Sunday notebook
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, August 26th, 2007 at 3:00 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Sunday’s post-practice news and notes:
– Lane Kiffin apparently doesn’t buy into the yearly myth that the Raiders are blessed with an abundance of talent.
When asked about whether he would attempt to “hide” players he liked in the final preseason game so they wouldn’t be picked up by other teams, Kiffin said there wasn’t much need.
“Yeah, there’s always a lot into how you play these guys, when you play them, where you play them because of that, obviously, hiding guys for the practice squad,”’ Kiffin said. “I really wish we had more of that problem. You’d really like to be in a situation where you’re cutting players who are really good players. That’s when you’re really good. Those are good problems to have. I don’t think we have very many of those problems, unfortunately.”
– One reason the Raiders went ahead and made cuts rather than keeping the roster full for practice purposes _ if any of them were to get hurt it makes the process of paring the roster more complicated in terms of injury settlements and injured reserve.
– Kiffin conceded the obvious following practice regarding rookie running back Michael Bush. He’ll open the season on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list.
“There’s a very good chance of that,” Kiffin said. “We’ll make that final decision next week after (the Seattle game).”
Bush, who broke his leg at Louisville and underwent two surgeries. Both Bush and the Raiders expressed optimism Bush would be ready to roll at training camp, which came and went with Bush working out on the sidelines.
If Bush is put on injured reserve, he is out for the year. If he starts the season on PUP, the Raiders have a three-week window before the seventh and 10th week to activate him to the 53-man roster.
At the end of the 10th week, Bush either has to be on the roster, injured reserve or be cut.
– No word on a starting quarterback for the Seattle game yet.
“I’ll have more information on that tomorrow,” Kiffin said.
He also said the starter against Seattle isn’t necessarily going to be the Week 1 starter.
Is there a benefit to keeping the name of the starter under wraps?
“There’s two benefits,” Kiffin said. “One you keep the competition going this whole time and I believe that’s how you get the best out of your players _ most of your players. And two, you are talking about three different types of guys, so I would think as Detroit’s looking it, you would game plan differently depending on who is playing.”
– The starting quarterback could play awhile against Seattle, but Kiffin said most of the starters wouldn’t be around for long before taking the rest of the night off.
– Rookie wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins was bothered by a pain in his side and was taken to the hospital before practice to get it checked out.
– Cornerback Stanford Routt practiced Sunday and expects to play against Seattle. Routt was the favorite to be the nickel corner until sustaining a knee injury July 30. Two years ago, he opened the season as Oakland’s nickel corner but struggled and was demoted.
Routt said while he is still more comfortable playing outside, he also enjoys the challenge of playing inside and expects to compete at that position. Chris Carr has been the corner in Oakland’s traditional nickel. The Raiders also employ a “Wolverine” nickel with three safeties _ Michael Huff, Stuart Schweigert and Donovan Darius.
– Darius didn’t play against St. Louis with a calf injury. He is scheduled to practice Monday.
– Tight end O.J. Santiago missed practice with a hamstring pull sustained in pregame warmups Thursday night and did not practice.
– Cornerback Chris Johnson, in the mix for a job as a reserve cornerback, made what Kiffin called “the play of the game” when he forced a fumble from St. Louis quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick through the end zone that resulted in a touchback.
“I should have made the tackle maybe five or six yards before, but he gave me a slight move and got around me,” Johnson said. “I tried to get him from behind and coach Kiff emphasizes in practice every day, `If you’ve got a shot at the ball, take it.’ I took a shot and got it out.”
He also was called for hold which erased a 56-yard touchdown run by Higgins. He didn’t realize until film study Sunday he was guilty of the penality because he said the official originally said it was on No. 38 before Johnson’s No. 37 was announced.
“The guy hadn’t been doing anything the whole game so I don’t know why I did what I did,” Johnson said. “I told coach Kiff it would never happen again.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
August 26th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I think if Russell ever signs as quarterback the Raiders will probably cut or trade Walter, however, this has to happen before the 53 man roster deadline. If the Raiders cut or trade Walter it just means that next year the only QB on the Raiders’ roster from this year will be Russell and the Raiders will need to find two more quarterbacks; most likely it would be a journey man and a relatively inexperienced quarterback.
August 26th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Great idea Daniel. Cut Walter and go into next season with a journeyman and a rookie. How about we bring back Culpepper and Walter and make the Golden boy Russell actually earn his way up from third string?
August 26th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Daniel I think there is a good possibility that the Raiders will retain the services of one if not both the veterans: DC and McCown. Neither one of these guys is content on being a back up. DC is somewhat of a distraction unless he is a starter and McCown wants to be a starter. There are not too many teams that will take on QB that is not willing to ride the bench, unless they are proven commodity. Of the two, I can see McCown getting more looks than DC because he has been a back up before. DC just turned down a three year 15 million dollar contract with the Jags before signing with the Raiders. He came to the Raiders because they were the only team that was willing to give a chance to compete for a starting position. Had the Raiders not came calling, DC might have been out of work, or in Atlanta with Harrington competing for that job.
Next year Kiffen is not going to hand the reins over to Jamarcus and say lead us to the promise land, he will make him earn the job. I imagine DC will be Oakland trying to beat out Russell in 06. The only way that doesn’t happen is if DC comes in and plays well in which case the Raiders most likely will be winning more than they are loosing.
August 26th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
I am surprised OJ santiago has not been cut yet. He must be pulling a Bettis so that he does not get cut. Either way I expect him to be cut in the next week or two.
August 26th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
I don’t see OJ sticking around past cut day with Madsen and Miller as his direct competition…
August 26th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
I like that Kiffin is saying we’re not good enough to be hiding talent for the practice squad. I think he’s right and I think this helps promote competition as pre-season winds down. This probably has something to do with why the QB debate is filling these blogs. May the best man win!
August 26th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
1960…I truly am getting tired of stating the same thing over and over again.
1) I don’t deemphazise QB ratings. As a matter of fact I have presented it in earlier post. Fact is these ratings don’t tell the whole picture for the time frame we are analyzing. They may have more relevance over longer periods or if our QBs played an entire game.
