SB Nation User Blog: TheRant

UNLV @ Wyoming Preview

TheRant — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:05:04 -0000

Next Game

Saturday, Sep 26, 2009, 12:00 PM PDT
War Memorial Stadium

TV:NONE

Radio: ESPN 1100 Las Vegas Affiliate

UNLV will open up their Mountain West Conference schedule on Saturday against Wyoming at War Memorial Stadium. The Rebels enter the game with a 2-1 record while the Cowboys are 1-2 with two straight losses to Big 12 opponents.

The battle between the Rebels and Cowboys has been fairly even throughout the teams’ rivalry. UNLV leads the series 9-8, but Wyoming has won four of the last five meetings against the Rebels. Only one of those five has been won by more than an eight point separation.

UNLV travels to Laramie, Wyo. and looks to start the conference season right, but also wants to snap a 19-game road losing streak against conference opponents. UNLV’s last road conference win was against BYU in 2004.

Head coach Mike Sanford stresses the importance of not only winning this first conference game but winning on the road.

"This game… is huge [for UNLV,]" Sanford said. "In order to show that we are a legitimate football team, we need to win on the road. If we want to win at the level we want to compete at, we need to win on the road."

Go-to receiver Ryan Wolfe echoed coach Sanford.

"We are totally focused on Wyoming this week and getting that win on the road," Wolfe said.
As for last week’s come from behind win, the Rebels must put it behind them and move toward becoming a better team.

"We have to put it all together," Wolfe said. "We have shown sides on both sides of the ball of successful play, but we still haven’t put four quarters together in a total game."

Last week against Hawaii, the Rebels defense were exploited, particularly the secondary – resulting in Hawaii throwing for nearly 500 yards.

One part that is finally going well for the Rebels is the quarterback position. Omar Clayton struggled in the first half of last week’s win but was able to lead the team to victory, eventually being named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week.

As for Wyoming, head coach Dave Christensen will be starting true freshman Austyn Carta-Samuels, the first true freshman to start for the Cowboys since 1974. Carta-Samuels was at the helm in last weeks loss to Colorado but still was very efficient. He also came in for relief in the Texas game.

The Cowboys are led on defense by sophomore linebacker Brian Hendrick, who ranks fourth in the nation in tackles. Hendrick had 10 solo tackles against the Buffalo last week and was a part of 18 total tackles.
The Rebels cannot afford to let another team throw all over the field again. The team is ranked 99th in pass defense and it could end up the Achilles heel of the team.

But Wyoming will look to do just that. They run a very similar offense to UNLV. Their only weakness is that their head coach is in his first year and hasn’t been able to recruit the type of players to fit into his system.
The more the Wyoming offense stays on the field, the greater the chance the defense will wear down and allow a big play so the Rebels need to force fourth downs on defense.

Laramie will host the Rebels Saturday at noon. The game is not televised but will air on ESPN Radio at 11 a.m.

UNLV Preview: Rebels host #24 Oregon State Beavers

TheRant — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:16:08 -0000

Next Game

Oregon St. Beavers
@ UNLV Rebels

Saturday, Sep 12, 2009, 8:00 PM PDT
Sam Boyd Stadium

TV: CBS College Sports

Radio: ESPN Radio 1100

Complete Coverage >

The Rebels will host the No. 24 Oregon State Beavers Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium in one of the biggest games the Rebels have ever hosted. The Rebels are 5-23 all-time versus ranked opponents and have not defeated a ranked opponent at home since 1984. The game is not only huge for the Rebels but also for the Mountain West Conference. The Rebels have a chance to knock off a top 25 team.

It would also give the MWC the credit it deserves knocking off a top Pac-10 opponent. A win will help the Rebels gain the necessary momentum for a tough stretch in their schedule. This game is Oregon State’s first visit to Sam Boyd Stadium to play the Rebels since 1991, when Oregon State lost 23-9. The Beavers played New Mexico State in the Las Vegas Bowl in 2003.

