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Thursday, February 12, 2004
Coleman opts out of contract with Raiders

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1733549

For the second time this week, an Oakland Raider has opted to void the remainder of his contract and become eligible for unrestricted free agency.


ESPN.com has learned that Rod Coleman, a five-year veteran defensive tackle who will generate considerable attention in free agency, has negated the final two seasons of his deal. Earlier this week, ESPN.com's John Clayton reported that tailback Charlie Garner opted out of the 2004 segment of his contract to be able to enter the unrestricted pool once free agency officially begins on March 3.

A former East Carolina star, Coleman figures to be a coveted player once the free-agent signing period begins. The defensive tackle position is traditionally one of the toughest for all teams to fill and Coleman has a rare quality -- the proven ability to rush the passer from the interior -- that will earn him attention.


Despite starting only two games in 2002, Coleman led all NFL defensive tackles with 11 sacks. He fell off to 5½ in 2003, in part because he played hurt for much of the year, and because the injuries to other Raiders defensive linemen. But over the last four years, Coleman has averaged seven sacks per season and, even with a dropoff in sacks in 2003, he still posted a career-best 52 tackles.



Height: 6-2
Weight: 285 lbs.
Pos: Defensive Tackle





[Edited on 2/12/2004 by iceshack149]

[Edited on 2/12/2004 by iceshack149]

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Quick! Someone call Hazlett and tell him the news. :P

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Is Rod Coleman better than Robaire Smith?

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Looks like another 1-gapper.
We got 1-gappers out da yang.
We need some meat up the middle.

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My thoughts exactly. Guy sounds like Sullivan and Smith. We need a Washington. ;)

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I wondered about that in earlier posts from you, Danno. I understand most things about Football but the one gap and two gap I guess.
Is the two gap a strong fatboy and the one gap a svelt fatty with speed? Where do they line up usually?
I guess if anyone can explain it I\'d appreciate it.

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1 gapper-lines up between the gap of 2 players, usually a guard and center or to guard and tackle. He explodes through the hole.
1-gappers are generally quick as a cat for a big man and rush the passer well.

2-gappers line up over a player, usually a center and is responsible for the gaps on both side of the player they are lined up over.
2-gappers are generally better run stuffers because they read the play and stuff whichever gap the RB decides to take. They are typically bigger than the 1-gappers, but not as fast or explosive.
They don\'t ring up the huge stats because a good 2-gapper just fills the gaps and lets the linebackers jack up the runner. They are truly underappreciated, fat, and ugly. But its the most beautiful player on the planet if you\'re a MLB.

Oh BTW: I did read recently that several teams still play the run quite sucessfully with two 1-gapper types manning the middle, but your LB\'s have to be fast and instinctive.

[Edited on 12/2/2004 by Danno]

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Thanks, Danno. Great explanation.

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So what two-gappers are available in FA this offseason?

Cornelius Griffen (NYGiants) is 6\'3\", 300 lbs. Is he a two-gapper?

We\'d be wasting our time to go after another one-gapper, right? Especially since we don\'t have the kind of linebackers gator was talking about?

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Maybe. Our D-line is shaping up to be pretty fast, athletic, and physical. Grant and Howard are studs, Sully looks to be coming into his own, and Whitehead is a man-child and can play any position along the line. If we pick up a beast at MLB and Cie Grant can be the star that the Saints think he can be at the OLB position, then a one-gapper who can play the run and rush the passer with equal ability seems OK to me. That\'s assuming we\'ve got decent LBs and Tebucky or Mel Mitchell can come up and do more than just lay wood, but actually wrap up and make a tackle.