I don’t know how its calculated but as soon as I heard the announcer say AW will get penalized for LJ’s fumble and that will effect his rating, I stopped reffering to it b/c that is ridiculous. Plus DC does not get penalized for is fumbled snaps in these ratings and AW had more dropped balls than DC, which clearly effects his and DC’s rating. Through two games McCown was last in QB rating (I think DC was 2nd). JM then had 1 good game vs SL and that jettisoned him past AW. Of course Walter barely did anything against SL execpt run out the clock which was his job. I hope you now see why I didn’t refer to it. (although you may still disagree)
2) I have never said our WRs blow routes. I have said they can’t catch the freakin ball. I say again, if the ball is catchable then it should be caught. No excuses! Thats a team rule.
Now DC underthrew and overthrew his receivers but I am still not saying they should not have caught it. I just pointed out that there are 2 sides to a reception. One is a well placed ball. The other is the receiver actually catching it. In the end, the receiver must catch the freakin ball! But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the throw made it more difficult. The throw should not be ignored. On the other hand, AW’s balls were well placed (w/ the execption of a few) and the receiver still dropped it. In my book that makes the drop even worse b/c the ball was delivered accurately. I didn’t mention Walter overthrowing or underthrowing a receiver becuase I didn’t see it happening much at all.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
I think you guys are splitting hairs here. Can’t we suffice to say that they are both playing fairly well?
August 26th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I was hoping he (Kiff) would address the injuries to Tony Stewart and Robert Thomas. Thomas is first off the bench on the depth chart for OLB and I really think he is key in certain packages.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I thought DC came to Oakland b/c we were the only team that would offer him a 1 year contract. I could be wrong, but I thought I read that. He believes he’s worth more than what the Jags or anyone was willing to pay. So he wanted a 1-yr contract, start somewhere and prove his worth. Next year if he’s successful this year he reasons that someone will have to ‘cut the check.’
Someone please confirm?
At the same time, that’s one reason why I can’t see DC riding the pine. He has a huge ego and caused all sorts of PR problems in Miami when he was sat.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I agree just win…hopefully we can just leave it like that and let Kiff make the call.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Jerry Mc:
Good work on keeping us in the loop with Bush.
I am really rooting for this guy to get his legs back. If you can get more detailed info on his progress and what maybe holding him up I’m sure everyone here would enjoy.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I AGREE WITH DANIEL… MIGHT AS WELL GET RID OF WALTER, HE CAN’T EVEN HOLD ON TO THE BALL. THIS IS A NEW OFFENSE 4 EVERYBODY, SO EVERYBODIES AT SQUARE ONE. WE DON’T NEED A FUMBLER LIKE WALTER ON THE TEAM… BUT ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE, HE’S ALWAYS WELCOME ACROSS THE BRIDGE, I THINK WITH ALEX STANKING UP THE PLACE FOR 3 YRS, WALTER MIGHT HAVE A GOOD SHOT
August 26th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Ha. That’s a good one RSTH. I like Walter but this league is too fast. The NFL is rife with big, strong, fast D-linemen, including the ends (see Raiders) so being able to move quickly, the throw a strike on the move is a pre-requisite of the modern day QB. McGown and DC both have demonstrated this ability. AW, God love him, is not able to do this effectively, therefore, he will be released. I like the dude but I am afraid it’s a no dog.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Walter is going to be great for the Raiders. He is a winner and reminds me of Jay Schroeder.
August 26th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
More proof that MacDonald is a MEDIOT jerk with no integrity or ability, just like all of his mediot colleagues. Again, the best of a very sorry, pathetic group of unprofessional hacks.
“doesn’t buy into the yearly myth that the Raiders are blessed with an abundance of talent.”
August 26th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
thanks for practice info… i hate these last pre-season games, cause nothing really means nothing, cept’ you see the players competing for the roster spot.. get thru this week an on to beat Detroit!!!
As far as cutting him or him… I say we need to keep all 3 QBs until J.Russell gets some snap counts, so we could be looking at a 4QB roster up until the week 6 trade deadline… JMHO
August 26th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Terripan DC did come to Oakland because we offered him a one year deal. I think he is an idiot and should have tooken the three year deal in Jacksonville. Leftwich is FA next year, and either way DC would have had a chance to compete for a starting job next year, along with being able to rest and completely heal that knee.
He choose option B: go fight for the Raiders QB position where the winner gets to line up behind what might be the worst offensive line in the NFL, and try to win a big contract next year.
Don’t get me wrong this is a win-win for the Raiders and as a fan I am excited because this shows that the Raiders have regained or still have respect in some NFL circles with regards to attract qaulity FA. For DC this is really an all or nothing sort of deal. Recent history shows the Raiders QB job is the last chance for many vetran QB’s. I hope Daunte gets healthy and leads the Raiders back to prominence.
August 26th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Walter is the odd guy out in my book. Although he has looked decent at times this preseason, the fact that he isn’t mobile and when he takes sacks he is terribly careless with the ball. Everything points to Culpepper starting and McCown being a backup that will surely see action and be a very good #2 guy. I was very impressed with McCown’s ability to get outside, run and make accurate throws. This is really a tough decision for Kiff.
If Russell signs soon, Walter is gone.
August 26th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
The problem with Bush might be deeper than the Raiders are willing to admit to the ‘MEDIOTS’…. When Bush was at the combine it came out that his break and surgery had not healed. Despite what Mr. Bush claims there must be a reason they are keeping him out beyond the Kiff answer of ‘he isn’t in football shape’. Perhaps the injury is just not going to heal. Which leads me to the question of: Is our running back talent that strong? Hopefully, Lamont, can maintain his form (stay off his tip toes) and stay healthy. Did Rhodes blow anyone away? not really… Fargas is on a USC visa, and although he looks promising, the jury is out on Joe. There is allot of discussion about who should be anointed as the starting QB, whoever that is will only be as good as the running game and I am not sure its where it should be.
