OAKLAND RAIDERS OFFSEASON THREAD
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Walker looking better... I think our whole offense will depend on his health. Check it:
(05-21) 20:58 PDT -- Ronald Curry's recent foot surgery was minor, but it brings up a potentially major point of concern for the Raiders heading into the 2008 season.
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell can't complete downfield bombs to himself. He needs wide receivers who can make plays and remain healthy, ideally at the same time. The latest medical procedure underscores what a challenge that could be for a group of players long on incisions and short on proven depth.
Curry had season-ending Achilles injuries in 2004 and 2005. Pricey free-agent Javon Walker has had surgery on his right knee in each of the previous three years. Drew Carter had ACL surgery as a rookie in 2004 and missed the end of the 2006 season with an ankle injury.
All together, those three combine for seven surgeries. And don't forget incoming rookies Arman Shields (knee) and Chaz Schilens (foot), who missed playing time as college seniors.
"This is the NFL," said Walker, who said he came back from injury too soon last year. "You know, you get injuries. Everybody gets injured. You get in the offseason, you get a chance to get healthy and strong."
How do all these extensive medical charts affect the Raiders?
First of all, they'll probably have to carry more than four wide receivers on the 53-man roster this time around. The Raiders were the only team to carry as many quarterbacks (four) as receivers last season. Curry and Jerry Porter were the only significant contributors.
They will also lean heavily on the running game for the second straight year, which isn't the worst fallback plan.
The Raiders return 1,000-yard starter Justin Fargas and add rookie Darren McFadden. The offensive line is only getting better at zone blocking after leading the way for the NFL's sixth-ranked rushing offense.
Besides all that, there is more to Lane Kiffin's playbook than "go long."
Zach Miller was a reliable pass-catcher as a rookie. McFadden and Michael Bush are capable receiving threats coming out of the backfield. Together, they will give the Raiders their most significant West Coast-offense feel this side of Jon Gruden.
If Curry can stay healthy for a third straight 700-yard season, and if Walker can return to 1,000-yard form, and if Carter can match his career highs set last season. That's a lot of ifs, but the Raiders can't get picky at this point.
Walker, for one, looks on the mend. He made a sharp cut on a slant route last week, getting underneath Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall for a catch during workouts.
That's the sort of pain-free play the Raiders need to see for 16 games, lest they rank 31st in NFL passing for the third straight year.
"His progress has been excellent," offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said about Walker. "He's got a little hunger and a little fire, and he is going to make it exciting for us.
"The pros that are like that, you want around you because he's going to make it show to everybody. 'Hey, I wasn't done. Here I am again.' "
Briefly: Raiders practice is open to media members today, offering the first glimpse of Russell and McFadden in the same huddle.
(05-21) 20:58 PDT -- Ronald Curry's recent foot surgery was minor, but it brings up a potentially major point of concern for the Raiders heading into the 2008 season.
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell can't complete downfield bombs to himself. He needs wide receivers who can make plays and remain healthy, ideally at the same time. The latest medical procedure underscores what a challenge that could be for a group of players long on incisions and short on proven depth.
Curry had season-ending Achilles injuries in 2004 and 2005. Pricey free-agent Javon Walker has had surgery on his right knee in each of the previous three years. Drew Carter had ACL surgery as a rookie in 2004 and missed the end of the 2006 season with an ankle injury.
All together, those three combine for seven surgeries. And don't forget incoming rookies Arman Shields (knee) and Chaz Schilens (foot), who missed playing time as college seniors.
"This is the NFL," said Walker, who said he came back from injury too soon last year. "You know, you get injuries. Everybody gets injured. You get in the offseason, you get a chance to get healthy and strong."
How do all these extensive medical charts affect the Raiders?
First of all, they'll probably have to carry more than four wide receivers on the 53-man roster this time around. The Raiders were the only team to carry as many quarterbacks (four) as receivers last season. Curry and Jerry Porter were the only significant contributors.
They will also lean heavily on the running game for the second straight year, which isn't the worst fallback plan.
The Raiders return 1,000-yard starter Justin Fargas and add rookie Darren McFadden. The offensive line is only getting better at zone blocking after leading the way for the NFL's sixth-ranked rushing offense.
