Taylor seemed like a Raider
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 at 1:42 pm in Oakland Raiders.
In hearing about the death of Sean Taylor, I thought back to the 2004 draft and the possibility of Taylor being a Raider.
While admitting to being pretty much a zero when it comes to correctly forecasting who will and won’t be great NFL players, Taylor’s skill fascinated me to the point where I called for making him the No. 2 overall selection.
The following column ran on April, 21, 2004 but still applies with regard to problems the Raiders have had at safety without a physical playmaker in the Taylor mold on the back end:
REVERSING A 4-12 season for the Oakland Raiders isn’t going to happen with calm, rational analysis and filling an obvious need.
The move which would make the Raiders a team to be feared is to strike with swift malevolence and take Miami safety Sean Taylor with the second pick in the NFL draft.
No deals, no waiting around for the clock to wind down. Al Davis should send Taylor’s name to Paul Tagliabue the moment the commissioner says “the Oakland Raiders are on the clock.”
Having spent much of the offseason rebuilding their woeful defense, the Raiders are expected to address offensive deficiencies with their reward for being so terrible in 2003.
A new wide receiver such as Texas’ Roy Williams or Pitt’s Larry Fitzgerald to allow Jerry Rice and Tim Brown to consider the notion of retirement and busts in Canton, Ohio.
A left tackle in Iowa’s Robert Gallery to anchor the offensive line like Art Shell for the next decade.
The Raiders could trade down and take Oregon State’s Steven Jackson to become the workhorse running back essential to a Norv Turner offense.
Davis could even opt for the second coming of Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow and use Doug Jolley and Teyo Johnson as trade bait for additonal picks.
Or how about Eli Manning or Ben Roethlisberger to some day take over for Rich Gannon?
Offense is the common sense move, but takes time to develop. Turner’s system will look much better in 2005 than it will in 2004.
Defense is the quickest route back to prominence, and can be turned around in one offseason.
The Raiders under Joe Bugel had the NFL’s worst defense in the last time they went 4-12 in 1997, finishing last against the run and last against the pass.
Oakland signed Eric Allen, drafted Charles Woodson, added a few smart veterans and moved all the way up to eighth in defense the following year under new coach Jon Gruden and coordinator Willie Shaw.
Taylor could be a punishing exclamation point on an offseason that has included the acquisitions of tackles Ted Washington and Warren Sapp, linebackers Dewayne Rudd and Danny Clark and cornerbacks Ray Buchanan, Denard Walker and Jacoby Shephard.
New coordinator Rob Ryan already has Woodson enthused with complicated mixes of 3-4 and 4-3 defenses, enabling pass rushers to come from different angles while offensive lines struggle with the dilemma of whether to double-team Washington, Sapp, or John Parrella.
Linebackers Napoleon Harris and Travian Smith may do more attacking in Week 1 than the did by midseason in 2003.
What Oakland needs is an enforcer on its last line of defense, someone who has a feel and instinct for the game. A player who can come into the box and clean up on running plays. Flatten receivers over the middle. Play center field on balls in the air. Charge the middle or the edge as a blitzer.
In all those areas, there’s a lot to like about Taylor.
Taylor, at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, has the cover skill of a cornerback and is the biggest hitter in college football. He intercepted 14 passes in 34 games and returned them for an average of 21.9 yards.
Even the nit-picking scouting reports available from several different talent evaluators are hardpressed to come up with hard evidence why Taylor won’t have a sudden impact on Sundays the moment he steps on the field.
If Rod Woodson returns from knee surgery, Taylor steps in alongside him at strong safety. If not, Taylor is the free safety.
Close your eyes and imagine Oakland choking off the run on first down. A dizzying array of blitzes and combinations brings pressure on second- and third-and-long. The quarterback, forced to release the ball early, puts it up for grabs into a secondary including Charles Woodson, Taylor and Phillip Buchanon.
The Raiders defense could go from moribund to dominant and explosive. The kind of defense that not only forces turnovers but scores touchdowns in the process.
Taylor’s skills aren’t restricted to defense. He is an adept kick-blocker who could be put to good use by Joe Avezzano, whose job it is to surround punter Shane Lechler and kicker Sebastian Janikowski with improved coverage and break Buchanon on a big returns.
None of the offensive players Oakland is considering would have such an impact on two units.
About the only constant criticism of Taylor is he sometimes rubs teammates the wrong way for being too outspoken when they don’t perform. Conicidentally, many 49ers teammates felt the same way about Ronnie Lott, and it isn’t as if the Raiders couldn’t use someone to get in Buchanon’s face when he decides to take off his helmet at th worst possible time.
History says teams don’t use the second pick on a safety. It’s only happened once, when Cleveland took Eric Turner in 1991.
Oakland has used a first-round pick on a safety just three times, correctly selecting Jack Tatum in 1971 but whiffing on Patrick Bates in 1993. Most recently, Davis opted for Derrick Gibson in 2001 while the consensus in the draft room was that Arizona State tight end Todd Heap was a better choice.
Gibson has been injury prone and spotty, neither flop nor force.
Davis has a Taylor-made chance to get this one right
Note: If anyone can remember who Jacoby Shephard is, let me know . . .
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
November 27th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
RIP Sean Taylor, our prayers go out to you and your family.
I think Kenny Phillips out of the University of Miami (Taylors alma matter) will be the next big hitting safety to enter the NFL. He is definitely in the Sean Taylor mold, big hitter and flys all over the field. I would love to see that kid in the Silver and Black…
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
November 27th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Kenny Philips is very good safety but not as good hitter as Taylor, is more Ed Reed kind of safety.
Sean Taylor was a unique hitter, same as Roy Williams, but faster and better.
R.I.P. #21
November 27th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
R.I.P. Sean Taylor, former miami hurricane.
i agree raider dogg, kenny phillips is gonna be a beast!
upon reading the article, i cant believe all the great talent that was passed up….oh well.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
RIP to a fallen warrior; My thoughts and sympathies go to his family surviving this tragedy.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
this is what i heard from a local radio station….apparently a little while back taylor was robbed of some atvs and then he retaliated pretty forcefully on the thieves. this was their pay back to him…it really is a shame
November 27th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
This Sean Taylor incident is truly tragic…May he rest in peace.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
BTW - Jerry, your writing style has changed quite a bit since you wrote this piece. Its much less ‘newsy’ now
November 27th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
I kind of feel sorry for Joe Gibbs and the team. It’s going to be real hard for them to play on Sunday. What is just as sickening is the thought of the Cheatriots getting the forty whiners draft pick. I want them to win the rest of their games so the drat pick is low but at the same time I have hated them for many years. Its quite a quagmire.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Its too bad a man cant lay down with his wife, with his baby close by, and enjoy a night safely. no matter who the man is, famous or everyday type of dude like us you cant tell whats going to happen next. im deeply saddened for this mans family. i hope they catch who did this and they pay the ultimate punishment. Long Live SEAN TAYLOR. The raider nation is with you always.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Nice tribute to Sean Taylor JMac.
