QUOTE: “Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.” -- Arthur Schopenhauer
Browns and Raiders
The Sunday before the trading deadline, I reported that the Browns were interested in trading defensive end/linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. One of the teams I’d heard was interested in his services was the Raiders. They never lost their interest and decided to trade a third-round pick to the Browns for Wimbley, who played outside linebacker but will play defensive end with the Raiders opposite Richard Seymour.
Wimbley started for the Browns for four years and was most productive in his rookie season, registering 11 sacks. But once teams learned to get the right matchup on him – that is, do not allow running backs or tight ends to handle him in pass protection -- his numbers went down. Isolated on a running back or weaker tight end, Wimbley can be effective, but when he’s on a bigger tackle, he struggles to get off the block and win the one-on-one matchup. Wimbley is a good player, not a great player, which is the reason the Browns were interested in moving him during the season. The Raiders get a veteran lineman for their defense but pay a steep price, considering they’ll need to sign Wimbley in two years when his contract expires.
The Raiders are not going to be active in free agency this year and needed to add a player to their front seven. So parting with an early extra pick makes sense for them, considering their awful drafting ability. Better to trade for a player they know than draft a player they hope they get to know. The Browns were never in love with Wimbley, and the extra third-round pick will help them maneuver in the draft as they attempt to move up into the first round to secure their quarterback of the future.
Now, if the Lions are really interested in moving down, they’ll have a very interested trade partner in Cleveland. The Browns had to make the move because their ultimate goal is to find a quarterback, and they’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they secure one this year. What makes me laugh is that had Mike Holmgren been in Cleveland last year, he clearly would have picked Mark Sanchez and not given him to the Jets. One thing is clear: The new Browns are all about securing a quarterback, not securing ex-Jets players.
More Lions
The Lions had talented Saints defensive tackle Tony Hargrove in for a visit. With the addition of Corey Williams from the Browns, the Lions are looking to continue upgrading their defensive line. If they’re able to secure Hargrove (remember, the Saints have the right to match), does this mean they’ll move down in the draft to select an offensive tackle? Possibly, but the Lions must gain blue-chip-type players in both lines, so they must make sure that whatever they do, they don’t move away from one of those players.
The last thing they want to do is to move down and not secure Russell Okung or one of the great defensive tackles. Don’t forget, moving down only works if the team still gets the player, or players, it wants. Teams cannot move down and only have one player in mind; to move down, teams must be happy to select at least one of three potential players. If the Lions sign Hargrove, adding him to Corey Williams along with last year’s fourth round pick Sammie Hill and possibly Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, it would make their defensive front the strength of the team.
Giants and Jets
I love the idea of having an all-Jersey opening weekend. The solution from the league office about which team would officially open the new stadium seems much better than a flip of the coin. The NFL said the Giants will open on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 12, and the Jets will host a Monday night game the next day.
Both teams now have the spotlight, and America can see the new stadium in the daylight and under the lights. Makes sense to me, even if Jets owner Woody Johnson is issuing scolding press releases.
Why do I do it?
I went to the 76ers game Monday night and kept asking myself why. We all know I have an incurable addiction when it comes to the 76ers, but watching them play is torture.
They are nothing I like in a team — no toughness, no competitiveness, no heart. Just indifference and selfishness. As Larry Brown once said, “They play the game as strangers.”
If the 76ers owners wonder why no one comes to the games, they should realize that the kind of game the team plays can be seen at any playground in America. Fans of Philadelphia basketball want to see a team game, not a game where they score 84 points on just 14 assists. Pathetic, but I’m sure I’ll be back.
Follow me on Twitter: michaelombardi
For more on the Brady Quinn deal to Denver, check out this article from Bleacher Report.
You're an idiot Lombardi! Wimbley has already said the plan is for him to play linebacker. Do a little research before you spout your BS!!
