Porter Ready For Fresh Start

[Stanny]

WR Porter ready for new start in Oakland

NFL.com wire reports



ALAMEDA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2007) -- Jerry Porter is ready for a new start with the Oakland Raiders.

After a difficult 2006 season when he clashed with coach Art Shell and rarely got on the field, Porter announced he is changing his uniform number from 84 to 81 in order to put last season behind him and get off on the right foot with new coach Lane Kiffin.

"For me the new number represents a new start, a new beginning and new attitude," he said in a statement released by the team. "I've had multiple meetings with Coach Kiffin and I am very excited about the direction of our team and especially our offense. I can't wait to get started."

Porter had a run-in with Shell over offseason workout plans soon after the coach was hired last February. The receiver also made public a trade demand at the start of training camp. Porter was inactive the first four games of the season and then suspended for insubordination.

The suspension was cut from four games to two games after an appeal, but Porter played only sparingly after that, finishing the season with only one catch.

Even though Shell was fired at the conclusion of a 2-14 season, it was uncertain whether Porter would want to return to Oakland or the Raiders wanted him back next season. This is an indication Porter will be an integral part of the team in 2007.

Still up in the air is what the team will do with its other star receiver, Randy Moss, who also complained about Shell's coaching style. Moss, who had career lows with 42 catches for 553 yards and three touchdowns, said last season he might be better off with another team.

The Raiders now might be more willing to try to trade Moss, knowing they have Porter in the fold. Porter led the team in receptions in 2004 and '05 with 140 catches for 1,940 yards and 14 touchdowns over the two seasons.

With little production from Porter and Moss last season, the Raiders scored the fifth-fewest points ever in a 16-game season (168). Ronald Curry led the team in receiving with 62 catches for 727 yards and one touchdown.


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

 

[massraider]

All's forgiven Jerry!! Make it happen.


(Get injured, though, and I'm making a voodoo doll)

 

[Stanny]

All's forgiven Jerry!! Make it happen.


(Get injured, though, and I'm making a voodoo doll)

You think Tim Brown picks up the paper, reads that his number is going to be worn by Porter and then just pukes in the Cherio bowl?

 

[raiderfreak7]

I'm glad that Jerry seems to have a good attitude going into his offseason training, but I'm curious to see what some of the quotes will be when the preseason is coming to a conclusion.

 

[TheNextStep]

Good job, Jerry, of making a statement like that. After the clusterfuck that was last year (and the well-publicized problems that involved you), I think making a public statement like that is the right thing to do. Let everyone know that last year is just that... and it is "go time" from here on out.

And, by the way, good job Coach Kiffin!

 

[Byron2112]

Great for Jerry, but I think this says alot about Coach K's energy and enthusiasm, and ability to make Poopy a believer.

 

[Ghost To The Post]

I'm very optimistic upon hearing this news. Porter will have a solid season, I believe, even if it is solely self-serving. He may play great, void his contract and sign a huge FA deal elsewhere. The Raiders get solid play this year and FA compensation in 2008. Win-Win. He may enjoy the "new" Raiders and decide to stay. Win-Win. Porter is a very emotional (childish) player and if he is properly placated could return dividends.

The Raiders will also get an NFL caliber player in the offensive line-up without sacrificing an early draft pick. That pick (#33) shouild net a quality young player to shore up the O-Line, backfield or TE. It may even be quality defensive starter.

 

[raider60]

It's hard not to like how things have been going during the off season, but then, things were looking good last season too. The death knell began when Shell traded Gabriel. Let's hope the continuity with Lane continues--

 

[Whistle]

Glad to hear this..

But man, #81!! I know we don't "retire" numbers, but that's some BIG shoes to fill. Why not 80? Does he see himself as the next Brown? If so, he better stretch for passes, and quit short arming that shit!!!

All said and done, hope he is really on board, and willing to do what it takes..

Leaves us with 1 less headache this offseason.

 

[hawaiianboy]

You think Tim Brown picks up the paper, reads that his number is going to be worn by Porter and then just pukes in the Cherio bowl?

I think Timmah picks up the paper, puts it down to look at himself in the mirror, tells himself how great he is, picks up the paper, looks at himself in the mirror, tells himself how great he is, picks up the paper, looks at himself in the mirror, tells himself how great he is...


There are no sacred cows as far as uniform numbers go when it comes to the Raiders, but I have to admit a perverse pleasure if this does indeed give Timmah a case of the redass... If Tim Brown can proclaim himself Mr. Raider knowing that the man of 200 operations Jim Otto wears that particular crown, I have no problem with Porter claiming something that "is" Timmahs...

 

[Whistle]

I think Timmah picks up the paper, puts it down to look at himself in the mirror, tells himself how great he is, picks up the paper, looks at himself in the mirror, tells himself how great he is, picks up the paper, looks at himself in the mirror, tells himself how great he is...


There are no sacred cows as far as uniform numbers go when it comes to the Raiders, but I have to admit a perverse pleasure if this does indeed give Timmah a case of the redass... If Tim Brown can proclaim himself Mr. Raider knowing that the man of 200 operations Jim Otto wears that particular crown, I have no problem with Porter claiming something that "is" Timmahs...

Alright. I am not throwing my hat into the ring. Yet.

But WHO is "Mr. Raider" ?

Otto or Brown?

 

[jake75]

no problem

I don't have a problem with Porter wearing T.Brown's number.

Gallery wearing Wiz's 76 is not sitting to well with me though.

 

[raider60]

I don't have a problem with Porter wearing T.Brown's number.

Gallery wearing Wiz's 76 is not sitting to well with me though.

Gallery, for all of his problems, has never denounced the Raiders publicly. He hasn't cussed out the head coach, and hasn't disrespected the organization by wearing daily a shirt that portrayed an uplifted middle finger. While on the one hand I'm glad Porter has decided to come on board as a Raider, I will reserve judgement until the next off season. Timmy played with pride. Thus far, Porter has merely played--

 

[SoCalRaider]

Gallery, for all of his problems, has never denounced the Raiders publicly. He hasn't cussed out the head coach, and hasn't disrespected the organization

I hope this kind of behavior is not looked down upon... because I've been doing this kind of shit on a daily basis for years.




I've pretty much given the entire roster (except for that fat ass L.Jordan and the Bo Jackson jersey that he pirated) a free pass based on the coaching fiasco. Porter's shown that he's one of the premier #2 receivers in the league when he's allowed to play. Moss has probably lost a step, but is still the 2nd best wideout in the division (behind Curry) when he has something to play for.... L.Jordan flat out blows.

 

[Turo]

I would disagree that Jordan flat out blows.. I think he could have been a solid back for us but he was absolutely not built for the bullshit blocking scheme we had in place last year. A year prior he had 1500 yards from scrimmage, and THAT was on a shitty team. Now, with a blown knee, he's not going to be useful until the 2008 season and is costing way too much money in the meanwhile. He's got to go. Life's a bitch, sometimes.