The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.
The rumors of our Head Coach still standing in position over a Monte Burns aka Al Davis trap door?
Hmph, Who Knows???
Leave it to ESPN to get their facts misinterpreted and to send the Nation in an uproar for the time being.
On the other hand, NUMEROUS insiders in the organization and out have claimed there was truth to this past report. Hell, I believed it, the Writers believed it…even you, the noble die hard.
I’m not sure about anyone else, but I do look for quotes in these types of stories from our Coach, Owner and Directors for more validity to the rumors reported before I truly start to believe.
So far, we’re not getting much out of any of the people I need to hear from.
I’m hoping for a press conference..
but I’m no longer expecting one.
I guess the most important quote in the past few days was Lane Kiffin’s answer to the question: “Will you be the Head Coach for the Oakland Raiders next year?”
Lane answered “I hope so.”
To me, that meant he still had a desire to get this team back into the Playoffs..
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!
Previous reports stated Lane was leaving regardless of any executive decision made.
I also took comfort in hearing from the Oakland Raiders senior executive, John Herrera.
“It’s not an issue. Lane’s the coach. It’s not an issue,” Herrera said. “I think the one accurate thing [Chris Mortensen] said is that James Lofton will be interviewed. He will be as a position coach and he will do it with Lane on Monday because that’s when he gets back from Mobile and the Senior Bowl.”
At the time I read this, a sigh of relief came from yours truly.. (from the mask and all..huuuuuuuaakaaaaaaaaaaahuuuuuakaaa!)
I also read in the paper today:
Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin returned to team headquarters Monday morning on the heels of a series of reports detailing a bitter feud between he and managing general partner Al Davis, with no overt signs of him being on his way out.
Several of the reports, all unattributed, said Davis had stripped Kiffin of all authority over personnel moves and the hiring and firing of assistant coaches. Yet, Kiffin was the primary person interviewing James Lofton for a coaching job for five hours or so.
Kiffin was joined by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in interviewing Lofton for an unspecified position. Noticeably absent was Davis. He arrived toward the end of the process, but only to exchange greetings with a player who starred for the Raiders in the 1987 and ‘88 seasons.
Whew! Does this mean Hurricane Chris Mortensen has passed?
Hopefully so..
Maybe when the dust is finally settled, we can all concentrate on more important things in our Raider lives; like the needs for our club, organization and respected Coaches.
I wonder if James Lofton can help our team in knowing some of the ins and outs of the San Diego’s offense? HIRE HIM! We still need to get back at those bastards!!!
Ha! Any of you still have interest in the Super Bowl??
I do. My philosophy states that if enough of you BELIEVE the Giants can upset the undefeated Patriots, New England will have their hands full.
Remember, enough of you have to actually believe in the force, to achieve actions….
SO JUST BELIEVE, DAMN IT!!
Ahem..
Have a great Super Bowl weekend!!
DR out

We’re so unbelievably f#%^ed.
This is bad…really bad.
Marc Wilson bad…
Bo Jackson minus the hip bad…
Rich Gannon minus Barret Robbins in the Super Bowl bad.

For all of those yocals who wanted Lane Kiffin out….
you got your wish,Haters.
I’m sure you’ve read the articles by now as reported by ESPN:

Owner Al Davis has been pushing for coach Lane Kiffin to resign and is considering Dennis Green as a potential replacement, sources close to Kiffin and the team said.
Davis has gone so far as to draft a letter of resignation for Kiffin to sign, a source said. Kiffin has refused to do so but has dared Davis to fire him instead. The letter, the source said, was sent to Kiffin two weeks ago. One season into the job and Lane Kiffin has quite a dilemma on his hands. Raiders owner Al Davis wants him out, but Kiffin’s not budging.
Kiffin, who was 4-12 in his first season as coach, has two years remaining on his contract at an estimated $2 million per year.

