I sense something..a presence I’ve not felt since..
By Charles Ybarra
Sunday, September 21st, 2008 at 9:30 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Close, but no Cigar…
This loss seemed familiar, didn’t it? Perhaps the exact same kind of outcome from the 2007 season??
Up in the 3rd or 4th Quarter..
only to lose dramatically late in the 4th.
I was ready to kick something into space after the Oakland Raiders went 3 and out on their last possession..
I’m sensing you did too. You also probably realized we CAN NOT defend the pass against high caliber QB’s.
Sure, Al paid for weapons to improve one of our main weaknesses on Defense, but it looks like we were sold Wagons when were promised galactic Tie Fighters.
I don’t mean to single anyone out (yesIdo), but DeAngelo Hall now appears to be targeted almost every game. I guess that fact shouldn’t be a surprise. Everyone and their Madre had seen Hall get torched like a BBQ Patty in the last Raiders big Prime time game. The main question is, what the hell does he do about it? I’ve seen him play up closer to Wide Receivers (like Nnamdi Asomugha) and have better results against the opposition.
In the 4th Quarter, “No D” Hall went right back to his crappy tactics, playing FAR off Wides, resulting in big gains by the Bills Offense. I think part of the reason was he was simply gassed…
“It just seemed like they just played a little harder,” cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. “We came out early in this game fighting, clawing. Towards the end I could just feel myself kind of not having the same punch we had early in the game. I definitely felt it myself. I let some balls get caught on me, and if you want to win games you’ve got to win them in the fourth quarter.”
It seems like the entire Raiders Defense also didn’t execute the same kind of “punch” that was thrown in the 1st Quarter.
Tommy Kelly, was killing the Offensive Line in the first half and into the third quarter. He wasn’t pressuring like he did earlier in the game. Gerard Warren also left with a neck injury late in the game after having a huge impact. Derrick Burgess was bothered by his shoulder and was “winded” according to Kiffin.
You get the feeling these guys need more conditioning than anything else..
If anyone wants to hit the treadmill tomorrow with me, you’re welcome to.
The Offense also continued to play without any proven consistency. This is due to the fact that we now have 2 injured Running Backs in week 3 of the NFL season. Just our damn luck, eh?
Injured Darren McFadden, May the force bless his tough soul, had 42 yards on 14 attempts. Mike Bush also netted 55 yards on 14 attempts.
You get the feeling the duo could of had more of an impact if D-Mac was at full strength.
Turf Toe is a bitch sometimes. It could be pain in the ass all year if you don’t treat it properly.
For all those who ask; Turf toe is a condition of pain at the base of the big toe, located at the ball of the foot. The condition is usually caused from either jamming the toe, or pushing off repeatedly when running or jumping. The most common complaint is pain at the base of the toe, but you may also have symptoms of stiffness and swelling.
I just hope this injury doesn’t linger as long as Chuck Woodson’s back in the day..
“I thought Woodson didn’t practice anyway, the stories I heard. I don’t think it had anything to do with his toe.” Lane Kiffin said earlier in the week.
I loved that line.
I’m praying Justin Fargas can still come back from the groin injury he received against the Chiefs. ESPN’s John Clayton reported that Justin Fargas could be out “a few weeks.” Fargas’ MRI results have yet to be released. I think the upcoming results might determine if we’re going to be good team, or just the same cursed team from 2007, unless McFadden can heal quicker than the X-men’s “Wolverine”.
JaMarcus Russell showed improvement from last week. I’d rather see him log in 156 yards than 55 total yards any day. I don’t really care that the bulk of yards were from Johnnie Lee Higgin’s BEAUTIFUL 84 yard reception. Jam has shown promise for the future. I’m just not sure if he can show all of his ability without
1) Talented Receivers
2) Higher profile RB’s in the spotlight
3) The limit of passing plays implemented in the current Offensive gameplan (due to #1)
You would think with the current injuries noted, that Kiff would still try to open up the passing game just a tad bit more.
Then again, I wasn’t feeling the wind in Buffalo.
Hmph, it didn’t seem to bother Trent f$%#ing Edwards…
Johnnie Lee Higgins..where in the hell were would we be without your speedy Kickoff returns!?!?
What do you have when you add that power to the fact JL can actually catch the ball and have the ability to take it to the house with ease on a simple slant route??
Possibly, you may have a playmaker. Time will only tell..