It is always truly sad when a young player, or any person, is taken from the world at such a young age. The Raiders have had their share in recent years; Eric Turner, Stacy Toran, Leon Bender, Darrel Russell.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
jjvill
Thanks for mentioning our fallen warriors who will always wear the cloak of immortality in the Raider Nation.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
RIP S. TAYLOR
November 27th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
“Close your eyes and imagine Oakland choking off the run on first down. A dizzying array of blitzes and combinations brings pressure on second-and third-and-long”.
MY EYES ARE STILL CLOSED…I’M WAITING…
“Most recently Davis opted for Derrik Gibson in 2001 while the consensus in the draft room was that Arizona State tight end Todd Heap was a better choice”.
WHO MAKES OUR PICKS?
November 27th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
don’t forget lyle alzado who died well before his time.
November 27th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Hey JMac -
Jacoby Shepherd is now playing for the Utah Blaze in the Arena League. I think he was on the Green Bay Packers before we picked him up.
Looks like you were on the money regarding Taylor judging by your article, nice work Jerry!
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Tooz died young too didn’t he?
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
While there’s no telling how Taylor would’ve fared in Oakland, the sad fact is that he was a young father who seemed to be living a stable life for maybe the first time ever. Now his past it seems may have robbed him and his family of a bright future.
RIP Mr. Taylor
November 27th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Too bad about Sean Taylor but the media is positioning this guy as a saint. He was a thug. He drew a gun on people and got off because he was a celeb. It’s a shame for his family but I will bet you now this isn’t some random break in and shooting.
Another Raider great that died to soon, Stacy Toran. He was a safety also.
November 27th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Jerry Say’s;
‘Offense is the common sense move, but takes time to develop. Turner’s system will look much better in 2005 than it will in 2004.’
Sound familiar you hopeless optimists?
November 27th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Jerry says:
“…A left tackle in Iowa’s Robert Gallery to anchor the offensive line like Art Shell for the next decade.”..
JT says:
Boy, did that Gallery had us fooled! Everybody fooled!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
What a tragedy. RIP Sean Taylor.
These things always remind me of Leon Bender…below is a great article on Bender and how his death resonates years later with his family.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs02/columnist/2003/0125/1498792.html
November 27th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
RIP Sean Taylor…
The Raider Nation sends their condolences to the Washington Redskin family
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
November 27th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
tooz died in 89 cause of death blamed on his lifestyle, including the possible use of anabolic steroids.
November 27th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
You’re right, KoolKell, I’m going to abandon all hope and become bitter and cynical like you. A much better way to go through life. Thanks for pointing that out to us. I can’t wait to get home and yell at my family.
November 27th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Like most if not all of the Nation, my thoughts and prayers are with Sean Taylor’s family.
For those of you who missed it, the locals here in the DC area had quite a bit of coverage about Taylor last night, a little of which made the national (sports) news. First, Taylor according to everyone had become one helluva man after his daughter was born, he loved her fiercely and proudly, and seemed determined to set a positive example for her. His teammates said that. His coaches said that. His family said that. And people close to his girlfriend said that.
Second, Taylor’s dad said something pretty amazing. I can only paraphrase, but it went something like this: “You never want to see anyone get hurt, not even your own worst enemy. All you want to see is” and he searched a while in his head and heart, before confirming that what you want to see is, “love.”
Sean Taylor may have done some silly things as a younger man, but when he became a dad, the way that he was raised came through. His family should be proud of the man he had become.
In my screen name, I honor another family man who left the earth far too soon.
God’s peace, Sean Taylor. And may your family find comfort.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
RayGuy8 - thanks for reminding me I just yelled at mine
November 27th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
^^Ditto RIP Dan Birdwell Says
November 27th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Rest In Peace Sean Taylor
May your infant daughter always know that her daddy was a good man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Wow… After reading that article I’m really excited about this Rob Ryan defense. Pass rushers coming from all angles and trick formations? I can’t wait!!!
November 27th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
RIP Sean Taylor - No matter the reason, its never justified …..
November 27th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I’m really excited about Rob Ryans Defense too, pass rushers coming from all angles, exotiv blitzes ooooooohhhhh. Sounds fantastic!
November 27th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
A troubled youth that was just getting everything together and becoming a great man, and father in addition to a great football player. He had the potential to be a one of the greats at his position and its ashame his career was cut short.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Ted Hendricks,
Why is it that every DC ever hired promises an attacking defense, then when the season starts it’s as bland as dishwater?
November 27th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Fire_Kiffin_Now? Seriously? Maybe we should bring Norv back, like Jerry’s article said, it was better in 05 than in 04…or maybe you’re Tom Walsh who just got DSL delivered to his BF Idaho home.
And whoever said Darryl Russell wears the cloak of immortality is trippin. No disrespect to the dead and I know this is a solemn occasion but D-Russ was a jackass. He had so many chances to get his stuff together and never could. That’s what’s so sad about Sean Taylor’s passing: he was doing the right thing, staying out of trouble, and finally using his god-given talent to not just punish backs and receivers on Sundays but take care of his family. I have a daughter about Taylor’s daughter’s age, and I can’t imagine what it would be like to leave her like that.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
rip taylor.
i wonder how gallery would be now if another team drafted him.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
RF,
What do you think? He was supposed to be a dead bolt lock at left tackle. But Norv Turner choose to keep Barry Sims at left tackle (then why draft him)
November 27th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
KoolKell,
You normally post and so many people shoot arrows at you and you ignore them, today is different, Stay cool and take care friend.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Raider Dell,
I melt down sometimes too
November 27th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
KoolKell,
We all due, thanks for the reply.
I haven’t heard is this weekend game a blackout. Will not matter to me I will be at the HOT.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
HA HA HA KK you are a funny complaining closet Raider hater, you must be friends with Lombardi aren’t you. Your next rant will be, Al Davis made my momma hit me with a shoe, hahahahaha! Boo Hoo PUNK A$$.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
I can’t remember a Denver game not being sold out.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
If J Russell is not the number 2 this week, I’ll probably meltdown again!!
November 27th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
KoolKell,
As long as you and I have been around, who would you say was the best Raider head coach. Best defensive coordinator, best line coach, best special teams coach.
Just wondering, any thoughts.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
We’ll see Russell at #2 next week.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
2 years ago in a down pour we got our asses handed to us. I don’t believe it was sold out.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Raider Dell,
I’d say John Madden, because whenever there was a decision to make, I always agree with it, and I am a critic.
Charlie Sumner, was DC the last time we had a fierce pass rush, Long, Townsend, Alzado etc. Tough guy.
