T.O. And the RAIDERS? A Match Made In Heaven

OAKLAND, CA 03--05-'09 8:02 AM PST

Terrell Owens and the Oakland Raiders? Makes too much sense. Will it happen? We'll, duh! The now ex-Cowboy is looking for employment, and the Silver and Black need a star wide receiver to compliment their young, #1-drafted QB, JeMarcus Russell. Al Davis? Hello.

Put aside all your million "this guy is nuts" stories and gather in the fact that Owens, even at 35, is still one of the premier wide-outs in the NFL. In fact, he has the second-most receiving touchdowns in league history! Am I missing something here?

So, yes, Owens is controversial. Talks alot. Has a tendency to want to 'hog the ball. Supposedly, he had a near fist fight with teammate Jason Whitten. Questioned the Cowboy's OC for the playbook regimen. OK, so he's a bit aloof and wants the ball. Fine. Get his butt to Oakland as soon as possible. Like, oh, today, Mr. Davis.

First and foremost, Owens can still make plays. Why WOULDN'T you make one of the greatest receivers in the game the cornerstone of your offense? I recall a few years ago the SF 49ers found a way to get Jerry Rice as many plays as possible; it's fairly obvious, or again, am I missing something here?

Owens tribulations supposedly center on his, we'll, self-centered- ness. I've got no problem with that--do you? He's in phenomenal shape, can still make the play and is a bona-fide game breaker. The Raiders need a player like that. Money? I'm sure Mr. Davis and his cap folks can figure out a way to accommodate T.O. And unlike Randy Moss, Owens "give-it-all" mojo ON the field has never been questioned. Jerry Rice said recently that Owens dedication reminded him of a fellow great receiver from the past. Him. We'll, Rice didn't exactly say it that way, but put two and two together. Bingo.

Imagine T.O. in the Silver and Black formation with Russell as his anchor. And again, it's not like the Raiders couldn't use his immense talent prowess. I mean, this guy has a bevy of NFL records and has the ability to change the dynamics of a game. I don't care about his theatrics. He's never been in trouble off the field like many of his NFL counterpoints. So, yes, he had issues with Donovan McNabb and has been known to mix it up with certain players and assorted offensive coordinators. So he isn't a boy scout. Who is? Get his ass to Oakland.

The Raiders are notorious for bringing in 'checkered characters: Ted Hendricks. The late Lyle Alzado and John Matuzak. I believe Kenny Stabler once was 86ed from an Oakland bar and the next day proceeded to throw four touchdown passes in a game against the then-Houston Oilers.
Stuff happens.

The AFC West is suddenly wide-open. There's tension in Denver with the new coach and his QB, Jay Cutler. KC has a new stud QB, but the Chiefs still look defeated. San Diego is talented, but their's friction within the organization about the impending fate of Ladainian Tomlinson. The Raiders suddenly look positively "normal" given the state of their western neighbors.

What's to lose? Al Davis may be cranky; hell, I don't know how to gage the senior owner in the NFL. Who could? I do know that he has a knack and want for the desire to WIN. He could do worse. Would he take on Owens? I hope so. Is Tom Cable's offensive scheme compatible to T.O.'s desire to be the centerpiece of the playbook? Hope so. And why not?

Terrell Owens is not the gridiron nirvana of the Silver and Black; I don't think he alone would necessarily make the Raiders destined for Miami in February, 2010, but in the NFL, who the hell knows? He can't hurt. He's still a formidable, immensely talented athlete, and the Raiders need that element on their team.

Get his butt to Oakland today.