Posts Tagged ‘oakland raiders’

NFL Trade Possibilities: Who Needs To Go

There is a lot of speculation surrounding several bottom-of-the-barrel teams, and for good reason.

The Buffalo Bills are reportedly at least discussing trading Terrell Owens, their one-year free agent splash, while the Browns have had to fight-off rumors about parting ways with former franchise quarterback Brady Quinn, and star return man, Josh Cribbs.

There are nine teams that currently only have one win in 2009, or are still searching for their win. Read more…

Fantasy Football: Rookie Watch

Looking for the next big gem but not into digging for it yourself? That’s all gravy.

Take a look at the 10 safest rookie bets after two weeks (by position), along with some analysis toward their future, as well as a good look at their present.

And no, Matthew Stafford doesn’t make the list. Why? Because all he’s good for is interceptions; that’s why.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Last Week: 14-22, 167 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT

Sanchez has looked like a seasoned veteran in his first two games, throwing for three touchdowns, 435 yards, and only one interception.

However, the drop from 31 attempts and 272 yards in Week One to 22 attempts and only 167 yards in Week Two is exactly the kind of inconsistency you need to prepare for when dealing with a rookie.

Regardless, Sanchez is doing his best Matt Ryan impression and is easily the better play between him and Matthew Stafford going forward.

Read more…

2009 Oakland Raiders: Five Things to Watch For

 

If they can run the ball the way they’re built to, the Raiders could have an outside chance at competing for the division.

If they do, jaws may drop. But if they don’t, and the past repeats itself, jaws could be struck.

Take a look at five things that will have to be decided in order for that to happen.

He showed glimpses of his past potential in his first season with Denver, but was slowed by nagging knee issues in his second year.

After signing a huge contract with the Raiders, Walker has yet to put forth any type of production worthy of even being called mediocre.

Still, Walker is as healthy as he’s been in years, and still has a shot at one of the starting positions.

He will be in heated competition with rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey and veteran Chaz Schilens, as well as return specialist, Johnnie Lee Higgins.

If Walker is fully healthy, the rest rides on the arm of JaMarcus Russell.

Things didn’t work out between Al Davis and Lane Kiffin, and while Cable is almost certainly not Davis’ first choice to run his team, at least Cable takes direction and does as he’s told.

However, to be successful and get Oakland back to a competitive level, Cable will have to go against the grain and surprise some people with some truly exceptional coaching.

While that is still a possibility, something tells me Davis is simply biding his time until he finds the right guy to coach his team past 2010.

Write it down. Cable’s days are numbered.

Yeah, it goes the other way, too.

After dropping from Super Bowl contenders back in the days of Rich Gannon, the Raiders have finally gotten to a point where the talent on the defensive side of the ball is good enough for playoff contention.

They’re young, fast, and physical, and praying for an offense.

The Raiders have grown into a running team that is ineffective in the passing game, leaving the defense to fend for itself with countless “three and outs” to kill momentum.

With another year under Tom Cable, and a potentially improved pass attack, this could be the year that the Raiders defense is able to wreak havoc with a decent supporting offense.

Then again, it is the Raiders.

His speed and acceleration were destined to take the league by storm.

But that didn’t happen.

No, McFadden and former college teammate Felix Jones were actually outdone by their former fullback at Arkansas, Peyton Hillis.

However, with McFadden getting most of the snaps and Hillis back at fullback in Denver, McFadden could finally be poised to break out.

That is, if Michael Bush doesn’t get in the way.

The early word has McFadden as the favorite to start, with Bush entering as the short yardage and goal-line runner.

This also means a complete demotion for last year’s starter, Justin Fargas.

After starting his first offseason with nagging injuries and a case of the dropsies, Heyward-Bey has reportedly come around a bit, and had a practice recently where he caught “everything in sight”.

While there are certainly growing pains to be expected, Heyward-Bey still has the talent and athleticism to succeed, and he’ll have every opportunity to do just that.

Michael Vick: Five Potential Suitors

With his partial reinstatement back in the NFL, Michael Vick suddenly has a lot to think about. Or worry about, depending on your outlook on his financial situation, as well as his professional football career.

Regardless, some team out there in the NFL will be interested enough to take him on. After all, despite some bad PR for taking on such a risk, there is always the good PR for being the team that “rescued” Vick, and gave him another chance.

While conventional picks for a Vick signing, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, and Oakland all being ruled out (thanks to NFL Insider, Adam Schefter) Vick’s landing spot just got a little more difficult to predict.

Vick is currently under a special reinstatement that will allow him to participate in all team activities, including the entire training camp, as well as the final two pre-season games. His current suspension until week six is reportedly not a “done deal”, and could erode into no suspension at all.

