Author Archives: Tom Shannon

Drafting By the Numbers

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Tom Shannon

When I was a graduate student, the common saying amongst Information Technology personnel was “No one ever got fired for choosing IBM”.  Looking back on it many years later, I now realize that there’s a lot of truth in that. … Continue reading →

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Points of View, April 25, 2013

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Though I’ve pledged to make my posts shorter and to the point in a minor reboot of the site, I still want to highlight these short points that don’t deserve extensive comment here and there.  Don’t worry, they won’t be … Continue reading →

Posted in Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Points of View | Leave a comment

The Power and the Problem of Positivity

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Positivity is a wonderful thing.  In fact, the ability to simply believe that something can be done is the first step in accomplishing anything in life.  But what happens when one closes one’s eyes to reality all together, that is … Continue reading →

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Surprise! Matt Barkley Regrets Nothing

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Mark Potash at the Chicago Sun-Times addresses the issues surrounding ormer USC quarterback Matt Barkley as he prepares to be drafted this week: “The next player who regrets staying in school after his draft stock plummets probably will be the first. So it’s … Continue reading →

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The Issue of the 2013 Run Defense

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Nathan Jahnke breaks down the team needs for the teams in the NFC North for Pro Football Focus. As he does so, he exposes these alarming facts about the Bears new linebacking corps: “The problem is that [new strong side linebacker *James] Anderson has not … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts | Leave a comment

Facing Financial Reality

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Teams seem more bound and determined than ever to eliminate dead money from their cap situations. In an interesting twist, consider the new contract that Darrelle Revis agreed toas a result of his trade from the Jets to the Buccaneers over the weekend. … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Leave a comment

Tough Schedule for the Bears Unlikely to Get Easier

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Mark Potash at the Chicago Sun-Times thinks the Bears have drawn a tough schedule next year: “Things can change between now and Sept. 8, but at first blush, it doesn’t appear [Bears head coach Marc] Trestman and his staff will … Continue reading →

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The Name to Keep an Eye on: Arthur Brown

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Don Pompei reviews the middle linebackers in this year’s draft.  The player that catches my eye in this group is Arthur Brown: “Arthur Brown, Kansas State, 6-1, 241: Brown is like [sure first round pick, Alec] Ogletree in that he has the … Continue reading →

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Shea McClellin Is Gaining Weight and Versatility

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Tom Shannon

Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune reports some good news on defensive end Shea McClellin as he writes about how crucial it is for last years draft class to step it up this year: “The team can get a big boost on both … Continue reading →

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’30 For 30′ Documentary To Explore Historical Significance Of ’30 For 30′ Documentaries

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Tom Shannon

ESPN has announced this long overdue tribute to serious journalism in America.  Via The Onion: “ESPN executives announced Saturday that the next installment in the network’s critically acclaimed 30 For 30 documentary film series will examine the historical impact of … Continue reading →

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