Cable playing it smart in terms of personnel
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, May 1st, 2009 at 8:50 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Every time it seems Al Davis is about to relinquish some control in the Raiders personnel department, the evidence suggests his grip gets tighter.
When Jon Gruden took over in 1998, conventional wisdom was he had a lot to do with changing the makeup of the team. Which he did, but only to a point.
There was the time Gruden thought he had cut David Dunn, only to discover he hadn’t. When Dunn fumbled a punt which helped cost the Raiders a game against Arizona, he and Bruce Allen didn’t speak for a month.
Gruden was sent packing following the season, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers giving Davis an offer he couldn’t refuse.
When Norv Turner took over, he phased out both Jerry Rice and Tim Brown, only to end up being sent out of town following the 2005 season in favor of Art Shell.
Shell picked a fight with Jerry Porter, Davis never intervened, and the coach also implemented a three-coach disaster with the offensive line. Davis watched all the way up to the point until he dumped Shell.
As for draft picks, Davis blamed Shell for Michael Huff over Matt Leinart (at this point it looks like neither was worth the No. 7 pick).
It’s never been clear exactly who much power Lane Kiffin received, since his main agenda was building a resume and getting out of town.
That’s a long way of saying that at least things are clear in 2009. The Raiders are a height-weight-speed team that wants to look good getting off the bus. Tom Cable, in so many words, said so last weekend when discussing how the Raiders made their selections.
Cable has input. He wants some character to go along with the measurables. But Cable is operating like a Stanford recruiting coordinator, except that the players he crosses off the list are too slow in the 40-yard dash or have another perceived physical liability rather than poor grades.
Michael Crabtree? Rey Maualuga? Too slow.
Even the handful of undrafted free agents the Raiders have signed fit in to one of their cherished categories.
“The Raiders love speed, they don’t care about size as much as speed,” wide receiver/return specialist Nick Miller of Southern Utah told the Daily Spectrum. “They like to throw the ball and stretch the field, which is perfect for me since those are my biggest strengths: my speed and my ability to get down the field.”
It’s a cliche even in St. George, Utah.
When I covered Stanford football, there were stories about how Dennis Green would rail against the admissions department and even take his case to provost Condoleeza Rice _ unsuccessfully. Green bailed out when the Minnesota Vikings called.
Cable, on the other hand, appears to be pushing the players he likes, but doesn’t bother with anyone who doesn’t meet the minimum requirements speed-size requirements. It’s a realistic approach, rather than fighting for player Davis will never consider.
Rather than resist Davis, he has gotten on board. In some quarters, he’s immediately been labeled another puppet, a line coach thankful to have a head coaching job like Joe Bugel.
Only time will tell whether Cable has actually established a working relationship with Davis or if he’ll be the latest coach to be sent out of town because he couldn’t work within the framework of a system which many believe values workout warriors over football players.
Because that’s the trick with the Raiders _ finding the workout warriors who are also football players.
Snead on the way out
Speaking of the scouting operation, I’ve heard Rich Snead is on his way out of the organization.
Snead joined the Raiders after Mike Lombardi was fired, although it’s not clear how much influence he had.
Lombardi was initially trotted out to the media as a “voice” after Allen left, although he was never comfortable with the role and was banished when he recruited Bobby Petrino to be the head coach, only to have Petrino turn down the job.
Snead, a respected personnel man with Tennessee for nine years before joining the Raiders, has been essentially anonymous since he arrived.
Neal rumors
If the as yet unsubstantiated stories regarding free agent fullback Lorenzo Neal and the Raiders are true, it means two things:
1) The Raiders aren’t expecting Oren O’Neal to be ready for the beginning of the 2009 season, because it isn’t their style to lead on a respected vet such as Neal and sign him to a deal, only to dump him if O’Neal is healthy.
2) It’s another example of what Davis meant when he said he wanted more power in the Raiders running game. Kiffin made it clear last year he didn’t believe Neal was a fit for the zone blocking system.
If Davis tells Cable to make it work, Cable will have to make it work.
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May 1st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Sign Lorenzo Neal, he would be great to run over Merriman.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Good leader O’neal..IMO.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Oops..meant.Neal..
May 1st, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Ahhhh, my fix is here.
Thank you Jerry.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Len,
You want 6 WRs, or replace one with Arman, and who?
May 1st, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Lombardi was initially trotted out to the media as a “voice” after Allen left, although he was never comfortable with the role
—————–
NOW the c*cksuc#3r is singin’ like a bird about “how bad the Raiders are without him!!!
2 words: Tubby B!tch!!!
May 1st, 2009 at 9:10 pm
but jerry wrote it…Only time will tell whether Cable has actually established a working relationship with Davis or if he’ll be the latest coach to be sent out of town because he couldn’t work within the framework of a system which many believe values workout warriors over football players.
good one Jerry
May 1st, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Jerry get a freakin clue, the raiders aren’t the only team that loves workout warriors. Everybody does.
I haven’t seen a GM yet that prefers small slow players over big fast ones, have you? This singling out of Al Davis as some relic is stupid. The Cincinnati Bengals gtook the ultimate work out warrior in Michael Johnsson DE from G-Tech. The other work out warrior from SJS Jarron Gilbert was the most talked about player in the draft.
Aaron Curry was hands down the best player in this draft when did he get picked? 4th 4th overall after a QB with a “big arm” and Jason Smith another H, W, Speed guy. They don’t draft small slow players early they draft them LAST and that’s for a reason.
So don’t give me this workout warrior over football player crap you idiot. Tim Brown was a football player Charles Woodson was a football player Darrel Russell was a football Chester McGlokton was a football player.
So was Gallery and others so get ove yourself FOOL. Speed is accented because it’s very difficult to compensate without it in this league dumbell. You’ve been around this stuff how long? and you still can’t figure out basic football essentials.
Get a freakin’ clue dude.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:12 pm
when you listen to Lombardi it’s obvious he doesn’t like Davis.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Raider O, Lets go with the 5 young guys at WR.
DHD ,Chaz, JLH, Sheilds, Murphy.
Yvaonne is not a mentor, write him off. (Sorry Al.)
That leaves a roster spot for on of the newbies.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Priest-he did say “which many believe”.i know you have problems with McDonald but don’t be like the press and put words in his mouth and take things out of context.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Fred Biletnikof was one of the slowest WR’s in history, who did he play for? Dave Casper was a speedster. I hate to break this to you but Mike Mitchell is a “footbal player” so is Heyward-Bey and I think they’ll both prove that out.
If you really look at the talent we picked up and undeerstood what you were looking at “football player would be the first thing you’d notice but unfortunately your dumbass wouldn’t know the difference.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Priest, you are correct, speed IS a pre requisite.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:20 pm
DHB is a football player who in addition to having great speed also has good size, is an good route runner, makes good adjustments to the ball in flight, has great leaping ability, and is a hard worker.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I want big strong fast football players on my team.
And I want them to be bigger faster and stronger than everybody else’s.
But they gotta be football players 1st.
I think this draft highlighted these aspects.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Left12, I’m sick of the dumbass enuendos from this fool. He simply doesn’t know football and it grades on me. There is NO insight from him NONE that has to do with the team and it’s prospects. He’s just another dumbass scribe.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Len,
I like the young kids, but. Still think JR needs a vet WR.
He needs a guy to know when to break his route, and come back to help his QB. IMO
I think we should keep Yavone one more year since we can’t cut her. Next year we cut her, and bring in Arman or Murphy.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:28 pm
I wanted us to get Lorenzo Neal last year. Bring him in, he would be a great backup and compliment and mentor to Oren O’Neal. The guy is tough and thats what we need.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Priest,i’m not here to defend JM,but just think it could be worse.we could have Killion,Gay,Kamakasi(?),Cohan,Dickey,or someone like that running this place.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Priest – You are overly protective. Not everybody sees things the same way. Its ok.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
It’s possible that Cable actually has a similar philosophy.
Al Davis is not really on an island.
There are others that hold similar philosophies.
It’s just convienient to bash Al.
Cable is not a sock puppet.
The man appears to have integrity.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I like Burgess in 3rd and long, he can help if he is used right. Not as a starter, but more of a pure pass rusher on passing downs.
I see Jay and Shaughnessy as our Base Ends, and Bryant as my wild card.
Scott and Burgess can be our pass rushers, and next year when Burgess is gone stryker can take his spot.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:32 pm
because of the last 6 yrs. Davis is an easy target.plus,the Raiders are actually the real Americas team-you either love them or you hate them-nothing in between.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Raider O, Na we can cut her this year.
Youngsters learn quick.
Exibit A: Your Daughter.
Right?
Let’s play the young guns.
Cable said the group would learn as they go.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Len,
But I do agree that the Vet shouldn’t be Yavone, but we can’t cut her!!!
F$&” Fargas!!
May 1st, 2009 at 9:37 pm
this might not be popular,but unless Walker is a total washout in camp,he will be on the team as we can’t expect too much from our rookie WRs in the beginning.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I meant: we can’t cut her due to the cap hit.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:39 pm
24, overly prtective of what? I’m simply asking for insight on my team from the person who runs this blog. I’m sick of gossip, contravesy and enuendo. Provide us with what the raiders intentions are what the organization is trying to accompish. What type of scheme they want to run and system they’re installing.
Give me some meat about the team instead of all the freakin rhetoric and gossip or contraversy. I don’t give a damn about what someone else thinks about us I want to know what on Cable’s mind and where we are as a team.
I’m not protective just fed the hell up.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Len,
Ya, but that’s my daughter. I don’t expect them all to be as smart as her. lol
LMAO
May 1st, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I’m leaning on the performance of Chaz and JLH at the end of the season.
Unless Yvonne makes some sort of miracle transformation I don’t see him starting.
I’d like to see DHB, Chaz, and JLH.
Yvonne can be cut. It just means that AL eats the money.
Addition by subtraction.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I don’t think we can cut Walker because of salary cap considerations, but as soon as he gets hurt again he could be IR’d.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Raider O,
Regarding your Daughter…Well said.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:43 pm
whats up peoples… yes bring in Lorenzo Neal.. Oren wont be back this season.. to bad too
May 1st, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Hell I could run this blog better. Answer questions with more insight. Jerry just doesn’t give a damn. Becaus he knows he can throw some garbage up there, get you guy’s arguing and sit back and enjoy it.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:45 pm
BHP,
The Raiders don’t talk much to the media. Correction: They don’t talk to them at all. lol
Also,
Al Doesn’t like Jerry M!!! lol
May 1st, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Koolaid, IR it is then.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Priest,i totally understand what you are saying.wheni hear reporters from other teams discussing those teams i seem to get the feeling they not only give more information but they also have some loyality towards their cities team.of course the way the Raiders restrict access might have something to do with it because i don’t get that from anyone that covers the Raiders.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:49 pm
BHP,
Did you watch tape on DHB yet?
I only found a few games, Cal, Miami, Del, and I forgot the 4th one. He looked good.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Neal is old. real old. Is there anyone else?
May 1st, 2009 at 9:50 pm
IR!!! It doesn’t count agaist the cap??
May 1st, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Raider O, #40, I believe that is correct.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:52 pm
thanks O.BTW,Priest,when i said i say DHB play against Cal,i was thinking about the WR from Mich. St..sorry,but i got the 2 games mixed up.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Where the hell do you guys get tape? You talking about games that are recorded or rebroadcasted? Or is it actual coaches tape?
How do i join the club?
May 1st, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Yavone on IR, I love it!
F$&@ Fargas!!!
May 1st, 2009 at 9:52 pm
A team has to have the ability to sign players as a result of injury attrition.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
IR does count against the cap, but if he is cut then I think that bonus money that he has already been paid and is prorated over the next two seasons would all count against this season.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I didn’t mean Coaches tape. I meant The entire game. You can download it, or watch it on the net.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
So this is my first time, I just registered. As a life long Raider fan, I just have to say something. The media and everyone else is making me sick. Since when do a bunch of sports writers and everyone else for that matter, think they know more about football plkayers than Al? Al has been doing this since before most of them and us were born! It’s like Priestt said, Al and the Raiders are always being singled out. Have you seen the story on the ESPN Raiders team page from some punk in Nevada? Like a week after the fact he chimes in and talks smack about the Raiders being a joke because of the draft. These writers are a freeking joke! All is their daddy
May 1st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Journalists are going to talk. If the team or company or political figure doesn’t offer much access, then the reporters are going to fill in the blanks.
Any investigator, be it a reporter, police detective, scientist etc…would prefer primary sources of info to secondary sources.
Covering the Raiders I gotta believe you are relying mostly on secondary sources (i.e people removed from the situation). So the reporter takes what’s heard and does his/her best to fill in the blanks.
In this piece, that’s all Jerry did. For example, the reference to Neal was from a “friend” of Neal’s…not from anyone in the organization. Then Jerry marries that info with a prior quote from Cable (primary source) that the Raiders may need a FB.
If the Raiders want better coverage, which I don’t think they care about, they have to allow more access from media to players, coaches and staff.
Not that its a big deal…ALl I care about is what happens on the field
May 1st, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I have to say that I can’t really argue against Al’s love for athletes and physical specimens. I don’t think drafting workout warriors is the problem. It is the constant turnover and change of direction as far as coaching staff, scheme and philosophies changes that are doing the raiders in.
Players are not able to rise above the constant change and lack of direction. Players that leave the raiders usually go on to be NFL players elsewhere. there are occasional outright busts but every team has those.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Raider O, regrettably I haven’t but I think I have somewhat of a handle on the kid.
Lefty12, Jerry is a perfect example of the reason they don’t trust the press. That wasn’t always the case. In years past coverage was much more evenhanded. I used to read a lot of Dave Newhouse and Bill Soliday. These new dudes Monte Poole, Jerry, and some others just look for negative crap.
Hell if They can do it along with Steve Corkran and others then so can Jerry but Jerry is jaded and wants us to be as well.
Steve Corkran criticises the Raiders when it’s warranted. But he doe his homework and is much more incisive and objective not to mention insightful.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:00 pm
If you can find coaches tape, let me know pls.
I want to see what they are. You only hear about them!!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:00 pm
O,
i see. Thought you may have had an inside track on coaches tape.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:00 pm
So maybe they are all just pouting! It’s like the program on the NFL channel last year; top ten fueds. The Raiders against the world was #1. Cracked me up but was so true.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
dickv Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Where the hell do you guys get tape? You talking about games that are recorded or rebroadcasted? Or is it actual coaches tape?
How do i join the club?
=====================================================
They are talking about game replays. Unless you subscribe to a service or somehow have an in with a pro-team….I can’t see how one could realistically get the “coaches-tape”.
Game replays can be purchased off NFL.COM. But game replays are not the same as coaches tape.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I wish bro.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
S&B what you say is true,but don’t you get the sense that the writers that cover the Raiders are more often than not negative towards the org. whereas if you listen to say a writer from Dallas,you will get a more positive home team perspective?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Welcome Semdady,
Easy to hate on the Raiders. Al is a towering figure in the NFL and it’s History.
All the wannabe somebody’s prop themselves up on what they believe is Al’s football corpse.
Most of the Guys talkin crap have half the guts and none of the integrity of the old man.
He’s walked the walk and talked the talk.
They wish they had a sack half the size of Al’s.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Sem,
Welcome Brother.
Another Al supporter, and RaiderAide drinker. You will fit right in. lol
May 1st, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I was reading Pat Kirwan’s article on building teams through the draft. He was crediting the best franchises for what they have done through the draft like the steelers, Pats, Philly,… He said that the best teams have at least half of their starters as draft picks from the past five drafts.
Hell the raiders have 11-13 players from the past five drafts that will be starters for them in 09. That is not counting players like Namdi, Gallery, Satele.
Look at the talent level. It is there. The problem is the circus. for every Namdi there are ten …
May 1st, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Tape = Youtube
May 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
More Aide anyone?!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
How is JerryMac negative. Im negative. Jerry calls it like it is. Problem is Raider fan is constantly looking for people being negative so they can label them ” haters”. Its almost as if this club has been in the playoffs every year for the last 5.
This is an honest question if any of you care to answer it:
If it meant more winning seasons than not for the next 10 years would you axe Al?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Listen guy’s I know enough about this organization to know that if Jerry wanted to he could provide a lot more info concerning what the team’s objectives are. Schemes and the like. Which is what HE is about.
HE doesn’t want optimism in here he wants contraversy. It’s blatantly obvious.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Al should have retired 10 years ago.. i know alot of Raider fans dont agree..
May 1st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Priest,you just like Corkran cause he was spot on about kid brat.LOL
May 1st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
And here comes Dude to Debate and not argue. lol
I love this place!!
F”@$ Fargas.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Someone changed the wording on that post. I meant to say he wants negative crap which is what he is about.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Dude Agrees!!!
Dude, I’m playing. You know!!
I really enjoy our ar..debates. lol
May 1st, 2009 at 10:11 pm
The Raiders are the worst team in the league at drafting players. How good could they possibly be when the team is setting NFL records for futility?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
dude-but no one can guarantee that.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Lefty12, Jerry knew the same info, why didn’t he report it that way. That stuff wasn’t exclusive to Steve, he just wanted to tell the truth while this guy didn’t………..period
May 1st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
its bed time peoples.. peace.. have a fantastic weekend..
May 1st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Lefty,
Hypothetical
May 1st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
The one thing that the Pats, Steelers and the rest of the elite have over the raiders is they have qaulity depth. They do not need the rookies to step in and play right away.
Kirwan mentioned that most teams boast about how there guys are ready to play right away (high picks). He pointed out that the steelers said that their 1st rd pick Ziggy Hood was “light years” away from being game ready.
On that note I guess that is why the steelers have won two Super Bowls in the past 4 years and the Raiders are getting no respect.
The raiders need both Mike Mitchell and DHB to be game ready come the fall. They both have to hit if the Raiders want to make a run at the division.
The steelers and Pats are patting the heads of their diaper dandies and saying whoa little guy. you are not there yet.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Al Davis drafts football players. “The DHB” is a football player. The Giants were angling to take him as were the Ravens…in the 1st round. That makes the kid a top 30 football player….Davis drafts football players all the time. Take a look at his 1st round picks….maybe with the exception of Seabass….those picks in the 1st aren’t terrible reaches.
His problem is he doesn’t draft defensive lineman on the 1st day anymore. That’s his only problem. I wish that he would look for the next Howie Long, Matt Millen, Lyle Alzado or Chester McGlockton.
Better yet…perhaps go back to the 3-4 lineup. If there are no changes, the Raiders are too much speed and finesse up front for a truly effective 4-3.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:14 pm
the Raiders are the worst at drafting players-PROOF please.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Did the Raiders ever have an insider to report the news 1st??
I can’t think of any. I don’t thnk Al likes talking to the media since they add their own twist on the subject, and they alter information.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:15 pm
SnB,
Who are these “football players” you speak of that Al drafted?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I think the Raiders got old under Gruden, and Callahan.
The subsequent drafts under Shell and Norvell were not as productive as they could have been.
Without continuity in the Head Coaching position and it’s acompanning philosophies, draft choices can be wasted because of “system fit”
I think this explains part of the failures in recent years.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Later Tomy.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
dueche,
The raiders are not nearly as bad at drafting as you are saying. They have real football players. players like Courtney Alexander, Tyler brayton, fabian washington, Jake grove, doug Gabriel, ronald Curry, Jerry Porter, Tuiasopo, Kenyon Coleman, Rod Coleman, Eric Barton, Napoleon Harris, have all left the raiders and found work in the nfl. Talent is not the problem.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Priest-i know.i was just pulling your chain.but you make a great point.why didn’t JM also report what many writers knew and Corkran did report?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Proof??
Check the win/loss record the last 6 years?
How many Pro Bowlers/All Pros have they drafted?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Good night fellas.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Dickie V,
Good one. LOL!!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Len,
Don’t forget Al thought he could fix that SB team instead of rebuilding after the 02 season, and that set us back a few more years. We added Moss and Collins, remember?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Nnamdi.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
snb,
you hit on a great point. drafting speed demons versus the big guys early.
I agree with you. Al is too infatuated with speed. I would have been really excited about Micheal Oher (or monroe) and Ron Brace in the first and second rounds.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
>>As for draft picks, Davis blamed Shell for Michael Huff over Matt Leinart (at this point it looks like neither was worth the No. 7 pick).>>
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry. This is a perfect reason why Al Davis doesn’t talk more. That fuktard from the SJ Mercury, Kawakami, asked Al if he was gonna let the new coach have input. Al, as usual, was fed up with media’s ignorance and told him, “who do you think wanted Huff last year?”. Al gave what you cry the most about. He gave you some inside information into the inner dealings of the organization. He didn’t BLAME Art, he simply made the point that guys here always have say in personnel. And yet, you use it as another way to attack Al.
>>When Jon Gruden took over in 1998, conventional wisdom was he had a lot to do with changing the makeup of the team. Which he did, but only to a point.>>
No sh!t. That’s true about every GM/Coach relationship.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Lots of teams struggle to draft well. The media only makes it public when it’s the Raiders. Singled out man, I’m telling ya. If the Pats would have taken this Safety in the 2nd round the media would all praise them for how well they find hidden talent. Am I right or what?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Later Len, and take care bro.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Raider O,
One guy?? Reason 1a why this team is where it is.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:23 pm
How do you boys explain the last 6 years then?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:24 pm
dude you know as well as anyone that pro bowl births are a joke-nothing but a popularity contest.but even if you take that into consideration the Raiders are no worse than the majority of NFL teams.as i said earlier,Davis’s impatience and constant coaching changes are more responsible than the talent of players on the team.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:24 pm
lefty12 Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
S&B what you say is true,but don’t you get the sense that the writers that cover the Raiders are more often than not negative towards the org. whereas if you listen to say a writer from Dallas,you will get a more positive home team perspective?
=======================================================
As opposed to places like Philly or New York? They still want to run McNabb out of town and all he’s done is go to 5 NFC Championship games and 1 SB in the last 8 or 9 yrs. Eli was a game or two away from getting run out too.
Winning will improve the coverage. The Raiders have been chaotic the last few years with frequent coaching changes, Jerry Porter, the Shell and Kiffin debacle and all the losing. Its been easy for the media and others to take shots at them.
That being said, the vitrol from last week’s draft was over the top. If anyone has a bias..its ESPN and the smug way they cover the Raiders.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Thomas H should have made the PB that season when he had a lot of INTs, and about 100 TKLs. He didn’t get it due to him being on a losing team.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:25 pm
All you guy’s make great pints which I agree with in general. Then why does this guy not understand that we aren’t freakin idiots who are going to buy whatevr HE wants to sell?
Most people can tell Jerry more about the talent than Jerry can tell them. Because that’s not his focus. He’s always telling us what others think about what Davis is doing as if we care.
Case in point wait until the minicamp, I gaurantee you each story will be about ? rather than what the team is trying to accomplish by choosing these players.
Ho much positive have you ever read from Jerry about Russell? next to nothing unless it’s NEGATIVE.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Zack Miller, Thomas Howard, and robert gallery can all be pro bowlers this year if the raiders win some ball games.
Gonzales and Winslow are too players that won’t be taking up Pro bowl spots in the NFL. Scheffler is reportedly in Mcdaniel’s dog house.
I am willing to bet miller gets the nod for Pro bowl this year. Barnes, Henderson, and Meyers should take some heat of him. DHB will stretch the field a little longer. JR is getting better. all that adds up to Miller having a break out year.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Dude,
2 guys. Nnamdi and TH.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:27 pm
So Thomas Howard and Nmadi are it? 2 guys you would comsider top of the line players in 7 or 8 years of drafting.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:29 pm
I like Miller, should have added him to the above list. No way hes going to the pro bowl.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:30 pm
You gottan throw in the punter since he is the best in the league.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Miller!!!
I forgot about him!!
F$&@ Fargas!!!
Don’t say Gallery again pls.
He was drafted to be a LT, and now he is playing LG. Not even RT!!!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Great post Left #95
May 1st, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Miller too, so 3 players.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Dude Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 10:15 pm
SnB,
Who are these “football players” you speak of that Al drafted?
=======================================================
DMAC, Russell, Huff, Gallery, Aso, Brayton, Buchanon, Fabian are all still in the league.
Fabian is a starter on the best defense in the NFL. Buchanon has been a starter in T.B and is going to start in Detroit.
Huff was a top 10 talent…Gallery was lauded as the safest pick in the draft that year…Brayton is starting on a good Carolina defense and had the Raiders passed on Russell or DMAC….both wouldn’t have made it out of the top 10.
The reason the Raiders drafts haven’t worked is because the coaching turnover. I also think the Raiders have done a poor job of recruiting teachers as coaches and making sure a player fits the scheme…See deAngelo Hall
May 1st, 2009 at 10:33 pm
S&B i have to disagree with you.the fans in Philly and NY are brutal,but if you hear writers that cover the teams you don’t get that negativity.ever hear Sal Pal. talk about his hometown Eagles?honest,pro and con reporting- pro org.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:35 pm
So being in the league constitutes a good draft pick?
Who is responsible for the coaching turnover?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I can’t wait to see this young talent develope over the course of the season. I just see great things from certain players but for the team to be great Russell has to show the leadership Cable wants to see. IMO it’s jsut a matter of time. What Russell did in the final game of last year showed who he is. Now he has to take the next steps which is making this offense a threat every time they touch the field.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Priest,
Jerry is the most objective beat writer following the raiders. Jason Jones was good, but he just got re assigned to the Kings. I bet his crying himself to sleep at night.
people like Colin … whatever heard from BSPN that the raiders are joke and that all the beat writers just laugh at them.
Ask Jason Jones who he would like to cover the raiders or the kings. At least he has a
story with the raiders. Gaylords come to this blog religiously to tell us how bad the Raiders are and how much they suck. You have to ask yourself why are they still arguing a point after six loosing seasons. Because the raiders are a story. They are relevant even at their lowest point in franchise history. With all the feel good stories in Atl, Arizona, and even across the bay with the other team that has lost for six straight seasons, all these gaylords like Dueche know the Raiders are still a threat. despite the futility.
Other bad teams fire coaches and let them clear out the roster stacking the team with their players. Al says pack your $h!t, and tells the kids here’s your knew nanny.
The talent is there. They just need to get it all together. I am not holding my breathe, but I know that all these haters see it because they would not be here arguing a point that should have been conceded a long time ago.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:36 pm
The media, including locally, has been unfairly negative toward JaMarcus Russell.
I think all the media have not done their homework on this guy. He played okay for a rookie and didn’t turn the ball over. yet all you hear is this is a “make or break” season for him.
Why? Aaron Rogers, Rivers and Eli didn’t even play their first two years… and Rogers didn’t play for like 3 or 4. So how is Russell in a “make or break” in his 2nd year as a starter. Sure, Russell is poised to make a big leap…but they talk about him like he’s David Carr or something.
That irritates me to no end
May 1st, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Lefty,
How are you gonna compare covering one of the better teams in the league( Eagles) to covering the worst(Raiders)?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
BHP,
I know I don’t come here to listen to Jerry, I come here to listen to you guys.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Thomas Howard didn’t make the Pro Bowl because he is on a losing team? Is he on a losing team because the other players are bad?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Why do you care what the media says about Russell?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:40 pm
How many more losing seasons do the Raiders have to have before you start blaming Al?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Outside of Dude, just very astute football talk. which makes me proud to be a Raider fan. It deserve a much better Blogger. To give us something to chew on instead of garbage like Dude. Just disappear Dude all this is way over your head.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:42 pm
lefty12 Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 10:33 pm
S&B i have to disagree with you.the fans in Philly and NY are brutal,but if you hear writers that cover the teams you don’t get that negativity.ever hear Sal Pal. talk about his hometown Eagles?honest,pro and con reporting- pro org.
=======================================================
How about Detroit during the Millen years? Or Cincinnati? I am sure that there is some vitrol over there in Cleveland and Washington. How about K.C last year? I bet the media in Denver aren’t playing all happy and nice.
Regardless, my position is that when a team is in a long-term slump, the coverage is slanted towards the negative…while when things are going well…the coverage is slanted the other way…
May 1st, 2009 at 10:42 pm
dude a reporters job is to report-not editorialize.i see more of the latter from reporters covering the Raiders.but i do agree,if we won more,we MIGHT see more positive articles about the team instead of the constant negative Al Davis articles.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Same here Raider O, we’re all we’ve got. ha!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:43 pm
We have been in a downward spiral ever since Callahan referred to our boys as “The dumbest team in America”.
Al has made some bad choices in head coaches and personell since then.
But that said, you have to get some continuity and consistency.
I really feel like Cable can bring us that for the first time in six years. I don’t think he is a puppet, I just feel like he is on the same page as Al.
I hope so, cause I can’t take much more of the losing
May 1st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Whats with the medias big crush on QB Sanchez? I’m sick of his face already!
May 1st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
JR is fat. He needs to loose weight. I know he is going to be a good QB in the league, but he has not committed himself to winning. He is young, so he can still learn good habits.
All the nay sayers will doubt him until he proves them other wise. He wants the media off of his back, he could come at 250 looking ripped. JR is not tripping, but he isn’t quieting critics either.
The media is doing its job: talking $h!t. Jr has to do his: win games. If he doesn’t win, the media will dig into his chunky behind even more.
He is no where near a bust. all the Niner media wants badly to see him crap out like Alex Smith. Of course they know he was not as nearly as bad as Alex.
JR has all the god given abilities and his teammates see the next level in him. The Niners are still looking for a sign of life from Alex. alex is a good guy but he is a terrible QB.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Yeah Priest, your Pollyanna everything is candy and roses way of looking at stuff is just brilliant! All you do is whine about the media and claim anybody with a negative thought is a hater. Grow up and pull your freakn head out of the sand.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Dude Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Why do you care what the media says about Russell?
=======================================================
Well, I don’t really care…as it doesn’t affect my life. However, as a person that follows sports its irritating because the reporting isn’t accurate from so-called experts.
You compare Russell’s stats with any young QB and the numbers are favorable. He played well down the stretch etc…etc…yet the blind media compares his numbers to Matt Ryan and says…see Russell’s a bust…
Any fool could come to that conclusion just looking at the numbers….But experts are supposed to dig behind the data and get to the truth. When covering Russell I don’t see it
May 1st, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Sanchez looks like Vinny Chase. He has that Golden Boy look to him. Of course they are going to love him. He is a teen heart throb.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Maybe the experts HAVE dug and dont like what they see. I dont know whether or not the kid will be any good, but I know most dont think he will for whatever reason.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:51 pm
S&B in those cities they may blast the coach,or a player but they don’t hate on the organization like local writers like-Dickey,Cohan,Killian,Kawakami,Gay,and others do.when you’ve been as bad as the Raiders have been the last 6 years,you are going to get blasted,but do you ever hear a local writer mention that Gallery was the sure pick-10 yr. LT starter;or Huff was considered the SAFEST pick in the draft,etc.no-all they do is knock the picks.a little objective reporting once and a while would be nice.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Lefty12, let me say and I’m sure you agree. I’m nt looking for somone to butter us up. I’m looking for insightful info on my team, the players, the coaches and the organization. Focus on WHY we did what we did not what other people think about what we did. And some silly ass rhetoric quoting some hater.
Just let someone say something negative about a player Mr Davis liked and picked Oh! he’ll jump all over that.
Why hasn’t he made a call to Freidgen DHB’s coach to ask him about DHB or Mike Mitchell’s coach. Because he prefers that we hear what the national media thinks and have us agree with that.
I would like for him to find out from Cable what he intends to do at FB if OO is not ready.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:51 pm
I see it this way.
Dude (MR) is the left, BHP is the right, and the truth is somewhere in between.
Half full or half empty?
It has a lot to do with your own personality.
I tend to be optimistic, because if I don’t it just drags me down.
Some people are pessimistic, because it makes them feel better to let out thier frustration.
Holy crap, I feel like Dr. Phil.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I can not figure out for the life of me why any of you care what the media says. What the hell does it matter?
May 1st, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Dickv,
The guy is not fat. He played at 260-270 in college. Now everyone is a nutritional expert. Give me a break on this one.
Russell struggled at times last year because he was playing on a bad football team…that’s it…Russell wasn’t heaving on the field. He missed one game due to injury….Russell struggled because Ashley Lelie, Javon Walker and Ronald Curry were his three receivers….yet Zach Miller got a ton of catches…
The focus on Russell is b.s. Russell is not a big media guy and kind of lays low…except for his fur coats..and Russell has a disdain for media interviews.
Its the same b.s that keeps some players out of the hall of fame in football and baseball.
If Russell was talkative, always being seen in public with a charming personality and was dating a super model….no one would be talking about his weight….
As for his weight. What are we talking? 5lbs maybe 10..gimmie a break
May 1st, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Dude; The media is giving Al a bad rep and the Raiders are losing fans because of it.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Anyone who bails because of what the media says wasnt really a fan anyways. Al is doing a wonderful job of giving HIMSELF the bad rep.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Lefty12,
Check out the Detroit or Cincy media. I am sure you will find a negative slant toward William Clay Ford and Mike Brown. Guarantee it.
Now the Raiders have known recent success…but they also have been running a soap opera the last 6yrs with some very public episodes.
