Kansas City (2-14 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: Kansas City started 7 rookies in a complete rebuilding effort, but a 2-14 record wasn't good enough, and Head Coach Herm Edwards was sent packing. The Chiefs brought in Scott Pioli as GM and Arizona Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley as Head Coach.
Advice:
- Their pass rush was legendarily horrible. They totaled 10 sacks all season. They absolutely have to acquire a big time DE.
- Derrick Johnson is the only returning LB guaranteed a roster spot. They need to find starters at both MLB and SLB.
- The Offensive Line got a big boost with Branden Albert, but they need more help. AT RT, RG and C they could use upgrades.
- Outside of Dwayne Bowe, KC only had 59 receptions for 756 from the WR position, led by Mark Bradley. They need multiple WRs to add to the mix.
- Assess QB Tyler Thigpen and decide if he is your guy. If he is, stick with him. If not, they should draft a QB high in the draft. This is a young team, and a rookie QB wouldn't have to deal with much pressure, and would benefit from Todd Haley coaching him.
- Tony Gonzalez is aging and has expressed the will to get out of KC. They should look to add players to the mix to potentially replace him down the road.
- Larry Johnson also said he wants out. With other needs, RB should be an afterthought, but should still be looked at.
- In any case, they should continue to build through the draft. This is a young team with little pressure on them and they can take it slow, build chemistry and improve as a group.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Minnesota Vikings Off-Season Preview
Minnesota (10-6 Wild Card Round)
Current Situation: Minnesota once again had a great rushing offense and defense, but still got inadequate play from the QB position. Brad Childress has a very talented roster, with a lot of established veterans, and if he can't get this team any farther than the first round of the playoffs, he could very well be gone.
Advice:
- They need a QB. Tarvaris Jackson? Gus Frerotte? No. Childress is on the hot seat, so a rookie isn't likely to step in. They should look to find a veteran to manage this team. Apparently, they are looking to trade a 4th round pick to Houston for Sage Rosenfels... I think that would be an excellent move. Jeff Garcia could also be an option.
- RT Ryan Cook is disappointing and they need an upgrade here.
- CB depth is suspect. They really need a Nickel Back. Look for them to spend multiple draft picks at this position.
- Minnesota's special teams was pathetic. They allowed 4 return TDs in one season! Inexcusable. They have to get players who play better special teams and put more emphasis on it in practice.
- They have a good pass rush, but if they can find an additional DE opposite Jared Allen, their line could be unstoppable.
- Draft and groom C Matt Birk's replacement. He is a free agent, but Minnesota is trying to resign him.
- They should look to add a young DT to replace Pat Williams down the line.
Current Situation: Minnesota once again had a great rushing offense and defense, but still got inadequate play from the QB position. Brad Childress has a very talented roster, with a lot of established veterans, and if he can't get this team any farther than the first round of the playoffs, he could very well be gone.
Advice:
- They need a QB. Tarvaris Jackson? Gus Frerotte? No. Childress is on the hot seat, so a rookie isn't likely to step in. They should look to find a veteran to manage this team. Apparently, they are looking to trade a 4th round pick to Houston for Sage Rosenfels... I think that would be an excellent move. Jeff Garcia could also be an option.
- RT Ryan Cook is disappointing and they need an upgrade here.
- CB depth is suspect. They really need a Nickel Back. Look for them to spend multiple draft picks at this position.
- Minnesota's special teams was pathetic. They allowed 4 return TDs in one season! Inexcusable. They have to get players who play better special teams and put more emphasis on it in practice.
- They have a good pass rush, but if they can find an additional DE opposite Jared Allen, their line could be unstoppable.
- Draft and groom C Matt Birk's replacement. He is a free agent, but Minnesota is trying to resign him.
- They should look to add a young DT to replace Pat Williams down the line.
Chicago Bears Off-Season Preview
Chicago (9-7 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: Chicago replaced Rex Grossman with Kyle Orton, competed for the NFC North crown and the Wild Card, but fell one game shy of both. After failing to get back to the playoffs for the second straight year after their 2006 Super Bowl campaign, Lovie Smith needs to make the playoffs, or he could be out.
Advice:
- Find a legitimate #1 WR to take defenders away from Devin Hester. Hester is an electrifying playmaker, but needs space to be most effective. He won't get that space as the team's #1 target.
- Increase the pass rush. Chicago was 30th against the pass and a lot of that was due to a poor pass rush. Mark Anderson for some reason hasn't developed like they expected, while Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown are aging and no longer as effective as they once were. They need a DE.
- They need Safeties. Danieal Manning disappointed after moving to FS, while Mike Brown is always hurt and has been told he will not be brought back.
- RT John Tait is likely to retire, and while the team is trying to resign John St. Clair, he is 31 and really nothing special anyway. Having a bookend to pair with Chris Williams for years would be very nice to have.
- 316 of Chicago's 407 carries went to Matt Forte. They need a spell back to ensure that Matt Forte is still effective down the road.
- They could use a DT to add to the rotation with Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek.
- The interior O-Line depth should also be addressed.
Current Situation: Chicago replaced Rex Grossman with Kyle Orton, competed for the NFC North crown and the Wild Card, but fell one game shy of both. After failing to get back to the playoffs for the second straight year after their 2006 Super Bowl campaign, Lovie Smith needs to make the playoffs, or he could be out.
Advice:
- Find a legitimate #1 WR to take defenders away from Devin Hester. Hester is an electrifying playmaker, but needs space to be most effective. He won't get that space as the team's #1 target.
- Increase the pass rush. Chicago was 30th against the pass and a lot of that was due to a poor pass rush. Mark Anderson for some reason hasn't developed like they expected, while Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown are aging and no longer as effective as they once were. They need a DE.
- They need Safeties. Danieal Manning disappointed after moving to FS, while Mike Brown is always hurt and has been told he will not be brought back.
