Special teams under microscope
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, September 10th, 2007 at 4:51 pm in Oakland Raiders.
It wasn’t Josh McCown or the Raiders defense that was drawing the most in-house heat Monday as the Raiders sorted through a 31-26 loss to the Lions while continuing to move toward a multi-million dollar union with top draft pick JaMarcus Russell.
It was the Raiders shoddy special teams play that most surprised coach Lane Kiffin, who spoke with the media at the first of his weekly day-after press briefings.
“More than either side of the ball, offense or defense, we were most disappointed in the way that our special teams played,” Kiffin said. “We’re going to have to figure out a way to fix it, whether that’s moving people in different spots or using different people. It was not major breakdowns. It was really not the effort we’re looking for and not the effort that we saw on offense and defense didn’t translate over for whatever reason. We’ve gotta figure that out and I’ve got to get that corrected.”
The three missed field goal attempts by Sebastian Janikowski, including one that was blocked, were only the most conspicuous problems.
Detroit’s dominance on special teams was total. Going into the game, the Raiders detailed 12 goals the hoped to meet, starting with, “Win the game.”
The rest of the goals were specific areas of special teams play which included punt and place kick protection, net punting against the opponent, scoring a touchdown or setting up a scoring, getting a short-field drive, preventing a short-field drive and eliminating the big play.
They accomplished exactly one goal. They didn’t have a punt blocked. The other 11 were all failures, including the one that said, “100 percent fast, fierce and finish” and the evaluation said, “Not even close.”
Chris Carr, one of the most candid and straight-forward players on the roster, didn’t mince words.
“Some of the guys, I think we didn’t go out there and show the same type of effort and toughness that they showed,” Carr said.
Carr said the Lions’ desire was evident early on and that it didn’t change throughout the game.
“A lot of times they were just coming down and hitting us in the face on kickoff,” Carr said. “They were ready. I can tell, when I was getting hit, when they were on the pile, you could feel their intensity, they were up their screaming, talking crap, into it, you know? That’s how you have to be. I was just disappointed.”
This wasn’t supposed to happen. Returning Raiders were joyous at the departure of former special teams coach Ted Daisher and to a man seemed to take to Brian Schneider. Carr described Scheinder as disappointed and angry, and theorizied the Raiders just might have been so comfortable and happy with the new coach they came in a little overconfident.
“Special teams requires the least amount of mental thought out there,” Carr said. “So when you’re not thinking, you’re just playing, it’s just all effort, and playing, and skill. If you’re out there, and a team is more physical than you, and running harder than you are, then there’s a problem.”
On a 34-yard kickoff return by Brian Calhoun, which helped set up a Jason Hanson field goal, Calhoun initially didn’t want to pick up the ball and Carr said the Raiders could have had him pinned inside the 20.
“Instead, they get two first downs and get a field goal,” Carr said. “That’s huge.”
Said Kiffin: “In general we had great effort on special teams in the preseason. All of a sudden yesterday it wasn’t there.”
In terms of effort level, Kiffin said he wasn’t talking about Janikowski but noted of the missed attempts, “He figures into it in that he missed three field goals. That’s disappointing. Were they the easiest situations we put him in? No, they weren’t. but we still expect our field goal team to make those. That part was disappointing.”
News, notes and observations:
– C Jeremy Newberry said he pulled a hamstring on the third play of the game and should have come out of the game immediately. He stayed in for the fourth play, didn’t realize the Raiders were in a shotgun formation because he was concentrating on making it to the line, and left the ball on the ground. McCown recovered and the Raiders had to punt on the next play.
Newberry said he expected to be better in “a couple of weeks,” meaning Jake Grove will start against Denver.
Kiffin said no medical information will be released until Wednesday.
– There were indications Rob Ryan let the defense have it Monday during their review of Jon Kitna’s stafing of the Raiders’ pass defense. Let’s just say Ryan’s voice has some carry to it.
– Kiffin reaffirmed McCown’s status as a starter and said in terms of decision-making, he ran the offense as if the coaches had a joystick in terms of where he was putting the ball against the Tampa 2 zone defense.
“We didn’t have a wrong formation all day, we didn’t have a missed audible all day,” Kiffin said. “He moved us really well at times. I believe that in the first half there’s a nine-play series followed by an 11-play series followed by a nine-play series that no points came out of. That might be some sort of record. Something’s happening here or there, whether it’s a false start or a missed asignment. He was movingit for us and we weren’t finishing our drives.”
– The Lions helped slow Oakland’s pass rush, Kiffiin said, by making sure end Derrick Burgess was double-teamed on every play. Running backs stayed in to chip Burgess and slow his charge.
This, of course, should come as no big surprise. Teams will be doing that to Burgess all year.
– Justin Griffith’s 7-yard touchdown reception gave the Raiders something they didn’t have all of last season _ a TD pass to a running back.
– Kiffin’s take on the Russell negotiations: “It just continues to sound like they are getting closer and closer. It could be today. You just never know. I know that the sides are as close as they’ve ever been. I wouldn’t say I expect (a deal this week) but I definitely wouldn’t be surprised.”
In Raiderspeak, that means Russell may have agreed or put pen to paper.
– Since Randy Moss left at halftime of the Bengals’ game last Dec. 10 and Curry became a fulltime receiver, he has 43 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns in 18 quarters.
Kiffin said Curry’s production (10 receptions, 133 yard, 1 TD) against Detroit was mostly a factor of McCown finding the holes in the Lions defense. He said this week it could be Jerry Porter or a different receiver.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
September 10th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
In Raiderspeak, that means Russell may have agreed or put pen to paper.
If so, doesn’t that mean we have to cut or trade a player to be under the 53-man limit? Or do we get a 2-week grace period?
September 10th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
this is a team that continues to frustrate.
i see where KC cut justin medlock, right after repeating that his job was secure
medlock did not produce, he’s out. one game. no ‘waiting for improvement’. OUT.
and yet, jano continues to get a pass. understand the whole kicking from the dirt thing, but the other team has to play on the same field too…
the only two numbers that stick…1st round draft choice, $1.3 million a year…
September 10th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
man is kiffen in love with mccown or what?
September 10th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Jano need to get cut, but I agree we are headed in the right direction. Josh McCown can be a good QB for this team. And lets be honest it does not really matter who the QB is this year the future is JaMarcus Russell, and he will be starting next year in my opinion. Glad to hear special teams is getting chewed out, football is a game of inches and we lost the field position battle all day. Also glade Rob Ryan is yelling at the defense, I think they will be just as good as last year if not better, I really think the Lions offense will give people fits this year.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
thats the good thing, our D now has something to prove, they came in with a chip on their shoulder, that chip got knocked off this weekend but a borderline elite offense. watch them be all over cutler next week. something to prove.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I bet Rob Ryan broke the record for most profanity in one session….of course the record wqas already his.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Im sure if Kiffin cuts Jano we can get another kicker and get the same production at a lesser co$t…
Jano must go
Enough is enough
He continues to disappoint
He is a ordinary kicker that doesn’t deliver, but has a problem with pressure situations, when the team needs the 3 points…
He misses, then team morale goes down…
Star there Kiffin, cut that guy now…
September 10th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
What will we do with Culpepper when Jamarcus signs is the ?
