Mayock on Raiders
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 11:59 am in Oakland Raiders.
A good three weeks before the 2009 draft, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock became the first to forecast the selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey to the Raiders with the seventh pick.
Sports Illustrated’s Peter King and National Football Post columnist and former Raiders exec Mike Lombardi climbed aboard later, although most amateur and professional pundits had Heyward-Bey going much later in the first round.
“He’s a height-weight-speed specialist. The fastest guy at the combine,” Mayock said at the time. “This is an Al Davis special. You pair him with JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden.”
Understand, Mayock was looking at it through the eyes of the Raiders and their history. As he reminded the media on a conference call Tuesday, he wasn’t on board with any of the Raiders’ Big Three. He didn’t like Russell’s work ethic, McFadden’s ability to break tackles or the extremely raw skills of Heyward-Bey.
“My own personal opinion if you’ve followed the past few years, I said JaMarcus Russell was the most gifted college quarterback I ever saw but I wouldn’t taken him with a first round pick,” Mayock said. “I said Darren McFadden’s lower body went dead on contact and I didn’t think he made people miss. I thought Heyward-Bey was just a work in progress and no way should he have ben a high first-round pick. I’m on record with all three of those guys and felt they reached on the height-weight-speed scenario.”
(To be fair, Mayock was caught in an information void regarding the Raiders second-round pick, safety Mike Mitchell. However, rather than criticize the pick, as Mel Kiper did, Mayock conceded the simply didn’t know anything about him. Mitchell’s first season was derailed by hamstring issues although he began to receive playing time late in the season in some defensive packages.)
So who might the Raiders be looking at as the combine convenes this weekend? Mayock wants to see how the numbers play out, but he has a position in mind with the Raiders at No. 8.
“I think offensive tackle becomes a primary need and I think there are four of them worth taking in the first nine or 10 picks,” Mayock said. “You look at Kansas City at No. 5, seattle at No. 7, Oakland at No. 8 and Buffalo at No. 9 all have big tackle needs. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Raiders wind up with Anthony Davis, Trent Williams, Bryan Bulaga, and of course, Russell Okung.”
Mayock said he considers this year’s draft crop as poor for quarterbacks and interior offensive linemen, but could consider a scenario where as many as six tackles could go in the first round with a big dropoff after the top seven, with the other notables being Charles Brown of USC, Vladamir Ducasse of Massachusetts and Bruce Campbell of Maryland.
Here are links to profiles of Mayock’s top seven tackles:
Vladamir Ducasse, Massachusetts
A few other Mayock observations from Tuesday’s conference call . . .
– He believes the value of the combine, particularly where quarterbacks are concerned, is the chance for all 32 teams to see how the players matchup with each other in a competitive environment rather than in the controlled nature of a Pro Day.
– Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, if his shoulder has healed, is the class of the quarterback class.
“I think he’s a franchise quarterback if he checks out medically,” Mayock said.
He considers Colt McCoy a second-round possibility, likening him to Jake Plummer, and Tim Tebow a third-or-later selection.
“Give him two redshirt years while a veteran plays to work out his mechanical issues,” Mayock said.
– The top two players, and it’s not close, are both defensive tackles _ Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy and Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh
Although Mayock believes a quarterback need often overrides the “best player available,” he said of taking Bradford before either player, “You’d better be 100 percent sure Bradford is going to be an All-Pro because you’d be passing up an all-pro tackle for the next 10 years.”
Mayock gives a slight edge to McCoy, believing him to be the more disruptive player against the pass in a league skewed heavily toward passing teams.
– The No. 3 player on his board is Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant.
“When I see Dez Bryant on tape I can’t get Andre Johnson out of my mind,” Mayock said.
– The best available safety is not USC’s Taylor Mays, but Earl Thomas of Texas.
“I don’t think Mays is as instinctive, but he’s a big, tough guy in the middle of the field,” Mayock said.
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February 23rd, 2010 at 12:37 pm
The NFL can’t wait for the Al Davis draft show.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Trade DMAC for the last pick.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Tackle works for me… didn’t all raider fans scream for the O-line to be addressed after the B&B season? It would be about time to invest in the o-line
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Bruce Campbell is the #7 rated OT, but will put up the best combine numbers.
There’s your pick.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm
5th?
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Jerry your being quoted as saying you expect Bruce and Russell to split reps in the offseason and have a QB competition.
Throw us a bone please!!!!
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Vegas
I think Bruce is the new Gholston, roid head.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
I mean Bruce Campbell OT
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Overview
“Campbell is a good sized left tackle prospect that is a bit ahead of the curve, technique wise, over most underclass linemen. He is quick to set the edge and does a good job of jamming opponents with heavy hands and can be quick to get a refit when the pass rusher slaps his hands away. He has struggled with durability in that he has yet to play in every game during a collegiate season and will need to be gone over with a fine toothed comb by team doctors. He gets a bit lazy with his techniques and can be late to recognize or react to new situations but his physical talents are undeniable and he should be quick to come off some team’s draft board.”
*********************************
Ahhh..yes, physical tools and untapped potential.
If we draft a LT in the 1st, and Okung is not on the board, this is our guy.
Not the Bruce I had in mind
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Raiders looking to unload players
Posted by Michael David Smith on February 23, 2010 2:13 PM ET
The Oakland Raiders have a whole lot of players they’d like to unload — just as long as they can find a trading partner.
Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Raiders have had discussions with multiple teams to see if they can find anyone to take some of their players off their hands. Schefter reports that the Raiders did the same thing last year but found few takers.
This year could be different, though, because there’s no salary cap and no salary floor. So the Raiders could, if they’re so inclined, trade all the high-priced players they want and not be in any danger of having too low a payroll. And other teams could acquire high-priced players from the Raiders without having to worry about going over the salary cap, although there are some restrictions on trades in an uncapped year.
Schefter reports that the Raiders would even be willing to trade cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who’s widely regarded as the best player on their roster. However, Asomugha’s contract (which includes an $8 million roster bonus due on the first day of the league year, a $7.83 million option bonus due on March 19 and language that makes it difficult to franchise him when he becomes a free agent after the 2011 season) makes it very unlikely any team would trade for him.
But Asomugha is available if another team is interested. So are a lot of other Raiders.
PFT
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
SAge = Aaron Brooks!
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
You know who is Raiders trading partner NE.
I think they can trade Morrison to the Colts, they would get a younger MLB then free agent Brackett, Asmough to the Jets for two first round picks, DMAC to San Diego for Merriman and OL, who else am i missing?
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:50 pm
there are some restrictions on trades in an uncapped year.
***
such as ???
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Vegas
I am not sold on Bruce Campbell, he seems a beast but he is one of them hit or miss guys. He is built like a DE but Maryland uni is known to take it easy on roids, like Vernon or Merriman and now this guy Bruce Campbell, as far as Bulaga, I will stay away from this guy, short hands is a no no for LT, he will end up as LG or RG imo. This guy is another Trex arms, Gallery all over again.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:52 pm
SAge = Aaron Brooks!
***
well then who else do you want from Minny besides KWilliams & Cedric Griffin in a trade for Nnamdi and his pet walrus ???
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:56 pm
trade McFadden to Philly for McNabb
trade Russell to Minny for a conditional 4th Round pick
(we get a 4th rounder if he shows up for camp and DOESN’T look like DT Pat Williams)
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Does Adam Schefter have an inside source in the Raiders Organization? He is already stated that Bruce Gradkowitzki is going to be the starter, how does he know that??? There is a rat among AL Davis worshippers, maybe its Herrera
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Had us taking Trent Williams a few weeks ago. Could do worse. Bulaga is supposed to be more techinically sound I guess.
Hope we fix the O line.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Does Adam Schefter have an inside source in the Raiders Organization? He is already stated that Bruce Gradkowitzki is going to be the starter, how does he know that???
