2009 NFL Off-Season Thread

[BlueSky]

Didn't see a thread for this and it seemed about time to start one, so here we are. I didn't call it 'official' though as I wasn't sure what authority was necessary to do that.

Well, I guess I've been disconnected a bit, having somehow missed that the Saints landed Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams a few days ago. I've learned through the years that 'optimistic' must ALWAYS be preceded by 'cautiously' when it comes to the Saints, but this is pretty exciting. As I said last year and the year before, the main problems were clearly on defense and I didn't get how they expected to hit the field with the same scheme and basically the same guys and expect a different result. This certainly addresses that issue nicely.

If they can land a decent safety and get everybody healthy - remember, they lost several starters to injuries last year - the Saints D could improve to average or above-average. With that offense, if that happens and the D can carry its weight, maybe they'll be the Cardinals of 2009.

Hey, I can dream.

[Joshawaggie]

Not sure if this deserves it's own thread, so I'll post here:

Chicago Mayor wants a second team

I'm sure they could support it, but what team is gonna move there, and there is no way they are expanding. It's more of a wishfull thinking statement I guess.

[McCall]

Not sure if this deserves it's own thread, so I'll post here:

Chicago Mayor wants a second team

I'm sure they could support it, but what team is gonna move there, and there is no way they are expanding. It's more of a wishfull thinking statement I guess.

The article:

They?ve got two baseball teams, so why not two football teams?

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley reiterated on Monday his belief that the city should have not one but two NFL franchises.

?We should have a second NFL team in Chicago,? Daley said on Comcast SportsNet, via the Chicago Tribune. ?If San Francisco has two, New York has two, Florida has three teams . . . and when you take Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia, they have three teams there in that region, we could easily support a second pro football team.?

The Cardinals used to share Chicago with the Bears, and the fact that the Cardinals are heading to their first Super Bowl in franchise history likely has dusted off talk of Chicago returning to the days of two NFL franchises.

With no teams in Los Angeles, however, we?ve got a feeling that the league will be far more interested in putting one team there before adding a second team to Chicago.

Besides, the Bears likely aren?t interested in sharing their market.

1. Los Angeles SHOULD have a team, but they don't. They're the 2nd largest metro area after NYC and they also USED to have 2 teams and now have none. So, a 2nd team for Chi-Town isn't a priority.

2. San Fran and Oakland are seperate cities. Yes, they're really close together and basically the same designated region, but still 2 seperate cities. This is probably his only actually decent argument.

3. New York is the largest metro area in the country. Doesn't give Chicago automatic equality in number of teams. If Chicago had 2 and NYC only had one, then that would presumably give NYC the argument that they should have 2. (Actually they don't have any. NJ has 2. But I digress... )

4. Washingon, Baltimore and Philly are also 3 seperate cities. Again, DC and Baltimore are in the same region, but still 2 different markets. And Philly is definately it's own market. You can't clump it together with the other 2.

5. Florida is a state.... it's a little bigger than Chicago, so that statement was just stupid.

[rams80]

Not sure if this deserves it's own thread, so I'll post here:

Chicago Mayor wants a second team

I'm sure they could support it, but what team is gonna move there, and there is no way they are expanding. It's more of a wishfull thinking statement I guess.

This came up a couple of years ago.

If that arsehat wants a team, he better not ask for state funds for the stadium.

Although this is PFT here-they have been known to be less than reliable make stuff up.

[tBBP]

As previously mentioned in another thread somewhere...

...Jon Gruden's Chucky behind (and his boy Bruce Allen) have both been ousted by ol' man Glazer and the Buccaneers. In place of Gruden is former D-back coach Raheem Morris...who at this time about two weeks ago or so was just promoted to D-coordinator. Oh...and the Bucs also have a new GM from within the organization.

As far as any other moves...can't speak on that. But I'm just thankful--or, at least, hopeful--that the offensive backfield won't feature a QB carousel as has been the case since Gruden came in. (Hmmm...let's see here...Jake Plummer, Ryan Leaf, Luke McCown, Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski, Josh Johnson, Brian Griese, Tim Rattay, Jeff Garcia, Brett Favre. These are the names of the QB's that Gruden's brought in or tried to bring in. Make what you will out of that.)

