The Sports Insanity Network

Chiefs Season Recap/Offseason Needs

By: Mike Rifkin

The Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC West for a sixth consecutive season with a record of 12-5. They became the first team in history to host three consecutive AFC Championship games. The Chiefs lost to the Bengals in the Championship Game. The Chiefs were 3-4 to open the season before winning nine of their last ten games. After giving up 3 sacks and seeing franchise Quarterback Patrick Mahomes run for his life in the Super Bowl the Chiefs made their biggest priority last offseason to upgrade the offensive line. That is exactly what General Manager Brett Veach did. Veach signed veteran Guard Joe Thuney to a massive contract, traded for Orlando Brown Jr. from the Ravens, drafted Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. Rookie Lucas Niang who opted out of 2020 came back to play right tackle. This offensive line helped the Chiefs average 4.5 yards per carry and 115.0 yards rushing per game.

There were times in the 2021 season that Patrick Mahomes didn’t look like the guy we had witnessed the past couple seasons. Mahomes had a 66.3 completion percentage (same as 2020) 4,839 yards 37 touchdowns and a career high 13 interceptions. Second year Running Back Clyde Edwards-Helaire averaged 4.3 yards per carry and had four touchdowns, but was limited to 10 games due to injury. Darrel Williams had 558 yards and six touchdowns. Williams added 452 yards and two touchdowns receiving. Receiver Tyreek Hill and Tight End Travis Kelce both had over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Hill had 111 catches and Kelce had 92 catches. The Chiefs third leading receiver Mecole Hardman had 59 catches for 693 yards and two touchdowns, that is a big drop off.

Early in the season the Chiefs defense couldn’t stop anyone. One of the big reasons for the defensive turnaround was the acquisition of Melvin Ingram from the Steelers. In nine games as a Chief Ingram had 15 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble but he was able to open things up for Frank Clark who had three and a half sacks after Ingrams’s arrival. Defensive Tackle Chris Jones led the team with nine sacks. Rookie linebacker Nick Bolton led the team with 112 tackles and veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu led the defense with three interceptions to go with 76 tackles and a sack.

The Chiefs are projected to have around 14 million dollars in cap space this offseason but they can change that. If the Chiefs convert Patrick Mahomes roster bonus into a signing bonus they can create 22 million dollars in cap space and instead of Mahomes having a 35 million dollar cap hit he would have a 14 million dollar cap hit. They can also restructure contracts of Travis Kelce and Chris Jones and sign an extension with Tyreek Hill who is a free agent after next season. The Chiefs can save 8.4 million dollars by cutting linebacker Anthony Hitchens at any point and it would be 4.2 million in dead cap money. They can also cut linebacker Frank Clark after June 1st that would save them 19.5 million dollars and 6.8 million in dead cap. If they do it prior to June 1st they would save 12.7 million dollars but incur 13.6 million in dead cap. You add this all up and that is about 60 million in cap space created.

Offseason to do list

Re-sign Tyrann Mathieu.- Mathieu is a leader on and off the field and KC would be wise to bring him back.
Re-sign Orlando Brown – Gave up a first round pick for him and good Left Tackles are hard to come by. If no long term deal is reached franchise tag him
Sign Juju Smith Schuster- YES the Chiefs NEED another receiver. Juju can open up the middle of the field to allow Tyreek Hill to do his thing. Just hope he doesn’t do TikTok videos.
Sign Jadeveon Clowney.- Chiefs were 29th in the league in sacks last season. If they cut Clark and let Ingram walk they need to add a pass rusher and signing Clowney to a one year incentive laden deal could motivate the former number one pick.

Draft

RD 1 (30)- Kaiir Elam- Cornerback Florida. Both Charvarious Ward and Mike Hughes are free agents. Elam also gives them size and has played good competition in the SEC.

RD 2 (60) Cameron Thomas – Edge San Diego State. Frank Clark could be cut and Melvin Ingram is a free agent but either way the Chiefs were 29th in the NFL in sacks. Thomas had 10.5 sacks this season.

RD 3 (94) Cobe Bryant – Cornerback Cincinnati. Bryant had 10 interceptions over his five years as a Bearcat. Gives the Chiefs a ton of upside on their backend.

Arizona Cardinals Season Recap/Offseason Needs

By: Mike Rifkin

The 2021 Arizona Cardinals started the season 7-0 and were the talk of the NFL. The Cardinals lost four of their final six games to finish the season at 11-6 which was good enough for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. In the Wild Card Round they were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl the Los Angeles Rams. It was the first time the Cardinals had made the postseason since the 2015 NFC Championship Game.

