Bleacher Report - Articles by Auguste Archer

Quentin Groves Prepares for Bigger Role with Jaguars

Auguste Archer — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 09:51:12 -0400

When Quentin Groves was drafted by the Jaguars in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, it was clear he would need some work to have a chance as anything more than a pass rush specialist.

Last season he played that very specific role and had 2.5 sacks.

One of Groves' issues has been his size.

At the end of last season, Groves weighed only 251 pounds, which is woefully undersized for a true defensive end. At that weight, Groves was really more suited to play linebacker in a 3-4 than defensive end in a 4-3.

This problem, however, is something Groves aims to remedy with a significant off season training program. Groves described his new program as being one that almost forces him to eat.

He's 262 right now, on his way to his playing goal of 270. It's important for Groves to keep up that weight, because he'll be a much bigger part of the defensive line rotation following the departure of Paul Spicer.

Groves will likely see time on the right side, rotating in and out with Derrick Harvey.

Updated Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Need Assessment

Auguste Archer — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:00:47 -0400

The Jaguars are coming off of a rather disappointing 5-11 season, and are thusly the recipients of the eighth overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

Lots of criticism has been levied at the Jaguars for their questionable use of their first round picks in the last several drafts. These picks have included Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, and Byron Leftwich, none of whom remain in Jacksonville today.

The Jaguars have a big decision to make regarding most effective use of the eighth pick. One the one hand, they can trade down and attempt to accumulate picks in the later rounds of the draft.

On the other hand, the Jaguars can draft the best available player with the eighth pick and then trade that player if he doesn't fit their needs or keep him if he does.

Ideally, the Jaguars would love to acquire a legitimate left tackle with the pick, but chances are there won't be one available who is worthy of the 8th overall selection and the money expected accordingly.

Some candidates are:

Michael Oher:

This boy is big, and he played exceedingly well at Ol' Miss, but he's also not in my opinion worthy of the eighth overall selection. This may be something that could happen if the Jags traded down.

Andre Smith:

Smith was great in college, and was expected to be the highest rated offensive lineman coming into this draft. But his epic fail at the combine and equally mediocre pro day has all but killed his draft stock. If the Jaguars take Smith it will be a real reach.

Percy Harvin:

Harvin is a game changer, the kind of player that consistently has the ability to score on every play. One concern, though, is Harvin's upright running style and lack of durability. He also may not be worth the money that an eighth pick will undoubtedly demand.

Matthew Stafford:

If the Lions and the 49ers both pass up on Stafford, which they are expected to do, he will most likely fall to the Jaguars spot.

Stafford is a very, very intelligent quarterback with great NFL caliber skills, and the Jaguars made the mistake of passing on Ben Roethlisberger in 2003 because they didn't feel that they needed a quarterback at the time. If Stafford falls to the Jags, they may very well draft him.

Mark Sanchez:

The second best quarterback in the draft figures to be available at the eighth spot, and he's another intelligent quarterback with definite NFL caliber skills. The Jaguars aren't as interested in Sanchez as they are in Stafford, though, so he may not be selected if he's available for the Jags.

The most important thing for the Jaguars to do is to not, under any circumstances, waste the eighth pick. This is an opportunity for the team to bring aboard a difference maker, and they are certainly in need of one.

Derrick Harvey, Reggie Hayward Working to Improve Jacksonville Pass Rush

Auguste Archer — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:00:45 -0400

With the departure of veteran Paul Spicer, the Jaguars defense will have an updated look this coming season, featuring returning vet Reggie Hayward and second-year player and expected star Derrick Harvey as the team's starters.

Hayward, since his 8.5-sack performance in 2005, has had trouble returning from an Achilles tear he sustained early in the 2006 season.

In 2007, he had a modest 3.5 sacks, and in 2008 he managed 4.5, but his performance has still not been what the Jaguars were expecting.

Harvey played well last season, especially after having missed almost all of training camp on the season's longest rookie holdout. He is now expected to step in and fill Spicer's role as the full-time right end.

Last season, the Jaguars defensive line was nothing short of dismal, continually failing to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks and putting unnecessary strain on the already banged up secondary.

Hayward and Spicer combined for a grand total of only 8.5 sacks, the same number that Hayward had by himself in 2005.

Hayward said of Harvey, "He has more of an understanding of what's going on...Your second year is always the hardest, because you're not a surprise to opposing teams anymore. It's just harder. He's going to have to work harder to get over that hump."

All in all, we can probably expect a better season from Harvey now that he'll have both a full season and a full training camp under his belt, and Hayward is working hard to regain some of that burst he lost with the Achilles injury.

Don't expect too much from the line this season, but do expect them to be better than last season.

Could Mike Walker Be the Next Big Name in Jacksonville?

Auguste Archer — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:56:00 -0400

Jaguars wide receiver Mike Walker has had a rough year.

First, he sustained an injury early in the 2007 season and was placed on injured reserve for his rookie season.

Then, at the start of this past season he suffered the losses of both his father and his best friend.

It has been a rough year indeed.

To add injury to, well, injury, Walker sustained a season-ending injury to his good knee against Pittsburgh after having the two best games of his career back-to-back.

Now that had to be depressing.

But there is a ray of light shining for Walker, a ray of light that comes in the form of the release of Matt Jones.

After releasing Jerry Porter, allowing Reggie Williams to depart in free agency and now releasing Jones, the path to the No. 1 receiver spot is wide open.

Throughout his career, Walker has shone flashes on the practice field and last season, on the playing field as well.

Do I think Walker will be the No. 1 receiver at the start of the season? No, probably not. However, I do think that the Jags have an opportunity on their hands.

As the situation stands now, if the season season started today, the starting wide receivers would be Walker and Dennis Northcutt.

Now, I doubt it'll stay that way for much longer because the Jags fully intend to address the receiver position in the draft and in free agency. However, this does give Walker a significant opportunity to make his case for a starting job alongside a veteran like, say, Torry Holt.

If the Jags were to sign Holt, then Walker would probably, by virtue of being the best remaining receiver on the roster, still be a starter.

Northcutt is a good player, but works best out of the slot and doesn't have real big play ability.

If Walker really wants to hang on to that starting spot he'll have to prove himself in the off-season and in training camp because the Jags will probably address the wide receiver position in the draft.

If the Jags draft a young, fast, eager receiver who effectively proves himself he could very well take the job that Walker is currently vying for.

Walker believes that given a good, healthy year and a veteran to study under, he can be the team's real legitimate number one for many years to come.

Whether or not he actually becomes that player is yet to be seen. In any case, nobody here in Jacksonville would have a problem with the second coming of Jimmy Smith.

An Open Letter From The Jaguars Fans to Matt Jones.

