A few minutes with Rob Ryan
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, December 27th, 2007 at 4:44 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The media was granted access to defensive coordinator Rob Ryan Thursday for a few minutes before head coach Lane Kiffin was available.
A transcription of the Q&A with Ryan:
Q: With 11 returning players, how surprised are you how things have gone?
Ryan: Well, I mean, obviously we’re not fired up about the way things have come, but our players are playing hard, and we’ve still got great players. Our young players are really developing. Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison, Nnamdi Asomugha and Jay Richardson, those guys have played great, so we’re excited about them, and overall, did we think we’d be where we are statistically? No, or as a team. We thought we’d be in a hell of a lot better shape than we are, but that’s life in the big city.
Q: Anything you can point to as to why the run defense hasn’t been there?
Ryan: I think you guys bring up the point, we’ve got relatively the same players, which is true. I think this year, just overall in general, we’re used to leading the league in fewest big plays. We’ve given up a lot of big plays, whatever the case may be, whether it be tackling or whatever. It’s unfortunate and a little but stunning to me, but that’s the way it is. That’s the way this game’s been played.
Q: What has to happen, are you confident you’ve got the players here?
Ryan: There’s great players. History shows you that. Last year didn’t happen by accident. We’ve got great players here with the Raiders, and a great organization, and whatever happens, next year is next year. I know, one year we’re great, one year, we’re not so good, and sure, there’s an in between there, or play great again, that’s the way it is.
Q: Is it fair at all to look at last year in a different light in that some of the games you were playing, the other team in the second half were not going at it the way they could have because your offense was so poor?
Ryan: Nah, I mean, you can look at it, if you want to be negative, and bring out some (B.S.) You can do that if you want. But these guys are great players here. I’ve seen this happen before. This isn’t the first time on my watch this has happened. We won a Super Bowl in New England, you know, felt really good in, obviously, wearing the hardware, and came out and stunk up the joint with the same players, then the next year followed up with a Super Bowl year, and won a Super Bowl with a great defense, but that’s the NFL. If you think people are going to take it easy on you, you’re damn crazy in this league. They tried their best last year, we were up to the challenge. This year, our guys are still playing hard, they still work hard, we’ve still got great players all over that field, it just hasn’t worked out.
Q: Would you say defensive line is the first place to address?
Ryan: No. I wouldn’t say that.
Q: Is there any part of you that worries about your job here next year?
Ryan: I’d be out of a job for two minutes. I mean, who are we kidding? I’m not worried about it. Love the Raiders, if that happens, so be it. I’d be out of a job for two minutes.
Q: Have you talked to Lane about it?
Ryan: No. I haven’t talked to anybody about it. I’ve coached my ass off. I mean, you guys bring it up every day so you can speculate on it. I don’t care.
Q: Has Huff progressed the way you thought?
Ryan: Michael’s playing hard. I thought he’d have more plays than he’s made, but I don’t know. I thought we’d be No. 1 in defense too.
Q: What’s been the key to getting Terdell to play consistently. We see flashes, then he disappears . . .
Ryan: I mean, hell, I think he’s giving good effort, and I think all of them are. All our players are. Just hasn’t been a great year. That’s what happens.
News, notes and observations from Thursday:
– Kiffin wasn’t about to place the entire blame on Oakland’s defense for its 4-11, saying the record represented the entire team, citing offensive and special teams mistakes which put the defense in bad positions.
Regarding the possibility of a staff purge similar to the one that took place on offense last season, Kiffin said, “I haven’t made any decisions yet. I’m continuing to evaluate everything and look at everything and make us as good as we can be. We’ll make those decisions on a number of things but no decisions have been made at all on any of those things.”
– Headed directly at the Raiders defense Sunday _ for awhile, anyway, will be LaDainian Tomlinson, the NFL rushing leader with 1,413 yards. It was the Raiders that got Tomlinson headed in the right direction after a slow start, giving up 198 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-14 loss.
Which should come as no surprise since Tomlinson has 1,635 yards against the Raiders, his highest figure against any team.
“He actually was struggling coming into that game,” Kiffin said. “That kind of kick-started his season. He’s a guy you have to tackle. We had very poor tackling the last time we played him. You play a guy like that or a guy like Fred Taylor, guys that are really fast, then you guys see it a lot more because that missed tackle goes for 60 as opposed to going for 10 because somebody couldn’t catch him.”
– Read why Ryan’s loyalty may have his defensive players feeling too comfortable in my Raiders Web Exclusive column.
– WR Tim Dwight was limited in practice and his status is in question for Sunday. If he cannot play, Kiffin said rookie Johnnie Lee Higgins will return punts.
– LB Jon Alston missed practice for the second straight day with a calf injury which will probably keep him out of the San Diego game.
– DE Derrick Burgess rested Thursday and did not practice. All players who rested Wednesday _ C Jeremy Newberry, T Barry Sims, WR Jerry Porter and DT Warren Sapp.
– Sapp was fined $75,000 but not suspended, and Burgess fined $25,000 for their part in a sequence before the end of the first half which brought four consecutive penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to the NFL release:
Warren Sapp of the Oakland Raiders has been fined $75,000 for physical and verbal actions toward game officials that drew an unprecedented three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejection from last Sunday’s game.
Derrick Burgess of the Raiders was fined $25,000 for his verbal abuse of a game official that resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct in the same game.
NFL rules prohibit abusive conduct toward game officials, including unnecessary physical contact and the use of abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures.
Sapp is still of the belief he drew two flags, and not three.
– So much for all those heartwarming “Daunte as mentor” stories regarding JaMarcus Russell. Culpepper didn’t even travel with the team to Jacksonville, even though he had not yet been put on injured reserve.
Once it became apparent it would be Josh McCown and Russell to close out the season following Culpepper’s mysterious quadriceps injury, he the veteran quarterback stopped going to practice where he could in theory serve as a veteran voice for the rookie.
– The deadline for declaring a sellout will be pushed to Friday because of the Christmas holiday, but the Raiders are optimistic of lifting the blackout so the game can be televised locally.