- RT John Tait is likely to retire, and while the team is trying to resign John St. Clair, he is 31 and really nothing special anyway. Having a bookend to pair with Chris Williams for years would be very nice to have.
- 316 of Chicago's 407 carries went to Matt Forte. They need a spell back to ensure that Matt Forte is still effective down the road.
- They could use a DT to add to the rotation with Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek.
- The interior O-Line depth should also be addressed.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Green Bay Packers Off-Season Preview
Green Bay (6-10 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: Green Bay struggled without Brett Favre, but it was really due to their poor defense and running game. Dom Capers comes in at defensive coordinator and will instill a 3-4 scheme. Coach Mike McCarthy, GM Ted Thompson and QB Aaron Rodgers are under a lot of pressure to get the Packers back to the playoffs.
Advice:
- In any case, Ted Thompson should not panic and give into the pressure. He has done a very nice job of building this roster through the draft and should continue to do so.
- Urgently find a pass rusher to play opposite Aaron Kampman at OLB. Conveniently, both Aaron Maybin and Brian Orakpo could be in their draft range.
- Decide whether Ryan Pickett is their NT, whether Johnny Johnny fits in at DE and whether Justin Harrell has a future with the team. In any case, they should bring in big D-Linemen to compete with the current guys on the roster
- Acquire a young CB or two, preferably in the middle rounds of the draft. Al Harris and Charles Woodson are getting old, they could use more depth at CB and it is yet to be seen whether Harris can succeed in a system that doesn't emphasize bump-and-run coverage.
- Re-evaluate UFA Mark Tauscher. He is aging and is coming off a major knee surgery. LT Chad Clifton is also getting older, so Green Bay should try to get a guy to play RT now and potentially LT later.
- Acquire a Guard or two in free agency or in the middle/late rounds to compete with incumbents Jason Spitz and Daryn Colledge.
- Look at a TE to upgrade Donald Lee
- Look at a veteran RB to spell Ryan Grant
Current Situation: Green Bay struggled without Brett Favre, but it was really due to their poor defense and running game. Dom Capers comes in at defensive coordinator and will instill a 3-4 scheme. Coach Mike McCarthy, GM Ted Thompson and QB Aaron Rodgers are under a lot of pressure to get the Packers back to the playoffs.
Advice:
- In any case, Ted Thompson should not panic and give into the pressure. He has done a very nice job of building this roster through the draft and should continue to do so.
- Urgently find a pass rusher to play opposite Aaron Kampman at OLB. Conveniently, both Aaron Maybin and Brian Orakpo could be in their draft range.
- Decide whether Ryan Pickett is their NT, whether Johnny Johnny fits in at DE and whether Justin Harrell has a future with the team. In any case, they should bring in big D-Linemen to compete with the current guys on the roster
- Acquire a young CB or two, preferably in the middle rounds of the draft. Al Harris and Charles Woodson are getting old, they could use more depth at CB and it is yet to be seen whether Harris can succeed in a system that doesn't emphasize bump-and-run coverage.
- Re-evaluate UFA Mark Tauscher. He is aging and is coming off a major knee surgery. LT Chad Clifton is also getting older, so Green Bay should try to get a guy to play RT now and potentially LT later.
- Acquire a Guard or two in free agency or in the middle/late rounds to compete with incumbents Jason Spitz and Daryn Colledge.
- Look at a TE to upgrade Donald Lee
- Look at a veteran RB to spell Ryan Grant
Detroit Lions Off-Season Preview
Detroit (0-16 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: The Lions were the first team in 32 years to pull off a winless season. Detroit had the league's worst defense and converted only 29% of third downs. GM Matt Millen was fired, essentially the entire coaching staff was replaced and 6 veterans have been released. New coach Jim Schwartz has big name coordinators Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham on his staff and can look to rebuild slowly, as long as there isn't another winless season.
Advice:
- Only draft a QB if they really believe in him. They should not draft Stafford with the #1 overall pick just because he's the best QB prospect in the class. Next year's class is much stronger, and if they don't feel that their guy is in this draft, they should wait.
- With so many needs, look to shop the #1 overall pick. They could use as many young starters as possible.
- They need help essentially everywhere. They should draft the best player available at every pick rather than targeting specific positions.
- They have to find a stud MLB and a SLB to bolster the worst run defense in the NFL.
- If they don't draft a QB, pick up a free agent to add to the mix in training camp.
- Detroit needs DT Corey Redding to move back to under tackle, where he was more effective. To do so, Detroit needs to find a big body to assume the nose position, take double teams and stuff the run.
- They need two starting caliber CBs after Leigh Bodden was released. Travis Fisher is decent, but he is just about the only serviceable CB on the roster.
- DE Cliff Avril is a nice player, but will need additional pass rushers around him to take the pressure off. They need to get better pressure.
- LT Jeff Backus is losing mobility and would welcome a move inside to OG at this point in his career. They should look to find their LT of the future.
- John Standleford is starting opposite Calvin Johnson. With so many other needs, WR may be a bit of an afterthought, but they should try to pick up a free agent or two to pair with Johnson.
- They could also improve on Special Teams and a return guy would be nice.
- A team can be bad, as long as it is young. They should look to get as young as possible, with several veteran role players providing leadership.
Current Situation: The Lions were the first team in 32 years to pull off a winless season. Detroit had the league's worst defense and converted only 29% of third downs. GM Matt Millen was fired, essentially the entire coaching staff was replaced and 6 veterans have been released. New coach Jim Schwartz has big name coordinators Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham on his staff and can look to rebuild slowly, as long as there isn't another winless season.
Advice:
- Only draft a QB if they really believe in him. They should not draft Stafford with the #1 overall pick just because he's the best QB prospect in the class. Next year's class is much stronger, and if they don't feel that their guy is in this draft, they should wait.
- With so many needs, look to shop the #1 overall pick. They could use as many young starters as possible.
- They need help essentially everywhere. They should draft the best player available at every pick rather than targeting specific positions.
- They have to find a stud MLB and a SLB to bolster the worst run defense in the NFL.