So I’m pretty sure we all know how this “dilemma” is going to turn out.
There will be no forgiving, no reconciled situation and no love lost between Owner and Coach once a decision is made by either of these stubborn men.
Raider fans by the hundreds are threatening to turn in their Season tickets..
I can’t say I don’t blame them all that much.
Sure, we went 4-12..
but if you didn’t see an improvement in our Running game and Offensive Line, I’m calling you a damn idiot.
I believe the reason was obvious. Lane wanted Rob Ryan out, Al didn’t agree and ever since then, the Tea Kettle began boiling…
Has anyone ever seen the Kettle explode????
All this time I defended Emperor Al; telling the fans Mr. Kiffin had enough control over the team to make a difference in team decisions…
now here we are, back to square 1.
…and the Nation grows irate!!!!!!!!!
Can someone tell me HOW IN THE HELL are Rob and Lane coexisting in Alabama for the Senior Bowl????
Lane ” Hey, Rob can you give your defensive game plan by the end of the day?”
Rob “Can you give me a glass of SHUT THE HELL UP AFTER YOU’RE FIRED?”
The solution will be the Nutty Professor? aka Dennis Green?
If so? I swear I’m retiring.
I’m turning in the black Samurai Mask and cape..
put the Light saber in the Hall with the rest of my name.
and I’m done…
really…

UNLESS ALL IS NOT ACCURATE…
who am I kidding?

Happy MLK day NATION! Here’s to keeping the dream alive!!!!!

Swell..
NE wins again. The Nation groans with anger and disapproval knowing that our one time cancer has moved on to bigger and better things.
The Lord of the Sith and his Empire will now have to endure all of the Receiver’s humble origin stories, how he fell from grace in Minnesota and Oakland, how he arose from adversity, how he saved a cat from a tree once, etc, etc.

I’m just hoping they include his other “accidental” incidents…

In 1995, After signing a letter of intent to play his college football at Notre Dame, Moss took part in a fight at his high school in Belle, West Virginia. Moss pled guilty to battery and received probation and a 30-day suspended jail sentence. Because of the incident, Notre Dame revoked his scholarship.
In 2001, Moss was fined $15,000 by the Vikings and required to receive anger management counseling for verbally abusing corporate sponsors on the team bus following a loss in November.
In 2002, Moss was arrested after an incident in downtown Minneapolis in which he bumped a traffic control officer with his car, knocking her to the ground. He was ordered to pay a $1,200 fine and perform 40 hours of community service. Marijuana was allegedly found in his vehicle as well, but charges were later dropped.
In 2007, Moss gave up on Routes. Rich Gannon even noticed this while working as the game’s Announcer.
In 2008, Moss is accused of Battery. Moss denies the allegations. Now I am forgiving as the next guy, but c’mon kids…do you see a pattern here?
“For someone to make a false claim about me, I’m kind of furious,” he said. “It kind of hurts me deep inside for someone to do something like that because, you know, I’ve always said time and time again, I’m going to stand up for what’s right. If I’m right, I’m right. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong.”
Call me a negative person, but I believe he’s wrong…
again.
Enough..I can’t believe I even wrote this much about him. The bottom line is he never gave us what he gave his team in New England..and because of this and his checkered past, we will always claim Mr. Moss as an enemy of our Raider Nation.
(Place him up there next to Tony Siragusa, Junior Seau, Brady, etc.)
Media, just let the truth be told.

So if we DO draft Darren McFadden, how do we address our Defensive Line? Ponder no more..
DL Free agents anyone?

Jared Allen, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen’s sack total dropped in ’06, but he still posted 7.5 and raised his tackle total a good deal. In ’07, he returned to form with 13.5 sacks and three forced fumbles and been a stellar player on a poor team. He’s just 25 years of age, and has shown that he is among the league’s best at his position. He’ll be a high priority for several teams once the signing period opens.

Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Haynesworth came into the season determined to have a great year and he showed up. He had six sacks, 40 tackles, and he has constantly applied pressure up the middle— allowing other defensive linemen to have an even greater impact themselves. While quarterback Vince Young struggled for much of the season, Haynesworth led a defensive unit that contributed significantly to the Titans potential playoff run. The Titans will find it hard to let Haynesworth leave via free agency, as it would create a sizable hole to fill. The defensive tackle will command big dollars on the market.