Besides all that, there is more to Lane Kiffin's playbook than "go long."
Zach Miller was a reliable pass-catcher as a rookie. McFadden and Michael Bush are capable receiving threats coming out of the backfield. Together, they will give the Raiders their most significant West Coast-offense feel this side of Jon Gruden.
If Curry can stay healthy for a third straight 700-yard season, and if Walker can return to 1,000-yard form, and if Carter can match his career highs set last season. That's a lot of ifs, but the Raiders can't get picky at this point.
Walker, for one, looks on the mend. He made a sharp cut on a slant route last week, getting underneath Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall for a catch during workouts.
That's the sort of pain-free play the Raiders need to see for 16 games, lest they rank 31st in NFL passing for the third straight year.
"His progress has been excellent," offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said about Walker. "He's got a little hunger and a little fire, and he is going to make it exciting for us.
"The pros that are like that, you want around you because he's going to make it show to everybody. 'Hey, I wasn't done. Here I am again.' "
Briefly: Raiders practice is open to media members today, offering the first glimpse of Russell and McFadden in the same huddle.
TUI IS COMING BACK!! LOL
Looks like Tui is coming back
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Marques Tuiasosopo watched practice on the field with the Raiders Thursday at their organized team activity, renewing friendships and spending a lot of time with quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.
Coach Lane Kiffin said he couldn’t comment about the visit, but said some information could be forthcoming later in the day.
Tuiasosopo was the No. 3 quarterback for the New York Jets last season behind Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens, signing a one-year contract after leaving the Raiders as a free agent.
If Tuiasosopo were indeed to return, it would initially be to compete for the No. 3 quarterback job behind JaMarcus Russell and Andrew Walter.
It’s worth noting, however, that the current offensive system run by the Raiders is much more line with his skills than the play-action dropback systems instituted by Norv Turner and later Art Shell.
Walter is functional running rollout plays, but in some instances _ like one Thursday in which he didn’t have the mobility to escape a rush by rookie Trevor Scott _ simply doesn’t have the athleticism to turn a broken play into a big gain. During one 7-on-7 drill, Walter did have two nice touchdown strikes to Javon Walker on a fade route and Drew Carter on a post pattern.
Tuiasosopo’s issues are twofold _ he simply may not be good enough of a pure passer to be an NFL quarterback, and there were whispers that after Rich Gannon’s departure he did not prepare hard enough. He had several poor preseason appearances in games against vanilla defenses.
More OTA snapshots:
– The Raiders are stressing the fact that safeties Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff are flexible enough to alternate, but it seems clear that most of the time, Wilson will be in the box and Huff will be playing deep safety. Wilson said as much in an interview session with the media.
– Wilson sat out Thursday’s practice with a quad injury which Kiffin said is not serious. In his place, Huff played strong safety with the first team and Rashad Baker free safety.
– Maybe the defensive backs are media shy. Through the rookie minicamp and now two OTA practices, not a single defensive back has broken on a ball and made an interception. Kiffin said DeAngelo Hall had two interceptions at Wednesday’s practice.
Linebacker Thomas Howard nearly took one back the other way in a red zone 7-on-7 drill, breaking up a telegraphed pass by Walter intended for Darren McFadden.
– Defensive end Derrick Burgess and running back LaMont Jordan did not attend the voluntary workout. Neither did cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who isn’t eligible to practice until he signs his tender. Kickers Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler did not attend.
– Those who were nursing injuries or rehabbing and did not practice included defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, wide receiver Ronald Curry, center Jake Grove and safety Jarrod Cooper. Linebacker Edgerton Hartwell also did not practice.
– Kiffin said Carter, who has been at the facility the most with Russell, has developed the best chemistry with the quarterback.
– Defenders have made repeated attempts to strip the ball from McFadden, who was fumble-prone in college. No one has been successful during media availability, and Kiffin said McFadden has not fumbled in closed practices.
– Russell continues to make minimal errors with a safe, controlled passing game. During one instance Thursday, however, wide receivers Todd Watkins and Walker failed to hold on to medium-depth routes which were too hot to handle.
– Left guard Robert Gallery returned from his wedding and honeymoon and joined the first team offensive line with left tackle Kwame Harris, center Chris Morris, right guard Cooper Carlisle and right tackle Cornell Green.
