By now, you’ve probably heard about the fatal shooting of Redskins’ safety, Sean Taylor. It’s obviously very tragic when someone dies in the prime of their life. Taylor was only 24, and he leaves behind his fiancé and an 18- month-old child.
Taylor was one of the premier safeties in the NFL and appeared headed towards a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
The angle I’d like to focus on is the coverage of this story by the mainstream media.
Taylor had a history of off the field trouble. He narrowly avoided the potential of over 40 years in prison after allegedly pulling a gun on a group of people a couple years back.
His trouble even spilt over onto the field. While nobody can debate his ability as a football player, his character was called into question when he spat in the face of Tampa Bay’s Michael Pittman during a playoff game. This gave a nationally televised crowd an opportunity to cast their own aspersions.
Friends and family claim that Taylor cleaned up his act when he became a father. I’m not here to say that those reports are erroneous, but it made the coverage of his passing an interesting topic to follow.
It’s certainly horrific if a random intruder broke into a house and shot a successful young man. However, doesn’t the perception of this crime change a bit if Taylor did something to bring this on?
It’s still terrible and wrong on the part of the killer, but it changes how we remember Sean Taylor. He didn’t deserve to die, but who knows what circumstance may have lead to that.
I don’t mean to speculate, but its human nature in this case. If you picked up the paper tomorrow morning and read that Brittany Spears was found dead, your first reaction might be that she had something to do with her own demise. At the same time, the possibility is open that it was a random event.
I could tell that ESPN had a difficult time figuring out how to handle this. They tried to walk that tight-rope between informing and speculating. I heard his past troubles mentioned, but not until a day or so into the coverage. Still, it was just that. It was “mentioned.” No speculation whatsoever took place (that I heard or saw at least).
I think it was handled well, but I’d like to hear what others have to say. So, if anyone is actually reading this, please take this opportunity to chime in.
Thank you, and hopefully the seriousness of this post won’t be needed again for a while.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
What a Week
Wow. I have to start by apologizing for not posting a preview on the Chiefs game. It was a crazy week and by the time I remembered it was halfway through the second quarter on Sunday.
For the first time since this blog’s inception, the Raiders won! Sure, it may have cost them Darren McFadden in the draft, but it was nice to finally end that NFL record 17 game divisional loss record.
I have a lot I want to say this week and I’m even working out the kinks on adding a podcast to the site.
However, I’m feeling the 18 credit grind right now at school, so I won’t be able to get to it until later in the week.
For the first time since this blog’s inception, the Raiders won! Sure, it may have cost them Darren McFadden in the draft, but it was nice to finally end that NFL record 17 game divisional loss record.
I have a lot I want to say this week and I’m even working out the kinks on adding a podcast to the site.
However, I’m feeling the 18 credit grind right now at school, so I won’t be able to get to it until later in the week.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Vikings Recap
The Raiders lost their 6th consecutive game and fell to 2-8.
Stuart Schweigert managed to have an entire season's worth of missed tackles and blown assignments in one game.
The offense looked better, but Duante Culpepper still held on to the ball too long.
Next week, the Raiders make their annual trip to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Culpepper will again start at QB.
The Chiefs will be without all-world tail back Larry Johnson. Their backup, Priest Holmes, decided to retire on Wednesday after he reinjured his neck in the second half of last week's contest against the Colts. This likely had a huge impact on the Raiders' strange handling of the LaMont Jordan situation. Jordan was inactive last week and all signs pointed to him being waived when Michael Bush was activated from the PUP list.
However, it seems as though the Raiders didn't want to deal with the possibility of facing Jordan this upcoming week! As a result, Bush will stay on the PUP list and won't play until next year. Jordan will most likely not be released until the offseason.
Stuart Schweigert managed to have an entire season's worth of missed tackles and blown assignments in one game.
The offense looked better, but Duante Culpepper still held on to the ball too long.
Next week, the Raiders make their annual trip to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Culpepper will again start at QB.
The Chiefs will be without all-world tail back Larry Johnson. Their backup, Priest Holmes, decided to retire on Wednesday after he reinjured his neck in the second half of last week's contest against the Colts. This likely had a huge impact on the Raiders' strange handling of the LaMont Jordan situation. Jordan was inactive last week and all signs pointed to him being waived when Michael Bush was activated from the PUP list.
However, it seems as though the Raiders didn't want to deal with the possibility of facing Jordan this upcoming week! As a result, Bush will stay on the PUP list and won't play until next year. Jordan will most likely not be released until the offseason.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Raiders vs. Vikings
I'd like to thank my girlfriend for stopping by and posting comments today. The tone of this blog may lead some to believe that I have a sense of humor about the Raiders' failure. Poor Aly has to watch the games with me and she would probably vouch that my behavior during the games is anything but humorous.
Anyway, she had a very convenient opinion in her comment. She wants to know why the team doesn't give Andrew Walter a chance to play quarterback. As it turns out, he was named as the backup this week against the Vikings. I was a little surprised by this. However, I would certainly rather see Walter get a chance to play over Culpepper and McCown.
This is significant in terms of our chances of seeing JaMarcus Russell make his debut this week as well. Once again, the third string QB cannot enter the game until the 4th quarter without the starter and backup being ineligible to return. There were rumors that Russell may get into the game for a few drives, but this makes it unlikely. If the score is out of hand in the 4th quarter, he may see time, but that would probably be the only scenario where that was the case.
Both of these offenses are offensive again this week. Rookie superstar Adrian Peterson is for the Vikings meaning both teams will probably put goose eggs on the scoreboard until the game's waining minutes.
The Raiders may have a difficult time running the ball as Minnesota is ranked first in the league against the run. They are also last in the league against the pass, which would be great if we had a passing game. Oh well.
Who wins? Who cares. The Raiders are 2-7 and the Vikings are 3-6.
Anyway, she had a very convenient opinion in her comment. She wants to know why the team doesn't give Andrew Walter a chance to play quarterback. As it turns out, he was named as the backup this week against the Vikings. I was a little surprised by this. However, I would certainly rather see Walter get a chance to play over Culpepper and McCown.
This is significant in terms of our chances of seeing JaMarcus Russell make his debut this week as well. Once again, the third string QB cannot enter the game until the 4th quarter without the starter and backup being ineligible to return. There were rumors that Russell may get into the game for a few drives, but this makes it unlikely. If the score is out of hand in the 4th quarter, he may see time, but that would probably be the only scenario where that was the case.
Both of these offenses are offensive again this week. Rookie superstar Adrian Peterson is for the Vikings meaning both teams will probably put goose eggs on the scoreboard until the game's waining minutes.
The Raiders may have a difficult time running the ball as Minnesota is ranked first in the league against the run. They are also last in the league against the pass, which would be great if we had a passing game. Oh well.
Who wins? Who cares. The Raiders are 2-7 and the Vikings are 3-6.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Quick Ramblings
It's late and I'm going to bed. Oregon just got knocked off by unranked Arizona. I have to say, Ryan Leaf's brother Brady, may be the worst quarterback I've ever seen at any level. He came in after Heisman hopeful Dennis Dixon was injured in the first quarter.
Dixon is my top ranked sleeper as of now for the 2008 NFL draft. He's got more talent than he gets credit for and I was impressed by the character he showed in his postgame interview tonight. When the experts release their draft value rankings at the end of the season, many will have him in the mid-round range. I think Dixon is worthy of a top 10 pick.
