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The Shockey Soap Opera Continues In the Big Apple, as the New York Giants, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens (Among Others) All Had Mini-Camps Over the Weekend.
DRAFT BIBLE COVER BOYS PUT ON THE PADS
A week after No. 1 overall pick Jake Long made his debut, the trio of Chris Long, Matt Ryan and Darren McFadden (picks 2-4) all took the field for the first time as pros.
Mandel's Take: McFadden apparently looked good catching passes, which is key for him and for the Raiders offense. Long was impressive on pass rushing drills and according to coach Linehan, "had a great first day out." Really, what else is the coach gonna say? Matty Ice begins his career as a 3rd stringer behind Chris Redman and everyone's favorite, Joey Harrington. If Ryan isn't starting at the halfway mark of this season, there's something wrong.
Mancini's Take: DMac was actually chided a couple of times for not finishing his runs and poor football placement when carrying the ball, but these are technicalties. The important thing is he showed excellent quickness and burst. Long was just a monster, while Ryan has a bigger learning curve than the other two, but as Ross indicated, I'd be shocked if Ryan didn't start at least eight games in 2008.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JEREMY SHOCKEY?
Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride made a point of saying he was not going to divulge anything from his phone conversation with the former first round pick, but wondered if and when Shockey would show up. He also questioned the attitude the starting tight end would bring with him when he finally does arrive, calling the situation “nebulous”. In other Giants news, rookies Mario Manningham and Andre’ Woodson suffered minor injuries cutting short their mini-camps.
Mandel's Take: Nice that Gilbride isn't going to divulge anything...then goes on to question Shockey's attitude and tell us it's unclear whether he'll return. If you want to bash the guy, do it, but don't tell me "no comment" and then make a comment. The injuries to the rookies aren't that big of a deal, but they'll both need to stay on the field if they're going to avoid Super Bowl champion coach Coughlin's doghouse.
Mancini's Take: I wish the Giants would just collectively make a firm decision on Shockey already. First you hear GM Jerry Reese say he's isn't going anywhere, and then you hear that the Giants haven't yet received the right offer. What I want to hear is someone either say, "He's our guy, and we're not trading him under any circumstances," or just deal him. I personally would've shipped him off somewhere a long time ago. The man is a divisive personality who hasn't consistently performed up to expectations on the field.
HALL HOPES TO FLY HIGH
While Caleb Campbell of Army has garnered most of the national attention, Chad Hall of the US Air Force is also hoping to capitalize on the new rules that allow recent graduates from the military academies to reduce or defer their commitments. Hall was a standout runner and receiver as a senior for the Falcons, but his best chance of a safe landing with the professional Falcons is as return specialist.
Mandel's Take: Hey, if Hall can make the team, good for him. He certainly has the motivation to do so.
Mancini's Take: Hall is an ultra-quick waterbug with good hands in the mold of a Tim Dwight. The 5'8" 180-pound halfback/receiver once gained 274 yards rushing versus Army.
RAVENS TO SPREAD IT OUT
The Baltimore Ravens, who never had a stellar passing game under former head coach Brian Billick, now may use three wide receiver sets as their primary formation, which would mean starting roles for Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams.
Mandel's Take: OK, but who's going to be the captain of the Ravens' passing ship? Flacco? Boller? Troy Smith? Come on. They never had a stellar passing game because they never had a stellar passer! They still don't. And still won't.
Mancini's Take: Ok Ross, relax...Billick is gone and there are some promising, young players in town. First off, I like the fact that the team is looking to feature Demetrius Williams a bit more since I think he's an extermely underutilized talent with gamebreaking skills. It also sounds as if the Ravens front office realizes that the team may have been too quick to make Boller their starter five years ago, and may take a more cautious approach with Joe Flacco.
FUTURE IN LIMBO FOR A PAIR OF RAMS
Steven Jackson, who is due to make a mere $1.7 million this year, the final year of his rookie contract, is optimistic that a long term deal will be worked out—although not at a hometown discount. Meanwhile, veteran Torry Holt, who has two years remaining in his deal, is already envisioning life outside of St. Louis. A potential landing spot is the Carolina Panthers, which would allow Holt to finish his career in his home state and possibly with his brother Terrence, who was signed by the Panthers. The release of Isaac Bruce may have an impact on his view.
Mandel's Take: Jackson is going to go nuts in his walk year, write it down--he wants to get PAID next season and his numbers are going to allow him to. Holt has a few good seasons left in him and will be 32 at the end of this season...he's thinking that his next contract will be his last. He's right, and someone is going to pay him for his past accomplishments.
Mancini's Take: Action Jackson is certaily capable of going off for 2,000 yards, but he always finds a way of getting nicked up thanks to his upright take-no-prisoners running style. Holt is all-time great receiver, and the Rams should lock him up and make sure he retires in St. Louis.
XAVIER LEE THE NEXT SLASH?
The former Florida St. Seminole has seen action at quarterback and tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. New headman John Harbaugh has said Lee will get a chance at quarterback, but has the physique to play all around the football field. Tight end was where Lee was slated to play this season had he stayed in Tallahassee rather than forgo his senior campaign.
Mandel's Take: Someone please define "chance" for me! Are things that bad in Baltimore? Lee was terrible at FSU and the only thing worse than his play was his off the field life. Missing classes, violating team rules...yeah, that sounds like the long-awaited answer to the QB question for the Ravens. You want to try him at TE, fine--but Todd Heap's job isn't up for competition...and frankly, Lee ain't threatening the back-up gig either.
Mancini's Take: Except that Mighty Quinn Sypniewski is out for the year, and there just may be a roster spot for the mercurial Lee. One thing I can say for certain is that he's not and never will be a quarterback. Hopefully he's cleaned up his act, but let's not kid ourselves, Lee is a project that Baltimore will have to invest time in. He'll have to prove that he's worth the time and patience.
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