August 26th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
After re-watching the game tonight I just think it’s a sure thing ‘Pep is the starter Week 1 vs Detroit. Especially after seeing Kiffin break through with that grin after the Curry TD pass. He wasn’t perfect, but for a guy two months behind he looks just as polished as the other two, and this is with McCown playing a heck of a game. Stats are just one thing. But even playing under control like ‘Pep was he still can unleash the deep strikes a few times to keep the defense on their heels. Maybe that pass to Higgins wasn’t the best decision but he challenges the D and puts them in a position to commit a penalty. He drops back feels the pressure of the D right away and breaks off two 8yrd plus runs, one for a first down. On the TD pass to Curry he sees the D crowd the line, takes his time making the anxious D wait and then knowing he’s going to get hit flicks to the hot WR, Curry jukes…TD. These are just things McCown and AW can’t bring to the table right now. AW has been sweet with his short passing game, but have we seen him make a play under duress? A difference making play? And McCown seems like a crafty game manager who can compete, but I don’t think he is that comfortable from the pocket. I think he plays his best on the move and that puts a damper on the playbook. ‘Pep is the best combo of all the skills needed to play in Kif’s system and should win the QB1 job.
Another thing I noticed is that ‘Pep already seems to have a presence on the Raiders sideline. A lot of interaction with the team (he was the first to greet Higgins and McCown off the field after they made big plays), every time they showed him. Now I know TV only shows you certain things…but I noticed it every time. DC’s past accomplishments bring him instant respect on the player sidelines.
Some peoples have brought up the fumbles and yes that’s true, Pep and his small hands are going to drop some balls on the turf…but the other two QB’s aren’t exactly sure handed. McCown has more career picks than TD’s and so does Walter along with his fumbling issues. So really they all have a problem. I’m just going to guess the vet is going to make less mistakes.
From what I’ve seen Culpepper is healthy and gives the Raiders their best chance for winning in 2007 and Kiffin will anoint him the starter. Any other decision seems ridiculous when you take in the entire situation. Kif knows better and knows it already. Daunte Culpepper starter, Andrew Walter backup, JaMarcus Russell 3rd string if he signs. Sorry McCown but if we can any kind of draft choice for you it should happen mainly because of circumstances. Walter has a contract and you don’t.
August 26th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
I agree Dick V…I’ve read the same thing about the DC situation. Perfect for Raiders.
August 26th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
I just stumbled onto PFT.COM (profootballtalk) and guess what the Raiders’ power rating is? We are rated second to last!! Second only to the Atlanta Falcons, which is rated dead last. Denver and San Diego are rated in the top 10. I hope Kiffen makes a poster out of this and posts it in the Raider locker room for motivation.
August 26th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Jjvill I concur, as do almost every sportswriter. I believe that McGown will be the #2 guy though on opening day, for the simple fact that he rates about the same as AW, but has the much needed ability to roll out and connect.
August 26th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Santiago bucking for an injury settlement? Three more cuts by Tuesday will probably be guys we don’t know. The final cuts will be interesting.
Expect Bush to stay on the PUP list awhile. It just makes sense not to tie up a spot.
From Tuesday to Saturday 22 more cuts plus extra cuts for anybody they sign from other teams waivers.
Unless Warren is amazing in Seattle expect a cut to save our draft pick. Could always resign him later.
August 26th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Guess it seems natural to debate the pro’s & con’s of all the QBs; bottom line: if the S&B
can’t block enough for the running game to net 140 yards, it won’t matter who’s under
center, i think.
Yes or No ?
August 26th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Sirbliztalot Says:
August 26th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
I just stumbled onto PFT.COM (profootballtalk) and guess what the Raiders’ power rating is? We are rated second to last!! Second only to the Atlanta Falcons, which is rated dead last. Denver and San Diego are rated in the top 10. I hope Kiffen makes a poster out of this and posts it in the Raider locker room for motivation
——————————————————————————————————
nice post!!!
August 27th, 2007 at 6:25 am
If Bush wasn’t close to being healed or wasn’t going to heal at all I don’t think he would even be on the roster anymore. What would be the point in PUPing someone who will always be PUP?
August 27th, 2007 at 8:24 am
At the risk of looking past the lions, and that’s a risk the Raiders can ill afford to take, I’m liking my chops for a date in denver. Their new d is terrible and cutler is going to be running for his life the whole game, much the same way bulger did for the lambs. Go Raiders! I’m In!!!
August 27th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Thank GOD for Al Davis and Lane Kiffin….I read the rantings of some of you idiots and I’m glad that those morons have no say in the actual operation of the Raiders.
None of you idiots know whats in the actual playbook ….yet you know the qualification and attributes the QB needs to run it successfully. B.S. All you know is what mediots write of quote Kiffin as saying and you’re experts. Your speculations are, at times….down right laughable. Most are stupidity in print……If you’re immature enough to buy a player Jersey, then you’re also not mature enough to make an objective judgement on that player. I love to see kids and women in player jerseys but never understood a grown man idolizing another man.
August 27th, 2007 at 8:42 am
jjvill,
Believe it or not I mostly agree with you.
I really respect the fact that you went back, viewed the tape, and then came to a conclusion. I’m even more impressed that you found problems with his game that you may have not seen before. Thats objectivity! You highlighted them and was able to accept them. Thats more than what many people do here.
And I agree, to a certain extent Pep challenges the D deep more so than the others. He doesn’t make the best decisions all the time (i.e. Higgins throw and Miller throw vs SL), but that may be becasue of his short time here and relative unfamiliarity with the playbook. That I can understand but I am cautious about it given his history for taking risks. I think he is a bigger fumbler than AW or JM. I haven’t seen AW with the same fumbling habits as last year.
We may disagree about who should start the season. I’m riskier and would chose AW. That’s b/c I think the guy has shown tremendous promise this preseason. He has progressed leaps and bounds over last year. That should not be ignored. He may continue to progress. I have highlighted problems w/ his game (mobility, etc) just as you have w/ Pep. And I am willing to accept them. At least we know the problems or limitations of e/ player we prefer.
August 27th, 2007 at 8:59 am
To the man in donkey country….you and me both.
I watched that Denver vs Browns game and that Donkey D is awful. The Browns were throwing and running at will. Thier main problem was that they could not pressure the qbs.
