Scouring the wires
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, August 24th, 2008 at 6:47 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Lane Kiffin’s conference call press briefing Sunday night:
– Kiffin is expecting the Raiders to be on the lookout for potential replacements for fullback Oren O’Neal and wide receiver Drew Carter, both lost for the season with left knee injuries.
At fullback, Marcel Reece, although an intriguing talent who could have a place on the practice squad, is not ready for prime time on Sept. 8 in the backfield.
“We really only have one with Justin (Griffith),” Kiffin said. “The other guy is a project, he was a receiver a month ago.”
Aside from starting split end Javon Walker and wide receiver Ronald Curry, the seven receivers currently on the Raiders roster have combined for seven receptions for 66 yards. Six of those for 49 yards come from Johnnie Lee Higgins, while Chris McFoy had one catch for 19 yards after being promoted from the practice squad last year.
Jonathan Holland, Drisan James, Todd Watkins and of course rookie draft picks Arman Shields and Chaz Schilens have not caught a pass in the NFL.
“There’s not a lot of history there as far as guys playing in the league besides Javon and Ronald,” Kiffin said. “Really, none of those guys have really played before. Johnnie played a few, I think he had two or three catches last year so it would be tough to only go with two guys who have played before.”
– Veterans available include the perennially troubled but talented Koren Robinson _ whose best success has been on kickoff returns _ and veteran Joe Horn, who has talked his way out of his last two places of employment. Horn’s agent told ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson he expected to talk to the Raiders, but it’s not as if agents ever say, “It’s the darndest thing. No one is interested in my client.”
When it comes to players who aren’t currently employed, there is usually a reason why they’re not employed.
Not that the Raiders won’t be interested.
“There are always a few guys who have been veterans at every position that wait for things to happen like this, for teams to get injuries,” Kiffin said. “They stay in shape and they know their bodies so they know they can still come in late in camp and still contribute.
“That’s one option. There are a number of guys out there. Another option is to wait either until a couple of days for these first cuts or even more for the last cuts. The last cuts, some good people are getting let go on some of the good teams.”
– For the record, Mike Williams is available. So are Johnnie Morant, Doug Gabriel and Carlos Francis.
Never mind.
– As much as the Raiders like Shields’ skill set, his odds of making the 53-man roster appear slim.
“I wouldn’t want to put a ceiling on it but it would be pretty tough,” Kiffin said. “These guys have had so many reps of running our offense, he’s missed so much time. It would be difficult but you never want to count him out.”
Kiffin hopes Shields will be available to practice, although that has been a common theme throughout camp.
– When asked about players possibly in for tryouts, Kiffin could have said, “We’ve got some things going, but I’m not at liberty to say,” or something along those lines, because teams don’t often confirm tryouts.
Instead, (editorial comment to follow) Kiffin lent even more clarity to his current authority with regard to personnel when he said, “I have no idea.”
– OK, enough with the Darren McFadden as Jerome Bettis act. The end is apparently near, with the Denver Broncos on the horizon Sept. 8.
“All I can say on that is I have to continue to remind you guys that it’s preseason and you guys can figure out what that means,” Kiffin said.
– With Ricky Brown apparently having sewed up the job as strong side linebacker and Johnnie Lee Higgins looking to be the return specialist by default, the only real question left is starting center. Kiffin had Jake Grove in the lead last week, but said he may have information regarding a depth chart this week.
– JaMarcus Russell earned generally positive reviews for the third straight time. Russell went 14-for-28 for 140 yards, but missed out twice on potential touchdown passes _ the first when Zach Miller nearly came down with a ball in the end zone but was ruled out, the second when a pass into the back of the end zone glanced off the hands of Curry, who was being jostled by a defender.
On the Curry play, Kiffin thought it may have been worth a flag for defensive interference.
“He had one poor throw, the interception,” Kiffin said. “Other than that, he didn’t force things. He did well, especially under all the pressure he was under. He wasn’t back there setting his feet a lot. He had to move around a lot and made plays on the run.”
– Kiffin acknowledged that Fred Wakefield struggled when inserted at right tackle, where he played in place of Cornell Green for much of the second half.
– Safety Rashad Baker (ankle), cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle) and safety Hiram Eugene (hip) could all miss practice Monday. Shane Lechler probably will not kick, meaning Glenn Pakulak may be retained on the roster through Tuesday cutdowns. Sebastian Janikowski could be available, meaning Aaron Elling could be seeking employment.
– Maybe “Super” Mario Henderson is the answer to the receiving woes. He lined up as a tight end on the left side, and was even announced as an eligible receiver. Michael Bush ran behind him to get a first down.
Kiffin said he was just giving opponents something to look at.
– In Oakland, Kiffin ran a two-minute drill for no apparent reason in the first half other than to get a look at it. He abandoned the run, went for a touchdown when normally would attempt a field goal and attached absolutely no significance to the supposedly most important week of the preseason other than the fact he lost two offensive players for the duration of the season.
Elsewhere, Tom Brady and LaDainian Tomlinson aren’t likely to play until the lights go on. Teams continue to charge full price for half-(bleep) games.
You’ll never hear me trashing Raider fans for failing to show up in August. It’s an instance where they’re showing their good sense. Even a lot of people buying season tickets aren’t bothering to show, because the 39,000-plus announced crowd was pretty much a joke.
The Raiders were offering up partial season ticket plans Saturday night, and seem to be actually making some headway in marketing which would really pay off should the team finally be worth watching.
Come up with a full season ticket plan in February that doesn’t include the preseason and then they’ve done something.
I know. Lots of money at stake. Can’t be done. Blah, blah, blah.
It’s never a bad thing to tailgate on a Saturday evening in the sunshine. But paying full price for the scrimmage to follow is an insult to the paying customers _ not just in Oakland, but throughout the league.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
August 24th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Can usain bolt catch?
August 24th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
You would probably enjoy that MR. Unfortunately for you I’m straight.
Here’s someone who might be interested in what you’re asking for…
http://www.outsports.com/nfl/20021027eseramain.htm
Oh yeah. Don’t bother responding.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Kiffin lent even more clarity to his current authority with regard to personnel when he said, “I have no idea.”
I’m starting to like this guy.
Just Win Baby.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Good to see Russell’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by the coaching staff and it’s nice to hear there is at least legitimate interest in addressing potential depth concerns.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
God keep Joe Horn out of S&B
August 24th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I must agree FK, Kiffin’s recent statements put to rest the ever popular “Kiffin is building this team” theory, lol.
…but I am sure Kiffin is control of the draft….
lmfao
August 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I want to sign Horn simply because it adds competition. I doubt he would make the roster and he could help motivate/mentor(I know I’m asking for it here) the young guys.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Jerry Mac Says:
“paying full price for the scrimmage to follow is an insult to the paying customers _ not just in Oakland, but throughout the league.”
Thanks Jerry for calling a preseason game exactly what it is. A televised scrimmage game. Nuff said.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Kiffin does not even have the authority to cut Grant Irons. Pathetic.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Tommy, you said, I said it, and now kiffin has said it: I liked what JR did on Saturday against the Cardinals. I liked that he just made the one bad pass, and that he did not get away with it. I did not like that he was forcing passes to Miller in tight coverage, but he did get away with that last week for a TD against Tennessee, so i guess I can’t blame him for trying to go to the same well.
Javon showed up. I have to agree somewhat with Javon’s assessment, give him a few chances to make some plays. I see no reason why this guy cant get 60-70 grabs along with Miller.
I know we need some depth at wr, but honestly I am kind of interested in seeing the Raiders use Darren McFadden in the slot or even wide: motioned out of the backfield. Curry does a good job in the slot, and Javon Walker is a wild card that can make big plays: I promise.
JR showed great poise in the pocket. I know he was quick to get out of there on a few occasions, but I rather see that than him trying to wait until someone gets open: his mental clock is ticking, one thousand one one thousand two, one thous… oh time to get the hell out of here. That sort of mind set will serve him well this year.
again that scramble in the 2nd that was offset by Cornell green lining up as a full back was one hell of an escape. We got ourselves a QB.
He looks way better than VY or Lienart.
Now he got to run down Cutler.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Kiffin is playing right into Al’s hands by making these calculated statements about the inept roster management by Al Davis.
If Kiffin keeps it up, soon the Al-loving portion of Raider Nation will turn on Kiffin for telling the truth about Al and then Al can fire Kiffin without as much of a fan backlash as he would have experienced back in January. Al will claim insubordination as grounds for the firing and refuse to honor the contract. Good luck trying to collect your money Kiffin.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Jerry,thanks for the update!I guess the powers that be give a rats(DEN COACH)A-SS about costs of pre season games!At least consider 18reg/2preseason!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
RN951,
I agree with you. I rather see Dmac develop as a receiver, along with the other youngsters, than hear Joe Horn talk about himself in the 3rd person not getting playing time: “Joe Horn needs to be on the field to make plays” says Joe Horn.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I just realized that the year we took fabian and stanford….we missed out on Tatupu and Thurman. Luckily for us we got Morrison in the 3rd.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
# dick v Says:
August 24th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
that scramble in the 2nd that was offset by Cornell green lining up as a full back was one hell of an escape. We got ourselves a QB.
He looks way better than VY or Lienart.
Dick V I couldn’t agree with you more. After all of these years since Rich Gannon retired, we can finally say that “We got ourselves a QB.”
August 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Dakota,how many clubs want the answer to youre question,Post#1
August 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
[...] The Wires JMACS Blog Scouring the wires – Inside The Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified O… Quick hits from Lane Kiffins conference call press briefing Sunday night: Kiffin is expecting [...]
August 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Dick V,
LOl hilarious…..”the ball is like a one-man cold to Joe Horn. Joe Horn the only catchin it, Joe Horn the only one comin down wit it.”
August 24th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
When an NFL coach goes 4 – 12 and then gets fired, there is no fan backlash. Blogs don’t count. Al left Oakland. Do you really think Al cares about fan backlash?
August 24th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I hate to tell you all I told you so, but…Drew Carter has never worked out anywhere: Ohio State, Carolina, and now in Oakland. The man is just injury prone. That game is too physical for most, and Carter is just not cut out for it.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I see Miller getting 50-60 for 500-700 yards, Curry getting 60-80 for 900-1100 yards, and Walker getting 30-80 for 400-1200 yards. That meaning, we know what we have in Miller and Curry, Walker is a wildcard that could help open up our offense. McFadden is the X Factor but Walker takes pressure off of him in a big way, if he can step up that is. I’m less concerned about WR depth because 3 WR sets will be an anomally, especially considering how effective our RBs and TEs are in the passing game.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Sam Williams and Grant Irons will probably make the team for no good reason. Ridiculous. Move Aaron Elling to linebacker while we’re at it. Move Pakulak to Offensive Tackle.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
After every third person phrase its mandatory that u say “baby” it provides spice to the comment….ex. “primetime gots to do his thang on the field baby”
August 24th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Carter does not have weak bones, weak muscles, or a weak mind. He is unfortunate enough to have week ligaments and joints, and that is the “kiss of death” in football.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
THANK’S SEVERERAIDER WE HAVE ALL SEEN ” THE REPLACEMENTS”
August 24th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I will say that I am pleased with Ricky Brown. That guy has been all over the field. I don’t recall how good he was in pass coverage but he seems like a run stuffer. I will admit that I wasn’t high on him at first but he plays big and makes Robert Thomas look like a midget. I am still upset over letting Hartwell go. I think this team would be alot more solid against the run if he were here but hey…Kiffin doesn’t make the decisions obviously so theres only one person to question for this decision.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Severe knows Joe Horn well. the only person who will be happy about Joe Horn coming to Oakland would probably be Jerry cuz the dude has a knack for saying some quirky stuff.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
To HUFF24- And you are WHERE on the roster….???? I ask you again, how many downs have YOU played in the NFL????!!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Sam Williams should make the team because of his specil teams play. Why Grant Irons is on the roster is anyones guess. We are wasting time putting Shields on the IR, and i think that is what Kiffin was alluding to when he said it would be difficult for him to make the team. He knows that Al likes him and was saying that if he wants to keep him the IR would be the only way to go.
Is it just me or does it seem that Kiffin had much more say last year. Cutting a 3rd rounder (Moses) and a veteran that he is a fan of (Darius) is not in the “Al Davis book on How to win wit da Raidahs”. It seems that Al stripped Kiffin after a dissappointing year in his eyes and is going back to his way. Its like he gave it the ole college try when it comes to giving a coach personell power and was let down and didnt want to give it more time to develop.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I like the idea of trading a future pick to New Orleans for Devery Henderson, I heard Pat Kirwan talking about that a few weeks back on sirius “moving the chains”, but other than that I do not know anyone that is up for grabs. Boldin is out of the question, but I would love to have him if it were even possible: If Al could pull that off, that ought to make Lane bite his tongue for the rest of the year.
Before the game a few fans called to Anquan Boldin when he was coming out of the locker room, and they told him something to the extent of we would love to have you here in Oakland, and Anquan responded cheerfully something to the extent of he would like to be here in Oakland making plays. I know it aint going to happen, but my mind starting racing none the less day dreaming of Russell hitting Boldin on a slant route.
Just offer up the 1st, and 2nd for 09, we wont mind Al.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Severe Kiff had more say and control last year, but then he started running his mouth while he was window shopping for jobs at Arkansas and UCLA.
al cut him down a bit. That is all opinion, and we could argue til my face turns blue if that actually happened.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
[...] [Raiders] Raiders Rookie WR Arman Shields’ Chances Are Slim As much as the Raiders like rookie WR Arman Shields skill set, his odds of making the 53-man roster appear slim. I wouldnt want to put a ceiling on it but it would be pretty tough, Kiffin said. These guys have had so many reps of running our offense, hes missed so much time. It would be difficult but you never want to count him out. Kiffin hopes Shields will be available to practice, although that has been a common theme throughout camp. Source: Oakland Tribune [...]
August 24th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Brien<——–besides injured players………Saturday night was the best thing that could happen to us…..I’M ESTATIC that now when Denver comes to town the team will play with a chip on its shoulder!!!!! They needed this!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Jake Grove=should not start……terrible on that Mcfadden screen play before the hlaf when he whiffed again on the defender
August 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Its too bad the Ravens recently signed Lorenzo Neal. We could have added that guy to pick up for the loss of O’Neal.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos;jsessionid=F5B5851B90CD38D8F8968FFB23B86802?videoId=09000d5d80a33a5c
DeSean Jackson punt return.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Devery is a burner but i have heard his hands come into question more than once. What do you all think of Randle El, would solve retuner problems and is a quality 3rd receiver. With Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas there Washington might be willing to take a 3rd or 4th for him.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
As we all knew the Tackles just dont cut it…….Kwame Harris is a soft 49er punk…….he did he “Simply red” impression saturday night
Cornell Green is a backup…….shouldnt be starting……….need someone else to be there because I was at the game and as usual he just doesnt have it stop a pass rusher
August 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I’d gladly trade our first this year and 2nd next year for Boldin, and that’s saying something as I am always an advocate of “build through the draft.” Why pass on a sure thing that’s still young. It won’t happen, but it’d be great for both teams.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Brien<———outro……….got alot of shhhhhit to do tomorrow but I still stand by the Raiders winning the division
August 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Brien, good to hear from you. Finally a voice of reason on this blog.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Kiffin is building the team.
The kid got his draft and free agents too.
Win, or hit the bricks…Al can’t wait forever.
Pride and Poise.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Fan 4 Decades – What does me being on an NFL roster have anything to do with my criticizing decisions? Thats why this blog was created wasn’t it? We might as well get rid of the NFL Network and ESPN because nobody has the right to criticize. Can everyone please stop talking here as you are not on an NFL roster. Can all the networks stop broadcasting? The fact that the NFL has gotten bigger because of the fan exposure does nothing for the sport anymore. Can we please stop this madness? Thank you for your cooperation.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
#41…lmao!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I agree Dick V, I think that is exactly what happened. Combine that with the fact that he had a less than stellar 1st year and just about forced Al’s hand in the Moss situation and presto change-o, he gets cut down to size. Many forget Kiff wanted to go Petrino on us….way to show that dedication to getting the job done.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Everyone has spoken already so allow me…
- 25 Offensive plays, 21 passes and 4 runs, that´s how we started the game.
We´ll never see anything like that again, keep that in mind.
Even with AZ ready to defend the pass we only gave up 1 sack by FB Griffith, none by the OL during that 25 play span.
Russell was pressured but that´s to be expected when the other team knows you are passing.
Russell showed his playmaking skills by avoiding the pressure and keeping plays alive.
It was good to see Russell face a tough situation and handle it well.
No drops from Walker, Curry or Higgins.
- Like someone mentioned before, had we gone with our normal, run-first offense, we would have had a double digit lead at the Half……but that would have served no purpose in this game.
If Kiffin wanted to win the game and “look good” we would have won the game, it´s that simple.
IMO, he wanted the offense to get a feel for what it´s like to have to abandon the run and have the defense know what´s coming, that´s what the games are like when you are down by a couple of scores late in the game and we may have to deal with that at some point in the season.
On Defense, 1st Half:
AZ had 46 rushing yards in 11 carries, with a long of 9 that featured a rare Nnamdi whiffed tackle on Edge, meanwhile Boldin and Fitzgerald combined for just 4 catches and 30 yards.
The coverage was great and the pass rush forced Leinart out of the pocket a few times.
We need our starting Safeties back there to limit the big runs, in those 3rd Quarter runs Jarrod Cooper was atrocious replacing Wilson, I liked Branch´s effort but he is a rookie, that big cast didn´t help either.
I know, we shouldn´t have to expect the Secondary to be such a big part of stopping the run, but it is what it is, they know it and that´s why they got Gibril and replaced Fabian and Stu with Hall and Huff.
JLH learned his lesson, if there´s nothing there, don´t try to be a hero and play it safe.
Last but not least….
Javon Walker appeared to be in great shape, made a few plays and was open all day.
Tommy Kelly was a force inside, he stuffed a couple of runs for no gain, forced a fumble and was able to collapse the pocket.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
If Kiffin honestly doesn’t know what’s going on personnel wise, then saying “I have no idea” is hardly insubordination. He’s just telling how it is.
It’s not Al Davis fault that Carter got injured, but beyond Carter, Walker and Curry, all the other receivers are either inexperienced or under-qualified.
