In San Francisco, it's BYOB. Bryant Young Opting Back.It took the 35-year-old defensive tackle a couple of months to decide, but coach Mike Nolan convinced him to return for a 14th season. Young signed a one-year deal that will pay him $4.25 million this year."I feel like I'm still able to Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
go out there and make the plays that are asked of me," Young told reporters when he signed in March. "In terms of my body, yeah, it feels a little different than it did five years ago. But with experience, you're able to gain a little wisdom and smarts."Over 13 seasons, Young has gained a lot of experience while becoming one of the best to ever play for the 49ers. He is third in team history with 83 sacks, including 5? last season as he started every game at left end. So why come back for a 14th season at age 35?"We're on the verge, the cusp of just being right there," Young said of the 49ers, who finished 7-9 in 2006. "I thought we left something on the table last year, and with the addition of a few more pieces, we're going to be right in the mix. Part of it is wanting to be part of finishing work and leaving the 49ers organization like I found it."Young joined the 49ers as their first-round pick in 1994, when they were still annually one of the top two or three franchises in the NFL. They went 13-3 and won the Super Bowl in his rookie season and won 61 games over his first five years. The offense -- led by Steve Young and Jerry Rice -- was always in the top five, and Bryant Young played on a defense that twice was ranked No. 1. Those were the glory days, when the 49ers finished a run of 16 straight seasons with at least 10 wins -- accomplished under coaches Bill Walsh, George Seifert (BY's first) and Steve Mariucci.The team slumped once Steve Young left, winning just 10 games combined in 1999 and 2000. Despite a 4-12 record in '99, Bryant Young still went to the Pro Bowl for the second time. He also went in 2001 and 2002, when the 49ers won 22 games.But since Mariucci left in '02 (after 57 wins in six seasons), the 49ers have fallen on hard times. They went 9-23 under Dennis Erickson and are 11-21 in Nolan's first two years. But the 7-9 finish last season, which included a sweep of the NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks, gives Young hope that the team will get back to the playoffs in 2007 for the first time since Mariucci left.The other draw for Young is the promise that he will not have to play as many snaps as he has in recent seasons. He started every game last year and played a lot more than he and Nolan preferred because injuries depleted the line, while Young held up so well. The 49ers have added several linemen this offseason; Young should be spelled by guys like Sam Rayburn, Ron Fields and rookie Ray McDonald. Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
"When I hear [Nolan's plan], I think it's about me not playing 85 to 90 snaps a game," Young said. "That's taking advantage of the personnel that we'll have. I welcome that because I realize that I can't do it all by myself."But BY himself can help the rest of the team do it. And that's why it's BYOB for a 14th season in San Francisco.Coming soon...the official RealFootball365.com NFL podcast!
2010年12月2日星期四
Backup QB tops backups; now real season starts
The sight of Peyton Manning wearing a headset undoubtedly caused innumerable gray hairs to sprout and jiggers of spirits to be downed in the greater Cleveland area. Browns fans must have felt helplessly frustrated even though they knew in advance the quarterback's day would conclude early, but 4 Brett Favre White jersey
that's not the Colts' concern. They understandably showed little other than flashes of interesting play, as Manning and a great deal of other starters could have ordered pizza and wings and had it delivered to the sidelines before the first two-minute warning.The argument could even be made that they kept core guys in there for close to too long. Letting Manning take snaps in the second quarter wasn't egregious, but it was close to borderline, as there was no need for him to prove, establish, or accomplish anything.As for remaining sharp, any professional should be able to shake off rust a few moments into a playoff battle, and that's particularly true for perhaps the most skillfully prepared player in the game. That said, he completed all but two of his 16 attempts and more importantly avoided both being sacked and situations of general duress as he emerged unscathed.To be fair, Jim Sorgi exhibited moments of competence after his insertion, even though he ultimately looked like a guy about qualified to play behind, say, Aaron Rodgers. He finished 11 for 24 with 68 yards, not exactly creating a quarterback controversy in Indiana.Still, he looked good throwing for his team's only end zone visit. Sorgi to Craphonso Thorpe doesn't have quite the same ring as Manning-to-Harrison, but they connected for a key third-quarter touchdown on a tough play: Tennessee was crowding the line either in anticipation of a run or as a dare to throw for an about-to-be pressured backup, but Sorgi stood in and delivered a nice pass to his receiver as Thorpe cut inside on single coverage. It was one stellar moment for him to add to his video resume from a player who usually may as well bring his own lawn chair to the stadium.The game's irrelevancy was irrelevant to Bob Sanders, who played as if he wanted to demonstrate he's earning his new salary every time he was out there. Always instinctually near the ball, Sanders might have been trying to supplant LeBron James as Northern Ohio's favorite sports idol. His six tackles and a sack indicate that