Wimbley said when he talked to Al Davis on the phone Sunday night after the trade that the plan was for him to play linebacker in the 4-3.
The Raiders are also planning to convert QB Russell into an interior defensive tackle. He didn't show for the offseason workouts because he spends most of his time at the local Dennys.
I have to laugh at the way you like to try and come off as if you have all this information. Wimbley has said that he has already talked with Al Davis and he was told that he would be playing the LB position.
Cleveland knows that they may have to try and trade up to get the QB that they want. Being able to pick up a 3 for a player they have depth for at his position may come in handy to pick that QB up. With all your inside information you claim to have lol, why not mention the other clubs that tried to trade for Wimbley?, you do not have a clue.
My Father always told me that when you are at the top of what you do that you will always be working. There are 32 teams in the NFL and not a one thinks that you are good enough at what you do to hire you. Worse yet the Denver team kicked you to the curb while you offered to work for them for nothing.
My point is that you do show just how bitter you are by being fired by the Raiders. If there is not a club in the NFL that thinks what you have to say is worth anything even while being able to get it for free, why would you think what you have to say matters.
Mike don't you know the Raiders are going to the super bowl next year?
Good to see Al Davis is back using his Diana alias again..any information on which marginal player you are going to waste you early draft pick on this time Al?
I don't understand why everyone thinks Holmgren is going to trade up from 7 to get a QB. He has never selected a QB higher than the second round so why would he start now?
Whoa! That is an impressive amount of hating on Mike today.
I'm going to be radical and suggest if you don't appreciate Michael's insights, how about not reading his writings. Yeah, he gets a few things wrong every now and then, but let's try to act semi-decent, as difficult as it may be.
Finally, does ANYONE here actually think the Raiders management is competent? If so, I'd love to have some of whatever it is you are smoking.
The Sixers are abysmal and have had downright awful management. I remember talking about them when they were heading to the championship with AI and Mutombo and saying they would be spanked by the Lakers and would not win a championship for as long as AI was on the team. Well it became true and then some. Brand was a stab in the dark -and a good attempt- but the reality is a basketball team doesn't win championships without a dominant big man. The sixers have not figured that out (like the flyers have never figured out they need a top notch goaltender) and we have seen the results.
I enjoyed the blue chip articles earlier in the year but think it is too simplistic for great analysis. The Lions are looking at how to build a team not amass star potential. Many teams over the years have had plenty of 'blue chip' players but have not become outstanding teams.
The lions need Okung bad, I would pick him simply because if not the Lions could have a David Carr type bust- a player with the talent but not able to develop properly because of a line in shambles. Not getting Okung could be a waste of last years draft pick.
Mike - will the Saints match on Hargrove? A high 3rd rounder if they don't, but they're not exactly flush with defensive linemen either. Could Hargrove switch back to DE and take the place of Charles Grant?
nice to see some civility from desrever- Mr. Lombardi has reached a level in this business that none of us readers will ever reach, yet some of you still seem to think he is an idiot. Maybe those of you that are displeased should demand a full refund.
Mike,
With all due respect, you are not an objective voice on matters concerning the Raiders. This is not a POed fan angry at you for dissing them, just an observation based on your past history with the team and other editorials based on the Raiders.
If this had been the Patriots making a move like this, you would have been praising them for getting a young player who needs a change of scenery for a late 3rd round pick. Instead because it's the Raiders, you describe it as a bad drafting team giving up an early extra pick and paying a steep price.
I know this because I believe you were one of many praising the Patriots for trading for Derrick Burgess last year when it was obvious he was close to done. The Raiders fleeced the Pats in that deal but we don't hear about that because it's the Raiders. Oakland just picked up a starter for a late 3rd round pick. You don't find a lot of starters with a late first round pick. They made a nice deal here and it's unfortunate your bias won't allow you to look at this objectively.
