NFL Coaching News: Mike Leach to the Oakland Raiders?

Today has been nothing short of amazing it terms of NFL news. Things have been especially entertaining here in the Washington D.C. area, where the Washington Redskins always keep you busy during the offseason. However, this bit of news comes from the other side of the country, all the way in Oakland.

According to sources at the Dan Patrick Show, the Oakland Raiders are very interested in former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. While it would be a surprising move, it would actually make some sense.

Current Raiders’ coach Tom Cable has been under fire all season, beginning with an incident in which he may or may not have broken the jaw of his assistants during training camp. Combine that with a losing record and the revolving door at quarterback, and you have a man who could be on his way out.

In Mike Leach, you also have a man who is surrounded by controversy. His issues stem  from dealing with kids at Texas Tech.

The Raiders have proved in the past that they are not afraid to dip into the college ranks for a coach. In Mike Leach, they get a quirky guy, but a pretty good football coach. Leach is best known for his innovative, pass happy offense that has lit up the Big 12 South for the past 10 seasons. It is no secret that Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis loves the vertical passing game. From that perspective, hiring Leach should be a match made in heaven.

Let’s just hope this pass happy college coach fairs better than the last one who made the jump to the NFL. Remember Steve Spurrier’s NFL experiment? Washington Redskin fans do.

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NFL Coaching News: Washington Redskins Talk With Mike Shanahan

In what has been a very busy day here at Walker Sports we have recently received news that the Washington Redskins have found their new head coach.

This comes less than 12 hours after firing their previous head coach, Jim Zorn. 

Owner Bruce Allen seems hellbent on improving the state of this shamed franchise as swiftly as possible.

According to reporters from 106.7 The Fan in Washington DC, Redskins Owner, Dan Snyder’s private jet landed at Dulles airport earlier today. Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan proceded to climb off the plane and enter a limousine with Snyder and drove off to a private meeting.

While there has been no official word if Shanahan has been offered the job, the Washington Redskins have never hid their strong feelings towards Shanahan.

In other news, a source out of Houston, Texas has stated that Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has wished the best of luck to Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shananan with his endeavors in Washington.

More to come.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Chad Ochocinco Ready to Change His Name Again

Chad Ochocinco or Chad Johnson if you prefer his original name, is the high point of entertainment in the NFL. Like the Bengals or hate him, Ochocinco does his best to keep the fans on their toes.

Sunday morning on his UStream channel, CJ (as he used to go by) made an announcement that had fans talking once again. The star wide out is ready to change his last name once again. This time he wants to be known as “Hachi Go” which is Japanese for Eight Five. So in theory he is not changing his name, just changing the language… or something like that.

When pressed to give a reason on the name change, Ochocinco came back with the following response. “Some fans of mine that are Japanese said I should change my last name to ‘Hachi Go.”

It is not sure if Commissioner Goodell is aware of or even willing to allow the second name change of his career, but at least Hachi Go could look good on a Bengals jersey.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Walker Sports College Football Poll: There’s Plenty of Upsets

There were plenty of upsets this weekend across the college football landscape. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know there is plenty of movement in this week’s edition of the Walker Sports College Football Poll, so let’s not waste any more time and go right to the poll.

1. Florida Gators

Tim Tebow had the flu, but the Kentucky Wildcats were no match. A great first half and an average second half equals out to be another Florida win.

2. Texas Longhorns

UTEP never stood a chance. Colt McCoy and the Longhorns are on a mission that does not end until January.

3. Boise State Broncos

Yes you read this correctly, Boise State is in the top five in the country. The Broncos are legit and they will be in a BCS game. Just watch.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

Hanging around, and they now have the blueprint to knock off Florida in the SEC Championship game should they get there.

5. LSU Tigers

See Bama.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

Yet again the Buckeyes seem to be emerging as the cream of the crop in the Big 10. Expect another lost in a BCS game to the Big 12.

7. Virginia Tech Hokies

Jumping up a few spots after a very impressive win against the Miami Hurricanes.

8. Oklahoma Sooners

Next week’s game against Miami could very well tell the story for the Sooners 2009 season.

9. TCU Horned Frogs

Great win in a hostile environment. The Horned Frogs proved they may be best team in the Mountain West and ready to contend on the national scene.

 

10. USC Trojans

Matt Barkley is back and the Trojans got themselves back on track just in time.

11. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Still need to find a way to get some defense or else this season will be a total loss.

12. Cincinnati Bearcats

At least someone is representing the Big East. Good luck in that rematch with Va. Tech.