he showed up to compete; while Sanders' focus is crushing others, his past is marked with injuries, and the Colts need to be careful with him even considering he's the aggressor regarding contact and not the prey. Still, he also saw limited plays, just like his team's most public face.But, while Indianapolis' quarterback change ultimately contributed to its meaningless, 16th-game doom, what really hurt the Colts was Tennessee's involuntary switch: Kerry Collins came in for a stricken Vince Young and played in a capably proficient way. The tricky thing for the Colts was that they spent the previous week understandably preparing for an entirely different kind of quarterback: Young runs around and looks as if he's making it up as he goes, while Collins is a prototype of the granite-footed pocket thrower, albeit a backup one who's thrown almost as many interceptions as touchdowns during a career where he's often specialized in not reaching his potential.Collins was successful on 10 of his 13 attempts, gaining 106 yards in a reflection of the fact that it was a veteran quarterback picking on reserves and rookies. Still, he's the one whoJets 6 Sanchez Jersey
led his side to a tie and ultimate win. So, when Cleveland followers curse the use of reserves in this bout for leading to their side's playoff miss, their wrath's biggest target should be the second-string quarterback on his fifth franchise whose utterly conventional style threw Indy's defenders.As for the Colts, nobody got carted off the field, Reggie Wayne won the receiving title, and their fans had a preseason-style game to keep them occupied while waiting for the real challenge to begin next month. That should be enough to assuage the thoroughly negligible pain from a loss devoid of meaning for a two seed ready for a return to significant contests.
that's not the Colts' concern. They understandably showed little other than flashes of interesting play, as Manning and a great deal of other starters could have ordered pizza and wings and had it delivered to the sidelines before the first two-minute warning.The argument could even be made that they kept core guys in there for close to too long. Letting Manning take snaps in the second quarter wasn't egregious, but it was close to borderline, as there was no need for him to prove, establish, or accomplish anything.As for remaining sharp, any professional should be able to shake off rust a few moments into a playoff battle, and that's particularly true for perhaps the most skillfully prepared player in the game. That said, he completed all but two of his 16 attempts and more importantly avoided both being sacked and situations of general duress as he emerged unscathed.To be fair, Jim Sorgi exhibited moments of competence after his insertion, even though he ultimately looked like a guy about qualified to play behind, say, Aaron Rodgers. He finished 11 for 24 with 68 yards, not exactly creating a quarterback controversy in Indiana.Still, he looked good throwing for his team's only end zone visit. Sorgi to Craphonso Thorpe doesn't have quite the same ring as Manning-to-Harrison, but they connected for a key third-quarter touchdown on a tough play: Tennessee was crowding the line either in anticipation of a run or as a dare to throw for an about-to-be pressured backup, but Sorgi stood in and delivered a nice pass to his receiver as Thorpe cut inside on single coverage. It was one stellar moment for him to add to his video resume from a player who usually may as well bring his own lawn chair to the stadium.The game's irrelevancy was irrelevant to Bob Sanders, who played as if he wanted to demonstrate he's earning his new salary every time he was out there. Always instinctually near the ball, Sanders might have been trying to supplant LeBron James as Northern Ohio's favorite sports idol. His six tackles and a sack indicate that he showed up to compete; while Sanders' focus is crushing others, his past is marked with injuries, and the Colts need to be careful with him even considering he's the aggressor regarding contact and not the prey. Still, he also saw limited plays, just like his team's most public face.But, while Indianapolis' quarterback change ultimately contributed to its meaningless, 16th-game doom, what really hurt the Colts was Tennessee's involuntary switch: Kerry Collins came in for a stricken Vince Young and played in a capably proficient way. The tricky thing for the Colts was that they spent the previous week understandably preparing for an entirely different kind of quarterback: Young runs around and looks as if he's making it up as he goes, while Collins is a prototype of the granite-footed pocket thrower, albeit a backup one who's thrown almost as many interceptions as touchdowns during a career where he's often specialized in not reaching his potential.Collins was successful on 10 of his 13 attempts, gaining 106 yards in a reflection of the fact that it was a veteran quarterback picking on reserves and rookies. Still, he's the one whoJets 6 Sanchez Jersey
led his side to a tie and ultimate win. So, when Cleveland followers curse the use of reserves in this bout for leading to their side's playoff miss, their wrath's biggest target should be the second-string quarterback on his fifth franchise whose utterly conventional style threw Indy's defenders.As for the Colts, nobody got carted off the field, Reggie Wayne won the receiving title, and their fans had a preseason-style game to keep them occupied while waiting for the real challenge to begin next month. That should be enough to assuage the thoroughly negligible pain from a loss devoid of meaning for a two seed ready for a return to significant contests.
