posted 07-14-2008 at 9:29 pm by Mykle Van Hausen RNS
[url]http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/[/url]
News that All Pro caliber cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha probably won't reach a long term agreement this year shouldn’t have Raider fans too worried, nor the news of a possible "camp hold out" when the Raiders begin to convene July 24th.
No biggie.
All part of a larger plan.
Fans lamented the large contracts doled out seemingly willie nillie to unproven or injured players this off season to the apparent detriment of Asomugha and the Raiders.
While understandable, that may not be entirely accurate.
The simple fact is, the money to pay Aso and reload the team simply wasn't going to be there.
Al faced the specter of not only to keep players already here, but to sign TWO top 5 draft picks in consecutive years.
My guess is Aso's in the loop and is playing ball not only on the field, but in the office as well.
Why?
Could it be that in the media hyped era of loathsome selfishness a player actually takes one for the team?
Who knows?
Of course their have been bumps in the road, (Charles Woodsen and Marcus Allen come to mind...) But for the most part, Al Davis can lean upon a reputation for treating AND paying his players well.
On the other hand, Al's not stupid and could be hedging his bets. Aso's only had the one good year, 2006.
A chronically bad run D and no one to play opposite meant Nnamdi went unchallenged through out most of 07'.
If Aso proves he is an elite corner this year when teams in all likely hood WILL challenge him, he can write his own number, with the Raiders...or whomever he likes.
Its a calculated gamble on both parties side, but one that will likely pay big dividends.
Its just another example of how Big Al does business unlike everyone else in the new "corporatized" NFL.
And one of the reasons we hope he succeeds.
With no time outs QB Jay Cutler moves the Broncos into position to try a field goal.
With 8 seconds on the clock Jason Elam hurries the Bronco special teams unit onto the field and boots a game winning field goal, propelling Denver to a 15-14 victory over the Buffalo Bills as time runs out.
Week Two
After tying the game in regulation, Elam seizes the victory, kicking a 23 yarder in overtime, cementing the win over Oakland, 23-20.
Week Six
Elam sinks the Steelers with a game winning field goal from 49 yds out as time expires.
Broncos 31-28.
Week Sixteen
Elam’s 30 yarder in overtime this time steals a "W" from Minnesota, 22-19.
Last year, four games chalked in the Denver Broncos win column thanks to Jason Elam.
Elam was the difference between 7-9 and 3-13, quite literally.
He finished the year 27 of 31for an 87.1% average including a 50 yarder.
Thats nothing compared to the record tying 63 yarder earlier in his career, adding to over 20, 000 points he put up for the Broncos during his time there. He also set the record, scoring more points for a single team than any other man in NFL history.
At least 215 of them against Oakland.
The 3 time Pro Bowler was originally drafted by the Broncos with the 70th selection overall in the 3rd round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Though taken in the 3rd round, he currently has his cleats on display in the NFL Hall of Fame, but starting in 2008, the record setting clutch kicker will be doing his scoring for the Atlanta Falcons.
Some will remember in March, the troubled Falcons signed him away with a 4 year, $9 million dollar contract with a reported $3.3 million guaranteed.
It didn't make much of a wave at the time, so how bad is the news for Denver?
It could be catastrophic. Elam literally held the Broncos from the edge of oblivion last year.
They may have improved their team enough to be more competitive than last year, but judging by their off season moves, it would be a surprise.
Elam is gone and odds are he will be missed.
Taking his place?
That will remain and unknown for now, but currently on the roster...
2nd year kicker out of Central Florida Matt Prater who has been dumped by Detroit, Miami, Atlanta(!) And Miami again before being “snagged” by the Broncs. His NFL experience consists of being 1 for 4 in 2 years with Atlanta.
Challenging him for the starting spot is rookie kicker Garrett Hartley from Oklahoma. Hartley, a free agent, has never kicked in an NFL game.
Last word had it the Broncos were drying out, I mean, "trying out" former Colt K Mike Vanderjagt, but were not impressed enough to sign.
Still early and anything can happen, but at this stage I’d say Elam’s departure bodes very well for the Silver and Black and could be an ominous portent of the decline to come in Denver.
One thing players and its union have in common with owners is the desire for money.
Who gets it and who should has been a bone of contention especially in recent years with billions in revenue being generated.
Since the Paul Tagliabue sell off and even before, the tone and consistency of the game has changed from one of pride and honor to one of greed and selfishness.
Not exactly great news for a so called “team” sport.
Whether the retirement this year of Brett Favre is the complete end of such seemingly antiquated notions like playing for the love of the game is debatable, but more than ever, the NFL, like most monolithic business ventures in Dick Cheney’s America, is focused now on explosive, unsustainable growth and the almighty dollar.
