The Grades Are In
http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/442/1/The-Grades-Are-In.html
Adam Lefkoe
By Adam Lefkoe
Published on 06/9/2006
Think the NFL season doesn't start until September? Think again.
Last season technically ended February 5th when the Steelers took home the Lombardi Trophy (the NFL considers the Pro Bowl the last game, but I’m not even going to entertain that suggestion). Next season officially starts on September 7th when those same Steelers take on the Dolphins in a Thursday night showdown.
Seven months of “offseason” separate the two dates, but there’s nothing “off” about it. More often than not, this time defines just how well a team will perform in the upcoming year. With free agency and the NFL Draft continuously remodeling your favorite squad, it is important to scrutinize every move they make. Taking a look at some of the teams in the past five Super Bowls shows the magnitude of this crucial period.
Where would the Seahawks have been this year without the steady play of Joe Jurevicius (Free Agency) and Lofa Tatupu (Draft)? Would the Eagles have been in the same position the year before without Terrell Owens (Free Agency)? Was it me, or in his first season with the team did Stephen Davis carry the Panthers on his back to Super Bowl XXXVIII? A year before, Tampa Bay’s decision to grab Jon Gruden in the offseason seemed to help out just a little bit. And in an absolutely phenomenal offseason, nine of the Patriots starters on their Super Bowl lineup were acquired through free agency or the NFL Draft the previous offseason.
Since so much rides on the offseason, here’s a glance at which teams are on the road to the Super Bowl and which teams are standing in the shoulder with their thumb out.
BEST OF THE BEST
1. TITANS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – David Givens (NE), Kevin Mawae (NYJ), David Thornton (IND), Chris Hope (PIT)
Key Rookies – Vince Young (Rd.1, #3), LenDale White (Rd.2, #13)
While I’m not a supporter of the way in which the Titans handled the Steve McNair fiasco (he was finally traded to Baltimore Wednesday), their offseason have been absolutely phenomenal. Overshadowed in their previous surroundings, a lot of people don’t realize just how good David Givens and David Thornton are, and Kevin Mawae is the Titan’s first solid center since Bruce Matthews retired. I like the choice of Vince Young over Matt Leinart for the long-term, because the Titans aren’t ready to win now, but will be when Vince has had a few years in the league. Along with Young, LenDale White provides a wealth of potential; if they both pan out that Titans could be set for a long time.
2. GIANTS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – LaVar Arrington (Wash), Sam Madison (Mia), Will Demps (Bal)
Key Draft Moves – Mathias Kiwanuka (Rd.1, #32), Sinorice Moss (Rd. 2, #12)
Defense wins championships and that’s what the Giants focused on. By attaining LaVar, the G-men now have possibly the best front seven in the NFL. Their main problem last season was their secondary, and added pressure from the front seven will alleviate the strain on the weak link. In adding Madison and Demps, the Giants also added depth and experience to a once young and ineffective group. Kiwanuka increases the explosiveness of the D and allows defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, one of the best in the league, to get creative with blitz packages in passing situations. Sinorice Moss was one of the best steals in the draft and adds another dangerous threat to an already formidable offense. The Giants had needs and filled them, you can’t ask much more of a franchise.
3. REDSKINS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – Adam Archuleta (Stl), Andre Carter (SF), Brandon Lloyd (SF), Antwaan Randle El (Pit), Christian Fauria (NE)
Key Draft Moves – Rocky McIntosh (Rd. 2, #3)
While the Giants needed D, the Redskins needed a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball. Brandon Lloyd (The NEW Human Highlight Reel) and Antwaan Randle El immediately transform the Skins’ receiving corps from one of the weakest to one of the most promising. Young, athletic, and versatile, the two new wideouts, along with burner Santana Moss, should keep defensive coordinators on their toes (and don’t sleep on Clinton Portis). It sounds like Jason Campbell is really coming around as Washington’s QB of the future. While losing LaVar to a division rival is big, so is losing the headache that his unhappiness created for the entire team. Andre Carter is an untapped defensive presence and Adam Archuleta gives the Redskins two solid safeties. Rocky McIntosh, despite being no Arrington, is a heck of an athlete and will be starting by season’s end. If Gregg Williams can keep his defense up to par with last year’s, the Redskins may have done enough offensively to get them over the hump.
