Bleacher Report - Articles by russ autin

A Look at the Linebackers of the 2009 Draft

russ autin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:08:30 -0400

Inside, outside, 4-3, 3-4, Sam, Will, or Mike, the 2009 National Football League draft class is hip deep in quality linebackers. For teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills or, the New Orleans Saints, who are attempting to improve this area, it may the best draft in years.

It's seems that Aaron Curry is the pick of the litter. If he's not gone by the third pick, someone should and, probably will be fired, but the pool is deep, so fear not, there's plenty to go around.

Any story about linebackers should start at the University of Southern California, where there's a triad of potential first rounders. Ray Maualuga , Brian Cushing and, Clay Mathews have become the media favorites, stealing the thunder of some of the other talented prospects.

No one can deny Larry English is a player with outstanding potential, his great speed and athleticism should have coaches salivating. He projects as a outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and with a little work in the weight room and proper coaching he could be a force for years to come.

Talking about Everette Brown, well 13.5 sacks last year says it all. For any team playing a 3-4 scheme, this guy is a dream come true. A three down backer, able to play the run or pass. On passing plays he has a tremendous first step,and a number of polished moves. This guy has impact-player written all over him.

Perhaps Arron Maybin should have stayed in school, the talent level in this years draft, combined with his lack of experience will hurt his chances of being drafted in the top ten. Don't get me wrong, he has potential, but of the elite linebackers in this draft he is the least NFL ready, but may have the most up-side.

James Laurinaitis, unlike Maybin, should have come out early. Last year he could have been a top ten pick, this year he could slide to the second round. He is still an elite talent and will be a steal in the second round.

This years class is deeper still, with a number of solid players even when the players named above are gone. Here are two of my picks for the most under-rated players of the bunch, one outside, one inside, just for symmetry.

On the outside, Marcus Freeman. He really wowed scouts by running a 4.51 at Ohio State's pro-day. He is a sideline-to-sideline player with a nose for the football, who excels in coverage, displaying the ability to run with any tight end, or back in the league.

He could be the best value of the entire class if he slips to the third round, after all he is the fastest of the lot.

On the inside, Jason Phillips. If they where to make a movie of the children's book " The Little Engine That Could" he would be perfect for the leading part. He reminds me of Sam Mills, as a life long Saints fan, that's about the highest honor I can bestow upon a young linebacker.

His inability to preform at his pro-day due to a knee injury will hurt his draft status, but don't underestimate this kid, he will take someone's job in the NFL next year.

Five years from now, we could be talking about this being one of the best linebacker class ever.

NFL Draft Preview: The Deepest Linebacker Class Ever

russ autin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:01:00 -0400

Inside, outside, 4-3, 3-4, Sam, Will, or Mike. The 2009 National Football League draft class is hip deep in quality linebackers.

For teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints, who are attempting to improve this area, it may the best draft class in years.

It seems Aaron Curry is the pick of the litter. If he's not gone by the third pick, someone should— and probably will— be fired. But the pool is deep, so there's plenty to go around.

Any story about linebackers should start at the University of Southern California, where there's a triad of potential first-rounders.

Rey Maualuga , Brian Cushing, and Clay Mathews have become media favorites, stealing the thunder of some of the other talented prospects.

No one can deny Larry English is a player with outstanding potential, and his great speed and athleticism should have coaches salivating.

He projects as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, and with a little work in the weight room and proper coaching, he could be a force for years to come.

Talking about Everette Brown, well 13.5 sacks last year says it all. For any team playing a 3-4 scheme, this guy is a dream come true. He's a three-down backer, able to play the run and the pass.

On passing plays, Brown has a tremendous first step and a number of polished moves. This guy has impact-player written all over him.

Perhaps Arron Maybin should have stayed in school; the talent level in this year's draft, combined with his lack of experience, will hurt his chances of being drafted in the top 10.

Don't get me wrong, he has potential. But of the elite linebackers in this draft, he is the least NFL ready, although he may have the most upside.

James Laurinaitis, unlike Maybin, should have come out early.

Last year he could have been a top 10 pick. This year, he could slide to the second round. However, he is still an elite talent and would be a steal in the second round.