***
no he didn’t. he said they would split reps.
in other words, Bruce will get a chance to COMPETE for the starting job …
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
O line makes sense. You’ve got all these high dollar hight draft picks Russell, DMC, Bey and no one good enough to block for them. O line and a solid fullback are a necessity.
Whether we go that way or a take the fastest DB is another matter.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I would like a Fargas for Cromartie trade to happen. SD wants Cowboy third running back Choice, Fargas is better then Choice, Cromartie can play opposite Asmough.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
If they take Bulaga ahead of A Davis, then I will be livid and pissed!
Bulagas’ arms may be too short at 32-33 inches and this freakin team doesn’t need another freakin OT prospect with SHORT ALIGATOR ARMS like they did with Gallery when they picked him.
Anthony Davis or Bruce Campbell should be the main two OT’s they target…if Okung is gone of course.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
apart from Eric Berry, Derrick Morgan & Sam Bradford I think most guys in the Top 10 are DT’s & OT’s (our biggest needs) …
MLB McClain & WR Bryant might also be Top 10 picks
Ndamukong Suh (DT Nebraska)
Gerald McCoy (DT Oklahoma)
Dan Williams (DT Tennessee)
Brian Price (DT UCLA)
Russell Okung (OT Oklahoma State)
Anthony Davis (OT Rutgers)
one of these guys should be available at #8. would help us out and start on Day 1
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
RaiderRockstar
What does this sound like?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter expects QB Bruce Gradkowski to be the Raiders’ starter in 2010, ahead of JaMarcus Russell.
PFT
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
No more Hawkeye tackles. Ferentz makes them look better than they are.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
No. 8. Team and/or league contributions: Likely the only way the NFL chips in is if the 49ers and Raiders share the remaining costs. A 50-50 split between these struggling franchises? Well, yes, if they realize how desperately they need a new stadium (and suite revenues) to remain competitive with them rich folk in Dallas, D.C., and New York.
-Cam Inman
———————————-
But Big Al is a multi-Billionaire, no?
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Dknight
Bruce Campbell might get caught juicing, he clearly been juicing I don’t know if you saw his body, this cat is cut and ripped as hell, he is a risky player but I would take him over bulaga or Iuputi. I don’t know how some guys in here wanna take a guard at 8 to convert him to LT, if he was so good why wasn’t he an LT all four year of his school, besides dude played in WAC man most guys jump up on pro bowl hype, i never heard this guy name all year and i watch and bet on college football.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:18 pm
ESPN’s Adam Schefter expects QB Bruce Gradkowski to be the Raiders’ starter in 2010, ahead of JaMarcus Russell.
***
Adam Schefter doesn’t think another offseason or play caller will make a difference. neither do I. I don’t “expect” JaMarcus to start in 2010, but nobody knows what Al Davis will do
Adam was careful with his words there. wise choice.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
be back later fellers. work to do
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:41 pm
saw an analysis yesterday that broke down the force of impacts sustained by LT during his 9 years of carries and catches for SD.
it was likened to 850 35MPH car crashes.
in my opinion our very own DMc is just being smart. going down at the slightest contact or whimsically tripping over hash marks definitely minimizes the number of car wrecks he has to endure before he retires from the game.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Raiders4eve Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Dknight
Bruce Campbell might get caught juicing, he clearly been juicing I don’t know if you saw his body, this cat is cut and ripped as hell, he is a risky player but I would take him over bulaga or Iuputi. I don’t know how some guys in here wanna take a guard at 8 to convert him to LT, if he was so good why wasn’t he an LT all four year of his school, besides dude played in WAC man most guys jump up on pro bowl hype, i never heard this guy name all year and i watch and bet on college football.
^^^^^^^^^
Iupati can’t play LT or RT at least as of now…..and he has problems with grasping and holding. Only position he would start at with Raiders is RG, but the Raiders can get a starting with one of the 3rd round picks if necessary. RG John Jerry would be a great 3rd Round pick.
Last thing the Raiders need is a player like Iupati who will be penalty machine.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Rolando McClain in Round 1 and Lamarr Houston in Round 2 would be good.
Then getting a pass rushing RDE and or two O-Linemen with the two Round 3 picks would work also.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Posted by Mike Florio on February 19, 2010 12:03 AM ET
Of the many names on the list of NFC North free agents, there’s one we find more intriguing than any other.
Daunte Culpepper.
One of five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 1999 draft, Culpepper had the best single season of any of them, cranking out a passer rating of 110.9 in 2004.
The next year, a career with Canton potential became derailed, due to a shredded knee. The Dolphins still thought enough of him, even with three surgically repaired ligaments, to send a second-round pick to the Vikings at a time when Drew Brees was available for no compensation to the Chargers.
Since then, Culpepper has been a bright spot on bad teams. In 2006, he arguably was rushed back into action before his knee was ready, resulting eventually in a placement on injured reserve.
In 2007, he played for the Raiders. Enough said.
He then joined the Lions after spending months on the market and getting no interest, and temporarily retiring. The Lions. Again, enough said.
With a plenty of teams needing help at quarterback and not many options available in unrestricted free agency (bigger names are available via restricted free agency), it’ll be interesting to see whether anyone gives Culpepper a chance to show whether, in the right circumstance, he can recapture the magic of 2004.
We don’t know whether he can, but we’re rooting for him.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Vladimir !?!?
i don’t know anything about this guy…
but if is there in the 2nd…
take him…
just the gawddam name makes him worth taking…
Vlad… gotta have him !!!
make it happen Big Al…
(now i should say that i think we should get Dan Williams in the 2nd… but if we’re gonna reach… let’s reach for a kid with a scary name…)
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Ndamukong Suh & Gerald McCoy will both likely be gone by pick #8 …
draft Dan Williams (Tennessee) or Brian Price (UCLA) 8th overall and leave Capt Kirk alone!
we have 3 picks in the next 2 rounds to use on the O-Line
build the lines and wins will come
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
RRS sorry man, I just went back and read your posts. I think Cassell looked serviceable but, I don’t know how much better he looked than Jamarcus. He definately got a lot of help sitting and watching Tom Brady game plan and prepare each week. We definately have further to go with Jamarcus but, maybe Jamarcus will start trying.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Good afternoon, Raiders fans. How is everyone today?
Sadly, I don’t know how much I can really get interested in pre-draft discussion about who to take and why. In my opinion, that debate has always been a fruitless endeavor. Talking about that topic seems kinda like masturbation without the payoff, ya know.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
build the lines and wins will come
———————————
Not necesairly:
Robert Gallery
Jake Grove
Matt Stinchcomb
Mo Collins
Paul McQuistan
Mario Henderson
Never underestimate Al Davis’ ability to fuk up a wet dream.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
We should draft Dez Bryant in the 1st.
Raiders would finally have a #1 WR.
Then, they should go for QB Dan LeFevour in the 2nd or 3rd if still available.
If Al drafts another bust player, it will be a back-breaker for this organization.
Please stay away from OL in the first 2 rounds. GET REAL SKILL PLAYERS!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Culpepper has been done since he shredded the knee 5 years ago.
20 TD’s & 32 INT’s from 2005-2009
I’ll pass!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
It would have been nice if we had a system and a good QB in place when we drafted Jamarcus.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Nevertheless, I want our first FOUR picks to be Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle, and Guard (preferrably RG). That having been said, Al will go Safety, CB, Fastest undersized FB, and a KR despite having Miller healthy.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Florida Pete,
you mean Vlad the Impuissant? Vlad the Impotent? Vlad the Imperiler of Quarterbacks? That Vlad???
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Please stay away from OL in the first 2 rounds. GET REAL SKILL PLAYERS!
***
Taking Bryant & LeFevour 1st & 2nd would basically be admitting Russell & Heyward-Bey are busts. He would never do that.
It’s been 6 years since he drafted OL in Round 1 (Gallery in 2004)
He didn’t pan out at LT, but he’s one of the few bright spots on offense. One of the few players pulling their own weight.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Vladimir !?!?
