AFC West: Joey Porter
I don’t think Smith will be in control of where he goes, but let’s take a look if he fits in with either the Raiders or the Chargers.
Oakland: The Raiders have long needed a veteran receiver. But do they have any room for one? Oakland drafted two more receivers last week and is teeming with young, talented receivers. Acquiring a veteran like Smith, who will turn 32 next week, could impede the development of some of these players.
But Al Davis has liked to acquire veteran receivers in the past and Smith could help Oakland. Smith is nearing the end, but he can still help a team some. He had 46 catches for 554 yards in 2011.
San Diego: This reminds of when linebacker Joey Porter mentioned he wanted to go to San Diego last year because it was near his home. That was fine. But the feeling wasn’t mutual.
I could see that being the case here. Smith doesn’t seem like the type of player San Diego general manager A.J. Smith would bring in. San Diego has solid footing at receiver, anyway. I don’t see the fit.
Denver may not be located in California, but it could be Smith’s best bet of landing in the AFC West. Former Carolina coach John Fox has been a fan of Smith and he could be interested in bringing him for the short term.
Chargers made right move by shunning Porter
Porter was arrested near his Bakersfield, Calif., home Saturday on suspicion of drunken driving. Porter refused to provide his driver's license and began to roll up his window when asked to leave the car. Police say that when an officer reached to unlock the door Porter slapped the officer's hand.
Porter recently signed a $17.5 million deal with Arizona. Below he was even cut by Miami this offseason, Porter said he was interested in playing for San Diego along with the Cardinals and San Francisco. He wanted to play for a 3-4 defensive team located near his home.
However, San Diego never made a move on Porter. San Diego has been reluctant to add veterans who are known for being brash like Porter.
Porter’s legal issues have to be cause for Arizona to have some buyer’s remorse. Credit goes to San Diego for avoiding this headache.
San Diego general manager A.J. Smith seems to know what a great deal he got by sending third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst to Seattle. The Chargers and Seahawks switched second-round picks in next month’s draft and San Diego will receive a third-round pick in 2011. San Diego now has the No. 28 and 40 picks in the draft. It did have the No. 60 overall pick.
There’s no debate: Smith got a great, great deal.
You can scratch off Joey Porter’s name as a possible new AFC West resident. He signed with Arizona. Porter was interested in San Diego, but the feeling was never mutual.
Miami quarterback Chad Henne thinks the Dolphins should pursue Denver restricted free-agent receiver Brandon Marshall. I wouldn’t be surprised if Miami eventually looks into Marshall.
The Oakland Tribune wonders if former San Francisco leader Scott McCloughan could end up in Oakland. He is a pretty solid football man. It wouldn’t hurt Oakland to consider him.
Mississippi receiver Dexter McCluster said on SIRIUS NFL radio Saturday he will have a private workout with Denver.
The readers believe the story of the week in the AFC West was Oakland keeping kicker Sebastian Janikowski off the free-agent market. The other candidates were: Arizona free-agent linebacker Karlos Dansby's interest in playing for the Chargers, and Miami linebacker Joey Porter's interest in San Diego as well.
Oakland signed Janikowski to a four-year, $16 million deal that included $9 million in guaranteed money. It was a record deal for a kicker.
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Mike from Sunnyvale, Calif.,: The Raiders spending money to keep another key player on a bad team in the story of the week. It has to be.
John from Kansas City: It’s the Janikowski story. Oakland overspends to keep players because the only reason anyone would play there is to get overpaid.
Daylon from Wyoming: I dont even think the Raiders breaking the bank for a guy whos on the field for 10 plays a game should be a canidate. Its the Raiders after all. Some sensible signing would be a real story for the Raiders. And really its nothing compared to the JaMarcus deal. Heck JaMarcus will problaby see the field less than Sebastian will next year and he's getting paid alot more than him. So Im going with Dansby. He supposedly will play anywhere and money is the motivating factor, how is he going to get if from them? They are pretty tight, why would they break the bank for him? And if he is going to replace Merriman he needs to at least make people think he is going to morph into a pass rusher. Since I beleive his career-high in sacks is like 8 and that was 4 years ago, not sure how that is going to work out.
