Titans sign Carr to offer sheet
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, March 28th, 2008 at 8:42 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Tennessean is reporting that restricted free agent defensive back/return specialist Chris Carr has signed an offer sheet with the Tennessee Titans.
The Raiders have a week to decide whether to match the offer and retain Carr. Should they decline to match, Carr, who joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent, would bring no compensation.
During a free agent visit to Buffalo, Carr expressed a desire for a fresh start. Given the recent additions of DeAngelo Hall and Gibril Wilson into the secondary, the Raiders could grant his wish and find another return specialist.
Carr is Oakland’s all-time leader in kickoff returns (201) and yards (4,841), although he never scored a touchdown on special teams. In 2006, Carr had the Raiders’ biggest defensive play of the season, a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown off Ben Roethlisberger that helped put away an upset win against the Steelers.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
March 28th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
foist!
March 28th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
uno
March 28th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
lol
March 28th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
“TITANS MOVING ON FROM PACMAN?
Posted by Mike Florio on March 28, 2008, 10:06 p.m.
Amid reports that the Tennessee Titans will soon trade cornerback/kick returner Pacman Jones to the Dallas Cowboys, the Titans have made a play for his apparent replacement. According to the Tennessean, the Titans have signed Raiders cornerback/kick returner Chris Carr to an offer sheet. Carr is a restricted free agent. Because Carr was tendered at the lowest possible level, the Raiders have only a right to match the offer. They will not receive any compensation is they choose not to match. The Raiders have seven days to decide whether to match.”
Yes! Finally get rid of Carr. He is just not smart player football wise. He’s fast and that’s it, he doesn’t have what it takes between the ears. I say good riddance.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
DSM -
You call it BSPN then you say that they are right with their assessment. Well then which is it?
muahahahahahaha
Laws is my man! He will be better pro than Sims.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I would not give up any “compensation” to retain Carr, but finding a reliable return man who does not put the ball on the ground every other play — while showing some elusiveness is easier said than done.
Thanks, and Good Luck “FastCarr”.
(He seemed like a class guy)
March 28th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Raider81 -
No compensation needed, just have to match the offer. At least according Jerry up above!
muaahahhahaha
March 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Yo Jerry!
Any rumors regarding The Raiders pursuing Bryant McKinney? If he’s even remotely available…..Big Al needs to due his due diligence and make that happen. 1) Stanford Routt or Fabian Washington
(although Vikes may not want him since he recently had a run-in w/ the law)
*PLUS*
2)A combination of 2009 Draft Picks (i.e. 2nd & 4th)
March 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
What I meant to say is I would not overpay to keep him.
(That is a form of compensation – monetary)
March 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
McKinney just signed with the Browns. Don’t any you guys read pft?
March 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Hmmm…so…who will pick up the return duties now? I’d say JL Higgins, but he didn’t play with a lot confidence last season, and he has had trouble catching the ball…maybe we should go with Tim Wright until someone steps up in camp…
Btw…THIRD…
March 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Okay…ELEVENTH…lol
March 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I’m out guys, security check. Remember don’t respond to the fake LMN. That troll is getting clever. Don’t give him the attention ok? I’ll be back later.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
DesertRaider24 Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
“Hmmm…so…who will pick up the return duties now? I’d say JL Higgins, but he didn’t play with a lot confidence last season, and he has had trouble catching the ball…maybe we should go with Tim Wright until someone steps up in camp…
Btw…THIRD…”
Who is Tim Wright? Muahahahahaha!
ok now I’m out
March 28th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
How about D Hall picking up the return duties?
March 28th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Duh..typo..Tim DWIGHT…LOL
March 28th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Hall is certainly up to the challenge, and maybe in a game with playoff implications you might try it.
But too risky full-time if you ask me.
(I’d rather give the return duties to DMAC!)
29, 26, and 19.75 yd avg on kickoffs his 3 years at Ark.
Carr’s numbers last year:
22.5-yard average KickOffs. And eight punt returns for a 6.5-yard average.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wDi1nRM-OY&feature=related
DHall did return punts at Va Tech; here’s a video of him from the 2003 Insight Bowl taking it to the house against Cal…
Maybe, just maybe…
March 28th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
too expensive to return punts
March 28th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8FCscTpeeI&feature=related
Duh…wrong video…here it is…
March 28th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
La Milicia Negra -
We can’t respond to you,
“Remember don’t respond to the fake LMN.”
March 28th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Who do you guys predict will be manning the LT spot on opening day.
1) Kwame Harris
2) Mario Henderson
3) Marc Wilson
Harris seems like the natural choice (based on $$$ and exp.), but Wilson looks like a “bad dude”.
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493123
Anxious to see what he has in pre-season.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Yeah, But CAL still won the game! Go BEARS! Go RAYDUHS!! I say trade with (anybody but…) Dallas and get D. Jackson and am O lineman. then, next draft, get another RB and another young WR and that should do us nicely. with an improved D and young runners, QB and catchers.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
How are we to know if Cable isn’t licking his chops with the lineman he has albeit w/o a center he wants.
Remember, Cable’s type of O lineman isn’t your father’s type of lineman. He said at the combine 75% of the lineman didn’t fit his system.
For all we know, he could line up the following and we could be great:
LT Wilson/Henderson/Palmer
LG Gallery
C Newberry/Grove/Morris
RG Carlisle
RT Harris/McQuistan/Green
Obviously some of the tackles can alternate with the guards if need be.
I’m not saying we aren’t going to improve the line, but remember his mentor Alex Gibbs used low draft picks, cast-off type players to mold his zone system in Denver during the ’90’s.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Has anyone here seen Mark Wilson play in person? I can’t find much youtube footage on him and am not aware of his flexibility.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I’m just getting on and haven’t spent much time in here in the last two days. Did anyone notice that AGB is back on the roster? Perhaps this was discussed in the Kalimba Edwards post. This looks like an attempt to replace Clemons (the signing of both Edwards and Biamila).
March 28th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Assassin- Interesting to see how the defensive signings are opening up the path for DMac!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Marc Wilson QB,,,80’s
Bad Memories man…..BAAADDD Memories!!!
Whatta Night mare he was!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
If D-Mac is available for us…..He will be the NEWEST Raider!!
No doubt in my mind!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
DSM – Agreed. I’d hate to use the term that it is “obvious” but it sure seems so. I think the Raiders really do feel comfortable with Burgess/Kelly/Richardson/Edwards at DE. I’m sure they will continue to add depth with undrafted FA’s and post June 1 cuts, but it sure looks like they are gearing up for DMAC. If not, they’re doing a hell of job posturing.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I listen to Sirius NFL radio on a daily basis and today was the Mock Draft show. Pat Kirwan had Gholston going number 1, then J.Long, then C.Long, then G.Dorsey to the Raiders. He has DMAC going to the Jets after the Chefs take Clady. Interesting. Kirwan has a relationship with Kiffin. I wonder if there’s any creedance to the Dorsey speculation or if he’s just blowing smoke.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
JLH would be good if he could just hold on to that football – Hopefully he gets stronger in the offseason – im outy – Have a good 1 Nation – As Greg Papa would say
TOUCHDOWN RRRRRAAAAAAAAAIIIIIDDDDDDDEEEEEEERRRSSSSSSSS!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
The only player that the aiders will pass D-Mac for is for Howies kid…Chris Long…But other than him….I think it will be McFadden for sure!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Completly Agree Raider Glory – Now im out
March 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
These additions will have very little bearing on who they pick, they’re just trying to get good bodies to go to camp and see who makes the team.
I think you guy’s will draw any and every conclusion to make a case for that kid. Hoping will not get you McFadden the Raiders seeing a need for him on the other hand will. You are going to see all knids of signings and be shocked who really makes the team.
No on knows until they get to camp. Edwards and AKG mean nothing, other than getting possible help defensively.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I think we’re all aware that DMAC is not a “between-the-tackles” runner thus it makes it hard to fathom us taking him. However, I think Kiffin is relatively creative and is used to having a multi-talented tail back (R.Bush), and he probably envisions him in that role. It wouldn’t surprise me to see DMAC get drafted and line up in the slot as much as RB. He’s got the speed to take a 3 yd drag route for 15 yds if he catches it in space. He’s such an intriguing pick because he would make every WR on the field that much more dangerous. Also not a bad safety valve for JR.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Why did’nt Dorsey participate in the NFL combine. I would’nt touch him…….He might be damaaged goods…..We already have M. Bush…..We dont need anothe light duty guy on the team, especially risking the #4 pick on him…..No Way!!
Pick….D-Mac or C. Long!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
BHP – Well said. I don’t think Edwards/AGB have any bearing on who’s drafted either. It just makes the choice to take DMAC that much more justified in their minds. I see these signings as an attempt to replace Clemons in a situational role. Going into the draft, I think the Raiders are comfortable with who they have at DE (whether it’s right or wrong) and they’ve already made up their mind. Regardless of who’s signed, DMAC is the prototypical player for an Al Davis pick. He’s well decorated and an amazing athlete.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I’m out boys. See you later.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
BHP- By the way, do you really think I didn’t know the draft boards for all 32 teams would be different than McShay’s, per your previous post in the Edwards signing blog?
It was just a point to show how he tiered the first two rounds.
It’s also a great way to show how taking a pick for need rather than best player available can really hurt a team.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
BHP,
Obviously you dont care much for D-Mac as a Raider…….I admit I want the Raiders to pick him, and to tell you the truth…I will be upset if they choose any one else, accept for C. Long!!
But, who do you hope the Raiders pick and give me your’e reasons??
March 28th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I’m outta here as well, but one thing to really consider when talking about Gholston:
He’s great against the pass, however he’s suspect against the run as he has a hard time shedding the LT. I can look up the quote, but if you check out various analysis it will point this way as well.
Edwards won’t just be camp fodder, he’ll be a good situational pass rusher.
The only way we go DE is if C Long is available. If not, then it’s either DMac/Dorsey/Ellis or whoever Al & Kiffin can agree on.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
D-Mac is the obvious pick……Im sorry to those of you who dont want him on our team…..But he looks like a lock to be a Raider if available!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
DSM,
I agree with you, but Long will be gone………..D-Mac is the obvious choice…..especially after all the D-Line help we got thru FA!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Man, that INT for a TD Carr had against the Steelers WAS sweet. But yeah, he said he wanted out, so it looks like he’s a Titan now.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
He is the obvious choice to you guy’s unfortunately you wont be making that pick.
Listen I like Mcfadden just not as much as you do. You guy’s think he’s capable of all kinds of things and I disagree I think he’s a speed back and that’s it.
I want a lot of things but they knw what that team needs and if I knew what they were thinking I wouldn’t put it in here. Personally I like Ellis, Dorsey, Gholston, Long and the OT Long.
McFadden is just not a dominant HB IMO and for my money there’s no way I draft him that high if he’s not.
We have what I feel is a dominant HB in Mb and a great change of pace back in Fargas. As far as versatility MB is much more so than DMC, and he can pass as well as DMC. He’s just a much better player.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Ghlston is far from suspect against the run anyone with half a brain would never project a DE that high if he were weak against the run. Sorry but that doesn’t fly. That kid has tremenduos potential as an every down DE/OLB and anyone that doesn’t think so would never draft him in the first round.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
March 28th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
BHP,
I respect your opinion……..Atleast I could agree with you w/Chris Long, but i’m not sure Bush will ever live up to expectations with that bum leg/ffot. And Fargas…..God Bless him, but he is nothing more than a complimentry back who was in a contract yr! I dont believe he or Bush can do for us what McFadden can.
I’m pulling for McFadden, but I respect your’e view!!
March 28th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
maybe higgins can step it up… right..
March 28th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
So far Higgins was a wasted pick!!
Hopefully, he worked on his game during the offseason and improved!!!
Only time will tell!!
March 28th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
What bum leg Glory?? that’s what I mean you have a vivid imagination. That kid is as healthy as anyone else if not more. But you’ll see soon enough There’s been tons of players that have come back from injuries much worse than his (Willis McGahee) and I’m sure that you are aware of that fact, but you want DMC so anything outside of him in your mind is suspect. MB is a BULL of a back and a great talent that couldn’t be healthier. so we’ll see
March 28th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
i could definitely see parcells taking gholston #1…..parcells first task when joining a team is to get someone to play the lawrence taylor rush LB position…..the DE in parcells D is not as important…..but howies kid is probably less of a risk….parcells filled the LT role by selecting demarcus ware higher than he was projected…..he will do it again with gholstom and the raiders will have a shot at long
March 28th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
OttO, I think we are going to be pleasantly surprised JMHO but I’m looking forward to making this a top notch defense for years to come.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Alright, here’s my rationale going forward. If you look at our draft position from a standpoint of value, we either take a player that is the safest to invest in (OL or DL), or you take a player that brings fans to the stadium and can make big plays. Given Al Davis’ aggressiveness this offseason it makes sense that DMAC/Gholston/Dorsey/Long would be the most exciting picks. Either of these guys can make game-changing plays. If this is the top four rated players on Al’s board then my money is on DMAC. He’s a playmaker that fills a bigger need than pass rush or run defense. We lack a “burst” and he can certainly provide that. I don’t think he’s an every down back either, but he doesn’t need to be. I know he should be with this kind of money, but I can’t see Al passing on, what he perceives to be, the next AP. On the same note, I can’t see Kiffin disputing having a Reggie Bush type player in his offense. Both would agree on the pick. The only way this changes is if Chris Long is available, then Al makes the pick based on pedigree and he gets to see Howie back at HQ from time to time. I doubt Chris is there at #4, and there’s too many well justified reasons (in Al’s mind) to take DMAC.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Assassin let me help you with yourlgic. You say he not an every down back but you also say that AD sees him as the next AP, who IS an every down back.
Also there are several big time backs in this draft that provide what DMC provides. Not to mention that he already has the REAL next AP in uniform MB. I know this makes too much sense so you guy’s wont get it but it’s just that YOU haven’t seen MB. I remember preaching the same thing last year about Russell when everyone was saying that he only had 1 great game (the bowl game) you guy’s were begging for CJ and at least I agreed with your assessment of CJ but DMC is waay overhyped.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:01 am
And trust me I’m not knocking you guy’s but you’re speaking for Mr. Davis by saying what HE thinks about McFadden when you don’t know. You’re listening to the media TELL you what he thinks, HE hasn’t said a word.
And he wont until the draft is done. You also have no idea what he thinks about MB, but you assume you do. As well as Fargas you guy’s think that Fargas is some fly by night wannabe. Guess what Mr. Davis disagrees with you. That I know for a fact.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Otto,
If the Dolfins do take Gholsten then yes it could be clear sailing to Chris Long. Good call man. I think what is being lost in all of this offseason Talk is the fact that the raiders personal shows they WILL show some 3-4 looks. We are about to see a hybid defense that has never been seen in the NFL. Personally I think that not only does our D have the talent to do great, but it could potentially run a system that will be the biggest tactical advance since the Tampa 2.
Rob Ryan has been biding his time to implement his “hybid”, and now with Sapp gone he is free to do so. This should be fun gentlemen and anyone who thinks that the “hybid” won’t be out in ‘08 just look at our D roster and you’ll see that a 3-4 shift is easy if not necesarry.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:08 am
thank you Priest-very well said.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Also if there is another Reggie Bush in this draft his name is not McFadden but I happen to believe that there is someone who has those same talents and he’s gettable. Quite frankly I like him better than Mcfadden for the Raiders. He is flat out scary in pen field with great hands, he played WR and runs good routes. This kid would make us one of most dangerous offensive teams in the league. When I think of him in our offense I get chills.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Put it this way, could you imagine DeAngelo Hall on offense on a regular basis?
March 29th, 2008 at 12:19 am
No problem Lefty
March 29th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Watched this just now. Didn’t think I wanted the Raiders to get DMac until now…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUZ2WoERYfU
March 29th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Yeah, yeah, everybodies seen that highlight reel, try atching Jamal Charles, Mendenhall’s, his highlight reel is great but watch theirs and you’ll see the difference. A halfback has to do much more than run fast.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:06 am
nite all
March 29th, 2008 at 1:37 am
i have a feeling the raiders will package burgess,washington and other players or draft picks for chad johnson.Then draft gholston to replace burgess?
March 29th, 2008 at 1:45 am
you guys are, for the most part, quite knowlegeable- but some of you are rather fickle. schweigert had a poor season:i know it, the world knows it, and he knows it. two years ago, he was praised for having great ball instincts. last year, he was part of a defense that everyone crowed about, although the offense was so helpless that teams didn’t need to do much to outscore us. now we are about to lose carr, and few care, although he contributed much that was positive to the team’s chemistry. how do you know that schweigert hasn’t been working his butt off during the off-season to master whatever new wrinkles kiff brought to the team? and ryan, another that so many want to see executed, wasn’t the worry last year that he would leave to become a head coach elsewhere? how do you know that schweigert won’t join the likes of sapp, cliff branch and gerald irons as comeback players? even old “dr. death” had a poor season and rebounded. everyone hated gallery, now he’s seen as serviceable. at least give schweigert the pre-season before you demand that he be drawn and quartered. then, if he hasn’t gotten it together, some of you will be very happy. we don’t know what goes on in these players lives, and, as in our own lives, sometimes adjustments take a little time. i’m glad i’m not constantly under a microscope! anyway, for most of you, keep up the good work and GO RAIDERS!!!!!!
March 29th, 2008 at 2:25 am
since i have the floor: we have done alot for the defense, although michael vick’s buddy has me dismayed. what about character? i’m loyal to the raider uniform, but if this guy hall can’t play cornerback, safety and linebacker, all at once, i’d like to see him out on his %$@! he’d better be sublime for all that money and the risk of his mouth on a rebuilding team. what about center? we saw in the last raider superbowl what mediocre center play can do to an otherwise great offense. and left tackle? will we fill these slots with free agents? who will protect the quarterback, and open holes? without answers, all this talk about d mac is a waste of time- gale sayers and marcus allen in the backfield do nothing without an above-average line. stabler and plunkett had great lines. what will we do, folks? i hope this is a prime concern to davis!
March 29th, 2008 at 3:50 am
DMAC’s 22 fumbles don’t really impress me. He might be a good back but he has butter fingers.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I can’t believe how many of you want Carr gone. The guy is extremely flexible, he’s our utility man back there.
He’s been plugged in at FS and CB and done a hell of a job. He’s small but plays big and isn’t afraid of contact. AS a returner, he’s light years ahead of JLH, who makes me want to close my eyes when the ball’s coming down to him.
I really don’t understand it, especially when you consider how little it’ll cost to resign him.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:59 am
CARR WAS A GOOD RAIDER HE WILL BE MISSED
March 29th, 2008 at 5:04 am
I say if car wants to leave dont let the door hit you onthe way out. If it was not for the cenile old man in charge you would have no NFL career nobody drafted you. At least express some thanks for giving your first chance.
As for this years draft getting the six feeling unless Howie’s kid falls to 4. It will be mcfadden.
Which would be the wrong pick they got more pressing needs but whatever.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:15 am
we don’t need d mac, wr is more of a need I’m not sold on the group we have at this point. Another offensive lineman would be nice also
March 29th, 2008 at 6:40 am
No I cant imagine it at all. What gave you this brilliant idea ?
# Blackholepriest Says:
March 29th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Put it this way, could you imagine DeAngelo Hall on offense on a regular basis?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Good luck to Chris Carr.
He always gave 100% and was a good player.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Could McFadden be our slot receiver?
March 29th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Good Morning Raider Nation!
JJ says he will not trade up. Top 5 picks too pricey, bla bla,bla. I smell a smoke screen.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/
March 29th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Prior to the Indy combine no one had ever mentioned the words “damaged goods” in reference to Glenn Dorsey. Some media-type dragged that phrase into play and the tag becomes part of lore.
Dorsey, an apparently outstanding young man who has never missed playing time and has had a hand in helping out the community where he can, has been quite dismayed with portrayal of him as injured and damaged.
A healthy mistrust of the media is the result. Cool. He already has that part of being a Raider in his character.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:03 am
No Kirk our slot receiver is Curry. And DMAC is a RB. Maybe RR will try and convert DMAC to a free safety..
March 29th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Yes, Good morning.
And, I also thank Chris Carr for his efforts while being part of the Silver and Black.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Mistabrown, morning.
According to some posters here DMc can help out at WR, KR, third down pass rusher, 2hd QB, FS, nickel back and be Kobe’s back-up at shooting guard in his spare time.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:08 am
M, id be happy with Dorsey but we need any one of those projected top 4 so I aint even speculating or playing arm chair GM. I’ll be in favor of whoever we pick there its the later rounds and possibility of trading down in the 1st that is holding my interest right now.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Mistabrown,
I had not even been thinking about Dorsey at #4, I just wanted to point out that the kid has the right character for Oaktown.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:15 am
And G’morn
March 29th, 2008 at 7:16 am
The Lakers lost to Memphis?????
HAHAHAHAHA no wonder Dakota isnt here!!!!
March 29th, 2008 at 7:25 am
The 49ers released Darrell Jackson ? I read that yesterday, who picked him up ? No, I dont want him in S&B just curious where he went..
March 29th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Mistabrown,
did you read that Stu Jackson finally offered apologies from the league to the W’s for them getting screwed by the call last Mon. against the Kobes? (As you wrote that same night,it felt like watching a Raider game when Fisher tackled Monta and then the call was completely opposite to what actually occurred.)
March 29th, 2008 at 7:38 am
What was the offer sheet $ for Chris Carr?
March 29th, 2008 at 7:40 am
I didnt read that but my thoughts were it was a no call. Monta ran through Fisher and Fisher held on to Monta for protection because he was going down. Alot of W fans and B. Fitzgerald included were adamant that Fisher grabbed Monta and pulled him down….I disagree but it was a no call.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:42 am
BHP: When you see these, in addition to any other sites you can locate, you’ll see I’m not the only one questioning the ability for Gholston to stop the run.
He’s NOT a complete DE per your post #47:
Blackholepriest Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Ghlston is far from suspect against the run anyone with half a brain would never project a DE that high if he were weak against the run. Sorry but that doesn’t fly. That kid has tremenduos potential as an every down DE/OLB and anyone that doesn’t think so would never draft him in the first round.
I have more than “half a brain” you moron. This is the second time you called me out, with the first being about the “32 draft boards” last night.
“This past season, Gholston had a breakout season for the Buckeyes and displayed his tenacity as a pass rusher by attaining 15.5 tackles for a loss and 14 sacks. As a sophomore, Gholston posted 15 tackles for a loss and recorded 8.5 sacks.
Gholston’s ability as a pass rusher has never been questioned, but his inconsistency defending the run is well documented. As strong as Gholston is, he has trouble disengaging from blockers to consistently position himself to make tackles.
At 6-foot-3, 266 pounds, Gholston has all the intangibles to improve his inconsistent run defense and displayed those qualities this offseason in front of scouts.”
