Taylor: Ryan to stay
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, January 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Statement released by the Raiders by spokesperson Mike Taylor to the Associated Press:
“The recent conjecture regarding the removal of Rob Ryan is incorrect and the constant barrage of rumors is irresponsible. The Raiders organization stated that the speculation that Rob Ryan will be relieve of his duties should stop.”
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January 4th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
THERE’S A REPORT ABOUT RYAN STAYING ON ESPN TOO…
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3181706
January 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Disaster.
We are stuck with a useless DC and our Head Coach has been completely undermined.
If Rob Ryan had any sense of honour, he would resign.
Al Davis, I hope you know what you are doing.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
bs
January 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Why? Why? Why? is this Al pulling rank with the Man Defense? or do you think Kiffin really believes in Ryan?? I read yesterday that Kiffin favored the Cover 2… I hope Al is not setting us back further…
January 4th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Al probably figured there was no other viable option to replace him with, plus he’s got the players on his side.
Changing to the Cover 2 along with some new def. assistants could help us out. At least he wasn’t traded for 3 minor league prospects!!!!!
January 4th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Repost
Here I’ll break it down for ya all: We most likely will make a run at Raheem Morris, but won’t be able to do that until Tampon Bay is out of the playoffs, which could be as early as tomorrow. Under league rule, as long as a coach is making an upward move, he can do that. Lateral moves, (i.e., RRyan going from DC Raiders to DC Jets) will require compensation, since RR will still be under contract with the Raiders.
What does all this mean?????? Stay tuned. (I think the Godfather is trying to weasel the 6th overall pick, NY Jets #1 rounder for Ryan)
January 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
This is a bad thing for everyone, I´m gonna wait for more information but I´m not liking it, our outlook maye just have turned from bright to cloudy, if confirmed.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
That statement leaves more wiggle room than “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”
January 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
And if I’m wrong about #6, and Ryan IS staying, I told ya so.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Al Davis is a senile old fool.
The rest of the Alameda staff are too scared to tell him the truth.
Rob Ryan is a failure. Just like his father. Just like his brother.
Will somebody please buy this franchise. Send Davis to a home for the ridiculously demented, fire losers like Ryan and put this franchise on a professional footing.
Nancy Gay, you were right.
Jeffrey Chadiha, you were right.
The lunatics own the asylum.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Why would the Jets be so willing to give up the 6th overall pick for an unproven def. coordinator? He’s great with linebackers but not so much with an entire scheme. I know the Jets suck but damn, they’d have to be pretty silly to take that kind of deal.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
oakglenn,
that’s funny, the jets #1 for ryan, that will never ever happen.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
rex ryan is a failure?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Oakglenn…If you are right I have to give ya props big time on that one…and I hope you are right.The thing is if the tampering rumors have some merit ya just never know…..stranger things have happened.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
buddy ryan was a failure? are you talking about buddy ryan the head coach or buddy ryan the d-cord? because buddy ryan the d-cord was certainly not a failure.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Odd statement, weird organization, what else?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Why would the Jets want to take a complete failure like Rob Ryan as their DC?
Last year’s D stats were a complete mirage. Ryan has failed for four years. Failed to motivate. Failed to organise. Failed to improve. Just like his father, he can’t deliver the results.
The Jets are desperate but they aren’t stupid.
And certainly not as stupid as Al Alzheimer Davis
January 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
if al was trying to get compensation from the jets it wouldn’t be rd1#6.
who knows what is going on in alameda, ryan is under contract, he could stay a raider coach and kiffin could still bring in a new d-cord. who knows.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Thinking about the whole “last hurrah” the players gave Ryan at the end of the last game, I’m thinking Al is holding it up until the Bucs lose against the Giants, then with Morris free to move, he’ll let go of Ryan.
And Al is scheming to see how he can pull a “billy beane” and make the situation more to his advantage. Let’s say the Jets are complete rim jobs and offer some kind of draft pick/ compensation or whatever, it wouldn’t hurt to hear them out.
Highly unlikely but stranger things have happened.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Buddy Ryan’s record at Arizona was 12:20. Failure.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
what an f’ing joke scottish raider. you are looking at buddy’s w/l at arizona and calling him a failure? go f’ing read up on the guy and check back in…
January 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Everybody take a deep breath. WOW you overreact to everything. Al Davis did this, Davis did that. SWould you believe that Kiffin directed these comments to cease and desist. I see as the same rumors created by the media about his going to Arkansas.
Why not wait until something definitive comes out. You all were led to believe that Kiffin was against Ryan and I tried to tell you that, that wasn’t necessarily the case.
Why not wait until something definitive happens. Because you dont get what YOU think should be done desn’t mean that something is amiss. What Kiffin and Ryan now have a clearer idea of hat the other expects.
It could be anything just wait.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
This sounds like one of those “Vote of confidence” deals where you can almost bank on the guy being fired. How come they didn’t make this statement about Kiffin and Arkansas?
Kell, you’re right though. Weird stuff…
January 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
bill belichick, 36-44 as coach of the browns, are you calling him a failure too?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Of course “Big Al” loves subterfuge, bulscit, imtrigue and fukin people, who knows.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
HOw come there are no videos of Buddy Ryan punching Kevin Gilbride in the face on youtube?
I kept waiting for Rob to do that Tom Walsh last year.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
If Kiffin wanted Ryan gone, and Davis is screwing around we are screwed.
Maybe Kiff wants Ryan to stay for another season?
If not this will reak Havoc on the Raiders org.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
bs Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
bill belichick, 36-44 as coach of the browns, are you calling him a failure too?
no he just started winning when he started taping the other teams Defense.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
KK, baby you just were had by the media and you don’t want to admit it. So you blame Mr. Davis.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Ya know BHP,
If “Big Al’s” clever bullschit resulted in winning, that would be one thing. Other than that, he need’s to quit it. Know what I’m sayin, Hit it or Quit it.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Obviously I’m teasing a bit about getting the Jets #6 overall, BUT, hey, stranger things have happened. If you remember the Gruden deal, gruden was gone, 24 hours later, was back, and then 24 hours after that gone for good, SO, hey ya never know. You guys kinda break me up tho, cause last year, Ryan was being interviewed for the HEAD COACH job, not only here, and had lots of consideration both in this organization and in others, and 12 months later he forgets everything he knows about football??????? Huh?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I bleed Silver & Black, but come on.
Canning Ryan would have sent a message, no perform = no job. It also would have been a boost to Kiffs status as shot caller for the Raiders.
Instead Al thinks that someone (jets) covets something he owns and now he has to squeeze something out of them for it.
Sometimes the STATEMENT is better than getting something/nothing.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
glenn, did you ever find beach?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I can’t believe this sad excuse for a professional organization. How can this not be grand pappy trying to show everyone he is still “in charge”. Un-freaking-believable. How much lower do the Raiders have to sink to start going up again? Every year for the past five years Al has figured out a way to bring the team down. Senile grand pappy needs to be put out to pasture.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
check out the post #7 on the cover 2 article. Al runs the raiders for a living. He has no other job. Giving Kiff control would be the same as Davis firing himself.
Al will NEVER fire himself and thus this organization will continue to be a failure.
25 years of being a raider fan……it is hard to see the franchise in this state, but Al has no one to blame but himself.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Well Rob Ryan is still in Alameda when other coaches have been getting the axe left & right. Im not saying this is a valid story; just like yesterday it was reported Ryan was fired. I think the real blame on Ryan (if Rob had anything to do with it) was he drafted some bust at defense. If Coach Ryan is coming back, I hope Kiffin will have a better nose at drafting & signing true football players.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
JohnS, because Rob Ryan would miss – just like his defense attempting tackles.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Rob Ryan if he stays needs to learn what a blitz is called.
If we draft Dorsey and get some run stuffing d-lineman we will have a good defense.
but this stinks of Al Davis calling the shot’s to me.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Actually Scottish, Buddy Ryan designed the 46 which is in use by almost all the pro teams in one way or another and 90% of college teams. No one obviously runs it as their base D, but you do see it. Shoot, Bellicheck runs it. How much of a failure can he be on that alone?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I am happy if the espn report is true that we are keeping Ryan. This organization needs some sort of STABILITY.The players who respect and trust Ryan will perform next year. I think the coaches have a pulse on the underperformers.There will be a youth movement and after the last 4rys of the coaching merry-go-round I am for it. The dead c-wood[sorry i couldnt help it]I mean wood will be gone.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
lol Scottish
January 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
The same kind of bullschit that kept JaMarcus out of camp, trust me. (lol)
January 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
All the running backs in the AFC West are happy Ryan is staying, more 100 yard games for second tier RB’s line KC’s backup that shredded our D
LOL
January 4th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I do agree we need stability at all coaching levels, and I hope Kiffin like the raiders org and wants to stay for years, I hope Big Al does not piss this guy off enough to leave.
Kiffin is the best thing to happen to the Raiders since 2002
January 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Oakglenn,
You keep saying the 46 that Buddy Ryan played in Chicago is the same that all teams play. I don’t believe that.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
basic PR: If Kiffin is cool with this, i.e. it’s his decision, then have HIM make the statement.
Who is Mike Taylor. What happened to Artie Gigantino?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
If I am not mistaken Daddy Ryan was the D Cord for the 85 Bears. Widely considered the best D ever. Nuff said about Buddy.
His twin sons on the other hand make a living off their last name.
Please give that loud mouth a hole a chance to prove ” I’d get a job in 2 minutes” (the same two minutes that his defenses fold in at the end of games!!)
January 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Talk about delusional.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Between 1988 and 1991, Ryan’s Eagles defense was one of the very best ever. But he failed year after year to build an offense that could take advantage.
The classic Ryan family failings: Failure to learn, failure to correct mistakes, failure to take responsibility.
Rob Ryan is a failure. Just look at his record. Probably the worst of any DC across the league over the past four years. He is the Alvis Whitted of DCs.
Ryan has no shame. Like his father he is too stubborn, arrogant, pig-headed to admit his failings and step aside. You need to fire Ryans.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Kiffin needs to make some statement on the issue.
if he wanted Ryan it’s all good.
If Al did like I said and screwed Kiffin over, we will never get a true 10+ year HC here again.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
yeah bhp you’re right, someone is delusional if they think this marriage with ryan will work if he’s not allowed to run his def
January 4th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
How many 4th quarter leads did the raiders loose this season with Ryan as DC?
LOL
January 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I heared Ken Stabler on ESPN news over the weekend and hye said when he played for the Raiders they had GREAT players, any coach can win with Great players and it’s mr. Davis job to get them here.
Ryan can be good with great players.
1) Chad Johnson.
2) Glen Dorsey/Chris Long.
3) Any left tackle better than Barry Sims.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Hey JohnS
I got a good link for you, have you seen the ‘’straight cash homey” stuff on espn page2?.
Simmons mentioned it and it´s funny sh+t…
January 4th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Dude, Mike Taylor is the PR director and a darn good one to boot.
They will hold a press conference to clear everything up.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
JT. Ryan’s pathetic excuse for a pro-defense lost six 4th quarter leads. We could have been 10:6.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
KK, look at my quote, the 46 in one way or another, sure, there are tons of variations of it, that’s what coaches do, same with the cover 2, or an eagle. All coaches like to add their own wrinkles.
Johns, the beach??? didn’t quite get what you were saying…
January 4th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
RR doesn’t play on the field. Did any of you ever think that maybe what stops the run and plays overall good D has a little to do with who you have on the field?
Give RR the players and he will improve the D. We have a patchwork Defensive line and need better pass rushers, run stoppers, safeties to mention a few. I guess it’s always easier to blame the coach.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Delusional, is not recoginizing that the 78 year old Man, in a walker, GM, is not the same man he was 30 years ago. Sorry, but we all get old. You guys are living in the past. That’s delusional bro. Life goes on. WE ARE NOT WINNING, ok?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
One thing you guys, and I’M SURE THE GODFATHER INSISTED ON THIS, it’s probably better, AT THIS POINT, that Kiff only really has to deal with the Offense and special teams. As a first time head coach ON ANY LEVEL, not having to completely set up a defensive staff, and a defensive philosophy, and defensive personnel, especially with the Godfather hanging over his shoulder, it probably could let kiff focus a little more and get acclimated to the job. just saying.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Eastcoast, Ryan has had four years to recruit, train, organise and motivate. Every player on this year’s defense is Ryan’s choice and Ryan’s responsibility.
Shawn, Rob Ryan will fail next season, no matter who we draft or who we acquire in FA. He always fails.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Ryan has been running his defense or he would be gone. Get it, GONE. He and Kiffin ( that’s if Ryan stays ) will go into next season with a much better understanding of what the other is trying to get done. This is totaly up to these guy’s being on board with each other. If what you guy’s say was going on, none of these coaches would stay here. Rathman, Cable none of them. the only way a coach can be successful is if he believes in what HE is doing………….period.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hey Scottish
We lost four games where the defense only one offensive TD. This is not High School we have to score points in this league. In 12 losses the offense average just over 9 points in those games. See Al knows what he is doing.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
oakglenn
if that’s the case, whey doesn’t al be head coach and just hire an offensive coordinator? what sense is there in hiring a headcoach and yet telling him not to use his philosophies?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Master Davis,
Please fire yourself sir, our organization is a laughingstock among the league.
I offer my death as a measure of my sincerity and love.
(now i slit open my belly)
January 4th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
bhp
you need a splash of the holy water dude, you are truly delusional. so by your concept al just hires boneheaded coaches who don’t believe in themselves? these defensive coordinators just happen to not believe in the scheme they want to run is what you’re telling us?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
With the possibility of the Jets tampering with Oakland and RR, Al might be keeping Ryan until either compensation is determined by the NFL or by the Jets.
He could easily be on his way out the door, but until something has been decided, he won’t go anywhere.
Either this, or like I said yesteray, he could be staying but will have to release Millard and a few other assistants.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Can anyone answer this for me…This year we had 2 Def linemen that played the same D last year for us, right? Burgess and Sapp. 11 and 10 sacks respectively in 06 with tommy kelly. 8 and 2 this year without tommy kelly. I’m not saying it was all tommy kelly, but it seems to me that he definitely did something to help 56 and 99. Then injuries got to them, too.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Jack Johnson,
How many more games does Ryan have to lose before you recognise that this loser is just not good enough to run an NFL defense?
How many more Day 1 defensive picks have to fail before you recognise that Ryan either can’t spot talent, develop talent or utilise talent?
Wake up, Nation. Rob Ryan is just not good enough.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
How can Rob Ryan stop the run with no DT? Last year everyone wanted him to be HC, the defense was the only bright spot and Ryan was the man. I heard 0 calls for his head then. This year the D under performs and he gets thrown under the friggin’ wood chipper! To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, “…many of you you know so much that isn’t so…”. Yes, his defense under performed, that does not make him worthless or useless or any of that. Give the guy some talent in the trenches, with a healthy Burgess, then we will see. Move Huff to FS and bring in a real SS. Firing the DC is not the only answer. And it may still happen, what was the press release before Shell got Shelled?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
“Ryan has been running his defense or he would be gone. Get it, GONE. ”
What does that mean, cause he’s unsucessful and still here?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Yeah Bob. I’ve seen it. That’s some funny stuff. I was just looking through it to see if there were any Raiders…just a guy in a Hostetler jersey.
I’d be more comfortable if it had said “Raiders spokesman Blackholepriest.” At least then I’d have heard of him.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
jeremy
even if al let him go, if the nfl dertmines there was tampering, we would still get the compensation, that’s not a good enough reason
January 4th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
The crazy thing is everytime there is a rumor one way or the other people jump to a million conclusions. First of all No One knows whether Kiffin wants Ryan or not. Its all been rumored speculation about him being fired and Kiffin going to the Cover 2. Who really knows? If he doesn’t get fired does that mean it was Davis who made the call? Once again who really knows? Not the media and certainly none of us. Remember last year when it was stated that it was irresponsible for the media to make rumor about Shell being fired. Weeks later what happened? So why don’t we just chill out and wait to see what happens. What if Ryan does stay but tweaks the way the defense is ran does that mean that Kiffin won out? All these grand statements about what Al does and doesn’t do, what he controls or doesn’t, the reality is none of us even really know.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
We’ll Li’l Lane, there goes that Cover 2 son.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
No that’s not what I’m telling you . You’re telling yourself that.
Maybe if read carefully what I’ve said maybe you’d understand it better. Then again maybe not.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
August 2007.
“I think we have great personnel and can play pretty much anything we want,” Ryan said. “The great thing with these (young) guys is they have all kinds of talent but they are also very smart. They have jumped right in and grasped what we are doing and have really fit right in.”
Guess who?.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
sorry glenn. I was thinking of Raider Dell…my bad.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I swear it never ends with this damn team. Mixed messages, Al’s attempts to constantly neuter his coaches, piss-poor DCs allowed to retain employment for FIVE YEARS STRAIGHT!! Are you kidding me? The only person not held accountable for this miserable dysfunctional mess is senile grand pappy.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
John S
Yeah I was kind of bummed there was no Marinovich jersey either.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
“I’d be more comfortable if it had said “Raiders spokesman Blackholepriest.””
lol.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
you’re right, maybe not…what is it you’re trying to say? because it sure sounds to me like you believe he’s running his defense, and i certainly don’t see a 3-4 defense out there
January 4th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
But there is the fact that Al can’t talk to or request to talk to Raheem Morris until the season is over. Al might be waiting until he knows he has a replacement and won’t just fire him.
As for interviews, because Morris is a positional coach and a DC job with the Raiders, would Al have to request permission to speak with with since this is an upward promotion?
If the choice is to keep him for a another season, guaranteed Millard is the first assistant out the door. I love the guy given he’s from WSU, but with the way the line struggled, maybe he’s over his head?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I remember i was at a game one time and this guy’s girlfriend was rocking a Jeff George…like he told her “Here, you can wear this one!” and she didn’t know the difference. It’s too bad I didn’t get a picture.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Jaysohn, Thank you brotha, thank you very much
January 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Thomas Alva Edison…or was it Rob Ryan?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
LOL scottish
January 4th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
ummm we are here to speculate and jump to conclusions and argue anything we view differently, there wouldn’t be so many hits on the post, or guys coming back everyday to debate and root on the raiders if we didn’t jump to conclusions and make some convo out of these reports
January 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Oviously the DC is responsible for all of his assistants and how the players perform.
Maybe both Al & Kiffin want Ryan back, but know some of the positional coaches aren’t cutting it. Just by looking at the work accomplished by Cable, a new D line coach and other assistants could possibly add some life and proper coaching.
I do want Ryan gone, but whatever decisions are made I’m going to support.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Jaysohn,
Appreciate your sentiment but to some extent, we do know. We all know Al is a control freak, that he is way past his prime and apparently just can’t let go of the reins. I can’t believe the comment he made about his “influence” over the D but that RR would have autonomy. Does he actually expect us to believe that load of crap?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Raider Nation be prepeared for more losing seasons till the man Mr. Burns, (al davis) steps down and gives over the reins….
January 4th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
jay
yes we should believe that load of crap b/c bhp said he was right there and al told him he just said that to get a rise out of the media, there is no way al would ever tell a coach what to do, he just sits back and lets him run the system he wants, and after a few years, the guy is let go if the system he wants to run isn’t working…yeah f’n right
January 4th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
You are going to sit here and spew this bullsh*t.
If Jerry Jones doesn’t want a specific offense or defense run, I guarantee you it won’t happen. Al’s not the only owner in the NFL who’s hands on.
However, Al’s the only owner who’s knowledgable about everything related to football.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Keith Millard has to drive Rob Ryan to work every morning. Why?
Because Rob Ryan would lose direction and miss the junction.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Has anyone in here ever heard Kiffin say, not anyone else but heard or read Kiffin say in his own words that he prefers the cover2? If he didn’t say it then how do you know that he prefers it. Because the media told you?
And that my friends is MY point. You guy’s read stuff and take it as gospel. Until KIFFIN says I want to use the cover2 on defense then YOU DON”T KNOW.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
There’s always been a coaching tradition of an assistant driving the coach to work whether it’s pro sports or college.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Jayson, BHP,
I didn’t fall off the turnip truck this morning, ok?
I’ve been doing this 43 yrs. This schit doesn’t just come out of a vacuum.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
yes jeremy, i don’t have a problem with him getting a coach to run a system he likes, especially if he were like jerry jones and gave the guy a chance before passing judgement…ryan had 1 bad year in the 3-4, now by contrast, how many seasons has he had als’ defensive preference, and where has it gotten us?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
scottish raider, what did the ryan family do to you? not sign an autograph? not have a beer with you? what?
raiderwill, are you suggesting that wherever ryan goes from here on out he will only be interested in/capable of running the 3-4? that’s his defense, he has no other choice but to run a 3-4? so coaches who work for monte, or dungy, or smith can only land jobs who’s d is a primary cover 2? etc…
i just want kiffin to be able to hire his own d-cord. if he wants to keep ryan, fine, if he wants someone else, let him bring him in. i want kiffin as our head coach, not a glorified o-cord.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
That statement is so vague….Ryan is still gone in my humble speculation….:)
January 4th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
BHP:
I don’t always agree with you, but I love your point on this.
Until the playoffs and Super Bowl are over and things calm down, we’ll have no clue as to what’s really going on in with our team.
We’ll hear snippets about possibilities and everyone will use this to come up with multiple interesting comments and some will be just stupid assh*oles.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
yes bs, that’s what they do, unless they go be assistants and learn the defense first, ryan came from belichecks 3-4 defense, that’s what he knows, why do you think mangini wants him? they run the same system. it’s a natural fit. the attacking angles, the type of defensive lineman and linebackers you look for in a 3-4 vs a 4-3 are different, especially the outside linebackers. it’s a disadvantage for ryan to run this style of defense..dungys proteges run the cover 2 why? because that’s what they know and that’s what they are successful at
January 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Yeah, I’d agree with that. Big Al’s gonna get his pound of flesh for Ryan.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Ryan seems to have problems teaching the basics and playing aggressively. The Raiders defense can’t consistently get pressure, shed blocks, make tackles, and take good angles on runners/receivers. I think the problem is team wide although there are obviously some individuals that exhibit this tendency more than others. I think its a little bothersome that the “players” are so into a defensive coordinator that has so few results to show for his time as a DC. I would rather have someone a little less liked and a lot more productive. Despite all of the cheerleading regarding Ryan, the defense won’t really play hard for him, consistently.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Will, what I said was I think it insures Kiffins overall success AT THIS POINT, to not really have to set up an entire defensive football team from the ground up. That’s an awful lot of responsiblity for someone who has NEVER been a head coach on any level AND CONTINUE with the offensive, coaching, media, and organizational personnel issues. Not having to worry about that at this point, may not be the worst thing. Look at what happened in SF. They took responsibilites AWAY from Nolan, not gave him more. Waaaay more. JMHO.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
the only dungy protege who broke tradtion was mike tomlin when he elected to keep dick lebeau and the pittsburg 3-4 defense intact, and that was smart coaching, because he had the personnell for a 3-4, a defensive coordinator who specializes in it, and a very successful situation to walk into, but for the most part, coaches..offensive and defensive come in and change the defense to their style, and draft/acquire the neccessary players to make it work
January 4th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Bs, I just hate frauds.
Rob Ryan is a fraud because he pretends he is still good enough to coach in the pros.
