NFL Free Agency 2009 – Who’s Interesting?

YankeeEagle and both chose about 15 players we were interested in for Free Agency this year. We averaged our rankings and came up with the following top 10 list:

10) Nnamdi Asomugha (CB, formerly Raiders, 27)

Important stats: 6’2″, 8 INTs in the 2006 season, 250 career tackles

YankeeEagle: “Probably the second best CB in the league next to Champ Bailey. He’ll get a lot of money and will help any team that signs him (even if it’s still the Raiders).”

imperfectepoch: “Buzz is that if the Raiders don’t sign him, it’s an absolutely incredible opportunity for another team. The Raiders already cut CB Hall last season and need to try to at least keep SOME players on their team who are talented. He’s fairly tall for a CB which is definitely helpful in defending some of the better receivers in the game.”

Signed with: Raiders, 3 year contract

9) Brian Dawkins (FS, formerly Eagles, 35)

Important stats: Will be entering his 14th season, 2 90-tackle seasons, started less than 10 games in a season only once

YankeeEagle: “The heart and soul of the Eagle’s defense.  I would be surprised if the Eagles do not resign him since he can still play like the best of them.  I would easily put him still in as one of the top 5 safeties in the game.”

imperfectepoch: “He’s been a consistent help to the Eagles defense. I’d say until he shows you otherwise, keep him on the team. Yes, he’s getting old, but it never hurts to have a few experienced guys on your squad. I’m sure he’d be a great help to any younger DBs they draft anyway. Doubtful he’ll get a long-term deal anywhere though.”

Signed with: Broncos, 5 year contract

8) Terrell Suggs (OLB, formerly Ravens, 26)

Important Stats: 6’3″, missed only one start after his rookie season and had 60+ tackles, nearly 10 sacks each year

YankeeEagle: “Behind Ray Lewis, Suggs is probably the best LB in Free Agency. He’s got great ability, can also play DE, and has one thing Lewis does not have.  At only 26 years old he has many years of playing time if he stays healthy.”

imperfectepoch: “I know it’s hard to believe that the Ravens’ D is finally sort of breaking up a bit, but I think you have to recognize that Suggs is absolutely necessary. Scott is probably the worst of the 3 and Ray Lewis doesn’t have many years left in him so I’d hope they keep Suggs and try to draft some young LBs to replace whomever they can’t resign. I don’t think the Ravens’ D will collapse anytime soon, so keep the young guys and start to refuel what you have.”

Signed with: Ravens, Franchise Tag

7) Derrick Ward (HB, formerly Giants, 28)

Important stats: Only really played last 2 seasons but still managed 1600+ rushing yards, competent receiver with nearly 600 yards in 2 seasons, 1000 yard rusher from a backup role, only lost 1 fumble in the last 2 seasons

YankeeEagle: “Ward will be interesting to watch since I am not exactly sure how good he really is. The Giants O-Line is beastly and running after Brandon Jacobs just bruised the opposing defense makes things that much easier. At this time I’m not sure he can be the feature back although he makes a nice compliment.”

imperfectepoch: “Sort of old for a RB who has only played in two meaningful seasons. I agree with YankeeEagle that it certainly helps to be the change of pace RB since Ward is fresh when the D is tired. There seem to be a lot of competent RBs in the league anymore but only a handfull who really make their teams better in a meaningful way. I think he has talent, but so do plenty of other guys. Is it worth signing him when you could try your luck with someone younger?”

Signed with: Buccaneers, 4 year contract

6) Albert Haynesworth

Important stats: 6’6″, only 27, 24 career sacks and 271 career tackles, coming off his 2nd 50-tackle season, has never started a full 16-game season

YankeeEagle: “Haynesworth is a beast that you can build a franchise around. He will receive a lot of money wherever he goes and will put up solid numbers. I’m just not sure why you’d want to leave a talented team like the Titans.”

imperfectepoch: “Haynesworth is a great player, but this becomes one of those situations where you wonder if it’s really worth spending so much money on one player. With the money Haynesworth is going to command, you could fill your roster with multiple other talented players. He’s brutal and solid, but is he worth the money? Will anyone but Tennessee want him that badly?”

Signed with: Redskins, 7 year contract

5) Darren Sproles

Important stats: Only 5’6″ but very fast, only 544 career rushing yards but averages over 5 yards a carry, a threat in the passing game having caught 5 passes for TDs last year

YankeeEagle: “I think Sproles will get a lot of money from some team who expects numbers like Michael Turner put up this year. Like Ward, I’m not sure how well Sproles can do by himself or in a different system, but it is definately worth taking a shot at him since he is young, fast, and agile. I expect 1300 yards and 7 touchdowns rushing with another 350 yards receiving. Not amazing but far from bad.”

imperfectepoch: “I don’t think Sproles is meant to be a feature RB, but he can certainly help a team out. Combined with a power back, Sproles could be a true threat as a change of pace back and a reciever out of the backfield. Reminds me of what New Orleans probably expected to see out of the McAllister/Bush combo. He also returns punts well. I don’t think any team should be looking at him to be a #1 back though. You have to be REALLY good to be that outstanding nearly every down #1 guy these days, and Sproles definitely isn’t that.”