***
LOL @ Pete.
Vlad & Seabass on the same team = total domination
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Pinchi Al Davis, if you would of pick an OT last year and the for sure pick would be Dez Bryant this year (true #1 wideout).
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Al davis pay sproles the money and get rid of higgins por favor. The Chargeless wont tag him again!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
# RaiderRockstar Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Please stay away from OL in the first 2 rounds. GET REAL SKILL PLAYERS!
***
Taking Bryant & LeFevour 1st & 2nd would basically be admitting Russell & Heyward-Bey are busts. He would never do that.
It’s been 6 years since he drafted OL in Round 1 (Gallery in 2004)
He didn’t pan out at LT, but he’s one of the few bright spots on offense. One of the few players pulling their own weight.
………….
I know he’s not ready to give up on his million dollar franchise killers, but its nice to dream.
Bring on another 5-11 season.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Does Dez run a 4.178 40 yard dash. Hell if he would have taken Crabtree last year we wouldn’t have to pick a WR this year. We need to strenghten the lines via free agency or draft.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
leave Higgins alone!
if you want to bring in Sproles, fine …
He can take the place of both Nick Miller & Justin Fargas!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Higgins needs to step up and stop having flashbacks from week one. Since the week one game, he has not been the same, i dont blame him but come on you play football man
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
2 years ago Higgins was our best receiver AND return man!
he got popped Week 1 and was shell shocked for a few weeks, but he came back around …
Higgins & Schilens have better hands than Heyward-Bey & Murphy! Even McFadden does when split out wide
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:31 pm
do you really thing he came around? How many yards in punt return did he have last year? I will give it to you better hands then DHB but not murphy(rookie mistakes). We dont need another Wideout, we need someone that can return punts, period! We are going to bring in a vet wideout this year, dont know who but we will.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
34 punts for 177 yards and longest return 19 yards!!! what do you think about that?
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
2008: 44 punts 577 yards and 3 td in 2009: 0 tds
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
if you guys want to do something about the WR corps let me make a suggestion. right or wrong here is my take:
-cut Javon Walker. He should have played last year since he was healthy and our highest paid WR not nicknamed DHB or stone hands. he’s in the doghouse
-get an experienced WR Coach. Sanjay Lal is not getting the job done. Give Ted Tollner the job since he’s not needed as PGC anymore
-do NOT allow scrubs like Todd Watkins & Nick Miller on the 53 man roster. effort only goes so far. We needed TALENTED high-effort guys in the fold
-bring in an established vet with something left in the tank. Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Chris Chambers, Muhsin Muhammad & Derrick Mason are all unrestricted free agents. the young cats need a veteran presence/influence. a mentor type
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
A very Happy 67th. Birthday to Freddie B.!!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Do you guys mind if I play the “Living in the recent past” game for a few minutes?
I really just wish that we had NEVER let CW out of the building. Imagine if our defensive backfield had CW and Aso on the corners playing press… wow. Unlike with eAngleo Hall (there’s no D with him), we actually KNOW that CW can play corner in our system. Naturally, Higgins wouldn’t be an issue because we would have Woodson returning punts. *sigh* Gotta love “what if’s.” I’d trade Johnson and a 1st rounder to get back the CW WITH turf toe on both feet!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Correction: Johnson, Higgins, and a 1st round pick for Woodson with turf toe on both feet.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
RR i agree with you, amen!!!!!!!!! mr 7eleven needs to go, iam sorry lmao. Did you see the play when the higgins and murphy ran into each other. I know player execute plays but come on the blames goes on to the coaches to discipline these players
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Murphy had 9 drops last year. DHB had 6 drops
Chaz with 2 and JLH with 3
Watkins also with 2 …
thats 22 drops not including RB’s or TE’s
yeah. Lal & Walker gotta go!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:41 pm
I sure hope Al goes after some O-line help with the 1st. pick. But, I could live with Price from UCLA at DT. I watched a few of his games last season, the kid is a football player…
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:42 pm
How is CW situation in GB??
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
-do NOT allow scrubs like Todd Watkins & Nick Miller on the 53 man roster. effort only goes so far. We needed TALENTED high-effort guys in the fold
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
LOL! This coming from a guy with a bigger man-crush on Grads than Vegas!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Damn homeboy is locked with GB for 7yrs, WOW
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:45 pm
DHB only has 6 drops because he was injured LMFAO
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
IF Taylor Mays slips to the 2nd. rd. No way Al passes on him. Especially if he runs a 4.2 40.
Just sayin…..
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
This coming from a guy with a bigger man-crush on Grads than Vegas!
***
post what I said about Bruce that displays a man crush please!
Thanks.
Management
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Okay, how’s this: We trade Johnson, Eugene, Morrison, Higgins, and every Offensive Lineman to Green Bay for CW, Aaron Kampman, and A.J. Hawk (a player that WE should have drafted, TYVM).
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Steve, call up Al right now he needs to pull the trigger lmao
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
And yes, I was screaming on that draft day for us to take Hawk.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I’ll give you this RR. At least you recognize that it takes a hell of a lot more than “high effort” to shine in the NFL.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
We trade Johnson, Eugene, Morrison, Higgins, and every Offensive Lineman to Green Bay for CW, Aaron Kampman, and A.J. Hawk
***
how about just CJ, Eugene, Carlisle, Green & Satele for C-Wood ???
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Good Afternoon Nation, The Only Nation.
Love this read and i think it has a lot of how i feel right now, and about alot of the fans and players.
Rarely do people ever consider our current state is the result of our failures as a nation.
As Raider fans, we have always blamed Al Davis when our team struggles.
We have also blamed players like Jeff George, Aaron Brooks, Daunte Culpepper, JaMarcus Russell, and other QBs.
Yet rarely do fans ever consider to blame the team as a whole, the organization as a whole, or god forbid… Raider-Nation as a whole.
Everyone—from the fans who support (or don’t support) their team, to all the players who don’t produce, to Al Davis and the rest of the Raider front office.
JaMarcus Russell, as well as Al Davis, shares blame in the Raiders’ struggles. But neither is the sole reason for the team’s failures. That’s why it’s called a team.
Suggestions that the Raiders would have been in the playoff hunt without Russell, or without Davis, are all absurd.
Russell took a lot of heat from a comment he made suggesting that his receivers weren’t on the right page and needed to do a better job. Some fans and the media then came out claiming that Russell was just immature and doesn’t know how to claim responsibility.
Immature? Sure, some rookies entering the league this year will be older than Russell. He is still a young man; expecting Brett Favre- or Kurt Warner-like maturity out of the guy is insane. Sure at his age he may be a little immature, but is that any surprise?
Can’t take responsibility? That all stemmed from two comments Russell made. One came early in the year when he suggested his receivers weren’t on the right page. And one came after he was benched when he suggested Gradkowski’s success against the Steelers was because others were making plays.
“Now it’s just all around. Guys are just making plays around him,” Russell said. “In the Dallas game, after you go out and win in Cincinnati, there weren’t plays really made the whole game, you know what I mean.”
“Going into Pittsburgh, guys were making plays for him. That’s what a quarterback needs, his surrounding players. That’s what was going on.”
That comment like everything JaMarcus says or does is over analyzed by the microscopes of a vicious media and fans.
Great QBs have always passed blame. John Elway did it. And Russell can’t even hold a candle to the amount of whining Rich Gannon did about his teammates while in the league.
Reporters who make a living degrading the Raiders with over-inflation of should be non-stories are no better than tabloid writers. And their opinions have no more substance than stories regarding Lindsay Lohan’s party habits, a feud between Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolee, Oprah and Stedman’s relationship, Brad Pits’ new beard, or whether Britney Spears wore shoes in a gas station bathroom.
Even if Russell was spreading blame to everyone but himself, was it not deserving? And did he not make an excuse for Gradkowskis’ struggles against Dallas as well?
