SB Nation - Donte Stallworth

Game Recap: Patriots defeat Panthers, 20-10 and find new identity

MaPatsFan — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:57:10 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

"We knew he was going to shut it down," Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble told me after the game. "That's what we wanted to do him. That's what we did. ... He'd just give up a lot ... Slow down, he's not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell, his body language." Gamble continued ... "I know everyone who plays against him, they can sense that. Once you get into him in the beginning of the game, he shuts it down a little bit."

Uhmm... Didn't Chris Gamble's team, like, LOSE?!? These are very tall words from a guy who contributed yet another L to his team's record. When he's watching the Patriots in January, maybe he can take solace in Randy Moss' bad day against the Panthers. Yeah, that's the ticket. Until then...SHUT.YOUR.PIE.HOLE!! My personal opinion? Moss doesn't dog it so much as change his speed and rhythm to throw DB's off. Did he have a rough day against the Panthers? Yep. How about Miami? Sure. But when you're the ONLY deep ball threat on a team, the opposition comes gunning for you. That's a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders. Doggin' it? Please...

It was an ugly win but a win none the less. Would I have preferred stellar, blowout, 2007-type play? You betcha. Would I have loved to see Moss connecting with Wonderboy on a long bomb or two? Sure. Is it going to happen this year? I don't think it will. So what do we have? What's going on that leads us to a glimmer of hope for the current incarnation of the New England Patriots?

I wrote at the beginning of training camp that I was so tired of all the hoopla surrounding Tom Brady's return. I was so sick of the ESPN/SI/Whatever... lovefest that I wanted to vomit. Every rival blogger I corresponded with would ask me what I thought and my catch phrase was, "Cautiously optimistic." The media billed the return of Tom Brady as the Return of the King (my guess is the Hobbits were named Wes and Julian, but I digress). Bleh. In reality, this is a team that for the first 2/3 of the season struggled to be a 2007 incarnation of itself. The difference? There were many, but I'll give you 2: Jabbar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth.

Neither of them is a stellar receiver, but they were lethal as #3 and #4 guys. Put Moss, Welker, Gaffney, and Stallworth on the field and you likely witnessed grown men on the opposition soiling themselves. Technically, it's called "spreading the field". I called it a freakin' JSF aerial assault. The biggest threat today? Well, other than Wes Welker, who's making a case for the best wide receiver of 2009, you have ~~special teamer~~ Sam Aiken and rookie Julian "Broken Forearm" Edelman. Hmm... What could be wrong, what could be wrong?

I had every intention of writing a full fledged game recap with stats and play-by-play analysis and things and stuff, but my ADHD brain got in the way (did you know the third of an Aminor is a C?). Where was I... Recap, things, stuff... Oh Yeah! This is a team that has struggled all year to find its identity. The absolute "broadside of a barn" misses with Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway cost us dearly. The loss of veteran RB Fred Taylor cost us dearly. Playcalling lost its creativity. I truly felt like this team was a ship without a rudder. Until this past Sunday, that is. No, I'm not delusional enough think the ship has been righted, but I do think they're beginning to find their way. Why? Read on, my captivated friends.

For most of the season, we have complained this team can't finish a game. They wrack up a crapload of points in the first half and then fizzle out in the second. We've seen it time and time again in big games against the Colts and Dolphins, to name a few. And it was true. Our New England Patriots seemed to have ZERO staying power. This past Sunday, however, I saw something that gave me hope. It was a running game. Bill Belichick has finally realized that his passing attack is not what it used to be, that Tom Brady bombs to Randy Moss are not going to work. So he put Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk to work. They ate turf, they fought, they grinded to the tune of 187 yards and 1 TD. Finally, coach Belichick didn't abandon the running game. Oh, and did I mention TE Benjamin Watson scored the other TD? I have been whining that Brady needs to find Watson more often and gets the ball to him for 6. Coach? Call me anytime. Keep it coming, would be my advice.

Only time will tell, but I think they're finally finding their identity. They're abandoning 2007 and facing the cold, hard reality of what they have to work with. Let's hear it for the 2009 Patriots!!!

Tennessee Football All-Decade: Wide Receiver

Will — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:40 -0000

by Nick Wass - AP

Hey, we know that guy!

