NFL Insiders Ross Mandel & Ralph Mancini Let Knowledge Drop In Today's Daily Dose...
BRETT FAVRE UPDATE
Sports Illustrated's Peter King is reporting that quarterback Brett Favre wants to play football again, and that his agent could be asked to have him removed from the retired list in the next 10 days. The Packers currently have the second most salary cap room in the NFL. Green Bay has just over $32 million available, second behind only the Chiefs ($36 million).
Mancini's Take: Green Bay's front office and HC Mike McCarthy are forced to deal with a situation they want no part of. The issue at hand is: How do you say 'no' to a legend? NFL teams very easily dispose of unwanted veterans every year when they can no longer give what they once did. But, in this case, we're talking about Favre who's not only universally loved, but can still actually play at a high level. Green Bay needs to be strong and allow him to play by trading him out of the division. Do I hear the Jets calling?
Mandel's Take: Let the circus continue. To me, the worst part about this is that Favre is hiding, testing the waters...letting his mom, HIS MOM, speak to the press while he sits there leaving the Packers to twist in the wind. The guy is clearly not sure if he wants to come back or not, and do you want a wishy-washy aging QB running your team? How does that advance your franchise? Why can't Favre just say "I want to come back" and make it official? The Packers have tried to move on, but Favre will not allow it. I'll say this--if the 49ers could sever ties with Joe Montana, the Packers can certainly sever ties with Favre. However, even if they do, they will endure a season during which each incompletion by Rodgers and each TD from Favre--wherever he's playing--will have Packers fans up in arms wishing their hero was there. "Brett would've made that throw...I can't believe he's working his magic for Carolina now...wahhhhh!!!" You can have his 24 TD, 18 INT season on the Jets, Rev...and all the indecisiveness and overrated-ness that come with it.
DIXON TO BE READY FOR TRAINING CAMP
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Pittsburgh Steelers expect QB Dennis Dixon (knee) to be recovered by training camp.
Mancini's Take: Much credit goes to Dixon for his tireless efforts in rehabilitating his knee in time to not only practice for teams prior to the draft, but also possibly contribute in his rookie year. The Steelers, on their part, have already made a commitment to him by releasing their third-string QB Jared Zabransky. I wonder if there's been any thought of using him in a slash role?
Mandel's Take: The hard-working Dixon is going to contribute at some point, but it won't be at QB any time soon with Roethlisberger at the helm in Steeltown. The Rev's idea of using him in the slash role isn't a crazy one, and we all know that Pittsburgh is open to thinking outside the box.
TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE A WRIGHT
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers have waived QB Drew Olson and signed QB Kyle Wright.
Mancini's Take: Olsen, Wright, Mancini, Mandel...just throw those names in a bag, and it really doesn't matter who plays behind the 49er troika of Smith, Hill and O'Sullivan. Wright will see some time at the end of preseason games when no one is watching.
Mandel's Take: Hey--I can throw the seam pass with the best of them...or at least as good as Kyle Wright. Come on Niners, what's the deal here? Perhaps they brought in the dreadful Wright so the other three mediocre QBs will look better by comparison and get some confidence.
PLAXICO BURRESS UPDATE
The New York Daily News reports New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress (knee, shoulder, pinkie, ankle) said his various injuries from last season are getting better. 'I'm feeling pretty good. The knee is 100%, shoulder is 100%. My pinkie will be what it is. My ankle is probably 90%. I am expecting to be full speed in camp. I'm not going to make a prediction of what I can put up but if I'm healthy, all I can tell people is to watch out,' Burress said. The same source reports that Burress is confident he will receive a new contact soon. 'It is going pretty good. I'm getting positive feedback from my agent and looking to get it ironed out before training camp. I think it will be done (by camp),' Burress said about the negotiations. He believes he will be at training camp on time.
Mancini's Take: A new contract has Plax singing a new tune. For all his flaws, the king-sized wide out really showed me something last year by being a consistent big play threat despite playing on a bad wheel. If the coaching staff can once again keep him motivated for the entire year, Plax should have another outstanding year in him. The emergence of Steve Smith will help him immensely. Ok Ross, let's hear how the 2008 Giants will be the most dominant team this side of the 1976 Steelers.
Mandel's Take: Please. The Giants weren't dominating last season and they're certainly not going to dominate this season. The Super Bowl hangover is inevitable but with Burress on board, the offense should be able to pick up where it left off--improving and growing as a unit. I wonder what Shockey is thinking at this point, or even if he's thinking...does he want to be the only one holding out? My guess is, no.