Somone will have to remind me who the O-line coach was from 68- 82′. Of course all those lineman were HOF’s, and Gene Upshaw was a helluva leader. But that O-line functioned for quite awhile.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
If Al Davis is to blame for the D-coordinators on our team over the years to go soft and not blitz, then I think those DCs are just as much to blame. Any Defensive coordinator who wouldnt tell Davis to F#ck off has no balls anyways. Al Davis tried to meddle with John Fox, and Fox told Davis to eat it and he left. That didnt hurt his career too much did it? I think if any coach is decent enough to get a job somewhere else he would tell Davis to take a hike if Davis tried to meddle. Bres got a job right away. So did Shaw. So im not buying that it’s Al Davis’ fault.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
KOOLKELL:
I love Madden but I’d pick Flores as the best Raiders HC of all time.
Two Super Bowl wins and less talent than what Madden was working with.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Ted Hendrick,
I wasn’t saying the DC’s performance that Al hired whas Al’s fault. But when they’re hired their press confrence is fill with the word ‘attack’ ‘attacking’ and so forth. Only to find out when the season comes around, they’re as passive and non-blitzing as the last.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Notice every single one of those possible picks Jerry metioned are achieving or did achieve the status of a worthy 2nd pick overall ( R.I.P Taylor) EXCEPT ONE…GALLERY.
why is it that the guy we chose is a bust and all the others are respectable at their positions?
November 27th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Ted Hendricks,
Yeah those DC’s you mentioned were all hired right away by somebody else after leaving here. We know Fox ahd differences with the house philospphy. Shaw left suddenly as well. Yeah they can tell Al to go to hell, and coaches with reputations in the league don’t even bother to interview.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
KoolKell,
I agree with Charlie Sumner, as DC. I believe Howie had Charlie intoduce him at the hall of fame.
i differ with you on HC. Here’s why. I know Madden has the history and all the division titles but he is bigger now than as a head coach, meaning fan appreciation. I don’t take anything he accomplished.
My choice is Tom Flores here’s why,
1. two Super bowls
2. Replaced Madden who was very successful and that comes with pressure to the owner and fans.
3.Dealt with the trial and the move to LA and if you remember after the jury awarded Al the move we trained in the bay area and flew out to LA for our games.
Had an aging roster of stars, and replaced an offense that under madden was limited by Stabler arm strength to Plunkett arm and stretching the field more.
4. Plunkett was a battered Qb and Flores helped turn his carreer around.
5. dealt with the Marcus Allen issue and all the turmoil around Marcus and Al.
My special teams coach was there with Madden his name escapes me right now, he was very good.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
colts released simeon rice after only 2 weeks
November 27th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
RAIDER DELL:
Howie Long was introduced by his DL coach Earl Legget at the HOF ceremony.
I agree with you on Flores.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
I would have said Tom Flores no 2. He took over a team that was already built (and did not f it up) Won 2 super bowls. But he hardly gets any mention in the press. He’s the only Mexican Coach with 2 Super Bowl wins that I know of. I think he’s thought of as a carekeeper.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
808 Raidah,
Thanks for the correction, I wasn’t sure but I still posted it.
thanks for setting the record straight.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Did you know…Howie Long’s first choice to introduce him at the HOF ceremony was hi son Chris Long. Chris was 15 at the time and didn’t think he could do it, so Howie asked Legget.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
What about the new guy?????
Hey fellas……..
I came across a very interesting article from Randy Covitz of The K.C. Star, published last week, here are some of the most interesting tidbits:
Covitz writtes:…..Because of his background, Kiffin wasn’t going to take the Raiders job for the sake of being an NFL head coach. Kiffin and Davis, 78, talked deep into the night before striking a deal.
“We went about three hours the first night, past midnight,” Kiffin recalled. “If you know Al, that’s his time. He gets cranked up at night. I thought he was going to need coffee or something. He didn’t need anything …”
“He was ready to go, question after question. We were on the chalkboard. It was unique to me to interview with an owner who knows football so well. He’s been a coach before. He knows Xs and Os, offense, defense, special teams, philosophy. I really enjoyed the interview process with him.”
The next morning at 8, Kiffin returned under a cloud of secrecy.
“He didn’t want anyone to see me,” Kiffin said, “so I came in the back door, undercover, like it’s the CIA or something. I’m in his office with game films of the Raiders playing divisional opponents.”
“The big thing he wanted was the evaluation of talent. Was I somebody who could come in and evaluate the team he had, what it needed and what it didn’t need?”
“I wasn’t going to say what he wanted to hear,” Kiffin said. “If he wanted to hire me for that, I didn’t want the job. I think that had a lot to do with getting the job.”
Wanna know Gannon´s take?……..here it is:
“Lane Kiffin is starting to remind some people of Jon Gruden,” said CBS Sports analyst Rich Gannon, who was the NFL’s MVP in 2002 while playing for Oakland. “The thing I’ve been impressed with in games I’ve seen is the team never quits.”
“In the past, in games like that, you’d expect them to fold their tent and go home, because they didn’t have a lot of toughness, a lot of finish, a lot of leadership. This guy has instilled some of that.”
“I don’t think they’re completely out of the woods, but they’ve got it going in the right direction.”
November 27th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Couldn’t part of Gallery’s problem be 6 line coaches in 4 years? Last year was a disaster, with three people coaching the line with three different philosophies. I’m not saying he’s not to blame, and he’s much more Tony Mandarich (though not that bad) than Art Shell (the player, obviously). He seems to being doing pretty well in this system…although if he really was the #2 pick overall he would’ve beaten out Simms by now.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Flores was the first coach to lead a wild card team to a Super Bowl victory.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Bob, Thanks for the article. Do you have a url for that?
November 27th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
From the same source,
Fargas on Kiffin, (before the game)….“He’s doing a good job with the philosophy he has for our team,” Fargas said. “Guys are buying in. It might not show as much in the wins and losses, but the attitude of the team and the feeling of the team is a lot better than it has been in the past, and hopefully we’ll get things in the right direction.”
November 27th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
They didn’t quit last year either.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
KK
We could probably win 3 superbowls and you would probably say…yeah, but we should have won more easily…..
November 27th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
John,
I agree with your assessment of Gallery and the many o line coaches. I have heard different ex football sports personalities say he looks a lot better this year and has improved a lot.
Also I know at raider nation his opinion is not cared for even Norv turner thought he looked a lot better on film as he said before we met San Diego last time.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
If we won 3 Super Bowls, I’d be the loud mouth braggart I use to be
November 27th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I’m not here to cheerlead fellas. I’m here to speak truth to power, my hope is that it matriculates upward, via Jerry or other media.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
RAIDER DELL:
The zone blocking scheme fits Gallery’s playing style a lot better and Cable is the best teacher he’s had also.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
I like Gannon as a color guy on our broadcast. I wish he would do more of our games.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
I wish Gannon would stop doing TV and join the Raider Organization in some capacity.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
I wish Gannon would do somebody else’s game for a change.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
808raidah,
Your correct, I hope he grades out well the next 5 weeks so in the off season we don’t have to draft a guard, maybe a right tackle or lefttackle.