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Four players who each put up four spectacular individual seasons this decade, and who have each gone on to reasonable levels of success in the NFL. Two played together in one of the most dangerous Tennessee passing attacks of all-time (we're skipping tight end in the voting, because we think Jason Witten's got it covered). One played with Peyton Manning and earned a championship ring before becoming the go-to guy at the turn of the century. And one waited three years to get going - a pattern he's also followed in the NFL - but his final season was one for the ages.

Cedrick Wilson, Donte' Stallworth, Kelley Washington, and Robert Meachem. Between them are more than 5,000 career receiving yards, and four great individual performances in the last ten years. As continue our look at the Tennessee Football All-Decade Team, we again examine the candidates and leave the final vote up to you...

Cedrick Wilson

Here's another guy that this vote requires some separation with. The Memphis native played as a freshman with Peyton Manning before moving into a starting role during the 1998 National Championship season, in which he had key touchdown receptions against Georgia and in the SEC Championship Game. With Peerless Price's graduation, Wilson became Tennessee's go-to receiver in 1999, playing again with Tee Martin.

But in 2000, Martin was out and Wilson was left with the group of Joey Matthews, AJ Suggs and eventually freshman Casey Clausen. In the first half of the year, the Vols ran a ton behind Travis Henry and struggled to a 2-3 start. But once Clausen was given the keys, the Vol offense exploded, and so did Wilson. He finished the 2000 season with 62 catches for 681 yards, and a decade best 12 touchdowns. Wilson was taken in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the 49ers, but found his best success with the Steelers: he caught two touchdowns in the playoffs during Pittsburgh's run to the 2006 Super Bowl.

Donte' Stallworth & Kelley Washington

Their story has to be told together, because their one season of great play featured both men side by side. Stallworth was a guy who could never stay healthy, constantly banged up with this or that for his first two seasons. Coaches raved about his talent, but we never really saw it. In the first game of the 2001 season, Stallworth caught a touchdown pass and showed flashes, but broke his hand on a late game onside kick attempt by Syracuse. Stallworth would miss the next three games, and with Wilson having graduated the year before, a huge void appeared in Tennessee's passing game.

Enter Kelley Washington. After trying minor league baseball for four years, Washington enrolled at Tennessee as a 22 year old freshman. Little was expected of Washington because of the fact that he'd been out of football for four years, though his 6'3" 218 lbs frame made you hope he got readjusted to the game sooner than later. The Vols beat Syracuse, then slogged their way to a 13-3 win over Arkansas in a weather delayed game with torrential downpours, meaning Tennessee ran Travis Stephens 41 times and passed very little. Washington was frustrated with his role and was vocal about it through two games, and Tennessee fans wondered what exactly this 22 year old freshman had done to make us care.

9/11 pushed the Florida game back to December, and then #14 LSU came calling. And Kelley Washington responded with the best single game wide receiver performance of not just the decade, but Tennessee Football history.

Washington caught 11 passes for 256 yards, including a 70 yard touchdown reception that game Tennessee a 19-7 lead in the third quarter. The 256 yards are still a school record, but perhaps even more impressive is the fact that 9 of Washington's 11 catches went for first downs. Late in the game with the Vols trying to seal it, Tennessee called timeout on a third and long. Everyone in the stadium - you and me, Clausen and Washington, Fulmer and Saban - knew where the ball was going. And it didn't matter - Washington pulled in another first down reception, and the Vols got the win.

When Stallworth returned to the lineup against Alabama, Tennessee went from dangerous to lethal. #4 had 5 catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in his return, #15 added 4 catches for 93 yards, and when you also get 7 for 91 from Jason Witten, how do you stop that?

The Vols continued to roll through the 2001 season with only one loss, to Georgia in a game played without Stallworth. Against Kentucky, the Vols needed all the points they could get, and Stallworth's dominance was never more apparent: UK simply had no one who could cover him, and Tennessee erased a 21-0 lead and stayed with Kentucky's pace by throwing deep to Stallworth repeatedly. Donte' finished with 8 catches for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 38-35 Tennessee win.

Adding to their accomplishments, Stallworth and Washington got so much attention from the Florida defense in the epic December battle to close the regular season, Travis Stephens had a field day and Bobby Graham caught 7 passes for 71 yards. Their presence alone helped Tennessee win. Kelley Washington would return the favor in the SEC Championship Game, catching 9 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown...but it would be Stallworth with the game's most costly fumble, with the Vols down 24-20 but driving in the 4th quarter, that helped LSU pull the upset.

