SB Nation - D.J. Hackett

Answering Bears-Seahawks Questions from Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago

John Morgan — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:23:59 -0000

More photos » by Pablo Martinez Monsivais - AP

Remember how awesome D.J. Hackett was against the Bears? Deon Butler is better. If Deion Branch and T.J. Houshmandzadeh play, Butler should get the kind of matchups that made Hackett look like a star.

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Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago sent over some Bears-related Seahawks questions. I always like to give the Field Gulls readers the jump on this stuff, so here's the skinny before its posted there.

1. Do Seahawks fans believe the team can still win if Matt Hasselbeck doesn't play?

Of course. Seneca Wallace may never be a starting quarterback, but he is a very good backup. Mike Holmgren attempted to mold Wallace into a pocket passer, and though he's not, the training has done him good. He is more comfortable in the pocket and has developed some ability to read the defense. Wallace does not excel at that, and he has nagging tendencies to drop too deep during his backpedal, stare down receivers and make bad decisions. Knapp has shown a greater willingness to adapt scheme to talent. Wallace is more mobile and has a better deep pass than Hasselbeck. Knapp will work in more designed roll outs and play-action bombs. He even ran a read-option with Seneca in the preseason. Wallace isn't a long term answer, but Knapp should be able to squeeze enough out of him to win one game.

1a. What has been the general reaction to the news that Seneca Wallace will probably get the start?

Most of us were happy to hear Matt Hasselbeck was even an option after being taken from the stadium to the hospital. Many fans want Hasselbeck to start if at all possible. There's always that pocket of fans aligned with the backup quarterback, and predictably they think Wallace will Wally Pipp Hasselbeck. Overall, we want Hasselbeck as healthy as possible, but the best man to play this Sunday.

2. For Bears fans who haven't been out to Qwest Field, what is the best way to describe the atmosphere out there?
2a. Is it really as loud as everyone says it is?

It's very loud and it factors. The twelfth man forces false starts, time-outs taken and delay of game penalties. Qwest is more raucous than Seattle. The people there are true football fans: Rowdy, partisan and passionate. I would describe it as a good football atmosphere that defies laid back image of the Northwest. To put it another way, wear your Bears colors and expect to catch flack.

3. With the absence of the Sonics, are the Seahawks the most popular team in the city? Were they always?

I think Seattle is still more of a baseball town. The Sonics had a loyal following, but the general fan base withered with the team. The Seahawks success has attracted new fans and their run in 2005 certainly got Blue in the blood of some, but we're still about five years from that impact being fully realized. I, like a lot of Seattle fans, grew up when the Mariners had Junior, Gar, the Big Unit, ARod, Bone, and during the Refuse to Lose campaign, and that solidifies you with a team. The kids that grew up with Walt, Hutch, Alexander, Hasselbeck, Jur, Strong, Tatupu, Hill and Brownie are not old enough to be very influential. Next decade, if they can get back on track, I think Seattle becomes a Seahawks town. Right now, I would call it a Mariners, Huskies and Seahawks town, roughly in that order.

4. What should Bears fans fear most about the Seahawks?

The passing game. Deion Branch is set to return this week, and that makes Seattle a very deep passing offense even without a superstar receiver. Seattle was able to create something similar in 2007, when it had Branch, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson and D.J. Hackett. Hackett wasn't a star by any stretch, but Seattle created favorable matchups by spreading the field and targeting the weakest defensive back. Hackett caught nine receptions for 136 yards and schooled Pierson Prioleau. The Seahawks are much more talented and deep this season, replacing Marcus Pollard with young world beater John Carlson, Engram with T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Hackett with burner Deon Butler. Housh regularly plays out of the slot and that creates mismatches. When teams adjust by putting their top corner in as a nickelback or by double covering Houshmandzadeh, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp doesn't hesitate to challenge deep on the outside. Chicago is sketchy in the secondary and their safeties are especially inexperienced, so if I were a Bears fan, I would fear the Seahawks ability to spread the field and create mismatches with their wide receivers.

4a. From what you've seen so far, what has been the Seahawks biggest weakness this season?

Staying healthy? Apart from that, the Seahawks have been sloppy. The changes made by Jim Mora and new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley are not radical, but confusion has caused coverage break downs and blown assignments. Likewise, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is still nominally running a West Coast offense, but it's notably different from Holmgren's. Shotgun is a regular quarterback alignment. The run game has been emphasized, and concomitantly, play action. That run game is built off a zone blocking scheme that stretches defenses and attempts to create cutback lanes. Seattle has struggled breaking open holes and stopping backside pursuit. The pass game and particularly, the play-action game is more geared to deep passes, and Hasselbeck has struggled to make his deep throws. His arm was never strong, and it has weakened with age. He puts too much loft under the ball and rarely takes advantage of single-cover on the outside.

5. After what Frank Gore did, are the fans even more worried about Matt Forte? Or do they think Jim Mora has everything under control?

I haven't heard or read any specific dread regarding Forte, but fans are understandably a bit worried about the Seahawks rush defense. Losing Lofa Tatupu hurt, but he could return and his backup, David Hawthorne, is reasonably skilled. The greater concern is the status of Brandon Mebane. Mebane injured his calf during practice last week. He missed the first game of his career due to injury last Sunday. Mebane is the rare defensive tackle that can withstand, even overpower a double team. He is also a good pass rusher. Seattle signed Colin Cole to play over tackle in Bradley's Tampa 2 inspired system, but Cole is toast against double teams. Red Bryant is a big, powerful--country strong--tackle with loads of upside, but he vacates assignments. He's not yet dependable. Gore broke both of his long runs up the middle, and San Francisco was bullying the Mebane-less Seahawks interior all game. If Mebane is back, I expect the Seahawks rush defense to be competent or better.

5a. Do fans in the Pacific Northwest like Mora or do they miss Holmgren more?

Hard to say. Fans are loyal and Holmgren brought this team to the Super Bowl. Mora is still feeling his way out, and he carries a certain guilt by association with Michael Vick. It's too early to know for sure, of course. If Seattle begins to win again, the fans will love whoever is responsible for it, be it Mora or Bill Cowher. After week one, everyone was excited for the more modern and creative play-calling and what looked like a young and dominant defense. Now, there's indecision.

6. What is your prediction for Sunday's game?

I got out of the prediction game. Football is a contrapasso built to make the confident look foolish and the foolish look brilliant. If Seattle can get an early lead, I think it has enough pass rush fire power to stifle the Bears offense. If the Seahawks line, with or without Walter Jones, can't withstand the Bears pass rush, I think Seattle bleeds turnovers and the Bears win a laugher.

Seattle Seahawks Road Back to the Super Bowl

John Morgan — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:25:23 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

The man with the golden read made Bobby Engram, D.J. Hackett and Marcus Pollard into a top ten passing offense. Matt Hasselbeck could turn T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deon Butler and John Carlson into a Super Bowl bound passing offense.

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Doom, gloom...rebirth?

Last season sucked. It interrupted an unprecedented run of success for the Seahawks. Seattle had made the playoffs five times before 2003 but had won only three playoff games. This season will decide if last season was an interruption or an ending. It could be either. Seattle is more than capable of again being one of the worst teams in football. It has a chance to win the Super Bowl.

Yes it does. And it's not as complicated or far fetched as it might sound.

5. Grow into a Dominant Rush Defense

I am putting the cart before the horse for a reason. Rush defense dominates in the playoffs, but it won't do much to get Seattle into the playoffs. The importance of rush defense is conditional on Seattle fulfilling the following four goals. This is the most easily attainable of the five.

It has three starters on defensive line that should be average to above average to elite at run defense for their position. I don't expect Patrick Kerney to be a big player on run defense. Its starting three linebackers could each be top-ten run defenders by season's end. There's no weakness there, and with Aaron Curry on board, Lofa Tatupu will have the wingmen to destroy the rushers he flushes out. Ken Lucas and Marcus Trufant are both good open field tacklers, and however much Josh Wilson plays, he is also an excellent open field tackler that brings some pop. Deon Grant is good from the third level and if Jordan Babineaux wins out at strong safety, Seattle will not have a single weakness against the rush.

4. Get Lucky

Seattle has some tough games ahead. Weeks three through eight are especially grueling. Wins earn playoffs, even if they aren't always the best indicator of quality. Earning home field would be huge, but even bigger would be getting a bye. The power of a playoff bye is simple: It's one less game a team must win to make the Super Bowl. To accomplish that, Seattle is going to need some close victories over tough opponents. While the 2005 squad was undoubtedly better than the 2007 squad, much of what separated them in the standings was close victories.

2005 pulled out close victories against Atlanta, St. Louis, Dallas, San Francisco, New York and Tennessee. It only lost two close games, one to Washington in overtime and a meaningless week 17 game against Green Bay.

2007 was even. Seattle won close games against Philadelphia, St. Louis and Cincinatti, but none were as close as they looked, but lost close games to Arizona, Cleveland, Carolina and Atlanta. The Atlanta game was meaningless when played, but would have been meaningful if Seattle hadn't punted victories in Arizona and Carolina.

Seattle needs to scrape out some close victories. It has four sure to be punishing away games: Colts, Cowboys, Vikings and Packers. The Packers game is particularly tough, because Seattle is a moderate weather climate and Lambeau, December 27 is anything but moderate. But it can. It can split those; it can win all four. It can win all four without being the best team among the four, because Any Given Sunday.

3. Channel 2007

Seattle's dominating pass defense in 2007 wasn't all smoke and mirrors. Yes, it dominated some bad quarterbacks. No, I'm not sure Troy Smith, A.J. Feeley or Alex Smith will ever see another professional snap. But seizing an opportunity is the essence of success.

Seattle has its pass rush in 2007. Sure, there was Patrick Kerney, but Darryl Tapp, Julian Peterson, Rocky Bernard and Leroy Hill were all major contributors. Seattle doesn't have a single elite rusher like Kerney this season, but it has a better contributing cast. Tapp is around and closer to his prime. Hill should be more active. Aaron Curry won't replace Peterson, but he could be excellent on more traditional linebacker blitzes. Brandon Mebane could ascend to the lower ranks of the elite defensive tackles. Josh Wilson runs a nickel blitz like no one else in the NFL. Seattle has loaded up on situational pass rushers, and in the right spots, Cory Redding, Tapp, Craig Terrill and Nick Reed could all cause havoc. And there's some depth with upside like Lawrence Jackson, Baraka Atkins, Michael Bennett and Colin Cole.