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7957044/Head-2-Head:-Long-vs.-Gholston
March 29th, 2008 at 7:43 am
M, if Nellie would play CJ Watson a little more BD would have had some juice left for the 4th quarter and OT, same goes for Jack. Nellie is a stubborn fool sometimes when it comes to bench players getting time. Dont get me started on B Wright the whole world can see that kid needs to be on the court at least AT LEAST 10 mins a game.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:45 am
DSM, if you havent noticed already BHP thinks he knows the world inside & out.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:45 am
My feeling was that the refs should’ve used the ol’ NBA standby. Unpile the bodies, call a double foul, reset the inbounds play. Stu Jackson on the other hand was in the W’s corner on the issue.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:49 am
DSM,
we’ve already got DEs who have been lackluster against the run. Hope the workout warrior goes elsewhere.(I read the same article).
March 29th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Mistabrown: I totally agree with you. He sounds like a granda/father who must dumb it down to explain his comment because we aren’t educated enough to comprehend him?
I don’t know if you had a chance to see my post #312 on the “Edwards signing” blog (previous to this). It listed BSPN’s Todd McShay’s tier system for the first two rounds.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:55 am
M, if we didnt miss so many free throws it wouldnt have came down to OT..
If we take care of Denver tonight that will propel us to the 7th spot I believe. If we lose tonight its going to be a dog fight for the 8th.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:56 am
M- I agree, I was very interested until I did some research and found he was suspect against inferior Big Ten competition in terms of rushing D. If he had a problem in the Big Ten, then he definitely has an uphill climb in reaching his potential to be a every down DE.
I’m for C Long first, DMac, or a trade down for a bounty of picks and hopefully a player too.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:59 am
DSM, you know playing the run isnt necessary in RR’s scheme so Gholston sounds like a perfect fit.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Mistabrown- To me there’s really no comparison when deciding to draft either Gholston or DMac in terms of talent.
Both upgrade already decent positions.
Gholston may not be a complete DE, but his pash rush capabilities will be awesome.
However, I think DMac would provide more explosiveness to the offense than Gholston would the D.
Imagine a solid zone line, having a big Bush in the backfield, Miller at TE, McFadden in the slot, Walker & Curry at wideout, and of course Russell at QB.
What does a D do, especially when DMac goes in motion!
March 29th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Carr did seem like a class guy, but he said he wanted out. I and seemingly Al have always thought when a player wanted to leave let him leave. He always seemed to run full speed into coverage, never making any moves that might lead to a TD. I wish him luck.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Just a thought. If Gholston is looked at as having played against inferior Big 10 opponents, then you have to rate Jake Long the same way as he played against the same competition.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:13 am
#96…Shut up, you don’t know anything about hoops….
March 29th, 2008 at 8:14 am
ExLA,
yep, its chicken entrails, tea leaves, star charts and Ouija board time in war rooms across the country.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I would leave Curry in the slot and use Carter on the outside, if you want to roll out DMAC send him to the other slot now you have Walker, Curry, Carter, and DMAC. I like 4 wides and send the TE too spread the D out and let JR pick his target.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Man, if it wasn’t for the NFL Network showing the scouting combine you all wouldn’t know half of the players in the draft…those Big Ten guys suck in the pros..those Big Ten guys can play against their own conference, but get blown away by the top teams from other conferences
March 29th, 2008 at 8:20 am
#104…Who cares what you would do…you aren’t the coach
March 29th, 2008 at 8:22 am
How does Walker just step into the No.1 receiver role? He isn’t the No. 1…he is more likely to get hurt again so I don’t even kno why folks are counting on him like that…it is a fantast to think Walker will play 16 full games..
March 29th, 2008 at 8:22 am
At the same time, having a healthy Bush in the backfield or even Fargas would confuse the hell out of the D.
Are we going to run, is the play action going to be called, is DMac going into motion and if so is it a run, screen, or dump off?
Everyone points out DMac’s body type, but no one really talks about if you give this guy 5 yards of open space he’s going to burn you for 6.
If it’s Bush, then a power back could pound the rock for 5 yard carries simply because there’ll only be at the max 7 in the box.
DMac will provide FEAR and confusion. I love it!!
March 29th, 2008 at 8:26 am
If this team drafts McFadden you have Fargas between the tackles, DMAC for change of pace, and honestly, Curry, Carter, Higgins, and Miller would be good enough. JLH was a 3rd round pick last year, so we should give him a pass, his learning curve was steep..he’ll be a srurpise this year, he has the instincts…remember everyone loved him when he ran that kickoff back in preseason
March 29th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Eric- Walker is three year’s removed from his primary ACL surgery. This is the year he should break out. He obviously passed through the Raiders medical screening process and wouldn’t have been signed if they didn’t think he was capable.
Look at last year when we signed Culpepper and his gimpy knee. He passed the medical tests.
Walker doesn’t have the extra weight a big guy like DC has therefore less strain. Look at another player like TE Winslow and his gimpy knee.
It takes time to heal.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:27 am
They should maybe let Bush go elsewhere…
March 29th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Not to mention about 10 other teams were interested in Walker. Davis did the right thing and paid him before it turned into a bidding war.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Eric- You’re nuts dude.
We get the steal of last year’s draft with Bush and if he’s as good as Fargas that’ll be good enough.
If we land DMac, Bush becomes kind of like our Brandon Jacobs but with good hands.
When DMac is used like Reggie in a two back set with Bush, and DMac goes in motion Bush will be a very nice beat you down RB to get 5 yards.
By the 4th quarter we can go into the I and have O’Neal pounding the line meanwhile Bush/DMac get huge gains as the defense will be hurting.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:33 am
They are letting Bush go! They are releasing him to the playing field instead of the practice field!
lmao
March 29th, 2008 at 8:34 am
DSM he is just trolling.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Ya, all Big 10 players suck as pros. Tom Brady and A.J. Hawk must be laughing at that post.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:40 am
After watching USC the past few seasons, especially since Kiffin left, does anyone notice how the offense just doesn’t seem in sync like it was with Kiffin?
I’m sure glad we didn’t hire Sarkisian as head coach because he’s obviously having a problem with all of the talent at USC. Obviously both Kiffin and Sark were co-offensive coordinators, however it’s obvious Kiffin was an integral part of the game plan.
Now Kiffin’s in his second season and will have more talent to work with and show us his skills as a play caller in addition to coaching the team.
Al’s hired a very good and up an coming head coach. Just keep your head up and we’ll get good again.
I keep saying ‘09 is the year we see the AFC Championship!!
March 29th, 2008 at 8:43 am
When I look at players from Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, or Penn State I see players that were big time recruits therefore they get a pass for being from the Big Ten, especially players from OSU or Michigan.
However, if you break down the schedules of Ohio State, Wisconsin, & Michigan you can see how it’s easy for them to get into a bowl game every year.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:44 am
If we do draft McDadden, I hope we can put a stop to his gay arm flexes.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:46 am
NATION what up, first off let me say that I am not a fan of drafting DMAC. I would prefer LT,DT, or trade down. But in reality it doesnt matter any of the top 5 would do nicely.
I live in san diego but from the yay. The true discharger fans that i talk to are scared to S#!t of us drafting DMAC. For those of you who think M.Bush is cannon fodder think again. He is by far the biggest steal in the last couple of years of the draft. Having watched a lot of his games he is fo real no doubt. his leg is good he will be good. Now what the whole NFL should be fearing is giving Kiffin a tool like DMAC with Bush. It will be USC all over again but this time on the NFL Level. These 2 would create nightmares for the opposition the key question is will we be able to score more points? If teams have to keep up with us because we can score more if that is the assumption then they will be in for a rude awakeining.
More Points = More sacks and Int’s
the other teams will have to pass to keep up with us. Against this D that is a no no. We have on paper the best secondary in the NFL. Pass on us try if you like.
Mix in some 8 in the box, and some all out send in the FIRM blitzing. rivers, croyle, cutler you will soon see and feel the greatness of what is the NATION.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Dakota,
Grizzlies are tough critters aren’t they?
March 29th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Chris Carr is a great guy. Grow up here in my home town Reno, Nevada. Did an excellent job in high school, college and for the Oakland Raiders. Not many people can just walk on to a team and he did. He is a very easy going guy. I wish he would stay with the raiders but I understand a he needs to make a living just like everybody else. Good luck to you Chris.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:49 am
M,
I am still trying to recover from the shock of the last couple games, I am depressed.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Mistabrown, post 114 is funny as hell. LMAO
March 29th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Thec,
nice post (120). Always nice to know what freezes opposing fans.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Mistabrown, I must say you got some funny ish. you are good for some laughs, keep it coming. LOL
March 29th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I knew guys would bring up AJ Hawk…he’s cool, but he’s no game breaking LB..OVERRATED…Bush is coming off injury, and there is nothing nuts about releasing a guy who missed a whole season, not to mention, what would we be missing? Everyone assuming on if’s with this guy…a steal of the draft doesn’t miss a whole year…
March 29th, 2008 at 8:54 am
“A steal of the draft.”…why? because ESPN and FOX said so? Based upon who played last year, he was hardly a steal…
March 29th, 2008 at 8:55 am
What is all this talk about releasing Bush? Why would we do that at this point? Maybe after training camp or the preseason, but I doubt he will be cut before being given an opportunity to show what he has left.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am
M, The “true discharger fans” and i use the term very loosely also did not appreciate us getting D.Hall. They fully understand that with rivers he wont be able to pass against us. S#!t look at his stats he never does good against us anyway. I had a discharger fan pop off and say cromartie and jammer are better than Aso and Hall. no need to comment on that one. Unlike the NATION where you guys know your S#!t. you canr come on this blog half way or you will get roasted. discharger fans 99.99 percent of them are bandwagoes. the true fans allready know that we will be moving up the food chain they just dont know how far yet.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:00 am
“It takes time to heal”…wow…have you ever had a knee injury the magnitude of his? A guy with a knee problem the last two years, missed 14 games last year, and he’s supposed to start all 16 games? At NFL speed, with all the cuts and moves required out of a receiver? His knee is going to be just fine? Not sold on him the whole season..
March 29th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Dakota,
Michael Bush is doing fine. That’s just Eric “Everybody is an Idiot except me” Farrell offering non-wisdom.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Eric F, I watch a lot of college football so I go by my own opinion on this one. What i saw with my own eyes and not youbtube was Bush running wild on opposing Dfenses. Bush was awesome in college and before his leg was broken was projected as a top 5 pick. So IMHO to get a top 5 pick who has healed is a steal in my book. Unless you have a better name for it?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Let’s not bring up old news…no ones an idiot here, just a bunch of folks banking on IF’s
March 29th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Thec,
thanks for the further illumination.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Knee injury? WTF? This guy obviously does not know what the heck he is talking about.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Dakota, He is mixing the bag. One minute talking about bush, next walker, then bush. cyclical loop.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:05 am
#133…A top five pick that dropped to the 4th round because of his injury..no one is disputing he was a great college RB but that was in college..not every back that gets injured in college has a Willis McGahee like recovery
March 29th, 2008 at 9:06 am
ooops, my bad, sorry Eric.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Dakota,
Exactly.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Calf injury, whatever…it’s funny how people assume I don’t know what I’m talking about..Dakota, you live in a state that has no major profeesional sports teams…let’s not start this again….
March 29th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Eric, not trying to play DR Thec. Nor Am I a trying to convince you of anything. dont know much about magahee cuase he does not play for the NATION. IMHO I beleive he will be agood if not great RB.
Nuff said.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Later Nation. Projects await. Check y’all further in the continuum.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:08 am
OK, Dakota and M wants to start the gay, little back and forth
March 29th, 2008 at 9:09 am
M,
How are you today? Any big plans? Wiskey, wine and women?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:10 am
M, Later Bro!
March 29th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I want to remind some people of the difference between Michael Bush and DMac. One had a metal rod inserted in his leg and the other didnt.I have read the pros and cons of DMac, but lets get the kid. We need to score touch downs and break big runs.We need a game changing back. If we get Bush in their and he runs wild great for the Raiders.The Raiders should retain Carr it’s short money.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:12 am
147…EXACTLY
March 29th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Why should the Raiders have to depend on a kid with a rod in his leg when a perfectly healthy RB with game breaking potential is there to be had…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Eric,
What, are you in third grade? You bash my State? What kind of argument is that? A pathetic one really. You think sports knowledge is directly linked to a person’s proximity to a major sports arena? What an idiot.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:15 am
#136..”this guy.”…a fat, middle aged, out of state mountain mutt refers to me as “this guy”…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Why are you even talking to me, dude? Continue to blog, bring up your own points…its amazing how people get on the computer and just assume they know someones personality
March 29th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Pathetic.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:17 am
read my post #120. Never compared Bush to DMAC. Only suggested that we would be more potent using both.
I also stated that it really doesnt matter who we take.
any one of those top 5 guys we could use.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:18 am
“What an idiot..”…lol..if you had the opportunity to have access to major sports like I have, since I live in a big state that actually have inner cities with DIVERSE people, not just a bunch of lily whites, maybe you would understand why I bash your state….
March 29th, 2008 at 9:19 am
31 is middle aged? Fat? How old are you Eric? Seriously, that is third grade stuff. Grow up.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
the rod was there to help it heal right, he doesn’t need it but it would require ewtra surgery, and extra recovery time, to remove, so they kept it in, and it actually reduces the risk of another break, and let’s remember, it was a clean break, no knee problems to speak of, he’s 100%, and at the moment actually stronger and more explosive than he was in college, so don’t worry about his leg, but still mcfadden is a beast, bush may be a beast, it’s best to take the sure thing, and i will guarrantee that mcfadden is that, and if bush turns into a pro bowler as well then the rich get richer…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Tommy t nice to have you on board sir. Kiff gets to run the USC style in oakland. I would use them both let the opposing D’s figure it out.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:22 am
What is really pathetic is a guy in Dakota in a California based blog..WE KNOW out here in Cali that you don’t have anything to do today but watch TV.. I can actaully GO to the Giants-A’s game today..I get to watch my Warriors, who kicked your Lakers ass last week, not to mention my WARRIORS are inside of your freaking superstar’s head now…LA lost to Memphis last night becasue of GSW..and LA don’t want GSW in the 1st round…bounce you punks just like we did Dallas last year…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:23 am
normally i would jump in his argumant, because one of you is extremely ignorant, but i just don’t have the energy this early in the morning…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:23 am
now, you want to test my sports knowledge? Let’s go, out of state punk…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Screw the name calling, bro, let’s go head up on sports knowledge…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:25 am
eric, dakota, can we please just talk raiders, this is childish
March 29th, 2008 at 9:26 am
nah man, because Dakota likes to start things and bring up old news….
March 29th, 2008 at 9:28 am
#57 BHP- EXACTLY!!!!!!!!
March 29th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Lol, what would you like to discuss Eric?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I’m not liking McFadden anymore – I don’t care about his 80 yard runs – fumble problems, weak lower body strength, etc. – he’s a scat back in the NFL – no way we should pick him at #4 – he’s another reggie bush – somebody will want to trade up for one of C.Long, J.Long, Gholston, or Dorsey/McFadden – even if we drop down only a couple spots, we can drop again later on in the first round – we don’t need running backs – Rhodes is a better all around back then McFadden, and can handle the thrid down duties – I know it looks like we’re drafting McFadden, so I’m not going to be surprised, and I’ll hope for the best, and I think if he’s going to be successful in any system it would be our ZBS scheme because he has an amazing first cut and speed to get to the second level, but he’s no Adrian Peterson or LT, and since that’s the case, I’d rather pass. If Al wasn’t dead set on having Kelly play DT, I’d go after Dorsey or Ellis and have Kelly play Burgess’ old spot to shore up the run D on that side.
Oh well, DMAC will add some big plays to the offense, I just don’t think he’s worth the price. I’d even be happier taking J. Long knowing he’s probably only going to be a good RT since his feet are on the slow side. He’s got less bust potential than DMAC – that speed doesn’t do a lot for you in the NFL if you can’t break tackles or hold onto the ball. Hopefully C. Long or Gholston will fall to us.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Well, I’ll jump in on the Lakers part of it.
No Cal basketball fans are hilarious when it comes to your dilusional fantasies about beating the Lakers.
Look at you …
Look at the meaning you put on an end of the year regular season victory. And, uh, by the way, you lost the next night, remember?
Dallas comparison? That was like Gruden playing Callahan. That was Nellie’s old team so of course he was going to beat them.
Sports knowledge, and you want to run your Ws vs Lakers smack.
Wake up dude!
March 29th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Careful Frozen, you can’t post here because Eric Farrell only allows those people from major cities in California to post on this blog, lol.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Dakota, LOL
March 29th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Eric….How about you keep the racist remarks to yourself?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Sorry …
Back to Raiders.
Dline TT if Bush is as healthy as you say.
If one of the DTs is considered one of the 6 elite prospects in the draft, along with McFadden, I just think it would be wise to pair one of those guys with Kelly. Just thinking long term as I don’t see Burgess and Warren around after next year.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Eric Farrell?-I break heem.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:40 am
You kno what the best thing about being a member of the NATION is? You can see a guy walking down any street if he has Raider gear you can instantly bond with that guy and start talking NATION. doesnt matter what race the person is. The NATION is 2 colors and 2 colors only. Silver and Black, race is irelevant to the NATION.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:42 am
The Lakers suck. Kobe went back to his hedonistic, ball hogging ways, scored 57 points and the Lakers still lost. In fact the Fakers lost successive games to Charlotte and Memphis. How does a championship contending team do that? The Golden State Warriors showed the Fakers what heart is all about, and the Fakers confidence is now rattled.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Frozen you are from Alaska right? According to Eric’s theory, since South Dakota has approximately 13,000 more inhabitants than Alaska, and we have more semi-pro sports teams, I therefore have more sports knowledge than you, lol. What a bizarre outlook on thing he has. Kind of sad really.
Sorry, I don’t mean to bring you into the middle of this. You are just a great example of how Raider fans are everywhere.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:48 am
i would love long or gholston, but i don’t see the same need that many of you do, mcfadden will be a first ballot HOFer, he is an all around great back in the mold of LT, OJ, and AP, he has potential reminiscent of barry and bo, he IS the best RB prospect in 20 years, he has the versatility of reggie bush as well as the all around skills of adrian peterson, bush may be a pro bowler, we don’t know, but we know for sure that mcfadden will be a HOFer, and the impact a player like that can have on a team is imeasurable, look what barry did for DET, they would never have had a winning season without him, let alone make the playoffs, we have a team with playoff potential this year, mcfadden would assure it
March 29th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Thec….You are right to most of us it is that way….as it SHOULD be
March 29th, 2008 at 9:49 am
well said thec
March 29th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Kush, my confidence in the Lakers has certainly taken a hit in the last couple of games, but then I realize that we have two starters out and two starters playing with major injuries, and I realize that at the end of the day, if our two starters come back healthy (big if, I know) we will be right in the mix for the title.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:49 am
See what I mean …
Never mind that Charlotte plays well against the Lakers as they’ve won the last 4 out of 5.
Nevermind the fact that Fisher was playing with a torn tendon is his foot, and Lamar was playing with the Flu.
Right … It was the Ws who “shook” the Lakers.
Ok, ok …
Let’s just see if you can hold on to the 7th spot and see us in the playoffs.
If it goes more than 5 games, I’ll meet you at a Raiders game and give you a zip of your namesake that’ll blow your wig back.
Put your $ where your mouth is playa …
March 29th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Tommy, In your opinion what are we going to do next in FA. Should we expect another major signing?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Eazy E said: I have a feeling the raiders will package burgess,washington and other players or draft picks for chad johnson.Then draft gholston to replace burgess?
None of us can predict the future Eazy, but your hypothesis does make alot of sense, and I wouldn’t be opposed to it.
I’m pretty sure sly as a fox Al Davis is NOT done yet making free agency moves yet. I think we all get the sense that Al has another blockbuster deal in the makings. The question is at what position? Will it be linebacker, will it be defensive tackle, or will it be receiver. Well, knowing Al’s propensity to go after big name, disgruntled players, I definitely wouldn’t be surprised to see Chad Johnson in silver and black before the season starts.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I don’t know if the Raiders are the most popular team up here or not, but Raider fans fly more colors here than anyone else. As far as sports knowledge goes based on geography, I duuno, I’ve read some pretty sketchy stuff from Californians.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Why is Al Davis waiting to release Lamont Jordan? Is he just trying to make it less likely that an AFC West team will pick him up? No team will trade for him so why is he doing this to Jordan? Jordan sucks, but he is a Raider and he deserves a chance to get into the market and see if he can find a spot on a team for next year. Is Al just being vindictive, or is there some logical sense in holding on to him until the market is dry?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I would like to see us get a good LB in FA. I keep lobbying for Spikes. would be a nice fit. But what the hell d wil we be running the same 4-3, or 3-4? Maybee the “Hybrid” is a mix of both. Should be fun whatever it is. yeah I hope Al is not done. I do get the feeling that something big will hit before the draft.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:55 am
If McFadden is an any ballot HOF’r, you make a good point.
Any chance that C. Long, Dorsey, or Ellis ends up as a HOF’r, in your opinion?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:57 am
DMAC=R.Bush
That being said I really can’t believe he is a sure thing. He is going to be a very good situational\change of pace guy like reggie, but will not be able to carry a full load.Look what happened to reggie when he had to take over full time duty at RB, he struggled. DMAC relied heavily on speed in college, and he is very fast(yes I have seen his 40 time), but you must remember that everyone is faster in the NFL, and his stiff arm just aint gonna work as well.
M.Bush will be a monster(if 100% which is most likely). He is not the type that is going to score 50+ yard touchdowns(but possible) but he is going to grind grind grind. He will wear down defenses and is very good in the red zone, exactly what we need. His running is exactly what we need to set up our passing offense because D’s will have to stack the box. Having a grinding running attack also helps our D, and u should know why. We had a top 5 rushing attack last year, we will be inserting a guy that is an upgrade.And remember that he has a chip on his shoulder and somethin to prove, he thought he was healthy last year and didn’t understand why they wouldn’t let him in, he wants to make a statement.
That being said DMAC becomes a luxury pick, I won’t be mad if we get him, but I think our DL is still in need of some run stopping and pass rush, even with the signings this OS, we have added role players and potential, and we need to keep doing it through the draft.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Thec, I lived in San Diego for a few years and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that S.D. fans don’t know sh*t about football – they know the name McFadden, but that’s it – that makes me not want to draft him that much more – but if Kiffin could get the Thunder/Lighting with Bush/McFadden that he had with LenWhale White and Reggie Bush, then I have to agree with you – on paper it sounds so good! In reality they are two unproven college studs – White and Bush aren’t exactly setting the record books on fire in the NFL anyway.
If we truly want to be competitive, we need to address our weaknesses, not our strengths – run game = good, run d = bad. fix the run d. If defense wins championships, we’re only a few players away from having a really dominant team. The O will be improved from another year in the system and with Russell at the helm – D’s will have to respect the deep ball with our two new wideouts (both have deep speed *if healthy, yikes!*), Miller and Curry are great possession recievers, and Fargas & Rhodes can split the load (either can start) and get us 4.2-4.5 yards per carry – Bush is the X factor – similar measurables to Terrell Davis (a little bigger, a little faster, and excellent vision/cutting ability) – let’s see what we got with him, even if he busts we have a top 6 running game (without Bush or Jordan) coming back with another year in the system.
