The Friday file
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, October 26th, 2007 at 3:22 pm in Oakland Raiders.
News, notes and observations as the Raiders held a brief practice Friday before boarding busses headed for the airport and a charter flight to Nashville, Tenn:
– Sunday’s quarterback depth chart, according to Lane Kiffin: 1) Daunte Culpepper; 2) Josh McCown; 3) JaMarcus Russell.
Regarding Russell, Kiffin said, “most likely.” When asked what could change his mind, Kiffin said, “There’s always room for change with any of it. All of a sudden Josh wakes up and doesn’t feel well, or whatever the circumstances may be.”
– Gerard Warren did not practice and is listed as out and will not play. Neither will Sam Williams, who was limited. Terdell Sands at defensvie tackle and Robert Thomas at strongside linebacker are the likely replacement starters.
– Kiffin said return specialist Chris Carr was “fine” and is ready to go.
– Any chance at all of seeing Russell on Sunday?
Here’s what Kiffin said Friday: “Sure there is. He could come in, there could be a number of situations where that could possibly happen.”
Here’s what Kiffin told Tennessee writers by conference call Wednesday: “No, JaMarcus would not play in a normal situation this week. We’re going to continue to develop him and bring him along, push him as far as we can push him.”
– Culpepper was made available to Tennessee writers by conference call, but did not speak with local media this week.
– It’s all hearts and flowers this week, but some heavily involved in the USC program will tell you there was more than a little tension between Tennessee offensive coordinator Norm Chow and Kiffin.
Kiffin lavished praise on Chow this week every time he was asked, saying at one point, “He’s obviously a great coach, and will probably go down numbers-wise as the best offensive coordinator in the history of college football with his offense and what he’s done with his quarterbacks.”
Kiffin joined Pete Carroll’s staff at USC in 2001 as tight ends coach, with Chow as offensive coordiantor. Steve Sarkisian, who was a quarterback at BYU when Chow was offensive coordinator there, was hired in 2002 to coach USC quarterbacks.
By 2004, Sarkisian left to become quarterbacks coach of the Raiders under Norv Turner and Kiffin was elevated to passing game coordinator, working in the booth with Chow.
It wasn’t always smooth. During an Orange Bowl practice that year, the Los Angeles Daily news reported Chow and Kiffin were openly arguing in front of the team and assembled media. Chow is fairly blunt and direct, and even family members concede Kiffin needed some work on his people skills.
To be fair, I’ve been told this wasn’t unusual on that USC staff, where heated debate and discussion with several strong-minded coaches was not uncommon.
After the 2004 season, Chow interviewed for the position at Stanford, eventually losing out to Walt Harris.
Meanwhile, USC coach Pete Carroll lured Sarkisian back to USC. Chow, as the story goes, felt he was being forced out as Carroll was huddling with Sarkisian and Kiffin at the Senior Bowl, planning to split the offensive coordinator duties between the two young coaches.
Chow, extremely disappointed about losing out at Stanford, joined Jeff Fisher’s staff with the Titans. He brushed off any suggestion he had a problem with Kiffin.
“Our relationship is fine. I don’t have any problems,” Chow said. “I think it was only a matter of time before he would get a good job because he’s a bright young guy.”
Said Kiffin: “Norm had a wonderful opportunity to go work for Jeff and make a lot of money in the NFL,and take a new challenge on. He was excited about it and has obviously done a great job. That’s all there was to it.”
All three men cashed in financially as well as professionally. Chow was hired at reported salary fo $1 million by Tennessee and is entrusted with building Vince Young into an NFL quarterback.
Sarkisian was targeted by Al Davis early in the hiring process as the next Raiders coach, bringing Kiffin with him for a second interview.
Sarkisian told the Daily Breeze of Torrance he was offered the job, went home and thought about it, and decided against it. USC gave Sarkisian a big raise from his $500,000 salary. If and when Carroll leaves for an NFL job, Sarkisian would be a candidate to become USC’s head coach or become Carroll’s offensive coordinator in the NFL.
Kiffin, of course, was brought back when Sarksian decided to stay at USC and ended up the youngest head coach in the modern era of the NFL.
– Tennessee running back LenDale White said enjoyed the Kiffin experience at USC.
“He kind of told it like it was, I never had a problem with Lane Kiffin,” White said. “I respected that. A lot of people don’t do that, some guys pat you on your butt and tell you everything is OK, but when they go behind closed doors it’s another story. I respect Lane a lot.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
October 26th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Wah, wah, wah….who cares about past relationships on the college-level. I want a WIN dammit! Is that too much to ask?
October 26th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
You know, what the hell is Gerrard Warren being paid for??? this is bull.3 games and he’s moaning about his thigh. What a waste..yea he has 3 sacks but that only goes so far. get off your lazy ass and get in the game Warren!!
