Yardbarker: Shaun Alexander

Taylor trade gives Oakland Raiders and Jordan hope

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:33:02 -0500

By now, you all must have heard about the trade between the Dolphins and the Redskins sending Jason Taylor north for a second round pick in the 2009 draft. Taylor needed to get out of Miami, the Dolphins needed to get value for the longtime veteran, and the Redskins needed a replacement for Phillip Daniels who just suffered a season ending ACL tear. Misfortune, like that of Daniels and the Redskins is exactly what the Raiders are betting on by holding on to Lamont Jordan. The question becomes, how long will they bide their time for a deal?

NFL Fantasy Draft Guide: Breaking Down the Backs 80s Sitcom Style

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:36:53 -0500

Fantasy football drafts are right around the corner, so who looks to be the hits and misses? This guide's a long read, but it's in-depth, and it channels the wayback machine for some who are older than they'd like to admit (or buy lots of old DVDs).

Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Adrian Peterson Fantasy Football Projections

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:18:33 -0500

Ouija Boards, magic eight balls, tarot cards. For centuries, man has looked for supernatural ways to try and get answers. We here at Bruno Boys Fantasy Football are no different. Always looking for an edge for the upcoming fantasy season, we look to higher powers and turn to our magical crystal ball. The article below is the fifth of many that will reveal what we have seen. This time our look into the future is focused on the likes of Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson. To read what's in store for Peterson's 2008 fantasy football season, be sure to click below.

2008 Fantasy Football: Players to Avoid (Busts)

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:26:25 -0500

Last year, I gave you Larry Johnson, Shaun Alexander, Ronnie Brown, Donte' Stallworth, Marc Bulger and Marques Colston (oops). Well, I guess going 5-of-6 isn't too bad. For more: http://walterfootball.com/fantasy2008busts.php

THE AFTER PARTY

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:10:07 -0500

Taking a dump in the Stanley Cup. (The World of Isaac)
Why is MLB encouraging ballot-box stuffing? (With Malice...)
New voice of Cleveland Indians fans. (TDBR)
Jose Canseco: "I slept with Fannie Mae" (eTrueSports)

The 2008 Home Run Derby drinking game. (Home Run Derby)
Cell phone guys at a baseball game. (NESW Sports)
Jim Tressel's new book is shockingly candid. (The Money Shot)
Why did Shaun Alexander suck so much last year? (NE Patriots Draft)

Kenny Perry is a fraud. (Rumors and Rants)
Sports blogger slump. (The Legend of Cecilio Guante)
WAG-OFF - Day one: USA WAGs vs EUROPEAN WAGs. (on 205th magazine)
Brand Thunder takes browser customizations to aspiring models. (The Sports Agent Blog)

NFL Mystery File: Shaun Alexander

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:47:54 -0500

We weren't incredibly surprised when Shaun Alexander had a poor year for the Seattle Seahawks in 2007, but by no means did we expect the precipitous drop off that occurred to the former NFL MVP and one-time holder of the season touchdown mark. What could have triggered this fall from grace? Here are a few likely explanations: 10. Mike Holmgren was even more successful holding him back from earning incentives this year. 9. Defenders found it very easy to grab onto the fork sticking out of his back and tackle him. 8. Shaun must not have been Vista compatible. 7. He really wanted to be considered for the "Comeback Player of The Year" award. 6. Just wanted to make sure he wasn't on the cover of Madden, because that can ruin a career. 5. Spent way too much time pondering why c7-c5 is such a powerful response to d2-d4. 4. Always dreamed of being on Eric Karabell's fantasy sleeper list. 3. It's much harder to run when Steve Hutchinson hasn't destroyed half of the defensive line. 2. Shaun found out how Shaq's ass tastes. Needless to say, it was a scarring experience. 1. As you suspected all along, he did it just to screw up your fantasy team. Feel free to add your own reasons in the comments below!

Fantasy NFL Nightmares to Avoid

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:18:11 -0500

With the NFL fantasy season rapidly approaching, Screaming Sports' Hugh Duckwall takes a look at nine potential nightmares. The saga of Brett Favre? That's trouble. Shaun Alexander? That's also trouble. And Chicago quarterbacks? Don't even think about it.