Our present problem is that the only NT we have is Sands, and he’s below average/backup quality. Dorsey and Ellis are both 3 technique DT’s, and Kelly is slated to start there with Warren presumably backing him up – if Warren starts at the NT position, then we’re screwed in the run game because Kelly and Warren are the same penetrator type of player – we need a space eater in order to stop the run, and good ones are available in the second round – but we don’t have that pick anymore (good trade though, gauranteed pro-bowler that’s only 24 years old for a 2nd and 5th? I’ll take that deal everytime – except for PacMan). I would like to start Warren at the DT, Kelly on the left side against the ROT to shore up the run and provide a pass rush (his skills would overwhelm ROT’s), trade burgess for a 2, draft a NT in round 2 with that pick, and select Long or Gholston at #4. That would really fix our screwed up Roster:
RDE Long/Edwards (Speed/Rush Ends)
DT Warren/Joseph (Penetrators)
DT Okam/Sands (Run Stuffers)
LDE Kelly/Richardson (both large DE’s that can match up against ROT’s)
What nobody is owning up to is that Warren Sapp, Tommy Kelly, and G. Warren are ALL 3 techniques. So when you play them on the line at the same time in any combination, your run D will suffer because they don’t occupy lineman so our LB’s can flow to the ball. Add that to the fact that Burgess is a liability against the run (somebody back me up on that) and Sands is weak when he’s in there and Richardson is a backup in this league and it’s no wonder why we gave up so many yards on the ground.
I gaurantee a top 15 rush defense with the following personnel at the right position
Edwards
Warren
Draft Pick that pans out that’s a NT (not dorsey/ellis)
Kelly
I gaurantee a top 10 rush defense with
Long/Gholston
Warren
Draft Pick that Pans Out
Kelly
I gaurantee another bottom 20 rush D if we field this:
Edwards
Kelly
Warren
Burgess
There’s obviously other combinations to work with on our curent roster and based on who we draft, but we need reposition our players – you can’t just field the best players on your roster – that doesn’t work – it has to be at their natural position or where their natural abilities suit a specific position/weakness.
The definition of insanity is reapeating the same mistakes and expecting a different outcome!
March 29th, 2008 at 9:59 am
damn, that was long, sorry. Hopefully it was *Chris* Long
March 29th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Dakota,
The Lakers have OWNED the Warriors except for the Rick Barry years and that was so long ago that his kids are nearing retirement age. Let’s compare NBA titles since they both moved to the West Coast. Furthermore, they remind me of the L.A., Calif., Anaheim, L.A. Angels of Anaheim because they can’t even keep one cities name because there market is too small. Like calling them the Dakota Warriors. Now that even sounds better.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:02 am
dorsey, ellis and long all have potential, which is why they’re considered top 5 picks, dorsey has the biggest bust potential of the 3 but also the highest ceiling, he could be better than sapp or an absolute bust, ellis is for sure an adequate starter and probably a pro bowler, in the right situation he could reach canton, long at worst is brayton+6 to 8 sacks a year, at best, he is better than his dad, at worst mcfadden goes to 2 pro bowls, at best, he is better than barry, my projection is somewhere in between
March 29th, 2008 at 10:02 am
most players like jordan get cut after june 1st, usually in case a trade can be made and salary cap reasons.
from l. pasquarelli article:
What the date represented in the past was a mechanism for teams to unload overpriced veteran players and, by waiting until after June 1, to lessen the impact on that season’s salary cap.
Example: Let’s say a team signed a player to a five-year contract that included a $10 million signing bonus, but after two seasons of the deal determined he no longer fit their plans and wanted to release him. Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the team would be charged $6 million against its cap, the remaining prorated share of the signing bonus, if he was released before June 1. But by delaying the release until after June 1, the team would be charged only $2 million against its current cap, with the $4 million balance carrying over into the following season’s spending limit.
The other reason some players were released around June 1 was because they had roster bonuses built into their contracts that were payable early that month. To avoid paying the roster bonuses to players who were no longer productive, teams would simply release them.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:07 am
The satifaction in beating they shorthanded Lakers is like feeling good about beating the Bulls minus Pippen and Rodman, the Warriors minus Thurmond and Barry, or the 76’s without Doc J. I like to puff out my chest when we beat a team at full strenght.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Jedi, That was a very good read. As stated in previous post I would prefer we:
1. Get the best LT.
2. Get the best DT.
3. Trade Down.
I would not be mad at the Idea of getting DMAC gives us a lot of options. Kiff will do a lot better with his options.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
TT,
Well it could all be mute if we could find a way to get back into the top part of the 2nd rd.
If we could get Sims or Laws in the 2nd, D Mac would be ok at #4.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:14 am
DT is not the need LT is, if we got into the 2nd, baker or cherilus would surely be the pick
March 29th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Hmmm …
Are we sure that the Gallery at LT expiriment is over?
March 29th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I don’t know …
I just seem to have a bit more faith in the O line and TC. I just don’t see our starting LT not already being on the team.
I don’t know who it is, but I don’t remember who Atlanta or Denver had playing LT during their ZBS successful years.
I don’t think we need a pro bowl LT per se. Just a guy who can do his job and not get too many penalties.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:26 am
yes, he was a good RT, a sub par LT(factoring in that shell was the coach only brings him up to sub par), and a great OG, if he can lose he penalties he’ll make the pro bowl, it’s best to leave him be and find a LT in the draft, we have options but harris and henderson can not be he only one’s competing, let’s not assume that we will have a 2nd, le’s assume that we will get a 3rd for fabs and nothing more, we can use the 3rd on a LT and the 4th on a DT, then we can all be happy, but there’s no reason to beleive we will have a 2nd
March 29th, 2008 at 10:28 am
That should make us all happy …
March 29th, 2008 at 10:29 am
exlaraiderseasonticketholder: I definitely understand the satisfaction of beating a team at their full strength.
I felt that way earlier this season when the Warriors beat 1)San Antonio WITH Tim Duncan,2)Cleveland WITH Lebron,3)Boston WITH KG,Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen,4)Houston twice WITH Yao Ming,5)New Orleans WITH Chris Paul, should I keep going???
The bottom line is that The Warriors are for real this year. They are no fluke. They have consistently stepped up and beat the best teams in THE LEAGUE this year when they needed to.
Yes I understand that the Lakers don’t have Bynum and Gasol, but that don’t change the fact that HEART overcomes so called Big Name players any day of the week, and the Warriors have more heart than any other team in the league. Night in and Night out they have consistently lived up to the meaning of their name.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I must say I just dont get a lot of you guys and this DMC craze. Yeah, I’ve seen the highlight reels so pls refrain from posting that again for ur argument. I’ve pointed out numerous – serious – flaws in DMC’s game that will prevent him, at this point, from being a dominant back. Yet you all ignore common sense and continue with your fantacies of what could be. Well he’s NOT what you think he is!!~!
Look at the freakin’ defensive line for crying out loud (and I only ignore the O-line cause I don’t know what the hell Cable wants/sees). And don’t come here tellin’ me we’re all set there cause we signed a new DE who wasn’t even activated in DETROIT!! Sure, he may turn out to be good but I’m not bettin the house on it. I’m sure the Raiders won’t either.
Just LOOK >>>>>
DT – Kelly – legit starter
DT – Warren – he can start but is inconsistent
DT – Sands – i have nothin’ to say about the ghost ..maybe some lightbulb comes off
DT – Josheph – he can’t remain healthy & ir’d all last year ..backup at best if he makes the team imho
DE – Burgess – legit starter
DE – JRich – solid player, young, what will he bring next? he lacked pass rush last year
DE – Edwards – couldn’t crack Detriots starting lineup ..a disappointment there
DE – AGB ..good luck
AND YOU ALL ARE SAYING WE’RE SET??~!! ….gET REAL!
Seriously man, I only see 2 legit, unquestioned starters on the D-Line. The rest? I wouldnt bet the house. This D isn’t “set” by a long shot.
C.Long, V.Gholston, G.Dorsey, or S.Ellis added to this defensive lineup will be a HUGE BOOST!!! As I currently see it the greatest benefit and the biggest boost to the Dline will come by drafting a DE. This DE will start.
Drafting a RB that likely won’t start or be dominate out the gate that high at those millions, is a fools errand. Esp when you don’t even need a RB.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I don’t care what LA Laker fans say, you got run last week, you got a fake ass call to bail you out up here, and no, you aren’t going to the NBA Finals this year. First round exit, especially if you play the Warriors, period.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:34 am
#168…No, Look at you, freaking moron…here you are, a team with championships won in the 2000’s, and now you have to worry about losing to a former also ran team (Warriors) in the playoffs…you are the moron, moron..
March 29th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Jedi Raider, your post #189 concerning drafting the RIGHT kind of defensive linemen and the type of positive impact it would have on our defense, was brilliant and right on the money.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:36 am
#157…it’s strictly your opinion that Bush’s leg is stronger…that is your own optimism…no one on the inside has even mentioned how Bush’s progress is going, so no matter how many stats you put out from his college days, no matter how many “You Tube” videos you watch of him, for the here and now is what he is…a BIG IF
March 29th, 2008 at 10:37 am
MaFadden not start? You’re funny! Factor from Day one. No doubt a Long, Gholston or Ellis would be a big boost but McFadden if available puts the offense on a different level.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Terrapin I’m with you on that. We have two legitimate starters on that defensive line, one entering the last year of his contract (Burgess). As I’ve said, while I like Dmac, when I watch tape of him I see his two All American Linemen Luigs and Felton just blasting guys off the line of scrimmage. Those TWO GUYS, I love.
In another note, when I watch tape of Michael Bush I see 3 defensive linemen in the backfield and mike still getting positive yardage. Shoot, I could get positive yards running behind Felton and Luigs.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:40 am
“Dallas comparison..that was like Gruden playing Callahan…” OH, OK….so I guess when The Miami Heat play LA again this year, because Riles used to coach LA, I could use the ol’ Gruden theory and say Miami will beat LA again ths year because it’s Riles’ old team….
March 29th, 2008 at 10:40 am
In an interview with CBSSports.com, Raiders RB Michael Bush said that not only is he at 100 percent health right now, but he has been since before the end of the 2007 season. Bush is fully active in the Raiders’ offseason conditioning program and has been working out on the practice field with starting QB JaMarcus Russell and the rest of the Raiders’ offensive players.
(Updated 03/26/2008).
doesn’t sound like his leg is a big if if thats what u were talking about
March 29th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Warrior’s can plan their appearances as commentators on the playoff’s on ESPN after their 1st rd exit.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:42 am
TT – You seem to know a lot about a lot but that was a joke for a statement. Your love for McFadden is blindin ya. The best rb prospect in 20 years? What are you crazy? Tomlison, Peterson, Marshall Faulk, etc …you’re say McFadden is better? Have you lost all your marbles? You compare McFadden to the Juice? McFadden couldn’t hold ANY of these guys jock strap. Forget about it. Dude that was beyond belief what you typed. He NOT even a better prospect that Reggie Bush.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:43 am
DMac has talent but goddamn you guys are going overboard here.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I will run GSW smack all day, you LA Lakers of TODAY can’t beat them, no one cares about your past glories with Shaq, that team of superstars you had are now gone and your TEAM needed to make a late season trade to make the playoffs this year….while my team is still going with the same team from last year..one injury and LA is done because they’re a weak minded team lead by a ego maniac…recipe for disaster…just why KOBE got ran out the game the other night…HIS FEELINGS GOT HURT, AWWWW….
March 29th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Oh, you’re back with the Ws crap …
Is there a Warriors blog that I can destroy you on?
Really, would someone PUH-LEEZE give me a link to where all the dilusional Ws fans blog.
I’d love to “discuss” Lakers vs Ws, but I don’t know that folks want this board to turn into BB talk.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:46 am
#211…well good then…I;m not against having the guy at all, OK?
March 29th, 2008 at 10:47 am
“Destroy”?…An LA Fan destroy an OAKLAND fan….HAHAHA
March 29th, 2008 at 10:48 am
EF not saying u were against him, just lettin u know the lastest. and once again i’ll say it-hes a monster!
March 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am
That’s the only damn team you can talk about is LA because they isn’t S..T else down there except a bunch of college teams to root for
March 29th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Last year, your point guard was Smush Parker…SMUSH FREAKING PARKER…!
March 29th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Jedi makes a valid argument
March 29th, 2008 at 10:52 am
#215
Maybe your team can’t afford to upgrade or the mgmt feels you don’t have the talent to trade with another team. The 8th seed and out is all the Warriors can count on with that roster.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Kobe could never be Mike, Kobe will never lead a team on his own, and Kobe will be gone in the 1st round this year, especially if you don’t get your help, Gasol, back…
March 29th, 2008 at 10:53 am
eric, i have no personal problems with GS but if davis were to go down today the warriors would not make the playoffs, ripping an injured team does no good but create a false hope
March 29th, 2008 at 10:54 am
this is pathetic…..i’m out
March 29th, 2008 at 10:55 am
And we SWEPT you last year with Smush Freaking Parker.
What the hell are you babbling about?
You won at Staples for the first time since 2002.
TWO THOUSAND AND TWO !!!!!
Like I said, just make the playoffs, face us in the first round, and we’ll see.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:56 am
#223…how stupid…can’t afford it? The Warriors can easily afford it, but the MEMPHIS wouldn’t accept Al Harrington, Biedrins, and a 1st rounder from us, but will accept freaking Kwame Brwon and a 1st from LA…sounds like a little COLLUSION, don’t you think..?
March 29th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Right TT,
Golf course here I come …
March 29th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Well, Mike said he was 100%. I don’t know if the Raider thought he was 100% in condition. Hence the exercise bicycle.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:58 am
do any of you actually think either one of you are even going to beat the real teams. ya maybe this 1st round but forget it after that. this is a RAIDER blog.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Thec,
Agreed – we REALLY need a NT and a LT – we can survive with our current RT personnel – For what we coughed up last year (this years third and last years third to move up a few spots) to OVERDRAFT Mario Henderson VERY BADLY, he better pan out as at least a good backup – I’d like to see him at least make the active roster on game day.
The problem with this draft is that the very top of it isn’t all that great when you consider our needs. Both DT’s are 3 techniques, so they’re out (ellis played some NT but he’s too small to play there in the nfl), J. Long is a natural RT in the nfl, and Long and Gholston will probably be off the board. I think we’ll be staring J. Long and McFadden in the face when we draft at #4, and maybe just McFadden. I can easily see the draft going V. Gholston (Fins), C. Long (Rams), J. Long (Falcons) because Gholston is a great fit for OLB in Parcell’s 3-4 (the second coming of the REAL LT), The Rams need a new DE, and the Falcons have the ability (thanks to us) to move back into the first round to draft Ryan or Brohm, or wait for one of them to fall to round 2 while taking the last “safe” pick that matches top 5 value – Dorsey’s medical questions (however true they may or may not be) probably make him too much of a risk at 3. Since those are the three players worthy of a top 5 pick (in my opinion anyway), we’re going to have to hope somebody wants DMC or we’re stuck with him, unless we overdaft the second best OT on the board.
No way we trade up either – too much money – If Al is willing to move Kelly to LDE, cut or trade G. Warren, then Dorsey or Ellis would make sense at #4 – it’s an upgrade that would make a little sense with our personnel even though it forces our hand and it’s not the one we desperatly need, but this will be a learning curve year for Russell anyway, so getting younger and better on the D line wouldn’t hurt, as long as people are playing where they should.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Basketball is a TEAM sport and requires more than I superstar taking a team on it’s back. Mike had a great cast around him just as Kupchak has assembled on for the Lakers. Just jealosy I guess. You don’t have any Superstars on the Warriors. Lucky for you that Nelson is a good coach and can get them to the playoffs. By the way, how did Chris Webber work out?
March 29th, 2008 at 11:00 am
227…who cares? Really, bro? That’s old news, just like LA. Now, this year, it’s your turn. Look at how your team won the other night…you had to get bailed out…and you fail to realize how much those two games got into that weak minded ass Kobe Bryant..out there crying and pouting like a lil you know what…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Just read the PFT Raiders draft needs article.
Florio has once again proved that he is nothing but a hack. He knows nothing about the Raiders and and very litle about football in general. But hey, all geeks who have never played football are really coaches, gm, and owners in disguise.
He quotes sources who don’t exist, makes things up, and gets the other stuff wrong.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I say Kiffin has to be 8-8 or better this year with the talent Davis has brought to the team in the offseason or he’s gonna get booted to the curb.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:04 am
#233…WOW…the team KUPCHAK asssembled…haha…you mean the same one from last summer that KOBE wanted to get his ass traded away from? Have you just figured out we have no superstars on the Warriors? That’s what so GREAT about the Warriors beating LA, you freaking dope! You have all the stars and still can’t get it done….you need to tell KOBE that basketball is a team sport
March 29th, 2008 at 11:05 am
The Warriors area ll team, you idiot, all heart, all chemistry…something you plastic LA Lakers will NEVER have….HEART
March 29th, 2008 at 11:06 am
How did Webber work out…well, if you were watching bro, we obviously don’t need him…he was an addition at best to what we have, not a key cog…and he’s gone so we still have the SAME starting 5 that started the season…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:07 am
another PFT hatchet job.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Last year before the draft I saw Peterson and immediately concluded if that guy remains healthy he’s a shoe-in for the HOF. That much I was sure of. The guy was flat out ridiculous. However, “I” do not see H.O.F. written over McFaddens forehead but I do see the word H.Y.P.E.D as clear as day.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Let’s just see how much KOBE is crying come playoff time when a call doesn’t go the way he wants….
March 29th, 2008 at 11:11 am
All heart, all chemistry will get them to the playoffs and out in the 1st round. By the way Kobe and Lamar’s heart is what is keeping the team afloat unless the injuries heal. At least they are a contender, not a PRETENDER.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:13 am
It should be said that Kings for many years were the team from NCAL to beat.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:14 am
#243..HAHA..what’s kept your team afloat the last two games are losses with teams under .500
And please don’t bring up the 8th seed…only 6 games separate the 1-8th seeds…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Eric Farrell holding it down for the Warriors
March 29th, 2008 at 11:15 am
What’s kept your team afloat is KOBE scoring 53 at home against the GRIZZ…and LOST…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:16 am
At home, to the MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES…if anyone one scores 53 on the Warriors, ESPECIALLY at home, I can guarantee that’s a loss for the other team…especially if that team is the GRIZZ
March 29th, 2008 at 11:16 am
The problem with Peterson is he had shoulder problems that may effect how long he can play the game.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:17 am
#244…what, 2-3 freaking years…after decades of losing…YEAH RIGHT
March 29th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Emphazise a strength.
If we get McFadden alongside the guys already here, we have the best running game in the league, period.
It helps our OL which is very good at run-blocking but not so much at pass blocking.
It helps our QB, a 1st year starter, as he´s gonna be able to manage and dictate the game, stay out of 3rd and long situations and basically throw when we want him to.
In short, the addition of McFadden propels our best weapon, the running game, to elite level and possibly best in the league production.
On the other hand, the addition of 1 single DL will not transform our biggest weakness, run-stopping, into a strength, he can help but he won´t make a major difference.
That´s one way to look at it.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Kush, what’s up dude? – we’re usually on the same page – our personnel problem on the line is due to Al Davis’ penchant for signing big name free agents (Ryan wants to implement a 3-4 and he signs Sapp? WTF!), lard butts that can’t play but look good coming off the bus (that’s high school bs), and switching coaches and not listening to them -
I think we had the conversation at the end of the year when a lot of us were excited to see rob ryan go in favor of a new DC that would bring a zone scheme (e.g. tampa 2) to the table. Since that obviously didn’t happen, it’s just like Tim Brown and Jerry Porter said, this old school Raider mentality of the Vertical Offense (which should be called the horizontal offense based on the amount of time our QB spends on his back) and man-to-man def. requires, and I quote “pro-bowlers across the board”. Well, I said it couldn’t be done in this day and age (salary cap, free agency, etc.), but Al is certainly trying his best – minus our SLB, our back 7 is comprised of all pro-bowl talent now with Huff going to FS where he should have been, Wilson playing SS, and the acquisition of Hall to go along with Morrison and Howard. Kelly is probowl caliber at either the 3 technique or LDE, and Warren is also pro-bowl caliber at the 3 technique (he just doesn’t get to play there) when healthy. All we’re missing is a SLB, a RDE, and a NT if we’re lined up correctly. In the nickel package, we’re only short 2! If we can draft Long and Gholston, trade Burgess for a #2 and pick up a stud NT, the D is basically done – we can draft a SLB next year in round 1 or go after one in FA (hopefully after the June 1st cuts) – somebody mentioned Takeo Spikes – that would be a great pick-up. One more time, I enjoy making lineups – do they have night school to become an nfl GM?
LDE Long/Edwards
DT G.Warren/Joseph
NT Draft Pick (acq. via trade for burgess)/Sands
RDE Kelly/Richardson
WLB Howard
MLB Morrison
SLB Thomas/FA
CB Nnamdi
CB Hall
FS Huff
SS Wilson
That’s a good damn defense and everyone is playing in the correct position for their natural abilities, and we have actual depth on the D line. At least Brayton is gone, he stunk so bad there just aren’t words for it. High Motor my right nut – maybe he just had the transmission in reverse! Anyway, our offense should put up 23 points per game this year accounting for Russell’s learning curve and our weak schedule. If our D can improve to 20 points per game, which it can if we can stop the run, then we’re playoff bound with 11 wins.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:19 am
sorry kush, that didn’t print the way I meant it – I meant “What’s up dude! Good to hear from you, because we’re usually on the same page…”
March 29th, 2008 at 11:21 am
the lakers are lame. what are they going to do when the zen actually retires? we saw 1st hand the year he was gone.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:21 am
They can draft Pat Sims in round 2 to help the run defense.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:23 am
AHHH…I love sports debating…its way more fun than going “if the Raiders do this, I would draft him, we need this, we need that…” We have people giving out line-ups and the draft hasn’t started, June 1st is yeat to come…guys, we can make up our own topics, what’s wrong with that?
March 29th, 2008 at 11:23 am
#244…what, 2-3 freaking years…after decades of losing…YEAH RIGHT……..like the warriors were much better.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Marley – Dont be so quick to discount the contributions of any one player on defense. Say we lose Burgess – out the window goes the pass rush and the defensive ranking goes from 20 something to bottom of the barrell 32! There are starters for reason – ususally b/c they are head and shoulders above the rest.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Look at what a player like Cooper did for the STs unit. Any one player can make a major difference but it does take a TEAM to play the game and win.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:29 am
#257…Yes, the Warriors were much better..obviously, you don’t know Bay Area Basketball history…ever heard of Run TMC? Do you know that ‘87, ‘89, ‘91, ‘92, and ‘94 they made the playoffs? Do you know they have a World Championship? Don’t think the QUEENS ever did that well…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Good talking to you too Jedi. I don’t think I’ve ever read a post from you that wasn’t intelligent and well thought out. The force is strong with you, Jedi Raider.lol
March 29th, 2008 at 11:30 am
WOW…it sure is a WEIRD feeling to have someone come on the computer and post comments form previous days or months ago…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Raider Dell, we’re cool, ok…let it go
March 29th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Turtle: Although Gholston provides something that is currently lacking, a pash rush, he would add to already abysmal rush D.
