Derek Anderson Can’t Blame Braylon Edwards

As the NFL draft approaches, trade rumors involving Braylon Edwards and Brady Quinn have been running rampant.

I guess it makes sense to trade Edwards since it was his fault that Derek Anderson lost his job. It also makes sense to trade Quinn, since DA will perform much better now that Edwards is gone.

Does anybody believe that?

Neither do I.

The reality is that yes, Braylon Edwards didn’t help any of the quarterbacks in key spots last year.

However, to blame DA’s struggles solely on Edwards is crazy.

Let’s take a look at it.

In week one against Dallas, there was a point in which he had thrown nine straight incompletions. Are all nine of them Edwards fault?

Week two against Pittsburgh was even worse. DA trying to run a two-minute drill at the end of the half was comical. Whose fault was the interception?

Week three at Balitmore was just awful.

Then he had a decent game, and a great game, for two wins.

The next few weeks were marked with inconsistency. Yes, Edwards did drop some balls in key spots, but the offense never consistently looked like a well-oiled machine. That is on the quarterback, nobody else.

Week eight against Baltimore was the culmination. He actually started out pretty well, and had scoring drives early. Then, yes, Edwards drops a long ball. However, it was DA who turned it over to cost the team the game.

Enter Brady Quinn, the offense looks like a well-oiled machine for two games.

Even though his passing stats weren’t great against Buffalo, the unit looked to be on the same page. Edwards dropped some key balls for him, but Quinn didn’t let it shake him. He led the team in the last minute for a game-winning field goal.

Next up is Houston, and an injured Brady Quinn is ineffective and lost for the year. DA gets a chance to show his teammates and coaches that they made a mistake by taking him out. He comes in and goes 5 for 17, for 46 yards and an interception.

The next week, the offense produces nothing with him at the helm against the Colts. Therefore, don’t blame Braylon Edwards.

DA did it to himself.

Brian Waters to the Bears?

This article is also featured on Bears Backer: It’s THE Blog For Any Chicago Bears Fan.

Could Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters be on his way out of Kansas City? Could he land in Chicago?

According to the Kansas City Star, Chiefs guard Brian Waters and Tony Gonzalez, the team’s only Pro Bowlers last season, did not attend the team’s first mini-camp session Saturday morning at Chiefs headquarters.

Brian Waters reportedly asked to be traded, or released, earlier in the offseason after a bad impression with the new staff.

Maybe the Bears could give up a draft pick to add a Pro Bowl offensive lineman who can help not only newly acquired QB Jay Cutler, but also second-year runner Matt Forte.

Waters was undrafted coming out of North Texas. The Chiefs picked him up in 2000, and he has been with the team for nine seasons. Waters has been selected to four Pro Bowls (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008), and was named All-Pro twice (2004, 2005).

I think it would be a good move for the Bears considering Roberto Garza wasn’t all that great last season, newly acquired Frank Omiyale has started one game in his career and Josh Beekman looks to be the heir apparent to Olin Kreutz at center.

I would think the Chiefs would try to trade Waters, and try to get a fourth or fifth rounder.

If not they’ll just release him and the Bears should scoop him up.

Do you want Brian Waters on the Bears?

My NFL Mock Draft: First Round Only

For my first article written on The Bleacher Report, I will post my NFL mock draft, first round only. I am currently working on rounds two and three, and will post a larger mock when it is close to draft day.

I don’t put trades into my mock draft, although I see a lot of teams trading out of their spot (Note: Washington in my mock). I hope you like what you see, and become a fan of me. Plenty of good articles will be coming.

 

1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

The Lions are a mess, except for a few positions. They go either Stafford, or a top LT here. After the success of the Falcons last year with drafting Ryan, and needing a face of the franchise, they go with the talented Stafford here.

 

2)  2. St. Louis Rams – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

The Rams released Orlando Pace, basically putting it from 95 percent of drafting an OT to 99 percent. The only reason they don’t is if new coach Steve Spagnuolo wants Curry, and can make the front office see it from his point.

A blitzing specialist, Spags may want Curry in his defense. Overall, I think he realizes the significance of a strong offensive line, and the Rams takes the best OT in the draft in Monroe.

 

3)  3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

The best defensive player in this draft, and possibly one of the safest, Aaron Curry was a dominant force at LB in college. Look for him to expand on that in the pros, get drafted by the Chiefs and become a great player for them.

