Like I said, most Ted Thompson haters are quick to point to, in classic "arm chair QB" fashion, all these "great" free agent signings once the season is over and the results are in. How many are honest about the much larger list of free agent signings that DID NOT turn out well? I notice how NONE of you Thompson critics admit to the MANY times Ted was correct and YOU were totally wrong about players.
It took me all of 5 minutes to track down just a few of your reviews from last years class of free agents. Let me tell ya, thank God you're not the Packers GM! I won't name names because that's not the point. You know who you are. ...but here are just a few ...ahem..."expert" reviews you had last year along with how these players actually played:
Bears sign OT Jermon Bushrod (5 years, $36M; $17.7M guaranteed):
Expert Arm Chair Review of Signing When it Happened: I can't take this signing seriously, so I'm not grading it seriously either. The fact that the Bears think they're actually upgrading J'Marcus Webb at left tackle by obtaining Jermon Bushrod is an absolute joke. In fact, really don't think the front office has watched a second of Bushrod's tape.Bushrod allowed tons of pressures every week. The reason his sack total was so low was because Drew Brees released the ball so quickly. Bushrod's sack numbers will increase exponentially as he's trying to block for Jay Cutler.
Fast Forward to End of Season-How Did it Work Out?:
Chicago Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod was one of 26 players named to USA Football’s All-Fundamentals Team, a designation to honor players “who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate.” USA Football named 11 offensive players, 11 defensive players and four special teamers to this year’s squad with Bushrod the lone Bears representative
According to Pro Football Focus, he has
allowed only three sacks and eight quarterback hits for the Bears this season.
Last season, J’Marcus Webb surrendered seven sacks and required more help from tight ends and running backs.That Bushrod rarely needs help is significant. It allows tight end Martellus Bennett and running back Matt Forte to be involved in the passing game.
Colts sign OT Gosder Cherilus (5 years, $34M; $10M guaranteed):
Expert Arm Chair Review of Signing When it Happened: What the hell are the Colts thinking? Don't they actually want to make sure Andrew Luck is protected? There were so many quality right tackles available like Andre Smith and Sebastian Vollmer, so why bring in Cherilus for a ton of money? It's almost like they took advice from Millen himself.
Fast Forward to End of Season-How Did it Work Out?:
"I actually think Gosder has been ballin' out," said Castonzo, fresh off a
dominating performance against
two-time Chiefs Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali. "I'm actually surprised there hasn't been more buzz about him for the Pro Bowl. He's been kicking a--, playing against a lot of good players and knocking them down one by one."For all the issues the Colts have endured from the interior of their offensive line, where injuries and subpar play have been ever-present obstacles, the Colts
have enjoyed superb play from their offensive tackles. They have been
much-needed stalwarts, not missing so much as a snap this season for a team that has started seven different offensive-line combinations.And they've done it while playing at a high level at two of the most critical positions on the field.
"You could say they've been the two pillars of strength," said quarterback Andrew Luck
Falcons sign RB Steven Jackson (3 years, $12M; $4M guaranteed): A Grade
Expert Arm Chair Review of Signing When it Happened: This is a great acquisition for the Falcons. Their most glaring offensive need was the running back position, and Jackson is a massive upgrade over the combination of Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. The concerns about Jackson are his age (30 in July) and workload (2,395 career carries), but even if he regresses, he'll still be much better than Turner was last season.
Fast Forward to End of Season-How Did it Work Out?: You could argue that the biggest impact he's had on his team's season came in Week 1, when he dropped what would've likely been a game-winning touchdown reception against the
New Orleans Saints. Given Jackson's age and the way he's been limited by injuries this season, does it make sense for the Falcons to bring him back next season or should the Falcons
cut him and move on? USA Sports
HONESTY! - I said last week that I was hoping we'd sign Jackson. The difference is, I'm well aware that Ted knows more about the game of football than I forgot and I've learned he's correct waaay more than he's wrong! ...I tend to think Ted's results MORE THAN speak for themselves.