October 26th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Good point, Nick nasty…
October 26th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
The whole Chow, Kiffin, Sarkisian thing is interesting. Looks like a USC reunion with Fisher, Chow, Kiffin, White, Fargas, and Mike Williams. Did I miss anyone?
October 26th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I want to thank Jerry and the contributers for this blog. Most Raider forums are nonsense. This one is full of good info and opinions.
I am 50 and been a Raider fan since high school. A lot of things Kiffin does does not make sense but I am behind him 100% no matter what. I would rather do that and be wrong then second guess him.
I do not know if JR will become a team leader but we need someone to kick butt and hold the clubhouse together. We need more team players. I hope that is what Kiff is working for. If so that would explain many things. Tha Pats and the Colts seem to have that formula and I bet Kiff sold AD on it.
Give Kiff some time and back your club.
In closing I hate ratashan and denver with a passion.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
If Warren can’t go then Sands, Sapp, Kelly, Brayton, and others all need to step up. THEY’RE ALL GETTING PAID!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
On top of that, Jeff Fisher is very good coach, Chairman of the Competition Committee, and tough on the Raiders.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
I can’t wait to see Jamarcus play.
Our defense looked better last week, now all we need is some O.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
I like Kiff and all but this jackass playing coy Maybe-MaybeNot crap is really getting old. Just man up and give a straight answer for the love of Christ. Could someone please remind him he is a football coach and doesn’t work for NASA?
October 26th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
MOM:
I think in time J Russell could be a good leader for the Raiders. Maybe not in the mold of Manning or Brady…But a solid leader. Russell has a quiet confidence about him…a calmness w/ a little bit of swagger.
The players on the team will need to allow him to lead. And Russell will need to prove it on the field by winning games. Close games where he leads the team from behind. The great ones always find a way to get the W when it’s crunch time.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
What will happen to AW now? trading bait? too late!!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Sands replacing Warren? True but interesting since Sands got a nice contract to be our starter before the season began.
Funny thing about the media. People argue all the time. Every time someone argues it isn’t a life-long blood feud. Unless your staff is all yes men, there are going to be differing opinions. The media like the drama though so…
October 26th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I hope this isn’t a game the Raiders loss themselves. I tired of them playing good enough to lose. Marty Schoteinheimer once said that by the 4th QTR, the Raiders will find a way to lose.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
JAY:
I think Kiffin is just looking for an edge…anything that will help his team, gain even a slight advantage. Why let your opponent know who you starting QB is if you don’t have to. Why let your opponent know who’s hurt on Monday if you can wait till Friday or gametime? The Raiders need all the help they can get!
October 26th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Sands has been a huge dissapointment. He didn’t play well enough last season to warrant the contract he has now. I keep reading how people hope he steps up, but he won’t. We all know he won’t. But since Burgess is back, that will hopefuly take some heat of of Sapp & Kelly.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Both Culpepper & McCown are gone next year maybe Walter is staying & will be next year’s #2 QB.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
It all depends on 1st down performance… expect to see lots of screen plays, and short routs, I don’t believe playaction will work with this defense, so… jordan, miller will be workhorses… but again good gains on 1st down, smart play by OLine and coverage by special teams.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Sands is a big bag of potatoes placed between the DT and the DE… PERIOD!
October 26th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
PAUL:
The Raiders will keep either DC or JM. More than likely they keep JM, he wold be more apt to back up/tutor Russell once Russell ascends to the top of the QB depth chart. Walter is under contract and could stay and be our 3rd QB, but if another team offer the Raiders a decent draft pick in a trade then Walter is gone.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Kirk,
I can’t wait to see JaMarcus play as well, but if it’s anytime soon, it means we’re either getting blown out in a game, or the season is shot.
———————
Next year, I would like to see the depth chart as follows:
1. JaMarcus Russell
2. Josh McCown
3. Andrew Walter
DC will be gone after this year. I think McCown kisses Kiffin’s ass enough to stay with the team.
If Walter has one more year left, we should keep him around for cheap.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
One big USC love fest sunday bring in marcus allen while your at it puke… Ihope they hate each other and it turns into a knock down drag out sunday on the field. too bad warren is a no go but we got to move on. Its high time for terdell sands to step up and earn that contract high priced under achievers is killing this team. kiffin needs to do some gardening and pull the weeds
October 26th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
UNTIL THE RAIDERS CAN FINISH GAMES THEY WILL CONSISTANTLY BE UNDER 500. THERE R MORE GAMES DECIDED BY A FIELD GOALS IN A COUPLE WEEKS THEN THERE R BLOWOUTS ALL YEAR. UNFORTUNATLY THEY HAVE BEEN ON THE LOSING SIDE OF BOTH LATELY. I THINK KIFF IS A GOOD START TO CHANGING THAT MENTALITY BUT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE PERSONAL. AND RUSSELL COULD BE A KEY TO CHANGING THAT
October 26th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
r8r4fer:
WEEDS (OFFENSE):
Culpepper…Russell starts next season
Porter…Not doing much. Higgins can go deep.