Just Win Baby!!!! and all that negative talk, locally at least will go away. Nationally, there will always be negativity because the Raiders are the most hated team in the league. That’s part of what makes them the Raiders
May 1st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
“Priest-he did say “which many believe”.i know you have problems with McDonald but don’t be like the press and put words in his mouth and take things out of context.”
I do have to say something about this, a little “Journalism 101″, if you weeel (courtesy of Dusty Rhodes)
. When reporters use phrases like “which many believe” and “some say” it’s usually their way of editorializing without looking like that’s what they’re doing. There’s no source or statistic on this “many” who believe this, so the source can’t be scrutinized, and it’s nebulous to the point that it’s impossible to prove wrong. Watch Fox News sometime and count up the “some says” and “which many believe-s”. It’s (one of the many reasons) why it’s not a credible news source. I hope that won’t be perceived as too controversial or political, either, because that should be pretty much be agreed upon. But you get my point. At worst it’s dishonest, and at best it’s lazy and poor reporting. I’m sure J-Mac would agree with me, too.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Priest-130-well put.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Dude If you knew just a little bit of what the hell you were talking about, then we could discuss this but…
May 1st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
SnB Defense Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Lefty12,
Check out the Detroit or Cincy media. I am sure you will find a negative slant toward William Clay Ford and Mike Brown. Guarantee it.
Now the Raiders have known recent success…but they also have been running a soap opera the last 6yrs with some very public episodes.
Just Win Baby!!!! and all that negative talk, locally at least will go away. Nationally, there will always be negativity because the Raiders are the most hated team in the league. That’s part of what makes them the Raiders
————————————–
Yep, I love that they hate us, it makes it sweeter when we win.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Some people cave after years of verbal thrashing. The teams that have been winning and have tons of fans are just loaded up with band wagoners! I think they are all closet Raider fans
May 1st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I know this will upset most of you but I am off to bed, long day of softball tomorrow. Be safe.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Dickv said:
The raiders are not nearly as bad at drafting as you are saying. They have real football players. players like Courtney Alexander, Tyler brayton, fabian washington, Jake grove, doug Gabriel, ronald Curry, Jerry Porter, Tuiasopo, Kenyon Coleman, Rod Coleman, Eric Barton, Napoleon Harris, have all left the raiders and found work in the nfl. Talent is not the problem.
Dickv – I’m curious about the players you mentioned. You said Courtney Alexander. You mean Courtney Anderson? Hes the Texans 3rd TE. Tyler Brayton is a solid Defensive End with the Panthers after the Raiders misused him terribly. Brayton had talent but they failed to apply his skills properly within the scheme. Fabian Washington is starting with the Ravens but we traded him. Why? Because we failed again in developing him. If we didn’t draft poorly in the front 7, Washington could have been alot better with the Raiders but there was too much pressure to cover his man for 5 seconds and longer. With the Ravens, Washington is protected by a more talented team.
Everyone was happy to see Jake Grove go. He never became what he was supposed to become but the Dolphins threw money at him. Everyone on this blog was happy to see him go and wanted Alex Mack or Max Unger to replace him. Doug Gabriel? Hes out of the league. Ronald Curry? He had a couple solid years but 727 yards was the most he gained in a single season. Jerry Porter had a couple solid seasons but his highest yard mark was 998. Another player who couldn’t become a legitimate #1.
I can’t even believe you mentioned Tuiasosopo. The guy failed everytime he touched the field. Kenyon Coleman took awhile to develop but he played pretty well with the Jets and is now with the Browns. Rod Coleman turned out to become a pretty good player and when he did, he got the hell out of Oakland and went to Atlanta. He was tired of the bullsh!t. Eric Barton was a good player who the Raiders didn’t want to pay so he left. Napolean Harris wasn’t ready to take over but the Raiders pushed the issue and Biekert out the door in the process. Bad move.
I will agree that there has been some talent here but the Raiders always find a way to fuk it up. Why can’t they hold onto their own players? Alot of the players don’t flourish here but pick up with other teams and that has alot to do with the condition of our franchise but you can’t say all these names are elite players. We have lacked big time in the scouting department for sometime now. We went to the Superbowl in 2001 because of a huge group of talented veterans, not draft picks and we weren’t good for awhile before then either.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Dude Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Maybe the experts HAVE dug and dont like what they see. I dont know whether or not the kid will be any good, but I know most dont think he will for whatever reason.
=======================================================
So he throws for 13 TDS and 8 INTs…..he completes 60%+ over the last 6 or so games….Outduels Favre, Cutler, Schaub and Garcia and he has no potential? I say outduels…because Russell made plays in those games and wasn’t simply along for the ride.
The Raiders were inconsistent last year. If they had a defense worth a %@!#%, they would have beaten S.D, Buffalo and maybe Miami….Then what would the media have been saying at the end of the year…..
I know..would of, could of, should of…..but the point I am trying to make is that the kid improved as the year went on. And for a rookie QB on a bad team that all one should be looking for
May 1st, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Wait, wait, wait. Cant pass this up…..
Priest,
What do I not know about exactly?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:03 pm
They have not developed talent well due to coaching staff issues and rotation. Everyone looked good when Gruden was there. Once we settle into a good coach again you will see talent rise. That’s the good thing about Cable; he is a teacher and is hiring teachers to his staff. I think he’s has a chance at turning this team around in the next 2 years.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Dude
Take your pick
May 1st, 2009 at 11:04 pm
S&B-Cincy and Detroit have NEVER won anything.we were in the SB just 6 years ago.you can’t win EVERY year yet if you listen to the media and guys like dude you’d think we have never won anything.people biotch because we haven’t won the SB since the 80s.well at least we made it there.i don’t hear the local media thrashing the whiners because they don’t win every year.who has been to the SB more recently-Dallas,the whiners,or the Oakland Raiders?yet who catches the most grief?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Come on man dont be a punk. You give me a thing or two I am way off base on.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Well it’s been nice chatting gents, glad to be part of the team. Hollar atcha next time.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:09 pm
adios Dude! I’m not interested.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Thats what I thought. Proof positive you are indeed a punk.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Dude,
If you don’t care about what the media says, then why Ar..Debate their opinions on DHB with me??!
May 1st, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Later Sem, and take care bro.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
24-a big reason we lost that Sb was because the main man on our Oline went nuts and he was a Raider draft choice as was the bulk of the team.granted,the team also had some key older Fa vets,but don’t say we had none of our own draftees,that simply isn’t true.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
uh! huh, I’ve watched you argue with everbody in here. You’re an idiot. I bet you’d argue with a sign post over the directions.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Lefty12,
I am not arguing whether the negative coverage is fair or not…just what drives it.
I am sure the media types would rather have the Raiders winning. If the team is winning, more casual fans pay attention, local media personalities get asked to appear on more national talk shows, and they probably get their articles picked up in more media.
As for the last 6 yrs…
1. Traded Jon Gruden after a successfull season ala Jerry Jones to Jimmy Johnson
2. Hired and fired Callahan, Turner, Shell and Kiffin in a 5 yr span
3. Had a very public and very ugly spat with Kiffin
4. The fight between the media guy and a Raider executive.
5. Drafted a QB number 1 overall and then a hold-out that went into the season
6. Several blowouts on national television
7. And then the draft last weekend
The Raiders are a very high profile team that done some very high profile things. The owner is an icon. Therefore, they are going to get a lot more scrutiny then your run-in-the-mill “me-too” franchises that struggle as well.. When was the last time Dallas won a playoff game? Or Washington?
The media potshots come with the territory for a franchise like Oakland.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Scouts arent media. Did you ever find a scouting report that didnt mention inconsistent hands?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:16 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
May 1st, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Dude,
You love to hate Al, don’t you? lol
May 1st, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Still waiting for those things I am off base on……
Oh. You mean you cant think of anything cause your an ostrich with his head buried in the sand? Thats ok. Nice try though.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I do hate him, would rather love him though cause that would mean they were winning and not such an embarrasment.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:20 pm
adios Dude, I learned a long time ago not to argue with a fool.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:21 pm
come on S&B-Dallas,Wash.,the whiners,Denver,NE,and a few others are media darlings and can do no wrong and aren’t held accountable like the Raiders are.as has been said here-if Bellicheck had drafted Mitchell we’d all be hearing about how he is such a great talent finder and a wily drafter.we draft him and we are stupid.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:21 pm
You guys say some crazy and funny stuff.
“Argue with a sign post over the directions”!!!
LMAO
May 1st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Dude,
I didn’t see all of them, did you? lol
May 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
LOL!! Ok priest. Well done.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
lefty12 Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 11:21 pm
come on S&B-Dallas,Wash.,the whiners,Denver,NE,and a few others are media darlings and can do no wrong and aren’t held accountable like the Raiders are.as has been said here-if Bellicheck had drafted Mitchell we’d all be hearing about how he is such a great talent finder and a wily drafter.we draft him and we are stupid
=======================================================
They are also media friendly. I gotta believe that guys like Jerry Jones, Daniel Snyder and that guy in Denver have saavy media types around them.
Al Davis could give a rip about the media
May 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
All of what?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Dude,
I’m gonna regret this (debating w/ a guy who’s as negatively biased as the “blind supporters” he rails against) but what the hell, I broke up w/ my chick tonight and need a diversion…So the reason the media slights are toxic is that they pollute the minds of the masses and it does impact perception. It builds misguided agreement amongst minds who rely on these mongers for objective information. Unless you are passionate enough about the subject to think critically and analytically for yourself, you are likely to be swayed by the barrage of negativity. This doesn’t only apply to football. Notice how many are genuinely freaked out about this swine flu thing.
So then you are left with posters like yourself who discredit the importance of media opinions but in the same breath point to common opinions relayed through the media as proof for their position.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Al couldnt give a rip about the media.
Maybe you should follow suit there, SnB.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Dude,
Scouting reports. Keep up, you know!!
May 1st, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Dude Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Al couldnt give a rip about the media.
Maybe you should follow suit there, SnB.
=======================================================
I don’t really CARE about the media either. Its about the what happens on the field. However, as a consumer of media, the only link to the organization, I would like some better analysis then “Russell is a bust”
May 1st, 2009 at 11:30 pm
And those scouting reports you refer to are often DEAD WRONG. It’s like putting your money in the hands of a sports prognosticator. He can say what he wants but at the end of the day it’s your money he’s playing with. To that point, the draft is a gamble. Any real scout would not be putting his opinions on the internet for free anyway.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Nader,
I dont need the media to tell me the Raider franchise is a joke. All I need is to watch the games and watch how Al Davis runs things. I was only slightly irritated untill the freakn circus that was the Kiffin ordeal. I sat an watched the press conference and was flat out revolted by what I saw. I didnt need any media outlet to help me form my opinion. Al Davis is the reason the media has made the Raiders the running joke of the league.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Nader,
Well said sir.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Scouts had their opinion on DHB before he was a Raider.
Never said I was strictly going off the internet.
I wouldnt neccesarily buy into the scouts opinion if it wasnt a universal unanimous decision. EVERY scout says the same thing about the kid. A rational person would take stock in that.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:34 pm
SnB,
You know you are in the minority with your Russell opinion, right?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Ok, who are the scouts you refer to?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Look, I’ll be the first to admit the run of football between Callahan and the last few games of last year included by far the WORST display I have ever witnessed by any team. The Shell tenure was especially unlike anything I have ever seen on a football field (too young to have seen the Saints and Bucs of the 70’s). However, I can see that and know it isn’t the entire body of work. It doesn’t mean there is no competence w/in the organization. The guy has forgotten more about football than you or I or anyone on here will ever know. It’s just too easy to say “the game has passed him by”. For your arguments to hold any water you’d first have to be willing to acknowledge the successes we’ve had were due to his brilliance. Then you can maybe say he’s lost some of it.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
dude-earlier today BBB posted a report that stated DHBs hands weren’t the problem it had more to do with concentration than bad hands.you said if someone would post what he did you wouldn’t mention it anymore.please don’t make yourself out to be an untruthful person.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I really listen to what Chris Landry of FOX radio has to say, he is as unbias as they come. I think Mayock does a good job and Greg Cossell of NFL films is damn good. But the fact is, every scouting report on the kid say the same thing. Are they all wrong?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Lefty,
I know your not refering to the one that said…. “Drops too many balls”. I mean, seriously.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Nader,
You telling me its NOT possible that age has started to effect Al’s ability to run this team?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Dude Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 11:34 pm
SnB,
You know you are in the minority with your Russell opinion, right?
======================================================
That’s fine. I know what I have seen. I have watched every game and will draw my opinions from there.
Russell will be a fine QB in this league for a long time
May 1st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Lefty12, is right IMO the Raiders are no different than any other team that has lost in recent years for whatever reason. opinions on the Raiders is vicious. The Lions haven’t won a thing since Moses brought down the ten commandments. But they’re almost looked upon as the lovable losers. The Bengals have been wretched with jailbirds and the like no aggression there. The 49ers haven’t done a thing since ‘95 but not nearly the aggression nationally. Most the peple that hate Mr davis have NEVER met him they’re just swayed by what they see and hear.
Eddie D’Bartolo was a common criminal and escaped any and all reportage depicting him as such.
SnB no question about it they’re aggression towards the raiders is very different. There’s no way the treat a kid like the treated DHB if they’re drafted by any other team. Any team in the league could’ve did what the Raiders did with DHB and MM with now here’s near the aggression.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Since 1988, here are the most successful players based on stats that have been drafted by the Raiders since 1988. The last 20 years.
QB – Jamarcus Russell – Yet to be determined.
RB – Napolean Kaufman
FB – Jon Ritchie
WR – Tim Brown, Rocket Ismail, Jerry Porter
TE – Andrew Glover, Rickey Dudley (Despite the drops), Zach Miller (Yet to be determined)
Tackle – Greg Skrepenak, Langston Walker, Robert Gallery (Turned Guard)
Guard – Mo Collins, Matt Stinchcomb
Center – Barrett Robbins, Adam Treu
DE – Nolan Harrison, Lance Johnstone, Tony Bryant
DT – Scott Davis, Chester McGlockton, LaRoi Glover, Grady Jackson, Darrell Russell, Rod Coleman
LB – Aaron Wallace, Greg Biekert, Rob Fredrickson, Eric Barton, Napolean Harris, Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard
DB – Terry McDaniel, Charles Woodson, Nnamdi Asomugha
K – Sebastian Janikowski
P – Shane Lechler
37 Relevant players within a 20 year period. There have been contributers and people who have played a number of games but these are the players with the biggest impact and this gives us an idea of how good our drafting has been over the years. Based on what has been mainly futility, you can see why we have struggled. When we have had success as a team, we have done it with mostly veterans.
I listed Jamarcus Russell because hes the best drafted QB so far. Kaufman’s stats dwarf Fargas’ stats and Fargas loses relevance with 8 TD’s. I’d say hes more a part of the problem with our team. Zach Miller is still young in his career but hes on pace to put up great numbers. Langston Walker played alot but nobody was impressed with him, yet he earned a big pay day with the Bills. He never really played great with us. Gallery never made it as a tackle but has turned into a pretty good guard up to this point.
Mo Collins was another tackle turned guard. Stinchcomb also failed as a tackle with us. Adam Treu was a backup for most of his career. Tony Bryant started a few years but never became great. La’Roi Glover wasn’t great with us, he was great with the Saints and Cowboys. We let him go to early to find out.
In my opinion, even our best players drafted over the last 20 years haven’t quite become what we have wanted. This has been a big reason for our struggles.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:45 pm
print the whole quote not just the part that suits your position.it was something like drops too many balls due to concentration not bad hands.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Priest, shut up and quit whining. My 3 year old whines less than you.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I Love The Raiders…..anybody else?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:48 pm
So a little off topic but just curious: is that the same Chris Landry who was fired for plagiarism (of none other than Lombardi) from sportsnet.ca?
Regardless, these guys are no more scouts in effect than Jerry MacDonald. They don’t get paid by any team for their insights. They have zero experience in building an NFL team as far as I know. I too enjoy reading their thoughtful opinions to a degree but would actually pay money to pick the brain of Al Davis. And I couldn’t find any of their scouting reports on the draft (other than Mayock’s) – maybe you can help me out there. And Mayock even acknowledges DHB as a first rounder no? So you’re telling me you trust these guys’ opinions over ~50 years of experience in running a franchise? Please explain.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Lefty,
Are you freakn kidding me!!! I dont care WHY he drops to many balls. If a guy drops balls he drops balls and therefore has inconsistent hands. I cant even believe you are trying to use that. Unreal
May 1st, 2009 at 11:49 pm
24-break down any team in the NFL and you’d get comparable results.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Dude Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Nader,
You telling me its NOT possible that age has started to effect Al’s ability to run this team?
———————
Nope, never said that. I’m sure it’s possible. But far from a foregone conclusion as you make it out to be. Also how do you explain the countless reports from people who have actually spoken to Davis that they are amazed at his cognitive abilities. They remark about how “sharp” the guy is…
May 1st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Lefty12 – I could…but I still wouldn’t find a team with a 6 year losing record attached to it. My point is that our drafting has something to do with that. Theres a difference between having bad seasons over the years and having the worst 6 years EVER! You can’t deny that we need to get better in that area. All this speed speed speed drafting has obviously not helped us in anyway. We’re doing something wrong here.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
you stated he had shaky hands.that scouting report said his hands were good,he sometimes lost concentration.those are 2 different things.your point wasn’t that he dropped too many balls,it was he had bad hands.that scouting report refuted your statement that he had bad hands.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
OMG!!! How do you explain that all of them came to the same conclusion?
I ask again…… Is it NOT possible that age has affected Al’s ability to run the franchise?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
And thgat’s the stuff that really gets to me. There is no way that Matt Stafford had a better college career than Russell. What did Stafford do in cllege that makes him sooooo special. What did he ever win chack his winning percentage against Russell’s his passing stats and his ability to bring his team from behind. But why is he looked upon as soo much better than Russell he got 41 million gauranteed. He’s going to a wretched franchise with one player and he’s looked upon as having a better chance then Russell you tell me why?
You know why Russell plays for the Raiders.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
the question is AL davis son ” heir apparant” a knucklehead like his daddy??
May 1st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
and I mean…not just a 6 year losing record but a record breaking losing streak.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Lefty i really am at a loss for words here…..
Bad hands, shaky hands, inconsistent hands all mean a guy drops too many passes, doesnt matter why.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:56 pm
My issue with DHB is…Nobody on this blog wanted him until he was actually drafted and we were forced to be optimistic about it. Believe me…when I saw Crabtree and Monroe on the board, I was really excited but I had that sickening feelin that we were going to draft DHB and we did. Now that its happened, I’m going to be positive and hope for the best but thats different then saying I knew all along that DHB would be great. Just because hes a Raider, doesn’t mean he’ll be great, we can only hope.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:56 pm
24-”we’re doing something wrong here”-yea-changing coaches every damn year.and for your information Detroit set a record this year for the most losing seasons in a row in NFL history-not the Raiders-the Lions.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Who said Stafford had a better chance than Russell?
May 1st, 2009 at 11:58 pm
It matters only so far what conclusions these guys come to. I expect them to say the same thing for the most part. If they had anything special to say they wouldn’t be giving it away. They are spectators. The guy’s who make a living doing this w/ something on the line are ON THE FIELD PLAYING (analogy). Meaning, they are vested in the results. You can only take Mayock, etc. opinion for what it is. It’s a guy watching film. He is not paid by anyone who really cares about what he’s saying. So it matters less. It’s like the chicken and the pig: “Think of ham and eggs breakfast. The chicken is involved. The pig is committed.”
May 1st, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Lefty12 now you know why I didn’t argue with him. It’s useless because he’s clueless.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Priestjj,
Its the Raiders! They built their reputation on beating up other teams and telling everyone about it. The slogans, the players, the fans….of course they are going to attract attention.
No one cares if Detroit, Cincy or even San Fran are garbage. No one cares…..No one ever says…the league is better when the Lions are good…but they do say that abou the Raiders.
Roll with it. I take all sorts of verbal barbs for my Raider affiliation. Hell my favorite color is black. Roll with it.
In the back of every mind out there is that there is a credible chance that this will work to Al’s design. And if/when it does…its going to be hilarious.
And remember when Chris Collinsworth said after the Jets game that the Raiders were a team to watch. There are those in the know that have an inkling of what the Raiders are capable of. Ron Jaworski is another guy…Herm Edwards…
The vertical game is not fundamentally flawed. It just needs the right players to make it work. Well, the Raiders have that now. “The D-HB”, Schilens, JLH and Murphy is downright scary….Zach Miller has already proven himself as one of the bright talents underneath. If Russell develops into next year, the O-Line blocks, and Cable is creative with DMAC and makes sure he and Bush get touches…that offense could be flat out ridiculous (in a good way)
Now the defense……..secondary looks good….but the jury is out on the rest of it.
The Raiders will win there fair share of games next year or at least be in them all.
The Bills, Jets and Bucs games were among the most competitive games of 2008.
They’ll be okay
May 1st, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I’m not overly worried about the drops in regards to DHB because I would see Tim Brown drop some extremely easy passes. Terrell Owens drops alot but he puts up great stats as well. Braylon Edwards is also a pretty good WR despite the drops.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 am
dude the scouting report said he had good hands,that he sometimes lost focus.now focus has do do with ones mind,while hands are a total different part of the body.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 am
The overall consencous is that Matt Stafford is a surer bet. Mayock said that he would’ve drafted Russell in the first rnd…….period Todd McShay said that Matt Ryan was better than Russell would ever be and Ryan hadn’t even played a game yet.
They put things out there to persuade peple that the Raiders don’t know what they’re doing…………period
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 am
Lefty12 – It doesn’t feel comfortable knowing we’re right there with the Lions though does it?
In regards to the coaching, you’re absolutely right but why hasn’t Al Davis been able to hire someone with credibility? Thats the underlying problem. Alot of people don’t respect Al Davis. At least thats the way its perceived. I don’t know if its true by fact but why can’t Al Davis hire the big names? He can’t possibly expect to hire guys like Norv Turner and Art Shell/Tom Walsh and Kiffin and expect this to work. The media may be wrong at times but theres a reason the media hates the guy. That doesn’t mean he cares but he built this perception on his own right or wrong and he takes alot of abuse because of it.
The way that it looks is that big name coaches would NEVER come here because Al Davis is in full control which would be fine if we won more often. Its hard to deny this fact considering we haven’t had any big name coaches with credibility come here and you have to wonder why theres a disconnect, why they don’t want to come here or why they haven’t. Its alarming.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:04 am
The Bills, Jets and Bucs games were among the most competitive games of 2008.
———
Also the first Charger game we essentially dominated for nearly 3 quarters. Painful memory.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:04 am
Sorry Mayock said he would not have drafted Russell in the 1st rnd. But yet he backed taking Matt Stafford in the top 5 players in this draft.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:05 am
Hey…DHB said he had 4 QB’s in 3 years. I’m sure that had ALOT to do with his focus. He was probably discouraged with the lack of consistency and it got to his head.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 am
Lefty,
So if I would have said he “dropped too many balls” as compared to saying “inconsistent hands” I would have been ok? LOL!
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 am
The Vikings have taken a known drug addict yet the raiders were stupid. the guy’s been hospitalized trying clean his system out so he doesn’t fail another drug test.
Yet Cris Carter never mentioned that.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:09 am
Nobody wants to answer the age question, huh? Tells me something right there.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 am
I have a nice aged cheddar for you Priest.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:11 am
24, what in hell makes you gthink we’re right there with the Lions?Brotha we’re so freakin far ahead of the Lions I can’t see them in my rear view mirror.
Come on 24, you’re better than that
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:12 am
Dude – Age certainly affects everyone. Thats why the retirement age is 65. The World tries to force people to stop working at some point because they know we all can’t do things as effectively as we used to and its time to stop.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:13 am
Priest,
Quick ? for you. What team holds the NFL record for most consecutive 11+ loss seasons?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 am
24,
Should have figured you’d be the only one reasonable enough to answer that.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:15 am
24-look at what big name coaches do when they move on.usually they aren’t that successful because they want too much control.besides that,too much is made about big name coaches.look at your boy chuckie-was he a big name coach when he was 1st hired?was Madden or Flores?was Cowher or the rat when they were 1st hired?or the guy in Pitt. now who,btw,is better than his predecessor?what’s more important is a coach who can work with the people around him.i believe we now have that coach.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:15 am
Priest – I hate to say this but…The Raiders won 24 games the last 6 years. The Lions won 26 in that same timeframe. I’d love to agree with you and when I look at this team, I see a good team but it never translates onto the field each year that I believe it. The numbers don’t lie and I don’t want to make myself believe something thats not there…I’d rather be shocked if the Raiders do better.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:17 am
Priesttjsays: ” DHB will be there at 40, I just dont see him going in the first round.” Huh????
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:18 am
24, ever since Mr Davis has been general managing partner he has NEVER gone after big names. This is nothing new. He hired a LBer coach in John Madden and then Tom Flores.
For you to say that no big name coaches would come here you would have to talk to the big name coaches.
I have personally talked to Bill Walsh and he said no mquestion I’d work for Al becaus I know him and what he expects. That is FACT not hearsay
Bill Belichik intreviewed here before he hired Gruden and the job was between Bill and Jon. Jon got the job because doesn’t like disciplinarians. His mistake IMO but it is a FACT.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 am
The “experts” thought the Texans were crazy for picking Mario Williams. Nobody talked about how likely David Carr was to be a bust. Charles Rogers was a sure thing. Alex Smith…nuff said. The list goes on and on and on…Why would you put much stock in these guys??? It’s an educated gamble. What dude is saying is that the draftniks in the media are more qualified to judge talent than front-office people. But the hindsight position is so easy to take. Have some balls and admit that Crabtree has as much of a chance to be the next Charles Rogers as he does of being the next Andre Johnson. And so does DHB of being the next Boldin, Wayne, etc. as he does of being the next washout 3rd rated guy.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:20 am
tell LaBou(?)-Pitts DC he should have quit when he was 65.that was about 8 yrs ago.
dude-no.dropped balls due to focus(mental) has nothing to do with bad hands(physical).
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:22 am
I did say that because I had never seen the kid play, I was going based on what I heard. Well hours after I posted that I was told that they would pick him. When they did I went bullistic, because I didn’t want him at all. Now I know different, I was wrong.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:22 am
Lefty12 – I get what you’re saying but Madden was 30 Years ago. Flores was 20 years ago. Al Davis created a monster in Shanahan that haunted us for 15 years due to what…stubborness? Cowher took his team to the Superbowl in 1995 pretty early in his career so he had a long leash for a long time. Shanahan also took his team to the Superbowl early with the Broncos. Instead of everyone having to find a way to work with Al Davis, why can’t Al Davis find a way to work with his Head Coaches? He needs to trust the guy he chooses and give him whatever he wants, which I don’t think he does.
You’re right, who was Gruden? Gruden made it work but what happened? From what I understand, Al Davis waited too long to pay Gruden the contract he was looking for. I don’t know if thats completely true and I know Gruden had family in Florida but seriously…with the team the Raiders had and the success the Raiders had…what was Al Davis waiting for? He pays millions of dollars to players that don’t deserve it but he doesn’t do that with coaches who deserve it. Thats a big time problem. Gruden and Al Davis were a team. They did a great job putting a winning team on the field.
With that being said, Al Davis should have fought for him.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:22 am
Nader,
Not bad on that one. Mario Williams is a good example. We will soon find out i guess.
Dont want to touch the Al age issue, eh?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 am
Did he play a game or two since you said that??
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 am
Scroll up. I did. I see no response on my Chris Landry question or for help finding your favorite scouts’ reports?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 am
nader64 Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Dude Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Nader,
You telling me its NOT possible that age has started to effect Al’s ability to run this team?
———————
Nope, never said that. I’m sure it’s possible. But far from a foregone conclusion as you make it out to be. Also how do you explain the countless reports from people who have actually spoken to Davis that they are amazed at his cognitive abilities. They remark about how “sharp” the guy is…
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 am
Priest – I hear ya regarding Belichick and all but its no wonder that we NEVER hire a Defensive Head Coach. To me, there definately something to that. Al Davis loves to have his hands in that area and this is a mistake. I’m sure Davis gives his DC’s some leeway but I think Davis seriously needs to just let his coaches coach the way they want to. Belichick never had a chance with Al Davis because Belichick would never have run the type of defense Al Davis covets.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 am
How do YOU explain the Kiffin ordeal?
I can see with my own eyes the guy has lost it. How many more losing seasons before you DO believe he has lost it?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:27 am
Oh yeah. Landry is a radio guy. I am not sure there is any printed stuff from him. I will look.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:28 am
24-if you own a bank do you hire people and try to work with them or do you hire people that try to work with you?as much as many don’t like it-the man owns and runs the team.it is up to the employees to do what he wants not the other way around.it is just possible if his employees did what he wanted instead of butting heads and trying to do what they wanted we wouldn’t have been so bad these last 6 years.just maybe.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
As far as Bill Walsh. If Bill Walsh said he would work for Al Davis then fine but it never happened but for 1 year as a Running Backs coach in 1966 so why? Even after Bill Walsh was not with the 49ers anymore…why didn’t he come to the Raiders in some capacity? IMO, Bill Walsh was blowing smoke. I think he honestly respected Al Davis but he knew their ideas would never work together and I honestly think that these types of people don’t want to attempt to work with Al Davis because they’re afraid to ruin their relationship with him. They love Al Davis but they know they can’t work for him because that changes everything.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
Lefty12, I knw man what the hell is a big name coach and what makes him better than a guywho’s hungry. I remember when no one wanted to take a chance on Bill Walsh because they thought he was soft and I had watched him closely at Stanford and felt very strongly that he would be successful, he almost wasn’t but just in time he started to win and the rest is history.
Incidently he wasn’t a big name coach. Neither was Flores whom Big Al hired the same year if I’m not mistaken.
24, the damn Lions have NEVER done anything which team would you bet on? if you had to?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:32 am
I think Kiffin was a solid X’s and O’s guy w/ a lot of confidence. I also think he was a bit petulant and became as interested in beating Al than beating the team in front of him, if not more. I know this, Al wanted Kiffin to win. And if KIFFIN HAD ACTUALLY WON MORE, he might have swallowed his pride and rolled w/ the guy.
As for how long Al should continue, I dunno. You’d at least have to say he deserves better than 6 years of a chance after what he’s done though. If you could provide a better option (which you can’t, you simply don’t have the power) it would be worth discussing other than in theory. But I don’t think you rid your team of a guy like that w/out having an obviously better option. Your refusal to give any credit to the guy for anything weakens your credibility in my opinion.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:32 am
So no, he didnt play in any more games??
Pretty much a guy sucks UNTILL he is a Raider. Ok, got it.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:32 am
i’m out for the night.nice conversation guys.later!
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:36 am
What should I give him credit for? Superbowls? All Al.
70s and 80’s All Al. He WAS a good owner. Emphasis on WAS. All humans get too old for their job. I think the evidence suggests Al has reached that point.
Seriously, what tune will you be singing if in 2 years Cables gone after 2 more 10+ loss seasons?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 am
24 you’re way off their ideas aren’t as different as you want to believe. I’ve been around Bill Walsh a lot since his days at Stanford before the 49ers and with the 49ers. I was a huge Bill walsh fan long before he became Bill Walsh and he learned football from Big Al and Sid Gilam and coach Brown. If you knew more about the systems the believe in you would know better than to say that.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 am
I’m pretty sure Landry was fired for plagiarism. Not a complete indictment but makes you wonder how much real research he did/does. I’ll take a look at Cossell’s work sometime. I’ve always liked Mayock’s work though. He seems to be a thoughtful analyst. And it didn’t surprise me that he would apologize for his statements on the Mitchell pick. He has a right to his opinion as much as any analyst (key word ‘analyst’ = not scout), and I respect him for his integrity. Can’t say that for the ESPN crew.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:38 am
Lefty12 – Have you ever worked with a micro-manager? Do you know how difficult that is? Heres the deal, look how many people who have struggled since the team came to Oakland, to work with Al Davis. We’re talking about 8 coaches in 14 years. Are you telling me that every coach is at fault here? Al Davis is not infallable. Theres a reason these 8 coaches, Cable being the 8th, have had trouble working with Al Davis. Thats 1 coach every 2 years. If this many people are having this many problems and your team is suffering because of it…its about time the owner looks at himself to figure out what hes doing wrong instead of the other way around ya know what I mean?
In your hypothetical situation, if a man was running a bank the way Al Davis has run the Raiders, he’d probably be out as he would lose alot of employees due to unhappiness and his business would suffer big time with a high turnover. Its hard to be successful under those circumstances.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:39 am
Youve been aroud Bill Walsh. Pffft…. I bet.
” I just dont see DHB going in the first round.” Priesttj
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 am
Dude, you’re downplaying the impact of Al Davis. Hall of Famer. Most influential owner ever IMO, at least since George Halas. So who are you willing to trade him in for?
I told you what comments people who actually spoke to him have made about his mental acuity. Now if you are going to say he’s lost it, you’d have to be saying you can see something that they didn’t when they spoke to him.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 am
No, Landry’s still on. He was on draft day coverage. I could listen to Cossell all day. Hes legit.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 am
My grandpa is still sharp witted. No way in hell I would let him drive my 9 month old son to town though.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 am
Priest – As far as history, obviously the Raiders but history is just that. Those glory days have been over for quite awhile. We’re comparing the last 6 years and that seems to matter more now than the 3 Superbowls, last one since 1983. I understand history, I respect history but thats not important right now. Whatever Al Davis was doing back in the day, either doesn’t work today or he just doesn’t have the energy to keep it going. Look…I’m rooting for Al Davis. I want him to be successful. I want him to look good. I want him to take these draft picks and shove them in the face of the media.
