Oakland Raiders: Success in the Second Round

The Oakland Raiders have had lots of success in the second round of the NFL draft. I originally wanted to make this a slideshow, but technical difficulties are not allowing that.  I have made a list of players taken by the Raiders in the second round of the draft that have been contributors.  They are in no particular order, but here they are:

Howie Long: I will start with one of my favorites of all time and that is DE Howie Long.  Long is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame and was a member of the Super Bowl XVIII squad.  He was drafted in the second round of the 1981 draft.  He is second on the Raiders “official” all-time sack leaders behind long time teammate Greg Townsend (the sack wasn’t an official stat until 1982) with 84, and appeared in eight Pro Bowls. 

Dave Casper: “Ghost to the Post” was a play named after him where he ran a post route.  It became famous in a game against the Baltimore Colts in the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs.  Casper was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2002.  He was a second round pick in 1974 and played with us until 1980, then returned for a season in 1984. As a Raider, he had 255 catches for 3294 yards and 53 TDs.  Casper is a four-time Pro Bowler. 

Fred Bilitnekoff: Fred Bilitnekoff is second on the Raiders all-time receiving list, behind only Tim Brown.  He was drafted in the second round of the 1965 draft. He is a six-time Pro Bowler and had 589 catches for 8974 yards and 76 TDs.  He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1988 and was Super Bowl XI MVP.

Kenny Stabler:  Now here’s the man that was throwing to the previous two Hall of Famers, Kenny Stabler.  Stabler is the Raiders all-time leading passer with 19078 yards, a 59% completion percentage, and 150 TDs.  His name often comes up as a player that deserves the Hall of Fame when two of his favorite targets are in there as well as two of his best blockers.  He is a four-time Pro Bowler and led the Raiders to a Super Bowl XI victory.  Stabler was drafted in 1968, but eventually beat out fellow rookie QB Eldrige Dickey (who was actually drafted ahead of him in round 1) for the starting job.

Matt Millen: Millen is best known for his horrible job as GM for the Detroit Lions recently, but I remember him best as a solid MLB for the Raiders.  Drafted in round 2 of the 1980 draft, he was a member of both Super Bowl XV and XVIII teams and made the Pro Bowl in 1988. He has 11 official career sacks.  

Dan Conners:  Another solid man in the middle from the old days.  Dan Conners was actually drafted an OT in round 2 of the 1964 draft, then converted into an outstanding MLB.  He had 15 career INTs with three returned for TDs.  Sacks were not official in his days.  He was a three-time Pro Bowler.   

Mike Davis: Here’s a DB we don’t talk about much, even though he was a member of both Super Bowl XV and XVIII squads.  He is SS Mike Davis.  He was the fourth man in a secondary that featured NFL Hall of Famer Mike Haynes, legendary Raider Lester Hayes, and another overlooked Raider, Van McElroy.  Drafted in round 2 of the 1978 draft, he never made the Pro Bowl, but his two Super Bowl rings along with his 11 career sacks and 11 career INTs can’t be ignored.

George Buehler, Phil Villapiano, John Vella, Monte Johnson: I decided to group the rest of the Super Bowl XI squad into one since there’s not much info on them.  George Buehler and John Vella started on the right side of the offensive line at guard and tackle, and neither would ever make the Pro Bowl.  They were often overshadowed by the future Hall of Famers on the left side of the line. 

Monte Johnson and Phil Villapiano were key members of the defense.  Johnson was a solid hitter with 10 career INTs. Villapiano was one of the originators of the “Raider Show Biz” and a four-time Pro Bowler with 11 career INTs.

Dave Browning, Willie Jones: These are the other Super Bowl XV members that didn’t get their own paragraph.  Browning was a solid starter at DE and Willie Jones would rotate in and contribute on special teams.  Browning would finish his career with one official sacks and one INT.  Jones’ highlights are mainly returning two fumbles for TDs. 

Jack Squirek, Bill Pickel: Pickel was a rookie in Super Bowl XVIII, but would go on to be fourth on the Raiders official all-time sack leaderboard with 53, but would never earn a Pro Bowl honor.  Squirek is best known for his five-yard INT return for a TD in Super Bowl XVIII.  Both were fairly low profile, but made their names known.  Pickel started out good, but declined quickly.     

Steve Wisnewski, Barrett Robbins: These two were a solid pair of offensive line anchors for most of the 90s. The Wiz was the Raiders top choice in the 1989 draft and went on to be an eight-time Pro Bowler and only missed two games in his career. 

Robbins was the second pick in the 1995 draft.  I always thought he was Pro Bowl material that was left out.  He was finally named to the Pro Bowl in 2002, but wouldn’t play because he was getting treatment for his bipolar disorder that he was diagnosed with after his disappearance the night before Super Bowl XXXVII. 

Wisnewski should be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday despite no Super Bowls, but eight Pro Bowls is hard to ignore.  Robbins, on the other hand, will always be known as a great player that let his team down the night before the Super Bowl and apparently never really cared.  I did find out recently that he is staying in a halfway house in Houston, TX and doesn’t have a dime to his name anymore.

Tony Bryant, Jerry Porter, Doug Jolley: These three were factors in the Super Bowl XXXVII squad.  Tony Bryant was a second round pick in the 1999 draft.  He looked like he’d be an outside pass rushing force for years to come, but a neck injury in the 2002-03 playoffs would slow his career.  He had 17.5 sacks as a Raider in his four seasons (I think it would’ve been higher if Rod Coleman wasn’t such a force from the inside).  He attempted an NFL comeback in 2004 with New Orleans, but it only lasted two years. 

