HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
Mar 16, 2003 The Kansas City Chiefs have given quarterback Trent Green a handsome contract. This year is a pivotal point for not only Green but also head coach Dick Vermeil Both former Rams will be expected to produce something substantial – at least a playoff appearance. Vermeil continues to add ex-Rams to his roster, picking up cornerback Dexter McLeon recently. The Chiefs will look to further strengthen their defense in the upcoming draft in an attempt to complement their capable offensive attack. Lead running back Priest Holmes will again be the centerpiece of an offense that can move the ball effectively on the ground or through the air. Look for Kansas City to pick up a standout defensive lineman or linebacker in the first couple of rounds of the draft. The knock on teams lately has been that there have been none that are building toward an apparent dynasty. The Rams were the team that has come closest to sustaining something for more than a year, but stumbled badly last year. Another recent Super Bowl team, the New England Patriots, also fell off the throne the year after claiming the Lombardi trophy. The Patriots have taken serious steps toward returning via their free agency pickups. In particular, the Patriots have upgraded their defense. The acquisition of linebacker Roosevelt Colvin makes the New England defense dangerous again. Colvin is a speedster, a linebacker who turned in more than 10 sacks last year and instantly transforms the Pats defensive attitude. Add to that former Charger Rodney Harrison, an All-Pro strong safety, and the Pats have given their defense a serious boost. The Pats also picked up former Brown Chris Akins, who was retained to beef up special teams. Speaking of the San Diego Chargers, they are one of a couple of teams which have seen serious roster depletion in free agency. The news that Junior Seau is out, along with the departure of Harrison, will leave some big holes in the Charger’s once vaunted defense just about the time when the Chargers offense is starting to become first rate. Another team that was deeply depleted in free agency is the Arizona Cardinals, losing most of their offensive punch as Jake Plummer and his big target, David Boston, are both gone. The Cardinals will be forced to look at an upgrade at quarterback, probably using a first-round draft to try and fill the slot. The visit of Emmitt Smith is interesting; he could compliment the passing game. However, without a first rate passing machine like Plummer, opposing defenses would key on Smith and keep his yardage down. What’s up with Orlando Pace’s demands from the Rams? Pace, through agent Carl Poston, is asking for a gigantic $85 million contract, with a signing bonus of just under $25 million. A few years ago that type of money would buy an entire team, coach included. Pace, the league’s top left tackle, is testing the amount of cold cash this position is worth. It is possible some team with a vulnerable quarterback will pick him up, forcing the Rams to have to use a high draft round pick to attempt to fill his big shoes. Detroit could probably use someone to protect Harrington, and is one possibility. Cleveland and Cincinnati are other teams who might be interested in Pace – but at a lower price. The NFC West is shaping up to provide another opportunity for the Rams to make a Super Bowl run. The Cardinals and Seahawks have not made sufficient off-season moves to pretend to be a contender, and San Francisco’s loss of Mooch will keep the 49er’s from any type of deep run into the post-season. The Rams have managed to keep all of their skill players (Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt) and could challenge again for the Lombardi trophy. Odds makers think so, listing the Rams as a probable favorite to get back to the big game again. It looks like Bill Parcells will be bringing some much-needed discipline to the Dallas Cowboys this season. Look for Parcells and owner Jerry Jones to attempt to grab top-rated defensive talent during the upcoming draft. Parcells most likely will be looking for some nasty front-seven player; perhaps Terrell Suggs of Arizona will catch his eye. Or will he have to spend the first round pick on a quarterback? Other Cowboy notes – will tight end and long- snapper Jeff Robinson return healthy to the line- up for the upcoming season. Robinson was hurt before he really got into the 2002 season. About the author: Dwayne Hines currently has 12 books selling in major bookstores and writes for major magazines such as Physical and FitnessRX. Email Dwayne Hines: dhines@3dinet.com ------------ Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