JUREVICIUS CAREER IN JEOPARDY
The Akron Beacon Journal's Patrick McManamon writes that "rumors are flying" that Joe Jurevicius may eventually need microfracture surgery on his knee.
Mancini's Take: It's sad to see the former Nittany Lion annually suffer a variety of ailments, preventing him from establishing himself as a consistent target. As it stands, Juruvicius is living on borrowed time as an NFL player. I'm sure he'll do his best to hold off surgery as long as possible. Cleveland, to its credit, has already had made strides in moving forward by acquiring Donte' Stallworth in the offseason.
Mandel's Take: This is not good news for the Browns and potentially devastating news for Jurevicius. The Stallworth acquisition was a wise one, but to me they need another receiver. I'm sure the Browns are scouring the waiver wire with the hopes of adding some more insurance and frankly, what WR wouldn't want to play in that offense?
COLTS CONVERT END
The Colts have converted Keyunta Dawson to a full-time defensive tackle.
Mancini's Take: It's a bit puzzling that the Colts decided to make a 254-pound end a defensive tackle. His size, or lackthereof, tells me he'll never be more than a situational role player. The lack of depth at d-tackle necessitates this move for Indy.
Mandel's Take: How does this help the Colts' run defense? Indy better hope that Dwight Freeney is able to return in time for the regular season because a move like this tells me that Tony Dungy's DL is not ready for prime time.
LEODIS MCKELVIN UPDATE
Although McKelvin has excellent potential in the return game, he may have to take a back seat in that area to begin his career, the Bills' official site reports. The Bills have two of the best return men in football in Terrence McGee on kickoffs and Roscoe Parrish on punts. Neither is likely to give up the role completely, though both players see the field regularly in normal situations, so the Bills will probably use McKelvin to spell each from time to time.
Mancini's Take: McKelvin already has enough on his plate as he prepares to take on the opposition's top receiver every week. I agree with not overburdening him with responsibilities in the early going as tempting as it might be to unleash the gifted rookie on returns.
Mandel's Take: I'll take it one step further and say that McKelvin may not even start at corner to begin the season. There's no reason to rush him, both from a learning standpoint and a health standpoint since the rookie's hamstrings have apparently been barking a bit. Fans of the Toronto, I mean Buffalo Bills need not worry--McKelvin will settle in and contribute this season...it just might not be right off the bat.
HOLCOMB HANGS’EM UP
The Tennessean reports former Minnesota Vikings QB Kelly Holcomb has decided to retire from the NFL to pursue a broadcasting career.
Mancini's Take: Kudos on the completion of a long career as an NFL passer. Holcomb was a dependable backup who knew how to methodically move his offenses downfield and usually kept mistakes to a minimum. His 2003 playoff performance, in which he lit up the Steelers for 429 yards (a postseason record for a regulation game), was undoubtedly the highlight of his career. The former QB will begin his new life as a sideline reporter for Middle Tennessee State.
Mandel's Take: He can always say he threw more TDs than INTs (39:38) and outplayed a number 1 overall pick (Tim Couch) on a consistent basis. I always thought that he'd be a better player than he was, but he did hang around the league for a long time and seems to have his wits and health as he walks out that door. But will he stay retired? Or will he complicate the Vikings' future by sitting on the fence about his retirement? Can Tavaris Jackson be resting easy knowing that Holcomb could announce he wants to return at any moment? Stay tuned.
TV TIDBIT: BIG SHOW TANDEM REUNITED
NBC has announced that Dan Patrick will join the cast of Football Night in America, where he will team up with his old SportsCenter partner Keith Olbermann to handle highlights of all the Sunday afternoon games.
Mancini's Take: Olbermann is somebody I really used to enjoy before he proclaimed himself as the all-knowing messiah by becoming a political analyst. I prefer getting my political insight from soemone who covers that type of news on a full-time basis. That being said, I look forward to seeing him and Patrick go at it on Sunday nights, as long as he keeps Bill O' Reilly out of his commentary.
Mandel's Take: This is great news. Period. With all the one-upmanship and "hey--listen to me!" shouting that goes on on all of these subpar pre- and post-game shows, the chemistry that these two have will be a welcome sight. Who knows, they may even bring some thoughtful commentary to a world that panders to the least common highlight/opinion denominator.
