Have you ever been sitting around your house on Sunday watching the weekly games when, BAMM! Some player you haven't paid much attention to from another team starts making you notice?
I can't say I watch every game of every team, but I do catch my fair share and there are players out there that are impressive. Many of the guys I'm referring to are throwback players who like to hit hard and play with reckless abandon, while some are just very talented players who also are very good at the team concept.
This is part four of an eight part series detailing players that have jumped out at me and made me say, "Man!! That guy would be a good Raider!"
The NFC East is made up with some of the better teams in the league. It's arguably the best division so it's going to be easy coming up with guys, so easy that I'm going to have to leave some guys off the list that would definitely be a good fit, but there's only so much time and space.
Here's what I've done so far and where I'll be going in the next few days:
- Mar. 29 - NFC West
- Mar. 31 - NFC South
- Apr. 1 - NFC North
- Apr. 2 - NFC East
- Apr. 3 - AFC East
- Apr. 4 - AFC North
- Apr. 5 - AFC South
- Apr. 7 - AFC West
Washington Redskins
The talent evaluator for the secondary - Really, whoever this guy is he's pretty good. You'll see that in the next couple of selections, and if you haven't guessed by now, one of them is Sean Taylor (R.I.P.). Although the Raiders have a great secondary, you can never have too many good players or too much talent.
Don't expect many offensive players for this team. They are far too inconsistent or injury prone to make this list. The Redskins are a defensive team and that's why I've picked the following:
S - Sean Taylor: If you didn't know about this guy, you learned after his untimely passing due to a group of thugs looking for an easy score. Teams didn't get an easy score when he was playing. A look at the stats last year shows that he still lead the Redskins in picks (5) in only nine games. He wasn't a finesse guy either, he could lay a hit on the unsuspecting receiver and quite often did.
S - Laron Landry: This kid was as good as advertised. He had 95 tackles in his rookie campaign with 1.5 sacks and 6 passes defensed. He showed that he not only has athletic ability, but a good head for the game as he constantly made it improbable for quarterbacks to hook up deep with their receivers.
LB - London Fletcher: Honestly, I don't want to like this guy. I don't know exactly why, maybe it's the name 'London' or maybe 'Fletcher' reminds me too much of Chevy Chase. Whatever, the guy would be a good Raider. He's played in 119 straight games, and lead the team in tackles last year with 128. That's not all either, he had 13 passes defensed to go along with 3 picks! You may not know this, but only Brian Urlacher, Thomas Howard, and Kirk Morrison were better in passes defensed for linebackers last year.
TE/RB/FB - Chris Cooley: I don't know what position this guy plays, and quite frankly I'm not sure anyone else does either. He's a 'slash' of another type, not the flashy kind. He blocks well, runs well, catches well, and can play special teams if needed. I wonder if he can throw well too? You have to love throwback guys like this, and I do.
OT - Chris Samuels: Even though I thought Norv might have ruined him in his rookie year, he's bounced back from being coached by Norvell quite nicely. Perennial Pro Bowl left tackle, with good technique and balance. He's not afraid to get nasty, and in Oakland that's how we like our linemen to be.
That's it! No Clinton Portis and his funny disguises, no Jason Campbell, no Andre Carter. I didn't forget them, just didn't choose them. Moss was definitely a possibility due to his speed and ability, but I'd like to see more of a consistent passing game to judge that.
Today's Must Reads
Philadelphia Eagles
First off, let me just say that I'd take any of the Raiders top four corner back's over Assante Samuel. Does that make me a bad person? I also want to point out that while I'd pick Donovan McNabb high in a fantasy draft, I'm not sold on his leadership abilities as a quarterback. Does that mean ESPN won't hire me? I also wanted to put Lito Sheppard in this list. Is there anyone else in the league that makes bigger plays? The problem with Lito is he's got C-Wood syndrome, hasn't ever played more than 11 games in a season.
RB - Brian Westbrook: 5'10" and 210 lbs, this guy takes and gives a pounding. To say he looks nearly identical to Charlie Garner, would not be too much of a stretch. He does it all, runs between the tackles, around the tackles, through the tacklers, and when he's tired of doing that, you can throw to him over the tacklers or have him throw it to you. If you don't love this guy, that's because you have a favorite team in the NFC East.
