Welcome to episode 7 of Grip the Laces podcast, the #1 football podcast in the world, where we talk all things football and more. My name is Bruce alongside my cohost JR and we also have a returning guest, my wife and JR’s sister, Raelynn. Today we’ll be talking about…

* What position do you think is the most important to build around?* Interesting article by NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks came out about the number of ways to build a championship team* He mentions that top teams have steady players in the following areas* 1 franchise quarterback* 3 offensive lineman* 3 offensive playmakers* 2 pass rushers* 3 defensive playmakers* Listed these teams as Championship ready or best well built teams going into the new year…* New England Patriots* Cleveland Browns* Los Angeles Rams* Dallas Cowboys* Chicago Bears* Philadelphia Eagles* Los Angeles Chargers* New Orleans Saints* Pittsburgh Steelers* Kansas City Chiefs

* Quick News:* WR Adam Thielen and the Minnesota Vikings agree to 4 year extension worth $64 million * Patriots DB, Patrick Chung, agrees to 1 year extension through the 2021 season worth an additional $6 million to his existing contract* Panthers sign WR Chris Hogan to a 1 year deal

Rae – NFC Predictions

NFC EastRecord1Cowboys 10-62Eagles9-73Redskins7-94Giants4-12NFC NorthRecord1Bears11-52Packers8-83Vikings 7-94Lions5-11NFC SouthRecord1Saints13-32Panthers8-83Falcons 7-94Buccaneers 4-12NFC WestRecord1Rams13-32Seahawks 10-6349ers5-114Cardinals 4-12

Non-football Topics:

* Tiger Woods wins 2019 Masters* 1st major since 2008* 15th total major* 2nd all time behind Jack nicklaus who has 6

Welcome to episode 6 of Grip the Laces podcast, the #1 football podcast in the world, where we talk all things football and more. My name is Bruce and today JR wasn’t able to make it so his fill in for today is none other than my beautiful wife, Raelynn and today we’ll be talking about…

* Bleacher Report releases big article about the Rodgers and mike McCarthy breakup* AAF suspended operations earlier this week. They issued an official apology stating the following, “This week, we made the difficult decision to suspend all football operations for the Alliance of American Football. We understand the difficulty that this decision has caused for many people and for that we are very sorry. This is not the way we wanted it to end, but we are also committed to working on solutions for all outstanding issues to the best of our ability. Due to ongoing legal processes, we are unable to comment further or share details about the decision.“We are grateful to our players, who delivered quality football and may now exercise their NFL-out clauses in our contract. We encourage them to continue pursuing their dreams and wish them the best. We are grateful to our fans, who have been true believers from the beginning, and to our world-class partners. And to the Alliance coaches and employees who devoted their valuable time and considerable talent to this venture, we are forever grateful.”

Rae – AFC Predictions

AFC EastRecord1Patriots 12-42Dolphins 8-83Bills 7-94Jets5-11AFC NorthRecord1Steelers 10-62Browns 9-73Ravens8-84Bengals6-11AFC SouthRecord1Texans 10-62Colts 9-73Titans8-84Jaguars5-11AFC WestRecord1Chiefs 12-42Chargers11-43Broncos 7-94Raiders4-12

NFL

Rule Changes & Predicting Who Wins the AFC & NFC Divisions for 2019

Owners make pass interference, non-calls reviewable

* On Tuesday March 26th, NFL Owners voted on a new rule proposal that allows for offensive and defensive pass interference* Owners passed the vote 31-1 (Bengals only team to vote against)* Coaches would be allowed to challenge a play in the first 28 minutes of each half* Remember last 2 minutes go to a booth review* So far we know that this will take into effect for the new season* After the meeting/rule proposal Goodell said, “Replay has an important tool for us. It wasn’t able to correct something we wanted to have corrected in the past. That to me was the driving force at the end of the day,” Goodell said. “Our job is to get these right and we should use every available means to get them right. Replay is a great means to * be able to do that. “Will this solve every problem? Will this get us to perfect? It’s the old saying, right? Don’t let perfect get in the way of better. This is a very natural evolution and obviously a very positive thing.”

Greg Schiano steps down from Patriots coaching staff

* Announced on Thursday March 28th that he was stepping down as New England Patriots defensive coordinator* In his statement he said, “I have informed Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick that I am stepping down from my position at the Patriots,” the de facto defensive coordinator said in a statement released by the team. “This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and family. I don’t want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the game to recalibrate my priorities.”