Overall, we did a OK job against an undefeated team. It’s unfortunate we didn’t get the W but hey, it’s still early. Don’t throw yoursleves out of the window just yet.
I’m hoping we play with the same kind of passion against a San Diego Offense who has an improved passing attack. Philip Rivers must go down and go down hard!!!!!!
Round 4..let’s keep fighting until we’re victorius! I’d take a San Diego win over a Bill win any day…
Keep painting it Silver and Black,
DR
[Both comments and pings are currently closed.]
September 21st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Yo Lord,..Im bummed…might pop over to your area sunday with a brew,..I miss the old neighborhood, 127,…may the force be with you old buddy.
September 21st, 2008 at 10:39 pm
What kind of coordinator continues to call the same scheme for 3 consecutive drives, with the same result, and not adjusting one single time? Those are the signs of retardation.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 am
12:31am Sunday: 1-2 and all goes to Hades..
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3601867
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 am
No way we can just go out and throw it. Our offense is run to set up the pass. Our offensive line is effective because of this scheme and the masterful work of Tom Cable.
Trying to force the pass with todays team would be disastrous (remember 2006).
23 points on the road and a 9 point lead with six minutes to go should be enough. It would have been nice for the offense to run out the clock but they did not. The defense failed when it counted.
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:31 am
Giving (and yes, GIVING) 17 points in the 4th quarter is too much of a flashback to last year. I am over the trauma and the drama of Davis and Kiffin. What happened to “Just Win Baby?” Get your panties out of your crack and let’s move on.
As usual Darth — I feel your pain. I’m right there with you. Defeated this week, but not forever. It’s time this “leaders” of this team stopped the Jerry Springer Show antics and focused on what we REALLY want more of — GOOD, HARD HITTING, WINNING FOOTBALL! Always have been and always will be IN!
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:53 am
DHall stinks. Yes he gives up 10 yard curls on every pass play, and the other team knows it. He had a pick earlier when he was playing tight.
I just don’t get it.
Knowing that our dfense gave up two scores late, the conservative play calling two dives, then a long pass was not what the doctor ordered.
Derek
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 am
The Raiders halftime defensive adjustments were to go back to the sceme of game one against the Broncos for the second half. SOFT, SOFT, SOFT…. Why not just stick to what was working? That was totally BS.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:07 am
“….What kind of coordinator continues to call the same scheme for 3 consecutive drives, with the same result, and not adjusting one single time? Those are the signs of retardation….”
The Most Predictable HC in the league….
1st down …run up middle
2nd Down….run off tackle
3rd Down….five step drop and throw the ball out of bounds
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 am
Ok, wait? Are you defending Rob Ryan, Ggnringo? Is that you Al?
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 am
I am surprised that no one in the media has taken Rob Ryan to task for the horrible job that he has done. If Kiffin goes, so be it. Im not defending him, whether I want him to stay or not. But in NO WAY should Rob Ryan be able to remain the DC of this team another day. If Kiffin goes, Ryan better be going right after him.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:16 am
You sure don’t get much for $70 million anymore.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 am
Yeah Man I’ll defend RR and a tired and banged up D that played its ASS Off…You Bet!!..all you Whiny bioatches signing petitions too keep LAME around for his B and B Vanilla Offense Kill Me….the guy has NO imagination, WHINES at every press conference..and NEVER accepts any blame for a poor scheme….maybe that’s because he’s got the Silver Spoon stuck in his jaw and is afraid he’ll choke on it
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:50 am
Schmuck notes:
The pathetic wretched Raider organization and its horrid team are the perfect fit for the myopic and ridiculous Raider fan base.
Raiders: 20-63 and counting.
Just keep spinning in place like a gerbil, baby.
