What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

How The T.O. Saga Will Play (1 Viewer)

T.O may very well put up numbers next season, but frankly I'm shocked people still feel he's capable of some cathartic improvement  to his personality. I've rarely been as confident as I am saying the moment he has a couple big games the rah-rah team will fall by the wayside and every comment out of his mouth will hint as to how it's a joke that he got an incentive laden contract given how obviously skilled he is. If the guy is still a jerk at 32, he always will be.
Hi Jim,My favorite Jimmy Johnson quote: "I'd sign Charles Manson if he could run a 4.3 40". :yes:

J
Hi Joe, That doesn't mean half the Jimmy Johnson's team wouldn't be dead by the time his 4.3 player got done in the shower.

 
Just remember, with T.O., this year's bargain is next year's headache if he's not "justly" paid. The Eagles thought they were getting a bargain by obtaining him before he could hit free agency.

 
My TO prediction is that he will end up getting a sizable contract. A few months ago very few teams would have been interested in him. But he's basically stayed out of trouble since then and it appears that more than a few teams are ready to take a chance of him. Someone will pony up a contract that pays him well.With the free agent crop of WRs(Wayne?, Randle El, JJ, etc) not looking very strong Drew and company will yet again get a big contract signed.Signing him for a small contract with big potential based on numbers is fast becoming a pipe dream. And I'm not sure I'd want TO with kind on contract anyways. What are the odds that if the team is doing well and TO is playing well but not getting TDs/yards(or whatever) that make him the big money, that he'll just keep quiet for the good of the team? TO will get his money.

 
He'll be a Cowboy. Don't be shocked when it happens.
As I said in so many words above, I wouldn't be shocked. The interesting thing to me would be, if you thought the Jones-Parcells relationship was awkward, just imagine Jones-Parcells-Owens.

Also, after the whole dancing-on-the-star episode a few years back, how will Cowboys fans take to him?

 
Agreed on all fronts. Although personally I think he'll sign at least a 2-year deal with the "understanding" that if he plays up to his potential, he wants more $$$$ in 2007.

My early pick...Green Bay. TO knows the offense inside and out [McCarthy is going to run a "traditiona" WCO], would be a "help me win now" player that Favre is no doubt going to demand if he stays, and...Let's not forget that the Packers have brought in Andre Rison and Terry Glenn [admittedly a different GM running the show], and Thompson is no stranger to second chances, having been in Seattle during the Koren Robinson years.
Personally, I don't see GB as a serious candidate. Owens is going to want more than a 1 yr deal, so assume a 2 yr incentive laden deal.The scenarios are:

1-Favre retires now,.............forget about TO.

2-Favre returns in 2006, has a horrible season & the team tanks and then Favre retires after the 2006 season............what then for TO in 2007?

3-Favre returns for 2006 & 2007, team rebounds with Favre and TO. (but does Favre retire after the 2007 season?)

Only 1 out of the 3 above scenarios works with Favre and TO.

My call is:

1-Dallas (nobody has brought up IF Keyshawn and TO could get along together on the same team)

2-KC

 
[Teams I think could sign TO next year include:

Dallas -- Parcells has the ego to control TO [and the resume], Jones would spend the money, Owens could stay in the division to prove Philly wrong, the Cowboys want to "win now" with Bledsoe and Parcells on their latter legs
Would Jones take him even after the "dancing on the star" incident? I don't like Dallas very much as it is, but at least i still respect them for what they've accomplished over the years as a franchise. If the Cowboys get TO, I will lose the respect as well.

 
I'd actually be surprised if he ended up anywhere except Dallas. In addition to points made by others earlier in this thread, don't underestimate the Michael Irvin factor. Owens and Irvin are friends who speak regularly, and I'm sure Irvin has Owens' ear on this one. Being the star on "America's Team" is what TO will want. Jones will want him there. Done deal.Count me among those who also believe it'll be a relatively short honeymoon, and that TO will not learn from the past. By the second year (if not the first) he will begin to wear out his welcome, helped of course by ESPN and others who love to get him to say things to create stories, and he just isn't capable of avoiding opening his mouth and saying the wrong thing. Owens and any team he signs with is a :tfp: waiting to happen, and this time it'll be the Cowboys' turn on the tracks.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Agreed on all fronts. Although personally I think he'll sign at least a 2-year deal with the "understanding" that if he plays up to his potential, he wants more $$$$ in 2007.