I can hear the breeze whisping through the door. Its getting louder and louder. Here comes the Autumn Wind baby!
The tides are turnin’
August 27th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Terrapin
The reality is neither you or Jvill have reviewed tape. TV only gives limited angles and one at a time. You do not know if a way off pass was a timing pattern where the receiver was not there or over thrown to another receiver. I still think you are way downplaying problems with AW. Secondly, you can not completely evaluate anything from how he handled approximately 30 tosses in preseason. In the real games, teams will scheme and create packages to exploit AW’s weaknesses which are he tends to hold on too long or conversely he settles for short passes. If they see that as a tendency they will load up short, try to disrupt the timing of any quick hitters and watch the TE and backs more carefully and also try to hit them to throw off their timing. Believe me they will blitz big time with AW as QB and with our line in the shape that it is in I doubt we would be able to beat anyone on our schedule if that ensues. I do not think AW in this system can win or even manage games.
With DC they simply can not do that because he will garner respect for the deep game and his ability to scramble. With McCown they will also have to worry about scrambling and bootlegs. There is a lot too this and sometimes I think you think you have it all figured out by watching TV over and over again and this is just not true. You and I have opinions but to appeal to “tape” to make yours seem more legitimate is kind of absurd.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Terrapin… please say something new! Every post is some editorial on something you have said previously. Every man here knows what it is like to have an arguement with your wife/girlfriend and she keeps reliving the past…it’s irritating and unecessary…and very woman-esque.
Knock yourself out brother…give it your best “defense attorney”
routine by defending your words…just know, aint
many of us listening as we are bored. You have the dedication…
heck anyone who writes so often yet so mediocre has to be
dedicated…that aside…use your talent for good and quit lulling us to sleep.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:19 am
I’m done!
August 27th, 2007 at 9:23 am
I posted this above “1960…I truly am getting tired of stating the same thing over and over again.”
Trust me brother …I’m tired! Its just that I read the same dumb sht over and over again, which prompts me to write responses to the dumbness over and over again.
I’m done! ….I am not a very patient person …I’ve had enough
August 27th, 2007 at 9:34 am
DC was on target, i have it on dvr, he looked impressive to me, though i still think hes no where near where he once was, and deffintaly no payton manning, we need him lol
August 27th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Autumnwind - I realize watching the game on tv is no substitute for game film (the eye in the sky don’t lie!) but hey I’m just a fan working with what I got. Not saying I’m 100% correct about the situation in any way, I’m only stating my opinions. I also agree with you that we can’t tell a whole hell of a lot from these pre-season games. With no game planning you can get no real feel of what a QB will do in a “live” situation. That may be the biggest reason I won’t believe in AW. Until he shows what he can do in a meaningful game, he’ll always be that human tackling dummy from last year.
Terrapin - Don’t let the haters bring you down. We may not agree on what QB will be the best for the team, but at least we can have an actual debate based on what we watched as fans. Isn’t that all we can really do? Instead I could be like the Fanatic and scream about Porter being trash or some of these other dudes fighting with that idiot Charger. I like reading what all true members of the Nation have to say (like autumnwind, Huff24, Terrapin, birdwell, Coach on Wheels, Dick V…sorry i can’t remember them all). That is what makes this board interesting, not the clowns who just hack on anyone and rip apart someone just becasue they took the time to actually send in their own observations. “Porter’s TRASH! or Sapp SUCKS!” isn’t what interests me on this board.
Keep up the original thoughts Raider Nation!
August 27th, 2007 at 9:47 am
What is wrong with us Raiders fans to come on here and post our opinions about our favorit football team. We must be stupid f*cking idiots in print. I for one love to read all these idiotic posts and don’t find the the need to just flat out bitch about it. In fact, if I were to go so far as to call out each and every poster on this sight, I would at least have balls enough to post up my common Raider name. If we’re really that bad you can stop at the end of the article dickhead.
Over the past several weeks I have held the opinion that McCown would be th first to go, that is if we sign JR. We have seen first hand exactly why this guy has left a stain everywhere he has played. I don’t see him doing anything different in Oakland. This year I got a DVR setup and have recorded each game and watched them all a couple times just to enjoy seeing our boys play some hard nose ball. What I’ve seen out of McCown is just enough to get a decent trade from Atlanta, so we should get it while we can. McCown looks pretty good at times, just good enough to get a team in need of a QB competition to bite. But I don’t see this cat holding up to a high standard of play for an entire season, even more an entire game. And specifically in terms of going into next year without a single veteran QB on our roster leaves Kiff with only one option, we will keep Walter. He has all the tools to come in and manage a game off the bench for the rest of his career, maybe even earn a couple starts. But beyond that he is way to stiff to play and win enough for any team to be their full time starter.
In my idiotic opinion I say Culpepper starts, Walter stays on for long term backup potential, McCown exits via trade by the deadline IF Russell actually signs a contract.
Peace Out Nation!!
August 27th, 2007 at 9:48 am
Settle down Raider nation the fact is we are all restless to see the boys in a real game so we can truly see what we have on the field… AW seems to be getting trashed here on this board and I don’t see why… Fumbles: he has how many fumbles so far this preseason?… Holding the ball too long: How many sacks has he taken?… Throwing the short routes: How many scoring drives has he lead us on? Even better name the last QB to be succesful with dinks and dunks… Oh yah Rich Gannon and wasn’t he NFL MVP with that system?… Relax boys the best man will play QB and I think this year more than ever that is true.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Show runner,
I was with you there, buddy; right up to the very end. Yeah, we don’t know the play book, what happens behind close practices, hell even after this article I have no further idea of what will happen with Bush, although reason seems to suggest the PUP till we can later decide. Where you lost me Mr. Show, is with your homophobic jersey thing, as if we are wearing THAT man’s jersey, filled with musk and sweat. Does that bother you? What would you say to me having th Al Davis glasses (Hell they’re some super brand available in Optique shops). Dude, please stick to football, as this other attitude just detracts from your commentary. Even if some man wants to, what did you say, idolize another, so what. Funny that this issue would come up in an article about Bush. Who is for keeping Bush around and who is for the Show Runner’s man idolizing? Sorry Showman, I like Bush.