Oakland has had just two games blacked out this season despite a 4-11 record. CEO Amy Trask has been enthused by the response to the Raiders Tickets for Troops and Tickets for Kids programs, which allows businesses the opportunity to purchase blocks of tickets for youth groups or the families of servicemen and receive a letter of receipt for participating in a non-profit activity.
For more information, call 1-800-RAIDERS.
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December 27th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Raider Dell Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
SilverNBlack..
What do the Raiders football team need????
What has Kiffin brought to the offensive side?
Accountability, stability and consistency.
To fire Ryan now would be in Kiffin eyes a mistake.
One more year, to improve with accountable measures for ryan to be judged.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Fire Someone.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Raider Dell - Are you going to watch Kiffin fail as a Head Coach at the hands of Rob Ryan? 1 more year for Lane Kiffin could be 1 more year closer to getting fired. Is Rob Ryan really that good to gamble on? Is our offense going to improve while our defense gives away games? Should we try to improve the defense early while we still have the opportunity to do so? We will have a young QB next year who will more than likely struggle. He will throw interceptions and make alot of mistakes. Is this defense going to be able to handle that? Are they going to be able to stop anybody or are they going to be as soft as they are now? You think the defense looks bad now, just wait till next year.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Rob Ryan has as many answers as Art Shell did last year. He doesn’t know what the effin problem is, thats his problem. Gee, I don’t know george. We just suck, I can’t tell you why. Idiot.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Scrub(DELL) of Nature - You are the one one that dubbed himself a scrub of nature. I have never mention hate, or hating anyone. If you don’t like to be addressed as a Scrub of Nature, if it bothers you in anyway, you should say so. I for one would prefer that you didn’t call me a hating glob because I simply don’t think it applies. I’m sure you can come up with something a bit more appropriate. What do you say?
December 27th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Huff24, how many times has a team with the #3 ranked defense in the NFL required a head coaching change in the off-season?
The 2006 defensive stats may have been obscured to some degree by the Raiders ridiculously poor offense, but it was a still a Top 10 D by any count.
Ryan earned his contract extension in the off-season and I think the 2006 performance of the defense has earned him another year as the D-coordinator.
If we’re still having the same conversation at the end of next season, then Ryan will deserve the same fate as Bresnahan, Shaw and co.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Raider Dell Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Lurking glob of hate,
I know I’m in the minority on this but, I think the jury is still out. If the Raiders play well this week then I do think Ryan will be back. If they played like last week or in Green Bay then I think it’s possible Rob will not be retained.
p.s.I had trouble making sense of your last post. I don’t get it
JUST WIN BABY
December 27th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Raider Dell, I think you were spot on about Ryan’s contract extension (he earned it) and that he deserves another year to improve the D.
At some level, the players have to be accountable for continued poor performance.
That wasn’t Ryan whiffing on tackles (see Stuart Schweigert), or playing like a Sleep
Walking Giant (see Terdell Sands) this season, or getting beat like a drum at CB (see Fabian Washington).
Warren Sapp has played on a few great defenses and he seems to be in Ryan’s corner. That’s good enough for me.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Lurking(Fire Kiffin)Glob of Hate,
You are the one that dubbed himself Fire Kiffin.
I have never mentioned hate, or hating anyone. If you don’t like being addressed Fire Kiffin, if it bothers you in any way, you should say so. I for one would prefer that you don’t call me scrub of nature because simply I don’t think it applies. I’m sure you can come up with something a bit more appropriate. What do you say?
December 27th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Scrub(Dell)of Nature - What’s the matter? Cat got you tongue?
Just Win Baby.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
The smart thing to do would be to evaluate the players before making wholesale changes to the staff. Kiffin has stated on multiple occasions that the player talent is mediocre at best, and that the D performance last season was due to he play of the opponent, rather than shutting down teams. Ryan has not been the greatest coordinator, granted, but I would look at some of the position coaches a bit closer. Look what a good position coach (Oline) has done for us. The DB coach and the LB coach need to be checked out. The LBs play back that is why they ahve so many interceptions… what about the gaps, I mean, how many times are we gutted up the middle each game?
Just things to consider….
December 27th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
huh. Listening to Ryan vs Kiffin is like night and day. Ryan seems to not want to even indirectly critisize anyone. That just reminds me too much of Turner. Now Turner was a good x’s and o’s coach but just couldnt get his players to perform at a high level. How many times have you heard players refer to Turner as nice? They like him, etc? But he couldn’t win. Its about Ws. I don’t care how much a player likes a certain coach.
That Sapp fined is a pile of horse manuer. This league just continues to disappointment me w/ its shananigins - Bush League. And what about the out of line refs? They always get a pass (see B’more - welcome to the club btw).
DC - f’k em
December 27th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
It’s time to go to A cover 2 defense, and we have the LB’s for it.
Ryan’s defense has needed a DT for years and he is to good of bud’s with sapp and co that he won’t even admit that out dt’s suck ass vs the run.
People always chastise Morrison cause he can’t get to the ball carrier, look at Ray Lewis he was begging the ravens for A DT that was worth a damn just a season ago. The LB’s are only as good at their DT’s.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
SilverN Black..
Unfortunately you and I along with a few others are In the minority.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Scrub(Dell)of Nature - That is very clever how you are taking my posts and interchanging our names. Care to explain?
December 27th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
SilverNBlack - I’m not saying Rob Ryan didn’t deserve to be here this year, I’m saying he doesn’t deserve to be here next year because its obvious that this defense wasn’t very good last year. The defense was deceiving. It was a mirage. Their true colors were shown this year and they failed.
You’re right, Rob Ryan wasn’t whiffing on tackles, he was only ALLOWING Stuart Schweigert to do it for FOUR years. Sands played this year, the same way he played last year. We sucked against the run last year and we sucked against the run this year. Sands got a contract extension because hes a big guy, not because he stopped the run. Thats RR’s fault for putting too much trust in a guy who wasn’t effective from the start. As far as Fabian Washington goes, did you even know who he was when we drafted him in the 1st round? I sure as hell didn’t expect to draft him, I was pissed that we drafted another corner. Poor coaching, poor drafting and poor talent.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Lurking(Fire Kiffin) Glob of Hate-Cat got your tongue?