Signed with: Chargers, Franchise Tag

4) Kurt Warner

Important stats: Three Super Bowl starts, 37 years old, had his best years when he was surrounded by talented playmakers, impressive career completion percentage and passer rating

YankeeEagle: “Yeah, he’s old, but Warner can still play. I think the Cards will resign him but given the off-chance that they do not (and ruling out retirement), Warner could see some decent money. It’s hard to see Warner putting up the same type of ridiculous numbers even if he stays in Arizona, but I think he has got about one more solid year of playing time and any team in need of a QB (Minnesota, San Fran) should take the chance.”

imperfectepoch: “I love Warner and if you read this blog in the future I’m sure you’ll hear about that countless times. I think he’s really only a good fit in Arizona though. When he was successful with the Rams and Cardinals, he had great WRs to throw to which helped his game greatly. He likes to be able to throw quick, accurate passes and let the receivers do some of the work. He certainly has the head for the game, but how long he will hold up physically is the real question. Outside of Arizona and those talented WRs, I doubt he’d really be kept as the starter for an entire season. I can’t think of any other team that’d be interested in signing a QB who is this close to the end of his career, though at least his former team still likes him unlike Jeff Garcia.”

Signed with: Cardinals, 2 year contract

3) Ray Lewis

Important stats: At 33 rather old for a defensive starter, 117 tackles last season, a true leader on defense emotionally, mentally, and physically

YankeeEagle: “I do not see how the Ravens can afford to lose Ray Lewis. Like Dawkins, Lewis is the heart and sole of the Ravens Defense. Either way, Lewis will receive a lot of money and the team that gets him will have a big morale boost in the locker room, though he is not getting any younger at 33 years old.”

imperfectepoch: “I see in Lewis the same situation I see with Dawkins, though I think the likelihood of Lewis being offered a multi-year deal is higher. He’s still putting up very solid stats despite his age and will certainly be a great centerpiece on a team that doesn’t already have one. I have a feeling Lewis wouldn’t work out well on a team where he can’t be the leader of the defense, but any team that feels like it needs the passion and experience of Lewis should take a shot at him.”

Signed with: Ravens, 3 year contract

2) Julius Peppers

Important stats: 6’7″, 70.5 career sacks, only missed 6 games in his entire career (4 during his rookie season)

YankeeEagle:”Julius Peppers, like most people on this list, will receive a lot of money and will provide a big boost to any defensive line in the league. He has the ability to get into the backfield and cause havoc. Whether that means getting a sack, forcing a fumble, or even just causing the QB to throw the ball early. He might be the most desirable person in the Free Agent list to the most number of teams.”

imperfectepoch: “Peppers is a dream to have because any quarterback getting ready for the snap who sees Peppers is likely sweating a bit. It would be interesting to see Peppers in a division of great QBs since the NFC South has Drew Brees but no other real proven QBs (Garcia and Ryan aren’t quite on the elite level). It’s an interesting situation for the Panthers because he’s been a star there for so many years and I doubt they want to get rid of him unless they really get sick of the money he’s asking for. The Panthers really only have two players that anyone cares about these days – Peppers and Steve Smith. Lose one and I don’t think the fans will be as excited anymore.”

Signed with: Panthers, Franchise Tag

1) T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Important stats: 31 years old, 6’1″, last 5 seasons caught over 900 yards in passes, before last season had two outstanding seasons with Chad Ocho Cinco and Carson Palmer, catches clutch passes often

YankeeEagle: “Houshmandzadeh is a very talented receiver who can provide a boost to any number of teams. He is by far the best WR in the Free Agent list this year and will be looked at by a lot of teams needing a boost at that position. It will be interesting to see which team lands this great talent.”

imperfectepoch: “I’m not sure why the Bengals are so eager to get rid of him since I think they’d be smarter to keep Housh and trade Ocho Cinco, but there are plenty of teams who would benefit from his addition which is the big reason he tops the list here. He’s not an Andre Johnson or Calvin Johnson where he can be the only important receiver on the team, but if a team already has 1 or 2 potentially good WRs but no clear #1 Housh can definitely be that guy. I have a feeling he might end up going to a surprising team. Someone will offer him some unexpected money I think. Everyone is talking Philadelphia right now but they didn’t get Randy Moss, did they?”

