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By now most people have heard that Darrelle Revis is holding out from the New York Jets training camp in protest of this year’s upcoming contract.
While Revis and the Jets brass remain far apart on an agreement for an extension most Jets fans are hopeful it will get done before the season starts. However, if it does, I believe New York will be making a mistake that could rival that of the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins.
Six years with $31.5 million guaranteed and a chance to increase the amount to $68 million with incentives. Six years with $16 million guaranteed and a chance to increase the amount to $55 million with incentives. Seven years with $24.5 million guaranteed and a chance to increase the amount to $70 million with incentives.
These contracts belong to former Oakland Raiders Jamarcus Russell, Javon Walker, and DeAngelo Hall respectively. The Oakland Raiders overpay for players that have done nothing to deserve the compensation. Nnamdi Asomugha’s contract has been the focus of Darrelle Revis’ contract demands. Revis has stated that he feels as if he should be paid as the top corner in the league. That title currently resides in Oakland with Asomugha.
Asomugha signed a three-year deal worth $45.3 million with $28.5 million guaranteed, and provisions that will make the entire contract guaranteed if Nnamdi is kept for all three seasons by Oakland. Asomugha’s contract was certainly historic and so was the season he had after signing that contract, but for all the wrong reasons.
Asomugha recorded the lowest number of tackles in his career and the fewest amount of passes defended since his second year in the league. The counter argument is he was not targeted enough to create the kind of statistics indicative of his contract, and while that is a fair argument there is a reason that the second highest-paid corner is only receiving $9.5 million. Corners are their own worst enemies because the better they are the fewer targets they will have, and ultimately the more and more their production will diminish.
The New York Jets have a decision to make regarding their all-pro cornerback Darrelle Revis. In my opinion, paying Revis anything over $12 million a year would be a catastrophic mistake that would leave the Jets in ruins. Rex Ryan is one of the, if not the best defensive mind in all of pro football.
The Jets have just given Ryan an extension and now it is up to him to fill this void. The 2000 Baltimore Ravens are considered to be of the best defenses of all times. They did not have a shutdown corner; they had a collection of good to great players and the best defensive mind in the NFL. Rather than paying Revis all that money, the New York Jets should let their head coach do his job and have faith in his ability.
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When Winston Churchill wrote, “there is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction,” it’s within reason that he was prophesying about the Oakland Raiders making a trade for Jason Campbell and releasing Jamarcus Russell this summer.
The Jamarcus Russell Era in Oakland, like ancient Greek Tragedies, collapsed in a whirlwind of disenchantment. But like all tragedies, there is a silver lining and a resurrection, which came in the form of wise internal restructuring– the byproduct of trial and error. This off season, the Raiders more than any other AFC West organization, have taken the proverbial leap towards progression. Gone are the days when a sub-4.3 forty yard dash, alone, is the criteria for drafting a player in the top ten of the NFL Draft. The new look Raiders don a new quarterback in Jason Campbell, a new Offensive Coordinator in Hue Jackson, and a cabal of hungry talented rookies led by middle linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive tackle Lamarr Houston. The two new defensive additions are both experts in the art of stopping the run, which was the greatest defensive deficiency of the Raiders last season.
Away with an offensive leader, Russell, who displayed less discipline, less maturity, and exuded less motivation than a common three-toed sloth. In return, the Raider’s brought in an experienced, disciplined young gun, Jason Campbell, who was groomed by a father who coached high school football, and a guy who works with future Hall of Famer Brett Favre in the off-season. Campbell’s professional career thus far, despite playing for arguably the worst ran NFL franchise over the past decade, reads like the tale of the flower that emerged from beneath the concrete slab. Albeit, Campbell has not made a Pro Bowl or led his former team into the playoffs, he has consistently improved every year, despite the continual decline of the Redskin organization under the tutelage of Dan Snyder and the coaching carousel of Gibbs, Zorn, and now Shanahan.
Against the AFC West last year Campbell threw 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. If he stays true to those numbers, the Raiders’ passing woes are over; this brings up the most vital and most questioned position for the Raiders, the left offensive tackle spot manned by Mario Henderson last year. Henderson, nicknamed Super Mario for some bizarre reason, was arguably the worst pass-protecting starting left tackle in the NFL last year—and the nucleus of the injuries among Raiders quarterbacks last year. If the Raiders have a shot, which I believe they do, of dethroning the San Diego Chargers, it starts with the left tackle solidifying the line, to assure maximum protection for Campbell, and as a battering-ram for Bush and McFadden.
On offense, Jason Campbell proclaimed, “It’s not like it’s going to be a run team or just a passing team. We’re going to do a lot of different things. Our whole game is to keep defenses off balance. It’s kind of like we do, what we have to do to test defenses,” which I believe is a master plan for an emerging team that is in the defining phase of progression.