Oh yea and you may have heard Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury. Bonds will never play Major League Baseball again. Write it down.
Dixon is my top ranked sleeper as of now for the 2008 NFL draft. He's got more talent than he gets credit for and I was impressed by the character he showed in his postgame interview tonight. When the experts release their draft value rankings at the end of the season, many will have him in the mid-round range. I think Dixon is worthy of a top 10 pick.
Oh yea and you may have heard Barry Bonds was indicted for perjury. Bonds will never play Major League Baseball again. Write it down.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Bears Review and Back to Culpepper
Well, the Raiders didn't score a touchdown again. They blew a 6-3 lead with 4 minutes left to eventually lose 17-6.
The defense was spectacular, even with the absence of both Nnamdi Asomugha and Fabian Washington. The one big mistake was a deep bomb on which Bears' receiver Berrard Berrian beat Chris Carr for a long touchdown. I can't post video from the NFL on this site, but if you head over to NFL.com, you can see that Warren Sapp was clearly being held on that play. It should have come back, but honestly, who cares at this point?
The one good thing that came from the offense was that there is no possible way to ever justify playing Josh McCown ever again.
LaMont Jordan didn't even see the field for a single play this week. He was standing on the sideline with sweatpants over his game pants. The writing is on the wall and Michael Bush should be activated next Wednesday.
Daunte Culpepper will start this upcoming week against the Vikings. I'll have more on that in my preview later this week.
The defense was spectacular, even with the absence of both Nnamdi Asomugha and Fabian Washington. The one big mistake was a deep bomb on which Bears' receiver Berrard Berrian beat Chris Carr for a long touchdown. I can't post video from the NFL on this site, but if you head over to NFL.com, you can see that Warren Sapp was clearly being held on that play. It should have come back, but honestly, who cares at this point?
The one good thing that came from the offense was that there is no possible way to ever justify playing Josh McCown ever again.
LaMont Jordan didn't even see the field for a single play this week. He was standing on the sideline with sweatpants over his game pants. The writing is on the wall and Michael Bush should be activated next Wednesday.
Daunte Culpepper will start this upcoming week against the Vikings. I'll have more on that in my preview later this week.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Bears Preview
This game could end in a 0-0 tie. Both offenses are horrible.
The Raiders have been bad against the run this season, but Cedric Benson may be the worst starting tail back in the league.
The team that turns the ball over most will lose.
The most important factor in this game from the Raiders' perspective is monitoring the situation with JaMarcus Russell. He'll be the 3rd string quarterback again this week making it extremly unlikely that he will play. Once the 3rd string QB is brought into a game, that team can't take him out unless he injured or it is the fourth quarter (McCown should have about 9 INTs by then). Obviously, this means that Russell's best chance of getting game action this week is the fourth quarter.
Want another score prediction this week? Bears win 2-0 and nobody cares.
Friday, November 9, 2007
NFL Midseason Report Card
AFC East
New England Patriots (9-0) Grade- A
The Patriots are playing at a remarkably high level. Tom Brady has already thrown 33 touchdowns while tossing only 4 interceptions! A lot of people don’t realize how astounding that is. To put it in perspective, Damon Huard has 28 career touchdown passes and he is in his eleventh pro season.
Randy Moss is motivated again. He’s already surpassed the number of touchdowns he scored in his two seasons in Oakland combined.
The Pats don’t have any glaring weaknesses and welcome, all-pro defensive tackle, Richard Seymour back into the lineup after he missed the first half of the year on the PUP list.
The division is already wrapped up, for all intensive purposes, and home field advantage looks like a strong possibility. The main priority is simply making sure that everyone remains healthy for their latest playoff run.
An undefeated season is not out of the question, but winning seven consecutive games in the NFL is never a given. Either way, it doesn’t matter as much as many would have you believe. This team’s real season starts in January.
The Patriots are a machine and the only reason they don’t get an A+ is because that grade doesn’t exist at CCSU.
Buffalo Bills (4-4) Grade- C+
The Bills aren’t that talented, but it’s hard to ignore how gritty they’ve played this season. The players didn’t quit on their coaching staff after starting 0-3. They rallied to three straight victories after that heartbreaking Monday night loss to the Cowboys.
Adrian Peterson is going to (literally) run away with the offensive rookie of the year award, but Marshawn Lynch has also established himself as a premier feature back. He’s on pace for 1,400 yards rushing behind a poor offensive line.
If the Bills want to sneak into the playoffs, they’ll need to settle on a starting quarterback. J.P Losman seems to be developing into a decent quarterback, but Trent Edwards has shown that he may be the team’s quarterback of the future. They’re both young, but this is Losman’s last chance to justify being worthy of the team’s first round pick in 2004.
Lee Evans is going to have to become a more consistent receiver. The 200 yard games are always nice, but he has far too many outings where he is a complete non-factor.
The defense has been hurt by the departure of cornerback Nate Clements during free agency.
The Bills have a chance to sneak into the playoffs, but you have to wonder how long a team that sports the league’s 29th ranked defense along with the 31st ranked offense is going to continue to win.
New York Jets (1-8) Grade- F
This isn’t how the Jets wanted to follow up their 2006 campaign. The Jets appeared to be on the right track under the guy that should have been last season’s coach of the year, Eric Mangini.
The reality of the situation is that the NFL’s scheduling format usually leads to at least one basement dwelling team reaching the playoffs the year after. Unfortunately, that team usually finds itself right back in the basement the following year. The Jets are finding this out the hard way.
Chad Pennington has taken the brunt of the blame. As a result, the Jets have decided the future is now and inserted Kellen Clemens into the lineup as the team’s starting quarterback. Clemens was a second round pick last season out of the University of Oregon. Teams that try to find their starting quarterback in the middle rounds of the draft usually end up drafting a quarterback in the first round a couple years down the road. It’s too early to tell, but this trend may hold true with the Jets.
Speaking of draft myths, it’s officially time to stop referring to offensive tackles as “the safest picks.” One of the Jets’ biggest problems has been the development of D’Brickashaw Ferguson.
The lone pleasant surprise has been the play of rookie linebacker, David Harris. Harris had 24 tackles in his team’s overtime loss to the Redskins. 24 tackles!
Sorry Jets fans. The only thing you have to look forward to is the possibility of landing Darren McFadden.
Miami Dolphins (0-8) Grade- F
The year started with so much enthusiasm. New head coach Cam Cameron was going to install the offense that helped the Chargers rise to prominence.
Halfway into the season, it’s obvious that Cameron should be the first head coach on the chopping block this upcoming offseason. The first hint of this disaster that has manifested was when he refused to name Ronnie Brown as the starting running back over Jesse Chatman in the preseason. Brown was eventually revealed as the starter, but it should have never even been in question.
The Trent Green experiment didn’t work either. Before he suffered a season ending head injury, he played less than spectacular. The team is grooming John Beck to be their next quarterback. He’s a 26-year-old rookie. So he should be ready to play by the time he’s 30? That logic doesn’t make much sense.
Injuries have plagued this team, but the team was bad before that. The run defense has been horrible. When Justin Fargas rushes for 179 yards in a half against your defense, it’s time to look toward next year. The problem there is that Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas aren’t getting any younger.
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) Grade-A
The Steelers should be mentioned in the same breath as the Pats and Colts. This team is capable of beating both of those squads.