My early pick...Green Bay. TO knows the offense inside and out [McCarthy is going to run a "traditiona" WCO], would be a "help me win now" player that Favre is no doubt going to demand if he stays, and...Let's not forget that the Packers have brought in Andre Rison and Terry Glenn [admittedly a different GM running the show], and Thompson is no stranger to second chances, having been in Seattle during the Koren Robinson years.
FAAAAARRRRRRRRRVVVVVVVRRRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
 
Teams I think could sign TO next year include:

Denver -- Needs a WR, it's a WC offense, Shanny has the ego to think he can control TO where others couldn't, they are a contender.
On HBO's "Inside the NFL", Peter King mentioned that Denver is the clear frontrunner for T.O.'s services. Of course, I am guessing that King is going more on inuition than any real proof.
 
Agreed on all fronts. Although personally I think he'll sign at least a 2-year deal with the "understanding" that if he plays up to his potential, he wants more $$$$ in 2007.

My early pick...Green Bay. TO knows the offense inside and out [McCarthy is going to run a "traditiona" WCO], would be a "help me win now" player that Favre is no doubt going to demand if he stays, and...Let's not forget that the Packers have brought in Andre Rison and Terry Glenn [admittedly a different GM running the show], and Thompson is no stranger to second chances, having been in Seattle during the Koren Robinson years.
I could see some contract escalators being used to bump up his salary in year 2 if he and/or the team meets certain incentives in year 1.As for Green Bay, aren't they already pretty set at WR with Walker and Driver in place? Given their cap problems, uncertainty at RB, and issues on defense, I don't think Owens would be a big priority there. I also think Owens would walk all over a rookie coach like McCarthy.
Green Bay is currently $16 million under the cap for 2006, but I agree that Owens should not be a big priority. As for Owens to Green Bay, it's not an elite WR holding the team back from a Super Bowl run. A healthy Walker will help plenty and all Owens would do is help Favre pad his stats a bit before he retires. I'm sure Owens would help get a few more regular season wins and possibly help get them back into the playoffs, but what happens in the playoffs when you don't have a defense is another early exit. Green Bay still needs some help on defense before a solid playoff run should even be discussed.

Bob Harlan has given Ted Thompson his full support, and Thompson getting Favre one last Super Bowl run might not be the #1 priority on his list right now. He is bringing all his guys and seems to be looking down the road a few years. The way he drafted last year by taking Rodgers (who was a great value at #24) and Murphy, who both could end up being very nice picks in a few years, just doesn't seem like much help for the team now, when there are still many weaknesses on the defense. IF, Thompson is somehow able to bring Owens in along with insuring we have a set of capable RB's, some help on the Oline and getting some help on defense, than I'm all for it. But that is a hell of a lot to ask for from one draft and $16 million, and all these hopes put on a rookie HC.

As a Packer homer, I definitely want to see them back in the playoffs, but not on some two year fix that will get them regular season wins but early exits. If that is Thompson's plan than I really question some of his moves. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I think most Packer fans are seeing it now and know we could be in for a couple of rough years. But I believe most will agree that if Thompson is dead set on a rebuilding to do it right and no quick fixes. Heck, that stadium will still be sold out every game even if they lost for the next 10 years. We have been through it before and we will do it again. And if not, maybe I'll move up the season ticket list. ;)

 
Teams I think could sign TO next year include:

Denver -- Needs a WR, it's a WC offense, Shanny has the ego to think he can control TO where others couldn't, they are a contender.
On HBO's "Inside the NFL", Peter King mentioned that Denver is the clear frontrunner for T.O.'s services. Of course, I am guessing that King is going more on inuition than any real proof.
Denver is very solid as a team right now but IMO has no true dominate offensive player to put a real fear in defenses. A player like Owens would give them that.
 
In order for the Chiefs to get in the mix, they need to determine what the status is with Roaf & Shields.