In their final performance together, the '01 Vol passing attack was at their combined best, against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl: 8 for 119 for Stallworth, 6 for 70 and 2 TDs for Washington, and 6 for 125 and a TD for Witten. This unit was unbelievable. Stallworth won All-SEC honors, while Washington was a freshman All-American.

Everyone assumed the 22 year old Washington would go pro, where his 6'3" frame would make him a first round draft pick. And everyone assumed Stallworth, who had never been healthy enough to play an entire season, would come back for his senior season. But instead, the duo pulled the double switch: Stallworth went early, running a 4.29 at the combine and being drafted 13th overall. And Washington stayed one more year, citing the fact that his mother wanted to see him keep playing in Knoxville.

In 2002, Spurrier was gone and the Vols were the overwhelming favorite to fill the void at the top of the SEC. Kelley Washington was a Heisman candidate, and fond of telling people that he was the best wide receiver in college football. He was arrogant, and we loved it.

"The Future" - a self-appointed nickname - missed the first two games of '02 with a sprained knee. He couldn't help Tennessee hold onto the ball in the rain against Florida, and though he picked up 197 yards in a win against Rutgers and helped the Vols beat Arkansas in six overtimes, his Tennessee career came to a sudden end at Georgia the following week. After Casey Clausen went down with a shoulder injury in overtime against Arkansas, KDub was slung down on the sideline at Georgia and injured his neck, requiring surgery and ending his season. And just like that, "The Future" was over. As the '02 season continued to spiral downward, Washington fell out of favor with Vol fans.

KDub has been in the NFL since 2003, only now finding real success with Baltimore this season, at age 30. Stallworth was a valuable commodity as a secondary target for several NFL teams, but is currently suspended for the 2009 season following an alcohol-related vehicular manslaughter charge.

Robert Meachem

Meachem followed Stallworth's career path, and followed it well: banged up in his first two seasons, including the frustrating 2005 year in which he was supposed to become the team's go-to guy. But Meachem put all that to rest, and put it to rest immediately, in 2006.

Against #9 Cal and playing in David Cutcliffe's offense for the first time, the Oklahoma native exploded for 182 yards and two touchdowns. He did it again the next week, as the Vols needed all of his 115 yards and both of his 2 TDs to beat Air Force.

Meachem was consistently great in 2006. At Georgia, he caught 7 passes for 98 yards and a score. 6 for 87 in a win over Alabama. 5 for 106 in a win at South Carolina. But with Erik Ainge injured, it was against LSU that he turned in his greatest performance. With the Vols running an offense that could best be described as "Okay Crompton, you throw it up, and Meachem will run under it", the junior wide out made not one, but two spectacular in traffic catches against a great LSU secondary, both for touchdowns. Without Meachem, the Vols are never even in the eventual 28-24 loss.

For the year, Meachem finished with 71 receptions for 1,298 yards. The 71 catches are third all-time at Tennessee. And the 1,298 yards is the school record for single season receiving yards, and the best season of the decade by almost 300 yards.

You've also probably seen Meachem most recently featured in the Saints' offense, where after staying in the shadows for two years with injuries and inconsistency, Meachem has exploded, again, in his third year.

Statistical Comparison

Wilson '00: 62 catches, 681 yards, 12 TDs
Stallworth '01: 49 catches, 940 yards, 10 TDs
Washington '01: 64 catches, 1,010 yards, 5 TDs
Meachem '06: 71 catches, 1,298 yards, 11 TDs

Poll

Who is the Tennessee WR of the Decade?

Prospective Seahawks General Managers: Randy Mueller

John Morgan — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:13:53 -0000

by Don Wright - AP

Randy Mueller traded Chris Chambers to San Diego for a second round pick. Chambers was recently released by the Chargers.

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I am saving Sunday's tape analysis for the offseason. Just like last offseason and the two that preceded it, I will scout every important player on the Seahawks roster, cite specific plays from the season that exemplified that player's strengths and weaknesses and project their future within the organization.

Yesterday was filled with so much defeat, complete, non-competitive, Brett Favre benched in the second half, defeat, Seahawks fans deserve a respite. Let us escape from our escape through our escape.

The Tim Ruskell-Mike Holmgren dichotomy is media created foolishness. Holmgren wants back in football. A smaller team, a team that needs the recycled hype and distraction, that is mired in failure and needs anyone, anything to steal the headline from griping and finger pointing, will hire Holmgren.

