AT ISSUE
Time to part ways
What: Jerry Porter’s ugly situation with the Oakland Raiders
Background: Porter and new Oakland coach Art Shell got into an argument in the offseason, and Shell kicked him out of his office. Porter asked for a trade in July, and the Raiders demanded two first-round draft picks in return. There has been no interest, even though the word is the Raiders will now take one first-rounder for Porter. Shell, trying to make a point,
gave Porter, one of the team’s most talented players, little work. Things got weird Monday night when Shell deactivated a healthy Porter before the Raiders’ embarrassing 27-0 home loss to San Diego. According to reports, Porter was seen laughing and pumping his fists after Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks was sacked. Porter denied that, saying he was interacting with a fan and wasn’t even paying attention to the game.
Williamson’s take: It’s time to pull the plug. Despite giving Porter a healthy contract before the 2005 season, Oakland may have to take a mid-round pick for Porter or simply cut him. Shell believes he can go on without the gifted receiver, despite Oakland’s horrendous offense. The situation is too far gone. Porter has to go.
THE HOT SEAT
Pressure on Plummer
Who: Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer
When: Today at Invesco Field at Mile High against the Kansas City Chiefs
Why: Plummer put himself on the hot seat when he committed four of the Broncos’ five turnovers in their 18-10 loss at St. Louis last Sunday. Plummer threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Counting the AFC title game against Pittsburgh, Plummer has committed eight turnovers in his past two games. Fans have noticed. Don’t expect the home crowd to have much patience with Plummer, thanks to the presence of rookie Jay Cutler. The former Vanderbilt star shined in the preseason and clearly is the Broncos’ quarterback of the future. Fans will want the future to begin soon if Plummer, in his fourth season with the Broncos, struggles again.
ROOKIE WATCH
Texans’ man in middle
Who: Houston Texans middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans
When: Today at Indianapolis
Why: Ryans was one of the stars of Week 1. The second-round pick had 13 tackles (12 unassisted) for coach Gary Kubiak in a home loss to Philadelphia. The No. 33 overall pick from Alabama overshadowed the No. 1 overall pick, defensive end Mario Williams. It will be interesting to see how Ryans handles working against Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, but Ryans had no problem competing against the Eagles’ Donovan McNabb. Every great team has a great middle linebacker. Kubiak will enjoy this player for years to come.