OG - Shawn Andrews: This guy is quick, agile, strong, and versatile. He plays Guard but can fill in if needed at Tackle. Listed as a Guard/Tackle he made the Pro Bowl as a Guard. The only question about this guy is, what's up with the Mohawk?
S - Brian Dawkins: Was there ever any doubt that I'd want this guy wearing the Silver and Black? He's the heart and soul of the Eagles defense and possibly the entire team. His favorite comic book character is Wolverine, 'the low key leader of the X-Men'. Well Dawkins has been a leader throughout his career and he doesn't do a bunch of talking. He'd rather punch you in the face than let you get out of bounds. He's a little long in the tooth after 12 seasons, but a great role model and example of a pro.
Wow! I'm surprised that I'm done with them. Where's Trent Cole? What are you, his mother? If so, please tell Trent to put up another 10+ sack season next year and I'll add him to the list.
New York Giants
After the Super Bowl, I'm ready to anoint all of them as honorary Raiders. Al has already made two of them official Raiders,(Gibril Wilson and William Joseph), and a couple of others already were, (Danny Clark, Kevin Boothe, and Dave Tollefson). Some guys will get left off even if they're good. Some guys wouldn't look right outside of a Giants uniform.
QB - Eli Manning: You thought I wasn't going to put him on here? He's a legacy player, meaning that his dad, brother, cousin, etc.. is or was a former player. In Eli's case, he's got two of the three characteristics. He has the ability to move out of the pocket, has a rifle for an arm, and can lead the team with a laid back approach. In all actuality, this guy would've been a Raider had it not been for Marty coaching the freakin' Chargers at the time. The biggest knock has been that personality, but I think he proved the doubters wrong with 'the catch 2' play in the Super Bowl. He's got plenty of heart.
WR - Plaxico Burress: Originally, I would've never thought this, but over the past two seasons this guy has become more and more what you want out of your primary receiver. He plays hurt, and is able to come up big even after sitting out the week before unable to walk. That's a gamer, and that makes the list.
OC - Shaun O'Hara: Gritty, tough center that has been a cog for the Giants for the past four years. Not the most talented player at his position, but he makes the most of his abilities and does an outstanding job in the run and pass.
DE - Osi Umenyiora: 41.5 sacks in 53 starts! Everyone already knows about this guy, I don't think I need to waste your time with my praise too.
DE - Justin Tuck: He broke out last year, and even though he doesn't start for the Giants, he had 10 sacks! If you had to pick a role player for your team, you'd be hard-pressed not to select Tuck as the guy. Besides, Raider Nation would love to make a new 'Tuck Rule.'
What?!? No Sam Madison or Michael Strahan? What about Antonio Pierce or Amani Toomer? Madison five years ago, yes! Strahan and Toomer, wouldn't look right out of a Giants jersey, plus I keep remembering how Warren Sapp didn't help us and Toomer is probably on his last stretch. Antonio Pierce is truly borderline, but not impressive enough...I think it's the system.
Dallas Cowboys
Proof of the fact that criminals are not part of the Raider Image, Tank Johnson was not selected for this list...I hope he got rid of his guns. Despite being a great player, and probable future Hall Of Famer, T.O. is not on this list either. While he might love him some him, the locker room rarely does...well half of it anyway.
OC - Andre Gurode: I love the way this guy plays. He's big, fast, and knocks people down. He's 6'6" and weighs in at 366 lbs! Who wouldn't want this guy protecting him? With two Pro Bowls under his belt, only injury can keep him from being mentioned with some of the best centers one day.
The rest of Dallas' Offensive Line: Does that make me wishy-washy? I can't help it though, these guys are the types of guys that Raider Nation would be excited to have, which might be why you'll often see speculation of Flozell Adams being traded to the Silver and Black. Personally, my favorite of the bunch is Marc Colombo at 6'8" 320 lbs. Maybe it's the name...hmmm...nah! He's good, but his name is pretty good too. Speaking of names, how can you not like the name Flozell. You think he's getting any dividends from Flo Rida? Defensive players find it very difficult to get any Mail on Sunday with these guys manning the line.