Ben Roethlisberger is looking like the run away favorite for comeback player of the year. The success in the steel city is no mystery. The coaching staff may be different, but the game plan has remained much the same: run, run, and then run again. It’s not sexy, but it wins games.
Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau returned this season and has led the league’s top ranked defense. The Steelers have an amazing ability to scout and develop outside linebackers. James Harrison is the latest to emerge as a pro bowl presence on the outside.
Cleveland Browns (5-3) Grade-B +
See 2006 New York Jets. There is no way the Browns make up that game against Pittsburgh and win the North. Still, 5-3 is an impressive start.
Derek Anderson has been a pleasant surprise this year. The Browns will eventually lose him to free agency after the 2008 season, but Romeo Crennel is glad he’s around for now.
Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Joe Thomas provide a solid nucleus of franchise players on offense. Brady Quinn may not make an impact for a while, but he has the potential to be a quality NFL starter.
The defense is still light years away from being anything close to good and that could hinder Cleveland for a while.
Baltimore Ravens (4-4) Grade- C
Same old Ravens, same old story. The defense is still good, but may not have another dominant season left.
The offense can run the ball, but still doesn’t have a good quarterback. Steve McNair had a wonderful career, but it’s over now. Kyle Boller can throw the ball through the uprights while kneeling at midfield. If only head coach Brian Billick could get him to stop doing that in games!
The best quarterback in franchise history was Trent Dilfer. That needs to change.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) Grade-F
The Bengals are a bigger disappointment than Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3. How many of you played their defense against the Browns on your fantasy football teams?
This defense is bad. Linebacker Odell Thurman showed a ton of promise as a rookie, but his off-the-field antics have brought his career to a screeching halt.
The Bengals have to stop filling their roster with malcontents (or at least malcontents that can’t play defense). You have to feel bad for Carson Palmer, who is possibly the classiest player in the league. He battled back from a serious knee injury only to watch some of his teammates throw their careers out the window because they can’t behave.
The culture in Cincinnati needs to change.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts (7-1) Grade-A
The Colts vs. Patriots showdowns of the early 90’s brought a brand of football that was brutally difficult to watch (unless you like watching Dean Biasucci kick field goals). Oh how the times have changed.
Peyton Manning is the best player in the NFL. He may have lost the midseason battle with Brady, but this season’s story is far from over.
Joseph Addai has made a flawless transition into the feature back role.
It isn’t too often that a team loses both of its starting cornerbacks to free agency and is better off for it, but that is that case with this franchise. Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden have provided the Colts with their best defensive backfield in years.
Tennessee Titans (6-2) Grade-B+
The Titans have enjoyed success this season by playing old fashioned smash mouth football. Their defense ranks second in the entire NFL. Albert Haynesworth can be a dominating force in the middle when he isn’t stomping on someone’s face. The team is giving up a mere 66 yards a game on the ground.
Vince Young may be a tad overrated at this point of his career, but he is certainly a playmaker. LenDale White has been just good enough running the ball to provide an adequate offensive attack. Still, this is the unit that needs to improve if the Titans want a chance at making any noise in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) Grade-C+
David Garrard is quietly having a good season. He missed time due to injury, but has a quarterback rating of 102.9 with no interceptions so far this year. Maurice Jones-Drew has built on his outstanding rookie season and continued his steady production on the ground.
Marcus Stroud was recently suspended and the team will have to fill the void he left up front until he returns. Grady Jackson should be a capable replacement.
Houston Texans (4-5) Grade-C-
Everyone was going crazy about how good this team was after a 2-0 start. Andre Johnson has been severely missed. He may be the most underrated player in the NFL. With that said, Matt Schaub may be the most overrated. What has he done to garner so much praise? Maybe it’s that he simply isn’t David Carr.
The Texans have been hit hard by the injury bug. Along with Johnson and Schaub the team has had to go without Ahman Green and Dunta Robinson for extended periods of time.
The defense is filled with bright young stars. Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye are two studs up front, while DeMeco Ryans is already one of the top five middle linebackers in the NFL.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers (4-4) Grade- C
The Chargers are in first, but they are far more talented than 4-4. The road to another division crown should be a cake-walk for San Diego, but the Norv effect is already being felt.
Norv Turner is not a good NFL head coach. He’s known as a good, decent, family man by many throughout the league. This is easy to see, since he always makes sure his team is home for the holidays. If the rest of the division wasn’t so bad, that would probably hold true again this year.
The loss of defensive end, Luis Castillo cannot be overlooked. Castillo is the best run-stuffing defensive end in the league and he may miss the rest of the season. That impact was felt against Minnesota as Adrian Peterson ran for a single game record 296 yards.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-4) Grade-B
How does this team already have four wins? It’s as puzzling as trying to decipher the meaning of Herm Edwards’ weekly post game ramblings. Larry Johnson has been mediocre with a terrible offensive line. Damon Huard is not a starting quarterback and Brodie Croyle wasn’t even productive in college.
Dwayne Bowe has been a bright spot on the offensive side of the ball. The rookie wide receiver looks like a young Terrell Owens. Bowe said that laser eye surgery drastically helped his ability to catch the ball while attending LSU. He added that he opened his eyes after the procedure, saw his girlfriend, and immediately broke up with her.
Jared Allen and the defense have helped the Chiefs win a few low-scoring affairs. Allen totaled 8.5 sacks in only six games. The Chiefs will use their franchise tag on him at season’s end to prevent his departure via free agency, but it’ll be a risky deal as Allen is one substance abuse test away from a year-long suspension from the NFL.
Denver Broncos (3-5) Grade-F
This team has been awful. The Broncos signed a boatload of free agents after the conclusion of last season. Their high expectations have literally been trampled due to an abysmal run defense.
Why did they trade Gerard Warren to the hated Raiders? That doesn’t make any sense at all. Jim Bates has done a terrible job with the defense.
Tailback, Travis Henry has played as advertised, but is on his way to a year-long suspension for a failed drug test.
Brandon Marshall is developing into a go-to receiver. He’s only in his second year and he’s already posted 45 receptions for 609 yards this season. The sky is the limit for Marshall, especially when Jevon Walker returns and takes some of the defensive attention away from him.
Oakland Raiders (2-6) Grade-D-
The Raiders have absolutely no offense at all. There is no one even close to being considered a playmaker on that entire unit. Many Raider fans are still under the illusion that Jerry Porter is going to develop into a star player. It’s time to wake up. He’s in his eighth season and he’s developed into a mediocre backup with a big mouth. The only factor that saves the Raiders from receiving an F is that prized rookies JaMarcus Russell and Michael Bush haven’t played a down yet.
The defense, with linebackers Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard, is solid except for the fact that free safety Stuart Schweigert can’t make a tackle to save his life. He takes bad angles which have led to a number of big gains.
It’ll take time, but Lane Kiffin is the right man for the job. At least he better be, or that Raider Mike guy this publication always refers to is going to have a stroke.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (7-1) Grade-A
How bout them Cowboys? It’s taken a decade of mediocrity, but Tony Romo has Dallas back on the NFL map.
Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett has done a masterful job crafting the NFC’s top ranked attack. Garrett should be the most sought after coordinator to receive a head coaching position in the offseason.
T.O has been quiet off the field this season, but he’s made plenty of noise on it.
