OLD School, NEW School

Ruffle My Feathers, a weekly sports column by Justin Lewis

OLD School, NEW School

Time waits for no one and right now the young guns in the NFL have an opportunity to take over for the old (but still dangerous) heads. Names like Brady, Manning (Peyton only), Brees, Rivers, and Roethlisberger can have confidence that the league will be in good hands after they have retired. Those names will soon be replaced with Griffin, Luck, Ryan,Newton, Stafford, Flacco and Rodgers (among others).

Apparently it is time for a youth movement within the NFL because teams are looking for the next best thing to “super charge” their teams. There are approximately (10) starting quarterbacks in the NFL right now that are either rookies (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III , Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson, and Brandon Weeden) or second-year players(Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder and Andy Dalton). I don’t think I have seen a quarterback youth movement like this in the NFL; and these young men are not just fill-ins who aren’t living up to the hype. A few of them are becoming stars right before our eyes.

So while Manning and Brady, and Roethlisberger are still winning, they now have some young horses behind them chasing for their crown. I still think the “veterans” at the top of the mountain won’t be conceding their spots anytime soon, BUT there are currently some “Second Tier” guys who may be surpassed due to this youth movement.

Here are a few of those names: Mark Sanchez, Tony Romo, and Michael Vick. Let’s dive into why these (3) may have a tough time staying “relevant” within the league due to the influx of new talent.

Mark Sanchez
- Problems: He is under the biggest spotlight in the world (New York City) in terms of criticism; he has no one to throw to; the offensive system he is/has been playing in does not suit him; the offensive line is a sieve; their defense just lost their best player and they weren’t that good WITH him in the line up so that means the offense has to put up more points; AND the most important thing is teams within their division specifically the Patriots and Bills can score points in a heart beat and there is NO WAY the Jets can keep up if their Quarterback is watching the game from the ground.
- Solution(s): Let TEBOW (who the media loves) take your place because you’re not going to win (the battle) over someone they brought in despite the fact that they TOLD you that you were their “guy”. Just kidding! Fight for what you know and work hard my man. Even though you have Eva Longoria to go home to at night (slight consolation) it still should light a fire underneath you to win at all costs.

Tony Romo
- Problems: Offensive line is horrible; the coaching is average at best; receivers run HORRIBLE routes and aren’t very aware; the running back (who is great by the way) has no where to run when he hands the ball offdue to the HORRIBLE O-Line; AND that rep you have you know the one about you folding under pressure (like a lawn chair) when it matters most? The last isn’t always solely on you but it could be curbed a bit if you get in peoples faces or address things as they come about because obviously no one (including your owner, coach, O-Line, Receivers) cares if you get pummeled every game AND then take all of the blame for their lack of dedication. YES I’m a fan of the cowboys, so what! (HA, HA)
- Solution(s): First thing is tell that ignorant, controlling “Owner” (a la Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells) to STAY IN THE PRESS BOX and STOP PICKING PLAYERS LIKE ITS A FANTASY DRAFT; then take control of the offense and do things your way with quick throws, draws, and screens so you can make it through the whole season (ALIVE); and lastly ensure EVERYONE is held accountable for their mistakes. If they show any signs e.g. lack of effort, dedication, and sacrifice make sure they end up WATCHING the game, thus giving someone else (who WANTS to play) an opportunity to succeed.

Michael Vick
- Problems: Andy Reid & Marty Mornhinweg
- Solution(s): Mike simply tell the coaches, “RUN THE FOOTBALL TO PROTECT THE QUARTERBACK (ME)!!”

So, other than the quarterbacks I just mentioned (along with a few others) this league is going to be very exciting for a long time. We have REAL referees NOW that know the game and are respected around the league, great players who make the game exciting, and last but not least we have the least respected commissioner of any sport (deservedly) the modern era has ever witnessed. So it looks like we are all set!!