In light of last week's Winter Meetings, I'm glad the only major trade that transpired was between Detroit and Florida. Not to say, the meetings could not have been more eventful, but fortunately for the Giants and their fans what could have been, should never have been.
The Toronto Blue Jays offered Alex Rios to the Giants for Tim Lincecum, and Brian Sabean wisely turned down the Jays offer. For now, anyway.
Heading into the 2008, post Barry Bonds season, it's no secret that the Giants soarly need some thump in their lineup. Rios, his combination of power, speed, and average would be a welcomed addition to the dreadful Western Division Dwellers. However, is Rios an impact player? Do you trade a possible ace, for a nice addition?
Much of the talk has centered on the fact that the Giants have to start somewhere to improve their feable offense, but would Rios make much of an impact in 2008? By himself, I think the universal answer is no way! So why trade a potential ace like Lincecum, for maybe three or more wins in 2008. It just does not make sense, especially if the Giants are trying to field a competitive club for next season. And that is what Sabean and company have not acknowledged, either way.
I think the Giants should test their fans, at least for 2008, and find out if AT&T Park is a credible gate drawer. Maybe they should allow the fans of the Bay Area to consider whether they have the patience to wait one or two seasons while the Giants rebuild to become a contender.
I think the Giants, instead of trading all important good pitching, should field a team of unproven players and let the chips fall where they may, at least for next season. Examine the gate results at the end of 2008, and then reconsider their plans for 2009, but only if the fans are not happy with the results.
Who's to say the fans don't have the patience to wait a few seasons for home grown talent, and a free agent better than Andruw Jones? What a sight it would be in 2009 or 2010 to see Cain and Lincecum pitching in a pennet race. It just could happen, if the Giants have the patience?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Let The Debate Begin
For the past three to four seasons, there has been a concern in Green Bay, in that who will lead the Packers when Brett Favre retires? Last night against the Dallas Cowboys in an important game, Aaron Rogers just may have sent a sense of relief to Green Bay fans, and his team.
In Rogers first significant playing time, against a top team and without warning, he was thrust into action and almost lead his team to victory. Granted, Dallas had been preparing all week for Favre, but Rogers performed like a professional and did not let the unavoidable pressure or the Dallas D affect him. In short, last night Rogers made Green Bay and its Cheese Heads happy with the fact that he was still available in the 2005 draft.
Which brings us to our SF 49ers, and their critical number one pick of the same draft, Alex Smith. Leading up to the draft, Mike Nolan and company were going back and forth over Smith and Rogers. The concensus at the time was that although Smith came from a smaller college and had less experience than Rogers, Smith had the greater upside. Thus, Nolan decided to choose Smith and so far has looked foolish, by rewarding him for being the number one pick in the draft.
Fast forward three seasons, and three offensive coordinators later, Smith looks no more ready to assume the role of a quality NFL quarterback than Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, or our own former star in waiting, Jim Drunkenmiller.
To be fair, Smith has had to deal with three different coordinators, and this year he's had to deal with his first injury. Plus, Smith has had the uncontrollable misfortune of having to play with the very conservative Mike Nolan. Even in the 49ers
first two games this year, which they won, Nolan did not allow Smith to make plays. Or Nolan did not trust Smith to make those plays.
Last year with Norv Turner as coordiantor, Smith did show progression and hope for the future. However, Smith has never shown the competitiveness and consistencey all rolled into, like Rogers displayed last night. Rogers kept Green Bay in the game by moving the chains, looking poised and confident while dueling with Tony Romo and the Dallas offense. If the Green Bay defense had been able to come up with some critical stops last night, Rogers may have won his first NFL game. Smith for the limited promise that he has displayed, has never performed like Rogers did last night. 49er fans have to be thinking, what could have been, even what currently could be?
It has been reported that Smith may not play again this year, which may or may not be the best thing for him at this point? Rogers, depending on the injury to Brett Favre, may not get to play again this year? However, if anyone is to predict the futures of both QBs, based on last nights performance Rogers's future
definitely looks much brighter. Unfortunately, the 49ers and their fans may have to deal with that fact.