When Al Davis wins, I win. I’ve just been waiting a long time and I’m wondering when that winning is going to happen.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:45 am
24 man you don’t know that Bill Belichik knows Al Davis from way back he knows what he would’ve been able to do and what he would not.
You guy’s get this crap from Jerry and you just don’t know what you’re talking about. We’ve run every system there is and some since I’ve been a Raider fan. It’s just based on the coach. This coach marshall was hired to run his system in fact he was selected by Cable for his system. I’ve known Dwain Board for over 20 years he would not come here if he couldn’t coach the way he wanted.
But believe whatever you want. They are going to run the same system they ran under Bill Walsh when Mike Holgren and the rest of them were there. It’s the same soup warmed over.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:46 am
Priest – I’m not getting into systems. Fine…Bill Walsh and everybody run something similiar. Thats not the issue. The issue is…if Bill Walsh could work for Al Davis…why didn’t he?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
Gotta get to bed. Thanks for the discussion. They’re moderating my comment where I send you links on Landry where I was wrong about him never working for a team, and where I was right about him being fired for plagiarism. L8r
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
Now he knows Dwaine Board. LOL!!!!!!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:49 am
” I just dont see DHB going in the first round.” Priesttj
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 am
Good night bro. I should have been in bed an hour ago. Cant believe I let a clown like Priest keep me up.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:54 am
Uh huh.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 am
It’s simple he had a kid named Gruden and has always liked young bright coaches…………period
And I think he has one now.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 am
Priest – Look…stop saying I learn everything from Jerry. You really need to stop treating us like children. I understand we’re young but I try to respect what you say, I only expect it in return. I look at patterns. The Raiders ALWAYS draft for speed. The Raiders ALWAYS run a man to man defense PRIMARILY. That doesn’t mean they don’t mix it up but seriously, I watch this stuff with my own eyes. I don’t need to have Jerry tell me. I’m a fan, I pay attention. Trust me.
We always have offensive coaches, our defense is always run similiarly every year. The idea of the vertical offense is always brought up but its always mixed with different schemes. The emphasis is vertical but we’ve run the West Coast idea many times. I understand all this. John Marshall runs his defense very similiar to how Al Davis likes. In fact, Marshall is very effective as a play caller with the man to man which makes him look more probably in having a better defense than Rob Ryan, who prefers the 3-4 Zone Scheme.
Davis usually drafts small fast DEs. He usually drafts big DT’s. He usually drafts small fast Linebackers. He usually drafts fast DB’s. These are known commodities. I’ve seen it time and time again. Its undeniable. Al Davis loves track stars. For awhile and this hasn’t happened in awhile but he loved signing the Heisman Trophy guys and the Superbowl MVP’s in the 90’s. These were common things.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 am
I LOVE the Raiders. Nobody can sit here and tell me what I see and what I don’t see. We can all jump the gun at times and say things when we’re frustrated but come on…we have sucked for too long. Maybe Al Davis is still very smart and maybe he still has some juice left but hes definately not the same guy he was in the 70’s. Thats impossible for a 78 year old man to maintain that type of energy. Al Davis being 78 wouldn’t be a problem if we were winning but its difficult not to question whether he is just too tired to do this successfully anymore.
I see alot of promise this year but I see that every year. I have to see it to believe it now. I really hope I see it, believe me. Thats why I’m here almost every day. I’m addicted. I’m concerned about who’s taking over the Raiders when Al Davis hands over the keys. If Al Davis can turn things around, I’m fine with him as the owner but is the person who’s taking over for Al Davis going to be any better? Thats very concerning because I don’t think so in terms of…who is it? His son? His wife? I’m not confident that they can do any better.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:07 am
Small fast LBers? 24 who watched more raider football you or me? we don’t draft small fast LBers sorry but that’s wrong. And we started drafting smaller DE’s when the game changed.
I’ve seen us draft slow WR’s in the 1st rnd Mike Siani for one it just depends on what tghe team needs are Mr davis has always had a posession reciever opposite a speedster. Before Biletnikof and Bobby Chandler. Track stars are for a reason but so are possesion recievers you need both.
You can say what you want and believe it all you want but I’ve watched this stuf for over 40 years and I know better. Tim Brown and Jerry Rice weren’t track stars sorry to break the news to ya’ and neither were Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:12 am
Priest – Tim Brown was fast when he was drafted. Jerry Rice was the GOAT when he came to the Raiders and Al Davis was known for bringing ex-49ers over. I’m glad you brought up Curry and Porter because Davis also likes projects and thats what those guys were. A QB in college and a guy who played about 3-4 positions in college. The Raiders took these guys and tried to develop them as WR’s and look where that us. I’m not saying it never works but the odds aren’t that great.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:16 am
And you’re bringing up Bilentnikoff? He was drafted in 1965 when Al Davis was at his best. I’m sure Bilentnikoff was great in his own right but stickum sure helped his cause as you weren’t going to hear about too many dropped balls from him but hey…the guy is a HOF and well deserved. Mike Siani…that was 1972. Again…Al Davis was at his best.
We have drafted FOUR
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 am
We have drafted FIVE 1st round WR’s, TWO 2nd round WR’s and TWO 3rd Round Picks. We got lucky with Cliff Branch in the 4th Round but everyone else hasn’t panned out. I’ll give you Rocket Ismail in the 4th Round and nothing more after that. Davis is looking for gems, hes looking for speedy receivers, track stars and projects based on all the picks we’ve had. Hes drafted ALOT of late round picks hoping to win the lotto and it hasn’t worked out after all these years.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:21 am
Fine 24, but my problem with you is you make blanket statements as fact. And I know better. Mr Davis isn’t perfect Oh! boy! what a let down. But he wants the Raiders to be great more than all of us combined and he always has listened to to his staff. People believ Rob Ryan didn’t run his defense and they’re wrong as two left shoes. We’ve run every defense known to man but no one wants to except that. John Marshall is not coming here to be some puppet or clown he’s coming here to coach and he better. The same is true with Paul Hackett and all the rest.
So you can say whatever you want b ut it doesn’t make it true. Whatever they d it’ll be because that’s what they do. Not because it’s what he wants. He just wants to win…………period
Anyway coach Cable selected these men not Mr Davis. So it’s really Cable’s baby. If Al would’ve selected a defensive coach I doubt seriously that it would’ve been Marshall.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:22 am
Anyway Adios!
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:23 am
Why are you leaving? Do you not agree?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:25 am
24 you’ve got a lt to learn about the Raiders seriously my man. No disrespect but you don’t know your history. Got lucky with Cliff Branch? lol he’s the only one? you’ve got a lot to learn.
Adios we’ll talk again, I do like your enthusiasm but it needs to be more informed.
Adios.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:26 am
Priest – No…You have alot to learn about today’s game because you’re stuck in Al Davis in 1975. I hate to tell you that but its true. You knew alot back then I’m sure but in today’s game, you have alot to learn.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:27 am
Priest – Goodnight!
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 am
Also…I don’t know how you can say I don’t know my history when I’m throwing it out there for you to see. I look this stuff up and I know what I’ve seen from my own experience. I show you the the facts that I can show you. I’m not trying to B.S. you yet you disregard the facts when shown to you while you say everyone doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Theres no winning with you unless the person is drinking the kool aid with rose colored glasses. I don’t know how you can look at these 6 years of losing and say with a serious face that this year is going to be any different. Its unrealistic. I hope I’m wrong but you have probably done this every year and somehow, you don’t feel disappointed.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:08 am
isnt Al`s defence…Maddens defence?
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:11 am
# Raider O Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
And you are also right, we the fans are the Raiders too. Al could not have done it all by himself, we backed him up all the way.
Go Raiders, and Al!!
You know!!!
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Okay =) i was just to busy getting to bed…. imagine if Al was the raiders, then it would mean there would be no raiders when he dies….
So again, he made’em, and we are them =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:31 am
LMN,
By the way, I do fear that scenario.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:31 am
LOL
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:36 am
# Raider O Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:31 am
LMN,
By the way, I do fear that scenario.
______________________________________________________
I dont… I think it would revive the organization, like “we better show him up there, that its in good hands”
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 am
LMN,
Al did a lot for Football, and also the Raiders.
I can’t imagine the Raiders or the NFL without him. I grew up watching Al and the Raiders, or Al’s Raiders as they say.
I don’t see Mark Davis as a pioneer like his Father.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:50 am
I really hope that you are right and I’m wrong. I can’t imagine the NFL without Al, or someone like him. lol
NFL Fans Love to hate Al.
People that know and love football respect Al, but most don’t like him.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:52 am
And I can see why, but losing Al will have a huge impact on the Raiders and the NFL. IMHO
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:57 am
AL hasnt done squat the last ten years for the NFL, Taglibue and Goodell, does enough for the NFL to thrive.. so dont worry about the NFL… its legit to worry about the raiders, but I think him gone will give the franchise a boost, as the organization will prove him up there, that they can handle it .. just as when the eagles or jax had a coach with cancer, they knew it might be his last season, so they played much better than they really were…beyond their means..
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:58 am
# 24 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 am
We have drafted FIVE 1st round WR’s, TWO 2nd round WR’s and TWO 3rd Round Picks. We got lucky with Cliff Branch in the 4th Round but everyone else hasn’t panned out. I’ll give you Rocket Ismail in the 4th Round and nothing more after that. Davis is looking for gems, hes looking for speedy receivers, track stars and projects based on all the picks we’ve had. Hes drafted ALOT of late round picks hoping to win the lotto and it hasn’t worked out after all these years.
———————————————————-
Forget the draft what about the great free agent signings
Lylye Alzado,Mike Haynes,Jim Plunkett,Matuzak,Romo,Willam Thomas,Jerry Rice,Charlie Garner,Ted Hendricks,Rich Gannon,Todd Christensen and lots of others show me another owner with this many great fa signings oh you can’t. Make fun of big al if you want just know he is respected big time in this league !!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:01 am
Mark and Amy together!!! Maybe that will work.
Al is the Reason for the passing game as we know it today.
If it wasn’t for Al, there wouldn’t be a west coast sys, teams like the Cards and Seatle, and a lot more running the ball.
Pioneer.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:04 am
Goodell wants to move the SB out of the US!!!! He also is an idiot, and cares more about the NFL’s image than the game itself. IMO
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:15 am
—”Al is the Reason for the passing game as we know it today.”—
and so freaking what? it was in the 70s go look at a calender… its 2009, Al hasnt done ANYTHING to the NFL the last 10 years and he hasnt done much the last 20 years, except suing them…
—”Goodell wants to move the SB out of the US!!!! He also is an idiot, and cares more about the NFL’s image than the game itself. IMO”—
he is absolutely brilliant he is not hired to care about the game he is hired to care about the NFL, so he does exactly what he has to…
and NFL might be an american game, but there are more tv-viewers outside the US than inside, NFL has always been about the money, and having the SB outside would truly make the field neutral, and it might force an american or two to see the rest of the world… cant see any problems with that…
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:28 am
—”If it wasn’t for Al, there wouldn’t be a west coast sys, teams like the Cards and Seatle, and a lot more running the ball.”—
well, WCO was a Bill Walsh thing, and Al seems to hate it.. he likes the “Air Croyell” based on Sid Gillmans 60’s offense… and sorry to say it, its outdated, its okay to use bits from it, but today you cant base an Offense on it, whereas Bill Walsh WCO still works today..
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:30 am
RaiderO the non-hardcore Raider fans will never get it. It could be 12 losing seasons and I’m still following and still excited about my Raiders I bitch and moan about Mr. Davis sometimes but if any non Raider fan does I got his back and that’s just the way it is for us real Raider fans .
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:30 am
LMN,
So you would like your soccer teams to play their Championship game here in the US??
I respect your opinion, but I disagree.
Moving the PB is OK, but the SB should be played in the US. It’s American Football, not world football. I don’t want to pay an extra 3k just so you can watch the game!!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:36 am
It’s not Bill’s offense, he didn’t create the WCO.
Sid Gillman started it, and Al was his Assistant.
You really should learn the history if the game, it’s interesting and it gives Al a lot of credit among others.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 am
Bill Walsh had his own WCO, and so did other teams. He didn’t create it.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:40 am
# Raider O Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:30 am
LMN,
So you would like your soccer teams to play their Championship game here in the US??
I respect your opinion, but I disagree.
Moving the PB is OK, but the SB should be played in the US. It’s American Football, not world football. I don’t want to pay an extra 3k just so you can watch the game!!!
___________________________________________________
absolutely, it of course would ahve to be a Champions league game, not a national championship… then you guys would see what real soccer is, and not the national squads that you only get…
which I will remind you all finals euro cup and world cup is in other countries… the world cup in 2010 will be in South Africa and in Brazil in 2014… The Euro Cup(which is better ball) is in 2012 be in Ukraine
but what you forget, is, you arent going to the SB if it was played in SD, you cant afford the tickets anyhow, so that its in europe, australia or South africa does not effect you… how many SBs have you been to? the last 20 years, its been in america, and i bet you havent been to ONE….
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 am
1960s AFL chargers started it. I’m not 100% sure, but about 85%.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 am
Bill walsh created the WCO! and it was based on Sid Gillmans, just like Als that is called Air croyell…
but get a grip, it was in the 70s, bill walshs WCO is still in use, and thats what Seattle and Cards are playing… Als “WCO” (LOL) hasnt been NFL valid for decades…
you feared a NFL without AL, he hasnt doen anything for the NFL the last ten years, so no need to worry about the NFL..
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:46 am
# Raider O Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 am
1960s AFL chargers started it. I’m not 100% sure, but about 85%.
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yeha thats sid Gillmans offense, but thats not WCO…, Sids Offense is just a tiny bit of the WCO, Bill Walsh made the WCO what it is to day…. NOT AL DAVIS!
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 am
I can’t afford it!!! How do you know that??
You are right about one thing, I never went to a SB before. It had nothing to do with the ticket prices, but other reasons which I don’t want to share now.
LMN,
I like you sir, but you make a lot i
Of assumptions.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:53 am
# Raider O Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 am
I can’t afford it!!! How do you know that??
You are right about one thing, I never went to a SB before. It had nothing to do with the ticket prices, but other reasons which I don’t want to share now.
LMN,
I like you sir, but you make a lot i
Of assumptions.
____________________________________________________
when the SB tickets is around 3-4K as I said I bet you havent been to one, okay I was right, didnt want to emply you are poor or anything, but if a final was in my backyard and it was so expensive i would catch the game on telly…
so your claim that you cant go because its abroad, does nt hold water, since you never been to one in the first place….. yeah I know you have lived around the world, which of course is valid for you not going to a game in the US, but I find it fnatastic that Gooddell dares to just say it loud, he has BALLS!
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:57 am
CenturionWR87…
Okay =) im starting to believe the season is done =) LOL, congrats =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:00 am
LMN,
Look,
I never been to a SB for 3 reasons:
1- we were poor when I was young and could not afford tickets when we didn’t even have food.
2- I told you my father was sick of cancer and he passed away. I took care of my father since I loved him and I’m his only child. I could afford it then, but my father was more important.
3- after my father passed away, I got married and was blessed with a daughter as you know.
Now, I have the time and I can afford it, so I hope Goodell doesn’t move it.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 am
You know!!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:04 am
LMN,
Life in the US is not easy, most around the workdthink it is.
I don’t mean you, but I noticed that a lot when I was in Europe and the ME.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 am
all, i know is, the man who got me to love football has been to two SBs, and he is rich as hell… he told me, its something a family if they are lucky does ONE time in their life..
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:07 am
By the way, how is your father? I hope he is doing a lot better.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:11 am
There are people here who make it an annual trip.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:20 am
I’m glad to hear that.
Rich you say, ha! lol
A smart man told me once that to be Rich is a blessing and not a right for us humans.
I don’t know if that made much sense, but I translated it.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:23 am
lol
My dad had that bag, I forgot what it’s called. Sorry but I haven’t slept today.
He used to love it, I hated it. You can hear it at the worst times!! You know!!
He thought it was funny, God bless him.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:29 am
those bags have developed, so you cant hear or smell them, as I said to him when he got the operation, “dad you ahve kissed the girls, you ahve to kiss in this life” he feared the kemo so, the bag literally saved him…
I wonder what he will do with the money, no need for tons of doe, when you are old, he has been to NYC over 20 times, so I expect he takes me over there and go watch a game or two someplace, dunno… or he could by me another appartment so i could sell this one, well see, its new to us, have all that money on hand, not that we ever were poor, but before it all was tied up in cars and houses and stuff, so we’ll see
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:48 am
Good luck, and I hope you get that new apartment.
Let me see if I can get an hour or two of sleep before my daughter wakes up.
Later LMN, ( few hours )
Later Nation, and stay up.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 am
Raider O…
yeah sleep tight, hope you atleast get some REM…
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 am
WCO was invented by Paul Brown not Sid Gilman. That O was created in the 50s but couldnt be used until the rule changes of the late 70s!
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 am
316. Peace love and best wishes
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:33 am
—”Beck is slated to compete with former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Joe Flacco.”—
very interesting competition under center they have in baltimore…
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:25 am
No way Norco are you a SF Giants fan? Or just a great bay area fan cause damn you’re at all the games.
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
Davis drafts the guy with the fastest 40 time. Over the years this has been shown to be a mistake. If you watch film of Crabtree and HB, Crabtree is clearly a better player. His ability to cut back and run after the catch is extrodinary. Davis is a poor general manager.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Kirk,
You are being kind. Al is way worse than a “poor” general manager. He would have been fired 10 times by now if he werent the owner.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 am
this is about to be the first hockey game ive ever watched
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Craptree was extraordinary at getting caught from behind by linebackers and not ever seeing double coverage.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Al aint going anywhere MR so get over it. That so called terrible gm is about to sign Lorenzo Neal who will open massive holes for the run game
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 am
Wassup Folks!
I still say that Murphy is my favorite player out of this draft. He’s going to be hard to keep off the field.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
J Russ has ZERO excuses this year. Think how many QBs in the league would love to have DMac and Bush at RB, and all the speed we have at WR, as well as a solid TE like Miller.
This offense should EASILY put up 24 points a game.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
And so much for that idea of McFadden in the slot moreso than in the backfield.
DMac is going to get the bulk of the carries folks, with Bush seeing 10 carries or so per game, plus goal line situations.
DHB, Murphy, Schillens, and JLH will get most of the reps at WR.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:38 am
So when should Al have been fired?
And more importantly, what moves would this new GM have made that would have made us better?
Drafting Larry Fitzgerald over Gallery? Is that the move that would have not sent us spiraling? Even though everyone is screaming build the lines now, LT was more of a need then, and we had Rice, Brown, and Porter, who are way better than JLH, Schillens, and Walker.
Was it trading for Randy Moss? Or hiring Norv Turner that this new GM would have vetoed? Who would he have drafted at 7 instead of getting Moss?
Maybe we never should have traded Gruden?
Leinart instead of Huff?
Let’s us know what would have been different.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 am
Hey moderator: I don’t suppose you could explain what was the problem with my comment, could you?
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 am
666,
Even that move wasn’t 2nd guessed at the time, was it? I mean look what Al has tried to go through to get a QB who can get the ball down the field.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:55 am
The only really bad move was messing with Marcus Allen other than that I don’t care but seeing Marcus in a chiefs jersey is one of the worst things ever!
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:10 am
I don’t know if that would have done it 666.
But I get the point in general of no GM would be given 6 years worth of rope like Al has given himself.
I just don’t think the moves have been than bad. And the losing stops this year Sir!
Al will be GM of the year!
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Murphy selection wasnt an indictment on Shields. Cable saw a very talented guy drop very far. It creates a great competitive scene. Shields is 100 pct
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
BHP like Oakglenn rules. Not a negative post will be said against them by me.
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
brien…
that may be true, Cable seemed to love the guy, but how many WRs will the roster carry? and what about those who doesnt make it?
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 am
# KoolKell Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
74 losses in 6 years, and Blackholepriest is complaining about Jerry MacDonald.
For suppossedly not caring about the outside world. The Raiders sure whine a lot about it.
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bwahahahhaaa good stuff =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:53 am
BSJ…
“were better when he covered the Cardinal”
which of the cardinals did he cover?
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
Al rules! Yeah he is crazy and stubborn but so am I. Dont give me another owner or gm because Al is getting the last laugh
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 am
# Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
Al rules! Yeah he is crazy and stubborn but so am I. Dont give me another owner or gm because Al is getting the last laugh
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im absolutely sure Al will die laughing….
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
# Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Murphy selection wasnt an indictment on Shields. Cable saw a very talented guy drop very far. It creates a great competitive scene. Shields is 100 pct
______________________________________________________
brien…
that may be true, Cable seemed to love the guy, but how many WRs will the roster carry? and what about those who doesnt make it?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
LMN i expect 6 wrs kept. If walker is garbage in Napa he will get sliced. Bey,Chaz,JLH,Murphy and Shields will do fine IMO.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Brien…
Bey,Chaz,JLH,Murphy and Shields… get rid of walker and add Wakins, then Im with you =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
absolutely… no doubt about it…and that we now picked a WR im very pleased it was DHB, I didnt like Crabby or Maclin…
I still worry about bot our lines, the O-line in the pass-game and the D-line in the run-game…
but Im very pleased with the RBs and WRs in general… with the exceptions of Fargas and Walker..
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
but the “skill” positions can only excel when the Lines works, and thats what i doubt…
dont call me a hater, but a doubter i can live with =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
The dline is my biggest concern. Burgess is a waste of space and we dont have a real NT. Its unfair how Kelly gets dogged in here.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
# Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Euro sports are classic beta male events
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Cl%C3%A1sico
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
im still a bit pissed, that we didnt get Brace, but if MM plays like he has in the youtube clips its not as hard a pill to swallow…
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
lorenzo neal . greatest fullback in n.f.l. history . he blocks . u run well
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Hello Raider Nation!
Glad to be back and hope all is well.
I had a great vacation and want to thank Bob Marley for his response to our draft.
I read most of the morning the comments of our draft and the concerns most have with our draft of players.
Old news but let me add my opinion to this forum. I don’t give a schit what the media pundits have said, or how our draft grades out or what some in Raider Nation think.
I do know this, we drafted high motor ,character driven athletes and for me the most important feature besides the speed, size and physical requirements is they are football players who are driven to be better, and no diva’s in this draft.
My disappointment is not the players, the direction of areas they chose to improve as a organization.
You guys can break down the skills to the micro level but the bottom line is they have improved the team based on last year’s players in those positions.
The Raiders will always have a larger microscope over them due to our maverick owner, whose going to do things his way. Right or wrong as a fan of the team you should be use to the constant nit picking that we read and hear about due to Davis.
The draft is over and free agency is over other than a few players released or some veterans still without a team. The Raiders have finalized our current roster and this is the team moving forward to the 2009 season.
I will not grade the draft or free agency, but from this angle we have improved the team.
Now the teaching starts and the playbook and opponents get reviewed, the off season in the next phase, so let’s get ready for the season, mini camp and ota’s.
let’s stand up for our team and move on to the next phase and get behing these players and have some fun.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
man , wut if we had julius peppers ? d line be a problem
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Dorian Im not a fan. Never have been one. Im a Raider
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Dell great to see ya!
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Brien
You always give to much kudos to Pries and Oakglenn, you are right up there in my sight line of players and football knowledge. Don’t play yourself short my friend.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Brien… 364, 365 and 367… well said. I get really tired of people in here saying, “Well, the Ravens do it THIS way, or the Giants do it THIS way, why can’t WE do it that way, and then piss and moan when Al goes against their Master Plan for Improving the Raiders.
I agree with you 100%. If folks don’t like the way Al does things there are 31 other teams they can root for; stop the whining and pick one of them instead.
It’s just more beer for the rest of us.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
“The Raiders will always have a larger microscope over them due to our maverick owner, whose going to do things his way. Right or wrong as a fan of the team you should be use to the constant nit picking that we read and hear about due to Davis.”
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THE LARGE MICROSCOPE IS DUE TO THE FACT WEVE LOST 72 GAMES IN 6 YEARS, HELLO , Hello, hello, hell.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
aye. yall remember , bo jackson used to readily run ova errbody . but when he looked up & saw ronnie lott. he thought twice. respect
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Raiders will have the best run game if Neal is brought in. It would be another genius move by Al
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
edward teach Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Brien… 364, 365 and 367… well said. I get really tired of people in here saying, “Well, the Ravens do it THIS way, or the Giants do it THIS way, why can’t WE do it that way, and then piss and moan when Al goes against their Master Plan for Improving the Raiders.
——————————————-
Show me a happy loser, and I’ll show you a loser, Mr Blackbeard.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
ok. moderator guy . u askin for it now . delete 1 more . i dare u ! i triple dog dare u !
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
we should just be happy that j-russ isnt as dumb as vince young . or mike vick
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
No, we’re not the Titans, or Giants, or Steelers, or Ravens, or any other winning team.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Dgray…
why do you post them, isnt obvious why the mods delete your posts?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
KK
I guess you have chosen to have selective memory due to the past 6 years. I know you are a little older than I but I can’t believe you don’t remember the 70’s or 80’s when the Raiders (especially on the east coast) writers were always critical of Davis and his organization. I remember the Tatum incident, and the many bias articles blaming Davis, or the players drafted, or his free agent pick ups were laughed at and nit picked also.
I’m not going to shy away from the last 6 years, the record speaks for his team and his player and draft evaluations. Davis has done a poor job. With that said, do you only have selective memory or do you look at all of his body of work.
I would be more concerned if he was like William Clay Ford in Detroit, who has done nothing to show the fans or city of Detroit. AL Davis wrong more than right is far better than most teams in today’s NFL.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Raider Dell
I could jaw all day about the 60′ 70’s. But what does that have to do with the 21’s century?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
KoolKell… I’m not happy with losing, and I daresay Al Davis isn’t happy about it, either.
My point was that Al Davis runs the team. He’s going to do things his way, and that is not going to change as long as he’s alive. Constantly complaining (that’s a general observation, and not directed at you) about that fact is not going to change anything about the situation, and those that are so opposed to the way things are done and so forth might as well save themselves and the rest of us a whole lot of grief because we are not going to be run like the Giants, or the Steelers, or the Bengals, or the Cowboys, or anybody else.
It’s a fact. Deal with it or leave. Just don’t come back in a year or two when we’ve started winning again and say you were a fan all along, because you weren’t.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Blackbeard
I can complain as much as I want. This is a blog in a free country. I was a fan before you were born.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Afternoon Nation,
Dell, Brien, KK, LMN, Dorian, Teach
Help me out.
LB’s… Howard, Morris, Brown, Eck,…I presume locks for the roster.
I’d like to see Slade and Frantz make the final roster.
How many LB’s do we keep, and who gets cut?
I’m thinking Sam Williams and Mabey Alston?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Yea Kell thats the issue. You are a fan and not a Raider!
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Morrison duh
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
alston goes for sure . frantz will be a development. practice roster . slade mostly special teams . al loves sam williams 4 sum unknown reason
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
“I was a fan before you were born.”
Not possible, Kell. I was born before the Raiders were. In Oakland. And I’ve been a fan my whole life.
I don’t deny your right to complain. I just don’t get it, unless your view is that things are not starting to head in the right direction again.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
-Len..
I would say Alston should get a chance, he won a game for us =) he is a beast on ST, well so is sam but somehow i dont like him, i think its his injuries
ekujuiba on the other hand, never ever liked him… he is welcome to give his spot for Frantz, if Frantz has it..
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Teach…
are you blackbeard??? why and howcome?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
-Len goodday to you sir, btw =)
its past 10 here, so im getting ready to hit the town =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Len, its gonna tough to be honest. Napa in july will determine that. Sensible people are rooting for Frantz. Obviously Kell isnt one
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
LMN… Edward Teach was the real name of Blackbeard the pirate.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
u goota know . only 5 recievers will make final roster . 2 more on practice roster . most teams will keep 7 active linebackers . 2 more on practice roster . 3 running backs 1 more on practice roster
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I don’t claim to be a Raider, but I can tell you as a guy that has followed Football, Baseball, and Basketball in the Bay Area for over 40 years, All take a back seat to the Raiders.
The Raiders hold my interest like no other sports franchise.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
# edward teach Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
LMN… Edward Teach was the real name of Blackbeard the pirate.
_____________________________________________________
oh, LOL didnt know that, though I assumed it was so, since Kell called you that =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
KK
I know you take more than your share of comments on this blog. You hate the direction of the team and owner. In your view it seems like a it’s run like a banana republic.
I know you want the owner to step aside and appoint or hire a GM, which doesn’t guarantee success.
I sense your frustration, but with all of that said, the Owner and Gm, Al Davis is not going to do that. His interest is his own way of building the team in his vision or standards.
The results suck, I know the last 6 years have been laid on his feet, but for the life of me and others who constantly complain about Davis, this is his team, his title is GENERAL PARTNER OF THE PARTNERSHIP meaning he is the man and as a fan we either jump on board or off. The right you have, and I have no problem with you or Dakota or Madden is your dissapointment with Davis.
I just don’t see how (the removal of Davis) will change the direction of the team, for me it’s better to get behind the team and be a voice of reason and be a voice of dissapointment.
Davis is not going to relinquish the GM dutys, I just will stay the course and hope the body of work from the previous decades will come back to this century.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
will da raiders bring bakk ronald curry ?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I would say that anybody not complaining about double-digit losses every year is NOT A FAN.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Have fun LMN.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Cable and Al must identify Kirk isnt a true MLB. Lets pray Frantz wows the top dawgs in the organization
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
# doriangray Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
will da raiders bring bakk ronald curry ?
____________________________________________________
he is in detroit… and thank god for that….
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
-Len…
thank you mate, im getting ready and waiting for my buddies =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
doriangray Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
will da raiders bring bakk ronald curry ?
======================================================
I believe Curry is in Detroit.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
# Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Cable and Al must identify Kirk isnt a true MLB. Lets pray Frantz wows the top dawgs in the organization
_____________________________________________________
I pray for that every single night…
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Cable and Al must identify Kirk isnt a true MLB. Lets pray Frantz wows the top dawgs in the organization
=======================================================
Yesss. Love the way that Kid takes on the block, sheds, and hits.
Great human interest story as well.
Seems like a great young Man.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I always use to get to this blog by going to insidebayarea.com and clicking on the link there, but for the last two days the link has been gone.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
raiderkoolaid Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I always use to get to this blog by going to insidebayarea.com and clicking on the link there, but for the last two days the link has been gone.
======================================================
I noticed that this morning after rebooting.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I wonder why Frantz isn’t listed in the trasactions or on The Raiders roster.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Curry sucks. All that money 4 nada. Too bad he got hurt tho. He still has the best td catch I ever seen
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
raiderkoolaid Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I wonder why Frantz isn’t listed in the trasactions or on The Raiders roster.
======================================================
I was wondering about that as well.
How ya doing Koolaide?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
No, actually, I’ve been rather quiet this off-season viv a vis Al Davis. Because I do like the direction so-far, (except the draft).
But this draft is a big red flag for me. Looks like Same ole same ole.
“I just don’t see how (the removal of Davis) will change the direction of the team, for me it’s better to get behind the team and be a voice of reason and be a voice of dissapointment.
Davis is not going to relinquish the GM dutys, I just will stay the course and hope the body of work from the previous decades will come back to this century.”
.
Davis IS the Raiders, yet if he retired, the Raiders wouldn’t change??????
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Curry sucks. All that money 4 nada. Too bad he got hurt tho. He still has the best td catch I ever seen
======================================================
Was that the one handed grab against… Denver?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Isnt Frantz Joseph a 40 time guy?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I’m in the dark regarding Frantz Joseph. I read from the previous threads last week he was on ESPN. I will try to find that link and see what you guys are commenting about.
As a FA, the odds of making any NFL team is very slim, and if he wasn’t drafted there must be more reasons then stated here today. I haven’t read about his college stats or his pro day results, but considering his non draft status ther may be some issues for Joseph to be undrafted.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
RaiderLen Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
raiderkoolaid Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I wonder why Frantz isn’t listed in the trasactions or on The Raiders roster.
======================================================
I was wondering about that as well.
—————————————————–
raiders never updates, thats no secret, never shares news or anything, they are like 0sama, sends a 2month old video out of news and goals =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
# Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Isnt Frantz Joseph a 40 time guy?
_____________________________________________________
isnt everybody? I assume everybody can carry themselves 40 yards… the question is the time =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Isnt Frantz Joseph a 40 time guy?
======================================================
Hardy Har Har.
A Blazing 4.7 / 4.8… I think.
Hits like a Truck.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
RaiderLen Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Curry sucks. All that money 4 nada. Too bad he got hurt tho. He still has the best td catch I ever seen
======================================================
Was that the one handed grab against… Denver?