$10M for 2 seasons for Owens is a bargain, especially since 07 has a chance of being an uncapped year.
Owens would play in Kansas City for sure. Trent Green is a good enough QB that he'll get the ball plenty, and Eddie Kennison has done an admirable job but is miscast as the #1. Teams I think could sign TO next year include:

Dallas -- Parcells has the ego to control TO [and the resume], Jones would spend the money, Owens could stay in the division to prove Philly wrong, the Cowboys want to "win now" with Bledsoe and Parcells on their latter legs

Denver -- Needs a WR, it's a WC offense, Shanny has the ego to think he can control TO where others couldn't, they are a contender
Green Bay -- For the reasons I've already stated
Kansas City -- Herm was open to bringing TO aboard two years ago, there's a need, the team is aging so it's a bit of "win now" at play
Miami -- Saban is a disciplinarian and has the ego to convince himself that "it will be different." Don't think he didn't see Corey Dillon act the model citizen in NE with his buddy and then see Ricky Will under him last year and think otherwise
Oakland -- I don't think TO is a good fit here, but with Al Davis, you never count anything out
Tampa Bay -- Gruden has the ego, Galloway is getting old, Simms throws a nice deep ball, they're a contender
Washington -- Not sure if Gibbs would put up with him, but Snyder would spend the money, Owens would like staying in the division, and they need another WR
Great commentary... my input:I agree with most of these... however, I can't see him playing in Miami or Oakland - neither has a QB!

I also can't see him in GB - simpley because of everything I've read about Thompson spending money on FAs. Can't really see him in TB either - not sure TO would be sold on either of the QBs.

DEN, DAL & KC would seem like the most logical fits.

I think KC or WAS would be the most amazing places - KC's offense with the balance that LJ offers would be unreal! Now I know the WAS pick is odd being that Brunnell is over the hill, Campbell has yet to see the field & Ramsey is all but out in WAS... but can you imagine TO in an Al Saunders run offense?!?! I'm drooling just thinking of how wonderful it is to still own TO in Dynasty-land! :excited:

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Agreed on all fronts. Although personally I think he'll sign at least a 2-year deal with the "understanding" that if he plays up to his potential, he wants more $$$$ in 2007.

My early pick...Green Bay. TO knows the offense inside and out [McCarthy is going to run a "traditiona" WCO], would be a "help me win now" player that Favre is no doubt going to demand if he stays, and...Let's not forget that the Packers have brought in Andre Rison and Terry Glenn [admittedly a different GM running the show], and Thompson is no stranger to second chances, having been in Seattle during the Koren Robinson years.
Yes Jason. Can easily see that.
Your concurrence with Wood seems to contradict your statement quoted below:
Second point will be "the final piece of the puzzle". The talking points will be what a fantastic team XXXX is and he just hopes he can help "put them over the top". The more sense that makes with the team, the more likely it'll be to happen. Lots of sense in Chicago for example. Not much sense in Oakland.
So it wouldn't make much sense for Owens to go to a Raiders team which is coming off a 4-12 season, yet you can easily see Owens going to a Packers team which is also coming off a 4-12 season? Please explain.The Raiders with Owens & Moss would be just as likely to end up in playoffs as the Packers would with Owens & Walker. But both defenses stink, so it's unlikely that he would put either team "over the top" as you phrased it.

 
TO, ala Jerry Rice, will go WCO to WCO. Denver, TBay or Green Bay. Of course, If Seattle falters they could get him too. I think he'll take less to stay in a WCO.

 
In order for the Chiefs to get in the mix, they need to determine what the status is with Roaf & Shields.

$10M for 2 seasons for Owens is a bargain, especially since 07 has a chance of being an uncapped year.
Owens would play in Kansas City for sure. Trent Green is a good enough QB that he'll get the ball plenty, and Eddie Kennison has done an admirable job but is miscast as the #1. Teams I think could sign TO next year include:

Dallas -- Parcells has the ego to control TO [and the resume], Jones would spend the money, Owens could stay in the division to prove Philly wrong, the Cowboys want to "win now" with Bledsoe and Parcells on their latter legs