I wouldn’t expect to uncover any real gems among this next round of cuts.
This years team definitely looks like a work in progress. Some guys might emerge as real players over the course of the season while many others will prove to be under-achievers that need to be replaced.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Dakota a little conservative sidejab eh?
August 24th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Bo you can’t be serious…Kiffin is building the team? Come on man.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Common sense says that even though we went 4-12 last season, six losses were by 7 points or less. Our division is falling apart before our eyes, including the once mighty SD Dischargers.
We have upgraded our talent on offense and defense, and finally have a decent quarterback with infinite potential.
Common sense says that doubling our win total from last season and going at least 500 is completely reasonable and snaeking into the playoffs as a wildcard is not far fetched.
Unfortunately, common sense is severely lacking by too many posters, ahem, posers on this blog.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
damn shame about carter………..so its Walker, Curry, Jlh, Watkins and Chaz Schilens……….I’m fine with it………we will be running the rock untilthe middle of the season as I’ve been telling folks its the best plan
August 24th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Brien,
See post #92 on the last thread…you might like it.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Last I looked Johnnie Morant was playing in the CFL for the Argos.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Jerry – If I didn’t know any better I would say you are not happy with preseason? Ha…well at least you see it for what it is unlike some of your posters here, with all due respect of course. I mean really. A running team totally abandoning the run from the 1st snap, going for it on 4th and 8 when you can kick a FG and telegraphing what you want to accomplish before the game and you all take this seriously? What a joke.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I was waiting to hear your Grove analysis. I thought you would have said something along the lines of he missed a lot of calls since their blitzing was so effective. But you’re right, he did miss ONE BLOCK the whole half.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
If we can somehow get Naplean Harris again…maybe we can pull off another 1st round pick and Harris for Boldin?
Seriously though…I would have no problems with trading a 2009 1st round and 2010 2nd round pick for his rights. The tandem of Boldin, Walker and Curry “should be” disruptive for teams. Thats what we expected from Moss, Porter and Curry as well but I’m willing to give it another shot. I don’t think Boldin takes plays off the way Moss did.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
The thing with Kiffin’s comment is that it is not being a team guy. He could’ve easily used the coach speak and said something while saying nothing ala Bellicheat, but he didn’t. It looks as if he is trying to show Al up, and if/when he gets fired it will be another episode of “When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong” mark my words. Last year he wouldn’t even reveal who his opening day starter is, now all of a sudden he is disclosing the personal info of Oren and saying that he knows nothing of what the team he is coaching is doing roster wise???
August 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Severeraider–
What teams are Moses and Donovan playing for now? Like Jerry says, when a guy is unemployed, it’s probly for a reason.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Like you’ve been telling folks ???
Gotta luv it!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Jhill he totally whiffed on the Dmac screen play!! And when we ran he got zero push!!!!!! Missed one block he didnt do nada the entire first half. He cant blow anyone off the ball and is not strong at the point of attack………Wade will have to start if this team doesnt want to be below 500
August 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Kiffin is a damn idiot for running play action on 4th and 4 near the endzone
August 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Calling John Ritchie…
August 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
By the way, I agree with you on the tackle situation … Actually rewatching the game right now, with clicker mind you, and Harris looks awful on at least 50% of the plays I’ve seen, and I’m just at the 8:29 mark of the second qtr when we got screwed on the Kelly forced fumble.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
You would want the WR to go a little deeper on thier routes but how can they when Harris and Green totaly suck?
August 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
What’s tim dwight been up to? He was a decent receiver/returner last year, and he’s familiar with our system.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Kiffin got fired after week 4, during the bye week, James Lofton took over and by the end of the season, Shanahan got fired with Kiffin taking over as Head Coach, only to wreak revenge on the Raiders for the next 20 years? We can’t let this happen.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Dakota………i wish
August 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Al Davis still regrets not getting anything of value for Randy Moss. That was Kiffin’s decision and that was IMO one of the worst decisions he ever made.
Ocho Cinco wants out of Cincy, Boldin wants out of AZ as well. But I guarantee they ain’t leaving for nothing in return. Even if they gotta sit for most of the season. They are too valuable to let go for nothing.
So Al Davis has taken that control away from Kiffin until he proves to him that he can make those big time decisions and not drop the ball. Sounds reasonable to me.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Jerry said Kiffin COULD HAVE SAID he’s not at liberty to discuss workouts…IF he had said that would it have made a difference? Nice way to stir the pot, Jerry. Kiffin was just being honest…or was he?
August 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I didnt say i would keep either, im just saying that its not a usual move that al would make…..read the post again. That being said i would rather have Moses than Scott, but thats just my opinion.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I’m watching the game now B and I totally disagree. Believe it or not, I am totally focused on Grove, with the clicker mind you, because of your bashing. So far, so good with 7:19 to go in the 2nd qtr.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Moses couldn’t beat out Richardson and now we’re seeing Richardson making strides as a DE. Chris Clemons as a great edge rusher for us last year and now Kalimba Edwards has stepped into the role nicely. Where would Moses have fit in with us? He couldn’t beat out Richardson and he couldn’t keep his job with 2 more teams after that so I think Kiffin made the right decision.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Jhill its okay you can keep disagreeing RIGHT NOW…….
August 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
huh. Marley, you noticed how bad Coop was too …he was pretty pad out there.
Good pointed out the lop-sided stats on pass vs run. I think Kiffin got a lot accomplished in this game. The Offensive line, RBs and JR got a lot out of it. They’ll only get better from it. Thats the way to use a scrimmage to your advantage.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
My biggest problem with the oline so far, besides Harris, is the missed assignments. Too many people running free. The blitzes are not being recognized and we are ending up with LBs running free. It’s mostly Green and Harris that are not adjusting.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Post 58 – Great post Severe. I completely agree.
Just Win Baby.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Brien<——–was sitting at the game with an original Raider…………..my grandfather and he just like me is sick to his stomach about him
August 24th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Jhill just you wait until the season when defenses get more complicated with thier blitz schemes……..the offensive line iwll have its issues as long as Grove,Harris and Green are out there
August 24th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Ok, so I’m hearing that there is no need to worry about Harris or Green as we won’t be running those plays during the season?
We’ll be a dominant running team, so the ends won’t be able to tee off on our Tackles because they’ll be on their heels expecting run?
Is that what you guys are saying?
August 24th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I’ll have to re-watch the game but I personally thought Harris did a decent job all things considered. There wasn’t a whole lot of pressure coming off the left side. It was mostly coming off the right side with Green and Cooper. The Cards were flooding the right side as I remember. Center was a problem to with picking up blitzers.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
LOL …
Ok, Grove is an enemy of the whole family ???
I get it.
I’ll just leave it alone, my man.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
The important thing is…Kiffin isn’t afraid to go 24-0 in a pre-season game to prove a point. He put his team in a scrimmage situation to put on film all the weaknesses of the Raiders so that he could use that to teach the team on how to improve on that and get better. You can’t do that in the regular season, nor would you want to for the sake of the record. I think this game answered alot of questions for us and I think its clear that the Raiders must control the clock with the run, tire out the opposing defense, which will open up the passing game and keep our defense off the field and the opposing RB who wants to run through it off the field as well.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
no he isnt my dad and uncle think liek you
August 24th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
#10…accurate account of what real Raider fans saw last night…thank you for enlightning most, not all, of the others with that post…
August 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Wait til you watch it again Terrapin. I didn’t remember Harris looking nearly as bad as he did, especially when you look at the play in slow mo. He’s whiffing on running plays, getting knocked backwards on passing plays, as well as missing blitz pickups.
Did I mention his penalty?
And I’m still only half way thru the 2nd qtr.
Green had a penalty for not lining up correctly, and he too has missed some blitz pickups.
CC and Grove and doing just fine so far.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I think we also learned that its important to blitz the opposing QB because getting pressure on him will force him into mistakes and I truly believe, we have one of the most talented secondaries in the league and we can capitalize on that.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
For those who missed it here is a clip from China’s ending ceremonies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkzAJs7NutM
August 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Are people surprised that we had a hard time when “forced” to air it out at an 80-20 pass-run ratio?.
Where have you people been?.
The OL still needs some work, the QB needs some work, you didn´t know that?.
I don´t see what the big deal is.
Let´s say Kiffin comes out running, we take advantage of the turnovers, play it safe and have Russell hand it off and limit his opportunities in the passing game…..we take a good lead in the half and end up winning or losing a close game.
People would “feel” better but we would not have made any progress as a team, believe it or not, last night´s game will be very valuable to the Staff.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Don’t be surprised to see this team win games with scores like 20-10 or 21-17 or 23-20 or 10-6 and so on. It doesn’t matter what the score is in the end as long as we win.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Marley, less is more.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Bob Marley – You’re right. We can even consider the fact that Kiffin told the media that we were planning on passing alot so the Cardinals were prepared for that ahead of time as well. I think Kiffin wanted the other team to be prepared for that so he could challenge our offense.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Huff some games will be like that……some will shall dominate when we figure out a proper oline lineup
August 24th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Doesn’t it just make you feel better knowing that Merriman won’t be traumatizing Cornell Green on every play? That has to help a little. Addition by subtraction.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Kush #68
Get over Moss already, will ya! Nobody wanted to give up anything for him. Even with Brett Favre clamoring to get him, the Packers wouldn’t part with so much as a 4th round draft choice. Al Davis had the opportunity to get a decent player for Moss with the draft pick but he drafted John Bowie.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
For all we know…Bowie is the next Asomugha. Aso didn’t do anything his first 3 years.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Huff24…that´s right.
Not facing Merriman and Jared Allen 4 times next season is a big break for Kwame, Russell and everyone else involved.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Huff24–
In that case, it was a great trade!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Kiffin was already confident in the run game. Why put more focus on that? He needed to see what Walker, Carter, Higgins, Schilens could do and get JR up to speed. The goal of the game was not to put a notch in the pre-season win column. What good does that do when the season starts for real?
August 24th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
As a matter of fact B, Grove has to takedown block where he ends up standing over his man. I won’t go as far as to say they were pancakes, but I’ll take it.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
dakota;
1. i watched jon ritchie as an analyst. Forgot who he was for (network).
2. I don’t think kiffin is playing into ad’s hands so much as he is taking linda tripp’s advice to monica. Make it public or you may end up dead! He’s making it public so when he gets “relieved” he can say “wtf, i need players!” THe rest of the league will understand and he will be a hero.
3. CT beat SD.
4. How was the other SD? DId you mistake merriman for tomlinson????? LOL! He might be done… words of wisdom.. “NO NEEDLES.. MORE HEALTHY”
August 24th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
OK now I see what you were saying Jhill. Harris was having a tough go at it too. He needs to improve for sure. The whole line was having problems with the blitz pickups. So Kiffin & Co knows it needs to be emphasized in practice. At the same time, Russell had enough time to find his targets. It wasn’t pretty and he should get more time, but with the right playcalling he should (&was) getting enough time to find his WRs. Still the line must improve.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
armchair: when i played college baseball, i never wanted the catcher to throw down between innings or if he did.. lob it… because he didn’t have the strongest arm. I didn’t want the opposition drueling. ofcourse after a while everyone knows anyway. I think by showing all pass and getting 0 pts.. we’re going to see 9 in the box because everyone knows we can’t pass now.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I like Kiffin, but I hate when he seems to get depressed at times and says this or that is discouraging.
Can we pass block? No we can’t, but play to your strengths and stop whining that you’re not coaching an All-Pro team.
Is O’Neals injury a blow? Yes. But it is what it is. The team has to move on.
Is that a California thing where you guys sulk and hang your heads when something doesn’t go your way ?
Pick your head up Lane and get back on the damn horse.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Jim #102–
I think a loaded box was going to be the case anyway, given JR’s inexperience and our receiver situation. Teams are going to make Jamarcus show that he can beat them with his arm.
Higgins, Schilens and Watkins are going to have to mature real fast. Curry, Walker and Miller can’t do it all by themselves. Last year Raider wide receivers other than Porter and Curry had about 17 catches combined and we all saw how that worked out.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Bob Marley,
Exactly!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
My final thoughts: Will everyone who has never played in the NFL or is not a former or current NFL GM kindly refrain from expressing your opinion in this blog!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
i love revenge of the nerds
August 24th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
And I just saw the screen play ..
Hardly a whiff. Mcfadden didn’t set up the block, went straight to the sideline, so grove never had an angle to get that guy.
C’mon!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
hey jerry
johnnie morant actually isn’t available
he’s playing for the toronto argonauts in CFL
and he has one of the top catches of the CFL season – more or less ripping the ball out of the DB’s hands and then running for the TD
August 24th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Maybe we should grab Peerless Price and Lo Neal.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Were my eyes failing me or were there many entire sections in the third deck almost totally devoid of spectators? I suppose that means there are no season ticket holders in those sections, or did they all move down to better seats elsewhere? Unless there are a lot of single tickets sold for most games there aren’t going too many televised sellouts. Jerry was right. No way were there 39,000 persons present. What happened to all the Raider Nation diehards who couldn’t wait to get a glimpse of their beloved Super Bowl bound Raiduhs? It appeared that even season ticket holders couldn’t be bothered to show up. Did they take the wife out to the movies instead?
August 24th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Where is Alvis Whitted when he is really needed?
August 24th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
DeShawn Jackson went in the second round. We should have gone after him. Our punt and ko return game is still suspect.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I heard he spent last night playing gin rummy with Johnny Morant, Carlos Francis, Mike Williams, Doug Gabriel and Tim Dwight
August 24th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
For the record, Mike Williams is available. So are Johnnie Morant, Doug Gabriel and Carlos Francis.
…wow who wants to go down that road again?
August 24th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
No one goes to pre season games. Even after they’ve paid for the tickets. It happens in every stadium in the league. It is not at all unusual.
First off, screw Alvis Whitted. We REALLY NEED kenyon Rambo. Blitzalot we didn’t have a 2nd rounder. It went for DeAngelo Hall. If I had my choice I would rather have a 2 time pro bowl corner, who is 24 than a 5′9″ 160 pounder who may be real good. And I’m a HUGE Cal guy.
Lastly someone get Lorenzo Neal on the phone. We can use him.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Maybe Tennessee will trade us their 4th round receiver, Lavelle Hawkins, for our 4th round pick, Arman Shields. Then again, probably not.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Al -
If you want to win.
Get
Boldin
Now
August 24th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
#111…no, actually those were the cheap seats up top, where fans will GLADLY pay 25-55 dollars for a ticket to the real game…pay attention to your niners this week, yes, it may be officially “sold out”, but I highly doubt there will be 60,000 this Friday to watch a third string journeyman in a cold, windy dump like Candlestick…
August 24th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I think a boldin trade is possible, give a 2nd rnd pk for the guy. For the record I like Doug Gabriel. Finally, worse then the ticket prices is the $25 per car charge for tailgating.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Out of all the FA WR’s, there are only a few who aren’t injury prone and could come in right away and help..they are vets on the verge of retirement, but who knows? Maybe one of these old heads can come in and provide a few key first downs and a few touchdowns…
August 24th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
post 111,,May I gather youre A Whiner fan,seeking attention ,still upset the Raiders won? Its pre season,jackass,I CHOSE TO STAY till halftime,and left!As a season ticket holder I put my money where my mouth is,not that its any of youre business,chump
August 24th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
People in here sure like to cry about the price of things…maybe you guys should get a better job so you wouldnt have to cry poor,..but Im pretty sure even if you could afford to go to games you wouldnt,..more important things for you to do,..watch the game from your couch and blog about it.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Ya ok Glenn,..sure you were.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Glenn,..youre a friend of briens right?…hes always at out tailgate,..you are welcome too,..love to have you there…for Denver?
August 24th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Yeah, Jim, your head is spinning from wine and norcos isn’t it???? You probably don’t even know where you are right now do you??? You’re on the planet earth Jim. Remember that.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Glenn,…why are you so unhappy tonight?…seem hostile…having a bad night?
August 24th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Jim, I’ll be there. Thanks for the invite! I’ll buy ya drink inside as well.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Aw,..poor little madden mad again?..what is it this time bud?…Im sure you have endless reasons for your unhappiness,..what is it this time?…maybe I can help….lol…poor baby.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Nah,..save your money bud,..just come by the tailgate,..I will make sure you get treated right.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
JL, I’m in a great mood. If you say something to me that is patently crazy, I’m going to respond in a like manner. Telling me I don’t go to games is patently crazy. Shoot, I go to the away games.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
No hard feelings right??
August 24th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Madden,…youre real life and blog life, you cant tell the difference anymore,…you cant even be yourself in here,..you have to use others names because you have lost sight of who you are,..you simply pick a name of someone in here, then post with it,…its a bummer for you that you cannot even have your own identity,..you post lies constantly,..but in defense of you, you may not be able to tell your lies from truth,…you have gone so far off course you dont remember what you are talking about anymore,…madden, you certainly have lost your mind,..maybe the blame is the internet…maybe thats when you lost any sense of reality,…get some help bud, before its too late….good luck. Night.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
go get doug gabriel. never understood why we got rid of him in the first place. he’s no game-breaker, but he’s also not old(horn), fat(williams), or a drunk(robinson)plus he’d give a little depth in terms of returning kicks
August 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Lorenzo Neal is playing for the Ravens fools.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
No, no hard feelings,..but try and reclaim yourself,..this blog has ruined your life. Night.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Marcus Monk, Grice-Mullen, Joe Horn, all good options.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
How crazy would this be…NOT ALL THE TIME, BUT ONCE IN A WHILE….
………How about BUSH at fullback, he’s big enough, strong enough, smart enough and he can: run, catch and pass. Then on a few plays, we would have McFadden and Bush in at the same time……….Why not?
August 24th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
what’s zach crockett up to?? anyone know??
August 24th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
crockett cut by cowboys last season, do you’re research it’s not that hard. I just wiki every question you have and I have an answer in less than a minute.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Will you ask Kiffin one question: why is Paul McQuistan, who played rather well at RT last year, not being given a chance to compete for the job again this year? He outplayed Cornell Green last year.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
i think i knew he WAS with the cowboys. not with anyone now?? hell, he’d be worth it. bush and crockett would be a load in short yardage. he’s probably not the reciever kiff wants at FB, but pickins are kinda slim with two weeks to go.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Granted that it was the first game at the new Lucas Oil Stadium, but I watched the Bills/Colts game and they had about 63,000 at that game even though they knew Peyton Manning would NOT be playing and that they would be watching Quinn Grey and Jared Lorenzen instead.
