Final 53 notebook
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, September 2nd, 2007 at 3:33 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Offensive lineman Chris Morris was one of several Raiders who heard the phone ring and mentally began packing his bags.
“It was from coach Kiffin,” Morris said. “I thought the worst at first. But it turned out to be a good surprise.”
The message?
“He wanted to welcome me back to the Raiders,” Morris said.
That’s right, the Raiders actually called some players to tell them they weren’t going to be cut. Cornerback Duane Starks got one as well, and said he had never heard of anything like it in his 10 years in the league.
More news and notes from Sunday:
– Coach Lane Kiffin confirmed the five additions to the practice squad _ center Jesse Boone, defensive tackle Josh Shaw, defensive end Dave Tollefson, offensive tackle Mark Wilson and wide receiver Chris McFoy. He said the club is finalizing the other three available spots.
– Uniform number changes included Travis Taylor (No. 1 to 19), Zach Miller (No. 45 to 80), Chris Clemons (No. 48 to 58) and Jon Condo (No. 58 to 59). Adimchinobe Echemandu (38) and Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) were considering number changes but decided against it.
– Three players on the roster are older than Kiffin _ defensive tackle Warren Sapp (34), Starks (33) and Sims (32). Sims turns 33 in December.
– Kiffin did not name a starting quarterback or center. He said he hasn’t told Daunte Culpepper or Josh McCown who would start next Sunday against the Lions. McCown was asked if he knew when they would be notified.
“I don’t know. Whatever he thinks,” McCown said. “Daunte and I are sitting on ready, waiting on go. We’re both prepared and have a focus to help this team win ball games.”
One player said Kiffin was asked about the quarterback situation Sunday and wouldn’t disclose the starter to the team. The player said they hoped to know by Tuesday.
– Quentin Moses, the NFL’s highest-drafted player to not make a team, was predictably claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. The same Moses who Kiffin on two separate occasions referred to as “unblockable” during training camp press briefings.
Defensive Rob Ryan, admittedly prone to hyperbole, said of Moses during camp, “Quentin Moses is a superstar and we stole him in the third round.”
Instead, Moses was essentially beaten out by Jay Richardson, taken in the fifth round out of Ohio State.
“It surprised me, to be honest with you,” Richardson said. “But that’s what we felt was best for us, I suppose. Quentin is fine. He’ll be fine wherever he goes. Quentin will make a bunch of plays in this league.”
One player said waiving Moses was a surprise because of his status in the draft, but not necessarily because of his performance. Moses was regarded by some teammates as weak against the run, with his pass rush skills diminishing as camp progressed.
Rather than conceding Moses was a mistake in draft judgement, the Raiders’ spin is that cutting him validates their promise that performance counts.
“There were some hard ones and it wasn’t that a guy wasn’t doing everything we asked,” Kiffin said. “We wish great luck to Quentin and we think he’ll be a good player in this league. But at the end of looking at it all of it we had other people that could help us more. I think it shows everything that we’re about here, and how competitive the field is, that a player as good as Quentin couldn’t make the roster.
“Also it shows that we’re not worried about where a guy was drafted or how much a guy was paid in free agency. We took the best 53 players for us.”
Is there some truth to that? Absolutely. It’s equally true that the 65th pick in the draft should make the 53-man roster of the team that drafted him.
– Raiders offensive linemen were pleased to hear Kevin Boothe got picked up by the New York Giants and believe he can be a standout player in a power-blocking scheme.
Morris, who played extensively at guard during camp and in the preseason, has run zone blocking schemes throughout college and was considered a better fit than Boothe. Some observers felt Boothe the best lineman on a bad line last season.
– Kiffin’s rationale on keeping cornerback Chris Johnson, who had his worst game in the preseason finale against Seattle: “You don’t make an evaluation based on one game. He didn’t have a great game the other night _ that’s not a secret. You’ve got to take them all into account. Just like if a guy had (a tough time) in the first game, you’ve got to remember that. You’ve got to take it all into account. After watching it all, he’s done enough to make this team.”
– Kiffin said the 53 men on the roster Sunday wouldn’t necessarily be the same 53 by the time Detroit comes to town. It could be Oakland is in the market for a sixth wide receiver. The last two players they worked out were wideouts _ former Tennessee wide receiver Jonathan Orr and ex-BYU receiver Todd Watkins.
– If Kiffin was “livid” about the Raiders’ roster moves as suggested by Profootballtalk.com Sunday, he had calmed down considerably by the time he met with the media.
“It was really a smooth process,” Kiffin said. “In the end, you get different people’s opinion and then you come out of the room on the same page. Our staff is extremely excited about it. We had our 53 in the team room this morning. It’s a great feeling because we couldn’t be more excited about the 53 in our room.”
Could it have possibly been that smooth?
Probably not.
Assistant coaches have their favorites and lobby for them passionately. Al Davis believes in vigorous debate and in having coaches make a case for the players they want. If it gets a little heated, Davis doesn’t believe that’s necessarily a bad thing.
We’ll probably never know what went on when the final roster was being assembled, but it appears Kiffin had more than his share of input.
Davis doesn’t like to admit mistakes on draft picks. The Raiders cut a third-rounder (Moses) and a fifth-rounder (Frampton).
Two speedy wide receivers considered to be on “Al” scholarships, Alvis Whitted and Carlos Francis, were let go.
Boothe was a sixth-round find last year in a Davis-run draft but was cut because he didn’t fit the blocking system.
Safety Donovin Darius is the sort of lower-the-boom safety Davis has long coveted, but was missing practices with nagging injuries.
Whether these were the right calls or not only time will tell. But it doesn’t have the earmarks of a Davis steamroller.
– The Raiders altered their schedule and will take Monday off and work Tuesday through Friday in preparation for the Lions.
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September 2nd, 2007 at 3:43 pm
It looks like all the rumors were false. kiffin probably is in charge after all. I think they got stuck with good players despite what people say, and i guess we wont know if Kiff got mad or not. But it does look like he got what he wanted for the most part at least.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Steven,
That… or he has come to terms with it. From anger, to despair, to acceptance. We’ll neve know the reality unless he writes a book post-employment (which I hope he does!).
The impact of only eight of the 11 draft picks (and no undrafted rooks) making the final 53 has some significance on JR’s negotiations. The Raiders should have around $4M to spend on roster bonuses, which is way too much for a six-year contract and still keep the guarantees around $31M. I’m thinking this opens the door for a five-year deal.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Reliable sources informed me it’s called the RUMOR mill for good reason. It’s obvious that Kiffin is calling the shots. His word has been rock solid so far. How about that. A coach that tells it like it is.
Go RAIDERS!!!
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:13 pm
53 schmifty three. Let’s rebuild this team, get somewhere between a 7-9 and 8-8 record this year, and allow Raiders fans to wear their gear in public without being laughed at. I have watched this team since the days of the Mad Bomber and Hnery Killer Lawrence and am tired of my seasion being over by Oct. 20. Go Raiders!