Alzheimer Davis is a fraud because he dribbles on about ‘commitment to excellent’ but is really only interested in feeding his delusional nostalgia.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
oakglenn,
respect your opinion on that, but if i may…the responsibilites they took away from nolan were the gm responsibilites, not his influence over on field coaching philosophies no matter which side of the ball
January 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Raiderwill, that was very confused #92 read it see if you can make sense of it.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
i just think you are pigeonholing ryan, and every other coach for that matter, to a defense they were asistants in. i think a good defensive minded coach is capable of tweaking/adjusting/modifying their defense to what they want and what works for them at the present time. dungy is only capable of running a cover 2? monte too? monte has even stated this year that he doesn’t run a cover 2 that much anymore because offenses are learning how to beat it.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
EVERYBODY IS A FAILURE WHO COACHES ARIZONA!
January 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Raiderwill1980 Good point about the 3-4 that Ryan likes to run.Chris Longs strength is the 3-4.Draft clue?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
respect that opinion bs, i just know if i were to coordinate or coach a team, if my philosophy is one i believed in…especially one i had success in, i would want every opportunity to run that system, instead of beind placed in charge of a product, and try to adjust my philosophy to what i have..the whole point is to build on what you know is it not? if you are an offensive coach, and you believe in a passing game..if you don’t have the personnell intially, you go and get it instead of trying to be a running team right?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Either way the situation, like always, was handled very poorly.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Chill out, bunch of cry babies. Nothing is official yet.
It already had been reported Rob Ryan was fired as Raiders defensive coordinator.
The statement is only clear on one thing..
The Raiders want the media to stop saying Ryan has been fired or might be.
Remember, Art Shell? There were premature reports folowed by a similar statement from the raiders and then guess what…
he was fired.
Wait for Lane Kiffin to say something in support of Ryan. He’s called the defense a disappointment.
It’ll be interesting to see what Kiffin says about Ryan whenever he speaks publicly again.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I still think Kiff and Al have a plan in place that was longer than 1 year. Although the need NOW is on the defensive side Kiff was brought in to fix the O. I could see them keeping Ryan for another year to see if the players step up they’re game for the coach, then Kiffin goes offense in the draft and FA. Will you really be that shocked if we take Jake Long or McFadden and then trade our second rounder for someone like Devery Henderson and a 4th or 5th? His career is forever linked to Jamarcus and getting him support the first couple of years is the priority. It’s just as easy to say in those close to games to score more would have been just as important as making a stop.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Blood I don’t agree with that. Most of what you say is right, however, possibly the biggest problem with the Raider defense is over aggression and over pursuit. Guys vacate their positions to make plays, and we all know what happens next. Hence why the Denvers and Kansas Shitty’s and San Diego’s have field days on us. I also wouldn’t agree they don’t show results and don’t play hard. Where I completely agree is they don’t shed blocks,they don’t get pressure, they don’t make tackles. Kiffin will tell ya the same thing. That to me is more player than coach. Honestly.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I’m not liking the way this one is smelling, if true.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
jj,
you are a crybaby.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Wow, the quality of the posts sure had dropped. It used to be full of straw-man rebuttals and made up facts, now it is statements of motivation with no evidence at all other than previous statements of motivation with no evidence at all. A quote from my dead grandfather to everybody that KNOWS what Davis/Kiffin/Ryan think/want/feel: “The first thing you know, you don’t know nothin’.” It took me a long time to know that much.
By the by, for the love of god, you can’t trade an unrestricted free agent!
The combine can’t get here fast enough. At that point, the excellent posts about specific players will hopefully recommence (especially later round draft candidates).
January 4th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
You al haters crack me up. How many flies on walls post in here cause I wanna know who has the inside scoop. Oh yeah none of you. Ryan could be gone next week or he could be here next year. Take a chill pill people and just wait to see what goes down
January 4th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I just hope Kiffin is down with this move…otherwise…
On a positive note, changing DC’s could…could…be a setback of sorts for a team yearning for continuity…and with the retirement of Sapp, who limited defensive scheme options with his limitations of being a 3-technique tackle only, maybe we see a change in approach defensively for Ryan.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Doh!
January 4th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
“mike tomlin when he elected to keep dick lebeau and the pittsburg 3-4 defense intact”
thats’s my point raiderwill, rob ryan (or any coach) may very well stay with a 3-4 his entire life (once he leaves the raiders), but he may not, he might feel that how the nfl is evolving, the conference/division he is in, the personnel he has, he may want to run something other than the 3-4.
just because someone moves up the ranks in a certain phiolosophy, doesn’t mean it is always their preferred philosophy forever. buy ryan did want to run the 3-4 when he got here, so i feel what you are saying.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Over pursuing is one thing, nobody watching the backside is another. That’s coaching.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
“By the by, for the love of god, you can’t trade an unrestricted free agent!”
badmoodguy,
yes you can!!!
if the raiders want to trade asomugha all they have to do is franchise him and work out a trade with another team.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
OMG! This means Al Davis is in control! Kiffin is a puppet, he wanted someone else! We’re going to screw up the draft! It’s raining and it’s all Al Davis’ fault!
January 4th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
here’s the deal. I gave big Al a call yesterday and let him know he was firing the wrong coach. Rob Ryan knows football. Lil Kif is a phoney. Lil Kif must go. Keep the zone blocking. Lose the phoney.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
BadMood,
Because the decision to retain Ryan (if it is indeed correct) is more profound and will have more impact than whoever we draft or whoever we sign in FA.
In four years, Rob Ryan has failed to demonstrate that he has the ability to organise and motivate a defense of the required standard. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that he will be any better in 2008.
Our defense is disorganised, inconsistent, ill-disciplined and basically ineffective. Ryan IS responsible and, if we don’t replace him, we are condemned to another season of mediocrity. Even Glenn Dorsey and Chris Log would fail with Rob Ryan.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I remember how the players marched up to Al’s office in support of Joe Bugel. He said he’s learned that lesson.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Great news! We just need better players.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Bs I don’t know you from Adam and I don’t recall you whinning much but now I see from your response that you assume yourself to be the biggest cry baby and projector in the room thus far.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Oakglenn, i didnt agree with you much this year but you might have made the right call on Ryan. I wouldnt be surprised with Al wrestle something or try to stick it to Mangini. Ryan will probably be gone next week. If the Raiders really wanted to keep Ryan they would have clearly said he is staying. Bring on Morris baby. We are already built that way.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
KoolKell – What lesson?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Whoa, I think everybody just needs to calm down. The bottom line is we don’t know jack squat about anything right now. All the name calling and insults toward one another are uncalled for.
We don’t really know what’s gonna happen until some teams start getting eliminated from the playoffs, and really not until after the Superbowl.
What this sounds like to me is a classic case of PR. Rob Ryan is well liked by his players and as of yet, no suitable replacement has been found. So yes…
“The recent conjecture regarding the removal of Rob Ryan is incorrect and the constant barrage of rumors is irresponsible.”
Does that mean that Rob Ryan will be the DC at the start of next football season. NO! It just means exactly what it says, that as of now Rob Ryan has not been fired. That’s all that statement says, nothing more, nothing less. And any responsible, professional, sports organization will always try to present a UNITED FRONT to the media, while they handle whatever turmoil may be going on within the organization in an ‘IN HOUSE’ manner. Period.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Not listening to players on coaching decisions.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
jj,
i just like throwing it back at folks, no need for you to come in here and say ‘bunch of crybabies’, no one knows who you are talking about. call me a crybaby, that’s fine, but ‘bunch of crybabies’ like you are talking to everyone here? please.
January 4th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
kush
what convo is there without drawing our on conclusions and commenting on them? that’s what we fans do
January 4th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
should say own conclusions
January 4th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Your right Bs, I like tossing it around myself, no hard feelings?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
that comment doesn’t say to me that Rob Ryan will definitely be back as DC. It says that the Raiders want the rumors to stop.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
exactly Jerred
January 4th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Yeah, stating an opinion is one thing. Insulting someone else when they state theirs is another. And arguing as if any of us know for a fact what’s gonna happen is even more ridiculous.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
problem is, rumors never stop, that’s how journalists keep their name out there.they draw up rumors and put out articles, and if it catches a little spark, it catches fire
January 4th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Al, I appreciate you saying that, no hard feelings believe me. Just between you and me, stranger things have happened than us trading Ryan once TB is eliminated.
KK, the guys with contain, watching the backside is the one overpursuing. The DE’s waay put themselves out of position to make a play. You can’t blame that on Ryan, you are taught that in Pop Warner.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
i don’t recall the team putting out anything like that reguarding any of the kiffin to college rumors
January 4th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
oakglenn
i don’t disagree with you at all about philiosphy and fundamental football, you know your stuff, props where they are due….but don’t u think mental toughness and accountability come from coaching? the coach has to preach that, and repercussions should be made for the players who can’t follow their assignment
January 4th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Lil’ Kif’s job is in jeopardy. Al doesn’t appreciate the way that phoney is running his mouth.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Raiderwil1980 – True that.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Any lawyers on this board, care to break down the statement into regular English?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Midnight in Edinburgh and my final post of a very depressing evening.
I have sadly come to the conclusion that the Raiders will only return to greatness when Al Davis is dead. He no longer has the skills, the instincts or the judgement to effectively lead this franchise. All that is left is idiosyncracy and delusion.
This isn’t PR, this is the dysfunctional spasming of a failing organisation.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
BHP is right, you all are a bunch of sucka’s! I laugh out loud when I read some of the posts up on this blog. Some of you are completely clueless about the most basic football fundamentals. Deep down you know who you are.
None of you know a damn thing about football, but go ahead and keep pretending that you do. It’s sad when people believe that their own BullSh!t is the way it is!
Preach on BHP preach on!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Scottish, I am seriously considering flying out to Edinburgh to slap the taste out of your mouth. Al Davis inventeded football. SHOW SOME RESPECT.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Irish, Scottish, English whatever the hell your name is -
your last post appeared to be dysfunctional spasming of a failing argument. Let it go, contrary to popular belief you are not as smart or as informed as you have convinced yourself to be! Now be gone…
January 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
amen Warren
January 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I have to agree with Grant when he said that evryone loved Ryan when the D was #3. The D underperformed and Sands took his money and ran. Ryan called some right schemes to play…it is not him missing tackels, not him getting stiff armed into the end zone, etc…If Ryan stays or goes…so what? I am a fan that (don’t get me wrong, I hate losing) no matter what, I will support what happens because I, along with everyone on here, is not the owner of the team!!! I like the idea of the cover 2, but that may take longer because we need the players to execute…hmmm…EXECUTE!!! WHoever the DC is in 2008, I hope that this will get fixed…
January 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
LARDR76 u do realize D.Burgess played most tha season at 70% right…. and if not for him missing a few games with injury he’d have had another 10+ sack season….
January 4th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
jj,
nope.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
nope meaning…nope, no hard feelings. just to clarify.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
All this means is Monte Jr., Al and Ryan are going to change to the 3/4 defense next year. Ryan came in with that intention and Al signed Sapp (who could not play in the 3/4). Now Sapp is gone and Monte Jr./Ryan can go ahead and implement their scheme…
We need a good draft and to sign key players and we’ll be alright. Anyone seen our schedule next year. Based on records this is the easiest schedule I have ever seen for the Raiders. Only 3 teams with winning records…
I see us winning at least 9 games next year with the development of Russell and the rest of the offense. I think we’re ahead of denver and kc and not far from dego…
Everyone relax and get ready for the combine, draft, ota’s, etc…We’ll be back…
Born In!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
aight, i’m off now, goodnight fellas, we can argue from here to kingdom come, and lord knows, fingers or verbally i’m long winded lol, but bottom line, winning cures all ills, we all want to win and just have different opinions on how it should be done, i enjoy the debates, we’re all passionate and i like that, till next time fellas…..
January 4th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
12-12-07
For $30.00 I will give you some secret information, and I’ve never been right (oops i meant wrong. This is a 100% guarantee..so give me your money.
Rob Ryan will be fired at the end of the season.
LOL! wrong again.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Get this through your dense little skulls…
None of you know jack squat about football except for my boy BHP!
Got it?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
BHP’s Sidekick Chester Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
“BHP is right, you all are a bunch of sucka’s!”
“None of you know a damn thing about football”
—
bhp’s sidekick chester,
you are a sucka. you don’t know a damn thing about football.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Count me as one guy who will be very disappointed if Ryan does stick around. He believe he has done a good job, but he has not. Worse, his players also mistakenly believe he has done a good job. If he stays, it’ll get worse before it gets better.
That said, I am not sure about the Tampa 2 defense here, with the safeties outside and the MLB also responsible deep. Been thinking about it a lot. Our OLBs have great speed so they’d be a fit, but MLB Kirk Morrison does not have that dropback speed to be the middle deep-guy.
We could try Cover-2 instead of Tampa-2 (deep safeties responsible for half the field, LBs and CBs responsible for 1/5ths), it’d be perfect for Morrison, but then we are wasting the speed of our OLBs and especially our CBs.
Try as we might, we’re going to have a hard time justifying a zone defense with Asomugha, Washington, and Routt as our top 3 guys. Of the three, only Asomugha tackles well. I’d love to re-sign Asomugha, but top-CB money is too much to pay for a largely-zone defense. Whether we keep Asomugha or not, we are probably better off sticking with a man-base, mixing in zone situationally, and focusing on personnel improvements.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Bs
you don’t have a clue sucka!
At least your name is honest cuz thats all you spew is BS!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
BHP’s Sidekick Chester Says:
None of you know jack squat about football except for my boy BHP!
—
lol. wonder who that is…maybe huff24? any guesses?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
kk?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
bs Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
BHP’s Sidekick Chester Says:
None of you know jack squat about football except for my boy BHP!
—
lol. wonder who that is…maybe huff24? any guesses?
-
I wonder who that is, oh yeah I already know: A heaping, steamy pile of BS!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
please keep it up bhp’s b!tch, i needa good laugh now and then.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
sh!t me too. Why do you think I actually read this crap? Y’all crack me up!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Why would anyone in their right mind claim to be BHP’s sidekick? That dude is the most arrogant, “know it all” blowhard on this blog!
Hey Chester get your head outta BHP’s a$$ ok?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
ryan is a pretty good defensive coach however he is not so good on the run,i dont think you we should fire him yet give him a chance tell him either make the run defence stronger or next year will be your last.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
The Raiders corner’s better bulk up for next season because they will pressured into a physical style of defence. These style of defence is a much needed change and should provide the defence with more 3 and outs. The Raiders Know they can play man to man quite well lets see what cover 2 brings.
Has any team played covers 2 and man to man defence in the same games? Will it be exclusively cover 2 ?
I did feel The Raiders played man to man well,but Washington( washington may be to small), and Routt needed to be more physical at the line. Maybe they will take a closer look at that as well.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Scottish Raider… you were anointed the “unofficial GM” of the Raiders but you sound like you’ve drank way too much ale…. dry out and see how you feel about it in the morning. Ryan will be just fine as our DC if Al gets him the players like the 1985 Bears Defense had. OK – that is how we will attack free agency and the draft. I’m pissed that out of the last 9 first round picks only 1 (Nnamdi) is a game changer.
Thats what needs to change Scottish Raider, is the talent we draft.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
guess we all are here to entertain each other.
raider nation,
on average…how many times a day do you press f5 on this blog?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Hey WTF? -
WTF man?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Bs…I read your post #124..
I looked up the last place where Ryan called the shots as DC, that´s Oklahoma State for 3 years from 97 to 99 and Ryan ran a succesfull Defense out of the 4-3 front.
Like you said, the fact he was a position coach for NE does not mean he´s married to their scheme, he´s had experience running a different style before so he may have ditched the 3-4 for what he figured would work better, it´s not like he set up the 4-3 out of nowhere. Still stunk by the way.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Suckers!! The overpaid, overhyped media bozos fed you a line of crap and you bought it, hook, line and sinker. These jock sniffing bitches will report anything if it gives them the sensation of being an “insider” or “in the know”. Mainstream media is no more reliable these days than the tabloids. (and most of the time the tabs are more accurate)Think about what was said….”Ryan was told before Sundays game..”
Bullsh#t! “Ryan out in Oakland,source says.” (SJ Mercury) These guys (and girls) think that they are just as important as the Game itself. If you cross them it’s like a woman scorned.(ADAM SCHeFTER) Now everyone is salivating over the prospect of bringing Laney’s daddy to the table. Gruden was pissed at Al for bitchin’ his old man out after a game and he never got over it.What do you think would happen if we brought in this fossil and he didn’t like something Al said.Rob Ryan has 2 SB rings..let him put in the 3-4 and see what happens, especially with Sapp gone. Don’t you remember Long,Pickel and Townsend? They kicked ass.
If the 3-4 fails then ship him out. Cover 2 is for tampons…I’ve been “in” since I was a gradeschooler in Alameda in 1965 and I’m a Raider fan BECAUSE we throw deep and go mam to man, That’s what the Raiders are about.In my mind, we need both lines to be stellar, that’s where it starts.We need the 2nd coming of Marv Hubbard to compliment the backs we have.And we need another Aso for the other side.Throw in 2 fast WR’s and pray that Jamarcus is smarter than he looks.(I mean c’mon,McClown and Greenpepper both nailed down the playbook in a matter of a few weeks,and in week 14 we’re giving JRUSS a limited # of plays to run because he doesn’t have the whole playbook down yet.Just cuz you’re not in camp doesn’t mean you didn’t have a copy of the playbook.) Raiders to the end,WIN OR LOSE!!!
January 4th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
bs 25+
January 4th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
DAMN!!! I was so excited to see Rob Ryan go – The Jets are not going to give picks for Rob Ryan, no freaking way. Cash, on the other hand, they might cough up, and we all know how Davis refuses to give up something without getting a little something in return. He’s especially cheap with Coaches and front office personnel – players he will pay, everyone else he feels comes right out of his pocket, and he’s freaking cheap.
If Davis gets cash out of the deal, so be it, but it better happen fast…these things aren’t good for team morale, especially when it concerns the players favorite coach. There’s no way these rumors fly from all these sources without there being some truth to it (e.g. Kiffin wants him gone). This is terrible for team chemistry and basically ensures Kiffin will be gone at the end of his contract. There’s no way a scheme guy like Kiffin puts up with Ryan’s Man-to-Man D by his own free will.
When Kiff was brought on board, he said he wanted to change the losing culture, and the first way you do that is to purge the entire staff and start new. I’m sure he wanted to fire Ryan when he got hired because nobody in the new school runs a man D and Kiff is a legacy of the Cover 2 and Ryan was part of the losing culture. He knew the turnaround was going to take more than a year, so I guess he probably figured he could fight that battle after the season if the D failed to live up to expectations. Now that the D has been exposed as an abject failure, how could Kiff want to bring back Ryan? No way. Ryan also undermines Kiff’s authority as a previous candidate for the Head Coaching position with the Raiders, and a favorite of the players because he doesn’t throw them under the bus and thinks every last one of them is “great”. Even Moses who got cut by three teams and didn’t do jack all year.
Man D stinks as the base package and will for the rest of football eternity – the passing schemes are too modern, receivers are too big, you can always find a mismatch (e.g. fabian v. any tall WR) and the blocking schemes prevent the four man rush from doing anything. You can run shotgun with Three Wide Recievers all day long without fear of getting pressure on the QB because he will have 7 blockers availalbe to pick up the loose pieces. Eventually, somebody gets open, if not, you dump it off to a RB. This scheme stinks, stinks, stinks, stinks, stinks. It’s not even a scheme, it’s a bush league pop warner defense.
If Rob Ryan is coming back, he better bust out the New England 3-4 and Al better shell out serious bucks for FA’s and find some gems in the draft. I don’t think I can watch another season of this garbage man defense loose us games.
I understood bringing him back the last two years. He had almost nothing to work with talent wise. This year he had his chance and it stunk. Fabian Washington is not able to cover Terrel Owens, Brandon Marshall, Chris Chambers, etc. etc. one on one. This is so dman obvious it’s painful. We might as well march the same 11 out there again next year and draft all offense because we’re going to need to throw up 40 points a game to win against anybody good.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
WTF …The Terrapin was had by the media …eff ‘em all! Effin rumor mongers! …oh well, now I know not to trust anything unless it comes from the RAIDERS organization itself.
Oh well …whatever. Still don’t know who’s in or who’s out. Well see shortly I reckon. But I’ll verify with the Raiders official website of course before believing it.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Nowhere in this statement it says Ryan stays. Instead reading between the lines I think Raiders wanna make sure they can get Raheem Morris first before punting Buddy’s fat boy.
“The recent conjecture regarding the removal of Rob Ryan is incorrect and the constant barrage of rumors is irresponsible. The Raiders organization stated that the speculation that Rob Ryan will be relieve of his duties should stop.
But if Buddy’s fat boy stays then Al needs to be committed not to excellence but to nearest mental assylem for NFL has-beens.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
SilverSurfer
If you really like the Raiders, you want them to win, in fact, “just win, baby”. That old school man defense is just as outdated as Art Shell’s “Vertical” Offense, which sucked in the 1980’s and 90’s when we ran it then with HOFers across the board. Those days are gone. Free Agency, Salary Cap, Scouting Departments that are better than ours, and modern schemes designed to beat the living sh*t out of man defenses.
Another Asomugha? So we have to spend 160 million (20 mill a year) on CB’s if we can even find them? What happens when they go four wide? Do we get four Asomugha’s? I loved Hayes and Haynes, and the old scheme back in the day, but you just can’t monopolize the talent like Al used to. Those Glory Days are long gone, now we need to implement schemes that hide players so we can save money at some positions to pay it to more important positions. Zone Blocking Scheme, cheaper, interchangable lineman and cheaper interchagable RB = $ for QB, WR, and TE. Cover 2. Cheap CB’s (the most expensive players on the field), Cheaper MLB/SLB (small and fast), Cheaper SS = $ for D line, WLB, and FS.
And how does Rob Ryan have any credibility if he tries to implement a 3-4 now? He tried it when he got here and proved he was an idiot then (Brayton and Irons at OLB???? Sapp at DE????), and he’s an idiot now for running Davis’ defense. If he started building a 3-4 when he got here it would be just about done by now. It will take us 3 years to acquire the talent we need to field a decent 3-4 D. Howard isn’t built for the 3-4, we don’t have another OLB (unless Burgess can play it), we don’t have a NT, and we’re still short two DB’s. Also, Burgess isn’t built at DE for the 3-4 and the DE’s need to be studs, so the whole defense would be a joke.
FIRE RYAN. Go to Cover 2. Trade Nnamdi for picks or D line help. Win Games.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
jedi Raider you have completely described the Cincinnati Bengals … you really want us to be like them???
January 4th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
If Rob Ryan is really staying I hope we can sign Rex to come in and help him. If it is a ploy to get something out of the Jets, then even if we could get a 3 we would be getting something for nothing. Whatever is going on I hope that we come to the realization that there is serious problems on the defense that have to get fixed for us to have a chance. Like nobody being there to contain a play when the runner cuts back, DT’s that can’t always hold their ground, and safeties who miss tackles and turn 6 or 7 yard gains into 20+yrds. Even if Ryan has responsibility for the break downs, I hope that he can recognize his mistakes and improve.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
What modern passing schemes are you talking about. There’s no passing scheme that man definitely is weak against. Jediraider you can play zone in some situations that call for it. As we already do we play cover2 when the coaches feel it’s needed and we play man mostly because of the versatility of it.
You guy’s are of the opinion that if we go to a cover2 that all of a sudden we will start blitzing every down. Let me tell you Tampa very rarely blitzes.
this isn’t Pittsburgh. The cover2 is a very good defense but it’s not the panacea for defensive football in the NFL.
