SB Nation - Jon Runyan

Doom and the Pursuit of History

Emmett Smith — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:03:37 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

22 days ago: Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) and defensive tackle Darrell Reid (95) react after Dumervil sacked New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. Denver won 26-6. (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski)

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With 15 sacks already to his credit, Elvis Dumervil is within reach of setting an NFL record for sacks in a single season. The record is currently held by Michael Strahan, who reached 22.5 sacks in 2001, the highest total since the stat was first recorded. With only 3 games left, Doom is in a race with time as well as against the offensive linemen who stand between him and his goal. He's also one sack behind Simon Fletcher for the Broncos team record.

Once considered to be too small and too light to play at the NFL level, Doom's career has leapt forward following his change from defensive end to outside linebacker during the summer of 2009. Following players like Mike Vrabel and James Harrison, Elvis is one of a growing number of 'tweener' players who did not exactly fit into one position or another due to unusual metrics. Like the best of those tweeners, Doom has some unique abilities. Doom has large hands that are unusually strong for his size and possesses a skill at leverage that few players can boast. Once he was moved away from the left tackles who outweighed him by 60-100 lb, Elvis was also able to bring his speed to bear on the plays, getting a running start that let him hammer into ball carriers, dodge around linemen and use his unique blend of speed, power, balance and leverage to bring down quarterbacks.

Every player learns from those who have played before, and Dumervil is no different in that respect. Recently, Men's Journal ran an article on Michael Strahan, who gave several pointers on exactly how he managed to achieve 141.5 sacks over the course of 216 games between 1993 and 2007. While Strahan had a considerable size advantage over Dumervil (he played at 6-5 and 278 lb, compared to Doom's 5-11 (some still say it is 5'10) and 248 lb, the principles he laid out are just as important regardless of metrics. Some of them clearly are a benefit to Dumervil.

Job 1 - The Film Room

Strahan believed, as most of the best NFL players do, that the game is won in the film room, although played out on the field. He stated that finding "tells" on the part of the offensive linemen, quarterbacks and running backs, as well as tells in the form of certain tendencies due to formation, were the first key to making the sack. Many fans are aware that the color of an offensive lineman's knuckles (lighter or more reddish) can vary depending on exactly where he is holding his weight and that this can lead to knowing before the snap whether the play will be a run or a pass. Strahan, like many others, used film to discover far more than that. One quarterback (who is still playing) claps his hands before a passing play if he's in the shotgun. Certain linemen turn their heads to one side unconsciously. There are as many in the NFL as their are in poker. In both games, it's up to the superior player to discover what they are and what they mean.

An example came in the contests against Strahan's Giants' division rival Philadelphia Eagles and their huge (330 lb) left tackle, Jon Runyan. Strahan had studied Runyan exhaustively, and had learned some things that made theirs an unequal matchup. Runyan, for example, would leave his foot straight with the heel slightly up if he was going to man block straight ahead. He also left his heel high if he was dropping back to pass-block. If his heel was on the ground and turned in, Runyan was going to go down inside and if the foot was flat and the heel turned out, he would step out to reach block. Strahan had learned to read him like a book.

Not surprisingly, Strahan gave Runyan fits. In a single game in 2001, Strahan notched 3.5 sacks against Donovan McNabb before halftime. By the third quarter, Runyan didn't have a clue as to how he was to stop #92, who was on his way to his record-setting year's total of 22.5. If Doom wants to break that record - and to continue to play at this level over the next decade - he'll be talking to other rushers and hunkering down with a lot of film each week. Victory goes to the prepared, over and over again. It's a lesson that can't be overstated.

Job 2 - What's Your Plan?

Every poker player knows that misdirection can be a key to a match, and many of the matchups within the game at the NFL level can be much he same way. Coaches will use a formation that is well known, but will run a new pay off of it at a crucial moment. Earlier this year, Brandon Marshall changed a hitch route to a go route against the Dallas Cowboys and turned an 8-yard gain into a TD. In any one-on-on matchup during a game, if one player can convince the other that he'll be moving in one direction, he can gain the advantage by changing to another. It happens within every game.