QB - Tony Romo: What? You tellin' me that Raider Nation would tell Jessica she can't come to the game sporting a white and pink Raiders jersey? Not likely, and every bit as good a reason to say, "Damn! I wish he was a Raider." He waited for his shot a la Stabler, and then when he got his opportunity, he made the most of it. I've tried to find holes in his game, but he doesn't have many and he deserves the hype he's received. He's good. Plus, anyone that could cause T.O. to blubber like a schoolgirl in his defense has that special leadership quality. That's why, *SOB**CHORTLE**SOB, "He's my Quarterback!"
RB - Marion Barber: Obviously, I'd be nailed to the wall if I didn't select this guy, who's rumored to be part of a draft day trade to the Raiders. He came into the league to be a backup/third down back. He didn't whine or complain, he went to work like a true pro and now he's the starter...I mean, for now. He's starter/star material and it's a huge bonus that he's a hard worker that does his talking on Sundays.
How about any of their linebackers?: I hate to be so enamored of the Cowboys, but who wouldn't you pick? Demarcus Ware, Greg Ellis, Bobby Carpenter, and now Zach Thomas. Like I said, any of these guys would be good Raiders. The group as a whole is an over achieving, tough, hard hitting, and blue collar guys. What's not to love?
S - Ken Hamlin: Smart player that doesn't shy away from contact. He's a heavy hitter that also can call out the plays to the defense. How did these guys not make the Super Bowl? Hamlin had 5 picks last year with 15 passes defensed and a Pro Bowl to show for it.
S- Roy Williams: I almost didn't include this guy due to his problems in coverage. He's a borderline guy that fell on the right side of the fence. He's fast and hard hitting. With Hamlin on his side, he doesn't need to cover as much and can focus on enforcing, which he's exceptional at. That's probably why he joined his teammate in Hawaii.
If I missed anyone else on the Cowboys, they need to work harder! They definitely have the most guys on this list so far.
Tomorrow, we jump into the AFC East where I'll get to dissect the New England Patriots while throwing up in my mouth. That should be fun, so come on back.
Any feedback you have is greatly appreciated. I want to thank the guys that have given their feedback so far. If you think I got it wrong, let the world know by posting it.
Remember the only criteria to make my list, is that the player has had to have made an impression on me so significant that I would say to myself, "He'd be a good Raider," or "I wish he was a Raider."
Who's done that for you?
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4 months ago
Dude, you are a no talent hack!
from 4 months ago
Thanks for that sure bert. I look forward to seeing how it's done when you put up a story.
4 months ago
Nah 'sure',I thought that Rob was a quite talented hack.............
4 months ago
I agree with Jon... Rob is one of the more talented hacks on this site in my humble opinion although the sure bert joke was kinda bad... other then that I have no complaints
4 months ago
When your team is at the bottom..what else can you do but wish you had players from other teams...As a life long Chargers fan..I'll stick with the guys we have.
One of the biggest problems with the likes of the Raiders and Redskins is that you have not yet figured out that you can not build a team with free-agents. I knew that your idle ramblings were suspect when you tapped Roy Williams...ROY WILLIAMS!!!! I think that 90% of Cowboy fans would GIVE you Roy Williams...So...actually, come to think of it..he would be a PERFECT Raider...
Your "I think he would be a good Oakland Raider", fantasy island really ought to turn its attention to head coaches...I'll take the 6th game for the ...when Layne Kiffin gets fired/or quits pool.
4 months ago
FIRST OFF ANONYMOUS(MR.IM AFRAID TO POST MY NAME) YOU ARE A MORON THE CHARGERS COME ON DUDE WITHOUT LT WHO DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH SAID BEFORE YOU START BAD MOUTHING THE BEST TEAM EVER THE SILVER AND BLACK YOU NEED TO STEP BACK AND SEE YOU CANT WIN A SUPER BOWL WITH ONE PLAYER MAYBE YOUR TEAM SHOULD PICK UP SOME FREE AGENTS
4 months ago
Hey Rob, first let me a comment to the Charger fan.. I have to give you the one about being on the bottom.. The Bolts,as you call them, have been on the bottom of Superbowl wins forever and LT stands for "Last Time" he rushed for 100 yards against the Raiders was Oct.14,07.. Remember that day it will be question on some Trivia game.. Sorry Rob I could of kept going with that one, but adding a young Zack Thomas to the firm "Thomas,Thomas & Howard" (sounds good don't it) would be fun to watch.. Good entertainment.. Go Raiders...
