Yardbarker: Trent Dilfer

ESPN Hires Yet Another Football Analyst In Trent Dilfer

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:16:17 -0500

According to Pro Football Talk, ESPN has brought on recently retired QB Trent Dilfer as an analyst for the upcoming season. This now makes a good 45 people or so involved with the NFL on the "Leader"*. Via Pro Football Talk....

Fresh from his NFL retirement, quarterback Trent Dilfer has landed a new gig in television.

ESPN has hired Dilfer as an NFL Studio Analyst. We're advised that Dilfer, the former Bucs, Ravens, Seahawks, Browns, and 49ers quarterback, will have a significant role on Sundays and Mondays during the season, and that he'll be involved in the Super Bowl and draft coverage.

He'll make his first ESPN appearance on NFL Live on Monday at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

An industry source advises us that it's a three-year contract between Dilfer and ESPN.

I don't even know where Trent Dilfer will even fit in unless the plan on leaving him on the mini field the entire time. Again, just throwing numbers at a problem isn't going to fix it. The Countdowns are beyond help, but I really think NFL Live could be a great show if they gave Trey Wingo a consistent cast of people to work with. In the past two weeks he's probably worked with over ten different people and that's not including the current players that were guest analysts.

Dilfer Joins ESPN (Pro Football Talk)

(*I have no data to back this up, but it could very well be the number)

ESPN Hires Yet Another Football Analyst In Trent Dilfer

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:16:17 -0500

Fresh from his NFL retirement, quarterback Trent Dilfer has landed a new gig in television.

ESPN has hired Dilfer as an NFL Studio Analyst. We're advised that Dilfer, the former Bucs, Ravens, Seahawks, Browns, and 49ers quarterback, will have a significant role on Sundays and Mondays during the season, and that he'll be involved in the Super Bowl and draft coverage.

He'll make his first ESPN appearance on NFL Live on Monday at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

An industry source advises us that it's a three-year contract between Dilfer and ESPN.