This year's class is deeper still, with a number of solid players left after those named above are gone.

Here are two of my picks for the most underrated players of the bunch, one outside, one inside, just for symmetry.

On the outside, I have Marcus Freeman.

He really wowed scouts by running a 4.51 at Ohio State's pro-day. He is a sideline-to-sideline player with a nose for the football and excels in coverage, displaying the ability to run with any tight end or back in the league.

He could be the best value of the entire class if he slips to the third round. After all, he is the fastest of the lot.

On the inside, look for Jason Phillips.

If they where to make a movie of the children's book The Little Engine That Could, Phillips would be perfect for the leading part.

He reminds me of Sam Mills, and as a life-long Saints fan, that's about the highest honor I can bestow upon a young linebacker.

Phillips' inability to perform at his pro-day due to a knee injury will hurt his draft status, but don't underestimate this kid—He will take someone's job in the NFL next year.

Five years from now, we could be talking about this being one of the best linebacker classes ever.

A Look At Restricted Free Agent Receiver Lance Moore, of The New Orleans Saints

russ autin — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:41:06 -0400

The 2008 season proved what die-hard Saints fans already knew — good things happen when Lance Moore is on the field. When Marques Colston was lost to injury, Moore made the most of his extra playing time, running crisp routes and catching anything thrown in his direction.

He quickly earned Drew Brees' trust, becoming his "go to" guy. While only starting 11 games, he caught 79 balls, for 928 yards, and most importantly, 10 touchdowns. He was given the nickname "Velcro-man" by his teammates.

Moore attended the University of Toledo from 2001 to 2004 , where he scored 25 touchdowns on 222 receptions for 2,776 yards, plus, 902 kick return yards and 399 punt return yards with two touchdowns. He entered the NFL in 2005, as an undrafted free agent for the Cleveland Browns, was waived, then signed by the Saints.

Moore played sparingly in the 2006 season. I really didn't think he would make the team in 2007, with Marques Colston and Devery Henderson entrenched as one and two, first round draft pick Robert Meachem, and David Patten, the odds were stacked against him. Not only did he make the team, he played in all 16 games.

At first glance, 32 catches on the 2007 season doesn't look all that impressive, but 22 of those were for first downs, demonstrating Brees' comfort level with the speedy receiver. He just never seemed to drop a pass, and was always where he was supposed to be.

In 2008, Moore really showed that he had become a well-rounded receiver. Moore easily out-performed both Henderson, and Meachem.The Saints tendered Moore an offer of $1.545 million,as a restricted free agent.

If he signs with another team, the Saints get their second round pick as compensation. That's a steep price, but after the season he's had, combined with the shortage of quality receivers, who knows?

Teams like the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles would be wise to look at his film, he's better than anyone currently on their roster.

Jabari Greer Leaving Buffalo Bills For New Orleans Saints

russ autin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:55:29 -0400

The Saints, after misfiring on St. Louis Rams cornerback Ron Bartell, reloaded their cannons and set their sights for the Bills corner back Jabari Greer. Determined not to be denied a chance to upgrade its woeful secondary, they inked Jabari to a four-year, $24 million deal.

Last year, the Bills selected Leodis McKelvin with their first pick of the 2008 NFL draft, making Jabari, a undrafted free agent, expendable. Dick Jauron didn't draft Leodis to play a backup role. Meanwhile, Greer was having his best year in the NFL, starting the first 10 games for Buffalo until an injury forced him to miss the last six games.

Greer joins a Saints team that could go deep in the playoffs if they can manage to put a defense together. The Saints front office also brought in defensive guru Gregg Williams. His presence has changed the equation, making New Orleans a more palatable destination to free agents of defensive persuasion.

I think the Saints are making progress in their quest for a defense. Much more will probably be needed, but the upcoming draft will be more flexible now that Greer is on the team.

No one can predict what the next season will bring. Will the Bills regret letting Greer get away? Does the move help the Saints take the next step? Only time will tell, but at the very least, the move spared Jabari a ringside seat to the Terrell Owens Circus that is now pitching its tent in Buffalo.