Paul Allen is a progressive and invested owner. That doesn't put him beyond hiring a general manager he is comfortable with. That is why I start this series with a former Seahawk, Randy Mueller.

Randy Mueller

Mueller cut his teeth with Seattle, working his way up from pro personnel assistant, 1983, to player personnel director, 1990, and finally Vice President of Football Operation in 1995. The signing of Holmgren signaled the departure of Mueller. The two worked together on the disastrous 1999 draft before Mueller became the general manager of the New Orleans Saints.

Mueller drafted Joey Galloway, Shawn Springs, Pete Kendall, Phillip Daniels, Walter Jones, Anthony Simmons and Ahman Green for the Seahawks. He was integral in Seattle escaping Rick Mirer. Mueller traded Mirer to Chicago for a first round pick in 1997.

He went on to work for the Saints starting in 2000. There he helped clean up another coach-executed disaster, flipping Ricky Williams to the Miami Dolphins for two first round picks in 2002. In three season with the Saints, Mueller drafted Marc Bulger, Darren Howard, Kevin Houser, Deuce McAllister, Moran Norris, Donte Stallworth, Charles Grant and LeCharles Bentley.

From 2002 to 2005, Mueller worked for ESPN as an analyst. He signed with the Dolphins in 2005, but then-coach Nick Saban was in charge of personnel decisions. Mueller was in charge for the short period between Saban's resignation January 3, 2007 and Bill Parcells appointment December 19, 2007. The 2007 Dolphins finished 1-15 and Mueller was fired December 31, 2007.

His larger record speaks better of him than his recent work. Mueller might best be described as a fixer. He helps teams escape bad situations and has succeeded at turning high round picks into successful players. He traded Chris Chambers for a second round pick, Wes Welker for a second and seventh round pick (when Welker was a return specialist and part time receiver) and, as mentioned, freed the Seahawks from Mirer and the Saints from Williams. Mueller does not have much experience picking quarterbacks. He did find Marc Bulger in the sixth, and acquired Trent Green for a fifth round pick. Before a brain scrambling hit essentially ended his career, Green was a serviceable quarterback in 2007.

If Seattle is looking to blow up the roster and exchange some of its more valuable players for picks, Mueller is the right guy to dismantle and liquidate. He isn't young, but he is connected. He isn't fresh or sexy, but his record is pretty strong. Mueller is a bridge, and I would think, appeals most to fans that think the Seahawks are not close, not rebuilding, but collapsing; years from contention.

Does Tom Brady have the right targets?

MaPatsFan — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:21:42 -0000

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

Joey Galloway points to where he now sits on game day.

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There are many moving parts to the offense this year. The touchstone seems to be Tom Brady. If he equals Peyton Manning's 4-4 of 2008, I will declare Brady the better quarterback. Manning missed time during the preseason while recovering from bursa sac surgery. Tom Brady missed A WHOLE YEAR recovering from a torn ACL and MCL! To recover from that AND perform on the field is a testament to a guaranteed legend. Tom's was the harder recovery. That can't be argued.

Another factor in the offense? The running game was going gangbusters. Everything was firing on all cylinders and then...BOOM! Our leading rusher, Fast Freddy Taylor, blows an ankle. Back to the Dancing El Mo, Laurence Maroney. At least we have Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Can you say backfield-by-committee? I knew you could.

Everyone is looking for 2007. Or, at the very least, they WERE at the beginning of the season. Tom's back, so this shouldn't be a problem, right? Everything's in place to make another run for it, right? Wrong. Watch Tom in the Denver game. After a few failed attempts to get Randy the ball, he consistently looks for Wes. What's the problem with that? The little engine that can is going to get worn out; he's going to get hammered on a regular basis. And defenses will figure out that if you blanket Randy and Wes Welker, you've taken away Brady's weapons.

Joey Galloway, for all intents and purposes, is a bust. I feel bad for the man because he has to walk into the locker room every day, knowing he's not contributing. He has to travel with the team and not suit up on gameday. That's gotta hurt. Compassion is called for in these situations. Unfortunately, this is a cold, heartless business and us fans are no less heartless. Drop after drop, disconnect after disconnect, and we move on.

Unfortunately, it's not all Galloway. He just happens to be the poster child for an overall lack of on field communication. Take a pass to Wes Welker in the Denver game which appeared to be thrown at his ankles. Brady later went on to explain he was thinking Wes was running one route when Wes made an adjustment based on the coverage he saw. Is it truly only Galloway who's having issues?