Jordan…Bush waiting in the wings.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Too bad andrew walter never got to play behind anything that resembled an NFL line hope he catches on some where because he getting the tui treatment here
October 26th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
If Walter isn’t in the top 3 depth chart that means he doesn’t even suit-up right? Holy crap this guy was supposed to be our possible QB of the future and now he is here!!!
I am more worried this weekend of VY running around, even with the bum wheel, than Lendale White. He has never impressed me and big slow backs are usually the only backs the raiders typically control.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Michael Huff has crossed over!
October 26th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
I think if Walter had any value in the market he would have been traded already. Why trade for someone who will be cut any way? Draft picks are valuable and the Raiders is 4th string on a sub par team. Some teams only carry two QB’s.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Nick Says:
October 26th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
You know, what the hell is Gerrard Warren being paid for??? this is bull.3 games and he’s moaning about his thigh. What a waste..yea he has 3 sacks but that only goes so far. get off your lazy ass and get in the game Warren!!
Easy for you to say from your safe, comfy couch. It’s not your body. It’s not your pain. For that matter, it’s not your money. If he went hard enough to get three sacks in the short time he’s been with us, that suggests he’s not too “lazy.” Warren Sapp is paid a helluva lot more, and he only has one. The guy coming off the bench to replace him, Terdell Sands, also is being paid a helluva lot more…and he has none.
And who was the player who put him on the bench? Gerard Warren.
All your indignation is more than a little bit misplaced. Actually, it’s just plain wrong.
*RAIDER NATION, baby…all day, every day*
October 26th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
I think Kiffin was a little gun shy about trading Walter leading up to the trading deadline because McCown was nursing a few injuries at the time and he still didn’t have total faith in Culpepper. Kiffin still doesn’t have total faith in CPep but he seems to believe in McCown.
Bottom line is if CPep has a bad game this week and McCown is ready to go, I will not be surprised when the Raiders waive CPep. If CPep can make it happen this week then AW may be history.
As far as the game is concerned I’m thinking the Raiders are due, Huff is learning how to bait qb’s, look for him to get his 1st career pick. More pressure up front like last week, hopefully a few more sacks to go with it. I have a feeling Kiffin is going to be pretty stubborn about running the ball all day. With that being said I think he will open the game with a 4wr set and spread Tennessee early. It’s do or die for CPep as far as I can tell, I for one see this team finally starting to come together and getting a few breaks won’t hurt either.
It all adds up to our first road win in a very long time and it’s about damn time!
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
October 26th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
We beat the Dolphins for our first road win in eons.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
What this team needs is help on the o-line..bringing in JR too early may end his career before it starts..lets play the people who acually showed up for training camp and look forward.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Donnie Edwards talking smack after the chiefs game:
“They change players, change coaches, but it’s still the same old Raiders when you get right down to it,” Edwards said.
If that does not get the blood boiling for the next time we meet the raiders, those raider player dont have a manhood….
October 26th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
meet the chiefs I meant
October 26th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
no word on bush yet? 14 days and counting
October 26th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
The whole Chow, Kiffin, Sarkisian thing is interesting. Looks like a USC reunion with Fisher, Chow, Kiffin, White, Fargas, and Mike Williams. Did I miss anyone?
Yeah……. Al Davis
October 26th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Russell’s holdout really screwed us at QB. If he would have come in early, we wouldn’t have needed to sign that turd Coldpecker and Kiffin wouldn’t have to deal with QB controversey. McCown could have started and Walter could have backed him up until JR was ready. We cut McCown loose next year and have JR and AW at QB. DC’s great game against Miami was highlighted with 5 completions - we might as well have had Ronald Curry at QB! He’s done. Cut DC and keep JM and AW.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Why is everyone concerned with the coachs its the players who play not them. until the Dcan stops the other team in the 4QT. to keep alead to win the game its going to be a long year.NOT impressed with Cpep he looks really slow in the pocket and hold on to the ball also stick with the running game and then play action to give the WR some space everyone we played put 8in the box the WR should be 1on1 CATCH THE BALL… A comment about warren a real good player let him get totally healthy sit him if you have to he is a real handful when he’s going all out well thats all LETS KICK THE titians ASS. GO RAIDERS
October 26th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
kiffin must realllly dislike walter. maybe he couldnt even produce behind the 1st team o line in practice. we’ll probaby see russel in november. hopefully our running game will be more stable.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
JM is not qualified to mentor anybody. That’s just what we’d need, a career 2nd or 3rd stringer teaching our new student on how to be mediocre. RIGHT!