The second-team offensive line was manned by Seth Wand at left tackle, Paul McQuistan at left guard, John Wade at center, Mark Wilson at right guard and Mario Henderson at right tackle.
– Defensive tackle Terdell Sands played on both the first- and second-team defensive lines. One first-team line included Jay Richardson at left end, Gerard Warren at left tackle, Josh Shaw at right tackle and Kalimba Edwards at right end.
Sands also played inside at times with William Joseph.
More to come later . . .
Looks like Tui is coming back
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Marques Tuiasosopo watched practice on the field with the Raiders Thursday at their organized team activity, renewing friendships and spending a lot of time with quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.
Coach Lane Kiffin said he couldn’t comment about the visit, but said some information could be forthcoming later in the day.
Tuiasosopo was the No. 3 quarterback for the New York Jets last season behind Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens, signing a one-year contract after leaving the Raiders as a free agent.
If Tuiasosopo were indeed to return, it would initially be to compete for the No. 3 quarterback job behind JaMarcus Russell and Andrew Walter.
It’s worth noting, however, that the current offensive system run by the Raiders is much more line with his skills than the play-action dropback systems instituted by Norv Turner and later Art Shell.
Walter is functional running rollout plays, but in some instances _ like one Thursday in which he didn’t have the mobility to escape a rush by rookie Trevor Scott _ simply doesn’t have the athleticism to turn a broken play into a big gain. During one 7-on-7 drill, Walter did have two nice touchdown strikes to Javon Walker on a fade route and Drew Carter on a post pattern.
Tuiasosopo’s issues are twofold _ he simply may not be good enough of a pure passer to be an NFL quarterback, and there were whispers that after Rich Gannon’s departure he did not prepare hard enough. He had several poor preseason appearances in games against vanilla defenses.
More OTA snapshots:
– The Raiders are stressing the fact that safeties Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff are flexible enough to alternate, but it seems clear that most of the time, Wilson will be in the box and Huff will be playing deep safety. Wilson said as much in an interview session with the media.
– Wilson sat out Thursday’s practice with a quad injury which Kiffin said is not serious. In his place, Huff played strong safety with the first team and Rashad Baker free safety.
– Maybe the defensive backs are media shy. Through the rookie minicamp and now two OTA practices, not a single defensive back has broken on a ball and made an interception. Kiffin said DeAngelo Hall had two interceptions at Wednesday’s practice.
Linebacker Thomas Howard nearly took one back the other way in a red zone 7-on-7 drill, breaking up a telegraphed pass by Walter intended for Darren McFadden.
– Defensive end Derrick Burgess and running back LaMont Jordan did not attend the voluntary workout. Neither did cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who isn’t eligible to practice until he signs his tender. Kickers Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler did not attend.
– Those who were nursing injuries or rehabbing and did not practice included defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, wide receiver Ronald Curry, center Jake Grove and safety Jarrod Cooper. Linebacker Edgerton Hartwell also did not practice.
– Kiffin said Carter, who has been at the facility the most with Russell, has developed the best chemistry with the quarterback.
– Defenders have made repeated attempts to strip the ball from McFadden, who was fumble-prone in college. No one has been successful during media availability, and Kiffin said McFadden has not fumbled in closed practices.
– Russell continues to make minimal errors with a safe, controlled passing game. During one instance Thursday, however, wide receivers Todd Watkins and Walker failed to hold on to medium-depth routes which were too hot to handle.
– Left guard Robert Gallery returned from his wedding and honeymoon and joined the first team offensive line with left tackle Kwame Harris, center Chris Morris, right guard Cooper Carlisle and right tackle Cornell Green.
The second-team offensive line was manned by Seth Wand at left tackle, Paul McQuistan at left guard, John Wade at center, Mark Wilson at right guard and Mario Henderson at right tackle.
– Defensive tackle Terdell Sands played on both the first- and second-team defensive lines. One first-team line included Jay Richardson at left end, Gerard Warren at left tackle, Josh Shaw at right tackle and Kalimba Edwards at right end.
Sands also played inside at times with William Joseph.
More to come later . . .
