Hot Takes: Mobile Quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson and the Future of the NFL

Are mobile quarterbacks the future? Or just a phase? Take a listen.

Concussion: The Movie

Christmas is right around the corner. but the NFL may not be feeling so jolly.  Stars Will Smith and Alec Baldwin headline in the upcoming film 'Concussion.'

'Concussion' is a movie based off real life data related to traumatic brain injuries.  On multiple occasions the NFL has had run ins with Dr. Bennet Omalu who claims to have found a degenerative brain disease with a direct link to football.  

The disease is called CTE, which stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma including asymptomatic subconcussive hits to the head.  

The second half of the movie deals with this issue in a direct and simple manner, portraying many of Omalu's run-ins with the NFL.  

Here is the trailer.  

Dr. Julian Bailes is another doctor represented in the movie.  He was on ESPN's TV/radio show Mike and Mike and here is what he had to say on the issue.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14334002

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14334037&categoryid=2850689

Bailes notes that to his knowledge there have been 6 deaths in high school football this past season due to brain injuries.  He said that many aspects of life bring risk including teaching kids how to bike, swim, play sports etc.  He believes that parents have a job to present their children with those risks.

And while some concussions may occur at a young age the majority of them do not begin until high school when students grow into their body.

PBS made a production similar to the movie called 'League of Denial,' which also does a great job of portraying the war on concussions.

The movie premieres Christmas Day and it will be interesting to see how the NFL responds

Red Lightning

One of the smaller headlines during what was a memorable BCS National Championship game was Florida State assistant equipment manager Frankie Grizzle-Malrat, otherwise known as "Red Lightning." (No wonder he goes by his nickname.)  Here is the highlight video that opened people's eyes to the magic of "Red Lightning."

His emergence into the national spotlight has been quite fun for him and the regular football fan.  Here is a recent interview he did with Colin Cowherd.  

Rumor has it that the Browns are interested in a new equipment manager and would be very pleased if "Red Lightning" was still available in the first round.

You ARE "That Guy"

If you have ever played any type of pickup ball you fit one of these descriptions or you know someone who does.



THANKS TO @NESTLEISTHENAME AND Bleacher report for the video.

The Johnny Football Anthem (Go Johnny Go)

I jumped on the Johnny Football bandwagon about midseason last year and have been amazed by how he plays and is changing the game of football ever since. I appreciate a well written rap song too. While his off the field actions are hot in the news, here is a Johnny Football rap to get you excited for the 2013 college football season. (Hill watch 22 days)

5 Bold Predictions: NFC North

This was a tough division to analyze because there is so much talent on each and every time.  All it takes is for the light to turn on for one individual and it could turn the conference on its head.  When I look for predicitions, I try to pinpoint consistencies and inconsistencies.  Without further ado, my 5 bold predictions.

1.  Out of Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford and Christian Ponder, Ponder will play with the most consistency.

This doesn't mean week to week he will have the best stats, but will play a role such as Alex Smith did with the 49ers.  The addition of Greg Jennings provides him a talented target in the absence of Percy Harvin.  Security blanket TE Kyle Rudolph is coming off an excellent rookie season with every intention of improving.  The consistencies I know is that Jay Cutler will always throw interceptions as will Matthew Stafford.  All Ponder needs to do is play second fiddle to Peterson and play an "Alex Smith" role and control the game.  Look for consistency out of the young ponder.

2.  Aaron Rodgers will get sacked ALOT...again.

Last year Aaron Rodgers was sacked a league high 51 times.  In an attempt to plug that hole on Rodgers blindside, OL Brian Bulaga was moved to Left Tackle.  During a workout with Vince Young, Bulaga suffered a season ending knee injury.  Not to say that Rodgers will get sacked 51 times again.  But in a division with Suh and Peppers, look for Rodgers to be sacked often.

3.  Eddie Lacy will be good, but not great.

All offseason in regards to the Packers I have been pointed to the likes of second round draft pick Eddie Lacy.  This is most likely because everything else on the Packers seems to be running fairly smoothly (no surprise there).  Let's not blow things out of proportions though.  Lacy is a second round draft pick in a pass first offense.  Will he be better than past running backs in Green Bay?  Probably.  But let's not crown him that before he has even stepped on the field.

4.  Reggie Bush will be the best running back not named Adrian Peterson

In all honesty this isn't all too bold, he only has to be better than Matt Forte and Eddie Lacy.  But I do think that Reggie Bush will have a good year for the Lions helping create some space for Megatron by coming to a team that finished 23rd in rushing last year.

5.  The Lions will finish ahead of the Bears.

In my snap judgement preseason predictions I have the Lions finishing (8-8) and the Bears at (7-9).  The defenses are not too far apart as far as talent goes and in the skill positions I trust Stafford slightly more than Cutler and Bush more than Forte

#CaptainObvious

Packers win the division

Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback

Adrian Peterson is the best running back

Vikings will be in contention for the playoffs again

The Hit Herd Round the World

It is no secret that Jadaveon Clowney is the most dominant player in the game of college football.

It is also no secret that Clowney isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

See here a helmet signed by Jadaveon Clowney this offseason:

In all honesty, Clowney signs alot of autographs (Not as many as Manziel), and could have simply forgotten to add the 'a' in heard.  I've made similar mistakes before when signing my name.

However it doesn't shine a very bright light upon a player who is often ridiculed for his inferior intellect.

Clowney doesn't care.  I imagine he is taking " We'll see who has the last laugh," approach.

Either way, still goes for a good laugh or two.