Raider on,
Guamanian Raider
August 27th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Terrapin
I like Jvill agree that I enjoy discussing this with you rather than hearing about Charger, his mom or wouldbe step dads. I am not meaning to pick on you, I am trying to discuss this with you. You have pointed out several issues with JM and DC’s game and after one of my posts you even critqued AW. I hope you are not counting me as some hater or something. We get such poor coverage of the Raiders from the mainstream sports media that we almost have to do this kind of scouting ourselves. On who will be the best QB we will have to agree to disagree but I do respect the work you did on trying to understand this. As I grow older I view football more and more like a chess game and getting the pieces in the right places to create desired outcomes and some of the things we were debating are exactly some of the questions I am sure the coaching staff is discussing. What they are not discussing is Charger, his mom, or any other nonsense like that.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:59 am
There is so much angst amongst us when their is so much more to be excited about nation… The O-line looks to be much improved from last year, they will give up less than half of what they gave up last year… By no means are they a finished product but still something to hold you head up over
August 27th, 2007 at 10:27 am
I say, Love the raiders no matter what, Lane Kiffin knows what hes doing!!!!
August 27th, 2007 at 10:30 am
It’s a nice change from last year to see so many 8 and 9 yard Jordan runs, making for 2nd and 3rd and short. I was a little surprised Rhodes played so little. We need to just run Jordan heavy for the first 4 games, then he can take it easier after Rhodes gets back. There is no reason why the Raiders couldn’t start the season 4-0.
I thought it might be a good idea to start McCown against his old team week 1. However, who knows his weaknesses better than Detroit?
It appears to me we need to keep all three QBs and get JR signed as the 4th. His spot could be the spot we hold for Bush while he sits on the PUP. This gives us time to see how DC does adn if he can stay healthy. If DC gets hurt we run McCown out there. If he can’t seem to move the ball, run AW out there. This is worst case. Best case is DC rock and rolls and we get a trade request from someone for McCown or AW by week 6. We then get rid of AW or JM, If it is AW, I would suggest Oakland get JM or DC to sign an extension before trading AW. This could then free up the roster spot for Bush. Just in time to take over for the usual Jordan injury.
August 27th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Who’s running this show….Hey I have always loved Al Davis, and I love what I see from Kiffin so far. As far as idolizing other men and wearing jersey’s I have to disagree with you on that. I do idolize these players. They play in the last gladiator like sport. They are bigger, faster, stronger than me and play a game at a level I was not able to attain.
I am really just a big kid at those games, caught up in the nuances of the Autumn Wind, chanting defense, razzing any fans who show up with opponents, and just plain screaming my guts out for the team.
I think most of us grown men do idolize and gravitate to certain athletes because they have qualities we admire. This is apparent in every NBA, MLB, and NFL stadium and venue.
These sporting events transport us out of our mostly ordinary lives into childlike vacation where we are transfixed by our heros sort of like watching Saturday cartoons. We live and die with our heros for 3+ hrs investing sweat and tears which build our relationship with our team as devoted fans.
I have always made it a point to wear my Raider jersey’s, hats, and other gear especially after a tough loss. I live in Bakersfield, Ca. and I am amazed at the continued display of Raider gear everywhere I go. If I just came out of time warp and didn’t know the past 4-yr history, I would not have a clue the team has been so bad recently. I believe many fans are drawn to the logo and the colors. I do feel like I’m part of something bigger because of supporting this team.
Oh as far as QB situation…Cpep starter, McKown backup, Walter traded, Otis practice squad. If Kiffin follows his “competition” mandate I don’t see him keeping Walter over McKown. Walter needs to be on a team with a stud O-line so he can fire passes from the security of a solid pocket, his lack of mobility will always be his biggest liability. I don’t think he will ever be a STAR in this league.
August 27th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I am ready for the donkeys in week 2. Check out this artical from the Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6727556
Im IN
August 27th, 2007 at 10:47 am
1960Autumwind,
Well put, lets stick to football. We get such poor coverage from mainstream media, it’s
almost a requirement for the Raider Nation to do the job ourselves.
On DC, JM, and AW - real simple. DC is the front runner and the odds on fav’ to start
game #1. On the backup QB, The tale of the tape doesn’t lie. AW is in jeaporady.
He’s a good guy, but the talent pool is what coaches evaluate and right now JM is proven superior in skill set. Good mobility is a pre-requisit and a requirement in today’s QB’s.
Between the two, JM is better. There is a third option here, and that is: What if JR doesn’t
sign? Then we keep all 3 and AW is safe.
This is a lousy effing game JR is playing. It makes him look bad. He’s a hold out
and it makes him look like he is not a team player - only after money.
Hey JR, come down to the Black Hole and tell all of us working class how proud you are
to be a hold out!!! You know, the guys down here like me: Garbage men, construction
workers, Firemen, and the like. We are the real people. We are the Raider Nation,
the strong. We are the Raider Faithful.
Quit being a whiny greedy bitch, and earn your silver and black.
-RaiderNationDawgPound
August 27th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Watched the game! just didn´t remember to look for Warren (not Sapp the other guy)… did he play at all?…. I´m guessing nothing spectacular if he did, because I didn´t notice him.. any body knows if he played?.
That said… my usual numered facts:
1) The OL gave up 4 sacks.. but only 1 of those by the first unit,
2)Pepp looked good again (no fumbles), so did JM, Walter just did as he was told, run the ball, manage the clock,
3) Raiders dominated the game, and if it wasn´t for the LJ fumble at the 1 and the missed FG by Seabass, (very bad miss by the way, hope it was the dirt that caused it)…. the game would have seen the score 30 to 3 at one time.. the STL pass rush did nothing to our starters and their DB’s couldn´t stop our WR’s…. 5 pass interference calls!! encouriging!
4) 3rd team defense and 3rd team OL did look a sloppy, further acknowledging the statement for Kiff “no need to “hide” players”
5) Again… saw some progress and for preseason that is all we can ask!