ESPN ranks the Rebels as a seven point underdog going into the game. Oregon State finished last season at 9-4 but are only returning seven starters on offense and three on defense. Running back Jacquizz Rodgersleads the Beavers. Rodgers stands only 5-foot-7 but is a shifty and elusive runner. He finished last season with 1,356 yards and 14 touchdowns. Rodgers ran for 103 yards and three touchdowns last week in the Beavers’ win vs. Portland State. Oregon State might be without last year’s top passer Lyle Moevao, who is still recovering from a torn bicep in last seasons bowl game versus Pittsburgh.

Quarterbacks Sean Canfield and Ryan Katzeach threw for more than 100 yards last week against FCS school Portland State. Receiver James Rodgers, brother of the star running back who also stands at 5-foot-7, is the Beavers top returning pass catcher with 607 yards last season but also finished with 400 on the ground. Rodgers has the big play abilities to take it to the house on the suspect secondary at any point, shown by his 87 yard touchdown catch last week. If the Rebels can exploit the Beavers’ defense, it will be through the secondary, who are returning zero starters.

This unit is even less experienced than the unit that finished #79 in the country in 2005. The Beavers’ starting secondary has a combined total of 11 starts; 4 of those are from last week against Portland State. The Beavers’ strength lies in the linebacker core, which returns two starters from last season. For the Rebels to get a victory against the No. 24 team they must be able to stop both Rodgers brothers, especially Jacquizz on the ground.

The Beavers have won 14 of their last 15 games when one of their players rushed for more 100 yards. The Rebels’ offense musts move the ball and use their great receiving core to take advantage of the inexperienced secondary.

Rebels to Open Season Saturday Against Sacramento State

TheRant — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:48:13 -0000

Next Game

Sacramento St. Hornets
@ UNLV Rebels

Saturday, Sep 5, 2009, 7:00 PM PDT

Sam Boyd Stadium

TV: None

Radio: ESPN Radio 1100

Complete Coverage >

The UNLV Rebels open their 42nd season against the Sacramento State Hornets on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium. This will be the first time the football team will play Sac State home or away.

Coach Mike Sanford will try to get the Rebels their fourth straight season-opening victory, something that hasn’t been done in the football program’s history.

The Rebels are 23-7 all time versus the Big Sky Conference and after Saturday will have played every team in the Big Sky except Eastern Washington.

The Hornets gave Colorado State a scare last season but ultimately were defeated 23-20. The message is simple for the Rebels: come out firing on all cylinders on offense and defense to get the win.

"We know we are going to get a big time effort from them," wide receiver, Ryan Wolfe said. "They’re trying to get a name on the board by playing us tough."

Saturday night will be a special night for Wolfe as he will receive the Tom Weisner Award. He will be the first receiver to win the award.

The Weisner award was created in honor of the late Tom Weisner, who was very influential in Rebel Athletics from their inception, until his death in 2002. The award is given to the top senior who exemplifies Tom Weisner’s courage, enthusiasm, dedication and toughness.

"[The Weisner Award is] voted on by the seniors, so it’s big for me to know that I have the respect of my teammates," Wolfe said. "Everything the award stands for, – it’s not only making plays on the field, its more about leadership and toughness you show an everyday basis."

However, Wolfe is not the only Rebel making an impact on his peers.

Starting quarterback Omar Clayton is the first quarterback to start back-to-back openers since Kurt Nantkes in 2003-04.

As for the Rebels’ crowded backfield, look for hard-nosed junior Channing Trotter to get the start in a modified 5-man backfield rotation.

The scouting report on Sac State is incomplete and leaves are a lot of unknowns with this team. The team has many junior college players this year and they use three quarterbacks.

Sac State is also a run-heavy team that could potentially give the Rebels’ previously 110th-ranked rush defense a problem.

The Hornets’ defense will not return many players from last season, so it’s unsure what kind of front they will give the Rebels.

"I think the bottom line is they are a very good and solid program," Sanford said.

"The thing concerning us is the fact they went into Fort Collins and took Colorado State down there to the end. Colorado State had to kick a field goal to win the game. We need to start this off with a win."

According to Sanford, the Rebels need to start the season off with a win.

The season will not get any easier for the Rebels, with the next two home games against Oregon State and Hawaii – expect the Rebels to come out firing on all cylinders.

