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Dennis Allen

AFC Mailbags: Jaguars, Ravens, Colts, Raiders

September 20th, 2014 at 11:14am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday, and that means a fresh batch of ESPN.com NFL mailbags. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the AFC…

  • The Jaguars have rookie Telvin Smith waiting in the wings, but Michael DiRocco thinks the team still needs an upgrade at linebacker.
  • Looking forward to next year’s draft, DiRocco opines that the Jaguars should focus on drafting a pass rusher. The writer suggests Randy Gregory (Nebraska), Shane Ray (Missouri), and Shilique Calhoun (Michigan State).
  • Even with wideout Steve Smith‘s presence, Jamison Hensley says it would be “shocking” if the Ravens don’t extend Torrey Smith.
  • Mike Wells would be surprised if the Colts signed defensive end Michael Sam from the Cowboys practice squad. To thrive in the team’s defense, the writer says that Sam would need to learn to play outside linebacker.
  • If the Raiders lose to the Patriots this weekend, coach Dennis Allen will certainly be feeling some pressure, writes Bill Williamson.

AFC West Notes: Justice, Williams, Raiders

September 17th, 2014 at 9:07pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s tonight’s look at the AFC West..

  • The Chiefs recently tried out offensive tackle Winston Justice and wide receiver Damian Williams, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Justice was in camp with the Broncos this offseason and worked out for the Cardinals last week. Williams, meanwhile, was with the Dolphins this offseason after four seasons with the Titans.
  • In today’s press conference, Raiders coach Dennis Allen refused to discuss his job security or lack thereof, writes Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News. When asked if he’s paying attention to the speculation, Allen responded, “What matters is getting ready for the New England Patriots. And that’s all I’m going to focus on.” When he was asked a follow-up question, Allen tersely answered, “Listen, I’m getting ready for the New England Patriots.”
  • Raiders owner Mark Davis has an idea for how domestic violence cases should be handled in the immediate aftermath, writes Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News. “In my mind, if somebody’s accused or arrested in a domestic-violence case, they should be suspended with pay,” Davis said. “I want to make sure it fits the legalities and with what the union wants, but I just think that’s the only thing that makes sense for us now.”

West Notes: Raiders, Allen, Chiefs

September 15th, 2014 at 6:31pm CST by Zachary Links

There’s a lot to like about the 49ers‘ new stadium, but the parking lot situation has fans grumbling, writes Al Saracevic of the San Francisco Chronicle. Fans took to Twitter in droves after waiting for hours in traffic and many were suddenly nostalgic for Candlestick Park. Of course, the 28-20 loss to the Bears didn’t have them in a great mood either. Here’s a look at some items out of the AFC and NFC West..

  • On ESPN earlier today, Chris Mortensen said that there is already talk of Raiders head coach Dennis Allen losing his job, tweets Evan Silva of Rotoworld. “I know a lot of people around the league are talking about it,” Mort said, according to Silva.
  • The problems go beyond the team starting 0-2, Marcus Thompson II of the Bay Area News Group writes, and he wonders aloud how much longer the coach has in Oakland. The Raiders were blown out 30-14 in their home opener and the follow-up against the Texans was even worse. The fans aren’t the only ones that are frustrated. “That’s embarrassing. I’m embarrassed for this team. I’m embarrassed for these fans. And the thing about it is, I’m part of it. I don’t know what we need to do as a team going forward. I know something is going to have to be done,” veteran Charles Woodson said.
  • The Chiefs are scheduled to work out former Ravens wide receiver LaQuan Williams and former Patriots tight end Justin Jones, league sources tell Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Williams, a University of Maryland product, was cut by the Ravens in preseason. Jones is a former East Carolina standout who was with the Patriots after going undrafted. At 6’7″ and 270 pounds, Jones is an intriguing talent.

Poll: Which Coach Will Be Fired First?

August 16th, 2014 at 10:00pm CST by Rob DiRe

Cowboys‘ head coach Jason Garrett has been on the hot seat for a while, with a myriad of 8-8 finishes on his coaching résumé. He has finished with eight wins in each of his three full seasons as the team’s coach, after going 5-3 taking over for Wade Phillips in 2010. Garrett’s odds of being the first coach fired are set at 2/1, according to Bovada Sportsbook.

However, Garrett is far from the only coach who should be worried about his job. Raiders‘ coach Dennis Allen (4/1 odds) has been given the organizational mandate to win some football games, despite being saddled with below average talent on the roster. General manager Reggie McKenzie might have to fire Allen in order to buy himself some time to improve the depth chart.

Dolphins‘ coach Joe Philbin (7/1), Bills‘ coach Doug Marrone (8/1), and Jaguars‘ coach Gus Bradley (12/1) have yet to take their teams to the playoffs, and their owners will only accept that for so long.

Jets‘ coach Rex Ryan (10/1), Bengals‘ coach Marvin Lewis (20/1), and Falcon’s coach Mike Smith (20/1) are all in danger of being fired if they miss the playoffs in 2014, following various levels of disappointment over the past few seasons. Panthers‘ coach Ron Rivera (20/1), who is coming off a 12-4 season, but is set to take a step back, is also a possibility if the season goes south early.