Time for Peyton Manning to permanently upstage Eli
If you had gone to a gambling parlor or called upon a bookie, legitimate in nature, of course, this past August and asked what kind of odds you could get for betting that Eli would win the Super Bowl this season while Peyton would not, what would have been the reaction? I mean, after the laughter subsided?Had they accepted your wager, you'd be reading this column on a solid gold monitor. And nothing is more useless than a solid gold monitor, but you'd have one anyway on account of your ludicrously excessive wealth. It's also evidence 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
that, while the younger Manning emerges as an efficient offensive manager, the more perceptibly spectacular brother needs to assemble a longer and more distinguished postseason résumé for his career to be considered truly fulfilling.The numbers indicate a general downshift after the regular season. Peyton Manning has what could be called at best a respectable 84.4 career postseason rating from January on, with a mildly decent 21 touchdowns compared to 17 interceptions. His 61.8 percent completion rate completes what is a disturbingly middling group of stats for a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer.Compare those to Peyton's fabulous 94.7 rating for the regular season, along with a 64.2 percent success rate for passes, and it serves as a markedly disappointing contrast. The most startling regular season disparity is the fact he has thrown for 306 touchdowns, with exactly half as many interceptions at 153; that difference is as amazing as the postseason one is mediocre.Even his Super Bowl win, in which he went 25 for 38, gaining 247 yards with a single touchdown reception to accompany the interception he threw, was not an overwhelmingly magnificent showing, despite the personal accolade he was given by the media and Internet voters. Frankly, Manning should have sawed his MVP award in half and given a piece each to Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes, the players who were truly most crucial to the Colts' victory.Of course, giving the prize to the quarterback regardless of whether other players deserve it is a tradition that began moments after the first Super Bowl's conclusion; even Bart Starr himself would admit after a few cocktails that the late Max McGee, who was quite cocktailed up himself during his spectacular game, should have won. But the reality remains that Manning still fails to consistently devastate playoff opponents. Throw in the prominent fact that his teams have achieved a 7-7 playoff record, and gripes about his play tailing off become entirely more legitimate.Although he comes across as genuine, Manning does seem like the sort of person who is concerned about his image. Right now, he has to know football-wise that he's still perceived as a regular season wonder despite the fact he hosted a Lombardi Trophy. In that regard, Eli's new accomplishment may be good news for Colts fans, as it could motivate his ostensibly more skilled sibling to raise his level of play after the regular slate, if for no other reason than to eclipse a very close relative. Peyton can be happy for Eli while still using what we'll someday call with confidence the biggest Super Bowl upset ever as incentive.Luckily for Peyton, he has at least a fair amount of attempts left to upstage his brother 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
both thoroughly and permanently, considering that he'll only turn 32 in March. Increasing his intensity level by using Eli's triumph as the impetus would do wonders for his legacy overall and standing at family reunions. In the meantime, gamblers still could have made a fortune betting on how many times he appeared on-screen during the Super Bowl in the luxury box cheering on the family's third quarterback while wearing that suit coat. I think the over/under was 6.5.
