Move (Defensive)

Since football is not a one-sided sport, you have to give equal credence to the defensive side of the ball as you do the offense.

This offseason, one of the moves that I liked the most (and will be discussed in greater detail in a future post about resignings during this series) was Jacksonville's resigning of Donovan Darius. Say what you will about the hit he laid out on Green Bay's Robert Ferguson last season, but you will defintely hear that name more often this season. As the last line of defense, his key plays had kept a flighty Jaguar offense in more contests last season. As for the crux of this post, pick one.

Chad Brown may not be the Chad Brown of his Steeler days, nor replace Tedy Brusci or Ted Johnson, but do not be surprised if he fits seamlessly into the New England defensive scheme. Kansas City made a flurry of moves on defense by adding four free agents: shut-down CB Patrick Surtain (Miami), LB Kendrell Bell (Pittsburgh), S Sammy Knight (New Orleans) and DE Carlos Hall (Tennessee) , plus drafting Texas LB Derrick Johnson. Minnesota also decided to revamp their defense via trade and free agency: LB Napolean Harris comes in from Oakland via the Randy Moss trade, they signed DE Pat Williams (Buffalo) and CB Fred Smoot (Washington) and also traded for LB Sam Cowart (New York Jets) to give a Bills-like defense in the NFC North. Edgerton Hartwell could give Keith Brooking and Patrick Kerney help in stopping the run, especially with the run-heavy offenses in the NFC South. Yet, the best two moves on defense involve corners.

Gary Baxter (now with the new Browns) was one of the most underrated corners in the league, but did not get the recognition as other former and current Ravens over his career. Yet, it's hard to argue that Samari Rolle can't hold down that position. The addition of Rolle gives the Ravens two top-flight corners on both sides of the ball. Rolle, Chris McAlister, FS Will Demps, veteran safety Chad Williams and last year's Defensive Player of the Year, Ed Reed... that's kinda sick. Even with future Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and four-time Pro Bowler Dale Carter splitting time as a nickelback, Rolle no longer has to be the team's number one defensive player (though the Titans have some pretty good ones). I dare someone to throw deep with what is still a formidable run defense in front of them.

There was a similar move made in the Meadowlands a short time ago as Ty Law finally found a new home. His signing to Gang Green makes an emerging and tough young defense that much better. Led by rookie LB Jonathan Vilma and veteran DE Shaun Ellis, the Jets defense was tough to run on last season, but still suspect to the deep threat. Not only does Law bring those three Super Bowl rings, but he also brings 36 INTs, 122 pass defenses and some fuel to the fire when the Jets play the Patriots this season. I'll boldly say that the Pats may have trouble getting the AFC East title with a fast Jets defense, an athletic Dolphins unit and the complete package in Buffalo's defense. The Jets have added a piece to the puzzle to contend for the conference.

Truly, I am looking forward to this upcoming season just on these moves alone. I'm also looking forward to the country being reminded that T.O. isn't the only player in the league.

The next part of this series will be handed off to the "newest" member of the squad. It's a little more appropo to let him introduce himself.Holla @ me.

Say What?!?!: With the NHL back in business, I would personally like to see Jarome Igilna introduced to the ESPN world. I'm not as ardent of a NHL fan as I was in the early nineties, but if you want to see a player with Peyton Manning's vision, Mike Vick's quickness and LeBron James' strength, here's your man. He's black, charismatic and damn good at what he does (media's dream if they care to notice). Just take a look when you get the chance.