50 Responses to “Hall Ball”

1. BigMark Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 5:39 am

   First!!!!

2. BigMark Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 5:41 am

   Yeah, I’m like you, every year I tend to think that we are a playoff team but after the last 5 years……. I’m kind of shell shocked ( no pun intended).

3. Diamond Jim Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 6:04 am

   I love the deal. It’s not my money.

4. Joe Raider Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 6:16 am

   I feel the same way. But I look at the FA moves this season again and I am encouraged. At the very least the team and Al Davis appear to be making a real effort to improve the talent level and address needs/holes. After five losing seasons it’s time for sweeping changes. LAst year it was coaching staff, this year its players. All good news. All necessary. DeAngelo Hall is the kind of move we have needed to make. I shake my head when I see posts from all the draft wonks and their lists of players most of us have never heard of that could be taken in the 2nd and 6th rounds. Lamenting the loss of picks of guys that would eventually get cut anyway.When numerous experts have testified that there aren’t any players nearly as talented as Hall that would be available in the 2nd round.So Hall is a smart move.Teams need to draft well, and develop young players,obviously.But Oakland Raider reality is Oakland has to bring in some veteran talent in order to become competitive.And I don’t mean old guys. Al is stepping up and making every attempt to put a winning team together. He has gone after the best available players at positions where Oakland has holes to fill.That is what you expect a responsible owner to do.

5. Psycho Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 7:03 am

   As far as expecting some level of disappointment from our new guys, I agree with you 100%. Usually we get guys who are fairly “safe”, only to be let down. And this years crop is extremely risky.

   I’d expect Wilson to be worth it. Hall will play up to his salary but will annoy and disrupt. K.Harris will be water under the bridge after a brief stay. Walker should show flashes but I don’t expect him to become a Tim Brown. Carter may turn the corner and prove to be a better find than Walker. Can’t expect Kelly to suddenly “produce” to his salary level. He is a very solid player but the numbers haven’t been “best DT” good. I’m just glad Kelly & Fargas are back though.

6. VaderRaider Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 7:42 am

   First off. Love the whole Darth Raider thing! I too am a fellow fan of the beloved Dark Lord of the Sith! And all things Star Wars. My other true love is those Raiders, they kill me. Your post hits home. I get frustrated too, the post super bowl era has not been kind. The key is Jamarcus, all these moves only look good if he can begin to improve. Word out of Alameda is he is at the facility and in the classroom, where he needs to be. I always use to call Plunkett “my” quarterback, and I hadn’t said that for 20 years till Rich Gannon! I wanna be able to call this guy “my” quarterback. And by that I mean a gamer, someone who will go out and win a game, be tough and not crack. Granted, gannon had his share of misfires, but its the mental toughness that will seperate him from the rest of the leaugue. It takes time to develop, so hopefully this year will be the stepping stone towards success.

7. Abba Zubba Art Shell Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 7:48 am

   Who’s at the captian’s wheel…Gilligan ? Davis is a senile tragedy, while Kiffin’s silence reveals his cowardace…

8. ej harris Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 8:20 am

   we never no how those free agent pick ups are going to work … we just hope that our systems fits there capabilities … but i can say this it seemed as though al davis was just a skeleton just sitting and collecting dust … well something has awoken him he is on a spending spree, he attempting to restore greatness , he’s damned if he does or doesn’t , i like the fact that he is doing … now lets finsh up a great free agency do our thing in the draft and get ready for a new football year…. plus with all these pick ups i can kick ass in madden ….lol

9. sf Says:
   March 17th, 2008 at 8:54 am

   ABBA ZUBBA , you are absolutely correct. The lunatics are running the asylum. After Al is gone ,then a new owner will have the opportunity to restore the Raiders

10. El Tato Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 9:03 am

    DeAngelo Hall is a good player, and get him for a second rounder is aceptable, but our biggest need is not CB. Routt and Washington, and hopefully Bowie, can have the job done.

    I think we should keep our second round pick, we could have a WR like Devin Thomas or James Hardy, a DL like Dre Moore, Red Bryant or Okam, a LB like Curtis Lofton or Jerod Mayo, or even a OT like Sam Baker.

    If DeAngelo comes to Oakland, say goodbye to Fabian W. I think we can get a 3-4 rounder for him.

