The Biggest Loser

By Greg Wiley

Sunday was filled with a number of winners and losers in the NFL.

Among the positive outcomes, Kansas City snuck into the playoffs, Philadelphia wrapped up the NFC East before even taking the field and the New York Jets made the playoffs. Also, San Diego secured the top spot in the AFC, Brett Favre had a successful departure from the NFL, beating the Bears in Chicago, and the Steelers ruined the Bengals' playoff hopes in what looks like Bill Cowher's final game as head coach.

On the flip side, Denver missed out on the playoffs due to an overtime loss to the 49ers. Chicago's quarterback concerns grew with Rex Grossman's struggles continuing and Vince Young's Cinderella run as a rookie QB came to an end with a loss in New England.

The one story line that caught my attention the most, however, was that the Oakland Raiders secured the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. The Raiders did this by losing to the Jets coupled with Detroit's improbable win over Dallas.

Why does this interest me? Well it likely means that Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn will be playing for the Raiders next season instead of in Detroit.

At first look, can you imagine a worse place to start your professional career right now than in Oakland? The two star wide receivers, Randy Moss and Jerry Porter, both sulked through the season, the offensive line is horrid and head coach Art Shell seems lost. There has not been any order in Oakland in years, as the inmates have been running that asylum for a long time.

Quinn probably deserves a better fate. Under the leadership of Fighting Irish head coach Charlie Weis, Quinn has lifted the Notre Dame program out of an era of darkness and back into the national spotlight. Over the last two seasons he has thrown for more than 7,100 yards with 67 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, all in an offense that is similar to that of the NFL.

Although, examining this more closely maybe Oakland is the best place for Quinn. The Raiders have a storied history, similar to that of Notre Dame, and if there is a player in this draft that has the personality to turn around the attitude of a franchise it just might be Quinn. He learned how to be a winner at Notre Dame and even took the losses in stride. This is a player you never heard complain or gripe. He has a great work ethic that appears to rub off on everyone he plays with and is smarter than the average NFL player.

Actually, Quinn is a lot smarter than the average NFL player. The four-year starter and two-year captain was set to graduate this December, completing his undergraduate work in 3 1/2 years, with dual degrees in political science and finance.

Now, Quinn can not do this single-handedly. Shell needs to rid himself of the troublemakers on this team right away. Trade Moss, release Porter, get rid of the under-achieving Aaron Brooks and hand the keys of the team to Quinn. He also needs to make some smart draft picks, get playmakers and keep the defense strong. Despite the Raiders' poor season, the defense wasn't that bad. It was just on the field longer than any other unit because of the ineptitude of the offense.

Lets hope the Raiders don't drop the ball on this decision. Drafting Quinn will be the best for this franchise. Get the quarterback of the future and build around him. Quinn has the ability and smarts to excel in the NFL. If Oakland wants to find a way out of the basement and into the elite of the NFL, the franchise has to start making better personnel decisions and Quinn is the start.

Besides, if Quinn got stuck in Detroit who knows what would happen. The Lions have ruined the careers of a number of top draft choices over recent history and until president Matt Millen is given his long deserved boot out the door, the Lions are going nowhere fast.