Auguste Archer — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:09:06 -0400

Matt,

Towards the middle of last season you had us all on edge. We were thinking, "Yes! He's finally become the legitimate receiver we drafted him to be!"...

Why do you hurt us so?

All we ever asked of you was to catch the ball. For three agonizing years we watched you come so close to doing just that, only to have the ball bounce from your oddly lifeless fingertips.

What, we pondered, could the cause of your horrible lack of concentration be attributed to? Were you really that overhyped coming out of college? The answer, it seemed, was a little bit of magic dust... Or rather, cocaine.

So, after the cocaine bust, it looked like you were turning things around. You were having an excellent training camp, you started the year off great, you started catching passes and you certainly outshone that hack-I mean legitimate free agent signing Jerry Porter.

Our hopes were high coming into this season, we were hoping that you paired with a deep threat could be like Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith. Thunder and Lightning all over again. But no, you had to ruin it for us.

I mean, seriously, who drinks while they golf? Come on man, that's just absurd! I've certainly never kicked back a cold one while cruising my way to a gentleman's 140 (and that's just the back nine...). No, never in a casual golfer's life has he opened a beer coming into the seventh hole. Or coming off the first tee...

My point here, although it may seem long winded now, is you have been released because you violated your probation. You violated your probation drinking beer while golfing.

So the Jaguars cut you. Wow, Gene Smith, I know you value character, but this is a guy who is on the rise. In the last year he's gone from slobbering cocaine addict to legitimate wide receiver and you cut him for downing a cold one on the golf course. I hope like nobody's business that you end up with a team we play this season, Matt. And I love the Jags, and I hope they win, but I also hope you go over 100 yards against us if we do play you, just to show Gene Smith what an idiot he is.

So, Matt Jones, good luck wherever you land and let it be known that the fans of Jacksonville will miss you a lot more than they think this season. Now we get to pick between Northcutt and... Do we have a second receiver?

*sigh*

Top Ten Things to Do Now That Football Season Is Over

Auguste Archer — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:20:53 -0500

Ah, the classic dilemma. What to do now that football season has ended. No more BCS controversy, no more NFL playoffs, no more pigskin period.

A long and dreary winter it shall be.

Sure, there are other sports. Basketball season is midway through! Problem is I didn't watch the first half of the basketball season, because I was too busy watching football.

Don't get me started on baseball... If I was an avid baseball fan, I wouldn't be writing this article, because I'd be too busy trying to get some work done in the minuscule amount of time that counts as an offseason in baseball.

So here are ten things that we can do while we eagerly await the return of America's real pastime, good old football.

10. Watch arena football. Oh, wait, never mind. Scratch that. The AFL folded, evidently... Sorry Russell, bad endorsement.

9. Blog about how bored we are now that football season is over. Hmmm...

8. Get a hobby. Maybe we should all start collecting things. Bottle caps, perhaps. No, not cars... Fight the urge... Fight it...

7. Collect cars. I didn't fight the urge.

6. Sell all of the expensive-to-store and currently non-functioning cars in your 'collection.' Realize that you have no cars left.

5. Realize that you are halfway through a list and haven't listed anything...

4. Watch soccer. Actually, no, on second thought, that is bad. Suicide rates would spike drastically. Don't watch soccer. As a matter of fact, don't even think about soccer.

3. Dig holes. One for each week that passes without you hearing the words "He's at the ten! Twenty! Thirty! Forty! He's gonna go all the way!" blasting from your TV/radio. Your significant other will love to wake up and see your work in the backyard every morning. Definitely.

2. Have a midlife crisis and buy a Mercedes Benz. Realize that you are actually too young to have a midlife crisis unless you intend to die at 36. This one really only applies to me.

1. Watch replays from the last year's football season. People, this will keep us all sane.

However you intend to spend the football offseason be sure to remember that that time shall come again, that time when the smell of grilled food fills the air and the sound of rowdy drunk people permeates the land.

Football season shall return!

Jags Release Taylor, Declare Jones-Drew Feature Back

Auguste Archer — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:48:31 -0500

Early Monday morning the Jaguars met with running back Fred Taylor and discussed his options with the team, retire or be released.

Taylor chose to be released.

After a dismal 2008 campaign, rushing for 556 yards and only a single touchdown, Taylor is no longer the player the Jags feel they need him to be.

Maurice Jones-Drew, however, appears to be exactly that player. Jones-Drew led the team in rushing with 824 and an impressive 12 touchdowns, and is expected to now take over the bulk of the carries.

Fullback Greg Jones, who has always been a good runner (he played halfback exclusively in college), will probably see an increased workload as well, stepping into a role where he will be sharing carries with Jones-Drew.

The Jags were going to owe Taylor a grand total of about $6 million in salary and bonuses this season, but the decision was made to give Taylor the opportunity for a fresh start by releasing him now and giving any team that might be interested plenty of time to work with him.

Taylor leaves Jacksonville ranked 16th on the all time NFL rushing list with 11,271 yards.

On a slightly sentimental note, as a long time Jags fan I've always been able to depend on Freddy T to deliver no matter what the situation, and he will be sorely missed in Jacksonville just like any fan favorite would be. Here's hoping he finds a new home where he will be able to end his career in style.

Is Las Vegas the Next Big Sports Town?

Auguste Archer — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:38:22 -0500

A lot of people see Las Vegas, Nev., as being nothing more than a gambling town built on gambling money. But in reality, Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing markets in the country.

Can you say, Las Vegas Raiders?

No, I'm not saying the Raiders are definitely going to move to Las Vegas. I'm not saying the Raiders are moving anywhere, but this city could really use some major league sports.

Sin City makes a lot of money every year on sports betting, which is one reason that many major sports leagues have been reticent to take a franchise there.

There is, after all, a lot of bad media stigma to do with Las Vegas and most leagues aren't crazy about the idea of being associated with, well, Sin City.

Some teams that are in a position to make a (potentially lucrative) move to Las Vegas are:

1. Oakland Raiders/San Francisco 49ers

The cross town rivals are sharing a similar problem; their respective cities aren't wanting to shell out for a new stadium.

If Oakland gets a new stadium, then San Francisco will be under pressure to match it in size and quality.

Likewise, if San Fran gets new digs, Oakland will be under pressure to match.

-Sigh-

Keeping up with the Joneses is hard when it costs millions of dollars.

Either team would benefit from a move to Vegas, but I lean more towards the Raiders on this one because Al Davis has moved the team before, several times, and I can see him jumping on Las Vegas like he jumps on those flashy draft picks.

2. Denver Nuggets

Denver is the smallest of all of the "four sport cities," boasting professional baseball, basketball, football and hockey teams.

The city, although currently able to support all four teams, is starting to feel the strain of the financial crisis. Attendance at Nuggets game has been declining for a while now, and ownership is under pressure.

And hey, doesn't the name "Las Vegas Nuggets" just have a marvelous ring to it?