Parker from Spokane, Wash.,: Bill,This weeks Pick it has got to the the Jano story. He is maybe the best kicker in the NFL and the Raiders have locked him up for a long time, but they did it for a price and this raises some serious questions: Can Oakland keep spending the way they have been? How will this affect the FA and Seymour transactions on the Raiders end? Most of all it makes me wonder how good this team can make Jano? With a good offense producing more PAs and FGs opportunities will Jano get the points to finally make the Pro-Bowl?
Laurence from Texas: Hey Bill, I have enjoyed your blog over the last season.I think the storyline for this week is Janikowski signing a big contract with Oakland. I think the other two options aren't that big of news mainly because as you are constantly saying San Diego doesn't normally sign big name free agents. In addition to this, Oakland will start running out of money really quickly if they keep giving such huge contracts like they have with Janikowski.
Thomas from San Diego: Great work as always, Bill. The storyline of the week has to be linebackers and San Diego. Not only is Dansby interested in San Diego, Joey Porter is as well. Although Shawne Merriman will likely be franchised, the Chargers should spend money and pick up a veteran Linebacker through Free Agency. AJ Smith rarely makes big splashes in the FA market, but putting Porter or Dansby on the field would make an immediate impact.
Kevin from Lebanon, Or.: SEABASS! He is (and will be) our ONLY proven offensive weapon. This deal had to get done, he scores the points until someone proves otherwise. He has been one of the best kickers in the NFL for the last 10 years. Did you see how many good teams lost games this year because of their kicker? How much would the Redskins or Cowboys pay him? All we ask, no more 74 yard kicks or sneaky trick plays that require him to run the ball. Raider fans love the fact that our kicker can totally kick your kickers butt. GO RAIDERS!
You pick it: AFC West storylines
Janikowski signs with Oakland: The Raiders kept kicker Sebastian Janikowski off the free-agent market by giving him a four-year, $16 million deal. It includes $9 million in guaranteed money. It is the richest deal ever signed by a kicker.
Dansby likes the Chargers: Arizona free-agent linebacker Karlos Dansby publicly expressed interest in signing with San Diego.
Porter is on his way to being free: Another linebacker who has expressed interest in San Diego, Joey Porter, will soon be cut by Miami.
Choose you story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.
Another player shows interest in San Diego
First, Joey Porter put San Diego on his wish list, and now he's been joined by Karlos Dansby. In an interview with Sirius NFL Radio, the Arizona linebacker said he is interested in signing in four teams this year, including San Diego, Miami, the New York Giants and Washington.
Dansby would fit the Chargers’ 3-4 system, but it is not as easy as that. San Diego traditionally does not sign big-name players and it has several prospective free agents it has to address. The Chargers plan is to try to keep their free agents, a daunting list that includes Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, Shawne Merriman and Darren Sproles.
Now, if Merriman were to leave, perhaps Dansby could be in the mix. But expect Dansby to be popular. Hecould leave the market quickly.
Jared from Junction City, Ore., wants to know if Troy Smith (a quarterback from Baltimore) and Barry Cofield (a defensive tackle from the Giants) are potential fits in Oakland.
Bill Williamson: I like how you are thinking here, Jared. Smith, who wants to be traded, played for new Oakland offensive coordinator Hue Jackson in Baltimore and Cofield, a likely restricted free agent, played for new Oakland defensive line coach Mike Waufle in New York. So there are natural connections. I could see Oakland trying to swing a trade for Smith and it would be worth putting him in the quarterback mix.
Thom from Las Vegas wants to know if Denver could be interested in Kevin Kolb and not Donovan McNabb.
BW: ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio reported Denver talked to Philadelphia about McNabb. But teams are calling the Eagles about Kolb as well. I think it makes more sense for Denver to trade for Kolb because he is younger and has a lot of upside. But that could be pricey.