JM won’t be here next year either. Keep AW as a back-up, he’s already under contract and does have an accurate strong arm. His only shortcoming is he’s not mobile. then again, neither is Brady, Manning, Farve and a bunch of others. AW has an upside, just give him a chance. As far as a mentor, keep an eye out for a successful over the hill’er that will soon be without a team. That could be Steve McNair, Donovan McNabb, Trent Green, Vinny Testaverde or possibly DC. Who knows? If DC doesn’t do something real special soon, his stock will plummet and he’ll be happy the mentor job is around.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I know you guy’s are focus on the talent. RB’s, WR’s, and so am I. But what this team desparately needs right now is a LEADER.
Rich Gannon was not the most talented individual. But he brought outstanding leadership to a team that had everything else but would blow games late. This team is NO different. We have the talent to be 4-2 or better. But the confidence is just not there, confidense that only comes from great leadership. I compare to an NBA point guard, that distributes the ball and calms the team in pressure situations and makes sure the right guy gets the ball at the right time.
That brings me to Daunte Culpepper. He was brought here for ONE reason, to lead this team out of (losing streaks) a rut. That’s why the comparison to Jim Plunkett was made. He unfortunately is struggling to find his game. Also his timing with the recievers is still not smooth.
As a result we sit here 2-4. And with all the other things that you can point to that might be a factor, IMO Daunte’s inability to lead this team is having a profound affect on the players.
Look at Tampa Bay, we might have a better team but Garcia’s leadership is keeping that team afloat. Since Gannon took that hit from Derrick Brooks this team has been floundering. And until we get leadership from that position it will continue. Daunte must find his stride or we might as well play the phenom.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Ive been wondering about Michael Bush; Its apparent that LJ is still hurting, so whats up with giving Rhodes the ball a little more and seeing what Bush can do!!
We are not going to make the play offs this yearunless there is a drastic change in the offense so lets see everyone; Jamarcus, Michael Bush if healthy, and any of the other young promissing players that are on the roster!!
PS. I NEED A TICKET TO THE CHICAGO GAME. IM COMMING TO OAKLAND FOR MY BIRTHDAY AND IM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING A TICKET.
iF THERE IS ANYONE THAT CAN HELP NEW JERSEY’S BIGGEST RAIDER FAN PLEASE
EMAIL ME. macblackent@yahoo.com
October 26th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
The Perfect scenario, would be for Daunte to sign a 2 year deal with the Raiders and help Russell get his feat under him while re-establishing himself as a viable option for some other team within the next 2 years as their starter. This would give us extra time to develope Russel while getting solid play at the QB. Daunte will get better in time, he’s farther away than anyone thought. He obviously needs some consistent work himself. Which would help himself and Russell along with giving the Raiders what we need, stability at the QB position and that would stabilize this franchise.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Ray, you are an IDIOT! What a stupid observation. Dumb is as dumb does. Who cares what color he is? He’s 6′6″- 255# laser arm’d athlete who can toss the nut probably longer and more accurately than any QB in NFL history. He’s big enough & strong enough to play he’ll with the opposing rushers. He could probably kick your a$$ too if he had a mind to. What we need to find out is can he be a leader and run this team If yes, then he’ll not only win a Superbowl, he win many of them during his stay with the S&B.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Please don’t respond to RAY, it’s just stupid, so don’t stoop to it!
October 26th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Priest
Your 9:12PM & 9:27PM postings were right on point.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Thanks JB!
October 26th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
RE Walter, let’s not forget that Al Davis said during one of his press conferences that he felt AW needed a year off after last year’s debacle. AW seems to fit the prototype that Davis favors, so it will be interesting to see what develops here. He still has a year left whereas JM and DC don’t have any deals past this season. I really hope he’s not being given the Tui treatment and given a fair shot next year if he’s still on the team. Let the best quarterback win, whether it’s JR or not!
October 26th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
I would love Walter to stay beyond this year and even long term. But Russell is the franchise plain and simple. He is “THE BEAST of the BLACKHOLE” !!!!!!!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
JR will be the Blackhole of our S&B universe and all that enter his domain will shrink in his presence to a point where they cease to exist. Let it be said, let it be done.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
What is the felling req. sundays game how about a score of 38 to 24 win for the titans.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
WTFE……KoolKell please tell me why Jeff Fisher is such a great coach? He is the longest current tenured coach in the NFL, but I’m scratchin’ my head as to why? Whatever that MFer is slippin in the owners tea, more power to him!
Raidertripp……Russell H/O really screwed up Kiffin and everything else in the world. Damn I think my AC bill went up and I damn sure know that means the Ozone is in dire straits!!!!!! LOL U STUPID @$$ dirt worshippers……..
Did I just lose my mind or has EVERYBODY not realized the most important aspect of this blog? Let’s see……Culpepper, McCown, Russell….and there are some concerns that McCown can’t handle #2…..Is anybody else whooping it up, dancing on the ceiling????