Signed with: Seattle, 5 year contract

Coach Jorge’s Journal

Hello again,

Today is a glorious day for us Dolphins.  It turns out in recent weeks, the QB of the Buffalo Bills, Jamal Small,  has been criticizing our team, especially our Defense.   Small was the QB of the Baltimore Ravens when I was the DC there.  Small was quoted as saying “I know Coach Jorge’s defense like the back of my hand. I’ll easily put up 4 TDs.”  Too bad Small and the Bills lost the first game 23-13 and the second 55-21.

It felt good to sweep the Buffalo Bills, not only because of Small’s comments, but because with one more win, we will win the division.  That’s right, we can win the division by week 12 of the season.  That is an accomplishment I am proud of.  As we stand right now, we are 10-0 and the second place Bills are 5-5.

A couple of other notes, our QB Leon Molden is leading the league in Passing Yards and Passing TDs while RB Wendel Russell leads the league in Rushing Yards.  Also, WR Shawn Jacobs has 44 catches for 1100 yards and 10 TDs.  Jacobs is a leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year Award.  Finally, Jon Jones has 32 sacks and 6 tackles for losses on the year.

Coach Rose’s Journal

I write to you with a heavy heart, because a few games ago our star rookie QB, Ted Perry, was injured. He broke his tailbone and will be out for the rest of the regular season. It’s sad to think about all this young man could have accomplished in a full healthy season, but we’re doing our best to move on. QB Kyle Boller has stepped up in Perry’s absence and has done fairly well. Through 2 1/2 games, I believe he’s thrown about 7 TDs and 6 INTs and has an impressive completion percentage (71%). I’m proud of the way he’s playing. Owen’s numbers have suffered a little because Perry’s scrambling usually allowed Owen to get open, but I think other teams are getting smarter too about how to cover him. I’m sure he’ll still have an outstanding season when all the numbers are tallied up. He’s been a true leader through these tough times.

Our defense has stepped up tremendously in the last few weeks. When we played our biggest rivals, the Saints, two weeks ago, they only allowed 13 points to a rather prolific offense led by Drew Brees. We were behind 13-6 going into the 4th quarter, but we rallied back to win 20-13. I couldn’t have been more proud of my men. The best play of the game was a game-saving catch by Donaldson in the endzone on his knees to give us the lead. It makes me proud to see a player come of age before my eyes. Also, on the last Saints drive where they were trying to tie the game at 20, CB Pate made a great INT in the endzone with no time left to seal the deal. In the next game against the Falcons, we were dominant but our offense has had a bit of trouble even against poor teams – I think we became a little too dependant on Perry’s legs. I’m optimistic about our chances to be the #1 seed still thanks to the efforts of all my players. Each and every one contributes something important to the team and I always remind them of that. Even if it’s just the fact that your name is “Smelley” and I signed you for that reason alone to be our new backup QB while Perry is out, that’s important to the team. Heh, Smelly. Great name.

Anyway, I look forward to finishing out our season strongly. We’re currently 8-1 and have the best record in the NFC, so here’s to hoping I can finally be on a division-winning team in the playoffs (as a coach with the Giants we were always a Wild Card team – tough division).

Coach Rose’s Journal

This is Coach Rose, head coach of the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I’m excited to be heading up such a great young team this year after fans have experienced 7 rather dismal seasons in the Tampa area (the franchise has had only 29 wins in the last 7 years). Prior to coming to the Bucs, I was offensive coordinator with the New York Giants and helped bring them to 2 Super Bowls. The first one we won, the second we lost. My first year with the Giants, I had the misfortune of working with a pathetic Quarterback named Rob Jackson. We won the Super Bowl, but boy did we not get along. He threw way too many interceptions and just didn’t listen when I tried to teach him how to actually play football. This led to a big internal conflict which eventually led to the release of Brian Billick in favor of Kurt Warner as Head Coach and the trading of Rob Jackson to the Packers. At the moment, Jackson is a backup like he should be. After that mess, we were lucky enough to see great potential in a rookie QB named Pat Curry. At 6’7″ and with a sub 4.40 40 yard dash time, we knew we had a star. We traded up for the first overall pick in order to grab him. Curry was a brilliant QB, but he often suffered from the lack of talented WRs the team had. Plaxico Burress got in trouble with the law and was unable to play the rest of the season, so we were left with a bunch of speedy WRs who couldn’t catch very well (Stallworth, Ginn, Hester). In any case, the offense clicked much more nicely that year though Curry didn’t exactly have his best game in the Super Bowl. I still look up to Warner as the coach I want to be.

