Can someone tell me why Monte Poole is always giving US,the Raider Nation, sh%$$#? Hell, I know he’s just doing his damn job, but please..I hate when writers try to define what the die hard Raider fan is all about…

“It’s Silver vs. Black, a virtual stalemate indefinitely. On the Silver squad are the true believers, merrily chugging Raiderade, swaggering about the land, preaching of their impending return to greatness under new head coach Lane Kiffen. Anyone who dares disagree is a Raider Hater. On the black team are realists who haven’t touched Raiderade in years. Branded by some as infidels, they’ve examined the team’s fall from grace through three coaches and concluded it’s practically impossible for a fourth to reverse the momentum of this rolling tide of calamity. Peace? not likely in the Raider Nation until high leader Al Davis expresses repentance for past behavior and displays new found enlightenment.”

What I believe is that Monte Poole is on HIS black team and has no possible clue what it means to be positive when it comes to respecting your home team. Do I believe it will turn around? Of Course, I do. Are there realistic concerns on my part? Hell, why wouldn’t I worry? We have had 4 losing seasons in a row!
Let me ask you this, crew…would you rather watch a Coach or Owner state how bad his team is and whine that we have no chance in hell getting back to the playoffs this year or someone who actually BELIEVES we can get back to the Post season with the proper adjustments? With belief comes confidence, sir!
I guess in the end, we’re actually just talking about if the glass is half full or not.
I wonder if these writers are actually fans? Probably not…”must remain edgy..must stay angry..the fury gets the attention!” must be their simplistic mindset….
No, I don’t think of others as angry Infidels or Raider Haters if they don’t believe in what Mr. Davis is trying to accomplish, Montel…

but I do call them more negative than I..

I guess I sort of feel sorry for ‘em. These kind of people will never be happy.
I mean, these were the same people who were telling me Gannon sucked A#@@ and Jerry and Tim were way too old to be playing the game. I even recall a few never buying into Gruden’s offensive game plan…even when we made it to the AFC Championship!!
Nation, we will never be on the same page when it comes to point of views…
but please..try to stay positive. Trust me, you’ll live longer without the aneurysm that awaits..

In other news, the Raiders have made Greg Knapp our new Offensive Coordinator. Boooo! He sucks! He was fired in Atlanta! How can he possibly make an impact on our funky fresh, highly innovative Offense???
Kidding…..I actually like him. Here’s the reason why…
The Falcons led the league in rushing each of the past three seasons. The Raiders finished 29th last season. Although, the Raiders and Falcons ranked 31st and 32nd in passing offense last season, I believe Mr Vick and our current Offensive players did not have the proper outlook on what it takes to win. I think with Kiffen’s help and the right new players, they can design a playbook that’s hard for our opponents to figure out in the future..
At least.. that’s what I’m hoping…
BTW!! Before I’m ghost, anyone hear the new quotes from Jon Gruden regarding Kiffen’s new job?
“I know, you’re not going to believe this {speaking to the media}, but I’m actually a Raider fan again”
How about JG’s outlook on Kiffen stealing plays from Tampa Bay’ s playbook to use at USC?
“They ran them better than we did..”
Priceless, Chuckie…priceless…
Until next time, Silver and Black backers…you stay furious..

“First I would like to start off by thanking Al Davis and the entire Raider organization for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I am extremely excited for this opportunity. This is a historic franchise with greatness, that has fallen with tough times but we will bring it back to where it was before. We will do that through hard work. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do the work. We are prepared to hire the best staff in football we can hire. I will bring an explosive, powerful offense to this franchise.”
- Lane Kiffin, the new Oakland Raider Coach
So in a previous meeting, I heard foolish Coach Ben Kenobi comment after Steve Sarkisian turned down Al Davis’s generous offer…
“That boy was our last hope.”
“No..” I said.
“There is another…”
And here we are…left with another young Coach that the entire organization is wondering about. Will he be another Jon Gruden? Will he be another Madden? Will he be let go after one year? Will he be treated like Mike Shanahan after 20 games?

The positive side of me will tell you hell to the no. This guy is a proven winner. Just look at this kid’s resume…

