There It Is

Two days before their do-or-die, must-win game against the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins tested positive for COVID. As the poster child for the team’s pathetic vaccination rate, this is really no surprise. Since training camp, it felt inevitable. This exact scenario was hashed about in August. When he missed a few practices as a close contact, he said that he’d make it through the season by following all league-mandated protocols. He’d do everything that he needed to do except get the shot. He even suggested that he’d dodge the virus behind a plexiglass shield. Apparently that shield didn’t work. He’s missing the biggest game of the year. He’s missing the game because he held firm to baseless claims and listened to worthless advice instead of protecting himself, his family, and everyone around him. There are people that want to get through this pandemic and there are people that have chosen to watch the world burn. Cousins is part of the latter group. Several Vikings players are. Other than Adam Thielen, all of the Vikings players that I know to be unvaccinated have missed games due to being on the COVID list. Some vaccinated players have also tested positive. 15-25% of the team have sadly chosen the unvaccinated route. Despite being in the minority those players have had the majority of the positive tests. I’ve never been more disappointed in the team that I love. 

I believe that a significant reason for this frustrating season has been the vaccination decisions of so many of the team’s leaders. How could this team come together when they started so divided? 

There are much bigger things than a silly Week 17 Vikings-Packers football game. Years from now when this world is back to some form of normalcy, Cousins missing this game will barely be a blip. I’m sure that Vikings fans will remember. They’ll remember that must-win Packers game when the Vikings were forced to start Sean Mannion. 

Get Well Kirk!

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Finalists

The 15 modern-era player finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 have been revealed. The list includes three players in their first year of eligibility. 

DeMarcus Ware

Andre Johnson

Devin Hester

Another player hit the finalist stage for the first time in his ninth year of eligibility.

Willie Anderson

The remaining 11 players have been through this before. 

The 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022:

• Jared Allen, Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
• Willie Anderson, Offensive Tackle – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
• Ronde Barber, Cornerback/Safety – 1997-2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tony Boselli, Offensive Tackle – 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2002 Houston Texans (injured reserve)
• LeRoy Butler, Safety – 1990-2001 Green Bay Packers
• Devin Hester, Punt Returner/Kick Returner/Wide Receiver – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens
• Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
• Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans
• Sam Mills, Linebacker – 1986-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-97 Carolina Panthers
• Richard Seymour, Defensive End/Defensive Tackle – 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders
• Zach Thomas, Linebacker – 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys
• DeMarcus Ware, Linebacker/Defensive End – 2005-2013 Dallas Cowboys, 2014-16 Denver Broncos
• Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
• Patrick Willis, Linebacker – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
• Bryant Young, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End – 1994-2007 San Francisco 49ers

It’s a fine group of 15. I’ve often thought that I should have a say in the Hall of Fame process. I thought that each of the six years that Cris Carter had to wait for his Hall knock. I have a strong passion for professional football’s past. I feel that my knowledge of that past is greater and more broad than that of many of the voters. When I see the above list and the difficult task of whittling it to five players, I’m actually kinda glad that I don’t have a say in the process. The Hall voters have a difficult job. A very difficult job. 

There is one thing that I’d like to say to the voters. Stop jamming through players in their first year of eligibility. Making it in the first year has to mean something. If there’s even the slightest debate on a first-year player, that player waits. DeMarcus Ware is the only first-year player among these finalists that should be seriously considered. I think that he makes it in his first year. I think that he deserves to make it in his first year. I also think that Andre Johnson should join the receiver logjam and Devin Hester should wait at least a year to be the first returner to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Considering the first-year tendencies of the voters, I wouldn’t be surprised if they jammed Johnson and Hester through. I sure hope that they don’t. If the voters were so keen on first-year players, why did Steve Smith Sr. not make the Final 15? Personally, I think that he’s more deserving of first-year receiver consideration than Johnson. It looks like Smith is getting the perplexing Patrick Willis treatment. Each had a career that was deserving of immediate Hall of Fame consideration. Neither made it to the finalist stage in their first year of eligibility. I didn’t get it with Patrick Willis. I don’t get it with Steve Smith Sr. Willis is one of the best linebackers of my lifetime. Smith is one of the best receivers of my lifetime. Neither making it to the finalist stage in their first year of eligibility makes zero sense. 

There are 354 bronze busts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It’s a sound bet that 8 more will be added to that spectacular room in August. Senior nominee Cliff Branch, coach nominee Dick Vermiel, and contributor nominee Art McNally should sail through the vote process. The Class of 2022 unknown is the modern-era players. I wouldn’t be surprised if each of this year’s 15 finalists eventually find their way to Canton. It’s a fine group. Which five of the 15 should make it in 2022? 

This is my guess:

DeMarcus Ware

Tony Boselli

Richard Seymour

Jared Allen

Torry Holt

The biggest problem that I have with those five is that Zach Thomas and Patrick Willis aren’t among them. In my opinion, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 must include DeMarcus Ware, Tony Boselli, and Richard Seymour. The receiver logjam grows each year. There must be a receiver in this Class. There probably needs to be at least one receiver in each Class from now until forever. Football’s current focus on the passing game has forced this. I’d like to see Allen in Canton in August. I’ll be there if he is. Hell, I’d love to be there no matter who makes it. Canton is a magical place during Hall of Fame week. I’m sure that it’s magical every day but I only know Canton during Hall of Fame week. It’s so damn magical. The people of Canton are spectacular. Back to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022. I can see the Hall voters leaning toward a Class that looks a little something like this:

DeMarcus Ware

Devin Hester

Andre Johnson

Zach Thomas

Reggie Wayne

If this is the Class, Canton in August will be a “U” free-for-all. 

Flea Flicker Week 16 Power Rankings

Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. Here’s a look at how the 32 teams rank after 16 weeks.  

1.   Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)

2.   Green Bay Packers (12-3)

3.   Los Angeles Rams (11-4)

4.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4)

5.   Indianapolis Colts (9-6)

6.   Buffalo Bills (9-6)

7.   Dallas Cowboys (11-4)

8.   Tennessee Titans (10-5)

9.   Arizona Cardinals (10-5)

10. New England Patriots (9-6)

11. San Francisco 49ers (8-7)

12. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

13. Baltimore Ravens (8-7)

14. Minnesota Vikings (7-8)

15. Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)

16. Cleveland Browns (7-8)

17. Philadelphia Eagles (8-7)

18. Miami Dolphins (8-7)

19. Las Vegas Raiders (8-7)

20. New Orleans Saints (7-8)

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7-1)

22. Denver Broncos (7-8)

23. Washington Football Team (6-9)

24. Atlanta Falcons (7-8)

25. Carolina Panthers (5-10)

26. Chicago Bears (5-10)

27. Seattle Seahawks (5-10)

28. New York Giants (4-11)

29. New York Jets (4-11)

30. Houston Texans (4-11)

31. Detroit Lions (2-12-1)

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13)

Until next week.  

