Hot D@mn - It's Curry Time!

Reports are Doug Gabriel has just been traded to the *Patriots. I like Doug, though he defines the term "inconsistent" in his hands and route running. He is a big play waiting to happen, good or bad.

No word yet on the Raiders' compensation for Gabriel...

What this means, as those of us who can read the cards know, is Ronald Curry is back at full strength. The team has been going easy with Curry in the preseason so as not to repeat (for the fourth time) Curry's blowing a fan belt in his ankle.

Curry should be in the starting line up opposite Randy Moss. Moss will play the vertical-bomb-Clifford Branch role, while Curry will play the slot-possession-Fred Biletnikoff roll.

Look for Johnny Morant and/or Joey Porter to come in for three WR sets. We'd all rather have seen Joey traded instead - I'd give 'em up for a handful of magic beans, actually - but given the Raiders' depth at WR, someone would have been cut.

This way, Al Davis gets compensation and still has the deck stacked at WR. After Moss, Curry, Morant, and Porter... there's still Francis, Whitted, and the rookie, Will Buchanon to choose from. No problemo, just deal from your strong suit to shore up your short stack.

Question is, "What did Al Davis get in return?" Gabriel was originally a fifth-round choice out of Central Florida, but his price will be higher for the *Patsies in trade...

Bottom line: If Curry can come back after three Achilles tendon injuries and play well, he just became my new favorite Raider.

Players like Curry have a heart you can't measure and a work ethic you can't stop.

But they can heat up even the snowiest days in Doncoland. Hot d@mn!

Post script: It's official. Gabriel es no mas. Francis got IRed and luckily, we probably won't have to hear the name "Buchanon" again. I still have a conniption when Phillip Lifetime is mentioned, BTW. Instead, 6'5", 220# John Madsen is the choice. Madsen played at Utah with '69ers QB Alex Smith.

P.P.S. Please don't bother to correct us on the spelling of "Joey" Porter. It isn't a typo. Pouter will get respect when he deserves it 'round this way!

The door is always open to Jerry Porter. If he plays like he talks. This means he quits wearing a t-shirt EVERY day to practice that says "FU" on it (he has worn this same shirt since training camp began, BTW), becomes willing to throw some blocks like Hines Ward (he has the body to do it), makes some tough catches, basically keeps his mouth shut, and actually PERFORMS in the first half of the season for once, he's welcome back and the bashing will cease.

The ball is in Porter's court. If he shows up and quits the TO act, I'd be willing to cheer 'em on just like every other player.