Oakland Raiders: The Pride of the Fans, Hope For the Future

In another article, it’s interesting that some opposing fans must suffer from long-term memory loss. Is it true that the average Charger fan has only followed the club since 2003?

Possible.

A lot of the old guard in the Raider Nation, will be able to read off the names, like saints, of the old days. Names like Blanda, Lamonica, Stabler, Hubbard, Allen, Alzado, Branch, Freddie, and The Ghost. They share memories of Tatum’s hitting power, or how Tooz would enjoy punishing players foolish enough to come nearby. Or even the Mad Stork, roaming around, causing trouble.

These, were the glory days. Three Super Bowl rings’ worth,decades worth of wins, both in the AFL and in the NFL after the merger.

The chant is heard, primarily due to programming, “what have you done lately?”, from places like NFL Network’s Believe in Now, or how anything beyond 2008 doesn’t count.

Funny, if it doesn’t, why do Charger fans keep harping on the last six years? I thought it didn’t count?

One thing that separates the Raider Nation with the ones who follow a San Diego franchise, is pride. Our team has a storied history. We have wins. We have a legacy. We not only know what winning is like…it really stinks, when we can’t.

The other team’s fans, have never reached that pinnacle, held the trophy up, and heard the roar on the world’s biggest stage. The closest they got, was an AFL title, back in the early 1960’s. And to make that picture much more bleak, this year both clubs celebrate their 50th season.

The Raiders—in their 50 years—have over 400 wins, three Super Bowl wins, one AFL win, five Super Bowl appearances, and 21 playoff appearances, with a 25-18 playoff in the post-season.

The San Diego club—in their 50 years—have 362 wins, no super bowl wins, one AFL win, one super bowl appearances, and 16 playoff appearances. They have gone 10-15 in the playoffs.

If you don’t think the Raiders have anything to be proud of, consider this last fact, and you might understand why the Raider Nation still has pride.

Even with the chargers owning an 11 game winning streak against the Raiders, they would have to win another 12 straight games—in other words, six straight seasons of head-to-head football—just to be equal to the Raiders.

With that, the Raider Nation can look and smile at the insults, because they know they have something the Charger fans don’t.

A past, and hope for the future, while the San Diego franchise is still looking for a program to be proud of.

Oakland Raiders Have Three Choices at No. 7

Drafting in the top 10 can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, a team has the ability to select a young player of immense talent and skill. On the other hand, the owners will have to part with large amounts of cash to entice the athlete to their under-performing club.

 

This makes picking in the top 10 risky business. A team should only pick a player they really need and who will be taken in and made a keystone of the franchise. The drafted player needs to be a leader by what he does on and off the field.

 

The Raiders eventually managed to do this with their 2004 No. 2 selection Robert Gallery, are getting there with their 2007 No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell and will hopefully break the shackles with Darren McFadden, their 2008 No. 4 pick, in 2009.

 

However, Michael Huff (2006 No. 7 selection) has never panned out as a leader and the Raiders currently have had to ante-up a large amount of cash for a squad player.

 

This is the dilemma facing the Oakland Raiders as they enter the 2009 draft. They need more leaders in the locker room, but need to avoid an overpaid bust as it will be bad for morale.

 

Despite the depth in some positions and the recent poor record of the Raiders, there are actually only two players in the current draft that could be said to be real “difference makers” for the Raiders.

 

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech, would make an impact to a struggling, but improving passing game. His catching ability would be an instant upgrade and would give Russell another weapon.

 

BJ Raji, DT, Boston, is a force of nature right where the Raiders most need it—in the middle of the defensive front stopping the run. He would instantly improve the play of Tommy Kelly and the Raiders linebackers and safeties.

 

If neither of these players is available at No. 7 or the Raiders have doubts about either one, then the smart play would be to trade down and stock the roster with hungry, less expensive players.

 

DT, DE, OLB and S need to addressed on the defensive side of the ball. Improvements at WR, a blocking TE and depth on the offensive line would continue the good work of coach Cable in building an offense fit for the playoffs.

