The Black Hole Will Be Great for Campbell

Something weird happened this NFL Draft weekend, the Oakland Raiders actually made moves to make their team better than just screw them for a couple of years.  Granted, the Richard Seymour trade will come back to haunt them next year if they struggle but maybe they are making sure that will not happen.  They acquire Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins and now I have to ask could the Raiders actually play with the big boys?

I think Campbell gets a bad rap from the D.C. media for various reasons because he hasn't been able to carry the Skins to any success but here's the thing... He has had constant change to deal with every year. Campbell has had six offensive coordinators in six years, you cannot tell me a player will rise to their true potential if they are dealing with that shit learning a new offense every July.  If that was me, I know I would have struggled as much as Campbell did and the other thing people fail to realize...

He isn't a guy that will light up the scoreboard like an Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, or a Philip Rivers but he can lead your team on long drives if you let him.  I would not like Campbell throw the ball pass 20 yards because he tends to get in trouble when he throws it vertically down the field.  Campbell's system needs to have a plethora of slants, screens, posts, ins, and everything else close. Obviously, the occasional fly route needs to happen to keep the defense at bay but Campbell doesn't need all of to be successful.

I am pulling for Campbell because I think we got an unbelievably unfair shake in Washington due to the fact, the hype around him was the type of a top 10 quarterback.  He isn't that, so let R.I.P. that argument and just know he is an above average quarterback who can maybe get you to the playoffs with the right combination of tools.  I do not think the Raiders will get to the playoffs this year but I think Campbell has added three to five wins at least for Raider nation.

-Charlie.

Be Careful What You Wish For...

The biggest story in the NFL Offseason happened on Sunday night when the Eagles decided to trade their franchise player, Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins for a second-round pick and some other things. The trade left me wondering and scratching my head for various reasons. 

Now let be known that I am not the biggest McNabb fan and personally feel he is slightly overrated. I understand getting to the conference championship is special but it isn't the Super Bowl. At least Jim Kelly, and John Elway got to the Super Bowl multiple times even though in defeat.  Dan Marino is the only quarterback that I would categorize as someone who was a premier franchise QB yet not many Super Bowl appearances.

Despite all of that, it is still a mind-blowing trade.  I cannot believe the Eagles traded him to a rival and more so the ravenous fans being completely okay with it.  I mean this is your rival who you see twice a year and the face of your franchise for the last 10 years will be playing on the other teams. I would be up in arms if this happened with the Packers, but I really think it shows how much the city of Brotherly Love never got behind McNabb.

They never were for his entire career, I mean hell he was booed from the get-go on draft day when the Eagles decided to take McNabb over Ricky Williams (great decision looking back on it today).  No matter that he almost always delivered a winner with the Eagles, the fans still found some room in their cold hearts to dislike him after one mistake.  The pressure kept building to finally give Kevin Kolb a chance at quarterback and now many Eagles' fans have got their wish.  Fans are baseing his success off two 300 yard performances against weak defenses, I think no one has a harder job than him next season. Easily comparable to Aaron Rodgers but I feel it might be harder since he already showed some glimmer of hope in the regular season.

As for the Redskins, I cannot see how this doesn't help them out once they find some wide receivers.  Curious question, would the Skins' ask McNabb if they would entertain the possibility of bringing Terrell Owens into D.C.?  Hmm.... Very interesting if you ask me.  Anyways, he will have a three-headed attack of Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker in the backfield, which I think is risky but all of those guys have something to prove this season a lot like McNabb.  He is working with an offensive mastermind in Mike Shanahan who has made pretty much every quarterback look good and another guy with something to prove in the National Football League. 

I still think their offensive line will be the biggest question mark and if they can figure it out after they likely draft Russell Okung in the first round, this team becomes very dangerous. They already have a average to above average defense and now they have an offense to put points up on the board, look out NFC East. Further, I think their division is pretty much wide open, all teams have the same sort of questions marks headed into the draft and it should be an exciting season in the NFC East. 

All I know is the McNabb back to Philly is a must-see TV game to see how big of an FU moment it will be for the former superstar. I just think there will be a large chip on McNabb shoulder and he will bring the noise at Lincoln Financial Field. Not to mention, I think this sort of thing amplifies tenfold in football because you only see them once or twice instead of 2 to 4 times in the NBA, or multiple times in baseball. 

The one thing I wonder today is will the reaction be the same come late October? 

-Charlie.

Here We Go Again, Snyder Screws the Skins

As we all expected, Jim Zorn the Head Coach of the Washington Redskins was fired and Mike Shanahan, the former Head Coach of the Denver Broncos will take over the failing franchise that Owner Daniel Snyder has let it become.

