Kicking Off with a Bang
OK, so how's that for a crazy start to the NFL season? Talk about some significant moves thus far, no to mention some pretty significant holdouts that could get interesting. Enough already....let's get to it.
New England:
One of 2 teams to make some pretty significant moves. And talk about a team who can play the system better than anyone - hmmm....here's a super talented defensive tackle who's disgruntled and frustrated - let's give up nothing to get him and give ourselves the option to cut him with little to no risk. And receiver? OK, let's go get one of the most dynamic receivers in the game and pair him with one of the top QBs in the game. Seriously, Haynesworth and Ochocinco? This team just went from "who the hell knows" to "I smell another Super Bowl run"...if this pans out. And why wouldn't it based on their track record? Anyone else interested in seeing the Jets and Pats square off in November?
Philly:
Talk about a coup - who in the world thought Asomugha would end up anywhere except Dallas or New York (Jets that is). I think this was a surprise to a lot of folks. Philly has a pretty darn good corner in Asante Samuel - although he's getting older he's been to a ton of Pro Bowls. And then they get Cromartie in the Kolb trade, further solidifying the other side of the ball. Now what the hell are they going to do with Asomugha? Shut down the sideline passes is what. Although logic would say Samuel may now be on the trading block (hefty salary and "aging"), this gives them a lot of depth and options which they'll likely need with a young and inexperienced safety group. They need to shore up a "who the hell knows, but I'm not terribly optimistic" linebacker corps, but the (seemingly very quiet) signing of Jason Babin from the Titans helps strengthen the pass rush.
And then you sprinkle in the Vince Young signing and you've got a low risk, high reward move here. Look, we all know how VY's career has started out - he's got a solid record as a starter, won a ROY honors (by default), and led them to the playoffs. But, he's immature, self conscious and a horrible practice player....and he couldn't have found himself in a better situation. Who better to mentor VY than Vick who's had his, uh-hum, fair share of adversity. I'm concerned that VY gave zero effort into letting Kerry Collins be that mentor, but hopefully Vick can reach him. Plus, there are few, if any coaches in the league as good at reaching and molding promising QBs as Andy Reid. Great opportunity for VY, I'm optimistic, but he's got a lot of maturing to do.
Other Random Reactions and Musings:
Anyway, stay classy.
New England:
One of 2 teams to make some pretty significant moves. And talk about a team who can play the system better than anyone - hmmm....here's a super talented defensive tackle who's disgruntled and frustrated - let's give up nothing to get him and give ourselves the option to cut him with little to no risk. And receiver? OK, let's go get one of the most dynamic receivers in the game and pair him with one of the top QBs in the game. Seriously, Haynesworth and Ochocinco? This team just went from "who the hell knows" to "I smell another Super Bowl run"...if this pans out. And why wouldn't it based on their track record? Anyone else interested in seeing the Jets and Pats square off in November?
Philly:
Talk about a coup - who in the world thought Asomugha would end up anywhere except Dallas or New York (Jets that is). I think this was a surprise to a lot of folks. Philly has a pretty darn good corner in Asante Samuel - although he's getting older he's been to a ton of Pro Bowls. And then they get Cromartie in the Kolb trade, further solidifying the other side of the ball. Now what the hell are they going to do with Asomugha? Shut down the sideline passes is what. Although logic would say Samuel may now be on the trading block (hefty salary and "aging"), this gives them a lot of depth and options which they'll likely need with a young and inexperienced safety group. They need to shore up a "who the hell knows, but I'm not terribly optimistic" linebacker corps, but the (seemingly very quiet) signing of Jason Babin from the Titans helps strengthen the pass rush.
And then you sprinkle in the Vince Young signing and you've got a low risk, high reward move here. Look, we all know how VY's career has started out - he's got a solid record as a starter, won a ROY honors (by default), and led them to the playoffs. But, he's immature, self conscious and a horrible practice player....and he couldn't have found himself in a better situation. Who better to mentor VY than Vick who's had his, uh-hum, fair share of adversity. I'm concerned that VY gave zero effort into letting Kerry Collins be that mentor, but hopefully Vick can reach him. Plus, there are few, if any coaches in the league as good at reaching and molding promising QBs as Andy Reid. Great opportunity for VY, I'm optimistic, but he's got a lot of maturing to do.
Other Random Reactions and Musings:
- Reggie Bush to the Fins, huh? I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that this team will grossly misuse this guy. They had better bring on another bruising, every-down back (resign Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams, or someone else) because Bush cannot carry the ball 25 times a game. Won't happen. He's a guy you design 10-12 plays for a game - and let him return kicks.
- Chris Johnson holding out is not good news for the Titans....especially new QB Matt Hasselbeck. That was a great signing to help bring their young draft pick around, but without Chris Johnson this team is a shell of itself offensively. Honestly, the Titans are on a slippery slope - they need to shore some things up or they run the risk of falling into a state of mediocrity that's so hard to climb out of.
- Smart move focusing on re-signing Doug Free Dallas....very smart move.
- Sleeper signing: Steve Breaston being plucked away from Arizona by the Chiefs. Breaston showed promise over the last year or two and could thrive on a team with a solid running back duo and an above average QB. On paper the Chiefs are looking like a potentially tough team - certainly in that division.
- Congratulations Cedric Benson, yet again you embarrass yourself during the off season. I bet Cincy, or whomever signs him is thrilled - his salary just went from 3 million a year to about 1-1.5. I mean, how hard is it to NOT get arrested?
- It's crazy how many Panthers players are resigning, right? I mean...it's the Panthers. I guess Newton fever has caught on in North Carolina.
- I love what Houston did - when everyone expects them to throw big money at Asomugha, they quietly go out and sign Jonathan Joseph. An aggressive player who is 3 years younger than Asomugha. Great move - filling a need and being aggressive and decisive, but smart.
- I suspect now that the Jets lost out on Asomugha, they'll move to try and resign Antonio Cromartie. That could dramatic.
- Sooo, anyone want to guess where Matt Lineart lands? Yeah, I don't care either.
- Listen, I never side with players in holdout situations - you signed your contract, you have no leverage. However, Desean Jackson is set to make like $565,000 this year. I mean, you gotta step up if you're the Eagles. Of course the VY and Asomugha signings make this that much more difficult. Philly wouldn't nosedive without Jackson by any means, but he's a game changer and can break off a long score on any given play.
Anyway, stay classy.
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 12:41 AM
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