Fantasy Insider: How to Spot A Fantasy Football Sleeper

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:24:12 -0500

How to Spot A Fantasy Football Sleeper is a knack that could make or break your fantasy team. Daniel Kalles gives all you fantasy owners a "How To" locate and find fantasy sleepers and plenty of time to exam the players you feel could be sleepers this season. Best of luck this season. As Daniel Kalles, The first thing you need to know about finding a "sleeper" is figuring out what a sleeper is. Many people will have many different explanations as to what a sleeper really is, where to find them and how important they are, but they will pretty much agree that a sleeper is someone who doesn't have a big name, probably doesn't start, hasn't put up big numbers in the past, who now might have a chance to have a breakout season and be a difference maker on your team. Sleepers are usually either late round draft picks or waiver-wire pick-ups who went undrafted. Now how to spot sleepers, when to draft them, and how long you wait until you believe they are actually worth putting in your lineup are all a little different. Having one of the few sleepers who pan out and be a worthy starter can make the difference in winning your league or not winning. No one starts off the season knowing which sleeper will for sure breakout; all you can do is try and draft one or two and hope that a couple of things fall your way and your sleeper goes from nobody to somebody just like that. It's very hard to go into the draft focused on the guys who will be drafted in the later rounds, but the truth is many drafts are won in the later rounds. If you can have a good draft from top to bottom, it will help you down the line; having a deep team will help you in the event of an injury or to make trades. It's not very difficult to draft players in the first bunch of rounds, guys like Alexander, Tomlinson, Owens, Moss, these players have a history, they have done it before, we can look at their numbers and see where they should be drafted, but a sleeper is different. Most sleepers haven't played enough to accumulate enough stats to make decisions on, so you have to take a small sample (if one exists) to figure out who might be the sleepers of this year's draft. There are many different places and ways to find sleepers. One way is to look for 2nd or 3rd year players who had a chance to play near the end of the year before. At the end of most seasons, the teams out of the playoff hunt will look at some young players, giving them starts and letting veterans sit out. Watching these players can sometimes give you a hint into who might be a good sleeper the next season, if they play a good game or two. Look at Willie Parker who was undrafted out of college and was sitting on the bench in 2004 when the Steelers went 15-1. In the last game of the season, once they had already clinched home field advantage, they decided to rest veteran running back Jerome Bettis, and see what Parker could do. He went into Buffalo, on a cold January Sunday, to face the hottest team in football. The Bills were looking to get a victory and a spot in the playoffs. Well, Parker gained 102 yards on only 19 carries, to help the Steelers win the game, and give anyone who was actually paying attention to this Steelers backup a 1200 yards rusher out of nowhere in 2005. Now this doesn't mean things will always work out for you, but it's a good way of finding a sleeper. Another way of finding a sleeper is to watch the player and coach movement in the off-season, and see which players have been put in situations where they might be able to break out, with the help of certain coaches and their philosophies. A player who might have been going downhill in his career, or hasn't been able to find his way yet might be able to change that by being on a team whose system better suits their abilities. Koren Robinson is a good example. He's a former 1st round pick of the Seahawks, and while he had a couple of solid seasons with them (78 for 1240 yards and 5 TD's in 2002), he was let go at the end of 2004 because of off-field and poor behavior issues. He latched on to the Vikings as their top return man and part time WR. During the off-season they hired new head coach Brad Childress, who brings with him his West Coast offense, and they traded Nate Burleson, leaving the spot of #1 WR open. With those and many other changes the Vikings made on offense, they go into the season looking for players to step up and be leaders. Robinson has a good chance of doing that because he is a step ahead of most of the other WR's because he played in the West Coast offense while in Seattle. He could be in for a very big season. While all this looks good and could very well happen, many times it doesn't, and guys like Robinson will always be picked up for his potential, but might never realize it, because he can't control his other issues. These are just a couple of the many ways to find a sleeper. So, make sure to always pay attention to injury situations, and follow closely what players are doing at training camp. Doing this can help you find many sleepers. Lastly, don't forget that you can still find sleepers after the draft in the first couple of weeks of the season. If you see a player break out and do better then expected, don't sit on the sidelines and watch - make an effort to pick them up and see if they can sustain that output. Or if you know that a starting player has any injury at all, make sure you're the one to get anyone who might back that player up, because once a player goes down, whoever takes over can be a real steal.

Around the Network

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:47:59 -0500

PhinPhanatic remembers a pair of frustrating Dolphins losses. The Vikings have had a few (hundred) of those too. Brad Johnson's back-up job with the Cowboys may be in trouble. Cat Crave is counting down the top 10 moments in Panthers history. Where does "Steve Smith makes Fred Smoot his bitch for all-time" rank? Arrowhead Addict considers the Matt Jones situation. Anything to avoid writing about the hideous Chiefs, I guess. FSB is getting a Seahawks blog. Niner Noise wants Brett Favre to stay retired. Brandon Marshall struggles to obey authority. And he's not so great at keeping his arms out of TVs either. (That said, I'd still take him in a heartbeat). The Ebony Bird says goodbye to Trent Dilfer, aka the original Tarvaris Jackson.

Holcomb, Dilfer Hang 'Em Up, Frye Next?