I personally am not against it or for it. I just want to win. And I think we will with whatever defense they run next year. BTW man defense requires more talented personnel than a cover2. If Ryan stays I’ll be happen for the continuity. If he goes I like the kid down in Tampa. So we’ll see.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
If he stays then who’s decision was it? If Kiffin wanted him out but Davis overruled him then this ain’t gonna be good news… was kind of looking forward to going Tampa 2 on defense too.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
This would have been a good April fools joke but its Jan
January 4th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
The thing that makes for great pass coverage, whether man or zone, is great pass rushers. If we could get Chris Long to bookend with Burges our pass coverage would immideatly get better. He couldn’t stop the run all by himself though.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
no, the cover 2 isn’t a blitz happy defense, it’s a zone principal defense, whoever thinks it’s a blitz happy system is misinformed. i however maintain whatever defense we go with, kiffin needs to be behind it, if it’s not “the groceries” he wants, then what’s the point? he is the head coach, and his job is to make sure the offense, defense and special teams are all up to par, so if he feels a 3-4, cover 2, 43-/3-4 combo or any other defense is what we should go with, i say it should be his decision. the w-l record is his, and he shouldn’t be held accountable if it’s not what he wants, same problem i have with the one and done of ryans 3-4 scheme..should’ve let him go then if we were going to change philosophies
January 4th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
BHP’s Sidekick Chester Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
BHP is right, you all are a bunch of sucka’s! I laugh out loud when I read some of the posts up on this blog. Some of you are completely clueless about the most basic football fundamentals. Deep down you know who you are.
None of you know a damn thing about football, but go ahead and keep pretending that you do. It’s sad when people believe that their own BullSh!t is the way it is!
Preach on BHP preach on!
Why don’t you go to a bed and breakfeast with him.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
All those flunkies in the Raiders Public Relations Dept certainly know how to handle the press don’t they?
The Raiders can’t seem to handle their business with any class these days.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
This is a smokescreen. Remember last year the Raiders issued a statement regarding Art Shell NOT being fired and blasted Schefter at the same time…
Well we all know what happened at the end of the season. We dont have a 3rd round pic right now but I bet the Jets have one for us if they want RR.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
will1980..post 178.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
wasn’t aware of that fact marley, that’s good info,and if that’s the case, fire his ass now. he’s failed at a defense he has a background in
January 4th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
It gets out in the media that Kiffin wants Ryan out. They both twist in the wind until todays weird statement was issued, prompted by the neighbors complaining about the smell. Then flunky, Mike Taylor, puts out that ridiculous statement. Nothing but Weird, definitely not professional.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I prefer the blitz 3-4…we don’t have the personnel, and we’re not even close. I’m describing the Tampa 2, which is the number 2 D in the NFL. Cincy has no leadership and a bunch of dirt bag lazy players, I’d never want to be like them. Also, their Def. Coord. was Chuck Breshnehan, the loser we used to have who ran the famed “sticks” defense where all our players lined up on third down at the first down marker because his defensive scheme sucked so bad he couldn’t stop a screen pass.
I went off in previous posts about implementing the Tampa 2 or any other scheme and why Man D stinks. I’ll summarize: First and foremost, it’s impossible to stockpile 11 pro-bowl caliber players on one side of the ball, and if do, you won’t have money left to pay the offense. Eventually, the talent gets depleted (Ravens) if you don’t build a specific system and draft/acquire players to fit it, and keep the foundation in place while you plug in the less important roles. Second, the man scheme is flawed against modern offenses that use multiple sets to create mismatches (e.g. fabian washington on any reciever 6′2″ or taller), and someone always gets open if you run crossing routes. It’s worse when you don’t know what to expect or the running game is working, because the LB’s have to honor the play action and let the RB’s, TE’s or Slot recievers get a step on them. Third, the reason teams run on us so well, is it does’t take much to motion a reciever across the formation, watch the cornerback follow him, and then run to the other side (by the way, the reciever will take out the DE while the Gaurd pulls and and the Tackle attacks the LB, thus totally eliminating one side of the D). Also, in draw or delayed runs, the DB’s and LB’s are chasing their man, with their backs to the ball, and then are expected to recogize run (apparently with the eyes in the back of their heads) and maintain gap assignments. By virtue of covering your man, you leave your assigned gap, thus creating gaping holes in the defense, cut back lanes, and bad tackling angles for everyone but the deep safety (stu or Hiram) who has to come up and make a tackle from 15 yards down the field.
Man D cannot be the base defense – it’s totally obvious and easy to beat. Run a cover 2, disguise it a little bit by running some man (even cover 2 teams run man and other zone packages 40% of the time) and mix in some blitzes and blitz looks to make the QB think, and we’re good. Get a good Tampa 2 teacher and the right personnel (we’re reasonably close) and the D won’t be so damn pitiful in the run game because everybody will be facing the ball instead of running away from it which will help our DB’s and LB’s make plays on the ball in the pass and run game.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
JediRaider
The Pakcers play man coverage almost exclusively and they are doing fine, just like Miami did recently under Jim Bates and they were stout every year they did.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Bob Marley Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
JediRaider
The Pakcers play man coverage almost exclusively and they are doing fine, just like Miami did recently under Jim Bates and they were stout every year they did.
Well we have not been, = time for change.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Than being said, I´m for cover 2 as base D as well.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
me too
January 4th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
BHP – I’ve seen Rob Ryan use some zone in obvious passing situations with a nickel or dime in – and all our players look totally confused. It wasn’t a Tampa 2 either – It was LB’s playing press coverage with the DB’s stacked behind them and Huff and Stu 30 yards down the field. Oh yeah, or the brilliant idea of Sapp dropping into coverage (better than playing him as a 3-4 DE!). Every team in the NFL zone blitzes in that situation and gives up 5 yards and converges on the ball to force the punt. I don’t even know what to call his schemes, except total garbage. When you watch a game and it’s third and long, usually you have confidence that you’ll stop them. I’m always shocked when our D stops them (usually it’s a bad pass that falls incomplete).
January 4th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I like Corey Williams as a mid level FA agent, he can step in for Sapp and rush the passer from the inside.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Bob,
Just like Miami and Baltimore, I don’t want to stink up the joint for years and invest every last cent on D and watch the offense suffer from lack of play makers, but I don’t know what miami ran – I don’t recall them being a heavy man team. They could definetly bring it with all the talent they had on that side of the ball though.
I don’t think the packers run man the way we run man either – not that we really tested them deep, but I recall Woodson and Harris having help over the top – You can look at how crappy Bates’s D did in Denver with Bly and Bailey – they ran a ton of man and couldn’t stop the run (or pass) either.
I would love to have a bad azz man d, but I’m not willing to support it just because of Raider History when other Defenses running other schemes are doing better with less money spent on that side of the ball. The other issue is, watch GB in the playoffs if woodson or harris goes down – one of those DB’s gets injured and the entire scheme is screwed – man on man is only as strong as the weakest link on the field.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Jediraider has his mind made up. Because he plays Madden and that qualifies him to tell the coaches what works in the NFL and what doesn’t.
It’s really simple. You coach to the talent. And put that talent in the best possible position to be successful and only the coaches know what that is.
So why not leave it to Kiffin and Ryan and see what happens if it doesn’t work then we’ll know.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
we have help over the top, we have stu! <-;
January 4th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
You would think if Ryan could tweak the defense, he would have done it 4 years ago.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Blackholepriest Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Jediraider has his mind made up. Because he plays Madden and that qualifies him to tell the coaches what works in the NFL and what doesn’t.
It’s really simple. You coach to the talent. And put that talent in the best possible position to be successful and only the coaches know what that is.
So why not leave it to Kiffin and Ryan and see what happens if it doesn’t work then we’ll know.
and you are employed by what NFL team?
January 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Green Bay succeeds on defense because Jim Bates is an excellent DC, and the Packers have an excellent front 7 to go with 2 excellent man corners who can also support the run. We have one-dimensional linebackers, a sub-par defensive line, and only 1 excellent man corner who can also support the run, and a DC who doesn’t understand why our defense is bad.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Jediraider any defense is only as strong as the weakest link. This is the NFL they will find your weakness and exploit it. I’m not blasting you I’m just trying to get you to see these coaches are light years ahead of any of us, That’s why they make the big bucks while we blog.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Shawnraider
My point exactly!! leave it to the pros.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
we are here to blog, and give our opinion, and suggest what we think would work, what players we would like to see. that’s why we blog
January 4th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Art Shell & Tom Walsh made big bucks too
January 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
What will be interesting is watching the playoffs this year – Cover 2 v. 3-4. I’ll also say that the teacher of the scheme is really important. Cover 2 is a total joke in Detroit, but works well in Tampa and Indy. I don’t want to switch with a bad DC, but if there’s bad blood between Kiff and Ryan, the change needs to be made and Al needs to cough up the dough to get the right guy.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Trevor
Jim Bates isn´t in GB, hasn´t been for since 05, but he did leave his system behind. This year he failed wth Denver because those guys have the worst D Line I have seen in years.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Jedi
I agree, in fact that´s what I like the most out of the cover 2 system, the advantage it has given to Indy in terms of salary flexibility.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
What it says is the players are what makes the scheme. Of course I agree with KK in that there can be a bad match for coaches. But I will never pretend that I know better than the worst NFL coach. There’s just way too much involved. It’s easy to sit and type out opinions on a keyboard. Just have fun with it and understand that we are hacks at best.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
bob
what about our d line,right there with denver
January 4th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Mr Davis. if you want to help, attend to owner business, The Raiders are 28 in value.
http://www.forbes.com/lists/results.jhtml?passListId=30&passYear=2004&passListType=Misc&searchParameter1=unset&searchParameter2=unset&resultsStart=1&resultsHowMany=32&resultsSortProperties=%2Bnumberfield1%2C%2Bstringfield1&resultsSortCategoryName=Rank&category1=category&category2=category&passKeyword=
January 4th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
BHP – That’s cool, but IMHO football isn’t that complicated at the level we’re discussing (basic schemes), and anybody who tries to put Brayton and Irons at OLB in a 3-4 with Sapp at DE has serious problems. That’s obvious, and the proof is in the record books. Everybody knew that would be a joke, except apparently Rob Ryan. I’m not saying for a second I could teach technique, call plays, or anything like that, but generalized General Manager/Scheme things I think most of us are qualified to discuss – if this was a Charger blog, it would be a different story. All they do is talk about how great LT is. I’d be surprised if 50% of the Dolt fans even knew they ran a 3-4. When I lived down there they barely knew they had a football team.
Anyway, every team runs some man D, but it needs to be disguised or else you get burned more often than not.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
While giving them a solid scheme to complement their attack.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Bob, yeah that’s the best thing about the cover 2 ($ savings), that and it works if done properly. For us, we’re also much closer to fielding a good cover 2 than we are anything else in terms of personnel.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
He does disguise the defense. When you show the same base on most plays but end up in a different coverage. That is disguise. Or you show blitz and drop that disguise. Anytime you show one thing and do something else that’s disguise and he does all those things. I’m at the game and I see it. I watch the film and I see it. But you come in here and read that we never do this and never do that and it’s not true. Kiffin is not stupid and neither are Davis and Ryan. They know what they’re doing. Our defense is very good against the pass but you keep saying it’s not. Well that’s not accurate. Talking about modern passing schemes and stuff like that.
They are as we speak going over all this stuff with a fine tooth come and they’ll figure it out. Kiffin wont rest until it’s fixed and I believe him. So whatever happens to Ryan. I’m good with because I know that kid is dead serious. He wants to win and so does Rob-O.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
We also can’t forget about Gerrard Warren – He’s supposedly a natural 3 technique in the mold of Sapp, just bigger, but the same type of penetrating player (we saw some good flashes of that). He’s not the run stuffer Point of Attack player Sands was supposed to be. That issue I’ll let the coaches and scouts figure out, but if Warren is the real deal and we can get a run stuffer in round 2 and Long in round one, the line should be pretty good even without a FA acquisition like Haynesworth – even a second tier run stuffer in free agency would work if Warren’s up to par and we get Long.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Dakota Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I don’t care what defense we play as long as we play it well enough to win some games. Every defense has its strengths and weaknesses, so hopefully the new system will match the players we currently have and the players we plan on signing.
However, are we not jumping the gun here? As far as anyone knows outside of the organization, Rob Ryan is still our defensive coordinator.
______________________________________________________
I have to say: told you so…
January 4th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Jedi,
Your point (#215) about teaching was right on. Read some of Dungy’s theory (taken from Knoll) and from what I recall it is about doing the basics better than anyone else. Other people run Cover 2, but Dungy (and Kiffen Sr) teach it better than others and get more out of their personnel. They (when both in Tampa) spent their $ on the front 4. Even when they were set they invested a 1st rounder in McFarland. When Gruden arrived his ideas of where to spend the $ were different, and then they had their down years.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Corey Williams!
Krunk, yeah with our line as it is right now no way.. that´s why cover 2 is probably the fastest way to respectability.
Jedi
Yeah, I wonder about trading Namdi though, in Indy the corners are disposable but in TB Ronde is a staple, I wonder if that´s because Dungy hasn´t found someone like him.
Also, TB at one time had invested good money on D too and it was anchored by 1st rounders Sapp, Rice and Brooks. Meanwhile Dungy gets by with lower rounds or undrafted players, Freeney was a lat 1st I think, but who else? Marlin Jackson I think was another late 1st.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Let’s try a little exercise. Developing a scheme that best suits our defense, and just assume hypothetically that we can get a DC who is adept at coaching it.
Here’s what we’re working with, personnel-wise, with age being the age in September
POS PLAYER, AGE, YrsLeft, ‘08SAL (comments)
DE Derrick Burgess, 30, 2, $2.0M-s
DT Terdell Sands, 28, 3, $2.5M
DT Gerard Warren, 30, 3, $4-5M
DE Jay Richardson, 24, 3?, $minimal
DE Chris Clemons, 26, ?, $minimal
DL Tyler Brayton, 28, 1-v, $0.8M
DT Josh Shaw, 29, ?, $minimal
OLB Thomas Howard, 25, 2, $0.4
MLB Kirk Morrison, 26, 2, $0.5
OLB Robert Thomas, 28, 2, $1.5M
OLB Isaiah Ekejiuba, 26, 0, RFA
MLB Ricky Brown, 24, 0, XRFA
OLB Jon Alston, 25, 0, XRFA
DB Nnamdi Asomugha, 27, 0, UFA
DB Michael Huff, 25, 4, $0.4M-si
CB Fabian Washington, 25, 2, $0.8M
CB Stanford Routt, 25, 2, $0.5M
CB Chris Carr, 25, 0, RFA
FS Stuart Schweigert, 27, 2, $0.5M
S Hiram Eugene, 27, 0, XRFA
SS Rashad Baker, 26, 1, $0.4M
CB Chris Johnson, 29, ?, ?
CB John Bowie, 24, 3?, $minimal
v-voidable
i-incentive-laden
s-significant signing bonus charges
Keep in mind that we don’t have as much to work with as we’d like, considering some of the contracts on the offsive side of the ball, notably Russell and Gallery.
Given all that, give us your answers to the following questions. (Ignore other teams’ Unrestricted Free Agents.)
=========================================
1. Do we re-sign Asomugha?
2. Do we draft a DE, a DT, or neither in the first round?
3. What type of dime-a-dozen role players do we add? (examples: zone CB, or run-stuffing DT, or pass-rush specialist DE, or 2-down LB, etc)
And last but not least:
4. What scheme do we run?
January 4th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Oops, my bad Bob Marley
January 4th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Everyone, there is still room on the “Al is going batty” bandwagon. Jump on BHP, Oakglenn, Raider Glory, I promise I will not give you crap for your previous defense of Al Davis.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
It’s obvious. Al Davis has been scanning this post to get a feeling for the Nation’s pulse. We have been beating the same old dead horses and new topics were hard to come up with. This is just AD’s way of Fu*king with us and giving us a little jab in the a$$ to get our attention.
Realistically, I look at this new message from the organization that they need to quash all the Rob Ryan rumors because the deal has not been completed. i think we will end up with Morris from Tampa, we will be changing to a Tampa 2 structured D and maybe AD can get something from the Jets in return for letting RR out of his contract. Timing is everything and it’s just not the right time to announce everything. Let’s wait until Tampa Bay is out of the playoffs and then we will know if AD is just pulling our chain, if there is a bigger plan or if AD has totally lost his mind. The jury is still out be should be returning in a week or two.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I think Sands will play much better. Although I don’t think we can count on it. We must get a blue chip D-lineman ………..period. I’ll take anyone of the 3 Ellis, Dorsey or Long. They can all flat out play. and I’d like another one late in the draft. As well as a stout MLBer. There are some very good Safety propects. The WR I would like to come from FA. Somewhere in there get another young OT and a OG.
But I would love LONG he’s exactly what I think we need to get constant pressure on the QB. Ellis fills a need with the retiring of Sapp, what a replacement he would make outstanding talent. Gentlemen we are in the catbird seat.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I guess the difference is that TB was built on D by McKay-Dungy. While the Colts chose to build up around Manning, so when Dungy got there he had to make it work with whoever he could get.
January 4th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
playing cover 2 or man, the results are based on if yiu can stop the run, the greatest safety or db is only as good as the pass rush and not worrying to play the run, just run support
January 4th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Hey all you guys talking about trading Rob Ryan for draft picks read this:
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/01/17/Bucs/NFL_nixes_draft_picks.shtml
Now, either please stop dreaming that we can get draft picks for Rob Ryan, or post a site refuting the above-stated report.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Dakota
that link is pretty clear about draft choices but if you will recall. AD got 2 1st round picks, a 2nd round pick & $8 million in cash. Maybe is just about the Benjamins? Maybe big Al just needs a little extra spending money to cover the upcoming McFadden experiment? LOL
January 4th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I’m at the games to and I watch the film as well, and when he rarely does show blitz, it’s a weak look, out of sync with the snap count, and since he rarely does blitz, offenses don’t bite on it.
I’m behind Kiff 100% – but the D calls are not his to make and neither is the scheme – that’s on Ryan (and Davis as illuminated by Davis himself in Jerry’s blog a couple days ago). As far as our pass D, we give up 7.6 yards per play, third worst in the league, and 60% completion rate on top of it – about average, but normally the teams with higher completion rates that are good give up far fewer yards per attempt. The pass D is still being hidden by an inept run d, and just because teams pounded the rock in rather than pass it into the end zone on us doesn’t make it good, just slightly tougher than the second worst run d in the league.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I love McFadden! Man-crush!
January 4th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Answers to my above questions:
1. Yes, re-sign Asomugha
2. My draft board is 1. DT Dorsey 2. DE CLong 3. DT SEllis 4. DE VGholston
3:
-add NT to back up Sands
-add DT to back up Warren (if we draft Dorsey or Ellis, cut Warren)
-(if we don’t get Long) add pass-rushing DE to back up Richardson
-add run-support SS and move Huff to FS
-add run-support MLB to back up Morrison
-add run-support OLB to rotate with Robert Thomas
-add zone CB to rotate with Washington/Routt
-Scheme Conclusion: Base Cover-2, occasional man 4-3. Main advantage being that we can show the same look for both. Morrison can focus on the run and not worry about dropping deep. When a team is in clock-killing situations, sub out RThomas, FWashington for the run-defending specialists. Rotate in Schweigert at S in obvious passing situations. Howard and Morrison are the every-down LBs, with Asomugha moving inside in nickel situations (no dime except when Howard needs a rest).
January 4th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I lost power today at noon, due to the big storm, it comes back on at 6:45PM and the 1st thing I hear is Rob Ryan is staying on. The only thing that comes to mind is WTF. After checking out the posts and getting everybody’s take on the issue, I’ve just concluded that we haven’t heard the rest of the story yet and the other show will drop in a week or 2. Keep the faith Nation. Ryan is gone. It’s just a matter of when they officially announce it. they obviously have to get more ducks lined up first.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
i love long! fantasy crush
January 4th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
if the jets are stupid enough to trade their pick for ryan, i ‘d like to offer some inticing propects as well:
my dog for $10000
my girlfriend for $5000
my car for $1000
…i’d just like the jets brass to know that my dog and girlfriend ARE NOT a package deal. one or the other. by the way, he’s a really good dog.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Its going to be too damn hard to catch up on 237 comments already so I’ll go from here. My power went out at about 1pm and came on an hour and a half ago. I don’t want to jump the gun on the recent statement by the Raiders because it doesn’t necessarily say that Rob Ryan is staying or going. They are basically asking everyone to stop the rumors of Rob Ryan being gone. Thats all. The Raiders Organization is still probably looking into things and going through discussions about where they’re going. I wouldn’t doubt that Lane Kiffin and Al Davis have been sitting down together on a consistent basis to figure out what they want to do.
Its very possible that Lane Kiffin and Al Davis do not agree right now and they are just postponing any action until an agreement is made. Its also very possible that both are leaning towards keeping Rob Ryan but they want to look into their options first. Its also very possible that Al Davis is ready to fire Rob Ryan and Lane Kiffin wants to keep him. All I’m saying is, its hard to say. If the rumors are true about Kiffin wanting any coach from Tampa Bay, we’re not going to find out until the Bucs are out of the playoffs. That could take 1-5 weeks to find out depending on how long the Bucs are in it.
My personal opinion – I wouldn’t doubt that Al Davis wants to keep Rob Ryan because I feel that Ryan runs the defense that Davis wants. Its also possible that the retirement of Sapp might allow Rob Ryan to run the 3-4 defense. Maybe that sounds ridiculous but anything is possible. Drafting Chris Long would also work for us because he plays in the 3-4. Frank Okam or Red Bryant could also be a nice pick because they are over 320lbs. Anyways, to the point. I think that Lane could be fighting for power with Al Davis and AD won’t budge but maybe Kiffin is asking Al to let Rob Ryan stay and do his own this with this defense. That would essentially give more power to Rob Ryan via Kiffin.
I don’t know what to expect. I want to blame Ryan for this defense but I can’t disregard the idea of Al Davis having a ton of influence here. If Lane Kiffin wants a new DC, he should be allowed to get one. If AD isn’t going to let him, we won’t have Kiffin for very long and thats disappointing and unfortunate. If Kiffin leaves because AD won’t let him do what he wants, you should start considering Al Davis as senile. This can’t keep going on forever.
I will say that we don’t know the facts when regarding everything being brought up. I think we just have to sit back and wait for some real press conferences and some real decisions to be made before we can really put our finger on whats going to happen. All my thoughts are speculative and I’m just trying to keep an open mind without jumping the gun.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Thats what I was thinkin’ and posted some time ago. Whats up with Warren? We are forgetting about Warren. Isn’t HE still under contract. Didn’t HE naturally play Sapp’s position – the 3? I suspect if this is all true it would make sense for Warren to will fill Sapp’s void if Kiffin has faith in him. He did do some good things while in S&B uniform.
That leaves the door open for drafting Long should he fall to us and we can draft an actual “run stuffing” DT in a later round or pick up a FA.
In 1 short year we can end up with a damn good D-line: Burgess/Warren/draftpickorFA/Long or have Long and Burgess switch sides.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
ESPN.com is reporting that Losman wants out of his deal with one year remaining. If this guy is released because he cannot be traded, I think he would be a pretty good pickup in FA. He fits the mold that Kiffin seems to like and hes young with alot of game experience. I wouldn’t trade for him of course but he’d be a decent backup instead of McCown.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Al Davis sucks balls!
