I got a chance to catch up with new Pro Football Hall of Fame electee Willie Roaf on Wednesday for a few minutes to discuss the whirlwind his life has been since he was elected Saturday. Roaf was a star tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2002-05:
Bill Williamson: How did you celebrate Saturday night?
Willie Roaf: (Laughing) I didn’t celebrate Saturday night. I flew from Orange County, California to Indianapolis and didn’t get in until 1 in the morning. At about 2:30 PT, I was coming home from the gym and my agent, Lamont Smith, told me he thought I get in, but he wasn’t sure. Then, I got home turned on the NFL Network and saw that I got in. Then, I had to get to the airport and fly. It was hectic.
BW: You went to the gym during the vote?
Roaf: I had too much nervous energy. I had to go do some cardio to get my mind off of it.
BW: Did you ever get to celebrate?
Roaf: I did some at the Super Bowl on Sunday in the suite. I was planning to do some more after the game but by the time it ended I was so tired from everything, I had to go back to the hotel and go to bed. It’s a little different when you are 41.
BW: What do you think of this Hall of Fame class?
Roaf: I love it. I say it’s the blue-collar class and I love that. You have two offensive linemen like me and Dermontti Dawson and two defensive linemen like Cortez Kennedy and Chris Doleman and workhorse running backs like Jerome Bettis and Curtis Martin. Guys made it on their body of work and I really like that. [Editor's note: Bettis was a finalist for the class, but was not inducted.]
BW: Any ideas of who will be your presenter?
Roaf: It will probably be my dad (Clifton Roaf). In my entire college and pro career, he missed one home game and that’s because my brother had a college game. He drove to New Orleans and Kansas City for every home game from Arkansas. It has to be him.
Bill Williamson: How did you celebrate Saturday night?
Willie Roaf: (Laughing) I didn’t celebrate Saturday night. I flew from Orange County, California to Indianapolis and didn’t get in until 1 in the morning. At about 2:30 PT, I was coming home from the gym and my agent, Lamont Smith, told me he thought I get in, but he wasn’t sure. Then, I got home turned on the NFL Network and saw that I got in. Then, I had to get to the airport and fly. It was hectic.
BW: You went to the gym during the vote?
Roaf: I had too much nervous energy. I had to go do some cardio to get my mind off of it.
BW: Did you ever get to celebrate?
Roaf: I did some at the Super Bowl on Sunday in the suite. I was planning to do some more after the game but by the time it ended I was so tired from everything, I had to go back to the hotel and go to bed. It’s a little different when you are 41.
BW: What do you think of this Hall of Fame class?
Roaf: I love it. I say it’s the blue-collar class and I love that. You have two offensive linemen like me and Dermontti Dawson and two defensive linemen like Cortez Kennedy and Chris Doleman and workhorse running backs like Jerome Bettis and Curtis Martin. Guys made it on their body of work and I really like that. [Editor's note: Bettis was a finalist for the class, but was not inducted.]
BW: Any ideas of who will be your presenter?
Roaf: It will probably be my dad (Clifton Roaf). In my entire college and pro career, he missed one home game and that’s because my brother had a college game. He drove to New Orleans and Kansas City for every home game from Arkansas. It has to be him.
Super Bowl rings do talk.
In an extremely close vote, our readers voted that the Chargers' trade of Eli Manning nearly eight years ago was not worth it. Manning just won his second Super Bowl ring with the Giants.
As of 2:15 p.m. ET Wednesday, 51 percent of the voters believe it was a poor choice and 49 percent think it was a good move.
It’s a difficult call. I think Manning is better off in New York and Philip Rivers is better off in San Diego. Remember, Manning never wanted to be a Charger and Rivers has developed into the face of the San Diego franchise. It worked out for both teams, but, again, Super Bowl rings carry weight.
The Chargers sent Manning -- whom they took with the No. 1 pick -- to the New York Giants for a package that included Rivers, who was the No. 4 pick, and picks that resulted in linebacker Shawne Merriman (who was a star before injuries derailed his San Diego career) and reliable kicker Nate Kaeding in a draft-day deal in 2004.
Thanks to everyone who played along.