In Rogers first significant playing time, against a top team and without warning, he was thrust into action and almost lead his team to victory. Granted, Dallas had been preparing all week for Favre, but Rogers performed like a professional and did not let the unavoidable pressure or the Dallas D affect him. In short, last night Rogers made Green Bay and its Cheese Heads happy with the fact that he was still available in the 2005 draft.
Which brings us to our SF 49ers, and their critical number one pick of the same draft, Alex Smith. Leading up to the draft, Mike Nolan and company were going back and forth over Smith and Rogers. The concensus at the time was that although Smith came from a smaller college and had less experience than Rogers, Smith had the greater upside. Thus, Nolan decided to choose Smith and so far has looked foolish, by rewarding him for being the number one pick in the draft.
Fast forward three seasons, and three offensive coordinators later, Smith looks no more ready to assume the role of a quality NFL quarterback than Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, or our own former star in waiting, Jim Drunkenmiller.
To be fair, Smith has had to deal with three different coordinators, and this year he's had to deal with his first injury. Plus, Smith has had the uncontrollable misfortune of having to play with the very conservative Mike Nolan. Even in the 49ers
first two games this year, which they won, Nolan did not allow Smith to make plays. Or Nolan did not trust Smith to make those plays.
Last year with Norv Turner as coordiantor, Smith did show progression and hope for the future. However, Smith has never shown the competitiveness and consistencey all rolled into, like Rogers displayed last night. Rogers kept Green Bay in the game by moving the chains, looking poised and confident while dueling with Tony Romo and the Dallas offense. If the Green Bay defense had been able to come up with some critical stops last night, Rogers may have won his first NFL game. Smith for the limited promise that he has displayed, has never performed like Rogers did last night. 49er fans have to be thinking, what could have been, even what currently could be?
It has been reported that Smith may not play again this year, which may or may not be the best thing for him at this point? Rogers, depending on the injury to Brett Favre, may not get to play again this year? However, if anyone is to predict the futures of both QBs, based on last nights performance Rogers's future
definitely looks much brighter. Unfortunately, the 49ers and their fans may have to deal with that fact.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Things To Be Thankful For
As 2007 wines down, these are the things that I am thankful for:
I am thankful that Stephen Jackson is back with the Warriors.
I am thankful that I have a job.
I am thankful that I have a wonderful lady, named El.
I am thankful that I'm almost finished with my Master's program.
I am thankful that the Giants have not wasted another 126 million dollars on another player.
I am thankful that the Sopranos final season was the best one.
I am thankful for "American Gangster".
I am thankful that Michael Vick was caught.
I am thankful for the Bill Walsh 49ers era.
I am thankful that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are still rocking.
I am thankful that Terrell Owens has not been making a mockery of himself this year.
I am thankful that my mother is doing well.
I am thankful to be living in the United States.
Finally, I am thankful that the 49ers pathetic season is almost over.
I am thankful that Stephen Jackson is back with the Warriors.
I am thankful that I have a job.
I am thankful that I have a wonderful lady, named El.
I am thankful that I'm almost finished with my Master's program.
I am thankful that the Giants have not wasted another 126 million dollars on another player.
I am thankful that the Sopranos final season was the best one.
I am thankful for "American Gangster".
I am thankful that Michael Vick was caught.
I am thankful for the Bill Walsh 49ers era.
I am thankful that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are still rocking.
I am thankful that Terrell Owens has not been making a mockery of himself this year.
I am thankful that my mother is doing well.
I am thankful to be living in the United States.
Finally, I am thankful that the 49ers pathetic season is almost over.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Brady Ain't No Joe
John Madden during Sunday night's Pats vs Bills game, proclaimed Tom Brady the best NFL QB ever. Even better, than Joe. Even better than Joe?
Now this analysis might be coming from an arm-chair QB, and I don't pretend to know QBs better than John Madden, but I think there are some issues to settle before proclaiming Tom Brady as the best ever.
First of all, I want to be honest and say I was one of the happiest sports fans when the Patriots went shopping last off season and acquired Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, and Wes Welker. Even though Brady had won three Super Bowls, and came close last year, he has never been blessed with talented playmaking receivers, unlike many other QBs.