Culpepper is getting paid more than McCown for wearing a headset.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Trade to Falcons. I bet we could get A extra db from them, or sign Tory James.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
either Walters or Culpepper will be traded when Jamarcus signs.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Kiffin should be prasing Curry…..it was McCown finding the holes?!?! I’m no coach but DAMN give the man some credit! its Curry who got the seperation, Curry that made all the cathces. I agree it another receiver could have a better day next week but I applaud Curry!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
With Burgess double teamed, my hero, Sapp, should be getting the pressure on. This is not an unfair, biased, slant or my personal dislike of Sapp. It is a fact. This Defense gave up 36 points and that isn’t special teams fault. Sebastiajn Janikowski is a bum, make no mistake, but we lost by 16 points and his missed FG totals were 9. Nobody can give up 36 points and say it wasn’t the defense’s fault.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
i agree, mccown left curry out to dry, and curry got WHACKED. curry is a warrior.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
True Just Win Baby…. However by missing those field goals Janikowski put the defense in aweful field position giving the Lions the ball at close to the 50 yard line 3 times in the game. The field position loss was his fault. If he makes 2/3 of those kicks who know what might of happened.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Mc Cown has the job right now because he knows more of the Raider playbook,been there longer.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
our yards in the game were equal to the lions most of the game. because they had short fields all day long, due to missed fg’s and int’s. we had long drives that didnt produce drives because we had missed fg’s and ints.
our d could have played better, but that was an up and coming offense, and our o and special teams didnt help.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I heard over the weekend that a College caoch wanted this on his tombstone:
“Scored 61 points in a game….and lost”
September 10th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Guys McCown had a passer rating of 93.0 and threw for 300 plus yards, I to wanted Culpepper to start, but McCown can be A very good QB for us until JR is ready to take over.
When was the last time a Raider QB had a passer rating of 93.0 and thre for 300 yards?
September 10th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
I think that Kiffin should bring in a couple of kickers this week for tryouts even if he isn’t planning on cutting Sea Bass. This would at least continue to make his point about competition and no scholarships. The game proved that the Raiders are still a long ways away talent wise from being a winner but it also proved that at least this year the team will compete. Also the coaching staff has a legitimate game plan that can work. Even though I would prefer Culpepper you have to be impressed with what Kanpp and Kiffin were able to get out the offense. As a fan I’m just hoping for improvement this season, I’m not expecting a miracle. Be competitive every week, squeeze out a few wins and lay the foundation for a winning future. Though disappointted in the loss at least we saw some progress.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
The way the Lions receivers ran through the secondary, the Raiders should get Tory James to Oak-Town STAT! Tory James should never have been let go in the first place for that poseur Buchanon. I’m sure he’s got plenty left to be the nickel or dime back for the S&B.
With Starks out until who knows when, the Raiders need a depth in the secondary. Four WR sets are going to give this team nightmares until the Raiders can prove they can cover with the nickel and dime backs. Tory, the Raider Nation needs you now!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Speaking of getting whacked…..I was sitting on the Lions side so I couldnt see the hit that Kitna took to the back….I swear he wasnt getting up. How’d it look on TV? I’m sure he felt it this morning when he woke up.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
i’m ‘ok’ with jano getting the axe, but really…he missed one field goal. one was a 56-57 yarder (most kickers will not make) and one was blocked. he had at least 2 touchbacks and a nice squib kick that we didn’t capitalize on.
special teams were bad, we should have pinned them inside the 20 on the squib kick.
kiffin likes mccown, well i guess we’ll have to roll with that as fans. i’d rather have culpepper, he’s capable of causing more problems for a defense, i see defenses stacking the line until mccown can beat them deep. if not deep, at least 15-20 yard throws down field.
i think the defense should probably yell right back at ryan, i didn’t think he put them in a position to succeed. it was obvious the front four (sometimes three because a d-lineman occassionaly dropped into coverage) wasn’t putting enough pressure on kitna and blitzes should have been called to correct that. you can blitz with four and five receiver sets and we should have to mix it up. kitna had way to much time.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
We need a CENTER! With Newberry hurt we are screwed …
September 10th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
When we get Rhodes back and possibly Bush from the pup list I think you will see some more weapons and spice to the offense that looks alot better than last year.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
One3, Hiram Eugene absolutely BLEW UP Kitna on that play! Unfortunately, Eugene also missed a tackle on a key 3rd down play late in the game that extended a Lions’ scoring drive.
Big hits are nice, but not missing tackles on 3rd down plays is even nicer. He’s a young kid, so hopefully he’ll learn quickly to wrap up on tackles and not always look for the big hit.
Kitna is probably one sore dude today. Unless he wants to get “Trent Green-ed,” he better learn to get down quicker or he’ll be going out of the game on a stretcher.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
curry is a warrior and should get a ton of credit for getting himself open last game and last year, really his entire time as a raider receiver.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Jano has been known for missing kicks, not just 50 plus yard kicks either.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I had hope for the team, but I can see another hugh loss next sunday. Kiffen should know why mccown was never a good starting QB. This is the NFL you need your best players starting the season, on you will never recover. Kiffen is showing why he was not the head coach in college. They want to win!!!!!!!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
McCown 93.0 passer rating and 300 plus yards passing. Come on Guy’s he gave us a chance to win the game.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Games over. D line played poorly, safeties played poorly, special teams played poorly, offense considering new coach, new qb, new scheme, new offensive line scheme, did not play that badly. time to move on to the buncos
September 10th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
McCown can play defense, offense, and special team and kick field goals…. Although he probably could do better than Janokowski. He did his part in the Game and did pretty good. Did he make mistakes? yes. But he lead the offense that should have 9 more points to show for. I think this loss was alot more about the team and alot less about Josh McCown.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
McCown CAN”T
September 10th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
This Game in Denver could be 1)reinassance or 2)back to 2006… IM IN!
September 10th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
The one positive special teams note are the deep kickoffs Janikowski produced, save for 1 or 2. We just need a guy who can make field goals.
McCown “produced” against an, by NFL standards, inferior secondary (arguably the worst in the league). I thought they played to WIN the game, not NOT to lose. So Kiff is pleased with the way McCown managed the game. I HATE hearing that. I was at the game and McCown looked at least a half-second too slow on his reads and just as bad on his delivery. The deep pass to Curry was horrible. He did have two turnovers and I’m surprised that Kiff seems OK with that. I guess we have to go 0-6 before he decides to give Pep a shot. McCowns stats look good on paper, but the only stat that counts, that elusive W, escaped us again.
I guess I would understand staying with McCown if he were a rookie. But he’s not. Looks like McCown is Kiff’s “scholarship” player while SeaBass continues being Al’s pet.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Watch the game over on TiVo.
1. McCown was not great! He had good numbers, however there were some errors on his part. There awere guys open and threw the ball late that cause the receivers to either make a good catch or allow the defenders to get there to make a play. He was fired up in the second half, however the hole was too big. The scored 3 times in 8 mins. On there 4th drive, he fell apart. Made some dam mistakes. Couldn’t keep up with the Loins offense.
2. Defense…Didn’t ajust. Loins were running crossing paterns all day which they couldn’t keep up with. Every pass, the receivers were wide open for easy catches. Don’t know what happened…Defence from last year and preseason?????
3. Jano….O.M.G. maybe he needs an extra week off like the last preseaon game. Dude, your a vet…kick like one!!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
We all want Culpepper as the QB. But McCown did play A good enough game to win. But all this won’t matter when Jamarcus Russell signs, cause they are both 1 year stop gaps.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Curry proved he’s the number 1 guy during this game. Forget the “next week it could be someone else” BS. Find your playmakers, use them and attack!!!!! I’m starting to sour on Kiff… Get your best players out there and start smacking people in the mouth.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Ahem. Yo. It was the Lions that we played.
Their road record the past 6 years is like 6 and 42 or very close to that - go look it up. Under Matt Millen they have been consistently one of the worst teams in the NFL. Again, go look it up.
Special Teams, O-line (again - ONLY 3 sacks), Defense, Jano - its all together now.
Coach better learn too. Jano stinks - and when he misses from 47 out - the other team has slightly BETTER than average field position. Might want to consider letting Shane try and pin them deep and let our ’superior’ D hold em. Once he misses - hes good for at least one more miss in the game - go look it up.
AND That was the easy game people.
The Genius is lickin his chops…
September 10th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
What the Lions did in the past does not matter, there offense will give people fit’s this year.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Dude - they suck and so do we.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
The raiders need mike vanderjet (bad speller) hes not on a team, and hes a great kicker
September 10th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
dude you should know that it’s a new year. look at what the saints did in one year.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
we need to steel Jason Elam from the Broncos. Janokowski has proven over and over that he sucks in pressure situations.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
one thing no one mentioned is shaun rogers who only played a third of last season just manhandled us. McCown is a better fit for what Kiffin wants to do offensively, at least right now. Can’t wait to see what J-marc can do tho
September 10th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Shaun Rogers is a beast. If Newberry was in the game that would have been one hell of a mtach.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
McGown led the offense to more points than last years final three games
September 10th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Amen!