4. VIKINGS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – Steve Hutchinson (Sea), Tony Richardson (KC), Chester Taylor (Bal), Tank Williams (Ten), Ryan Longwell (GB)
Key Draft Moves – Chad Greenway (Rd. 1, 17), Cedric Griffin (Rd. 2, 16), Tarvaris Jackson (Rd. 2, 32)
With the addition of Brad Childress as Head Coach, the Vikings have gone in a new direction. Trying to escape the boat scandal, the ticket-scalping incident, and the untold damage wrought by the ‘Whizzinator’, they seem to be changing their ways. Hutchinson is possibly the best guard in the league, Richardson is probably the best fullback, and more importantly they’re players accustomed to WINNING. Along with some big signings and the draft of Greenway (already slated in at starting outside linebacker), losing Culpepper may be good for the franchise. While Tarvaris Jackson may be a while off, if there is one guy who can turn him into a solid pro it’s Childress. Chester Taylor now has an opportunity to show his skills as a starter, and the Vikes are ready to move on.
5. CARDINALS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – Edgerrin James (IND), Milford Brown (Hou), Kendrick Clancy (NYG)
Key Draft Moves – Matt Leinart (Rd. 1, 10), Deuce Lutui (Rd.2, 9), Leonard Pope (Rd.3, 8), Gabe Watson (Rd.4, 10)
There was no bigger free agent signing than Edgerrin James. The number one passing team in the NFL last season now has a dangerous ground threat. In an earlier article, I stated they still needed quarterback help, and Dennis Green got just that. With something to prove after falling to number ten in the draft, Matt Leinart seems poised to lead one of the most dangerous offenses since Green’s 1998 Vikings. I also like the added depth that Deuce Lutui adds to the offensive line, but I’m really in love with the Pope and Watson. Pope is MASSIVE and will create huge mismatches for Leinart to exploit. Gabe Watson somehow slipped to the fourth round (Projected as an early second round pick) and will turn into a very solid pro. With all of these weapons acquired through free agency and an outstanding draft, it would be devastating if the Cards underachieved again this year.
BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
1. BILLS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Lawyer Milloy (ATL) and Eric Moulds (Hou)
Poor Draft Decisions – Donte Whitner (Rd. 1, 8), John McCargo (Rd. 1, 26)
Before I bash them, acquiring Ashton Youboty in the third round was a great pick. Other than that, WHAT WERE THE BILLS THINKING? In the draft the Bills made two of “the biggest reaches in years” with Whitner and McCargo. Both were expected to go later in Day 1, not even the first round, and there were much better players available. Free agency is an even bigger blunder. Losing two phenomenal players, not to mention team leaders is going to destroy this team. I would love to talk about J.P. Losman (I just threw up in my mouth) and how he has no weapons, but I’ll save that for another column. Once again, Buffalo goes wide right.
2. COLTS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Edgerrin James (Arz), David Thornton (Ten), Larry Tripplett (Buf)
Poor Draft Decisions – Joseph Addai (Rd. 1, 30), Tim Jennings (Rd. 2, 30)
When you lose solid starters and do nothing about it, you’re killing your chances to win. I consider their kicker swap (signed Vinatieri, let Vanderjagt go) an even trade, but their replacement for Edge is not up to par. Neither incumbent Dominic Rhodes nor Addai will be able to fill Edge’s role. LenDale White may have been the better choice, albeit the riskier one. The departure of Thornton and Tripplett leave huge holes in the Colts D, and seeing as how the Colts have done NOTHING about it, they’re in for a rude awakening. Some people feel as though Peyton made Edge a better runner, but I’m a believer that they helped each other. Peyton will take a step back this year, as will the Colts.
3. 49ERS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Fred Beasley (Mia), Andre Carter (Wash), Brandon Lloyd (Wash), and Julian Peterson (Sea)
Poor Draft Decisions – Vernon Davis (Rd. 1, 6) … yeah I said it
Before everyone flips out, I think Vernon Davis is going to be real special. However, when you have a team with so many holes, this pick seems unnecessary. Eric Johnson, who had 82 catches two seasons ago, is returning from injury and is only 26 years old. Michael Huff could’ve provided both corner and safety help to a team that needs both. Overall, I thought the Niners did a good job in the draft, but their free agency performance was pathetic. With the departure of Fred Beasley, an offensive leader, San Fran is left with Chris Hetherington (who is actually older than Beasley) as their starting fullback…WHO?? On defense they lose two playmakers in Carter and Peterson, and they traded away Brandon Lloyd, the only reason to watch Niner highlights on Sportscenter last season. With a wide receiving corps boasting Arnaz Battle as a starter, one can only wonder if Alex Smith will ever get a solid supporting cast. The Niners plan to utilize a TE-heavy offense, but usually that requires a steady run game to throw off defenses. With Frank Gore running behind Hetherington, I wish Norv Turner all the luck in the world figuring that one out.
