NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

The Raiders seem to feel like all that money that former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell made with the team was not earned. Because of that, the Raiders have filed a grievance seeking nearly $10 million back from recently released quarterback.

Yahoo! Sports first reported the story Thursday, saying the Raiders are seeking $9.55 million from Russell in what was paid as salary advances for the 2010-12 seasons. The team later confirmed the report.

"We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell and that's all we're going to say at this time," Raiders general counsel Jeff Birren said in a statement.

Russell was released earlier this month after three disappointing seasons with the team. He had been paid about $36.4 million through last season and was still owed $3 million at the time of his release.

Russell's agent, Eric Metz, did not immediately return an e-mail seeking a comment. He earlier told Yahoo that: "The money in question was fully guaranteed. That is why JaMarcus was forced to hold out and miss all of training camp as a rookie. The Raiders know that and this is our only comment."

The career of Russell in Oakland was awful – and that’s being nice. He missed out on the entire training camp, and then started just one game as a rookie before showing some signs of progress in his second season. He regressed last year as he was fined for being overweight and criticized by the coaching staff for his work ethic.

He ultimately lost his starting job midway through last season as his passer rating of 50.0 was the lowest in the NFL since 1998. Owner Al Davis finally decided to cut ties three weeks ago with the player he once believed would be his franchise quarterback.

Russell won only seven of his 25 starts in his career with Oakland. He completed just 52.1 percent of his passes in his career with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a passer rating of 65.2.

For that, the Raiders say that he owes them money, and it’ll be in the hands of others to feel if he does or not.

Last season, the Indianapolis Colts didn't have much struggles on the defensive side of the ball.

They created probably the number one defensive end tandem in the league in Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.

They have a very underrated linebacker in Gary Brackett and a great young safety in Melvin Bullitt.

The Colts also have changed a few things as well. Phillip Wheeler and Clint Session will have to step up as the other linebackers.

Jerry Hughes is the new man at Lucas Oil Stadium, looking to be helpful guy with Indy's defense, where he can help fill in sometimes for Freeney and Mathis.

Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson seem like the future at defensive tackle. The Colts also brought in a new, physical linebacker in Pat Angerer.

I am looking to explain more about Bob Sanders in a different article soon, but right now, I am glad he's back and I hope he is ready to roll for the upcoming season. No injuries this time, Bob.

Marlin Jackson is gone, but it can't be that bad.

They have Jerruad Powers and Jacob Lacey entering their sophomore year. Both guys came up big last season and didn't seem like rookies at all. They guarded their receivers really good.

Antoine Bethea will obviously be the starting free safety. Keep doing your thing!

Yeah, I see something great for this Colts' defense.

In 2007, which was Bob Sanders last time being fully healthy for a season, the Colts managed to be one of the Top Ten defenses in the National Football League.

Adding to that, the strong safety won Defensive Player of the Year.

I can see that happening this year. The Colts defense is also more improved. I don't see any team rushing well against the Colts for the upcoming season.

They have been doing good on passing defense for the past few years, but for this season, I expect them not be on their A-game. It's better than that.

A-plus game on passing defense.

That is what I am talking about!

I just see a totally different Colts' team entering the new NFL season. The defense looks they are trained well and ready to go for the upcoming season.

Training camp is coming up. So is the pre-season so we can see how the newcomers do as well.

It all fits.

Get ready Colts' fans.

It's a different year.

A better year.

In the past 24 hours, Philip Merling has managed to get himself arrested, and the Dolphins have released linebacker Reggie Torbor.

Merling was charged with domestic assault, after hitting his pregnant girlfriend. He may end up missing the teams OTA's this weekend, which starts tomorrow, on Friday.

Torbor was long due to get released after nopt producing the way the team expected him to, after signing him through free agency two years ago, only to see Torbor fail to live up to expectations, and not even challenge Akin Ayodele for a starting spot.

After the Fins drafted inside linebacker A.J. Edds, this move was inevitable.

Super Bowl or bust.

That statement has been associated a lot with the Jets this offseason.

And it easy to see why evidenced by their offseason acquisitions. The Jets are clearly gunning for a Super Bowl.

Despite making the AFC Championship Game last year, Mike Tannenbaum realized this team was still only 9-7 and had holes to fill in order to be a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl.

And so Tannenbaum aggressively filled those holes. He signed Jason Taylor to help the pass rush and LaDainian Tomlinson to form a 1-2 punch with Shonn Greene.

He traded for Antonio Cromartie to lock up receivers opposite Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes to give Mark Sanchez a big play threat.

As previously stated, these moves have the Jets thinking Super Bowl and rightfully so.