^ yep its official now
TUIASOSOPO RETURNS TO THE RAIDERS
Posted by Mike Florio on May 22, 2008, 7:01 p.m.
Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo has returned to the Oakland Raiders, one year after leaving via free agency to sign with the Jets.
Tuiasosopo was a second-round draft pick of the Raiders, and spent six years with the team.
There are now six quarterbacks on the Raiders’ roster. In addition to Tuiasosopo, the Raiders have JaMarcus Russell, Andrew Walter, Brian White, Erik Meyer, and Jeff Otis.
During his one-year hiatus to New York, Tuiasosopo made no regular-season appearances.
TUIASOSOPO RETURNS TO THE RAIDERS
Posted by Mike Florio on May 22, 2008, 7:01 p.m.
Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo has returned to the Oakland Raiders, one year after leaving via free agency to sign with the Jets.
Tuiasosopo was a second-round draft pick of the Raiders, and spent six years with the team.
There are now six quarterbacks on the Raiders’ roster. In addition to Tuiasosopo, the Raiders have JaMarcus Russell, Andrew Walter, Brian White, Erik Meyer, and Jeff Otis.
During his one-year hiatus to New York, Tuiasosopo made no regular-season appearances.
Wilson building chemistry with new teammates in Oakland
Associated Press
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A number of Gibril Wilson's new teammates in Oakland have already come up to ask him about what it's like to be a member of a Super Bowl champion.
Gibril Wilson, S
Oakland Raiders
That's probably because it's been a struggle for the Raiders to win any game in recent years, much less the ultimate prize in football. Wilson brings a winning pedigree and a physical nature at safety that has been lacking in Oakland.
"I just tell them that it's truly the greatest feeling ever to actually win and be on top," Wilson said Thursday. "There's no better feeling. I'm sharing that with them, I'll bring my ring when I get it and we'll go from there."
The Raiders have a long way to go to get to the level Wilson and his New York Giants teammates achieved last season. Oakland has won just 19 games the past five seasons, the fewest in the NFL, and has tasted almost no success since winning the AFC championship in the 2002 season.
The addition of Wilson was part of an offseason overhaul by the Raiders. The team also traded for former Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, signed former Pro Bowl receiver Javon Walker and drafted game-breaking running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick, among other big moves.
Wilson signed a $39 million, six-year contract with Oakland that included about $16 million in guaranteed money. The Raiders finalized the deal on the first day of the free agency period, showing the importance they placed on getting a safety who is physical to play close to the line of scrimmage to stop the run.
"What I bring is my physical presence being in the box," Wilson said. "Whenever I think of the Raiders I think about a physical, physical football team. That's what I'm going to do my best to bring back."
The Raiders allowed a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry last season, often missing tackles against running backs in the open field. Oakland allowed 18 runs of 20 or more yards last season, tied with Denver for most in the NFL and twice as many as the Giants gave up in 2007.
Wilson's 284 solo tackles since entering the NFL in 2004 are the most of any safety during that span. The San Jose native had 70 tackles and a career-high four interceptions in 13 games for the New York Giants last season.
"He's an animal out there," safety Michael Huff said. "We always knew he could tackle, he was big. But I didn't know he could cover as well as he can. So I think that's going to help our defense out, help us in coverage, we can change it up a little bit."
Wilson was a key member of the defense that shut down the New England Patriots in New York's 17-14 victory and has the ability to play either free or strong safety.
Wilson and Huff have each spent time at both spots in practice so far, after Huff was primarily a strong safety his first two seasons. Huff appears more suited to play free safety, where he doesn't have to contend with blocks with 300-pound linemen.
Oakland Raiders
Complete coverage:
Video | Schedule | Stats
Roster | Depth chart | Transactions
Official team site: Raiders.com
But coach Lane Kiffin likes the flexibility he has with two players who have experience playing both positions.
"I like where we're at with them and putting them in a number of positions and some that Michael's never been in here over his two years here," Kiffin said. "It'll be fun to see how that unfolds."
Huff is very happy about the addition of Wilson. Huff said he wore down by about the 10th game of the season because he had to play against bigger opponents each week. Wilson likes what he sees in Huff, an athletic safety with speed and coverage skills.
They are taking the time in the offseason to learn each other's strengths and weaknesses so they will mesh perfectly once the season begins.