4. SEAHAWKS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Steve Hutchinson (Min), Joe Jurevicius (Cle), and Andre Dyson (NYJ)
Poor Draft Decisions – Kelly Jennings (Rd. 1, 31)
As the saying goes “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Shaun Alexander had a heap of running room behind Walter Jones and Hutchinson, and now it’s all gone. Hutchinson is an elite guard in the NFL and losing him could end up destroying the Seahawks running game. In the air, the Seahawks seemed to drop another pass. Last season everyone praised Seattle for acquiring Jurevicius and fixing their main problem, dropping the ball. They are now left with the same receivers who had that problem two years ago, and their offense seems to have completely regressed. While I think Kelly Jennings will be a solid pick, Jimmy Williams (Atl) or Ashton Youboty (Buf) may have been a better value, even with Williams’ attitude issues. I do like their signings of Julian Peterson and the re-signing of Rocky Bernard, but the losses of Hutchinson and Jurevicius will be huge.
THE JURY IS STILL OUT
1. BROWNS – I love the signings of LeCharles Bentley, Joe Jurevicius, Willie McGinest, Kevin Shaffer, and Ted Washington, but the issue of a quarterback still scares me. They got two good linebackers for their new 3-4 scheme in D’Quell Jackson and Kameron Wimbley (who will play outside LB), but still have a huge need at DE. They’ve made some big signings this offseason, but it may not be enough
2. TEXANS – WOW. That’s all I said when the Texans took Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. I know Williams is a stud, but inconsistency in college is a problem that I just can’t get around. I hope it doesn’t end up this way for the Texans, but we could be making Sam Bowie references in a few years. Hey, I think Domanick Davis is real solid, but he sure isn’t Reggie Bush. They’ve added some solid starters in Eric Moulds, Anthony Weaver, and Sam Cowart, but their offensive line and linebackers still need work. The Texans will go as far as David Carr takes them, and that depends on how far the Offensive line lets him.
3. CHARGERS – The Chargers may be the team with the most questions going into this season. Everyone will have their eyes glued to Phillip Rivers this season, waiting to call the Chargers idiots for allowing Drew Brees to head out of town. They followed up this questionable move with possibly an even bigger one, if that’s possible. The Chargers drafted Antonio Cromartie to fill their need at cornerback; but he missed all of last season because of a knee injury. If he's unable to overcome this injury or gets hurt again, the pick will be a disaster for San Diego; if he produces, they’ll be crowned as geniuses. Two players, two different issues, two HUGE question marks.
4. COWBOYS – Terrell Owens…Idiots. Blow-up Prediction: Week 13 after a loss to the Giants.
5. SAINTS – Reggie Bush and Drew Brees have added a lot of excitement to a city that needed something to get hyped about. While Reggie will keep them on the edge of their seats for years to come, some moves this offseason may make Saints’ fans scratch their heads. They lost offensive linemen LeCharles Bentley and Wayne Gandy and haven’t done much to replace them. Granted they made a trade with Cleveland for center Jeff Faine, but there’s a reason the Browns signed Bentley to replace him. In the draft the Saints made another interesting decision by drafting safety Roman Harper in the second round. The Saints already had six safeties on their roster, and Harper wasn’t supposed to go until day two. Their more pressing needs on the offensive line and linebacker seemed to go unnoticed, and their record will show this.
THE TOP 5:
Best Free Agency Moves…
1. Arizona signs Edgerrin James
2. New Orleans signs Drew Brees
3. Minnesota signs Steve Hutchinson
4. Oakland lets Charles Woodson go
5. Seattle signs Julian Peterson
Most Questionable Free Agency Moves…
1. Denver handling of Ashley Lelie
2. Titan treatment of Steve McNair
3. Seattle loses Hutchinson and Jurevicius
4. Indianapolis loss of major starters
5. Patriots lose Vinatieri
Best Draft…
1. Philadelphia Eagles
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. New England Patriots
4. Tennessee Titans
5. Minnesota Vikings
Worst Draft…
1. Buffalo Bills
2. Detroit Lions
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Houston Texans
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Think the NFL season doesn't start until September? Think again.
|
Last season technically ended February 5th when the Steelers took home the Lombardi Trophy (the NFL considers the Pro Bowl the last game, but I’m not even going to entertain that suggestion). Next season officially starts on September 7th when those same Steelers take on the Dolphins in a Thursday night showdown.