After going 4-12 in my first season with the Buccaneers, I was a bit disappointed. It was hard to get anyone excited about Tampa so Free Agency was a tough process. It was especially tough to see my rival, Coach Jorge, do so well in his first year as head coach as I struggled. In our first draft, though, we found some interesting prospects. Our 1st round pick, Dan Baldwin, is sure to be a star in the coming years. At 6’3″ and with speed as well, I count on him to be our last line of defense on a lot of plays. I’m very pleased with our 2nd round picks that year, DT Bryan Burke and CB Deon Pate. Pate is a bit short at 5’11″, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in heart.

This year I was very excited, but also a bit concerned. Kyle Boller, who had a few good seasons prior, pulled a Rob Jackson on me and threw 7 TDs and 28 INTs. I love the kid, but he needed to be a mentor from now on, not a starter. In my West Coast Offense, I love QBs who can scramble and especially ones who can run. We had the 2nd overall pick, and I found my star in Ted Perry. He’s 6’5″, 248 lbs, and is speedy enough (maybe 4.50 40 time) for me. Other picks in that draft include OLB Angelo Franks who was a steal in the 4th round (he has 8 sacks on the year) and a few offensive linemen who I won’t name since the squad likes to think of itself collectively as the “Buccaneer Buttress.”

After a shaky start where we lost to the Saints, we’ve really picked up steam. A major part of that was a trade for WR Desmond Owen formerly of the Ravens. It was an easy pickup because I knew Coach Jorge loved to have discussions about defensive backs and how to better cover WRs with Owen – he’s a real student of the game. On top of all that, he’s only been in the league for a few years so he’s still young and has potential to be one of the best WRs in the league for a long time. Once he joined our team, our Offense EXPLODED. He’s averaged nearly 200 yards a game and set the single game receiving record in the NFL with 358 yards. We’ve transformed from a shaky passing team to a pass-happy team, and I am “pass-happy” about that.

What I’m not “pass-happy” about is the attitude some of our players have had in the past. I had to cut a lot of players before the season because they didn’t share my positive outlook on our situation in Tampa Bay. To be honest with you, our #2 WR (#1 before Owen came to town) Donaldson doesn’t deserve to be on our team, but the fans like his antics so I’m keeping him for now. He’s coming around after trashing me and my team for a while in the beginning of the season, so hopefully he’ll learn to be a more respectful player from now on. I think his role as #2 WR has humbled him a bit.

Our defense is a bit less solid than I’d like. We tend to give up deep passes here and there, but with practice the secondary should come around. I’m very pleased with our linebackers led by veteran Cato June, and I see some promise in our defensive line. Special teams is a cinch with K Rob Bironas and P Jon Ryan. Ryan had red hair – I couldn’t afford to let him sign with some other team with such natural team spirit in his genes.

I’ll wrap up with my football philosophy. I like to play West Coast offense as I mentioned previously. A big part of that is a quarterback who makes simple reads and either throws to a WR running a clear route, a RB or FB in the backfield, or runs for good yardage. I have the privilege of having a RB and a FB who both know how to catch and have good speed. Once we added Owen, we had the speed, height, catching abilities, and intelligence I expect in a WR. A majority of our yards are gained with those four players (WR Owen, QB Perry, FB Davis, RB Williams), but sometimes we get other WRs or a TE involved. On defense, I play Cover 2. Nothing kills me more than getting beaten deep, so I like to keep my safeties back on most plays to intelligently pick who to cover and what to do. My ideal defense has great blitzing LBs and defensive backs who can play single coverage beautifully. My defensive lines tend to be lackluster, but they usually have the heart to get some sacks on the year and at least help the LBs get in there for good tackles and sacks. It may not be glorious to be a defensive lineman on my team, but it’s extremely important that they still understand how critical their jobs are even if the stat sheet doesn’t reflect it.

I look forward to talking with you through the rest of the season and beyond. Here’s to another Super Bowl win for one of my teams.

Coach Jorge’s Journal

Hello everyone, I am Coach Jorge (pronounced Georgie), Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins.  Just a little bit of info about myself, I am formerly the Defensive Coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.  I like to establish a solid running game to open up a good passing attack while shutting down the run on the defensive side and capitalizing on creating turnovers when the opposing team feels the need to pass to compensate.

The team this year has great potential.  At QB we’ve got Leon Molden who can fit the ball in the smallest of holes in the defense.  Molden is and will be a great QB for years to come.  We have a dual headed threat at RB with  Wendel “Speeds” Russel and Damon “The Beast” Jackson.  At WR, we have the sure-handed veteran Brandon Marshall, the reliable Gene Williams, and the explosive rookie Shawn Jacobs.  Also at TE we have Jayson Lane.  That does it for the skill positions (since nobody cares about any other position) but I do have to give a big mention to Jon Jones, the incredible LE who came over with me to Miami from Baltimore.  Jones had a record high 49 sacks in a single season and through 4 years has 99 total sacks.  That is not including the 17 sacks he has through 4 games this year.

Currently we are 4-0 and are ranked first in the AFC East.