Jerry Porter was a second round pick in the 2000 NFL draft and is sixth on the Raiders all-time receiving charts.  He had two of the the best receivers to ever play the game to learn from in Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, but once he became the No. 1 wide out, he was a major let down.  He would have the best season of his career in 2004 (the year Brown was released and Rice was traded) with 998 yards receiving yards and nine TDs (matching his career high from 2002), but would slowly decline after that. 

His career really came to a halt when he clashed with head coach Art Shell in 2006 and lost his starting job, ending up with only one catch on the season.  He would get it back in 2007 under new coach Lane Kiffin, but he wasn’t the same and left via free agency at the end of the season.  He seemed like he was going to be a good, reliable, goal-line receiver, but once the team started to fall, he did too. 

Doug Jolley was a second round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.  When we think about great Raider tight ends, we remember Dave Casper, Todd Chirstensen, Raymond Chester, Ethan Horton, and try to forget Rickey Dudley, but we tend to overlook Doug Jolley.  Though his numbers were low, he was a reliable target and a good blocker. 

He was traded away after the 2004 season at the request of Norv Turner because he wasn’t fit for the vertical offense he was trying to install.  We never had another good tight end after that until Zach Miller.  None of these guys ever saw the Pro Bowl or will see the Hall of Fame, but they were all key pieces in a team that went to the Super Bowl.

Tom Howard, Zach Miller: Current standouts that are former second round picks are LB Tom Howard and TE Zach Miller.  Both young men were penciled in as starters as soon as they were drafted and contributed immediately. 

Howard was a second round pick in the 2006 NFL draft.  In 2006 and 2007, he finished second on the team in tackles behind fellow LB Kirk Morrison, and in 2008 he finished 3rd behind SS Gibril Wilson and Morrison.  I feel that he should’ve been to the Pro Bowl in 2007 because he had a lot of tackles and led all LBs with six INTs and returned two of them for TDs.  Just like teammate CB Nnamdi Asomugha, he had his break out season and opponents would shy away from his area of coverage the next year. 

Miller was a second round pick 2007 NFL draft.  As a rookie, he posted 444 yards receiving and three TDs, the best receiving numbers by a rookie Raider since Tim Brown.  In 2008, Miller led the Raiders in receiving with 778 yards and his lone TD came off a 63 yard break away.  He was often double covered on the goal-line this year, as he was the only consistent receiving threat until Chaz Schilens had worked his way into the starting line up.  The Pro Bowl is definitely in the future for both of these players, and they are key pieces that will factor into us building a championship team.

Mike Mitchell, Stanford Routt: Safety Mike Mitchell is our most recent second round pick and is thought very highly of in the Raider Nation.  His hitting ability has been compared to that of Jack Tatum.  With our history of successful second round picks, Mitchell is likely to be added to that category. 

DB Stanford Routt was a second round pick in 2005 and hasn’t seen much playing time, but has utilized what playing time he’s had pretty well, so I decided not to leave him out.  He became a starter in 2007 in place of Fabian Washington, who was getting burned all the time.  He lost that spot to Deangelo Hall in 2008, but even after Hall was released eight games into the season, he was beat out by Chris Johnson. 

Routt has seen significant time as a nickel back and started the final game of the 2008 season in place of injured Nnamdi Asomugha.  He did just as good of a job shutting down his area of coverage just like Nnamdi had done all season.  Mitchell is likely to become a starter for us and Routt will be a key factor if Asomugha or Johnson is injured.

All these players mentioned were key pieces to great teams that we’ve been in years passed, and that is the reason why I don’t like trading second round picks. 

 

Rams Add Needed Experience to Receiving Corps

While it appeared the biggest weakness the St. Louis Rams would have heading into next week’s training camp would be wide receiver, the team made a move Wednesday that provides invaluable experience to the position.

The Rams have acquired former Oakland Raider Ronald Curry to the mix. The eight-year veteran has spent his entire playing career with the Raiders, but signed with Detroit in the offseason. The Lions have a lot of depth at wideout, making the former University of North Carolina quarterback expendable.

To land Curry, the Rams sent defensive tackle Orien Harris to Detroit. Harris had just been acquired in May from Cincinnati in a move that sent running back Brian Leonard to the Bengals.

Curry has 193 receptions in his seven-year career, averaging 12.2 yards per catch with 13 touchdowns. He became trade fodder when the Lions landed Dennis Northcutt from Jacksonville. Detroit has 11 wideouts on its current roster, led by Pro Bowler Calvin Johnson.

Detroit has three rookies in its receiving corps, something to which the Rams can relate. Rookies Sean Walker, Jarrett Byers, and Brooks Foster dot the Rams roster heading into camp.

Before the acquisition of Curry, seven-year vet Tim Carter was the Rams most experienced receiver. Carter spent his previous six seasons with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, but had just 80 catches.

Former Atlanta receiver Laurent Robinson heads into camp No. 1 on the depth chart, and has a whopping 42 catches in two seasons. Donnie Avery had 53 receptions last year as a Rams rookie, and is the best deep threat for quarterback Marc Bulger.

Curry was a necessary move to give the group a true veteran leader. While never any team’s No. 1 option, he brings a quarterback mindset to the position.

In other recent moves, the Rams re-signed safety Oshiomogho Atogwe to a one-year deal. Both sides will try to negotiate a long-term deal by the end of the season. The Rams had designated Atogwe as a franchise player.