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:18 pm
The PFW guys may have a good sources around the league, but not with the Raiders. “That players whom the Raiders jettisoned are having no trouble landing with other teams may indicate that coach Lane Kiffin is right to think the Raiders made some mistakes in trimming their roster yesterday,” PFW. That statement is as much a reach as Q Moses in the 3rd round. I wasn’t surprised to see him cut, I thought he struggled against the run all preseason and was outplayed by Clemons who is more versatile. I think the fact that our cuts are getting picked up shows the Raiders are deeper with talent than they get credit for.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Profootballtalk.com is the National Enquirer of NFL coverage.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Was really shocked and disappointed at first but I’m slowly coming round to the idea that Kiffin made the right cuts, hope Clemons justifys beating out Moses by getting a ton of sacks this year!
http://raiderspond.blogspot.com/
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Maybe we should Arizona the favor and try to get Buster Davis. I’m not really sold on Sam Williams or whoever is starting along with Morrison and Howard. I remember hearing that Davis could be a possible first rounder but somehow his stock fell.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Thanks J Mac. You just made me feel better about things. Lets get this thing goin. I’ll be there 8 AM….beer in one hand…shot in another
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:29 pm
KNBR is reporting that Kiffin and Ryan went at it in the parking lot yesterday. Kiffin was pinching Ryan and Ryan was, reportedly, pulling Kiffin’s hair.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Hey guys…
take it easy, PFT is a very good site, but come on its a rumermill, and when he states something as facts, he always give a link to the source
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
i wear my gear all the time… no one has ever laughed at me.. i visit my family in NE and iwear my Jerseys whenever l leave the house.. haven had a single person laugh at me.. and if someone did.. id be sure to remind them of where and when their team sucked the big one
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:41 pm
go to craiglist and buy ticket to the game. Is is a sell out!
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
What do you mean, he always gives a link to the source? No he doesn’t. His latest Raider crap is from ‘a source with knowledge of the situation.’ That could be anybody or, more likely, nobody.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Thanks for the clarification Jerry. I’ll take your word over PFT.com anyday. I don’t think any national media outlet/internet outlet has any real “sources” when it comes to the Raiders anyway. I’ll only believe any Jamarcus signing rumors when you put it on this blog or when it finally shows up on the Raiders website. By, the way what kind of advice is that guy getting? First of all, the cuts show that the Raiders aren’t averse to letting go guys they drafted, even high picks like Moses. Secondly, how is he paying for anything without a football contract? I can’t see the agent per diem for him being all that high. Does he even have any endorsements yet? The Raiders will be mocked by the media for not signing him, but in the end Jamarcus is losing out on a boatload of money by holding out. There’s no way he even gets picked in the first round if he sits out entire year. I mean he won’t even be able to suit up against Pop Warner competition this coming year. So for a guy that everyone knew needed work coming in this only sets him back further. There will be a lot of players in the next draft with CURRENT highlight reels that will be on teams’ draft boards. Also he is a true signing risk for anybody that drafts him. I wonder what his gut is looking like with all this inactivity.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I wear my Raider gear all the time. I live in Los Angeles area in SoCal and all I ever hear is people yelling at me, “RAIDERSSS!!!” pumping their fists at me. Much love for the Nation everywhere I go. Even when I went down to SD to do a delivery, there were people walking around with Fairyman jerseys while I had my Raider T-shirt and they dont even look at me whn I walk past them. When I went down to SD for the Raider game last year, its as if we own Qualcomm stadium cause all throughout the hallways, chants of “RAIDERS, RAIDERS!”.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Good sportswriting, J-Mac. Of course the coaches were fuming, and Al encouraged every minute of it. Al likes it when WE fume. He wants us passionate. Witness these posts!
Moses was a reach, a star as a junior, fell off as a senior. So what? We missed, cut our losses now. You should look at our drafts in the 70s and early 80s, when we were 0.700 every year. Some made it, most didn’t amount to much. Time will tell on these guys. Dare I type it? … what the hell, I’M IN!
September 2nd, 2007 at 5:16 pm
As i said b4…This is without a doubt, Kiffins team. Only performance counts. Al has finally allowed someone the opportunity to run this team from the coach’s philosophy. Results come in the way of VICTORY.
September 2nd, 2007 at 5:51 pm
The fact that PFT.com printed this morning that a 2-14 team has players we are cutting making other squads leads me to believe that we really were not a 2-14 team last year. As many of us on this site believe, Art had his head up his A$$ and couldn’t coach himself out of a wet paper bag. We cut good players because we are a good team. NOT GREAT—-GOOD. Things will start to come together in time. We were a better team player-wise last year than our record showed.
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:54 pm
at least we can cut players most thought were good enough. hopefully that just means the ones we’re keeping are much better.
September 2nd, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Kiffin is in charge, people win spots by competing, he isn’t naming his QB to get whatever edge he can, and all this adds up to rejuvinated team that is being RUN by the coach and will improve in a big way. 9-7 for sure, an 10-6 is a possibility. For those of you who thinks that isn’t possible, check the turn arounds, positive and negative by many teams every year.
East Coast S & B
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:38 pm
PFT rarely posts anything but BULLSHITE! F PFT…. This is Kiffins team. Moses got beat out, plain and simple. Probably had the Chet McFatty syndrom.
I have always been “IN”.
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:52 pm
The only thing we know for sure at this point is that the raiders wasted their 3rd pick on a gamble that didn’t make the cut. Considering that Kiffin was brought into partly due to his knowledge of the college rank, I am a little surprised we took that gamble. There were most certainly safer picks than Moses. I hope the best for Kiffin, I’ll be rooting for my team like always, but I think its a big deal when your third pick doesn’t make the 53.
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Those Moses Rumors about how it was an accident or mistake are ridiculous - no way that gets by Kiffin, much less AL DAVIS - totally ridiculous the PFT.com guy Mike Portabello Mushroom or what ever his name is stoopid - using his own twist - his vick coverage was great, but give me a break - pick a side - either Al Davis is an overbearing control freak that can’t get a good coach because he wants it his way, or he’s a senile old fool - you can’t have it both ways - IMHO, AD’s only mistakes have been that he wants to “reload” not “rebuild” - hence big name free agents that have won SB’s (Larry Brown, Sapp, Rhodes, Lott, Craig, Rathman, Rice, etc.). Some work out great, some don’t, but I’d take Al Davis as owner any day of the week over anyone else - you can keep Daniel Snyder, Jerry Jones, or whoever else you like because nobody wants to win like Al. Why shouldn’t he have input into what goes on? He was a coach, GM, Commisioner of the league, and can pick winners. Part of being a Raider Fan is that Al Davis comes with the gig - he IS the Raiders and it’s his maverick image and reputation that gives us our mystique.
A lot of you probably know that Al is a defense guy by trade - that’s why he’s so enamored with bright, offensive minded coaches - of course he loves speed and the deep ball, but his main influence has always been on defense - no way Moses gets cut if Al didn’t approve - by the way, Rob Ryan is a player’s coach - he says positive things about everyone, even Toleffson and some other fringe players that we’ve since cut - don’t read too much into what he says as far as how good they really are is concerned - he’s always gung-ho crazy positive (I love that about him as a coordinator, but Al made the right choice when he hired a head coach IMHO).
