Rhodes, Jordan will carry load
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, December 17th, 2007 at 3:41 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders are back to where everyone assumed they would be in late December, with Dominic Rhodes and LaMont Jordan as their primary rushing threats.
That plan got sidetracked when Jordan suffered a Week 4 back injury and Justin Fargas gained 179 yards on 22 carries against the Miami Dolphins, inserting himself into a competition he would eventually win.
What looks to be Fargas’ last carry this season was a 2-yard touchdown run, accomplished with a right medial collateral ligament sprain. He has 1,009 yards on 222 carries.
“He won’t play this week and most likely won’t play the rest of the year,” Kiffin said at his weekly press conference Monday.
When asked later if Fargas is out for the last two games for sure, Kiffin said, “I would think so. Yes.”
Fargas was at the facility but unavailable for comment. He most likely will not need surgery, which is good for his financial well-being since he is eligible for unrestricted free agency this offseason.
In the meantime, Rhodes and Jordan, both who have been in and out of favor, will likely share the load against Jacksonville and San Diego.
“There’s only two options with Dominic and LaMont,” Kiffin said. “So we’ll let them battle it out this week and we’ll go from there and figure out who’s starting and we’ll figure out how we’ll divide playing time as well.”
Rhodes, after two games of being inactive, had his season-high for carries (7) and rushing yards (41) against his former team Sunday. He had a 19-yard run which helped put the Raiders in position for a potential game-tying score until the ball was turned over on downs.
“I thought he made a couple of guys miss and really battled and ran hard,” Kiffin said. “He really had practiced well the last couple of weeks and done well. We felt this was an opportunity this week. The past few weeks we haven’t been able to suit up three running backs.
“In a perfect world we’d like to have three tailbacks suited up but because of special teams we haven’t been able to do that. I know it was good for him to get out there and get a feel for it and get a few touches and he will get more opportunities this week, I imagine.”
Rhodes said after the game he will be ready if called upon.
“I’m always ready, man. It’s been kind of the story of my career, getting my opportutnity and taking advantage of it,” Rhodes said.
Jordan had 424 yards on 84 carries before the back injury against Miami in Week 4, but only 125 yards on 60 carries since. He suited up but did not play on Nov. 11 against Chicago and was inactive against Minnesota the following week.
For both runners, it is a chance to either make a play for next year’s roster or put something good on film ifor free agency in the event the Raiders re-sign Fargas, make use of Michael Bush or find new running backs. Rhodes and Jordan are under contract but could be released.
Bush remains on the physically unable to perform list and cannot be activated because the Raiders failed to put him on the 53-man roster within a time frame mandated by league rules for players who begin the season on PUP.
He has not played since Sept. of 2006 after suffering a broken leg in the first game of his junior season at Louisville.
More news, notes and observations the day after a 21-14 loss to Indianapolis at McAfee Coliseum:
– JaMarcus Russell will get his first action in a road game when the Raiders face the Jaguars, with Kiffin saying the determination of when he enters the game and for how long will be worked out over the next 36 hours.
When asked if Josh McCown would start, Kiffin said, “I would think so.”
— Even with the Raiders having allowed punt returns for touchdowns in each of the last two games, punter Shane Lechler seems to be the most likely _ and possibly the only _ candidate to be selected to the Pro Bowl.
Lechler leads the AFC in both gross punting (49.0 yards even) and net punting (41.3), trailing only the 49ers Andy Lee in both categories.
After putting 19 balls inside the 20-yard line last season with 19 touchbacks _ by far the worst ratio of his career, Lechler has 21 punts inside the 20 and six touchbacks.
Defensive end Derrick Burgess, among the leaders in sacks in 2005 and 2006, has just six this season. Linebackers Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are well-regarded pass defenders but play at a gap-plugging position on a team which has been poor against the run.
Perhaps the most deserving player, Nnamdi Asomugha, had just one interception this season because teams seldom throw in his direction. Asomugha received a belated invitation to play as an alternate last season but could not attend the game.
Although a legitimate merit pick, the Raiders’ losing record and the lack of stats could keep Asomugha home again.
– As good as Howard was against the Colts, he had his sixth interception and broke up a pass in the end zone on fourth-and-1 that preceded the 99-yard scoring drive, Kiffin said his overall game was even more impressive.
“I think it was better. It was better than what you saw,” Kiffin said. “I thought he played fabulous, played his best game since I’ve been here, by far. He played really well. Tackled extremely well, (handled his assignments) ran to the ball, he played like a big-time player yesterday and hopefully we can build on that and keep him playing that way in the future.”
– On T.J. Rushing’s 90-yard punt return for a touchdown, Stuart Schweigert, the personal protector on Lechler’s punts, said Rushing appeared to abort a return which was planned to go to the left of the defense and instead broke it in the opposite direction, catching the Raiders in a bad spot.
Schweigert, who said he had one snap with the defense, said he has not been given any reasons for his appparent demotion behind Hiram Eugene and Chris Carr and is doing his best to stay ready if called upon.
– On second thought, Kiffin, who saw little of value in the loss to the Colts because of the end result, was ready to embrace a few positives, noting the response to the Green Bay loss and the carrying out of a blueprint which pushed the defending Super Bowl champions to the limit.
– Special teams ace Jarrod Cooper said he is recovering nicely from ACL surgery and hopes to sign another contract with the Raiders.
“This is where I want to be and end my career. This is it,” Cooper said. “This is where I want to be. Especially with Coach Kiffin, he’s got something going. Same thing happened in Carolina. We had George Seifert and went 1-15 my rookie year. The next year Coach Fox came in, we went (7-9). Then the next year we went to the Super Bowl.
“Coach Fox came in it took him a year or so to get things weeded out the way he wanted. And once he got it weeded out it was Super Bowl, playoffs, playoffs. And I see that in Coach Kiffin and I want to be here for it.”
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December 17th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
FIRST!!!!
December 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Freakin’ Lechler has been the most consistent Raider by far the last 8 years!!! Congrats Shane on another good year.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Jacksonville is going to be fun as long as we dont focus on the score to much! lol
hopefully russel will be able to play a whole quarter, it has to be hard to establish
a flow when you only play a few series here and there.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Jordan can’t carry a tune. His song & dance are yesterday’s news. Someone on an earlier post thought we might get a 2nd round pick for Jordan. WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING! Jordan has nothing left and demonstrated that over the last few years. He’s damaged goods. Nobody will pay for someone with nothing to offer. Just cut the strings and let’s get on with it.
I’d like to see more of Rhodes just to see if we want him here next year. He is under contract for next year, I believe. If that’s true and we don’t choose to keep him, we might get a draft choice for him - maybe a 5th or 6th.
Personally, I’d like a trio of McFadden, Bush & Fargas. But then again, I’d like gas at 29¢ a gallon too.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Repost from last string:
Whether you like it or not, if McFadden is available when we are up, AD will take him. I have no doubt about that and I don’t disagree with that pick. He’s a real playmaker that will start immediately. He supposed to be equal to or better that Adrian Petersen. He can also catch & throw too! I also know that linemen are a priority too. Fortunately, this years upcoming draft appears to have many good OL & DL available. It’s possible that the DT can best be filled from FA. That also holds true for OL.
