R.I.P. Bill Stewart

The college football and Mountaineer world mourns the lost of former West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart who died of an apparent heart attack early Monday morning. Stewart was golfing with former West Virginia athletic director Eddie Pastilong on Monday when he collapsed. He was later taken to Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital where he pronounced dead.

Stewart resigned as coach last June after the school had hired Dana Holgorsen to be offensive coordinator and coach-in-waiting. He took the job over from Rich Rodriguez after Rodriguez left the school to take over at Michigan in 2007. Stewart led the Mountaineers to a winning record of 28-12 in his three seasons as head coach and was also 36-37 in his coaching career having spent three seasons at VMI as well.

Our hearts and prayers here at RFT and “The Truth By Two Sports Fans” goes out to the Stewart family.

Holla back Mr. McClain, what an idiot!

According to the Decatur Municipal Court clerk, Oakland Raiders starting MLB Rolondo McClain  was found guilty of four criminal charges in Decatur, Ala., on Thursday, including assault in the third degree, reckless endangerment, menacing in the state of Alabama and wrongful discharge of a firearm.

McClain must serve 45 days in prison for each charge, totaling 180 consecutive days. Not only besides the jail time, McClain will receive a stiff suspension from the NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell. How many games? Who knows but I am guessing anywhere between 4-5 games or maybe the whole NFL 2012 season.

The Truth’s Opinion: First of all, how dumb can you be Mr. McClain? It is a privilegefor you to be playing in the NFL. I understand McClain is young and is still learning how to be an adult, but at some point you have to grow up and understand that playing in the NFL is an opportunity that many people don’t get the chance too. Being an NFL starter or just playing in the NFL is a full time professional job. I hope Mr. McClain can learn from this incident and get his life back on track.

Where do the Raiders go from here? McClain has been somewhat as a disappointment for the Raiders. He has been decent not great. He doesn’t make enough plays on the field and has always seemed a step too slow. The team could look to sign a veteran, if so this team needs to look at low-cost middle linebackers available in free agency, players such as Andra Davis, Keith Brooking, Rocky McIntosh, Gary Brackett or E.J. Henderson. I believe any of these aging LB’s are an upgrade over McClain.

Defensive Tackle Phil Taylor finished his rookie year with 59 tackles and 4 sacks. He was the 1st round pick (21st overall) of the Browns after trading back last season and passing on receiver Julio Jones.  Late last week the starting defensive tackle for the Browns sustained a left pectoral injury that could have him missing the entire season.

Taylor will need surgery to repair the torn chest muscle.  He got the injury from lifting weights.  Taylor was set to play alongside Athya Rubin as starting defensive tackles in the Browns 4-3 scheme under defensive coordinator Dick Jaron for the second consecutive season.  It is hopeful that Taylor will be able to return this season, but you may remember that linebacker D’Qwell Jackson had a similar injury that held him out for almost two years.

Taylor is optimistic and has told Browns head coach Pat Shurmur that he will return as soon as possible even a stronger player.  Shurmur said about the injury,”It was just one of those things that happens.”  Shurmur also mentioned how unfortunate it was for Taylor and the Browns.  Suprisingly the Browns did draft potential interior defensive lineman in Hughes and Winn, but those picks were made for depth.  With Taylor being out at least most of the season, not only the draftees but also free agent acquisition Frostee Rucker might be asked to play some defensive tackle.

"This situation reminds me of LeCharles Bentley"

The Bengals signed offensive lineman Jacob Bell to potentially start for them this offseason.  But, Bell will never play a down for the Bengals.  He is retiring due to health, but sustained no major injury.  Bell, the former Ram, is ending his playing career largely because of concerns of his long term health and quality of life.

I originally thought when I heard this that Bell was retiring because he didn’t want to be a Bengal.  But, this was clearly not the case.  The eight year NFL veteran admitted to having a couple concussions throughout his career.  The 31 year old Ohio native was originally drafted in the 5th round by the Titans out of Miami (Oh).  He made exactly 100 starts and said even though he shows no symptoms he is no longer willing to take the risk of serious injury.

The recent deaths of former NFL players like Junior Seau and Dave Duerson no doubt had an effect on Bell’s decision.  Conditions related to chronic head injuries like CTE have been widely discussed due to the irrational behavior of many ex-NFL players.  I fear Bell will not be the last player to come to this conclusion at the height of their careers.  But, can you really blame him?