The Seahawks may not face a jobbers row of scrubs and backups, but if the rush is there, it could make some decent to good quarterbacks channel Feeley.

2. Complete 2007

Seattle had the defense. It definitely had the passing attack. Its special teams were strong. But, good God damn did Shaun Alexander suck. Say what you will about Julius Jones, Edgerrin James and Justin Forsett, the 2009 Seahawks could not field a rusher more inept or self-defeating as Shaun Alexander circa 2007. Seattle couldn't protect a lead. It couldn't convert a first. It couldn't disguise a play. Eventually, Mike Holmgren simply told opponents the Seahawks were going to pass and pass and pass.

Consider the value added on every snap by replacing Alexander's pass blocking with Jones or James' pass blocking. The value added on ever snap by replacing Alexander's pass catching with Jones, James or Forsett's pass catching. Then, remember how bad Alexander was as a running back, and take a breath and know average beats the hell out of cripplingly awful.

1. Field a Top Ten Pass Offense

Seattle had a top ten pass offense in 2007. It built that offense on -- in descending importance -- Bobby Engram, a good pass blocking line and Matt Hasselbeck playing out of his mind. He made Engram, less than a year recovered from Graves disease, look like a Pro Bowler. Passes from Hasselbeck to Engram were the tenth most valuable connection in the NFL. Hasselbeck to Marcus Pollard was the sixth most valuable per-play quarterback to tight end connection in the NFL. Passes from Hasselbeck to D.J. Hackett were worth 100 yards above replacement. Engram is now T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Pollard is now John Carlson. Hackett is now Deon Butler. This is a better passing offense. Depending on how the line gels, it could be a full step above 2007's ninth ranked attack.

Passing offense is the single most important quality of a contender. It gets you ahead and lets you crawl back when you're behind. By putting the opponent behind, it improves the defense and helps force turnovers. It puts the clock on your side and facilitates the run game. With a healthy Hasselbeck and Sean Locklear anything near average, this is a better passing offense than 2007. A better passing offense than 2007 lifts this team to the playoffs, and in the playoffs, especially with a great rush defense, anything is possible.

First Cuts: NFL Rules of Thumb, D.J. Hackett, and Todd Yoder

Ken Meringolo — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:34:51 -0000

More photos » by Evan Vucci - AP

These two receivers need to outwork D.J. Hackett on the field and in the press room.

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Among other notable NFL adages, like "Wide receivers take roughly three seasons to develop," is the one that goes, "Defenses are always ahead of offenses in August and September." The scrimmage this past weekend was a glaring testament to this. With roughly half of the probable first day starters absent from the offense on Saturday, Jason Campbell worked against the second defense mostly. And though they moved the ball, they struggled to put it in the end zone. In fact, if you watched the post-scrimmage interview of Jason Campbell, it sounded strikingly similar to ones we saw last year during the season. I could swear I have heard lines like this before from JC:

"We were able to move the ball well."

"We should have gotten into the end zone but we will go back and watch the film and make the corrections."

"We have to do better in the red zone."

When you have a dominant defense like we do, is it fair to worry that your offense is going to spend August spinning its wheels? I think in reality the #1 offense and the #1 defense spend a lot of time apart in practice, but when they do square off, don't you get the sense that all of the positive energy generated by making plays is getting sucked up by our defense?

I think when you watch the first few weeks of the regular season, you can see where defenses are taking advantage of offenses that have yet to find their rhythm. Our offense spent an entire year trying to find a rhythm in 2008. If we go longer than September before we find our groove offensively, you will not be hearing about how it takes a few games to get on the same page offensively. You will be hearing about Mike Shanahan's whereabouts and Colt Brennan's readiness.

I also took note of D.J. Hackett's post-scrimmage interview. You have to hand it to guys like him. They are here long enough to get fitted for equipment and they are talking like they have been here for a decade. Nothing really newsworthy there, but I always find it funny when you hear a guy like that talk after practice or a scrimmage talking about how "we have a big year ahead of us", and how "we need to do a couple of things better and we will be a force." It is genius really...like they can interview themselves into our future. If D.J. Hackett can earn a spot on this roster, more power to him. But can we please get some more great interviews with Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and even Marko Mitchell? If they are not careful, they will not have the post-game interview quotes to make this team.

Finally, is Todd Yoder going to make this team? I feel like he is that tight end that you have to have that can get out there and do the dirty work, while mixing in 3 or 4 huge touchdowns during the course of the season. Yoder has officially secured a spot in my heart usually reserved for guys like Terry Orr/Ron Middleton/James Jenkins. I loved those guys. And just when I worried if you could get Cooley, Davis, and Yoder on the same team on the same day, I am comforted by the notion that Orr, Middleton and Jenkins were all on the same Redskins team. Oh, and that team won Super Bowl XXVI (with another tight end you may remember--Don Warren.)