3. Minnesota Vikings

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether the city of St. Paul is going to invest in a new stadium for its beloved Vikes, and lots of rumors flying around about a possible move to Los Angeles.

The Vikings are actively trying to work with the city for a new stadium, so if they can get one, they'll stay in Minnesota.

If not, we may have some competition between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I personally think Las Vegas Vikings has a better ring to it than Los Angeles Vikings. But that's just me.

4. Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are another one of Denver's many professional sports teams, and they too have suffered weak attendance of late.

The Rockies have no real incentive to move right now, so they'd need a pretty big offer to get them to sniff around.

If an MLB team makes a move to Vegas, it'd probably be the Rockies.

No matter what ends up happening, don't expect Vegas to keep on being a sport-free town for long.

Vegas is like a pinata, waiting to be smashed open so all the little children can get the candy.

Or in this case, all the old men in suits can collect the wads of cash.

Jacksonville Jaguars Release Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence

Auguste Archer — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:11:43 -0500

During the 2008 offseason, the Jaguars made some splashy moves in free agency, acquiring cornerback Drayton Florence from San Diego and wide receiver Jerry Porter from Oakland.

The California boys did not live up to expectations.

Porter in particular had a dismal year, with only one touchdown reception. He will walk away from his contract with $10 million that he was guaranteed.

That's $10 million a touchdown.

Florence had little impact, struggling in coverage all season and finally being relegated to nickel and dime packages towards the end of the year. He too will walk away with a fairly healthy amount of guaranteed cash.

Both players were fully expected to have a major impact in their first (and now only) season with the Jaguars, but neither player lived up to expectations and now the Jags are starting from scratch.

Per usual the Jags draft needs are going to be blatantly obvious; receiver, receiver, receiver. Also look for them to now have to target a rookie corner, or go after a veteran in free agency, to replace Florence so Brian Williams can remain at safety, where he played very well this season.

Not many fans were surprised to see these two players go, as discontent with Porter specifically had reached a level of epic proportions midway towards the end of the season.

Nobody likes a bust, Jerry.

The 2008 MDP (Most Disappointing Player) Awards

Auguste Archer — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:49:17 -0500

Yes, every year has them, players that we all had high expectations of. Players that were supposed to play at a "higher level". Braylon Edwards is a good example of one of these players, but he's not the worst. This season surely didn't have any Ryan Leafs, but it did have it's fair share of pretty disappointing players. Players like Joseph Addai (whats that about, Indy?), Marc Bulger (we all know he's a better quarterback than that, right?) and the perennial disappointment Vince Young (what the heck, why is he still the "quarterback of the future" in Tennessee?). But there are players out there who were more disappointing, players who by simply playing this year made our very skin crawl. Here are the top five nominees for the MDP award for 2008.

Begin Slideshow

Onwards and Upwards: What the Jaguars Need To Do to Rebound From 5-11

Auguste Archer — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:40:30 -0500

According to many sports analysts, enthusiasts and fans, 2008 was supposed to be the Jaguars year.

They had all the pieces in place, a good defense, a power running game and a quarterback who didn't make mistakes.

Unfortunately, 2008 turned out to be something of a disappointment.

And I do believe that anyone can agree 2-6 at home is pretty disappointing.

After finishing last in the AFC South with a measly 5-11 record, the Jaguars will pick eighth overall in the 2009 draft, and they are looking to rebound and shore up some of the weak spots that were so glaringly obvious during the course of this past season.

The lack of a pass rush, the lack of depth along the offensive line and the terrible play of the wide receivers are all areas that need to be addressed.

Lets start with how the Jags are going to deal with these the problems in the draft.

As far as the pass rush goes, rookie defensive end Derrick Harvey really started to come on towards the end of the season, a point where most rookies tend to peter off. Expect Harvey, with a full training camp under his belt, to be an impact player next season.

Because of Harvey's obvious development, and the fact that Quentin Groves still possesses a lot of potential, don't expect the Jags to draft d-line in the first round. If they do it'll only be because a big, run stuffing tackle is available (Andre Smith, anyone?).

As for offensive line depth, this is a real problem. Right tackle Khalif Barnes has already made it obvious that he plans to depart Jacksonville this year, becoming an un-restricted free agent. The Jaguars have to address not only the right tackle position but also desperately need depth at guard as well, which became very obvious after they lost both starting guards in the first game of the season.

After losing Manuwai and Williams they struggled to open up lanes for the runners and had even more trouble protecting David Garrard, who was knocked down more than any other NFL quarterback this season.

They may try to draft a big offensive tackle or guard in the first round, Michael Oher comes to mind, but they may also wait until the second or third round and attempt to address the position in free agency instead.

Finally, the constant for the Jaguars. The thing that every season since Jimmy Smith retired has been on every fan's to-do list. Draft a big play wide receiver.

Not since the days of Thunder and Lightning, Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith, have opposing defenses been even remotely worried about game planning for the Jags' wide receiving corp. In fact, there haven't been any real big play receivers in the Jack Del Rio era.

With a draft that will include players like Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin it would be a shame if the Jags didn't take the opportunity to address a position that they have failed to fix for going on five years.

Personally, as a Jaguars fan, I want to see Harvin dressed out in teal in time for training camp. I think he's the kind of impact player the Jags need to win ball games. He'll scare opposing defenses and make them think twice about stacking the box, something that the Jaguars have been battling for years. Not to mention he can re-invigorate the outside running game, and he'll be deadly on wide receiver screens.

If I was drafting for the Jags, Harvin would be at the top of my board.

As for free agency, the Jaguars are probably going to try to work on acquiring at least one big defensive tackle to go alongside John Henderson, who hasn't been himself since the departure of his run-stuffing counterpart Marcus Stroud.

They probably won't target a wide reciever unless a big name comes available. Last year's Jerry Porter experiment is over, and they aren't going to risk another free agent bust at the position.

They will probably go after players at both the guard and tackle position, particularly right tackle although they are hurting for depth all along the offensive line. Expect at least two free agent offensive line signings before training camp starts.

And finally, a position I don't see them addressing in the draft, (namely because there aren't any players worthy of the high pick) cornerback. Drayton Florence did not do his job this season, so don't expect him to keep it. Florence got burned deep consistently and the Jaguars will be looking for a player to replace him.

One option they have is to groom Gerald Sensabaugh for the starting strong safety job and move Brian Williams back to corner, where he played fairly well last season. I think they will probably try to sign a corner in free agency, though, because they still need someone who can compliment Rashean Mathis.

I think we'll also see changes in the linebacking corp with the almost inevitable departure of Mike Peterson. Jack Del Rio and Gregg Williams both think Justin Durant has progressed very well and there's a possibility that Williams will slide him over into the middle linebacker position.