In an extremely close vote, our readers voted that the Chargers' trade of Eli Manning nearly eight years ago was not worth it. Manning just won his second Super Bowl ring with the Giants.
As of 2:15 p.m. ET Wednesday, 51 percent of the voters believe it was a poor choice and 49 percent think it was a good move.
It’s a difficult call. I think Manning is better off in New York and Philip Rivers is better off in San Diego. Remember, Manning never wanted to be a Charger and Rivers has developed into the face of the San Diego franchise. It worked out for both teams, but, again, Super Bowl rings carry weight.
The Chargers sent Manning -- whom they took with the No. 1 pick -- to the New York Giants for a package that included Rivers, who was the No. 4 pick, and picks that resulted in linebacker Shawne Merriman (who was a star before injuries derailed his San Diego career) and reliable kicker Nate Kaeding in a draft-day deal in 2004.
Thanks to everyone who played along.
I suppose it’s never too early to predict the 2012 season.
I mean, after all, the 2011 season is already three days old. In an Insider piece
, the popular NFL playoff predictor is back at it.
And there‘s good news for the San Diego Chargers. What about the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders? Not so much.
The playoff predictor pegs the Chargers to end their two-year playoff drought, go 10-6 and win the AFC West and be the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. It doesn’t project any other AFC West playoff teams. It projects the Chiefs to go 7-9, the Raiders to go 6-10 and the Broncos to go 5-11.
My thoughts? Well, I look at this deal as being a fun talking point for an early February day. Let’s see what happens in free agency and in the draft before we really dig into the forecast for 2012.
However, based on last season, I’d say these projections are bit conservative. The AFC West was the closest division in the NFL in 2011. Denver emerged from a three-way tie at 8-8 with the Raiders and the Chargers. The Chiefs were a game back at 7-9. I could easily see all four teams having better records than they did last year. For me, because we don’t know what will happen in the offseason, I find it difficult to pick one team that will be, at least, three games better than the rest of the division.
Also, in an Insider piece, here’s a look at how the Chiefs would be affected by adding Peyton Manning.
I’m sure you all have plenty to say on this matter, so I will step away and duck. It’s all yours.
I mean, after all, the 2011 season is already three days old. In an Insider piece
, the popular NFL playoff predictor is back at it.
And there‘s good news for the San Diego Chargers. What about the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders? Not so much.
The playoff predictor pegs the Chargers to end their two-year playoff drought, go 10-6 and win the AFC West and be the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. It doesn’t project any other AFC West playoff teams. It projects the Chiefs to go 7-9, the Raiders to go 6-10 and the Broncos to go 5-11.
My thoughts? Well, I look at this deal as being a fun talking point for an early February day. Let’s see what happens in free agency and in the draft before we really dig into the forecast for 2012.
However, based on last season, I’d say these projections are bit conservative. The AFC West was the closest division in the NFL in 2011. Denver emerged from a three-way tie at 8-8 with the Raiders and the Chargers. The Chiefs were a game back at 7-9. I could easily see all four teams having better records than they did last year. For me, because we don’t know what will happen in the offseason, I find it difficult to pick one team that will be, at least, three games better than the rest of the division.
Also, in an Insider piece
, here’s a look at how the Chiefs would be affected by adding Peyton Manning.
I’m sure you all have plenty to say on this matter, so I will step away and duck. It’s all yours.
The Oakland Raiders continue to go back to their recent -- and unsuccessful -- past to fill out their offensive coaching staff all the while keeping an experienced hand.
NFL.com is reporting that 2011 Oakland offensive coordinator Al Saunders is staying with the team as a senior assistant. The report said Saunders had a year added to his contract that will run through 2013. Saunders won’t be offensive coordinator or quarterbacks coach, two roles he covered last year. His specific role is unknown.
Still, I think it is good that he is being retained in some role. This is a young staff. Saunders is an NFL veteran. His experience will help even if it is not in a major role.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the team has hired John Defilippo as its quarterbacks coach. He was Oakland’s quarterback coach in 2007-08, which were JaMarcus Russell’s first two seasons. Defilippo has been the quarterbacks coach at San Jose State the past two years.