If I were a Redskin fan, I would still watch the team and maybe buy merchandise but I would refuse to pay any money to support Snyder by going to the game because he is a dog shit owner who doesn't understand the concepts of being an owner of a professional sports team. In rap battles, they will always call out people like Ja Rule saying "They aint really from the hood, never really shot guns blah blah." Dan Snyder is the Ja Rule of owners because his nose in everything tactics haven't worked for him at all like it has for Jerry Jones and George Steinbrenner.  Who both I hate but have pulled off that whole how to be too involved perfectly. 

Now it appeared that Snyder was going to let the reigns go by bringing in General Manager Bruce Allen who rebuilt the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the hope that he could do that same thing. Finally it seemed like Snyder was just going to be the guy who writes checks BUT he then allows Shanahan to have the final decisions in personal issues. The decision-making derailed Shanahan's career with the Broncos and many coaches haven't been able to handle both the coaching/decision making.

The other thing I would do is stay away from Sam Bradford or Ryan Mallet (if he comes out), the reason is because Bradford is softer than my roommate E on the phone with his girlfriend and Mallet doesn't appear ready for the NFL.  They need a guy who can come in and be ready to take Jason Campbell's spot.  Another thought could be drafting an offensive lineman to help protect Campbell who gets beat up in most games. 

I think the NFC East is always a dogfight and if Snyder doesn't allow Shanahan a chance to build this team then this team will keep drafting in the top 10.

-Charlie.

Albert's Feelings Might Be Hurt

I always hate reminding you that I told you so BUT... I completely called the problems that would ensue with Albert Haynesworth in Washington.  If you didn't hear yesterday while you were enjoying Christmas or puking your guts out like myself... Haynesworth was sent home from practice for disciplinary reasons and the Washington Post asked Big Al why were you exactly sent home?  To say he went on a rant is an understatement.  Here are a few quotes from Haynesworth thanks to ESPN

If they keep this system the way it is, then they would label Albert Haynesworth a bust who didn't live up to the contract," Haynesworth told the newspaper in a telephone interview. "Everybody would say he just took the money and ran off. And I'm still playing as hard as I possibly can. But you can only do so much within the system that's put around you. "

Alright I will give Haynesworth this argument for the most part.  He did have a 4-3 system at the Tennessee but he did probably have better linebackers with the Titans.  The other thing Haynesworth has to realize is the secret is out about you and if I am the Redskins who most people feel are moving on from Jim Zorn, they might want to consider 3-4.  Although, if Haynesworth is struggling with another defensive tackle in there, how would handle being the only DT there?  Also it's never good when one of your highest paid players refers to himself in the third place.  Another priceless quote from Haynesworth...

"They might have changed a little bit [but] they don't let me rush," Haynesworth said. "They call what Blache calls 'Hot,' a basic pass rush, maybe a few times a game. And half the time that's changed because of some formation. I disagree with their whole scheme."

Oh really Albert?  He says the reason he signed with Washington is because they promised to switch up the schemes.  First off, that was a unreal move by owner Dan Snyder because I cannot remember when a team used a DT to plan their entire scheme.  The reason Haynesworth was so successful is because he had guys like Keith Bullock and other really good linebackers that created opening for Haynesworth to be a monster.

Honestly, he is going to get his wish because I personally believe that Jim Zorn will be fired with the rest of his staff.  But Hanyesworth will still be a problem child for the Redskins, just you watch.

-Charlie.

NFL Preview: NFC North/East

We are going to split up the NFL Preview into four parts with a look at key games, key players, outlook. Then an overall playoff predication's. They will be ranked by where they will finish in the division.

NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: Key Players- QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings, LB Nick Barnett Key Games-vs./at Chicago (9/13, 12/13) at/vs Minnesota (10/5, 11/1) vs. Dallas (11/15) at Pittsburgh (12/20) at Arizona (1/3) Outlook: I think they win the division with a record of 13-3 or 12-4. They need to stay healthy and if that happens, they will be a dominate force. Charles Woodson/A-Rod are going to have huge years.

2. Minnesota Vikings: Key Players- QB Brett Favre, RB Adrian Peterson DT Kevin Williams Key Games-vs/at Green Bay (10/5, 11/1) vs. Baltimore (10/18) at Pittsburgh (10/25) vs/at Chicago (11/29, 12/28), at Arizona (12/6), vs. New York Giants (01/03) Outlook: They will win one of the Wild Card spots because they do have an easy schedule and I really think if Favre takes a back seat to let Peterson be in control, they can be successful.

