Diner Morning News

FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

With the first weekend of free agency in the books, it’s time to take a look at some of the top signings and the impact they will have on their new teams.  

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and thanks for visiting the National Football Post for all your news.  Joe “The Tipper” Fortenbaugh was all over the NFL in search of the most up-to-date news and information.  He was our MVP of the weekend.

Since I’m stuck in L.A. because of the weather in the East, here are a few thoughts on the free agency moves this weekend. 

1.     The key to the Albert Haynesworth signing in Washington will be if Andre Carter and Jason Taylor can beat single blocks in pass rush.  They must both produce double-digit sacks. 

2.     I thought Derrick Dockery played as badly as any guard in the NFL last year, so the ‘Skins better hope Joe Bugel can help him regain his old form.  The deal was mind-boggling considering the Bills wanted to bench him halfway through the season. 

3.     I really don’t see the value in DeAngelo Hall, but maybe I’m being too hard on him.  I’ll give it the summer to see if he can cover anyone and play with confidence. 

4.     Philadelphia had to sign Stacy Andrews and take a chance on his knee and hope he can help his brother Shawn regain his love of football.  It might solve two needs. 

5.     I love what the Giants have accomplished in free agency.  They’ve fixed their defense and added more team speed.  Rocky Bernard will be a big-time player for them. 

6.     Clearly, the Keith Brooking signing is a precursor and good-faith move for the Cowboys as they prepare to re-sign DeMarcus Ware.  Ware and Brooking share the same agent. 

7.     Jon Kitna can at least function and run the Cowboys’ offense.  He might not be able to win the game, but at least now he can run the system.  Brad Johnson just didn’t have anything left. 

8.     Where could Ray Lewis go that would pay him more than Baltimore?  Clearly, the Cowboys were not as interested in Ray as everyone once thought. 

9.     I like Bart Scott as a player, but that deal is mind-boggling.  And I’m afraid Jets fans will not see the value in that deal. 

10.  The most absurd deal of early free agency is the Jets cutting of guard Brandon Moore and his $7-million roster bonus, then re-signing him for a bigger contract in terms of guarantee. 

11.  I hear that no one in Houston was upset to see Sage Rosenfels leave. He’ll need to win over his teammates in Minnesota with more care than he did in Houston.  Part of being a starting QB is having the locker room completely behind you. 

12.  The Giants have the best offensive line in the NFL, and after yesterday they also have the best defensive line.  They are the clear winners in the UFA market. 

13.  What are the Packers, Bucs and Titans going to do with all that cap room?  They’re going to have a very hard time spending it.  The Titans need to sign Nate Washington, who would give them a vertical outside player. 

14.  Denver has added many names, but has it added any quality?  For the Broncos’ two new secondary players to have an impact, they’d better find a pass rush.  I like Andre’ Goodman and Renaldo Hill, but without a rush, they won’t be very effective. 

15.  If I was a club and needed a wideout, I would think about signing Lance Moore, the wide receiver of the Saints, to an offer sheet.  I hate giving up second-round picks, but a team picking at the bottom of the round might not be able to find a young player with the talent of Moore at that point in the draft. 

16.  I hear the Raiders are looking into making a move for Orlando Pace of the Rams.  They need to fix their offensive line badly. 

17.  Brandon Marshall of the Broncos needs to stay out of the limelight and stop going out.  This latest incident will cost him another suspension if he’s proven guilty. 

18.  Let’s hope the U.S. Coast Guard finds Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith safe and sound.  Our prayers are with them and their families.

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