He reunites with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. He was the offensive coordinator in Oakland in 2007-08. Yes, Oakland’s offense was anemic those years, but the talent was depleted. The two coaches are inheriting much better talent now.
New Oakland coach Dennis Allen (who worked with Knapp in Atlanta) is clearly comfortable with Knapp and Knapp is comfortable with Defilippo.
Meanwhile, the Raiders reportedly hired USC receivers coach Ted Gilmore for the same position. He worked for former Oakland coach Lane Kiffin at USC.
UPDATE: Ole Miss secondary coach Keith Burns has reportedly been added to Oakland’s staff. He has a long history with Allen. His role has been specified, but it could be as an assistant secondary coach. The word is former Kansas City assistant Tim Krumrie is a candidate to be Oakland’s defensive line coach.
UPDATE: The Raiders just formally announced Saunders will be retained as a senior offensive assistant.
NFL.com is reporting that 2011 Oakland offensive coordinator Al Saunders is staying with the team as a senior assistant. The report said Saunders had a year added to his contract that will run through 2013. Saunders won’t be offensive coordinator or quarterbacks coach, two roles he covered last year. His specific role is unknown.
Still, I think it is good that he is being retained in some role. This is a young staff. Saunders is an NFL veteran. His experience will help even if it is not in a major role.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the team has hired John Defilippo as its quarterbacks coach. He was Oakland’s quarterback coach in 2007-08, which were JaMarcus Russell’s first two seasons. Defilippo has been the quarterbacks coach at San Jose State the past two years.
He reunites with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. He was the offensive coordinator in Oakland in 2007-08. Yes, Oakland’s offense was anemic those years, but the talent was depleted. The two coaches are inheriting much better talent now.
New Oakland coach Dennis Allen (who worked with Knapp in Atlanta) is clearly comfortable with Knapp and Knapp is comfortable with Defilippo.
Meanwhile, the Raiders reportedly hired USC receivers coach Ted Gilmore for the same position. He worked for former Oakland coach Lane Kiffin at USC.
UPDATE: Ole Miss secondary coach Keith Burns has reportedly been added to Oakland’s staff. He has a long history with Allen. His role has been specified, but it could be as an assistant secondary coach. The word is former Kansas City assistant Tim Krumrie is a candidate to be Oakland’s defensive line coach.
UPDATE: The Raiders just formally announced Saunders will be retained as a senior offensive assistant.
Mailbag: English's days numbered in San Diego?
February, 8, 2012
Feb 8
12:00
PM ET
Midweek mail call:
Doug from Aurora, Colo., wants to know if I think Dennis Allen -- the former defensive coordinator in Denver -- will bring any former Broncos players to Oakland with him.
Bill Williamson: There may be a few guys Allen may consider and I think every coach is interested in familiar faces. One guy to keep an eye on is New Orleans' cornerback Tracy Porter. He is a free agent and can fill the Raiders' biggest need area. Allen was his position coach prior to going to Denver last season.
Jarred from Baltimore wants to know if the Chargers may cut 2009 first-round pick Larry English.
BW: I think this will be English’s last chance in San Diego. He has played poorly and he has been injury prone. San Diego may draft a pass-rusher with the No. 18 pick so the team will move on. But even so, I think English will get one more shot.
James O. from Aliso Viejo, Calif., wants to know if I think Peyton Hillis could return to Denver.
BW: He could be on the team’s list and Denver will consider running backs in free agency. But I wouldn’t think Denver is a likely choice simply because he used to play there. He was drafted by a Denver brass twice removed. There aren't any real Hillis connections remaining in Denver other than some former teammates.
Doug from Aurora, Colo., wants to know if I think Dennis Allen -- the former defensive coordinator in Denver -- will bring any former Broncos players to Oakland with him.
Bill Williamson: There may be a few guys Allen may consider and I think every coach is interested in familiar faces. One guy to keep an eye on is New Orleans' cornerback Tracy Porter. He is a free agent and can fill the Raiders' biggest need area. Allen was his position coach prior to going to Denver last season.
Jarred from Baltimore wants to know if the Chargers may cut 2009 first-round pick Larry English.