If CPep doesn’t get us a win, the Russell era is ushering itself in very nicely!
Jeff Fisher? KK U need to get a life………
JUST GET RUSSELL READY BABY!!!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Chad!!………..You would’nt want fisher as our head coach??? Coach of the Raiders??? I would Love to have him as the S&B coach. He has not won a Super Bowl, but atleast there is more harmony in Tenn, then their is in Oakland……..During his tenure, how many stupid Head Coaches have we gone thru. Atleast 5, maybe 6. I would trade Kiffen for Fisher, RIGHT NOW, if I had the chance and so would Al Davis!!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Raider Glory….I will take Kiffin, and the Super Bowl rings which follow!!!!!
Fisher is decent enough, but I would rather be bad than mediocre.
We have taken our lumps, and I hope we return to the top triumphantly within a few yrs. As for Fish, well, keep puttin’ out that mediocrity….LOL
JUST GET RUSSELL READY BABY!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Lord have mercy on the NFL when the Raiders right the ship. I have never seen more rabid fans in my life. Wild wolfman jack MF’in, bloodthirsty Pirata MF’ers…
When the “greatness of the Raiders” is realized, nobody will be laughin’ at the S&B!
JUST GET RUSSELL READY BABY!!!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Wow!! Im surprised you feel that way. The guy just got a contract extension………he would have been a coach that other NFL teams would have gone after, if not resigning with the Titans. I think he’s a good coach. Came close to winning a SB Vs. the Rams. I’ll tell you one thing……I would rather have him than Shell, Norv, Callahan put together!!! Those guys were the epitome of MEDIOCRE!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Chad E, we’ll be here to hold you Sunday after we lose, thanks to another week of soft practicing.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
Chad………I like Kiffen, but to tell you the truth, I have a bad feeling in my gut. I really believe his time as the Raider’s head coach will be short lived. I think he;s doing a helluva job, but he’s also being pressured by not only the Raider faithful, but im sure, by Al as well. It’s a crazy thing. I just cant imagine us having a coach for more than 3 yrs. Who was the last coach we had for more than 3 seasons??? Name him?? I hope im wrong!!!!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Jeff Fisher comes with a pretty good pedigree. Jeff Fisher was on that ‘85 world champion Chicago Team, had only one losing season (7-9) before taking his team to the Super Bowl out of nowhere, and came 6 inches from winning. After two down seasons, he started a rookie QB and still went 8-8. Everyone thought this year they would add playmakers. Instead, they lost their two best WR’s and best RB (Travis Henry) to denver. Right now they are 4-2 in arguably a very tough division. Seems like a pretty damn good coach to me.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Oakglenn…….I agree with you. I would Love to see Kiffen have the same success as Fisher , except with a SB ring or two. He’s got a flame in him that wont quit. Very passionate about the game. And now, very experienced as head coach!!
October 26th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Glory, you’re right. Jeff Fisher is a fantastic coach. The Titan ownership is not nearly as commited to winning as the Raider ownership. See my comments above about letting all their playmakers go. The tight-ass offensive linemen were PISSED they let T. Henry walk. I would ove to have Fisher here. There was a rumour he was gonna walk after last year and I wanted to lobby to get him here, but alas, he resigned with the Tight asses.
October 27th, 2007 at 12:01 am
You guys I’ve said this a million times on these blogs. rookies make rookie mistakes, and that goes for coaches, as well as players. Kiffins made mistakes, no doubt, but he’s gonna be an absolutely fantastic hire. I really like him. Even the fourth down call, last week. I was totally behind that. Shoot, you cant get ONE yard, that’s not the coaches fault. That was the game right there.
October 27th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Yea!! …I just hope Al and the Raider Nation have alittle more patience with the guy. I have a feeling the guy has aged 10 yrs this season. A whole lotta pressure on him to WIN NOW!! I would love nothing more for this guy to be the Raider coach for atleast 5 more seasons!! But call me a pessimist, cause I dont see it!! Either he gets tired of Al’s meddleing and walks outta here or Al gets an itch and gives him the boot. We shall see………Only time will tell……….If we miraculously start winning……….A slew of NFL teams will try to lure him out of Oaktown!! And if he fails……He could probably get his old gig at USC back!! I know USC is not the same team with out him!! Not even close!! They are really missing him!!
October 27th, 2007 at 12:37 am
If we win this week, it’s only because of just that, RG, because the pressure is on him. That’s the same reason Art Shell or Norv Turner win this week, too. We aren’t going to be able to tell anything by winning this week. We won’t know if it was just one of those mandatory Raider wins where everybody shows up, only to revert right back to camp wuss the following week. or if it’s the real deal. I won’t be convinced until we win 4 straight. I’m sorry to be harsh, but after 4 years of dead last a couple of wins here and there cloaked in losing isn’t going to cut it for me.
