The Diamondbacks’ trip to the 2007 NLCS was considered an indicator of a franchise on the rise, a franchise with young major league talent and a stocked minor league cupboard. But the past two seasons have been disappointments. Some of the young players haven’t developed as expected, and injuries have proved detrimental. Last May, it all cost manager Bob Melvin his job. Optimism remains, but the expectations aren’t as high as they were before the 2008 season.
Mark Reynolds had a big 2009, with 44 homers and 24 steals.
Three questions
1. Will the heart of the lineup be good enough to contend?
Last season, Mark Reynolds surpassed every expectation with his 44-homer, 24-steal season. His strikeouts — he has set new single-season MLB records each of the past two seasons — haven’t hurt his ability to produce at an All-Star level. Justin Upton began to tap into his potential with 26 homers and a team-leading .899 OPS; he was rewarded with a six-year, $51.25 million deal in the offseason. He will be mentioned in MVP conversations for many years to come. Joining Upton and Reynolds in the heart of the order is newcomer Adam LaRoche. The veteran is a perfect fit; he will provide the power the Diamondbacks have lacked at first base, and his one-year, $6 million deal is budget-friendly for a franchise that doesn’t have a huge margin for error.
2. Will the rotation be better?
It should be improved with the eventual return of Brandon Webb and the additions of Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy. However, there are questions about all three of those hurlers. Webb still is working his way back from shoulder surgery and will start the season on the disabled list. Therefore, expecting more than 25 starts might be unrealistic. Jackson was a 2009 All-Star and should benefit from the move from the AL to the NL, but he was awful in the second half of the season. Kennedy was hurt most of 2009.
Arizona lost two reliable pitchers from last season’s rotation. Doug Davis tied for the league lead with 34 starts, and Max Scherzer — shipped to Detroit in the deal that landed Jackson and Kennedy — was eighth in the NL in strikeouts per nine innings (8.8).
3. Will the lineup’s bounce-back candidates bounce back?
Conor Jackson missed most of the 2009 season because of valley fever, which often left him fatigued. He has looked good this spring. "Jackson can hit anywhere in the lineup, gets on base and can be a run producer," manager A.J. Hinch said.
Chris Young was awful for most of last season. He has a power-speed combination matched by few players in the majors, but has had an increasingly tough time making contact the past few years. Kelly Johnson started last season as the Braves’ leadoff hitter and starting second baseman but hit just .224 and was released. The bottom half of the lineup, where he will hit for the Diamondbacks, is a better fit for Johnson.
Porjected lineup
1. SS Stephen Drew: OPS past three seasons: .683, .836, .748.
2. LF Conor Jackson: Only 99 at-bats, .182 AVG in ’09.
3. RF Justin Upton: 42 RBIs in ’08; career-best 86 in ’09.
4. 1B Adam LaRoche: At least 20 HRs each of past 5 seasons.
5. 3B Mark Reynolds: Led team in HRs, runs, RBIs, SBs.
6. C Miguel Montero: .832 OPS ranked second among NL catchers.
7. CF Chris Young: .297 AVG in final 26 games of ’09; .187 in first 108 games.
8. 2B Kelly Johnson: AVG fell from .287 in ’08 to .224 in ’09.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Dan Haren: 30 wins, 3.23 ERA in two seasons with D-backs.
2. RHP Brandon Webb: Will start on D.L. after making just 1 start in ’09.
3. RHP Edwin Jackson: 2.52 ERA in first half; 5.07 in second half for Tigers.
4. RHP Ian Kennedy: 6.03 ERA, 1.68 WHIP in 14 MLB games.
5. RHP Billy Buckner: 3.32 ERA at Class AAA in ’09; 6.40 ERA in majors.
Projected closer
RHP Chad Qualls: 3.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP in two season with Arizona.
Grades
Offense: C. The potential is there for an A-caliber offense, if Jackson, Johnson, Young and Stephen Drew are better — which could very well could be the case. Until that happens, though, there will be plenty of pressure on Reynolds, Upton, LaRoche and Miguel Montero to produce comparably or better than they did in 2009.
Pitching: C. Much depends on the healthy and productive return of Webb. Haren is an elite starter. Chad Qualls settled nicely into the full-time closer role last season for the first time in his career, but producing save opportunities could be challenging because of the team’s middle relief.
Bench: B. Gerardo Parra played 120 games and played all three outfield positions even though he wasn’t recalled until mid-May. Ryan Roberts also was versatile, making at least 12 starts at second, third and left field. Backup catcher Chris Snyder provides some pop off the bench.
Manager: C. Hinch didn’t have any managerial experience when he was tabbed to replace Melvin last season, but as the director of player development in the organization, he knew plenty about the struggling youngsters on the roster. He is learning on the job, and the youngsters did respond better as the season progressed.
Sporting News prediction: There is potential for much improvement, but the other NL West teams also are better. Arizona won’t finish as far back as in ’09, but will finish fourth.
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
The Diamondbacks’ trip to the 2007 NLCS was considered an indicator of a franchise on the rise, a franchise with young major league talent and a stocked minor league cupboard. But the past two seasons have been disappointments. Some of the young players haven’t developed as expected, and injuries have proved detrimental. Last May, it all cost manager Bob Melvin his job. Optimism remains, but the expectations aren’t as high as they were before the 2008 season.
Mark Reynolds had a big 2009, with 44 homers and 24 steals.
Three questions
1. Will the heart of the lineup be good enough to contend?
Last season, Mark Reynolds surpassed every expectation with his 44-homer, 24-steal season. His strikeouts — he has set new single-season MLB records each of the past two seasons — haven’t hurt his ability to produce at an All-Star level. Justin Upton began to tap into his potential with 26 homers and a team-leading .899 OPS; he was rewarded with a six-year, $51.25 million deal in the offseason. He will be mentioned in MVP conversations for many years to come. Joining Upton and Reynolds in the heart of the order is newcomer Adam LaRoche. The veteran is a perfect fit; he will provide the power the Diamondbacks have lacked at first base, and his one-year, $6 million deal is budget-friendly for a franchise that doesn’t have a huge margin for error.
2. Will the rotation be better?
It should be improved with the eventual return of Brandon Webb and the additions of Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy. However, there are questions about all three of those hurlers. Webb still is working his way back from shoulder surgery and will start the season on the disabled list. Therefore, expecting more than 25 starts might be unrealistic. Jackson was a 2009 All-Star and should benefit from the move from the AL to the NL, but he was awful in the second half of the season. Kennedy was hurt most of 2009.
Arizona lost two reliable pitchers from last season’s rotation. Doug Davis tied for the league lead with 34 starts, and Max Scherzer — shipped to Detroit in the deal that landed Jackson and Kennedy — was eighth in the NL in strikeouts per nine innings (8.8).
3. Will the lineup’s bounce-back candidates bounce back?
Conor Jackson missed most of the 2009 season because of valley fever, which often left him fatigued. He has looked good this spring. "Jackson can hit anywhere in the lineup, gets on base and can be a run producer," manager A.J. Hinch said.
Chris Young was awful for most of last season. He has a power-speed combination matched by few players in the majors, but has had an increasingly tough time making contact the past few years. Kelly Johnson started last season as the Braves’ leadoff hitter and starting second baseman but hit just .224 and was released. The bottom half of the lineup, where he will hit for the Diamondbacks, is a better fit for Johnson.
Porjected lineup
1. SS Stephen Drew: OPS past three seasons: .683, .836, .748.
2. LF Conor Jackson: Only 99 at-bats, .182 AVG in ’09.
3. RF Justin Upton: 42 RBIs in ’08; career-best 86 in ’09.
4. 1B Adam LaRoche: At least 20 HRs each of past 5 seasons.
5. 3B Mark Reynolds: Led team in HRs, runs, RBIs, SBs.
6. C Miguel Montero: .832 OPS ranked second among NL catchers.
7. CF Chris Young: .297 AVG in final 26 games of ’09; .187 in first 108 games.
8. 2B Kelly Johnson: AVG fell from .287 in ’08 to .224 in ’09.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Dan Haren: 30 wins, 3.23 ERA in two seasons with D-backs.
2. RHP Brandon Webb: Will start on D.L. after making just 1 start in ’09.
3. RHP Edwin Jackson: 2.52 ERA in first half; 5.07 in second half for Tigers.
4. RHP Ian Kennedy: 6.03 ERA, 1.68 WHIP in 14 MLB games.
5. RHP Billy Buckner: 3.32 ERA at Class AAA in ’09; 6.40 ERA in majors.
Projected closer
RHP Chad Qualls: 3.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP in two season with Arizona.