Again, even though Brady had the SB trophies to merit his accomplishments he seemed to be taking a backseat to Peyton Manning for billing as the current best NFL QB. While Manning was breaking records with Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James, all Brady was doing with a mediocre supporting cast, was making 4th quarter comebacks in the SBs. Yet, it still seemed that Brady was still being slighted despite his success. One can't wonder if coach Belichick was also taking notice of this lack of acknowledgement?
Brady, now with new his new arsonal of receivers is on a pace to shatter some records, and the Patriots are the odds on favorite to walk their way to their fourth Super Bowl victory. Buuut.....Brady better than Joe?
There are similarities between the two QBs. Both were not high profile picks in their given drafts; both won their first Super Bowl, at early ages for QBs; both have or had great head coaches; and both are quiet, humble players, allowing their play dictate their words. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that with Brady growing up in the Bay Area, watching Montana play, it's hard to not feel that Brady has copied some of Montana's attitude, as well as QB play.
That is where the simalarities end though. This year with the code stealing scandal Bill Belichick has his team thinking it is them against the world, and they are mowing down everybody in sight. Walsh and Montana were never a team on a mission to prove anything. Walsh could have let Montana ring up bigger numbers if there was the motivation to, but there never was.
I could also use the logic that the defenses Montana played against were much superior than the Ds of today. Without going into specifics, in Brady's playoff runs, he has never had to face consistent challenges from the likes of the Dallas D with Randy Smith and Ed "Too Tall" Jones, the Chicago Bears with Richard Dent and Mike Singletary, or the Giants with LT and Co. Brady plays in an era of parity, and the best defenses have been either his own Patriots, or the Ray Lewis Baltimore team that won before Brady's time.
What really seperates Montana from Brady, is that Brady is no where near the athlete that Joe was. One could make a short highlight film on the many broken plays that Joe turned into positives. Early in his career Joe had an escapable ability. He was able to run to his left, jump and make the throw to this right. Brady has never been that type of QB. Montana had a good line, but if he had Brady's, forget about it. This comparison would not even be happening. If the Pats offensive line ever becomes mediocre, Brady better start wearing a flack jacket cause he won't be able to escape.
One last comparison, and Brady has no control over these issues. Joe Montana had to prove himself after his back injury, plus he had to hold off a young Steve Young who was breathing down his back and threatening his job. Joe used these issues as motivation to not only prove those wrong, but also to perhaps play the best football of his career.
Tom Brady is a great QB, and may perhaps win more SBs than any other QB. However, due to the lack of competition in todays game, physical talent,and since he will probably never have to compete with another hall of fame QB, I think it is fair to claim Brady ain't no Joe. Thus far, at least.
Now this analysis might be coming from an arm-chair QB, and I don't pretend to know QBs better than John Madden, but I think there are some issues to settle before proclaiming Tom Brady as the best ever.
First of all, I want to be honest and say I was one of the happiest sports fans when the Patriots went shopping last off season and acquired Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, and Wes Welker. Even though Brady had won three Super Bowls, and came close last year, he has never been blessed with talented playmaking receivers, unlike many other QBs.
Again, even though Brady had the SB trophies to merit his accomplishments he seemed to be taking a backseat to Peyton Manning for billing as the current best NFL QB. While Manning was breaking records with Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James, all Brady was doing with a mediocre supporting cast, was making 4th quarter comebacks in the SBs. Yet, it still seemed that Brady was still being slighted despite his success. One can't wonder if coach Belichick was also taking notice of this lack of acknowledgement?
Brady, now with new his new arsonal of receivers is on a pace to shatter some records, and the Patriots are the odds on favorite to walk their way to their fourth Super Bowl victory. Buuut.....Brady better than Joe?
There are similarities between the two QBs. Both were not high profile picks in their given drafts; both won their first Super Bowl, at early ages for QBs; both have or had great head coaches; and both are quiet, humble players, allowing their play dictate their words. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that with Brady growing up in the Bay Area, watching Montana play, it's hard to not feel that Brady has copied some of Montana's attitude, as well as QB play.
That is where the simalarities end though. This year with the code stealing scandal Bill Belichick has his team thinking it is them against the world, and they are mowing down everybody in sight. Walsh and Montana were never a team on a mission to prove anything. Walsh could have let Montana ring up bigger numbers if there was the motivation to, but there never was.