We need to improve our d-line, until we stop the run we will struggle in our division.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
I dress in black Says:
November 27th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
BTW - Jerry, your writing style has changed quite a bit since you wrote this piece. Its much less ‘newsy’ now
*****
I think writing for us, a team that will now finish WAY UNDER .500 for the FIFTH year in a row, may have something to do with JMac’s writing style. Jerry’s far more pointed and skeptical–but still a Raider writer and FAN. Remember, when he wrote this piece, we just came off of ONE 4-12 season.
*****
RIP, Sean Taylor. Thanks for the article, Jerry–it also made me think of all of the other possible players that could have been Raiders.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
I hear you, 808Raidah–but I think Gannon knows that working for us would be a TREMENDOUS time sink. He’d end up being like many NFL coaches–living out of the office and film room.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
R-DELL:
I think the biggest hole on the O-line may be at center. Grove was supposed to be the answer, but he lost his starting job to Newberry who had/has injury issues.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I mentioned earlier Stacy Toran death and Big Al’s declaratin that he wanted to change the environment of the organization( speaking of drafting guy’s with checkered past) Sean Taylor had gotten into a lot of trouble and dropped a few picks. I don’t think there was anyway that Davis would take unless he could steal him late in the 1st because of what just happened ti him. He just wants no part of bad actors anymore. It’s terrible to say it but that why he wasn’t considered. Jerry can try as he always does to paint a negative picture, Big Al was right on this one. This kid was a bad apple who at last was trying to change, I wish he had done that a long time ago he might still be alive.
It was the same reason Randy Moss dropped. Tommy Kelly would have been drafted inthe 4th rnd at least, instead of going undrafted. Patrick Bates taught Big Al a valuable lesson about drafting bad characters early in the draft. He walked off with a lot of Raider money and became a gangster rapper ( doggone fool ). There are too many stories of guy’s that end up like that.
Now you’ll see even more NFL teams shy away from these guy’s, it’s just too risky. Again it’s a shame to say it but it’s true. You live that way you’re probably going to die that way. Look at how much money Vick and Pacman are costing their teams. It’s just crazy.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Jerry is a Charger fan I believe. He’s a So-Cal guy. He’s been at Trib what 8 years?
November 27th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
BHP,
How about the Buchannon pick? Was he a character guy at Florida? Hell No!
November 27th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
DESERT:
Maybe Gannon could be a consultant…I didn’t always like Gannon when he played fot the Raiders, but I respected his commitment to his profession…He was never unprepared.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
BHP,
How about the Rhodes signing? Character guy, Hell No!
November 27th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
What’s up Nation -
Did anyone hear the rumor of Kiffin to Arkansas? If so, please elaborate. I did not hear
first hand..
November 27th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I never really liked Rich Gannon or appreciated his game. But I have learned to respect him for his will to win. He would literally put his neck on the line to get a first down.
You have to respect that and the contribution he made to the SILVER AND BLACK.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Drunk Kicker Says:
November 27th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Too bad about Sean Taylor but the media is positioning this guy as a saint. He was a thug.
……………..
If he were white, under the exact same circumstances, would you still consider him a “thug”?
November 27th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
I hear a report on ESPN this morning Lane Kiffin was being mentioned for, I thought the Nebraska job. Arkansas?
November 27th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Bob Marley, considering we haven’t won a Super Bowl in over 20 years, let’s just win one Super Bowl, period, before we assume any naysayers to downplay the accomplishment. If we won 3 Super Bowls in a row, you’d probably be as angry as anyone because I seriously doubt Al Davis will have anything to do with it when we do.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Nabraska will hire a former Nabraska QB Turner Gill as HC.
Arkansas will hire Jimbo Fisher (former LSU OC who coached JaMarcus) as HC.
Kiffin is staying with the Raiders.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
My first guess regarding Jacoby Shephard is that he might have been one of the first players to play for the Houston Texans? Not totally sure about that one but when I see his name, I think of the Texans. I’m going to find out.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
BUNK- Kiffin is the Raiders coach.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
http://www.esks.com/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1642
Shepherd was originally drafted in the 2nd round (62nd overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He appeared in 21 games over two seasons with the Rams before being traded to the Houston Texans prior to the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft. After being released by the Texans late in training camp, Shepherd was signed and released by four other teams including the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders.
**********************************
Sweet. Didn’t know he played for the Rams and for so many other teams though.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Anyone know what Kiffin’s making this year? Because this is a business afterall’s said and done.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
MADDEN:
I order for the Raiders to win a Super Bowl in the near future they would have to move to the NFC.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Maddenraider…
We were fooling around, it was mean as a joke….jeez…chill buddy
November 27th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
808Raidah - There is a new football league that is supposed to come out next year. Maybe we can win there? J/K
November 27th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
I feel bad for Taylor’s child and his family. But, I could care less what color the guys skin is a bad person is a bad person. Just because he was trying to be a good person for the last year or so does not erase all of the bad things he did in his life. Sooner or later things from the past catch up with you.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
KK Buchanan was not a bad kid by any means he just came from a bad area. I knew him personally. And we didn’t invest all that much in Rhodes even though he’s a proven pro, his risk factor was low.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Speaking of character guys, if moss was here on this 2-8 team, what do you think would’ve happened to kiffin???
November 27th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
MADDEN:
I just think the AFC in a much tougher conference. With Brady and Manning leading the way for the next several years or more the AFC will be very tough to win.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
St. Louis Rams drafted Jacoby Shepard out of Oklahoma state. He played for the rams 2000 & 2001 & then traded to the Houston Texans. Then in January, he was signed by the packers.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Hey MaddenRaider…
Now that Gannon is singing a different tune…..when will you??…..Or don´t you recall that argument???
“Lane Kiffin is starting to remind some people of Jon Gruden,” said CBS Sports analyst Rich Gannon, who was the NFL’s MVP in 2002 while playing for Oakland. “The thing I’ve been impressed with in games I’ve seen is the team never quits.”
“In the past, in games like that, you’d expect them to fold their tent and go home, because they didn’t have a lot of toughness, a lot of finish, a lot of leadership. This guy has instilled some of that.”
“I don’t think they’re completely out of the woods, but they’ve got it going in the right direction.”
Or maybe, you are conflicted as any trace of success, as small as 1 win may be, directly contradicts your assesment of Al and the team going nowhere fast?.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Seattle wouldn’t have made it to the Super Bowl v. the Steelers if they were still playing in the AFC.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
BHP,
Buchanon arrived at the Raiders facility in the back of a limo with his pajamas on, according to news reports. Hopwever you probably know better (?)