Chiefs News You May Have Missed Yesterday

Joel Thorman — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:06:02 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

Dwayne Bowe might be getting some more competition at receiver. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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There was a whirlwind of activity around here yesterday. In fact, nearly a quarter of Arrowhead Stadium's capacity walked through the door (and nearly 50K page views!). For those of you that had a hard time keeping up (stupid day jobs), here's a quick recap of what went down yesterday.

We had 15 (!) front page posts, which other than draft weekend has to be some sort of record. Keep the FanShots and FanPosts coming today.

After the jump is a quick recap of all the Chiefs news you saw here yesterday.

Chiefs News from the Overnight 8/3 (NJChiefsFan)

Just about every story, blog post and tweet about the Chiefs from the previous night all in one spot.

Three Practices Down for the Chiefs in River Falls (Chris)

A recap of the first three days of practice. Everything from notable plays to injuries to interesting tweets.

Overnight showers left us wondering if practice would be inside or outside (It was outside).

Chiefs Connection Continues with Coaching Interns (Joel)

Ignoring my obvious attempt at alliteration, you should know that the Chiefs have four coaching interns on the field. Here, I take a look at each of them and their connection to the Chiefs.

If you jumped offsides yesterday, you were running 200 yards.

Injury Updates for the Chiefs 8/1 AM Practice (Joel)

Tight ends, Glenn Dorsey and Derrick Johnson, among others.

Chiefs Training Camp Update 8/3 AM (Joel)

Updates on the Chiefs morning practice from all the usual suspects.

NFP: Chiefs, Tyson Jackson 'Getting Closer'(Joel)

Brad Biggs of the National Football Post reports that the Chiefs and Tyson Jackson are getting closer to an agreement.

AP Contest: Best Roommates at Training Camp? (Matt)

Great topic. Matt is giving away free stuff to someone who can come up with the best set of roommates for five Chiefs at training camp. Definitely check this one out.

Chiefs Work Out D.J. Hackett, Several Others (Joel)

We knew the Chiefs were working out free agent WR D.J. Hackett. But from the UW-RF staff we find out that two other wide receivers and a couple of linemen were working out as well. Scroll down a bit to find out who the other wide receivers were.

Brad Cottam had his ankle heavily wrapped heading into lunch.

Comments from coach Haley on the morning practice (Joel)

Around the AFC West Week of August 3rd (Matt)

Matt takes us through what's going on in the AFC West this week. The Broncos news is nice...

Chiefs Claim OLB Vince Redd off Waivers from the Patriots (Joel)

Redd was cut from the Patriots yesterday. He was signed by New England as a UDFA on May 2nd, 2008.

Teicher on the Tyson Jackson contract

He believes this is more of the Chiefs waiting on #4 Aaron Curry to get a deal done than anything.

Great weather for the afternoon practice

Unlike in KC when it was hot and humid and now rainy.

Chiefs Training Camp Update 8/3 PM (Joel)

Same stuff - who did well, who did poorly, injuries, etc.

LJ wants to break the franchise rushing record (Joel)

He's currently 432 yards away so if he's on the field for at least a 5 or 6 stretch of games this season, he'll break it.

Chiefs Workout Toomer, Terrell and Release G Edwin Harrison (Joel)

We find out the other two names of the wide receivers the Chiefs secretly worked out: Amani Toomer and David Terrell. We also released Harrison, who has been pretty non-descript in his time with the Chiefs.

A nice note on the Chiefs new long snapper

First fight of training camp

Chiefs close to signing Toomer (Joel)

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson's reports the Chiefs are "leaning towards" signing Amani Toomer.

***

And that brings us to today. Stick around all day for updates on the Chiefs lone practice.

Three Practices Down for the Chiefs in River Falls

Chris Thorman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:48:59 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) stiff arms safety Mike Brown (48) during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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Three full practices and one conditioning test down for the Kansas City Chiefs this Monday morning. Practice continues with a two-a-day today. The team will take the practice field from 9-11 A.M. and from 4:30-6:30 P.M.

So how did the first couple of days of training camp go? As well as they could have if you ask me.

Injuries were minimal - Derrick Johnson tweaked his hamstring during Saturday's first practice. There were a few other guys that had to stop practicing to work with the trainer but nothing serious was reported.

As far as the amount of information we're going to be able to deliver to you about training camp, there is only one word to describe it - ridiculous.

Bob Gretz is sending out basically live reports from each practice at CBS Sports.
The UW-RF staff is doing their very detailed practice updates as well. These reports are coming out, so far, like an hour to two hours after practice is over. Not as quick as Gretz's reports but the UW-RF reports have a level of detail that isn't matched anywhere else.
The River Falls staff is also posting tons of photos from camp. They must be over fifteen hundred photos already this training camp.
Chiefs staff member Josh Looney is blogging at the mothership and it's good stuff that is basically live as well.

Looney and others are also on Twitter, which to me is maybe the most interesting place to check for Chiefs info. The more activer Twitterers at Chiefs camp are:

As far as Twitter info, we have all of the Chiefs players we can find on Twitter in a feed in the left sidebar. I've also got tweets from Looney, KCChiefs.com and I think Kent Babb in there too. It's a good place to check for quick, interesting information.