Quarterback Kyler Murray was near the top of the MVP race through the first eight weeks of the season. Murray hurt his ankle during their week eight loss to the Packers, and missed the next three games. Murray on the season had a 69.2 completion percentage for 3,787 yards 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The most alarming number for me is that Murray was sacked 31 times, someone with his mobility shouldn’t get sacked 30 times in a season. Recently Murray unfollowed the organization on Social Media. According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN Murray is described as “ self-centered, immature, and a finger pointer.” According to Mortensen Murray is frustrated with the franchise and believes he is being framed as the scapegoat for losing to the Rams in the Wild Card game. After completing his third season Murray is eligible for a contract extension, but if I was running the Cardinals I wouldn’t give him that massive extension yet. Technically Murray has one year left, but the Cardinals can use the fifth year option on him. While we have seen spectacular plays from Murray at times this was his best season. I would want him to prove he can do it one more time before I commit nearly 40 million dollars to him.

Now one of the major reasons The Cardinals offense didn’t look the same was the injury to All Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins tore his MCL in a week 14 loss to the Rams. Hopkins on the season had 42 catches for 572 yards and eight touchdowns. The team went 1-4 in games Hopkins missed this season and their offense averaged 18.8 points per game. With Hopkins the Cardinals averaged 30. 2 points per game. In Hopkins absence somebody had to step up and that is what Christian Kirk did Kirk posted career highs in catches with 77 and yards with 982. He also had five touchdowns which was one shy of his career high posted in 2020. Kirk is an unrestricted free agent so it will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do with the former second round pick. Last offseason the Cardinals signed veteran receiver AJ Green to a one year deal. Green, who had spent his entire career with the Bengals up to this point, posted his most catches 54 and yards 848 since 2017. The Cardinals also added to their running game in the offseason they lost Kenyan Drake and replaced him with former Steeler James Conner. Conner posted a career high 15 touchdowns which was tied for second best in the NFL. The trio of Conner, Chase Edmonds and Kyler Murray averaged 122.1 yards per game rushing. The Cardinals during the season traded for Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz, who also is an impending unrestricted free agent, had 56 catches for 574 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals didn’t just add stars on their offense, they added a massive star on defense as well. They signed future Hall Of Famer JJ Watt to a two year contract. Watt only had one sack on the season before a shoulder injury sidelined him up until the playoff game. But Watt’s presence is what makes the signing big because on the other side Chandler Jones returned after tearing his bicep in 2020. Jones came back in a big way by having five sacks in the season opening win over the Titans. On the season Jones had 10.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. Jones also will be on the free agent market. Arizona’s defense had two young players step up big time. Cornerback Byron Murphy turned into a number one corner and led the team with four interceptions. Second year linebacker Isaiah Simmons had a great year with 105 tackles, one and a half sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles. The Cardinals had an opportunistic defense with a +12 turnover differential which was fourth in the NFL.

Early in the season Kyler Murray was the MVP frontrunner Kliff Kingsbury was the Coach of the year frontrunner. Kingsbury took the job specifically to take Murray as his quarterback. Now since there is pressure on Murray to win the same has to be said for the head coach who will also be entering his fourth season and the final one on his contract.

The Cardinals have around 15 million dollars in cap space so they have some financial decisions to make.

Cut or trade left tackle DJ Humphries or Justin Pugh. Humphries is in the last year of his three year 45 million dollar contract and getting rid of him would save the club 15 million dollars with about 4 million in dead cap. Pugh had a solid season but getting rid of him would save the team 10 million dollars with 2 million in dead cap.
Cut linebacker Jordan Hicks. Hicks is in the final year of a four year 36 million dollar deal cutting him would save the Cardinals six and a half million dollars.
Cut defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. Phillips signed a three year 30 million dollar contract in 2020. The last two seasons Phillips has played in nine games each. Cutting him would save the Cardinals 4 million dollars with nine million in dead cap.

So now the Cardinals have to decide how to go about the offseason

Resign Zach Ertz and Christian Kirk. If you can fit both of them that would be great but if you have to decide on which one to bring back I would go Ertz.
Resign James Conner. Conner is going to get an increase in pay but he was so effective for the Cards I would bring him back.
Sign Sheldon Richardson to a 1 year incentive laden contract to replace Jordan Phillips.
Sign an edge rusher. Chandler Jones is not coming back most likely. If I can get a good edge rusher to pair with Watt and Zaven Collins the 2020 first round pick that can be very beneficial.