4 months ago
Advise from a charger fan on how to build a winning team. What makes the chargers so great you won in the regular season. Way to go. LT is on the downside of his career wich will sift more weight onto rivers an already shaky QB. next year will be bad for the dolts. So what you are saying is if you get a couple roidraged punks from the draft and a shaky QB you can win a playoff game. Then silently fall back in your hole. Thanks but i will take the sb run we had over the playoff game run you had.
Its to bad you didnt draft a young QB capable of taking a team to the sb. Oh wait you did He would not play for your team.
Washingtonstateraider
4 months ago
Come on guys, lay off the retard. Didn't you learn anything in school? Its not nice to kick the kids on the short bus.
They had to hire a Raider Reject just to win a playoff game. We all know that Norv will be back to his sorry a$z loosing ways soon enough. With LT watching for the next big hit that will knock him out for the rest of the season, Gates crying over his poor big toe, Rivers mouthing off doing his best Ryan Leaf impersonation, and Norv at the helm of the Super Bowl WINLESS San Diego Super Chokers, they don't need us to bash them. They do that to themselves.
Them going 6-10 while the Raiders are 8-8 or better will be justification enough. Who was the last AFC West team to make it to the SB again?......Oh yeah, thats right, it was the Raiders. So get off the computer at your mental health center and take you meds because its obvious that you have missed a few.
His definition of "Life long Charger fan" means that he has been a fan since they made the playoffs. Everyone knows that there are no "life long" Chargers fans. Thats why Raiders fans have to buy tickets to 4 Charger games just to get tickets to see the Raider game in San Diego. Real fans would buy the tickets so we couldn't get in. But look around Choker fan.........Your out-numbered in your own stadium while our team is 19-61 over the last 5 years. Show pride in your team and support them during the down years too. That is why the Raider Nation is the only NATION!
Keep the list coming. Don't listen to the mindless minions from the declining Chokers. Just keep smiling as the Raiders uproot them as AFC West Champs in 08!
Just win Baby!
4 months ago
You guys are funny...really...LT on the downside of his career..I'm sure that you dream that this is true because he has been a nightmare to you...Did you ever look at the Pro Bowl roster? Have you seen how many helmets have lightning bolts. Rivers...shakey? You kiddin' me? Who is your QB???
Anonymous because I prefer not to put personal info out on the web for every huckster to sell and make sure I get even MORE junk mail. So...I guess because you are MIKE...you are WAY less Anonymous..Oh yeah..It's MIKE...now I know who you are...Your'e that deluded idiot that thinks that by bringing up ancient history it somehow makes your current team better...I got news for you..they SUCK!!!! And if the Chargers are as you say..what does that say for YOUR team...You been taken to the woodshed NINE straight. Oh..this is the year right? You going to break out maybe 2 wins in the AFC West this year?
By the way...any Raider fan talking about "roidraged" is really funny. You guys seem so intent on your glory years...Talk to me about Lyle Alzado, just to name one.
I understand your dislike for Shawne Merriman....Its hard to take a beating like that year after year and not get defensive about it...Let's just see how many Charger players appear in the AFC West version of "I think he would be a good Oakland Raider"...
ANYONE that can't admit that the Chargers have built a winning team, really has zero credibility anyway. It's about what I expect from the mindless legions that v=creep out of a black hole. How do you even say "Committment to Excellence" out loud and in public anyway...It rings so hollow and makes you sound like a dunce.
MR. Annonymous(Warren Wells)
4 months ago
RaiderNATION951,
When you are as bad a team as the Raiders you can only do two things....."We used to be...We're gonna be" I've been hearing it for 5 years now..You know what..You STILL suck! Norv is a Raider reject? That is truly funny. Every coach that ever had the misfortune of coaching there is a Raider reject..except maybe Madden who had the good sense to quit. That is a graveyard for any coach. No coach can coach when you have zero talent and an owner who thinks he should be the coach. Your tired pronouncements about how great you are going to be the following year after another dismal season are very wearisome. And as a point of information..I have been a season ticket holder sonce '78..so once again you prove to not know what you are talking about. You obviously have not been to a game at Qualcomm the past few years...