Thats not necessarily a bad thing for players, but it has brought about the issue of guaranteed money in the $10s of millions of dollars to guys who’ve never played a down of professional football.
Simply “paying the guys who’ve earned it” sounds like a feasible and logical plan, after all, paying veterans who produce over long periods of time makes more sense, but this too could have unforseen affects not only rookies wallets, but on veterans careers too.
Some veterans play seasons into the double digits not only because they love the game and can, but because the kid waltzing into camp in pre season signed for more guaranteed money than they may make in their entire careers.
Some veterans stay and play to get the pay.
With distribution of big money to high caliber veterans instead of rookies, one wonders if careers might get shortened by vets who could still have tread on the tire, but are suddenly set for life. Several, lives actually...
It would likely have the affect of inspiring greater play and dedication from new comers looking to one day earn their place in the sun, but as it stands now, some young players day one in the League realize they and their family / entourage might not have to worry a whole lot about money ever again.
Its not too far of a leap to think this might be counter inspirational, especially for todays 20 somethings brought up on a steady diet of consumerism through corporate hypnosis and an artificial “Thug life” the less informed tend to gravitate toward. Some of them have yet to learn materialism means very little in the end and sadly, some of them never will.
Most of them find out how fleeting the success they strived for all of their adult lives is, unless they’re the rare exceptional athlete, really lucky and or have a solid, honest foundation supporting them. In fact, the most successful usually have all three.
The less succesful ones end up working regular jobs after their brief taste of the NFL.
Whether some of todays players will suffer in later years from might have beens, regretting opportunity for glory and immortality lost is anyones guess, but if the system were reversed and veterans got the pay, problems would likely still persist.
With the current system, it seems some players are content to take the money and coast or are foolish and arrogant enough to jeopardize potential future earnings with questionable and often illegal behavior.
Even with morality and performance clauses, players often come away far richer than they had been.
For that matter, some veteran players may coast after hitting it big and or retire earlier.
Yet, its harder to believe vets who worked themselves into a position to theoretically earn those back half big bucks would simply bail out with tread on the tire, but with the risk of injury always a "Spectre", long suffering families and potential for broadcast and advertising dollars, an early retirement is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Whether current commissioner Roger Goodell’s apparent lambasting of todays system means anything or is simply an opinion, will be born out over the next 3 years (Gene Upshaw, former Raider great and current Executive Director of the NFL players association, fired a shot back across the commissioners bow, stating “Mr. Goodell represent the owners. Not the players.”) but its still not clear if the “businness men” in charge of the NFL know how to do anything other than rape and pillage, let alone nuture and expand what for all intents and purposes is a proverbial golden goose.
If they run the NFL like they have the country...
The point is, changes to the current NFL pay system seems long over due, but will likely have short and long term ramifications both seen and unseen for years, even decades to come, not only for exiting veterans and rookies alike, but most importantly for the fans.
Lost in all of this by both sides is the simple fact players and owners seem to forget with out us, the fans, there will be fewer billions to squabble over.
Some of the hostility immediately following the unfortunate incident involving Raider wide out Javon Walker may have been exacerbated by the fact Oakland, just like Walker, has struggled in recent years.
Fans watched a once proud Silver and Black standard plummet from the lofty heights of the new Millenium to a 5 year skid of embarrassment and frustration.
Wary of and unsure if Al Davis is a genius or mad man, Raider fans were left dizzy from an off season spending spree featuring enormous contracts for injured and in some cases untested players.
The Raider Nation waits for 08' to see if Davis' gambit has boldly lead his team back to glory and solidified his legend as one of the greatest sports pioneers of all time, or whether his moves this year will tarnish his legacy, painting him a desperate gambler who mortgaged his teams future in a failed effort to chase glory and instead, sinking them deeper into the abyss.
Theres a lot riding on 2008 for Oakland and ancy Raider fans know it. Most swimming with a heady mix of excitement and tempered apprehension, anxious to see if their new acquisitions will pan out, or become the next in a growing list of recent failures.
Aside from Oaklands slide, the knee jerk reaction some Raider fans had to Walker’s breaking news may have inadvertently been affected by the seemingly constant flow of negative stories recently surrounding the NFL, its teams and its players.
Perhaps, just seeing Javon’s name in the news had fans assuming the worst, that Walker was yet another athlete who was selfish, entitled and engaged in criminal or unprofessional activity.
Other than enjoying an ill advised night out, as of this moment, criminal or unsavory behavior on his part hardly seems to be the case.
The back lash from some fans and sectors of the media reporting rumor and blatant speculation ranging from career ending injuries to kidnaping and set up, have run rampant since the story was first released.