This team’s only glaring weakness is a lack of defensive backs that excel in coverage (although Anthony Henry has put together a nice year).
New York Giants (6-2) Grade-A
The Giants have surprised some people this season. The consensus was that Tom Coughlin was a lame duck coach this year and that the G-Men would make a big offer to Bill Cowher.
Instead, the team hasn’t been hurt at all by the retirement of Tiki Barber and has reeled of a big winning streak. Plaxico Burress is playing out of his mind and the defense has overachieved.
Defensive end Osi Umenyiora had 6 sacks in a game against the Eagles. 6 sacks is a good season!
The Giants could make a run at the Super Bowl in a wide open conference.
Washington Redskins (5-3) Grade-B-
The Skins are headed in the right direction. Jason Campbell has a strong arm and could develop into a star. His development would be aided if Santana Moss could turn the corner in the second half of the season.
Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry could develop into the best safety combo the division has ever seen.
Washington may surprise and go deep into the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) Grade-C-
Why does Donovan McNabb undergo so much scrutiny? Philly can be a tough city, but this guy has been the face of the franchise since he was drafted. He was even booed then because the fans wanted Ricky Williams instead. How’d that work out?
Brian Westbrook is elusive and underrated.
Trent Cole leads the NFL in sacks with 9.
The Eagles are still in a position where they can turn things around, but the NFC East is going to be a difficult division for them to accomplish that in.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers (7-1) Grade-A
Brett Favre has proved a lot of so called experts wrong. He’s on pace for close to 5,000 yards passing this season. Some of that is due to the team’s inability to run the ball, but it is impressive, none-the-less.
Donald Driver has put together another solid year and James Jones looks to be a valuable addition to Favre’s arsenal.
Defensively, the Packers are solid. Charles Woodson, Al Harris, and A.J Hawk lead a talented unit that is ranked 6th in the NFC.
Can you imagine Brett Favre winning another Super Bowl ten years after his last? Didn’t think so, but it would be the record for longest time between Super Bowl victories for a quarterback.
Detroit Lions (6-2) Grade-B+
Wow. The Lions may actually make the playoffs. The first game on Thanksgiving will be the most important game of the day for a change. Jon Kitna and his receivers have been good, but the return of running back Kevin Jones could really help the Detroit in the second half. Whether offensive coordinator Mike Martz will actually use him is another story.
The Lions have made a smooth conversion to a cover 2 defense. Shaun Rogers is their star player at defensive tackle. Rogers is as dominating as he is big. Did anyone see him stiff arm Broncos’ running back Selvin Young to the ground? For a second, it looked like Rogers was going to pick him up and eat him. This guy is a freakishly good player.
Minnesota Vikings (3-5) Grade- C
This team is halfway there. Usually that means that a team has a great offense and a terrible defense, or vise versa. However, the Vikings have an outstanding running game. You may have heard of Adrian Peterson. He leads the NFL in rushing. Their passing game leaves a lot to be desired. It ranks 30th.
Defensively, the Vikings are 2nd in the league against the run. The passing defense is ranked 31st.
Minnesota isn’t there yet. The best quarterback in the city is Joe Mauer. But, fans in the Midwest are beginning to see Peterson as some sort of football angel. Fly Adrian. Fly.
Chicago Bears (3-5) Grade-C-
Chicago is another team that has had to deal with a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. It’s nice to see that they’ve finally realized that Rex Grossman isn’t the answer at quarterback. Too bad they’re going through the same thing with another of their first round busts, Cedric Benson.
Benson isn’t a good running back. Just ask anyone that drafted him in fantasy football this year.
The Bears could get back into the playoff race, but they are really only a seven or eight win team. Oh wait, that’s good enough to get you a first round bye in the NFC.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4) Grade-B
Jeff Garcia is the key to this team’s success. He’s shown that his late season heroics in Philadelphia were no fluke. Garcia has posted a quarterback rating of 95.5.
The defense has been strong. Barret Ruud and Jermaine Phillips have become impact players.
Establishing an effective ground game is going to be a key to Tampa’s success in the second half.
Carolina Panthers (4-4) Grade-C
Vinny Testaverde is old. He’s 120. Still, he feels that he is young enough to sport a do-rag on the sideline. Bad call Vinny. And bad call on Carolina’s part for not keeping him there. Then again, the other options at quarterback are Matt Moore, David Carr, and Brett Basanez. This season is doomed.
Steve Smith is being blanketed by two, three, and sometimes even four defenders on a regular basis. As a result, he’s managed only 33 yards in his last two games.
Managing four wins under these conditions is an accomplishment, but getting another five or six in order to qualify for the playoffs is going to be tough. There is always next year. Especially if you happen do be Vinny Testaverde.
New Orleans Saints (4-4) Grade-C
The Saints had a nightmarish start to the regular season. This can be attributed to the team’s poor defensive play and the play-calling of Sean Payton. Payton has some of the most talented personnel in the league, but he refuses to call a normal play. He runs a bunch of four receiver sets on 3rd and 1 and mixes a bunch of reverses and trick plays into the game plan.
Eric Mangini should have won the coach of the year award last season, but Payton swooped in and Hamburgled it away from him like it was a Big Mac.
The Saints will be fine in the second half of the season if they just run a more realistic offense. Drew Brees is a great quarterback and he won’t have any more of those dreadful outings that he had to start the season.
New Orleans needs to find a way to get the ball into the hands of Reggie Bush. Bush has been known to jump fifty feet in the air, spin, and nunchuck defenders on his way down. Seriously, he’s good, and the Saints will win the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons (2-6) Grade-Incomplete
The Falcons had the unfortunate circumstance of dealing with the whole Michael Vick ordeal. The offensive system was tailored to Vicks’ strengths and so his unexpected departure left the organization in a state of flux.
Because of this, it is difficult to say that the team has not lived up to any kind of expectations. There really were none.
Bobby Petrino may be wishing that he was still at Louisville. The one positive in this whole mess is that he may be reunited with Brian Brohm.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) Grade-C
The Seahawks are still the same team they were when they lost to the Steelers in Super Bowl XL. The one difference could be significant enough to damage any hope of a return trip to the big game.
Shaun Alexander really looks like he is on his last legs. He hasn’t been good since his record breaking campaign in 2005. It happens all the time. It happened to Eddie George, Jamaal Anderson, Natrone Means, and whole bunch of other good backs. The list goes on and on.
This is going to be difficult for Seattle to overcome. Alexander has to get going in the second half.
Arizona Cardinals (3-5) Grade-C-
Every year there is preseason talk about how Arizona is going to finally turn the corner. Every year the Cardinals are who we thought they were.
New head coach Ken Whisenhunt has Sean Peyton syndrome. He lined wide receiver Anquan Boldin up at quarterback and had him throw the ball on a crucial missed two point conversion at the end of the Cardinals’ loss to Washington earlier this year.
That doesn’t make any sense and it isn’t how games are won in the NFL. After spending so much time with the Steelers, Whisenhunt should know that.
San Francisco 49ers (2-6) Grade-F
This once proud franchise is in a lot of trouble. The defense can’t stop anybody and the offensive line can’t block anybody.
Former first overall pick, Alex Smith has regressed this season and completed less than fifty percent of his passes. It doesn’t help that he’s had a different offensive coordinator in each of his three pro seasons.
