Run Defense Help Wanted Sign

WANTED: Three-hundred-plus pound tackles to plug middle of leaky run defense. We are looking for a few large men -- the heavier the better. Mobility and speed not necessary. One or more years experience holding large offensive linemen at bay with one hand while body-slamming running back with the Vikings Brett Favre jersey
other a big plus. Must be willing to relocate to the Midwest immediately. Benefits include free uniforms, all-you-can-eat buffets (four times daily) and a chance to spend two weeks in Miami for Super Bowl XLI. Salary negotiable. Send resume and shoe size to Bill Polian (President) or Tony Dungy (Head coach) c/o the .Okay, so that's not a real classified ad, as if you couldn't tell. But maybe the team should consider running it on Monster.com during its bye week to attract a few good players. Despite Dungy's assertion in Sunday's postgame interview that the 'D' just needs to concentrate more on "getting it done" against the rush, the Colts really need to find a run stuffer or two - and fast.Don't get me wrong, the Colts' 5-0 start is impressive in its own right. And they deserve to feel good about their accomplishments thus far. But their defensive shortcomings are too hard to ignore.Exhibit AThe AFC South division leaders have allowed at least 180 rushing yards in three of the team's last five games, including 214 yards to the Tennessee Titans Week 5.Exhibit BOn Tennessee's opening possession, the Titans rushed seven consecutive times to move 88 yards for a touchdown.Exhibit CIndy has no defensive tackles that weigh 300 pounds or more. Zero. Nada. Darrell Reid is 6-foot-2 and 288 pounds. Montae Reagor is 6-3, 285. Corey Simon (300 pounds) was their most effective lineman last year but he was recently put on injured reserve.Exhibit DThe road ahead is rough after the bye. Washington, Denver, New England, Buffalo and Dallas -- all teams that have potent ground games -- await the Colts in their first five games back.It's hard to imagine the team winning consistently the rest of the way with Peyton Manning's fourth-quarter heroics. 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
As in years past, a team will come along in the playoffs that will extinguish Indy's passing attack. And when that happens, the Colts will be beaten on the ground. That is, unless they do something before then to fix their porous defensive front.Find out more about the

James Lofton "Unlikely Rumors" Commentary

Call it a favor, or call it a simple visit to a trusting friend.James Lofton, who visited with the just over a year ago, met with 77-year-old owner Al Davis on Tuesday to discuss the team's head coaching vacancy.Lofton, an eight-time Pro Bowl participant, was a member of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
the Raiders roster from 1987-88. In the two-season span, the 6-foot-3 wideout caught 69 passes for 1,429 yards and five touchdowns before leaving for Buffalo.A first-round rookie in 1978, Lofton appeared on five different rosters throughout his 16-year career. By the time he was ready to call it quits, the Stanford grad had played in 233 games and caught 764 passes for 14,004 yards and 75 touchdowns. The 50-year-old ranks just behind Jerry Rice and Tim Brown -- two former Raiders -- on the all-time receiving yardage list.For the past five years, Lofton has served as the wide receivers coach for the division-rival San Diego Chargers.Despite a recent report published by the San Diego Union-Tribune claiming that both parties are "working on details of a contract," don't expect his job title to change drastically any time soon.The ex-CNN NFL analyst is said to have a very close football relationship with Davis, who respects Lofton as both a player and coach. It is unlikely, though, that Davis will work out a deal with Lofton in the upcoming days. The longtime assistant left Alameda on Tuesday without a contract, but did fulfill the organization's duty to adhere to the "Rooney Rule," which requires all NFL teams to include at least one minority candidate in their search for a head coach.Earlier this week, it had also been reported that former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green was interested in the position. On Tuesday, it was revealed that story was false, and Green had no previous intentions to meet with Davis.In the last week, speculation surrounding the Raiders' headquarters has reached an all-time high.Thus far, the team has interviewed Lofton, former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel, current defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, and USC assistant coach Steve Sarkisian. Other names -- besides Green's -- who have come up then disappeared this offseason include Bobby Petrino, Pat Hill and Rex Ryan.All said and done, expect Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
Sarkisian to prove recent reports wrong and run away with the job.Call that just another rumor if you want, though.Want to be in the Raiders mailbag? Visit RaidersLive.com to submit your questions and comments for the Jan. 19 mailbag.