Dominic Rhodes is getting 3.2 million, unused, and took a roster spot from Bush.
BHP, you constantly infer that you are an intimate of Al Davis You need to say so and indentify or STFU.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
MaddenRaider….
Or maybe Kiffin speaking out and telling it like it is, makes you uncomfortable….you know, since it exposes most of your arguments on ”Big Bad Al” for what they are a big load of crap….
“The big thing he wanted was the evaluation of talent. Was I somebody who could come in and evaluate the team he had, what it needed and what it didn’t need?”
Or……
“I wasn’t going to say what he wanted to hear,” Kiffin said. “If he wanted to hire me for that, I didn’t want the job. I think that had a lot to do with getting the job.”
I´ve said it all along, mistakes have been made in the past, no one will deny that. But as of February things have changed and it will show.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I don’t infer anything I tell you what I want you to know. I ran into Philip and got to know him indivdually, what does that have to do with Mr. Davis? the kid was a bit of a hot dog and wanted to be the next primetime after his idol Deon Sanders but he was not the gangster type that Sean Taylor was. He just wanted to put on a show as he used to say.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
What up Nation, coming to oakland for the first time this weekend to see the raiders beat on the donkeys. Can’t wait to finally visit the black hole after being a die hard fan from new york since a young teenager. So siked to go to the game. Do you have any suggestions on what time to get to the columsium to tail gate ? I’M IN..
November 27th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
RIP Sean Taylor. The hardest hitting saftey since Ronnie Lott. He laid the hardest hit I have ever seen. A few years ago on MNF, when the Cowgirls let that big lead get away. He laid out Terry Glenn on one of the most angry licks I have ever seen, I believe it was one of the last plays of the game.
My money is on his girlfriend(or some other female) to be the killer. For god’s sake he got blasted in the package!
November 27th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Bob Marley,
“I´ve said it all along, mistakes have been made in the past, no one will deny that. But as of February things have changed and it will show.”
The same things were said when Norv Turner was hired and when Art Shell wah hired. When Mike White was hired, when Joe Bugel was hired.
Alas, seeing is believing.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
BHP,
You don’t tell me anything I can’t get from a Raider’s Better Business Bureau Brochure, or a fan club website. Not a gawddamn thing bro, totally useless platitudes.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
blackhole, get there NOW!! That way you can get trashed, sober up, get retrashed, sober up, get totally trashed, and still sober up by game time!! BTW, I’ll be there, and it is gonna be ON!!!!
November 27th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
OAKGLENN,
I’m feeling that right now - can’t wait to get there man, i’m shaking and need to see the raiders pound on the donkeys… I’ve been watching the game every weekend for the past 10 years at a bars filled with raider-haters which are jet and giant fan in ny. I’ll be at the stadium early on sunday wondering around getting trashed …
November 27th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
wilmac, for some reason when you called Sean Taylor the ‘hardest hitting safety since Ronnie Lott,’ it made me think who was the hardest hitting safety I’d ever seen. The first one that came to mind was Don Rogers, who also died tragically young. That guy was FIERCE.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
KoolKell
Got that right.
But tell me, where do you see us going?.
I don´t think it´s fair to just sit back and criticize everything without going on record on those same issues, even if we are just a bunch of fans chatting raider talk.
So, what´s your take?…is this regime gonna be a boom or bust? mediocre only?…let´s hear it
November 27th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Marley,
I think Lane Kiffin has potential, would like to see him stay. But My take is that the relationship will sour with Davis and he’ll be looking at one of those college jobs as rumored today on ESPN. The Raiders, whom I love, will remain organizationally dysfunctional until Davis, whom I also love and respect, steps back and lets a competent GM with two good legs to work with Kiffin or the coach of the day, to get on the football operations on the same page.
Judging from reports, that message is indeed resonating upstairs.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
KoolKell I’m not trying to tell YOU anything I’m just posting opinions. YOU challenged me with the same madness you always do. And I rebutted it, so if YOU take it personally then that’s YOUR thing, not mine. And if what and who I know bothers you or does the opposite I couldn’t care less.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b1TgyMrkqNs
This is the hardest hit I have ever seen. Sean Taylor killed the punter in the Pro Bowl. Check this out. Funniest thing I ever saw outside of Taylor walking up to T.O. in another game and just pimp slapping him.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
BLACKHOLE U WANT TO GET TO THE STADIUM BY 7.30. I BELIEVE THEY OPEN THE GATES AT 8 U CAN HAVE YOUR FIRST COCKTAIL BY 8.15
November 27th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
BHP,
Kool, post your useless platitudes. But your assinine statements like the following :And if what and who I know bothers you or does the opposite I couldn’t care less” You infer you have inside info and other opinions posted are without the merit of yours. Which is a damned lie.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
BHP, if you had an ass like Beyonce, you couldn’t rebutt me. Get over yourself.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
And you do the same.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
KK
Ok, so you are on record as saying only that Davis and Kiffin will soon sour, and that the Raiders will never be contenders again until Davis is out of the picture.
I guess we will see about that.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
This is off-topic. But I think Josh should start on Sunday against the Broncos. He has proven he is better than Daunte.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Just finished wathing NFLN Replay donkeys v Bears. lol. Shanarat trying to follow Kiffin and kick to Hester. lol. He got his just deserts. And while he’s trying to follow Kiffin, learn Kiffins coaching mantra he tells his team all the time …”learn how to finish.” lol. I bet Shanarat’s tellin’ his players that right now.
The minor pyscological damage Shanarat caused his team by trying to follow what the RAIDERS did is show them that they are not as good as the RAIDERS (on ST at least).
Man when you win - the week goes by slow. I’m ready to see the donkeys now.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Stop trying to get a rise out of everyone Vibe
November 27th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Bob Marley,
Yes.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Hell yea I remember that Pro Bowl hit. Almost as good as Barnes from the Ravens blowing up that Austrialian punter from the Eagles in the first preseason game.
KoolKell and BHP need to go get a room, you all sound like an old married couple.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
A rise? Oh you crack me up, Terra. Go Raiders!
November 27th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
that sucks taylor got shot i hope he had a good life
November 27th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
I think Taylor laying one on the punter in the Pro Bowl shows he was a bum. Plenty of guys could lay out a punter in an all-star game. Is spitting in another players face something a great misunderstood man does?
Race has nothing to do with calling him a thug. Plenty of white gangster wannabes qualify, ait?
November 27th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
If that’s true, where he was shot. that has to be lover’s rage. What a shame!
November 27th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
I can’t take it any more: speakers and writers IMPLY; listeners and readers INFER. And now back to our regularly scheduled program.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
RayGuy,
Point taken.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
After having darth raider attacked, I say someone decapitate a Bronco effigy in the stands this weekend
November 27th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Also, didn’t the 1st shot miss?
