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American Football Spectacular: Free Agency 2007, "What's In Your Cart, Oakland?"
The NFL's 2007 Free Agency period is on! The Niners went on a wild buying spree. What've the Raiders got in their cart? Let's see:
* Jeremy Newberry, C
Now, we here in the Bay Area know Mr. J-New 62; he went to Cal and then became a three-time Pro Bowl center for the 49ers. He was a warrior, a tough guy, a rock in the middle of the offensive line. Then his legs gave out.
Various reparative surgeries were performed with discouraging levels of success. The poor guy has been out of the game for over a full season now, recuperatin' after microfracture surgery on his left knee.
Newberry photo from jeremynewberry.com
Now, as part of the long-standing SF-OAK player recycling program (SF loves young players, Al loves veterans, and no one likes to move out the Bay Area), Newberry has been given a contract with the new Raider staff. He's a great character for the locker room. He's been a great player. But can he play American football again?
Lord knows Oakland could use any help they can on the O-line.
* Dominic Rhodes, RB
Who-the-what-then?!
Why the hell is Al adding another running back? RB was one of the few settled positions on offense. You've already got the passionate LaMont Jordan and the speedy Justin "Son of Huggy Bear" Fargas.
According to last season, every other position could stand an upgrade. And you add a running back? No comprendemos.
Rhodes proved himself to be an unspectacular "system back" during his tenure in Indianapolis. He can carry the ball, but he is not the sort of runner to create his own opportunities on the field or force the opposing defense to gameplan specifically to neutralize him. A "meh" of a running back. Akin to Antonio Pittman, Thomas Jones, or Chris Brown.
Rhodes photo from the Associated Press via nfl.com
Dom took the starting role on Eve's Colts in 2006 after management decided to let the vaunted RB Edgerrin James leave for big money in Arizona. After sharing carries with similarly-skilled rookie RB Joseph Addai all the way through the Colts' 2007 Super Bowl win, Rhodes is primed to get some money of his own.
Now he'll be running behind Oakland's line, not the Colts' squad of precision O-line professionals.
Enjoy your paycheck, Dominic. If the Raiders don't sign or draft you some substantial offensive line help, then that's about all you're going to enjoy while wearing Silver And Black.
Next up on your American Football Spectacular: Reviewing the 49ers' 2007 Free Agent signings. In the spirit of the Raiders, Rhodes already got arrested this offseason for drunk driving. Perhaps then he is ready to play for Al...