Denver -- Needs a WR, it's a WC offense, Shanny has the ego to think he can control TO where others couldn't, they are a contender
Green Bay -- For the reasons I've already stated
Kansas City -- Herm was open to bringing TO aboard two years ago, there's a need, the team is aging so it's a bit of "win now" at play
Miami -- Saban is a disciplinarian and has the ego to convince himself that "it will be different." Don't think he didn't see Corey Dillon act the model citizen in NE with his buddy and then see Ricky Will under him last year and think otherwise
Oakland -- I don't think TO is a good fit here, but with Al Davis, you never count anything out
Tampa Bay -- Gruden has the ego, Galloway is getting old, Simms throws a nice deep ball, they're a contender
Washington -- Not sure if Gibbs would put up with him, but Snyder would spend the money, Owens would like staying in the division, and they need another WR
:goodposting: Good summary Jason.

I was thinking that you'd need a strong HC, an aging QB, and a team that needed one game breaker on offense to get to win NOW. To me, that screams Dallas. I can see KC and Denver as well, but the problem I see in KC is that the offense seems to swirl around the running backs and then Gonzo. TO won't like being in a smaller market either - something people have not mentioned yet on this thread. Dallas is a "sexy" team with numerous games on national TV. That's all about TO. The Irvin Factor also leans towards Dallas.

Denver and KC just don't get enough limelight for Mr. Owens.

And as far as TO keeping a low profile - I recall a certain commercial for some cell phone company during the playoffs. He wants all the attention he can get.

I'll throw one more thing out there that hasn't been mentioned yet. Not that I want this to happen, but the door isn't 100% closed for a return to Philadelphia. I know I know I know, but all I'm saying is that Tom Heckert said that he will consider the situation in the offseason and go from there. Just making mention of it.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Agreed on all fronts. Although personally I think he'll sign at least a 2-year deal with the "understanding" that if he plays up to his potential, he wants more $$$$ in 2007.

My early pick...Green Bay. TO knows the offense inside and out [McCarthy is going to run a "traditiona" WCO], would be a "help me win now" player that Favre is no doubt going to demand if he stays, and...Let's not forget that the Packers have brought in Andre Rison and Terry Glenn [admittedly a different GM running the show], and Thompson is no stranger to second chances, having been in Seattle during the Koren Robinson years.
Yes Jason. Can easily see that.
Your concurrence with Wood seems to contradict your statement quoted below:
Second point will be "the final piece of the puzzle". The talking points will be what a fantastic team XXXX is and he just hopes he can help "put them over the top".  The more sense that makes with the team, the more likely it'll be to happen. Lots of sense in Chicago for example. Not much sense in Oakland.
So it wouldn't make much sense for Owens to go to a Raiders team which is coming off a 4-12 season, yet you can easily see Owens going to a Packers team which is also coming off a 4-12 season? Please explain.The Raiders with Owens & Moss would be just as likely to end up in playoffs as the Packers would with Owens & Walker. But both defenses stink, so it's unlikely that he would put either team "over the top" as you phrased it.
Hi Raider,I just think the Raiders think they already got their "great WR to help the passing game" piece of the puzzle in Moss. A healthy GB WR corps would be an improvement over what they had this year but it still seems like a void to me. The Raiders could still go for it, but I don't see Moss and Owens co-existing. Keyshawn and Owens, maybe. But not Moss and Owens.

J

 
Denver is very solid as a team right now but IMO has no true dominate offensive player to put a real fear in defenses. A player like Owens would give them that.
Owens would make Denver a scary team. Shanny's run schemes + T.O. = offensive gold.
 
Also, after the whole dancing-on-the-star episode a few years back, how will Cowboys fans take to him?
Hi Red,I think after the first TD and win, all that goes out the window. It'll be the same way Yankee fans cheer for Johnny Damon.

Sports fans are the ultimate what have you done for me lately people. Owens would be fine in Dallas.

J

 
This is from the T.0. to Chicago thread but it's a more general thing and thought it might be fun to track it in it's own thread.

Here's how I see the T.O. saga playing out.

I think whoever signs TO this time around is going to get a great bargain. His past actions will allow a team to sign him to a 1 or 2 year incentive laden contract that will help keep him in line and keep him motivated to produce.

