She? Well in this particular case, she represents the game of professional football. The culprit…Oakland Raiders Owner, Al Davis! Once a proud organization with tremendous history, has now turned into the NFL Version of The Has Been Clinic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_epC3Zevc8).  Aside from young stars, Kirk Morrison, Zach Miller and Nnmandi Asomugha, the Raiders have very few bright spots. But what exactly is the problem? You have a “franchise,” quarterback in JaMarcus Russell, a future star running back in Darren McFadden, a deep threat in Darius Heyward-Bey, and cornerstones on defense…right? The problem is that Al Davis continues to make terrible money decisions. The choices that Davis has made, are to the point that stars seem to immediately fade once they join Raider Nation. Randy Moss is a future Hall of Fame Wide Receiver, and did virtually NOTHING during his tenure in Oakland. Moss’s value was so low, that he was dealt to New England for a 4th Round Pick! Yes, the same Randy Moss who torched NFL Defenses as soon as he stepped on the field as a Rookie. The same Randy Moss who went to New England and immediately broke the NFL Single Season TD Receiving Record, and helped the Pats go undefeated. DeAngelo Hall became a Raider, and a former Raider in the SAME SEASON!!! Hall, never short on confidence, looked like an excellent fit in Oakland. Asomugha locked down his entire side of the field, and with Hall alongside him, they formed the most talented young defending duo in years…Right? Hall was Deep-Fried in his first game as a Raider, by then rookie, Eddie Royal, of the Denver Broncos. Royal made Hall look like the rookie, forcing him to commit personal fouls, and got him completely out of his game mentally. The funny thing about Hall, was that he was developing into a very elite Corner, while in Atlanta. Once the Silver and Black graced Hall’s back, he became Fillet Mignon to opposing NFL Offenses, and was often the preferred special on the menu!  Javon Walker is another prime example of Al Davis’s wizardry.  Walker was an elite wideout during his time in Green Bay, and even had his run in Denver. However, once those knees seemed to age in dog years, instead of people…Denver cut him loose. Walker worked out, and apparently became an incredible salesman, because no one saw any reflection of the old Javon, except Davis. Davis signed Walker to a 6 year, $55 Million Dollar Deal!!! This signing was easily, one for the Ridiculous List! Javon turned that $55 Million into a brilliant, 15 catch, 196 yard, and 1 Touchdown Performance…in 8 GAMES!!! Walker remains a Raider, and a bonafide bench riding specialist! These are just some flashes of the most recent past, which may help us understand the present a little better.

As we speed up to the present day, we have a Raider team that looked to be headed in a positive direction. Head Coach Tom Cable seemed to light some fire into the team towards the end of last season, and showed promise entering this year. But, I don’t think he factored in possible Assault Charges into the offensive scheme. Cable is on the verge of being arrested, for punching former assistant, Randy Hanson in the face. Looks like Cable was the perfect man for the job! Sitting at 1-3, a seemingly lost franchise, and a quarterback that looks more and more like a bust with each outing…what’s the solution? JaMarcus Russell can throw a football 70 yards, from one knee! How is he so bad? The argument was made that Russell didn’t have the weapons around him that he needed to be successful. However, I believe that Davis is the only real problem. Russell gets the blame for not taking the game serious enough, to where he shows up to camp out of shape, and plays terribly with each game that approaches. I think the reason behind his performance, is the fact that he’s not held accountable for it at all, and he has little to no fear in the organization. The 49ers are atop of their division, and have a new attitude, and motivation, because of Mike Singletary. He’s changed the entire culture in that locker room, and it has shown on the field. The culture and overall mentality speaks volumes, when it comes to on the field production. Shaun Hill doesn’t have an eighth of the talent that Russell has, and manages the offense extremely well. McFadden could easily develop into a player like Frank Gore, and could even exceed Gore’s ability. However, the team as a whole is without direction, and leadership.