At least they’ll be picking in the top five of the draft again. Oh wait; they traded that pick to the Patriots. The rest of the NFL would like to say a big collective (and sarcastic) thanks to San Fran for that one. The niners better hope that Joe Staley develops into one heck of an offensive tackle.
St. Louis Rams (0-8) Grade-F
This one isn’t difficult. The Rams go as Steven Jackson goes. Steven Jackson got hurt in the third game of the season. He’s back now, but 0-8 means that the Rams are already done this year.
It could be time to draft Jake Long as an heir apparent to the great Orlando Pace.
New England Patriots (9-0) Grade- A
The Patriots are playing at a remarkably high level. Tom Brady has already thrown 33 touchdowns while tossing only 4 interceptions! A lot of people don’t realize how astounding that is. To put it in perspective, Damon Huard has 28 career touchdown passes and he is in his eleventh pro season.
Randy Moss is motivated again. He’s already surpassed the number of touchdowns he scored in his two seasons in Oakland combined.
The Pats don’t have any glaring weaknesses and welcome, all-pro defensive tackle, Richard Seymour back into the lineup after he missed the first half of the year on the PUP list.
The division is already wrapped up, for all intensive purposes, and home field advantage looks like a strong possibility. The main priority is simply making sure that everyone remains healthy for their latest playoff run.
An undefeated season is not out of the question, but winning seven consecutive games in the NFL is never a given. Either way, it doesn’t matter as much as many would have you believe. This team’s real season starts in January.
The Patriots are a machine and the only reason they don’t get an A+ is because that grade doesn’t exist at CCSU.
Buffalo Bills (4-4) Grade- C+
The Bills aren’t that talented, but it’s hard to ignore how gritty they’ve played this season. The players didn’t quit on their coaching staff after starting 0-3. They rallied to three straight victories after that heartbreaking Monday night loss to the Cowboys.
Adrian Peterson is going to (literally) run away with the offensive rookie of the year award, but Marshawn Lynch has also established himself as a premier feature back. He’s on pace for 1,400 yards rushing behind a poor offensive line.
If the Bills want to sneak into the playoffs, they’ll need to settle on a starting quarterback. J.P Losman seems to be developing into a decent quarterback, but Trent Edwards has shown that he may be the team’s quarterback of the future. They’re both young, but this is Losman’s last chance to justify being worthy of the team’s first round pick in 2004.
Lee Evans is going to have to become a more consistent receiver. The 200 yard games are always nice, but he has far too many outings where he is a complete non-factor.
The defense has been hurt by the departure of cornerback Nate Clements during free agency.
The Bills have a chance to sneak into the playoffs, but you have to wonder how long a team that sports the league’s 29th ranked defense along with the 31st ranked offense is going to continue to win.
New York Jets (1-8) Grade- F
This isn’t how the Jets wanted to follow up their 2006 campaign. The Jets appeared to be on the right track under the guy that should have been last season’s coach of the year, Eric Mangini.
The reality of the situation is that the NFL’s scheduling format usually leads to at least one basement dwelling team reaching the playoffs the year after. Unfortunately, that team usually finds itself right back in the basement the following year. The Jets are finding this out the hard way.
Chad Pennington has taken the brunt of the blame. As a result, the Jets have decided the future is now and inserted Kellen Clemens into the lineup as the team’s starting quarterback. Clemens was a second round pick last season out of the University of Oregon. Teams that try to find their starting quarterback in the middle rounds of the draft usually end up drafting a quarterback in the first round a couple years down the road. It’s too early to tell, but this trend may hold true with the Jets.
Speaking of draft myths, it’s officially time to stop referring to offensive tackles as “the safest picks.” One of the Jets’ biggest problems has been the development of D’Brickashaw Ferguson.
The lone pleasant surprise has been the play of rookie linebacker, David Harris. Harris had 24 tackles in his team’s overtime loss to the Redskins. 24 tackles!
Sorry Jets fans. The only thing you have to look forward to is the possibility of landing Darren McFadden.
Miami Dolphins (0-8) Grade- F
The year started with so much enthusiasm. New head coach Cam Cameron was going to install the offense that helped the Chargers rise to prominence.
Halfway into the season, it’s obvious that Cameron should be the first head coach on the chopping block this upcoming offseason. The first hint of this disaster that has manifested was when he refused to name Ronnie Brown as the starting running back over Jesse Chatman in the preseason. Brown was eventually revealed as the starter, but it should have never even been in question.
The Trent Green experiment didn’t work either. Before he suffered a season ending head injury, he played less than spectacular. The team is grooming John Beck to be their next quarterback. He’s a 26-year-old rookie. So he should be ready to play by the time he’s 30? That logic doesn’t make much sense.
Injuries have plagued this team, but the team was bad before that. The run defense has been horrible. When Justin Fargas rushes for 179 yards in a half against your defense, it’s time to look toward next year. The problem there is that Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas aren’t getting any younger.
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) Grade-A
The Steelers should be mentioned in the same breath as the Pats and Colts. This team is capable of beating both of those squads.
Ben Roethlisberger is looking like the run away favorite for comeback player of the year. The success in the steel city is no mystery. The coaching staff may be different, but the game plan has remained much the same: run, run, and then run again. It’s not sexy, but it wins games.
Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau returned this season and has led the league’s top ranked defense. The Steelers have an amazing ability to scout and develop outside linebackers. James Harrison is the latest to emerge as a pro bowl presence on the outside.
Cleveland Browns (5-3) Grade-B +
See 2006 New York Jets. There is no way the Browns make up that game against Pittsburgh and win the North. Still, 5-3 is an impressive start.
Derek Anderson has been a pleasant surprise this year. The Browns will eventually lose him to free agency after the 2008 season, but Romeo Crennel is glad he’s around for now.
Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Joe Thomas provide a solid nucleus of franchise players on offense. Brady Quinn may not make an impact for a while, but he has the potential to be a quality NFL starter.
The defense is still light years away from being anything close to good and that could hinder Cleveland for a while.
Baltimore Ravens (4-4) Grade- C
Same old Ravens, same old story. The defense is still good, but may not have another dominant season left.
The offense can run the ball, but still doesn’t have a good quarterback. Steve McNair had a wonderful career, but it’s over now. Kyle Boller can throw the ball through the uprights while kneeling at midfield. If only head coach Brian Billick could get him to stop doing that in games!
The best quarterback in franchise history was Trent Dilfer. That needs to change.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) Grade-F
The Bengals are a bigger disappointment than Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3. How many of you played their defense against the Browns on your fantasy football teams?
This defense is bad. Linebacker Odell Thurman showed a ton of promise as a rookie, but his off-the-field antics have brought his career to a screeching halt.
The Bengals have to stop filling their roster with malcontents (or at least malcontents that can’t play defense). You have to feel bad for Carson Palmer, who is possibly the classiest player in the league. He battled back from a serious knee injury only to watch some of his teammates throw their careers out the window because they can’t behave.
The culture in Cincinnati needs to change.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts (7-1) Grade-A
The Colts vs. Patriots showdowns of the early 90’s brought a brand of football that was brutally difficult to watch (unless you like watching Dean Biasucci kick field goals). Oh how the times have changed.
Peyton Manning is the best player in the NFL. He may have lost the midseason battle with Brady, but this season’s story is far from over.
Joseph Addai has made a flawless transition into the feature back role.