TV TIDBIT II: MARINO OUSTED FROM INSIDE THE NFL
Per Michael Hiestand of USA Today, James Brown, who hosts The NFL Today on CBS, will also host the long-running weekly highlights show. Joining him will be CBS lead game analyst Phil Simms. And making the jump from HBO will be Cris Collinsworth.
Mancini's Take: Simms and Collinsworth are top-notch football men who pull no punches. Marino isn't awful, but he needs to bring a little more pizazz to the table. Although, working next to the indecipherable Shannon Sharpe makes him look good on Sundays.
Mandel's Take: You're letting Marino off easy--he's awful. JB is a servicable host and as the Rev said, Simms and Collinsworth are top-notch. The show will continue to show highlights we've all seen 100 times before its airing...let's just hope that Simms and Collinsworth can add something to make it worth watching.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
ALL ACCESS: AROUND THE LEAGUE
NFL Insiders Ross Mandel & Ralph Mancini Weigh In On The Latest News & Notes
DEUCE MCALLISTER UPDATE
Running back Deuce McAllister continues to be happy with his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee and microfracture surgery in his right knee. "I'm proud and pleased with (my progress)," he tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I don't know if there's really a 'next benchmark' to be met on my part. It's pretty much just getting out there and trying to make plays. That's what I'm looking forward to." McAllister practiced on a limited basis and did individual drills during the June OTAs.
Mancini's Take: It's encouraging that McAllister hasn't suffered any setbacks thus far, but to expect to see the same Deuce we all knew and loved a couple of years ago may be nothing more than a pipe dream. The facts are that the power back is a 30-year-old who's been hurt three out of the last four years, with two of those injuries resulting in blown-out knees. The Saints will likely be judicious in the way they use him and the amount of touches he gets. Banking on McAllister to stay healthy the entire year is a risky proposition.
Mandel's Take: Listen, Deuce has been a solid contributor and a real team player but microfracture surgery is no joke; this isn't just coming back from a strained ACL. As the good Rev said, he's 30 years old--even if he hadn't been through several injuries, the tread would be running down at this point. The fact that he's so dedicated and determined to return and give the team whatever he has left is no doubt inspirational to his teammates and although it isn't likely that he'll be able to make it back at 100%, I wouldn't count him out.
LYNCH TO BE THREE DOWN BACK
Marshawn Lynch will play more on third down this season, which should translate into more receptions for the second year pro, according to BuffaloBills.com. "I think this year he'll be an integral part of our third down package," said Buffalo offensive coordinator Turk Schonert.
Mancini's Take: Coach Dick Jauron tried going with a running-back-by-committee approach to no avail last year when it became quite evident that Lynch was a do-it-all back that could pound his way for hard yardage inside, as well as being a big play receiver out of the backfield averaging over 10 yards per reception. Although fellow back Fred Jackson has also emerged as a pass-catching runner, the Bills are planning on lining both Lynch and Jackson up together in certain sets. The physical Lynch is a tremendous between-the-tackles grinder with a nose for the goal line, but must show better patience in letting his O-linemen block for him.
Mandel's Take: I'm a bit skeptical of this plan. There's a reason teams are stockpiling running backs--they don't seem to last like they used to. If the Bills expect Lynch to play every down and be fresh at the end of the season, they've got another thing coming. Lynch had 280 carries in only 13 games last season and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. To me, that isn't too impressive--nor is the Rev's assessment of Lynch as a "big play receiver". He had a couple of big plays in broken coverage but, had only 18 catches last season...one more than Ron Dayne and four less than teammate Fred Jackson. I agree that Lynch is a tough runner, but tough runners need understudies to give them a breather. The Bills will find this out the hard way.
NO TAKERS FOR JORDAN
LaMont Jordan has not been able to find a team willing to trade for him, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Mancini's Take: It's just comical how team owner Al Davis is holding this poor lout hostage out of fear that he'll go to a division rival. Ground Jordan was actually having a productive season until he was slowed by injuries last year. The one-time Jet remains a punishing runner with decent foot speed and soft hands. With younger players in the fold, however, LJ is no longer in Oakland's plans, and the team would be better off letting him become a free agent. I know Ross is not a big fan of this man's subpar work ethic, but you have to think that there has to be a market for this caliber of player if and when he becomes a free agent.
Mandel's Take: Of course no one is willing to trade for him--everyone knows Davis is going to release him if no trade is made, and why pay for something you can get for free? I can understand where Davis is coming from in not wanting to help a division rival, but it's sort of contradictory: if Davis thinks Jordan is good enough to help someone else, why isn't he good enough to play for his team? If Jordan isn't good enough to play for the Raiders, then why would anyone else want him? Davis is just being his normal out-of-touch self here, and although the Rev is correctthat I'm not a fan of Jordan's, I think he'll (finally) be motivated once he leaves Oaktown. The Bears might want to take a look.