Daryl Smith and Clint Ingram are both solid players, too, but Durant is a real standout athlete who excels in pass protection and can also play hard in the box to stop the run. Watch for Del Rio to possibly make such a move early in training camp.

The Jaguars off season mantra should be easy to follow:

Attain line depth, gain wide receiver speed and rush the passer.

If the Jaguars can accomplish these things we may very well see a return of the Jags of old.

If not, there may be another disappointing season in store.

How Roger Goodell Is Turning The NFL Into a Pansy League

Auguste Archer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:53:35 -0500

Everybody knows that there are certain players who make bone crushing hits.

The Colts Bob Sanders is a good example. He's the classic stereotype of the big hitting safety. He's fast, aggressive and willing to put his body on the line.

Why is it, then, that when Bob Sanders goes out of his way to make that big hit he gets penalized?

It is his job, after all.

I can remember when Reggie Nelson played at Florida. They called him the eraser, because if somebody made a mistake Reggie would fly across the field and "erase" the mistake, often by erasing the immediate consciousness of the opposing player. It was a blast to watch him play, his energy was contagious.

Reggie Nelson has started for the Jacksonville Jaguars at free safety for two seasons. Last year I saw him play that eraser role. He hit people, and he hit them hard. Against the Chargers he laid Vincent Jackson out, made a huge hit, and a flag was thrown. The call wasn't helmet to helmet contact, because their helmets never touched, it was unnecessary roughness.

Now, I'm trying to figure out how you can be unnecessarily rough on an opposing player. It is, after all, your job to tackle him.

Nelson was fined for that "infraction", like a long list of other NFL big hitters. At one point this season Steelers safety Troy Polamalu went on something of a rant after wide receiver Hines Ward was fined in two consecutive games for plays that weren't penalized during the game. There was no foul called, and yet Ward was fined for doing his job.

Over the course of two games, Steelers players were fined a combined total of $45,000.

"I think regarding the evolution of football, it's becoming more and more flag football, two-hand touch," Polamalu said. "We've really lost the essence of what real American football is about. I think it's probably all about money. They're not really concerned about safety."

I tend to agree with that sentiment. I have watched Reggie Nelson, a player who used to inspire fear into the hearts of wide receivers, miss tackle after tackle this year because he doesn't want to get in trouble. Because he is afraid that if he lays someone out cold he'll be fined.

No wonder NFL teams are scoring 35, 40 points regularly.

If a defense can't make a hit, and evidently they can't, there will be 40 points scored. But isn't that the way Roger Goodell likes it? He wants people to be excited about the games.

Well, I have news for you Roger. I'd rather see a 3-0 game than a 45-35 game. I want to see two defenses grind it out for four quarters. I want to see the quarterback go down. I want to see offensive linemen get beat. I wan't to see safeties and corners play like men.

But they aren't allowed to any more.

The NFL wants to keep a good image, they want to be known as a family friendly non-violent league. The problem with that is American Football is a violent sport. And I know there are people out there other than me who love the game because of its big hits, and because of the beauty of a well executed defensive scheme.

In my opinion the NFL is becoming a pansy league. And the problem starts at the top, with an image obsessed trigger happy commissioner who somebody needs to knock some sense into.

Maybe Bob Sanders would oblige.

Confessions Of a Fantasy Football Rookie

Auguste Archer — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:13:46 -0500

Before this NFL season, I had never played fantasy football. I never really understood the motivation behind it, and it never occurred to me that so many people play it because it might actually be, well, a lot of fun.

In reality, the whole reason I started playing was out of boredom. I was sitting at my computer, desperately wishing the football season would go ahead and start already when I noticed an advertisement for fantasy football. All of the sudden, I was struck by a desire to get at least some football in my life. Even if it was, as Billy Joel once said, just a fantasy.

I, now purpose driven and excited about this new idea, happily clicked my way through a dozen sign-up pages which requested everything from my date of birth to my power tool preferences.

After happily indicating Coleman as my preferred drill manufacturer, I was finally given the opportunity to choose from one of the hundreds of free leagues. Without any knowledge of the way any of this worked, I selected an Auction Draft league that bore the uninspiring moniker "XFL."

I poked my way around the page for a while and discerned that my leauge's draft was in two days. Disappointed that I wasn't able to do more, I went back to YouTubing Barry Sanders highlights.

Two days passed, and to be completely honest, I had totally forgotten that I had ever signed up for a fantasy leauge. I would have have completely missed the draft, actually, had it not been for the fact that I check my email semi-regularly and I had evidently signed up for email notifications.

After hastily entering the Draft room with only minutes to spare, I proceeded to pay $66 for LaDainian Tomlinson and $65 for Brian Westbrook. Upon realizing that I had spent over half of my allotted $200 on two players, I didn't pick again until the sixth round. After the draft, I had two full-time starters on my roster; Westbrook and Tomlinson.

At this point, I was either blissfully unaware or completely in denial of the fact that I would not win a single game with my current roster. As the season started, it became painfully obvious that my team sucked. I was losing games in a fashion that can only be described as talented, going down by scores of 107-34 and 96-23 in my first two games.

By the third game I was desperate, and, as all bad fantasy owners are wont to do, I began scouring the free agent market for hidden gems. It was here that an uncanny streak of luck hit me.

There, unclaimed and waiting to be snatched up, was the recently crowned-as-a-starter Kurt Warner. With him, I picked up the Steelers defense and special teams, New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski, and New York Jets running back Thomas Jones.

At receiver, I made a dynamite trade of LaDainian Tomlinson for Steve Smith, and before I knew it, I was looking less like the Miami Dolphins and more like the New York Giants.

After dropping the third game, I pulled out a tie. At 0-3-1 many people would forsake the season. But not I! I would never surrender. Suddenly, wins began to show up left and right, just like defensive linemen in the Detroit Lions backfield. Since then, I have won nine straight games, making my team 9-3-1 going into the playoffs and tied for the second best record in the league.

And this, folks, is how free agency saved me from my rookie mistakes, and, one full season under my belt, I am actually feeling like I'm pretty good at fantasy football.

The moral of the story is, if at first you don't succeed, scrap your crappy roster and hope Kurt Warner is unsigned and available to save you.

Jacksonville Jaguars' Draft Needs for 2009

Auguste Archer — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:48:43 -0500

Alright everybody, it's officially time to stop talking playoffs and start talking draft.

The Jaguars aren't getting in this year, but I'm going to discuss what they need to do to give themselves a shot next year.

I'm going to go position by position and give the level of need, on a scale of 1 to 10, and the best possible choice.

Wide Receiver: 8-10

The Jaguars are in desperate need of a big-play receiver. Matt Jones has stepped up and become a reliable possession guy, now all they need is a burner. The top candidate and the guy they would obviously like to have is Michael Crabtree, who has shown the ability to make big plays all season and has the kind of speed they currently lack at that position. After Crabtree the next best candidate is Jeremy Maclin out of Missouri.