- If they don't draft a QB, pick up a free agent to add to the mix in training camp.
- Detroit needs DT Corey Redding to move back to under tackle, where he was more effective. To do so, Detroit needs to find a big body to assume the nose position, take double teams and stuff the run.
- They need two starting caliber CBs after Leigh Bodden was released. Travis Fisher is decent, but he is just about the only serviceable CB on the roster.
- DE Cliff Avril is a nice player, but will need additional pass rushers around him to take the pressure off. They need to get better pressure.
- LT Jeff Backus is losing mobility and would welcome a move inside to OG at this point in his career. They should look to find their LT of the future.
- John Standleford is starting opposite Calvin Johnson. With so many other needs, WR may be a bit of an afterthought, but they should try to pick up a free agent or two to pair with Johnson.
- They could also improve on Special Teams and a return guy would be nice.
- A team can be bad, as long as it is young. They should look to get as young as possible, with several veteran role players providing leadership.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Cleveland Browns Off-Season Preview
Cleveland (4-12 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: The latest bad sequel in the NFL, Cleveland underachieved to a 4-12 record. With injuries at the QB position, the Browns lost their last 6 games and failed to score an offensive touchdown in any of them. The roster is not as bad as their record suggests, and with Eric Mangini replacing Romeo Crennel, the Browns are expected to get back to respectability in 2009.
Advice:
- OLB Willie McGinest is expected to retire, and the Browns desperately need to improve a pass rush that amassed only 17 sacks in 2008.
- They have to acquire an ILB to play alongside D'Qwell Jackson.
- Cleveland needs to pick up a CB to replace Brandon McDonald
- Cleveland currently only has 4 draft picks and several pressing needs. They might want to look at trading down.
- The right side of the O-Line fell apart last season. They could add a player into the mix or replace incumbent starters Kevin Shaffer and Rex Hadnot.
- Jamal Lewis will be 30 when the season starts, a very dangerous number for RBs. They should acquire either a complimentary back through free agency or a future replacement in the draft.
- Try to resign SS Sean Jones. If they can't, they absolutely need to replace him since the backups are very pedestrian.
- Acquire a big 3-technique DE to compete with Robaire and Shaun Smith and improve Cleveland's 28th ranked run D.
- If a WR they like is available in free agency or in the draft, they should take a long look at that, since Donte Stallworth was an enormous disappointment and Joe Jurevicius's knee may never fully heal.
Current Situation: The latest bad sequel in the NFL, Cleveland underachieved to a 4-12 record. With injuries at the QB position, the Browns lost their last 6 games and failed to score an offensive touchdown in any of them. The roster is not as bad as their record suggests, and with Eric Mangini replacing Romeo Crennel, the Browns are expected to get back to respectability in 2009.
Advice:
- OLB Willie McGinest is expected to retire, and the Browns desperately need to improve a pass rush that amassed only 17 sacks in 2008.
- They have to acquire an ILB to play alongside D'Qwell Jackson.
- Cleveland needs to pick up a CB to replace Brandon McDonald
- Cleveland currently only has 4 draft picks and several pressing needs. They might want to look at trading down.
- The right side of the O-Line fell apart last season. They could add a player into the mix or replace incumbent starters Kevin Shaffer and Rex Hadnot.
- Jamal Lewis will be 30 when the season starts, a very dangerous number for RBs. They should acquire either a complimentary back through free agency or a future replacement in the draft.
- Try to resign SS Sean Jones. If they can't, they absolutely need to replace him since the backups are very pedestrian.
- Acquire a big 3-technique DE to compete with Robaire and Shaun Smith and improve Cleveland's 28th ranked run D.
- If a WR they like is available in free agency or in the draft, they should take a long look at that, since Donte Stallworth was an enormous disappointment and Joe Jurevicius's knee may never fully heal.
Cincinnati Bengals Off-Season Preview
Cincinnati (4-11-1 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: Cincinnati played a brutal schedule and lost QB Carson Palmer in Week 4. After starting 0-8, the Bengals finished 4-3-1 and won their final three games. However, Cincinnati has 21 potential free agents, chemistry and leadership concerns, and an offense that scored less than the Texans in their 2002 expansion season. Basically, Cincy has a ton of problems and are in a really awkward rebuilding stage, since a lot of the players on the roster are older and fed up.
Advice:
- With $28 million in cap space, Cincy probably should try to spend big, since they won't be able to fill all their needs in the draft. To do that, they will not be able to franchise Houshmandzadeh.
- Where to start? Up front of course. OT, once considered a team strength, has become a key weak spot. Willie Anderson is gone, Levi Jones's age and injuries are starting to catch up with him and Stacy Andrews is an impending free agent who won't be recovered from knee injury until Training Camp. Drafting in the 6th spot, they are in prime position to draft one of four elite OT prospects.
- The Bengals only had 17 sacks all season and had no player rack up more than 3 sacks. DE Robert Geathers looks to have been a one-year-wonder and Cincy needs an upgrade.
- The front seven is stocked full of fringe starters. DT John Thornton does not expect to return and there is no current replacement on the roster.
- Also, they should look at the strong free agent LB class to possibly replace incumbents Dhani Jones and UFA Rashad Jeanty.
- Decide whether or not to trade Chad Johnson then seriously re-evaluate the WR position. Chad Johnson is a negative locker room presence, especially on what expects to be a very young roster next season and T.J. Houshmandzadeh has no intention of returning to the team. Cincy drafted Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell last year, but neither had much impact as rookies. If the coaches and front office feel they have the appropriate skill and upside, they should go with them, especially with so many problems elsewhere.
- Find a RB... badly. Cedric Benson, Chris Perry and Kenny Watson are not acceptable options. But based on the problems in the trenches, I would not draft RB early. You can find a starting RB in rounds 3-5.
- Consider replacing free agent C Eric Ghiaciuc.
