Which NFL teams have had the best offseason so far?
by Fuzion on Apr 13, 2010 9:07 PM CDT
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PrintI was asked by a few friends to write up a short post on which NFL teams I feel have made the most of the NFL Off-season and Free Agency signings thus far (read: pre-draft). It's hard to judge a team in the off-season by the moves they make before the draft, because the draft is a big indicator for most teams. Yet, here I find myself writing up this post and almost chuckling at how many teams made some really good moves, and how many made some not so good moves. In no particular order, they are listed below with my explanations on why I chose them.
The Jets.
This off-season the Jets have made a few select key moves which have added to their overall depth, and also to their overall mystique. Defensively, the green and white added Antonio Cromartie, Jr. A lot of people have viewed this move by the Jets as one without much forethought, but I disagree. The Jets have a coach who knows how to keep players in line, and will simply not accept someone who isn't doing their job. Cromartie is a top 10 cornerback in the league, and with Revis covering the opposite side of the field will have a far better chance to be comfortable with his role. Cromartie needs to not be the number one guy, and now he isn't. The change of scenery will also help Cromartie, but don't expect his numbers to be dramatically improved. When you are splitting the field with arguably the best cover man in the league, let alone the known universe, you can't expect to have a whole lot of opportunities to begin with. Then again, he should see most of the passes thrown his way. Who the hell in their right mind is going to throw to Revis?
via photos.upi.com
Offensively, the Jets add both Santonio Holmes, SuperBowl MVP, and LaDanian Tomlinson. LT is not getting any younger, however he is headed to a team who actually has a decent offensive line, and he won't be expected to carry the full burden. Sanchez now has a new target, Holmes, who will bolster a receiving corps that really, really needed the help. Neither player will be the top three at his respective position, however their presence forces defenses to remain at least somewhat honest, and also should free up Sanchez to make even more incredible plays.
The Redskins.
Now, I know this one will get me a lot of flac from the McNabb haters, and the Shanahan haters, etc, but the Redskins have had a very solid off-season. They pick up Donovan McNabb for a relatively inexpensive price. They acquire Kyle Shanahan, who proved last season with the Texans that he has the tools and knowledge to be a decent, if not incredible, offensive coordinator. They also pick up not just one, but two quality NFL running backs in Willie Parker and Larry Johnson. Just like LT, these guys are getting on in age, and are showing it. Here's the deal, though, when you pick up two of them, you help spread the load. Not to mention it's really like picking up three of them when you consider they also have Clinton Portis on the team (perhaps not for long). Add in the other off-season Front Office moves, and well, I think the Redskins *gulp* are prepared to make a true comeback to form. These guys will be a force to be reckoned with.
The Browns.
I know, I know. You all think I'm absolutely ape sh|t to choose the Browns over the Bears or Ravens or Lions, but the fact remains that the Browns had an incredible off-season. They picked up some of the best Front Office personnel and coaches, got rid of the two biggest dead-weight quarterbacks in the league, while picking up a veteran, Jake Delhomme, who if he can avoid injury is an elite throwing machine. Also, he's there to mentor Seneca, and whomever the Browns draft in the 2nd or 3rd round at the position. Add in the acquisition of Scott Fujita, and they had themselves a damn good off-season so far. They didn't stop there, though. The Browns went and signed Ben Watson, a tight end who has great hands, can catch the ball on the run, can block both in run and passing situations, and is a veteran. Offensively, a team that couldn't score, is now poised to score and score lots. Their defense was already good, now with some downs to actually rest, they should be even better.
That's it. I know people will think I left teams out, but I'm the one writing this post not them. Nyah! On a side note, I'm going to go out on a limb and state here and now that all three of these teams will be playoff bound in 2010.
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Washington
Adding a legit NFL QB and coach combination turns them from a bottom feeder to .500 team. That’s improvement.
