Position group analysis: special teams
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 17th, 2007 at 7:57 am in Oakland Raiders.
(First in a series analyzing Raiders position groups heading into training camp)
Starters: Place kicker_Sebastian Janikowski; Punter_Shane Lechler; Long-snapper_Adam Treu; Return specialist_Chris Carr.
The competition: Long-snappers Jon Condo and Chris Morris; return specialist Johnnie Lee Higgins (rookie).
Possible core special teams players: S Jarrod Cooper, LB Isiah Kacyvenski, LB Isaiah Ekejiuba, CB Stanford Routt, S Stuart Schweigert, S Colin Branch, LB Ricky Brown, S Darnell Bing, TE John Madsen, FB Oren O’Neil, DE Jay Richardson, DB B.J. Ward.
Summary: Janikowski and Lechler are running unopposed. That’s fine in Lechler’s case, even if he seemed to be aiming many of his kicks for empty seats in the third deck in 2006.
As for Janikowski, not so much.
In seven seasons, Janikowski has never hit 90 percent of his field goal attempts _ a figure which would put him in the upper eschelon of place kickers. Janikowski has hit 90.7 percent of his career attempts (98-for-108) from inside 40 yards and just 59.1 percent (58-for-98) from 40 and beyond.
In other words, he’s made most of the kicks he is supposed to make and hasn’t come close to being the consistent long-distance threat the Raiders expected.
Remember how Janikowski’s endless stream of touchbacks were going to keep opponents deep in their own territory? In the last four seasons, Seabass has hooked 37 touchbacks in 259 kickoffs _ or 14.2 percent.
Janikowski has stayed out of trouble the past few years, but the bottom line is he has performed like a garden variety kicker taken in a later round or signed off the waiver wire, and nothing like the 17th overall selection of the 2000 draft , taken before Chad Pennington (No. 18 to the New York Jets) and Shaun Alexander (No. 19 to Seattle).
Alexander has reached the end zone more times on touchdowns (107) than Janikowski has on touchbacks (85).
Touchbacks were an issue for Lechler last season because he had too many of them. He hammered a career high 19 punts into the end zone with only 19 punts inside the 20-yard-line _ a 50-50 ratio which was by far the worst of his career and came just one season after having just nine touchbacks and 26 punts inside the 20.
Lechler’s gross avearge of 47.5 yards was a career high, in part because he looked as if he were engaged in a weekly long-driving contest.
A more competitive team would likely mean a punter more focused on getting good field position.
Brian Schneider, in his first season as an NFL coach, takes over for the hugely unpopular Ted Daisher as special teams coach. Daisher’s dictatorial style seemed to pay off during training camp and in the first few games of the season, but as the Raiders went south, special teams play declined as well.
It remains to be seen how coach Lane Kiffin will assemble his roster with regard to special teams. Is he beholden to veterans such as Cooper and Treu, or will newcomers Kacyvenski and Ward become the new leaders?
Which rookies will play prominent roles? Does Higgins replace Carr as either the punt return or kickoff return specialist, or both?
The Raiders pay plenty of lip service to special teams each year, and always seem to come up short. Whether it’s the key penalty, the one big return allowed or the killer turnover, inconsistent special teams play has been a constant theme the past four years.
Coming Wednesday: Defensive line
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July 17th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Lechler’s ok and with an improved offense he can be more selective with his punts, but sea-bass, I just wish he were more consistant on longer attempts. Typically when a team has to resort to a long field goal rather than punting it away is when they really need the points. And as we all know no team was more in need of those points than the raiders were last year… I’m In, but then I was never out….
July 17th, 2007 at 8:47 am
Lechler was punting behind the same line that allowed 72 sacks last season. He was probably lucky to just get the punt away. On any other team Lechler is the best punter in the NFL and on this team he is still pretty damn good.
July 17th, 2007 at 8:50 am
First off, Jerry McDonald, I want to extend an apology to you, for directing this blog to a certain site.. when your link had gotten banned, i knew something fishy was going on.. many fans love your blogs, and i will just leave it at that…
I really hope cooper will remain as a special ST, and with the signing of darius… stu amy be on STs as well..
looking forward to your training camp notes!!