BW: I think this will be English’s last chance in San Diego. He has played poorly and he has been injury prone. San Diego may draft a pass-rusher with the No. 18 pick so the team will move on. But even so, I think English will get one more shot.
James O. from Aliso Viejo, Calif., wants to know if I think Peyton Hillis could return to Denver.
BW: He could be on the team’s list and Denver will consider running backs in free agency. But I wouldn’t think Denver is a likely choice simply because he used to play there. He was drafted by a Denver brass twice removed. There aren't any real Hillis connections remaining in Denver other than some former teammates.
Though the San Diego Chargers are typically conservative in free agency, expect them to be more aggressive this year as the team knows it has to win now or the A.J. Smith-Norv Turner era is very likely entering its final act.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Chargers are expected to have a ton of room to maneuver under the salary cap, and will likely get more by cutting tackle Marcus McNeill next month. For his salary to be guaranteed for 2012, McNeill must be cleared to play after a neck injury prematurely ended his 2011 season — and he is unlikely to get that medical clearance from team doctors, the paper reports. The Chargers could opt to stay in-house and sign Jared Gaither, whom the Chargers signed after he was cut by Kansas City and played well in McNeill’s absence.
The paper also reports that defensive end Luis Castillo and linebacker Takeo Spikes could be cut or asked to take pay cuts to remain with the team. Guard Kris Dielman, meanwhile, might be leaning toward playing this season. He was considering retirement because of a concussion that ended his 2011 season.
The Chargers are targeting several in-house free agents, including receiver Vincent Jackson, center Nick Hardwick (if he decides to play) and running back Mike Tolbert. San Diego could turn to the open market for a strong safety, a pass-rusher and an offensive lineman, among other positions.
Meanwhile, here is a look at the Raiders’ contact situation; you can see some clear candidates for contract restructuring as the team works to get under the salary cap. The league’s exact salary-cap figures have not been determined.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Chargers are expected to have a ton of room to maneuver under the salary cap, and will likely get more by cutting tackle Marcus McNeill next month. For his salary to be guaranteed for 2012, McNeill must be cleared to play after a neck injury prematurely ended his 2011 season — and he is unlikely to get that medical clearance from team doctors, the paper reports. The Chargers could opt to stay in-house and sign Jared Gaither, whom the Chargers signed after he was cut by Kansas City and played well in McNeill’s absence.
The paper also reports that defensive end Luis Castillo and linebacker Takeo Spikes could be cut or asked to take pay cuts to remain with the team. Guard Kris Dielman, meanwhile, might be leaning toward playing this season. He was considering retirement because of a concussion that ended his 2011 season.
The Chargers are targeting several in-house free agents, including receiver Vincent Jackson, center Nick Hardwick (if he decides to play) and running back Mike Tolbert. San Diego could turn to the open market for a strong safety, a pass-rusher and an offensive lineman, among other positions.
Meanwhile, here is a look at the Raiders’ contact situation; you can see some clear candidates for contract restructuring as the team works to get under the salary cap. The league’s exact salary-cap figures have not been determined.
Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs' brass said quarterback Matt Cassel will have competition for the starting job.
However, the team’s new offensive coordinator made it clear Tuesday that Cassel has a strong chance of remaining the starter. Cassel played for new Kansas City offensive coordinator Brian Daboll for his first two years of his career in New England.
"A have a lot of confidence in Matt Cassel. I've watched him on tape and I know the player,” said Daboll according to the team’s website.
These comments backup what I have thought. There may be some competition, but unless there is an unforeseen addition, Cassel is the player the Chiefs expected to be their starting quarterback in 2012.
Meanwhile, Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said he wants quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn to stay on the staff. Zorn was bypassed for the offensive coordinator job when Crennel hired Daboll.
Meanwhile, the Steelers formally announced the hiring of Todd Haley as offensive coordinator. He was fired as Kansas City’s head coach in December.
However, the team’s new offensive coordinator made it clear Tuesday that Cassel has a strong chance of remaining the starter. Cassel played for new Kansas City offensive coordinator Brian Daboll for his first two years of his career in New England.