Current Situation: Cincinnati played a brutal schedule and lost QB Carson Palmer in Week 4. After starting 0-8, the Bengals finished 4-3-1 and won their final three games. However, Cincinnati has 21 potential free agents, chemistry and leadership concerns, and an offense that scored less than the Texans in their 2002 expansion season. Basically, Cincy has a ton of problems and are in a really awkward rebuilding stage, since a lot of the players on the roster are older and fed up.
Advice:
- With $28 million in cap space, Cincy probably should try to spend big, since they won't be able to fill all their needs in the draft. To do that, they will not be able to franchise Houshmandzadeh.
- Where to start? Up front of course. OT, once considered a team strength, has become a key weak spot. Willie Anderson is gone, Levi Jones's age and injuries are starting to catch up with him and Stacy Andrews is an impending free agent who won't be recovered from knee injury until Training Camp. Drafting in the 6th spot, they are in prime position to draft one of four elite OT prospects.
- The Bengals only had 17 sacks all season and had no player rack up more than 3 sacks. DE Robert Geathers looks to have been a one-year-wonder and Cincy needs an upgrade.
- The front seven is stocked full of fringe starters. DT John Thornton does not expect to return and there is no current replacement on the roster.
- Also, they should look at the strong free agent LB class to possibly replace incumbents Dhani Jones and UFA Rashad Jeanty.
- Decide whether or not to trade Chad Johnson then seriously re-evaluate the WR position. Chad Johnson is a negative locker room presence, especially on what expects to be a very young roster next season and T.J. Houshmandzadeh has no intention of returning to the team. Cincy drafted Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell last year, but neither had much impact as rookies. If the coaches and front office feel they have the appropriate skill and upside, they should go with them, especially with so many problems elsewhere.
- Find a RB... badly. Cedric Benson, Chris Perry and Kenny Watson are not acceptable options. But based on the problems in the trenches, I would not draft RB early. You can find a starting RB in rounds 3-5.
- Consider replacing free agent C Eric Ghiaciuc.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Baltimore Ravens Off-Season Preview
Baltimore (11-5 Divisional Playoff Round)
Current Situation: The Ravens bounced back from a 5-11 record with a rookie QB and head coach, but the second ranked defense led the way. However, that defense is aging and a lot of players are set to become free agents. Coach John Harbaugh is expected to keep the team in contention, but a step back is certainly a strong possibility.
Advice:
- Baltimore has to settle the situation with their three free agent LBs (Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs), since it is very unlikely that they will be able to keep them all. Lewis is the oldest, but is a fantastic veteran leader. Suggs is the youngest and most dynamic, but will demand a huge contract. Scott is the most consistent, but appears to be the odd-man out right now.
- The Ravens need to replace the departed LB, and it can't be through free agency.
- They need to resign C Jason Brown, who has become a very nice player for them and was a key component to their fourth ranked run offense.
- Draft a CB to replace departed Chris McAllister.
- Find Trevor Pryce's future replacement
- Baltimore really needs to look at WR. Derrick Mason is 35, and outside of him, Baltimore WRs only caught 55 passes for 918 yards combined.
- Evaluate whether LT Jared Gaither is the guy they want protecting their franchise QB's blindside. If not, this could be addressed, but with so much else going on, this is an afterthought.
Current Situation: The Ravens bounced back from a 5-11 record with a rookie QB and head coach, but the second ranked defense led the way. However, that defense is aging and a lot of players are set to become free agents. Coach John Harbaugh is expected to keep the team in contention, but a step back is certainly a strong possibility.
Advice:
- Baltimore has to settle the situation with their three free agent LBs (Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs), since it is very unlikely that they will be able to keep them all. Lewis is the oldest, but is a fantastic veteran leader. Suggs is the youngest and most dynamic, but will demand a huge contract. Scott is the most consistent, but appears to be the odd-man out right now.
- The Ravens need to replace the departed LB, and it can't be through free agency.
- They need to resign C Jason Brown, who has become a very nice player for them and was a key component to their fourth ranked run offense.
- Draft a CB to replace departed Chris McAllister.
- Find Trevor Pryce's future replacement
- Baltimore really needs to look at WR. Derrick Mason is 35, and outside of him, Baltimore WRs only caught 55 passes for 918 yards combined.
- Evaluate whether LT Jared Gaither is the guy they want protecting their franchise QB's blindside. If not, this could be addressed, but with so much else going on, this is an afterthought.
Pittsburgh Steelers Off-Season Preview
Pittsburgh (12-4 Super Bowl Champions)
Current Situation: Pittsburgh wasn't pretty, flashy or loud, but was very quietly the best team in football this past season. With a sixth Super Bowl ring in the Steel City, the Steelers have established themselves as the premiere franchise in the NFL.
Advice:
- Overhaul the offensive line. With no other immediate needs, Pittsburgh should concentrate the vast majority of its effort on improving arguably the league's worst O-Line. Willie Parker had no holes all season and Ben Roethlisberger will be done in four years if he keeps getting sacked this often. Draft O-Line early, draft O-Line middle, draft O-Line late. Pittsburgh should even consider paying a veteran free agent.
- Decide if Limas Sweed is ready to step into the slot. Nate Washington will be a free agent and if they feel that Sweed isn't ready, they should look into resigning him.
- Improve the pedestrian special teams by investing in a dangerous kick returner
- Get younger on the D-Line. Brett Keisel, Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton are all in their thirties.
- Try to resign Bryant McFadden. With Deshea Townsend aging, McFadden could be Pittsburgh's long-term answer at CB.
- If a LB that they like falls to them, they should take him. Pittsburgh has an eye for star LBs (see James Harrison)
Current Situation: Pittsburgh wasn't pretty, flashy or loud, but was very quietly the best team in football this past season. With a sixth Super Bowl ring in the Steel City, the Steelers have established themselves as the premiere franchise in the NFL.