Depending on Vick’s behavior, he could be able to play in week one.

However, that doesn’t do fans much good, considering teams aren’t exactly lining up to pay for his services.

Still, he’s still too talented to not have a place in this league, and as long as a team believes he’s truly remorseful and a changed person, he will definitely be suiting up for someone in 2009, and very possibly as the starter.

Here’s a look at five teams that could pull the trigger:

Miami Dolphins

Current Starter: Chad Pennington

True, the Dolphins have a capable starter in Pennington, and have two young signal callers, Chad Henne and Pat White, who they would probably prefer to have on the roster, rather than the controversial Vick.

However, if Vick’s speed and explosiveness haven’t left him, he would potentially be a perfect fit for their Wildcat offense.

Again, White was drafted both for that, as well as a possible quarterback that could out-perform Henne.

But if Vick was just signed to a one-year deal, the Dolphins could mold the rest of their offense around him, and give it a go.

The worst case scenario would be that the team upsets the 33-year old Pennington. And considering they’ve already stated that Henne is their guy for 2010, they won’t be too worried about that.

Verdict: If it’s all about the Wildcat in Miami, then why not? Very possible.

St. Louis Rams

Current Starter: Marc Bulger

The Rams are moving in different directions on both sides of the ball. They are trying to be more defensive-minded, while changing their air attack offense into a more time-controlled ground attack.

With Steven Jackson, that’s entirely possible. With Marc Bulger? Not so much.

The Rams could really use an extra explosive weapon on offense, as well as an athletic and elusive passer that can help their line grow as a unit, rather than take sack after sack.

Bulger has been ineffective for two straight years, is mobile as a rock, and is older than Vick.

The Rams play indoors and with their current rebuilding project, would be a fine place for Vick to start over.

Verdict: If you can upgrade over Bulger, you should. Unless the Rams hate him, it’s a perfect fit.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Current Starter: David Garrard

Garrard regressed last season, but also showed improved passing skills and the ability to take over games with both his arm and legs.

However, he’s not the explosive player that Vick is. He may have better accuracy and is currently a better fit for the offense, but Vick’s potential in an offense that already doesn’t really rely on it’s air attack is quite interesting.

With a player like Vick, a patchwork offensive line turns into “not such a big deal”, while opening things up for newly acquired Torry Holt, Maurice Jones-Drew, and possibly turning the inconsistent Marcedes Lewis into a more reliable target.

The Jaguars are said to be remotely interested in his availability, and if his suspension is lifted, Jack Del Rio just might try this one last dash to save his job.

Verdict: Vick is about as good as Garrard as a passer, but blows him away in athleticism. Slightly possible.

Dallas Cowboys

Current Starter: Tony Romo

There’s no way Dallas would bring in Vick to take over for Romo, but if they’re truly adamant about implementing the Wildcat offense, signing Vick to a one-year deal wouldn’t be a bad decision.

After all, Jerry Jones has already shown he likes to take chances with both Terrell Owens and Adam “Pacman” Jones.

The real question isn’f if Dallas wants Vick or if he’ll fit in. We know Jones and co. loves talent.

The question is, has Jones learned his lesson?

Verdict: Jones will probably continues to take silly chances, but this is still unlikely. Vick wants a starting gig at all costs.

Minnesota Vikings

Current Starter: Undecided

If Brett Favre does indeed come back, this drops from unlikely to completely unrealistic.

However, if the Vikings are even slightly worried about Favre making it through a full 16 -game season, adding Vick as a situational passer wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

After all, if Favre does indeed sign, Tarvaris Jackson has reportedly said he’d want to be traded, which would leave the door open for another athletic quarterback to run special packages-if that’s something Minnesota would be interested in.

My gut tells me Favre signs, Jackson leaves, and Sage Rosenfels does what he does best: holds a clipboard and refrains from helicopter dives.

Verdict: Vick’s best shot at starting in the NFL is in St. Louis, with Miami taking the immediate backseat. Favre is likely to sign, making this move almost impossible.

Overall, there could still be random interest in Vick across the league, depending on injuries in pre-season, as well as poor play.

For example, if the Jets suddenly weren’y happy with Kellen Clemens or Mark Sanchez, it’s not too crazy to imagine them bringing Vick in.

I’m still not sold on Washington, Oakland, Seattle, and San Francisco all having no desire to even bring Vick in for a tryout.

Monitor these five situations, however, as they currently appear to be the most logical.

2009 Fantasy Football: Third-Year Receivers

(Calvin Johnson has already arrived.)