Ray from Lamont, Calif., wants to know if Joey Porter could end up in Oakland.
BW: Ray, if Porter is open to play in a 4-3 defense, I think it could be a great fit. Porter, who will be released by Miami in early March, said he wants to play in a 3-4 defense near his Bakersfield, Calif., home. He mentioned San Diego, San Francisco and Arizona as possibilities. Perhaps if there isn’t a market for him, Porter could widen his search to 4-3 teams. He would give Oakland some leadership and Al Davis never shies from adding aging stars.
Soon-to-be cut Porter has interest in San Diego
Miami cut the outspoken linebacker Friday, but because of a technicality Porter returned to the roster later in the day. Porter recently voiced his desire to be traded. Two weeks ago, Porter said he wanted to play for a team that employs the 3-4 defense and that is located close to his Bakersfield, Calif., home. He mentioned San Diego, Arizona and San Francisco.
Still, it would be a surprise if San Diego made a run at Porter, if at all. San Diego doesn’t sign veterans often and the team wants to get younger at linebacker. Porter is 33. Perhaps if Shawne Merriman leaves through free agency and Porter is still available, San Diego could show interest.
If it is an uncapped year, as expected, San Diego can only sign a free agent when it loses one because it was one of the final eight playoff teams.
Porter is interested in playing for the Chargers
But another AFC West team is high on Porter’s wish list. He said Tuesday that he wants to play for a team with a 3-4 defense that is located close to his Bakersfield, Ca. home. He mentioned San Diego, San Francisco and Arizona. Porter wants out of Miami.
Now, all Porter needs is San Diego to be interested.
I’m not sure if this would be a great pairing. The Chargers are looking to getting younger at their pass-rush positions. The linebacker is about to turn 33.
Plus, the Chargers usually don’t add big-name players and they try to shy away from overtly-brash player.
Still, if Shawne Merriman were to leave through restricted free agency, perhaps the Chargers will be in play for Porter. Yet, ultimately, he might be a rotational player in San Diego, which is the reason why he wants to leave Miami.
So, San Diego might not be the perfect fit. If Porter becomes open to playing for a 4-3 team perhaps Oakland would interest him.
Porter in Oakland makes some sense
After all, it’s that time of year. One potential stop for Porter, according to ESPN.com’s rumor page, is Oakland.
After thinking about it for a while, I could really see this being a fit. Porter wants to be a full-time player and I could see Oakland giving him that opportunity.
Oakland owner Al Davis loves savvy veterans and players who have a lot of skins on the wall. Porter would be another in a long line of aging veterans who finished their careers in Oakland.
Can’t you just see the brash Porter in the Silver and Black? He’d look great and he’d do his best to restore the swagger to the sagging franchise.
Plus, Porter who will soon be 33, is from Bakersfield, Ca. Playing in California would likely appeal to him.
Yes, Porter is used to playing a 3-4 defense (which could make him attractive to the other three teams in the AFC West), but he is a smart player who could adjust to Oakland’s 4-3 scheme.
This pairing isn’t essential for Oakland. Porter is not the missing link for the Raiders, but an Oakland-Porter union looks very feasible if he pursues his desire to leave Miami. Let’s keep our eyes open on this potential development.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
A look at the AFC West Pro Bowl breakdown where each team is sending two players to Hawaii:
Denver Broncos: The Broncos are sending quarterback Jay Cutler and receiver Brandon Marshall. This is likely the first of several trips for this third-year pass-catch combination.
Both players deserved the honor. Cutler is a backup and Marshall will start.
One Denver player, tackle Ryan Clady, was snubbed. Clady has given up half a sack and he has shut out superstars Joey Porter, John Abraham and Julius Peppers this season. It is difficult for rookies to get noticed, especially at a not-so-high-profile position. But Clady needed to go.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have a Pro Bowl player for each of their two victories.