Was protection not almost non-existent for all Raider QBs all season? Did the Raiders not give up the second most sacks in the league? Did the level of protection provided by the Raiders O-line not result in Gradkowski suffering two torn MCLs and Frye suffering head injuries back-to-back weeks?
With all that, it’s easy to say the O-line failed Russell as well as every other Raider QB.
Then there are the receivers. Russell accused them of not being on the right page. When two receivers collide running their routes, that assessment becomes pretty obvious.
Furthermore, at least six of the Raiders INTs were dropped balls that came off of our receivers’ hands and into a defender’s. And the team’s leading receiver was a rookie with only 34 receptions.
It’s easy to say the receivers also failed.
Then there’s coaching, the real issue. With Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush at their disposal, the Raiders some how managed to rank close to the bottom of the league in total rushing yards, at 21st.
And while the team continued to struggle through the air, rather than rely on the talented back-field, the Raiders coaching staff elected to pass even more.
Then there’s the fact that Russell rarely went over anything with coaches after a failed drive. This is true, but it’s also the coaches’ job to come to him. It’s supposed to be a mutual relationship. Anyway, who is he supposed to go to? Tom Cable has no positive credentials outside of coaching the O-line. Paul Hackett hasn’t been part of a real football team since 1998. And Ted Tolners’ last real football job was with the 2005 Lions and they deemed him unworthy as an OC, demoting him to TE coach.
Others have suggested that, being in the same offense for three years, Russell should be further along by now.
But here-in lies a huge problem. Suggesting Russell has been in the same offense for three years is suggesting the Raiders current coaching staff is incapable of developing their own offense.
That would suggest that the Raiders are running the same offense that Greg Knapp and Lane Kiffin installed.
As much isn’t completely out of the question, though.
It’s unlikely the offense was created by Tom Cable, unless he installed the same offense he ran with the Idaho Vandals. That though could explain how basic the offense is.
Ted Tolner? I doubt it unless we’re running the same offense that led to Tolner being demoted from the offensive coordinator position in Detroit.
Paul Hackett? C’mon, the guy is a fossil and the last time he was part of any success at the NFL level was in 1998 with the 49ers.
Some have suggested that the three collaborated to create an offense. But that would likely play out like an episode of the three stooges.
Then there are those who believe the Raiders are just running Al Davis’s offense.
Suggesting the simplicity of the offense is because JaMarcus has been unable to grasp an NFL offense is ridiculous.
Look at the offenses he ran in college and even his high school’s numerous formations, sets, and packages. They both make Tom “Basic” Cable’s offense look elementary, rivaling the complexity of your average Pop Warner team.
It is easy to suggest the offensive coaching staff failed epically.
Unless of course if you believe the same guy who led his team to a 41-14 victory in the 2006 Sugar Bowl, was four-time SEC Player of the week, and was the “Manning Award” winner is suddenly too dumb to grasp an offense.
Russell was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2007 draft. Along with the obvious huge contract and ambitions of becoming the face of the franchise, being drafted first overall also means you were just drafted into the worst situation in the NFL.
When a QB is drafted first overall or anywhere in the first round for that matter, the team needs to be built to accommodate that player. You need to get him weapons, protection, and play-calling that cater to his ability.
As seen by most of the prior mentioned issues, it’s obvious the front office has failed as well by not giving Russell and the team the tools they need.
Then there’s us, the fans. We’ve failed as epically as anyone else. We failed JaMarcus the second we booed him.
And by failing to sell out the Coliseum on so many occasions, as well as booing. All we have done is fail our team and shown that we as a fan base are not nearly as strong as we used to be or as loyal as we often claim.
Fans who boo their own team are merely the fan base’s weak link. And fans who claim to be refusing to support the team, refusing to go to games, or boycotting the team for whatever reason were never real fans to begin with.
Fans who do what I mentioned above do nothing to help a bad situation and do nothing but break down players and an already struggling franchise, and are merely the “image fans” the Raider-Nation is so often accused of being full of. The only reason these people even associate themselves with the team is because they like the colors or the “thug” or “rebel” image” often associated with the team. They are nothing but posers.
It seems the media has finally destroyed what was once one of the league’s proudest fan bases, and it only took seven years.
Now don’t get me wrong. JaMarcus Russell failed as well with his performance and by showing up to camp overweight. And Al Davis has failed by hiring inept coaching staffs. But neither failed alone. The Raiders failed as a team and an organization.
Now, it would seem, the Raiders are headed in the right direction with the hiring of Hue Jackson. He at least has decent offensive coordinator credentials, most recently serving as the Ravens QB coach. Dating back to 1996, he has been the offensive coordinator for five teams, including the 1996 Cal Bears, 1997 USC Trojans, 2003 Washington Redskins, 2007 Atlanta Falcons, and now the Raiders.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Hey, if we make THAT trade, then all we have to do is replace Warren and Kelly with two REAL Defensive Tackles… or switch to a 3-4 and replace them with ONE.
I know that we’ll never switch to a 3-4, but now that Trevor Scott is a linebacker, I think Morrison might be better served as an ILB with Howard at ILB beside him instead of having him at MLB to play turnstile after Warren and Kelly take RBs tickets and admit them to the secondary. Scott at Weekside, Morrison, Howard, then Ricky at Strongside. Ellis/Richardson at End, a Nose Tackle to be determined, and Seymore/Shaughnessy at end. I like that better than what we have NOW.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
*Weakside* damned typo
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Aaron Brooks Career Passer Rating 78.5
Johnny Unitas Career Passer Rating 78.2
Ken Stabler Career Passer Rating 75.3
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
RRs, that’s a good trade proposition, but I’d rather have Kampmann and Hawk as long as we’re dealing… we need upgrades at LB.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Wow!!
R8dr4lfe21, this is the post of the year hands down! I couldn’t agree with you more.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
5pm in Podunk. later gents!
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:02 pm
later RR
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@ Kell:
I have a bone to pick with you and Priest. You two say that when people call JR fat, lazy, and dumb that it smacks of racism. Well, let me drop some knowledge on you here…
The only racist connotations for being called dumb are for POLISH people. JaMarcus isn’t Polish… Gradkowski and Janikowski are. You don’t hear any of us talking about them being dumb, do you? People call Russell dumb because despite his actual intelligence, he does dumb things: he makes dumb decisions on the field, he doesn’t learn the playbook, and he skips meetings.
The only racist connotations for being called lazy are for Mexicans or other hispanics. JaMarcus isn’t hispanic. People call JaMarcus lazy because he doesn’t run in practice (I’ve seen it at the Napa Mariott myself), he moves like a turtle with three broken legs, and he is fat (if you want visual evidence, check out the Away games from last year… you can’t tell in the black Home jerseys, but in a white jersey, you can see his big stomach protruding. How many elite quarterbacks are there with a GUT?) When talking about his weight being from good ole home cooking and such, that isn’t a racial shot… it’s because he’s from the SOUTH (he went to LSU, ya know). I’m a southerner, too, born and bred… trust me, all the “black food” that is mentioned that you think is racist… that’s the stuff I eat every day… and it will all make you fat as hell (like JaMarcus) if you get lazy and don’t work it off.
The only people placing these insults in a racial context are people who want to ignore JR’s faults and make excuses for the accurate things others say. You want to deflect the truth and try to attack the source rather than deal with what was said. In truth, it shows that you either WANT to see racism everywhere you look or that you are racist yourself (in the belief that anyone who criticizes a black man is doing it ONLY because of race). I’m of almost total Irish heritage. My two best friends for the past 12 years and counting are a black Muslim and a Persian. That having been said, JaMarcus is fat, lazy, dumb (in reference to football), and a waste of potential. He could turn it around, but until he proves otherwise, those terms all apply. There is no racial correlation.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Great stats, Krappy. I’m surprised you had time between remodeling your 1 bedroom apartment and finalizing your mortgage on your Swiss chalet to post those.