UNLVs Omar Clayton ready to take Leadership Role

TheRant — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:01:00 -0000

Junior quarterback eager to return after injury last season From a fifth string walk-on to a starting quarterback to the bench with an injury, Omar Clayton has been through it all. The 6-foot-1, 200 pound Clayton joined the Rebels from Normal, Ill. as a walk on. He played his way into a starting role by week eight of the 2007 season.

In Clayton’s first game, he became the first player in UNLV history to exceed 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing in the same game, something even the legendary Randall Cunningham was never able to do. Last season, Clayton won the competition battle with Travis Dixon, who was moved to safety.

The former walk-on put together a tremendous season throwing 1,894 yards with 18 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Clayton’s first interception didn’t come until his 173rd attempt and he finished the season with a school record of a .0155 interception percentage. But things didn’t go as planned late in the season, as Clayton got injured.

Back-up quarterback Mike Clausen finished out the rest of the season. As the Rebels headed into off-season workouts, Clayton was poised to show he was ready to return to form. Coach Sanford said of Clayton,

"The winter conditioning is when he came back from the knee injury and we knew he was 100 percent." Clayton will be surrounded by UNLV’s most talented offense in some time.

"I’m very excited about the depth at wide receiver this year," Clayton said. "Not only the depth but the skill level across the board with these guys."

One receiver of note is starter Ryan Wolfe. Wolfe is a First Team MWC Wide Receiver but the Rebels will need other contributors in big-play Phillip Payne, 6-foot-5 Rodelin Anthony, speedy Michael Johnson and Jerriman Robinson to be successful.

"Obviously we have to utilize Ryan Wolfe and spread the ball around," Sanford said. In coach Sanford’s spread offense, Clayton is a dual threat quarterback: He is able to run and pass effectively, giving the Rebels two dimensions to be successful. "In the offense that we run, it’s part of my job to run the ball and pick up positive yards," Clayton said. "I welcome that with open arms." Sanford loves Clayton’s enthusiasm and style of play but noted Clayton needs to "not take all the hits that running backs take."

"He has to find a way to get down or out of bounds," Sanford said. The Rebels have looked good this offseason and will try to make it above the .500 mark for the first time since 2000.

Don't Crown The Patriots Champions Yet: Tom Brady Has Much To Prove

TheRant — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:07:05 -0000

Note to the Patriots fans: Although I am not a fan of the Patriots I am very interested in the Tom Brady saga. I do hope he regains his form and if so the Patriots are my favorites to win the Super Bowl but it remains to be seen how he will perform throughout the season. This is an article I wrote on the bleacher report. Let me know what you think.

The 2007 New England Patriots finished the regular season with an extraordinary record of 16-0. Not only had the Patriots won every game, becoming the first team to go 16-0 and the first undefeated season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, but they slaughtered their competition in almost every "contest".

Although their undefeated season came to an end with a shocking, to some, loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, the team had made a historic run and appeared to be the front runners going into the 2008 NFL Season.

Fast forward to September 7, 2008 when the NFL world and Patriots fans held their breath as the 2-time Super Bowl MVP lay on the ground clutching his knee in pain. The unthinkable was a reality as the almighty, poster boy of the NFL, Tom Brady was carried off the field and later placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

The Patriots, under the inexperienced yet surprising Matt Cassel, went on to finish the season 11-5 but missed the playoffs. Cassel thrived under then offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels system, leaving the Patriots with a sufficient backup plan if Tom Brady wouldn't be fully healed for the 2009 season.

Matt Cassell was traded from the Patriots to the Kansas City Chiefs for a second round pick in this years NFL draft. Did this mean New England and Bill Belichick had enough confidence that Tom Brady will be fully healed and ready to go for the 2009 season?

The Patriots must be sold on Brady's progress because backups Kevin O'Connell and Matt Gutierrez have attempted 7 passes COMBINED. At least Matt Cassel had 39 career attempts going into the season, right?