"I think me and Huff are going to complement each other very, very nicely," Wilson said. "There's not a play that we shouldn't talk before the actual snap of the ball. Me and him, we need to be on the same page. We need to know what each other is thinking and disguising and everything and not giving away defenses and things like that. I think me and Huff will be great together."
Associated Press
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A number of Gibril Wilson's new teammates in Oakland have already come up to ask him about what it's like to be a member of a Super Bowl champion.
Gibril Wilson, S
Oakland Raiders
That's probably because it's been a struggle for the Raiders to win any game in recent years, much less the ultimate prize in football. Wilson brings a winning pedigree and a physical nature at safety that has been lacking in Oakland.
"I just tell them that it's truly the greatest feeling ever to actually win and be on top," Wilson said Thursday. "There's no better feeling. I'm sharing that with them, I'll bring my ring when I get it and we'll go from there."
The Raiders have a long way to go to get to the level Wilson and his New York Giants teammates achieved last season. Oakland has won just 19 games the past five seasons, the fewest in the NFL, and has tasted almost no success since winning the AFC championship in the 2002 season.
The addition of Wilson was part of an offseason overhaul by the Raiders. The team also traded for former Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, signed former Pro Bowl receiver Javon Walker and drafted game-breaking running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick, among other big moves.
Wilson signed a $39 million, six-year contract with Oakland that included about $16 million in guaranteed money. The Raiders finalized the deal on the first day of the free agency period, showing the importance they placed on getting a safety who is physical to play close to the line of scrimmage to stop the run.
"What I bring is my physical presence being in the box," Wilson said. "Whenever I think of the Raiders I think about a physical, physical football team. That's what I'm going to do my best to bring back."
The Raiders allowed a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry last season, often missing tackles against running backs in the open field. Oakland allowed 18 runs of 20 or more yards last season, tied with Denver for most in the NFL and twice as many as the Giants gave up in 2007.
Wilson's 284 solo tackles since entering the NFL in 2004 are the most of any safety during that span. The San Jose native had 70 tackles and a career-high four interceptions in 13 games for the New York Giants last season.
"He's an animal out there," safety Michael Huff said. "We always knew he could tackle, he was big. But I didn't know he could cover as well as he can. So I think that's going to help our defense out, help us in coverage, we can change it up a little bit."
Wilson was a key member of the defense that shut down the New England Patriots in New York's 17-14 victory and has the ability to play either free or strong safety.
Wilson and Huff have each spent time at both spots in practice so far, after Huff was primarily a strong safety his first two seasons. Huff appears more suited to play free safety, where he doesn't have to contend with blocks with 300-pound linemen.
Oakland Raiders
Complete coverage:
Video | Schedule | Stats
Roster | Depth chart | Transactions
Official team site: Raiders.com
But coach Lane Kiffin likes the flexibility he has with two players who have experience playing both positions.
"I like where we're at with them and putting them in a number of positions and some that Michael's never been in here over his two years here," Kiffin said. "It'll be fun to see how that unfolds."
Huff is very happy about the addition of Wilson. Huff said he wore down by about the 10th game of the season because he had to play against bigger opponents each week. Wilson likes what he sees in Huff, an athletic safety with speed and coverage skills.
They are taking the time in the offseason to learn each other's strengths and weaknesses so they will mesh perfectly once the season begins.
"I think me and Huff are going to complement each other very, very nicely," Wilson said. "There's not a play that we shouldn't talk before the actual snap of the ball. Me and him, we need to be on the same page. We need to know what each other is thinking and disguising and everything and not giving away defenses and things like that. I think me and Huff will be great together."
I know its happened be4 and there are some weak points 4 the Raiders(offensive line/possibly wide receivers), I see them definetly challenging...their defence could be ready 4 a return 2 glory...I know my team(the Colts) barely beat them in their meeting last year...hopefully we don't have 2 play them cuzz they're lookin beasty, 4REAL
we played them tough no doubt.
but you knew the colts were gonna drive down the field and score on there last td. thats why we needed to upgrade defensively to have a chance for the big 4th quarter stops needed to be a playoff team imo. offensively 21 pts a game and we might get to 10-6 this year. its not far fetched.
but you knew the colts were gonna drive down the field and score on there last td. thats why we needed to upgrade defensively to have a chance for the big 4th quarter stops needed to be a playoff team imo. offensively 21 pts a game and we might get to 10-6 this year. its not far fetched.