January 4th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
it would be kinda hard with that walker
January 4th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Profootballtalk.com
POSTED 8:37 p.m. EST, January 4, 2008
TROUBLE IN OAKLAND?
Amid the release of a statement by the Raiders that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (who reportedly had his next job already lined up) won’t be fired, we’re hearing talk within media circles that leads us to believe that coach Lane Kiffin could be in a little trouble.
The rumor making the rounds is that Kiffin wanted Ryan to be fired, and that owner Al Davis blocked the move.
There’s also talk that Davis polled the players regarding whether they prefer Ryan to Kiffin. Though we don’t know the results of the effort, we’re told that Davis did the same thing a year ago as to coach Art Shell, before Shell was fired.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Losman won’t go to a team as a backup. He’s like Rob Johnson and believes he’s a starter and wants the big bucks.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Our starting pass D is actually pretty damn good. But thats a hell of a way to misuse stats. Sure teams throw at us w/ a completion percentage of 59.5%, but thats enough to rank 11th in the league!!
Its even more impressive when you consider that the BEST in the league (Pittsburgh) has a 54.5 completion percentage!! We are not that far from the top my friend.
Now, if you want to look at average yards per completion that can be attributed to a number of things (i.e. bad tackling = extra yards …or schemes employed during receptions can lead to greater yardage per catch).
But the bottom line is our pass D is pretty damn good.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Wilfork (Patriots) only got fined $15,000 for putting his finger into the mask of Brandon Jacobs with the possible intent to poke him in the eye. FAVORTISM!!! A player from any other team would have likely been suspended. The Pats are getting away with murder on a daily basis.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Huff
He’s a back-up already. That’s why he wants out. If anybody should look at Losman it’s the Niners. They are the ones with the BUST 1st round QB pick. We have better options to waste our FA $’s on.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Terrapin – I’m not saying this is the case but a 5% difference in the NFL can be the difference between a winning team and a losing team. It may not be much difference but it makes all the difference in the world. This is a game of inches. 10 Yards isn’t a very long distance to get a simple first down but put 11 Professional Football players in the way and a simple 10 yards becomes quite a challenge. I will agree with you that I believe our pass defense is pretty good but we will never completely see that until our defensive line is improved. Without that, we won’t be able to stop the run and we won’t be able to get to the QB on a consistent basis which will put the secondary under pressure to follow their man for at least 5 seconds. No Secondary can survive that long under such conditions so you’d have to say that Secondary does a pretty good job despite the obstacles.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Huff – I wouldn’t put much stock in that. Just lay back and see what happens. THESE are the Raiders and THIS is the offseason. And U know how those 2 go. All smoke and mirrors and rumors abound.
Everyone just jumps into the rumor mill with a Raider “inside slant.” Regardless of how ludicrous is may be..
January 4th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
lane kiffin has never mentioned firing ryan, the only thing he has said is that he will look at everything to get this team back to winning. that could mean allmost anything, from a scheme change to a new DC. he allso said the the offense is partly to blame for the bad defense play. all we can do is wait, nothing ever happens fast in the raider nation, and i mean never.
P.S. BHP = i was wrong the other night about ellis’s wieght. there was a typo in the usc player profile before the rose bowl, he was 285 before the season, but he has put on a few pounds since. usc won’t disclose he true wieght, but most scouts figure it’s around 295 to 310 due to his increased workout regimen.
but i guess we will see at the combine.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Sorry fells, I think the pass D is suspect at best. I know we’re only rushing 4 or 5 but the reason we don’t blitz anymore is because the safeties and LB’s are held back. Our 3rd down D has been atrocious for years, screw the stats!
January 4th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Well lets put it in proper perspective Huff – the range is (54.5 – 70.1) percent right now. We ended at 59.5 …a little above mid-ranking but a far cry from bottom dwellers.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Terrapin – I am merely posting that rumor because it is interesting and I’m sure others would be interested in reading it. I already voiced my opinion on the matter. Just because I post something, doesn’t mean I always believe it, I’m just trying to share something.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Terrapin
Our recent #3 pass rating was a result of nobody throwing on us because they didn’t have to. Everybody ran on us because we couldn’t and still can’t stop the run. Our pass D is not all that great. We need a major a upgrade in our D. If that means can the DC then so be it. If that means get new players then let’s do it. Whatever it takes, I say let’s face reality and deal with it accordingly.
I think we need all of the above. A new DC, some new players, a new scheme (Tampa 2) and a whole new attitude about winning. That simply is not going to happen if we maintain the status quo.
AD has some important decisions to make and the message he sends can make or break support for him and the team.
Make the right decision Al as this is getting close to your last hur-rah and if you want to get to the promised land, then you best pick your horse and go with him to the end.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
NEWS FLASH !!! Rob Ryan has hired Britney Spears as his new defensive assistant after she became available when she lost her kids to free agency. In a move four years in the making, she will be sent to the opposing QBs hotel room the night before all home games,thus rendering the QBs completly useless for the game. Can you say SUPERBOWL!
January 4th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Huff 24 = if what you said turns out to be true, about davis firing kiffin in favor of ryan, than i’am out. fan for thirty five years, but i don’t think i could take another head coaching change again. i’ll be out as long as davis still runs this team. it would be to bad too, because i would really miss watching football. the raiders are the only team i have and will ever root for.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
This is as good as Kiffin’s pink slip. Expect Kiffin to be gone after next year’s lame duck season, and then expect us to have to hire a new coach, if we can even find one that will be willing to come here. It’s not too far fetched to assume Art Shell will be back. A young up and comer like Kiffin? HA! After this? Not a chance in bloody hell. Good, experienced coach? That option never was on the table, and never will be.
You rose colored glasses guys can look for whatever positives you can find in this, like you always do, regardless of us continually finishing in last place, but today’s news basically solidifies our being in the bottom third of this league for at least another 5 years.
I’M IN….utter f’n shock. Thanks again, Al. You horrid excuse for an NFL franchise executive.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Visalia Raider Fan – Thats pretty funny but I don’t think Britney Spears can have the same effect that Jessica Simpson has on Tony Romo. If anything, Spears might make some of these QB’s focus more on the game after kicking her out of their room after being disgusted.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Lets be clear here – The pass D has 2 parts: DBs and Pass Rush (Dline). If we can’t get a pass rush we have a problem. For the better part of the season we were not getting a good pass rush (prob b/c Burgess was not 100%). We these 2 work together we have one of the better pass defenses in the league.
Its the run defense that give us all the problems. That falls primarliy on the front 7. They do not stay true to their gaps and do not tackle. Plus Sands sucks and can’t get his job done – a big problem.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
no worries bro…that post was not meant to be offensive (i can see how it could’ve came across that way). just saying you (as a raider fan) know how these things work.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Allow me to borrow Bill Callahan’s statement from 2003 and modify it to fit present day:
In terms of managing a franchise, Al Davis is the dumbest owner in professional sports.
There is not much more that can be said about the man right now.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
i’am also full of sh@t, i’ll always be rooting for the raiders, no matter what al davis does. this is and always will be the best team in football, i figure i have another 35 years to spend watching the raiders play, and if that results in another 2 or 3 superbowls i’ll be happy in death. if not, than i’ll allways have my memory’s.
January 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Lompoc Raider – I already have my issues with Al Davis. IF the rumor was true regarding AD picking Rob Ryan over Lane Kiffin, I’d probably go through a mid life crisis at the age of 25. Granted, its just a rumor and speculation until something concrete happens but I would be royally pissed to see something like that happen but at the same time…would I really be surprised?
January 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I totally agree about the pass rush and the problems we’ve had with gap assignments. My fear is if we shut down the run we’re going to lose by wider margins through the air. Been there before.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Terrapin – I hear ya.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
BHP – Agree to disagree but no need for the Madden comment – I didn’t say we need to run a “9 Velcro” on every third and long with Howard Hot Blitzing because it works every time (by the way it does
). That’s retarded – we’re talking general scheme – if the sum of your opinion is “let kiff and ryan work it out because they’re the best qualified”, then why even comment? After a 4 win season and piss poor stats against the pass and the run, every fan has a right to question whatever they feel like – I feel my opinions are relatively conducive to an intelligent conversation about the subject, which is the ultimate point of commenting anyway.
But if nothing else, I find your blind faith in Rob Ryan very disturbing. Kiff on the other hand is kicking A** and taking names.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Gotta clean…Peace.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
There’s NO WAY Davis picks RR over LK. He had an opportunity to do that without negative results when he interviewed both coaches for the HC position. If he liked RR better, he could have just made him the HC.
AD has to support whatever LK wants because he has no other real options. LK, IMO, has done an excellent job with turning the team around. We knew it was a 3-4 year year project to rebuild this team. RR’s exodus is just one of those things that needs to happen along with changing the whole scheme to a Tampa 2. AD will eventually agree because he wants to win it all again while he’s still breathing.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
You guys don’t get it. If this story comes to fruition, Kiffin has been canned today, for all intents and purposes. Kiffin has made it clear he doesn’t want Ryan, and wants a new scheme on defense that Ryan isn’t an expert on. There’s no way he’s going to stay here after Al stonewalls him like this. He’s going to bail ASAP, after NEXT SEASON. Which makes ‘08 a LAME DUCK year. We’re 4-12, again. Oh, unless of course Rob Ryan and Al Davis put a defense together than can win games for us by themselves. Don’t hold your breath….These two couldn’t build a dominant defense in the CFL.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I remember watching a game on the tube and the annoucer (a smart one – can’t remember who – maybe Solomon?) pointed out how our DBs (I believe he was referring to the safties in particular) bit real hard on run fakes. WHY you ask? b/c our Run D sucks!! They know they have to support it big time.
So whenever a team does a run fake our safeties/dbs bit on it HARD and got out of position in the process. It all works together. Not to bring anyone in this but its like Priest said above “you are only as good as your weakest link” ..it all works together.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
pure crap, no wonder the raiders have sucked for so long, change it up and start over already.
If its kiffins decision I guess im for it but honestly I think he needed to go myself. Bottom 5 D over the last 5 years = unemployment, this is why its always more of the same. the players love him for mostly the wrong reasons, they need to be held accountable for there play right along side him. But realize this, the all still get paid…in our raider fan blood money..simple pathetic.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Constant media bullsh*t during this time of the year. In media circles Kiffin was interested in the Arkansas job and other college positions. That was bullsh*t.
Next rumor will be Ryan has been named head coach and Cable has been installed as the offensive coordinator.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Huff 24 – you learn fast young jedi, nothing should ever surpries you when it comes to the raiders, al davis has and will allways place players above coaching. he has allways said that players win championships, coaching will and is considered more or less a babysitter’s job in oakland. that used to work, but not anymore. now don’t get me wrong, i’am a al davis supporter, but somtime’s i think he past his prime about ten years ago. but what can we do about it, al will allways do what he thinks is best for the raiders, even if it’s the wrong choice.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
On thing that did concern me though THIS YEAR is too many times on I’ve seen WRs running FREE across the middle virtually WIDE-OPEN. People must be missing assignments big time.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
If I were LK and this recent delay in RR’s exodus was for real, I’d focus my entire effort on the offense and tell AD the D is on you. I’ll take McFadden and build an unstoppable O that will control the ball and score points. If you & the D don’t hold up your end, I won’t cover for you. I’ll just confirm with the media what everybody already knows – tell them you are the ones that screwed things up again and by the way, I’m outta here to work for someone who really want to win. Adios M-F’r.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
That’s what I see as well. In ‘02 we were dominant at the line and getting pressure but the secondary was aweful. We put up a crapload of points each game and made it all the way. In ‘03 our pass D was even worse and I wonder if that trust has never come back for the secondary. I’ve got a “few” games on VHS and DVR and the LB’s seem to be falling back right before every snap! You’ve got to get to the QB!!
January 4th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
This is too much Ryan replacing Kiffin – a silver and black coup d etat? I can’t believe Al would have a new coach three straight years…that’s insane. Shell was a mistake, he admitted that, Calahan was for continuity of the offense, no problem with that concept, Turner was an “offensive genious”, no problem with the hire until we saw what a bad head coach he was, but Al gave him two years anyway and that was fair. This would be totally unwarranted unless Kiff is going postal behind closed doors.
Who knows, never a dull offseason.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
# lompoc raider Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Huff 24 – you learn fast young jedi, nothing should ever surpries you when it comes to the raiders, al davis has and will allways place players above coaching. he has allways said that players win championships, coaching will and is considered more or less a babysitter’s job in oakland. that used to work, but not anymore. now don’t get me wrong, i’am a al davis supporter, but somtime’s i think he past his prime about ten years ago. but what can we do about it, al will allways do what he thinks is best for the raiders, even if it’s the wrong choice.
…..
That’s the same thing I say, except that I don’t follow with “don’t get me wrong, I’m an Al supporter”. And, of course, I hurl insults, too. But it just cracks me up. People who bash Al get slammed, yet it seems you can bash him all you want if you throw out this simple waiver: “Oh, don’t get me wrong. Al’s still a genius..”.
No, he’s not. He’s f’n dumb. Plain and simple. And, he could give a rats ass about winning. He cares about control. There are plenty of people in this organization that want to win more than Al Davis. Kiffin wants to win far more than Al Davis; He has more riding on the line. Davis will be an NFL owner either way, and will always have that source of income. And today, he’s acting like it.
Dare I say: The only real thing that separates people like Davis from people like Kraft, is that people like Kraft really do want to win?
January 4th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
JB, why the heck would you want a Tampa 2 defense when we already play a cover 2 when needed. Monte is not coming to the RAIDERS and one of his minions may, but they would be added to the current coaching staff. Ryan needs a run stuffing DT an outside LB & a safety in the mold of Ed Reed. With that the wind will blow and so will you for Coach Ryan. I agree with AD picking LK but who says there is a pick going on, if Kiffin wanted Ryan out “or else” Ryan would be the Jets DC & we would be talking about the next guy. Part of the reason we gave up so many yards against the run is Sands getting stood up & Sapp being old and under sized, Burgess on the wrong side of the line & the LBs over pursuing and not maintaining their assigned gaps. Not to mention a safety that would make the RB pay for getting to the second tier, which we don’t currently have… Al Davis will not eventually agree to a cover 2, he implemented the 3-4 in 76′ & would do it again but the cover 2 limits the defense & blitzing opportunities.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Brotha I don’t have blind faith in anyone. I just leave it to the pros because they know better than I do. I wuld like to think that sometimes I have a good idea once in a while but that is about it.
I’ve been around them enough to know that, that is a very tough job and it takes years of study and teaching to get to where they are. I’ve discussed players with Ryan before and he’s about as aggressive as they come. He is a very good coach. Things didn’t work out this past season. But I know that he knows what he’s doing.
If Kiffin fires Ryan it wont be because he can’t coach it’ll be because he wants to go in a different direction. And with his own guy.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
BTW Lompoc I stand corrected as well, I was led to believe that he was over 300 as a soph. That apparently wasn’t correct. No harm done.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I really hope that Davis overriding Kiffin, and this whole polling the players to see which coach is favored crap isn’t true. If it is you can bet Kiffin will be wanting to head back to the ranks as a college coach ASAP…hell, he might pull a Petrino. And if he leaves then we’re screwed all over again.
I recognize that it was Davis that saw Kiffin as the future of the Raiders and hired him as HC, and that’s awesome. But the man is senile, and half the decisions he makes are just plain retarded. Note to all the people who have a man-crush on ol’ Al, I said HALF.
Granted, all this could be just for show until Tampa Bay’s season is officially over…hell, who knows.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Al Davis’ problem is not that the game has past him bye, it’s that player evaluation has been lost over the years. One of the reasons Kiffin was hired is because he sees the big picture & can evaluate players. This Organization needs better people in that capacity, which is why the guy who evaluated Culpepper was fired at seasons end.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Regardless what happens, after the ‘08 season we should be a very stacked offense, especially if we draft DMac and sign Berrian.
Guaranteed regardless of what happens there’s going to be at least two big FA signings, one on offense and one D. I’m hoping for Berrian & Briggs followed by O line help.
If Ryan does stay, some of his assistants had better be fired:
Millard & Don Johnson D line coaches
Darren Perry D back coach
There’s so many unknowns & the media is going to keep the spin going as any news involving Al is considered good news even if it’s a completely fabricated lie.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
#87 Dave Casper
Let me start by saying that I do not believe RR will still be here when the dust settles. I also believe that LK will pursue and get Morris from Tampa Bay as the DC. As far as the coverage model goes, if we have the personnel and coaching that best fit the Tampa 2 then that’s what we should be playing. Right now, our real strength is at LB & corners. We all know we need safeties that can both support the run and blow-up both runners and receivers alike. The key will be who we end up with on the line and whether the 3-4 or 4-3 fits us best. If we end up with a NT that can stuff the middle then the 3-4 will probably work well. We do have excellent team speed so let’s pick the best scheme based on what we end up with as players.
I agree with most of your observations with the exception that RR will be the DC. I just don’t think he’s here more than a couple of weeks.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Dr. = if you finish my post, i cleary state that al davis past his prime about ten years ago, i’am not saying al davis is a god or anything, but up to ten years ago, even our bad teams were around 500. thats even including the gruden teams. gruden was here for four years, and our record’d were 8&8, 8&8, 12&4 and 10&6. thats it. i allmost diedwhen he hired bugal in 97. i had i hopes for mike white before than because he was a walsh deciple. but lets see, shell was fired the first time buy white lobbying for the job. white was fired because the players thought that bugal was the right man for the job. gruden was hired out of desperation. callahan was hired because the players thought he was the right man for the job. the list keeps repeating itself. i don’t think davis has been the right man to run this franchise since 94.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
how come nobody ever responds to mypost? I am so clever…
January 4th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Fair enough, and I also totally understand that Ryan hasn’t had the best talent to work with, but zone schemes hide weak players – especially in the secondary because you don’t need hayes and haynes to man up all day. But if you look at Tampa’s roster vs. ours, I think you’ll be shocked at how many average players they have – I’d take our roster in thier scheme any day of the week. By the same token, I wouldn’t touch thier roster with our scheme any day of the week. The difference is scheme and coaching. Is Ryan better than me? Hell yeah. But his scheme is predicated on having very good to great players at every position. Any coach can win with that. I want to see a scheme that wins with average NFL talent, as in Indy and Tampa and some of the other good Cover 2 teams.
Everybody can have an up and down year, and I don’t think Ryan wanted to run a 4-3, I’m sure it was Al’s meddling since he pretty much said as much, but when opposing QB’s say watching film of the Raiders Defense is “boring” because they “do the same thing every play”, it should be cause for concern.
Anyway, peace, we’ll see what happens, it won’t be boring, that’s for sure.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
To the people talking about, “oh, if we draft player X, and pick up player Y we’ll have an office, etc., etc.”
Don’t you understand? Football is a coaches game now. It has been for a few years, great players are nothing without excellent coaching. The Patsies and the Colts are good examples of this. Without someone who will motivate players, and who has a plan and is willing to be honest and stick with it no matter what (in our case, Kiffin) we will suck. Look at the Rams this past season! What the hell, everyone thought they were going to be an offensive stalwart, but hell no, they sucked. Then Jackson got hurt and they really sucked. Then we see Holt going off on Linehan…it’s all about the coaching.
Without proper motivation, development, and mentoring players are jack crap.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
lol, ‘office’ is supposed to be OFFENSE
o0ps
January 4th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I hope Ryan’s gone and Morris is brought in. Before I had championed Ed Orgeron, but didn’t know anything about Morris.
If Morris became DC and we are able to bring in Briggs, our linebacking corps will be scary good.
Considering Morris is next in line to replace Kiffin I’m just curious to see what happens when their season is over. Given the fact he’s 31 and Kiffin is 68, how will Tampa react to possibly losing him?
I would hope they beat NY, but at the same time I want them to lose so we can find out next week what’s going to happen.
The longer TB’s season goes, the longer the rumors are going to circle if nothing happens with Ryan. The longer their season goes, we’ll hear more & more rumors about Kiffin being fired to Cable being named OC.
What’s next:
Al fires Kiffin and Ryan in power struggle. After a full year of hearing Lane & Rob argue like brothers, Al gets sick of it and fires them both. He’s determined at the age of 78 to run both the offense and defense and handle all duties as owner, GM, and the draft.
Keith Millard is named defensive coordinator but places all decisions in Al’s hands.
John DeFilippo named OC with Al calling the plays.
We’re going to hear so much bullsh*t and so many of you are going to bite on everything you read.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Lompoc Mike White was not a Walsh disciple. They both coached under John Ralston at Stanford. Mike White I believe was the OC and Walsh was the QB coach.I’d have to get an old media guide to confirm those but that offense was run way back then. Jim Plunkett was the QB. That was the greatest collection of coaches in Bay area history. Sam Wyche, Rod Rust on defense and Dick Vermeil. those guy’s were John Ralston disciples.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Does anyone remember RR’s Quote? “Hell, I’d be out of work for two minutes”. Sounds like something Big Al might take as an insult, or even a challenge. So Al figures: Hmmm the guy Lane wants is in the playoffs and unavailable right now…..but I can wait. I can wait while some of these less patient owners and GMs hire New DCs. I can hold onto Buddy’s Son while all the other jobs get filled. I’LL SHOW that kid the longest two minutes of unemployment in history.
And I think that since The Gruden for a bunch of (wasted) high draft picks, the NFL made trading players or draft picks against the rules, another Raider Rule.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I meant to say trading players or draft picks FOR Coaches is now against NFL rules
January 4th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
#87 Dave Casper = it’s the same thing. if the game has passed al davis bye, than so has the talent. because al davis is allso the G.M. of this team. he has been since 1972. that is the year he sighned a liftime contract to be the G.M. of the raiders. that is why we do not have a G.M. still to this day. al davis still believes that he can still find the hidden talent. somtimes he still can(morrison,howard and namdi) but most of the time he missis. (gallery,stu,gibson,buchanon, just to name a few). that is also why he allways reache’s out to older players that are past thier prime. what worked in the past does not allways work today.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Great opinion. I could totally seeing Al screw him over. Plus the Jets would be screwing over their DC who’s expected to get fired.
What kind of compensation or punishment can be handed out if the Jets are found to have tampered with RR? Obviously we can’t trade him, but due to the tampering issue there’s has to be a penalty of some sort.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
That’s good stuff Jeremy. If Al could read it, he’d probably say it was his idea. I could just see him down there on the field…The white Elvis jumpsuit…sportin’ the headphones, leaning on his Silver and Black walker….The Greatness Returns…
January 4th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
BHP = but white was the first west coast offense guy we hired. weather he was a walsh desiple or not. he allways gave credit to tom for giving him the tools and knowelge.but that beside the point. we have had to many coaching change’s since tom flore’s retired. and it allways semms to come back to who the players want as head coach. i don’t want to argue. regardless about the current state of the raiders, i still think al davis is a great man. but i also think the game past him bye. this team has been average at best since 94.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
DIE AL DAVIS! DIE!!!!! YOU OLD BASTARD! DIE!
January 4th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
not cool bro
January 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
# oakglenn Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Repost
Here I’ll break it down for ya all: We most likely will make a run at Raheem Morris, but won’t be able to do that until Tampon Bay is out of the playoffs, which could be as early as tomorrow. Under league rule, as long as a coach is making an upward move, he can do that. Lateral moves, (i.e., RRyan going from DC Raiders to DC Jets) will require compensation, since RR will still be under contract with the Raiders.
