Their bodyguard
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, September 29th, 2007 at 6:30 am in Oakland Raiders.
Justin Griffith gives away nearly 10 pounds to LaMont Jordan, at least 40 to Daunte Culpepper and a minimum of 75 pounds to Barry Sims.
Yet Griffith will be protecting all three men Sunday when the Raiders visit the Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium.
Griffith, generously listed at 6-foot, 230 pounds, is the NFL’s smallest starting fullback.
“We’ve got a tailback that weighs eight pounds more than our fullback,” Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said.
Griffith is often LaMont Jordan’s lead blocker, as well as Justin Fargas. It was a Griffith block that sprung Fargas for a 21-uard gain last week in Cleveland, as well as a Griffith block that helped Culpepper get off at least one pass which would have been rushed.
The second of those two blocks was delivered below the waist _ although Griffith sometimes takes on defenders straight-up.
“This is a cut scheme,” Griffith said. I can cut ‘em, and get ‘em on the edge and stuff like that. If I have to block ‘em square I have to be strong enough to lead them up and give my tailback a way to go.”
Griffith is particularly important today to Culpepper, Barry Sims and Cornell Green. Miami lines up Jason Taylor and Joey Porter on the outside, usually on separate sides, and can bring either man or both.
Taylor has been devastating against the Raiders, with seven sacks and three forced fumbles in his last three games against Oakland. It was Taylor and the Dolphins who provided the blueprint on how to slow the Raiders passing offense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneeers in 2002, with Miami winning 23-17.
Griffith will often be entrusted with chipping duties to provide Culpepper additional protection should Taylor or Porter escape Sims or Green. He has put in overtime studying both men, because that’s what he always does.
Kiffin said Griffith’s love for the game is evident. In his fifth year out of Mississippi State, Griffith was signed as a free agent to compete with popular incumbent Zack
Crockett, but listening to Kiffin, it’s obvious there was never any competition at all.
“Players will tell you (they love the game) all the time, but they don’t all love the game, because if they did, they’d prepare the way he does,” Kiffin said. “That was a huge part of getting him. He knows what it takes to be a great competitor, to win, to be a great team guy. He never missed a second of offseason here . . . he just moved out here and it was all about ball.
“It was important to surround ourselves with guys like that and get them in our locker room and get our locker room fixed. Justin’s right at the top of our best guys that way.”
Griffith has yet to carry from scrimmage, and said it doesn’t matter if he carries the ball at all.
“When the tailback gets those yards, it’s just like I’m getting those yards. We’re both reading the same thing. When they score a touchdown it’s like I’m scoring a touchdown,” Griffith said. “I’ve just got to look at it like that, and when I get an opportunity to catch it or run it, I’ll make the best of it. Mostly, my job is getting those holes open.”
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September 29th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Yeah Kiffen ….There’s alot of people on this blog that claim to be Raiders fans…..but they won’t/don’t bother to actually learn about the game of football either. They’re already experts.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Great article Jerry thanks as always for keeping us informed about our great Raiders organization. Our O-Line is single most glaring difference between last year and this year. It was strange when we didn’t make very many personnel changes during the off-season. Coach Cable was dead on when he said that he had the right people but there were in the wrong system. In fact several posters in this and other forums were calling for Gallery’s head on a platter all off-season. I have not heard one single complaint about Gallery all year from any one. This is truly an amazing and truly a180-degree turn around.
We should be thankful that coach Kiffin had and enough insight to hire coach Cable. If there is one thing you need in the NFL to be successful, it is the ability to run the ball and amazingly enough that is the one thing we seem to do well. The passing game will come and when it does we will have one of the best offenses in the league.
Miami is ranked 20th overall in defense 18th against the pass and 29th against the run (NFL.com). I expect to see a heavy dose of Jordan and Fargus tomorrow morning. Culpepper will need to keep the chains moving on third downs he may need to run for a couple of them to keep our drives alive. So I see Culpepper’s legs more of a key to our victory tomorrow than his arm.
I’M IN!!