————————————————–
That was really the ONLY game that Curry and Porter actually played great. Porter had 3 TD’s and like 130+ receiving yards. He Chumped Bailey.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Frantz ran a 4.83 forty, which isn’t fast for a MLB. He also only did 19 reps on the bench press. That and going to a small school are why he didn’t get drafted, but he looked like a beast out on the field, including the allstar game he played in, so I have high hopes for him anyway. I hope that he is stronger than the 19 reps would indicate.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
but to be a run-stopping MLB you dont need to be fast, whereas if you are a pass-stopping LB you better be fast..
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
einstein…
man, you are stiff, and tight… get a grip.. all other franchises tells whenever one of their emplyees goes to the bathroom, we are lucky if Al told us his thoughts on a SB win =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
see ya =)
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
La Milicia Negra Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
but to be a run-stopping MLB you dont need to be fast, whereas if you are a pass-stopping LB you better be fast..
======================================================
Straight line speed is one element, but diagnosing a play and taking proper angles are really important.
Some guys have an instinct that can’t be coached.
Zach Thomas won’t be winning any track medals.
I can’t imagine Singletary was a blazer either.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Good riddance, go watch some soccer Euro boy.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
KK
I have said you take more than your share of hits for your stance. I’m not going to shy away from your point of view and mock what you see and believe.
Talking sports on the radio or in the internet is what we do to share our opinions of a team which we care about and represent as a fan.(brien’s take a Raider)
You have the right to be disappointed and our record speaks for the past 6 years.
I would rather focus on the upcoming season and move past the last six years. I have no problem with the debate of Davis and his mgmt style or his draft style. I just understand to talk or write about him just doesn’t seem to be worth the time to hate a situation which will not change.
I know it comes across, as someone who is not using their brain, but to just look at Davis is not going to provide me with any enjoyment for this upcoming season.
Every year is a new year, I know the past is reflective of the probability of the current season being the same, but that’s were you and I disagree.
I ‘ll take it one year at a time and look towards a great 2009 ahead and be ready for the good or bad.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Dell,
Hope springs eternal for all fans, including me.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Dell, Just a guess, but mabey the half empty crowd have the position of not wanting to be played the fool.
They see what has transpired over the last 6 years and just can not get behind what’s happening. If the current history continues, they have insulated themselves from the “foolishness”
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
KoolKell Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Dell,
Hope springs eternal for all fans, including me.
====================================================
That’s what I’m talkin about Kell.
Always hopefull.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
KK & RaiderLen
Recently the share holders of BOA just kicked out the chairmen. The shareholders have seen and the results were the guy must go.
The fans who want Davis to go have a valid argument based on the last six years, unfortunately we as fans can’t remove the GM(owner).
I understand the fans who are younger who have not experienced a Super Bowl winning team and it’s very frustrating.
I will never change my views of a team and hop to another when things are going better else where, as a Raider man, I’m here with the good and bad, that’s all I have to look forward to.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Me too, but that’s not going to stop me from kicking and screaming when things are bad.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Kell, I get what your saying.
I don’t trip on the passion and militancy of other Raider fans.
Jerry McDonald can write anything He likes.
I take it for what it’s worth to me.
If other’s take offense as to what He writes, it’s their perogative.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Raider Dell Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
KK & RaiderLen
Recently the share holders of BOA just kicked out the chairmen. The shareholders have seen and the results were the guy must go.
The fans who want Davis to go have a valid argument based on the last six years, unfortunately we as fans can’t remove the GM(owner).
I understand the fans who are younger who have not experienced a Super Bowl winning team and it’s very frustrating.
I will never change my views of a team and hop to another when things are going better else where, as a Raider man, I’m here with the good and bad, that’s all I have to look forward to.
=====================================================
Dell, agreed. Me as well. When the good times return, the last 6 years of penance, will make the new found victories all the sweeter.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
RaiderLen
That guy called us all stupid for believing media reports that there was something wrong between Kiffin & Davis.
Sure it’s his perogative to opinionate on this blog. I can do the same. This is what this blog is for, no?
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
KoolKell Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
RaiderLen
That guy called us all stupid for believing media reports that there was something wrong between Kiffin & Davis.
Sure it’s his perogative to opinionate on this blog. I can do the same. This is what this blog is for, no?
======================================================
Yes. We all have our own perspective and opinions.
My personal approach is to look for the positive, while acknowledging the negative.
I’m also reluctant to get involved in personal attacks.
I’ve met very few people in real life that I did not like on some level.
Live and let live.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
KK
Continue to share your opinion, that’s the forum set up in this blog.
This blog would be boring if we all agreed with each other.
Jerry’s job is to incite opinion and discussion, if his views are wrong let him see your comments.
The people on this blog( I don’t) have a problem with you due to your constant comments about Davis.
The rights you have to share your thoughts are for you to debate and prove, if they can’t take your views , just find someone who will.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
The only issue I take with Al Davis’ scheme is his absolute NEGLECT of the Defensive Line. He doesn’t care about it and that’s why this team has been terrible the last few years.
I still am nervous about Cable blaming Rob Ryan’s staff for the run defense. Sounds to simplistic to me. But I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Just has the appearance of a scholarship being awarded to the incumbents. Ryan Boschetti is no answer either.
The Raiders draft with visons of the big play…The 60 yard bomb, the big hit from the safety over the middle, the Interception, the big QB sack…they don’t seem to draft for the more routine plays…a tackle for a 1yard gain…a pass block, a NT taking a double team….and that’s been the biggest problem to date.
Marshall and Board are on the clock
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
FYI, 666
I’ll be bitter as hell this year if we don’t win.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
SnB Defense Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
The only issue I take with Al Davis’ scheme is his absolute NEGLECT of the Defensive Line. He doesn’t care about it and that’s why this team has been terrible the last few years.
I still am nervous about Cable blaming Rob Ryan’s staff for the run defense. Sounds to simplistic to me. But I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Just has the appearance of a scholarship being awarded to the incumbents. Ryan Boschetti is no answer either.
The Raiders draft with visons of the big play…The 60 yard bomb, the big hit from the safety over the middle, the Interception, the big QB sack…they don’t seem to draft for the more routine plays…a tackle for a 1yard gain…a pass block, a NT taking a double team….and that’s been the biggest problem to date.
Marshall and Board are on the clock
======================================================
Hey SnB, Marshall and Board are on the clock.
If there is not marked improvement,I can see the 2010 draft and FA period being used to address the final pieces of a great puzzle.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
SnB Defense Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
The only issue I take with Al Davis’ scheme is his absolute NEGLECT of the Defensive Line. He doesn’t care about it and that’s why this team has been terrible the last few years.
——————————————
My only problem with Al Davis are the 72 losses over the last 6 years.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
SnB
You have broken down the run defense the past three months for your reasons to draft Raji.
Your reasons are full of logic and reason.
I myself wanted to go in this diection before the draft
OT
DE
DT
The discussions behind closed doors and the break down of film may have been the reason the Raiders believe the problem can be fixed with a scheme change and better teaching.
On the surface it looks like a big challenge and for your take it’s a big problem.
They know of the problem but they believe it can be corected, let’s hope they do.
For the record, last year I wanted Ellis or Dorsey, yet DMAC was drafted.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Cable understands the employee/employer relationship. I never understood why so many people believe that the owner and GM should just sit back and let a head coach make all the decisions. The owner and management are responsible for personnel and decisions that impact the long term success of the franchise. As an owner, I would never be comfortable with the New England Patriots situation. Why would you base your entire success on a single coach.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
RaiderDell,
I too wanted Ellis or Dorsey last year too because they had Bush on the bench. That’s why it made no sense that the Raiders didn’t use DMAC much last year. I know he was injured, but its pretty bad when the Quarterback (Russell) has to go lobby to the head coach to get DMAC more playing time.
The guy was a 4th overall pick. Get him his carries.
As for the defense…I admit that I am skeptical that coaching was the only problem. Ryan, Martindale and the D-Line coach all got comparable jobs this year in different organizations. So they are qualified NFL coaches. That’s why I am concerned when Cable says its teaching better. Are you telling me, vitrol aside, that Ryan & company are so incompetent that they can’t pick up on things like gap discipline, taking angles and tackling? Granted, the playcalling was questionable, but the scheme is staying the same. Is Warren going to stay as the NT? It looks like it since they didn’t bring anyone in.
What ticked me off about the draft is that all they needed to do was take ONE Base DE or NT…Just ONE. Or did something in free agency.
Warren is not a NT. He’s a UT like Kelly. Hopefully they move TK to Defensive End, Warren to UT and hope and pray that Sands is in shape and ready to go at NT
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
southerncal Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Cable understands the employee/employer relationship. I never understood why so many people believe that the owner and GM should just sit back and let a head coach make all the decisions
————————————-
I might agree with you if the Owner/GM is under 80, and hadn’t lost an avg of 12 games over the last 6 years.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
southerncal Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Cable understands the employee/employer relationship. I never understood why so many people believe that the owner and GM should just sit back and let a head coach make all the decisions. The owner and management are responsible for personnel and decisions that impact the long term success of the franchise. As an owner, I would never be comfortable with the New England Patriots situation. Why would you base your entire success on a single coach.
=======================================================
Belicheck doesn’t have completely free reign. I am sure that Robert Kraft had to sign off on the top draft picks and big free agent signings from the standpoint of character and other issues. While Belicheck might be the CEO…he still has to report in to the Chairman.
In Al Davis’ case….he’s the Chairman, CEO and holds an Executive VP position. Davis is more hands on. Its the result of having prior success and being an ex-head coach. Jerry Jones is the same way because he had early success and he’s an ex football player.
Most owners never played meaningfull football, much less coached it. Those owners are going to delegate most if not all of the football operation.
Al Davis does have to step back though. I know its not going to happen, but what he is trying to do is too much for a man his age. I doubt he works the 16 hour days that other GMs probably put in. He needs to be more of a Chairman and part-time CEO…
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
What’s up Nation.
Me and LMN were talking about Goodell and his idea to move the SB out of the US, I’m interested to hear your opinions!
What’s up Len, Dell, KK, 666, Brien, and others.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
The Matt Shaughnessy pick could have waited.
They really needed to grab that kid from Stillman College (Sammie Lee Hill) or Terrence Knighton or Ron Brace…
Cable talked a lot about having more competiion. Yet Warren/Sands/Kelly have NO COMPETITION. Did their play last year warrant no competition. I sense scholarship
The kid from Harvard? Come on….
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
What kills me is…if we have another losing season, you guys will still say…”Yeah but look at what Al Davis has done over the years.” I mean come on…if we make it 7 years of losing, we’ll be looking at the next draft and wondering whos the fastest guy we’re going to draft this time and everyone will be saying 10-6 as our record and all that B.S. I’ll believe it when I see it.
The Raiders have won 24 games the last 6 years. The Lions won 26 games in that time after going 0-16 last year. Think about that. The Lions didn’t even win a game last year and they still have 2 more wins than the Raiders within these 6 years and tell me thats not an issue. We may not have been the Lions in the 70’s and 80’s but we’re worse than the Lions of today.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
What’s SnB.
How is our D looking? I like the LBs, DEs, Ss, CBs, but not our DTs.
We need to draft a NT next year, even if we did well this year.
We need more DTs and OTs, you can’t have enough depth at these 2 positions. IMHO
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Hey O
Just say no to moving the SB outside the USA. You Know!
I don’t want to share.
The only reason would be financial. (Greed)
That’s a slap in the face to the people in this country that have supported the product all these generations.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
SnB
Great comment #425, and I agree with your thoughts on the new defensive coordinator being able to make the changes that the prior defensive coachs could not.
My practical thought was the Raiders the last two years were near the bottom in rush per yards and they were not able to stop the opossing team on third down, in fact our third down defense was last(I think#30) in this category.
You could have the best QB,RB, WR and never get your hands on the ball if the defense doesn’t create a turnover or punt on third down to give the ball back to the offense.
Prior to the 2008 season the Raiders when the defense broke down film, they noticed that Fabian Washington was a bad tackler and many times in coverge he was getting beat for the necessary yardage to convert a third down for the other team.
Washington was traded away and Wilson was brought in, and they traded for Meangelo. How did that work out, both are gone and we still have not fixed the problem in those positions.
Will Chris Johnson continue to play well opposite Nnamdi, will Mike Mitchell adapt to the Pro style the Raiders play at SS.
So a year removed were back to square one, I guess if this years DT and DE play bad, next year draft MAY finally include some new lineman, that’s a big IF.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
SnB,
I see Bryant as a Base End, he gas the same size and #s as Mario Williams.
He is also an URFA, so I see your point.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
24, I think that much of the struggles of the past 6 seasons can be laid at the carousel of Coaches.
Als fault for sure.
Continuity, thats the ticket.
If Cable can hold the job for the next 5 to 10 years, I believe we will see many wins.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Guys… about the lines; I posted a couple of days ago that Walter Football has 29 offensive and defensive linemen rated as first or second round picks in next year’s draft.
I know it’s only an internet draft site; the only point I’m trying to make is that with the skill positions pretty much set there’s a good chance we’ll be able to get some more line talent in here next year. Aside from OT this year’s draft was pretty weak in that category anyway.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
SNB666
You have the right, and so will I.
I just can’t look forward to a bad year, let me have some hope.
The season tickets have mellowed me out, I just want to see happy fans again, with out the fans I wouldn’t be a season ticket holder.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Len,
I agree, but LMN de make a great point. Ticket prices.
We the Fans are putting so much money in the NFL: tickets, products, etc..
You would think with all that money in their pockets, they would be happy.
But No….
A jersey for $250
Tickets $70 and up for the worst seats.
NFL gameday
NFLN
There us so much mney that unproven rookies are making 41.7 mil, before playing a single down in the NFL.
I said I never bought a jersey, or been to a game.
I can’t justify spending that much on entertainment.
Had nothing to do if I can afford it at this point, but more of an issue with me, YOU KNOW!!
Yes, I’m cheap.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I really believe this team will compete hard for 4 qtrs.
I like our chances of being able to control the ball on Offense.
I think the O can be potent.
If it is, it helps the D.
Marshall and Board have to milk every last ounce of talent from the current Defensive group.
I also anticipate our special teams will be special again.
There is a lot to work with I think.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
RaiderLen – You’re right and heres the deal. If Cable lasts 2 years because of Al Davis and his stubborness, would you find it fair to finally point the finger at Al Davis and say its time for a real change? I hope to God that Tom Cable can turn this thing around and he seems to be the right fit but again…if hes gone in 2 years, I can’t possibly see how anybody can defend him anymore.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
edward teach Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Guys… about the lines; I posted a couple of days ago that Walter Football has 29 offensive and defensive linemen rated as first or second round picks in next year’s draft.
I know it’s only an internet draft site; the only point I’m trying to make is that with the skill positions pretty much set there’s a good chance we’ll be able to get some more line talent in here next year. Aside from OT this year’s draft was pretty weak in that category anyway.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Edward teach (ET)
I read that also, I also read that Jerry Jones and Bill Belichick made draft decisions based on next year’s class. The common theme this year was a very weak draft.
Compare this draft just concluded to last year(2008) this was just not the same impact athletes as the prior year.
Example would Stafford be selected first over Ryan and Sanchez and would Raji be selected over Dorsey and Ellis, not in my opinion.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Here’s my big problem. Let’s say the offense lights it up this year. They will have a very competent offense and if they can simply sustain the offense they had in the 2nd half will be pretty good.
Anyway, if the offense is dangerous…what will the opponent do? They will take the air out of the ball. Pound the rock and try to keep Russell, D-HB amd McFadden on the sidelines.
When I see RBs on the schedule like Brandon Jacobs, Westbrook/McCoy, Portis, Marion Barber/Felix Jones, Green/Mendenhall, McGahee/Rice/McCants and 40 carries, Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene, Steve Slaton…..never mind within the AFC West with Moreno, LJ, LT/Sproles and we’ve got problems.
Our middle linebacker needs to be more of a prescence too. A hard hitting safety is nice…but his job is to roam centerfield and make the QB’s job harder…not amass 100 tackles…in fact if Mitchell or Branch end up with 100+ tackles…the defense has failed.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
By the way,
I don’t watch movies outside or buy DVDs, and for the same reason.
Dane with Music.
15 mil for an actor!!!!! Then $60 for the blueray, why????
$20 for 15 tracks on a CD, why????
But we sure do have Homeless people!!!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
These 2 years are critical for Tom Cable. He has a QB, a couple RB’s, a FB, a TE, a group of talented WR’s and an O-Line that he has to take responsibility for. The Defense finally has someone credible doing the play calling. Our Defensive Line is questionable. We have a couple talented linebackers and possibly the best corner tandem in the NFL with our safeties also in question. We have quite a few Special Teams standouts along with a solid Kicker and a great Punter. Theres really no reason at all that this team can’t go 8-8 and follow up with that with a playoff run the next season after but I hold true to my prediction until I really see an improvement so I predict a 6-10 record until I see progress.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
24 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
RaiderLen – You’re right and heres the deal. If Cable lasts 2 years because of Al Davis and his stubborness, would you find it fair to finally point the finger at Al Davis and say its time for a real change? I hope to God that Tom Cable can turn this thing around and he seems to be the right fit but again…if hes gone in 2 years, I can’t possibly see how anybody can defend him anymore.
======================================================
24, I do think that’s fair.
In Cable I trust.
As the old NFL films clip of Lou Saben said (I fill in the blanks here)
Cable, you can get it done. What’s more… YA GOTTA GET IT DONE.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Raider O Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
By the way,
I don’t watch movies outside or buy DVDs, and for the same reason.
Dane with Music.
15 mil for an actor!!!!! Then $60 for the blueray, why????
$20 for 15 tracks on a CD, why????
But we sure do have Homeless people!!!!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Raider O
I agree in some ways, but don’t tell me not to plunk down six bucks for my Long Island Ice tea, or my $4.95 frappucino for extra lift on any given day, please.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Raider O,
Dude, you’re not cheap. You’re fiscally responsible.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
24,
Here’s my problem with the defense. Someone explain to me why Warren/Kelly/Sands don’t deserve some competition. Kelly and Sands haven’t even made camp in shape, let alone ready for the regular season.
No competition at all? That tells me the Raiders don’t respect the position. The Pats, Steelers and Colts each DRAFTED TWO DTs…and those teams are light years ahead of Oakland with starting DT talent.
I am trying not to be negative here. I like D-HB and Mitchell….but that 2nd day of the draft is the real story. They wasted a lot of opportunity there.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Dell,
I got it, and I won’t ask. lol
$5 coffee!!!! Must taste great!!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Raider O,
That’s the capitalist model. People pay for what they want. People don’t get a lot of joy giving a homeless person $100 per week instead of going to a Raider game.
No matter what system you put in place…there will always be poor people
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Or fiscally disabled as LMN said. lol
You know!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
If Kelly come to camp out of shape this year there is no excuse. He’s had enough time now to be fully recovered.
Sands is a different story.
He does need a fire lit under his ass.
What confuses me about Sands is that I clearly remember him husling his ass off during the preseason games.
He literally ran 20 yards down field to get in on a play.
I wonder if once He’s made the roster He becomes complacent.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
My typing and spelling suck.
I guess after graduation I’ve become complacent.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I think this year is going to be just what we’ve been waiting for. Like someone said at the end of last season, it started and ended in Tampa.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Raider O,
Fiscally disabled. LMFAO
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
SnB,
My issue that we should stop buying things to give more to the homeless.
My issue is, do you want to spend that much for a ticket, Jersey, etc..?!
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
SnB – The Raiders have found a way to draft poorly in my opinion. I’ll share a previous post of mine.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Since 1988, here are the most successful players based on stats that have been drafted by the Raiders since 1988. The last 20 years.
QB – Jamarcus Russell – Yet to be determined.
RB – Napolean Kaufman
FB – Jon Ritchie
WR – Tim Brown, Rocket Ismail, Jerry Porter
TE – Andrew Glover, Rickey Dudley (Despite the drops), Zach Miller (Yet to be determined)
Tackle – Greg Skrepenak, Langston Walker, Robert Gallery (Turned Guard)
Guard – Mo Collins, Matt Stinchcomb
Center – Barrett Robbins, Adam Treu
DE – Nolan Harrison, Lance Johnstone, Tony Bryant
DT – Scott Davis, Chester McGlockton, LaRoi Glover, Grady Jackson, Darrell Russell, Rod Coleman
LB – Aaron Wallace, Greg Biekert, Rob Fredrickson, Eric Barton, Napolean Harris, Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard
DB – Terry McDaniel, Charles Woodson, Nnamdi Asomugha
K – Sebastian Janikowski
P – Shane Lechler
37 Relevant players within a 20 year period. There have been contributers and people who have played a number of games but these are the players with the biggest impact and this gives us an idea of how good our drafting has been over the years. Based on what has been mainly futility, you can see why we have struggled. When we have had success as a team, we have done it with mostly veterans.
I listed Jamarcus Russell because hes the best drafted QB so far. Kaufman’s stats dwarf Fargas’ stats and Fargas loses relevance with 8 TD’s. I’d say hes more a part of the problem with our team. Zach Miller is still young in his career but hes on pace to put up great numbers. Langston Walker played alot but nobody was impressed with him, yet he earned a big pay day with the Bills. He never really played great with us. Gallery never made it as a tackle but has turned into a pretty good guard up to this point.
Mo Collins was another tackle turned guard. Stinchcomb also failed as a tackle with us. Adam Treu was a backup for most of his career. Tony Bryant started a few years but never became great. La’Roi Glover wasn’t great with us, he was great with the Saints and Cowboys. We let him go to early to find out.
In my opinion, even our best players drafted over the last 20 years haven’t quite become what we have wanted. This has been a big reason for our struggles.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Correction: my issue is not that we should stop…
Sorry.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Last year, we had a rookie RB, and the worst OTs in the league. Not to mention deplorable coaching for most of the season.
The year before that, we had Josh McClown.
And before that, Aaron Brooks.
All of those QBs, and we haven’t had an WRs since …
This year, totally different story. I can’t remember a Raider team so loaded since we had Bo and Marcus.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Raider O Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
SnB,
My issue that we should stop buying things to give more to the homeless.
My issue is, do you want to spend that much for a ticket, Jersey, etc..?!
=======================================================
That’s the beauty of the system. Pay what the market can bear. Football jerseys, tickets etc…are not necessities by any stretch. Neither are frappacinos, filet mignon or beer. People choose to spend money on what they want to.
Look at the Yankees. They had to cut the prices of their tickets in their lower decks because no one was paying the prices.
The consumer dictates the price at the end. Only when there is a monopoly on necessities like basic food, oil and other critical raw materials is there the chance for real abuse.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Raider Len
The comment #453 is a story that can be used in today’s companies across this great land.
I have personally hired people who for some reason will not adapt well in some situations and freeze to create no mistakes. My personal opinion is the value people place on past skills may not relate to the skils needed in that position you hired then to fill.
Sands had a terrible year, which we found out later his mom died in 2007. I can relate to the difficult time when my dad died and it affects us all differently.
Last year he didn’t look disinterested, just not polished to the challenge. Is Sands thinking to much of his responsibilities or is the ability he has not scheme wise to his style(down fal). I will feel better if he improves under Marshall, and if he doesn’t the contract will not be a issue in 2010 if he is waived and let go.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=li-gault050109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Willie Gault is still racing around at 48
Maybe Al Davis can sign him to the roster once again?
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:48 pm
The defense will be better b/c the opposing team WILL NOT be able to take the air out of the ball. We should have an offense that moves the ball, and chews up the clock. Once we get up 7 pts, teams will not be able to take the chance of getting down 14.
I’m glad there seems to be an emphasis on upgrading the pass rush. That tells me the team expects the ball to be in the air against our defense, and they don’t want the QB sitting back there all day.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
People have the right to do as they please with THEIR money, and who I’m I to tell others how to dispose of it.
But if we keep paying these prices, they will keep increasing.
I would like to own a few jerseys, products, go to more games, etc… But I would rather have a savings account!!! Call me crazy!!
If we don’t put so much money in it, that will benefit us due to the lowe prices.
Supply and demand.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Jhill,
The Raiders have to play the best players from day 1 though. They’ve been very bad about that over the last few years.
I am still bitter about Nick Bell….that’s a guy that got put on the bench for lesser talented veterans at the time.
DMAC, Bush, Mitchell, “The D-HB”, Schilens, Henderson, Branch, Scott…those guys have to play and play often…in fact those guys should be in the starting lineup.,
I don’t want to see Fargas, Garcia, Walker, Burgess or Huff playing over the guys above. No more.
Start them from day 1 with no restrictions….no more of this learning behind the veteran b.s…no more waiting until week 10 when the season is lost…play the kids and play them oftn
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
SnB,
lol
You said it best.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
The team will have a chance if the offense can score points and the defense can pressure the QB when they pass to catch up. If a team is behind, they normally pass to catch up.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
channelsurfing.net…..24/7 nfl networks
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Dell, I do believe that this will be Sands’ defining year as it relates to his Raider career.\
I’m pulling for the Guy.
We can use what he can potentially bring to the table.
I agree that He didn’t look disinterested, so mabey it is system fit or a result of thinking to much.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I do care and love the NFL, and I want it expand.
I just feel we are moving away from things that made the sport great, to focus more on increasing it’s popularity.
Isn’t that what happened to baseball and basketball?!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
SnB Defense Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Jhill,
The Raiders have to play the best players from day 1 though. They’ve been very bad about that over the last few years.
I am still bitter about Nick Bell….that’s a guy that got put on the bench for lesser talented veterans at the time.
DMAC, Bush, Mitchell, “The D-HB”, Schilens, Henderson, Branch, Scott…those guys have to play and play often…in fact those guys should be in the starting lineup.,
I don’t want to see Fargas, Garcia, Walker, Burgess or Huff playing over the guys above. No more.
Start them from day 1 with no restrictions….no more of this learning behind the veteran b.s…no more waiting until week 10 when the season is lost…play the kids and play them oftn
======================================================
Abso freaking lutly.
Play the youngsters.
Let’s develope the talent we have on this roster.
Let them all grow together.
We are not 1 player away from winning a super bowl.
I want to see the young talent compete and learn what it takes to win.
We were given a preview of this at the end of last season.
Let’s keep this train rolling.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?team=23&year=2008
Oakland Raiders 2008 Salary Cap Contract Information
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Len,
I don’t think the Raiders will carry more than 4 DTs on the Roster.
TK and Qarren are a lick due to their new contracts, so that leaves Sands, WJ, and Buschetti( lol) from UCLA.
I think Sands is the Odd man out.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
RaiderLen
Tell me what you think. I believe Ryan as a DC put a lot of emphasis on situations W/ plays depending on the player personnel on offense. The defensive play always seemed to rotate and audible plays depending what the formations were. I attend the games and the reaction was always the same, some moved into position and others seemed hesitant.
I was never in a mtg with the defensive staff, but what I read and have to read between the lines is to much position planning and the execution was lacking after the defensive movement.
Back to Cable who recently said the scheme will be the same, but the execution would be improved.
My thoughts are to much thinking and not enough direction of discipline with all else good tackeling.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I think Javon Walker can still be a good football player. I think he should be given at least 3 games to see how he does and if he struggles, then make changes.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Qarren, Wow.
Warren.
I blame the lack of sleep.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
The best players will play. To think any thing else is an extreme case of Fargasitis. DMac was hurt last year, and Bush got his chances and didn’t produce.
Curry was benched early in the year in favor of Schillens. What does that tell you about JLH’s effort and progress that he couldn’t get on the field, but our 7th rd pick could. Sadly, Walker and Lelie were better than JLH at the position overall. And Schillens didn’t play and better than a #3WR. That’s pretty obvious since we drafted 2 more WRs.
I think the idea of taking competition out of the mix and handing jobs to these youngsters is not smart. They need to be better than the next guy to get on the field. Not PROJECT to be better.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Lick is lock, I’m so sorry.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Fargasitis!!!
LMAO.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Raider Dell Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
RaiderLen
Tell me what you think. I believe Ryan as a DC put a lot of emphasis on situations W/ plays depending on the player personnel on offense. The defensive play always seemed to rotate and audible plays depending what the formations were. I attend the games and the reaction was always the same, some moved into position and others seemed hesitant.
I was never in a mtg with the defensive staff, but what I read and have to read between the lines is to much position planning and the execution was lacking after the defensive movement.
Back to Cable who recently said the scheme will be the same, but the execution would be improved.
My thoughts are to much thinking and not enough direction of discipline with all else good tackeling.
=======================================================
I’m far from a proffessional football coach, but I can tell you what I saw.
The defense on many occasions was not set prior to the snap of the ball.
This was a point of frustration for me.
Morrision was talking to people with his head turned away from center prior to many snaps.
So yes, to much confusion. How can this be.
They watch the film, they run the scout teams, they game plan scenerios.
Mabey the key is more effective instruction, or simplification, or better more insightfull play calls by the D coordinator.
It will be very interesting to see how Marshall puts all of this together.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
It was soooo obviously a scheme issue with Robo. The fact that a lot of the big runs against us were when we were in 8 man fronts tells you all you need to know.
Simple dump offs to the RBs go for ridiculous yardage.
Obviously OCs LOVED to see Robo and his lack of 4-3 game planning self.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
RaiderDell – It sounds like you’re saying that our defense dictated what it did based on what the offense did instead of doing what they wanted and making the offense change instead. Right?
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Raider O Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Len,
I don’t think the Raiders will carry more than 4 DTs on the Roster.
TK and Qarren are a lick due to their new contracts, so that leaves Sands, WJ, and Buschetti( lol) from UCLA.
I think Sands is the Odd man out
=====================================================
Raider O,
I agree with the 4.
But Mabey Joseph or Buschetti.
Terdell for whatever reason will be on the squad…I think.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
24 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I think Javon Walker can still be a good football player. I think he should be given at least 3 games to see how he does and if he struggles, then make changes.
=======================================================
Why??? Schilens has more potential than Javon Walker…JLH gave more production…Walker has a year or two left in the league…or with the Raiders anyway…Schilens and JLH could be here for the next 10…let the young guys develop…make mistakes etc..and develop
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I think we will go with 5 DTs. I expect to see Kelly moved around from DE to DT like they said they would when they signed him to that big deal.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
24
Read RaiderLen comment #482, and he sees what I saw also.
I just can’t understand why so many variables to make with a week of preparation.
No matter what the personnel is, the play starts on the field when the ball snaps, all the movement is creating matchups for the offense, the defense should see what the play is during the week of film watching.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
SnB Defense Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
24 Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I think Javon Walker can still be a good football player. I think he should be given at least 3 games to see how he does and if he struggles, then make changes.
=======================================================
Why??? Schilens has more potential than Javon Walker…JLH gave more production…Walker has a year or two left in the league…or with the Raiders anyway…Schilens and JLH could be here for the next 10…let the young guys develop…make mistakes etc..
======================================================
24, I’m with SnB on this one.
Develope the young players.
Schillens is hungry and talented.
Let the young bucks feel their oats.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Len,
Out of these 2, I would take Buschetti.
We have TK, Warren, Burgess, Scott, and all these guys can rush the passer.
We need help inside, and we didn’t draft a DT.
Cable also spoke about his UCLA kid, so I think he would stay. IMHO
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
JHill,
I am not sure I will ever subscribe to the “make’m pass theory of defense”….that theory suggests that the run defense is a weakness that has to be masked…
The offense is not going to be a 30 point scoring machine….It took Peyton and company a few years to get there….
A defense that can’t stop the run is a team that can’t win. The right answer is this:
Marshall, Board and the LB coach have to do a LOT of coaching to get the FRONT 7 to play tough against the run. In fact, if you are front 7, you should want the opponent to run the ball as a test of your toughness.
Stopping the pass is hard to do consistently against a good QB. Last year Cutler, Edwards, Brees, Pennington, Rivers and Cassell had no problems throwing when they had to.
The key to a good defense is stopping the run.. Warren/Sands/Kelly/Morrison simply have to step it up
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
How about the guy who wins the competition starting at WR?
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
they were read and react…..Marshall will attack more with LB`s …
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Later guys, my daughter is calling me to go play. lol
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Raider O,
See Ya.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
How many times were in 3rd and 5 and longer and couldn’t get off the field SnB?
Our 1st and 2nd down defense was more than adequate through 3 qtrs. I think adding depth at DTs instead of just the 3, as well as adding DEs that can get to the QB on 3rd down will be just what the doctor ordered.
On top of the DC upgrade, of course.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
jhill Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
The best players will play. To think any thing else is an extreme case of Fargasitis. DMac was hurt last year, and Bush got his chances and didn’t produce.
Curry was benched early in the year in favor of Schillens. What does that tell you about JLH’s effort and progress that he couldn’t get on the field, but our 7th rd pick could. Sadly, Walker and Lelie were better than JLH at the position overall. And Schillens didn’t play and better than a #3WR. That’s pretty obvious since we drafted 2 more WRs.
I think the idea of taking competition out of the mix and handing jobs to these youngsters is not smart. They need to be better than the next guy to get on the field. Not PROJECT to be better
=======================================================
Schilens is a more physical football player than JLH. Not effort, its physics. Cable loved the physicality of JLH, his blocking, his ability to fight for the ball..JLH is not that type of receiver. JLH is a catch and run guy.
Here’s what Cable likes about Schilens: “I think his competitiveness for the football when it’s in the air. You look at a couple of the plays he’s made, some tough catches, having to get it in traffic, or having to get a high ball up in the air. Something that maybe wasn’t quite on target, he’s been able to go get those things out of the air, and the fact that he’s really starting to develop. And it shows every day at practice.”