So is Tom Brady really ready to step back out on the field? Word out of New England is Brady practicing without any restrictions and is moving without any problems. The Patriots say will be the same Tom Brady as he was before the injury. I'm not so sure I believe he is 100%. Carson Palmer struggled mightily after his injury, granted Brady was hurt in week one while Palmer was hurt in the playoffs.

The preseason power rankings are all-ready out all over the Internet with the Patriots claiming the top spot in most of them. They have added weapons on offense in RB Fred Taylor, TE Alex Smith, WR's Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway and used 4 second round picks on the defensive side of the ball in addition to signing CB's Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs. A revamped defense should help sure up some of the problems from last season but the defense isn't the main concern for the 2009 Season.

You can argue that the Patriots have more help than last years team thus they are deserving of the top spot but has anyone seen Tom Brady play in a full game yet? Does adding 6 aging veterans and a few rookies to your roster automatically put you as the favorite for Super Bowl XIV? I don't buy it.

I never want to see an injury hurt a players legacy but Brady has much to prove this upcoming season. Will he return to his Pro-Bowl, MVP type form or will he join the ranks of mediocrity?

All eyes are on Tom Brady to perform from the start of training camp till week one and on. The crown shouldn't be handed to the Patriots just yet because Brady has much to prove.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/179273-dont-crown-the-patriots-champions-yet-tom-brady-has-much-to-prove

Reflecting on the 2006 Draft: Williams was the Right Choice

TheRant — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:35:14 -0000

Looking back at the 2006 Draft the Houston Texans were heavily criticized for taking Defensive End Mario Williams over the famous Reggie Bush. Todd McShay said the Texans worst pick was, of course, Mario Williams. McShay's explanation was "Williams is cheaper and fits a much bigger position of need, but passing on USC running back Reggie Bush with the No. 1 overall selection was a mistake that the Texans might never live down".

Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN was quoted as saying. "Houston could have chosen USC tailback Reggie Bush, but instead got sloppy drunk on "measureables" and potential rather than actual production. Hel-lo, did you see how many contrails and broken ankles Bush left behind this season?". Looking back Gene, I think the Texans may have been sober making the decision. Maybe the Texans should have drafted QB Vince Young?

If I'm the Texans, I'm laughing at the Saints and Titans right now. Reggie Bush has been a great slash player but as a starting #1 running back, he cant carry the load. He has more yards receiving than yards rushing with a 3.7 yards per carry average over his career. Not bad for a backup running back, slot receiver and kick returner but for the #2 pick in the draft who was supposed to be this All-Mighty Player who will revolutionize the NFL. Looking at statists Reggie Bush has 7 carries over 20 yards and 1 over 40 yards as compared to DeAngelo Williams, who has 25 carries over 20 yards and 6 over 40 yards and went 25 picks later. If I'm a general manager today and had the choice I'm taking Williams at #27 over Bush at #2 in a heartbeat.

The drunk sloppy decision of Mario Williams has produced 14 and 12 sacks the last two years since his disappointing rookie season. In 2008 his stats were comparable to Julius Peppers of the Panthers and Jared Allen of the Vikings, both of whom are two of the best DEs in the NFL.

Williams has been one of the most scrutinized #1 draft picks in the last decade. After a disappointing rookie season, that showed few signs of superstar and more signs of bust, Williams has come into his own. At 6-6 283 and 24 years old, Williams will look to continue his path to being a dominant force in the NFL.

The Texans took a lot of head for making the decision but looking back at it, it was the right decision HANDS DOWN.

Smith or Stafford...I'll tell you the right choice

TheRant — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:19:54 -0000

Detroit Lions fans, keep your head up because fortunately for you, the only place you can go is up. Detroit hasn't been the best of places for football in recent years. Just think Matt Millen won't be drafting Joey Harrington at #3, or maybe a whole bunch of wide receivers when there are A LOT of glaring needs. The Lions have already been hitting with their offseason moves. The most important being the signing of head coach Jim Schwartz, who is going to bring a toughness and an edge to a team that has been lack luster in recent years. Peterson, Henry, Jackson and Buchanon bring a new look to a defense that allowed 30+ points, a record high, 11 times. The Lions have needs all over the field, and believe it or not, Schwartz knows this. He also knows that if he takes a quarterback and he fails, Schwartz just lost himself a career as a NFL head coach but if he takes a quarterback and he excels, he's a genius (ie, Mike Smith of the Falcons). Last year Tony Sparano and the Miami Dolphins knew of this situation and passed on QB Matt Ryan and took LT Jake Long.