Raider fans, one the other hand, knew that Jamarcus Russell was going to play at least the first half along with most of the regulars in this most important third exhibition game. Kiffin also told everybody that JR would get the opportunity to “air it out”.
I realize the games don’t count in the standings but aren’t they supposed to be at least interesting enough to attend? I guess after about three games, Raider fans have already lost interest in watching Jamarcus Russell throw passes.
I watched a lot of the other NFL pre-season games on the NFL network and most had better attendance than the Raiders.
If the Raiders play poorly in the next exhibition game, there’s a good chance the Monday Night opener against the Broncos will not be televised due to lack of a sell-out. That seemed to happen a few times last year as well.
Man up Raider Nation!
August 24th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Riverside Fan,
I think the problem with playing Bush at Fullback would be his lack of blocking skills. It usually takes rookies a while to learn to pick up blitzing LB’s and he probably didn’t do much blocking in college. Kiffin probably isn’t to keen on him being lead blocker on running plays either.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
post 146, Bite The Bag! U a season ticket holder,dont lie,spaz
August 24th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Here’s the report from the Indianapolis Colts latest preseason game…
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—The grand opening of Lucas Oil Stadium turned into a big dud for the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night.
At least, they’ll have another chance to christen their new stadium properly in two weeks when the games really count.
Xavier Omon scored on a short touchdown run, Terrence McGee returned a Colts fumble 68 yards for a touchdown and the Buffalo Bills forced five turnovers in a 20-7 victory over the Colts.
“It was a rather disappointing evening for us,” coach Tony Dungy said. “We wanted to play much better to open up the stadium, but it didn’t happen. They outplayed us tonight.”
It certainly didn’t go according to the script.
So according to the logic of some of you, this means Indy is gonna suck this year right?
Pathetic.
‘The Raiders Return To Greatness Is Inevitable’
August 24th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Bobby Davis,
I ask myself that question everyday, and I post at least one message on this blog at least once a weak asking “Where is Paul Mcquistain?”
Damn Cornell Green was lining up as the tail back in formation so that he could get position on the edge over the pass rusher. That dude is not going to cut it. Kwame is better than Barry Sims, so I will pray he can hold up.
I know kiff doesn’t want another body to add to the walking wounded list, but I don’t see th downside to making a move on Luke Petigout right now. The dude has had injury issues, and he is going to serve a 4 game suspension, but he could be a nice RT if needed after Cornell Green gets hurt or embarrassed. bring him as an insurance policy.
Jamarcus is ready to go now. He has shown incredible improvement from last seasons Jacksonville game where he was launching ducks over the middle of the field, like his name was Matt Lienert, to now. This O line is holding him back.
The guy has a very quick clock in the pocket because his instincts are telling him to get the hell out of there before he ends up like Andrew Walter, Dave Carr, or Alex Smith.
Trade for Devery (4th or 5th rd pick) and sign Luke Petigout for the run to the playoffs. We have no chance those last 4 games ( save maybe the Texans who have slapped us the past two years in our house) to win any games.
If the Raiders do not make these two moves ( or similar caliber to the WR and Tackle positions respectively) we can kiss any push to the playoffs goodbye.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Koren Robinson even sounds a little intriguing; however, the dude has substance abuse problems with drugs and alcohol. People like this always mess up, and 95% of the time never walk straight; however, the dude is capable of being a no. 3, return kicks, and make big plays. Maybe he won’t screw up til next off season.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Guy’s when Kiffin said we see who are, we can’t just stand back and throw. Hewas talking specifically about the tackles Green and Harris.
How that suprises anyone is beyond me. Harris has a long way to go to get where he needs to be and Green isn’t an all-pro RT. We all knew that.
It will take time for these things to develope. And Kiffin was doind this for the fans and the media to shut up, Big Al knows these things better than Kiffin.
To assume that they are in diagreement about this is silly. Al’s not stupid These guy’s aren’t Art Shell and Lincoln Kennedy. Also the teams still needs to get talent along bothe lines. No surprise that’s why losing O’neil was so devastating.
Also my only gripe with the passing game is we NEVER throw down the field…………NEVER. that’s a problem because guy’s are open but it’s bee drilled into Russell’s head to dump it off. Russell is simply doing as he’s been coached.
At soem point Kiffn needs to understand that YOU MUST challenge the defense sometimes.It’s OK to to play safe but you can’t play scared…………period
August 24th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Dick V if Cable wants these guy’s they’ll get them, so we’ll see what happens. But it’s his call. My guess is they’re not much better than what we have just better in our minds because we’re unhappy with what we have.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
BHP, I hear what you are saying. Guys are out work right now for several reasons, and most are real issues. Pettigout can play. He was a 1st rd pick, he has played in the zone blocking scheme, and Tampa thought enough of him to give him a solid contract last year. You should have heard the dribble coming from the Giants fans last year when Pettigout was allowed to walk and David Dheil the LG was switched to lT. everyone was irate in New York, and I did not hear anybody saying it could work save the Giants coaching staff.
I know Cable, Kiffin, and Even Al Davis have enough information on this guy to make a move. If they don’t I am sure that the bad just simply outweighed the good.
Green definitely fits into the We just don’t have anybody else category, but we will see.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:06 am
This kid Ricky Brown plays a lot faster than the other two guy’s. He has real potential to be a good one. G Wilson is the heart and soul of the defense. He takes the defense up several notches. Tommy Kelly looks like he’s is worth the money.
Kiffin if you don’t give me anything else give me MBush in the red zone. Don’t screw around with DMC give me a takle breaking HB at least Fargas.
DMC between the 20’s is OK in the RED ZONE Bush and Fargas……………….period
August 25th, 2008 at 12:07 am
BHP,
I know plays are there to be made down field, but Jamarcus has the right idea to get out of the pocket. Until those tackles and O line in general can improve, we have to be patient and take what is there in the first 2.5 to 3 seconds. i saw Jamarcus avoid a few hits and sacks yesterday by getting that ball out.
an eight yard sack kills a drive unless someone make a big play.
I like what I see out of Russell. The dude has some whoodini in him, and we know he has the cannon. Lane has the training wheels on, but I beleive that is the right course of action until the line gets better.
Jamarcus is not super man, he is getting out of that pocket and avoiding sacks because he knows he does not have all day. The man has some poise back there.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:09 am
HayesDaze…
I’ve been cloned all day. My last post was around 1pm when I told you I’d get back to you.
Before we can drop our debate, I have to ask you for examples as to how Al’s “experience” helps Lane Kiffin build teams, or how Lane can learn from it. I asked you to name one specific thing Lane Kiffin could learn from Al Davis. Experience isn’t specific enough.
Come to think of it, Obama should be asking McCain the same question.
“Experienced at what? Kissing Bush’s ass?”
August 25th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Lastly pleas don’t expect Harris’ pass blocking to be great in two months because it could take a year or two in this system to become what Cable thinks he can be. He is an outstanding run blocker and an adeguate pass blocker until then. So we must stay balanced on offense for him to be successful.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Ricky has some nice speed. I have to watch him some more, but he seems like he is ready. The dude has definitely been hitting the weights.
I see what Al was saying with D Hall and his tackling. The Raiders db’s play a big role in the run game, and they are asked to seal of the side line. That is what Lane was talking about when he said enough starters were out not to be overly concerned with that 3rd quarter.
wilson is a good player.
Huff made a nice play in center field yesterday. I can see the defense coming together.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Kush, just so you know, it wasn’t me you were fighting with today. My last post was around 1pm. As you already know, most of my real posts are about management. I take a lot of flack for it and the only personal insults you see me throwing out are in response to those insulting me. I never go after people who are just talking football. In fact, there’s only a few people I personally insult in here and you’re not one of them. You never will be, Kush. Hope you realize that.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Dick V it takes the same amount of time to throw 25 yards down field as it does to throw 10 or 12. It’s a simple 5 step drop and release. It’s not the blocking, it’s not the talent, it’s the coach.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:19 am
You know I’m watchin the game again and this kid Trevor Scott has stepped up considerably he was a factor in this game.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:19 am
You are right about Kwame Harris. I was not concerned with him so much. Green did bother me however.
The Raiders will be competitive, and Green and Harris can both run block well.
My biggest concern is for when we play solid football teams that will bring the pressure. Green will not hold up too long against good players.
I expect good things from the team, but we all saw yesterday a glimpse of how this team will look when playing from behind. I am not even sure how good Arizona is at pass rushing, or even how complex the Arizona schemes were last night. Most teams don’t empty out the playbook like Mike nolan did against Aaron Rodgers last weak because they dod not want to put that on film in the preseason.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Jason Jones of the SacBee is acting like we lost a regular season game yesterday. I know the press likes to do this. Reporting on the preseason as if it’s real just sells the game in and of itself. What cracks me up is that Lane Kiffin announced he was going to throw the ball even when he didn’t need to. That’s a subtle way of saying the he wasn’t trying to win. Therefore, anyone who watched this game really hoping for a victory either thought Kiffin was joking, or they have a tough time reading peoples’ hints.
A.I. (As Jim Lofton, today…), make your case for James Lofton other than this tired word, “experienced”. First off, what is Lofton experienced at, aside from jogging around and running routes with receivers? Where has he called plays? Where has he built an offense? Describe Lofton’s system. Give me some nuances. What’s the first thing we’ll notice with Lofton’s offense? Run heavy, or pass heavy? Oh, if you don’t know, don’t be ashamed. BECAUSE HE’S NEVER BEEN INVOLVED WITH BUILDING AN OFFENSE, ANYWHERE. He’s only been a skills coach. I think we both know what offense he’ll be running. Can anyone say, Bed and Breakfast?
August 25th, 2008 at 12:27 am
BHP,
It may take the same amount of time for Jamarcus to flick the pass down field as it does to check down; however, there is big difference in the lead time to allow that play develop.
You are watching the game right now, How many sacks did JR avoid by having such a quick clock on and getting out of the pocket. You can not separate the two and say on this play if Jamarcus would have just waited a split second, he would have found Javon streaking down field because on the other plays he did not weight and avoided the pass rusher chasing him down on his blind side he could have just as easily been hit and the ball could have come out.
The Raiders coaching staff: Lane Kiffin, Greg Knapp, Paul Hackett, and who ever the qb coach is, are doing the right thing and teaching this kid how to play at this level. The down field stuff will come later: probably when we get some consistent protection, and receivers get consistent separation.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Dick V AZ was loading up against us all night. They sent backers from all angles and we struggled. Don’t be overly concerned we didn’t game plan them. My guess is we could’ve won this game if a regular season game.
We plaed base mostly on offense and defense although we sent a few backers. But nothing exotic. This was in NO WAY an accurate gage of what we can do. Not even close.
Like I said my only concern is he is drilling it into Russell’s head that when things break down to look short. That’s stupid because most big plays happen when thngs break down and he scrambles. He needs to look down field more.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:31 am
MR I know you take a lot of flack from a lot of people, and anyone who reads my posts knows that I’m all about unity among the Nation. We all have different opinions and that’s ok. I just don’t stand for the negativity, political, social, and racial bickering, and groundless name calling.
I won’t ever start no stuff, but I damn sure will finish it.
I took offense to people that were coming on here with this ‘WOE IS THE RAIDERS’ mentality, talking about how terrible we’re gonna be this year and how they agree with Charger fans and all kinda crap.
So rightfully so, as a proud member of the Raider Nation, I stood up for The Raiders, my Nation brethren, and all of the hard work that the players, coaches, and management have done this off season.
Yeah we stunk in several aspects on Friday. But we were good in several aspects too. We weren’t any different from the majority of football teams during the pre season.
Like Allen Iverson said in his infamous rant…”It’s practice…Not a game…but practice.”
So in conclusion MR, I don’t always agree with you, but that’s ok. As long as you are a Raider fan, you’re my Nation brethren. And for the fact that you made it a point to communicate with me, and clarify your role in the bickering that was going on earlier, you gained a lot of respect from me for that too. Have a good night.
I’ll rap with everyone again in the morning.
‘The Raiders Return To Greatness Is Inevitable.’
August 25th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Mr,
Lofton is an unproven commidity. I like what lane is doing right now.
Yesterday was a barometer of the passing game, and how this team will look while playing from behind. It is nothing to cry about, and I actually came away from it with an even bigger man crush on Jamarcus.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:35 am
I’m only saying this because I’ve watched this kids entire career. He is the ultimate big play QB especially when things break down. The WR’s need to learn to run deep when he’s out of the pocket beacuse he can get it there. But the coach WONT let him.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:36 am
If the game were for real, BHP, Kiffin would have called more draw plays and screens to throw off their blitzes. He made it clear he was going to air it out. Kiffin wanted to see how JaMarcus could do as a gunslinger. He announced to the opponent we were going to be throwing, and that’s what we did. There was no gameplan this week to win. It was to see what the kid’s got. What we learned: While JRuss2Miller is certainly for real, we’ve got lots of work to do with our passing game. It’s not there, yet. It’s what we assumed all along. But it couldn’t hurt to open it up and give it a try. It’s preseason. The game doesn’t count.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Kush, understood. Just know that my last post here, until about a half hour ago, was at around 1pm today. Everything signed “MR” between 1pm and midnight tonight was not me.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:43 am
MR, I know, I said that in post #163
August 25th, 2008 at 12:44 am
I believe you MR. Truthfully until we get some sort of registration or organization around here, this sort of identity theft will continue.
That’s why it’s so stupid for us to be arguing amongst each other. For all we know it could be Charger, or Niner fans impersonating regular bloggers on here just to stir up contention and bickering among the Nation. Even though we may all have different opinions, we must be able to disagree but still stand united!
‘The Raiders Return To Greatness Is Inevitable.’
August 25th, 2008 at 12:46 am
BHP,
Looking down field will come in time. Qb’s just don’t learn the game in a year. He will get it. He will make his plays down field, but right now he is working on the basics: getting the ball out getting to the next play. He will develop the other finer nuances of the game with more experience. The dude looks like the next Elway. He is light years ahead of VY, and we all know about Leinert.
We just have to be patient and let things develop.
I know it is not the same thing, but there are some lessons to be learned from the last couple of years. I remeber pulling my hair out watching Kerry collins check down time after time instead of taking his shots down field. I was convinced that dude was garbage, then I saw the 06 season, and I thought you know I would take what I saw from Kerry Collins any day over that.
Jamarcus has to learn to get the ball out and make the reads. He is still trying to learn how to go through the first two reads right now. The third read is a whole new world for that kid, and if he can’t account for the front line defenders, he needs to get out of the pocket fast after the first two reads. That is what he is doing right now.
With our running game, and some solid performances, he will build confidence and trust with this unit, and the other stuff will come. Play action passes will be there. The third and 4th reads along with scrambles and the Recievers turning and running up field when the play breaks will all come as well, but for now we going to see a lot of check downs, dump offs, and quick hitters.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Sorry, BHP. LOL. I’m tired and I’m only reading like the first two sentences of people’s posts. I saw you say something about them blitzing heavy and I jumped to conclusions. My bad.
Kush, I’ve said all along I’ve got no problem with registration in here. I’ve been banned from here a couple of times but only for sinking down to the level of people attacking me. With the registration, at least I’ll know where it’s coming from. So will you. LOL. It would definitely prevent fiascos like today. Sad to say, though, they’ll never do it. It’s all about web hits. $$$$
August 25th, 2008 at 12:54 am
It is not a secret to teach your receivers to turn up field when the play breaks down, as well, as the the deep receivers to come back for the ball when the play breaks down and the qb gets out of the pocket. Lane Kiffin and all those coaches know that. even Bread and breakfast tom knows that. These people are all professionals getting paid big money to teach these players how to play the game. I think you are way too quick to assume that Lane is the problem. I see growth and development right now from JR. when I stop seeing growth and development, then I will jump on the soap box and start bad mouthing the coaching staff.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:56 am
WEll it is what it is I will disagree but that’s my opinion. WE will need points and check downs wont produce them.
What I’m saying is very basic and no big deal but it’s just decision making. I’ve watched this kid play and he makes great decisions under pressure. Not only will he get frustrated but so will the WR’s who are running wide open down field. It doesn’t make sense to force him to throw short, it’s stupid IMO. As long as takes care of the ball and doesn’t turn it over. Why stifle him.
Too many times fans think I’m talking about standing in the pocket for 15 sec. and taking sacks.
I’m talking about playing smart football forcing your opponent to play you honest.
But I’ve exhausted myself Adios for now.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:02 am
watched oo taken off field again- no lateral or horizontal stability- it looks like a complete blowout- it will take two years at best- probably never play again
August 25th, 2008 at 1:03 am
carter will be back next year- question is with us or with someone else
August 25th, 2008 at 1:13 am
BHP,
Al passed on Mike Martz and hired Lane. Lane brought back the west coast offense. Martz has his players stand in there and makes plays: 5 step and seven step drops- 3-4 seconds.
Lane is teaching this kid his offense that Al signed off on. I am sure there were other young lions out there that teach that Martz style of football, but al chose this kid because he knew he could coach: and teach a young kid how to play the position.
what you are saying is fundamentally at odds with the system we are running and is more in tune with what is going on across the bay.
Maybe Martz offense would ultimately be better for JR when he is all good and grown: I can’t argue with that logic, but right now he is learning how to play the game at this level. I hate to qoute Jerry cuz I know that will piss you off, but Qb’s are built in layers. He is learning this layer right now.
by the way, have you noticed Martz does not put rookie qb’s or qb’s that he has not groomed on the field in his offense. Why does Martz prefer to get a qb, teach him for a while and then run with them whether there from northern Iowa or UC Davis?
I know you are wanting to see big things from JR, and I am not trying to piss you off, but I do come here to argue with sensible people. You are one of them. No disrespect. We are all die hard and we do not have to agree.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Carter is done. He was a waste from the moment we signed him. He can’t stay healthy: not at Ohio state, not in Carolina and apparently not even in Oakland.
DJ Hackett, Bryant Johnson would have been better than Carter in retrospect. I know it is somewhat distasteful to take shots after the fact, but we all knew he was injury prone.