that, while the younger Manning emerges as an efficient offensive manager, the more perceptibly spectacular brother needs to assemble a longer and more distinguished postseason résumé for his career to be considered truly fulfilling.The numbers indicate a general downshift after the regular season. Peyton Manning has what could be called at best a respectable 84.4 career postseason rating from January on, with a mildly decent 21 touchdowns compared to 17 interceptions. His 61.8 percent completion rate completes what is a disturbingly middling group of stats for a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer.Compare those to Peyton's fabulous 94.7 rating for the regular season, along with a 64.2 percent success rate for passes, and it serves as a markedly disappointing contrast. The most startling regular season disparity is the fact he has thrown for 306 touchdowns, with exactly half as many interceptions at 153; that difference is as amazing as the postseason one is mediocre.Even his Super Bowl win, in which he went 25 for 38, gaining 247 yards with a single touchdown reception to accompany the interception he threw, was not an overwhelmingly magnificent showing, despite the personal accolade he was given by the media and Internet voters. Frankly, Manning should have sawed his MVP award in half and given a piece each to Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes, the players who were truly most crucial to the Colts' victory.Of course, giving the prize to the quarterback regardless of whether other players deserve it is a tradition that began moments after the first Super Bowl's conclusion; even Bart Starr himself would admit after a few cocktails that the late Max McGee, who was quite cocktailed up himself during his spectacular game, should have won. But the reality remains that Manning still fails to consistently devastate playoff opponents. Throw in the prominent fact that his teams have achieved a 7-7 playoff record, and gripes about his play tailing off become entirely more legitimate.Although he comes across as genuine, Manning does seem like the sort of person who is concerned about his image. Right now, he has to know football-wise that he's still perceived as a regular season wonder despite the fact he hosted a Lombardi Trophy. In that regard, Eli's new accomplishment may be good news for Colts fans, as it could motivate his ostensibly more skilled sibling to raise his level of play after the regular slate, if for no other reason than to eclipse a very close relative. Peyton can be happy for Eli while still using what we'll someday call with confidence the biggest Super Bowl upset ever as incentive.Luckily for Peyton, he has at least a fair amount of attempts left to upstage his brother 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
both thoroughly and permanently, considering that he'll only turn 32 in March. Increasing his intensity level by using Eli's triumph as the impetus would do wonders for his legacy overall and standing at family reunions. In the meantime, gamblers still could have made a fortune betting on how many times he appeared on-screen during the Super Bowl in the luxury box cheering on the family's third quarterback while wearing that suit coat. I think the over/under was 6.5.
2010年12月1日星期三
Additions matter, but not as much as Justin Fargas"
Take a deep breath. OK, here we go. Gibril Wilson, Kwame Harris, Javon Walker, Drew Carter, William Joseph, DeAngelo Hall, Kalimba Edwards and John Wade.Those are the new faces the have acquired either via free agency or trade this offseason. Without a doubt, some of the additions -- namely, Wilson, Walker and Hall -- will immediately make an impact on the field in 2008. And some off the field, too. (Hall).That being said, it’ll be one player that’s worn nothing but a Raiders jersey throughout his entire career that will make the6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
most impact of all.Running back Justin Fargas, who will be entering his sixth season with the silver and black -- but first as a starter -- will be the player that makes the Raider offense tick in 2008. Fargas was re-signed to a three-year, $12 million contract in early February after rushing for 1,009 yards and four touchdowns on 222 carries (4.5 yards per attempt) in ‘07.In his five years with the Raiders (66 games and 14 starts), Fargas has carried the ball 480 times for 2,025 yards (4.2 per rush) and six touchdowns. The 6-foot-1 halfback has also caught 50 career passes for 358 yards.There’s no doubt that the bulk of the attention will be on second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell, though. The franchise has $61 million invested in the former first overall pick, and fans have seen the 6-foot-6, 255-pounder start just one game and attempt only 66 career passes, largely in very low-pressure situations.As it turns out, Oakland’s first game of the 2008 season will be under national spotlight. Oakland will host the Denver Broncos on ‘Monday Night Football’ on Sept. 8, the second contest in an ESPN doubleheader. All