RAIDERS COULD TURN TO OLD VETS
Bill Williamson of ESPN speculates that the Oakland Raiders are looking for some veteran depth at defensive tackle. If so, Oakland may consider going back to a familiar name. DTs Sam Adams and Grady Jackson are both free agents seeking to play again. Jackson played his first five NFL seasons, from 1997-2001, with Oakland. Adams played in Oakland in 2002 and was a big part of the Raiders' Super Bowl team.
Mancini's Take: Was this the same team that handed the largest contract ever signed by a defensive tackle to an average player(Tommy Kelly), whose career high in sacks is 4 1/2? Now, they want to bring in old glories, Adams and Jackson, to help salvage a horrendous run defense? Clearly the two large linemen are on the back nine of their careers, and should be considered nothing more than stop-gap role players. Despite having a superior secondary, the Silver and Black's line is ill equipped to stop the run or generate a consistent pass rush. There are more dark days ahead in the circus-like atmosphere created by the delusional Davis.
Mandel's Take: Here's all you need to know: both of these guys are running on fumes but both would help the Raiders run defense. Hey Rev--don't give the circus a bad name like that! Ha! They've got all three rings of that circus rocking in the 510. There are certianly enough clowns and don't be surprised to see some juggling when JaMarcus Russell goes back to pass this season.
BRYANT JOHNSON MAKING NOISE
Several insiders believe that Bryant Johnson and not Issac Bruce will end up being the teams top wide receiver this year, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Mancini's Take: Bryant is younger, faster and bigger than Bruce at 6' 3" 216 pounds. The former Penn State product is also a player who goes over the middle and can run past defenders when catching passes in traffic. But can Bryant improve his route running enough to excel in Martz's complex and precision-based passing attack? Bruce certainly has the upper hand in that department. The mad genius usually works better with smaller and quicker wide outs.
Mandel's Take: I think before we start discussing who the top receiver will be, we need to recognize that there isn't really a QB to throw them the ball...OK, now that we've recognized, I would agree that Johnson has a higher ceiling than the 36-year-old Bruce. However, I don't know if even the Mad Genius can produce a worthwhile passing game with the personnel assembled. Jerry Rice ain't walking through that door.
CURRY LEANER, MEANER
Wide receiver Ronald Curry credits new strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll with improving his physique. "I never took the weight room too seriously. I would do just enough," Curry tells the Sacramento Bee. "Coach Roll was really a blessing for me. He got me on my own little plan as far as upper body, lower body, and it's really helped me out. I can feel the difference in my legs, and when I go to block somebody, just me grabbing somebody, I can feel how much stronger I got." Curry plans to play this season at around 200 pounds, which is 10 pounds below his listed weight.
Mancini's Take: Curry is a sure-handed possession receiver blessed with agility and enough speed to go deep. Curry would look a whole lot better on a high-powered offense directed by a competent quarterback. As it is, Raider QB JaMarcus Russell is a project who is still behind the curve when it comes to reading defenses. Am I being too much of a glass-half-empty guy on this one, Mandel?
Mandel's Take: The good news is, Curry should lead his team in receptions. The bad news is, that team is the Raiders. Curry is Russell's best weapon...when healthy. I don't think you're being too harsh here, Rev. The Raiders' passing game is suspect to say the least and if Russell doesn't produce quickly, he's going to hear the word "bust" attached to his name all season. Somewhere, Ryan Leaf is hoping someone will take his "biggest bust" title.
JARRETT PAYTON RELEASED
Running back Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, was released this week by the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes. "Everything's always a shock when you don't see it coming," Payton told The Gazette Thursday morning from his Chicago home - the first interview he granted after his release by Montreal on Wednesday. "I really don't know what happened, but a little bit was my injury. The injury opened the door for a switch." When practice resumed this week, Payton was ordered to stay home while the team attempted to trade him. Without a deal on the table, he was released.
Mancini's Take: Although Payton never had quite enough flexibility or wiggle to make it as an NFL back, he acquitted himself quite well as Montreal's main back in 2007 by gaining 852 yards with eight touchdowns in 13 games. An ankle injury and the emergence of Avon Cobourne have made Payton expendable. Although some may suggest that the recent hiring of HC Marc Trestman may have heavily contributed to the running back's ouster.
