The NFL went wild this week, with arguably the NFL’s two most recognizable players changing teams and my New England Patriots making some beneficial yet maddening moves. Frankly, I’ve been trying to forget that the NFL exists following the events of this February. But yesterday as I drove west on the Mass Pike a huge billboard showing Tom Brady rocking his Uggs stirred me to life. So here I am, officially ready to weigh in. America loves Tebow, so let’s start there.
Tebow to the Jets
We all get it – it was an on-again off-again thing yesterday, that has now had all of the kinks worked out. Denver gets a 4th and 6th round pick as well at $2.53 million, the Jets get Tebow and a 7th round pick. Frankly, before the money headed to Denver was added to the deal, I was all for it – Tim Tebow is worth much more than a 4th and a 6th round pick in my book, any potential quarterback controversy aside. But with the cash added into the deal, I think the Jets came out on the wrong end of this deal. Sure, Tebow is another talented option that opponents will have to plan for – which as we saw last year, is very tough to do. I do think the Jets are committed to Mark Sanchez, as the contract they gave him suggests, but let’s face it – the Jets operate with the maturity of the 13-year old girl. If they can utilize him correctly, he’ll undoubtedly help their team. But all in all, I think don’t think this deal made sense. If I was Tebow, I’d want to be headed to Miami or Jacksonville.
Also, when did Antonio Cromartie become the GM of the Jets?
Peyton to the Broncos
I’ve always been a big John Elway fan, but I do think that Elway was a bit smug and a bit… dickish in his handling of Tim Tebow. That said, Peyton Manning is essentially Elway’s savior, keeping him from needing to start Tebow at QB next season and likely long into the future. I have a really tough time arguing against any team signing Peyton Manning when they have the opportunity – how could you, the guy is one of the best ever. Better yet, Elway got him with a contract that will keep him in Denver until he retires… as long as he’s healthy. And if he’s not healthy, he doesn’t get paid. Brilliant move by the Broncos.
If I was Peyton, I think I would have headed to the 49ers. Look at what that team did last year with Alex Smith – add Peyton Manning and you have an instant championship. But alas, Peyton supposedly didn’t want to step on little Eli’s toesies in the NFC. Fair enough. Denver is a pretty good fit as well.
And the Patriots
The Patriots picked up Brandon Lloyd for very, very little money. They now have a significant deep threat that will greatly stretch the field and further open up the likes of Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandz, and Rob Gronkowski. They also added Anthony Gonzalez, who essentially guarantees that they have the leverage not to pay Wes Welker big money next year if they don’t want to. Also added were Daniel Fells (I wasn’t aware the Patriots were short on tight ends) and Donte Stallworth (not going to get overly excited).
On the flip side of the coin we saw Benjarvus Green-Ellis depart for the Bengals yesterday. I’m not sure what they are paying him, but I’m sad to see him leave – this hurts the Patriots, no doubt. No, Green-Ellis is not Terrell Davis, but he’s a solid running back who scored 11 touchdowns for us last year while splitting snaps. Better yet, he never once fumbled. When you have Tom Brady at QB, what more could you possibly ask for in a running back? I thought he was a perfect fit.
Also departing was defensive end Mark Anderson, to the Bills no less. I know that the Patriots would have had to pay him, but for me this is the icing on the cake. The Patriots were 2nd in the NFL in total offense last year, with Tom Brady also breaking the all-time single season passing yardage record previously held my Dan Marino. Even being ranked 2nd in the league, their rushing attack was something like 20th best in the league. The last thing they needed was to improve their passing attack – instead they decided for some reason lose a key defensive player and trade their top rusher. God damn the ways of Bill.
The Patriots were 31st in the NFL in total defense last year. Someone, anyone tell me why they are so hell-bent on improving their passing attack – it literally couldn’t get much better already. If Tom Brady stays healthy next season, I expect him to rewrite the record books once again. That said, if the Patriots draft a single offensive player I’m going to off myself and become a Dolphins fan.
What a week. The NFL should be a circus next year, per usual.
The Jets getting Tebow makes absolutely no sense in just about every way possible. Peyton didnt go to San Fran because he does not want to have to learn a whole new offensive system and he would have to there. John Fox and Denver gave him the opportunity to adapt much of what he already does, which saves him time and allows him to focus more on his rehab. This is what I heard was one of the main reasons he signed there, which makes sense.
I’m with you. The guys they picked up sound good, but I’d rather see them improve the defense than the offense. Anderson was one of their few decent pass rushers.
Green-Ellis was a solid back. He was durable, seemed to always get positive yardage and was a good pass blocker.
I just don’t get it. In a nutshell, when the Patriots were a defensive minded team they won 3 super bowls. When they were an offensive minded team they lost 2.
tebow to the jets makes fine sense to me…wasn’t there motto ground and pound while on hard knocks? tebow is the definition of ground and pound. if sanchez can’t deal with the pressure of having the worst passing qb in the league as his back up he doesnt deserve to be a starting nfl QB.
I agree that the pats are not addressing their weaknesses, which is strange but their off seasons have been strange for a few years now. It has been said a few places before but they really should have made a run for Mike Wallace even if it cost them a pick.
Tebow makes no sense. Why pay below average qb’s at the same time?
I’m completely happy with Brandon Lloyd, and I agree about Tebow.
wallace is a much much better player then lloyd. it is not even close
LLoyd led the league in receiving 2 years ago. Wallace has Ben Roethlisberger throwing to him and never did that.
In all seriousness though, you are right. I wouldn’t say MUCH better, but Wallace is better.
..but dolphin fans drink milk