Derogatory and negative comments about Walker's unfortunate episode surfaced just as fast, but as more facts came to light, the majority of Raider fans seem to have shown genuine concern and compassion toward Walker's plight. All this despite the fact he’d been with Oakland only a short while.
Walker joined the Raiders after a public falling out with the team that originally drafted him, Green Bay. The Packers sent him to Raider division rival Denver.
After the murder of team mate Darrent Williams and injuries, Walker fell out and eventually left on bad terms and under a dark cloud.
Those who've followed Walker's career know his departure from Denver was yet more of the roller coaster highs and lows he's endured since joining the NFL.
From a 1st round draft pick, to the Pro Bowl, to injury and surgeries, from unemployment, to a large multi year contract, to murder, to release, unemployment and back to being a multi millionaire again.
Looking at the totality of it, can one really blame him for being slightly overwhelmed on occasion?
Raider fans hope Javon finds a home to settle into in Oakland and turns his career around, because in many ways, whether its understood or not, Javon’s fate and the Raiders could very well be one and the same.
In the days proceeding the incident, Raider fans seem to be taking Walker under their wing posting notes of encouragement and well wishes, despite the fact Walker is so new to the team “Because,” explained on Raider fan, “Once your an Oakland Raider, your a Raider for life.”
It may sound trite or corny to some, but clearly, the saying has meaning and is a demonstrable fact. Raider fans are unusually loyal and very often that spreads from one generation to the next.
Fathers teach sons, names like "Matuszak" "Allen", “Biletnikoff" and Bo. Darryl Lamonica “the Mad Bomber", Jim Otto and George Blanda. Together, they watch games, lament indignities and regale in victories hard fought and won.
Truth be told, those vitories have been few and far between in recent campaigns.
Raider fans hope Javon helps Oakland write the next great chapter in Raider lore, so that their sons can regale theirs about how the Raiders turned their fortune around with the help of a young man who like Oakland, suffered years of trials and tribulations, but together, triumphed and found success and glory again.
At this moment in time, in many ways, the fans, the team and Walker himself are reliant on each other for sucess because in a very real way, Javon’s story is Oaklands and Oaklands is his.
They’ve both known highs and lows in recent years and fate has not been kind.
Yet, in Oakland of all places, Walker may have something he feels has been missing in other cities with other teams.
A kindred spirit and acceptance.
Acceptance by a team and fans who want nothing more than to see him and their beloved franchise click together and begin to compete.
Though Walker is relatively new to the team and raised eye brows with his sizable off season contract, the general consensus among the Silver and Black in response to his plight seems to be positive. Some even see a closing of the ranks around a fallen comrade and a genuine concern for his well being.
Walker’s mis adventure and injury may be folly, but in some strange way, it may also be the impetus and lightning rod that ignites and unites Oakland together as they rally around, no matter how new, one of their own.
For those of you ready to show Javon the door, a little perspective...
Javon being victimized and robbed is much different from the bar related activities and felonius behavior his fellow NFL players have been involved in recently and in years past...
[I]Seattle Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin was in serious but stable condition Monday with a fractured skull and other head injuries following a fight outside a downtown Seattle nightclub. [/I]
[I]Janikowski was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor vandalism and being drunk in public after a fight broke out at Slates Supper Club.[/I]
[I]Lewis was charged with murder, along with two friends in his limousine, when a street brawl left two young men dead outside a nightclub. For that -- even after a plea bargain produced a [/I]
[I] ...I'm guilty of is being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people," he said. "But I feel like what I'm most guilty of is being successful."[/I]
[I]New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant was stabbed in the neck, and a pregnant woman was shot and killed early Sunday in an altercation at a nightclub in the southwest Georgia town of Blakely.[/I]
*Grant was indicted for the woman and babies death earlier this month.
[I]This season's off-field transgressions started in July, when New York Jets linemen Jumbo Elliott and Jason Fabini were arrested with a former Jet for their part in a bar-room brawl. During the season, Indianapolis Colts defensive back Steve Muhammad was charged with beating his wife just days before she died from labor complications later attributed to a car accident. He was cleared of any wrongdoing in her death but still faces domestic battery charges, according to authorities. Troubled running back Cecil Collins was released by the Miami Dolphins after being picked up for burglary.
Even the Super Bowl playing field wasn't immune. Rams linebacker Leonard Little played despite being only a little more than a year removed from killing a woman during a drunk-driving incident.[/I]
[I]Officers said they saw the men who were arrested assaulting the victim, Reier said. [B]After the man was knocked unconscious, he continued to be kicked, punched and stomped on his body and head[/B], police spokesman Ron Reier said. [/I]
[I]Keglar was officially charged with battery, false informing and disorderly conduct. Three other Purdue players were charged. One of Keglar’s teammates, Selwyn Lymon, was stabbed in the upper chest during the altercation. [/I]
[I]Minnesota offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie was charged with felony aggravated battery in a Miami-area bar fight.