13. Penn State Nittany Lions

Yet again Iowa comes in to ruin the perfect season. Man that’s trippy.

14. Georgia Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are better than I thought but still don’t see much of a future in the SEC East.

15. Houston Cougars

This team is really taking off. Knocking off Texas Tech last week was impressive.

 

16. Iowa Hawkeyes

Two years in a row the Hawkeyes have had what it takes to beat Penn State. This time they did it in front of 90,000.

17. Cal Bears

Talk about choking. Nothing about Saturday’s game was good.

18. Kansas Jayhawks

Still hanging around in the Big 12 North, this will be an interesting journey for the Jayhawks.

19. BYU Cougars

It will be great to see the game when the Cougars and the Horned Frogs match up.

20. Mississippi Rebels

Ole Miss may be the one team that the Cal Bears can look at and say, “I’m glad I’m not them.”

21. Michigan Wolverines

Rich Rod is putting the pieces together. Give him a few seasons and something big will happen.

22. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Great win over the Tar Heels has Paul Johnson’s crew back into the mix in the ACC.

23. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Rebounding after a heart breaker on the road last week. All the Cornhuskers have to do is focus and worry about beating out Kansas.

24. Oregon Ducks

Chip Kelly has his team back on track. It took a while to install his ideals, but now his players are responding.

25. Miami Hurricanes

This is still a good team. They just played a better and more experienced team on Saturday.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

2009 College Football Pick’em Week 4

Back for another week of college football action. The BCS got rocked last weekend thanks to the USC dropping a game, and the Tennessee Vols taught us that Florida can be rattled. What can be expected in week four? That I don’t know but you can believe that once again my picks will be spot on.

Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

The Hurricanes and the Hokies have combined for some great games in the Big East, however since both schools made the conversion to the ACC, the rivalry has cooled a bit. Saturday afternoon, the rivalry is back on. The Virginia Tech Hokies are coming off an impressive victory over a much improved Nebraska Cornhuskers squad. On the other side of the ball you have the Miami Hurricanes, who look to be regaining their swagger both on and off the field. There is no doubt this game will provide great theater.

The Hokies Tyrod Taylor finally had his breakout moment last weekend when he lead Virginia Tech on an 80 yard game-winning drive. Taylor’s emergence has kept the Hokies offense on track this season while they wait for their young runningbacks to get adjusted to big time football. On Saturday he will face another aggressive defense, that is closer to the one he faced in the season opener against Bama.

The Miami Hurricanes are quickly becoming the darlings of the NCAA, which is strange if you think about it, but also very good for college football. There is no doubt that this Miami team is legit. Jaccory Harris should have his name tossed into the Heisman balloting. He is a very athletic quarterback who knows how to buy time in the pocket. However, what makes him special is Harris’ ability to throw the ball downfield. Having a solid arm helps to keep the defense honest and calm some of the aggressive pass rush schemes.

Despite being the home team, the spread is favoring the Miami Hurricanes by three points. This is a big game both in the ACC standings and on the national scene. Frank Beamer’s Hokies just came off a big win against Nebraska weekend and could be suffering from a bit of a hangover. Miami looked sharp last week against Georgia Tech. It definitely seems like the U have gotten their swagger back.

Winner: Miami Hurricanes win straight up and cover the three points.

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The Tar Heels are coached by Butch Davis who many consider the architect for the Miami Hurricane juggernaut of the ’90s. After a brief stint in the NFL, Davis has settled in Chapel Hill, and after a few seasons of rebuilding he appears to be putting his mark on the Tar Heel program. UNC have plenty of questions to answer on the offensive side of the ball.

Mainly inconsistencies at quarterback have hampered North Carolina’s attack. What Butch Davis has done for the Tar Heels is bring life to what is a very aggressive and dangerous defense. The speed and athleticism at the linebacker position make the Tar Heels a threat against any team.

Many thought the Yellow Jackets were the favorites to win the ACC in 2009. Paul Johnson has his version of the triple option running in high gear. Last week against the Hurricanes Georgia Tech were held in check. That was because the Cane’s have more speed than your average defense. Against the Tar Heels, Georgia Tech will push the limits. The Rambling Wreck rushing attack has the opportunity to churn up yards on the ground and wear out the Tar Heels defense.

The spread on this game favors the Yellow Jackets by two and a half points, that’s basically the cover the spread they give to any home team. However, despite the fact that North Carolina are the ranked team in this match up, Georgia Tech are still the better squad when it comes to executing X’s and O’s.

Winner: Georgia Tech cover the spread and wins the game.