11. Mad Road Dog Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 9:11 am

    Uncle Al, the players pal, has been gambling with the future of the Raiders with with all the money he has been throwing around in FA and the resigns. I just hope there is enough money available for the future because the Raiders still have a lot of holes. The most glaring ones for now are on the offensive line. JR is our future but his success is directly related to the play of the “O” line.

    To me last years 4-12 season was a result of the poor passing game that did not complement the run game. With a balanced offense, we could move the ball which translates into more first downs and the inevitable score. This of course takes a lot of heat off the defense, especially in the 4th quarter. The QB, WRs and RBs are most part complete so far but what about the LT and center position? If we go into the season with out drafting for the LT and center position Al is taking his biggest gamble of all.

    I hate the ZBS because all too often it demands the “O” linemen cut block which use to be a market cornered by the likes of the slime in Frisco and Denver. However, it is here and it did improve our run game but does it elevate the play of mediocre linemen in the passing game? I don’t think so but I hope I am wrong.

12. Hope is a good thing, Red! Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 9:21 am

    I agree that all the current moves look like potential improvements, but I’ll be sweating the injuries. Yet, look at Newberry, he made it thru last year and earned his incentive bonuses. Yes, we need a run stopper, we need JaMar to play to his projected potential (too bad he doesn’t run a little faster)and we need Michael Bush to pay off on the running side as we used the 100th pick to get him, and we have patiently waited for his contributions. Finally, and most important, we need to blitz and blitz and blitz (something we don’t do enough of)…too really presure and disrupt the other teams flow. With shut down corners, maybe that’s a possibility we’ll see more of? Here’s hoping for better things to come. A Riverside Raiders loyalist, Erik.
    shutdown cornors

13. KD Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am

    Dear Charles,

    I was writing on this blog for a few months, but from the reasults of a few losing seasons, I couldn’t handle all of the bitching about Al Davis. Al Davis is the Grandfather of Raider Nation, not even the most uninformed can argue this fact. He gave the nation its “I don’t give a F*&%” attitude, because its leader always has had an “I don’t give a f%#k” attitude. He has always been “cool”, calm, ruthless, and when there has been a consistant feed of income more than 42,142 fans who show up for the games, he has produced winners. He has always spent his money trying to win, untill the city of Oakland locked his hands behind his back trying to run the ticket sells them-selves. Notice we have been quiet the past four years in spending? Think back to how Gannon, Romo, Rice, Brown, Woodson, Wiz, and a few others I’m forgetting, all signed 6 yr deals before they played their last year or two. We have been paying on these bonuses as the payment to keeping these guys together four those few seasons. All the while building a core through the draft. Combined with this, the Raiders, a.k.a. Al Davis, has taken over the ticket sells. I have had my season tickets since 1996, and I went to every game in 1995, even spending $100.00 to watch the Cowbays and Deion snatch the life out of us. Never have I seen the stadium so full through-out the season. Sure it was full when we were winning, but the suiets were not full back then. Luxury boxes are the bonus money, it is the main difference between rich teams “Redskins” and poor teams, “Raiders”. So with more money and being released from paying for our superbowl appearence…Al can be aggressive again.

    Like I used to ride with my grandpa after he was a bit to old to drive. I will ride with Al Davis though he is not as quick as he once was. Both are achitects of a great family. Both were strong, tuff, men of men, who deserve the RESPECT and LOYALTY of the families they BUILT. Al Davis still knows more about the game of football and how to run an organization than 80% of the owners in this league STILL. I exspect those punks on the east-coast to shit on him everytime they have the chance, but reading it day in day out from his Raider Family, is disgusting! You set the tone in here “Darth Raider”, (hmmm, Al Davis’s Raiders), so maybe give the man some respect and these drones who listen to everything ESPN says, can from an opinion that the Family dictates, not out-side the Family.

    From an old school,

    KD

14. Mad Road Dog Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 9:49 am

    KD…right on brother, right on.

    NFL Network says the Hall deal is so close, Hall has asked Aso if he could wear his #21 jersey.

15. KD Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 9:58 am

    Thanks Mad Road Dog…

    Sweet, you can’t have too many good players, and I don’t think he can have #21, lol…That number is taken.

16. newengland raider Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 10:04 am

    Some random thoughts:

    1. Nnamdi and Hall: Not one of the but the best corner combo in footall. Nnamdi is #1, 10 passes all of last yr, are you kidding me?! Add our ball hogg LB’s, huff and finally a sure tackling safety and i really think this is the best secondary in football with great depth.