Maybe it was her, but why kill her babies father? you never know…
I agree, laying out a punter in the pro-bowl is a bit chincy, but otherwise, loved the kids game on the field.
As for Phillip, the 2 returns in the Titans game his rookie year were INSANE!
That broken wrist gave him too much time to sit around and get crazy in the head, (ie. limo/pj’s/ Playboy Jumpsuit, etc…) waste of some serious talent so far…
See you all Sunday!
November 27th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Gruden and Allen were great here. I hate the argument against them. ie.. Look at what they have done in Tampa. Nothing !!! People forget that when they were here they had Davis to make it successfull. Gruden, Allen, and Davis built a solid team. A couple of breaks and we could have won the Super Bowl. It was also a fun team to watch play. I like Kiffin and Davis. I like the improvement this team has made. We are headed in the right direction. However, to reach the level of Gruden’s team we need a solid GM such as Bruce Allen. I agree with KoolKell on that one. I do not agree with KoolKell and others that Davis should just step aside. I still think he has alot to offer. Kiffin , Davis, and who??? Maybe Parcells…..
November 27th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
You can blame Sean Taylor for hitting the punter like that…but you can also blame the punter for running in the first place. When you run with the ball to get a first down…you’re open game. Taylor only sent him a message. Blame the Coaches for calling the play in the first place.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
If the punter had the ball, well then, he had it coming!
I did not recall that part, thanks Huff24 for the clarification.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
ALZADO RAIDER: I agree 100%. There seems to be a mind set around here that if you like/admire/respect Al, you’re expected to hate Gruden and Allen, and vice versa. I’ve never bought into that.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
P.S. Gruden’s agent is another story, though. I hate that bastard.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
I haven’t posted in awhile. What is the story with JR? Is he going to get some snaps against the Donkeys or what? I would love to see the kid play. And WTF with Bush!? Like D. Rhodes roster spot means alot to Kiff!
November 27th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Sean Taylor was a thug, but to be shot to death in your own home with your wife and child, man, that is cold. It bothers me greatly.
wilmac, we don’t know about JR yet. If he is the number 2 quarterback this week, he might get some snaps. Bush is not healed from his injury yet, according to some reports.
November 27th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Vibe, with that McClown comment, you’re sounding like a troll. You would think Mike Shanahan has better things to do than hang out on a Raiders Chat board.
Speaking of Sunday, though, I’m pumped, too. Making my first trip to the House in 3 years after living out of state. Where’s the party at, besides in Jay Cutler’s mouth?
November 27th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
did anyone else see rhodes return the kick offs? was it just me or was he almost jogging it? when defenders were approaching him it seemed like he just gave in, and after he got tackled he jogged to the sidelines as if he were thinking.. here i ago again, back to the sidelines. i bet hes hating our organization right now. then again i never liked the signing.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
RF, It looked that way to me too…
Maybe it’s just his smooth glide, or else he’s just slow.
Prove me wrong and take one to the house Rhodes….
I dare Ya!!
November 27th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Al Davis is 78, his best days are behind him, but as far as him steppin down, they will have to pry the team from his cold dead hands. Will the team be better or worse after his passingonly time will tell,and that time isnt that far off,let the man be, this team was his dream..
November 27th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
808Raidah–agree with your assessment of Gannon. The consummate professional…here was a QB who showed us that you can have less arm strength than a Jeff George AND STILL WIN GAMES. He showed us how playing SMART could always make up for physical shortcomings.
*****
# RayGuy8 Says:
November 27th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
I can’t take it any more: speakers and writers IMPLY; listeners and readers INFER. And now back to our regularly scheduled program.
*****
I love it!! Connotations and denotations abound on this blog! Good to not only get Raider info, but an English lesson as well…LOL
November 27th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
John S sez: “Where is the party at, besides in Cutler’s mouth.” WTF dude? Just because you are a Raider fan dosen’t mean that you have no class. In fact, that is beyond no class. Jesus.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Dominic Rhodes on sirius NFL at 11:30pm tonight. Can be heard on sirius.com, or sirius 124
nfl radio.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Huff24–I remember reading somewhere (ESPN?) that NBC was looking to create a new football league. Hmmm…after the WFL, the USFL, and the XFL, you would think no one else would even try…I would think that in this day and age, we would need to see someone with Warren Buffett’s or Bill Gates’ deep pockets to even consider challenging the empire that is the NFL…
November 27th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Remember Al Davis testified for Donald Trump, against his NFL partners in the USFL suit. Oh well…., I’m out.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Yes, Sean Taylor had Raider written all over him. May the young man rest in peace, his family find solace in their faith, and his killers be caught and handled expeditiously by the criminal justice system.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
DesertRaider24 - Profootball.com was where I heard about the new football league. The league is looking to start with 8 teams in cities that the NFL does not currently reside in. The thought is that there are cities who love football who don’t have a team and there are plenty of players looking for jobs who haven’t made it into the NFL. I personally think its a great idea. It would be a better idea if they played in the off season of the NFL so we can have year round football. Maybe they can have a team in San Jose that I can also root for. That would be pretty cool. With my luck…they’d probably create the San Jose Butterflys or some crap like that. All I know is…they wouldn’t be anything like the Raiders.
The thoughts that came across was that the league could work like a Triple A system to the NFL with players being able to be brought up into the NFL just like the MLB does with their players. Another thought would be that whoever wins the Championship in the new league, that team would replace the worst team in the NFL and that NFL team would drop down into the lower league until they prove that they deserve to come back. These are obviously just ideas and theres no real thought as to where the league is going from what I know but that league is just around the corner from starting up this next year. I know the league doesn’t want to become secondary to the NFL. They really want to be legitimate. It will be interesting to watch and I think they can be successful if they don’t go stepping on other peoples feet and the game will have to be identical to the NFL instead of some XFL type of football. We’ll see I guess.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
NBC went into business with TurnerBroadcasting and VinceMcMahon after they
refused to reup NFL contract after 97?????? season, I think they lost contract to Fox,
Anyway Mark Cuban is trying to do the same…….try this:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2887465
November 27th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
profootballtalk.com I meant.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
My bad wilmac, just trying to bust off some jokes at a donkey’s expense…i don’t know why you picked on me after all the “mule show” comments earlier, but I apologize anyway.
That league you guys are talking about is going to be in the spring, mostly in College towns in the south and midwest, places like knoxville and tuscaloosa, using former players that their fans would recognize.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Looking at the players the Raiders passed on in the 2004 draft, for whatever reson(s), is very enlightening. Wide receivers Roy Williams and Larry Fitzgerald. Oregon State’s RB Steven Jackson, Miami TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. Even Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger at QB. And, of course, the late Sean Taylor at safety out of Miami.