Grades
Offense: C. The potential is there for an A-caliber offense, if Jackson, Johnson, Young and Stephen Drew are better — which could very well could be the case. Until that happens, though, there will be plenty of pressure on Reynolds, Upton, LaRoche and Miguel Montero to produce comparably or better than they did in 2009.
Pitching: C. Much depends on the healthy and productive return of Webb. Haren is an elite starter. Chad Qualls settled nicely into the full-time closer role last season for the first time in his career, but producing save opportunities could be challenging because of the team’s middle relief.
Bench: B. Gerardo Parra played 120 games and played all three outfield positions even though he wasn’t recalled until mid-May. Ryan Roberts also was versatile, making at least 12 starts at second, third and left field. Backup catcher Chris Snyder provides some pop off the bench.
Manager: C. Hinch didn’t have any managerial experience when he was tabbed to replace Melvin last season, but as the director of player development in the organization, he knew plenty about the struggling youngsters on the roster. He is learning on the job, and the youngsters did respond better as the season progressed.
Sporting News prediction: There is potential for much improvement, but the other NL West teams also are better. Arizona won’t finish as far back as in ’09, but will finish fourth.
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
Every year at this time, we’re reminded that many college football players have smoked marijuana. Given that many college students smoke marijuana at some point or other during their four (or five … or eight) years of "higher" education, it’s not really a surprise.
Usually, the issue hits the NFL radar screen due to reports of positive marijuana samples generated by players tested at the Scouting Combine. Given that the players know they’ll be tested, a positive result constitutes evidence of a problem — or proof of extreme stupidity. But while those players require more scrutiny, the supposed rash of players who tested positive during college or who admitted to smoking marijuana in pre-draft interviews gets far more focus than it deserves.
Teams generally don’t care if players smoke pot. Teams care if smoking pot affects player performance, or if it keeps them from playing due to a suspension. "There’s a difference between a guy who smokes pot from time to time," said an agent who requested anonymity, "and Charles Rogers or Onterrio Smith."
Rogers, the second overall pick in the 2003 draft, and Smith, a first-round talent who slid to Round 4 due in part to multiple marijuana issues, couldn’t put down the weed, even when their livelihoods depended on it. But for every player who smokes his way out of the league, there are hundreds who can stop cold turkey as soon as they enter the league’s substance-abuse program and become subject to up to 10 unannounced tests per month. Indeed, most men prefer playing pro football to smoking pot, and most can quit when they absolutely must.
Still, scouts and coaches claim to be worried about the issue. One unnamed head coach recently told Don Banks of SI.com that "[i]t’s something that’s concerning to all coaches and general managers in this league."
Apparently, these aging muckety-mucks all have forgotten the things they did when they were 20. As the agent who requested anonymity told me, he recalls in their younger days a current "high-level NFL decision-maker" passing him a joint.
Really, how many of the people who occupy positions of influence and responsibility in the NFL can say they haven’t smoked pot at least once in their lives? It’s a normal – albeit illegal – activity, and concerns should arise only when the player has become addicted to it or has become entangled with law enforcement because of it.
In the grand scheme of things, few players are suspended for using marijuana. Even fewer see their careers end. Thus, the reward outweighs the risk. Last year, many news outlets reported via anonymous sources that Vikings receiver Percy Harvin tested positive for marijuana at the Scouting Combine, and he only went on to have a dramatic impact on the Minnesota offense and special teams.
So why is it suddenly a big deal? It could be that some teams hope to scare other teams into passing on players with red flags due to green leaves, which could cause highly-talented players to slide into the clutches of teams that are quietly fueling the anti-pot crusade. Or it could be that many of these scouts and coaches are too old to remember what it’s like to be a kid in college, and the things that they and their friends did 20, 30, or 40 years ago.
Those who realize that marijuana use now is no more of an epidemic now than it ever has been will be in the best position to do the homework necessary to differentiate those who control their pot smoking from those whose pot smoking controls them. And the teams who take the time to draw those lines instead of simply striking from the board anyone who has a history of doing something that a large percentage of the total college population has done will reap the benefits on draft day.
Heck, maybe even a few of the G.M.’s and coaches will celebrate by firing up a doobie.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Every year at this time, we’re reminded that many college football players have smoked marijuana. Given that many college students smoke marijuana at some point or other during their four (or five … or eight) years of "higher" education, it’s not really a surprise.
Usually, the issue hits the NFL radar screen due to reports of positive marijuana samples generated by players tested at the Scouting Combine. Given that the players know they’ll be tested, a positive result constitutes evidence of a problem — or proof of extreme stupidity. But while those players require more scrutiny, the supposed rash of players who tested positive during college or who admitted to smoking marijuana in pre-draft interviews gets far more focus than it deserves.
Teams generally don’t care if players smoke pot. Teams care if smoking pot affects player performance, or if it keeps them from playing due to a suspension. "There’s a difference between a guy who smokes pot from time to time," said an agent who requested anonymity, "and Charles Rogers or Onterrio Smith."
Rogers, the second overall pick in the 2003 draft, and Smith, a first-round talent who slid to Round 4 due in part to multiple marijuana issues, couldn’t put down the weed, even when their livelihoods depended on it. But for every player who smokes his way out of the league, there are hundreds who can stop cold turkey as soon as they enter the league’s substance-abuse program and become subject to up to 10 unannounced tests per month. Indeed, most men prefer playing pro football to smoking pot, and most can quit when they absolutely must.
Still, scouts and coaches claim to be worried about the issue. One unnamed head coach recently told Don Banks of SI.com that "[i]t’s something that’s concerning to all coaches and general managers in this league."
Apparently, these aging muckety-mucks all have forgotten the things they did when they were 20. As the agent who requested anonymity told me, he recalls in their younger days a current "high-level NFL decision-maker" passing him a joint.
Really, how many of the people who occupy positions of influence and responsibility in the NFL can say they haven’t smoked pot at least once in their lives? It’s a normal – albeit illegal – activity, and concerns should arise only when the player has become addicted to it or has become entangled with law enforcement because of it.
In the grand scheme of things, few players are suspended for using marijuana. Even fewer see their careers end. Thus, the reward outweighs the risk. Last year, many news outlets reported via anonymous sources that Vikings receiver Percy Harvin tested positive for marijuana at the Scouting Combine, and he only went on to have a dramatic impact on the Minnesota offense and special teams.
So why is it suddenly a big deal? It could be that some teams hope to scare other teams into passing on players with red flags due to green leaves, which could cause highly-talented players to slide into the clutches of teams that are quietly fueling the anti-pot crusade. Or it could be that many of these scouts and coaches are too old to remember what it’s like to be a kid in college, and the things that they and their friends did 20, 30, or 40 years ago.
Those who realize that marijuana use now is no more of an epidemic now than it ever has been will be in the best position to do the homework necessary to differentiate those who control their pot smoking from those whose pot smoking controls them. And the teams who take the time to draw those lines instead of simply striking from the board anyone who has a history of doing something that a large percentage of the total college population has done will reap the benefits on draft day.
Heck, maybe even a few of the G.M.’s and coaches will celebrate by firing up a doobie.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Players have been moving up and down NFL teams’ draft boards for months. The reasons can be related to their all-star game performances, their workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine or the drills at their school’s pro day—or a character or personality nugget a scout might have discovered.
Dan Williams could be good alternative if a team can’t grab one of the top two defensive tackles.
After talking to three college scouting directors for NFL teams, we have identified three players who have risen and three who have fallen since the end of the 2009 season:
Moving up
1. Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Draft grade then: Top of third round or bottom of second.
Draft grade now: In the top 15-25 picks overall.
The skinny: After a good week at the Senior Bowl, Robinson followed up with an impressive Combine and pro day. He is a well-rounded cornerback who has an explosive burst and good coverage skills. Scouts say he has the ability to play press or zone coverage.
The view: "He plays as fast as he needs to play," an AFC college scouting director said, "and I think that’s a good quality to have."
2. Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Draft grade then: Middle of second round.
Draft grade now: Late first round.
The skinny: Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy are considered the two elite defensive tackles in this draft. Everyone behind them is fighting for the next spot. Williams, a slow but steady riser in mock drafts but a player NFL teams have been fond of all along, could claim it.