JUST WIN BABY
December 27th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
That Interview by Ryan was pathetic! Dude had no answer for nothing. That’s the NFL dude! Pathetic.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Yeah that is a huge problem Shawn… The direct answer to that question is ‘Hell yes, they are all fired, and if they don’t play Sunday I’ll fine their asses…’
His response was spoken as a true players coach.
And his attitude about without a job for 2 mins, or whatever, is bullsh*t.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Lurking(Fire Kiffin) Glob of Hate-That is very clever how are you taking my posts and interchanging our names.
Care to explain?
December 27th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Scrub(DELL) of Nature - See post 15. You missed one.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
RaiderDell - It has nothing to do with being in the minority. This isn’t a popularity contest. It doesn’t matter who sides with who or who’s right and who’s wrong. It all comes down to success and wins. We all want that, thats the biggest majority you can focus on. No offense but there just seems to be too much, You’re my buddie ole pal stuff.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Rob Ryan’s 2 minute comment is just pure disrespect. He’s acting too defensive in his interview. Dude, chill the fuk out. He sounds like he doesn’t like the gig he is involved in. If AD is controlling him like a puppet, then I can understand but if its not, act like a fukin man dude.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
He sounded to me like a man whose job is on the line.
This year we ran the ball
Next year we stop the run
Its part of the 4 year plan Lane sold to Al.
Goodbye Rob, thanks for the memories
December 27th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Lurking (fire Kiffin) Glob of Hate-see post 20. You missed one.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Funny…Rob Ryan is more defensive in his interview, then he is as a coach.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Shawnraiders81 Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
“People always chastise Morrison cause he can’t get to the ball carrier, look at Ray Lewis he was begging the ravens for A DT that was worth a damn just a season ago. The LB’s are only as good at their DT’s.”
well done, shawnraider81…
there’s this big misconception that that LBs just go out and fly around and make plays….not without good DTs they don’t!! think of a DT as the OL of the defense, and LBs as RBs. just as a RB won’t succeed without a OL, a lb has little chance to succeed without consistant DT play.
bad DT play translates into schweigert and huff “attempting” tackles, or, horrible run defense. then, you’ve got two poor tackling safties helping with the run which makes them vunerable to the big play. which in turn, puts pressure on talent-starved offense. thus is the story of the ‘07 raiders.
tis a vicious cycle, indeed.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Yeah LOL that is the best defense I’ve seen all season!
But honestly, how we can shut down the Colts and then lay a turd the following week is beyond me…
The players not motivated = coaching issues.
The players not executing = player issues.
A combination of the 2 = 26 ranked D.
Later.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Maybe he’s irritated with the Monte rumors?
December 27th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Scrub of Nature - I have to go man but it’s been nice talking to you. You made alot of really well thought out points. I,like I’m sure everone else really enjoyed your posts. You the man Dell.
Just Win Baby.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
He obviously has 1 foot out the door. He said he would have another job in 2 minutes!
This guy is good as gone.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Lurking Glob of Hate-
JUST WIN BABY
December 27th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
What an insanely vapid passel of answers from Ryan. I guess you have to put up with that crap from him, huh, Jerry?
If we don’t look for run-stoppers in the draft and among free agents, let me throw another buck into the Al Davis Forced Retirement fund. And after run stoppers, we need another Nnamdi or two. This year is proof that last year’s defensive numbers were a mirage brought on by the complete putridity of the offense.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Huff24..
I wish the raiders were as good as the SHARKS on the road.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Huff24, do you really think it was RR who was the trigger man on drafting Fabian Washington? Hell no, it was AD. And, that’s not to say Fabian can’t improve or get back on track like he was in 2006. But like all Raider draft picks, Al’s the decision maker.
As far as Schweigert goes, when you don’t have any other options, he plays. This year, the team had other options and has played those options.
As for all of you calling for Monte Kiffin and his cover 2/Tampa 2 D here in Oakland, FAT CHANCE. Davis’s teams have always played man coverage as a staple of the defense.
We’ll all be Alpine Skiing in Hades before Al allows a Cover 2 D-coordinator on his payroll.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
The Colts always coast towards the end of the season. They’re already in the playoffs and I wouldn’t doubt if they took the game easy. They won the game when they needed to, which is very easy against our defense. Why should they go on all cylinders against us? They already lost Marvin Harrison, they don’t want to go into the playoffs even more banged up.
Interesting note about the Colts, Peyton Manning has been helping Eli Manning this week in order to prepare him against the Patriots. If anybody knows the Pats and knows how to beat them, its Peyton. Pretty cool.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
What’s this stuff about the defense being good last year?
December 27th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
As for all of you calling for Monte Kiffin and his cover 2/Tampa 2 D here in Oakland, FAT CHANCE. Davis’s teams have always played man coverage as a staple of the defense.
That’s why our defense will never be top 3 overall ever.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
SilverNBlack - Oh no. Are you saying that Al Davis…The Great Al Davis is responsible for the players on this defense? Are you taking responsibility off of Rob Ryans hands? Are you wiping his hands clean? Is the God of football responsible for playing his own defense? You mean to tell me that Al Davis is forcing Rob Ryan to run the defense that Al Davis wants? Does that mean Rob Ryan is holding back his bag of tricks? I’m ashamed of you. How dare you knock the Great Al Davis. He brought you 3 Superbowls. I’m appauled.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Raider Dell - I wish you weren’t so WEAK.
Just win baby.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
SilverNBlack Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
We’ll all be Alpine Skiing in Hades before Al allows a Cover 2 D-coordinator on his payroll.
i guess, to al’s credit, a lot of people said the same thing about the west coast offense. hopefully he’ll have another moment of clarity.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Why would you guys want a dominant defense? What has that ever done for anybody? Geeez.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
The difference with the West Coast Offense is that it worked right away. It was a scheme that caught everybody off guard and it took years for everyone else to catch up and learn how to stop it. By then, the Niners had won 4 Superbowls.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Fire Kiffin..
I wish you weren’t so STUPID.
JUST WIN BABY
December 27th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Wow..