Under Kiffin’s leadership in 2006, the Trojans finished first in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency, averaging 264 yards per game, produced two 1,000-yard receivers (Dwayne Jarrett-1,105, Steve Smith-1,083) and a 3,000-yard passer (John David Booty-3,347).
In 2005, Kiffin was named one of the nation’s Top 25 recruiters and served as coordinator of an offense that ranked in the top six nationally in every offensive category, including tops in total offense (579.8 yards per game) and second in scoring offense (49.1), and set Pac-10 records for total offensive yardage, first downs, points scored, touchdowns and PATs. The Trojans, who scored 50 points a school-record seven times, won games by an average of 26.2 points.
The Dark Side of me tells me that he has no serious NFL experience…period. How will his offensive coordinator skills be an asset to a game that moves faster than he is accustomed to? How can he expect the Players to respond to a man that’s either A) younger than them B) Only a few minor years older than?? I mean, some didn’t even respond to a Hall of Famer’s discipline..how is the club going to respond to a Rookie NFL Coach??!?!?!
Please Emperor Al Davis…reassure the Dark lord of the Sith, Master of all Evil we made the right choice…..
“Sure, Lord Raider. His (Kiffin) qualifications for the last six years, he’s been the coordinator of talent at the University of Southern California. I don’t know how you can do much better than what they have accumulated down there. But the great thing is he also has a head start on players all over the country and with all the leading universities,” Mr. Davis said. “When you talk about Adrian Peterson, he recruited him in high school; he’s the running back at Oklahoma. When you talk about Ted Ginn, Jr., at Ohio State, he recruited him. When you talk about Reggie Bush…when you talk about all these great athletes, he’s got the ability to compare them which gives him a head start on a lot of different players.”
Ahhh, thank you sir..no wonder you’re the boss. With the draft picks we recently acquired (and might possibly receive for players we need to unload) , his ability to evaluate talent will be most likely, beneficial. It’s still just the greenness of the Coach that concerns me. I sense fear in you, the Fan, as well….
I’ll tell you what, Nation…
Any player that gets out of line and doesn’t listen to the Coach THIS TIME, I’m personally Pistol whipping….I mean..Saber whipping….whatever…

and so the saga continues….

I’d like to thank all those again who thought (and who still think) that Al Davis has lost it. Here is a guy who wanted Sean Payton as a Coach last year (who now is in the NFC Championship), Eric Mangini (who was recently named AFC Coach of the year) and James Lofton (Who helped Coach the Chargers to being the AFC West Champ).
Oh yeah, Al’s bonkers…completely out of his F#$##@ mind..
Yes Sir, I know the Emperor is like 1 billion years of age, possibly immortal, is a Mr. Burns look-a-like and is also a mean S.O.B. ….but you have to give him credit on trying to make this franchise a great one yet again. Sure, he has made mistakes, but I truly believe the Hall of Famer will make the Nation proud of his Team before he walks away from the Franchise or becomes one with the force. I’d bet my damn Lightsaber on it…possibly my Star Destroyer…the Clones…

So, USC Assistant Coach Steve Sarkisian seems like he is in the lead as the new Head Coach for our Oakland Raiders with a Second Interview. He also recently brought in Lane Kiffin, The USC Offensive Coordinator to Alameda to show Al how his other Coaches in Southern Cali operate. Nation, if you wanted young talent back in Oakland, I think you might see it SOON. Hopefully, this guy will be the next Chucky and bring us back to greatness. Hell, he doesn’t really have to be the next JG..just make the right Draft decisions, Coordinate a new plan of attack we CAN execute and get motivated players in here who WANT to play for this damn team….is that so much too ask? A commitment to excellence, anyone?

The force also tells me that James Lofton is scheduled for a second interview with Mr. Davis possibly today but has a slimmer chance of getting of the HC position because of Sarkisian interviewing so well. Ok, I just made that up. The Force changes it’s mind now and then…

So what current College player are you now hoping we draft at #1?
For the Dark Lord of the Sith?
With every day, I’m thinking differently. Today, I’m hoping we get the man who is hard to complain about. He’s fast, elusive and hard to bring down. Maybe it’s just this damn highlight video I recently found…enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BPsx77TkqA

May the Dark Side consume your entire soul….
-DR

Hell yeaah! The Lakers win against the Dallas Mavericks! Sasha for 3! Oh..oops…. ahem! Hi fans, I guess you didn’t know the Dark lord of the Sith was actually a LA Laker fan too.Shhh, don’t tell anyone. I actually was born and raised in southern CALI if you could believe it, so don’t get pissed. (Hey, you loved the LA Raiders too once, correct?) I feel you ALWAYS have to let people know were you’re coming from…and telling ya’ll I’m a Laker fan is how I let people know, son.The rest of me lies here in the Yay..for life.

I also want people to know that I still respect the departed Hall of Famer, Mr. Art Shell. He tried his best with what he had. He tried to get the players in line, tried to bring back what Raider Football had been lacking and tried to reinstall toughness with the current team. It’s just too bad that Players run professional Football now, no longer the Coaches. His agent even told the media recently that the Raiders were just offering “Lip service” when they told the Fans the team was looking for a coach to discipline, guide and inspire the Players. Ha..no bitterness there obviously. Art, your hard demeanor and work ethic will be missed, sir. I personally wish you well with whatever you do in the future, even if you decide not to stay with the organization.

Ughh..can someone give the microphone to Jerry Porter and Randy Moss? What does this firing mean for the Crying game twins? What are there current intentions? Do they still not want to be part of the organization now that they both have gotten what they have wanted? How will the fans react if Al actually wants to keep this steaming pair of bad apples?
Hmm, let me answer ONE of these questions: The fans mostly want to exchange these players for draft picks…( a bucket of chicken might also suffice.. spicy flavored preferred).
The thing is, I’m not sure this is exactly what the evil Emperor Davis is thinking…
He HAS invested millions of dollars in both of these players…and it’s not like we’ll receive anything worth their real value…..
Yes, I can sense your pain Nation, but remember..Al thinks of price tags 1st, players 2nd, THEN attitude. Hmpph….I have a bad feeling about this.