The Rams also signed draft choices Foster and cornerback Bradley Fletcher last week, leaving them only offensive tackle Jason Smith and second-round pick James Laurinaitis as their only unsigned draft picks. Smith, from Baylor, was the No. 2 overall selection while Laurinaitis, the former Ohio State linebacker, was drafted early in the second round. The club said signing both before camp opens July 31 is a “top priority.” Rookies and quarterbacks are scheduled to report July 30.

Hey, “Big Vinny,” Why Didn’t You Phone Jed York before Writing?

Rich “Big Vinny” Lieberman wrote a column in the San Francisco Chronicle on Sunday that explored an issue I first brought up in Bleacher Report last year.

In one of my first BR articles, since deleted, I mentioned my belief that the 49ers could end up in Los Angeles.

In fact, I facetiously pleaded with a Los Angeles zillionaire to buy the 49ers.

Of course, my fellow 49er fans lambasted me, even though they realized Candlestick is a pit.

One guy who isn’t around Bleacher Report these days—probably because of his personal insults, or maybe he’s in jail—would have tarred-and-feathered me if he could have found me.

In other words, my suggestion that San Francisco could eventually move was sacrilege in 49ers dogma.

Even though I’ve spent my adult life as a professional journalist, I doubt it if I could have spoken to San Francisco’s ownership last year, even if I were a member of the Bay Area media.

However, Lieberman’s Chronicle bio extols the supposed fact that he is a Bay Area sports icon.

An icon I’ve never heard of—until now.

“Big Vinny’s” bio states that he is really big in the “SF/Vegas/NY/LA singles/political/sports circle” and that he is really popular for something vaguely called his “black book of celebrities.”

That really sounds like a circle I would like to avoid.

Plus, when did Vegas become something to be proud of, especially in relation to sports? Are you kidding me?

Anyway, if “Big Vinny” is so darn big, then I guess I spent too many years in Hickville Humboldt County because, to reiterate, I’ve never heard of him.

I’ve been a Giants and 49ers fan since about the age of five when I lived in Pleasant Hill, although my late mom told me I was a 49ers fan from the day I was born in Walnut Creek.

I grant that he has some good experience covering the 49ers and other Bay Area sports. However, if “Big Vinny” is so darn big, wouldn’t Jed York or the 49ers front office respond if he called?

It seems only logical that such a sports icon would at least give York a chance to respond to a column that explores York’s supposed motivations. Doesn’t that seem fair from a sports icon?

That would be especially true this year, since York has taken over the active management of the franchise.

Plus, York seems to have made a concerted effort to reach out to media, so it’s perplexing that such a Bay Area sports icon as Lieberman did not just pick up the phone and call 49ers headquarters and ask to speak with York.

Although no one can be sure what will happen if the 49ers do not get a Santa Clara stadium, Ray Ratto’s idea recently published in his column in the same newspaper called for a contingency plan.

Ratto was giving advice.

Big Vinny was dabbling in conjecture.

However, he made some good points that I am sure York is more than aware of since the guy has been knocking on Santa Clara doors for some time.

It would have been nice to hear York’s responses. (Yes, I realize it’s an opinion column and not a story.)

Lieberman said he doubts the deal will be done, citing potential lawsuits, the morass of the typical California environmental impact report, and other issues.

Ever since Eddie DeBartolo Jr. himself was planning for a new stadium, I remember telling my Dad that if the 49ers couldn’t get a new home, perhaps they would bolt for Los Angeles.

For that, I have suffered the derision of 49ers fans who are friends and Bleacher Report readers alike.

And, no, “Big Vinny,” I’m not naive.

Given the state of our nation, anything is possible.

I have a suggestion for “Big Vinny’s” next Pulitzer-winning piece: Perhaps he could tackle the issue of whether football will be outlawed because it is allegedly driving up the cost of health care.

Good luck, “Vegas Vinny.”

 

Here’s some reading:

Ratto’s link.

“Big Vinny’s” link.

NFL: Foreign Players in History

When we think of football, many of us might think of soccer. However, I’m writing about American football.

We know that football, or should I say American football, has been growing for years. It’s just that the main stream media does not cover American styled football as much as, say, the NCAA or NFL.

And since Americans don’t really realize the game is being played in other countries, my thoughts revolved around one question: “What foreigners have played American football professionally?”

Well, here’s what I’ve come up with.

 

Denmark

Morten Andersen (born in Copenhagen, Denmark), who is the all-time leading scorer in the NFL with two different teams (New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons). In college, Anderson played for the Michigan State Spartans. Anderson set several kicking records, including a Big 10 Conference record:  a 63-yard field goal against Ohio State. In 1981, Anderson was named an All-American.

Italy

Lino Dante “Alan” Ameche (born in Italy), nicknamed “The Horse,” played for the Baltimore Colts after winning the Heisman Trophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1954, and was named an All-American.

In 1955, Ameche was awarded Rookie of the Year. Ameche gained fame for scoring the winning touchdown in the 1958 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants, labeled “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Ameche emigrated to the US with his family in the 1930’s.

Leo Joseph Nomellini (born in Lucca, Italy) was a two-time All-American at the University of Minnesota. Nomellini was the San Francisco 49ers first-ever NFL draft selection in 1950. In the offseason, Nomellini was a professional wrestler called Leo “The Lion” Nomellini.

Ireland

Cornelis Joseph Dennis “Neil” O’Donoghue (born in Dublin, Ireland) first came to the US to play soccer with Saint Bernard College. But when that college closed its soccer program, he went to play football at Auburn University.

He was the first Irish-born player in NFL history. O’Donoghue is most noted for missing three field goal attempts against the New York Giants as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1983 season, resulting in a 20-20 tie.