What makes him most appealing is he could play nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme or the 3-technique tackle in a 4-3 defense. He is a big guy who can clog the inside and is tough to move. Williams isn’t the most polished pass rusher but can get under a center, collapse the pocket and pressure the quarterback.
The view: "He reassured everybody that what they saw on film is factually true," an NFC scouting director said.
3. Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU
Draft grade then: Top of the third round, bottom of the second.
Draft grade now: Top of the second round.
The skinny: This year’s outside linebackers class is considered a weak group, but Washington stands out—mainly because of his athleticism. He has excellent size (at 230 pounds, he’s actually 15 pounds bigger than some scouts thought) and good speed. Even if he only plays on special teams as a rookie, he should be ready to start at linebacker in Year 2.
The view: "He runs to the ball and makes plays all over the place," the NFC scouting director said. "That’s what you’re supposed to do."
Falling down
1. Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
Draft grade then: First round.
Draft grade now: Second or third round.
The skinny: LaFell was a highly rated prospect after his junior season, and scouts expected him to perform even better in 2009. Instead, he couldn’t maintain the momentum—his production fell off, and he was inconsistent catching the ball—and he leveled off.
LaFell missed an opportunity to change perceptions about him when an injury prevented him from playing in the Senior Bowl. He also didn’t measure up well against the other wide receivers at the Combine, where he neither ran well nor performed well in drills.
The view: "When you turn on LSU film, you don’t see a player who dominates the competition he’s playing against," the AFC scouting director said. "You want to see that out of a big-time receiver."
2. Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Draft grade then: Top-10 pick.
Draft grade now: Top of the second round.
The skinny: Scouts didn’t expect Spikes to run a blazing 40 at Florida’s pro day—and they weren’t disappointed. Speed is not Spikes’ forte. Brian Urlacher, he is not. This is what Spikes is: A big, tough, diagnostic playmaker—and he’ll probably start as a rookie. There’s not a lot of quality at linebacker in this draft class, so Spikes isn’t expected to drop too far.
The view: "The teams that like him are going to like him for what he is—an in-the-box, downhill, strong player who diagnoses quickly," a second AFC scouting director said. "He’s not a fast guy over 40 yards, but he can play quick in the box."
3. Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
Draft grade then: Middle of first round.
Draft grade now: Bottom of second round or top of the third.
The skinny: Hardy has talent, all right. He just doesn’t show it often enough. As a junior and senior, he didn’t even start for Ole Miss; instead, he rotated in. Hardy is big and has pass-rush ability, but he doesn’t show it down-in and down-out. He also can be aloof at times, which won’t endear himself to NFL coaches.
The view: "Hardy has all the physical skills in the world," the NFC scouting director said. "But he’s got to do some soul searching and find out if football is important to him."
This story appears in March 26’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Players have been moving up and down NFL teams’ draft boards for months. The reasons can be related to their all-star game performances, their workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine or the drills at their school’s pro day—or a character or personality nugget a scout might have discovered.
Dan Williams could be good alternative if a team can’t grab one of the top two defensive tackles.
After talking to three college scouting directors for NFL teams, we have identified three players who have risen and three who have fallen since the end of the 2009 season:
Moving up
1. Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Draft grade then: Top of third round or bottom of second.
Draft grade now: In the top 15-25 picks overall.
The skinny: After a good week at the Senior Bowl, Robinson followed up with an impressive Combine and pro day. He is a well-rounded cornerback who has an explosive burst and good coverage skills. Scouts say he has the ability to play press or zone coverage.
The view: "He plays as fast as he needs to play," an AFC college scouting director said, "and I think that’s a good quality to have."
2. Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Draft grade then: Middle of second round.
Draft grade now: Late first round.
The skinny: Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy are considered the two elite defensive tackles in this draft. Everyone behind them is fighting for the next spot. Williams, a slow but steady riser in mock drafts but a player NFL teams have been fond of all along, could claim it.
What makes him most appealing is he could play nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme or the 3-technique tackle in a 4-3 defense. He is a big guy who can clog the inside and is tough to move. Williams isn’t the most polished pass rusher but can get under a center, collapse the pocket and pressure the quarterback.
The view: "He reassured everybody that what they saw on film is factually true," an NFC scouting director said.
3. Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU
Draft grade then: Top of the third round, bottom of the second.
Draft grade now: Top of the second round.
The skinny: This year’s outside linebackers class is considered a weak group, but Washington stands out—mainly because of his athleticism. He has excellent size (at 230 pounds, he’s actually 15 pounds bigger than some scouts thought) and good speed. Even if he only plays on special teams as a rookie, he should be ready to start at linebacker in Year 2.
The view: "He runs to the ball and makes plays all over the place," the NFC scouting director said. "That’s what you’re supposed to do."
Falling down
1. Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
Draft grade then: First round.
Draft grade now: Second or third round.
The skinny: LaFell was a highly rated prospect after his junior season, and scouts expected him to perform even better in 2009. Instead, he couldn’t maintain the momentum—his production fell off, and he was inconsistent catching the ball—and he leveled off.
LaFell missed an opportunity to change perceptions about him when an injury prevented him from playing in the Senior Bowl. He also didn’t measure up well against the other wide receivers at the Combine, where he neither ran well nor performed well in drills.
The view: "When you turn on LSU film, you don’t see a player who dominates the competition he’s playing against," the AFC scouting director said. "You want to see that out of a big-time receiver."
2. Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Draft grade then: Top-10 pick.
Draft grade now: Top of the second round.
The skinny: Scouts didn’t expect Spikes to run a blazing 40 at Florida’s pro day—and they weren’t disappointed. Speed is not Spikes’ forte. Brian Urlacher, he is not. This is what Spikes is: A big, tough, diagnostic playmaker—and he’ll probably start as a rookie. There’s not a lot of quality at linebacker in this draft class, so Spikes isn’t expected to drop too far.
The view: "The teams that like him are going to like him for what he is—an in-the-box, downhill, strong player who diagnoses quickly," a second AFC scouting director said. "He’s not a fast guy over 40 yards, but he can play quick in the box."
3. Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
Draft grade then: Middle of first round.
Draft grade now: Bottom of second round or top of the third.
The skinny: Hardy has talent, all right. He just doesn’t show it often enough. As a junior and senior, he didn’t even start for Ole Miss; instead, he rotated in. Hardy is big and has pass-rush ability, but he doesn’t show it down-in and down-out. He also can be aloof at times, which won’t endear himself to NFL coaches.
The view: "Hardy has all the physical skills in the world," the NFC scouting director said. "But he’s got to do some soul searching and find out if football is important to him."
This story appears in March 26’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Mike Shanahan is starting a new phase in his career, taking the helm of the Washington Redskins after a year away from coaching. The two-time Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos joined ESPN Chicago to talk about the upcoming football season.
To listen to Mike Shanahan on ESPN Chicago, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan says the NFL does a good job of making small changes every year.
What does Shanahan think of the new playoffs overtime rule?
Shanahan: Well, number one, over the years being in these meetings, if the commissioner and the owners really believe a rule is in the best interest of the league, they’re going to get it passed. A lot of times they’ll table it until May, if they don’t feel something is going to go through that they really want.
This is a situation that I felt they were very up front about, knew the commissioner wanted it, there was a number of owners that wanted it, and they just put it through a little bit earlier than they normally do.
Is he in favor of the new rule?
Shanahan: Yeah, I don’t mind it. I don’t think there is a perfect way to solve this problem that we have. I was looking forward to doing something. I didn’t know, exactly, what was the best situation. I think this is a good start for the league.
Would Shanahan like the new overtime rule added for the regular season, too?
Shanahan: I would like it for the regular season as well as the playoffs. Some people just want it just for the playoffs because they don’t want the additional snaps added to the game, because of injury. The way I look at it, if you use it through the playoffs, you might as well use it during the regular season, but either way I think it’s a good first step.
Are coaches more apt to kick off in overtime under the new rule, or will coaches still always want the football?
Shanahan: I think it could go either way. A lot depends on the wind, what type of defense you have, what type of offense. Obviously, if you score, you score a touchdown, the game is over with. So I think, ultimately, with a good offense, you believe you can score and end the game right then and there.
Also depends on your field goal kicker and how good he is. So I think there are some variables in there that could go either way.
Are there any other changes he would like to see the owners vote on and pass?