Everyone knows the old cliche’ about wide receivers. They don’t always make an immediate impact as rookies, and despite having natural talent, usually take a while to carve a niche with their team.

About three years, to be exact.

Not everyone can be Randy Moss and bust out 17 touchdowns in their first try, or like last year’s Eddie Royal, and haul in 91 receptions.

No, sometimes fantasy owners and NFL teams are forced to go the traditional route and wait.

Here’s a look at the wide receivers from the 2007 NFL Draft, who are entering their third season, with analysis on their progress and role with their team.

(This article will only analyze those receivers taken in the 2007 draft.)

1. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)

Johnson is arguably a top-three fantasy receiver, depending on who you’re talking to.

Despite not having a dependable quarterback, or any sort of supporting cast, Johnson racked up over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008.

The new regime is reportedly enamored with Johnson (how couldn’t they be?), as he’s poised to match last year’s numbers, and possibly add to them.

Prediction: 85 rec., 1,479 yards, 13 TD

2. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs)

Bowe has already made a quiet name for himself, as he was the second-best weapon (behind Tony Gonzalez) on Kansas City’s offense in 2008.

With Matt Cassel coming to town, Bowe should easily crack 1,000 yards again with a pass-happy system and an upgrade at the signal caller position.

Bowe has already showed glimpses of his potential with 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons. This should be his break-out year.

Prediction: 87 rec, 1,244 yards, nine TD

3. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts)

Gonzalez has been showing for the past two years that his speed and hands are more than able to make up for the loss of future Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison.

His chemistry with Peyton Manning improves with every day of practice, and there’s no doubt Gonzelez can improve (and will) on his 2008 numbers of 57 catches, 664 yards, and four scores.

Prediction: 81 rec, 1,209 yards, eight TD

4. Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins)

Ginn has progressed slower than many had hoped, but he has still shown flashes of electric play-making ability, and has starred as a solid return man, too.

His role has been increasing in the offense over his two years with the team, and to avoid the Wildcat offense from getting predictable, his production will have to increase.

Prediction: 74 rec, 1,088 yards, seven TD

5. Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)

Breaston has been quite impressive already, as he topped 1,000 yards as the Cardinals reliable third option.

Apparently it’s not very difficult to get open when you have Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin taking all the attention from the secondary. Go figure.

Breaston has already “broken out” more than he or anyone else could have hoped, considering he was the third option last year, and will continue to be in 2009.

His numbers are likely to dip a bit, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t already “arrived.”

Prediction: 72 rec, 955 yards, five TD

6. Steve Smith (New York Giants)

With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer out of town, Steve Smith is likely to pair up with Domenik Hixon (at least in the early going), and will have a legitimate chance at locking down a starting role.

Smith has good hands and is a solid route runner, and also possesses underrated speed and quickness. If he and Manning can continue the chemistry that landed him 57 catches and over 500 yards.

Prediction: 79 rec, 855 yards, three TD

7. Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings)

Rice battled injuries last year, taking him down a peg after putting forth solid effort in his rookie year.

With the potential (and likely) addition of Brett Favre, Rice could easily develop into a solid red-zone target, and could also be a decent down-field threat, as his speed has gotten better every year.

Prediction: 58 rec, 744 yards, six TD

8. James Jones (Green Bay Packers)

Jones and fellow slot receiver candidate, Jordy Nelson, both arguably have the talent right now to unseat Donald Driver.

Unfortunately, they will have to settle (at least for 2009) for fighting over third receiver duties.

While Nelson appears to have the upper hand with better size, speed, and hands, Jones may have more ability after the catch, making him a better fit for the slot.

Regardless, Green Bay’s system leaves the door open for tons of yards and scores to go around, especially as Aaron Rodgers matures.

Prediction: 46 rec, 690 yards, five TD

9. Johnnie Lee Higgins (Oakland Raiders)

Higgins is in line for contending for a starting role, and may end up with one of the starting gigs, almost by default.

Seventh overall selection, Darrius Heyward-Bey, has been slowed for the past month with injuries, and Javon Walker hasn’t been able to put forth 100 percent of his effort in over a year.

Higgins was a highlight reel waiting to happen on returns (three scores), and it’s clear Oakland coaches will do what is necessary to get the ball in his hands.

Prediction: 45 rec, 722 yards, four TD

10. Mike Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Dennis Northcutt and Matt Jones are gone, which leaves the door open for Walker to step in and snag the spot opposite of Torry Holt.

Walker has the skills needed to make the jump, and in limited action, has impressed.

Prediction: 44 rec, 596 yards, three TD

11. Laurent Robinson (St. Louis Rams)

Robinson was a bit of a disappointment in Atlanta, which prompted the Falcons to send him packing to St. Louis.