I’m baffled by Chris Johnson, and I wish we could have got something for Moses, but Richardson clearly outplayed him and Kelly is starting. Screw Hawthorne, Warren is better, wish Brayton was gone, but it will be soon enough (his contract expires after this year). Kiffin got rid of Alvis Whitted, that alone shows you he is in control. As far as his talent evaluation is concerned, we all freaked (including me) when Bing was released without a real shot at making the team - the 49ers just cut him too - even though I can’t believe that Hiram Eugene is better - it proves Bing didn’t show enough to stick with another team so he wasn’t the second coming of Tatum or Lott - I have to admit that I’m guilty of the Big Name Player, Big Time Physical Freak Atheletes, and the “getting off the bus intimidation guys that we’re all used to being long-time Raider fans - how can the starting safety for USC not be great? Well Every team in the NFL passed on him 3 times before we drafted him and he’s now been cut twice. Shows what we know (or at least what I know). Kiffin has been true to his word - if you didn’t cut it, you would be cut. Brayton and Warren played better than Hawthorne, so, Hawthorne is gone. Clemons played his A** Off and can help out at linebacker and special teams, and I wanted him to make it (at the expense of Ekejuba though), so the things that stood out to me as the good players are the guys who did make it - the surprises to me were the ones that didn’t stand out to me - I even Tivo the games and slo-mo players - but I can’t watch all of them like they do - my own random sample says the guys who played good made it, the guys who didn’t show up got cut. Darius didn’t show up, Frampton sucked, and we knew Boothe was not meant for the zone blocking system - I wish we could have packaged him to Atlanta, because Petrino is going back to a power blocking system (why we got Griffith) and I bet there’s a couple ZBS style guards or tackles that we could have traded for (maybe). Anyway, Darius was a KIFFIN Guy - So was Frampton - nobody was safe just like he said and this team is now his.
I thought just for depth purposes that we’d carry Mark Wilson on the line, but he got cut too - I think this really is our best 53 (***Right Now***)with only the minimum necessary at each spot factoring into the decision - One way or the other, Kiff has Big Brass Ones, so if he’s going down, it’s going to be his way - he has set the foundation for the new mentality in Oakland - he weeded out the guys that didn’t buy in as best as possible, got rid of as many bad system fits as possible, and put everyone on notice that nobody’s safe - when you do that you’ve got a new atmosphere that is going to not only help this year but carry over to next year and each subsequent year as new players are added to replace the guys that don’t perform during the season - now that he has everyone’s attention, he did what Art Shell was too incompetent to do with his my way or the doghouse style- get control over the direction of the team. I love it - this is the best start for any coach I’ve ever seen - he has demonstrated total control and excellence in each step of the process from Day One. Now, if he can call plays against NFL defenses during the regular season, we’ve got ourselves a real winner.
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:10 pm
# La Milicia Negra Says:
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Hey guys…
take it easy, PFT is a very good site, but come on its a rumermill, and when he states something as facts, he always give a link to the source
# Shrmpqdd Says:
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
What do you mean, he always gives a link to the source? No he doesn’t. His latest Raider crap is from ‘a source with knowledge of the situation.’ That could be anybody or, more likely, nobody.
I WROTE….
WHEN HE STATES SOMETHING AS FACT HE ALWAYS GIVES THE SOURCE;
THAT MAKES IT IMPLICIT THAT IF THERE ISN’T ANY SOURCE GIVEN, THAT MEANS A LINK OR OTHER DIRECT CREDIT, IT’S A RUMOR - HENCE THE NAME RUMOR MILL!
If he says a ’source’ or something like that, it could be anybody has called him, furthermore when he post something he himself not quite believe in, he writes that as well. Between Jerry MCDonald and the Press democrat PFT is the the the best NFL info outlets …
And if you cant see what is a rumor and what is fact, then you really screwed, because this business is based on tuning in on the rumors that are true…
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:15 pm
You guys are hilarious. Your talking about “wearing your gear” when the season is around the corner. This blog has got to be one of the stupidest I have ever read. It’s no wonder Raider fans are the least knowledgeable of any fan base in the history of sports. You care more about looking good than you do about your team.
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
The proof will be when the season starts. The Raiders look a LOT better coached this preseason than at this point last year when they were 4 -1. Looked lost and inept and I knew we were in trouble. (Knew it when Art hired Walsh actually and then did Marcus Allen/Steve Beurlein revisited). I think we’re headed in a positive direction. More than anything I am heartened that a good, bright future guy like Boothe got picked up quickly. He’s gonna be a player.
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:54 pm
OK… Moses CANNOT stop the run. He’s a ROOKIE! What’s more better, a player getting 10+ plus sacks in the future and making BIG PLAYS, or stop a 2 yard gain? Go figure?
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Jerry Mac: You’ve done a great job of keeping us informed of the Raiders progress and
struggles. Many thanks for your insight and reporting. The Raiders will bring much
pride to the game and that’s the way it should be. No matter how the season turns
out, Kiffin is a real gem.
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Jedi Raider, you said it best. You should be Jmac’s assistant. As for JMac, you have shown me something this year that i never knew….that is you proved to me that the national writers dont know jack. They look at headlines and make all these predictions. Your training camp blog about McCown was right on…good one pass bad on another…he showed it during the preseason. Thank you so much for the training camp insight. I have never been more in tuned with the Raiders than now. I listen to NFL sirius and the only guy who seems to have done his home work is Pat Kirwin and the guys who actually spent time at our camp. It’s amzing how these BSPN guys can blab blab without any knowledge of whats going on inside the camp. They should have been smarter to read your blogs. BTW, PFT is not bad. They ususally get it right but they might have been wrong about Kiff’s cut process. Peace.
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:56 pm
The Rumor mill is spinning out of control. Many are reporting that Moss was released by MISTAKE! Oh snap! Go to this link for details:
http://www.theraidercast.com/2007/09/02/cardinals-report-thanks-oakland-cardinals-jump-on-moses-after-raiders-reportedly-cut-him-by-mistake/
Go to Raiders home page and listen to Kiffen’s Sunday’s post-practice news conference and that should put this rumor to rest. But you can expect tomorrow’s newspaper columnists jump on this to stir up sh**- to sell papers and create distractions for Coach Kiffen’s first game. I hope Kiffen responds by saying the following: “Wrong. I addressed Moss’s being let go yesterday and I what I said yesterday is exactly what I meant. Go to Raiders.com and listen to my response. There was no mistake. Next question.”
September 2nd, 2007 at 11:09 pm
rc, who the hell asked for your opinion. As a mater of fact, if this is the blankest website you have ever read it is only because people like you contribute to this website. I am sure you will not read this because you are too smart to come back to this website. I hope to never do. Loser.
September 3rd, 2007 at 1:59 am
F them all!!!! One thing I haven’t seen in all my years as a fan is what is said behind close doors. Fool running off at the mouth, crying, acting like they are burned out. It is always more to the story. But I don’t give a “F”. Johnson, Schwiegert & McCown should be gone. They are looser’s no matter where they go. And A$$ kissing goes so far. Kiffin grow up and cut who really needs to be cut. The more Kiffin is here the softer he is getting. In a minute he will be in Tampa Bay coaching with his dad.