I’ve seen improvement on the OL and our immediate needs are becoming clearer. McQuistan at RT is making very good strides in that position and should be OK for next year at a starter position. Carlisle is OK. Newberry is OK for now as long as his knees hold out. Gallery is improving at LG and may just be OK there with more experience. Simms at LT has his moments but is getting a little long of tooth. Hendersen may be in line for this but let’s just say we shoukld at least target a OLT from possibly FA.
The other offensive needs are #1WR. Again, possibly from FA but more likely from the draft.
Defensive needs should, aside from McFadden if available, be DT, Safety, MLB. I agree with Scottish Raideerr that Morrison is doing a great job where he is now but would probably be more outstanding outside if we had a Ray Lewis type available to stuff runs in the middle. Haynesworth would be a great FA pick-up if AD could pull it off. James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State might be the MLB we need if McFadden is not available.
Our FS need could possibly be filled from FA. The draft doesn’t appear to have any no-brainer safeties this year. So, maybe we need Kifin’s knowledge on available talent out there to find us one.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Cooper has been very vocal in his support of Kiffin, and also with his criticizm of what players he thinks need to go. He is really sold on this program. So is Fargas and Sims and many others that feel very strongly about Kiffin. I think Kiffin has this teams ear. Now start JaMarcus please.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
That sucks we can’t get a look at Bush until next season. Lets keep hoping the niners win, the Patriots should have lost all possible first round draft picks. The rich get richer. Especially the two big Markets… new york and boston. oh and ESPN sucks they dont cover west coast teams even though the Warriors are the most entertaining team in the league, and can anyone read any of their scoops and think its 100% legitimate.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
A LT is probably just as or a just below the most important hole to fill. I wouldn’t lose sleep if they took Long or even Baker. How bout a FA signing? Here is a few notable Tackles:
Jordan Gross - Prob the best of the bunch. Carolina will prob be him back
Max Starks - Only 25. Will be a good pick up.
Todd Steussie
Travelle Wharton
December 17th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
If the Raiders dont take a DE, I know Chiefs will franchise him but Jarred Allen would be a good pick up. Also Terrell Suggs, Justin Smith (Cincy prob re-sign him), Corey Williams, Mike Rucker (is geting long in the tooth
December 17th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Great entry, as usual, Jerry.
I really like what I’m seeing this year. Shell, Turner or Callahan would have certainly packed it in at this point. But you can clearly see that Kiffin is trying to instill a winning attitude, now. There’s no next year. There’s no draft. If we don’t win today, we never will. That’s the mentality this organization has been missing pre-Kiffin. The laxed, “we’ve always got the draft”, mentality. Heck, we’ve drafted high for 4 straight seasons. To what result? Nada.
We didn’t come out with the win yesterday but you can see the players buying into Kiffin’s system. Things are happening. These are good times for Raider fans. And if we continue to play with this heart and desire, it will only get better next season.
I’M IN!
December 17th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I took a look at some of the Safetys available next year….lets just say the current tandum of Schweigurt, Eugen & Carr doesnt look to bad
December 17th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
No one has noted, in any of the game write-ups I’ve seen, that for the 3rd game in a row, we allowed 0 sacks. Read that again. 3 games, 0 sacks. Imagine what you would have thought if I told you that would happen this time last year. Or even this time last month.
This team is starting to do some small, fundamental things very, very well. And without the people you might have expected. Kiffin’s got the locker room now. Just look at what Cooper said. I feel like I’m watching the Raiders again. I’m watching a team that’s full of guys who want to be Raiders, who want to please Al, Kiffin, the fans, each other, and themselves.
We could just be average next year. But we could be on our way to big things. Every week, it seems that one more hole is fixed in a ship that was almost sunk at the end of last year.
Too bad the season’s almost over.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
It’s cause you suck Stu. There, I said it for Coach Kiff
Somethings about last game:
Huggy Jr will never make though a whole season getting 25+ carries a game. Get him some help and a passing game.
Our 2 minute offence is the worst I’ve ever seen. We couldn’t even get 10 yards, much yet a touchdown.
With Russell in we looked like Tom Walsh was calling the plays. The playbook and formations were cut way back. It hurt the team to do that in a close game.
Warren is worth the pick we gave up for him.
We gave up no sacks, again. Wow.
And we have scaled back on stupid flags after Sapp went off after the Viking game.
We will never get a close call as long as Al Davis lives.
Watching the Raiders is kinda fun again….. Turner’s and Shell’s team packed it in long ago this time of the season. The 07 Raiders play hard and are still playing hard. Good days ahead as long as we follow the plan Kiffin has. (and Davis lets him)
December 17th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
What about Jason Taylor at DE for a year or two?
December 17th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Thanks for the great updates as always, Jerry!
Glad to see JaMarucs is going to get some time on the road. Http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
December 17th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
I agree with the guy above. I’m glad Kiffin isn’t packing it in for the draft. No doubt, that has been the December mentality in Oakland in previous years. That attitude is old hat. We’re playing now as if it’s week 2. The passion the players played with yesterday was unbelievable. And, they might have come through if the refs would have correctly called that PI on our last offensive play. But, you can’t blame it all on that. No doubt Indy diced our defense apart on their go ahead drive. Kiffin is the man, though. He, his philosophy, and his players are the answer to every woe this organization has suffered from since Super Bowl 37. We’re getting back to that Gruden level of play.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Mike Doss is available next year if I’m not mistaken
December 17th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
we need a devastating safety, a middle lb, and a fast receiver more than anything else, the lines are getting better and the zone system lets us get decent guys later in the draft - i adont know much about long- but the clips look good- he seesm a bit small though- how fast is he??
December 17th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I’d like to see Jam Russ get in their, but I agree, anything that would mess up the current chemistry could be disastrous. Win or lose, we need to keep up this level of pay. Russell is still kind of green and the last thing we need is killed drives. Just get him a little bit of work, but let “the clown” run Kiffin’s offense. He’s more experienced and can take the hits. We’re building a winning mentality. It’s a step by step process, but we’re getting it done. Big props to Lane Kiffin and his system.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Nice re-design!
December 17th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Schweigert all you have to do is look at some film, and you’ll have your answer as to why your no starting, apparently you’re not very good at special teams either, whatever “personal protector” is, you suck at it. Your walking papers should be in your locker after practice, good luck in the CFL.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Any of you guys seeing a format switch on this site, as I am?
December 17th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Wow, did the page just change?
December 17th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I’ve never actually caught a site’s design switch in real time. Pretty cool. Guess that makes up for missing Haley’s Comet.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
People keep talking about McCown’s “gutty” performances but the facts remain, he is NOT winning QB. He has only 1.5 wins wins in 9 starts. Meanwhile, Culpepper has 2.5 wins in only 5 starts and one 300+ yard game that they lost (Minnesota). Not to mention that Culpepper single-handedly won the Miami game. If Culpepper is healthy, let him play some before JM comes in on relief. What exactly is Culpepper’s diagnosis anyway?? Can someone please ask that straight up and get an answer?! Pepp gives the team the best chance to WIN, not just showcase another “gutty” performance, a.k.a. McCown. PLEEZ, enough already of the “but he (JM) tries so hard!” We need a WIN!