More on pictures...We're getting a half dozen or so Associated Press shots within hours of practice being over. We'll be posting those as well. Arrowhead Pride commenter CMatthews is at River Falls, snapping pictures. He's posted them in a couple different FanShots and they're absolutely awesome. I'm talking dozens of pictures right from the field. Check 'em out.

To help keep organized, you can always check out our 2009 training camp section for all of the posts tagged for training camp.

To help you get caught up to speed this morning, here are the big links to this past weekend's camp blogging coverage:

And here are our "official" camp practice updates. They have the most info in them about each individual practice. This is the format I think we're going to follow for each practice update. We talked about it and breaking it down like we did in the last couple of updates we think that's the easiest, most organized way to blog about camp without being there.

Let us know you thoughts on the weekend's training camp practices. Football is back. How awesome is this?

Thursday Notes: Lions Sign Louis Delmas

Sean Yuille — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:33:22 -0000

Second-round pick Louis Delmas agreed to a deal earlier today (for four-years, according to Drew Rosenhaus), and by now that deal should be signed. Delmas was at the Lions' headquarters today to sign his deal, meaning he will be able to report to training camp on time. With Delmas in the fold, that is seven rookies down, three to go. The remaining three are Brandon Pettigrew, Derrick Williams, and Sammie Hill.

UPDATE: The Lions have confirmed the signing and have also announced that Eric Hicks has been released.
Jim Schwartz seemed to enjoy playing in the Buck Open pro-am yesterday. The fans seemed to enjoy him as well, as Schwartz signed autographs and got a suggestion about what play the Lions should open the season with. For Schwartz, this was like his last relaxing event for quite some time, as he will be a little busy with football starting Saturday.
Radio interviews: Tom Lewand on WJR, Gunther Cunningham on WBBL, and Matthew Stafford on the WRIF.
Free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett visited the Lions on Tuesday.

Is Mark Clayton a #1 Wide Receiver?

Bruce Raffel — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:14:35 -0000

With the pending retirement of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason still undetermined, the Ravens are looking at a number of options, including moving 5th year veteran Mark Clayton from the #2 position into the leading role as the main target for second year QB Joe Flacco. Clayton had a good year as the #2 receiver in 2008 and after being Flacco's second option, is he ready to move up into the top slot?

The stats for #2 wideouts in the NFL varies from team to team, with a couple of teams having two guys who could easily be interchanged from the #1 to #2 spots on their team. Those teams focus their offenses on the passing game and therefore the stats pile up for the top two targets. The teams and players in that category include the Arizona Cardinals (Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin), New England Patriots (Wes Welker, Randy Moss), Denver Broncos (Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal) and even the Green Bay Packers (Greg Jennings, Donald Driver). All these guys had either 90+ receptions or over 1,000 receiving yards and would be legitimate #1's on most other teams. Therefore, it is unreasonable to expect that same sort of production from the Ravens #2 receiver, especially since the team is a run-first offense compared to those others which focus on the passing attack.

Therefore I looked at every other NFL team's receiving stats to see how Clayton measured up with his 41 receptions for 695 yards (17.0 average) and three receiving TD's. Here's what I found out:

Clayton's total of 41 catches ranks in the bottom third of the league's #2 receivers, while his total receiving yards rank in the top third, which explains his 17.0 yards per reception, easily the best of ANY #2 receiver on the list, including Anquan Boldin (11.7), Randy Moss (14.6) or Eddie Royal (10.8). His TD total is right in line with the other #2's, which range froma high of eleven (Boldin, Moss) to a low of zero (Seattle Seahawk Bobby Engram, who had 47 receptions for 489 yards). Compared to most of these players on my list, the ones with better stats than Clayton come from teams which ran the ball significantly less than the Ravens, who led the NFL in rushing attempts with 592 (only six other teams had more than 500 rushing attempts in 2008), and therefore those other teams had more chances to garner the additional receptions and other stats. Teams that normally focus on the run (more than 500 attempts) included the Atlanta Falcons (560 attempts), Minnesota Vikings (519), New England Patriots (513), Tennessee Titans (508), Carolina Panthers (504) and the New York Giants (502). The Patriots were a surprising team on this list but because of their prolific offense and passing attack, had so many more passing attempts than any of these running teams as well.

Looking at those top six running teams along with Baltimore (other than New England), the others' #2 receivers' stats were right in the ballpark of what the Ravens' Clayton accummulated. Here are those teams' stats for their #2 wide receivers compared to Clayton:

Name Team Rec. Yards Avg. TD's

Mark Clayton Baltimore 41 695 17.0 3

Michael Jenkins Atlanta 50 777 15.5 3

Bobby Wade Minnesota 53 645 12.2 2

Brandon Jones Tennessee 41 449 16.0 1

Mushin Muhammad Carolina 65 923 14.2 5

Amani Toomer NY Giants 48 580 12.1 4

Only Muhammed, who was a #1 wideout in Chicago (and plays alongside of All Pro WR Steve Smith), boasts significantly better stats for a #2, and also noteworthy is the Giants' Toomer, who is still a free agent and has been mentioned as a possible target for the Ravens, but he will turn 35 years old at the beginning of this season.