WOW.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
http://www.allamericanfootballleague.com/
Mark Cuban has a team in a league that will play on Friday nights called the UFL, too.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
That is interesting Huff…..worst team in NFL drop out…. LOL, we would’ve made it last
year? The RaiderNation would’ve rose up against the emperor…
November 27th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Hey John S -
I thought it was funny, I actually laughed out loud, and it doesn’t make me classless. Maybe wilmac should lighten up just a tad. BTW the “Mule show” comments were actually regarding a band called Gov’t Mule.
As far as a party is concerned a good place to start is Ricky’s, where the party starts the night before on Saturday Night.
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
November 27th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
r-r-r-raidersssssss - Thanks for the article. That adds alot more details to the mix.
November 27th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
So there is going to be the UFL AND the AAFL?
November 27th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
how the hell was sean taylor a thug if several people that knew him said he wasnt acting like a knucklehead as he did early in his career. i dont care what you did who you are now is what matters not who you were. as i like to say you are who you are until you want to be different. oh yeah thats right he was black, nevermind. its so funny how thug gets thrown around to describe so many black men. just like the looters vs finders during hurricane katrina or the jena 6 and black panthers called terrorists while the kkk have been around for 130 years.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Huff24 -
The AAFL seems to be in full steam ahead mode where as the UFL still seems more like it’s in the planning stages. If both leagues succeed that means year round football! I like the idea of a “minor league” so to speak, as you mentioned earlier. It would give teams an opportunity to to see raw talent develop without having to sacrifice a roster spot or playing time on the pro level.
Raiders for Life…I’m In!
November 27th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
RaiderDogg - Thanks for the info.
Can you guys believe the luck of the Dolphins this year? Ricky Williams returns only to get knocked out for the season. I don’t like to see a team failing this bad but to hell with Cam Cameron. I wouldn’t mind seeing him go 0-16.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
also from watching some of these stories on how sean taylor grew up he was nowhere near a thug. he grew up in a middle class neighborhood. as with alot of youngsters he may have liked the AMERICAN GANGSTER image that is so glorified in our culture. maybe he hung around true thugs and now paid the price for it. hopefully his killer(s) get caught. he wasnt innocent but i dont believe he was this thug he was made out to be. i remember growing up knowing thugs that was cool but i didnt hang with them. unfortunately theres guilt by association and alot of brothas are becoming victims of that than being the actual gangsta themselves. this is just ashame. God bless your family young brotha. R.IP.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
My take on DRhodes interview
Dominic Rhodes interview sounded good, inbetween the lines there wasn’t dissention
or anger, which is a sign of buying into the program, of which coach
and adminstration are implementing, if anybody could at least gripe,
wrong or right, that is one of the guys I would’ve expected to hear it from.
Jim Miller, ex nfl quarterback asked some mildly tough questions,
it seemed as if DR answered poignantly, and good naturedly.
He was happy with the win against
KC(no one likes to lose, even when you ridin the pine),
he was happy for Justin and supports him(what else could he say especially
with those results), he is friends with Justin
(i don’t really know where that could get him, maybe he he just likes bein on JF’s nuts),
and he
is ready if the oppurtunity presents itself.
He believes team headed in the right direction with onfield leadership of CPepp,
and offfield with coaching staff. In other words why would he be lying. Iknow all you folks speculate but that is directly from the horses mouth, one that seems to have spurned and forgotten, he could have said alot of negative things, but he didn’t.Anyway that is how I heard it.
Just another indicator as to the track we are on.
BTW anybody hear Lane this morning on Sirius at 10:30am, I think they replay
it over night, I am interested to see if he personally addressed Arkansas rumor.
I AM IN…..but I have always been in.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
It’s strange how some people say S. Taylor was a good guy, but could’nt get out of the life style that ultimately took his life. All these people might be wrong. I find it easier to believe that he was trying to leave that life……….But someone said “O’h no you dont”…….He had a 1yr old daughter, a girl friend, and a great future in the NFL!!! I guess someone just could’nt fathom the thought of him being happy!! JEALOUSY KILLS!!
November 27th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Someone posted earlier that Kenny Phillips from Miami is a player a lot like S. Taylor, but I beg to differ. K. Phillips is a very good safety, but he’s a lot smaller(6ft) than Taylor (6′2″). A player that I believe will be a clone of S. Taylor…..If there could be one……..is USC’s Taylor Mays……Now that’s a hard hitting safety, if I ever seen one. And he’s 6′2″. I would LOVE to see Mays in Silver & Black….but he’s only a sophmore!! Guaranteed 1st round pick in 2009!!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Actually Taylor Mays is a monster at 6′4″ 225 and growing he may stay at safety he could eventually play OLB but your point is well taken, I love the kids talent.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
I am an Ohio Sate fan living here in Ohio, oh the weather is gorgeousLOL,
and yea i was happy when Oaktown drafted Duds
(just shows you my talent as an nfl talent evaluater) I
remember the national chapionship between the ‘Canes and the Bucks in 2002,
Sean Taylor almost single handedly brought the ‘Canes back from a 4th qurter deficit,
with an interception in the endzone off OSU qb Krenzel that would have seemingly put the game out of reach (consequently he was stripped on the return,
nontheless showed talent as bigplaymaker)
,
numerous timely maulings of talented OSU wr’s throughout the the game,
helped hold OSU to 7 for21 and 122yrds passing.
i too had pictured him as a
Raider then. In a game between two powerhouses littered with sure future
household names he was a shining star on college footballs biggest stage.
As for being a thug? Maybe just a kid who was misguided by a society that
glamorizes a certain lifestyle that most of us can only imagine. The
important thing is he didn’t throw it all away, just because we don’t know his personal
life alot of upstanding people have said he was on the right
track, and for many on the wrong track that is a good role model.
RIP Sean Taylor and as I too have little girls and will pray your little one grows up in the
knowledge that her daady understood the responsibility he had with raising alittle girl
and was making the best decisions to be the best father he could. Change ain’t easy
folks, change aint easy.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Wow,
I thought he was 6′2″.
Man, he’s a monster……He might eventually be a linebacker when he goe’s Pro……..Hopefully he does better than Darnell Bing!!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Here is some Arkansas info, just goes to show it is pure speculation Kiffhaters.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=311141
November 27th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
It’s interesting what you guys are saying. For some reason, there are great safeties that consistently come out of So Cal, (SC, UCLA) and the U. Must get good coaching and they must know how to recruit.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
sean taylor was better than jack tatum
November 27th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Yea that’ll endear you with the locals, instigator…….
November 27th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Call Taylor a “thug” all you want, guys. Truth is, the NFL is dominated by blacks. I think deep down inside, that bothers a lot of you. The odds of your white kid getting to the NFL are practically zero, and this is where you guys get the chance to let out your anger.
Taylor packed a gun. So does Barry Switzer.
Taylor got a DUI. So have several whites.
Yet, because of this rap sheet he gets the title of “thug”. This man was shot in his own house. You guys are blaming the victim in the name of racism, and THAT is un-American.