Advice:
- Overhaul the offensive line. With no other immediate needs, Pittsburgh should concentrate the vast majority of its effort on improving arguably the league's worst O-Line. Willie Parker had no holes all season and Ben Roethlisberger will be done in four years if he keeps getting sacked this often. Draft O-Line early, draft O-Line middle, draft O-Line late. Pittsburgh should even consider paying a veteran free agent.
- Decide if Limas Sweed is ready to step into the slot. Nate Washington will be a free agent and if they feel that Sweed isn't ready, they should look into resigning him.
- Improve the pedestrian special teams by investing in a dangerous kick returner
- Get younger on the D-Line. Brett Keisel, Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton are all in their thirties.
- Try to resign Bryant McFadden. With Deshea Townsend aging, McFadden could be Pittsburgh's long-term answer at CB.
- If a LB that they like falls to them, they should take him. Pittsburgh has an eye for star LBs (see James Harrison)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Buffalo Bills Off-Season Preview
Buffalo (7-9 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: Buffalo started off red hot at 5-1 beating up on a soft schedule, but the young roster couldn't overcome injuries and offensive inconsistencies and lost 8 of their last 10. Patience is slowly running out with coach Dick Jauron, who has finished 7-9 in all three seasons in Buffalo and was 0-6 against the AFC East in 2008. Buffalo has a really young team, but another 7-9 record will not be sufficient.
Advice:
- Buffalo has largely built their current roster through the draft, and should keep doing that. Chemistry is not an issue and they shouldn't risk upsetting that with a big free agent pickup.
- Buffalo absolutely needs pass rushers. DE should be the number one focus in the draft. Aaron Schobel is past his prime and consistently hurt, and there are no young projects or former high draft picks at DE on the roster.
- OLB Angelo Crowell needs to be resigned. He was a guy I had on my breakout watch list, but got hurt this past season. He has a chronic knee condition, which should scare teams away.
- If they keep Crowell, Buffalo has to decide whether it is worth paying RFA Keith Ellison.
- The Bills' TEs are not starting caliber in the NFL. With a strong, deep draft class, this should be an emphasis in rounds 2 & 3.
- They need to decide if FS Ko Simpson is the answer. If the right player falls to them, they should take a long look at that.
- J.P. Losman will likely be leaving in free agency. They should look to find a new backup QB, possibly a veteran who can mentor Trent Edwards.
- Depth on the O-Line, at RB and in the secondary should be addressed later in the draft
Current Situation: Buffalo started off red hot at 5-1 beating up on a soft schedule, but the young roster couldn't overcome injuries and offensive inconsistencies and lost 8 of their last 10. Patience is slowly running out with coach Dick Jauron, who has finished 7-9 in all three seasons in Buffalo and was 0-6 against the AFC East in 2008. Buffalo has a really young team, but another 7-9 record will not be sufficient.
Advice:
- Buffalo has largely built their current roster through the draft, and should keep doing that. Chemistry is not an issue and they shouldn't risk upsetting that with a big free agent pickup.
- Buffalo absolutely needs pass rushers. DE should be the number one focus in the draft. Aaron Schobel is past his prime and consistently hurt, and there are no young projects or former high draft picks at DE on the roster.
- OLB Angelo Crowell needs to be resigned. He was a guy I had on my breakout watch list, but got hurt this past season. He has a chronic knee condition, which should scare teams away.
- If they keep Crowell, Buffalo has to decide whether it is worth paying RFA Keith Ellison.
- The Bills' TEs are not starting caliber in the NFL. With a strong, deep draft class, this should be an emphasis in rounds 2 & 3.
- They need to decide if FS Ko Simpson is the answer. If the right player falls to them, they should take a long look at that.
- J.P. Losman will likely be leaving in free agency. They should look to find a new backup QB, possibly a veteran who can mentor Trent Edwards.
- Depth on the O-Line, at RB and in the secondary should be addressed later in the draft
New York Jets Off-Season Preview
New York Jets (9-7 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: The Jets surged out to a 8-3 record, but faded down the stretch, losing 4 of 5 and missing the playoffs. Rex Ryan replaces Eric Mangini as Head Coach and QB Brett Favre retired (seemingly for good this time). Ryan will lead a roster that has considerable chemistry issues and an unrealistic fan base. The Jets absolutely need to make the playoffs, so that their firing of Mangini doesn't look like a hasty, knee-jerk move.
Advice:
- Find a QB that the coaches and front office are confident in, whether that be incumbent Kellen Clemens, a veteran free agent (Collins, Garrard, Garcia...) or a rookie, although New York is picking in an awkward spot to draft a QB early.
- Highly consider breaking the bank on big defensive free agents.
- Get an aggressive impact ILB to pair with David Harris. Last year's starter, Eric Barton was ineffective and most likely, is gone. Ryan loves aggressive LBs and his ties to Baltimore's three free agent LBs could come in real handy.
- Help out Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes in the secondary. The Jets ranked 29th in pass defense and a lot of that had to do with poor play at SS and CB opposite Revis.
- Groom replacements for LG Alan Faneca and RT Damien Woody.
- Improve the WR corps. Laveranues Coles is aging and the team needs to get a better slot receiver than Chansi Stuckey.
Current Situation: The Jets surged out to a 8-3 record, but faded down the stretch, losing 4 of 5 and missing the playoffs. Rex Ryan replaces Eric Mangini as Head Coach and QB Brett Favre retired (seemingly for good this time). Ryan will lead a roster that has considerable chemistry issues and an unrealistic fan base. The Jets absolutely need to make the playoffs, so that their firing of Mangini doesn't look like a hasty, knee-jerk move.
Advice:
- Find a QB that the coaches and front office are confident in, whether that be incumbent Kellen Clemens, a veteran free agent (Collins, Garrard, Garcia...) or a rookie, although New York is picking in an awkward spot to draft a QB early.
- Highly consider breaking the bank on big defensive free agents.
- Get an aggressive impact ILB to pair with David Harris. Last year's starter, Eric Barton was ineffective and most likely, is gone. Ryan loves aggressive LBs and his ties to Baltimore's three free agent LBs could come in real handy.