RIP Coach

This one is tough.

Hall of Fame football coach John Madden died unexpectedly yesterday morning. He was 85.

The first pro football game that I attended was the last game Madden coached. 

December 17, 1978

Minnesota Vikings @ Oakland Raiders

I was a 14-year old kid experiencing heaven on earth. The first NFL figure that I saw at my first NFL game was John Madden. He was walking the field. Smoking a cigarette. On a very rainy Sunday, the Raiders head coach appeared to be checking the condition of the field. Al Davis soon materialized at his side. It’s a picture that’s as vivid today as it was that rainy day. 

The Raiders won the game. 27-20. 

John Madden won 103 regular season games in his ten years as head coach. His .759 win percentage is the best in league history among coaches with at least 100 wins. He won games at a better rate than Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, and Bill Belichick. Madden guided the Raiders to the playoffs eight times in those ten years. Seven times his team’s postseason stay lasted at least two games. The only year that his team didn’t play at least two playoff games was the year of the Immaculate Reception. Has anyone coached more games with names? The Immaculate Reception, Sea of Hands, Ghost to the Post, Holy Roller. Fun times. Madden annually coached in big games. For the entirety of my youth, the Raiders were a dominant football team. They were a team of misfits, maniacs, border-line criminals. They were also terrific football players. Madden somehow kept his team out of jail, on the field, and playing great football. His biggest win was personally painful. His Raiders beat my Vikings in Super Bowl XI. After years of stunning playoff battles with the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers, John Madden’s Oakland Raiders finally had their Lombardi Trophy. 

It’s been said many times that a generation of football fans know John Madden as a coach. The next generation of football fans know him as an analyst. More recent generations of football fans know him from the video game that carries his name.

Perhaps no figure in the history of the NFL touched so many, brought so many to football, and most importantly taught so many about football. And he made it all so damn much fun. 

As soon as I discovered football I was smitten. I didn’t need Madden’s help in appreciating football. I did need Madden’s help in understanding football. He was my coach and teacher. As a coach in the booth, no one has ever called a better game. No one ever will. When it comes to in-game football analysis, there’s Madden. Then there’s every body else. He was fun. He was entertaining. He’s the only broadcast personality that I never wanted to mute at some point during a game. I’ve missed John Madden’s football broadcasts every season since his 2008 retirement. 

His last Vikings broadcast:

11/30/08-Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings

I remember the game well. A Vikings goal line stand set up a 99-yard Gus Frerotte to Bernard Berrian touchdown pass. It’s arguably the best defense-offense sequence in Vikings history. It was a beautiful sequence and a beautiful call. 

For as long as football is played, John Madden’s influence will be felt. He made football more accessible. He made it better. He made it fun. There’s really no need to say goodbye. Madden can be found wherever a football game is played. He can also be found in Canton. If we really listen, maybe we can hear Madden and the football greats talking about whatever. 

RIP Coach. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 16 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings pissed away opportunities to win their Week 16 game. Their 30-23 loss to the Los Angeles was the eighth one-score loss of the season. Games like this have become the 2021 norm. Here are some players that did well in another disappointing loss.

Offensive Player of the Week

A recent issue for the Vikings offense has been a possible disconnect between Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. On a few occasions Cousins seemed to be on one page and Jefferson on another. It’s happened a few times in recent weeks. It happened a couple times against the Rams. This apparent communication issue shouldn’t happen this late in the season. It definitely shouldn’t happen between a quarterback and receiver approaching 200 connections in two seasons. Despite some missed connections and Jalen Ramsey chasing him, Justin Jefferson was again a Vikings standout.

8 catches

116 yards

Jefferson’s 116 yards bumped his career total to 2,851 yards. He passed Odell Beckham Jr.’s 2,755 yards for most yards in a player’s first two seasons. Jefferson still has two games to add to his unmatched start to his career.

Defensive Player of the Week

This one is easy.

Anthony Barr

Barr twice intercepted Matthew Stafford. He nearly returned each for a touchdown. The first set his offense up at the Rams 11-yard line. The second set his offense up at the 2-yard line. Those two plays led to 10 points. If those two turnovers had produced 14 points, the Vikings might’ve taken this game. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

The turning point of this game was probably a third quarter Rams punt return for a touchdown. So, it wasn’t a banner day for the Vikings special teams. 

Greg Joseph made all his kicks. 

2 extra points

3 field goals

Two of the field goals were snapped from inside the Rams 10-yard line. If those scoring opportunities had produced touchdowns rather than field goals and Joseph kicked extra points rather than field goals, the Vikings win this game. 

Vikings-Rams

The Minnesota Vikings had opportunities to send the Los Angeles Rams back west with a loss. Those missed opportunities flipped a possible giant win into a tough 30-23 loss. Another loss. Another one-score loss. 

Missed opportunities.

Anthony Barr personally set the Vikings offense up with two incredibly great opportunities. He intercepted two Matthew Stafford passes. On the first, the end zone was in front of him. A touchdown was there for him but he couldn’t get his footing. Instead of a defensive score, Barr gave his offense the ball at the Rams 11-yard line. The Vikings could only manage a field goal. Barr nearly returned his second interception of Stafford for a touchdown. He gave his offense the ball at the Rams 2-yard line. Alexander Mattison needed one play to score the touchdown. The Barr interceptions produced 10 points. They could’ve/should’ve produced 14 points. Against the high-scoring Rams, the Vikings had to take advantage of every opportunity. Especially incredibly great opportunities.

Missed opportunities. The Vikings offense had the ball inside the Rams 11-yard line on five occasions. The results of those opportunities:

1. Interception

2. Field Goal

3. Touchdown

4. Field Goal

5. Touchdown

20 points. It could’ve/should’ve been 35 points. The interception was brutal. On their second possession of the game, the Vikings offense crafted a nice 12-play 84-yard drive. They moved from their own 8-yard to the Rams 8-yard line. It was all for not. Kirk Cousins fired a pass off the hands of K.J. Osborn at the goal line. Instead of a touchdown the ball floated into the hands of Travin Howard. As a reward for doing nothing more than just standing in the end zone, Howard gets himself an easy, pivotal interception. 

Too many short field goals. Greg Joseph booted field goals of 23 and 24 yards. Field goals that short are so disappointing. Getting some points is better than no points but six points rather than 14 points feels like an 8-point penalty. 

The Vikings intercepted three Matthew Stafford passes. There were opportunities for at least three more. Missed opportunities. Cameron Dantzler dropped one on the Rams first possession of the game. Stafford threw to Dantzler as if he was the intended receiver. The Rams went on to score a touchdown. It should’ve been going the other way. Whether it was the Vikings doing or not, Stafford was off all game. Unless he was throwing to a wide-open Cooper Kupp. There were ten of those. Has Kupp had a contested catch this season? 