 

4)  4. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Seahawks could go a multitude of ways here; Sanchez, Crabtree, or Jason Smith. In the end, they still have faith in Hasselbeck, like their core of Housh/Branch, so they draft OT Jason Smith to anchor the blind side of the line for the next 10 years.

The second best OT in the draft, also has huge upside and could be the best in the next couple of years, the Seahawks are happy to take him here.

 

5)  5. Cleveland Browns – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

I originally had the Browns taking Orakpo, but I go with Crabtree here. With Donte Stallworth out of the picture, Kellen Winslow traded, and the strong possibility that Edwards is traded on draft day, the Browns take the best receiver in the draft.

 

6)  6. Cincinnati Bengals – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Oh, how the mighty have risen, fallen, and risen again. Once considered a strong candidate for the No. 1 pick, Smith had a terrible combine, along with all sorts of agent problems. That is behind him now, though, and the Bengals seem to be high on Smith.

They have terrible depth on the line, along with a terrible line, and they take Smith sixth.

 

7)  7. Oakland Raiders  – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Al Davis loves athletes, and that is exactly what Maybin is. Davis has shown faith in his youth, such as Johnnie Lee Higgins, and still thinks Porter is good. With that, he wants a freak of an athlete for the defensive end position, and he gets that in Maybin.

 

8)  8. Jacksonville Jaguars – B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

I had Maclin going here for a long time, but I think with Raji falling this far, the Jaguars have to take him. He has huge upside, and destroyed the competition at the combine.

Although they have no receivers on the team now, that is a problem they can fix in the second round, and a player like Raji should not be passed up on.

 

9)  9. Green Bay Packers –  Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

The Packers have a pressing need for a DE for their new 3-4 defense, so they take the talented Tyson Jackson. Jackson is the perfect 3-4 end in this year’s draft, and the Packers are happy to get him here.

 

10)10. San Francisco 49ers – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Does this shock people? Probably. They should take Sanchez, and have a chance at grabbing a possible franchise quarterback. But reports are that they don’t like Sanchez, and would pass on him here. Maybe a smokescreen, but I’ll go with it.

 

11)11. Buffalo Bills – Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

I had a defensive end going here, but with the trade for Peters and snagging the 28th pick, they HAVE to shore up that offensive line. Oher has all the tools to become an excellent LT in this league, and as the best remaining tackle, the Bills take him to replace Peters.

 

12)12. Denver Broncos – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

They had their quarterback of the future, but McDaniels overruled it and out he went. Now they need a quarterback, going through a rebuilding phase. They take Sanchez here, and let him sit behind Kyle Orton for a year.

 

13)13. Washington Redskins – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Redskins need offensive line help, but there is no offensive lineman worth taking in the 13th slot now that the big four are gone. So they go with Maclin, to play alongside Santana Moss. They give Jason Campbell another target.

 

14)14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Jenkins has the versatility to play CB or S, and the Saints have a weak, albeit young, secondary. Jenkins will fit in perfectly here, playing S on normal packages and a nickel back in quarter/dime packages. His versatility makes him the first defensive back taken.

 

15)15. Houston Texans – Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

The Texans have a smart front office, and know that defense wins championships. They have been building up a strong defensive line for a while, and now take a good OLB to play alongside Demeco Ryans. He is the best LB available at this spot.

16)

1 616. San Diego Chargers – Ebon Britton, OT, Arizona

A RB or even a WR is not out of the question here. But the offensive line took a deep fall from two years ago, and they take Britton to play RT to try and keep the line young and strong.

 

17 17. New York  Jets – Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

I’ve had the Jets going RB for a while here, but it was Moreno over Wells. I’m putting Wells here now cause of a couple of reasons; he is bigger, faster, and is a perfect complement to Washington.

 

18)18. Denver Broncos – Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Every year, there are two or three players that fall that shouldn’t. Brown is one of them. The Broncos are thrilled he falls, and take him, and start to build up their new 3-4 defense.

 

19)19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

The signing of Leftwich lets them take Freeman, and have him sit on the bench for a year or even two. They didn’t want to have to throw Freeman right into the fire, and now they don’t have to.

 

20)20. Detroit Lions – William Beatty, OT, Connecticut

The Lions would be stupid to pass up on Beatty here. They just drafted Stafford number one overall, and need to keep him protected so he doesn’t develop the David Carr syndrome. If they don’t feel comfortable with Beatty, they could do defensively also.

 

21)21. Philadelphia Eagles – Robert Ayers, DE, Tennesee

When they had two picks, I had them taking an OT here. But with the trading of Peters, this pick becomes pretty clear. Reid doesn’t like drafting running backs early, so that is out of the picture.

