Friday, March 14, 2008

Aloha News

Greetings from Honolulu...

Chad Johnson Meltdown


Ocho Cinco is a tremendous talent. But he allegedly asked other teams' coaches to help get him out of Cincy during football games last year. That's gotta be great for the locker room. He keeps running his mouth, too. And then this: "A former Bengals player said earlier this week that Johnson punched Lewis at halftime of the Bengals’ 31-17 wild-card playoff loss to the Steelers in January 2006, according to a report Saturday in the Cincinnati Enquirer."

The Mustard: I hate to be a pessimist, but Cincy was anemic last year outside of TJ Houshmanzedah and maybe Carson Palmer. Chad Johnson is a huge distraction and he has to go. If the draft were today, I'd pass on Chad Johnson until at least the fourth round. In an auction, I'm letting someone else pay #1 WR $ for him. I'm thinking mid to low end #2 with upside. The uncertainty makes me nervous about TJ, Palmer and the Cincy running game as well. If 85 rebounds, it hurts TJ and helps the running game. If 85 tanks again, it could hurt everyone.

Lions Re-sign Bell, Cut Jones

Last year Bell continued the tradition of doing well in Denver, but failing elsewhere. His agent must have told him there was no chance of him getting a shot at starting elsewhere. That, or someone let him know Kevin Jones was his way out. Wow.

The Mustard: Come on, you know they're drafting a RB they hope will start, right? I'll wait until after the NFL draft to assess this more. Even then, the real wild card there is what will the next offensive scheme in Detroit bring.

Seahawks Sign Julius Jones

I keep reading that this is the writing on the wall for Shaun Alexander. Even though Alexander is a graduate of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, he certainly strikes me as a class guy and one of the few NFL players I'd actually like to invite over for grilling burgers. That said, it's show-me time in Seattle.

The Mustard: This will kill Alexander's draft value and it will rocket Julius Jones. Don't be so hasty. Unless the 'Hawks actually do cut Alexander, common decency requires they give him an opportunity to keep his job.

Titans Sign Jake Scott

Jake who? Jake the starting RG for the Indianapolis Colts, with 57 career starts, including 55 straight. Jake, who opened holes for Joseph Addai. Jake who protected Peyton Manning.

The Mustard: I didn't know his name, but the Colts had a good O line. And Scott is young, having been drafted in 2004. This means good things for the Titans, who also picked up Alge Crumpler. Between the upgrades on offense and the disappointing fantasy year last year, maybe this is the year to draft Vince Young. And, uh, downgrade Addai and Manning, too, unless you think they find a good replacement. Seriously - don't overpay for last year's stats, especially when you know the O line loses a starter.

Falcons Re-Sign Harrington

I guess the whole 'you're cut from the roster' thing was just a way to negotiate a new contract.

The Mustard: There is a small chance Harrington gets another chance to start in Atlanta, but not enough to consider drafting him. I just hope this isn't a distraction for the Falcons, who have enough to worry about.

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