What does all this mean?????? Stay tuned. (I think the Godfather is trying to weasel the 6th overall pick, NY Jets #1 rounder for Ryan)
*****
Hmmm…I think you may be on to something, Oakglenn…I find it difficult to believe that Al would allow Carl Steward’s source for info in the Empire be a total snow job…Al clearly let the word out, the source then went to Steward, who obviously published the story four days ago, with the headline “Ryan gone,…”
Now we have the AP story titled “Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan staying on with Raiders…”
Maybe it isn’t the fans or the media that’s jumping the gun…it’s pretty clear to me (based on what has happened in the last four days) that Al thought he had some type of deal in place with the Jets, but now the deal has somehow gone sour…
Either Al or the Jets ran afoul of some league regulation, the deal became unpalatable to Al, or Al is , well, being himself and forcing Kiff to keep Ryan on for at least one more year…
One thing is for sure…Al is very much like the old Soviet Union…always keeping people guessing, and making inexplicable moves…
January 4th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
NFL nixes draft picks for coaches…
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/01/17/Bucs/NFL_nixes_draft_picks.shtml
January 4th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
i’am out for the night guys. i’ll be back tomorrow. remember the greatness of the raiders lie in it’s future, even though we would like the furture to be now. we can only hope that the raiders will return to prominance once again. and i for one will allways be looking at that prominance next season. i believe lane will be our head coach next year, and for at least one year after that. every rumor you hear now, is nothing knew. these rumors have been following the raiders since 1963. the media will allways try to discredit al davis, somtimes their true, but most of the time they are what we think they are. just rumors.
i’am in, have been since 1972
January 4th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Also White was already on staff with Art Shell. He was promoted to HC when Art was fired. I forget the capacity. But I do remember being at camp one year in Oxnard and talking to Mike abut the HC position. And seeing him sheepishly say hey!! ….Not me. That’s when all the stuff about Marcus was going on. Boy! what a mess. A year later he was hired. But you’re right if that’s your point.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
>>One thing is for sure…Al is very much like the old Soviet Union…always keeping people guessing, and making inexplicable moves…
Yeah and that went well.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Considering prior to this season, it was the first offseason in memory where we didn’t sign any old FA’s?
Kiffin has made this a young team and now that Sapp has retired it’s even younger.
As for the draft, Al obviously plays a role in players picked, but so do the coaches. The coaches provide plenty of input. Obviously
Art’s first go round with draft picks and who became decent from these drafts:
‘91 Andrew Glover in the 11th round as a TE
‘92 Chester the Molester 1st round pick
‘93 Biekert in the 5th round
‘94 Frederickson in the 1st
His second stint produced one draft and there are 3 players, Huff, Morrison, and McQuistan who are producing. Although this is Huff’s make or break year to prove he’s not a bust. He’s a good starter, but like Gallery could prove not to be worth the high pick.
Gruden’s art of drafting produced:
‘98 Charles Woodson in 1st, Mo Collins in 1st, & John Ritchie in 3rd
‘99 Stinchomb in 1st & Rod Coleman round 5
‘00 SeaBass in 1st, Porter in 2nd, & Lechler in the 5th
‘01 all backups accept we gave Gibson every chance to not lose his position
The point here is it’s no coincidence that a coach has influence on the picks. Al has influence, but he’s not going to produce bad draft after bad draft.
Kiffin’s first year in Oakland and he helps produce a draft class that could seriously rival among the greatest ever if Michael Bush pans out.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
BHP = it is, i was around camp also. those we’re black days.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I got a question, should we draft mcfadden, ellis, chris long, or should we trade down to get somemore picks? this is now a hard question because of sapp’s retirement, our d-line will become weaker, and i don’t really think that there are many FA that are good, except Haynesworth, but mostly he will resign with the titans or be franchised. and here’s another question, what position should we address in the second round?
January 4th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Dorsey/DMac would be my first choice. Chris Long won’t be around as he’ll get drafted either first or second.
If neither Dorsey/DMac is available and Ellis doesn’t shine in the combine, then trading down would be a good idea and trying to pick up extra picks and look at either DT or LT.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
all we need is another post about his love interest ‘Al’
the good dr needs a girlfriend to release that agression
January 4th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
JB, you maybe right about RR, but I think that the cover 2 as a base will limit this defense & create a learning curve. I would much rather see the 3-4 or a hybrid thereof & deal with that type of curve than a straight zone that limits what we can do on defense.
January 4th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Out.
January 4th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Who knows, maybe AD decided it’s time to give the 3-4 a shot and let RR stay and try it his way. And maybe Lane agreed. Who knows?
January 4th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Still think RR is history and won’t officially be announced until Morris can be contacted, job offered and accepted. That can’t happen until after the Bucs are out of the playoffs. I would image that Kiffin’s dad may have unofficially talked to Morris about what-ifs. As long as the dad does the talking, it’s not tampering.
January 4th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Wait!! Lompoc, no it’s really not the same. Understanding football & the “X’s & O’s is one thing evaluating up and coming talent is another. Al relies on others to scout the talent then he picks and chooses, but one of the main reasons Kiffin was hired was to evaluate talent to fit the direction of the offense & now the defense. I disagree with it being the same, and the Pats reach out to old vets as well, hell we did in years 2000, 2001 & 2002. For that matter since 1963 till now, Al just needs help in that area or has needed it and hopefully he has it now with Kiffin.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I just about can’t take it anymore. AD has become truly senile and just can’t stand the fact that Kiffin was trying to assert some authority, and accountability with his franchise.
No matter how much I want to believe at signs of progress, it just won’t get better till AD rides a wheelchair into the sunset.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Come on Nation! It has all been propaganda from the beginning. These writer will write anything to light anyone’s fire.
Let’s wait and see what really happens. No one has patience anymore. “Microwave society”
Gotta admit JMac made it fun for us to contemplate something dreams to pass the time.
Chalk one for Jerry! Now I dont believe a damn thing any of these writers write.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Uhhh, it wasn’t anything JMac wrote….It’s a press release AD’s empire has released…
January 4th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Dang Scottish Raider! Propping Nancy Gay?? Don’t turn on us now…
If Kiffin wants Ryan to stay, then I’m 100 percent behind it. IF he’s being undermined by Big Al, then may Kiffin please at least stay a few more years to mentor JaMarcus? Please Al, give Kiffin more authority! Is it too much to ask that Kiffin also gets the final say on our first pick this year?? I’ll hold my breath……….
January 4th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
It wasn’t a press release. It was from Carl Stewart a tribune beat writer. The Raiders just responded to it , calling it false.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Nothing wrong with an opinion, unless it’s wrong. And then you comment as though it’s right.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Poll time!
At what point next season, in light of our awful defense, will Davis’s cybergoons in there insist that it was Kiffin who wanted to keep Rob Ryan, and not Al Davis?
I’m going with week 5.
Pick your week in the poll, everyone.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
But I forgot, some people don’t know right from wrong.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Maybe they will go to a 3-4 Defense. Al’s not against that. The last Raider team to win a Superbowl (SB XVIII) played a 3-4 base defense. With Sapp gone, we might be in a better position to run it now.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I really hope Kiffin “Guts” it out and takes everything he can from Davis while he is alive… The real deal with Davis lies somewhere in between the “he is senile” and “Al is God”. He is definitley a football pioneer and done many things that make us all love the Raiders….he also has “probably” been the reason for so many odd and frustrating decisions over the years….We all bleed Silver and Black, and want the winning ways to come back…it will brothers. Would you rather be a fan of any other team!?!? F*CK NO!!!
January 4th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
cybergoons “here”, I meant, not there. Well, maybe they’re one in the same…
January 4th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
If the Raiders really were keeping Ryan, we would have made a different statement. Our Team is only referring to the exact current situation. We don’t tell the whole truth, but we never lie either.
Yes, WE and OUR…Raider Nation United!!!
January 4th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
# BigAl Must Go Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Uhhh, it wasn’t anything JMac wrote….It’s a press release AD’s empire has released…
…………
AD’s “empire”? Come on. Davis doesn’t IMPOSE anything, he only FAVORS strategy and personnel.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Ahhhh remember this fella’s?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb8Dom6nWGc
January 4th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
‘Poll time’??
….how gay.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
We have all been talking alot about the Cover 2. I have been one of them but let me clear something up…I don’t care what scheme we use as long as it works and we have a coach who knows what the hell he is doing. Changing to a Cover 2 doesn’t necessarily give us instant success. We just need a Defensive Coordinator who can implement his ideas and his schemes and make it work on the field with the current and future additions. It doesn’t have to be the Cover 2 necessarily, it just has to work.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
This one’s better!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjO_QfFYV78&feature=related
January 4th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
check it!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-oiVkX9HkPk
January 4th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I have not read all of the post’s, and this might have already been brought up, but didn’t the Raiders release a statement last year stating that Art Shell was not going to be fired, and then a week later he was canned.
January 4th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
LOL OakRaider…JRuss has crazy arm strength…
I like how Cromartie just stops playing and then he realizes he just got beat for a TD he looks around like WTF??!
January 4th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Bo Jackson’s Hip – Great video on Bo Jackson. I had the misfortune of being too young to remember seeing alot of Jackson but I do remember having a poster on my wall with one side being the Oakland Raiders and the other side being the Kansas City Royals with Jackson sitting in the middle and the title, “Black & Blue”. I had a door size poster of Howie Long on my bedroom door as well. Anybody who came over was instantly greeted by Howie Long. The poster said, “Real Men Wear Black”. I believe there was a motorcycle in the background and everything.
Watching the video, Jackson reminds me of Eric Dickerson and Shaun Alexander but with incredible speed. He just seemed so slippery when breaking through tackles but had the toughness when he needed. Adrian Peterson seems to have that similiar ability as well. I think the Bengal that caught him got lucky because Jackson let up at about the 10 yard line and the Bengal kept trying to catch him. If Jackson would have known he was there, he would have never been caught.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:01 am
So Huff,
Just curious…you think we should move #24 to Free Safety? Cornerback? Or put on 8-12 pounds and stay put?
January 5th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I had both those posters…Howie was my favorite! Bo was a beast…he ran through people…refused to go down. Howie had a motor that wouldn’t stop….watching his son play….has game a lot like his Dad….I hope we draft him.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:08 am
I think that we are stringing Ryan along just ‘cuz we can. I mean, what an A-Hole by saying what he said. He deserves it. Maybe someone will compensate us? Maybe Raheem wants the job? Maybe someone else becomes available? Maybe we DO stay with Ryan? The point is…Ryan’s under contract, we’re the Muthu-F’n Raiders, and we can do whatever the F’ we want. Haven’t we learned by now that Lane and Big Al are the Kings of not saying or doing things until they HAVE to??
January 5th, 2008 at 12:25 am
If Kiffin was hired to evaluate players, it’s because the 78 year old GM in a Walker, can’t.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Raider Raul – The answer to that is a difficult one. I believe Huff has been limited to what the coaches have him doing and what they have been teaching him. The one constant I see with Huff is that he has been GREAT when it comes to covering the TE’s. Nobody is going to shut down guys like Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzales but Huff has been instrumental in shutting those guys down as much as you can and that has forced teams to beat us in other ways…and they have. The problem with our defense is that it has relied on the secondary to make alot of tackles because of the poor defensive line. I think Huff would look like a better SS if he wasn’t forced to abandon his position in order to help make a tackle all the time.
On the other hand, every team should have a SS that can come up and be a force against the passing game as well as the running game. If you noticed, this team doesn’t tackle well as a whole so you can’t say that Huff lacks in this department…the whole team does and that may have alot to do with the coaches not focusing on the basic fundamentals. You can say that Huff is too small but Bob Sanders is 5′8 206lbs so thats not an excuse. I think Huff can be a really good SS but hes playing within a scheme and with a lack of talent but hes doing a great job in the biggest department of all…covering those TE’s.
The great thing about Huff is that he has hybrid ability. I think we can go into Free Agency and find the best FS or SS…whichever comes first and move Huff to the position we need the most. If we find a decent SS, then move Huff to FS and lets see what happens but you have to ask yourself…is the next SS going to cover TE’s like Huff? I would like to see Huff at Corner but I’m not sure we can find a new FS AND SS so I don’t think thats going to happen. We still have Routt and Washington and I don’t know if they’ll be gone.
To answer your question after my long rant, I believe everything comes down to what we get out of Free Agency. If we get a FS and SS, we move Huff to CB. If we find a SS, we move Huff to FS and if we find a FS, Huff stays at SS. I think Huff has the ability to work in any of those positions and that makes it easier to fill the needs of the 3 listed positions. He will most likely stay at SS but its hard to say until we find out whats going on with Rob Ryan and the Defensive Coordinator position.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Raider Raul – I don’t think Huff will be expected to gain weight. His biggest asset is his speed. If he gains that weight, it changes the dimension of how he plays and thats his trust and confidence in his own speed. He will slow down with added weight and we will probably still tackle with his arms. Thats his makeup and thats the way he plays. He’s not a devastating tackler. I think he stays at the same weight.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:42 am
The morning after.
And my anger has turned to sadness.
So many things were going right. The finances have been put in good order. We have created cap space to keep and acquire talent. The 2007 draft was working out well (Russell, Miller, Richardson, O’Neal. The offense was going forward and showing potential. The overpaid underperformers were leaving the roster.
All we needed to do was fix the defense and make the most of all our existing D talent (Morrison, Asomugha, Howard, Richardson, Routt, Huff). The consensus, with which I totally agree) was that Rob Ryan had had four years but had lost his way and that we needed a change.
And then Taylor’s bizarre announcement. It may be spin. It may be a holding statement – I respect those of you who have been studying the Raiders PR department for many years – but it did two things:
1) It immediately undermined Kiffin. Even if Kiff is happy for Ryan to stay, a good PR professional would focus on addressing the perception and not just the reality. Most commentators and columnists (and bloggers) believe that Kiff wants a new DC with some new ideas. Taylor knows that’s the case and he should know that saying the rumours of Ryan’s departure are incorrect would be perceived as a slap for Kiff. This is either a deliberate attempt to undermine Kiff or it is very dumb PR.
2) Kiffin has established, presumably with Al Davis’ blessing, a culture of accountability. If you don’t perform, you don’t play. As evidenced by the benching of Jordan and Schweigert. Unless that same accountability applies to the coaching staff it will fail, because the players will accuse the HC of double standards. In Kiffin terms (stats and tape), Rob Ryan has failed. Ryan should pay the price because the so-called ‘commitment to excellence’ is either enforced or becomes just a meaningless slogan.
I have given up on Al Davis. I have the greatest respect for his achievements but he is no longer capable of providing the right strategic and operational leadership for this franchise. The irony is that when he has stood back, the team has gone forward – look at the offense, look at the front office. Why doesn’t he follow the same pattern with the defense?
His loyalty to Ryan is misplaced. His media management is desperate. His analysis of his own contribution is flawed.
I hope things work our better today. I hope the rumours of Kiffin’s discontent are unfounded. I hope that this is a smokescreen and that Ryan will be gone within the week.
I hope, But I am not optimistic
January 5th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Scottish Raiders – Well said, agreed upon and definately understood. Ditto.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Well I guess the coach doesn’t lie. He said the defense sucked, not Ryan. I guess most everyone else just likes to read between lines and speculate. It’s amazing how speculation gets passed around as ligitimate news from unnamed sources.
We have a great coach and I just hope he stays around Oakland for a long time. Maybe he takes time to coach his coaches during the off season.
IM IN
January 5th, 2008 at 12:51 am
ESPN Scouting Report – Michael Huff
2007 Scouting Report – Scouts Inc.
Grade: 68 | Key
Alert: None
YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD
2006 OAK 16 78 65 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2007 OAK 16 87 75 12 11 1 1 0 1 4 0
Comment: The Raiders first pick in the 2006 draft, Huff has good size to go along with excellent speed and athleticism. He is an exceptional athlete for a safety and could line up at corner if needed. He plays the game strong and has an explosive pop he can uncoil from his hips when tackling. He played last season with an attitude and maturity level not often seen in a rookie. He chases hard from sideline to sideline and makes plays all over the field. He is not afraid to insert himself on run plays and looks to punish both when tackling and taking on blockers. He can be a little inconsistent in route recognition but that is not surprising for a safety just out of college. He has the foot quickness and agility, as well as the fluid hips, to man up and shut down most tight ends and running backs. While he is often in position to make plays on the ball he has a tendency to knock passes down rather than go for the pick, which makes you question his ball skills. With any kind of normal progression over the next few years Huff should be a mainstay for some time to come.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:52 am
I also like Huff’s versatility. But the question is what position is BEST suited for his talents? I think he should be our FS (w/ Cooper at SS) on running downs and SS (w/ Eugene at FS) on passing downs. To me it actually looked like he put on about 5 or so pounds towards the end of the season. He was slimmer below the waist last year.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Raider Raul – Remember that Huff is young so he is still growing up physically. Also, the guy is rich now so I’m sure he has an abundance of food. Both of those things can equate to more size. Honestly, I could not possibly be satisfied with Cooper or Eugene starting. That has to change. We need better talent at either of those positions. I think Huff needs to stay at the Rover (SS) position because he is far more valuable when he has the ability to move around the field. If you move him to FS or CB, you take away his multi ability that we benfit from so much. I believe the SS position is best suited for his talents BECAUSE of his versatility.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Also…we have too many situations where certain players play on running downs and certain players that play on passing downs. The offenses can read that sort of thing and change their play calling at the line to attack our weaknesses. We need to get players who are great at the pass and the run so we can disguise our defenses better as well as create some continuity during the game. When we interchange players as often as we do, we lose the amount of talent on the field and certain players give the offenses a clue as to what we’re trying to do. We have to get more players that can be effective on every down.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I just watched Bear cut off the head of a Camel Spider and eat the body. The show is called Man vs. Wild and is on the Discovery Channel. Yuck! He had a shirt underneath and an buttoned shirt as an overshirt. He took the undershirt and cut it up, peed on it and then wrapped it around his head in order to try and help keep him cool while trying to get throught he desert. Absolutely disgusting and amazing all at the same time. You really have to take the normal part of life and throw it out the window when it comes to survival. I recommend watching this stuff.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:16 am
Huff your reaching now. You are talking to yourself.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Its 1:18am. What can I say? Are you real or a mirage? lol.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Im a grave yarder that sits hear every night and reads every post on here. But I never have anyone to talk to cuz there all gone.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Sorry to hear it. Well. I’m here so…do you have any thoughts?
January 5th, 2008 at 1:26 am
I have a question about McFadden. I don’t watch College football. No time. But after all the talk about him on here I went on You Tube to watch him. The guy looks incredibly fast and has great moves. But in the highlights he was never really challenged. Can he run through tackles? Is he durable? Can he carry the ball 25 a game?
When I looked up Bush on you tube he didn’t seem as fast or as much of a gamer as McFadden. What do you think?
January 5th, 2008 at 1:29 am
Been away for awhile but my thought is 4/3, 3/4 cover two,whatever scheme you want to run you have to have the talent for the positions to execute. We don’t have the talent for the current scheme and to shift gears with a new defense would be a mistake.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I can’t answer those questions but from what i saw of him in his bowl game. He was not making plays when the defense schemed to shut him down. Forget Mcfadden we need a DT. Mark my words. We will draft Sedrick Ellis
January 5th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Well. You can basically consider Bush to be Thunder and McFadden to be lightning. I think Bush shows great acceleration on his runs and hes really fast for his size. I think McFadden just wants to go untouched and if anything…it will prolong his career. Bush is more aggresive and has alot of power. I think you can see that the NFL has evolved with the RB position. Some of the best teams rely on 2 backs to get the job done and it not only prolongs those backs careers but it makes them more effective over time. It really helps to have a fresh back when you get into the 4th quarter of a game.
Its so hard to tell whether or not a player is going to perform when he gets to the NFL. If anything, both Bush and McFadden need a counterpart. They need another back to spell them. Adding McFadden could be perfect for both McFadden and Bush. Think Reggie Bush and Deuce McCallister or Julius Jones and Marion Barber.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:37 am
I know we need D. But I was curious about him. Just for nostalgia I would like to see Long. I grew up in the Howie Long era and was always a big fan of his. But from what I saw of McFadden in his highlight reels it would be fun to watch him in S&B.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:39 am
No player can do everything. Adrian Peterson couldn’t do what he’s done without that offensive line. McFadden doesn’t have a ton of talent around him yet he still manages to be a play maker. You’re facing tougher teams and better defenes in Bowl Games and it doesn’t just effect McFadden, it effects the players around him and when they get getting beat, it becomes harder for McFadden to excel. McFadden is built on speed. If he can’t get into the open field, he won’t be as effective.
I’d have to agree about the DT comment. We have to improve this defense if we want any chance to stay in the games we play. We have to stop people from running all over us. We have to be the ones to control the clock, not the other teams. It doesn’t have to be Ellis but at least someone who can be just as effective. If thats Dorsey, Long and Okam…then so be it.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:39 am
You live in the Bay Area?
January 5th, 2008 at 1:43 am
One thing we have to becareful about regarding Chris Long is expecting him to be Howie Long. I know he probably plays well in college but there are no guarentees he will be the next Howie. Thats the worst thing anybody can do. Kiffin will have to study hard to make sure he is for real because its easy to go after somebody because of their name. Just ask the Giants about Eli Manning.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:43 am
San Jose, CA…you?
January 5th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Reno,Nv Home Town of Chris Carr.
Current home of Art Shell and Don Manukeian (Spelling)
January 5th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Its almost a good thing that we will pick either #3 or #4 because its going to be tough figuring out who we want to choose. At least the first 2-3 picks will help us make our decision because we’re going to have to go with the best player out of the top 4 that we want. If Dorsey, Long and McFadden are gone then our decision is easier. I think you have to take Ellis. If McFadden is available…you might have to take him instead. I have good faith that Lane Kiffin will have a pretty good idea of who he will want the most and that he’ll make the right decision.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:49 am
I’m surrounded by celebrities and football players in this area. I always forget who lives where and all but they’re close by, whether that be in Pleasonton or Fremont or Los Altos or whatever. Everything is so close.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:56 am
http://www.nflplayers.com/players/search_results.aspx?searchType=HOMETOWN&hometownSearch=San%20Jose
I found this website. That is a listing of players born in San Jose, CA. I didn’t even know.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Yeah. I was born in Fremont and have been here since 1977. I have been to Don Manuican’s house and didn’t realize who he was until I looked at his cards on the fire place mantel. Some might laugh but he played before my time. Art Shell is a real nice guy. It’s to bad thing happen the way they did. Now that’s what he will be remembered for instead of what a great Raider he was. Carr is a friend of my brother in-law. They played Basket ball together. So this off season he is going to try to hook my kid up with him to play some ball at the park. It’s funny but out of all the player on the Raiders Carr is his favorite.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:03 am
Thats a pretty cool deal. That would be awesome to know players or anybody involved with the NFL. I guess I could have went to college with the intention of getting myself in a field that surrounded me in that area but that wasn’t the thought coming out of High School. Oh well.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Don Manoukian
There is the correct spelling. Before I get buried by some of the old timers in here.
It’s cool to talk with them. Don gave me some real insight to Al and talking to Art about the Raiders of old was way cool.
My grandfather was friends with the equipment manager for the Raiders. His buddy had the players sign two footballs after they won Super Bowl XI. I have the ball now. Al Davis is even on there. From what I heard he doesn’t normally do autographs.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:11 am
This is quite a story. Talk about determination.