July 17th, 2007 at 9:55 am
amy be on STs as well
Trask? Knowing how determined she is, that might help…
July 17th, 2007 at 10:04 am
LoL… Stu may be.. (can’t edit…)
but yeah, i would let her try out!
July 17th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Even if Jano is somewhat ‘garden variety’ it could’ve been worse. We’ve had a pretty good kicker for 7 years and we haven’t had any major issues. Before Jano we were lost as far as kicking goes, now we at least don’t have to worry about it. Sure we haven’t gotten #17 overall pick value yet but I’m comfortable with it. We made up for it with Lechler that year anyway.
Overall I think we did a pretty good job of improving the personnel & coaching on ST. Added versatility, hitting ability, and a coach who isn’t the biggest ass in the entire NFL (besides Mike Periera).
July 17th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Another possible special teams core player is Kyle Shotwell.
July 17th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Everytime the Raiders score, they immediately give up a big return, like clockwork.
July 17th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Glad to hear Mike Vick has been indicted in that dog fighting investigation. I don’t see how the NFL could ever market him again. Truly an ugly charge.
July 17th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
LOOK OUT FOR THESE “ROOKS” ON ST:
Eric Frampton
John Bowie
Our special teams should be much improved. Higgins could be special as a returner. Although I do like Carr…they’ll battle it out in the pre-season. May the best returner win!!!
July 17th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Remember when Blanda would make 55% of his kicks and we thougt it was great? Psycho has the Jano pick nailed - he was definitely well publicized, and we really needed a kicker bad. He’s been OK though, he just has to overcome the inevitable midseason slump he always has.
KoolKell, yer bloody well right, we gave up soooo many long returns last year at moments which couldn’t have been more poorly timed. I think more veterans covering kicks for us are on the hot seat than they might care to think about. This new coach will give a lot of young and hungry ballpalyers a chance, I bet.
July 17th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
This is a logical leap since as of 4pm today Culpepper became a free agent and earlier this morning Vick got charged with Federal Crimes.
Bet their kicking themselves for trading Schaub to Houston.
July 17th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Culpepper to Atlanta I meant to say!~
July 17th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Frampton and Bowie should be added to that list.
Not sure about Kaz on special teams as much.
As far as Higgins replacing Carr?
Doubt it. He may spell him, but barring injury he’ll be the man.
Carr’s by far the best return man in years to don the Silver and Black.
July 17th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Janikowski is barely average. He is being paid as a top level kicker, and if he can’t perform as one he should be replaced. I think we will need a reliable kicker this year, and it will mean the difference between winning and losing some games.
There are unemployed kickers out there that can do the job for us, and it wouldn’t hurt to bring one or two in, if for no other reason than to let SeaBass know that he shouldn’t get too comfortable. Competition at all positions, right?
July 17th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Jano was a 1st round pick for God’s sake. It sounds like some of the sheep around here are actually defending him. He has been an average kicker. Nothing more, nothing less. NOT worth a 1st round pick. Who the hell takes a kicker in the 1st round? No wonder people laugh at us.
And just because we had the horrendous Michael “comc estas” Husted and Cole Ford before we drafted Jano, doesnt mean you go out and get a kicker in round 1. What a flop.
July 17th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
u cannot say enough about Rod Woodson! I am the ultimate R Woodson fan. Luv my RAIDERS!!
July 17th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Ray Guy? Remember him ted.
July 17th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I agree, Ted. We already had Joe Nedney, and we needed help in the secondary. Watch, someone here’s going to blame Gruden for the Jano pick. Come on, I know one of you guys are out there….
July 18th, 2007 at 5:20 am
I live here in El Paso, Tx and I’m a huge Raiders Fan but I will say Carr is a great
returner but he has never broke one for the TD. I know Higgins should be our new
return man. Hes so quick and small to hide behind the big fellows and he holds on to
the ball. It will be intresting on the Preseason but I think Higgins should and will get the
nod over Carr. No matter what we need to learn how to tackle on Special Teams.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:03 am
One could argue the Seabass got Norv fired in 2005 with his poor FG kicking.