Gholston is a hell of a pash rusher, but isn’t a good run tackler and he has a problem shedding BIG TEN offensive lineman in addition to their bowl games.
C Long is obviously the pick, if no go, then DMac.
You say Dorsey or Ellis. With Dorsey I could deal with it, but with either pick you are NOT going to get a player who makes his presence known enough as a rookie DT. It just doesn’t happen in the NFL.
Dorsey/Ellis might make a few plays, but for the most part rookie DT’s spend the season adapting and do better their second year.
I want an immediate presence. I’m not annointing DMac as an HOF back. I’ve stated several times he’ll be a perfect system back for us and will put up huge combo numbers, receiving & rushing. I seriously think if he went to a team that didn’t have a good O line and wasn’t zone, then he would have a lot difficult and would end up a bust.
If Reggie Bush, who played in a zone at USC, played in the zone he would be awesome.
Both DMac & Reggie aren’t 30 carry backs, but both provide excitement in the numerous ways they line up, especially when they play in a two RB set.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:31 am
no, they are not much better. do you know the queens made it 8 years in a row?
March 29th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Dude, quit with your philisophical rant…this ia a blog, no holds barred, old man
March 29th, 2008 at 11:33 am
“The Kings made it eight years in a row”…HAHAHA…that must be the most stupidest thing I’ve heard on here now….
March 29th, 2008 at 11:35 am
“Thought I had turned the corner…” listne at this guy, like he knows me well enough personally to say that…that is sooo funny…!
March 29th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I at least gave them props for winning 1 WC with Nate Thurmund, Rick Barry and was it Al Attles. I wasn’t even shaving yet. The top shows were Ed Sullivan, Twilight Zone and Howdy Doody!
March 29th, 2008 at 11:35 am
hahaha
March 29th, 2008 at 11:35 am
This blog needs people like me because otherwise we would all be asleep by now….
March 29th, 2008 at 11:36 am
#270…Great…glad you remember
March 29th, 2008 at 11:37 am
exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
Warrior’s can plan their appearances as commentators on the playoff’s on ESPN after their 1st rd exit.
Oh yeah, kinda like the Lakers did last season when they got knocked out of the playoffs in the first round while the Warriors advanced to Round 2.
I was at the Warriors/Lakers game last weekend here in Oakland, and after that sham of an ending, I was walking to my car and listening to this Laker fan going off at the mouth about how great the Lakers are and how waek the Warriors are and yadayadayada.
Well anyway, I looked at him and his buddies and asked him one question…Who made it farther in the playoffs last year, The Lakers with Kobe and Bynum, or The Warriors?
He got all flustered, and shut the hell up in about 1.3 seconds. It was priceless.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am
All in fun. We all have our favorite teams, but the common thread is our love of our Raiders!
March 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Carr is a decent utility guy. I’m not sure the Raiders have room for him unless they trade F-Wash now.
I’d like to see a more explosive return man next season. Carrr was serviceable, but never really a threat to make something big happen.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:40 am
KUSH-
Don’t worry, I’ve more than handled these Faker Lakers…killed ‘em, in fact….
March 29th, 2008 at 11:41 am
#275…Yes, you are right about that…all in FUN..
March 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Here’s a question, and I know we all have our opinions about this one…but let’s say both C.Long and V.Gholston are available at the number 4 pick.
Ignoring all of the nostalgia about having Howie’s son in silver and black,who would actually be a better pick, Long of Gholston. Does anybody have a, factual, in depth, analysis of the differences, similarities, strengths, and weaknesses of both Long and Gholston?
March 29th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I was the one sent by my boss to Dodger Stadium to remove from Steve Brenners office, a picture of Joe Morgan, the night he hit the HR to knock the Dodger’s out of the playoff.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:44 am
haha I meant to say Long or Gholston…
March 29th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Kush: This is the best site I’ve seen for Gholston vs C Long.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7957044/Head-2-Head:-Long-vs.-Gholston
IMO even Long doesn’t have tremendous “potential” for growth, as long as he plays the run solid and can provide double digit sacks I’ll be stoked.
If we had to choose, we don’t need the athlete we need the all around football player and that’s C Long.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:57 am
By the way E.F. and Kush
1st rd. and out for the Warriors. You haven’t had a chance since the days of Chris Mullins.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Long will be gone in the first 3 picks. He is talented I agree but not on my reality list of who will be there at #4 when we pick.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Ex- I’m in the same boat, but I’m entertaining the people who think both C Long & Gholston would be there.
IMO It’ll be between DMac, Gholston, & Ellis and we’ll take DMac.
Ellis could be great, but we know we want stats today AND tomorrow therefore DMac is the better pick.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Kush
It’s my belief or opinion that it greatly depends on what Defense you are running. I believe that Chris long makes a better DE in a 3-4 or 4-3. I believe Gholston only makes a GREAT olb in a 3-4. Gholston is faster and played Lb in high school. Ohio State moved him to DE. Long has fought off double teams for two years now. Granted he was not as effective his Junior year as he was his Senior year. Chris also plays the run so much better. That is the one thing that is fact and not opinion. Every scout agrees on that. If both were available I’d pick Chris due to the fact that we run a 4-3 right now and he is stout against the run.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
DSM
gotta agree with u on that one. Long seems to be the smarter more disciplined player with a motor that don’t seem to quit. while gholston is a freak of an athlete, the last thing we need is another DL that is inconsistent against the run. and as a friend of mine who knows him says, he aint the sharpest tool in the shed
March 29th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Turtle- Where’d you go? You are like several other guys on this blog who can’t comprehend the fact that C Long won’t be available and most likely Dorsey if that’s your pick won’t be either.
We have to think about REALITY. The reality of the situation is we’re going to end up with the 4th player therefore we can think we’ll be choosing between Dorsey, Ellis, DMac, or Gholston.
Gholston obviously doesn’t have the rush defense capability. Ellis & Dorsey won’t make enought of an impact this year, and DMac, the OVERRATED man blocking scheme back will be a GREAT zone back and WILL make you quiet and be happy with the effects on the offense he’ll have.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
DSM thanks for the link. That was exactly what I was looking for. And RaiderKen your points are also well taken.
I was really intrigued of the possibility someone brought up earlier of the Raiders running what was termed as a “hybrid” defense which mixes up 3-4 and 4-3 defensive alignments.
I’m not sure how much truth there is to that, but the idea is exciting. I mean the possibility that Rob Ryan will actually disguise his defense from time to time and try to keep opposing offenses guessing..what a concept!(insert sarcasm here)
March 29th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
DSM
I agree we will take DMac. Best Athlete available.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Some people say we can land a fast zone blocking RB in the later rounds, however they lack the most important attribute DMac has, and that’s size for durability.
Every other little back this year Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, J Charles, etc. can all be compared to Selvin Young. All are fast RB’s with great skills, however their body can’t take the punishment.
DMac run’s nearly as fast as Johnson, but is quicker than Johnson and bigger which is far more important in the NFL.
He’s going to be a beast in the zone and I can’t wait for all the DMac bashers to eat their words when we draft him because you’ll all have to admit you have some love for the guy but you want to pick someone else!
March 29th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
DSM,
You said it best. I Couldnt agree anymore!
We all want to pick someone else but McFadden might be the best choice
March 29th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Considering that C Long will most likely not be available, and the last thing we need is another defensive end that can’t stop the run(Gholston), and I doubt that Dorsey or Ellis will be dominating immediately…It looks alot more like Mcfadden will be our pick.
If I was a gambling man, I would also bet that Al Davis has one more blockbuster free agent move up his sleeve. My guess would be either Spikes at linebacker or ocho cinco(85)Chad Johnson, in free agency, and then Mcfadden in the draft. Imagine both Mcfadden and Chad Johnson on offense.
I admit, the defense would still be a couple of missing pieces away from dominance… but on offense, with Jamarcus Russell, Mcfadden & Bush as running backs, Chad Johnson & Walker/Carter as wide receivers, and Miller at tight end, I can see at least a wildcard berth this season.
I know it hasn’t happened yet, but it’s ok to dream. But Al Davis is sly, mark my words, something major is coming to Oakland. Go Raiders!
March 29th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Wow, you forgot that we need an offensive line to protect Russell.
We’re out of a starting center (as of right now)
and we need some one to come in and fill in for JaMarcus’ blind spot (Left Tackle)
March 29th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
We will probably take Gholston. He is a specimen and Al loves that. He is not good against the run but has the potential to be. I just hope he comes in and works hard and we have someone who can coach him up…our d-line play of late doesn’t lead me to believe we do. You can’t underestimate the value of a great coach. Just look what Cable did for the worst o-line in the league.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
That is if we pass on DMC.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
My guess is that unless we make some sort of trade…which is unlikely…McFadden will be the pick.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Offensive line is Knapp’s specialty not mine or any one else on this blog. With the zone blocking scheme the criteria for linemen is different than in a traditional scheme.
Knapp said that about 75% of O-linemen in the upcoming draft wouldn’t even fit his scheme. So honestly we just have to trust him to find the right players to fit his scheme.
Kwame Harris may have been a bust with the Phony Whiners, but could be brilliant in a new scheme, and with new coaching. He wouldn’t be here if Knapp doesn’t think that he could do well.
And let’s face it, rushing and offensive line were two of the most dramatic examples of improvement for the Raiders last season. I trust Knapp to continue that improvement this season.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I meant Cable as offensive line coach. I mistakenly said Knapp who is our offensive coordinator
March 29th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
If anyone is overhyped it has to be Gholston, if you watch him during games he’s very inconsistent and disappears often, sometimes even for entire games, he just looks disinterested. He’s not that good against the run either, just ok, not what we need. Workout warriors tend to have a higher chance of flopping too. Draft DMC, he produces on the field- 1994 total yards 17 tds in the toughest conference, 321 rushing yards against South Carolina, 195 at Alabama, 206, 3 tds AT LSU (otherwise known as national champions).
March 29th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
QB Russell
RB DMac
RB Bush/Fargas
FB Griffith/O’Neal
WR Walker/Carter/Curry/Higgins
O Line zone and handled by Cable
Our offense is close to being set up for several years. If we could somehow land Ocho Cinco, in ‘09 we would be looking at a Super Bowl.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
DSM Raider. My sentiments exactly. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chad Johnson sooner than that.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
dsmraider,
exactly…if we pick d-mac….our offense will cause serious matchup problems to opposing defenses. Walker and Carter should be the wideouts….Curry should be in the slot…then you have an explosive playmaker like D-Mac being placed all over the place…along with Miller and Madsen…plus the pure RB’s like Fargas, Rhodes and Bush to pound it. The Raiders offense would have too many weapons and have too many weapons on offense in the NFL is a good thing! Adding Gholston to our DL would be a great addition as well. Having him on our defense would be similar to having D-Mac on our offense. Two guys that cause SERIOUS matchup problems and who are playmakers!
March 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
It still doesnt make sense to draft mcfadden.
We have 4 running backs. We dont need five!
Rhodes (restructured his contract)
Fargas (signed a new contract)
Bush (under developement)
Jordan (expected to be cut/traded)
I can understand if…
1. Jordan was cut
2. fargas was traded
3. Rhodes plays out his contract
then we draft McFadden.
Bush and McFadden would be a killer RB team.
Other than that. I dont see us drafting McFadden. If they do, then great. That just means JaMarcus has more weapons on offense.
We’ll all find out in 30 days to see what Kiffin, I mean Al Davis does with the pick.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
This team would’ve been between 7-9 and 9-7 last year if not for 1) poor QB play and 2) poor run defense (& pass defense at times). What does that tell ya’? REALLY THINK ABOUT THAT
….you guys continuous justification for making the McFadden pick is sickening. You make up any type of reason no matter how insignificant or absurd to justify the pick.
So now Gholston will literally stink vs the run. C.Long WILL NOT be there at #4 (thank you Ms Cleo). Dorsey neither Ellis will not make an impact in Y1 nor will Dorsey be there at #4 (thanks again Ms Cleo). And Cable is not even thinking of Jake Long (…who knows?). Keep making up more excuses or as you all believe reasons for why McFadden will be picked.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Actually, in 28 days we will find out.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
desertraider,
we should draft Zbikowksi!! He will be a special teams standout and he can return punts….plus he would bring that nasty old school Raider mentality. He would be the exact opposite of Stuey! haha
March 29th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Ms. Cleo! hahaha!
That was hella funny! Someone needs to dress up as Ms. Cleo to the games next year.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
i don’t think Gholston will stink against the run at all…I do however think C Long will gone by the time we pick….and I do think that we should not pick Ellis with the #4 overall choice when he can be had from pick #6 and beyond. If Ellis is truly the old mans choice….(which I doubt) then the logical smart move would be to trade down with the Jets, or Baltimore. Get needed extra picks and pick Ellis #6 or #8
March 29th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I see some similarities in the ”he´s just a fast guy” argument about McFadden and last year´s ”he´s just a guy with a cannon arm” about JaMarcus.
Many people would say: ”yeah, he can throw it 80 yds. but that’s useless in the NFL”.
People now say: ”yeah, he can run fast, but that won´t fly in the NFL”.
I´m not saying the same people who questioned Russell now question McFadden, many liked Russell and dislike McFadden or viceversa, just that the argument rings a bell.
I said it before, people want to draft not just workout wonders and fast guys, they want production.
Isn´t McFadden a rare combination of both?.
A freak athlete who also happenned to dominate the toughest competition (SEC) a college player can face?.
Just a thought guys.
Also, I wasn´t comparing Russell and McFadden as players either, nor was I comparing last year´s team situation to the current one. So, don´t go there.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
bob,
yeah…i kinda compare this years criticism of Dmac the same as last years critiques of AP more than JMarc.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Cho-be…308
Fargas, history tells us he can go down anytime with injuries.
Bush, hasn´t played in 2 years, no one should be shocked if he struggles for a while.
Rhodes, seems like the safest bet to produce, but how much can we ask from him in case he has to carry the load?.
Finally, look past 08 for a minute, neither Fargas or Rhodes might be with the team next year, Bush and McFadden would be.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
bob,
Dmc did it all in a very tough SEC conference.
What else do people want out the guy? Besides the money he will be making….haha…rumor has that he has already lined up a big marketing deal with Nike.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Terrapin,
If they draft McFadden at #4, will you welcome him into the S&B?
March 29th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Bob, good point. But I dont think Al is looking past 08. It’s no secret he wants to win now and he is looking for those missing pieces to win this year.
I expect him to take a D-Linemen than some help on the O-Line in later rounds. But that’s my assumption.
Like I said we will all find out in 28 days.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I know I would welcome him into the silver & black. And if that Nike deal is true. That is a great look, not only for him, but the raiders as well.
I say we go after the best available player who is still on the board.
I bet there will be plenty of help for the D-Line & O-Line when players get cut in June.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
The only way, in my mind, I can see the team picking McFadden is if they’re not as high on Bush as perceived. Otherwise if they need another RB they’ll get one later in the draft. I just can’t see them picking a RB this high when that guy may not even start. 1st round picks start – period! You don’t pay that much money for a back-up or a change of pace guy.
And it even makes lesser sense given the dominance of the run game last year even WITHOUT a threat at QB and parts that allow us to stretch the field.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
C.Long or Dorsey are the best picks but probably won’t be there. It’s either take Mcfadden on potential ability or we should trade bade a few slots and get the best talent avaiable at OT,DL,LB, and/or WR.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
First round picks start! Period??????
Than what happened to Russell last year! after the he signed his contract why didnt he start? They couldnt develop him in such short time.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
You guys might rip me apart for this…
but i think dorsey is undersized and is a risk taking him at #4 if he’s available.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
With the 4th pick in this years draft the Oakland Raiders select Darren McFadden – J-Mak 2 D-Mak All Damn Day!!
March 29th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
re #318 …I damn sure will – with open f*n arms …but he’s not a RAIDER (yet?) so let the drum beating continue.
Listen, I think McFadden’s a great talent. But he’s not worth picking that high given the degree of other RB talents available in this draft and the flaws he bring. He just has too many flaws: Skinny legs and frame, lacks driving power (crucial), doesn’t play with great leverage or balance (hugely crucial), lacks the make-u-miss ablility (goddamn thats holy sht crucial), questionable strength, is he a product of a gimmickery system?. But he can run damn fast – he has speed. Go figure …at #4 w/ #4 dollars I’ll pass.
All that was mentioned above says he won’t likely start – hence overpaid and not worth it at #4. Maybe one day he can reach his potential. Maybe – but I’ll pass esp since we’re already stocked at RB and good to great ones can be had later.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
All year on the Tube they called Dorsey the best player in football and a rare DL that is fun to watch cause he dominates so much. After the season the obligatory QB/RB gets raised on draft boards. Even C.Long never got the props Dorsey got all year. It was only after the Bowl games that Dorseys’ injuries were questioned. Two years ago he broke his leg he’s played tough since and has great carachter.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
carachter?
You mean Character!
March 29th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Si
March 29th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/football/nfl/cowboys/stories/MYSA032908.WEB.Cowboysbrief.en.db9c56f.html More fuel to the fire that Kiffin and Al will take McFadden or trade the pick if Bush is what they think he is.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
If Bush and McFadden played together in the backfield on passing downs, wouldn’t that create a problem for the opposing defense in terms of coverage? Who has two linebackers that could run with Bush and McFadden?
March 29th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Somebody mentioned this figures a few days ago, so it´s not my argument but I´m taking it a little further today.
21.7 that´s the NFL´s scoring average per team.
In 07 our offense averaged 17.7 or 4 points less than the league average.
Our defense gave up 24.9 or 3 points above the league average.
With McFadden we have a deeper, more talented and versatile running game and assuming Russell will be an improvement over last year´s QB play, we should be able to produce 3 or more points per game to at least match the league average and get more wins.
Point is, the way things are looking as of now, our best bet to produce more wins would be to score a few more points.
It seems to me that, for a variety of reasons, asking the offense to get more points and providing a weapon such as McFadden to do so, would be a more reasonable proposition than drafting a DL and asking the defense to significantly reduce opponents scoring.
Again, just one way to look at it.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
#189 Jediraider you have an excellent synopsis of what we need to do this year remaining.
Drafting DMC is like a crap shoot. Everyone was in ahw when Reggie Bush came into the NFL and he was supposedly proven.Even I thought he would be a superstar with his speed.
In order to build our next dynasty we need to be smart with who we pick.
Jedi’s synopsis is an excellent break down of team needs and strength positioning. Moving players to play to their stregths.
Where’s Coach on Wheels when you need him. I believe he would confer.
I just think it’s absurd to take DMC when we already have (2) good backs and (1) who could be a superstar.
This is just my take on the situation. So I vote Gholsten and a wide body NT. Even if it’s by way of trade for Burgess although hard to give him up. It just makes since.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
For some reason, I think Gholston is out of the mix …
It’s got to be down to McFadden and Ellis with C Long and Dorsey being off the board.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Let me just say that I respect everyone’s opinion on this blog, but I honestly find all of the comparisons and arguments concerning who’s better, Mcfadden or Bush to be amusing and insignificant. We have not seen Michael Bush touch a football in over a year but yet we’ve seen Mcfadden dominate in one of the toughest conferences in College football for multiple seasons.
But that’s not even my point… My point is that comparing Bush to Mcfadden is not even relevant at this time because Bush IS NOT and HAS NOT been the status quo at running back, Justin Fargas has.
Now Justin Fargas had a thousand yards rushing last year with our zone blocking scheme and until he gets displaced IS our starting running back. Justin Fargas is skinny, is not an excellent blocker, doesn’t have great hands out of the backfield, cannot pass, doesn’t break many tackles and is an injury risk.
Now my challenge to all of you Mcfadden detractors is…
Find a way to seriously convince us that Mcfadden is not a more explosive, playmaking option at running back than Justin Fargas. Find a way to convince us that if journeyman Justin could gain over a thousand yards rushing, the odds do not favor Mcfadden almost doubling that amount of yards and overall productivity over next season.
Take your time and have fun trying to argue that point. I eagerly await your responses.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Here’s a little tidbit:
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/29/oakland-raiders-2008-draft-needs/
March 29th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
the draft isn’t abou filling needs, it’s about finding players to improve your record, mcfadden does that best, marley is right, which is something i have been saying for a while(although that’s not the point), mcfadden will make a a greater impact on our offense than any single DL will on our defense
March 29th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
So let me make it simple. The question is not whether Mcfadden is better than Bush, but rather is Mcfadden better than Justin Fargas. I think the answer to that question is a no brainer.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Regarding post 332,
I´m not giving up on the defense just yet, I do believe that the we have done some good things and we should feature an improved unit.
Specially, if we translate Fabian into a 3rd rounder and use our 3rd or 4th rounder, or both to get some help at DL.
But, the addition of a weapon like McFadden, alongside our current stable of backs and our blocking scheme turns our running game from very good to a potentially elite and dominant unit, which should be reflected in more wins.
Meanwhile a DL would be helpful but may not result in more wins, which is what we all want.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Yeah Tommy, same here.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
kush, the question isn’t is he better than young hugg, but by how much?
which is also a no brainer…..infinitely.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Kush I respect your opinion, but I’ve given my response.
Last years SB is fact that defense wins championships. Our defense is the weakest link right now.
Therefore, I feel we need to improve our “D” before trying to grab pricey play makers.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Ok didn’t read all the posts but here’s something to think about
Bush is a bigger, badder version of LT. He can throw as well as run plus for a guy whose 240+ pounds he’s pretty darn fast and agile. Even if he’s only 90% of what he used to be he’s still better than McFadden.
McFadden is fast but he’s not a once in a decade kind of player. We don’t need him.
I would love to trade down and pick up more draft picks and get a middle LB in the first, a solid DT in the second, and then start filling holes as the draft progresses.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
So the three of you concur that theres more than a 50% chance DMC will not be a Reggie Bush of 2008?
Because I think getting value for the long run should be our goal, especially since or draft has been below mediocre the past few years.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
another question is how much better is ellis or dorsey than okam, how much better is j.long than duane brown, we could easily in theory get mcfadden, duane brown and frank okam in the 1st, 3rd(fabs), and 4th respectively; would anyone be apposed to that?
i won’t be around to hear the answer because i gotta go
March 29th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Now that I would say is respectible if weknew the info on those guys.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
You guys are seriously discounting the contribution piss poor QB play had to this offense’s production.
Josh McCown? Are you kiddin me? God Bless him for taking the pounding and criticism but he alone cost this team many points. Culpepper? Are you kiddin me? Mr. Turnover. Mr. Fumblietis? sheezzz man. Just think about how much their play cost this team points. And you guys are looking for points? Just getting a better QB will go a long way there. You guys have to stop this. This frabricated justification is getting absurd.