Shanahan: I’ve been doing this, been in these meetings for a number of years and what I think they try and do is upgrade the game every year. The competition committee, number of people on that, they hear different recommendations from different organizations, and every year they’ll bring up about ten different new things, if it’s rule interpretation, if it’s changing of rules. I think that’s the reason our game keeps on getting better as we do change little things every year.
How did Shanahan spend the year off from football?
Shanahan: One thing, I think, if you want to stay in this game, or you want to be good in any profession, you better be constantly learning. But it was something that I’ve never had the opportunity to do in a long time, 25 years. I actually had a chance to go to a couple of pro camps and see how they did things. Two organizations that have been very successful over the years and that was a good experience for me to see how different people do things at Pittsburgh and New England.
Then I went back to my stomping grounds when I coached ’80-’83 for the Florida Gators. I went out there to watch their practice. Obviously, with them winning a couple national championships, I wanted to see how Urban [Meyer] was running his practices and hadn’t had a chance to see a college practice for a number of years, so that was quite interesting.
Does he think Tim Tebow’s skill set will play in the NFL?
Shanahan: I just think Tim Tebow is a winner. He is going to make it. In fact, worked him out on Saturday. You’re talking about a great kid. He’s going to find a way to get it done.
I just think he just brings so many tangibles to the table that he’s going to find a way to do it and I think that he can do it in a number of different ways. He can run that Wildcat. I think regardless what offense you’re running, he will spend the time that is necessary to work at it and eventually get it done.
What does Shanahan think about the Bears acquiring Jay Cutler?
Shanahan: First off, I’m a Jay Cutler fan. I can just talk about what Jay Cutler did for Mike Shanahan, not exactly his experience in Chicago.
But Pro Bowl player, had a good supporting cast around him, a worker, very smart, handles himself like you want. I thought he was just getting better and better.
Obviously, there are going to be some road blocks for every quarterback in the league and he’s going through a tough situation right now, but my opinion is he’ll work through it and Chicago will be very proud to have him as their quarterback.
More from SRI
Bruce Pearl compares Evan Turner to Kobe Bryant
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti talks about his team
Mike Shanahan is starting a new phase in his career, taking the helm of the Washington Redskins after a year away from coaching. The two-time Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos joined ESPN Chicago to talk about the upcoming football season.
To listen to Mike Shanahan on ESPN Chicago, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan says the NFL does a good job of making small changes every year.
What does Shanahan think of the new playoffs overtime rule?
Shanahan: Well, number one, over the years being in these meetings, if the commissioner and the owners really believe a rule is in the best interest of the league, they’re going to get it passed. A lot of times they’ll table it until May, if they don’t feel something is going to go through that they really want.
This is a situation that I felt they were very up front about, knew the commissioner wanted it, there was a number of owners that wanted it, and they just put it through a little bit earlier than they normally do.
Is he in favor of the new rule?
Shanahan: Yeah, I don’t mind it. I don’t think there is a perfect way to solve this problem that we have. I was looking forward to doing something. I didn’t know, exactly, what was the best situation. I think this is a good start for the league.
Would Shanahan like the new overtime rule added for the regular season, too?
Shanahan: I would like it for the regular season as well as the playoffs. Some people just want it just for the playoffs because they don’t want the additional snaps added to the game, because of injury. The way I look at it, if you use it through the playoffs, you might as well use it during the regular season, but either way I think it’s a good first step.
Are coaches more apt to kick off in overtime under the new rule, or will coaches still always want the football?
Shanahan: I think it could go either way. A lot depends on the wind, what type of defense you have, what type of offense. Obviously, if you score, you score a touchdown, the game is over with. So I think, ultimately, with a good offense, you believe you can score and end the game right then and there.
Also depends on your field goal kicker and how good he is. So I think there are some variables in there that could go either way.
Are there any other changes he would like to see the owners vote on and pass?
Shanahan: I’ve been doing this, been in these meetings for a number of years and what I think they try and do is upgrade the game every year. The competition committee, number of people on that, they hear different recommendations from different organizations, and every year they’ll bring up about ten different new things, if it’s rule interpretation, if it’s changing of rules. I think that’s the reason our game keeps on getting better as we do change little things every year.
How did Shanahan spend the year off from football?
Shanahan: One thing, I think, if you want to stay in this game, or you want to be good in any profession, you better be constantly learning. But it was something that I’ve never had the opportunity to do in a long time, 25 years. I actually had a chance to go to a couple of pro camps and see how they did things. Two organizations that have been very successful over the years and that was a good experience for me to see how different people do things at Pittsburgh and New England.
Then I went back to my stomping grounds when I coached ’80-’83 for the Florida Gators. I went out there to watch their practice. Obviously, with them winning a couple national championships, I wanted to see how Urban [Meyer] was running his practices and hadn’t had a chance to see a college practice for a number of years, so that was quite interesting.
Does he think Tim Tebow’s skill set will play in the NFL?
Shanahan: I just think Tim Tebow is a winner. He is going to make it. In fact, worked him out on Saturday. You’re talking about a great kid. He’s going to find a way to get it done.
I just think he just brings so many tangibles to the table that he’s going to find a way to do it and I think that he can do it in a number of different ways. He can run that Wildcat. I think regardless what offense you’re running, he will spend the time that is necessary to work at it and eventually get it done.
What does Shanahan think about the Bears acquiring Jay Cutler?
Shanahan: First off, I’m a Jay Cutler fan. I can just talk about what Jay Cutler did for Mike Shanahan, not exactly his experience in Chicago.
But Pro Bowl player, had a good supporting cast around him, a worker, very smart, handles himself like you want. I thought he was just getting better and better.
Obviously, there are going to be some road blocks for every quarterback in the league and he’s going through a tough situation right now, but my opinion is he’ll work through it and Chicago will be very proud to have him as their quarterback.
More from SRI
Bruce Pearl compares Evan Turner to Kobe Bryant
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti talks about his team
Joe Girardi has named Phil Hughes the Yankees’ fifth start, the New York Post reports.
Hughes has been competing for the rotation slot with Joba Chamberlain, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves.
"We evaluated it the whole spring and we were very excited with the improvement in his changeup," Girardi said.
The decision means Chamberlain will move back into the bullpen, where he likely will the eighth inning set-up man, the Post reports.
"I think Joba could do either one (start or relieve), but right now we feel Phil is a little bit ahead as a starter," Girardi said.
Hughes was 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA, mostl in relief, while Chamberlian was 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA in 2009. Chamberlain started 31 games.
Joe Girardi has named Phil Hughes the Yankees’ fifth start, the New York Post reports.
Hughes has been competing for the rotation slot with Joba Chamberlain, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves.
"We evaluated it the whole spring and we were very excited with the improvement in his changeup," Girardi said.
The decision means Chamberlain will move back into the bullpen, where he likely will the eighth inning set-up man, the Post reports.
"I think Joba could do either one (start or relieve), but right now we feel Phil is a little bit ahead as a starter," Girardi said.
Hughes was 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA, mostl in relief, while Chamberlian was 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA in 2009. Chamberlain started 31 games.
The Padres’ back-to-back NL West titles in 2005-06 are distant memories. One franchise cornerstone is gone — ace Jake Peavy was dealt to the White Sox just prior to the nonwaiver trading deadline in 2009 — and another soon could follow. All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been the subject of plenty of trade speculation; every run he produces increases his value and decreases the franchise’s chances of being able to afford to keep him.
Will Adrian Gonzalez end 2010 in a Padres uniform?
Three questions
1. Will Gonzalez finish the season with the Padres?
The two-time defending Gold Glove winner is under contract through 2011 at a very affordable price ($4.75 million this season, $5.5 million next season). In fact, Gonzalez isn’t even the highest-paid Padres player. However, he is in line for a monstrous deal (translation: nine figures) that San Diego most likely can’t offer. Members of the Padres’ front office even have hinted as much recently.
In the past three seasons, Gonzalez ranks seventh in the majors in homers (106) and 11th in RBIs (318) despite playing in cavernous Petco Park and without an All-Star supporting cast. In a more hitter-friendly park with better lineup support, Gonzalez, who will turn 28 in May, would be even more dangerous. Thus, he has intrigued big-market teams — Boston has been especially interested — that could spare a hundred million (or more) bucks. Chances are good that Gonzalez will be playing elsewhere in August, bringing San Diego a haul in young talent.