Against the Colts in last year’s Super Bowl, a less than great Saint’s defense capitalized off an effective yet predictable Colt’s offense and prevailed by using deceptive blitz packages. Deception is as vital in battle as modern weaponry and well trained troops. And Hue Jackson seems to be cooking up a stew of razzle and dazzle offense plays, but believe me—the base stock will comprise of a rock-gut, smash mouth running game—led by, Michael Bush. However, i t appears that Michael Bush and Darren McFadden will share the bulk of the carries, but there is one stat that stands out to me: when Bush carried the ball at least 10 times, he averages well over 5 yards a carry. That stat should mandate that Bush gets at least 15 carries a game, but I would be happy to see him get 20-plus carries with McFadden getting around 10.
The Offensive-line
If Robert Gallery stays healthy the Raiders running game should improve and be among the Top 15 in the league. (21st ranked last year)
Mario Henderson is without a doubt the biggest question mark on this unit. Lat season he led the league in one vital stat: he led the NFL in “Sacks Allowed” with 9.5, which scares most Raiders faithful.
The receivers:
Zach Miller is undoubtedly the Raiders ‘go to target ‘ in the passing game. And if Campbell is wise, which he is, he will use Miller in the same capacity as he utilized Chris Cooley in Washington, which will translate into the young tight end making his first Pro-bowl appearance in 2010. The health of receivers Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy are of great concern—as I believe they are the only two receivers who have proven that they are capable of being NFL starters. I shouldn’t go in depth on DHB because he only caught nine passes last year—as a starter. Frankly, he might prove to be a greater draft bust than Russell.I’m not wishing it, but the guy must step up this year. It’s true that DHB has great work ethics and he is a good guy, but so is the kid who mans my neighborhood paper route, but that’s not good enough in the NFL– you must produce.
Potential is the possibility to make great action, but “potential without extraordinary action” is a fragment or incomplete sentence, which describes DHB’s play last year- incomplete. I like the kid, but he needs to prove that he is worthy of starting.
On a brighter note, Jacoby Ford, the rookie from Clemson, has recently shown glimpses of potential in the early days of training camp and I fully expect him to electrify fans on special teams and screen plays on offense.
On the defensive side of the ball , the Raiders are stacked with Pro-bowl caliber defensive lineman Richard Seymour, newly acquired 2 time Pro-bowl tackle John Henderson, future all-pro linebacker Rolando McClain, and Lamarr “Mean Streak” Houston who combined—should clog the running lanes of opposing running backs and provide a significantly better pass rush, which should produce more turnovers. In the pass defense, Nnamdi “The Island” Asomugha will anchor a defensive backfield along with Chris Johnson, Stanford Routt, Tyvon Branch, and Michael Huff that should produce more interceptions this last year- especially with Nnamdi having an opportunity to move around and cause disruptions.
Analysis of the Raiders Division Foes:
The Denver Broncos
Josh McDaniel’s tenure in Denver has been marked by the departure of Denver’s two brightest offensive stars: Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. With no proven 1000 yard rusher or receiver Denver’s offense is in a rebuilding stage that has the Raider’s defense licking their chops in anticipation to dethrone the Broncos from the number two spot in the AFC West. Before our Game 1 against the Broncos, they will end a 4 game stretch against the Colts, Titans in Tennessee, the Raven, and Jets. They will be battered, confused, broken of spirit, and looking towards next season.
Raider’s Strategy against the Broncos :
On Defense: Stop the run and force Kyle Orton to beat you. Orton has made a career out of managing and mis-managing games, not winning them.
On offense: Run at them- right, left, and up the gut.
The Kansas City Chiefs
As for the Chiefs, their lone hope on offense is a running game that consists of newly acquired running back Thomas Jones and the emerging star Jamal Charles. But their Achilles’ heel is a foundation, their offensive line– that is shakier than a butterfly in a hurricane. And on defense, the Chiefs weakly defensive line is suspect against the run and garners a pass rush that is as ferocious as the cowardly lion. Conclusion, the Chiefs will remain at the bottom of the AFC West.
Raider’s Strategy against the Chiefs:
On Defense: Stop the run and force Cassell to win a game. Without the Patriot offensive line, Moss, and Welker, he’s an interception factory.
On offense: Simple, just don’t turn the ball over.
The San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are the Kings of the AFC West until they are dethroned, which most experts have predicted will not happen for at least a couple of years. I, however, predict the fall of the Chargers this year. All great empires collapse from within. Now, before people start ranting, the Chargers are not– and have never been a great empire or a dynasty, but history has proven time again, that internal dilemma is the fast track to destruction. Marcus McNeil, the centerpiece for the blind-side protection of Phillip Rivers, is upset and willing to holdout long term for a new contract. Pro-bowl wide out Vincent Jackson, in addition, is willing to holdout long term for a new contract. No team in the league can afford to lose two Pro-bowlers. And to expect to carry on effectively without them is a farce.