September 29th, 2007 at 7:30 am
The key to the game and to the season is the running game. The ability of Oakland to run shortens the game, allows the defense to rest, and sets up the passing game. This is pretty obvious, but Oakland hasn’t had a running game in a while. I think at this point Kiffin is expecting whomever the QB is to not lose the game: turnovers, interceptions, and sacks. The play calling has been imaginitive and Kiffin has showed that he’s playing to win and not to lose, which is evident in his onside kick in Denver and the rollout td to Curry.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:44 am
As I said before… I bet Atlanta wants Cable and Griffith back, they are both their weight in gold…
September 29th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Just reading this article makes me feel like I’m begining to be part of something speacial again. I haven’t been feeling our team for several years now, but look at the turn around Cable, Rathman, our OC Kelly?, and Kiffin have done with our line our run game and our protection scheme. When I watch the games I feel like I’m not watching the Raiders of the last 5 years, but the beginings of something fresh, new and exciting. I think our Raiders are on the verge of breaking out of their losing ways, and are learning how to ascend from the bottom. The old phrase the only way you can go from here is up ,finally and actually looks possible. Plus listenining to guys like Griffith talk team with the ultimate team player outlook makes me feel the rest of the guys are catching the team player bug that has been going around. Jerry I love the way you get the info fast, up close , and personal I feel like I’m there with you thanks.
September 29th, 2007 at 8:51 am
Jerry- Thanks as always for the fine work. What’s happening with Michael Bush? Is he anywhere near ready? Lamont Jordan is wearing down fast and Dominic Rhodes is one drink away from a one year suspension. Justin Fargas isn’t the answer, but Michael Bush can be. Any news?
September 29th, 2007 at 9:03 am
i saw how they made Griffith a 95 overall on madden 07, and i knew he was good, but not as top notch as he really is, i think he was one of teh better add ons this year as was cable
September 29th, 2007 at 9:04 am
In my opinion our run game looks like Denver used to look. Insert any runner in and the gain a lot of yards.
September 29th, 2007 at 9:28 am
He’s (Kiffin) certainly put together a good coaching staff…a win tomorrow would be huge for the morale…
September 29th, 2007 at 9:28 am
ATTN RAIDERS FANS:
I know many of you have noticed that the SOPCAST/TVU game channel site hasn’t been working. After a couple hours of research i found a different site that has the channels that will stream all the games this sunday. Just use the link below and thank me later! =)
http://sportstalkworld.com/showthread.php?t=6931
September 29th, 2007 at 9:44 am
I remember that second block that helped Culpepper, but I also remember a viscious block by Zack Miller that stopped a oncoming rusher last week and Miller ended up putting him on his back. I don’t recall that ever happening last year. We have some new guys that just plain are mean and know how to block with the best of them. This is a big game for the team. IF we are 2-2 we are right in it in the west. If we go 1-3 we are that much closer to starting Russell in a few games, which might not be all that bad either.
September 29th, 2007 at 9:49 am
football 101
spell the name of our head coach correctly before you start trashing other raider fans for not being true fans.
September 29th, 2007 at 9:57 am
forepj
Michael Bush is on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list and that means that he can’t play until or after week 6, I forget which it is. He claims that his leg is fine and he is ready to go but I have read on a couple of occasion that his leg is still very swollen and they trainers would like it to heal more.
We will know more after the bye week. But you bring up a good point and that is with Dominic Rhodes coming back and Bush might be activated we may have a great rushing attack going into the second half of the season.
I’M IN!!!
September 29th, 2007 at 9:59 am
lets hope griffin can keep jason taylor off culpepper hes been a qb killer against the raiders the last few meetings
September 29th, 2007 at 10:08 am
thats alot of rbs after the bye week jordan, rhodes, bush, fargas i wonder if we’ll carry 4 backs and carry 4 qbs also
September 29th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Nothing like a great lead blocker. The guy has great hands as well. The complete package.
September 29th, 2007 at 10:56 am
RAIDERMAN,
You are the Man! I checked it out and am now ready to watch tomorrow!
I will thank you now!
East Coast Silver and Black
September 29th, 2007 at 11:05 am
EastCoast…
Your welcome… GO RAIDERS!!!
September 29th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Try to keep the new streaming info on the downlow so the NFL doesn’t shut that site down too. Just a thought.
Hey Silver-N-Black666 what did I tell you yesterday about Kiffin handling the whole Jason Taylor issue? I guess we got our answer! Nice post earlier by the way -
“Culpepper will need to keep the chains moving on third downs he may need to run for a couple of them to keep our drives alive. So I see Culpepper’s legs more of a key to our victory tomorrow than his arm.”
On the money my friend!