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:04 am
Even Peter King MMQB is pushing the ’something stinks in Oakland’ line. Moses was a stellar junior, but he struggled as a senior - partly because he faced more double-teams, but also because he fell short in the power department. Once Olines had adjusted to his perimeter speed and forced him inside, he just lacked the power to break through to the QB. Just like in our camp - he started as a real handful (’unblockable’ said Kiff), but Cable made the adjustments and Moses had less impact the longer camp went on. The other problem with Moses was that he was already proving vulnerable against the run. In our division we will face 3 of the very best RBs. Having a good pass rush is great but, as we found out last year, meaningless if you can’t stop the run. The Chargers, Chiefs and Broncos would have run at Moses all night. Kelly and Richardson are much more secure. With hindsight, Moses wasn’t the best bit of scouting we have ever done, but he was the biggest name still available at the top of the 3rd round. He was worth a shot. Nothing stinks, Peter King. No machievellian plot. No Mad Al powerplay. Just the (sad) realisation that your 3rd round pick isn’t what you thought and hoped he would be.
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:33 am
THANK YOU JEDI RAIDER.
Iam so sick od so called Raider fans dissing AL. It makes you look like an idiot. AL is the Raiders. ANother thing FANS DONT BOO YOUR OWN TEAM…Ia m so sick of that too..YOU even better get off your a..ses and cherr Gallery too. We are all in and when booing your team heindnig into the half makes that much worst..giving the eadge to the visiting team.
DOnt giveme that I paid for the ticket BS..We are Raider Nation and If hear any lame drunk ass Boo I will hunt him down and throw him out myself… GO RAIDERS..
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:44 am
Big E, when Al inevitably takes that final fall down a flight of stairs, with his walker tumbling like a rock rolling down a cliff, I hope you’re tumbling with him.
I’m flat nauseated with people saying that Al is the Raiders. It’s an insult to the people who really are the Raiders; The underpaid people he exploits and brain picks for knowledge, knowledge that his bonehead lemmings like you will no doubt give him all the credit for. Al’s been at this s’t since the f’n Citadel.
Yes, Al Davis is the Raiders. That seems to have been the problem. And, the only cure to that problem is if Lane Kiffin becomes the Raiders, the way Gruden did. Al will undoubtedly get rid of him in a few years, but hopefully we’ll get another winning run out of it, along with our “I’m In” t shirts.
Now, get to bed, and take your Davis doll with you.
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:49 am
The last thing I’ve got to say is that these Mediots don’t know jack - they remind me of my former military/government days - too lazy to do the work (only on administrative end - troops RULE) and too incompetent to really understand the make-up of the organization - they always lead with the whole Al Davis “loves the deep ball” or Al Davis “decides everything” etc. etc. That may have been true many years ago, but it’s not even close anymore - AD let gruden go to the West Coast O when he hired Gruden in 98 - he just wants to win. So dumb - there really are 31 teams in the NFL and then there are the Raiders - people love to hate, love to blame it on Al, love to talk trash - in 7 days it’s all over and then they’ll be calling Al a genious again (this happened when he hired gruden) and the Raiders will be in the playoffs. I say this year as a wild card - two years from now when the SD team gets broken up, we’re into dynasty mode baby - RRRRRAAAAIIIIIDERS!
September 3rd, 2007 at 3:25 am
Things are definitely changing around here.The play of players are finally being accounted for and that’s good too see.In the past we’ve kept players around too long that simply wasn’t that good.Remember Derrick Gibson,he was definitely kept around here too long because then players play wasn’t accounted for.Today we should be smiling because players play it’s definitely being accounted for.I’m always and forever in. Go Raiders.
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:58 am
Out of the 53, 22 are players brought in/drafted since Lane Kiffin arrived (http://raiderspond.blogspot.com/).
Any idea how that compares around the league or to other new head coaching situations?
Personally I’m very happy about how things seem to be progressing. I’m KoolAid free with a prediction of 6 wins but I see serious foundations for building a serious contender.
TR
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:47 am
Some good news, as I see it no teams has picked up Huntley… So perhaps he’ll return…
—
Can you help me? there was this DT in the draft I would have liked to see in Oaktown. He was a long shot, was new to football only played one year or so, but he was very athletic, he could do salto’s and stuff… What was his name
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:53 am
JediRaider, you’re obviously a long-time Raider fan, like myself. I dug your commentary. And I agree that Jerry Mac’s blog has been spot-on with an objective view of the Raiders. Plus, he had the balls to allow guest columnists this past summer, which was a real bridge to training camp. This blog rules!
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:58 am
DSKI… Yeah the guest blogg thing was brave…
September 3rd, 2007 at 6:22 am
I’ve got to admit that this blog is more entertaining than any of those crappy reality shows on TV these days. Don’t take that wrong, I think it’s great. Even when everyone is disagreeing with each other, has different takes on the situation, and hell even some of the dumb ass things people will say. It just tells me you all are passionate about this team like I am and I can’t wait for the season to start to see who is actually right and who is blowing smoke. And yeah, every team has their share of dumb asses, it’s just the way it is. But show me a team with this much passion from their fans. Hell, you know SD doesn’t, that’s why their dumb asses come here to post messages. They are secretly more passionate about the Raiders than their own team.
It all comes down to Sunday. Then lots of our questions will be answered. Will the O-Line actually protect whoever is behind center? Will they open holes for our RBs? Will our D show up like last year and dominate the other team? Can Kiffin call plays better than a Bed & Breakfast owner?
I’M IN!
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:02 am
Any news on the three remaining Practice Squad places? Has Shotwell resigned or been let go? The Cardinals have waived TE Ben Patrick, their seventh-round pick (Delaware). He is the sort of raw prospect who would be a useful addition to our practice squad. He was expected to be drafted much higher. The Cardinals have now cut five of their draft picks - just shows how bad a draft year 2007 is proving. The Falcons have also released QB Casey Bramlet, leaving some room for them to draft Andrew Walter.
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:11 am
Scottish Raider,
Andrew Walter is still a part of the Raiders so the Falcons can only obtain him by trade…. I believe they made the move to make a spot for Leftwich…
LB’s Shotwell and Campbell havent been signed to any practice squad yet, hope we’ll take them both and Huntley back to the practice squad.
I guess there is a big reason that Ben Patrick flunked, I saw the news too, but if we cut Mcfoy and give a spot to him to develop him, Tony Stewart won’t be a Raider next year anyway…
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:25 am
Ah, my Danish friend, Leftwich is now rumoured to be going to Baltimore. The Falcons appear to be focusing on drafting Brian Brohm next year. Petrino seems only interested in short-term fixes. Joey Harrington is not starter quality. AW would be a good second option for them, but I am not sure the Facons have much we would want in a trade - apart from 2008 picks. I would be happy about Huntley on the Practice Squad. I am just not sure that Campbell or Shotwell have enough potential. Surely there must be better options available?
Isn’t it good for the European wing of the Nation to have the site to itself before our US freinds have had their breakfast.
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 am
Sorry, friends not freinds. Apologies for the spelling and grammar. Standards!
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:43 am
Scottish Raider… yeah pretty silent now, but they will be here soon =)
Okay, Baltimore then, but still, Falcons can only obtain Walter by trade. But, Kyle Boller, Steve McNair and Troy smith - what do they need Leftwich for?