We'll see what happens this off-season. Should be interesting.

[FiddySicks]

As previously mentioned in another thread somewhere...

...Jon Gruden's Chucky behind (and his boy Bruce Allen) have both been ousted by ol' man Glazer and the Buccaneers. In place of Gruden is former D-back coach Raheem Morris...who at this time about two weeks ago or so was just promoted to D-coordinator. Oh...and the Bucs also have a new GM from within the organization.

As far as any other moves...can't speak on that. But I'm just thankful--or, at least, hopeful--that the offensive backfield won't feature a QB carousel as has been the case since Gruden came in. (Hmmm...let's see here...Jake Plummer, Ryan Leaf, Luke McCown, Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski, Josh Johnson, Brian Griese, Tim Rattay, Jeff Garcia, Brett Favre. These are the names of the QB's that Gruden's brought in or tried to bring in. Make what you will out of that.)

We'll see what happens this off-season. Should be interesting.

I, unlike you, will miss Gruden, but I have a great feeling about Raheem. I think he could be tremendously successful. But DAMN is he a youngster. In just about every way possible. Dude looks like he could be suiting up alongside Ronde and Aquib every week. If we get a few big free agents I'll be really excited about this teams chance for success, but any time you change your entire coaching staff you're gonna have some growing pains.

[TFoA]

The Falcons have relatively simple goals this offseason:

1. Fix the defense via free agency or draft. The defense was definitely the weak link of the team, and no more was this point made when the D gave up a 3rd and 16 to effectively lose the game against the Cardinals and deprive Ryan of a chance to attempt a GW drive. Milloy's probably gone, so there's a hole there. Jamaal Anderson has failed as a DE so they're moving him to DT, so there's a hole there as well. Basically, fix the secondary, fix the d-line to get some guys that can actually rush the QB in there, and then (hopefully) find a replacement for the retiring Keith Brooking. Those the things I want the Falcons to do when it comes to defense.

2. Continue to draft well. Last year, Dimitroff and Smith probably had the BEST draft in the Falcons' sorry history. If they can continue to have good drafts like that, then they will continue to have success. That's been the key to many dynasties in the NFL: Not picking up flashy free-agents, not buying into the hype like so many former Falcons coaches & GMs have done, and not making the fan pressure pick. Contrary to the media's & popular belief, most Falcons fans DID NOT want Matt Ryan (I damn sure didn't. I wanted Jake Long or Dorsey before Ryan. Shows how much I know.). Of course we're happy that we were wrong or just plain deny it. Fact is, they picked what THEY felt was right, instead of doing the bad things that I previously mentioned. Poor drafting is the main reason behind the fact that the Falcons STILL have yet to 2 consecutive winning seasons. Last year's amazing draft class went a long way to us having a winning season this year, and a good draft this year will help us to finally get over THAT hump.

3. Get a pass-catching TE in here. Matt Ryan would've benefited even more by having a big target to dump it off to, and I think that Dimitroff's going to get that done for the offseason. A pass-catching TE would make our offense lethal.

4. The team needs to learn from their mistakes. The one thing you could say about Ryan was that if he made a mistake, he never made the same one twice for the entire year. The hugest mistake he made last year was not switching up the snap count when the Cardinals' D-Line obviously had a beat on it. I can tell you, this guy is going to work like hell on that, as well as many other tools. This franchise really needs him to not be a flash in the pan, one-year wonder. He will have to improve his game and step it up to elite-status if we're going to get over the hump. Same with Turner, the last thing we need is for him to also be a one-year wonder. This happened with the 98 team, and Lord knows we don't need that to happen again. We also need Smitty to be a better clock manager. His clock management helped to cost us the Philly game (which turned out to be huge since if we won that game, we're the NFC South champs.), and the Cards game, because Smith was out of timeouts by 2:16 left in the game. Basically, everybody needs to take this offseason to improve, because the work is FAR from done, and they are far from getting where they need to be. It can't be stressed enough that a one-year wonder would be TERRIBLE, they need sustained success. A focused & productive offseason will get that done.