Site Has Hasselbeck as a Fantasy Bust in 08

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:27:50 -0500

Fantasy site KFFL.com has released their lists of "busts" in the fantasy world for 2008, and on the list is Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck. Here is their breakdown on the Hawks QB: Hasselbeck's favorite wide receiver, Bobby Engram, 35, is not happy with his contract and is holding out. Wideout Deion Branch (knee) is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and may not be ready for Week 1. Seattle has several young receivers - Ben Obomanu, Logan Payne and Courtney Taylor - who may not be ready to step up. The tight end position could take an early hit with rookie tight end John Carlson as the expected starter. Finally, they have a new backfield after cutting former MVP Shaun Alexander, which could lead to instability. In some drafts this year, Hasselbeck, who was just getting Super Bowl tickets two seasons ago, is going ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Each of these players could be better selections than Hasselbeck's fifth-round average draft position and be had later in your draft. Hasselbeck is still a weak No. 1 quarterback, and tickets to watch him and the Hawks maybe have a tough 2008 will be easy to come by. Speaking of grabbing tickets, Seahawks Gab is officially endorsing RazorGator as our recommended resource to grab great seats for all Seattle Seahawks games this season. Get great Seattle Seahawks Tickets through, Razorgator, which can be counted on for over 30 years of service providing Hard-To-Get NFL tickets, Super Bowl tickets and more. There's plenty of reasons why we here at Seahawks Gab have decided to endorse them as the Official Ticket Broker of Seahawks Gab, and now check them out to find out. If you need Seahawks tickets, you can trust RazorGator every time to provide exactly what your looking for.

Saints to Have Interest in Raiders RB Jordan When He’s Cut?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:27:36 -0500

There are a couple of teams on the list for now Raiders RB Lamont Jordan once he gets released by the team, and on that list according to NFL Network's Adam Schefter is the Saints. Schefter says that with the uncertainty of running back Deuce McAllister, the team wants to make sure they have enough quality backs, and Jordan may fit what they are looking for. Don't forget the team also showed interest and even spoke to Shaun Alexander, who is still on the open market. Other teams that reportedly have interest in Jordan include the Bears and Lions.

Shaun Alexander too Soft?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:38:01 -0500

Truth is I never really liked Shaun, thier is something self righteous about him that rubbed me the wrong way, that he flexed his Christianity as if he was privy to some type of secret that others were not. He was always almost too pure in a sort of goody two shoes way, he lived such an exemplary life off the field with his work in the community it almost seemed fake. But quotes like these: The prevailing opinion was that Alexander is too 'soft' to play in the NFL. "He doesn't have anything left," an NFC general manager told Judge. "People are always talking about the numbers, but the numbers don't tell the story. There's the injury factor. And the hands factor. And a desire and competitiveness that don't seem to be there. He's never been known as a very tough player, and there have always been questions about his attitude. I'm not saying that because he's out there (unsigned) now. I would have told you the same thing four or five years ago. Basically, I don't like him (as a back), and I don't trust him." So Nfl Gm's don't believe in production? they must not believe in God? what do they believe in Hype? Even for me, someone who doesn't like Shaun these quotes are a joke, too soft? the man has a 100 td's in a 8 year career thats 12 plus avg per season, that average includes a rookie season where he only touched the ball 64 times and only started once. Last time I checked opposing defenses weren't all soft and cuddly in their redzone. You don't trust his desire or competitiveness, I remember the image of Shaun dropping to one knee with QB Matt Hasselback, choking on tears watching the Steelers celebrate their Super Bowl victory, just in case you forgot, he rushed for 95 yards in that game on 20 carries thats 4.75 per, against the leagues top defense that year, in the biggest game. People in Seattle actually questioned his performance then too, the real story of the game was our defense which let Wille Parker run wild. There's the injury factor yes, Shaun has missed 9 games in last 2 years for a whopping total of 9 games in eight years that he hasn't dressed, 4 of those years he carried the ball over 300 times. The Numbers don't tell the story, my personal favorite when potential employers stop looking at past production as a gauge of wether or not too employ you… Wow Here is Shaun's employment history 8 years on the job, 2176 carries avg of 272 per year, which doesn't account for the fact he only started one game as a rookie, and carried the ball 64 times. 9429 yds thats 1178 per season, avg 4.3 per carry, 100 td's total, avgs to 12.5 tds per season, 214 receptions 26.75 avg for another 12 td's an avg of 1.5 a year. Somehow this isn't believeable? Numbers don't lie, and the only other back with comparable numbers over the same period is Ladanian Tomlinson, nobody else is close. Fans, Gms, quit believing the hype Shaun Alexander is not soft, he's just not very likeable but that doesn't mean he can't play. In Seattle and around the league the signing of Julius Jones was applauded as it would help are ailing running game right?, Julius Jones carried the ball 164 times for 588 yds and 2 tds, started all 16 games on a team with one of the best O-lines in football, Shaun Alexander carried the ball 207 times for 716 yds and 4 td's on a team with O-line issues, in 13 games. On a team that all but had to telegraph every run as they were most effective passing in three or four reciever sets, add to that he played hurt, but still managed to avg the same per carry as Julius Jones. It amazes me that in the NFL world of super villans, with the likes of, Michael Vick, Pacman Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Ocho Cinco, Chris Henry among many others Shaun Alexander is quickly emerging as the least respected player in the sport, another article I found suggest he might be blackballed in part because of his Christian beliefs, "This principle is partly what makes Alexander a pillar in his community and a pariah to some NFL general managers," the Herald item states. "Football is not Alexander's first love." Enough is enough, you don't have to respect his religion, hell you don't even have to like him, but to question his numbers, that statistical history is somehow different when viewed through general dislike for the man, and to question the heart and desire, of the one of the greatest TD makers of all time? You have to respect the man's game, maybe for not what is now, but certainly for what is was..

