Jamie Silva Interview

Recently, I had the chance to learn a little more about Boston College and 2008 NFL Draft Prospect, SS Jamie Silva. Here is some of what he had to say about his career at Boston College, the upcoming draft and a whole lot more:

What do you think when you hear so scouting services compare you to a younger version of Corey Chavous? It is a great honor... He is a very good player at the next level so for me to be his comparison is great.

What was your best memory from your days in college? I had so many I really can't label one time.

What was your greatest victory while in college? Clemson -to clinch ACC championship game.

Who is the best player you've faced while in college? Not one man really sticks out

My greatest motivation in college was? To be the best safety in the country.

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show. --- I don't think this applies for me since I was the most productive defensive player in college

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football? Hang with my friends.

My opponents would say the best thing I do is? Make plays and hit and never stop

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you? Any NFL GM/COACH

My advice to players entering college this year would be? Work harder than the rest, believe in yourself, have fun, but be your own biggest critic

If you could play any other position what would it be? Wide Receiver

How did you come to select Boston College? Best football program that I received an offer from.

Any pre-game traditions of note? No traditions, just enjoy the surroundings, I usually enjoy some good music to (a mix of rap and R&B songs, little rock too)

Sports to English Dictionary

Do you speak sports? Can you read sports? I’m at the second grade level. My husband is doing his dissertation.
"This year, Jeter is hitting at 300, 25, and 90."

If I'm watching ESPN (read: at knifepoint), I’m not processing the dialogue. The words are English, some even familiar to me. Bat, run, score. Many are vaguely homoerotic.

“He’s pounding it into the endzone.”
I go from tuning it out to cocking an eyebrow.

“He’s the best tight end we’ve ever had!”
Sweet.

"You need a power hitter batting clean up and a speedster to lead off."
Pardon?

Men get what that says. They speak the “mancode.”

It worries me that I don’t understand, because perhaps more is being passed along in “mancode” than just sports statistics. I could envision a world where men are secretly plotting to take over my womb and grow HGH-infused superbaby athletes. Maybe this is how the Taliban took over and forced the women into burquas? I’ve read “Handmaid’s Tale.” I know how this stuff can sneak up on you.

Why must a man choose his favorite sports teams at age 8, and then stand by those athletic enterprises for the remainder of his existence? That’s as an awfully important decision to lay on a third grader. This decision will affect a good bunch of your Sundays, your spring, and the newspapers you read, and what type of cable package you have to order from Direct TV.

What if the team owner packs your team with one-armed zombie pedophiles? You are going to have to defend those players, right or wrong, because they are on Your Team. This rule goes beyond “Mancode” to Manlaw. Thou shall not abandon any sports team chosen before puberty.

Karl Mecklenburg Interview

Recently, I had the opportunity to pose a few questions to the NFL All Time Great about what he has been up to since he left the NFL, the current status of the game, and a lot more.

Can you share a little about the REACH Foundation that you started after retiring from football?

The REACH Foundation is challenging Colorado kids to step outside of their comfort zone and try new things. I have found that kids make positive choices when they are well rounded and pursuing a passion. Learn more at http://www.karlmecklenburg.org/

Since you were a 12th round pick (number 310 overall) when you came out of the University of Minnesota in 1983 and still had a brilliant career, what advice would you give players as they prepare for the NFL Draft and worry what round they may be selected in?

Take advantage of the opportunity you have. Be a great special team player. Enjoy playing football and be decisive on the field. No decision or slow decisions are always wrong.

Did you ever think you would see the day when the NFL Draft was such a media event?

When the Broncos called to inform me that I was their 12th round pick it was 12:30 at night on the second day of the draft and I was asleep. Jenny Anne the secretary was on the phone not Dan Reeves. I am amazed at the coverage of not only the draft but the combine too. I didn't even get invited to the combine.

What is your fondest memory for your days playing for the Denver Broncos?

Going into Cleveland with my teammates and taking the AFC Championship home in 1986.