Justin Smith, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Smith is an intriguing player. He’s consistent, experienced, and has a powerful motor. With 81 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in ’06, Smith showed that he was a high level end, and that he was coming into his own as a defensive leader on the Bengals. He was unable to have similar success with the 2007 season, with just two sacks to go with his 75 total tackles. It doesn’t help that the defense around him has been porous. He won’t command elite dollars, but he could be valuable to a handful of teams and may find a suitor willing to open the checkbook a little bit.

Terrell Suggs, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Suggs is somewhat versatile and has become a volatile opposing presence for offenses. He has the ability to play at the linebacker spot and also attack from the line at the end spot. He has grown into a top pass rusher and presents match-up problems for most teams. He was near or above double digit sack totals in each of his first four seasons with eight being his career low until the 2007 season—he had just five. He is still a true talent and will attract some large offers from various teams, but Baltimore will do everything they can to sign him to an extension, especially considering that he recently turned just 25 years of age.

Mike Rucker, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Rucker is talented, there’s no doubt about that. But just how talented may be extremely debatable. He has had the benefit of playing alongside one of the league’s best defensive players in Julius Peppers. Peppers had a down year, and so did Rucker. There is probably a connection, but Rucker may still be pursued by several teams. While Rucker has posted just three sacks on the season, he’s had as many as twelve sacks in a season previously, and he posted five sacks last season. His play—at least numbers-wise—has tailed off in recent seasons, but if a team is convinced that he can return to form somehow, he might get a decent contract offer.

Corey Williams, UFA, Green Bay Packers
A starting defensive tackle for a rejuvenated and strong Green Bay team, Williams has helped the Packers become one of the better defensive units around. Williams has been able to tally seven sacks—matching his 2006 total—along with 32 total tackles and three forced fumbles. He has been very disruptive and will receive very strong interest as a free agent this upcoming offseason.

Other Free Agent Defensive Linemen
Jordan Carstens UFA Carolina Panthers
Ebenezer Ekuban UFA Denver Broncos
Sam Rayburn UFA San Francisco 49ers
Paul Spicer UFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Randy Starks UFA Tennessee Titans
Renaldo Wynn UFA Washington Redskins
The choice is ours, Nation..which big boy would you sign?
Peace and Bassful beats,
DR

The Dublin Raiders? Lord, that sounds almost as bad as the Irwindale Raiders..
Leave it to Dublin Mayor Mayor Janet Lockhart to fly off the handle..
WHAT?..she already retracted her statement?? Figures..
Hell, it seems like the city has practically everything already (nice housing, malls, Jerry McDonald, etc) Why not our beloved Oakland Raiders?
Why?…WHY?! because the team belongs in f$##* Oakland, kids!!! FOREVER!!!!
Seriously, they better create a new contract extension fast before things get even more complicated. I’m not sure I could stand another damn move.
I want the team in Oakland long enough for a 3rd Darth Raider to step up after either I’m retired or possibly dead!!…
long enough for the NFL to realize this field is a respected, historical Football landmark such as Lambeau field, Soldier field, etc..
long enough to still observe the shrine dedicated to the “original” PSL owners when I’m 50…
long enough to watch our great Coliseum have consistent Sellouts each and every game..
long enough to laugh at the “bad ol’ days” of 2003 to 2007 and look up to the players of the future..
long enough for Al Davis to create a statue of me outside of the stadium…
(Record skip) Ha-Haaa!
Ya know…if anyone deserved that honor, I believe it would be Jim Otto. Could you imagine?
Hmm, would Al Davis ever get a statue built in his honor? And if so, would people egg it??
Sorry, I’m getting off track again. (Sigh…the off season)
Maybe we should concentrate more on the Free Agent market and possible trades made available this up and coming season.
It seems a lot of you out there are interested in Mr. Oche Cinco.
Guess what? He might be interested in the Raiders…
or possibly another team?

Recently he was a guest on ESPN’s Mike & Mike and said it was time for him to leave.
Chad Johnson’s efforts to manufacture a trade from the Bengals hit full stride last Sunday when he took his complaints with the Bengals national on the Mike & Mike radio show on ESPN.