- Help out Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes in the secondary. The Jets ranked 29th in pass defense and a lot of that had to do with poor play at SS and CB opposite Revis.
- Groom replacements for LG Alan Faneca and RT Damien Woody.
- Improve the WR corps. Laveranues Coles is aging and the team needs to get a better slot receiver than Chansi Stuckey.
New England Patriots Off-Season Preview
New England (11-5 No Playoffs)
Current Situation: New England exceeded expectations, considering QB Tom Brady was lost for the season in Week 1. The Patriots shook off the rust and rallied behind Matt Cassell. With Brady returning in 2009, New England is the Vegas odds-on favorite to win Super Bowl XXXXIV.
Advice:
- Handle QB situation with as little turmoil as possible.
- If Tom Brady is healthy, strongly consider moving Matt Cassel. Remember, New England spent a 3rd round pick on Kevin O'Connell last draft.
- Find an ILB to play next to Jerod Mayo to replace the ageless Teddy Bruschi.
- Replace CB Deltha O'Neal opposite Ellis Hobbs
- Either resign FS James Sanders or replace him.
- Address OL, CB and WR depth
- Consider in-house guys to fill these voids if Belichick is high on them.
Current Situation: New England exceeded expectations, considering QB Tom Brady was lost for the season in Week 1. The Patriots shook off the rust and rallied behind Matt Cassell. With Brady returning in 2009, New England is the Vegas odds-on favorite to win Super Bowl XXXXIV.
Advice:
- Handle QB situation with as little turmoil as possible.
- If Tom Brady is healthy, strongly consider moving Matt Cassel. Remember, New England spent a 3rd round pick on Kevin O'Connell last draft.
- Find an ILB to play next to Jerod Mayo to replace the ageless Teddy Bruschi.
- Replace CB Deltha O'Neal opposite Ellis Hobbs
- Either resign FS James Sanders or replace him.
- Address OL, CB and WR depth
- Consider in-house guys to fill these voids if Belichick is high on them.
Miami Dolphins Off-Season Preview
Miami (11-5 Wildcard Round)
Current Situation: Miami rose from nowhere to win 11 games. Orchestrated by Bill Parcells, a lot of high character guys from his former teams were brought in and changed the culture in Miami. Now, with a year under his belt, coach Tony Sparano is expected to further improve the Dolphins and keep them in contention.
Plan:
- Keep bringing in high character guys, including leaders.
- Young teams that rise out of nowhere often have chemistry and ego issues trying to deal with increased spotlight and pressure. Miami needs to manage that by bringing in veteran role players like they did last off-season.
- They need to try to resign LB Channing Crowder, who had a borderline Pro Bowl caliber season.
- They have to find a second pass rusher opposite Joey Porter, and the secondary has to be upgraded, especially at safety.
- In the mid-to-late rounds of the draft they can address depth in the trenches.
- If the right player falls to them in the draft, they could also look at receivers early.
Current Situation: Miami rose from nowhere to win 11 games. Orchestrated by Bill Parcells, a lot of high character guys from his former teams were brought in and changed the culture in Miami. Now, with a year under his belt, coach Tony Sparano is expected to further improve the Dolphins and keep them in contention.
Plan:
- Keep bringing in high character guys, including leaders.
- Young teams that rise out of nowhere often have chemistry and ego issues trying to deal with increased spotlight and pressure. Miami needs to manage that by bringing in veteran role players like they did last off-season.
- They need to try to resign LB Channing Crowder, who had a borderline Pro Bowl caliber season.
- They have to find a second pass rusher opposite Joey Porter, and the secondary has to be upgraded, especially at safety.
- In the mid-to-late rounds of the draft they can address depth in the trenches.
- If the right player falls to them in the draft, they could also look at receivers early.
Monday, February 2, 2009
About Last Night...
First of all, if you don't know what the title of my post is in reference to, I would suggest watching this Southpark episode... classic Randy Marsh... honestly, is there even an argument as to who the greatest character on that show is anymore?
But on to the game!
Great game... simply perfect finish. The mark of a great Superbowl is always big players stepping up in big moments... America loves heroes. Why do you think all those crappy superhero movies always draw such enormous box office revenue? America loves heroes and this Superbowl had them:
- Ben Roethlisberger, who made great plays with his legs and orchestrated a great final drive.
- Larry Fitzgerald, who was blanketed all game, but was uncontainable when everyone knew he needed to make a play.
- Darnell Dockett, who was a pain in the butt all day for Big Ben
- Lamarr Woodley, who was really menacing all game and finally sealed the game for Pittsburgh
- Santonio Holmes, who made the brilliant game-winning catch
- James Harrison, who made the biggest play of the game, and the longest in Super Bowl history.
But let's step back and take an honest look at this game... to do so I think I'll answer some questions that I've been asking my self all day today after the initial reaction wore off.
- How good was this game compared to past Superbowls?
Ok, here I am going to spout off about a little. Colin Cowherd made this point on the Herd on ESPN radio and I completely agree. This was not a great game through three quarters, but had a phenomenal ending, and we all remember big events by how they left us feeling afterwards. A big reason why a lot of people who saw ''No Country for Old Men'' for the first time didn't really like it that much was because the ending was not that special. This game was really dominated by Pittsburgh, while Arizona repeatedly shot themselves in the foot with penalties. It was not a balanced game, and it seemed like every fan reaction had to be delayed because of the flag thrown on seemingly every big play through three quarters. This game had a great finish, so because of that, it ranks higher than Indianapolis-Chicago and Pittsburgh-Seattle. I won't compare it with Philadelphia-New England, because I'm not able to be fair and unbiased about that. But I truly believe this game was not as great as Carolina-New England, and not nearly as good as last year's game between New York and New England. Both of those games weren't always riviting through three quarters, but I feel were played at a higher level with less mistakes.
- Was Santonio in?