Tight End: 1-10

The Jaguars really don't need a tight end. They have a roster full of big, physical tight ends and adding another would be a waste of a draft pick. If they were to draft a tight end, it would be late and probably exclusively for special teams.

Offensive Line: 9-10

The Jags HAVE to either draft a left tackle or go after one in free agency because after this season Khalif Barnes is an unrestricted free agent. As far as drafting goes, they would love to get Andre Smith, but they probably won't be able to.

If they get the opportunity, I think they'll probably take a tackle in the first and a guard in the second or third.

Running back/Fullback: 4-10

The Jaguars if the Jags are going to keep with the two back system they are going to need to start looking for someone to compliment Maurice Jones-Drew. Maybe not in this draft, but don't be surprised if they pick up some undrafted free agent halfbacks and take them to camp. There's no harm in looking for diamonds in the rough, and once Taylor retires they'll need another good back.

Quarterback: 1-10

I think that David Garrard is the long term answer as a starter. His performance this season is a direct result of two things. No. 1, he is getting hit, a lot. No. 2, the Jags haven't run the ball at all. I think there isn't really a whole lot of need for the Jags to draft a quarterback.

The only reason would be to groom a replacement for Garrard later on, but Garrard has a lot of time left and it seems like a waste to draft a position you don't really need.

Defensive Line: 8-10

The Jags MUST get a big defensive tackle to play beside John Henderson. Henderson just hasn't been himself since Stroud departed. They need a big man who will take some of the pressure off of Big John and leave him free to make those all important run-stuffing tackles.

The best man on the board is Sen'Derrick Marks, out of Auburn, but the Jags would be more than happy to have Terrence Cody if Marks isn't available.

Linebacker: 5-10

Mike Peterson will most likely not be playing in Jacksonville next season, so expect the Jaguars to look to add depth at linebacker. The starters are playing pretty well right now, but I think that Del Rio may eventually try to slide Durant over into the middle and this may affect how he drafts.

If he was to draft a linebacker, it wouldn't be until the third or fourth round.

Safety: 5-10

As much as I would love to see Del Rio add another hard hitter to compliment Reggie Nelson, I don't think he will. The best man on the board is Taylor Mays out of USC, but don't expect the Jags to draft a safety that early.

Cornerback: 7-10

The Jags have one great corner, and the other side is always iffy. Brian Williams is a good safety, but not a corner. Drayton Florence isn't fast enough and gets burned to much.

I would love to see the Jags go after Malcom Jenkins or Vontae Davis, but the offensive and defensive lines take priority this year. If a corner is drafted it will be in the second or third round.

Well, that about covers it. Let me know what you think or if I left anything out!

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: A Monday Night Special

Auguste Archer — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:01:31 -0500

This Monday night in Houston, Texas, the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the struggling Houston Texans.

Yes, that is an awful lot of struggling.

The Jaguars (4-7) have been better on the road than at home this season, with their only home victory this year coming against these very same Texans, and by three points in overtime.

The Texans (4-7) will have to win out to best last season's franchise record eight wins. They have struggled all year to establish a consistent passing game and look to get back on track against the Jags.

This game isn't about playoffs, it's about pride. The Jaguars haven't finished last in the AFC South ever, and the Texans haven't finished better than last since 2004, the only time they have ever finished above fourth.

If the Jags win this game, they will maintain control of third place in the South.

If the Texans win it, the Jags will fall to fourth.

Here are my keys to the game:

Jaguars:

Run the ball. It seems so simple, and yet the Jags have been ineffective all season. You can't blame it on the running backs, Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor are two very good players. The Jaguars running problems start on the offensive line, specifically at the guard positions. If the Jags can control the line of scrimmage, they will be able to run effectively.

Key Match Up: Right tackle Tony Pashos will be taking on Mario Williams, and he did a good job blocking him early in the year at home. The question is will this match up be different now that Mario is ready for Pashos? If Garrard hits the ground, the Jags will not win this game.

Play defense! If you let Andre Johnson burn you, you will be sorry. He is, in my opinion, the best wide receiver in the game. He will make you hurt.

Key Match Up: Andre Johnson against Rashean Mathis. Mathis is a great cover corner, and Johnson is an amazing receiver. It'll be a game of cat and mouse all day.

Texans:

The Texans must get in a groove on offense early. They need to establish the running game with Slaton and get some deep balls off to Johnson early.

Key Match up: The Texans O-Line against the Jags D-Line. If the Texans don't control the point of attack, they won't be able to run the ball. And if they can't run, they can't pass.

They must also get good play from the special teams. This is going to be a hard fought game, and the Texans need every big play they can get.

Key Match Up: Jags return man Brian Witherspoon against the Texans cover unit. Witherspoon has not had particularly sticky hands this year, so look for the Texans to try to take advantage of that.

Overall, this should be a hard fought battle. I give a slight edge to the Texans in this one, though, because they are at home.

A projected final of 21-17, Texans take the game.

The Five Things Worse Than Watching Detroit Vs. Tenessee Or Dallas Vs. Seattle

Auguste Archer — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:15:32 -0500

Ok, so, it has been widely recognized for many years that the Detroit Lions are a bad football team. I mean, you would be seriously hard pressed to find someone who would or could argue otherwise. And yet still, every Thanksgiving, the Detroit Lions stink up national television for all to see.

The other Thanksgiving day game, Seattle and Dallas, is almost as bad. I mean, we are talking about the 2-9 "please make it stop now" Seahawks vs. the 7-4 "how are we ever going to catch the Giants" Cowboys. This game has stink bomb written all over it. If, by some miracle, the Seahawks win this one, all of America will walk away feeling raped excluding the greater Seattle area, because the boys were supposed to win. If the Cowboys win it will be exactly what all of America (including the greater Seattle area) expects to happen, and they will go away feeling raped because "can't we get an upset here?".

But, contrary to popular belief, there are at least five worse things to be doing on Thanksgiving than watching one of these two games, and I am now going to list them for you...

1. Playing football with a turkey carcass. Now, friends, this may sound like a blast but trust me; your significant other will not be pleased. And think about the grease! Have you ever held a turkey carcass? Yeah, it's greasy...

2. Sitting in your apartment/house/trailer alone, eating pizza, watching Survivor reruns. I am sure that somewhere in America there is someone who will read this and go "HEY!"...

3. Talking to your wife/girlfriend's family. This is torturous enough as it is, but add turkey and a sense of tradition and you have a formula for full blown disaster. Beware of the "would you like to carve the turkey?" question... The answer is no, gentlemen, you would not like to carve the turkey.