The difference between this passing offense and that of 2007 is other receivers. Don't get me wrong. Julian Edelman is no slouch and has a bright future with this team. But he's not Donte Stallworth and he's not Jabar Gaffney. Neither Donte nor Jabar are #1 or #2 guys. On a good day, they're solid #3's. Which is exactly why we were so successful in 2007. Many more capable targets.

When either Randy or Wes were blanketed with coverage, which often happened towards the end of the year, Brady knew he had a high percentage third and fourth look. Teams who didn't respect that got burned. A perfect example of this was the 2007 Ravens game, when Jabar made a toenail scraper of a catch in the fourth quarter to preserve the perfect regular season. After Wes and Randy, there's simply not a lot of wide receiver talent. Sam Aiken is very capable and I get stoked when he catches a good ball, but who else is there...NOW? Julian Edleman is a long-term prospect as is Terrence Nunn and Brandon Tate. Shun White? He owes the government some years of active duty for his Naval Academy education.

We lack a serious third and fourth option for Wonderboy. On 98.5's Felger and Mazz show, a caller asked, "Do you think T.O. would be a good option?" Wait...give it 30 seconds. Now, I have written in the past that I think T.O. is toxic. He's at singer/starlet diva high maintenance level. Maybe even worse than Mariah Carey. But the dude has skills. I'm not lobbying for it, but I'm just saying...

NFL News: Dante Stallworth suspended by NFL for 2009 season

Jim Schmiedeberg — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:49:29 -0000

More photos » by Carl Juste - AP

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The NFL has announced that Cleveland Browns WR Dante Stallworth has been suspended for the 2009 season without pay after pleading guilty to killing a pedestrian in Miami while driving drunk.

Full story from the New York Daily News

Stallworth should consider himself lucky that Roger Goodell was not the judge at his trial, seeing as how he only served 30 days in jail. The Commish might have brought back throwing people to the lions if he was the judge in this case.

Touring SB Nation: It's time for some games

Ed Valentine — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:14:16 -0000

As the NFL exhibition schedule gets into full swing, let's tour SB Nation and see what the other fine football bloggers are talking about.

Blogging the Boys says this isn't the same old Dallas Cowboy training camp.

The current camp doesn't have the glitz and the showmanship that we saw last year. It's more like boot camp. You're there to learn your job, perfect your skills, and learn how to cover your buddies six-o'clock when the bullets are flying. Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett seem to be slugging it out with their best tactics, trying out what works and simultaneously preparing each others troops for the rigors of what will come.

The interviews are more subdued, the players and coaches seem more humble this year.

Valentine's View: The Cowboys, and their fans, have been all talk and no results for years. I will believe things are actually different in Big D when -- at the end of the season -- the results prove it.

This has not been a good camp for the Philadelphia Eagles. Bleeding Green Nation discusses the injuries and an odd situation with a backup quarterback.
Cleveland wide receiver Donte Stallworth has been suspended for the year by the NFL, and Dawgs By Nature says that is no great loss to the Browns.
Indianapolis safety Bob Sanders is hurt again. As good a player as Sanders is, Stampede Blue wonders if Sanders is worth having around since he can't stay on the field.
With Terrell Owens in Buffalo, Bills fans could hardly have expected things to stay quiet. Well, Buffalo Rumblings reports that Owens is hurt and is also wondering how long the holdout by first-round pick Aaron Maybin will last.
Windy City Gridiron is search for a way to get new Bears' quarterback Jay Cutler to stop talking about the Denver Broncos. I'd say just ask Cutler to talk about his throwing arm.
Gang Green Nation has been impressed by the attitude and work ethic of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, if not by his play in training camp.

Sayonara, Stallworth: Browns Receiver Suspended Until After Super Bowl

Chris Pokorny — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:18:03 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

WR Donte Stallworth has been suspended for the entire 2009-2010 season by the NFL.

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Not that any of us wanted WR Donte Stallworth back at some time this season, but for anyone who thought their might be a glimmer of hope that receiver would be in a Browns uniform for the 2009-2010 season, you can forget about it.

After Roger Goodell indefinitely suspended Stallworth about two month ago, he came to a decision less than a week after meeting with him. Stallworth has been suspended for the entire season without pay, and will be re-instated after the Super Bowl. This pretty much ends the short-lived and wasteful career that Stallworth had with the Browns, as he will end up being one of the worst free agent investments ever made by the team.

