Raiders Should Draft Johnson

Everybody's saying how the Raiders should snap up Jamarcus Russell like he's the hottest commodity since fire. Well, not everybody. Read this mock draft, for instance.

But it's something I've been thinking about for a bit. Calvin Johnson by all reports is a physical freak. Supposedly out jumping the machine designed to measure vertical leap among other feats. He's reportedly by far the best player in the Draft and best receiver in years.

If all this is true, and it appears to be, and Johnson is really such a phenom then the Raiders would be stupid to pass on him. They need a top receiver and pairing him with Joey Porter could do wonders.

Then, of course, theres the question of quarterback in Oakland. The Aaron Brooks experiment failed miserably and Andrew Walter appeared lost in that dysfunctional offense. They'll need someone smart and tough; someone who can make the reads quickly and get the ball to Porter and Johnson.

That's why I think the Raiders should  trade Randy Moss to Kansas City for Trent Green.

That's right, trade him to division opponents and watch him eat away at their soft core as he did in Oakland. Green's still a good Quarterback and would give Oakland a few years to find that marquee QB.

They've just singed Dominic Rhodes to compliment LaMont Jordan and their one-two punch should give the offense a little more power next season. If they start shoring up their line then they could address their QB situtation and get rid of a cancer at the same time. Maybe even get a draft pick out of it.

If they did this then they would get the best player in the draft, get rid of Moss, get a quality Quarterback (not a franchise QB, they're aiming too high right now), and give teams someone to worry about opening up more room for Porter.

With the Raiders Defense all the offense needs to do is score at least a couple touchdowns a game (something they couldn't do last season) and control the ball. With this running combination, talented receivers, and savy QB they would have a shot at being near .500 next season.

The Replacements*

This season nine different NFL teams have switched Quarterbacks. Some have been struck by the ever virulent injury bug and have been forced to substitute their number two until further notice. Many others, however, have willingly benched their field general in favor of a different leader. The results have been mixed and the trend appears to be continuing, here are the results thus far and a few other QB’s who may be warming the bench before the season is over.

Dallas Cowboys

Out: Drew Bledsoe

In: Tony Romo

This is probably the most talked about switch. There was speculation this would happen before the season began. Romo started the Cowboys first preseason game and was never taken out. He performed well against the Seahawks but that was, after all, against a vanilla defense. Bill Parcells also openly stated he hoped to get Romo in during the regular season.

Drew Bledsoe continued to prove he is, in fact, a living statue. He also threw those classic “Bledsoe Interceptions” which ended games and killed hope. He also failed to make reads and missed many open receivers. He never got on the same page as the rest of the offense and seemed a step slower than usual (which is really saying something). And so, after one of those “Bledsoe Interceptions” on the goal line, just before half time of the Giants game Bledsoe was benched in favor of the unproven Tony Romo.

”Big mistake,” Bledsoe was quoted as saying about the move. He seemed to be right as Romo threw three interceptions during the rest of that Giants game. He appeared to be the classic “rookie QB” (though this is his fourth year in the league). Instead, he’s thrown one interception since and managed the Cowboys offense efficiently. He has shown poise and escapability and has slightly tempered his compulsiveness.

In the end the switch to Romo may not only be the most talked about one but the most successful one. Romo has a QB rating (101.2) second only to the great Peyton Manning (104.5). His only loss was decidedly not his fault and he should be undefeated at this point. So far Romo has proven Parcells right and all the critics wrong.

Arizona Cardinals

Out: Kurt Warner

In: Matt Leinart

This is the second time Kurt Warner has been shoved aside for an untested, first-round draft pick. The first time it was for Eli Manning while the Giants were doing fairly well. The switch was criticized at the time but I think the Giants are happy they did it today. This time it’s for the untested Matt Leinart.

The jury is still out on Leinart. He has the tools at wide receiver but the offensive line is more than questionable. With Edgerinn James at running back the Cardinals should have a prolific offense. They don’t. Instead they look completely lost on offense and struggle to punch it into the end zone.

This was another switch that had to be made. Warner’s biggest problems were in his fumbles and inability to effectively read defenses. Leinart stepped in and played fairly well. He appeared ready to hand the Bears their first loss. Instead, Chicago came behind in the most impossible of ways and Leinart is still winless. Ultimately, this was the right decision but the Cardinals problems extend well beyond QB play.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Out: Byron Leftwitch

In: David Garrard

This change has been hinted at for a while now. After last season, when Garrard stepped in for an injured Leftwitch and performed well, some suggested making the change permanent. However, Leftwitch returned for the playoffs and played less than spectacularly. The controversy was denied by coach Jack Del Rio but certainly existed. As an aside, I feel it would’ve been more talked about if the Jaguars were in a bigger market.