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Jhill I agree,
3rd and long killed us most of the time last year.
It was almost predictable.
What was most frustrating is when we’d have them stopped (apparently) only to have some numbskull penalty happen to keep the drive alive.
I understood the offensive struggles, but the D drove me crazy.
(not really crazy, just made me incredulous)
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Regarding the WR’s…
Javonne has to put up or shut up.
He offered very little last year.
I do question His day to day desire to play football, and His commitment.
If He comes to camp with a fire in the belly to prove the doubter wrong and displays it on the field, more power to Him, and good for us.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Raider ON! guys
I’ll catch you later, thanks for the comments.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
jhill Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
How many times were in 3rd and 5 and longer and couldn’t get off the field SnB?
Our 1st and 2nd down defense was more than adequate through 3 qtrs. I think adding depth at DTs instead of just the 3, as well as adding DEs that can get to the QB on 3rd down will be just what the doctor ordered.
======================================================
The Raiders give up 4.7 yds a rush. That plays a role in getting off the field on 3rd and 5. If the run defense was more stout that plays a role in the type of plays the opponent will run on 3rd down….
The Raider Front-7 has been terrible identifying screems and covering running backs in the flats….
A pass rush will help….but then again the Raiders were in the middle of the pack in team sacks.
Playcalling will help…but knocking that 4.7 yard per rush will help even more
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Take care Dell.
Enjoyed the conversation.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I’d be curious to know what teams averaged per rush attempt by quarter.
My guess is that it improved as the game wore on.
Don’t know for sure.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Rk Year Rnd Pick Pos Tm From To AP1 PB St G Att Yds TD Rec Yds TD College/Univ
1 2008 7 226 Chaz Schilens WR OAK 2008 2008 0 0 0 16 1 -2 0 15 226 2 San Diego State
2 2007 7 254 Johnathan Holland WR OAK 0 0 0 Louisiana Tech
3 2006 7 255 Kevin McMahan WR OAK 0 0 0 Maine
4 2003 7 262 Ryan Hoag WR OAK 0 0 0 Gustavus Adolphus
5 2002 7 235 Ronald Curry WR OAK 2002 2008 0 0 2 76 5 3 0 193 2347 13 North Carolina
6 2001 7 229 Ken-Yon Rambo WR OAK 2001 2002 0 0 0 29 17 239 0 Ohio State
7 1985 7 188 Mark Pattison WR RAI 1986 1988 0 0 0 18 12 152 0 Washington
8 1980 7 173 Malcolm Barnwell WR OAK 1981 1985 0 0 3 66 3 30 0 115 1969 4 Virginia Union
9 1977 7 190 Rich Martini WR OAK 1979 1981 0 0 0 44 33 367 2 California-Davis
I want to have faith in Schilens but I don’t think you can put too much stock in a 7th round pick. I understand he has talent, hes in the NFL so he should but I’m not counting on him to become anything because based on history, look at all the failed 7th rounders. This year could be different but I’m trying to be realistic about it.
I think Javon Walker has a better chance of getting himself out of his slump than Schilens has of ever having a good career. Walker has done it, Schilens has not. I hope both of them play well obviously but I think Walker can do it. We’ll see.
And don’t confuse the idea that I don’t want to see younger talent develop because I do but its something you can’t completely rely on. Lets face it, if Schilens was so great, I don’t think the Raiders would have went out and drafted DHB and Murphy. Walker is our only veteran and he is crucial in providing Russell with someone who knows the game a whole lot better whether anybody likes it or not.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Also…even if Walker was cut today, this team is stacked with younger talent in DHB, Higgins, Walker and Shields. Whether Schilens is good or not, he could easily be our 4th WR at best so he has alot of work to do. He has great measurables and great hands but he has to be consistent.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
# SnB Defense Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
jhill Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
How many times were in 3rd and 5 and longer and couldn’t get off the field SnB?
Our 1st and 2nd down defense was more than adequate through 3 qtrs. I think adding depth at DTs instead of just the 3, as well as adding DEs that can get to the QB on 3rd down will be just what the doctor ordered.
======================================================
The Raiders give up 4.7 yds a rush. That plays a role in getting off the field on 3rd and 5. If the run defense was more stout that plays a role in the type of plays the opponent will run on 3rd down….
The Raider Front-7 has been terrible identifying screems and covering running backs in the flats….
A pass rush will help….but then again the Raiders were in the middle of the pack in team sacks.
Playcalling will help…but knocking that 4.7 yard per rush will help even more
*******************************************************
I was thinking the same thing. When the defense can’t get off the field on third and medium or third and long then it give the other offense the opportunity to go back to pounding and waring down the defense.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Higgins is a terrific instinctive open field runner who has great speed and good hands. The thing that he has been lacking is the ability to make the correct reads and run the right pattern, but at the end of last year he make some great strides in that area. If he continues he will be a very explosive receiver as he showed at times last year.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I like JLH in that slot role and as a punt returner. He’ll be just fine. Schillens and Murphy on those underneath routes are going to be just as good, if not better once you take their size into account. I think we are going to see all the WRs playing this year.
This is where I hope to see something with the playcalling. We need to be able to run some 3 and 4 WR sets out of the shotgun. Utilize all of our weapons instead of the constant I formation run off tackle.
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I agree with the concern of the run defense, although my concern is with the DEs. Too many times we see the stretch play have success against us on the edge with a simple cutback underneath the DE. I see that way more times than I do teams attacking us up the middle. They may end up back in the middle once they reach the second level b/c Morrison has danced his way out of place.
Moreso, I agree with the earlier assesment that it seemed like the defense was just simply out of place and playing on it heels. Morrison was consistantly late with the reads and signal calls as he would be talking to people with his head turned when the play was called.
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
nothing against JLH, but is there anyone else who would rather see Miller returning punts as well?
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
And didn’t we have the fewest TDs in the first half of games for much of the season?
It seemed when the offense showed up early in games the defense responded with much more effort.
Defense can be alot about emotion and when we were 3 and outing it,down a couple scores by the half, it seemed the D went on cruise control.
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
RaiderLen Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I’d be curious to know what teams averaged per rush attempt by quarter.
My guess is that it improved as the game wore on.
Don’t know for sure.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I’d like to know also Len, been looking, can’t find stat.
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I wonder if the new rule on kickoffs not allowing wedges of more than two people is going to make long kickoff returns almost impossible this year. It seems like a stupid rule to me as does the rule that pass rushers who are on the ground can’t tackle the quarterback.
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
What do they mean by “on the ground”?
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
never mind, (self explanatory)
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
If a pass rusher is on the ground he can not lunge at the quarterback to try to tackle him. All he can do it to try to get back up onto his feet and then go after the quarterback. It was a tackle like that that Brady got hurt on last year.
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:14 pm
only the QB again, hate that.
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
NW Raider Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
RaiderLen Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I’d be curious to know what teams averaged per rush attempt by quarter.
My guess is that it improved as the game wore on.
Don’t know for sure.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I’d like to know also Len, been looking, can’t find stat.
======================================================= I tried to look for the samething last week with no luck
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 pm
What few people seem to understand is that if you run the draft history of all the teams in the past 10 years the retention of players is very similar. There are those that are much worse and a couple that are much better but 80% of the teams would be very close.
You’ll have a couple of teams that did exceptionally well and a couple that were horrible. The draft is a crap shoot at best and the average career of an NFL player is about 4 years. Therefore the retention rate over 10 years is going to be very thin 3 – 4 players on average and with FA being what it is they may be on another team.
Every fan of every team has the same complaint. Because this sport is extremely violent and weeds out the most talented and accomplished talents. Fred taylor had agreat career with Jax but in his tenth year they got rid of him, the franchises most successful player in their short history.
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Also if you were t take the succes of the Oakland raiders over the last 10 years they would easily be in the top half of the league. And they have been terrible the last 6 but they were the best in the first 4 years with a SB appearance.
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
BTW, here’s to the next “ten years after” the storm.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:09 am
Hey Bro’s.
I’ve just read all the draft “grades” around on the net. We are consistently at the bottom with an average grade of D.
We had so many holes that we couldn’t get it all done this year. But if you don’t look at value and just look at who we have, you can see that ALL of our skill positions are filled out rather nicely with GOOD prospects, all of them young.
Next year, we can go for OL and DL and then throw in a backup CB and perhaps a good LB.
The skill guys we have on the roster have to pan out, and we’ll be ok.
In Kiffin’s first year, I ranted about how we had NO PLAYMAKERS at all. Now we have:
1) Playmaker QB-
2) 2 Big time RB’s- and Fargas who is solid and a great leader
3) Great TE prospect who will develop
4) JLH, Chaz, Murphy and DHB who are all speed guys who can take it to the house, plus Shields, if he pans out.
5) 2 good man to man CB’s
6) 2 great kick returners in JLH and Miller.
Now what the hell do you expect? We have the makings of an explosive core group of players. Now we just have to get tough in the trenches. You can’t get it all done in one year.
Since the arrival of Kiffin, we have taken a team with no playmakers and have stocked the shelf.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 am
By the way…..you can all bag on Jerry, but he’s a blogger and just laid the basis for a great debate with a bunch of people focusing 100% on FOOTBALL and the Raiders. That’s the whole intent of his job.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:18 am
BHP is on point
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:20 am
Brien…yeah Jerry is serving up giant softballs for BHP to smash into the bleachers ha ha
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:27 am
BHP is just awesome man. He knows his stuff.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:30 am
And yes we got alot of offensive firepower.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 am
Time 2 go take my flu medicine. My week sucked.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:41 am
Hope you feel better Brien
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:45 am
Whoa!!! hey Brien you got da swine flu???
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:53 am
# Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:27 am
BHP is just awesome man. He knows his stuff.
______________________________________________________
is someone here having a crush?
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:54 am
—”Raiders DT Terdell Sands is reportedly at risk of getting cut in training camp. Sands, who is in the news because he’s dissing ex-coach Lane Kiffin, has been a disappointment since re-signing with Oakland in 2007. Tom Cable is a fan of Ryan Boschetti, but it still seems unlikely they would cut Sands when their run defense is so thin.”—
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 am
—”Hawaii DE David Veikune won money off Eric Mangini at Cleveland’s rookie minicamp Friday by diagramming “acomplicated blitz formation in front of the entire team.” Veikune knew every player’s assignment on the play. We pass along the small story to point out Veikune’s football intelligence. He reportedly is moving like a natural linebacker rather an a conversion end, and could contend for a starting job at OLB right away.”—
____________________________________________________
this guy was great in the senior bowl, and I had him as 3rd round choice, dont know where he was drafted, but, I would rather have had him than Matt Shaughnasee
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 am
LOL Veikune is ALREADY making R Ryan look retarded
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 am
and expendable
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:07 am
yup =)
Morning 4eva =)
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:29 am
Morning Brother :=)
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 am
What’s up 4eva LMN lste night just getting in .
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:10 am
Damn who do I hate more Kiffin or Sands hopefully turdell will either be cut or will behind bruscheti in rotation.
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:19 am
Gotta be Sands.I’ll be in-n-out most of the day.Yep a bit of the ‘o in-out
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:20 am
SH!T NoMore Fargas KIFFEKIFFEN KIFFEN Sands just may work out,imo
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:21 am
yep waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay late nite =)
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:48 am
well, no doubt here, and you all know my answer to that =)
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 am
Jerry the link from insidebayarea is busted. Fix it!
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:19 am
Priest, you’ve been a fan for 40 years and you still have thin skin you whiny little woman grow some nuts and quit bichin about the media.
Priest, you want info from Jerry about the scheme? I thought you go to camp & practice’s! I thought you know people in the organization! You tell us what scheme is being ran.
Priest, you’re a fraud, a neurotic lunatic probably.
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:27 am
Ok lets analyze this moronic statement of Priest.
First, 6 out of 10 = 60% “success”. You cant be in the top half of the league @ 60% mathematically it just doesn’t fly unless you’re a koolaid drinking derelict with no sense of reality stuck in the 70’s.
Second, from 2000-2004 one SB appearance and a loss doesn’t even come close to making you the “best”. How were we the best Priest? Competitive yes, BEST not even close!
# priesttj Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Also if you were t take the succes of the Oakland raiders over the last 10 years they would easily be in the top half of the league. And they have been terrible the last 6 but they were the best in the first 4 years with a SB appearance.
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
Good Morning Nation:
Mistabrown Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 am
Jerry the link from insidebayarea is busted. Fix it!
—————————————————–
Had to go to last blog read, updated and saved to favorites. A real pain Jerry!
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Copenhagen_Fan Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:09 am
Hey Bro’s.
I’ve just read all the draft “grades” around on the net. We are consistently at the bottom with an average grade of D.
We had so many holes that we couldn’t get it all done this year. But if you don’t look at value and just look at who we have, you can see that ALL of our skill positions are filled out rather nicely with GOOD prospects, all of them young.
Next year, we can go for OL and DL and then throw in a backup CB and perhaps a good LB.
The skill guys we have on the roster have to pan out, and we’ll be ok.
In Kiffin’s first year, I ranted about how we had NO PLAYMAKERS at all. Now we have:
1) Playmaker QB-
2) 2 Big time RB’s- and Fargas who is solid and a great leader
3) Great TE prospect who will develop
4) JLH, Chaz, Murphy and DHB who are all speed guys who can take it to the house, plus Shields, if he pans out.
5) 2 good man to man CB’s
6) 2 great kick returners in JLH and Miller.
Now what the hell do you expect? We have the makings of an explosive core group of players. Now we just have to get tough in the trenches. You can’t get it all done in one year.
Since the arrival of Kiffin, we have taken a team with no playmakers and have stocked the shelf.
—————
Copenbruh – I was thinkin the very same thing last night. I think it’s a 2 year plan. It is very explosive core group and if we can solidify some line positions by next year while giving the WRs some time to gel w/ Jamarcus and the RBs we should be in good shape. Possibly REAL good shape and for a long time. Cheers to that!
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
Nader64,
Good plan but I think it will take 2 more yrs. OL, DL and LB will take a year to develop.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:04 am
Possibly, but I think they have the right idea; QBs and WRs take time to develop. Moreso than linemen, right?
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:11 am
mista,
I somewhat understand where ur comin from , but u realize 50% is half, 40% would be in bottom half and 60% would actually be in the top half.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 am
just saying from the 60% succes, just wondering if u meant the other way around or just sarcasm
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Just saw that Frantz Joseph signed a 2 year,700k contract already.
Uhhh, I’d say that’s one UDFA that’s already on the squad.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:30 am
morning all,
anyone notice the accompanying file foto with the FoxSports NFL article about Jack Kemp. That there is one Isaac Lassiter about to apply a beatdown on Mr Kemp. “Supply side” meets the other side.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
Said one Broadway Joe after an afternoon of tangling with Ike Lassiter and Ben Davidson at the Coliseum, “I feel like I was run over by two gravel trucks.”
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Isaac Lassiter is a big boy. Damn! I didn’t know that name, thanks!
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
And now it is penalized to tackle a QB from the ground?!? Astonishingly ridiculous.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
BEER ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 am
Brien, who apparently has the flu< says:
“I love this team…Fuk all of you that don’t feel the same way I do!”
Now there’s a message worth repeating.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Morning Nation,
Jhill, Nader, Lonetree, ENGLANDRAIDER and all.
Jhill, where did you find the info on Frantz.
I like the idea of him being around for awhile.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 am
RaiderLen,
this morning I read back through some of yesterday’s commentaries, enjoyed reading the exchanges between you and RaiderDell.
then as I was proceeding I noticed a full three hour gap in the posts. Hmmm…Saturday night shenanigans that required deletion?
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Wassup Len,
Was watching Outside The Lines on BSPN, and they had it as a follow up item. I guess they did a pre draft story on the kid, and they were saying how it all worked out in the end by him signing a 2 year 700k deal with us.
OTL is usually a pretty legit show.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
The press does seem relatively anti-Raider.
When Cam Inman wrote a somewhat slightly supportive report on the Raiders, the next day California had a 4.5 earthquake. Figures.
Even God was shocked.
There’s a lot of anti-Raider sentiment in other parts of the country simply because we were a dominant team for so long and deep down they’re afraid we’re coming back-and we are.
The press is like a herd of sheep anyway, on any topic, they develop a consenus and everyone is afraid to wander outside of the sheep pen.
When it comes to the Bay Area, for a long time the Chronicle was the dominant paper in the area when they had the Green ‘un and being in the west Bay they favored the whiners.
The Mercury favored the whiners too.
There used to be plenty of positive stuff written by some of the east Bay reporters and I remember Bill Soliday in particlular.
David White’s stuff can be interesting and so can Steve Corkran’s.
It’s true that Jerry does seem a little detached lately mostly probably because he’s got so many irons in the fire. I still like Jerry and I think he does a fairly objective job. I love the Raiders but they’re not exactly an open organization.
I don’t think Jerry is a Raider hater.
Not after he described how his dad used to take him to Raider games.
A couple of threads ago, he wrote a really short piece that said that there’s a lot of stories out there on the players we signed and if you want to read them, go find yourself!
Now that sounds like a Raider attitude!
Ultimately though, if the press wants to be anti-Raider they can go fuk themselves.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 am
Morning Lonetree,
lol Saturday night shenanigans.
We are Raider Fans afterall.
Rarely a dull moment.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Jhill,
Thanks for that.
I agree about outside the lines.
The Raiders are goofy.
They’ve got some of their signings on the Roster, but a few have yet to be added.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
Morning or evening Len.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
Hey ENGLANRAIDER,
How’s the nervous tick in the eye?
I thought of the guy from the Pink Panther movies when you said that.
Hilarious.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
My tick is fine Len and I’m thinking of entering it in the Olypmpics
I’m also happy that we got:
BOM………………………….Bey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND
Mad Dog Mitchell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
4eva:
Pass the Fosters.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 am
Priest says to Dude:
“I bet you’d argue with a signpost over the directions” lol.
To his credit, Dude thought it was funny too.
I don’t think Dude is Mr. I think he’s just a Raider fan who’s real disappointed with the last six years.
I just wish he’d come on here and whistle a different tune occasionally
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 am
Priest says to Dude:
“I bet you’d argue with a signpost over the directions” lol.
To his credit, Dude thought it was funny too.
I don’t think Dude is Mr. I think he’s just a Raider fan who’s real disappointed with the last six years.
I just wish he’d come on here and whistle a different tune occasionally
=======================================================
I read that too. Great line. I think I’ll spring it on my wife one of these days.
I’m not certain that Dude=MR either.
Similarities for sure.
One would think that a person could come up something positive every once in a while.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Good morning Great Nation.
What’s up M, Len, Dell, Jhill, England, 4eva, LMN, Nader, and the list goes on.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 am
What is wrong with this blog?
Why is it hidden so you have to search for it?
Are they trying to send Jerry a message?!
Is he going to show up for work one day and the locks are all changed?
Plus the moderater is nixing some really inoffensive posts. What’s that all about? Some of these conversations seem pointless because so much has been eliminated!
Does Jon Becker want Jerry’s job and he’s trying to bury him?
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Raider O
Whaaatttsss Uuuuppp.
Loved those Bud commercials.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Morning Raider O.
I’m worried about you, you don’t get enough sleep.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Good Morning Raider Nation!!!
Let’s put the cards on the table.
I’m real curious why do some of you care what the media, football pundits, or haters say bother some of you.
Please no sarcastic remarks to me, just a little inquiry to why it bothers some of you.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
MM is a beast, and Cant wait to see him hit LT!!!
Or even better, Joseph and MM hitting LT at the same time.
L who??
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:48 am
Len,
I love those Commercials, and The Bud frogs too.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Raider Dell Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Good Morning Raider Nation!!!
Let’s put the cards on the table.
I’m real curious why do some of you care what the media, football pundits, or haters say bother some of you.
Please no sarcastic remarks to me, just a little inquiry to why it bothers some of you.
======================================================
Morning Dell,
I get annoyed from time to time.
Usually the annoyance is gone as quickly as it came.
I think some just take it more personally.
As if something were being said about a family mamber.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
MM is a beast, and Cant wait to see him hit LT!!!
Or even better, Joseph and MM hitting LT at the same time.
L who??
=======================================================
I’m looking foward to this as well.
I really want to see a physical, intimidating type of defense.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
England,
I have a lot on my mind. I can sleep when I think a lot.
My Dr is telling me it’s OCD, but what does he know??
They are so quick to judge you and categorize you, you know!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:54 am
Member.
What’s a mamber? lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
F&$@ Fargas!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Raider O
That’s true, they’ve been telling me I’m crazy for years.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
England,
I have a lot on my mind. I can sleep when I think a lot.
My Dr is telling me it’s OCD, but what does he know??
They are so quick to judge you and categorize you, you know!!
======================================================
Has the good Doctor tried to push any pills yet?
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:56 am
Len,
It’s like a Baby Raider!!
Don’t ask!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Actually O, when you economize on your sleep time you end up dead a lot sooner that you anticipated.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Yall muthafukkas smoking crack! MR is Dude and Crow. You are being had
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 am
Morning Brien,
Jhill say’s Frantz signed a 2 yr 700,000 deal.
I like the sound of that.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 am
Damn Atlanta is beating Miami ass rite now
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
Dell:
It doesn’t bother me that media can be anti-Raider in fact I see it as a sign that they’re biased in favor of their favorite teams and are worried that we’re coming back.
As I said, if the media wants to be anti-Raider they can go fuk themselves.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Yall muthafukkas smoking crack! MR is Dude and Crow. You are being had
=======================================================
It really makes no diference to me.
Most of the posts are negative in tone anyway.
I usually just skip past them.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
RaiderLen
Good Morning.
I can tell you and I are on the same page, that’s a great comment.
Here is my question and thought, what is the difference when we criticize a player or the owner and our comments are in this blog for some to see, but yet when a scribe(newspapers) or media center (BSPN,NFLN,FOX etc..) we get very upset with there commentary.
The fact of the matter is we believe our comments come from our passion and love for the team, and the others chose just to hate. If you read some of our comments from topic to topic over the course of weeks on this blog, some of you are much more harsher than the media.
So what gives? We have the right to bash and they don’t, maybe I’m to old to understand.
I have been a Raider fan (briens term Raider) since 1967, I have seen and heard the bashing since. The media has not changed just more of them to bash, critique and criticize.
So get me straight, if our team is like family why is it ok for us and not for the media to bash.
Help a old man figure this out, please.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Len
Yes, Only 4!!!
Lexapro
Zolpidem
Chloridezrp…../ Alprazolam
Oxybutin
I’m crazy according to jim, but he said it was OK!!!
There are a lot of people like me he said!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
I would like the sound of the PA announcing Frantz as starting MLB vs SD 9/14/09
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
NMF says:
“…seeing Marcus in a Cheifs jersey is one of the worst things ever…”
Yeah. But not as bad as Robbins not showing up for the Superbowl.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:06 am
Him, sorry.
It’s funny, he told me I shouldn’t feel bad!!! Made me feel insane! lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 am
Raider Dell Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
RaiderLen
Good Morning.
I can tell you and I are on the same page, that’s a great comment.
Here is my question and thought, what is the difference when we criticize a player or the owner and our comments are in this blog for some to see, but yet when a scribe(newspapers) or media center (BSPN,NFLN,FOX etc..) we get very upset with there commentary.
The fact of the matter is we believe our comments come from our passion and love for the team, and the others chose just to hate. If you read some of our comments from topic to topic over the course of weeks on this blog, some of you are much more harsher than the media.
So what gives? We have the right to bash and they don’t, maybe I’m to old to understand.
I have been a Raider fan (briens term Raider) since 1967, I have seen and heard the bashing since. The media has not changed just more of them to bash, critique and criticize.
So get me straight, if our team is like family why is it ok for us and not for the media to bash.
Help a old man figure this out, please.
======================================================
This is a simplistic response, but it may get to the core of the issue.
The media may be viewed as outsiders.
Kind of like when as kids we would make life a living hell for our younger brothers and sisters, but if someone outside the family tried it, there was going to be hell to pay.
Just my 2 cents.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 am
Dell,
People within a family can be critical of each other but never like it when someone from the outside does the same.
I grew up as one of six and it was always that way.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
The fact that dmac and bush may have neal as the FB must scare the AFC west
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
Len,
Not a DR, more of a Pill Dealer!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:09 am
Did we sign FB Neal?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:10 am
If everyone has written Huff off, why hasn’t Morrison been written off?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 am
I dont believe the Barrett Robbins story at all!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
I would like the sound of the PA announcing Frantz as starting MLB vs SD 9/14/09
======================================================
Can I get an AMEN.
That would be awsome.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 am
Brien good morning
Do you really care if dude or Crow is MR. The blog would be so boring if they had no comments for those who feel positive about the teams direction to not argue the positive points. So take note good arguments stimulate the brain.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Yesterday was a fine day.
I’m down by the river at lunchtime,eating s Ploughman’s Lunch, having a beer, sitting in a pub’s garden area, watching the river go by, wearing my Raider hat, smoking a stogie….
Real relaxing.
A couple of guys offer to show me how to play poker.
Life is sweet.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
Len,
Not a DR, more of a Pill Dealer!!
======================================================
Raider O,
If it’s working for you, I’m good with that.
You’re one of the most tolerant around these parts.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
I told you guys Joseph will make the roster as a backup MLB at 1st, and now he has a 2 year contract to prove it.
I love it when I’m right, you know!! lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
Brien says:
“Can I get an amen?”
OK
Brien says, I love this team..fuk all of you that don’t feel the same way I do!”
Amen and I hope you’re feeling better.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
ENGLANGRAIDER,
What is a ploughmans lunch?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
RaiderLen & EnglandRaider
I will concur with both of your comments, I just believe the time some spend on the media commnets are just a fact of being a RAIDER.
I’ll drop the topic, but it will never go away.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
Mistabrown Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:27 am
Ok lets analyze this moronic statement of Priest.
——————————————————-
You know this idiot rarely comes in here making a statement himself. He only criticizes others statements. Of course, some of his past statements include thinking 3 time league MVP Favre could never play the game or that we actually tried the fake FG on 2nd down. Say dummass, why don’t you break down our receiving corp or our DT rotation, or our 3rd down audible packages like other posters. Or better yet, just STFU, and go slither back under your manhole cover. Asslick.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 am
I’m hoping that we are looking into Neal for insurance rather than there being a problem with O’Neal’s comeback.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Yesterday was a fine day.
I’m down by the river at lunchtime,eating s Ploughman’s Lunch, having a beer, sitting in a pub’s garden area, watching the river go by, wearing my Raider hat, smoking a stogie….
Real relaxing.
A couple of guys offer to show me how to play poker.
Life is sweet.
Thanks EnglandRaider,I got a real good visual on that one :=)
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:19 am
Good morning OakGlenn
Full barrels blazing to bust out this mornin.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:19 am
Dell:
You’re right and it’s because we’ve been so great in the past and will be again.
We have more game changers than I can remember.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 am
4eva:
Pass the Fosters
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 am
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 am
I’m hoping that we are looking into Neal for insurance rather than there being a problem with O’Neal’s comeback.
======================================================
I’ll be very suprised if OO is ready for a full 16 game schedual.
If He is, I still suspect He is a year away from getting all the way back.
If that is even possible.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:22 am
Len,
I don’t like DRs, and I don’t like what they are doing. did a little research, and found that the main reason for DR’s visits was Anxiety!!! I think it has to a lot to do with our lifestyle, work hard & play hard.
I don’t take their pills, I have my own Sticky Icky. lol
You know!!
Anxiety
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:25 am
You know Dell, there are posters and fans in here that are the epitome of class and knowledge and I am really proud to know them and “converse” with them. I would rattle off a few handles, but I don’t have to. They know who they are.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Living in Florida,May 1st is the day I slow down on da beers.Dont worry because its RUM DAQURIS 4 me.The other day when I said some chores snuck up on me it was because my dear old blender wouldnt work any more so I had 2 go by another.The Captain Morgan has officially set sail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Len, didn’t see that:
A Ploughman’s Lunch is what farmers have been eating for lunch in Britain for centuries and it’s still served in pubs:
Big chunck of real brown bread, big chunk of cheese, pickle(preferably Branston’s), salad, apple and all downed with beer or cidar.
Man, now I’m I’m getting hungry, fukkin Fargas.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
The thing that makes me so frustrated is listening to a media type who is clearly misconstrueing or leaving out facts that don’t support there argument. I was listening to a woman reporter the day after the draft being interviewed on a Fresno station, and you could almost hear the hate in here condescending voice as she went on and on about how Mitchell could have been selected in the 7th round when it had already been disclosed that he wouldn’t have gotten past Chicago or Dallas’s next pick.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Anxiety!!!
What a Load of crap!!!
Since when do we need 4 diff pills for Anxiety???
What happened to the good old days??if you are anxious, take a drink or smoke something!!
You know!!
F$&@ Fargas!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:27 am
Raider O,
My “pill” choice is beer.
Ahhh……..Beeeeerrr.
“Beer is proof that God loves us and cares about us.”
B. Franklin
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:27 am
Dell fuk MR. Guy comes in here to bash the Raiders and has the nerve to spew a long load of bullshyt everyday. He is a loser troll punk
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
I can’t drink, but I know God loves me. I have weed!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 am
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Len, didn’t see that:
A Ploughman’s Lunch is what farmers have been eating for lunch in Britain for centuries and it’s still served in pubs:
Big chunck of real brown bread, big chunk of cheese, pickle(preferably Branston’s), salad, apple and all downed with beer or cidar.
Man, now I’m I’m getting hungry, fukkin Fargas.
======================================================
Damn that sounds good.
I could make a habit of that.
Hell, I think I will.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Guys the Raiders are counter culture. We cant expect any love from the media.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Actually 4eva, Fosters is one strange beer company. The taste seems to be different depending on the country or region you live in.
In California, if you go to Trader Joes, you can buy the German beer Henniger. Now there’s an excellent beer. They sell it in bottles and cans with the cans being ridiculously cheap for an imported beer.
Imported from Frankfurt/Wiesbaden where I spent many happy hours.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
Weed is illegal, but all these Pills are!!!
By the way Len, I have a new DR now.
That other one was crazy.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 am
Raide O,
You can’t drink because of the prescriptions?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
Weed is illegal, but all these Pills are!!!
By the way Len, I have a new DR now.
That other one was crazy.
======================================================
Hahahahaha.
Fark Him.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
OakGlenn
I read your comments after the draft and of course during the draft. I know Bey wasn’t the direction of area you sensed we needed to improve.
I just hope the offense can control the clock and move the ball to place our defense in better field position with Lechler having punted the ball.
Movement on offense will apply more pressure on the opposing team, defense and offense, and when you place any type of urgency on a QB, mistakes happen.
When you look at the team versus last year we are improved, the question marks of the past two are still there. Run defense questioned, the optimistic view is we score more and change the opposing teams game plan to play pass more, or will that expose our lack of pass rush.
To many variables to fix in this year’s draft, it will be another interesting season.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
I cant wait until this season! Do you understand how much Neal improves the Offense?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Guys the Raiders are counter culture. We cant expect any love from the media.
=======================================================
When we win they’ll be singing a different tune.
We’ve seen it before.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
England,
That sounds great. I like real simple French and Italian food too.
Bread, chease, and lots of Vino.
Uhhh, the good old days.
Now I can’t drink!!!
F&$@ Fargas!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
Miller and the Rbs can go out for passes now. I expect nothing short of a 3 and 0 start
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
When the season ended, despite Bush’s great performance in Tampa Bay, I still thought Fargas would start this year.
Now that he’s been up for trade since the weekend before the draft, I don’t think so. I think it’ll be Bush but I hope we keep Fargas. That guy is a born Raider.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
I say cut Walker and ship Farglass. Go young
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
I cant wait until this season! Do you understand how much Neal improves the Offense?
=======================================================
Brien,
Have we officially signed Neal?
I agree, devastating blocker.
Instant respect. He’d be a good influence in the Clubhouse as well.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
England,
Oh no sir, I don’t take those pills.
I can’t drink due to my religion.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
I think any defense, even ours, is a lot better when the offense keeps scoring points. The defense can smell blood in the water and play with a lot more aggression knowing that one mistake isn’t going to kill their chances.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
I say cut Walker and ship Farglass. Go young
======================================================
I’d like tosee walker gone as well.
Fargas, I’m on the fence.
Rankin is waiting in the wings, but I like Fargas’ mental attitude and approach.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
I believe to start the year Chaz and JLH are the X and Y WRs with Bey the 3rd. I can totally see that happening.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Neal has had a great career and I think he should be a HOFer. I hope he still has something left.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
Does Neal fit our ZBS system?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
Brien:
You expect 3-0?
I’m as optimistic as that too. The truth though is that we are going to be playing a lot of young, talented, hi-motor guys with limited experience. Mistakes are going to be made.
Vegas Raider thought that we’d go 8-8 or 9-7.
I kind of think he’s right but I wouldn’t put any money down.
There are too many variables. Last year it looked like an easy schedule, but it turned out to be less easy than we thought(for example Miami).
Still, we could be 9-7. With our division we might even win it.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:44 am
raiderkoolaid Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
I think any defense, even ours, is a lot better when the offense keeps scoring points. The defense can smell blood in the water and play with a lot more aggression knowing that one mistake isn’t going to kill their chances.