This Ryan guy is a freaking jerk. Now I see why we suck on D, this guy thinks he´s the second coming of Belichick mixed with Buddy and feels it´s just some sort of weird happening that we can´t stop anyone because it´s certainly imposssible that he´s got something to do with it.
Get rid of this guy, period.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Dude even his wife said the defense sucks at basic skills, tackling in football 101 and Ryan can’t even teach that and even his wife knows it.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Point #1 - I put very little stock into what any coach tells the media, especially an assistant. What Ryan tells us and says to his players during the game or on the practice field could be 100% opposite of what he says in an interview. Besides assistant coaches are usually the buddy type of coaches sticking up for their unit…the head coach is the man when it comes to discipline. You rarely see assistants dogging their boys to the media.
Point #2 - Ryan may not have coached up to expectations this year, but has turned this unit around from when he got here. In 2003 we had nothing to build on and now you see young guys like Nnamdi, Kirk, Howard, DBurg, Kelly (before IR) playing close to Pro Bowl level. All have improved under Ryan’s watch. That is much more then we had before his arrival.
Point #3 - You ever actually watch football games and realize it is a total team game? Offense, defense, special teams all work off each other and often dictate how the other unit performs. When has RR ever gotten close to average support from either of the other units? Yes the Raiders offense is better, but is still ranked 23rd in points and 26th in total offense.
I’m not saying Ryan is the answer because I myself am not totally sure, but I think it’s jumping the gun to fire the man this year. The defense is VERY young and should still be getting better. With additional pieces (DT help and a new FS) this defense could take a real leap.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
jerry,
you should have asked him if he remembers the D making a stop in the 4th quarter when the offense has just taken the lead. maybe the kiffin huddles were a way to plead with the D to make a freakin’ stop. oh yeah, and how about a little pressure from a blitz and not the same old D that you play every down and allow the opponents to pick apart when they need to.
Sapp should put some more weight back on. he barely needs one guy to block him.
kris
December 27th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
west coast offense, cover 2 defense…..
what next?? a new stadium? how un-raider.
…i think that’s when the locusts come.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
rich_gannons_love_child Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
west coast offense, cover 2 defense…..
what next?? a new stadium? how un-raider.
…i think that’s when the locusts come.
amen
December 27th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Good points 2,3,4 Jjvil. That interview was still pathetic.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Everyone calling for Monte Kiffin…he is a proven and great DC and no team should pass up a chance at getting him but just so you know…HE RARELY BLITZES!
Just thought some of the less informed might like to know that.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Jerry, Is it possible the Raiders wanted to limit Culpepper’s playing time at the end of the season (hence, the “mysterious quad injury”) to avoid having to pay him more — isn’t his contract based on percentage of starts or playing time?!
December 27th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I’m thinking both Kiffins may eventually be more happy with teams with pastel colors.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
You beach alpha’s are all the same.
Cant take you anywhere. You are worse then drunk injuns.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Beach..
Calm down bro..
respect all fans
December 27th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
and the winner is……….beach!!!!!
congratulations. you’re a real fan. you made it. we knew you could do it. we’re all so proud of you.
ps..does your parol officer know you’re using a computer??
since we’re all gay, let me offer you a “cyber-hug”>
December 27th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Whatever Dell,..I challenge you to a surf-off,..you and me dude,…Bonny Dune,…you name the date.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Beach..
My pleasure, man I would love it.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Hey love child,..Iv never been on parole because I never get busted,..only losers who think they are hip get busted,..then they do their little time and come out thinkin they are hard,..bunch of punks…Im tokin some nice pot from Saratoga tonight….f-u all.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Jeez, what do you expect him to say? If he knew the magic thing to get Sands to be consistent he would have already done it. He’s not going to throw Sands under the bus, that’s the media’s job. He won’t, nor should he, trash his players in the media.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Ok then Dell,…New Years day?..rain or shine,..I drink tequila before I surf,.and smoke a doobie of course. Bring your hangover to Cowells liquor store at 8:00 am new years day.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
c’mon beach, everyone knows the best stuff is from BC. the stuff you’re blowin(obviously) just makes you angry….
December 27th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Ryan interview very disappointing. Like many of you, I was particularly po’d about the “2 minutes and new job” comments. F him and the horse he rode in on, unless of course he was just saying that to boost the team. Point is, none of his past comments have been worth a sh&t. Recall he said how great Huff would be this year, then raved about Moses. Guy sux. Having said that, we’ve heard a lot of blog comments/articles referring to Al putting his ideas all over the defense. I wish I had some more clarity, but probably won’t until after the superbowl when coaching decisions come.
Also, any of you guys think we’re in trouble when it comes to getting Nmamdi signed? Our two best defenders are both FAs. I know we need a stud DT, but that won’t be too helpful if we lose our best corner and pass rusher. Lastly, Huff may have to move to corner. I remember coming out of college he was a tweener. Now he just seems to be too small to be a stud safety.
Go JRuss, F DC.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Dont know where the f*ck BC is.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
just groove on, bra….
you must be a “true” raider fan. the term “doobie” hasn’t been used since the late seventies
December 27th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Just had an opportunity to read about RR’s interview. I’ve not read any of the prior posts yet. I had to write my own post first.
My take about RR based on this year’s results and his responses in this interview. He should be fired right this minute, immediately and it should be done publicly. He answers no questions, takes no responsibility for the D’s failure and regression and, comes across as a wholehearted arrogant pompous a$$hole. His attitude regarding the potential loss of his position is very telling. His personal opinion of his own worth begs questioning how he is able to get such a large skull up his a$$ so easily. I’m pissed after reading his responses or in this case, non-responses to valid softball questions. Kiffin, whom I’m sure was in the wings, should have come out at that news conference and told RR that “I just listened to your answers to some very appropriate questions and quite frankly, your answers are a load of crap. I will not condone the attitude you are demonstrating. You are part of the problem and not part of the solution. We’ve tolerated you long enough and this cancer must by eliminated from this team. You are fired . Go clean out you locker and be off the property within 15 minutes”. “Ladies & gentlemen of the news media. I apololgize for having exposed you and the Raider faithful to such a loser. I should have kicked his big fat ass out of here week 1″. “I’ll try to do better going forward”.
