The Gopher
11-13-2005, 06:03 PM
This off-season was a very active one, with many big name players changing places. A lot of these FA's have stepped up big this season for their new teams, but others haven't fared so well. This article will review the big name signings and trades of the 2005 off-season, and the major trades as well.
Vikings Trade Randy Moss To Raiders for Napoleon Harris, 1st round pick, 7th round pick
The off-season started with a bang when the Vikings sent controversial receiver Randy Moss to the Raiders for linebacker Napoleon Harris, the 7th round pick, and the Raiders' 7th Round pick. Immediately praised for dumping their "cancer" the Vikings were predicted the favorites in the NFC, and were even a popular Superbowl pick. But oh how things change... Burleson was injured early in the season and the Vikings sputtered out the gate. Daunte struggled without his go to guy, and before his injury struggled to get the ball into the end zone. Linebacker Napoleon Harris has been relieved of his starting duties, failing to improve a line-backing corps that has struggled mightily in the past 5 years. Troy Williamson has shown flashes of brilliance, but it is obvious he is not an immediate impact player, and his development has been slow. The 7th round pick allowed the Vikings to trade their own 7th round pick for LB Sam Cowart, who has helped the young Vikings defense enormously. He is the field general on the defense, getting players into the right positions to make plays. Moss hasn't played extremely well in Oakland, but the Raiders definitely come out as winners in this deal.
Vikings Grade: D-
Raiders Grade: B
Chicago Bears Sign WR Mushin Muhammed.
So far this season the Chicago Bears lead the NFC North at the midway point. Even as Starting QB Rex Grossman was injured yet again, Mushin Muhammed has emerged as the legit #1 receiver the bears have been lacking for years. With 37 Receptions and 471 yards under his belt the Bears receiver on the surface looks unspectacular. But for a team playing with a rookie, Kyle Orton, at QB and an offense committed to pounding the ball, he has been a solid offensive threat. His numbers in no way stand up to his career year he had last season for the Panthers, his ability to get open, and help Orton develop has made him a great signing.
Final Grade: B+
KC Chiefs Sign LB Kendrell Bell, Trade for Patrick Surtain
Bell who was signed as a highly pursued FA by the Chiefs has been unspectacular on this Chiefs team. With only 24 Tackles in the First 8 games of the season, and only .5 sacks, his play has been a disappointment. The Chiefs defense, an early season pick to be most improved has not improved much since it's 2004 season. The 28th Ranked squad in terms of Yards allowed per game has definitely disappointed the KC faithful. Surtain also hasn't played up to expectations. With only 1 interception under his belt, and the Chiefs have been run up and down the field by opposing offenses.
Final Grades:
Bell: D
Surtain: C-
Raiders Sign RB LaMont Jordan
A long time back-up to the Jets' Curtis Martin, Lamont Jordan was another offensive weapon added by the Raiders over the off-season. He was not a spectacular signing, but he has provided solid yards for the raiders (3.8 YPC)
Final Grade: B
Vikings Sign Darren Sharper, Fred Smoot, and Pat Williams
The Vikings made headlines all off season for their defense, based on the signing of these 3 players. Safety Darren Sharper now leads the team in INT's after a 3 int game which led to his 2nd INT return for a TD. His play has given a big play threat to a defense sorely lacking turnovers last year. Fred Smoot has come in and played marginally well, but his mouth often times proves to be bigger than his play. An injury puts him on the shelf for 4-6 months. Pat Williams has been a monster of a NT For the Vikings. He has gotten pressure on the QB and blown up many running plays. His presence brings stability to a position devastated by injuries.
Final Grades:
Sharper B+
Fred Smoot C
Pat Williams A
Giants Sign WR Plaxico Burress
The Giants offense has been one of the best in the league this year, and much of that has to do with the signing of Plaxico Burress. He has given QB Eli Manning a huge target in the end-zone and has been nothing but solid for the Giants. With 45 Receptions, 656 yards receiving, and 5 TD's, this WR has led an offense that is ranked #1 in the league for PPG.