======================================================
It creates an atmosphere of CONFIDENCE.
If the offense is scoring the defense then also feels entitled to hold up their end of the bargin.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:44 am
I forgot that O. No pepperoni too. I remember.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Len, its a rumor you have to give credence. Neal is what the team needs at FB. Who wants shed his block?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
raiderkoolaid Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
I think any defense, even ours, is a lot better when the offense keeps scoring points. The defense can smell blood in the water and play with a lot more aggression knowing that one mistake isn’t going to kill their chances.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
raiderkoolaid
I agree and I think the staff after reviewing film, looking at the season probably thinks one to two drives for scores keeps the defense off the field and improves the team overall.
The conditioning factor also concerns me, yet if the defense is on the field versus the average defense of the rest of the NFL, are we exposed due to the lack of conditioning or bad offense.
Drafting the way we did, some of that I believe is recognized.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Rankin is 6′0 205, and he has great speed like DMC.
This camp should be interesting, we gave a lot of young guys to compete.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
I believe to start the year Chaz and JLH are the X and Y WRs with Bey the 3rd. I can totally see that happening.
=======================================================
Yep.
DHB will be starting just as soon as He’s got enough of the O digested to be effective in all down and distance scenerios.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 am
O, damn the zbs. Neal opens holes and pass protects well. English, yea I expect to beat sd,kc and den.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Len, its a rumor you have to give credence. Neal is what the team needs at FB. Who wants shed his block?
======================================================
For sure.
I’ve never doubted the rumor.
I just hope we can get Him signed.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:50 am
The thing that Fargas gives that the other backs weren’t ready for last year is the ability to read the blitz and pick it up. Hopefully McFadden and Bush will be up to speed this year.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:51 am
raiderkoolaid Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:50 am
The thing that Fargas gives that the other backs weren’t ready for last year is the ability to read the blitz and pick it up. Hopefully McFadden and Bush will be up to speed this year.
=======================================================Exactly spot on.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
Len, after all the top 3 WRs get alot of PT. With Chaz,JLH and DHB our pass game should be adequate. Russell has no excuse.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:53 am
WRs: 5 young WRs, 2 rookies and 3 2nd year guys.
RBs: 3 young RBs
TE: 3 young TEs
DEs: 7 young players, if you add Bryant as a base end.
LBs: they are all young players.
Ss: 3 young players
All these young players will compete for roster spots, it should make the team young and hungry.
I love it!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
Len, after all the top 3 WRs get alot of PT. With Chaz,JLH and DHB our pass game should be adequate. Russell has no excuse.
======================================================
Agreed.
I also like the fact that all of these Guys can develope together.
I like to think long term, and this group has some seriously good long term potential.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Farglass brought no versatility to the offense. He hurt us with his lack of talent.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Hungry to prove themselves.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Farglass brought no versatility to the offense. He hurt us with his lack of talent.
======================================================
Justin gives everything that He’s got.
I can respect that.
However as Raiderkoolaid said at #658, I think Fargas is 3rd string now for the duration of his stay here.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I forgot to ask, who won the fight yesterday?
And was it good??
I’ll watch it for free next week on HBO. lol
Len, I told you I was cheap.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Raider O
Manny, KO’d Hatton in round 2.
Flat knocked Him out.
I was very suprised.
Hatton is a tough S O B.
Manny is king of the world.
I’d love to see Him fight Mayweather.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Rankin is 6′0 205, and he has great speed like DMC.
This camp should be interesting, we gave a lot of young guys to compete.
=====================================================
I had no idea Rankin has that type of speed.
Very good problem to have. Fargas/Rankin
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Len,
Ooohhhh, I’ll pay to watch that one.
That will be the fight of the Decade. IMO
I like heavy weights, but there hasn’t been any good ones since young Iron Mike.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
The optimistic view regarding any players or players is how well do they adapt to our new offense. The twists we saw last year will be to utilize their skills in the passing game.
The hire of Ted Tollner will improve our team with his credentials as a protege of former great HC’S, he coached with.
I would like to see the following happen, to utilize JLH skill set.
I believe to be the best you have to understand your position and review film towards a higher learning curve.
JLH should sit down and watch the following “Y” receivers to understand his play to make himself better as well as the team.
Watching Wes Welker for his quickness and finding the open windows and Brandon Stokley for his evasive cuts and moves. JLH has the quickness and speed that both Welker and Stokley wish they had, but each of them have what it takes to excel at the Y receiver spot.
JLH is the perfect Y receiver, if he gets that position down, he will move the chains and create problems for the opposing defense.
Expect our offense to look like this on passing downs or even some running downs:
Bey = X
Schillens =Z
JLH =Y
Miller TE
RB, either Bush or DMAC
The opposing defense has to remove a linebacker for JLH.
Who will cover Miller,probably a linebacker, the oposing defender is five yards back off JLH, that means 6 in the box for a potential run. Bey will run off the single safety, based on a deep in, fly, or post route, and Schillens will have single coverage to go across or sit down for a pass.
The potential is there for more offensive movement, I believe Tollner is perfect for this scheme, and there are more possible plays not even discussed to compliment our personnel.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Old Mike is sad, but I still like him. ( I don’t know why)
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Len,
Ooohhhh, I’ll pay to watch that one.
That will be the fight of the Decade. IMO
I like heavy weights, but there hasn’t been any good ones since young Iron Mike.
=======================================================
I’ll pay to watch that one as well.
Back in the day in the Heavyweight Division.
ALI, Fraizer, Foreman, Norton, Ron Lyle, Ernie Shavers,
Jerry Quarry, …I’ve probably forgotten several, but this time in History was loaded with talent.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
JLH in the slot. I agree.
They have to take a LB out, or it’s a mismatch all day.
If they take the LB out, then we can hit them with a nice run or a short pass.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Ali was the best. IMHO
He had it all!!!
I can’t believe we did that to him!!!
Took the best years of his career, his prime years.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Raider Dell,
#670. Thanks for laying out in concise terms, what I believe many of us are thinking.
Great Post.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
The thrilla in Manilla!
Great stuff.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Ali was the best. IMHO
He had it all!!!
I can’t believe we did that to him!!!
Took the best years of his career, his prime years.
======================================================
A very tumultuos time in the Nations history.
He was made an example by the powers that be of the time.
Prime years wasted for sure.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Ali in his prime vs. Iron Mike!!
Ali in the 9th or 10th RD.
Young Iron mike was knocking fighters out before the 6th RD, but Ali liked to play around and get the other fighter tired.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Len, O now you can BE Tyson
http://exophase.com/ps3/ea-announces-fight-night-round-4-mike-tyson-confirmed-as-playable-4849.htm
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
The thrilla in Manilla!
Great stuff.
======================================================
Yes!
I believe Ali was quoted as saying that it was as close to death as He’d ever felt.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Without the psycosis & jail time & the lawsuits & the………..
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I didn’t expect Hatton to lose that fight especially in the second round.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Without the psycosis & jail time & the lawsuits & the………..
=======================================================
RaiderTW,
lol. You’re sounding like a marketing director.
I hope Tyson can hold on to the $$$ he hopefully is getting.
It’s sad when some of these Guys end up broke.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
……..tattoo on your face, bankruptcy, hangers on….
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I didn’t expect Hatton to lose that fight especially in the second round.
======================================================
I’d never bet against Manny, but I thought Hatton stood a good chance of winning.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
……..tattoo on your face, bankruptcy, hangers on….
======================================================
Trainwreck!
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
…OR Len, O, you can be Ali, without the alziemers, the age, the hangers on, the religious fanaticism……
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
http://www.channelsurfing.net/
nfl network. for those guys that dont get it free
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
…OR Len, O, you can be Ali, without the alziemers, the age, the hangers on, the religious fanaticism……
======================================================
I wanna be Joe Louis.
Minus the Tax issue, and greeter job in Vegas.
Our Gov really layed the wood to Joe.
Bastards.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
lol. You’re sounding like a marketing director.
———–
I’ve played Knockout, it’s a blast. Finally I proved Hagler is the better boxer than Sugar. Fighting as Marciano & the Raging Bull is fun too.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Len,
“Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
LOL. I saw Hagler / Leonard on closed circuit at the Oakland Arena.
I was a big Fan of Leonard, but if I look at that fight objectively…Hagler won.
I’m not a gamer, but I’ll have my Son check it out.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
What’s up TW?
Iron Mike is Crazy Mike now.
Maybe I should give him my pills.
Or my DR’s phone #!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
not much O, he’s always been Crazy Mike arrested how many times before he was 14?
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Correction: my Ex DR’s #!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Len,
“Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
======================================================
It’s true.
We seem to be unable to get out of our own way as a species.
Power / Greed / Corruption
So long as these are traits of our DNA / Behavior,
We can expect more of the same.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Len,
Mmmmm, is it Nature or Nurture?!?
The good Ol’ Question!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Len,
Mmmmm, is it Nature or Nurture?!?
The good Ol’ Question!!
====================================================
Easy answer.
Both!
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I agree, Len, but for some, like others were saying earlier, to b!tch & b!tch about Al Davis & saying nothing new has to be a bahaviour/psycosis problem. lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Len,
I like your style, cover all!!
DNA/ Behavior. lol
Take your pick!!
LMAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
TW
LMAO
Boy, you crazy!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I agree, Len, but for some, like others were saying earlier, to b!tch & b!tch about Al Davis & saying nothing new has to be a bahaviour/psycosis problem. lol
=======================================================
It could be.
Oh well. Live and Let Live.
I usually just skip past the usual suspects anyway.
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Boy, you crazy!!!
——-
You laugh now but wait until maddenraider, narco boob, & dude show up to prove my point!
lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Does anyone else see the irony of me calling 2 people Crazy??
Me and my 4 pills!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Len,
I like your style, cover all!!
DNA/ Behavior. lol
Take your pick!!
LMAO
======================================================
I meant it.
DNA effects our behavior.
Nurture can help mold it.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
And everyone needs a mouldy behaviour. lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I like that blue cheese!
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Does anyone else see the irony of me calling 2 people Crazy??
Me and my 4 pills!!!
======================================================
Raider O,
In my experience, crazy is a hormonal woman.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Did you know hysterical can from the word hysterectomy?
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
DHB: “I understood the situation I had,” Heyward-Bey said. “The quarterbacks we had were good friends of mine, they tried their best to get me the ball. I just tell them to throw it up the best they can and I’ll bring it down.”
^He already sounds like (a more polished) Randy Moss! “Just chuck it up there dawg. They can’t jump w/ me! Gaww-lee!” heheh
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
came
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Did you know hysterical can from the word hysterectomy?
======================================================
TW, I didn’t know that.
If this is the case then I say outlaw all hysterectomies imediately.
We don’t want our women any more hysterical.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I wonder how DHB stacks up to Bowe in that regard. Russell could feel at home with DHB.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Len, that’s why Drs recommended they rip out their wombs, to be more passive.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
nader64 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
DHB: “I understood the situation I had,” Heyward-Bey said. “The quarterbacks we had were good friends of mine, they tried their best to get me the ball. I just tell them to throw it up the best they can and I’ll bring it down.”
^He already sounds like (a more polished) Randy Moss! “Just chuck it up there dawg. They can’t jump w/ me! Gaww-lee!” heheh
====================================================
DHB is gonna love JaMarcus.
Hell, Jamarcus may tell Him to run a little faster to catch up to what He’s throwing.
This could be a great combo.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
You talking about Dwayne Bowe? I don’t know much about the guy other than he’s pretty good.
I think it’d be great for Russell if DHB could just out “man” smaller DBs for the ball like Moss used to do for Culpepper. Anything close to it would be big for us.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
He does have good body control, tracks well, and leaps well. Not to mention 4.2 speed. Oh man, the thought of it gets me juiced. Is it Sept. yet?!?!
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Len, that’s why Drs recommended they rip out their wombs, to be more passive.
=======================================================
WOW.
Did not know that.
My understanding was that after a Hystorectomy, women had to go on hormone therapy to help regulate what nature did all by itself.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:22 pm
If DHB puts in the work, which I think He will, He should be very productive.
I can’t wait to see Him hook up with JaMarcus.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Dwayne Bowe was LSU’s & Russell’s go to guy. He’s at KC & he out jumps DBs like Moss. I hope we got Russell’s Bowe at #7.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
hormone therapy helps regulate & keeps them on an even keel. “hysterical” women “needed” hysterectomies according to 30&40s Drs.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Len,
Post # 708, so true.
LMAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Ah. that’s right. forgot he was an LSU guy. makes sense to me TW. thx and hell yeah
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
TW,
If you mean to jump like him then yes, but Bowe is stronger and slower than DHB. IMO
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
The question posited a while back by RaiderDell concerning media bias was replied to quite well by EnglandRaider and RaiderLen in their discerns about family. Basically, don’t talk about me unless you are me. And, as ever, those who speak the LOUDEST most often know the least.
Was it Brien who mentioned Raiderland as counterculture? The Panthers, the Moustache Gang, and the managing general partner of the Oaktown football team among others giving the finger to convention. Very fine ideas indeed.
The entire media fawning over the insubstantial and insupportive is nothing new. I am certain that 140-odd years ago all news outlets were carrying water for the expansionist barons who wished to delete the “savage red men” out west. Just as today the media wishes to provide informed services about Tuck Boy and Bundchen as well as the dimensions of A-Rod’s problem with gynecomastia. Hating on the Raiders is simply a safe way to appeal to the base prejudice of many viewers.
note: recently I heard from my mother that there was a naming contest in the Bay Area in 1960. My father, who was a fan from them until his death a couple of decades ago, submitted his preference. My father chose “The Piranhas” as his pick for the name of the Oakland franchise. No way an emblem of that toothy fish would’ve done the global thing as the eyepatch on the shield.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
hormone therapy helps regulate & keeps them on an even keel. “hysterical” women “needed” hysterectomies according to 30&40s Drs.
=====================================================
TW,
Now it makes sense.
The 30’s and 40’s.
Hey, they did what they thought they had to do.
Right? (Cough)
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Raider Len says:
“..In my experience crazy is a hormonal woman”..LOL
Don’t be sexist, broads don’t like that.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Len,
Hell ya they did, those SOBs had it all. Forget the late 20s crash, and WW1&2, and look at the good side of it. The Cars, clothes, women, and drugs were semi legal. I love it!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
F&$@ Fargas!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I liked the hats too, they all had them, men, women, and kids.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Guns too.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Raider Len says:
“..In my experience crazy is a hormonal woman”..LOL
Don’t be sexist, broads don’t like that.
=======================================================
ENGLANDRAIDER,
LOL.
I’m not sexist.
I’m telling the truth as I’ve witnessed it.
Broads…Now that’s sexist.
Wait… I use that word. I guess I’m sexist afterall.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER, chicks don’t like you calling them broads either.lol Dumb b!tchs.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER, chicks don’t like you calling them broads either.lol Dumb b!tchs.
=====================================================
LMFAO,
Is that sexist?
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
My uncle, now he’s sexist.
He says all women are crazy. I asked him about his wife the other day, and he said she is still a live!!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I respect women, in fact I want the GOP to run Sarah Palin/Michelle Bachmann ticket for the whitehouse. Talk about 2 whacked out dumb broads!!@!
The end of the GOP!! lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I liked the hats too, they all had them, men, women, and kids.
======================================================
Raider O,
True. I like looking at old photos.
A different time for sure.
Even some of the old film clips of baseball games.
Dudes were in suits and the women in dresses.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Alive.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
A man doesn’t know how good he has it until he’s married. By then it’s too late.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Do you guys know why most men die before their wives?
….Because they want too.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
It was a diff world, that’s for sure.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
A man needs to own a woman like a fish needs to own a bicycle.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
A man doesn’t know how good he has it until he’s married. By then it’s too late.
======================================================
Hahahahah!
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
TW,
So true my brother.
LMAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
A man needs to own a woman like a fish needs to own a bicycle
=======================================================
I’ll never own my wife.
I making payments.
To Visa, Master Card and American Express.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
the smartest thing to ever come out of a woman’s mouth?
einstein’s c0ck!
couldn’t resist. for the record, it’s just a joke
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
” because they want too”
LMAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I guess we’ll know soon enough if the Mod is a woman.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
You guys are crackin me up.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Maybe that’s why I don’t sleep much!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
TW
I kind of knew that.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Al-ways look-on the bright side of life
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Len,
LMAO,
Visa owns the the title for my wife, I get it after 30 years, just like a house.
The only diff is, houses keep their value!! lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Al-ways look-on the bright side of life
=====================================================
Thats what I’m talkin about.
The last 6 years have really brought that sentiment home.
I’m ready for some of the good stuff now.
I think we are getting real close.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Len,
LMAO,
Visa owns the the title for my wife, I get it after 30 years, just like a house.
The only diff is, houses keep their value!! lol
======================================================
LOL. Raider O,
Talk to your accountant.
Mabey your wife is a deperciative asset.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
TW says: “..I want the GOP to run Sara Palin…
I wouldn’t mind taking a run at Sarah Palin myself.
Is that sexist?
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Does that count as a tax write off?!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Interestingly gentlemen, the major portion of the most enlightened souls I have met on this planet have been incarnate as female. Not many, but those of the male persuasion number fewer. Kinda blows up in the face of most of this world’s major religions, that.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Len says:
“I’ll never own my wife. I making payments.”
LMFAO
You should have left it right there!!!!!!!!
LMFAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Does that count as a tax write off?!
=====================================================
Yes. It would. But unfortunately our wive’s can not be put on our balance sheet as an asset.:)
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
“..I want the GOP to run Sara Palin…
I wouldn’t mind taking a run at Sarah Palin myself.
Is that sexist?
ENG, no just animal passion not even political. Sexist is if you want her crawl on the floor in a french maid’s outfit, clean the kitchen & have her lick your boots. Take pictures.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
TW
LMAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
“My wife whined that I never take her anywhere so I showed her the kitchen!”
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
The only woman I can think of on this blog is Raider Mom, and I’m glad she is not here now.
We look really bad and bitter!!! Normal stuff for a married man.
24,
Don’t do it!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Sarah Palin entered a office lobby & saw a sign saying Wet Floor. So she did!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hey mod – my bad. won’t happen again. that’s my word.
sorry if i offended anyone. i hope it wasn’t taken too seriously!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
We look really bad and bitter!!! Normal stuff for a married man.
24,
Don’t do it!!!
———-
Yeah, or the only free time you will have 7 or 8. Not 24.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Being married is a whole lot better than being single.
When you find a good woman you’re life is much better.
At least, that’s what she told me.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I remember my Dad’s face when I told him I wanted to get married. Had an amazed look on his face, so I thought he was just surprised.
Now I know better, God bless you Dad. lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Nader 64.
The mod appears to have lost it.
They’re cancelling a lot including
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I hope we’re not offending Raider Mom and come to think of it, what happened to Andrew’s Mom? Raider Mom told me she’s not the same person.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Free speach, who needs that!!!
We have a Mod.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Being married is a whole lot better than being single.
When you find a good woman you’re life is much better.
At least, that’s what she told me.
======================================================
Ya they do that.
I’ve been accussing my wife and all women for years, that they all go to the same secret “finishing” school that coaches them up to make our lives “challenging”
Of course it’s all for “our own good”. lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Some of this stuff is really overrated:
Free speach
Free religion
PC
Who needs that stuff when you have a Mod!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Raider O Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Free speach, who needs that!!!
We have a Mod.
======================================================
That’s right Raider O.
The Mod will tell us what’s good for us.
Baaa…Baaa…Baaa
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Beer run.
BRB.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thank you Mod, you do a lot for us.
Without you we can only have free speach, and some will be able to say their Fav words, like Dakota and his word: Sho3s!!
LMAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
M Lonetree:
I like the way you put that in regard to anti-Raider bias.
…”don’t talk about me, unless you are me…”
Great stuff.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Raider O
Are you still married?
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Nader,
All hail the great Mod, say it with me. He likes that.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
England,
LMAO.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
England,
Now I’m crying, but yes!! lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Len:
I missed that one.
Do you know why men die before women? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
M Lonetree:
I like the way you put that in regard to anti-Raider bias.
…”don’t talk about me, unless you are me…”
Great stuff.
======================================================
This is a great point.
I’d intended to respond to Lonetrees post and got mixed up with a woman.
Farkin Fargas.
Great post Lonetree.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Looks like TW’s wife came and got him. LOL
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Actually, I meant what I said.
Being married is a whole lot better than being single.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
England,
LMAO
Stop it, you are killing me.
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Actually, I meant what I said.
Being married is a whole lot better than being single.
======================================================
ENGLANDRAIDER,
Is the wife standing over your shoulder?
If so, play it cool.
We’ll never let on about what has been said.
Seriously, I’ve been maried 21 years.
If I were single it would take a while to get my bearings.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
The woman analogy and jokes are all interesting, but I will refrain from any comedy towards woman because of my lack of humor, due to my wedding bliss of 22 years.
Cable as been awarded the distinction of agreeing with our maverick owner on the players drafted in the first two rounds. I guess in any position in life when your boss has recommendations you either get on board or you argue your point in a direction to discuss your differences.
I know some in here have used the word puppet, but unless we know for sure the dynamics in the draft room, have Cable and Davis deciding the same players in those positions of need.
My understanding is the needs part of the discussion, who decided that those positions of needs and players drafted are to be the areas the Raiders team needed.
I will never know nor will the media. Film breakdown is a time consuming project and they can record and grade out the players and decisions made during the games played.
Our pass offense average 148 yds per game, towards the bottom of the NFL, and our rush offense is in the top 10 of the NFL. The question is balance, yet some teams want to take away your strengths as a offense.
The passing game is more than players and QB, the play calling must be varied to keep the defense off balance.
The last few years even prior to Kiffin, we just didn’t have balance or any type of direction on offense. Are we a running team or do we use the passing game to open up the run, simply stated what is our identity.
When the Raiders were winning the pass would set up the run and the past few years we relied heavly on the run. Most teams played run and ignored our pass, which is as stats points out was our biggest down fall to are losing seasons.
Some may want the ol Raider style back, I myself just want consistent pass stats to have some balance, an occasional 60 yard hich or fly pattern is also helpful.
To become elite team, our coordination has to be better, the passing game is rhythm and timing, with all players improving on the read of the defense.
The 2007 game against Chicago in Oakland was the most embarassing. The bears never took out a linebacker when the Raiders went to a three receiver set, they instead brought a safety up to play the Y receiver. I knew then we have really fallen off as a good passing team, and some of the same attitude exisisted last year to.
The Raiders win two to three more games next year if they can bring their passing yards up to the middle of the pack, enough to bring the threat to have a better chance of winning more games.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Len,
I love my kid, and I do like my wife. lol
If I had to to it all over again, I will run, scream, kick, and do it all. lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Do you know why cavemen dragged their women by the hair instead of their ankles?
So they d@n;t f!ll up w!th d!rt.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
It’s all in good fun, I do love my wife. I’ve been married for 5 years, and I would do it all over again.
I do enjoy the wife jokes, I can’t help it!! lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
TW,
LMAO
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
By the way, me and my wife make jokes about it all the time.
We were having a Romantic Moment, so I asked her if was happy with me.
She said: no, buy we have a kid so….
I love it!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I hate to repeat this old joke but what the hell.
A cavalry trooper is on guard at a fort in Arizona in the 1850’s and he see’s a cloud of dust approaching.
As the the dust gets closer he sees that it’s an Indian riding a horse, with his wife, walking behind him, carrying all of their many possessions on her back.
The trooper stares at this. Amazed.
When the Indian finally gets to the for he asks:
“Why is your wife walking?”
The Indian says, “She aint got no horse!”
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I started laughing when she said that.
She is Crazy!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Hey Dell,
We have to have legitimate balance on offense.
If the run game is productive and imposing, the play action pass will be our ticket.
McFadden and Bush appear to be home run hitters in the back field.
Defenses have to account for their abilities.
The combination of Chaz, JLH, DHB, and the speed they bring to the offense, should help stretch the field.
The ace in the hole is Z. Miller.
If Jamarcus can get some protection, we should have a lot of options on how best to move the ball in any given game circumstance.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Plus she puts up with me, and God knows that’s not an easy job!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
You can still laugh Dell, we’re just practicing a mild case of misogany for comedy. Which is a learned behaviour & can be changed.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Later Guys, I really enjoy talking to you.
You guys are funny, be good.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I got a chainsaw for my wife.
Did I make a good deal?
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
You can still laugh Dell, we’re just practicing a mild case of misogany for comedy. Which is a learned behaviour & can be changed.
====================================================
If you read what Dell said closely in the 1st paragraph, He took a shot at women…
Raider Dell Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
The woman analogy and jokes are all interesting, but I will refrain from any comedy towards woman because of my lack of humor, due to my wedding bliss of 22 years.
——————————————————
======================================================
…”my lack of humor, due to my wedding bliss of 22 years.”
Classic understated Humor.
Good Job Dell.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
RaiderDell,
you and I both have seen it for a long while. It is the O-line play and having a strong running attack that has shown successful in the “Raider way” of offensive attack. Whether it is Hewritt or Hubbard or Van Eghen or Pete or Marcus or Bo or Wheatley or Garner or Crockett or the present crop of RBs, having a viable and dominant running game is the verb with the “vertical passing game” being the adverb in the Raider statement. It is why I harp only on O-linemen as the necessity as everything predicates from there.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Quick note, Jerry: SUU is in Cedar City. The Spectrum is out of St. George, which is 55 miles south.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Twocents Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I got a chainsaw for my wife.
Did I make a good deal?
=======================================================
Does the chainsaw work?
If so, that’s an awesome deal.
My wife has never worked.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Twocents:LOL
Give me a freaking break! LOL LOL
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Later Raider O
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Do you know why j3w!sh women like j3w!sh men?
They like anything that is 30% off.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Hey Len, TW, O and the rest of you guys:
It’s been a laugh but it’s heading for midnight and I’m heading for bed.
Raiders uber alles!
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
circumsized men.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
M
The blueprint seems to be part of the players drafted this year. The pundits say the old style of Raider offense can’t work, the NFL has changed. Look no further than Pittsburgh who won the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh is definetly no WC offense, yet they are paraised for their Qb play and running attack.
The fact is Pittsburgh plays offense very similar with a few changes like the old Raider teams use to. I digress back to the pundits, they only wish they knew, what today’s NFL is, I will look at results as the best way for each team.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
M Lonetree Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
RaiderDell,
you and I both have seen it for a long while. It is the O-line play and having a strong running attack that has shown successful in the “Raider way” of offensive attack. Whether it is Hewritt or Hubbard or Van Eghen or Pete or Marcus or Bo or Wheatley or Garner or Crockett or the present crop of RBs, having a viable and dominant running game is the verb with the “vertical passing game” being the adverb in the Raider statement. It is why I harp only on O-linemen as the necessity as everything predicates from there.
=======================================================
Lonetree,
I agree. What’s different (in my point of view) is the ZBS.
Back in the day it was an easier process to identify a Raider type O lineman.
I believe as You do that it all starts up front, but now the question for Me is “with whom”
If Barnes, Henderson, Satele, and the rest are executing Cables system, I believe we will run the ball effectively.
It will be a different way to success, but if successfull, the passing game can follow suit.
Provided Jamarcus and the young WR’s perform.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
bl3w that joke.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Good Night ENGLANDRAIDER.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
The pundits also say the vertical game doesn’t work anymore. How many time does NE throw the ball up deep to Moss?
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
RaiderTW Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Do you know why j3w!sh women like j3w!sh men?
They like anything that is 30% off.
======================================================
My wife likes the idea of 50% more for free.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Please. NE throws underneath to Welker and occasionally go deep to Moss. Dont even try and call that the “vertical game”. Even the WC offrnse takes shots occasionally.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
raiderkoolaid Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
The pundits also say the vertical game doesn’t work anymore. How many time does NE throw the ball up deep to Moss?
======================================================
Exactly.
If a defense has to accout for every square inch of the field, there will be holes.
If as an offense you have personnell that can beat the opponent to those holes…you win.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
RaiderDell,
if JaMarcus Franchise can cojone-up and keep plays alive the way Roethlisberger is willing to when necessary, then we have something. The Raider running game can definitely be there, but I am suspicious about pass protection which means JRuss has to find it in himself to make plays when things inevitably break down. Hell DHBey can run to the end zone on every play and if the QB can remain upright he can just throw it him there on any passing down.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I know NE doesn’t throw the ball up deep on every play. In spite of what the pundits think The Raiders did in the old days, they didn’t throw it up there every other play either. It is used as a weapon to create more room undernieth.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
M
Good comment on what makes Rothleisberger or unique in keeping the play alive and waiting to have a WR get open before the release of the ball.
Jamarcus was really cautious under the tutleage of Kiffin. I believe he was conditioned to play error free football. The results are a good, not to many interceptions, but not many creative plays in the passing game.
I hope Jamarcus can with the current coaching staff, continue to play smart yet pick your spots when to create.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Raiderkoolaid,
well addressed. I’ve been watching the boys for a long long time and I concur exactly with what you just wrote. A few times per game, the threat, perhaps a completion.
Or, by conventional view, Cliff Branch would’ve scored 72 touchdowns per year during the Raider heyday.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
RaiderDell,
I thought you were on vacation, or was that prior?
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I hope I’m not being too optimistic, but we have the potential to control the game with our offense.
I’m not sure if DHB is going to be an immediate starter, so we do need somebody to play the XR in the beginning.
I think the OL is going to be okay and if McFadden has a break-out year, look out!
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
M
I left last sunday, towards the end of the draft.
I returned Saturday morning. To short of a trip but I have enjoyed my rest and work has to be completed on some minor fronts.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Twocents Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I hope I’m not being too optimistic, but we have the potential to control the game with our offense.
I’m not sure if DHB is going to be an immediate starter, so we do need somebody to play the XR in the beginning.
I think the OL is going to be okay and if McFadden has a break-out year, look out!
=======================================================
Yep. Lot’s of weapons on offense.
It does hinge on the O line.
I sure hope that DMACs turf toe was an abberation, and not a chronic issue.
Under the right circumstances he can be a Pro Bowler and potential MVP.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
RaiderDell,
I do hope that you had an excellent bit of time away from here.
All I want to do is to grab my backpack and tent to disappear into the wilds for a long moment. One never exactly knows the way the wefts and warps, winds and weaves of the path will reveal itself.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I’m just thinking about last year, all the turmoil and dissention surrounding Kiffin.
Then the opener against Denver, dammit that was disgusting.
I really think we’ve turned the corner and we’re going to be competitive.
I like the fact that we have a tough schedule, if we can play these teams tough then I’ll be happy.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
M
The trip was planned to head to Mexico, Cancun to be exact. The wife and I discussed the current situation and decided to cancel and set our sights towards Rancho Mirage and had a relaxing time. The temperature was for the week around 85-90 degrees.
The wife pulls through again with a good hotel and the right balance between having activities and just relaxing.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Twocents
The thought of Kiffin and last year at this time brings back terrible memories. I’m glad were past the drama.
The schedule is tough but their are no easy games in the NFL.
I was at the Denver game, what a depressing drive home, that was the worst game and drive and I can’t think of any other game that we lost in Oakland that was more of a downer than that one.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Sweep the leg….
Do you have a problem with that?
No, Sensei.
Good….no mercy.
—————————————————-
bored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Raider Dell,
We have suffered long enough, it is time for something good to happen.
Winning those games at the end of last year was monumental. We actually looked like a football team.
The worm has turned. (Whatever that means.)
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
am i the only one having problems with this blog?
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Blackdeath29,
I’m having problems also, keep losing the connection.
Thought it was my crappy computer.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Where does the phrase “the worm has turned” come from?
It’s one of many derived forms of an old proverb, the base of which is either tread on a worm and it will turn or even a worm will turn. It means ‘even the most humble will strike back if abused enough’.
====================================================
Here ya go Twocents.
The worm is about to turn.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Thanks RaiderLen, our worm has been stepped on enough and needs to grow a pair.
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Twocents Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Thanks RaiderLen, our worm has been stepped on enough and needs to grow a pair.
===================================================
LOL.
I think the “pair” is going thru puberty as we speak.
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
At the risk of dating myself, a verse from “Sixteen Tons”.
If you see me coming, better step aside.
A lot of men didn’t and a lot of men died.
One fist of iron, the other of steel,
If the right don’t get ya, then the left one will.
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Was it my singing that drove everyone off the blog?
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
God created man
Colt made him even
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
What’s in Rancho Mirage, is it just like the palms? Spas, golf, etc..?
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
I need to travel more, I want to see Yellowstone, Alaska, and other places.
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I would also like to visit the far east.
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
hay O why do they call it the far east when…if im right it is to the west of us???????
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
I know I said this year is diff every season for the last 6 years, but this year is really different.
We have a lot of young guys to compete, this has to be the youngest Raider team that I have seen, RR is gone, and Cable Reminds me of Madden.
They are both overweight, staight shooters, can hype you up, like Al, and have passion for the game and the Raiders.
I
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
R8,
What’s up my brother?
Let me look at a map and get back to you, I have been smoking.