The Chargers will make it 10 straight vs. the Silver & Crap.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:58 am
DUDE! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO BE A RAIDER FAN. I’m so tire of this pathetic organization. The owner is a arrogant piece of shite. Until Al retires/dies; I am no longer going to support them. No tickets, no merch, no t.v….NOTHING. I’ve spent too much time and money on this useless organization…an for what? NOTHING…because that’s what they are as long as Al (douche) Davis is owner. Next time I see Al in the press box, I will beg him to jump…he is a useless, waste of a human being. His existence contributes nothing to society. I am hanging up my eye patch until Davis is gone. You should do the same…boycott that bastard…DO NOT SUPPORT HIM. We’re enabling his childish behavior.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 am
A banged up D? Are you kiddin me? Its the O that was actually banged up, considering the strength of our offense is THE RUNNING GAME AND OUR TOP RB’s ARE INJURED! The Defense took the entire 4th quarter OFF. It is a 4 quarter game. At least the offense put points on the board in the 4th. The Defense did NOTHING in the 4th. And to all you Madden armchair coaches, when you have a 2 possession lead in the 4th quarter, the idea is to milk the clock. How do you do that? By running the ball. You dont start throwing passes and risk an incompletion, thus stopping the clock. But playing prevent defense for an entire quarter is inexcusable.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
The D schemer is definitely to blame for this one. There is no way Kiffin should take the blame. Al and Rob should take the blame. What a brilliant defensive scheme they conjured up in the 4th quarter. WAY TO DESTROY ANY CONFIDENCE THEY PLAYER DEVELOPER FOR THE FIRST 3 QUARTERS…YOU FREAKIN DOUCHE BAGS! I was in utter shock at the prevent you from winning defense. But I feel there’s something behind the scenes going on with that one. Once Kiffin is fired, you’ll see that Rob Ryan will take the position of HC. Then you may as well throw any hope out the door. Any player/coach that kisses Al’s disgusting arse is a pathetic loser. kiffin refuses to subject himself to such nonsensical BS. Al is not about the Raiders; Al is about Al. And you sheep-like loyalists need to wake up! Al does not give a damn about you, or anybody else for that matter. His ego has clouded all logic, and the results are the Raiders!
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
Poor schemes are not why we are 20-63 over the past five years.
We do not have enough talent. We are getting better but we still are another good draft away from the playoffs.
Talk about coordinators and the HC all you want. They won’t make a difference until the talent improves.
How about those Pats without Brady!
Need I say more?
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:14 am
You mean to tell me that coaching has NOTHING to do with this? If not, why change them so often. I agree with you to an extent. But w/o a good HC, talent means nothing! Just ask Randy Moss. This scenario is all about coaching! There is plenty…PLENTY of talent on the D. 8 sacks and 5 turn overs in the past two games. They only started losing when the SCHEME CHANGED. They were dominant until they went prevent. So don’t give me that.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
I disagree. We definitely have the defensive personnel to be successful. We have a DE in Burgess that is among the leagues sack leaders the last 3 years, we have what is probably the fastest group of LBs in the league, we have hands down the best CB in the league. It has EVERYTHING to do with scheme. If it had nothing to do with scheme, how do explain Buffalo scoring all of 6 total points up until the 4th quarter. They scored 17 points successive drives as soon as the SCHEME was changed. When an offense throws passes to right side of the field over and over and over again with repeated success, why do you not adjust? You have a CB on the right side playing 10 to 15 yards off the line. Buffalo killed us in the 4th with the same exact play over and over again. All to the soft spot of the defense. IT IS ALL ABOUT SCHEME.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
Thank you, oliverthizz! No freakin doubt!
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
And last I checked, Tom Brady doesnt play defense. Ronnie Brown had 3 TDs on the same exact play. The Patriots defense didnt adjust one single time to that direct snap. So again, the SCHEME was to blame in that example as well.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
True that, oliverthizz. The players were awesome yesterday…that is UNTIL THE SCHEME CHANGED.
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:39 am
Exactly. The Raiders have the quality players to have a top 5 defense in the league. I do agree that the offense is definitely challenged personnel wise, but Rob Ryan is not playing this defense to its strengths. And when you dont do that, YOU DESERVE TO BE FIRED. In all seriousness, Kiffin is doing the best he can with the offensive personnel that he has. We now have a top 5 running game. Regarding the defense, I will go player for player with just about any team in the NFL, and I guarantee you will find we have better players on D than a most teams.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
D Hall is garbage! He hasn’t shown me anything to justify his big contract yet. Buffalo won that game by going after him time after time after time. I was actually hoping that Ryan would pull his sorry ass of the field and replace him with Routt. At least Routt would have tried to disrupt the receiver’s passing routes and not just sit back and wait until the ball was caught. Al Davis pissed off his best cornerback in years by signing this guy? This is just another sign that Al is a poor judge of talent. One more thing, I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, if Kiffin goes, I’ll go.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Kiff is on a press conference saying that he has not been fired.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Routt got beat for the TD in the 4th Qt (w/Nnamdi in the same zone)., granted he was playin on a bum ankle, in Man coverage ’cause we blitzed 2 guys…DHall is definitely better when he plays press…..