Strahan had a plan of action that he liked to use during games that used both technique and psychology to gain advantage. His first 4 pass rushes would almost inevitably be bull-rushes - using his strength, one on one, to try and overpower the lineman who was unenviably tasked with stopping him. Strahan believed that if you beat a man with a speed move early on, he will respect your speed but if you overpower him you'll create a psychological advantage that can be used in a variety of ways over the rest of the game. The lineman will expect more power rushes and can be taken out of the play when you begin to open up your own book of moves. The results - 141.5 sacks over 216 games - speak for themselves.

On his fifth rush, most lineman are preparing themselves for a power move by squatting back slightly, sitting their weight down and back and reaching out with their arms. At that moment, Strahan would chop their hands, reach for their outside shoulder and swing around them. The lineman would be in no position to shift his weight and interfere with the maneuver. After that, the lineman was often at Strahan's mercy. If he moved to protect the outside, Strahan was already clubbing him and spinning inside. Perhaps the best example of this came in Strahan's final game, Super Bowl XLII against New England. Nick Kaczur, according to Strahan, "...didn't know what to expect". Kaczur wasn't the only one, but this example went a long way towards granting the Giants their Super Bowl Victory.

One of the areas where Dumervil has a substantial advantage over most players is that his height/strength ratio is unusual - for a man less than 6 feet tall, he's extremely powerful. That strength, combined with balance and an unusual ability to find his opponent's "tipping point" are among the things that has set Doom apart from many other players at the same position. Big, sinewy hands, an ability to get them onto the lineman before he is grabbed, a tenacious grip and a talent for upsetting another player's balance are among the many keys to standing out at the rush linebacker position.

By the way, having a tell can also hurt the defender. When the San Francisco 49ers were matched up against the NY Giants during the Lawrence Taylor days, they were slated to meet in the playoffs. Head Coach Bill Walsh noted that Taylor had a short series of tells when he was planning on rushing the quarterback. Taylor really didn't care if people knew what he was going to do - he'd flop his hands around, wave his arms and generally, as Giants defensive back Beasley Reese would put it, act "...like a cop putting a siren on top of his car." Walsh used that to the 49ers' advantage - he had left guard Dan Ayers, at 6'5", 270 lb (Taylor, although incredibly strong, fast and agile, was 6'3" and 237 lb by comparison, according to pro-football-reference.com) drop back and to the outside when Taylor prepared to rush, cutting him off before he could reach Joe Montana. This maneuver would cost the Giants in the 1981 Divisional Round. Ayers liked rodeos, calf roping and also enjoyed throwing a rope around a tractor tire and dragging it through freshly plowed fields for fun. He was strong and agile enough to slow Taylor since he had sufficient notice that LT was coming. Although those signs of LT's intentions had simply created fear in the past, in this case LT's tells worked against him. The 49ers won easily.

Job 3 - Knowing Where the Quarterback Will Be

Like the first one, this principle also requires a lot of time in the film room. Even when he's beaten his lineman or TE, Doom has to get to the QB before he can either throw the ball away or escape out of the pocket. Both can be rendered moot by learning where the quarterback will move to when he feels the pressure of the defensive rush. Each player is different but all have tendencies to one extent or another.

Some quarterbacks like to run with the ball. Those are the players who think, "Pass, pass, no ,RUN!" Although such players, including a spectrum from Michael Vick to Jay Cutler, will move to wherever they think there is an opening, most of them will prefer to move in one direction or another. Players like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will move more within the pocket, but they, too, have tendencies - generally, they like to step up within the pocket. Last season, Matt Cassel liked to pull down the ball and run up the middle when pressured. After 47 sacks, you could hardly blame him, but by knowing where he would usually run to, the rush linebacker could maneuver his lineman so that he would break off on a bull rush suddenly and spin to the inside, cutting down the QB before he could escape. Some quarterbacks are a little slower to break from the pocket, or slower afoot (Kyle Orton is one of these) and those players can often be taken down from behind. The rusher can't take his angle too deeply, permitting the QB to step up into the pocket; and he can't let the angle go too shallow, permitting the QB to step back and to the outside.