Joe Nedney was born with air pockets in his lung tissue, and by the age of 17 his left lung had collapsed three times within a year. He underwent corrective surgery prior to his junior year of high school. Although he had played wide receiver during his first two high school seasons, doctors told him he would be unable to suffer heavy contact for several months. Determined to find a way to contribute, Nedney, who played youth soccer until he got to high school, received permission to try out for the kicker position and thus launched his kicking career
January 5th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Don Manoukian
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/07/1811095.html
I’ll have to read up on him later.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:17 am
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/ManoDo20.htm
Manoukian was a 5′9, 242lb Guard. Wow. How times have changed. Born in Merced and went to Stanford. Definately local.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Thats funny. This is what he told me.
One of his best friends on the Raiders, and his roommate, was eventual Hall of Fame member Jim Otto. “They sent Otto up to Portland to bring me back to camp. I told him, ‘Jim, there’s just not that much money in that football. I can’t do it.’ I was making $8,000 to $10,000 playing football. So they promised me many more dollars. But I’d made a commitment to go to Japan in the fall. I could not renege on that commitment.”
January 5th, 2008 at 2:21 am
I’m watching the 1992 game between the Oilers and Bills in the AFC Wildcard and I’m curious on why Warren Moon would take the snap and run backwards like a left handed QB and then turn his body as a right hander and throw the ball? I don’t understand that logic. Was it because he saw the whole field better? It just seems unnecessary.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:23 am
How many years did he end up playing? Did he end up taking the commitment to Japan?
January 5th, 2008 at 2:24 am
He says him and Al Davis are still good friends. He said that him Otto and Biletnikoff still talk all the time.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Huff,
What makes you think Kiffin has the final say on the 1st pick?
Al always has final say on the 1st pick, and coach has final say on the 2nd pick. C’mon…that’s common Raider knowledge.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Yeah just the 1 year.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:27 am
Raider Raul – Every year I hope that Al Davis somehow forgets that common knowledge but the guy just keeps on ticking. Sorry about that. I should know better than to think otherwise.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:29 am
Its been nice talkin guys. It’s time for bed. Goodnight.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Big Al should just experiment for 1 regime, give up control and just see what happens. I mean, he’s gonna live another 25 years anyways…
January 5th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Well I just hope we can get Berrian. I can’t help but want McFadden. I know we need D. But I’m to excited to see what we can do with this offense with good players
January 5th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Huff good talken with you.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:45 am
# Huff24 Says:
January 5th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I just watched Bear cut off the head of a Camel Spider and eat the body. The show is called Man vs. Wild and is on the Discovery Channel. Yuck! He had a shirt underneath and an buttoned shirt as an overshirt. He took the undershirt and cut it up, peed on it and then wrapped it around his head in order to try and help keep him cool while trying to get throught he desert. Absolutely disgusting and amazing all at the same time. You really have to take the normal part of life and throw it out the window when it comes to survival. I recommend watching this stuff.
…………..
Did you see the movie with the guy who tried to live with the bears, and eventually they killed him?
Animals have zero tolerance for fear. Their instinct is to attack, immediately. We have that instinct in us, too. But you notice, it mostly comes out when we’re in large groups? I think it’s because when we’re in large groups, we feel more secure in ourselves and therefore sacrifice use of our mind, which by default allows the animal instinct to take over. I used to notice that working retail, years ago. People by themselves were always either nice, or had sort of a passive, t’d off attitude, but they were rarely extroverted. But large groups always had to make some smart ass comment about something. I always wondered why they just had to do that. Truth is, they can’t help it. The pope would jaw off to you if he were with like 20 homies.
The solution is that we have to learn to be individuals and live on our own. This doesn’t mean being a loner, it just means avoiding large groups unless the large group is for a productive cause beneficial to humanity, because these are the only instances where large groups aren’t obnoxious and aggressive. It’s hard to do, but the world will never change until we do it. For those of you who are fine with the world not changing, do be reminded that just about all religions, including Christianity, and the world of science agree that the world is on a path to destruction.
Anyhow,
I’m in. And I really hope this story about Rob Ryan turns out to be false. He really sucks.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:01 am
Wow! Well said. But I’m still stuck on camel spider. You ever see one of those things? There scary as hell.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Was the bear played by Al Davis and the spider played by kiffin?
January 5th, 2008 at 4:19 am
Scottish Raider!
I respect all of your posts and your analytical way of thinking. In this case your feelings are clouding your judgement a bit.
1) I agree that Ryan has not performed and should be ditched.
2) I too would have liked to see Morris come in and implement the cover 2.
NOW you have to look at the facts:
1) The Raiders never fired Ryan. That was a story that came out and was fueled by an annoymous source.
2) Kiffen said he would LOOK AT EVERYTHING and make a decision that was best for the team. He didn’t say that he was firing Ryan or replacing him with Morris, Monte or anybody else.
3) Monte’s not coming here. All of the factors are against it. He’s Kiff’s dad, his high salary etc.
4) We just don’t know what the future strategy is. It could be a smokescreen that is temporary and things are being positioned in the background. We can’t just sign Morris today!
5) Firing Ryan without a better DC who is ready to come in now is stupid, because you have to have a replacement who has the promise of being better before you ditch him.
6) The players seem to be behind Ryan.
7) You can’t prove that Al Davis is behind any of it. Claiming that he has undermined Kiff is not any more valid than the story that Ryan was fired.
I think that you read some stories that basically set up a scenario that you believe is the way forward. I agree with your vision, but none of that stuff was or is official. It’s specualation. We don’t know what happened behind the scenes and why Kiff and Al made the decision they did. We can assume that their decision is the best under the circumstances.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:28 am
By the way…Buddy Ryan was not a chump.
He was DC for the Purple People Eaters, he engineered one of the best defenses in history with the Bears “46″ that won a super bowl, and he was successful in both Philly and Houston!
Rex Ryan has been the DC of the Ravens for 8 years if I am not mistaken. They have had a “pretty good” D whouldn’t you say?
Rob Ryan has not performed with the Raiders. But this has nothing to do with his family. Not a very good line of agumentation in my book.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Read this!
http://www.patriots247.com/forums/index.php?s=6c13455fc59352d1ddd98d0bb6412edb&showtopic=2032
I think that the Raiders are retaining him to trump up some tampering charges because there’s no tampering if we fire him….we keep him, collect our penalty picks (if possible) and then wait and see how the Tampa situation pans out.
Let’s assume that their is a power struggle in Tampa, and that Morris wants more control but they chose to stick with Monte. Then Morris may want to be released from his contract and we can get him. We can’t do anything with Morris now….so maybe retaining Ryan is the right move considering the circumstances.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:44 am
first off read the wording carefully , taylor is not claiming ryan is staying!” the specualtion should stop!”" no one is comin out & saying that RYAN IS STAYING ” also the other quote is “conjecture & barrage of rumors are not acurate, but they should stop? so this is not a slam dunk ryans staying!! here is what is really goin on!!!
look al davis aint makin any moves behind kiffs back , this is more of espns’ anti al davis propaganda!! HERE IS THE TRUTH!!-
no team can talk to a guy under contract,about comin to their team! MONTE
IS STILL UNDER CONTRACT!with a team run by another ANTI AL DAVIS GUY!
BRUCE ALLEN !!!!!
remember him!al WILL LOVE TO TAKE MONTE & CO AWAY FROM HIM! the stage is set for this, montes’ contract is up after the next buc loss!
monte/lane/davis/ all have to be careful,about who says what to who,
based on the league looking to side with allen & the bucs for tampering & blocking this move if found out that there is or was any talk between the 2 parties!! i am sure al&lane are just waitng for the buc loss! and then simply lane goes to montes’house,
& get his dad & staff to agree in principle to come to okland!
then youwill see the official announment
THAT MONTE KIFFIN & A FEW MEMBERS OF STAFF ARE LEAVING TAMPA& BRUCE ALLEN & GRUDEN! TO JOIN ” AL DAVIS ” AND THE RAIDERS!!!!
oh boy bruce allen will then raise hell & try to “claim”, not prove of course, that “big al” tampered w/ monte & used his kid to grab his dad!( not al davis!he dont want any credit goin to aldavis cause he dont want the story to be that al once again “outwitted” him!!like the sapp deal!!) & al should be ashamed of himself for usnig lane like that!!to do his dirty work!!shame on you!and all that other bull!!! so this is what is really going on!
the best defense for oakland is to have a def cord still on the books, like robryan! a lame duck ! they have no intent to keep him!!! oakland will then be impervious to any illegal claims by the nfl & the bucs!! IT IS THAT SIMPLE!!!! I HOPE!!!!
January 5th, 2008 at 5:28 am
HEY JERRY ! MAYBE YOU CAN SHED LITE ON THE LEAGUE RULES , INVOLVING TALKING TO PLAYERS/COACHES THAT ARE UNDER CONTRACT! AND IF RIADERS ARE CAUGHT TALKING TO LETS SAY MONTE OR ANY TAMPA GUY WHAT ARE THE RAMIFICATIONS!!!????
, NAMELY WITH
BRUCE ” ILL GET AL DAVIS FOR GOIN BEHIND MY BACK
W/THAT GRUDEN TRADE ALLEN “”!!!!!!!
WOULDNT ALLEN BE LOOKIN FOR THAT!!! AND HE WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN ! WOULDNT HE TRY TO PUT ON NEG SPIN ON IT! W/ NFL&PRESS!!LOOK @ WHAT HE DID W/ QBS’ THIS YEAR! AND SAPP FA DEAL!
w- sapp deal first he thought sapp on friday was goin to cinncy!he had no problem w/that
“bonvoyage warrenn”
then when oak over that weeknd by stealth tactics had him in & signed by that following monay am ,
BRUCE ALLEN upon finding out that sapp was goin to raiders!,he tried LIKE HELL,to get him back!& called league office and accused al davis of tampering w/ the bengals on his contract!!
this is what kinda deviate this BRUCE ALLEN REALLY IS !!
HE AINT DONE SQUAT FOR TAMPA SINCE HES’ BEEN THERE !HE RODE “ALDAVIS” COAT TAILS like so many have in past!and now when left to his own device he fails miserably!! look @ his production!!!! clayton, davin, cadillac, adams! last 4 1st rounders , all lemons so far!!! this guy hasnt had a good offseason since he left okland!!!! all the more to cement my claim that he is a
” AL DAVIS TAILRIDER “”!!
January 5th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Ryan and Gallery must walk past the same barber shop.
January 5th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Nothing commands the respect of 50 guys in their 20s like a graying mullet.
January 5th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Bucs historically require coaches to fulfill their deals. It’s a club policy to not allow assistants to interview for jobs when under contract – even for potential promotions
January 5th, 2008 at 6:11 am
400th
January 5th, 2008 at 6:12 am
I don’t care who you are, that’s funny
January 5th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Nice. Peace and harmony reign supreme in the east bay. Just as paradoxical as quotes attributed to Horace Greely (go west, young man. Guess it applies only to the young. Seems Al pines for the other coast) and Gertrude Stein (when analogizing said east bay she said, “there’s no there there. Now I know what she had in mind).
Now, collectively we should have seen this coming. On the heels of the most successful year, attendance-wise, in recent history, here comes Al with his penny-pinching ways. Don’t you think the thought of ponying up for a new DC while on the hook for his predecessor’s 2008 salary ($850,000 is nothing for Al to snicker at. money out of his pocket and all that) had something to do with the head man’s decision making? Now, and I really doubt this (strong arm tactics and all), if Al had there wherewithall to justify his reasoning to Kif, that both instilling a new DC and doing so @ the expense of a defense berift with the requisite personnel to employ a “cover-2″ defense would not only deter continuity but cost the Raiders the chance of @ least one personnel acquisition this offseason (so the “Sunshine Years” continue. Regardless what Al says. Oh, well, I used to be a big fan of George Burns, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond. Need a little Grateful Dead to numb me on this long space trip).
Now, of course, this is only a little metaphorical knee jerk (me?!) to the latest Raider managerial maneuver. Perhaps tomorrow, or, more likely, Monday will reveal a strategy adjustment. However, for today my money is on the tight fisted, man hole en lieu of nickels fiscal approach apparent with all things Silver & Black (mis)management wise. Wish I had brighter things to pontificate upon, but tomorrow is another day. At least I haven’t been (re)visited with the other shoe dropping; you know, the one that reveals a new destination for our soon to be lame duck HC, Lame (whoops! Hopefully won’t have to get used to that one), er, lane Kiffin.
late (not a true reflection of our team’s beloved owner, but I could be mistaken), antispy3
January 5th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Al has always played head games. He likes to lead everyone in one direction and as soon as he gets you going his way, he reverses direction.
I still say Al and his handpicked “protegy” are playing head games with everyone and they are on the same page. Any other conclusion will rent space in my head and put holes in the walls.
I am just gonna relax and enjoy the ride back to respectability. All the rumors dont mean anything. Whatever happens, happens and I will still be here with no power to change things and I will still look forward to rooting for the Raiders on sunday.
January 5th, 2008 at 7:27 am
check this out, got this from profootballtalk, i really hope this doesn’t have any truth to it
POSTED 8:37 p.m. EST, January 4, 2008
TROUBLE IN OAKLAND?
Amid the release of a statement by the Raiders that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (who reportedly had his next job already lined up) won’t be fired, we’re hearing talk within media circles that leads us to believe that coach Lane Kiffin could be in a little trouble.
The rumor making the rounds is that Kiffin wanted Ryan to be fired, and that owner Al Davis blocked the move.
There’s also talk that Davis polled the players regarding whether they prefer Ryan to Kiffin. Though we don’t know the results of the effort, we’re told that Davis did the same thing a year ago as to coach Art Shell, before Shell was fired.
January 5th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Hey, Andrew’s Mom, do you mean “protege” or “prodigy?”
And, while we’re on it, better guard for renting holes in your head with affixed space on your walls (pictures may help).
Whater happens, happens (Doris Day singing in the background. My childhood, once again, haunting me. Those of you too young to remember the AFL will truly miss the humor . I suspect some of my contemporaries will follow suit. Be Al remembers. With half his remaining brain cells tied behind his back. Visions of Rod Serling and Peter Griffin soon to follow. Way too cryptic for the madding crowd. At least I’m duly entertained. Time for the graveyard sect to adjourn).
P.S.; respectability for our beloved Silver & Black is a mere stop on the the to the only true success; Super Bowl Triumphs! ! (I’m In! Only applies when used in conjunction with lane Kiffin. Don’t want to engage in copywrite infringement. Mike Taylor’s mileage may vary.
In total (in)gest
antispy3
January 5th, 2008 at 7:48 am
“God help me”…..or more importantly “God help these intellectually challenged, self serving cry babys”.
How many games this season did the Raiders go well into the 4th quarter with a lead only to have the defense relinguish the lead and we lost. Then you cry babys went crazy bashing the defense.
Now… the draft is comming and you’re crying for a running back…..and in an offensive system where its proven itself (in one season) that it didn’t really matter who the back was, they were going to get very good yardage.
You morons would waste the pick on “bling” instead of address needs. Trade the draft pick and get some run stuffing linemen and a quality outside linebacker.
Youre like a bunch of little kids crying at the store with mommie for what you want.
Boo Hoo Hoo tantrum time and I hate daddy (A Davis) if he won’t give me what I want.
January 5th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Hypothetically…..how many “MORE” games would the Raiders have won this season with the ability to stop the run as opposed to gaining an extra 60 or 70 yards???
I know that really doesn’t matter to most of you morons as long as you get what you want.
January 5th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Oops! Allow me to try again
Hey, Andrew’s Mom, did you mean “protege” or “protoge?” Or is this an amalgimation of the two? (Visions of mint commercials come to mind. or wherever such thoughts originate. Perhaps waxing too ambitious).
And, while we’re @ it, better guard for renting holes in your head with affixed space on the walls (I recomment the addition of pictures. Or a big “Fathead.” Trademark withstanding).
Whatever happens, happens (visions of Doris Day singing and dancing in my collective cobwebs. My childhood, once again, haunting me. Those of you too young to remenber the AFL will truly miss the humor. I suspect some of my contemporaries will, as well. Bet Al remembers. With half his remaining compliment of brain cells firmly sequestered behind his back. Visions of Rod Serlig and Peter Griffin soon to follow. Waay too cryptic for the madding crowd. At least I’m duly entertained. Time for the graveyard sect to adjourn.)
P.S.; respectability for our beloved Silver & Black is merely a stop on the only acceptible road to success; Super Bowl Triumphs! ! (I’m In! Only applies in conjunction with Lane Kiffin reerences. Don’t want to engage in copywrite infringement. Mike Taylor,s mileage may vary.)
OBTW, “Beack,” how is life there, anyway?
In total (in)gest
antispy3
January 5th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Hey, Andrew’s Mom, do you mean “protege” or “prodigy?”
And, while we’re on it, better guard for renting holes in your head with affixed space on your walls (pictures may help).
Whatever happens, happens (Doris Day singing in the background. My childhood, once again, haunting me. Those of you too young to remember the AFL will truly miss the humor . I suspect some of my contemporaries will follow suit. Be Al remembers. With half his remaining brain cells tied behind his back. Visions of Rod Serling and Peter Griffin soon to follow. Way too cryptic for the madding crowd. At least I’m duly entertained. Time for the graveyard sect to adjourn).
P.S.; respectability for our beloved Silver & Black is a mere stop on the the to the only true success; Super Bowl Triumphs! ! (I’m In! Only applies when used in conjunction with lane Kiffin. Don’t want to engage in copywrite infringement. Mike Taylor’s mileage may vary).
OBTW, “Beach,” how is life there, anyway?
In total (in)gest
antispy3
January 5th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Im glad that Rob Ryan is staying ( tha only way i would have seen it as excusable to fire him would be a guarantee that Monte Kiffin was coming to Oakland). His players love him, he brings some sort of continuaty for players like Morrison, Howard, and Asumuga, and besides he never missed a single tackle or blew an assignment all year ( his players,ie Schwagart did that).However I worry about the fact that Kiffin wanted him gone and was overruled by Big Al. That is precicesly the type of wove by Al that would start to leave a sour taste in the mouth of Kiffin. Hopefully everbody involved can be professionals and we turn this thing around and alls well. Or….well we remember how long it took from Gruden to Kiffin….dont we?
January 5th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Right on ,Scottish! It appears that Al Davis has undermined his coach…again. Dear Mr Davis, I’ve been a loyal fan since ‘79….You once were quoted in the L.A. Times aspousing that an N.F.L. coach has ” about ten years…”.With all due respect…Why should you be any different? Frankly, the main reason that I have continued to suspend my disbelief ,dispite a litany of misjugements and errors, is that, YOU CARE ! Pure and simple…F.Y.I…I recently had an interesting conversation with Larry King. He told me that he speaks with you ,via telephone,on a regular basis…THAT comment to me was meant to impress…it did. All power corrupts…absolute power corrupts absolutely. My intuition tells me that Lane Kiffen is going to become a great coach-for years to come. Please empower him with important staff decisions. I believe that if he leaves,a la Gruden, it will be a stake in the heart for our fanbase for years to come.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I just don’t see where this statement makes it clear RR will be back next season…“The recent conjecture regarding the removal of Rob Ryan is incorrect and the constant barrage of rumors is irresponsible. The Raiders organization stated that the speculation that Rob Ryan will be relieve of his duties should stop.”
Al wanted this released in order to slap” Carl Steward, who broke the story, and protect Kiffin if he can’t land one of his preferred choices and RR needs to be kept around.
BTW…I’m sure Mike Taylor meant “relieved” not “relieve” of his duties. But, shouldn’t PR people review their comments and check for grammar before releasing statements?
January 5th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Wake the hell up people , every team in our division is run 1st pass later or never, they all emphasize power running , going cover 2 full time with smaller LBs will be a mistake, we should consider doing a mix of 46 with safeties in zone like philly and with more blitzing .
Hopefully Kiffen has told Al we need more blitzing and Rob agreed, another year of opponents not fearing our defense will be sickening.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Mike Florio at PFT is little rumor mongering troll!
POSTED 8:37 p.m. EST, January 4, 2008
TROUBLE IN OAKLAND?
Amid the release of a statement by the Raiders that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (who reportedly had his next job already lined up) won’t be fired, we’re hearing talk within media circles that leads us to believe that coach Lane Kiffin could be in a little trouble.
The rumor making the rounds is that Kiffin wanted Ryan to be fired, and that owner Al Davis blocked the move.
There’s also talk that Davis polled the players regarding whether they prefer Ryan to Kiffin. Though we don’t know the results of the effort, we’re told that Davis did the same thing a year ago as to coach Art Shell, before Shell was fired.
And, by the way, I have this great new Sprint phone which becomes hands free when I shove it up my ass. Get one.
Do you see quotation marks around any of the statements above? This troll will post anything to fill up his pointless website and keep his check coming from Sprint!
January 5th, 2008 at 8:35 am
You tell a lie long enough,,,,people wil believe it.
I guess the same goes for rumors.
You idiots are amazing!!!!
where is the link/s to Kiffin actally being quoted as saying he wanted Ryan fired?
Just because you morons read and listen to Mediots and speculate and spew forth your idiotic ideas on this blog over and over doesn’t make them “Facts”
And now some of you idiots have the audacity to blame Al Davis for your inability to sort fact from fiction.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Also please try to draft defensive guys who were at least 2 year starters in college and not some guy who got his turn as a senior , we need more naturals on our team not projects who need to develop for 3 years before showing any promise.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I am not sure that this is not just a smokescreen. I have read nowhere where they say Ryan is staying. The masters of doubls speak Raiders, say the speculation is irresponsible and should stop. They tell the Times its a non issue. If he is staying, they should say “He will return.” No such quotes. Maybe they want to see if they can secure this guy from TB first before dumping Rob Ryan. Maybe this is the Raiders twisted way of diverting attention until they can get it done. If Al told Kiffin that, if he can get the TB guy, he can have him but otherwise it the Robster, then all the bs that the Raiders have put out makes sense. It makes little sense if they truly plan to keep Ryan because they have not definately said he will be back.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Very good John L…..but logical and rational thinking isn’t appreciated on this blog.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Forepj
PFT is really dissapointing. I agree… I see them post things from some of the bay area reporters and at times they do not even give credit to it. I mean a Bay Area reporter speculates then PFT picks it up as if it is a real news story… Half the stuff they say is made up. The true stuff already broke somewhere else.
Chargerswillchoke
I agree about the defense. The problem I have is it seems our players are out of position a lot. Big plays, blown coverages and running plays where the back gets through the first wave and then is wide open spaces with Stu comming in late to be part of the highlight film for the other team. Whatever the scheme they need to know their roles and execute them clearly. If the scheme is confusing then we have problems. I really don’t like Ryan… The first year what he did with Irons and Brayton would have got him fired right there with most teams. Maybe he is learning. I hope he learns faster…
January 5th, 2008 at 8:56 am
let’s see, morons and idiots listen to the media, or actually pay attention to some of the stories, but smart people believe pr people and whatever al davis says, even though everything he says aint gospel either? guess i’ll be the moron who believed adam schefter when he reported art shell would be fired, you can be the smart guy who believed it was all rumor, and then i guess something happened that made al change his mind a few days later and fire shell? just seems to me this organization hates when anything gets leaked,and will delay the inevitable just to try and feel like they proved the media wrong
January 5th, 2008 at 8:58 am
1960AutumWind
Thanks, I look at the bios of the defensive guys and only a few were 3 to 4 year starters in college, we need guys who naturally understand football , guys who love to hit , not guys thinking about if the tackling will cause them a injury. Some NFL football players are just big guys who faced inferior opponents in college and once they make it to this level their lack of natural athleticism is exposed.