    2. Draft Pick: DE long/gohlston, DT Ellis, RB Dmac, OT Long. Our biggest need is along both lines but zone blocking doesnt warrant a high draft pick. Another speed rusher on the outside is going to create havoc for qbs throwing to our corners.

    3. Running Game: Fargas, rhodes and Bush, we should be a top 5 running team. Expect fargas to get hurt with his fearless running style however.

    4. Kiffin: I was pleased last yr but this situation is ugly, im concerned hes going to lose the locker room if they start out 1-3. I think hes smart but his age is showing in how hes handled ryan and the lack of professionalism going after college jobs. Ungrateful little snot. That said, i want him to stay for continuity and another chance to mend fences and get another opportunity for wins.

    5. Stopping the run: I think Kelly is an upgrade to Saap. Sands is lazy, we really need one other DT to stuff the run. If we dont get through draft we are again questionable against the run. Wilson will help some

    6. Huff at FS: Seems like a no brainer except that Huff has always played and succeeded as a SS. Keep in mind that in our defense the SS is a critical position of MORE value than a FS. Huff is there because he has the ability to shut down TE’s and is put in position to best make a play on the ball. He has done well but needs to step up. Moving him to FS is not a step up in our defense its a step down.

    But no matter what the most critical component to all this is JR….

17. KD Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 10:12 am

    N Raider…I agree with all.

    I sure wish we could have figured out a way to keep Clements, with him we probably would have picked a DT if the temptation of McFadden wasn’t too great. Any of those chioces at 4 will make me happy though. Get the best available I say.

18. S&B SOB Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 10:14 am

    Amen Old School KD,

    Recently I have had to decide which side of the Raider family to hang my jersey with, confonted everyday with two opinions to every argument. I try and decipher where I stand as a Raider fan. I know when I started to watch the Raiders as a child I could never have told you any of the players names, or the defenses they ran, I just thought they were the baddest mfers on the planet.

    Then I had teh opportunity to go to my first game (not being from the bay) and was changed forever. There I got to witness the nation, a mass of people from every different career, culture, and walk of life enetering the tunnel in a united and thunderous “RAAAAIIIIIDDDDDEEEEERRRRRSSS!” High fives came from every direction and throughout the whole experience I knew I was a part of something bigger than myself, and better than any other team.

    Now I find I defend my Raiders against Raider fans more than anyone else. There is a civil war going on here, but O Captain My Captain I stay with Al Davis. What HE created has made us the fans we are today. We will return to glory because he is committed to excellence.

    F ESPN.

19. LARaider70 Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 11:00 am

    Its an exciting time to be a Raider fan, now is the time to revel in what could be rather than what could have been. Optimism reigns supreme across the valley of the Nation & rightfully so. Mr. Davis usually shines most during this NFL period, GM’s,Executives,Coaches and players alike take note what Mr. Davis is up to.
    What the Raiders have going for them heading into the 08 season:
    Jamarcus Russell, from what I saw I like and as far as the upside its astonishing.
    Running Back(S), If Justin Fargas merely repeats what he did last yr that alone would be great. Echemandu was doing so well in practice before he got hurt & Rhodes makes a nice change up. Bush is the X Factor and should not be included in this topic since we don’t know how he will do.
    Ronald Curry must establish a good rapport with Russel to hope to improve his status as a good 2WR.
    Zach Miller, has shown good hands and god routes and will only get better. While Madsen was underutilized and should be considered as a 3WR.
    FB(s), a position of need before the 07 season but now a position of strength. Give it up for Griffith and O’Neal!
    The Law Offices of Morrison and Howard are inflicting painful justice across fields in the league. Enough said, they should both be Pro Bowlers.
    Namdi Asomugha, is a shut down corner. Before we go looking for Hall we need to finalize a long term deal with Namdi.
    As for the DL, to me Burgess encountered an injury right as we did not give him a pay raise, just saying it was kind of weird is all and since we have not done anything about it I don’t expect to much in return. The promise of Richardson getting better is almost inevitable as a rookie.
    The special teams play of Jarod Cooper is always exciting.

