NFL Season 2012-2013

[Brando70]

I like the Bennett signing, but I'm not going to do too many cartwheels yet as I am not sure if he'll be a contract-year guy. However, it clearly is a big upgrade for Chicago at a big position of need. If Alshon Jeffrey progresses and wins the other WR job, the Bears may have the biggest group of starting receivers in the league.

I'm much more jazzed about them signing Bushrod as a tackle. He may be a bit overrated, but he is light years ahead of the turnstiles who have held that position since John Tait retired.

The best part is that by addressing their two biggest needs with free agents, they can adopt a best player available approach for the draft. They might be able to snag a startable offensive lineman or get help for the aging defense. So, just like that, they pull me back in even after hiring a CFL coach who was used for a punchline on 30 Rock.

[dbdynsty25]

I'd be worried a bit about Bushrod too if I were you...he benefitted greatly from having Drew Brees behind him. He gets rid of the ball WAAAAY quicker than Cutler. Definitely better than Webb so at least there is that.

[Danimal]

I'd be worried a bit about Bushrod too if I were you...he benefitted greatly from having Drew Brees behind him. He gets rid of the ball WAAAAY quicker than Cutler. Definitely better than Webb so at least there is that.

Unfortunately the NFL doesn't work like fantasy football. So you need to worry about a cap and can only sign what is available. With what is on the market I'm fine with what the Bears did.

Not every team is in a position like the Packers and other teams where they can wait a few days and fine tune their roster while paying less. The Dolphins, Bears and others need to pay more and strike first because they need the players more.

Or else you can take the Ravens approach and just blow it up and wave the white flag.

[Rodster]

We'll find out pretty quick if Tanny can take advantage of a deep threat. If not the Fins better not let Fitzpatrick get away. j/k

DB I hear ya regarding Hartline. He's definitely not a #1 but he's between a #2-3 WR. He did put up some solid numbers last year and is a good possession receiver. So I have less problems with Hartline than I do with Wallace because of Hartline's work ethics.

I thought the Fins should have pursued a deep threat WR in the draft. At least Wallace will stretch the field if the Dolphins incorporate a vertical offense. If it's a dink and dunk offense or if Tanny can't get the ball down the field then it's definitely wasted money.

[Brando70]

Bushrod probably fits well with the kind of offense the Bears will run. Agree on him being helped out by Brees, but once Clady was retained by Denver, I felt like he was a better fit than Jake Long, even though Long is a better tackle -- if that makes sense. I also like him better as an LT than Phil Loadholt. He's young and while getting a lot of money, he's not getting stupid money.

I think a lot of teams would be pretty pleased with having Wallace and Hartline as their starting receivers. I can see the problem, though, if the Dolphins line can't protect Tannehill long enough to take advantage of the deep threat.

[RobVarak]

J'Marcus was a t'urnstyle, so I couldn't be happier about the Bushrod signing. Criticizing an OL because his QB was effective at getting rid of the ball is a bit useless. It's easy enough for scouts today to break down every play and see how effective he is and how good his technique is. I'm hardly worried about Brees' excellence being any sort of cover for Bushrod's skills.

A lot of the criticism of Bennett seems to be based around his flopping in Dallas, but looking at the numbers reveals that he wasn't given much of a chance with Romo making googly eyes at Witten every snap. He had more receptions last year than Kellen Davis did in his career (and without Davis' staggering 29% drop rate) and he's an elite blocker, something that tends to be much more consistent than production as a receiver.

Win-Win

[dbdynsty25]

J'Marcus was a t'urnstyle, so I couldn't be happier about the Bushrod signing. Criticizing an OL because his QB was effective at getting rid of the ball is a bit useless. It's easy enough for scouts today to break down every play and see how effective he is and how good his technique is. I'm hardly worried about Brees' excellence being any sort of cover for Bushrod's skills.

100% correct. A guy getting rid of the ball in 2 seconds as opposed to 3 doesn't help the OL at all. Peyton Manning and Dan Marino made careers out of mediocre linemen. It's just logic. Yes, Bushrod is good...much better than Webb. So I'm not criticizing, I just think he was a bit expensive and overrated. I wouldn't have signed Long either. I have watched him get hurt the last three years and his play has suffered accordingly. So good call by the Bears...seriously.