The secret here, according to Strahan, is to keep the passer on your inside shoulder. If the QB likes to step up, you try to aim your rush so that you end up 2-3 yards from the line of scrimmage. If you watch a lot of film, many rushers fail to contact the QB because they are being ridden to the rear by the linemen (especially in a short-drop situation) or are being cut off as they attempt to go more inside, between the QB and the LOS. The rusher needs to know ahead of time where he expects the QB to be as the play finishes and to try and get there first. Obviously, factors such as whether a QB is using a 3-, 5- or 7-step drop also makes a great deal of difference in planning your attack. If the QB is throwing a lot of 'smoke' (hot), hitch, out and slant routes with the 3-step drop, you have to plan your finishing location to take that into account. If you're looking at other routes, ones that break the usual 12.5 yards from the LOS, you've got more time to achieve pressure.

By the way, this also illustrates the interaction among the different defensive positions. If a CB is playing off coverage, many QBs will audible to a 3-step drop using one of the four I listed (often the 'hot' or 'smoke' route, although terminology varies), the rushers will have to know the coverage the CBs will be playing to plan their own attacks in order to create the most disruption or success.

Job 4 - Tackling the QB

During the Broncos/Giants game, with 6:29 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Denver had NY backed up nearly to their own end zone. Anticipating a pass, Andre' Goodman suddenly dove in on a cornerback blitz. He caught Eli Manning in the end zone, but he didn't make the tackle cleanly. He was able to pull Manning down, but not before Eli had thrown the ball away out of bounds. The play still stopped NY, but it cost the Broncos 2 points plus the ball.

Tackling technique is a difficult issue in the NFL. Proper technique in wrapping up and bring the man down is especially important when rushing the quarterback because those situations really give you two opportunities. The first is for the strip - if you are coming up from behind the QB, he may have his hand struck before he even knows that a defender is there. Secondly, even if the ball is not stripped, there is a chance for negative yardage by making the tackle before the QB can get rid of the ball. And third, of course, is the opportunity like the one mentioned here, where the defender can put points on the board for a safety if he can tackle the QB cleanly and pin his arms to his body as the tackle is made.

Strahan managed just such a move in the thrid quarter of the same SB mentioned above against NE - he fired out of his stance, blew past Kaczur and wrapped up Tom Brady before the QB could dump the ball off. Strahan swears that he recalls yelling loudly, "Tom, do not throw the ball!. I got you! I got you!" And he did.

If Doom is going to break Strahan's record - whether this year or any other - he'll need to master his own set of rules. It's likely that he'll start with the ones listed here, though, and add some others. For instance, Doom can still learn a lot from another sack artist who has played in the league for a bit longer - Jared Allen. Since coming into the league in 2004, there has been no one with more sacks (70) than Allen. Allen uses a whole variety of sack moves to get to the quarterback. He uses the rip, a pure-speed rush, a bull rush, a two-hand rush, a single-hand rush, and a modified swim move in which he pulls at the top of the tackle's shoulder pads. In this highlight reel, he demonstrates all of these moves: The only type of rush that Allen doesn't generally use is the spin move.

There are two other things to like about Allen. The first is that, despite his "mullet' persona, he studies film quite a bit. In fact, before facing Chicago this year, he mentioned several times that he was going to go back and watch Rams games in order to get ready to face Orlando Pace:

"I've had some success against him..he's getting older, but the guy still has a resume that's quite impressive. I'll go back and watch tape of how I played against him when I was with Kansas City."

The other thing one has to like about Allen is his frequency for strip sacks. He has 3 strip sacks in 2009 and 19 forced fumbles over his career, most of which have come on sacks. From these estimates, about 1 out of every 4 of Allen's sacks result in a strip and/or fumble. It's clear that when he reaches the quarterback, he's thinking about getting the ball.

Dumervil is no slouch as a pass rusher but he would do well to add some more moves to his arsenal so that he doesn't become predictable with his speed rush. He must study all of the tackles he will face extensively in the film room--as we are sure he does--as well as mining the knowledge of everyone around him who has been up against those same tackles. Whether this year or another, the sack record may yet be under attack by Dumervil. If he successfully brings it down, it will be a tribute to all that he has learned from those who played the game before he did.

San Diego Chargers Defeat Kansas City Chiefs 43-14

John (obviousman) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:07:26 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, foreground, celebrates his one-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of n NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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Two games against the Chiefs, two blowouts. The Chargers have beaten the 2009 Chiefs by an average of 29.5 points in their two matchups.

