Wednesday the Miami Heat won their series with the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. They did it with the current NBA ‘Big Three’ comprised of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. That ‘Big Three’ formula has proven to be successful in the NBA, but what about the NFL? Do the Raiders have a ‘Big Three’ who can take them to the promised land?
The interesting thing about the Miami Heat beating the Celtics in the playoffs is the Celtics were the last team to use the term ‘Big Three’. In regards to the Celtics, the Three were Paul Pierce along with the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
Having three superstars has proven to be a potent formula in a sport that utilizes just five starters. In football, the three stars may not be as dominant due to there being a total of 22 starters (24 if you count the punter and kicker). But football, like basketball, requires a few game breakers mixed with solid role players.
Most successful NFL teams have a handful of superstars and a whole lot of solid players who do their jobs well in the system put in place.
The Raiders are a team that is, for the first time in nearly a decade, on the edge of doing great things. Last season they had some players step up and take them to the next level. Sure, that level was just .500 football while just missing the playoffs, but it was the next level. To take this team even higher, several players must step up and be the Big Three this team needs on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start off by giving the kicker and punter their dues. The Raiders have two of the best in football in K Sebastian Janikowski and P Shane Lechler. The latter of the two is arguably the best ever. But regardless of how great either of them are, punters and kickers are role players. For most teams, they are an afterthought. But as good as they are, I thought it necessary that they get a mention despite the fact that they can’t be considered in the Big Three conversation. Now, moving on.
Here are those players on offense who could be the Big Three the Raiders need:
Darren McFadden – He took the reins last season and broke out for over 1000 yards rushing and over 500 yards receiving, becoming the first Raider to achieve that feat since Marcus Allen in 1986. The Raiders will need a similar performance from him in 2011 if they hope to build on last year’s improvement.
Zach Miller – Zach has been the Raiders’ best receiver since he entered the league four seasons ago. He made his first Pro Bowl last season after an injury to Antonio Gates punched Miller’s ticket as first alternate. His reliability each season has been the constant that this team needs to continue to improve around him.
Jason Campbell – Prior to coming to the Raiders, Campbell had improved his numbers across the board each season he was in the NFL. And he did it despite having a different offensive coordinator every season as far back as college. With Hue Jackson calling the plays next season, it will be the most continuity Campbell has ever had in his NFL career. If he can continue to improve upon his solid second half from last season, he will pull this team up with him.
Role players:
Jacoby Ford – If he can continue to make the tough catches on offense, the comparisons to Steve Smith can be verified. He has the speed and hands to be the Cliff Branch type receiver for whom Al Davis has been searching over the last 25-plus years. He is already the caliber of kick returner that Tim Brown was. If he can live up to those lofty comparisons, Ford will be more than a role player. But for now, he just needs to be a reliable set of hands on a receiving corps that has been known for unreliability the past few years.
Jared Veldheer – He won the starting left tackle job last year simply because the alternative was much worse. He got a pass because Tom Cable screwed up his development by trying him at center. Now, with over a half season starting as well as (what we hope is) an entire preseason as the Raiders’ new left tackle, Veldheer will need to prove he belongs. If he can give Campbell time in the pocket, his role will be complete.
Stefen Wisniewski – Being dubbed the next great Raider center immediately upon being drafted is a big responsibility. He will be the first player handed the ball at camp and be expected to keep it for a long time. He knows the short list of longtime great Raider centers very well. The first 35 years of Raider football knew just three names at center: Jim Otto, Dave Dalby, and Don Mosebar. That is a role the Raiders need him to fill like few others.
Here are the Big Three on defense:
Richard Seymour – The outspoken leader of this team. He came over from a winning atmosphere in New England and has forced that attitude on his teammates in Oakland. It was just what this team needed. The Patriots didn’t think he was in their Big Three any more, so instead of offering him a contract extension, they traded him. Last year, he showed them they made a mistake by reaching his first Pro Bowl since 2006. The switch to defensive tackle turned out to be just what Seymour needed to prolong his career. He has a few good years left in him and the Raiders will need him to be at his Pro Bowl best as long as humanly possible.
Kamerion Wimbley – Another offseason acquisition, Wimbley came out swinging for the Raiders, showing his pass rushing prowess. At the same time, he showed that he was the answer to their longtime prayers at strong side linebacker. His combination of run protection, pass coverage, and edge rushing is matched by few others in the NFL. With improved play by his linebacker teammates, he will be freed up more and make a Pro Bowl run.
Matt Shaughnessy – A relentless, powerful force on the line. Shaughnessy had a breakout season last year. He wasn’t the starter for the first half of the season but he made so many plays, you would have thought he was. After an injury to Trevor Scott gave him the starting job outright, there is no way he is letting it go now.
Role players:
Rolando McClain – It may seem weird to think of the middle linebacker as a role player but he will not be relied upon to be flashy, just solid. If McClain can be disciplined and smart, he will put his teammates in position to make big plays. He must also maintain his gap assignments to prevent backs from squirting through the line into the secondary.
Lamarr Houston – He outplayed his mid second round draft position in the latter half of last season, doubling his tackle numbers while getting some key sacks and pressures. He need only continue to play at that level and that will funnel runners to the inside or force them to take the long way around the outside.
Tommy Kelly – Had one of his best seasons last year. Many people credit his linemate Richard Seymour for Kelly’s improved play. In the “you are only as strong as your weakest link” school of thought, that is probably true. He will have the same recipe for success he did last season so there is reason to expect similar results.
Tyvon Branch/Mike Mitchell – After a breakout season in 2009, Branch took a step back last season. If the coaching staff can figure out what had him playing so well two seasons ago, he can rebound. If not then Mike Mitchell will have to step in and live up to his round two draft status. Either way, one of these two must step up and be the strong safety the Raiders need.
Stanford Routt – He showed flashes of brilliance last season. But often he had serious lapses in coverage. The Raiders will absolutely need him to limit the big plays. If the pass rush is as good or better than last season, he won’t have to cover his man too long.
(This list was made under the assumption that Nnamdi Asomugha will not be returning. I am not saying he won’t return, but keep that in mind when wondering why he isn’t listed here.)
So the answer to the question of whether the Raiders have a Big Three is… potentially.
All of these players have either proven they can be the superstars the Raiders need to get the team back to the top of the football world. Richard Seymour is that savvy veteran presence acquired to steady the ship. Darren McFadden, Zach Miller, and Matt Shaughnessy are the home grown talent who either came into his own or finally got the recognition he deserves. Kamerion Wimbley is the high motor, high character infusion that fills a vital need. And Jason Campbell is the new field general with a full season under his belt with his new team.
With the role players surrounding them, the pieces are all in place. If only it were as easy as just picking up the biggest free agents like it is in basketball. No wonder football is so much more interesting.
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