Spain

Raymond Henry Rowe (born in Rota, Spain) was a tight end with the Washington Redskins. He played college football at San Diego State University and was drafted in the sixth round for the 1992 NFL draft.

Norway

Halvor Reini Hagen (born in Oslo, Norway) played college football at Weber State University and was drafted in the third round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He then played for the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills.

Leif Love Dolonen Larsen (born in Oslo, Norway) played college football for the UTEP Miners and was drafted in the 2000 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills.

Knute Kenneth Rockne (born in Voss, Norway) was a college football player. He later took on the role of coach. As head coach of the University of Notre Dame from 1918 to 1930, he set the greatest all-time winning percentage in college football history. Rockne introduced the “shift,” moving the backfield into a T formation. Rockne is also credited for introducing the forward pass.

Jan Stenerud (born in Fetsun, Norway) was a college football player for Montana State University. In 1965, he kicked a 59-yard field goal against arch rival Montana University (at that point, the longest field goal on record). Stenerud was one of the first professional football players used as a dedicated kicker. He was also the first to use “soccer-style” for his kicks.

Stenerud was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967. During his three years with Kansas City, Stenerud hit 70 percent of his field goals. He helped win Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings 23-7.

Stenerud kicked three field goals, scoring the first nine points of the game. His first kick, a 48-yarder, would remain the longest field goal in a Super Bowl until January 1994. Stenerud’s name is in the Chiefs’ ring of honor at Arrowhead Stadium. In 1991, Stenerud was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Sweden

Ove Johansson, (born  Gothenburg, Sweden) is the current holder of the longest field goal in NFL history with 69 yards.

Ola Fredrik Andreas Kimrin (born in Malmo, Sweden) was a college football player for the UTEP Miners in 1996. Kimrin played with the Frankfurt Galaxy (of the displaced NFL Europe). In 2002, he led the NFL Europe kickers in scoring with 57 points.

Bjorn Arne Nittmo (born in Lomma, Sweden) was the first Swedish-born player in NFL history when he was with the New York Giants. Nittmo played college football at Appalachian State University.

France

Charles Michael Romes (born in Verdun, France) was an NFL cornerback with the Buffalo Bills and the San Diego Chargers. He played college football at North Carolina Central University.

Richard Tardits (born in Biarritz, France) played college football at the University of Georgia. He held the record for most sacks in a career at his Alma Mater, until David Pollock broke his record in 2004. He was referred to as “Le Sack” by fans because of his French birth. Tardits played for the New England Patriots in the NFL.

Germany

John Michael Alt (born in Stuttgart, Germany) played his college football at the University of Iowa. Alt was an offensive tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1984-1996. Unable to stay away from the game, Alt is now coaching the game he loves to high school players.

Zenon Andrusyshyn (born in Gunzburg, Germany) was born to Ukrainian parents. Ardrusyshyn played college football at UCLA, where he was a two-time All-American punter and was voted to UCLA’s All Century Team.

He was a punter and kicker for the Toronto Argonaunts (of the Canadian Football League) from 1971-1977 and 1979-1982. In 1978, Andrusyshyn played for the Kansas City Chiefs, and then later with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League from 1983-1985.

Ivan “John” Jurkovic (born in Friedrichshafen, Germany) was a defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Jurkovic played his college football at Eastern Illinois University. Jurkovic is now a host of ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago.

Dominic Gerald Lowery (born in Munich, Germany) attended Dartmouth College. He has a MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, the first pro athlete to graduate from the school.

Lowery was a place kicker for the New England Patriots in 1978, the Kansas City Chiefs 1980-1993, and the New York Jets 1994-1996. Lowery was selected to three Pro Bowls. He retired No. 1, with the highest field goal percentage and most field goals in NFL history at 384.

Horst Herbert Erich Muhlmann (born in Dortmund, Germany) began his American football career in 1969 with the Cincinnati Bengals (from 1969-1974) and then with the Philadelphia Eagles (1975-1977). Muhlmann quickly gained notoriety as one of the longest field goal kickers of the game, when he kicked field goals of 50 yards or more in three consecutive games. His record has only been matched by three other players.

Ernest Alfred Stautner (born in Prinzing, Germany) served in the United States Marine Corps before attending Boston College, where he was a four-year starter as an offensive and defensive tackle. Selected in the 1950 NFL draft, Stautner played his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 1969, Stautner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. From 1966 to 1988, Stautner was an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys, then served as the defensive coordinator for 1973 to 1988.

Sebastian Georg Vollmer (born in Dusseldorf, Germany) played his college football at the University of Houston, chosen in the 2009 NFL draft by the New England Patriots (58th overall). Vollmer arrived in Houston as a tight end. After back surgery, he moved to offensive tackle. He started 25 straight games for Houston.

Uwe Detlef Walter von Schamann (born in Berlin, Germany) played college football at the University of Oklahoma. During college, Von Schamann was a member of the 1975 National Championship team. He is most noted for his winning kick against Ohio State in 1977. Von Schamann was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, and ended his NFL career with 101 of 149 field goal attempts.

Vietnam

Dat Tan Nguyen (born in Vietnam) played his college football for Texas A&M. In 1998, Nguyen won the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year award. During that same year, Nguyen became the Defensive Player of the Game for the 1998 Cotton Bowl.

In the 1999 NFL draft, Nguyen was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys (85th Overall). Nguyen won the job as middle linebacker in 2001, silencing critics by leading the team in tackles. Nguyen is the first Vietnamese American to ever play in the NFL.