I remember key misses at Philly and Vs KC when the season was young
July 18th, 2007 at 6:21 am
Carr isn’t so spectacular at punt returns, so I assume Higgins will swipe that right away.
However, Carr is doing alright at KR and it should be a good preseason competition.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:56 am
I think that the only ones that are safe are Lechler, and Seabass…after that it’s wide open. the likes of Carr, Ike, and Cooper are by no means safe…Kiffin will replace guys that are special teams only type players. Cooper and Carr have had plenty of opportunity to make impacts elsewhere, and have done little to raise their value, save a 100-yard TD return vs. the Burger.
One thing regarding Seabass (granted it’s been a while…probably back in the Gannon era) but Seabass never missed a game winner in the game’s closing moments. He’s always been pretty clutch there. Sure he’s missed kicks in earlier stages of games that proved to be costly, but at game’s end…hasn’t been a choker. He did miss one in San Francisco, two actually in the same game in 2000, but we won anyway on an OT strike from Gannon to Brown.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:56 am
Good call Bill. Carr does very well at KR but is not so hot as a PR. My guess is that Higgins gets the PR duties and that he and Carr would be deep for KRs. The only issue is that Carr will face some competition for his roster spot since we keep drafting DBs and Carr’s other role is as a reserve CB. You would have to figure that Starks spot is probably gone, but Carr may have to battle Bowie for that reserve DB / special team roster spot (my guess is that Carr holds onto his spot and Bowie ends up on the Practice squad or on IR with a neck stinger or something so that we can hold onto him for another year…).
July 18th, 2007 at 6:57 am
You are crazy if you think Higgins takes over the return job. Carr is a stud and would probably lead the league in return average on most teams. He never had any blocking and when hee would break off a good return out came the yellow flag. Put together a quality core of ST guys in front of Chris Carr and we will be very good here. The Raiders biggest problem on special teams is not on returns but on stopping them. We suck in that area. Should change this year though with this new staff and so many special teams kind of guys we have picked up.
July 18th, 2007 at 7:17 am
Bottom line is that we could’ve gotten JAno’s production from any average kicker. That makes him a bust of a 1st round pick.
As for someone bringing up us drafting Ray Guy. Look at those teams in the 70’s. They were almost perfect. When we drafted JAno, we had Tyrone Wheatly at RB (we couldve used an upgrade like Alexander), we had an older Gannon at QB (we couldve used a guy to groom like Pennington), we had Tim Brown and James JEtt (we couldve used a young WR), and our defense was a complete mess other than the CB position, so we couldve used almost anything on defense. Those teams with Guy were loaded everywhere.
July 18th, 2007 at 7:33 am
First.. The signing of Donovin makes Jarod Cooper surplus. I expect Stu to be specialteams captain.
As I recolect it, Carr had som trouble om Punts, Higgins would be a hawk on punts and Bowie could be taking the KO’s in stead of Carr
I’m sorry to say but i never liked Carr, Special teams players need to have more skills than only special team, otherwise its hard to make that 53 man roster
July 18th, 2007 at 8:22 am
It’s a little too easy to second guess the Jano pick 7 years after the fact. We needed a kicker more than a RB. Remember we had the thunder and lightning combo of Wheatley and Kaufman and, I think, had just led the league in rushing. A RB pick wouldn’t have played that year (in fact, Alexander sat behind Rickey Watters for a year or two, the Seahawks were questioned for that pick because it wasn’t an immediate need). Same with a QB, no immediate need.
The Niners grabbed the other need that could’ve stepped in and started in Julian Peterson right before we drafted Jano. We lost a few games due to not having a kicker. Low and behold, the best kicker PROSPECT in years comes along, likely to go in the second (or sooner, remember the the Chiefs had a hard on for him), why not grab him when you have the chance instead of trying to be clever with a trade down.
That was a veteran team and the first rounder had to be an immediate starter. There weren’t that many players left at that point listed with that grade at safety or OLB (oops, except Bullock, but I think he was rated at the second round level that year).