Even when, or if, the stars return, the wounds have festered into an infection and infections spread. Other players will question management, silently, in regards to their future. Conclusion: if the Raiders fill in the huge gap at left tackle, or if Marion Henderson emerges as a solid left tackle, which I’m not betting on, the Raiders have a chance of dethroning the Chargers this year. In my analysis, I examined the matchups last year, in Game 1, the Charger rallied in the 4th quarter to emerge with a 24-20 win. In week 8, San Diego squeaked by with an 8 point win at home in San Diego. With the improvement on both sides of the ball, the Raiders will fare better than last year and overcome their conference menace.
Raider’s Strategy against the Charger
On Defense: Stop the run. Against the pass, throw multiple blitz packages at River all day, and let Nnamdi roam and cause confusion, which will cause River’s to 2nd guess, which will give the pass-rusher time to wreck havoc.
On offense: A balanced attack is vital. It will keep the Raiders defense fresh, which they’ll need. There’s one way to beat a gunslinger and that’s by keeping him in the holster—keep Rivers off the field in the 4th quarter. Screen passes, quick slants, and dump passes to the running backs on first downs will keep the Raiders out of 3rd and long situations and it will keep the Denver defense honest.
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With training camp a month away, the Raiders roster is likely complete. The Raiders rarely bring in anybody other than camp bodies at this point in the off-season, except for Richard Seymour last year.
So who will be the symbolic leaders of the 2010 Oakland Raiders?
There are three team captains on every NFL team. These players are usually the best on the team. The Raiders definitely have deserving players on their 2010 squad. With that in mind, let’s look at some nominees for the three captain spots.
Nnamdi Asomugha: This nominee is a no-brainer and I am 99.9 percent sure he will be one of the three selected captains. I expect Asomugha to be given this honor. His tenure as a Raider and his hard work plus on-field work makes him a more than likely man for the job.
Richard Seymour: The next best man for the job. Teams usually use a captain from each group (offense, defense, special teams) so I doubt Seymour will get the honor. But his career production and veteran leadership plus his mindset as a champion makes him worthy.
Worth Mentioning (Defense): Nnamdi and Seymour are the top two on the defense in my opinion. Others worth mentioning would be John Henderson with his two Pro Bowls and pre-game slaps. Tommy Kelly has been in Oakland as long as Asomugha, making him possible. Also Tyvon Branch is worth mentioning with his breakout 2009 season including 124 tackles to lead NFL safeties.
Jason Campbell: Campbell is the projected starting QB. He has already improved the team with his on-time and on-target passes in OTAs and football IQ. He is seen as a leader being the QB and that gives him an edge among the offensive nominees.
Zach Miller: Miller immediately began contributing to the Raiders after being drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft. He has had increasing production every season and he is entering his fourth season. His talent and consistency make him hard to pass up on as a nominee for offensive captain.
Michael Bush: Although he hasn’t had the playing time as Zach Miller, he has had a very good impact as well. He has had several breakout games in his brief career with limited playing time. Now he is ready for an increase in production with the release of Justin Fargas. Bush is a power-speed guy who will lead Oakland’s rushing attack.
Worth Mentioning (Offense): Others to think about would be: Louis Murphy with his clutch performances last season and being the best WR on the team. Bruce Gradkowski (if he starts) also deserves mentioning after he saved the Raiders’ 2009 season with wins over the Steelers and Bengals. Darrius Heyward-Bey and Darren McFadden also should be mentioned because of their reported work ethic this offseason.
Sebastian Janikowski: Sea-Bass had a career year last season making his first 13 FGs while maintaining his freakish leg strength. He drove home a 57-yarder in Cleveland. He was robbed of a Pro Bowl trip by choke-artist Nate Kaeding. He is tough to pass up for captain.
Shane Lechler: The reason Sea-Bass isn’t a clinch. Lechler annually represents Oakland in the Pro Bowl. He also annually leads the NFL in punting yards. His stats may be inflated via Oakland’s offense lately, but he still has the strongest leg in among punters.
Worth Mentioning: I can’t forget about Isiah Ekejubah, aka “Eke”. Eke has been a great coverage man and open field tackler for Oakland, who made him the highest paid special teams cover man in the NFL. Also think about Brandon Myers who forced and recovered a fumble against the Bengals to set up Sea-Bass’s game winner. Also remember Pro-Bowl long-snapper Jon Condo, who always delivers a great snap.