But if the Jets don't make it to the Super Bowl for some reason, not all is lost like many pundits have been saying.

In fact, expect these Jets to be contenders for a long time.

The face of the franchise, Mark Sanchez, is just 23 years old and should hold down the most crucial position on the field, quarterback, for years to come.

Their backfield future is bright with budding second year star and playoff hero, Shonn Greene, and rookie fourth round pick Joe McKnight.

The two compliment each other well. Greene being the bruising, early down back while McKnight can handle third down duties. Add in fifth round pick fullback John Connor and you have the makings of a dynamic backfield.

Sanchez isn't lacking in reliable targets either.

All of the Jets top three receivers –Edwards, Cotchery, Holmes — are 27 or younger. While the Jets likely won't be able to keep both Edwards and Holmes after this year, a combination of two of the three is just fine. Don't forget about third year tight end Dustin Keller, who showed a great rapport with Sanchez in the playoffs.

The core of the team last year was the offensive line and it is relatively young. D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold are the heat of the line, play the two most integral positions, left tackle and center, and are both only 26.

The rest of line is composed of Brandon Moore, who is turning 30 and is still has a few good years left in him. Rookie Vladimir Ducasse, only 22, will likely fill the left guard spot. The only position of concern is right tackle, where Damien Woody is 32. He played at an elite level last year, but the Jets have to start planning for the future.

Ducasee could slide over to the right tackle position, leaving a hole at left guard, where it is easier to find a replacement.

On the defensive side of the ball the Jets are in great shape too.

However, the defensive line is need of some youth.

Kris Jenkins, Shaun Ellis, and Sione Pouha are all 30 or older.

The Jets should look to address the defensive line in the offseason net year and knowing Mike Tannenbaum's track record I expect him to aggressively address it.

Though, the Jets do have a lot of young players they like on the defensive line including Mike DeVito, whom is expected to start this year, Ropati Pitoitua, and Rodrique Wright.

The linebacker core is in better shape. Led by David Harris and Bart Scott in the middle the Jets have one of the best duos in the league. On the outside the Jets could use a little help though.

Calvin Pace is a solid starter at one slot, but Jason Taylor is locked in at the other spot and he is only a one-year fix.

The best are of the defense though, is the secondary.

They have arguably the league's best cornerback trio in Revis, Cromatrie, and Wilson and all are 26 or younger.

The leader of the defense, Jim Leonhard, is only 27 and the other projected starter at safety, Brodney Pool, is only 26.

So can we finally end this Super Bowl or bust talk.

These Jets are ready to compete now and will be a force to be reckon with in the next few years.

The league better get used to the loud talking Rex Ryan and his Jets because they aren't just a one-year wonder. They are here to stay and they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

QB Ben Roethlisberger can return to the Steelers, as today the NFL cleared the QB to return to practice. According to a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will still keep tabs on Roethlisberger.

“The commissioner will continue to monitor Roethlisberger’s progress as he begins the next phase of his recommended plan and will meet with Roethlisberger again at the appropriate time,” according to the statement.

Despite being allowed to return to the practice field, there has been no change to the length of his six-game suspension.

“Commissioner Goodell announced that Roethlisberger is suspended without pay for the first six games of the regular season. The commissioner said he would review Roethlisberger’s progress prior to the start of the regular season and consider whether to reduce the suspension to four games. Failure to cooperate and follow his plan could result in a longer suspension,” the statement said.”

In a separate statement, Steelers President Art Rooney II says the organization looks forward to having Ben return to practice.

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It's no secret that today's economy has made the job market one of the most challenging in recent history – for both college students and those with experience in their chosen fields – so the odds of finding a satisfying summer job are looking slim for many.  While only 45 percent of those surveyed by The Conference Board are satisfied with their current jobs[1], Gillette Fusion ProGlide's "Ultimate Summer Job" Contest offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those looking to add adventure to their resume while padding their savings accounts, with the possibility of becoming a YouTube celebrity along the way.

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Starting today and for a very limited time only, teams of two – men or women, age 21-34 – are invited to upload a one-minute video demonstrating why they should be selected for Gillette Fusion ProGlide's "Ultimate Summer Job."  Video submissions must feature both entrants and showcase the applicants' passion for Gillette, interest in the job, charisma and sincerity.  The contest entry deadline is May 31, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. EDT and finalists will be notified by June 7, 2010.  Finalists will travel to New York City to attend the Grand Prize event, where the Grand Prize duo will be announced on June 15, 2010.  For full contest rules and information, and to enter, visit www.ProGlideSummerJob.com.

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