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
September 29th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
I am new to the blog but I enjoy everyones post (except dheads that post under someone elses name!) I think that if the weather is bad, we will dominate with our run and short/swing passes. If the weather is good I look for it to be a high scoring game. I think Chambers will have a big day do to our CB’s not being able to rely on the S’s (”swine”gert) for help, but I think CPep will outscore them.
Been in since 77′
September 29th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Nice read Jerry. Its always good to give credit where credit is due. One thing I immediately noticed about Griffith vs Crockett besides blocking is that 9 out of 10 times Griffith will always pick his tailback off the ground. Crockett seem to never do it. Just an oddisy.
While we’re giving credit where credit’s due, we have to give credit to Tom Rathman. Jordan no longer seems to dance in holes and Fargas is showing a lot of improvement. I think the Nation should think Rathman as well. Kiffin has put together one helluva staff and this is what will take him far in this league.
Thanks RAIDERMANN - way to look out!
September 29th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
The blog game ball goes to “bs” for for calling out “Football 101″ on misspelling Kiffin’s name. The guy comes here telling fans they are claiming to be Raiders fans, but don’t know the game of football, yet spells the Raiders Head Coaches name wrong. Now I’m not one to quirk on someone’s spelling because I never use spell check here myself because it’s not like I’m writing a term paper, but to call fans out for not being Raiders fans, and then spelling the Coaches name wrong makes you, well, A LOSER! Next time you think about calling out Raiders fans, don’t!
September 29th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
I hope C-pep won’t try to do too much to the point where we face 3rd and 20. If he just focus and use his legs only if he see’s an open lane and not try to create one himself. Even that, I would prefer him just throwing the ball away.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
I know, it looks like a 5th grader wrote it! You know what I mean!
September 29th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Salvidog, no, your comment is fine, and I agree. Football 101 on the other hand looks like a 5th grader wrote it.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
You guys are hillarious! I intentionally misspell Kiffen’s name so I distinguish myself as the true poster posting on this blog. Now, everyone is using my misspell Kiffen name. LOL.. I’m gonna spell the kid’s name right this time in Kiffin. Then, everyone will spell it right.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
The Dolphin’s game is gonna be tough. I hope DC do well cause he knows the Dolphin’s defense and will use it to his advantage. Kiffin been making the right playcalling so far, let’s hope we’d can pull an upset, I believe the Raiders are underdog, maybe a close game like the Bronco’s lost at home, get Jano ready to kick the 50+ yarders let in the 4th. That’s how I see it going down tommorrow.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
101 was doing the same thing the other day! Some say we shouldn’t question the coach, we don’t know what we are talking about and such. Hey, that is what this blog is about! I value the opinions of the Nation (even if they don’t understand the proper use of the prevent D). Being a fan for 30 years has sometimes been brutal, don’t act like I shouldn’t have an opinion!
September 29th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Is McCown dumb? He was playing with a broken toe, fracture index finger, and maybe a fracture ankle and still wanna start. That’s is stupidity IMO. That’s make the Raiders offense that much ineffective playing with an injury. I bet he had the broken toe for a while and was hiding the injury.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
McClown knows that CPep will take his job. He was putting himself above the team.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
the silver and black are back
September 29th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
McCown could be CUT and NO TEAM is gonna pick him up. The Raiders could re-sign him after he heals, probaly like 4-6 months, call it a season for him cause a broken toe is one of the hardest injury to come back from in sports. The pressure is always on the foot running or walking.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Regarding the Offensive Line
The Maimi game will be a very good challenge for them in Pass Protection. Unlike some I have not been that critical of Gallery. I am still really concerned about Simms and Green and to a lesser extent about Grove in pass protection. I believe they are grooming Henderson to replace Green or Simms next year and probably will draft or get through FA another Tackle but I have been impressed with Gallery’s run blocking as well as Carlisle and even Simms as a run blocker. If the Raiders can run on Maimi consistently Kiffin will be able to hide our weakness there by avoiding 3rd and long and throwing on running downs. I hope we can run again tommrow. It looks like we should as they have number 29 against the run which was our number last year but we had to play Denver, SD, and KC twice.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
I say the Dolphin game is gonna go down with a tie or win decided by an FG. DC go alot of pressure, but the guy is cool, maybe he can pull an upset. Kiffin gotta let DC play his game and not dink and dunk all day.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I agree Fanatic, if the weather is good but if it is not, run/dink&dunk is the way to go. Gotta go to work, see ya’ll later.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Jordan is running like an Heisman Trophy winner RB! It’s all OL IMO. I pick Jordan over Reggie Bush given a fantasy selection.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
bs Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 9:49 am
football 101
“Spell the name of our head coach correctly before you start trashing other raider fans for not being true fans.”
