A Look Around the
NFL & This Upcoming Season - The Draft and Trades
© 2007 BestShowTicketsLasVegas.com
As the previous NFL season came to a close, many
teams were left disappointed, and others were already
planning their off-season moves. The Indianapolis
Colts of course are more than satisfied with their
moment in glory. Regardless, it is inevitable that
each franchise of the professional football league
will attempt to make all the right moves in order
to become the next Superbowl champions.
The NFL draft escorts football fans to the one yard
line in preparation for the opening kickoff. The draft
that monopolized the ESPN airwaves in April of 2007,
combined with trades and staffing changes, creates
each team's off-season strategy and offers new hope
for making it to the Superbowl.
Undoubtedly, any sport fans would know that off-season
strategies are crucial to the NFL pursuit to a successful
season. Innovative and invigorating coaches and staff
members play a huge role in success of any football
team. Selecting an incompatible coach or supporting
staff could lead to an ineffective team and an unsuccessful
season.
The reigning Superbowl champions Indianapolis Colts
have the critical task of continuing their successful
strategies that dominated last season. What most fans
would like to know is this: what are the not-so-impressive
franchises doing to improve their teams for this upcoming
season? The 2007 draft secured many new star athletes
and the trades will improve the quality of second-rate
teams. In addition, a number of teams that performed
poorly last year added new staff and replaced coaches
Let's consider the Raiders; they had one of the worst
NFL records during the 2006-2007 season. The owner
of course, recognized the unfortunate circumstances
that this franchise had encountered once again. They
find themselves in the need of a serious change. During
the draft, the Raiders managed to secure the number
one draft pick, JaMarcus Russell. It is reported that
this extraordinary quarterback is looking explosive
in practice; so explosive that they are negotiating
a $30 million contract. This is huge for a rookie.
It is speculated that he may be crowned Rookie of
the Year or Most Valuable Player this upcoming season.
“Raider Nation” will also be introduced
to a rookie coach by the name of Lane Kiffin. Kiffin
is excited about Russell and is anticipating playing
him in the season opener unless he melts down in the
pre-season. The combination should make for huge improvements
for this franchise.
Another team that experienced a disappointing season
is the Detroit Lions, who coincidently traded Mike
Williams, wide receiver and Josh McCown, back-up quarterback,
to the Oakland Raiders. The “Honolulu Blue”
reveals that the team lacks chemistry and is not a
well-rounded group. Outside of the Oakland trade,
other strategies were employed to improve the quality
of the Detroit Lions. T. J. Duckett signed on as a
free-agent contract to be a part of the rotation at
running back. Head coach, Rod Marinelli states that
Duckett has good speed, so he can make the punishing
yards. Although the one area that Duckett will have
to improve is the position of passing receiver, he
does appear to be a great asset to the Detroit Lion
franchise overall. Duckett delivered an amazing game
as back-up for Warrick Dunn with the Atlanta Falcons
in 2003.
Other franchises such as the New England Patriots,
the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the New
Orleans Saints, the Washington Redskins as well as
the Superbowl underdogs, the Chicago Bears have also
developed and followed through with plans to improve
their status in the football pool. The New England
Patriots recently added the big name Randy Moss. This
controversial star was traded from the Oakland Raiders.
Even as that decision initially granted doubt amongst
the minicamp, the Patriots focus remained the same.
Their focus is on building a team that excels together.
Amazingly enough, Moss is adjusting well to that concept,
despite the controversy regarding his unappreciated
lack of work ethics.
Donovan McNabb is still recovering from a season-damaging
knee injury that occurred last November. So, the Philadelphia
Eagles quarterback will be forced to miss early exhibition
action, according to head coach Andy Reid. However,
there is really no concern about McNabb being prepared
for the opening pre-season game.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is looking good
again this year. The Cowboys are in prep mode, ready
for the season. Wade Phillips is their new head coach.
Dallas plans on incorporating more defenses this season
and they hired a new offensive coordinator, Jason
Garrett. The most popular team in the National Football
League has overcome much anguish and continues to
represent themselves well.
The New Orleans Saints signed on a fourth-round draft
pick and offensive tackle, Jerome Bushrod. He recently
signed a three year contract as he is already taking
the franchise by storm. The Saints feel that he will
be a star for the team.
Two remaining draft picks are currently in the line-up
for contracts; the first round draft pick wide receiver,
Robert Meachem and fourth round pick, running back,
Antonio Pittman. Furthermore, an unfortunate accident
has left the Washington Redskins in search of a linebacker.
LaVar Arrington broke his arm and leg in a motorcycle
accident. The rookie Laran Landry, safety, is predicted
to be a major threat as well as the old faithful,
C. Portis. It may be possible that the efforts to
enhance the status of the Redskin morale will prove
worthy.
And finally, the Indianapolis Colts, the 2006-2007
Superbowl champions are looking forward to repeating
a wonderful season. The Colts capitalized on a nine
card selection in this past April's 2007 NFL draft.
Colts president is content with where the franchise
is headed and wants to be very strategic with next
season's agenda by optimizing the team's off- season
conditioning program. The Superbowl underdogs Chicago
Bears are concentrating on getting healthy. Two key
defensive players were cleared after surgery and participated
in the off-season team drills. The Bears are also
excited about signing on the fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo
out of Arizona.
The 2007-2008 NFL season looks like it's shaping
up to be competitive and exciting. Of course, the
Indianapolis Colts are pleased with their next to
flawless season and aren't planning too many major
changes. They are by far, the team to defeat. Is it
possible for them to refocus and mesmerize fans with
a repeat? The Oakland Raiders and the Detroit Lions
have set the pace for at least a respectful season.
The New England Patriots look like they will be a
Superbowl contender again this year. If we evaluate
the off-season moves, modifications and strategies
that each team has demonstrated, it becomes obvious
that this NFL season is going to be fantastic. Are
you ready for some football?!