Week 4 told this lack of leadership very clearly. The Raiders faced a Houston team, that is at the bottom of the league in overall defense, and they couldn’t produce more than 6 points??? Every running back that has faced Houston has excelled, except for McFadden. Houston stacked the box against Oakland, and showed no respect for the pass at all, which left McFadden with the stat line of a toddler (-3 Rushing Yards, and 5 Rec. Yards). How is it that there is no offensive production coming out of Oakland? Russell has a cannon for an arm, and could easily throw for 4,000+ Yards every season. I’d almost guarantee, that if Rex Ryan, or Mike Singletary was the coach in Oakland, we’d see a very different product on the field. But, Al Davis continues his stronghold over the organization, and we are left to watch them crumble each week. Fantasy Owners of McFadden were probably hoping for a major breakout game, and were left in virtual tears! The funny thing about all of this, is that it’s taken years for people to see that Davis has lost his marbles. I mean, this is the same Al Davis that drafted a trouble making KICKER, in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft! Am I the only person who finds that both weird, and hilarious at the same time? I mean I can understand your need for a kicker…but the first round? 2000 is the exact same draft that Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round! The Patriots really blew that draft opportunity…just think where they’d be right now had they drafted Janikowski!

It has been two full NFL Seasons since we’ve seen the athleticism of Michael Vick grace the NFL Gridiron.  With Vick’s time now fully served, besides his probation period, he is now able to resume his career.  With a ruling expected to come at some point on Monday, there is already speculation of what we should expect.  Commissioner Roger Goddell is expected to suspend Vick for the start of the NFL Season for 2-6 games.  For anyone that’s committed some sort of personal conduct violation, that would seem like a normal penalty, and a just one.  However, Michael Vick has already missed 32 NFL Regular Season Games!  What exactly will 4 more games do to Vick, that the previous 32 already haven’t?  Vick has been stripped of all he’s earned as a professional.  His personal life has been effected, his financial well-being has be damaged greatly, and his overall image, tarnished.  There is absolutely no reason to further wound this man.  Vick had something taken away from him, that was his means to life, as well as those he supports.  Going through all he’s had to endure over the last two years, I’m sure that the lesson has been learned.  There have been numerous coaches, and/or respectable figures, that have come to Vick’s aid.  Tony Dungy, a highly respected man, as well as very storied NFL Coach, has come to the aid of Michael Vick.  Dungy, a man know for his strong faith, and guidance, has taken a mentoring role for Vick.  Having an influence like Dungy, there’s is no doubt that Vick will be a changed man, and a man that will value all things that are to come his way. 

Recently, Terrell Owens spoke out about the possible suspension of Vick, and spoke critically of the Commissioner’s possible decision.  Owens, never one to hold his tongue on camera, actually spoke the total truth, in my opinion.  Vick’s being kicked while he’s down, and un-rightfully so.  Vick’s served his time, and paid his debt to society.  Also, not to forget, Vick was already suspended by the league for his crime, which was served in conjunction with his sentencing.  The extra 4 games (the expected ruling), seem like the Commissioner putting his stamp on the situation even further.  Goddell has ruled with an iron fist, since his introduction as the new face of the league.  He’s changed the culture, in making players accountable for their actions, as he should.  However, there have been players who have done far worst things, and have been given a second chance.  Matt Jones, former Jaguars Wide Receiver, was arrested on felony cocaine charges, and played all but three games last season.  Jones was given a three game suspension, which he fought with an appeal, that stretched out for the entire season.  However, Brandon Marshall, had his troubles off the field involving domestic violence, and was initially suspended three games at the start of the season.  Marshall’s suspension was reduced to one game, but it was served immediately entering the season.  It seemed to be a very nonchalant situation, with regards to dealing with Jones’ case.  While I don’t want to bring any racial implications into any of this, it’s something that people will definitely look at. 

Similar to the If You Build It NBA Series…take YOUR favorite football team, and put the pieces in place you’d think would put you over the top. It’s a little different to build a franchise in the NFL, versus the NBA. The Salary Cap, and Roster Depth make it a little harder to do the whole building, type scenario. So in that, take your favorite team, and put the pieces around whomever, to make it a winner. Who’d you replace? What holes would you fill? Does your team lack a consistent QB? Are you still missing that Pass Rusher? You be the judge of YOUR team, but be realistic. If your favorite team is the Colts, you have Peyton Manning at QB, so to say you’d want Adrian Peterson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Calvin Johnson all on the team with him, isn’t realistically possible. Yeah you could argue, what if all of them were willing to take a pay cut to play together…NO! Why would you, they’re some of, if not the best at their positions…so…be real with your changes. Now if you’re substituting someone with an older player, like T.O. at WR, then ok…reason because more than likely he’d be on a short-term deal…and wouldn’t be too costly on the books…My Team…