Yes. I was the first to question it, but the one angle showed me that his left toe did touch down. Was it close? Hell yeah. Especially if you make the argument that Santonio didn't have possession when he was dragging his feet. And honestly, if the officials rule that play incomplete, I don't think they overturn it. But it was ruled a completion and it looked like he got both toes down.
- Did Warner really fumble?
I can't help but think that ESPN pays some of their analysts to say the opposite of what they truly believe. I was watching Tim Hasselbeck look right into the camera and tell the entire country that he thought it wasn't a fumble, when everyone in their right mind (besides Arizona fans) could see that Woodley clearly had his palm on the ball and Warner only was able to lug that ball forward because his pinkie finger was still on the ball. And even if it wasn't a fumble, we are talking about a hail mary pass with a poor O-Line, facing an NFL prevent defense... sorry 'zona, no blaming the refs here.
- What happened to Pittsburgh's defense that let Fitz break off a play like that against Cover 2?
Pittsburgh played a Cover two with underneath man coverage, only rushing 4. Because of the time constraints, both Polamalu and Clark were both playing deep sideline coverage. So really, both safeties were playing cover 3, but with no third guy in the middle. Fitzgerald ran a post route and got not one, but two steps on Ike Taylor who dove and missed on the tackle. Now you may think that even though Ike was beat and the safeties were playing deep that they should have still been able to recover, but look at the routes that Boldin and Breaston run... both 10-yard outs... thus forcing the safeties to take steps to the outside. You beat that coverage over the middle, and that is what Arizona did. The real question is, why did Dick LeBeau draw up a defense that Larry Fitzgerald, playing in the slot, could exploit so easily? Thanks to Big Ben and Santonio Holmes, nobody seems to want to know!
- Wasn't Fitz's weakness coming out of college supposed to be his lack of breakaway speed?
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing after that play.
- Who was the real MVP?
You could make an argument for James Harrison because of the fact that he basically scored 14 points for the Steelers, but he was also on the field when the defense blew the lead. A lot of people say Roethlisberger, because of the drive he orchestrated at the end, but I ask you, would you have really blamed Holmes if he hadn't been able to hang on to that pass? Of course not, but he DID hang on. He made the special play on that down, not Ben. Sure, it was great throw, but not really a great decision. There were three defenders around the ball and there was a tiny area for the receiver to come down with it. Also, Santonio had 4 catches for 73 yards on that final drive, including the big 40-yard play to set up the winning TD. Most QBs could have made that throw, but few WRs have the burst to break that catch for 40 yards. You can't go wrong either way, but I think they made the right choice.
- Who was the goat?
Aaron Francisco. He was the Cardinals player who slipped really badly instead of tackling Santonio Holmes, leading to the big 40-yard play. Remember, even if Pittsburgh doesn't score a TD, Arizona still blows the lead on that play because Jeff Reed hits the chip shot FG regardless. Ironically, Francisco (Arizona's third safety) was on the field to prevent the big play.
- Are the Cardinals contenders next year?
No. And I'll tell you why. They went 9-7 this year in the weak NFC West. That was the real Arizona Cardinals. During the playoffs they caught fire and gained incredible momentum. Anybody who watches Basketball can tell you how long momentum lasts. It runs out. It ran out Sunday. Next year they will not have that momentum anymore. They will be back to being the 9-7 team, IF all off-season issues are settled. Is Kurt Warner coming back? Are they going to be able to keep Karlos Dansby? Will Matt Leinart impress and create a QB controversy? Will the WR situation start to get ugly again like it had been? Believe me, Arizona is no better than 9-7 next year... I guarantee it.
- Where does Big Ben rank among active QBs?
I had to listen to Skip Bayless and Jamele Hill talk about Roethlisberger being the #2 QB in the NFL behind Tom Brady. At least it got me going in the morning. How can you honestly have watched Pittsburgh this year and truthfully make the statement that Roethlisberger is a better QB than Peyton Manning? Does the second-best QB in the NFL have games where he posts a 15.1 QB rating? Or 5 games of sub-60 QB ratings like Big Ben did this year? The argument is that he has more rings than Peyton. I could buy that argument if Peyton didn't have a ring, but he does. And Big Ben's first ring was won INSPITE of him, not because of him. Are you freakin' serious? This is the type of sensationalist, over-hyping, knee-jerking crap that plagues today's sports media. Why does the media accredit every Super Bowl win to the QB? If Harrison doesn't make the huge play before halftime, Pittsburgh loses. Does that make Roethlisberger any worse of a QB? NO! Are analysts really so lazy that they can't learn any of the names of defensive players? Why is it that every bad QB on a winning team with a great defense is suddenly a ''winner'', or a ''game-manager''? Wasn't Vince Young supposed to be a ''winner''? Look, Roethlisberger is a great QB. Without a doubt top-5 in the NFL, but to really overreact so badly to put him on that kind of pedestal is just absurd, and frankly, unprofessional. Give me a freakin' break!
wow, I got really angry there... better crack open another Lions Head.
But on to the game!
Great game... simply perfect finish. The mark of a great Superbowl is always big players stepping up in big moments... America loves heroes. Why do you think all those crappy superhero movies always draw such enormous box office revenue? America loves heroes and this Superbowl had them:
- Ben Roethlisberger, who made great plays with his legs and orchestrated a great final drive.
- Larry Fitzgerald, who was blanketed all game, but was uncontainable when everyone knew he needed to make a play.
- Darnell Dockett, who was a pain in the butt all day for Big Ben
- Lamarr Woodley, who was really menacing all game and finally sealed the game for Pittsburgh
- Santonio Holmes, who made the brilliant game-winning catch
- James Harrison, who made the biggest play of the game, and the longest in Super Bowl history.
But let's step back and take an honest look at this game... to do so I think I'll answer some questions that I've been asking my self all day today after the initial reaction wore off.
- How good was this game compared to past Superbowls?