This wasn't necessarily a bad move looking back at Ryan's rookie season but it helped both coaches in their first season tremendously. The Dolphins were able to get themselves a fine LT who will anchor their offensive line for the next decade and address their quarterback situation with a veteran QB and drafting a quarterback in the second round (Chad Henne, Long's teammate at Michigan)

For the Lions, first and foremost, there are very few people sold on Matthew Stafford and when your going to throw at least 72 million dollars over 6 years (which is what Matt Ryan got at the #3 pick in last years draft) as a management and coaching staff, you better be 100% sure that this is your guy. If not your team can be cash strapped for a few years and someone is going to lose their job. If your Matthew Stafford, you better be ready for all the big lights and criticism because every small, wrong move you make people will jump on you in an instant. Are the Lions going to take a risk at a quarterback with the #1 pick and if he fails then once again becoming the laughing stock of the NFL? I think the people in Detroit are tired of quarterbacks making bold predictions (Goodbye Jon Kitna) and want to win some games and turn around a franchise that has been pretty dismal as of late.

Looking at the prospects who came in for visits; Stafford, Smith, Curry and Raji, who or what seems to be the most logical choice? If I'm the Lions at #1 I'm going to take Smith. ( I wont take Curry because thats way too much money for a linebacker that may only play two downs or Raji who can't keep his weight down). Why not? He is a big and athletic tackle who has experience at TE. Not only do you have Gosder Cherilus at right tackle but putting Jason Smith at left tackle gives you a pretty good outside of the offensive line. Although Dante Culpepper might not be the long term solution, he doesn't have to be. There was a time when he was a $100 million quarterback, and a sought after commodity in Minnesota. Those days are long gone but he still has enough in the tank to be a mediocre quarterback. If not, Jeff Garcia and Byron Leftwhich are still out there. If you need someone to come in and play well enough to win games you can get a veteran from the streets. Its better to risk it on a proven veteran than a rookie who is going to get a HUGE contract. Not to mention that there might or might not be a quality offensive lineman around at #20 but what if Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman (who could be this years Joe Flacco) are still available? Do you wait 19 picks and draft a quarterback who may be as good or better than Stafford in the long run? Josh Freeman could possibly be a great pick at #20 if he plays well enough to win games and his contract will be much smaller than paying a quarterback at #1. Freeman or Sanchez could just be a possibility but if Schwartz has enough confidence in Drew Stanton it is a possibly he could be the #2 guy until the team is ready to draft a quarterback. I feel the Lions have too many needs to draft a quarterback #1. If he is a bust, the Lions have failed again and are the same old Lions. But, if the Lions go with the safe pick in Smith and don't draft a quarterback, who will have HIGH expectations to bring this team back from day one, they can develop the team to the point where they are a quarterback or one player away from being fielding a competitive team.

In addition to drafting a quarterback or bringing in a veteran free agent (which isn't likely), Jay Cutler still seems to be a strong possibility. The Lions have the most ammunition to trade to get Jay Cutler. I'm pretty sure if I were in the situation I would take Jay Cutler over any of the quarterbacks available in this years draft. The Lions might not even need to give up their #1 pick to attain Cutler. John Clayton previously said on ESPN Radio that the Lions seem to be the most logical choice in a Cutler trade. If I'm Jim Schwartz, I'm going to draft Smith at #1 and give my #20 and maybe another number two or whatever it takes to get Cutler in a Lions uniform. If the Lions have two first round offensive tackles, Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson and Jay Cutler on offense with the additions on defense then this team CAN make little noise especially in the NFC North.

So I end with this, the Detroit Lions have made significant moves this offseason for the betterment of their Franchise. I believe that they will keep going in this direction and with a few right moves in the next coming weeks, will have a legitimate shot at not being the same old Lions anymore.

Poll

If you were the Lions and had to chose between these two players, who would you draft at the #1 overall spot?