December 17th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I think our OL is much improved, and some of the position are showing that they can be fixed from within. So then that leaves the DL as our #1 priority. If Chris Long is available, I say we have to draft him. Not only because he is Howie’s kid, but because DE is a position we will need help at in the very near future. Then we have DT, and for that I think we should sign from FA. IF Chris Long is gone, we should draft a DT and then sign a DE through FA. Or maybe draft one with our 2nd rounder. That way we can have more room in the cap to sign a WR from FA. trading for one is always good, but we might have to give up too much to get a quality WR. And we don’t have too mane picks this draft to play around with…
December 17th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Yep, the site layout has changed. We’re switching over all of the InsideBayArea and ContraCostaTimes.com blogs to this new blog design.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Wow…what hell is going on here
December 17th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
FIRST, to post in new design! Can’t take that away…
December 17th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
The more and more I look at the draft it seems to me the obvious choice is DeSean Jackson. We need a deep threat and a punt returner. He will plug a big whole in this team. McFadden should be gone after the 1st two picks. Of course things change after the
combine.
DL is also a big concern. If Im not mistaken G. Warren will be a freeagent. Does anyone know??
December 17th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Well thank you guy.
I miss the old arcaic setup….lol.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
(shouting at the computer)
Damm you Al Davis! You changed my page!!
December 17th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I think McCown is getting it done. A win against the Super Bowl champions never was likely, but we played with heart and McCown was an intricate part of our solid performance yesterday. Kiffin has really installed a good system here. Everything is heading upward.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I like the “silver lining” of the new look…
December 17th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
whoah. does this new design make us smarter??? or just seem smarter??
December 17th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
To the dude above, Culpepper’s got bad legs. He’s actually not even as mobile as McCown. McCown is quicker than people give him credit for. He got out of a couple of jams yesterday that would have had Pepp eating dirt. Culpepper only has the arm on McCown, nothing else. All teams have to do is blitz Culepper and he’s useless.
Also, you said that Culpepper single handedly beat Miami. Did you forget about Fargas? He rushed for over 200 yards that game! And, come on, it was Miami for crying out loud, so I’m reluctant to give either of them credit. But if credit is to be given, the majority of it has to go to Kiffin, the o line, and Fargas. We beat Miami on the ground. I don’t think Culepper threw the ball even 15 times.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
JR needs real time reps in real life play. He also needs more than the plain vanilla scripted plays he was allowed to implement. Those were obviously JM plays - hand-offs and less than 12yd. passes. We need to see a little bit more creativity Kif! His accuracy will help the WR’s become more successful. But, they have to become more familiar with the speed at which he throws. Remember, they are now practicing with a QB who throws like a sandlotter. JR’s passes are much more to deal with. Let’s start and play JR the remainder of the year. If not that, at a minimum, give him a full half of play.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
If you watched the press conference this afternoon, Kiffin mentioned Carson Palmer when developing a rookie QB. Considering the two of them were together at USC, Kiffin is dead-set on using Palmer as reference on how to protect and grow a rookie QB.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
wordpress editor…please make the comments font larger, i can barely read this.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Mike Doss or Sammy Knight… would be a nice addition.
Nice, new layout
December 17th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
It’s almost hard to read McCown being more mobile than Culpepper, I actually laughed at first and was ready to tear you apart, but when you consider Daunte’s bad legs, it’s true. Culpepper has been some what of a statue since his leg injury. He’s not the Culpepper of the ’90s, that’s for damned sure. McCown is irritating, but he is more mobile at present day and he’s much better for this offense than Culpepper. Russell is the future but he’s not ready yet. We’ve got to instill that winning mentality before we throw the kid to the wolves. We’re not like other teams. Other teams giving their new qb’s a head start haven’t been as bad as we have for the last 5 years. As Kiffin said, the biggest priority is teaching this team to be competitive. As it stands right now, McCown is the best quarterback for that plan.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
is it just me, or is the font size to small?
December 17th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Tay
Word on the street is that DeSean Jackson will NOT be coming out this year. His numbers this year are not as good as in prior years. He’d be money ahead by waiting and improving his college level results. Besides, his size is a little questionable. I’d much prefer to see my WR at 6′4″ minimum.
PS I DON”T LIKE THIS NEW FORMAT. BRING BACK THAT WHICH WAS NOT BROKE. YOU DIDN’T NEED TO FIX IT.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
this sucks, my name now shows with a capital B, i’m bs, not Bs.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
bitch, bitch, bitch, that’s all i do. lol.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
BS
You are right! the font size on the readout needs to be a larger easier to read font. Better yet, just go back to what we had.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
notice how much the dfense looks better when the tackling improves?…they do need more active tacklers on the d-line and an upgrade for sam williams and the safeties (hope M.Huff keeps improving (how come when we draft a safety we get Gibson and Huff instead of Palumalu(?) and Bob Sanders (complete stud for his size)
December 17th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
I would welcome Runyan any day..
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20071217_Big_Bird_told_Westbrook_to_avoid_scoring.html
December 17th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Those who need larger print (like me) should go to the View Menu and select a larger text size.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
View menu on the browser that is.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Stu hasn’t heard why he was demoted ? that is funny, O cordinators used to lick there chops watching Stu on film… I hope he is gone next year
December 17th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
The plays designed for Russell were to keep him from getting killed. We start dropping him back and throwing deep, and the opposing defense will tape their ears back and go for his head. Yes, we gave him McCown plays because McCown plays are all that keep the Oakland Raiders in football games. Opposing defenses preparing for us know rule number one vs. the Raiders: Shut down the deep game. I’m actually glad we have a coach know who counters that instead of playing right into their hands. It’s the reason why we’re playing this good of football this late in the season, something that has been non existent for us in previous seasons at this juncture.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Thanks Gordo, that tip helped. I still don’t like the new format though.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Hold down the control key and scroll with your mouse. You can increase or decrease the font size all you want. (Internet Explorer)
December 17th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Well I hope that play calling can win Super Bowls…
December 17th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Kiffen is doing a solid job with the handling of the QB position. DC is hurt so why are people still talking about him. Jerry speculated that DC feels content on taking his game tapes from this year: mostly from the Minnesota and KC games on the road, and getting one last contract/ starting QB gig to FA. I think that assessment is spot on. He is a hired gun/ his contract is up.
McCown will be back next year to give Jamarcus some healthy competition. McCown is not great but neither are about 15 other starting QB’s in the NFL. Look at how all the Niner pundits are all goo goo gah gah over Sean Hill because he can move the ball. Hill is not even that good, but they are happy because he looks somewhat competent at the position. The Raiders fans are spoiled because we have DC and Russell and not to mention some kid that broke a lot of Elways pac 10 records. All four of the Raider QB’s would start in SF and other teams: Miami, SF, NYJ, Carolina, and KC would all prefer to have any one of those guys under center.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
I agree. McCown is probably better to start for us. He does the most boneheaded things, and makes me want to shoot my t.v. But consider the options:
Culpepper: Bad knee.