    Players that need to step it up or pack it up:
    Kelly DT;Now that Sapp is gone and he can focus on the position of strength he should have no excuse.
    Sands NT;Now that old & anorexic Sapp stepped down he should see more help and less double teaming because of Kelly.
    Warren NT;Looked good at times but needs to be more consistent. We gave up a third round pick for this guy and he needs to deliver the goods . Maybe a situational player but damn it when his #’s are called he better step it up.
    Joseph NT;From what I’ve read this guy makes Gallery & Kwami look like all pro’s. I have a lot of confidence in coach Millard.
    Sam Williams LB;He is a back up LB at best.
    Robert Thomas LB;Either play this guy more or find someone to replace him permanently.
    Stanford Routt CB;He needs to show everyone that he is the answer opposite Namdi.
    Fabian Washington CB;Ditto
    Gibril Wilson S;Show us what we’ve been missing.
    Michael Huff SS; Great for a second round pick but not 1st pick performance. Yes he has been effective against the TE in our Division and that in itself may be good enough put I still think by moving him to FS and Wilson to SS he will be more productive.

    Did Darth Raider really compare the posible duo of Asomugha & Hall to Allen & Woodson?
    I would hope more like Hayes & Haynes myself.

20. mildog69 Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 11:49 am

    As with the beginning of “A Tale of Two Cities,” it was the best of times and the worst of times. We have Nnamdi tagged and Hall possibly coming in for a one year deal (with him having an option to opt out before the 2009 season). Worst case scenario, Nnamdi and Hall play this year and then ride off into the sunset together to put on the pads somewhere else. So we would have given away half of our draft choices this year for production from Hall for only one year with the loss of the potential of providing some potential with those two draft choices. And this is not the only throw of the dice: Walker’s knee, Joseph’s back and the performances of Kelly and Suggs.

21. KD Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 12:00 pm

    Hall is not going to play in Silver&Black unless he signs a large multi-year contract. Period. That is what is taking some time, coming to terms on a big money deal. Worst case seniero is that we give Hall Nnamdi’s money and he leaves in two years. Advantage, we have the best tandem for two seasons, dis-advantage, it only lasts two seasons. Then again, we may have to work a long term deal with Nnamdi to keep his salary down for three to four years. Al likes a great DB, he may just keep both just to show his philosophy still works. Along with shut-up the Rob Ryan haters.

22. Brian Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    Hall is a good player but huge disruption to team chemistry. Asamugah and Washington are a terrific combo alonf with Wilson and Huff. No one will be able to pass against us and CB is not a area of need. Draft Ghoulston at #4 and use the 2 round pick on Dre Moore, Okam, or Bryant to shore up the Dline. Matt Baker may even be available here as well and would protect JR for years.

23. Rayder12 Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    It seems that AD is trying to get the team back to the playoffs if it’s the last thing he does.Using what got us three Championships,players,castoffs and probowlers to make our team. We will see in the future if he is a Genius or if time has passed him by. Raiders Forever!!

24. KD Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

    Just an FYI also…that 2nd rounder is in next years draft. Not this years.

25. Blastin Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm

    I love the idea of Hall coming as long as we keep our other Awesome corner. Appeared to me that teams could run at will for the most part, but when then needed to pass they did…pretty much at will as well. They just didn’t need to much because they could run. I mean when they needed a big first down they passed and seemed like more often than not they connected, so I am now thinking our pass D is not as good as the numbers indicate, so bringing in Hall should help big time.

26. raiderhomey Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    Okay fellas settle down, big Al still has vision, unlike the rest of these smuck owners who made their bones in computers, oil, razor blades, whatever. Al Davis is a football man through and threw, he knows what is coming with the salary cap crap. These contracts that are being consumated now will look like bargain basement prices come the 2010 season. And let’s not forget, Al closed the deal in October last year selling 30 percent of the team to some east coast blue suits, do the math people, the Raiders are swimming in cash, there will be more spending, more deals, and come draft day I predict that “ol uncle Al” will do whatever it takes to put Chris Long in silver and black, and rightly so. I would love to be a fly on the wall inside the war rooms of the donks, chargepukes, and queefs after the dust settles, can you say playoffs, playoffs, did you say playoffs, that’s right johnson, PLAYOFFS, and don’t forget it.

27. Rick Wascher Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    With all the money being thrown around why not get Nmadi a long term contract and Burgess too. He’s gonna run away when his contract is up.Hall isn’t much better than Washington is.Of coarse the way Al drafts maybe trading pick away is better. We have to trade down now to try to plug the holes we still have. DE,DT,OT,WR,C, and OLB.

28. Raiderkev25 Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    I’m definetly ok with CB Hall coming to Oakland. We will be the best secondary for many many years now! What we should do now is trade out of the #4 spot. I suggest we trade CB fabian washington or routt along with the #4 pick overall to Dallas for the 2 first round picks and dallas second round pick in this years draft.