^10-6 imo is too high.
dont get me wrong, i would LOOOOOOOOVE to see my raiders be 10-6 but as of right now, with all the new FA's n shit, a .500 record is coo for now, then next year once we got a year under our belt, we could make some noise. realistically, i just dont see them going 10-6. itd be hella dope obviously but shiiiiiiit, it is what it is.
dont get me wrong, i would LOOOOOOOOVE to see my raiders be 10-6 but as of right now, with all the new FA's n shit, a .500 record is coo for now, then next year once we got a year under our belt, we could make some noise. realistically, i just dont see them going 10-6. itd be hella dope obviously but shiiiiiiit, it is what it is.
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CAM INMAN COLUMN
Inman: Raiders, T.O. a perfect match
By Cam Inman
Staff writer
Article Created: 05/25/2008 05:37:41 PM PDT
THE RAIDERS AND Terrell Owens, a match made in ... 2009?
It could happen.
It could not.
But let's delve into the possibility of merging the NFL's most notorious wide receiver with the Raiders' future cornerstones, quarterback JaMarcus Russell and running back Darren McFadden.
That would be a potent cocktail of offensive talent, and perhaps that could entice Owens into a Bay Area encore, having fled the 49ers in 2004 after eight seasons.
So why bring this up now? Because his three-year contract — and three-step career revival — with the Dallas Cowboys ends after this coming season.
When the Cowboys signed two players to lucrative contract extensions last week, neither was named Terrell Eldorado Owens. Running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman were the ones racking up contracts worth a combined $95 million.
Owens reacted calmly. For now. He'll want to get paid, too, and he'll command more than the three-year, $25 million pact he got as a Philadelphia Eagles castoff in 2006. To paraphrase his former publicist, he'll want another 25 million reasons to live.
"It's not a big deal. I don't even feel comfortable talking about it," Owens told the Dallas Morning News last week regarding his contract status. "It's easy for me because of the relationship."
He means his relationship with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who rarely lets his superstars escape to
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another galaxy. With a $1 billion stadium opening in 2009, Jones surely will want Owens on that field.
"I met with Jerry my first year (2006) and talked to him on the phone more than I ever did with the owners in San Francisco and Philly. He's a guy that's very personable," Owens added. "He interacts, and he talks with his players. And that's all you ever want."
Gosh, if an interactive owner is what he wants, it's Al Davis that he should have.
The Raiders have been throwing money around this offseason to try climbing out of their five-season swoon. Their collective wallet shouldn't snap shut next offseason if Owens is available. He'd love to succeed where Randy Moss failed.
The Raiders addressed their void at wide receiver for 2008 by bringing in Javon Walker and Drew Carter to complement Ronald Curry. All three have injury concerns, and even if they all pan out OK, there's still room for Owens in '09.
If Owens hits the free-agent market next spring, he'll be much more coveted than he was when the Eagles cut bait with him in 2006.
Since leaving Philadelphia, Owens' career has returned to a Pro Bowl level. Aside from his near-death experience in September 2006 after overdosing on painkillers, he's had a surprisingly unselfish existence in Dallas.
He's producing quite well, too. His two-season totals in Dallas: 166 receptions, 2,535 yards, 28 touchdowns. Michael Irvin is the only other Cowboys receiver to ever produce a better two-year stretch. The Cowboys would be wise to keep Owens linked with quarterback Tony Romo.
As well behaved as he's been, Owens certainly has the capacity to fall out of favor quickly with an organization, especially if he feels disrespected in terms of a lame-duck contract. And especially if the Cowboys stumble out of the gate, fall from their perch as an NFC favorite and thus deny Owens another shot at his first Super Bowl ring.
Owens' size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and penchant for finding the end zone will make Davis reminisce about 1960s star Art Powell (6-3, 211).
At age 34, Owens isn't a spry kid. But he's famously well conditioned. And because he wants to be the next Jerry Rice, Owens likely has another six years in him.