It isn’t too often that a team loses both of its starting cornerbacks to free agency and is better off for it, but that is that case with this franchise. Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden have provided the Colts with their best defensive backfield in years.
Tennessee Titans (6-2) Grade-B+
The Titans have enjoyed success this season by playing old fashioned smash mouth football. Their defense ranks second in the entire NFL. Albert Haynesworth can be a dominating force in the middle when he isn’t stomping on someone’s face. The team is giving up a mere 66 yards a game on the ground.
Vince Young may be a tad overrated at this point of his career, but he is certainly a playmaker. LenDale White has been just good enough running the ball to provide an adequate offensive attack. Still, this is the unit that needs to improve if the Titans want a chance at making any noise in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) Grade-C+
David Garrard is quietly having a good season. He missed time due to injury, but has a quarterback rating of 102.9 with no interceptions so far this year. Maurice Jones-Drew has built on his outstanding rookie season and continued his steady production on the ground.
Marcus Stroud was recently suspended and the team will have to fill the void he left up front until he returns. Grady Jackson should be a capable replacement.
Houston Texans (4-5) Grade-C-
Everyone was going crazy about how good this team was after a 2-0 start. Andre Johnson has been severely missed. He may be the most underrated player in the NFL. With that said, Matt Schaub may be the most overrated. What has he done to garner so much praise? Maybe it’s that he simply isn’t David Carr.
The Texans have been hit hard by the injury bug. Along with Johnson and Schaub the team has had to go without Ahman Green and Dunta Robinson for extended periods of time.
The defense is filled with bright young stars. Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye are two studs up front, while DeMeco Ryans is already one of the top five middle linebackers in the NFL.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers (4-4) Grade- C
The Chargers are in first, but they are far more talented than 4-4. The road to another division crown should be a cake-walk for San Diego, but the Norv effect is already being felt.
Norv Turner is not a good NFL head coach. He’s known as a good, decent, family man by many throughout the league. This is easy to see, since he always makes sure his team is home for the holidays. If the rest of the division wasn’t so bad, that would probably hold true again this year.
The loss of defensive end, Luis Castillo cannot be overlooked. Castillo is the best run-stuffing defensive end in the league and he may miss the rest of the season. That impact was felt against Minnesota as Adrian Peterson ran for a single game record 296 yards.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-4) Grade-B
How does this team already have four wins? It’s as puzzling as trying to decipher the meaning of Herm Edwards’ weekly post game ramblings. Larry Johnson has been mediocre with a terrible offensive line. Damon Huard is not a starting quarterback and Brodie Croyle wasn’t even productive in college.
Dwayne Bowe has been a bright spot on the offensive side of the ball. The rookie wide receiver looks like a young Terrell Owens. Bowe said that laser eye surgery drastically helped his ability to catch the ball while attending LSU. He added that he opened his eyes after the procedure, saw his girlfriend, and immediately broke up with her.
Jared Allen and the defense have helped the Chiefs win a few low-scoring affairs. Allen totaled 8.5 sacks in only six games. The Chiefs will use their franchise tag on him at season’s end to prevent his departure via free agency, but it’ll be a risky deal as Allen is one substance abuse test away from a year-long suspension from the NFL.
Denver Broncos (3-5) Grade-F
This team has been awful. The Broncos signed a boatload of free agents after the conclusion of last season. Their high expectations have literally been trampled due to an abysmal run defense.
Why did they trade Gerard Warren to the hated Raiders? That doesn’t make any sense at all. Jim Bates has done a terrible job with the defense.
Tailback, Travis Henry has played as advertised, but is on his way to a year-long suspension for a failed drug test.
Brandon Marshall is developing into a go-to receiver. He’s only in his second year and he’s already posted 45 receptions for 609 yards this season. The sky is the limit for Marshall, especially when Jevon Walker returns and takes some of the defensive attention away from him.
Oakland Raiders (2-6) Grade-D-
The Raiders have absolutely no offense at all. There is no one even close to being considered a playmaker on that entire unit. Many Raider fans are still under the illusion that Jerry Porter is going to develop into a star player. It’s time to wake up. He’s in his eighth season and he’s developed into a mediocre backup with a big mouth. The only factor that saves the Raiders from receiving an F is that prized rookies JaMarcus Russell and Michael Bush haven’t played a down yet.
The defense, with linebackers Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard, is solid except for the fact that free safety Stuart Schweigert can’t make a tackle to save his life. He takes bad angles which have led to a number of big gains.
It’ll take time, but Lane Kiffin is the right man for the job. At least he better be, or that Raider Mike guy this publication always refers to is going to have a stroke.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (7-1) Grade-A
How bout them Cowboys? It’s taken a decade of mediocrity, but Tony Romo has Dallas back on the NFL map.
Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett has done a masterful job crafting the NFC’s top ranked attack. Garrett should be the most sought after coordinator to receive a head coaching position in the offseason.
T.O has been quiet off the field this season, but he’s made plenty of noise on it.
This team’s only glaring weakness is a lack of defensive backs that excel in coverage (although Anthony Henry has put together a nice year).
New York Giants (6-2) Grade-A
The Giants have surprised some people this season. The consensus was that Tom Coughlin was a lame duck coach this year and that the G-Men would make a big offer to Bill Cowher.
Instead, the team hasn’t been hurt at all by the retirement of Tiki Barber and has reeled of a big winning streak. Plaxico Burress is playing out of his mind and the defense has overachieved.
Defensive end Osi Umenyiora had 6 sacks in a game against the Eagles. 6 sacks is a good season!
The Giants could make a run at the Super Bowl in a wide open conference.
Washington Redskins (5-3) Grade-B-
The Skins are headed in the right direction. Jason Campbell has a strong arm and could develop into a star. His development would be aided if Santana Moss could turn the corner in the second half of the season.
Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry could develop into the best safety combo the division has ever seen.
Washington may surprise and go deep into the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) Grade-C-
Why does Donovan McNabb undergo so much scrutiny? Philly can be a tough city, but this guy has been the face of the franchise since he was drafted. He was even booed then because the fans wanted Ricky Williams instead. How’d that work out?
Brian Westbrook is elusive and underrated.
Trent Cole leads the NFL in sacks with 9.
The Eagles are still in a position where they can turn things around, but the NFC East is going to be a difficult division for them to accomplish that in.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers (7-1) Grade-A
Brett Favre has proved a lot of so called experts wrong. He’s on pace for close to 5,000 yards passing this season. Some of that is due to the team’s inability to run the ball, but it is impressive, none-the-less.
Donald Driver has put together another solid year and James Jones looks to be a valuable addition to Favre’s arsenal.
Defensively, the Packers are solid. Charles Woodson, Al Harris, and A.J Hawk lead a talented unit that is ranked 6th in the NFC.
Can you imagine Brett Favre winning another Super Bowl ten years after his last? Didn’t think so, but it would be the record for longest time between Super Bowl victories for a quarterback.
Detroit Lions (6-2) Grade-B+
Wow. The Lions may actually make the playoffs. The first game on Thanksgiving will be the most important game of the day for a change. Jon Kitna and his receivers have been good, but the return of running back Kevin Jones could really help the Detroit in the second half. Whether offensive coordinator Mike Martz will actually use him is another story.