I don’t mind taking a flyer on a player like Javon so much because I have seen him produce in big time spots. I don’t mind Arman Sheilds because he is still recovering from the one injury, but players like Carter are hurt year in and year out. Curry is on his last chance too. If he gets hurt, run him off with Carter.
We need new blood.
Devery Henderson, Koren robinson would be all right with me.
anqaun aint happening.
The giants have a glut of recievers: David Tyree, Dominic Hixon and Sinorice moss are all fighting for the same spot. It looks like hixon: I would take a flyer on any of them.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:26 am
BHP,
Yeah Fargas was a real stud in the red zone last year! What was his season total for TD’s 3 ? Please dont throw him the ball his hands are stone.
Bush, I agree.
Why dont you like DMAC in the red zone? Because you spent months telling us he is a skinny avg back we dont need ?
# Blackholepriest Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Kiffin if you don’t give me anything else give me MBush in the red zone. Don’t screw around with DMC give me a takle breaking HB at least Fargas.
DMC between the 20’s is OK in the RED ZONE Bush and Fargas……………….period
August 25th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Early in the 3rd quarter Rashard Baker laid the wood to Boldin! Anquan got right up and Baker left the game.
Nice hit!
With Carter out Madsen could move back to WR or run 2 TE sets. Madsen hasnt lit the field on fire but he does get open.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Hey Jerry, when you wrote this one were you sittin on a thorny bush? Just kidding,you’re the best.
Bring back Gabriel for a look. When he was paired with Curry he had some moments-yes, I know some of them were bad but there were some good ones too. New England liked him enough to sign him before he got injured. Mike Williams doesn’t seem to know whether he wants to play or not and then there’s that comment he made about the Raiders after Kiffin got rid of him.
Mario in as tight end? Maybe he thought that’s where he was supposed to play. With Henederson going in as tight end, what does that tell us about KIffin’s attitude to pre-season games?-that it’s a pre-season game, a practice. You’re right, Jerry about the rip-off aspect but that will end just as soon as football isn’t popular anymore.
O’Neal in particular is a tough loss, but what are you going to do, it’s football. How do you think the Chargers feel about Merriman? Also, is LT starting to feel the toll on his body. We’re not the only team having problems. They just seem worse because Kiffin speaks right up. Some folks say that Al likes people who stand up to him-I’m not sure where they work now. Kiffin talking true is great but he does overdo it. He should have made his point about Walker and then let it lay, not go on so much in public about the guy. Also, all that stuff about needing more guys to come in sounds like something you should take up with the boss. It’s still better for him to speak up. John Madden was real successful and always kept it in house, but I seem to recall that one of the reasons he quit was because of ulcers.
We played SD fairly well last year-we were competitive. Last year we had Fargas, this year we’ve got the three horsemen. We waited two years for Bush and the three horsemen are really clicking. Trading Bush is just panicking. Given the suspect passing game, we’re going to need those three guys. Especially with the way Fargas plays-a real Raider but he could be gone after the first game.
Last year was the first time we’ve seen daylight in 4-5 years. It was great again-we WERE competitive. We could have more games(at least two) if Kiffin didn’t keep going for it on 4th down (”You always take the points”-J.Madden). Percentage wise that comes back to bite you in the posterior. Please don’t do that Lance.
As one of Mr’s personalities has said, we are rebuilding and were in the second year-some of you guys expect too much too soon.
As to this year-we ARE better than last year. We also have one of the best schedules in years.
I’m looking for no lower than second place and maybe 9-7.
Win or lose-Raider till I die. They can bury me in my cap.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 3:20 am
typo. mistake.
Win or lose-Raider till I die. They can bury me in me cap-but not until after the game.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Dick V.:
You making some good points there.
Blackholepriest:
Also some good points, I especially agree with you on the long pass.
I’m not sure whether Al skipped over Mike Martz or the other way around. May be it just wasn’t possible given the personalities of both men.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:40 am
I’m following the NFL from Europe. Don’t know why but I’ve been a Raiders fan for years. And I am/was always in pain when I saw them playing on the rare occasions my cable TV (NASN) would show a Raiders game they performed miserably. The last good Raiders were under Gruden and the following year when they reached the Superbowl. Unfortunately they played lousy in it.
NASN showed their pre-season game against the Titans, and I must say I liked what I saw. There is some good new talent around. I hope they can improve on 4-12 from last year. 5-11 is what I would consider progress. If they manage 8-8 that would be huge but I don’t think they can do that.
I am not sure if Kiffin is a really good coach. Certainly he is pushing his luck with Al with all the useless comments out of frustration. Not that I think Al is doing it right. But I guess Kiff would be better served shutting up and doing his job as good as possible, and if he’s unhappy he should look for a job somewhere else just like Gruden did. Unfortunately it seems that as long as Al sticks around, a heachcoaching job with the Raiders is at best a springboard to join a better organization later on(Shanahan, Turner, Gruden).
August 25th, 2008 at 4:56 am
What is with the Peterson article?
For the first time in a while we have a coach that is stating the obvious. We were 4-12 last year.
Is anyone going to believe that we are loaded with talent?
Al Davis acknowledged the Raiders needed to do a better job of evaluating college talent when they hired Kiffin. Davis knows we need more talent and that we have depth issues.
No intrigue. No drama. No story. Wait till final cuts and see what we can do.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Hey MR, Obama has been kissing Cheney’s ass so not much difference there. Dakota and MR in the same blog, go figure. Those two Scapegoat Al worshippers sound like the same person to me.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:20 am
Tommy_H
Damn. I didn’t NASN ran that. God bless NASN but they can’t pull the NFL away from SKY. I don’t know where you’re at but Copenhagen Fan said games are beamed out of Scandinavia.
Sky will only put about 2-3 Raider games on again so I’m going online to see every game.
Just in case you don’t know,you can go to:
http://www.nfl.com/gamepass
and pay to watch every game-all teams. Right now I think it’s about $150 for the year and midway they drop it to half price. They’re even offering HD this year.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:13 am
I’ve never understood what the problem is with Doug Gabriel?! I liked this guy the first time he became a Raider. Sure, he never got much playing time, but when he did, if I remember correctly, he caught everything! Plus, he has good speed.
Bring in Doug G!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:21 am
…Just read some of the other posts about Devery Henderson. I believe he would work too! I’m and LSU graduate and watched Devery play evey Saturday. He’s got speed, and has done well with the Saints. Has he lit it up? No, but he is consistent. I don’t remember his hands ever coming into question. One Tiger (Jamarcus) to another Tiger (Devery). I like it!! Devery could be an excellent option.
…Still wouldn’t mind Doug G.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Shields will save us!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Throw Schilens into the fire he’ll step up like Colston in New Orleans , he’s our version of Vincent Jackson, big and fast with good hands, the kid is ready for prime time. Game reps will make this guy a star!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Doug Gabriel does not get great separation…he is a lot like Curry. Great guy though. He could be an adequate returner, but there have to be better WR options out there after cuts. For now Lane has to get Watkins and Schilens some first team reps and see what blossoms.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I’m pulling for chaz…..
August 25th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I love you Kush. You are one of the good guys. We should hang out sometime.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Count me in as all in favor of bringing Doug Gabriel back. He seemed to have a knack for catching the long ball for touchdowns. And now we’ve got the king of long balls at QB (although not in this offensive system, at least no right now.).
Also, wouldn’t mind taking a look at J Horn or K Robinson at receiver
And I think Zack Crockett would be interesting at FB
August 25th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Dick V, BHP – Nice convo last night. You both make excellent points. I personally wouldn’t be so quick to blame Kiffin for JR not going deep. They’re teaching JR to be smart about the game (and also about his line). Eventually, we’ll see him go deep and often b/c if there’s one thing I saw from this game its that Walker was getting open deep a lot. The line definitely needs to improve before they can get it there consistently.
“Consistently” is the key. Right now, JR’s internal clock is quick, real quick. He has to get that ball out in a hurry b/c he and the coaching staff knows that line cannot hold for too long. They are not there yet. Therefore, by keeping a quick clock JR can move the chains consistently and avoid physical injury or pshycological damage ala Walter.
As time passes and the line’s protection improves he can lenghten that clock and it could be “Shock and Awe” in S&B ….bombs flying everywhere. But its a step process. The Nation will have to exercise patients. Thing is, we’re still gonna win a number of games this year.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Sith Lord Davis Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Hey MR, Obama has been kissing Cheney’s ass so not much difference there. Dakota and MR in the same blog, go figure. Those two Scapegoat Al worshippers sound like the same person to me.
______________________________________________________
lol
August 25th, 2008 at 7:40 am
For the incredulous:
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
August 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Kiffin is building the team.
The kid got his draft and free agents too.
Win, or hit the bricks…Al can’t wait forever.
Pride and Poise.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:46 am
BJS: “Kiffin is building the team.”
__________________________________________________
Thanks for giving me an early morning laugh.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Maybe not Terrapin. I don’t think we will win over 5 or 6 games this year. The reason is simple, there’s a power struggle going on with Al and coach kiff. I don’t know if Mr Davis ever reads these comments, I dout he does; but if so Why don’t you put your ego aside and let this young coach make you a winner. You are in your late 70’s and you still have not learned from your past failures. If Lane is fired, well not if but when, he will do just as Shannahan, Gruden and several other mistreated players (Marcus Allen) have done. That is go somewhere else and dominate our disfuntional Raiders. Mr Davis if you will take a back seat for a couple of years and allow Lane to run the show, give him what he needs to be successful, allow the team and the coaching staff to build continuity I’m certain that you will be glad that you did, or we will all be sorry that you did’nt.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Given how atrocious our o-line was before Cable, I’ll grant our vastly improved ability to run. But, why does it seem that our o-lineman seem clueless as to picking up stunts and blitzes when compared to others ?
August 25th, 2008 at 7:54 am
I won’t pick up anymore senior WR I would just develop my young talent and live with the receivers we have this year. I like Schilens and Watkins on the team.
The slim pickings on receivers in the league this year are just amazing.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Senile King,
Maybe because Rob Ryan went two years without using stunts or blitzes in practice so our o-line is not used to them?
Word is Ryan is blitzing in practice now, and even in games, so maybe they will get in shape by the time we roll into the season?
August 25th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Dakota,
While you were gone to SD on vacation, there was some insinuation that you had something to do with Merriman. lol
August 25th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Exla,
I think I might have hit some guy in a crosswalk with my car…what it Merriman? If so I guess I will stop losing sleep over it!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:04 am
I tell you what I am really worried about is if Walker is the real deal now he really has to stay healthy.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:04 am
#205: Just kidding, no need to call the authorities.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Is Eric Paker still out there as a F/A?
August 25th, 2008 at 8:07 am
We are done…
August 25th, 2008 at 8:09 am
to keep the optimism… another losing season will give us a chance to improve our OLine and WR spots next year… damn!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I think we should bring in Koren Robinson since he can return kicks as well as a decent receiver. Also, the Whiners are probably gonna release FB Norris who would be a good backup.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I have mixed feelings but I am excited for the season. The bad obviously our oline and our wr. The play by huff was good to see but on the same play if huff hadn’t been there that play would have been broken up. Hall was all over a premier wideout hope to see that all season. I think the oline will play better once the season starts but we do need a vet rec!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Yes, Eric Parker is still available.
To those above calling for Lorenzo Neal…he signed with the Ravens a few weeks ago.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Yeah, I’m for Koren Robinson too, how’s his speed?
August 25th, 2008 at 8:18 am
We are not done! 1st of all, no one in their right mind predicted Super Bowl or Division Playoffs. An improvement to 7-9 or 8-8 is reasonable. Does Kiffin have to say directly that he is not running the offense that we will against the donkey’s. Does he have to preview it in the exhibition. How many sweeps have we run with McFadden. How many gadget plays? How many bombs with JMac. How many 4 wide receiver sets. Empty backfields. All we have seen are dinks and a vanilla offense. Wait until the practices are closed and Jerry can’t report for the offense to be instaaled. Until we play for real, Keep the faith!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:19 am
We need a WR who can strech the field and can catch the ball at the same time. It seems like we always have these really fast WR’s who can not catch.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Eric Parker is still hurt also.
I had posted manny times we should go after:
1. Adarius Bowman
2. Chris Henry (picked up by cincy)
3. Koren Robinson
New Addition to list
4. Terry Glenn
I am all for developing our young WR’s. I like watkins, and Chaz. Bowman would be an upgrade
and is currently playing in the CFL not just
sitting aroung eating twinkies. We should have
had this guy in camp a long time ago. This is going
to be a situation where we could have picked him
up for basically free by NFL terms he goes to another
team and shines.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Post 216, Javon Walker
August 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Al’s Dimnentia Is What Says:
I dont’t know that it would work-but I can’t help but like your idea of Zach Crockett.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Here’s a positive story by Bill Williamson about Kiffin doing it his way.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest/0-2-335/Honest-Kiffin-doing-it-his-way-in-Oakland.html
August 25th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Post#46 I like what Bob is smoking today… great post ganja man. That is flat out the truth. We told the Cards what we were going to do before we did it and it was a great practice/experience for the ‘O’. The ‘D’ played well till we starting yanking starters out. Thanks for the post.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Wow. The Raiders might have the worst WR corps in the NFL. There are probably a few college teams with better receiving talent. This is looking more and more like 2006 all over again.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Whats up with Nnamdi getting dinged every time he takes the field?
August 25th, 2008 at 8:45 am
oh yeah Bring on the donkeys! We’ll be ok men this was a preseason!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:51 am
This team will not be a repeat of the 2006 team. compare the talent man for man and this team is far better than the 2006 team.
we also have a little continuity going. We have a head coach, and a system for the second year in a row.
I am not down based on the 24-0 preseason game.
A Big positive is that we have 2 WR’s that
are game tested and game ready.
1 WR that CAN stretch the field and get open. Walker
2 a PROVEN 3rd down possesion WR. Curry
Do we have some holes, of course, this is the NFL.
Will we be better. YES
August 25th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Fresh faces at wideout are just what the team needs. For the past three years the vets either didn’t want to play or just never showed up. Wait and see, these fresh faces will produce big time as long as Jamarcus has time to throw. The bigger problem is the O line. Watkins and Schilens are good receivers who just need the chance to play, and they come cheap. They have the desire, which I would take anytime over someone who has a fat paycheck and not hungry enough.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Maybe it’s the play calling but I have not been impressed with DMC. Where is this supposed speed he has. He hasn’t broken away from the second line of defense yet. Sat.’s game was really bad. So far I’ve been way more impressed with Bush. Hopefully DMC will get some catches as a third receiver with Bush/Fargus at tailback. I’m waiting on him but haven’t been impressed so far….
August 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
I didnt see the game against the cards but based on some of the bloggers Walker was getting open, but was missed by JRUSS. I saw the titans game and I noticed Walker was open downfield a few times, and could have had some scores. Dont know about you but you guys should be excited about this situation because it is something our young QB will be able to see thru film and getting his timming, down with Walker. Make no mistake about it the RUSSELL to WALKER connect is real.
Russell had enough time to make those throws but missed in preseason, thats good we can correct that. he is cerebral enough to learn from his mistakes.
In my opinion kiffin did some interesting experimenting, and if we learn from this will pay dividends, as we have it on film.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Bob,
I am glad to see that not everyone is freaking out about a pre-season “loss”. The worst news about the game was losing O’Neal, that could be devastating.
Other than that, after watching the game: we looked decent on offense considering we were trying to do things that we are not good at, while the defense was completely aware of our strategy.
The defense only gave up 3 points in the first half, and the Cardinals essentially scored all of their points on those bizarre drives to open up the second half. I don’t know about you guys but those TD drives just don’t bother me that much. Our defense was subbing people in, and experimenting, and basically a few running plays got away from them.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:58 am
tommy h
Gruden didn’t actively look for employment elsewhere, Al did that for him.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I owuld say it has to do with play calling. this team has not shown its real offensive capabilities as of yet. however if you would like to get an idea go you tube the great USC Trojans and look at what the offense
does, that will give you an idea of what Kiffin will want, and will do. I am glad we arent opening up the playbook to much as not to give the donkeys any film work. Make no mistake about it though DMAC is real, MBUSH is real, FARGAS is real, WALKER is real. ZMILL is real. CURRY is real. JRUSS is real.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Why is everyone freaking out on this blog? why on earth would we show all of our cards before the season even starts? Some posters need to chill with all of this “I don’t know about so and so” and “we are done!” Like Lane is stupid enough to show all of his tricks with DMac and the crew in preseason. There is a reason why it is called PRE-season. Some of you guys are just as bad as the reporters.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Well said Thec!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:06 am
what’s the record for rush attempts in a season? If we are lucky this team will eclipse the mark by a large margin b/c it needs to run and by garnering a huge amount of attempts that should correlate to being somewhat successful…3 and outs don’t get you many attempts.
The o-line is a huge issue (pass protection-wise), don’t look now but Gallery is our best o-lineman (for all those that hate on him), the tackle position along with the WR corps as ‘bolt pointed out are the worst in the NFL…Kwame is woeful and who is the backup? (rhetorical question for those of you who like to answer every question that is posted…)
Kiff is right, the team on the front lines can be competitive but as everyone points out this is the NFL and everyone on the 53 plays…and our backups at many positions are not good. Anyone expect Javon to play 16 games? I just hope JR and Zach Miller can stay healthy as they are going to both get abused…
Defensively what the hell is Waddell still doing on this team? ROLB–Brown or Thomas, pick your poison b/c neither of them are very good. If this unit could just stop the run….
Hopefully the cutdowns will offer decent backups…with this WR/OL crew there is no excuse for picking up at least one of each (and of course a FB).
Jamarcus can be the man.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Scooter—I thought I was the only one thinking that. He doesn’t look as fast as advertised and hasn’t really broken any tackles. Could be the vanilla play calling and pre-season. The O-Line Sat. looked horrible both first and second teams. When will Gallery step up his game?? What a huge waste of a pick he has been. The loss of Carter and O’Neal may not seem that big, but I think we could be in serious trouble on offense this year. Teams are gonna stack the line with 8 & 9 guys and force us to pass.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
I think Al’s going to wait till the 53-man roster cuts to bring in a vet receiver…If Irons or Bowie make the final 53 I will have no choice but side with Kiff that our roster management sucks, plain and simple.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:10 am
other receivers that might be available…
Aaron Moorehead (has only played 5 years, but may have been injured, didn’t play the last half of the season last year)
Eric Moulds (old but still productive, 32 catches for 342 yards in 2007, played every game)
Keenan McCardell (another old timer who had a productive 2007. 22 cathes for 262 yards, but did not play the last couple games, might be injurd?)
