Chicago Bears Biggest Weakness: Wide Receiver

Biggest Weakness: Wide Receiver

Since when is WR not wholesale Chicago Bears Jerseys biggest weakness?

Devin Aromashodu. First of all, he sounds like a shampoo company. Second, it should be extremely interesting to see what this kid can do as a primary receiver.

Aromashodu has a lot of talent. He finished the season being Jay Cutler's favorite target. But until someone else can step up as a consistent number two, defenses will be keying into Aromashodu.

Devin Hester just doesn't have it as a No. 1 receiver. His height is a detriment to him. Hester had developed into a better route runner, but just couldn't get it done as a number one.

Johnny Knox had a solid rookie season,(supply Chicago Bears Jerseys )hecould be a valuable slot receiver if he continues to improve.

Juaqin Iglesias and Rashied Davis will both be competing for playing time.

I'm not sure if I, or anyone else, actually know who our wide receiver group is going to be this year. So I'm going to leave it up to all of you to whittle down our list of receivers to a more manageable seven receivers. It's safe to say that's the maximum we might carry in 2010. So the way this is going to work is simple, I'm going to give it a day or two, and then tally up the votes and drop the lowest, and dropping both in the event of a tie, rinse and repeat until we hopefully get what we're looking for. A legitimate threat out of our wide receivers.

Parks Race Reactions: Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire

When it comes to the New England area, the two most popular things are their giant lobsters and the wholesale New England Patriots jerseys.

But when NASCAR rolls into town, it's all about the smell of asphalt and someone clawing their way to victory.

Many drivers clawed their way to the front on Sunday, hoping to clasp their hands on the unique winner's trophy.

In the end a familiar face took the victory, while a few others were left frustrated and disappointed. The Lenox Industrial Tools 301 had everything when the win was on the line, and left many fans wondering what the next race would bring.

Here now are my race reactions from Sunday's actions.

Late in the race, the "Have at it, boys" philosophy was clearly at the forefront. Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya got into a heated battle in the late stages, with Montoya getting the worst end of the deal.

His handling went bad later and he got spun out by Reed Sorenson. Those two had an intense battle, but it wasn't for position. Montoya runs hard, especially since he started on the pole.

However, as we can attest to, sometimes that style of racing can come back to bite a driver.

He wasn't the only one who had a rough day.wholesale New England Patriots jerseys The incident between Kyle Busch and Jeff Burton was nothing more than two racers going for position.

Even Burton admitted he was at fault when he spun Busch out to bring out the final caution of the race. But, in typical Kyle Busch fashion, he saw it differently.

"It was just good, hard racing," Busch said in a sarcastic tone.

He was right, though. It was nothing but a racing incident. Busch shouldn't look at it as intentional.

But, as we know, that is tough for him to do.

Next, I just feel bad for the Budweiser team and Kasey Kahne. They dominated the first half of the race. After the first round of stops, the No. 9 team was the top car and looked to be the one to beat.

However, almost in an act of cruelty, fate stepped in. A valve went down in the engine, one of the new FR9 racing engines and Kahne's hopes were gone.

Despite an effort to simply log laps and get to the end, the engine finally gave way. wholesale New England Patriots jerseys This was exactly the same thing that happened to him last fall when the 2009 chase began.

The difference was this happened real late, compared to really early last season.

After gaining five spots in the points the last few weeks, this is a huge setback for Kahne's team. It's also a huge setback for Ford. With the 18th race on the horizon, Ford has yet to stand in victory lane in a point's race.

Kahne did win his Gatorade Duel in February, but it doesn't count. With no points on the line, it didn't matter.

Ford will get to victory lane, but even I can't predict when.

In the end, the man of the hour once again was Jimmie Johnson and the Lowe's team. Johnson had to earn this win.

Kurt Busch did the classic "bump and run" to get the lead and that got the fans on their feet. It was at Bristol when Busch said, "I'd rather lose to anyone else except that 48 [car]."

His actions proved he was serious.

But what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Johnson roared back and performed the same move to Busch, not to mention in the same spot.

One corner, one move, and one shot was all it took. After that, the race was for second place. Johnson had the win in the bag, and the attention of all the competitors.

That slump Johnson was in, I now say it's over. Two wins in the last two weeks and now he's tied with Denny Hamlin for wins on the season. It will be a battle between these two when the chase begins.

Unfortunately, Johnson now has the momentum and with Chad Knaus calling the shots, Hamlin and Mike Ford have a lot of work ahead of them.

Tight End Becoming More Prominent In Modern NFL

2010 - Over the past several years, the NFL has undergone a radical transition offensively, as the league has become much more passing-oriented. Quarterbacks are throwing a wider variety of routes at a much higher frequency, and modern offensive attacks are now capable of controlling possession with a short, controlled passing attack on an almost universal level.

With that transformation in mind, the traditional roles of certain positions have changed. Fullbacks have all but been phased out of offensive game plans; where once they were vital to a good rushing attack, fullbacks are now largely situational players.

