If at first you don’t succeed, just keep doing the same thing

February 27, 2009

As reported virtually everywhere (even here), the Redskins were widely expected to make a bid for DT Albert Haynesworth when free agency opened this morning. After last year’s uncharacteristically reserved activity, Dan Snyder’s belief that a team with 1 wide receiver, 1 1/2 linebackers and half an o-line is one run-stuffer away from immortality has apparently reasserted itself.

Despite the team’s late attempts to dissemble these rumours (which mainly consisted of Vinny Cerrato putting his hands in his pockets, whistling, and looking at the sky) most insiders – which crucially includes Haynesworth’s agent and other franchise’s front offices – assumed this meant the standard bank-breaking unequal-able megadeal would be slapped on the table at 12.01 this morning.

And so it has proved. At 5.30 Haynesworth signed a 6-year deal worth a staggering $100m, making him the highest paid defensive player in the league.

Amateur.

Amateur.

Now, leaving aside questions of whether or not the former Titans DT will be worth it – and today he tops SportingNews’ list of overrated free agents -  there’s no question that once again the Skins have played the contract negotiation poker game like a blind priest with transparent cards.

In this case, everyone round the table – including the player,  other potential suitors and representatives for other free agents -knew that the Skins were big bet junkies who would vastly overpay to get their man, regardless of market value. His agent could therefore sit back and keep saying “higher”, safe in the knowledge that Snyder would never walk away and let him test the market.

That’s the same approach that has netted the Redskins such gems as Brandon Lloyd and Adam Archuleta (highest paid safety in the league) in recent years, and it’s a mug’s game. Despite herculean attempts every offseason to restructure deals, it’s left the team with a significant cap problem year on year, a dearth of draft picks and a string of humiliating and expensive failures.

I want Javon Walker in here, now!

I want Javon Walker in here, now!

Recent NFL history is very clear – teams that have meddling owners who compensate for their inferiority complex with “big dick” acquisitions do not have a lot of success in the modern era (Cowboys, Redskins, Raiders), but teams who build well through the draft and have stable front office/cap situations do (Patriots, Steelers, Colts).

But Snyder has all the maturity and emotional self control of a hyena, and the learning curve of a goldfish, which means the Redskins are stuck in offseason groundhog day for the forseeable future. Whether Haynesworth turns out to be the best thing since sliced bread or, as many predict  he doesn’t, the culture and management in Washington will prevent the team being a contender anytime soon.  

4 Comments | Offseason | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by redemigre

D’oh (2009 edition)

February 25, 2009

Dashing whatever hopes existed that Washington was pursuing a much needed long term strategy, 3 reports have now been published saying that the Redskins will sign DT Albert Haynesworth for megabucks at the start of free agency.

It's Washington, it's the offseason...

It's Washington, it's the offseason...

Is this

a) predictable

b) depressing

c) depressingly predictable

d) the missing piece of the puzzle?

Haynesworth has been amazing this year, but the permanent sod’s law that operates around the Redskins means that he’s about to become an idle former standout, with $30m in his pocket -  i.e. the new Shaun Alexander. Who, you’ll recall, the Redskins signed last year and who made a massive difference with his 11 yards on 5 carries.

How do you get an owner fired?

Next week: Redskins trade all draft picks from now until 2015 in order to acquire Chris Henry, Brett Favre and Deion Sanders (again)….

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Posted by redemigre

The octuple-P draft system: WRs and CBs

February 24, 2009

In our second installment of the PPPPPPPP draft system, we’ve elected to look at the wideout and cornerback positions, where we’re likely to see a fair few battles between ‘09 draftees in the upcoming season.

WR class strength: A

In 2008 we didn’t see a single wide receiver taken in the first round of the draft before a massive run kicked off in round 2. This year we won’t see a similar pattern, as there appear to be at least three first-round receivers in the ‘09 class.