QB Matthew Stafford Georgia

12 votes

OT Jason Smith Baylor

84 votes

96 votes | Poll has closed

Spending $72 million dollars on 3 free agents and cutting staff? Daniel Snyder what are you doing?

TheRant — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:25:18 -0000

As a fan of professional sports and especially the NFL, I ask myself, what is this world coming to? I just dont get it. Daniel Snyder, a man known to throw his money around freely, will pay a overhyped cornerback 6 years $55 million dollars, give a previously employeed offensive guard a 5 year $27 million, and sign a defensive tackle to a $100 million dollar contact after ONE dominant year. This is a total of 182 MILLION dollars spent this offseason. So why do the Washington Redskins fire 30 workers inside the organization? Am I the only one so outraged by this? Daniel Snyder will fire these 30 or so workers who work hard for the Redskins but will pay out all of this money to 3 players who may not be worth their contracts. Espn reported Dan Snyder and his right-hand man, Vinny Cerrato, were back to their wild-spending ways Friday, guaranteeing Haynesworth $41 million and Hall a paltry $22.5 million. Also $8.5 million went to Dockery. Between Dockery, Hall and Haynesworth that is $72 million dollars in signing bonus. The Washington Post reported the second wave of cutbacks included at least six fulltime employees and at least four seasonal employees, and all of the interns who worked in that department. Why is it so necissary to cut employees of a NFL franchise with an estimated worth of $1.538 billion, according to Forbes' annual rankings. Not only that but they play in the NFL's largest stadium and have sold out every home game since the 1960s.

So why in a depressing economy do you have to cut the jobs of hard working individual when you are spending $72 million in signing bonuses? I understand if you are a conservative franchise and not spending in free agency but the team that is tossing cash around like its monopoly money is cutting jobs? Not only did the Redskins cut staff but they did not even release a public statement! A quick public statement thanking the individuals for their time and efforts for the organization. This shows the kind of man Daniel Snyder really is. He owns the Redskins and Johnny Rockets, he is the Chairman of the board of Six Flags Amusement park and the primary investor of Red Zebra Broadcasting. If firing 30 workers equaled the $72 milion dollars spent or the $182 million dollars spent on the three contacts of Dockery, Hall and Haynesworth then I'm all for the firing and laying off but I'm gonna go off on a limb and say I dont think the contracts of the 30 ppl equal half of that money.

Daniel Synder is an example of someone I really would not want to work for. If he wants to shell out all the money to make his team better, I'm all for it but if you are going to fire individuals who are a fraction of the money you spent on free agents, something is wrong.

The Jay Cutler Situation- An Outsiders Perspective

TheRant — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:14:59 -0000

Although, I am not a Denver Bronco fan (hang with me), I root for Jay Cutler. This is one situation that has me so intrigued and entertained that every time I open a text from 79710, which is ESPN's NFL Update, I'm hoping it is a Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels soap opera story. It all starts with Mike Shanahan, who had to be the scapegoat in this NFL era where if you dont win every year someone must not be doing their job right. Shanahan was a quarterback when he played and he coached some of the greats like Steve Young and, of course, John Elway. After John Elway, he needed someone to bring his offense back to the glory days. He fell in love with a guy with a huge arm from Vanderbilt. Jay Cutler was a surprise pick by many after the team made it to the AFC Championship the year before.