eyes will be on Russell … and the primary target he’ll be throwing to, former Denver Bronco but current Raider Javon Walker.Still, much of the game -- and the much of the Raiders’ season -- will ride on the shoulders of their 28-year-old running back. Fargas needs to not only worry about staying healthy, but also putting up good numbers to alleviate some of the pressure off of his young quarterback. The last thing Oakland needs is to rely on Russell immediately out the gates.In the sole four games Oakland came out on top last season, Fargas played a key role in each. The former USC rusher carried the ball a combined 85 times for 514 yards and two touchdowns in the four outings. Those numbers represent more than half of his total ground yardage on the season and exactly half of his touchdowns. On a game-by-game basis, that’s just over 21 carries for 129 yards.The Raiders do a have rather deep backfield behind Fargas, with the recently re-signed Dominic Rhodes, second-year rusher Michael Bush and the still-not-released LaMont Jordan waiting in the wings. If Oakland learned anything last season, though, it’s that6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
a running-back-by-committee system isn’t an effective route to take with the mix of players they have.Last year, the Raiders let three different running backs (Fargas, Jordan and Rhodes) start games, but Fargas was the leading ball carrier in three of the team’s four wins.Still, it will likely turn out next season that all eyes will be fixated on Russell and the new guys.As the season plays out, though, fans -- and opponents -- will soon find out that the key to beating the Raiders is stopping their rush-oriented offense. And that all starts with Justin Fargas.Anthony Carroll can be contacted at (12)
most impact of all.Running back Justin Fargas, who will be entering his sixth season with the silver and black -- but first as a starter -- will be the player that makes the Raider offense tick in 2008. Fargas was re-signed to a three-year, $12 million contract in early February after rushing for 1,009 yards and four touchdowns on 222 carries (4.5 yards per attempt) in ‘07.In his five years with the Raiders (66 games and 14 starts), Fargas has carried the ball 480 times for 2,025 yards (4.2 per rush) and six touchdowns. The 6-foot-1 halfback has also caught 50 career passes for 358 yards.There’s no doubt that the bulk of the attention will be on second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell, though. The franchise has $61 million invested in the former first overall pick, and fans have seen the 6-foot-6, 255-pounder start just one game and attempt only 66 career passes, largely in very low-pressure situations.As it turns out, Oakland’s first game of the 2008 season will be under national spotlight. Oakland will host the Denver Broncos on ‘Monday Night Football’ on Sept. 8, the second contest in an ESPN doubleheader. All eyes will be on Russell … and the primary target he’ll be throwing to, former Denver Bronco but current Raider Javon Walker.Still, much of the game -- and the much of the Raiders’ season -- will ride on the shoulders of their 28-year-old running back. Fargas needs to not only worry about staying healthy, but also putting up good numbers to alleviate some of the pressure off of his young quarterback. The last thing Oakland needs is to rely on Russell immediately out the gates.In the sole four games Oakland came out on top last season, Fargas played a key role in each. The former USC rusher carried the ball a combined 85 times for 514 yards and two touchdowns in the four outings. Those numbers represent more than half of his total ground yardage on the season and exactly half of his touchdowns. On a game-by-game basis, that’s just over 21 carries for 129 yards.The Raiders do a have rather deep backfield behind Fargas, with the recently re-signed Dominic Rhodes, second-year rusher Michael Bush and the still-not-released LaMont Jordan waiting in the wings. If Oakland learned anything last season, though, it’s that6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
a running-back-by-committee system isn’t an effective route to take with the mix of players they have.Last year, the Raiders let three different running backs (Fargas, Jordan and Rhodes) start games, but Fargas was the leading ball carrier in three of the team’s four wins.Still, it will likely turn out next season that all eyes will be fixated on Russell and the new guys.As the season plays out, though, fans -- and opponents -- will soon find out that the key to beating the Raiders is stopping their rush-oriented offense. And that all starts with Justin Fargas.Anthony Carroll can be contacted at (12)
Draft Day 2008: Five alternate Oakland Raider universes