January 5th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Hey Al ,
Draft more football players who were also star basketball players , guys who star in basketball are more fluid and naturally quick, just better athletically, look at Curry , Julius Peppers, Tony Gonzales, and Antonio Gates. Tell the damn scouts to look for these type of guys and we will be back sooner!
January 5th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Get us a young, dynamic, impact SS. One that is not afraid to mix it up. Huff has been playing out of position for two years. He is a FS. Schweigert should have been a bullfighter. Throw in a couple of young energetic DT’s and the problem is solved. Good teams are able to play man to man and cover 2.
January 5th, 2008 at 9:48 am
U guyz r süm dum azz nkaz…… U guyz r da same people dat SAID 2 yearz ago dat u wantd rob 2 b head coach nd now u guyz want him out küz a bad Season haha u guyz stupid….. Nd u guyz got da nervz 2 say hê kant draft good playerz haha wat u kal Morrison Howard Richardson huff asoumougha Washington clemons u guyz r retarded…… Hahahs so y dnt u guyz juz keep ur mouth shut unlezz u kno wtf u tawkn bout homoz hahahá
January 5th, 2008 at 9:56 am
um english please? hahaha how can anyone who types like that call anyone stupid?
January 5th, 2008 at 10:01 am
MORRIS NOT ON MARKET: A newspaper report out of California suggested the Raiders planned to target Bucs defensive backs coach Raheem Morris if they fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. But Morris confirmed Friday he has a two-year contract that expires after the 2008 season, and the Bucs historically require coaches to fulfill their deals. It’s a club policy to not allow assistants to interview for jobs when under contract – even for potential promotions. The Raiders announced Friday that Ryan was keeping his job.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am
jj
that would be a violation of leauge policy by the buccaneers, you can’t block a coach from taking a promotion per league rules, you can only block latteral moves
January 5th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Man, if only MBush had Bo’s speed …
January 5th, 2008 at 10:22 am
“we have too many situations where certain players play on running downs and certain players that play on passing downs.” …true indeed …COW pointed out the same thing.
We are lacking “every-down-men” on the defensive line.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Hell Raider -
That youtube footage of MBush is actually real game footage not necessarily highlights – its like watching a live games of MBush’s consecutive runs. What you see is actually what you get. On the other hand, McFadden’s youtube footage are “real” highlights. That is, a run here and there taken from different games.
You’ll notice that MBush’s youtube footage goes through a progression following his years in school – with the last bit of the footage being vs Kentucky which was the game he was injured (Cards were dressed in black). If you pay real close attention you’ll notice how much his game improved over the 2 clips.
IMO MBush is a more NFL type back than McFadden. McFadden is like Reggie Bush – all world talent that dominated college but a question mark translating to the NFL. I just wish MBush had McFadden’s speed.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:36 am
pft’s rumour mill is just that rumours not facts or quotes so just relax until the bucs are out of the playoffs or there is something on the raiders website
January 5th, 2008 at 10:40 am
rumors
January 5th, 2008 at 10:40 am
I´m calling the upset, Pitt over Jax.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Washington over Seattle too.
January 5th, 2008 at 11:00 am
i read javon walker wants out of denver. is he worth the risk? a healthy walker is exactly what the raiders need and it would be addition by subtraction taking him away from denver. Anyone else love the idea of walker in silver and black next year
January 5th, 2008 at 11:14 am
like the idea, but as always, what’s the cost? we already don’t have a 3rd round pick(draft day trade with patriots) or a 5th round pick(gerrard warren)
January 5th, 2008 at 11:31 am
in the article they said he was likely to be released because he is set to makeover 6 mil. if that the case the only thing we would have to give up is the cap room. the one major downside to walker is he is a major injury risk.
January 5th, 2008 at 11:39 am
hey, i’d take a chance on him at the right price, if released, what could it hurt? looks like porter is gone anyway,and his hands have been more reliable than porter
January 5th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Bob Marley,
Remember what I said to you some time back, that Kiffin would try and try and at the end say fukit. Mr Davis cut the nuts off his Head Coach, causing him to lose face in the lockerroom and staff.
http://links.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/01/05/SPB3U9GBM.DTL
January 5th, 2008 at 11:43 am
That’s BS KK. What “team sources” ever said that Kiffin wants to fire Ryan?
January 5th, 2008 at 11:44 am
thats what i want ! you robrayn dopes,actually thinking your guy aint fired ! hes’as good as gone! the next tampa loss! and youll all will start cryin that ryan got rooked man!!! and he got dissd!!
well after having the WORST DEFENSE IN LEAGUE HISTORY!! FOR 4 YEARS!! US SMART RAIDER FOLK,ARE DISSD/AND GOT ROOKED JUST HAVING TO LOOK @ THAT “FAT PIG” STINKIN UP A PLACE HONOR!
“THE OAKLAND RAIDERS”
HE IS GONE!!!! THIS IS GREAT!!!
January 5th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Saint, Pull your head out. Please, or else we’ll never escape this nightmare.
January 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
My point is that every side of the story is speculative. It’s hilarious and frustrating all at the same time. Am I happy with the D these past 4 years? Hell NO! With the offense? Hell NO! No one even talks about how bad the ST has been either. But this drama on here predicated by the unfounded facts of the media is just that….noise!
January 5th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Bob Marley -
Seattle over Washington – Seattle is more complete and more consistent. If Washington wins, it might be fueled by the loss of Sean Taylor. They might end up playing with more fire than Seattle.
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh – Jacksonville beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh in the snow and they did it soundly. Willie Parker is hurt and that makes all the difference in the world with this matchup.
Tampa Bay over New York Giants – The Bucs are solid on both sides of the ball and are well rested due to Jon Gruden. The Giants are beat up after going a full 17 weeks with only a bye week to rest. I believe they threw all their cards out against the Pats. Now they will pay the price. They had their Superbowl and they lost. Also, Eli doesn’t “have it”.
Tennessee over San Diego – I’ll admit it. I’m biased here. Logic tells me that San Diego rolls Tennessee but I don’t like the Chargers and Norv Turner. Tennessee lost to the Chargers in the regular season and something tells me that the Titans learned from it and will come back to slap Norvelle in the head. Also, this game depends heavily on whether Vince Young plays or not. I’m not sure if Kerry Collins can get it done against a blitz happy defense. Young could pull it off and Haynesworth is known to eat Phillip Rivers type QB’s for breakfast.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
KoolKell
That may well be the case, however I´m gonna wait until this thing gets sorted out, but if the reports are correct I will be very dissapointed and will acknowledge the fact that Davis made a major mistake by keeping Ryan against Kiffin´s will. Remember, I´ve been calling for Ryan´s head for a while now. I´ve said it before.
I can critizice Davis as well as anyone, I took a step back due to what I perceived as a major turnaround coming, beginning with the offensive staff being dismissed, something we´ve never seen before among other things.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Funny thing about all these Raiders rumors…..so many only recall the ones that ended up as truth but forget the other 90% that were plain rumor and nothing else.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
All of the rumors about Kiffen wanting Ryan fired, and Al saying no are just speculation. They could be true but even if they are the only people who know it are Kiffen and Al Davis.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
The weird thing is that all of the media speculation ALWAYS tries to make Al Davis sound like a totally devious owner who wants to undermine and screw his own people…the very people he entrusts to turn the team into a winner.
Maybe he is? But every single media story portrays him as a total creep. He needs to win NOW to shut them up or get out of the game.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Huff24
Was vs Sea
The way I see it, Washington’s running game is the best weapon on this game, the rain will slow down Hasselbeck and both defenses should play well, Seattle only beat 1 winning team all season and I expect Washington will ”want it” more than Seattle. Of course, Collins playing on arguably the toughest venues in the league makes me very nervous but they have nothing to lose.
Pitt vs Jax
I always get nervous when eveyone and their grandma favor one team over a home playoff tested squad, Pitt is beaten up yes, but it´s hard to beat the same team twice in a season and I expect Big Ben to rise to the ocasion. Again, I´d like to see how Jax reacts to being the media´s darling and favorite in the playoffs vs a Pitt team fully aware that they are expected to take a beating at their house.
NYG vs TB
I have already favored a suspect QB on the road and that´s enough for me. But still, if Jacobs starts running over their smaller line and Burress makes a few big plays they can take it, all in all, Garcia is a playmaker and well versed on Spagnuolo´s blitzing schemes, I´ll take TB.
SD vs Tenn
I think this one is gonna be decided soon, if the Titans start strong and manage to make it a battle then all bets are off, they have what it takes to beat SD but if they fall behind somewhat early I think it ends up a beating. I´ll take Tennese out of bias too..lol.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Hey why does Kiffin care? I thought he was going to Arkansas or was it UCLA oh but wait no he threw a temper tantrum but that was after he was going to cut all the veterans including Sapp because he was intimidated by them.
Give me a break!
My guess and it is a guess is the Raiders have not made up their minds yet. Why should they. If there is not a decent pool of DC canidates why buy out RR now and hire someone you are going to fire later with another buy out.
Another issue is they need to sort out why the run defense was so bad. Was it because Sands really sucked and becuase Sapp did not do that great a job along with problems with the strong saftey or was it scheme. Is it because Millard just was not getting the job done? I mean these guys are preparing for every game by game and have no time to evaluate this kind of stuff on the fly espeically when starting three different QBs in 6 weeks going down the stretch.
My guess is was when Adam Sheffler said Shell was fired he was not fired yet (i.e. the decision had not been made). However in looking at the situation a 2 year old could have made up a rumor and been right. The bottom line is Davis is very deliberate with coaching staff changes. Man in some cases he took all the way beyond the Superbowl to hire a new coach. I am not saying this is good but I am saying that the idea that Ryan is automatically back is not a forgone conclusion either.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Once again the crazy Al Davis has shown up in Oakland. He brings in Kiffin, but does not want to give him the control he needs to put a staff in place. Al thinks the fighting brings out good ideas. He doesn’t want everyone on the same page. I say this is BS. He plays the coach off the staff while he pulls the strings the whole time.
Another 4-12 season with a horrible D will be the end of Kiffin. If I were him, I would leave now. No coach in the NFL deals with what the Raiders coach deals with.
This is another bad decision by Al Davis. He does not want Kiffin to get the credit for turning around this team. Too bad for us as fans.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Losing RR will not make the d instantly better. We need personnel, Sapp leaving helps I think. But we gotta draft howies kid!!
January 5th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Leave it up to the Fudgepacker SF Gayt to speculate even when our PR guy told them not to. “Oh, we shouldn’t speculate that Ryan’s leaving? Ok, then we’ll speculate that he’s staying!”
I HATE EVERYTHING SF!!!
January 5th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
K-Rock
How do you know AD did this? It is all based on rumor and conjecture based on anynomous sources etc… Bottom line is we have no idea what is going on right now because no one believes anything when it comes to the Raiders. Jerry’s post is about the most reliable information there is. PFT has been wrong mulitiple times about the inside issues of the Raiders. Like I said this all can be the Raiders taking their time to make a well thought out decision. (Well stike the last part considering some of the moves AD has made the last 10 years
January 5th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I’m kind of torn. I love Rob Ryan as a person but this defense has to improve. I was anxious to see what we could do with a Cover 2. I think the current personnel sets up perfectly for it with great pass defending LBs like Morrison and Howard and good-size CBs with Nnamdi and Routt.
But it’s Al’s ship and he has a right to steer it as he sees fit. Hopefully they’ll make the appropriate fixes to the defense this off-season and add a little spice to what has been a pretty bland, predictable and ineffective system. I think Al is willing to change after he sees how things are failing miserably — “Just win, baby” … right?
January 5th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
So you look at the Raiders and say, ‘what’s the biggest problem with this team’? Ah, the defense. So you take the most obvious(or highly probable) action of any team which would be to make a change at DC. Then you start to spin stories around the obvious based on “inside sources”(inside source = some sleazy slick haired guy hiding behind cracked doors with a listening device hearing Kiffin tell his wife about how he wants to get rid of Ryan). Now, because it’s the Raiders there’s always a 365 story line because Al Davis is some whacked out senile Mr. Burns that controls everything with a twisted index finger! Bam! Now, because getting rid of Ryan seems like the most logical choice if it happens then the media pats themselves on the back and tells everybody to “recognise” when I say I’ve got “inside sources’. However, if Ryan does’nt go than it’s because Al got in the way and BAM!….another story! Every frickin year and I’m sick of it!
January 5th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
The Autumn Wind is a Raider! great post man!
January 5th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I think its good that Rob Ryan is still with us. I mean honestly, who else is out there? All available NFL Co-Ordinators are below average. I believe the players make it happen so spend your money there. If your lucky, Some players are Cordinators. Look at Ray Lewis, Peyton Manning,Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Junior Seau. These guys know what it takes to be professionals in the league, they’re proven winners and those players are the players you want on your team. Know that Sapp is gone,we don’t have any Veteran love in our locker room. We need that in our locker room. We need a traditional NFL caliber phenom. Our young guys are fresh out the box with no funk (O.J. Mayo “shine”), squares. No game, soft, put it this way, I had a few players personaly tell me that playing the Raiders is like playing a College team with a college system. Easy. They said they knew a few teams in college that could beat them right now. So what does that tell you, we suck!
January 5th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I will not comment on the dysfunctional relationship that is bound to happen with this “firing” or lack thereof at this time. What I will blog is that we have to bring in better players via FA or the Draft. I don’t believe we should be overly concerned about FA for I don’t see anyone that is an impact player that will be leaving their team or would want to come to this mess in making. As far as the players on our team Aso is a player we must have so we will either sign or tag him. We can sign Coop for a few bucks as well as other key ST players for minimum salary and that’s basically it. We don’t need to resign Fargas for he’s a system back anyone can run the ball well in our O as evidenced by Rhodes and Jordan. Eugene and Drayton have to go as well McNown and either trade Jordan for a mid round pick or he’ll be released. As for the Draft I believe Long will be the pick here but I would’nt be surprised if we traded down to get another second or a third rdr. We must address our DL so if we did trade down to get a C. Campbell DE out of the U and in the second selected K. Balmer DT out of N.C. and with the other second picked up Josh Barrett SS out of A.S.U. that would be a significant upgrade to bolster our inept D. Obviously Huff would move to FS and I would’nt mind if we traded F. Washington for a second rdr and we could get a big time WR like a Manningham, Earl Bennett or the speedster out of Houston Donnie Avery or Florida’s Andre Caldwell. I believe we will get the best out of that rd.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
we’re not going to get better until the myopics demand better.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Saintkaufman
Right on! That is exactly how it is done. I really wish someone whould hold the SF gate writers accountable and not print things where there is no substance behind it. This is called Editorial Responsibility. Apparently there is very little of it at SFC at least on the sports page. I think the Tribune and the other papers start doing the same thing becuase they are getting scooped and have to come up with something. Because AD has been a jerk to the media I think they think that this is ok but all it does is confuse their readers and create angst.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
welve got to let Mr Davis know that we’re not satisified with trips down memory lane.
January 5th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
KoolKell…it’s pretty myopic to think that Al Davis bases his decisions regarding a multi-million dollar venture on what a couple of hundred “yahoos” with no NFL experience on a blog think? Isn’t it?
January 5th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Thanks 1960! I am in complete awe as to how these coaches and players can keep their cool with all of this swirling around them.
However, this blog is another matter!
January 5th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Actually, if a journalist writes a headline stating RYAN IS GONE…and it’s not true, he should be fired! ha ha…….
January 5th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
No doubt Cope!!
You notice Jerry wanted nothing to do with this one. Just the statement, no comment.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Well fellas, I’m on the clock. Gotta roll. Enjoy the games. Hopefully tomorrow we can discuss football. No more of this Marcellus Wallace/Rocky Horror/Al did it in the library with the candlestick crap!
Peace
January 5th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
He could have written Ryan On The Hot Seat….Kiffen evalutating if he should be fired…which is the truth…..they couldn’t get anybody better so they hung onto him for the final year of his contract.
He could still get Art Shell’ed if they can find somebody better! But the “organization” made the right move. Anybody who thinks for a second if they could get somebody better that Ryan wouldn’t be fired and that it’s all Al Davis is “myopic”
January 5th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Copenhagen
the Raiders are a business and would be noting without thr Raider Nation.
Stand up!
January 5th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Al Davis = Howard Hughes
January 5th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
KoolKell…yeah..but your views do not necessarily represent a quarum for the Nation !
You’re a mutineer ! ha ha
January 5th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
If Mr Davis were winning, it would be different. He’ not, and all the paranoid BS needs to stop.
Hit it or Quit it, Mr Davis.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
KOOL by the way…there would be no Raider Nation without Al Davis…some of us have supported the team for the last 3 or 4 decades and realize that.
So until I see real compelling evidence that he’s incompetent then I’ll stand by him, as he is the Godfather of the Raiders.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
i guess that’s just the difference, as you can tell from my name, born in 1980, didn’t understand football until 89 at the earliest, loved it, but didn’t understand it.my opinion of al davis and the organization is based on what i’ve witnessed with my eyes and the things that have happened in my time rooting for this team. so i do not support davis no matter what. i do not support losing, so the decisions he makes, when they don’t work. i blame him,and when he makes decisions that do work, i give him credit. since he”is the organization” he, much like a starting quarterback, is going to get my share of props, but also my share of blame
January 5th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I second that Copenhagen, a lot of the Nation is just to young to know the RAIDERS true spirit!!
January 5th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Kool Kell–we will get better. Al is a businessman; in time, if we keep racking up 4 or 5 win seasons, then we fans WILL STAY AWAY. Al will get hit in the area he knows all too well…his pocketbook.
*****
If, however, Al continues to exercise his right (it is HIS football club, BTW) to insist on having final say, then what I fear happening is the Raiders devolving into more of sideshow; by that I mean going to a Raiders game will be marketed and be more of “an experience,” an event to attend, rather than to actually watch a competitive team win a football game…
think about it…we already sell more NFL merchandise than any other NFL team…we have “The Black Hole” an area already ready to be marketed and exploited for big $$$, fans / characters not only in the Black Hole, but all around the stadium; for a slice of the pie, they can be “Raider Characters” for photo ops with the kids and friends / family.
we could have that Raider Hall of Fame that I’ve posted about before in the past…only this time the museum will not only honor the past Raider greats, but also showcase all of the Raider slogans which have now rung very hollow the past five seasons…
“Commitment to Excellence”
“Pride and Poise”
“The Team of the Decades”
“One Nation…Raider Nation”
and of course, the one that contradicts every move than he continues to make…
“Just Win Baby”
*****
Again, that is my BIGGEST FEAR…I have been, and will always be, a die hard Raider fan…have been since ‘72…all of the great memories…the Immaculate Reception…the Sea of Hands catch…Blanda kicking FGs AND throwing for a TD pass against the Cowboys…the snow and sleet AFC Championship against the hated Steelers…winning the opening game of the ‘76 season against the Steelers on Fred Steinfort’s FG…the only loss to NE that year…revenge against both NE and Pitt in the ‘76 playoffs…the 1st Super Bowl win…the Rob Lytle fumble…seeing Pastorini go down and watching Plunkett’s career resurrected…Plunkett to Kenny King in the Super Bowl…the 2nd Super Bowl win…the move to LA….Jack Squirek intercepting Theismann in Tampa…Marcus’ 74 yard TD run…the 3rd Super Bowl win…Bo Jackson’s run in Seattle…playoff losses to the Bills…back to Oakland…Jon Gruden and WCO…Gannon and the team back in the Super Bowl…
since then…4-12, 5-11, 4-12, 2-14, 4-12…the longest playoff drought ever in Raider history…
January 5th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Evidence that AD is incompetnet (last 15 years)
1. Drafts a kicker in 1st round
2. Hires Art Shell 2nd time who then hires a BB owner to be the OC
3. Pays huge money for Superbowl MVPs who were MVPs because of luck as much of because they had talent. I am talking about Brown and Howard
4. Hires Norv Turner after taking weeks to figure it out.
5. Fails to land coaches after courting them not realizing that the market for coaching staff has fundementally changed.
6. Takes polls of players to hire a coach (White)
7. Scholarships for track stars (you know the names!)
Evidence AD is comptent (last 15 years)
1. Hired Gruden
2. Hired Kiffin and had the sense to let him clean house on the offensive side
3. Testimonals from some of the games most respected people that say differently such as Bill Walsh, Bill Parcells, several other owners not in the Western Division AFC etc…
January 5th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Copenhagen….
Real evidence? Have you seen the Raiders lately? I am not just talking about the losing. I am talking about all the off the field stuff.
Dumbest team in America. Rat in the Ranks. How many coaches in the last 20 years? Something Fishy going on around here. How many first round bust have we had?
You can talk trash about the media if you want, but I say where there is smoke there is fire. People have talked about how dysfunctional the Raiders are for several years now.
No one is saying that Al is not deserving of respect. However, age catches up with everyone. Al is Mr. Burns. He is crazy, paranoid, and a Glory Hog. He ran Gruden out of town, cost the Raiders at least 1 Super Bowl because of it, and seems determined now to keep Kiffin from doing things Kiffin’s way. All because he doesn’t want a coach to get more credit than him.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I hope this is just a lie to get a pick out of the Jets, if not Al has lost it.
If he starts walking around with Keenex boxes on his feet, watch out!
January 5th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Hey! We made it to the Super Bowl 5 years ago!
I give Gruden a hell of a lot of credit. But you guys only give Al the blame when it goes bad and none of the credit for the sucess the Raiders acheive? If we start winning again in 2 years does Al get any of the credit?
January 5th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
read post 474
January 5th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
For everyone that bought the rumors that Rob Ryan was going to be fired and were happy about it – relax. It might still happen; but if he stays let’s look at it this way. 1) We would have players with more continuity with his system and style. Alot of people are blaming him for the decline of the defense and as disappointing as it was the question has to be asked where was addressing the most glaring need at Defensive Tackle over the last few years? An aging Ted Washington, Warren Sapp, Kenny Smith,Rashad Moore while drafting ONLY Antaaj Hawthorne & the wasted 1st round pick of Tyler Brayton. This position needs to be addressed by going after TENN DT Albert Haynesworth,TENN DT Randy Starks, GB DT Corey Williams, Browns NT Ethan Kelly in free agency & re-signing Nnamdi Asomugha; with the cap sapce being freed up from players not getting the job done being jettisoned. Players like Lamont Jordon, Jerry Porter, Tyler Brayton, Gerard Warren, Stuart Schweigart, Sam Williams, Andrew Walter, Barry Simms, Jake Grove, Robert Gallery. The 1st round pick will be either #3 or #4 overall and should be USC DT Sedrick Ellis or Virginia DE Chris Long. I know a lot of people have said that the Raiders need to draft Darren McFadden. He is a good player and considered by some to be the best player in the draft but the Raiders most glaring need isn’t at Running Back and he is a junior that has yet to declare for the draft. You expect your 1st round pick to be a factor for your team for a long time and if the Raiders draft Sedrick Ellis or Chris Long either will be. You build your team in rounds 3-7. The Raiders need to get back into the 3rd round via trade hopefully trading Fabian Washington.Take a run at BAL OLB Terrel Suggs, CHI OLB Lance Briggs, DAL FS Ken Hamlin, HOU FS Will Demps but the Raiders need to do one thing better for any improvement and that is to STOP THE RUN and get after the QB!
January 5th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Copenhagen
I’ve been a diehard since 64′.