I could also use the logic that the defenses Montana played against were much superior than the Ds of today. Without going into specifics, in Brady's playoff runs, he has never had to face consistent challenges from the likes of the Dallas D with Randy Smith and Ed "Too Tall" Jones, the Chicago Bears with Richard Dent and Mike Singletary, or the Giants with LT and Co. Brady plays in an era of parity, and the best defenses have been either his own Patriots, or the Ray Lewis Baltimore team that won before Brady's time.
What really seperates Montana from Brady, is that Brady is no where near the athlete that Joe was. One could make a short highlight film on the many broken plays that Joe turned into positives. Early in his career Joe had an escapable ability. He was able to run to his left, jump and make the throw to this right. Brady has never been that type of QB. Montana had a good line, but if he had Brady's, forget about it. This comparison would not even be happening. If the Pats offensive line ever becomes mediocre, Brady better start wearing a flack jacket cause he won't be able to escape.
One last comparison, and Brady has no control over these issues. Joe Montana had to prove himself after his back injury, plus he had to hold off a young Steve Young who was breathing down his back and threatening his job. Joe used these issues as motivation to not only prove those wrong, but also to perhaps play the best football of his career.
Tom Brady is a great QB, and may perhaps win more SBs than any other QB. However, due to the lack of competition in todays game, physical talent,and since he will probably never have to compete with another hall of fame QB, I think it is fair to claim Brady ain't no Joe. Thus far, at least.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Can It Get Any Worse?
It's pointless to say, but current Bay Area NFL sports is the not the apex of the endearing fans eyes. Nor ears, for that matter.
It would be selfish to ask for the kind of success that New Egland is currently experiencing. However, due to the lows that our beloved 49ers and Raiders are currently experiencing, Bay Area fans would probably accept Laverne and Shirley reruns at this point.
The 49ers who started out the season with playoff expectations have regressed into a black hole, and literally can't find their way out of. After two encouraging opening wins, and even an inspirational loss to a better Pittsburgh team, the 49ers have not only lost sight of the playoffs, but perhaps they have loss sight of their identity.
While losing most of their games for ther past two seasons, the 49ers could at least save grace in knowing that they were not quitters. Plus, they had confidence that Mike Nolan had a plan for them, so they could look forward to the future.
This was supposed to be the season where Nolan's plan would materialize. This would be the year that 49er fans had waited for; to see their team return to contention, and compete for the playoffs.
Instead, the 49ers current status has them looking like the most disappointing team in the NFL. There are questions about the ability of Alex Smith; questions about Mike Nolan's leadership ability, and for the first time in their relationship there appears to be dissention among the head coach and starting quarterback. Can it get any worse? You bet. Their first round draft pick, which will probably be within the first 5 picks, belongs to New England, courtesy of a trade Nolan made based on his belief that his team was worthy of the playoffs this year. The moral of this team may be at its lowest since the Joe Thomas years?
The Raiders on the other hand, did not have lofty playoff expectations. They figured that they would endure another losing season, but it would be different. With Lane Kiffon at the controls, and by drafting JaMarcus Russell, the Raiders had reason for hope.
I'm sure the Raiders and their fans still have hope for the future, but this season has still been tough to stomach. While the defense has kept them in most of their games, the offensive line and their receivers have been absymal. If not for all the offensive line holding calls, and dropped passes the Raiders could easily be a 4 -4, or even 5 -4 team competing for the playoffs. Last week, the defense cost the team by giving up a late touchdown to Rex Grossman, of all people, but the blame thus far sits with the ineptness of the offense.
Lane Kiffon, although the youngest NFL headcoach, does not get a free pass either. Daunte Culpepper has been more productive at the quarterback position than Josh McCown, when given the chance. Again, referring back to the offensive line and receivers, both those groups have not only cos the tean wins, but they have cost Culpepper playing time. Kiffon should not have benched Culpepper in favor of McCown, recently. Culpepper had played well enough to merit keeping the starting QB position, and all Kiffon has done by rotating the QBs is create a laughable siutation.
