First Down
Last week in 4DT we briefly talked about Kaepernick’s workout that was scheduled for this past weekend. I mentioned that it was a PR scam from the NFL and this would not end with Kap getting a job in the NFL.
Whatta know: it was a scam from the NFL and Kap probably won’t get a job.
Let’s recap Saturday.
Kaepernick was scheduled to workout at the Falcons’ facility in Atlanta. The workout, mind you, was “organized” by Roger Goodell’s office and not an individual team. Yes, 25 teams agreed to attend but no high-level scouts would have been able to attend because…you know…it’s week 11 and they’re at college games or with the team prepping for the game that’s 24 hours away.
On top of that the league informed Kap that his team would not be able to independently film the workout. The NFL would send raw footage to Kap’s team but the league would send their footage to all 32 teams for them to decide if he was worthy in their eyes.
Wait, there’s more.
At the last minute the league sent Colin a waiver that had language that could potentially prohibit him for suing the league in the future.
Did the waiver proposed by the NFL to Colin Kaepernick specifically target "employment-related" claims? No.
Did the waiver raise questions regarding whether certain language could be used to attack employment-related claims later? Absolutely. https://t.co/WrxAckVzZh— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 17, 2019
The Sparknotes version: the NFL would control the narrative on Colin’s future. They could take every bad throw, put it on a reel, and send it to all 32 teams for the final nail in Kap’s professional career.
So Colin called an audible and held his workout at a local high school. He invited the media for full transparency. Eight teams showed up to the workout and watched for an hour as Kap went through his routine.
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A look at Colin Kaepernick throwing deep passes at his workout today. pic.twitter.com/qnDbObj37T
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 16, 2019
When he finished the former 49er had some words for the league and Roger Goodell.
Here’s Kaepernick’s short statement following today’s workout, via the livestream: pic.twitter.com/H4OeIVwOGo
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) November 16, 2019
Anyone who’s been paying attention probably understands why that probably didn’t sit well with the league. That’s not the shocking part. That award belongs to sports analyst who are trying their hardest to frame this as Colin pissing away an opportunity.
The legendary James Brown weighed in on CBS.
James Brown shares his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick's workout this weekend. pic.twitter.com/Mrinw0w1CU
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 17, 2019
Stephen A Smith came out guns a blazing with this hot take Saturday night.
He doesn't want to play. pic.twitter.com/ZuSI1IVW9r
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 17, 2019
He would later clarify on First Take that his point, as well as James, is that beggars can’t be choosers. If he wants to play then he should’ve compromised and worked with the NFL during this workout. Their argument is that by changing the location of the workout at the last minute, and wearing a Kunta Kinte shirt during his workout is proof that he really doesn’t want to play. I completely understand what they’re saying but…a few things about that line of logic.
- Why would Kap go through with a workout that was clearly a set up? It wasn’t the fair shot that they’re painting it as and the NFL hasn’t shown that they can be trusted with this matter.
- Kap has stated numerous times that he wants to play. He’s been training for three years; if he didn’t want to play then why train like you can get “the call” at any moment?
- Let’s not forget who James and Stephen work for. The NFL pays most of the bills at ESPN and James makes his living covering the league. Will the be willing to compromise their paychecks criticizing the source of their income?
- They speak of Colin turning down an opportunity but that’s hardly the case. It’s not like the Bengals wanted to sign him and he passed because their 0-10.
Kap’s NFL career is probably over, which shouldn’t shock anyone. The question is why is his future employment predicated on kissing the ring of the institution that started this fiasco by blackballing him for peacefully protesting.
For a fanbase that bathes in red, white, and blue this seems like the most un-American thing we could do.
Second Down
Let’s do some QB splits for the season.
QB1
64.4% COMP
3,169 YDS
7.6 Y/A
15 TD
14 INT
46.0 QBR
QB2
59.6% COMP
3,078 YDS
7.6 Y/A
19 TD
18 INT
47.7 QBR
Okay, moment of truth. Who are the QBs and which one are you taking?
Really think about it.
I’ll spill the beans.
QB1: Philip Rivers
QB2: Jameis Winston
Shocking, right? Usually when we talk about Jameis it’s in the terms of being one of the worst quarterbacks in the league, which he most certainly is.
When we talk about Rivers it’s usually framed as an aging QB chasing the final run when in reality he’s hurting his team just as much as Winston. At the end of the year it’s clear the Buccaneers will move on from Jameis and probably draft, or if they’re smart find a way to snag Cam Newton, a quarterback.
If the draft were today the Chargers would have some work to do in order to move up and draft their new signal caller. They are currently sitting at the 11th spot. Luckily for them Washington, Miami, the Jets, Tampa Bay, and Detroit aren’t in the mix for a quarterback.
Whether it’s the draft or free agency it’s time to get dam the river and move on.
Third Down
This is just a Quenton Nelson appreciation thread.
Quenton Nelson:
✅All-Pro Guard
✅Elite red zone option
✅All-time touchdown celebrator pic.twitter.com/16B84YtwNj— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 17, 2019
Quenton Nelson was an absolute animal on Sunday. One of the best run blocking performances that I've ever seen from an Offensive Lineman. Here is a video of all his pancakes for you all to thoroughly enjoy. pic.twitter.com/zoBtNwdbKW
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) November 19, 2019
Quenton Nelson breaks down the keg stand touchdown/non touchdown dance (via @OliviaRayWISH) pic.twitter.com/NWTV1TRjC4
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 18, 2019
This clip was making the rounds yesterday.
We know of Quenton Nelson’s power.
But this is terrific recognition + lateral movement to save a sack. pic.twitter.com/asGErpK7K0
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 20, 2019
Elite offensive line play >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Fourth Down
Pick time!
Last week I went 11-3 which brings the season record to 70-40.
Winners are in red.
Thursday Night Football
Indianapolis @ Houston
Sunday Afternoon
Miami @ Cleveland
Detroit @ Washington
Oakland @ New York Jets
New York Giants @ Chicago
Carolina @ New Orleans
Seattle @ Philadelphia
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Denver @ Buffalo
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Dallas @ New England
Sunday Night
Green Bay @ San Francisco
Monday Night
Baltimore @ Los Angeles Rams
Extra Points
Well, what did he say?
Caption what you think he said to Lamar 🤣
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/hDAEiI0d6o
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 21, 2019
Myles Garrett signing up for AEW soon.
Fight breaks out at the end of the Browns win over the Steelers that includes Cleveland DE Myles Garrett grabbing the helmet off of Pittsburgh QB Mason Rudolph and then hitting him in the head with it. Ugly situation. pic.twitter.com/Hz4RHuMcAo
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) November 15, 2019
Rudolph deserved to be suspended too and Pouncey was close to Aaron Hernandez so this is the best case scenario all things considered.
As always, thanks for reading.
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