Draft

1st rd (23) Jermaine Johnson – edge rusher Florida State. If Cardinals cannot sign an edge rusher Johnson can come right in and be replacement for Jones

2nd rd (55) Tariq Woolen -Cornerback UTSA- Cardinals have a need at Cornerback. Woolen is a big athletic corner who can pair with Byron Murphy.

3rd (87) Daniel Faalele – OT Minnesota- Very raw prospect who is 6 foot 8 and has a ton of upside in protecting Kyler Murray.

Dolphins Season In Review/Offseason Needs

By: Mike Rifkin

The 2021 Miami Dolphins had expectations of being a playoff team after going 10-6 in 2020. Miami opened up the season with a week one victory over the New England Patriots and people were feeling good and then the wheels fell off and the Dolphins lost seven consecutive games. Then the Dolphins put themselves back into contention by being the first team in NFL history to have a seven game losing streak and a seven game winning streak in the same season. The major catalyst for the winning streak was the defense. In six of the seven games during the streak the defense has allowed 17 points or less and held teams to under 300 total yards. The defense which last season feasted on turnovers and having a +9 turnover differential, during this streak they have forced 14 turnovers. For the second consecutive season the Dolphins controlled their playoff destiny and in week 17 they got smoked by an AFC powerhouse as they lost to the Titans 34-3. They ended the season the same way they started it by beating the Patriots and for the first time since 2000 they swept New England.

After the season Miami fired coach Brian Flores after three seasons. Flores went 24-25 in three seasons. The Dolphins have hired 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Mcdaniel to replace Flores.

Mcdaniel’s top priority is to decide whether or not Tua Tagovailoa is their future quarterback. The former fifth overall pick had a 67.8 completion percentage with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Tagovailoa did have to look over his shoulder up until the trade deadline where the Dolphins were interested in Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson who requested a trade from the Texans is facing 22 counts of sexual misconduct and assault. Miami averaged 20.1 points per game which was 22nd in the NFL. One of the few bright spots on Miami’s offense was rookie Jaylen Waddle who broke the record for most receptions in his rookie year with 104 catches for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns. Tight End Mike Geisicki had 73 catches for 780 yards and two touchdowns and was very reliable for Tua at points. One area Mcdaniel will certainly help is the Dolphins run game which averaged 92.2 yards per game, which was 30th in the NFL. Mcdaniel’s 49ers averaged 127.4 yards per game, which ranked seventh in the NFL.

Mcdaniel will inherit a very good defense. A defense that was fifth in the NFL in sacks led by Emmanuel Ogbah nine and rookie Jaelan Phillips eight and a half. Last season the Dolphins were even in turnover differential, but in 2020 were third with a +9, led by Xavien Howard who had 10 interceptions. Howard in 2021 had five interceptions and is one of the premiere corners in the NFL. Rookie Safety Jevon Holland looks like the real deal. In his rookie year Holland had 69 tackles, two and half sacks, and two interceptions.

Offseason Targets

Sign Terron Armstead – Dolphins biggest need is the offensive line, in fact it’s offensive to watch them at times and I don’t trust the front office to draft well there. Armstead is the best Offensive linemen on the market.
Re-sign Emmanuel Ogbah – Since coming to the Dolphins Ogbah has 18 sacks.
Re-sign Mike Gesicki- Gesicki the former second round pick was the Dolphins second leading receiver last season and under Mcdaniel could get more targets
Sign Laken Tomlinson – Once again addressing the biggest need the Offensive line Tomlinson a 49er is someone who can come right in and play in a system he is familiar with.
Acquire TWO receivers. I know you can also address the position in the draft, but there are some good young receivers available as free agents. The Dolphins tried this route last year with Will Fuller and it didn’t work. I don’t think the Dolphins will throw all of their money at someone like Davante Adams. Two names I find interesting are Michael Gallup from the Cowboys and Chris Godwin from the Bucs both are coming off Torn ACL’s but if given multi year deals can help. DJ Chark is another receiver I think there could be interest in. Prediction: Dolphins sign Gallup and pull off a trade with the Falcons for Calvin Ridley.
Trade for a Running back – the name that comes to mind is Raheem Mostert in San Francisco and it shouldn’t cost that much in compensation. Mostert is coming off injury but knows Mcdaniel’s system. I would pair Mostert with someone in the draft and be done with Myles Gaskin.