Now Robinson is a better environment to utilize his skills, but will also have some young talent around him, making his production difficult to gauge.

Prediction: 42 rec, 539 yards, four TD

12. Jason Hill (San Francisco 49ers)

Until further notice, Michael Crabtree and Isaac Bruce are not starters, while Josh Morgan and Jason Hill are.

Hill has good after-the-catch ability, and could snag a spot in the slot, regardless of the play of Crabtree.

Prediction: 39 rec, 477 yards, three TD

13. Chansi Stuckey (New York Jets)

Stuckey burst onto the scene early last year with some nice catches and decent performances, as he and Brett Favre formed some solid chemistry.

However, that eroded mid-way through the season, and we never saw that confident, rising receiver again.

It’s unlikely he’ll reach his potential with Kellen Clemens or a first-year Mark Sanchez throwing him the ball, but he’s a better bet than, say, a Titans receiver.

Prediction: 41 rec, 505 yards, four TD

14. Robert Meachem (New Orleans Saints)

Meachem only makes this list because Drew Brees spreads the ball around more than Fabio spreads I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, and that Saints offense is insanely sick.

He can still run with the best of them, and even as their fourth option, could still put up some decent numbers.

Prediction: 33 rec, 421 yards, three TD

15. Dwayne Jarrett (Carolina Panthers)

Muhsin Muhammad won’t be around forever to rescue Steve Smith from double teams. Come to think of it, I’m not sure he was that great at it last year.

Jarrett isn’t guaranteed slot duties, and is still in a run-first offense. But if he can show he can get it done in pre-season, he could prove to be a dangerous weapon with Steve Smith distracting the secondary.

Like many receivers, though, he’ll have to start slow.

Prediction: 22 rec, 311 yards, four TD

Early 2009 Fantasy Football Preview: AFC Quarterbacks

Knee injury or not, Brady is still the man.

It’s the first day of June, which means all of those premature NFL power rankings and fantasy football rankings are no longer, well, quite as premature.

While everyone (including myself) is discussing LeBron James and his handshake phobia, the Magic and the Lakers, or Bruno’s fall into Eminem’s lap, I’ve decided to take that free fall dive into the loving arms of fantasy football.

And yes, the fantasy realm loves me back.

However, let’s pace ourselves. After all, it is in fact the first month of summer (first day, no less), and we don’t want to generate pre-football heart attacks.

I mean, Brett Favre hasn’t even made up his mind yet, so why should the rest of us be getting antsy?

Regardless, here is a team-by-team look at all 32 starting quarterbacks, their weapons, offenses, and how they may destroy or enhance your team.

Still worried about Favre’s final decision, camp battles, or injuries? I’ll do my best to fill you in, allowing you an early look at which quarterbacks may be the best bets, which could be potential sleepers, and which ones you should stay away from.

Tom Brady—New England Patriots

Matt Cassel is in Kansas City, and Brady is back in camp, meaning two things.

You have nothing to worry about, and you have nothing to worry about.

Brady has looked sharp in limited practice, and still has the same awesome weapons he had in 2007 during his 50-touchdown season. This list isn’t a ranking, but if it were, I’d have Brady at the top.

Verdict: If you can get him in the second round, you’re already winning.

Proj: 4,090 yards, 35 TD, 13 INT

Mark Sanchez—New York Jets

Don’t buy the Kellen Clemens hype (not that there actually is any).

For better or worse, Sanchez will begin the new Joe Namath era.

It won’t be as sexy or productive as either of Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco’s seasons last year, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jets reached the playoffs.

Verdict: Not yet an option for FF

Proj: 2,400 yards, 16 TD, 17 INT

Trent Edwards—Buffalo Bills

I like the addition of Owens, but not the loss of Marshawn Lynch to start the season.

Edwards isn’t as bad as people think, and now he has a sound offense around him. He’s a borderline top-15 quarterback, and depending on how he looks in pre-season, could crack that barrier quite easily.

Verdict: Sleeper

Proj: 3,555 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT

Chad Pennington—Miami Dolphins

This is probably Pennington’s last hurrah with Miami, and something tells me the exciting juice that this offense had last season has all but dried up.

Pennington still doesn’t have enticing options, and he’s got two quarterbacks breathing down his neck.

He’ll be serviceable to start the season, but you won’t claim your league’s championship if he’s your starter.

Verdict: He’s a stop-gap

Proj: 3,100 yards, 17 TD, 14 INT

Ben Roethlisberger—Pittsburgh Steelers

If he endures a Super Bowl hang-over, we could see some bad numbers.