Culpepper is signed with Raiders only through this season. With the Raiders so heavily invested into Russell, the proven Culpepper most likely will sign somewhere else next season.
Although the 49ers and Raiders both have time to use the remainder of the season to build for their futures, their current states could become worse. The 49ers situation is close to becoming dangerous, especially for both Mike Nolan and Alex Smith, regarding their future fates with the team. How both of them, and the team performs in the next seven games can affect the team's future for the next 3 - 5 years. The Raiders situations is not so tenuous. Their siutation can become worse, but they know their future rests with Russell; plus they most likely will have a top ten first round pick next year, unlike the slowly disintegrading 49ers.
It would be selfish to ask for the kind of success that New Egland is currently experiencing. However, due to the lows that our beloved 49ers and Raiders are currently experiencing, Bay Area fans would probably accept Laverne and Shirley reruns at this point.
The 49ers who started out the season with playoff expectations have regressed into a black hole, and literally can't find their way out of. After two encouraging opening wins, and even an inspirational loss to a better Pittsburgh team, the 49ers have not only lost sight of the playoffs, but perhaps they have loss sight of their identity.
While losing most of their games for ther past two seasons, the 49ers could at least save grace in knowing that they were not quitters. Plus, they had confidence that Mike Nolan had a plan for them, so they could look forward to the future.
This was supposed to be the season where Nolan's plan would materialize. This would be the year that 49er fans had waited for; to see their team return to contention, and compete for the playoffs.
Instead, the 49ers current status has them looking like the most disappointing team in the NFL. There are questions about the ability of Alex Smith; questions about Mike Nolan's leadership ability, and for the first time in their relationship there appears to be dissention among the head coach and starting quarterback. Can it get any worse? You bet. Their first round draft pick, which will probably be within the first 5 picks, belongs to New England, courtesy of a trade Nolan made based on his belief that his team was worthy of the playoffs this year. The moral of this team may be at its lowest since the Joe Thomas years?
The Raiders on the other hand, did not have lofty playoff expectations. They figured that they would endure another losing season, but it would be different. With Lane Kiffon at the controls, and by drafting JaMarcus Russell, the Raiders had reason for hope.
I'm sure the Raiders and their fans still have hope for the future, but this season has still been tough to stomach. While the defense has kept them in most of their games, the offensive line and their receivers have been absymal. If not for all the offensive line holding calls, and dropped passes the Raiders could easily be a 4 -4, or even 5 -4 team competing for the playoffs. Last week, the defense cost the team by giving up a late touchdown to Rex Grossman, of all people, but the blame thus far sits with the ineptness of the offense.
Lane Kiffon, although the youngest NFL headcoach, does not get a free pass either. Daunte Culpepper has been more productive at the quarterback position than Josh McCown, when given the chance. Again, referring back to the offensive line and receivers, both those groups have not only cos the tean wins, but they have cost Culpepper playing time. Kiffon should not have benched Culpepper in favor of McCown, recently. Culpepper had played well enough to merit keeping the starting QB position, and all Kiffon has done by rotating the QBs is create a laughable siutation.
Culpepper is signed with Raiders only through this season. With the Raiders so heavily invested into Russell, the proven Culpepper most likely will sign somewhere else next season.
Although the 49ers and Raiders both have time to use the remainder of the season to build for their futures, their current states could become worse. The 49ers situation is close to becoming dangerous, especially for both Mike Nolan and Alex Smith, regarding their future fates with the team. How both of them, and the team performs in the next seven games can affect the team's future for the next 3 - 5 years. The Raiders situations is not so tenuous. Their siutation can become worse, but they know their future rests with Russell; plus they most likely will have a top ten first round pick next year, unlike the slowly disintegrading 49ers.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
49ER Alternative Plan For The Future
Barring any sudden mid season playoff push, the 49ers need to start thinking about next season. Specifically, they need to at least start considering an alternative plan to Alex Smith.
After Smith's horrible performance against a sad Atlanta team, Mike Nolan has to start questioning whether Smith is the right choice to lead them back to contention.
