Raiders hope for springboard similar to ‘99
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, December 31st, 2010 at 12:18 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Even without the cooperation of the San Diego Chargers, the parallels are striking.
Back at the turn of the millennium, the Raiders closed out the regular season at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs in hopes of finishing with a .500 record and the promise of a better day.
The Raiders were 7-8, losing to the Chargers the previous week not long after they learned they’d been eliminated from the playoff race before taking the field Sunday afternoon.
All Kansas City needed was to win and capture the AFC West. Lose and they were out of the playoffs.
It set up the same way this season until Cincinnati upended San Diego last week, giving the division title to Kansas City.
Given that the Chiefs have already assured themselves a playoff berth, it’s impossible to duplicate the ecstasy that came with the 41-38 overtime victory on Jan. 2, 2000.
The Chiefs had beaten the Raiders 11 straight times (including a wild card playoff game) at Arrowhead and took a quick 17-0 lead only to have the postseason ripped from their grasp as Jon Gruden and Co. celebrated wildly when Joe Nedney’s 33-yard field goal split the uprights in overtime.
Some other instances of history repeating itself:
— The Raiders, scored 390 points that season, were convinced they were better than their record, ranked fifth in total offense and eighth in scoring.
The 2010 Raiders feel the same way, having scored 379 points to rank seventh in scoring and No. 10 in total offense.
— Place-kicking woes with Michael Husted (20-for-30) cost the Raiders dearly. He was eventually dumped in favor of Nedney with three games to play with Al Davis drafting Sebastian Janikowski in the ensuing draft to make sure it didn’t happen again.
Janikowski, for as well as he kicked this season, missed three field goal attempts, including a 32-yarder at the final gun, in a 24-23 loss in Arizona in a loss many see as the death knell to their playoff hopes.
— There were rumors going into the Chiefs game that Gruden’s job was not safe because Davis felt the Raiders underachieved. Davis later joked at a press conference that when the Chiefs went up 17-0 that day, Gruden and assistant Bill Callahan engaged in some gallows humor about looking for new jobs.
– Coach Tom Cable is in the last year of his contract this season and only Davis knows if he considers this season requisite progress or totally unacceptable. Hue Jackson, to whom Davis entrusted the offense with good results, has aspirations of becoming a head coach.
When the Raiders were knocking out the Chiefs, Cable was transitioning between being an assistant coach at Colorado and a head coach at Idaho and said he knows little about the 1999 game except that it gave the Raiders an 8-8 record.
The same record this season, Cable believes, along with a 6-0 record within the division, “absolutely’’ could be a similar lift-off point as the 1999 team had in taking down the Chiefs.
“First of all, it gets that losing thing away from us – meaning we don’t finish 7-9, we finish 8-8,’’ Cable said Friday before the Raiders departed for Kansas City.
“We sweep the division, which is a tough thing to do in any division in this league. And then I think it just sends everybody to the next step, meaning the offseason, feeling like heh we’re right there and now we gotta finish the deal and make it all the way next year.’’
Oakland used the 1999 game as the impetus for a 12-4 record the following season and its first division title in nine years.
Running back Tyrone Wheatley was the author of the game’s signature play, a 26-yard run on a counter draw during which he broke several tackles before crashing into the end zone, a moment captured by play-by-play announcer Greg Papa’s call of “Wheatley won’t go down!’’
Wheatley, now the running backs coach at Syracuse, said his enduring memory is what it took to cross the goal line.
“I remember Darryl Ashmore pushing me into the end zone _ everyone helping a teammate score,’’ Wheatley said. “It signified the extra fight that was maybe missing earlier in the year and we went and rolled off three years of real good football.’’
Wheatley said offseason participation was high.
“Guys bought in _ it was an incredible deal,’’ Wheatley said. “Accountability was big. We were accountable for our own mistakes and accountable for each other.’’
INJURY REPORT
Defensive tackle Richard Seymour (hamstring) and running back Darren McFadden (turf toe) did not practice and both were listed as questionable, with Cable saying McFadden has a better chance of playing than Seymour.
Both will be game day decisions.
Other official injury designations included wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (ankle-questionable), wide receiver Nick Miller (ankle-questionable) and tackle Langston Walker (concussion-questionable). All were limited during practice.
Cable said Walker “seems to be OK,’’ making him the likely starer over Mario Henderson at right tackle.
Tight end Zach Miller (foot-probable), cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle-probable), cornerback Chris Johnson (groin-probable) and safety Mike Mitchell (ribs-probable) all practiced without limitations.
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December 31st, 2010 at 12:23 pm
10th?
December 31st, 2010 at 12:24 pm
101st
December 31st, 2010 at 12:24 pm
11th??
December 31st, 2010 at 12:28 pm
1 Nation…
December 31st, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Janikowski, for as well as he kicked this season, missed three field goal attempts, including a 32-yarder at the final gun, in a 24-23 loss in Arizona in a loss many see as the death knell to their playoff hopes.
……….
Most likely cost him the Pro Bowl as well.
December 31st, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it, and those to keep it in mind will recognize the possibilities when they come along. Deja vu (in a good way)!
December 31st, 2010 at 12:32 pm
The NFC West will send a team with a losing record to the playoffs.
The Raiders lost to the Cards and Niners.
Totally unacceptable in my opinion, and also the reason I believe coaching changes could be coming.
December 31st, 2010 at 12:35 pm
LOL!….from PFT
Less than an hour after we passed along a couple of suggestions that Charlie Weis could leave Kansas City and wind up at University of Florida as offensive coordinator, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that Weis’ move to Florida is “likely.”
December 31st, 2010 at 12:39 pm
My one wish for the Raiders as we go into the second decade of the millenium is that Al has finally learned that character is important.
December 31st, 2010 at 12:48 pm
If Dallas is stupid enough to let this guy go…
Jason Garrett for HC in 2011. Do it Al!
December 31st, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Al needs to learn a lot…
There’s more to drafting than 40 times. Film study is important in this regard.
The man-to-man is not necessarily the best defense, especially against the run.
Quarterback and left offensive tackle are the most important positions on the football field.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:01 pm
We are the only team that harkens back decades to make sense of current situations. No other team’s p.r., fan base, or local media does this. The ‘99 Raiders. LOL. We are NOTHING like the ‘99 Raiders. Davis/Bruce Allen/Jon Gruden/Rich Gannon. Today it’s Davis/Cable/Campbell. Two entirely different universes. Funny thing is I remember Rich Gannon saying in a 2000 interview, when the team was starting to get hot, that he didn’t like the comparisons to the ’70s Raiders. He found it insulting. “We’re the 2000 Raiders, WE’RE getting it done”, is something like what he said. Here here. That’s the type of mentality the Raiders need. Reflection is good from time to time, but life is lived in the present. The only traditions that need to be carried are good traditions. Who cares how wild the Raiders were and how much they partied? The bottom line is, if they didn’t win, they just would have been remembered as clowns.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:01 pm
This Offseason is going to be very Important and I cant wait to see what were gonna do…. Do we have anothe solid Draft and pick up a couple good free agents or do we have a bad draft and pick up some worthless big name free agents. I love this part of the game also.. I live Oakland Raiders football 24/7 365
December 31st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
I wonder how many tea baggers were the same people stocking up for Y2K in 1999? LOL.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Part of me says stick with Tom Cable because he apparently can take orders from Al Davis really well and has no problem with the role of HC in Oakland
However, I can’t help but think that if Hue Jackson became Head Coach, the little things like:
1. A real legit TOUGH training camp
2. Better preparation during bye weeks
3. More attention to detail…discipline to cut down penalties
4. Higher expectations and ACCOUNTABILTY
December 31st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
happy new year all
December 31st, 2010 at 1:06 pm
from pft…
Al Davis can’t stretch out coaching decision too long
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on December 31, 2010, 1:00 PM EST
Al Davis’ seemingly annual “Will he or won’t he” coaching decision will be sped up in 2011.
Steve Corkran of the Oakland Tribune notes that Davis is contractually obligated to tell coach Tom Cable by January 18 whether he intends to pick up a one-year, $2.5 million contract on Cable’s contract. There is speculation that Davis could turn the show over to offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who could attract some outside job interest.
Davis has generally taken his sweet time deciding on Cable’s fate. He didn’t officially hire Cable until February of 2009 and last year publicly said they hadn’t made a decision on Cable’s job in early February despite all indications he would stick around.
From an outsider’s perspective, the Raiders have lived up to their talent level this season or even overachieved. We suspect Davis may disagree, seeing this as a playoff team that should be better than 7-8.
The Raiders could certainly help Cable’s case by winning in Kansas City and finishing 6-0 in the division.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Im happy with a new recievers coach and a new conditioning coach….Hey Al…. Fire Sanjay Lal and Fire Brad Roll
December 31st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
“However, I can’t help but think that if Hue Jackson became Head Coach, the little things like:
1. A real legit TOUGH training camp
2. Better preparation during bye weeks
3. More attention to detail…discipline to cut down penalties
4. Higher expectations and ACCOUNTABILTY”
Just two years ago we were saying the same things about Cable! Oh, and in ‘06, we said the same thing of Art Shell! He’s going to bring back the toughness! Arrrrrggh squash buckle. Or…maybe not.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:08 pm
LMAO ARRRRGH SQUASH BUCKLE
December 31st, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I remember saying this back in 1997:
However, I can’t help but think that if Joe Bugel became Head Coach, the little things like:
1. A real legit TOUGH training camp
2. Better preparation during bye weeks
3. More attention to detail…discipline to cut down penalties
4. Higher expectations and ACCOUNTABILTY
December 31st, 2010 at 1:09 pm
RMR If you could draft any1 you wanted for the Raiders this who would it be??????
December 31st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
*This Year
December 31st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Bugel – Fail
Shell – Fail
Cable – Fail
No more rollie pollie wannabe tough guys. You need someone who’s sort of a combination, like, yes, Kiffin and Gruden. Has to be savvy enough to work Al (Kiffin was just too much of a rook, but he had the right idea), yet tough enough to let the players know that YOU were the man. Cable’s basically just tough with the media and his assistants. With the players and Al, he’s a total female dog.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I’m not talking about the draft I’m talking about our coaches and Al Davis.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Well it’s Official John Fox is Done in Carolina
December 31st, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Okay If you could have a Coach who would it be???
December 31st, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Purple, I’m not interested in the intricates of the draft, players ability and potential, etc. That stuff doesn’t excite me. I’m intrigued by the ownership of this team and Al’s relationship with the coaches, how it affects team play. That’s what I’m interested in, and that’s what I discuss. And, nobody will deter me. My life was threatened a couple of weeks ago, and that didn’t stop me. So you think you’re going to stop me with this week tactic? LOL. Keep trying.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:15 pm
You are out of your mind and I wasnt trying to stop you from doing anything…..
December 31st, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I don’t give a #$# what you think, female dog. And, if you weren’t trying to stop me from talking about Al and the coaches, good. Because you had no chance anyway.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Raiders need to damage the Chiefs. Send the house and take Cassel out!!!!
December 31st, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Gross RMR. Just pathetic needy and gross. Get a life man
December 31st, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I hope the Raiders lose tomorrow because then it will increase the chances of Gruden coming back. I don’t care what any of you think of me making that statement. Bottom line is that we don’t get jack for winning tomorrow, other than an owner being sold on keeping a mediocre coach. We lose tomorrow, Al will probably fire CAble, and we’re moving right along to the task of finally rebuilding this franchise.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:21 pm
What’s gross? The fact that I called Purple drank a female dog? He’s acting like one. And I don’t need anyone in here to tell me to get a life. All of you fools live with your mom, either that or in some trailer park.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I thought we were playin on Sunday
December 31st, 2010 at 1:23 pm
RMR back in his prime form…I love how you think your better than every1 on this blog…. Really a Female Dog?????? Go somewhere that 4th grade name callin….Im done with you
December 31st, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Cable took over a team in 2008 that was 4-12 it’s previous year.
His 3rd year and he’s at 8-8, best? Probably 7-9? Bye.
Gruden took over a 4-12 team and had them at 8-8 his first year. Had them at 12-4 his 3rd. Fudge Tom Cable.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I meant Sunday, not tomorrow. Ooh, you got me. It’s over now.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:25 pm
I don’t think I’m better than anyone on this blog, you’re just acting like a female dog ( you know what that means) and this other guy is telling me to get a life, why should I let any loser in here tell me to get a life?
December 31st, 2010 at 1:32 pm
I’m almost tired of hearing parellels with the past …make it happen now!
And pardon PFTs ignorance …this team may go 6-0 in the damn division …of course they have the talent! Consistency & discipline is what’s at fault here.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:34 pm
You go 1 more year max with Cable …then hand it over to Hue. Unless Al thinks Hue is ready now.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:35 pm
When you look back at the season ..games won and loss …its really not that impressive.
Really …losing to the Cards, Niners, Dolphins etc is embarrassing
December 31st, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Al referred to him as “the Great Hue Jackson” during his press conference beginning of the year …didn’t even mention Cabes.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:52 pm
the Bungles swept the AFC North last year and look how much good it did ‘em this year. One year’s record don’t mean doodly squat for the next.
December 31st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Thats because the Bungles are being led by Marvin Lewis. I think he’s had plenty of time to show that he’s no good.
And I saw your response to my earlier post. To clarify, I don’t think there is a very good chance of you finding a starting RDE in the 2nd round (not LDE). The DE with the killer burst off the line with the size hold vs. the run??? chances are he’ll be long gone before the 1st. That is what I’m referring to.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Re: Marvin Lewis …..At least no good as a HC; maybe DC. He appears to have maxed out his abilities to lead that team any further.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I’d actually really like to see Marvin Lewis come here to be the defensive coordinator, but he’ll probably have higher-paying offers on the table.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Here’s Waterfall’s rankings of DEs for what its worth. Maybe they take a flyer on Bowers …who knows ..but usually the RDE that man that position for years to come without question are long gone before the mid 2nd round.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2011DE.php
December 31st, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Muhammed Wilkerson would be a nice pickup in the 3rd round
December 31st, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Well then again maybe Bowers won’t be there. Here’s what FFToolBox’s scouting has to say about it. You see what I mean?
http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2728
December 31st, 2010 at 2:07 pm
“Hue Jackson, to whom Davis entrusted the offense with good results, has aspirations of becoming a head coach.”
I guess if there is no news to report you try to make some? Hue basically said “F U” in a polite way when he was asked about it.
BAN THE TROLLS!
December 31st, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Terrapin,
sure, you pick up Gholston, Mamula and Tyvon Jackson early in the first round when you’re better off with a third rounder like Justin Tuck or Sho’nasty.
The draft is more than just a crapshoot (better odds of success shootin’craps), it is like a blindfolded person trying to reach into a box of deadly scorpions to retrieve a gold nugget without getting stung in the process.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The Raiders have too many positions that need upgrading to spend an early pick on a DE.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
# The Real MaddenRaider Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Cable took over a team in 2008 that was 4-12 it’s previous year.
His 3rd year and he’s at 8-8, best? Probably 7-9? Bye.
Gruden took over a 4-12 team and had them at 8-8 his first year. Had them at 12-4 his 3rd. Fudge Tom Cable.
=======================
Gruden had George then Gannon . Cable had Russell Grads and Campbell. Cable had less to work with.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Thats How our Draft should look
2).Greg Jones/Jimmy Smith,
3).Pat Devlin/Muhammed Wilkerson,
4).Moffit/Pettis,
5).Will rackley/Colin Kaepenick,
6).Davon House/Lawrence Williams,
7).Vai Taua/Owen Marecic
December 31st, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Don’t underestimate the power of an exceptional DE. They can turn games. Freeney & Mathis were wreaking havoc last weekend.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:34 pm
But I agree nonetheless. The team has more pressing needs; although not as many as in prior years.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:43 pm
55.PurpleDrank81 Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Thats How our Draft should look
2).Greg Jones/Jimmy Smith,
3).Pat Devlin/Muhammed Wilkerson,
4).Moffit/Pettis,
5).Will rackley/Colin Kaepenick,
6).Davon House/Lawrence Williams,
7).Vai Taua/Owen Marecic
^^^^^^^
Moffitt or Pettis in
December 31st, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Moffitt or Pettis in RD4 would be steals.
A BIG NOOO…to taking a CB with that 2nd Round pick.
Ugh
December 31st, 2010 at 2:44 pm
SnB Production Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Part of me says stick with Tom Cable because he apparently can take orders from Al Davis really well and has no problem with the role of HC in Oakland
However, I can’t help but think that if Hue Jackson became Head Coach, the little things like:
1. A real legit TOUGH training camp
2. Better preparation during bye weeks
3. More attention to detail…discipline to cut down penalties
4. Higher expectations and ACCOUNTABILTY
———————————
Things that Al Davis does not allow.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Tom Cable took over a team that was the laughing stock of the NFL and in 2 years has brought them back to respectability.When the Raiders are now mentioned it isn’t with snickers and laughter.The team acts and looks like a team.They players show pride and act like they care-and now many want him replaced.It doesn’t make any sense.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Pettis is slowly dropping down boards…I have no clue why and Moffit can play center and guard.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Dwight Freeney, 1st rounder
Robert Mathis, 5th rounder
and the point is?…
December 31st, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I want Greg Jones really bad but that most likely wont happen and then everything kind of drops off in Talent. Muhammed Wilkerson mite be a reach in the 2nd and Pettis is fallin hard down boards
December 31st, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I think Pat Devlin would be a nice pick up and Will Rackley is a Sleeper smaller school but he’s very talented with the rite size
December 31st, 2010 at 2:53 pm
A tougher training camp-how the he!! do you know what camp is like?More attention to detail/discipline to cut down penalties-that has been the same since 1964 and no matter who the coach is it isn’t going to change.Higher expectations and accountability-riddiculous-the players always say how up front Cable is,and all he ever says is the expectations were much higher.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:59 pm
you want a player? Matt Szczur of Villanova. This kid is RB/Welker/KR rolled into one. Whoever gets him it will be a steal unless he opts for MLB.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:01 pm
# lefty12 Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Tom Cable took over a team that was the laughing stock of the NFL and in 2 years has brought them back to respectability.When the Raiders are now mentioned it isn’t with snickers and laughter.The team acts and looks like a team.They players show pride and act like they care-and now many want him replaced.It doesn’t make any sense.
……
yes, and just think what a real coach could have done.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:05 pm
J Hill Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Charlie Weiss heading to Florida helps our AFC West chances next year. Can’t say KC will have the smartest piar of OCs in the diviaion anymore.
*************************************
That will be 4 “systems” in 4 years for Matt Cassell.
Last year of NE, than Todd Haley’s offense, Weiss and whoever next year.
Somehow, I don’t think it will be a frequent excuse on KC chat rooms.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Just because most of the ‘experts’ on here don’t think Cable has done a good job as HC doesn’t make it fact,in fact to me it is just the opposite.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Haha, good one JFB.
The excuses for Campbell are ridiculous, as if it should take him more than a few weeks of hard work to get some rhythm with his receivers.
The good QBs seem to take not much longer than a week or two with a new replacement WR.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Lefty12,
I have to agree with you. Curly Howard/Barney Rubble (yes he does coach like those two at times) has done a fine job dragging the franchise from dys to functional. No it has not always been artful nor without its nadirs (too many blow-out losses in games that have really been needed as victories), Tommy “Talk-to-the-Hand” Cable has done quite a job as HC – especially once his play-calling duties were curtailed – in getting the troops to begin to believe. (personally I see that Seymour on D and HueJack on O have had the biggest impacts toward the resurrection end, but TC deserves his due…woowoowoowoowoobwoo!)
December 31st, 2010 at 3:20 pm
# lefty12 Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Just because most of the ‘experts’ on here don’t think Cable has done a good job as HC doesn’t make it fact,in fact to me it is just the opposite.
…….
In reality none of our opinions matter. We will have to see what Al thinks.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:21 pm
The requirements of a Raider head coach are kinda slim, no?
“Wanted: Raiders head coach.
No previous experience preferred.
No ideologies preferred.
No ‘if I was HC, here’s who I would bring in’ list.
No draft experience necessary.
No play-call experience necessary.”
I mean, what on earth would Cable be fired for when he didn’t pick anything on that field?
December 31st, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Raider75,
Stooges marathon on AMC for New Year’s. Al probably watched those short flicks on the big screen back in his Brooklyn days and has always had a fond spot for Curly. Perhaps Cable will survive as a “victim of soicumstance!”
December 31st, 2010 at 3:30 pm
# alex7 Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 3:21 pm
The requirements of a Raider head coach are kinda slim, no?
“Wanted: Raiders head coach.
No previous experience preferred.
No ideologies preferred.
No ‘if I was HC, here’s who I would bring in’ list.
No draft experience necessary.
No play-call experience necessary.”
I mean, what on earth would Cable be fired for when he didn’t pick anything on that field?
…….
What you have to remember is Cable doesn’t have to be fired.
His contract is up. Its not about if he’s done enough to be fired, but rather he’s done enough to be given a new contract.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:35 pm
With that said…Happy New Year, Nation!!! Have a safe night with your families! Bring on 2011!!!
December 31st, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Tom Cable will never even be a .500 hc in the NFL…guess some of you can live with that…rest of us will be waiting for a real NFL HC.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Dakota,
some of us know we will never again get a real NFL HC.
Best you can hope for is to get fortunate with an up and comer.
Yet most of today’s up and comers are likely of the Lane Kiffin variety, who KNOW they know more about modern football than Davis, and find no reason to stick around.
For the little that our HC matters (it’s an owner/assistant-led team), Cable is as good as it gets for Al Davis.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:47 pm
An “up and comer” would be much better than a out of nowhere, unqualified, unmitigated idiot like Cable….not all young coaches are like Lane Kiffin…besides, Lane Kiffin will have much more success than Tom Cable in the end.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
OG #62 Rodney Hudson
and QB Christian Ponder are two guys to scout out today in the Chick-fil-a Bowl game between FSU and South Carolina.
3-4 OLB Justin Houston of Georgia is playing right now and is worth a look if the Raiders will be utilizing the 3-4 more next year, or if they want a passing-down edge rusher.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Players back the coach and u dousch bags can’t?Find another team if you don’t back the organization.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Why do you think the Raiders will use a 3-4 next year?
Just wondering.
December 31st, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Wow….AJ Green just dogging it the whole 4th quarter, dropping passes and he didn’t even try for the hail mary at the end of the game.
Doesn’t he realize the difference in the #5 pick in the draft and the #12 pick in the draft is about 10-15 million dollars?
You can’t even act like your trying for 10-15 millie???
My gawd, kids these days!!!!
December 31st, 2010 at 3:55 pm
I really wanted To see how Ponder did tonite…
December 31st, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Raiders for life, It is probably because Seymour, Kelly, and Houston are all 3-4 ends. Groves, Wimbley, and Scott are 3-4 OLbs and McClain is a 3-4 ILB (atleast in college). We are missing a NT though and Shaughnessy probably doesn’t have a place in the 3-4 looks. I think Goethel would also be a 3-4 ILB
December 31st, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Runnin a 4-3 with all 3-4 guys…GOTTA LOVE IT
December 31st, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Thanks Guy, got it.
I was wondering why everyone wants NT. Now I know.
Thanks
December 31st, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Np, don’t quote me but I think there is a NT in a 4-3 too. I’m not 100% sure though.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:03 pm
We are on about 5 years running now where people chime in about the 3-4, how our personnel would work if we moved all these players around and this and that.
Never happens, and never is going to happen.
This is a 4-3, man-to-man defense.
And for the “we need to blitz more crowd”, we have blitzed more this season than I have ever seen the Raiders blitz. Almost every 3rd down is a blitz, a lot of times with Huff the FS. It obviously hasn’t helped the defense any, because we have more 30+ points scored games given up in years.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Jarriel King will be playing on the right side of the South Carolina o-line tonight. Plays both G and T. Raw athlete with mucho upside. Likely 5th to 6th rounder.
Former DE with high motor, intelligence, and physicality.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Davis has used the 3-4 before, in the Raiders prime years.
So there’s hope
He’s watched the team struggle stopping the run ever since GM Bruce Allen left, so he might be ok if Marshall wants to continue molding the defense differently.
Already allowed much more zone D this season, and Marshall gave us a top-10 pass D, so there might be some wiggle room there.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:10 pm
M Lonetree Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Dwight Freeney, 1st rounder
Robert Mathis, 5th rounder
and the point is?…
*********************************
Huh? That IS my point! Freeney = RDE …Mathis = LDE …like I said you have a greater chances of snagging a LDE late than a RDE that must go against the best OLinemen.
I think we are just missing each other here. But that is exactly my point.
Still ..Shaunessey has had a good year and he may get better. There are bigger fish to fry.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Nigel Bradham is playing OLB for FSU tonight.
Very impressive against the run, has led an FSU D resurgence. About 4.5 speed as an OLB, which Davis will love. Top 7 OLB prospect.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Getting a dominant OLB would be great for this defense.
Would have no problem with McClain being the steady, smart MLB, and with the OLB being the star.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Greg Jones would be great for us..
December 31st, 2010 at 4:24 pm
PD I think Jones will be gone unless we trade up.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:24 pm
I wish there was a way to snag up Travis Lewis
December 31st, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Do you know if Bruce Carter is good? he is the 3rd ranked 4-3 OLB
December 31st, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Yea and what sucks is theres going to be such a drop off in olb after him
December 31st, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I’ve seen him ranked as high as number 2 but I havent heard to much out of him.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:37 pm
NC has produced some crazy athletes.
I’m just taking it day by day with the teams on TV.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Every1’s mock drafts are all over the place rite now…
December 31st, 2010 at 4:44 pm
imo I think the priority for defense should be CB. A replacement for Routt if W.Mcfadden or J.Ware can’t step up.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:45 pm
the 18th thing is sort of arbitrary, do you think that there are teams pounding down Cable’s door to be a coach? the 18th can come and go and if al comes to the decision to keep cable, he’ll sign him to an extension.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I say, let who ever ran our last draft run it again.
December 31st, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Raiders need to sign a vet FA who will be better than Routt not draft one early in Round 2.
December 31st, 2010 at 5:09 pm
# Lynn from Snot Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I say, let who ever ran our last draft run it again.
^^^^^^^^
It wasn’t the old looney man Al that’s for sure! LOL
December 31st, 2010 at 5:10 pm
What possible FA CB is better than Routt? I can only think of Jonathan Joseph right now, and hes not lock to be a FA.
December 31st, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Terrapin,
I finally get your point. LDE or RDE. To me it is unimportant as to my sight it doesn’t matter. JPeppers lines up anywhere. DBurgess in Oaktown did the Mathis side with no help at the Freeney. Reggie White was more LDE than anything else. In the face of the QB or on his back doesn’t make a helluve lot of difference if the pressure is there. (And is TBone now the Donk QB? LDEs gotta bring it as well as RDEs.)
December 31st, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Here’s how our coaching and QB questions should be answered. Fire Cable, Hackett, and Tollner. Cut Gradkowski. Elevate Hue to HC. Hire Greg Knapp as OC (a promotion from QB coach in Houston) and John DiFillipo as QB coach. Finally, sign back Jamarcus who has been sufficiently humbled. Can’t imagine any JR chants in the stands so no pressure on JC.
December 31st, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Raiderdebo,
what about Matt the wunderkind Leinart as the new stiff in the backfield? He could hold down the Hobert-Wilson-Hollas-Ware-Mirer-Evans-Schroeder-Marinovich-Brooks-George-Collins-Walter-Popgun-Tuiasasopo fort while JR dranks and wonders what the fuss is about.
December 31st, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Jamarcus?????
Really?????
Why?????
December 31st, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Have we fired Cable yet?
December 31st, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Nope thats next year
December 31st, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Speaking of the past…
I was watching the Super Bowl win against the Eagles again, namely the post-game part, and the Raiders players and Al Davis made a very big deal about how this win was all about “our philosophy” is better than every other team’s philosophy. Ie, Al’s system. They kept going on about it. Whilst Vermeil was more like, philosophy doesn’t matter. You can win in the NFL with any philosophy. That their philosophy got them to the Super Bowl. Just the Raiders were far better and disciplined on the day.
Al is obviously very committed and philosophy-driven, it’s all about winning a certain way come hell or highwater. Success vindicates his mind and philosophy and he can throw the word “great” around like it’s going out of style.
While I agree that a modern NFL team needs to have many different looks, schemes, tactics, I also understand Al’s philosophy, and also can resign myself to the romanticism that every team has it’s own style that should be preserved. Like Raiders Football means a certain thing. Bears Football means a certain thing. Steelers Football means a certain thing. Etc.
As long as we sign and draft good and committed players, and hire good proficient coaches, the Raiders Football can still and always work.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:05 pm
JR is working out with John Lucas.
Woopdee fu%in doo
December 31st, 2010 at 6:06 pm
As long as we sign and draft good and committed players, and hire good proficient coaches, the Raiders Football can still and always work.
——————————————————
I actually think it’s as simple as better play in the secondary. 3rd and 19 right before the half this past weekend and Chris Johnson gets a PI called against him. Needless to say the Colts just went right into the end zone after that play.
Too many defensive brain farts!
December 31st, 2010 at 6:09 pm
116.PurpleDrank81 Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Nope thats next year
——————————————————-
In about 6 hours ????
December 31st, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Yep, how many times is our defense out of alignment, players confused who they’re covering or what they’re doing, not set when the ball is snapped.
I can remember so many big gains/TDs by the opposition offense with our defense not ready, DBs confused, etc.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:23 pm
So they just had Trent Dilfer, Marcelus Wiley and Jerry Rice doing this thing for the “year of the QB” or whatever they are promoting.
Three former players, and they discussed for a few minutes what it is that makes a QB special and what they look for in a great QB.
NOT ONE MENTION, of talent, arm strength or size came up. NOT ONCE.
Dilfer said the most important quality is the ability to handle difficult and pressure situations. Wiley wants a QB that is intelligent and can think on his feet, and Jerry Rice looks for leadership in a QB.
Ability to handle pressure, intelligence and thinking on his feet, and leadership. Probably the three biggest weaknesses to Campbell’s game.
I’m going to go puke now.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Ability to handle pressure, intelligence and thinking on his feet, and leadership. Probably the three biggest weaknesses to Campbell’s game.
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Most would agree that these things are important. But can you define all these qualities? And how have you determined that they’re all weaknesses of JC? Or that they’re strength’s of Gradkowski’s for that matter?
December 31st, 2010 at 6:32 pm
When you look around the NFL, all the top QBs and top young prospects, demonstrate these qualities.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Arm strength is important tho and good mechanics (accuracy).
Especially those difficult out-routes and sideline fades, that doesn’t wane in different weather conditions.
There’s like a requisite arm-strength required, you don’t need Elway-like strength, that’s just someone with an extreme amount of it. But a certain amount is important.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Bruce clearly did not show any ability to handle pressure, that’s why he failed and got hurt. He displayed leadership as always but his football IQ was only so-so.
JC has not shown much ability to think on his feet, look at the Tennesse blunders and the disaster at the end of the JAX game. He has handled pressure better than Bruce, but not really that well, and is limping to the finish line. Leadership has always been an issue with JC, he even admits it’s not really his style.
Guys with rocket arms are becoming a dime a dozen these days. You need all that other stuff, and not only need it, but need to be really good at it to win.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:43 pm
If i were a GM/scout, i’d be looking for all the QBs in the draft who primarily display the “intelligence, thinking on one’s feet, able to handle pressure, and are leaders”…then out of those pinpoint the one(s) with the height, arm-strength and good mechanics. Draft him, and then good coaching to hone those physical skills.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, Bill Belicek, Jon Gruden, John Madden…
You know what they all have in common ?
None of them would be able to win with JaJason Campbell at QB.
There’s not a head coach, deceased or alive, that could win in today’s NFL with a QB that isn’t accurate enough, confident enough, or talented enough to effectively and consistently throw the ball more than 5 yards down the field.
JaJason Campbell is incapable of providing an intermediate or deep passing game.
True, the Raids pass protection and WR play has been less than stellar, but the bottom line is even when JaJason is given the time and has open WRs, he either misses them or elects to take the short checkdown toss.
Now some in here will blame this on the aforementioned lack of protection, the WR corps, lack of continuity or experience in the same system, Grads or another back-up looming over his shoulder…
All absolute nonsense.
JaJason has never, and will never, get it done.
He’s a rancid mutt with fleas.
An emotionless zombie, without charisma, devoid of leadership, and most importantly – incapable of accurately throwing the ball downfield.
Know why he checks down so much and Hue Jax calls so many short dumpoffs ?
Because Hue and JaJason himself, both know that he can’t complete intermediate or longer passes.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again…
A healthy Bruce Gradkowski beats out JaJason for the starting QB role if they’re both on the roster 2011.
JaJason sucks, and the Raids are doomed to mediocrity or worse as long as he’s the starter.
To those that say we need to stick with JaJason because there’s no one better available, I say baloney.
Don’t care how the Raids do it…through the draft, free agency, or trade…they’ve got to make a move. Attempt for better. Even if the attempt fails, at least try. There’s nothing worse than continuing to go with a proven stiff and loser.
JaJason sucks and his coaches know it (despite whatever lip service they might pay him – that’s why he got benched twice for Grads) and if Al Davis doesn’t know it, well then the game has truly passed him by.
Al, get this team a competent QB that will actually throw the ball downfield, or else all the coaching changes and roster moves you make will never get this team above mediocrity.
JaJason sucks.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:50 pm
GG Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 6:43 pm
If i were a GM/scout, i’d be looking for all the QBs in the draft who primarily display the “intelligence, thinking on one’s feet, able to handle pressure, and are leaders”…then out of those pinpoint the one(s) with the height, arm-strength and good mechanics. Draft him, and then good coaching to hone those physical skills.
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And it would still be a toss up as to whether the guy would have success or not. I’ve got nothing against great leaders and intelligent guys. But I think a QB’s success in the league has everything to do with the organization the team is drafted by and the team that he has around him. Steve Young sucked in Tampa along with Testaverde and Dilfer. All prospered elsewhere. Those are just a few examples. To me, it’s plain as day.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Leadership has always been an issue with JC, he even admits it’s not really his style.
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When did JC admit “leadership” isn’t his style? Are you sure he didn’t say something like he’s not a screamer and yeller? There is a difference.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I’d love to see the Raiders bring back J Russell at the league minimum.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Only way Jamarcus Russell is walking through those doors in Alameda is if he is carrying a check for $7.5 milllion dollars to cover the lawsuit Al has hanging over his head.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:57 pm
# KoolKell Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I’d love to see the Raiders bring back J Russell at the league minimum.
=======================================================
What the what?
The only reason I would want him to come back is to do the honorable thing, and return the money he stole from the Raiders.
December 31st, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Steve Young sucked in Tampa along with Testaverde and Dilfer
************************
Dilfer won more in Tampa than any QB there since Doug Williams.
Dilfer and Doug Williams = intelligent leaders
December 31st, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Raiderman 99 speaks the truth.
Jamarcus Campbell has gotten better as the year progressed.
But going from terrible, to not so terrible isn’t a great accomplishment.
We will never achieve any true success with him.
I joke with the Jamarcus comparison, but Campbell is still light years away from what we need to be elite.
We MUST continue to search/draft/trade and whatever else it takes to find an elite QB.
And they are pretty rare finds.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I just lol at the “throw the ball downfield” guys.
TO WHO ???????!!!!!!?????
The last few “throw the ball downfield despite the coverage and WRs not being open” guy didn’t work out so well.
How about we sign Vincent Jackson, upgrade RG, and stop having the OC call so many screens to Reese?
December 31st, 2010 at 7:11 pm
OR ….
We could hire Atlanta’s DC and hope he can keep our defense from giving up more than 21 pts a game.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:17 pm
RaiderDebo…
It’s not like because Steve Young couldn’t make it in Tampa, that the Bucs are incapable of developing QBs. Not like because Russell couldn’t make it in Oakland, that the Raiders are incapable of developing QBs.
I dont agree that the Raiders are incapable of it, or that any organization is.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:18 pm
LMAO at the thought of bringing back JaMoron Russell.
To tell you the truth, I really, really hope some team is dumb enough to actually sign the POS and he attempts a ‘comeback’.
It’s gonna be epic fail, redux, for JaMoron.
He’s too stupid, inaccurate, and lazy to succeed.
There’s a slight chance a supremely motivated JaMoron could actually overcome his lethargy, and put in the long hours requisite for NFL QB success.
Heck, his accuracy might even marginally improve.
But he’ll never grow a brain.
JaMoron is too stupid to play in the NFL.
He’s a blathering idiot that can’t utter a comprehensible sentence or form a coherent thought.
JaMoron isn’t just ignorant.
He’s stupid.
Don’t know if he attained a degree of any sort from LSU, but if he did, that university needs to be investigated and sanctioned by the NCAA for academic violations.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:19 pm
It just happened to be that at that particular time in all those organizations, the coaching and QB wasnt a good mix. The coaching was sub-par. The QB wasn’t mature yet. Etc.
You get those sorts of wrong mix of QB-HC occurring in all teams from decade to decade. Why there’s so much musical chairs going on as organizations try to find a combination that works.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Another example.
People always say that the Raiders cant develop QBs, but they’re good at reclamation projects. Ok. It worked with a few in the old days, but we’ve had a string of reclamation QBs that plain bombed here too.
All it is….there’s a few examples of drafted QBs who didn’t develop, a few examples of reclamation projects who didnt succeed, a few examples of drafted QBs who did develop, and a few examples of reclamation QBs who did succeed.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:27 pm
And the evidence still suggests that megalomaniac Al still screws around with the chemistry so much, inserting his ego and micro managing, that to expect any kind of organic winning culture to emerge while he’s still around is absurd. Coaches with iron wills, like Gruden and Cable, only find ways to win in spite of his meddling.
That’s why I find all the chatter on this blog about draft picks and new coaches to be laughable. Repeat after me: IT DOESN’T MATTER.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Someone posted this on another forum….
—-
This might be an interesting read for those fans of teams considering drafting a QB: http://www.patspulpit.com/2010/12/29/1897693/nfl-draft-how-to-draft-an-nfl-quarterback
The main gist of the article is that for a QB to have a higher chance of success, they should :
1. The quarterback must be between 6′1 and 6′6, between 210 lbs and 245 lbs and they should have three or more years of starting experience.
2. They must be able to complete a cumulative 60% of their passes at the college level if they are in a Bowl Conference; if they are in a lesser conference, they need to show an improvement of dominance each season.
3. They will have a minimum TD:INT ratio of 2:1 as a senior, and will have shown some increase in that ratio during their time as a starter.
4. They must not be a product of the talent that surrounds them; be wary of quarterbacks on teams with elite receiving talent.
5. They must be able to play well against top opponents, not just weak teams.
Most of it is common sense, but its surprising how many first round QBs have failed because they dont meet such simple criteria.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:30 pm
I just lol at the “throw the ball downfield” guys.
TO WHO ???????!!!!!!?????
****************************
To whoever is down there from time to time.
CJ37 and Routt can’t be the only guys in the league who draw PI penalties even though they have there man well covered.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:32 pm
You throw the ball to Louis Murphy, Jacoby Ford, DHB, Zach Miller or whoever is out there.
That’s who.
Might not be thr greatest cast, but you still attempt to throw downfield. You still attempt to develop an intermediate passing game because the run isn’t always going to be working, especially when defenses don’t respect your passing game.
JaJason (aka Captain Checkoff) doesn’t even try to go downfield.
If the WRs drop one of his infrequent on target passes, fine. Then we’ll moan about the WRs, and justifiably so. But don’t try to convince me that these guys are absolute garbage that never get open and drop everything that comes their way.
That’s a bunch of crap.
I’m not saying this is a great or even good WR corps, but I am saying a decent QB would get the ball to them and make them look better.
Sick and tired of all the excuses for JaJason.
He needs more time in the same system. His WRs don’t get open. His confidence was lost when he got pulled for Grads.
Bull.
JaJason sucks.
Fact.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:37 pm
So you’re saying just throw it up there and see what happens?
MAYBE we get a PI????
Isn’t the risk of something bad happening just as great if not greater?
I mean which one of our WRs do you “TRUST” to get anything positive done?
December 31st, 2010 at 7:37 pm
The problem RAIDERMAN99 is that our OL doesnt often create a good enough pocket. When we do, you do see Campbell sit back there with time looking for a downfield pass and throwing it.
Look at Tom Brady, he gets like 5-10 secs in the pocket almost every time, and that’s why the Patriots pass offense is so consistently good. Receivers get enough time to create separation.
I do think tho you’re right too. Campbell doesn’t go downfield enough still. But i think that’s also due to our game-plan, which is about minimizing Turnovers, running the ball, and trying to stay IN a game as long as possible.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:41 pm
I got a kick out of the poster here that enjoyed exclaiming “Jason Campbell is kicking your asses”.
Mystic loved posting that stuff.
Funny thing is he was right.
JaJason was kicking our asses.
‘Our’ being the Raiders.
And if he’s on the roster next year JaJason will continue to kick our asses.
Right into the dustbin of another failed Raider season.
JaJason sucks.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:53 pm
RIDICULOUS to think that a QB can over come an Oline that NO ONE (except JFB) disputes can’t handle the pass rush consistantly, or a WR that NO ONE is even ready to admit is even good, lol.
Give me ONE example of a QB operating under those circumstances that is doing well?
And please don’t tell me Philicia Rivers! His team has one more win than ours.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:55 pm
To those that say the organization makes the QB it should be mentioned that Indy was the punching bag of the league before Manning got there and Irsay was hated.
December 31st, 2010 at 7:56 pm
146.GG Says:
December 31st, 2010 at 7:37 pm
The problem RAIDERMAN99 is that our OL doesnt often create a good enough pocket. When we do, you do see Campbell sit back there with time looking for a downfield pass and throwing it.
Look at Tom Brady, he gets like 5-10 secs in the pocket almost every time, and that’s why the Patriots pass offense is so consistently good. Receivers get enough time to create separation.
I do think tho you’re right too. Campbell doesn’t go downfield enough still. But i think that’s also due to our game-plan, which is about minimizing Turnovers, running the ball, and trying to stay IN a game as long as possible.
——————————————————
Bingo!
December 31st, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Lefty,
Why do I get the feeling that Manning would have been creamed by some of these fans had he been drafted here?
I can just here all the just can’t win the big game talk with the playoff exits, lol.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:01 pm
GG, I agree that our pass protection is horrid. This OL is not just vulnerable to outside speed rushers, they also get overpowered right up the gut.
Do we need to protect the QB better ? Absolutely. On that, I think we’re in complete agreement.
Having said that, I don’t agree that Brady gets 5 seconds almost every pass attempt. Or that Peyton Manning does.
Their lines apparently are and probably are better at protecting the QB. But a large, large part of that is the fact that these elite QBs actually read a defense, know where they’re going, hit a hot read and get rid of the ball super quickly.
And when they are afforded the time to go downfield – they do.
Accurately and with good results.
And this has been true even when their WR corps haven’t been that great or depleted due to injury.
Can’t tell me that the Colt offensive line is that great a pass blocking unit so that the Raids pass rush never even touched Manning.
That was the work of a masterful QB that knew where he was going, manipulated the defense and got rid of the ball QUICKLY.
Same thing applies to Brady.
These guys are making their reads, scan the field…and ZIP…the ball is gone.
JaJason can’t do that.
Not many can.
But JaJason doesn’t even TRY to go downfield, even when afforded time.
Heck, even his checkdowns seemingly take forever.
JaJason sucks.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Brady doesn’t need all the time you say he gets-in reality he doesn’t get all that time.He gets rid of the ball because he can read the defense as soon as he steps up to the line.All the great ones have that ability.Unfortunately,our QBs don’t.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:07 pm
That is true JHill.I believe the same could be said of Madden.If he was the coach today,he would be crucified on here just like Cable is.I remember cussing Madden after games for being too conservative.Today,he would be hated by most on here.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Lefty and RAIDERMAN…
You’re also very right about that they don’t get 5 secs every time, and read defenses very well at the LOS, etc.
Indisputable.
But we’ve also all seen games when the Colts and Pats pass protection has been terrible in a game and how putrid Brady and Manning look. They look just like Andrew Walter.
The Colts and Patriots are BUILT to be pass-heavy, and their OL’s are built for pass-protection. Much like how Marino’s Dolphins were built primarily to pass-protect and weren’t much at run blocking.
Our OL is built for run-blocking. But go thru some highlights of Campbell in youtube, the deep passes, and you’ll see our OL for that play really gave him a good pocket, picked up blitzes. He was able to stand and deliver.
I dont think Campbell is Brady/Manning. But he’s far better than Russell. He’s proficient/servicable that if we really focused on the OL, he could be very good for us.
But we should still endeavor to draft a QB prospect to push Campbell.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Brady throws most of his passes out of the shotgun and short to Welker and co.
When Brady, Manning, and all the other QBs can’t set their feet b/c of pressure, they look a lot like Jason Campbell.
Manning this past weekend threw a BUNCH of underneath stuff and WR screens. The commentators were even pointing out how the the Colts WRs were going deep, and Manning was taking advantage of receivers running underneath while the Raiders backs were turned.
I remember Manning throwing “down the field” to a WR on a 3rd and 19 and got a PI call. Threw about a 15 yd pass that Routt got called for a PI on. Other than those TWO plays, one on 3rd and looooonggg, please tell me when Manning was throwing the ball downfield?
Did I mention Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon are WAAAYYYYY better than ANY WR we have and BOTH would start for us?
December 31st, 2010 at 8:16 pm
He has delivered at times,but he misses more than he connects.I’m in the minority because I don’t think our line does as bad a job as everyone says it does.As you say,there have been plenty of times where JC has been given the time to go down the field with his passes,but he hasn’t been very accurate when doing so.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Lefty,
Do you believe Hue when he says he has COMPLETE control of the offense including who plays?
Do you think Cable has any input on the defense?
Do you think he’s done a good job with TOs and challenges?
Just trying to figure out where he contributes.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:27 pm
My problem isn’t that JC doesn’t go down the field enough,it’s that he doesn’t utilize his WRs enough.The quick 3-5 yard pass to DHB(like the one he threw last game) is there all game and should be thrown at least 3-5 times a game because the DB is going to play back due to his speed.If the DB tries to come up,DHB could go right by him.Quick slants to Ford should also be a staple.Either our QB won’t/can’t make those passes or our OC won’t have him try them-and that isn’t utilizing your personnel properly.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Lefty,
How long have I been screaming for those 5 yd slants to DHB?
Just makes NO sense that those are not part of the game plan!
But like GG says, we are going to run the ball first, and go to the pass once it’s 2nd and 11 or 3rd and 9.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:35 pm
He oversees the whole tamale.He lets the coordinators do their thing games days-just like every other coach in the league.As far as challenges go,he is supposed to be given guidance from upstairs on whether or not to throw the flag.I wonder why we even bother trying to challenge plays,because it seems even when we are correct,we get screwed,ie the N.Miller fumble.What do other coaches do that is so much different than what Cable does?The main thing Cable does is work WITH the old man,which isn’t the easiest thing to do.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Let’s Sweep The AFC West!
December 31st, 2010 at 8:39 pm
He lets the coordinators do their thing games days-just like every other coach in the league
——————————————————-
Is that a NO, you don’t believe Hue has total control of the offense and reports directly to Al Davis?
December 31st, 2010 at 8:49 pm
On game days Jackson has control-he calls the plays and the personnel.During the week the staff works together to formulate a plan.Together the staff decides which players should play in certain instances.When a play is called the players know who is in and who is out.I also believe if Cable felt strongly about someone not doing his job,he could and would make a change,like he did with Veldheer and Henderson.I don’t believe Jackson reports directly to the old guy,that is Cable’s job.
December 31st, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Fire Marshall!!
Upgrade Cable!!!
Happy New Year!!!
December 31st, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Tom Brady has 5 to 6 seconds to throw it because defenses a scared out of their minds against him. They know the blitz and the Pats will score in about 5 plays.
Logan Mankins missed half the season and is a pro bowler. He was replaced by Dan Connolly, who before he was returning kickoffs, was an undrafted FA who was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Patriots didn’t miss a beat.
December 31st, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I hate the Pats, but they do have great coaches and a good system.
December 31st, 2010 at 9:09 pm
That’s one of the reasons why I think T Brady is overrated. Another reason is that he is from Mich. (Happy New Year Preppie!)
Damn you Mich!! Go Bucks!!
December 31st, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I don’t understand why everyone gets so pushed out of shape over the pro-bowl.It is a joke.Lesser players get picked if they play on certain teams while players that deserve to go get bypassed because they play for lesser teams.
December 31st, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Small market teams don’t get a lot of media attention.
December 31st, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Kirk #11 your timing is impeccable after drafting the fastest player in the draft in the 4t rd….LMAO
The Raiders had one of the very best drafts in the entire league
December 31st, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I don’t even watch the pro bowl.
Having it the week before SB is REALLY dumb!
How many SB participants does that pretty much exclude?
December 31st, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Cable needs to go… a big part of our improvement was based on Cable not getting involved in the playcalling..Huejack is way more valuable than Tom the cheerleader..Cable, handled the QB situation horribly..the only thing worse was how he handled challenges and timeouts..time for him to go
December 31st, 2010 at 10:16 pm
I really think all the “Cable has to go” stuff, is so shortsighted. I know he isn’t Vince Lombardi, but he has done an remarkable job in my opinion.
We are leaps and bounds ahead of where we were when he took over, and to not see that is ridiculous.
We need consistency within the org., and to make another go at another coach will set us back, yet again.
Now if you got a real GM, and if you could land a premiere coach like Jeff Fisher, you could make the case for a change, but we all know that is not gonna happen.
The BEST thing we could do is get a GM to take the reigns over from uncle Al, and have a long term plan, but his ego and stubborness won’t allow it.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Happy New Year, Nation!
December 31st, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Happy New Year to all Raiders and The Raider Nation.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:54 pm
I like our team and our coaches. I hope Darren McFadden breaks Marcus Allen’s rushing record next season. Raider defense needs to improve. I wish for a new DC.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:57 pm
A new year for the nation!!!!!!
Gotta go listen to gun fire now.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:51 am
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Let’s beat the Chefs, have another good draft, and find a QB who actually leads and inspires. Keep Cable and the staff (maybe a new DC). If we’re stuck with Campbell, here’s hoping he gets a A LOT BETTER. People who defend him don’t have a clue.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:54 am
Personally I think this is the most important offseason of the last 20 years in Raider history due to the position we’re in right now and where we’ve come from. There was a real disconnect with thepast history before Gruden came but not like after the SB in ‘02 we really lost our way with coaches like Kiffin coming in making a mockery of the organization.
I know Mr Davis meant well hiring respectable men like Norv Turner and Joe Bugel as well as Art Shell who in their own respects are very good coaches. We just didn’t have the players to support those men unfortunately. Times had changed and players had changed for the worse they’re great athletes but society has deteriorated a lack of respect for authority is the order of this day.
Now it’s about money and just being in the NFL. Commoradory and team take a backseat to meism. So as a result you have to appeal to another side of the players these days.
Lefty12 said some very astute things earlier when e compared Madden to Cable. It’s just that now cinisism reigns people make a mockery of authority now. Madden was not as good an X’s and O’s man as Cable is plus Madden had great players that made him look great. The talent he had on the Oline was 3 x’s better than what Cable is working with. The QB was a potential HOF’r and so were his WR’s. Madden as Lefty12 pointed out was a very conservative coach. Most fans might have hated him if he coached now. That is very true. The plays you’re seeing now under Hue would’ve been laughed out of the meeting room back then we rarely EVER saw a reverse or anything innovative as what you see now with Hujack.
The same thing is true with Flores rarely any innovation. The things we’re seeing under Cable and Hujack are lightyears more innovative than anything we saw under either Madden or Flores although Flores was a step up from Madden. When I think of Cable interms of the great coaches of today the on;y difference is he hasn’t WON anything yet. I think he is lightyears better than COWER who was a boring coach the offenses he had were basically Mike Mullarkey and the AZ HC. Cowers defenses were LaBeau’s so who was Cower I say he was not much more than Mike Singletary.
I think if we can win Sunday’s game I’m more than on board with Cable and continuity.
Now that is just the beginning we have o have a great draft again and sign some very strategic players. We could easily take a step back or move into greatness it just depends on what we do as an organization. I really believe we have reconnected with the greatness that is the Raiders and the future is really bright if we take these final steps into greatness.
January 1st, 2011 at 1:16 am
Happy New Year, Nation!
January 1st, 2011 at 1:39 am
Was Madden a great coach ? I don’t know. His record indicates he was, but it must be said he had great personnel to work with.
One thing about those Raider teams – they had an identity. By that, I mean they had signature plays and a definite style of play.
When you played the Raids in those days you KNEW you were getting a heavy dose of power running behind Shell and Uppie, you knew there was the posession rcvr in Biletnikoff, you knew there was the deep threat in Cliff, and you knew when the Raids got to the red zone it was play action and a touhdown pass to Casper whenever it was needed.
You knew what was coming but you still couldn’t stop it.
Those guys were that good.
And on defense you knew through the years you were gonna get man to man coverage with Willie and Lester or Mike Haynes or Skip and there was always Tatum and Atkinson scaring the piss out of opposing WRs.
Those teams effectively used the awesome personnel they posessed and had a definite style of play and identity.
When you talked about Raider football in those days, you were talking about a team that marched to the beat of a different drum, did things their own way, and won.
Flash forward to Art Shell and the ‘bed and breakfast’ offense. Art made the mistake of trying to bring back the deep verticle strike behind an offensive line that couldn’t even begin to pass block.
Watching Andrew Walter continuously taking 5 and 7 step drops, waiting for a play to develop, only to get creamed and sacked was the low point in the history of this franchise.
That was horrible coaching on top of miserable personnel.
Then finally Gruden comes in and we’ve got a dominant offensive line, a QB that’s a fabulous field general (albeit with a pop-gun arm), and suddenly the Raids have an identity again. They’ll kill you with the run and a dink and dunk passing game augmented by some Gannon scrambles and even dumps to the FB Ritchie.
Conservative ? Maybe, but it was right up Gannon’s alley and was effective.
What was this year’s Raider team identity or signature play ? The double reverse was as close to a staple play that this offense posessed. And of course, some great running by DMAC. But there was nothing, and I mean nothing, that could be counted on to consistently gain yards through the air. Absolutely no identity to the passing game.
I place the blame for that mostly on JaJason.
Not entirely, there are other contributing factors.
But still, mostly JaJason’s fault.
JaJason sucks.
January 1st, 2011 at 1:42 am
So do you!!!
January 1st, 2011 at 1:45 am
Your little hero couldn’t get it done so you’re pissed it’s understandable………….petty but understandable.
January 1st, 2011 at 1:51 am
Takes one to know one, however that’s about as corny as it gets……..lol
January 1st, 2011 at 2:14 am
JUST WIN BABY!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, RAIDERS BE WITH YOU
January 1st, 2011 at 2:22 am
I’m glad Jason Campbell got it done! What a joke.
January 1st, 2011 at 2:59 am
To Jerry Mac and to all of the Raider Nation……
Happy New Year and all the best!!
January 1st, 2011 at 4:18 am
Jason Campbell didn’t have a great year but he didn’t have a terrible year like some people try to make it out to be, due to the fact he was never given the chance to play the full season because Cable was determined to play musical chairs at Qb even though Campbell is clearly better than Bruce Bruce. If the line was right I think JC wouldve had a much better year. The talent on this team alone is worth about 7 wins, a half decent HC can punch out 3 wins with this team so we should win 10 games next year. Oh well I guess we can start the mock draft talk now.
January 1st, 2011 at 4:38 am
Cable better than Madden? Bahahahaha.
Other than that, Happy New Year all!
January 1st, 2011 at 4:52 am
Happy New Year Nation!
May 2011 bring us more wins, a playoff berth,
and stronger unity as a RAIDER NATION!
GO RAIDERS!!
January 1st, 2011 at 8:20 am
Cable is better than Madden?!?!? You People had too much fun last night.
Cable:
-16-27 as Raiders HC.
-We have enough talent to win games like AZ, Tenn, SF, Miami, and the Texans.
-He doesn’t adjust well at halftime.
-The team played well against division teams, but we were sorry outside the division.
-He doesn’t manage the roster well. 9 LBs activated for the last 2 games, but he only had 3 CBs activated. We run a 4-3! We don’t need 8-9 LBs!!!
-He doesn’t override bad call from the OC or DC.
-He blames his OC and DC, but he doesn’t take the blame as the HC
-He plays fav with players. He likes Fargas, Cooper, Branch, and GarbageKowski.
If you hire a guy to help you team win, but you finish below .500 for 2 full seasons with him, then he needs to be fired.
The Players are paid to play, they don’t have a say in Coaching situations/ issues.
I will not keep a guy hired just because other employees like him/ her. He/ she needs to perform to keep their job.
It’s all about the WINs! Cable is 16-27!!
January 1st, 2011 at 8:27 am
comparing cable to madden is ajoke..cable not even on the same planet as gruden..the raiders had a great draft and with DMAC now at the next level ,it critical they need more than a cheerleader for a coach..in reality do you EVER see Tom Cable as an elite coach?
January 1st, 2011 at 8:37 am
WHEATLEY WON’T GO DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2011 at 8:38 am
HAPPY NEW YEAR RAIDER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JUST WIN BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2011 at 8:53 am
Nycraiders Says:
January 1st, 2011 at 8:27 am
comparing cable to madden is ajoke..cable not even on the same planet as gruden..the raiders had a great draft and with DMAC now at the next level ,it critical they need more than a cheerleader for a coach..in reality do you EVER see Tom Cable as an elite coach?
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Never. Al had to save the guy from himself with guys like Kwame Harris, Justin Fargas, Hirame Eugene and last AND least, Gradkowski. Personally, I think this team would be light years ahead of where it is if the Kiffin hiring had worked out. I think Cable has held the team back.
January 1st, 2011 at 8:54 am
Fire Matshall after the game!!!
Upgrade Cable before Jan 18th!!!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2011 at 8:56 am
Marshall*
January 1st, 2011 at 9:13 am
If you own a store, you hire a manager, and you keep him for 2.5 years. The employees love him, but Sales are still below avg. He increased sales from prev managers, but they are still below avg. Would you keep him?
No!!!!!
All I care about as the owner of the store is revenue/ Sales. It’s the same thing in Football. You don’t keep/ Fire a guy because of the players feelings. It’s all about wins and losses.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:21 am
That’s a good analogy Raider O.
The one concern though is, if you fire a manager who has had increasing sales numbers, you have to replace him with someone who is going to continue with that sales growth from the levels of manager Cable.
Our “store” can’t take one step back to hope to take two steps forward in the future, right now.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:29 am
You can’t blame the manager when your top product (the QB) is not selling because it’s inferior.
If I am trying to sell generic soda for the same price as the Pepsi from the store next door, who do you blame?
The owner who is supplying the products.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:33 am
Thx.LOL
You are right. We can’t afford to make any mistakes. Not in coaching, draft, or FA. We need to upgrade what we have. We need to add more talent, and improve the coaching staff. The only unkown I’m welling to risk it on is Harbaugh. I want an NFL coach with exp and a good record, or I will just keep Cable for another season.
Marshall has to go.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:39 am
And because the store has below average sales, you don’t have enough money or reputation to go out and bring in top notch “managers” from the outside.
You either promote from within, or go get below average talent and hope they perform better than ever.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:39 am
STL,
LOL!
“Generic soda for the same price as the pepsi”
I love it!! LOL
I have to disagree with you about the QB. I thought he played well enough to put us in positions to win more games than we did. He also didn’t play against AZ, Miami, and I can’t remember the other game.
Still LOL.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:47 am
Vegas,
I think we have enough talent on this team that we should be able to find a coach who is interested in being our HC. We have great players on defense like Seymour & Nnamdi, we have a young team, and we have a solid vet QB.
Another thing that helped us this season to attract more coaches is our record under Cable. I’m site there are coaches out there (Gruden) they think they could have done better with the same talent. The reason I said Gruden is his interview on Sat Radio when he said this is a good raider team that can win a lot of games.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:48 am
I’m sure*…
That* think….
January 1st, 2011 at 9:54 am
QB play was awful this year in the Tenn game, 49ers game, Pitt game, and Miami game.
It was below average in the STL game (both QB’s combined), AZ game, and KC game.
Only played average or better in the Hou game (average), Indy (average) Sea game (above average), 1st Denver game (very good), 2nd Denver game (average), Jax game (very good even with last minute blunder), and above average in both Chargers games.
So I got it at:
Awful – 4 times
Below average- 3 times
Average- 3 times
Above average-3 times
Very good- 2 times
10 out of 15 games were average or worse. #1 reason we are 7-8 right now. Not Tom Cable, not Hue’s play-calling, not John Marshall, not Cooper Carlisle, not because we didn’t give enough carries to Mike Bush, not because of RoMac or Stanford Routt.
We rarely ever outplayed the other QB, when we did, we won easy. It really is that simple.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:55 am
Rt. Gaither
Cb. Joseph
These would be huge up grades. Let Langston and Campbell fight it out for RG.
Think Mcfadden and Ware will be keepers for nickel and dime packages. Real question do we resign Huff or do we get our young S out there?
January 1st, 2011 at 10:07 am
When I’m talking about QB play I was talking about JC only. I blame Cable for playing Grad over JC in games like AZ & Miami.
Marshall’s unit allowed 30+ points in 6/15 games! That’s another reason why we lost our last 2 games. It’s wasn’t due to the QB play. JC played well the last 2 games, but we still didn’t win because we allowed 30+ points. We allowed 31 points in 2nd half of that Jags game.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:08 am
Happy New Year fellas!
Vegas,Raider O and every member of The Raider Nation.
Hope 2011 will be kind to all.
Interesting slate of college ball today. Whole lotta Big Ten vs. SEC. Interested to see how they match up.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:11 am
ALA J Jones is a beast!
January 1st, 2011 at 10:15 am
Happy New Year Buckeye. Same to you and your family.
Legalize it and Go Bucks!!!
Mich St will lose today, which will bring me some joy, so we are starting the year well.
I like their CB C Rucker. 6′2 200, and he looks fast enough for Al.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:18 am
Watching this Wiz 2.0 game.
McShay has him as the #3 center, and #100 something overall prospect, so he should be a 3rd maybe 4th rounder.
He has gotten blown up a few times already on the first drive, and seems kinda small even though he is listed at 300 pounds.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:26 am
Whatvabout Moch from Nevada for OLB. Talk about some speed. Anyone see him play? Huge stats.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:41 am
My fav CBs this draft:
- Brandon Harris from Miami
- VT Rashad Carmichael
- any of the 3 CBs from Texas
- D House from New Mexico
-D Torrence from The Great OSU
-C Rucker from Mich St.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:42 am
I like House more than the kids from Texas.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:43 am
Man, the hyperbole here is a never-ending source of entertainment, especially when it comes to JC.
“The Raiders will never win with Campbell at quarterback!”
“Jason Campbell is JaMarcus Russell 2.0!”
Y’all act like the Raiders could easily up and bring in a Tom Brady-like talent whenever they want, and they just don’t because they have Jason Campbell.
If there was a better option, he would be here already.
Should the Raiders bring in a young guy? Sure, at least I think so. Campbell is going to get every opportunity to be the starter next season, so now is the perfect time to give Hue a young kid to work with, and let sit on the sideline and learn the game for a little while.
But some of you guys need to stop having conniption fits about Jason Campbell. The immature (and unbelievably stupid) “JaJason” stuff really gets old. Campbell is the starter, and that’s just the way it’s going to be for a little while. The fact is, there’s no better option for the Raiders right now.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:45 am
CB Davon House
OLB Greg Jones
WR Julio Jones
All these guys should be on the Raiders’ radar. I’m starting to come around to Julio Jones. Kid had some problems with drops, but he seems to more than compensate by being a reliable go-to receiver, not simply a big-play threat like DHB was.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:49 am
Greg Jones and Julio Jones are going to go in the top 20 picks, maybe top 15.
No sense even wasting time looking at those guys if your the Raiders scouting department.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:51 am
I’m interested to see what the TCU QB-WR combo of Dalton to Kerley do today.
I have liked Dalton for 2 years now, as maybe a 3rd or 4th round pick. Wish he was 2 inches taller but he has a lot of that “it” factor every team is always looking for.
Kerley as a WR is electric in the open-field. He makes tacklers miss frequently, and is very hard to bring down with one guy due to his elusiveness. Great returner as well, but not sure of his hands and route-running. 4th or 5th rounder as well.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:52 am
In almost every mock I’ve seen, Greg Jones and Julio Jones drop to the second round.
Von Miller and Akeem Ayers are all rated higher than Jones, and Jones isn’t known for being a pass rusher which will limit the teams who are interested in him.
There are a bunch of receivers ahead of Julio Jones, especially if Michael Floyd enters the draft.
January 1st, 2011 at 10:53 am
Brandon Harris is a top 15 pick too, but I can still dream.
House & Carmichael and the kids from Texas will be available 2-4th RD.
Draft CB House or Carmichael, or sign J Joseph!
January 1st, 2011 at 11:03 am
Julio Jones is the #2 rated WR by Mel Kiper and McShay, behind AJ Green among all seniors and juniors.
Not a chance in hell he is there at #40 something, unless he blows out his knee in the next 2 hours.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:05 am
yesterday Lefty12 made one of the most cogent comments I’ve ever read in this forum. Paraphrasing, Lefty12 wrote that if this site was available in the way back when while John Madden was Raiders HC, many many of you would’ve been ripping Madden on a daily basis hoping to see him fired and to get a “legitimate coach” in here. Lefty is absolutely 100% correct. All the nitpicking and moaning and complaining in here leaves no room for doubting Lefty12’s conjecture.
Happy Gregorian New Year (and if you don’t like this one, well, the Old Calendar New Year rolls in very soon, and then the Lunar one, and then the Zoroastrian one etc. etc.)
January 1st, 2011 at 11:06 am
Walterfootball, probably the best prognasticator behind the ESPN-NFLN guys, has Julio Jones going #10 overall.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:10 am
What a play by Mark Ingram. MSU in Big Trouble.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:12 am
YoungAmerican Says:
January 1st, 2011 at 10:52 am
In almost every mock I’ve seen, Greg Jones and Julio Jones drop to the second round.
********************************
Any chance you could provide a link saying Julio Jones would fall to the second round?
I would be curious to see it. Haven’t found one mock, and I just looked at about 6 of them, where he wasn’t taken in the top 12 picks.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:18 am
I’ll check in a little bit, I’m cleaning my turtle’s tank right now, it’s possible his draft stock has risen in the last few weeks. I haven’t really checked the WR rankings recently I guess. I remember him being a early-to-mid second rounder a couple weeks ago, mostly because of concerns about his consistency. But if he’s had some big games in the last few weeks it’s definitely possible he’s rated higher now.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:19 am
This Wisniewski is not very impressive.
Not even playing C (is not the best C on his own team??) and is getting pushed around a lot.
I would take him in the 4th round, and no earlier.
Pouncey does look for the Gators though. Appears his early season struggles are behind him, and I would be suprised if he wasn’t taken right around the same spot as his brother, in the early 20’s.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:24 am
This Florida-Penn State game has the #1 ranked Center in the Pouncey twin and #3 in Wiz 2.0. Not sure who the #2 ranked C by McSahy is.
I don’t know that C is that pressing of a need for the Raiders right now. I’d think the D that gave up 30+ six times needs a little more attention, IMO.
For whatever reason the Raider Nation never took to Samson Satele. Everybody’s always looking to upgrade the C position. He is amongst the least of their worries.
He got off to a rough start last year. But he was rehabbing from shoulder surgery. He is the starter for the #2 rushing attack in the NFL. McFadden isn’t doing it all by himself. When you watch the replays of some of their big plays..long runs and screens, you’ll often see SS downfield making key blocks.
He is not the 90 lb wek link inside that many make him out to be either. When the Big nose tackle from Denver (used to be in SD) walked a lineman right into JC’s face like he was on skates, the announcer misspoke. He said it was Satele. It wasn’t. It was Coop.
The Raider O-line needs some fine tuning, but the C position is in capable hands, IMO.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:29 am
Happy New Year Buck!!!
Wiz is playing RG.
And I agree with you on Satele.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:35 am
Wis will be drafted in the top 40 picks!
January 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
Raider O Says:
January 1st, 2011 at 11:35 am
Wis will be drafted in the top 40 picks!
*******************************
You think McShay is going to be off by 65 picks?
January 1st, 2011 at 11:43 am
I think McSh!t is an idiot. Mel too.
BTW WalterFootball has him as a 2nd RD pick, and according to you it’s a great source for draft info.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:51 am
I think the key to Wiz is if he is a C or G.
If a team thinks he is a center, he will go a lot higher than as a guard.
Walterfootball is a good source, but I think Mel and McShay are better. Not that their numbers are the be all end all, but if one of them has a guy at #105, pretty safe to say he will go in the 75-125 range, IMO.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:54 am
Overall, I don’t think the O-line is as bad as most on here do. They are a very good run blocking line. They give ups ome sacks, but that is not all on them.
Some of it is on public enemy #1 JC, with his indecision sometimes, coupled with a slow release.
Most of it is on the Raiders passing philosophy, IMO. When you hear “vertical passing game”, you think of The Bomb, and Branch, Jett or DHB streaking down the sideline. But, it’s more than that.
The Raiders don’t run many shallow, crossing routes. All their routes …outs and crossing routes are seemingly 15 to 20 yards downfield. That puts a lot more pressure on the O-line to hold their blocks. deep drops by the QB. Those routes take time to develope.
I’d like to see some more quick hitting plays from Hue next year. Run some more quick hitting plays. 3 step drops.
I’d like to see some quick slants to DHB and Jacoby Ford. Get the ball in their hands and let them run after the catch.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:57 am
One part of the equation in assessing our O-line that gets overlooked is the fact that Reece is not a very good blocker and Zack Miller is a terrible blocker.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Well said Buckeye. I still think we need to upgrade the right side oh put offense including the C position.
-Cooper is old, and is not playing as well as he did 2 seasons ago.
-Walker has problems with speed, and I think he can be better at playing G. He is a FA too.
-Satele is avg at best, and he will be a FA too.
I rather draft a C and G/T than resign Walker and Satele. I also want to give B Campbell a chance to play at G/T.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Vegas,
No Zach is never going to be confused with a Dave Casper or Mark Bavaro. I think he is generally a capable, and willing blocker. it’s never going to be his strong suit,though.
In his defense, he was rarely healthy this year. The second half the season he was trying to play on a very painful foot injury. Plantar Fasciatus or whatever. Might have affected his ability to plant and hold his blocks. He defenitely struggled.
Blocking was supposed to be Myers’ strength coming out of Iowa. I was kinda hoping he’d step up a little more this year. He was a bit of a disappointment for me.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:10 pm
I want a blocking FB more than anyone here, but no way would I day that Recce is not a good blocker. I think he is a good Blocker, but he is not great. He also doesn’t overpower the guy he blocks, so it doesn’t look good but he is still effective.
Z Miller can’t Block!
BTW, I don’t think Wiz will drop to the 3rd RD!! No way!! I’m
Almost willing to bet on it.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:15 pm
BTW, I don’t think Wiz will drop to the 3rd RD!! No way!! I’m
Almost willing to bet on it.
*********************************
I’m not willing to bet on it either.
But I always figured him as a late first early second pick. When McShay ranked him as the #105 player that really suprised me.
That would be the 9th pick in the 4th round!!! If he goes in the second round, that would be one of the worst projections McShay has ever done.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Denver might part ways with RT Ryan Harris, who I think would be a perfect fit for the Raiders’ offensive line. Great ZBS tackle, excellent in pass protection and run blocking.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I hope we draft a RT prospect, more so than any other position on the O-line, in one of our top 3 picks (rounds 2-4).
However, I don’t want a guy that was a LT that moves to the right or anything like that.
Draft a guy who was a very good RT in college, that played there for a few years at a big school.
No more moving guys around all over the place.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Vegas,
That’s what I’m thinking. Later 1st or early 2nd. It will be interesting to keep up with this after a few months (after pro days and the combine).
Later Gents and Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Wiz wont drop to the 3rd round but Greg Jones will be a early 2nd round pick…There’s alot of good OLB’S in the draft..
And If you guys are going to watch the Connecticut game look out for Lawrence Williams who plays OLB
January 1st, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I’m starting to think that OLB may be the weakest link in the run D (Groves), and the top 4-3 OLBs are Travis Lewis, Greg Jones, and Bruce Carter. In most of the mocks I read, atleast one of those 3 slip to the Raiders and it the reasoning is usually because 4-3 OLBs are slowly getting less valuable.
January 1st, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Wiz has size issues and power issues and tends to get pushed back by Big Nose Tackles
January 1st, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Wiz has size issues and power issues and tends to get pushed back by Big Nose Tackles
******************
Probably why he was replaced as the teams center.
He is playing G now.
January 1st, 2011 at 4:37 pm
J Hill.
QBs make receivers.
Sam Bradford isn’t whining about lack of WR talent. He’s making money throws downfield that any athlete who made it to the NFL can catch.
The Bills finally found their QB of the future in Fitzpatrick. They LET GO of Owens. Fitz is making stars out of whoever is left there.
The QB makes the WR.