Netherlands

Harald Hasselbach (born in Amsterdam, Netherlands) was a defensive end, who played with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League for four years. He played for the Denver Broncos of the NFL from 1994 to 2000, and was a starter in Super Bowl XXXIII.

Who knows what the future might bring. If American football keeps growing, as it has, we might have a few more in “The Big Show.”

Fantasy Football Profile: Matt Hasselbeck

Matt Hasselbeck had a disappointing 2008 season that saw him throw for just 1216 yards with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.  There Seahawks season was also marred by wide receiver injuries.  Things are looking up though with the arrival of T.J. Houshmandzadeh from Cincinnati.  Housh is the most reliable wide receiver Hasselbeck has had in Seattle.  If Nate Burleson and Deion Branch can stay healthy and tight end John Carlson’s continued development, Hasselbeck can rejoin the ranks of fantasy relevant quarterbacks.  At this point in his career, I would prefer Hasselbeck  as a backup, but he’s definitely worth owning.

His top matchups come in Weeks 1 and 12 (Rams), 6 and 10 (Cardinals), and 9 (Lions).  The Seahawks avoid the likes of Pittsburgh, NY Giants, Philadelphia, Carolina, Baltimore, and their matchup with Tennessee is after fantasy football season.  Their fantasy playoff schedule of Houston, Tampa, and Green Bay could prove to be challenging.  That said, I would still take Hasselbeck as one of the top backup quarterback.  If I drafted Tom Brady, Drew Brees, or Payton Manning, I would hold off a bit, but he’s a good compliment to Matt Ryan, Carson Palmer, Jay Cutler, or Ben Rothlisberger.  I would consider taking Hasselbeck around the 10th round.  My expectations of Hasselbeck are around 3200 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

National Outrage Remains a Problem For Vick

Anyone can deny the truth, warming to a quarterback who absorbed national attention. At one point, we all idolized Michael Vick, as children styled No. 7 jerseys and imitated his explosive athleticism—as he eluded pressure and scrambled into the end zone.

Of course, those were the days when Vick was as clean as his stylish cleats. Now allegations and federal charges distort the way people perceive him. Viewing him as a disturbed individual, rather than an athlete.

Rather than cementing himself as one of the best rushing quarterback of all-time. He killed innocent creatures in a myriad of despicable ways; slamming them to the ground, shooting them with a pistol, electrocuting them, drowning them, even tying some to cords and hanging them from trees—leaving them to die of suffocation.

Gazing at Vick on Sundays, he was the premier and most potent quarterback of this era, if not all-time. But once the revelations surfaced his status diminished rapidly. He was belittled, insulted and heckled by PETA protesters and the general populous.

Now, the law enforcer and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will have to make a decision, based on Vick’s remorse, as to whether he should be allowed to play in the league again.

Already, many are convinced he has paid his debt to society.

If he is given another chance to showcase his talent, lingering questions will remain. He will never be the same superstar again. The question remains: How long it will take Vick to overcome rust and redevelop into an elite rusher and a dangerous threat?

Before we find out if he is still as dominant and hallowed, he must present a positive image, responding to Goodell as a sincere citizen and give a clear explanation as to why he deserves another shot.

Clearly, Vick knows if he’s not honest and apologetic, his NFL career would be over.

But there are other options open to Vick. The UFL, a new football league, is willing to give him a chance to erase those ghastly memories. The UFL wouldn’t care as much about Vick misgivings because he would be a big lure, potentially attracting a large fan base to its product.

This is last thing on Vick’s mind. Clearly, he wants to return to the NFL, but he could decide to rebuild his image in the UFL before returning to the NFL.

Regardless, Vick has shattered a dream of developing into the greatest quarterback of all-time. At one point Vick rushed for more than 1,000 yards, captivating fans in the process. Vick was the star and the symbol of the future.

Now he is in debt, making $9 per hour at the Boys and Girls Club in Virginia while paying back his debt to society.

Today, he is emancipated from the isolated cells. Many felt serving time for the crime was a significant punishment. But there are still many who believe Vick doesn’t deserve a second chance.

Demonstrations from PETA are almost inevitable. If Vick returns to the league, not only will they harass a much-matured Vick, but they’ll also attack Goodell. Earlier in the year, members of PETA sent a letter to the commissioner, pleading with him to not reinstate Vick.

Considering that training camps are ready to resume, Vick will have to join a team quickly to learn the playbook and get back into shape in time for the season. But the commissioner and stern judge of the NFL has the final word on if he can return next fall.

Either way, it will cause controversy.

And here’s why: First and foremost, there are many dog owners and people who love animals. Secondly, many are upset with Vick for espousing a bad example when he was idolised by children. And thirdly, the people of PETA will harass and criticize Goodell.

Reinstating Vick would harm Goodell’s reputation among players and people in general. As strict as he is with the rigorous conduct policy he established, Goodell should measure Vick’s status carefully before granting him a chance to return to the game.

Even if he proves he is a changed man, Goodell must not deny the truth and understand that Vick’s charges were worse than animal cruelty.

Would it appease Vick or boost attendance at venues? Probably not, as football has developed over the years. People here are football crazy. We embrace the game, respect the game, and wait anxiously each year for the Super Bowl.

This year has been devastating for the NFL, we have seen death and DUI’s and other troubles cast a dark shadow. For a start, the commissioner has punished players who violated the conduct policy. Recently, Steve McNair was found dead with two gunshot wounds in the chest, and one in the head. Police in Nashville classified his death as a murder-suicide, when a pistol was found lying next to his girlfriend.

