TECH LOSES WR'S, SHANAHAN MAKING A MESS IN D.C. & SHOULD K.C. TAKE A SHOT AT RANDY MOSS?
Texas Tech got some bad news for their struggling offense, two wide receivers will miss the remainder of the season with injuries. Sophomore Alex Torres will undergo knee surgery. He was the Red Raiders' 3rd leading pass catcher with 32 receptions for 392-yards. Junior Jacoby Franks, currently ranked 4th in Tech receiving with 25 receptions for 254-yards, suffered a broken foot that will require surgery. The 4-4 Red Raiders will host the Missouri Tigers Saturday night.
I was very impressed with the Colts 30-17 win last night against the Houston Texans. Peyton manning was at his absolute best, missing Dallas Clark, Austin Collie & Joseph Addai, he played keep away from the Texans. Without three skill position players, who last year caught 211 passes & scored 20 touchdowns is bad enough, but Donald brown was also banged up at running back, so the Colts went with 3rd stringer Mike hart. Then he got hurt, so enter Javarris James, an undrafted free agent who had not played prior to last night. They were also reduced to 3rd string tight end Jacob Tamme, who before last night had zero receptions in his NFL career. He caught 6 passes for 64-yards & a score. The Colts' blocking tight end, Brody Eldridge was injured in the 1st quarter limiting their ability to run successfully in short yardage situations. Manning didn't light up the scoreboard with a 26 of 45 for 268 & 2 scores, but he kept dinking & dunking short routes that were similar clock-wise to an effective running game. It kept Houston's offense on the sideline & the Colts in 1st lace.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is running a poll since early this morning regarding Brad Childress' future with the Vikings. The Randy Moss debacle has really upset Minnesota owner Zygi Wilf. The Vikes traded a 3rd round draft pick for Moss less than 4-weeks ago. Now he will be available on the waiver wire. Over 22,000 Minnesota fans have voted in the poll & it doesn't look good for Childress. It goes like this:
Should brad Childress be fired?
Yes, right now 80.1%
Yes, at season's end 12%
no, give him 1 more yr 1.8%
no, he's not the problem 6.1%
I've never been a big fan of Mike Shanahan, not as a coach, not as a person & from what I've seen since he took his act to D.C. my opinion was well founded. He has fought openly with DT Albert Haynesworth all during training camp & well into the season. Now, after trading for Donovan McNabb, his relationship with his franchise quarterback is falling apart. Shanahan benched McNabb in the closing moments of their loss in Detroit while the Skins were just one score down, replacing him with a totally immobile & unreliable Rex Grossman. Shanahan said right after the game Grossman was more adept at running the hurry-up offense. Having watched McNabb since he was at Syracuse, I can tell you he is very well versed at every phase of the offense & that includes the hurry-up. Grossman is barely even in the league, talent-wise & in game management, he's not good. In no way is he better than McNabb. Then yesterday, Shanahan said Grossman was inserted late in the game because he was better prepared for it because of his cardio-vascular conditioning. McNabb is out of shape? Is that what you're saying? Then say it. You've already humiliated McNabb by jerking him for a hack like Grossman when the game is still in doubt, why not say what's on your mind? Today, it just got worse for McNabb, the Redskins are in talks with former Raider & 2007 #1 overall draft pick, JaMarcus Russell. You can draw your own conclusions as to how smart a move this might be.
Charger linebacker Shawne Merriman is about to become a former Charger. if he passes his exit physical today, he'll be placed on waiver this afternoon. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year has been constantly injured for the past three seasons after being a dominant player his first 3 seasons.
So Randy Moss will be available to the waiver wire this afternoon, where will he land & if the Chiefs had a shot(which they won't), would Moss be a good fit for Kansas City?
Yes, bring Randy Moss to Kansas City would be a smart move.
