NFL, still a man's game?

By Dan Rodgers

The NFL owners just approved a rule change...that's never a good thing.

The rule moves kickoffs from 30 yard-line to the 35. If you're not a huge football fan then you have no idea the kind of impact this will have on the game. Not to mention, a touchback is still only put at the 20 yard-line. So the kicking team just gained a huge advantage.

I know they are trying to protect player safety, but the owners want an 18 game schedule and that isn't safe. Basically, teams with good return teams (i.e. Bears, Browns, Jets, Seahawks) will be at a huge disadvantage. Not to mention, return specialists like Brad Smith, Devin Hester and Leon Washington become much less valuable.

Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff tied the record for the most touchbacks in a single season this past season. This coming season, whether it's this year or whenever, he and possibly other kickers will shatter that record. Every kickoff that was at the goal line or a yard or two deep in the endzone will now be five to seven yards deep and most likely be touchbacks.

This will also help the defense because there will be more touchbacks and more drives starting from the 20 yard-line.

There isn't much to debate because the rule change has already been implemented. It's just interesting because teams will be changing how they spend their money.

Rodgers That

Superstitious? Well...

By Dan Rodgers

A lot of people are superstitious. Some people believe in things that pertain to their religion and some people just have certain habits that work for them. The postseason for professional sports is a time when many people get superstitious. Some athletes wear the same underwear, some have the same pregame ritual or eat the same food.

Fans have it a little differently because we don't play the game. This NFL season the Jets were 12-0 when I wore my Wayne Chrebet #80 jersey and they were 0-5 when wearing my personalized jersey, Leon Washington or Santana Moss. (Yes, every player's jersey I have is no longer with the team)

For the game against the Pats, I went to get ready and couldn't find my Chrebet jersey. I realized I had left it at my girlfriend's place after doing laundry. I resorted to wearing my Leon jersey because his team was also playing. As you know the Jets won the game, but my girlfriend showed up to the bar in the Chrebet jersey.

I am leaving for Las Vegas in eight hours and I didn't pack my Leon jersey. Basically, I've determined that clothing superstitions aren't worth it but are fun to think about. HOWEVER, I have yet to shave and I absolutely refuse to do so until the Jets are out. Last year I didn't shave but I had to go to Memphis for a Bar Mitzvah. So my mother made me shave and the Jets lost their next game (AFC Championship game to Colts).

In the end: keep your playoff beard no matter what. Don't shave it for your job, your girl, your family or anything else you could possibly think of. Anything else you want to believe, go for it but it might not be worth it.

Little Leon

By Dan Rodgers

Dear Little Leon Washington,

You were my favorite Jet. I want to apologize to you that you were traded away, for an insultingly low draft pick nonetheless. That pick is now USC RB Joe McKnight, the one pick who everyone complains about being out of shape and being awful in mini camps.

Leon, you never got the respect you deserved, and just as you were beginning to earn it: broken leg, arguably the worst injury a running back can experience. You were elected to a pro-bowl as a kick returner, one of the most feared returners in the game. You are fast, elusive, agile, have a ton of heart, and I will miss you dearly.

You never really got a fair opportunity to run the ball in the NFL. Just as the Jets were beginning to utilize you to your full ability, you were injured in the middle of a blowout against the Raiders.

I recently learned that you will be given the chance to compete for the starting running back position in Seattle. I hope you win bud, I have your jersey and your autographed rookie card. I hope you tear up the NFC. Make the Jets wish they hadn't pretty much given you away.

Most of this post probably doesn't make sense, but I had to get it out. I am still, and will continue to be upset about this.

I love you "Little Leon"... keep running...



Rodgers That

LT to the Big Apple

By Dan Rodgers

Well, first off I have to say that I'm not sure how I feel about LaDanian Tomlinson coming to my Jets. They reached a two-year agreement. I think this means that the Jets management is ready to let RB/KR Leon Washington sign with another team.

I think that is a huge mistake. Leon is younger, a better receiving threat, and a phenomenal kick returner. He wants money and I think that the release of Thomas Jones and the trade of Kerry Rhodes frees up that money for Leon. I'm curious to see what the Jets do with Leon, but hopefully they decide to keep them. I'll report back later with more if necessary.

Rodgers That