What’s next, you old goat? How about the Raider’s win / loss record over the last 7 years. Everyone is really curious about that.
I’m sure you can squeeze in that link before you have to run off for your afternoon haircut.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Oh yeah, and the lazy part goes for skipping meetings and not coming to Team Activities as well.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:14 pm
The lazy part is also tied to his appearance of apathy. He MIGHT care a lot when he screws up or when the team makes mistakes, but he doesn’t show it. For all appearances, he just doesn’t care and doesn’t want to put forth the effort to lead or even be bothered with it. Granted, a good player should have a short memory, but that’s vastly different from not even noticing at all. Having a short memory means that you learn from the mistake and put it behind you, not that you ignore it like nothing happened, then go do it again the next series. The way he handles himself is purely emotionless and robotic.
Frankly, he seems too lazy to even care. That may not be the case inside him, but that’s what he SHOWS… and that affects his teammates as well. You don’t lead by shrugging and then sitting on the sidelines wearing a beanie and a blank stare. At LEAST talk with your offensive teammates after a bad series, fumble, or interception so that you can keep spirits up, eliminate the mistakes, or just try to find a groove. A lot of insults come from THAT.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:15 pm
R8dr4life,
plaudits.
yet for any dissection, interjection or recognition of blame there remains a constant which has not been addressed with even a modicum of success in recent years. The O-line.
All great Raider teams have had an excellent offensive line anchored by a dominant center.
Otto, Dalby, Mosebar, Robbins.
Alex Mack sat there available to begin the new era of dominance. But no.
Ryan Clady sat there available. But no.
Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher sat there available. But no.
Whatever value the Cable Guy has as a coach it is definitely not in evaluating O-line talent. He seems to prefer making do with cast-offs and scrubs and attempting to turn them into ZBS golden boys.
It is time to end that crap and to get some real offensive linemen once again.
Only then can the corner be turned.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
If Dez Bryant runs a 4.3-4.4 40….the old man Al will still take notice.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:34 pm
This just in———-
Cable being sued by Randy Hanson!!!
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
RR, since it will never happen anyway, I’ll stick with T-Jax
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Move Lal to quality control on offense and move Ted Tollner to the WR coach position!
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
This just in Lamont Jordan got released by the DONKS
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
SteveAlford
Post #82 Ridiculous. Mexicans & Polish. Racist & Stupid.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:42 pm
donkos, have released Wiegman, we should go get him, great zone blocker..
chargers wants to split ways with cromatie, he has complained about to much zone play, he wants more man2man… him opposite Nnamdi would stop all passes…
my 2 smallish cents..
see ya..
and fkuc Randy Hanson….
byeeee
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I wasn’t being racist, Kell… I was pointing out to you that “Lazy” and “Dumb” don’t contain racist connotations against blacks.
If the people calling JaMarcus lazy and dumb were racist and only criticizing him BECAUSE they’re racist, they wouldn’t be using those terms. You are just avoiding trying to counter the criticism because you can’t. Instead, you attack the source. It’s a logical fallacy from debating “Ad Hominem.” Since you can’t dispute that JR misses meetings, doesn’t learn the playbook, and is fat, you instead say that the only reason people say that is because they’re racist. I’m merely pointing out that the words they’re using aren’t racially charged… at least not toward BLACKS.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Krappy, did you just wake up from your afternoon nap? You seem more confused and groggy than normal.
Maybe you’ll perk up a bit if you have your wife hose you down in the backyard.
That’ll give you the pick me up you’ll need to post your next irrelevant link.
After all, Krap Krap, we don’t want you to compromise your “Blog Personality” status with sloppy link posting!
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
IF Dez Bryant runs a 4.3-4.4 40 time….the old man Al will still take notice IF he is still there at #8.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I’ll give you an example… and I’ll use a positive stereotype to do it:
1. I say that DHB is fast.
2. You say “You only say that because he’s black. You’re a racist.”
Nowhere in your reply did you counter the fact that DHB is fast. You imply an argument by attacking me, but never GIVE an argument. Instead, you attack the person who said it. Change 1 to “I say that JR is lazy.” Just as there is no racism in calling DHB fast, just as there is no racism in calling JR lazy. You just have no valid counter to “JR is lazy,” so you call me a racist to “win” the argument.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
KoolKell Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
SteveAlford
Post #82 Ridiculous. Mexicans & Polish. Racist & Stupid.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
KK, ur right on. I knew once this subject came up yesterday that there would be some crazy posts. Here it is.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Not everybody, but many of the comments about Russell are stereotypical. And he has made himself an easy target.
But the Caricature is Fat, Dumb, Lazy. Fried Chicken, Hamhocks, Neckbones. All Day/Everyday on this blog.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:49 pm
The extra value with Bryant is that he can also return punts!
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
SteveAlbert
I never said you were racist or anybody specifically. I said a lot of the criticism regarding JaMarcus Russell has racial undertones, even before the draft.
I stand by it. If you don’t like it, tough.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Debo, how is he right? I never said that Polish are dumb or that Hispanics are lazy. I said that those are the insults that racists use for those ethnicities. Pointing it out is different from saying it or believing it. Please improve your reading comprehension. Nothing I said was racist, nor do I believe those slurs to be accurate portrayals of those races.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Kell, you specifically said that people call JR lazy and dumb because he is black. You didn’t say that other criticisms were from race, you used those two words as examples of racism. That’s what I was addressing.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
SteveAlford21 Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Debo, how is he right? I never said that Polish are dumb or that Hispanics are lazy. I said that those are the insults that racists use for those ethnicities.
———————————–
Stupid, Ignorant. Not True.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Kell, all the food you just mentioned is SOUTHERN food… and I eat it on a regular basis now that I’ve moved back from Cali to Virginia. Does that mean that I’m black? I take those comments to mean that his fatness comes from being a countryboy who loves to eat (which he clearly is). The fact that you automatically assume that those foods are tied to race is what bothers me. When my WHITE friends here put on weight, everyone tells them to lay off the fried chicken. What’s your take on that?
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
And Kell, I’ve never done the childish “change your name to something else” thing when addressing you. I’ve always called you Kell, so I would appreciate the same courtesy being shown to me in a proper adult conversation. Thank you.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Great timing by Hanson, in suing Cable a week before the Combine. How does this asswipe still get a paycheck from A.D. Football, Inc.?
Wouldn’t be surprised to see a settlement here, with Al somehow underwriting it….
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Posted Yesterday:
HayzeDaze
Russell definitely deserved to be criticized.
I’m just saying that a lot of the undertones to the jokes and criticisms were racist. Even before the draft.
Now, I know you think I’m the most racist person in here, funny that.
Yes, when I hear it I call it.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
SteveAlford
Go Fuk Yourself.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
SteveAlford21 Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
And Kell, I’ve never done the childish “change your name to something else” thing when addressing you. I’ve always called you Kell, so I would appreciate the same courtesy being shown to me in a proper adult conversation. Thank you.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Dude, you’re beating a dead horse. Enough already.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@909:
It took place on team property and the team stood behind Cable, therefor Al will probably back the settlement and try to write it off as a cost-of-doing-business expense. He might even try to get the team’s insurance to cover it as being sued for damages incurred by an agent of the organization being sued over an organization-related incident. You never know… Al might just be crafty enough to accomplish such a thing.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Kell, I wasn’t referring to what Haze said. I was specifically referring to you saying this:
“Not everybody, but many of the comments about Russell are stereotypical. And he has made himself an easy target.
But the Caricature is Fat, Dumb, Lazy. Fried Chicken, Hamhocks, Neckbones. All Day/Everyday on this blog.”
in post 185 and then making several more posts about how those comments made by others are racist. People call him fat because he has a gut, dumb because he doesn’t know the playbook and acts confused at times, and lazy because he skips meetings, won’t run, etc. The references to food are all about SOUTHERN food… and in case you didn’t know, JaMarcus is southern (note the accent). Maybe you should stop looking for racism and try to debate that he ISN’T fat, dumb, and lazy… I’d love to see good arguments about that. I know he isn’t dumb, but he does dumb things in a football sense (skipping meetings isn’t just lazy, it’s also dumb).