Michael Vick Should Not Play in the NFL

russ autin — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:33:49 -0500

Having read too many stories about the Michael Vick saga, I hate to write one more, but most others have been so bad that I feel it's my duty to pen a more informative one.

The sympathetic articles in support of Vick can almost always be classified into two categories: There's the denial argument and the, "he's paid his dues" one.

First, the long stream of denial. They usually start off like this:

Vick is a poor, innocent victim who trusted his friends, and they let him down.

Here's a list of just a few of the people they think are responsible for Vick's downfall: The police (bad search warrant), the Government (for bringing the charges) ,the media (for reporting the story), ESPN (for milking the story), and the humane society (for spreading anti-Vick propaganda).

The list goes on and on, blaming everyone except Vick.

As for the "he's paid his dues" stories, they usually go on and on about how he actually went to prison and how he's seen the light.

Next they'll tell you others have done worst and gone unpunished, therefore it would be wrong to punish Michael. If you follow this logic to it's end, you'll find it has no beginning. They will defend the next scumbag claiming, "you didn't punish Vick, you shouldn't punish him."

That brings us to my favorite: it's just dogs.

Now, before we move on, I think the killing and torturing of man's best friend, on this scale, is enough to merit a lifetime ban. So all you animal lovers please don't think I'm trivializing this aspect of the sad story, but some readers don't think that's enough.

This story is for those people who say "I"m a dog lover, but..."

It reminds me of people who claim it's OK to be racist because some of their best friends are black. Open up your eyes, hypocrites!

All of this aside, the real reason Michael Vick should be banned for life is the illegal gambling aspect of the charges. He was guilty of transporting large sums of money across state lines, all for the purpose of dog fighting.

Who are the people he was delivering this money to?

The answer is everyone from your organized criminals to your basic street thug—anyone who can profit from betting on these gruesome fights.

A person with those types of associations should never be allowed to affect the outcome of any sporting event. It's crazy to think otherwise.

Does anyone out there think all of Vick's illegal activities came out during trial? Probably not, which means some very bad people have some very bad dirt on Michael.

The next time—if there is one—he throws a pick, fumbles a snap, or just overthrows a receiver, was the fix in?

This is something we have to consider, like it or not.

With the now infamous gambling referee of the NBA, Tim Donaghy, fresh in our sports psyche, does the National Football League really want to push it's luck?

Is Michael Vick worth the risk?

Jacksonville Jaguars, This New Orleans Saints Fan Thanks You for Bobby McCray

russ autin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:13:04 -0500

Back in 2004, the NFL Draft was winding down. As with most fanatics, my head was swimming with new information, musing about who got whom, and what it all meant. By the time it got down to the compensatory picks in the seventh round, draft overload had set in.

Unknown to me, and the rest of the football world, there was gold to be mined form the undrafted players still on the board. At the 48th pick in the seventh round, the 249th pick overall, the Jaguars called out for Bobby McCray. No one took notice.

The guys in the Jacksonville front office really earned their pay on this one. Out of 24 defensive ends taken in that year's draft, he was the 23rd, but played more like a first rounder. I have no clue as to why they let him go. The Saints offer was not that great.

In his first four years with the Jaguars, he put up solid numbers. It seems to me that 22 sacks, 72 solo tackles, with seven forced fumbles is outstanding for a guy picked 249th overall.

I remember the first time I saw Bobby in a Saints uniform. It was training camp. My mother pointed him out to me asking, "who's that 93 guy? He's a step faster than the rest." Mom has a good eye. She lost the other one in a bar fight, but that's another story.

Gregg Williams is coming in as the Saints' new defensive coordinator. I think McCray will benefit the most from the change. The Saints should move him around more on passing downs, and while his pass rushing skills are what everyone notices, his ability to drop back in coverage allows zone blitzes to be more effective. Plus his run defense has been better than advertised.

If any Jags fans has more info on why the front office let him get away, I would like to hear about it, but as a Saints fan I would personally like to thank whoever is responsible.

New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Who Got The Better End Of The Stick?

russ autin — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:03:28 -0500

After months of rumors, and lots of public displays of nastiness, on both sides, the New York Giants finally decided to trade Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints, for their second round and fifth round picks, in the upcoming 2009 draft.

