What To Look Out For This NFL Offseason

Just like any other hardcore football fan, I too am depressed that the season is over. Sure, it ended with one of the greatest games ever, but it ended nonetheless. Nevertheless, this NFL offseason should prove to be interesting as teams work on filling gaps in their rosters and snap up rising talent. This is a short list of possible things that could happen this offseason in football teams' quest for continuous improvement.

1) Rise of the defensive line. As the New York Giants just showed, one of the most crucial components of a successful football team is a strong defensive line. Having four players who can pressure quarterbacks without blitz is key to shutting down even the best of offensives. Watch for other teams to realize this fact and adjust their defenses as necessary.

2) Watch the Patriots, again. Last year, the New England Patriots realized their biggest weakness-their receivers-and made an amazing fix with the pick up of Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and Randy Moss. This season, the Patriots' weakness lies in their secondary. Cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay are free to leave as free agents. Safety Rodney Harrison is considering retirement. So look for the Patriots to address these defensive holes through the draft and free agency. If these weaknesses are addressed, the Patriots could be once again striving for a perfect season next year.

3) The Bills with keep Losman. Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losmas was supposed to be the next Jim Kelly. That has not happened yet. Now with 2007 thrid-round pick Trent Edwards as starter, Losman wants out of Buffalo. However, he is under contract for one more year and the Bills will likely keep him for fear of Edwards being injured.

4) Midnight for McNabb? The Philadelphia Eagles could very well trade quarterback Donovan McNabb. They picked up Kevin Kolb during last year's draft and are looking to play him soon. McNabb has been less than spectacular lately and a new, fresh quarterback will certainly help this underrated team.

5) Watch the Rams. The St. Louis Rams did not deserve a 3-13 record this season. The major reason for this year's failure was injuries. This team suffered many major injuries throughout the season. Next season, the Rams will surely be a team to contend against with good first-round draft picks and the return of a healthy Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson. Expect a turnaround for this team.

Brian Billick Still Loves Rodney Harrison

According to ESPN:

Brian Billick isn't a kiss-and-tell guy, so fans who watched the exchange between the Baltimore Ravens' coach and Rodney Harrison Monday night may never know exactly what the Patriots veteran strong safety said to provoke one of the funniest moments of the season.

Harrison

Billick

But league officials apparently have some idea.

Lost amid the $70,000 in fines levied against four Ravens players for their actions and comments during and after the Monday night loss to the Patriots -- including a fine of $25,000 for linebacker Bart Scott, who drew two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, and heaved an official's penalty flag into the stands -- was a fine of $5,000 levied against Harrison.

The 14-year veteran was cited by the NFL for taunting the Ravens following a fourth-quarter interception by Patriots free safety James Sanders on a deep pass by Kyle Boller that quashed a Baltimore scoring drive.

On Sanders' return to near-midfield, Harrison was blocking. When the play ended, he was near the Ravens sideline. Television cameras did not show Harrison saying anything, but they did catch the reaction from Billick, who sarcastically blew three kisses in the direction of the safety.

The replay of Billick was shown repeatedly in the days following the game.

"He said a few things about me, Kyle [Boller], and my team and I just want him to know first, we love you Rodney, and secondly you can kiss my back side," Billick said. "But, I don't take offense to what Rodney did and I hope he doesn't misinterpret my gestures, because he's not that good-looking a guy."

One of the most heavily sanctioned players in recent league history, Harrison has been fined more than a quarter-million dollars in his career. He also forfeited $470,588 of his $2 million base salary this season when he was suspended for the first four games of the year for a violation of the league's steroid and related-substances policy.