Ten predictions for 2008 Raiders

Over in Napa Valley, Calif., where the hold training camp, surely all is painted silver and black. Desperate to pack the cyberspace on its sports page, NapaValleyRegister.com has posted a bit of a feeder, asking all comers to cast their prediction on 2008: “Does the Silver and Black return to glory this year, or does the 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
team struggle through another mediocre season?”One prediction? Ha! Never a Web site to slack off on its readers, hardworking today presents 10 fearless (and steadfast – the Napa Valley newspaper promises a chance “halfway through the season to revise your preseason prediction for the team” – wusses!) predictions on the 2008 Raiders. ? NFL offensive rookie of the year: Darren McFadden. If the offensive line improves on its encouraging performance from last season.? The line won’t improve. Tom Cable's zone blocking schemes are effective and last year’s blocking was better than expected, but do even the die-hard Raider fans think Kwame Harris is a solution as a starter? And Robert Gallery’s a projected starter? Really?? Robert Gallery will prove not to be the answer at left guard.? In a backhandedly optimistic way, the only part of the Raiders’ game that will be as inadequate as the offensive line is the defensive line. In nearly all statistical areas except for sacks and sacks allowed, Oakland could well place in the top 10.? Nnamdi Asomugha will have a killer season while exploiting guys like Jay Cutler and whoever’s in Kansas City to the tune of, say, 10 interceptions. Asomugha will fight Bob Sanders of the Colts for NFL defensive MVP, and unfortunately proclaims no intention of re-upping with the Raiders in 2009.? JaMarcus Russell will, in fact, perform like a stud, thrill fantasy football owners -- particularly in the season’s second half -- and ultimately play in the Pro Bowl when either Tom Brady or Peyton Manning bows out.? Kirk Morrison will finally get the leaguewide recognition he deserves. (C’mon now, 96 tackles and four interceptions doesn’t get you a Pro Bowl bid? Over 100 tackles and two interceptions – Morrison’s totals in 2006 – doesn’t either? What’s a Raider gotta do?)? Playing their best ball in the last six games, the Raiders will be the ultimate spoiler in 2008. To completely hedge the bet, let’s say they eliminate the Chiefs from playoff contention in Week 13, the Texans in Week 16, and dump the Buccaneers in playoff seeding (perhaps completely out of the tournament) to close out the year. Could they stun the Chargers in San Diego in Week 14? Hey, maybe.? Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
A return to glory this year, or a struggle in mediocrity? How about neither? Set the over/under on Raider wins at 9.5, just missing the playoffs while taking a few teams down with ‘em.? Within 24 hours of the final gun sounding in Tampa Bay in Week 17, at least one outlet will “report” – and will later be shown to have had little basis in fact – that Lane Kiffin is in Al Davis’ doghouse and his seat is hot. Mass reports of déjà vu in Raider Nation ensue. (37)

NFL news: : Jay Foreman

The have signed linebacker Jay Foreman. The free agent was released earlier this offseason by the Houston Texans. The Raiders had a need at LB after trading Napoleon Harris to the Minnesota Vikings this past March. The 6'1", 240 lbs. Foreman had 79 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 fumble recovery in 11 games during the 2004 campaign.The former University of Nebraska Cornhusker played with the Buffalo Bills from 1999 to 2001 prior to joining the Texans. In 81 career games, he has accumulated 521 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 14 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.
One of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the NFL may be preparing to retire. According to NFL Network analyst Adam Schefter, long-time wideout Tim Brown is set to announce his retirement.Tim Brown spent 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the . He amassed an awe inspiring 1,094 receptions, 100 touchdowns, and 14,934 yards as a receiver. The only reason that his stats aren't as revered as they should be is because he had the misfortune of playing out his career alongside fellow Hall-of-Famer to be, Jerry Rice. Brown was one of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
the most consistent pass-catchers that the NFL has ever seen. He averaged nearly 90 receptions per season for a period of 10 years from 1993 to 2002. In addition, Brown was also a formidable punt-return specialist. He averaged over 10 yards per attempt over his 17-year career and returned three punts for touchdowns.Brown is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame despite the fact he never won an NFL championship. He reached the Super Bowl back in 2002, but his Raiders were trounced by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.According to published reports, Tim Brown will be retiring with the . The team plans to sign him to a one-day contract later this month. After announcing his retirement, Brown is expected to become an NFL analyst for the FOX television network.
内容: Recently-acquired Raiders fullback Rob Konrad has decided to retire before he plays a game for the silver and black, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus. Oakland signed Konrad in March to a 1 year deal worth $700,000.At that time, Konrad said he was looking forward to reuniting with Raiders head coach Norv Turner. Both were with the Miami Dolphins during 2002-2003. Turner served as the team's offensive coordinator. The 28 year-old Konrad did not participate in Oakland's three-day mini-camp over the weekend. Konrad's agent said, "His heart's just not in it anymore. I tried to talk him out of it, but this is what he wants to do. He has lost his love, his passion for the game." Konrad started only 13 games the last 2 years because of numerous injuries.