One of the knocks on Byron Leftwitch is his immobility. Meanwhile, Garrard can make plays with his feet. The Jaguars offense has been less than prolific this year and Leftwitch’s injury appeared to be exactly the excuse Del Rio needed to make the “neccessary” change.

Garrard’s latest performance left many questioning if the Jaguars should go back to Leftwitch, even if he’s not at 100%. Personally, I think Leftwitch is the better of the two, but the die appears cast for this Jaguars organization. If they have any hope for the playoffs it will have to come from the arm of David Garrard.

Miami Dolphins

Out: Daunte Culpepper

In: Joey Harrington

This team was advertised to be the first to capture home field advantage during the Super Bowl. Why? you may ask. Because they have a solid defense, a potentially potent offense, and they got this guy named Daunte Culpepper from the Vikings. The logic: If Gus Frerotte could make this at least a decent team, then a much more mobile, younger QB like Culpepper should be able to put us over the top!

Now, the Dolphins are sitting on three wins. And Daunte Culpepper is sitting on the bench. He rushed back from a knee injury and played like a rookie in his four games for the Dolphins. He seemed to drop the ball more than throw it and the offense went absolutely no where.

In comes Joey Harrington to continue the Dolphins current course of mediocrity. While they’ve won twice as many games with Harrington than with Culpepper, it has less to do with the QB switch and more with their Defense.

When Joey Harrington said he felt he could compete with Culpepper for the starting position he was laughed at. The media brushed the suggestion aside as a never-was trying to maintain his confidence. However, he’s done at least as well as Daunte and all the experts have egg in their face for their bold prediction.

Oakland Raiders

Out: Aaron Brooks

In: Andrew Walter

The Raiders offense is truly horrendous. In the preseason it was noted that new Quarterback Aaron Brooks was having a hard time moving the ball down the field. It was assumed, however, that players of the caliber of Brooks and Moss would adjust.

In two games they didn’t. Brooks found himself on his back more than scanning the field. After taking a beating he was finally injured and replaced by Andrew Walter (whom some fans were calling for before the season began). Walter has likewise been on his back more than his feet and now those “in the know” are wondering if Brooks should come back.

It seems like it wouldn’t matter. With Randy Moss’ emotions in a tizzy he’s dropping a record number of passes. The defense is performing admirably but the offense seems so broken it’s impossible to fix. Walter or Brooks, this offense is going nowhere.

Seattle Seahawks

Out: Matt Hasselback

In: Seneca Wallace

This change was purely the result of injury. Hasselback is an excellent Quarterback whose contributions to the Seahawks are underrated. With Alexander down his presence was even more important.

Normally, an injury to the starting Quarterback of the former NFC Champions is a death sentence. But Wallace has performed well. While he’s not on par with Hasselback yet, he’s playing efficiently and the offense has adjusted to his strengths (the Raiders could take a tip from the way Holmgren’s calling plays).

Hasselback will be back soon and things will only get better for the Seahawks. They’re still in the thick of the playoff race in the NFC and will come away with another NFC West title. Wallace will keep things warm until Hasselback gets healthy. Will there be a QB controversy in the off season? Probably not, but if Wallace continues to play well it will be interesting when Hasselback’s contract comes up.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Out: Chris Simms

In: Bruce Gradkowski

Coach Jon Gruden has always had a thing for “the other Quarterback.” Now it appears he may finally have his man in Bruce Gradkowski. The Bucs were never totally sold on Simms as their QB. Even though they did offer him a nice long-term extension they always kept their eyes open for the next great QB.

Simms turned down the long-term deal for a shorter one, betting he’d cash in after a great 2006. Then he ruptured his spleen. He’s been placed on Injured Reserve and replaced as the Bucs starting QB. He may be out on the street soon and it appears Gradkowski will be steering the Bucs for the near future.

Chris Simms never seemed fully comfortable in Tampa Bay and this change could be the best for both parties. There will be plenty of teams looking for a young QB next season. If Green Bay’s not convinced about Aaron Rodgers perhaps Simms could wind up there. Or maybe even Oakland or Detroit. However you slice it, I think Gradkowski is a better fit for the Bucs and Simms will land on his feet elsewhere next season.

Washington Redskins

Out: Mark Brunell

In: Jason Campbell

The latest of the switches. Joe Gibbs finally sat Mark Brunell. This is a move fans have been clamoring for since before the season began. Jason Campbell is certainly quicker than Brunell but not much else is known. Brunell wasn’t doing a horrible job but the Redskins are looking for a spark.