Veterans tight end Tony Gonzalez and guard Brian Waters are going. The selection of Gonzalez was a no-brainer. He has 84 catches and is playing as well as he ever has in his 12-season career. He is starting in the game. Waters is not a major stretch, either. The only reason I thought he wouldn't go is because the Chiefs are having such a poor season. But Waters is having a solid season and he is deserving of a backup role.
Oakland Raiders: Nnamdi Asomugha received his just due. Finally.
Asomugha is a starting cornerback in the Pro Bowl.
And it was no gift. Asomugha has been a premier shutdown cornerback all season. He has given up just a handful of passes this season. He is a bright spot for the 3-11 Raiders. With Champ Bailey missing the past seven games with a groin injury, Asomugha was able to capitalize.
Oakland punter Shane Lechler also went in. This is a solid call. Lechler is an elite player at his position. Oakland linebacker Kirk Morrison is second in the AFC in tackles but there was little chance he would beat out Ray Lewis or James Farrior. Morrison could be setting himself up for a Pro Bowl berth in seasons to come.
San Diego Chargers: There is where some of the surprises are.
Quarterback Philip Rivers was snubbed. However, expect rivers to end up in Hawaii. He is the No. 1 alternate in the AFC. Brett Favre was voted in but he rarely goes to the game, so expect Rivers to get the nod. He needs to be there. He is leading the NFL in passer rating and he has been outstanding much of the season.
The Chargers are sending guard Kris Dielman and tight end Antonio Gates. Dielman is a starter and Gates is an alternate. It isn't a great year for guard play and while Gates has been rusty for much of the season because of offseason toe surgery, it's not a stretch to see him back in Hawaii.
Some in San Diego will be upset that defensive tackle Jamal Williams didn't make it, but it was a strong season at the position and Williams started slow. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is a third alternate. He is having a down season but so is the rest of the AFC running back class. He probably deserved to be a higher alternate.
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Denver rookie class is providing a big boost
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
It is the massive left tackle who has shut out sack masters Joey Porter and John Abraham this season.
It is the dynamic receiver and return man who caught nine passes for 146 yards in his NFL debut and is a legitimate rookie-of-the-year and Pro Bowl candidate.
It is the fullback -- a former college linebacker -- who on Sunday became the first NFL player in five years to start on offense and defense.
It is the seventh-round pick, best known for blocking for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in college, who has made the sudden switch from fullback to tailback quite nicely.
It is the undrafted linebacker who took over for one of the leading tacklers in the NFL and has given the team a spark.
It is all of these players who have made the Denver Broncos' 2008 rookie class arguably the best in the NFL and one of the deepest rookie classes in team history.
Before the season, it was widely regarded that the Kansas City Chiefs had one of the best rookie classes in recent memory. The Chiefs' deep rookie class is good. But it has been overshadowed by the Denver class that wasn't as ballyhooed. However, thanks to stunning and historic performances by the Denver rookies, the team has rebounded from a midseason malaise and is taking control of the AFC West with a 6-4 record.
If Denver is going to close out strong and win its first division crown since 2005, these rookies will have to play a major role.
"It's gone so quickly that we haven't had a chance to sit around and feel good about what we are doing," said fullback Spencer Larsen, who started on offense and defense against the Falcons. "I just thought this was normal. I thought a bunch of rookies played on every NFL team, but you look around and you realize this is a pretty good group."
When Broncos coach Mike Shanahan predicted on a Denver radio station during training camp that his team would make the playoffs, he probably knew he had a nice crop of youngsters. But he couldn't have known it was going to be this good.
"These guys aren't only excellent athletes, but they are very sharp football players," Shanahan said. "Some guys got their opportunity because of injuries and some guys got their opportunity because they proved in practice that they can make plays."
Seven rookies have started at eight positions for Denver in 2008. Receiver Eddie Royal has twice won rookie-of-the-week honors and Larsen won the honor this week.