Now in the later rounds….that’s another story
July 18th, 2007 at 8:32 am
What?!! What are some of you talking about? There are several players that have made there living in the NFL on special teams. And it is truly sad to read that so many here don’t place significant value on special teams. J. Cooper has clearly been an outstanding playmaker on special teams yet he’s now disposable because we picked-up D. Darius? We have a long list of safeties that haven’t done or proven a fraction of what Coop has done on special teams. Yet people want Coop to go, amazing. And to the critical fans of Jano sure he’s not the best kicker in NFL but he’s certainly not the worst and he’s not being paid like he’s the best either. And please help me to understand the weird, strange double standard love that some have for Gallery but don’t extend to anyone else. Gallery was drafted #2 overall and Jano #17. Jano has actually performed at a high level just not on a consistent pro-bowl level but no football analyst or expert has considered him a bust. Can the same be said about Gallery? And some of the same countless never-ending excuses that some of you Gallery lovers use can be used to defend Jano as well. Here’s one example, Gallery has had several coaches since being drafted, well so has Jano. Head coaches don’t just change OL coaches they change special teams coaches as well. With a new coach comes new ways of doing things. Right? Who’s to say some of Jano’s previous coaches didn’t have him kicking a different way or using a different kicking technique. Right? Well, that’s the same type of crap that’s used to defend the freak’in #2 player taken overall.
July 18th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Who the hell takes a kicker in the first round? You said it not me. AND we were laughed at then to. But your right, Jano shouldn’t have been picked. That was long ago, lets move on! GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 18th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Correct, the reason we drafted Seabass is becasue we lost 3 or 4 games the year before on crappy special teams…Hindsight we could have traded down a few picks and recived an additional mid rounder…but at the time of the draft our big hole was Kicker…and I liked teh Seabass pick for the publicity (the GHB and cop bribes) and the fact he’s not a normal looking kicker - big and scruffy compared to some of those sweet little guys…
July 18th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Mr Slayer….
It could be that people are defending gallery because he is a lineman an not a bloody kicker…The best, scrach that the only player my country has contributed to this game was/is a kicker a hell of a kicker… But I still wouldn’t take a kicker in the 1st
Yes Jarod Cooper has been a good ST captain, and yes he has made good tackles, but Mr slayer make a roster on 53 men, it just don’t add up with those realy bad backups being just OK on special team.
It’s Ok you don’t understand my way of thinking, but I clearly don’t understand that misguided loyalty towards old semigood players. “oh he has been good for five years now” yeah but if we got better players on that position NOW, The roster is all about NOW what is best right now, not 2 years ago.. Why the loyalty toward J cooper and not toward Stu? Stu was drafted a raider and has given a lot back, Jarod a hired gun and has yet to prove himself as countable back-up at safety and if you look at our ST stats he is only a decent ST captain
July 18th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Oh and that year we drafted Seabass we had a good RB duo??
Aha does anybody remember what happend ? Kaufman retired to become a priest… That duo just bacame a solo…. Gruden tried to rectify this, but it is just until now that we have power in the offensive back field
July 18th, 2007 at 9:16 am
Oh I think Gruden rectified it pretty quick with the addition of Charlie Garner. Garner and Wheatley was a pretty good combo for a couple of seasons.
Regarding the idea that Cooper is expendable…I’m not saying just get rid of him, nor am I saying that special teams doesn’t count for anything. And certainly there are players who have made a helluva living in the league as primary ST guys…BUT, let’s face it, ST guys are comprised of BACKUPS at numerous positions. Therefore, if you can’t contribute as defender or offensive player AT ALL in spot duty…you can become expendable in favor of a guy who can, and ALSO flies around on ST.
Cooper’s made some plays on ST, but he’s no Steve Tasker / Bill Bates type…not on that consistent of a level. If he plays like that, then he’ll make it. But he’ll have to earn it, and show us more at safety too.