If those years aren't with the Raiders, another Bay Area team is crying out for wide receiver help. Owens didn't burn bridges on his way out of the 49ers locker room in 2004 as much as his agent misjudged the void date of Owens' contract. Now here's an image: Owens rejoining the 49ers, along with quarterback Jeff Garcia (in his last year of a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and coach Steve Mariucci (on call at the NFL Network).
Nah, it's easier to envision Owens in silver. But will that silver helmet feature a Cowboys star or a Raiders shield? Tune in next year.
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CAM INMAN COLUMN
Inman: Raiders, T.O. a perfect match
By Cam Inman
Staff writer
Article Created: 05/25/2008 05:37:41 PM PDT
THE RAIDERS AND Terrell Owens, a match made in ... 2009?
It could happen.
It could not.
But let's delve into the possibility of merging the NFL's most notorious wide receiver with the Raiders' future cornerstones, quarterback JaMarcus Russell and running back Darren McFadden.
That would be a potent cocktail of offensive talent, and perhaps that could entice Owens into a Bay Area encore, having fled the 49ers in 2004 after eight seasons.
So why bring this up now? Because his three-year contract — and three-step career revival — with the Dallas Cowboys ends after this coming season.
When the Cowboys signed two players to lucrative contract extensions last week, neither was named Terrell Eldorado Owens. Running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman were the ones racking up contracts worth a combined $95 million.
Owens reacted calmly. For now. He'll want to get paid, too, and he'll command more than the three-year, $25 million pact he got as a Philadelphia Eagles castoff in 2006. To paraphrase his former publicist, he'll want another 25 million reasons to live.
"It's not a big deal. I don't even feel comfortable talking about it," Owens told the Dallas Morning News last week regarding his contract status. "It's easy for me because of the relationship."
He means his relationship with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who rarely lets his superstars escape to
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another galaxy. With a $1 billion stadium opening in 2009, Jones surely will want Owens on that field.
"I met with Jerry my first year (2006) and talked to him on the phone more than I ever did with the owners in San Francisco and Philly. He's a guy that's very personable," Owens added. "He interacts, and he talks with his players. And that's all you ever want."
Gosh, if an interactive owner is what he wants, it's Al Davis that he should have.
The Raiders have been throwing money around this offseason to try climbing out of their five-season swoon. Their collective wallet shouldn't snap shut next offseason if Owens is available. He'd love to succeed where Randy Moss failed.
The Raiders addressed their void at wide receiver for 2008 by bringing in Javon Walker and Drew Carter to complement Ronald Curry. All three have injury concerns, and even if they all pan out OK, there's still room for Owens in '09.
If Owens hits the free-agent market next spring, he'll be much more coveted than he was when the Eagles cut bait with him in 2006.
Since leaving Philadelphia, Owens' career has returned to a Pro Bowl level. Aside from his near-death experience in September 2006 after overdosing on painkillers, he's had a surprisingly unselfish existence in Dallas.
He's producing quite well, too. His two-season totals in Dallas: 166 receptions, 2,535 yards, 28 touchdowns. Michael Irvin is the only other Cowboys receiver to ever produce a better two-year stretch. The Cowboys would be wise to keep Owens linked with quarterback Tony Romo.
As well behaved as he's been, Owens certainly has the capacity to fall out of favor quickly with an organization, especially if he feels disrespected in terms of a lame-duck contract. And especially if the Cowboys stumble out of the gate, fall from their perch as an NFC favorite and thus deny Owens another shot at his first Super Bowl ring.
Owens' size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and penchant for finding the end zone will make Davis reminisce about 1960s star Art Powell (6-3, 211).
At age 34, Owens isn't a spry kid. But he's famously well conditioned. And because he wants to be the next Jerry Rice, Owens likely has another six years in him.
If those years aren't with the Raiders, another Bay Area team is crying out for wide receiver help. Owens didn't burn bridges on his way out of the 49ers locker room in 2004 as much as his agent misjudged the void date of Owens' contract. Now here's an image: Owens rejoining the 49ers, along with quarterback Jeff Garcia (in his last year of a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and coach Steve Mariucci (on call at the NFL Network).
Nah, it's easier to envision Owens in silver. But will that silver helmet feature a Cowboys star or a Raiders shield? Tune in next year.