Mongo3451

Here's where I made that comment... HERE’S A “REAL” ALL-PRO TEAM Posted by Mike Florio on January 16, 2009, 4:58 p.m. We’ve been complaining a lot lately about the manner in which the AP postseason awards are regarded as the gospel truth. So instead of continuing to complain about that (we’ve moved on to bigger windmills made of sturdier materials), we’ll instead offer a more reliable and credible All-Pro team. Courtesy of our friends at Sporting News. The Sporting News All-Pro team was compiled not based on 50 reporters and broadcasters who might think that James Harrison is an inside linebacker or that Chris Johnson is worthy of being the MVP but not one of the best two running backs in the game. Instead, Sporting News relied on the votes of 664 players, coaches, and General Managers. The list is right here. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=507783

I am amazed at the broad range of players that our board has chosen. These are type of responses that inspire hope. Can one position coach make that much of a difference. I guess it depends on how bad the predecessor was. I also like the Sapp connection. It always helps when a HOF caliber player comes in and lends a hand.

You know JA made the QB comment. Now, he is clarifying with support of Orton. That leads me to the mind game. Since we already know the Queens are going hell bent for a QB this off-season. Is JA setting up a bidding war so the Queens will run out and overspend for a QB? Kinda like a bluff in poker... Even though the Queens get their guy, they also get a strained cap for other needs. Hell, I'd do it. I still see us going after backup, but a stud seems outta line due to our support players not being up to snuff.

Man, I bet Carolinas' staff feels like they are getting punched in the nads repeatedly. Could you imagine having the best DE and LT in football and knowing you were going to lose one of them? LOL

I would love to add Julius Peppers. We would have the best DL in the league. We would have to cut Brown or Ogun. If our D is predicated on the pass rush from the front four, there would be no excuses. That would make it easier for us to focus on DB, WR and OL in the draft.

#54 I know the spirit of the question was intended for DL, but... So, I'll go out on a limb and say Wale. He's in a contract year and Harris and Harrison are going to free him up more. Plus, I see the ends rushing more to the inside than last year.

Just in case some idiot posts a "what about Gruden" post.

I think Derek Anderson killed Cassels' chance of getting a big trade offer. He did well considering the circumstance in which he had to take over. But, he did take the reigns of the most prolific offense in NFL history. He's such a gamble, I do agree with your wanting to give a 3rd and 6th for him. However, there is no way the Patriots let him go for that this year. Especially with not knowing the status of Brady.

Hell no! He is the biggest locker room, sideline, podium and back yard cancer any team has ever seen. He would absolutely destroy our team chemistry. When TO comes to town, plan on going downhill soon after.

I think Lovie has either thrown himself into the accountability mix or has been thrown in by Angelo. Babich has been demoted without losing his title. We don't need tar and feathers at this point. I share the same confidence in Lovie as you do. Finally Lovie has placed his head on the block. Next year is ake or break for him.

If he came in and worked his ass off, I'd love to have him. His motion has a little windup in it, but his velocity and accuracy have always off-set that. Back to the main knock on him - work ethic. If JA is convinced he will bust his ass and offers him a contract with incentives, I am all for it.

The bold part is what a lot of people argued last year as the main reason to bite the bullet and sign him. If for only a stop gap until we got some talent in here. Letting him go made the cupboard bare.

Not really a fan of his

Two things: 1st - I blame the players and coaches for our D-line performance. Their decline is not age or injury related. I really think our D is arrogant and the staff has not been able to reach them. Absolutely a two fold problem. 2nd - Do you think Harris and any DE we have, has the natural talent of Sapp and Rice? IMO - all NFL players have ability, but some are just freaks with talent beyond compare. Honing that talent is a different story.(see Alonzo Spellman)

I agree it's a step in the right direction. But, still think the whole coaching exodus was mishandled. I still blame Lovie and will until proven otherwise. I agree that he cover two may not be dead. I look at the Colts and see what they do with massive losses at D every year. Every year people in Indy wonder what they are going to with without player X. They always seem to find a player. I think the Colts are also the most disproportionate team in terms of payroll in the NFL. I think around 65%+ of the money is offense. Our defense as individuals seem to rely on a false sense of greatness, leading our team to believe it can turn it on at will. Problem is, they are so far removed from the greatness that got them to that point, they are lost. The first step for our defenders is humility and the understanding they are not better without the effort and desire. Our D is still relatively young and able to overcome themselves. As far as coaching is concerned, Marinelli seems ego-less and as close to ground zero as you can get. That is a start. Maybe they can all resurrect their careers together.

How good would Gage, Berrian and Hester look as a trio? Perfect combo.

Just sayin...

That D-line had Sapp, McFarland and Rice. Our only one that is remotely close is Harris. And he is no Sapp. Not knocking the post. I just don't want us to have false hope that Marinelli is the answer to what ails our D. I do agree, he's a good coach and a step up from what we had.