September 10th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
So we’ll see - I hope I’m proved completely wrong. But I doubt it.
Again, I’d love to see us do well - but if you’ve played on a lot of teams - well, winning and losing are contagious - Randy Moss felt it. And hes part of winning now.
I fear Losing has become a tangible thing in Oakland.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
not to mention Janokowski leaving 9 point on the field. I will give him the 57 yarder. but not the others.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Raiders 2ndary really struggle with zone coverages. this goes back to last year.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
where was huff, all day? he and stu are weak. huff “you’re not hitting the cutoff man” maybe you need to get your head in the play book. stu, you’re just not big/fast/strong enough to match up. thanks though.
jm could work out, one year, remember.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Nick: remember what Gruden first year was like.
First game: 28-8 loss vs. Chiefes
8-8 finish.
can’t turn A 4-12 team into superbowl contenders overnight.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
I completely remember Gruden - I’m on the East coast and saw him w/ the Eagles. Loved that hire. The thing is - the team fought under him - not this time.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
the team came back from 17-0 thats not fighting>?
September 10th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Raiders and JaRock agree on principle.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
September 10th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
sweet, when he signs i think it will take some pressure off of the team. from top to bot.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Well, not to beat a dead horse - so lets hope we can beat the donkeys!
I’m still IN!
September 10th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Nnamdi did a good job against Roy Williams, Fab said Calvin Johnson wasn’t sh**. It was the other receivers that killed us. With bunco have to key on Travis Henry and Stoakley and let nnnamdi take Javon one on one and bust Jay C*ntler in the face. Screw Jay C*ntler
September 10th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Nation,
I figured it out.
Culpepper will start week four. How do I know, why am I sure. Follow me here:
Russell will be inked this week, which is week two. We get a two week roster exemption, which means we need to pair a roster spot for him.
We will not carry four QBs. So, either McCown, Culpepper or Walter goes. We’re on the hook for 3.2 million for Culpepper if he’s cut, and Kiffin as much as said Culpepper will take over from McCown at some point. Walter is the only QB we will have who will be under contract next season, and we are not going to enter 2008 with Russell as the only experienced guy in Kiffin’s system. That leaves McCown as the odd man out.
Therfore, Culpepper starts week four. Q.E.D.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
JAMARCUS IS SIGNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Now that I’ve seen the game on tape, I think we have a lot less to worry about than I previously thought. Broken on Offense, here’s what I saw.
On offense:
1st Series: We were looking good with a 3rd and short until Newberry botched the snap. Why we didn’t score: Fumbled Snap.
2nd Series: Moving the Ball well until mistakes. We drive down the field and then on first down Fargas fumbles snap and has to secure it so it’s basically a busted play. 2nd down, Miller has a nice gain of 6 for third and short. We had a first to Porter on a slant, but Green False Started, Third and Nine, and Miller catches the on a short route not enough for the first. We’re running a pure west coast offense at this point, the old gannon dink and dunk, and with no mistakes, we’re moving the ball, but mistakes put us in third and long which is not our strong suit in this offense. Why we didn’t Score: A penalty took away a first down and then we had a Blocked Field Goal
3rd Series: We’re backed up to the two yard line and a short run and short pass get us past the 5, which is the entire goal when you’re down inside your 5. On Third down, McCown had a perfect throwing lane, it was a short pass, he just threw a bad ball to Miller who would have had a first down. Why We Didn’t Score: Bad Pass By Josh McCown. His arm had nothing to do with it – it was an easy throw with no pressure and a totally clear passing lane.
4th Series Again, moving the ball well, McCown gets a free play and hits curry for a 20 yard strike. A bad penalty against Gallery (illegal man downfield – he didn’t even wait before taking off) negated a 9 yard gain by lamont. We move the ball until 3rd down, where Mcown rolls out and can’t find anyone, but looks indecisive doing it, and could have had the first down if he just took off and made up his mind. Why we didn’t score: The penalty put us in a bad situation, but McCown was indecisive/good coverage by the D/or McCown just didn’t see open receivers (couldn’t see the coverage on the tv). SeaBass Misses a FG.
5th Series: With 1 minute to go against a prevent, we moved the ball well just outside of FG range. On third down Jordan picks up a first on a short pass but doesn’t get out of bounds when he should have. Before that however, McCown could have picked up about 10 yards to Williams but didn’t wait for the receiver to clear, so the Detroit corner back jumped on the route and almost picked it off. He should have waited a split second longer to get more separation between the two receivers so the DB couldn’t cheat and jump the rout. But Jordan not getting out of bounds cost us our last time out. Why we didn’t score: Mental error by Jordan not getting out of bounds, Mental Error by McCown not waiting for the play to fully develop. And SeaBass Missing another FG, but it was from 57.
Halftime Report on Offense:
It seemed worse than it was – we only had two real possessions (1st series Newberry fumbles, 3rd series up against the goal line made our play calling conservative on 1st and second down to get it past the 5, 5th series less than a minute to go until half). The second and fourth series we moved the ball well, but penalties put us in third and longs, which are going to be tough for us to get in this offense. McCown only made one bad throw that cost us a first down, when we were backed up on our goaline.
The play calling was excellent, great mix of short passes, got lots of receivers involved, good run plays, screens, etc. If we play mistake free football, we move the ball down the field with no problems – Three mistakes, two penalties and McCown’s bad pass (not his weak arm in this instance) killed our drives. We should have put up at least 6 on FG’s, but realistically, we didn’t have the ball enough in good field position to do any damage, after you take away the possession where newberry fumbled the snap. After watching the tape, Kiffin called a good first half, and if the players didn’t make mistakes/penalties to force into third and longs (or in Newberry’s case 4th and long), it looked like we would have kept marching down the field into the end zone. Down by only 10, there was no reason to throw deep when we were actually moving the ball against that Tampa 2 D, controlling the clock, and wearing down Shuan Rodgers, who may be the largest dude I’ve ever seen in a uniform that’s not a total lard butt.
6th Series: Brayton holding penalty sends us back to the 10, but we start moving the ball again. We move up to the 40, when Fargas gets a first, gets knocked back, keeps running and loses the first – they try to sneak it, McCown false starts on a QB keeper, which gave us a first down, then he throws an INT because he slipped as he was throwing it – I won’t make any excuses unless they’re realistic, and McCown shouldn’t have slipped, no excuse for that, but since he did, the ball came out with very little on it and was tipped by the DB coming from behind Curry – a bang bang play that would have been a first, but got tipped and picked – you gotta blame McCown for slipping, maybe not throwing it quick enough, but sh*t like happens, and that’s what happened on this play. Reason we didn’t score: McCown Slips as he throws when his back foot is on grass and his front foot lands on dirt – freak occurance.
7th Series: This one started bad – Sims got beat, but in slow motion, you can see that the DE timed the snap count perfectly and got a head start on the snap. Forced McCown to fumble, ball bounced back to us at the line of scrimmage. On second we start moving again, but Grove gets an illegal hands to the face negating an 8 yard catch and 3rd and short by Miller. 2nd and long McCown throws a weak pass to Williams. This was his first weak arm pass – incomplete. He completes a short pass and doesn’t get the first down, we punt. Reason we didn’t score: Grove gets penalty forcing us into 2 and long.
8th Series: We finally get in the end zone. Curry split the Tampa 2 Safeties and beat the MLB trying to cover him deep to take it down to the 9 yard line. Prior to that, we got a 10 yarder to Miller, and Jordan was open in the flat and dropped it. We got into the endzone dinking, running, and dunking the final 9 yards, with Curry Scoring on a 5 yard curl. Reason we scored: Overcame a dropped pass and no penalties.