It would seem more than a fair price for a player picked 14th overall in the 2002 draft, especially when you take a gander at his on-field production. Plus four Pro Bowl appearances in six years.

Aside from the general animosity between Shockey and the Giant's front office, he was coming back from a major injury. In fact, he has never played a full season his entire career, missing at least one game in each of his first six years.

But even with the injures, while playing for the Giants, he still caught 371 balls, for over 4,000 yards, with 27 touchdowns. Those numbers really had Saints fans drooling.

Now, to say Jeremy struggled in his first year with the Saints is an understatement. It was almost like someone put a Gris-Gris (pronounced "gree-gree") on him from the beginning, injures, dropped passes, fumbles, poor blocking, and just inconsistent play. Those of you who don't know what a Gris-Gris is consider yourselves lucky.

As the 2009 draft approaches, many Saints fans are having buyers remorse, and would love to have those picks back. A second, and fifth round pick sure could help patch some gaping holes on the defensive side of the ball.

Giants fans are more than happy with the extra picks, mostly because they really didn't miss Shockey, thanks to the fine play of second year tight end Kevin Boss. While only catching 33 balls, he averaged 11.6 yards per catch, and scored six touchdowns. That's six more than Shockey scored for the Saints.

So, it would seem the Giants sold the Saints the Brooklyn Bridge, taking advantage of the rubes from Louisiana, but in my opinion it's to early to tell. First we have to see who the Giants get with their picks. Second we need to give Shockey a chance to prove himself worthy of such a high price.

I have two reasons to think Jeremy will have a career year. first reason, Sean Payton, Shockey was his guy all the way, he wanted him, he got him. Sean will give the tight end every chance to succeed. Second reason, Drew Brees, he has the ability to make anyone look good. With those two guys help I could make the Pro Bowl.

That's what I think . What do you think? Giants fans, Saints fans let me know.

New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Who Got the Better End of the Stick?

russ autin — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:39:59 -0500

On February 29, 2008, Jonathan Vilma was traded the New Orleans Saints for a fourth round pick in the 2008 draft, and a conditional pick in the 2009 draft. That seems cheap for a player taken 12th overall in the 2004 draft.

Now, he was coming off of major surgery, and the Jets were in the middle of a defensive makeover, plus, Jon was diagnosed in high school, with Osteochondritis Dissecans this can cause loose particles and instability in joints.

It was a relatively low risk, high reward deal the Saints jumped on. One man's trash, is another man's treasure. The 2008 season proved Jonathan to be solid gold. He notched 129 tackles, 1 int., 1.5 sacks, showed no ill effects of his surgery, and played all most every snap.

Now to the conditional pick, if the Saints sign Jon to a deal before free agency, they will have to give the Jets their first round pick. Instead the Saints have a gentleman's agreement with Jon to resign him after the start of free agency.

If the Saints are able to resign Vilma, I would consider this as big a steal as buying Manhattan Island from the natives for a hand full of beads. What were the Jets thinking? In my opinion they wasted more than a great player, but a team leader. The Saints new defensive coordinator plans to make Jon the center piece of their new look defense, all for a fourth round pick.

That's what I think. What do you think? Saints fans, Jets fans, let me know.

Ya'll have any safeties laying around, we maybe interested.

New England Patriots , New Orleans Saints , Who Got the Better End Of the Stick?

russ autin — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:20:33 -0500

Last year the Saints made it clear to the entire National Football League that one of the top two defencive tackles was gonna be holding up a black and gold jersey on draft day. Unable to pry Glenn Dorsey from the Chiefs, they made a move on Sedrick Ellis.

The Saints traded their first and third round picks, 10th and 78th, to New England for their first and fifth round picks, 7th and 164th. This enabled the Saints to jump ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals and snag Ellis.

The Pats selected two linebackers in Jerod Mayo and Shawn Crable, with their picks. Mayo, 10th pick, really proved he was the best linebacker in the draft. That was no surprise to SEC fans as having watched him in the championship game against Louisana State University, the kid was everywhere.