2. How’s the rotation sans Peavy?
For the first time since the 2001 season, Peavy won’t make a start for the Padres. That doesn’t bode well. Last season, San Diego’s rotation finished 24th in the majors with a 4.78 ERA — and that was with 13 starts from Peavy, who posted a 3.97 ERA. The oft-injured Chris Young will assume ace duties, and newcomer Jon Garland will provide a veteran innings-eater. "(Garland is) a guy who’s going to go out there and he’s going to give you innings and he’s gonna pitch and give you a chance to win some ballgames," Padres closer Heath Bell said. "If we put some runs up, we’re going to get him some W’s. And he’s another guy who’s got a lot of information for our young starters."
Kevin Correia, who led the team with 12 wins last season, is back, and youngsters Clayton Richard (acquired in the Peavy deal) and Mat Latos should round out the starting five.
3. Is there enough offense, even with Gonzalez?
San Diego scored 638 runs last season — just two more than the 30th-ranked Pirates. The Padres’ homer total was 26th, with Gonzalez’s 40 homers accounting for 28 percent of their 141 long balls. During the offseason, they cornered the market on Hairstons (trading for Scott and signing Jerry), but neither is expected to start. If the team’s developing young hitters don’t progress, San Diego very well could finish as the majors’ worst offensive team.
Projected lineup
1. SS Everth Cabrera: Team-best 25 SBs last season.
2. 2B David Eckstein: Career-worst .323 OBP in ’09.
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez: At home in ’09: .244 AVG, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs; road: .306, 28 HRs, 63 RBIs.
4. 3B Chase Headley: .208 AVG, .300 OBP at home last season; .305, .377 on road.
5. LF Kyle Blanks: 10 HRs in only 148 at-bats in ’09.
6. RF Will Venable: 6 of 12 HRs, 17 of 38 RBIs came in August.
7. C Nick Hundley: .159 AVG vs. lefthanders last season.
8. CF Tony Gwynn Jr.: Leadoff option after career-best .350 OBP.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Chris Young: 11 wins, 31 starts in ’06; 11 wins, 32 starts from 2008-09.
2. RHP Kevin Correia: Career highs in ’09: 198 IP, 142 K’s.
3. RHP Jon Garland: At least 32 starts each of past 8 seasons.
4. LHP Clayton Richard: 5-2, 4.08 ERA in 12 starts with Padres in ’09.
5. RHP Mat Latos: Averaged 4.1 BB/9 as rookie last season.
Projected closer
RHP Heath Bell: 10.2 K/9 rate, NL-best 42 saves last season.
Grades
Offense: D. Not many major league teams feature a cleanup hitter who had 12 homers last season. That’s the case with Chase Headley, who will move to his natural third base to replace Kevin Kouzmanoff. It would help if he also can replace Kouzmanoff’s offense (18 homers, 88 RBIs). More will be expected of Kyle Blanks and Will Venable, too.
Pitching: C. Garland will provide the durability the rotation needs; only Correia made at least 20 starts for San Diego last season. It is imperative that Young stays healthy and resembles the All-Star who posted a 3.12 ERA in 2007. The bullpen is anchored by one of the game’s most underrated stoppers in Bell, though he also could be dealt.
Bench: C. Jerry Hairston can play outfield but will serve as the primary infield reserve; brother Scott should stay plenty busy in the outfield (he can serve as a righthanded platoon mate for Tony Gwynn and Venable). San Diego signed veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who had a career-best .291 batting average last season.
Manager: B. A former pitcher, Black has done a good job with this staff, especially the bullpen. The team improved by 12 wins (75 total) in 2009 and went 39-35 after the All-Star break. He gets the most out of the talent available, but this team still is rebuilding.
Sporting News prediction: The rebuilding Padres didn’t do enough this offseason to catch the division’s big three — or to hold off the improved Diamondbacks for fourth place.
Coming Friday: Diamondbacks preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
The Padres’ back-to-back NL West titles in 2005-06 are distant memories. One franchise cornerstone is gone — ace Jake Peavy was dealt to the White Sox just prior to the nonwaiver trading deadline in 2009 — and another soon could follow. All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been the subject of plenty of trade speculation; every run he produces increases his value and decreases the franchise’s chances of being able to afford to keep him.
Will Adrian Gonzalez end 2010 in a Padres uniform?
Three questions
1. Will Gonzalez finish the season with the Padres?
The two-time defending Gold Glove winner is under contract through 2011 at a very affordable price ($4.75 million this season, $5.5 million next season). In fact, Gonzalez isn’t even the highest-paid Padres player. However, he is in line for a monstrous deal (translation: nine figures) that San Diego most likely can’t offer. Members of the Padres’ front office even have hinted as much recently.
In the past three seasons, Gonzalez ranks seventh in the majors in homers (106) and 11th in RBIs (318) despite playing in cavernous Petco Park and without an All-Star supporting cast. In a more hitter-friendly park with better lineup support, Gonzalez, who will turn 28 in May, would be even more dangerous. Thus, he has intrigued big-market teams — Boston has been especially interested — that could spare a hundred million (or more) bucks. Chances are good that Gonzalez will be playing elsewhere in August, bringing San Diego a haul in young talent.
2. How’s the rotation sans Peavy?
For the first time since the 2001 season, Peavy won’t make a start for the Padres. That doesn’t bode well. Last season, San Diego’s rotation finished 24th in the majors with a 4.78 ERA — and that was with 13 starts from Peavy, who posted a 3.97 ERA. The oft-injured Chris Young will assume ace duties, and newcomer Jon Garland will provide a veteran innings-eater. "(Garland is) a guy who’s going to go out there and he’s going to give you innings and he’s gonna pitch and give you a chance to win some ballgames," Padres closer Heath Bell said. "If we put some runs up, we’re going to get him some W’s. And he’s another guy who’s got a lot of information for our young starters."
Kevin Correia, who led the team with 12 wins last season, is back, and youngsters Clayton Richard (acquired in the Peavy deal) and Mat Latos should round out the starting five.
3. Is there enough offense, even with Gonzalez?
San Diego scored 638 runs last season — just two more than the 30th-ranked Pirates. The Padres’ homer total was 26th, with Gonzalez’s 40 homers accounting for 28 percent of their 141 long balls. During the offseason, they cornered the market on Hairstons (trading for Scott and signing Jerry), but neither is expected to start. If the team’s developing young hitters don’t progress, San Diego very well could finish as the majors’ worst offensive team.
Projected lineup
1. SS Everth Cabrera: Team-best 25 SBs last season.
2. 2B David Eckstein: Career-worst .323 OBP in ’09.
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez: At home in ’09: .244 AVG, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs; road: .306, 28 HRs, 63 RBIs.
4. 3B Chase Headley: .208 AVG, .300 OBP at home last season; .305, .377 on road.
5. LF Kyle Blanks: 10 HRs in only 148 at-bats in ’09.
6. RF Will Venable: 6 of 12 HRs, 17 of 38 RBIs came in August.
7. C Nick Hundley: .159 AVG vs. lefthanders last season.
8. CF Tony Gwynn Jr.: Leadoff option after career-best .350 OBP.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Chris Young: 11 wins, 31 starts in ’06; 11 wins, 32 starts from 2008-09.
2. RHP Kevin Correia: Career highs in ’09: 198 IP, 142 K’s.
3. RHP Jon Garland: At least 32 starts each of past 8 seasons.
4. LHP Clayton Richard: 5-2, 4.08 ERA in 12 starts with Padres in ’09.
5. RHP Mat Latos: Averaged 4.1 BB/9 as rookie last season.
Projected closer
RHP Heath Bell: 10.2 K/9 rate, NL-best 42 saves last season.
Grades
Offense: D. Not many major league teams feature a cleanup hitter who had 12 homers last season. That’s the case with Chase Headley, who will move to his natural third base to replace Kevin Kouzmanoff. It would help if he also can replace Kouzmanoff’s offense (18 homers, 88 RBIs). More will be expected of Kyle Blanks and Will Venable, too.
Pitching: C. Garland will provide the durability the rotation needs; only Correia made at least 20 starts for San Diego last season. It is imperative that Young stays healthy and resembles the All-Star who posted a 3.12 ERA in 2007. The bullpen is anchored by one of the game’s most underrated stoppers in Bell, though he also could be dealt.
Bench: C. Jerry Hairston can play outfield but will serve as the primary infield reserve; brother Scott should stay plenty busy in the outfield (he can serve as a righthanded platoon mate for Tony Gwynn and Venable). San Diego signed veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who had a career-best .291 batting average last season.