• And [B]Seattle All-Pro middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, fresh off signing a new, $42 million contract, hung up a very big number on a breathalyzer test that preceded his being charged with driving under the influence.[/B]
And there's more, of course. Always so much more. Pittsburgh receiver Cedrick Wilson and Steelers linebacker James Harrison were charged with hitting women, the same offense Cincinnati linebacker Ahmad Brooks and then-Oakland cornerback Fabian Washington incurred. Bengals receiver Chris Henry -- who probably owns his own monogrammed orange jumpsuit by now -- was cut by the team after his fifth arrest since 2005, this one for allegedly punching an 18-year-old man in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle. At Henry's hearing, the judge described Henry as a "one-man crime wave," which probably isn't a label he'll rush out and try to trademark.
Bills receiver/return man Roscoe Parris picked up a DUI charge in February. Colts running back Kenton Keith was arrested for refusing to leave a nightclub parking lot and public intoxication. Browns cornerback Kenny Wright was charged with unlawful restraint, evading arrest and marijuana possession. Meanwhile back in [I]Buffalo, police are said to be growing impatient with Bills running back Marshawn Lynch, who had yet to meet with them three days after his vehicle was involved in an early morning hit-and-run accident.[/I]
And you know things are tough on the personal conduct front in the NFL when even the guy who suited up as [B]the Steelers' "Steely McBeam" mascot at Heinz Field gets arrested -- and hastily fired by the team -- for driving drunk[/B][/I]
Murder, felonious assault, bar fights and a number of unsavory acts by and against NFL players.
Even Kenny Hamlin had a part in instigating the fight that left him in serious condition.
Not saying Javon didn't, we just don't know, but at this point to lament him and calling for his suspension or job seems, premature at best.
Given the scant facts we have at this moment and compared to the activities of some of his fellow "professionals", his purchase of expensive champaign and subsequent beating and robbery seems tame and more of a victims mistake and bad judgement, but not a reason to threaten his lively hood.
I'm willing to give Javon the benefit of the doubt.
I wish him the best of luck, a speedy recovery and an apology for some who maybe need just a little more perspective.
Outstanding Cornerback for the Raiders , Stanford Routt had this to say on Yardbarker last night regarding the incident...
[I]This is life. We all like to have a good time and clear our heads from work (regardless of what some believe, this still is a job and not a hobby). A man can express himself whatever way he wants to. Maybe we all get caught in the wrong spot sometimes, cause I have myself. But one thing is for sure......he sure didn't inflict harm on himself!! As long as that's the case he still is not the TRUE one to blame!!! [/I]
Kwame Harris is a highly intelligent and multi talented Stanford man who plays classical piano and violin.
A renaissance man, ala Rosie Greer.
The Jamaican born Harris, selected 26th overall in the 2006 Draft has been considered a bust by many Niner fans and yes there are youtube vids of him whiffing on pass protection and drawing flags like pre schoolers on Veterans day, but can he turn it around and salvage his career across the Bay in Silver and Black?
He was switched to Right Tackle after his first 2 seasons at Left Tackle, but what really seems to have hurt Harris was the 49ers switch from a zone blocking scheme to a more traditional straight line power scheme.
In fact, Harris was one of the last hold overs of the last hold overs of the Terry Donahue era.
Now, in Oakland he can get back to the scheme he seemed to be slated for.
His pass protection has been called into question and truthfully, at times he's looked bad in the afore mentioned system. Something his Coach duly noted.
In an article that appeared in the Press Democrat 49er's Coach Mike Noland pulled no punches regarding Kwame and the lack of pass protection.
"By the way, I've looked at every sack the 49ers have surrendered this season -- all 18 of them. In my opinion, Harris has allowed pressure that in some way contributed to 10 of those sacks. He was entirely responsible for five sacks and partially responsible for another five."
Whether Harris can improve is something Raider fans will be watching closely as Jamarcus Russell, their Franchise face and 1st over all pick in the 2007 Draft, begins his first year at starting quarterback.
Harris started every game over the past 2 seasons and continued to draw the ire of Frisco fans who were more than disappointed in his percieved lack of production and advancement.
He has been praised by his Coaches for his run blocking and is credited in a major way toward the 1,695 yd Franchise record RB Frank Gore posted.
Despite his contributions to the running game, many were feeling his time was short in San Fran. It was nearly telegrammed when the 9ers picked Offensive Tackle Joltin' Joe Staley 28th overall in last years Draft.
Harris didn't have to wait long for the axe to fall, losing his starting job to him after the 3rd Pre Season game.