At no position has the change in job responsibilities been more radical than at tight end. The NFL has been graced with the presence of some outstanding tight ends over the years, so the receiving tight end is hardly a new development. Never before have there been as many dynamic receiving threats in the league at one time, however, and that number is almost certain to increase in the near future.

2009 Season A Historic One For Tight Ends
Eight tight ends caught at least 70 passes in the 2009 season; that was good for an NFL record, and was exactly eight more than the number of 70-catch tight ends the league sported in 1990 and 1992. Two tight ends caught 70 or more passes in 1994; that was the highest total of any year in that decade. By contrast, at least four tight ends have caught 70 or more passes in each of the last six seasons.

A year ago, the league's elite tight end group - those that caught 70 or more passes - consisted of a legend (Tony Gonzalez), established veterans in high-powered offenses (Dallas Clark, Jason Witten, Antonio Gates), and several young players on the rise (Vernon Davis, Brent Celek, Heath Miller). That discounts two tight ends - Chris Cooley and Owen Daniels - that had accomplished the same feat just a year earlier, and might have again had they not succumbed to injury.

That's a fairly large group, and it's all the more fascinating considering just how quickly the back end of that group emerged. But it doesn't stop there - there are several more players on the verge of joining the ranks of the (statistically) elite.

Oakland's Zach Miller, Chicago's Greg Olsen, Minnesota's Visanthe Shiancoe and Green Bay's Jermichael Finley are all coming off of highly productive seasons, as well. All four have become integral parts of their teams' respective passing attacks, and it would not be surprising to see all four of them catch 70 passes in 2010. Finley, in particular, possesses unique talents that could vault him into the conversation as one of the two or three best in the league at his position.

It's tough to rule out established veterans like Jeremy Shockey and Todd Heap from this conversation; both have been Pro Bowl talents in their careers, and while both have been nicked up in recent seasons, their talents - and in seasons past, their production - have been excellent. Both, by the way, have caught 70 passes in a season at this level.

Vince Young Veteran Tight Ends Ready To Emerge
There are several more tight ends flying under the radar a little bit. The Jets' Dustin Keller had an outstanding 2009 post-season, scoring touchdowns in each of his team's three games. He should be a more prominent receiving option for Mark Sanchez entering his third season. Washington's Fred Davis came on strong during the '09 season, and should flourish with Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb - if, that is, a returned-to-health Cooley doesn't steal too many touches.

Keep your eyes on Detroit's Brandon Pettigrew, Buffalo's Shawn Nelson and Jacksonville's Zach Heath Miller (yes, another one), as well. All three were 2009 draftees, and all three could have ample opportunities working with young quarterbacks (or, in Miller's case, a veteran quarterback, which is to his benefit). Tennessee's Jared Cook may have been the most uniquely talented tight end in the 2009 draft class, and though he's still battling for playing time in Tennessee, he's got a shot to emerge, as well.

'10 Rookie TE Class Is Potentially Elite
Dazed yet? We've only covered the veterans, folks. Now it's time to talk about an incoming rookie class of tight ends that is widely regarded as the best group the NFL has seen in quite some time, and one that is eventually expected to yield a high number of starters. Several of those names aren't likely to have more than tangential contributions as rookies, but there are a few that could emerge as solid targets right away.

Cincinnati's Jermaine Gresham is the obvious front-runner there, as he's got the inside track at the starting job in a Bengals offense that is desperate for help. He'll be particularly useful in the red zone, as the Bengals lack size outside. Kansas City's Tony Moeaki could have an inside track at a starting job, and would become a friendly set of hands for Matt Cassel right away in that event. Ed Dickson and/or Dennis Pitta could have a tremendous opportunity in front of them should Baltimore's Heap falter in his tenth pro season. There aren't a lot of balls to go around in New England, but Rob Gronkowski has elite-level talent and an opportunity to start, as well.

Add in Jimmy Graham (New Orleans), Aaron Hernandez (New England), Garrett Graham (Houston), Clay Harbor (Philadelphia), Fendi Onobun (St. Louis) and hybrid player Dorin Dickerson (Houston), and never before has the NFL been as stocked with as many intriguing, high-upside athletic talents as it will feature this year.

At one point in the not-too-distant past, the tight end position was an inglorious position, one which lacked star power, receiving opportunities, and glamor. In a very short period of time, the elite receiving tight end has transformed from a rarity into not only a fairly common player, but a necessity for successful modern passing attacks. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs still get all the ink, but this is a position that, deservedly so, is quickly becoming a part of the glamorous NFL offensive conversation. This is an unprecedented time for the position, and the historic 2009 season might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Who Is the Best Overall Running Back in the NFL?

Adrian Peterson:

With the 7th pick in the 2007 draft, the Minnesota Vikings took Adrian Peterson out of Oklahoma University.

In his three seasons, Adrian has not disappointed Vikings fans one bit.