2007 Offensive Rankings per NFL.com: 23rd Pts, 25th Yds, 31st Pass Yds, 6th Rush Yds
2007 Defensive Rankings per NFL.com: 26th Pts, 22nd Yds, 8th Pass Yds, 31st Rush Yds
Hmmmm… just looking at the numbers at face value seems to me that the problem w/ the Offense and scoring was not the run game but the pass game: QB, WRs and OTs.
Hmmmm… just looking at the numbers at face value I’ll venture to say that the defense has a major problem stopping the run: Dline, SS, (maybe LBs).
Where does it say this team has a problem at RB? Help me out…>>>
>>>Listen, you fix the passing attack (QB: Russell, WRs: Walker, Carter and OT: Harris?) the run game will be even better than last year esp after factoring in M.Bush. No need to waste a top pick on that position. Common sense people – stop with the love craze. Love is a drug (scientifically proven) and you guys must wien? yourselves off.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
LDE Long/or Gholston/ Edwards
DT G.Warren/Joseph
NT Draft Pick (acq. via trade for burgess)/Sands
RDE Kelly/Richardson
WLB Howard
MLB Morrison
SLB Thomas/FA
CB Nnamdi
CB Hall
FS Huff
SS Wilson
Looks better than this:
QB Russell
RB DMC/Fargas/Bush
FB Griffith/O’Neal
WR Walker/Carter/Curry/Higgins
on paper.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Bros …when your running game if 1slot out the Top 5 in the league then you ARE elite and dominant!!
March 29th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
That defensive lineup is a prize.
I would rather trade my first pick get CJ or Roy Williams to help our offense.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Love is a drug … Too funny.
But let’s say that C. Long and Dorsey are both gone by the time we pick. Are you saying that we pick Ellis over McFadden?
An argument can be made for that, but if we can get a solid DT in the 3rd rd, as suggested, I don’t see the problem.
A backfield of McFadden and Bush is not something to be upset about. Fargas would be #3, and Rhodes/Jordan woiuld be gone.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Pop quiz for fun
You have the following options at #4
1. Pick DMC (offense)
2. Pick Gholston (DE)
3. Pick Ellis (DT)
4. Trade Down and get more picks.
What do you do?
March 29th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
The next big story in the raider news cycle will be “Kiffin speaks, says nothing.”
March 29th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
How many TD’s did our 6th ranked rushing attack get us? Not many and the ones we did score were not of the long variety.
We need to score points and we don’t have any playmakers.
A RB of McFadedn’s calibur is a huge need in my opinion.
Keep in mind a high scoring offense can help a defense out tremendously.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Let’s just say for some reason we don’t take DMC this year. Anyone have any ideas, say in next years draft, who may be a top talent in the RB position?
March 29th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Incensed, sorry to burst your little bubble but you forgot Adimchinobi Echemandu (Joe) and Reshard Lee is still on the roster..
March 29th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Wow, no one is up to the challenge. I said forget all this talk about Bush. If we stay put on offense, when the season starts Justin Fargas will be our starting running back, not Michael Bush.
Bush hasn’t played in over a year so he isn’t going to unseat Fargas that easily. So who wants to try and prove that Fargas is a better option at starting running back for us than D Mac. I’m still waiting.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Just because Rhodes renegotiated his contract doesn’t mean he can’t be traded. That’s good, he’ll be cheap for the team that takes him. No one knows what Bush can do, he is a big back, he might be fat not playing for 2 yrs. Jordan is gone and will be cut so don’t count on a trade since everyone knows it. 1,2 punch of DMac and Fargas, throwing in Bush hopefully. How do you game plan for that? This all spells out quality options for JRuss to get rid of the ball in what is basically his rookie season at QB since Al was too tight with the purse strings last yr; what is the deal this yr? If DMac is there he’s a Raider,if not a DT/DE…
March 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
if DM is soooo great-how come nobody in front of us will take him?
March 29th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
#352 , I would trade down to get a NT and DE. Or put up a trade for proven offense in CJ or Roy Williams.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
The reason is, when all said and done Chris Long is the only one I would pay top 5 money for.
Most likely he will go before we can get him.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Adrian Peterson went 7th…so why didn’t all the other teams grab him?
March 29th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
alot of you suggest DM will split the carries with either Fargas or Bush or all 3.you don’t waste a top 5 pick on a part-time player.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
cho-be: YES! pls. see post 68
March 29th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
DM is no AP.besides look at APs last 7 games.you guys will come up with any fabricated reason to take DM.your common sense has flown out the window.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
DM is no AP says Lucky 12.
OK case closed L12 is all knowing.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Why CLong? Just cuz his dad? At least the OSU kid has room to get better, Long may have reached his potential. No one make any trades cuz no one is worth the price (Calvin Johnson would have been the only one I’d traded for last yr). 1-3 won’t take him cuz they hav there RB’s. Fargas was injured at USC and has been injured in OAK, so what make anyone think he’ll be able to take a full season of beating that he will dish out? Teamed up with DMac, he should stay healthy and contribute all season.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
With Long and Dorsey almost certainly being off the board by #4, who should we pick?
March 29th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Also, we only got 1 good yr out of Fargas, who says he’d even last long enough to playout his contract and you’d pass up on a sure talent as DMac, some one who would only compliment JRuss…Your loyalty to players is crazy. It is a business as you see with these damn contracts. If it wasn’t these players would be eager to sign a decent deal and hit the field.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
PFT.com (Probably already mentioned but I don’t care.)
OAKLAND RAIDERS 2008 DRAFT NEEDS
Posted by Mike Florio on March 29, 2008, 1:19 p.m.
Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Oakland Raiders, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.
Left Tackle: With the second overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, the Raiders whiffed. Badly.
At a position where guys taken at the top of the first round tend to work out far more often than they don’t, Robert Gallery joins the ranks of Tony Mandarich and Mike Williams as busts at the position. The franchise has experimented with many players since then, with no lasting results. Building around franchise quarterback and 2007 No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell is a key for this offseason. And giving Russell confidence in his line will help him take the next step in developing as a passer.
The Raiders can hope that Michigan’s Jake Long lasts to the fourth spot, but it might be a stretch. The team is rumored to like Ryan Clady of Boise State, but he’s not a top-four pick. With that high second-round pick shipped to Atlanta for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, hoping for a guy like Clady or Gosder Cherilus to be there in round two no longer matters.
Here’s another possibility — the Raiders will dangle their 2009 first-rounder to a team drafting in the bottom of round one, in order to land a left tackle. If, as many league insiders believe, the Raiders’ recent efforts to improve won’t bear fruit, it could end up being a great investment for the team that coughs up the pick. And, yeah, we know that they’ve signed Kwame Harris. But if he were a high-end left tackle, he wouldn’t have been on the open market.
Wide receiver: Signing the talented (but weak-kneed) Javon Walker could bolster an anemic passing game. Or maybe it will just grease the skids toward salary-cap hell.
Walker is a dangerous receiver when healthy, but the knee with the torn ACL from 2005 flared up last year, raising real concerns about his long-term viability. Oakland is still relying on Ronald Curry to be a reliable receiver. While Curry has been solid, he is not a dynamic receiver and cannot be counted on to carry the team. Adding a solid No. 2 wideout would take pressure off Walker and allow Curry to exploit single coverage from the slot. The Raiders have shown a lot of interest in Limas Sweed of Texas, but No. 4 is way too high for him to go. Vanderbilt’s Earl Bennett has been a name linked to Oakland as well.
Defensive end: After Warren Sapp retired, the Raiders’ brass gave converted end Tommy Kelly (another ACL poster child) an enormous contract to play defensive tackle. In so doing, they created a vacancy opposite pass rusher Derrick Burgess. Kalimba Edwards recently signed, but if he was any good the Lions would have kept him. We suppose it’s possible that Kelly would move back to end, if the Raiders take a defensive tackle like Sedrick Ellis or Glenn Dorsey in round one.
Vernon Gholston is a name that will be hard to overlook if he’s still on the board at No. 4. The team has also been linked to Lawrence Jackson, Quentin Groves, and Calais Campbell.
Defensive tackle: This team is thin at defensive tackle, with Gerard Warren currently the most consistent of the bunch. William Joseph offers name recognition, but has done little in his NFL career. The Raiders are banking on Kelly becoming a great player, but the team still needs more help in the middle. The obvious picks are Dorsey and Ellis, as both would be immediate starters. The team also is thought to be fond of Red Bryant and Letroy Guinn.
Offensive guard: There are a host of characters here, but no leading man. Cooper Carlisle figures to start on the right side, with Robert Gallery returning on the left. Gallery actually performed well in 2007 and may have finally found a home at the position. Carlisle is a strong run blocker, but he has not been great in pass protection. The starting duo are backed up by versatile tweeners such as Paul McQuistan and Jonathan Palmer, who can play either inside or outside.
Outside linebacker: Thomas Howard is becoming one of the better linebackers in the AFC, improving greatly each season. Opposite Howard, the Raiders are relying on Robert Thomas and Sam Williams. Thomas is a former
first-round selection of the Rams, who has bounced around the league a bit in his seven NFL seasons. Williams is a good tackler and special-teams player, but he doesn’t bring any real excitement to the table. Ezra Butler of Nevada has had the eyes of the Raiders’ scouts on him this offseason, as has stud USC linebacker Keith Rivers. Rivers was a staff favorite at the Senior Bowl.
Strong safety: Michael Huff has been baptized by fire, with two up and down seasons at safety. There have been rumors of moving him to corner or trading him (but, as we’ve heard it, no one wants him). There is at this time no depth behind him. Adding a safety who can help on special teams and in coverage is a late-round need for Oakland. The team could look at players like Jonathan Hefney (Tennessee) or Jamie Silva (Boston College) in the sixth or seventh round.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Huff24
Thanks Raida Brotha for posting that D-Mac insider article yesterday
March 29th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
SportsNation NFL Mock Draft
(This is cool because the fans voted and a mock draft was created on the votes. I can’t post everything but I’ll post the Raiders.)
Matt Williamson says: “Howie’s son to Oakland with the fourth pick in the draft is a home run for the Raiders. He is an exceptional complement to Derrick Burgess, and this defensive line all of a sudden becomes fearsome. With this selection and the Raiders’ free-agent moves, they can now concentrate solely on the offensive side of the ball with their remaining selections. Of every player in this draft, Long is the one who is most unlikely to be a bust. The consistency and aggression he brings is exactly what the Raiders need.”
March 29th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
DoeDoe – No problem buddie.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I really wish there was a way we could get Chris Long. It just seems like his destiny and I would hate for someone else to ruin that. He really would complete this defense. Absolutely.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
If C.Long is all that then the Tuna will not pass on him at #1. Al will never draft an OL in the first round nor a kicker. Hopefully Seabass will only be kicking PAT, which he is not 100% at either… I’m not too worried about WR. If we can get some trade offers for our baggage then we can find WR talent in this draft to compliment what we got in FA as long as they are not from UTEP or Sam Houston, etc. Higgins, what was Al think???
March 29th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Higgins was probably a Kiffin favorite or of the WR coach who was fired and replaced by James Lofton. Higgins didn’t develop very well in his first year and that could have been due to coaching either making the selection or for not coaching him properly. If you want to be an optimist…Jerry Rice struggled in his first year as well so you just never know. Add Lofton to the coaching mix and I believe you will see an improvement.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Another thing I noticed about the WR’s was that Curry had alot of dropped passes last year so I see that as another sign of bad coaching. Granted, its important for the player to ready himself but having a coach to light a fire under you only helps.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
What up fellas?
I agree Huff, JLH still has plenty of teeth to cut.
By the way, who is this McFadden character?? Is he a WR or a QB?? Sounds pretty good, but I thought we needed help on the DLine.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Well, regarding 369 + 370 there is a way you can get Chris Long absolutely. Make Parcells an offer he can’t refuse. A combination of the #4, Washington and or Walter, to me, for the #1, would be a pretty good offer. That’s basically another first rounder, who has performed decently, or a solid QB prospect, to move down three slots. Or both.
Now, say Tuna is not going to trade with the Raiders for whatever reason. And C. Long and Gholston are off the board. First off, you cannot whiff on this pick. Screw this up, and it will set your franchise back five years. So this is huge. You cannot pick BPA. Guys here are saying that, but that’s what a SanDiego or a New England can do. Teams that ALREADY are strong teams. Teams that have tons of needs, like us, have to fill needs.
All that being said, you take Sedrick Ellis. Sedrick Ellis is going to be a probowl tackle for a while. You could play him as the under, and Kelly as the NT. If he gets good push up the gut, which he will, it will make Burgess and Edwards better. + then if Sands or Warren come on, you can move Kelly outside, and have a large strong Dline.
Lastly, posters here are saying draft McFadden and grab a DT later in the 4th or 6th round. Well, let me ask you guys: name a playoff calibre team, that has a bunch of scrubs playing on the Defensive line????? I can’t think of one!!!!! Kansas Shitty has a 3rd, 4th and 7th rounders starting on their line. We have 3rd, 5th and Undrafted. Let’s look at the combined records over the last few years. Maybe that’s telling ya something.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Thats thinking Oakglenn. I wonder about Kelly’s position in the coming season. He’s very versatile. Is he really sched to play undertackle (DT)? or are we just assuming this based on Sapp’s words and what the media writes?
March 29th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Just under 30days to end all the commotion…
March 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
We resigned DT Shaw and if we make trade off some guys for 2/3/4 round slots we can pick up some help on Def/WR. I don’t know if you saw the same team I saw with the #6 rush off was still 3 and out frequently which hurt the def. Our off stunk and that has to be a major priority here. Al has addressed the def with FA. With shut down corners/safeties we can clog up the line of scrimage with what we got and any jems we find in later rounds. Not all these pro bowl DT’s were 1st round picks.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Terrapin I think they are going to put Kelly on the nose. Again, a billion things could happen between now and July. They could trade with Tuna. They could trade Fab or Walter for a 2nd or 3rd rounder, they could draft Ellis or Dorsey, someone could get cut loose from another team, who knows what’s gonna happen. But I think right now, Kelly would play the nose with Sands as his BU.
March 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Turtle: Regardless of our QB situation last year, Fargas is never going to be a home run hitter nor will Bush. Neither backs are known to break long runs.
My whole point about taking DMac over Ellis/Dorsey is the mere fact rookie DT’s, especially 6′ 300 lb rookies, normally don’t fare well their rookie years.
As for Gholston, he’s not good against the run so why add another DE that’s not good against the run?
If you say C Long, then I’m all for it. If no C Long, then it’s DMac or what I prefer, to trade down.
You say we can find a back later, but the only back that I would want later would be Justin Forsett as a 3rd down back. Slaton, Charles, & Johnson are built like Selvin Young and won’t last in the NFL.
You take the best available player, you don’t draft for need. When you draft for need you pull a Big Rob or DeWayne Robertson. Get my drift?
March 29th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Another thing to consider, anyone can answer this:
Do you want a very explosive offense and above average D or top 5 D with an OK offense?
March 29th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Thank GOD!!!!! Hes not even a good returner he fast thats all. He catches the ball and runs full speed straight ahead into traffic, doesnt even make a juke or anything. And their are plenty of return guys out there!
March 29th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
DSM Raider I would prefer Top 5 d and ok Offense. We all remember what happened is our last SB. We lost even though we had the #1 Offense Vs the #1 Defense. Still I think head coach situation help in our loss.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
As long as the return man gets it past the 20 who cares. Rarely are they returned for TD’s and if we need that to win then they are not very good. Hester returns for TD’s and BIG yards, so how many games were won by the Bears’ ok offense?
March 29th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
So MBush can’t break long runs huh? Check the stats brother:
Rushing
Year GP-GS Rush Yds TD Avg. Long
2003 13-4 81 503 6 6.2 81
2004 12-3 132 734 7 5.6 31
2005 10-8 205 1,143 23 5.6 73
Totals 35-15 418 2,386 36 5.7 81
Man if 81yds aint’ breakin a long one I dont know what a long could be… at least you give preference to C.Long …I just think your second on the list is out of order.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I want both. No reason we can’t perform at a high level on both sides of the ball, even without McFadden.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
An attempt to clear up the giberish:
Micheal Bush stats:
2003 >> 13GP/4GS, 81rushes, 503yds, 6TDs, 6.2avg, 81 LONG!
2004 >> 12GP/3GS, 132 rushes, 734yds, 7TDs, 5.6avg, 31 LONG!
2005 >> 10GP/8GS, 205 rushes, 1,143yds, 23TDs, 5.6avg, 73 LONG!
He sure did look like a bad muthaf’r to me …let see if he’s still got it.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Stop inventing ways to justify the pick. Divorse the hype, divorse your love for McFadden
March 29th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I just don’t get it.
Use the #4 on a RB that’s not the fastest, biggest, quickest, strongest, or has the best moves and has a serious issue with fumbles. All of this for a position that is currently covered.
hhmmmmmmm
March 29th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Let me say this loud a clear: Scoring 23 TOUCH DOWNS IN 1 SEASON IS CRAZY MAN!!!! SHITE ..F*N RIDICULOUS!!!!
And he wanted to score over 30!!! the season he broke his leg …scoring like 3TDs already in the 1ST FREAKIN’ GAME OF THE YEAR!!!
You want TouchDowns …just look at Michael Bush baby …screw McFadden!
March 29th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Hello peeps,..this just in,..from the island…Al will in fact trade the 4th pick and maybe the 2nd next year and whatever else to the Tuna for the top pick,..Al will not let anything stand in his way to draft Chris Long,…he will be a Raider,..my earlier posts were that the Raiders will be drafting Ellis,..that has changed…Chris Long will be a Raider,..period.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Huh oh, he’s going CAPS on you guys!!
March 29th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
“Terrapin Says:
March 29th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
…screw McFadden!”
My good buddy Dakota might have something to say about that Terrapin! That’s his man!
Muahahahahahaha
March 29th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Carr is a good player We should try to keep him if he’s not too expensive and if he still wants to play in Oakland. A ” fresh start” won’t necessarily make him a better cornerback, and the Raiders look to be improved this year.
There’s not a lot of talk about getting an O-Lineman in the draft and that was supposed to be one of our greatest needs. Maybe Jake Long really is the pick here. A stud LT would be invaluable.
I heard that a lot of scouts consider Rashard Mendenhall to be a better prospect than McFadden. Some people don’t really think McFadden would be that great in the Pro’s. I have no idea, but maybe Mendenhall will be our pick if we stay at #4. I know that sounds like a longshot, but Al likes to do things his way.
March 29th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
someone was asking me about the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy last night, was it you M?
The Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy began after twelve editorial cartoons, most of which depicted the Islamic prophet Muhammad, were published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten on 30 September 2005. The newspaper announced that this publication was an attempt to contribute to the debate regarding criticism of Islam and self-censorship.
Danish Muslim organizations, who objected to the depictions, responded by holding public protests attempting to raise awareness of Jyllands-Posten’s publication. The controversy deepened when further examples of the cartoons were reprinted in newspapers in more than fifty other countries.
This led to protests across the Muslim world, some of which escalated into violence with police firing on the crowds (resulting in more than 100 deaths, altogether),[1] including setting fire to the Danish Embassies in Syria, Lebanon and Iran, storming European buildings, and desecrating the Danish, Norwegian and German flags in Gaza City. While a number of Muslim leaders called for protesters to remain peaceful, other Muslim leaders across the globe, including Mahmoud al-Zahar of Hamas, issued death threats.[2][3] Various groups, primarily in the Western world, responded by endorsing the Danish policies, including “Buy Danish” campaigns and other displays of support. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen described the controversy as Denmark’s worst international crisis since World War II.[4]
Some critics of the cartoons described them as Islamophobic or racist,[5] and argued that they are blasphemous to people of the Muslim faith, are intended to humiliate a Danish minority, or are a manifestation of ignorance about the history of Western imperialism. The imperialism referred to dates from colonialism to the current conflicts in the Middle East.[6]
I just thought you all might want to know about the country where I live. Hay you might actually learn something!
March 29th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Terrapin
An elite, dominant running game looks like this…
Minnesota:
2634 yards–league rank (1st)
5.3 YPA (1st)
19 TD´s (1st)
Jacksonville:
2391 yards (2nd)
4.6 YPA (3rd)
17 TD´s (3rd)
A good running game looks like this:
Oakland:
2086 yards (6th)
4.1 YPA (league average)
8 TD´s (25th)
Took out rushing TD´s by non-RB´s for all teams.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Fake LMN…
how pathetic can you be? are you really researcing things in DK, so you can convince people here that you are me?
your grammar and English is far to good to be the Real LMN, why do you do this, have i some how belitled you, and you now think you achieve something with this herassments?
loser….
Terrapin, dont reply, its not the real LMN, I’ll be back tomorrow.. that goes to the rest of you as well, please dont respond…
March 29th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
JUST WARRIORS BABY!!!
March 29th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Raiders were 6th in the NFL in rushing.\
Last in total defense and who knows how far down in points allowed.
So let’s go out and draft a RB.
Sounds smart to me.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Also we were sixth in total yardage while perfecting a new blocking system.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
25th in rushing TD’s…..
Yards just don’t mean as much as points. You win by scoring points not gaining yards.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Minny: 1. Elite line 2. Elite RB 3. Piss poor QB
JJ: 1. Elite line 2. Damn good RBs 3. One of the best QBs
Oak: 1. Good run-blocking line 2. Good RBs 3. Piss poor 07QB to boot
So we didn’t even had as much going for us as those 2 teams yet they still produced that much on the ground. In `08 here’s comes JRussell and MBush (+Harris). Who knows how its gonna shape up, but its lookin’ good. Better QB, improved RB corp.
(And for the record, a 4.1avg is not really a league average …thats good enough to be tied 11th in the league along w/ SF, NE, and GB) …the thing about the Raiders though is teams came in playing run all day …completely stacked the line and they still produced. This run game is better than good.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Two simple requests, regardless of whom we draft…
1. Have a winning division record.
2. Beat the Chargers at least once this fall.
If we can get at least 4 wins in the division, then reaching 7-9 or 8-8 is a very good possibility.
GO UCLA!!! Final Four member!!!
March 29th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
8 rushing TD’s is good? I am glad you aren’t in the scouting department.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Raiders’ defense was 27th in points per game,
22nd in yards per game,
31st in rushing yards per game,
8th in passing yards per game,
12th in INTs
27th in Forced Fumbles
28th in Sacks
The best part of the D was the pass defense and they signed a S and a CB.
If they draft McFadden they will be ignoring the most glaring needs on the team.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
If Long and Dorsey are gone, which is an almost certainty. Who do all you DMAC haters suggest we draft at #4?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Terrapin-
I think we’re definately on the don’t draft McFadden bandwagon.
I still think M. Bush is a better version of LT.
He’ll wear down defenses even if he’s not 100% of what he used to be. Being an allumni of a Big East school, I saw plenty of M. Bush. He like Ray Rice gets stronger as the game goes on.
I think with him in the lineup by the end of the game he’ll be ripping off longer and longer runs.
This is just my gut feeling…I don’t think McFadden will live up to all the hype. He’s overrated.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Terp
Our 4.1 per carry is average, the league average, look it up.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
“La Milicia Negra Says:
March 29th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Fake LMN…
how pathetic can you be? are you really researcing things in DK, so you can convince people here that you are me?
your grammar and English is far to good to be the Real LMN, why do you do this, have i some how belitled you, and you now think you achieve something with this herassments?
loser….