"A have a lot of confidence in Matt Cassel. I've watched him on tape and I know the player,” said Daboll according to the team’s website.
These comments backup what I have thought. There may be some competition, but unless there is an unforeseen addition, Cassel is the player the Chiefs expected to be their starting quarterback in 2012.
Meanwhile, Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel said he wants quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn to stay on the staff. Zorn was bypassed for the offensive coordinator job when Crennel hired Daboll.
Meanwhile, the Steelers formally announced the hiring of Todd Haley as offensive coordinator. He was fired as Kansas City’s head coach in December.
There has been plenty of movement in the front office and on coaching staffs in the AFC West in the past several weeks. Two of the seven coaching staffs that changed in the NFL occurred in the AFC West this year.
There are some more additions as staffs round out throughout the division, but the major hirings and firings have been completed. Let’s review:
Denver Broncos
Recap: After going through a lot of change in recent seasons, Denver was pretty calm this year. It hired former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio to be the defensive coordinator after Dennis Allen went to Oakland as head coach.
Comment: Del Rio is Denver's seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. However, he has coached for coach John Fox before, so there shouldn’t be too much flux.
Kansas City Chiefs
Recap: Interim coach Romeo Crennel, who replaced Todd Haley with three games remaining in the season, was made the permanent head coach. He hired Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator and Crennel will likely oversee the defense himself.
Comment: The key here is Daboll. Crennel has the defense going in the right direction and he is well-respected by the entire team. Daboll needs to take this potentially strong offense to the next level.
Oakland Raiders
Recap: The Raiders underwent the most change in the division this offseason. The change began sadly when owner Al Davis died in October. After the season, former Raiders’ linebacker and former Green Bay executive Reggie McKenzie was hired as general manager. He quickly fired coach Hue Jackson and replaced him with Allen. He hired Greg Knapp (a former Oakland offensive coordinator) to run the offense and Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to head the defense.
Comment: It’s an exciting time in Oakland with lots of great potential. But there is no question that much of the new leadership is inexperienced in their new roles.
San Diego Chargers
Recap: The big news in San Diego is what didn’t happen. After the Chargers finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the second straight season, coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith were expected to be shown the door. But owner Dean Spanos made the surprising move to keep them both. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was fired and linebackers coach John Pagano replaced him.
Comment: The pressure is on everyone in San Diego. If the Chargers don’t make the playoffs in 2012, we’ll likely see the type of wholesale changes that occurred in Oakland.
There are some more additions as staffs round out throughout the division, but the major hirings and firings have been completed. Let’s review:
Denver Broncos
Recap: After going through a lot of change in recent seasons, Denver was pretty calm this year. It hired former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio to be the defensive coordinator after Dennis Allen went to Oakland as head coach.
Comment: Del Rio is Denver's seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. However, he has coached for coach John Fox before, so there shouldn’t be too much flux.
Kansas City Chiefs
Recap: Interim coach Romeo Crennel, who replaced Todd Haley with three games remaining in the season, was made the permanent head coach. He hired Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator and Crennel will likely oversee the defense himself.
Comment: The key here is Daboll. Crennel has the defense going in the right direction and he is well-respected by the entire team. Daboll needs to take this potentially strong offense to the next level.
Oakland Raiders
Recap: The Raiders underwent the most change in the division this offseason. The change began sadly when owner Al Davis died in October. After the season, former Raiders’ linebacker and former Green Bay executive Reggie McKenzie was hired as general manager. He quickly fired coach Hue Jackson and replaced him with Allen. He hired Greg Knapp (a former Oakland offensive coordinator) to run the offense and Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to head the defense.
Comment: It’s an exciting time in Oakland with lots of great potential. But there is no question that much of the new leadership is inexperienced in their new roles.
San Diego Chargers
Recap: The big news in San Diego is what didn’t happen. After the Chargers finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the second straight season, coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith were expected to be shown the door. But owner Dean Spanos made the surprising move to keep them both. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was fired and linebackers coach John Pagano replaced him.
Comment: The pressure is on everyone in San Diego. If the Chargers don’t make the playoffs in 2012, we’ll likely see the type of wholesale changes that occurred in Oakland.