I felt that this game turned midway through the third quarter when Brandon Powell took a punt back 61 yards for a score. The Vikings had scratched and clawed their way into a 13-10 game. The Rams had opened the second half with interception, interception, punt. The Vikings were wrestling control of the game from the Rams. It was right there. Instead of taking it, the Vikings offense went three-and-out and punted. After Dan Chisena was pushed (perhaps in the back, who’s to say) past Powell there was a clear sideline. In a blink, the game changed and the Rams had a two-score lead. 20-10. The Vikings kept fighting but the Rams had regained control of the game. 

I suppose this game was like most of the Vikings games this season. They’ve had opportunities to win more games than they lost. Honestly, they’ve had opportunities to win every game. They’ve repeatedly let those opportunities slip away. The seven wins didn’t have to be as close as they were. The eight losses didn’t have to end in losses. Teams, even good teams, have games like that sprinkled throughout any given season. The 2021 Vikings have had 14 one-score games. It’s been a strange, frustrating, heart-twisting season. I’m into my sixth decade of Vikings games. I’ve never seen a season like this one.

I feel like I’ve been saying this for about a month. If they want the playoffs, the Vikings can’t lose another game. They’ve lost another game more than once. Surprisingly, the playoffs are still possible. Before the Rams game, the Vikings controlled their playoff fate. Now, they need help. They also need to win their remaining games. @ Green Bay next Sunday night. Chicago Bears in Week 18. The Vikings have to win both games. Then hope for help. 

Missed opportunities. 

Oh yeah, Aaron Donald is ridiculous. 

All-Time Los Angeles Rams Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Los Angeles Rams today. The Rams have an interesting history. They’ve relocated three times. The got their start in Cleveland in 1937. They moved to Los Angeles in 1946. They moved to St. Louis in 1995. They moved back to Los Angeles in 2016. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Rams history is that they won a title at each location.

1945-Cleveland

1951-Los Angeles

1999-St. Louis

Who wins a league title and celebrates by moving to the coast? The Rams did in 1946. Poor Cleveland. They lost the Rams and were rewarded with a Browns team that would immediately go to ten straight championship games. Winning seven. 

But this isn’t about the Browns. This is about the Rams and their fun, moving football history. On the day of the big Vikings game, here’s a look at some of the best football players in the history of the Cleveland-Los Angeles-St. Louis-Los Angeles Rams.

Offense

Quarterback 

Norm Van Brocklin

Running Back

Marshall Faulk

Fullback

Dan Towler

Wide Receivers

Elroy Hirsch

Isaac Bruce

Tight End

Tom Fears

This might be a stretch. Tom Fears was more receiver than tight end. He played in an era when today’s tight end didn’t exist. He played mostly at left end. I’m calling that tight end. 

Tackles

Orlando Pace

Jackie Slater

Guards

Tom Mack

Dennis Harrah

Center

Rich Saul

Defense

Defensive Ends

Deacon Jones

Jack Youngblood

Defensive Tackles

Merlin Olsen

Aaron Donald

Linebackers

Kevin Greene

Les Richter

Maxie Baughan

Cornerbacks

LeRoy Irvin

Jerry Gray

Safeties

Eddie Meador

Nolan Cromwell

Special Teams

Kicker

Jeff Wilkins

Punter

Johnny Hekker

Returner

Vitamin Smith

Flea Flicker Week 16 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 16 games.

Los Angeles Rams @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

It’s the only acceptable outcome. 

Cleveland Browns @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Browns

A Christmas Wish. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Colts

If the Cardinals can play like they did earlier this season this game could be a Christmas gift to all of us.

Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Falcons

The Lions return to earth.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

Big game. It’s a must win for both teams. Just leaning Bengals.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots

Pick: Bills 

Bills get some revenge.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets

Pick: Jets

Coin flip.

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles are better.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers rebound from last week’s sad performance.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans

Pick: Chargers

I don’t see a close game. 

Chicago Bears @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Bears

Perhaps both teams can cry about the officiating. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

COVID might be the Chiefs biggest obstacle.

Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Broncos

Another coin flip.

Washington Football Team @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys are simply better.

Miami Dolphins @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Dolphins

The Saints are still celebrating their win over the Buccaneers.

Merry Christmas!

Pro Bowl Rosters

The NFL announced the 2021 Pro Bowl rosters this week. For some reason, the league started leaking the names on Monday with the final reveal coming on Wednesday. The surging Indianapolis Colts had the most selections with seven players. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers were next with six. The obligatory Tom Brady mention has him with his record 15th Pro Bowl nod. Congratulations Tom. 

Six teams had no Pro Bowl players:

New York Giants

New York Jets

Denver Broncos

Jacksonville Jaguars

Houston Texans 

Detroit Lions

The Broncos shouldn’t be on this list because safety Justin Simmons should be on the team. Speaking of safeties. It’s ridiculous that the Pro Bowl rosters include two strong safeties and a single free safety. There should be two of each. Besides, many safeties play a bit of both. 

The three players that the fans, players, and coaches did get right:

Dalvin Cook

Justin Jefferson

Harrison Smith

Those are, of course, the 2021 Pro Bowl players from the Minnesota Vikings. It’s a very deserving trio. The most deserving trio. It’s short a few names as Eric Kendricks, Brian O’Neill, C.J. Ham, and Kene Nwangwu should’ve made the team as well. 

When is Eric Kendricks going to get the league-wide respect that he’s long deserved? Despite playing at an All-Pro/Pro Bowl level for most of his seven years in the league, he’s been All-Pro once and gone to the Pro Bowl once. It’s been years since Bobby Wagner has played at either level yet he still gets the inside linebacker nod every year. Even worse than the All-Pro and Pro Bowl snubs, it’s a surprise when I don’t hear a game’s broadcast team not refer to “Eric Kendricks” as “Mychal Kendricks.” Come on! The greatest thing that the elder Kendricks achieved was going to Cal. The disrespect of ERIC Kendricks is pathetic.

Here are the 2021 NFC Pro Bowl Rosters:

Offense

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Running Backs

Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings 

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals 

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints 

Fullback

Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ers 

Wide Receivers

Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams 

Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers 

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings 

Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers 

Tight Ends

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers 

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

Offensive Tackles

Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers 

Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys 

Offensive Guards

Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys 

Brandon Scherff, Washington Football Team 

Ali Marpet, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Centers

Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles 

Ryan Jensen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Defense

Defensive End

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers 

Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers 

Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Saints 

Defensive Tackles

Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams 

Jonathan Allen, Washington Football Team 

Kenny Clark, Green Bay Packers 

Outside Linebackers

Chandler Jones, Arizona Cardinals 

Robert Quinn, Chicago Bears

Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Inside Linebackers

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks

Cornerbacks

Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys 

Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams 

Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles 

Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints 

Free Safety

Quandre Diggs, Seattle Seahawks 

Strong Safety

Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals 

Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings 

Special Teams

Kicker

Matt Gay, Los Angeles Rams

Punter

Bryan Anger, Dallas Cowboys

Returner

Jakeem Grant, Chicago Bears

Long Snapper

Josh Harris, Atlanta Falcons 

Special Teamer

J.T. Gray, New Orleans Saints 

***

And the 2021 AFC Pro Bowl Rosters:

Offense

Quarterbacks

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs 

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Running Backs

Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts 

Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals 

Fullback

Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens

Wide Receivers

Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs

Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals 

Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers 

Tight Ends

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens 

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs 

Offensive Tackles

Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers 

Orlando Brown, Kansas City Chiefs 

Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills 

Offensive Guards

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts 

Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns 

Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns 

Centers

Corey Linsley, Los Angeles Chargers

Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts 

Defense

Defensive Ends

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns 

Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals 

Defensive Tackles

Deforest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts 

Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs 

Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers 

Outside Linebackers

T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers 

Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers 

Matt Judon, New England Patriots

Inside Linebackers

Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts 

Denzel Perryman, Las Vegas Raiders

Cornerbacks

J.C. Jackson, New England Patriots 

Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins 

Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns 

Kenny Moore II, Indianapolis Colts 

Free Safety

Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans

Strong Safety

Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs 

Special Teams

Kicker

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens 

Punter

A.J. Cole, Las Vegas Raiders

Returner

Devin Duvernay, Baltimore Ravens 

Long Snapper

Luke Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts 

Special Teamer

Matthew Slater, New England Patriots 

***

Rookie Pro Bowl Presence

Kyle Pitts

Micah Parsons

Ja’Marr Chase

Rashawn Slater

For what it’s worth, all four were taken in the top half of the first round. 

In addition to the Pro Bowl roster stupidity of selecting one free safety and two strong safeties, I’ve always found it stupid that defensive ends and outside linebackers aren’t grouped together as edge rushers. Blitzing is banned in the Pro Bowl. The pass rushing talents of all six of the outside linebackers on the Pro Bowl rosters will be wasted in the game. No one wants to see Chandler Jones, Robert Quinn, Shaq Barrett, T.J. Watt, Joey Bosa, and Matthew Judon cover a back out of the backfield. Even in an all-star game in which barely a lick of defense is played, people would rather see these players chase quarterbacks. It’s just stupid to pick players for doing something that they aren’t allowed to do in the game. Again, this would be a stronger argument if the teams actually played defense in this game. There was a time that they did. 

Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Micah Parsons absolutely should be on the team. He’s having one of the great rookie seasons in recent memory. He’s already locked up defensive rookie of the year. He’s also played his way into the conversation for defensive player of the year. I don’t understand why he made the team as an inside linebacker. The Cowboys list him as a strong-side linebacker. I haven’t seen all of his games. Every time I have seen him, he’s ripping apart offenses with his rushing and range off the edge. He should make the Pro Bowl at the position that he plays. Replace Shaq Barrett with Parsons on the outside and hand that inside linebacker position to a player that’s earned it. Eric Kendricks. 

Flea Flicker Week 15 Power Rankings

Week 15 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. Here’s a look at how the 32 teams rank after 15 weeks. 

1.   Kansas City Chiefs (10-4)

2.   Green Bay Packers (11-3)

3.   Los Angeles Rams (10-4)

4.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-4)

5.   Indianapolis Colts (8-6)

6.   Buffalo Bills (8-6)

7.   Arizona Cardinals (10-4)

8.   New England Patriots (9-5)

9.   Dallas Cowboys (10-4)

10. Baltimore Ravens (8-6)

11. Tennessee Titans (9-5)

12. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

13. San Francisco 49ers (8-6)

14. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)

15. Minnesota Vikings (7-7)

16. Cleveland Browns (7-7)

17. Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)

18. New Orleans Saints (7-7)

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6-1)

20. Denver Broncos (7-7)

21. Miami Dolphins (7-7)

22. Washington Football Team (6-8)

23. Las Vegas Raiders (7-7)

24. Atlanta Falcons (6-8)

25. Carolina Panthers (5-9)

26. Chicago Bears (4–10)

27. Seattle Seahawks (5-8)

28. New York Giants (4-10)

29. New York Jets (3-11)

30. Houston Texans (3-11)

31. Detroit Lions (2-11-1)

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)

Until next week.  

Minnesota Vikings Week 15 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears and Soldier Field in Week 15. Both are significant as wins in Chicago rarely come easy. The Vikings are now 7-7 and in control of their playoff destiny. All remaining games are a playoff game. Here’s a look at some of the players that stood out in the big Week 15 win over the Bears. 

Offensive Player of the Week

The Vikings offense didn’t do much more than put 17 points on the board. Fortunately, that was enough to defeat the Bears. It was a modest offensive performance. 193 total yards. 3.2 yards per play. No one really stood out. Dalvin Cook bulled his way to 89 yards on 28 carries. He was met at the line of scrimmage on nearly all of those carries. It was nothing like the wide open spaces that he saw against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cook and Justin Jefferson were particular focuses of the Bears defense. That’s no surprise. The two are a particular focus of every defense. Jefferson was routinely surrounded by multiple Bears DBs. They even got away with tackling him as an illegal form of coverage. It worked. As the officials slept on the play the Bears got themselves an interception. The Vikings offense did just enough to beat the Bears. With no one offensive player having a standout game, here’s to a player that made a singular play. 

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Congratulation on your first NFL touchdown!

Defensive Player of the Week

If the purpose of the defense is to keep the opposing team out of the end zone, the Vikings defense was outstanding against the Bears. Despite repeated trips into the red zone, the Bears couldn’t get into the Vikings end zone. The touchdown on the final play of the game was meaningless. The Vikings were in control of this game from the start. That was mostly due to the defense. It was team defense but one player made more singular plays than the rest. 

D.J. Wonnum

8 tackles

3 sacks

2 tackles for loss

Special Teams Player of the Week

Greg Joseph made his kicks. Kene Nwangwu had a nice return. Dalvin Tomlinson got his finger on a Bears field goal attempt. Kris Boyd gets the nod for his recovery of a muffed punt. It wasn’t his fault that the offense did nothing with an extra opportunity and terrific field position. 

Vikings-Bears

It’s a win. 

Soldier Field is always a tough place to play. The Chicago Bears are always a tough team to play. The Minnesota Vikings escaped both with a 17-9 win. The officials and a soft defense gifted the Bears a meaningless touchdown on the final play of the game. 

Is it still a one-score game if the losing team is awarded a meaningless six points on the final play? I guess that it is even if it didn’t play like one. That bumps the number of one-score games that the Vikings have played to 13. They’ve played 14 games. That’s a ridiculous total and it’s reflected in my mental health. 

It’s a win. 