[BaltimoreFan]

For the Ravens:

1. Deal with free agents

a. Need to resign Ray Lewis. This team could be a contender for the next couple of seasons, but it could easily fall apart without the leadership of Lewis. The Ravens need to sign him and make sure he finishes his career in Baltimore.

b. Resign one of Terrell Suggs or Bart Scott. I'd prefer to keep Suggs, as I feel Scott can be replaced easier (the Ravens are really deep at LB).

c. Make a decision on Jim Leonhard and Dwan Landry. Both are free agents. Landry appeared to be on his way to a breakout year before his injury. Leonhard stepped up big time for Landry's injury. I really don't know who to keep, so I'll trust Ozzie Newsom's decision. It'd be great if we could keep both.

2. Try to get rid of Willis McGahee's salary. I was surprised to find out this season that McGahee was the highest paid Raven, when he was the third best RB. I feel that McClain and Rice will make a nice duo for a long time. No real need to keep McGahee. I'd try to find a way to get rid of his salary to pay for something more useful.

3. Draft a good young CB. The secondary is by far the weakest part of Ravens defense. McAlister has alot of trouble staying healthy and Rolle always seemed to give up big plays.

4. Get a #1 WR. Mason was huge this year, but at this point of his career he appears to be a #2 WR. I'd love to try and get a Chad Johnson or Anquan Boldin if possible. We've got the cap space for Boldin and his stock could be down after his attitude problems. Boldin, Mason, and Clayton would be a top receiving combo and could set Flacco up for a huge year.

I definitely can see the Ravens competing for the Super Bowl for the next 2-3 years, if they make the right moves.

[NEW.ERA]

Offseason for the Packers

1. The Defense the talent is there but Injuries got to us late, I really like the move of Dom Capers becoming the new D-Coordinator but with the draft

Brian Orakpo would be a great fit here, Corner is another position of worry there's never a shortage of Cornerbacks in the draft but maybe trade for one or sign one Bryant McFadden or Kelvin Hayden

2. Offensive Line is a huge key in the Packers future with Chad Clifton getting older and Mark Tauscher set to become a free agent the draft could be a way to bolster this position First Round I think a Offensive Tackle would be a great fit like a Micheal Oher or Eugene Monroe if the draft isn't an option look at Khalif Barnes from the Jaguars.

3. Quarterback now that year one of the Aaron Rodgers era is over it's time to look towards a plan B in the case Rodgers goes down even with Flynn and Brohm in waiting I don't think they could step in and make an impact a more experienced QB would be a great signing JP Losman or Kyle Boller could work.

4. Tight End is a concern Donald Lee is a solid number 1 TE but some depth would be nice seeing outside of Lee the Tight End position is a tad unreliable we should draft a Tight End in the 3rd round or so but outside the top 5 in this years draft the position isn't that great

[infrared41]

1. Los Angeles SHOULD have a team, but they don't. They're the 2nd largest metro area after NYC and they also USED to have 2 teams and now have none. So, a 2nd team for Chi-Town isn't a priority.

Seriously. Why? Everyone says that LA needs a team. What would it solve? What problems are caused by LA not having a team? No offense but I think it's just silly when people start with the "LA needs a team" bull- .

The NFL doesn't seem to be suffering due to a lack of an LA team.

On topic, The Browns need to... it, who am I kidding? It's hopeless.

[tBBP]

1. Los Angeles SHOULD have a team, but they don't. They're the 2nd largest metro area after NYC and they also USED to have 2 teams and now have none. So, a 2nd team for Chi-Town isn't a priority.

Seriously. Why? Everyone says that LA needs a team. What would it solve? What problems are caused by LA not having a team? No offense but I think it's just silly when people start with the "LA needs a team" bull- .

The NFL doesn't seem to be suffering due to a lack of an LA team.

On topic, The Browns need to... it, who am I kidding? It's hopeless.

Hold up, old-school...if the Cardinals can make it to the Super Bowl this year, then anything's possible. Never give up hope!

Aw, it...who am I kidding???

(Seriously, though...I do hope one of these days all you dedicated Browns faithful can see the day when the Browns relish in the championship spotlight.)

EDIT: oh..and for anyone who cares, this fresh off the ESPN ticker:

New Lions HC Jim Schwartz hires Gunther Cunningham as defensive coordinator.

[McCall]

1. Los Angeles SHOULD have a team, but they don't. They're the 2nd largest metro area after NYC and they also USED to have 2 teams and now have none. So, a 2nd team for Chi-Town isn't a priority.