Walter: No mobility whatsoever.
Russell: Would be like throwing in the towel on any possibility of winning our last 2. If we’re trying to make a statement this year, Russell isn’t ready to play full games. It’s not his time, yet.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
fargas. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO i was proud of our squad yesterday they played thier aszz off it was great 2 watch “IM IN”
December 17th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
LMN,
It’s good to hear from you, everything good?
Not to burst your thought there but John Runyan is over the hill.
Runyan will want to much money.
Replacing Sims for Runyan is too much of the same.
Let’s look youth, 28 and under for free agency at Lt or Rt.
I will wait for free agency some guys have options to their contract and many go FA.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
thanks guys, that helped.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
omg i can see what i’m typing!! i feel like i just won the lott lol
December 17th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
great news jerry and I am glad that fargas’ injury is only a MCL injury. He is a important leader on the
field and in the locker room. He should heal and will be back–he’s the type kiff wants. Stu’s comments LMAO, it is obvious he can not critique his own performance and or watch the film. You don’t play b/c you miss tackles, arrive late, get pushed out of the way for big gains,etc. Oh and don’t bring the wood!!
Kiff has got these guys playing hard in december which
will serve well in the future b/c those teams are the
ones that go deep in the playoffs. Its also great to see that the rest of the raider nation is recognizing what some of us knew all along that Kiff’s the real deal!!
December 17th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
100 yards passing is about all anybody could expect of Josh McCown, 100 yard passing per game, pitiful.
I like the inbox is fixed, I don’t like the look.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
i’m with you kk.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Good write up, Dick V.
I don’t understand people wanting Culpepper to start, either. He was hurt even when he wasn’t hurt. Now that he is hurt, he’s of no use.
He is not the Daunte Culpepper of the ’90s. I don’t know how people missed that memo. I sincerely hope Al Davis wasn’t one of those people…
December 17th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Desean Jackson is good but not worthy of a top ten selection. not when you can get a Caldwell, Robiskie, Lavelle Hawkins, Early Doucett, and any of them dudes from Hawaii in the second to fourth rounds.
The trenches is where the Raiders need to go unless McFadden drops into our laps.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
What, I drive home, pick up some groceries and now the whole world is different? No one consulted me! Hey, they fixed the box thingy!
December 17th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Kiffin is going to have to redesign the offense for JR - to play to his strengths and away from any weaknesses. He might as well start that process now and while he’s at it, let JR try them out. Taking a shot downtown every once in awhile would be refreshing. If for no other reason, it will tend to back the 8 in-the-box off a bit for fear of getting burnt with the long one. It can only help the running game which ultimately helps the passing game.
Here’s a different thought. Instead of LJ in the backfield, let’s stick Madsen in there to flare out as a screen option. I just don’t look forward to more of LJ. He’s a real downer.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
kel, we know mccown is pathetic, but his message of not throwing in the towel and not throwing JR out there with limited playbook knowledge and trying to instill in this team the need and desire to win, you gotta respect that. kiffin has this team playing hard with nothing on the line for them other than respect and hope for a better tomorrow. that is the sign of a great coach. no matter what, this team will not quit. we may not have the talent/pieces to get it down, but dammit we will go down swinging
December 17th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
test
December 17th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I heard Peyton Manning say last week, that, you really don’t learn much standing on the sideline.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
In today’s NFL, you’ve got to be mobile. The arm is nothing without the ability to move around and scramble. Look at the 3 SB winning qb’s in the modern day league:
Manning
Rosthlesberger
Brady
Where does Culpepper fit in? McCown is not on that list, either, simply because he’s an idiot. But he’s mobile and that’s the number one requirement today. His experience is what gets him the position of Russell. McCown is the best we have, if we’re looking to build a winning identity ASAP. It’s as simple as that. Kiffin’s making the right call.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
KoolKell,Hope all is well.
That line to glenn the other day”I’m your Huckleberry”
Classic KoolKell, who says you are grumpy all the time.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
manning is right, but you also don’t learn much missing all of training camp. i want to see russell take over too, but i trust the coach
December 17th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
JB, we took a shot yesterday, and Curry dropped the ball. The plays are there. Face it, it’s the players from the old guard that are muffing them.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Leave Kell alone….he´s our elder statesman, I´m just glad to see you Kool….I feared you might get confused with the new look and start beating the screen with your cane.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Bs….Do you still have the big Bs or little bs now.
Just checkin.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
I would like to be the first one to state on this new site design that AL DAVIS SUCKS!
December 17th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Dakota…that´s too funny…lol.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Dakota,
What year were you born?
December 17th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Raider Dell,
I’m doing fine thanks, can’t complain.
Actually, for the 2nd straight week, I can’t pin the loss on McCown. No sacks for the 3rd straight week. Peyton just did them when he needed to, what the heck. My only thing now is that Russell should be starting the last 2 games.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Kell,
Did you go to the game?
December 17th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
est. 1976
December 17th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
it shows up as a big B
December 17th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
JJackson
Manning, Rosthlesberger and Brady are not what people consider as mobile QB’s. Granted they can move around within the pocket but they are not really what one consider a mobile QB. They afre the best out there right now and what you’ve inadvertently proved is that you do not have to be a mobile QB to be successful. You just have to have a decent line and have a good feel, which comes from experience & not watching, for your surroundings in the pocket.
IMO, mobile QB’s might include the likes of Vince Young, Michael Vick, Brody Croyle, Steve McNair in his prime, same for Donovan McNabb - you get the idea.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
in the name reuired field i have ‘bs’, but once i click submit comment it shows up as ‘Bs’.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
JB, the number one priority is teaching this team to be competitive. That won’t happen if we throw this season away and redesign the playbook for JamRuss. We’re still about a season away from that. We need to instill a winning identity, and MCown has more experience. He’s running Kiffin’s offense. And, like 408 said, we take shots. We did take one yesterday and the ball was dropped. I’m glad he brought that up because I’d actually forgotten about it. Kiffin has the right plan, and McCown is the best for it. IT’s working. Short of a missed call yesterday by the refs on our last offensive drive, we likely beat the Super Bowl champions, or at least take them to OT. And, this is a competitive SB champion, unlike last year’s Steelers. Kiffin knows what he’s doing, and it’s working. The team is buying into it and you can see the the level of intensity rising. We’re playing good football. The last thing we need to do now is throw all of that out the window just to showcase the new kid and/or play for the draft. Yuk. That just reeks of the last 4 seasons. I want this season to mean something and if we play our hearts out the next two games, it just might. I want to go into next year in the middle of a win streak, thanks to 22 players, not go into next year hinging on the hopes of Russell. Thank god, so does our coach.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Dakota, so you were seven when we won the super bowl in Tampa.
Did you know about the Raiders at that age/How did you become a fan again of the dark side.
You may have told me, mad cow in the brain, I forget things.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Nah, I prefer to watch on TV, particularily this time of year.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Bs,
it still comes up Big b littles s over here.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Hey the new format really does it for me JMac. No more having to zoom in/out to get the full view of what the heck I’m typing.
Play Russell.
Thank you.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Kell,
You have to tell me were to have brunch/breakfast near the coliseum/oakland area.