Goodell took stricter accountability on Donte’ Stallworth than the justice system in Florida. By enforcing the law, he suspended the Cleveland Browns wideout indefinitely, refusing to dismiss punishing Stallworth for foolish behavior.

The NFL is now looking to move forward, removing disturbing conduct and portraying next season as a positive one. Of course, if the commissioner reinstates Vick, negativity will prevail in the league that has already endured much turmoil this year.

Vick will just add to a tumultuous year that has had Goodell’s head spinning, stressed and flustered in perturbed times.

As I mentioned in my column a few days ago, Goodell must be smart and say no to Vick.

Predicting The AFC West: Will Anybody Challenge San Diego In 2009?

As the 2009 NFL season begins, the talk begins. Who will stay on top of the league as true contenders? Who will disappoint? Who will surprise?

As the formal predictions begin, we are taking a look at the AFC West, a division that had an 8-8 team as a representative. Yet, there is promise in the future of this division.

The Denver Broncos begin the post-Cutler era. The Oakland Raiders are still trying to live up to the expectations of their fans, while the Chiefs begin a new plan under a new front office, and head coach Todd Haley.

Who will take the division? Who will slump? Who shall make the most improvement in the AFC West?

 

1. San Diego Chargers—The San Diego Chargers head into the season as the favorite to win the division, with not much surprise. While no major moves were made this off season, every contributor was brought back to the roster in 2009. San Diego’s defense comes at full strength this year, especially with linebacker Shawn Merriman back on the field.

On the offensive sign of the ball, Philip Rivers continues to improve his game, along with returning Antonio Gates at full health.

Not much trouble for San Diego this year, as the Chargers will head back to the playoffs once again.

Prediction: 11-5

2. Denver Broncos—The Denver Broncos begin the 2009 season, known as the post Cutler era, without their franchise quarterback in Jay Cutler. In the offseason, they signed Pro-Bowl safety Brian Dawkins to try and improve the offseason woes. In his first season as head coach, Josh McDaniels will find it difficult.

Kyle Orton could play well in McDaniels’ system, yet he didn’t prove in Chicago he can throw the ball downfield where the receiving corps, led by Brandon Marshall,who loves to make the big grabs.

The addition of Dawkins helps the defense; but there are many holes on the field, particularly the lack of pass-rush.

The Broncos will play well in their home stadium; though a rough season does await in 2009.

Prediction: 7-9

3. Oakland Raiders—The silver and black finished the 2008 season on a winning streak under Tom Cable, despite being six games under .500.

The organization is expecting a progression from JaMarcus Russell, who has underachieved as the number one pick in the draft.

Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas are becoming a forceful running back combo beneath our eyes.

On the defensive side, the brightest spot is Nnamdi Asomugha, whom they signed to a long-term contract as a building piece on defense.

Tom Cable could be the answer in Oakland, that is, if he gets lee-way as coach to help build the roster.

The Raiders do face a tough schedule on the road, which includes; New York, Pittsburgh, and Dallas, along with games against the Eagles, Ravens, and Redskins.

The Raiders will put on a show, but are a few off seasons away from contending again, another losing season is coming for Oakland.

Prediction: 6-10

4. Kansas City Chiefs—The Kansas City Chiefs began their project by hiring new head coach Todd Haley, an offensive mastermind who led the Arizona Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance.

With that, Kansas City traded for quarterback Matt Cassel, who had his career year with the Patriots. Just a few weeks ago the front office signed him to an extension, making him the quarterback for the forseeable future.

Receiver Dwayne Bowe continues to make strides as an offense threat, however, he is still the only bright spot in a weak team.

One of the worst offenses in the league in 2008, Kansas City shipped Tony Gonzalez out of town, their only productive weapon, statistically the best tight end in the NFL.

This year with the third overall pick, the Chiefs selected Tyson Jackson out of LSU. Along with Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City is building a defensive line for the future. However, with a very young squad, the talent is simply not there to build a winning team at the moment.

Prediction: 4-12

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

 

Does Michael Vick Deserve a Second Chance? I Say Yes

If you’re a fan of Virginia Tech football, then you were undoubtedly a fan of Michael Vick.  His elusive play, explosive arm, and uncanny athletic ability took the Virginia Tech program to new heights.  Heights that it had never seen before and hasn’t seen since his departure.

Frank Beamer and Vick are the primary reasons Virginia Tech football is one of the premier football programs in the nation. Beamer took over at his alma mater as head coach in 1987, and after six years of mediocrity, Beamer is a living legend among Hokie faithful.

With 16 consecutive bowl appearances and 176 wins as the head coach at Virginia Tech for the former Tech cornerback, Beamer has written his legacy as one of the premier coaches in the history of college football.

There is one thing, though. Beamer has only one national championship appearance, which was a loss to Florida State on Jan. 4, 2000. The starting quarterback of that Virginia Tech football team was Vick. 

Vick is hands down the greatest football player in Virginia Tech history, and he only played football two out of his three years at the university. Had Vick stayed an extra year, maybe he and Beamer win a national championship together.

Vick left Blacksburg in the physical form, but his face and name still hovers in the Virginia Tech community. Vick donated countless dollars to the football program and the university. He also gave a lot of money to the families of the Apr. 16 victims.

Then, shortly after Apr. 16, 2007, the news broke about Vick. The biggest question was if he was involved or not.  Many people, including Beamer and former teachers of the superstar quarterback, thought for sure there was no validity to the accusations. 

Unfortunately, there were.

Vick, once the most beloved Virginia Tech player of all-time, had been convicted of a felony dogfighting charge. The crimes he committed were horrible, and he served a proper punishment for the crime.