koolaid's favas

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:13:20 -0500

this iz an allstar team dat can win

Fantasy Football Notes - Seattle Seahawks

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 02:36:24 -0500

The Seattle Seahawks found themselves in a familiar place at the end of the 2007 regular season, atop the NFC West standings, but the way they got there differed greatly from years past. In recent history, the Seahawks had been driven by their running game.That's what happens when you have an MVP type back lining up behind your quarterback. But, as Shaun Alexander's skills deteriorated, a change in philosophy was needed. And, in 2007, the Seahawks did a 180, deciding to hand the reins to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and become a pass first team. The change worked as the Seahawks jumped from the league's 19th ranked offense in 2006 to the 9th best in 2007. Hasselbeck, who put up the best numbers of his career, completing 62.6% of his passes for 3966 yards and 28 TDs to 12 INTs, had no trouble becoming the focal point of the offense. The change of philosophy also made Seattle's wide receivers viable fantasy football options throughout much of the season.Like Hasselbeck, Bobby Engram had the best year of his career, which is saying something at the tender age of 35. For the first time ever, Engram topped the 1,000 yard mark with 1,147 receiving yards to go along with 6 scores. Nate Burleson, may have come up a bit short on the yardage side of things with just 694 yards on the year, but his 9 TDs led to 7 double digit fantasy performances. Even Deion Branch and DJ Hackett, who both missed time due to injury, were solid fantasy options. Branch tallied 6 double digit games in 11 played, while Hackett had 3 in 6 games, though he left the first one rather early because of an ankle injury. While the Seahawks' new offensive game plan aided the value of Hasselbeck and the team's wide receivers, it hindered that of the team's running backs as the team finished 20th in rushing offense on the year. Those low rushing totals led Maurice Morris (101 fantasy points) and Shaun Alexander (99 fantasy points) to combine for a total of just 200 fantasy points. Alexander had well above 300+ points on his own in his 2005 MVP Season. To read more about what Bruno Boys Mike Whooley has to say about the Seattle Seahawks, click the link below...

Quintin Mikell: The Understudy

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:54:26 -0500

Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Brian Dawkins, and Lito Sheppard. Pretty star-studded group wouldn't you agree? With the new addition of Samuel, the All-Pro cornerback, and Hall of Fame bound Brian Dawkins this group is stacked. The potential for this secondary is unlike any Eagles secondary that I can ever remember. But after naming all these players there is one more. The starting strong safety Quintin Mikell is left out of the picture. He is not a star, a pro-bowler, or a future Hall of Fame inductee. Quintin Mikell burst on the scene last year when the Eagles finally decided to pull the plug on the Sean Considine experiment. One that didn't last a long time. Mikell started to make plays immediatley. You all remember the play where Mikell sprawled out in the air and leaped on Jon Kitna in week three against Detroit. If you ask me, it was a spitting image of Brian Dawkins. Mikell has an absolute perfect opportunity in front of him. With this superstar secondary he has his work cut out for him and he will have to show the coaching staff that he has a "twinkle" about him too. But I am sure Mikell doesn't just want to twinkle, he wants to shine. With quarterbacks focused on keeping the ball away from playmakers like Brian Dawkins and Asante Samuel or ballhawks like Lito Sheppard, Mikell will be able to creep up and make huge plays. He will be tested a lot this year. Can he live up to the challenge? The starting strong safety position is his to lose this offseason. The real question is can Quintin Mikell not only keep his starting spot on the defense but can he shine among the brighter stars in the secondary? Well, you know I think he can, but that is a question that will be answered come September.

Dolphins Take A Look At Jones

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:37:52 -0500

The Miami Dolphins were one of 4 teams that attended a pre-draft style workout for former Lions Kevin Jones. Jones who has an injury history was released earlier this off-season. He along with former NFL star Shaun Alexander are still without a team. Phins GM Jeff Ireland was asked recently about the status of the teams players in [...]

Wes Welker: "Asante Samuel chose money over championships"

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:39:46 -0500

Wes Welker, WR of the New England Patriots, said that he was disappointed that they could not resign Asante Samuel. He said that when signing with the Eagles he chose money over championships. Samuel has two championships already as Welker has zero. So what is Welker saying about the Eagles?