Some felt the renaissance man wasn't mean and nasty enough and didn't make the best use of his strength.
The 6-7, 322 lb. Harris seemed to lack "punch" according to some and failed to fire off the line and blast opponents, again, not his forte' but something Oakland will likely try to address.
He should fair better in the ZBS and after last years "miraculous" turn around in Oaklands line production, who knows what else could be possible?
Unless the Raiders some how end up with Michigan's Jake Long, serious questions will remain about blind side protection for Russell. Even if J. Long ends up a Raider, most feel he is much better suited to contribute at right Tackle.
Anything could happen and scenario's of the Raiders trading down have come to mind, (and although die hards note Al Davis NEVER trades down, the Raiders have NEVER been on such a prolonged losing streak.) the only "real" Left Tackle in the Draft in my opinion is Vanderbilt's Chris Williams who is slated around the teens or early 20's in most Draft projections.
The Raiders need help elsewhere (especially on the D line) but may opt for Arkansas home run hitter Darren McFadden. Either way, the Raiders offensive line may already be cast and if so, a lot of attention is going to be heaped on Kwame and wether he can revive his stalled career in his new home, Oakland.
Fans of the Silver and Black, desperate for signs of life, are emphatically hoping the answer to that question is "Yes" and that they won't be the ones next year playing the "Blame Kwame Game" .
In 2006, Javon Walker spent his New Years eve, not celebrating, but cradling Denver Bronco DB Darrent Williams as he lay dying.
Walker was the only other Bronco in a Hummer sprayed with bullets at a Denver night club only hours after their season had ended.
Dazed, Walker showed up blood stained at the teams headquarters hours later. Though he had faced adversity before, nothing had or could, have prepared him for this.
In 2006 Walker found himself in Denver via trade for a 2nd round pick (37th overall) given to his former team, the Green Bay Packers.
But the story begins long before Green Bay.
Selected in the 8th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft, the talented young athlete spent 3 years with the Florida Marlins in the minor leagues.
Walker had some College experience as well and was wide receiver Deion Branch's room mate at Jones County Junior College at Ellisville Mississippi before enrolling at Florida State University where, in two years, he amassed 69 catches for 1,257 yds and 10 touch downs and averaged 19.3 yds per grab.
His potential did not go unnoticed and with the 20th pick of the 2002 NFL Draft, Walker found himself the newest member of the Green Bay Packers.
His rookie year was fairly uneventful. He saw action in 15 games, but started only 2, garnering 23 catches for 319 yds and a TD.
In 03' the 6-3, 215 lb receiver began to show he was catching on.
Playing in 16 games, including 3 starts, Walker hauled in 41 passes for 716 yds and 9 TD's, but it wasn't until 2004 Walker really began to shine.
Again, he played in all 16 games, but started 12, amassing 1,328 yds on 89 catches and scoring 12 Tds.
Walker finished 3rd over all among receivers that year and his uncanny ability to pick up crucial 3rd downs (31 overall) saw Walker make his way to Hawaii and the Pro Bowl at the end of a great season.
And thats where the trouble began.
After the 2004 season Walker obtained a new agent, Kennard McGuire, who demanded Green Bay re work his new clients old contract even though Walker had 2 yrs remaining on the original.
The Packers refused to budge, privately or publicly.
Brett Favre didn't help matters when he complained to the press about Walker's threat to hold out of camp. The animosity continued to build with McGuire going as far as stating Walker would not play for the Packers and would retire unless traded.
Walker did show up in time for camp, but the damage had been done. Not only on the team, but in the Green Bay community, where Walker felt Favre's lack of support had helped turn public sentiment.
As fate would have it, and despite the fact Walker had appeared in 47 of 48 games his first 3 years in the League, the seemingly healthy receiver tore his anterior cruciate ligament opening day, 2005 against Detroit.
Some speculated Walker knew his knee was bad and tried to take advantage of the Packers.
Given the now unfreindly climate, even with a new Coach, Mike McCarthy, Javon and the Pack felt it was time to move on.
After a second surgery to clean up his right knee, Walker signed 5 year deal with the Broncos worth a potential $40 million dollars including roster bonuses of reportedly $15 million over 2007 and 08'.
Recovered from his injury, Walker made 69 catches for 1,084 yds and 8 Tds.
Then, after their season ending game against the San Francisco 49 ers, Walker, Williams and others decided to hit the clubs to ring in the New Year.
Instead, they became witness to murder.
Whether Walker felt others on the team were responsible (In and interview aired on HBO's , Real Sports he told reporter Andrea Kremer the shooting was likely caused by a confrontation with Bronco wide receiver Brandon Marshall and his cousin.) or not will probably never be known, but soon after the death of another Denver team mate, Damien Nash on February 24th at a charity basketball game, tension began to build between Walker and the Broncos.