Cal Bears vs. Oregon Ducks

This may be the most intriguing and underrated game on the weekend. During the preseason the Oregon Ducks were expected to make some noise both in the Pac 10 and on the national scene. All of those thoughts were put to rest when Oregon went down in burning flames in a season opener against Boise State. The damage done on the field was only out matched by post game altercations.

All of that being said, the Oregon Ducks are not a terrible team, they just need to find their identity under new head coach Chip Kelly. Slowly but surely this Duck’s team is coming together. Oregon got through their non-conference schedule 2-1 and all things said, that is nothing to be ashamed of.

The Cal Bears are a very hot team right now thanks to the efforts of runningback Jahvid Best. There is no question that the Bears have the horses and are prepared to make a legit run at the Pac 10 title. The key for the Bears this weekend will be focus. Everyone in the state of California is looking forward to the Bears and Trojans game next week. However, that game will not mean a thing if Cal cannot knock off the Ducks in Oregon.

The spread shows Cal as a six point favorite. Cal have the talent to win the game but, they don’t have the focus to cover the six point spread.

Winner: Cal wins the game, but Oregon keeps it interesting and covers the spread.

TCU Horned Frogs vs. Clemson Tigers

The Horned Frogs are a good team. Unlike some of their Mountain West counter parts, the Horned Frogs go on the road, play good teams and they know how to win. TCU have already traveled east once this year to whip up on an ACC team. However, that was the Virginia Cavalier and I assure you, the Tigers will not be that bad.

TCU have made a name for themselves thanks to a stellar defense. Their 3-3-5 scheme is something that opposing teams don’t see very often and as a result they have a hard time preparing for and executing against it.

Once again, there were high hopes in Death Valley. An early loss to Georgia Tech derailed some of that hype, but nonetheless the Tigers are a dangerous team. They still have arguably the best running back in the country with C.J. Spiller. He sat out part of Clemson’s last game with a bum toe, but all indications show Spiller should be past that in time for Saturday’s game.

This is another one of those unique matchups where the ranked team actually enters the game as an underdog. The spread favors Clemson by three points. One has to think this advantage comes from the raucous crowd that will be in attendance in Death Valley on Saturday evening. This is a very difficult game to chose, but I say go for the big play.

Winner: TCU wins the game outright and thus covers the spread.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Walker Sports College Football Poll: USC Takes a Tumble

 
Week three of the college football season saw plenty of top 25 action and a few upsets. With all that action, you know there was some shifting going on in the Walker-Sports College Football Poll.

1. Florida Gators

To be frankly honest, Florida did not look all that great against Tennessee, but they managed to get the win, keeping them perfect and keeping them atop the poll.

2. Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns accomplished something special in this week’s poll. They leap-frogged Penn State for the second spot. Playing legitimate teams is worth something.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

The Nittany Lions won again this past weekend, but they slipped in the rankings. That’s what happens when you play Akron, Syracuse, and Temple. Penn State needs to get into their Big 10 schedule.

4. Ole Miss Rebels

Chalk up another win for this team. The QB is legit but I’m not sold on the team as a whole.

5. Cal Bears

This is the best Cal team in years. However, I’d like their overall chances a lot more if Washington hadn’t knocked off USC this weekend. I don’t see the Trojans dropping two conference games.

6. Boise State Broncos

With BYU being embarrassed this weekend, the Broncos just improved their chance to be a BCS buster once again.

7. Alabama Crimson Tide

The schedule is about to kick into high gear for ‘Bama when they enter the SEC schedule next week. It will be interesting.

8. LSU Tigers

This is the other talented team in the SEC West looking to reclaim some of their greatness of just a few years ago. I expect big things from the Tigers.

9. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes have shaken off the affects of the loss to USC. While I’m not crazy about this squad they still have what it takes to make a play for the Big 10 Championship.

10. Oklahoma Sooners

Still relevant, but they need to get healthy soon. Miami will be a hell of a test for the boys.

11. Virginia Tech Hokies

Knocking off Nebraska gave this team some legitimacy. However after watching Miami and Florida State, the Hokies are the third best team in the ACC at best.

12. TCU Horned Frogs

I like this team’s chances to win the Mountain West. They are good, and the defense is flat out amazing.

13. USC Trojans

Once again the Trojans manage to choke against a weak Pac-10 opponent.

14. Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Cowboys are still hoping to stay relevant in the Big 12, and I believe they can.

15. Cincinnati Bearcats

The only team from the Big East in the poll, and that will remain the case for the rest of the year.