Draft

RD 1 PK 29: Kenneth Walker Running Back Michigan State

RD 2 PK 50: traded to Falcons for Ridley if kept Christain Harris linebacker Alabama

RD 3 PK 100: Alec Lindstrom Center Boston College

The Dolphins have their coach in Mcdaniel, now it is time to surround Tua with weapons to see if he is the quarterback of the future. This entire offseason should be dedicated to making sure the organization gives Tua every opportunity to succeed.

The Gamble Paid Off

By: Mike Rifkin

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the Super Bowl. The Rams pushed all their chips onto the table and went all in and that gamble paid off and the guys they went all in for played a huge role in their victory.

Let’s start with Matthew Stafford who the Rams acquired in the offseason for quarterback Jared Goff and two first round picks. Stafford during the regular season was second in the NFL with 41 touchdowns and was tied for the lead in interceptions with 17. Stafford had a 0-3 record in the playoffs as a member of the Detroit Lions with four touchdowns and three interceptions. On his run with the Rams Stafford had a 70.0 completion percentage with nine touchdowns and three interceptions and a 108.3 quarterback rating.

Next we have Odell Beckham Jr. who was cut by the Browns earlier this season. He signed a one year contract worth 750,000 dollars and with incentives could reach around 4 million dollars. Beckham had been great for the Rams down the stretch and in the playoffs. Beckham had 21 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs. In the Super Bowl Beckham had two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown before injuring his knee. Beckham played a major role for the Rams after they lost receiver Robert Woods to a torn ACL.

Then there is Von Miller who the Rams acquired in a trade with the Denver Broncos. The Rams traded a second and a third round pick in the 2022 draft. Miller, who was the MVP of Super Bowl 50 for the Broncos had four sacks in the playoffs including two in the Super Bowl. With his two sacks in the Super Bowl Miller has tied Hall of Famer Charles Haley with four and a half sacks in two Super Bowl appearances.

Now in order to go all in you have to have a core that you believe in and the Rams have quite the core. Aaron Donald who is the best non quarterback in the NFL had done everything in the league but win the Super Bowl. Donald had three and a half sacks in the playoffs including two in the Super Bowl and on the final play for the Bengals Donald got pressure on Joe Burrow right off the snap and Burrow had to throw an incompletion. Donald and Miller combined for four of the seven Rams sacks.

Then there is Cooper Kupp who was the Super Bowl MVP. Kupp had eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Kupp on the final drive also converted a fourth and one with a seven yard run. Kupp, who was the only player besides Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady to get an MVP vote, was the Offensive Player of the year. Kupp won the receiving triple crown by leading the NFL in catches, yards, and touchdowns. Kupp is the second player in NFL history to win the triple crown, offensive player of the year and Super Bowl MVP along with Jerry Rice. But Kupp is the first player to do it all in one season.

The job Les Snead and Sean Mcvay did with this team was tremendous. They pushed their chips to the table and it paid off. The Rams have three draft picks in the 2022 draft, a fifth round pick and two seventh round picks but they can say they are Super Bowl Champs.

NFL TEAM SONGS

2021/2022

Beginning of the year

End of the Year

By Mark Halpern

So this article is just like my Cowboys version, but this represents what I think the team’s songs are based on what they look like before the season. At the end of the season, I will do another article on songs based on their final record.

Arizona Cardinals: Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones

Atlanta Falcons: I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For by U2 Carolina

Panthers: Wannabe by The Spice Girls

Chicago Bears: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Dallas Cowboys: Enter Sandman by Metallica

Detroit Lions: What’s New Pussycat by Tom Jones

Green Bay Packers: It’s The End of The World as we know it by R.E.M.