Many Virginia Tech alumni wanted to rid the university of the Vick name—not only because of Michael, but because of the mark brother Marcus left during his stay in Blacksburg.

However, the university refused to take down his banner in Lane Stadium, where all of the other Virginia Tech greats are honored, and the university refused to rid itself of “Michael Vick Hall,” which was named after Vick for donating money to build the Merryman Athletic Center, which is where the Virginia Tech athletic offices and trophies are located.

Hateful remarks about Vick flooded the nation, and Blacksburg wasn’t immune.

Disappointment and disbelief were my thoughts on the situation, but for once the legal system didn’t let an athlete walk away with only a slap on the hand.

Examples of such instances are many. Donte Stallworth served 24 out of 30 days in jail for committing vehicular manslaughter, while his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

Ray Lewis was involved with the stabbing deaths of two people outside of a nightclub the year before the Ravens won the Super Bowl, and he received a year of probation, no suspension from the NFL, and a $250,000 fine from the United States.

Leonard Little also committed vehicular manslaughter while driving with twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system and served 90 days in jail.  A few years later he was handed a second DUI, and found his way back into the NFL after both offenses. 

And don’t even get me started on Adam “Pacman” Jones.  By the way, did anyone see that video of Jones on ESPN the other day?

Fact of the matter is, these people committed horrible, disgusting crimes, sometimes multiple crimes, and were given not only a second chance to play in the NFL again, but a third chance.

If Michael Vick isn’t allowed back into the NFL, or if a team doesn’t want to take a chance on him because of the media attention he will bring, it will be a joke of sorts.

I’m sure you can find a player on every NFL team that has committed some sort of crime.  Not to say that any of them are as bad as killing a man because you were driving your Bentley around while you were drunk, or funding a dogfighting operation, but to not sign Vick because of the attention he would bring to your team is a weak excuse.

Many people are dog/animal lovers.  I’m one of them.  Many people love other human beings too, don’t they? If we have people in the NFL who have killed other people, on purpose or not, those teams that signed those players had to face a certain amount of criticism. I don’t see or hear any protesters outside of those franchises anymore.

The economy is another reason teams want to stay away from Vick. This, to me, is another weak excuse.  The main argument for owners afraid of the economic impact of Vick is, “Well, we might lose some season-ticket holders.” 

Unless you’re the Detroit Lions or St. Louis Rams I’m sure there are plenty of people waiting for season tickets. So if some people leave others will come.

And you can’t tell me if Vick was brought to a team and that team was making a playoff push, that people wouldn’t come to watch because they have a dog named Buddy at home. Let’s be real.

Whether you’re a Virginia Tech fan, Atlanta Falcons fan, an NFL fan, a fan of Michael Vick, or a lover of dogs, you have to believe the man deserves another shot in society.  And if you say no without thinking about it, let’s think about it.

I’m sure you’ve come across someone in your life that has committed a crime—let’s say felony. That person may be a friend, relative or an acquaintance of some sort. Unless the crime committed was in the field in which that person works, I would have no objection with that person returning to their original job. 

Although the crime Vick committed is considered violent, it’s not like he’s a threat to another human being’s life. 

People make mistakes and the NFL would be making a mistake if they didn’t give him a chance to prove to everyone that he has changed.  For you dog lovers out there, don’t worry, he’s not allowed to own any animals for the rest of his life.

The coming days will determine if Vick is able to return to the NFL, and I think Goodell will reinstate him. The biggest question for Vick heading into his future is, will he be given a second chance, not only in the NFL but in society?

Steve “A Tisker, A” Tasker

Does Steve Tasker belong in Canton?

How do you judge a person’s merit for enshrinement?

Do you base it on how that person is compared to other players at his position on an all time level?

Do you base it on how that person changed the game, or changed the opposing teams game plan for that player?

Or, do you base it solely on hardware like MVP’s, All Pro’s, Pro Bowl’s and Super Bowl rings?

It’s clear that people get into the Hall for different reasons, but it is also clear that all that are in the hall are considered the best of all time at their respective positions.

For example, even though Kelly and Marino don’t have the hardware that Montana boasts—all three are considered all time great QB’s.

The Hall is reserved for the crem de’ la crem, the best of the best, right? So why, since Tasker is clearly the greatest special teammer of all time, is he not in the Hall? He is a seven-time Pro Bowl gunner, as well as the only special teammer to be named Pro Bowl MVP.

Don’t forget that as a special teammer, he was named All Pro five, count em, FIVE different times. In the Pro Bowl where he won the MVP, he had four tackles, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal.

So here you have his seven Pro Bowls, five-time Associated Press All Pro, four Super Bowl appearances as well as he became the second person in Super Bowl history to block a punt—I think his highest honor was his final Pro Bowl nod.

He received a trip to Hawaii when he never even took a snap on special teams. This is sort of like Magic Johnson “Esq” getting voted into the NBA All Star game after retiring. Tasker played in 195 games making 204 special team tackles, and blocking seven punts.

Back in 2007, Sports Illustrated writer Peter King was asked to assemble an all time dream team, and sure enough his special teams roster looked like this:

Kicker: Adam Vinatieri
Punter: Sammy Baugh
KR: Gayle Sayers

And at a position listed solely as “PLAYER” he has Mr. Tasker

Do you see the company he keeps? The kind of players he is mentioned with?

But here’s the kicker!

The same 36 Hall of Fame voters put Steve “A Tisker A” Tasker on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team as a special teammer, but not in the Hall of Fame—A little confusing if not contradictory, don’t you think?