This is Denver's third straight strong rookie class after years of failing in the draft. Denver has rebuilt its team through the draft since 2006, when it drafted quarterback Jay Cutler, tight end Tony Scheffler, wide receiver Brandon Marshall and defense end Elvis Dumervil. This year's rookie crop may be even deeper.
A look at some of the Broncos' key rookies who are contributing for the first-place team:
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| Clady |
First round, offensive tackle Ryan Clady:
Clady, the No. 12 overall pick, has been as good at left tackle as Cleveland's Joe Thomas was last year as a rookie. Clady should get serious Pro Bowl consideration. He has allowed a half a sack in 10 games. He is one of three tackles in the NFL not to allow a full sack this season. Clady shut down Porter and Abraham, who have a combined 24.5 sacks this season, in games this season. He is arguably the team's MVP. The Broncos struck gold at one of the most vital positions on the field.
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| Royal |
Second round, wide receiver Eddie Royal:
I recall talking to a member of the Denver staff in June. He said the staff was convinced, after the minicamp season, that the Virginia Tech product would be an impact player. Originally, the Broncos drafted Royal to be an impact player in the return game and a developmental player as a receiver. But Royal came to town as a polished player. He has teamed with Marshall to give Denver one of the best 1-2 receiver punches in the NFL. Royal, who is also getting it done as a returner, has 56 catches and four touchdowns in nine games. He has compiled at least 200 all-purpose yards in three games. Royal turned the league on its ear with his big game in Oakland to start the season and he hasn't stopped. He looks like a long-term answer at receiver.
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| Torain |
Fifth round, running back Ryan Torain:
The Broncos love this player but it will have to wait until 2009. Torain was on the verge of winning the starting tailback job early in training camp when he broke his elbow. Shanahan compared him to legendary Broncos running back Terrell Davis. Torain came back temporarily earlier this month. He had 68 yards midway through the second quarter against Cleveland when he tore the ACL in his knee.
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| Larsen |
Sixth round, fullback/linebacker Spencer Larsen:
Larsen was a tackle machine at Arizona as a linebacker. However, the Broncos liked him as a fullback and told him that when they drafted him. He practiced at both fullback and linebacker but became primarily a fullback. As the season progressed, Larsen became one of Denver's best special-teams players. He would routinely blow up people while covering kicks. However, after a rash of injuries at both running back and linebacker, the Broncos decided they needed Larson on bo
th offense and defense. Last Sunday at Atlanta, Larsen became the first NFL player since 2003 to start on both sides of the ball. He started at fullback and middle linebacker. He hadn't practiced at linebacker since training camp but still came up with seven tackles. The Broncos expect to use Larsen in a similar role as the season progresses.
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| Hillis |
Seventh round, running back Peyton Hillis:
After season-ending injuries to four tailbacks, the former Arkansas standout was forced to move from fullback to tailback. In the past two weeks, Hillis has run hard and gained tough yards. He is a great receiver out of the backfield. Denver thinks he can help down the stretch. He's a very tough player and could do well in a committee with tailbacks Tatum Bell and Selvin Young.
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| Woodyard |
Undrafted free agent, linebacker Wesley Woodyard:
A special-teams ace, the Kentucky product has played very well in the last two games as a replacement for D.J. Williams at weakside linebacker. Woodyard is very active and always near the ball. When Williams returns in a couple of weeks, expect Denver to find a way to keep Woodyard in the defensive mix.
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| Bell |
Undrafted free agent, cornerback Josh Bell:
The Baylor product was originally with San Diego. Denver signed him to the practice squad earlier in the season. He quickly impressed coaches with his play in practice. He has moved past fellow rookie Jack Williams and veteran Karl Paymah. He started in front of Paymah with Champ Bailey out. When Bailey returns, Bell will be the nickel cornerback.
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| Kern |
Undrafted free agent, punter Brett Kern:
Kern has brought stability to a position from which Denver has had none in recent years. He's very steady and has a strong leg.
Video: Broncos' Marshall calls out Joey Porter
Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall had some choice words for Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter.