The job of Oakland's front office for Day 1 of this weekend's NFL draft just got a little easier: In fact, thanks to the Miami Dolphins’ signing of Jake Long, it got 50 percent easier. “Guessing” the Atlanta Falcons to be taking Matt Ryan at No. 3 essentially puts the Raiders second on the clock behind the St. Louis Rams with these two players off the board.This in turn would appear to leave Oakland with five ways to go at that faux No. 4. Rather than merely provide our readers with a single prediction, today gives you five predictions, glimpses into alternate universes similar to our own yet slightly different. Hold onto your virtual relativity decelerator, we’re entering the spacetime vortex!Alternative No. 1: “With the fourth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the select 43 Polamalu black jersey
Glenn Dorsey, defensive tackle, Louisiana State University."Immediate reaction: Good, sober selection here. Dorsey will look like one bad dude in Raider black.Black cloud: Why in Madden’s name did Uncle Al give Tommy Kelly a seven-year, $50.5 million contract, with $18.125 guaranteed?Silver lining: Grabbing Dorsey, signing him early and immediately inserting him into the starting lineup would be like returning Warren Sapp to the Raiders. Except he’s a shiny new Warren Sapp.Alternative No. 2: “With the fourth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the select Vernon Gholston, defensive end, Ohio State University.”Immediate reaction: Hmmm. The guy must’ve had one hell of a combine.Black cloud: Though a decent pickup for the ‘D’, Gholston does little for the Raiders’ awful run defense, which was 31st in yardage allowed and dead last in TDs surrendered in 2007.Silver lining: Gholston could amp up the Raider pass rush to scary levels for 2008, particularly if free-agent signing Kalimba Edwards produces as well. Just consider the pass ‘D’ Mr. Davis went out and assembled for Lane Kiffin to play with: After Gholston and Edwards, Nnamdi Asomugha’s back aboard for at least one more year, with free-agent signings DeAngelo Hall and Gibril Wilson prospective starters. Not bad at all. Alternative No. 3: “With the fourth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the select Darren McFadden, running back, University of Arkansas.”Immediate reaction: D’oh! I mean, whoooo hoooo! I mean, d’oh! I mean...Black cloud: Another big-money, skill-position player for the Raiders when so many of the off-ball positions need bolstering. Plus, why sign Justin Fargas to a multiyear deal? And would Kiffin really make Fargas the No. 2 guy after his breakout season of 2007?Silver lining: It says here that the finest all-around athlete on the board is McFadden and drafting Adrian Peterson didn’t hurt the Vikings too much last season now, did it? With more and more teams constructing a strong combination at halfback, a McFadden-Fargas duo in Oakland is hardly scoff-worthy. Plus, it might be prudent to install a young battery consisting of McFadden and JaMarcus Russell for the long-term well-being of the team.Alternative No. 4: “With the fourth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the select Chris Long, defensive end, University of Virginia!”Immediate reaction: A torrential gush of glee from the Raider Nation.Black cloud: None. No, really.Silver Lining: A Chris Long addition would be, at first glance, one of the best in team history. This kid has got, to use the parlance of our times, “the skill set” to immediately become a starter, and a potential Pro Bowl starter at that. Plus, who’s Oakland got bookending Derrick Burgess for 2008? Tommy Kelly? Huh. By the way, why in Madden’s name did Davis give Tommy Kelly a seven-year, $50.5 million contract, with $18.125 guaranteed ...?Alternative No. 5: “The have traded the 4 Brett Favre White jersey
fourth selection ...”Immediate reaction: Whoa. (Should said trade involve Pacman Jones and the Tennessee Titans, this becomes “Dude. Whoa.”)Black cloud: Depends on the deal, but couldn’t the Raiders use one youthful player after an offseason of uploading free agents?Silver lining: At least those guys’ll have something to write about until August, eh?Happy draft weekend, Raider Nation!Peering through the cracks in the spacetime continuum throughout the year at . (23)
Glenn Dorsey, defensive tackle, Louisiana State University."Immediate reaction: Good, sober selection here. Dorsey will look like one bad dude in Raider black.Black cloud: Why in Madden’s name did Uncle Al give Tommy Kelly a seven-year, $50.5 million contract, with $18.125 guaranteed?Silver lining: Grabbing Dorsey, signing him early and immediately inserting him into the starting lineup would be like returning Warren Sapp to the Raiders. Except he’s a shiny new Warren Sapp.Alternative No. 2: “With the fourth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the select Vernon Gholston, defensive end, Ohio State University.”Immediate reaction: Hmmm. The guy must’ve had one hell of a combine.Black cloud: Though a decent pickup for the ‘D’, Gholston does little for the Raiders’ awful run defense, which was 31st in yardage allowed and dead last in TDs surrendered in 2007.Silver lining: Gholston could amp up the Raider pass rush to scary levels for 2008, particularly if free-agent signing Kalimba Edwards produces as well. Just consider the pass ‘D’ Mr. Davis went out and assembled for Lane