I said before the game that the only chance the Chiefs had of beating the Bolts was by winning the turnover battle, which they lost handily. This was a good team effort by everyone on the Chargers. The offensive line looked really solid (I almost don't want to play Jon Runyan and Nick Hardwick unless necessary), the running game was good enough and Antonio Gates proved why he's one of the deadliest weapons in the NFL.

That's six wins in a row and a game in Cleveland next weekend. Good job, fellas.

Your Bolts & Dolts recommendations are always appreciated in the comments.

Final - 11.29.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
Kansas City Chiefs	0	7	7	0	14
San Diego Chargers	7	21	10	5	43

Complete Coverage >

The Linc - Injured Redskins, NFC East catfight, Runyan returns

JasonB — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:24:34 -0000

More photos » by Sharon Ellman - AP

26 days ago: Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts (46) sits on the trainers table after having his left knee wrapped following an injury during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 7-6. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

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Redskins Sign Guard Paul Fanaika from Eagles' Practice Squad - Hogs Haven
Next stop... Superbowl.

Jon Runyan Signs Contract With Chargers
The San Diego Chargers have placed right tackle Jeromey Clary on injured reserve and signed free agent Jon Runyan.

Cowboys' Williams gives Landry free pass - NFC East Blog - ESPN
Redskins safety LaRon Landry accused Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams of playing "scared" Sunday. Landry said he could tell it by the way Williams was running his routes. In fact, the Skins safety even said he told Williams that he was playing scared and he said that Williams didn't respond.

Gonzo: For Vick, Southern hospitality | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/24/2009
On Dec. 4, two days before the Eagles play the Falcons in Georgia, an outfit called New Order - which bills itself as a national human-rights organization - plans to hold a "welcome home" rally for Vick in Atlanta. According to a team spokesman, Vick didn't know about the rally and won't attend since the Birds don't fly South until Dec. 5.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: NFL/Football
Washington Redskins running back Ladell Betts will likely miss the remainder of the season due to a left knee injury, head coach Jim Zorn said during Monday's press conference.

Man Up: Veterans step up for Eagles | Philly | 11/24/2009
A player-by-player look at the Eagles' defensive performance against the Bears Sunday night

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Bring Out Your Jersey Jokes Edition

August West — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:51:36 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Sanchez - AP

Why do I get the distinct impression CJ's end zone celebrations are going to be very facepalm worthy.

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A few weeks ago Tony Brown was the only defensive lineman who was playing as well or better than he did last year, but now you can add William Hayes to that list. Hayes has been stellar since replacing Jevon Kearse. His quick ascension from raw D-II prospect to the starter picked to unseat a former legend just further validates the notion of Jim Washburn as one of the league's best D-line coaches.

Chris Johnson, who recently ate lunch at Swett's with Faith Hill, has had some quite tame TD celebrations this year compared to last year (think bongos), but that's all on account of our crappy record, he says:

"We’ve been 0-6, and there’s been no reason to celebrate. I can’t go play no bongos or nothing like that if we’re 0-6," Johnson said. "The more wins we get, the more things that they’ll get. I had a lot of things planned this year, but we didn’t start off like how we wanted to start off, so ain’t nobody seen none of them."

But if the Titans keep winning, Johnson is ready to jazz things up.

"I feel like if we can get a victory this week, and next week then something will be coming very soon," Johnson said.

Then just when you want to get mad at CJ for not being professional enough he makes you remember that he's a competitor who respects his opponents until they completely fail to stop him:

Johnson said he’s not taking the Bills lightly.

"We’re 2–6. We can’t look and say they got the worst run defense. We have to prepare like it is a playoff game,’’ he said. "You lick your chops but you know they are going to give you their 100 percent because they know we like to run the ball and are going to try and run it.’’

Follow is through the jump for more on Vince Young and a former Titan who may be running for Congress...

Former Titan and Eagle Jon Runyan is being touted as a possible republican candidate for South New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District... wow. So if you're a congressman from New Jersey are your main priorities the supply of Ed Hardy shirts for future generations and tax breaks on Axe Body Spray? That would make you a god in New Jersey, I'd say.

The Titans picked-up the Colbert award from Football Outsiders for the option call on the goal line. Does anyone know if that's a good or bad thing?