 

So it’s Crabtree, Raji or Trade…which is it going to be?

 

Lovie Smith Speaks About Michael Vick

To the left is a picture of Bears MLB Brian Urlacher crushing former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick to the ground. Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith spoke about QB Michael Vick and his chances on a comeback to the NFL.

“I would look at Michael like I look at every other prospect that’s available: he goes back into the pool,” Smith told USA Today, via David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. “That’s what everyone in society does. Mike made a mistake.”

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Why The Vikings Have No Shot at a Superbowl

I have been a Vikings fan since I was a kid. I grew up idolizing players like Anthony Carter, Randall McDaniel, and Joey Browner. Although exciting they were never able to put everything together and win the ‘big one’. In 1998 it looked as though they were going to pull it off, but if you’ve been a Vikings fan long enough you know a little something about disappointment.

So how do I KNOW the Vikings have no shot at a Super Bowl? Two names: Tarvaris Jackson and Brad Childress.

Tarvaris Jackson is awful and if you think differently you need to watch some other quarterbacks in the league. T-Jack made somewhere in the neighborhood of two “pressure” throws last year and it’s sad that I remember that.

The reason I remember that is that I practically soiled myself when he made the throws. Does anyone really think Tarvaris could lead the Vikings down the field the way Big Ben did in the Super Bowl? If you said yes, please put down the pipe.

No team in the history of the NFL has won a Super Bowl with a quarterback who is as bad as T-Jack. It’s never happened so for some reason you think it’s going to happen now? Again if you’ve said yes, put down the pipe and head to rehab.

In reality though the Vikings problems can’t really be blamed on T-Jack. He’s doing the best he can, unfortunately he doesn’t have the tools to be a great quarterback. The main culprit of all that is wrong with the Vikings lies with Brad Childress aka Chilly.

Does Chilly have a clue what is going on? Does he know that the QB position is the most important position on the field? Is he stubborn and because T-Jack was his guy he doesn’t want to admit he was wrong?

Now it’s leaked out that the Vikings had a deal to get Cutler but some of the coaches weren’t sold on him. I think by some coaches they mean that Chilly didn’t want him because ultimately the head coaches opinion is going to reign supreme among the coaching staff.

What am I missing here? Chilly didn’t want Cutler because he’d rather have a couple of guys who will be bagging groceries in a couple years as opposed to a pro bowl quarterback? Chilly put down the pipe please.

I know there was an article here on Bleacher Report in which someone tried to argue that they’d rather have T-Jack then Cutler, but I can’t fathom that. That’s the equivalent of saying you’d choose perhaps the worst starting quarterback in league over a pro bowler.

I don’t know much about Zigi Wilf, but he’s shown that he’s willing to spend money I just wish someone would whisper in his ear and tell him Chilly is killing any chance the Vikings have of winning a Super Bowl.

Panthers 2009 Preseason Schedule Released: Steelers, Giants Among Opponents

The Panthers 2009 preseason schedule was released on Monday, pitting the Cats against four of 2008’s playoff teams, the Steelers and Giants most notable among the four.

The Panthers start preseason on Aug. 17 on ESPN in the Meadowlands at Giants Stadium, marking the seventh meeting between between the Giants and Panthers in a preseason game.

In their second game of preseason the Panthers will travel to Miami and face off against the Dolphins. The last time the Panthers played Miami, was in the preseason of 2006.

In week three of preseason, the Panthers will see the Baltimore Ravens make their way to Charlotte for the first time since the 2002 season in week three.

In the final preseason game, the Panthers will play host to the Super Bowl defending Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the 11th time the two clubs have met in the preseason, making the Pittsburgh matchup one of the most common for the Panthers in preseason.

Carolina’s regular season schedule of opponents has already been set, but the times and dates have yet to be determined.

Aside from the usual inner-division matchups with Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and New Orleans, the Panthers will play Philadelphia, Washington, Minnesota, Buffalo, and New England at home in Charlotte. The Panthers will travel to Dallas, Miami, Arizona, New York Jets, and New York Giants.