The following excerpt comes from Goodell in a letter to Stallworth:

"Despite a repeated emphasis on the importance of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, you chose to drive under circumstances where you were legally impaired. And you did so even though safe and confidential alternatives, such as the "Safe Ride" program, were available to you. Your conduct endangered yourself and others, leading to the death of an innocent man. The NFL and NFL players must live with the stain that you have placed on their reputations."

The Browns won't miss Stallworth. Besides No. 1 receiver Braylon Edwards on the roster, the team drafted two receivers in the second round of April's draft: Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi. In addition, veteran receivers Mike Furrey and David Patten were added in the offseason. Other players competing for the receiver position include Joshua Cribbs, Lance Leggett, Paul Hubbard, Jordan Norwood, and Edward Williams.

Ten Patriots for 2009: No. 3, WR Joey Galloway

NESilver — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:42:04 -0000

More photos » by Stephan Savoia - AP

6 months ago: New England Patriots wide receiver Joey Galloway (13) runs from one drill to another during practice at the team's football facility in Foxborough, Mass., Tuesday morning, June 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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The 2007 season brought us the highest scoring offense in NFL history. This was due in large part to our revamped wide receiver corps, headlined by the acquisitions of Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Donte Stallworth was essentially a one-year rental and was gone after that season, and after 2008, we lost Jabar Gaffney when he departed to the Denver Broncos with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. To fill the void left by their departures, we traded a 2009 fifth rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for Greg Lewis and drafted wide receiver Brandon Tate in the third round. We also signed...

Number 3 on our list: Joey Galloway.

People may be skeptical about this pickup, and they aren't without their reasons. After all, Joey Galloway isn't exactly young anymore (are those gray hairs I'm seeing on his beard?). He's 37 years old and he's coming off a season where he only had 13 receptions for 138 yards because of injury.

But what if he's the outside threat we've been looking for to line up on the opposite side of Randy Moss?

As professional athletes get older, it's common for them to lose their speed. Except, all we've been hearing about is how fast Galloway is, even at his age. Peter King is among those who think Galloway could have an impact here in New England (although King says he's 38 years old; he won't be until November):

"Funny to think of in this way, but the key to a great offensive season for New England might actually be the fleet Galloway, who I'm told is running in the 4.4s even at 38. Imagine splitting a healthy Galloway and Moss wide to either side, with Welker in the slot and a good receiver like Kevin Faulk in the backfield. There are going to be some tough coverage assignments for a defense with those receivers playing as a group."

Michael Irvin recently did a nice video breakdown on NFL Network (starting at 4:33) of the experience Galloway brings to the table, comparing his route running to Jabar Gaffney and the way he sold his break better than our former wide receiver did (not too surprising, given that Galloway has been a #1 wide receiver for most of his career). Michael Irvin probably knows a thing or two about running routes.

Randy Moss and Wes Welker have two years of experience under their belts now in the New England offense, and they've both been hyping us up a little describing how much better they can be. Teams know how dangerous these guys are, hence they'll be drawing plenty of double-teams. This could leave Galloway with single coverage, where he can use those kind of moves to get open for Tom Brady. An interesting fact about Galloway is that he's never won a playoff game in his fourteen-year career. How much do you want to bet he's dying to win one here on the Pats?

So what do you think, Pats fans? Are we expecting too much from a 37 year old wide receiver? Do you see Greg Lewis receiving more of the snaps? Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.

Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2009: Wide Receiver Preview (Part 2)

Chris Pokorny — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:35:19 -0000

It's time for Part 2 of the wide receiver preview for the Cleveland Browns, where most of the remaining players will be fighting for a spot on the practice squad. If you missed Part 1 where the potential starters and/or slot receivers were previewed, check it out.

7. SYNDRIC STEPTOE - BACKUP WIDE RECEIVER

Syndric Steptoe (#12)
Height: 5-9
Weight: 200
College: Arizona
Experience: 2 years
Stats: 19 catches in 2008

Your eyes are not deceiving you: Syndric Steptoe, who ended up being the team's No. 2 receiver most of the season, had just 19 catches in 2008. For him to fall to the seventh spot like a footnote this season speaks volumes about just how little of an impact he had last year. The only reason the players beneath him aren't ranked higher is because they don't have NFL experience yet.