What do you think has changed the most in the NFL since you retired in 1994?

The league has gone out of their way to protect quarterbacks and receivers. They have taken the element of courage away from those positions. It has gotten so bad that now receivers and quarterbacks are talking trash during games. The league has taken away the self policing effect of big hits on these guys. I discount any records in the passing game that are set without the threat of being hit.

Is it flattering when people refer to prospects as a Mecklenburg type player?

I played all seven defensive front positions for the Broncos, often in the course of a single game. If they mean versatile then yes it is flattering. It isn't flattering if they mean, too slow to play linebacker and too small to play lineman, like my scouting report read before the 1983 draft.

Have you ever considered getting back involved in football in either a coaching or front office capacity?

I have a career as a motivational speaker now and I love it. I can't say I haven't considered coaching or managing but the thrill of helping people and companies achieve their dreams is awesome.

Who was the toughest player you faced during your career?

The NFL is full of tough guys but someone who stands out in my mind is Brown's running back Kevin Mack. I remember when Tom Jackson and I both tackled him at the same time and his face mask was bent so badly that it had pinned his nose to one side. I thought he must have been hurt but he jumped up and ran to the sidelines while ripping off his damaged helmet. He grabbed someone else's helmet and made it back into the game for the next play.

Any current player you especially enjoy watching now in the NFL?

The hustle and pass rush ability of Elvis Dumervil of the Broncos reminds me of myself at that age.

Besides your work with the REACH Foundation how else are you spending your time these days?

I have more time to spend with my family than I did as a player. Most work days are spent writing, marketing for my speaking business, preparing for speeches, or speaking. My mission as a speaker is to inspire long term positive change in teams and individuals. This will be helped by my new book, The Heart of a Student Athlete, due out in 2009. More info at http://www.karlmecklenburg.com/

NFC East Breakdown

Dallas Cowboys: So far this off-season in Dallas it’s been about keeping the vital parts together (coaches and players); letting the market dictate the value on the back-ups, and bargain shop when you can fit it in your budget.

Positives: Keeping Jason Garrett; adding top offensive line coach, Hudson Houck; Todd Grantham, Brett Maxie, Dave Campo; Reggie Herring. Signing Flozell Adams to a long term deal, franchising Ken Hamlin, giving Marion Barber a 1st and 3rd round qualifying offer, Chris Canty a 1st round qualifying offer; and adding Zach Thomas made for a solid off-season to this point.

Negatives: They lost some depth with Jacques Reeves-CB, going to Houston; Nate Jones- CB and Keith Davis- S joining so many others in Miami; and Julius Jones-RB bolting for Seattle. Also lost coaches Tony Soprano, Paul Pasqualoni, Kacy Rodgers, and Todd Bowles. Soprano was a respected coach who should have success fairly early in Miami. Of the assistant coaches to lose, I felt Pasqualoini was the toughest loss and may be the next guy to become a head coach in this league.

Overall: It hurts losing depth, but with two first round picks next month, the Cowboys should be able to replace and likely upgrade the positions they’ve lost to this point. Dallas will need to have a good draft in order to duplicate the same success next season, as they now have a few holes to fill behind their starters but so far have not lost any vital parts. Keeping Garrett was a masterful stroke by Jerry, and they also added some great minds to their defensive staffs that may help it to not bend so much in key moments.

Washington Redskins: Talk about surprises this off-season; the Redskins are the poster child for that, as they haven’t wasted money signing vets past their prime or players that don’t warrant a monster contract. Instead, the Redskins have demonstrated financial restraint and worked at keeping their own guys and waiting for the draft (glad to see someone in D.C. worries about that type of stuff). Granted this off-season wasn’t without its headlines when it appeared they backed into hiring Jim Zorn as their head coach. That move will be highly scrutinized throughout the year and likely will appear to be a boom or bust type decision.

Positives: Keeping valuable back-ups Rock Cartwright and Todd Collins. Both guys realized that sometimes the grass isn’t greener; it’s just different grass. Dumping Brandon Lloyd was a wise move too. Lloyd’s mouth made comments that his game couldn’t back up.