Terrapin, dont reply, its not the real LMN, I’ll be back tomorrow.. that goes to the rest of you as well, please dont respond…”
Fake LMN -
Please stop now. Don’t respond to this troll guys, it’s not me. Enough already. Get a life loser.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Now that I was looking into some numbers, the turnover differential was a real killer too, we were 28th with a minus 11…..20 int´s and 17 lost fumbles, hopefuly we improve there as well.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
okay fake LMN what is next to your p on hyour keyboeard?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Fake LMN…
how many castles have your been standing guard at, for our queen?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
enough already fake LMN, please leave me alone.
So guys I’m pleased to see Carr go. He just not a smart player. He doesn’t have the football smarts. He relys on his heart and thats it. No football smarts what so ever.
Thnaks and good luck Fast Carr!
March 29th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Fake LMN…
which queen did you prefer standing guard for an howcome?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I’m waiting for an answer fake LMN
March 29th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I am leaving now. Just know from now on it is fake LMN posting. I will be back around noon your tiem on Sunday. All posts from me until then are the FAKE LMN! Loser.
See guys tomorrow.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
My God, what a loser you are! all you got, is my privous posts, but wince you researched my posts, you must come accross how many times I was right! I gueas that was a tough one to swallow…
March 29th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
fake LMN^^^^^^^^
March 29th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
so you cant take your own medicine, huh?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Fake LMN, which is your favorite soccer player?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I’m sorry the fact that I am always right upset you fake LMN, whats wrong cant walk the walk?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
You guy’s how ’bout we see what MB has B4 we say what kind of running game we have, in other words to assume what our running game is, would be very premature. No one has seen him run behind this line except the coaches.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I know longer wish to gve this troll my attntion. Get a life troll and be your own man. In the maentime see if you can figure out how many castles have you been standing guard at, for the queen?
March 29th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Sorry guys! I’ll leave again, but you gotta have very low selfesteem if you take the nick of from a guy like me…Couldn’t help myself…
Dont reply to anything LMN says, if its the real or fake…
March 29th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
“La Milicia Negra Says:
March 29th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Sorry guys! I’ll leave again, but you gotta have very low selfesteem if you take the nick of from a guy like me…Couldn’t help myself…
Dont reply to anything LMN says, if its the real or fake…”
This fake LMN is just trying to make it so you guys don’t respond to me. This is getting ridiculous.
March 29th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
so you cant answer? loser, if you were me you would…
March 29th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
yes I would
March 29th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
if I were me
March 29th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
then answer! was it helsingør slot? where the famous Hamlet stories took place or what? I bet your wiki is red hot right now…why not paste something from wiki about muhammed… LOL I soooo hope people here can see through your pathetic schemes…
March 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I’ll leave so you guys can talk football, I come by tomorrow and read what you’ve written… hope its good since i have hard times joining the talks these days..
March 29th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Turtle: One thing to remember when you are talking about Michael Bush is he runs a 4.5 or slower 40.
In the NFL his speed won’t correlate to home runs like they do in college.
In ‘03, Louisville wasn’t in the Big East, the 81 yard TD was against Houston in conference USA when the final score was 66-45. Go figure, no D. His other long one that year, 32 yards.
‘04 31 for a long TD isn’t a home run
‘05 73 went against Florida Atlantic in a score of 61-10 and two over 30 with the next lowest 24.
The point to make here is even if Bush is at full health, we aren’t looking at a home run hitter.
Turtle, take a look at the real stats and you’ll see he’s a very good big back, but he’s not going to bust many in the NFL. I love Bush for the potential of TD’s within the red zone.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
DSM – So I guess YOU KNOW McFadden is going to light it up in the NFL. You don’t. You don’t know what Bush will do either. I sure as hell don’t, but I’ll wait to see before professing my love for McFadden. Don’t speak so matter of factly about college players transition to the pros.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Liar! Having fun talking to yourself?
Fake LMN Alert!
March 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Turtle- My whole point is don’t put out stats that aren’t telling the truth.
Bush isn’t a home run hitter even if he’s fully healthy.
I don’t know DMac won’t light it up, however my doubt about DMac is considerably less than that of a RB who hasn’t played in TWO years!!!
March 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Whats up fellow fans?
March 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Terrapin, I believe Mcfadden will have greater success than Justin Fargas in our zone blocking scheme. Bush is not our starting running back. Fargas is. Mcfadden is definitely an upgrade at the running back position over the status quo which is Justin Fargas. Stop talking about Bush as if he is the starting running back. He isn’t. We don’t even know that he would beat out Fargas for the starting running back position. Period.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I agree DSM but Bush deserves a shot for battling back from the injury
March 29th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Another thing that M. Bush will help with is turnovers. He is great at holding onto the ball.
DSM-
Which would you rather have
1. A home run hitter who scores fast and a def who will give it right back because they didn’t have enough time to recover from the previous drive
or
2. A slower ball control back who rips off big chunks but still allows time for our def to get some rest.
plus McFadden fumbles alot…how often will he kill a drive for us?
March 29th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I think Bush could be a starter but i agree he wont be a home run hitter.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
If you want to use his college stats to quantify your rationalization for Bush’s home run ability, when the one long run for 81 yards comes againt a piss poor Houston D and the other long one, 73 comes against another piss poor D.
I want Bush to do well, but I desperately want a kick ass two headed monster with Bush & DMac.
We don’t need a kick ass WR corps, just WR’s who can get separation unlike Porter.
Thunder & Lightning is what I would love to see.
You say it’s part time duty and too high a pick for a #1, but I see FEAR from the opposing D coordinator.
I see both Bush & DMac lining up in the same backfield with DMac going in motion and giving Bush a soft gut to get 5 yards.
I see DMac allowing Russell to play action to Walker/Carter/Curry for huge gains.
I see a dominant offense that can score at will and with our back 7 on D, stop the ball more often than not.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
McFadden runs fast and that’s it. MB does it all, I saw Walter Payton break off lng runs because of the down field blcking. Marcus Allen also ran 4.5 40 and I saw him make lots of long run because of his tackle breaking and moves.
Speed is great but it’s not how you gage a great runner all scouts know that. How ’bout blitz pickup ability to dominate in short/ydg/goaline there are lts of other factors besides speed.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Thank God for Comcast NBA League Pass. At halftime in the Warriors-Nuggets tilt. Reniscent of an ABA playoff game. The refs are liberalizing contact in this all important matchup.
Living in the (425) (used to be 206) I was a one time Sonics fan. Well, since the past two ownership groups seemingly have done everything possible to scuttle this once proud franchise I have become a players fan. hate the game, not the player, as I’ve heard say.
Anyway, now I have converted to a Warriors fan. In addition I have began to root for the Utah Jazz (Deron Williams, Andrei Kirelenko’s all-around game, Carlos Boozer’s offensive genius) and The Portland (Jail) Blazers (Brandon Roy is the nephew of a co-worker of mine. For that matter I know the father of Tim Lincecomb, Giants phenom. Have been a Giants fan as long as being a Raider fan; since 1967. Dates me a bit, eh?). Pretty much anti-Seattle. had to laugh @ the Steelers fan getting the “special topping” @ a Centrelia burger restaurant, though. What do ‘ya expect? The rain erodes all cognitive thinking up here.
Anyway, since the Sonics are earmarked for Oklahoma City I’m floating a few possible name changes. How ’bout the Oklahoma City Bombers? Or perhaps the Implosions (the state of the franchise they are soon to inherit)? Or perhaps the Blast? Their colors could be prison orange and napalm yellow. Their mascot an FBI (undercover) agent. Just a (misguided) thought.
Anyway, with the quality of defense displayed in the thin air in Denver this game could go over 300 points. Good sign for the Warriors, though. Although seemingly outplayed thus far they have endeavored to keep things close. Their three point game is starting to warm up. Tempers will probably follow suit. Awaiting the accompanying fight. Funny thing, though. I get to watch alot of NBA and it seems these two teams command the least amount of respect from the refs. Something’s gotta give, though. Scott Hastings has to be the bigggest homer color commentator in the league. Chastized Capt. Jack for hoisting a three-pointer over Marcus Camby early on. Eh, that’s a big part of his game, isn’t it?
Show that heart, Warriors!
Late
antispy3 (will return to football @ a later date. Unless the Warriors make a similar playoff impact to last year)
March 29th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
All the McFadden freaks talk about is his homerun ability because that’s all he has.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
People forget the two headed monster of LenDale White & Reggie Bush was big time on the college stage. The system used and coached by, zone with Kiffin assistant OC.
Why doesn’t anyone want this type of backfield in the NFL?
Seriously, I’m not sayig DMac is Reggie Bush nor is Michael Bush LenDale White.
However, DMac has Bush’s speed and both can line up as a WR. Michael Bush is definitely the better of the two when comparing him vs White.
Get used to this comparison because once we draft DMac all the sports outlets will talk about this.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
BHP: Now that you are back online, you’re a moron for seriously thinking Gholston is great against the run.
Look at Foxsports description saying he has the tools to BECOME good against the run, but has problems shedding tackles. Foxsports isn’t the only site saying this.
If you are going to talk smack, make sure you are correct in your analysis, MORON.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
#437: In regards to DMC’s fumbles. We’ve covered the fact that many of them came while he was lined up as QB in the Big set formation. (can’t remember what they called it) Don’t see that he really has any real fumble problems.
Also in regards to those that say pick up D lineman with the 4th and get a RB later. I think the reason that you take a RB with the 4th overall is because he is a speciman! Obviously it is not a position of need so why take one with a later pick. Others have outlined what we can do with those later picks. I think with the 4th pick you take the best athlete available. But of course that’s just my opinion and I don’t get paid for my opinion.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
BHP: Oh wait, I guess you only have half a brain right?
March 29th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Look I studied the kid for myself I don’t use websites and other scouts reports, the kid has what it takes to be an every down DE IMO you don’t have to agree but he plays with good leverage and is decent at the point and he’s very competitive. Playing the run is leverage power and desire. He has all those IMO.
You don’t agree fine but no one would draft a 3rd down edge rusher that high unless you’re stupid. OK pumpkin
March 29th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
He needs to get better at better at stack and shed but that will come with coaching, the question is does he have the desire to be good at it.
DSM I could find scouts that knock DMC and so could you why don’t you post those?
March 29th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Oh yeah and that Foxsports guy …I distintly remember him writing some of the dumbest stuff ever read …so I wouldn’t hang my hat on what he writes. Be easy man …whats up with the hate
March 29th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
BHP: It’s about POTENTIAL with Gholston. He hasn’t shown the ability to shed blockers in college and will have to be taught that in the NFL by Millard (who should be fired).
The reason everyone is considering him so high are his WORKOUT numbers and 10 sacks against the Big Ten.
We don’t need another DE who isn’t PROVEN to be good against the run.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Thats like quoting Peter King ..everyone knows he’s a moron. Or at the very least doesn’t do all his research all the time.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
You like DMC I don’t, it’s a matter of opinion, he’s too skinny to carry the ball at that level 25 times a game and I don’t agree with paying a 3rd down back 20 mill gauranteed but maybe you do. I think it’s stupid.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
RB may not seem like a position of need right now, but things can get complicated in a hurry, not to knock our guys, but the reality of our backfield is this:
RB (1): 28 yr. old vet, going into his 6th season, career numbers of 2025 yards and 6 TD´s, has been injury prone since college.
RB (2): 29 yr. old vet, going into his 7th season, career numbers of 2576 yrds and 20 TD´s, one strike away from a 1 year suspension.
RB (3): Talented 24 yr. old who has not played football the past 2 seasons.
If all 3 remain healthy and able to contribute on the field, great. But you guys have to admit that´s a big if.
The blocking scheme helps a lot, but skills are needed to get the most out of it.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I would not give up on Justin Fargas He Has not had that much of a O-line in the passed few years. With the O-line we have had any running would have trouble getting out of the back feild. Fargas could be a great running back he had over one thousand yards and didn’t start in five games or more in 2007. Fargas missed being the top by 456Yrds on 93 less carry’s. With a 4.5 yrd Avg compared to the 4.7 Avg by LT. Fargas’s 48yrd long to LT 49yrd long. If Fargas had the same number of att. that LT had with his avg. he would have been at lest second in rushing yards.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
He was already considered in the top ten B4 the combine s I’m sorry but I’ll have to disagree again. Also DMC is ALL potential with his skinny legs.
But somehow you DMC freaks assume the NFL will just let him run wild and it aint going happen
March 29th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
And we don’t need another skinny runner who isn’t PROVEN in the NFL.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
BHP: What you aren’t understanding is my point with DMac.
OK, I agree DMac in a man blocking scheme has a very high chance for a bust unless it’s an already kick ass line.
I also agree we don’t necessarily need a RB with our 1st pick and would love to draft a DE like Chris Long, but know he won’t be available.
However, if we have to choose between Gholston, Dorsey, or Ellis, my choice is DMac.
Why, because with his speed and cut back ability he will shine in the zone unlike a regular back like Fargas. When Fargas gets a big crease and only gets 15, think DMac getting 50 +.
Dorsey or Ellis aren’t going to provide any more solid play than Turdell Sands will this year and neither will replace Kelly or Warren full-time.
We need players on this team and it’s not about this year. It’s about filling the team out completely.
In ‘09 we aren’t going to get an opportunity to draft a player like DMac.
Consider this the last year we will be drafting so low for years.
Take DMac while we have the opportunity.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
BOB there als other HB’s in this draft that I like better than that boney HB you guy’s pinning over. Great ones at that 225 lbs, 235 lbs, and 200 lbers with great speed and moves we don’t have to have DMC we could draft another back that just might be better.
But you DMC freaks are all blind to that fact.
Evrybody else looks at all possibilities except the DMC freaks.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
BHP: With some of your comments, I assume you are in your fourties. If you are at least in your thirties you’ll remember Robert Smith of Ohio State who played for the Viqueens?
Didn’t they say he ran too-upright, had legs like a WR, etc.?
Do you remember how he did in Minnesota?
I believe he was pretty sweet.
DMac knows how to run the ball, he knows how to use his speed to separate from everyone, and he can catch the ball.
He may have skinny legs, but as long as those skinny legs get us several TD’s you’ll be quite happy.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Hey BHP….one question
If McFadden, in your opinion, was all that….would you have a problem with him being the pick or do you just feel we should not take a RB there?.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I agree with Marley, we do have some IF’s at RB, and I do agree with drafting DMC. All I’m saying is we should use the #4 to get him and use the other picks to draft areas of need.
I am VERY excited for the draft just to see what might happen. Actually having a party to celebrate. I don’t see how we can loose. We have a good core going into the year and the draft can only help. I agree with the win now philosophy but why not win now and setup for the future. (IE draft D vs RB who can help in the 1st year.)
Curious to see if there’s any substance to the CJ trade rumors. That would be awesome! I think it would be smart trading some of next years picks considering this is a deep class talent wise and the fact that we won’t be drafting in the top 10 next year.
Go RAIDERS>
March 29th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I understand your point infact I overstand your point.
I don’t like that kid as a #4 overall……….period
Justin Fargas as a full time starter would get 1500 yards, but based on yur assessment as if you can see into the future he wont last. Well neither will that boney HB you love.
Plus the fact that I happen to be a huge fan of big physical HB’s like MB.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I’m still curious about Fabian Washington’s fate. I wonder what we can get for him. I know the Browns are looking for a corner.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Does anyone in here believe Matt Leinart’s extraordinary numbers at USC were because of his great skills and WR’s?
Leinart was great because he had relatively no pressure, USC utilized the zone blocking scheme, had two very capable backs, solid FB, TE, and WR’s who were able to get free because the D was SCARED of Reggie.
DMac can strike FEAR purely with his speed. When the Saints properly utilized Reggie, their offense was awesome. When they forced him to be the primary ball carrier they sucked.
If we do draft DMac then you’ll know Kiffin has his USC style offense in set with Russell, DMac/Bush, Griffith/O’Neal, Miller, the zone line, and Walker/Carter/Curry.
Wow, I can see a lot of firepower.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
BOB if DMC were a great back and I mean a dominant back I would draft him in a heart beat.
But IMO he is just an overhyped speed back. I’ll tell you someting else in terms of an evey down back I would take Fargas over him simply because he’s proven and runs extremely hard. DMC is all flash and fast, I don’t believe that he would holdup to the pounding yu take at that position. He’s tooo damn easy to bring down. That’s why his little highlight reel you NEVER see him take on defenders and win. He’s just running against the wind.
Baby that is not the NFL……I’m sorry they will hand that kid his hat and coat and send him packing.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
BHP: What you aren’t seeing is I’m also a fan of the big bruising back. However, you combine a big bruising back like Bush with a fast back with hands like DMac, then you have a big time rushing offense.
In the 4th quarter O’Neal can be whalloping the D with Bush getting most of the carries. DMac comes in and breaks the camels back with a 60 yard TD.
I want the #1 rushing attack in not only yards, but avg yards per carry and TD’s as well.
This type of rushing attack will provide Russell with all the time necessary to make his throws.
DMac can provide Russell a cushion like Big Ben had with the Steelers.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
yeah yeah yeah DMC willscare defenses all over the league he’s soo great and talented no one will be able to catch him and we’ll win a SB next year because of this skinny kid, and no one else is capable of that JUST DMC……………what a freakin’ joke!
March 29th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Fargas only started 7 game by the NFL.com stats if he had started all the games he would have been the top two. With an Offense line he could have been number one. Fargas also had 23 rec. for 188yrds with an 8.2 yrd avg. Fargas will be even better with the passing game as an alternet option. Every body know we where going to run last year but this year we could also pass for that frist down and on third and long the run is hard to get.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
BOB t more accurately answer your question if MB is what I think he is and what the Raiders think he is we just don’t need another featur back because we have a great one. Unless of course we’re talking Bo Jackson.
and that skinny kid aint even a Bo Jackson dream.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
BHP: If Hester hand DMac’s hands then he would be a Pro Bowl receiver right now even if he dropped it half the time he touches it.
The SEC speed is faster than any other conference. It’s the closest thing you can get to NFL speed if not the being the same. Doubt me? I can’t count how many times I’ve heard NFL players from the SEC say the speed wasn’t a big deal when transitioning.
You give DMac a few yards of space and he’ll make you pay for it. He can find the open spots in the field and use his speed.
Robert Smith was a skinny kid too. I bet you thought he was going to suck too?
I like your analysis of Michal Bush. You combine DMac with a healthy Michael Bush and you have an extremely talented rushing attack.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Marley…
I know you didn’t ask me, but I would like to respond to your question.
I think McFadden is a good back. I think he could be a special player (or a bust).
I just don’t feel that is the fastest way to get better.
A pass rush and improved ability to stop the run will give this team 3 to 4 more victories right away. Getting off the field on 3rd down will also be a big help.
I just don’t think moving from 6th in rushing to 3rd in rushing ( which is only 5 yards per game higher) will automatically give us more wins.
Raiders were 6th in the league in Rushing.
31st in the NFL in Passing.
How would drafting a RB help improve these numbers?
March 29th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
BHP: Then who do we pick? The only player in the draft I feel is guaranteed of doing anything is Chris Long.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
DSM puhleeeese brotha stop with the what yu aren’t seeeinng. I see very well if we could get DMC with the 18th pick yeah I’m with it, but at #4 I’m not simple as that he’s just not that good.
And we already have a dominating rushing attack to compliment Russell. Our running game is the very least of my worries THAT”S WHAT I SEE!!!
To HELL WITH DMC at #4 IMO I don’t like himm.
You love him and his speed and I’m telling you that you can get speed very easy, but you don’t see that.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Giants were 4th in rushing, 21st in passing.
They have a ring because they had a Defense.
The Raiders are not far from matching those numbers as an offense WITHOUT McFadden.
However, they need D-LINE help in the worst way.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
K-Rock
No problem, good to hear from everyone.
To answer you post, IMO a pass rush and improved ability to stop the run won´t come from 1 single DL availabe with the 4th pick.
And I think you are looking at our running game in a very simplistic manner, here are our ranking in the 3 running categories
2086 yards (6th)
4.1 YPA (league average)
8 TD´s (25th)
As you can see, there is room improvement there and the added dimension of a weapon like McFadden can provide could be very valuable.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
DSM…
How do you know anyone in the draft is a guarantee?
How do you know McFadden is more of a guarantee then Gholsten, Dorsey, or Ellis?
Because the media said so?
March 29th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
When I think of great drafting teams throughout the years who have been successful for the most part all have one thing in common, they draft best player available, not NEED.
We aren’t on a one year fix, it’s a 3 year fix with Kiffin on board.
Kiffin will take the best available players and after 3 drafts everyone will see how great teams are made.
In ‘07 we took Russell as that was a no-brainer even with AP. We traded down for Miller in the 2nd as we knew he was a need but also the best available player.
DMac will be taken because he’ll be the best available player.
Next year the D draft is going to be even more loaded than it is this year. Offense is going to be suspect, but I’m sure there’ll be some juniors who make it enticing.
Take him while you can.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Trade down only if Long is gone and draft McFadden who will be available as far down as seventh pick.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Listen there are 2-3 players worthy of a top 5 pick. You may not agree but Sedrick Ellis will be a very good pro and maybe great, he could easily start for us next year and play very well. Dorsey I would love to have, C Long in our defense would be straight crazy. We have a unigue chance to biuld a dominant defense for a long time and I say we MUST DO IT.
If we do we will reach the SB in the next 2 years, and that my friend gets me hot and bothered not some skinny HB………….I want to win ……….period.
I hate when our defense is anything but good and I want it to be great……NOW
March 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
You’re right. One single player will not make the difference.
However, one really good player added to an already improved unit will make a difference.
Adding 6-8 sacks from the Defensive End opposite Burgess would cause huge disruptions in schemes against the Raiders.
Who would you double?
By the way. Last time Raiders ran a 3-4 they had A.G-B (name is too hard to spell)
Guys think we might be returning to a 3-4 with Dorsey in the middle?
March 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
K-Rock- Each year there’s one or two players the media says is a guarantee, however after watching a few of Chris Long’s games and the tenacity and solid technique he shows when tackling makes him seem like he’s the most developed player coming out and most technically sound therefore a guarantee.
As for the other players it’s more about potential.
DMac is clearly about potential, IMO his potential is going to be awesome if used properly.
Gholston is another player I like, but with the addition of Edwards and already having Burgess, Kelly, and Richardson he’s not upgrading the unit in terms of rush D. If we had someone other than Millard than I would be all for it.
Dorsey/Ellis- Neither will overtake Sands/Warren/Kelly on the depth chart this season
March 29th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
K-Rock…and all
Don´t get me wrong, there are a few if´s in my position:
If I was 100% certain that Bush is healthy and the real deal like BHP is, I would forget McFadden.
If I was 100% certain that Dorsey´s stress fracture will not become a nagging thing with all the wear and tear, I would probably be inclined to get him.