I get there pretty early to tailgate and once in a while it would be great to have breakfast before I hit the parking lot.
Any suggestions?
December 17th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
yes i see, nothing i can do about it. on my screen in the leave a reply field it’s ‘bs’, but once i click submit comment it’s ‘Bs says’.
i might have to change my screen name, Bs is just not me.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
A true raider dream come true, this is what I’ll be doing this weekend, traveling with the team, livin the dream.
GUEST ITINERARY- JACKSONVILLE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
12:00PM REPORT TO ALAMEDA FACILITY LOCATED AT 1220 HARBOR BAY PARKWAY, ALAMEDA, CA 94502 (510) 864-5000.
1:00PM BUSES DEPART FOR OAKLAND AIRPORT.
2:00PM DEPART OAKLAND FOR JACKSONVILLE. MEAL AND MOVIE ON BOARD.
9:30PM ARRIVE IN JACKSONVILLE. BUSES DEPART IMMEDIATELY FOR hotel
10:00 PM DINNER AVAILABLE IN THE TBA.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23
10:30 AM BUS DEPARTS THE HOTEL FOR MUNICIPAL STADIUM.
1:00 PM RAIDERS VS JAGUARS! IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE GAME BUSES DEPART FOR JACKSONVILLE AIRPORT.
7:00 PM DEPART AIRPORT FOR OAKLAND. MEAL AND MOVIE ON BOARD.
9:30 PM ARRIVE IN OAKLAND. BUSES AVAILABLE BACK TO FACILITY.
REQUESTED DRESS CODE IS BUSINESS CASUAL.
NO JEANS OR SNEAKERS PLEASE.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Corrected, JB. Then let me replace it with mobile qb’s that are also consistent in other categories. I never said Brady and Rossthlesberger were track stars. I said that they are mobile, as in mobile ENOUGH. They react quickly to pass rushes and are able to flush out. So is McCown, for the most part, it’s just that he usually doesn’t know what to do beyond that. But Culpepper, with his knees, isn’t even that good. That mobility is a minimal requirement.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
This new format is pretty sweet. Check out all this leg room. Jerry nice writeup on Thomas Howard. See you guys, the players DO read this blog. Were’nt we in here last week bitching that Howard and Morrison were over pursuing and not filling their assignments and NOT TACKLING. Aside from one play right before the half where Howard filled his gap, popped Addai, who didn’t go down, then caught him for about a four yard gain, other than that ONE PLAY, Howard really was spectacular out there. His best all around game as a pro.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Bs…Don’t change, be agressive like Kiffin and demand accountability, find the problem and get rid of it.
Hold this blog a acountable. Finish the deal.
Except no excuses.
Go to the office and throw a chair and break windows if you have to.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Raider Dell,
It was one year too late, I was 8 or 9 and was introduced to trading cards and I saw a kick @ss Howie Long Topps card and thought the S&B was about the coolest uniform I had ever seen. I started to follow football and found that most people in western SD are Broncos fans so I chose the Raiders.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Anibody got screwed by Westbrook yesterday?…opposite for me…thanks to him I´m only down 7 as opposed to 13 with Peterson up tonight…lol, I love you Westbrook, I love you Raiders D for stopping Addai and Clark.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
JJ
I’m not in disagreement with you and getting the team to think different and play different for 4 Q’s is important. I also think it’s important to get JR meaningful playing time NOW. There’s no real reason that both can’t be done. JM wasn’t doing anything all that special that JR shouldn’t be able, by this time, to do too. It’s not like JM has all this experience. Hell, he’s never been more than a back-up on his best day. At this point in time, JR should be accomplished enough to take the reigns now and play the existing offense with a lot more accuracy & results.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
i agree, howard looked great out there, and that play he missed addai…he stayed with him and made the tackle. the pick was awesome.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
dakota…I remember now, good choice on the selection of the Raiders, now let’s work on this Al sucks theme.
I know you won’t change, still your our man in Dakota.
You are the man, a Raider fan.
Will you ever get to the HOT soon or in the future?
December 17th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Justin Fargas - Thank you for giving us a 1,000 yard rush this season. It is much appreciated. The injury really isn’t that bad and its almost good timing to find out whether or not Dominic Rhodes can carry the load for the next 2 games. Jordan is McCown to me. They’ve had their moments but they’ve had too many bad moments for me to want them here. I was very impressed with the way McCown played but the offense in general has gone leaps and bounds over what they were.
The defense stepped up big time. Its amazing how good this defense can look when they can actually stop the run. I almost want to take my foot out of my mouth after stating who I think we should keep and who we should release or trade after the season. I said I wouldn’t mind trading Burgess if we could get decent value because we have a similiar player in Cleo Clemons and he costs less and is younger. I felt like we could let Warren join free agency because we have a chance at guys like Haynesworth and a big DT in the draft. Then they come out and tear it up. They can’t just come out and have 1 great game and expect to stick however.
The defense played great overall but I think we can give alot of credit to Hiram Eugene because this defense seems to play tougher with him in there and the QB’s are hesitating. Did anyone hear Huff’s name this time? Dallas Clark was getting shut down by Huff and Thomas Howard all game long. Thats what I’m talkin about.I’m really curious as to why Washington was the other starter and not Routt. I thought Washington did a decent job outside of the TD. Gonzalez has come out of his shell as a rookie and hes lucky to have a QB like Manning throwing to him. He was held under 100 yards receiving, thats all you can ask.
Stupid Special Teams.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
jj,kel, all those who call for russell full time…he would be the starting qb by now if only he’d gone to training camp and had sufficient time to learn more of the playbook. we cannot go out there and try to win a game with 8 offensive plays. this isn’t madden nfl ‘08. i wish he would’ve signed earlier, then this all would be a moot point, hell he might’ve even beat out mccown for opening day starter. culpepper was only brought in after it was apperent we wouldn’t get russell in in time to play him this year. his time will come. but we can’t have him start knowing he only knows a handful of plays and expect our players to believe we are [in the words of herm edwards]playing to win the game
December 17th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
JJ
Understand and agree on your mobility point. DC is history so no need to waste time talking about what-ifs regarding him. Granted JM can escape but as you accurately pointed out, what then? I want to see JR play NOW. He can flare out if need be. The only difference being, he can then toss the rock downtown and maybe catch someone with their pants down.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
JB Says:
“getting the team to think different and play different for 4 Q’s is important. I also think it’s important to get JR meaningful playing time NOW. There’s no real reason that both can’t be done”
amen.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Dell,
You probably see alot of Raider fans at the Hilton on Hegenberger, or Francesco’s, I use to go there with my parents on gamedays for breakfast years ago. You’d find alot of bleached blond Raider ladies in there.
Of Course the postgame show is at Evertt & Jones in Jack London Sq.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
I certainly hope so, but no plans in the near future. I just try to make some games in Denver once in a while. Hard ticket to get though.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Raiderwill 1980
What evidence do you have that JR only knows a handful of plays as you put it? Personally, I think that’s a load of crap. He’s had plenty of time to learn the playbook. He may not be able to recognized defenses as well but that only come with experience - which you get by playing.
