Raider Raza Awards 06

Even though it was a tough dissapointing season, several players stood out and were worthy of recognition for their efforts (or lack of efforts.)

Best Offensive Player- Ronald Curry

7^th round pick who after battling back from two serious Achilles injury in back to back years and despite starting the season number 4 on the depth chart and then only starting 4 games, emerged as our best and most reliable receiver and excelled with sure hands, crisp routes, and clutch. Led the league in 3^rd down conversions for 1^st downs and made several spectacular catches. Reminded me of a T.Brown (but with better hands) because he doesn’t have blazing speed, but makes up for it by breaking down coverage, running crisp routes, being in the right place and avoiding big hits..

Runner Up-Fargas

Even though undersized and regarded as a speed back, Fargas played more like a big back as he bullied, punished, scratched, crawled and fought for every inch of every yard. He played with heart and determination behind a poor line..

Best Defensive Player-Derrick Burgess

Although regarded as a pass rusher during an interview (and on the field) he made it known that he takes pride in his run stopping. He is a threat to sack the Qb on nearly every pass attempt and even batted down a ball for Sands to intercept and caused some fumbles. He leads by example.

Runner Up-Nnamdi Asomogha

Stepped it up by working with R.Woodson and Ronnie Lott in the off-season, studying film and staying after practice to work on his hands. The resulta prolific cover corner getting 7 INTS, despite playing man which makes it harder to be in the right place for INTs..

Runner Up-Home-Grown Kirk Morrison

3rd rounder quickly emerging into a star. While he doesn’t lay big hits like Ray Lewis he is fundamentally sound in his tackling and has a knack for evading blocks and getting to the ball carrier..He also is the on field general and kept the young players in their right places.

Runner Up-Sapp

Despite a poor offense Sapp held the defense together and played with much force and passion. Against the Texans he complained to the refs came out for a play then immediately smashed his guy into the ground and sacked his QB for one of his 10 sacks. Although not as good against the run as the pass he remains a force and a great leader for the D.

Biggest PUNK Randy Moss

After dropping TD passes against the Browns, Niners and Cards he claimed that his unhappiness was leading to the drops, disrespected the team on his radio show and then became disinterest on the field, playing with little effort and passion..

Runner Up-Jerry Porter

Got off to a bad start when the coach was trying to instill discipline to the team and never matured, as the season went along he relieved his boredom by patronizing the fans, flashing his money, flexing his muscles and then claiming he hurt his hip when it came down to play..

Biggest Underachiever Robert Gallery

Almost all draft boards had him rated at the top and worthy of the number 2 overall pick, yet he gave up 11 sacks, often jumped early, held, got manhandled, looked slow and clumsy out there....smells like a bust

Runner Up-Tyler Brayton

Another first round disappointment, despite playing in 16 games did not get anywhere close to the QB, got a foolish penalty against the Sea Hawks and failed to make an impact or many palys for that matter…

Best Special Teams Player Shane Lechler

Has mastered the deep kicks, but needs work on the short/ directional kicks to be considered the greatest ever. Made several TD saving tackles and is a reliable place holder for FG kicks and you can ask Dallas how important that is..

Runner Up-Cooper
Plays with pride and heart, so I wasn’t mad when he laid a big hit against the Browns that was a nano-second too late and bit too aggressive. Always enthusiastic and into the game and reliable on punt and kick coverages. Fan Favorite; after the final home game he threw his gloves and even his shoes into the stands

Most Incompetent Tom Walsh
I wouldn't trust him to make an omellete..