Because, as we’ve learned, the less Big Ben throws, the better he is.

He’s still a fantasy quarterback with solid weapons around him, so don’t be afraid to snatch him up.

Verdict: Serviceable

Proj: 3,470 yards, 23 TD, 18 INT

Brady Quinn—Cleveland Browns

Personally, I think Derek Anderson has the better arm and size, but Braylon Edwards favors Quinn, and the organization is more likely to run with the young, more familiar face.

Quinn is actually a good, young quarterback, and I’m not sure why Eric Mangini isn’t higher on him.

Regardless, aside from Braylon “Mr. Drop” Edwards, Quinn has no weapons.

Verdict: Things could get ugly

Proj: 2,899 yards, 20 TD, 20 INT

Carson Palmer—Cincinnati Bengals

He was awful last season, going 0-4 before bowing out with an arm injury.

However, his weapons are still potentially elite, and if he can return to form, could easily put up numbers that will have you kicking yourself for passing him up in the fourth round.

Verdict: Possibly ends the season as a top-5 passer

Proj: 3,884 yards, 27 TD, 17 INT

Joe Flacco—Baltimore Ravens

Flacco proved to be a capable game-manager, and has reportedly looked good over the offseason.

However, the Ravens are likely to base their offense around the run, and Flacco doesn’t have superstar options surrounding him.

Verdict: See Chad Pennington

Proj: 3,335 yards, 18 TD, 16 INT

Vince Young—Tennessee Titans

Call me crazy, but I don’t see Kerry Collins finishing the first half of the season as the starter.

He’s up there in age, which makes a regression or an injury extremely likely, and if things aren’t going well, he’ll be benched rather quickly.

Young may not have a cloudless head on his shoulders, but he still can make things happen with his feet.

Verdict: Young might surprise some people

Proj: 2,467 yards, 15 TD, 13 INT, 430 r yards, 4 TD

Peyton Manning—Indianapolis Colts

Manning loses Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy, and two other important assistant coaches.

That doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly lose his touch, but there’s only so much Anthony Gonzales and Austin Collie can make up for.

Verdict: Draft him below Tom Brady, for sure this time

Proj: 4,300 yards, 33 TD, 19 INT

David Garrard—Jacksonville Jaguars

He lost Matt Jones, but gained Torry Holt.

Something tells me Garrard won’t really notice.

Jacksonville’s offense is all about grinding it out, but they were forced to put the ball in the air more last year because of an atrocious offensive line.

Verdict: A better line means Garrard is good again

Proj: 3,090 yards, 20 TD, 12 INT, 260 r yards, 3 TD

Matt Schaub—Houston Texans

Schaub has too many weapons to fail. The only problem is, he needs to stay on the field.

If he can play even 13 games, he’ll put up huge numbers, while leaving everyone guessing, yet again, what he’d do if he played a full season.

Still, with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Steve Slaton, and Owen Daniels, the future looks good for Schaub.

Verdict: He can lead your team to a title

Proj: 3,800 yards, 25 TD, 16 INT

Philip Rivers—San Diego Chargers

If Rivers’ defense can back him up, unlike in 2008, he could easily approach last year’s numbers, and possibly even surpass them.

With a healthy Antonio Gates and LT, Rivers is more confident than ever.

Verdict: Draft him like he’s Tom Brady

Proj: 4,270 yards, 30 TD, 16 INT

Jeff Garcia—Oakland Raiders

I just don’t see the JaMarcus Russell experiment lasting more than three or four losses in 2009, and wouldn’t be shocked to see him benched in the pre-season.

As long as Garcia wins a few games, Al Davis will let him start. After all, he brought him in for a reason.

Verdict: Nobody in Oakland is worth your while

Proj: 2,300 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT

Matt Cassel—Kansas City Chiefs

Cassel is in a new place with a huge drop-off as far as offensive weapons. He still has good experience from last season, combined with his solid arm and good athleticism.

However, we’ll all be left wondering what could have been, had Tony Gonzalez not been traded to Atlanta.

Verdict: Stay away in year one

Proj: 3,700 yards, 22 TD, 23 INT

Kyle Orton—Denver Broncos

Orton was putting together a solid season in Chicago before hurting his ankle. Once he came back, he played admirably through injury, and didn’t have the best options out there.

In Denver, he’ll have a friendlier offensive line and system, as well as excellent receiving options.

Verdict: Orton could make the leap to elite

Proj: 3,600 yards, 24 TD, 16 INT

The NFC Edition will be made available, depending on the reads/comments for this article. Thanks for reading, and for those basketball enthusiasts, check out my NBA blog: www.robertsroundballreport.com