Also, my preference is for C. Long as I´ve said all along and between Gholston and McFadden it would be a toss up, I´d love to have either. I´m calling for McFadden over Jake Long or Sedrick Ellis only.
My whole argument about McFadden is because I think some folks are selling him short and overrating our RB´s a little. We could use him.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Even if the running game improves with out a passing game we will be one demention and unable to get to the end zone. We need to protect the QB long enuff to get the first down when we need it. The D-line can be good but our players need to step up and do what they get pay for. I seen Terdell Sands stand up and knock the ball out of the QB’s hand with out ever getting passed the line of scrimmage. He could be a great player if he just applys himself.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
What I really want? I would love a trade down for additonal picks and then drafting for need with that first pick.
However, if we have the chance to draft DMac and pass it up and he becomes awesome, are you really go to be happy we didn’t go that route?
March 29th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Why because you like him? Kiffin knows what he wants we don’t unless you’ve talked to him about this why do yuu believe you can read his and Big Al’s mind?
HYPE, HYPE, HYPE…….we’ll see in a very short time. what they really think
March 29th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Know matter who is in the back field with out a good line we will still have trouble getting yards. We need to focuse on the O-line. If we don’t drade up to get C. Long. We should look at J. Long as a LT for years to come. D-Mac would be good but not needed RB’s do not make a team and football is a team sport.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
So you’re saying that C Long, Ellis, and Dorsey are the 2-3 players worth taking with a top 5 pick in this draft?
Or did you mean to say 2-3 defensive players worth taking in the top 5.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
IF DMac were like AP in terms of running style would you still pass him up because of Fargs/Bush? Just curious.
When was the last time a DT was drafted top 5 and performed up to expectations his rookie year? Hasn’t happened since Sean Gilbert and Cortez Kennedy in the early ’90’s.
I’m looking for the playmakers whether they are on offense or D.
If we had a solid DE who could stop the run consistently, then I’d be all for Gholston who’ll be double digit sack man.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Dude I wish the kid the best hopfully he’s everthing you think he is. I couldn’t care less I want the defense to be everything I think it could be, I’m not the least worried about what DMC might turn out to be that’s his affair.
We have one of the most dominant HB’s we’ve ever had in MB and a damn good change of pace back. Man if MB is the real deal they can have DMC whatever he turns out to be.
You just don’t understand what we have achance to do because you’re seeing stars with this kids speed.
But I’ve seen great runners tons of them and they’ve never won SB’s unless they were on great teams.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I love it. So many different philosophies!
RB, DE, DT, or OL?
Everyone has a different dirrection. Fun for discussion, but sad when you think of how many holes the Raiders have to fill.
Too bad we don’t only have one weakness.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
NFL.COM said we could trade with NY and still at 7th… how bout that? Plus we could get another round cause of the trade…
March 29th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
ice assassin- Before you say the line needs significant upgrades, make sure to look back at Atlanta’s and Denver’s previous O lines and the type of lineman used in addition to whether the players were drafted or not.
Cable is going to put together a bunch of what we would call ragtags and turn them into a rock solid zone blocking line.
Seriously, look at Denver’s O line throughout the past 15 years.
The draft is going to be used for lower round line prospects and other areas of need.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
K-Rock– I believe e no longer have a weakness… those spots have been upgraded to average this year… we still dont have elite.. aside from our courners…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
BHP: Now you are really going over the ledge with your latest post:
“We have one of the most dominant HB’s we’ve ever had in MB and a damn good change of pace back”
I guess you probably thought Drew Henson had all the tools to be a successful QB after not playing for a few seasons either. “Ah, it’s just rust.”
Until Michael Bush plays a full season, don’t ever try to compare him to the most dominant backs we’ve ever had.
I hate saying this because I hope Michael Bush will be awesome, but if you check out some of his criticism about being a system back and comparing him to Lionel Gates & Eric Shelton might be a fair assumption.
It’s all about potential with Michael Bush. He hasn’t played in two years, and hasn’t practiced for a full season since 2005.
If we pass on DMac and Bush doesn’t turn out OK then it’ll be a stupid decision.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
DSM, I really appreciate your posts. I think you’re one of the people in here who get it. You ask what would you rather have an explosive O and average D or Top 5 D and average O. I’d take the top 5 D. With a top 5 D you should be IN EVERY GAME. That’s one thing about our defense last year is I think they were better than they looked statistically. JMHO.
You guys, Mike Bush is a game breaker no doubt. His first play his senior season went for over 40 yards and a TD. His First Play!!!! Believe me, in the NFL DB’s are NOT gonna want to take this guy on coming down the field with a head of steam. He goes like 240. He’s a big back with speed!!
Lastly, I don’t really want to compare our offense to last year. ALMOST ALL THE SKILL AND MARQUEE PLAYERS ARE GOING TO BE DIFFERENT!!!! Think about it, both QB’s, #1WR, LT, Starting RB (Jordan) are all going to be upgraded!!!! + as I’ve said here a billion times, we have a potential GREAT RB that hasn’t gotten off the exercise bike yet.
But I want you guys to tell me one playoff calibre team out there that throws scrubs out there on the dline and excels. Tell me one team. One.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
DSM Raider I truly hope the line is able to be as good as we all hope they can be with the young talent we have. I would truly hope for a DE that could allow Burgess to get back to his former play like he did when he first came to the Raiders. I am not saying are O-line is not good but our passing game has been lacking in the past 5 years. With only a running game we will have trouble going all the way.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
My whole point is drafting DMac isn’t about just this year, but 3 years from now as well.
IMO DMac will provide more impact to his position then Gholston, Ellis, or Dorsey will.
Next year say we go 8-8 or 9-7 and end up with a top 15 pick we can then draft a DT or DE to fill a need.
We know we aren’t going to trade down.
IF we trade down with Dallas for picks then I’d love to see DT Pat Sims and DE Lawrence Jackson drafted.
I want the highest quality player available and will take best player over need any day of the week.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Regardless of all our players, we are still a very young team and need a year of winning just to get us feeling good again.
Last year was nice just to be in games in the 4th. I’ve never been so embarassed in my life in ‘06 when the line would give up 3 sacks in a row or the QB would fumble, throw an int, or throw the ball 5 yards past the WR.
I know we need D, but we need O as well.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I know this sounds naive but I’m least worried about the O-line. This is one area on the team that we should have confidence in based on coaching alone. We are not Dallas and do not require hogs. Cable knows what he’s doing and if we don’t draft an OL it should make as all feel good about not doing so. In Cable we trust.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
“For all of owner Al Davis’ faults, he is willing to spend money to field a contender. The problem is the Raiders are nowhere near being one.
Again, one-year turnarounds are common in the NFL but while the jury is still out on head coach Lane Kiffin, the Raiders have no chance to contend for a Super Bowl crown, let alone win one until Davis actually decides to stick with a good head coach for more than two seasons.”
http://www.sthelenastar.com/articles/2008/03/27/columnists/sports/doc47ead205622b3624400555.txt
March 29th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
We could draft McFadden, just like the Bengals drafted Ki-Jana Carter #1 in 1995.
They passed on a DT named Warren Sapp who fell all the way to 12th.
We all know how that worked out.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
The 3 year plan is what’s going on here.
First year, purge and implement a system.
Second year, purge some more and compliment the system with the right players via the draft, FA, and trades.
Third year, purge any holdovers and plug holes in the draft and FA and/or trades.
In our first year we doubled our win total from the previous year.
In the second year we should double the win total as well.
In the 3rd year the makeover should be complete and the team should have the experience and depth to go far into the playoffs.
One-year turnaround, whatever. It’s about continued improvement.
If Kiffin builds a top notch offense and the D still underperforms then Al will have no choice but to fire Ryan.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
It’s going to be interesting to see what Kiffin has to say after the owner’s meetings. He was interviewed last year at this same time and became a media darling. He’s suffered some NFL experience as a member of the Raiders and the body language should be telling as to his future. He’s certainly not going to shed light on the happenings within Alameda but his demeanor should speak volumes. I hope he looks excited and involved. We really do need Kiffin to stick around. He made large strides last year in fielding a competitive team with little controversy.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
When the Raiders get one worth sticking with for more than 2 seasons I am sure Al will keep him around.
Stop posting hack columns by hack reporters with little real knowledge of the Raiders. These guys get their news from ESPN and then report it like its the gospel truth.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
If we double the win total from 4 to 8, then neither coach is going anywhere. Chances are we will win more games based on talent alone and the coaches will catch a breather as a result.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I bet some hack said that the Giants would never win the Super Bowl with Tom Coughlin as coach too.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
MM
At least he has hope for our Kings, that’s pretty sound logoc that things may turn around soon.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
K-Rock- Philly also took an athlete, DE Mike Mamula 7th instead of Sapp. That’s another draft where teams bypassed talent over need and failed with bad draft picks.
Carter was hurt and should’ve never been drafted into a bad offensive line. That was Cincinatti too who has one of the worst first round draft pick bust history’s in all of the NFL.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I am sure there is some hack out there that thinks the Patriots never cheated as well.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Mike Mamula had his career ended by injuries. That does not count. He only played 5 years.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
K-Rock…..501
Come one, that´s an easy game to play, we could also draft Ellis-Dorsey just like The Browns selected Gerard Warren at #3, while passing on Tomlinson who went 5th.
Neither case makes sense, every year and every player is different.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
News Flash…Even if Dorsey/Ellis were to be the next Sapp (in his prime), it’s still not going to put points on the board. Even when Tampa’s defense was great they still needed to score points. Our running game is good but it’s not putting points on the board. Sure, we do a great job in T.O.P but that’s useless when you can’t grab a lead prior to controlling the clock.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Come on, I meant.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Plus, Mamula didn’t have the stats in college that Dorsey, Ellis, or Gholsten.
He was a Combine star who was unknown in college.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Assassin- For the money invested in the D unless it’s top 5 or scores a lot because of int’s, even if we win 8 games I doubt it’ll make Al happy.
Al’s given Ryan several years to make his team. I could care less what scheme we use this year provided our D plays better and stops the run.
I’m sure Al understands Kiffin’s displeasure with Ryan and has given Ryan an extra year and more players to do his thing.
If Ryan still can’t cut the cheese, Al can’t lay the axe on Kiffin unless the O isn’t performing to a higher level either.
I believe Kiffin would be given one more year and a new DC.
That’s my opinion though and obviously I’m just an idiot on this blog who wishes he was GM.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
DSM
I know your not an idiot, your the reason I haven’t left the computer to watch a movie with my son, (he’s watching shoot em up)so I can read your takes or thoughts on the Raiders.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
K-Rock- How can you excuse Mike Mamula for injuries but call Carter a big time bust?
Carter injured his knee before he even played a down for the Bengals.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Before he played a regular season down for the Bengals.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I know it is an easy game to play. Just saying that passing on D-lineman for the homerun hitter doesn’t always work out.
I am sure many good players have been missed. My point was just because a good back is there, doesn’t mean you pass on a good D-lineman.
How many Super Bowls does Tomlinson have?
March 29th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Heading out, nice talking to you all, I´m sure things are gonna work out for the best come draft day. No point in going crazy about it, we shall find out soon enough.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
He still played 10 years.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
K-Rock…519
Not a one and hopefully that’s how it´s gonna stay!.
Later.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Yes, but the injury took away his speed, the most important thing for an NFL back.
Two tenths of a second can mean a huge difference to a back who is used to running faster.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
LOL. We’re all in that same boat (wishing to be GM’s). As to your point re: Ryan, I think Davis likes him and wants him to succeed. If we win 8 games it’s going to be hard for Kiffin to convince Davis that Ryan needs to go. Chances are we would win 8 games due to increased turnovers thus resulting in more points thus resulting in more wins. I think Davis would justify that as a combined effort and keep both coaches. Now, if we double our wins and it comes as a result of JR overachieving and guys like J.Walker and M.Bush turn out to be great surprises, then Kiffin will have his wish. The truth is, the DLine will be better with a stronger secondary, and the offense will be better with the same guy at QB. So in that scenario, Davis will take his 8 wins and increase expectations to the following year. In which case the coaching decisions will be made at that time.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Man, now I know how the Russell haters felt last year.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Hey, if McFadden is drafted, I hope he lights up the world.
I would be happy if he were as good as Kaufman.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
If we draft DMAC and he pulls a QB slide on a kick return then I will be the first to come in here and eat crow. My guess is he wouldn’t thus he and Carter can not be compared to each other. When Carter slid on that play it was obvious he wasn’t meant for the league.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Good news K-Rock, DMAC has more ability than Kaufman and will be able to give you that big play ability like Nap did, and then some. Kaufman was exciting because we knew he had the ability to score if he could just get passed the line of scrimmage. Take someone like DMAC; if he take a toss he will be an immediate threat as soon as the ball hits his hands. A couple of these plays early in the season would open up the entire offense for the rest of the season because teams would have to respect DMAC when he’s on the field. I compare DMAC to Reggie Bush. When Bush is on the field he is given a lot of attention regardless of where he’s lined up. I don’t think any DL in this draft presents that kind of threat.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Stepping out for a few mintues guys.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
In ‘07 I really wanted Russell and so many people on this blog wanted Brady Quinn or Calvin Johnson. Everyone constantly talked about how Russell was a big, fat, dumb, money man who would sit on his millions.
“Oh he can throw the ball 80 yards sitting on his butt.”
During the season these same haters were all mad at Kiffin for not playing him, meanwhile Kiffin knew when the TEAM would be ready for Russell.
Once he had a bad game everyone came out of the woodwork to call him a bad pick. Then he plays SD and has a great comeback game and everyone retreats and is back on the bandwagon.
Since ‘06 I’ve been on the DMac bandwagon and hope to see you all on the ‘wagon as well once we draft DMac.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I will reiterate one of my posts from yesterday. In the running game it is true that a zone blocking scheme does not require the utmost in “elite” talent. But, when it mattered most, in their first SB triumph, the LOT for the hated Donks was none other than Gary Zimmerman; the same guy that will be inducted in this year’s HOF class.
That is what the passing game requires. No amount of “scheming” or coaching will allow an inferior pass blocking LOT to match up against the best NFL speed rushers.
So when it comes to protecting the (in DRuss’ case, ample)QB’s backside there is no substitute for an “elite” talent. Or are y’all forgetting last year’s season finale against the ‘bolts? A third string OLB just runs around Sims (twice) and nearly decapitates our future? Can’t take that risk again.
Therefore an attempt to trade down may net the Raiders a shot @ a LOT (Ryan Clady played/thrived in the zone blocking scheme @ Boise State. Seemed to do well against Oklahoma his sophmore year, so I believe he will become “big Sunday game’ ready in a quick hurry) or Chris Williams of Vanderbilt, another guy well suited for the ZBS.Red Bryant of Texas A & M (whom the Raiders are allegdly high on), Frank Okam of Texas (if he buys into his own “hype” and somehow gets down to325) or up & comer Dre’ Moore of Maryland (like Kentwan balmer of North Carolina scares the scouts because his production was limited to his last as a collegian) could become the ‘5″ technique to compliment Tommie Kelly. By the way, he won’t be playing RDE @ all in 2008. Lets put that one to rest right here & now.
There are plenty of alternatives to DMac @ RB. However, my favorite, Matt Forte of Tulane has been skyrocketing up the pre-draft charts. Rumor has it (by NFL Network) has created such a stir that he may now go as high as late in the first round. has been compared to Joseph Addai from indy. Damn! Could all be the proverbial smokescreen mill @ work, though.
Y’all want other names? Jamaal Charles of Texs. However, I don’t consider RB to be a great “need” position; this year. Next year would serve as a more appropriate year to address an upgrade.
Keep an eye on Jason Jones, DE candidate from Eastern Michigan. Played DT in college and tests out of orbit. A year under his belt & look out. If selected by the Raiders the recent acquisitions could affort time to develop.
My fav WR, Jerome Simpson of Coastal Carolina jumped 41 ” @ his pro day. At 6′1 and in excess of 200 lbs and following sub 4.5 40’s @ the combine, complete with a reputation of fearlessness over the middle could really come in handy.
Remember; this is a relatively young team that is rebuilding. If they continue to develop, play together and with a high rate of intensity good things could happen. Breaking the bank on a #4 pick that doesn’t even tough the ball 20 times a game is not in their best interest. To answer their multitude of needs this year is. DRuss won’t realize his true potential for a couple of years. He probably will be up & down this year. But next year? If JLH and another young receiver (Simpson, Eddie Royal, Mark Bradford, Lavelle Hawkins or Marcus Monk) could be incorporated, well, I for one will be more confident.
That #4 pick could command three solid picks in return. That is what is needed. Not speed that cannot, @ present, be properly incorporated. Better to improve across the board and keep ‘em guessing instead of @ one place that can be easily prepared for. Just ask Adrian Peterson. But that’s just one man’s opinion.
late
antispy3, lamenting the fate of the Warriors game
March 29th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Nite all.
Just remember, this is all in fun and I’m my own GM in this blog. All my decisions IMO are best and I love to hear others debate why I’m a moron or there points are funny, etc.
IMO, we are two players away from a dominant offense and two players away from a dominant defense.
If we could land a stud WR and RB our offense would be set for years. If we could land a stud DT and DE, our D could be set for years.
IMO, next year is our draft for more D as it’s going to be plentiful. Next year’s draft for RB’s is slim pickings.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
given that C long is our first choice– he will be gone so….
initially i thought we should go after a DT, than Gholston, but i just spent the afternoon talking with a group of guys from florida who are hard core football fans- not sports fans in general but only football- Southern high school and college football- these guys know their stuff- and I couldnt believe it when they all basically said DMac is the best PLAYER not only running back, they have seen in a decade…. I mean they said SUPERSTAR… that hes still growing…and still getting faster…and the guy just lights up his teamates with his enthousism and charisma…that he has the same personality as brett favre….that he believes he is going all teh way on every play…I guess the reason why the blog is so polarized is that part of the country really does feel you cant miss with McFadden..while the rest of us have just seen clips….after hearing all of that…. now Im worried we are going to miss out on the next greaest thing…….DMac has the greatest upside as far as the next ten years is concerned, and although it doesnt make sense on a year to year basis- for the sake of teh franchise, we cant go wromg with either c long or Dmac
March 29th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I would pick Jake Long if he is available. After the quarterback, the left offensive tackle is the most important position on the field.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
they know who they want and it really doesn’t matter what we think. Our opinions are just for sake of arguement. But if you know how greatteams are biult you always 100% of the time go for defense first Oline not much later but if you feel your Oline is serviceable you must make sure your defense is championship calibre now if they feel it’s ready then I have n prblem with a HB.
But I don’t care who’s talking if they think DMC is better than AP I’m sorry I wholeheartedly disagree.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Also I’ve never mentioned this before but there is something about Mr. Davis that only those that are very close to him or who have worked for him in the personnel dept. know that makes me believe that it’s very slim that he really like DMC as much as the press keeps professing he does. DMC has the speed he covets but he has a fatal flaw that Mr. Davis hates something coaching can’t change. And that’s what makes me so adamant as to my belief that I don’t think he’s nearly as crazy about DMC as one might think.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Get over it. DMAC is the choice and after he busts off a couple of 70 yarders you will see the light.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Sorry Drray, All SEC fans think their athletes are head and shoulders above the rest of the country. Getting an objective opinion from these guys is like getting the truth from a politician.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
What is the flaw?
March 29th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
BHP left me hangin with that one.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I know you think this for arguments sake but I happen to disagree with Mr. Davis when it comes to this but he’s believed this his entire career. And it’s kept him from drafting some pretty talented players. It has to do with his biuld that’s all I’ll say.
If Mr Davis drafts DMC at all I’ll be very surprised. That’s not to say it’s impossible
March 29th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
LOL! Oh yeah, I forgot Davis was a thigh man.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
I think it might be a real bad decision to stay at the #4 pick in this draft, the more I look at it. For instance, if you take a look at the tackles that are available later on, a lot of probably have more potential then Ellis or Dorsey. Pat Sims from Auburn rates high as do the guys from Florida State. I also think there are some very talented running backs, wide receivers and O-linemen as well. The Raiders really need to address the O-Line now in my opinion. Yeah, they need another DT as well, but lets be honest, the O-Line is really thin.
There is one bizarre idea I had, and I’m sure most people would think it was quasi-insane, but I think it’s possible to put McQuistan over at Left Tackle. I have to admit I was impressed with the job he did at Right Tackle when he was given the assignment at the beginning of the week. Some of the games last year, they had him at RT only during the middle of the week so he fared poorly. He’s got pretty quick feet. He’s pretty strong, and he actually was a Left Tackle at Utah, so it’s his natural position. Now that he’s had some time to get acclimated to the N.F.L., he might not be such a bad choice come training camp.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Didn’t Fargas have the same sugery rod implant as MBush?
March 30th, 2008 at 12:16 am
NO ONE WANTS THE TOP 4-5 (1st round )DRAFT PICKS…
YOUR mortgaging the farm and the wife for someone who really comes with no guarantees! Ryan Leaf anyone ?
The Raiders should claim they spied on the Chiefs and broncos and forfeit the first round pick lol!
March 30th, 2008 at 12:17 am
That John Adams mini-series on HBO is pretty good.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Day of the Dead is a very under-rated movie.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Never drink coffee at 10 pm.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:27 am
LOL…
March 30th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Hello??? hello…hello…hello….
Is any one out there? out there…out there…out there…
Echo echo…echo…echo…
March 30th, 2008 at 12:28 am
K-rock your close, but it’s a little lower than the thigh. It has to do with the a players base and launch ability. He feels it helps him in his explosivenees, balance, power and overall competitive strength.
DMC has narrow calfs, or thin pins in scouts vernacular
Yes Fargas had the same exact injury but he had his leg rebroken and another surgery. Micheal Bush was on the scout team for the Raiders last year he has been healthy nearly a year. I talked to him about the 4th game of the season and saw his leg he was fully healed and was healthy from training camp on.
I feel RB is one position that I can evaluate the best among others but I feel I’m more adept at that position and seeing this kid play on film I can’t wait until training camp to see him practice in full pads. I see him as very similar to Tyrone Wheatley but more versatile. I used to love to see Wheatley when he was on his game, which was rare. He should’ve been much more productive. And I can’t wait to get another big back like him and Zack Crockett in our offense.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:31 am
Can Michael Bush be the next Jerome Bettis?
March 30th, 2008 at 12:32 am
We can always get McDadden some calf implants before the draft.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:33 am
LMN,
According to HBO, Denmark refused to give the USA a loan during the American revolution. WTF is up with that???
March 30th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Dakota…
yeah i dunno, I think we we affraid of both the frnch and the english at that time… I honestly dont know…
Just watched a program on Harley Davidson… have you been to that thing in sturgis, dakota
March 30th, 2008 at 12:39 am
we were…
March 30th, 2008 at 12:40 am
You see defenses do fear speed, especially on the perimeter. But what does more damage to a defense is constant pounding physically overpowering them is what they really fear. When you can lineup and physically impose your will on them, they will quit. And when Gruden was here using Wheatley and Kaufman was devastating.