29. Raiderkev25 Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    Don’t worry we will address our depth on both sides of the lines and then some in this draft. This new year will be entertaining but the following year we will blossom. Especially when all the compensatory picks come out. When we get some stability in the front office(a stable coach) the future of the Raiders will look great again!

30. SeattleRaider Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    There is no doubt about what Al has done for his team, the NFL or the fans throughout history. It’s truly historic. There is no argument, and anybody who tries is just plain ignorant. But, when Al wanted to give his 5th coach in 5 years the boot. I thought he lost it! The “boy who would be king” hand picked by Davis himself! Rumors were, he was replacing Kiff with ex-raider player and assistant WR coach Lofton. (who now looks to be coaching Walker, Carter & Co. That should be the subject of future blog) It brought back all the memories of Art Shell and all the negative feelings that will be forever entwined with that season. Then…… The Kiffin rumors quieted, the signings began, continued and now a 24 year old (in his prime) pro bowl cornerback to go along with Asomugha. Brilliant!!! Go get ‘em Al!

31. Raider-4-life Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

    Win, lose or tie! I’ll be a raider to i die! 0-16 or 16-0 GO RAIDERS!!!!!

32. GeneY Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Frustrated, yes, despondent, no, optomistic still, hell yes!

    Last year most of us waited with hope that our new coach, would start us back toward the winning way. He did, and he gave us hope by beating Denver (almost twice) and KC. After having a matador O line, we brought in Cable. No one can say that the O line didn’t play better. We were dissappointed that our D didn’t stop the run better, but really we didn’t do much to improve this aspect last year — no run stoppers were selected and our No. 3 draft pick, Quentin Moses was cut during preseason. The best thing we did was grab G. Warren who looks like he will fit in great. In last years draft — we gave ourselves a chance to win in the future and develop a franchise quarterback in J. Russel, we got a blocking tight end with great hands, a solid road grading fullback who started at the end of the season in front of an established good fullback, a defensive end J. Richardson who started some of the games in his first year, and we have a hungry potential superstar in M. Bush (just because you didn’t see him doesn’t mean that this Wheatley sized, Bo Jackson fast former Heisman frontrunner who has had 2 years to rehab his knees isn’t going to be great. Our linebackers also showed that they could be great, interceptions, stops, etc. We know what we need. We need to stop the run and put more pressure on the QB. We need wideouts that can really break free and stretch the field. I don’t think anyone is clammering to trade R. Curry (a homegrown solid wideout).

    This offseason, we resigned our own home grown RB who plays with so much heart and makes something out of nothing, tied up Nnamdi after we couldn’t reach a long term deal, locked up Kelly who was looking like a beast before he was injured. We signed Gabril Wilson and, assuming that we sign D. Hall will have one of the best coverage defenders in the league — think about it. Who do you pick on? What’s missing? D-line pressure. If you bring in one hard hitting pressure defensive lineman who demands a double team — think Long, Gholston, Dorsey or Ellis — everyone on that D-Line will be that much better (just watch Burgess). If we get D. Hall and our first round pick nets us a stud D-lineman, we will not be far off of an elite Defense.

    Going to the offense, yes it would have been nice to get a killer no. 1 wideout — we’ve already seen that talent, ala Moss, doesn’t mean that they will play well. You get a Javon Walker, who must have become frustrated in Denver (especially with Shanahan casting dispersions on his knees after he was cut) and who, when healthy is an incredible receiver. You add a young wide out, Drew Carter, who may be on the verge of a breakout year, and you keep R. Curry and you have a respectible trio of wide receivers — all with something to prove or a track record that speaks volumes for constant effort R. Curry. You have finally the same offensive line coach who made the O-Line better and now they understand the system better — we have a monster in M. Henderson who, after a year, may finally grasp the O-line system and who we haven’t seen but who wasn’t cut. We have a good backfield with J. Fargus, D. Rhodes and M. Bush (potentially great).

    Regardless of what happens, I am a proponent that we now have the potential to win. If Kiffin is still in, and if the injury bug doesn’t bite us (always difficult for any team — look at Indy without Dwight Freeney rushing the QB) — we can win.