The Jets? I think the moves they’ve pulled will bite them in the end. Holmes? He’s already missing at least 4 games. Cromartie? Overrated. LT? Not as good as Thomas Jones was last season.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Cromartie may not be as elite as say, Revis, but...
He is still a quality option at defensive back for the Jets, and again, he’s playing opposite Revis. He is certainly an upgrade over who they had last season.
Thomas Jones is a commodity, however, he was not going to stay a Jet. He didn’t want to, and thus, he isn’t.
But no, I agree, the Jets haven’t had the best off-season thus far. Just one of the best.
Washington, I do agree, is definitely a serious contender for top spot.
Playing opposite of Revis would mean Cromartie would see more passes his direction
Yeah, Rex Ryan is this defensive “genius,” so if anyone can get Cromartie back to 2007 form, Rex Ryan can do it. Their moves are good for this season, but they are not planning for the future. I wonder how long the NY fans and media will put up with Rex Ryan if he doesn’t win a Superbowl. I hope the shine goes away fast.
Also, Cromartie was not the #1 corner in SD. Jammer was.
I would say that the Browns have had one of the worst off-seasons so far. Their moves have been impulsive and bad. Scott Fujita and Jake Delhomme are old and not worth what they got. Ben Watson is a not a great TE who has inconsistent hands.
by theaxeeffect4311 on Apr 13, 2010 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Just because they have you listed as number one...
Doesn’t mean you’re the best cornerback on the team. Just ask Dunta Robinson about that one.
Jammer is top 10, or well, was. His last couple of seasons have shown his decline for whatever reason.
The main reason I have the Browns listed is because I don’t believe the players they picked up were just random decisions. Nobody randomly decides to sign Scott Fujita. Even if he’s old, he’s still good. NFL Linemen have long careers anyways, so do TEs. The only questionable thing is maybe Jake Delhomme, but let’s face it, whom else did they have to hand the ball to?
Seneca Wallace
I thought that was a great trade because it’s low risk grabbing someone you know. It also gives you a decent player who can start for a season why you train a QB to take over. Wallace should be starting over Delhomme.
But the one signing we forgot was Tony Pashos. At 10.3 mil for 3 years, that is a pretty good contract for a guy that may not start. Scott Fujita is not done, which I am sorry if that is what I implied. However, a contract of 14 mil for 3 years with 8 mil guaranteed for a decent LB is more than he is worth. They drafted two LBs last year, so they are pretty set at LB. Plus, their best LB, D’Qwell Jackson, wants out, which would make sense for signing Fujita, but that shows desperation giving him that kind of money.
Jammer usually covered the #1 receiver, which means that SD trusted him more than Cromartie. Cromartie is pretty much a one year wonder.
Jake Delhomme turned into a turnover machine last year and it isn’t the first time he has thrown over 15 interceptions. He had a good O-line, good RBs, and decent WRs, so it lies solely on him. He is only signed for two years, but he will be making 7 mil next season so he better be starting. It also makes the trade for Wallace a little questionable because Wallace will become the third QB to whoever they draft.
by theaxeeffect4311 on Apr 14, 2010 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Fuck the Jets.
But they’ve done a fine job of making an already strong team even better this year, and while they haven’t planned for the future persay, they haven’t exactly handicapped themselves long-term either. They’ve given up only late-round picks and haven’t acquired any big long-term contracts in the event of the return of the salary cap.
They beat us last year because we weren’t prepared. This year, I fear that they’ll beat us because they genuinely have a much better team.
by Nashmeister on Apr 14, 2010 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm hoping on Thanksgiving....
it’ll be a Jacoby Show with a good effort from our legit top-10 defense.
"Lord, beer me strength."
It's true
they are not locked up long term and they are taking low risk trades. However, I am wondering if this off-season is a special case since it’s an uncapped year, but if this becomes the norm for a Rex Ryan off-season and the Jets cannot deliver from those moves, how long will NY put up with him?
by theaxeeffect4311 on Apr 14, 2010 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
but the beauty is
that none are there long term so if it bites them in the ass no big deal, but if they win the Superbowl (God Forbid) these moves were great. at one point these players were great and just might have one good year left in them
living the Texas dream
The Jets' success will really come down to one thing....