Atlanta is in more need, and they can get him without offering anything else than a salary, whereas if they tried to obtain they would at least be offering us a 3rd rounder…
Furthermore if they going after Brohm next year they shouldn’t take Walter now
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 am
Tui made the Jets Roster! Good for him, wish him the best, but he really looks like a career backup now…
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:49 am
Shotwell was signed and placed on the practice squad.
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:55 am
B. Johnsen
that’s great news, now we need Huntley and Campbell back
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:59 am
Baltimore needs Leftwich because Boller is in the last year of a very expensive contract (Beware the dangers of over-paying 1st round QB picks!) and because Troy Smith is chroncally inaccurate. I can still see us in the QB market next draft -especially if DC, McCown and Wlater all leave, as is likely, before next April. Not for Brian Brohm, but someone like JaMarcus Russell’s old back-up, Matt Flynn. I won’t volunteer the name of JD Booty again, I just got too much abuse last time. Nate Longshore or Josh Johnson, anybody?
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:04 am
Scottish Raider
thanks for the update =)
JD Booty, hah, all those raider fans with USC ties, probably pad your back =)
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:06 am
Scottish Raider…
I haven’t given up on JAM just yet, I think by week 6-8 he’ll be signed, followed by a QB trade (JM, DC or AW) to Atlanta
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:31 am
La Milicia Negra: I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of Walter Thomas who went undrafted and then was cut by the Saints after just 15 minutes of training camp.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:02 am
Roberto!
Thank you so very much, I was avout to think it was Denvers 4th round pick Marcus Thomas, but then I realized that was way off base, I had some vague reckolection of Rams taking him after the draft.
But it was the Saints. Cut after 15 minutes, heh, you must be real bad, but still i liked our staff to see him out =)
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:03 am
La Milicia Negra: I stand corrected. I thought you were originally saying that PFT had named its source. I think we were saying the same thing, in the end, that this is just an unsubstantiated rumor that might have some truth in it but since we have no way of knowing one way or the other, we’d probably just be better off taking it not with a grain of salt but with a boulder.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:03 am
Correction…
about and recollection…
even =)
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:09 am
I don’t know if he was bad or not but the reason he got released so fast was because he couldn’t handle the level and couldn’t make it through conditioning drills. “Thomas, didn’t even make it through individual drills and had to be helped off the field . He was sent home and has been released by the Saints.”
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:13 am
Shrpqdd (dang thats hard to write)
Okay then, I think when the title is Rumor mill we all have to take it with a grain of salt. But Raider fans in general is way to easy to offend, if somebody has a different meaning that we do, then they bashed like piñata. I find that very estranging (if thats a thing) But then again it’s sport and a fan defends his team even if it’s idiotic, that’s the fans way. I know, but some of the comments concerning PFT the last day and a half hasn’t shown the intelligent side of the crowd.
But hey I still love the nation =)
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:28 am
La Milicia Negra: You’re right about people tending to be a little thin-skinned around here, but just for the record, I was never even close to pissed-off. Not at you, at least. I simply thought — incorrectly, as it happened — that you were claiming that PTF had named its source. If I was mad at anyone, it would be PTF. One of my pet-peeves is people starting rumors using ‘un-named sources’ or ‘team insiders’ (one of my favorites!) or, as in this case, ’someone with knowledge of the situation.’ Also: if you’re in search of analysis based on anything resembling a critical evaluation of the facts (and rumors, too, for that matter seeing as how you’re fonder of them than I am, LOL), I’m not so sure that football blogs are your best bet. It’s all good, though, as they say. If only people wouldn’t acknowledge the trolls.
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:46 am
shrmpqdd
hahaha, I know fan bloggs isn’t where the holy grail is found LOL =)
but in fact this site has usually good analytic statements from it’s users. Coach Sean, Terrapin, south texas raider comes in mind and many more…
But generally the last 1-1½ month the quality has really declined
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:50 am
i think everyone is a little edgy waiting for the season to start, when our play can speak for itself. reality is, that we are still the worst team in the league, until the 2007 season starts on thursday, and we can start fresh and let out play speak for itself.
F*#^ the rest, Raider Nation til i die
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:58 am
UNDENIABLE OFFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT! I don’t care what ZC says
Starters 2006 vs 2007 and +/-/~
HC: Shell -> Kiffin -> Gigantic, Enormous, ASTRONIMICAL +
WR1: Moss -> Porter -> Slight + (drop-off in raw talent but makes it all up with effort)
LT: Gallery -> Sims -> +
LG: McQ/Sims -> Gallery -> +
C: Grove -> Newberry/Grove -> +/~
RG: Boothe -> Carlisle -> ~
RT: Walker -> Green -> Big +
TE: Anderson -> Miller/Stew -> Big +
FB: Crockett -> Griffith -> Big +
QB: Brooks -> Culpepper -> Maybe Huge +
RB: Jordan -> Jordan -> ~
WR2: Whitted -> Curry -> Huge +
Get ready to win some games.
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:05 am
Ryan420Raider… absolutely true, this pre regseason jitters =)
Terrapin, true
Patriots released WR Reche Caldwell, what do you say I like our receivers, but Reche has shown some good things
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:08 am
Thin Skinned or tired of people thinking they get a free pass for arrogance or stupidity?
Some people don’t ever think before they speak ….orally or written.
It is pure entertainment for me at its finest calling people out for what they post, and seeing them get all postal about it. As if….how dare you question my superior intellect and opinion? Can’t all you people see I’m the smartest, most informed, and dedicated Raider Fan in the nation and the rest of you can fall in behind.
Well not to me they’re not.
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:08 am
PFT makes correction, very honorable….unlike the mainstream
Kman (in Oregon)
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
POSTED 12:47 p.m. EDT, September 3, 2007
MOSES WASN’T CUT BY MISTAKE
Despite from Internet rumors and reports that the Raiders accidentally released defensive end Quentin Moses, the team’s third-round pick in the 2007 draft, an industry source tells us that the cutting of the rookie was not the result of a mistake.
Moses received a $610,000 signing bonus when he signed with the Raiders, and will keep that money as he heads to the Cardinals, who claimed him on waivers. For the Cardinals, it made their decision to dump third-rounder Buster Davis (who also received a $610,000 signing bonus) a wash.
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:10 am
BTW
PFT today
POSTED 12:47 p.m. EDT, September 3, 2007
MOSES WASN’T CUT BY MISTAKE
Despite from Internet rumors and reports that the Raiders accidentally released defensive end Quentin Moses, the team’s third-round pick in the 2007 draft, an industry source tells us that the cutting of the rookie was not the result of a mistake.
Moses received a $610,000 signing bonus when he signed with the Raiders, and will keep that money as he heads to the Cardinals, who claimed him on waivers. For the Cardinals, it made their decision to dump third-rounder Buster Davis (who also received a $610,000 signing bonus) a wash.
___
People new to the site, this is how that rumormill works, He states something as a rumor, later he either credits the source or make a retraction, as he rightly did in this case…
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:11 am
K-man you beat me to it =) LOL
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:16 am
It’s cool, I’m just glad they made the correction.
Kman
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:26 am
La Milicia Negra - “But generally the last 1-1½ month the quality has really declined”
I fully agree, I personally believe the reason is people post Jerry’s articles on other sites which in turn attract the haters and the wannabes. O well, I’m used to filtering through the crap about the Raiders…lol
Kman
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:27 am
I think we are thin at RB or only Jordan has adapted to the new blocking scheme so far.