9th Series: After the interception by Routt, We dinked and dunked until Jordan Powered up the middle for 14 and a touchdown. Reason We Scored: No errors and no penalties.
10th Series: Great 70 yard drive: we’ve worn out the Detroit D and our running game is looking dominant. Griffith Catches a swing pass in the flat for the 6 yard TD. Reason we scored: Ran the Offense to perfection, excellent blend of passes and runs, wore down the Detroit D to take the lead.
11th Series: McCown doesn’t see the DE drop into converge and thinks he has Williams open one on one. Totally his fault, but if we hadn’t false started we did have second and inches after a pass to the FB and an encroachment penalty. Reason we didn’t score: McCown throws INT with no excuses – he decided he was going that way before the snap, and didn’t bother looking to see if a 6’5” 280 DE was sitting right in front of him.
12th Series: First Play, Jake Grove gets smoked in a fraction of a second by Rodgers who uses a swim move to get by him like he wasn’t there, then lamont gets blown up, pushing McCown back in the pocket where the DE swipes the ball out of his hand. Reason we didn’t score: Jake Grove Gets blown up by Rogers causing McCown to fumble. I can partially blame Kiffin for the playcall of having McCown do a straight drop back (5 or 7 step – tough to tell b/c he had to keep dropping when 500 pounds of Man Beast was coming for his A**), but now he knows Grove is weak at least.
13th Series: It was over at this point, so it doesn’t matter – Detroit was teeing off knowing we had to pass, and we ran out of time and fumbled yet again to end the game.
Summary:
McCown can win for us, if we play error free football. His Interceptions were actually kind of freak accidents – one he slipped on when he threw the ball, the other the DE dropped into pass coverage. Not having Newberry in there killed us, because Grove was physically overmatched, err dominated, by the biggest DT in the league, Pro Bowler Rodgers. His fumbles were due to Newberry on a snap, Grove getting blown up immediately, and then Detroit teeing off at the end of the game. The reason this offense worked for us in the pass was because Gannon ran it to perfection, rarely made mistakes, and he definitely had a better arm than McCown, but now that I’ve looked at it, his weak arm wasn’t responsible for the INT’s (slip, bad luck) or the key third down at our goaline (just a plain bad throw – he definitely has the arm to complete that pass). If we get a couple of breaks in the first half, and Janikoski hits a couple of those field goals, we would have put up around 10 points on the board in only two real possessions. Scoring every time you touch it isn’t that bad, and we were right there minus the penalties, lack of opportunities, and miscues. Second Half we were finally able to sustain three drives with no errors, and the drives we missed on were an INT due to a slip, A penalty on Grove, a mental error on McCown (not seeing the DE and throwing the INT), and Grove getting blown up, forcing a fumble. I believe we see the problem – GROVE! I don’t know if Newberry would have done any better and now he’s injured, but Center is on top of my list for priority players (this year if possible by trade/waiver).
I’ll get to the defense next, but offensively, all Kiffin has to do is correct the Mental errors and we’ll score a good amount of points. I don’t know that we had any holding penalties – just a couple of false starts, a hands to the face (Grove), and Gallery’s timing on screen passes. All correctable – Just can’t get those penalties on third and short – we can recover on 1st and 2nd down, but those third down penalties killed us. Anyway, the O was not as bad as it looked, and I think it will work well against any type of Defense. If Culpepper is ready to play, his arm would allow us to attack deep, but we can win with McCown.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
JR just signed for a reported $61 million. What now? Will AW be traded to ATL?
September 10th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
I had to watch the Bronco game yesterday because I’m in bronco country and I really wasn’t impressed by Cutler. Denver was 1/2 a second from losing that game. Buffalo outplayed them all day and Cutler is making a lot of mistakes. Marshawn Lynch ran all over them and Elam missed 2 FGs and looked as bad as Janikowski. One loss isn’t the end of the season and I think Denver is ripe for an a$$ whoopin.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
J RUSS HAS SINGED THANK GOD GO RAIDERS
September 10th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Hey Jedi, that was excellent thank you. I was at the game and didn’t tape it so I can’t break down the tape. The only difference of what you said vs. what I said is the pick by the DE I blame Kiffin because he went to that same play too many times and probably didn’t see a zone blitz in the Pac-10 where defensive linemen are athletic enuf to drop into coverage AND make plays. Welcome to the NFL. rookies make rookie mistakes, even head coaches. I don;t think the defense film breakdown is going to be pretty.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
SO who gets the boot from the team??????????
September 10th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
espn is saying Russ will be at practice Weds. watch it, it is espn after all.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
CB. Washinghton on Calvin Johnson. “They did things to get him open, like pick routes and all that. But he was nothing special, trust me.”
4 rec 70 yrds 1 TD. First ever game in NFL.
RAIDER FAN. HA
September 10th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
It’s a great day in Raider Nation. I’ve been wearing my J-Rock jersey for the past 2 weeks and all I’ve heard from Raider haters is “when is he going to get signed” Naturally, the next question will be when is he gonna play. I say suit him up and throw him in there is 4 weeks. That’s Oct. 14th against the Chargers (after our bye week on Oct. 7th).
When J-Rock comes to San Diego & kicks your lightening bolt a$$ that outta shut up all you Charger fans that come in and post in our forum. By the way, LT is well on his way to another MVP year if he has another 17 rush, 25 yard performance. Oh and since Merriman won’t be all juiced up this year when he plays the Raiders (the league caught his a$$ after 11 solo tackles against us last year) it will be LIGHTS OUT for LT & Merriman. Death to the San Diego Chargers on this historic day in the RAIDER NATION!
September 10th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Russell signs. Raider fans, this is gonna be sweeeeet.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I keep hearing Culpepper, Culpepper,Culpepper!!! I would bet he is already traded. He will be gone once JR is signed. So why get him hurt or play him when JM is our QB until JR is ready to go. Thats my guess. We all know who the better QB is and I’m sure the coaches know to.
Get use to JM cuz thats our QB this year.
Everyone cried about the “O” last year and now we have a game where they gave us the best chance to win and thats not good enough. Is Culpepper the better QB? Yes! Do we get to keep him? I don’t think so. We may find out this week.
I’m still in!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
So does Calvin Johnson.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Quinn. Leinart. Cutler. Johnson. Peterson. Geritol Al could have drafted any one, maybe tow, of these players. But he got you Huff and Russell instead. No wonder the Raiders are doomed.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
So now that they’ve agreed to a deal, I’m going to re-ask my quesiton:
If JM joins, doesn’t that mean we have to cut or trade a player to be under the 53-man limit? Or do we get a 2-week grace period?
Anyone?
September 10th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Jedi, nice film report.
Thank Gawd JaMarcus is signed. Now I can move on. I’m thinking the Raiders will take the 2 week exemption.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
blandafan-I assume you meant to question the signing of Russell (Not JM). Yes, we get 2 weeks.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Oh a raider fan that is a name caller…shocker. Lets see…I have no real points to back up my arguements, My squad just got smacked by the worst team in the NFL the last 5 years…It must be the QB’s fault. Therefore, a rookie should solve the problem. Despite the fact the Raiders had 400yds of O.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Oh a raider fan that is a name caller…shocker. Lets see…I have no real points to back up my arguements, My squad just got smacked by the worst team in the NFL the last 5 years…It must be the QB’s fault. Therefore, a rookie should solve the problem. Despite the fact the Raiders had 400yds of O.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Hey Lion fan,
You had a great QB in Joey Harrington, a star wide receiver in Mike Williams and a stellar GM in Matt Millen. That explains why your team is so screwed up. Anytime you have your greatest player in club history (Barry Sanders) quit on the team and walk out on your sorry a$$es that speaks volumes about the administration and decision-making of your ball club. I’ve heard from NFL sources that the reason that Barry Sanders quit the NFL in his prime is that he didn’t want to break any NFL records for a running back, because he did not want to go into the Hall of Fame as a Lion.
Lion fan, how does it feel that the best player in Lion history doesn’t want to be associated with your ball club, bailed on its pathetic coaching staff and lukewarm fan base and turns up his nose at anything to do with the organization.