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Debo, how is it beating a dead horse when that’s the first time I’ve ever asked Kell to call me by my name in a discussion instead of something else? Beating a dead horse is when you talk about the same thing over and over. That comment was my first about that topic. In our only other discussion before this, Kell and I disagreed, but did it quite rationally and without incident, in a very civilized and adult manner.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Dakota Jr. has arrived. All is well.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:14 pm
“Not everybody, but many of the comments about Russell are stereotypical. And he has made himself an easy target.
But the Caricature is Fat, Dumb, Lazy. Fried Chicken, Hamhocks, Neckbones. All Day/Everyday on this blog.”
———————————————
So true. If you want to check the archives, it’s all there. Even the N word. Unless that’s something that’s used for chinese.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Kell, I wasn’t talking about the archives because I have only been posting here for a week. I was referring to the specific examples that you gave. I’m sure there are people who hate him just because he’s black, but the things that you listed have nothing to do with race.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Russell is fat, lazy, and incredibly immature. And he needs to wipe that stupid open mouth look off his face. Those are facts. Now, if any of you think that’s racist, you have problems of your own.
I also think Davis is senile and Phillip Rivers is a punk b1tch. Does that make me racist against Jews or whites?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Long Worthy Dakota has arrived!
hope all are healthy brother Dakota.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Dakota….
Congrats, to you and Mrs. D.
Light a stogie yet?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Speaking of Davis…..why again did the old man re-hire Hanson? This Hanson clown has now filed suit against the team. WTF was Davis thinking by re-hiring him? Which some of you homers applauded by the way….
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4939621
This guy just spit in the face of Al Davis after he gave him another shot.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Ok blog dorks -
The only thing this boring, remedial discussion on race is going to bring about is a worked up old KrappyKell and another pair of ruined Bermuda shorts.
Remember, if the old goat Krappy gets all worked up then he usually goes directly into blog meltdown mode.
That means only one thing – hilarious entertainment for me and hours of diaper cleanup duty for KrappyWife.
Like Caesar Milan says, you must get the brain into a calm, submissive state.
Now roll over, Krappy!
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Congrats Dakota
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Fat, Dumb & Lazy associated with a black Alabama QB is racist. Especially since it’s not associated with anything on the field.
Fat- doesn’t look fat to me
Dumb- Wonderlic indicates otherwise
Lazy- I don’t know. Missing a meeting???????????????
Have you EVER heard a white QB describes as Fat, Dumb, Lazy????????
Now whether you’re racist or not, I don’t know. I stand by the fact that for 3 years in this blog JaMarcus Russell has been describesd in racial undertones. Period.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Btw
I’ve heard black fans say things about Russell, much, much worse
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:29 pm
http://www.fanfeedr.com/nfl/2010/02/23/ex-raiders-assistant-randy-hanson-sues-tom-cable-team-over-alleg
the weasel strikes back….
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Fat – Look at his gut protrude in the white AWAY jerseys this past season.
Dumb – Missing team meetings, not knowing the playbook, making the same errors repeatedly.
Lazy – (see Dumb), doesn’t run in practices (saw it myself in Napa).
Those are all non-race-related, but ARE football-related. The fact that he’s black has nothing to do with it. For the quite a while, Janikowski had a pretty big gut. I called him lazy, too. He never skipped meetings that I was aware of, never refused to run, and generally played good football, so I never called him dumb or lazy… but he was fat. Race has nothing to do with telling the truth. I’ve just illustrated a FEW ways of how JaMarcus is indeed fat, dumb, and lazy. If you have the chance to lead an NFL franchise, what else can you call NOT spending all your free time honing your craft… if not dumb?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Oh yeah…and its 2/23/10 and Tom Cable is here to stay.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Congrats on the kid, Dakota – but do NOT try to use this as an excuse to get out of your burrito making duties during the Baja Summer 2010 Blog Bro-Tacular.
No way Krappy is going to make it through his nude kayak exhibition without a homemade meal in his gut.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
M Lonetree Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Florida Pete,
you mean Vlad the Impuissant? Vlad the Impotent? Vlad the Imperiler of Quarterbacks? That Vlad???
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vlad the Black Guy with the Whitest Name on the Planet:
Name: Vladamir Ducasse
Position: OG
College: Massachusetts
Height: 6′5″
Weight: 330 lbs.
40 Time: 5.35
Experience: Senior
Projected Round: Mid-Rounder
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
If you have the chance to lead an NFL franchise, what else can you call NOT spending all your free time honing your craft… if not dumb?
———————————-
Immature?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Lazy especially goes toward not putting the time in the filmroom, being the last one to practice and the first one gone. Have you seen/heard Nnamdi talk about JaMarcus’s lack of preparation? #21 is very tactful about it, but even WITHOUT reading between the lines, he’s saying that JR was unprepared for games and for the entire season as a whole last year. There is no excuse for that in your third year or even your second. It’s flat out lazy and dumb to do that.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Has ANYBODY EVER heard another QB described Fat, Dumb, Lazy?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Dakota
=) congrats
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Krappy is going to look for any excuse to bring race into the discussion.
Remember folks, we’re talking about a bitter old wack job who has a portrait of Johnny Cochrane hanging above his well worn commode.
So if you give Krappy any excuse to rant like a lunatic on race, he’ll melt down right before your eyes summoning the ghost of Jim Crow.
Which gives me an excuse to order one of my ladies to make another pitcher of margaritas! Ole!
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Kell, how long can immaturity be used as an excuse? That’s what you say for ROOKIES being unprepared and missing meetings, being the last one to practice and the first one gone. JR was in his THIRD year last year. To have not learned what to do by then is ignorance. To have learned and then do the opposite… that’s stupidity. I reckon that over the past three years, SOMEONE has told him what he needs to do… so I’m sticking with “dumb” for the description of those actions.
After one season of losing, to continue what you’re doing rather than commit to improving and making the most of the opportunity… that’s dumb. Hopefully, being benched last season was a wakeup call and he’ll stop doing dumb stuff. Until then, “we are what we repeatedly do,” therefor, he’s dumb.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:37 pm
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”
-Aristotle
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Dakota…
From here on out, your kid will share the same B-Day as Freddie B…
Pau Biletnikoff Dakota…..lol..
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Has ANYBODY EVER heard a QB described as Fat, Dumb, Lazy?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Oh no…Dakota Jr? haha
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:42 pm
# DKnight007 Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
If Dez Bryant runs a 4.3-4.4 40….the old man Al will still take notice.
=======================================================
Dez Bryant is a very nice prospect. He has size but his forty times for the most part are in the 4.5 range. And he has been out of football for a year due to an NCAA suspension. So unless he has REALLY been hitting it, expect Al to pass.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:43 pm
# Dakota Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Dakota Jr. has arrived. All is well.
========================================
Fantastic! Best wishes to you and yours. How’s little Seymour doing?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Has ANYBODY EVER heard a QB described as Fat, Dumb, Lazy?
Steve Alford???????????????????????????
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Kell, using the quote from Aristotle that I posted as my guide, I say this:
JR repeatedly has a gut (watch the away games last year… white jersey shows it); therefor, he IS fat.
JR repeatedly makes the same mistakes on the field, he also repeatedly comes in last and leaves first instead of being committed to his craft, attending meetings, and studying film; therefor, he is dumb.
JR doesn’t run in practice and does the things I listed for “dumb” as well; therefor, he is lazy.
WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO… JaMarcus IS fat, dumb, and lazy.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”
-Aristotle
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Yes, Kell. I have heard of a QB being called fat, dumb, and lazy. His name was JaMarcus Russell.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
long live Aristotle!!!
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Easy there Krappy – you’ve repeated the same question 3 times now and nobody cares.