I think Bobby just wants his name in the paper to re-visit glory days. Tebow has a horrible throwing motion. Combine that with his size and speed being negated by NFL standards, he will not make it at QB. TE or fullback could make him a star though.

Looking at the way this team has evolved the last 5 seasons, I feel it is in a transition phase. The transition phase is both mental and physical. The mental side of the coin belongs to the defense. I see a defense that is no longer willing to impose its will on the other team. It used to be the other team would choke, kowing we were going to make the play that would beat them. Now, we are reduced to the QB in the opposing huddle saying, "we got this". Our veterens need to step up and become what they once were. If you look at the ages of our highly paid vets, they are far from through physically. The key to our staff and players is finding a way to get that fire back. The physical side of the team is age, health and talent. Looking at our D, the only place talent is truly lacked is at FS. IMO - stabilizing this is a key. As far as age and health go, there is only FS and SS to be concerned about. On O, we are faced with an age situation on the OL. Talent is also absent on the OL and WR core, with the jury still out on Orton. Health is only an issue with the OL due to age.(see the pattern) The way I see it, we can either tank next season or become a true contender again. Here is the way I see a fix. Defense: Quick win: Move Tillman to FS. He will be a stud here. His effectiveness will grow on a bell curve, while his replacement will only have to do an average job. Quick win II: Sign either a DE or CB via FA, while drafting the other on day one. I'd prefer to sign the DE and draft the DB. Long term win: Make sure Mike Brown retires a Bear by finding a way to get him under contract and transition hin into coaching as he fades away. You think our D lacks heart now, with no Brown I'm afraid they'll pack it in. Offense: Quick win: Sign a bonafide reciever. If you want Orton and Hester to develop, a reliable reciever will fill the need. The draft will not offer this type of quick help. A WR should also be added day one of the draft. Quick win II: Sign St Clair to start at RT and move Tait to back or cut him. Long term win: Draft an OG early and make him a pile driver. Our OL lack road graders and I have no clue why. If we get off the bus running and can't get a yard when we need it. Draft some pushers. Also, if we cut Tait loose. draft and OT day one as well. This will leave us with Williams, Beekman, St Clair, Kruetz and Garza. Lets pray Buenning gets healthy as well. One more thing, draft a beast at FB! I don't give a shit if this guy can catch or carry the ball. I want a guy that will give somebody a concussion. Nuf said. Lastly, at QB. Don't confuse this for Orton love, but I leave that position alone for one more year, as I don't see an availible fix anywhere. If Orton and Hanie develops further we win big. If not, we are no worse than last year. IMO - Orton did well with the talent he had. Sure he locked onto recivers and missed some deep balls. I honestly think the deep ball had to do with his plant foot. I also think the staring t recievers can be alleviated with confidence that more than one can get separation and time from the OL. Orton will never be all-pro, but he can be servicable. Winter in Chicago, that's all you need. The big roadblock= Lovie. While I think it is very doable to get the missing peices in, I also feel that Lovie is living in a dream world. Hopefully he de-inserts his cranium from his rectal cavity and finds his motivation. I think he should have fired Babich before anyone, but since that has not happened, I hope he spends everyday with Babich working on the psyche and scheme of our largest investment. I have more thoughts, but type slowly so I'll stop now. Your thoughts...

Don't forget Hasselbeck was hurt most of the year.

That's the best thing that's happened so far this off-season! I remember how Url responded to the "most over-rated" article(defensive MVP) Now, I hope they rank Tommie "most overpaid". Then, they can give the "biggest pu$$y" award to Vasher, as well as the "over the hill" award to our OL. Last but not least they can give the "can't sack groceries" award to our DL!

I agree with all that are wishing for St. Clair to stay. I believe it to be critical. On the other hand, I'm not seeing a lot of love for Beekman. IMO - he and Olin were our best linemen this year. He has shown quick feet, an ability to engage his man quickly, is very adept at pulling and didn't make a bunch of stupid mistakes (not bad for a developing young player) He IMO would make a better starting guard than St. Clair and definately better than Garza. Move St. Clair to RT, while his heir is drafted. Move Tait to backup, as the wear and tear of a backup make make him servicable for small stretches. If the staff doesn't see that in him, he should be cut. I would prefer to see a stud OG be drafted in the 1st couple of rounds. Maybe another day one tackle as well.

Good points. Let me add one scenario. We have a practice with Supervisors and above that our company puts them on notice that they're on the way out, then give them the opportunity to find a job elsewhere. Lovie and JA seem to have a relationship with Babich and may be giving him a deadline.

The thing that killed me about Mac was that he didn't need to be injury prone. I remember everyone from Ditka to the broadcast announcers trying to get him to be less reckless. Hell, he had the best OL in the NFL with Covert, Bortz, Hillgenberg, Thayer and Van Horn. There was absolutely no reason for him to be geyying killed like he was. But, that is what made him great to me. There was never any doubt he was going to leave it on the field.