QUOTE: “Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.” -- Orison Swett Marden
I always talk about teams making 10 player moves -- some big, some small -- from the time camp starts and into the season to improve and get them over the top. Now, as we get closer to the trading deadline, we’ve focused on what players might be traded -- but what do teams that have a chance to make a legitimate run have to do?
APAhmad Bradshaw and the Giants are one of a few teams who are clicking on all cylinders.
Four clubs -- the Giants, Vikings, Saints and Colts -- look like complete teams, and their success will be tied to staying healthy and having their best players continue to play their best. So there’s not much they can do right now to improve their chances. But there are several other teams that need to try and do something to separate themselves from the pack. If your favorite team isn’t listed below, then it’s my belief they’re playing for next year, no matter what trade they make.
Here’s a breakdown:
Atlanta: The Falcons need a ton of help on defense, especially on the defensive line, but I doubt they can swing a deal. They loved Glenn Dorsey of the Chiefs when he came out of LSU, and some in the organization even preferred him over their own quarterback, Matt Ryan. Even if they still love Dorsey, it would be hard to think a trade could be worked out. Dorsey was a high pick, and I can’t imagine the Chiefs parting with him for less than a first-rounder. I also can’t imagine anyone paying that high a price.
Arizona: With the change of emphasis from running to passing, the Cards might not need anything to improve besides their protection for Kurt Warner. They could use a better left tackle, but where do you find those in October?
Chicago: Forget Terrell Owens of the Bills. The Bears need another corner who can play man-to-man defense. This too is very hard to find at this time of the year, but it’s worth a call to Houston to see if Dunta Robinson is available. I highly doubt it, but you never know. Tampa might part with Ronde Barber, but does he solve Chicago’s problem?
APMarvin Lewis and the Bengals could use a tight end, but are there any on the market?
Cincinnati: When do the Bengals ever trade? They could use a tight end, but there are few available. Normally, they just play the hand they’re dealt, good or bad, and this year I expect nothing to change.
Dallas: The Cowboys also need to find a corner, but I doubt they’ll be very active in the next five days.
Denver: The Broncos don’t need anything on offense that they don’t already have. At some point they might have to replace guard Ben Hamilton if he continues to play as he did Sunday against the Vince Wilfork of the Patriots. They could always use another defensive lineman, but those are hard to find this time of year. Doubt they can make a trade.
Green Bay: The Packers need to get in line to find help on the offensive line with the other teams looking for the same. They could use another rusher, but who’s going to trade one of those? They’re the only team with the cap room to even discuss Julius Peppers with the Panthers.
Miami: The Dolphins need to find another wide receiver, but I doubt they’d have interest in Terrell Owens. Roscoe Parrish would help, but the Bills aren’t going to help their rivals.
New England: The Pats could use a running back and have the assets to call St. Louis and check on Steven Jackson. But I doubt this happens, more because the Rams are unwilling to make a move.
APBraylon Edwards had a successful Broadway debut on Monday night.
New York Jets: They already solved their big need at wide receiver. Get ready, Browns fans. What Braylon Edwards displayed Monday night is going to happen the rest of the year. He knows the system, as we predicted here at the Post, and he made an immediate impact. All for basically a third round pick.
Philadelphia: Could use more rush and a middle linebacker who can be a thumper. Kirk Morrison of the Raiders makes sense, but I doubt anyone can make a deal with the Hotel. Interestingly, Morrison was the second linebacker picked from San Diego State in the 2005 draft. The first was Matt McCoy by the Eagles, who have since waived him.
Pittsburgh: The Steelers have wide receiver Limas Sweed to dangle, but I doubt he can bring anything of value if traded. Aaron Smith’s injury is a concern for their defensive line because he’s one of the best run stuffers in the league.
San Diego: The Chargers need help on defense, especially a pass rusher. Not many of those available, but they have Shawne Merriman, who, when healthy, can do the job.
San Francisco: The 49ers need to get Michael Crabtree ready to go; maybe he can give the offense a boost. I doubt they’ll be active on the trade front.
Follow me on Twitter: michaelombardi
What about Baltimore? Obviously, the secondary is an area on some concern.
Three way trade (Houston, Dallas, and Miami)
Houston trades DB Dunta Robinson to Dallas, a 3rd rounder to Miami
Dallas trades WR Patrick Crayton to Miami, a 4th rounder to Miami
Miami trades LB Reggie Torbor to Houston, 4th rounder to Houston
Houston receives a quality 6-year veteran LB that is behind 5-year Channing Chowder on the depth chart + 4th round pick, loses only an aging DB and 3rd round pick
Dallas receives a starting DB in Dunta Robinson for a 3rd-option WR that can be replaced by Austin and Hurd and a 4th round pick
Miami receives a solid #2 WR (for them) and 3rd round pick, loses back-up LB, the 4th rounders off-set.