    Quit your I’m just trying to keep it real B.S. So what, you lost 5 seasons — you won 4 before that! The strength of the Raider Nation is that we continue to believe and support this team. Those faint of heart, or those disbelievers, go join a team like the 49ers who are only fans when their team wins. We will rise again and there is no reason it can’t be this year. We have speed, talent, and youth (at most of the key positions) and a commitment from the owner to bring in players to try to win (think about those teams perenially under the salary cap! Ybarra, don’t be such a “hold back” — people that “hold back” saying that the Raiders will win just so, if they are wrong, people cannot say “I told you so!” Have some balls and project the wins. Only the Raiders Forever!

33. Blastin Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:49 pm

    Another thing is Hall is proven entity. NO ONE from the draft is. At least we know what we are getting. Draft is a crap shoot at best. All our draft picks in past have been sound based on information available, however, some failed to succeed at next level. We know what Hall can do.

34. azraiderdude Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    al davis father raider is spending his allowance on I think are some good fa’s. now lets get a legacy
    player in long he will sell some tickets, and his
    dad can brag on tv about the raiders for us. kiffin
    will be back, bush will be awesome. fargas will
    be all-pro untill he gets hurt, jamarcuss will be
    heavy but will be able to take a beating if
    needed. he will be the new and improved mad
    bomber. he is such a stud. raiders stay healthy
    they have a good cance of a wild card berth,

35. drray Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    life is about taking risks, in-office arguments are more pronounced in Raiderland because we are the only team with an ex-coach who is an owner- the media dislikes us because of our personality— we sucked for five years because we were built on old players– no more- despite the losses we have been getting better year by year overall in talent- plus our schedule is much better and our division is much worse than before- all this equals RAIDERS DOMINATING once again!!!!

36. momoney Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    This is my first time on any blog but i have to admit im a die hard raider fan tattoos and all. You see through all these years of being the feeder fish, you have to be mad, sad, pissed, frustrated , suicidal , homicidal and all of the above. Just remember though there are other teams losing as well that aren’t trying half as hard as Al is to put a winning product on the field. some people don’t believe in luck some do, but luck helps. You don’t know what a Tyler Brayton is going to turn into as a pro if he succeeds your a genius for taking a chance on him in the first round but if he doesn’t than as WE all see it doesn’t look to good. So you take the safe pick like everyone else in the NFL and select the best offensive lineman in all of college football ROBERT GALLERY and that doesn’t work out either im just saying everybody gets mad at Al and blames it on Al when we lose and say that he’s too old but in the end NOBODY ON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH hates losing “and when i say losing im not talking about just losing im talkin about not winning SUPER BOWLS” more than AL DAVIS. So in the end he’s tried HIS HARDEST every year HE’S NEVER SAT BACK and STOOD PAT.He got the best receiver in the NFL today Randy Moss he got best receiver in NFL history Jerry Rice he got one of the best d-lineman of all-time Warren Sapp im just saying he’s SPENDING MONEY AND IT’S NOT OURS and he really is trying his best to WIN SUPER BOWLS he’s not to old and there probably isn’t another owner that i would want in the league TO RUN MY TEAM. BLEED SILVER AND BLACK RAIDERS TILL I DIE BABY

37. momoney Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

    WE ARE GOING TO BE THE ONES EATING THE FEEDER FISH SOON RAIDERS FOREVER

38. Jim Stack Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 4:58 pm

    If we don’t p/u a big gifted DT we will then need to get a meaty MLB. I know.. everyone (including me)loves Morrison but… keep the lineman off him or we’ll need to move him back outside.

    Hopefully Russell just manages the first half of the season before opening up. Michael Bush is a beast. I loved him at Louisville. Anyone heard on his progress?

    ct

39. The RaiderCast » Blog Archive » Blogging from the Dark Side: Hall Ball Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    [...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]

40. OakFoSho Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 6:44 pm

    Al’s Mandate is McFadden….

    He fills so many possitions….

    1. 10-12 carries as a RB, and Justin and Bush can split the other 25.

    2. 20-30 plays as a slot WR, or motion man, running screens and using that speed to stretch the field.

    3. Kick and Punt Returner: both possitions in need of a drastic boost. Car is OK, but he will never score on a Kick off or a Punt.

    4. 3rd/Emergency QB: allows Al and Kiff to keep another player other than a QB on the roster. BONUS! I also would not be against McFadden getting a couple direct snaps down by the goal line, each and every game. He has all the skills, to run, catch, and throw on occasion.

    Al’s Mandate is McFadden!!