He has faith in Kevin Curtis, and Jackson will have another year under his belt. The organization likes Celek. That leaves the defensive side of the ball, and they draft Robert Ayers to play DE.

 

22)22. Minnesota Vikings – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

After going for Housh hard, some might think they go for a possession receiver in Kenny Britt. They need some help on the secondary side, and Davis is a strong pick here, who could play a No. 2 CB slot for a long time.

 

23)23. New England Patriots – Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC

Rumors of him being up to 285 won’t stop the Patriots from drafting him. They got a stud linebacker in Jerod Mayo in the draft last year, and look for another linebacker to play next to him for the next 10 years. They could have it in Maualuga, and they hope they do.

 

24)24. Atlanta Falcons- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

The Falcons were suspected to either pick Ryan or Dorsey last year. Obviously they picked Ryan, and it was the right pick. This year, with Grady Jackson gone, they take their defensive tackle. Jerry steps in on day one to play.

 

25)25. Miami Dolphins – Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah

Parcells loves versatility, and that is what Sean Smith has. He can play either CB or S, and do great at both position.

 

26)26. Baltimore Ravens –Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

With Mason getting old, they need a wide receiver. DHB would be a great speedy threat for Flacco, and would fill in nicely as a No. 2 receiver.

 

27)27. Indianapolis Colts – Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

Hood might be a reach here, but it is a huge need for the Colts, seeing as they have basically no one at the position. Someone like Kenny Britt wouldn’t be a surprise either.

 

28)28. Buffalo Bills – Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

His athleticism alone will get him drafted in the first round. With the LT position filled due to drafting Oher earlier, they can take their biggest need; a DE. Johnson can rotate the position to get his feet wet, learn the game, and be a force for years.

 

29)29. New York Giants – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

They have four possible choices here; RB, WR, TE, or CB. They won’t draft WR, due to the depth of this draft. They could possibly go CB, but the offense lacks a big time playmaker now that Plax is gone.

Knowshon is a possibility, but after signing Jacobs to an extension, they just hand him the ball often. Even though Kevin Boss showed signs of good play on their Superbowl run, Pettigrew offers the ability to play 2-TE sets and a big body for Eli in the red zone.

 

30)30. Tennessee Titans – Darius Butler, CB,  Connecticut

Besides Finnegan, they have no one playing the CB spot. Butler could play number three for his first year, then comfortably move into the No. 2 slot.

 

31)31. Arizona Cardinals – Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

The Cardinals had a very weak rushing game, which might have held them back from winning it all. Moreno will step in and split carries with Edge for now, and soon be the main guy in the desert.

 

32)32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Alex Mack, C, California

The Steelers are the Champs, and they are getting back two healthy running backs in Parker and Mendenhall. Their offensive line was not good at all last year, and drafting Mack will make it strong. He will anchor the Steelers line for 10-12 years strong.

Is the Best Way to Build the Oakland Raiders’ Defense Through Offense?

Lately in Raider Land there is great debate.  Mostly on what the teams greatest needs are and even debate on what does or doesn’t need to be fixed.  Many of us can’t agree on a single position let alone defense or offense.

Theres even that argument that an improved offense automatically improves are poor defense.  Kind of like hitting two birds with one stone. But could this be true,  or even possible.

Many will argue that the defense fails because the T.O.P. (time of possesion) is to often in favor of the opposing team.  This causes the defense to become tired due to to much time on the field.  In turn they aren’t able to make a stop and give up to many plays or yards.

Good examples of this are the Buffalo Bills game where we allowed a 16 play 96 yard drive that took up 8min 56 sec late in the this this ultimately led to a fatigued defense and a last second lead change via the opposing teams kicker.

Another example was a late lead change against the San Diego Chargers that led to another loss.  In this game Ladainian Tomlinson was pretty much silent until he was able to burn the Raiders Defense for around 80 yards in the fourth quarter alone.  This to can be linked to a tired defense that spent too much time on the field.

How can an Improved offense improve the defense?

-The Raiders often went three and out meaning they were forced to punt after failing to gain one first down.  This forces the defense to return to the field after only three plays of rest,  often less than two minutes. 

While a better offense would have been able to sustain a drive longer.  Which in turn leads to longer rest for the defense,  better field position and maybe even more points on the board.

-If the offense scores more points the defense won’t be required to make so many stops.  When the Raiders hold the opposing team to 17 points or less they were undefeated,  when the Raiders allowed the opponents to score more 18+ points they were a dismal 1-11. 