The Vikings managed this win with a mediocre offense, an opportunistic defense, and a generous sprinkling of stupidity from the Bears. This game probably would’ve been a legitimate one-score game if the Bears hadn’t repeatedly burned themselves with mistakes. Most of them of the stupid variety. COVID depleted the defense. What they lacked in front-line talent they made it for with enthusiasm. Often too much enthusiasm. They were flagged nine times for 91 yards. It should’ve been more. Deon Bush collected an interception because Justin Jefferson was tackled while running his route. The rule book and every official paying attention call that a penalty. Akiem Hicks collected a drive-killing sack. He should’ve been penalized for a solid clubbing of Kirk Cousins’ head. The rule book and every official paying attention call that a penalty. The Bears played with such unrestrained enthusiasm that they probably could’ve been flagged on every play. Perhaps the officials grew tired of flagging the Bears. 

This was a strange game. The Vikings had a two-score lead for about three-quarters of the game. As a result they were in control of the game for nearly the entirety of it. The offense did little. Cousins threw for only 87 yards. He was routinely hassled in the pocket. Dalvin Cook ran for 89 yards. It took him 28 carries to hit that mark. Justin Jefferson had four catches for 47 yards. As a team, the Vikings offense churned out 193 yards. That’s it. They surely break 200 yards if the officials hadn’t taken the ball away on the missed tackling of Jefferson and clubbing of Cousins. They had six three-and-outs. The Vikings last played a game 11 days ago. Perhaps they were rusty from the mini-bye that followed that game. The offense definitely didn’t look in synch. Was it the time off or was it the frisky, physical Bears defense? Who knows? I do know that the Vikings will need more than 17 points and 193 yards to beat the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. 

The best thing that the Vikings defense did was keep the Bears out of the end zone. Other than that ridiculous final touchdown. Prior to the final meaningless drive, the Bears offense reached the Vikings 10-, 16-, 31-, 21-, 9-, 14- yard lines. Only a field goal came of those scoring opportunities. The Bears turned the ball over on downs three straight times inside the 22 in the second half. The Vikings defense forced and recovered two fumbles. The special teams recovered a muffed punt. The defense was opportunistic. They bent but never broke. Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields is a promising football player. Even at this early stage of his career, his arm and athleticism can be a problem. He made some plays but the Vikings never let him hurt them. They took advantage of his inexperience and handled his unique athleticism and talent. 

This was the second consecutive game in which Cousins has looked off. His throws are off. His timing’s off. He has to get his game back on track over the final three weeks of the season if the Vikings have any shot at the playoffs. 

It’s a win. It wasn’t pretty but Vikings-Bears games often aren’t. The Vikings are now 7-7. It feels like they’ve been chasing .500 since they lost the first game of the season. Now, they have to win three more. Despite an often frustrating first 14 games, the playoffs are in sight. It starts with the Rams on Sunday. 

A broadcast note.

The ESPN trio of Steve Levy, Brian Griese, and Louis Riddick called that game like a Bears radio team. Do they do this every week? Pick one team before the game and ride that team throughout the game. I guess that removes half of the pre-game work. It was a ludicrous performance. 

Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings made the short trip to Chicago this weekend for a Monday Night date with the Bears. Through 14 weeks, the Vikings have bumbled their way to a 6-7 record. Their highs have been very high. Their lows have been fairly low. Despite some wildly inconsistent play, they have played well enough to be about 11-2. They have also played poorly enough to be about 1-12. So, 6-7 feels about right. Despite the uneven play, the playoffs are within reach but the Vikings must win their remaining four games. It starts tonight with the Bears. 

A week of COVID issues forced some roster shuffling. That can happen when a team has a vaccination rate as poor as the Vikings. Prior to last week’s league-wide explosion of positive cases, the Vikings had paced the league in number of players spending time on the COVID reserve list. They managed to make it through the explosion better than some teams. Currently, three players have been removed from the active roster due to positive tests. Three more players have been removed from the practice squad roster. Saturday’s surprising release of an apparently combative Bashaud Breeland threw a different sort of tweak into the roster. With only 49 players currently on the active roster, the Vikings are four short of the roster maximum. That opens the door for some pre-game promotions from the practice squad. Here’s the Vikings roster in advance of the Bears game. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (23 Players)

Quarterbacks (3)

  8 Kirk Cousins

14 Sean Mannion

11 Kellen Mond

Running Backs (3)

33 Dalvin Cook

26 Kene Nwangwu

31 Wayne Gallman

Fullbacks (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Receivers (4)
19 Adam Thielen
18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

15 Ihmir Smith-Marsette 

Tight Ends (3)
83 Tyler Conklin

89 Chris Herndon

35 Luke Stocker

Offensive Tackles (4)
75 Brian O'Neill

71 Christian Darrisaw
69 Rashod Hill

64 Blake Brandel

Guards (4)

72 Ezra Cleveland

52 Mason Cole

74 Oli Udoh

51 Wyatt Davis

Centers (1)

56 Garrett Bradbury

Defense (24 Players)

Defensive Ends (3)

98 D.J. Wonnum

93 Patrick Jones II

73 Tashawn Bower

Defensive Tackles (5)

94 Dalvin Tomlinson

58 Michael Pierce

90 Sheldon Richardson

96 Armon Watts
92 James Lynch

Linebackers (6)
55 Anthony Barr

54 Eric Kendricks
59 Nick Vigil

45 Troy Dye

48 Blake Lynch

41 Chazz Surratt

Cornerbacks (6)

 7 Patrick Peterson

27 Cameron Dantzler

24 Mackensie Alexander

29 Kris Boyd

20 Harrison Hand

Safeties (4)

22 Harrison Smith
23 Xavier Woods

43 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus 

Special Teams (3 Players)

Kicker

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter
 3 Jordan Berry

Long Snapper
42 Andrew DePaola

***

Practice Squad

34 Jake Bargas, FB

47 Tuf Borland, LB

40 Zach Davidson, TE

86 Brandon Dillon, TE

46 Myles Dorn, S

78 Dakota Dozier, OG

91 T.Y. McGill, DT

87 Myron Mitchell, WR

39 Parry Nickerson, CB

61 Timon Parris, OT

16 Damion Ratley, WR

  2 Darrius Shepherd, WR

50 T.J. Smith, DT

  5 Tye Smith, CB

79 Kenny Willekes, DE

66 Eddie Yaryrough, DE

Reserve/Injured

12 Chad Beebe

57 Ryan Connelly

82 Ben Ellefson

99 Danielle Hunter

81 Olabisi Johnson

13 Blake Proehl

95 Janarius Robinson

66 Jordon Scott

84 Irv Smith Jr.

14 Nate Stanley

Reserve/COVID

25 Alexander Mattison

12 Dede Westbrook

85 Dan Chisena 

Practice Squad/COVID

68 Kyle Hinton, OG

  9 Trishton Jackson, WR

36 A.J. Rose, Jr., RB

Reserve/Non-Football Injury

76 Jaylen Twyman

Reserve/Non-Football Illness

97 Everson Griffen

All-Time Chicago Bears Team

The Minnesota Vikings make the short trip to Chicago this weekend for a Monday Night game with the Bears. It’ll be the second consecutive prime time game for both teams. As one of only two original teams, the Bears have a long history. They also have a mostly strong history. The team’s nine titles is topped only by the 13 won by the Green Bay Packers. Despite overall success, their current 36-year title drought is the longest that the franchise has seen. Poor little Bears. On the eve of the Monday Night game here’s a look at some of the best players in Chicago Bears franchise history. 