Ok, here I am going to spout off about a little. Colin Cowherd made this point on the Herd on ESPN radio and I completely agree. This was not a great game through three quarters, but had a phenomenal ending, and we all remember big events by how they left us feeling afterwards. A big reason why a lot of people who saw ''No Country for Old Men'' for the first time didn't really like it that much was because the ending was not that special. This game was really dominated by Pittsburgh, while Arizona repeatedly shot themselves in the foot with penalties. It was not a balanced game, and it seemed like every fan reaction had to be delayed because of the flag thrown on seemingly every big play through three quarters. This game had a great finish, so because of that, it ranks higher than Indianapolis-Chicago and Pittsburgh-Seattle. I won't compare it with Philadelphia-New England, because I'm not able to be fair and unbiased about that. But I truly believe this game was not as great as Carolina-New England, and not nearly as good as last year's game between New York and New England. Both of those games weren't always riviting through three quarters, but I feel were played at a higher level with less mistakes.
- Was Santonio in?
Yes. I was the first to question it, but the one angle showed me that his left toe did touch down. Was it close? Hell yeah. Especially if you make the argument that Santonio didn't have possession when he was dragging his feet. And honestly, if the officials rule that play incomplete, I don't think they overturn it. But it was ruled a completion and it looked like he got both toes down.
- Did Warner really fumble?
I can't help but think that ESPN pays some of their analysts to say the opposite of what they truly believe. I was watching Tim Hasselbeck look right into the camera and tell the entire country that he thought it wasn't a fumble, when everyone in their right mind (besides Arizona fans) could see that Woodley clearly had his palm on the ball and Warner only was able to lug that ball forward because his pinkie finger was still on the ball. And even if it wasn't a fumble, we are talking about a hail mary pass with a poor O-Line, facing an NFL prevent defense... sorry 'zona, no blaming the refs here.
- What happened to Pittsburgh's defense that let Fitz break off a play like that against Cover 2?
Pittsburgh played a Cover two with underneath man coverage, only rushing 4. Because of the time constraints, both Polamalu and Clark were both playing deep sideline coverage. So really, both safeties were playing cover 3, but with no third guy in the middle. Fitzgerald ran a post route and got not one, but two steps on Ike Taylor who dove and missed on the tackle. Now you may think that even though Ike was beat and the safeties were playing deep that they should have still been able to recover, but look at the routes that Boldin and Breaston run... both 10-yard outs... thus forcing the safeties to take steps to the outside. You beat that coverage over the middle, and that is what Arizona did. The real question is, why did Dick LeBeau draw up a defense that Larry Fitzgerald, playing in the slot, could exploit so easily? Thanks to Big Ben and Santonio Holmes, nobody seems to want to know!
- Wasn't Fitz's weakness coming out of college supposed to be his lack of breakaway speed?
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing after that play.
- Who was the real MVP?
You could make an argument for James Harrison because of the fact that he basically scored 14 points for the Steelers, but he was also on the field when the defense blew the lead. A lot of people say Roethlisberger, because of the drive he orchestrated at the end, but I ask you, would you have really blamed Holmes if he hadn't been able to hang on to that pass? Of course not, but he DID hang on. He made the special play on that down, not Ben. Sure, it was great throw, but not really a great decision. There were three defenders around the ball and there was a tiny area for the receiver to come down with it. Also, Santonio had 4 catches for 73 yards on that final drive, including the big 40-yard play to set up the winning TD. Most QBs could have made that throw, but few WRs have the burst to break that catch for 40 yards. You can't go wrong either way, but I think they made the right choice.
- Who was the goat?
Aaron Francisco. He was the Cardinals player who slipped really badly instead of tackling Santonio Holmes, leading to the big 40-yard play. Remember, even if Pittsburgh doesn't score a TD, Arizona still blows the lead on that play because Jeff Reed hits the chip shot FG regardless. Ironically, Francisco (Arizona's third safety) was on the field to prevent the big play.
- Are the Cardinals contenders next year?
No. And I'll tell you why. They went 9-7 this year in the weak NFC West. That was the real Arizona Cardinals. During the playoffs they caught fire and gained incredible momentum. Anybody who watches Basketball can tell you how long momentum lasts. It runs out. It ran out Sunday. Next year they will not have that momentum anymore. They will be back to being the 9-7 team, IF all off-season issues are settled. Is Kurt Warner coming back? Are they going to be able to keep Karlos Dansby? Will Matt Leinart impress and create a QB controversy? Will the WR situation start to get ugly again like it had been? Believe me, Arizona is no better than 9-7 next year... I guarantee it.
- Where does Big Ben rank among active QBs?
I had to listen to Skip Bayless and Jamele Hill talk about Roethlisberger being the #2 QB in the NFL behind Tom Brady. At least it got me going in the morning. How can you honestly have watched Pittsburgh this year and truthfully make the statement that Roethlisberger is a better QB than Peyton Manning? Does the second-best QB in the NFL have games where he posts a 15.1 QB rating? Or 5 games of sub-60 QB ratings like Big Ben did this year? The argument is that he has more rings than Peyton. I could buy that argument if Peyton didn't have a ring, but he does. And Big Ben's first ring was won INSPITE of him, not because of him. Are you freakin' serious? This is the type of sensationalist, over-hyping, knee-jerking crap that plagues today's sports media. Why does the media accredit every Super Bowl win to the QB? If Harrison doesn't make the huge play before halftime, Pittsburgh loses. Does that make Roethlisberger any worse of a QB? NO! Are analysts really so lazy that they can't learn any of the names of defensive players? Why is it that every bad QB on a winning team with a great defense is suddenly a ''winner'', or a ''game-manager''? Wasn't Vince Young supposed to be a ''winner''? Look, Roethlisberger is a great QB. Without a doubt top-5 in the NFL, but to really overreact so badly to put him on that kind of pedestal is just absurd, and frankly, unprofessional. Give me a freakin' break!
wow, I got really angry there... better crack open another Lions Head.
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