They aren't parting with an early pick. They are parting with the late 3rd round pick they stole from the Pats in the Burgess trade. Wimbley isn't a Pro bowler but he's also very young, is a good player as you said, and needed a change. He's going to get it with the Raiders.
I respect your experience and knowledge, although you name drop way too often (I remember Bill Walsh saying...), but let somebody else write about the Raiders because you can't do it fairly.
30 years ago, we had a few newspapers that had NO football articles until the Draft and then training camp. You all have no idea how lucky you are to get a piece of the inside from the likes of Lombardi et al. Even during the season it wasn't that much. SI and Sport magazine with Monday Night FB halftime hi-lites. Oh yeah a clip or 2 on Wild World of Sports. NFL films was the only real game in town for decades. Now we have it all and people just don't get it.
JaMarcus the Hut has 5-dollar foot long blaring on his iPod. Have fun with that loser, Faiders! Lombardi, I really like what the Lions are doing. Anthony Hargrove would be an excellent player to join VandenBosch and whoever they pick in the draft whether it be Suh or McCoy. Detroit realizes success starts on the defensive line and my Broncos seem to be getting this too. Success is not that far away for the Lions if they continue to make wise moves. Keep up the good work and I wish the 76ers were as good as my Mavericks. They're a team you should watch, Lombardi. Fun fun fun. Cuban knows what he's doing!
Amen on the 76ers. It is painful to watch. Just standing around while Iggy dribbles in circles and Brand waiting to fire a shot anytime he gets a touch. Its a disgrace. Please send us Evan Turner or John Wall.
Seymour at one end, Wimbley the other, which way does the center help?
Mitchell will basically be an ILB in the box and mess with all their run rules, and if the front doesn't see someone climb his way immediately it will accelerate the read for run or pass.
Wimbley as end man can be the outside linebacker or a defensive end, based on matching the front. He should get a share of sack opportunities still, but blitzing with him or giving him the cushion to build up speed before contact may still need to be a big part of his effectiveness.
@LA Jimmy
Couldn't agree with you more but not because I think Mike is biased against the raiders but because it appears none of you zealots actually read and comprehend what he says. If you read the paragraph in question he actually says it is a good move because the team drafts so poorly, so why not trade a pick for a player they know. Unless ofcourse you think that they do draft well.....Why is Mr Murder the only raider who talks any sense?
@LA Jimmy
Couldn't agree with you more but not because I think Mike is biased against the raiders but because it appears none of you zealots actually read and comprehend what he says. If you read the paragraph in question he actually says it is a good move because the team drafts so poorly, so why not trade a pick for a player they know. Unless ofcourse you think that they do draft well.....Why is Mr Murder the only raider who talks any sense?
Wimbley at DE, this is a very good deal for Oakland. At 4-3 OLB, if that's true... well, it's just another reason why the over/under on Raiders wins will remain at 5.5 for the eighth year in a row. Let Cable coach.
Honestly though, I didn't like the Wimbley pick from the start in Cleveland. Too many other needs to be using a #1 on a situational pass rusher.
Roger Godell flips a coin to see who will host the first game at the new stadium. The Giants or Jets.
Call it in the air and...
Patriots lose.
The Pats can't win a flip from this rock star commissioner. They lose every time.
It's easy to kick em when they're down ain't it rockin Roger? Can I have your autograph?
Why does it have to be based on a clip of the coin? The most logical solution would be to have the JETS and GIANTS battle it out. That would be a colossal game with naming rights on the line. The winner has the stadium named after their club. I would also allow the use of weapons, no projectile weapons of course. Just knives, maces, clubs and the such, a gladiator style of game. The crowd will vote the winners by displaying their thumbs up or down ala Roman Empire. PETA would get so angry.
Gotta love Raider fans . . .
BTW when do they announce the compensatory pics? That’s always great in NE too.
It’s a complex system…very complex. We take playing time into consideration, and contract value, bonus money, and a host of other factors and plug it into our complex system…very complex…and:
“The Patriots get NOTHING. NOTHING. We ran it three times and flipped two coins and you get NOTHING just like last year and maybe next too; NOTHING!”