Brandon Marshall rips Joey Porter
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Once again, Brandon Marshall has struck back at a detractor.
This time, it is Miami linebacker Joey Porter.
After Miami beat Denver Sunday, a game Marshall was held to a season-low two catches, Porter said the Dolphins got in Marshall's head and said the receiver was soft. The two were jawing at each other at the end of the third quarter and had to be separated by an official
Tuesday, Marshall shot back -- hard and colorfully. He called Porter soft, too and he had plenty more to say.
"All those muscles are popcorn muscles -- he's soft," Marshall said. "We hear stories floating around the league all the time about him as far as in the nightclubs dancing with his shirt off like a girl, or in the playground getting beat up back in California. He's one of those guys that, no matter how big he is, he still can get knocked on his butt. He's soft. He's soft at heart. You can tell the way he talks."
A Marshall rebuttal is nothing new. In the summer, when Dallas was in Denver for a joint workout with the Broncos, Dallas cornerback Adam Jones said Marshall didn't compare to Cowboys' receiver Terrell Owens. Later that day, Marshall hit the field, wearing a sign on his jersey saying that Jones didn't compare to Denver cornerback Champ Bailey.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
DENVER -- Random game night thoughts across the AFC West:
- Pressure will be on rookie Jamaal Charles in Kansas City. Kolby Smith is now out for the season with a knee injury. Larry Johnson is out because of an NFL suspension for a week.
After being inactivated by the team for off-field issues, Johnson will likely be back with the team. But Charles has a chance to show he can be the tailback of the future. He got a good start Sunday in a 30-27 overtime loss to Tampa Bay as he broke the 100-game rushing barrier.
- Denver rookie fullback Peyton Hillis had seven catches. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said the Arkansas product needs to work on his blocking but he has "Pro Bowl" ability as a receiver.
- Shanahan said he gave the Dolphins a 2nd and 19 situation at the Denver 47 and instead of third and 14 from the 42 because he wanted to take the Dolphins out of field goal range late in the game. However, the Dolphins went on to score a touchdown on the drive to take a nine-point lead with three minutes to go.
- Miami linebacker Joey Porter, who got into a jawing match with Denver receiver Brandon Marshall, called out Marshall saying he wasn't tough and he didn't adjust well to being double teamed.
- Denver rookies Ryan Clady and Eddie Royal continued their stellar seasons. Clady handled Porter routinely and Royal had seven catches and a 95-yard kickoff return to setup a touchdown.
- Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell took a step back as he completed 6 of 19 passes for 31 yards. Russell, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2007 draft, was completely outplayed by Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick of this year's draft. The Raiders had 77 yards of offense and gained three first downs.
- The losing is wearing on the 2-6 Raiders. After the game, safety Gibril Wilson questioned whether some unnamed teammates are playing hard.
- Don't be surprised if the Broncos consider signing Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. The defensive end was cut by Green Bay on Saturday. But with D.J. Williams hurt, Denver may have to sign a linebacker.
Here is, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Analysis, are some notes and charts from today's game in Denver:
MARSHALL PLAN GOES BAD
Marshall entered the week as the most thrown-to receiver in the NFL. (Andre Johnson of Houston has had two more attempts go his way, 78 to 76, but he's also played one more game.) The Dolphins shut him down completely. He didn't catch a pass until the final minute of the third quarter.
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MILE-HIGH MISERY
In the first seven games, Denver was averaging 25.6 rushing attempts per game, 118.3 yards per game and 4.6 yards per rush. On Sunday, they had just 12 attempts for 14 yards, a 1.2 yards per carry average. The 14 yards rushing is second-fewest in Broncos history (13 at Oakland, 10/22/1972).
BRONCOS' TURNOVER PROBLEM
The Broncos have a turnover margin of minus-11 (eight forc
ed, 19 committed), which is worst in the NFL. Their 67 points allowed off turnovers (12 against the Dolphins) ranks 30th in the NFL.
PEYTON FINDING HIS PLACE
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
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.