Offense

Quarterback 

Sid Luckman

Running Back

Walter Payton

Fullback

Bronko Nagurski 

Wide Receivers

Harlon Hill

Brandon Marshall

Tight End

Mike Ditka

Tackles

Joe Stydahar

George Musso

Guards

Danny Fortmann

Stan Jones

Center

Bulldog Turner

Defense

Defensive Ends

Richard Dent

Khalil Mack

Defensive Tackles

Link Lyman

Dan Hampton

Linebackers

Bulldog Turner

Dick Butkus

Brian Urlacher

The middle linebacker tradition in Chicago is ridiculous. No other team can boast the riches at any position that the Bears can boast at the middle linebacker position. Bulldog Turner, Bill George, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, Brian Urlacher. Roquan Smith is on pace to join them. It’s a tradition so great that I’ve selected a middle linebacker trio. I’ve done that at the expense of outstanding outside linebackers like Otis Wilson, Lance Briggs, and Joe Fortunato. 

Cornerbacks

Charles Tillman

J.C. Caroline

Safeties

Red Grange

Roosevelt Taylor

Special Teams

Kicker

Robbie Gould

Punter

Bobby Joe Green

Kick Returner

Gale Sayers

Punt Returner

Devin Hester

That’s a terrifying return duo. The best return duo in league history. 

Flea Flicker Week 15 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 15 games.

Byes are finally done. COVID isn’t. The NFL has been a spreader event. More than 100 players have tested positive. Due to COVID irresponsibility, three of the Week 15 games have been bumped to another day. Here’s hoping that all games this week and future weeks get played. 

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Vikings

Both teams are playing their second consecutive prime time game. Football viewers love the Vikings and Bears. Every remaining game is a playoff game for the Vikings. They did it to themselves. 

Las Vegas Raiders @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Raiders

This game has been bumped from Saturday to Monday. The Raiders haven’t been playing well. The Browns facility is a COVID-spreader. The Raiders probably just want to get out of Cleveland. With a win against a depleted Browns team.

New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

This game should be fun. Both teams are playing well. I have the Colts playing a bit better at home. 

Carolina Panthers @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

The Bills NEED a win.

Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Cardinals

The Cardinals need a rebound win. The Lions are a good opponent for a rebound win.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins reach .500.

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

Pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys should cruise.

Washington Football Team @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

Washington’s team facility is another of the league’s COVID-spreaders. That’s bumped this game to Tuesday. The Vikings could use an Eagles win.

Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Steelers

The records call this an upset. I’m not sure that it is. 

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

Fun!

Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Bengals

Just going with the better team.

Atlanta Falcons @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

A Falcons win would be nice but I don’t see it happening. 

Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

The Rams facility is the league’s third COVID-spreader location. That’s bumped this game to Tuesday. If the Rams can get some/most of their inflicted players back in time, this game shouldn’t be close. 

Green Bay Packers @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

Just a hunch. A hope. 

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Saints

I doubt this happens. 

***

I can’t help but wonder if Goodell and the suits are secretly happy about this COVID-forced movement of games. Over the next ten days, the league will have games on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday Monday. Eight days of games over ten days. Including two on Christmas Day. This COVID-forced game movement inches the league closer to their dream of having at least one game every day of the week. Football is fun! So much fun. Too much football and dizzying schedules might not be so much fun. 

Top 10 Cal Quarterbacks

Chase Garbers declaring for the NFL Draft got me thinking about the best Cal quarterbacks of my lifetime. Garbers played his way onto the list of with those quarterbacks. His highs were very high. Two wins against Stanford. Two wins against USC. No Cal quarterback had managed that in my lifetime. My Golden Bear football interest, as well as my desire to attend that magnificent university, began the day I witnessed Joe Roth throwing beauties to Wesley Walker. My Cal student days were the mid-1980s. Joe Kapp coaching. Gale Gilbert throwing. There weren’t a lot of wins but there was a lot of football fun. Everything is fun when Kapp is involved. From my earliest Cal football memories to the present, these are my Top 10 Cal quarterbacks.

1.   Aaron Rodgers (2003-04)

2.   Joe Roth (1975-76)

3.   Steve Bartkowski (1972-74)

4.   Rich Campbell (1977-80)

5.   Mike Pawlawski (1988-91)

6.   Jared Goff (2013-15)

7.   Chase Garbers (2018-21)

8.   Gale Gilbert (1980-84)

9.   Nate Longshore (2005-08)

10. Troy Taylor (1986-89)

When I think of Aaron Rodgers' Cal days I can't help but think about some scouting idiocy. The San Francisco 49ers had the first pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Mike McCarthy was the 49ers' offensive coordinator. So, he had a role in the team’s scouting of Rodgers. When McCarthy was hired as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2006, he inherited the quarterback that he didn’t draft. Rodgers asked him why the 49ers passed on him with that first pick. McCarthy said that a reason that they passed on him for Alex Smith was that they decided that Rodgers wasn't mobile enough. When I heard that I couldn't help but wonder if the 49ers' scouts had even watched the Cal quarterback. His mobility was easy to see and it was just across the bay from the 49ers to see. The natural passing talent that he's shown for the Packers could be seen in the quarterback that he was at Cal. For being part of that scouting idiocy, McCarthy didn't deserve the quarterback that he inherited. 

Aaron Rodgers is the best college quarterback that I've ever witnessed from stadium seats. Better than Drew Bledsoe, Ryan Leaf, Carson Palmer, and Andrew Luck. Rodgers' performance against USC in 2004 was beautiful football art.

Joe Roth might've been the second best college quarterback that I witnessed from stadium seats. If cancer hadn't taken him shortly after his final college football game, he would've been an NFL great. 

Fred Besana had the talent to be on this list. Unfortunately, he was at Cal the same time as Roth. 

My most vivid Cal football and Cal quarterback memories really start with Roth. Steve Bartkowski’s playing days are more blurred than vivid. Despite playing in Atlanta, I remember his NFL days fairly well. His passing talent was obvious. 

Rich Campbell was the first Cal quarterback to be a first round selection of the Green Bay Packers. After Bartkowski, Roth, and then Campbell, I thought that the Golden Bears would always field an offense led by one of the best quarterbacks in the country. I was spoiled. Cal fans were spoiled. 

Mike Pawlawski wasn't gifted with natural NFL talent but he was an excellent college quarterback. It was so much fun watching him lead the Golden Bears. The 1991 Cal football team was the best of my lifetime. Rodgers' 2004 team is a very close second. Both teams ranked in the final Top 10 nationally. 