Mandel's Take: From Amsterdam, to Tennessee to Montreal...Payton has been around the world and although he isn't an NFL-caliber back, he was 5th in the CFL in rushing last season...which is kind of like being the 5th best square dancer at a tango convention. Not a lot of need for running up North. Still, if he wants to, I suppose Payton will catch on somewhere...it just won't be in the NFL.
DEUCE MCALLISTER UPDATE
Running back Deuce McAllister continues to be happy with his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee and microfracture surgery in his right knee. "I'm proud and pleased with (my progress)," he tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I don't know if there's really a 'next benchmark' to be met on my part. It's pretty much just getting out there and trying to make plays. That's what I'm looking forward to." McAllister practiced on a limited basis and did individual drills during the June OTAs.
Mancini's Take: It's encouraging that McAllister hasn't suffered any setbacks thus far, but to expect to see the same Deuce we all knew and loved a couple of years ago may be nothing more than a pipe dream. The facts are that the power back is a 30-year-old who's been hurt three out of the last four years, with two of those injuries resulting in blown-out knees. The Saints will likely be judicious in the way they use him and the amount of touches he gets. Banking on McAllister to stay healthy the entire year is a risky proposition.
Mandel's Take: Listen, Deuce has been a solid contributor and a real team player but microfracture surgery is no joke; this isn't just coming back from a strained ACL. As the good Rev said, he's 30 years old--even if he hadn't been through several injuries, the tread would be running down at this point. The fact that he's so dedicated and determined to return and give the team whatever he has left is no doubt inspirational to his teammates and although it isn't likely that he'll be able to make it back at 100%, I wouldn't count him out.
LYNCH TO BE THREE DOWN BACK
Marshawn Lynch will play more on third down this season, which should translate into more receptions for the second year pro, according to BuffaloBills.com. "I think this year he'll be an integral part of our third down package," said Buffalo offensive coordinator Turk Schonert.
Mancini's Take: Coach Dick Jauron tried going with a running-back-by-committee approach to no avail last year when it became quite evident that Lynch was a do-it-all back that could pound his way for hard yardage inside, as well as being a big play receiver out of the backfield averaging over 10 yards per reception. Although fellow back Fred Jackson has also emerged as a pass-catching runner, the Bills are planning on lining both Lynch and Jackson up together in certain sets. The physical Lynch is a tremendous between-the-tackles grinder with a nose for the goal line, but must show better patience in letting his O-linemen block for him.
Mandel's Take: I'm a bit skeptical of this plan. There's a reason teams are stockpiling running backs--they don't seem to last like they used to. If the Bills expect Lynch to play every down and be fresh at the end of the season, they've got another thing coming. Lynch had 280 carries in only 13 games last season and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. To me, that isn't too impressive--nor is the Rev's assessment of Lynch as a "big play receiver". He had a couple of big plays in broken coverage but, had only 18 catches last season...one more than Ron Dayne and four less than teammate Fred Jackson. I agree that Lynch is a tough runner, but tough runners need understudies to give them a breather. The Bills will find this out the hard way.
NO TAKERS FOR JORDAN
LaMont Jordan has not been able to find a team willing to trade for him, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Mancini's Take: It's just comical how team owner Al Davis is holding this poor lout hostage out of fear that he'll go to a division rival. Ground Jordan was actually having a productive season until he was slowed by injuries last year. The one-time Jet remains a punishing runner with decent foot speed and soft hands. With younger players in the fold, however, LJ is no longer in Oakland's plans, and the team would be better off letting him become a free agent. I know Ross is not a big fan of this man's subpar work ethic, but you have to think that there has to be a market for this caliber of player if and when he becomes a free agent.
Mandel's Take: Of course no one is willing to trade for him--everyone knows Davis is going to release him if no trade is made, and why pay for something you can get for free? I can understand where Davis is coming from in not wanting to help a division rival, but it's sort of contradictory: if Davis thinks Jordan is good enough to help someone else, why isn't he good enough to play for his team? If Jordan isn't good enough to play for the Raiders, then why would anyone else want him? Davis is just being his normal out-of-touch self here, and although the Rev is correctthat I'm not a fan of Jordan's, I think he'll (finally) be motivated once he leaves Oaktown. The Bears might want to take a look.