16. Georgia Bulldogs

I’m not sure exactly how they fit in with all the talent in the SEC but for now the Bulldogs have a home on the Walker Sports poll.

17. Miami Hurricanes

The Canes are on the comeback trail. The ACC and the rest of the country should be on notice.

18. North Carolina Tar Heels

Butch Davis is doing his best to put this program on the map.

19. Florida State Seminoles

Miami is on the way back, and so are the FSU Noles. It would be great to see Bobby Bowden go out on a high note.

20. BYU Cougars

Apparently I over calculated how talented the Cougars are. BYU proved they are a good mid-major team.

21. Kansas Jayhawks

Nebraska dropping a game this weekend at the very least makes the Jayhawks look stronger. The key for them will be solidifying their defense.

22. Michigan Wolverines

Rich Rodriguez is putting this program back on track. The Wolverines won’t climb too high in this poll but Rome wasn’t built in a day either.

23. Oregon State Beavers

Washington stole their roll as the PAC 10 giant killers, but they are still a force.

24. Washington Huskies

Knock off a top five team and you get noticed.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Tough loss to Virginia Tech, but I like this team.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Dallas Cowboys Looking at Pacman Jones?

Those who fail to learn from the past, are doomed to repeat it. It is an age old saying that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, has either never heard or simply chooses to ignore. What has the eccentric owner gotten himself into this time? The same as always, looking at and signing troubled players.

In what has to go down as a massively contradictory day, Jones made two interesting statements to the media on Monday.

First he told ESPN the Dallas Cowboys were not interested in troubled wide out Matt Jones. The former Arkansas Razorback was shunned by fellow alumnus Jones due to his lack of performance on the field, and his off the field actions. As a Cowboys’ fan, I read this to be a good sign. Jerry Jones had learned to avoid looking at the shiny object and he was back to focusing on winning games. Then the other shoe dropped.

Jerry Jones had another conversation with a group of reporters and informed them the Cowboys were looking at troubled defensive back Adam “Pacman” Jones.

Jones said, “Would you beat me up if I brought Adam back?” when talking to a reporter on Monday afternoon. Obviously, Jones has something up his sleeve.

The sad part about all this is, Cowboys’ fans can only sit back and cringe as they watch their team be dismantled. Oddly enough, I am not beginning to understand what life as a Raiders’ fan is like.

Top 10 Sports Personalities in Washington D.C.

George Michael: Before Sportscenter became a household word, and we all tuned it at 11 PM to catch the daily highlights there was The George Michael Sports Machine. The show first aired locally here in Washington D.C. in 1980, and then went national in 1984. George Michael was also the voice for the NBC affiliate in Washington D.C. he had the ear of Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and he always got the inside scoop at Redskins park.

Andy Pollin: Andy Pollin began his career out west in Texas, before moving to New York City where he was one of the original broadcasters at WFAN. In the early 1990’s Pollin returned to his home town in Maryland and helped establish what now ESPN980 is; the first 24/hour sports station in Washington D.C. In many ways Pollin has been a staple of the Washington sports scene. His recently published book with fellow Washingtonian Leonard Shapiro showed Pollin’s knowledge and understanding of D.C. sports history. For any D.C. sports fan there is no better way to spend the evening drive home than listening to Andy Pollin on his daily radio broadcast The Sports Reporters.

 

John Thompson: Better known as coach, Big John has made the transition from stalking the sidelines at Georgetown to sitting in a chair behind the microphone, and radio listeners in Washington D.C. cannot be happier. John Thompson brings the same straight shooting style that made him a standout coach to his interviews and athletes and writers alike can all appreciate his talents. Big John has not been afraid to remind listeners to what it was like back in the when he was growing up in the area as well as when he first came to Georgetown. Without a doubt his biggest accomplishment in the booth has been keeping it real.

 

Richard ‘Doc’ Walker: Doc Walker first burst onto the Washington D.C. sports scene after being traded to the Washington Redskins. He would go on to be a founding member of the Redskins Fun Bunch. After stepping off the gridiron Doc picked up a microphone and become of the best game broadcasters in the area. His weekly work covering college football has made him a staple in any ACC fans weekly diet. In addition to being a color commentator Doc Walker also host his own radio shows as well as working as a sideline reporter for the Redskins. While all of those accomplishments are good, Docs biggest addition to the D.C. sports scene has been the nicknames. Mongoose Marcus Washington, Sean the Tarantula Taylor, Mike Caveman Sellers. All of these have become staples in the Metropolitan region.