August 25th, 2008 at 9:15 am
you guys need to relax. The young receivers are going to be fine.No need to go out and pick up some old, or oten hurt vet. There is a reason they are not in football right now and sitting around in their rocking chairs at home.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
cut archuleta and Irons already!!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I think that as the season goes on if teams do stack 8 or 9 in the box that will be a huge mistake for them! Now if only Rankin was a little heavier he could convert to FB, he looks a lot bigger on t.v. then he is listed on the roster. I hope they don’t let him go.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:17 am
408—Throw Bowie and Waddell on your list.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Don’t forget, Curry is also a hit away from being on IR. The raiders need help on the Offensive Line Bad. If they don’t Jamarcus,Walters and whoever else won’t last two weeks, then the attention won’t be on receivers. The attention should be on that Line. ugh!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I’m not sure this Raiders team will be as good as the 2006 team, to be honest. In 2006 there was at least one experienced starter on the roster. The wide receivers were better, the RBs more experienced. This offense is looking like a disaster. I don’t think the defense is as good now as it was in 2006.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
4 life
yup and that new guy I wanted to keep last week… F’n new guy!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Kansas black, your right man the sky is not falling.
for those of you who saw the titans the titans did they stack the box? Also take a look at last years
San diego game. they tried that but had to back off.
Why, we have a young QB…. he will make some mistakes but as of now he is being taught not to turn thee ball over. I know our O-line is an issue but to the O-lines credit it did protect well enough for Walker to get behind the defense our young QB missed him. I beleive this will pass and they will connect.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Humbolt
your jokeing rite? Well be fine with our monster run game… Improved D and by mid season I expect Jamarcus to be throwing lazers 4 TD’s!! Have some faith it was a preseason game.. sheeze
August 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Kansasblack correct Bro, Let them stack the box We will be scoring some quick T.D’s…..
August 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Chris Henry was the pick here. Jammy throws a rainbow, Henry runs under it. Spilt Milk. The real problem is the rift between Al and Lane. All things are stemming from there. If we loose to the donkeys, we go 1-3 before the bye, which means bye, bye, for Kiffin. Where does that leave us? With a temp HC, for the rest of the season, and another one come Jan. Were at the cusp of longtime disaster. We gotta win period.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Kiffin said his main concern was the lack of experience among the WR´s.
So after the cuts, it´s unlikey that we will bring other teams inexperienced youngsters for a shot, we have our own in JLH, Watkins and Schilens.
I only see 2 guys currently out there who have at least a semblance of talent and fill the experience requirement.
The often mentioned Koren Robinson, who is more talented than many players currently in rosters, he´s yooung at 28 and his last “issue” is now 2 years behind him.
The other is Cedrick Wilson, he´s 30 and until last season was Pitt´s 3rd and later 4th WR, they cut him in July because he had an “incident” with his girlfriend.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I read that Ernest Wilford could be cut from Miami, that´s a guy who we could look at, but again Miami is not exactly filled with talent so that says something about him.
The Liosn have Mike Furrrey and Shaun McDonald as backups, with Martz gone they could be willing to part with one but I would hate to give up anything more than a 6th rounder, so that would be hard unless they wanted one of our scrubs which is highly unlikely.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Can we all just move past Chris Henry. Cincy had 1st dibs and picked him back up. Case closed. He’s gone. Next subject matter please.
On Bowman …that has to be one of the dumbest dudes in football to be doing drugs just before the draft. That decision costs him millions. Great talent but a head case of issues. I don’t see Kiffin taking the risk (no other team has either) b/c he’s not dependable and has proven it. The chances that he’ll get suspend for drug use, etc are apparently high.
Koreen Robinson? May I remind you fellas that his brother, who LIVES WITH HIM, was recently caught selling meth or some other drug. Red Flag – Bad company being kept and its unlikely, imo, that he didn’t know about it.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
when Adaruius Bowman comes to the NFL and he will the 31 teams that passed on him will be kicking themselves in the butt. He is definetly a talent.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I can see going after Koren R. but all these other names that are getting thrown around, come on guys! I am all for Boldin if there was a way we could get him but you guys know that we would pry have to give up a first rounder and a decent player for him, and then we’d have to worry about his salary. I really, really like Watkins give that guy a chance to play “under the real lights”. I GUARANTEE we will not go 1-3 in the first four games, I will be eating a turd sandwich if that happens, write it down if you want!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
thats great bring in more disfunctional, often in trouble with the law receivers to fill in the “experienced” factor. Do that and the future is going to be more of the same.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Now your talking Marley. The Lions were stacked w/ WRs under Martz. I doubt if they still need them all.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I would be willing to go with JLH, Watkins and Schilens as backups, there´s a number of late round picks and UFA´s playing a role for teams out there.
But with Walker and Curry not exactly durable, that´s a risky proposition.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Furrey would be a good p/u. 98 catches in o6 and 67 in 07. Calvin Johnson makes him a 3rd or 4th receiver for the kitty’s. By the way, he is one of the few to also have played defense for the Ram’s. Safety.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I heard Ricky Dudley is working out again and is looking good. Bring back the “hands of stone”!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:49 am
If some of you guys are that worried my grandma is in pretty good shape and she has real good hands!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I think Al Davis would’ve fired Kiffin already if he didn’t think that some other team (Denver) may snatch him up and pull a Shanahan on him.
This is the same owner that was afraid to cut Lamont Jordan for similar reasons, when most Raider fans probably would have been happy to see Lamont as a Donkey, because nobody would fear a breakaway touchdown.
Poor Al, hates to keep ‘em but afraid to fire ‘em.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Yes Dakota, Kiffin is building this team. How, you ask?
> Drafting McFadden. I believe Kiffin wanted DMAC from the beginning, and his pre-draft smokescreen was smooth. Good thing Al wanted him too.
> Bringing Jamarcus along at the correct pace, maintaining confidence.
> Recruiting Cable and Knapp to put a decisive end to the ‘06 OL problems. Result: Gallery better, Carlisle an improvement, Sims gone, Grove improving, etc.
> Upbeat practices focused on competition and productivity, with has-been veterans like Darius, Wesley, Harwell, Stu, etc. gone when they don’t perform.
> An unwillingness to appear like an Al sycophant. Regardless what really goes on between them in private, Al likes a winner and Kiffin appears to be doing all he can to show Al how to win in the modern era.
> Improving defensive playcalling. Kiffin clearly demanded better defensive strategy in the offseason, and so far it appears Rob/Al are being more creative (Burgess moving around, blitzing ala TN game).
For all these reasons I feel Kiffin IS building the team. Both he and Al need to respect each other’s expertise, and not let the team think Kiff is a “dead coach walking.”
August 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Man, I thought I was negative sometimes…after reading this blog you would think that we just lost the super bowl and McFadden and Russell instead of a pre-season game and our backup FB and our 3rd WR. Chill out people.
What you should be panicking about is the Kiffin/Davis BS. Kiffin clearly does not want to be here and is trying to get canned…that is not a good situation.
A coaching change is coming soon. What a fuking mess. this .
August 25th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I also wonder if this makes McFadden our #1 slot man…
Three Receiver set with Walker, Curry, McFadden…Miller at TE and M. Bush at RB.
+ you could run the ball and have McFadden show a reverse (and then eventually run that reverse).
That’d be nasty…
August 25th, 2008 at 10:00 am
BSJ,
Kiffin has zero authority, hell, he can’t even cut Grant Irons, yet you are still sticking with the Kiffin is building the team theory…ridiculous.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I think your wrong in the second part Dakota, I don’t see a coaching change coming – this is all just propaganda from the man(media)to keep us down. Al saw what the musical coaches chairs have done I think maybe he learned a lesson from it.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:01 am
PFT just released updated cap #’s and we are $4.2 million under and are near the bottom in availaible space. K.C. has over $32. mil
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/08/25/salary-cap-numbers-as-of-august-25/
August 25th, 2008 at 10:05 am
One step forward, two steps back.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I have no clue about the relationship between Al and Kiffin. I am not in alameda, nor am I at the meetings so I dont want to speculate or start rumor mongering.
Is Kiffin trying to get fired? I dont know.
Does Kiffin want to be here? I hope so.
Will Kiffin coach this season out and be our head coach next year? I hope so, because our young players, and young QB need continuity. We would be starting over again. JRUSS is a better QB and talent than Alex Smith No doubt but removing Kiffin, will stunt the QB and team growth in my opinion.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Right now the only organization more dysfunctional than the Oakland Raiders is the DNC.
You guys can hide your heads in the sand and believe everything is hunky dory, but count me out. The players see it and the HC openly speaks about it. It is time to face reality: The Kiffin era is over and it is only a matter of time before this relationship is forced to an end. We simply have to sit back and marvel at the dysfunction, and some of you will have to invent new excuses for your beloved Al Davis.
The rest of us will just have to sit back and wait out the plague that is Al Davis and hope that his son is less hands-on than his daddy.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Wow Dakota, you don’t sound like true silver and black. All I can say is wow.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:17 am
You hire a coach, let him coach his way a least three years. If you see its not going in the direction that pleases you, you then insert your desires where you want it to go, and if not, do what you gotta do. Were losing too much, high draft picks, money, great talent,coaches(I hate to say but shannarat was one of them)Gruden? Its a loose loose merry go round, somebody pull the damm plug on it.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I don’t think this Raiders team is nearly as talented as a lot of you dreamers think it is. Our supposed best talent are a couple of rookie running backs, a rookie (essentially) QB, a journeyman wide receiver who wants to quit, a cornerback with a bad attitude, and a cornerback with a great attitude who wants out of Oakland after being disrespected by the owner. To top it off, the coach’s relationship with ownership is severely strained, and there are serious questions about this young man’s ability to lead. So pardon me if I’m not very optimistic about this Raiders team. I can definitely see this as a 3-win season.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:24 am
KANASBLACK Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Wow Dakota, you don’t sound like true silver and black. All I can say is wow.
_______________________________________________________
What, does true Silver and Black mean sitting back and applauding Al Davis every time he takes a positive situation and flushes it down the toilet?
I just want the Raiders to win. So does Al, and he sure spent his money to try and win, but don’t you see the problems his hand-on ownership method are causing? We go years without a quality HC, and once he finds guys that are capable of turning things around (Gruden and Kiffin), his ego gets in the way and we find ourselves back at square one. It seems like and endless cycle that may not end until Al steps away.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Anyone know how pissed off Jamarcus would be if Kiffin was fired. That’s part of his insurance policy. JMac is a Kiffin man and AD would not want to upset JMAC.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Winning cures everything ladies & gentlemen. I don’t care what supposed problems there are, if Kiffin wins he isn’t going anywhere. Al will make sure if that. Al has never fired a winner to my knowledge.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Trading for Boulden or any other proven star would be wise. The Raiders do not draft very well, therefore picking up proven players may be a beter long term option.
Annually, the Raiders roster is loaded with failed draft picks. They hold on to the Bozo’s to save face, however; truth be told the Raiders draft worse than most teams in the league. All speed, no game guys.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Personally, I’m optimistic, though the loss of O’Neil hurts a lot. But I think this team is trying to develop an attitude of working through challenges. Kiffin is a no bs sort of guy (so he doesn’t let his second string players think they’re hot sh*t or safe just because they’re still here).
I think it will likely be a frustrating year at times, but mostly because we’re going to be close and the mistakes that cost us wins will be rookie mistakes (ie., dumb mistakes, but to be expected). But that’s a whole lot better direction to be heading than stagnant.
I think a lot is possible this year and am lookign forwrad to supporting the players and the coach until i’m persuaded they don’t deserve my respect.
I’m in.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
If Lane Kiffin was not a lame duck HC screaming about the poor player management abilities of Al Davis, then I would think this team, with this schedule, could go 10-6.
Instead we have a bad situation that will probably tailspin out of control the first time we lose two games in a row.
Terp is right, the only chance we have is to win win and win some more, so we better start off 3-1 because our last few games could be brutal.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:43 am
How the hell can Indianapolis be 7.5 mill under
with those high salary players.What are they doing different
August 25th, 2008 at 10:44 am
anyone have thoughts on replacing Oren? I can’t imagine there is anybody out there who will get cut that could match his run-blocking abilities, so it may be smart to keep another HB like Rankin or Eche instead.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
R8dr4life,
Theyare masters at restructing contracts. But with our new contracts, it will be a year or two until we are able to play that game. They have a great smart G.M. in Polian.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
r8dr4lfe Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 10:43 am
How the hell can Indianapolis be 7.5 mill under
with those high salary players.What are they doing different
_______________________________________________________
Bill Polian knows what he is doing. Bill Polian is not afraid to cut players when necessary, or to let big name guys like Edgerrin James leave when the time comes for change. Bill Polian is a great GM/team President when it comes to 21st century football.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Im just saying wow Indianapolis big money still 7.5 under.Al davis should have jumped on Dungy when he was let go by Tampa.Trade Gruden for Dungy cause those draft picks we got sucked ass
August 25th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Dakota I was under the impression you didn’t like Kiff from your posts and then you started bagging on Al and the team by saying that there isn’t a more disfunctional team around. So no that doesn’t sound like true silver and black. I don’t always agree with Al but remember that “plague” as you called it made us one of Americas teams.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
exla/dakota
I couldnt agree more were f^cked
August 25th, 2008 at 10:56 am
my post got deleted
dammit
August 25th, 2008 at 10:57 am
In a perfect situation,Kiffin would shut up and Coach and Al would leave him alone and supply the talent,simple!simple,it appears NOT
August 25th, 2008 at 11:04 am
KANASBLACK,
This is not 1983, and Al Davis is now no longer competent to run an NFL organization. We can all see that, but he can’t, so we just have to sit back and wait him out because there is no way he will ever give up his hands-on approach. We just have to hope for a miracle, like when Gruden was able to put up with it for four years. It seemed that Kiffin might be that miracle when he turned maybe the worst NFL team in history into a team that was competitive in almost all of their games, but Kiffin no longer even has the ability to cut a sheet player like Grant Irons, so Al has clearly ended Kiffin’s run here, it is just a matter of time, and then we will revert back to some crony HC like Dennis Green, or god forbid, Rob fuking Ryan. It is senseless, pathetic and dysfunctional and it upsets me greatly.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:06 am
There was a aircraft that was flying at 30 thousand feet, on board was hippie, a priest, and Mr.Henry Kissenger. The pilot comes over the intercom and says, were going down due to engine problems and were one parachute short, with this he jumps out of the plane. Kissenger, then says `Since Im the smartest man in the world, I must be saved to to encourage wold peace, blah,blah,blah,` so he takes a chute and jumps. Now the priest and the hippie are looking at each other, and the preist says to hippie, son take the last chute, cuz I lived a long life, and you still have many years left to live, so go on and save yourself. The hippie looked at the priest and said Father we can both jump, THE SMARTEST MAN IN THE WORLD, JUST JUMPED OUT WITH MY BACK PACK. Mr. Al DAVIS, TAKE NOTE!
August 25th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I Doubt that members of the Raiders organization look
at this blog. But if they do I bet we provide them plenty of laughter. Some really funny stuff goes down in hear.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:15 am
post289,Did You Email AL ?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Though I respect Dakota’s opinion (some say too much,
LOL) I differ with my outlook on Kiffin and AD. Kiffin is turning this team around even with AD over his shoulder. I want to wait 3 or 4 games to make any judgements. It’s to easy to jump off after the exhibition games. Kiffin did not play the Arizona game to win but to experiment. We are so much more organized and have more talent on board this year.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Indianapolis are just a great organisation off the field: Bill Polian is one of the two best GMs in the league and he has built a smart, efficient and highly professional team. They are a model franchise – good scouts, good personnel management, good medical/fitness and now they have a world-class facility. They are consistent, stable, united and, as a consequence, they are very successful.
And everything that the Raiders aren’t.
Aiko Morita, the man who made Sony great, once said that an organisation will only be world class if all the parts of that organisation are world class.
How many parts of the Raiders organisation are world class?
Oh, and the answer to why the Colts are never in cap trouble despite having some very well paid starters – because they never pay starter salaries to back-up players. They are quite happy to release back-ups and trust their scouts to find cheaper, and often better, alternatives. No scholarships, no paying more than value, no hesitation to move under-performers off the roster.
Kiffin is right to point out how far we still have to go on the field to compete with the best. What worries me is that we have even further to go off the field – and nobody shows any sign of wanting to make the hard front-office decisions.
I would sack Trask and all the Alameda second-raters, get a top class GM and rebuild this franchise from scratch. But Davis……..
August 25th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I really want to know why NFL teams, need both a kicker and a Punter. They both kick the ball. Not Sure why Lechler can’t be out Punter and our Kicker. Any former Kickers out there that can explain this?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:26 am
That stuff about Indy having cap room, you’ll see articles coming from the press down there saying that they scrimp on defense, although they sure paid Dwight Freeney a lot of money (they’ll regret that strange idea). The philosophy is to keep the D light and fast, and stop the big play, kinda like us, but they can score so it works better than when we do it. They let Edge go, too, for more savings. As long as they keep that QB of theirs locked up, they can get away with a lot. He, not Dungy or Polian, is the REAL brains of the outfit. No matter how much he makes, I think Peyton Manning is underpaid.
Batman, I heard the same joke, but it was with Hillary Clinton jumping out of the airplane with a 12-yr old schoolgirl’s backpack.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:31 am
No doubt that Al has a big problem with letting go of some players that he’s high on, but I think Kiffin is a real prima donna and defeatist. So many people think he’s this great young coach, but he’s only good in some aspects of coaching. He has little feel for the game and hasn’t shown he can be successful unless he has an overpowering team like he had as an O.C. at U.S.C. I think it’s obvious that Kiffin is making excuses for his own incompetence and inability, so he can get another job when his tenure in Oakland patty melts. Everyone in the league knows there are difficulties with Davis. That’s part of the job. He should have know that when he took it. And kiffin does have a right to be upset about some personnel issues, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. But at some point you just have to coach and do your best. If he didn’t try to take over the team last year and spit in Al’s face ( firing Rob Ryan without Al’s approval was a boneheaded move) then he would have a much better working relationship with him. Norv Turner applauded Al’s ability to get him the players he wanted ( it didn’t do much good, because Norv is……..well, Norv ). So it can be done.