The hardest thing about his bid for Canton is there are no real stats to compare him to other defenders. There are no special teammers that affected the game the way he did—but you can not deny his impact on the field

So the correct answer, is YES!

Pittsburgh Steelers Top 2009 Breakout Candidates

The Pittsburgh Steelers are famous for their low roster turnover from season to season.  In an era of free agency, where established stars seemingly change teams as often as socks, the Steelers always seem to find a way to retain most of their players.

There is no denying that players love playing in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers’ success in the age of free agency goes beyond the environment.  The Steelers have some smart football people in the front office.

Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert and his staff have a zen for signing and drafting not only the right people, but people who will spend most if not all of their careers in Pittsburgh.

That does not mean that the Steelers lack several potential breakout candidates as they head toward the opening of 2009’s training camp.  In fact, for a team with so many established stars, the Steelers have quite a few players primed for a career year.

Here’s a look at those players:

 

Offense

 

Santonio Holmes, WR

It’s hard to say that a player coming off of a Super Bowl performance that earned him MVP honors is a breakout candidate, but Holmes’ stellar postseason performances masked a so-so regular season.

Holmes’ statistics from the 2008 regular season (55 receptions, 821 yards, 5 TDs) are pedestrian for starter.

As a former first-round pick, Holmes will be expected to step it up in his fourth year.

Hines Ward is approaching the downside of his career and, with the physical way he plays the game, is becoming an injury risk. Holmes should emerge in 2009 as Ben Roethlisberger’s top target.

His good hands, crisp routes, and circus-catch ability make him a potential star in the NFL, but he must avoid the mental lapses and off-field issues that seemed to mark his 2008 campaign.

I would expect Holmes to catch between 80 and 90 passes, eclipse the 1,000 yard barrier, and have around 10 touchdowns in 2009.

 

Limas Sweed, WR

If anyone had a more visibly difficult postseason than Sweed, the Steelers’ 2008 second-round draft pick, I missed it.

Sweed dropped a sure touchdown pass near the end of the first half of the Steelers’ AFC Championship matchup with Baltimore.  He made a nice block a few plays later, but he struggled to step up in the Steelers offense during his rookie season.

Now that Sweed has that experience under his belt, he will be asked to take on at least part of the role vacated by Nate Washington, who fled to Tennessee in the offseason.

Sweed has great tools, particularly his height and speed. He projects as a potential No. 1 or No. 2 receiver, but he played nothing like that in 2008.

For Sweed, success will be all about taking every opportunity to make a play of some kind. He has good blocking skills and decent route running ability (which should improve with experience) and, in college, nice hands.

Perhaps the best thing for Sweed will be the competition with Shaun McDonald and others for the third receiver spot.  If Sweed can thrive on the competition, he should have a breakout campaign much the way his predecessor (Washington) did.

I would expect Sweed to eventually emerge as the team’s third option in the passing game and to have 30-50 catches, 500-600 yards, and five touchdowns.

 

Rashard Mendenhall, RB

Mendenhall had quite possibly the shortest rookie season in memory.  Mendenhall played in four games and had only 19 carries for 58 yards before a hard hit by Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis broke his shoulder and ended his season.

Mendenhall has great skills, but until we see how he reacts in a full season of NFL action, it will be hard to judge whether or not he can run at the NFL level.

Healthy once again, Mendenhall could reasonably be expected to split the starting running back job with Willie Parker.  Mendenhall will be expected to get the tough yards in the middle that the smaller Parker cannot.

Mendenhall should give the Steelers a presence near the endzone as well. He will compete with rookie Frank Summers for the job that Gary Russell did last season. Mendenhall should win that job.

It is hard to project Mendenhall’s statistics with so little information to work with. If he successfully platoons with Parker and is the team’s red zone running back, Mendenhall should be expected to contribute at least 500-600 yards and 10-plus touchdowns.

 

Defense

 

William Gay, CB

Gay, now in his third season, filled in nicely when Bryant McFadden was injured last season.  Now, Gay gets the first crack at replacing McFadden, who bolted for Arizona this spring.

Gay has good speed and coverage skills to make up for his lack of height.  His vertical jump is also quite good.  His above-average hands make him a threat to take a pass away if he has the opportunity.

More so than veteran Ike Taylor, Gay is a smart player who does not often take pass interference calls. He plays large and fast. 

Gay should beat out aging Deshea Townsend for the starting job this season, and it would not be surprising to see him finish with a few interceptions and sacks next season. Dick LeBeau loves to bring the corners on a blitz, and Gay’s speed will make him dangerous in that regard.

 

Lawrence Timmons, LB

With veteran Larry Foote leaving for his native Detroit after this April’s draft, it is now up to Timmons to carry on the great tradition of Steelers linebackers.

Timmons should prove to be an upgrade from Foote because of his speed and pass rushing ability.  Foote was a good run-stuffer, but was not as effective on passing downs.  Timmons began to take playing time away from him last season. Now it will be his job to lose.

Expect the Steelers to use Timmons on several blitz packages and for him to play a role similar to that of Ray Lewis. His job will be to disrupt the middle of the field and be a threat to rush or drop into coverage. 

If Timmons plays to his potential, he will likely free up outside linebackers James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley even more. Timmons should contribute at least five sacks to the defensive effort if not more. I’d also expect him to come away with an interception or two thanks to his pass rush and coverage ability.

 

Rookies Who Could Contribute in 2009

Joe Burnett, CB; Frank Summer, RB; Mike Wallace, WR

 

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