Can we win a game with JR starting and playing? My vote is hell yes! We’ll never know until we start trying it. He is our future and our future starts tomorrow.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Basically Huff, they were going 3-4 wides, most of the time, someone was trying to argue with me here on this blog, cause I said Indy uses the passing game to set up the run. Did you see that game yesterday?? Gimme a break. Problem with Fabe, is he got torched pretty good, and he had decent coverage most of the game. I guess that what a Hall of Fame QB brings to the table.
As I’ve been saying our coverage has been excellent. The defensive team with Chris Long would be pretty damn formidable.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
if russell got first team snaps and played an entire game…imho…he would have a josh mccown qb rating (68.6) or better.
just for the record:
mccown 1.5 wins
culpepper 2.5 wins.
irregardless of who is a better system fit culpepper has won more games in less amount of starts (mccown 8, culpepper 6) than mccown.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Amen JB
December 17th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Raiderwill1980,
This is week 14? and the Raiders are eliminated. Russell only knows a handful of plays? I can’t say I believe everything Kiffin says, he said Culpepper didn’t know the playbook either.
And Peyton Maning says you don’t learn by standing on the sideline.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
WOW!! Nice new format. Right on, Jerry!!!
December 17th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
JB,my proof is the comments of kiffin. we obviously drafted russell because we needed a qb. he said himself when he inserts russell in, the playsheet is greatly condensed because he has to stick to the few plays russell runs well, dude, i’m all for seeing russell take this thing and run with it, but if the head coach who sees him in practice everyday says he doesn’t have enough of the playbook down, i’m gonna take his word for it and not call it some b.s. reason to keep mccown on the field. kiffin has made several moves and decisions that earns my trust, as he should have with most of you who see the improvement in this team. if he says the prized pick and future qb isn’t well enough established in the playbook, why doesn’t anyone belive it? you all would rather speculate he has a man crush on mccown than to believe what he sees with his own eyes in practice? i don’t hear or read any of the players second guessing this move. trust the coach
December 17th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
MNF is now starting for all of us of age who may have forgotten due to short term memory loss. LOL
December 17th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
mccown came over in a trade late april, he started 4 months later. russell signed early september, almost 4 months later i would hope he knows enough of the play book to start a game. if he has been the #2 qb obviously that is the case because he could play the entire game if the starter went out on an injury.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
kel, he wasn’t right about culpepper? his best game was against miami in a revenge game where he took several broken plays for scores. he didn’t look too much better than mccown the rest of the way. where has kiffin been wrong about the qbs so far?
December 17th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Top priority has to be improving the run defense. After that there are a lot of other possitions that can also be improved such as LT, WR, and the pass rush, but the run defense has killed us worse than anything else this year. With that being said if McFadden should happen to be there when we draft he might be to good to pass up.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
difference is…those 4 months were training camp, where the offense is installed. when russell comes in during the middle of the season, they aren’t taking full time to get him to learn the entire playbook because they have to get the qbs who will play ready for the gameplan, there is a huge difference in the 4 months for mccown and the 4 months for russell
December 17th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I hear you RaiderWill but I still believe JR could do it if given the opportunity. I know Kiffin has a priority of changing the mindset of the players. And, I agree with that, I just believe he could do both at the same time. I can’t really believe that JM still gives us a better chance of winning.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Bob Marley - My brother and I ended up facing each other before the Championship game in fantasy football and like last year, I dominated once again. My brother always selects Cowboys players for his team so I drafted Tony Romo in the later rounds after alrady selecting Drew Brees as my QB. Not only did I steal his QB but it worked to perfection because everytime his players got TD’s, so did I because Romo was throwing to them. He also turned out to be a great pick because he’s the #2 ranked QB.
We ended up in the same division and we both ended up with an 8-5 record. My fantasy team is on ESPN so the last 4 weeks are playoff weeks. You have 2 weeks to beat each opponent. I beat my brother 87-85 last week and I destroyed him 103-48 this week because the Cowboys only scored 6 points in their game. I won 190-133.
Heres the craziest thing. Theres a guy in my league who cheated by owning 2 teams. He had 2 drafts and traded all of his good teams from one team to the other to create a super team. Hes got Tom Brady, Ladainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brandon Marshall, Wes Welker, Greg Jennings, Tony Scheffler, Packers D and Nick Folk. With Tom Brady as his QB and his cheating, I consider it the SpyGate. I have Tony Romo as my QB and both of those QB’s more than likely will play in the Superbowl together so this game is my Superbowl and its in the arms of Romo to beat the cheater.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
we’re just going to have to agree to disagree, i can’t understand how some don’t see the disadvantage russell and the coaches were at given the time he came to the team.they are bringing him along slowly but surely, and the only reason he makes him the #2 qb for the games he inserts him in is because of the nfl rule stating that your #3 qb is your emergency qb and can only play if the #1 and #2 are inured. if they put him at 3, he can’t enter even for a brief time
December 17th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
BTW, did any of you guys notice the disguised pick plays Indian-crap-olis were running?? They’d stack the recivers and pick our defenders, our guys were bitching about that all game, especially in big conversions. Don’t be surprised if there’s a rule change ala New England because the Ne db’s were hanging onto receivers. Did any of you guys see that??
December 17th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Raiderwill1980 Says:
“…those 4 months were training camp, where the offense is installed”
2 of those months were training camp. the 2 prior months russell was here practicing at the mini camps.
“when russell comes in during the middle of the season”
he came in at the start of the season.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Hey Raider fans, can anoyone tell me the best place to watch the Jacksonville game this Sunday. I’m flying in on Sat from Down Under and would love to watch the game at Raider bar.
Also going to the game against SD which I cannot wait for. My first Raider game since 04 and I’m just itching for it
December 17th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Some of these guys are only happy if they can moan about something.
Watch us start Russell next week, have him go 9 of 28 with a couple of picks and then some of these same guys will begin to wonder…was this kid worth it? can this guy even play? he sure looked like he doesn´t belong out there….
December 17th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
JB mccown definately doesn’t give us a better chance talent wise, but you just don’t want to limit yourself to what u can call on offense based on the players knowledge…mccown sucks as far as ability, it’s just his knowledge of the playbook and audibles and reading defenses as to why he plays him now..trust me, i hate seeing mccown, i just trust the coach. just my opinion, but i understand kiffins point, and agree with his decision
December 17th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
“and the only reason he makes him the #2 qb for the games he inserts him in is because of the nfl rule stating that your #3 qb is your emergency qb and can only play if the #1 and #2 are inured. if they put him at 3, he can’t enter even for a brief time”
so if mccown was injured the first series we would have run only 6-8 plays the rest of the game?
December 17th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Glenn..You are spot right on.
Some of these guys just believe we have major issues on defense.
I was at the game so were you, didn’t Manning look uncomfortable all day, I saw a lot of happy feet.
We can win with this defense, changes will be made not a slew of them.
The raiders game planned great for Indy.
Also some Colts fan came here and used the excuse we were lucky to be in the game due to their injuries, well now who was missing on offenseMarvin Harrison and Rien Diem.
I still was watching Clark, addai, gonzales, wayne,utecht and keith, they were there.
