So it begins.
The Raiders cut NFL veteran Dominic Rhodes on Monday in what seems to be the first step in making room in the backfield for rookie Darren McFadden. Lashing out through the media on Tuesday, Rhodes had some questions as to the logic behind the draft and his sudden dismissal. Ladies and gentlemen, you don't have be a rocket scientist to figure it out.
Signed as a free agent before the 2007 season, Rhodes was suppose to come in and challenge for a starting spot but didn't get the chance to due to amazing running of 4th year back Justin Fargas. He mostly likely would have gotten that opportunity had he not been suspended for the first 4 games of the season for a substance abuse violation. He did get 2 starts at the end of the year and took advantage by rushing for 115 and 122 yards.
However, after selecting McFadden with the number four overall pick in last weekends draft, Oakland Raider brass were forced to make a decision as to which back would be let go first. Lets make no mistake as to who should go next.
Signed a free agent during the 2004-2005 off season Lamont Jordan was heralded as the savior to the running back talent that was lost with the departure of Charlie Garner. His first year was great as Lamont rushed for 1025 yards and added 563 more receiving, but then his production faltered significantly gaining only 508 total yards his second. After starting last season with the most rushing yards in the NFL through the first four games, Jordan looked like a lock to have a breakout season. He broke tackles, cut hard, ran fast and looked sharp and determined.
Like most Raider fans I can remember thinking, "Jesus, is this the SAME Lamont that would run into walls of linemen and fall down?". I had him on my fantasy football team and along with Adrian Peterson and Tony Romo, I started the season 4-0.
Then came that back injury against the Dolphins week 4. He caught a pass, fell and nothing looked out of order, until he was carted off the field. Finally recovering from his back injury did no good as he was unable to mount a successful comeback, and was never able to recreate the magic legs he had to start the year.
All in all hes been inconsistent, but Al Davis should share some of that blame. Three different offensive line coaches in three years will do that to any NFL running back.
Due to make 4.7 million dollars, Jordan is all but gone as there is no point in paying someone 5 million dollars to sit on the bench. His pride will not allow him to take a pay cut and accept a backup roll, and I agree. Someone is going to need a running back this year. Maybe his old team the New York Jets will call, as they were robbed in drafting Darren McFadden.
The man who needs room, and is going to get it.
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5 months ago
I don't get it, I'm still confused why he was not cut first?
from 5 months ago
Rhodes was cut first because of a clause in his restructuring agreement that said if the Raiders drafted McFadden Rhodes would be immediately released. Jordan won't be cut until June 1 to spread out the salary cap hit.
5 months ago
Raiders are still stuck on stupid, having that much money tied up in running backs and drafting another to start with.
from 5 months ago
Down in front, sit down.
I'd rather go with an upgrade on the running game, and if the choice came along between 2-3 older used cars, and a brand spankin' new ferrari.....give me the new wheels.
5 months ago
True statement with the article and Greg hit the nail on the head Jordan will be gone but after June 1st and then of course all the running backs on the roster won't make the roster going into the season. A season I'm looking forward to.
5 months ago
I really think they might be able to get something for Lamont Jordan. But from who? New Orleans with Deuce McAllister's status uncertain? Chicago,who might still be in the market for a RB?
5 months ago
I doubt that we can get anything for him since teams know he will be released after June 1 anyway plus there is a lot of veteran RBs' in the market right now like Shawn Alexander, Dominic Rhodes, etc.
5 months ago
its ok, if i were a raiders fan i would try to make the best of a bad situation too. from now on raider fans when anyone asks you how you plan to stop the run, just say we are gonna use mcfadden. when they ask you how your gonna stop the deep ball, say we are gonna use mcfadden.
5 months ago
Hey Bryan if you dont have anything positive to add to the convo dont post anything...why dont you ask yourself why Gruden hasnt won anything since he took Dungy's team to the Super Bowl while the Colts are a perennial playoff team...maybe the Bucs got rid of a good coach. Smart move.
5 months ago
Lamont will definitely follow, because in my opinion, Rhodes is better then him, so Jordan should be gone soon.
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