Los Angeles Rams: I Got A Feeling by The Black-Eyed Peas

Minnesota Vikings: I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith

New Orleans Saints: All I Wanna Do by Sheryl Crow

New York Giants: Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie

Philadelphia Eagles: I Wanna be Sedated by The Ramones

San Francisco 49ers: Hello by Lionel Richie

Seattle Seahawks: U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: We Are The Champions by Queen Washington Football Team: Horse With No Name by America and George Martin Baltimore Ravens: Gonna Make You Sweat by C and C Music FactoryBuffalo Bills: Rebel Yell by Billy Idol

Cincinnati Bengals: When The Going Gets Tough/The Tough Get Going by Billy Ocean

Cleveland Browns: Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

Houston Texans: Runaway Train by Soul Asylum

Indianapolis Colts: The Boys are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy Jacksonville Jaguars: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Kansas City Chiefs: Thriller by Michael Jackson

Las Vegas Raiders: Take on Me by A-HA

Los Angeles Chargers: Lightnin Strikes by Lou Christie

Miami Dolphins: Paradise City by Guns and Roses

New England Patriots: {Everything I do} I Do it for You by Bryan Adams New York Jets: Tubthumping by Chumbawamba

Pittsburgh Steelers: Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen

Tennessee Titans: Hey Ya by Outkast

So this is my take on the N.F.L. teams and what I see for this season. Check back after the SuperBowl for what song their season represents.

Well we Have reached that moment in our season where we see where our teams stacked up.

Arizona Cardinals: You can’t always get what u want by The Rolling Stones

Atlanta Falcons: Time to move on By Tom petty

Carolina Panthers: It’s the end of the world as we know it BY R.E.M

Chicago Bears: Another one bites the dust by Queen

Dallas Cowboys: Where have all the Cowboys gone Paula Cole

Detroit Lions: See you in September by The Happenings

Green Bay Packers: Without Me Eminem

Los Angeles Rams: We are the Champions Queen

Minnesota Vikings: We didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel

New Orleans Saints: Pain by 3 days grace

New York Giants: Hit the road Jack by Ray Charles

Philadelphia Eagles: it must have been bad blood Taylor Swift

San Francisco 49ers: I need a hero by Bonnie Blair

Seahawks: 2 legit to quit by MC Hammer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Yesterday by the Beatles

Washington Commanders: The land of confusion bt R,E,M

Baltimore Ravens: I wanna fly like an Eagle by Steve Miller

Buffalo Bills: Keep your head up by Andy Grammar

Cincinnati Bengals: Hey look Ma I made It by Panic at the Disco

Cleveland Browns: Don’t count us out Flawes

Denver Broncos: Hot and Cold by Katy Perry

Houston Texans: I Love it by Icono Pop

Indianapolis Colts: I got a feelinging Blue Suede

Jacksonville Jaguars: Daniel tiger theme song

Kansas City Chiefs: I’m Still Standing Elton John

Las Vegas Raiders: I can make your hands clap by D.J. Vedder

Los Angeles Chargers: Walking on sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Miami Dolphins: Somewhere Under the Sea from the Little Mermaid

New England Patriots: Without me Eminem

New York Jets: take a chance on me by ABBA

Pittsburgh Steelers: working in a coal mine by Lee Dorsey

Tennessee Titans: Forever in Blue Jeans by Neil Diamond

Stay tuned if we ever do have an MLB season cause I will do one for that league as well.

DALLAS COWBOYS 2021-22 SEASON REVIEW

By Mark Halpern

Well, another season has come and gone, ending without a Super Bowl appearance. The Cowboys had a good season going 12-5 compared to 6-10 last year. This season was primed for the Cowboys to run the table offensively. However, when you looked at this Offense of Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliot, Amari Cooper, Cee Dee Lamb, and the Offensive Line, injuries didn’t help. The Offense averaged 407 yards a game, and 31 points per game should have been enough to win any game (I will get to why it wasn’t) in the N.F.L. Now the Defense was going to be the question on this team, epically with the new Defensive Coordinator in Dan Quinn. However, the Defense was loaded with talent that was learning a new scheme ended up being the talk of the N.F.L. for most of the season.

The Cowboy’s Defense certainly outshined the Offense. Players like Trevon Diggs set a league-high with 11 interceptions; Micah Parsons was named Defensive rookie of the year and has been in the mention for defensive player of the year, Vander Esch, Demarcus Lawrence, and Randy Gregory, just to name a few caused opposing offenses terrible havoc. The Dallas defense finished 20th in the league this year compared to the 23rd last year. The difference was that this was a new scheme, and injuries plagued the year. The Cowboys won the N.F.C. East but was defeated by the 49ers in the Wild Card game (A game they should have won.) The Player of the year for the Cowboys was Micah Parsons.