In Adrian's rookie year, he rushed for 1,341 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 238 carries. Peterson missed two games due to injury that year.

His great year earned Adrian the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Adrian also won the Pro Bowl MVP award.

In 2009, Peterson was a major contributor in helping the Vikings reaching the NFC championship game against the eventual Super Bowl winner, New Orleans Saints.

Many criticize Adrian for fumbling the ball too often. Although true, Peterson has worked on this issue during the off-season.Chris

 

Johnson:

Likely the favorite to win this competion—and for good reason. Chris Johnson became the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.

Johnson was selected with the 24th pick in the first round, like Steven Jackson.

In his rookie year, Chris ran for 1,228 yards on 251 attempts. Johnson reached the endzone nine times through the ground-game.

I won't say much about Chris' second year that I haven't mentioned already. He was simply outstanding in every aspect for the Titans.

Johnson will make around $550,000 this year, which displeases him. Chris is prepared to sit out for quite a while if Tennessee declines to grant him with a big-money contract that he desires.

The Titans, quite frankly, can't afford to not have Johnson on the field for parts of the 2010 season. Without Chris Johnson, Tennessee will quickly become one of the worst teams in the AFC.

Maurice Jones Drew:

Like in real life, Maurice Jones Drew is likely going to be the underdog in this debate.

At 5'7", Jones-Drew is obviously one of the shortest players in the game today. Nonetheless, he's a great running back.

Unlike the other running backs in this debate, Maurice Jones Drew was selected in the second round. With the 60th pick, Jacksonville decided to find a backup to Fred Taylor.

In his first two years, Maurice only started in one game out of 31 played.

Jones-Drew hit the endzone 13 times through the ground game in his rookie season. He instantly put himself as one of the best goal-line running backs in the league at that time.

As a full-time starter in 2009, Maurice ran the ball 312 times for 1,391 yards, and 15 touchdowns.

At only 25 years old, Maurice Jones-Drew should be tearing up the AFC South for a long time.

Steven Jackson:

Steven Jackson was the 24th overall pick in the 2004 draft. He was an excellent player in his three seasons with the Oregon State Beavers.

In his rookie season, Jackson played in 14 games, starting in only three. Nonetheless, he rushed for nearly 700 yards on 134 carries.

In six seasons, Steven Jackson has 6,707 yards and 41 touchdowns on 1,548 attempts.

Jackson is also a great receiving running back. In 2006, Jackson's best year, he caught 90 balls for 806 yards and three touchdowns.

Many know Jackson for being one of the most physical running backs in the league.

With that said, he is incredibly injury-prone. Jackson has missed 11 games due to injury. Although this may not seem like much, he often plays through injuries.

Currently, Steven is the entire Rams offense. Sam Bradford will make an impact, but he's only a rookie. Like always, St. Louis will have to rely heavily on Jackson through the running game.

Lawson Wants to Remain With 49ers

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Manny Lawson would like to stay in the Bay Area but expects a new contract.

Lawson is in the final season of his five-year, $7.5 million deal but is only scheduled to make $630,000 this upcoming season. Lawson is being paid less than two of the team's other outside linebackers despite leading the team in sacks last year.

"I would like a new contract," Lawson said. "I want to be here. I want to be a San Francisco 49er. But everybody wants a new contract, and I'm about everybody getting what they deserve."

The fifth-year linebacker missed all of the team's offseason voluntary workouts but believes he is in the best shape of his life.

Lawson said he needed a change of scenery and worked out at a training facility in Arizona, where he focused on improving his strength, coverage skills, and explosion off the line.

"I'm proud of the results I've been getting," Lawson said. "I've been here all of my offseason for four straight years, and I wanted to kind of step offside and get a new look."

Lawson returned to San Francisco Thursday for a mandatory three day minicamp that will complete the 49ers' spring practice program.

"When you step away and come back, it's almost like you're on a new team, like it's brand new," Lawson said. "So now I'm feeling more excitement."

During the offseason San Francisco strengthened their depth at outside linebacker by adding free-agent Travis LaBoy who signed a one-year, $1.6 million deal. The 49ers also gave 5th year veteran Ahmad Brooks a new two-year, $4.2 million contract.

LaBoy missed the entire 2009 season due to major ankle surgery and most recently played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2008.

Lawson may want to concentrate on his situation on the field rather than worrying about a new contract.

Last season, Brooks was used during third-down rushing situations over the final six regular season games which reduced Lawson's playing time. Brooks also finished second in the league over the final five games of last season with five sacks and finished the year with a career-high six sacks.

Brooks has taken Lawson's place with the first-unit defense so far during spring drills so an outside linebacker competition could be on the horizon.

Brooks "was in there because I was away," Lawson said. "Now I'm back. Now we're going to step in and go back and forth with each other. Competition is where it's at. Everybody has to fight and work for that position. It's not going to be just handed out."

Lawson had a career-high 78 tackles and tied a franchise record with four forced fumbles. He also ranked fourth among NFC linebackers in sacks with 6.5.