The Chiefs lead the NFL in rushing. Their running game has been established, no doubt. But the passing game is shaky at best, Matt Cassel is not a franchise QB in my opinion & needs all the help he can get. If the Chiefs make the playoffs, most likely they would host a wildcard team in the first round. Do you think Baltimore or the Jets can stop the run when they don't fear the pass? You bet they can. Can Pittsburgh? Same answer. The Chiefs don't have enough talent at wide receiver to scare anybody. Dwayne Bowe has potential & any help on the other side would benefit him a lot. Cassel has a history with Moss when he started 15-games for New England. Moss caught 69 Matt Cassel passes for 1008-yards & 11 touchdowns just two seasons ago. The strong coaching staff led by Todd Haley, Charlie Weis & even defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell could keep Moss under wraps. Veteran locker room leaders Brian Waters & Mike Vrabel(also a New England teammate of Moss) will also help keep Randy happy & motivated. Bottom line is Randy Moss is a rare talent, who is still able to play at a very high level. He can keep that safety from coming down in the box to stop the run & the short passing game. He can make the acrobatic catch, he can still outrun most NFL defensive backs & when in the right frame of mind, he's a stout blocker. He could also aid in Dexter McCluster's role as slot receiver, think Moss had anything to do with Wes Welker's success in New England? You bet he did. Moss could make the Chiefs less predictable, more explosive & harder to defense. He could make Bowe & McCluster more effective. His presence would bolster the running game by keeping the safeties honest & not 5-yards from the line of scrimmage.
No, the Chiefs have no business acquiring Randy Moss.
The Chiefs are heading in the right direction. Admittedly, they're a long way from being a true Super Bowl contender. They won't be going this year, so why take two steps backward trying to win now. The 2010 season is something to build on, not an all-in season like Minnesota. Moss is a supreme talent, but he is probably the most polarizing player in the NFL. He can be the 800-lb gorilla in the room distraction-wise. He can be very divisive in the locker room, some love him, while others, well not so much. He plays when he feels like it, he doesn't run his routes hard every snap, he gives up on his quarterback at times. He doesn't work hard at blocking when he's not in the mood. The guy can gobble up defensive backs, making them look helpless. He makes catches others can't. He can make any quarterback look better than he really is. Moss is a talent the opposing defense must account for every snap.....when he's in the mood. Moss could wreck the good vibe the Chiefs have going right now, don't risk messing with that to win another regular season game or two. With the defense & QB Kansas City has right now, they're not Super Bowl material & Moss knows that. His attitude would go south quickly & with it, much of the positive steps Haley's Chiefs have taken so far in the 2010 season.
Where will Moss land?
If not Kansas City, then where? Tennessee is a possibility, Jeff Fisher has never had a problem handling difficult personalities. He's lost his top wideout, Kenny Britt, with a hamstring pull. His availability is unknown at this time, but 3-4 weeks is a possibility. The Titans like to throw the ball downfield, Moss' specialty. The Titans are a legitimate contender, something that is necessary to keep Moss motivated.
The all-ego trio of Dallas, Washington & the Jets are always a possibility when it comes to high profile players. The Cowboys are a smoking crater right now, the last thing Jerry Jones could do to make matters worse would be bringing Moss to Big D.
The Redskins are also a possibility, but I can't see Moss & Mike Shanahan co-existing. Owner Dan Snyder often pulls the trigger without the O.K. of his head coach, so never say never.
The Jets already have too many high maintenance players. They have two wideouts, Braylon Edwards & Santonio Holmes, who are in the final year of their contracts. It's just too much distraction for a team that has shown, despite their bravado, don't handle distraction really well. The have a 2nd year QB who is shaky at times & having Randy Moss barking in the huddle or quitting on a route that causes an interception, can only slow his development.
How about going back to New England? I honestly think Moss would be thrilled at that prospect & there are those in the Patriots' locker room would also welcome the mercurial Moss back into the fold. But what about Bill Belichick? Since he never is completely truthful, it's hard to gauge Belichick's real interest. I know he'd love that he already has Minnesota's 3rd round pick in the bank. Is it possible to get the guy you received the pick for back in your locker room in less than a month, revitalized & ready for a playoff run? The problem with this theory is A. New England is dead last on the waiver list, so they'll need the other 31 teams to pass which isn't likely. And B. the league might look into the entire situation regarding the trade, Moss' behavior & a possible return. Don't see this either. I think Seattle is a slim possibility, but Moss wouldn't be happy playing for a .500(at best) team. I'm going with Tennessee.