Manager: B. A former pitcher, Black has done a good job with this staff, especially the bullpen. The team improved by 12 wins (75 total) in 2009 and went 39-35 after the All-Star break. He gets the most out of the talent available, but this team still is rebuilding.
Sporting News prediction: The rebuilding Padres didn’t do enough this offseason to catch the division’s big three — or to hold off the improved Diamondbacks for fourth place.
Coming Friday: Diamondbacks preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Just because an NFL team makes a bold personnel move doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a good one. Here are the five most head-scratching decisions so far this offseason:
Did Cleveland really upgrade the position by bringing in Seneca Wallace as one of its new quarterbacks?
1. The Browns get Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace to replace Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. It was evident from Day 1 on the job that president Mike Holmgren was set to exorcise the ghosts of passers past. The decision to move on without Anderson and Quinn was acceptable, but the effort to upgrade with Delhomme and Wallace, Holmgren’s former backup in Seattle, was curious.
It’s unclear whether both veterans were brought in as insurance in case the team isn’t able to land a franchise quarterback in the draft or whether they are short-term stopgaps in an optimistic attempt to be competitive.
"What Cleveland is doing at quarterback is a total mystery," NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said.
Even more mysterious is why Cleveland felt the need to spend $7 million on Delhomme after he was released by the Panthers—especially considering the Browns aren’t even sure he will start over Wallace.
It’s hard to see either Delhomme or Wallace helping Cleveland (5-11 last year) win more games in 2010, given the supporting cast. It will be equally interesting to see how Anderson (Cardinals) and Quinn (Broncos) play on teams that have good offensive structures in place.
BY THE NUMBERS
Anderson and Quinn combined in 2009: 11 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 56.8 passer rating
Delhomme and Wallace combined in 2009: 11 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 65.5 passer rating
2. The Raiders make Sebastian Janikowski the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. Oakland has had plenty of personnel turnover in the past decade, but there have been two constants: Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. Immune to the team’s numerous problems, each has been rewarded with plenty of green to stay in Silver and Black.
A year after the Raiders made Lechler the highest-paid punter ever with a four-year, $12 million contract, Janikowski received the same distinction at his position. Janikowski still has a booming leg at 32, something he proved by drilling a 61-yarder in Cleveland in December.
But with 18 missed field-goal attempts over the past three years, he has been far from perfect. That makes investing $16 million in him over the next four years seem reckless, especially for a team with many holes.
BY THE NUMBERS
Janikowski’s 2009 rankings: Fifth in FG percentage, tied for 10th in field goals made, 19th in points scored
Thomas Jones is a better runner than his Gang Green replacement.
3. The Jets release Thomas Jones and sign LaDainian Tomlinson. In the end, the Chiefs are happy Jones became available to back up their young star, Jamaal Charles, while New York seems content to have L.T. provide relief for second-year back Shonn Greene.
Although Tomlinson has a bigger name, the Jets didn’t get a better complementary veteran than they had in Jones, a popular player on a playoff team. Tomlinson will provide a pass-catching dimension—especially if Leon Washington doesn’t re-sign—but Jones has been a much stronger runner in a similar late stage in his career.
"L.T. can’t touch the production that Jones has had the last two seasons," Baldinger said. "And Jones just keeps getting better and better."
The league’s top rushing team may have sacrificed too much production for a little more versatility.
BY THE NUMBERS
Thomas Jones: 31 years, 7 months old; 2,280 career attempts; 4.4-yard average from 2008 to 2009
LaDainian Tomlinson: 30 years, 9 months old; 2,880 career attempts; 3.6-yard average from 2008 to 2009
4. The Bengals sign Antonio Bryant instead of Terrell Owens. Proponents of this move point to the fact that Bryant just turned 29 and Owens is 36. Bryant is a great talent and showed just how good he can be when he put it all together for a stellar 2008 comeback season with the Buccaneers.
Both receivers were stuck with shaky quarterback situations last season, but Owens was the healthier, more durable and more productive receiver. Owens is at his best providing a first-year impact for a contending team, like the playoff-caliber Bengals.
With all the attention Chad Ochocinco draws, T.O. would have thrived in a T.J. Houshmandzadeh-type role and as a premier red zone target for Carson Palmer. Instead, Bryant comes in as a high-priced enigma.
BY THE NUMBERS
Antonio Bryant in 2009: 39 catches, 600 yards, four TDs
Terrell Owens in 2009: 55 catches, 829 yards, five TDs
5. Kyle Vanden Bosch signs with the Lions. There’s no doubt Detroit’s young defenders will benefit from having Vanden Bosch’s smarts, work ethic and savvy around to help them grow in coach Jim Schwartz’s scheme.Based strictly on production, however, Vanden Bosch’s contract (four years, $26 million) wasn’t a sound investment for a struggling young team that consistently plays from behind.
Vanden Bosch was a great player for Schwartz in Tennessee, but that was on a loaded defense that was often protecting leads with a relentless pass rush. He had only three sacks last season, will turn 32 in November and has a history of injuries.
BY THE NUMBERS
Lions who had more sacks than Vanden Bosch’s three in 2009: Cliff Avril, 5 1/2; Jason Hunter, 5, and Julian Peterson, 4 1/2.
This story appears in March 25’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Just because an NFL team makes a bold personnel move doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a good one. Here are the five most head-scratching decisions so far this offseason:
Did Cleveland really upgrade the position by bringing in Seneca Wallace as one of its new quarterbacks?
1. The Browns get Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace to replace Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. It was evident from Day 1 on the job that president Mike Holmgren was set to exorcise the ghosts of passers past. The decision to move on without Anderson and Quinn was acceptable, but the effort to upgrade with Delhomme and Wallace, Holmgren’s former backup in Seattle, was curious.
It’s unclear whether both veterans were brought in as insurance in case the team isn’t able to land a franchise quarterback in the draft or whether they are short-term stopgaps in an optimistic attempt to be competitive.
"What Cleveland is doing at quarterback is a total mystery," NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said.
Even more mysterious is why Cleveland felt the need to spend $7 million on Delhomme after he was released by the Panthers—especially considering the Browns aren’t even sure he will start over Wallace.
It’s hard to see either Delhomme or Wallace helping Cleveland (5-11 last year) win more games in 2010, given the supporting cast. It will be equally interesting to see how Anderson (Cardinals) and Quinn (Broncos) play on teams that have good offensive structures in place.
BY THE NUMBERS
Anderson and Quinn combined in 2009: 11 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 56.8 passer rating
Delhomme and Wallace combined in 2009: 11 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 65.5 passer rating
2. The Raiders make Sebastian Janikowski the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. Oakland has had plenty of personnel turnover in the past decade, but there have been two constants: Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. Immune to the team’s numerous problems, each has been rewarded with plenty of green to stay in Silver and Black.
A year after the Raiders made Lechler the highest-paid punter ever with a four-year, $12 million contract, Janikowski received the same distinction at his position. Janikowski still has a booming leg at 32, something he proved by drilling a 61-yarder in Cleveland in December.
But with 18 missed field-goal attempts over the past three years, he has been far from perfect. That makes investing $16 million in him over the next four years seem reckless, especially for a team with many holes.
BY THE NUMBERS
Janikowski’s 2009 rankings: Fifth in FG percentage, tied for 10th in field goals made, 19th in points scored
Thomas Jones is a better runner than his Gang Green replacement.
3. The Jets release Thomas Jones and sign LaDainian Tomlinson. In the end, the Chiefs are happy Jones became available to back up their young star, Jamaal Charles, while New York seems content to have L.T. provide relief for second-year back Shonn Greene.
Although Tomlinson has a bigger name, the Jets didn’t get a better complementary veteran than they had in Jones, a popular player on a playoff team. Tomlinson will provide a pass-catching dimension—especially if Leon Washington doesn’t re-sign—but Jones has been a much stronger runner in a similar late stage in his career.
"L.T. can’t touch the production that Jones has had the last two seasons," Baldinger said. "And Jones just keeps getting better and better."
The league’s top rushing team may have sacrificed too much production for a little more versatility.