And so what if a receiver doesn’t have experience playing in the league. No one does starting out. McFadden hasn’t played a single game and despite what everyone says we really don’t know how he will turn out. With every negative comment or veiled attack on the organization, Kiffin is just making it obviously clear that he’s not a good N.F.L. caliber coach and he doesn’t know how to handle or motivate players on the professional level.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:34 am
It will never happen, but Madden should be the GM of the raiders. He would steal the show here in Oakland. Bill parcells would of been good too. Take those two guys vision with Al`s checkbook, nice combo, I know, I know, its a pipe dream.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
God,
is this really happening?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Agin.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
You guys still beating that same old dead horse in here?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Yes, we are.
It aint dead yet.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:37 am
While Al may make mistakes with FA and draft picks, He does it with the intent to make the team better. His big flaw is is that he does not respect coaches as much as many of the other owners.
Aside from that what is the problem with the organizations. Our players are not out there getting arrested and putting a black eye on the NFL like many other players. And Al Davis follows the rules that are set by the NFL even when he does not agree.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
The more we lose, the more I drink.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
What’s up Wiz, you sound down and out. What gives?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Just Win Baby Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 11:35 am
You guys still beating that same old dead horse in here?
————————————————-
Over and over again!
August 25th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Losing O’Neal and Carter is gonna hurt.
Joe Horn anyone? Or how bout Koren Robinson?
If we can get the league minimum I say why not.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Q,
it is just a bad day in toon… I mean Raider town.
I want to get rolling, but this damn injury bug has our a$$.
One step forward, two steps back.
Madden save us.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:42 am
So many different opinion have been expressed yesterday and today in regard to what we can and cannot do. From positive to negative.
Overall, I my opinion, just another one of many, I do believe that Al Davis wants to win now, or expects an above 500 season with the final touches being put into place next year during the draft and free-agency. However, AL has already made a substantial move thru the money paid in free-agency and I believe his intentions will be shows when the final cuts are made. If Al makes a couple more picks up, at least three (3), and those being an “offensive-tackle,” another “wide
receiver” and a “defensive-lineman,” then we’ll have the proof, and the additional pieces to make a decent run towards a positive win season and maybe play off contention. However, if Al doesn’t do thinging further in regard to substantial help in are areas of need, then he can’t expect Kiffin to perform magic and it will be a clear message that Kiffin will have to do with what he has…upgrade and develope those rookies and secondary players. At what cost, at a sub-par 500 season at best.
I hope it’s the addition of players with above average skills who can contribute this year, even at the expense of giving up some next year drafts and digging into those money pockets again.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Doug Gabril may be worth another look.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Randy Moss anyone?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Ok, It is what it is. Change will come, when it comes. Other than that, we just sit here, and be cheerleaders. None of us hate our beloved raiders, but who wants to sit through another year like the last five. At least head in the right direction ! Oh I forgot your cheerleaders, so dont forget to change your sanitary napkins.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Batman: You know Parcell’s has a big contract in Miami and that his ego is bigger than Al’s…that would and could “never” work. Madden has made so much money at what he’s doing that, in my opinion, there is no upside whatsoever for him to take a GM position. The only way Madden would consider coming in…would be complete and total ownership after Al’s demise, and then only if Madden has family that he could leave the franchise with, who would carry on the tradition and legacy. I don’t believe Madden has those things in place. Nice dream, though, minus Percell and his giant ego and fat belly.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I can’t drink enough.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Wiz, I understand your gloom, word of advice, use smoke , not drink, no hangover then, thats What I do in times like these.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Silver Blood … Black Veins Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 11:31 am
No doubt that Al has a big problem with letting go of some players that he’s high on, but I think Kiffin is a real prima donna and defeatist. So many people think he’s this great young coach, but he’s only good in some aspects of coaching. He has little feel for the game and hasn’t shown he can be successful unless he has an overpowering team like he had as an O.C. at U.S.C. I think it’s obvious that Kiffin is making excuses for his own incompetence and inability, so he can get another job when his tenure in Oakland patty melts. Everyone in the league knows there are difficulties with Davis. That’s part of the job. He should have know that when he took it. And kiffin does have a right to be upset about some personnel issues, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. But at some point you just have to coach and do your best. If he didn’t try to take over the team last year and spit in Al’s face ( firing Rob Ryan without Al’s approval was a boneheaded move) then he would have a much better working relationship with him. Norv Turner applauded Al’s ability to get him the players he wanted ( it didn’t do much good, because Norv is……..well, Norv ). So it can be done.
And so what if a receiver doesn’t have experience playing in the league. No one does starting out. McFadden hasn’t played a single game and despite what everyone says we really don’t know how he will turn out. With every negative comment or veiled attack on the organization, Kiffin is just making it obviously clear that he’s not a good N.F.L. caliber coach and he doesn’t know how to handle or motivate players on the professional level.
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100 percent agree…
the biggest mistake Al has made over the last couple of years is hiring an immature, smartassed, still wet behind the ears punk…
al shoulda fired his ass after last season…
August 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Batman,
I havn’t had a hangover in 10 years. I just live in a constant booz induced fog. and I can’t say I don’t like it.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I don’t like Parcell at all. A great coach, but the jury is out on whether he could be a GM.
Like riverside said, his ego is bigger than Al’s.
he already got rid of a great player for no good reason. Al would never do that,I that is what I like about Al. He really does care about 99 percent of his players.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
My problem is when my RAIDERS lose I kinda get out of control. I think some of you understand.
Yes, I have a problem, it aint my drinking, it is my RAIDERS!
August 25th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Yes Dakota, Kiffin is building this team. How, you ask?
> Drafting McFadden. I believe Kiffin wanted DMAC from the beginning, and his pre-draft smokescreen was smooth. Good thing Al wanted him too.
……
LOL. Bo, listen to yourself, man. How can we know for sure it was Kiffin who made the decision to draft McFadden when the owner of the team, who, in this team’s case, is always involved in personnel decisions, wanted him, too?
August 25th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I think Kenny Shed and Alvis Whitted are available. Go get em Al!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
POST303 Amen
August 25th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Wiz, Hang in there buddy, things will get better eventually. I hope the next time the raiders make it to the super bowl, Im not watching from up above, it may take that long, Raise a glass for me.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Silver Blood….Black veins…post 296:
I hear you, but you have no direct proof that Kiffin tried to fire Ryan, you’re apparently making the assumption though media bull crap, also, you know nothing about Norv applauding Al Davis for getting him players or not getting him players requested. Although, Norv kissing up to Al, being a total yes man…was probably the case.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
MR Says,
LOL. Bo, listen to yourself, man. How can we know for sure it was Kiffin who made the decision to draft McFadden when the owner of the team, who, in this team’s case, is always involved in personnel decisions, wanted him, too?
The words came right out of kiffen’s mouth.
I heard Kiffen say that they were looking at DMAC the entire time. That he was the highest player on the there board and that they wanted him all along. Each time he said it, he had a sparkle in his eyes.
Also, look how vocal he has been, if he did not like DMAC, he would have dropped hints like he has about everything else.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I understand everyones concern at the receiver spot but remember we have McFadden that can slide over to flanker and catch passes. Zach is a great down filed receiver that I feel has the talent to make the probowl possibly this year. Bush can catch out the backfield so we will be mixing it up. I really like sanchez and Watkins as rookies that can mix it up. Watkins has really shown allot of promise.
Do you all remember when we had Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, and Curry. Sounds like the best receiving package in the league. What happened, 2-3 wins, who’s counting? A running game with some check downs can really help a passing game. Don’t get me wrong I would love a probowl cast of receivers but we had that and they were a toilet bowl cast of receivers except for one performer who we kept Curry. It is early, he will step up.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I don’t know McRaider, Parcells did a pretty good job building this here Dallas Cowboy team.
You guys I said this a ton of times. Why bring in a bunch of guys right now that don’t know the offensive system, don’t know the defensive system, that you are going to cut anyway??? All it’s gonna do is disrupt practice more than Kiff thinks. Even tomorrow there is not going to be anyone on the wire. Wait til finals and there are going to be some guys there. FB can be had. Someone said Lo Neal is on the Ravens. Well, if he is they have McClain, Green and Neal. They are not gonna keep three FB’s.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Batman,
Will do.
I fell the same, just one more SB before I die.
When it happens I might drink myself to death so I dont have to wait another 30 years for it to happen agin.
When it happens it will make all the pain well worth it.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Scottish Raider…post 293:
What can you directly attribute “negatively” towards Amy Trask, our CEO, that she’s responsible for (decisions made that were not ordered by Al Davis) that you would want to sack her??????????????????????????????
August 25th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
By the way I am glad Carter broke down now than in the season. He is to injury prone, he was like that in Carolina as well.
Lets see what kind of receivers Al can drum up. I hope he does not get Hron because he was hurt in Atlanta, but you know Al he always bene able to get those old classic cars up over 80 mph on the freeway.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Good mournin Oakglenn, welcome to the party.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Parcells a worse GM than Al Davis? Guys, come on. Al’s biggest flaw building football teams is that he relies too much on athletic ability and tends to overlook pure football ability. Wherever Parcells goes, he builds a team full of football players and they always compete. He’s done it as recently as this decade. I honestly believe the last team Al Davis primarily built, that won, was in the ’60s. Al’s a good owner but he is no GM, at all. If he didn’t own the team, I’m certain 19-61 in the past 5 years would have him canned. That’s why, IMO, there’s no way Kiffin can “overstep his bounds”. I wish Kiffin would go as far to overstep his bounds as Davis did with Wayne Valley.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Again post 329 illustrates the amount of laughter generated in this blog……..priceless ROFLMFAO
August 25th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Got it, McRaider. Kiffin’s definitely telling the truth when taking the buck on McFadden, because, why, he had a twinkle in his eye. Thank you.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Oakglenn Says:
I don’t know McRaider, Parcells did a pretty good job building this here Dallas Cowboy team.
Oakglenn, you know as well as I that Jones is just like Al in regards to personel decisions. He has the final say. I don’t think it was all Bill. Bill didn’t seem to like TO and I bet he would have released TO is given the chance. JMO
August 25th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
McRaider, you’re right. Jones is like Al Davis in regards to personnel decisions. Neither of them know what they’re doing. Both of them hire coaches like Parcells and Gruden to pick their brains, then send them packing…then, eventually take credit for their success. The only difference between Jerry Jones and Al Davis is that Jerry likes the camera more.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
MR Says:
Got it, McRaider. Kiffin’s definitely telling the truth when taking the buck on McFadden, because, why, he had a twinkle in his eye. Thank you.
What makes you think that he was not 100% on board with DMAC? It sounds like you doubt he wanted him.
If he was lying then, maybe everything coming out of his mouth now is a lie also. Maybe he really does call the shots. THANK YOU!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I was twenty the last time the raiders won the SB. I thought with that team, we would of won three more, before 1990. Where did the time go? The football time. What the hell did we do with it ? After thought dont remind me. The seventies raiders were awesome, dont forget we got screwed with the immaculate deception bullsh$t and if you remember back in 1977 with bronco fumble, that they said wasnt, effin refs/roselle/nfl bastards. Exuse me I have to go and make myself numb.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I agree MR. Jerry loves the be seen. I think he does have more respect fot the coaching though
August 25th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
wow, I just found out that Osi Humanurine is out for the season. Sucks for the giants! From best pass rush to no pass rush…ouch.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Hey guys..
August 25th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
That’s why this Cowboys training camp show on HBO is just hilarious. Jerry Jones sashaying his ass all over the screen pretending that he was the one who built this team. As far as I know, there hasn’t been a mention of The Tuna, yet. This show is a pure sham. It’s a Jerry Jones PR stunt.
I’ll give Jerry credit for TO. But Romo? Roy Williams? Jason Witten? Don’t make me laugh. I’ll bet you’re going to tell me next that Jerry Jones was the brain behind Aikman, Emmit, and Irvin, too.
McRaider, I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone credit Jerry Jones for making Dallas’s successful personnel decisions. You’re taking a long, embarrassing road to downplay Bill Parcells.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
just got home from a trip from sweden..
Man this is depressing news.. to lose 2 starters within the first 2 minutes..
For those who (severeRaider) still mourns the loss of Quintin Moses, prior to me leaving for Sweden, he had played 40 snaps for Miami and was still without a tackle..
I’m glad we didn’t waste a roster spot on him, Richardson was better still is, and Scott may be too..
August 25th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Dakota/MR,
You can trash Al all you want, but he HIRED the guy (Kiffin) who is building the team, as I noted above.
Kiff and his staff are teaching good new habits and developing young talent. Coach can whine about depth to the media ad nauseum, but his results on the field in 07 and 08 show we are improving. And I believe Kiff when he tells the media he wanted DMAC all along. Our GM did well to listen to him. WTG Al!
Every time the team hits a bump in the road, you (and KK and COW) have a hissy fit at Al’s expense.
No way to be a fan, or a man.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Look, you guys may be right. Parcells may be a great GM, but being a GM is not the same as being a coach. Everywhere parcells has coached, he had success but only the Giants were SB winners. Let’s see what Miami does in the next few years and then say how great of a GM he is.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Bo, most Raider fans feel the same way about Al as we do. Every poll ever taken. At least 70% want Al to retire.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
19-61, WTG Al!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
And, Bo, what “bump” in the road have we hit? Is this your sub-conscience confessing to us that you know we’re right? If you can admit we’ve hit a bump in the road, then you know something is wrong.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
it is just amazing to me that success is because of everyone not named Al Davis, but failure is because of only Al Davis.
Most of us are not saying that Al Davis has done a great job this last five years, but when we had success in was not all because of Gruden. Al Davis brought in some great in order to make a run. It was Gruden job to coach that team to SB. Just like it’s lane job to coach this team to at least a winning record.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
McRaider there is a difference between the Cowboy situation and the Raider situation. While Jones literally fathoms himself as the new Al Davis, being the maverick owner, playing by his own rules, getting troubled star players to perform for him, the difference is Jones listened to Parcells for good reason. Parcells had a hand in building some of the greatest football teams in NFL history. Kiffin has not.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
MR, I would not disagree with Al Retiring. The Raiders do need a fresh mind making some of these decisions. But I don’t think that everything is Al fault either.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
well, if we have to look at this with positive eyes..
Those who get cut from the other teams right now, we would be a good team for them, because we are probably the only team they will get to start for.. they would end up as backups for the other 31 teams..
August 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
MR…
I agree with you about Jerry Jones. After Jimmy, Jerry Jones had 1 winning season in six years trying to do things his way. This would include 3 5-11 seasons in a row.
Then, he turns things over to Parcells and the Cowboys start winning again.
Sound familiar?
August 25th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Oakglenn, I agree with that 100%. That does not however, make Parcells a great GM. He still has to proof that.
Again, I am not saying that he is not. I am just saying lets wait and see.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
McRaider you are exactly right about that. Some “fans” here think every thing right is Wolf and Gruden everything wrong is Davis. That is completely preposterous. Davis has made some moves that went wrong that no one could see coming. Eric Turner. Randy Moss. Warren Sapp. Rob Gallery. Even Norv Turner. But that is all on the heels of a Super Bowl appearance.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
My wish would be for Al to hire a GM and let the GM do his job. Give is feedback, but allow the GM to make the final decision.
I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Those of you who wish Al ill will, his mom lived to 98.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Afternoon Gents,
Mark Davis (Als son)has been seen at practice alot more than any previous offseason, it could be some plan of succesion is in the works, Perhaps him and Kiff are on the same page. Who knows but someone on an ealier thread suggested bringing Tim Dwight back in, may not be a bad idea.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
McRaider..
post 355.. yeah we had a talk, here, like this just prior to the draft. To get a guy like Bill Polian, and we would be a modern team..
August 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
McRaider..
that would be 352, now, I guess they just deleted some posts :/
August 25th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
What?!
August 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I would trade Al Davis for Bill Polian or Bill Parcels in a heartbeat…sorry Al, your time has come and gone, now make like a CEO and take a jump with the golden parachute and save us the continued suffering of your incompetence. Save your team and save your legacy by bowing out now, before you completely destroy what you created in the 60s, 70s and early 80s.
We all know you already ruined the Kiffin experiment, now save us the months of speculation and fire him now as your last act as GM. You are going to have to bite the bullet and pay Art Shell, Kiffin and (insert new HC’s name hear) for the 2008-2009 season, so just get it over with. Then hire some young assistant GM to rebuild this pathetic team. You made the no-brainer selections of McFadden and Russell, which are two nice building blocks, now turn this ship over to someone competent enough to at least not destroy those players before they even get a chance to become the stars they are likely to become under a stable, competent and steady organization. You know, they type of organization you have failed to run for the past 25 years.
Guys, what is the over/under on the number of HC’s Jamarcus Russell will have to deal with in his time here with the Raiders? Tim Brown suffered through, what, 7 HCs?
My money is on 5 HCs if Al remains the owner over the next 12 years.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Dakota!!
how was your vacation??
August 25th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
LMN,
It was great, thanks for asking. How was your trip to Sweden?
August 25th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
– This team has had a bad run but Al can pull it together. You have to remember that the Raiders were one of the best teams in football about 5 years ago and in several seasons leading up to their run to the Super Bowl. That team was also filled with veterans at the end of their careers like Gannon, Brown, Rice, Woodson, Garner, Kennedy, Romanowski, Eric Allen and many others.
It was going to take some time to re-load after that. It’s almost like the Raiders became an expansion team with all those guys gone. Now, with Russell, McFadden, Bush, Howard, Morrison, Nnamdi, Burgess, Huff, Kelly and Miller the Raiders have a good core in place to be a winning team again. This team could have been 8-8 last year if they won a reasonable number of games where they blew 4th quarter leads or were driving at the end with a chance to win/tie. Unfortunately, the QB play was pretty horrendous. Now, Russell is the real deal and I think we have the best secondary in football. The Raiders are a dangerous team again.