October 27th, 2007 at 6:21 am
Atlanta let Grady go. I say Al should bring the boy back home. We need run stopping
help.
October 27th, 2007 at 7:15 am
Wow, this is it Daunte. Do or die week! If you’re gonna keep playing and lead this team anywhere this season you have to play well and win this week period. No more chances Pep. You better rock the house this weekend!
October 27th, 2007 at 7:36 am
Al needs to allow Kiffin to select his own players at the draft and not take track stars. Kiffin probably has more knowledge of current college talent then any NFL coach, but his knowledge is not being used by Al. His ability to evaluate talent is shown on the roster at USC, but after
looking at last years draft if seems Al is still selecting the players. Look at our draft and the kind of players that was selected. It was a big reason Gruden wanted out. Al just won’t let go. Give Kiffin a chance to select his own talent. The draft will continue to filled with players of potential. Nothing will change until we can improve the roster. Coaches will come and go but the win loss record will remain the same trust someone besides himself with player evaluation.
October 27th, 2007 at 7:45 am
Hey James…..why don’t you go back listen to the press conference where AL Davis introduces Kiffin as the new head coach……his knowledge, and ability to evaluate the current college talent was one of the reasons he was hired.
October 27th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Yeah Jeff Fisher is a great coach….the media just doesn’t kiss his ass like they do so many other coaches. He’s in a small market.
October 27th, 2007 at 8:23 am
I hate to say it, but Jeff Fisher is one of the top three coaches in the NFL (Tony D., Billy B. are the others). What he has done in Tenn. keeping that team competitive year in and year out with little to no talent or with raw QBs is amazing. The Raiders better have their poop in a group if they want to beat the Titans this week.
As to the QB situation, I think DC is playing for his career as a starting NFL QB this week. If he is unable to hold the Raiders job over McClown who the heck is going to sign him next year as a starter? Okay, maybe the Bears, but no one else! I hope the guy shows us something and keeps the Raiders competitive for the rest of the year, but if not, time to see what AW can do with an improved o-line. I don’t know about you, but looking at some of AW’s throws last year, on the handful of times he had more than 2 seconds to throw, he looked pretty decent. What do we have to lose, let’s see what the kid has. Maybe he shows a little something and we can trade him for a decent draft pick.
October 27th, 2007 at 8:53 am
Good story. Thought there would’ve been more coverage on the Chow-Kiffin relationship
but this is the first one I’ve come across. Keep hearing what an arrogant little a$$ Coach Kiffin was but haven’t seen any sign of it in Oakland. I guess Coach Carrol’s frisbee therapy
worked.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:00 am
sorry dakota but andrew walter will never see the field again as a raider unless two qbs go down with injury……the guy will not even be dressed again this year unless culpepper is dumped…kiffin wont dump mccown or JR…..next year when JR and AW are under contract and the raiders are looking to sign a 3rd qb they are not gonna search for a QB worse than walter…so JR will be #1 and the new guy #2…the andrew walter era is over
October 27th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Tired of the Mantra,
Yeah four straight would be a really good sign, something to hang on to. Those couple “mandatory wins” start feeling like little lies after a while. Yes I like the improvement and believe in it along with what Coach Kiffin has brought us. But some “real” wins need to show up sooner or later to validate these “improvements”.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:12 am
808 Raidah,
“Did I miss anyone?”
Yeah, Vince Young crashing the party.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:14 am
BH Priest
Why does everyone say that Gannon was not talented. I remeber on time that Shawn Springs intercepted a side route and seemed to have a great angle with no one able to catch him. Gannon ran him down! Springs has what 4.4 speed and Gannon after throwing a pick runs him down! Gannon in his prime with the Raiders was a lot like VY now only better because he saw the field better and could throw the checkdown and was like a running back out there. Yes he worked hard etc… and was a leader but he had considerable talent. The man was MVP in 2002. You don’t win MVP by being a character guy with no talent. I think we do not have enough pure talent on this offense right now especially at #1WR, QB (potential but not reality yet), and RB (potential again) and at the tackles (yikes). About all we have now that is NFL quality talent is the guards, the center when he is healthy and knows where the QB is, our TE and a decent poession WR or two. The coaching/front office has developed this talent and given us some potential but we desperately need more talent at the tackles and #1WR. We will have trouble wining until we do.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Autumn Wind is right about Gannon…people wanted to draft him to play safety coming out of Delaware. He balled in KC when the Disgrace to Human Kind Elvis Grbac got hurt, only to have Marty stupidly give Elvis the rock in the playoffs once he was healthy. Gruden gave him a chance and he was great.
Why would we release Pep? I want to JaMarcus play. A lot. Even if it’s a series here or there at the end of a half. If anyone’s getting cut it’s Andrew Walter. Let him get claimed off waivers by Miami or Jacksonville where he can take some more sacks.
