Post by The President on Jun 29, 2007 7:30:45 GMT -5
www.nfl.com/news/story/10239756
By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com
Denver was arguably the most active team this offseason, and I am wondering how you left them off your list of five teams that did the most to improve? Denver picked up a 1,200-yard running back, Travis Henry, and with the Broncos' running scheme, he should push for 1,500 yards if he stays healthy. Daniel Graham signed with Denver; he is a top blocking tight end and an underutilized red-zone player. The Broncos traded for Dre' Bly, who is a top tier corner and with Champ Bailey will form the toughest tandem in the NFL. Denver also added receiver Brandon Stokley, defensive tackle Sam Adams, quarterback Patrick Ramsey, and traded for defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy. Apparently they needed to do more to make it on your list? --Alex B.
I thought the Broncos' offseason was among the best in the league, and if I had listed 10 teams that did the most to improve, they easily would have made the cut. In fact, in the notes I put together for the piece, I had the Broncos as my sixth-most improved club. Oakland and St. Louis weren't far behind.
In making my choices, I did not focus merely on the volume of arrivals (or lack thereof) or departures. I took a hard look at the holes that needed filling, prioritized them based on how they would impact the 2007 season, and assessed the relative strengths and weaknesses of each player who arrived and departed.
Which team is the dark horse this year? --Mahmoud F., Eagan, Minn.
It's still early for me to give a definitive answer on that one, but here's my short list: Detroit, San Francisco and Tampa Bay.
The Lions offense could be more explosive and there is reason to believe they will be stronger on defense as well. The 49ers' defensive upgrades could carry them a long way, provided Alex Smith continues to progress despite Norv Turner leaving to coach San Diego. With Jeff Garcia at quarterback and a few other key additions, the Buccaneers could catch fire.
What's keeping the Washington Redskins from going to the next level? This is a franchise that had incredible success in the past but for the last 15 years-plus has been the laughing stock of the league. Could it really be Daniel Snyder? Bring Bobby Beathard back; there are surfing waves on the east coast. --David H.
It is no secret that the Redskins have thrown an incredible amount of resources at trying to become the team they were in their glory years. I don't think there is any single reason they have fallen short, but the one position they have yet to get right is quarterback.
Jason Campbell could finally prove to be the answer. However, he still is in the early stages of development and needs considerable help from his supporting cast. If Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts consistently perform as the dominant rushing duo, they have the potential to become this year, Campbell could make tremendous progress. If not, he could end up taking backward steps … and you're going to ask this question again next year.
The Saints aren't on your most improved team list, nor are they on the least improved. Where do you see them in the aspect of repeating as NFC South champs, becoming NFC champs or even Super Bowl-bound? Is the inconsistent and worst defensive back, Fred Thomas, returning and/or starting? Is Robert Meachem really as good as they say or did we get an injury-prone wide receiver? Give me your take. --Rob, U.S. Air Force, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
I didn't have the Saints on either list because I believe their greatest offseason accomplishment was keeping the majority of one of the NFL's best and most talented teams intact. They made a few nice additions, but nothing spectacular. They said good-bye to only one noteworthy player, wide receiver Joe Horn, but have every reason to believe they can overcome his absence.
I absolutely see the Saints as the favorite not only to win another division title but also to make a strong run to win the conference crown and reach the Super Bowl.
Thomas is returning and he will compete with Jason David, whom the Saints signed as a restricted free agent from Indianapolis, for the starting cornerback job opposite Mike McKenzie.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported on June 27 that a representative of Meachem said the receiver is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from surgery he underwent early this month to repair torn knee cartilage. If that's the case and he can remain healthy, Meachem has the talent to make a fairly significant impact as a rookie. Sean Payton's offense will take full advantage of his considerable skills.
By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com
Denver was arguably the most active team this offseason, and I am wondering how you left them off your list of five teams that did the most to improve? Denver picked up a 1,200-yard running back, Travis Henry, and with the Broncos' running scheme, he should push for 1,500 yards if he stays healthy. Daniel Graham signed with Denver; he is a top blocking tight end and an underutilized red-zone player. The Broncos traded for Dre' Bly, who is a top tier corner and with Champ Bailey will form the toughest tandem in the NFL. Denver also added receiver Brandon Stokley, defensive tackle Sam Adams, quarterback Patrick Ramsey, and traded for defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy. Apparently they needed to do more to make it on your list? --Alex B.
I thought the Broncos' offseason was among the best in the league, and if I had listed 10 teams that did the most to improve, they easily would have made the cut. In fact, in the notes I put together for the piece, I had the Broncos as my sixth-most improved club. Oakland and St. Louis weren't far behind.
In making my choices, I did not focus merely on the volume of arrivals (or lack thereof) or departures. I took a hard look at the holes that needed filling, prioritized them based on how they would impact the 2007 season, and assessed the relative strengths and weaknesses of each player who arrived and departed.
Which team is the dark horse this year? --Mahmoud F., Eagan, Minn.
It's still early for me to give a definitive answer on that one, but here's my short list: Detroit, San Francisco and Tampa Bay.
The Lions offense could be more explosive and there is reason to believe they will be stronger on defense as well. The 49ers' defensive upgrades could carry them a long way, provided Alex Smith continues to progress despite Norv Turner leaving to coach San Diego. With Jeff Garcia at quarterback and a few other key additions, the Buccaneers could catch fire.
What's keeping the Washington Redskins from going to the next level? This is a franchise that had incredible success in the past but for the last 15 years-plus has been the laughing stock of the league. Could it really be Daniel Snyder? Bring Bobby Beathard back; there are surfing waves on the east coast. --David H.
It is no secret that the Redskins have thrown an incredible amount of resources at trying to become the team they were in their glory years. I don't think there is any single reason they have fallen short, but the one position they have yet to get right is quarterback.
Jason Campbell could finally prove to be the answer. However, he still is in the early stages of development and needs considerable help from his supporting cast. If Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts consistently perform as the dominant rushing duo, they have the potential to become this year, Campbell could make tremendous progress. If not, he could end up taking backward steps … and you're going to ask this question again next year.
The Saints aren't on your most improved team list, nor are they on the least improved. Where do you see them in the aspect of repeating as NFC South champs, becoming NFC champs or even Super Bowl-bound? Is the inconsistent and worst defensive back, Fred Thomas, returning and/or starting? Is Robert Meachem really as good as they say or did we get an injury-prone wide receiver? Give me your take. --Rob, U.S. Air Force, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
I didn't have the Saints on either list because I believe their greatest offseason accomplishment was keeping the majority of one of the NFL's best and most talented teams intact. They made a few nice additions, but nothing spectacular. They said good-bye to only one noteworthy player, wide receiver Joe Horn, but have every reason to believe they can overcome his absence.
I absolutely see the Saints as the favorite not only to win another division title but also to make a strong run to win the conference crown and reach the Super Bowl.
Thomas is returning and he will compete with Jason David, whom the Saints signed as a restricted free agent from Indianapolis, for the starting cornerback job opposite Mike McKenzie.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported on June 27 that a representative of Meachem said the receiver is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from surgery he underwent early this month to repair torn knee cartilage. If that's the case and he can remain healthy, Meachem has the talent to make a fairly significant impact as a rookie. Sean Payton's offense will take full advantage of his considerable skills.