OC: Tom Walsh -> Greg Knapp, Unclear on his impact but with the offensive overhaul, which I am sure he had a hand in, I think he should do well.
OLC: Jackie Slater - > Tom Cable, second biggest addition to the team this year
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:28 am
Jedi,
I believe your spot on with your assumption that this team has the making of a dynasty. Our division is changing in our favor. KC is going downhill. I believe SD will be going downhill with Norv at the helm. And Denver made a huge mistake switching the defensive scheme. That will set them back. I’ve watched them in the pre and their main problem is they cannot pressure the qb.
But we still need very important pieces to fall into place. We need MB to be healthy in a hurry IMO. We would then have a star back with a small paycheck (minimal cap implications). And a lot will depend on the development of our qbs (whether we decide to stick with Pep, go with JR or AW)
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:37 am
I Dress In Black… TWO really important hires
But we’re not that bad on RB, IMO
Terrapin… Denver switching defensive system - BIG MISTAKE - yup it is like when Ryan tried the 3-4 scheme in Oakland, he became wiser really fast =)
K-man, good to hear its not just me
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:40 am
My nomination for the most incomprehensible post of the day (week? month? ever?): “Thin Skinned or tired of people thinking they get a free pass for arrogance or stupidity?
Some people don’t ever think before they speak ….orally or written.
It is pure entertainment for me at its finest calling people out for what they post, and seeing them get all postal about it. As if….how dare you question my superior intellect and opinion? Can’t all you people see I’m the smartest, most informed, and dedicated Raider Fan in the nation and the rest of you can fall in behind.
Well not to me they’re not.”
Huh?
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:53 am
i cant wait to see bush at rb in mid season - i think we had a good draft so far:
rb/fb/te/de/wr-pr w qb hopefully on the way - what more can you expect?? no one keeps 11 draftees - remember we drafted 4 extra players in seven rounds- so the moses thing isnt so bad- he wasnt showing up against the run or on special teams - potential isnt everything- and we already stole plenty of “potential” this year w/ a potential pro-bowler from detroit at wr and dt from denver and qb from miami - so overall the talent flow was definitely to the raiders not away from the raiders
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:57 am
I think Norv gets a bad rap as a coach. I believe San Diego will do very well this year mainly because Norv is not rebuilding a team. When he coached the Washington football franchise nd the Raiders, he took over teams that were rebuilding from past success. And he was doing so with meddling owners (except Snyder is a meddler who doesn’t know football). When Norv frist came to Oakland, he had a bunch of aging players who were breaking down and players with bad attitudes. I think his coaching would have been more successful if Gannon hadn’t gotten hurt. He didn’t have a solid qb or running game. Moss got hurt the next year. Collins was clueless. Curry was hurt. And the defense was still trying to find itself. Once Al overruled his late season coaching moves, he lost the team. In DC, Snyder was a fan with money who treated the football team as if it was fantasy football. Again, his authority was undermined by the owner and he lost the team (the season before he was fired, his offense was dynamic with Brad Johnson, Stephen Davis, Michael Westbrook, and Albert Connell). I think the Chargers are gonna kick ass.
KC is looking a little clueless. The Broncos will be the Broncos - just good enough to lose in the playoffs.
I like the attitude of this Raiders team. I think Kiffin should start Culpepper and let him plya himself up to speed. By the end of the year, our offense just might become explosive if the line continues to improve (with Newberry at center), Lamont decides he’s playing for a job, Janikowski becomes consistent (speaking of scholarship players - he killed us at the beginnign of the season two years ago), and the defense becomes better run stoppers.
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:03 am
la milicia negra: these posts make so much more sense now that i’m not confusing a LA hispanic female with a northern european male!!!
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:03 am
MOSES WASN’T CUT BY MISTAKE
Despite from Internet rumors and reports that the Raiders accidentally released defensive end Quentin Moses, the team’s third-round pick in the 2007 draft, an industry source tells us that the cutting of the rookie was not the result of a mistake.
Moses received a $610,000 signing bonus when he signed with the Raiders, and will keep that money as he heads to the Cardinals, who claimed him on waivers. For the Cardinals, it made their decision to dump third-rounder Buster Davis (who also received a $610,000 signing bonus) a wash.
FROM PFT. COM
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:07 am
I guess I also will do the honorable thing and apologize to PFT.COM for getting on their butts yesterday. At least they are getting it straight. I guess I need to chill out!!!
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:13 am
Hey guys (and gals), take this for what it is worth, but I spoke to a buddy of mine from Sacramento who lives near the family of the agent representing Andrew Walter. He said he heard that the Andrew Walter trade to Atlanta is simply waiting for the signing of Jamarcus to take place, and he believes that that will be this week. Now, after all the crap I spoke yesterday about rumors, I want to simply say that my friend is not a nut and I do know that there is an agent by the name of Sperbeck (brother to head coach at SAC State) that has several NFl players he represents. I will try to get more info if I can and pass it along.
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:26 am
HolyToledo is what I’ll say if we DO sign J. Russ this week! Hurry up and sign because the more this prolongs, the more smack everyone will keep talking! Enough is enough!!
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:42 am
Holy Toledo, Jeff Sperbeck is AW’s agent. Sperbeck works for Octagon Football, one of the biggest and most powerful agencies: http://www.octagonfootball.com/ssp/home The AW Atlanta rumour is so credible that it will now be a surprise if it doesn’t happen. The only questions are when, and that depends on Russell, and what is the deal. I suspect a 4th round pick in 2008. Octagon know the Raiders well - they represent Newberry and Porter.
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:53 am
Well, like I said, I could totally be wrong, but the pieces do fit and the Sperbecks are a Sacramento family and I just don’t think my buddy would say this to me without some info. He lives near one of the family members and is a big Raider fan and often gets little bits of info. Thanks to Scottish Raider for finding out about “Octagon”. This leads to some credibility.
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:57 am
Thank you both HolyToledo and Scottish Raider. Sorry to write this, but it’s not often we receive credible news from the majority of the posters here.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Well drolle, I certainly don’t want to be considered “credible” but the peices do fit and now we hope the Russell signing is indeed this week. I read one blog that implied Tom Flores thought the deal was close to completion also. Thanks for the compliment, though.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
drray…
hahhah yeah that one caught me by surprise, but what the heck, I can take it =)
Scottish Raider…
Andrew Walter was taken 69 overall, pick 5 in round 3, so if we trade him we should at least get a 3rd round pick, Atlanta is in more need than us so i think we have the leverage…
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:04 pm
hahaha 3 times the PFT retraction got posted today…
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Hey Larry….let me break it down for you, you simpleton.
If you think you can say anything you want on this blog and have it taken for gospel, because you believed it when mommie told you “you were special” then you’ve made a mistake.
