If not Branch, then no Brown, either
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 at 1:21 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Bay Area News group columnist Monte Poole makes the case in today’s publications that former Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown is no lock to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend.
I’ll go Monte one better and say Brown shouldn’t make it.
Brown may deserve to go in one day, but not until Cliff Branch gets there first.
And Branch, who didn’t make the cut list, isn’t going in any time soon.
Al Davis makes yearly pleas for Jim Plunkett, and to a lesser extent Tom Flores.
Many of you can’t imagine why Ken Stabler hasn’t made the grade.
Branch seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle of great Raiders despite being a vertical threat into his 30s and posting numbers (501 receptions, 8,685 yards, 67 touchdowns) that dwarfed those of Lynn Swann (336 receptions, 5,462 yards, 51 touchdowns). He was the essence of the Raiders’ vertical passing game that Davis is to this day still trying to recapture.
For those who don’t think Branch had the kind of huge, career-capturing moment which Swann did during his NFL Films Super Bowl highlight reel, you weren’t in attendance the day he made a diving catch of an underthrown Ken Stabler bomb, then got up and completed an 72-yard touchdown play in the Sea of Hands game. He had three touchdowns in three Super Bowl wins _ the same number Swann scored in four Super Bowl wins.
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February 2nd, 2011 at 1:24 pm
347.LA to TheBay Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
J,
I don’t know about Wimbley at DE permanently,
as Rac said:
Wimbley does this well… on passing downs. We can not afford to have a light fast/speed DE on all downs, our run d is already shakey. Houston needs to progress as a pass-rusher.
**********
Ahhh great minds…
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:24 pm
First.
Tim and Cliff both belong.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
This is a cryin SHAME!!!
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
LA,
What is a passing down?
These days, teams pass on any down and at anytime. Too many times, imo, the other QB had all day to throw. Folks are clamoring for the blitz for a reason. Indy does fine with 2 DEs that are about Wimbley’s size. I think the pressure he could apply from the RDE spot is what we need. Constant pressure.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I’ll go Monte one better and say Brown shouldn’t make it.
*************
So what, you gotta be the bigger A H0LE?
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:29 pm
That or have Wimbley rush the passer from his LB spot. He does not need to be covering the RB or TE outta the backfield.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:29 pm
4.J Hill Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
LA,
What is a passing down?
These days, teams pass on any down and at anytime. Too many times, imo, the other QB had all day to throw. Folks are clamoring for the blitz for a reason. Indy does fine with 2 DEs that are about Wimbley’s size. I think the pressure he could apply from the RDE spot is what we need. Constant pressure.
************************
J, yer not wrong, but at what cost? Our run D needs all the help it can get. See TWO #300 plus DE’s.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
“That or have Wimbley rush the passer from his LB spot. He does not need to be covering the RB or TE outta the backfield.”
Truth.
I saw Wimbley trying to cover Gates, across the middle of the field. Wimbley was a good 4 yards behind him, lookin like he was runnin in slow motion.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Much love to Timmy B, but Jerry is right.
None of the great Raiders who have been snubbed–Brown, Stabler, Plunkett, Flores–should go in until Branch is. I can see the arguments for excluding the 4 I just listed (I don’t agree with them, but I understand where the other side is coming from), but there is no rational argument for keeping Cliff Branch out of the Hall. None.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Rac,
We had two former DEs playing the OLB position for the first time ever in the NFL. That and a rookie LB =’d some big plays given up last year.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Yup I agree…if Lyn Swann is in, there should be no reason why Branch is not in!
At first I seen the name of No branch then no Brown either…I thought he was talking about Tyvon and Stevie…lol
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
I have a feeling that as soon as Al dies, a flood of Raiders are going to start getting voted in. They’re just not going to let Al enjoy any more hall of famers than they have to. They’ll vote the obvious ones in. But if they can think of any reason not to vote for them, they won’t.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:44 pm
12.The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
I have a feeling that as soon as Al dies, a flood of Raiders are going to start getting voted in. They’re just not going to let Al enjoy any more hall of famers than they have to. They’ll vote the obvious ones in. But if they can think of any reason not to vote for them, they won’t.
++++++++++++++++++++
Wouldn’t shock me.
At this point I can think of no other logical reason to exclude Branch unless he killed the dog, burned down the house, seduced the wife and kidnapped the children of every voter.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
I think Tim Brown’s number’s are more deserving than Cliff Branch’s. 4th leading WR all time.
Lynn Swann in the HOF is a disgrace.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Started liking the Raiders in 1987, TB is the best Raider in my time liking the team.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Lynn Swann in the HOF is a disgrace.
++++++++++++++++
Don’t disagree there.
If he doesn’t make maybe the greatest catch in NFL history in the Super Bowl against Dallas, does he even get in?
Like I said, all time great highlight, but enough to tip someone into the Hall of Fame? I don’t think so.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:53 pm
bill belicheat and john boehner remind me of each other, same shifty eyedness. are they brothers???
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Lynn Swann got in because he’s been an outspoken Republican since he retired. NFL and most national NFL writers are conservative.
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
“Lynn Swann is soft.”
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
19.YoungAmerican Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
“Lynn Swann is soft.”
+++++++++++++++++++++
Listening to Atkinson go off old opponents is always so so so beautiful.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Brown and Branch definitely deserve to be in.
My heart says Stabler should be in too though.
Great qb and my boyhood idol- No one epitomized the “Badass” era better than Stabler!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Yeah swann is a little beotch
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Yeah, The Raiders used to go after Swann pretty good. The “criminal element” as Chuck Knoll called the Raider Secondary.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
I still have no idea how the heck Plunkett, Flores, Stabler, Branch, and Hayes are in the HOF!
Just a bunch of idiot Raider Haters who have HOF votes that should have their HOF voting privelages REVOKED!!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
who’s the guy who made the td catch for the gmen??that’s gotta be one of the best superbowl catches of all time.. considering who t brown had throwing him the ball, maybe the best of all time……
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
I can see Wimbley being an excellent stand up rush and down RDE pass rush specialist.
Regardless, he needs to be kept on this team!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
I guess The Eagles name Juan Castillo their DC per Adam Schefter…
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:05 pm
David Tyree…what a darn good catch…lol…
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Wow. Didn’t see that coming. Raiders will have a much better shot at Perry and Moss now, assuming either of them still want to come back here.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:08 pm
23.KoolKell Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Yeah, The Raiders used to go after Swann pretty good. The “criminal element” as Chuck Knoll called the Raider Secondary.
^^^^^^^^
Knoll calling the Raider D the “criminal element” was the pot calling the kettle black!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by r8eray and RAIDERSRSS, Southwestconnection. Southwestconnection said: If not Branch, then no Brown, either: Bay Area News group columnist Monte Poole makes the case in today’s public… http://bit.ly/eCMxAC [...]
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
How is Branch not in yet ? Screw all the Raider haters in the media and everwhere . Also I really hate the Pittsburg Rapists !
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Knoll calling the Raider D the “criminal element” was the pot calling the kettle black!
———————————–
Yep, because Mean Joe Greene wasn’t no choirboy either.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
EAGLES SURPRISE: JUAN CASTILLO WILL BE THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Knoll calling the Raider D the “criminal element” was the pot calling the kettle black!
++++++++++++
I’ve seen that clip. Hilarious. The same guy that coached Lambert, Greene and Blount whining about hard hits and cheapshots.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
TIM BROWN is not an HOF player!!! EVER!! Tim Brown
represents everything that is wrong about the modern player! He is the I generation…
Cliff Branch – Is and should be a HOF memeber it’s BS.
The Snake – 1 Ring no Hall? Belongs!
Jim Plunkett – 2 Rings no Hall? Why
Tom Flores – 2 rings what coach has 2 rings and not in the hall? Tom Flores Why?
This is just the general bias in regards to Mr. Davis.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
that is two seperate sentences, tim brown was a great great receiver, maybe the best of all time, i could make an argument for it anyway…….it is the raiders mystique that keeps hayes and branch etc. out of the hall..it is why i love my raiders and think very little of nfl hall of fame voters
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
So the Eagle hired their Oline coach to be the DC????
WOW!
And people are complaining about Breshnahan, lol.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:14 pm
J Hill Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
So the Eagle hired their Oline coach to be the DC????
————————————–
Really? Seriously?
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
# samiam2112 Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
This is just the general bias in regards to Mr. Davis.
……………..
Speaking of the “I” generation…
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Mark Ingram is on the Fins radar, they have no backs coming into the season?
That means Ronnie Brown is out there…
if we don’t bring back Bush we should at least consider this guy!
He’s a young 29 and will be a band-aid type player for 1-2 years to come.
Other RB’s available…Westbrook.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
The Philadelphia Eagles stayed on their staff, but went to the other side of the ball, to find the next defensive coordinator.
The team announced Wednesday that Juan Castillo, its longtime offensive line coach, will take over for the recently fired Sean McDermott.
Read more: http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-02-02/eagles-tab-offensive-line-coach-juan-castillo-to-run-defense#ixzz1CqIXSEIo
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
When Tim Brown opens up a business and demands his employees only refer to him as “Mr. Brown”…
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Speaking of the “I” generation…
—————————–
Touche
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Kell, who’s the OchoCinco of NFL owners?
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm
thank you hwnrdr, david tyree, great catch!! where is he now??? lynn swann, even his name is soft!!! lol
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Kell, who’s the OchoCinco of NFL owners?
——————————-
Let’s see…….Jerry Jones?………Daniel Synder?……….Ah, Al Davis!!!!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I find it disheartening when Raider fans grips about individualists in the league today. Here’s a franchise in the Oakland Raiders that has historically prided itself on individuality, and left uniformity to others, a concept that’s both helped and hurt the team throughout history, but nonetheless, is and always will be the organizational concept so long as Al’s alive. Then they take pride in an owner who separates himself from the other owners. Yet for some reason, the players taking on a distinctive personality and image for some reason bothers them. Doesn’t make sense.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
kk, good one, might have gone over his head…lol
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
I’ve never seen Snyder or Jones rip a former coach publicly the way Davis did recently. Jones was caught on video while drunk. He only has himself to blame, of course, but he still never ripped a former employee formally on camera, the way Al did. Al is the most bombastic, hyperbolic owner in the game, he’s what Ocho is to the players.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:25 pm
# r8rwill Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
kk, good one, might have gone over his head…lol
……….
No ,I got his point. Response in comment #49.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Make it comment 50.. lol.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
The Eagles did what?
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Surprisingly, he was out of the league 2 yers after that catch against one of the great safeties (dirty too)…what’s his name that used to be with SD…oh well…
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
J Hill Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
So the Eagle hired their Oline coach to be the DC????
………
He could be a secret weapon.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
They hired their OL coach to be DC…in a weird take on events…hmmm
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
J Hill Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
So the Eagle hired their Oline coach to be the DC????
………
He could be a secret weapon.
———————
LMAO!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
This just shows the value of O-line coaches, and their impact they can have on the whole team.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
So basically, we shoulda just hired Cable as DC.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
kk, real good one, it did it did…rolmfao
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
I’ve never seen Snyder or Jones rip a former coach publicly the way Davis did recently. Jones was caught on video while drunk. He only has himself to blame, of course, but he still never ripped a former employee formally on camera, the way Al did. Al is the most bombastic, hyperbolic owner in the game, he’s what Ocho is to the players.
====================================================
And he IS a Raider! Does things his way, not how anyone else would. We are different from the rest of the league, always have been & as long as he’s around tht’s how it’s gonna be. Many of us in “The Nation” have been anxious for him to let go of control or even kick the bucket. But I think many of us will miss him & his dedication to the Raiders when he’s gone. NO ONE will be more committed to excellence (eh, hmm) than him, ever.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:35 pm
RMR
I don’t think there are many people in the world who are as egocentric as Al Davis.
The moment you become absolutely certain, your mind closes.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:36 pm
The Eagles probably heard good things about him. That’s good enough for some teams.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
So
A) Moss
B) Perry
C) Other (secret weapon)
???????
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
RaiderFanFromJersey Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
And he IS a Raider! Does things his way, not how anyone else would.
………
Same with Ocho Cinco.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
I don’t think OchoCinco is even a fraction a egomaniac as Al Davis.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:38 pm
If anybody cares, coaches from around the NFL who have worked with new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo are positive that he can make the switch from being a long-time offensive coach to a defensive mastermind.
Former Eagles linebackers coach and current Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera: “I’m really excited about this news and very proud of Juan being named defensive coordinator of the Eagles. First of all, Juan is one of the smartest and most dynamic coaches in the NFL. If anyone could cross over to the dark side (of defense), he’s the guy. Seriously, if anyone can do it, Juan Castillo is able to do it. I don’t know if I have seen anyone any more committed as a coach in this league than him. I was able to call on him so many times to understand how certain offenses worked and attacked. His knowledge of the game is very, very extensive and I consider him a mentor of mine in Philadelphia while I was working under Jim Johnson. He prides himself in his work ethic, which I know he got from his mother. More importantly, he’s a dedicated father, husband and friend and just a top-notch person.”
Former Eagles defensive backs coach and current Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier: “I have a strong affinity for Juan going back to our days spent together in Philadelphia. I can remember Jim Johnson and our defensive staff putting our game plans together and we’d always get together with Juan just to make sure they were sound in terms of pressures and blitzes. Sometimes, I felt like he was on our defensive staff. And to do this day, he and I talk every week during the season to talk about other offenses in the league. That’s how much respect I have for him as a coach and how well he is able to understand the defensive schemes. I’m so excited that’s he’s going to be able to put those ideas to work for himself as the defensive coordinator in Philly. Andy Reid made a great choice.”
Former Eagles linebackers coach and current St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo: “Great move by Coach Reid. Juan is a football junkie who has always studied the entire game. He’s a detailed, aggressive, and passionate football coach – all attributes vital to coaching defense. I wish him all the best.”
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Where I’m at, it’s deep in Eagle country…
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:40 pm
hmmm
Can we pry Cable away from Seattle to be our next Defensive Guru?
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
So, equating Al Davis with Ocho Cinco is an insult to Ocho, Kell? LOL. Got ya.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Castillo was a “highly respected” O line coach, Cable is…not so much
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Anyhoo, the Eagles did us a huge favor today because I think both Moss & Perry are getting the itch to be a coordinator – with their names being thrown around so much lately. I would be surprised if one of them don’t end up as our DC within a few weeks (In my expert opinion, lol)
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Talking about a WR….I think going after a Santana Moss
would be a good acquisition.
Not much of a headache like a T.O., #85, & R.Moss, but more like a veteran presence to coach the young guys.
Most importantly..he’s worked (chemistry) with Campbell in the past, which is huge.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:51 pm
I think OchoCinco’s egocentric shenanigans are all in fun.
Al Davis egocentric opinions of himself are dead serious. He really believes he’s the Vicar.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:51 pm
12.The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
I have a feeling that as soon as Al dies, a flood of Raiders are going to start getting voted in. They’re just not going to let Al enjoy any more hall of famers than they have to. They’ll vote the obvious ones in. But if they can think of any reason not to vote for them, they won’t.
**************************
More evidence Al Davis is the GREATEST owner in all of the NFL!
Long live Al.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Remember before the 2010 season, the talk of a “new” defense? Was it gonna be a 3-4, or 4-3, or 5-2 base, or all safties???
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:55 pm
The Dirtee Raccoon Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Remember before the 2010 season, the talk of a “new” defense? Was it gonna be a 3-4, or 4-3, or 5-2 base, or all safties???
—————-
ALL SAFTIES……that would be your safe bet!
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
RaidersBlog Chris Hansen
Paul Hackett just hired as HC at UCLA.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Kell Mrs. Dimacali says hi.
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
77.r8eray Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:55 pm
The Dirtee Raccoon Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Remember before the 2010 season, the talk of a “new” defense? Was it gonna be a 3-4, or 4-3, or 5-2 base, or all safties???
—————-
ALL SAFTIES……that would be your safe bet!
**********************
Yup, we should run it more often. Boy that will shut down the run!
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
The Dirtee Raccoon Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
77.r8eray Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:55 pm
The Dirtee Raccoon Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Remember before the 2010 season, the talk of a “new” defense? Was it gonna be a 3-4, or 4-3, or 5-2 base, or all safties???
—————-
ALL SAFTIES……that would be your safe bet!
**********************
Yup, we should run it more often. Boy that will shut down the run!
—————-
LOL!
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Dirty Raccoon, my Koi fish say hi, too.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:04 pm
The over under on how many times Hue Jackson says “Obviously” in his next interview is:
132
Any bettors?
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Talking about Safties…check out this 4-5 Rounder out of West Virginia!
Robert Sands, dudes a BEAST!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0o1xMWqCow
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Good for Paul Hackett.
He did well for us. Managed to spread out the Jamarcus grease-fire for two years, managed to get the best few weeks of Bruce Gradkowski’s life, and was the QB coach last year for Jason Campbell and is near league-best 4th quarter QB rating.
He will do well at UCLA, I’m sure he still has his connections from his USC days.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Sorry Just Fire…
It was a joke.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:07 pm
LOL….
I still think Hackett did a good job for us.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Yep, Big Move for Paul Hackett. Best Wishes! Seems like a class guy.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
“Paul Hackett. Seems like a class guy.”
Until AD gets his overhead projecter out and shows you what he did behind closed doors!
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:12 pm
8.1234567 Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
“That or have Wimbley rush the passer from his LB spot. He does not need to be covering the RB or TE outta the backfield.”
Truth.
I saw Wimbley trying to cover Gates, across the middle of the field. Wimbley was a good 4 yards behind him, lookin like he was runnin in slow motion.
*******************
Was it a read play, or a design play?
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:14 pm
JerryMac….
Perhaps you could post the names of the HOF voters. We can take it from there…
….Scratch that idea..Would end up being counter-productive…..
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:18 pm
36.samiam2112 Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
TIM BROWN is not an HOF player!!! EVER!! Tim Brown
represents everything that is wrong about the modern player! He is the I generation…
Cliff Branch – Is and should be a HOF memeber it’s BS.
The Snake – 1 Ring no Hall? Belongs!
Jim Plunkett – 2 Rings no Hall? Why
Tom Flores – 2 rings what coach has 2 rings and not in the hall? Tom Flores Why?
This is just the general bias in regards to Mr. Davis.
^^^^^^^
Yeah, it’s a sick joke.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
I actually got to talk to Cliff at the Albuquerque Wal-Mart a few months back.
I asked him about the HOF and he just shrugged his shoulders. I than kind of joked to my wife (who didn’t really know who he was) that he was the best player not in the HOF, he immediately shot me down and said, “Kenny Stabler, Kenny Stabler.”
Class act, and was doing some charity stuff for the local childrens hospital. I got to facebook a few photos with him as well.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Think Bresnehan and Biekert are there to get the most out of our LBs.
Think we bring Perry back into the fold as DC.
Wouldn’t be a bad move, although I’m for building up our LB corps to be elite along with the D Line and have an outstanding front 7, with Moss at DC
Have Ross really roll up his sleeves and get the secondary organazized.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:34 pm
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/02/ochocinco-meets-the-pft-family/
CJ azz woopin
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Whether the Oakland Raider switch to a 3-4 defense or remain in a 4-3 is irrelevant in the eyes of Hue Jackson.
There is only one top priority for whatever defense they implement next season: stop the run.
“This is no question what we need to get done. No. 1, we’ve got to stop the run,” Jackson told KMJ Radio this week (via the Oakland Tribune). I mean, we all know that. There’s no question about that.”
Undoubtedly stopping the run will be a huge part of the Raiders’ 2011 plans, but so too is getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
“No. 2 is we’ve got to get the quarterback on the ground. I mean, and I mean get the quarterback on the ground as fast and as hard as we can,” Jackson continued. “That’s what the Raiders were built on, and obviously we need to go play better. We have the nucleus to have a very good defensive football team, Richard Seymour, obviously, Matt Shaughnessy, Rolando McClain, Kamerion Wimbley, Tyvon Branch, I mean, it goes on and on and on on that side of the ball.”
Before any changes are implemented the team must hire a defensive coordinator to spearhead the improvements. The Silver and Black welcomed Chuck Bresnahan back on Tuesday as a defensive coach.
“What I’m in the process of doing is making sure I put together the best defensive football staff that I can, and we’re going to go out, roll up our sleeves and coach this defensive football team as hard as we can give ourselves the best opportunity to have success on Sundays,” said Jackson.
The Raiders rushing defense finished ranked No. 29 in the league this season, giving up an average of 133.6 yards on the ground per game.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Need to get 1 or 2 more good LBs.
Wimbley is nice, but most effective as a pass-rusher.
McClain is a fixture at MLB until further notice.
Groves had moments, but would disappear for what seemed like quarters at a time.
IMO, Groves needs to be replaced with a natural, instinctive LB and Wimbley needs to have somebody that can step in for him on obvious passing downs or nickel packages.
One of these guys may very well be Goethel, but we gotta grab a few guys, either draft of FA, as an insurance policy.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:51 pm
I geuss we dont have to worry about Perry or Moss taking the Philly Job they promoted ther O-line coach to DC……..Thats almost as bad as promoting your O-Line Coach to HC
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Still contend that short a view huge lapses (notably 4 or 5 runs in the Houston game, 1 v. Tenn, 1 v. Jacksonville), I thought our run D was much improved.
Opponents yards per attempt were way down, which tells me that
1. too many long runs after breakdowns
2. too many attempts
the second, I think, falls on the offense, really. #2 rushing attack, sure. But how many 3 and outs? Still far too many.
Better offense will lead to less attempts v. defense.
Get these guys (D) mentally prepared so they don’t look mixed up as much as they did.
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Still contend that short a FEW huge lapses*
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:53 pm
So who de we want?
LB guy or secondary guy? Who do we need more?
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:05 pm
These high school kids making their announcement on which college they plan on attending might want to at least get the name of the school correct.
I’ll be attending:
-University of Auburn (Auburn University)
-North Carolina University (University of North Carolina)
-University of Ohio State (Ohio State University)
There were many more than that.
These schools could care less if these “student athletes” can even spell their own names let alone get the name of their school right.
As long as they can play football, it’s all good. Just axe the boosters.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
djohnnyg
If it was mandantory for all college football players to spell the SEC would not exist!
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
# r8rwill Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
that is two seperate sentences, tim brown was a great great receiver, maybe the best of all time, i could make an argument for it anyway……
__________________________________________________
You can’t even compare Tim Brown to Jerry Rice who is one of the best receivers of all times and showed it when they played next to each other. Brown had good numbers on mediocre teams.
Tim Brown did not make his team better just his numbers..
The individuals of the Madden era were just that an eclectic bunch of oddballs but come game day they played as one.
They didn’t short arm balls on 3rd down ala Tim Brown against division opponents to avoid contact.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
I saw McClain getting blocked a lot last year. I guess a good NT is supposed to keep guys off of him, but, a MLB has to be good at reading formations too.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:13 pm
we need robert sands!! free safety!!! move huff to corner!!
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:15 pm
103.Silver-and-black666 Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
djohnnyg
If it was mandantory for all college football players to spell the SEC would not exist!
—
True. Just ask all the guys attending LSU State University, which is Louisiana State University State University.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I watched the entire careers of both Brown and Branch, and although “first-down Brown” is the greatest Raider in the last 20 years, Cliff Branch is definitely more deserving of the HOF.
Branch, Plunkett, Flores = definite anti-Al Davis snubs
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:20 pm
samiam, you are right about jerry rice, who in my opinion was the greatest football player ever.. but rice had an advantage, he had great quarterbacks his whole career, and played on great teams his whole career. and brown obviously did not.. just a thought, but you are rigth and i agree…
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Is Thomas Howard done as a Raider LB?
Is he the OLB we need?
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Tom Flores is/was considered a Davis “flunky”. Al Davis sopped up that credit.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Samlam, you say Brown avoided contact while praising Rice? Rice’s whole offense was designed to make sure nobody broke a nail of his.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:27 pm
I don’t care how blasphemous it is in football terms, Rice never fought for one ball in his entire career. His hands and agility are greater than anyone who’s played, but his ability to catch the ball in traffic? He’s not even in the top 10.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Brown def deserves to get in. Branch was before my time, so I don’t have a good enough sense of where he ranks though if Swann is in Branch should be as well.
Jerry always underrated Brown. The guy was great. Very consistent and never had a great QB to work with aside from Gannon at the very end of his career. You could argue he was the 2nd best receiver of his era, after the greatest of all time, Jerry Rice.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Oh c’mon now. I’ve seen Jerry Rice make tough catches. You don’t catch that many balls wearing finger nail polish.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:43 pm
101.LA to TheBay Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:53 pm
So who de we want?
LB guy or secondary guy? Who do we need more?
*************************
Depends on our FA’s.
If all stayed, I would add a OLB before a CB,or S
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:44 pm
He’s talking bout coaches, Raccoon. lol
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:44 pm
115.KoolKell Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Oh c’mon now. I’ve seen Jerry Rice make tough catches. You don’t catch that many balls wearing finger nail polish.
******************
Thats right! People who sell other peoples homes wear finger nail polish!
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Alright, I gonna stop KK. Truce
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:47 pm
117.KoolKell Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:44 pm
He’s talking bout coaches, Raccoon. lol
*********************
Oh yeah ok… umm then… a secondary guy. We have Beeek, and Breshnahanahan. Perry looks like the guy as of late.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:47 pm
ChrisNY,
once upoin a time, CliffB had his first coupla years of way too many dropped passes. He was also a punt returner who made every one an adventure with his botches. The Coliseum crowd was not happy.
Then he emerged to be the most dynamic and dangerous and unguardable WR in professional football. (which he sustained for a decade.)
Back in the days when CBs could grab and slaughter any wideout they wished, CliffB outdistanced them all.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:52 pm
ChrisNY,
further, back in the 60’s, Art Powell was unequivocally the best receiver in professional football.
February 2nd, 2011 at 4:59 pm
To bolster KiffinRaider’s argument – FreddieB played against Willie Lanier twice per season for years. FreddieB has his nose broken by a Willie Lanier forearm every game they played.
If JerryR had been in the same timeframe Willie would’ve broken his face every game as well.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:01 pm
LA to TheBay Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 3:53 pm
So who de we want?
LB guy or secondary guy? Who do we need more?
***********************************
I would say a secondary guy. They have been good lately making the jump to dc even hc. Ex: Raheem Morris, Mike Tomlin, Herm Edwards, even Tony Dungy. As DBs, on the field, they get the best view of the whole field, have LBs, DL & Offense in front of them. A better picture of the whole field.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Rewatched the Miami game yesterday, and the 2nd KC game now. Not seeing where Groves is the weak link of the LBs.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Wait, who finally won the top NFL player of all time? (NFL’s Top 100)
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Whew!; For a second there, I thought both Mr. Tyvon Branch and Mr. Stevie Brown got cut.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:07 pm
DALLAS — Bill Belichick is closing in on Don Shula.
Belichick, the New England Patriots’ coach, won The Associated Press 2010 NFL Coach of the Year award Wednesday, the third time he has earned the honor. Belichick, who also won in 2003 and 2007, now trails only Shula, a Hall of Famer and four-time winner of the award.
Voting for 2010 NFL Coach of the Year
Coach Team Votes
Bill Belichick Patriots 30
Raheem Morris Buccaneers 11½
Todd Haley Chiefs 4½
Mike Smith Falcons 1
Andy Reid Eagles 1
Lovie Smith Bears 1
Steve Spagnuolo Rams 1
For leading the Patriots to a 14-2 record, the best in the league, Belichick received 30 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. That easily beat Raheem Morris, who led a turnaround in Tampa Bay and received 11½ votes.
Belichick has overseen a transition in New England to a younger team, particularly on defense. Of course, he still has NFL Offensive Player of the Year Tom Brady at quarterback.
“I will say the foundation of the Patriots organization, which starts with Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick, has not changed since the day I arrived,” Brady said. “They have and will always do what is in the best interest of the team, and they will continue to find selfless players that love to work hard, compete and strive to be the best they can possibly be.”
Then Belichick makes them even better.
“He really stays on top of us,” wide receiver Wes Welker said. “He makes sure that we’re not getting overconfident or believing in the noise outside the locker room and understand that every game’s tough in the NFL.”
Belichick’s record with the Patriots is 126-50, plus a 14-5 mark in the playoffs, with losses in the last three tries with teams that went a collective 40-8. His career winning percentage of .716 ranks eighth, tied with Hall of Famer Paul Brown, and no other coach has four 14-victory regular seasons.
This might have been Belichick’s most impressive work as the Patriots retooled much of the roster, yet had a dominant regular season in which they won their final eight games.
“When you have so many things that go into a team, so many things that go into what’s happened over the last decade, which ones do you point to?” he said. “You can make an argument for a lot of different things. In the end, it’s each individual team and that collection of players that particular year and that particular time during the season or whatever it is, that was able to go out there and be successful.”
Belichick basically rebuilt the defense, particularly the secondary, where rookie Devin McCourty made the Pro Bowl.
Belichick showed confidence in BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the Patriots’ main running back, and he rushed for 1,008 yards. Belichick claimed Danny Woodhead when the New York Jets cut him, and he was a dynamic piece of the offense and special teams.
On NFL Network
Watch “NFL Total Access” (7 p.m. ET) during Super Bowl week for the exclusive reveal of The Associated Press’ NFL player and coach awards.
Monday: Defensive Player of the Year
(Troy Polamalu)
Tuesday: Offensive Player of the Year
(Tom Brady)
Wednesday: Coach of the Year
(Bill Belichick)
Friday: Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year (TBA)
Saturday: Comeback Player of the Year (TBA)
Sunday: Most Valuable Player (TBA)
Then there was the Randy Moss case.
Eager to remove the recalcitrant receiver, Belichick stole a third-round draft pick from Minnesota in early October for Moss, who lasted a month with the Vikings, then was cut.
Meanwhile, Belichick traded with the Seattle Seahawks for Deion Branch, the 2005 Super Bowl MVP with the Patriots. Branch had a rebirth in New England, making the Moss deal look even better.
And making the Patriots a better team — typical of what Belichick has done since receiving his second chance to be a head coach. The first was a flop with the Browns, where he went 37-45 in four seasons and alienated nearly everyone in Cleveland.
“When I chose him, people at the league office, people in this town, sent me tapes of him in Cleveland and said, ‘You don’t want to hire this guy,’” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. “And, remember, he went 5-11 (in his first year with Patriots) and we gave up a No. 1 draft choice (to the Jets to get him). People thought we were nuts.
“So I think that probably was one of the best decisions I’ve made in football.”
Belichick is a disciple of Bill Parcells, the only other New England coach to win the award.
Morris lifted the Buccaneers from 3-13 in his first season to 10-6 in 2010 and in playoff contention until the final week. He did it with the league’s youngest roster.
“We put a lot on his plate,” Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said, “and he has absolutely handled it all. We all see where this ship is headed.”
Also receiving votes were Kansas City’s Todd Haley (4½), whose team went 11-5 and won the AFC West; and four coaches with one selection apiece: Atlanta’s Mike Smith, Philadelphia’s Andy Reid, Chicago’s Lovie Smith, and St. Louis’ Steve Spagnuolo.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Jerry,
I am happy that you mentioned Cliff Branch numbers versus Lynn Swann numbers. I also think some of the Steeler players get in the HOF based on the liking of the Rooney family.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Voting for 2010 NFL Coach of the Year
Coach Team Votes
Bill Belichick Patriots 30
Raheem Morris Buccaneers 11½
Todd Haley Chiefs 4½
Mike Smith Falcons 1
Andy Reid Eagles 1
Lovie Smith Bears 1
Steve Spagnuolo Rams 1
****************************
What no luv 4 Tim Cable?
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:13 pm
without doubt dah raiders have had some of the best receivers to ever play, powell, freddy b, casper, christianson, branch, brown, moss and j rice…oh i forgot jerry porter lol…
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Everythings lining up. Eiggles got a DC from within the ranks leaving Perry or Moss to the Raiders for pickings!
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Kell, Walsh’s offense was designed to give Rice space. Before him, most receivers had to rely on physicality to make plays. All Rice had to do was run and catch, for most of his career.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Go after Jeff Fisher as DC.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Jeff Fisher = OVER-RA-TED
And he’ll never go for a DC position cause he aint desperate for $$$ or work (at least thats not how it appears)
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:23 pm
How many years with Tenn? And what his record?
Please tell me why all the hype?
eh-em …O-VER-RA-TED!!
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:23 pm
I’m sure Fisher would be humbled by such a vast leap up the ladder.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:27 pm
We all know many Raiders have been shafted by the HOF voters while Steelers are basically gift wrapped in as if they’re all angels. What hurt Flores was him leaving Oakland. If he stayed and kept winning or retired it wouldn’t have taken this long. Everyone loves a happy ending to a story and him going to Seattle didn’t create a happy ending.
The fact that you can so easily point to Swans #s vs Branch is embarrassing for the HOF. Esp when you consider they played in the NFL AT THE SAME TIME!!!! Its just a travesty.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Kell, Walsh’s offense was designed to give Rice space. Before him, most receivers had to rely on physicality to make plays. All Rice had to do was run and catch, for most of his career.
____________________________________________________
Oh, so Jerry Rice is just overated. It was pure scheme and not talent that made it look like he is a great player. You are an idiot!
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Belicheat has won nothing since Mangenius called him out.
JFisher has never won anything.
Hype-machines and prejuduces (both pro and con) run 24/7, that’s why Soft Swann is in the HOF instead of Branch and Stabler and Plunkett and Flores etc. etc. etc.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Flores doesn’t get credit because he’s perceived as a Davis flunky.
Davis get’s all his credit.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:35 pm
DutchRaider, I know you have this fantasy of being one of the good smack talkers of the world, but it’s not you. Buzz off before you get swatted.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
THE most overrated coaches in todays game accd’g to the Terrapin:
1. Jeff Fisher
2. Herm Edwards
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
132.TerrapinRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Everythings lining up. Eiggles got a DC from within the ranks leaving Perry or Moss to the Raiders for pickings!
^^^^^^^
Hope so!
To get Winston Moss to leave the Pack, I think Huey and the old man Al will need to offer him the Defensive Coordinator job along with the title of Assistant Head Coach.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:37 pm
It’s Ron Wolf who gets shorted on credit. Even Al’s haters in the media never mention him. There’s enough evidence for any sane person to figure out that Wolf built the great Raider teams. Goes to Green Bay and builds a Super Bowl winner there, too? Come on. It’s obvious to anyone who’s simply not in denial of it.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:38 pm
132.TerrapinRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Everythings lining up. Eiggles got a DC from within the ranks leaving Perry or Moss to the Raiders for pickings!
*******************
What about the Squeelers LB coach Keith Butler ?
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Al Davis is the Greatest human to ever live.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:39 pm
He’s got webbed hands though, Raccoon.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:40 pm
144.DKnight007 Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
To get Winston Moss to leave the Pack, I think Huey and the old man Al will need to offer him the Defensive Coordinator job along with the title of Assistant Head Coach.
*****
Yeah.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Gruden is a great coach. Just don’t give him authority over personnel …lol
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Yeah Ron Wolf, too. Al is all about Al. The Organization is all about Al.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:42 pm
148.The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:39 pm
He’s got webbed hands though, Raccoon.
***************
LOL Yes, yes he does. Kinda hyper extended, webbed, broke, tweeked
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:42 pm
We need a real FB!
Watching Reese “block” is laughable!
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:43 pm
TerrapinRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
THE most overrated coaches in todays game accd’g to the Terrapin:
1. Jeff Fisher
2. Herm Edwards
********************************
Wait wait wait wait wait …i have to correct this..!
The most overrated coaches in today’s game accd’g to the Terrapin:
1. Tom ‘freakin’ Cable ..lololol
2. Jeff Fisher
3. Herm Edwards
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:46 pm
I’d rather have Gruden in control of personnel than Al Davis. Any day.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Thought this was interesting, given Swann being in the Hall of Fame and all;
Career stats, COMBINED, for John Stallworth and Lynn Swann;
873 catches 14,185 yards 114 TDs
Career stats, Hines Ward;
954 catches 11,702 yards 83 touchdowns
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:52 pm
The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:46 pm
I’d rather have Gruden in control of personnel than Al Davis. Any day.
**********************************
LMAO ..accidently clicked on your hotlink and page pops up “Al Davis Sucks” LOL ..OK I know where you are comin from.
Gruden in charge of the roster??? ….Lets seeeee …that gets you Bruce Gradkowski, Brian Griese, Jeff Garcia, Josh Johnson and Luke McCown ALL ON THE ROSTER AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!
LOL …yeah, good luck with that
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Dude carried 5 QBs man …lmao!!!
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Swann made a helluva lot of acrobatic catches, many over the middle, I must say. He took some shots, some from Jack Tatum.
February 2nd, 2011 at 5:54 pm
dang good argument you make for Branch there Jerry.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:00 pm
160. Swann was soft.
Brown probably won’t get in. Some good WRs in line with him this year.
Besides, the HOF won’t get all the people in there who should be in there as long as writers who NEVER PLAYED THE GAME are allowed to decide.
No offense Jerry, but its bull
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:03 pm
RMR you would rather have Hitler or Stalin in the oval office, so who cares what you think.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:15 pm
On Wednesday, Treasury announced that Fifth Third Bancorp of Cincinnati had fully repaid its outstanding $3.4 billion loan. That means banks have paid the government $243 billion of the original $245 billion in TARP loans.
Not every bank has repaid the government, but Treasury is making a mint off the interest. The department currently estimates that TARP bank loans will ultimately provide a lifetime profit of nearly $20 billion to taxpayers.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/02/news/economy/tarp/index.htm
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Wow so T. Brown isn’t going in? Who does all these votings?
I still don’t know why Cliff Branch or Plunkett isn’t in & they’re all over here talking about Big Ben becoming a HOF !!!!
PLEASE !
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:25 pm
What the???? I guess the President’s name has been blocked in here ..huh
OK.. I won’t get into it then
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:38 pm
The ultimate Raider:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQep2kERKnw
“I’ve never been afraid of anything. I could play against King Kong, I think, and we’ve have a battle.”
Awesome.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Ron Wolf talking about Art Shell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTgWZgoVZvc
Super Bowl XI may be the single greatest game a left tackle has ever played.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:47 pm
LMAO, Ted Hendricks was SO awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKwjO9gnglg
(I’ll stop posting these now)
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:51 pm
The term originated in Oakland to describe both Northern and Southern Californian Raider fans shortly after the team’s return from Los Angeles to the Bay Area. The term first represented the whole of California being the Raider Nation, but was quickly expanded because there are Raider fans world wide.
In fact, adding the term “nation” to a sports team is an original idea from the Oakland Raider fans who are the most loyal, loud and proud fans in all of sports. Therefore, pretender “nations” like the Red Sox “Nation” are made up of fraudulent fans who plagarize the Raiders.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:58 pm
# The Real MaddenRaider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I find it disheartening when Raider fans grips about individualists in the league today. Here’s a franchise in the Oakland Raiders that has historically prided itself on individuality, and left uniformity to others, a concept that’s both helped and hurt the team throughout history, but nonetheless, is and always will be the organizational concept so long as Al’s alive. Then they take pride in an owner who separates himself from the other owners. Yet for some reason, the players taking on a distinctive personality and image for some reason bothers them. Doesn’t make sense.
————————————————-
You may have noticed that at heart Al apologists are nothing if not uncritically thinking conformists, selectively factual, and are comforted by the notion of an omnipotent leader who “does things his way.” Foot soldiers who readily fall in behind the company line. I swear I’ve never seen anything like it.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:00 pm
The Revolution Will Be Televised!
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Finally Jerry this is something we agree on. I’ve said amny times that Branch was a better player than Timmie Brown. This is not a knock on Tim it’s correct recognition for what kind of rec Cliff was. He was a devastating WR at one time one of the most feared in the game because of his speed.
Branch scared the crap out of DC’s around the league because they knew if he got behind them which he often did a big play or 6 points were on the board. Like the SB vs the Redskins at the twilight of his career he opened up the running game for Marcus Allen. We had Willie lumplump on the other side but with Branch they had to keep a man deep. Thus the running lanes for Marcus Allen. That theory still works even today with guys like DeSean Jackson and so forth.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Al is ALL.
That is all.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Ohioraider Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:58 pm
You may have noticed that at heart Al apologists are nothing if not uncritically thinking conformists, selectively factual, and are comforted by the notion of an omnipotent leader who “does things his way.” Foot soldiers who readily fall in behind the company line. I swear I’ve never seen anything like it.
————————————–
This “Cultish” mentality is what Al Davis and his Organization is all about. Propagating the Greatness of Al Davis.
The great players, mere props.
Imo, this took off during the LA period. The old locals know better.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:14 pm
2-2-11
Raider Nation. Give me a break. Tim Brown over Stabler, Plunkett, Guy, Branch, Flores. Give me a fing break.
AD: “Herrera. Call a press conference in LA. I own LA. I think.”
H: “Mr. Davis, I think that LA was about”
AD: “Herrera. Shut the fu up. We’re moving to Irwindale.”
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Expecially for those who obsess over Al Davis. They come in here everyday with him on their mind. They want to know everytime he farts.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:26 pm
scrw the media and nbc…
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:28 pm
14.KoolKell Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
I think Tim Brown’s number’s are more deserving than Cliff Branch’s. 4th leading WR all time.
Lynn Swann in the HOF is a disgrace.
—
But what about that ONE big catch he made in the Super Bowl?
By the way, when is David Tyree up for induction?
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:29 pm
- I believe Cliff Branch’s numbers are better than Stallworths as well.
- Raiders who should be automatic locks for the HOF:
* Lester Hayes(he’s not the only one of that era who utilized gobs of stickum a whole bunch of players did)
* Cliff Branch (The Raider are known for the Bomb but we cannot forget that they ran the ball a heck of alot as well CB’s number are very good for the times)
* Tim Brown (never one a SB but neither did Fouts, Marino, Tarkenton, Alworth …the list continues)
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Lynn Swann made a lot of big catches, many over the middle, at a time when they were laying EMFer’s out.
But, what 300 something catches????
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 pm
173.priesttj Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Finally Jerry this is something we agree on. I’ve said amny times that Branch was a better player than Timmie Brown. This is not a knock on Tim it’s correct recognition for what kind of rec Cliff was. He was a devastating WR at one time one of the most feared in the game because of his speed.
Branch scared the crap out of DC’s around the league because they knew if he got behind them which he often did a big play or 6 points were on the board. Like the SB vs the Redskins at the twilight of his career he opened up the running game for Marcus Allen. We had Willie lumplump on the other side but with Branch they had to keep a man deep. Thus the running lanes for Marcus Allen. That theory still works even today with guys like DeSean Jackson and so forth.
—
You would think that the vertical passing game would work EVEN BETTER in today’s NFL with the newer rules regarding defensive contact etc.
No reason the Raiders shouldn’t take advantage of that especially with the fastest WR’s in the league in DHB and Ford.
Oh, but they DO need a QB to throw it there.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 pm
In the AFC title game against the Oakland Raiders George Atkinson lit him up with a vicious hit. He suffered a severe concussion that forced him to spend two days in a hospital, but surprised many by returning to play for Super Bowl X. Swann recorded four catches for a Super Bowl record 161 yards and a touchdown in the game, assisting the Steelers to a 21–17 win and becoming the first wide receiver to earn Super Bowl MVP honors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn_Swann
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Wasn’t it the year that stick ‘um was banned that Lester Hayes had the most int’s? LOL…even Freddie B used a lot of that crap…
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe reports that the league has informed all NFL teams that the franchise tag will be available this offseason, beginning February 10.
Teams were previously operating under this assumption. Confirmation came today.
——————————————————
Who gets tagged??
Seymour = franchise
Huff = transitional???
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Djohnnyg Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 pm
You would think that the vertical passing game would work EVEN BETTER in today’s NFL with the newer rules regarding defensive contact etc.
No reason the Raiders shouldn’t take advantage of that especially with the fastest WR’s in the league in DHB and Ford.
Oh, but they DO need a QB to throw it there.
——————————————-
Oh yeah. They say it’s a passing league now. But you need Davis’ input on why his speed and strong armed QB’s haven’t been able to take advantage of it.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
Kell, Lynn Swann was a great receiver, but for him to be in the Hall and Branch not is just sickening!
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
they just found out in eygpt that tom cable was fired and they are rioting!
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:46 pm
The Snake <——- Greatest Of all times…
Played when football was real, and truly VIOLENT…
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:47 pm
KoolKell Says:
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Lynn Swann made a lot of big catches, many over the middle, at a time when they were laying EMFer’s out
+++++++++++++++=
Truth… That was when football was a mans game, not this sissy protect the QB ish….
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:48 pm
I acknowledge Swann made MORE than just the one catch but the main thing he’s known for is that acrobatic catch in the SB against Dallas.
If you insist on validating him, then there are MANY more we need to take a look at.
Branch made some fantastic catches as well and has MUCH better stats overall.
Even legit SB stats.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:50 pm
I am not sure any of the modern day QB’s can go back and play in the league during the 70’s….
Imagine tom brady dropping back to pass….He is the type of guy that would have been getting jacked up every game…However he would have never survived the 70’s raiders team….Non of these sissys would have…
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Truth… That was when football was a mans game, not this sissy protect the QB ish….
—
Expect much more “sissi-ness” with Goodell at the helm.
Now he’s trying to outlaw saying negative things about opponents prior to, during, and after the games.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:53 pm
—
Expect much more “sissi-ness” with Goodell at the helm.
Now he’s trying to outlaw saying negative things about opponents prior to, during, and after the games.
+++++++++++
Ridiculous… Goodell needs to leave well enough alone…Violence on the field is what makes the NFL the NFL…
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:53 pm
If it’s just numbers then, No, I don’t think either belong.
If it’s public impact, then I think they both belong.
I don’t know what the criteria is.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:55 pm
I got to get the hell outta dodge…Its been fun…Adios ….1 NATION…
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Grudens brother to be the next OC for the Bengals!
February 2nd, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Gruden to be OC in Cincy.
Jay Gruden that is.
February 3rd, 2011 at 6:37 am
Both Branch and Brown deserve to be in the Hall. Each was among the best players of their era.
Branch was better than Swann and Stallworth. He was also better than Bob Hayes, another Hall of Famer from that era (371 catches, 7,441 yards, 71 TDs), and he was as good as Hall of Famer Paul Warfield (427, 8,565, 85).
Branch was at his best in big games. If you watched the Raiders during that era, you know he made many great catches on poorly thrown Stabler passes.
Unfortunately, Jerry is wrong about Branch’s semi-famous catch in the Sea of Hands game. Replays clearly show that the ball went through Branch’s hands and he scooped it off the ground.
Regardless, Branch unquestionably deserves to be in the Hall.
So does Tim Brown — although it’s harder to make a case for him. Why? Because he played on a lot of mediocre teams and played in few big games that people watched and remember.
If anything, people remember him dropping a key first-down pass early in the Super Bowl loss to Tampa.
What made Brown great was all his 2 TD and 3 TD games in close losses — when he kept the Raiders in the game by himself, even though defenses knew he would get the ball in every key spot. But who saw those games?
Had Brown played for San Fran and Jerry Rice for the Raiders, Brown would be regarded as one of the best players in history and would have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
February 3rd, 2011 at 7:36 am
Its a travesty that Cliff Branch is not in the HOF! He has better stats then Swan, Stalworth and Monk! If I am not mistaken, he still holds the most yards per catch average! He has 3 rings with the same team over 2 decades! I just don’t understand it, yet they consider the likes of Dion Sanders? Give me a break. Both Tim and Cliff need to be in, Cliff before Tim would be appropriate!
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:00 am
I might be late, but this post makes no since, so we don’t want another raider in the HOF until Branch get in????
That is just plan stupid. I agree that Branch not being in is a crime, but to say no one else should be in until he is, doesn’t fix that.
February 5th, 2011 at 4:09 am
It’s does not make sense that Cliff Branch is not in the hall of fame…The era that he played in with the battles against the Steelers and other teams when they didn’t have all of these rules, when they played real football this dude was the man. How many games did we all watch Stabler work the 2 min clock and Cliff coming up with big catches and he did not slow down once Plunkett came on board. He is a HOF but he is a Raider and that’s the problem. We need a Raider Stadium so we can build our own Hall of Fame!!!!