Thank you commissioner. Nice neckwear. You look great. Can I have your autograph?
Say what you will about Mangini (and I loathe him), he's not a bad defensive coach. I wonder if Wimbley will fall off in Oakland as much as Seymour did after coming from New England (4 fewer sacks and 5 fewer tackles in one more game).
pc_oz,
I'm not a zealot and also stated I respected Mikes experience and knowledge. The fact is Mike is not objective on the subject of the Raiders. Never has been, never will be, due to the way his time with the team ended. You're right, he said it was a good thing because the team is useless at drafting. That's what's known as a backhanded compliment and not entirely true. The pick of Heyward Bay was awful, but the picks of Jamarcus Russell and Darren McFadden in the two drafts previous were agreed on by pretty much every scribe out there. It's really easy to talk in hindsight though isn't it?
He also went out of his way to talk about how the Raiders have paid a steep price when they haven't and played up the fact the pick will somehow help Cleveland move up in the first round. A late 3rd is not going to help Cleveland move up in the first round and it most likely won't result in them finding a starting caliber player either. The Raiders just got a starter who hasn't even entered his prime yet for a pick they got for a guy who is a shell of what he once was. This move deserves more than Lombardi's tongue in cheek "compliment".
I don't think Mr Lombardi would claim he's objective when talking about the Raiders.
It's like asking an ex husband after a messy divorce, "I'm thinking of asking your ex wife out...what can you tell me about her?"
In a past column he stated he talked with other ex Raider employees, and they all shared a laugh about what the Raiders did with their tender offers.
So no he's not objective but he still has a professional opinion...he keeps it right next to his axe to grind :^)
@LA Jimmy
Come on Jimmy I dont think you can be a Raider without being a zealot can you? We will have to agree to disagree..the high price wasn't referencing the draft pick but his future contract...and I happen to think that having multiple picks to package in what is considered a loaded draft may be worthwhile for the Browns..it looks like a good deal for both sides..and how can you give anything but back handed compliments to the Raiders front office? I mean why is all this venom directed at an ex-employee and not at the idiots who have destroyed one of the great franchises in sport? Russell I can agree with that at the time he was pretty much the consensus pick..but McFadden? Look at the players you could have had in that spot..Clady perhaps to help protect your new franchise QB?..and he wouldnt have been a reach at that spot..
@LAJimmy et al - these are just your opinions. Opinions are like sphincters - everyone has one and they all stink. You present no facts, just "well he got kicked to the curb, so he must be better." You know how many people have been kicked to the curb by Al Davis? Let's see: Jon Gruden, Mike Shannahan, Art Shell a couple of times, Lane Kiffing, etc., etc. If you were to start a club of people angry with Davis you could fill the Black Hole.
Please people, get lives. You don't hear Gruden et. al. grousing. People move on. In a way, it's almost a badge of honor to kicked to the curb by the moron in the leisure suit, the guy the game passed by 20 years ago.
I'm pretty sure Mike could care less, but then, that's just my opinion. Why don't you ask him?
@LA Jimmy
Come on Jimmy I dont think you can be a Raider without being a zealot can you? We will have to agree to disagree..the high price wasn't referencing the draft pick but his future contract...and I happen to think that having multiple picks to package in what is considered a loaded draft may be worthwhile for the Browns..it looks like a good deal for both sides..and how can you give anything but back handed compliments to the Raiders front office? I mean why is all this venom directed at an ex-employee and not at the idiots who have destroyed one of the great franchises in sport? Russell I can agree with that at the time he was pretty much the consensus pick..but McFadden? Look at the players you could have had in that spot..Clady perhaps to help protect your new franchise QB?..and he wouldnt have been a reach at that spot..