Seven months of “offseason” separate the two dates, but there’s nothing “off” about it. More often than not, this time defines just how well a team will perform in the upcoming year. With free agency and the NFL Draft continuously remodeling your favorite squad, it is important to scrutinize every move they make. Taking a look at some of the teams in the past five Super Bowls shows the magnitude of this crucial period.
Where would the Seahawks have been this year without the steady play of Joe Jurevicius (Free Agency) and Lofa Tatupu (Draft)? Would the Eagles have been in the same position the year before without Terrell Owens (Free Agency)? Was it me, or in his first season with the team did Stephen Davis carry the Panthers on his back to Super Bowl XXXVIII? A year before, Tampa Bay’s decision to grab Jon Gruden in the offseason seemed to help out just a little bit. And in an absolutely phenomenal offseason, nine of the Patriots starters on their Super Bowl lineup were acquired through free agency or the NFL Draft the previous offseason.
Since so much rides on the offseason, here’s a glance at which teams are on the road to the Super Bowl and which teams are standing in the shoulder with their thumb out.
BEST OF THE BEST
1. TITANS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – David Givens (NE), Kevin Mawae (NYJ), David Thornton (IND), Chris Hope (PIT)
Key Rookies – Vince Young (Rd.1, #3), LenDale White (Rd.2, #13)
While I’m not a supporter of the way in which the Titans handled the Steve McNair fiasco (he was finally traded to Baltimore Wednesday), their offseason have been absolutely phenomenal. Overshadowed in their previous surroundings, a lot of people don’t realize just how good David Givens and David Thornton are, and Kevin Mawae is the Titan’s first solid center since Bruce Matthews retired. I like the choice of Vince Young over Matt Leinart for the long-term, because the Titans aren’t ready to win now, but will be when Vince has had a few years in the league. Along with Young, LenDale White provides a wealth of potential; if they both pan out that Titans could be set for a long time.
2. GIANTS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – LaVar Arrington (Wash), Sam Madison (Mia), Will Demps (Bal)
Key Draft Moves – Mathias Kiwanuka (Rd.1, #32), Sinorice Moss (Rd. 2, #12)
Defense wins championships and that’s what the Giants focused on. By attaining LaVar, the G-men now have possibly the best front seven in the NFL. Their main problem last season was their secondary, and added pressure from the front seven will alleviate the strain on the weak link. In adding Madison and Demps, the Giants also added depth and experience to a once young and ineffective group. Kiwanuka increases the explosiveness of the D and allows defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, one of the best in the league, to get creative with blitz packages in passing situations. Sinorice Moss was one of the best steals in the draft and adds another dangerous threat to an already formidable offense. The Giants had needs and filled them, you can’t ask much more of a franchise.
3. REDSKINS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – Adam Archuleta (Stl), Andre Carter (SF), Brandon Lloyd (SF), Antwaan Randle El (Pit), Christian Fauria (NE)
Key Draft Moves – Rocky McIntosh (Rd. 2, #3)
While the Giants needed D, the Redskins needed a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball. Brandon Lloyd (The NEW Human Highlight Reel) and Antwaan Randle El immediately transform the Skins’ receiving corps from one of the weakest to one of the most promising. Young, athletic, and versatile, the two new wideouts, along with burner Santana Moss, should keep defensive coordinators on their toes (and don’t sleep on Clinton Portis). It sounds like Jason Campbell is really coming around as Washington’s QB of the future. While losing LaVar to a division rival is big, so is losing the headache that his unhappiness created for the entire team. Andre Carter is an untapped defensive presence and Adam Archuleta gives the Redskins two solid safeties. Rocky McIntosh, despite being no Arrington, is a heck of an athlete and will be starting by season’s end. If Gregg Williams can keep his defense up to par with last year’s, the Redskins may have done enough offensively to get them over the hump.