NFL Ed Jasper signed

The took a step towards upgrading their defensive line by signing defensive tackle Ed Jasper. The Raiders fielded one of the worst defensive units in the NFL last year, allowing nearly 28 points per game. Adding Ed Jasper to the lineup should help the the defensive line of scrimmage, which would be the first step towards correcting their decrepit defense. Jasper became an NFL starter for the first time last year and played in 12 games for the Atlanta Falcons before injuring his hand. He was released this past February.Jasper played his college football at Texas A & M. In eight NFL season he has recorded 223 total tackles, 15 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
Long-time wide receiver Tim Brown signed a one-day contract with the Raiders yesterday, then promptly retired. This puts the finishing touches on Brown's Hall of Fame worthy 17 year NFL career.Tim Brown won the Heisman trophy while playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was then drafted in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft and spent 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the . He amassed a ridiculous 1,094 receptions, 100 touchdowns, and 14,934 yards as a receiver. The only reason that his stats aren't as revered as they should be is because he had the misfortune of playing out his career alongside fellow Hall-of-Famer to be, Jerry Rice. Brown was one of the most consistent pass-catchers in NFL history. He averaged nearly 90 receptions per season for a period of Dallas Cowboys jersey
10 years from 1993 to 2002 while playing for the . In addition, Brown was also a formidable punt-return specialist. He averaged an impressive 10 yards per attempt over his 17-year career and returned three punts for touchdowns.Brown is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame despite the fact he never won an NFL championship. He reached the Super Bowl back in 2002, but his were trounced by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Tim Brown should stay close to the NFL even though his playing days are over. He is currently negotiating broadcasting contracts with both FOX and Sirius satellite radio.

Ken Whisenhunt

On Tuesday, Ken Whisenhunt included the phrase "I don't know what's going on" to describe his current situation with the . Resembling a child stuck between two parents and their own successive lies, Whisenhunt found himself searching for words to conceal his own secrets. At least that's how Raiders fans would like to see it. But as Whisenhunt tried to desperately avoid combining the words "Raiders" and "coach" into a single sentence, it became more convincing that Whisenhunt would likely become the successor to Norv Turner."I don't know if they're even interested in interviewing me," Whisenhunt said. Following the pattern set out by the Raiders thus far, it shouldn't be a cloudy subject for Whisenhunt to evaluate. The Raiders are the only organization yet to hire a head coach, Whisenhunt's name is the preeminent name remaining on a tapering list, and the Raiders are undoubtedly waiting for the Super Bowl to pass. As I see it, this piece of the puzzle is a corner piece-with the other three corners already set in place. Nevertheless, it is essentially up to Al Davis to decide if he will even attempt to put the piece in place or start up an entirely new conundrum. At this point in the offseason, however, the latter seems nearly impossible.In Tuesday's interview, Whisenhunt made a number of references to the Raiders Organization as a whole; but he stayed away from details that would noticeably reveal any desires or partiality towards the Raiders' coaching vacancy."They've been successful and they're in the NFL. But, like I said, that's all speculation. I haven't had any contact with them." But what Whisenhunt has not mentioned is whether he wants to be in contact with Al Davis and the .Vaguely, he did address this matter: "I don't know how many opportunities you get at [head coaching] jobs. I don't think that you can ever say, 36 Bettis White Jersey
'm going to be choosy,' or pick a job. I think you have to be smart about if the job's right for you."The key word in Whisenhunt's statement is "choosy." Being choosy at this point, however, is not viable-as the only choice that would allow Whisenhunt to become a head coach in the NFL is the ."There's only one job out there right now," Whisenhunt broadcasted.But does he want this job? Do the Raiders even want him? Only one thing is for sure: the Raiders are good at keeping secrets.For ' fans, the day after the Super Bowl may be a more exciting day than the day of the Super Bowl.