4. Working. Yes, people, football, no matter how bad, is always better than work. Unless of course football IS work, in which case you probably make more money in a week than I do a year and you can do whatever the hell you want on Thanksgiving.

5. Visiting your extended family. For those of you who are being forced to do this, I feel for you. I see my extended family roughly once a decade, and that is more than enough for my taste. If you are unfortunate enough to have to see your's every Thanksgiving, I apologize sincerely and hope the games are exciting enough that you are not totally bored while watching them so you can ignore your great aunt Alice for a whole, blissful four hours.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everybody, and I would just like to say that I am thankful for all the people who take the time to read this stuff!

Jaguars-Vikings: Jacksonville Lose Again at Home, Drop To 4-7

Auguste Archer — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:10:15 -0500

It was a chilly November day in Jacksonville, and a day of disappointment for the Jaguars and coach Jack Del Rio.

The Minnesota Vikings rolled into town with every intent of dominating on both sides of the ball, and they did just that.

On defense they held the Jaguars to 35 yards rushing and forced four turnovers, with another coming on special teams when the Jaguars attempted to return a kick and return man Brian Witherspoon put the ball on the ground.

Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, who went 27/45 for 317 yards and a TD, had a decent game until late in the fourth quarter, when he threw two interceptions on consecutive possessions. The game was, however, already out of reach at that point.

The game got out of hand early when Jaguars center Brad Meester fumbled the snap on the first offensive play of the game. Napolean Harris grabbed the lose ball and scampered for a touchdown, making the score 7-0 with 10 seconds run off the clock.

One play later, Brian Witherspoon fumbled the ball on the twenty yard line and the Vikings put it in the endzone in three plays, all of them runs.

After the opening possessions, the Jaguars played pretty good defensive football, keeping Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in check and the Viking offense honest.

The main problem was the lackluster play of the Jags' own offense. Right tackle Tony Pashos was flagged for holding three times, and on three consecutive drives the Jaguars came close but did not score a touchdown. One good field goal and two Josh Scobee misses ended three offensive possessions.

With just over two minutes left in the first half Gus Frerotte was picked off by safety Gerald Sesabaugh and the Jaguars had an opportunity to make it 14-17 going into the half. They drove the length of the field but were held up near the Vikings' thirty yard line. Scobee came out to attempt the kick, and it soared wide left.

This was about how the game went all day.

The final was 30-12, but it should have been much closer. The Jaguars repeatedly shot themselves in the foot, continually giving a very opportunistic Vikings offense chances to score, and the Vikings obliged.

By the end of the game the stadium was all but empty.

Which makes one wonder, will it be full next season?

The struggling Jaguars are now 4-7, and have fallen far below preseason expectations.

The Vikings are surging at 6-5 and are now tied with the Chicago Bears for first place in a tight NFC North.

Next Monday night the Jaguars will take on the Texans in Houston, while the Vikings will have the Chicago Bears at home on Sunday afternoon, with a chance to take first place in the NFC North.

Creature Vs. Creature: A Jaguars' Take on the Jacksonville @ Detroit Game

Auguste Archer — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:16:01 -0500

This weekend in Detroit, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Detroit Lions will play more for pride than anything else.

Jacksonville (3-5) is looking at an extreme outside shot at a wild-card playoff berth after losing to the Cincinnati Bengals last week and falling to third place in the AFC South.

The Lions (0-8) are struggling with quarterback injuries and abysmal line play and are dead last in the NFC North, a position they have occupied habitually of late.

Both teams have been worse than expected this season, and injuries and personnel problems have plagued them since the beginning of the year, but both teams are determined to begin a turnaround this week in Detroit.

The last time these two met, the Jaguars won an overtime victory, 23-17, despite a poor special-teams performance that allowed the Lions to return two punts for touchdowns in the same quarter.

It was also the second start for then backup quarterback David Garrard, who threw two touchdowns.

Jacksonville will win if...

The defense plays sharp.

The defensive line has to stop the run. In the Jaguars' last four games, they have allowed some of the league's worst run offenses (see Cincinnati) to carve them up on the ground.

The linebacker play has been terrible and don't get me started on the secondary in run support. Reggie Nelson has been the one shining star, coming in from the safety position and playing in a manner reminiscent of Bob Sanders or Troy Polamalu.

The offense does their job.

The offense has to move the ball efficiently: RUN RUN RUN! The Jaguars' offense did not move the ball well against the Bengals last weekend, and it showed in the final score. Losing by less than a touchdown every week is a terrible feeling, and losing by a missed two-point conversion is even worse.

David Garrard does his job.

David Garrard has been very efficient this season, throwing no interceptions in his last three games. Expect that trend to continue, and look for the Jags to air it out early and often against a suspect Detroit secondary. The rush offense has been lacking this season, and it has facilitated Garrard's development, knowing that the team is relying on him for every yard they get.

Jacksonville will lose if...

They can't run the ball.

The Jaguars are a smash-mouth team, and they like to lay the wood on teams by running up the middle. If they fail to do that, they will not win this game. They haven't won a game this season without a rushing touchdown, and that's what they need.

They have 12 penalties.

Last week, against the Bengals, the Jags had 12 penalties and that is unacceptable. False starts, offsides, and ridiculous mistakes WILL KILL MOMENTUM! The Jaguars have been playing sloppy, and it is not Jack Del Rio's style to have a team making stupid mistakes.

They can't stop the run.

If Detroit is able to establish the run, the Jaguars' secondary isn't good enough to contain the play-action passing attack. It is what has happened every week. A team sets up a strong rushing attack and then blasts the Jags through the air with the play-action attack. They must stop the run, or they will not win this game.

The X Factor

In this game, the X-Factor is definitely David Garrard. Garrard is looking for a big day, and he has never had a 300 yard passing game in his career. Look for him to come out shooting.

Prediction

I think the Jaguars must win this game. They are playing an 0-8 Detroit team that is desperate for a win, and they have to beat that desperation. Losing to winless teams in two consecutive weeks would be embarrassing and totally un-called for after the high expectations levied on them at the start of this season.

I think the Jags understand as a team that this is their chance to salvage the season, and I think they'll play like it. Look for Jacksonville to win by a touchdown.

Jacksonville 14, Detroit 7

Be sure to check out Detroit writer Scott Rieger's take on the game. You can read his article here http://bleacherreport.com/articles/78209-creature-vs-creature-a-lions-take-on-jacksonville-detroit .

Jacksonville Jaguars Lose Chris Naeole for Remainder of Season

Auguste Archer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:41:40 -0400

Chris Naeole suffered a major setback last season after he suffered a a torn quadriceps tendon against New Orleans.

Naeole was originally thought to be finished in Jacksonville, but after a myriad of injuries to the offensive line, it was determined that he was needed to fill a void, and he was prepared to play against the Browns after finally making a full recovery.

