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Titans QB
Neil O'Donnell
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With this wild and wacky NFL regular season now in its final full month, the time has
come for some teams to begin planning for next season. In fact, regardless of whether they
choose to admit it, I’m sure a handful of teams have already begun evaluating players
— theirs and those of other teams — for the 2000 campaign.
During my years watching and studying football, I like to think I’ve developed an
eye (albeit a small one) for talent. I feel confident in my ability to analyze situations
and formulate a rational, well-thought-out conclusion.
Hence, it’s my contention that I could solve every QB problem in the NFL. Yup, you
heard me right. Every single one. From Brian Billick’s Ravens to Tony Dungy’s
Buccaneers, I’ve got the answers, and I’m willing to give those answers for the
bargain price of … nothing.
Given my space limitations, I can solve only the most pressing problems. But general
managers and personnel directors should know where to reach me. So take out paper and a
pencil, folks, because class is in session.
Baltimore Ravens — Let me first make clear the personal pride I
take in analyzing the Ravens’ QB dilemma. You see, Billick, the team’s
first-year head coach, is a favorite of mine. The way he handled the Vikings’ offense
last season was worthy of an Oscar for best director, and I have no doubt that once he
finds the right players, the Ravens’ offense will be one of the NFL’s best.
As the team has proved this year, it all starts at quarterback, and neither Stoney Case
nor Tony Banks is the one to lead Baltimore into the next century. Billick will find his
quarterback in April’s draft, and his name is Chris Redman.
I’ve seen the Louisville quarterback play in person, people, so I know of what I
speak. I’ve seen him work the short-passing game and the long-passing game. I’ve
seen him on a roll when he is flat-out unstoppable and pass rushers hang their heads in
frustration because he gets rid of the ball so quickly. Redman is as tough as quarterbacks
come, and he might as well have radar, because his passes hit their targets squarely more
times than not.
More important, Redman will be attainable. The Falcons’ trade of their 2000
first-round pick to Baltimore for the right to draft Mississippi State TE Reggie Kelly (an
inexplicable act) puts the Ravens in prime position to draft Redman, most likely without
having to make a deal. I can already hear the wheels turning in Billick’s head.
Remember, Billick helped turn Brad Johnson, a ninth-round pick in the ’92 draft and
the 227th overall selection, into a stud. Imagine what Billick can do with a first-round
talent.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — I’ve always tried to defend Trent
Dilfer (emphasis on the "try"), but the Bucs have a spunky youngster in Shaun
King rarin’ to go, and with a defense like theirs, I think the team can afford to get
by with a young quarterback.
That’s why the Bucs should not exercise their $4 million option on Dilfer. What
they should do is try to bring him back for less money as a backup.
But the problem with that is that some teams may consider signing Dilfer to be their
starter. It may sound crazy now, but if you’re familiar with the Buccaneers’
history, then you’re familiar with the Steve Youngs and Vinny Testaverdes of the
world who bolted Tampa and eventually became stud quarterbacks. If they could do it, why
not Dilfer?
Thus, the Bucs should try to keep him at a reasonable cost. And playing King would not
signal a youth movement. The nucleus of the defense will be intact next season, and if
they can somehow improve their WR corps, the Bucs should remain competitive in the tightly
contested NFC Central.
I’d just make darn sure that I find a veteran backup for the kid.
New Orleans Saints — About a month ago, a certain former Steelers
quarterback was running the scout team for his current employer. He was operating the
offense so smoothly, so confidently, that he was actually laughing. The coordinator of the
defense he was facing even went so far as to say that if tape of that practice session
made its way around the league, the quarterback would be starting for someone next season.
That quarterback was Neil O’Donnell, and he’s itching for a starting job.
Talk about second chances: The Saints dropped the ball in the offseason by not signing
O’Donnell and instead allowing the Titans to nab him and let him sit on the bench for
much of the season. While he did a great job in place of an injured Steve McNair, I
can’t help but think how perfect O’Donnell would have been for the Saints.
He’s the anti-Billy Joe — both of them. O’Donnell makes few mistakes,
operates within the offense, knows his limits and can make some plays. With a healthy
Ricky Williams, Mike Ditka would have himself a pretty nice offense. So go get him, coach.
Considering that your college-scouting department basically will have the year off, you
can concentrate on signing this stable, savvy veteran signalcaller. What do you have to
lose?
Pittsburgh Steelers — I hate to state the obvious, but this team
isn’t going to compete for an AFC Central title for a few years. That’s why the
Steelers should sign whichever Bears quarterback does not return next season, either Shane
Matthews or Jim Miller. Both would be willing and able to hold the fort while the team
rebuilds Kordell Stewart in a backup role. Pittsburgh has invested too much time and money
to give up on Stewart — at least for one more year.
San Francisco 49ers — Pray for Steve Young to return. Otherwise,
they’re looking at drafting a rookie, and after Redman, there are a lot of question
marks. Even Marshall’s much-heralded Chad Pennington is a question mark in my eyes.
I guess I don’t have the answers for everything, huh? |