Jared Goff was a fine college quarterback. He impressed me most his freshman year. Despite looking like a stiff breeze might snap him in half, he was always poised in the chaos of the pocket. He never seemed bothered by the pass rush. He certainly wasn’t afraid of it. He looked like a high school freshman. He had the poise of a college senior. That being said, his statistics were bloated by a Sonny Dykes offense that did little to prepare him for the NFL. 

Chase Garbers was fun. His passing wasn’t always pretty but he was definitely committed. His effort and passion were always sky high. Perhaps too high at times. His best games were often the biggest games. Stanford and USC. In a way, he reminded me of a modern day Joe Kapp. 

Gale Gilbert was a fun, productive college quarterback. He didn’t play much in the NFL but he did go to five consecutive Super Bowls. Buffalo Bills (1990-93) San Diego Chargers (1994).

Nate Longshore had the tough task of replacing Aaron Rodgers. Longshore’s first full season as a starter was outstanding. Each season after was a little less outstanding. 

Troy Taylor followed Gale Gilbert and kept Cal football fun. Unfortunately fun doesn’t always translate into success. Cal just wasn’t very good in the 1980s. Taylor left Berkeley as Cal’s most prolific passer. Even with nearly two decades of quarterbacks coached by Jeff Tedford and Sonny Dykes, Taylor is still one of the most prolific passers in school history. 

The departure of Chase Garbers leaves Cal with a quarterback competition. The top contenders are Purdue transfer Jack Plummer and sophomore Kai Millner. Here’s hoping that one (or both?) plays his way on to this list. 

Cal’s Early Signing Day

How long will it take until the Early Signing Day is just called Signing Day? The middle of December has been signing day for a while. It’s Signing Day. This year, Signing Day was December 15. Yesterday was the first day that high school football recruits could put pen to paper and officially make a commitment to their chosen college. Yesterday, Cal received official, signed commitments from 11 student-athletes. 

Nick Morrow, OL, 6’8” 250, Flagstaff (Flagstaff, AZ)

Sioape Vatikani, OL, 6’3” 320, Bishop Manogue (Sun Valley, NV)

Jeremiah Earby, CB, 6’2” 170, Menlo-Atherton (Menlo, CA)

Mason Starling, WR, 6’4” 185, College of San Mateo (San Mateo, CA)

Nathan Burrell, DL, 6’2” 285, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA)

Ashton Hayes, RB, 5’11” 180, McQueen (Reno, NV)

Trent Ramsey, OL, 6’5” 290, Carrollwood Day (Tampa, FL)

Jaydn Ott, RB, 6’0” 196, Norco (Norco, CA)

Curlee Thomas, Edge, 6’4” 240, Nolan Catholic (Ft Worth, TX)

Javien Plummer, WR, 6’3” 200, Episcopal (Alexandria, VA)

Nunie Tuitele, Edge, 6’4” 230, Regis Jesuit (Aurora, CO)

“This won’t be the end of recruiting for us.” - Cal head coach Justin Wilcox

This should be all about Cal’s new football players but the yo-yo pre-signing day of Bishop Alemany defensive tackle Damonic Williams must be mentioned. He was one of Cal’s earliest commits. Through the months between that commitment and early this week, he’s been one of Cal’s most solid commits. Then Tuesday came. Williams de-committed from Cal. Committed to TCU. De-committed from TCU. Re-committed to Cal. That was how he spent Signing Day Eve. The day was a roller coaster. On Wednesday, Damonic Williams signed with TCU. The only thing that really matters is that Williams is in the best place for him. 

For those that place importance on recruiting’s star-rating system, Cal signed two players that have been deemed four-star recruits.

Jaydn Ott

Trent Ramsey

The remaining eight players were saddled with three stars. 

Signing Day Breakdown

Position:

Offensive Line: 3

Defensive Line: 3

Running Back: 2

Receiver: 2

Cornerback: 1

State:

California: 4

Nevada: 2

Arizona: 1

Colorado: 1

Texas: 1

Virginia: 1

Florida: 1

I can’t remember Cal ever pulling a player from Texas and Florida. 

Unsigned but still expected to join the Golden Bears:

Cameron Sidney, CB, 5’10” 162, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)

Jackson Brown, OT, 6’6” 295, San Ramon Valley (Danville, CA)

***

With quarterback Chase Garbers declaring for the NFL this week, Cal has an extreme lack of experience at football’s most important position. The departure of Garbers leaves freshman Kai Millner, sophomore Zach Johnson, and graduate transfer Ryan Glover as Cal’s only scholarship quarterbacks. Milner and Johnson have never played in a college game. Glover’s lone appearance was the Arizona game. That was the game that saw about half of Cal’s roster in quarantine with COVID. It was a valiant effort by Glover and cast but it was also one of the ugliest football games ever played. Wilcox said the Bears expect to add a quarterback, perhaps soon, perhaps a veteran from the transfer portal. 

Congratulations to the all of the new Golden Bears. 

Flea Flicker Week 14 Power Rankings

Week 14 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. Here’s a look at how the 32 teams rank after 14 weeks. 

1.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-3)

2.   Kansas City Chiefs (9-4)

3.   Arizona Cardinals (10-3)

4.   New England Patriots (9-4)

5.   Green Bay Packers (10-3)

6.   Los Angeles Rams (9-4)

7.   Buffalo Bills (7-6)

8.   Dallas Cowboys (9-4)

9.   Baltimore Ravens (8-5)

10. Tennessee Titans (9-4)

11. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)

12. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)

13. San Francisco 49ers (7-6)

14. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)

15. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)

16. Cleveland Browns (7-6)

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6-1)

18. Denver Broncos (7-6)

19. Washington Football Team (6-7)

20. Miami Dolphins (6-7)

21. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)

22. New Orleans Saints (6-7)

23. Las Vegas Raiders (6-7)

24. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)

25. Carolina Panthers (5-8)

26. Chicago Bears (4–9)

27. Seattle Seahawks (5-8)

28. New York Giants (4-9)

29. New York Jets (3-10)

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11)

31. Houston Texans (2-11)

32. Detroit Lions (1-11-1)

Until next week. 

Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award Nominees

It’s “good guy” season in the NFL. The Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees were announced last week. The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominees were announced a day later. The latter is the newer and lesser known of the two awards honoring players doing good things. The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award was created in 2014 and presented each year to an NFL player who demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition. The award honors and is named after the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Hall of Famer, Art Rooney, Sr.

The whittling down process is a little different for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. A panel of former players-Warrick Dunn, Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, Leonard Wheeler, and 2014 Rooney Award winner Larry Fitzgerald-will select eight finalists (4 in the NFC and 4 in the AFC) from the 32 nominees. Those eight players will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot when players vote later in December. So, the players ultimately select the greatest sportsman among them.