In the pregame warmups, however, he somehow managed to fracture a bone in his hand, which has effectively ended his season.

That means that veteran Tutan Reyes will continue to start at right guard, while Uche Nwaneri will play at the left-guard position.

Overall, the Jaguars' offensive line has been patchwork at best this season, and it shows in the run game. Against the Browns last week, Taylor and Jones-Drew combined for just over 50 yards and no touchdowns.

The line has benefited from the return of starting center Brad Meester, who missed the first six games of the season with a torn bicep suffered in training camp.

Among the Jaguars' other losses along the offensive line are Vince Manuwai, Mo Williams, and Richard Collier. Manuwai and Williams both went down early in the season, and Collier was the victim of a shooting.

None are expected to play again this season, or, in Collier's case, ever.

The question facing the Jaguars is whether or not they can be the same physical team they were last season even without their dominant offensive line.

Browns Win In Jacksonville, Jaguars Fall Three Games Behind Titans

Auguste Archer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:31:05 -0400

On a brisk Sunday night in Jacksonville, the Jaguars came to play.

It seems, however, that the Cleveland Browns came to play a little bit harder.

The Browns improved their record to 3-4 on the season, riding the legs of Jamal Lewis and the arm of Derek Anderson to a 23-17 victory over the Jags.

The Jaguars, now 3-4, had an opportunity to win the game after wide receiver Matt Jones caught a pass in the middle of the field and scampered out of bounds to put the Jaguars in scoring position.

Two plays later, the ball bounced out of Jones' hands in the back of the end zone. Like much of the Jaguars season thus far, it was almost a catch. It was almost a victory. Almost.

The Browns offense created big plays when they needed them, with Anderson going 14 of 27 for 264 yards and a touchdown. The bulk of the Browns scoring came in the first quarter, where they put up 17 points. Jamal Lewis had 20 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.

The Jaguars defense played well in the second half, and only allowed three out of 12 third down conversions, but the big play killed them. The Browns had completions of 51 and 49 yards in the first half, both of which set up scores.

The Jaguars had two costly special teams mistakes, a blocked field goal in the second half and Brian Witherspoon's fumbled kickoff return late in the fourth quarter, which allowed the Browns to make it a two score game.

In the post game interview, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio wasn't just angry, he was furious.

When asked if there were any good aspects of the game, he replied "There were, there always are, I just don't feel like talking about them right now." and ended his interview with the ominous statement that things would be handled internally.

The Browns, who started the season 1-3, have recovered and put themselves back in position to make a playoff push, garnering convincing victories over the New York Giants and the Jaguars.

The Jaguars, who have not lost a game by more than a touchdown this season, have fallen to three games back on the surging Tennessee Titans, who beat Indianapolis last night to move to 7-0 on the season.

The Browns will go home to play Baltimore next weekend, while the Jaguars go to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.

Adam "Pacman" Jones' To-Do List

Auguste Archer — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:23:28 -0400

Ten things Adam "Don't call me Pacman" Jones will do before the end of the season:

1. Beat Tony Romo with Terrel Owens while screaming "I HATE PRIMA DONNAS!!!!"

2. Kick Jerry Jones once for every dollar spent on the Cowboys new stadium.

3. Kill someone assigned to protect him.

4. Punch an opposing wide receiver during or after a play.

5. Clean up his act using stolen cleaning supplies.

6. Cause Roger Goodell to have an aneurysm.

7. Hammer throw a fan.

8. Break the NFL's consecutive suspension record.

9. Party down with Felix Jones.

10. Sign a huge contract with the Cowboys through 2010.

And, although this didn't make the list, he'll probably also have lost the respect of every football fan on the planet, too. Come on, man, you're a heck of an athlete, don't waste it!

Florida Football vs. The World

Auguste Archer — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:25:53 -0400

Ah, the sweet smell of cool autumn air is flowing into our nostrils. The trees are beginning to turn colors, and the weather is becoming downright chilly.

Well, unless you live in Florida.

If you live in Florida, it's still 85 degrees outside during the day.

The palm trees don't lose their leaves. Palm trees don't even have leaves. If a palm tree changes color that means it has some kind of bizarre tree disease, not that autumn has come.

These simple facts lead many people to believe that it's easier to play football in the great state of Florida than in other, colder (I mean you, Wisconsin) places. Here are a few good reasons why it's harder to play football in Florida than anywhere else:

1. Gators. No, not the college football team, the large carnivorous reptile. I know, I know, there usually aren't alligators popping up on football fields at random, but it could happen. It's a safety thing.

2. Charlie Crist. Our governor is so distractingly bizarre looking that it's nearly impossible to pay attention to the game when he's in attendance. I mean, seriously, the guy looks like a freaking lizard.

3. Violent Crime. In the state of Florida a football player is more likely to receive a career ending injury in a shootout than on the field. Just wait, it'll only be a matter of months before players will be packing heat during games. If the corner gets beat deep, all he's gotta do is pull his nine and drop that mothafu... Oh, wait, inappropriate.

4. Hurricanes. No, I'm not talking about the giant storms, I'm talking about the football team. The Canes are dangerous and violent. I mean, have you ever been to Miami? Yeah, that's what I thought, you've been avoiding it. Miami is a scary place.

5. Hurricanes, again. This time I do mean the giant storms. Have you ever been in a hurricane? It's ridiculous! Imagine trying to convert a third and twelve in a hurricane. Nobody's ever tried, but that doesn't mean it's easy.

And these are the reasons that I believe it's harder to play football in the great state of Florida than anywhere else. Except maybe Green Bay Wisconsin. Only crazy people would choose to live there.

Sorry all of you folks from up there, but you are all nuts.

Tom Brady Should Start for Red Sox

Auguste Archer — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:04:05 -0400

Here are five good reasons that the Boston Red Sox should have Tom Brady as their starting pitcher in the ALCS:

1. Tom Brady is so distractingly (and infuriatingly) good looking that opposing batters will be "blinded by the light" and swing at all of his erratic pitches.

2. He's marrying Gisele something-or-other (I refer to her as "Brady's uber hot lady"). If he's got enough balls to marry a supermodel, he's got enough balls to strike out Evan Longoria, right?

3. He needs a second chance to bring a championship home. After all, the first three don't count for anything since he lost that "un-losable" game. Eli Manning and the Giants think so...and that makes it true.

4. He will probably look a lot more imposing on a baseball diamond than he does standing behind five 300-pound linemen, and therefore maybe lose that "Tom Brady's a wuss" thing I keep hearing. Oh wait, I've never actually heard that. Who was it who was called a wuss? Oh yeah, that was me...

5. He's never faked a limp. No, wait, he has. Well, I guess instead of starting him, they may as well just trade him to some obscure NL team from the West Coast. It's not like he'll have some kind of super epiphany and suddenly become a driven and hard-working baseball player or anything. Hmmm...