I was very impressed with the Colts 30-17 win last night against the Houston Texans. Peyton manning was at his absolute best, missing Dallas Clark, Austin Collie & Joseph Addai, he played keep away from the Texans. Without three skill position players, who last year caught 211 passes & scored 20 touchdowns is bad enough, but Donald brown was also banged up at running back, so the Colts went with 3rd stringer Mike hart. Then he got hurt, so enter Javarris James, an undrafted free agent who had not played prior to last night. They were also reduced to 3rd string tight end Jacob Tamme, who before last night had zero receptions in his NFL career. He caught 6 passes for 64-yards & a score. The Colts' blocking tight end, Brody Eldridge was injured in the 1st quarter limiting their ability to run successfully in short yardage situations. Manning didn't light up the scoreboard with a 26 of 45 for 268 & 2 scores, but he kept dinking & dunking short routes that were similar clock-wise to an effective running game. It kept Houston's offense on the sideline & the Colts in 1st lace.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is running a poll since early this morning regarding Brad Childress' future with the Vikings. The Randy Moss debacle has really upset Minnesota owner Zygi Wilf. The Vikes traded a 3rd round draft pick for Moss less than 4-weeks ago. Now he will be available on the waiver wire. Over 22,000 Minnesota fans have voted in the poll & it doesn't look good for Childress. It goes like this:
Should brad Childress be fired?
Yes, right now 80.1%
Yes, at season's end 12%
no, give him 1 more yr 1.8%
no, he's not the problem 6.1%
I've never been a big fan of Mike Shanahan, not as a coach, not as a person & from what I've seen since he took his act to D.C. my opinion was well founded. He has fought openly with DT Albert Haynesworth all during training camp & well into the season. Now, after trading for Donovan McNabb, his relationship with his franchise quarterback is falling apart. Shanahan benched McNabb in the closing moments of their loss in Detroit while the Skins were just one score down, replacing him with a totally immobile & unreliable Rex Grossman. Shanahan said right after the game Grossman was more adept at running the hurry-up offense. Having watched McNabb since he was at Syracuse, I can tell you he is very well versed at every phase of the offense & that includes the hurry-up. Grossman is barely even in the league, talent-wise & in game management, he's not good. In no way is he better than McNabb. Then yesterday, Shanahan said Grossman was inserted late in the game because he was better prepared for it because of his cardio-vascular conditioning. McNabb is out of shape? Is that what you're saying? Then say it. You've already humiliated McNabb by jerking him for a hack like Grossman when the game is still in doubt, why not say what's on your mind? Today, it just got worse for McNabb, the Redskins are in talks with former Raider & 2007 #1 overall draft pick, JaMarcus Russell. You can draw your own conclusions as to how smart a move this might be.
Charger linebacker Shawne Merriman is about to become a former Charger. if he passes his exit physical today, he'll be placed on waiver this afternoon. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year has been constantly injured for the past three seasons after being a dominant player his first 3 seasons.
So Randy Moss will be available to the waiver wire this afternoon, where will he land & if the Chiefs had a shot(which they won't), would Moss be a good fit for Kansas City?
Yes, bring Randy Moss to Kansas City would be a smart move.