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:44:37 -0500

Two former Browns quarterbacks retired in the same week. What are the odds? Actually, what are the odds of two former Browns QB's being active on someones roster? Frye may not be ready to hang up the spikes just yet, but he is having a tough time supplanting Seneca Wallace as the #2 QB on Seattle's depth chart. Since rejoining the league in 1999 the Browns haven't had many outstanding signal callers. Here are the QB's that started a game for the Browns since returning in 1999. 1. Ty Detmer- Not officially retired, but has not played since 2005. Started 4 games for Detroit after leaving Cleveland. 2. Tim Couch- Never played a down for the Packers, signed with Jaguars and released last year. 3. Doug Pederson- Went to Green Bay for three years after leaving Cleveland, threw 53 passes in 3 years. Retired after 2004. 4. Spergon Wynn- Started 2 games for Vikings. Threw 1 TD pass in his career. Did not play after 2001. 5. Kelly Holcomb- Started 8 games for Buffalo and 3 for Minnesota after his Browns career was over. Announced retirement this week. 6. Jeff Garcia- Certainly the most talented QB on this list, Garcia spent a year in Detroit before helping Philly make the playoffs in 2006. Started 13 games for Tampa Bay last season, and is the #1 QB on the depth chart. 7. Luke McCown- Was traded to Tampa Bay where he sat on the bench until last season, when he appeared in 5 games with a 91.7 QB rating. 8. Trent Dilfer- Traded for current QB Ken Dorsey, Dilfer played in 7 games for the 49ers. He retired on Wednesday. 9. Charlie Frye- Charlie, Charlie. The best QB in the history of the University of Akron currently resides on Seattle's bench behind Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace. 10. Derek Anderson Yep. That's a pathetic list alright. Just for fun let's see the list of starting QB's for the Packers during the same time- 1. Brett Favre.

Former 49′ers QB Announces Retirement

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:27:23 -0500

Quaterback Trent Dilfer, who spent this past season as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers, said yesterday that he is retiring from the NFL. Speaking during a teleconference in advance of this weekend's American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in South Lake Tahoe, Dilfer said he would make a formal announcement in the coming days about ending his 13-year NFL career. The 36-year old Dilfer threw for 1,166 yards with seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions in seven games, including six starts last season with the 49ers. Over his career, Dilfer passed for 20,518 yards, 113 touchdowns and 129 interceptions. He helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to a victory in Super Bowl 35 after the 2000 season.

Former 49′ers QB Announces Retirement

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:27:23 -0500

Gridiron News: July 10th

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:46:29 -0500

Since there is nothing going on with the Colts, lets see about whats going on with our 2008 opponents. The Jags may be having a change of owners. The Bears are getting excited about their rookie running back, a player who I wanted to be a Colt. Packers fans are going through some Favre rumors. The Bengals have a lot going on, unlike the Colts. The Ravens remember Trent Dilfer. The Vikings want the current Packers starting QB, not the former.

An Ode to Trent Dilfer

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:25:17 -0500

Trent Dilfer retired yesterday, and while it might barely be a blip on the NFL radar, it's pretty important around these parts. He played a significant role in the Baltimore Ravens first Super Bowl championship, and despite the interceptions, despite the inconsistency, Dilfer himself best summarized his time here in Baltimore. "We all know I'm not Joe Montana," Dilfer said after the Ravens' 34-7 title win over the Giants. "But we'll recognize that for an eight-month period, we did something pretty special." Dilfer holds the dubious distinction of being the only quarterback to start for a Super Bowl winning team, only to lose his spot the next season. If you look at who preceded him, and who has followed him, you realize that Dilfer was a good fit for the team under the Billick system. Every QB under Brian Billick's tutelage struggled. Dilfer was the only one to navigate playoff success. So dare I say it, Trent Dilfer is the greatest quarterback in Ravens history. He had a hard luck career throughout his entire tenure in the NFL, but Baltimore was certainly lucky to have Trent Dilfer.

An Ode to Trent Dilfer

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:25:17 -0500

Trent Dilfer's career officially over...almost

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:56:51 -0500

After a long journeyman career in the NFL, the former Super Bowl winner will likely hang it up now after suffering an Achilles tear. Dilfer was not under contract with any NFL team, but said the Raiders may have been interested in his services as a veteran influence on the young JaMarcus Russell but this injury almost assures Dilfer of retirement.