So while it appears that Clayton is a very serviceable wide receiver who certainly seems to have great abilities to get yardage after the catch (as evidenced by his league high yards per reception among #2 wideouts) is he ready to make the jump from the second option to Flacco's main target? Of course, #1 receivers get more reads and passes thrown their way, so his stats would surely improve. The issue is that most Ravens fans are concerned about might not be whether or not Clayton can make that transition, it's whom among the others can adequately move into the #2, or even #3 slots behind him?

Today is the day the team is conducting its "private" tryouts with D.J. Hackett, Drew Bennett and supposedly two others whose names have not yet been released. We will know more after today and pending the outcome of the final decision from Derrick Mason, whom many believe will return for the 2009 season, this will determine the direction that the team chooses to go in regarding their receiving corps.

Baltimore Ravens Reportedly Contacting WR Joe Horn

Bruce Raffel — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:42:06 -0000

You can add another name to the list of wide receivers that the Baltimore Ravens' are going to take a look at this week, prior to the rookies and select veterans (which interestingly includes Willis McGahee) reporting on Monday. Former New Orleans Saints and most recently Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn (originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs) has been reportedly contacted by the Ravens regarding their looking at adding a wideout (or two) to the receiving corps. Horn, who has not played since 2007, is a 13 year NFL veteran, with over 600 receptions and 8,700 yards, with 58 touchdown catches. However, his last NFL season as a Falcon was insignificant and his last three overall showed a significant decline in production.

Here are the stats from his last four years:

Joe Horn: Age: 37; 6'1", 211 lbs.; Experience-13th season

Year Team Rec. Yards Avg. TD's

2007 Atlanta 27 243 9.0 1

2006 New Orleans 37 679 18.4 4

2005 New Orleans 49 654 13.3 1

2004 New Orleans 94 1,399 14.9 11

While he put up great numbers in the earlier years alongside his teammate on the Saints, Dante Stallworth, they had a pass-first offense even with Deuce McAllister at running back. At the same time, missing of the entire 2008 season along with his diminished production over the past few years, puts him in the same boat as D.J. Hackett and Drew Bennett. Furthermore, there is every reason to believe that the Ravens younger receivers will only improve with game exerience, while these guys are on the downward slopes, even spirals of their careers.

I'll take potential over experience, especially with ther higher risk of injury along with their poor recent numbers.

Baltimore Ravens' WR Tryouts - D.J. Hackett vs. Drew Bennett

Bruce Raffel — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:27:19 -0000

The Baltimore Ravens are holding a closed door, private tryout for four wide receivers this Friday at their Owings Mills Training Complex. Reportedly, there are four receivers attending the session, but only two names have been released to the public so far. Both D.J. Hackett and Drew Bennett are veteran receivers, but are they the guy that the Ravens need to either fill the void left by the alleged retirement of Derrick Mason, or even as another body for additional depth at the position?

Let's take a look at their stats in comparison over the past few years:

D.J. Hackett: Age: 28; 6'2", 208 lbs.; Experience-6th season

Year Team Rec. Yards Avg. TD's

2008 Carolina 13 181 13.9 0

2007 Seattle 32 384 12.0 3

2006 Seattle 45 610 13.6 4

Hackett's rookie year was 2004, but he didn't get in a game. The 2006 season was his best year, but while that type of production might be an upgrade for a number 3 or 4 wideout, it is certainly nothing to warrant a better move than what we already have in camp.

Drew Bennett: Age: 30; 6'5", 196 lbs.; Experience-9th season

Year Team Rec. Yards Avg. TD's

2008 St. Louis 1 4 4.0 0

2007 St. Louis 33 375 11.4 3

2006 Tennessee 46 737 16.0 3

Bennett's best year was in 2004, when he played all 16 games and was QB Steve McNair'sfavorite target, catching 80 passes for 1,247 yards, a 15.6 average with eleven TD's. However, he's dropped off significantly every year since then and was injured and missed most of last season, leaving me to wonder that at age 30, is he durable enough to make a difference?

The bottom line to me is that neither of these guys poses enough of an upgrade to warrant their addition to this roster. If Mason does indeed retire, then Mark Clayton would move to the number one slot and one of these guys figures to be the second option for QB Joe Flacco. That pushes guys like Demetrius Williams and Marcus Smith, who figure to get the most reps (without either or Bennett on the team) down on the depth chart and unnecessarily retards their growth and any legitimate opportunity to show the coaches (and fans) whether they have what it takes to be worthy of starting in the NFL. This would be a mistake, in my opinion, and the only way I'd support that philosophy was if they went out and got a true number one via the trade and we all know that's just not happening. Besides, as we've debated here on The Beatdown so often, the aquisition of an Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall would surely signal the future departure of a Jared Gaither or Haloti Ngata, based on the salary requirements it would require to keep them all as Baltimore Ravens.