YES EXACTLY!! that’s precisely my point…
But this one takes the cake…
r8r4fer Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 9:59 am
“lets hope griffin can keep jason taylor off culpepper hes been a qb killer against the raiders the last few meetings”
This ‘Griffin’ is that a clone between Griffith and Kiffin? hehhe
I’m not trying to look smart or anything, because that train left days ago =) but Come’on NATION! How hard can it be, if it’s to hard, try say ‘Lane’ instead of ‘Kiffin’ and ‘Culpepper’ instead ‘Daunte’
Bs… I almost gave up, but the encouraging words from you and RaidersRain gave me hope =)
September 29th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Negra i’m pretty sure they (Falcons) want Rathman back also,we took their OL game,their run game their FB, then they give Schaub away and the authorities take Vick. Too bad ATL. I’m also new to these posts and hope I have’nt taken somebody elses tag name.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
If it’s raining then dink and dunk! It’s common sense. You cannot throw the football effectively downfield if it’s raining or snowing. LOL Remind me of the old Dolphin game rivalry in the early 1970’s with Greasie and Csonka behind the line.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I really don’t think Pep will make this game to personal and blow it. He really hadn’t played for the Fins except a handful of games. I can’t imagine he is all salty. I could see him doing the opposite and being very poised show them what they missed out on.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
The key to the Dolphin game is stopping Ronnie Brown. His all purpose yards are killing teams right now, yup, Stu gotta MAKE his tackles or else Brown is gonna go BESERKE running over all the DBs!
September 29th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
1 thing I was wondering was with so many RB’s ,and the release of taylor, do you guys think Fargas may see some time as WR he has the build, speed ,and alright hands, plus with the RB game added he could be dangerous he always hits hard, but it’s against LB’s and S’s imagine if it were against S’s and CB’s. He could do some damage.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I’m gonna use Lane instead of Kiffin or Kiffen. One poster is right so nobody misspell his name on this blog.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I think it’s gonna go down between Joe or Fargas. There is no way both out do Bush on the depth chart. LOL.. I rather have running now instead of both Joe and Fargas. I say give Bush some carrys and let the Raiders drool what he can do fulltime in 2008.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Fargas ain’t no WR. The Raiders might as well re-sign Doug Gabriel. At least he makes more than one catch per game unlike the starters.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I’ve still yet to hear if there is already an insignificant that already posts here. I just started today
September 29th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Lane’s playcalling is gonna be the key to an Raiders upset.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
DC’s taking it personal alright, he can’t help but too because his ego was sliced in half when Miami considered him washed up goods, but he’s also performing for his life so he won’t let that dictate his game because wants to be picked up for a team next season, so he will perform like the Pro Bowler he is. I’m just happy that the Raiders have a guy at QB that the rest of the team seems to consider their Human Red Bull.
September 29th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I applaud McCown for playing hurt as it shows his toughness. The problem is that he is an average QB. When average QB’s play hurt, they become below average. McCown has been in a no win situation. He plays hurt and we’re pissed because it affects his play, he doesn’t play hurt and we would probably call him a pu$$y. McCown never had a chance with us. The drafting of Russell, the signing of Culpepper and the Raider love some have for Walter has really made us turn our backs on him. It doesn’t help that he hasn’t shown he can lead this team. His first game was O.K. but his costly mistakes can’t replace his 30-40 passing. You have to win in the 4th quarter and McCown’s bad game management and bad decisions in crucial moments really hurt his stock. I thought Walter looked better than McCown in Pre-Season and thought he should have beaten out McCown but Walter seems to be the odd man out and that could be because there was interest from other teams and maybe Walter went to Kiffin and asked to be traded since Russell killed any chance of him being the leader on this team. Kiffin said the holdout of Russell and the injury to McCown has hurt Walter because he hasn’t been able to leave in order to move on with another team. Culpepper just looks instinctive and natural and he leads this team the way Russell led LSU. They have an aura and people follow them and the team is confident in them. I really wish Culpepper can prove to us that he can get it done for his sake and for ours.
September 29th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
insignificant, there isn’t another “insignificant” that posts here, but there is this Charger fan that comes here all the time posting under other peoples post names, so beware if that happens, and just inform us that it’s not you when it happens as the post watch guards do a good job here at deleting the impostor.