Though he had a great camp and started the year with 17 catches for 220 yds, in the 3rd game against Jacksonville he managed just 2 catches for 10 yds.
He sat out the next 2 contests and appeared in only 8 of Denver's games in 2007. In 5 starts, despite his earlier production, finished the season with a mere 26 grabs for 287 yds and no touch downs.
On December 31st 2007, Walker told reporters as he cleaned out his locker, being in Denver was "Not for me."
February 29th, the Broncos agreed and released him.
Possibly bitter, Head Coach Mike Shanahan is said to have alluded to Walker's knee still being bad.
None the less, Walker was courted by 10 teams including the Eagles, the Cowboys, 49 ers, Bills, Bucs, Redskins, Vikings and the Raiders.
March 4th Walker signed with Oakland.
The final terms agreed upon translated to a 6 yr contract worth up to $55 million dollars, including $16 million guaranteed and could earn him up to $27 million his first 3 years.
For some, questions remain about Walker's readiness, not only from his 3 knee surgeries, but from the traumatic loss of a team mate and friend that awful New years night.
One has to admire the mental and physical toughness to battle through such tragedy and adversity, but as Javon Walker enters the 08' season, he and those in Oakland hope the days of tragedy are finally behind him, but to make it this far after so much can only be called a triumph.
6-5, 315 lb. Haitian born William Joseph has struggled since being selected 25th over all by the New York Giants in the 2003 draft.
Interestingly enough, so has the man drafted after him, offensive tackle Kwame Harris, taken by the 49ers and now joining Joseph for the 2008 campaign with the Oakland Raiders.
The former University of Miami line man may have gotten off on the wrong foot in NY posting the longest hold out for a Giants 1st round pick since 1995. He eventually signed a $6.95 million dollar contract Aug. 5th 2003 after missing 17 practices. Many blamed his agent Bus Cook, but the damage had seemingly already been done.
Rocky start to his career aside, he appeared in a reserve role during 14 games in 03' and finished with 6 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
On April 20th, 2004, Joseph suffered a torn pectoral muscle that had to be surgically repaired and again, missed most of the spring work outs and training camps. Still, he made 15 appearances and started 4 games that year until a knee injury in the last game of the regular season against Dallas.
Joseph showed promise in 2004 making 25 tackles, 2 sacks and defending 2 passes.
He missed 6 out of the last 7games in 2005 due to elbow and then ankle injuries, but started 10 games including the NFC Wild Card game. He ended the year with 19 tackles, 2 sacks, a forced fumble and 3 passes defensed.
Joseph actually made it to and started the 2006 camp working out with the second unit but suffered a deep tissue bruise to his leg and was held out of several pre season practices. Despite this, Coach Tom Coughlin decide to let Joseph play in the 1st pre season game at the Baltimore Ravens.
Coughlin stated for the press later he was displeased with how soft his interior line was and how they were "pushed around" by the Ravens O line.
Micheal Eisen of Giants.com reported Coach Coughlin going further and stating he felt Joeseph hadn't lived up to his 1st round draft potential at this time.
6 days later on the 19th of August Vinnie Di Trani of the Bergen Record quoted Coughlin saying he was happy to see the improvement made in practice by his defensive unit, especially in Joseph, yet the New York daily news reported rookie DT Barry Coefield seeing most of the 1st team reps in place of Joseph.
By Sept. 4th, Coefield was named the week one starter in 2006.
Joseph appeared in all 16 regular season games but didn't see real action until week 10 when he replaced the injured Michael Strahan and filled in for several games.
2006 saw him finish with 3 starts, 21 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 passes defensed.
In August, Strahan again provided opportunity. This time, in the form of a hold out, allowing Joseph 1st team reps again at defensive end.
9 days later Joseph moved back to defensive tackle garnering reps with not only the 1st team but the 2nd as well, but by Sept. 9th Joseph was declared inactive for week one and by Sept. 11th, suffered a back injury and was placed on IR (injured reserve) effectively ended his entire 2007 season.
In Feb. Joseph's agent, now the infamous Drew Rosenhaus, stated he expected his client, Joseph, to hit the free agent market.
He talked to Miami and Cleveland in early March, but by the 14th a deal was announced making him an Oakland Raider.
Due to his stalled out career and despite sporting a Super Bowl ring, Joseph will make roughly $645,000 for his one year contract.
He'll have to live up to the promise he showed in 2004 before teams offer to pony up sums in the millions again and Oakland is the opportunity for him to do that. Joseph and offensive tackle Kwame Harris aren't the only 1st round disappointments playing for Oakland in 08'. This one, unlike Harris, plays on the same side of the ball.