So if the Raiders scored more points and the defense was technically r required to allow  24 points instead of 17 then the Raiders may have been competing for the AFC west.

-If the offense is more successful it will “pump” the defense and better encourage them to perform.  Its no secret big hits big plays and celebrations are contagious.  Also more points add hope to the defense knowing that its not all on them.

Arguments against building defense through the offense

-Our Run-Defense was ranked 31st nearly last in the NFL.  It wasn’t just the 4th quarter we gave up big gains on the ground.  Teams were able to run at will throughout the game against the Raider defense.

-The Raider defense needs to make more stops.  It is also the defenses responsibility to get of the field:  in the Buffalo game them being tired was there own fault T.O.P. was fairly even until the Raider D allowed 16 play drive to go 96 yards and take up nearly nine minutes. 

This drive didn’t take away the Raiders lead but it is where they basically collapsed losing two starters Gerrard Warren (neck injury)  and Gibril Wilson (Ejection from game on Buffalos scoring play). 

This inability to make a stop set up the Raiders to Fail on defense again allowing the Bills to drive down the field for a 38 yard field goal in the ending seconds of the game.

-The ability to stop the run would complete the Raiders defense as they already have a great pass defense.  In 2006 Raider linebackers led the league in interceptions,  funny thing about that is these are the same linebackers currently on the roster.

With teams forced to throw the ball against us this allows for the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson, Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard and whoever else can once again be the ball-hawks we All know they are.

MY Conclusion

It is my opinion that building the defense through the offense is not a realistic achievement.  The best thing for the Raiders to do right now is improve the run-D this can be achieved by adding one or two pieces to the defense a Nose-Tackle and a true Strong-Safety.

As for the offense it is not as hopeless as some make it out to be.  We have a great running game and are passing game showed alot of promise late in the year and even early against the Jets especially in overtime. 

But I’d like to hear what everyone else thinks.

Ten Intriguing Questions for the 2009 NFL Season

The 2008 NFL season played out as one of the most intriguing seasons in NFL history. The Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, overwhelming preseason favorites in their conferences, each failed to reach the playoffs. The Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, regarded as the two worst teams in the NFL, each won 11 games and made the post season. The Arizona Cardinals, thought by many to be the worst playoff team in league history, surprised everyone but themselves by playing their way to the Super Bowl. The season finished with a Super Bowl that will live forever as one of the most exciting and controversial games in NFL history.
The drama of the 2008 NFL season makes 2009 one of the most hotly anticipated seasons in league history. As we approach the 2009 NFL draft, here are 10 questions regarding the 2009 season that we are all anxious to have answered.

John Madden’s NFL Trades turned to Treasures

Some folks see the glass half-empty, but let’s try to see a glass half-full.  John Madden’s retirement is the beginning of a new era, not the end of a past filled with accolades and successes. 

The things Madden did must count as input and impartation into the lives of men and women, for it is “the giving” to others that makes our lives richer, and growing older, sweeter. 

For example, there are those who believe the Raiders and other teams have a few troubled players.  You have volition so you can believe what you want, but you can not deny the fact that those Raiders were a strong team under Madden’s coaching style.  Men who may have had on stripes instead had on black and gray, worked as a cohesive team and won games, especially in 1969 and beyond. 

It may be more rewarding to coach changes in those who are labeled and stamped as troubled. Contributing to their transformation into winners in a game that is somewhat of a simulation of life is a rewarding experience.  You get knocked down, but you get up.  You catch hold of a dream and you run with it to the endzone of your destiny. 

Now let’s look at a half-full glass and invert what was perceived as negative into a positive.  Here is a quote:

• The son of an auto mechanic, Madden was born in Minnesota and grew up in Northern California. It was not a plush upbringing: A multi-sport athlete, Madden remembers taping together broken bats from a local semi-pro baseball team to use for batting practice; one of his first jobs was as a caddy. Recruited to play football at the University of Oregon, he transferred out after his first year and eventually ended up at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958, Madden suffered a career-ending knee injury during training camp.

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1891836,00.html

The Lesson

John Madden took what was broken and made it into a tool for training.  Madden did not grow up in a plush upbringing but he worked hard, played hard and loved the game of football so much that he rides in a plush bus across the United States.  The research says his career ended as a pro football player, but let’s look at it as “his career began as a great coach.” 