Obviously at the head of the class is Texas Tech phenom Michael Crabtree. Afetr pretty much tearing the record book apart in 2 seasons with the Red Raiders, Crabtree declared as a junior and arguably the nation’s best overall player. Crabtree’s college career is littered with highlights, notably a stunning game-winning TD against Texas this year, and he showed unparallelled run-after-catch ability and sensational hands. Obviously the spread offense at TT helped his stats a bunch, but he was still utterly dominant in a manner not seen since Larry Fitzgerald’s time at Pittsburgh.

Its like trying to cover a fuckin racehorse

"It's like trying to cover a fuckin' racehorse!" (John Ryan - Wedding Crashers)

Despite revealing this week that he has a stress fracture in his foot, Crabtree is almost certain to be a top-5 player because he’s just too damn good to pass up. He has the smarts, speed and hands to be one of the very best receivers in the league, and there’s no reason that can’t start in year 1.

Crabtree’s octuple-P rating: Andre Johnson

Behind the sensational Crabtree there are a lot of quality players. Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin and Florida’s Percy Harvin are both exceptionally quick and offer added bonuses as return guys, and both figure to go in round 1. Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland may also have squeezed himself into the first round with a great Combine 40 time. Behind him there’s still depth, with Big East all-time leading receiver Kenny Britt (Rutgers), small-school speedster Johnny Knox (Abilene Christian) and Ohio State’s Terry Robiskie. This would be a good class without Crabtree, but his presence makes this one of the best WR classes in quite some time.

CB class strength: B

The bad news for the ‘09 receiving group is that they’ll have to match up against some great young corners for years to come. This group lacks the overall depth to gain an A grade, but there are probably three first round picks in this group, and good Combines for some others may shunt them up some draft boards.

The pretty much unquestioned numero uno in the class of ‘09 cornerbacks is THE Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins has been the number one corner in college ‘ball for a couple of years, and it’s not hard to see why: 11 interceptions over three years, ideal size for the position (6 feet and 204lbs) and experience at a big school where he elected to graduate. Jenkins won the Thorpe award as the nation’s top defensive back in 2008 and cut the field in half for the Buckeyes’ opponents. He was sometimes even moved to safety to make big plays because hardly anyone wanted to throw the ball in his direction. The knock on him is that perhaps he’ll take time to learn as he wasn’t thrown at in college, but the fact is he’s a gifted press corner with track-meet speed and ball skills. A first rounder who, after a couple of years, should emerge as one of the game’s best.

I got paiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiid

"I got paiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiid"

Jenkins’ octuple-P rating: Nnamdi Asomugha

Behind Jenkins, the two biggest names are Vanderbilt’s DJ Moore and Vontae Davis from Illinois. Moore is a ball-hawk who has got good return skills, but his athleticism needs to be exceptional as he stands just 5′9: against guys like Fitzgerald, Moss and C. Johnson he’ll have some issues, but then again, who can cover those guys anyway? Vontae is the brother of 49ers TE and physical specimen Vernon Davis (check out Vernon’s combine numbers if you haven’t seen them for a scary read), as he made the All-Big 10 team two years running. He’ll go in the first round too, and has the ‘upside’ which some dread and others covet. Only time will tell.

Next in the octuple-P’s sights is the trenches, so hit back here soon for the best of the offensive and defensive lines in ‘09! And remember: only 188 days until the 2009 season begins!

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Posted by distantblues

The octuple-P draft system: Backfield

February 20, 2009

With the NFL Combine already begun and the Draft not far away, it seemed to us at PAP that a preview of this year’s prospects was needed. Are we looking at a bumper year of stellar players or a first round full of Ryan Leafs, Blair Thomases and Heath Shulers?

Hair as bad as his play.

Hair as bad as his play.