Taken with the 3rd overall pick in the 1st round of the 2001 draft by the Browns, disappointment Gerard Warren joined Oakland last year in a surprise trade with Denver at the beginning of the season last year.
At least Joseph won't feel like hes the only one in a bid to get his once promising career back on the rails.
Joseph needs a good, solid, injury free year to even begin to show he can live up to his 1st round potential.
There have been road blocks from hold outs, injuries and inconsistent play so far in his checkered career, but the slate has been wiped clean for him in Oakland and like many who came before him, Joseph may just need a change of scenery (and Coaches) to get him back on the right track.
Or, he could be counted among the many over the years who've found the Silver and Black to be the last stop for their once promising careers.
Either way, it couldn't really hurt the Raiders especially considering the trouble they've had against the run these last 5 years and who knows, Joseph could be the next big Raider reclamation project.
What does Oakland Raider Corner back Chris Johnson have in common with Devin Hester, Pac Man Jones and Deion Sanders?
Prime University.
Prime U is an informal camp held by Sanders this off season at SMU for some very lucky young high school athletes (Including Deion's son) and NFL players looking to take their game to the next level. Johnson, Hester, Jones and others were attendees at this years get together.
The 28 yr old Johnson, a 6th year Pro, started his career after College at Louisville by being the first of 4 Green Bay Packer seventh round draft choices in the 2003 draft. (245th overall)
He was acquired by St. Louis in 2005 in a deal that included former #1 draft pick and current Raider team mate, line backer Robert Thomas. With the Rams he played in 14 games, posted 25 tackles, a forced fumble and interestingly, 38 kick off returns for 857 yds and a TD.
On April 18th, 2006 he signed a 2 year deal with division rival the Kansas City Chiefs.
He officially became a Raider after signing a free agent contract March 22, 2007 and saw limited action in 13 games.
Johnson may have attempted to up his skills at Prime U, but Jerry MacDonald of ANG, reported Johnson suffered in 7 on 7 drills this past Tuesday, getting beat by reserve receiver Chris McFoy.
It is hoped though, some of the lessons and wisdom passed on to Johnson will help him compete and make the Raider roster, stocked already with DBs DeAngelo Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha and Stanford Routt.
In his favor, it seems, is the release this off season of struggling 5-11, 175 lb. corner back Fabian Washington, who had trouble in man coverage with larger receivers and backs breaking contain.
Safety and former team mate Stuart Schwiegert lamented Oakland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s use of what he called a “gimmick” Defense know as Cover -O, which puts DBs in peril in man on man match ups and often on an island.
Johnson, or “The “X” man, fits in better with Oaklands current DB’s if only in size.
The Pro Bowl caliber Asomugha and Hall are 6-2, 210 and 5-11, 201. Rising star Routt is listed 6-1, 195 and 2008 4th round draft pick (the pick acquired from the Baltimore trade for Washington, himself a 23rd overall selection in the 1st round 3 yrs ago) Connecticut connection, Tyvon Branch, who has the size and speed the Raiders crave too, topping out at 6-0, 204 lbs.
Johnson has made a career out of playing the under dog and performing well enough to make rosters, but if wants to ever seriously compete in the NFL and land a larger contract, his chances are likely running out. He’ll need to learn not only from former greats at the position, but take advantage of the Pro bowl grade instructors he'll see daily at the University of Silver and Black.
Most think he's already got one foot out the door sighting his under production, injury history and hefty contract, but there are compelling reasons and signs Jordan might stay in Silver and Black.
Jordan missed most of last year and in 2006, but has been in 97 regular season games over the past 7 years. Its only in the last 2 he's been MIA, but his production in 2005 seems a long time ago.
Jordan signed as a free agent from the Jets in 2005, snagging a 5 year deal worth $27.5 million. His agent, Alvin Keels stated at the time Jordan would receive $11 million guaranteed and $17.8 million over the first 3 years.
Immediately Jordan showed production in 05', finishing his first year in with 1,025 yds, 11 TD's and 70 catches for another 500+, all in just 14 games.
Not earth shattering, but a vast improvement over 2004's rushing attack which garnered only 1,295 on 328 during their entire 5-11 season.
Their leading back that year was Amos Zereoue gaining only 425 yds on 112 carries and scoring 3 TD's.
Though Jordan saw limited action in the 4 years behind Jets super star Curtis Martin, he managed a 4.9 yd average over that time with 93 carries for 479 yds and 2 TD's.
After 2005, Jordan seemed like a definite upgrade.
He ran into trouble week 9 on November 19th 2006 tearing his medial collateral ligament in a game against Kansas City and missed the remainder of the season. Some fans point to his average yards per carry at 3.9 as a knock on Jordan, but honestly, if you look at Oaklands line woes in 06', it wasn't just the passing game that suffered.