I said before the beginning of the season that if the 49ers were to make the playoffs this year, Smith would have to be responsible for three to four wins by himself. Although, statistically, Smith did not have a great performace during the opening night of the season against Arizona, he did lead the team on the final drive for the victory. In the second game against the Rams, although Smith did not make any mistakes that cost the team, his play did nothing to distinguish himself. In the third game against Pittsburgh, Smith progressed by hitting on some difficult passes, the late interception not withstanding.
Since the Seattle game when Smith got hurt, he has not displayed any progress for anyone to believe that Smith can lead the 49ers. Even if his shoulder is not 100 percent, his decisions and missed opportunities against a feeble Atlanta team forces everyone to wonder about his ability as an NFL quarterback.
In Smith's defense, even though the team won its opening two games Nolan has to take blame for not allowing Smith to make plays through out those games. Nolan had a mindset that his defense was going to win those games. Both games support that theory. Would the outcomes of those games been the same if Smith had been allowed to make bigger contributions? That's hard to say, but the reality is that the 49ers barely won them anyway without major offensive output. Would Smith had been able to make enough plays for the 49ers to win those games handily? We'll never know. However, because of the conservative game plans that were devised, a Bay Area thought pattern has developed into a crescendo questioning Smith's ability. In addition, because of the strong finish last season, perhaps there were premature expectations of the 49ers for this season.
Regardless, Smith is two and a half seasons into his Niner era. If Smith cannot show marked improvement during the last half of this season, then Nolan or whoever the coach is has to consider the alternative to Smith.
One alternative for next season, might be to look across the Bay for a solution. Daunte Culpepper is signed only through this season, and all signs point to JaMarcus Russell starting next season. Culpepper has played better than the Raider's record indicates. Remove all the offensive line holding calls, and dropped passes the Raiders are at least a 4 - 4 team. If Culpepper was the 49er QB this season, they too, would have an identicle record and perhaps better? Why not sign the proven Culpepper with the knowledge that if Smith plays poorly in the first few games next season, Daunte will be given the starting position?
Signing Culpepper makes sense for three reasons: First, he gives them insurance if Smith does indeed continue to digress. Second, it sends a message to the rest of the team, especially the defense, that management is serious about winning. Third, if the 49ers do make the decision to sign Culpepper they can draft another QB next year without wasting a high draft choice. There are too many current examples of teams finding productive QBs later in the draft, and not having to force them into the spotlight when they are not ready. In addition, the teams are not wasting millions of guaranteed money.
Smith has the second half of this season to prove his ability. However, if he continues to impede his own progress then the 49ers have to make some serious decisions during the off season regarding their future. Granted, the team will need to find new offensive lineman and wide receivers but they need to send a message to their team and fans, that they are serious about having a dependable QB lead their team.
After Smith's horrible performance against a sad Atlanta team, Mike Nolan has to start questioning whether Smith is the right choice to lead them back to contention.
I said before the beginning of the season that if the 49ers were to make the playoffs this year, Smith would have to be responsible for three to four wins by himself. Although, statistically, Smith did not have a great performace during the opening night of the season against Arizona, he did lead the team on the final drive for the victory. In the second game against the Rams, although Smith did not make any mistakes that cost the team, his play did nothing to distinguish himself. In the third game against Pittsburgh, Smith progressed by hitting on some difficult passes, the late interception not withstanding.
Since the Seattle game when Smith got hurt, he has not displayed any progress for anyone to believe that Smith can lead the 49ers. Even if his shoulder is not 100 percent, his decisions and missed opportunities against a feeble Atlanta team forces everyone to wonder about his ability as an NFL quarterback.
In Smith's defense, even though the team won its opening two games Nolan has to take blame for not allowing Smith to make plays through out those games. Nolan had a mindset that his defense was going to win those games. Both games support that theory. Would the outcomes of those games been the same if Smith had been allowed to make bigger contributions? That's hard to say, but the reality is that the 49ers barely won them anyway without major offensive output. Would Smith had been able to make enough plays for the 49ers to win those games handily? We'll never know. However, because of the conservative game plans that were devised, a Bay Area thought pattern has developed into a crescendo questioning Smith's ability. In addition, because of the strong finish last season, perhaps there were premature expectations of the 49ers for this season.