Yeah, lion fan that’s kinda funny because your other star running back Billy Sims did exactly the same thing. That’s ok because Joey Harrington will show his true loyalty to Detroit once he ressurects his career in Atlanta and puts up career stats to become enshrined in Canton…NOT.
Lion fan, U a has been, your team is full of has beens and not even a genius like Mike Martz can help your sorry a$$es win the lame NFC North. Wear your jersey with pride while you wait to see whether or not you’ll have the #1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Death to the lions and their lion hearted fans. Dr. Death says that all lions pundits need to go off to see the wizard and travel down the yellow brick road before they make another post in this hallowed Raider Nation–because when it comes right down to it all of you Sponge Bob Square Matt Millen pants lack a whole lot of HEART!
Don’t worry in two weeks we will send McClown the lionheart back to you just in case Kitna gets an oowie or gets hurt!
September 10th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
After watching the Raiders during pre-season the best quaterback, who has a knowledge about winning watched the game.
Based on McCown ability I hate to think what will happen to the Raiders sunday at milehigh
When Culpepper takes the field you feel we can win, when Kiffin said McCown will start
Sunday at Denver I changed my pick on who will win.
If Kiffin keeps going with McCown he will lose the team support.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
I am sick of everyone saying JM had a high passer rating and through for over 300. Pepper could have made every one of those short throws to backs plus Pepper would have been able to get the ball down the field to the receivers
September 10th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
RUSSEL SIGNED 6 YR DEAL!!!!!!
September 10th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
jraider Says:
September 10th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
blandafan-I assume you meant to question the signing of Russell (Not JM). Yes, we get 2 weeks.
Thanks. I wonder if we cut DC to save cash or trade AW to Jax or Atl.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Doesnt anyone else think Culpepper is not playing because he will be traded? All I read on here is about how he is better them JM. Yes he is. I can’t imagine the coaches don’t know this. Mark my words Culpepper is gone via trade and JM is the man.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
From ESPN…
“Ending months of negotiations and a holdout that stretched to more than six weeks, the Oakland Raiders reached a contract agreement in principle with JaMarcus Russell, the former LSU quarterback who was the first overall selection in the 2007 draft, on Monday.
Barring any glitches, and contingent on formalities like him passing a physical exam, ESPN.com has confirmed that Russell will officially sign a six-year contract on Tuesday and should be on the field for the team’s Wednesday practice.
There is still considerable work to be done, however, in terms of drawing up the contract, and a source close to the negotiations said late Monday that the two sides could still be working “very late into the night and maybe into [Tuesday] morning” to craft the precise language of the deal. ESPN.com has learned that Russell is still not in the Bay Area, and will not fly to Oakland until his representatives feel comfortable with all the details of the contract.”
*****
It’s still not over…
September 10th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Dr. Death
Your “sources” asiden Barry was better than any Raider EVER. And he is not the best player n lion history but maybe the best EVER. Millen is an idiot. Harrngton redeeming his career ….enshrined in canton? Are you on crack? Did you see the Minnesota game? as for he lion fans…Detroit is always in the top three sports cities in the nation. Oakland. Well, you may need a couple more franchises to be mentioned. HEART! F.U, your squad cameback to lead 21-20 only to fold under pressure AT HOME. Did you see the broadcast? Foxhad a guy to film the lack hole and they kept showing him sitting down on the sideline. WHY? What’s to film? Tears, grown men dressing up for sporting events, classless behavior like throwing stuff at Tatum Bell who your loud mouth Punk A** D decided to call another player out for fumbles that happend a year ago? First Pick? You had the first pick and will again. The AFC is tough and you have a long season ahead of you chump. So put out the spliff and wake up. WHAT!
September 10th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Hey lion fan–I mean Mufasa shut the f#$* up! You lack the pedigree, the passion and the team history to be a Raider or better yet even an NFL fan. Go back to your sorry a$$ fantasy league where you can quote your wonderful week 1 team stats. Like Whoopi Goldberg said in the lion King….Mufasa..oooh…Mufasa..oooh…Mufasa..oooh you really send tingles up and down the Raiders spines–your team has no heart, your #1 draft picks have all been a bust, your most talented players in history hate your team and your most devout fans are pu$$ies. Dr. Death suggests that you change the name of your mascot to “the Hello Kitty-Kitty Cats” Death to the Lions and all other scourge from the fowl NFC North. How dare they bring their stench into the hallowed raider nation!
September 10th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Russell signing: http://www.raidernews.com
September 10th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
All this talk about cutting Jano is crazy.
Those were all long FG attempts–one was 57 Yards! The other was 50 something and the other was not short either. Granted wish he would have made at least one, but damn give the guy a break.
They could be showcasing McCown for a trade. That may be why they are starting him for now over DC. Now that JR is signed either JM or AW will probably be gone. No way they pay DC 3.2 and then get rid of him.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Draft picks? with the first pick in the first round the raiders select……A KICKER
September 10th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
This hokey pokey about special teams is a total cop-out by Kiffin, and it’s disgusting. Special teams weren’t the reason Kiffin’s offense got blanked in the first half by the worst defense in the league. Sure, Janakowski missed long field goals, but why were there long field goals in the first place. Why wasn’t he kicking extra points or short field goals on those drives? It’s because Kiffin’s dumpfense run by the teacher’s pet couldn’t sustain a drive, couldn’t score, couldn’t even move deep in Detroit’s territory. The pet threw a bunch of dumpoffs then stalled when he crossed the 50.
The defenses blows it and Ryan lets them have it. The offense blows it and Kiffin complains about special teams. What the F is that?
This clearly is going to be a long season of excuse-making. Kiffin needs to realize that HE is responsible for the loss due to HIS foolish decision to go with his teacher’s pet under the insane delusion that McBackup is “like a joystick” and due to HIS sorry playcalling that couldn’t put a single point on the board in the first half.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Well I considered the showcasing thing as well. But if a deal is already done why risk JM getting hurt and getting a loss. But if the other team picks up Culpeppers contract then we had him so far this season for free. AW I dont think he’s going but who knows. I just can’t imagine the coachs like JM better then DC.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
don’t even respond to lionfan. it’s just charger who is trying to eff everything up again. don’t repsond, dudes an idiot. Giants and Atl need a QB. 2 week exemption, see who will give us the most for Culpepper. someone else may get hurt in the meantime as well boosting DC’s value. The reason they are not playing him is they do not want him to learn the whole offense, in case they trade him and b) don’t want him hurt cause he has more value than MCcown or Walter. Personally, I would dish Walter and keep both McCown and Pepper
September 10th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Defense
Series 1: A Three and Out V. basic two WR sets, including a blitz on third down. Our 4-3 vs. two wide receiver sets is dominating. Reason they didn’t score: Our 4-3 base D can take any team in the NFL in two receiver sets.
Series 2: They moved the ball from the one yard line to our 5 before Morrison picked off a pass in the endzone. The big plays were letting them out of their endzone when we guessed wrong and had 8 in the box and let their TE escape for a 32 yard gain. Blown Assignment by somebody, but we were guessing on the play and got it wrong. It happens. The Lions moved the ball down the field for two reasons. No pass rush and Stanford Routt. He missed assignments on a man coverage where he was supposed to switch on a crossing pattern, and got burned on an out route. We blitzed once and got burned because the lions called a roll out to other side, bad luck. We stiffened up though and got the pick. Reason they didn’t score: We got a little pressure, played zone, and picked off the ball.
Series 3: After ignoring a quick pass to Johnson on a slant, the Raiders stopped them 3 and out again. Clemons got a sack on third down. Good D. Reason they didn’t score: Good Coverage and pressure.
Series 4: Lions get short field on Raiders 37. the raiders give up 20 yards on draw play, and then Stu gets burned because he ended up defending Roy Williams and bit on a play fake. No way Stu should have been on Roy Williams period. Bad Play Call. Basically this series was a two play aberration, and the D got screwed with bad field position. Reason they scored: Bad Field Position with no margin for error, and we gave up two big plays, and Rob Ryan called a bad d to put Stu on Roy Williams one on one.