We know there are people who can’t get enough of Tim Tebow and people who say they have had enough fun the Denver Broncos’ quarterback.
Well, there are probably more folks out there who haven’t had enough of Tebow. For those folks, the folks on the TV side will present, SPORTSCENTER SPECIAL: FACE TO FACE WITH TIM TEBOW. It will air on ESPN2 at Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET. There is no word if it will re-air, so record accordingly if you wish.
Well, there are probably more folks out there who haven’t had enough of Tebow. For those folks, the folks on the TV side will present, SPORTSCENTER SPECIAL: FACE TO FACE WITH TIM TEBOW. It will air on ESPN2 at Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET. There is no word if it will re-air, so record accordingly if you wish.
NFL free agency starts March 13 and the franchise tag assigning period begins later this month. Anything can happen, but let’s look at a franchise tag candidate for each team in the AFC West:
Denver Broncos, defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley: Bunkley played tremendously last season for Denver and he was an unsung hero on an improved defense. He is a priority to re-sign. But I think Denver would likely consider giving him a long-term deal instead of giving him the franchise tag. Kicker Matt Prater could also be a candidate to get the tag.
Kansas City Chiefs, receiver Dwayne Bowe: He is one of the most interesting free agents in the division. Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli has a reputation for signing his top talent to long-term deals and the Chiefs have said Bowe is a priority. If he gets to free agency, there is a chance he’d get a monster deal elsewhere. I think the Chiefs will consider giving Bowe the franchise tag if he doesn’t re-sign. Cornerback Brandon Carr is another priority, but Bowe may have a better chance of getting franchised.
Oakland Raiders, running back Michael Bush: This is the one everyone is looking at. Bush is a backup but he may get tagged because Oakland starter Darren McFadden has a history of injuries. If Bush is tagged, it could also be a sign Oakland would be open to trading McFadden to recoup lost draft picks. If Bush gets on the open market, he will very likely leave because he will get paid to be a starter.
San Diego Chargers, receiver Vincent Jackson: There are many options here. If Jackson -- who was tagged last year -- is not franchised, the Chargers could easily lose him. Jackson has stated he wants to remain in San Diego, but can the Chargers risk getting in a bidding war for the Pro Bowler? Still, giving him the franchise tag, could limit the Chargers from doing other things in free agency. I think the team would like to secure a long-term deal with Jackson prior to the start of free agency, but because there are no guarantees, placing the franchise tag on Jackson may be the end result.
Denver Broncos, defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley: Bunkley played tremendously last season for Denver and he was an unsung hero on an improved defense. He is a priority to re-sign. But I think Denver would likely consider giving him a long-term deal instead of giving him the franchise tag. Kicker Matt Prater could also be a candidate to get the tag.
Kansas City Chiefs, receiver Dwayne Bowe: He is one of the most interesting free agents in the division. Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli has a reputation for signing his top talent to long-term deals and the Chiefs have said Bowe is a priority. If he gets to free agency, there is a chance he’d get a monster deal elsewhere. I think the Chiefs will consider giving Bowe the franchise tag if he doesn’t re-sign. Cornerback Brandon Carr is another priority, but Bowe may have a better chance of getting franchised.
Oakland Raiders, running back Michael Bush: This is the one everyone is looking at. Bush is a backup but he may get tagged because Oakland starter Darren McFadden has a history of injuries. If Bush is tagged, it could also be a sign Oakland would be open to trading McFadden to recoup lost draft picks. If Bush gets on the open market, he will very likely leave because he will get paid to be a starter.
San Diego Chargers, receiver Vincent Jackson: There are many options here. If Jackson -- who was tagged last year -- is not franchised, the Chargers could easily lose him. Jackson has stated he wants to remain in San Diego, but can the Chargers risk getting in a bidding war for the Pro Bowler? Still, giving him the franchise tag, could limit the Chargers from doing other things in free agency. I think the team would like to secure a long-term deal with Jackson prior to the start of free agency, but because there are no guarantees, placing the franchise tag on Jackson may be the end result.
There is no doubt Philip Rivers has been good for the San Diego Chargers.