Ross Tucker at SI.com lumps Jeff Fisher in with other coaches he says are on the hot seat unfairly... I bet he wasn't saying that three weeks ago. Jeff Fisher is on the hot seat because he botched the first quarter of the season and hasn't won a playoff game in 6 years (including crapping the bed with a Super Bowl caliber team last year).

A tip of the ole hat to David Smith, who points us towards this article from ColdHardFootballFacts.com, who's title says it all: Move over, AP, make room for Chris Johnson. To wit:

Adrian Peterson is widely considered the best running back in the league.

The Cold, Hard Football Facts say he’s not.

They say that it’s time for AP to step aside and make room atop the RB totem pole for Tennessee superman Chris Johnson.

This story, form the same site, tracks the 8 QBs in NFL history who have won the National Championship one winter, and taken professional snaps the next fall. It's a pretty uncommon feat, and almost no one did it as well as VY did his rookie year.

Nancy Gay says Vince young is all grow'd up. I guess that means he won't chuckle at her last name anymore?

It's looking like Trent Edwards may play on Sunday... Terrell Owens, not so much.

Every time you read a great Titans-related story on the web and don't share it with the MCM community through the fanposts, fanshots or by emailing me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com a Ravens (or Steelers) fan smiles. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!

Jon Runyan wants to run for congress

JasonB — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:21 -0000

Yesterday, former Eagle Jon Runyan confirmed via a press release that he's considering a run for congress in South Jersey.

"I am seriously considering becoming a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District. Our great country is headed in the wrong direction, and it’s clearer every day that career politicians are incapable of solving the problems we face.

I am grateful for the tremendous support and encouragement I have received while talking to people throughout South Jersey about running for Congress and I look forward to having more to say on this subject in the weeks ahead."

I have to say... I hope he doesn't do this. Everyone in our area likes big Jon now, but as soon as he inevitably joins some party half of everyone will hate him. He'll cease to be the personable, fun guy we've all come to know. If you don't believe that... just re-read that antiseptic press release, did that sound like Jon Runyan to you? Not really...

Plus, you just know we'll be hearing corny lines like "I'm going to protect our country's blind side!" I also have to wonder how good of a politician he'd actually make. From what I remember his biggest issue was trying to get Andy Reid to run the ball more... needles to say he was unable to influence the guy in charge. I kid... but seriously don't do Jon.

Now if Runyan does insist on running, maybe we can get Michael Strahan to run against him. Get the old rivalry started up again...

The Linc - Happy trails Jeff Garcia

JasonB — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:40:00 -0000

More photos » by Barbara Johnston - AP

3 months ago: Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Jeff Garcia (9) and Kevin Kolb (4) chat during practice at the team's NFL football training facility in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Barbara Johnston)

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PhillyBurbs.com: Garcia enjoyed his brief visit
"I'm definitely glad I came back," Garcia said. "I knew the situation, but it's been great to be around my teammates, a lot of whom were here with me the first time, and a lot of new ones. Just to be a part of this organization again when I had such a great experience here three seasons ago, it meant a lot to me."

Eagles' Vick gets endorsement deal with Nike | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/01/2009
"He's had a long-standing relationship with Nike," Vick's agent, Joel Segal, said in a telephone interview yesterday. "He is looking forward to working with Nike now and in the future."

Crown 'Em: Phillies 10, Astros 3 - The Good Phight
The Phillies wrapped up a third consecutive National League East championship with a 10-3 win over the Astros before adoring fans at Citizens Bank Park.

The Daily Examiner | Update: Jon Runyan Is Bored
Not since 1989 has Runyan gone a season without playing football, until now.

More after the jump including dirty cowboys, sad skins, Phils & Eagles team up, and the wildcat.

The League Panelists: The Wildcat Formation is not the biggest offensive revolution since the West Coast Offense, it is just a running play - Jason Brewer
It's interesting that The League is talking Wildcat this week because I think I came to a realization about it this weekend. At least in the way the Eagles run it.

Why is there so much angst among Skins fans? - NFC East - ESPN
Here's what other teams in the division have done since the Redskins last won an NFC East title. Eagles: five division titles, two wild cards, 10-7 in the playoffs, one NFC title. Giants: Three NFC East titles, three wild cards, 6-5 playoff record, two NFC titles, one Super Bowl title. Cowboys: One NFC title, two wild cards, 0-3 in the playoffs. Redskins: Two wild cards, 1-2 in the playoffs.