One reason they have to limit Raider thugs in the stands is the high crime rate that attends Raider fans. Sack their QB and they want to stick a knife between your ribs....Can't win on the field so might as well show the world what the Rader Nation (as you call it) is all about. Sucky football team and moronic, classless thugs for fans. If you think that you will even sniff a winning record...you are seriously deluded and are the one that is off their meds...You are weak at just about every position and your head coach smartly has one foot out the door. Sounds like a real recipe for success.I have a pool on whether Layne will quit before Big Al fires him...It is going to be close, but I'm betting Layne MAKES Al fire him so he will still get paid...And nice going on signing those HUGE money FA contracts...I love it as a Charger fan..you keep sinking further and further...HA HA HA!
4 months ago
Its been a few hours since my last post. I was out selling drugs and stabbing poeple like all raider fans do. I agree LT and merryman are good players. and I did not say our QB is so much better then yours. But I also did not go to a charger story and start bashing the chargers. And dont worry I wont stab you when your team sacks our QB its just a sport. And its to bad poeple have such negitive attitudes towards other fans. If their was not other team fans we would not have no other teams and we would have no league. And roids were looked at differently back then. And if used right they are not as bad as every one wants them to be. Not that lyle was using them properly.
4 months ago
Who cares who would be a good raider. damn. Let's concentrate on what we got and how it is working out.
4 months ago
Hey Anonymous like me,
It was a roid fueled rant! Hell...some of my best friends are Raider fans..I was actually "responding" to several posts...not just yours. I should just consider the source with most of these comments and be content to enjoy what are mostly good days for the SD Chargers these days. But having endured years of crap talking from many Raider fans, it just blows me away that it continues non-stop even given the current staus of the rivalry. Truth be told..I believe that Bronco fans are the absolute worst.
I remember down years all too well, so I mostly don't rub it in...that is until I am confronted with deluded Raider fans that have for the past 4 years told me how bad the Chargers suck...that they were going to sweep the Chargers, win the Super Bowl..blah, blah, blah.
Not ALL Raider fans are thugs....but the knife in the ribs comment was from an actual event at Qualcomm. I had a friend go up to the coliseum for a game and he got beat unconscious..While these kind of things would horrify most, I can guarantee that there will be an inodinantly large percentage of Raider fans that think this is great...You obviously don't fall into that group and I apologize for offending you. Also..your point is well taken...This is obviously a place for Raider fans to congregate and drink their Kool-Aid..It is kind of rude for me to crash that party..
In the Spring...Hope springs eternal.
4 months ago
haha Wow, Rob! You certainly can start a heated discussion. I won't get into the pro/anti Raiders debate, though. I have to admit, I keep saying to myself "Damn, are the Raiders going to be ridiculously good this year?" everytime I open up Bleacher Report and see Raider Nation well-represented. I guess we'll have to wait and see how the season goes for you guys. Actually, I try to avoid the Raiders articles on here, but I can't help myself, you and some of your fellow fans have great style and analysis. Although the Raiders aren't my cup of tea, I enjoy the writing.
I especially enjoyed the intro (first three paragraphs), it kept my reading despite the fact that my loyalties lie elsewhere.
4 months ago
Why is Roy Williams on this list? He's terrible. I watch every Cowboy game and the guy has no coverage skills (teams pass more than they do run), is a poor tackler, and has alow football iq. He has his stupid horse-collar move because he's done it for years, and because as tough as he's made out to be, he doesn't like truly wrapping guys up and doing the nitty-gritty. Case in point, Amani Toomer's long touchdown at the beginning of the playoff game. Watch Roy on that play. He's like a lost child out there.
from 4 months ago
Patrick, you have valid points. He was borderline. Safeties are a difficult position to analyze because they are tasked with the worst case scenario along with normal duties. These 'tasks' depend much on other players of the defense as well and the system in which he's in. Obviously, the Cowboys have a different system than the Raiders and require different things from a safety than the Raiders do.
I'm estimating that due to the Raiders needs in the secondary, which coverage wouldn't be a requirement, his speed and ability to lay a hit would make him more of an asset to the Raiders and less a liability than he is for the Cowboys.
Thanks for the post and for reading!
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