Local ABC: Bailey agrees to terms w/ Denver

I strongly believe that if we get Shawn Springs and a pass rush specialist like Kearse or Udeze, along with two new DTs, our defense will be much improved (if at a much greater cost than had we just kept Champ). That's not a very risky statement, but I make it because it seems as though everyone thinks that Champ WAS our defense. If Champ was our defense, it looks like its better that he left.
That's an excellent point, ramseyfan. If I remember correctly, last summer there were a lot of people saying that it doesn't matter if you have a Champ Bailey if you can't rush the passer. Obviously, that statement turned out to be true. The Redskins are taking a big chunk of change that they would've spent on Champ, and are instead spending it on areas that Joe Gibbs feels will improve this team quickly. One of those areas will certainly be the pass rush, and if guys like Kearse and Udeze become Redskins, Smoot will look like the second coming of (insert your all-time favorite shutdown corner here). Champ is a great corner, but he isn't the be-all, end-all of any defense. A pass rush is much more important.

Exactly. Thats why I have been saying that htis trade is such a good thing and champ isnt *that* important. You dont need a awsome corner, you need a defensive pass rush, I mean obviously you cant get it on every play, so a corner is an important aspect. However, if your getting a decenet pass rush many of the plays, its gonna take osme pressure off the corner and they will play better

I'm not shedding any tears over Champ's departure. Like I've always said, if Champ was such a savior, where are all of the playoff victories and Championship rings?

Still, he will have to be replaced preferably by a veteran free agent, Winfield, Springs...

And while we keep hearing that a pass rush will offset the damage done by not having Champ on the field, I've heard nothing of any plans to start concentrating on the D-line. In fact, the WP has an article on the Front Office suddenly taking notice of Mike Williams entering the draft.

However, I will go about my business, and have absolutely no worries knowing that Joe Gibbs is in charge.

I agree 100% beemsteven. Whatever Gibbs does is going to be fine, I mean our offense is already looking to be one of the best in the league, I hope he gets us a monster d too. Although I dont know why the FO would want Mike Williams. I mean I love the kid and his ability, but i'll spell it out for them S-E-A-N (space) T-A-Y-L-O-R.

The FO is probably saying that so that any teams looking to take Williams is more apt to start looking to trade spots up to get him...just positioning that needs to be done, it is all BS games that are played before the draft to keep everyone guessing.....

Good point BEG. Play some mind games with them, I like it!

Champ is a great corner, one of the best in the game. But... he's not a game changing corner in the same mold of Deion. That's why I can't justify giving him a monster contract. He does do a great job at shutting down his side of the field, but when was the last time he took a pick back for a TD?? The last time I remember was his rookie season in Arizona. I thought Darrell Green had some bad hands, how many picks has Champ flat out dropped over the years?? Too many to even count.

For the kind of money Denver is giving him, they can have him.

He never stepped up as a team leader in his time here either. I think that's one of the reasons the front office choose to go with Arrington as the franchise defender.

I hate lose Champ only because he was one of my favorite Skins, but hey, I'll get over it. With a good defensive pass rush, the corners won't have to cover for so long and we'll probably get more interceptions from the pressure too. Hope the deal goes through.