– Koren Robinson would be a great fit as long as he’s clean and in shape. A solid receiver who has been a Pro Bowl return man. That’s exactly what we need. If he isn’t signed you’ve gotta figure something is up with him again. That would be the only logical explanation. The Raiders could really use that guy.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
C’mon. I would trade the entire city of Oakland for Bill Polian.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
For all my bashing of Al Davis, I do admire the man for wanting to win and spending most of his $$$ to try and get the job done, I mean, there are many owners out there that only care about the bottom line, but Al just wants to win…his fatal flaw is that he is the one choosing which players to spend that money on…it is an unfortunate situation. As someone suggested above, a competent GM with Al’s willingness to reinvest in his team would be an unbeatable combo.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
My Goodness,you think the season is over already.Relax,its still EXHIBITION season.It was game three of the EXHIBITION season which means its time to find out whos staying and whos going.Most of your starters were done after half-time,so don’t let the second half of an EXHIBITION game be our measuring stick for our season.Everyone knows about the 4 win 1 lost EXHIBITION season under Art Shell,things were great on this sight everyone was happy.Everyone knows the outcome of that REGULAR season 2 wins 14 loses.So,please keep your heads up because its only EXHIBITION season.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I read bloggers saying so and so is going to catch 60-70 or more passes, have you watched the pass blocking of our o/line. Jamarcus doesn’t get time to set his feet to pass, so he has to roll out and cut off half the field. If the o/line doesn’t improve their pass blocking skills it will be a run only team. The o/line has to improve pass blocking, period.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
bring in pope from the vikes he got cut. and sammie parker
August 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
figure who the better blocker is between Joe and Rankin and keep them as the back up fullback…chances are JOE is a better blocker.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Chris,
I agree that Robinson is probably the best option around at the moment. I am not too excited by some of the other vets – too much mileage, not enough motivation. Robinson is still young enough and hungry enough – and is supposed to be off the booze.
It all depends on what sort of receiver Kiff and Greg are looking for. Kiff hasn’t said what type of WR he is looking for – another deep threat or a better slot option?
August 25th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Same old dumbass arguement, these dumbells want Mr Davis to trun over his franchise to young kid who hasn’t even though he hasn’t won a damn thing and we don’t know if he ever could if you gave the entire organization to him.
Hey!! idiots this kid is UNPROVEN get it UNPROVEN that he even knows how to coach let alone run a draft.
It’s one thing to give a team to someone who’s proven he can handle it. It’s totally something else to give total autonomy to someone who hasn’t.
It’s like letting your 16 year old son who’s learning how to drive, drive the Porsche while you drive the beatup VW. Who in there right mind would do that?? but a complete idiot.
Yet you want Mr Davis to do that with Kiffin. Let Kiffin get his first winning record then you MIGHT have a point.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Dakota – There are only 3 owners in the league I respect and admire: Al Davis, Jerry Jones and Daniel Synder. All 3 would do whatever it takes to win – whatever the cost. Synder’s problem is he doesn’t know How to win – but he’ll write the check. Jerry Jones gets his from Davis.
These other owners? I don’t think so. They try to do most things cheaply and end up selling out the fans. Look at the Eagles. They could be atop the NFL but they’re too damn cheap to get McNabb a WR. Its unbelievable to witness.
I would much rather be a fan of a franchise who’s owner does whatever he/she can to win than root for a team that will not win or have a tough time winning b/c the owner’s too damn cheap.
With Mr. Davis winning is all that matters!
August 25th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Kiffin may have to drag Madsen out of the dog house and let him on the field once in a while this year…say what you want about Madsen, but the guy gets open.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Right Terp, that is what I said in #366.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
If you look at the curent reiever corps, only walker and curry have any experince, I kno weverybody is negative towards joe horn, but can youname another free agent reciever out there with th eexperience that joe horn would bring…I think the best thing to do is start checking around h league fro available players and possibly look for a trade partner to get a decent 3rd reciever..Adimchinobi Echemandu is apretty decent back and would be worth giving up for some 3rd or fourth reciever..I know that every year around cut time ther is a few good names available..so I am sure we will find someone..I am more worried however abotu finding a replacement for o’neal
August 25th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Terrapin,
My gripe with Al is that he hasn’t spent enough time or effort putting the right organisation in place to support a winning team. The front office is almost as crucial as the coaching staff. Two decades ago, we had what was recongised to be the best off-field organisation – good scouts, good personnel, good fitness/health. The other teams first copied and then innovated. We haven’t really moved forward.
You have to win off the field in order to win on it.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
sammie parker still has an injury, thats why
dis-chargers let him go.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Teams have to cut down to 75 players tomorrow right? Maybe a FB might become available, or more likely, on Saturday when rosters have to be down to 53…that means some 864 players currently on rosters today will be free on Saturday…we should be able to find some decent backup WRs and a serviceable backup FB in that bunch shouldn’t we?…if Al can stomach cutting Grant Irons.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Not much has changed Scottish except one crucial point: we started losing. When you win, everyone’s all over your jock …give you all sort of credibility and accolades. When you lose, you’re the tarpit of the League. When we begin to win again, you’ll see. Its gonna be champagne poppin’ and feet kissin’ all round the NFL ..writers sayin’ “they’re back! and I told you so’s”. The Raiders are more of the most recognized teams in the NFL – they draw admiration and hate from all circles.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I don’t know Dakota, that pass that went right thru Madsens hands in the AZ exhibition game sent shivers thru me. The saddest part about it was Jam DID EVERYTHING RIGHT!!! Blitz came, got out of it, you could see Jam’s mind working…….TE should be right here……perfect pass…….clank!
August 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The Offensive Line will come around because it was one of our brightest spots last season.TRUST,this past EXHIBITION game isn’t the way that we’re going to play this season,NO-WAY i refuse to believe that and you should also.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Not Saying that this will happen, but how many people will admit that they were wrong if the Raider went 10 and 6? Would they say that the Raider had success in spite of Al, or admit that Al new what he wa doing when he puts the clamps on Lane Kiffin?
August 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Scottish,
Are you still leading the village mob to Alameda if Al fires Kiffin? I recall you declaring war on Al Davis back in January when the resignation letter fiasco was reported, lol. Count me in.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
post372/373 Well said, Im waiting (hoping)for a clear the air press conference,its been a while!If they want more ticket sales,then get on the SAME page,get the fans pumped UP!Stop all the negative BS,Just Win,Baby
August 25th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Koren Robinson solves two problems. WR and punt or kick returns.Higgins is still a liability back there. Better look for a few tackles on the O line too.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Garthraider,
You will see a formal letter of apology from China regarding its falsification of certain passports to qualify gymnasts for the Olympic games before you get your joint Davis/Kiffin news conference, lol. Don’t hold your breath.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Terrapin, I just don’t think all the blame for the last five long seasons lies with the players or the coaches. I think that the front office is equally deserving of criticism and they must also be held partially accountable.
The next week is crucial. Our front office team needs to move quickly and smartly. Some good players are going to become available – over 850 according to Dakota. We need to upgrade our back-up talent in key areas:
1) WR
2) TE
3) FB
4) OT
5) OG
6) MLB
7) CB
At least seven slots in the 53 roster. I think the talent will be out there – we just have to find it and sign it.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
dakota go over to pft.com and philley just released a fb i think hes pretty good too
August 25th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Oakglenn Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I don’t know Dakota, that pass that went right thru Madsens hands in the AZ exhibition game sent shivers thru me. The saddest part about it was Jam DID EVERYTHING RIGHT!!! Blitz came, got out of it, you could see Jam’s mind working…….TE should be right here……perfect pass…….clank!
______________________________________________________
Really? That sucks. I missed the game because I was on vacation…I guess that is why I am not panicking about an exhibition loss.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Where are the Raiders going to get all this money to sign these players?
They are only 4 mil under the cap.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
You can’t keep firing coaches and the songs still remains the same meaning (losing seasons).We have to change the products to find the right taste.We’ve had caoches in the past that we fired only to have them go to another batch of products and Win.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Dakota,
I am on a long-term downer with Al, because he hasn’t had the wisdom or humility to recognise his own and his flunkies failings.
But, I am on a short-term downer with Kiff over his ridiculous Mike Martz pastiche on Friday.
I think the best answer is for Al to sell up, for Mike Holmgren to be made GM and for us to find a head coach with Kiffin’s enthusiasm but with perhaps more leadership ability.
I guess I am still really upset and angry about Oren O’Neal’s injury. Why were we putting a key member of our offense on special teams in a meaningless pre-season chuck-around? Especially as Oren had only recently returned after knee problems. Tragic, just damn tragic.
AAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
How many NFL teams have a GM that is not the owner?
31?
I bet 20 of those GMs are perpetual losers and there may be 4 that are sure winners. Toss in a handful of mediocore GM’s.
Good luck landing a sure thing when Al is gone.
Theres no proof that this team will improve without Al.
I will take my chances with the man who had us in the SB 5 years ago and promised to take us back there again.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Dakota,Just wishful thinking,I am sending BIG AL an email though,signed by Jerry
August 25th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Scottish,
I had to look up PASTICHE…
…and I feel your pain.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Not everybody has the sky is falling attitude. We have a good football team that has some holes.
The issues we saw in the cards game will be addressed. I for one am glad that Kiffin went with that game plan. that game plan put our O-line, and our young QB under a lot of pressure. that pressure was a great simulation that our young QB will see when teams attempt to stack 8, or 9 in the box. I for one am looking very forward to that day because when they do that we will strike quickly….
Again the most exciting thing about the Cards game is our 1 WR is just that a true no 1. take a look at the titans game, and the crads game. he was open a few times for 6 in each and missed.
I am more anxious at who is going to get cut. archuleta comes to mind as he has not done, nothing.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
That loss vs. Arizona didn’t trouble me at all except for the injuries and the fact that the Raiders didn’t capitalize on all the first-half turnovers. Oakland’s D dominated that half and the offense was OK. The pass-blocking was pretty poor but Russell did a great job of avoiding the rush to buy time.
Our first units were controlling the game, but much like in the Tennessee game, they didn’t finish drives enough to get the lead on the scoreboard that they deserved. So the final score of that AZ game is totally misleading.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Sign Koren Robinson! He can KR/PR and play the 3rd WR position!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hey Wiz- where you at?
August 25th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
By Tony Moss, NFL Editor
(Sports Network) – The dysfunction continues for the Oakland Raiders.
A team that has gone a horrid 19-61 over the past five seasons would have to eventually rise from the abyss in the parity-stricken NFL, right?
Not necessarily. The events of the offseason that followed Oakland’s 4-12 campaign of 2007 only made the franchise look more clueless and directionless, not less so.
Where to begin?
Well, head coach Lane Kiffin tried to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who presided over the No. 26 scoring defense in the NFL last year, but owner Al Davis vetoed the move. Then, it began to seem that Kiffin was on his way out, showing up for public events not wearing any Raiders gear and generally giving vague answers (or no answers) when asked about his future. Kiffin made it to training camp with his job intact, but you’d find few folks willing to wager that he’ll make it all the way through 2008.
The Raiders spent a ton of money in the free agent period, but spent it curiously.
They gave ridiculously outsized contracts to average defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and wide receiver Javon Walker, both of whom come off major injuries.
Davis also dealt for Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall, whose prima donna act in Atlanta made many more headlines than his play.
There were a few canny moves, like the signing of underrated safety Gibril Wilson, a key part of the Super Bowl Champion Giants’ defense, and the selection of dazzling Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with the No. 4 overall pick.
But the bad still outweighed the good by a wide margin, and it’s hard to believe a team that made slight progress under Kiffin last year will have a chance to truly jell with so much uncertainty permeating the organization.
If this team’s play does indeed match up to whatever Davis’ vision is, it will be a Lazarus act of the highest order.
Below we take a capsule look at the 2008 edition of the Oakland Raiders, with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein:
2007 RECORD: 4-12 (t3rd, AFC West)
LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2002, lost to Tampa Bay, 48-21, in Super Bowl
COACH (RECORD): Lane Kiffin (4-12 in one year with Raiders, 4-12 overall)
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Greg Knapp
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Rob Ryan
OFFENSIVE STAR: Darren McFadden, RB (1st Round, Arkansas)
DEFENSIVE STAR: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB (34 tackles, 1 INT)
OFFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 6th rushing, 31st passing, 23rd scoring
DEFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 31st rushing, 8th passing, 26th scoring
KEY ADDITIONS: QB Marques Tuiasosopo (from Jets), RB Darren McFadden (1st Round, Arkansas), WR Javon Walker (from Broncos), C John Wade (from Buccaneers), T Kwame Harris (from 49ers), DE Greg Spires (from Buccaneers), DE Kalimba Edwards (from Lions), DT William Joseph (from Giants), CB DeAngelo Hall (from Falcons), S Gibril Wilson (from Giants), S Adam Archuleta (from Bears)
KEY DEPARTURES: QB Josh McCown (to Dolphins), QB Daunte Culpepper (not tendered), RB Dominic Rhodes (to Colts), RB LaMont Jordan (to Patriots), FB Oren O’Neal (out for season/injured), WR Tim Dwight (not tendered), WR Jerry Porter (to Jaguars), WR Drew Carter (out for season/injured), C Jeremy Newberry (to Chargers), T Barry Sims (to 49ers), DE Tyler Brayton (to Panthers), DE/OLB Chris Clemons (to Eagles), CB Fabian Washington (to Ravens), RS/CB Chris Carr (to Titans), CB Duane Starks (released), S Stuart Schweigert (to Redskins)
QB: The JaMarcus Russell (373 passing yards, 2 TD, 4 INT) era begins in earnest for the Raiders this season, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 Draft is given an opportunity to sink or swim. Russell played in just four games last year, starting one, but showed enough positive signs in a season- ending loss to the Chargers to give Oakland fans hope. With 2007 starters Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper both departed, two prodigal sons return to back Russell. Andrew Walter was at the bottom of a four-player depth chart last season, but is the odds-on favorite to win primary backup duties in 2008. Marques Tuiaosopo couldn’t get off the bench in six years with the Raiders, but returns as the probable third-stringer after one season in a similar capacity with the Jets.
RB: The Raiders’ most significant offensive bright spot last year was the play of Justin Fargas (1009 rushing yards, 4 TD, 23 receptions), who went over 1,000 yards late in the season before being sidelined with a knee injury. Still, Oakland couldn’t pass up drafting the dynamic McFadden in the first round, and it stands to reason that the players will both see the football frequently this year. The jettisoning of LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes will help Michael Bush move up the depth chart. Bush sat out all of last season with a broken leg, but at 245 pounds gives the team an intriguing option between the tackles. With Bush on the roster, it will be interesting to see whether the team uses fullback Justin Griffith (26 receptions, 1 TD) as frequently.
WR/TE: Though they got decent production from Ronald Curry (55 receptions, 4 TD) and the since-departed Jerry Porter a year ago, Oakland lacked a bona fide No. 1 receiver that could both stretch the field and make the tough catch. Enter Javon Walker (26 receptions with Denver), who could once do those things, but is now a major question mark due to frequent knee trouble. At 30, Walker will have to prove to both the Raiders and the masses that he still has it. Curry’s biggest competition for the No. 2 job was supposed to come from newcomer Drew Carter (38 receptions, 4 TD with Carolina), but Carter was injured in the team’s third preseason game and is out for the year. After Walker and Curry, it’s difficult to say what receivers will stick. Rookie Arman Shields (4th Round, Richmond) and Chaz Schilens (7th round, San Diego State) will battle incumbents Johnnie Lee Higgins (6 receptions), Chris McFoy (1 reception), and first-year player Todd Watkins for a spot on the roster. At tight end, Zach Miller (44 receptions, 3 TD) was quietly effective last year, and will top a depth chart that also includes John Madsen (8 receptions, 1 TD) and Tony Stewart.
OL: The Oakland offensive line wasn’t nearly as embarrassing in 2007 as it had been the year prior, when it gave up a whopping 72 sacks. That number shrunk to 41 last year, and Fargas’ 1,000-yard season was further evidence of the unit’s development. Still, it would be a reach to call this unit “good.” Left guard Robert Galley, right guard Cooper Carlisle, and right tackle Cornell Green are the most reliable players up front, but should hold off making those reservations for Hawaii. Left tackle could be a real problem, since Kwame Harris, a pariah for five years with the 49ers, has been basically guaranteed a job as the successor to Barry Sims. The competition at center is among John Wade and Jake Grove, with the 10-year veteran Wade looking to have the edge over 2004 second-round pick Grove. Paul McQuistan, Mario Henderson, and Chris Morris all served in backup roles last year and have a good chance to remain on the roster.
DL: NFL observers are still scratching their heads at the $18.5 million in guaranteed money given to defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (30 tackles, 1 sack), who missed nine games with a torn ACL last year and was never a household name to begin with. Kelly will have to stay healthy to even begin justifying the money, and the same goes for Gerard Warren (22 tackles, 4 sacks), who started just three games a year ago and missed five contests due to injury. Terdell Sands (23 tackles), who had a poor season in 2007 but has started for Oakland, will be an experienced backup, and ex-Giant William Joseph has a chance to be in the rotation as well. At end, Derrick Burgess (39 tackles, 8 sacks) is entrenched as a starter but the free agent defection of Chris Clemons calls the other starting slot into question. Jay Richardson (33 tackles, 1 sack) started 10 games as a rookie last year and will be part of the discussion, but veterans Kalimba Edwards (17 tackles, 3 sacks with Detroit) and Greg Spires (26 tackles, 2 sacks with Tampa Bay) have a bit more name cachet.
LB: Underrated around the league because of their team’s struggles, middle linebacker Kirk Morrison (120 tackles, 4 INT, 1 sack) and weakside LB Thomas Howard (95 tackles, 6 INT, 1 sack) are talented and could play for any team in the NFL. The duo was 1-2 on the Raiders in tackles and combined for more interceptions (10) than the entire Oakland secondary (8). The strong side job is less secure, with holdovers Sam Williams (16 tackles) and Robert Thomas (62 tackles) battling third-year players Ricky Brown (13 tackles) and Jon Alston (8 tackles) for duties there. All four players are unlikely to make the club, especially if Isaiah Ekejiuba (12 tackles), who played in 10 games as a backup and special-teamer a year ago, makes it.
