Rating NFL free agency’s opening day
Article By viyer.tsn on 6th March, 2010
Free agency brings its share of big-splash deals. It also brings questionable decisions that could haunt teams in the 2010 season and beyond. Here's a look at significant examples:
The Ravens need Anquan Boldin's ability; they also need him to stay healthy. Three up Ravens trade for WR Anquan Boldin: It's rare to get a big, physical No. 1 receiver on the trade market. Boldin will help Baltimore in many ways, foremost as a top downfield threat for strong-armed third-year quarterback Joe Flacco. General manager Ozzie Newsome also was wise to lock up Boldin with a contract extension through 2013. "He's a very tough competitor and, with the way he plays with passion, he'll fit right in with the foundation we have for our team," Newsome told reporters Friday. For this deal to pay off for Baltimore, Boldin must buck history and stay healthy. Still, this is the kind of aggressive maneuver that can put a contender over the top and into the Super Bowl. Bears sign Julius Peppers: So much for a team with a 3-4 scheme signing Peppers and moving him to the unfamiliar, more demanding role of outside linebacker. Instead, Peppers stays in a 4-3 front with cover-2 principles behind it, going from one Tony Dungy disciple (Ron Meeks) to another (Lovie Smith). Like the Colts, Chicago doesn't like to blitz and that means a high-caliber pass-rush end was critical. "For our defense to be successful, we have to get pressure with our front four," Smith said. Peppers will line up at end and take on the Dwight Freeney-like role, focusing on what he does best -- charging upfield and disrupting the pocket. Falcons sign CB Dunta Robinson: Atlanta officials focused on this move in the early hours of the signing period and came through with the right five-year deal to land the Georgia native. The Falcons have a good young front seven, and Robinson gives them a much-needed steady cover man.
To live up to his ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
The Ravens need Anquan Boldin's ability; they also need him to stay healthy. Three up Ravens trade for WR Anquan Boldin: It's rare to get a big, physical No. 1 receiver on the trade market. Boldin will help Baltimore in many ways, foremost as a top downfield threat for strong-armed third-year quarterback Joe Flacco. General manager Ozzie Newsome also was wise to lock up Boldin with a contract extension through 2013. "He's a very tough competitor and, with the way he plays with passion, he'll fit right in with the foundation we have for our team," Newsome told reporters Friday. For this deal to pay off for Baltimore, Boldin must buck history and stay healthy. Still, this is the kind of aggressive maneuver that can put a contender over the top and into the Super Bowl. Bears sign Julius Peppers: So much for a team with a 3-4 scheme signing Peppers and moving him to the unfamiliar, more demanding role of outside linebacker. Instead, Peppers stays in a 4-3 front with cover-2 principles behind it, going from one Tony Dungy disciple (Ron Meeks) to another (Lovie Smith). Like the Colts, Chicago doesn't like to blitz and that means a high-caliber pass-rush end was critical. "For our defense to be successful, we have to get pressure with our front four," Smith said. Peppers will line up at end and take on the Dwight Freeney-like role, focusing on what he does best -- charging upfield and disrupting the pocket. Falcons sign CB Dunta Robinson: Atlanta officials focused on this move in the early hours of the signing period and came through with the right five-year deal to land the Georgia native. The Falcons have a good young front seven, and Robinson gives them a much-needed steady cover man.
To live up to his ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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