July 18th, 2007 at 9:33 am
I did not like the Seabass pick in the first round, but 7 years later I’m not going to hold him accountable for it. I’d say he is a slightly above average kicker who usually comes through when the Raiders need him the most but also has had some god-awful games. I’ll never forget the night game against Tenn in 2001 when he blew three figgies and was a major contributor to the 3 game slide to end that season. But I would still take him over half the kickers in the league. Last year he actually slimmed down and looked very prepared for the season, but with no offense he never really became a factor. I would like to see Kiffin bring in a kicker each offseason just to challenge him and keep him sharp. Why automatically give him the job every year?
July 18th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Coach Sean… one of the comments Kiffin made shortly after taking over was that we seemed to have a lot of position players and not enough special team types. It was his reason, I believe, for drafting people like Frampton, Shotwell and Holland (see the college bios and scouting reports on those players) and maybe the reason there are a lot of DBs and DEs on the roster at the moment. I agree that ST is made up of a lot of backups, but you have to have players on those squads who know that it’s their primary job to excel there and to practice that way. It’s easier, I guess, to see how important the kick and punt teams are when you suck at it.
As far as Janikowski goes, he’s pretty good inside 40 yards but so is everyone else in the league. He is not a real threat beyond that and his kickoffs leave a lot to be desired. No reason to think that’s good enough to forego competition at his position.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:27 am
First, when Gruden took over and completed his first year we were 8-8. If you look back, a few of those games were lost because of VERY MAKEABLE missed field goals. Chicago andd KC were both looking to take this HIGHLY REGARDED kicker. This was a need pick and, in fact, it cured one of our biggest problems on the team at that point. One problem I’ve always found with Seabass is the fact he “has a cannon for a leg” YET, none of the coaches he’s had throughout the years have ever SERIOUSLY tested that leg. I’m still waiting to see those 60 yard field goasl he makes in practice, take place (or at least attempt) in a real game.
Regardless, what really, in my opinion, helped Seabass out A LOT was when Gruden would sign a kicker to compete against him. Gruden was the only one who did it. When Seabass has no competition, he takes it easy, relaxes, and in my opinion, this has become evident during the season when he would miss kicks. I think last year he did well because the year prior to that HE BLEW UP and probably couldn’t raise his leg high enough with the gut in the way. I give him credit for coming back slim and actually looked good. Point being, I am a bit worried about not having any competition for him because that tends to force him to be on his game. Other than that, give him a fifth before each game and let him go!
July 18th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Look at Jerry’s statistical breakdown on Janikowski from outside 40 yards. That, and his touchback percentage. His leg strength is overrated, and his accuracy from out there is just not very good.
Argue all you want about where we picked him and why, but the facts point to him not being any better than average.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:46 am
Do all of you see what coach KIFFIN has brought to this team? COMPETITION! Every thing I read uses that word COMPETITION! It’s great for our RAIDERS! A breath of fresh air. GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 18th, 2007 at 10:48 am
The Al sheep just dont want to admit the obvious regarding Sea Bass. Stupid Pick. If Mike Shannahan and Pat Bowlen drafted Jano and 7 years later his stats look like they do now, we’d all be laughing at them. Instead, Raider fans defend the idiotic pick.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:53 am
And by the way, I cant believe someone in here used Kaufman and Wheatly as reasons we didnt need Alexander. Are you serious? Kaufman retired a year later. And Wheatly was a journey man type of back. Garner and Alexander wouldve been a much better combo. And remember, Garner and Wheat both broke down not too long after all of that anyway. Alexander just had his first bad season last year.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Defending the pick and defending the player are two different things.
For instance, when Gallery and Grove were picked, everyone praised the Raiders. Now you have some sportswriters saying that the Raiders messed up and they should’ve taken Roy Williams or Sean Taylor. The pick was bulletproof.
The only problem people had with the Jano pick was that it was in the first round…besides that, he was “the best kicking weapon to come out of college football, maybe ever”. And remember the Raiders “…went 8-8 last year, losing all eight by a touchdown or less. They missed 11 field goals…”.
Unfortunately, the 60yard FGs and touchbacks haven’t come through, but LaVar Arrington never turned into LT:Part Deaux either.