There, I’ve vented! I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way. Now, I’ll go back and read all the earlier posts to see what you’ve all said.
I’m in, hopefully RR’s out!
December 27th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Beach Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Dont know where the f*ck BC is.
duh…..
if you did, you would have agreed to the cyber-hug!!
ps.British Columbia, bra
you’re welcome….i’ll be sure to look for arlo guthrie talking sh!t to chargers players this sunday.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Dan, they’ll franchise Nnamdi if they can’t sign him to a long-term deal. If the other “best defender” you’re referring to is Burgess, I believe his contract runs through the 2008 season.
He’s certainly overdue for a raise, but Davis typically doesn’t renew or re-do contracts until they expire.
Burgess has been an All-Pro in every way since he’s been with the team and I certainly hope he remains a cornerstone of the defense for years to come.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Beach - You in Saratoga now or S.C.?
December 27th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
This only reinforces my belief Ryan has to go. When talking about how our D was so great last season and this season it’s not as good.
“Nah, I mean, you can look at it, if you want to be negative, and bring out some (B.S.) You can do that if you want. But these guys are great players here. I’ve seen this happen before. This isn’t the first time on my watch this has happened. We won a Super Bowl in New England, you know, felt really good in, obviously, wearing the hardware, and came out and stunk up the joint with the same players, then the next year followed up with a Super Bowl year, and won a Super Bowl with a great defense, but that’s the NFL. If you think people are going to take it easy on you, you’re damn crazy in this league. They tried their best last year, we were up to the challenge. This year, our guys are still playing hard, they still work hard, we’ve still got great players all over that field, it just hasn’t worked out.”
December 27th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Either Ryan’s not letting on what’s wrong because he doesn’t want to blame his players for sucking or he doesn’t know what’s wrong and thus has no idea how to fix it. I’m not sure which. With how bad this run defense has been it’s probably a combination of lackluster intensity/tackling and unimaginitive schemes.
It’s weird how Al Davis has always been such an innovator and creative thinker, but when it comes to how he likes his teams to play it’s all about being physically dominating over the other team and coaching creativity just gets in the way of that. But with the athletes evenly spread across the league these days, you need to have creative coaches to get a competitive edge.
I don’t know what to do with Ryan. He seems and looks like a really cool guy, a perfect Raiders coach — and he’s had success before in his career. But, if you hire a carpenter to fix your roof and it’s still leaking after he fails to fix it time and time again, aren’t you going to hire someone else to do the job?
His repeated comments about being out of a job for “two minutes” seem pretty defensive and make me wonder if he already knows or suspects his time is up.
Whether he stays or goes I wish RR the best. He seems like the kind of coach you’d love to play for.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Comparing our D to the NE Patriots D. Is he effin nuts or what?
December 27th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Oh really…the best pot from Canada?….I wouldnt let my dog smoke Canadian grass,…I grew some of the best buds in Los Gatos…F*ck Canada,..the beers sucks,.the women are ugly,…any American gets in any trouble,..the fire gets a little too hot for them here, they run with their tails between their legs to Canada,..that says it all….Canada is Americas toilet.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Im in Santa Cruz,…by the ceramic whale.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
I think Beach is Rob Ryan…I just have a feeling.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
beach..
Hey man, how will I know that’s you, and I drink bacardi 151, “the flaming Dr. Pepper’
I’m older and never heard of cowells, crossstreet near East Cliff Drive, address please of cowells.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
My Mother was born and raised in S.C. My G/F and I always have an urge to go there…its like the oceans calling us back.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Jeremy - He’s not necessarily a moron. He’s just one High @$$ MoFo.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Dell,..I call it Cowells,..Im old school,…its actually called Beach Liquors,…right on the Boardwalk strip,…next to bikini shop,.by wharf entrance.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Although he’s right about the smoke in CA compared to BC.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
raiders suck
December 27th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
My G/F’s sister got married at the lighthouse and had her reception at that Hotel next to the wharf. The name escapes me. Awesome times.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Ray sucks
December 27th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
beach..
I will try to be there, I will let you know.
I have a party in the city, I will try to be there.
I have a good friend in Del Mar who has a board.
Really looking forward to it.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Hey Im outta here man,…goin to Mountain Mikes for an extra pepperoni, extra large….and at least 3 pitchers,…look for me in D lot,..I always wear my Stabler jersey…and we only listen to loud metal,..usually Megadeth,…Maiden,..Black Label Society…etc.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
beach..
can I bring my dog? dude due they even allow dogs on the beach anymore?
December 27th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Huff,..used to be called the Dream Inn,..now some corporate sucker bought it,..West Coast something or another,..whatever…
December 27th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Dogs are allowed on the beach. Yes.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Ya you can bring your dog,..dogs on beach are legal,..but the dude needs to be on a leash.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
The leash thing is funny…I see dogs running and playing in the water all the time without the leash. You can say its the law but nobody cares and nobody is there to regulate.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Ya well the fuzz lets all things go but they have their days when they come down on everyone for anything,.to bring in the bucks…leashes,..open containers…etc.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Whats up my fellow Raider degenerates.. After reading Ryan’s natural reactions too the questions asked, I believe he must stay, if only to be in position to replace Kiff.
I’m certain Ryan would not have wasted JR and Rhodes all year!! Ryan’s got the intangible Raider factor like Fargas and the men of old. Kiff’s rocket science formulation’s are quite suspect at this time.
Hell, worst case senerio we all just get a good laugh!
December 27th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Beach is a f*kin’ liar, and here’s how you know. The “ceramic whale” was on the outside of Dae’s Market on East Cliff/San Lorenzo and Seabright, across from the brewery. It’s been gone for a long, long time. the mural the whale was swimming out of is still there. and there is no mountain mike’s in santa cruz, either. There is in Saratoga.
lived in SC for a long time, slug alum. So Dell, don’t listen to those scrubs.
Kiffin sounds like he’s staying. I’m curious, Kell, why you would say the kiffins sound like they want to coach in pastels…I assume that means either UCLA or Miami? I don’t get it.
Bob, how’d you do in your fantasy final?
December 27th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Deep..
hope all is well
How was disneyland?