In order to answer these pressing questions, we have developed yet another PAP-exclusive rating system for the draft, analysing each position by overall quality in grades from A to F. In addition, we will also be comparing the star of the class with NFL players to gauge the level of success we can expect from this prospect. For example, a top-quality QB prospect may acquire a Peyton Manning rating, while a linebacker with bust written all over him will garner a Brian Bosworth rating. This system, the Personal Player and Position Playaction Post Prediction and Pick Planner should give every NFL scout some sleepless nights, though inept front offices (see Cincinnati, Washington, Detroit, Oakland, New York Jets) will no doubt ignore this system and pay the price.

In this inaugural edition of the PPPPPPPP, we will look at the backfield positions: quarterbacks and running backs

QB class strength: C

After Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco led their teams to playoff appearances, every struggling NFL franchise will look to a rookie QB to turn things around. This is a talented class, but buyer beware: for every Ryan or Rivers there are many Alex Smiths and Andre Wares.

Stafford hopes his PPPPPPPP rating also reflects the hotness of his future wife.

Stafford hopes his PPPPPPPP rating also reflects the hotness of his future wife.

There are by consensus two sure-fire top 15 QBs in this draft, meaning one will get to go #1 (JaMarcus Russell, Alex Smith) while the other languishes in the green room crying until the end of round one (Aaron Rodgers, Brady Quinn). Georgia’s Matthew Stafford heads the pack and many people have him as a lock for the Lions at #1. Even if he doesn’t go there, there’s little doubt that Stafford will be the first QB taken. He has a good arm and lots of experience, and would appear to be a great prospect, but he is being hyped up a little too much for his own good. I see him as a solid occasional Pro-Bowler with decent consistency and the occasional cannon strike.

Stafford’s octuple-P rating: Jeff Garcia

Just behind Stafford is USC’s Mark Sanchez who has a cannon arm and big-game experience. Despite starting just 1 year in SoCal, he is almost certain to be the second signal caller off the board. Sanchez is a good QB, but might need to learn for a year or so before being thrown into a starting role due to not having as many games under his belt as Stafford. If given time he could be great, but he’s likely to be thrown in at the deep end on a bad team, and may well struggle before finding his feet.

These two aside, the best of the rest are Kansas State’s Josh Freeman, Ball State (ha!)’s Nate Davis and Sam Houston State (where?)’s Rhett Bomar. The former two are expected to go in the second, and Bomar in the third.

RB class strength: B

Running backs are usually the most successful rookies, with guys like Adrian Peterson and Pocket Hercules/Maurice Jones-Drew tearing it up in recent years. There’s good depth at the position again this year, but no one stellar player like a Barry Sanders or Bo Jackson in the first round.

Gone before you can say What kind of name is Knowshon?

Gone before you can say 'What kind of name is Knowshon?'

Likely to come off the board first is another Bulldog, Stafford’s backfield mate Knowshon Moreno. After racking up 1,400 yards rushing in ‘08, Moreno declared for the draft as a junior and has the blazing speed and elusiveness to have a real impact in his rookie season – he’s been compared to Barry Sanders by some. This is a massive overstatement, because he’s not a top-10 player, but Moreno will be chosen in the mid-teens and be a bargain for whoever nabs him: with his speed he’s almost sure to be a hit on the NFL scene, and he’ll no doubt be a nightmare for defenses for many years to come.

Moreno’s octuple-P rating: Chris Johnson

Not far behind Moreno are Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy and THE Ohio State’s Chris Wells, both of whom will be first-rounders. Every year, however, there’s a low-round back who surprises everyone, from Terrell Davis to Brian Mitchell. This year that could be Iowa’s Shonn Greene, who’s surprisingly under the radar for a guy who won the Doak Walker (best collegiate running back in the nation) award last year. One to keep an eye on for sure.

Check back over the weekend for the rest of the octuple-P ratings on offense and the defensive ranks, as well as the inevitable post-Combine corrections!

1 Comment | Draft | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by distantblues

Who dey? Superbowl edition

February 18, 2009

The last game of the season (pro bowl = not a game) produced a great Who Dey? in the shape of Arizona backup tight end Ben Patrick.