Bruce – NFC Predictions                     JR – AFC Predictions

AFC EastRecordNFC EastRecord1Patriots10-61Eagles10-62Bills 8-82Cowboys 9-73Jets8-83Redskins8-84Dolphins2-144Giants4-12AFC NorthRecordNFC NorthRecord1Steelers9-71Bears11-52Browns8-82Packers9-73Bengals6-103Vikings8-84Ravens5-114Lions7-9AFC SouthRecordNFC SouthRecord1Colts12-41Saints11-52Titans9-72Panthers10-63Texans8-83Falcons 9-74Jaguars6-104Buccs4-7AFC WestRecordNFC WestRecord1Chargers13-31Rams11-52Broncos7-92Seahawks 11-53Raiders6-10349ers8-84Chiefs6-104Cardinals 3-13

Non – Football Topics

Ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor announces his retirement — again

* Went on Twitter Monday night March 25th and wrote, “Hey guys quick announcement, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as “Mixed Martial Art” today. I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition. I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement. Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!”* Here is the interesting fact from this – Monday (the same day), he was a featured guest on Jimmy Fallon’s late night talk show and he mentioned looking forward to a next potential fight. “The fight game is a mad game, but like I said, to my fans, I am in shape and I am ready. There are a lot of opponents (out there).”* Not the first time he announced his “retirement” – in 2016 after losing to Nate Diaz he decided to “retire young”. Months later he got back in the octagon and beat Nate Diaz

Rob Gronkowski announces retirement on Instagram

* 4th Round pick by Pats from University of Arizona* 115 Regular season games: 521 receptions, 7,861 yards, 80 touchdowns (79 receiving, 1 rushing)* 16 Playoff games: 81 receptions, 1,163 yards, and 12 touchdowns (All records for a Tight End)* 3x Super Bowl Champion, 5x Pro Bowler, 4x First team All Pro* In 2011, set an NFL single-season record for 18 touchdowns and 1,327 receiving yards by a tight end* Inn 2010,11, and 12 – 1st TE in NFL history with 3 straight 10+ touchdown seasons* Only TE in NFL history to post 3 seasons of 1,000 yards receiving and 10+ touchdowns (2011, 14, 15)

Prosecutors reportedly offer deal to drop prostitution solicitation charges against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft

Here’s what we know or at least what is reported…

* Back in October of 2018, police in Jupiter, Florida were suspicious of a day spa named Orchids of Asia Day Spa* On Thursday January 17, 2019, cops set-up cameras surveillance camera in the massage rooms* Saturday the 19th during the day, Kraft pays for and receives sexual services. This visit goes on for about 40 minutes. Shortly after he leaves, police pull him over and identify him* Sunday the 20th in the morning, he goes back to the same spa and pays for and receives sexual services. Attends AFC Championship Game later that night* Pleaded not guilty to 2 counts of solicitation* Kraft has never specifically denied receiving sexual services* On Monday, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s office offered Kraft and others a diversion deal (erase/remove completely their cases and seal all evidences) if certain conditions were met* Conditions include: Drop misdemeanor solicitation charges if the men pay $5,000 for each offense* Complete an educational course about prostitution* Submit to testing for STD’s and admit in court that they would have been found guilty had the case gone to trial* A source close to Kraft said, “That’s not going to happen. Rather fight the charges in court than admit to a crime”* This past Wednesday, Kraft and other defendants are seeking to block and release of surveillance video evidence* More recently as of Saturday the 23rd, Kraft made his first comments open to the public* “I am truly sorry”* “I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard”* “Throughout my life, I have always to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. I have extraordinary respect for woman; my morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years”

Randall Cobb to the Dallas Cowboys

* Signed a 1 year, $5 million deal* Will replace Cole Beasley, who signed with the Bills* In the last 3 seasons, Beasley ran 87% of his routes from the slot vs Cobb who ran 81% for the Packers* Similar career catch percentage Cobb’s percentage is 69.7% (470 catches in 675 targets) versus Beasley’s 70.1% (319 catches in 475 attempts)* Injury prone* Hamstring* Concussion* Productivity gone down (Yards per game each season in the last 4 seasons have decreased)

Vontaze Burfict released by Cincinnati Bengals, signs with Oakland Raiders

* Released by Bengals on Monday* Signed a 1 year, $5 million deal Tuesday* Paul Guenther, Raiders’ defensive coordinator -> former Bengals’ linebacker coach and defensive coordinator* In 3 of his 7 seasons in the league, he has totaled over 100+ tackles. Even lead the league in tackles in 2013. * Suspended for 4 games during 2018 season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy* Fined 6 different times for some type of unnecessary roughness* Histo...