There is nothing against trying to keep up with the Joneses, but, as the owners and G.M., they need to look at this seriously. The Dallas offensive line with some good pieces is getting old and more injury-prone. This N.F.L. draft will be a massive opportunity for Dallas to do so. Dallas also must resign Randy Gregory and make it an immediate priority to get out of the way. After his comeback from substance abuse issues, he has shined. Randy is valued at the N.F.L. market rate at $13mil a season. I would go five years, $68million, and make $30 million guaranteed. Even though the Dallas secondary did well, they need a decent number 2 cornerback. Anthony Brown tried to fill those shoes and had an ok season, but he was burned way too many times. I would also look at the Quarterback situation cause as many teams might go offensive and defensive line, there could be another diamond in the rough in the second or third round.

It makes sense when you take what I want to do with the Cowboys. These areas, especially the offensive line, need help, and you can’t always rely on free agency to fill all your problems, or free agency can hinder your salary cap. Draft them young and develop these players. I know what the Rams did and bought and traded for a win-now team. Dallas is in win mode, but they also need to be at the top and be like the New York Yankees of baseball and go back on a Dynasty streak.

Oil Spill

By: Mike Rifkin

On Thursday the Edmonton Oilers fired head coach Dave Tippett. The Oilers returned from the All- Star Break with back to back losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and the Chicago Blackhawks. Edmonton was outscored 8-1 in those two games. Tippett was 95-62-14 as the Oilers head coach and 1-7 in the playoffs. Edmonton currently sits in fifth place in the Pacific Division, six points out of third place in the division and five points out of the second wild card spot. Edmonton started the season 16-5-0 and are 7-13-3 since. Tippett will be replaced by Jay Woodcroft who coaches the American Hockey League affiliate in Bakersfield.

The Oilers have two of the five best players in the world in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatil. Both have won Hart Trophies and both are in the top three in the Art Ross race right now. After the firing of Tippett, McDavid is now on his fourth coach in seven seasons and Draisaitl is on his sixth coach in eight seasons. In the McDavid / Draisaitl era the Oilers have only advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs once and that was the 2016-17 season.

Dave Tippett was the fall guy, but a lot of the Oilers problems start with Hall of Fame General Manager Ken Holland. Holland was very busy last offseason. He signed Zach Hyman from the Maple Leafs to a seven year 38.5 million dollar contract with an average annual value of 5.5 million dollars per season. Holland also traded for former Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe winner Duncan Keith. Keith who is 38 years old has two years left on his contract at 5.538 million dollar AAV. Duncan Keith is a future Hall of Famer for sure but for the Oilers to take that whole contract is bad business. Holland re-signed former first overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to a eight year 41 million dollar contract with an AAV of 5.125 million dollars. Nugent -Hopkins has 33 points in 37 games this season but only six goals. They also re-signed defenseman Darnell Nurse to a eight year 74 million dollar contract that kicks in next season. Nurse had a career high 16 goals last season, this season Nurse has four goals and 19 points in 37 games. My issue here is not with these players they are very good but if you add McDavid (15.3), Draisaitl (10.4), Nurse (6.9), Keith (6.8), Hyman (6.7) and Nugent -Hopkins (6.3) they take up 52.4 % of the Oilers salary cap.

But the real reason I will never take Edmonton as a serious Stanley Cup contender is their goaltending. Mikko Koskinen has a record of 16-8-2 with a Goals Against Average of 3.15 and a save percentage of .900. Mike Smith who has been out most of the season with injuries has a 2-4-1 record with a 3.83 Goals Against Average and a .890 save percentage. Smith will also turn 40 in March. They have to figure a way to upgrade that position and they have seen multiple goalies on the market at times.

Hockey fans would love to see McDavid make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ken Holland has to figure a way to make this happen otherwise McDavid could potentially ask out of Edmonton.

Brian Flores lawsuit

By: Mike Rifkin

Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the NFL, New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins accusing them of sham interviews, incentivizing losing and pressure to improperly recruit players. Flores was fired after three seasons as Dolphins head coach posting a record of 24-25 and had a winning record the last two seasons.

