Thursday, July 28, 2011

NFL Trading Block

Two days into the official start of the NFL season, teams are frantically signing and trading players. Free agency won't open until Friday, July 29 at 5 p.m. EST, but many teams have already gotten major pieces via trades.

Big Names On Move


McNabb moves on after a tumultuous year in D.C.
Donovan McNabb to Minnesota Vikings -
The Vikings had to do it. Facing the reality of a rookie quarterback starting, Minnesota had to make a move on McNabb. It's a good fit for both teams. Washington desperately wanted him gone, and Minnesota's situation allowed to gamble on a clearly fading McNabb career. While this is a wise move for the Vikings, it doesn't ensure anything but a couple more wins. Minnesota will have a hard time making the playoffs regardless of QB.


Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco to New England Patriots - 
Bill Belichick is known as the guy who can take any player with talent, regardless of personal baggage, and put them to good use. He's proved it with Corey Dillon and Randy Moss. Now he's made a move to sure up the D-line and get a reliable receiver for Tom Brady by bringing in Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco, two guys that have been a pain in the asses of their previous coaches. The difference between Belichick and most of the league, why he can take on "problem" players and immediately get production, is communication. It's the oldest thing in the book. He knows how to deal with all players. That's why he's so good year-in and year-out. He schemes very well and he knows how to deal with an NFL locker room. Haynesworth and Ochocinco will help New England greatly this year.


Kevin Kolb to Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and 2nd rd. pick -
Arizona desperate for a QB + Eagles with one to spare = Andy Reid worked over Arizona into sending a very good CB over for a guy he wasn't even going to use. And a 2nd-round pick on top of it. Kolb's career consists of 19 games in four years. He's thrown 11 TDs and 14 INTs. He was concussed in the first game last year. There's doubt there. However, Kolb has potential. Arizona gave him the shot he wanted. Now he must really deliver a midst pressure he's never seen before.

Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice to Seattle Seahawks - 
Digging through Minnesota's castaways probably isn't the best choice for a young team with a new coach. But Pete Carroll and Seattle are going to try it. Jackson proved too many times in Minnesota that he can't be a starting QB in this league for an entire season. Rice proved nothing more than he could catch passes from a vintage Brett Favre. Rice caught 19 passes in six games last year. He was plagued by injuries, due to rushing back from a training camp surgery. As Rice should already know, there's a big difference between Favre throwing the ball and TJack. Rice went to highest bidder.

Reggie Bush to Miami Dolphins -
The writing hit the wall draft night when New Orleans drafted RB Mark Ingram. Bush sent an ill-advised tweet about how it's "been nice knowing" the Saints organization. He knew his time was up. The injuries and inconsistent play, coupled with an upcoming contract situation, suggested it was time to move on. Miami picking him up makes sense and should help both involved. Bush will have opportunities to carry the ball outside the tackles and add to Tony Sparano's rushing game, which needs to get back to where it was in 2008.

(Photo: Yardback.com, David Johnson)

1 comment:

  1. Big Z....I got a feeling that the McNabb move will turn out well. And as you know, my gut is usually right when it comes to predicting nfl games. ie: Bears last year. Which brings me to my next point, bears 11-5 again this year. Quote me!

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