Crable, 78th pick, on the other hand spent the season on injured reserve, but is full of potential. Another season or two will be needed to judge his impact on this trade.

Ellis, seventhth pick, played very well for the Saints as he was stout aginst the run and good push aginst the pass. While his stats don't jump out at you he will be a force in the Saints middle for years to come.

Carl Nicks, 164th pick, what a steal! Pressed into service, after Nesbit's four game suspension, showed he could play pass or run at a high level.

A mean run blocker, but also didn't give up a single sack, for a team that throws the ball around 60 percent of the time. Even after Nesbit's return, Carl retained the starting role.

So,who came out better? In my opinion, both teams can claim victory.

For the Pats guys like Mayo don't grow on trees. For the Saints they got two linemen that will be staples for years to come. That's what I think, what do you think? Saints fans, Pats fans, let me know.

Maybe we can do something simular in this years draft.

Should the Saints Consider Trading Colston?

russ autin — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:56:51 -0500

I know it sounds crazy, but if you think about it maybe. He is the most trade-able (next to Brees) player on the team. Other teams would stand in line to make offers. Draft picks, players, name your price.

I'm not saying give him away. In fact I'm not saying it's a good idea. What I want to know is do you think it's worth considering or, is it just crazy? Keep in mind that receiver is easily our deepest position and last year when he was out, the Saints offence didn't miss a beat.

We need defensive help badly, more than we have picks in the draft. Our cap numbers are bad and we'll be lucky to resign Vilma, Evans, and Moore.

Saints fans let me know what you think, but keep it civil. I'm not saying we should, I'm just asking.

Monday Night Football Makes Me Sick

russ autin — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:44:53 -0400

I remember a time, in the not-so-distant past, when I loved Monday Night Football. Now, I cringe when I hear the theme song, knowing that I'm about to be bombarded with a bunch useless banter and overproduced hype. It's like a pack of used-car salesmen from hell trying to sell me a 1976 Pinto, you know, the ones with the exploding gas tanks.

As we huddle around the big screen, hoping to enjoy some football, the game is held hostage by flim-flam men intent on testing our capacity, endure endless commercial breaks, and announcers who wouldn't know a pass from a hole in the ground.

I remember when a kick or punt return was the most exciting play in football, but now it's just the meat of a commercial sandwich, maybe it's just me, but I really get annoyed watching five or six commercials, a kickoff downed in the end zone, then the same five or six commercials over again.

Who else is tired of hearing about what to do if you have a four-hour erection? My six-year old nephew once asked my mother, after one of those commercials, "What's an erection?" Talk about an awkward football moment.

This brings me to the on-air "talent". Now, I like Jaws. He's been in the trenches, you have to respect that , but where did they get that Tony guy? He really makes me ill. Nothing he says is even remotely funny, and he knows less about football than my nephew knows about four-hour erections.

Why do we put up with this? Because it's the only game on. They use the love we have for the game against us. I admit it, I'm a football junkie. I must get my fix, like any self-respecting drug addict, I'll gladly prostitute my body and mind to fill the craving. But it wasn't all ways as bad as this, and it gets worse every season.

Now, even the game itself is not as important as the interviews with celebrities in between plays. I would like to see the changes in personnel on the field, or more replays, instead we get to hear about some up coming movie the loser guest is in.

Am I the only one sick of Monday Night Football?

Vince Young: "What's Wrong with Being a Momma's Boy?"

russ autin — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:12:41 -0400

I thought the NFL was trying to promote family values, and what's more "family friendly" than having a close relationship with your mother? Now call me lame, but her coming to his defense just shows she cares. It also shows that maybe other players struggling to transition to the NFL should seek their mother's help.

Where's Rex Grossman's mom? It seems that if he had a better relationship with her, maybe he would have more confidence. What about Alex Smith? He could use a public hug from his mom right about now. If Matt Leinart spent more of his time in a hot tub beer bonging with his mother instead of with those tramps, he might be starting on Sunday.

What's wrong in the NFL today is the mixed messages it sends. First they say family counts, then when a player show close ties to his mom he's lambasted. I live with my mother. When people find out, they are shocked, but I'm only 46 - plenty of time to spread my wings and leave the nest, so perhaps that's why I can relate.