September 29th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
ATTN RAIDERS FANS:
I know many of you have noticed that the SOPCAST/TVU game channel site hasn’t been working. After a couple hours of research i found a different site that has the channels that will stream all the games this sunday. Just use the link below and thank me later! =)
http://sportstalkworld.com/showthread.php?t=6931
September 29th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
I don’t mind McCown as the starter so long as he wins. But, he cannot win when healthy, so how the heck he wins if he’s injured, that befuddle me. I guess all the teams he played ofr saw the things fans see at the Coliseum. Walter can pick apart college defense but not in the pros so far. Walter has alot to prove in the pros.
September 29th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
CBS is promoting Raiders at Miami as their opening feature game.
September 29th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
I know it’s hard to follow what a fullback is doing when you’re watching a game live, focusing on where the ball is, but if you’ve recorded a game, watch Griffith on a few running plays. The guy is constantly making big-time blocks, completely taking opposing LBs out of the play and springing LJ into the secondary.
LaMont is running great, and a lot of people are calling him the MVP of this team right now — which is fair — but, in my mind, Griffith has been just as valuable.
September 29th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
You folks don’t hafta worry about a pass rush. We have none. Nope, not even Taylor and Porter are doing it. They have no supporting cast and are mostly dropped back in coverage in Capers’ grand scheme that requires DB’s. We have none of those either. Both Porter and Taylor have been invisible all season. Zach has a concussion, and our best DB was knocked out for the year in game 1.
September 29th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
On the “so many RB’s” issue.
Expect a QB cut / trade when Rhodes is activated.
Bush will likely be saved for 2008. Why risk him this year? He can have a full camp and be redy to bust out in 08. If he is activated expect Eche to go since he is inactive every week. Some people fantasize about Fargus getting cut but the depth chart is the reality.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
RaiderDogg Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Try to keep the new streaming info on the downlow so the NFL doesn’t shut that site down too. Just a thought.
—————–
exactly. The streamers are very pissed and ready to quit due to these fools who run around blabbering all over the place. Soon they’ll have nothing to blabber about. Unbelievable. Just keep things to yourself. If people want to find something on the internet, they can find it. Advertising is unnecessary and unhelpful. The first rule of fight club is you do not talk about fight club.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
It’s gonna be hard to OUTDO Jordan if he has a breakout all purpose yardages year IMO. Bush might be running behind Jordan. Unless Rhodes breakout when he comes back he might be the No. 3 RB in 2008.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
You guys are funny, trying to get Raiders games FREE, LOL… nothing is free in this worldf especially NFL games. You guys are better off listening to live radio with Papa and Co.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Presuming that Andrew Walter is trade bait once Josh McCown gets his foot out of the boot, where do the Raiders send him and who/what could they get for him? Atlanta was thought to be the most likely candidate, but they signed Bryon Leftwich, so that would seem to be out.
What about Chicago? They’re desperately casting about for someone to replace Rex Grossman. Have they got anybody who could help us immediately that they might actually be willing to part with?
*RAIDER NATION, baby…somos pocos pero locos!*
September 29th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
I believe the Raiders can only get a draft pick for Walter. The player swap period is over as one poster posted a while back. I say give the Raiders back a 3rd round pick for Walter.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Coach On Wheels said in the article before this one that he hoped Culpepper does well because of two things, one being it will be good for the team, and the other being he doesn’t want to bear witness to people on here falling all over themselves to make excuses for DC if he messes up, and then he says, we shall see if he can live up to the hype.
His comment sounded as if he would be satisfied with either a win, or a loss on Sunday. Is he that much of an anti-Daunte guy? Or does his hate for some Raiders fans rallying for him the cause of that CHARGER FAN-LIKE comment?
Enough of the Mary Poppins lectures Pops! Were trying to win games here, not have a Tea Party!
September 29th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
What do you have against Coach on Wheels? So what, the guy input is important, give it rest. This blog is Raiders talk and nothing else regardless of how old you are or what ethnic.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Experts are reporting that the Raiders win by running with minimum DC passes.
If this is what it takes to win, then great!
I am starting Curry and Miller for my fantasy team so I hope Raiders win with some
passing, hehe
I’m IN and will always be.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Raiders Fanatic, precisely my point, this is the Raiders blog, and as Raiders fans, we have the right to speak negatively about players, or Coaches on the team if we feel the want, but Coach On Wheels, and some of his “Who’s Your Daddy” followers seem to think we have have to speak kindly about every situation or were bad fans. If we want to blast Kiffin, or a player about something their doing, we should be able to without people notifying us of our loyalty for the team, there is nothing wrong with a little corrective criticism, it doesn’t mean you don’t have love for your team. Now you give it a rest!