Mark Sanchez and his progression.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Holmes
Sanchez is really gonna need a dependable WR and when the makes the game winning catch in the Superbowl QB’s seem to like you. Remember it was off the filed actions that got him traded he didnt suck
living the Texas dream
Am I the only one..
that thinks that game winning catch wasn’t a catch by Holmes? No matter how many times I watch it I never see the right foot toes even bend a blade of grass. It’s not as if his right foot toes are down by proxy because the top his right foot is riding the bottom of his left foot.
Maybe it’s my absolute hatred of the Steelers. Maybe not.
I dunno.
by HoustonTransplant on Apr 14, 2010 4:01 AM CDT up reply actions
As someone who doesn't hate the Steelers
I completely agree with you. This article’s picture proves it.
I’m glad I’m not the only guy in the world not in Arizona that feels that way.
It touched everytime I have seen it...
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Deep
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
by bigfatdrunk on Apr 13, 2010 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Who voted for the Bills?
Oh thats right, ME. Getting rid of Mauron(or was it spelled with a J?) . I actually like Chan Gailey, and I think they have done a really good job so far of not blowing money on free agents while bringing in key personnel to help them transition to the 3-4.
If they could pull off a trade for Campbell while retaining their first 3 picks, I can easily see them having a legit shot at the playoffs next year.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Campbell should be had...
with a 4th and a conditional. Washington’s gotta move on…..I can’t see anyone offering anything higher than that….not too many vacant QB spots open. Oakland’s weak….Carolina….that’s about it.
"Lord, beer me strength."
I agree
I think Campbell could be a real good deal for some team. Get the kid behind some guys who can block and he could be pretty darn good.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
keep in mind
spending lots of money on 30somethings looks great on paper, but doesnt mean it will all mesh and translate into wins(see Synder ran Redskins). Alot of these big names are there because they are premadonnas and if you load up enough cancers, eventually you get a tumor. So bringing in lots of old guys doesnt necessarily mean a team is having the ‘best’ offseason. I dont think you can judge who had the best offseason moves until after we see the results.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
Texans had the best offseason.......they got rid of Dunta.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
Addition by subtraction
Lost Dunta, Sexy Rexy, who else, Chris Brown, maybe Kris Brown, that’s pretty significant. The team is better because of it. Now they just need to fill slots with fresh blood.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
While the Jets made some moves
I have a hard time saying they had the best offseason moves when they got rig of their #1 player for pretty much nothing. TJ was the corner stone of that offense and they moved him on in place of Shonn Green. While I do think he will be good I don’t think he got enough playing time last year to make the decision to get rid of a +1300 yard rusher. LT might do ok but he isn’t the same type of runner as TJ. Cromartie – eh. After seeing tape of him being scared to get up to the line and make a tackle I think he plays when he wants and appears to be scared of contact. And while I think Santonio is a good WR I don’t think the same of Braylon Edwards – dude has stone hands. I think Holmes was the only real pick up for them in the offseason that has a chance of making an impact.
The reason I chose the Redskins is because of the addition of McNabb and the coaching staff. Also I think Willie Parker and LJ will add depth to a running game that started to drop off last season when Portis got hurt (and I’m not sure he will ever make a full recovery). They also have the 5th pick in the draft this year where I think they will add another weapon in addition to the moves they’ve already made. They are setting themselves up to make a run at their division.
The Jets slid into the playoffs last year and I don’t think based on the changes they made this offseason that will change much. I still see them as a team on the edge of the playoffs and will probably be in that same position again next year. The Redskins I think are making enough changes to be a playoff contender and to me that’s progress which makes it a better offseason for the Skins than the others on this list. JMO.
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
by Bobobigbro on Apr 15, 2010 1:50 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
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