by Joe Tailgate on March 1, 2010
in NFL News
Linebacker Shawne Merriman is displeased with his tender offer from the Chargers, according to his personal twitter page. He said, “Speechless today. Business is business but some things just are not right.” Merriman is not eligible to hit free agency, and a team would have to give up a first and third-round draft pick to acquire him away from the Chargers.
Marc Buger’s agent waiting on decision from Rams
There are talks occurring between the Rams and quarterback Marc Bulger’s agents to decide his fate sooner rather than later but there is no urgency to make a move prior to March 5th because there are no salary-cap implications to having Bulger on or off the roster. Because no trade can be consummated until March 5th, the Rams would only release him prior to that date if they have exhausted all potential efforts to deal him.
[click to continue…]
by Joe Tailgate on July 10, 2009
in NFL News
Giants running back Brandon Jacobs took some shots at Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo on Thursday in a radio interview on ESPN 1050 in New York. “I don’t think he’s that good a passer, to be honest with you,” Jacobs said. “I’m not a fan of Tony Romo, no. Keep him in the pocket, he’s not that good. His luck will be gone sooner or later. If you were to keep Tony Romo in the pocket he’s not that effective.”
Giants RB Danny Ware has been getting some good feedback after OTAs and minicamp. “A couple of coaches told me I had an outstanding mini-camp, they said I was killin’ it, but not everybody will say something to you. They don’t wanna blow your head up, they want to keep me humble and working hard.” Ware also talks about staying in NJ to train at the team’s facility so he can study tape and get some pointers from the coaching staff through the training staff.
The Jets front office has to be thrilled with the maturation of the second-year surprise and fifth rated prospect in the organization, cornerback Dwight Lowery. That fall in the draft was the Jets’ gain as they received a gifted playmaker that’s expected to compete with former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard for the starting job opposite Revis this season. As a rookie, Lowery played in all 16 games, starting 10 and played outstanding defense finishing with 64 tackles and an interception.
Despite skipping the final day of organized team activities, Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has made good on his promise to work with his receivers for an extra week outside of team practices. Russell reportedly paid to fly the receivers to Alabama to work with him for this week. Russell has come under fire from everyone for his lack of work ethic, but he is showing a certain sense of maturity here and while the quarterback job is still his to lose, and acts like this can do nothing but help him out.
The Raiders coaching staff is very high on quarterback Jeff Garcia and running back Michael Bush — two players penciled in as backups but who might find their way onto the field. It’s something for the starters to think about because competition is an aspect the Raiders need every day in practice.
The clock is ticking for the Arizona Cardinals, who face a July 15 deadline in contract negotiations with linebacker Karlos Dansby. If Cardinals brass can’t come to an accord with Dansby and his handlers by that date, Dansby will play under a one-year contract — in what likely will be his final season with the team. Dansby carries the team’s franchise tag for the second consecutive year and without a new deal, he would likely become a free agent next summer because the team couldn’t afford to franchise him again.
Just win at least 4 games, baby! That is going to be about it for the Oakland Raiders in 2009. Tom Cable is a good coach. Unfortunately the team built for him is brutal. Darrius Heyward-Bey at 7? Nothing against Bey, and I’m sure he will turn out fine, but Michael Crabtree should have been taken. Either way it will not be easy getting whoever they took the ball anyway. JaMarcus Russell is not as good a QB as Al Davis seems to think he is. New QB Jeff Garcia should start if the Raiders want any chance to be competitive. The offensive line is decent at best, and that may be a reach statement.
It’s a shame that line is a bad as it is, because the lone bright spot on offense is the trio of RBs the Raiders have. Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, and Darren McFadden are all good backs.
Oakland has a good secondary headed by Nnamdi Asomugha. NA is one of the best CBs in the NFL. Chris Johnson played well after DeAngelo Hall was cut during the season. Let’s see what Derrick Burgess comes up with this year being that he is in a contract year.
Offense
Picking up T Khalif Barnes through free agency will be an upgrade from Kwame Harris. But the rest of the line is a huge problem. But Robert Gallery sucks. So it’s going to be tough for Fargas, McFadden, and Bush to find many holes to run through. This of course will force the Raiders to pass the ball. Which isn’t good because the Raiders have no WRs. Sure they drafted the kid at 7, he is crazy fast, but has a problem holding on to the rock. Johnnie Lee-Higgins may have potential but still is too much of an unknown. The most consistent receiving option will be TE Zach Miller. Miller is a damn good TE, and which ever QB is playing, he needs to know where he is at all times.
Defense
Oakland’s defense ranked 31st in the league against the run in 2008. They made little or no effort to correct this as all 3 players in the middle of the line are returning. Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, and Terdell Sands are all back. These guys gave up over 150 yards a game on the ground last year. And Derrick Burgess’ play has been less than stellar as of late. They do have a solid LB corps with Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard roaming the middle, but the guys up front are providing no support. We know about the starting CBs, but the safeties are a bit unknown. Tyvon Branch missed most of the year with injuries, and the Raiders surprise everyone yet again by taking S Mike Mitchell in the second round of the draft. Justin Miller is a good KR but on defense, not so good.
What does this all mean
Another long season for Raider Nation. Sorry Raiders fans, the offense is in flux, and with a tough 6 game opening stretch, they may dig themselves into a ditch they can’t climb out of. Opening with 3 straight division games, hosting San Diego on Monday Night Football, at Kansas City, and back home for Denver, the run defense will be tested early. Then they head out on a two game road trip starting in Houston (Steve Slaton), finishing with a game against the Giants (Brandon Jacobs). The six game stretch ends finally in week 6 with Oakland hosting Brian Westbrook and the Eagles. That will not be easy.
Thanks for stopping by, come back tomorrow for team # 30…
# 32 (Rams) <<<Back To Power Rankings>>> # 30