Never played a down for the Browns

"Gotta love my job, first I get to play with Peyton Manning and now its Tom Brady"

The rich get richer, that’s how the Patriots organization operates. As a fan you have to admire the Patriots destiny to win every year. Even if it means signing an abundance of the top tier players in free agency. The Patriots just signed former Colts RB Joseph Addai. 

The Patriots needed a starting RB after losing RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis to the Bengals in free agency. Addai is a solid back who has good vision and will help out this team in not only the running game but also the passing game.  

The Truth’s Opinion: Good move by the Patriots in signing Addai. Addai is a tough hard nose runner who can also catch passes out the backfield.

Holla back Drayton!

The Buffalo Bills have announced that they have released starting CB Drayton Florence. Florence, started 45 games during his three seasons with the Bills. He had 38 passes defensed and seven interceptions.

The Truth’s Opinion: Florence is a solid player but became expendable when the Bills drafted CB Stephon Gilmore in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Florence is in his early 30’s and his play has decline. But since the NFL is a passing league Florence shouldn’t have a problem finding a job.

1^st round 3^rd pick- Trent Richardson RB Alabama 5-09 228

Richardson was clearly the best running back in this draft and the Browns had a need. They gave up three picks (4, 5, 7) in order to move up one spot and take him at three. Richardson had great production last season at Alabama scoring 20 Tds (an All-Time SEC record).

1^st round 22^nd pick- Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma St 6-4 225

Everyone knows that Weeden played professional baseball. He will be a 29 year old rookie next season, but he can throw the ball. McCoy’s inability to throw the deep ball will inevitably launch Weeden into starting immediately

2^nd round 37^th pick- Mitchell Schwartz OT California 6-5 318

The Browns and everyone else felt they had a need pn the right side of their offensive line. There were a lot of other linemean like tackle Mike Adams from Ohio State.

3^rd round 87^th pick- John Hughes DT Cincinnati 6-2 309

If there was one pick I really can’t justify for the Browns, it is this. Hughes was drafted to be a reserve lineman in the draft where you may be able to get a future starting wide receiver. I don’t get this pick, not to mention he would have probably been available in the 5th rounund.

4^th round 100^th pick- Travis Benjamin WR Miami 5-10 172

I like this pick. The only other thing is that I would’ve liked to see more just like it. Benjamin does run a 4.3 and can contribute as a special teamer and returner. The Browns drafted multiple offensive and defensive lineman and outside linebakcers. I thought the position they would use twp picks on would certainly be receiver.

4^th round 120^th pick- James-Michael Johnson ILB Nevada 6-1 241

You can look at th9is pick one of two ways. It may be seen as a waste because D’Qwell Jackson has a long term deal or one might see that Johnson played both on the inside and at outside linebacker at Nevada. Johnson may have the ability to see some heavy playing time, especially with the Scott Fujita suspension.

5^th round 160^th pick- Ryan Miller OG Colorado 6-7 321

When I saw his size, I was impressed. But, he is an unpolished lineman and somewhat un-athletic. With that being said Miller seems like a reserve offensive tackle, but this could be a value pick if he sees time due to injury or outstanding play this year.

6^th round 204^th pick- Emmanuel Acho OLB Texas 6-2 248

Acho’s brother is in the NFL as well. Emmanuel’s brother Sam had a successful rookie season for the Cardinals. Both are former Long horn pass rushers that have some upside. He has the potential to provide some quality pass rushing depth to the Browns roster. But, does anyone remember Clifton Geathers? I didn’t think so.

6^th round 205^th pick- Billy Winn DE Boise State 6-4 294

Winn is stout against the run. Not much of a pass rusher for a defensive end and hasn’t played against the type of lineman that would be seen in the larger conferences. He could provide adequate depth to a position the Browns have addressed more than any other in the offseason.

7^th round 245^th pick- Trevin Wade CB Arizona 5-10 192

This does have value pick all over it. The Browns have actualy drafted defensive backs well in the past few years. Players like Larry Asante and Don Carey have caught on with other organizations. Wade may be able to help as a nickle or dime back, but it seems the Browns are confident with either Sheldon Brown or Patterson opposite Haden.

7^th round 247^th pick- Brad Smelley FB Alabama 6-2 238

One of my favorite picks for the Browns. I was surprised that Smelley was the second leading receiver for National Champion Alabama last season. He joins Richardson and will help in not only special teams, but potentially some H-back duties in the Brown’s west coast offense.

