# 2008 NFL Mini Camps and Offseason Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [May 6, 2008, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354 "2008-05-06T22:22:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2008, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/41 "2008-06-26T02:40:02Z")
Well, yeah. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2008, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/42 "2008-06-26T13:03:43Z")
Jordan Dizon, the second round pick of the Lions, got a DUI 6 days before the Lions drafted him. Sorry, news is slow. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2008, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/43 "2008-06-26T14:21:58Z")
Not that Scouts Inc. is anything great, but to throw it out there for offseason discussion, they [ranked the O-lines](http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?id=3447747) of the league. Ah, I remember the debate with the delusional Steelers fans during the season about the best O-line in the AFC North. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2008, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/44 "2008-06-27T00:08:53Z")
[QUOTE=SenorBeef] Not that Scouts Inc. is anything great, but to throw it out there for offseason discussion, they [ranked the O-lines](http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?id=3447747) of the league. Ah, I remember the debate with the delusional Steelers fans during the season about the best O-line in the AFC North. [/QUOTE] Outside of Eric Steinbach (TRAITOR! šŸ˜ƒ ) and Thomas, I think your oline is decidedly average. And now so is the Steelers without Faneca, and the Rats without Ogden. I honestly think that the Bengals have the best oline in the division, if, IF everyone remains healthy, which hasnā€™t happened recently. Center is our weakest spot, but we have great tackles. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2008, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/45 "2008-06-27T01:44:10Z")
Anybody want Chris Simms? Heā€™s yours for a ball of pocket lint and a gift card to be named later. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2008, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/46 "2008-07-15T15:35:08Z")
So Iā€™m watching ESPN, and the ticker at the bottom cycles through the various categories - NFL, Nascar, MLB, etc. Wellā€¦ now thereā€™s a FAVRE category. An entire category. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2008, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/47 "2008-07-15T15:40:32Z")
[QUOTE=SenorBeef] So Iā€™m watching ESPN, and the ticker at the bottom cycles through the various categories - NFL, Nascar, MLB, etc. Well.. now thereā€™s a FAVRE category. An entire category. [/QUOTE] What I really want to know is how the entire Favre thing happened. I want details. No, no I really donā€™t. Are that many people enthralled with it, or is this one of those ā€œmost people really donā€™t care right nowā€ things? **RNATB** : The Lions are in talks with the Buccaneers to get Mr. Simms. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2008, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/48 "2008-07-15T15:40:44Z")
[QUOTE=SenorBeef] So Iā€™m watching ESPN, and the ticker at the bottom cycles through the various categories - NFL, Nascar, MLB, etc. Well.. now thereā€™s a FAVRE category. An entire category. [/QUOTE] I hear Soap Opera Network is working on a deal with ESPN to replay the highlights of the dayā€™s interviews with or about Favre. Theyā€™re gonna call the show _Brett of Nazareth_. > [@](#): > > No, no I really donā€™t. Are that many people enthralled with it, or is this one of those ā€œmost people really donā€™t care right nowā€ things? Slow (football) news cycle month + hint of controversy = Quick! Get John Clayton on the phone! > [@](#): > > RNATB: The Lions are in talks with the Buccaneers to get Mr. Simms. I hope for your sake that the deal falls through. Kidā€™s done. Kaput. Heā€™ll never win a game again. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2008, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/49 "2008-07-15T20:11:15Z")
The Bears signed former Lions running back Kevin Jones. Goddammit. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2008, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/50 "2008-07-15T20:47:22Z")
[QUOTE=Least Original User Name Ever] The Bears signed former Lions running back Kevin Jones. Goddammit. [/QUOTE] Donā€™t worry. By my count, heā€™s only got one or two ligaments left in each knee. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/51 "2008-07-16T09:54:25Z")
[QUOTE=Least Original User Name Ever] The Bears signed former Lions running back Kevin Jones. Goddammit. [/QUOTE] Iā€™m pretty happy with his signing. We got him on the cheap so heā€™s an all-reward, no-risk investment. Iā€™m not that familiar with Jones game since heā€™s been hurt so much but assuming heā€™s close to a 100% he should give us a dimension of speed that we havenā€™t had in the backfield in years. Ideally heā€™ll be the speed back coming in on 3rd downs to catch passes and make plays in the open field, theoretically he should be the best blocker in the group as a veteran so thatā€™s a logical role. If Forte is the work horse they are billing him as the two will compliment each other nicely and Jones might have a chance at finishing out the season. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/52 "2008-07-16T13:20:05Z")
[QUOTE=Omniscient] Ideally heā€™ll be the speed back coming in on 3rd downs to catch passes and make plays in the open field, theoretically he should be the best blocker in the group as a veteran so thatā€™s a logical role. If Forte is the work horse they are billing him as the two will compliment each other nicely and Jones might have a chance at finishing out the season. [/QUOTE] Heā€™s a perfect complementary back in the Brian Westbrook mould. I think the last four years have shown that while he has the skills to be an every-down guy, he just doesnā€™t have the knees for it. He was already not quite the speedster in the last two years that he was as a rookie - think Edgerrin James pre- and post-ACL surgery - but he does still have quicks and heā€™s elusive. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/53 "2008-07-16T13:29:09Z")
Heā€™s also a pretty strong runner and getting much better at receiving out of the backfield. He was brought in to compete for the starting job. Nice signing. Goddammit. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/54 "2008-07-16T17:30:47Z")
[QUOTE=Least Original User Name Ever] Heā€™s also a pretty strong runner and getting much better at receiving out of the backfield. He was brought in to compete for the starting job. Nice signing. Goddammit. [/QUOTE] I kinda lump him in with the other free agent running backs and proclaim them all to be a big pile of steaming MEH. The upside with Jones is that he comes pre-injured, so you donā€™t have to worry about him getting hurt right away. The signing is like the majority of other signings in the NFLā€¦ it fills a hole, creates a modicum of competition, but, in the end, will amount to next to nothing. Might as well sign AlexTravisMusaTysonToefield. But, in the doldrums of early July, at least itā€™s something to talk about besides Favre. And, as a Packer fan, I must say that I find the coverage of the whole thing painful. Itā€™s got that whole ā€œYou got your soap opera in my football!! YOU got your football in my soap opera!!!ā€ feel. I can see both sides of the issue, and itā€™s an unfortunate situation. I think the Packers are doing the right thing for them to move on, and I think Favre is in a tough spot of his own making. Cā€™est la vie. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/55 "2008-07-16T17:35:27Z")
[QUOTE=Hamlet] I kinda lump him in with the other free agent running backs and proclaim them all to be a big pile of steaming MEH. The upside with Jones is that he comes pre-injured, so you donā€™t have to worry about him getting hurt right away. The signing is like the majority of other signings in the NFLā€¦ it fills a hole, creates a modicum of competition, but, in the end, will amount to next to nothing. Might as well sign AlexTravisMusaTysonToefield. [/QUOTE] I definitely disagree with that. Jones is a former 1,000 yard back who _isnā€™t_ clearly past his prime, as Travis Henry, Shaun Alexander et al are. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/56 "2008-07-16T20:58:59Z")
[QUOTE=Really Not All That Bright] I definitely disagree with that. Jones is a former 1,000 yard back who _isnā€™t_ clearly past his prime, as Travis Henry, Shaun Alexander et al are. [/QUOTE] Right. Not only that, but he still put up decent numbers when healthy and even in the Martz offense. Itā€™s a good signing all around. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/57 "2008-07-16T21:33:26Z")
[QUOTE=Really Not All That Bright] I definitely disagree with that. Jones is a former 1,000 yard back who _isnā€™t_ clearly past his prime, as Travis Henry, Shaun Alexander et al are. [/QUOTE] Kevin Jones may not be past his prime, but his legs certainly are. He hasnā€™t had a 1,000 yard season in 3 years, his ypc has dropped from his rookie 4.7 to 3.8 last year, and heā€™s rarely, if ever, gotten more than 20 carries a game. Hey, if signing a guy coming off a torn ACL, with a prior Lisfranc injury to his foot, to be a part time rusher who wonā€™t be able to play at even his hobbled 100% until mid season gets you excited, have at it. Personally, I think itā€™s a fine low risk signing, but I think anyone who expects him to have a ā€œhigh rewardā€ this season is mistaken. At the very best, heā€™ll help take pressure off Forte for a few games and might, if lucky, get 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Thatā€™s nice and all, but not very much to get excited about. The potential is there that, in 2009, heā€™ll be fully recovered and might, just might, be a nice pickup, but at this point, heā€™ll be no better than the plethora of free agent running backs available. And, Iā€™d be remiss if I didnā€™t point out heā€™ll be running behind a poor O Line and get no support from a pathetic passing game. But to each their own. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/58 "2008-07-16T22:32:19Z")
[QUOTE=Hamlet] Kevin Jones may not be past his prime, but his legs certainly are. He hasnā€™t had a 1,000 yard season in 3 years, his ypc has dropped from his rookie 4.7 to 3.8 last year, and heā€™s rarely, if ever, gotten more than 20 carries a game. Hey, if signing a guy coming off a torn ACL, with a prior Lisfranc injury to his foot, to be a part time rusher who wonā€™t be able to play at even his hobbled 100% until mid season gets you excited, have at it. Personally, I think itā€™s a fine low risk signing, but I think anyone who expects him to have a ā€œhigh rewardā€ this season is mistaken. At the very best, heā€™ll help take pressure off Forte for a few games and might, if lucky, get 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Thatā€™s nice and all, but not very much to get excited about. The potential is there that, in 2009, heā€™ll be fully recovered and might, just might, be a nice pickup, but at this point, heā€™ll be no better than the plethora of free agent running backs available. And, Iā€™d be remiss if I didnā€™t point out heā€™ll be running behind a poor O Line and get no support from a pathetic passing game. But to each their own. [/QUOTE] Again, the Martz offense really limited his rush attempts. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2008, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/59 "2008-07-16T23:56:41Z")
[QUOTE=Least Original User Name Ever] Again, the Martz offense really limited his rush attempts. [/QUOTE] And the two prior seasons before Martz and the Lisfranc when he averaged 3.8 and 3.6? And Faulk didnā€™t seem to suffer under Martz. I donā€™t doubt Martzā€™s ā€œgeniusnessā€ limited Kevin Jones opportunities to run the ball, just like Jonesā€™ own injuries have. But I donā€™t think thatā€™s the only reason for his lack of success. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354/60 "2008-07-17T00:06:34Z")
[QUOTE=Hamlet] And, Iā€™d be remiss if I didnā€™t point out heā€™ll be running behind a poor O Line and get no support from a pathetic passing game. But to each their own. [/QUOTE] Thomas Jones did just fine behind that line; I think you may be reading too much into Bensonā€™s numbers last year. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-nfl-mini-camps-and-offseason-thread/448354.md?page=4)