3. Chicago Bears: Key Players- QB Jay Cutler, LB Brian Urlacher, RB Matt Forte Key Games- at/vs Green Bay (9/13, 12/13), vs. Pittsburgh (9/20) at Atlanta (10/18) vs. Arizona (11/08), vs. Philadelphia (11/22) at/vs Minnesota (11/29, 12/28) at Baltimore (12/20) Outlook: They could make a push for the Wild Card and I think that Monday Night game against the Vikes may decide it. I think Cutler will have problems with his receivers all year.

4. Detroit Lions: Key Players- QB Matthew Stafford, RB Kevin Smith LB Ernie Sims Key Games- at New Orleans (9/13), vs/at Minnesota (9/20, 11/15) at/vs Green Bay (10/18, 11/26) at/vs Chicago (10/3, 1/3) Outlook: Well I dont believe they will go win less but with a rookie quarterback, I doubt that they win more than four games. Their defense is nothing special at all.

NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: Key Players- QB Donovan McNabb RB Brian Westbrook CB Ashante Samuel Key Games: vs. New Orleans (9/2o) vs/at NY Giants (11/1, 12/13) vs/at Dallas (11/8, 1/3) at San Diego (11/15) at Chicago (11/22) at Atlanta (12/6) Outlook- I dont believe any of the nonsense that McNabb will be bothered by Michael Vick and also look out for RB LeShon McCoy could have a huge year.

2. New York Giants: Key Players- QB Eli Manning, DE Osi Umenyiora, DE Justin Tuck Key Games: at/vs. Dallas (9/20, 12/6) vs. Arizona (10/25) at/vs Philadelphia (11/1, 12/13) vs. San Diego (11/8) vs. Atlanta (11/22) at Minnesota (1/3) Outlook- The other Wild Card team, they have the best D-Line in the NFL right now and I think Manning will be fine without Plaxico Burress.

3. Dallas Cowboys: Key Players- QB Tony Romo, RB Marion Barber/Felix Jones OLB DeMarcus Ware Key Games: vs./at NY Giants (9/20, 12/6) vs. Atlanta (10/25) at/vs Philadelphia (11/8, 1/3) at Green Bay (11/15) vs. San Diego (12/13) at New Orleans (12/19) Outlook- Could be the end of the road for Wade Phillips, I dont see this team better than third with a tough as nails schedule and a lot of question marks all around.

4. Washington Redskins: Key Players- DT Albert Hanyesworth, S LaRon Landry, RB Clinton Portis Key Games- at/vs NY Giants (9/13, 12/21) vs/at Philadelphia (10/26, 11/29) at/vs Dallas (11/22, 12/27) Outlook- Some people feel the Skins may be the surprise team of the NFC with their defense but I have a hard time seeing their offense being able to compete with the competition in this division.

On to the NFC South/West

-Charlie.

Really Washington?

I will probably cover the rest of the free agent signings if nothing crazy happens on Monday as sort of a wrap-up of the weekend that was. But there are two big signings that are sticking out to me for various reasons by the Washington Redskins.

Number one, they signed the monster space eater Albert Haynesworth to a seven year 100 million dollar contract with 41 million dollars guaranteed. That means almost three years of that contract are in concrete already. This is an absurd decision by the Redskins because Haynesworth is a defensive lineman who knows he has almost half of his contract already, do you really think this guy going to try anymore? I will give you a Chuck's Corner guarantee... Hayesworth will be called Fat Albert by the press in Washington in two in a half years and will just consistently eat. The other thing that doesnt help is Haynesworth is a head case. You dont think this money wont run to his head? Lets all go to the video of where he smashes Andre Gurdoe face in for no GD reason. Haynesworth isnt a guy I would want in my locker room.

Number two, as my buddy Mitchy said "MeAngeleo Hall was signed to a forty-five million dollar deal" and they release Shawn Springs, one of the classiest players in the NFL. Hall is another guy who ruins a locker room with selfish play. He is a hell of an athlete and a very good football player although is it really worth it when the guy will be running his mouth consistently? The Raiders and the Falcons were much better as a team when he left.

I hope Jim Zorn is ready to run a circus.

-Charlie.

NFL Wheelin' and Dealin'

There were a couple big trades in the NFL involving some teams in the NFC East in the past week.

The Redskins lost their defensive end in the first day of training camp so in typical Redskin fashion, they went out and got Jason Taylor. He was a player who I wanted in Green Bay but oh well, he will end up trailing off in Washington like everyone else who comes there as a free agent or trade.

Now the other trade was the Giants were finally able to send off Jeremy Shockey to the Saints which will end up being a great trade for the Saints. Shockey’s best years were under Sean Payton, the head coach of New Orelans. In my opinion, if you can get Shockey late in fantasy football. It would be the smart thing to do and I really see the Saints as a clear favorite to win the NFC South.

Oh yeah, it’s a NFL post with no Brett Favre, Yes! Although that wont last, damnit.