We just outplayed them plain and simple.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
RaiderWill,
I thought Culpepper clearly outplayed McCown in the preseason. MCown has the lowest passer rating on the team. He avgs 100 yd passing per game.
Kiffin just wants total control of the game from the sideline, and McCheckdown fits that bill. McCown hasn’t produced any semblance of a passing game all season, not one game. The KC game the defense turned the Chiefs over three times in the red zone.
He used the playbook excuse to justify starting McCown over C-Pep.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
lol Bs if u want to argue the semantics of beginning and middle fine, but players get a portion of the playbook in minicamp, and not the full fledge thing until training camp. my point is he missed alot of time when he could’ve been learning the playbook and is very far behind
December 17th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Bob Marley Says:
“Some of these guys are only happy if they can moan about something”
don’t be a coward marley, start calling people out. ’some of these guys’.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
yeah or mysteriously put russell on the sidelines with an injury to get the #3 in there, that’s the nfl rules
December 17th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
it’s been nice debating, i’m going home from work now, catch you guys later…i’m sure we’ll continue this soon kel jb and bs lol, catch u fellas soon, go raiders
December 17th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Bs…Let me jump in here right now, don’t get Bob wound up, he can suck the life out of you. He has called out many most recently MaddenRaider, the guy has not recovered.
He was last seen in a white jacket with straps around him.
Be careful what you ask for.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
As much as I like to call people out, I´m about to lay down and watch the game, so I´m not gonna go back and read every thread over the last 24 hours.
If the shoe fits, wear it.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
i don’t think you can argue symantics about beginning and middle. he came in the beginning, not the middle. i understand the training camp arguement, and it’s a good arguement for a month or two, but we are now in week 16, i don’t think you can argue he hasdn’t had time to learn the playbook.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I’d consider Roethlisberger a somewhat mobile QB. Definitely not Manning or Brady though. But they are great at moving around in the pocket and showing poise to keep their eyes downfield and stand in there and take a hit when the defense closes in.
Roethlisberger doesn’t compare with Vince Young or Vick or a younger McNabb. He’s probably about as mobile as McNair used to be or McNabb is right now.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
BS or is it Bs or possibly bs - LOL
It’s not the playbook, it’s the amount of practice time with the #1’s. If he gives the practice time to JR he really has to go with him full boat. Kiffin may just have too much on his plate right now and JR is not HIS priority #1. Kiffin’s comfortable with JM right now and he’s just appeasing you & me and the masses with tempting small tidbits for us to savor and think about.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
what …a new format?
December 17th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
I like the new site design!
December 17th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
if kiffin sticks, gets this thing turned around, has us competing for a championship, then yes, his methods will have worked and everyone will be happy. and a bunch of fans can say ‘haha i told you kiffin is the man’, and some fans can say ‘haha, you’re right, he’s the man, he had me worried a little there, but he’s the man’.
i’m a fan, i have an opinion, i like to argue, so sue me.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
my sopcast is not picking up mnf. anyone using sopcast for tonights game? what channel?
December 17th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
found it, channel 39130.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Have to agree with Kiff there. T.Howard played his best game of the season vs Indy. He was everywhere.
**You mean to tell me I can see what I type? The end of the world must be coming***
December 17th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Rhodes will start - no doubt about it. LJ has already packed it in for the year. There’s no way Kiff starts him.
Rhodes will be interesting. He has fresh legs and should show lots of energy. Just like last year during the superbowl run. JJ will be tough though. They have a tough run d I believe.
Kiff - keep JR in for a full Q or more.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
bs, the issue with training camp is the guys do ‘two a days.” meaning they are practicing TWICE, once very early, have meetings then, normally at evening time, when the day cools down a bit. Then they’re back in meetings. You don’t get that during the season. During the season the coaches are implementing a game plan meaning they’re working on very specific things. Later in the season lots of guys don’t practice hardly at all. How are you supposed to work on the QB/Center EXCHANGE when Newberry doesn’t even practive for 2 days during the week???? AND THAT’S JUST THE CENTER EXCHANGE. Just imagine Jerry Porter having to stay after practice to work on Jam’s route timing. This guy hardly practices on his BEST day, he’s gonna hang after practice to work Jam in???? I don’t think so.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
oakglenn,
it’s a good arguement, i buy into it somewhat, but we are talking about the #1 overall pick who had a very productive college career against top competition. we are 4-10, i don’t think it is an unreasonable arguement to believe he could handle a full game and possible out produce mccown.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
bs, looks like that was the same channel the ne/ny game was on yesterday, unless my copy paste function is reading my mind, because that’s the channel mine was on already.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
anyone have the channel for playboy europe?
December 17th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
probably is, i love sopcast.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Ok Jerry, I’ll give you a little feed back on the site.
1. The names are a little hard to read. Too small and unoticable in italics (letters are thinner). The date/time stamp catches the eye before the name of the blogger, which is not good. Makes you go down then back up. Looses your focus. Please find some way to make it more visually apparant who’s blogging. (It makes it easier for me to skip nonsense - shortens the day)
2. Must increase the width of the text boxes. Its too bunched up now making things a little tougher the read in full without losing focus. I tend to speed read at times and pick up on the strong points. This formatting makes it very hard to do so. Plus, it makes every short blog look long and intimidating to spend time reading. Which means many things are not going to get read. Prob like this.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
After watching the game again today on DVR, I have to say Fabian is not as bad as I thought from watching the game. Payton is relentless. He was putting the ball where only he could put it. I don’t think Tom Brady can do what he does with that Football. That man is one hell of a QB and can make any team a competitor with a competent OC calling the plays (any one but Tom Walsh, Hostler, or Ron Turner).
Fabian was there almost every throw, but Payton would just get that ball right behind them almost every time.
Namdi is the best cover corner in the league. Champ gets burned a lot. Fabian and Routt are about as good as you can get from a complimentry set of Cb to go along with a true shut down CB.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Nice new look, Jerry.
You’ve earned it.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Jerry I had to look at the game again to watch that play where you dogged Stanford Routt for not tacking down Manning before he got closer to the goal line. The big difference from that play and the Hayden hit on McCown was that Routt tried to get cute and and strip the ball instead of just walloping the QB like Hayden did. I think that was poor technique as opposed to Routt being a soft “speed/ track guy”.
That being said it seems like that is the raiders problem this year, their inability to wrap up because they are preoccupied with forcing fumbles. I know Kiffen stresses forcing TO, but man the Raiders defense would be a lot better if the coaching staff just stressed wrapping up, and the second and third players to get to the ball focus on stripping the ball.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
bs, this kid jamarcus is just amazing. You saw McFoy drop a ball in the game, shoot these guys don’t catch anything from him in practice or warmups. I think the ball just gets on the recievers so fast, it’s deceptive. Bob Sanders the all pro safety from Indy, really liked the way Russell looked out there, but even he said something about Russell getting the timing down in the offseason. Believe me, as all the guys here know, no one has been harking on playing him at THIS POINT in the season more than me. But yesterday on the 3rd and short, when they jammed 9 guys in the box, and Jam ran the play, that told ya, they’re not even WORKING ON audible packages yet. Not being in training camp hurt, but on the other side, the plan was probably not to play him this year anyway.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Here you go JERRY. Decrease the boldness of the date/time stamp and increase the boldness of the name. That should solve that problem.