6) Don´t argue about the QB situation, it will resolve it self… either way Raiders Win!, regarding Bush… even though everybody had hopes for this year (much like J.Rock).. Bush is a 2008 Project… (a la Willis McGahee)
7)Oak Town….. 2007 definetley a contender!.. I’ll tell you this much… we won´t be looking at the past 3 years team… This team will compete at a high level!
Let´s finish this preseason crap….. Can´t wait for the opener vs Detroit!
August 27th, 2007 at 11:30 am
I pretty much agree with you Howie other than not ready to say contender just yet. . . I would like to add where it looks like the Raider’s have improved so far is in their time of possession . For the season last year they were a hair over 28 min per game. So far in the preseason they are over 35 min per game. Over a season that means more times than not if you win the TOP battle you are winning in the trenches. . . that is exactly where we needed to start . I find that alone very encouraging even if it is only preseason.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:34 am
According to this blog Warren played. He didn’t do anything.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:43 am
The main thing that I’ve been looking for in these 3 preseason games is progress from the offensive line, as in better protection up front, holding up the pocket, and picking up the blitzes that the opposing D throws at them. So far, I’ve been encouraged by what I’ve seen. After last season, I’m not saying that we’re world beaters after 3 meaningless preseason games, but the progress is there. Culpepper looks like the front runner for the starting QB, with JM as the back up and AW as 3rd stringer. McCown has the mobility and ability to throw on the run, which can throw off the defense if they decide to send a blitz. Walter does’nt quite have the same mobility, he does’nt look very comfortable throwing on the run. Pep has both these abilities, and, while he has’nt been spectacular, he’s showing good presence in the pocket and good vision by finding his receivers despite the blitz by SL breaking the pocket down.
Just finished looking at the Broncos page that was posted by PlunkettHomeBoy…..I like the fact that one poster was looking past the Raiders because of last year’s offense…..let them keep looking past us, we’ll have the last laugh. .500 and beyond baby!!
August 27th, 2007 at 11:52 am
THE DOOR IS OPEN
This year’s AFC West is definately an open door for the Raiders.
Schedule - The Raiders have the toughest schedule in the league (some parody for the team with the worst record last year) BUT that is sckewed somewhat because of the records of AFC West opponents last year. These teams all have glaring issues that leave room for a Raiders revival. PLUS the Raiders non-division games early against Detroit, Cleveland and Houston at home and Miami away are all winable.
Chargers - The Chargers have added a new coaching staff on both sides of the ball. Norv Turner as a head coach has shown nothing. Just the elimination of Marty the Raider killer is a huge bonus. The Chargers open with Chicago and NE in week 3. Slow start?
Broncos - Semirookie Jay Cutler will find tough going if the sorry new defense lets teams get ahead. Denver’s running game with Travis Henry won’t be as big a factor playing from behind.
Chiefs - The Raiders first target as a team to pass in the division. The two meet for Oakland’s third home game. The Raiders played the Chiefs close last year and now the Chiefs have even more problems. Their O-line is not what it was and Huard only beat out unproven Croyle because of how bad Croyle stank. Their defense is suspect and the over-hyped Herm Edwards has a roughly .500 record in several years as a coach. Edwards is a media darling because he took a NY team to the playoffs but his teams have steadily gone downhill during his tenure - especially at QB. NFL Network Jamie Dukes and Rod Woodson agreed on only one prediction during their 2007 preview show - The Chiefs are the AFC team going backward this season.
The door is open - will they go through?\
Their first 4 home games are there for the taking; Detroit, Cleveland, KC, Houston
August 27th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
DawgPound
Good point about JR…
I am begining to wonder about JR going back to the draft… Why would you spend 35 million up front dollars of cap money over the next five or six years for unproven QB talent when I dare say all three that we have now are servicible (although I do worry about AW’s mobility with this OL). If McCown or DC shine why would they not re-sign to a good team and a system they are comfortable with. Pat Kirwan in a column recently suggested the Raiders to take a million off the up front money for every week he does not sign. He also reiterated the real possibility of Russell re-entering the draft. Kirwan earlier correctly predicted way before anyone the trade for McCown and the realistic possibility that DC would sign. One person, Peter King, thought for sure JR would sign because AD did not want to be embarrassed and would open his wallet.. Since when does AD care about being “embarrassed!”
Who should be embarassed is whoever set up this unrestricted rookie draft salary system! Having an early pick is almost like having the boobie prize as the Texans last year for instance found out.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
jh… by “contender” I meant a team who will not be a bottom feeder… I team that has a chance like every other, not ready to shout Super Bowl just yet, but I do think we are going to be 100% better than last year, and by that I don´t mean a 4 and 12 team either!
Coach on W.. thanks for the info regarding Warren… you also make a good point regarding de 4 first games…. because then the schedule will get a lot tougher!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Sorry, (to any that care) been out for awhile, baby boy was born last Sunday, so I’ve been away from the computer. Already rocked his first Raider gear during the St. Louis game.
Regarding the QB situation, I think the Raiders will definitely carry 4 QB’s. It’s a little unorthidox, but not unheard of. And the (4) only happens with Russell signing, so we don’t need to worry about that roster spot until it actually happens…whenever that is.
I think Culpepper starts, but McCown and Walter have certainly shown that they could be capable. Culpepper’s knee makes it almost necessary to keep 3 QB’s that can play. And the contract situations of both Pep and McCown, make it that Walter needs to stay too, for 2008. With Russell missing ALL of camp AND the preseason, even if he were to sign, you can’t carry him as 1 of just 3…he’s not ready at all to play if the need were to arise. So yeah, (4) QB’s, upon Russell’s signing is a probability, not a possibility.
Bush on the PUP is the smart move. Don’t rush the guy, especially with Jordan, Rhodes and the emergence of Echimandu (sp?). Fargas may survive for a couple of weeks, until Rhodes comes back anyway.
Funny, I’m not seeing many Jordan haters after these last couple performances…granted, I have not taken the time to read ALL the comments.
Anyway, I like the way things look, for now…and good to be back.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Congrats Coach Sean! Growing the Raider nation one at a time.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Hmmm I was looking over the Raider roster and thinking cuts. Kevin Huntley caught my eye. He is listed at DT and this preseason he’s been non-existent. I think Brayton has been getting good penetration and Hawthorne has looked good. Quarshie (sp?) and Huntley from last year have been invisible. With G Warren added to the mix I don’t know if he makes it.
