Author: Bob Morris

I'm a sports writer in real life, though I've always focused on smaller communities, but that hasn't stopped me from learning more about some of the ins and outs of the NFL. You can follow me on Twitter @BobMorrisSports if you can put up with updates on the high school sports teams I cover.

Midweek Musings Bonus: 2015 NFL Season Preview

So we have arrived at the first day of the 2015 NFL season. Everybody does season previews, so somebody here at Thin Air should as well and that’s where I step forward with what was my originally planned Midweek Musings.

The only projections I’ll make are how the teams finish within a division and which teams go to the playoffs. Otherwise, I’ll talk about the observations I have about each team, their strengths and weaknesses and which coaches might have their jobs on the line. And yes, there will be as much snark as there is smart observations, so be prepared.

Let’s get this underway, shall we?
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Midweek Musings: Here We Go Again, Goodell

Just in time for the start of the season comes the latest revelations, via ESPN’s Outside the Lines, about the relationship between Roger Goodell and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; specifically, how Goodell expedited the Spygate investigation and furthered perception that Goodell favored Kraft, only for Goodell to reverse course when Ballghazi (Deadspin’s term is so much better) came along and annoyed Kraft in the process.
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Broncos Final Roster Moves: Two Claimed; Ball, Gradkowski Cut

The Denver Broncos have claimed two players off waivers.

It’s not surprising the Broncos added a tight end. The Ferentz addition is a little surprising, as one would have thought the Broncos would claim an offensive tackle.
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Meanwhile, Back At The Commish’s Office…

The Washington Post reports that NFL owners are planning to meet to discuss Roger Goodell’s role in player discipline.

Although it’s uncertain whether Goodell’s authority would be reduced, the decision to reevaluate his role resolving appeals is the first solid sign the outcome of Tom Brady’s court case could have a lasting and significant impact on his position.

“There will certainly be discussion about that,” one owner said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic. The owner said he is “not sure where it will lead.”

I would suspect any changes won’t be significant, but the fact the owners plan to meet about this indicates they see the whole ordeal with Tom Brady as an embarrassment.

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has said as much.

Midweek Musings: The Final Position Battles

Here we are, the final preseason game is upon us. Most roster position battles are finished and all that’s left is to determine who gets the final spots.

Truth be told, most position battles are already decided before training camp even begins. There are the obvious situations (did anyone think for one minute Von Miller or Chris Harris would lose his starting job?) and those in which roles were likely known but a change would have been surprising (Owen Daniels was signed to start at tight end and Shane Ray was drafted to rotate at outside linebacker).

At this point, the question becomes who sticks around as a depth or special teams player. “Special teams” is the important part, because that is where a player can best ensure his chances of making the roster. For example, if a team plans to keep five cornerbacks, four have locked up their spots, you have three remaining CBs who are about even in that department, but one is superior on special teams, that’s the player who makes the final cut.
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