I like picking on the Raiders, but in all seriousness, this was probably a win-win situation. Sounds like Burgess was on the way out anyway, disgruntled, Ellis took his spot. At least they got something for him, but I wish they could have sent him somewhere else. He does sound like the kind of player that will thrive in a different environment.
First of all, the 2011 story is erroneous. According to David White of the San Francisco Chronicle it's a 3rd and a 5th in 2010. Secondly, Burgess is over 30, injury prone, and averaged just under 6 sacks a year the last 2 seasons after averaging 13.5 sacks a season his first 2 years. Wouldn't shock me if he plays some inspired ball this year but I don't feel the Raiders got jobbed on this trade at all, especially given the fact that they made Burgess somewhat expendable by acquiring Ellis last month...
From the eyes of a fan during pre-season, this team looks every bit as good if not better than the '07 squad.
This is from Schefter on twitter: I'm told Raiders got more than a third- and fourth-round pick, though nothing confirmed yet. Remember, Pats were scheduled to have 3 2's.about 4 hours ago from web
Unfortunately, yes. The only thing I'm hopeful of is that everyone's high expectations get to them. It always seems the Superbowl favorite never wins it. At least the Jets are predicted to be around .500. Kinda of takes the pressure off. As long as we don't finish 4-12........... At first glance, I thought you were referring to the Raiders in a cruel, yet hilarious joke. They do look every bit as good at that glorious 4-12 season.
Burgess fills a void at OLB and will also be used as a DE in the 4-3. Pats traded out for extra picks in 2010's draft last April so this won't affect next year's draft strategy. Burgess is only 31 and could rejuvenate his career with a solid Pats team. I read somewhere that they only expect 6-7 sacks out of him. Pressure is almost as good as a sack and will help out the DB's. Playing opposite a healthy Adalius Thomas will cause a few headaches for the opposing offense. BB is just looking at his team's weaknesses and addressing them. Maybe that's why he is one of the best.
The sad part about this is that personnel-wise, I think our D matches up great against New England's offense, better than any team in the division. But our offense is going to be a big weakness against the Patriots.
A 3rd and a 4th is not bad for a player that wasn't gonna play for them this year anyway. The 4th does become a 5th if the Pats acquire a 5th before the draft. I think the Pats felt they needed to address the one big weakness they had, and were willing to give up two picks.... of course the 3 2nd rounders they already have.... How long before Davis accuses the Pats of tampering? He'll wait until he fires the coach this year and he'll ramble on aboutit for awhile...
Because of the lack of depth at LB, I think the Pats will line up in a 4-3 on passing down alot more...
its a good addition for sure. im sure he'll ressurect his career here and dominate for years to come.
After the ridiculous Randy Moss trade Burgess is probably going to be defensive player of the year. Al Davis should shoot himself in the face at this point. He probably owes Bob Kraft millions or something like that.
I'm not sold on this move unless the Patsies plan to run more 4-3 this year. Burgess has the right size for 3-4 OLB but as a 9 year vet who has never played LB before it could backfire. He could probably be a good standup rusher from the OLB but prolly not much more. Time will tell tho.
If Burgess takes the field,don't expect him to drop into coverage. BB knows he needs to pressure the QB in passing situations, something that has lacking recently.Derrick should help in that area.AD on the opposite side makes a nice tandem.He'll rotate with Woods,TBC,Crable and (Ninkovich?) Still have no idea how the LB corps will perform this year.Starters look solid, but no proven high quality backups.
