Quote:Do you really believe Baalke would have pursued Martin if Harbaugh hadn't vouched for him? Martin would probably be out of the NFL had Harbaugh not said, "No, Trent, he's good and he's a good kid. Let's bring him in."

 

All I am saying is Trent Baalke could have said no. Jim Harbaugh could only ask him if it is OK to bring Jonathan Martin in for a tryout. I never said coaches have nothing to do with where players go when they switch teams as free agents.


 

1. When was this, and do you have a link or any kind of proof that the article came from a reputable source? Genuinely asking on this one because that seems like the type of comment that would have been all over the national wire.

 

NFL.com reported it, so the source is obviously reputable. I never go to other websites for NFL news. He said it after the Bills game in Detroit.


 

2. The Falcons have faded badly the last couple of years. They went a disappointing 4-12 last season, and are currently sitting at 5-7. I agree with you that firing Mike Smith would be a mistake given his performance as recently as 2012 (13-3), but the rumblings that he almost lost his job last year and is coaching for his life this season have been pretty persistent. Winning the NFC South may well be his only chance of staying in Atlanta next year.

 

I thought the biggest reason Atlanta sucked last year was they put Julio Jones (foot) on IR. Now that they have him again and are still bad, I can see why he needs to win the division to keep his job.


 

Also worth noting: per PFT, the Titans GM and coach are safe, but major changes are expected to the roster. Looks like we can scratch Whisenhunt off the "in danger" list, even though I had a hard time believing he was really there in the first place.

 

I never thought Ken Whisenhunt would be one and done. That happened to Mike Mularkey because we also fired Gene Smith. However he may be on a short leash next season.