4. VIKINGS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – Steve Hutchinson (Sea), Tony Richardson (KC), Chester Taylor (Bal), Tank Williams (Ten), Ryan Longwell (GB)
Key Draft Moves – Chad Greenway (Rd. 1, 17), Cedric Griffin (Rd. 2, 16), Tarvaris Jackson (Rd. 2, 32)
With the addition of Brad Childress as Head Coach, the Vikings have gone in a new direction. Trying to escape the boat scandal, the ticket-scalping incident, and the untold damage wrought by the ‘Whizzinator’, they seem to be changing their ways. Hutchinson is possibly the best guard in the league, Richardson is probably the best fullback, and more importantly they’re players accustomed to WINNING. Along with some big signings and the draft of Greenway (already slated in at starting outside linebacker), losing Culpepper may be good for the franchise. While Tarvaris Jackson may be a while off, if there is one guy who can turn him into a solid pro it’s Childress. Chester Taylor now has an opportunity to show his skills as a starter, and the Vikes are ready to move on.
5. CARDINALS
Key Free Agent Acquisitions – Edgerrin James (IND), Milford Brown (Hou), Kendrick Clancy (NYG)
Key Draft Moves – Matt Leinart (Rd. 1, 10), Deuce Lutui (Rd.2, 9), Leonard Pope (Rd.3, 8), Gabe Watson (Rd.4, 10)
There was no bigger free agent signing than Edgerrin James. The number one passing team in the NFL last season now has a dangerous ground threat. In an earlier article, I stated they still needed quarterback help, and Dennis Green got just that. With something to prove after falling to number ten in the draft, Matt Leinart seems poised to lead one of the most dangerous offenses since Green’s 1998 Vikings. I also like the added depth that Deuce Lutui adds to the offensive line, but I’m really in love with the Pope and Watson. Pope is MASSIVE and will create huge mismatches for Leinart to exploit. Gabe Watson somehow slipped to the fourth round (Projected as an early second round pick) and will turn into a very solid pro. With all of these weapons acquired through free agency and an outstanding draft, it would be devastating if the Cards underachieved again this year.
BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
1. BILLS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Lawyer Milloy (ATL) and Eric Moulds (Hou)
Poor Draft Decisions – Donte Whitner (Rd. 1, 8), John McCargo (Rd. 1, 26)
Before I bash them, acquiring Ashton Youboty in the third round was a great pick. Other than that, WHAT WERE THE BILLS THINKING? In the draft the Bills made two of “the biggest reaches in years” with Whitner and McCargo. Both were expected to go later in Day 1, not even the first round, and there were much better players available. Free agency is an even bigger blunder. Losing two phenomenal players, not to mention team leaders is going to destroy this team. I would love to talk about J.P. Losman (I just threw up in my mouth) and how he has no weapons, but I’ll save that for another column. Once again, Buffalo goes wide right.
2. COLTS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Edgerrin James (Arz), David Thornton (Ten), Larry Tripplett (Buf)
Poor Draft Decisions – Joseph Addai (Rd. 1, 30), Tim Jennings (Rd. 2, 30)
When you lose solid starters and do nothing about it, you’re killing your chances to win. I consider their kicker swap (signed Vinatieri, let Vanderjagt go) an even trade, but their replacement for Edge is not up to par. Neither incumbent Dominic Rhodes nor Addai will be able to fill Edge’s role. LenDale White may have been the better choice, albeit the riskier one. The departure of Thornton and Tripplett leave huge holes in the Colts D, and seeing as how the Colts have done NOTHING about it, they’re in for a rude awakening. Some people feel as though Peyton made Edge a better runner, but I’m a believer that they helped each other. Peyton will take a step back this year, as will the Colts.
3. 49ERS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Fred Beasley (Mia), Andre Carter (Wash), Brandon Lloyd (Wash), and Julian Peterson (Sea)
Poor Draft Decisions – Vernon Davis (Rd. 1, 6) … yeah I said it
Before everyone flips out, I think Vernon Davis is going to be real special. However, when you have a team with so many holes, this pick seems unnecessary. Eric Johnson, who had 82 catches two seasons ago, is returning from injury and is only 26 years old. Michael Huff could’ve provided both corner and safety help to a team that needs both. Overall, I thought the Niners did a good job in the draft, but their free agency performance was pathetic. With the departure of Fred Beasley, an offensive leader, San Fran is left with Chris Hetherington (who is actually older than Beasley) as their starting fullback…WHO?? On defense they lose two playmakers in Carter and Peterson, and they traded away Brandon Lloyd, the only reason to watch Niner highlights on Sportscenter last season. With a wide receiving corps boasting Arnaz Battle as a starter, one can only wonder if Alex Smith will ever get a solid supporting cast. The Niners plan to utilize a TE-heavy offense, but usually that requires a steady run game to throw off defenses. With Frank Gore running behind Hetherington, I wish Norv Turner all the luck in the world figuring that one out.
