NFL Teams Begin Offseason Shakeups

As the NFL Offseason gets into full swing several teams attempt to superman the MO-mentum.

It is nice to see teams that had such disappointing performances last season not settling. I mean as a Vikings fan I have watched several offseasons come and go wondering why nothing was done to improve, when I assume they were as unhappy with the previous season as I was.

This Offseason the long suffering Dolphins and Falcons fans can at least take solace in the fact that their teams seem commited to getting better. The Panthers fans while not nearly as bad off as those two camps, can at least see small signs of improvement.

The Dolphins began their offseason remodel under Bill Parcells. They kicked things off first by dumping Marty Booker(WR), Trent Green(QB), L.J. Shelton(OT), Keith Traylor(DT),Anthony Alabi(OT), Anthony Bryant(DT), Marion Dukes(OT), Marquay Love(DT), Joe Toledo(OT). Then they commited the de-aging process by telling Zach Thomes(LB) he would no longer be needed. Honestly, it would seem lik a scary proposition to dump almost 20 percent of your teams roster, especially a face of the franchise guylike Thomas. Then again when you're 1-and-15 you probably ought to look to dump even more. Bottom line while I may not be sure move to move about the Dolphins decision. I am sure I would have confidence in Parcells.


The Panthers came to the get younger, and cut salary party just a little later than the Dolphins. The cut Dan Morgan(LB) as well as Mike Wahle(OG). While Wahle is a little better right now, and will probable alnd a gig sooner. Morgan is still a great prospect, he won't draw the kind of interest(or money for that matter) that he did a few years ago as a free agent. But there are teams that will take a shot on him recovering his health. Especially teams that could use the kind of leadership he has shown, for their defense.

The Falcons are rounding out this trend for now. They announced to day that they are releasing Alge Crumpler(TE), Byron Leftwich(QB), Wayne Gandy(OT), Lewis Sanders(CB), Jamin Elliott(WR), Marcus Wilkins(LB), Rod Coleman(DT). Ok some of this was clearly the other shoe dropping. I mean even Leftwich had to figure he was gone. I am surprised to see Gandy and Coleman on this list. They will be on new teams by the time, it really matters. But those could be the result of financial concerns so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.


Where I can't seem to keep from flapping my arms(Read: Dirty Bird) in disgust, is Alge Crumpler. You have got to be kidding me. Hey new gm, (who's name I am not even taking the time to look up, because with moves like this he'll be gone before I can research it) don't make a big move to make a big move. No matter who your quarterback is next season I am sure it wont be anyone established. With that as a given, you might want to consider hanging onto that security blanket of a tight end. Every new quarterback loves a safe dump off guy, and hates new gm Thomas Dimitroff(Did you really think I wasn't even gonna look it up. :-). It really is a blessing to Alge Crumpler though. He is definitely moving up no matter where he goes. He will have a new jersey by the time I hit publish on this post.


Like I said the expected portion of this Leftwich. If he was on thin ice as the season ended. He had to hear that ice cracking when head coach Mike Smith was brought over from the team he was just released from to start last season.


While all the turnover is interesting. The best part of this is the fact that the league gets better overall. Being a huge football fan every move that makes the whole league more interesting I am a supporter of. Is it pre-season yet??

Atlanta Falcons Offseason

The Atlanta Falcons will probably be the easiest review I do this offseason. They need a quarterback, and with thier number coming so early in the draft they will have their choice of the signal callers coming out this year. The scariest thing about this is that I believe they will take Brian Brohm(QB-L'Ville). I just don't think Brohm will end up being a starter in the NFL. I think Matt Ryan(QB-BC) will be a leader and a presence in the huddle. One huge thing in Ryan's favor, or more acurately. One thing going against Brohm is that you have to assume Bobby Petrino was singing Brohms praises for that whole 5 minutes he spent in Atlanta. I don't know this first hand but I am guessing that Petrino's opinion is about as valuable as Michael Vick's right about now.

The coaching situstion was recently settled with the hire of Jags Gopher to Jack del Rio defensive coordinator, Mike Smith. I am not sure about this hire. I like it from the media perception. I mean after the parade of candidates turning Arthur Blank down, all the high profile "Hot" hiring prospects were gone. At that point I think you can't go with a regular off the coaching carousel. By going with a guy like Smith they either make out like genuises or we all get what we are expecting and it's no harm no foul. I do have some doubt, beyond the fact he has no real name in the NFL. Several of his former players have said that Jack del Rio actually ran the defense. They also mentioned that he didn't always get along with players. I can't wait to see how him and always vocal, DeAngelo Hall mix with eachother.

In the later rounds the Falcons will need to address a line to protect their new QB. Between the injury to Wayne Gandy, which will likely lead to his retirment or ineffectiveness, and the fact that left tackle is not nearly as strong in free agency as left guard this year. They will likely go with a strong left tacke in the second round.

The Falcons need to be realistic, it isn't going to be pretty in the Georgia Dome anytime soon. A real bright spot is wide receiver with Joe Horn there as a clutch player, and even more so as a mentor. Along with the youth and talent of Roddy White, who I think could develop into a premier guy.

The running back situation isn't as strong as wide receiver, but I really think it could be. If the Falcons will just commit to Jerious Norwood I think he will develop along with the teams overall development and be ready to be a feature back as the team grows into contention. THis is actually a possibilty, while Mike Smith is defensive guy I am sure he noticed the run-first strategy in Jacksonville. He may be likely to copy that.