DB: Davis was especially unhappy with the play of the Raiders secondary last season, which is why he shook things up and added cornerback DeAngelo Hall (70 tackles, 5 INT with Atlanta) and strong safety Gibril Wilson (92 tackles, 4 INT with the Giants). On paper, a group including Hall, Wilson, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (34 tackles, 1 INT) and free safety Michael Huff (85 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) should be solid, but there isn’t a great deal of depth behind those players and nickel back Stanford Routt (42 tackles, 3 INT). Backup safeties Hiram Eugene (31 tackles) and Jarrod Cooper (5 tackles) could be in trouble if forced into starting roles, and fourth corner Chris Johnson (13 tackles) could have trouble holding off fourth-round rookie Tyvon Branch (Connecticut).
SPECIAL TEAMS: Say what you will about the Raiders’ selection of kicker Sebastian Janikowski (23-32 FG) in the first round of the 2000 Draft, but he and Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler (49.1 avg.) are the longest-tenured players on the Oakland roster and have outlasted many other kickers and punters throughout the league. Janikowski was battling a hamstring injury during training camp, but was expected to be ready for the season. Johnnie Lee Higgins (5.2 punt return avg.) has a chance to field both punts and kickoffs following the departure of Chris Carr to free agency, but will be pushed by backup corner Tyvon Branch in that capacity. Long snapper Jon Condo will fill those duties for a second straight year.
PROGNOSIS: Even if you believe Kiffin put the Raiders on the right track last season, when the team was much more competitive that it had been under Art Shell, you have to admit a derailment seems imminent. With the owner and head coach at odds, and the head coach and defensive coordinator not exactly best buds, a cloud will hang over this club all season long. And that’s before you get to the fact that Russell and McFadden – potentially the team’s most important offensive players – are green and will undoubtedly make mistakes. Walker is an “X” factor, the o-line remains shaky, and the same defensive front seven that struggled against the run last year has not received much of an upgrade. There is talent on this team, but the high level of uncertainty that surrounds it will conspire to saddle the Raiders with yet another losing season.
08/25 15:58:37 ET
_______________________________________________________
“…it’s hard to believe a team that made slight progress under Kiffin last year will have a chance to truly jell with so much uncertainty permeating the organization.”
That about sums up my concern and anger at Al Davis.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Uh huh and…
August 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Dakota..
good to hear.. I had 4 days in the hut, doing nothing.. it was great.. Good you’re back..
August 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Our defence got Matt Leinert benched
Warner will be the starter.We can do ok with 1 more WR.
lets put MBush as FB him and Dmac in the backfield at once.They are both good at receiving.Lets just get Jhorn 1 year contract
August 25th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Dakota…good find. You have a linky/URL for this article? Thanks.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
you all know I’m thinking McCown should be a backup QB, what about bringing him back as a receiver *giggle*
August 25th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
arrrrrrgggggghhhh me maties how goes it?
August 25th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Oh yeah is Doug Jolley still with the Jets
if not then maybe take a look if yes than see what we can do to aquire him
August 25th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Time to go get Deverey Henderson as discussed last night………the saints gave up a 2nd and 5th for shockey i bet they can use another draft pick
August 25th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Humbolt:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/news.aspx?id=4175352
August 25th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I keep hearing folks talk about Joe Horn……..but why?
August 25th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Chris: great point. What some people are missing here is that we went for it on 4th and goal a couple of times and fell short. What I thought was a TD by Zach Miller that was unfortunately overturned (REALLY close) and one drop by Ron Curry that could have been called pass interference. Add a missed field goal by a dude who’s getting cut soon…score could have been WAY different going into the half and the first half was the only real important part of that game. We held them to no offense and made Leinart look like a 6th grader. Not THAT bad, considering…
August 25th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Because he can catch the damn ball
August 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
By Tony Moss, a dime a dozen newswriter
Raiders suck cause I say so
By Andrews mom, bigtime Raider fan
Tony Moss blows
Best year ever!!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Harris and Green= terrible
August 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
So, if Carter and O’Neal are put on the IR, it means we only have to cut 3 guys by tomorrow afternoon. Who will get the axe? My money is on Derrick Gray, DE; Glenn Pakulak, P; and Jeff Otis, QB.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
He played with Mvick strong armed QB used to catching fast balls he’s an upgrade over Rcurry keep him as #2 WR
August 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
R8DR- Horn is old as hell and wont get the separation you think….we need a WR with some speed…….at this point curry and horn are on par with one another……would be pointless getting him but I wont doubt they sign him though
August 25th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Thanks, Dakota.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
yeah horn sure did play with in 2007…….yawwwwwwwnnn he played with aaron brooks a strong armed qb…..get the facts straight buddy
August 25th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Joe horn hasnt been good since 2004………get over it
August 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
joe never played with vick
August 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Tim Browns old azz got seperation.Enough for first downs thats all we need him to do i know he is faster than Timmie was.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
That article is the same old cheap journalistic dribble as we’ve been seeing since January. It’s based on an oft repeated and basically unsubstantiated “rift” between Al and Lane which is supposedly destroying the place.
After buying the premise (of a self destructive rift) it’s easy to discount all the positives that happened during the off season. JR is healthy and committed and showing leadership skills, was at OTA and minicamp on time. Nmamdi showed up to camp. McFadden looks good and was signed on time. Bush looks good. Hall is an improvement and Schwiegert is gone. Most of the “departing” players were folks the team was willing to let depart.
The raiders didn’t have the drama of the Rams, Packers, Miami, Jets, TBay, Niners, Bengals, Bears, or the significant injuries to qbs or key players as the Pats, Colts, Redskins or Bengals.
As I said earlier, until they prove that they dont’ deserve my loyalty, this year’s team (and that includes Al and Lane) has my loyalty and patience.
I’m still in!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Horn faster than Timmy? lol in what years? like the last 2-3 of timmy’s career? come on!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Ok my bad no biggie honest mistake.Still an upgrade over Curry
August 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
“Same old dumbass arguement, these dumbells want Mr Davis to trun over his franchise to young kid who hasn’t even though he hasn’t won a damn thing and we don’t know if he ever could if you gave the entire organization to him.
Hey!! idiots this kid is UNPROVEN get it UNPROVEN that he even knows how to coach let alone run a draft.
It’s one thing to give a team to someone who’s proven he can handle it. It’s totally something else to give total autonomy to someone who hasn’t.
It’s like letting your 16 year old son who’s learning how to drive, drive the Porsche while you drive the beatup VW. Who in there right mind would do that?? but a complete idiot.
Yet you want Mr Davis to do that with Kiffin. Let Kiffin get his first winning record then you MIGHT have a point.”
First off, we haven’t been the Porshe since 02. And when you are senile, you shouldn’t be driving the car anyways; accidents happen, even with good intentions.
I think a better analogy would be this. Al Davis wants Lane to cook him a filet mignon, but all he’s giving him is cold fish.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Yeah the last 2 years but Timmie still got 1st downs thats all we need him for
August 25th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Brien, you want to get rid of Harris, Green and Grove…who the heck are we going to replace them with this late in the game? Henderson, McQuistan and Wade?
August 25th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
How the phuck is horn an upgrade in 2008 over curry? he hasn’t been good since 2004!!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Dakota, Parcels has already cut the Fish to 70 – so that he can move fast to net any swimming talent.
If I was the Raiders GM (heaven help you), I would be tempted to cut hard tomorrow – and essentially focus on the 53 currently pencilled onto the roster, the likely practice squad members plus any upgrades/trialists I could pick up this week.
No need to carry dead weight.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I bet the Saints may want RBs and DBs too.
The Raiders are gonna cut some talented people at both positions this year.
If I were the Raiders GM, I wouldn’t be scouring the wires, I’d be blowing up the phone lines around the league.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Wade is better than Grove Dakota…..i can feelyou on not having much better at LT….but McQ played better last season than Green when he got in
August 25th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Kifin’s an Idiot:
Russell’s solid opening drive, which was short-circuited by the first of four Cardinals sacks, gave way to an uneven performance which wasn’t helped by the fact that Kiffin announced his intention to virtually abandon the run and concentrate on passing.
It was almost as if Kiffin was out to prove to anyone with a pair of eyes why complaints about opening up the offense were off base.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Wad was replaced by a pro bowler in tampa……..Grove got outdone by a gimp like Newberry
August 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Kell- kiffin was test ratting the situation but dammit why do a playaction onthe four yard line on 4th down? made zero sense
August 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Curry took to many hits now he’s scared to catch the damn ball starting to drop to many his way.Oh by the way no need to get all vulger im a grown azz man talk to me like 1 no direspect it’s only an opinion mine also counts just like yours
August 25th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
The McQuistan situation is bizarre. He did quite well at RT at the end of last season, so why is he stuck at back-up OG, even when Green is obviously struggling?
August 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
post 428? his last two years in oakland werent great because they phased timmy out for 49er bitches but you saw the end result right? god dont like ugly…….the 2002 year was some luck ass shhhhhit and we were physically beat up against tennessee
August 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Scottish…….its because as everyone says Cable is god
August 25th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
yeah u can say your opinion all you want but IMO getting Horn will be for nothing because he wont be better than curry and we need the speed we just lost………think logically my friend
August 25th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I still say we go get K Robinson for returner depth or if JLH craps the bed and to give us some depth @ reciever. Sammie Parker is also available and only 27.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
McQ outta be the RT…….what the phuck Cable!! Green is horrible
August 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Whats speed good for if you wont catch the damn ball ala Jjett i know he did ok at Carolina but Javon did good in Gbay and Denver
August 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
JLH= is fine
August 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Scottish,
I agree with that philosophy. Dump Condo, Boone, Reece, Rodd, Irons, Archuleta, Ech, Wand, Wagner, strong and James along with Gray, Pakulak and Otis…they are all worthless or redundant and waiting until the deadline on Saturday will only prevent us from signing players released early by other teams. See, Bill knows what he is doing.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Deverey Henderson got speed and can catch……..what good is having great hands when you can’t run any damn more? remember last year how we had zero separation on the WR? You want a Walker,Horn, and Curry dynamic huh? boy oh boy
August 25th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
They cant dump Marcel Reese yet………he isthe backup FB now
August 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
The Terrapin’s assessment of the team insofar this preseason:
DEFENSE – The 1st unit defense has dominated each opponent it has faced. THIS is the most important point I can make here and should not go unnoticed. No one has passed successfully on it. Even the mighty Cardinal WR corps has proven unworthy.
Huff looks at home – has had 2 opportunities for INTs in as many games, on virtually identical intercepts, and cashed in on one. He’s visibly making plays out there.
Wilson has heightened the level of play on defense exponentially. He will likely eclipse Morrison in tackles – the dude is just everywhere – and that should push Morrison even further to focus more on tackles vs the glamorous INTs. Wilson = the most valuable addition to the defense.
This secondary is the best in the league but suffers from lack of depth. Nnamdi, Hall, Huff, Wilson, Routt …you can’t get much better than this.
The run defense looks improved. How much is the main question? TKelly sure looks worthy of the doe. He’ll only get better during the season. Remember he’s coming off injury and still getting into shape.
We still need another stud NT/DT. Warren and Sands are just not as consistent or diverse in their usage. Diverse in their usage? I’m talking about diversifying the defense by switching to a 3-4 which Rob Ryan has shown he wants to do. Someone needs to be able to play NT. Ideally Sands would fit that mold, which is what he was paid for, but he’s proven to be inconsistent. Warren is just not stout enough for that.
Another stud LB would help. That goes without saying.
The pass rush can get better, but I expect a lot of coverage sacks. We are already witnessing “coverage pressure”.
Depending on how much they’ve improved in the run, this defense could be ranked very highly this season. How high? We’ll see. I don’t see bottom dwellers in their future.
Offense to come soon….
August 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Well then sounds like pro bowler lets sign him now why wait
August 25th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
the saints gave up a 2nd and 5th for shockey…….they need a pick most definitely…….we need to trade for that guy pat kirwan spoke on this guy as well……he would help us big time
August 25th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The Black Clouds and Silver Linings
BC – The Raiders lost their 2nd game in a row.
SL – The Raiders outplayed SF (4 quarters), Tenn (4 qrts) and Arz (2 qtrs) in general this preseason. They did so when they were obviously not playing to win. The scores were meaningless.
BC – The starting offense has scored only 1 TD in roughly 6 quarters of play. The red zone offense has struggled greatly.
SL – Kiffin obviously tested red zone passing packages against Ariz when a run might have scored. Also, obvious regular season FG tries were not attempted in order to give the offense more work. Kiffin has obviously not opened up the playbook as evidenced by no Fades, Boots or othe red zone staples.
BC – Russell looks like a rookie at times. He sacked himself 2 times versus Arz. Once by holding the ball way too long and his last sack he was slipping down at the top of his drop before the D got there. He has forced passes into double coverage. He has yet to connect on any deep pass.
SL – JR may have auto-sacked twice but he escaped pressure many more times. He is mobile and if Oakland establishes the run, he can be deadly in play-action as his only TD drive showed. He had only 1 INT and NO fumbles which is huge. As Kiffin has preached, given the supporting cast he can be really good.
BC – ONeal. This injury is by far the worst for what the Raiders want to do.
SL – Griffith is a starter quality FB and does Wakefield want to add FB to his resume’?
BC – Carter. The #2 guy is a double problem because Curry is a better slot #3 type. It hurts 2 players.
SL – Despite the “castoff” label, the reality is guys like Carter would be bubble players on teams like NE, Indy, Cinn and so on. That means a cut buble player from a top team could easily come in and have the same potetial “castoff” Carter did.
BC – The O-line gave up 4 sacks and many pressures.
SL – Kiffin all but told the D in Arz “we’re passing” in the media and with empty backfield formations. He gave the D an advantage and told his o-line to handle it. Considering, they actually did well. This following a solid game gainst a top-tier Tenn D. With the threat of running plays, you can bet speed rushers will have to slow down or get gashed. Cable seems to be making a solid if not great line out of these guys. Provided they don’t have to pass every play – a big challenge for even the best lines in the NFL.
BC – W R’s
SL – Walker looked better and the RB and TE are solid. Remember, 1 solid WR is all that’s needed if you have a solid ground game and a receiving TE like Miller.
Defense Breakdown later.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
It is preseason but good and bad signs are showing up. Russell is good. He does not give me the feel of so many of our other rookie QB. He makes many good decisions, shows ability to feel pressure, can escape and can run pretty fast. He throws very well too with good control and speed on the ball even at odd angles. With good coaching, reasonable calls and a functioning running game, he will only get better as the season progresses.
OL was not so good but there was no running game to keep the D honest. If there was a running game, it would keep the D anchored and the OL performance would be better. In two of the sacks, the QB had quite a bit of time to throw and could have dumped off the ball to avoid loss in yardage. The OL has to protect, the QB can also help. Gannon did that well.
Don’t forget how well the OL did against the Titans last week. I won’t write them all off. We definitely need to upgrade the OL when possible.
Kiffin’s switch to passing game only is an excellent decision. The whole OL, TE, WR and QB have to work together in near-real situation so they can feel the timing and the coaches can see where all the holes are in game situation against a decent first-team. I hope they do more of this in Seattle to further jell the passing offense. Better to look horrible now in preseason so there is time to improve.
The defense is sure looking better. There are still too many missed tackles on runs and a couple of passes. At least the first-team now is looking more aggressive and faster to the ball. Still, they really need to tackle and control pursuit.
Special team is weak. Punt-return coverage tackling is poor and it does not close down run-back lanes well. Each punt return is a chance for an opponent to get a huge gain or a score. Kick-off return is much better.
Depth is a definite problem, Kiffin did not have to say it so loudly. The first teams are looking good, but second teams are precipitously low in quality.
TE Miller better stay healthy all year because the team will need him. There is no one WR who can do much of anything, it seems.
Seattle game will be boring as heck, probably not worth watching. I wish Kiffin will change his mind and make the team do more in that final tune-up. if the second team is that bad, might as well let the first team jell more. The OL needs work, the WR needs work and this time, do some running to give the offense some continuity up and down the field. They will need it when the season starts.
Play the D well too, let them clean up their tackles and pursuit angle miscues. Nothing like oiling the team to have it ready for the season.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Guys, give the fresh faces a chance before you cast them off as nobody’s. The back up receivers are all really good, just wait and see. Fix the O LINE first and formost or nobody will be able to catch a pass not even the great solution to are problems “JOE HORN”. PLEASE PEOPLE RELAX.
August 25th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
If Joe Horn is that great, why is he without a team. can anyone answer that? bet if T.O. OR MOSS Were avaliable they will get picked up instantly. If Horn, Robinson, and anyone else were any good they would be in someones camp even if it meant league min.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Cooper cut! Bah!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Coach on wheels delivers another bomb analysis. good job!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Give Chaz more reps!
August 25th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Man bolt would sell some tickets… Fastest man on earth!!! could’nt be too much worse for the fourth or fifth spot…. Can you say “up side”?
August 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Move Wakefield or Darrell Strong to FB if necessary…
August 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Leinart picked 3 times and once by the guy we drafted ahead of him….Huff Daddy!
Luv it!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:33 am
“Kiffin is playing right into Al’s hands by making these calculated statements about the inept roster management by Al Davis.
If Kiffin keeps it up, soon the Al-loving portion of Raider Nation will turn on Kiffin for telling the truth about Al and then Al can fire Kiffin without as much of a fan backlash as he would have experienced back in January. Al will claim insubordination as grounds for the firing and refuse to honor the contract. Good luck trying to collect your money Kiffin.”
why would he turn his team into an even bigger laughing stock by doing that?
no one would go there, so “puppet” time; see; Jim Fassel or any other amount of retreads would be “drafted”….Davis has learned better from the Shell hiring….maybe he sticks with it…
as for talent…Lawton was picked up…and there are some other picks…to watch for
Ashley Lelie…played under Knapp at Atlanta, probably due to be released with emergence of Josh Morgan
S Brandon McGowan…Raiders could watch closely or move Archuleta back to SS…McGowan fell out of favor, when Kevin Payne starting lighting up people at Chicago..
LB Brandon Moore, although Ricky Brown won the SSLB position, Sam Williams and/or Jon Alston is probably gone…Marcus Wilkins and Cardinal Monty Beisel are good special teamers and so is Matt Stewart ..Cardinals have a log jam at LB.
DT…stuck with Tommy Kelly…but Ted Washington (yes, at 40 is still around, and supposedly ready
to play)
August 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am
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