Monday, August 28, 2006

Raider Nation Scratches Head - Oakland Raiders Bring Back JEFF GEORGE



Even the Raider Nation's scratching its collective head over this one, with fans warring on message boards like Raiderfans.net over the Oakland Raiders decision to bring Jeff George out of mouthballs:

...They must have changed the headline, because that his not what I read when I clicked on the link. But can you blame the sports media for looking at this move as whacko? First Art Shell after six other candidates turn us down, then Tom Walsh now Jeff George. Did they check into Art Slchichter too? I'm sure he's staying in good shape in prison and can still gun it.

There's also an idea that this wasn't Head Coach Art Shell's call; this Tribune article seems to imply that Al Davis overrules his coaches.


There's more at Raiderfans.net

Oakland Raiders Bring Back JEFF GEORGE



I think this not the best move at all. To me, it's right up there with bringing Tom Walsh out of retirement to be offensive coordinator. Jeff George -- as I recall -- had lockerroom attitude problems. He was best known for his run-in with then-Atlanta Falcons Head Coach June Jones. Maybe he's grown up. Heck, I'd take Troy Aikman rather than Jeff George. This is ...ok. Enough from me. Here's the report from NFL.com.

Hey, I just realized they could pay Jeff George the NFL minimum and get an experienced guy in the process -- but five years out of the game? I just shake my head about that one.

See, what was so great when the Raiders did use the West Coast Offense is a GM/ Coach could just dial up a QB from the waiver wire that had experience with the terms and ideas behind it because about one-third of the NFL employs the system. The Raiders don't have that luxury anymore.



Raiders sign QB George after long hiatus
NFL.com wire reports
ALAMEDA, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2006) -- The Oakland Raiders signed Jeff George to a contract, bringing back a player who hasn't thrown an NFL pass in five seasons.

George, the No. 1 overall pick by Indianapolis in 1990, joined the team in time for Aug. 28's afternoon practice. He previously played for the Raiders in 1997-98, starting 23 games and throwing 33 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

It is not immediately clear what his role will be on the Raiders, who already have Aaron Brooks, Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo on the roster.

George played with the Colts from 1990-93. He was in Atlanta from 1994-96, then spent two seasons with Oakland and one with Minnesota before joining the Redskins in 2000, first as a backup. He was signed by Seattle as insurance midway through the 2002 season, but didn't play. Chicago signed him late in the 2004 season, but he never played for the Bears either.

George, known for his strong arm and clashes with coaches, has a 46-78 career record as a starter and has never lasted longer than four years with any one of them.

George hasn't played since 2001, when he was cut after two games with the Redskins. In his last two games with Washington, George had a quarterback rating of 34.6, completing 23 of 42 passes with three interceptions.

In his next-to-last game with Washington, he and coach Marty Schottenheimer had an animated sideline discussion after George committed four turnovers and was removed from the game.

George also had a sideline argument with coach June Jones when he was with the Atlanta Falcons in 1996, and the team suspended him and then cut him.

George played well his first season in Oakland, throwing for 3,917 yards and 29 touchdowns in 1997. He struggled with injuries the following season, starting only seven games, and was replaced the following season by Rich Gannon, who was a better fit in coach Jon Gruden's West Coast offense.

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Angry With Leak On T.O.'s Fine



I still believe I'm correct about the Dallas Cowboys playing possum about T.O.'s fine and injury. The mainstream media's so -- well, whatever -- he's going to play the first game of the season.

Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones is more concerned about the person who leaked the information about T.O. than any perceived problem with Terrell Owens.

I really don't think there's a problem at all. It's not a big deal. And I don't think there's any real tension; the media makes the problem in this case.

Rolling Stones In Concert In Boston - Video

The Rolling Stones come to Boston September 20th; you can get tickets here, and see the video for "Paint It Black" below: