Critics of Raiders offseason – including us – vindicated

by | Nov 14, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

We here at Zoneblitz.com were moderately amused by – and critical of – several of the moves made by the Oakland Raiders during the last off-season. And we weren’t the only ones, not by a long shot.

The team threw eight-figure signing bonuses at a half-dozen players who, at least from an educated fan’s perspective, didn’t make any sense.

We even had the audacity in March to suggest that perhaps the team, ergo Al Davis, was trying to sign a collection of stiffs and dogs so gross that it would put Lane Kiffin in an unwinnable situation and give Davis a reason to get rid of him.

Well, it’s mid-November. The Raiders have the league’s highest payroll this year for yet another 2-7 record.
Kiffin is gone. A couple of the lesser-name guys like defensive end Kalimba Edwards, who has five sacks, have turned out to be solid additions. But as far as the big-name guys who backed Brinks trucks up to the front office complex to drive their bonus bucks home, we’ve been pretty close to right on the mark.

Here a synopsis of how some of the Raiders’ high-profile signings have worked out so far this season:
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Young Closer to 2,000 Yard Goal; Broncos Cut Henry

by | Jun 2, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football, NFL Breaking News

The Denver Broncos released Travis Henry Monday, just over a year after signing him to a five-year, $22.5 million contract.  GM/Coach Mike Shanahan took the somewhat unusual step of throwing Henry under the bus as he was releasing him.

“We did not feel his commitment to the Broncos was enough to warrant a spot on this football team,” he said.

Henry, who pulled a hamstring running sprints last month in minicamp, also missed time last year due to injuries, and was nearly suspended for a year due to marijuana use, although he was able to get the punishment overturned.

He did manage 691 yards and four touchdowns in his one season in Denver.

The Broncos added veteran Michael Pittman to their backfield last week, and also have Selvin Young, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain on the roster.  Since it remains to be seen who (if anyone) will get the majority of the carries in Denver, fantasy owners should still stay away from the Broncos backfield in the early rounds.

Young’s 2,000 Yard Goal Even More in Doubt

by | May 27, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football, NFL Breaking News

Last week, Selvin Young claimed he thought he could reach 2,000 yards rushing for the Denver Broncos.  Despite the team also having Travis Henry, Andre Hall, and rookie draft pick Ryan Torain also on the roster.

After Henry tweaked his hamstring last week, you can add Michael Pittman to the list of names standing in Young’s rush to 2,000.

“There’s a lot of ways Michael can help the Broncos,” Rosenhaus said. “He can play fullback, halfback, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, return punts and return kicks. He’s a versatile back.”

He can also make a mean battering ram, and between he and Henry, the Broncos might actually get a full season’s worth of carries.

Jesting aside, this likely has little to no significant fantasy impact for 2008–given the injury concerns, and Mike Shanahan’s penchant for splitting carries, if you take a Broncos RB early in the draft you should be mocked mercilessly by your league mates.

Alexander passes physical, gets cut

by | Apr 22, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, NFL Breaking News

Just over two years ago the Seattle Seahawks gave Shaun Alexander, who was coming off of an MVP season, a $62 million contract. Two injury-plagued, underachieving seasons later the ‘Hawks gave him his walking papers.

Following the signings of Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett, and coach Mike Holmgren’s reticence to use Alexander down the stretch last season, Alexander’s release is no surprise.
Alexander, according to the Associated Press, said he is healthy and “looking forward to the next chapter of my NFL career,”

Still, it’s a stunning fall from grace for the 30-year-old running back who helped his team to the Super Bowl in 2005. So, where does he end up? And does it happen before the draft? Teams like the Lions, the Panthers and the Bears are definitely looking for running backs, at least for a platoon situation.

This situation could have an effect on the draft, the situation of a lot of ongoing free agents, and ultimately some fantasy drafts as well.

Henry cut

by | Apr 3, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, Business of Football, Fantasy Football, NFL Draft

Chris Henry finally ran out of chances. The Cincinnati Bengals issued a statement wherein team President Mike Brown said: “Chris Henry has forfeited his opportunity to pursue a career with the Bengals. His conduct can no longer be tolerated.”

Good to know that even the Bengals have limits.  It’s a move that had to be made, but probably should have one or two transgressions ago. (more…)