Tag Archives: jason campbell

Best Offseason Moves

The offseason is filled with countless player movement.

Every team is trying to acquire the pieces that will put them over the top and into Super Bowl contention.

Even with the lack of a new CBA preventing over 200 players from being unrestricted free agents, there was still plenty of action especially on the trade market.

In fact, five of the seven moves I’ve highlighted below were results of trades and not free agent signings.

Without further ado, here are the best moves this offseason.

Raiders Trade for Jason Campbell-For once it seems like Raiders are having a good season. Which leads us to wonder, what has gotten into Al Davis? He still can’t be running the show? Is he dead?

Regardless, picking up Campbell for a future fourth round pick was a steal. He can bring stability to the position that JaMarcus Russell couldn’t.  While, I wouldn’t expect the Raiders to make the playoffs this year, seven wins aren’t out of the question. That’s saying a lot for a team that hasn’t won more than five games since 2002.

Dolphins trade for Brandon Marshall- This move grabbed the most headlines this offseason, and rightfully so. Marshall is a big time risk, but he is also a big time player.

For the Dolphins, this deal was a no brainer. Their best receiver last year was Davone Bess, who is best suited in the slot. Now they acquire a legitimate number one receiver in Marshall who has caught over 100 passes three years in a row. This move will also help the development of Chad Henne, who according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross can be better than Dan Marino.

Jets Trade for Santonio Holmes- How often do you find a former Super Bowl MVP who had over 1,200 yards last season and is only 26, available? I certainly can’t remember another time. Kudos to Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets for taking advantage of this opportunity and swooping in to snag Holmes before any other team.

The best part was it only cost them a fifth round pick. To put that in perspective, the 49ers acquired Ted Ginn Jr. for a fifth round pick this offseason. I’ll just let that sink in for a little bit.

Ravens Trade For Anquan Boldin- The third receiver trade on my list, but I love it nevertheless. Boldin may not be the player Marshall is, but he gives the Ravens the same type of impact Marshall will give the ‘Phins.

Joe Flacco struggled last year at times when his only options to throw to were Derrick Mason and Ray Rice coming out of the backfield. Now, defenses will have to respect all threats and that should open up the passing game as well as the running game.

Cardinals Trade For Kerry Rhodes- The Cardinals lost Antrel via free agency to the Giants. The Giants signed him to a record-breaking deal for a safety. While he was a good player , he wasn’t worth that kind of money and the Cardinals knew it.

So to replace him, they acquired Kerry Rhodes via trade from the Jets. The Jets grew tired of Rhodes last season after he failed to fit into their new scheme, so they were willing to deal him. However, Rhodes was a big time playmaker earlier in his career and if he can regain that form, this deal will go down as a steal for the Cardinals.

Broncos Revamp Defensive Line- The Broncos made it a priority this offseason to address their defensive line after they finished in the bottom third of the league in run defense. The certainly were aggressive acquiring a whole new three man front for their 3-4.

Jarvis Green, Justin Bannan, and Jamaal Williams will now anchor the defensive line. When playing a 3-4, the defensive line is essential because they need to be able to occupy blockers so the linebackers can be free to roam and make plays. With these three players on board, the Broncos run defense should be significantly improved.

Bears Sign Chester Taylor- The Bears made some noise this offseason, but I liked the Taylor signing the most. While Taylor will turn 31 during this season, he still has fresh legs having only logged over 160 carries once in his career.

He can form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Matt Forte, who struggled carrying the load by himself last year. He is also a great receiver out of the backfield, which makes him a great fit in Mike Martz’s scheme.

NFC East Breakout Players

We kick off the NFC today with a look at the NFC East.   The toughest division in football last year looks like it will be a dogfight again and these brejout players could make the difference in who makes the playoffs and who goes home.

Dallas Cowboys- Martellus Bennett

Bennett can silence the critics with his play this year.

Bennett has made a lot of noise this off season for his off the field antics but is also impressing on the field.  The talented tight end’s immaturity may be the only thing holding him breaking out.  With the rapid development of Bennett the Cowboys will use a two tight end  set as their base formation this season.  Combine that will the departure of Terrell Owens and Bennett will be looking at a lot more targets.  Even with Jason Witten ahead of him on the depth chart I wouldn’t be surprised if Bennett finished third on the team in receiving.

New York Giants- Terrell Thomas

Thomas has a nice season as a rookie last year and will look to build off that this season.  Playing mostly in a nickel and dime role Thomas impressed and even started two games due to injuries.  With Aaron Ross currently nursing a nagging hamstring injury Thomas has an opportunity to seize the starting job.  Playing opposite Corey Webster  will not hurt as well as having perhaps the best pass rush in the game.  A complete corner, Thomas could have a big season this year.

Philadelphia Eagles- DeSean Jackson

Jackson was electrifying as a rookie igniting the Eagles offense.  He finished the season just short of 1000 yards and looks like the number one receiver the Eagles have been searching for ever since Terrell Owens left town.  As good as he was last season he still made rookie mistakes, most noticeably prematurely dropping the ball before he crossed the end zone which could have been very costly.  With another year of seasoning Jackson should be even better this year as he becomes Donovan McNabb’s clear number one target.

NFL Put Up or Shut Up

Ocho Cinco could be headed out of Cincinnati if he doesn't pick up his game.

The NFL season is fast approaching as players are starting to report to their respective teams training camp.  Some of these players come into the season with a chip on their shoulder.  Either they are coming off a bad year, were a high pick who hasn’t lived up to the hype, or is trying to prove their worth of a recent contract.  Either way this might be their last chance before their team cuts ties with them.  With all that said let’s take a look at this years candidates.

Chad Ocho Cinco

Chad is talking a big game this off-season and after last years embarrassment he better produce this year.  Chad had his worst season since his rookie year last year but a healthy Carson Palmer should help.  Hopefully Chad is as committed to regaining his old form as he is to tweeting.  If Chad’s game doesn’t match his mouth this year it may be the end of Ocho Cinco in Cincinnati.

Reggie Bush

Bush, after a promising rookie year has gone downhill since.  Bush hasn’t shown the ability to run in between the tackles and still like to dance in the backfield.  He wants to score every play instead of taking a three yard gain.  Now Bush is behind Pierre Thomas in the backfield pecking order.  Unless he drastically changes his running style Bush may be nothing more that a third down back in the league.

Vernon Davis