“I was labeled selfish and a cancer, and it hurt,” he said. “Fingers were pointed at me this year. If the team and the organization wants to further itself (make the playoffs), I think you need to get rid of the problem…. It hurt me. To do me that way and not to have my back. Things were said, and nobody came to my defense.”
Prior to Johnson’s appearance on Mike and Mike his QB, Carson Palmer, was on the show and said the Bengals should give Chad an extension.
Lord, let’s hope not. Yeah, Nation..I want #85 too.
The quick stat line for 2007: REC: 93 YDS 1440 AVG 15.5 TD’s 8

Although, the real question is: What are we willing to give up for him?
You want Emperor Al to give ANOTHER high draft pick for a flashy receiver? I sense the Nation is still scratching their heads..
While your contemplating, here’s a list of the unrestricted Wide Receiver Free Agents of 2008:
Bernard Berrian, UFA, Chicago Bears
Patrick Crayton, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
Bryant Johnson, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Drew Carter, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Andre’ Davis UFA Houston Texans
Justin Gage UFA Tennessee Titans
Devery Henderson, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Antonio Chatman UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Keary Colbert UFA Carolina Panthers
Terrance Copper UFA New Orleans Saints
Malcom Floyd RFA San Diego Chargers
D.J. Hackett UFA Seattle Seahawks
Az-Zahir Hakim UFA Miami Dolphins
Taylor Jacobs UFA Washington Redskins
Jerome Mathis RFA Houston Texans
Samie Parker UFA Kansas City Chiefs
David Patten UFA New Orleans Saints
Marcus Robinson UFA Detroit Lions
Randy Moss, UFA, New England Patriots..uh, no..

So.. it’s up to management, Oakland Raider Nation. Let’s hope we find the best Wide and we’ll be the best in the AFC west..
May the Force be with us…
-DR

Damn, I hate this part of the season. There are so many rumors, articles and banter written these days..
It’s hard to believe anyone even has an “inside source” anymore since “Emperor Al” is really the only old man on the planet who knows what’s going on with our beloved team.
You have to admit though…we all would be truly lost without Oakland Raider notes, rumors and speculation.
Sure, I read Mr. Monte Poole, Mr. McDonald, etc. every day (or every other few days now)..just like the rest of you die hard loyalists.
In addition, I read pretty much read anything I can get my eyes on that says the words “Oakland Raiders”. Although, I really don’t believe everything they say or write is true. Why should I?
Like I said, only the old man knows..the rest know what someone heard from Al…..
possibly.

Will Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan be let go or retained?
The writers told us he was gone or was going..
then the Raiders spokesman Mike Taylor says he was staying..
Jerry McDonald writes he’s STILL eventually going..
The Raiders insist he’s STILL not leaving..
Meanwhile, Darth Raider STILL has a headache from the season..(or was it New Years?).
“It’s time for a vacation” keeps flooding the Sith’s brain…Australia might be nice.

The Lord of the Sith asks his self, time and time again:
“Why would we want to stick with a guy who can’t stop the run?”
Sure we were ranked 3rd in Defense 2 years ago..but even then, the run stopping Defense was still lacking the ability to contain opposing Running backs.
If we need ANYTHING to battle in the AFC west, we need that strength.
Glenn Dorsey or Chris Long? I hope you kids are still available at pick #3 or #4…
because we need all the help we can get.
With the announcement of Warren Sapp’s retirement, the Defensive Tackle and End positions might be the most important positions the Raiders must address in the up and coming 2008 season. WE MUST STOP THE RUN!!!! (uh,eventually).
Projected mock Draft boards don’t see it that way. They have the Oakland Raiders picking Darren McFadden out of Arkansas.
Uh, do we really need ANOTHER Running back? I might agree with this if Dominic departs for another team..but…….uh…yeah, no.
Like I told you guys before, I think this is how we should address each position by priority:
1) DT
2) WR
3) OL
4) SS
5) DT

Obviously, this may change after reading more sights, articles and comments written…
Only thing to look up now is the top 2008 Free Agents.
Lord, do I hate speculation…
then again.. Lord, how I love it..
Peace,Beats and soft seats,
DR