And Oliverthizz…..in the 4th Qt……Warren- OUT, Wilson-OUT, Johnson-OUT, Routt-Turned Ankle, Burg-Shoulder Injury, Branch-Wearing Cast….yeah I’d say the Defense was banged Up…and playin their ASS OFF…lil’ more imagination on Offense and maybe we win
3 and Out w/ 4:00 in the game….AGAIN….how many sustained drives…Zero!!…..
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
How many more times will the D allow this to happen before Buddy’s boy faces the music?
We can talk all we want about the offensiver play calling and the three and out..but D still has to come thru.
Buddy’s boy needs to take the sword on this one.
Silver and Black…Will Be Back
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Darth, I remember you telling one of your minions:
“Prepare your troops for a surface attack.” That’s all opposing defensive coordinators have to tell their players when facing the Raiders. Why? All we have is a running game?
Why can’t we do anything but run? It’s not Lane Kiffin’s conservative play calling: it’s JaMarcus Russell. I’m rooting for JaMarcus, but at this early phase of his career he’s not capable of:
A) Reading & recognizing defenses before the snap and as the play develops, which leads to:
B) No audibles at the line or improvization, a staple of the Rich Gannon era, which leads to:
C) JaMarcus not looking off defenders and staring down his primary receiver, which leads to:
D) The defenense reading his eyes and no receptions by secondary and third receivers, a staple of the Rich Gannon era.
Let’s face it: JaMarcus’ TD to JL Higgins was a whisker away from being picked off by the Buffalo ‘backer because JaMarcus never saw him. He was so zoned in on Higgins that the play could’ve ended in disaster. He threaded the needle not by design, but because of his naturally gifted arm stength. At some point a QB has to give way to his natural ability in favor of a more cerebral approach. Kiff was trying to get him there slowly because the big kid just ain’t there yet.
Opening the offense will lead to disaster: see the Raiders vs the Arizona Cardinals in the pre-season.
Adios Kiff will mean adios ball security, I guarantee it. Nice bloggin’ with you Darth.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
“>>We can talk all we want about the offensiver play calling and the three and out..but D still has to come thru.>>>”
….Gotta win on both sides of the line….the offense has been NON_EXISTENT since 2002….period!!…if ya don’t score in the AFC WEST YOU LOSE!!!…been that way for forty years….because we play in environments condusive to scoring…the AFC since the AFL days has always won by scoring (except for the one year the RAVENS won)…
When we draft senor Crabtree next year then JRuss will have himself a target and a year and half under his belt of reading D…..
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
RAIDERS have been self destructing from top to bottom for the past 20 years.
Al Davis, yes a great person, yes had great football tactics back in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
Since then, his meddling has caused major organization issues.
As long as ol’ AL continues to meddle and try to stick a round peg in a square hole, the RAIDERS will only continue to stink or stay as bottom feeders.
I have pledge allegiance to our beloved RAIDERS for 40 years and will continue, even though as we all see that our RAIDERS will continue to self destruct.
Why is it that all former RAIDERS coaches excel with new teams?
Why do former RAIDERS players who where cut or let go excel with other teams?
Why do top draft picks excel with other teams yet with the RAIDERS they seem to fail or not live up to expectations?
How many merry-go-round-coaches has AL fired, replaced or not see eye to eye in the past 10 years?
Why do all former coaches have nothing good to say about AL and the organization when the leave or are let go?
I know the best RAIDERS times where in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, but AL and the organization need to catch up to the year 2010 and think outside of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
We need to have AL basically give up any meddling or input and let Kiffen Coach his way and Rob run the defense his way.
Why does AL pay million dollars salaries to second and third rate players?
Because he still thinks he’s in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
AL should continue to call the RAIDERS his team, but the poor guy needs to understand he’s behind 20-years, in new offense and defense schemes.
AL let go, your ideas, thoughts, and team organization is 20-years behind everyone else in the NFL.
Leave your Pride and Poise for game times, stay in your sky box, no phone calls to the field.
Let others with fresh ideas and fresh talent run the RAIDERS back to new and stable glory times.
Nobody in the NFL throws the long ball any more; it died with the 80’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To my RAIDERS fans, I’m still a RAIDERS fan through good and bad times,
(More bad and gutter times lately).
I know AL will always be personified as the RAIDERS, but come on AL, let new ideas take place or give Kiffen and Ryan full access and decision making!!!! Stop cutting them short, give them full reign!!