As of this writing there is only ONE African American head coach in the NFL and that is Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Sreelers. This past season there were three with David Culley who coached the Texans joining Tomlin and Flores. Culley was fired after one season even though most people were impressed with the fact he won 4 games with a roster that isn’t very talented. One of the worst kept secrets in the NFL was that Culley was going to be a one and done coach, but who knows if the 66 year old gets another opportunity to be a head coach. Flores is currently a finalist to replace Culley but hasn’t been hired yet. The prime example of somebody not getting a second chance is former Colts and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell. Caldwell coached the Colts for three seasons and even went to a Super Bowl. He also coached the Lions for four seasons and had ONE losing season and went to the playoffs twice. Caldwell had a winning record with the Lions. Caldwell did interview for the Jaguars and Bears head coaching vacancies, but ultimately did not get either. Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Eric Bienemy has interviewed for jobs the past couple of seasons and has yet to be hired. The NFL has the Rooney Rule which requires teams to interview minorities for a coaching or front office position. Teams have used this rule to their advantage just to eventually get the guy they want. The NFL needs to change the Rooney Rule somehow. Now the other thing is I wish teams were transparent on why a certain guy was fired or why they didn’t hire someone. There are three prominent people who I would like to speak up on the issue of the lack of African American head coaches and they are Mike Tomlin, Tony Dungy and Marvin Lewis. Dungy was the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl, and Marvin Lewis was the Bengals coach for 16 seasons and led them to seven playoff appearances, but those two voices along with Tomlin should speak up on this issue.

The other part of the lawsuit I want to talk about is Flores says in 2019 that Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross offered him 100,000$ to lose games intentionally for a better draft pick. If this is true Ross has to sell the team immediately. Why would a guy getting his first opportunity want to throw games knowing in all likelihood he could get fired for it and if it came out he would never get a second chance. To intentionally tank is something else the NFL and all major sports need to take a look at. But to ask a first time coach to tank is wrong, knowing if it came out he wouldn’t get a second chance.

At the end of the day the NFL is a multi billion dollar industry, but it needs to get with the times. Stop protecting people like Stephen Ross and Daniel Snyder and say they are bad for the game. In 2022 there shouldn’t be one African American head coach, the NFL has to figure out a way to make the hiring process more fair.

NHL AWARDS

By Mike Rifkin

We have reached the NHL All Star break and here are my picks for the NHL awards along with the biggest surprise and disappointments from both conferences.

HART : Alex Ovechkin Capitals: The Capitals Captain has 29 goals and 58 points in his age 36 season. He is on pace to have a career season as he approaches the All Time goal scoring record. Ovechkin is 13 points ahead of the second best scorer on Washington who have been hit a bit by the injury bug. Other two finalists: Jonathan Huberdeau Panthers, Leon Draisatil Oilers.

Norris: Cale Makar Avalanche: Makar leads all NHL defensemen in goals with 18 and is third in points for the first place Colorado Avalanche. 5 of Makar’s 18 goals are game winning goals. Other finalists: Victor Hedman Lightning, Adam Fox Rangers, Roman Josi Predators. I know there are only three finalists but all four of these defensemen are having tremendous seasons.

Vezina: Igor Shesterkin Rangers: Rangers goalie has a record of 22-5-2 with a 2.10 goals against average, .937 save percentage and 3 shutouts. Goals against average is third, save percentage is second and he is tied for third in shutouts in the NHL. He has been fantastic for the surprising Rangers. Other potential finalists Frederik Anderson Hurricanes, Juuse Saros Predators, Andrei Vasilevskiy Lightning, Jacob Markstrom Flames

Jack Adams: John Hynes Predators: This is probably the most difficult one for me because there are 6 very good choices. The reason I went with Hynes is because of how deep the Central division is and Nashville is currently second in that division. Other candidates: Dallas Eakins Ducks, Craig Berube Blues, Gerard Gallant Rangers, Andrew Brunette Panthers, Mike Sullivan Penguins, Rod Brind’Amour Hurricanes.

Calder: Trevor Zegras Ducks. The young centerman is tied for second among rookies in points. Zegras also has the best assist of the season and a lacrosse goal. But the reason I put him over Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider is where Anaheim is in the standings. Anton Lundell of Florida is also having a tremendous season.

Biggest Surprise East: New York Rangers. This can be conceived as a homer pick but if you were to tell anyone at the All Star Break that the Rangers would be in second place in the Metropolitan Division I would have said there is no way. Igor Shesterkin has been sensational. Chris Kreider is having a career year hitting 30 goals for the first time in his career, Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad have been great for the Blueshirts.

Biggest Disappointment East: New York Islanders. I want to preface this by saying I do believe the Islanders can make a run in the second half. But this team has been to back to back Conference Finals and has a lot of talent. In the first half they averaged 2.36 goals per game and only two teams scored fewer, the Coyotes and the Canadiens.

