Fries and Ketchup: Dynamite, Chewbacca, and the Raiders

The weekly column where we and mention anything we missed in the last week (or longer). It's a lot like those moments when you're out of ketchup, at a fine fast food restaurant, but lack the energy to go and get more; so you scrape away at the dregs on your hamburger wrapper, until all you can see is silver aluminum foil. It's classy, yet unrefined.

Richard and the Raiders:
Earlier this week the Raiders traded a 2011 first round pick to the Patriots for defensive lineman Richard Seymour. Throughout the preseason and much of the previous six seasons, the Oakland Raiders were continually gutted by the run. This addition would instantly improve their chances at fixing the problem and, therefore, raises there chances at being competitive. I say would because Seymour still hasn't arrived at Raiders facilities to take part in a physical, and until he does, the trade is not complete. If the Raiders get tired of waiting for him to show, they could then move to void the trade.

Yesterday, ESPN reported that Seymour was sent a letter notifying him that he has five days to report or he risks losing his $3.6 million salary by being suspended for the year. The trouble of this report is that the Raiders say they haven't sent him a letter and it's all a misunderstanding. From my time spent on the intranets, I have found that the Raiders are trying to negotiate a long-term deal with the 5 time Pro-Bowler, whose current contract expires at the end of the season. So it looks like he will be in Oakland at some point, just don't expect him to play against San Diego on Monday.

As for my thoughts on the trade, I like it but don't love it. Why trade for him, unless you already have him signed? You are taking a huge risk, on the assumption that the guy would want to play in Oakland. If he doesn't sign or show and the NFL doesn't void the trade, you have wasted a first round pick on nothing while also making one of the richest franchises that much richer. However, if they ever manage to get him in uniform, he will be a definite upgrade to a talented yet undisciplined defense. At the same time, the Raiders are showing that they are actually dedicated to fixing their problems, instead of increasing them. And lastly, Seymour would be moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Giving him less gap responsibilities, which could mean less work for him to achieve the same production levels. So essentially a great player could get even better, but who am I kidding? This is the Raiders we're talking about. There is no way this works out in their favor.

Update: Seymour is coming to Oakland and will play on Monday night.

Required Reading:

• Teach and myself made our first ever guest appearance over at the indie rock and lit site, Deckfight, where we tried to envision what college football would be like with an Indie touch.
• KD of Ball Don't Lie has a breakdown on why David Robinson was so great, despite his teams' lack of style.
• Have you ever read an article on a topic you care nothing about, yet it still left you with a driving urge to force a spork into the nasal cavities of the columnist? You haven't? Well read this, and you will understand exactly what it feels like.
• So, Mr. Barkevious Mingo, you think you have an awesome name? Well think again, meet Mr. MacGyver Chewbacca Highlander.

I Can't Wait:
to see Black Dynamite. If you have watched the trailer before, you obviously understand. If you haven't, click play.