DE - Burgess, Richardson
DT - Sands, Hawthorne (Warren?)
DT - Sapp, Brayton
DE - Kelly, Moses
August 27th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Huntley has been playing DE, but you are right he really hasn’t shown anything this preseason and the emergence of Q. Moses and J Richardson has really made him expendable… T Kelly has also done very well (For those that care, the guy is a beast on Madden 08)
August 27th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Cutdown ideas folks?
53-man roster
QB - 4
HB - 4
FB - 2
OLine - 10
TE - 3
WR - 6
DLine - 8
LB - 6
CB - 4
S - 4
K/P - 2
This is just one possible way to go. Who gets the spots? What do you think?
August 27th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
COW or others…
Does JR count before he is signed? Considering depth at Safty you may see 5 there with only 5 LB. It doesn’t sound like Warren is making an impact but we will have to wait and see I guess. It would be hard to lose a 5th rounder just to upgrade from Brayton or Hawthorner to him. I wonder if we keep Orneal and cut Crocket at FB… can save some cap space and as a bonus Oneal blocks! You have Offense 29-22 we may take the safty from one of the WR spots.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Congratulations Coach Sean good to see you back, have not seen too many familiar old school names on here lately other than Huff24
August 27th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Only one slight change from the C.O.W.:
53-man roster
QB - 3
HB - 4
FB - 2
OLine - 10
TE - 3
WR - 6
DLine - 8
LB - 6
CB - 4
S - 4
K/P - 2
LS -1
August 27th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Roster projection Post Preseason Game #3: (no, I don’t think Russell counts prior to signing, but let’s just assume he’s signed around Week 1)
QB - (4) Culpepper, McCown, Walter, Russell
RB - (5) Jordan, Rhodes, Echemandu, Griffith, O’neal (Bush on PUP)
WR - (5) Porter, Curry, Taylor, Williams, Higgins
TE - (3) Miller, Madsen, Stewart
OL - (10) Sims, Gallery, Grove, Carlisle, Green, Henderson, Newberry, Morris, McQuistan, Boothe
DL - (8) Kelly, Burgess, Sapp, Sands, Moses, Richardson, Hawthorne, Brayton
LB - (6) Williams, Morrison, Howard, Thomas, Brown, Ekijuba
CB- (5) Washington, Asomugha, Routt, Johnson, Carr
S - (4) Huff, Schweigert, Darius, Ward
K/P/LS - (3) Janikowski, Lechler, Condo
Areas of question:
RB - (5): Could be (6) depending on Fargas and / or Crockett. I just see the Raiders ridding themselves of Crockett for youth in O’neal, and cap space. Fargas might last until Rhodes comes back, or if Jordan is hurt.
DL - (8): Could be (9) if Gerrard Warren does something in practice, as he won’t have enough game time to do anything. Huntley has not been much of a factor, and Moses and Richardson are younger and cheaper, with way more upside.
LB - (6): Could be (5 to 7). Chris Clemons was getting a lot of PT early, but seems to be dwindling, but he doubles as a DE too, not to mention special teams. His versatility could come into play. This area depends on decisions made in the secondary and d-line.
Secondary - (8): Who knows??? Aside from the starting (4), plus Darius and Ward, who really cares. Not a lot of depth. Eugene’s been around a while, but is hardly spectacular. Carr’s return ability keeps him safer than others, but the emergence of Higgins might make him expendable. He’s serving as the nickel corner now, with injuries to Routt and Starks. Routt’s size and draft position, give him a leg up, but injury status and lack of production make him anything but a lock. Frampton, seems to be moving up the depth chart, seems more like a candidate for the PS, but will Kiffen want to risk him clearing waivers? Johnson makes some plays, but has his share of struggles against NOT top competition.
Just how I see it…for now.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Congrats Coach Sean!! Both my sons were brought home from the hospital in RAIDAHS recieving blankets!! What a proud moment! I think we would be inclined to keep only 3 qb’s I think the extra d lineman might be the way to go.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
If Russell had been in camp from Day 1, I absolutely agree, 3 QB’s max. But assuming he’s one of the QB’s on the roster I believe it has to be 4, especially since one of the QB’s has a bad knee, and another is coming off an @$$whoopin’ for the ages (Walter’s 2006 beatdown).
Again, the contract situations at QB, Russell aside, make it a very risky proposition to unload Walter.
Watching Culpepper, he’s still not 100%. He is very slow getting away from center, and he’s not getting very good depth on his drops. It’s improving, but not up to par with Walter or McCown, in this department. I think he’ll get there, but in my opinion, this is what’s holding Kiffen back from making Culpepper the unquestioned starter.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Thanks to all for the congrats on my new little Raider. Much appreciated.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Russell won’t count until he is signed. Bush won’t count as long as he is on the PUP or IR.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Well, it’s 2:55 p.m., pacific standard time. Still no word from “Charger”. I guess
he’s still in school.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
It IS Monday.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
I’ll go ahead and throw my hat in the ring on the “Lamont sucks” thing. Lamont needs to show me that he can be consistent. He worries me. I am worried, generally, about the running game.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
My eventual roster (post JR signing)
JUST ROSTER NOT DEPTH CHART
QB (4) Culpepper, Walter, McCown, Russell
HB -(4) Jordan, Rhodes, Fargas, Eche (Bush PUP to IR doesn’t count)
FB -(1) Griffith, (O’Neal to practice squad after waivers)
TE (3) Miller, Madsen, Stewart
OL (10) Sims, Gallery, Grove, Newberry, Carlisle, Green, Henderson,Boothe,
McQuistan, Morris
WR (5) Curry, Porter, Higgins, Williams, Taylor,
DL -(8) Kelly, Sapp, Burgess, Sands, Brayton, Moses, Hawthorne, Richardson
DL/LB/ST -(1) Clemmons
LB (6) - Morrison, Williams, Howard, Thomas, Brown, Ekijuba
CB (5) Asomough, Washington, Routt, Johnson, Carr
S (4) Stu, Huff, Darius, Ward
K/P (2) Jano, Lechler
Crockett / O’Neal / Clemmons / Whitted / Ekijuba I see as five guys vying for 1-2 spots.
