Ask the expert: Jerry Angelo

by Gary Shelton on June 29, 2017 · 0 comments

in general

Jerry Angelo is a former personnel director for the Bucs and former general manager of the Bears. Each week, Angelo answers your questions regarding the NFL. Send your questions to GarySheltonsports@gmail.com with "ask the expert'' in the subject line. The most interesting questions will be selected.

Thursday, 4 a.m.

Were you as surprised as the rest of us when the Chiefs extended Andy Reid’s contract but fired general manager John Dorsey? It seems some coaches and some general managers can’t get along.

It did surprise me somewhat, but in another way, it didn’t. What surprised me was Andy Reid hired John Dorsey and they had a history together. What didn’t surprise me was the fact that most GM/HC relationships eventually fail, as obviously this

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one did. It’s too bad, because both are good guys. Unfortunately, it’s hard to share power. In this case there can be only one Chief in KC.

Two receivers were picked up late in the NFL: Jeremy Maclin by the Ravens and Eric Decker by the Titans. Which do you think will make more of an impact on their new teams?

In my opinion, it will be Decker. He’s a refined route-runner with size. He is much more quarterback-friendly than a speed receiver like Maclin. Both will impact their offense, but statistically speaking, Decker will be a bigger producer.

Once again, there are those who question Cam Newton’s ability as a leader with the Panthers. Do you buy it, or are people just throwing stones?

Newton is a leader. His toughness is rarely in question and he is the best player on their team.

He has some personality quirks, but they are minimal compared too what he brings to the team on Sundays. He may not be for everyone.

I can say this unequivocally:  the Panthers aren’t going to win without him. So, who do you want playing quarterback for your team, Cam Newton or, say, a guy everybody loves like Kirk Cousins?

In our weekly quarterback ratings, let’s do the NFC West. How would you rate a) Russell Wilson, b) Carson Palmer, c) Jared Goff or d) Brian Hoyer?

Wow, this is pretty easy. It’s not like we’re talking about the upper crust of the position. I’d go with a declining ing Wilson, a ready for the retirement home Carson Palmer, then the well traveled Brian Hoyer and lastly the potential next big bust at the quarterback position, the number overall pick one in the draft two years ago, Jared Goff.

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about the worst teams in the NFL tanking. Do you think it’s a legitimate concern?

No, not really, that’s been said for many years and there is no real proof of that happening.

Certainly, organizations with the worst record during the season are cognizant of the ramifications if their team wins or loses and what’s at stake. But to think that they would purposely try and lose the game? I don’t buy it.

Everyone is paid to win; that’s the bottom line. The ones who don’t won’t be around long.

You’ve worked for the Bucs through hot days and rainy ones. Does the team really need the indoor practice facility they’re building?

No, they don’t need it, but it would be nice. Personally I would be skeptical because you have an advantage during the months of September, October and part of November where the weather can still be very hot and humid.

Opposing teams that aren’t used to playing in the Florida climate have a real disadvantage. That’s assuming the Bucs are a good team. In that case the weather can be a big asset. Having an indoor facility usually means coaches and players will be in it, even when there in no rain, because it’s more comfortable.

We won a lot of games without an indoor facility when I was with the Bucs. So, to say you have to have one is nonsense.

No one knows what goes on the minds of NFL voters, but who gets in the Hall of Fame first? John Lynch or Ronde Barber?

I still think it will be John, but it gets a little tougher for him because there are more new players on defense coming on the ballot. Ronde is going to get a lot of consideration.

Players who have played as long and as well as he did are far and few between. The wish here is they both are in Canton.

Okay, it’s time for our weekly piece where you name your favorite athlete from certain colleges. This week, let’s talk about Miami. Would your favorite player be a) Ted Hendricks; b) Vinny Testaverde; c) Warren Sapp; d) Michael Irvin or e) Ray Lewis? You can pick another athlete if you wish.

It’s Ray Lewis, hands-down. He was the straw that stirred the drink for two Super Bowl wins for the Ravens. He might have been the best linebacker to ever play the game.

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