Negatives: Redskins where close to be making a big run with Joe Gibbs, but now have unproven and fall back choice Jim Zorn to control everything. Still can’t figure out what happened with Gregg Williams. Zorn could have the same success that Jason Garrett did calling the plays for Dallas last year, but it’s a huge gamble for Danny Snyder. It’s as if he’s giving the keys to his new Lexus to a 16 year old that just passed his driver’s license. Very surprised he didn’t go with a more established head coach for a few years and let Zorn prepare to run a team.

Overall: Besides the panic, fallback, or desperate hire (whatever you want to call it) of Zorn, the Skins have been quiet this off-season which is a good thing for Redskins fans. Moving Greg Blache from defensive line to defensive coordinator should keep the continuity on the defense. Now they just need to hold onto their picks and get players that will fit Jim Zorn’s scheme. No wild drafts or crazy free agents moves, and Washington should stay in the playoff hunt.

NY Giants: If you look up the phrase, “catching lighting in a bottle”, there should be a picture of the 2007 NY Giants. These Super Bowl Champions were the same team that lost to Green Bay by 22 pts, to Dallas by 10 and 11 pts, Minnesota by 24 pts, Washington by 12 pts and to New England on the last game of the season. With that said, if I wore a hat, it would be off to them for the run they did in the playoffs when it counted and that’s all that matters. So far they’ve played free agency like most Super Bowl Champs, expecting a few guys to bolt and replacing them with similar talent but less expense.

Positives: First was getting Tom Coughlin to a long term contract. That was vital to show who is boss in NY. Next was not overpaying to keep players with limited talent but yet fit their scheme perfectly. Every Super Bowl team loses guys that other teams fall in love with and usually overpay for (insert Raiders: see Larry Brown and Dominic Rhodes). Also, very fortunate that Steve Spagnuolo decided to stick around at least one more year. Additions of Danny Clark, David Carr, and Sammy Knight should lessen any losses the team might have had; and with picks added, the Giants will be fine.

Negatives: Hard to say much of a negative when you end the season the way they did, but they need to make a public show of support of Jeremy Shockey. He may have finally worn out his welcome in NY City. If he is dumped, say to Miami or New Orleans, for a #2nd round pick, that will also show that Eli is the priority in NY. It’s fairly obvious that Manning improved in confidence and decision making once Shockey went down. Also losing both Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell hurts even though they have guys who can step up to replace them; all depth has been lost.

Overall: It’s good to be King of the NFL, but to stay around for a while the Giants need another successful draft to help secure that future. They also need to show a stronger consistency all season long as you can’t expect to have a 2007 type playoff run again.

Philadelphia Eagles: Clearly the most aggressive team in the division this free agency period with the big signing of Asante Samuel on the first day of free agency. The real question becomes, Will they ever give McNabb the top wide receiver he traditionally begs for every off-season? Even though he doesn’t ever really act like it, you would have to think Reid will really feel the heat next off-season if they don’t make a legit run towards the playoffs because of the lack of weapons in his offense.

Positives: Obviously the signing of Asante Samuel is huge, but grabbing DE-Chris Clemons from the Raiders was a nice move. Dan Klecko’s signing was an interesting move that will be worth following this season.

Negatives: Raise your hand if you think the Eagles can win a Super Bowl with Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown as their starting receivers. Someday Philly will make the necessary move and get the #1 WR for McNabb, hopefully it will be while he’s still young enough to really benefit and click with the player. You would have to think this is a make or break season for Andy Reid, who if he continues to be so stubborn about adding a #1 WR and getting Westbrook a backfield mate to share the load, Reid will be out as head man.

Overall: Philadelphia seems to thrive when everyone counts them out or tells them they can’t do something. For all those die hard Eagles fans, I just hope that they trade Lito Sheppard for a #1 wide receiver (say Roy Williams from Detroit) and add a back to take some carries and keep Westbrook closer to 100% near the end of the season. Granted with that said, Philly will probably keep Sheppard and draft an OT in round 1, LB in round 2 and a QB in round 3.

