Shame on me for not doing my homework.  But since this just became something of a paying gig for me, I shall vow not to make the same mistakes in the future.

I have spent more than a dozen blog posts arguing that Jerry Angelo continue his borderline brilliant off-season by making the acquisition of a big time wide receiver.  “Give up the 2010 draft,” I’ve said, for Anquan Boldin.  Surrender your moral principles to get Brandon Marshall or sign Plaxico Burress.  I wanted T.O.  I wanted Braylon Edwards.  But perhaps the smartest move for this organization right now would be no move at all.

Before I continue, we have to understand that Jay Cutler is going to the Bears’ starting quarterback for a decade.  Forte, Hester, Olsen…these guys are kids.  There is no rush for this offense to be successful in 2009, with the exception of pressure on the current coaching staff.  In the past, the need at wide receiver was an attempt to compensate for a weakness at quarterback.  That weakness no longer exists. 

And look at the list of wide receivers set to become free agents in 2010.  Roddy White emerged as a star once Matt Ryan moved under center for the Falcons.  Greg Jennings and Vincent Jackson are big, strong players who have thrived in pivotal moments.  Braylon and Brandon have 2009 to prove they can play with consistency on the field and maturity off of it.  Antonio Bryant’s 2008 may have been a fluke.  But if it wasn’t, he’ll be a hot commodity next off-season.  All these players – viable number one entities – could be on the open market at the end of this coming season. 

So while many of us may be desperate for a winning 2009 and a return trip to the playoffs, the wise, patient and prudent maneuver for Jerry Angelo may be giving these kids a shot at receiver.  Let Hester, Bennett, Iglesias, Rash and Rideau lineup and play.  If it works out, problem solved.  If it doesn’t, there’s a smorgasbord of receiving talent in the waiting. 

And lest we forget!  There is no reason on earth the lack of a veteran wide receiver should keep this club from winning the NFC North.  For Brett Favre is coming to ruin the Vikings organization.