I find it entertaining to enlighten people of their stupidity. Like yours…. not understanding english.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:07 pm
get Buster Davis. we need depth at linebacker..the only cuts i dont agree with is chris johnson not getting cut (unless kiff has some master plan 2 show off his best skills when it really counts) and kevin huntley. now that Ekijuba is injured, Clemons will be needed as a linebacker so theres gona be an empty D-line position where huntley could’ve filled in perfectly
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:07 pm
La Milicia Negra, it got posted three times because I guess we want to be responsible for going off on that site yesterday. Just trying to make it right on my part. Not that PFT needs me to aplogize for all the stuff I said, but I do like that site and I was pissed at them.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:09 pm
lst off, welcome all you Euro raider fans. Good for you all. 2nd, the one thing no one is really saying about the Moses thing is Tommie Kelley has played really well. They’ve bounced him around a bunch between tackle and end, and now they have him at end, which will be good for him. The Raiders have done well with 5th round linemen, (see Rod Coleman, LaRoi Gover) these are excellent players the Raiders grabbed in the fifth round. What you are seeing the Raiders do is something i’ve wanted for years. Cut low round physical specimens for hihg motor guys who love to play the game. Randy moss was a lst rounder who dogged it. gone. Guys like, Sapp, Brayton, morrison, Madsen, Curry, these guys want to play. Great move. The guy I like, you guys don’t is Josh McCown. This guy is just a winner. And If you don’t think so, go to the tape of the exhibition against the whiners and see him drive the team. Even the announcer says you are not going to go 80 yds in three plays with 40 seconds and no time outs. Then he hits Whitted in the grill with the ball 7 yds deep in the end zone only to have him drop it.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Something no one has brought up in a potential trade of AW to ATL. is that the Raiders should get a player not a draft pick. Tom Cable and Knapp both know the personel of that team. Why not pick up a player that can play the O-Line for Cable ( this way he already knows the system). Or someone else they think is comparable to a backup quarterback with a great upside of potential…………
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:18 pm
I did not mean we get a backup quarterback, a player that is comparable to the value of one.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Jerious Norwood would be MONEY$$
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:25 pm
OakGlenn, you are very right about Kelly. He has played well and really progressed. Warren is in partly because they wanted to free Kelly to move to R-DE. Kelly is quick enough to carry some pass-rush threat but he is also very solid against the run. I think that Ryan is going to have some fun with Burgess, Warren/Sands, Sapp and Kelly. I don’t dismiss McCown. You are right again to point out his abilities. The question is whether he can deliver in the heat of regular season battle? We know that Culpepper thrives on the big stage. McCown hasn’t had much opportunity but does he have the leadership skills, the cold-blood and the bottle to lead an offense? I think both he and DC will see action on Sunday, but I wouldn’t be surpised if Kiff sticks to his original game-plan and asks McCown to lead us out against Detroit. The play against the 49ers will be remembered as Whitted’s Last Drop.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:28 pm
HolyToledo - It’s a good thought, I am not that familiar with the personal, who is comparable to AW? I don’t see ATL giving up a lineman when they just picked up a statue in the pocket QB.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:30 pm
pdk, Norwood would certainly add deapt to our running game (so long Fargas) but that might be a stretch.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:31 pm
“But show me a team with this much passion from their fans. ”
What difference does it make if the fans are retarded? It’s one thing to get out and root for your team but to stand by an owner who’s philosophies have kept the team from the 3 win mark?
If Kiffin loses, nothing will change. If Kiffin wins, his market value will go up, and other teams will be willing to pay him a top tier coaches salary, and give him control of the roster, something Al will NEVER do. So, it will be Gruden-gate all over again. Again, that’s IF Kiffin takes control from Al’s crippled old hands and makes it a winner, again. It’s hard to believe he will.
I doubt Russell was his pick, and I can’t picture either him or Rob Ryan having anything to do with Moses being cut, when both had given him nothing but praise all pre season. So, it already doesn’t look good. I imagine Kiffin’s discipline and expertise will get us a 10 win season, but no doubt he’ll be gone soon after he finally gets things on track.
Truth is, most Raider fans are not these goofballs that walk around worshipping Al Davis, especially Raider fans from the bay area. I don’t know what’s in the water up here, but we’re just smarter. We know Al Davis and know how things work. Raider fans from L.A. are what turned this into a pro wrestling type of thing, the goofy costumes, etc. You didn’t see those blue collar Raider fans in the ’70s dressed like that. Case and point.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Holy Toledo, a player exchange would be better than a pick. The problem is that Atlanta are weakest in our positions of greatest need - namely Tackle, Linebacker and Corner. Would thay give up Gandy or Ojinnaka? Are Boley and Wilkins better than our LBs? Our Irons and Houston better than Starks and Bowie? I just don’t see them releasing anybody decent. So, lets take the pick. Milicia is right about AW’s draft position, but next years QB draft is the best for a decade and that reduces the value of all current QBs. A 4th rounder for AW would be good business.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Atl is not going to part w/ norwood, and honestly their offensive line was not all that good last year. Not that Cable didn’t coach well, it’s that Dan Reeves built that offensive line with 6,7,8 round draft pix. Draft choices would be sweet. McCowns story is kind of interesting in that he was 10-12 as a starter on a BAD Cardinal team. He won like 4 straight games for them and Denny Green benched him. The last game of the season, against Culpepper and Vikings if they win they’re in the playoffs, they put McCown back in and he is winning the whole game, Culpepper drives his team back and takes the lead with one minute to go, and on the last play of the game, McCown hits a receiver in stride to win it and knock the Vikes out. Then the Cards ditch him. he is not strong armed, but he’s mobile and knows how to win. Even w/ Jamarcus I hope we can find a spot for McCown to keep him.
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Scottish, I get your point, and I just hope that 4th (or whatever) pans out. After this year, we can’t be so sure. I see what you’re saying, but a player with a few years under their belt we at least know what to expect and has a safer chance of not being a bust. Know what I mean??
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Wasn’t Irv Eatman the primary line coach last year and Slater was his assistant?
September 3rd, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Say Ghost of the Tooz, I repsectfully disagree w/ your assesment of the Gruden thing. Davis did not want Gruden to go, it’s just Gruden was from Tampa, the Tampa job came up, and Davis to his credit said, we will never stand in anyones way, if they want to go home. Which was noble. he got $4mm in cash and two number ones for Gruden. And gruden has been fading ever since. Davis does not believe in paying BIG $$ for coaches, which i believe is a mistake. Maybe that will change now.
September 3rd, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Who’s the Retard…..ghost of the Tooz chooses to believe the Media clowns when it comes to Gruden leaving.
Gruden took Bruce Allen with him to Tampa Bay….and in 5 years other than inheriting the Superbowl team from Dungy. What has he done? In the 4 years since the Superbowl he and Allen haven’t built squat. the missing link is Al Davis.
In the years he was here…Gruden, Allen and “AL DAVIS” built a superbowl team.
September 3rd, 2007 at 1:51 pm
How come nobody wants me?? Wah, wah, wah…
September 3rd, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Ha I like to see the Nation coming together…Raiders Fanatics….It seems U are having a hard time getting over Moses….remember your title, or U could get some red gear and follow him with AZ….I love the players and coaches when they wear Silver & Black, very few of them do I still love when they leave. Snake 12..EXACTLY…I was at SeaWorld for two straight days a month ago and there was one Chargeless fan with a Castillo jersey both days PERIOD. Day 1 I sported Sapp, day two Porter…there were a few fans sprinkled thru but none of them will even make eye contact. I saw a few looking at me funny but they weren’t even wearing any gear.