As a two year college instructor, some of my students are from very humble and sometimes troubled lifestyles.  In some people’s minds, they are perceived as “losers” but with good coaching and support many have become “treasures.”  On April 17, 2009 at the Center for Hope in Houston, Texas several of these students gave their testimonies of new lives, new hopes and new beginnings. 

For example, this B/R scribe taught Mr. M. Orozco in 2002 and he said, in summary, “You made me realize that I have to do my own work…you coached me, but I had to carry out the plays (in mathematics).” Orozco now has an Associate degree in 2002; a Bachelor’s degree in 2005; and a Master’s degree in 2006.  He was coached. Life threw “a football of opportunity” his way. He caught it.  He ran to get his touchdowns.

I thought of the Oakland Raiders.  Since 1970 I have quietly observed them.  The good that is evident is that Al Davis and John Madden invested in guys who had great talent, and they performed their duties and were transformed, and, therefore, the team became transformed.  Just look at the statistics during Madden’s career with the Raiders and you see that something very special was happening.

Thus, men who were traded to the Raiders became treasures in football history.  Men who may have been considered trash by those who are judgemental are, nevertheless, treasures in NFL history. 

What is the conclusion of the story?  John Madden has made the difference in many players’ lives—many have become historical treasures because of his coaching style.

Punter from Down Under: Miami Dolphins Sign Australian Jy Bond

Looking to bring in some competition for incumbent punter Brandon Fields, the Dolphins have gone down under to bring in Australian footballer Jy Bond.

Bond, 30, is the son of former Australian footballer Graeme Bond, and was drafted by his father’s Richmond Tigers under the father-son rule. (No idea what that means. If someone has more info on how this all works, I’m not very familiar with it so feel free to let me know anything I might not understand!)

Bond has only played for the Tigers’ reserve teams (again, no idea what that means), but has spent the past three years training to become an NFL punter. He will attempt to follow in the footsteps of Australian-to-gridiron players like Darren Bennett, Sav Rocca and Ben Graham.

It’s no surprise to see the Dolphins bring in some competition as Brandon Fields finished last season 18th in punting average and 27th in net average.

Granted, those poor numbers are not entirely Fields’ fault, as the Dolphins’ special teams unit struggled mightily in the first half of the season. However, in two seasons with the Dolphins Fields hasn’t really played up to his ability.

Bond reportedly offers very impressive hang time, which would allow the special teams unit more time to get downfield and greatly cut down on long returns. He should have every chance to beat out Fields for a job, though it’s impossible to know at this point just how good he will be.

Bond received a two-year contract with the Dolphins containing base salaries of $310,000 in 2009 and $395,000 in 2010.

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Chris Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University. He operates his own Miami Dolphins blog, which can be found here.

Detroit Lions Draft Day Plan

The fundamental question here is what does a team that just completed the first perfect season in reverse need first? This is not a problem that one off season, one draft, or one big time player is going to be able to fix. The premise here is the Detroit Lions need a plan, and it will be up to GM Martin Mayhew to craft that plan and then use new Head Coach Jim Schwartz to implement it.

 

Saying a NFL team needs a plan is like saying I need air to live, but in the case of the Lions who have not had a plan since the hiring of former GM Matt Millen the Lions have not had a plan and that is why their roster is a motley crew collection of supposed NFL caliber talent.

 

Since the Lions have the first overall pick in the draft we will not very soon what their plan is. Do they go the route of former first round pick QB Joey Harrington and take Georgia QB Matt Stafford? Or do they take a note from the Bill Parcells book at draft a impact Offensive lineman or defensive superstar with that first pick? Only time will tell, but we can effectively argue that the Lions need impact players at just about every position on offense and defense.

 

With the collection of talent in this year’s draft I personally would build up the defense first. I would use the number one overall pick on LB Aaron Curry of Wake Forest, and use the 20th pick on Robert Ayers DE from Tennessee.

 

In the second round the Lions are going to need to draft an impact offensive lineman, in fact regardless of position they should take the best OL left on their board with the 33rd pick overall.

 

More then likely that player will be William Beatty Tackle from Connecticut. With that move they could move LT Jeff Backus inside to a guard position he may be better suited for. It would also pair him with 2008 first round draft pick RT Gosder Cherilus.

 

With two picks in the third round I would then focus in on some of the offensive problems. IF Pat White (QB West Virginia) was there at the start of the third round I would make him my first pick of the second day of this draft. White is an incredible talent and could fill a slash role as a wide receiver.

 

If the lions feel confident hat QB Daunte Culpepper can manage this team through the next two season I would select James Casey TE Rice with this pick. Casey is a pass catching weapon that could help compliment star receiver Calvin Johnson.

