On The Sidelines: Demps Signs With Houston/Frye Traded/Russell Signs!

The Houston Texans clamed S Will Demps off of waivers today. Houston needed another safety after Jason Simmons’ season ending injury. Despite losing his starting job on the Giants to James Butler, there were about five teams interested in Demps.

Tony Agnone, Demps’ agent thought that the Texans is the best fit for his client because the team pursued him aggressively. Like a thirsty, eager groupie perhaps?  Hopefully, Will can keep his job!

The Cleveland Browns traded mediocre-at-best QB Charlie Frye to the Seattle Seahawks for a sixth round draft choice today. Now, Derek Anderson is the starter while Brady Quinn is second on the depth chart. The Browns need to get off of the BS and go ahead and start Quinn! He cant be no worse that what they have! C’mon Romeo, start ‘Marsha’ Brady, you know you want to!

The Raiders and Number one pick, JaMarcus Russell agrees in principle to a six year deal! Thats great and all but this was some unecessary stuff right here. There are somethings that you have to earn and there is no way around it. Proving that you are a great signal caller is one of those things.

RED ZONE’S SEASON FORECAST: AFC NORTH

Since the preaseason is almost over, I think it is approperate to give my predictions for the regular season. Today, I will feature the AFC North. While this division is the toughest in the NFL, I only see two clear cut favorites.

1. Ravens

Finally, Baltimore’s nasty, stingy, league leading defense do not have to carry the load anymore. This year, the Ravens actually have an offense worth mentioning. Steve McNair is really comfortable in the Ravens’ offensive scheme, while rookie OL Jared Gather, and WRs Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton are the talk of training camp. The addition of troubled running back Willis McGahee should give the Ravens’ ground game a much needed shot in the arm after finishing 25th last season

On the defense, the loss of Adaleus Thomas should not be a big concern for this talented unit. Look for rookie LB Antwan Barnes to pick up where Thomas left off. Also look for DT Haltoi Ngata to experiment with playing Linebacker. Coordinator Rex Ryan is a mastermind at coming up with different defensive schemes.

2007 projected record 12-4

 2. Steelers

This isn’t your father’s Pittsburgh team! Expect more passing and less running this year!  Ben Rothlinsberger had a hand in rewriting the offensive playbook and in it, 3 and 4 receiver sets and maybe some play action  here and there. Despite the change, Willie Parker will still get his yards, as the offense becomes more ballanced.

Look for the defense espically the corners to be more physical. New Head Coach Mike Tomlin made sure of that with his two a days and extra hitting in training camp.  The Steelers and aformentioned Ravens will be in intense contention for the AFC North crown all year long

2007  projected record  11-5 

3. Bengals

The emergence of the “old” Chad Johnson isn’t going to help this team. The Bengals are weak at the OL and DL positions, and there are even more problems in the  secondary. The team’s off the field problems are only making matters worse. I wonder if they have to pay bail to fill out the depth chart  for the season.

2007 projected record 8-8

4. Browns

While the Browns have solid players like Jamal Lewis, Kellen Winslow II, and Willie McGinest, and an overrated yet promising quarterback in Brady Quinn, these guys can’t get right! These guys haven’t had a decent year since 1987. Unfortunately, look for more medioracy from this storied franchise, and Romeo Crenell in the unemployment line after the season.

2007 projected record  3-13