The Lions have made a smooth conversion to a cover 2 defense. Shaun Rogers is their star player at defensive tackle. Rogers is as dominating as he is big. Did anyone see him stiff arm Broncos’ running back Selvin Young to the ground? For a second, it looked like Rogers was going to pick him up and eat him. This guy is a freakishly good player.
Minnesota Vikings (3-5) Grade- C
This team is halfway there. Usually that means that a team has a great offense and a terrible defense, or vise versa. However, the Vikings have an outstanding running game. You may have heard of Adrian Peterson. He leads the NFL in rushing. Their passing game leaves a lot to be desired. It ranks 30th.
Defensively, the Vikings are 2nd in the league against the run. The passing defense is ranked 31st.
Minnesota isn’t there yet. The best quarterback in the city is Joe Mauer. But, fans in the Midwest are beginning to see Peterson as some sort of football angel. Fly Adrian. Fly.
Chicago Bears (3-5) Grade-C-
Chicago is another team that has had to deal with a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. It’s nice to see that they’ve finally realized that Rex Grossman isn’t the answer at quarterback. Too bad they’re going through the same thing with another of their first round busts, Cedric Benson.
Benson isn’t a good running back. Just ask anyone that drafted him in fantasy football this year.
The Bears could get back into the playoff race, but they are really only a seven or eight win team. Oh wait, that’s good enough to get you a first round bye in the NFC.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4) Grade-B
Jeff Garcia is the key to this team’s success. He’s shown that his late season heroics in Philadelphia were no fluke. Garcia has posted a quarterback rating of 95.5.
The defense has been strong. Barret Ruud and Jermaine Phillips have become impact players.
Establishing an effective ground game is going to be a key to Tampa’s success in the second half.
Carolina Panthers (4-4) Grade-C
Vinny Testaverde is old. He’s 120. Still, he feels that he is young enough to sport a do-rag on the sideline. Bad call Vinny. And bad call on Carolina’s part for not keeping him there. Then again, the other options at quarterback are Matt Moore, David Carr, and Brett Basanez. This season is doomed.
Steve Smith is being blanketed by two, three, and sometimes even four defenders on a regular basis. As a result, he’s managed only 33 yards in his last two games.
Managing four wins under these conditions is an accomplishment, but getting another five or six in order to qualify for the playoffs is going to be tough. There is always next year. Especially if you happen do be Vinny Testaverde.
New Orleans Saints (4-4) Grade-C
The Saints had a nightmarish start to the regular season. This can be attributed to the team’s poor defensive play and the play-calling of Sean Payton. Payton has some of the most talented personnel in the league, but he refuses to call a normal play. He runs a bunch of four receiver sets on 3rd and 1 and mixes a bunch of reverses and trick plays into the game plan.
Eric Mangini should have won the coach of the year award last season, but Payton swooped in and Hamburgled it away from him like it was a Big Mac.
The Saints will be fine in the second half of the season if they just run a more realistic offense. Drew Brees is a great quarterback and he won’t have any more of those dreadful outings that he had to start the season.
New Orleans needs to find a way to get the ball into the hands of Reggie Bush. Bush has been known to jump fifty feet in the air, spin, and nunchuck defenders on his way down. Seriously, he’s good, and the Saints will win the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons (2-6) Grade-Incomplete
The Falcons had the unfortunate circumstance of dealing with the whole Michael Vick ordeal. The offensive system was tailored to Vicks’ strengths and so his unexpected departure left the organization in a state of flux.
Because of this, it is difficult to say that the team has not lived up to any kind of expectations. There really were none.
Bobby Petrino may be wishing that he was still at Louisville. The one positive in this whole mess is that he may be reunited with Brian Brohm.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) Grade-C
The Seahawks are still the same team they were when they lost to the Steelers in Super Bowl XL. The one difference could be significant enough to damage any hope of a return trip to the big game.
Shaun Alexander really looks like he is on his last legs. He hasn’t been good since his record breaking campaign in 2005. It happens all the time. It happened to Eddie George, Jamaal Anderson, Natrone Means, and whole bunch of other good backs. The list goes on and on.
This is going to be difficult for Seattle to overcome. Alexander has to get going in the second half.
Arizona Cardinals (3-5) Grade-C-
Every year there is preseason talk about how Arizona is going to finally turn the corner. Every year the Cardinals are who we thought they were.
New head coach Ken Whisenhunt has Sean Peyton syndrome. He lined wide receiver Anquan Boldin up at quarterback and had him throw the ball on a crucial missed two point conversion at the end of the Cardinals’ loss to Washington earlier this year.
That doesn’t make any sense and it isn’t how games are won in the NFL. After spending so much time with the Steelers, Whisenhunt should know that.
San Francisco 49ers (2-6) Grade-F
This once proud franchise is in a lot of trouble. The defense can’t stop anybody and the offensive line can’t block anybody.
Former first overall pick, Alex Smith has regressed this season and completed less than fifty percent of his passes. It doesn’t help that he’s had a different offensive coordinator in each of his three pro seasons.
At least they’ll be picking in the top five of the draft again. Oh wait; they traded that pick to the Patriots. The rest of the NFL would like to say a big collective (and sarcastic) thanks to San Fran for that one. The niners better hope that Joe Staley develops into one heck of an offensive tackle.
St. Louis Rams (0-8) Grade-F
This one isn’t difficult. The Rams go as Steven Jackson goes. Steven Jackson got hurt in the third game of the season. He’s back now, but 0-8 means that the Rams are already done this year.
It could be time to draft Jake Long as an heir apparent to the great Orlando Pace.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Russell Watch is On
It was difficult watching the Raiders lose by the score of 24-17. It wasn't really as close as the score indicates.
Justin Fargas did, indeed start at running back as I suggested he would. He played well. The problem is that nobody else did. Josh McCown is clearly not capable of starting in this league. He made plays with his feet that Culpepper would not have. However, he appeared to be simnply lofting the ball up for grabs at times. McCown finished with 3 interceptions, but 2 more were overturned and another was dropped.
The fans were calling for JaMarcus Russell before halftime. This season is clearly lost, so I agree that Russell should be thrown into the fire. The second half of the season will basically serve as an extended preseason for next year. If head coach Lane Kiffin doesn't feel Russell is ready to step in and play an entire game then he should at least consider playing him for a few drives a game.
Josh McCown has already been named next week's starter against the Bears, but another subpar outing could lead to the begining of the Russell era in Oakland.
The Raiders defense played well except for a few missed tackles by the defensive line. Unfortunately, we've all learned that when the defensive line misses tackles, Stuart Schweigert follows with missed tackles of his own. Sunday was no exception.
It's really nothing short of pathetic to lose to a Texans team that was playing without it's starting quarterback, running back, best cornerback, and best overall player (Andre Johnson).
The highlight of the game was Sebastion Janikowski's attempt at breaking the NFL record for longest field goal. He attempted a 64 yarder (63 is the record by Jason Elam) that bounced off the upright. The kick had plenty of distance, but veered right. During Lane Kiffin's weekly press conference the coach said that he would consider using Seabass on field goal attempts up to 70 yards!
Justin Fargas did, indeed start at running back as I suggested he would. He played well. The problem is that nobody else did. Josh McCown is clearly not capable of starting in this league. He made plays with his feet that Culpepper would not have. However, he appeared to be simnply lofting the ball up for grabs at times. McCown finished with 3 interceptions, but 2 more were overturned and another was dropped.