Well there you have it, a month before the draft, a look at how the teams in the NFC East are shaping up. Check back soon for an in-depth look at another division and send me an email on your thoughts to Patrick@footballdialogue.com

The Case for Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones

There are few athletes in professional sports with the name and well-deserved reputation of Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones. During Jones’ brief NFL career, he has quickly earned a reputation as a poster-child for troubled athletes - and a one year ban from the game – a ban which has yet to be lifted.

Recent quotes have indicated that the suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback has once again mentioned a desire to resume his career with the Dallas Cowboys. Jones made the most recent statements during a radio interview conducted with Atlanta’s 680-AM:

"I just have to do what I have to do to get back on the field,'' he said. "Hopefully it won't be long and hopefully it will be a couple of more months. I would love to play for the Cowboys, America's team.''

Now, the question buzzing around Valley Ranch and throughout the Cowboys’ fanbase:

Do the Cowboys want any part of him?

Word from Cowboys’ beat writers is that Jerry Jones and staff have had several conversations regarding Jones, signifying at least some level of interest.

The question is – should they?

I would say definitely.

Crazy?

Some might say.

Jones has a rap sheet as long as your arm and his next ‘transgression’ will probably be his last. Lawyer/Agent Manny Arora recently said “As far as the NFL is concerned, he’s on or near his last legs. The Commissioner has made his intentions clear, and the reinstatement criteria are very specific. We’re comfortable the requirements and expectations will be met.” When asked if a lifetime ban could be completely ruled out at this point, Arora stated, “I fully expect Adam to be reinstated before the 2008 season. However, if there is a lapse in decision making, then the Commissioner has the option to consider a ban."

So why should Jerry Jones and the Cowboys bother with this troublemaker? Why soil your reputation by associating with someone of Pacman’s character?

For plenty of reasons.

The most important would be that the current Cowboys could use a man of Pacman’s talents. Say what you will about him – and rightly so – but Jones has elite talent. He was developing into a quality cornerback in his second season and had shown the ability to be a top return man as well. Both are areas where the Cowboys have glaring deficiencies.

A key weakness of the Dallas defense was the play of third cornerback Jacques Reeves. He may as well have worn a bullseye instead of a number. Adam Jones is an improvement over Reeves the moment he steps back onto the field. Alongside Terrence Newman and Anthony Henry, he would arguably give the Cowboys the best trio of cornerbacks in the league.

Secondly, he would give them a huge improvement at returner over Patrick ‘Fair Catch’ Crayton. In two years as a returner, Jones returned four kicks for touchdowns and actually had a better return average in 2006 than Bears’ return man extraordinaire Devin Hester. Now before anyone jumps the gun, Jones is not Hester. Not yet anyway. But he’s obviously a dangerous return man and a significant upgrade over anyone on the Cowboys’ roster.

Another reason for optimism? The aforementioned ‘last legs’. This is a great motivator for Adam Jones to turn his life around. He knows he’s got one last chance to make things right. If not, he’ll face a lifetime ban from the league. At 24 years old, he’s got plenty of football left - if and when he returns to the field - and he knows more than anyone that he’ll never earn what he could playing football anywhere else.

Lastly, the financial aspect of the current situation could work greatly in the Cowboys’ favor. Taking a look around the current NFL landscape, one can easily see the premium being placed on the cornerback position. Former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel recently signed a 6 year $57 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. Not a bad deal if you can get it. Meanwhile, fellow cornerbacks Marcus Trufant and Nnamdi Asomugha never reached the free agent market, both being franchised at over $9 million each. Even former Cowboy Reeves – he of the bullseye – recently signed a 5 year $20 million deal with the Houston Texans.