Not this text box length has to be increased. I find myself skipping a lot of worthy bloggers b/c everything crammed together. The font doesn’t necessarily make it easier either. But my guess right now is its the text box size. - easy fix.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
What a turnaround for the OL. From the worst to “getting better”? How about NO SACKS allowed for the last 3 games? How about 5th highest NFL rushing total??!
Take that Raider Raul!!!
December 17th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Good game, love the format…..
I love watching the way Kiff runs the team.
He has the guys, that is alot to say at this time of year with a record like this.4-12 usually is a breeding ground for
division in a lockerrom. I haven’t heard any players b!chin . A unified front even the guys who don’t get PT, Jordan Rhodes AW Stu, when they are asked about their roles they are very careful with their comments. I am just ready if called upon is the common answer this year. maybe its me but I just seem to remember the last couple of years only b!chin, might of been justified but still b!chin. They are leavin that to all the fans this year, maybe they(players know something we don’t)I don’t get to post often but i continue to appreciate all the great info
all you bring, and the numerous links. especially Huffs
last couple offerings!
I have learned more from this site about my, sorry our Raiders in the last 3-4 months than in my previous 25 yrs as a Raider fan. Thanks again guys and gals. I am in Ohio(Go Bucks,sorry Wolverine;))
but would def come out for blogtogether next year
at one of the games, or Sturgis(that would be nuts!!!)
Damn KoolKell smile! I know when we win a SuperBowl.
I am gonna post the beginnings of my devotion to the Raiders next time, maybe some of you guys/gals could chime in.Thanks again folks. I am IN, always been!!!!
December 17th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Jery - I guess the “intimidating to read” factor can be solved via changing the explorers text size. But thats really not ideal.
The names are a little bit more obvious by changing the text size but its still not ideal. Not even close. Its still hard to focus on.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Nah, I take that back..decraesing the text size sucks. I’m gonna go blind this way. Just fix it please.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
2-3 years gentlemen. 2-3 years all depending on JRs development. I saw during the game that the kid really isn’t ready though. He’s anxious but not ready.
But I don’t see him making the same rookie mistakes as other QBs. He just doesn’t force a lot of things. Very mature for such a young QB. So when he is ready, he may very well hit the ground, not running, but jogging at a nice pace.
Kiffin comes in 1 year and we have a running game. Next year we’ll have a more potent passing attack to accompany the run game. Its all steps. This will be the best team in the league for a long time when its all said and done.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Jerry, the key to the blog was scanning posters quickly, I think we all know the date. I am with Terrapin, I would emphasize the name, deemphasize the date. BTW - I on Firefox.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I think that the game against Jax. is a winnable game for us in terms that their defense is banged up just like INDs. Marcus Stroud is on IR and few other players probably won’t be playin as well so I don’t think its out of question that we could possibly have a good day on the ground. I believe that their teams offense is kinda built like ours. Both teams mostly run the ball more than they pass. If we can bring the same attitude in stopping the run and putting the ball in Garrard’s hands to make plays, then I like our chances in stealin a W in Jax. I just hope that our D comes out wit the same effort we saw this past Sunday.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I AM on firefox…:)
December 17th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Terrapin
Just change your text size by using your browser menu: View>text size>increase. I use a Firefox browser on a mac but it’s virtually the same on MS IE on a PC. It looks fine now - both in the entry box as well as the final readout.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Here you go JERRY. Decrease the boldness of the date/time stamp and increase the boldness of the name. That should solve that problem.
Not this text box length has to be increased. I find myself skipping a lot of worthy bloggers b/c everything crammed together. The font doesn’t necessarily make it easier either. But my guess right now is its the text box size. - easy fix.
I agree with Tarripin
December 17th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
WTF?!!??
Ok, I see Terrapin, thought I was in the twilight zone. Well fellas once again it’s evaluation time. Who gets the axe and who stays? Who do we draft and pick up via FA in 08? Comment to Rodmoney and I will fill you in on who we will have going into the 08 season.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Internet Explorer - PC here. You can change the text size that way of course but it does nothing or virtually nothing for the text box size.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Here Rod, I’ll go first. Jordan-gone, Culpepper-gone, Schweigert-gone, Porter-gone. All those guys are HIGH MONEY guys.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
I’ll say that if we get rid of Porter we better have a vet WR in to replace him. JP has played hard and very well this year. He just doesn’t have the Qb to get him the ball. I’d hate to lose another home grown talent and see him flourish somewhere else. Ditto Fargas.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Wow, I Love the new look of this site!
December 17th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Nice format. Thanks Jerry.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Its the old format on my BB. Why did the tech team bother with the UI as opposed to actually writing some code that would require registration?
December 17th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Big time names on O:
DC - outta here
LJ - outta here
JM - I just wish he was outta here
AW - depends on trade value
DR - depends on trade value, he’ll want out so wish may be granted
JP - He can’t find that money anywhere else. He won’t opt out. Will Raiders play hardball and force renegotiation?? …part of me thinks JP wants to stay now with JR & Kiff.
Drafting/FA needs: WR, OL
Likely to draft and pick up FAs at both positions. Ideally looking for #1WR and #1 longterm C. Eventual #1LT would be a bonus. Plus we need depth on Oline and WR.
Preliminary O look next year:
QB - JRussell, ??
RB - Fargas, Bush, ??
FB - ONeal, Griffith
TE - Miller, Madsen, Wakefield
RT - McQuistan, ?? (maybe Green)
RG - CC, ??
OC - Grove, ??
LG - Gallery, ??
LT - Sims, Henderson
WR - Porter, Curry, ??
WR - ??, Higgins, ??
I’m very iffy on Newberry making the team again. He’s got max 1-2 years left. He’s the reason we carry 3Cs (injury risk). Someone’s likely to be brought in and schooled behind Grove or take the #1 spot. One player will fill backup RG&LG.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Terrapin - If Cable stays on he will keep Newberry for back up at the least. He knows the system and has been a leader with in the group.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
i think newberry will be back for at least 1 more year. i’d like to see a new lt.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I think it is Madsen’s contract year so that will be interesting. Could be wrong about that though.
The defensive outlook is much harder to judge. A sht load tougher. The #1 pick will likely go defense. Who do you pick is the question. I like JRich and what he has to offer at DE. Clemons has come on strong at DE too. But do you pass on Long or Campbell? I don’t think so. Clearly Sapp is not getting any younger. So do you get someone to fill that eventual need? Ellis/Dorsey?
December 17th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Hey fellas, how many draft pick do we have this upcoming draft. I think we don’t have a 3rd or 5th rounder but I could be mistaken. Anyone else have an idea?
December 17th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Break from God of War II
Oak, I definitely understand the Jordan situation but he was playing well for us the 1st four games. If he gets his back right he may take a pay cut(again) and stay with us. These next two games may tell us more for we know Fargas is out until 08. Daunte could be a viable backup unless he finds a team that will give him a starting opportunity. He was playing well prior to his showdown with Routt. I