Is BJ Raji Worth $8 Million/yr?

BJ Raji has been offered an $8 Million/year, multi-year contract from the Packers, according to an article by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. McGinn writes that the offer has been on the table for "several months," which puts the time frame close to the marquee signings of both Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers.

The news comes as a bit of a shock to those who thought the Packers were simply letting Raji show his meddle in the final year of his current contract.

Consider me part of this group.

In a league where the franchise tag price of a DT is around $8 Million/year, BJ Raji has failed to measure up to even average performers at the position. A 3-4 nose tackle playing mostly defensive end, Raji has not recorded a sack since November of 2011. Please re-read the previous sentence slowly.


There is an argument to be made that the defensive line in a 3-4 scheme is less sack-focused than say, the outside linebackers. But the big man has had success getting to the quarterback in previous seasons. He recorded 6.5 sacks in 2010, and 3 the following year. But in a "what have you done for me lately" league, Raji has 0 sacks and just 12 tackles this year while taking 85-90% of all defensive snaps.

The Competition

How does Raji stack up against other defensive tackles? While comparisons can be rendered somewhat moot by differences in scheme, Raji has been among the worst statistical performers this year at DT, according to a Rotoworld.com metric which aggregates tackles, sacks, interceptions, and fumbles. (pictured below)

Horizontal axis is each game this season. Vertical is rank. Courtesy of Rotoworld.com

With the above stats in mind, it's interesting to me that Raji's camp has refused the Packers contract offer multiple times. The team's offer is fair/high market value for a player who, lately, seems to be more of a local folk hero than a statistical contributor. The Packers still have the option to slap the franchise tag on Raji, effectively equaling their current offer but for just one season. If BJ Raji is hoping for a more favorable contract elsewhere, he may be playing his way to a disappointing offseason. 

Sharp Cheddar 11.19.13

We offer up a prayer to the football gods, asking for forgiveness for whatever it is that Packers fans did to anger them so.



Editor's note: I have to eat my words. Bill Murray was not in Operation Dumbo Drop. How I confuse Bill Murray and Ray Liotta is beyond me. I apologize.

NFL: No Fumble League, Packers Release Ross

Jeremy Ross dropped a KR, and the team dropped him. Photo credit: Bengals.com

It is said that NFL stands for "not for long." As in, time is short and moves quickly. For the purposes of this article, and with tongue firmly in cheek, we'll say instead that NFL stands for "no fumble league." Kick returner and fifth wheel wide receiver, Jeremy Ross, was released by the Packers on Monday. Ross showed potential last season as a dynamic return man. But a few muffed returns (including a turnover Sunday that would ultimately put Cincinnati up 14-0) and some generally poor decision-making with the football in his last four or five games was all it took. Ross was cut less than 24 hrs after Sunday's game. It's a cold business.

Now the team must decide how to fill the available roster spot. Mid-season cuts aren't always 100% on the player. It's likely the equation was some part Ross' miscues, and some part a need elsewhere on the team. With the bye week upon them, the Packers will need to wait-and-see if they'll have a full stable of healthy running backs come week five. If not, perhaps the slot goes to a running back. If the backfield is healthy, perhaps the secondary could use some competition. And who will field kicks? These questions will all play out in the coming bye week. Within the front office, the Packers move quietly, decisively, methodically—Always with a method to their blandness.

Also filed recently to Daily Dope Sheet:
 

9.24.13 Dinked and Dunked to Death: Packers Fall to Bengals 34-30 

9.21.13 Sharp Cheddar Podcast

Packers Humbled in Opener, Lose 34-28

The visiting Packers were again humbled by the home-team Niners to open the season—a highly touted rematch of last year's playoff rout. With a final score of 43-28, this latter contest was much more competitive than the prior, but San Francisco continues to be the Achilles heel on an otherwise formidable Green Bay football team. I had the pleasure of watching this game at the abode of some Niner fan friends. Wait—let me rephrase. My viewing experience was less than optimal. Here are some quick takeaways.

Photo credit: 49ers.com

Eddie Lately: The Packers seemed poised to unveil a new balanced attack on the back of rookie rusher Eddie Lacy. But those who expected great things from the get were foolish to ignore San Francisco's epic run defense. With a stingy defensive front lead by Smith & Smith (that's Justin at DT and Aldon at LB), not to mention LB's Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis just to name a few, it was another long day for the Packers offensive backfield.

Lacy ended the day with 14 carries for 41 yards (a mere 2.9 YPC average), but did score on a goal line leaper—a game highlight for the young back. On the flip side, Lacy's lowlight came in the second quarter when LB Navorro Bowman dislodged the ball from the rookie's grip, forcing a fumble that lead directly to a Niners touchdown. The Packers had chances to make up for that, but it was ultimately the difference in the game.

Fans would be remiss to bemoan Lacy so soon, though. When it all shakes out, the 49ers will finish the season with a top three run defense, and the Packers will not face such a threat for the entire balance of the season.

Photo credit: 49ers.com

Second Thought Secondary: Simply put, the Packers need
Casey Hayward and Morgan Burnett. With the defensive line and linebackers wholly occupied with containing Colin Kaepernick, the secondary minus the two starters was routinely exploited in the middle of the field. New Niners weapon Anquan Boldin may be slow, but he caught everything thrown his way, bowling forward with a kinetic energy that left the secondary constantly on their heels. Such is the threat of Boldin, a giant body with great hands who is constantly moving forward.

Notably smoked in this contest were safeties M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian, who just could not keep tabs on San Francisco's wideouts for as long as QB Colin Kaepernick tends to linger with the ball in his hand.

Photo Credit: Packers.com

Jolly's Return a Spark: With most fans focusing on a new-look Packers rushing attack, it's worth noting that the return of DL Johnny Jolly appeared to give the team something they've lacked in his three year absence: attitude and a consistent pass rush. Green Bay twice wrangled the nimble Kaepernick for sacks, no small feet when you consider the strength and competency of San Francisco's offensive line, not to mention Kaepernick's incredible elusiveness. Jolly himself was credited with one of the two sacks, corralling the gazelle-like quarterback out of bounds for a loss.

The imposing defenseman could be seen many times on the sidelines firing up the squad for the occasion, including the frequently exploited young safeties.