After a decent training camp last season, I thought he did warrant a roster spot; he seemed to have improved upon his rookie year and looked like a respectable fifth option, with the option of doubling as a backup returner to Joshua Cribbs. Injuries to Donte Stallworth and Kevin Kasper, coupled with the lack of a return from Joe Jurevicius forced Steptoe into a starting position opposite Edwards. As a starter, Steptoe lacked any ability to create separation, make above average catches, or block. And yet, game after game, even though it didn't seem like we had two receivers on the field, there he was.

It might be harsh to punish Steptoe for being put in a position that he never should've been in, but I'm too turned off to give him another serious look. With more talent in front of him this year, I don't expect Steptoe to be on the roster this season.

Player Potential: D-
Final Roster Odds: 20%

8. PAUL HUBBARD - BACKUP WIDE RECEIVER

Paul Hubbard (#89)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 225
College: Wisconsin
Experience: 2 years
Stats: 6th rounder in 2008

What do we have to go by Paul Hubbard? Not very much. Thanks again to the wonderful roster management of Romeo Crennel, Hubbard spent almost all of last season on the practice squad. That's right -- down to starting players like Syndric Steptoe and Steve Sanders, it was apparently too difficult to give Hubbard a shot, even as a third or fourth receiver. Former Browns GM Phil Savage liked Hubbard's potential last year around training camp:

"Paul has some future in terms of his ability from a size, speed standpoint," Savage said. "Is he there yet? No, but he's got the kind of talent we want to hang onto right now."

That seems to be the consensus on Hubbard -- physically, he had the tools, but was still raw in the other half of the game such as catching and route running. That means that we should know pretty quickly in camp this year what type of contributions Hubbard will be able to make -- if he is making plays left and right, he could shoot up the depth chart quicker than anybody else can. If his only asset remains the fact that he's physically gifted though, then we'll have to see if Eric Mangini believes he can develop him further on the practice squad again.

Earlier in the offseason, rufio offer an intriguing thought on Hubbard:

"Hubbard’s physical tools would make me look at him as a gunner on punts."

Player Potential: TBD
Final Roster Odds: 20%
Practice Squad Odds: 60%

9. JORDAN NORWOOD - UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT WIDE RECEIVER

Jordan Norwood (#2)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 171
College: Penn State
Experience: Rookie
Note: Sleeper

Besides Hubbard, Jordan Norwood will probably be the other "long shot" receiver that everyone pays attention to. He was part of a solid group of receivers at Penn State, and while he wasn't necessarily a "steal" as an undrafted free agent, he was a great "value" acquisition.

Over at our college site, The Rivalry Esq, Norwood was one of the top Big 10 receivers that they previewed from this year's draft class:

Jordan Norwood: The senior had a solid year, catching 41 balls for 637 yards and six touchdowns. This capped a remarkable career in which he never had less than 32 receptions in a season. Norwood showed no fear catching balls in mid-air while being punished by safeties. One problem: He weights 170 pounds. Another problem: He became less effective as the season wore due to hamstring injury. Final problem: Dropped a lot of balls this year, something you shouldn't do when paired with a solid QB like Daryll Clark. Isn't even on some draft charts. NFL Comparison: Eddie Royal (but slower - Royal ran a 4.39 last year at the Combine).

While the assessment above questions Norwood's hands, this next assessment in a workout prior to the draft does not:

Watching the last event, the sports authority hands challenge, the player had to catch 8 balls thrown at nearly 90 miles per hour by jugs, go through some ropes, catch a curl and a fade. Norwood won the event followed by Hakeem Nicks. He was also the only one to catch 8/8 from the jugs, and also did it without flinching again the second time around! Even Nicks, a mocked first rounder, didn't come close to catching all 8. Bottom line: Norwood has amazing hands, is agile, and could be a perfect #3 receiver or a slot guy.

Norwood was also noted by the OBR as having one of the best receptions in camp (subscription required).

Final Roster Odds: <5%
Practice Squad Odds: 75%

10. LANCE LEGGETT - PRACTICE SQUAD WIDE RECEIVER

Lance Leggett (#9)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
College: Miami
Experience: 2 years
Note: Pokorny favorite

Last year, Lance Leggett did a pretty good job in training camp and during the preseason. He didn't have mental lapses, didn't run the wrong routes, or anything else that would warrant a negative review.