Brian Mitchell: B Mitch, has been described as a hard ass, and that description would be 100 percent accurate. After retiring, Brian Mitchell came to the airwaves in 2006 and D.C. radio has not been the same since. Brian Mitchell was known for bringing intensity and trash talking to the field as a player and he has brought the exact same mindset to the radio booth. B’Mitch has been known to threaten local athletes and challenge them both on the field and sometimes in the back alley. However, despite the hard exterior, this writer can personally attest to the good side of Brian Mitchell, who took time out of his busy schedule to help a struggling rugby player practice his kick and punt returns.

 

Al Koken: Despite growing up in St. Louis Missouri, Al Koken has become a popular figure in Washington Sports. In the last two decades Koken has worked doing game commentary for the Orioles, Wizards, the CAA conference and most notably the Washington Capitals. In addition to his in game work, you can also catch Al Koken as a co-host on the John Thompson show.

 

Steve Buckhantz: Buck as they like to call him has been a staple in the Washington D.C. sports scene for nearly 25 years. He made his mark during a 14 year stint as the sports director and lead sports anchor for Fox 5 news. Buckhantz now spends his days doing play-by-play for the Washington Wizards. Without a doubt Buckhantz’s biggest contribution to sports have been the catch phrase “dagger” that can be heard on any Wizards highlight clip. Note: also be aware of premature “dagerlation” at the end of a game.

 

Mike Wilbon: Mike Wilbon has been with the Washington Post since 1980, and no one can deny the impact he has had both locally and nationally. The majority of people know Wilbon for his role on PTI, ESPN’s highest rated show. In reality PTI is the product of a near 30 year friendship between Wilbon and TK. In addition to being a feature columnist, radio guest, Wilbon has become one of ESPN’s top basketball analysts. Many a writer including Mike Wise has attributed Mike Wilbon’s work ethic and mentoring to their success.

 

Mike Wise: Michael Wise is the newest guy on this list, having only resided in Washington D.C. since 2004. This is after his time working in New York City. However, despite only being in D.C. for a little under five years, Mike Wise has made his impact known. He has become one of the elite columnists for the Washington Post, with Mike Wilbon focusing more of his attention toward his ESPN commitments. There is no one who has his thumb on the pulse of Wizards basketball like Mike Wise. Bringing plenty of is California laid by cool to the busy district Wise provides a unique voice that is very refreshing for the region. Also Michael Wise is an avid animal lover, having saved his dog from a freezing river last winter. How can you not like this guy?

 

Sally Jenkins: She may be the only female on this list, but don’t let that fool you. Sally Jenkins is better qualified to talk sports than anyone writing or reading this blog. The former head writer for Sports Illustrated is now an award winning feature columnist for the Washington Post. I’m not sure what it is, perhaps because she is a woman she has a different perspective, but Jenkins brings a new light and a refreshing look to the stories she writes about. And the Washington D.C. area is far better for having her.

 

Arizona Cardinals Release Edgerrin James

In what really comes as no surprise to anyone who follows the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals have confirmed they have released Pro-Bowl running back Edgerrin James.

This comes just a few days after the Cardinals used their first-round draft pick to pick up Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells.

James and the Cardinals have been at odds with each other since the midway point of last season. Edgerrin saw his carries per game drop significantly as they season progressed, and he was willing to let any and everyone know he was not happy.

James was entering the final year of his contract with the Arizona Cardinals and he had ask the team to either be traded or let go so he could persue another team.

At 30 years of age, it is possible that James still has some good years of football left in him. James made a name for himself in the NFL while playing with the Indianapolis Colts. However, like so many other players his time out in the desert of Arizona has not been kind to him.

Where James will go no could be an interesing question. While he may not be a feature back anymore there is no doubt he could help any team that is looking for an extra pop coming out of their backfield.

Tony Gonzalez Traded to the Atlanta Falcons

According to league sources, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez has gotten his wish and will be traded ahead of the 2009 football season. The Chiefs have agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Falcons that will seen the Pro-Bowl tight end to the Falcons for a second round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Gonzalez has been the subject of trade rumors since last season when he first let it be known that he would be open to ending his Hall of Fame career somewhere other than Kansas City. Although never pressing for a trade, it has been no secret that Tony Gonzalez wanted to be on a team that was on their upside and not rebuilding like the Kansas City Chiefs.

One glaring omission in the Atlanta Falcons offense was their lack of a tight end. Every writer had them picking up a tight end in this year’s draft. With the acquisition of Gonzalez, they can put their first round pick to use elsewhere. This will surely affect the shakeout of this year’s NFL Draft as teams readjust their order to compensate.

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