Offseason starts for 20 teams
This is one the key news weeks of the offseason, as we comb through the papers to get indications of where teams will head this offseason before everyone leaves this building. Here are some of interesting nuggets I saw this morning.
* From the Miami Herald, some of the thinking behind Cam Cameron's impending firing:
Parcells apparently told Huizenga he has heard stories about Cameron spending some of his time monitoring the team's website to make sure the players are being asked the right questions by club-employed reporters. Cameron also wanted to make sure the players were giving the right answers. Parcells told Huizenga he doesn't want a coach that is worried about blogs or website interviews. He wants a tough-minded, hard-driven football man who is more concerned with football than facade.
And if you were wondering about rookie third-rounder Lorenzo Booker's lack of development this year, consider this, "Lorenzo Booker's progress has continued to the point the rookie was speaking in the third person after the game." Good to hear
* The Chiefs season, encapsulated by hilariously depressing announcer calls from Sunday.
* There was something oddly enjoyable, ironic, and painful in watching the end of the Jets-Chiefs game. Herm Edwards, who thought he was only one kicker away from a title a few years back, watched that kicker (Mike Nugent) end his season. But only after a Herm timeout, a Nugent field goal erased by a holding penalty, another Herm timeout, and then finally the game-winner.
* Judging by the tone of the Jets articles today, Chad Pennington has a better chance to stay with the team than Jonathan Vilma. That doesn't make a lot of sense, but it says a lot about Kellen Clemens' struggles. So does this quote from an anonymous player, "If we lose Chad, we're in trouble."
* If the Jets can solve their quarterback problem, they are candidates to go from 4-12 right back into playoff contention. They lost a ton of close games this year, and the schedule is very favorable for the AFC East. Their out of division games are against the AFC West and NFC West, which have seen better days.
This was not a lost year for the Jets. They gave up a lot to get their top two picks, Darrelle Revis and David Harris, but they were both home run selections. They are both potential Pro Bowlers sooner than later.
* The Texans apparently plan to bring Ahman Green back. Odd.
* The updated NFL Draft order.
* The Raiders have a number of key free agents, including Nmandi Asomugha, Justin Fargas, and Jerry Porter. They will probably use the franchise tag on Asomugha.
* Barrel Man has retired in Denver! Of less importance, Travis Henry and Matt Lepsis may also have played their final games for Denver. If Henry isn't back as a Bronco, his fantasy value is likely to be minimal next year.
***
Happy New Year everyone. It's been a huge year for us at Rotoworld and a gratifying one personally. I'll put the 16-0 Patriots season and Red Sox title far behind my wedding in case my wife is reading. I'll catch you tomorrow.





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