September 29th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Raiders Fanatic, I forgot to address your other comment, I don’t know where the ethnic part of your question came from, but I’m pretty sure you brought up the age thing because of my “Pops” reference. I can care less about anyones ethnicity, were all brother, and sisters here in the Raiders Nation. As for my Elders, I do respect them, I let them out of the basement for walks all the time.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Quote Raiderdriver:”Experts are reporting that the Raiders win by running with minimum DC passes.”
What you’ll find is that you can both run and pass all over us. The Raiders will do what the 3 previous teams have done;they will run it and throw it down the Phins throat, and benefit from an INT or 2 (or 4) from TrINT. And a very tired defense that has no secondary.
The prob with the Phins D this year is that they can’t defensively play the whole field, thus limiting what our playmakers can do. Look for DC to burn either Daniels or Tillman all day long.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
The RB’s will benefit (as have all other teams) by the fact that the guys who are usually rushing the passer have to compensate in coverage. The Phins have rarely used their blitz package this year. Sure this could change against the Raiders. Camoron finally figured out he had to run Brown to let him get any yards last week. BUT, even in a blitz…you give DC the one on ones he so desires and takes atvantage of. Don’t know if you have a speedster, but with Jordan and just a mildly speedy WR, you should have the Phins #.
I must sound like a very poor fan, but the decisions this year have just put me over the edge.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Raiders Rain - I completely agree with you. If I get in an arguement with my girlfriend, does that mean I want to break up? No. I simply do not agree with her about something. Same goes with the Raiders. I am going to get angry with the Raiders whether that be because of the upper management or the way the QB threw the ball or the calls any coaches make on the field. Does that mean I don’t want to be a Raiders fan? Not at all but I have a right to be pissed off or unhappy. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t complain which would probably mean that I wasn’t really a fan. Its called passion. I have also agreed that if someone wants to boo at a game then let them. People pay alot of money to go to those games and they have every right to express their joy and their sorrow. Put a great product on the field and you will hear cheers, put a crappy product on the field and you will see tears.
September 29th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
DannyBoy - We have Johnnie Lee Higgins as our speedster. He’s a rookie WR and is our starting Punt Returner. I don’t recall him seeing any time at WR so far but hes the 4th guy and can stretch the field. Jerry Porter has some speed as well but he has been almost completely invisible this year. That could be McCown’s fault in not looking his way of course. We’ll see.
September 29th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Huff24, exactly. It sure is pretty funny how these “stop talking bad about our team” crybabies overlooked the fact that Kiffin “HIMSELF” said if he was in our shoes he’d probably be doing the same thing. Yep, pretty peculiar how that very important statement by the Raiders “Head Coach” was somehow overlooked.
September 29th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Danny Boy if what you say is true. No wonder Saban flew the coop. I don’t know what’s going to happen but their defense sounds dismal. And if that’s true then the Raiders should win. Every win builds confidence in your ability too win.
As far as JP’s disappearance I see him get open and he just hasn’t been thrown to and it’s got to be frustating for him, but hopefully that’s a thing of the past.
I also expect the defense to have it’s best outing thus far. …..we’ll see.
September 29th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
We cannot overlook the Dolphins. They may not be what they were but its any given Sunday in the NFL. I believe we “SHOULD” win this game but we should also be 3-0. There is a fire lit under Culpepper and the team has steadily improved since the start of the season. This will be a good game, as they always are.
September 30th, 2007 at 2:29 am
Good stuff, Jerry… Glad we have griffifth… he has been a huge addition to our running game.
Just look at Jordan being #2 in the league right now….
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
September 30th, 2007 at 4:02 am
# Chris in NY Says:
September 29th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
“I know it’s hard to follow what a fullback is doing when you’re watching a game live, focusing on where the ball is, but if you’ve recorded a game, watch Griffith on a few running plays. The guy is constantly making big-time blocks, completely taking opposing LBs out of the play and springing LJ into the secondary.
LaMont is running great, and a lot of people are calling him the MVP of this team right now — which is fair — but, in my mind, Griffith has been just as valuable.”
You took the words right out of my mouth, Chris.