Seriously. Why? Everyone says that LA needs a team. What would it solve? What problems are caused by LA not having a team? No offense but I think it's just silly when people start with the "LA needs a team" bull- .

The NFL doesn't seem to be suffering due to a lack of an LA team.

On topic, The Browns need to... it, who am I kidding? It's hopeless.

I actually meant that more in the tone of, "LA has no team so why does Chicago need a 2nd team?" to point out how Chicago is fine with one team, rather than the tone of "LA needs a team, period."

As for my Rams...

Well, we got a good coach in Spags. That was number 1 on the list and they actually got the best man for the job. Next, where to begin. It's not really that bad of a team. Definately need another OT on the line. Pace is hurt too often, and Baron is close to "bust" status. Andre Smith would be an ideal draft pick, if the Lions pass on him. I'm one of those who knows Bulger is not our quarterback of the future and need to start looking for a replacement. But he is a decent enough quarterback, that with an improved O-Line, he'll have more time, and he can definately get the job done. Though they need to fine a good young QB, via the draft or free agency, to start backing him up in preparation of a future takeover. Bringing Spags in as HC should trickle down to the defense, though a few pieces are still needed. The secondary showed some good signs this year. And while Little still seems to be a solid MLB, he is, what, 34 or 35 now? Might be time to start looking for someone there. But there are definately other areas that need to be improved and there are some spots where the guy at that position right now, is definately a capable player that, when other spots are filled, will really help solidify this team.

[Brendan]

Change is coming for my Seahawks. Holmgren is gone and Mora is in. It could go either way with Mora; he’s from Seattle and he seems to be very excited and determined to win. But his record in Atlanta, and his coaching of the dbs last season when the hawks had the leagues worst pass defence worries me. He brought in his offence coordinator from Atlanta Greg Knapp for the same position; so hopefully that means they will continue to run the west coast. The Seahawks have the 4th pick and there’s two ways I would like to see them go. One would be Crabtree; Branch is always hurt (what a terrible trade that was) Engram is old and Burleson is an above average receiver at best. Bring in Crabtree to go along with a healthy Hasselbeck and a good receiving TE in John Carlson and the offence isn’t that bad. If Crabtree isn’t there (You never know, the lions could always use another WR) I would look for a tackle. Walter Jones is a hall of famer but he’s getting up there in age. Bring in a young guy at RT then move him to LT when Jones retires. The run game was improved but it still wasn’t great. Duckett did his job as the short yardage guy, but Julius Jones is not an every down back. There were a couple of good running backs picked in middle rounds last year so I would look for a guy there. On to the defence; The Seahawks hired Casey Bradley as their coordinator. I have no knowledge of the guy but if anyone does it would nice to hear. Hopefully he helps shore up the past defence though. The best way to do that is replacing Brian Russell, that guy is terrible. Though I doubt it would happen I would love for the Hawks to bring in Albert Haynesworth to make the pass rush even better. The Hawks need to try their best to resign Leroy Hill who was probably the best defensive player for Seattle last year. This team needs a retooling not a rebuilding with smart signing and drafting to go along with good coaching this team can take back the NFC west and maybe more.

[TFoA]

Brendan, unless Knapp learned from the error of his ways in his past stints as a playcalling OC...then you guys might be in some trouble. The man has an affinity for calling the wrong plays at the wrong time, and his adjustment ability mid-game is probably little-to-none. So unless he's improved since his time in Atlanta and Oakland, you guys might be in trouble offensively. Or your guys might succeed in spite of Knapp. Who knows?

[rams80]

1. Los Angeles SHOULD have a team, but they don't. They're the 2nd largest metro area after NYC and they also USED to have 2 teams and now have none. So, a 2nd team for Chi-Town isn't a priority.

Seriously. Why? Everyone says that LA needs a team. What would it solve? What problems are caused by LA not having a team? No offense but I think it's just silly when people start with the "LA needs a team" bull- .

The NFL doesn't seem to be suffering due to a lack of an LA team.

On topic, The Browns need to... it, who am I kidding? It's hopeless.

I actually meant that more in the tone of, "LA has no team so why does Chicago need a 2nd team?" to point out how Chicago is fine with one team, rather than the tone of "LA needs a team, period."

