Lorenzo Neal released by Raiders!

**Marcel#52** · 08-19-2009, 08:50 PM

Raiders cut two-time All Pro Neal
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 19, 2009 9:32 PM ET
One of the premier fullbacks of his era may be out of teams to block for.

The Raiders announced Wednesday they have released Lorenzo Neal to make roster room for safety Rashad Baker.

Neal, 38, was part of an effective running game in Baltimore last year, but the Ravens didn't make an effort to re-sign him. The Chargers cut the affable four-time Pro Bowler after the 2007 season; Neal has been a part of eight different NFL organizations after getting drafted by New Orleans in 1993.

The release is a surprise, but Neal was never expected to start for the Raiders. Oren O'Neal will clear the way for Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush.

Hopefully the Ravens will re-sign him.. Really Loved seeing him in the backfield destroying LB's..

**RavensDomination** · 08-19-2009, 08:52 PM

We don't have the roster spot for a one trick pony like Neal. That's why we originally let him go, and why we let Stover go as well.

**Marcel#52** · 08-19-2009, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by RavensDomination

We don't have the roster spot for a one trick pony like Neal. That's why we originally let him go, and why we let Stover go as well.

Yeah? We are in need of a blocking TE, that seems hard to find.. Neal could provide the extra pass and run blocking need.. and spell McClain (in running situations) and there's no Ravens fan who can say they didn't love the Jumbo package (McClain, 3 OT's, and Neal)

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 08-19-2009, 09:01 PM

I loved Neal when he was here. McClain IMHO isn't a true FB and it'd be nice to have a guy with the mentality that Neal has in there. I thought he did a nice job...we'd have 2 FB's on the roster...I don't think that is overdoing it.

**Stealthbirds80** · 08-19-2009, 09:10 PM

I say drop Cook for Neal so we can have that three headed monster back. Jumbo package YESSS!!!!. Is McClain really committed to blocking this year after his flirt with being a monster running back between the hashes? That is the real question. Something to consider, but who's spot would he take? I don't want to push off any 53 man worthy talent so it can be claimed off of the practice squad. I think the Ravens will be splitting hairs to get this team to 53 players, but I like that. It means we are talented in the depths.

**EdReed4Prez** · 08-19-2009, 09:23 PM

I would love for him to come back. He is a wrecking ball.

**CoverD** · 08-19-2009, 10:32 PM

It'd be interesting to see him come back...but like it's been said already, who'd be cut for him?

**Rxdoxx** · 08-19-2009, 10:36 PM

If (big if) we do bring him in, it won't be until late.
Have to get a longer look at Cook (not promising after one game), Lawrence, Peerman, and Parmale, so roster spot needed.
But with his age and some teams not really using a FB, I think there is a good chance he will still be out there if we need him (and he won't need a lot of time since he knows the system). I'd expect to see final cuts first, barring injury, then things depend on who made the team and who is out there cut by others. Just can't see us bringing him in early.

**808 Raven** · 08-19-2009, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Marcel#52

Yeah? We are in need of a blocking TE, that seems hard to find.. Neal could provide the extra pass and run blocking need.. and spell McClain (in running situations) and there's no Ravens fan who can say they didn't love the Jumbo package (McClain, 3 OT's, and Neal)

The guy's a monster and can still play imo. I would love to see him back in a Raven's uniform.

**Dragz** · 08-19-2009, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by Stealthbirds80

I say drop Cook for Neal so we can have that three headed monster back. Jumbo package YESSS!!!!. Is McClain really committed to blocking this year after his flirt with being a monster running back between the hashes? That is the real question. Something to consider, but who's spot would he take? I don't want to push off any 53 man worthy talent so it can be claimed off of the practice squad. I think the Ravens will be splitting hairs to get this team to 53 players, but I like that. It means we are talented in the depths.

Perfection

**Gabrosin** · 08-19-2009, 11:28 PM

Completely agree, I'd be happy to see him in a Ravens uniform again this season. I love McClain's versatility but when we want to go heavy, he can't block for himself.

**RavenTD** · 08-20-2009, 01:36 AM

I still get goose bumps thinking about Neal and McClain in the I formation last year. Just put yourself in the LB's mind for a second. Looking over the LOS at those monsters waiting to run you into the turf.

Neal,McClain,Rice,McGahee.5 huge roadgraders. Why pass the ball?

Why pussycat with the wildcat deception.We'll just run you over and make you spit snot bubbles all game long.The refs would throw in the towel for the other team by the 4th Q.

**808 Raven** · 08-20-2009, 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by RavenTD

I still get goose bumps thinking about Neal and McClain in the I formation last year. Just put yourself in the LB's mind for a second. Looking over the LOS at those monsters waiting to run you into the turf.

Yup. One of my favorite memories from last season was week 16 against the Cowboys when Neal just bull rushed LB Bradie James to the ground and McClain took it 82 yards for the TD. Simply awesome.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-h...s-Cowboys-2008

**ace2die** · 08-20-2009, 09:14 AM

I hear that our rookie free agent fullback Cook isn't lighting the world on fire should we even consider bringing him back? He was a positive addition this time last year. I think if he's healthy we should consider.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest/0...-cut-Neal.html

**Jeremiah W** · 08-20-2009, 09:23 AM

I thought Lo Neal was still great last year and was sort of suprised he signed with the Raiders instead of skipping camp and coming back. His run blocking was better than McClain's, and I think that was the reason Laron ws the top rusher. That swing pass where he trucked a LB in the open as well as the knck down and escort to the endzone on the knockout run in Dallas were awsome and well worth the investment even if that was all he did.

He and a lot of the older vets like Stover and Derrick Brooks have to wait until week 1 a lot of times because they have such a high min vet salary that is gauranteed if on a roster week 1.

**camdenyard** · 08-20-2009, 09:45 AM

We released him for a reason. I would assume that reason is still valid.

**Jeremiah W** · 08-20-2009, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by camdenyard

We released him for a reason. I would assume that reason is still valid.

His one year contract expired.

Then he got more money from the Raiders than the Ravens would have given him.

I do not know why the Raiders cut him, but I do not know why Big Al does anything he does.

**caliraven** · 08-20-2009, 10:30 AM

I disagree with the occasional assertion that Leron Mclain isn't a "true fullback." OZ drafted him to be a true FB after watching him in college be a true FB. Now that we know he can run, many are discounting his blocking ability, which showed well in his rookie season.

**caliraven** · 08-20-2009, 10:34 AM

I don't think money was the issue with LoNeal. I think Harbs even specifically stated that we let him walk because the team is looking for a player that can do more than one thing, especially at the FB spot. He's a specialist and that's a luxury for the 53. It's almost the same reason Stover wasn't re-signed.

**Jeremiah W** · 08-20-2009, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by caliraven

I disagree with the occasional assertion that Leron Mclain isn't a "true fullback." OZ drafted him to be a true FB after watching him in college be a true FB. Now that we know he can run, many are discounting his blocking ability, which showed well in his rookie season.

I think Laron is a very solid blocker, but Lo Neal was better last year at 37 or 38 years old at taking on LBs and clearing a hole.

McClain is way more versatile and agile than Neal ever was, but Neal was maybe the best blocking FB of all time. It looks like McClain learned a lot from him, enough so that the Ravens let him go, but Neal still looked like he can help us, even on special teams in the return game. He knocks guys down at an astounding rate, and showed that he still has decent hands and speed.