411's NFL Round Up 5.27.08

Posted by Emmett Wilks on 05.27.2008

Joey Porter is mad at the Patriots, Matt Ryan collects a big payday, and who are the top 10 wide receivers of all time. All this and more in NFL Round Up.

I Hope everyone had a happy and healthy Memorial Day weekend. For an NFL on its off-season, there is never a dull moment to talk about. On a brief personal note, I hope everyone did take a moment to reflect on our holiday this weekend, remembering the sacrifices of all those who gave their lives for this country. With an election this year, there is going to be a lot of divisiveness, but I hope, no matter what our political affiliations, we can all come together and honor our brave men and women who fight for all of us. Now, onto the Round Up.


QUICK NOTES

I will not be stunned one bit if newly acquired QB Marques Tuiasosopo is the Raiders opening day starter. Though Oakland was not included in the emerging QB battles a few weeks back, current starter JaMarcus Russell is still essentially a rookie after missing half of last season with a contract dispute. Recent NFL history has shown the merits of bringing franchise QB's along slowly, and Raiders coach Lane Kiffin wants to win every game. Tuiasosopo may be the best option to do that in the first few weeks of the season.

With all the bad blood between the Miami Dolphins and Jason Taylor, I just cannot see how he is going to play for that team next year. With a training camp hold out likely, Taylor and the Dolphins brass are just too far away from one another to really make this work in my opinion. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and neither party did a very good job of that. A still see a trade as the most likely end to this, with the Dolphins likely taking a 2nd or 3rd round pick for the loss. It cannot be forgotten that Taylor was runner up on "Dancing with the Stars" and now has a burgeoning entertainment career on his hands. His commitment to football will need to be demonstrated before anything can be done; whether that be a reconciliation or a trade.

Joey Porter really has some issues with the New England Patriots. Porter is suggesting that the Patriots should have asterisks next to their Super Bowl wins following the revelations of the Spygate scandal. Porter, who now plays for the Dolphins, was on two Pittsburgh Steelers teams that lost to the Patriots in the AFC championship games (2002 and 2005). Also, he maintains that other players in the NFL feel the same sentiment regarding the Patriots. While I feel very deeply for Porter's point, he does come off as somewhat whiny. The Patriots were better teams in those two games, that's it. And the sad fact remains that other teams were more than likely partaking the filming of opponents' defensive signals. The Patriots were the ones that got caught. Has it put a black-eye on the organization? You bet. Has it forever tainted Bill Belichick's legacy? Of course. Does it mean they did not earn their Super Bowls. Heck no. They are still the best team of this decade, Spygate or not.

I genuinely feel sorry for the grief Eagles coach Andy Reid may be taking this season from opposing fans (heck, even Eagles fans) regarding the situation with his kids. Three weeks ago, his son Garrett was caught smuggling drugs into jail and was then transferred from county to state prison. This to go along with other son Britt's arrest for drug possession last year. I certainly do not wish to paint the fans of Eagles opponents as anything negative, but the fact is there are lousy people in every American city. I really hope that people are classy enough to keep there mouths shut about the situation this year.

The Vikings waived 2005 first round pick Erasmus James last week, ending a hugely disappointing career with Minnesota. After a decent rookie year of 4 sacks, James was hampered by injuries and inconsistency that prevented him from becoming an impact player. It would be unimaginable to me not to see James in someone's training camp this year. His talents as a pass rusher made him a first round pick for a reason, and some team will give him a look, albeit on a very short leash.

Titans coach Jeff Fischer may very well make WR Mike Williams into an NFL player when all said and done. Fischer gave a simple ultimatum to Williams this off-season; lose weight or else. Williams signed as a free agent after being cut by Oakland, who obtained Williams via a draft from the Lions (who selected him with the 10th pick in the 2005 NFL draft). He has been overweight and under prepared at almost every turn of his NFL career. Now, with Fischer's push, he has dropped 30 pounds and is becoming a student of the game. This is going to be one of the fun players to watch for in training camp this year.



AN END IT SIGHT?

It is just simply never ending with the nonsense of rookie contracts. I have ranted and raved about this for so long now I am blue in the face. News broke this week that the Atlanta Falcons signed 3rd overall pick Matt Ryan to a six year, $72 million deal with about $35 million guaranteed. That marks an 8% increase from last years number one overall pick, Oakland QB JaMarcus Russell. I have written last year at this time in regards to Russell, and I won't bother rehashing the merits. Luckily, it finally seems that other players and commentators are coming to their senses, and there is a real discussion brewing about a potential cap. Any new labor deal is likely going to include a rookie salary cap. On ESPN radio last week, Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae sounded off.

"As a guy who has been in the league for 14 now going on 15 years and being around other veteran guys, for a young guy to get paid that kind of money and never steps foot on an NFL football field, it's a little disheartening to think of…It makes it tough for a guy who's proven himself to say 'I want that kind of money' when the owners, all they're going to say is, 'Well, you weren't a first-round pick… And I know there is sentiment around the league amongst the players like, 'Let's do something to control these salaries and control these signing bonuses' and things like that, and I know that's something that the owners are talking about and I'm sure that's going to play into this round of negotiations for this collective bargaining agreement."*

Like any problem, the first steps toward recovery is admitting you have a problem. It seems like the NFL, both players and owners are ready to admit there is a significant problem. Though the likelihood is a labor deal will not be reached for some time, maybe two years with this group of owners and NFLPA reps, perhaps an end is indeed in sight for this unfair and stupid practice of rookie contracts.