Ever wonder why our RAIDERS hold closed, secret and veiled summer and normal practices, while the rest of the NFL teams hold open practices???
Our current offensive schemes don’t work or are not flavored for medium to high scoring.
Our offense is based on the defense holding the opposing team down to field goals.
Again part of AL’s 60’s, 70’s and 80’s thought process.
We all know the defense is like a leaking dyke, there are holes all over the defense, yet the defense players are being paid almost 1-Billion dollars to stop the run and stop the pass.
Yet they continue to play like 99 cent store players.
Yup, we’re in for a long and losing season, my fellow RAIDERS fans, we just have to grin and bear it as long as AL holds out……………………..5-10 MORE YEARS…………………………
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
ggnringo;
Banged up? C’mon, this is football, not soccer. Players are “banged up” right after the kick off. Rob Ryan change to a prevent defense, which opened it up for the “quick-hit” style O that the Bills play. True, the Raider O could’ve been better in the end, but we should know better not to depend to heavily on a brand new, in-the-works offense. If the Raiders would’ve kept up the pressure like they were in the first 3 quarters, we’d be 2-1. In fact, if it weren’t for Rob Ryan’s D play calling, we may be 3-0. Don’t give me that banged up crap! This is freakin NFL…if your scheme sucks…you will suck.
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
How pathetic we looked.
Right off the bat, we marched to the red-zone three or four times only to come out with three freakn field goals. Oh yea, we’re going to battle for the AFC West division with touchdowns like that……..
Oh yeah, very high power scoring machine.
Then the last quarter we get complacent, AL & Rob go into their “prevent defense” as they did with Denver, and again, more disaster. 18 points in 3-minutes.
Yet here ol’ AL and his one-billion dollar defense players can stop a tooth fairy.
Honestly, this year is going to be another bust for us.
Why not let JR get his hands into the nuts and bolts of the offense and take more chances, it won’t matter, we’ll either lose by a close margin or get our asses kicked, so why not let JR develop more??
Why hold him back, get the damn kid gloves off of him and let him take his success and failures this year, now, it’s not like we’re going to win the AFC West division, this or next year.
AL & Robs pathetic billion dollar defense has got to go!!
Rob may know defense, but it’s his dad buddy who knows how to runs schemes.
Ever wonder why ten different coaches declined AL, before Kiffin accepted??
I believe Kiffin has good coaching ability, sure he’s young and not proven, but I don’t believe he was ever given the chance, by DARTH AL.
As like all former RAIDERS coaches, AL blames them for his own short comings.
AL was great in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, but what has he done for us lately?
Besides spend a billion dollars on a bunch of has-been clowns.
Notice all the former RAIDERS players let go last year and this year are breaking records with other teams or are in the top 5, what a shame AL…….
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
DR
Good words. I also think there is a severe lack of MATURITY on the team. JLs lack of finishing the 84 yard play with professionalism took away the thrill of the play for me. Immaturity is being fraudulently sold as flash swagger. This team has to win before they have swagger. Until then, keep your cool and play hard - the whole play and all 60 minutes!
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Al Davis is a has been. His old butt needs to croke and give the ranes to someone that knows football.
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Hey, here is a newsflash. the raiders are fucking terrible. your owner is a retard, and your coach is a fucking toddler in diapers. J-cock sucks, he is a big fat ass waste of a pick.
good call on D. Hall.
pick a new team, losers.
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 pm
It never cease to amaze me how many hater cunts visit other fan sites to express idiocy and blank utterance, “Animal”..sheezuss.. what CREATIVITY!
September 27th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I believe that Rob Ryan needs to go. The issue is not Kiffin. For the past 3 years we’ve seen the same defensive schemes over and over only to get beat playing prevent defense. Ryan must go.
September 27th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
What this team needs is new LEADERSHIP. Kiffin is not the man to lead this team. Al is RIGHT. I am relishing tomorrows game against the Chargers. If we win, FANTASTIC!!! If we lose and get humiliated…adios Lane.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
For those that dog Rob Ryan it was not that long ago that he gave us one of the best passing D’s in the league. Then came who Lame Kiffin then the D went to being one of the worst in the league to me that sounds like Lame had more to do with that then RR. But that is just my guess to the whole Defence thing. We will see if anything changes with Lame being gone or not!!!!!! JUST WIN PLEASE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!