December 18, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) avoids a tackle by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 34-14 Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

With the beginning of each NFL year every team instantly gets worse as player contracts officially expire. It’s a fact. Shoot, look at Indy. What the front office DOES about it is another matter, however, and most teams wind up re-signing a lot of their own reserve players to ensure depth or to possibly compete for a starting position. Others go out and pay up for a star player.

Yesterday, Tampa Bay did just that in signing former Charger wideout Vincent Jackson to a 5-year deal. The Chargers replaced him with former Saint Robert Meachum and the “other” Jackson (DeSean) will very likely sign his franchise tender in Philly. Indy re-signed Reggie Wayne to a 3-year contract so there goes the so-called Manning and Wayne Free Agency “deal.” Ex-Colt Pierre Garcon and ex-Niner Josh Morgan will be catching balls from RG3 in Washington, suddenly giving the Redskins some firepower when you consider Santana Moss and Fred Davis. They kept DE Adam Carriker within their ranks as well, so look for the Skins to hit that O-Line early, often, and hard in April’s draft. Well, often and hard, anyway. Mike Shanahan is a cagey guy and he’s not-so-quietly building what looks to be one of the league’s more exciting teams this fall. Who would’ve guessed it a week ago?

The NFC West is trying to “keep up with the Jacksons” as the 49′ers held onto Pro Bowl Free Agent CB Carlos Rogers while the Rams signed Cortland Finnegan. I should’ve seen that last move coming as the Rams were desperate for corners and their new Head Coach, Jeff Fisher, is quite familiar with Finnegan’s wake from their days together in Music City. Every year there are several moves after which you go “DUH” and do the V-8 head-slap. Upon reflection, the Brandon Marshall trade is another as he’s reunited with his former QB, only in a 3rd city – Chicago. Given any one of several of Marshall’s outgoing personalities, the Windy City seems perfectly suited for him metaphorically speaking. Though he wasn’t a Free Agent, the upshot of the deal is Miami lost their best receiver and Chicago finally got their best wideout since the Willie Gault days. DAAAA Bearssss also signed QB Jason Campbell as an insurance policy in case their own line performs like KC’s did last season, but that would mean drafting a rookie QB for 3rd string and eventual starting duty later this year so they better choose wisely.

The biggest names unsigned remain Manning, Matt Flynn, and Super Mario. Where does this leave us? Pretty much right back where we started – watching every move Peyton Manning makes. I say look to where Brandon Marshall originally played.

Not as scheduled (unfortunately we hit a glitch somewhere that delayed this post–my profound apologies), today we will take a look at the quarterback position on the Carolina Panthers.

Understandably, the quarterback position was a hot topic in 2009.

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Final Score:  Eagles  38,  Panthers  10

This is what I predicted would happen in today’s game:

Philadelphia Eagles come to Charlotte for the home opener.  Yes, Michael Vick is apart of the Eagles team however, he will not be able to play until Week 3.  So, Vick will not be a factor in this game.  Donovan McNabb will have a solid game just like he usually does the first game of the year, but it will not be enough to stop the legs of DeAngelo Williams.  The Panther defense will be a little slow getting into rhythm, but by the second half all defensive woes will be eased.  The Panthers had a solid home game showing last year and this first game will be no different.

 Final Score:  Eagles  20,  Panthers  24 (Panthers 1-0)  Win

Well, the Panthers defense was solid.  No one can blame the defense for today’s loss.  McNabb had a good game.  DeAngelo Williams ran the ball well.  Jonathan Stewart even looked terrific for not playing at all in the preseason.  The biggest problem today was our offensive captain Jake Delhomme.  He looked lost, confused and disoriented.  He couldn’t get the ball to the receivers successfully.  When he did throw the ball he threw it right into the hands of the Eagles defenders.  Should a veteran QB be this bad?  You would think that after years of reading coverages that Jake would know when to throw the ball away.  I guess not.

Our special teams play has to improve.  The pursuit completely broke down when the Eagles DeSean Jackson returned the ball for a touchdown.  The Panthers offensive coordinator has to address getting the ball to Steve Smith.  If the whole season goes like today, Smith will become the most under-utilized receiver in the NFL.  Come on guys; get the ball to Smitty!!

The news just broke as I was typing this update that Donovan McNabb suffered a broken rib.  Looks like the Eagles owner just got the biggest deal of the year with Michael Vick.  Next week Kolb will play in place of McNabb then enter Michael “The Price Is Right” Vick.  Eagles fans just got an upgrade.

Overall, I was not impressed by the Panthers quarterback performance today on the field.  The majority of the blame will be placed on Jake with 4 interceptions before John Fox pulled him out of the game.  Face it Jake, you left a bad taste in our mouth last year and it doesn’t look like you brought the mouthwash for 2009!