Final Grade: A
Well, there you have it, My unbiased (I hope) ratings of the 2005 off-season's biggest headlines. If i left out anybody you would like me to put into this article, just let me know and I will take care of that.
Vikings Trade Randy Moss To Raiders for Napoleon Harris, 1st round pick, 7th round pick
The off-season started with a bang when the Vikings sent controversial receiver Randy Moss to the Raiders for linebacker Napoleon Harris, the 7th round pick, and the Raiders' 7th Round pick. Immediately praised for dumping their "cancer" the Vikings were predicted the favorites in the NFC, and were even a popular Superbowl pick. But oh how things change... Burleson was injured early in the season and the Vikings sputtered out the gate. Daunte struggled without his go to guy, and before his injury struggled to get the ball into the end zone. Linebacker Napoleon Harris has been relieved of his starting duties, failing to improve a line-backing corps that has struggled mightily in the past 5 years. Troy Williamson has shown flashes of brilliance, but it is obvious he is not an immediate impact player, and his development has been slow. The 7th round pick allowed the Vikings to trade their own 7th round pick for LB Sam Cowart, who has helped the young Vikings defense enormously. He is the field general on the defense, getting players into the right positions to make plays. Moss hasn't played extremely well in Oakland, but the Raiders definitely come out as winners in this deal.
Vikings Grade: D-
Raiders Grade: B
Chicago Bears Sign WR Mushin Muhammed.
So far this season the Chicago Bears lead the NFC North at the midway point. Even as Starting QB Rex Grossman was injured yet again, Mushin Muhammed has emerged as the legit #1 receiver the bears have been lacking for years. With 37 Receptions and 471 yards under his belt the Bears receiver on the surface looks unspectacular. But for a team playing with a rookie, Kyle Orton, at QB and an offense committed to pounding the ball, he has been a solid offensive threat. His numbers in no way stand up to his career year he had last season for the Panthers, his ability to get open, and help Orton develop has made him a great signing.
Final Grade: B+
KC Chiefs Sign LB Kendrell Bell, Trade for Patrick Surtain
Bell who was signed as a highly pursued FA by the Chiefs has been unspectacular on this Chiefs team. With only 24 Tackles in the First 8 games of the season, and only .5 sacks, his play has been a disappointment. The Chiefs defense, an early season pick to be most improved has not improved much since it's 2004 season. The 28th Ranked squad in terms of Yards allowed per game has definitely disappointed the KC faithful. Surtain also hasn't played up to expectations. With only 1 interception under his belt, and the Chiefs have been run up and down the field by opposing offenses.
Final Grades:
Bell: D
Surtain: C-
Raiders Sign RB LaMont Jordan
A long time back-up to the Jets' Curtis Martin, Lamont Jordan was another offensive weapon added by the Raiders over the off-season. He was not a spectacular signing, but he has provided solid yards for the raiders (3.8 YPC)
Final Grade: B
Vikings Sign Darren Sharper, Fred Smoot, and Pat Williams
The Vikings made headlines all off season for their defense, based on the signing of these 3 players. Safety Darren Sharper now leads the team in INT's after a 3 int game which led to his 2nd INT return for a TD. His play has given a big play threat to a defense sorely lacking turnovers last year. Fred Smoot has come in and played marginally well, but his mouth often times proves to be bigger than his play. An injury puts him on the shelf for 4-6 months. Pat Williams has been a monster of a NT For the Vikings. He has gotten pressure on the QB and blown up many running plays. His presence brings stability to a position devastated by injuries.
Final Grades:
Sharper B+
Fred Smoot C
Pat Williams A
Giants Sign WR Plaxico Burress
The Giants offense has been one of the best in the league this year, and much of that has to do with the signing of Plaxico Burress. He has given QB Eli Manning a huge target in the end-zone and has been nothing but solid for the Giants. With 45 Receptions, 656 yards receiving, and 5 TD's, this WR has led an offense that is ranked #1 in the league for PPG.
Final Grade: A
Well, there you have it, My unbiased (I hope) ratings of the 2005 off-season's biggest headlines. If i left out anybody you would like me to put into this article, just let me know and I will take care of that.