Mongo3451

I totally agree with that philosophy. Here's the rub. After we sign our draft picks, we have 15-20 mil left. I'd rather it go toward aquiring more talent than it going to the family coffers. I'd rather sign 2 difference makers than sign 5 ho hums. I'll also go with something you brought up regarding Pitt and beg the team to spend on people who can bring the right talent in via the draft. Anything but the coffers. The McCaskeys owe the fan base more. Some of may be that I've seen too many talentless hacks have fortune and fame off a predessessor that had greatness.

oops. Sorry

Me too, I about 20 miles NE.

Kirwan is former cap guy and coach. Definately inner circle, definately reliable. I was actually shocked he was this loose lipped.

Please tell me you are offended because I abbreviated your name when replying to your post,,, It was not my intention. BTW - you misspelled spelling.

Are you saying you don't think the story is legitimate? Pat Kirwan is in the "inner circle" of people GM's will talk to. What I found odd is that Kirwan said as much as he did. Angelo will probably blacklist him for that. Just like I said in your, "Angelo sabatage post", it must be higher than Angelo. Guess what, this is close to confirmation as you are ever going to see. To Conners post: The Bears are indeed cheep, and they may rightfully have to be. The 10 mil they ratholed last year kept us out of the playoffs. They will rathole more this year as well. And you will probably never hear of them having cap issues(which is a good thing). Untill we see their P&L statement, we not know if they can afford to spend or not.

Took the words right out of my mouth. Also, in hindsight the Berrian deal would have been more than worth it to us, as it elevated the the Vikes and lowered us in one move.

I just don't see it. I guess it's simply because I am not wired that way. IMO - The job of a GM is competetive in nature. That being said, Angelo in no way would have the mental make up to sabotage Lovie, knowing he's tanking on purpose. On the other hand, I can see a conversation that would make the whole scenario unfold. Phillips calls Angelo into the office and says something like, " Jerry, the family is a little concerned that their return on investment wasn't what they thought they were going to see. You assured us we were a playoff team and although we almost made it, there were scenarios that had to unfold to even put us in position. Now you and Lovie have assured us, that we are close. Define close. OK, go out and prove it. If not, we'll be using our extra money to show a new coach and GM the kind of money we have to immediately re-build this team. Have a nice day." This is why I feel it runs deeper than Angelo. Position coaches run the day to day. Coordinators run the week the week. Head coach runs the season. The GM runs the season to future seasons. That tells me Angelo is just as much a victim as Lovie. On the other hand, Phillips and above are looking past this season to the next generation. That tells me it has to be Phillips or higher. GM's simply don't have a high enough calling to cause pain on that scale for the "greater good" of the franchise.

I'm not outraged yet. I'm kinda numb though. With the huge amount of money at JA's disposal and no significant FA's to sign, we've done relatively nothing to shore our weakest areas. I'm still holding out for a slew of signings to provide more talent and depth at key positions. The draft will not suffice. At this rate, the surplus will be huge and if JA starts handing out early extensions to our current roster I will go postal. Add to that JA will have affectively closed the window on this team. We are NOT close as Lovie speculated. Everybody knows that.

Like it!

As of now, I consider our OL considerably worse than last year in depth, experience and talent.(ouch) Williams - completely unproven Beekman - should continue to develop Kruetz - one year older to decline Garza - push=sucks same as last year. Right tackle - new guy and practice squad guy Even if we re-sign St. Clair is that improvement or just depth. IMO - he blows. IMO - drafting or signing another starting caliber tackle is a necessity. The off-season is still young. Hopefully JA has not been handcuffed by the bean counters.

I see it both ways. If the Titans offered him a deal that was close and he turns it down, I could see being a little pissed. If not, he should go for the money. These players don't get these contracts on God given talent alone. They work hard and take extreme beatings. To put up with that over years being competitive has to come into play. I believe these guys are competitive about their contracts as well.

It's a funny thing , Chile; I had the same BPA comment in my post but deleted because I didn't want it to cloud the OL message. But yes, that and any other FA pickups will eliminate a stresser for JA on draft day so he can focus on less and hopefully get more out of it.

Heck If JA would follow that we could have had Haynesworth, Housh, two or three of the top OL etc... But, untill that actually works out for the Skins, I'd refrain from that theory of operation.

That's why Brown from the Ravens would be a fantastic pickup. I would also love for us to pickup Khalif Barnes to start at RT. He can play LT as well, but is better suited for RT.

I hope he tears it up too. 1) He's a good guys and deserves some luck. 2) That'd be just one more player our incompetant staff failed to develop. IE: More leverage to bring in my main man COWHER!!!!

I saw a spot John Clayton did and the Bears were not in the mix. But, JA is so cloak and dagger you never know.

With greater OL you can squeeze more out of the WR's due to a greater threat of play action and more plays that require 5 step drops. Add to that, Hester will be solid next year. Safety is a barren wasteland. At some point you have to have a greater treat at DL. My rating would be OL, S, DE and WR. I essentially agree with both assessments.

If I knew how to make font size bigger, I would. We must look outside the organization for safety help. JA and Lovie have to come up with a solid plan to ensure this happens. McGowan - hurt more than Mike Brown (strickly a box player) Payne - (strickly a box player) Steltz - (rated by everyone but our staff as "you guessed it" (strickly a box player) Brown - Our best safety, yet will not return. Hmm Manning - Horrible free safety and not a good tackler. (Lovie says he's staying at nickle) That leaves us with nothing at FS. I expect for us to bring one in FA and draft. Keep the other three for SS candadates.

He has stated he wants to play corner. If he does decide he'll play FS for some team, I'd take him under these onditions: if we signed Barnes to our starting RT and St.Clair to swing tackle. That would ease a glaring need for OL depth and talent.

Day one of free agency.

LOL!

You have St. Clair as a starter with no suitable replacement in fold. Plus, there's too much money remaining to spend. I appreciate the effort, but hate it in the same breath.

I would take any of them at 18. l'd love Maualuga. He's all over the field and hits like a truck. I don't think any will fall to us, but there is a chance.