Series 5: We got no pass rush and were in a prevent – we tightened up and gave up the FG. Reason They Scored: We gave them a FG by playing prevent at the end of the half; no big deal, they didn’t get a TD, good D.
First Half Summary: Special teams screwed our D by giving them good field position, and had a couple bad plays, but overall, it was a decent first half. We made plays when we had to, basically gave them a FG at the end, and only gave up a touchdown when the lions started off on our 37 and they caught us off guard with a draw and in a bad defense with Stu mismatched against Roy Williams. Can live with the first half.
Series 6: After McCown throws an INT, The lions get the ball on our 40, putting our D in a bad situation again. We have good coverage down field, and Kitna is able to scramble for 10. We eventually get into a 3rd and 4 at the 17 and Ryan has a man defense called where Fabian has to run all the way across the field to cover CJ, who beats him by running a short crossing route that gets Fabian stuck in traffic for a split second, giving CJ all the time he needs. In man coverage, CJ had a clear path to the end zone. No pass rush, and bad play calling. We should be in Zone whenever the lions have three pro bowl caliber receivers on the field (Roy, CJ, and Furrey). Reason they scored: Bad Field Position and Bad Play Call (Man V. Three+ WR sets).
Series 7: We wise up and put the D in a good position at the 21 after a great Lechler punt. Morrison blows up a run and then we play zone d to tackle Williams on a crossing route (the same one he and Johnson Scored on in Man coverage), and we sniffed out a screen pass to force a three and out. Reason they didn’t score: Good Field Position for D, Zone against 3+ WR set, Good Smart D.
Series 8: After Routt gets burned again, we stuff a run and Routt redeems himself off a tipped pass (looked like Eugene got a piece of it and then it went off Williams hands). Reason they didn’t score: They threw against our Zone D and we made them pay for it with an INT.
Series 9: We had them in two third and longs, a deep zone gave them an easy first down on an in route, but we stopped them and got the ball back when they tried to sneak another draw against us on 3rd and 7 and we stuffed it. Reason they didn’t score: We learned from our previous mistake and stuffed the draw, and played zone again.
Series 10: This series we just gave up two big plays. Eugene misses a tackle that would have made it 4th and long for a punt, and then on the next play we only sent three guys after the QB and also blew a coverage down the field (Huff?) to give up an easy TD. Reason they scored: We had a couple blown assignments early in the drive that got them to mid field, they used the quick strike/slant against our soft zone (we didn’t even try to disguise it by showing blitz and moving out of it) and then we missed the tackle and blew a coverage deep with a dime package in for the TD – totally in excusable. This was a bad series. We had no need to have a dime package in and only rush three because they were in FG range already with plenty of time on the clock, Kitna had all day to wait for somebody to get open, and there’s also no excuse to let somebody get behind you when you’re in a prevent style D.
Series 11: The D holds them to a FG after the McCown INT on our 10. Great Job, gives us a chance to tie down by 8. Reason they Didn’t score: Good D (stopped the note taking here).
Series 12: We gave up after another turnover and allowed a TD run.
Summary
We actually played great in the first half – we bent a little but came up big when it mattered – they got 7 off a bad play call by Ryan, but the Lions started in good field position. Basically two bad plays all half are what hurt us on the one drive, and then we gave a FG at the end. The second half (I missed one of their FG’s somewhere), is really easy to assess. They scored because Ryan had us in Man when we should have been in Zone, and when were in Zone, it was obvious. The D also got terrible Field Position to deal with as well. What would have changed this game was if Ryan would have sent some Zone Blitzes a couple of times, and then disguised his coverages so Kitna would have rushed a couple more throws and not known what the coverage was every single time he dropped back to pass – he is an INT prone QB and we should have made it a lot tougher for him. This was a preseason vanilla looking defense overall, and the 4 or 5 key bad play calls by Ryan were exploited by Martz/Kitna EVERY TIME. Morrison should have checked out Man anytime they had three+ WR sets if our personnel package wasn’t right. Ryan did not call a good game and got burned every time he made a mistake. He should have gone in with a zone scheme and blitzed out of it more. Our front 4 got no pressure and Burgess was double teamed the whole game. When we blitzed, we had some success, but it wasn’t enough – this was a really weak game from Ryan. Still, if Eugene makes that tackle, we’re looking at running the clock out with 5 minutes to go, and the way our Offense was wearing down the lions’ d, I think we would have been in a good position to win. Out of the official 36 points on the board, 3 were given to them in the first half for free to prevent giving up 7, and 10 were gimmes at the end of the game. Even with the bad play calling, our D only gave up 23 real points. 7 of those came on a bad play by ryan (stu on Roy Williams), 6 (failed two point conv) more on a busted assignment against the two or three safeties that shouldn’t have let anyone behind them, and 7 more on another bad play call (man converge v. three+ wides). The Lions had a lot of packages that used Furrey as a TE and McDonald as a FB, and our D failed to go into a zone when they shifted – that caused a lot of the problems and shouldn’t have been that hard to deal with.
Realistically, we should have given up about 17-20 points at the most, but with better play calling it might have been 9-17. This loss is on the D, primarily Ryan, Huff, Routt, and the D line. I think their mistakes will be obvious to them in film study, and since we never had to deal with this type of Offense, it was a good learning experience for Ryan, Morrison (as his field general/audible caller), and Kiffin, because you can be damn sure he’s going to get involved personally to hold Ryan accountable in the future – no more man v. 4 and 5 wide. Audible when Stu is on the other guy’s number one receiver anywhere on the field, especially on the goal line – or call time out. Next week the donks who we know offensively and defensively, they have less playmakers at the receiver position and run the same style O we run – Defensively, we match up great against them, so it should be a close game.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
The only reason we would keep AW is we have him under contract next year. DC and JM will be a free agents.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Oh yeah the lions have sucked lately…Sure. The Raiders have been solid though.
2006 oak 2-12
lions 3-13
2005 oak 4-12
det. 5-11
2004
oak 5-11
det 6-10
2003 oak 4-12
det 5-11
Maybe some more kitty jokes will mask your lack of arguement
September 10th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
lionfan (small l I assume because you’re one of those little lion cubs). It’s now become very obvious to me that you want a pen pal. May I suggest some big 6′5 lifer from San Quentin named Bubba. He would be happy to receive your mail–however, we in RaiderNation are not. While it’s true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, big bad Bubba may be show you a thing or two as a certified lion trainer during a conjugal visit or two. Now I see why Detroit is nicknamed the motor city, because it is full of alot of motor mouths. Take your sorry a$$ back to your dirty city and build me a car that won’t rollover, have tire pressure problems or get recalled for a faulty ignition switch–because that’s all Detroit has been and will ever be good for. Don’t try and act hard in the RaiderNation lionfan–after all we know that you have been trained by the rather effeminate Sigfried and Roy. Do as your told and jump back through your little hoop on the world wide web and get back to your team’s Hello Kitty-Kitty Cat web page—Dr. Death says—-meow…first it puts the lotion on its skin or it gets the hose again!
September 10th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Walter has Great Value! Trade him for a first round pick! SI’m sure the staff after signing D/C decided to give him the playbook in thirds. weening him along while not disclosing he key to the Raider offense….The screen! Brilliant analysis. Perhaps you forgot that D/C had nobody but the raiders seriously vying for his services. HMMM
September 10th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
JediRaider–thanks for the offensive unit breakdown. I would agree with oakglenn, however; the defensive performance will be ugly. I was like everyone else; I saw the game, and rather than pile on and point out the obvious defensive breakdowns, I’ll speak to statistics.
Benjamin Disraeli, Mark Twain, and others have often described statistics in this manner…”there are lies, damned lies, and statistics…” Many of us cited our defense as our one team strength; it was the NFL #3 defense overall last year, and #1 against the pass. I think we all wanted to truly believe that…that it was a ranking that was an honest assessment of our defense. We all didn’t want to see that ONE possible reason we were ranked so high last year was because our offense was so putrid that teams didn’t need to not only pass the ball, but they didn’t even need to score more than 14-21 points to win. Once teams scored their two to three TDs, they could afford to sit on the ball, keep it on the ground, chew up clock, and never have to air the ball out at all.