Maybe my views don’t represent a quarum yet, but I’m working on it
January 5th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Here’s a question to ponder: Say we are fortunate enough to draft Chris Long, then what do you do with him along with Burgess?
Do you move Burgess to the weak side? Chris may very well (highly likely) be better than Burgess at stopping the run.
Do you keep Burgess on the strong side and put Chris on the weak side?
Or do you trade Burgess for players/picks, place Chris on the stong side, leave JRich on the weak side and re-sign Clemons for situational pass rush on the weak side?
January 5th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Just a thought, but something tells me that Morrison, Howard, Aso and the rest will get over their love for Rob Ryan if a new guy comes in and we begin to actually stop people when required.
I thought that the elder Kiffin would be a great catch for the organization; it would be a nice way for him to end his career and he could conceivably groom his successor as well. That was before I found out he has already been grooming one. Wouldn’t be surprised if Al is still pissed about the last Super Bowl and wanted to stick it to the Bucs by luring away Kiffin’s protege.
After watching Al Davis operate for about forty years,
though, the only thing I know for sure is that if you don’t hear it from him it ain’t happenin’.
And we haven’t heard from him. Yet.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Guys, I hate to keep beating a dead horse, and I take no pleasure in bashing Mr Davis. But like I’ve said before, I’ve been a diehard 43 years, and I think it’s necessary. Just so you know.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
The bottom line is that Al Davis is an innovator and takes chances!
1) he picks a kicker in the 1st round who has the leg to be the best kicker ever.
Finds guys and moves them from their original positon and makes them good players(Todd Christiansen, Dave Casper, Billy Cannon, Curry, )
2) He hires the first african american coach
3) First Hispanic coach
4) First woman in the front office
5) Gives young bright coaches a chance..GRUDEN, Kiffen, Shannahan,
6) Makes bold moves for major players (Randy Moss)
7) takes guys off the scrap heap and gets value (Plunkett, Jerry Rice, Rod Woodson, GANNON, etc)
He does things other people don’t do and sometimes it goes wrong…but that is exactly what BEING A RAIDER IS ALL ABOUT…learn it….live it.
I know you guys want us to do what everybody else is doing on offense and defense as well, but let me tell you, you win in the NFL by being INNOVATIVE and doing things your own way, not copying everybody else.
YEAH we’ve had a rough road! Maybe Al is not capable of being an innovator but I believe that making Kiffin the head coach is the first step in making it right.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
OK KOOLIO…if you’ve been around since 64 maybe you’ve lost it too?
January 5th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
For everyone that bought the rumors that Rob Ryan was going to be fired and were happy about it – relax. It might still happen; but if he stays let’s look at it this way. 1) We would have players with more continuity with his system and style. Alot of people are blaming him for the decline of the defense and as disappointing as it was the question has to be asked where was addressing the most glaring need at Defensive Tackle over the last few years? An aging Ted Washington, Warren Sapp, Kenny Smith,Rashad Moore while drafting ONLY Antaaj Hawthorne & the wasted 1st round pick of Tyler Brayton. This position needs to be addressed by going after TENN DT Albert Haynesworth,TENN DT Randy Starks, GB DT Corey Williams, Browns NT Ethan Kelly in free agency & re-signing Nnamdi Asomugha; with the cap space being freed up from players not getting the job done being jettisoned. Players like Lamont Jordon, Jerry Porter, Tyler Brayton, Gerard Warren, Stuart Schweigart, Sam Williams, Andrew Walter, Barry Simms, Jake Grove, Robert Gallery. The 1st round pick will be either #3 or #4 overall and should be USC DT Sedrick Ellis or Virginia DE Chris Long. I know a lot of people have said that the Raiders need to draft Darren McFadden. He is a good player and considered by some to be the best player in the draft but the Raiders most glaring need isn’t at Running Back and he is a junior that has yet to declare for the draft. You expect your 1st round pick to be a factor for your team for a long time and if the Raiders draft Sedrick Ellis or Chris Long either will be. You build your team in rounds 3-7. The Raiders need to get back into the 3rd round via trade hopefully trading Fabian Washington.Take a run at PIT G Alan Faneca, BAL OLB Terrel Suggs, CHI OLB Lance Briggs, DAL FS Ken Hamlin, HOU FS Will Demps but the Raiders need to do one thing better for any improvement and that is to STOP THE RUN and get after the QB! Between the draft and Free agency the Raiders need to acquire 4 defensive tackles because the position needs to be rebuild. The Raiders also need an OLB & Free Safety schweigert has to go. The Raiders need to a WR perhaps drafting Adarious Bowman in round 2 and acquiring Bernard Berrian in Free Agency & address the offensive line as well and that can be done with draft picks 3-7 OT Kirk Barton, Alex Boone, Barry Richardson, Tony Hills,Chris Williams, Michael Oher, Shannon Tevaga to name a few.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I’m only 55 though
January 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
copenhagen
are you really endorsing the move of a kicker being drafted in the first round? i mean seriously…a kicker?
January 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Finds guys and moves them from their original positon and makes them good players(Todd Christiansen, Dave Casper, Billy Cannon, Curry,
this is where we differ, you will give a coach zero credit and say al made all these player moves, but in the next breathe you’ll say”al collects the players and it’s up to the coach to make it work”. if you give al credit for everything that happens, you also have to blame him for everything that goes wrong
January 5th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Giving an OWNER credit or blame for on the field stuff is crazy. All an owner should be doing is hiring a GM and a Head Coach, signing checks, and making drunk interviews like Kraft.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
What’s the problem?? Ryan didn’t miss the tackles or play out of position. The players love him and his schemes are sound. Next year will be a good one for that defense. Kiffin is being unfairly branded in my mind by some rumor-mongers. The important thing is for he and Ryan to get along and it doesn’t help when “sources” (i.e., journalists) report that he wanted Ryan out. Thanks, schmucks.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Richard Bentley Says:
January 5th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
What’s the problem?? Ryan didn’t miss the tackles or play out of position. The players love him and his schemes are sound
the problem is, we haven’t been good at stopping the run on ryans watch…ever. if the schemes are so sound, how come there aren’t just occasional breakdowns? if there are that many missed assignments, the guys missing them shouldn’t be on the field
January 5th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
occasional missed assignments gets you around the league average in run defense, the breakdowns we have are not occasional
January 5th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
OK I’m watching the Seachickens vs Skins and we MUST – I say again – MUST draft Chris Long!!
Patrick Kerney is wreaking havoc out there and he and Long are one in the same insofar as body type and motor. Both went to Virginia. Just like Miller and Heap both went to Arizona and both are freakin’ damn good TEs. We must draft Long and move Burgess to the weak side. This is an open and shut case IMO.
JUST DRAFT LONG BABY!!!!
Patrick Kerney: 6-5 272lbs
Chris Long: 6-4 284lbs
January 5th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Al has never cared much for what the fans think.
Thye just get in the way of pride and poise.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Arizona developed 2 damn good TEs: Todd Heap and then ZMiller
Virginia looks to have developed 2 damn good DEs: Patrick Kerney and now Chris Long. I see the same player in these two. Hopefully Long is even better!
JUST DRAFT LONG BABY!!!
January 5th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Janikowsky was Grudens choice. Seriously.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
i’m sorry oakglenn, al has been known to control a draft too much for me to believe that, show me evidence and then i’m a believer
January 5th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I strangely admire all the loyalty many of you show to Al Davis. I know that many of you will never lose faith in him or his judgement. But, as it looks likely, he has made the decision to retain Rob Ryan, then I think that is the dumbest decision Davis has made this century.
There is just no logic for keeping Ryan. His record, as evidence by the stats and the rankings, is just dreadful. There is no sign that he has any idea how to improve this defense. He has had four year and we are regressing. It can’t be money, we can easily afford his pay-off. It can’t be the competition, the Jets haven’t made any approach and neither has anybody-else. Player loyalty? They’re mercenaries and who trusts their judgement?
If Davis keeps Ryan, we will have another losing season in 2008. Guaranteed.
FIRE RYAN NOW.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
The Raiders have had a series of bad drafts over the years. 5 defensive backs and a kicker chosen in the first round in the last 8 years. That is why we suck.
Last year we had a good draft. If we choose McFadden or Dorsey or Ellis this year, we will have two good drafts in a row and will be on our way to a brighter future.
We still need to ditch Rob Ryan though. The most vanilla defense I have ever seen. You have to blitz occasionally to be a good defense, because blitzes cause turnovers.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
PS: I tried to post the NFL Defensive rankings since 2002, just so that you could all see the extent of Ryan’s failure, but the site wouldn’t accept the posting.
The best site for the stats is coachescorner.com. Go look and realise why Ryan literally has no defense.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Will, when Ryan took over the defense, we were DEAD LAST against the run. DEAD LAST. TERRIBLE. I think we were 2nd to last against the pass. A lot of $$$$ and attention has gone into the pass defense and the pass defense has improved. If we spent a ton on the secondary and it was terrible, I’d be the first one calling for Ryans head on a pike. Name one run defender we’ve picked up in the last 2 years???? Our best run defender LB Danny Clark, we cut. Denver was dumb as shit for trading Gerard Warren to us. Shoring up our defensive line HAS TO BE OUR TOP PRIORITY. Look at some teams in the playoffs- Tampa Bay, 3 linemen lst rounders, NY Giants 3 linemen 2nd rounders, New England all three starting DL, lst rounders, Seattle’s Patrick Kearney, arguably one of the best DE’s in the league, lst rounder.
How many of our guys are did we pick in the first round??? Shoot Sands was a 7th rounder picked by KC. We haven’t devoted ANY ATTENTION towards our defensive line in the draft, and I think smart teams build winning programs thru the draft and then build championship teams thru Free agency. JMHO.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Everyone keeps saying that you cannot be a fan without Al Davis. Sorry but I’m not a Raiders fan because of Al Davis. Ok? Its out there. I loved the colors of the team. I loved the emblem and I was born in San Jose, CA. I had a choice between Oakland and San Francisco and I chose Oakland over a team that was winning Superbowls at the time. I didn’t say to myself at 7 years old…man…that Al Davis sure is something. Sure, Al Davis is responsible for the colors and the logo and I can thank him for that what he hasn’t done anything for me.
I will always be a Raiders fan. Period. I have missed the John Madden and Tom Flores eras all together so I can’t even lay claim to that. If I want to be a Raiders fan for the sake of being a Raiders fan, thats what I choose to do. I haven’t won Superbowls. I have only been to one Superbowl and we lost to the coach that helped build that specific team so get it out of some of your heads that I couldn’t be a fan without Al Davis. Hes not the only one that helped put this franchise together. He just happens to be the last remaining of them all and the only thing that has to do with me…is the consistent losing seasons and bad decisions. Nobody has to agree, thats just how I feel.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
We have to realize that no high profile FA will sign with a dysfunctional mess that Al has created here. So forget about Albert and any other playmaker on the market. Al has yet to realize that his views on things and the coaches of today that know what D would benefit your team are not one in the same. Unless we make the proper moves involving the draft for you already know about the FA we will be just as pathetic as the previous 5 yrs. Not only do we have to adjust our scheme we must bolster our D upfront. We have to get rid of some high draft choices hopefully by trade (Washington, Drayton) We also have to get rid of some others that are not making plays (Eugene, Stu , S. Williams ) and let some others go (Jordan, Fargas)We must draft well (Long, Campbell. Ellis Balmer Josh Barrett are players that would bring a dominance upfront as well as the secondary and if possible get a least 3 of them. We can trade down and recieve additional picks but we must make sure we can still get the player we want (07, Zac Miller 38th pick) We’ll see if Ryan remains here and if that is the case this is’nt taken into the 08 season Recommit to Excellence.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
oakglenn
i really wouldn’t care if ryan came back,i’ve said that before. i prefer us to go to a cover 2 base and mix in man and zone, but if he stays, i just want them to fix the run defense.and also glenn, while our pass defense has a decent rating, when do we stop anyone though the air or ground when we need too? hell if not for a time out and blocked kick, we don’t even beat cleveland because he called a soft zone repeatedly that allowed them to march in field goal range. my hope is that kiffin doesn’t want him gone and al wants him to stay. at that point, if that turns out to be the case, i cannot support ryan being the coordinator. you and i have both discussed several times and agree our #1 need this offseason is at dt. that i am aware of. but to ask what’s the problem..there you have it, the problem i have is 4 years and not a lick of improvement vs the run
January 5th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Also…The team name was voted for and then agreed upon by the owners of the Raiders so it wasn’t all Al Davis.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Will I’m completely with ya. My point is we get rid of ryan we better get someone as good or better.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Huff24:
Al is the main person who put this franchise together. Yes it was a team prior to Al becoming coach and GM, however if you want to take a look at the architect, it’s Al. Of course he’s had assistance with everything, however his fingerprints our all over the blueprint.
As for liking the Raiders, most fans don’t come to like a team due to the owner as a 7 year old kid is going to have no clue. I grew up a Raiders fan and when I was 3 I had an Oakland Raiders (proud to say that, since it was ‘77 and not LA) sweatshirt. I remember being old enough to remember Marcus running all over Washington when we beat them in ‘83.
Once I was older I learned about Al and everything he’s done for football. There’s not another owner who can lay claim to what Al’s done along racial lines in the NFL in addition to women. This is obviously in addition to everything he’s done for the AFL & NFL.
When it’s Al’s time to go, believe me the NFL will seriously miss Al.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Oakglenn:
By the way, you’re still talking about Ryan being a great DC. I guess you never responded to my comments about your belief in stats and how the 3rd ranked defense last season was based off of avg yards per game not points per game or rushing yards per game.
Ryan needs to go, but until has someone guaranteed to replace he won’t.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
jeremy
what al has done in the past cannot be disputed, his passion cannot be disputed, his desire to see this team win isn’t what can be disputed, but his recent history and mind boggling moves can be. him firing coaches and starting a search after 2 or 3 coaches have already committed to jobs that offseason can be questioned. the headscratching with the back and forth reports year in and year out can be questioned. al davis is an nfl icon. but so is barry sanders. would you want barry sanders to be our starting rb right now? i love everything al stood for even though most of it i had to read about given that i was born in 1980, but that doesn’t stop me from questioning his recent decisions. all his phrases like commitement to excellence?, well that lost alot of it’s meaning to me when he decided to trade gruden. those are the type of decisions that i don’t back. i don’t support that
January 5th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I don’t think the NFL will miss him as much as they will pay their respects to him. You never want to disrespect someone after they have passed and they will give him credit where credit is due but I don’t think the “current” Al Davis will be missed by the NFL because the 1st half of Davis’ career, he was instrumental, the 2nd half of Davis’ career has been a joke in comparison. Its almost like Davis is the complete opposite of what he used to be but it doesn’t matter because everyone hangs their hat on the first half.
There is more to the NFL and the Oakland Raiders besides Al Davis. There were plenty of people involved in things that happened back then and Al was among them but not the only one. I would bet there are many people who should get credit for many things but older Raider fans will always give more credit to Al Davis then he probably deserves.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
if Ryan is staying and warren sapp is leaving, then you heard it here first.. Raiders record next year will be 5 wins, 11 loses
January 5th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
OakGlenn, I agree that the stats do show that Ryan didn’t start the fall in performance, but he has had four years to turn things around and has failed to do so. There is no progression, in most areas 2007 was a season of regression.
It is also worth illustrating that Ryan has had his share of draft picks:
2006: Huff (1), Howard (2), Bing (4)
2005: Washington (1), Routt (2), Morrison (3), Hawthorne (6), Riddle (6).
2004: Schweigert (3), Johnson (6), Spencer (7), Somersall (7)
2003: Asomugha (1), Brayton (1), Shurron (4), Shabazz (7).
Plus the FAs.
No, I don’t think the draft is an excuse for Ryan’s failure.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Heres an example: I bet most Raider fans would say that Bob Kraft is not responsible for the recent Patriots Superbowls. They will probably credit Belichick or say that they cheated.
When it comes to the Raiders, Al Davis is completely responsible and the coaches get very little credit.
Bob Kraft has recently won 3 Superbowls and could win a 4th this year but he won’t be looked at in the same context. People will say that Al Davis did alot for the NFL and that he is great and that will be the arguement. The fact is…its not about what happened in the past anymore. Its about whats happening in the present. Kraft AND Belichick should be equally credited for the success of the Patriots.
Al Davis and Jon Gruden should be credited with the most recent success the Raiders had but most will give all the credit to Al Davis. Most people will say that Al Davis built his teams with renegades in the past and that had alot to do with all the penalties. Those penalties have been a constant for many years and I believe that has to do with the relationship built between Al Davis and the NFL and that was due to all the court battles between the 2.
Bob Kraft might be guilty of the SpyGate scandal but the difference between him and the Raiders is that Kraft hasn’t been fighting the NFL for years. He has a good relationship with them and that is why he gets away with things like SpyGate. We all know that Al Davis would be hung or tried in court if he was caught cheating because he has built a poor relationship with the NFL.
What this all comes down to…is winning Superbowls. Everyone can say that Al Davis is great because he won 3 Superbowls. The last winning Superbowl was in 1983. The Pats have won 3. Maybe they were helped? Thtas possible but maybe Al Davis should have worked on his prior relationships so we could have been helped as well. Thats the life of a renegade.
I have to wonder if Bob Kraft has a hand in the defense like Al Davis. I’m not a Patriots fan or a Bob Kraft fan but you have to compare situations and be able to tell the difference between the 2. I see Kraft trying to win, I can’t say the same about Al Davis.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Terrapin
Regarding a trade of Burgess I think we should talk to Clevland. They need a pass rush and we need a LT. Its not that I don’t like Burgess but you have to trade quality to get quality. I say Burgess to Clevland for Kevin Shaffer + a 4-6 round Draft pick. Shaffer was with Atlanta with Cable and was very good. He signed a large contract with Clevland but was not very good in their system so they drafted Joe Thomas and moved him to RT.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
The difference between Kraft and Davis is delegation. Davis needs to learn to delegate more. Belichick has a lot of control and Kraft signs checks…
January 5th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Sorry you guys I’m watching the playoff game, but here let me square this for ya. All my posts over the year, regarding wins and losses, (which is what we are all about here), these have ALL been team wins and team losses. And when ya have the 25th ranked offense, how much can you really blame the defense and the defensive coordinator???? Kiffin said when he came in that HE THOUGHT the defense was going to be the strength of the team. I think we all did. And this is after watching game tape, and he’s watching this as a DC not a fan. Last year, you didn’t really hear anyone critcize the defense. I was probably the first one here who thought the defense was gonna take a step back, because no one was challenging them. Look at what Scottish Raider posted up above here. Out of four years of drafts you have two run defenders. TWO!!! Morrison and Brayton. And even both of them are somewhat suspect. Run defense is arguably the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF FOOTBALL AT ANY LEVEL. How can you draft, seriously, no run defenders????? Botom line is this: as much as we hate to admit it, the cupboard was pretty bare when Kiffin took over. That’s the bad news. The good news is we have a bona fide franchise QB, and personally, I think a couple of solid run defenders,especially early in this draft will do wonders for the totality of our defense. You build a football team just like you build a baseball team or basketball team. Great in the middle. If you are not great in the middle, you’re gonna be in trouble. And that’s great in the middle on both sides of the ball.
Lastly, Jeremy I’m not a big guy on stats, there are certain stats I do really follow, the 3rd overall defense ranking I got out of yesterdays Chronicle, and yes, you could say is that run d, pass d, total d, scoring d??? you can go on, again bottom line is I never called RR a great DC, I think he does a better job than almost everyone here is willing to give him credit for, but as I say, if you guys want him to walk the plank, there better be someone better in the wings. JMHO. Sorry to be soooooo lengthy.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Oakglenn,
You’re kidding about the Jano-Gruden comment, right??
Dude, Big Al drafting SeaBass infuriated Gruden. Gruden was beside himself, and stuck it back to Al by drafting Tui. Gruden realized that he could never have the authority to build a championship franchise. Gruden’s departure began at that moment and took 2 years to culminate. This is important Raiders history.
Scottish,
You’re one of the strongest bloggers here. Keep the faith…it has not yet been announced that Ryan is staying. I believe that Lane and Big Al are 2 peas in a pod, and are just laughing their arsses off right now. Hold the ranting until we have concrete evidence. Don’t fall into the Gay trap!!
January 5th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Rual, that’s actually not true. Gruden had already built a playoff team at the point of drafting Janikowsky. Gruden was gushing about Janikowsky and thought Jano would be the final piece to the Super Bowl puzzle. Gruden already had a solid offense and defense. What was he gonna draft another receiver to go with Rice and Brown??? He knew he had to perfect his special teams to get over. He was right about that. C’mon Raul. If you know your Raider history, Davis would NEVER EVER pay a kicker. Think of Jeff Jaeger. Davis wouldn’t pay him and our kicking woes went on for years. Davis doesn’t think kickers are football players, but then again neither do I. They’re kickers. Punters on the other hand….
January 5th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Scottish
If indeed Kiffin wants to fire Ryan and Davis keeps him anyways with his dubious record it will be in the top three stupidest things he did this century. The #1 is drafting a kicker because that move caused Gruden to want to leave. He could of had a great kicker in the 4th or 5th rounds! #2 Is hiring Art Shell and letting him have Tom Walsh (we lost more than just a year) and made ourselves a laughing stock.
Of course this is all a big “if” because it is “based” probably on some unammed source promulgated it. It may also have no real substance to it whatsoever. In fact my guess is that they are evaluating it to make a decision and whatever Al decides will have support from Kiffin. I really wish I could be saying whatever Kiffin decides has Al’s support instead however….
January 5th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Let me quickly chime in on this Davis, Bob Kraft, all other teams in the league, Al Davis is an out of touch kook sentiment that runs thru some people here.
lst off, the Patriots went to one superbowl in their first 20+ years of existence and they got pasted beyond belief. We went to three, winning two. So many people here talk of us like we haven’t smelled a Superbowl in fifty years. HEY EVERYONE, we were in the dance 5 years ago. The vaunted San Francisco Phony Whiners haven’t been to a Super Bowl in 14 years!!!! 14 years!!! And they’re not going any time soon. No one is on top forever and we’re on our way back..
Very rarely in football do teams that lose the superbowl bounce back quickly. (See this years Chicago Bears). Yeah, the Superbowl hangover has been bad for us for a lot of different reasons, some of which is just plain bad luck, but the good news is we’ve probably bottomed out, we all are serious about winning, let’s have another good draft, and see what we have here. I really, really want to say how much I admire, ALL OF YOUR POSTS, (w/ the exception of a few, which we all know) You guys are gonna be champions.
January 5th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
This is Bullshi* Ryan has got to go!! Like he said he a get a job in 2 minutes. So the (DC)King is dead Long live tghe King; new (DC)
January 5th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Davis is blowing it. This doesn’t look good for Kiffin. Davis has his head so far up his butt… he’s going to bring in Mike Martz.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
We are sitting here worrying about if “RYAN” is staying or leaving. I think if Big Al requires that RYAN stays – it may mean that KIFFIN goes!?!?
January 6th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I like Ryan !! I am Happy
January 6th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Lynne, tell us what you like about our DEF being ranked 22 or lower since RR arrived. And then tell us why poor tackling is an asset to a DEFENSE.
January 6th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Martz is meeting with the 49ers Monday for an OC position and the Oakland Raiders are not in the market for on OC or HC.
# What A Joke Says:
January 5th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Davis is blowing it. This doesn’t look good for Kiffin. Davis has his head so far up his butt… he’s going to bring in Mike Martz.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
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