Over the next day or so, we'll find out the other players being brought in to make enough of an impression on the coaching staff to sign a contract. However, don't expect any major names to appear at The Castle anytime soon, and more than likely the team will turn its eye on what they already have, with a glance to keep abreast of what other teams are releasing once roster trimming begins next month prior to the regular season.

Poll

Which WR would you rather have join the Baltimore Ravens?

D.J. Hackett

115 votes

Drew Bennett

183 votes

Neither

217 votes

515 votes | Poll has closed

Projected Panthers 2009 Depth Chart: Receivers

Revshawn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:00:20 -0000

The Carolina Panthers boast one of the best receivers in the league, and also one of the shortest in Steve Smith. You look at the rest of the top receivers in the league, and they all hover around a height of 6-2 or 6-3. Meanwhile Steve Smith is only 5 foot 9, and he's playing among the best of them like it's no big deal. Until he retires, he's going to be one of the top receiving threats that the Panthers have, while the rest of the guys are just fighting to keep up with him. That's the way you describe our receiving core, and this year will be no different.

Steve Smith - Projected 1st receiver - 5,9 185 pounds (9th year, Utah)

Steve Smith was drafted in 2001, the year the Panthers had possibly the best draft in their history. Taken in the 3rd round, all of the draft gurus had already pinned him as a return specialist, for there was no way a person at his height was going to be able to be a productive receiver in the NFL right? 40 times, college production, and all of the statistics all thrown out the window they took one look at his height and his draft stock flew down the drain.

Steve Smith set out in his career to prove them wrong. 4 Pro Bowls, 5 years with 1000+ yards, and all in a career that isn't hardly half over yet. Steve Smith is a deep ball threat on every down with his speed, yet he has the possession skills to make shutdown corners look silly in the short game. If the game is on the line and the Panthers are behind then you no problem. Steve Smith has shown time and time again that he has the ability to catch balls in double coverage and save the game for you in the end.

Steve Smith 2008 Highlights (via AMadden13)

With a six year contract extension signed in 2007, Steve Smith looks to be a Panther for life. It goes without saying that he will be the starter in Week 1. No one will question that. He is a natural leader whose presence cannot underestimated in the locker room or on the field.

100% Possibility to start

Muhsin Muhammad - Projected 2nd receiver - 6,2 215 pounds ((14th year, Michigan State))

Moose is a household name in Carolina. He is our current record holder in almost every career record in the receiving category we have as a team, and besides a 3 year stint in Chicago he has played in Carolina his entire career. He hasn't been exceptionally awesome. He's only had 3 seasons with 1,000+ yards in the regular season, one Pro-Bowl appearance. However, he has been consistent, and the blocking skillset he brings to the table is something a lot of other people don't catch onto when they look at Moose. Breaking off a big run is much easier when there is a big physical receiver to take out a safety or a corner out of the play. He's a good part of the reason that Deangelo Williams had his breakout year, and one of the reasons he will stay a starter on the Carolina offense in spite of being 36 years of age.

Does Moose stand to break 1,000 yards this season? Probably not. In spite of his rapport with Jake Delhomme, our running game is just too great to figure Moose getting much over 60 receptions again in his career. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will get the ball early and often with our coaching staff in remembrance of that fateful 5 INT day by Jake Delhomme. Their success sets up the deep ball game perfectly with Steve Smith once the safeties get sucked up in the running game, and Moose is left with possession catch duties when the Panthers are stuck in crucial 3rd down situations as well as the odd pass here and there.

I would imagine a 55+ reception year for the aging veteran in which may be his final year with the Panthers, depending on whether or not the following receiver is ready to take over.

80% possibility to start, 95% possibility to make roster

Dwayne Jarrett - Projected 3rd receiver - 6,4 219 pounds ((3rd year, USC))

While his USC teammate Steve Smith has went on to win a Super Bowl in his rookie year with the Giants, Dwayne Jarrett has yet to nail down his starting roster spot even though he was hyped as a tough, physical that could have went in the 1st round if he had a better pro-day showing and a faster 40' time. So far, he's been a disappointment. Dwayne Jarrett didn't get the start over Keary Colbert in his rookie year, and since then he has been reduced to slot receiver duties until further notice. In 2009, it's going to be even harder for him to hit the field thanks to the success of Double Trouble keeping the 3 WR set off the field.

However, there is some reason to hope.

Dwayne Jarrett is entering his 3rd year, which is the traditional time for receivers to break out and have a big year. Dwayne Jarrett is not without talent and playmaking ability, as he flashed last year with a couple of 3rd down receptions in the game against the Chargers, leading to a dramatic conclusion we all remember and treasure deep in our hearts. Finally, he will not have D.J. Hackett stealing snaps from him on 3rd down so he will be able to see the field more and finally start flashing those physical catches in traffic that we drafted him to see.

This is a make or break year for Jarrett. If he has a strong showing, the Panthers will take him under their wings as the 2nd receiver for now and for the future. If not, except the Panthers to work harder to sign that contract extension for Julius Peppers so that they can free up some cap space to search for Dwayne's replacement in FA. Dwayne Jarrett will make the team this year, but what happens after that is up for his play on the field to decide.