Cowboys' Adams fined -- again - NFC East - ESPN
Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams was fined $7,500 for trying to kick Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers in Monday's game. If you're scoring at home, Adams has now been fined a grand total of $25,000 this season.

Phils, Eagles team up to fight breast cancer | phillies.com: News
The Phillies and Eagles announced on Tuesday afternoon a partnership through which the franchises are working together to support the Jefferson Breast Care Center.

Report: Philly Not Interested in Bringing Back Runyan

Bob_Q — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:05:09 -0000

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According to Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a team source has indicated that the Eagles are not interested in bringing back offensive tackle Jon Runyan for one more season:

The Eagles were so impressed with Justice's performance in the season opener at Charlotte that a team source said they did not feel the need to re-sign free agent Jon Runyan, who was at the NovaCare Complex last week for a workout in front of Reid, general manager Tom Heckert and offensive-line coach Juan Castillo.

However, in the wake of Shawn Andrews' placement on Injured Reserve, many have begun to question if the Eagles will bring in another offensive lineman to replace him. While Winston Justice seems to be firmly entrenched as a starter, there is still a need for a quality backup. On the official depth chart, there is currently no one listed behind Justice. Second year man King Dunlap is currently the only backup tackle, and is listed behind Jason Peters on the left side. With Todd Herremans, Nick Cole, and Max Jean-Gilles all battling injuries, it is clear that the Eagles need help with their offensive reserves, and quickly. Guards Paul Fanaika and Mike Gibson are currently waiting in the wings on the practice squad, but it seems more likely that the Eagles will look to an experienced free agent to fill the backup right tackle position. The only question that remains is who, if anyone, will they choose?

Chiefs GM Talks About Jon Runyan and Advice from Bill Parcells

Joel Thorman — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:44:01 -0000

Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli made the media rounds yesterday. He talked to the folks at 810 WHB. It's worth a listen (which you can do here).

He gave some of his final thoughts on the first 53 man roster.

"They are what we see they are," he said. Sounds a lot like Bill Parcells famous, 'You are what your record says you are.'

Speaking of Parcells, Pioli talked about some of the advice he got from his father-in-law.

"Another part of the challenge is understanding that it's not going to get done in a day.

"The first several months on the job it seemed like every day or every other day I was getting a voice mail message from my father-in-law down in Miami calling and he'd just leave the message, 'Hey, listen, it's not going to get done in a day.'

After the jump, I took notes on a few of the more interesting questions from the interview.

Can you give us your overall thoughts on this first 53 man roster?

"One of the interesting things about this roster, we talked about it last night, when we put it together and looking at it and seeing a lot of new faces, some familiar faces. One of the things that stood out to me, first of all, I think the roster overall is improved. At the top end, the middle and at the back of the roster.

"One thing that hit me is the number of new players. There's 21 new players on the 53 man roster. And I was looking back at the names of some of the players we've released since I've arrived here.

"One of the things that stood out to me was the fact that there were 30 players that were on the roster last year in some sort of role that are no longer here as of today Of those 30 players taht were on the roster, only two of those players have found new jobs in the NFL.

"The other 28 don't have jobs at this point in time.

"It's a bit of a statement that the roster needed to be improved or changed, when you have a number of players who leave here, and they're also not finding jobs necessarily from the other 31 teams. It's clear there's been a lot of change here and change needed to occur."

Is there a concern with Todd Haley biting off more than he can chew (with the new playcalling responsibility)?

"No, I don't. The reason is simple: This is not the first time this has happened in the National Football League. It's happening with first time head coaches and with experienced coaches.

"I think that's there's a lot of times where just because the announcement hasn't been made who's coordinating and offense or defense, you can watch the sidelines and know that when you're watching a team play, how involved the head coach is or isn't in the offense.

"There's a number of head coaches in the NFL this year who are doing that. You look back at Sean Payton, I know when he took over we know who was running the offense down there. I think we all did. I think when Gary Kubiak took over in Houston everyone knew what was going on there. I think we know who's running the offense in Denver and the defense in Detroit, so I don't think it's that unique.