The fans were calling for JaMarcus Russell before halftime. This season is clearly lost, so I agree that Russell should be thrown into the fire. The second half of the season will basically serve as an extended preseason for next year. If head coach Lane Kiffin doesn't feel Russell is ready to step in and play an entire game then he should at least consider playing him for a few drives a game.
Josh McCown has already been named next week's starter against the Bears, but another subpar outing could lead to the begining of the Russell era in Oakland.
The Raiders defense played well except for a few missed tackles by the defensive line. Unfortunately, we've all learned that when the defensive line misses tackles, Stuart Schweigert follows with missed tackles of his own. Sunday was no exception.
It's really nothing short of pathetic to lose to a Texans team that was playing without it's starting quarterback, running back, best cornerback, and best overall player (Andre Johnson).
The highlight of the game was Sebastion Janikowski's attempt at breaking the NFL record for longest field goal. He attempted a 64 yarder (63 is the record by Jason Elam) that bounced off the upright. The kick had plenty of distance, but veered right. During Lane Kiffin's weekly press conference the coach said that he would consider using Seabass on field goal attempts up to 70 yards!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Texans @ Oakland
Hi everyone. Today, I get to be the only person in the United States that is going to watch the Raiders game. They play at 4, which is the same time as the Patriots vs the Colts. Oh well. It'll be my service to humanity. The Raiders really should win this week. They're back home, and Texans' starting QB, Matt Schaub is out with an injury.
Defensively, the Raiders catch a break today. Sage Rosenfels will start for Houston, and that bodes well for Oakland. On top of that, the Texans will be without their best offensive weapon, Andre Johnson. Johnson, one of the league's most underrated players, has been out with an ankle injury since week 2. Oakland doesn't have to worry as much about the ground game this week either. After facing an all-pro list of running backs over the last four weeks, the Raiders go up against a makeshift lineup of backs. Former Raider, Joe Echemandu makes his return to the coloseum and may start. The team may also use Ron Dayne and a banged up Ahman Green. It'll be interesting to see how Jay Richardson performs today as he takes on the full-time role of starter in Tommie Kelly's absence. Richardson started at the other end position while Burgess was out earlier in the season.
Lane Kiffin has made the move back to Josh McCown on the offensive side of the ball. I don't have a problem with that. In fact, I don't know if I could have taken another week of watching Culpepper drop the ball seventeen times. I'm going to have my eye on Johnnie Lee Higgins, who should get most of the work in slot due to the release of Mike Williams. It will also be interesting to see how Kiffin divides the carries amongst his running backs. As far as everyone knows, LaMont Jordan should get most of the carries, but if you've read my blog recently, you should'nt be surprised when he doesn't. The Raiders should have an easier time executing their game plan this week although the Texans have a decent defense with a solid core of young players. DE Mario Williams, DT Amobi Okoye, and MLB DeMeco Ryans are three of the games brightest young stars. Barry Sims will have his hands full with Williams.
The last couple of weeks, I've predicted the Raiders to win low scoring games. Instead, they've lost low scoring games. This week, I'm going with the Raiders to win by the score of 24-10. Enjoy the Pats and Colts.
Defensively, the Raiders catch a break today. Sage Rosenfels will start for Houston, and that bodes well for Oakland. On top of that, the Texans will be without their best offensive weapon, Andre Johnson. Johnson, one of the league's most underrated players, has been out with an ankle injury since week 2. Oakland doesn't have to worry as much about the ground game this week either. After facing an all-pro list of running backs over the last four weeks, the Raiders go up against a makeshift lineup of backs. Former Raider, Joe Echemandu makes his return to the coloseum and may start. The team may also use Ron Dayne and a banged up Ahman Green. It'll be interesting to see how Jay Richardson performs today as he takes on the full-time role of starter in Tommie Kelly's absence. Richardson started at the other end position while Burgess was out earlier in the season.
Lane Kiffin has made the move back to Josh McCown on the offensive side of the ball. I don't have a problem with that. In fact, I don't know if I could have taken another week of watching Culpepper drop the ball seventeen times. I'm going to have my eye on Johnnie Lee Higgins, who should get most of the work in slot due to the release of Mike Williams. It will also be interesting to see how Kiffin divides the carries amongst his running backs. As far as everyone knows, LaMont Jordan should get most of the carries, but if you've read my blog recently, you should'nt be surprised when he doesn't. The Raiders should have an easier time executing their game plan this week although the Texans have a decent defense with a solid core of young players. DE Mario Williams, DT Amobi Okoye, and MLB DeMeco Ryans are three of the games brightest young stars. Barry Sims will have his hands full with Williams.
The last couple of weeks, I've predicted the Raiders to win low scoring games. Instead, they've lost low scoring games. This week, I'm going with the Raiders to win by the score of 24-10. Enjoy the Pats and Colts.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Jordan to be Waived?
You are reading that correctly. I have reason to believe that LaMont Jordan will be waived by the Oakland Raiders sometime next week. Michael Bush is back in practice and it appears as though he will be activated to the 53-man roster. Jordan, currently 13th in the NFL in rushing, has been slowed by a back injury in recent weeks. The organization may believe that his back troubles will linger through the rest of his career. In any event, do not expect to see much of him on Sunday.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Titans Review and BIG NEWS?
Another Sunday, another blown lead. It's apparent that I can sit here and talk about how the Raiders are improving all I want, but until they learn to close out games, they aren't going to make any progress.
The Titans overcame a 9-3 deficit to win by the score of 13-9. The following is my review of the game, but there is something brewing in Raiderland. I’m not at liberty to say what it is at this time, but some surprising news could be breaking soon.
The Offense was Offensive
The Offense was Offensive
It isn’t fun watching a team that is completely inept when they have possession of the ball. The defense played tremendously, and Stu didn’t even have any major lapses this week. The one big play the Titans had was a long run for a score by rookie Chris Henry. Tommie Kelly had been replaced at right end by Jay Richardson because of his injury and the Titans did a good job of exposing the 5th round pick. I can’t put that much blame on Richardson. I think he’ll develop into a fine run stopper, but he’s still inexperienced.
The offense was terrible…AGAIN! The entire unit is filled with mediocre players. Culpepper threw two more picks and added four fumbles! He drops the ball when nobody is even near him! The offensive line did a great job of showing how bad they are (I see Barry Sims jumping before the snap in my sleep now). I don’t fault the running game because the line provided absolutely no support. The Raiders must find a way to draft a left tackle in next year’s draft.
That is really the story…of the game…of the year…of the past couple of years. The defense is of a championship caliber, but the offense has scored 10 and 9 points in the last two weeks respectively.
These are the players on the offense that should be kept: QB JaMarcus Russell, Andrew Walter, Josh McCown; RB Michael Bush, LaMont Jordan, Justin Griffith, Oren O’neill; WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, Ronald Curry; TE Zach Miller, John Madsen; T Mario Henderson; G Robert Gallery, Cooper Carlisle, Paul McQuistan; C Jake Grove.
That means the following players need to be purged from the roster by next season: QB Daunte Culpepper; RB Dominic Rhodes, Justin Fargas; WR Jerry Porter, Tim Dwight; TE Tony Stewart; T Barry Sims, Cornell Green; C Jeremy Newberry.
The 2008 NFL Draft is going to be filled with top notch offensive tackles and that is great news for Oakland. Hopefully the Raiders can get a win this week back home against Houston.
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