4. SEAHAWKS
Free Agent Follies – Lost Steve Hutchinson (Min), Joe Jurevicius (Cle), and Andre Dyson (NYJ)
Poor Draft Decisions – Kelly Jennings (Rd. 1, 31)
As the saying goes “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Shaun Alexander had a heap of running room behind Walter Jones and Hutchinson, and now it’s all gone. Hutchinson is an elite guard in the NFL and losing him could end up destroying the Seahawks running game. In the air, the Seahawks seemed to drop another pass. Last season everyone praised Seattle for acquiring Jurevicius and fixing their main problem, dropping the ball. They are now left with the same receivers who had that problem two years ago, and their offense seems to have completely regressed. While I think Kelly Jennings will be a solid pick, Jimmy Williams (Atl) or Ashton Youboty (Buf) may have been a better value, even with Williams’ attitude issues. I do like their signings of Julian Peterson and the re-signing of Rocky Bernard, but the losses of Hutchinson and Jurevicius will be huge.
THE JURY IS STILL OUT
1. BROWNS – I love the signings of LeCharles Bentley, Joe Jurevicius, Willie McGinest, Kevin Shaffer, and Ted Washington, but the issue of a quarterback still scares me. They got two good linebackers for their new 3-4 scheme in D’Quell Jackson and Kameron Wimbley (who will play outside LB), but still have a huge need at DE. They’ve made some big signings this offseason, but it may not be enough
2. TEXANS – WOW. That’s all I said when the Texans took Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. I know Williams is a stud, but inconsistency in college is a problem that I just can’t get around. I hope it doesn’t end up this way for the Texans, but we could be making Sam Bowie references in a few years. Hey, I think Domanick Davis is real solid, but he sure isn’t Reggie Bush. They’ve added some solid starters in Eric Moulds, Anthony Weaver, and Sam Cowart, but their offensive line and linebackers still need work. The Texans will go as far as David Carr takes them, and that depends on how far the Offensive line lets him.
3. CHARGERS – The Chargers may be the team with the most questions going into this season. Everyone will have their eyes glued to Phillip Rivers this season, waiting to call the Chargers idiots for allowing Drew Brees to head out of town. They followed up this questionable move with possibly an even bigger one, if that’s possible. The Chargers drafted Antonio Cromartie to fill their need at cornerback; but he missed all of last season because of a knee injury. If he's unable to overcome this injury or gets hurt again, the pick will be a disaster for San Diego; if he produces, they’ll be crowned as geniuses. Two players, two different issues, two HUGE question marks.
4. COWBOYS – Terrell Owens…Idiots. Blow-up Prediction: Week 13 after a loss to the Giants.
5. SAINTS – Reggie Bush and Drew Brees have added a lot of excitement to a city that needed something to get hyped about. While Reggie will keep them on the edge of their seats for years to come, some moves this offseason may make Saints’ fans scratch their heads. They lost offensive linemen LeCharles Bentley and Wayne Gandy and haven’t done much to replace them. Granted they made a trade with Cleveland for center Jeff Faine, but there’s a reason the Browns signed Bentley to replace him. In the draft the Saints made another interesting decision by drafting safety Roman Harper in the second round. The Saints already had six safeties on their roster, and Harper wasn’t supposed to go until day two. Their more pressing needs on the offensive line and linebacker seemed to go unnoticed, and their record will show this.
THE TOP 5:
Best Free Agency Moves…
1. Arizona signs Edgerrin James
2. New Orleans signs Drew Brees
3. Minnesota signs Steve Hutchinson
4. Oakland lets Charles Woodson go
5. Seattle signs Julian Peterson
Most Questionable Free Agency Moves…
1. Denver handling of Ashley Lelie
2. Titan treatment of Steve McNair
3. Seattle loses Hutchinson and Jurevicius
4. Indianapolis loss of major starters
5. Patriots lose Vinatieri
Best Draft…
1. Philadelphia Eagles
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. New England Patriots
4. Tennessee Titans
5. Minnesota Vikings
Worst Draft…
1. Buffalo Bills
2. Detroit Lions
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Houston Texans
Adam Lefkoe is a junior broadcast journalism major at Syracuse University. You can reach him at adam.lefkoe@atomicsportsmedia.com