And really, the Raiders led the league in rushing in 2000…RB was seen as a position of strength. And you know Alexander is not the type of back that can split carries and be effective…he needs his 20+ touches.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Bo, stop lying to yourself. Nobdoy is talking about Gallery right now. Its okay to take a guy and have him become a bust, when it is a position that should be taken in th 1st round. There is a difference. It is ACCEPTABLE to take an OL in the first round. The Skins took Lavar in the first and he didnt pan out, but he was a LB. It is okay to take a LB in the 1st. IT IS NOT OKAY TO TAKE A KICKER IN THE FIRST FRIGGIN ROUND!
So for you to say, “The only problem people had with the Jano pick was that it was in the first round.” is missing the whole point. That is THE problem with the Jano pick. You dont take a kicker in the first.
And we led the league in rushing mainly because Gannon was running like a mad man back then. Look it up. I think he had over 500 yds rushing. Wheatly was a journeyman, and Koufman retired in 2000, and was not a everydown back. Garner was not a spring chicken when we signed him. We couldve used a RB. We couldve used alot of things. Heck we couldve used a kicker too, only, NOT IN THE FIRST ROUND. Ryan Lindell couldve been had later in that same draft. He’s been a much better pro kicker than Janikowski.
July 18th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I wonder how many field goals Seabass missed due to kicking off the dirt. And if he could kick out of Denver or in a dome at least 8 games a year, I would bet he would be right up there with Elam and Wilkins. It’s not easy kicking in Oakland. Alexander’s style and personality is another Marcus Allen, I don’t think Al will go down that road again. If he wanted Alexander, he could have traded a 2nd or a 3rd for him the year we got Jordan. RB was not a problem. Who could have predicted Nap would retire?
July 18th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Whatever, Ryan. If Denver drafted a kicker in the first round youd be laughing your a$$ off….. And ever since Allen and Bo, Id say Mr. Davis isnt the best evaluator of RBs. We’ve had one really good RB since then - Garner. One good RB in almost 20 years. So please skip the part where you tell me what wouldve done. Thanks.
July 18th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Kaufman had 499 yards and retired after 2000, Jano missed 1/3 of his FG’s. I’d take shaun alexander over sea bass everyday, though Alexander only had 313 yards, but at that time we was in division with the seagulls. And grudens run game was good I give you that, but the passing plays was grudens force in my mind, but perhaps i’m wrong.
On Jano, yeah he’s good between the 40’s but so is Morten Andersen he is 100% from 40’s and in… I’m not saying we should hire the Legend, but it would suit blanda well =) But if Jano is as good or bad
as a 48 year old kicker Like Morten, then jano is just not good enough. This year will be a year long test to see if he has it…
July 18th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
You’re really not a happy person, Ted. That’s too bad because you were my favorite Raider of all time. I hope the meds start working for you.
July 18th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
The pick was Todd Heap. Gruden wanted Heap and Al wanted Jano. Al Davis definetely has had more busts than hits when drafting. Although every team in the nfl has drafted more busts than hits….
July 18th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Zach Miller is much a like Todd Heap
July 18th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
theslayerofRaiderhaters - do you really think the coaches touch the kickers technique/style, etc? Heck no. They just have them practice and possibly review film if they are hooking on a regular basis. Other than that…they are totally on their own. Good points, however, they are unfounded. Gallery on the other hand did well his first year, injured a good part of his second and last year did not count for anyone on offense. Not to say he is proven his worth as of yet, but plenty of reason to have optimism as well.
July 18th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Ted, get over it. Guy was in round 1, Jano in round 1. One won us alot of games nomatter how good our team was back then. But damm stork, move on!
July 18th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Agree with RYAN about kickin on the dirt.
How many of our guys go down or get dinged on that GD dirt!!!
F the A’s infield, we want GRASS!!! (I know…)
The thing that cheeses me about Jano isn’t the 1st round selection per se, but the fact they got in his approach.
“Slowed him down on his address of the ball.”
If you remember him in College he was one of the best College prospects the position EVER>
If hes good enough to go in round 1, why f**k with the mans technique?