@LA Jimmy
Come on Jimmy I dont think you can be a Raider without being a zealot can you? We will have to agree to disagree..the high price wasn't referencing the draft pick but his future contract...and I happen to think that having multiple picks to package in what is considered a loaded draft may be worthwhile for the Browns..it looks like a good deal for both sides..and how can you give anything but back handed compliments to the Raiders front office? I mean why is all this venom directed at an ex-employee and not at the idiots who have destroyed one of the great franchises in sport? Russell I can agree with that at the time he was pretty much the consensus pick..but McFadden? Look at the players you could have had in that spot..Clady perhaps to help protect your new franchise QB?..and he wouldnt have been a reach at that spot..
FOX IN THE HEN HOUSE
Let's take it easy on Mike. People may think he is holding a grudge, but he was the first one last year to say that the Raiders would be interested in Heyward-Bey. Turned out he was right and he was also right that it was a stretch at that pick, but he knows how the Raiders work and what they value, SPEED. Now so many mock drafts have the Raiders picking Campbell due to his combine workout. It wouldn't surprise me if they did and it wouldn't surprise me if it is another mistake by the Raiders. Just FYI, putting Wimbley at DE in a 4-3 is a good idea since he struggles in space and he is best at rushing the passer. Take it from someone who has watched him being used incorrectly for years.
Just for the record. I wasn't saying he held a grudge.
He likes to have fun with the Raiders. It's not a big deal it's just part of the story.
diana - or whatever your name is, how many times have you been divorced? please go away, thanks.
pc_oz,
I'm a fan plaiin and simple. I've also read numerous articles and viewed bits on television, of Lomabardi slanting an opinion when it comes to the Raiders. I don't really blame him for it, I just don't see why he continues to write about them when he can't be objective. It questions his credibility imo.
There's a lot of negative things that Al Davis has done the past few years, but this is also a guy who has 3 SB's and was the last AFC West team to be in the SB even after this string of crappy football they've put together. I don't worship at the alter of Al, but I also don't see him as the old man who screws up every decision he makes like some make him out to be either.
McFadden was a consensus choice by most draftniks at the time and nobody questioned him at that spot. Clady was bypassed by ten teams before Denver took him. He was no slam dunk and Al had been burned by his pick of Gallery a few years before, so he took the impact skill position guy like he usually does. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but this revisionist attitude that many take regarding the Raiders is a joke. They've pickd some duds and they've also picked some very good players as well, much like every team out there.
The Cleveland deal favors the Raiders clearly. A late 3rd round pick for a starting Dlineman/OLB is a great move for them. If Lombardi were unbiased he would have dealt more with that angle instead of talking about how limited Wimbley is, how much he's going to cost two years from now or how Cleveland is going to use a 3rd round pick to move up in the first round which is a joke. I guarantee you if this was the Pats, he'd be bending over backwards praising Belichick for his shrewd and deft handling of using a late 3rd to pick up a starter.
Gotta love those Raider Haters, just LOVE to pile on the Raiders when the mainstream media does also. Cowardly, but then again, what do you expect from these types? Try getting a real hobby, losers!!!!
I love how everybody is hating on you Mr Lombrdi, well played. Like it or not a little love/hate may be good for you and the growth of this site. See Rush Limbaugh, Colin Cowherd, Bill O'Reilly etc. Half the population hates them but it's paid off well for them.
I wasn't hating on Lombardi if you were referring to me! What; is it news that he pokes fun of the Raiders around here?
Cripes it's all in good fun isn't it?
I think the browns need a quarterback more then anything. This is why they have been struggling for years.
The browns definitely need a quarterback bad. They have not had a quarterback in a long time. Thats why they lose every year.
A list of thank yous and a final...
Even if you called me an idiot,...
Their success will depend on QB...
Titans coach wants Chris Johnson...
Now is the QB’s chance to show...
Mar 16, 2010
11:18 AM
Since when does a player make the decision as to where he plays?