So it appears the Raiders are making several moves towards getting a new Coach. The recent up and coming interview the Raiders are granting is the current USC assistant head Coach, Steve Sarkisian. “I’ll be headed up there in the next couple of days. It’s a nice opportunity” he said. “Obviously it’s very flattering to be considered. If it doesn’t work out, I have a great job”.

What do you think, Nation? Does this Coach seem like the next Chuckie or what? If only we could be so lucky.
Other reports have stated that the Raiders want to interview (or have interviewed) John Shoop, Marc Trestman and possibly Tom Coughlin if he is fired from the Giants. I also heard Rich Gannon was in Alameda recently.You think he’s just dropping by?
Let’s hope not.

Until next time, Raider Nation. Enjoy the BCS National Championship. Keep your eyes on the right playaz…
-DR

HAPPY DAMN NEW YEAR! HELL YEAAHHH!! IT’S OVER!!! WHEW!!!!
Qué pasa, Nation?!?!? How was your New Years? Mine was extravagant! New York was super overwhelming! The Sith Lord almost didn’t make it back in one piece! Yeah, we freagin’ lost again, but our prize? The #1 Pick! Yes,yes… I can still sense your anger…No Reggie Bush’s or V. Young’s in this draft.. but who knows? We FINALLY might get lucky this time… WE’RE %$##%%@ DUE!
Hmm… I’m not sure if Mr Brady Quinn is the answer, Pirate world. The fightin’ Irish got their fighting asses kicked tonight..
JaMarcus Russell stole the show, son. Are we now to believe that winners win and make a bid for the LSU QB? I believe if we thought this way last year, we would of picked Vince Young. Yeah, yeah..Troy Smith’s good too..

Hell, we have a boat load of questions and many more to answer…
Should we keep Shell?
Should Ryan be promoted?
Do we, at any point, consider keeping Porter Potty and Unhappy ?
Should The Raiders just draft wide receiver Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson?
Since the Raiders 1st priority is O-line, shouldn’t we draft Joe Thomas out of Wisconsin?
Our we happy with our current RB’s? Adrian Peterson, anyone?
By way of rank, what Offensive position is the most/least important to pickup? (1:OL 2:RB 3:QB 4:WR 5:TE works 4 me)

Back to New York. The Dark Lord was fortunate to sit near a certain defensive Oakland Raider’s Fiancee Sunday.(Hint:Her man went to UTEP) I wanted you all in our conversation:

Me: “It’s a pleasure to watch your man play ball this year. That guy has passion. All of the D has passion. I know that that our run stopping needs to improve, but it’ll happen. At least they’re playing much better than..well..i mean no disrespect to your man’s Teammates..but…I just…”
Woman: “You can say it. The Offense sucks. They have no concept of what a team is.”
Me: “It must kill the Defense to witness all of this while their bustin’ their butts..all those big names…then there’s Moss..”
Woman: ” He just talks all of that mess and stirs up the organization because he makes more money than the coach. He thinks he owns the team.”
Me: “Well that fool is getting a hard taste of reality soon. One day..we’re all going to be on the same page WITHOUT peeps that want to be traded..those that simply believe they can be competitive by being a cohesive unit.”
Woman: “I hear that!”

Hahhaaaa… while I’m on quotes…how about Jarrod Cooper’s after the game..

“If you ask me, the way they were playing on offense today, they were playing to get that No. 1 pick,” Cooper shouted without being prompted. “(Bleep) it. It’s too late to be sensitive. Somebody needs to tell somebody the truth in this (expletive). Everybody’s kissing everybody’s (rear) around here.”

I told ya that guy was money…gotta love the always outspoken..

One more form Coach Shell after hearing from Moss that practices were too long:

“Our practice sessions, and I told Randy this a few weeks ago, ‘You guys think you work hard. There are coaches that are winning in this league right now that you couldn’t play for if that’s what you think,’” Shell said. “My practices are tough enough, but they’re not that tough. The grass might look greener elsewhere, but if that’s the way they feel, they couldn’t play for a lot of coaches in this league.”

Starting to have second thoughts about firing Art Shell? Hmph..I thought not. Hell, I still have a hard deciding. I’m just hoping Mr. Davis will make a quick decision before making Roster updates. New Priority list 1) Head Coach decision 2) O line, etc, etc.

Before I sound off, I want to thank the entire D fro bringing me up from my seat throughout the year.
Nnamdi, Burgess, Kirk, Sapp, …you guys especially. I also want to thank..
J.Cooper; like I said, I enjoy your honesty…never stop being you. Carr; keep breaking those long runs…Curry; maybe YOU were meant for being numbero uno. Crockett; sorry I didn’t mention you enough..but maybe that’s because the coach didn’t call your number often enough..I can’t see why..you play to hurt people..
Also thanking my boy Chad, Kay, Jim, Peg, Sarah, Barry and Jerry for the kindness and opportunity to make the trip to the big, bad East coast..Love ya guys. I hope all of your resolutions come true.

Till next time Nation. You keep it Silver and Black, Big Macs…no matter damn what..
As NewYawkez say:
“That’s wuz up.”