December 27th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Hey into deep!!!!!!..Im not a Raider fan to “get a good laugh”….Im in it for winning,.period,…take your good laugh and stick it up your a$$.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Wow. Rob Ryan can’t even create a successful defense much less run a whole team. We’d have more success with a dead Bill Walsh.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
We’ve been in the top 10 on defense many times and in the top 5 several. Mr Davis has nothing to do with the defense being what it is the players are responsible.
Unlike most of you who think you know defense better than Rob0O. I personally think and hope he is retained. There are a few things that can be done to improve the defense dramatically. But changing schemes and coaches will slow that proces. I know that most hate anything positive said about Davis but Davis will give Kiffin the latitude to do what he wants but it better work. Change fr the sake of change will not cut it. He has to improve the situation if he makes achange and I have no problem with that. But I do have a problem if he does it just to get his own guy’s in there and set the process back in doing so.
Kiffin is a very astute coach and he will do what he thinks is right for the team I really believe that.
Rob-O is not the problem in my estimation.
But we’ll see what happens and I hope it’s for the best. The last thing I want is a cover2 defense, you guy’s think it’s some new defense that’s taking the league by storm. But it’s just a defense that takes the pressure off corners because they lack great cover skills. It really is a weakness, but you guy’s think it’s a strength, Kiffin knows though that with the crners we have that he doesn’t need to go to a cover2 he can play an attacking style defense and be very productive.
Had D Burg been healthy all year and Clemons been a factor along with Sands this defense would have been much better. But all you so-called geniuses, have no patience and want your Mapo now. So hopfully you’ll get what you want. And we’ll let a very good coach go to another team to give some other guy a try. VERY SMART!!!
December 27th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
John S you are clueless,..need me to clue you in on a few things?…
December 27th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
By the way,..slug alums are nerds who dont even surf.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
i wonder if the great CA/BC debate goes on in the bronco or charger blogasphere??
December 27th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I don’t expect Ryan to publicly blast any of his players but if he goes into the off-season with an attitude that things will get better just because it’s a new year he has to go. We need better play at several positions rather it is execution problems or scheme problems.
Safety - Huff, Stu and Eugene all stank this year. Some people ignore the fact that Huff misses as many tackles as Stu but the fact remains.
CB - Washington & Routt are constantly giving up big plays.
LB - Fast LB’s shooting gaps and getting caught inside? This is your scheme coach? Speed LB’s should be read & react. No sacks by LB’s this year?
DT - Henderson (Jax), Williams (Minn), Rodgers (Det) and so on this year showed how DT’s play the run. Watch the film and find someone.
DE - Inconsistent pressure has been a big problem this year. You can’t play man coverage without pressure - period.
The big plays are a direct result of the 1 deep man scheme. The secondary is ruuning with their backs to the line.
BTW - If the tackling is a problem are we addressing it? Are they drilling for it? Coach’s job is to address problems.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
John S,
Thanks, I sort of knew something was wrong when I didn’t get any answers of locations or address.
Grew up in Los Gatos, was at the beach quite a bit.
Rented a house on East Cliff Dr. for two years before heading to college.
Had some great times.
Miss the water.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
And John S,..you think I cant drive over the hill to Gatos for a F`n Mountain Mikes pizza?….is that like a long road trip for you?…loser.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Hi, dell good to see your still kick’in
December 27th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
BHP - Ok. So we’re all dumb and you’re a genious. We get it. You don’t have to remind everybody with every post.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Scroll up Dell,..I told you what liquor store,..I call it Cowells,…because my buds surf shop is behind it,..or are you just an idiot like john s.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Clearly by his interview, and others in the past, Ryan is a complete idiot who speaks in superlatives and generalities. Kiffin WILL NOT put up with this crap. I think Kiffin and Al allowed Ryan to speak to the media to give him his own rope to hang himself with. His comment about the greatness of last year’s defense and the effort of Sands and Huff are head scratchers. Along with Sapp and Schweigert, RYAN IS GONE!!
December 27th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Dell, Gatos,…I should have known,..another Gatos, Vasona Park dork…making day trips to Santa Cruz,..stay in Gatos a-hole.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
COW - I think Rob Ryan just takes a puff and sits back and meditates and wills the defense to be better. It just doesn’t seem to be working.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Beach, another johnny come lately, FU suck wad. I would stick around and cut lower than where you already exist but I’m busy loading up the RV for the weekend. Have fun with rosie and the december issue, punk!
December 27th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
beach..
I’m not a idiot, just was looking forward to the surf.
In fact I just was looking on the net for the tides table,for timing to surf.
Always planned my surf time on the best time of the day.
So I guess were off on,our surf time?
December 27th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
JMac,
I thought the press asked GREAT questions of Ryan. Exactly what the fans would have asked.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
i disagree BHP…
i think kiffin needs to get HIS guy for the good of the team, which is why, IMHO, change is overdue and ryan’s gotta go. look what a little shake-up did for the offense.
running a cover 2 would take a lot of pressure off our typically reliable corners. plus it would help in terms of run support. a lot less backs to the ball!!
December 27th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
COW
I agree with most your assessments. I’m not as forgiving regarding maintaining RR. His demonstrated attitude & arrogance really sucks.
I say it’s time we show his a$$ the way out of town and promote Don Martindale, the current LB coach. Sometimes you just have to make a change to send the right message. It’s time for that message to be sent. Then let’s see if RR gets rehired in two minutes. Somehow I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Let us not forget that the only reason we were rated so high in pass defense is that nobody had to pass on us because the run door was wide open for continuous successful running.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
beach..
Most people who move to Santa cruz were from Gatos, dude.
In fact I bet everybody around you one time or another lived in the bay area.
Does that make them dorks too.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Jjvill nice post, very insightful. I agree we are overreacting to a stupid interview because our minds are made up about Rob-O being the problem. I just hope if he’s let go that we don’t regret it. Some in here think it’s an immediate upgrade to get rid of this guy. All I can say is be careful what you wish for.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Hey john S, what up my man, dont you love these little geeks that come walsing in here and start slamming peaple that have been here and paid there dues. No respect, This fool struts around like he owns the place. after, what 3 days tops… Beach, I guess you must be on high school winter break! Little boy..