I have worn my gear proudly for many years and always make it a point after a big loss to represent! Nobody laughs at me either and I’m 5′10″ 195 not intimidating as far as tattoos facial hair or even being totally ripped.
I know those Chargeless fans have nightmares about us invading Q year in, year out, but c’mon this bump in the road will only make us appreciate the return to greatness.
Big F…U should check yourself with those Al falling down stairs on his walker. Everytime Al Davis takes a SH!T he has accomplished more than you will accomplish in your whole life. Dude he is HOF, how many of these people who he has supposedly sucked knowledge from in the HOF? He has presented every Raider inducted and John Madden.
Al Davis is the MUTHA FU$KIN Raiders and U better hope whoever follows him has the dedication and passion for the team that he has. Oh, guess what? That’s FCKING impossible! No owner in pro football history has ever loved or dedicated more time to their franchise. I not only hope for Lombardi 4 soon for my own selfish reasons but also to see that man hold that trophy! Raiders 27 Detroit 10…….
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:04 pm
It would be interesting if Kiffin had an 8-8 year and decided to leave because of Al and happened to have an opening with Tampa Bay after they released Gruden. Then the Bucs would start their new regime with another Raider coach and Kiffin would pair up with his dad Monte Kiffin as well. Gruden would be available. Maybe he comes back to the Raiders? Hah. Wouldn’t that be a soap opera?
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:29 pm
What with the stuff regarding the cuts. It’s over, let’s win some games! The cuts are just players who cannot contribute to winning NOW. Raiders could resign the players in the future as FA. Getting an 8-8 season is a coup for a ROOKIE coach.
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I really hope we’d don’t have another soap opera. I bet if Gruden gets can he probaly wanna come back and coach the Raiders. Just my 2 cents worth.
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Not happenin’, for all the SH!T Al took for letting Gruden go, he saw enought of Gruden to know he was not a genius, just a hard worker. Hopefully Kiffin is that genius, the one who can handle personnel, X’s and O’s, and game days.
The Raiders’ and Gruden both suffered from him leaving, Bucs haven’t done jack since the Super and is on the hot seat, but nobody gives Callahan his credit for opening the offense up during the year and passing like he did, although he did blow it in the Super Bowl. The Raiders should have ran on every play in the first quarter, but the Barrett Robbins debacle probably affected the running gameplan the most.
Water under the bridge…Gruden will not get another HC job if he gets run by the Bucs…he wil have to do time as an OC before he gets another shot…ala Norval….
Happy to have Kiffin, lets enjoy the ride, and hope he is worthy of being locked up by BigAl long term….Go Raiders
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Holy Toledo… About the 3 PFT posts, I know I was one of them =)
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I bet Kiffen is gonna have that USC Trojan mentality of just putting the right players in the winning the football game. If a player get cream in a game or non-productive he’s gonna get replace in the second half. That’s probaly how it’s gonna work.. no favortism, just win.
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Moses is a 3rd rounder fellas, it’s not like he’s a 1st round pick being cut, OK he rides the pine with the Cards, along with Frampton and Booth with their teams. Big deal they got pick up thru waivers. It’s not like they are proven pro bowlers. LOL
September 3rd, 2007 at 3:00 pm
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September 3rd, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Chad E, I just couldn’t have stated it better myself (regarding Al Davis the Godfather) and Al Davis is the RAIDERS… All of you that feel talking sh*t about Al Davis makes you feel better should just go F*ck Off, because the NATION has just cut your A$$!!! Just Win Baby!!
September 3rd, 2007 at 3:24 pm
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September 3rd, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Im with ya Chad…Al Davis does what he believes is the right thing to do in order to win the Lomabardi year in and year out. Sure he makes mistakes but its never because he doesnt give a crap. You haters know his time is running out, i know his time is running out and Al knows his time is running out… Ill bet if he ever gets to hold that trophy again he dies within a week after. That is all that man lives for. Raider Success. If you dont like Al, then root for another team. Because i fear what might happen to the raiders after he is gone. we might get stuck with a loser like Dan Snyder or the jackass from Az. You people should consider yourself warned.
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Hey Guys,
I have read a couple places that Shotwell got placed on the PS. However, Raiders site just has 7 players on it, and not Shotwell. Anyone got a for sure source?
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:29 pm
every day i wonder if kiffin is regretting letting go of moses… and if we do big time, the raider nation will be very upset because we liked him… he better have made a good decision… and letting go of darius… al davis liked him… like ive said before, he better know something we dont and be alot smarter… or he doesnt know crap and this team that isnt going anywhere will actually go downhill… we should just ask don nelson to bring the warriors team and fit them in the system and he can coach the team with the better raiders and warriors mixed… that would be some good television and media, and probably a better team… and no, im not hating, its just that bball athletes are more athletic and bigger, aite im just bored so ill stop talking
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Al Davis had inherited a 1-13 loser in oakland in 1963 and immediatly converted the raiders into a 10-4 winner. —– The greatest turnaround in pro football history.Three years later he was named commissioner of the American Football league by attempting to sign away the NFL’s premier quaterbacks. In my opinion AL DAVIS is the most talented, and easily the most diversified, football owner in professional sports.He has been a scout,assistant coach,head coach,general manager and commissioner.No other owner has that kind of resume.
TRUST JESUS
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:43 pm
every day drew? Its only been 2 days for cryin out loud. give kiffin a chance. I mean if you cant tell that the team has vastly impoved over last year already then you need to start watching table tennis..this team has not looked this organized in years. Players actually know where to line up and where to go this year. Have you already forgotten last years disaster?
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:43 pm
AMEN EJ.
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Hey…the more I’m here, the more I think the PFT actually post their BS rumors just to get people to talk about them and to visit their website. Lets just ignore their posts…since their never correct in the first place. Go Raiders! Go USC! Go Kiffin!
September 3rd, 2007 at 6:53 pm
I am stuck out here in Kentucky….Dont have Direct Tv…any way I was wondering if the game will be played on RAIDERS. COM or somewhere else…goin back to the old old school with just a radio to hear my game….how sad…..Excited about the Raiders….look foward to the DEFENSE smashing people again, and for our OFFENSE to have a pulse…I think they have the potential for suprise greatness this year….
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Papa..somewhere on one of these blogs someone was talking about a website you can watch the games on..Someone here can help you. They were talking about it jsut a few days ago.
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Hey PAPA,
My brother in Lancaster, California watched all of the preseason games on the internet. Raiders.com will not have them. I will try and find out where he got the link. Do a Google search for “Raiders vs Lions 9/9 streaming video” or something like that. I will find out where he got the link and post it in here tomorrow.
September 3rd, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Ok here is one I found….
http://www.sportstalkworld.com/showthread.php?t=6931
Check them out, free site but you need to register. If the link my brother used is diff I will post tomorrow. RAAIIDDEERRSS, RAAIIDDEERRSS, RAAIIDDEERRSS….
September 4th, 2007 at 11:01 am
RHH, u r right… thanks for helping me to calm down lol… im just worried that moses will be great and the raiders will be laughed at for letting him go, but i guess whatever kiffin does is an upgrade from art shell