Pro Football Teams with New Looks
In 2002, the defending champion Patriots defense got old fast and fell apart, finishing 31st in the NFL against the run. If you can't stop the run, why would opponents even try to pass? The next two seasons New England beefed up the line and the defense was seventh overall (3rd against the run) and ninth overall (6th against the run) leading the way to consecutive titles. In 2003, the Steelers were a pass-happy team, with the running game ranking 30th.
Then they got back to running the football, long a Steeler staple, and it resulted in a 31-7 record and a Super Bowl title. Making offseason changes to address weaknesses is key in the NFL. Let's take a look at some NFL teams that have made offseason moves they hope will tighten up some weaknesses.
Cardinals: Dennis Green is out and Ken Whisenhunt takes over. He was the 2006 Steelers offensive coordinator. They grabbed Penn State OT Levi Jones in the first round and signed two offensive linemen, Mike Gandy and Al Johnson, to provide depth. They need protection for young QB Matt Leinart and some blocking for RB Edgerrin James, who went from 1,506 yards with the Colts in 2005 to just 3.4 yards per carry with Arizona.
The new coaching staff is looking for mobile offensive linemen, to block and run down field like the Steelers. The defense has been poor against the run but they bring in 6-foot-6 rookie NT Alan Branch (Michigan). His stock slipped in the draft, but he is still a rare run-stuffer that the Cardinals desperately need. Sports bettors take note: Arizona is 15-17 SU, 18-14 ATS the last four seasons at home, but 6-26 SU, 11-21 ATS on the road.
Browns: GM Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel went wild on draft day. Was it because they found some super-talented to turn the team around? Or did they rush rashly because they are feeling the heat? We'll find out soon. Rookie QB Brady Quinn comes aboard along with mammoth offensive tackle Joe Thomas (Wisconsin, the No. 2 pick in the draft).
Throw in newcomer RB Jamal Lewis from the Ravens alongside TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards, and you won't recognize the Browns offense. That would be a good thing, as the Browns ranked 31st in total offense. Of course, Quinn is a rookie, and this defense has been awful, ranked 29th against the run. The Browns hope the offense is explosive on the field as it is on paper, but beware: Cleveland is 20-10-1 under the total the last two years!
49ers: For a team that went 7-9, expectations are high for San Francisco this fall. Head Coach Mike Nolan begins his third year and the team had a huge offseason. They added outstanding free agent cornerback Nate Clements (Bills) and safety Michael Lewis to strengthen the secondary, while nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin and linebacker Tully Banta-Cain add depth to their 3-4 defense.
WR Ashley Lelie has speed to help young QB Alex Smith, and on draft day the 49ers ended up with two first round picks, Mississippi's Patrick Willis (the best linebacker in the draft) and Joe Staley, a 6-foot-5, the 306-pound offensive tackle from Central Michigan. Staley's 4.7 second 40-yard dash at the combine was the fastest time of any offensive lineman. Can they step up on the road? The 49ers are a poor 6-26 SU/14-16-2 ATS on the road the last four seasons where the 'D' has allowed 27.6 points per game.
Texans: Second year head coach Gary Kubiak continues to overhaul the Texans, dumping franchise face QB David Carr for Atlanta backup QB Matt Schaub. The 26-year old Schaub has 6 TDs and 6 INTs in three NFL seasons (only 2 starts), but many feel the 6-foot-5 accurate passer has the stuff to be an everyday leader. He gets his chance, though Houston has had a lousy offensive line for years (and no Reggie Bush).
New offensive coordinator Mike Sherman is putting in a plan for more balance to the offense for this fall. They grabbed OT Brandon Frye (fifth round, Virginia Tech) and OG Kasey Studdard (sixth round, Texas) in the draft, signed LT Jordan Black (Chiefs) and add 30-year old RB Ahman Green (Packers), who is off a 1,059 yards season. Shaub will have excellent targets with WR Andre Johnson (1,147 yards) and veteran Eric Moulds.
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