"When it's happening here in our city, we look at it as being big news, and it is news to a degree, but I also believe that it's not that uncommon."

On adding veteran players after the first game:

"Absolutely. We had Jon Runyan in this week. We looked at him and gave him a physical and worked him out.

"There's going to be a number of players, where I"m talking to agents or we're looking at. That may be veteran players or a player on another team's practie squad that we can sign to our 53 man roster.

"I've said this before, there will be constant work to find opportunities. There's opportunities out there and we've having to find the opportunities.

"This roster...a team that only won two games last year is very much influx. But I'll tell you this, when we become a very good football team, we'll continue to do that work. Anytime you think your roster's set and everything's okay and you can't improve it, it's a losing attitude.

So is it safe to say the door's not closed on Jon Runyan?

"We talked to Jon and he's looking at some other situations as well. The door's not closed but it's not kicked wide open either. "

Runyan Ready But Chiefs, Others Haven't Made a Contract Offer

Joel Thorman — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:39:21 -0000

Free agent right tackle Jon Runyan says his knee, which required microfracture surgery over the summer, is doing better than expected and he hopes to sign with a team and contribute immediately Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports.

"I thought I might have some swelling with all the workouts, and all this time sitting on airplanes, but it hasn't happened," said Runyan, 35. "I haven't had any swelling and no pain. So, that's a good sign."

According to Paolantonio's report, he has worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills in addition to the Kansas City Chiefs, However, no contract offer has been made by any of the teams.

Runyan expects there to be some movement following Sunday's season openers. If he's on a team's roster as of 3:00 PM (CST) today then, as a vested veteran, his contract would be fully guaranteed for the 2009 season. According to the rules governing the current collective bargaining agreement, if a team waits until after week one, they are only financially committed to a vested veteran for four games, not 16.

The Chiefs, Eagles and Bills all have dire needs at the right tackle position.

The Eagles' Shawn Andrews is out for Sunday's game. They are starting Winston Justice who, in his last start, allowed the Giants Osi Umenyiora to threaten Derrick Thomas' record with six sacks in a 2007 matchup. The Eagles are familiar with Runyan which has made most folks assume that, if all offers were equal, he would rejoin the Eagles.

The Bills have completely revamped (revamped?) their offensive line from last season. Langston Walker is gone and the Bills worked out Runyan in addition to five other tackles according to Brad Biggs of the National Football Post. So, they certainly have some interest in a tackle.

That leaves the Chiefs who are in as desperate a situation as the others. The revolving door at right tackle, coupled by the need to protect the $63 million man, makes a right tackle a near necessity.

Tick-tock, tick-tock. The clock is ticking on Runyan's next move. We're expecting to hear something early next week since, according to the player, he'll need a full week of practice to be ready.

"I'm ready to play," said Runyan. "I'd just need a week of practice to get my timing down and I'd be ready."

Jon Runyan Works Out with Eagles

Bob_Q — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:17:50 -0000

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According to ESPN's Brian Seltzer, the Eagles have just confirmed that former offensive tackle Jon Runyan was in town today for a workout:

The Eagles worked out former right tackle Jon Runyan before this morning's practice. Head coach Andy Reid said he wanted to see where Runyan was at in his rehab.

Runyan underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee following the 2008 season, and was recently cleared to play by Dr. James Andrews. Runyan spent nine seasons with the Eagles and started 192 straight regular-season games, the longest active streak among offensive linemen

The Eagles currently have ten offensive linemen on their roster.

Since his contract expired at the end of the 2008 season, speculation has swirled as to weather his knee injury would prevent him from returning to Philadelphia. However, after his successful surgery, no fewer than four teams are reportedly interested in the 35-year-old tackle.

According to Arrowhead Pride, one of those teams is the Kansas City Chiefs. A third team Runyan has reportedly already turned down (Lions? Raiders?). The fourth team has been confirmed as the Buffalo Bills.

Runyan's return would give the Eagles great insurance at the right tackle should Shawn Andrews go down. Andrews has already missed today's practice due to lingering back problems. Additionally, backup Winston Justice just still hasn't inspired enough confidence with his spotty play. The question is, would the Eagles be willing to give up on The Great Justice Project for a one season run with a 35-year-old tackle? That remains to be seen.