After reading Tkopa's excellent piece on where we might be headed, I thought I would say my peace.

Tkopa really covered everything I wanted to say but left out one critical aspect of the game. For those of you that did not read Tkopa's post, it provides clear perspective and evidence on why the team that allows less than 300 yards usually wins the game. Now, I will be the first one to agree that defense wins games which translates into championships and that we did not address defense as aggressively as we did offense. There are certainly big questions on defense that need to be answered with our D line and Safety positions being up in the air.

However, the thing i would like to add that needs to be said is that our offense, unlike 2007 when we drove 80 yards in 10 minutes, could not stay on the field in 2008. This meant that in 2008 the defense was on the field a lot more, therefore increasing the number of our opponent's offensive snaps thus resulting in more yards allowed. It's all tied together and it comes down to controlling the line of scrimmage. That's why Gene Smith picked who he picked.

Consider this: Scenario 1: We address the defense, draft defense, buy defense etc. and the defense improves tremendously. That is best case scenario. We probably mimic the Ravens of last year and make it to the playoffs lead by a stout defense and a decent running game (provided there are no injuries on the O Line.. hmmm). But once we get to the playoffs in the AFC conference, you face teams with solid defenses and some legit firepower on offense (aka Steelers, Patriots, San Diego etc.). Now your back on your heels trying to stay toe to toe with the Bradys.

Scenario 2: We do what we did, strengthen and deepen the line (understatement), get some receivers that can catch the ball and run and get some depth & youth on defense. Best case scenario? The offense runs the ball well due to a strong, deep O line, setting up the pass. We stay on the field and keep the Bradys of the AFC on the bench (and below 300 yards). In doing this, we give the additional rest to our defense that will elevate their game. Why did Paul Spicer have six or seven sacks in 2007? Because he couldn't wait to get off the bench. Let's be real (after all, I AM KeepitReal), Spicer was by no means quick or a particularly gifted pass rusher. He got the sacks he did because teams were behind early against us and trying to throw the ball against an old but RESTED defense. Now remove a Paul Spicer from that defense and add Harvey and Groves. I think they may be able to do better than Spicer and even have a coming out party (dont attack me for being positive, sticking with the best case scenario here). Our controlling the line of scrimmage on offense could be the biggest, meanest 12th man on defense, not to mention it can make our QB better.

So it's up to you to decide what best case scenario sounds better. Which scenario has a higher ceiling? I think it's pretty obvious. The Steelers won last year because they did not face a team in the playoffs that could score AND play defense as well as they could. You have to be able to do both to win in the new NFL.

-K (KeepitReal)

A fearless prediction for draft day regarding the Jaguars. When I first got the news of the Cutler trade, I broke the news through a fanpost on BCC and commented about the trade making Broncos a very desirable draft-day trade partner for the Jags. Well, I would like to add to that prediction based on nothing but my personal opinion of the now more intelligent Jags FO.

We will trade down to the 12th pick and then trade down again to the late teens-early 20s picking up a plethora of picks in the process. You heard it here first.

For Orton and two draft picks

LINK HERE

Looks like the bears are back?

The Chicago Bears pulled the big upset Thursday afternoon by acquiring Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, a source told ESPN.com.

The Broncos confirmed the move.

To acquire Cutler, the Bears had to give up quarterback Kyle Orton and first-round picks in 2009 and 2010, a source said.

To complete the trade, the Broncos had to give back an undisclosed draft choice in a later round.

The Bears beat out the Redskins, Buccaneers, Lions, Titans and other teams to get land the 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback.

The Broncos had been asking for at least two first-round choices.

Cutler asked to be traded when he found out first-year coach Josh McDaniels tried to acquire Matt Cassel in a trade with the Patriots.

Cutler had not returned phone calls from the Broncos, according to the team, and had been staying away from the offseason program.

Gene Smith and his team have worked extremely hard scouting players and therefore we need as many picks as we can get to put their knowledge to use. I am not talking about getting the first round pick right, that should be a given. What I am saying is that with the work Gene puts in, we should have excellent info on 2nd day picks. So, in conclusion, the Jags will be trying desperately to get out of the #8 spot without looking too desperate. If we trade out of that spot, the Gene Smith era will have begun in 2009. If we stay in the same spot, we will delay this transformation until 2010 with the help of compensatory picks.

It's a whole different ball game with Gene calling the shots. After reading up on him and doing some research, I love the guy's football acumen and work ethic. Under him, I think we are finally headed in the right direction and long-term success.