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
had a head cold the last couple days so just blowing my nose lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Rookie LB Jasper Brinkley is a heavy hitter, literally, at 257 pounds and has a history of bone-breaking tackle
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
ya i guess New york could be west of us too if you took the long way lol
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
R8,
Let me see if this messed up brain can make any sense!
Sunrise is the east and sunset is the west.
Does that help? It doesn’t even make sense to me. lol
Let’s talk Raiders.
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:49 pm
thats what we need 16 bone crushing guys…hows it hanging ?
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
i honestly think we should run a streak with one of the young fast wr and have walker go underneath plus miller dmac/bush somewhere but with all the speed we have streaks every play
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
R8,
NY is in the East, we are the West bro!!!
I hope you feel better, how is the family?
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
im good and i saw the wolverine movie it was good
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
What’s up 16, how was that Hockey game?
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
it wasnt that bad i only watched it cuz every time i turned on the tv somebody was talking about ovechkin vs crosby
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
thanks o talk to you later im going back to bed night
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
R8,
Dude, we are giving Raider Fans a bad rep!
Fargas!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
R8,
Take care bro, and I really hope you feel better soon.
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
16,
Joseph got a 2yr contract from the Raiders.
I like him and MM a lot, both are heavy hitters.
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:04 pm
o take another hit and think about …..if you get in a plane in L.A and fly west you will land in New York…its not the fastest way but you will get there …the world is round not flat LMFAO..i think i have to much cold medicine in me to be funny tonight..im just effing with you bro.. have a great night..enjoy elmo tonight..before you know it she will be grown up and you will miss it..believe me it comes faster then you think
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
You guys are killing me.
R8,
That was a good, long, and nice hit.
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Ain’t no sunshine when Bob is here!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
TW,
In my case, good and stupid.
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
R8,
Do me a favor. next time I tell you I have been smoking that much, don’t F with me. lol
The world is round!!!
I didn’t even get it at 1st, Far West!!!
Sorry Bro, but my daughter went to sleep early today, so I was having One of Those sessions, you know!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
“I expect nothing short of a 3 and 0 start”
……
I expect something far short of that, and those of you that have been here the last 3 years know that I have correctly predicted how we’d start the last 3 seasons.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I expect nothing better than a 1-2 start. 0-3 is likely. We will not run the football. 40 passes, 20 runs. Raiders style. As if we have Peyton Manning, Brady, or Big Ben behind center…
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
The defensive staffs of every team we’re playing this year are just scratching their heads as to how they’ll stop us. Raiders take a toothpick in the first round that can sprint down a sideline, and pretty much nothing else. They’re really wondering what’s coming.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
If I’m a defensive coordinator facing the Raiders this year, I’m going dime package, zone coverage, at least Cover 3, every single down. But what about stopping the run? Ha! Funny. The Raiders running…
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I thought we were 10th in rushing this year, and 6th last year!!
It must be that other team I keep watching.
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
SURE THE DEFENSE NEEDs some fresh dts and defensive ends, But I blame most of the defenses short comings to the Offense, You score points and the defense Will Play better….how many 3 and outs did we have last year?…(Im sure someone has the stat)..Ive seen this defense play hard for 3 quarters then run out of gas because we arent moving the chains, its disheartening
May 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I just rewatched the Texans game again to focus on Mario. Anyone that thinks we don’t have a LEGITIMATE LT isn’t paying attention. Mario Williams was a probowl player and Mario Henderson just flat out handled him all game long. A couple times they switched M Williams to the RE away from M Henderson to see if he could fare better. M Henderson flat wipped him…………period. The Tampa game was a game for Mario the Texan game was a great game.
For someone to say that defenses will play cover2 or 3 to handle our WR’s speed and ignore the run game. The Raiders run game will be their bread and butter. Any team that doesn’t focus on it will be destroyed by it. However against the Texans we ran a cover2 secondary pretty much all game to stop Andre Johnson. The front7 shut down Slaton which is why we won going away.
However once we establish the ability to get deep on opponents then we may see a lot of cover2 and 3. But they didn’t have a zone buster like we do. The beauty of a DHB is his unadulterated speed along with JLH. A cover 2 really can’t handle it. Because of the speed in which he will attack it stretches it too far too quick and makes it ineffective. Randy Moss has faced zones his entire career and he destroys them with flat out speed. The safety has to declar to quickly which leaves the TE 1 on 1 unless you play a LBer deep and if you do that DMC will kill you.
That’s why the overall speed of the Raiders is soo exciting you just can’t stop it all. Which is why the Pat’s have adopted this same system. You can’t stop.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Chaz Schilens and JLH gave secondaries fits the final 3 -4 weeks of the year. With DHB’s speed aded to that mix of ZM and DMC’s speed the way we attack teams will be fun to watch. Hell I was just watches an offense that was really in it’s embryonic stages tear apart a defense that shut down the Titans the previous week.
BTW the defense we played against the Texans was very well coached and executed. It was the most mistake free and assignment sound I ever saw last year from the Raiders. They dominated Houston from start to finish.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
ZM has averaged 45 catches a year double and triple teamed. This year he’s going to be soo open he’ll think naked streaking down field. As wel as we’ve put talent on defense and believe me there is very good talent there. This offense is second to NONE, sure the Pat’s have more experienced players but some are past their prime. Joey Galloway and Fred Taylor will be effective but who would you rathe have at this point DMC, MBush, ZM, DHB and JLH and Chaz. Even Walker can get open on this team and may be a real asset more than any of us may think.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Can he make this work? two simple questions:
1) who is going to block on offense?
2) who is going to stop the run on defense?
these are the same unanswered questions from last year and with the schedule we have, will yield the same results from last year: 5-11 at best.
Thanks Al. Thanks a lot!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:06 pm
more questions to the answers those questions might get and/or answers to more questions:
1) How will DHB have time to get down the field with no blocking for JR? He won’t.
2) They can be as fast as they want, from the D-lines of the opponents teams perspective, and we play A LOT of good ones, it’s a lot closer range to our QB than our QB to our WR’s
there’s just not going to be enough time to play down field ball. You’ll see a lot of broken plays and picks because of this. the raiders blew it in free-agency last year and they blew it in the draft this year. We’ll never know what these guys(JR, ZM, DMAC, DHB, JLH) can do without a line to hold down the fort and then people will tag them all as “busts”.
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Russell will carry it to him or fedex it. Then how did they do it last year?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 pm
They blocked well enough to kick the crap out of 2 playoff calibre teams.
Where do you guy’s come from?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
OK sorry let’s play nice.
The Raiders picked up 2 OT’s in FA and a OG and C for starters and depth. The lines are not nearly a concern as you might believe or else they would’ve drafted at least one, don’t you think?
May 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 pm
The way they want to play has been well thought out and now we just need to execute. The talent is there……..don’t worry.
Adios….
May 4th, 2009 at 3:54 am
408…
do you follow the hockey world-cup ?
May 4th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Good Morning NATION!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 5:33 am
What’s up fellas according to priestj will have the no. 1 offense next year damn and my friends tell me I have crazy expectations for the Raiders
May 4th, 2009 at 5:40 am
NMF…
LOL, well BHP left this earth years ago, what he says has very little to do with reality =)
May 4th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Morning 4eva and NMF…
I stayed home today to watch the hockey game, great win, one more year in group A =)
May 4th, 2009 at 5:54 am
Bring on da chargers I’m ready today !!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 6:10 am
GOOD MORNING SPORT’S FAN’S. 4EVA, NOMOREFARGAS , L M N , DAMN IS IT GOING 2 B MONDAY ALL DAY ?
May 4th, 2009 at 6:16 am
BHP may be the eternal optimist, but he’s right when he says the offense will be dynamic next year. Our offensive line blocked for a running game that averaged 144 yards per game in the last six games a year ago and gave up only seven sacks in that same span, and it’s better, personnel-wise this year. There is no faster group of skill players in the NFL right now, and the focus is going to be on getting the ball to guys in space. We will score points.
There were no imipact players on defense after the first round in this year’s draft. Next year’ defensive class is rated as far superior on that side of the ball. Our young players on offense will have a year under their belts when the defense is seriously addressed next year, and the plan will come together. I’ve said for several months that we were two more drafts away from being a very good team, and I believe that we will see that come to fruition.
Have patience. We are young, but we are building the right way. The defense won’t be as good as we want it to be this year, but it will be better and the offense will score more and take some of the pressure off. Next year is when it will all start to come together.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Frantz Joseph Interview
Frantz Joseph took the long road to the NFL. He waited through both days of the draft with the anxiety building before his phone rang with a team telling him they wanted to secure his services. Taking the long road is nothing new for Joseph.
His story is one that is the essence of the American Dream. He is from a family that immigrated from Haiti, and growing up he lived through poverty. This experience helped mold his character into one of a hard worker who will take nothing for granted, nor will he leave an opportunity on the table without making the absolute most of it.
“Everything I have been through as far as financially, emotionally, just being there for my mother, my family whatever the case may be, the things I have been through in life. I just really feel like it’s molded me as a person molded my character just made me learn to appreciate everything in life as everything many take for granted.”
His dream of playing in the NFL took an early detour when he had to make the decision to transfer from Boston College to Florida Atlantic University so that he could be closer to home and help support his mother. This moved him from a sports program that has sent numerous players into the NFL including a top ten pick this year, to a school that has never produced a single NFL player. As he made the decision, he had people telling him that he was making a wrong decision, and that he was sabotaging any chance he had at getting into the NFL. However, Joseph persevered doing what he felt was the right thing.
“At the beginning of the process [the transfer] really affected me mentally, because people were putting me down. Saying I was leaving a higher institution to go to a lower institution, ‘you’re not going to have a shot at the NFL anymore.’ Just saying I was making a poor decision”
He now sees this transition as a blessing in disguise, as it forced him to have to work harder than anyone else. He had to push himself to take everything more seriously, because nothing would be handed to him, as it was at Boston College. Whilst completing his double major in business and management and playing division one football at Florida Atlantic, he also found himself working odd jobs so that he could help to support his mother, which only made him further realize what was at stake.
“In reality it was a blessing in disguise because just going through that transformation and sitting out that transfer year and realizing what I have at stake and how hard I have to work. I really think it made me feel like I had to take everything much more seriously as far as learning the playbook and getting better individually. I really feel like God blessed me with better coaching at Florida-Atlantic, so it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.”
For some people this can be an embittering experience, but for Joseph it solidified his ‘underdog’ mentality, which he uses as his motivation to be the hardest worker on the team. He knows that noting will be given to him, so he is not going to miss any opportunity that presents itself for him to prove himself, as well as improve his game.
“It really gave me that underdog mentality that I have had all my life. If I were to be at BC I feel like I would have shied away from that. When you are at a high institution a lot of things are given to you. You are pampered as a high institution division one athlete and you don’t have to work hard for things.”
This lack of pampering solidified Joseph’s work ethic. He knows that coming from Florida-Atlantic, he will have to work even harder to prove himself. This attitude is a product of coming from one of the “lower” division one schools, which don’t garner the same respect. He is going to use this motivation to push himself to work on every aspect of his game to transition into the National Football League.
“When you are at a lower division one school such as FAU and people don’t show much respect you have to grind harder, harder than everyone else. You have to work when everyone else is sleeping so for me, I really feel like that’s going to help me transition into the pros”
Draft weekend was a stressful one with Joseph. Whilst ESPN and the NFL Network showed footage of guys celebrating when their names were called, Joseph waited by the phone, his anxiety building with every pick announced. He was disappointed when the draft concluded, and he had not yet received a call from a team.
He thinks part of the reason he didn’t get selected on draft weekend was that Florida-Atlantic had never had a player selected in the draft, or even a player in the NFL. Rather than regret his decision, he sees this as an opportunity for his success to create opportunities and open the door for future Florida-Atlantic players.
“Florida-Atlantic has never had a guy in the pros or a guy drafted. For me, it is a lot of pressure on me from that standpoint. So, really, I want to open doors for the guys coming out behind me.”
Within forty five minutes of the conclusion of the draft, he knew that his destination would be Oakland. He shunned offers from several other teams including the Denver Broncos, who upped their offer when they found out that Oakland was the frontrunner, to join the Silver and Black because he fit best with the 4-3 base defense, and because of the tradition of the Oakland Raiders.
“When the Denver Broncos heard about the Raiders, they definitely tried to beat them out as far as signing bonus and all that. I feel like the Raiders are somewhere I want to be. Not only because of the scheme they run which is the 4-3 something I am much more used to since high school, because of the tradition they have over there and the fans, the city, and the organization I feel like it’s a great organization even though it hasn’t been going so well the past couple of years. I feel like we’re just a couple pieces away from turning it around.”
He knows that he has nothing promised from the Raiders. His only chance for success is to work harder than anyone else. He will bring everything that he has on every single play. He will be in the film room breaking things down, and at every practice giving everything he has got. His burning desire is to win in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders.
“Everybody feel like they have things laid out and made for them, they might tend to take a play off or take a rep off, take a practice off or take a film session off. For me, I am going to take advantage of all these opportunities and make the best of it.”
When the Raiders contacted him, they asked him if he would like to come out and contribute to their run defense from the middle linebacker position, a challenge that Joseph was eager to accept. Whilst, he doesn’t expect that he will be able to beat out Kirk Morrison for the mike linebacker position, he looks forward to being able to contribute to the Raiders winning. He feels that his strength is playing against the run, and that he will always be working to get better.
“Oh, I mean, if the opportunity presents itself, definitely, that’s something I feel that’s my strength. That’s something I really work hard at to get the job done as well. So for me whatever it takes and whatever preparation it takes. I am going to stand up to the plate and definitely just try to make the Raiders win more football games, however I can whether its on the field on defense or on special teams.
Kirk Morrison is a great football player, he excels in the field. He’s a good player, but I am just coming in just whatever I can do to get better. Whatever I can do to come in and help the team win. I really gotta push forward towards that.”
Coach Tom Cable repeatedly stresses that he wants high character guys, who are not about being selfish and will give it all for the team. This describes Joseph’s attitude to a tee. Joseph is ready to contribute on defense or on special teams, and he will step up and grab any opportunity to do either that will help the Raiders to win.
“Wherever they want to put me to win. Whether its special teams, whether its holding a PAT kick, whether its pouring water, even if its giving signals on the sidelines. It doesn’t matter to me. Whatever I can do to get better. Defense is definitely one thing I want to get better at, I want to step in help if I can. Special teams is another aspect I want to step in if I can. Whatever opportunity presents itself, I will be first in line.”
In addition to being focused on improving the team, Joseph also fits the “Cable Guy” prototype in that he prides himself on his work ethic and his leadership abilities. He wants to make the guys around him better. He wants them to feed off of his work ethic and enthusiasm.
“First and foremost, I think my leadership skills and working hard and I mean I know I’m the guy just coming through the door, but once I get the hang of it I know I can show the guys coming in behind me or even the older guys who the job is supposed to be done because that’s one thing I feel like I have been blessed with since day one.”
In addition to his leadership, he is ready to put some mean back into the Raiders’ defense. He knows that once upon a time the Raiders’ defense was built on intimidation, and he wants to bring that back to the Silver and Black.
“And number two is just a nasty attitude, the way the game is supposed to be played as a linebacker. Like you said, the run defense hasn’t been so great. For me, that is one thing I can step in and presents its self as, the whole tradition is a nasty Raider, the Black Hole and the physicality of the defense. I just feel like I can bring that back. Like I said, just step in and help them win football games.
If anything, I hope to build on it by bringing the nastiness back, that intimidation that the great Raider teams had back in the day. You know, when teams come in to play its not only the crowd that they fear, but they fear that the tenacity of the defense is extremely too high and the nastiness of the defense is back to where it was when the Raiders were in their heyday.”
He laughed when I told him how I had been chastised by FAU fans for calling Florida-Atlantic “smaller” than Boston College in this space in an earlier article. He said that there had already been Raider fans at Florida-Atlantic, but with his signing with the Raiders the number of Raider fans at Florida-Atlantic had swollen.
“There’s a lot of Oakland Raider fans out here on the East Coast, believe it or not. A lot of them are from Florida-Atlantic so when they heard I have the opportunity to go out there and prove myself, everybody was excited, you know, everyone’s all of a sudden, if you wasn’t a Raider fan, now everybody’s Silver and Black. Everybody just wants to be a part of the organization.”
Joseph is a shining example of what to look for in an NFL player. He will be at the facility in Alameda “working his butt off every day, the first one in and the last one out.”
That is the drive that it takes to succeed. Success is not defined as where one starts, but where one finishes. Joseph took the long road to NFL, but it was this longer journey that taught him the keys to success. Many draft guides had him as a fifth round rating, but instead he was taken as a free agent after the draft. That can only be a fitting coda to Frantz Joseph’s pre-NFL story.
However, the pre-NFL story is but an overture in what has the potential to be a powerful symphony. He has the motivation and the drive to do whatever it takes to succeed at the next level. He will undoubtedly make it close to impossible to cut him because he will be working the hardest. He says that the Raider Nation is loved when it is on your side, and reviled when it is against you. Something tells me that the same thing can be said about Frantz Joseph.
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2009/5/3/864005/frantz-joseph-interview
May 4th, 2009 at 6:39 am
GOOD MORNING ROCKSTAR, GOOD STORY..
May 4th, 2009 at 6:48 am
We will see how good the o-line is right of the bat merriman will be on fire and I don’t care about wr speed rb speed or qb arm if you’re line sucks you suck !!
May 4th, 2009 at 6:50 am
ON BOTH SIDE’S OF THE BALL, NMF.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:53 am
True story, NMF. Counter to popular opinion though, our O-line doesn’t suck.
The numbers over the last six weeks of 2008 prove that.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:00 am
good morning Dirt Lot, ed teach, NMF, LMN …
May 4th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Frantz Joseph bleeds silver & black. love this kid
I hope he pushes Jon Alston and/or Sam Williams off the roster
May 4th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Morning, Rockstar!
We’ll see how good Merriman is. He may be fired up, but he may also have lost a step. They didn’t draft English in the first round for nothing.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Rockstar…. I love linebacker depth. Those guys are great on kickoff and punt teams, especially the ones we draft because most of them can fly. The more the merrier.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:11 am
# RaiderRockstar Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Frantz Joseph bleeds silver & black. love this kid
I hope he pushes Jon Alston and/or Sam Williams off the roster
_____________________________________________________
Im okay with him pushing Sam of, but Jon, no way… Ekejiuba should be kicked off 3 times before Jon Alston..
May 4th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Morning, Dirtlot, RRS, teach…
May 4th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Looks like we got a mean MLB after all.
Could Marshall be thinking about 3-4 look occasionally?
May 4th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Watching the Khalif Barnes against Cleveland last year. Dude is head and shoulders better than Harris or Green. And he will give Mario a run for that LT spot.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Ahhh… Morning Nation!!
Whats good fellas…..
“So for me whatever it takes and whatever preparation it takes. I am going to stand up to the plate and definitely just try to make the Raiders win more football games”
Thanks Double R always on point!!
Man I love this kid this is the winning attitude we need around here!!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 7:23 am
2cents…
I hope so, I hope and think he will ease in a scheme change…
Jhill, lol against Browns D-lie, LOL, keep preaching, it wont make Barnes any good in the pass-game…
May 4th, 2009 at 7:31 am
A prediction, based on a gut feeling only:
Barnes will be the LT and we’ll love it.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Whatever you say LMN …
We are still waiting on your backup to support your anti Barnes ranting.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Meanwhile Kameron Wimbeley can’t even get off the LOS against Barnes.
And no penalties, by the way.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:35 am
LMN… Ekejiuba was a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams last year, and Alston is a good ST player as well. Those guys (and Sam Willims) are valuable to the team in that department.
Watching the games last year, our defensive ends did not play well against the run. They either failed to hold the edge or overran plays altogether, and the situation was compounded by a failure of our linebackers to fill gaps. Drafting a defensive end and a safety that were effective against the run in college, and two SLBs should help some. The DTs were decent; I think what Cable meant by them having to play better is that instead of just holding their ground and forcing opposing backs to bounce outside they need to make more plays.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Jhill…
where did the rush come from, when Leftwich AND Gerard got hurt in JAX?? LT — Barnes side…. by hurt, it was nearly career-ending injuries
he is fantastic in the run-game, no doubt about that, but on passes he either cant keep the D-line away or he makes a penalty… story of his life… if you have some JAX games on DVR, go watch them where his QB gets injured, I dont like him to protect our 60million dollar man…
May 4th, 2009 at 7:38 am
edward teach Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 7:35 am
LMN… Ekejiuba was a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams last year, and Alston is a good ST player as well. Those guys (and Sam Willims) are valuable to the team in that department.
______________________________________________________
true, I it still change the fact i dont like Ekejiuba, but I like Alston, and i recognize Sams work on ST..
May 4th, 2009 at 7:39 am
well, im going into town to get some shawarma.. see ya, have a nice day…
May 4th, 2009 at 7:40 am
LOL ..
Cleveland is up by 2 scores, they are doing nothing but blitzing, or should I say pinning their ears back trying to get to Garrard.. Rogers is coming up the middle for sacks. The right side of the line is breaking down. Garrard is scrambling for his life. But is that Barnes’ man trying to get up from that pancake?
I agree two cents, I think Barnes will be our LT, and that’s nothing against Henderson. I just haven’t seen a LT like this for us in a looong time. Even if it is one game against Cleveland.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Thankx Rockstar,it looks like we got our nasty,breath-stinking MLB.Whooooooooo Hooooooooooo I love this guy already!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Yeah, right …
See ya LMN. Try and find some legitimate backup. Marley shredded you with his stats last week, and you disappeared then too.
I think he posted something like Barnes has single digit penalties IN HIS CAREER, but penalties are the story of his life?
Garrard had an injury? When?
You mean Leftwich who got beat out by Garrard? The one who played in Pittsburgh last year? The one who signed with Tampa Bay this offseason? The one who was hurt in college too?
Nice try!
May 4th, 2009 at 7:50 am
I just can’t tell you how much I can’t wait for this season to start. To see Chris Carter, Tom Jackson, LMN, Dude, Crow, MR, and all the Al Davis critics explain how we ended up on top of the division. I want to hear from all the people who have stooped so low as to call for the man to die. Think about that, wishing for a person to die so the team can be run the way you want it to be run … as a fan! LMFAO!
May 4th, 2009 at 7:51 am
I hope Joseph knocks Morrison out of MLB.then Morrison knocks Brown out of SLB or Brown knocks Morrison out of SLB
May 4th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Jhill,
Barnes will be playing for a fat contract, an angle I always like.
I like Henderson too, he’s got good feet, but don’t know if he’ll ever acquire a mean streak.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I sure hope the Lorenzo Neal rumors are true.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Right there with you, Jhill. About time for some folks to start eating crow.
Next year will be fun, and the year after that even better.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Henderson has the same mentality as Shell,imo
May 4th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I hope Henderson wins the LT spot and Barnes is moved to RT. Barnes is physically much better suited to playing RT than is Mario H.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Lorenzo Neal blocking for Dmac, Bush and JRuss is almost too scary to be real.
The great part about it would be that his debut would be against the Chargers.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Lorenzo Neal is the man he was born to be a Raider. His rookie year with the saints he in camp got into a fight with the starting fb brad muster and broke his jaw opening day the saints starting fb was Lorenzo Neal and a pro-bowl career was born.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Barnes is a beast in the run game. I was watching him against the Colts earlier and he absolutely manhandled Dwight Freeney.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:08 am
In 2007 Barnes gave up 6 sacks in 14 starts, but only had 3 penalties…
In 2008 Barnes gave up 7.5 sacks in 16 starts, and had 9 penalties…
Sadly, this would be an upgrade at RT over Green who had:
2007 7 sacks and 8 penalties in 10 starts
2008 7.5 sacks and 8 penalties in 16 starts
But at least Barnes is supposed to be a good run blocker, so if we limit his exposure to pass rushing DEs by playing him on the right side then he should really help us in 2009…unless of course it pisses him off and he doesn’t play well.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:16 am
I hope Henderson wins the LT spot and Barnes is moved to RT. Barnes is physically much better suited to playing RT than is Mario H.
***
I agree. If Barnes wins the LT job I think it would be Green or Pears at RT (not Henderson)
Henderson is better in pass protection (even if he does need help) than Barnes. We did add a blocking TE to free up Zach Miller and we promised to get Bush more involved and Fargas less involved …
Barnes would be a beast at RT if he could keep the penalties down. His pass blocking is on par with Cornell’s and his run blocking is far superior
May 4th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Dakota… I was a little concerned about the raw stats too when I first saw them, but the more I look at it two things are apparent; one, Jacksonville’s o-line isn’t very good, and Barnes played six games against the likes of Freeney, VandenBosch and Mario Williams. They also played Pittsburgh and Baltimore…
May 4th, 2009 at 8:19 am
good morning Dakota, 4eva, OAKlifer, Jhill …
May 4th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I sure hope the Lorenzo Neal rumors are true.
***
Lo Neal has been on a number of good football teams, but never hoisted the Lombardi trophy. I’m guessing he wants to go out with a BANG like Jerome Bettis did. The man is 38 years old and it’s obvious the Raiders are still in rebuilding mode. Tom Cable & Al Davis have decided to go with an infusion of youth on this football team. We have 1 player over 35 years old (Garcia) and he’s a backup. We only have 5 other players that have passed the 30 mark (Carlisle, Green, Wade, Janikowski & Lechler). No guarantee that Wade & Green even make the team. Shane & Seabass have a longer shelf life as no contact ST guys. Carlisle will have to battle to keep his starting RG job after some struggles last season …
The Raiders would be Neal’s 8th NFL team. However, he is a Cali guy and Fresno State alum. He’s a beast and we sorely need a good FB. It could happen. Anything is possible. Doesn’t look like teams are beating down his door though, which isn’t a good sign
May 4th, 2009 at 8:34 am
E. Teach,
I am not worried about Barnes’ raw stats…as long as he is playing RT against the weaker pass rushing DEs and plowing a path for Bush and McFadden.
Barnes’ numbers against good pass rushing RDE’s aren’t great, but when compared to Green’s numbers against weaker pass rushing LDE’s it stands to reason that Barnes should be much more effective playing RT than would Green.
And Henderson is one of our best o-linemen, so where does he play if Barnes is playing LT? He would probably be overmatched against the larger, run stuffing LDEs in the NFL.
Sorry, I think our best hope is a lineup of:
LT: Henderson
LG: Gallery
C: Satele
RG: Carlisle
RT: Barnes
Add Lorenzo Neal to the mix until OO is healthy and suddenly we are running the ball over everyone, and Russell is much better protected against the pass rush with Henderson and Barnes rather than Harris and Green.
Obviously, I don’t think it is the best o-line in the world, but it should be improved over the starting 2008 line. I will drink the Kool-Aid and pray that Satele’s poor 2008 season was due to injury and that we pulled a fast one on Parcells by swapping centers.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:36 am
hello mcfly!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:38 am
good day Double R
May 4th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Jerry, why do you always delete my entries here?…is it because they are too harsh?…so are we only allowed to post reallysweet positive stuff now?…posts of support to one another?…posts that paint a pretty picture?…Jerry, I know you were recently in Disneyland, but,…well Jerry thats a theme park,…once you left that park you re-entered the real world, and I keep it real,..even in a silly blog,…ya Disneyland is a happy place, but your back in Oakland, clearly not a happy place,…so when you read a post from me that doesnt resemble a post from Mickey Mouse, please dont delete it,…or better yet bud, why dont you give up this blog if reality is too much for you,..go get a job at Disneyland.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Dakota worst fear came true.
WR in Round 1. DB in Round 2
added nobody to the o-line during the draft…
yet he still admits “I will drink the Kool-Aid”
now thats a true fan!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Rockstar,
Even if Neal never played a down for us in 2009, just having him on the practice field teaching OO would be well worth his signing. The Ravens RBs praised his contributions all of last year.
My hope is that he bridges the gap to when OO can come back and then mentors OO into a great FB. Worst case, OO’s career is done, we play 2009 with Neal, draft a FB in the 2010 draft and transition Neal from player to coach.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:41 am
porko blob – maybe you should try to post something with substance!
you substance abuser!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:42 am
is frantz the only UDFA to make the team??? or does he even edge his way in???
May 4th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Well, OO’s rehab is going pretty well, but I think this image shows he might start the year on the PUP:
http://fotosa.ru/stock_photo/ImageSource/p_1862823.jpg
May 4th, 2009 at 8:47 am
I think Joseph has a great chance to make the roster, considering how much we are lacking a back-up ILB. Ekejiuba is ST only! All of the other guys that we signed seem like practice squad guys at best. But I hope that D-lineman Desmond Bryant can blossom into the next Tommy Kelly after some time on the practice squad.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:50 am
BBB:
We’re trying Desmond Bryant out at DE, not DT.
It’s pretty crowded at DE, but I can see him sticking on the practice squad if he proves to be better than Gray & Gunheim …
May 4th, 2009 at 8:50 am
3B,
Thanks brother…I agree ILB is weak in depth but imho we need all around depth at LB and hopefully we see Morrison on the field with Frantz in a nickel situation… just wondering how many roster spots we have for s few dline man and a few LB’s…cause WE NEED DEPTH!!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:54 am
RRS,
I don’t think the Raiders have Bryant committed to any position just yet. He is very raw, but looks like a Jarron Gilbert in terms of body-type and skills. I envision Bryant being very much a clone of Tommy Kelly in that he will start as a 34 DE project, and maybe bulk-up enough to play the 3-tech on passing downs only. That Bryant kid intrigues me though, because using him with TK and Sands would be a fantastic 34 front, and it sure seems like they are going to be showing a lot more 34 this season, considering all the DE/OLB hybrids that we drafted.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Dakota – it’d be hard for Neal to mentor OO when he still can’t get on the field.
Neal would be a better mentor for Bush, McFadden, Rankin, Lawton & Reece than Justin Fargas though. Gotta admit that. Neal is a 4 time pro bowler who almost won the SB with the Titans.
I don’t think you’d find Neal in a Yukmouth video!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:55 am
With this great offense we are going to be so far ahead of teams that the run D will no longer be a problem!!!!
DTs? We don’t need no stinking DTs!!!!
Burp.
Did thomeone thpike my Kool-Aid?
May 4th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Naw wannaberocker,..Jerry is a little crybaby,..could really tell that when he was on that tv show, Chron Live,..what a wuss,…so hes such a sweet lovable family man, we need to keep things positive in here,…so from now on I will type how wonderful things are in Oakland,..great team, great ownership,..oh man I cant get this smile off my face as I type,..wow what joy!,..oh Jerry thanks for setting me strait!!!,..and from now on I will always end my post with a ”
“
May 4th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Dakota… I may have given the indication that I thought Barnes should be our LT, but I would be surprised if Mario isn’t the starter there. As you said, Barnes is more suited to RT than Mario and I think that’s where he’ll play for us.
I was just making the point that he’s not as bad at the LT position as some (including me) have said.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:58 am
True Rockstar, true. Okay, like you said, he can help McFadden, Bush and crew, hopefully with their pass protecting!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Gotchya Ed Teach
May 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am
“I don’t think the Raiders have Bryant committed to any position just yet. He is very raw,”
I knowI asked B4.. But this is the kid who was taught to strip the ball every time no??
May 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Cable is not playing it smart on the personnel front because he is not playing at all. Al does what he pleases, Cable does as he´s told, and the lowest paid HC in the NFL receives his check at the end of the month. No more analysis needed. Hey Al, bring in some darned DTs!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:05 am
BBB: I respect your opinion, but I don’t think we’re going to switch to a 3-4 defense anytime soon. If we were we would have made an attempt to keep Rob Ryan. Maybe even promoted Don Martindale. Ryan is well versed in the 3-4 and Davis even gave him a year to try it out (failed big time). John Marshall has no history of a 3-4 defense to my knowledge. That’s part of the reason we hired him. #1 experience as a DC #2 experience with a 4-3 defense #3 good teacher
We drafted two OLB’s plus we brought in two more undrafted LB’s for competition and insurance.
Brown got hurt last year. Alston, Williams & Thomas stunk in his place. Morrison missed some tackles last season.
Morrison, Howard, Brown, Alston, Williams and Condo are all free agents next year. Pretty much everyone except Isaiah Ekejiuba (who is ST only). Unless we want to start 3 rookies next season we better get some guys in here to learn the scheme. Never know how much money Morrison & Howard are going to want in an uncapped year …
May 4th, 2009 at 9:05 am
OAKlifer,
If Joseph can keep-up in the NFL, I think he sticks right away. I can see the Raiders using him and Morrison as the ILB’s in some 34 looks, with the new kids Sulak or Norris on the outside rushing the passer.
I agree about the all-around depth issue at LB, which is why we drafted so many guys this season. Since Al and Cable committed so many draft picks to LB, I gotta believe they are also willing to commit some roster spots to LB and carry at least 7 LB’s, maybe even 8 on the 53.
Not including Condo I see something like this:
SOLB-Brown, Sulak, Norris
MLB-Morrison, Joseph, Ekejiuba
WLB-Howard, Alston
May 4th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I like Yukmouth….Yadidimean……
I like neal as well Think he would be agreat fit ZB Scheme or not this grizzeled vet would shows the youngins how to work and as someone mentioned above would like to see him hit the light switch on merrioidmen…….