It’s pretty clear that our defense isn’t as good as advertised, at least not at this point in the season. The first Lion TD, the 13 yarder to Roy Williams–no cornerback around, and Schweigert trailing BADLY on the route to the back corner; the 32 yarder to Shaun McDonald with TWO DBs trailing badly, AND LITTLE PRESSURE on Kitna–these are but two of the more glaring examples of the defense’s breakdowns.
Practice will be pretty intense this week…especially during the film sessions…like the Michael Franks’ song “The Camera Never Lies,” it will be a nasty chewing out session…I imagine “waht were you thinking on that play?” will often be spoken SEVERAL TIMES by the coaches…
September 10th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
it’s amazing jerry will allow lionfan to come in here and talk smack then edit my posting for no good reason. get all other fans out of here jerry if you have a problem with us slapping them around when they come in.
great analysis jediraider, i too thought ryan called a bad game.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Again…Brilliat retort dr. death. you further your case with every juvenile retort. Dr Death…Brilliant…how original. (see J kevorkian (FROM DETROIT) loser) Cubs, Mustafa, Kitty, S& Roy? what a stretch kid. The only hoops we jump through are the ones given up by the raider D line…Check the tape!
Kitty Kitty Kat, Meow,Garfield…Blah Blah Blah, stop letting your gang banging elementry school son write your jokes, and tell me where I’m wrong, pipe taker.
NEXT!
September 10th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
It’s ON and POPPIN’ I firmly believe JaMarcus will be put on a fast track in this offense when he will start no ne knows not even Kiffin but as soon as he is, they will play him. I stated B4 that I think he is the best QB the raiders have ever HAD.
His skill set is off the charts. I can’t say who but early in the first mini-camp(after the draft) I talked to a personnel person who wasn’t totally sold on JaMarcus. Iwanted to know who he thought was a get in the draft and the off-season, I didn’t get the words out of my mouth B4 he said the QB, I asked JaMarcus and he said absolutely needless to say the grin on my face almost broke my neck. Because we had talked earlier and I was very high on Russell.
I could not be happier right now, Nation this is a good day.
Guy’s as I said earlier we have avery good defense, it didn’t show up Sunday and there is no excuse for it but that was a wake-up call. I believe you will not only see the defense but the entire team play much better this weekend.
PLease guy’s don’t be silly “souring on Kiffin” you should be ashamed of yourself it’s “THE KID’s” first game out. After all he’s done already and you know better than him? GET REAL “THE KID ” hasn’t even started yet. I’m even more sold on him after what I saw Sunday He is I believe head and shoulders a better coach than Gruden. Trust me, he just doesn’t have his ego. He’s biulding a team that is going to be very good for a long time…….BACK OFF AND LET HIM BREATH.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Two week roster exemption for Russell. Let the Culpepper trade talks begin.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
JediRaider–thanks for the defensive breakdown. I especially agree with you on this point…
“Series 10: This series we just gave up two big plays. Eugene misses a tackle that would have made it 4th and long for a punt, and then on the next play we only sent three guys after the QB and also blew a coverage down the field (Huff?) to give up an easy TD. Reason they scored: We had a couple blown assignments early in the drive that got them to mid field, they used the quick strike/slant against our soft zone (we didn’t even try to disguise it by showing blitz and moving out of it) and then we missed the tackle and blew a coverage deep with a dime package in for the TD – totally in excusable. This was a bad series. We had no need to have a dime package in and only rush three because they were in FG range already with plenty of time on the clock, Kitna had all day to wait for somebody to get open, and there’s also no excuse to let somebody get behind you when you’re in a prevent style D.”
There is no excuse, EVER, for ANYBODY to get behind you when you’re dropping eight back. And yes, it was Huff who was the closest to McDonald when McDonald hauled in that go-ahead TD. I don’t remember who the other DB was, but by the body language, you can clearly see that the DBs were confused and yelling at each other.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
So far all we have seen from JaMarcus Russell, is he wants alot of money for his arm
he has never thrown a NFL pass. Until I see him play I will not think of him as the savior to thr Raiders. As for Jano he has never lived up to his billing, his kick-offs are short about 70% of the time allowing teams to start past the 30, Jano leg is over rated he only shows that he can hit the long one during warn-ups.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Chris Berman just announced that Jamarcus Russell has just singed and will be at practice on Wednesday.
I’M Still IN!!
I have always been IN!!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Only 1 rookie qb did close to anything his rookie season…let alone coming in late on a bad team. So give up the thought of him saving your seasn…be real. That said, J/M is a DOG, and will in time be a good QB. He is no Vick, he has skills as a passer, but it will take time. As a non Raider fanI will say Curry Looks Legit! Even though the Lions may have the worst secondary in the league. Porter from waht I saw though, still runs sloppy routes, and plays for himself. At least for this year, how much better would the Raiders be with Adrian Peterson?
September 10th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Good to have JR aboard.
We know coach loves JM, so he is obviously off the table. The hope is they part with AW, though not a move favorable to the pocketbook, doing otherwise means JM is the man for the year (scary thought). I’m optimistic Kiffin realizes we need to have a solid backup.
AW has some value, and the Raiders have two weeks to shop him around. What is he worth? 3rd pick and cash?
Looking forward to running over the donkeys next week.
Go RAIDERS!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
All right, lionfan, I’ll play:
Raiders
2000 12 4 0 1st AFC West
2001 10 6 0 1st AFC West
2002 11 5 0 1st AFC West
Lions
2000 9 7 0 4th NFC Central
2001 2 14 0 5th NFC Central
2002 3 13 0 4th NFC North
At least Raider fans have recent memories of being great. Since 1957, your team has won its division three times.
We’ve won that many Super Bowls. However, if you feel a need to kick us after one victory while we rebuild, you certainly have the right to do so this week. There’s a reason we had the number one pick. We’re not that good yet.
You should pick on us. You get so few opportunities to feel superior. Too bad we’re on our way back up, while your team will spend the next few decades never improving.
Cheers!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Why not start in the 1950″s Bland?
September 10th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
In a Zone, reaction is everything. The coach can call a play and put you position but he can’t help you read and react. That’s why zones are hard for a “man team” to make a smooth transition. We are a big time man coverage team and when they called the zones we just didn’t react well. So blame the coordinator if want to, but it’s very subjective. we don’t know what was called. Routt looked confused almost the entire 1st half. We dropped a lot of coverages is that coordinator, or guy’s not knowing their assignment. that’s what it looked like to me, a lot of missed assignments. But you make the call.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
j raider
Do you see them getting rid of AW when he is the only one we have under contract next year? If we do we have to resign JM or DC and that wont be cheap.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
See at least you say you are rebuilding…Thats all I want!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
“RIP Dan Birdwell Says:
September 10th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Nation,
I figured it out.
Culpepper will start week four. How do I know, why am I sure. Follow me here:
Russell will be inked this week, which is week two. We get a two week roster exemption, which means we need to pair a roster spot for him.
We will not carry four QBs. So, either McCown, Culpepper or Walter goes. We’re on the hook for 3.2 million for Culpepper if he’s cut, and Kiffin as much as said Culpepper will take over from McCown at some point. Walter is the only QB we will have who will be under contract next season, and we are not going to enter 2008 with Russell as the only experienced guy in Kiffin’s system. That leaves McCown as the odd man out.
Therfore, Culpepper starts week four. Q.E.D.”
*****
Interesting thoughts, RIP. As much as I’d like to see it happen, though, I can’t see us keeping Walter for ANY reason. Sure, the kid had to endure last year, and it was hardly a fair way to evaluate him, but he doesn’t match Kiff’s system. McCown, as much as I hate to admit it, is a better fit.