This report was discussed in depth on ESPN Radio yesterday. The Bears denied it by saying that "it would be considered tampering". But, the Eagles have already given permission to Owens and Drew Rosenhaus to seek a trade, so the meeting would be perfectly permissible. Everybody who the station called to try and confirm the report (including the restaurant where they were seen), responded that they "could not confirm or deny" it. So, it certainly seems like this definitely happened, but its also likely that Owens is having these kinds of meetings with GMs all over the league right now.

I'm not sure he'd be a great fit in Chicago personality wise, but he would certainly give the Bears a much more explosive offense. And, if he ever got out of line, I'm sure Olin Kreutz could smack him around a little bit.
Exactly Aaron.Not sure if it'll be Chicago but this is how it'll start.

And then it plays along like this:

First thing to be identified will be "the problem" that is now solved. From SF to PHI, it was the QB. Now in Donovan, he had the QB he'd always wanted.

I'm guessing the "problem" now will be the lack of respect from PHI and how they didn't appreciate him risking his career playing hurt. Expect to see how happy and at peace he is now that he's finally playing for a classy organization that respects their players. It's all he's ever really wanted....

Second point will be "the final piece of the puzzle". The talking points will be what a fantastic team XXXX is and he just hopes he can help "put them over the top". The more sense that makes with the team, the more likely it'll be to happen. Lots of sense in Chicago for example. Not much sense in Oakland.

The third item will be how he's learned and matured. Expect to never see the defiant TO at the Eagles press conference but see a ton of replay of the humble T.O. at the "next question" press conference at his house. He learned from the past (probably won't say mistakes) and now is ready to finish his career helping a team that really wants him win a Super Bowl.

Mark it down.

J
What exactly am I marking down? Spin will happen. Would you expect TO to come on the air and say "I am the same person I was with Philly, give me my money and dont talk to me". I mean seriously, what are the options for TO at this point? You post seems like "I told you so" to any NFL GM who considers signing TO. Do you really think every NFL GM doesnt understand exactly what you are saying? Do you think NFL GM's want "cancer's" like TO? No one wants those types, but there is one inherrent problem here:TO is one of the best WR's in the NFL ... right now

This creates a huge problem for GM's Everyone wants TO, no one wants the baggage. That leaves GM's with two options. The first being passing on TO, and the second being trying to work with TO on the team.

This isnt rocket science. Everyone knows exactly what TO brings to the table. Everyone knows that he will have his awesome up's and his horrendous downs. This is a fact, everyone knows it.

 
T.O may very well put up numbers next season, but frankly I'm shocked people still feel he's capable of some cathartic improvement to his personality. I've rarely been as confident as I am saying the moment he has a couple big games the rah-rah team will fall by the wayside and every comment out of his mouth will hint as to how it's a joke that he got an incentive laden contract given how obviously skilled he is. If the guy is still a jerk at 32, he always will be.
Hi Jim,My favorite Jimmy Johnson quote: "I'd sign Charles Manson if he could run a 4.3 40". :yes:

J
Sig worthy! :blackdot:
 
It is my opinion that T.O. has a serious sports hernia problem, but is unwilling (for whatever reason) to have the necessary surgery to repair the injury.
You would be correct. TO's sports hernia was openly discussed while he was still an Eagle and McNabb was struggling with his.
 
First thing to be identified will be "the problem" that is now solved. From SF to PHI, it was the QB. Now in Donovan, he had the QB he'd always wanted.

I'm guessing the "problem" now will be the lack of respect from PHI and how they didn't appreciate him risking his career playing hurt. Expect to see how happy and at peace he is now that he's finally playing for a classy organization that respects their players. It's all he's ever really wanted....

Second point will be "the final piece of the puzzle". The talking points will be what a fantastic team XXXX is and he just hopes he can help "put them over the top". The more sense that makes with the team, the more likely it'll be to happen. Lots of sense in Chicago for example. Not much sense in Oakland.

The third item will be how he's learned and matured. Expect to never see the defiant TO at the Eagles press conference but see a ton of replay of the humble T.O. at the "next question" press conference at his house. He learned from the past (probably won't say mistakes) and now is ready to finish his career helping a team that really wants him win a Super Bowl.

Mark it down.