Bob Marley,
I watch what I see on the field, and the only commentator I’m going to take seriously is one who comments on what I am seeing, not one who sits there with rose colored glasses on, like all of the ones remotely connected to the Raiders.
As I’ve said Sunday night, we won this game with Kiffin’s system. We didn’t win with lucky deep balls. We kept the ball on the ground. The team played hard the entire game…at least the offense did. Call this belief crazy but I believe the intensity of a team is a reflection of the way they practice.
Marley, Al Davis’s system, the Vertical Game, is DEAD. I stand by that. I will never change my tune unless we start winning games consistently beating teams deep, even when they’re playing the deep ball. That hasn’t happened since 1963.
I call it as I see it. You call it as you wish it, and cherry pick whatever quotes from various commentators you have to in order to back your delusions of grandeur.
This team is playing better because Kiffin is practicing them harder and they’re running the football. They’re not winning because they’re taking Al’s sage advice and bringing the old man’s dream to fruition. No, that’s what’s usually to blame for our games where we run the ball like 6 f’n times.
The week leading to this game, Kiffin told Davis to talk to the hand. And it showed on the field. Hopefully now, he can keep doing it. And, I think he will. He’s not Norv Turner. He’s not Art Shell. He’s got connections in the league and he doesn’t need Al Davis. He knows without him, Davis is completely screwed because if things go bad with Kiffin, there will be no possibility of Al Davis ever getting a decent coach here again, in his lifetime. Think; His age.
Kiffin’s running things his way, Al’s been wheeled into the cold, dark, spare bedroom, and the team is finally heading upward. I wouldn’t hold your breath for Rich Gannon or John Madden to ever say that, but it’s still true.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Are you nuts Sean Taylor couldn’t carry Jack Tatum’s jock!!!!!……….There has NEVER been a safety remotely like Jack Tatum.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:06 am
You can’t compare those players. Tatum and Taylor are from completely different era’s. Tatum lived in an era where rules did not apply and he took full advantage of it. Taylor lived in an era where you can get penalized for hitting a guy the wrong way. They were both great but Tatum had more time to prove it. Its not worth argueing over whos better…Taylor is gone and its completely fuked up.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:06 am
BHP,
Dont bother responding to that guy. He’s just trying to get a rise out of you BHP!! Jack Tatum was an all time GREAT!! S. Taylor only played 2,3 seasons!! It’s laughable!!
November 28th, 2007 at 12:07 am
maddenRaider,
You can have your running post battle with whomever, I like your take on issues that interest me.
I don’t care what color a person is, we all say that but for me it’s stero typing age and color.
My son got in a fight at the age of 16, had karate since he was 8, warned the instigators of his expertise and was still attacked.
When the fight ended he was suspended from school and a police report was taken.
My son is not a thug or a bad kid, just defended him self.
His record will be carried forward, he plays football, he probably won’t be recruited but his record will be there if he was.
His gpa is 3.6 and works hard.
I’m telling you this because he is white and circumstances happen to all people that can’t control the outcome of others.
I know it’s not the same of Sean Taylor, that tragic event today,I don’t believe he was a thug
November 28th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Jack Tatum was the single most vicious hitter that I’ve ever seen. And Jack only stood aboit 5′11″ 205 but he ran a 4.3 40 and hit like Mike Tyson. Sean Taylor was more like Steve Atwater from Arkansas and several other sfeties that have cme down the pike. Tatum was just like Davis named him the Assassin and you’ll probably never see another one
November 28th, 2007 at 12:11 am
Definition of a Thug:
1. a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer.
2. an aggressive and violent young criminal.
If anything…Sean Taylor’s life was taken from a thug…not the other way around. Everyone in this life has done bad things but alot of people weren’t in the same spotlight that Taylor was in, so anything he did was broadcasted. Just because someone doesn’t get caught doing something, doesn’t mean they’re innocent. We’re all guilty of something. Taylor turned his life around. The only thing you can truly fault him for (unless some new information comes up in the investigation) is that he didn’t protect himself well enough. He probably should have had a better security system set up to protect him and his family but that was his own personal decision.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:14 am
Bob Marley let the fool spout off no one is listening. Same fool same foolish talk. you have to expect that. He keeps trying to describe the vertical game and has no clue what it is. Why argue with a fool it’ll just make you look foolish too.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:15 am
He actualy did have a weapon to protect himself. The problem is, his weapon was a MACHETE. If someone left a knife on my bed…….REST ASSURED……..I would not sleep there again, unless I had a 57′ MAGNUM next to me!!
November 28th, 2007 at 12:19 am
Raider Glory - The fact that Taylor was shot as quickly as he was when leaving his bedroom tells me something. Someone was waiting for him. They weren’t there to steal anything, otherwise they would have already done that. He didn’t have a chance, even if he had a weapon on him. They set him up in my mind. Thats just my opinion. I would have had a shotgun at least. Cock that gun and you will hear people running. Either way…he had a warning and he didn’t respond with more protection. I would have had guard dogs and bright lights and security guard and an alarm system installed ASAP!!! Barbed Electric Wiring…whatever it took. I dont fuk around.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:21 am
Huff24,
Thanks for the post on what is a thug.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:22 am
No prob.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:25 am
Huff,
Thats what I mean. He had no protection. I assume his girlfriend and his daughter were in the house. Why were’nt they robbed?? Or even worse..KILLED! I really believe that Taylor was just trying to leave all that stuff behind, but someone went the extra mile to keep him from going on with his life as a parent and player in the NFL! It was a set up!! ALL THE WAY!
November 28th, 2007 at 12:33 am
Investigation I mean.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:33 am
Well we’ll all know in the coming weeks and days. It just pains to see another young life snuffed out. Young Brotha’s have got to stop and take a look at what’s happening to then.
Like the senseless killing of Chauncey Bailey. Some times I wonder why we fought so hard to get our freedom and look at what we’re doing with it. We never freed our minds. And man we went through HELL to get to where we are. And I look up and we’re still in the gutter.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:36 am
Man, I’m just cryin’ inside. I’ll see you guy’s later
November 28th, 2007 at 12:38 am
That’s some SERIOUS speculation Huff. I guess we’ll know something after the investigation. I doubt it has anything to do with DOG fighting. He let his guard down, and he paid the ultimate price for not protecting his household. In a wierd way, I think that he did’nt fathom anyone doing this to him.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:39 am
R.I.P
November 28th, 2007 at 12:40 am
BHP,
Go easy man!!
I think i’ll call it a nite as well!!
Later HUFF!
November 28th, 2007 at 12:42 am
Raider Glory - I just have alot of time to think about this kind of stuff I guess. I have just been trying to come up with reasons as to why this happened. There may not even be a reason but I guess I have it in my nature to want to find out.
November 28th, 200