Tuesday March 6, 2007

So I figure I better talk about the NFL since there has been so much movement. Let’s start with running backs:

      Ahman Green signed with the Texans leaving Brett “I should retire” Farve and the Packers. You are probably saying didn’t the Texans and Packers swap running backs last season, yes they did. The Pack got Vernand Morency and the Texans got Samkon Gado. The Texans also had Wali Lundy and Ron Danye in their backfield but there was no for sure number one there, seemed to rotate depending on the time the sun set on the Wednesday of the given week. I am assuming Green has the number one spot since he is the best back in Houston. Gado is probably pissed because Green is following him and taking his possible starting job.
      Travis Henry signed with the Broncos. Henry rushed for over a thousand yards last year averaging 4.5 yards per rush and scored 7 touchdowns. A pretty decent year if you ask me. Henry is only 28 and he saw limited carries in 2004 and 2005 (182 attempts combined) so he still has stuff left add the fact that he will be in Denver where there always seems to be a good rusher. With Tatum Bell gone (discussing later) he will likely share time with Mike Bell; the two-back system is becoming pretty normal now-a-days.
      Sammy Morris signed with New England who cut Corey Dillon (that is what you get from going to University of Washington Corey). Morris will serve as the backup to Laurence Maroney.
      Tatum Bell was traded to Detroit for Dre’ Bly. Quick side note: **that makes an insane secondary in Denver, one side is Champ Bailey and the other is Bly. I personally would only run against that. I was hoping Karl Paymah or Hamza Abdullah (both Washington State University grads) would get a chance to take the other CB spot.** Back to Bell, Bell will compete with Kevin Jones for the stating job in Detroit, they might and probably will use a dual-backfield since that is what all the cool kids are doing now a days. Don’t forget Brian Calhoun is also there in Detroit and could come into play.
      Assuming Thomas Jones can pass a physical he will play for the NY Jets next year, the Bears got the 37th pick in the draft (that is early second round). Pretty good price for Jones if you ask me. Jones will be the primary back in NY, last year it was running back by committee which involved: Leon Washington, Cedric Houston, and Kevan Barlow. Washington who was a rookie last year showed bright spots but it is clear that NY wants a numero uno (that’s number one in Spanish) running back.

Let’s talk about defensive players next:

      Nate Clements (CB) got an ill contract to play in San Francisco. This will strengthen the SF secondary that allowed 223 passing yards per game last year.
      Michael Lewis (SS) also signed with San Fran only helping improve the SF defense for next year. San Fran could be a possible sleeper defense to pick, who knows.
      Tully Banta-Cain (LB) yet another defensive player that the 49ers brought in to strengthen their defense. SF seems to be very serious about improving their defense. I really like the name Banta-Cain I don’t know why but it sounds cool.
      Adalius Thomas (LB) signed with the Patriots. This makes a defense that is very good even better. Look for NE to return to being one of the top defenses in the league next year.
      Patrick Kerney (DE) signed with the Seahawks giving them some mush needed pass rush. Kerney was injured last season but he is expected to return full strength.
      Napoleon Harris (LB) will now play for the Chiefs (not to be confused with Chefs).
      Fred Smoot (CB) who started his career in Washington will return there after playing in Minnesota for 2 years. I personally never get why players return to teams that they once left didn’t you leave for a reason or did you just go to where the most money was? I know the answer, it is money. I personally would take a small hit it the $$$ department to be part of a winning program. That is just me though; I may change my mind when someone is waving millions of dollars at me.
      Joey Porter (LB) signed with the Dolphins today. So their line backing core will have Porter and Zach Thomas; while the defensive player of the year last year (Jason Taylor) well rush the QB. Porter seemed to drop off last year or maybe it was just Pitt defense in general but I expect this duo to be quite intimidating and very good.

Now all other offensive positions:

      Jeff Garcia (QB) signed with the Bucs making him the most likely candidate to be the starter. Chris Simms will return but he never played very feel so I would be surprised to see him start. Garcia seems to fit more of the Gruden west coast offense.
      Jake Plummer (QB) was traded to the Bucs but Plummer thought it would be a better idea to quit football all together. Probably a good idea for “Jake The Snake” he was to up and down. I do look down on people who quit like that though, all my respect (which is very little) I had for him is now gone.
      Brad Johnson (QB) signed with my Cowboys, where he will serve as backup to Tony Romo. I still have not forgiven Romo for that huge mistake he made in the playoffs but I know he will be the starter next year so I will work on forgiving him. Too bad the Cowboys cut the one and only Drew Bledsoe.
      Drew Bennett (WR) went to the Rams, which makes their offense even more potent given that Bennett is a good receiver. They better hope Bulger can continue to throw the ball well.
      Ashley Lelie (WR) signed with the 49ers. I don’t know what to expect from him. He showed potential in Denver but has really managed to go down hill.
      Wes Welker (WR) signed with the Patriots. Tom Brady has a way of making decent/ok wide receivers look good so watch out but remember Brady tends to spread it around so no one receiver has too big of a game.

I know I probably missed someone somewhere but I think I managed to get everyone I could think off. I would hit y’all with some baseball knowledge since it is that time of year but I am tired of typing and this is quite a long blog already. I will talk baseball when I write Thursday’s blog.

-Erik