[RobVarak]

I'm not saying that the quicker-releasing QB doesn't help the line. I'm saying that it's easy enough to evaluate the skill of an individual lineman despite external factors like the QB.

I wouldn't have touched Long either, FWIW.

[dbdynsty25]

I'm not saying that the quicker-releasing QB doesn't help the line. I'm saying that it's easy enough to evaluate the skill of an individual lineman despite external factors like the QB.

I wouldn't have touched Long either, FWIW.

Fine.

As for Long, if the Dolphins can get him back at like 6-8 mil per, then I'll be okay with that, but definitely not at the 11 he is seeking. He's still a top 10 guy, but I've seen him just wear down and he scares me for franchise tackle money.

[dbdynsty25]

Long to the Rams. Have fun with that. That's punishment for taking my Cookie away from me. lol.

EDIT: Now these beat writers are retracting their statement. Bunch of idiots always have to be first. I'm still betting Long ends up in St. Louis. Hopefully.

[dbdynsty25]

I guess the possibility of Dustin Keller in Miami is a decent fallback from Cook. Hmmm. If only he could stay healthy.

[dbdynsty25]

Welker to Denver...yikes.

Brady is pissed, and deservedly so since he signed for less money to bring back guys like Welker.

[Rodster]

Man what a gift for Peyton Manning.

[RobVarak]

I don't know that Welker is better than Decker or Thomas at this point. I think the drama of the move is much greater than its actual impact on the field.

[XXXIV]

Long to the Rams. Have fun with that. That's punishment for taking my Cookie away from me. lol.

.

Yeah okay...

Jackson is gone. No other punishment real or imaginary can top that.

[RallyMonkey]

Welker to Denver...yikes.

Brady is pissed, and deservedly so since he signed for less money to bring back guys like Welker.

He probably would be if they hadn't turned around and signed a younger Welker with no concussion issues in Amendola. Sorry XXXIV.

[XXXIV]

Welker to Denver...yikes.

Brady is pissed, and deservedly so since he signed for less money to bring back guys like Welker.

He probably would be if they hadn't turned around and signed a younger Welker with no concussion issues in Amendola. Sorry XXXIV.

Were on a roll now!

[vader29]

Steven Jackson to the Atlanta Falcons, would have loved to have seen him in the black and gold but it's looking like Beanie Wells might be coming here instead.

[XXXIV]

Fisher has really done a number on my upcoming Madden 14 team.

[MizzouRah]

What a sad day. I'll miss you Jackson!

[Rodster]

Did you guys see this? It looks like players can't lead with their helmets anymore or at least that's what the NFL is proposing to owners.

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/03/14/emmi ... -its-mind/

[wco81]

Sounds like the lawyers have them worried about the potential for lawsuits from all the former players.

But it's going to prevent ballcarriers from lowering their helmets but not defensive players?

[dbdynsty25]

So Keller to Miami on a one year deal. Love it. Assuming he can stay on the field which has been his issue. Prove it bro...stay healthy and earn you Jared Cook contract next year.

As for Jake Long...leaving St. Louis without a deal. How do you spend 3 days there and not come away with a deal. Looking more and more like he might be back in Miami on a one year deal too. I wouldn't be opposed to that.

[Rodster]

Sounds like the lawyers have them worried about the potential for lawsuits from all the former players.

But it's going to prevent ballcarriers from lowering their helmets but not defensive players?

From what I read it outlaws everyone on the field.

So Keller to Miami on a one year deal. Love it. Assuming he can stay on the field which has been his issue. Prove it bro...stay healthy and earn you Jared Cook contract next year.

As for Jake Long...leaving St. Louis without a deal. How do you spend 3 days there and not come away with a deal. Looking more and more like he might be back in Miami on a one year deal too. I wouldn't be opposed to that.

Yeah good news DB. I guess Keller realized he wasn't getting Cook money and would have to prove it. According to Jake Long's wife's tweets she wants to stay in South Florida.

[bdunn13]

What a sad day. I'll miss you Jackson!

I have open arms for him.....


Crazy thing is.. Right after the Falcons lost to SF.. I said SJ would be a Falcon.. seems like a perfect fit.