December 27th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Is this a Raider football blog or an offshoot of E-Harmony. Hey dudes. Text each other on your cell phones and give the rest of us a break.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
also, speaking of the C2, this defense gets burned by the big play too much. running the 2 even with average athletes shores that up for the most part. christ, stu would be an average safety in the 2.
even if we do swith to cover 2, the fact still remains: our DL stinks.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
have to say this…wouldnt take him 2 minutes, hes right.
lets hold someone accountable for this, starting with the players, then the coachs…this team has the same players getting paid year after year and we continue to want the coachs fired
December 27th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Hey Beach - who the f*ck lives in Santa Cruz. That place is a f*cking rathole. Or is it like cuz yur a surfer bra…? Oh yeah btw, lose the Jeff Spicoli bit.
Also, Megadeth sux.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
NO COW!!!, their not drilling for it they’re just laughing at the fact that they can’t stop the run. They’re not working on it at all. They want to be weak against the run and a poor defense.
Sometimes I really can’t believe the comments in here. WHAT IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK THEY”RE DOING. Holding each others hand playing ring around the rosie?
Come on coach, you’re better than that!!!
December 27th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
BHP,
I don’t want a Cover 2 either. But “somebody” maybe Al, since it’s his team, he’s the resident HOF genius emeritus, might want to decide what it is they want to do, and get it done. Personally, I like Davis style football, if you’ve got the people to run it. But, there’s no orginazational direction, stumbling and fumbling through tom, dick and harry’s rescue schemes.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
While the players need to play, the coach needs to run the show and ultimately be held accountable. I’d like to know who actually pulled Stu and Washington and replaced them with other players. Somehow I don’t think that was Rr’s decision. More like Kiffin exerting a long overdue message - play or sit. This is why RR needs to go. He’s not getting the most out of his players most likely because he’s not demanding it. That’s Kiffin’s style and not RR’s.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Bishop916 Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Hey Beach - who the f*ck lives in Santa Cruz. That place is a f*cking rathole. Or is it like cuz yur a surfer bra…? Oh yeah btw, lose the Jeff Spicoli bit.
Also, Megadeth sux.
bishop, i was just thinking the same thing…nearly verbatum.
but you’re wrong about megadeth….they REALLY suck.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
[…] andrewedwardmorgan wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI don’t expect Ryan to publicly blast any of his players but if he goes into the off-season with an attitude that things will get better just because it’sa new year he has to go. We need better play at several positions rather it is … […]
December 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
RGLC..
even if we do switch to cover 2, the fact still remains: our d-line stinks.
you are right and no coach coming in is going to chnage that overnight. The players make the coaches look good the players make the coaches look bad.
If you can’t stop the run the results are 5 straight losing seasons with 10 or more losses.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Did anybody want to keep Norv Turner after 2 years? No. Why?
We have given Rob Ryan, who only has to focus on the defense…FOUR YEARS. I hate changing coaches as much as anybody and that has been a big reason for our self destruction over these last years but lets be real, we are not progressing on defense. Defense wins Championships. Does anybody really see this defense doing that for us? We have seen more improvement in the offense from Kiffin in less than a year then we have seen in the 4 years by RR. How can you lobby the guy for another year? I don’t understand it.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Watching the replay of the Ravens-Patriots game. The Ravens got robbed big time and in very Raider like fashion.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Huff 24 I see you disagree with my take, but seriously, alot could have went differently this year and I truly think kiff wasted pretty much the whole year making a statement. I guess the proof is in the pudding next year. Sh*t, if were going to let Kiff off the hook this year we might as well give Ryan the same courtesy!
December 27th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Way to recede the tide of the Beach. Bishop
December 27th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
BHP - “Sometimes I really can’t believe the comments in here. WHAT IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK THEY”RE DOING. Holding each others hand playing ring around the rosie?”
YES!!! You saw that too? They might as well be holding each other because they sure as hell aren’t tackling anybody. What fukin defense are you watching?
December 27th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
If ryan goes, then kiffen should hire monte. How will Al sit with a cover 2 defense in Oakland. He loves his bump in run covers almost as much as anything in football. Granted the nature of the nfl game is that you play to your perssonnels strenghts and mix up the looks and coverages, but still the cover two style is a lot different from the bump and run corners. Namdi is a big physical corner that can play in any system, but I don’t know about fabian and Stanford Routt.
I say if we switch to the cover two we trade away Fabian and Stanford Routt. They are not physical corners that can come up and hit, so you might as well get some value for them now while they might have a favorable impression in other player perssonell peoples minds.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Lane Kiffin will never have sole possession of this team as a whole until RR is gone. The team will divide and RR has been here longer. If you guys want Kiffin to have more control over the success of this team, then you have to let him make the necessary changes. Maybe thats not firing RR but if it is, you have to accept it.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
BHP..
I agree with your post 98.
I’m just wondering if the Raven fans are asking for the head of Rex Ryan, they put up terrible numbers this year.
The diference is he has had success in past years, so they give him a mulligan this year. What happens next year do they fire him to, my point is Rex Ryan hasn’t forgotten how to coach, injuries and offenses adjust to style of play, and he blitzes alot.
The players didn’t make the finishing plays on offense and the defense was part of the problem to.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
I’m Gay
December 27th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
You can’t even compare the Ravens defense to the Raiders defense. The Raiders defense has never been good under RR. The Ravens Defense has literally won a Superbowl all by themselves.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Huff It sucks, but I sure that’s the way it’s going to be. Ryan is gone, another brutal attempt by Kiff to make a statement, It better work! Out
December 27th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Huff24,
The defensive coordinator was Marvin lewis the year they won the superbowl, on staff was Ryan, del Rio.
Ryan took over 4 years ago when Lewis got the Cin head coaching job.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Huff24,
Mister i love the cover2 defense because it wins. Everyone saw what happened this year and we all agree it needs to get better. So what’s your problem son?
December 27th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
John S
Man, I won, rolled the dice with McNabb, Stecker, survived Peterson´s stinker thanks to Jacobs huge game…and got a little help from Carson´s crappy day, had to suffer watching LT and SD D dominating monday night but won by 10.