He is the leader of the team, he’s the face of the franchise, and he represents the team’s best chance to make a run at a Super Bowl title.
However, do you think the Chargers are better off from their 2004 draft-day trade when they sent Eli Manning -- who they took with the No. 1 pick -- to the New York Giants for a package that included Rivers, who was the No. 4 pick, and picks that resulted in linebacker Shawne Merriman (who was star before injuries derailed his San Diego career) and reliable kicker Nate Kaeding.
Manning, of course, just won his second Super Bowl ring. Please take out AFC West poll and let us know what you think. Remember, Manning never wanted to be a Charger, so the team felt it was necessary to make a deal. We will review the poll results Wednesday.
However, do you think the Chargers are better off from their 2004 draft-day trade when they sent Eli Manning -- who they took with the No. 1 pick -- to the New York Giants for a package that included Rivers, who was the No. 4 pick, and picks that resulted in linebacker Shawne Merriman (who was star before injuries derailed his San Diego career) and reliable kicker Nate Kaeding.
Manning, of course, just won his second Super Bowl ring. Please take out AFC West poll and let us know what you think. Remember, Manning never wanted to be a Charger, so the team felt it was necessary to make a deal. We will review the poll results Wednesday.
Being arrested on the suspicion of drunk driving is not exactly the formula a player on the roster bubble should follow.
That is the position Denver running back Knowshon Moreno is reportedly in. A Denver television station reported that the No. 12 overall pick of the 2009 draft was arrested on drunken driving charges near Denver in his Bentley convertible.
Moreno is rehabilitating a torn ACL he suffered during the season. Denver is expected to bring in a running back either early in the draft or in free agency. Moreno lost his starting job to Willis McGahee last season.
His best chances of having a role in Denver in 2012 is probably as a third-down back.
"We take the incident involving Knowshon Moreno very seriously, and are thoroughly reviewing this matter," the team said in a statement. "Our organization will continue to gather information and closely monitor this issue while the legal process takes its course."
Denver linebacker D.J. Williams and kicker Matt Prater have been arrested for drunk driving in the past.
In other AFC West notes:
Raiders’ legend Willie Brown is not currently listed on the team’s list of coaches.
The Raiders have made their primary coaching additions, but they still have some hires to make.
Denver quarterback Tim Tebow said in a radio interview that he was a Dallas Cowboys’ fan growing up.
That is the position Denver running back Knowshon Moreno is reportedly in. A Denver television station reported that the No. 12 overall pick of the 2009 draft was arrested on drunken driving charges near Denver in his Bentley convertible.
Moreno is rehabilitating a torn ACL he suffered during the season. Denver is expected to bring in a running back either early in the draft or in free agency. Moreno lost his starting job to Willis McGahee last season.
His best chances of having a role in Denver in 2012 is probably as a third-down back.
"We take the incident involving Knowshon Moreno very seriously, and are thoroughly reviewing this matter," the team said in a statement. "Our organization will continue to gather information and closely monitor this issue while the legal process takes its course."
Denver linebacker D.J. Williams and kicker Matt Prater have been arrested for drunk driving in the past.
In other AFC West notes:
Raiders’ legend Willie Brown is not currently listed on the team’s list of coaches.
The Raiders have made their primary coaching additions, but they still have some hires to make.
Denver quarterback Tim Tebow said in a radio interview that he was a Dallas Cowboys’ fan growing up.
Sans getting another head-coaching job, former Kansas City Chiefs’ coach Todd Haley couldn’t have bounced back any better than he has.
HaleyWith it looking like he might sit out the 2012 season, Haley -- who was fired by Kansas City with three games left in the 2011 season -- was been hired to be the offensive coordinator by the Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen confirmed the story.
Haley was a Steelers’ ball boy while growing up in Pittsburgh. His father, Dick Haley, is a legendary former Steelers’ personnel man. It has been reported that the Chiefs are not honoring the final year of Haley’s contract because they fired Haley with cause. The team has not commented on the report.
So, getting this job might not only help Haley financially, it gives him a chance to revive his career in his hometown.