I’m sure you’ve got an uncomfortable dump in your drawers, but you’ve just gotta stay calm until your wife can change you.
I wish you were chilling here in my condo with these killer Hooter girls and a margarita. We’d get loaded and then take turns pushing you into my whirlpool.
Kickass!
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Thanks guys! I will have to stay home to help with the little guy for a while so I will probably be back next week.
Later.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
ESPN NFL Rumors
Nnamdi to the Jets back on?
7:39
PM ET
Nnamdi Asomugha | Raiders | Interested: Jets? Top Email
Nnamdi Asomugha started a firestorm of controversy at the Pro Bowl by suggesting that he and Darrelle Revis were poised to be in the same defensive backfield. Later, he clarified, saying that he was joking.
But where there’s smoke, there can be fire, and such could be the case here. NFL Insider Adam Schefter has word that the Raiders are looking to swing a trade this offseason, and Asomugha is among those that the team is open to trading.
The problem, if you haven’t been following closely, is the CB’s contract situation, which includes an interesting clause, summarized below. But that might not keep the Jets away if he’s really available, per AFC East scribe Tim Graham. Expanding on the “Revis Island” theme, we’ll call the Jets’ defensive backfield with Revis and Asomugha the “Rex Ryan Archipelago.”
Tim Graham
Bad times for opposing QBs
“If Asomugha really wants to play with Revis and experience life under defensive savant Ryan — and get out of Oakland while he’s at it — perhaps he’d be willing to restructure his deal to play for a team that’s trying to, you know, win. The possibility of Asomugha still seems remote because of his contract, but the fact the Raiders are dangling him around the league makes you wonder how nauseous AFC East quarterbacks will get at the mere thought of him and Revis in green and white together.”
Adam Schefter
Nnamdi gets quite pricey
“What makes a potential trade for Oakland’s Pro Bowl cornerback even more difficult is that, after his contract expires following the 2011 season, Asomugha’s team is forbidden from franchising him — or it must pay him the average of the top five quarterback salaries, which this year would be $16.4 million.”
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I have to frank with you guys, I have seen Jamarcus a bunch up close and he never looked fat to me. I think that is a bit of an urban legend. Even Jerry said as much during preseason opening.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Dakota Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Thanks guys! I will have to stay home to help with the little guy for a while so I will probably be back next week.
Later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
yeah… well don’t try to help out with any of that nursing stuff…
my nipples still hurt…
word…
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook are available. I don’t think LT would come here but if there are no takers for Westbrook, I say bring him on and let Fargas walk. I think Westbrook could show McFadden a few things and playing behind Bush and McFadden can keep him healthy and prolong his career a little bit.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
JR repeatedly makes the same mistakes on the field, he also repeatedly comes in last and leaves first instead of being committed to his craft, attending meetings, and studying film; therefor, he is dumb.
——————————————–
The same mistakes??? You mean like the Defense and their gap control yearly problems?
—————————
JR doesn’t run in practice and does the things I listed for “dumb” as well; therefor, he is lazy.
-Where do you get your inside info???????
I can’targue with Aristotle, but we’re also Human Beings. And this world and blog is full of less than excellent people.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Regarding post #148: absolutely. Expect Nnamdi to be gone. Of course he will restructure if it means getting him the hell out of here and playing alongside Darrell Revis. And let’s not forget he basically grew up in the league with Rex Ryan’s twin brother. Think THAT makes a difference?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:53 pm
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”
-Aristotle
——————————————
WTF don’t you go and lecture Al Davis with Aristotle? He’s 29-83 to the best of my recollection.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Al Davis has 3 winning seasons in the last 15 years, where the Aristotle quotes?
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I’m not getting info from any sources. I went to the Napa Mariott in ‘08 and ‘09 (when I lived in Pacifica) to be starstruck and beg and plead for a chance to watch a bit of practice. I still had my cute little laminated high school press credentials, fyi. While everyone else ran to position groups, JaMarcus leisurely strolled.
No, I don’t have any contacts within the organization and I was never part of any clandestine operations. I saw one practice each year, but that’s enough to form an accurate opinion. When someone who ISN’T injured never wants to move faster than they absolutely HAVE to in order to avoid getting in trouble, that’s called being lazy. Not only did I see it myself, but I’ve read plenty of camp reports from news sources that said the same thing about other practices.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:58 pm
KoolKell Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
JR repeatedly makes the same mistakes on the field,
===============================================
Someone was remarking earlier today about in the Washington Redskin game here Gradkowski was sacked twice in a half and Jamarcus was sacked 6 times in a half.
I was at that game. It was a good game, both teams were playing hard. Grads was engineering the two minute offense in the lst half. On a third and 12 he hit Louis Murphy for what was ruled a lst down. The Raiders then ran an off tackle play, but after things unpiled, the refs said they were reviewing THE PRIOR PLAY!! I had NEVER seen that before. The pass to Murphy was ruled incomplete, the Raiders punted and Eugene Monroe brushed the return man. 15 yard penalty. John Fasssel the ST coach jumped out onto the field and went nuts! Another 15 yard penalty. The team basically gave up right then and there, and Washington just marched down the field and scored a TD in 1:55. Game over. Then Jamarcus came in.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Kell, not once have you seen ME defend Al’s actions since a week before he traded away Gruden. He has been running my favorite team into the ground and I hate it. I signed the petition and donated money to get the sign put up on 880, begging him to hire a GM. Did you?
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Oh how original are we today old kell,..lets see,..you are crying about al davis,..you are crying about racism,…now you bring in aristotle?…come on you stupid old man,…stop embarrassing yourself in here every day,…isnt it bad enough you are the poster boy for welfare, food stamps and section 8?…but must you come in here and play the angry stupid old man every day?…I mean, its funny, we like to laugh at you,..have a little pride you old fool.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Oh no – Krappy is back to the Raider won / loss record over the last 7 years!
Don’t worry folks, it’s just what the old fool does when he melts down.
See, he can’t think of anything else to say so he just barfs up the same stat over and over again.
Love how low you’re sinking today, Krappy – keep up the great work! I’m loving every minute!
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
For the record, to all of you, not just that stupid old man old kell,..jamarcus isnt fat,…his a big dude,..he sucks at qb, so far,..not fat,…that dt in bama is fat,..cody,…russell is just big, not toned,…oh and that lefty backup qb in NY is fat,…thats fat,..not russell.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Seymour Bush Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I have to frank with you guys, I have seen Jamarcus a bunch up close and he never looked fat to me. I think that is a bit of an urban legend. Even Jerry said as much during preseason opening.
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Dude, I hear ya. Haven’t seen him in person, but I watched the Denver win again two nights ago and I just don’t get all this fat talk. He was moving around great in that game, and that was with two weeks left in the season. If he needs to lose weight, I don’t think it’s that much. One of the reasons he was drafted was because of his great size. He took a lot of hits this year and kept getting up. I think people get freaked out by those “300 lbs. in the offseason” reports. Don’t know if I buy that stuff.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Jamarcus admitted that he was fined by the Raiders for being overweight.
Can we put that too bed know? The guy is overweight in general, fat for a QB.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
actually beech Im beginning to feel sorry for that old fool,…dudes in his 60`s hangin in a blog obsessing over Al davis`s billion dollars,..who f`n cares…I told you old man, you live in alameda, we know that because you keep reminding us,…if I lived there, and obsessed over davis all day every day, I would go to the raiders office and confront him,…why not do that old man?…youre getting nowhere with that obsession in here.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Gotta run folks, my Hooter girls are begging to take me out to sushi. I better indulge them so they’ll be happy on the helicopter charter they’ve booked for Catalina Island tonight.
If I can’t check in later from the copter’s computer, enjoy the Krappy Meltdown – it’s almost as cool as a America’s Funniest Home Video’s marathon!