* Odell Beckham Jr traded to the Cleveland Browns for the Browns’ first round pick in this years draft (pick #19), their second 3rd round pick (pick #95), and Jabrill PeppersBrowns have 11 players on their roster who are at the age of 26 years or younger

* History between Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr* Teammates in high school* Both joined LSU at freshmen in 2011* In their three seasons with the Tigers, they combined for 4,149 receiving yard and 27 touchdowns.* In 2013, they posted the 3rd and 4th most receiving yards in a season* Recorded a combined 288 receptions in their first 3 NFL seasons* NFL suspend RB Kareem Hunt for first 8 games of the season* Adam Schefter: “With video evidence, Hunt is fortunate the suspension wasn’t longer”* “Stephen A Smith: “Sounds about right”* Rookie Season – Played and started all 16 games. Rushed for 1,327 years and scored 8 touchdowns. Received yards was 455 and 3 touchdowns.* Last season played and started 11 games before his suspension. 824 yards, 7 touchdowns. 378 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns (increase from 2016)* Ray Rice: indefinite suspension

2. Le’Veon Bell has signed with the New York Jets (4 year deal for $52.5 million)

* Missed all of 2018 NFL season (held out)* Turned down $14.45 million franchise tag offer* Career 5,336 yards rushing (4th in Steelers franchise history) and 2,660 yards receiving* Bottom in the league in yards, years per attempt, touchdowns, and yards per game

    Also Signed WR Jamison Crowder (25 years old)

* From 2015-2017, he caught 131 passes for 1,615 yards out of the slot (6th best in the NFL in that time frame* 2015, 2016, 2018 – 3rd on team in reception yards (Other receivers such as Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Jordan Reed, and Vernon Davis)* 2017 – 1st on team* Two problems – Injury and Fumbling* Last year suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 4 last season, and only played 9 games while starting 7* Touched the ball 323 times which includes 86 punt returns. He has fumbled 12 times -> every 27 touches is 1 fumble. Highest rate since 2015 of any player of 300+ touches

3. Nick Foles signs w/ Jacksonville Jaguars (opts out of contract) (4 Years $88 million)

* 30 years old* 1 Super Bowl Ring and Super Bowl MVP (Guided Philadelphia Eagles after Carson Wentz torn ACL in week 14 of the season)* Record of 33-21 during regular season and 4-2 during playoffs* 68 Touchdowns and 33 Interceptions (88.5 QB Rating)

4. LT Trent Brown, FS Lamarcus Joyner, WR Tyrell Williams to the Oakland Raiders

    Williams: Receiving yards went down 1,059 -> 728 ->653 (Played and started all 16 games)

    Joyner: 67 career games – 4 interceptions

Desean Jackson traded to the Philadelphia Eagles (Along with 2020 7th round pick for a 6th round pick)

    Released by Eagles in March of 2014

        Maybe because of “character issues”, gang related, and/or personality clashes with then head coach Chip Kelly

        (Held out of training camp and unhappy with Eagle’s unwillingness to give him a new contract in 2011)

“I’m excited. I’m blessed.” After arriving in Philly Monday nightAlso signed defensive lineman – Malik Jackson

Won Super Bowl ring with Denver Broncos

Moved on to Jacksonville Jaguars

Helped lead team to AFC Championship Game

Pro Bowler (Career best 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles)

* Antonio Brown: traded to

the Oakland Raiders ($30. 1 million guaranteed over 3 years with an additional

$24 million in incentives)* Eric Weddle to Rams: Weddle

cut by Baltimore; signed to Rams 2-year deal $12.5 million w/ $5.2 million

guaranteed replace Lamarcus Joyner * DE Michael bennet traded to Pats: Eagles

trade DE Michael Bennet to Patriots for 4th & 5th

round picks (big considering Pats not looking to re-sign Trey Flowers)* Carlos Hyde to the Chiefs: Hyde

released by the Jack Jaguars and signed to a 1-year deal for $2.8 million to

the KC Chiefs* Case Keenum to Redskins: Broncos

trade Keenum to the Washington Redskins along with a 7th round pick for

a 6th rounder from Denver* Justin

Houston released by Chiefs* Trent Brown projected to earn $14.4

million on next contract: Pats not likely to sign Lt Trent

Brown. According to Sport Trac he’s projected to earn $14.4 million per year

with his next contract; considerable increase from earning $1.8 million w/ Pats

* Antonio Brown: new leaders in landing AB are Redskins & Titans* Antonio Brown tosses Big Ben under the bus on LeBron James’ “The Shop”* Joe Flacco trade to Denver; how will he do?* Case Keenum: what will happen to him? Will he get cut or rumored trade to one of the Florida Teams?* Ryan Tannehill: Will Dolphins trade Tannehill to Washington? Redskins without QB Alex Smith and Dolphins looking to move Tannehill* Dwayne Allen released by the Pats; What’s the Pats intention? Relying on Gronk or looking to draft high on TE?* Where will Le’Veon Bell end up? Rumored leader is Oakland* Nick Foles possible move to Jags?* What team will Colin Kaepernick play for this season? Rumored: Pats & Oakland