    OakFoSho

41. RaiderKen Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 6:54 pm

    Well all I have to say about Big Al trying is I’m glad I’m not the Chefs. This is what they get to be excited about in free agency:
    John Murphy, of Yahoo Sports, reports free-agent OL Justin Hartwig (Panthers) will visit the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, March 16, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.
    J.J. Pesavento, of Next Level Scouting, reports Georgia Tech FB Michael Cox has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Kansas City Chiefs April 16 and 17.

    Wow now that’s exitement!

42. Big Dale Raider Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

    We bring in Hall and we trade Fabian for a third round pick. Nice.

43. RaiderFan Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    Thanks DR. I appreciate your article. IMO it’s risky spending such BIG $$ on players who have had serious injuries like Kelly & Walker. The risk is that once an injury occurs sometimes the body is likely to have those same injuries again! Let’s ALL keep these potential BIG play guys in our positive health thoughts, plus the rest of our team. I also hope that Walker has left his malcontent-immature self in Denver, one jackass Moss is enough! DHall, if signed also has the malcontent-immature jackass gene, and the Raiders DO NOT need any more JUNK players!
    It’s been some tough losing seasons for us long time fans…we’ve been sooo spoiled with the Raiders’ countless winning seasons, BUT I KNOW that the Oakland Raiders WILL RULE AGAIN!
    2008 - GO Raiders!

44. DR Says:
    March 18th, 2008 at 9:49 am

    Gene, I’ll ALWAYS remain to speak the truth
    or “keeping it real” from my point of view. With that being said, I still believe we can beat any team in this league.
    Yes, I witnessed some winning seasons, and they were some of the the best years of my life..but during those seasons; me and friends would still talk after games and banter about about the lack of strength at certain positions..
    So in a way? I’ve always kept it real…and will continue to do so in the future.
    I think we all have enough optimism wielded within us to last us many lifetimes..
    I also have never “held back” when it comes to cheering for the Raiders.
    You’ll truly know if you ever make it to section 127, 1st to 15th row.(pacing back and fourth)
    Even with a Mask on I’ll be louder than you..
    With balls the size of Planets, Fairy Tale.

45. manuel Says:
    March 18th, 2008 at 1:26 pm

    nice writing. especially the last paragraph i believe as well. and like yourself hopefully sooner than later! go raiders!!!

46. RaiderAtownMatt Says:
    March 19th, 2008 at 6:25 am

    I have a running list of media personell that said they knew “for sure!!” that Kiffin would be gone before the draft. I can’t wait to send the flame mail when he is on the side line at our first pre season game.
    Hall comes to town…teh uber back field that we have missed for so long.

    I am still IN

47. MR. SNAKE Says:
    March 21st, 2008 at 5:24 am

    FIRST I WANT TO SAY, HATERS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. ANOTHER GREAT MOVE TO GET BETTER NOW. HALL SHOULD HELP CLOSE THE GAP IN THE AFC WEST AND I THINK YOU NEED A WILD CARD ON YOUR TEAM AS LONG AS THEY ARE ABOUT WINNING. R. MOSS IS NOT REALLY ABOUT WINNING, WELL WHEN HE FEELS LIKE IT. I’LL TAKE A T. OWENS OVER A MOSS ANYTIME. YOU NEVER HEAR PEOPLE SAYING T. O . IS NOT GIVING HIS ALL. JUST ASK THE HATERS, WERE A DRAFT AWAY FROM AN ABOVE 500 SEASON. GOOD JOB MR. DAVIS.
    CALI LUV,BAY LUV,
    MR. SNAKE
    9HUNDRED RECORDS,INC.
    OAKLAND,CA.
    HTTP://WWW.CDBABY.COM/CD/MRSNAKE

48. RaiderFrank Says:
    March 21st, 2008 at 6:59 pm

    DR
    Back away from the cliff. Its gonna be ok. I understand. I spend thousands of bucks on tix and there is a reason why they have a fence covering the bridge that goes to the bart station. I have tried to fling my Burgess jersey over the edge in anger more than once. They will come back. It is a matter of time. It is cyclical and destiney big DR.

49. Raiderforlife Says:
    March 26th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

    Listen would you rater be a Cardinals,Lions,Saints,Falcons,Dolphins,Bills,Vikings, and some other teams that have not one the superbowl or its been longer than our last win. I am tired of the negativity its going to get better. Go Raiders

50. Billy Miller Says:
    April 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    Will someone pleast tell me about Michael Bush?

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