Patrick is a second year player out of Delaware, with mediocre stats even for a backup, and little chance of becoming a breakout star.

Superbowl XLII gave him the opporutnity to shine, however, in the second quarter. On a goalline playaction play, Cardinals QB Kurt Warner looks towards our hero in the endzone, and loops a slightly overthrown pass in his direction.If you watch closely, you can see the moment when Patrick’s eyes light up and he realises he might be about to score a TD in the superbowl.

He follows this realisation by proving that he wants it more, jumping higher than he possibly ever has before, and wrestling the ball out of the hands of Larry Foote.

The TD changes the momentum of the game at a critical point, and sets Arizona on the path to taking charge as they build towards halftime and an almost certa- oh, wait…..Nice throw Kurt.

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Posted by redemigre

It’s not rocket science

February 17, 2009

Incarcerated dog fight promoter/murderer Michael Vick has been placed on the trading block by the Atlanta Falcons, who still hold his rights but have no interest in using them. Vick’s fines, imprisonment and subsequent bankrMichael Vickuptcy left him unable to repay the prorated bonus money the Falcons believe they’re owed, but as the franchise tries to leave  memories of their former franchise player behind, new GM Thomas Dimitroff is determined to keep “Ron Mexico” out of an Atlanta jersey.

Sadly – very sadly – other teams are seemingly less clear cut about whether or not Vick is the sort of man who should be in the NFL. A flurry of speculation about potential suitors for Vick has erupted, and while credit is due to the Lions (it feels odd just writing that), Jets and Bucs for ruling themselves out of contention, the 49ers, Vikings, and Bears are being talked about in serious circles as trade partners.

We’re sure the teams considering a bid for Vick are trying not to think too hard about his hobbies last time he was in the NFL, and commentators are skating over the nature of Vick’s crimes in order to discuss his potential impact on the field. Treating his potential return as just another horse in the normal merry-go-round of offseason activity is a mistake. If you don’t already know why, have a rummege through any of the multitudinous reports on the Bad Newz Kennels, starting with this one.

I’ll go out on a limb for once and say that those who are enabling a return to the high profile, high pay, and public redemption that will inevitably result if Vick returns to the NFL are making a huge error. While the former Virginia Tech standout is one of the most exciting athletes of the last decade, the league and individual clubs simply should not be providing an implicit endorsement for a man who created and participated in an inhumane system of torturing and killing animals, and went to great lengths to cover it up – including skating very close to perjury when pursued by federal investigators.

It’s not rocket science – while Vick has paid his debt to society, the NFL must be first and foremost concerned with the image of the sport, because the league and teams’ ability to generate revenue depends in part on the (increasingly international) fanbase’s view of the players.  With an increasing number of NFL stars generating news stories by failing to follow basic social and human norms (like not shooting oneself in the leg, Plaxico) the last thing the NFL needs is to publicly redeem its most famous violent outcast.

This is personal too – Commissioner Roger Goodell has made his name with a hard line approach to players who step out of line (Chris Henry, Albert Haynesworth, Pacman et al), and would be risking his own credibility by taking a hypocritical less-than-robust line here. Here’s hoping he goes the whole hog and bars Vick from the game for good.

While Vick is by no means the only gifted athlete who ignores the regular rules of society – and understanding that picking on some players and not others is a risky business – reinstating a man who used to spend his time drowning and hanging dogs for a bit of a laugh is at least one step too far.

(Ultimately, when you’ve made it into the Daily Mail it’s probably game over.)

1 Comment | Offseason | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by redemigre

Franchise tagging, the unsubtle art

February 14, 2009

What do Lions kicker Jason Hanson, Julius Peppers, Raiders punter Shane Lechler and Terrell Suggs have in common? They are all likely to be slapped with the franchise tag this season, meaning that their team either doesn’t want to give them a long-term deal, can’t afford one, or the player wants out and his franchise wants to get good trade value for him. All three employment of the tag are in effect this year.