Biggest Surprise West Anaheim Ducks. Similar to the Rangers I don’t think most people expected the Ducks to be in a playoff position. But the youth movement in Anaheim and John Gibson’s stellar play has Anaheim thinking playoffs. The Ducks will be interesting come the March 21st trade deadline they have three key players Rickard Rakell, Hampus Lindholm, and Josh Manson all pending unrestricted free agents who they could move for more future assets. Ducks fans haven’t been this excited since Gordon Bombay coached them.

Biggest Disappointment West: Winnipeg Jets. The Jets are too talented to be sixth in the Central Division. Kyle Connor has been awesome for them, but they need more offense from Mark Schiefle who has 10 goals in 36 games and Blake Wheeler who has 2 goals in 28 games. Connor Hellebuyck has been very good with a 2.90 GAA and a .910 save percentage

Four Teams To Watch

By: Mike Rifkin

As we approach the NHL All Star break it means we are at about the halfway point of the regular season. Which means the trade deadline and playoffs are fast approaching. This article will look at four teams who are currently outside of the playoffs who I think can make a run in the second half.

New York Islanders: I actually picked the Islanders preseason to win the Metropolitan division and why not because they did go to the Conference Finals the last two seasons. Currently they sit 17 points out of that second wild card spot but have five games in hand on the Bruins. In order to make this run the Islanders need to start scoring. They average 2.38 goals per game and the only two teams with fewer are the Canadiens and Coyotes. Three players who need to pick up the goal scoring for them are Anthony Beauvillier who has six goals in 34 games played, JG Pageau who has five goals in 35 games played and Kyle Palmieri who has one goal after signing a four year 20 million dollar contract this offseason. If the Islanders pick up their goal scoring you have to believe in Barry Trotz’s system which has led them to back to back Conference Finals.

Detroit Red Wings: To be honest I only put the Red Wings here because I really don’t trust anyone else in the East. ( side note still weird to call the Wings an Eastern Conference team). Detroit sits nine points back of the Bruins for the second wild card and the Bruins have three games in hand. But if you were to ask Red Wings fans how excited they are with their progress they would be ecstatic. The Wings have two potential Calder Finalists in Defenseman Mortiz Seider and Winger Lucas Raymond ( I hear everybody loves him) who currently sit third and fourth on the team in scoring. But the brightest spot for the Wings is that captain Dylan Larkin who has stayed healthy leads the team in goals and eventually they will get Jakub Vrana back from a shoulder injury. He had eight goals in 11 games for Detroit after coming from the Capitals. Now I don’t expect Detroit to get in. I expect General Manager Steve Yzerman to better his team if not for now for the future. The most dangerous team is a team without expectations. Now if Detroit wants to make a run they have to play better on the road they have a 6-12-3 record on the road.

Dallas Stars: Currently Dallas is tied for the second wild card but I still don’t believe they have played their best hockey. Two years ago the Stars were playing in the Stanley Cup Finals and it is relatively the same core of players. Goalie Jake Oettinger has been tremendous for them with a 11-4-0 record, a 2.43 Goals Against Average and a .913 save percentage. Braden Holtby also has a .913 save percentage along with a 2.76 Goals Against Average and a record of 9-9-1. The Stars top line of Joe Pavelski, Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz are the top three scorers and are having tremendous seasons. They need a little bit more offense out of captain Jamie Benn who has 19 points in 42 games. They also need to figure out what they are going to do with John Klingberg who is a free agent after the season but has requested a trade. Dallas is a very dangerous team in the second half if their Stars shine bright.

Vancouver Canucks: Vancouver sits four points out of the second wild card and nine points out of third place in the Pacific Division. Since Bruce Boudreau took over for Travis Green the Vancouver Canucks have played very good hockey. Offensively JT Miller has given them a spark with 15 goals and 44 points in 42 games played. Forward Elias Pettersson has four points over his last five games and is playing with more confidence. Goaltender Thatcher Demko has been the one constant all season. He is 17-14-2 with a 2.57 Goals Against Average and a .918 save percentage. If the Canucks want to make a run they need to do two things. One is to improve on their league worst 69.5 percent penalty kill which has been bad all season long. The other is they need some more contributions offensively from players like Nils Hoglander and Vasily Podolkolzin who combined have 15 goals on the season. Vancouver averages 2.43 goals a game with the talent they have that number should be a little higher.