less-than' WR corp limited options too.  That mentality is about to change.

Alex has endured as much adversity as any QB - and more than most. Alex must have little room in his focus for petty retribution - if he did, we'd hear about it.  Alex has behaved like a professional.  The hardships he faced may have diminished his performance at times, but he worked thru them. It takes a team to win - and lose.  With a supportive coach the team improved, and Alex had his best season - this despite a limited training camp, pre-season, and a dubious WR corps.  Alex's play contributed to a victory over arguably the NFL's best team.

This year the offensive scheme will expand and Alex will have more latitude.  He will also have a veteran corps of WRs.  IF last year were an indication, Alex will rise to meet the challenges - and opportunities.  I expect great things and I'm confident Alex does too.

49ers CAMP

Oh how I wish I were near the camp.  I'd be a nuisance - but would obtain interesting information for 49er fans and The Faithful. However, I reside in MD.  I'll have to glean the information posted by others, conduct an email campaign, and use alternative methods to inform the readers of this blog.  What you can learn are my impressions and projections. That is today's topic - A Pre-Season Evalation:

The Coach - Jim Harbaugh transformed an under-achieving squad last year.  13-3 was only predicted by Homers that regardless of reality persist with their Hope.  Coach used a formula that we will not know in detail.  His methods did inspire players and exceeded expectations.  I trust those methods.  Coach once played at a high level in the NFL and he knows a players perspective.  The Harbaugh Perspective includes: You will agree with Coach, do what he asks, or you will not remain on his team for long.  Dashon Golden should pay attention.  Ask for a release or sign your tender.  I predict Coach will improve his coaching methods, expand the playbook and the 49ers will concordantly improve.  12-4 is my guesstimate for 2012.

Alex Smith:  Alex will enter this year with the same coach, coordinator, playbook, teammates - and have the support of his coaches. That is a first in his experience.  Alex will be given more latitude this year.  He will have more weapons - Notably: Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, AJ Jenkins, and LaMichael James.  The addition of Moss and the other WRs will increase Alex's TDs and yards.  The drives that stalled last year inside the red-zone will decrease significantly.

The Defense:  The Defense will be a year improved from 2011.  The squad who ranked 1st in the most import areas - points scored, TDs allowed, and YFS.  This group is more secure in their knowledge of their teammate's play and what coaches expect from them.  Coaches too know what this group can achieve.  They are prepped from last season to reach the Super Bowl.  I expect a superior performance over last year and a SB birth.

Randy Moss:  Moss is a legend for a couple reasons.  He is a physical freak with Gifts that defy evaluation.  I assert a year away from football aligned his thinking and perspective.   Randy examined many teams.  He could have chosen several NFL "contenders".  He chose SF a reason(s).  Moss is a veteran who can analyze teams needs and how he would satisfy those needs.  Moss needs a SB ring to seal his place in Canton. Moss learned, perhaps for the first time, his mouth overloaded his ass.  Moss' chances to remain in the league - and obtain that SB ring; required behavior modification and restraint on his part.  To join the team Coach demanded it from him.  To make the team he must continue acting as a player/coach; instructing younger players,setting an example for success; and providing Alex Smith a go-to guy in most any circumstance.  Success is Moss' goal.  What else explains his actions?  Moss will draw attention and coverage on and off the field.  I suspect he will ignore off the field requests and prove he remains one of the NFL's best receivers.

Mario Manningham:  He adds a veteran influence that places pressure upon Mike Crabtree.  Crabtree can lose his starting position.  Manningham wants to start too.  The best player will start.  Manningham will prove he is qualified.  Who starts remains a product of who wants it more and works to earn it.

AJ Jenkins:  We will soon learn if he is or if he isn't.  He is joining a team with much to prove and accomplish.  If he becomes Moss' shadow he can develop into a very good player.  The environment is ripe for a rookie WR to learn and thrive in SF.

LaMichael James:  James can become the next Barry Sanders.  I watched hours of video on him.  He is special.  The number of touches he gets will predicate his adjustment to the league.  One large back and two elusive backs will comprise the backfield.  Brandon Jacobs does not make the team unless a starter is injured. Jacobs has never impressed me.  Any man as large as he, who can't gain 1 yard at clutch time, is useless and a waste of size.

Vernon Davis:  I've followed him since he played at Maryland - I live there.  He, like Moss, is a physical freak.  Moss' appearance provides the offense flexibility and creates a coverage nightmare.  Davis "arrived" last year.  His 2012 stats improve in a meaningful way for the team.  Davis loves the coach who made him.  He is committed to Coach Harbaugh and will play to show it.

Offense:  This group will create serious problems for opposing defenses.  They will destroy teams.  They will develop a continuity that wins games.  Play calling will radically change from last year's "play it safe" philosophy.  More passing will occur because the talent justifies that attack AND the players have a year of experience in the Harbaugh way.  This group will give the other offensive powerhouses in the NFL a run for their money.  Jamie Dukes will have to eat his defamatory - 1 TD each game dig he saves for Alex when he is on TV.  Look Out!  This team will be special.

49er Fans -Please Support a Miss America Candidate

This blog is a gratuitous ploy to garner support for a beautiful, intelligent, and talented young woman - she's also my offspring.  I can honestly claim  make beautiful babies.  They are all college grads and good human beings too.  Not opinion... it's what I hear from others and that is my proudest accomplishment.  So without further ado...  check out the newest Miss America candidate - Allyn Rose.  She represents Washington DC:

Also - don't forget to vote on-line at missamerica.org