The problem that will probably develop with Leggett is the inability to get over the playing time hump, much like what happened to Steve Sanders in the past (before he played briefly last season). Does Leggett possess skills or flash potential superior to Braylon Edwards, Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi, Mike Furrey, and David Patten? While Hubbard may be raw, can Leggett overcome the fact that the coaches are intrigued by his big-play potential? Can Leggett, who was Romeo's UDFA, outshine Norwood, who is Mangini's UDFA and has already been making a lot of noise?

I think Leggett is more polished than the five receivers listed in today's Part II and I like what he has to offer, but I don't expect him to be given as much "respect" as the other players trying out. If it was my practice squad, you'd probably see Leggett and Norwood on it.

Final Roster Odds: >2%
Practice Squad Odds: 50%

11. DEVALE ELLIS - BACKUP WIDE RECEIVER

Devale Ellis (#83)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 170
College: Hofstra
Experience: 3 years
Note: Former Lion

Devale Ellis joined the Detroit Lions in 2007 as an undrafted free agent. He played sparingly, alternating that season on and off the team's practice squad. He finished the year with 4 catches for 41 yards, with his highlight moment being a 48 yard punt return. Ellis tried out for the Lions in 2008, but failed to make the team.

Ellis is a former college teammate of Saints receiver Marques Colston. As a junior when Colston was sidelined for an entire season, Ellis was Hofstra's leading receiver with 74 catches for 1,067 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Based on Ellis' experience, he might have a better chance making the roster if he can contribute on special teams. Even then, his odds are almost slim to none; I probably would've preferred to bring in another undrafted free agent instead.

Final Roster Odds: <0.5%
Practice Squad Odds: Not good

WR Position Quality (from Part 2): D+

This Friday, we will preview the tight end position. With Kellen Winslow over on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Steve Heiden's health in question, the position could certainly shape up to be a lot different than it has been the past few years.

A final word on the wide receiver position, with respect to Donte Stallworth. If his suspension is not for the entire season, if Mangini feels he is in football shape, and if two of the following three players struggle (Brian Robiskie, Mike Furrey, Mohamed Massaquoi) for a good portion of the season, I could see Stallworth returning at some point as our No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. As a receiver, the best way to utilize him is on short routes over the middle and then have him take off with other receivers blocking downfield.

Poll

Which of the following younger receivers is your favorite?

Syndric Steptoe

59 votes

Paul Hubbard

147 votes

Jordan Norwood

253 votes

Lance Leggett

56 votes

515 votes | Poll has closed

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: 100% Chance Of Charlie Batch Ruining My Morning Edition

August West — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:45:54 -0000

More photos » by MARICE COHN BAND - AP

Donte Stallworth was probably going to get to play, but then he got high.

Browse more photos »

LenDale White knows he could sabotage all of his off-season conditioning by pigging out between now and mini-camps in late July, but Lendale is vowing to be under 230lbs. when he weighs in again. In other news I'm still a little hot over LenDale not doing this when he had the starting job on a silver platter and we needed his absolute best in 2007... I just can't let this go that easily.

On the heels of signing Gerald McGrath yesterday, the Titans also announced the signing of 3rd round pick, CB Ryan Mouton to a four-year deal worth between $2.4 million and $3 million. I'd expect the contracts of Marks,Britt and Cook to take a good bit longer though.

ESPN/Football Outsiders scribe Bill Barnwell takes a look at the great unspoken dead-zone of first down conversions: passes right at the sticks. His studies show that you're far more successful going either short or long, but passes right at the first down marker have a significantly less success rate.

Charlie Batch told Mike Florio's 'league source' that there's a 100% chance of a lock-out in 2011. Of course, you're going to hear a lot of BSing (ed. note: is that similar to BBSing?) and posturing over the next year and a half because to show compromise now would lead to getting killed at the negotiating table.

Have you ever considered becoming Beelzebub an NFL agent? Then take some notes from Jack Bechta at The National Football Post, because he's gonna crack an egg of knowledge all over ya.

The Commish just got some ammunition to hammer Donte Stallworth without coming off like an unchecked appellate court bent on doling out populist retribution: Stallworth's toxicology report from that night showed trace amounts of marijuana, which could qualify as a failed test with the league. That's going to be what they pin a monster suspension on, just wait and see.

Now that the slower period of the off-season is upon us your help in finding out of the way Titans stories is more important than ever. If you have a link you'd like to submit for tomorrow's Morning Links email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com! (Be sure to include your commenting handle so I can give you glowing, semi-anonymous credit.)