Now troubled players (to my knowledge) have never had their mother defend them in the press. Pacman Jones, where's your mom? Chris Henry, where's your mom? The list goes on and on. Maybe if they would spend more time with their moms and less time with hookers and thugs, they would be better off.

In closing, I would like to speak up for the over-protecting mothers out there, like mine (love you Mom). When you spend nine months in her womb, suckle her breast for another five years, you owe her for the rest of your life, and to think that relationship ends when you join the NFL is crazy.

Reggie Bush of the Saints Takes a Giant Step Towards Proving You Wrong

russ autin — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:12:55 -0400

I can hear it now, "One game doesn't prove anything." Admit it, that's what you are gonna say so stuff it. Even worse, your thinking of pretending like you supported him all along. Ether way when he was down you relished kicking him and you know it.

Now that he is maturing into the player you thought he should be, you should be man (or woman) enough to say "you know, maybe I was wrong", but knowing you, I doubt it. By you, I mean all of you in the press and the fans who judged him. The word "bust" comes to mind. How many stories have I read about Reggie where this word was the theme? "The most over hyped player" one such story said (you know who you are).

Let me ask you this, if Bush goes on to have a great season, will you admit you were wrong in public for all to read? Or will you pretend to have not said the things you've said? I 'm betting on the latter.

It takes a while for most college players to transition to the NFL. Players like Peyton Manning are the exception of the rule, but when I told you that, you said something like "all a running back has to do is hit the hole." To this day, I think that's the dumbest thing anyone who claims to know football has ever said to me.

I know one game doesn't prove anything, but I'm willing to wait and see before I start throwing stones. For you it's too late.

Roger Goodall Introduces "Team Owners Code Of Conduct" (Humor)

russ autin — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:42:13 -0400

That's right, just when you thought the NFL's "un-caped crusader" was done cleaning up the the sport, a new front in the war against evil has begun. My source, close to Goodell (I'll call him or her "deep pass") says after dealing with players and fans, the next step is cleaning up the owners—and I, for one, applaud him for this bold stand.

First, let's review details of the player conduct policy. I'm sure those of you not in a coma are aware of some of the more well-known rules for players. However, when looking at the fine print, you might be shocked.

One rule in particular is eye-catching—the right for the NFL to, at any time during a game, set up "steroid check points" between the locker room and sideline. Now, they know this may cause game delays, but the integrity of the game is far more important.

They are also working on an early detection system where as a player entering the draft would have their testicles measured, much like height, weight, and IQ, then check them randomly for shrinkage (Deep Pass says Goodell has taken a" hands on" approach to this one).

Now, the players union wants to make sure that this rule is applied fairly, so exceptions are put in to protect players who have no nuts (i.e. jeff gorge) at all.

Second, a closer look at the fan policy. For those of you like me, who thought they switched to plastic bottles so we could throw them (see the Saints-Rams Monday night game a few years back), that's not the case. I won't do it again, but they should put it on the label, "not to be thrown."

Also, Breathalyzers will be installed at every public entrance to every stadium. They are planing a multi-million dollar ad campaign—Deep Pass said they already have a catchy slogan, something like "hand your ticket and blow," but have tabled it because test groups kept adding "me" to the end.

Now for the owners. This is gonna be tough. With the players, the NFL only has to deal with murderers and rapists, but the owners are far worse.

First, owners won't be able to hire a great coach, let him build a great team, and then fire him and take all the credit. Deep Pass said this is known as the "Jerry Jones rule."

Next, owners would not be allowed to use Los Angeles to leverage small market teams. This has met the most resistance. Lawyers for the owners said it's their God-given right to "blackmail whomever they please."

Next, ticket prices. From now on the price you pay will be determined by how much you love your team and if you dress up in a costume (it must be team-themed, and, of course,"family friendly") you get in free.

Goodell has gone out on a limb to protect that which we hold most sacred and I, for one, think we should support him. But only time will tell if this brave man will be successful in his attempt to curb the evil forces in the game we love so much.