[...]Report: McKenzie ‘contemplating’ whether to retain Jackson – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…

We’re all wondering about Hue staying or going, but we have some even more major questions in my opinion (as I’ve stated I hope Hue stays):

1. McFadden: One of the premier backs, game changer, our offense is terrifying with him but he is officially injury prone.

2. Offensive line: While improved, it’s still been neglected somewhat through draft and free agency (the exceptions being Veldheer, Wiz Jr.).

3. Defense: obviously in need of energy, enthusiasm and confidence from practice to sidelines to field.

4. QB: I think Palmer did ok, but Campbell seemed to have a better rapport with the players (I read Ford and one of the other WR’s is in the guy’s wedding) and Palmer seems to be a bit fair weather when things aren’t to his liking.

I think if you can develop the offensive line Denver had in the late 90’s where they plugged in any late round pick and the guy became an all star, losing McFadden isn’t as significant a blow. But to counter, you need depth and talent along the line.

As for the defense, I’m not enamored with Green Bay’s unit, while it’s definitely better than ours (as are the defenses at MacClymonds, Oakland High and Tech) I want a truly dominant circa 2000 Ravens’ defensive unit in Oakland, one that feels 16 points from their offense is enough. To get that you pretty much need to pilfer from the Ravens. So I’m hoping McKenzie doesn’t grab Moss but instead someone who can come in here and install a defensive mindset, culture and swagger.

My gut tells me Hue understands all of the above minus the QB issue where I think he’s a little biased towards Palmer.

If he and McKenzie agree on most of the above, I think it’s best for the organization he stays.

One thing about SF: there were some good comments earlier on their situation. Harbaugh inherited an absolutely stacked defense who someone else built and some decent offensive players. They also don’t have the dominant CEO in SF we had in Oakland with Al. Add some better play calling and a motivator of men and you turn 6-10 around.

I think had Hue gone to SF, they may not have gone 13-3 but would still have won that division (yes, I know this is conjecture). It seems first year HC’s do better when one unit needs little to no tinkering and is already strong (could say the same for the other Harbaugh in Baltimore, Tomlin in Pittsburgh, etc.). So while conceivably McKenzie could go out and replace Hue, hand the reins on O to Saunders we could still compete, I personally don’t want our first year head coach replaced with another rookie HC. I’d argue Hue inherited a team where neither side was terribly strong which brings me to my final point:

Please no more rookie HC’s in the 510. I’d go so far as to say if you’re going to replace Jackson, hold out for Gruden. I get the sense he left his heart off 66th avenue and still feels a connection with this club.

I’m not convinced Cowher could replicate what he did in Pittsburgh, Parcells is done, Mariucci was never successful enough and after those I think the drop off is too severe.

A few more cents, but not quite a nickel.

-ML

I have no idea why Raider Fan’s are calling for Hue’s firing.
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Because the team did not improve it’s record. In fact the team did not improve as the season went on. Even tho the team had better talent. The teams record got worse in the division. The team went 1-4 down the stretch when it needed to win and should have been 0-5. The offense that everyone here thinks is so great actually went WAY down in points, mainly because Jackson kept settling for field goals. The defense never improved and actually got worse. The offense went almost a third of the season without scoring points in the fourth quarter. Penalties and disorganization on the field went higher. Hue repeatedly wrote checks his ass couldn’t cash. Do you want me to keep going?