I'm sure something like that would never come back to bite them in an ALCS matchup against the Rays. Never.

I think the Sox would be much better without someone as distracting as Tom Brady pitching.

No, they need someone else...Daisuke Matsuzaka! That's who they should start.

Okay, scrap all of that stuff about Brady starting for the Sox. It's Daisuke all the way!

The NFL's Most Overrated Players

Auguste Archer — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:49:34 -0400

Yes, Green Bay fans, I did put a picture of Aaron Rodgers on an article titled "The NFL's Most Overrated Players". And yes, Green Bay fans, that means I think he is overrated.

Let me break down my list for you, from the tenth most overrated player to the number one most overrated player. Here it goes:

10. Ladainian Tomlinson (Chargers)

Some of you are going, "does this guy understand football at all? He thinks LT is overrated? What?". That reaction is understandable. LT is a really good running back. I don't, however, jump on the "LT is the greatest running back since Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders" bandwagon.

I believe that LT, like all great backs, is the product of a very good and often unnoticed offensive line. LT is not, Chargers fans and fantasy owners, the best thing since sliced bread.

9. Adrian Peterson (Vikings)

You really thought if I ragged on LT I was going to leave AP alone? You were wrong. I think AP is a great back and a darn good human being. He is not, however, the best player in the NFL. AP is injury prone and sporadic in his level of production. He's a good back, but in my opinion very overrated.

Hey, does anybody remember Shaun Alexander? Yeah, the one who was on the Madden cover? Well a lot of people considered him the next coming of Jim Brown, and eh, well does anyone honestly know who he plays for anymore? Is he even still active? Just remember Vikings fans, take AP's greatness with a grain of salt.

8. Terrell Owens (Cowboys)

I bet you aren't at all surprised to see TO on this list. He whines, complains, drops passes and performs atrocious end zone celebrations that more often than not lead to 15-yard penalties. And yet, even with all of these obvious transgressions, TO is still considered one of the league's premier wide receivers. Why? I honestly don't understand it. Maybe a helpful Cowboys fan could elaborate for me.

7. Carson Palmer (Bengals)

Palmer has all the tools. He has a pass blocking offensive line, two dynamite wide receivers, a pass heavy west-coast playbook, and he still fails to deliver. The Bengals are 0-5 this season. You don't go 0-5 with an elite quarterback at the helm, so why do we still consider Palmer elite? We don't, or at least I don't. Case closed.

6. Brian Urlacher (Bears)

Don't get me wrong, Urlacher is a good linebacker. He isn't, however, the best linebacker in the NFL. Or even in the NFC. Lofa Tatupu is a better (dare I say the best) linebacker in the NFC.

Urlacher possesses a lot of great attributes, but he lacks the ability to be effective in coverage. Urlacher is a wonderful run stopper, but he just isn't that great in nickel and dime packages. Bears fans, be happy you have a linebacker like Urlacher, he's a great player, just not the best in the NFL.

5. Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

Yes Packers fans, I did go here. Aaron Rodgers, for all of his great games and early wins, is not a great quarterback yet. He may well (and I actually think he will) mature into a quarterback of legendary caliber, but for now he isn't any Brett Favre and Packers fans would be severely disillusioned to think so.

4. Ray Lewis (Ravens)

Ray Lewis is in the same boat as Brian Urlacher. He's a great player, good at what he does, but he is often called the elite linebacker in the AFC, which he just isn't. That title belongs to Larry Foote or Joey Porter, guys who are the complete package of skill at linebacker. Sorry Ray, but you're overrated.

3. Roy Williams (Cowboys)

Yes Cowboys fans, I did double up on you. Roy Williams is a great run support safety, but he misses too many tackles and is vulnerable in pass protection. He just gets beat sometimes, and elite players don't get beat. That's what makes Williams overrated. Sorry 'Boys fans, he's not that great.

2. Jeremy Shockey (Saints)

Shockey is a very good tight end, but he isn't elite. He misses blocks, drops balls and occasionally allows his very high-strung attitude to affect the team. He's also missed a lot of time to injury, both this year and last. Shockey is a good player, but not even in the top five tight ends in the league.

1. Vince Young (Titans)

Oh Vince. Oh, dear Vince. Why do you hurt us so bad? You give us an enticing taste of ridiculous big-play ability, and then you throw three horrible picks in a row. You win a game by the skin of your teeth, and then lose one by twenty the next weekend.

What is it about you, Vince, that makes us continue to believe in you? Is it your charisma? Your charm? Because it certainly isn't your football skill. You've proved time and again that you can't be trusted to deliver in the big moments. And that, Vince, is why you top my most overrated players list. Sorry Titans fans, your quarterback is the most overrated player in the NFL.

Thanks for reading, folks, it's always a pleasure. And I love to have feedback, so feel free to comment.

Jaguars Bet Big on Jerry Porter: Good, Bad or Just Plain Ugly?

Auguste Archer — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:58:14 -0400

Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard may not be without a decent wide receiver for much longer. The team has decided to pick up Jerry Porter, a former Oakland Raider, in free agency.

Porter, whose 2007 season proved a bad combination of team rule violations and arguments with Al Davis, has mostly fallen off the radar of late. In the past three seasons he's had a mediocre run.

Although he possesses big play ability and decent speed, he was unable to turn two near 1000-yard seasons in Oakland into pay dirt.

Whether or not he will be able to assist Jacksonville's sub-par receiving corps remains to be seen, but he will provide a much needed veteran presence at the position. The Jaguars have lacked this presence ever since star wide receiver Jimmy Smith retired.

The Jaguars drafted Matt Jones and Ernest Wilford to be their wide receivers of the future. However, neither Jones nor Wilford were able to produce, and Wilford was released in free agency this off season.

In the 2007 draft the Jaguars picked up John Broussard, a small, fast receiver with deep play ability.

Broussard did not turn out to be quite what Coach Del Rio was looking for, however, scoring only one touchdown and gaining 126 yards in his rookie season.

Reggie Williams, Jacksonville's receiving leader, set a single season team record with ten touchdowns, but only managed to accumulate 629 yards.

Williams, who is still currently part of the Jaguars' roster, figures to keep the No. 2 slot beside Porter come next season.

He could face some serious competition, however, from former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson. Williamson was touted to be the next Randy Moss coming out of college, but he failed to live up to those high expectations.

Overall, the Jaguars' current situation is precarious.

If Jerry Porter doesn't show he can do what he did four years ago in Oakland, the Jaguars will have lost the $10 million guaranteed in his contract.

If he does show that he can be a legitimate threat and a No. 1 receiver, then the Jaguars will most likely become a true force to be reckoned with in the AFC.

Auguste Archer, 4:57 EST Jacksonville, FL