BY THE NUMBERS
Thomas Jones: 31 years, 7 months old; 2,280 career attempts; 4.4-yard average from 2008 to 2009
LaDainian Tomlinson: 30 years, 9 months old; 2,880 career attempts; 3.6-yard average from 2008 to 2009
4. The Bengals sign Antonio Bryant instead of Terrell Owens. Proponents of this move point to the fact that Bryant just turned 29 and Owens is 36. Bryant is a great talent and showed just how good he can be when he put it all together for a stellar 2008 comeback season with the Buccaneers.
Both receivers were stuck with shaky quarterback situations last season, but Owens was the healthier, more durable and more productive receiver. Owens is at his best providing a first-year impact for a contending team, like the playoff-caliber Bengals.
With all the attention Chad Ochocinco draws, T.O. would have thrived in a T.J. Houshmandzadeh-type role and as a premier red zone target for Carson Palmer. Instead, Bryant comes in as a high-priced enigma.
BY THE NUMBERS
Antonio Bryant in 2009: 39 catches, 600 yards, four TDs
Terrell Owens in 2009: 55 catches, 829 yards, five TDs
5. Kyle Vanden Bosch signs with the Lions. There’s no doubt Detroit’s young defenders will benefit from having Vanden Bosch’s smarts, work ethic and savvy around to help them grow in coach Jim Schwartz’s scheme.Based strictly on production, however, Vanden Bosch’s contract (four years, $26 million) wasn’t a sound investment for a struggling young team that consistently plays from behind.
Vanden Bosch was a great player for Schwartz in Tennessee, but that was on a loaded defense that was often protecting leads with a relentless pass rush. He had only three sacks last season, will turn 32 in November and has a history of injuries.
BY THE NUMBERS
Lions who had more sacks than Vanden Bosch’s three in 2009: Cliff Avril, 5 1/2; Jason Hunter, 5, and Julian Peterson, 4 1/2.
This story appears in March 25’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Fans will recognize many of the players in Sporting News’ latest mock draft second round. SN draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe Notre Dame’s Golden Tate, Alabama’s Terrence Cody and a handful of Florida standouts will come off the board with picks 33-64.
1. St. Louis Rams
Golden Tate could wind up wearing gold and blue in St. Louis.
Golden Tate*, WR, Notre Dame. If the Rams grab Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford in the first round, the overhaul of the offense can continue with Tate. He has the ability to make big plays running after the catch.
2. Detroit Lions
Earl Thomas*, S, Texas. The Lions want to add speed to their secondary/defense and Thomas has the explosiveness and play-making ability to upgrade the back end of their secondary quickly.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois. The Bucs’ OL has struggled with consistency in recent seasons and they need to upgrade. Asamoah brings the athleticism to be a good NFL guard and possibly even a tackle.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Arrelious Benn* , WR, Illinois. The Chiefs need offensive weapons and Benn is a well-built and very athletic receiver who has the talent to be a big-time player in the NFL if he can play up to his ability more consistently.
5. Washington Redskins
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. While many expect them to take Clausen in the first round, Pike is the tall, strong-armed QB that Mike Shanahan seems to prefer.
6. Cleveland Browns
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State. Cox is a first-round talent who will likely slide due to off-field concerns. But the Browns need to improve their secondary and here he is too good of a value for the Cleveland to pass up.
7. Oakland Raiders
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida. The Raiders need to replace Kirk Morrison and Spikes is the type of tough, hard-nosed middle linebacker the Raiders have won with over the years.
8. San Diego Chargers (from Seattle)
Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia. After losing Jamal Williams, the Chargers desperately need a nose tackle. Owens is the best true NT in this year’s draft and could start as a rookie.
9. Buffalo Bills
Corey Wootton, DE , Northwestern. With the Bills switching to a 3-4 scheme, they need to get big, tall, long-armed DE’s to fit their scheme; Wooten fits that perfectly.
The War Room has Carlos Dunlap staying in the Sunshine State.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago)
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida. The Bucs want to upgrade their pass rush and while Dunlap’s lack of consistency is a real concern, his size, strength and athleticism are too good to pass up right now.
11. Miami Dolphins
D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech. The Dolphins are still trying to bring in big, strong defensive linemen to play DE in their 3-4 scheme. Smith, who played DT in college, fits the bill perfectly.
12. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville)
Damian Williams* , WR, USC. With Wes Welker’s 2010 season up in the air and Brandon Tate an unknown, the Pats need some help at receiver, and Williams is a smart route runner who has excellent hands and good run after catch ability.
13. Denver Broncos
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati. The Broncos are going to get rid of Brandon Marshall (at least that is what I keep hearing), so they grab the explosive playmaker Gilyard.
14. New York Giants
Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas. After losing Fred Robbins in free agency, the Giants need to add some young talent at DT. Houston has the strength, athleticism and competitiveness to be a very good backup as a rookie and eventually a starter.
15. New England Patriots (from Tennessee)
Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse. The Patriots’ D-line is not getting any younger and they have little line depth, so they grab Jones who played DT in college, but is a good fit at DE in their 3-4 scheme.
16. Carolina Panthers
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU. The Panthers have been trying to find a big receiver to play opposite Smith for a number of years and with Dwayne Jarrett having flopped, they jump at the chance to grab Lafell, who would have likely been a first-rounder a year ago.
17. San Francisco 49ers
Jahvid Best*, RB, Cal. The 49ers need a change of pace to take the pressure off Gore and a big-play returner to help them win field position battles, and Best has the talent to be a big time playmaker in the NFL.
18. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta)
John Jerry, G, Ole Miss. The Chiefs need offensive line help and Jerry has the athleticism, size and strength to be a left tackle in the NFL if he can keep his weight under control and play as well as he did in 2009 for the rest of his career.
19. Houston Texans
Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford. The Texans want to get a big back who can carry the load and make big plays. Gerhart has shown the ability to be that type of back and will also be a big asset in their passing attack.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama. The Steelers must add youth to their defensive line and Cody has the bulk and strength to anchor their 3-4 scheme at nose tackle.
21. New England Patriots
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee. The Pats have been disappointed in Laurence Maroney and Hardesty brings the tough, physical and aggressive running style to their offense that Bill Belichick likes.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Donald Butler, ILB, Washington. The Bengals want to bring in speed and athleticism to their defense, and Butler is a very fast and physical player.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. The Eagles have a good tight end in Brent Celek, but they have a history of drafting elite players that slip in the draft and Gresham is a very talented tight end with a lot of upside.
24. Green Bay Packers
Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana. The Packers want to get some youth at OT as Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are nearing the end of their careers, so they grab the very athletic Saffold, who could be their left tackle of the future given a season or two to learn as a backup.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida. The Ravens do not pass up the chance to grab Murphy, who has the athleticism, instincts and playmaking skills to be a very good cornerback in the NFL.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Anthony McCoy, TE, USC. The Cardinals want a tight end who can make plays as a receiver, but also has the size, strength and competitiveness to be a very good blocking tight end, which is vital in their offensive scheme.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. They have two good starters, but Wilson is a playmaker who should upgrade the Cowboys at nickel cornerback and could become a starter if Terence Newman leaves in free agency in a season or two.
28. Seattle Seahawks (from San Diego)
Charles Brown, T, USC. The Seahawks need a young left tackle and Brown was played the position under Pete Carroll at USC, so it makes sense for the Seahawks to grab him here.
29. New York Jets
Devin Ross, CB, Arizona. The Jets have an elite CB in Darrelle Revis and a very talented one in Antonio Cromartie, but Cromartie needs to step up his play and Ross brings the toughness, aggressiveness and playmaking skills that fit the Jets’ scheme well.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. They have Antoine Winfield who is a sure thing, and Benny Sapp and Asher Allen who are still developing, so the chance to add another young CB with very good athleticism makes a lot of sense.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Nate Allen, S, South Florida. Bob Sanders cannot stay healthy and they want to have young talent for the future, so they grab the well-built and athletic Allen, who should become a starter down the road.
32. New Orleans Saints
Aaron Hernandez*, TE, Florida. Jeremy Shockey is definitely closer to the end of his career than the beginning and Hernandez is a young, athletic tight end with excellent receiving skills.
*–Denotes underclassman
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Fans will recognize many of the players in Sporting News’ latest mock draft second round. SN draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe Notre Dame’s Golden Tate, Alabama’s Terrence Cody and a handful of Florida standouts will come off the board with picks 33-64.
1. St. Louis Rams
Golden Tate could wind up wearing gold and blue in St. Louis.
