With the NFL season knocking at the door, and we await the “kick-off heard round the world” let us take a look at some of the action that has occurred during the off season. Let’s see what top 5 teams have made the best steps.
5- Kansas City Chiefs; The Chiefs made a few nice moves that should help out the team last year. Adding Steve Breaston to the mix will and should give Cassel another choice to throw the ball too. When Breaston was in Arizona, he caught 187 balls and only 7 touchdowns while there, dealing with Fitz and Boldin for several years. Not only should he get many more throws his way, but he will also open the field up for their number one guy, Dwayne Bowe, who at last may have become a legit WR1, after 3 seasons in the league, putting up very lackluster numbers. Resigning Tamba Hali, was huge, leading the team in sacks with 14.5 in 2010. And an underrated move was the signing of FB Le’ron McClain, who while in Baltimore, blocked for 1200 yard rusher, Ray Rice. Now he gets to block for speed demon, Jamaal Charles, should and could be a great addition to their offense.
4- Arizona Cardinals; Obviously this team was in dire emergency need of fixing. With a deplorable QB tandem last season (ranked 31st in the NFL overall last season in the passing game), they sign the hyped up Kevin Kolb. Kolb has shown he has good accuracy and can play the game. But he has only started in 7 games in his career. He also picks up with top WR Larry Fitzgerald, which is exceptional. Adding sure handed Todd Heap is a great TE to be able to dump it to. LB Stewart Bradley will help in the short pass coverage as well as make tackles.
3- New England Patriots; The Pats always seem to make “those moves”. The ones that make you shake your head and question, “can this work?” The organization does it, and has been for years. Resigning 6 time pro bowler, Logan Mankins was obviously the right move. 340lb Albert Haynesworth is an enormous body to make teams push through, I also am sure Belichek will get the best out of him; I wouldn’t be surprised to see him bag 7-9 sacks again this year. Also, DE Andre Carter brings his 66 career sacks into New England, which will help the pass rush. And then there’s Chad Ochocinco. Tom made WR Randy Moss important again; do you think this can’t happen again with Chad? Seriously?
2- St. Louis Rams; Silently, the Rams have had a pleasing off season. Signing S, Quintin Mikell and his 90 tackles a year to help out the secondary, adding LB Ben Leber to the mix, who can pass cover with the best of them; rookie DE Robert Quinn should be a nice complimentary bookend for Chris Long. As well as RB Jerious Norwood, who can help out workhorse, Steven Jackson in the backfield. Then adding Mike Sims-Walker to the receiving corps for Sam Bradford was the topping. He will likely get a lot of balls thrown his way, an upgrade.
1- Philadelphia Eagles; I don’t mean to jump on this bandwagon too fast, but honestly, on paper, how can it be questioned? On the defensive side of the ball, they got the mother jewel in Nnamdi Asomugha and his lockdown abilities, speedy Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and his excellent pass defense. Also adding Cullen Jenkins, who can pressure the QB, Jason Babin, coming off a great season with Tennessee in 2010, will compliment Trent Cole. Throw in a 30 game winning backup in Vince Young, career 4800 yard rusher, Ronnie Brown, and former 107 catch WR Steve Smith, and they had a pretty fantastic off season.
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