Kiffin to play with: After Gholston and Edwards, Nnamdi Asomugha’s back aboard for at least one more year, with free-agent signings DeAngelo Hall and Gibril Wilson prospective starters. Not bad at all. Alternative No. 3: “With the fourth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the select Darren McFadden, running back, University of Arkansas.”Immediate reaction: D’oh! I mean, whoooo hoooo! I mean, d’oh! I mean...Black cloud: Another big-money, skill-position player for the Raiders when so many of the off-ball positions need bolstering. Plus, why sign Justin Fargas to a multiyear deal? And would Kiffin really make Fargas the No. 2 guy after his breakout season of 2007?Silver lining: It says here that the finest all-around athlete on the board is McFadden and drafting Adrian Peterson didn’t hurt the Vikings too much last season now, did it? With more and more teams constructing a strong combination at halfback, a McFadden-Fargas duo in Oakland is hardly scoff-worthy. Plus, it might be prudent to install a young battery consisting of McFadden and JaMarcus Russell for the long-term well-being of the team.Alternative No. 4: “With the fourth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the select Chris Long, defensive end, University of Virginia!”Immediate reaction: A torrential gush of glee from the Raider Nation.Black cloud: None. No, really.Silver Lining: A Chris Long addition would be, at first glance, one of the best in team history. This kid has got, to use the parlance of our times, “the skill set” to immediately become a starter, and a potential Pro Bowl starter at that. Plus, who’s Oakland got bookending Derrick Burgess for 2008? Tommy Kelly? Huh. By the way, why in Madden’s name did Davis give Tommy Kelly a seven-year, $50.5 million contract, with $18.125 guaranteed ...?Alternative No. 5: “The have traded the 4 Brett Favre White jersey
fourth selection ...”Immediate reaction: Whoa. (Should said trade involve Pacman Jones and the Tennessee Titans, this becomes “Dude. Whoa.”)Black cloud: Depends on the deal, but couldn’t the Raiders use one youthful player after an offseason of uploading free agents?Silver lining: At least those guys’ll have something to write about until August, eh?Happy draft weekend, Raider Nation!Peering through the cracks in the spacetime continuum throughout the year at . (23)
Kerry Collins
For their entire illustrious history, the have been recognized as a team where players on the downswing of their career would come to resurrect themselves one final time-recently: Rich Gannon, Tyrone Wheatley, and Jerry Rice. For Vikings Brett Favre jersey
Kerry Collins, it was an awfully similar situation. Collins was coming off a 2003 season in which he threw for just 13 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and won only four games. New York certainly was not welcoming Collins to suit up for another season. But history held, and the Raiders took him in.It's now two seasons later, and Collins is in the same situation he found himself in following the 2003 season. He has played 19 games in the Silver and Black, threw 1078 passes, completed 591 of them, tossed 41 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions. His numbers as a Raider are certainly not terrible-but his record is. Collins is 9-23 since taking over for Rich Gannon, and much of the Bay Area has had enough of Collins. In reality though, they have had enough losing. If the want to win more games in 2006, keeping Kerry Collins for another season would provide them with the best opportunity to do so.With Norv Turner out of the picture, Collins will be given a fresh start to lead the team under a new system. Both Collins and Turner took leadership roles in the Oakland organization during the 2003 season. Since then, they have won just nine games. With one of the two possible failings out of the picture, Collins could likely provide Oakland with a 10+ win season that many frustrated fans have been searching for since the Raiders' were thrashed in the Super Bowl by former coach Jon Gruden.With backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo showing his inability to step up when needed, the Raiders only other option on the team is Andrew Walter. Walter has all of the tools to become a great NFL quarterback, but is young and inexperienced. If the Raiders want to win games, youth at quarterback-opposite youth on the defensive side of the ball-is not the correct combination. With the upcoming draft, Vince Young and Matt Leinart are two rookie quarterbacks that could be very successful in their first season in the NFL. However, both will likely be taken ahead of 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
Oakland by the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans.With the offseason commencing, most of Oakland will be screaming for a change at the quarterback position. But allowing Kerry Collins to lead the one last time may leave doubters dumbfounded. If the patience of Al Davis can exceed that of all of Oakland, it might just happen.Any comments on this article?