The Bruno Boys Interview Dave Dameshek

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:19:48 -0500

Since joining the world of sports journalism, we, the Bruno Boys, have felt the family welcome us with open arms. With that being the case, we'd like to introduce you to our "wacky uncle," Dave Dameshek, host of "The Dave Dameshek Show" airing weekdays on 710 ESPN – Los Angeles from 4 to 7 p.m. Dameshek not only knows his sports, but also his comedy. Don't believe us, just ask Jimmy Kimmel, who Dameshek used to write for on "The Jimmy Kimmel Show." Dameshek was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule and help the Bruno Boys out by answering some fantasy football questions we threw his way. So, enjoy our "wacky uncle" Dave Dameshek below. Make sure to read more of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football co-owner Mike Whooley's interview with Dave Dameshek for even more fantasy football insight heading into the 2008 season by clicking below...

Best free agents for the Oakland Raiders to target

Tue, 27 May 2008 14:12:06 -0500

Almost daily, I read comments from the Raider Nation contemplating, proposing, and even campaigning for free agents that they'd like to see the Oakland Raiders sign. Until June 1st, it's unlikely the Raiders will sign many, if any free agents. According to Fox Sports, the Raiders are sitting at $106,555,076, while the cap is $116 million. That leaves only $9,444,924, roughly a little less that Nnamdi Asomugha is due when he signs his tender for being the Raiders franchise player. Since the Raiders somehow always find a way to fit everyone under the cap, it's not out of the realm of possibility that they may find a way to sign a few of these free agents still available.

The Raiders are looking for a back-up QB......

Thu, 01 May 2008 07:05:25 -0500

Who should we go after? I hear we have contacted Trent Dilfer. Would he be the ideal mentor for Russell? What are your thoughts?

Whose in the Raider Backfield?

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:08:22 -0500

The Raiders caught the league's attention when they released Dominic Rhodes and his $1.75 million contract Monday. Many figured LaMont Jordan would be the first to go with his $4.7 million owed this season. Rhodes helped explain the move during an interview on Sirius Satellite Radio on Tuesday. He said that when he restructured his contract two months ago, it was with the understanding the Raiders would release him if they drafted Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. The Raiders did pick McFadden, so Rhodes got his wish. They informed him Sunday of his release, which then came Monday. "We had like a stable full of running backs that are capable," Rhodes said. "We went and drafted a guy that - he's a great runner, don't get me wrong - but I don't understand the logic behind it. "I don't really think that (coach) Lane Kiffin wanted to take a running back in the first round, let's just put it like that. He has to deal with it now, but I don't think that's what he wanted to do." Rhodes left convinced that Kiffin isn't in control of much at all, at least in terms of personnel. Asked if Kiffin had a chance to succeed in Oakland, Rhodes said, "I don't know, man. It's going to be hard. He's put in all these different bad situations to where he doesn't have a chance, you know? When you know you need to stop the run and you don't get anybody to stop the run.... He just doesn't really have a chance, because somebody else is in control all the time." Speaking of Jordan: The Raiders are holding onto Jordan, a league source said, because some in the organization believe they can still get trade value for the man who ran for 1,025 yards in 2005. At this point, teams are more likely to wait for Jordan's release so they can sign him to a cheaper deal. Rookie crop grows: The Raiders added six undrafted free agents Tuesday, including Portland State quarterback Brian White, to make it 12 rookie signings since the draft ended Sunday. They also signed Pittsburgh tight end Darrell Strong, Arizona State center/guard Brandon Rodd, Penn State fullback Matthew Hahn, Washington defensive end Greyson Gunheim (who is from Sebastopol) and Texas Southern defensive end Derrick Gray. Still searching: The Raiders are expected to resume their search for a backup to quarterback JaMarcus Russell. They want to go into training camp with at least one proven arm to compete with fourth-year quarterback Andrew Walter. A few names to watch: -- Trent Dilfer: If the former 49ers backup is going to play another year, it'd be nice to stay close to home. The Raiders contacted him recently and he remains a serious candidate. -- Daunte Culpepper: He started six games for the Raiders last season after signing with the team during training camp. If the Raiders aren't happy with their quarterback depth, he just might still be around. -- Buccaneers' TBA: The Raiders are watching to see which of seven quarterbacks Tampa Bay releases before possibly making a move.