Moving forward, Cutler took over the starting position his rookie season. The comparisons to Elway or the "next coming" of Elway started. (Cutler has said he has the best arm in the history of the Denver Broncos). After not finishing the season strong and not winning games in which they should have, Mike Shanahan is fired. This lies the problem because on Jan 11, 2009 Josh McDaniels is hired to bring the high powered offense back to Denver. But, McDaniels runs a system. The same system former Patriot offensive coordinator Charlie Weis installed as offensive coordinator of the team. The Patriots have run the Erhardt-Perkins system since 2000. Since its installation, they have won 3 Super bowls with some guy who slipped into the 6th round named Tom Brady. There is no doubt in my mind that New England saw something that Tom Brady could provide them in A SYSTEM that every other team passed up for 6 1/2 rounds didnt see. The Patriots did the same thing drafting Matt Cassell in the 7th round of the 2005 draft. Do you really think that Josh McDaniels is going to ditch the Patriot way and the Erhardt-Perkins system just because Mike Shanahan's Jay Cutler is a Denver Bronco. Absolutely not, McDaniels is going to do what he has learned in his brainwashing tenure with the Patriots and that is win with a quarterback who will run HIS system. If he feels Jay Cutler cant run what he wants to do to be successful, he will get rid of him. I dont blame McDaniels for trying to get the guy who got him his first NFL Head Coaching job in Matt Cassell. McDaniels is installing the Patriot way into Mile High Country and putting fear into players in the locker room rather than letting the players say this is their team. As Bronco fans, people should think whatever it takes to win and get back into the playoffs. If that means trading Jay Cutler for draft picks or some other need, then so be it. The Broncos have made some major upgrades to a suspect defense but it isnt going to be enough to take the Broncos immediately to the Superbowl. McDaniels knows this. Jay Cutler may need to take the backseat and just play football. McDaniels and Cutler could both suffer from this situation. Cutler may be unhappy playing in Denver if the situation isnt resolved and if McDaniels trades Cutler, he better start praying he has someone who is gonna win him some games or he will be scrutinized for years to come.

Unfortunately for Cutler, the NFL is a BUSINESS and its something he has to deal with. Either way, Cutler will still have to lace up the cleats and McDaniels will be pressed to win games whether Cutler is a Bronco or not.

Wide Receiver.... Your Thoughts?

TheRant — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:28:30 -0000

With the departure of Wide Receiver Nate Washington, who had 104 catches 1,705 yards and 12 touchdowns in his years of service with the Steelers, the Steelers are left with an unproven #3 wide receiver. Last years second round pick Limas Sweed, who had an unimpressive 6 catches and numerous drops in 11 games of work, is the new #3 or so it seems. Do the Steelers want to force a player who consistently dropped balls and missed assignments (except for the one huge crack back he had on the Ravens) in his first season of work to fill the role of the #3 receiver of the defending Super Bowl Champions? I dont think the Steelers want to do that. I feel as though Limas has potential but I don't feel he is ready for such a big step. Not only that but who will be the fourth option? Will it be inexperienced Dallas Baker? The Steelers are one of the best run organizations not only in Football but ALL of sports. They bring in very few free agents and when they do almost all are major contributors. The Steelers have brought in veteran Joey Galloway to the South side for a visit. Galloway has visited three teams: The Steelers, the Bills and the Patriots. The Bills have signed T.O. and the Patriots traded for Greg Lewis from the Eagles. Things could be in the Steelers corner when offering Galloway, who is still said to run in the 4.3's, a contract. Galloway's speed give the Steelers another deep threat and a proven #3. Additionally, ESPN insider believes the Steelers may be interested in wide receiver Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams, who will most likely be released before a roster bonus kicks in later this month. Holt will certainly draw more interest than Galloway and the Steelers will not get into a bidding war over a 32 year old coming off one of his worst seasons of his career. Holt may still have a year or two left in the tank after posting consecutive 93 catch seasons in years before. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison is still on the market but his demands for a high dollar contract have turned teams away and the Steelers interest is slim to none.

So where do the Steelers go with the need of a wide receiver? I don't anticipate drafting another receiver high in the draft after spending a second round pick on Limas last year. The Steelers have an aging but productive defensive line and a mid-round draft pick would probably be spent on a defensive need rather than a wide out. The Steelers will probably lure a veteran to play the #3 option and use Limas more as the season progresses. Also, more of the double tight end set will be used with the emergence of Matt Spaeth as not only a blocker but an occasional pass catcher. Spaeth posted 17 total catches with 12 of those in back to back games against the Colts and the Chargers. The all-around Health Miller, who caught 48 passes in 14 games, should catch an additional 10 to 15 passes this season without Nate Washington in the lineup.

Whichever direction the Steelers decide to go, it will be a productive one. Again, the Steelers are one of the best run organizations in all of sports and with one of the best management staffs in the business a decision will be made without the Steelers missing a beat on offense.