May 4th, 2009 at 9:09 am
We may switch to a 3-4 D this year, I mean, Al hired a 3-4 coach in Ryan and forced him to coordinate a 4-3 defense, so what is going to stop Al from demanding Marshall, a 4-3 d-coordinator, to switch to a 3-4 D?
gotta love it
May 4th, 2009 at 9:10 am
3B,
SOLB-Brown, Sulak, Norris
MLB-Morrison, Joseph, Ekejiuba
WLB-Howard, Alston
_______________________________________
I would like to see them dedicate some roster space like that aswell….addds depth at LB and compition on special teams we want the hungriest guys on that feild come kickoff time the ones frothing at the mouth to blow somebody up….the ones one ST missed tackle away from the practice squad thats what I want to see running down kick returners…guys like frantz!!!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:10 am
RRS,
I hear ya, before the draft, I figured we would be 43 all the way this season, but their FA and drafting makes me think they plan to show some 34 looks to mix it up this season. Maybe going to 34 on third downs or late in the game, when their 43 front seven is gassed. I know we will see mostly 43, but I just have this feeling that they will use the occasional 34 look to mix things up and confuse the offense. Marshall does have a history of mixing in some 34 with his 43, like most D-coaches.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I would like to see our wonderful defense look like they have a clue about the 4-3 defense before they start tinkering in the 3-4 world, lol.
Marshall, you have a lot of work to do.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Oaklifer,
I think that is what Cable wants to. Guys like Sam Williams, Jon Alston and even Ekejiuba are gonna have to step up their game if they want to keep roster spots on this team. Hungry ball-hawks like Sulak and Norris were brought in to create turnovers and havoc in the backfield, something that our current corps of LB’s does not do well.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:16 am
We may switch to a 3-4 D this year, I mean, Al hired a 3-4 coach in Ryan and forced him to coordinate a 4-3 defense, so what is going to stop Al from demanding Marshall, a 4-3 d-coordinator, to switch to a 3-4 D?
gotta love it
***
thats what I’m saying Dakota. forcing Marsh to implement a 3-4 defense would be dumber than Al Davis locking Tom Cable out of the war room on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. That is what happened right? Of course reports out of Alameda will say “Coach Cable got stuck in traffic”
Pretty sure Al forgot to take his meds that day.
However, I was rather impressed with the picks on Day 2
May 4th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I love it!!! the glory days of a mean nasty DEFENSE is right around the corner….Competion breeds drive and desire and I’m lovin it!!!!! and M.M. (I can do that right) is going to be a huge impact at saftey even if its not full time….I think the types of “football” players were finaly bringing in will pay huge dividends…!!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Re: 3-4 vs. 4-3
I would be pretty worried if we tried to play both schemes this year. Our best bet is to perfect the 4-3 with a new DC, let him evaluate the young talent, and hope for a unit that gels in the last half of the season.
If we try to play some 3-4 I am afraid our divison opponents will kill us – all they will see in practice is the 3-4.
If we teach our youngsters to be disciplined in the 4-3 we have the best chance to confuse other AFC West teams.
The important change in scheme better be in the secondary, where we have a history of ruining safeties by asking one to protect the entire deep zone without help so that the other can be a “wolverine” rover. Note to Lionel = it doesn’t produce, no matter what Al says.
FREE MIKE HUFF!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:23 am
OLB: Brown/Sulak
MLB: Morrison/F. Joseph
OLB: Howard/Norris
thats how I see it shaking down if Alston & Williams are deemed “expendable” after the draft. Frantz will have to be a beast on ST though, because Brown & Sulak also have the ability to play MLB if need be and Alston and Williams were resigned this offseason due to their value on special teams alone
May 4th, 2009 at 9:24 am
We may have a lot of 3-4 practice squad-type players so that – in practice – our offense can scrimmage against a 3-4. We’ll see a lot of it this season.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Good Morning Nation.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:26 am
RRS, three rook LBs on the roster? Scary…
Better keep Brown and hide one or two of those newbies on the practice squad.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:26 am
RR,
How is your Mom?
May 4th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Barnes has above average talent.
How many Left Tackles can hold the league’s best pass-rushers such as Dwight Freeney, Aaron Schobel, Mario Williams, Terrell Suggs and Jared Allen without a sack like Barnes did last season?.
It’s been said before and it’s no excuse either but he gave up the bulk of his sacks (5) to Pro Bowl players last year, again Dwight Freeney(2nd game), Mario Williams (2nd game), James Harrison and Van Den Bosch.
I agree with Dakota’s lineup, that’s what I would like to see too, but a motivated and better coached Barnes might be hard to beat at LT.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:27 am
RRS,
That is how I hope it ends up, with Ekejiuba keeping his spot as well. Alston is a great ST guy, but we need to replace him with somebody that is a bit bigger and can get it done as a defensive player as well. But I could see them keeping an extra LB, and then switching Sulak to DE after Burgess leaves (he is listed as DE on the roster currently, but per Cable they are starting him at OLB)
Then we would have Shaugnessy, Scott, Richardson and Sulak as our DE’s.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Most anticipated game of the year…
Dec 27th, at CLE. Raiders rush for over 300yrds!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am
LMN,
I love Shararma.
We don’t have good Shawarma in SD, they are a few good places in Mich, Chicago, and NY.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:31 am
There are, sorry.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Seriously we are 31st in the NFL on defense and only the Detroit win less Lions are worse than we are.
Its not the X’s and the O’s its the willies and the Joe’s
Do you seriously expect this team that can barely play defense to learn an entire new scheme and implement it. Then be able to successfully switch back and forth during a game.
You must first be able to grasp the 4-3 and execute that before trying to make the D even more complicated.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:33 am
How much did McDonalds pay the Cavs to change their uniforms into those horrendous yellow and red eye killers?
MVP? I’m Lovin’ it!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am
BBB: I would love to see D-Burg replaced. Might have to wait until next season though
Shaughnessy and Sulak have a ton of potential if Matt can stay healthy and Stryker gets an opportunity. J-Rich was our best run defender at DE the last 2 years (thats what a sad product we’ve had). Scott is nothing more than a situational pass rusher until he can bulk up without losing speed and take down a RB. He’s a younger, healthier, lighter skinned Burgess clone.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:36 am
You must first be able to grasp the 4-3 and execute that before trying to make the D even more complicated.
***
can’t beleive I actually agree with something you said …
May 4th, 2009 at 9:37 am
BART
You are right on Desmond Bryant, they listed him only as DL, not DE or DT.
I’m intrigued by the prospect of giving him a shot as an Offensive Tackle too
He’s a huge project but at 6′6 290 with 4.9 speeed, 35.5 arms and 35 reps on the bench, he’s got everything you would want to play on either side of the line and I’m assuming he’s a smart guy too, that should help make the transition easier.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Bob Marley
“Barnes has above average talent.”
Not true. He was let go and they in turn drafted two Tackles in their first two rounds.
That is what we should have done instead of trying to use retreads at LT like last year (Harris)
Barnes is a lazy waste of talent that has something to prove and if he cant do it in this year he will probably not be worth crap to any team anymore and have to retire.
There is no way I would ever use the words above average talent to describe Barnes.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I know it won’t happen, but I think our best chance of improving our run D, other than Marshall performing a miracle, would be to allow Richardson to play LDE on likely running downs with Scott, or anyone else, playing RDE, and only allow Burgess to come off the bench on obvious passing downs to play LDE. He is such a liability against the run
May 4th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Barnes has a one-year sink or swim contract, he won’t be worse than Kwame Harris, and he should be much, much better than Cornbread Greene. Henderson was great last year, with some well-timed two-TE sets. Gallery and Carlisle will have an extra year experience under Cable’s system. In the ZBS the most crucial players are your gaurds and centers, the tackles just cut-block fools, get to the 2nd-level or pass-block. The magic comes from the experience and skill of your gaurds and centers. With Carlisle, Gallery and Satele down there holding it down, I think our running game will be back with a vengeance, and Barnes/Henderson should play just as well, if not better than our last two games of 08. We actually have a decent line this year, that is fully primed for upgrades next season as necessary.
Henderson/Pears
Gallery/McQ
Satele/Wade or Morris
Carlisle/Johnson
Barnes/Marten or Wilson
May 4th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I find it hard to believe that our defensive players were continually making the same mistakes over and over without any reprimand or benching(san Hall). They must have been doing as they were coached. Our LB’s would continually over play the run, crashing into the backs of the lineman and were easy pickins for pulling guards, TE’s, FB’s and even WR’s. They only had to be chipped because they were so far out of position to allow the RB to bust into the secondary untouched. One cut and they were out of the play.
Our run defense was it’s absolute worst the past 5 years. Maybe Ryan was the one playing games so that Al would bend and allow him to install his 3-4, however after that first year Al was never gonna let him do it.
Let Marshall do his thing. We’ll have our answer come 12/23!!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Maybe next year there will be a 325 pound run-stuffing NT that runs a 4.6 40 so we can finally draft the position of most need on the team.
First we pass on Red Bryant, then we pass on Ron Brace. Is it just me or is Sands worthless and Warren is a 3 tech trying to play NT? Oh well, who wins stopping the run these days anyhow?
Quick, pass me some more of that spiked kool-aid, my buzz is wearing off.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Dakota Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I know it won’t happen, but I think our best chance of improving our run D, other than Marshall performing a miracle, would be to allow Richardson to play LDE on likely running downs with Scott, or anyone else, playing RDE, and only allow Burgess to come off the bench on obvious passing downs to play LDE. He is such a liability against the run
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Or let Richardson and Kelly play DE, with Warren/Sands/Boschetti rotating at DT.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:49 am
First of Yukmouth is an Oakland legend! Second, anyone who is hating on our LT Mario needs to watch another sport.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:49 am
That is an interesting take Bob,
That Bryant kid is definitely smart, and you are right about his wingspan; HUGE, with big hands and he did 35 reps on the bench press. I did a little research on him and was very intrigued, I think the only knock is that he may not need football that much, considering his education, so his desire and will is going to be much less than these guys that we drafted who have no fall-back.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Kelly will not be playing DE. Put the crack down
May 4th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Board took Seatle from being last against the run to 19th in his 1st year.
I’ll be happy if he even gets close to that.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I know everyone wants to see guys perform well in practice to earn their game time, but sometimes you need to realize that in order to win the games on Sunday you have to play the most talented players, even if they are not great practice players.
My fear is that Barnes will beat out Mario for LT in PRACTICE and then when GAME TIME rolls around Barnes will give up another 7 or 8 sacks and 8 or nine drive killing penalties.
Same goes with Fargas getting any playing time over Bush or McFadden.
Hey Cable, let’s play Mario, Bush and McFadden and win some damned games.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:56 am
We will see what board has in store. The dline is my biggest worry.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Kelly will not be playing DE. Put the crack down
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sorry, no crack with 20 miles of me. A scary concept for you and Norco, I’m sure.
And when Kelly DID play DE he was a better run stopper than anyone we have now…
May 4th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Farglass aint getting PT over dmac and bush. Mario wasnt getting beat out by anyone whether by draft or FA. Dakota dont trip you liberal puzzy.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Tyvon Branch will be the gunner on ST.
Mike Huff will start 16 games at FS
Mike Mitchell will start 16 games at SS
DC John Marshall will salvage Huff’s NFL career and he’ll be taken off the trading block. you heard it here first … bring on the hateful comments!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:02 am
FREE MIKE HUFF!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Bo, my drug binge days been over. Kelly was only playing DE becuz of Sapp. TK is a UT plain and simple
May 4th, 2009 at 10:04 am
666… I disagree with your take that Barnes has no talent. Watch the guy play; he has great feet and technique, and is a monster run blocker.
Where his head is is more of an issue than his ability; maybe Oakland represents a new start for him and he can contribute here. From what I’ve been able to gather his leaving Jacksonville was pretty much a mutual decision; at least he wants to be here.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:05 am
FREE MIKE HUFF!
***
sorry bro, he’s represented by Johnny Cochran …
May 4th, 2009 at 10:05 am
666
On Barnes…
During his first 3 seasons as the starting LT, Jax won an average of 10 games, their offense ranked in the top 10 in scoring every year and made the playoffs twice.
Since it’s universally known that Left Tackle is one of the most important positions on a team, Jax must have gotten above average play from the LT spot during that run, right?.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Huff is horrible. A turnaround like Aso wont happen. Tyvon for FS.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Sands no Kiffin fan
Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands is from Tennessee, so the topic of new Vols coach Lane Kiffin was quick to come up in an interview with his hometown paper.
Sounds like Sands wants to do a number on Kiffin’s face they way he did Shane Lechler’s last season.
“I think he’ll do a good job at Tennessee because his personality will fit better at that level,” Sands said in a Chattanooga Times Free Press story Friday. “You can’t cuss and fuss at grown men and persuade them to do things the way you can a college kid. But he’ll be a good recruiter of young players because he’s a good salesman.
“I just don’t think he needs to be an NFL coach. I didn’t care for him too much because he came in with the attitude that he was a top dog even though he hadn’t earned any stripes yet.”
Sands was even nastier to former offensive line assistant James Kregg, and he didn’t play on that side of the ball.
“That man is a clown,” Sands said. “He gets no respect because he quit on us in the middle of the season (actually December). He jumped ship. Maybe some of his guys liked him when he helped with the offensive line, but I’ve got no use for anybody that quits like that.”
Sands’ more immediate concern must be to please head coach Tom Cable, who has all but called out Sands and the other returning tackles — Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly — to play better against the run this season.
Sands has been a disappointment ever since signing a four-year, $17 million contract before the 2007 season. With Cable high on new addition Ryan Boschetti, Sands could very easily get cut in training camp if he doesn’t get it going.
Then again, he could get cut even sooner than that. Last year, the Raiders released veteran safety Stuart Schweigert in May after deciding he was replaceable by the new crop of rookies.
If Boschetti and undrafted pickup Desmond Bryant look good at minicamo next weekend, Sands better make sure he looks even better.
-David White (SF Chronicle)
May 4th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Barnes wont beat out Mario. He is an Al guy. Barnes better be happy at RT or being a backup
May 4th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Huff is horrible. A turnaround like Aso wont happen.
***
What safety in a Rob Ryan defense the last 5 years WASN’T horrible? it’s not talent – it’s the scheme
if you think it’s proper to put little Mikey Huff down in the box you need to have your head examined …
May 4th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Barnes wont beat out Mario. He is an Al guy. Barnes better be happy at RT or being a backup
***
thats true. Henderson is on scholarship, even if he does need help from backs or TE’s to do his job …
May 4th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Dakota
“My fear is that Barnes will beat out Mario for LT in PRACTICE…”.
That’s a very real possibility, it seems like Henderson is the kind of guy who plays better than he practices and Cable lobbied for Barnes so he probably won’t very patient with Mario.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Brien the General 510 Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Bo, my drug binge days been over. Kelly was only playing DE becuz of Sapp. TK is a UT plain and simple
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yes, we all know Kelly’s position. My only point was that (god forbid) we have to go to a max run stopping front four, Kelly could come in as a DE.
Certainly NOT what I want though…
And we’re all happy to hear you retired the glass pipe. Stick to the sticky.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:13 am
One thing’s for sure; Terdell won’t have the same excuse with Dwaine Board as his line coach. Board HAS earned his stripes.
Also, I keep reading that Sands has to be worried about Boschetti. Not sure why; they play different positions.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Hiram Eugene has the inside track at the starting FS job in 09. If Huff wants to start it will require a Nhamdi-like turnaround in his 4th year.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Sands pisses me off but dammit we cant slice him yet. We got no large body if he jets
May 4th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Hey Sands…how about making some plays before you talk about quitting and clowns?.
It really pissed me off when I read that article yesterday, not that I care for Kiffin or Cregg but this guy should just shut the f up and play.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:17 am
“The Cockroach” Boschetti is gonna be a problem for Sands, because he practices and plays with 100% effort according to those who have coached him. We all know what Sands’ effort has been lately. I highly doubt Sands gets cut, but there could be some competition for playing time.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Bo I have never done crack. But blow and other shyt yes
May 4th, 2009 at 10:17 am
If we were content with the DE position we wouldn’t have added Richardson, Scott & Shaughnessy the past 3 drafts …
If we weren’t content with the DT position we wouldn’t have left it in the hands of Kelly, Warren & Sands for the second year in a row …
it’s obvious that you guys are wasting your breathe with position change requests, because the coaching staff doesn’t share the same opinion
May 4th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Brien… I say we give him a year with Marshall and Board. If he can’t step up, there’s always Terence “Mount” Cody from Alabama. He and a lot of other good d-line talent will be in the draft next year.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:20 am
RRS, Huff is soft. He is garb! Nice joke on Mario but he was helped sometimes not all the time. Go review the games. The guy is our best bet at LT
May 4th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Dakota
“My fear is that Barnes will beat out Mario for LT in PRACTICE and then when GAME TIME rolls around Barnes will give up another 7 or 8 sacks and 8 or nine drive killing penalties”
I had this same nightmare this weekend!!
Bob Marley and Edward Teach
I understand your thinking and your perception of Barnes I hope that the both of you are right and I am wrong. But Like Harris Barnes was drafted with high expectations.
I sincerely do hope you are both correct!!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Id love to have Mount Cody. I was mad he went back to Bama.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:24 am
666… lol yeah, me too!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Barnes beat out Mario lol. That is hilarious.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Raider O Says:
May 1st, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I like Burgess in 3rd and long, he can help if he is used right. Not as a starter, but more of a pure pass rusher on passing downs.
I see Jay and Shaughnessy as our Base Ends, and Bryant as my wild card.
Scott and Burgess can be our pass rushers, and next year when Burgess is gone stryker can take his spot.
^^^^^^
Agreed! It would be better for Burgess to be the situational pass rusher or he should be moved to the RDE side. At LDE he is a serious liability against the run. I would rather see Kelly play LDE than Burgess.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Time 2 go. Talk to yall later
May 4th, 2009 at 10:31 am
666
Yeah, I hope so too, I must disclaim that I liked Kwame Harris last year lol…but in my defense, I wanted to bring him in to compete as a RG or RT only.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Mario is going to have a break out year and I am hoping that Barnes is happy at RT.
He can replace “Mop Handle” who should be tied up in court proceedings this year.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:36 am
One more reason to hate New England; if we have a better record than Denver this year the Patriots will pick ahead of us in the first round. That’s because the stupid Broncos traded their #1 pick next year for New England’s #2 this year so they could take (5′9″) cornerback Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest.
It’ll be fun watching him cover Bowe, Vincent Jackson and our group. San Diego has one reciever under 6 feet tall, and Chris Chambers weighs 210 pounds. JLH is not a big guy, but he’s a whole lot faster than Smith. Maybe he can cover Bobby Engram in KC; he’ll be physically overmatched against virtually every other WR in the division.
Yeah, McDaniels is a genius.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Bob
I liked the Harris move also last year I thought Cable could breath some life into a guy who had loads of potential but never panned out on the field.
So many draft prospects that never pan out in this league so I don’t know why they can accuse us of being the worst drafting team. Ryan Leaf….enough said!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:37 am
BART Bridge Blues Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 10:17 am
“The Cockroach” Boschetti is gonna be a problem for Sands, because he practices and plays with 100% effort according to those who have coached him. We all know what Sands’ effort has been lately. I highly doubt Sands gets cut, but there could be some competition for playing time
^^^^^^
This is do or die time for Sands going into camp IMO. That underachiever needs to be on watch and if he shows up to camp out of shape….they should cut his a$$ on the spot and have hard working overachievers take his spot!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:37 am
priest…………this is a blog you dumb ass………….its all about opinions………some accurate….some not………….some to stimulate discussion ……some to just wonder at etc………………………the raiders never give out info and make it hard to come by…….we all know that…………..press has a hard time covering them …….because they do things behind closed doors ………..we all have lived with that……….your opinion doesnt count anymore than anyone elses……………..thats why this is a blog!!!!!!!!………………..speed no speed…………the bottom line is we have stunk it up for the last six freakin years…………….everyone is to blame for that……….davis………coaches………..players………lets see if we can hit 500 this year ok……………
May 4th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Can we get a new thread Jerry?
May 4th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Defense is all about discipline. Rob Ryan did not hold those guys accountable. Whether that is Al Davis not allowing the coaches to discipline is another story. Hopefully our new staff will be better motivators in making these guys focus on doing their job. When everyobe is doing their job, and not trying to cover for someone else, it makes it easy to find the weak link and replace him.
As for Lorenzo Neal, he would be such a huge pick up for us. All he does is block for 1,000 yard rushers. His pass blocking for Jamarcus would be so helpful and would be a great mentor to all our backs!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Too many 211’s.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Sign Lorenzo Neal!
May 4th, 2009 at 11:03 am
DK,
Dude, he is a Pro Bowl Fullback. I know he is getting older, but can you imagine him picking up blitzes and stonewalling linebackers coming off the edge? He would teach Bush and Mcfadden how to be pro’s!
May 4th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I can’t see where all this love for Huff comes from. The guy has had his chances. He’s got safety cover skills but can’t tackle. IMO that makes him a dime corner at best.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:05 am
And has gone on record saying he’s lost some of his motivation or something to that effect. I would love it if we could get something out of him but at this point I would much rather see guys who bring the heat on the field.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:12 am
nader64
If there was any value at all that we could have got for Huff we would have trade him already.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:15 am
LightEmUp Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:03 am
DK,
Dude, he is a Pro Bowl Fullback. I know he is getting older, but can you imagine him picking up blitzes and stonewalling linebackers coming off the edge? He would teach Bush and Mcfadden how to be pro’s!
^^^^^^
Yep!
May 4th, 2009 at 11:18 am
I meant get something out of him as a Raider. BTW, great article on DHB here: http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_12286058?source=rss
the kid is inspiring and per one guy (a Chiefs WR) is more talented than 90% of the receivers in the NFL.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:19 am
http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=6975930d-f386-4855-81a3-9cec24dadab1
So this is how Torry Holt catches the ball so well? Man that finger is a mess!!
May 4th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Frantz Joseph: “Before the Raiders [called], the Washington Redskins called and offered me a deal. The Raiders called me second. After that I had the Baltimore Ravens call and offer me a deal. Shortly after that the Denver Broncos called and offered me a deal. When the Denver Broncos heard about the Raiders, they definitely tried to beat them out as far as signing bonus and all that stuff. I feel like the Raiders are somewhere I want to be. Not only because of the scheme they run [but] because of the tradition they have. I feel like we’re just a couple pieces away from turning it around.”
May 4th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Yes….Free Mike Huff. Thank you.
O & TW – You guys are funny, I caught your don’t get married message haha.
Frantz Joseph sounds like too good of a story. He’ll never make it out of training camp because he sounds too good to be true and with that logic, say goodbye.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:26 am
And…What the hell is going on in Alameda? I’m seeing all the news about team training camps. Where’s the Raiders?
May 4th, 2009 at 11:28 am
or maybe they’re mini camps but still…
May 4th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Raiders.com
Mini-Camps and Organized Team Activities
After the conclusion of the NFL Draft, the Raiders historically have held mini-camps and Organized Team Activities at the team’s Alameda facility during the months of May and June.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:30 am
#24
Good morning!
The Raiders mini camp is this weekend, I’m sure some great juicy information will be forthcoming.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:31 am
24, lol man that is some classic jaded Raider fan logic bruh! But didn’t Frants just sign a 2 yr contract?
May 4th, 2009 at 11:31 am
The Ravens have Joe Flacco, Troy Smith and now John Beck at QB. Thats alot of talent and youth at that position. Lucky basterds.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Jerry, your blog is no longer linked from iba’s Raider page. You still around?
May 4th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Vegas Raider, the Raiders’ season should be canceled. The Raiders are responsible for what’s happening in Oakland. ALL residents are. Remember?
May 4th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Nader64 – Do you remember when we signed Donovin Darius to a 3 year contract worth starting money? Do you remember a couple of veteran linebackers that we’ve brought in the last 2-3 years that looked solid against the run and who should have taken over the middle linebacker position? They made sense and they didn’t make the team. I’m just saying. Frantz sounds too good to be true.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:34 am
SNB, I don’t know if there is a Jerry. This blog is no longer linked from iba’s Raider page. That’s unusual.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:34 am
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Jerry, your blog is no longer linked from iba’s Raider page. You still around?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
RMR
Hope all is well.
I have sent to Jon B. a e-mail appraising of the dropped link and have heard “NO MAS” back.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Plus…Frantz’ 2 year rookie contract isn’t worth much.
Salaries
Years Experience Minimum Salary[35]
0 $260,000
1 $460,000
2 $535,000
3 $610,000
4–6 $795,000
7–9 $920,000
10+ $1.1 mil
May 4th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Huff could be reborn if allowed to play a true FS position, but no one knows if we will switch to a more conventional approach to safety play. I would hate to see Mitchell join a system that has meant career suicide for quite a few safeties.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Vegas, what are you putting on the Raiders to win it all this year?
May 4th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Raider Dell – Good Morning! Thanks for the Breaking News that you have reported over Jerry McDonald who happens to be MIA. Are you filling in for him because you’re already doing a better job.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:36 am
24 – gotcha. I didn’t realize it worked that way, thx for the knowledge.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:37 am
It’s not about Jerry being MIA, it’s about his blog not even being linked! I’m using someone else’s lap top right now, so I needed to go to IBA’s Raider page to get to this blog. No such link. Anywhere. Just a forum. I had to find this url on google.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:38 am
#24
thanks for the back handed appraisal of my current comments.
I just read this morning the mini camps start Friday and most of the players will be arriving Thursday night.
If this is news worthy, than you guys are in trouble.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:39 am
http://www.ibabuzz.com/
Click on Inside the Oakland Raiders under Sports and it takes you here.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Count me in on the Huff rejuvination bandwagon. The only ones who won’t be on his team are those looking for bone crusing hits. He clearly has the skills to be a very effective safety in the 2 safety system. He sucks b/c of Rob Ryan’s single deep safety system? I want to see one guy who could cover the whole field deep? I’m glad Cable took him out of that position and played him at R instead. Huff will definately start at FS this year.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Nader64 – No prob.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I can’t see where all this love for Huff comes from. The guy has had his chances. He’s got safety cover skills but can’t tackle. IMO that makes him a dime corner at best.
***
had his chances? Rob “the blob” Ryan forced this kid to play strong safety (out of position) his first 2 years in the league. he covered tight ends perfectly, but he couldn’t drop bigger RB’s with a full head of steam like a sledge hammer – no. when are you guys going to start holding the front seven accountable for the run defense? blaming one safety for Ryan’s moronic scheme is ludacris. and he was benched after only 5 starts at FS last year. Nnamdi Asomugha even called Cable out for doing that, saying it was too soon.
Eugene is bigger & stronger than Huff, so was Gibril Wilson, but you know what? neither one of them could cover a fullback, much less a TE or WR. Huff has cover skills and he needs a DC that can put him in a position to make plays. John Marshall can be that guy.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
If Huff doesn’t play well under John Marshall, then we have something to worry about.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Another thing …
Ricky Brown play more like a LB than Howard or Morrion. I’d rather have him in the lineup than Morrison.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Most of you may not agree with this but Stuart Schweigert played Rob Ryan’s defense perfectly but he got alot of slack because of lack of interceptions. The guy came out of college with a record breaking interception rate from Purdue I think it was. He broke Rod Woodson’s record there and when he got here, he was expected to cover the whole field all by himself and ensure that nobody got past him. Period. End of Story. He was not put in a position to achieve stats and he paid the price for it but he played the FS position for Rob Ryan’s defense better than anybody else. Thats whats sad about it. He only did what was asked of him.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Raider Dell – Well…if I truly wanted to find the mini camp information, I could have but I feel lazy and you knew the answer.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Ricky Brown isn’t durable otherwise we would have had better play from the Strong position last year.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am
24 Says:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Raider Dell – Well…if I truly wanted to find the mini camp information, I could have but I feel lazy and you knew the answer.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4
24
Your definetly not lazy, just looking for some Raider mini camp LOVE.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Ricky Brown play more like a LB than Howard or Morrion. I’d rather have him in the lineup than Morrison.
***
Jhill: Agreed. this kid is a tackling machine. He’s not as fast or athletic as Howard or Morrison, but he gives 100 percent on every play and gets the job done. This kid doesn’t miss tackles or over pursue. I don’t know if people hate on him because he’s undersized or his injury last year. Maybe they just see an undrafted guy in the starting lineup and figure he’s a dud? one thing’s for certain – this kid can play. People with harsh criticism against him obviously didn’t watch him play the first 8 games last season. Why do you guys think we slapped a 2nd Round tag on him? He can play all 3 LB spots and he’s a beast on special teams
May 4th, 2009 at 11:53 am
If Huff doesn’t play well under John Marshall, then we have something to worry about.
***
Agreed.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Raider Dell – If anything, the Mini Camp will give us the most important information like this team will look great coming off the bus and with all this speed, we’ll be getting off the bus in a hurry because if they don’t, they’ll have to get back on the bus and beat last years record. Thats what its all about…getting better, stronger and faster every year.
May 4th, 2009 at 11:58 am
24
Lately we have had some bus accidents lately, maybe we should just have them bike in, what do you think?
May 4th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Ricky Brown gets offer he won’t refuse
The Raiders offered outside linebacker Ricky Brown a second-round tender, a league source told The Chronicle this morning, which will all but certainly bring him back next season.
Their one-year contract offer is for $1.545 million. Should Brown sign elsewhere as a free agent, the Raiders can choose to match the other teams offer (and keep Brown) or accept a second-round draft pick as compensation.
That simply isn’t going to happen — not because Brown isn’t worth the modest salary, but because teams are unlikely to give up such a high draft pick for a still-developing player like Brown.
Brown made $445,000 last season, riding the NFL’s minimum wage line.
The second-round tender is a strong sign the Raiders still believe in Brown’s upside. Undrafted in 2006, former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan fell in love with him. He stuck even when Lane Kiffin showed up and wondered out loud what this undersized player was doing on an NFL roster.
Brown won the starting strongside linebacker job in camp last year but missed the second half of the season. He had sports hernia surgery after the season and is close to full recovery.
-David White (SF Chronicle) posted 02/26/09
May 4th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Raider Dell – Like…bicycle bikes? Can they wear mink coats? Maybe they should take the bus instead of the bus taking them? Maybe they should just carry it as one team. Maybe they can show up in a jail bus to show that they’re like a bunch of hardened criminals waiting to unleash the fury on opposing teams? Hmmmmmmmmm…
May 4th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
So, we give him another chance under Marshall (not that we have a choice apparently). I tell you this, it’s more than Ryan’s scheme that got this guy screwed up. He himself had something to do w/ it. I mentioned the quote about his attitude/motivation towards football and he must have had SOME issues to be beaten out by a guy like Eugene. If Huff has the ability you all speak of there’s no excuse for getting benched for Hiram. I mean, they played the same scheme right? If so, it would follow that Huff got benched b/c Hiram played it better.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
24
Your imagination is on fire today. Must be that sweet thing your getting married to. I bet you she brings out your best.
That would be news worthy if the raiders have the FA’S and Drafted player arrive in one of those Sheriff buses, wirh the barred windows, and the sheriffs riding with shotguns.
News Flash, scroll on ESPN.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
24
Great to have you aboard for this weekend mini camp. Remember all information will just be, what they call in the news business “FILL”
I’ll catch you later.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Nader64 – Sometimes players lose confidence. He wasn’t getting any interceptions, theres talk that the defense was constantly confused on assignments, we’ve done nothing but lose, the defense has been on the field more than the offense and maybe Huff is human and fell off the map in his career? In comes John Marshall and a new coaching staff with a better idea for what they want to do and better play calling skills and that can make life easier for Huff and I’m sure he feels relief about his own career being the hands of someone else.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Huff got benched b/c Hiram played it better.
***
exactly. Eugene played better than Huff in a garbage defense that got torched vs both the run AND pass
How come Tyler Brayton & Fabian Washington were both starters for playoff teams last year after Ryan benched them in favor of Stanford Routt & Jay Richardson? explain that one to me …
both were former 1st rounders (like Huff)
May 4th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Raider Dell – Take it sleezy.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I’m not defending Ryan. I imagine Brayton provided about the same as Richardson in our scheme and Richardson was cheaper. Fabian I never thought was that good. I think the pass rush really helps him in Baltimore. He would seem to always get beat on longer patterns by taller guys or better leapers even though he had good coverage. I am guessing on both but it does point to the scheme/overall talent impacting guys. I just expect more out of a #7 pick, fair or not. I hope you guys are right about him but I tell ya, he hasn’t had the look of a fighter. He would have to change that about himself and get his confidence/fire back.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
WWWWWWTTTTTTTFFFFFFFF?
May 4th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
sorry, I just like saying WTF!
May 4th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Yeah, seriously. We fux need our fix
May 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Huff had the look of a fighter at Texas, when he could get away with arm tackles and superior speed.
Could be worse though – could be Leinert. Tuck the Frojans.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Dude,
Where is my fix??
May 4th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
There is nothing for Jerry to report about the Raiders right now. Do you want him to break down the Dallas practice facility collapse or something?
May 4th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Jerry,
Do you job sir!!!
F&$@Fargas!
May 4th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Since when has a lack of events stopped a good reporter from adding content?
May 4th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
new post up
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