TOP DOGS
A few notes quickly about last week's DEFENSIVE LINEMAN countdown. I neglected to mention my runners up, which included, in no specific order, Howie Long, John Randle, Charles Haley, and Michael Strahan. Each of those men were and are great players, but I felt more comfortable with the players on my list.

This week, we have the wide receivers. Unlike last week's list, which saw zero current players on the list, the WR have three. The toughest problem for me with this particular list is understanding the eras in which many of these men played. Today's NFL game has rules that make receivers numbers much better than previous decades. With that being said though, it cannot take away from the receivers who have put up these gaudy and impressive numbers during their NFL tenure. The current player's inclusion on this list is both fair and appropriate.

HORABLE MENTION

Andre Reed ( I know I am going to catch some flack for this one), Michael Irvin, Steve Largent, Art Monk, Fred Biletnikoff, Charley Taylor, and Paul Warfield (who just barely missed out on top 10)

10.) Marvin Harrison Indianapolis Colts (1996-present)


Harrison is among the most consistent players in all of professional sports

The model of consistent production in football today. Harrison has averaged 86 receptions in his career, an all time record. One of only four players to record 1000 career receptions (currently 1,022), his quite, reflective, and shy personality make us forget the warrior that he has been for the Colts. Eight All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections to go along with a Super Bowl XLI title have placed him among the greats. He will forever and irrevocably be linked to teammate Peyton Manning as one of the great duos of all time. That relationship has also placed him here on the list. Harrison is truly on of the greats, but like our next selection, how much of that was due to the presence of one of the greatest quarterbacks ever? We will never know this, but it does not keep him off of out list

9.) Raymond Berry Baltimore Colts (1955-1967)

The most inexplicable star in NFL history. When someone looked at him, they probably thought he was one of the towel boys. At 6-2, 185 lbs, he had a respectable speed, decent athleticism, and a polite, even shy manner to him. But when he reached the field, the real Raymond Berry emerged. His large, soft hands brought in passes that were sure-fire incompletion. His leaping ability stifled and baffled opposing defenders. When he retired in 1967, he was the league's all-time leader in receptions with 631 receptions to go along with 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns. But everything comes back to 1958, which was his, as well as the NFL's signature moment in the pre-Super Bowl era. That was the night of the NFL championship game between the Colts and the New York Giants, where Berry accumulated 12 catches for 178 yards in the Colts OT win. His biggest question mark is shared with the above wideout. While he undoubtedly belongs on this list, his placement is lower due to being placed in the duo with an all-time great QB, Johnny Unitas. Of course these men helped make each others career, but the question is this: Would Berry have been as valuable without Unitas as Unitas would have been without him? The latter statement seems so much more plausible, so here he sits on the list.

8.) Elroy Hirsch Chicago Rockets (1946-1948) Los Angeles Rams (1949-1957)

The man helped invent the "big play." With a career yards per catch average of 18.4, he ranks among the NFL's elite deep threats to this day. In an era of football that was pass friendly, Hirsch thrived with his sprinter speed and terrific hands. He caught 17 touchdowns in the Rams 1951 championship season, with 9 of them coming on passes 45-yards or more. Though the career numbers don't seem so great compared to others on the list (343 receptions, 6,299 yards, 53 touchdowns) it does not reflect the impact he had on offenses and the fear he inflicted in defenses during his 12-year career.


7.) Cris Carter Philadelphia Eagles (1987-1989) Minnesota Vikings (1990-2001) Miami Dolphins (2002)

Longevity does go a long, long way in making a great career, and Carter is a prime example. Upon leaving Philadelphia in 1989, he was nothing but a pain in the butt wide receiver with bad rap on and off the field. Then came Minnesota and an awakening of maturity that blossomed him into one of the greatest players at his position ever. Second all-time in receptions with 1,101 and sixth all-time with 130 TD's (LaDainian Tomlinson will jump over him this season), Carter skills made his QB's better. He was instrumental is resurrecting the careers of both Warren Moon and Randall Cunningham while in Minnesota.