I would amend your above scenario by having Culpepper as the starter in Week #4, with McCown as the backup (if we end up 0-3 or 1-2 by the time we visit Miami), with Russell holding the clipboard and wearing the baseball cap. Unless we see injuries to both Culpepper and McCown, we shouldn’t see Russell hit the field at all this season.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
The other DB near Huff on McDonald’s TD was Kirk Morrison. It was confused all right.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
lionfan Says:
September 10th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Why not start in the 1950″s Bland?
Well, it’s the 2007 season, and fifty years makes a nice round number.
Also, I wanted to make it parallel with our Super Bowl victories, obviously.
Since 1957, your team has won its division three times.
We’ve won that many Super Bowls.
See how nicely that fits?
I suppose I could have used 1960, which is when the Raiders started. It wouldn’t change either number.
Now, did you really want to have a lengthy discussion of my motivations for choosing a particular date, or were you just avoiding a proper response to someone who addressed you with civility?
September 10th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
blackholepriest,
ryan knows what the guys can and can’t do, if they can’t play zone then he shouldn’t call it. i’m not saying it’s all ryan’s fault, the players play and are responsible for executing and they didn’t, but i don’t think ryan put them in the best position to succeed either.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
O.K.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Hey guys….stop crying so much. We have a new everything on offense. Still looked pretty good. Let the guys get better. They are playing against professionals. I saw promise.
I rather they lose the first game…get screamed at…and work their a$$ off afterwards.
Better then thinking they’re all that already…because they are not.
This stuff takes times. Stop it with the DRAMA already. You want to be pissed…be pissed at Bell for making it personal.
Go Raiders!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
priest I have heard the same thing….this is one very special player. I can’t wait to get a look at this guy
September 10th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Thank you Blanda! The Lions have had a history of crap since the “Curse of Bobby Layne.” The only thing I can remember about them is Barry Sanders, that movie with Alan Alda, and Daryl Rogers who coached SJ State at one time whos long time Defensive Coordinator, Bob Pedilla was my neighbor…However, I think the Lions are better than people are giving them credit for and I think yesterday they where the better team which will prove to be no fluke if they go 8-8 or better in their weak division
September 10th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
I like living in Michigan actually. Less expensive and fewer earthquakes. This ‘lionfan’ charachter is atypical of the Detroit fan base, most of whom I have found are easy to get along with. The UP is a long way from Detroit (mostly woods and some ornery mosquitoes and black flies), and the UAW represents a lot of workers other than auto industry people.
If you guys look into it you will find the 1950s Lions are a lot like the 1970s Raiders, drinking men and stirring comebacks led by their Southern boy QB Bobby Layne, the primordial Ken Stabler. But the Lions haven’t won a title since I was a month old. Long time.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
lie ‘un fan
Here kitty kitty, Dr. Death promises to give a swift kick to your lie un’ a$$ all night! That’s what happens when you come outside of your dome and try to talk smack in the black hole. I expect another lame response about how wonderful your lie un’s are after you finish playing with your your partner’s smelly socks and coughing up that furrrrr ball.
Death to all comers from the weak a$$ NFC.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Hell Raiderrrs,
As I mentioned, my hope is they rid of AW for this years sake. I realize its not a smart decision when money is concerned. Wishful thinking I suppose.
Of course the smart money says DC is traded (since he showed much promise in the pre-season), or dropped. We can get something in return, and as you mentioned, keeping JM or DC after this year will cost.
But, is that what we really want? Arguments can be made for the case of keeping either. Though I’m not completely writing off JM (or AW for that matter), I think Lane placing AW 3rd in the depth chart, speaks volumes of his confidence in him to lead this team. Trading Culpepper is a big gamble.
Who is worth more in the market? AW or DC?
September 10th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Priest - I will make the call and put it squarely on Ryan’s shoulders. I don’t think we matched up with them well, but Ryan could have put a better game plan together. Where was the blitzing to keep Kitna on his toes and get him out of his game? They double team Burgess so how do you compensate? An extra man to block means an extra man free… If he was yelling, I hope he was screaming in a mirror because he knew what was coming and didn’t have his squad ready.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Tobin Rote Qb’ed the 1957 Lions after Bobby Layne went down with an injury. This is the same Tobin Rote who played for the 1963 Chargers, their only title winners. Go figure.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
mark,
i lived in detroit for two years and have many friends there, but if lionfan comes here talking smack then he’s fair game to slap around a little. he shouldn’t be here, know one (but him) wants to hear his crap.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Everyone take a deep breath and for a moment imagine that you’re a KC, 49er (what a bad game tonight), Arizona, Atlanta, Tampa, Browns, Notre Dame, or Michigan fan, then exhale and you should feel at least a little better
September 10th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
bs - I know whatcha mean, I’m just trying to represent my home state in the best way possible, and I think he could do better. Smack talk is getting me down a little, personally, but it’s part of our world. Too late to prevent it. A little togh for both Lions and Raider fans to talk smack right now, eh?
September 10th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Hey Shawne Marry-Men,
It’s lights out for you and the lightening bolts on October 14th. Good luck winning this game since you won’t be all roided up this year. Your offense looked great last week under Norv Turner. LT is well on his way to gracing the cover of Madden and being voted league MVP with his 17rush 25 yard performance…those 14 points you scored vs Chicago should be enough to match our offensive output in the first quarter with J-Rock getting his first start following our Oct 7th bye week. Good luck game planning for a QB throwing the ball up & down the field on your a$$!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
with JR FINALLY signed(the negotiations took about 30 hrs longer than expected but at least it’s finally done), now we can focus on finding him a roster spot and finding a reliable K, the packers released a solid young(23) kicker with a boot(rayner i believe it is) and maybe we can give him a look, if not, then find a veteran on the waiver wire, not vanderjerk because he’s a locker room cancer(who ever heard of a K with an ego? ridiculous), but the point is, seabass is done, after 2 sub 70% years and a game like yesterday where he essentially cost us the game(along with the blown coverage for the go ahead score), good to finally have russell in the fold and get his learning curve started(he’ll play alittle this year in 4th qtrs but ideally won’t start a single game) but WE NEED A K, cut Seabass, it’s obvious that this team is MUCH better than last year and while we didn’t play a very good game, it was still one that we should have won, I’M IN!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
The discharge are fading. LT got 25 yds rushing. They’ve seen their peak. welcome back to earth SD, you suckwad losers
September 10th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
K-Rock you’re right about the lions. Aw, give em a brake. They won and now their fans have to go back to losing their jobs and boarding up the windows to their town
September 10th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Lienart looks like CRAP!!! But I’m still rootin for him. I do have 2 favorite teams….
RAIDERS and who ever is playing the whiners!
September 10th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Chargers are in the AFC West?? Shoot, I thought they’ve just been a college warm up team all these decades
September 10th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
You missed my post!
All I ever wanted was for raider fan to admit they were rebuilding…Hell the lions are too. I say this to lions posters too. I only have issue with why raidderfans think they lost.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Cards up 17-13. Niners might go down.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Listen guy’s I don’t disagree with you I’m just making a point. But I love Mike Martz’s offense and I hate when we play zone. But Martz had us on our heels, give him credit. We learned a valuable lesson and will be better for it and I really believe that.
But let’s take the lesson and move on.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
took a little longer than you thought - didn’t it tommy? once he’s here i’ll support him and hope he succeeds. i don’t think we’ll win too many games this year (i hope i’m wrong) so let’s get him in the 4th quarter here and there then start him towards the end of the year to get him a little experience.
i’d give a thumbs up to a new kicker, there were a few kicking battles going on throughout the league and we could certainly take a look at the losing kickers. that being said, jano didn’t kick that bad this game, he missed a 57 yarder (maybe 2 kickers in the league would have made it), there were 8 seconds left, kiffin could have called a 7-10 yard out to get closer. he had one kick blocked, not his fault, rogers blew up the play (like he did all game). really, he missed one he should have made. he had at least two touchbacks, and one good squib kick our coverage blew.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
let’s start breaking down denver.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Jamarcus Russell is now going to be the face of the Oakland Raiders.
Let’s hope he’s up to the task.