So I’m very aware of what DSM is trying to convey. But my point is, it doesn’t have to be DMC quite frankly Fargas’s speed, power and relentless running style is more impressive to me.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Gerome was a fat back, Bush is just big like I said more like Wheatley or Franco Harris.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:43 am
a 4.33 40 yard dash…$250
a 4.05 short-shuttle…$132
a 6.90 three-cone drill…$27
Calf implants and a vasectomy…priceless.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:46 am
LMN,
I went to college 18 miles from Sturgis, so yes, I have been there many times. As a matter of fact, my freshman year I had to share a rental home during rally week with some bikers from Denmark that shipped their bikes all the way from Denmark just to make the ride to Sturgis. Pretty crazy stuff. They were really nice people.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I foresee halfback passes with either Bush or McFadden next year. They both pass better than McClown.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Does Carol Davis have nice calves?
March 30th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Whatever happened to USA Up All Night hosted by Gilbert Gottfried and Rhonda Shear? Now they have “paid programming” on…that sucks.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Lol…
yeah there are some real HD fanatics here… 10 miles from where I lived as a child, there is a Custum cycle shop. He has been educated on the HD factories, and is really popular her in the north. In fact during the great rocker war of scandinavia, bandidos and HA, agreed there would be no attacks in this area, because the shop-owner had said he would crash the presidents bikes, which where at his shop…
March 30th, 2008 at 12:56 am
I guess Cinemax gives a whole new meaning to “up all night”.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:58 am
LMN,
Isn’t it almost 10 am over there LMN? Shouldn’t you be in church?
March 30th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Keep Chris Carr. He’s a true Raider
March 30th, 2008 at 1:02 am
defense wins championships the giants proved that no matter how explosive new englands offense was.mcfadden would be a mistake especially with our depth at rb.gholston,c long,ellis,dorsey should be one of our picks.Our secondary is already the best on paper,keep working on the defense and offenses will fear our defense.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:04 am
I am drinking wine to try and counteract the coffee…please pardon my typos.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Easy E,
As long as Rob f@#king Ryan is DC, it will not matter how many 1st round picks and free agents we add to the defense, we will suck. Might as well draft McFadden so we do not allow Ryan to ruin another high draft pick.
Al, please, FIRE RR!
March 30th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Eazy, sorry about calling you Easy.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Sorry it took me so long to post again, but I took my dog outside to let her do her business and we fell under sniper fire.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:35 am
Dakota…
yeah its 1035… I’m visiting my father, so no, I’m not going to church =) but if I did, it would be now
March 30th, 2008 at 5:32 am
I remember seeing a documentary on Al Davis and the Raiders and Madden was talking about Davis checking out players thighs.
Raiders should draft me at #4.
I couldn’t do shat to help them win, but I would play for less money than most.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Good morning all and enjoy the day Nation.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:29 am
It is freakin storming where I live.
Another spectacular day.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Headache.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:55 am
good morning Raider Nation…
just checking in…
i don’t agree with everything big Al has done this off-season… (then again, he doesn’t need my approval)…
but i do know that everything he has done is intended to make the Raiders the best team it can be…
i am already stoked about the upcoming season…
(of course, i am always stoked about every upcoming season…)
that’s RAIDER NATION, baby…
and don’t you forget it…
March 30th, 2008 at 8:18 am
A Raiders revival
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 03/30/2008 03:01:59 AM PDT
The future looks a lot brighter for the Raider Nation. It’s still early, but the great signings the Raiders have already made, ensure that this coming season will show a great improvement.
In addition to JaMarcus Russell and Michael Bush, they’ve signed Tommy Kelly, Javon Walker, DeAngelo Hall, and Gibril Wilson. Al Davis is going to bring the Raiders back to being a top contender. He’s done it before, and these early signings of top players are just the beginning.
Larry Robbins
Encino
_______________________________________________________
Thats the kind of article I like to wake up 2 in the morning
March 30th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I hope the Raiders really are enamored with Red Byrant >> Draft ‘em! So if they do the unthinkable and draft old skinny legs at some level I can live with it. But a better way of doing things would be DE (CL/VG) in the 1st and find some way to get Bryant later. That should do it for the Defense – then they should be close to if not set.
DE: Burgess/JRich
DT: Kelly/Warren
NT: Bryant/Sands
DE: CL or VG/Edwards
(Is it me or does VG not look intense enough to spark the defense? I love intensity as displayed by a Dorsey, Ellis and CL. Watched VGs highlights and didn’t see the fire. I know they’re only highlights. But I think this defense needs that spark – that emotional leadership on the dline that gets everyone’s juices flowin’. I just didnt see that quality from VG.)
March 30th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Bush or Run DMC???
If both came out of college today…who would be your pick??
Morever, if the Raiders could have Bush and a First Round pick to bolster any position on the team, who would you pick???
Neither Bush nor Run DMC has PROVEN anything in the NFL yet. So why all the chest pounding for Run DMC but Bush is cast aside as a has-been???
Bush gets kicked around becuase his knee surgery…and knee surgeries are light years ahead of what they once were when Tim Brown had his during his rookie year…but that didn’t stop 81.
Bush is unproven, but spectacular in college.
Run DMC is unproven, but spectacular in college.
Why draft another spectacular but unproven player at RB???
Why indeed. Becuase ya’ll are caught up in the hype. Nothing more than hype.
If Bush would have broken 1000 yards last season instead of his leg, very few of you would be clammoring for drafting Run DMC.
As it stands, Bush did nothing in the NFL last year.
Funny, neither did Run DMC.
Both are unproven…
Difference is, one is a Raider and the other would be a redundant use of our #4 draft pick.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Lowdown – dont speak to the DMac fanatics about “redundancy” …that word rings hollow to them
March 30th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Lowdown,
Bush had a broken leg and a rod inserted. Not a knee injury. Farga has the ACL sprain.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Lowdown,
Bush had a broken leg and a rod inserted. Not a knee injury. Fargas has the ACL sprain.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Terrapin….
Yeah..I remember the Super Bowl for all those broken running plays to the house…man those RBs really racked up the yards (sarcasm).
Last RB to win a Super Bowl?? Terel Davis…sub 4.3 speed?? Nah. Strong and powerful like Bush.
exlaraiderseasonticketholder “Doh!”
March 30th, 2008 at 8:56 am
As for Run DMC going to the Chiefs…Big Deal. Bolster that damn D-Line and we can shut down Run DMC…the rest of the AFC West…and for that matter…any other friggin Johhny-No-Name that ran for more than 100 yards last year.
Run DMC has speed….so did Nap Kaufman (yes different bodies)…but speed isn ‘t all that.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Anybody have any links to DMAC highlights that show any ability to run through somebody or make guys miss with cuts. I may be looking at the wrong highligts but so far all I see is gaping hole up the middle and run by everybody and run wide then by everybody.
I don’t get alot of time to search through all the videos so a little help would be nice.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:59 am
a question for all of hose against mcfadden, what will you do WHEN we draft mcfadden?
March 30th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Turtle: Obviously you don’t want DMac. C Long won’t be available.
Who’s your pick?
If you say Dorsey or Ellis and seriously think they’ll make an impact their rookie year you’re high on crack because rookie DT’s rarely make a significant impact their rookie years.
Gholston? He’s all about potential and is currently not good against the run. Think Millard can teach him the nuances of his position?
I just want to know what you want to do with the pick?
If we could trade down with Dallas that would be my first & foremost option or another team.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Tommy Trojan…
probably join you by pinning his poster to my wall.
Run DMC does not the RAIDERS make.
Oh, and then call for the public beheading of Rob Ryan along with the rest of you when our D-Line get run over next year.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Tommy – I don’t understand your question.
What will we do?
We’ll hope for the best.
Just Win Baby.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:04 am
So here’s the thing …I’ve read and I take this with a grain of salt that the Raiders would love to get Limas Sweed and Red Bryant. Not sure where they got this info from but it was written nonetheless. Again take it for what its worth.
For conversations sake lets assume that its true. The Raiders would not pick Sweed at #4. He’ll likely go late mid-teens to somewhere in the 20s. Maybe in the 20s cause teams are gonna be iffy on that injured wrist. If such is the case the Raiders will look to trade down (maybe twice) in the 1st round. The extra picks should allow for Red Bryant later in the draft no problem.
Other alternatives would be trades: Fabe/Routt, AW, etc for more picks to make it happen on draft day.
Limas Sweed does sound nice even if its not true. In one year the WR corp could be improved leaps and bounds: Walker, Sweed, Carter, Curry, JLHs …you talk about at BIG WR corp! JRussell will be gitty for sure.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I dont believe anybody said Bush is a has-been, but I dont see a problem with having a back like Bush and a back like McFadden on the same team. It would would be a lot like the saints running back tandem w/ McCallister and Bush, only we have better blocking schemes =)
March 30th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Turtle: Do honestly believe we’ll trade down? It’s something I would really like, but know there’s a snowball’s chance in hell it’s going to happen.
I’m thinking reality here. Who are we going to take? I can’t come up with anyone other than DMac unless someone trades up with Atlanta to snare him before we can.
Who would you take at #4 if a trade down isn’t going to happen?
March 30th, 2008 at 9:11 am
My biggest question about Bush is the fact it’s been two full seasons since he has last played.
His injury shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but is it going to affect his speed?
If it does, what kind of 40 is he going to run? The same 4.6 fourty at the combine our maybe a 4.5?
If it’s still in the 4.6 range, then he’ll be a great battering ram but won’t be expected for big gains. He’ll move the chains.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Another question, and I’m just playing the devil’s advocate here:
Several people consider DMac to be a system back. However, Bush was also a system back at Louisville. If you look at the two previous backs before him, Lionel Gates & Eric Shelton and look at their current careers and you’ll see neither did well.
I have to be skeptical of Bush, but I believe we got a steal in the 4th. I just want to see him play.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Terrapin’s list (you want it you got it!)
1. CLong
2. Gholston/Dorsey/Ellis
3. JLong
4. sue the NFL for forcing us to take McFadden
(re: Dorsey/Ellis …Not sure how they’ll work out ..it partially depends on the team’s plans for Kelly, who’s extremely versatile, and it partially depends on how well the team thinks they can hold up vs NFL O-linemen @ NT and/or DT. But if the team has confidence in them then they take priority no question about it.)
March 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
And you know Al will sue
March 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Lowdown…Bush or McFadden you said…
Well,
McFadden comes straight from dominating the toughest college competition (SEC), he did it all this at ages 18,19 and 20 which is his current age, he won´t turn 21 until a week before the season, he´s not done improving from a physical standpoint and a pro camp will only enhance his strength and speed.
Bush, comes from 2 years of inactivity and has to be considered a question mark.
If Bush is fine, they could form the best tandem in the league by 09.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:18 am
DSM,
can you tell me where you got Bush’s combine 40 results?and also his other drill results?
March 30th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Bush never ran at the combine.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I know, sarcasm
March 30th, 2008 at 9:24 am
And a trade down is not entirely impossible. It depends on whos there but the Jets and NE may want to trade up for Gholston. You never know. Cincy may want to trade up for McFadden and maybe just maybe Jerry Jones is lying. I’m not gettin’ my hopes up for a trade down – just sayin’.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Amended:
1. CLong
2. Gholston/Dorsey/Ellis
3. JLong/RClady
4. Sue the NFL for forcing us to take McFadden
March 30th, 2008 at 9:37 am
we should trade jamarcus to Atlanta for there picks we gave em. then draft ryan….
March 30th, 2008 at 9:43 am
hahaha!!!just kidding all. im feeling a little sarcastic today.sorry……..
March 30th, 2008 at 9:53 am
It seems the only argument for RB is the lack of a “homerun” hitter.
If Chris Johnson or Jamaal Charles were 2 inches taller and took direct snaps up the middle of huge holes would we be taking them at #4??
By the way, your beloved highlight videos repeatedly show McFadden being tackled high by DB’s and being run down from behind.
CJohnson will NEVER get run down, so why not take him at #4?? Because we should’nt draft ANY RB at #4.
We all know the trenches is where we need help. And this draft is set up perfect for us to get a quality prospect on either side.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:02 am
its funny how bush is more proven than DMAC but it will be two years before bush gets in a game. all the haters keep bringing up his skinny legs as if the has stopped growing. dont you thinkt he get a little bigger with pro weight training and conditioning?.look at those old marcus allen highlights and youll see he had skinny legs too.also darren is good reciever unlike fargas and more versatile. i dont have problem getting long or dorsey if available or even trading down depending on how much we get back. id be satisfied with extra picks and drafting desean jackson because he impacts the whole team from offense and special teams. why do so many of you haters get personal when some people want a player u dont like? we heard this crap all offseason last year with jamarcus.bush hasnt played in 2 years yet all you haters just know hes better than mcfadden. what kind of logic is that terrapin? fargas is one dimensional and hsa just 1 year of quality play.what did that get him? a 7 year 50 milllion dollar contract? no just 2 years 6 mil. is that what feature backs get these days? the argument should only be about defense vs the offense at #4 and most
March 30th, 2008 at 10:04 am
most DMAC fans understand getting long or dorsey but if theyre gone which may be then who do you get. im not high on gholston or ellis as some so id say darren or trade down.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Saintkaufman – CJohnson didn’t play in the SEC. I think he played at Community College.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Good for him.
Apparently playing in the SEC allows you to create giant running lanes. Cool!
March 30th, 2008 at 10:11 am
TRADE THE 4TH PICK TO DALLAS AND GET AT LEAST 3 OR 4 PICKS IN RETURN AND START A TALENT POOL OF YOUTH.
I AM WILLING TO BET 20 BUCKS THAT IF KIFFIN HAS THE CHANCE TO DRAFT BOOTY FROM USC HE WILL TRY. KIFFIN LOVES BOOTY IN FACT HE TRIED TO SIGN HIS DRUNK BROTHER LAST YEAR THAT WORKED OUT. DID HE THINK THIS WAS LITTLE LEAGUE AND HE USE THE FAMILY PLAYS ON THE SAME TEAM? TEH FACT IS HE WANTS BOOTY AROUND TO KISS HIS A$$
I MEAN HE KNOWS HIS SYSTEM ALREADY.
THE ONLY BOOTY I WANT SEE IS THE RAIDRS SIDELINES HAVE POM POM’S NOT CLIPBOARDS!!!!!!!!!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 10:19 am
maximum flexibility at 23
maximum speed at 27
maximum strength at 31
these are averages for male atheletes in the 1990’s
March 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Jerry Porter, don’t let the door hit your ass on the way to Florida.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/29/SP4TVSCDT.DTL
March 30th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Look, McFadden looks like a great talent. He has awesome speed for his size. But there are 1/2 dozen or so other RB’s that look great as well. We don’t NEED another RB so bad that we’re willing to give the #4 overall pick on one. The pool is just too deep at that position.
I’m stunned that he is being considered by some as the best prospect in 20years!! I feel bad for the guy. If the defense plays the lanes he is going to take a beating every Sunday because from everything I’ve seen he does not create plays at the line when the play breaks down. If the hole is there, he’s gone. But the same can be said about several others.
Hopefully he can stay out of trouble and stop fumbling the damn ball.
Justin, Michael, Dom, Lamont and Ech have all of my support!
Go Raiders
March 30th, 2008 at 10:22 am
raiders need to make a trade with the vikings:
Raiders send:
-Andrew Walter
-Michael Bush
-5th round pick
And get Bryant McKinnie from the Vikings.
The Raiders should also get fieldturf at the coliseum
Sign Chris Leak to compete to be a backup QB.
Make a trade for Troy Smith to also be a backup.
The raiders need to more black QBs on the roster, instead of slow pocket passers like otis, walter, Josh “DUI” Booty, etc., etc.
Also Lane Kiffin better not bring in any more usc players, or players with a usc connection, mike williams was a bust, cric mcfoy was useless, booty’s brother is garbage, and john david booty wont be a star qb in the nfl,
March 30th, 2008 at 10:27 am
609-Armond is right on.
610-UC Chad played CC then went to Oregon state a short time
March 30th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Anyone else see on the Raider sight that we signed Gbaja-Biamila from the Pack. Is this a joke(i hope not) Bspn doesen’t even list him as a free-agent.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
PDX,
Thats Kabeer. We got Akbar.
Know where Camas is?
March 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
AGB not KGB
March 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I have changed my mind over time about our first round pick. At first I was all for McFadden, but we have Bush so we don’t really need him. Then I was all for a D lineman, but the more I think about it, I think we need Jake Long to be Jamarcus’ bodyguard for the next ten years. I’m for Jake Long if he is available.
Dakota, post #572 is some funny chit!
March 30th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Saint-Camas, WA. across the river from my place. Oregon side much nicer but Camas is at least not Vancouver Wa. Portland rocks but, I have to fly to see Raiders.
Sorry it’s AGB not KGB.
Went and read #572 , that is funny shit.
Al! please trade down as I saw Bush play in college and think people are under rating him.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:04 am
chit or shite i meant
March 30th, 2008 at 11:05 am
8 Rushing TD’s in 2007 by Raider RB’s.
We are sooooo set at the RB position. Jordan will be released, Fargas has heart but can’t stay healthy, Rhodes is in the last year of his contract, M Bush got his leg snapped in 2 pieces and hasn’t been hit in over 2 years.
C Long and Dorsey are both gone by #4.
We would have a 50/50 shot at Jake Long or Gholston as one of them would go by #3.
So all you DMAC haters who do we pick?
March 30th, 2008 at 11:13 am
PDX,
Sitting there right now.
For those not in the NW, it rained and snowed at the same time yesterday!
March 30th, 2008 at 11:36 am
DMAC is not good enough to be selected #4. He is not elusive, and can’t break a tackle. He’s just fast, and that is not that important (just look at Tomlinson; he can’t outrun anybody, but he is oh so slippery!). If the Raiders want to take a RB at #4, they should take Mendenhall, if anyone.
The Raiders should stick with the RBs they have and take one of those defensive lineman in this order: Gholston, Long, Ellis, or Dorsey. What they most need is a consistent pass rush, and Burgess and Edwards are not the answer.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Just an observation regarding Kalimba Edwards. Being a cerebral sort his intelligent inclanations may have rubbed Rod Marinelli, Lions HC the wrong way.
Edwards probably maintained a he knew his effectivity (or lack thereof) while playing with an injury.
Marinelli probably felt he could not count on Edwards and considered last year’s knee injury the last straw. Thus the benching.
Edwards’ truncated playing time (knee, sports hernia and another knee) due to injuries probably contributed directly to his inconsistency.
Also; regarding Paul McQuistan as a LOT; one thing to realize success as a ROT. Quite another to translate that success to LOT. ROT’s mainly face “base” ends, many whom weigh in around 285-295 lbs.
LOT’s line up against more speed oriented DE’s. The techniques employed by the respective OT’s differ a bit. While playing LOT in college one would never believe Lincoln Kennedy would have been effective as a pro @ that position.
Oh, yes, Dakota. Rhonda Shear is alive & well. Didn’t know she is 54 though. But, to appear on TV in 1991, well, that was some time ago. . . anyway, the two most definitive sites regarding her are rhondashear.com & rhondashear.net. Great “YouTube” filmclips from the “Up All Night Era.”
late
antispy3
March 30th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Just did some reasearch on the Linebacker we picked up that someone was saying they thought was from Green Bay. Actually from what I read its his brother who played for the San Diego Chargers and not who you were thinking it was
March 30th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
akbar is not truelly a LB, he’s a hybrid DE/LB, no he is not KGB(his brother) who is a very good pass rusher, he is actually lttle more than camp fodder and had previously filled that role for us roughly two or three years ago as a DE, don’t remember exactly when, but the point is it’s nothing to get excited about and probably not even worth mentioning, which is why not even rotoworld or nfl.com(who usually report even the most insignificant signings) are reporting it
March 30th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Has anyone else noticed the change in Jerry’s posts?
This blog is titled : Inside the Oakland Raiders – a look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders-
Inside?
When I originally started reading this blog, Jerry would always let us know when things were brewing with the Raiders. Some things came to fruition and others didn’t. But if something was in the wind, Jerry would give us the scoop. He would often throw in his opinion and other tidbits about the players that you could not find any where else. I was instantly addicted.
Times have changed. What happend to the inside look?
Jerry is presently giving us the bare minimum and only after the fact.
I don’t blame Jerry. He is simply giving his audience what they’ve asked for.
I think it all stems from the combine when Jerry dutifuly sought out Kiffin to get the story we all were interested in. Jerry reported what he got (which wasn’t much) and let us have an INSIDE taste of what was swirling around the combine in regards to the Raiders coaching situation.
Some of you questioned Jerry’s ethics, and motivations.
Jerry did not appreciate it. I cant say I blame him.
Why do you think he bothered? Don’t you think it would be easier for Jerry just to get drunk with the rest of the hacks and simply phone it in. Instead, Jerry was loyal to his readers and he took a stab at the story and reported his fruitless attempt.
So what did he get for his dedication? So called people on this blog accusing Mr. Mc Donald of “making up stories” because Kiffin gave him the high hat.
Absurd.Not suprisingly. Jerry’s posts became less ans less frequent with far less insight and random details.
I believe the final straw came when some people here complained when Jerry brought up the risk involved in the Hall aquisition.
So to all the ingrates that ruined this blog- thanks. Now I have to watch BSPN to get the latest on my beloved Raiders.
And to Jerry- I don’t blame you at all. Let them eat cake.
Go Raiders.
I don’t blame Jerry.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Watch Al trip everyone up and take Jake Long at #4.
That would be hilarious for this board.
Dmac lovers and Dline lovers both loose.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Jhill, I want Al to take Jake Long.
Left offensive tackle is the second most important position on offense.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
any chance we can get in on the pacman jones trade talks.
Pacman would be a decent nickelback/kick/punt returner/special teams tackler, this kid has talent, and al loves kids with speed and gamebreaking skills, plus Oakland isnt a big time city where you can “MAKE IT RAIN” its pretty laid back, pacman could fit in nice, and if he needs support we could hook him up with Stephen Jackson of the warriors to mentor him, look how good Jax has been since he came to Oakland, baron davis and jax could mentor pac and hookup good advice to avoid drama.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
The Longs’ will be gone by the 4th pick so lets hope we trade down or that Dorsey is still available so he can make Sands a newer version of Run Run Jones.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:47 am
Chris Johnson in the second.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:55 am
Was Carr the one who was busted for roids or was that Cooper? Either way, we won’t miss him. The fact that he has so many return yards and no TDs says a lot. He isn’t that great. Besides, the reason he has so many return yards is because our defense let the opposition score so many TDs that he returned tha ball twice as much as any returner in the league.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:05 am
Jerry’s Kid – If a little criticism is going to offend Jerry’s fragile sensitivities, then he’s in the wrong business. I think he can handle it and what you write is more of an insult to him than any criticism I have seen on this blog so far.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:15 am
I would rather have Clady then Long. Clady fits the ZBS perfectly.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:41 am
diehardraider,
do you know how many yards he put up in 3 years in arguably the toughest conference in college football the SEC? He has to break tackles somewhere in there don’t ya think?
April 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Good article on raiders and Darren Mcfadden
http://bigbenlivingroom.blogspot.com/
June 25th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Purchase vicodin….
Buy vicodin….