The Chiefs lead the NFL in rushing. Their running game has been established, no doubt. But the passing game is shaky at best, Matt Cassel is not a franchise QB in my opinion & needs all the help he can get. If the Chiefs make the playoffs, most likely they would host a wildcard team in the first round. Do you think Baltimore or the Jets can stop the run when they don't fear the pass? You bet they can. Can Pittsburgh? Same answer. The Chiefs don't have enough talent at wide receiver to scare anybody. Dwayne Bowe has potential & any help on the other side would benefit him a lot. Cassel has a history with Moss when he started 15-games for New England. Moss caught 69 Matt Cassel passes for 1008-yards & 11 touchdowns just two seasons ago. The strong coaching staff led by Todd Haley, Charlie Weis & even defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell could keep Moss under wraps. Veteran locker room leaders Brian Waters & Mike Vrabel(also a New England teammate of Moss) will also help keep Randy happy & motivated. Bottom line is Randy Moss is a rare talent, who is still able to play at a very high level. He can keep that safety from coming down in the box to stop the run & the short passing game. He can make the acrobatic catch, he can still outrun most NFL defensive backs & when in the right frame of mind, he's a stout blocker. He could also aid in Dexter McCluster's role as slot receiver, think Moss had anything to do with Wes Welker's success in New England? You bet he did. Moss could make the Chiefs less predictable, more explosive & harder to defense. He could make Bowe & McCluster more effective. His presence would bolster the running game by keeping the safeties honest & not 5-yards from the line of scrimmage.
No, the Chiefs have no business acquiring Randy Moss.
The Chiefs are heading in the right direction. Admittedly, they're a long way from being a true Super Bowl contender. They won't be going this year, so why take two steps backward trying to win now. The 2010 season is something to build on, not an all-in season like Minnesota. Moss is a supreme talent, but he is probably the most polarizing player in the NFL. He can be the 800-lb gorilla in the room distraction-wise. He can be very divisive in the locker room, some love him, while others, well not so much. He plays when he feels like it, he doesn't run his routes hard every snap, he gives up on his quarterback at times. He doesn't work hard at blocking when he's not in the mood. The guy can gobble up defensive backs, making them look helpless. He makes catches others can't. He can make any quarterback look better than he really is. Moss is a talent the opposing defense must account for every snap.....when he's in the mood. Moss could wreck the good vibe the Chiefs have going right now, don't risk messing with that to win another regular season game or two. With the defense & QB Kansas City has right now, they're not Super Bowl material & Moss knows that. His attitude would go south quickly & with it, much of the positive steps Haley's Chiefs have taken so far in the 2010 season.
Where will Moss land?
If not Kansas City, then where? Tennessee is a possibility, Jeff Fisher has never had a problem handling difficult personalities. He's lost his top wideout, Kenny Britt, with a hamstring pull. His availability is unknown at this time, but 3-4 weeks is a possibility. The Titans like to throw the ball downfield, Moss' specialty. The Titans are a legitimate contender, something that is necessary to keep Moss motivated.
The all-ego trio of Dallas, Washington & the Jets are always a possibility when it comes to high profile players. The Cowboys are a smoking crater right now, the last thing Jerry Jones could do to make matters worse would be bringing Moss to Big D.
The Redskins are also a possibility, but I can't see Moss & Mike Shanahan co-existing. Owner Dan Snyder often pulls the trigger without the O.K. of his head coach, so never say never.
The Jets already have too many high maintenance players. They have two wideouts, Braylon Edwards & Santonio Holmes, who are in the final year of their contracts. It's just too much distraction for a team that has shown, despite their bravado, don't handle distraction really well. The have a 2nd year QB who is shaky at times & having Randy Moss barking in the huddle or quitting on a route that causes an interception, can only slow his development.
How about going back to New England? I honestly think Moss would be thrilled at that prospect & there are those in the Patriots' locker room would also welcome the mercurial Moss back into the fold. But what about Bill Belichick? Since he never is completely truthful, it's hard to gauge Belichick's real interest. I know he'd love that he already has Minnesota's 3rd round pick in the bank. Is it possible to get the guy you received the pick for back in your locker room in less than a month, revitalized & ready for a playoff run? The problem with this theory is A. New England is dead last on the waiver list, so they'll need the other 31 teams to pass which isn't likely. And B. the league might look into the entire situation regarding the trade, Moss' behavior & a possible return. Don't see this either. I think Seattle is a slim possibility, but Moss wouldn't be happy playing for a .500(at best) team. I'm going with Tennessee.
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