The Steelers’ job was considered a prime job. Haley, who was Arizona’s offensive coordinator prior to being hired by the Chiefs in 2009, can potentially become a head-coaching candidate again if the Pittsburgh offense flourishes.
Haley is considered a strong quarterbacks coach, and he will have a good student in the form of Ben Roethlisberger. Haley has been known for yelling at players during games, so it will be interesting to see how an established quarterback like Roethlisberger will handle it if the situation arises.
The Chiefs play at Pittsburgh in 2012, which has a chance to be one of the more interesting weeks of the Chiefs’ season.
By the way, of the seven head coaches to be fired during or after the 2011 season, former Oakland coach Hue Jackson is the only one not to get a job elsewhere in the league as an assistant coach so far. NFL.com reported the Steelers talked to Jackson before offering the job to Haley.
Haley was a Steelers’ ball boy while growing up in Pittsburgh. His father, Dick Haley, is a legendary former Steelers’ personnel man. It has been reported that the Chiefs are not honoring the final year of Haley’s contract because they fired Haley with cause. The team has not commented on the report.
So, getting this job might not only help Haley financially, it gives him a chance to revive his career in his hometown.
The Steelers’ job was considered a prime job. Haley, who was Arizona’s offensive coordinator prior to being hired by the Chiefs in 2009, can potentially become a head-coaching candidate again if the Pittsburgh offense flourishes.
Haley is considered a strong quarterbacks coach, and he will have a good student in the form of Ben Roethlisberger. Haley has been known for yelling at players during games, so it will be interesting to see how an established quarterback like Roethlisberger will handle it if the situation arises.
The Chiefs play at Pittsburgh in 2012, which has a chance to be one of the more interesting weeks of the Chiefs’ season.
By the way, of the seven head coaches to be fired during or after the 2011 season, former Oakland coach Hue Jackson is the only one not to get a job elsewhere in the league as an assistant coach so far. NFL.com reported the Steelers talked to Jackson before offering the job to Haley.
Now that the Oakland Raiders have hired Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver and they have filled their major assistant spots on Dennis Allen’s staff, let’s look at some remaining questions for the team:
Will the Raiders be a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense? Allen ran a 4-3 defense in Denver last season. Tarver’s defense at Stanford was a 3-4 and Tarver was an assistant in a 3-4 defense in San Francisco. Allen said last week that schemes can be overvalued and the Raiders will show multiple defensive alignments. I’d guess the Raiders would mostly use 4-3, but show some 3-4 looks as well.
Who will call the defensive plays? There were rumblings during Allen’s search for a defensive coordinator that he could reconsider and call the defensive plays. Allen said last week that he won’t call the defensive plays and he’d be a game manager. However, Tarver didn’t call the plays at Stanford. So, it will be interesting to see what Allen does.
Will the Raiders run a zone-blocking offense? The Raiders hired Frank Pollack from Houston to coach the offensive line. The Texans used the zone-blocking scheme and it would make sense that Pollack would do the same in Oakland. The Raiders transitioned from the zone to power-blocking under Hue Jackson and running back Darren McFadden seemed to fare better. McFadden, however, has also had some success in the zone-blocking scheme.
Will the Raiders be a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense? Allen ran a 4-3 defense in Denver last season. Tarver’s defense at Stanford was a 3-4 and Tarver was an assistant in a 3-4 defense in San Francisco. Allen said last week that schemes can be overvalued and the Raiders will show multiple defensive alignments. I’d guess the Raiders would mostly use 4-3, but show some 3-4 looks as well.
Who will call the defensive plays? There were rumblings during Allen’s search for a defensive coordinator that he could reconsider and call the defensive plays. Allen said last week that he won’t call the defensive plays and he’d be a game manager. However, Tarver didn’t call the plays at Stanford. So, it will be interesting to see what Allen does.
Will the Raiders run a zone-blocking offense? The Raiders hired Frank Pollack from Houston to coach the offensive line. The Texans used the zone-blocking scheme and it would make sense that Pollack would do the same in Oakland. The Raiders transitioned from the zone to power-blocking under Hue Jackson and running back Darren McFadden seemed to fare better. McFadden, however, has also had some success in the zone-blocking scheme.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