As for my Rams...

Well, we got a good coach in Spags. That was number 1 on the list and they actually got the best man for the job. Next, where to begin. It's not really that bad of a team. Definately need another OT on the line. Pace is hurt too often, and Baron is close to "bust" status. Andre Smith would be an ideal draft pick, if the Lions pass on him. I'm one of those who knows Bulger is not our quarterback of the future and need to start looking for a replacement. But he is a decent enough quarterback, that with an improved O-Line, he'll have more time, and he can definately get the job done. Though they need to fine a good young QB, via the draft or free agency, to start backing him up in preparation of a future takeover. Bringing Spags in as HC should trickle down to the defense, though a few pieces are still needed. The secondary showed some good signs this year. And while Little still seems to be a solid MLB, he is, what, 34 or 35 now? Might be time to start looking for someone there. But there are definately other areas that need to be improved and there are some spots where the guy at that position right now, is definately a capable player that, when other spots are filled, will really help solidify this team.

Psst....Little's a DE.

O-Line is definitely the first priority. An OT is a must, as well as a Center. I'm not sure what to do with Incognito, maybe give him one last year to get his head out of his arse.

MLB definitely needs to be upgraded this offseason; Witherspoon needs to be moved to the outside, where he will probably perform better. The secondary needs some upgrading as well-Chavous needs to retire, and they need to make a decision about Frodo Baggins Tye Hill.

[HedleyLamarr]

The Falcons have relatively simple goals this offseason:

1. Fix the defense via free agency or draft. The defense was definitely the weak link of the team, and no more was this point made when the D gave up a 3rd and 16 to effectively lose the game against the Cardinals and deprive Ryan of a chance to attempt a GW drive. Milloy's probably gone, so there's a hole there. Jamaal Anderson has failed as a DE so they're moving him to DT, so there's a hole there as well. Basically, fix the secondary, fix the d-line to get some guys that can actually rush the QB in there, and then (hopefully) find a replacement for the retiring Keith Brooking. Those the things I want the Falcons to do when it comes to defense.

I don't think the defense needs much fixing, but just some fine-tuning. The Falcons beat the Cardinals in the playoff game had the Falcons offense not given the Cardinals 9 points. No offense scored 30 points on the Falcons in a game this season. I can't remember the last time that happened.....

[KevinMcD]

Bills:

1. Fire Jauron, too late, but still that would have been amazing.

2. Crowell and Greer are UFA's. Sign Greer and Crowell if not too expensive.

3. Pass rushing DE (Draft or FA) Peppers would be nice, but not going to happen

4. MLB, Poz is good at MLB but I think would be better at OLB. Maualuga from USC at #11 would be great if Crow isn't re-signed.

5. Center, Preston is horrrible, FA or Alex Mack in 2nd round, trade up to late first if needed.

6. TE, Royal is pathetic, I like Schouman, but they can get better, 3rd round should be fine.

7. Backup QB, I like Gibran but I don't know if he is good enough to be a backup. Bring in a veteran like Leftwitch, or have Gibran backup and draft a QB late, possible hometown UB Bulls star, Drew Willy in the 6th or 7th round.

[BlueSky]

Change is coming for my Seahawks. Holmgren is gone and Mora is in.

Unfortunately for Seahawks fans, that's all I needed to read. I echo TFoA's remarks but in reference to the new head coach. I live near Atlanta and so had a front-row seat to what happened here with Mora. I was shocked when Seattle announced him as the coach in waiting, and IMO it's a terrible mistake. Unless he's learned something from the Atlanta debacle, you guys are in real trouble.

[McCall]

1. Los Angeles SHOULD have a team, but they don't. They're the 2nd largest metro area after NYC and they also USED to have 2 teams and now have none. So, a 2nd team for Chi-Town isn't a priority.

Seriously. Why? Everyone says that LA needs a team. What would it solve? What problems are caused by LA not having a team? No offense but I think it's just silly when people start with the "LA needs a team" bull- .

The NFL doesn't seem to be suffering due to a lack of an LA team.

On topic, The Browns need to... it, who am I kidding? It's hopeless.