Kerry Collins, it was an awfully similar situation. Collins was coming off a 2003 season in which he threw for just 13 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and won only four games. New York certainly was not welcoming Collins to suit up for another season. But history held, and the Raiders took him in.It's now two seasons later, and Collins is in the same situation he found himself in following the 2003 season. He has played 19 games in the Silver and Black, threw 1078 passes, completed 591 of them, tossed 41 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions. His numbers as a Raider are certainly not terrible-but his record is. Collins is 9-23 since taking over for Rich Gannon, and much of the Bay Area has had enough of Collins. In reality though, they have had enough losing. If the want to win more games in 2006, keeping Kerry Collins for another season would provide them with the best opportunity to do so.With Norv Turner out of the picture, Collins will be given a fresh start to lead the team under a new system. Both Collins and Turner took leadership roles in the Oakland organization during the 2003 season. Since then, they have won just nine games. With one of the two possible failings out of the picture, Collins could likely provide Oakland with a 10+ win season that many frustrated fans have been searching for since the Raiders' were thrashed in the Super Bowl by former coach Jon Gruden.With backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo showing his inability to step up when needed, the Raiders only other option on the team is Andrew Walter. Walter has all of the tools to become a great NFL quarterback, but is young and inexperienced. If the Raiders want to win games, youth at quarterback-opposite youth on the defensive side of the ball-is not the correct combination. With the upcoming draft, Vince Young and Matt Leinart are two rookie quarterbacks that could be very successful in their first season in the NFL. However, both will likely be taken ahead of 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
Oakland by the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans.With the offseason commencing, most of Oakland will be screaming for a change at the quarterback position. But allowing Kerry Collins to lead the one last time may leave doubters dumbfounded. If the patience of Al Davis can exceed that of all of Oakland, it might just happen.Any comments on this article?
Rob Ryan
With the conducting interviews to fill their head coaching vacancy and current defensive coordinator Rob Ryan unsure about his future with the organization, rumor has it that he will join the New York Jets' staff under new head man Eric Mangini.Ryan and Mangini know each other very well, as they coached on Vikings Brett Favre jersey
the same staff during four years in New England. Ryan was the Patriots linebackers coach before being brought in by recently-ousted coach Norv Turner two seasons ago. Mangini was the Patriots defensive backs' coach for five seasons, before replacing Romeo Crennel as defensive coordinator when Crennel accepted the Cleveland Browns head coaching job last year. Ryan's contract with the Raiders is due to expire next month, and with the coaching situation currently unsettled, he has been given no assurance by owner Al Davis that he'll be in the fold for the 2006 edition of the team. By rule the team's assistant coaches aren't allowed to speak with the media, so Ryan has obviously been silent about his current situation.The 42-year old Ryan is a 19-year coaching veteran. He 4 Brett Favre White jersey
got his first NFL gig in 1994 when his father - Buddy Ryan - named him defensive backs' coach of the Arizona Cardinals when he was the head coach there. In 1995, the Cardinals' 32 interceptions and 42 total takeaways led the league. His twin brother, Rex, is currently the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
the same staff during four years in New England. Ryan was the Patriots linebackers coach before being brought in by recently-ousted coach Norv Turner two seasons ago. Mangini was the Patriots defensive backs' coach for five seasons, before replacing Romeo Crennel as defensive coordinator when Crennel accepted the Cleveland Browns head coaching job last year. Ryan's contract with the Raiders is due to expire next month, and with the coaching situation currently unsettled, he has been given no assurance by owner Al Davis that he'll be in the fold for the 2006 edition of the team. By rule the team's assistant coaches aren't allowed to speak with the media, so Ryan has obviously been silent about his current situation.The 42-year old Ryan is a 19-year coaching veteran. He 4 Brett Favre White jersey
got his first NFL gig in 1994 when his father - Buddy Ryan - named him defensive backs' coach of the Arizona Cardinals when he was the head coach there. In 1995, the Cardinals' 32 interceptions and 42 total takeaways led the league. His twin brother, Rex, is currently the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
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