Regardless, Smith is two and a half seasons into his Niner era. If Smith cannot show marked improvement during the last half of this season, then Nolan or whoever the coach is has to consider the alternative to Smith.
One alternative for next season, might be to look across the Bay for a solution. Daunte Culpepper is signed only through this season, and all signs point to JaMarcus Russell starting next season. Culpepper has played better than the Raider's record indicates. Remove all the offensive line holding calls, and dropped passes the Raiders are at least a 4 - 4 team. If Culpepper was the 49er QB this season, they too, would have an identicle record and perhaps better? Why not sign the proven Culpepper with the knowledge that if Smith plays poorly in the first few games next season, Daunte will be given the starting position?
Signing Culpepper makes sense for three reasons: First, he gives them insurance if Smith does indeed continue to digress. Second, it sends a message to the rest of the team, especially the defense, that management is serious about winning. Third, if the 49ers do make the decision to sign Culpepper they can draft another QB next year without wasting a high draft choice. There are too many current examples of teams finding productive QBs later in the draft, and not having to force them into the spotlight when they are not ready. In addition, the teams are not wasting millions of guaranteed money.
Smith has the second half of this season to prove his ability. However, if he continues to impede his own progress then the 49ers have to make some serious decisions during the off season regarding their future. Granted, the team will need to find new offensive lineman and wide receivers but they need to send a message to their team and fans, that they are serious about having a dependable QB lead their team.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Don't Rush The Kid
As evidenced yesterday against the Houston Texans, the Raiders are not going to make the playoffs this year. However that does not mean that the Silver and Black have to risk their future. No, Josh McCown did not look like an NFL quarterback ready to lead his team to the playoffs, and although Daunte Culpepper has performed better than McCown, the Oakland offensive line has not allowed for either to have success. So why all the calls for JaMarcus Russell? With all the posturing by the local media, and fans, Lane Kiffin may yet make his biggest mistake? But does he have to? With the consistent bad play of the offensive line, plus all the dropped balls, does anybody really think that Russell deserves that kind of anti-supporting cast? If the Raiders want to cash in the season, so be it. However, don't force Russell into a situation where he has a lot to lose. Russell, unwisely chose not to spend one minute of the all important summer camp where he could have learned the Raiders offense and playbook. Since signing his contract, the rookie QB most likely has been taking snaps with the second and third string teams. Russell needs to get his timing down with the first team receivers, in addtion to learning how to read NFL defenses. If the Raiders or their fans need any proof of the difficulties for young QBs, they need not look further than across the Bay to another young struggling QB. If the Raiders want to play Russell, they should wait at least another month or so, when they will be elliminated from playoff contention and there will be no pressure on the young Russell.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
The Best Does Not Always Equal Success
Tim Marchman of the New York Sun recently wrote an article critcizing the New York Yankees for their lack of effort to sign Alex Rodriguez. Marchmans's take was that the Yankees reported offer of $150 million dollars undervalued A-Rods worth, when taking inflation into consideration. Marchman even went so far as to claim that perhaps the Steinbrenner organization does not have what it takes to be successful. Maybe, just maybe the Yankees have come to the conclusion that in order to win the World Series, their team does not have to employ the most expensive player in the game? I know the Yankees have not won the W.S. since 2000, but I don't ever recall an Alex Rodriguez team winning the fall classic either. Did either of A-Rod's former teams Seattle or Texas ever reach the World Series? For that matter, have the Yankees with A-Rod reached the W.S.? While Scott Boras is attempting to take A-Rod to the stratosphere with his 300 million dollar plus demands, I think most teams are wondering which one is going to become Boras's next sucker. With a starting point of ten years at 30 million plus, there is no guarantee that A-Rod plays injury free for the rest of his career. Plus, A-Rod is the new breed of superstar that demands to be paid handsomely, in addtion to playing for a winner. Two straight mediocre seasons and A-Rod will have Boris demanding a trade for greener pastures. A-Rod might be the best player in the game, but Michael Jordan he is not. Surprisingly and ironically enough, the Yankess have realized that A-Rod does not guarantee success and Scott Boris and A-Rod may be in for a surprise themselves before all the negotiations are over.
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