One thing that has always struck me as odd, is why would the schedule be set so that the Panthers have to play two teams in preseason, and then again in regular season? That will remain a mystery to me.

2009 Preseason Schedule

Monday August 17 @ NY Giants, 8PM ESPN
Week 2 (Date/Time TBA) @ Miami Dolphins
Week 3 (Date.Time TBA) V. Baltimore Ravens
Week 4 (Date/Time TBA) V. Pittsburgh Steelers

Redskins 2009 Preseason Schedule (Premature) Release

It only lasted a few seconds, but I caught a whiff of football today.

 

Aug 13 @Baltimore 7:30PM
Aug 20-24 vs.Pittsburgh
Aug 28 vs.New England 8PM
Sept 3-4 @Jacksonville

Funny how the mind works. With the release of the Redskins 2009 preseason schedule, barely a ripple in the vast football ocean, within about in a ten-second span my mind went through a process something like this:

Damn–that’s four tough-ass games.

Let’s see…three monster defenses, one primetime date with Tom “Allow Me To Demonstrate How I’m Still Damn Terrific” Brady.

I smell 1-3.

At Baltimore. Better hope Colt (Brennan, for the uninitiated) runs around and makes second-half magic or we may get shut out. Be pretty cool to see Haynesworth get a series though. I just want to hear his name called once. Then get him the hell out of there. The Ravens will want it more though. Show they don’t miss Ryan’s kid. Home crowd. Opener.

Just get out healthy Zorn.

Steelers here, huh? FedEx will be half Pittsburgh fans, half Redskins fan in a foul mood about it. Got Mace? Defending champions and all though—Steelers won’t be up for this one unless they lay an egg in their opener. Stay close, maybe grab an lead early. Maybe Zorn turns Brennan loose against the scrubs with Kelly, Thomas and Davis to play with. Good shot at a W.

For what it’s worth.

The New England Patriots come to FedEx Field. Cool—might have to go to that one. Hey, we own Brady and Belichick at FedEx. Good news is it’ll be a treat to see the best team of the last decade up close. Bad news is Game three is when the generally get some extended playing time, and Brady will be chomping at the bit to show he’s all the way back. Plus his backup—whoever that is—will be all about showing they didn’t screw up letting Cassell go.

Going to be interesting.

At Jacksonville in the finale…meh. Gregg with three G’s is gone, right? Only thing interesting there will be watching Colt stir things up again, maybe hopefully the new draft picks will get some run. But by then preseason will have gotten really old—it always does—and I’ll be watching with one side of my brain tied behind my back.

Still, looks pretty damn good from here. Looks like football. Aug. 13, you say? Lemme grab my calendar…June, July…here we go.

Aug. 13 is a…Thursday. Huh. Well, Friday’s Casual Day, that works. So let’s see that’s…1 day left in March, 30 in April, May has 31, June 30 , July 31…and 13 more in August.

* tap, tap … tap, tap … click *

One hundred and thirty-six days.

Sigh.

Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Westbrook Should No Longer Be the Featured Back

Brian Westbrook has been the exclusive starter of this Philadelphia Eagles team since  2004. There have been other running backs who have gotten some carries, but for the most part, he’s been the featured back.

This needs to change, and it needs to change now.

Over the past few years, Westbrook has been unreliable from week-to-week, and has been average at best when it comes to running between the tackles. He’s still an explosive outside runner and an unbelievable talent in the passing game, and should be utilized in that way.

The Eagles need to take a page from the NFC-rival Carolina Panther’s playbook on this one. They realized that while DeAngelo Williams is a fantastic talent, he is too small to carry the load of an NFL season on his back. Enter Jonathan Stewart and you can see the obvious explosion in Williams’ production for 2008.

Williams is younger than Westbrook, but he’s also not the same in terms of talent. In his prime, I don’t think many would argue that Westbrook was the better running back. But unfortunately, his time as a featured back has come to an end.

The Eagles need to draft a running back this year who they believe can handle the bulk of the work, and not just spell Westbrook. Whether they’re thinking Moreno or Donald Brown, I’m just not sure, but it needs to be one of them.