J
IMHO you've perfectly described the press conference announcing his signing and the first six weeks of the season. Thereafter, it'll be SF and Philly all over again, growing over time.
I think you're right, and history is on your side. Last year, after the Eagles' Super Bowl appearance, Owens's image was at a high point and the Eagles looked like a favorite to repeat the Super Bowl appearance. And he ruined that. Not only did he hold out and disrupt purposely to get more money, he also trashed his QB and his team's management in the press. If he's disrupting things in a situation where things are as good as they're going to get ----- the exact situation he was in at the beginning of the 2005 season with the Eagles ---- then he'll certainly disrupt worse situations as well. Yes, getting some money will mollify him for awhile, but not for a whole season. The guy just screwed up the best situation he'll ever be in.

 
I'd actually be surprised if he ended up anywhere except Dallas. In addition to points made by others earlier in this thread, don't underestimate the Michael Irvin factor. Owens and Irvin are friends who speak regularly, and I'm sure Irvin has Owens' ear on this one. Being the star on "America's Team" is what TO will want. Jones will want him there. Done deal.

Count me among those who also believe it'll be a relatively short honeymoon, and that TO will not learn from the past. By the second year (if not the first) he will begin to wear out his welcome, helped of course by ESPN and others who love to get him to say things to create stories, and he just isn't capable of avoiding opening his mouth and saying the wrong thing. Owens and any team he signs with is a

:tfp:

waiting to happen, and this time it'll be the Cowboys' turn on the tracks.
:goodposting: I feel this is the most likely scenario. It will be interesting to see how Cowboys fans will react if the team signs him. Winning does a lot to heal old wounds.
 
It is my opinion that T.O. has a serious sports hernia problem, but is unwilling (for whatever reason) to have the necessary surgery to repair the injury.
You would be correct. TO's sports hernia was openly discussed while he was still an Eagle and McNabb was struggling with his.
I would love to read more on this - has T.O. been officially diagnosed, and why isn't he pursuing surgery? Do you have a link to throw me on that, please? I read a really interesting article on McNabb's situation (that also discussed other sports figures) and a new surgical option available in Europe for repairing sports hernias back in October (much quicker recovery period), but I didn't see a discussion of T.O. in that article or in a bunch of others about McNabb's situation (in reference to T.O. also having a sports hernia, I mean).

Sports Hernia Surgery option in Europe, 10/19/05

If T.O.'s been diagnosed with a sports hernia and isn't pursuing treatment, I'll want to mention that in my injury article for the 2006 Footballguys.com Strategy guide. I see that he was listed by the Eagles as "probable" on 9/21/05 and 9/28/05 ( Eagles Injury Log on CNNSI.com) due to an abdominal/groin complaint, but I don't recall it ever being defined as a sports hernia.

Please advise.

MW

 
It is my opinion that T.O. has a serious sports hernia problem, but is unwilling (for whatever reason) to have the necessary surgery to repair the injury.
You would be correct. TO's sports hernia was openly discussed while he was still an Eagle and McNabb was struggling with his.
I would love to read more on this - has T.O. been officially diagnosed, and why isn't he pursuing surgery? Do you have a link to throw me on that, please? I read a really interesting article on McNabb's situation (that also discussed other sports figures) and a new surgical option available in Europe for repairing sports hernias back in October (much quicker recovery period), but I didn't see a discussion of T.O. in that article or in a bunch of others about McNabb's situation (in reference to T.O. also having a sports hernia, I mean).

Sports Hernia Surgery option in Europe, 10/19/05

If T.O.'s been diagnosed with a sports hernia and isn't pursuing treatment, I'll want to mention that in my injury article for the 2006 Footballguys.com Strategy guide. I see that he was listed by the Eagles as "probable" on 9/21/05 and 9/28/05 ( Eagles Injury Log on CNNSI.com) due to an abdominal/groin complaint, but I don't recall it ever being defined as a sports hernia.

Please advise.

MW
I read that same article, which came out about the same time that McNabb and the Eagles had their bye week. The inference from the article was that NFL'ers were skeptical of it and more importantly McNabb was fearful of the knife. The latter proved to be true, but after that this topic was dropped.Sports hernias are now in the category of sports injuries that are now diagnosed that were obscured by misdiagnosis / other names and thus had much longer recovery times in the past. (see lisfranc sprain).

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top