The idea of drafting Benson was at the time the right thing to do-if Jerry Angelo was going to make a move for a premier wide receiver or younger offensive linemen at the time. That was the only obvious problem as Angelo proved that he can build a defense even after the release of Rosey Colvin and the aging Ted Washington (who both went on to win titles with the Patriots). I admit, I thought Benson was going to be a standout back, but the problems, and the clock, began when Benson held out for a signing bonus. I don’t know why Angelo got forced into signing him for that much, but it set the organization back a long way on player negotiations. The Bears are going to have to start paying players until guys on this unit get released or retire. Urlacher will most definitely get a restructured deal to include another signing bonus, Tommie Harris the same, and Hester will get an extension. Locking up Nathan Vasher, Charles Tillman, and Lance Briggs helps to alleviate this situation. Good to see there are a couple of guys smart enough to figure out the business on the field handles the contracts.
It’s kind of funny that the Patriots and Colts keep dominating the AFC by using virtually the same strategy. True, they do have Tom Brady and Peyton Manning who proved themselves early at the pro level, but they maintain the same strategy. In the words of my good buddy Mark D; “the best defense is a damn good offense.” Signing Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd are slight improvements. I would use the term lateral move, but it is going to get overused. A lot. Muhsin Muhammad can pack his stuff up and get overpaid by
Hopefully Matt Forte will get the right mix of reps and time so he can develop into a more complete back, but I maintain the same standard. This is the professional level, and a player has to be able to play. It is tough to jump from college to the pros in football, unlike the minors and MLB, but free agent signings are running wild in the NFL. Signing guys off the street rarely if ever works out, and that would have been the precise position Benson would have been in if he did not get signed after his initial draft. Of course he could have declared for the 2006 draft as well, but a year off would have reduced his status. How is it that the Patriots can Colts can scout talent and the Bears cannot? Ryan Grant and Kevin Faulk are excellent players and provide the extra threat than an offense needs.
The new face of the Players’ Association and the bargaining agreements are the culprit for the problems in the most visible sport in the
This whole thing stems from way too much power in the hands of Lovie Smith.
Jerry, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. It is still your job to lose.
Daunte Culpepper-still a bad idea see Kordell Stewart
1 comment:
SportyJoe: Enjoyed your first two posts, solid stuff. I'll add you to our blogroll in hopes you can get some more traffic.
- Dr. C
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