Around the league many young Quarterbacks are helping teams become competitive again. Joe Gibbs hopes the same thing will happen in Washington. Last season the Redskins looked dead in the water. This season is the same. Last season they went on a 5 game winning streak. We shall see how the Redskins respond to Campbell and if they can again finish strong and sneak into the playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs

Out: Trent Green

In: Damon Huard

Just like the Seahawks, the Chiefs were forced into this switch. Trent Green took a nasty hit in the first game of the season and Huard, in his tenth season, took over as the Chiefs starter.

Now that Green is healing up there has been some conversation about leaving Huard in and letting Green warm the bench. As well as Huard has played, Green will play better. Huard’s done a nice job but as soon as Green’s ready to go, Herm Edwards should put him back on the field.

Trent Green was poised to lead the Rams to the Super Bowl. Then he got hurt and in stepped Kurt Warner. We all know the Cinderella Story from there, how only months before winning the title Warner was staking grocery shelves. Green is an excellent QB who shouldn’t be replaced because Huard is doing well. The guy did good things this season but the job is Green’s unless he physically can’t play.

On the Hot Seat?

Jake Plummer

The Broncos were able to scoop up Jay Cutler (the player the “experts” called the most “NFL ready” of the QB’s) in this year’s draft. And immediately, speculation began about him replacing Plummer as the starter.

Every week, Plummer seems to make just enough mistakes to merit putting Cutler in. Then he’ll somehow redeem himself and the Broncos will come away with a “W,” quieting the Cutler calls for a little while.

If there’s a time to switch it’s now. Plummer threw three picks last week and made some other poor decisions. However, the Broncos won the game, and he responded with a beautiful drive to a touchdown. The Broncos are still very much in the playoff conversation and if they hold pace will win the AFC West. With that being the case continuity is of the utmost importance. The Broncos post season hopes rest on the shoulders of Plummer.

Tom Brady

That’s right. Tom “Montana” Brady could be benched. I wouldn’t have believed it either until I read this. I know, just because they signed Testaverde doesn’t mean he’s going to replace Brady. But it does confirm some of the su####ion that Brady is hurt. And if that’s the case then it may mean the Patriots are preparing to bench him.

I highly doubt the Patriots would ever sit Brady unless he was seriously hurt, I’m talking near death here. The ever tightlipped Belichick camp hasn’t let on to their star QB’s condition but signing Testaverde provides security in case they have to sit Brady.

Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben has struggled this year. The Super Bowl champ has been asked to do a lot more this year than he has in his previous two years. Whereas in the past he would throw occasionally to supplement the run, the air attack has become the primary weapon on offense this season. And Ben’s pitched several balls to the other team.

In his three games, backup Charile Batch has thrown for 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. In comparison, Ben has 10 TD’s to 14 INT’s in 8 games, that’s 1.25 TD’s per game and 1.75 INT’s per game. While Batch has played well, I question his ability over the long haul. And I don’t think Batch is the future of the Steelers franchise so even if they are completely out of the playoff hunt I see no reason to sit Ben unless he’s hurt.

Michael Vick

This past week Falcons fans booed Michael Vick. After everybody and their half-sister declared him a changed man, Vick stumbled the past two weeks. He reverted to the running back with an arm and coughed up the ball to kill the team’s chances. You love his ability, but he has to be more judicious about it. I think it’s where Vince Young will ultimately top Vick as the “Rushing QB,” because Young will look to pass much more frequently than Vick.

This sounds crazy but how long have the Falcons given Vick? He’s been their starter for six seasons and is still the same guy he’s always been. And just like he does every season he teases us with a few games where he appears to have finally “gotten it” and throws more than he runs.

But inevitably he starts to run again. And even though it’s dazzling it will cost them important games. As the Falcons fail to score and get behind Vick gets nervous and puts the onus on himself to score, with his feet. Their backup, who I think will be a very good starter, is on the last year of his contract. Now’s the time for Atlanta to decide what they’re going to do. Go with a pocket passer, who has decent mobility, like Matt Schaub or stick with Michael Vick and hope that he doesn’t get himself seriously hurt during one of those crazy runs and finally, really does “get it.”

Thus far the Replacements report card is about what you’d expect. Huard and Romo are shinning. Garrard and Harrington are struggling. Leinart is proving he’s still a rookie and Wallace is keeping the offense rolling. We’ll see how Campbell performs and if Cutler makes his first NFL appearance this season.

Here’s to The Replacements!

*Note: This post was originally supposed to have tables breaking down each QB's rating, completion percentage, total yards, and TD-INT ratio with their replacement's. However, Fox Blog's in all their glory do not allow you to insert tables (at least using HTML) nor do they allow you to center text using HTML. I apologize for the decrease in quality of this post but hopefully in the future Fox Blogs will have the wisdom to allow for more freedom's in their posts. ~rusirious13