The plan then would essentially limit Westbrook to a 1a type of role. He would see about 40 percent of the carries, while the new guy (again, whomever that may be) would get roughly 55 percent of the carries, with the other five percent going to miscellaneous carriers (Jackson, Weaver, Booker, etc.)

It boils down to Westbrook being the “2” in the 1-2 punch.

This way, Westbrook would be fresh to go in on third down plays to catch the screen, take the pitch or other outside handoff, catch a pass in the flats, or simply be used as a decoy, as defenses would still be forced to gameplan for him.

In the current system, defensive coordinators need only to plan for a way to stop Westbrook. Then, if and when that happens, our running game is essentially useless, leading to McNabb being forced to drop back 45-55 times. This leads to more sacks, interceptions, and hits on our franchise quarterback.

Over the years, this is what has led to the injuries suffered by McNabb. He has had the entire weight of the game thrust onto his shoulders because Westbrook has been shut down, and there is no real alternative other than just passing and hoping for the best.

The simple fact of the matter is that Westbrook is at the age where running backs start to rapidly decline in production.

Westbrook may not be in the same boat because he was not a featured back for the first two or three years of his career, as he split carries as a part of the three-headed monster with Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter. Still, 30 is a rough age for a back.

Being limited to more of a specialist role on offense helps Westbrook and the entire offense in every conceivable way. He stays fresher, adding years to his career, and keeping him off of the injury report while the running game becomes multi-dimensional, causing more headaches for defensive coordinators than ever before.

Westbrook has done some great things, but I believe this is the way it must be for him to continue his career as an effective member of the Philadelphia Eagles. It also works as a great buffer for when the young guy must take closer to 70 percent of the snaps once Westbrook hangs up the old cleats.

Every running back pair must have a nickname, so start thinking of one Philly. Hopefully, we’ll need it.

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Atlanta Falcons 2008 Quiz

The season has now been over for a couple of months, so how much of it do you remember? Well, this is a series of questions that will test how well you actually followed the Falcons in 2008. Some will be easy, some will be difficult, but in the end you will know where you stand as far as Falconism. (Made up that word, I know it’s bad, don’t judge me.) 

We shall call these tests “You don’t know Jach.” 

 

1. Who had the most interceptions in 2008? 

A. Dominique Foxworth 

B. Chris Houston

C. Chevis Jackson

D. Erik Coleman

2. Which Falcon tandem had the most sacks in 2008?

A. Jamaal Anderson and Chauncey Davis

B. Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Babineaux

C. Jamaal Anderson  and Grady Jackson

D. Chauncey Davis and Johnathan Babineaux

3. Who led the Falcons in tackles?

A. Erik Coleman 

B. Michael Boley

C. Keith Brooking

D. Curtis Loftin

4. The Falcons ranked ____ in total offense? 

A. 15th

B. 6th

C. 8th

D. 4th

5. How many Pro Bowlers did the Falcons Have in 2008?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 0

D. 1

6. Matt Ryan threw _ more touchdowns then interceptions? (Excluding Playoffs)

A. 4

B. 6

C. 1

D. 5

7. How many rookies did the Falcons start on opening day?

A. 4

B. 3

C. 1

D. 2

8. Who of the following coaches is the Falcons defensive coordinator? 

A. Brian Van Gorder

B. Emmitt Thomas

C. Terry Robiskie 

D. Mike Mularkey

9. How many more wins did the Falcons have in 2008 than in 2007?

A. 9

B. 7

C. 8

D. 6

10. Are you a Fan of the Falcons?

A. No

B. Yes

C. No

D. No

 

Answers:

1. D. Erick Coleman  (3 interceptions)

2. D. Chauncey Davis and Jonathan Babineaux (4 a piece) 

3. C. Kieth Brooking (102 tackles)

4. B. 6th in total offense (14th pass and 2nd run)

5. A. 2 (Roddy White and Michael Turner)(Abraham and Dhal were robbed)

6. D. 5 (16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions)

7. B. 3 (Matt Ryan, Curtis Loftin, and Sam Baker, Slot recievers are not starters) 

8. A. Brian VanGorder (Emmitt Thomas=Defensive backs, Terry Robiske= Wide Recievers coach, and Mike Mularkey= Offensive Coordinator)