The 32 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award Nominees:

• Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker
• Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews
• Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
• Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen
• Carolina Panthers: Frankie Luvu
• Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith
• Cincinnati Bengals: Stanley Morgan
• Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb
• Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
• Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II
• Detroit Lions: Jamaal Williams
• Green Bay Packers: Aaron Jones
• Houston Texans: Brandin Cooks
• Indianapolis Colts: DeForest Buckner
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Shaquill Griffin
• Kanas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
• Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr
• Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James
• Los Angeles Rams: Jordan Fuller
• Miami Dolphins: Jason McCourty
• Minnesota Vikings: Adam Thielen
• New England Patriots: Matthew Slater
• New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan
• New York Giants: James Bradberry
• New York Jets: C.J. Mosley
• Philadelphia Eagles: Darius Slay
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger
• San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Juszczyk 
• Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Lockett
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lavonte David
• Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry
• Washington Football Team: Landon Collins
• 
  
• Five players were nominated for both the Walter Payton and Art Rooney Awards.
• 
  
• Dak Prescott
• Aaron Jones
• Cameron Jordan
• Tyler Lockett
• Derrick Henry 
• 
  

Seeing as he can be one of the more salty players on the Vikings it’s a little surprising to see Adam Thielen as the team’s nominee. He routinely shows great sportsmanship but he can get a little frisky. See his wonderful exchange with Bill Belichick from a few years ago. 

Congratulations and good luck to all nominees. Especially Thielen. 

• 
  

Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominees

The NFL on Tuesday announced the 32 nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The NFL’s Man of the Year award was established in 1970 and renamed after late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton in 1999. John Unitas was the league’s first Man of the Year. In 1977, Walter Payton received the award that would carry his name 22 years later. 

“The Walter Payton Man of the Year is the league’s most prestigious honor and these 32 men represent their many teammates who do incredible things in their communities,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Their unwavering commitment to their hometowns and team communities embodies Walter’s spirit of giving back in a way that makes us all incredibly proud of the work they are doing every day.”

All 32 nominees will receive up to a $40,000 donation in their name to their charity of choice. The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award will receive a $250,000 donation to the charity of their choice. 

There are so many NFL players doing great things in the world that it’s a tough task to pick only one player from each team. So many players are deserving of being among the 32 nominees. All 32 nominees are deserving of being named the Walter Payton Man of the Year. 

The 32 Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominees:

• Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Beachum
• Atlanta Falcons: Mike Davis
• Baltimore Ravens: Bradley Bozeman
• Buffalo Bills: Harrison Phillips
• Carolina Panthers: D.J. Moore
• Chicago Bears: Jimmy Graham
• Cincinnati Bengals: Sam Hubbard
• Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward
• Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
• Denver Broncos: Justin Simmons
• Detroit Lions: Jason Cabinda
• Green Bay Packers: Aaron Jones
• Houston Texans: Justin Reid
• Indianapolis Colts: Kenny Moore II
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack
• Kanas City Chiefs: Tyrann Mathieu
• Las Vegas Raiders: Darren Waller
• Los Angeles Chargers: Corey Linsley
• Los Angeles Rams: Andrew Whitworth
• Miami Dolphins: Jerome Baker
• Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Barr
• New England Patriots: Lawrence Guy
• New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan
• New York Giants: Logan Ryan
• New York Jets: Quinnen Williams
• Philadelphia Eagles: Jason Kelce

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward
• San Francisco 49ers: Arik Armstead
• Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Lockett
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans
• Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry
• Washington Football Team: Jonathan Allen

Congratulations to all of the nominees. Best of luck to Anthony Barr. 

Flea Flicker Week 14 Predictions

Here are some guesses at the Week 14 games.

Byes: Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens rebound. 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

This one is easy. It’s the Titans.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

With Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs offense is capable of exploding against any team. Their defense was great last week. It feels like the Chiefs are starting to roll. 

New Orleans Saints @ New York Jets

Pick: Saints

Even without much of their offense the Saints should have enough to beat the Jets.

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Football Team

Pick: Cowboys

Washington is starting to feel pretty good about themselves. The Cowboys can’t afford to let that continue. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Falcons

Coin flip.

Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Texans

Pick: Seahawks

The Seahawks should’ve signed Adrian Peterson sooner.

Detroit Lions @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Broncos

The Lions get back to losing.

New York Giants @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

No need to overthink this one.

San Francisco 49ers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

Depending on which 49ers team shows up, this one could be fun.

Buffalo Bills @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Bills

Preseason, some probably saw this as a Super Bowl preview. The Buccaneers have done much more to justify those thoughts. I see this as a must-win for the Bills. They are too talented to keep playing like they have. 

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Packers

It’d be nice if the Packers lost a few games. I don’t see the Bears doing it. 

Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Rams

Patriots-Bills last week. Rams-Cardinals this week. Monday Night Football is loving this schedule. I trust Sean McVay more than Kliff Kingsbury in a big game. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 14 Superlatives

For purely personal health reasons, it sure would’ve been nice if Thursday’s Minnesota Vikings-Pittsburgh Steelers game ended after the first half. That game should never have come down to the final play. Still, it’s a win. Now, the Vikings have over a week to somehow rid their play of the excruciating tendency to take games to the final play. Here are some of the players that stood out in the Week 14 win.

Offensive Player of the Week

This one’s easy.

Dalvin Cook

27 carries

205 yards

2 TDs (29,7)

1 catch

17 yards

He wasn’t expected to play. His injured shoulder was supposed to keep him out of this game. At best, he was expected back in Week 15. Instead of sitting, resting, healing, Cook took over the game in the first half. His 153 yards was halfway to Adrian Peterson’s single-game record. The holes were huge and Cook was rarely touched until he was in the secondary. His late 17-yard catch was a key play in the much-needed win. In short, Dalvin Cook was incredible on Thursday night. 

Defensive Player of the Week

If the game ended at the half, there’d be a handful of candidates. The Vikings defense was excellent in the first half. The fourth quarter was rough. Ben Roethlisberger kinda had his way. 

Eric Kendricks was great, Bashaud Breeland had an interception, Sheldon Richardson played well, five players had sacks. Considering game-long impact the choice becomes clear. 

Harrison Smith

If his only play was knocking the ball out of the hands of Pat Freiermuth in the end zone as the clock hit zeroes, he’d be deserving of defensive player of the week. He did much more than that. 

5 tackles

1 sack 1 tackle for loss

It looked like he’d added a forced fumble to his game resume but replay took that away. Smith was great. After an uneven start to the season, Harrison Smith is starting to look a lot like Harrison Smith. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

This comes down to punt returner Dede Westbrook and punter Jordan Berry. 

Dede Westbrook is starting to make an impact with his returns. He had three for 31 yards against the Steelers. His 15-yard third quarter return set the offense up nicely on the Steelers 34-yard line. If the offense had punched it in for a touchdown, this game probably would’ve been the blowout that it should’ve been. I get the feeling that Westbrook is getting close to taking a punt back for a score. 

Jordan Berry averaged 48.7 yards on three punts. His final punt pinned the Steelers on the 4-yard line with just over two minutes to play. It’s not his fault that the defense let the Steelers cover most of the 96 yards in front of them.