Comparatively, Adam Jones’ current contract is due to pay him salaries of $1.2925 million, $1.7425 million, and $2.192 million. Jones’ agents have also previously stated that they would be willing to change his contract into incentives if a new team requested it. In the current NFL, that’s a bargain.

Now all is not rosy with Pacman. He would bring his reputation and ‘baggage’ with him and give the media a field day with any team who signs him. The negative PR would challenge any NFL franchise. And again, Jones’ next misstep will probably be his last. Anyone taking the chance needs to ensure themselves against a future suspension or ban. The Cowboys should still use a high draft choice on a cornerback this year, Pacman or no Pacman.

But Jerry Jones has never shied away from controversial players, or players with perceived baggage. Many teams wouldn’t have taken the chance on Terrell Owens – Jerry Jones did. Many wouldn’t have signed Tank Johnson – Jerry did. And he has to be intrigued by the possibility and opportunity Adam Jones would bring to the table. Jones often mentions opportunity when explaining hiring and signings, I can see that same quote coming from him during the Adam Jones press conference.

Surviving Until It Starts Again

As we endure the long long wait (especially with so many repeats still on network TV) until the beginning of the next college and pro football season, I thought I’d throw out some ways to occupy the time off until our days have meaning again. Granted, we have free agency now to track and the draft coming in April, but what do we do on weekends? While some casual fans may follow other sports, those of us who know the only game in town is played on a field of a hundred yards, now must fill in a lot of time until we get to enjoy those days again. It's a great chance to catch up on some reading, watch a few movies and spend time with the family.

Here are a few suggestions on how to fill each weekend until the end of August is here again:

With my full apology to ESPN’s Matt Mosley, but with his recent list there have been some great football movies in the past 20 years. One question I asked most players I’ve had the chance to interview over the past four years has been, “what is your favorite football movie?” The answer, roughly 90% of the time, is The Program; and the reason: “most like what I went through in college”.

Anyway here is a top ten list movies from the past twenty years to fill up those weekends:

The Program—see above

We Are Marshall----one of the most underrated movies of 2006

Friday Night Lights—Awesome adaptation; almost as good as the TV series

Invincible ---Great story that needed to be told

Radio –Heart warming tale that puts Cuba Gooding Jr. twice

Remember the Titans---Intense, emotional, and uplifting

Any Given Sunday—a little long but really raw

Gridiron Gang ----another great real life story that needed to be told

Junction Boys, The ---The Bear. Enough said

Rudy ---A good movie slightly overrated for my money

Best “chick-flick” football movie to watch with your wife or girlfriend and still get some football: Jerry Maguire

Best football family movie: The Game Plan

Newest football movie coming to theaters: Leatherheads—Comes out early April 2008

Best box sets to buy this summer: Friday Night Lights TV Series

For those of you that would rather read in the off-season I highly recommended the following:

Meat Market by Bruce Feldman

The Game Breaker by Kurt Bryan

The GM by Tom Callahan

Cane Mutiny by Bruce Feldman

The Draft by Pete Williams

Next Man Up by John Feinstein

The Double Move by Kurt Bryan

Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger

Total Access: The Journey to the Center of the NFL Universe by Rich Eisen

Hope this helps fill in those long, lonely weekends until football is back. If you have any suggestions, comments or additions to these lists, leave me a message or email me at Patrick@footballdialogue.com .

McFadden Could Slip to Cowboys

Will be interesting to see what Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones does when Darren McFadden starts sliding down the draft board. If the skilled running back slips to #7 I would expect the Cowboys to give up their two first round picks for the Patriots pick.

McFadden would be a great addition for Dallas, even though they have Marion Barber in the fold. It would be an outstanding 1-2 punch and give the Cowboys another playmaker on offense.
It's no secret Jones, an Arkansas alum, is enamored with McFadden and getting the Arkansas star would be a steal.

If Dallas doesn't make a serious run at free agent Warrick Dunn it will be very telling. Dunn would be the perfect compliment to Barber, so if the Cowboys pass on Dunn it's probably because they are hoping McFadden slides right into their lap!!