I actually meant that more in the tone of, "LA has no team so why does Chicago need a 2nd team?" to point out how Chicago is fine with one team, rather than the tone of "LA needs a team, period."

As for my Rams...

Well, we got a good coach in Spags. That was number 1 on the list and they actually got the best man for the job. Next, where to begin. It's not really that bad of a team. Definately need another OT on the line. Pace is hurt too often, and Baron is close to "bust" status. Andre Smith would be an ideal draft pick, if the Lions pass on him. I'm one of those who knows Bulger is not our quarterback of the future and need to start looking for a replacement. But he is a decent enough quarterback, that with an improved O-Line, he'll have more time, and he can definately get the job done. Though they need to fine a good young QB, via the draft or free agency, to start backing him up in preparation of a future takeover. Bringing Spags in as HC should trickle down to the defense, though a few pieces are still needed. The secondary showed some good signs this year. And while Little still seems to be a solid MLB, he is, what, 34 or 35 now? Might be time to start looking for someone there. But there are definately other areas that need to be improved and there are some spots where the guy at that position right now, is definately a capable player that, when other spots are filled, will really help solidify this team.

Psst....Little's a DE.

O-Line is definitely the first priority. An OT is a must, as well as a Center. I'm not sure what to do with Incognito, maybe give him one last year to get his head out of his arse.

MLB definitely needs to be upgraded this offseason; Witherspoon needs to be moved to the outside, where he will probably perform better. The secondary needs some upgrading as well-Chavous needs to retire, and they need to make a decision about Frodo Baggins Tye Hill.

Sorry. Meant Little as a DE, but was also thinking about Witherspoon at MLB, and got them mixed in my head. All while working, too. Guess I can multi-task, just not well.

I for one, would love to see Incognito go. But if filling his position is gonna take away from trying to fill another need, I'd be willing to give him another shot. But one stupid penalty for mouthing or some crap, and he's gone.

I'd love for them to be able to draft William Moore (Mizzou) at Safety, but I believe he's expected to go in the first round. If he's available in the 2nd round, I don't know what I'd like to see them go for first, Chase Coffman at TE or Moore. I know, I know. I'm a Mizzou homer and I just want to see them on the Rams. But those 2 are the best or one of the best at their respective positions in the whole country, so it's not too much to hope the Rams can land one of them. Coffman is pretty much no earlier than a 2nd rounder now due to some injuries, but Moore is still a potential 1st rounder and may be gone before the Rams second pick. Plus, they need an O-Liner so bad, that if Andre Smith is available at #2, there is no sense in trading down.

[Shumway]

Where the heck do I start with the Lions?

- The coaching situations seems to be settled. At this point, I like the choices, although time will tell if they can turn around the team. I like the experience of Shwartz and Cunningham (sounds like a law firm), as well as the defensive savviness of each. However, the last coach was a D-coordinator, and look how that worked out (in case you didn't notice, they lost every game).

- As far as current players, I really don't know who's worthwhile or not. I do, however, know that Ernie Sims, Calvin Johnson, and Silent Bob need to stay in Detroit. They're the few bright spots the Lions have. A proven QB would definitely help, although I still have high hopes for Drew Stanton. Orlovsky didn't look half bad at the end of the season, but I'm not entirely enthused to give the guy the starting job. Let's not forget about Kitna, either. Two years ago, the guy was in the top 5 in the NFL in passing yards. Granted, he was first in turnovers, but an offensive line would definitely prevent turnovers from happening every drive.

- The draft is immensely important. Let me repeat that...IMMENSELY important. The #1 pick is always risky, due in part to the pressure it comes with. I wouldn't draft a QB #1 overall, but I'm left scratching my head as to what to draft otherwise. The Lions actually need another WR to compliment Calvin, but I don't endorse a #1 pick going to a wideout. The offensive line needs some work, so a guy like Eugene Monroe or Andre Smith might not be a bad pick. However, the Lions also need defensive help, so Aaron Curry or Malcolm Jenkins might fit as well. There are a few other guys I'd consider (Maulaluga, Laurinaitis, Vontae Davis etc.), but there's a chance they could drop to the #20 pick, where the Lions could pick them up. Regardless, I think the Lions' focus in the draft should be on the offensive line and defense, rather than playmakers. You can't throw or run without guys blocking in front of you.