I would not be surprised to see McCown or Culpepper (the non-starter with a 1-year deal) dealt after JR is signed and around a few weeks.
CB Starks - and TE Santiago - injury settlements and cut.
Didn’t think Morris would make it as a 3rd center but against the Rams he came in with the first unit when Gallery went out a few plays. If Morris can sub in at guard that helps.
Just can’t see keeping more than one FB unless they cut Fargas or Eche. Could cut Fargas or Eche after Rhodes comes back and sign them to practice squad. They’d likly clear waives especially Fargas.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I have no facts of this at all, but it seems like JaMarcus is going to try to force a trade to Atlanta
August 27th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
The practice squad can hold five players who must clear waivers first. In case anybody was wondering.
I think Huntley, Frampton, O’Neal, Clemmons, are all practice squad fodder.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Atlanta likely won’t want him.
Coach Patrino can draft his QB from Louisville next year. The QB class of next year’s draft is deep. Russell has missed camp. At best he is a 2008 rookie anyway.
Remember pre-draft Quinn was the pro ready prospect and Russell was the raw yalent from a spread offense that needed lots of coaching. Lots of coaching time is over for 2007.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Fargas has been in the league too long to go to practice squad. Russell will be in the fold eventually, and provided he signs prior to say, Week 2, may even find some PT, by year’s end depending on our team’s situation.
If any QB gets traded, my money is on McCown, but not until the season has started, and Russell has some practice time under his belt. Culpepper would be the last to get traded, in my opinion, because in his upside, lies our best shot at post-season chances (which are very limited).
August 27th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Wheels, regarding your roster…pretty much matches what I posted. Agreed on the “bubble” players listed. Noticed you left Condo (long snapper) off. Yeah he’s just a long snapper, but if he does that and tackles folks on coverage teams, that’s a keeper. He’s been doing the majority of long snapping…
August 27th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
C.O.W.
Who do you propose snaps the ball to the kicker and punter?
August 27th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Re: Russell trade.
I think you have to have the player under a contract prior to any potential trade, unless, of course, it’s on draft day and you trade the drafted rookie, ala Wiz with Dallas. (I miss the presence of a Wiz on the line.) This Russell issue will work out. He has value as a player for the team by being a Raider or by bringing in lots of presents by means of a trade (once signed).
Coach Sean: Sweet to hear your baby came home in a Raiders receiving blanket. At first I was thinking wide receiver or tight end, and then I thought about who blankets a receiver: you got yourself a little corner in your corner. Congratulations!
(I have a middle linebacker, girl, age four point five, and a safety with coverage skills, and he brings the hook like George/Jack, age two point five. The player to be named later is due around the end of November: I’m thinking DT or DE.)
Raider on,
Guamanian Raider
August 27th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Just saw on PFT that Doug Gabriel is cut. The idea of carrying four quarterbacks passed through my mind before, but not at the risk of carrying one FB, even though our TE has lined up in the position more than a few times this preseason. I think we are bound to make creative roster moves over this first month, and should Bush go on the PUP up to week seven or so. Barring injury, we should have an adequate running game, and perhaps Jordan can read the blocking schemes as he gets more reps in practice. Adminchinobe is a good speller (no pun intended) at the position, and perhaps Fargus can play a change of pace service up to week five, although I reserve my confidence in his receiving skills. So important to this offense working is taking advantage of the receiving skills from the running back, the full back, and tight end positions. Just add Curry and our offense is already spicier, and then top it off with a full glass of Porter. Our defense can whip up our desserts.
Raider on,
Guamanian Raider
August 28th, 2007 at 7:15 am
Long snapper is to critical a postion to leave it to a “less than reliable” third string postion player like Morris. If Grove or Newberry both get hurt you sign a center midweek. All but two or three teams in the league have a designated (do nothing else) long snapper.
All would love to have the TE or OL that can perform but the postion requires perfection. 4th and 10 on your 8 yard line or FG to win with 8 seconds left in the game demand it.
August 28th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
[…] News by jh for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by […]
August 28th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
[…] News by GuamanianRaider for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by […]
August 28th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
[…] News by 1960AutumWind for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by […]
August 28th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
[…] News by Raiderfanindonkycountry for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by […]
August 28th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
[…] News by Jimi18 for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by […]
August 28th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
[…] News by i dress in black for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by i dress in […]
August 28th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
[…] News by Life is an Adventure for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by Life is an […]
August 28th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
[…] News by Coach Sean for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by Coach […]
August 28th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
[…] News by Comment on Sunday notebook by Jimi18 | Prime Notebook Computer Review for Notebook Review Comment on Sunday notebook by Comment on Sunday notebook by Jimi18 […]
September 7th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Well crew, looks like I was wrong about the QB. Having guessed DC would be the man, it now looks like JM will start against Matt Millen’s Lions. Speaking of which, Matt Millen was a great Raider (loved him on Defense) and miss him a lot.
Anyway, this still leaves the JR issue.
The Sacramento Bee reported:
“Beginning with a predraft, below-market offer of about $22 million guaranteed — approximately $9 million less than their liking — Russell’s agents have grown frustrated dealing with the Raiders’ negotiating team headed by director of football development Mark Jackson and finance officer Marc Badain.”
Can you believe JR? 22 mill guaranteed and he won’t sign. Yeah - I raise my hand saying, I was wrong about DC starting over JM, but my guess was right about this QB - he’s only after money. Even if he does sign, I’m not sure he deserves to wear the Silver and Black. What a dissappointment.
November 2nd, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Hey great post man! I found this facebook application for all you madden fans i hop you guys will like it. Ive been using it for about 3 days now and its cool but it needs more fans. Anyone here have Xbox live? Im looking for some more people to demolish. Here is the link Madden 08 Fan Club
November 30th, 2007 at 6:11 am
Good stuff, very nicely done.
http://srubibablo.com
All the best!