I’ve Tivo’d every game so far and concentrated on Griffith, the guy is downright amazing. He never misses a block and he keeps working, throw in really good hands and you have the best damn FB in the league.
Fargas is a very good pass blocker too but Griffith blocks extremely well passing AND running.
Rich Mckay, down in Atlanta, should be shot, first letting Schaub go even though Vick was always in trouble with the law, and then letting the guy go who made the offense click, Justin Griffith.
September 30th, 2007 at 4:46 am
Hey Nation!!!! I’m am so fricken excited about the game today. Just want to say I look forward to reading everyones post on here. Even when I don’t agree. Everyone is going to express them selves diffrently and going to view each game in there own way. Enjoy this forum for what it is and enjoy the fact that there are so many out there that have something in common with you.
The greatness of the Raiders past, present and future.
My hats off to all of you and can’t wait to get back to all of you after the game today.
Im in!!!!
Go Raiders!!!!! 28-10
September 30th, 2007 at 5:38 am
Hey Raider Nation,
Jerry each day I look forward to reading this blog as well as the Raider Nation replies and opinions. Being in Australia we unfortunately do not get the TV coverage you guys do so thank you all I have is the net for Raider news and updates.
I’ll be getting up at 3am Aussie time and to Raider football and I cannot wait. It’s great to see that the Raiders have more than competitive all in their games and how easily could they be 3-0!!
Like the previous bloogers have stated, coach Kiffin & Cable plus Griffith are worth their weight in gold. Never would have thought we’d be third in rushing and to think that Rhodes and hopefully Bush to come into the lineup.
GO RAIDERS!!!
September 30th, 2007 at 6:45 am
My prediction:
175-200 yards by running, 2 INT by Stoutt, one for TD. Culpepper max 150 yards 1TD and 1 INT… 28-20
Donovin Darius, gonna start tonight…
___
Raiders Rain…
you said
“we should be able to without people notifying us of our loyalty for the team, there is nothing wrong with a little corrective criticism”
AND
“His comment sounded as if he would be satisfied with either a win, or a loss on Sunday. Is he that much of an anti-Daunte guy? Or does his hate for some Raiders fans rallying for him the cause of that CHARGER FAN-LIKE comment?”
can’t you see those arguments contradict each other??
September 30th, 2007 at 7:03 am
Hell Raiderrrs
“Hell aint a bad place to be” Bon Scott
Great post I concur even though I disagree with some posters I do enjoy reading the many varying opinions we have here. I am so pumped up about this game today because of the way I felt last Sunday leaving the stadium. I am still fired up and here I am at 7:00 am waiting for kickoff.
“The greatness of the Raiders” I love the way Al says that.
Aussie Raider
I can’t tell you how bitchin it is for us Bay Area people to see Raider fans in other countries posting in here. I understand you probably don’t get the coverage we do so others and I will try and keep you informed as we can with our perspectives on the games.
I’M IN!!
September 30th, 2007 at 7:18 am
Andrew Walter and Jerry Porter to the Bills for Lee Evans and a draft pick.
Just an idea.
September 30th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Not to get too happy too early, but this game is a ‘W’ if we play without stupid penalties,
and just execute the solid play calling that Kif- er, Lane has already proven work. Lane has taught the team to do their job so well the other team doesn’t factor in, and they ARE IN, as am I!
THe real story line of this game will likely be the return of defensive pressure, even without Burgess. 1 sack 1st half and 3-4 in the second as Green does his botany impersonation behind a very tired Phish O-line >:)
Yeah, not to get too happy just yet - but everything appears to be coming along according to plan…
Go Raiders!
September 30th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Nice Q&A with Warren Sapp: (he talks about Kiffin, Nhamdi, Jordan, Pep, UM, etc)
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2007/09/29/sapp_weighs_in.html
Short sample:
“Q: What have been your impressions of Lane Kiffin? Sapp: I love the kid. I love the kid. It’s tough to say kid for a head coach, but he’s younger than me. It’s just one of those deals. He came in with that fire and love for the game and let’s go 100 miles and hour and make this thing fun again. We really got his message. Our record isn’t what we wanted. But we have a chance to get to .500 and get to a bye week, get a little healthier and get Dominic Rhodes back. And then we have a two-back combination going.