The “we don’t want you long-term” angle: Jason Hanson

Hanson may have been productive kicker for the Lions for many years, but at the end of the day, he’s not only a kicker but a 38-year old one. Even a front office as recently inept at Detroit’s must realise that there are dozens of kickers around, and that having any 38-year old player on your roster is not a good idea in the long-term. Detroit will look to replace him in the near future, but figure he’s worth the coin for another year. Given that he’s the longest-tenured Lion by about a decade (they drafted him in 1992), there’s probably an element of hometown loyalty in that equation too.

The “we want you long-term but can’t afford it” angle: Terrell Suggs

Suggs is one of the most fearsome pass-rushers in the league, alternating between DE and OLB and destroying blockers from both positions – just ask Chris Cooley. However, Baltimore has got a lot of defensive starters who are free agents after this season – Suggs, Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and pocket dynamo Jim Leonhard – and need to lock down long term contracts for as many people as possible. In order to minimise Suggs’ long term cap number they need to franchise him (for the second straight year) so they can re-sign at least one other player, who everyone will assume to be Ray Lewis. Suggs will reap another huge cheque but will need to wait for a long term deal.

The “you don’t want to be here but if you’re leaving someone’s gonna pay big” angle: Julius Peppers

The behemoth pass-rushing Peppers had a great 2008 after falling down a bit in ‘07, and he has made it known that he’s more than willing to leave Carolina. The Panthers know he wants to leave and understand that as an elite defensive end he will command a lot of attention, and want to recoup something if he leaves. Peppers is likely to get tagged, meaning whoever wants him will have to pay up in a big way, to the tune of two first round picks. Even if tagged, Peppers may well still leave, but a team had better be sure he’s worth it before shelling out two future first rounders.

It’s an extremely inexact science, but every year players get tagged (Matt Cassel and Brandon Jacobs have been already) and there is usually more than a little disappointment for the players involved. Not often do teams trade big for franchise tagged players, but this year it looks as if either Cassel or Peppers will be leaving despite the franchise tag. An interesting offseason commences…

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Posted by distantblues

Perfect drafting, the playactionpost way

February 14, 2009

There are teams who draft very well (Colts, Pats, Texans), there are teams who draft like morons (Oakland, Detroit, Minnesota) and there are those who are a bit hit and miss (Eagles, Saints).

Whether or not draft spots end up providing good football players is a pretty complex business, and in a lot of ways is a good health check for the way a franchise operates. The mix of scouting, coaching and player development is hard to define and varies from team to team, and the draft itself is more important to some teams than others who depend on free agency. Getting it right can be more art than science, but good draft teams like Pittsburgh have shown that long term success is built on a well executed draft strategy which builds year on year.

Successful teams’ draft records tend to look very similar and the emphasis on hope over optimism led use here at playactionpost to reckon we could boil it down into a foolproof system. Detailed numerical analysis followed, historical record dissection ensued, and then a lot of working out what Jerry Jones would do and writing down the exact opposite.

We’re now happy to announce the launch of the PaP Revitalising & Reinvigorating Non Team Or System Specific Draft Formula For Long Term Franchise Success.

PaPRRNTOSSDFLTFS bears no liability for your team ending up as the Bengals….

Round 1: Alternate drafting offensive linemen and cornerbacks, then once every 6 years draft a standout WR.

Round 2: If its a top 5 pick, draft a DE. If not, draft a DT every other year, a passcatching TE once every four years, and trade down for 3rd round picks in the off years.

Round 3: Alternate drafting safeties and offensive linemen. Whenever possible, pick up extra 3rd round picks and use them on linebackers.

Round 4: Alternate drafting fullbacks and defensive linemen.

Round 5: Draft linebackers, and every three years draft a QB from a small school.

Round 6: Alternate drafting blocking TEs, small school QBs and WRs.