Let’s get one at TENN!
October 27th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Who is the football scholar trying to demolish The Raider Nation Empire Al built. Physician Huzienga, Did He travel with Al Davis Pillowing his testicles every time Al Davis sat down to make a organizational decision? Do not believe all the garbage one tells in his own book because u my find yourself feeding on the garbage one threw out. . Send Me a” this just in” when Al Davis confirms every thing written in M.D. Huzienga football bible to be true. I am not trying to say Al Davis defecates gold nuggets. Every Man/ owner has his culpability. If a superbowl appearance compel you to divide the foundation of the Raider nation, your Raider Permit should be suspended until further notice. Al Davis is a proven leader of the Raiders. Remember history repeats itself. commitment to excellence, I’m In.
October 27th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Walter is here on 4-year Al Davis Memorial Scholarship. Play/no play, Walter is Davis proto-type QB.
October 27th, 2007 at 11:06 am
John S: Nice Willie Brown quote, regarding Elvis. I got a good laugh out of that, both right now as well as at the time. Man, did people ever over-react! How was he to know that Grbac had a sick kid, or whatever it was.
2romes: Wasn’t it, like, two or three days ago that we were talking about that book? Or maybe I missed a reference to it in this thread. In any event, I’m of the opinion that it’s instructive to read books like Huzienga’s and Marcus Allen’s. One can always reject what they say as garbage. Kinda like ‘Mein Kampf.’
October 27th, 2007 at 11:09 am
That would be Mayor Willie Brown, of course, as opposed to Hall of Fame cornerback Wllie Brown.
October 27th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I think Al still likes AW and that’s why he’s still here. If DC stinks up the joint again Sunday, he may be cut and JR is the starter with JM and AW the backups.
If JM is so good, how come he has no trade value? There is interest in AW because he has upside. No upside in DC or JM.
October 27th, 2007 at 11:33 am
I said it when JR signed. He will be playing when the Bears come to town. Culpep does not have a good game Sunday he will sit and Mclown will most likely start the game. I think Kiffin is bitting at the bit , just waiting to JR his future QB. Walter will stay.
October 27th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Too bad the Raider took Russell…..I’d have rather seen them wait for Andre Woodson….
same conference as Russell only better stats with an inferior supporting cast.
Should’ve traded down and beefed up both lines. Hindsight is 20/20.
Except for the fact I didn’t and don’t like Russell (overrated). You’ll see.
October 27th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
why is everyone in this forum so wishy-washy, like a bunch of girls. I never liked Walter and still don’t. He has shown nothing to impress me. I liked Josh better than walter and still do. He is more mobile and if he ever plants his feet and step into a throw he might actually show he has a better than decent arm. daunte was always my choice at QB and guess what??? HE STILL IS!!!!!!!! He had one bad game in San Diego which we could’ve have won if not for lackluster effort by Ron Curry on the catch. He made a lot of mistakes that game but playcalling was also terrible and we didn’t stick to the run. Protection also left much to be desired. NEWSFLASH: Zach Miller one on one with Merriman or Phillips is a huge mismatch. In the chiefs game he was killed by drops and play calling once again. We abandoned the run once again, didn’t use play action enough until the second half, and didn’t take advantage of their over pursuit with counters or draws. Daunte made a big mistake and that ultimately cost us the game by throwing that pick but had we taken that field goal early, and had it not been for Curry dropping several passes we could have easily won or not have had it come down to lat minute drive for a win with a rookie coach, a new offense, a QB inexperienced in said offense, an average O-line, and a mediocre at best field goal kicker. The last 2 weeks Daunte hasn’t brought his A game….in fact he hasnt brought his B game but t blame him for the losses is ridiculous, he is just being the scapegoat.
Daunte IS the kind of leader we need. He brings energy to the field, demands respect, and knows how to handle players. Perfect example is the touchdown to Curry. Ronald had dropped several passes all game and had to cradle the catch like a baby to keep it. Who was the first to congratulate him on the catch??? Daunte. After his 1st completion when he almost got curry killed because of a bad throw who was the guy giving him props on a nice grab??? Daunte. You guys in here are like women on their period; you see what u want to see and hear what u want to hear. Daunte is a shell of his former self but that shell has protected us from an 0-6 start. I could name at least 10 other QB’s that i would rather have starting for us, but im glad we have Daunte.
TOO BAD- I was a lobbyist for Calvin Johnson or a trade down for AD but alas Kiffin got what he wanted and thats that. Trent Edwards to Calvin Johnson sure would have been nice, or seeing AD run in this new scheme would have been a sight. That being said i think Russell will be a good NFL QB in the next 2 years. Did we get good value for him HELL NO!!!!!!!!! but it was a choice that Lane Kiffin felt was necessary for our success.