The Giants could use some depth in the secondary. Anyone want Sinorice Moss?
Mike, the Bengals trading Orien Harris for Brian Leonard seemed like a pretty good deal for them.
The Packers should trade Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy to the Giants for eleven dollars and eleven cents.
CW,
So Houston gives up a Pro Bowl corner AND a 3rd round pick for a backup LB and a 4th round pick?? Sweet deal
Yes, Lombardi,
in the vernacular of Jim Rome's radio show, Ben Hamilton needs to "step his game up," but the Broncos will do fine with what they've got for now. Whoever said the Dolphins should get Patrick Crayton has a brilliant idea, as adding a Crayton to the mix with Camarillo and Ted Ginn gives Henne another legitimate weapon. It was also nice to see Anthony Fasano get involved for the Dolphins on Monday as well. The Eagles probably should have drafted Kirk Morrison when they had the chance, and Kirk would enjoy winning a lot more as well. Thanks as always, Lombardi, for your analysis and I hope the Broncos go 6-0!
How about Deangelo or Jonathan Stewart to the Pats for a 2nd and a 5th. Pats have picks to play with, Carolina needs some picks and some luck.
Hey Mike, love your work, but it seems like for 90% of these positions of need you say some variation of, "but there won't be any of *those* available." What then is the point really? To point out that only those teams that need a wide receiver or potentially a linebacker have a shot to meet those needs?
@B...I think you're right on...they could probably spare one of those guys, but let's take it one step futher...throw in Peppers and make it a 1st, 2nd, 5th plus Maroney...seems like a fair deal and helps out both teams.
I have to agree with Jason. I know the trade deadline is a hot topic (because of all the Madden nuts who think their team can swing a deal for Andre Johnson or something). But you pointed out the problem with all this talk... even bad teams aren't willing to part with good players. Most bubble teams need linemen or wideouts/corners. Linemen on either side are tough to find/develop, so nobody will part with them. Wideouts and corners are rare too, so same problem.
This would've been a much better article if you ignored the trade aspect of it and just talked about what the teams outside the elite are lacking and if there is anything internally they could do to improve (Chicago could play more zone, Green Bay could use more 6 man protection, Miami needs to get their backs/tight ends involved more in the passing game, etc).
@ Bee
Can you tell me which year Dunta Robinson went to the Pro Bowl? I doublechecked this earlier and could not confirm he is a Pro Bowler.
@ Bee
Reggie Torbor is a pretty good linebacker. He’s just playing behind a better one. He would easily be a starter for Houston. And Dunta “Just Pay Me” Robinson is disgruntled, so why not trade him? I will agree with you that they should probably get a higher draft pick than a #4 for him.
But Dunta Robinson is no ProBowler (at least what I have verified from NFL.com and the links below). Maybe he was an alternate? In my opinion, he’s just living off the reputation of his rookie year in 2004, because I’ve seen him get burned way too much to be considered a shutdown cornerback.
http://www.supernfl.com/ProBowl2004.html
http://www.supernfl.com/ProBowl2005.html
http://www.supernfl.com/ProBowl2006.html
http://www.supernfl.com/ProBowl2007.html
http://www.supernfl.com/ProBowl2008.html
To the Bears needs,I would also add a power back to spell and compliment Matt Forte.
AP is coming off a knee,Kevin Jones gone for the year,and Garrett Wolfe is too small
to pound the rock.
Oakland has a backup tackle with start experience for more than a season.
RB Ryan Grant
DE Aaron Kampman (OLB in GB)
1st round pick
for
RB Steven Jackson
OLB CJ Ah You (DE in STL)
4th round pick
That's about as fair as it gets.
St Louis gets a pure pass-rushing demon at DE to teach Chris Long and can slide inside on passing downs, a la Justin Tuck, from Spagnola's last squad, the Giants. This move could extend Leonard Little's tenure with the Rams considerably.
The Packers get a do-it-all RB to add to their already explosive arsenal including WRs Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, and QB Aaron Rodgers. The best way to stop a pass rush, as we all know, is to effectively run the football. The change of scenery will undoubtedly be a welcomed shot in the arm for Jackson, not to mention he would now be on a possible playoff team.
St. Louis can focus on reality, and next year's draft with an extra 1st round lottery ticket. To boot, they would be protected this year with Grant to start.
CJ Ah You is just fodder that could fit as a 3-4 OLB.
Ted Thompson just needs to part with a 1st rounder. I cite these reasons as to why he should:
1.) Justin Harrell.
2.) AJ Hawk.
3.) Not having to try to locate a quality RB next year.
4.) Getting something for AK before he leaves in FA next year.
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Oct 15, 2009
10:45 AM
The Bears biggest need is at left guard. The running game stalls because Omiyale's man is in the backfield on every running play.