Dwayne Jarrett has an outside chance to start if he shows signs of improvements and Moose takes a heavy step back. If not, expect John Fox to go with the longtime veteran.

20% chance to start, 100% chance to make roster

Ryne Robinson - Projected in 5 WR set/Kick Returner - 5,9 179 pounds (3rd year, Miami)

Like Dwayne Jarrett, Ryne Robinson is at a crossroads with the Panthers. Drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft, he was taken in hopes that he would provide a reliable return man for the Panthers. Instead, he was inconsistent in his rookie year and suffered an injury the following year that put him on IR. With Mark Jones leaving via free agency, Ryne Robinson has one more chance to prove that he can contribute to the team.

As a receiver, Ryne Robinson is a small, speedy guy. He's not going to win many jump balls, but he has that speed that can stretch the defense and give defensive backs some trouble. However, he needs to improve his hands and hold onto the football better, as he was the result of two fumbles in his limited time as a rookie. With a little work he can be a contributor in the 5 WR set.

He is also expected to return to his kick return and punt return duties in 2009. Don't expect for him to keep them long though if he struggles early in the preseason. Jonathan Stewart has experience in kickoff returns and did well in the Pac-10, and Jason Carter along with a few other receivers have the skills needed to try out as well. Ryne has flashed the skills to do his job well near the end of his rookie year, but he needs to prove that he can be more consistent for the Panthers to commit to him long-term.

95% chance to make roster

Jason Carter - Suspected in 5 WR set/Kick Returner - 6,0 205 pounds (3rd year, Texas A&M)

Jason Carter started his career with the Vikings in 2006. He stayed on their practice squad and made it onto the active roster near the end of the year before being cut at the 07 training camp. Then he came to the Panthers, and Jason Carter turned some heads and amazed the fans in training camp. It would have been enough for him to make the team, but then he blew out his knee and ended up on IR for the year. In 2009, it looks to be another developmental year for the young receiver, and he may develop into a long-term answer at slot receiver if Dwayne Jarrett takes the #2 spot later on.

Jason Carter made his mark in training camp with his speed. Excellent hands, he'll soar up and make some circus catch that makes you scratch your head and wonder how he did that. And once again, he has that 3rd year breakout label working for him too. I'd be very surprised if he's cut at the end of training camp, Jason Carter should continue to rise into the roster and make the team through one reason or another, whether it be Punt Return, Kick Return, or another man on the 5 WR set. He is a playmaker, and it would be a waste for him to ride the bench.

80% chance to make the roster

Kenny Moore - Suspected WR - 5,11 195 pounds (2nd year, Wake Forest)

With Mike Goodson being tried out for the slot receiver position, Kenny Moore's roster spot has been put into doubt. He will have to fight hard to prove worthy of being kept by the Panthers. The ceiling of our other wideouts are far too high, and if Mike Goodson can prove himself to be a capable receiver it would make Kenny Moore obsolete, and he would be cut so the extra spot could be used at other positions. Depending on how Goodson performs, it's a virtual coin-flip on whether or not he makes the final roster. Will the Panthers go with 5 wideouts and accept Mike Goodson as a 6th? Or will they elect for 6 wideouts like they have in the past? The job of Kenny Moore hangs in the balance.

50% chance to make the roster

Larry Beavers - Suspected cut - 5,10 167 pounds (Rookie year, Wesleyan)

Averaged 39.5 yards per kick return and an amazing 29.2 yards per punt return as a senior at Wesley. He has a chance to make the team as a kick and punt returner. Though at 5.10 and 167 pounds, he is extremely tiny for his size. He's going to have to bulk up a bit to withstand the pounding he'll receive from other teams, one good lick will knock this kid out cold.

25% chance to make the roster

Jason Chery - Suspected KR/PR - 5,11 185 pounds (Rookie year, Louisiana-Lafayette)

A fellow Rajun Cajun from the same school as Panthers Jake Delhomme, Jason Chery declined offers from the Steelers and the Saints after the draft to sign an offer with the Panthers. A little-known player that was on the rise as the draft approached, he didn't manage to crack the 7th round. He listed Carolina as his choice mainly because he believed that Carolina would be his best bet to make the team as a Punt or Kick returner. He will attempt to do this during training camp, but with more skilled players ahead of him the chances of him making it are very little. He seems destined to make the practice squad on some team.

20% chance to make the roster

Kevin McMahan - Suspected cut - 6,2 196 pounds (2006 Mr. Irrevelant, Maine)

After being thrown around from team to team, practice squad to practice squad, the 2006 Mr. Irrevelant makes it to Carolina with a interesting skill set. He's 6,2 and runs a 4.4, yet he's never been able to put it all together to be a starter in the league. His desire to play the game is questionable, he once left a game while playing with the Raiders because he had bit his tongue. Seems like just another camp body.

5% chance to make roster

Marcus Monk - Suspected cut - 6,4 222 pounds (2nd year, Arkansas)

Monk is a big body, but he doesn't have the speed to provide for anything other than an endzone possession receiver. Never latched onto a practice squad during his rookie year, which is worrisome. He has a high ceiling as a possession receiver, but not enough to justify keeping him around. Expect him to be cut.

0% chance to make roster