Round 7: Draft the player with the best name

Next: Part 2 – “Free Agency to make friends and influence people”

5 Comments | Draft | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by redemigre

Favre is done……again

February 12, 2009

So the news broke today that Brett Favre has decided to hang up his cleats for the second time, and amongst our esteemed two-person staff at Play Action Post this decision is greeted with huge cheers and the popping of much champagne.

However, we’re not throwing the corks away this time in case number 4 decides to return for another ‘one more year’.

This time, hell cry into the $13m the Jets paid him.

This time, he'll cry into the $13m the Jets paid him.

After the terribly handed debacle that was Favre’s 2008 offseason, it seems that he has learned his lesson: he is no longer a viable 16-game quarterback in this league. After stepping out for one year in the Gang Green uniform (and looking as unnatural as Joe Montana in a Chiefs jersey), Favre has declined to return for what would be a mammoth 19th NFL season.

Two big questions are now lurking on the lips of every NFL follower and Favre enthusiast (read: Peter King): is he going to un-retire again, and if not, what are the Jets going to do?

Is Favre coming back (again)?

The chances of this happening again are ridiculously slim. Favre must surely know that he royally shafted the Packers last year by making the decision to retire, giving them plenty of time to adjust Aaron Rodgers to the starting role and then coming back and demanding either his job back or a trade. Both Favre and the Pack handled the situation horribly, and Favre’s subsequent trade to the Jets teared up many Green Bay natives and smeared his credibility as one of the NFL’s stand-up guys. The petty antics of last season are likely to loom large in the mind of Favre as he announces his retirement for the second time, and it would seem that there will be no return in 2009 for Brett Favre.

Frankly it’s a damn shame that the career of one of the best quarterbacks in history ended with such crushing disappointment for his admirers, but cash speaks louder than….well, whatever isn’t cash. Regardless of public declaration, the Jets paid Favre $13 million for a year’s work, and this has to have been a huge incentive to return. After his sub-standard play during the stretch in 2009, one would assume that #4 is not going to attract a lucrative deal again should he un-retire. Even if he came back I don’t think the Jets would take him back. Favre knows that he isn’t the valuable commodity he was last year, and it seems that his stellar career has finally ended.

What are the Jets’ next moves?

New York now has three quarterbacks on its roster with a combined total of 8 NFL starts, all by Kellen Clemens in 2008. They appear to have a lot of faith in Clemens given that they ditched Chad Pennington (whose laughter must actually be audible in New York) to hand him the job. However, a veteran backup is a necessity and there are a number of free agent quarterbacks who would seem to fit the mould. If they decide that Clemens either isn’t good enough or isn’t ready yet, they could draft a QB in the draft this year. The final option is to both draft and sign a QB and let Clemens go, but this isn’t a likely scenario.

The most viable option of these is to sign a free-agent QB and keep Clemens (and Erik Ainge who they drafted last year as a ‘project QB’), and there are quite a few veterans who will be job-hunting this year. Let’s have a gander at a few of the more likely prospects:

Kerry Collins likelihood: high

Collins is coming off a great year with Tennessee and has a lot of experience in the league. This would seem to be the ideal situation for him, as the veteran has demanded starter money after a Pro Bowl 2008 season, and Favre’s departure has freed up a whole heap of cap space for the Jets. He would compete with Clemens for the starter’s job and likely win it. Also, it’s a great chance for him to fully flip the bird to the blue half of NYC, who unceremoniously cut him despite his leading them to the Superbowl. The problem with Collins is that he is another very old quarterback who, like Favre, may not be able to hack a full season in the media tumult of New York. There’s not a lot of time left for Collins and the Jets may well not want another one-and-done veteran quarterback on starting money.

If you feed him, he will throw.

If you feed him, he will throw.