 

With their last pick of the third round, 84th overall, the Lions should go back to building their defense and select Asher Allen CB from Georgia. This is one of many DB’s the lions will have to add to plug all of the holes in their pathetic defense.

 

With these five picks the lions must add at least three building blocks for the foundation of their renewed team. If they do not, this team will once again suffer though another era of losing until either owner William Clay Ford Sr. passes away or sells this franchise.

What Adding Jason Peters Means for the Philadelphia Eagles

Let me first say that the acquisition of left tackle is a great one.  The Philadelphia Eagles now have a 27 yr old with great size(6’4”, 340 lbs) and skill (Two Pro Bowl appearances) at probably their biggest position of need.  But, this doesn’t just stop at adding a player. It helps the team’s current roster and it helps narrow down scenarios for next weeks draft.

 

How it helps the current roster

There were some rumors/discussions about possibly moving either Todd Herremans or Shawn Andrews from their respective guard positions out to play left tackle.

While  either guy would’ve been productive, it would’ve caused either Nick Cole(who may compete to start at center) or Max Jean-Giles(great size, but he’s still suspect in pass protection) to start at one of the guard positions. 

Stability on the offensive line is a key to any team’s success, so it’s best not to have to shuffle players around and/or tamper with the depth chart. It’s already going to be enough of a transition with the departures of Jon Runyan and William(Tra) Thomas. The Eagles are fortunate to replace these two former staples with two quality starters still in their 20s.

With Peters and Stacy Andrews at tackle plus the interior offensive line returning intact, the Eagles should be well equipped to contest the divisional threats of DeMarcus Ware, Osi Umenyiora and Albert Haynesworth.

 

How it helps on draft day

The stats don’t lie. The Eagles last four 1st round picks were linemen. As a matter of fact, eight of the last ten first draft picks of the Andy Reid era were either a quarterback or an offensive/defensive lineman.  The chances are very high that won’t be the case next week now.

Adding Peters to the roster pretty much dispels any rumors about the Eagles moving up into the top 10 of the draft for Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe or even staying at pick No. 21 and taking a huge risk if Andre Smith was still available.

The defensive line could be tweaked a little, but it’s not a huge priority.  Truth be told, the defensive line is still pretty young and hasn’t reached its collective peak yet.  It can improve simply by good health and hard work from the guys we have(especially Victor Abiamiri).

With both lines in good condition, the Eagles can focus mainly on adding better talent at the skill positions.  The main three positions of need for the ten remaining 2009 picks are running back, tight end, and wide receiver.  How the Eagles address them depends on who’s available and which one is the most important.

1. Running Back-Rd 1: Knowshon Moreno? Rd 2: Rashad Jennings? Rd 3: Ramses Barden?
2. Tight End-Rd 1: Brandon Pettigrew? Rd 2: Hakeem Nicks?  Rd 3: Javon Ringer?
3. Wide Receiver-Rd 1: Kenny Britt?  Rd 2: LeSean McCoy?  3: Chase Coffman?

 

Overall

Adding Jason Peters is definitely the Eagles best move this offseason and one of the biggest transactions this year in the entire NFL. 

While Donovan McNabb is petitioning for more weapons, it’s more important to ensure his blindside is protected so he can stay vertical long enough to throw to them. The Eagles have addressed that and you have to give credit when it is due.

Does the Gridiron Have Any International Future?

With NFL Europe going bust and rows upon rows of empty seats at NFL Wembley, does gridiron have any hope of ever gaining international respect?

Nearly $1 billion was spent and lost on NFL Europe with no real progress seen in NFL’s hopes of being respected internationally.

With the modern world speeding up and even cricket inventing a faster version in 20/20, can a stop and start sport like gridiron gain new fans? In the modern world people seem to want action and not adverts.

I doubt the US fans would be happy to see the Super Bowl played abroad or LA citizens if the next NFL franchise went to a foreign land instead of to them. Any trick NFL uses to try to grow gridiron will come with a backlash from own fan base.

So has gridiron any chance of taking on football, rugby union, basketball, or being repected by the international community?

Personally, I think gridiron has had it’s chance in NFL Europe and they blew it. Fans in Europe found gridiron boring and unspectacular. Stadiums remained empty and TV audiences turn off in droves.

As long as Americans struggle at football there will be a “nationalistic based” audience for gridiron, but the global respect that NFL is desperate for will remain out of reach.

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