RAIDERS COULD TURN TO OLD VETS
Bill Williamson of ESPN speculates that the Oakland Raiders are looking for some veteran depth at defensive tackle. If so, Oakland may consider going back to a familiar name. DTs Sam Adams and Grady Jackson are both free agents seeking to play again. Jackson played his first five NFL seasons, from 1997-2001, with Oakland. Adams played in Oakland in 2002 and was a big part of the Raiders' Super Bowl team.
Mancini's Take: Was this the same team that handed the largest contract ever signed by a defensive tackle to an average player(Tommy Kelly), whose career high in sacks is 4 1/2? Now, they want to bring in old glories, Adams and Jackson, to help salvage a horrendous run defense? Clearly the two large linemen are on the back nine of their careers, and should be considered nothing more than stop-gap role players. Despite having a superior secondary, the Silver and Black's line is ill equipped to stop the run or generate a consistent pass rush. There are more dark days ahead in the circus-like atmosphere created by the delusional Davis.
Mandel's Take: Here's all you need to know: both of these guys are running on fumes but both would help the Raiders run defense. Hey Rev--don't give the circus a bad name like that! Ha! They've got all three rings of that circus rocking in the 510. There are certianly enough clowns and don't be surprised to see some juggling when JaMarcus Russell goes back to pass this season.
BRYANT JOHNSON MAKING NOISE
Several insiders believe that Bryant Johnson and not Issac Bruce will end up being the teams top wide receiver this year, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Mancini's Take: Bryant is younger, faster and bigger than Bruce at 6' 3" 216 pounds. The former Penn State product is also a player who goes over the middle and can run past defenders when catching passes in traffic. But can Bryant improve his route running enough to excel in Martz's complex and precision-based passing attack? Bruce certainly has the upper hand in that department. The mad genius usually works better with smaller and quicker wide outs.
Mandel's Take: I think before we start discussing who the top receiver will be, we need to recognize that there isn't really a QB to throw them the ball...OK, now that we've recognized, I would agree that Johnson has a higher ceiling than the 36-year-old Bruce. However, I don't know if even the Mad Genius can produce a worthwhile passing game with the personnel assembled. Jerry Rice ain't walking through that door.
CURRY LEANER, MEANER
Wide receiver Ronald Curry credits new strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll with improving his physique. "I never took the weight room too seriously. I would do just enough," Curry tells the Sacramento Bee. "Coach Roll was really a blessing for me. He got me on my own little plan as far as upper body, lower body, and it's really helped me out. I can feel the difference in my legs, and when I go to block somebody, just me grabbing somebody, I can feel how much stronger I got." Curry plans to play this season at around 200 pounds, which is 10 pounds below his listed weight.
Mancini's Take: Curry is a sure-handed possession receiver blessed with agility and enough speed to go deep. Curry would look a whole lot better on a high-powered offense directed by a competent quarterback. As it is, Raider QB JaMarcus Russell is a project who is still behind the curve when it comes to reading defenses. Am I being too much of a glass-half-empty guy on this one, Mandel?
Mandel's Take: The good news is, Curry should lead his team in receptions. The bad news is, that team is the Raiders. Curry is Russell's best weapon...when healthy. I don't think you're being too harsh here, Rev. The Raiders' passing game is suspect to say the least and if Russell doesn't produce quickly, he's going to hear the word "bust" attached to his name all season. Somewhere, Ryan Leaf is hoping someone will take his "biggest bust" title.
JARRETT PAYTON RELEASED
Running back Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, was released this week by the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes. "Everything's always a shock when you don't see it coming," Payton told The Gazette Thursday morning from his Chicago home - the first interview he granted after his release by Montreal on Wednesday. "I really don't know what happened, but a little bit was my injury. The injury opened the door for a switch." When practice resumed this week, Payton was ordered to stay home while the team attempted to trade him. Without a deal on the table, he was released.
Mancini's Take: Although Payton never had quite enough flexibility or wiggle to make it as an NFL back, he acquitted himself quite well as Montreal's main back in 2007 by gaining 852 yards with eight touchdowns in 13 games. An ankle injury and the emergence of Avon Cobourne have made Payton expendable. Although some may suggest that the recent hiring of HC Marc Trestman may have heavily contributed to the running back's ouster.
Mandel's Take: From Amsterdam, to Tennessee to Montreal...Payton has been around the world and although he isn't an NFL-caliber back, he was 5th in the CFL in rushing last season...which is kind of like being the 5th best square dancer at a tango convention. Not a lot of need for running up North. Still, if he wants to, I suppose Payton will catch on somewhere...it just won't be in the NFL.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)