January 19, 1969- May 2, 2012

Junior Seau was found dead at his California home Wendseday.  The twelve time NFL Pro Bowler was only 43 years old.  The police are investigating a suicide.

Seau was one of the best linebackers to ever play the game.  He died of a single gun shot wound to the chest, with the firearm being found right next to him.  The football community mourns as one of the league’s all-time greats leaves the world before his time.  Seau retired in 2009 and led the Chargers to the Super Bowl in 1994.  He played 13 seasons with the Chargers and also played for the Patriots and Dolphins.

You better be a Pro Bowler, the Cowboys 2012 Draft is basically all you!

Winner 1: Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals had one of the best drafts from top to bottom I have ever seen. They gpt great value with almost all their draft choices. Now the question is will all these draft choices have the desire to make the team. Below are the draft picks I really like:

Rd. 1 Pick 17: Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

Rd. 1 Pick 27: Kevin Zeitler G Wisconsin

Rd. 2 Pick 21: Devon Still DT PennState

Rd. 3 Pick 20: Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers

Rd. 3 Pick 30: Brandon Thompson DT Clemson

Rd. 4 Pick 21: Orson Charles TE Georgia

Rd. 5 Pick 31: Marvin Jones WR California

Rd. 5 Pick 32: George IIolka S Boise State

Best Pick: Believe or not I think the free agent signing of talented, but trouble MLB Vontaze Burfict will pan out. Burfict is a good player if and this is a big if he can control his emotions on the field and be a team player. I am sure Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis will let him know what he expects and won’t tolerate.

Worst Pick: None, I loved all their moves!

Winner 2: Philadelphia Eagles: Like the Bengals the Eagles had a great draft as well. The Eagles addressed all their needs on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker was the teams biggest need and the address that with the second round pick of MLB Mychal Kendricks. The Eagles also needed a DT who could not only stop the run but also rush the passer and they found that player with the first round pick of DT Fletcher Cox.

Best Pick: Georgia CB Brandon Boykin: Getting Boykin in the fourth round was a value pick. Boykin is a solid cover corner and can also add value in the return game. At Georgia Boykin was used in a variety of packages on offense. He is definitely a dual threat.

Worst Pick: Kansas State RB Bryce Brown: This kid had so much talent coming out of high school and was the top recruit but he had a troubled college career on the field and off the field and did not live up to the hype. I have a hard time seeing Brown make this Eagles roster. Keep in mind fans that the Eagles did sign undrafted RB Chris Polk, who I think will go into training camp with a chip on his shoulder for not being drafted and will end up making the team.

Losers:

Loser 1: Dallas Cowboys: America’s team made a bold move by trading up eight spots to select CB Morris Claiborne. Claiborne is highly ranked as the best cover corner in this draft. Don’t get me wrong I think Claiborne is solid, not great. He doesn’t have great speed, he is purely a 4.5 in the 40 yard dash man.

Best/Worst Pick: Claiborne, he is the center of this draft. This draft will be a success if he turns out to be a Pro Bowler or the this draft will be a failure if he ends up being a bust.  He better be ready on opening day as the Cowboys face the Giants. Clairborne will be facing a dose of WR’s Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle.

Loser 2: Any of the other 31 NFL Teams: Majority of all the NFL teams had a good draft, most teams addressed their needs while the playoff teams from last year added good quality depth. I know some teams reached for certain players and took gambles on players who had some issues off the field. As a fan we can be upset but we have to understand the draft records of coaches such as Pete Carroll and Jeff Fisher who are known to reach for players and draft players who have had quite a few off the field issues.

Hey what about us? DT Jerel Worthy and S Trenton Robinson are hoping to hear their names called on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

Day 2 of the NFL Draft is among us. What a wild first round of the 2012 NFL Draft where we saw trades galore with teams positioning and repositioning themselves to aquire more picks and to get the player they need.

The shocker to me of Day 1 was that there was no TE’s drafted. I can’t believe no one took Stanford’s TE Coby Fleener.

I was suprised to only see 3 WR’s taken. Most thought Stephen Hill would of be taken, but he didn’t. His upside is huge and I think he will be a good NFL player.

I can’t believe my boy DT Jerel Worthy wasn’t drafted in the first round. I could have sworn the Patriots or Broncos would have drafted him. But believe me he will be taken today along with his teamate S Trenton Robinson. Gotta give some hometown Dayton, Ohio love. Good luck fellas!