Member that guy had a Dan Marino “release” when it came to launching kicks.
Me thinks some A-hole special teams coach wanted to pretend he was working.
J.Kow had a pretty great FG % in College didn’t he?
Why mess with that?
Hes never been the same since.
Still have to agree, Kicker in the 1st?
No way.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
raider rich, you move on. This is a sounding board for an article written about our special teams. Jano is our kicker, so why the hell should I move on? If you dont like the topic, wait till someone writes an article about how badly they want to lick Al Davis’ nuts, then youcan post all you want abot how much you agree with the writer. For now, Im sticking to the topic at hand.
Jano was taken in the first round. His production has been that of an average kicker. That is the bottom line. Regardless, you dont take a kicker in the first round. Please stop bringing up Ray Guy. This isnt the 70’s anymore, and the Raiers havent been as good or as deep as thse teams in a very long time. Now get ooutta here, rich.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Jano needs to have competition period. We wasted a good 1st round draft pick on him and he hasn’t lived up to expectations. What happend to his accurate long FG’s? What changed him from college to the NFL? Carr also needs someone stepping on his shoes pushing him. Competition is necessary to get the best out of players. Never let them go unchallenged.
July 18th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Hey stork, you brought up the 70’s,so dont give me that crap! I said jano was a bad pick but i’m not going to continue to cry about it. So take off your mask, bend down and lick your mans nuts. Now you get outta here Teddy, go now, be gone.
July 19th, 2007 at 11:02 am
La Milica Negra- I can gather by your comment that you don’t put a lot of value in the kicking game, however contrary to popular message board belief, the kicking game is essential to a good football team. Maybe picking up Jano in the first round was alittle pre-mature, however it was a major need and AL filled it with the best kicker coming out of college that year. A supposed freak of nature that can kick 60 yard field goals with no problem. Has Jano lived up to his hype? No. Is he at least adequate, Yes. Has our kicking game been better since we picked him up in the draft? Yes. Now apply those same questions to Gallery. Has Gallery lived up to his hype? No. Is he at least adequate? Arguable, NO. Has our offensive line been better since we picked him up in the draft? NO. I can already hear all the excuse being typed in defense of Gallery, yet Jano an adequate performer needs to go…amazing. And as far as Coop goes, Coop excels as a special teams player not as a safety. Of course Stu is the better safety, that’s why he’s the starting safety and not Coop. However, Coop is the better special teams player. We need both. And whether he’s a hired gun or home grown it doesn’t matter, because once a player put’s on that Silver and Black he’s a RAIDER!!
July 19th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Blastin- No, I don’t really believe that the ST’s coaches are making Jano change the way he kicks, just like I don’t totally believe that Gallery’s ineffectiveness and general poor play is due to the myriad of excuses used to justify the #2 overall pick in the 2004 draft. You and several other say Gallery did well his first year. Gallery did well for what…an average 2nd or 3rd round offensive lineman. Sure he did. I will agree with that. But did Gallery perform like the 2nd pick overall? Sorry, No, he did not. His second year you make the excuse that he was injured for a good part of the season. Well he played in all 16 games his second year and injuries are a part of football at every level. Being injured is not an excuse. Most players play with some type of injury. You’d be hard pressed to find a player that was 100% healthy during the season. And remember there is a difference between being injured and being hurt.
July 23rd, 2007 at 2:31 pm
TED H…why don’t you name all the 1st round busts since 2000. The fact that Jani is in the NFL starting his 8th year certainly does NOT qualify him as a bust. Sure he is not a top echelon kicker, as he was projected to be, but a bust ….NO. How about Philip Buchanon, Darrell Russell, Matt Stinchcomb, Rickey Dudley. A player that starts for 7 straight years can hardly be a bust. Maybe mildly disappointing but not a BUST.
Look at all the 1st rounders in the NFL that are out of football after 5 years…I would call a player (1st rounder) not starting more than a season’s or two’s worth of games over a 5 year period (then cut) a bust …Janikowski does not qualify especially at #17. All you can truthfully say is that there better players available at that slot…however you can say that about all but a hand full of players.