Q: You played for his dad (Monte Kiffin) in Tampa Bay. Are there any similarities there? Sapp: No. The old man was a nut. No doubt about it. He’s at the job all day long, ain’t going home, going to find a way to do some new blitzes and stuff. This one here, I hate to say it, but he’s a players’ coach. He’s out there ripping and running with us, full of energy. It’s fun to be around him because what we had last year is nothing like what we have this year. It’s like night and day.
Q: Have you ever guaranteed a win? Sapp: I don’t think I’ve guaranteed a win. I don’t think so. I don’t recall it. You don’t throw gas on a fire that’s already burning.”
September 30th, 2007 at 8:17 am
2 thoughts , vs green today a rotation of middle blitzing, and then contrasting to
a 6 rush look pre snap , then drop 8 into coverage - 4 short/under 4- inside then
over , will create green holding onto ball & trying to throw on run , which he has never
been good at ! this will create 3 to’s by miam o’ ,
oaklnda off w/ DANTE as starter
will deliver 4- 7+ minutte driveS , they need to net 24+points on these ( which means
i’msorry , but no mcown or MIKE WILLIAMS playing today O.K. LAME!!!!!!!
we cant afford 1 more drop or fumbles in the
end zone or b4 the half ) . now on the other 6 possesions, they should run the
ball min of 17 times , that will put the rush count to at least 41 atts , jordan @ 27att,
fargas @ 7 atts, dante 4 atts ,
the oak pasing game w/ dante! will then go 29 atts 19 comps, 245 yds tes-9recs 1 td,
curry 4-@16 1 td , higgins 1 rec @40+yds 1td? ( dantes’ chompin at bit to get him ball
deep at least once!!) porter & backs will accumulate the other 5 recs !!!!!!
this is what the off is trying to do all year !! now w/ DANTE /@ helm they can !!
hopefully the def or to’s / penaltys dont undermine them today!!!!!!
( p.s. my friend who is bad luck is at game today , so lets hope it doesnt work today!
September 30th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Guy’s JaMarcus Russell is literally blowing minds in practice. The Raiders can’t wait to see this kid behind center. THe original thought was to keep him under wraps for a while but his knowledge of the offense and his awesome talent has altered that to some degree. We may see him a lot sooner than anyone expected.
Don’t try to compare this kid to anyone you’ve ever seen B4, he’s just different. How soon he will be able to diagnose NFL defenses who knows, but his talent has their imagination running wild and as a result they are speeding up his development.
Your probably going to hear from the media varying reports of his physical conditioningwait and judge that for yourself, you’ll see him on the sidelines plenty. But trust me Big Al and coach Kiffin esp. have ants in their pants to see just what this kid is capable of bringing to that offense.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Silver-N-Black
Yeah no matter the angle I love the info that comes out of here. Most of all the passion of so many fellow fans. I live up in Reno, NV so there are a lot of fair weather Raider fans but there are a lot of 49ers fans. So I read this whole blog every night at work. It’s great!
Fanny story living up here.
I went to bid a deck job some years ago for this old guy. After we talked about the cost of the deck. While wearing my Raider hat he looks at me and says “Raiders huh!” as he walks into the house. Thinking oh great another niners fan I say Yeah! What about them.
He pointed over to the fire place and on mantel there were some old football cards. I go and look at the cards and realize I’m standing in Don Manoukian’s house. We talked for about 2 hours all about the 1960 Raiders and how to this day he can still call on Al for anything. It was great.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:43 am
Blackholepriest
They just said the same thing on BSPN. They said we could see him by ThanksGiving.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:48 am
I saw that, and heard some additional reports all week. For BSPN (as you call it) to confirm what I had already heard was the reason I posted. Because you know how they hate to give the raiders their propers.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:56 am
I noticed last week the only highlight they would show was the blocked FG. Nothing about all the good stuff the Raiders are doing this year.
But it wont be long before they have to give the Raiders there props.
September 30th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Priest
Do you dress up for the games? I was wondering if I saw you on Tv last week.
September 30th, 2007 at 9:45 am
No I don’t, I never have, but I do have something I’m coming up with in the not to distant furure.
September 30th, 2007 at 9:53 am
fifteen minutes to kickoff! I want to
see porter finally have a big day
against the dolphins loved the clutch
catch last week but ones not enough
for a primary reciever btw watch
USC games you see the raiders offense
but just a little bit slower man if we get
russell to learn that offense and mike williams
to relearn it by years end it will be scary
go raiders peace to raidernation!!!!
September 30th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
5 TD`S 4 PEP ANY QUESTIONS?