In another Instant Debate over at NFL.com, they ask their panel of football pundits which free agent signing in 2010 was the best. There were plenty of players changing addresses last off season, but only one had the kind of impact that would cause all three NFL experts to harmoniously agree. Julius Frazier Peppers.
The only other player that garnered a slight mention was Packers undrafted free agent San Shields, but all three pegged Peppers as the best. Steve Wyche gave us his statistical rundown;
The Pro Bowl defensive end was solid against the run, delivered eight sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 54 tackles. He also solidified a defense that helped carry an inconsistent offense to the NFC championship game.
Pat Kirwan thinks Peppers presence on the field sets up their entire defense. He even compares the signing to Green Bay's acquisition of Reggie White in the 90's. Elliot Harrison takes little shot at Peppers by saying he shouldn't have been in the top 10 of the Top 100 Players list (whatever)...
While Peppers sometimes gets a hair too much credit, there is no question that the Bears' defensive line was a helluva lot better in 2010 than 2009.
Too much credit? Elliot must not have watched many Bears games last year.