9. B. 7 (11-5 in 2008 and 4-12 in 2007)

10. B. Yes (C’mon that was an easy one) 

 

Grades:

1 = You are aware that the Falcons exist

2-3 = You need to do some homework

4-5 = You know enough to get by, but should work on it a little harder

6-7 = You are a fan, I guess, but c’mon

8-9 = Nice Job, you are truly a great fan

10 = You are not only all knowing in Falconsism, but a friend of mine

Thank you for taking my test I want to do a league wide test, but need support. 

Bears’ Lovie Smith Speaks About Michael Vick

Link: Lovie Smith Speaks about Michael Vick

To the left is the picture of Bears MLB Brian Urlacher crushing former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick to the ground.

Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith spoke about QB Michael Vick and his chances on a comeback to the NFL: “I would look at Michael like I look at every other prospect that’s available: He goes back into the pool,” Smith told USA Today, via David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. “That’s what everyone in society does. Mike made a mistake, and he’s paying the price for that mistake. Once you’ve paid your debt to society, you have to say, ‘OK, let’s go on from there.”

 

What I think?

Lovie Smith is crazy for calling Michael Vick’s jail time a mistake.

You do realize what he did to those poor innocent dogs, Lovie?

If I were the Bears, I would stay as far away as I could from Michael Vick.

The guy is an average quarterback, who is pretty damn good at scrambling, but that’s it.

Vick doesn’t fit the Bears scheme on offense at all.

The last time the Bears had a scrambling quarterback, they had No. 9 Jim McMahon under the helm.

Please Bears, stay away from convict/QB Michael Vick.

quotes provided by chicagosuntimes.com

In Search Of Heroes and Role Models in Pro Sports

It is somewhat ridiculous to say that we pick our heroes based on their points per game, their slap-shot, their passer rating, or their fastball. Still, many a sports fan finds their idol on the branches of professional sports trees.

But ironically, we cast away our allegiances to these sports stars when they fall short of greatness in the most important game of all: life.

The media plays a role in who we idolize and who we vilify when they report on players’ lives. For once, it would be great to hear of a story in which a professional athlete conducted himself beyond reproach.

 

Well, my search for a role model has ended with Ryan Moats.

Moats, you will recall, is a running back for the Houston Texans. By NFL standards, he is neither a prolific star nor a media darling. He seemingly has punched the proverbial clock during his four-year NFL career, shunned the spotlight, and served his role as a back-up player on an average team.

Recently, Moats found himself in a situation that few of us have ever had to deal with. He was driving his family to a Dallas hospital, in hopes of being at his dying mother-in-law’s side as she breathed her last breaths on this earth.

But Moats’ vehicle was stopped by a police officer just outside the hospital for rolling through a red light. Moats’ wife exited the car with the officer’s gun trained on her, briefly paused to explain that her mother was dying, and then turned and entered the hospital.

By then, Moats had parked and gotten out. He attempted to explain to the officer that he needed to be at the side of his family and his dying mother-in-law.

This was a fight-or-flight moment in which, understandably, Ryan could have chosen to be disrespectful and non-compliant with the officer’s wishes. Instead, he followed the officer’s command, knowing that every moment he lingered, his loved one was fading.

In the aftermath of public apologies from police department heads and prominent political figures, Moats and his family are united in forgiveness of the officer who clearly exercised poor judgment in detaining him during the crisis.

 

With all of the media attention given to this story, we should note that Moats and his family in no way encouraged the media circus surrounding this episode. Moats, at a most critical moment in his life, did not call on his celebrity to get what he wanted.

And now, after failing to reach his loved one’s bedside before she passed, he has forgiven the man who caused his absence.

Sports may be the place where heroes and legends are made, but for me, Ryan Moats became my hero outside a Dallas hospital.

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