If I was Tom Cable, my captains would be Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Sebastian Janikowski. Not easy decisions, but I have the most respect for these three men on Oakland’s roster.
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There are many pieces that go into the completion of a puzzle, especially a Super Bowl puzzle. If only one piece is missing, a puzzle can never be considered complete; and having a complete puzzle is the only way to the Super Bowl.
The Packers have finally completed their puzzle.
Tramon Williams finally signed his tender last week and is now with the team in minicamp. Although there was little doubt that Williams would eventually join the team, the waiting game is never fun.
Al Harris and Charles Woodson are no doubt two of the best corners in the league. But it’s no secret that grandfather time has them in his sights, and there is a need for an heir.
In steps Tramon Williams.
When Harris went down with a horrible knee injury in week 11, Williams stepped in and showed he is ready to be the future. Though this was not his first chance, it was his most productive.
In limited playing time, Williams led the secondary in passes defensed with nine, second on the team only to Johnny Jolly. He was also able to amass four interceptions in his short tenure in 2009.
Quarterbacks also had some trouble with the youngster, cumulatively posting only a 76.5 QB rating against him. While not eye-poppingly amazing, it was better than the likes of Asante Samuel, Antoine Winfield, and even Nnamdi Asomugha. Admirable to say the least.
But his biggest strength was keeping his man in front of him and not allowing the deep pass. The longest pass completed on Williams was only 35 yards (best on the team).
But outside of Williams, the Packers have little proven talent at the cornerback position, thus proving his irreplaceable worth to the Packers.
Williams could be the starting corner on most NFL teams right now, and he is the Packers nickel corner. That speaks volumes for the big three.
The biggest question mark on the Packers 2010 team is their secondary depth. Tramon Williams makes that question mark much smaller.
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Nnamdi Asomugha is finally getting what he deserves. While Derelle Revis is faking injuries to get more money, Asomugha looks forward to it.
Is it the $15 million plus he’s scheduled to make this season I’m talking about?
No!
Asomugha does deserve to be the highest paid coner in the game. However, it’s the pieces that Raiders have put around him that he deserves the most.
The Raiders addressed their need for a better offensive line in the draft. Third rounder Jared Veldheer and fourth rounder Bruce Campell will at least provide much-needed depth right away.
The biggest move for the offense is the trade for Jason Campbell. Campbell is a big armed quarterback with accuracy. He also cares. The Campbell trade would ultimately lead to the release of JaMarcus Russell.
This means the Raiders offense should be able to move the chains and let the defense get a rest. Asomugha could use the rest as he plays man coverage almost every snap.
After four years of being the league’s best corner, Asomugha should also get help from his own defensive unit. In both personnel and scheme, help seems to have arrived.
In the first round of the draft, the Raiders brought in Butkus Award-winning middle linebacker Rolando McClian to help the stop the run. The Raiders then followed suit in the second round with the pick of DE\DT Lamarr Houston.
The Raiders put the finishing touches on their run defense with the recent acquisition of defensive tackle John Henderson. These moves should mean that opposing offenses will have to pass more.
Chris Johnson is solid at corner on the other side of Asomugha. Michael Huff seems to have broken through as a free safety, with three picks last year.
The Raiders are already high on defensive end Matt Shaughnessy and DE/OLB Trevor Scott. The two combined for 11 sacks in limited duty.
However, Al Davis seems to have given defensive coordinator John Marshall some leeway to run his 4-3 hybrid scheme. He used it to help Seattle reach the Super Bowl.
He also showed that it still works in a game last season against the Philadelphia Eagles. Then-Eagle quarterback Donovan McNabb was harassed and sacked six times.
The Raiders kept the second-highest scoring team in the league out of the endzone. The result was a 13-9 win for the Raiders.
Al must be a believer in his defense now. Why else would he go out and get Marshall? The DE/OLB hybrids to make this system work.
Pass rushing outside linebacker Kameron Wimbley was acquired via trade. The former first rounder’s numbers did drop the last couple of years, but he did put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He also showed improvement as an all-around linebacker.
Quenton Groves was also brought in from Jacksonville. He was a disappointment in Jacksonville, but he is the DE/OLB hybrid that fits Marshall’s scheme.
It will be exciting to see these guys standing up on the same side as Scott as ends. Opposing linemen will have to figure out who’s coming. It might be both.
Third downs will also see Richard Seymour kick in at defensive tackle to provide pass rush up the middle. The pressure may force the quarterback into the mistake of throwing the ball to Asomugha’s side.
Asomugha is the only player outside of the kickers to display the Raiders’ “Commitment to Excellence” saying since 2003. It wasn’t until 2009 that the Raiders got Seymour, who is the defensive line version of him.
He now seems to have that commitment in return from the team to go along with his millions.
Good for you Nnamdi!
You deserve it!
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