6.) Terrell Owens San Francisco 49er's (1996-2003) Philadelphia Eagles (2004-2005) Dallas Cowboys (2006-present)

So many words can be said about Owens that will have nothing to do with his performance on the football field. An eccentric, marvelously talented player, he has left two teams, and cities, with a terrible taste in their mouths. He has publicly burned teammates, driven coaches furious with his attitude and shenanigans, and been the scorn of opposing players and fans. But when we look past all of it (very difficult for a Philadelphia fan), we see a player of nearly unmatched dedication, ability, and desire. The forgotten bastard child of the legendary 1996 Draft class of wide receivers, Owens learned the NFL ropes under the great Jerry Rice and quarterback Steve Young. His 882 career receptions rank him 9th right now, and his 131 TD's currently rank him 5th. With 6 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro performances in his career, he has risen to be among the top of an offense era of football. With a great cast in Dallas this year, he is poised to make a legitimate Super Bowl run, an accolade that would only further cement his future Hall of Fame status

5.) Randy Moss Minnesota Vikings (1998-2004) Oakland Raiders (2005-2006) New England Patriots (2007-present)

His inclusion on this list, let alone his placement is already infuriating a good number of people. But I say it here and now with no reservation. There has never been an offensive player in NFL history with more God given ability than Randy Moss. 6-4, 210 perfectly constructed pounds, Moss' physical abilities are in a class of his own. The speed, the quick burst, the cuts, the leaping ability, it has never been seen before. When he is on, he simply cannot be covered. Not by two, three, or even four defenders. Even before 2007's magical season (NFL record 23 receiving TD's), he was considered among the elite, but still a disappointment. Plagued by critics about lack of effort, off the field indiscretions, and leaving the field before the end of the game, his legacy to many. But this is a list of football players, not Eagle Scouts. Far from perfect, Moss is a figure of great controversy as well as great achievements. 774 career receptions, 12,193 yards, and 124 touchdowns will only grow with his time in New England. When its all said and done, his name may very well be nearer to the top of this list.

4.) Lance Alworth San Diego Chargers (1962-1970) Dallas Cowboys (1971-1972)

One of the greatest players in the history of the AFL, Alworth was a mega-star player if there ever was one. 542 career receptions helped accumulate 10,266 yards (that an 18.9 YPC career average by the way). Speedy, courageous, and athletic, he displayed a style of play that was both graceful and daring. He had an almost ballerina grace to the way he played receiver. A style that was a beautiful to watch as it was difficult to defend. His coach, the legendary Sid Gillman said he had "the greatest hands I've ever seen." Seven times an All Pro and Pro Bowl selection, he won a Super Bowl with Dallas on the 1971 squad, helping further bolster his place in the NFL record books. His good-looks and remarkable footwork would have put him on "Dancing with the Stars" if he played today. But he was a consummate professional, a player both innovate and breathtaking.


3.) Tim Brown Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (1988-2003) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004)

He came, he saw, and he conquered. Fast, elusive, and driven, Brown has made a permanent place for himself in the lexicon of NFL greats. The 1987 Heisman Trophy winner had a boat load of expectations when he was drafted 6th overall by Al Davis in 1988. Suffice to say, he more than lived up to the expectations. Brown over the next 16 years with the Raiders organization, Brown would be among the elite wide receivers of the 1990's and become "Mr. Raider." His 1,094 career receptions rank him third on the all-time list, and the 14,934 career receiving yards place him second. Nine Pro Bowls and seven times an All-Pro, Brown holds every major receiving, returning, and scoring record for the storied Raiders franchise.


2.) Don Hutson Green Bay Packers (1935-1945)

His very first play on an NFL field was an 83-yard touchdown reception. You can't start a storybook career more fittingly. Like our number 1 selection, in his day, there was Hutson, and then there was everyone else. The pre-Super Bowl era king of wide receivers, Hutson basically invented what it means to be a receiver. Along with legendary coach Curly Lambeau, he invented many of the routes run today as the basic foundation of a wide receiver. 498 career receptions went with his 99 receiving touchdowns, a record he would hold for 44 years. Without him, the game we know today would be very, very different.


1. )Jerry Rice San Francisco 49er's (1985-2000) Oakland Raiders (2001-2004) Seattle Seahawks (2004)

It could simply be no one else. The epitome of everything great about the sport of football could be seen in Jerry Rice. It is one of the few cases were no amount of hyperbole would be excessive. Jerry Rice is the greatest wide receiver to ever play the game of football. If anyone should ever disagree with that statement, they seriously need psychological help. In the NFL, a player reigns as the best in their position for 4 or 5 years, if they're lucky. They don't stop being great, but they are no longer the greatest at their respective position. Jerry Rice was the NFL's best receiver for 11 years (1986-1997). His first two quarterbacks, Joe Montana and Steve Young are in the Hall of Fame. And a strong argument could be made that the latter may not have been an inductee without Rice. He also helped Rich Gannon an MVP award in Oakland. The numbers? Oh, the numbers! Let's put it this way: if you were to copy and paste all of his records from his Wikipedia article, it would take 11 pages of a word document. 1549 career receptions. That's 448 ahead of Cris Carter. 22,895 career receiving yards, well, that's about a shade under 8,000 more than Tim Brown. And the touchdowns, 208 career total. That's 1,248 points. To put that into perspective, in the first five seasons of the Houston Texans franchise, they scored a total of 1,304 points, or about 9 touchdowns. But still, beyond the numbers, 3 Super Bowls, the 13 Pro Bowls, the 12 All-Pros, there was a man whose work ethic and desire rank him in the greatest pantheon of athletes (Michael Jordan, Lance Armstrong, Muhammad Ali). There was simply no answer for him.


Rice is the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. No discussion, no debate.


That'll do it for this week. Have a good one. Be sure to leave one down below or e-mail me. Till next week.



* Courtesy ESPN.com