Byron Leftwich likelihood: average-high

Fat Albert just spent a year backing up Big Ben in Pittsburgh, so he will see the opening in New York as a step forward not back. He’d probably be given a fair shot at winning the job for the Jets, and given his impressive physical skill set and good (if limited) showings in the past season, he seems an attractive prospect. However, the knock on Byron is (and always has been) durability. Will he collapse like Favre with injury late in the year? Or will he blow out his knee again? He has the ability to take this job if he’s signed, but will his rocket arm be enough to overcome injury concerns? Based on the fact he won’t demand a salary as high as any other free agent QB and would seem to fit the mould of veteran QB, he seems like a very possible fit for NYJ.

Jeff Garcia likelihood: average

Garcia is coming off a statistically unspectacular year, and may look to leave Tampa to secure a new start. He may be old, but Garcia only turned pro pretty late in the day and hasn’t got much wear and tear unlike Collins or Leftwich. He will also demand starter money, but the problem may be that he doesn’t want any competition for the job. He would seem the ideal tutor for any student – experienced, savvy, has a ridiculously hot wife – but his unspectacular physical attributes may dissuade the Jets.

would rather shag Charlie Weis than trade Matt Cassel

Belichick: laughing on the inside.

Matt Cassel: not fucking likely

Cassel’s franchising means that any team who wants him will have to pay a hefty price, and the idea of the Patriots trading a very good QB to their main rival is ludicrous. A shame for the Jets because he’s the best free-agent QB this season, and would be a tremendous addition. Belichick would rather shag Charlie Weis that trade Cassel to the Jets.

All told, the verdict on the Jets’ QB situation is incredibly obvious to everyone except the team’s management: you never should have cut Chad Pennington.

Here endeth the lesson.

2 Comments | Offseason | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by distantblues

Where next for Matt Cassel?

February 11, 2009

Ruminating over how great it must feel to sign a piece of paper that makes you 14.65 million dollars richer, we’ve been pondering where Matt Cassel might end up if the Patriots decide to trade him.

On the other hand, we’ve also been pondering whether or not he’d be happy to end up at some of those places. Especially given that his other option is to get paid a lot of money to watch game film in New England.

The “one player” away crowd

Chicago: Cassel joy factor 8/10

Matt Forte - saves you having to pass the ball all the time...

Matt Forte - saves you having to pass the ball all the time...

Despite being (in the words of our Simian brother) “a receiver graveyard”, Chicago may be among the better options for Cassel.

The defence /special teams units which carried the team to superbowl XLI are still mostly intact, but keeping the core  together much longer will be tricky.  Da Bears need to cash in on all that investment in Urlacher, Briggs and the secondary while they still can.

The emergence of rookie Matt Forte as a solid franchise back (1,700 all purpose yards last year) has given the Bears offense back its identity as a hard running cold weather team, but the well documented struggle of mediocrity at QB has held the side back.

If the Bears can find a decent WR in the draft to balance out Forte and its workable TEs, Chicago might be only a good QB from being a postseason contender. Cassel’s ability to play outdoors in the North and, you know, actually pass the ball to his own team would make him attractive to Bears GM Jerry Angelo, but the need to pay him serious money may not.

Tennessee: Cassel joy factor: 9/10

Out of nowhere, Tennessee had the league’s best record last year, despite fragile superstar Vince Young collapsing like HBOS shares. Kerry Collins was a decent game manager, but the team’s swarming defence, underrated ballcatchers and a good one-two punch at RB pushed the Titans to the AFC’s top postseason spot.

In 2009, the Titans will either prove that last year was a fluke and return to their old ways of being both dull and unsuccessful, or they’ll sustain their form and Jeff Fisher looks like a genius who had a long term plan. If it’s the latter, Cassel could be the final piece of the puzzle – and that’s an attractive position to be in.

Minnesota: Cassel joy factor 7/10

"Hands off"

"Hands off"

The Vikings were last year’s consensus “team to watch”, which means they were inevitably one-and-done in the playoffs. This doesn’t, however, make them the Seahawks of the North.

The side is mostly solid – RB Adrian Peterson built on a stunning rookie season and proved he’s the real deal in 2008, the defensive line and the secondary are spectacular, and TE Visanthe Shiancoe is both an improving passcatcher and burgeoning adult film star.