The Philadelphia Eagles

On Offense… The building blocks are finally being put around McNabb, after 10 years!…Better late than never I guess. I’d keep McNabb in place, and the O-line seems to be rebuilt after a ton of age/injuries, slowed them down. I’da liked to see the Eagles get Knowshon Moreno, but I think Jeremy Maclin along with DeSean Jackson, are the speed McNabb needs on the outside. I still think they need a possession WR, that has the ability to go over the middle, and make the tough catches. I’d put Anquan Boldin in this position, which he’d be the #1 guy, Maclin moving to the #2, and Jackson in his true position in the slot position. Westbrook is the pass-catching back that McNabb needs, but as a main back I’m not so sure. I’d employ a two-back system in Philly, with Marion Barber as the bruiser, and Chris Johnson as the home-run/speed-back. I would’ve said Reggie Bush, but some may view that as not being realistic. Celek is a solid TE, that showed flashes of ability last season, but I’d prefer Greg Olsen at TE. Olsen has hands, and ran one of the best 40′s at his combine when he came out. So the new look Eagles offense would look like…

QB – McNabb, RB – Marion Barber, 3rd-Down/Change of Pace Back – Chris Johnson, WR’s – Anquan Boldin, Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, TE – Greg Olsen

On Defense… The Eagles have lost their heart when B.Dawk left for Denver, sad sad day in Philly. It’s hard to replace that, so we’ll start there. I’d like to have Adrian Wilson at SS, who is in that B.Dawk mold. LaRon Landry is an agressive young beast I’d put next to Wilson, at FS.  I def. like Asante Samuel at Corner, as the #1 Cover-man on the team, to team up with him is a little difficult, because of trying to be realistic. I’d def. put Nmandi Asomugha across from him, but he’s well underpaid/under-appreciated in Oakland, and would command #1 Corner bread, that Samuel already has. I’d def. spend most of my money on building my defense, with most of my offense coming at a bargain price. I’d put Darelle Revis across from Samuel at Corner. To man the middle of the Defense, Patrick Willis, who’s a tackling MACHINE, something the Eagles have lacked on D since Jeremiah Trotter was in his prime.  Lance Briggs would also be a nice compliment on the outlside, with Willis.  I’d also like another pass rusher, like Justin Tuck, because he can also play the run, which is important. The new look Eagles defense would look like…

LB – Patrick Willis, LB – Lance Briggs, LB – Stewart Bradley,  SS – Adrian Wilson, FS – LaRon Landry, CB – Darelle Revis, CB – Asante Samuel, DE – Justin Tuck, DE – Trent Cole

Here we go again!  Why is 137 Year Old Brett Favre attempting to come back….AGAIN!  If my memory serves me correct, back to last yr that is, Favre stunk it up in N.Y.  Yeah he had a couple bright spots here and there, but outside of that ONE game versus Arizona, where he threw 6TD’s, he didn’t really do a whole lot more than that.  He brought a sense of confidence back to the team, yes…and forced defenses to play honest and not crowd the box, yes…but what about the games he gave away with late game INT’s???  Ok, so we’ll just call it a lost season…but why come back…AGAIN!!! This time, Favre seems like he’s coming back, just to get back at Green Bay!  For one, Brett had the ball in his court immediately after they lost the NFC Championship game in 2008 to the Giants, but took too long, and flip-flopped on his decision.  Brett, why would u bail on a team that should’ve gone to the Super Bowl that year?  Clearly you were right there, but you’d rather retire? Dummy!  Then you cause all this drama, like a school-girl, and cry your way to New York, and then, you disappoint!  So instead of a graceful bow-out, you’re plotting a return with the Vikings.  I mean the Vikings could do better with a High School QB, or Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite at QB, versus what they have now!  But Brett, think about what you’re doing…you’re coming back to get back at the city that adores you, worships you, names their children after you! WHY?  Just because you feel like they mistreating you as an organization…You’ve been playing FOREVER…I mean how long you want Aaron Rodgers to sit on the bench man?  Sheesh…you’re obsession rivals that of a classic movie, Swim Fan, where no didn’t mean know to a the young lady…Lol…Please LET IT GO!!!  There is a Nursing Home with your name on it, or of course u could get a reality tv show, continue your Strangler Jeans commercials, or go on Dancing With The Stars…There are options After Football…Sheesh!