Golden Tate*, WR, Notre Dame. If the Rams grab Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford in the first round, the overhaul of the offense can continue with Tate. He has the ability to make big plays running after the catch.
2. Detroit Lions
Earl Thomas*, S, Texas. The Lions want to add speed to their secondary/defense and Thomas has the explosiveness and play-making ability to upgrade the back end of their secondary quickly.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois. The Bucs’ OL has struggled with consistency in recent seasons and they need to upgrade. Asamoah brings the athleticism to be a good NFL guard and possibly even a tackle.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Arrelious Benn* , WR, Illinois. The Chiefs need offensive weapons and Benn is a well-built and very athletic receiver who has the talent to be a big-time player in the NFL if he can play up to his ability more consistently.
5. Washington Redskins
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. While many expect them to take Clausen in the first round, Pike is the tall, strong-armed QB that Mike Shanahan seems to prefer.
6. Cleveland Browns
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State. Cox is a first-round talent who will likely slide due to off-field concerns. But the Browns need to improve their secondary and here he is too good of a value for the Cleveland to pass up.
7. Oakland Raiders
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida. The Raiders need to replace Kirk Morrison and Spikes is the type of tough, hard-nosed middle linebacker the Raiders have won with over the years.
8. San Diego Chargers (from Seattle)
Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia. After losing Jamal Williams, the Chargers desperately need a nose tackle. Owens is the best true NT in this year’s draft and could start as a rookie.
9. Buffalo Bills
Corey Wootton, DE , Northwestern. With the Bills switching to a 3-4 scheme, they need to get big, tall, long-armed DE’s to fit their scheme; Wooten fits that perfectly.
The War Room has Carlos Dunlap staying in the Sunshine State.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago)
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida. The Bucs want to upgrade their pass rush and while Dunlap’s lack of consistency is a real concern, his size, strength and athleticism are too good to pass up right now.
11. Miami Dolphins
D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech. The Dolphins are still trying to bring in big, strong defensive linemen to play DE in their 3-4 scheme. Smith, who played DT in college, fits the bill perfectly.
12. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville)
Damian Williams* , WR, USC. With Wes Welker’s 2010 season up in the air and Brandon Tate an unknown, the Pats need some help at receiver, and Williams is a smart route runner who has excellent hands and good run after catch ability.
13. Denver Broncos
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati. The Broncos are going to get rid of Brandon Marshall (at least that is what I keep hearing), so they grab the explosive playmaker Gilyard.
14. New York Giants
Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas. After losing Fred Robbins in free agency, the Giants need to add some young talent at DT. Houston has the strength, athleticism and competitiveness to be a very good backup as a rookie and eventually a starter.
15. New England Patriots (from Tennessee)
Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse. The Patriots’ D-line is not getting any younger and they have little line depth, so they grab Jones who played DT in college, but is a good fit at DE in their 3-4 scheme.
16. Carolina Panthers
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU. The Panthers have been trying to find a big receiver to play opposite Smith for a number of years and with Dwayne Jarrett having flopped, they jump at the chance to grab Lafell, who would have likely been a first-rounder a year ago.
17. San Francisco 49ers
Jahvid Best*, RB, Cal. The 49ers need a change of pace to take the pressure off Gore and a big-play returner to help them win field position battles, and Best has the talent to be a big time playmaker in the NFL.
18. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta)
John Jerry, G, Ole Miss. The Chiefs need offensive line help and Jerry has the athleticism, size and strength to be a left tackle in the NFL if he can keep his weight under control and play as well as he did in 2009 for the rest of his career.
19. Houston Texans
Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford. The Texans want to get a big back who can carry the load and make big plays. Gerhart has shown the ability to be that type of back and will also be a big asset in their passing attack.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama. The Steelers must add youth to their defensive line and Cody has the bulk and strength to anchor their 3-4 scheme at nose tackle.
21. New England Patriots
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee. The Pats have been disappointed in Laurence Maroney and Hardesty brings the tough, physical and aggressive running style to their offense that Bill Belichick likes.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Donald Butler, ILB, Washington. The Bengals want to bring in speed and athleticism to their defense, and Butler is a very fast and physical player.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. The Eagles have a good tight end in Brent Celek, but they have a history of drafting elite players that slip in the draft and Gresham is a very talented tight end with a lot of upside.
24. Green Bay Packers
Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana. The Packers want to get some youth at OT as Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are nearing the end of their careers, so they grab the very athletic Saffold, who could be their left tackle of the future given a season or two to learn as a backup.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida. The Ravens do not pass up the chance to grab Murphy, who has the athleticism, instincts and playmaking skills to be a very good cornerback in the NFL.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Anthony McCoy, TE, USC. The Cardinals want a tight end who can make plays as a receiver, but also has the size, strength and competitiveness to be a very good blocking tight end, which is vital in their offensive scheme.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. They have two good starters, but Wilson is a playmaker who should upgrade the Cowboys at nickel cornerback and could become a starter if Terence Newman leaves in free agency in a season or two.
28. Seattle Seahawks (from San Diego)
Charles Brown, T, USC. The Seahawks need a young left tackle and Brown was played the position under Pete Carroll at USC, so it makes sense for the Seahawks to grab him here.
29. New York Jets
Devin Ross, CB, Arizona. The Jets have an elite CB in Darrelle Revis and a very talented one in Antonio Cromartie, but Cromartie needs to step up his play and Ross brings the toughness, aggressiveness and playmaking skills that fit the Jets’ scheme well.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. They have Antoine Winfield who is a sure thing, and Benny Sapp and Asher Allen who are still developing, so the chance to add another young CB with very good athleticism makes a lot of sense.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Nate Allen, S, South Florida. Bob Sanders cannot stay healthy and they want to have young talent for the future, so they grab the well-built and athletic Allen, who should become a starter down the road.
32. New Orleans Saints
Aaron Hernandez*, TE, Florida. Jeremy Shockey is definitely closer to the end of his career than the beginning and Hernandez is a young, athletic tight end with excellent receiving skills.
*–Denotes underclassman
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Stan McNeal, Sporting News
Signed as a free agent this offseason, new Giants left fielder Mark DeRosa recently spoke with Sporting News’ Stan McNeal about his new team:
‘What I really like is our pitching,’ new Giant Mark DeRosa says.
I’ve always liked the vibe of the ballpark and the city and felt it would be a cool place to play and an interesting place to bring my family.
What I really like is our pitching. We have the kind of staff that if we get into the playoffs, we will be tough to beat. You’ve got the two-headed monster with Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain and a guy in Brian Wilson to come in and throw 100 mph in the ninth.
I read all the stuff on the Internet about how we need more offense. I like what we’ve done this offseason. Aubrey Huff, who signed in January, has been a good hitter for most of his career. I feel like I’m capable of doing some things offensively.
Sometimes it’s not about changes but about getting production from the guys you already have. Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria and Freddy Sanchez all are capable of having big years. I don’t know if they’d tell you, but they all played injured last season. With the Panda, Pablo Sandoval, we’ve got a big bat in the lineup, too.
Bruce Bochy told me he wanted to see how team chemistry developed before he decided where to play me. I assume I’m going to be in left field. I’ll play anywhere. My goal is help this team get to October.
This story first appeared in Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Stan McNeal, Sporting News
Signed as a free agent this offseason, new Giants left fielder Mark DeRosa recently spoke with Sporting News’ Stan McNeal about his new team:
‘What I really like is our pitching,’ new Giant Mark DeRosa says.
I’ve always liked the vibe of the ballpark and the city and felt it would be a cool place to play and an interesting place to bring my family.
What I really like is our pitching. We have the kind of staff that if we get into the playoffs, we will be tough to beat. You’ve got the two-headed monster with Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain and a guy in Brian Wilson to come in and throw 100 mph in the ninth.
I read all the stuff on the Internet about how we need more offense. I like what we’ve done this offseason. Aubrey Huff, who signed in January, has been a good hitter for most of his career. I feel like I’m capable of doing some things offensively.
Sometimes it’s not about changes but about getting production from the guys you already have. Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria and Freddy Sanchez all are capable of having big years. I don’t know if they’d tell you, but they all played injured last season. With the Panda, Pablo Sandoval, we’ve got a big bat in the lineup, too.
Bruce Bochy told me he wanted to see how team chemistry developed before he decided where to play me. I assume I’m going to be in left field. I’ll play anywhere. My goal is help this team get to October.
This story first appeared in Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