Many fans weren't expecting much from Lamont in 2007 and that seemed reinforced by Oakland's signing of former Colt running back Dominic Rhodes, even though Rhodes would sit out the first 4 games of the season for a DUI conviction.
The addition of Rhodes seemed to fire up Jordan and despite voicing displeasure about the implementation of Tom Cable's stretch and cut blocking scheme, he started the year with a some solid numbers.
Posting 350 yds on 69 hand offs and 2 TD's Jordan also contributed 12 grabs for 121 yds all in the first 3 games of the year.
Then against Miami, Jordan seemed to throw his back out on a run late in the 2nd quarter. Up till that point Jordan had gained 74 yds on 15 carries.
Most people don't acknowledge or realize Jordan thru his back out in camp during pre season in an ill advised Home run derby, but played and played well those first 3 games despite the pain.
Unfortunate for him, but Oakland none the less enjoyed the 1,000 yds rushing success of his replacement Justin Fargas and lead many to speculate Jordan's demise.
To most,the selection of Darren Mcfadden with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft all but sealed it, yet, Jordan remains. For now...
Rumors swirling about football forums indicate some feel the Denver Broncos may be interested in Jordan and those posters are just about equally divided as to whether Jordan playing there would help or hurt the division rival Raiders.
Preliminarily it looks as if he can run the ball and have success in the ZBS Denver also employs. With Denver, the 5-11, 230 lb Jordan could possibly again be effective even in a part time roll.
Factor in Jordan's production when healthy and he's not a bad back. In fact if he's healthy, he could have a good year.
Jordan wouldn't be asked to carry the entire load in 08'. With the addition of Arkansas phenom McFadden, Fargas' new contract and potential contributor Michael Bush coming on line, Oakland could have some good depth in the back field.
Some would say thats too many backs and the roster space could be used elsewhere, but with an offense most assume is looking to improve upon and exploit its 6th overall rushing performance in 2007, a spare back at the right price would help keep pressure off rookie starting quarterback Jamarcus Russell by providing insurance the ground game would keep going even with inevitable injuries.
Fargas hasn't played an entire season at the pro level yet, McFadden has earned a reputation for off field issues that could see him in trouble with the league at some point and Bush hasn't taken a game snap in 2 years.
Lamont has had trouble staying healthy too, but in a rotation, his, and everyone elses odds of doing that would likely improve.
If Oakland keeps Jordan, its backfield would likely consist of 2 big backs, Jordan and Bush and two faster backs in Fargas and Mcfadden.
The benefit would of course be having a spare in case of injury, but it would also allow the Raiders to rest each back if it chose to not only during a game, but for halves or entire games allowing players to heal, reduce wear and tear and theoretically, be more productive.
At issue with some is the $9.7 million due Jordan through out 2009, which includes a $4.75 million dollar roster bonus this year.
There is a very real possibility Jordan could re work his contract to remain with the Raiders not only because he's here and familiar with the team, but because of Shaun Alexander.
Whether Alexander has priced himself out of the market is for others to decide, but the fact he's not signed already bodes poorly for Jordan. Teams don't appear to be in such desperate need of a running back to crack wide the vaults and now with todays news of another 1,000 yd back on the market in troubled Travis Henry, Jordan has more competition not simply for a contract, but a roster spot with teams.
Whether Jordan would be able to land a similarly large contract is anyones guess, but considering his last 2 years in Oakland, probably not, begging the question, if he's going to take a pay cut, why not do it in Oakland?
Fans have posted concern over the Broncos release of Henry today, feeling Jordan may go on to success at division rival Denver who, despite the recent signing of running back Michael Pittman, may still be in need of another back. Whether they are desperate to pay big money for Jordan is another matter.
Keeping Jordan with Oakland takes the burden off him to be an every down back, might let him showcase his wares for potential suitors next year, all the while revaluing his stock and keeping him more than likely healthier for interested parties in 09. It could also give Oakland 2 sets of backs. Jordan / Fargas and Mike Bush / DMC, or any combination.
With an offense likely predicated on the run this year, considering 3 of the current backs injury history and the fact Oaklands O coordinator Gregg Knapp has recently stated "You can't have too many running backs.", their is a case for Jordan re working and staying thru 08'.
For now, like most of Oaklands reloaded team, his status contiunue to be a mystery.
To answer the question, "Do we want Lamont?" the answer is probably "Yes." but only at a reduced price.
For the time being, Lamont is with Oakland and his imminent departure may not be as foregone a conclusion as many seem to think.
Despite the past 2 seasons injuries, most who run the numbers agree, when healthy, Jordan can still play. The larger question as of this moment for Lamont and Raider fans is, will he be doing it in Silver and Black?
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