So it’s an attractive proposition…..which is why Brett Favre is so desperate to play there. Cassel is undoubtedly the better option for the Vikings in the long term, but like the Jets last year  Minnesota may decide this is the time to go for broke. Guess which way Brett’s huge fanbase in the media will want it to go?

Tampa Bay: Cassel joy factor 6/10

In recent years Tampa have collected QBs like novelty teapots, straining year after year to break out of the “almost there” class. In the meantime more and more players ran out of love for coach Jon Gruden, and eventually so did the owners.

New coach Raheem Morris will be looking for a long term starter at QB to hang his hat on, and that’s not Luke McCown. Tampa also have a load of cap space, which would make Cassel’s significant salary bearable. Tampa has, on the other hand, been running a west coast-ish system the last few years, so depending on the new coach’s assesment of the team he may choose to stick with that.

Being born agains

Kansas City: Cassel joy factor 6/10

"I will CRUSH the Raiders. Bwah ha ha ha"

Pioli: "I will CRUSH the Raiders. Bwah ha ha ha"

New Head Coach Todd Haley likely has a time on his hands and a clear mandate to build from the bottom up, so he’ll be looking to put his own pieces in place.

The Chiefs have a scattering of good young players (Dwayne Bowe, Tamba Hali, Jamaal Charles), a relatively weak division, and are probably about to lose bed-blocker Larry Johnson.

On the other hand their once great offensive line is now a long way from competing with the AFC’s best, and they have few elite players on either side of the ball. Rookie QB Tyler Thigpen impressed some (though depressed others) in 2008, but it’s anyone’s guess whether Haley and new GM Scott “Kingpin” Pioli rate him as the future of the team.

San Francisco 49ers – Cassel joy factor 7/10

Man’s man head coach Mike Singletary is remaking his coaching staff, dumping glamour boy Mike Martz and throwing an ‘85 Bears reunion in his place. It’s hard to tell what the 49ers will look like next year, but if he chooses to start with a proven QB Cassel could help shape the team.

Chances are big changes are coming by the bay, making the 49ers a wild card in not only this but pretty much all other personnel moves this offseason….

Detroit: Cassel joy factor: 1/10

"Go on, sign for Detroit"

"Go on, sign for Detroit"

On paper Detroit are desperately in need of a franchise QB, but then on paper Detroit are desperately in need of  48 players, 5 new front office guys, 26 new scouts, 4 new ballboys and a priest who does exorcisms.

Pre-draft buzz (seemingly all generated by Mike Mayock) has Detroit celebrating their record breaking 0-16 season by taking Matt Stafford at number 1 in the draft. If so, good luck to them, it’ll probably work out better than when the Redskins trade up to the 5 spot in order to draft another punter.

On the other hand, if Detroit chooses to get in the race for Cassel, he’ll enjoy having Calvin Johnson as the new Randy Moss, but not spending two years as Jared Allen’s tackle dummy while the O-line gets rebuilt.

The loose cannons

Denver: Cassel joy factor: 7/10

Positives: HC Josh McDaniels has been Cassel’s coordinator at the Pats, and will be looking to create a similar high octane offense at altitude.

Negatives: Never say never, but unless McDaniels really cleans house the franchise seems set with QB Jay Cutler

Overall: Reunion would be fun, but all that practicing against Champ Bailey would get depressing.

Dallas: Cassel joy factor 3/10

Positives: Tony Romo has been the great white hope for two years now, surely it’s time for a new one?

Negatives: Cassel has no criminal record, no nightclub incidents on the public record, and hasn’t yet been abused in the media by any of his teammates.

Overall: nice new stadium, decent offensive line, endless disappointments

Washington: Cassel joy factor 4/10.

Positives: Expensive free agent, lots of media interest

Negatives: Not old enough, not over the hill yet

Overall: Glory-less sell-out, but with his own private jet

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Posted by redemigre