October 27th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
The Raiders absolutely had to have a QB. No question about that amongst any scout in the NFL. With Jamarcus Russell on the board, you’re not gonna take him?? Who is gonna QB your franchise?? Walter?? Culpepper?? McCown?? Me????
October 27th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
There was great value to be had with Stanton and Edwards in the second or Troy Smith in the late 3rd (instead of Moses). We did need a QB but it didn’t have to be Russell. CJ in the 1st, Miller in the second, and Troy in 4th would’ve laid a very nice foundation for our offense IMO and given us a legit top tier WR, TE, and a smart QB who is mobile a good leader and has the leadership qualities that we all we all want in a QB.
October 27th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Btw i do know moses was our 1st pick of the 3rd. Jus in case u guys mis understood what i said
October 27th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
severeraider: you take painting with broad strokes to new heights with this statement, “why is everyone in this forum so wishy-washy…”
There are plenty of us who always like Culpepper and haven’t given up on him yet. And you’re right, it hasn’t been entirely his fault that they’ve lost the last two games. But I’ll tell you something else, he needs to play A LOT better, the team better start winning, soon, and if it doesn’t it’s time to give the keys to the offense to Russell. If we’re going to lose, after all, it may as well be with the quarterback of the future at the helm. As far as Walter goes, there’s no doubt he got a raw deal last season, with that keystone cops of an offense. I’d love to see him stick around as the backup but I’m sure he’d rather test the waters somewhere else.
October 27th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
WE have 4 QBs ones got to go culpepper or mc cown, walter is still young and hasn’t been given a chance to prove himself . He’s an Al guy anyway.
October 27th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Looking forward to tomorrow’s game. In San Diego, even half way depleted on defense and with offense not in sync, we kept it close. In KC, we could have won. This team does not lack talent, it lacks mental discipline and toughness that lasts all four quarters. Some guys just cannot seem to keep it together all the way for four quarters. It took Gruden about 1.5 season to mold a winning Raider team, it will take the same or may be 2 seasons to mold a winning team. Right now, I enjoy the play of those players who really have heart and give it their all. Go Raiders!
October 27th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
This is just my opinion. But I think if Big Al would’ve had it his way. CJ would have been the pick and Walter would be the front runner to take over as QB. He might also have taken a QB say Edwards b/c Walsh B4 he died was very high on Edwards and so was AD. But when they interviewed Martinez the QB guru Big Al was sold on Russell. I think Big Al’s first love of this draft was CJ. Not that he is second guessing the drafting of Russell, I think Russell has shown in practice that he is everything they want and some. But that QB coach and Kiffin overwhelmed Big Al and he gave in. Since then Russell has blown the coaches mind in practice. But don’t think that CJ is not in AD’s dreams like Marilyn Monroe. 2 phenoms of that calibre are very rare in one draft. AP might prove to be the 3rd but CJ and Russell come along once in a lifetime.
Just my opinion, I think Walter is very underrated. Given the chance I think he would be a quality starter. I might be wrong but I like his skill set, particularly his accuracy. I saw him a lot in college. In this offense he would be very good. Most point out his lack of mobility, but he is more mobile than he’s given credit for. Everything else is there. With him at starting QB and CJ , JP and RC, mix in Higgins with the 2 TE’s and a running game. I think he would develope quite nicely. That’s why I prefer he stay as Russell back-up
But that is all water under the bridge. What we have is what we have and I think, no I know this is going to be quite the show once the phenom gets in there and gets it going.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Hey,Duhhhh…..Al is all about speed and the recent draft was about speed. If you think the
last draft was a success when we had the first pick in each round then you were looking at a different draft then I was, and I bet most of the fans on line here will agree with my assessment of the draft. You tell all of us what we got for having the first pick in each round. Start naming the players we didn’t take and who could of help the team. Al says the same thing everytime he hires a new coach, haven’t you noticed???? I guess not, I’ll answer for you. Miller currently is the only player of the current rookies that has shown any potential. Please don’t say Richardson..Higgins w/r no hands, Richardson q/b sacker.yea when? Moses. cut,
you give me some names on the roster…Duhhhh, just remember, because you must of
forgot, we had the first pick in each round.. The draft is still killng us because we do not have the ability to draft good players. This is an old problem, in case you haven’t noticed…what Al said..please…Our draft sucked we got no help from it. One player maybe. get real.
October 28th, 2007 at 3:20 am
It has been a very long time since we have had a quarterback that could win a game in the fourth quarter. The best that could be said about Gannon was he tried very hard not t
to lose - he could not come back. Hoss was the last QB that could come back, and you
have to go back to Plunkett and Stabler (the master) to find Raider QBs with that special
intangible skill.
Stabler was the last good quarterback Al drafted - not much of a track record at an
important position. Hopefully Russell will live up to the Elway comparisons, Culpepper and
McCown do not have “it”.