Head Coach Jon Gruden was approached after Saturday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars about his WR Michael Clayton asking to be fed the football. Gruden's response? ...
"I've never met a wideout who says he doesn't need feeding," Gruden said. "I don't know what the hell that is. After coaching Jerry Rice -- and you know Jerry saw double coverage for 17 straight years. So I get tired of the feeding. This isn't Busch Gardens. This is football. He's a heck of a receiver," Gruden said. "He's going to be a big part of our football team. I don't know about the feeding part of it. I feed the birds" - ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Is Michael Clayton serious? Try catching a football first. Sweet heavens, I could stomach the thought if it were Antonio Bryant, Dexter Jackson, or Clifton Smith, because they have ability, but havent received the opportunities to showcase that ability. Michael Clayton though, of all receivers, not Michael Clayton. He's been fed the ball for four years now and I'm still waiting for him to do something.
Through three Pre-Season games Clayton has 4 receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown. He didnt catch a single pass against the Patriots and he's had two noticeable drops, one of which -would have- gone for huge yardage if not a touchdown. It's been said that Clayton's had one of the better Training Camps he's ever had, but i still see the same #80 on the field... I know I'm in a Lex & Terry "Super Dick Mode", but it's only because I witnessed this cat's rookie season and can't for the life of me figure out why he hasnt been able to match that potential again. I know this entire fan base is behind him, we're just getting sick of his piss poor performances that culminate in him asking to be fed the football. That's like a QB who throws for 13 touchdowns in a 16 game season asking for more money... Give me a break