Raiders free agents from 6 to 1

Just as much fun as the draft and for some reason not nearly as prone to rampant speculation, the NFL's free agency period is now under three weeks away. Last year's bonanza, which resulted in some 300-plus new contracts inked, was "almost like being recruited again" in the words of one agent. Though things figure not to be as crazy come Feb. 29 (and the New England Patriots probably won't be fishing with dynamite this time around), free agency 2008 should be a fun one.RealFootball365.com today offers assistance to the Oakland Raiders, a little advice vis-a-vis re-signings from this year's silver and black. In reverse order of priority, Al Davis, Lane Kiffin & Co. (assuming they'll all manage to see eye to eye someday) should want the following fellows to stay Dallas Cowboys jersey
Raiders.6. Daunte Culpepper. Nearly as much a no-brainer as No. 1 (hint: It's Nnamdi Asomugha), Culpepper is the easy choice here. To offer a prediction along with this judgment call, I foresee a thousand bloggers emitting posts from within the Raider Nation on the subject of Culpepper, all proclaiming they knew when he first signed with Oakland that he was a couple years past done.5. Tommy Kelly. Is there any player on the roster more frustrating than Kelly? After showing gobs of potential at Mississippi State but going undrafted in 2003, Kelly showed smarts and adaptability in playing multiple positions in 3-4 and 4-3 sets. When Art Shell had him at nose tackle in 2006, Kelly fared poorly; in 2007, Kelly appeared to have finally emerged into the star Oakland fans sometimes glimpsed when squinting, followed by ... a trip to the IR with a torn ligament after Week 8. Will 2008 be the year? Is Kelly worth the gamble of a multiyear contract? An intriguing situation here, to be sure ... 4. Josh McCown. What's the price of a backup quarterback? The Raider brain trust is about to find out. Though hardly an enviable necessity, McCown at least has savvy enough to be worth re-upping on a weak market.3. Chris Carr. The franchise's all-time-leading kickoff returner saw less time on special teams, was taken off punt returning almost entirely, and spent quality time on defense. And you know what? The Reno, Nev. native's getting better. Scary stuff from a guy out of Boise State University who went undrafted. Re-sign this restricted free agent to a multiyear deal.2. Justin Fargas. All right, we all know conventional wisdom has Davis releasing Fargas into the wild and setting his sights on Darren McFadden. What is vaguely incomprehensible, as with most Davis matters these days, is the urgency to shift gears at the position. USC alum Fargas had a fantastic season in 2007, making a few fantasy owners' year while topping 1,000 yards and a 4.0 yards per carry average despite five early season games in which he had single-digit carries. This guy can block like a fullback and shows that inestimable toughness that screams "RAIDER." Even worse than these publicly reckoned moves are the rumors that Davis is willing to trade up to No. 1 to assure the drafting of Fargas' replacement; surely this is unnecessary trigger-pulling as the three to five teams drafting ahead of Oakland would appear to be most interested in defense and/or Matt Ryan. Why show your hand like that, Al?Sure, it may be that McFadden is the best offensive player available by the time the Raiders step up to the mike, but Oakland could save money and go with an established presence at halfback. Or they Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
could stand by and watch Fargas amaze in, say, Chicago. Or Carolina. Or...1. Nnamdi Asomugha. A no-brainer. Potentially the single most desirable free agent out there, everyone is convinced that the Raiders will slap the franchise tag on Asomugha. This looks to be the safest and best move for Oakland, so why are the Raiders waiting...? Must be an Al Davis thing.