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Kell, you say that he’s not fat, right? This is JaMarcus’s stomach with him pulling up his jersey in 2008. It looked much worse than this in ‘09 WHILE COVERED BY A JERSEY! I’m looking for pics of him standing on the sidelines wearing white now. Will post when I find them.
http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/05/16/sp_raiders_058_pc.jpg
That might not be “fat” by the common citizen standards (it is by MINE, no matter who you are), but for a professional athlete, specifically an NFL QB, that’s FAT.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Dom Deloise = Fat
Tony Siragusa = FAT
JaMarcus = Paste eating, interception machine.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:06 pm
yes jamarcus is a little overweight,..bfd,..his weight isnt his problem, its his “I dont give s shyt” attitude,…and frankly I dont see the talent,..not yet anyway,…however, I am now in row 1, I have new future sight powers,..I see him leading the raiders to afc west title. Word.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
whatever steve, he has a little gut,..thats not whats keeping him from the probowl,…his weight is about 7th on the list of why he sucks so far.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Jamarcus is a fine specimen of fitness & manhood…
he is cut !!!
a lean machine !!!
he doesn’t eat the toast… he eats the toaster…
he’s a mauler…
a certified bruiser…
um…
you know… we probably will have an opening at defensive tackle this coming season…
just saying…
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Which section?
I sit in row 1 of 107.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
# Norco Bob Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
For the record, to all of you, not just that stupid old man old kell,..jamarcus isnt fat,…his a big dude,..he sucks at qb, so far,..not fat,…that dt in bama is fat,..cody,…russell is just big, not toned,…oh and that lefty backup qb in NY is fat,…thats fat,..not russell.
============================
LMAO..are you serious?
JR’s ass gets in the room two minutes after his stomach arrives.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Bob, I’m the one who brought up Aristotle. Actually, it was a quote to prove that JaMarcus repeatedly doing dumb things, being lazy, and having a gut means that he is indeed fat, dumb, and lazy. I gave specific examples of each. So don’t attack Kell for Aristotle, it was me. Scroll up and see my comments if you want and tell me what your thoughts are.
Also, have you crushed one up yet? How’d you like it?
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
If the Raiders are being heavy-handed towards their #1 pick and Al Davis fetish supreme, you know he was way overweight.
Anthony Smith punches a coach, no fine, no discipline.
Jamarcus Russell gets disciplined for his weight? Dude must have been HUUUUGGEEEEE!
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Congrats to Dakota!!!!
Can you field a hoops team yet?
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Bob, I listed quite a few problems with JR, but was only scratching the surface. I used fat, dumb, and lazy because those were the terms that Kell and Priest said were racist. I was just illustrating to Kell that those terms are only related to JaMarcus in terms of football and have no racial connotations whatsoever.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Seymour Bush Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I have to frank with you guys, I have seen Jamarcus a bunch up close and he never looked fat to me. I think that is a bit of an urban legend. Even Jerry said as much during preseason opening.
===============
That’s because you’re not just an idiot, Oakglenn, but you’re a cross posting lying sack of crappola.
Dude…you state “I’m leaving for the game”…at 12:00 NOON..and then at 12:30??? YOU’RE STILL POSTING..and that’s for a 1:15 kickoff.
You’re a liar..plain and simple.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
trade DMAC for Aristotle…
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
This picture is DURING A GAME last year, not standing on the sidelines. His arm is cocked all the way back, which would men his gut is actually pulled IN at the time. As you can see, his gut protrudes not only out past his belt and pants, but sticks out forward FARTHER THAN HIS FLAK JACKET! A little gut? No way. His mobility issues might just be improved a bit if he lost that gut.
http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/getty/2009/09000d5d812a2eab_gallery_600.jpg
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Good afternoon/evening, Mr. O’Shea. If you have a minute to spare, would you please scroll up to posts 82, 84, and 85 to give them a read, then tell me your thoughts. Since you were involved in that topic yesterday, I thought I’d get an opinion from someone else who is on the sane side of that argument.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
This is in a black home jersey (the gut from last season shows MUCH better in a white away jersey). See the big roll there above the pants line?
http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/gallery_images/photos/000/242/838/GYI0059143704_display_image.jpg
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
I guess steve put ya on alert as well Mr. O’shea….
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Belly sticking out past pants:
http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/93751125.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D009FBC8054D022D7B04A6F6A9EAB3F753257FA72F8B6C4C7D
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
More belly past pants:
http://media.sacbee.com/smedia/2009/12/20/22/1S21RUSSELL.highlight.prod_affiliate.4.JPG
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Raider 3, I wasn’t putting Richochet on alert for anything. I believe that he agrees with my position and wanted to verify that.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
White is not his color.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
*Raider E*
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Kell:
I’m tired of searching for pics, just watch ANY of the away games from last season after he was benched. Every time they show him standing on the sideline, either from the front or from the sides (rare shots because he’s usually sitting his fat, lazy ass down), you can see his big gut hanging out over his pants. It shows up GREAT in those away jerseys. You have no more case to say that he is NOT fat. Discussion closed.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
SteveAlford21 Says:
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
This is in a black home jersey (the gut from last season shows MUCH better in a white away jersey). See the big roll there above the pants line?
http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/gallery_images/photos/000/242/838/GYI0059143704_display_image.jpg
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Somebody help me out. Isn’t he wearing a pad around his midsection??
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Where’s MR? I haven’t had the pleasure of reading a post from ol’MR today.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Debo, the pad doesn’t go around the front, just the love handles… and with JaMarcus, there’s plenty to love… if only he’d give us a good reason
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Your right Debo? He is much more of a specimen in black.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Debo, in that pic, you can clearly see where the padding stops at the sides. You can also clearly see a huge fatroll hanging over the front of his pants.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:33 pm
I put ya on alert to Mr. O’Shea, you have a following….Now extend your arms and part the nation Limpdick
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:35 pm
http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/93751125.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D009FBC8054D022D7B04A6F6A9EAB3F753257FA72F8B6C4C7D
Dude, don’t see a “fat” guy here. Don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a little bit?
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Debo, in that pic his shoulders are BACK, so he’s not slouched down… and his stomach clearly sticks out farther than his flakjacket and hangs out past his pants. That might not be fat by average guy standards, but that’s fat as hell for a QB. His mobility problems aren’t ALL caused by that, but losing the gut would help. And yes, even if he weren’t a QB, I see a fat guy there.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Raider E:
Actually, Me wanting Richochet to read it isn’t really about him as much as it’s about the group that discussed it yesterday. My previous was addressed to Kell and Priest. As soon as I see Priest, I’ll have him read it, too. I want opinions from everyone involved in that original argument (Kell, Priest, and Richochet). I figured the only one who would agree with my position is R, though.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
new post Steve……
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I was just funnin’ ya Steve, and Mr. O’Shea especially, the guy can be very clever
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
first of all i will be sickend is raiders trade #21
if they do it better be along the lines of herschel walker deal if not no deal! 2 first rounds 2 second rounds and a vet player! now let me get on my free agent have to get pick! floz adams will bring the veteran leadership with a nasty attitude we need to team up with gallery! once again first pick mcclain. second pick cody! with those picks and keeping asomough will make the raiders like the ravens of 2000-2002 who need the offense when you have a defense that can score! not to mention if the raiders pick up flo j.russell will play alot better you cant blame all of the mess up on russell but yes i will note that if he would move around in the pocket less fumbles and sacks will happen. the problem is we as raider fan want 11-5 and 14-2 season now! but i will say is we do what i say we could pull off a 11-5 and maybe a 12-4 season this year. but trading aso away means another 5 season of rebuilding not going to happen with al here and i dont blame al if he doesnt pull that trade trigger. but without a good DT it doesnt matter who you have a LB soo trading for merrian not going to happen. i think flo and a good guard would be the best free agent signing
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:02 pm
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February 24th, 2010 at 8:17 am
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February 24th, 2010 at 11:01 am
ohh also not to forget dunta robinson also as FA pickup