Sorry, I remember reading you lost, don´t sewat it, 3 straight finals is hard to do.
Get ready for our own league next year with the good people of this blog…I´m taking JaMarcus first by the way…lol.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
i will say something in ryan’s defense.
losing tommy kelly did not help his situation. not only was kelly playing well, but he provided depth at an otherwise weak unit. kelly’s presense could’ve been the diffence in burgess getting 15 sacks rather than the 7-8 he’ll have this year.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Oakland Defense:
2007 - 26th
2006 - 3rd (25th against the Run…Hint Hint)
2005 - 27th
2004 - 30th
Before Rob Ryan:
2003 - 30th
2002 - 11th
Oakland Offense:
2007 - 26th
2006 - 32nd
2005 - 21st
2004 - 17th
2003 - 25th
2002 - 1st
December 27th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
It’s clear Ryan was just protecting his players and they have to respect him for that. He is the best politician on the team. It takes a lot to see players eff up all game and then not throw them under the bus like most coaches would. He is correct too, wouldn’t be out of a job for long at all. Bottom line we need defensive line help…Howie’s son wouldn’t be bad would he? And we also need some veteran help at safety. Our linebackers are set for quite a while. I like the current corners. No use spending big money on corners—they don’t pay off. A good Defensive line will do wonders for the backfield.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Raider Dell - I know Marvin Lewis was the DC when they won the Superbowl. I was just trying to make a point. Mike Nolan was the DC after Lewis and then it was Rex Ryan.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Very good point RGLC. when that happened I just felt we were in trouble.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
EasTcoastRaider Says:
December 27th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
A good Defensive line will do wonders for the backfield.
EUREKA!!!
December 27th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
It seems as though RR wants to be buddies with the child rather than being the parent. There may be much going on behind the scenes to deal with the D’s shortcomings but the results are not apparent. Maybe we need a bit more of a Woody Hayes approach rather than a Barney Fife approach. I don’t see RR out there getting into anybody’s face when they fall on their a$$ and allow ridiculous running yards. Basic skills, like tackling, are missing and obvious. That’s a coaching failure. If a player can’t/won’t tackle, they need to go. If a team can’t/won’t tackle, the coach must go. He obviously can’t teach and get his job done. There’s a serious lack of discipline on D and in looking at the coach you can see why. Kiffin must fire RR to salvage this team.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Before reading this retarded non-interview I thought Ryan deserved another season to get it together, especially since the club will be in rebuild mode again next season. Not anymore. Ryan evaded Jerry’s questions like he was running from some crab-infested fatal attraction.
I’m all for a players’ coach, if he WINS. But Ryan’s defenses simply have not delivered enough times when the chips are down. If he doesn’t win, then another approach is required.
Ryan has got to be purged. Let Kiffin bring in someone else. Draft some interior D-lineman, sign a decent safety, and freaking ATTACK! Enough of this passive crap.
Ryan, next time around have some balls and motivate your players. They need to fear that if they play like sh!t their coach will bounce their sorry a$$es. A coach doesn’t have to be an untrustworthy, disloyal a-hole to instill a healthy amount of fear in his players, just make sure they understand that their jobs depend on their performance. Never allow yourself to be so luvvy-duvvy that your objective judgement goes out the window.
Ya know, even if Ryan is the kind of coach behind the scenes that demands respect (and I’d be hella surprised if he is given what he and his players say to the media), he’s STILL GOTTA GO!
Losing begets changes. Let the beatings begin!
December 27th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
We should be more stout on the defensive line at this point to worry about losing Tommy Kelly.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Huff24
You are right the Ravens D is much better than the Raiders but not because of the coach. They have spent all their money on Defensive players and they have one of the if not THE worst offensive teams in the league. Actually, I’m assuming you meant in previous years because right now even their D is terrible and locally–I live in B’more, they are calling for Billick’s head and possibly making Ryan the HC. I think that is a mistake though. Coaches get too much credit and too much blame. It’s the players & talent that wins in this league. How is hiring Ryan as HC going to help the Offense in Baltimore? For that same reason I was glad Davis didn’t do it w/ the Raiders!
December 27th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Huff24..
Do you dislike his style of coaching players or his schemes and adjustments.
When do the players take ownership of the problems, in what area.
Also tackeling is Ryan’s fault.
Please tell me how and why?
December 27th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
should Tony Dungy have fired himself last year. How ’bout the Bears DC he should go to.
But I’ve said my piece, Kiffin will do what’s necessary.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
BTW - When the Raiders were 11th in Defense in 2002, they were 3rd against the run and 23rd against the pass. The complete opposite of what we have now and we were successful. Now…in defense of that to be fair, our offense was #1 so we probably ran the score up and forced teams to pass in order to catch up which put less emphasis on running the ball.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
RR may protect his players in the papers, but I see him cursing the hell out of them during games and I don’t think he is in any way too easy on them. I like his style and we just need better players period.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Dell
The lack of tackling IS Ryan’s fault by letting it continue. The role of a coach is to identify a problem, teach the right way to do it, mentor the player in achieving success and in the event that the player can’t achieve the objective, to replace said player with someone who can get the job done. Accepting less than satisfactory results is indicative of an incompetent leader. YES, it IS Ryan’s fault.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Huff24,
Good point on the fact that we had the #1 offense. In my belief you can only blame the D when the O scores and then the D allows them to march right down the field. Somewhat like when the Colts had that problem. It’s all about balance. Currently, we have the wrong kind of balance. Terrible O, and Terrible D.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
JB,
Are you kidding me? Even if the coach preaches his ass off he ain’t on the field?
It’s not like he can go out there and do it himself. If the players don’t learn what else can he do? They will make changes next year.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Ravens
Defense - 7th
Pass - 22nd
Run - 2nd
Offense - 23rd
Pass - 22nd
Run - 18th
The Offense isn’t great but the Defense is still pretty good. They’re GREAT against the run and that forces teams to pass the ball. You can say the offense puts the defense in bad situations as well. Needless to say, they still much better than we are.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
per JB:
an player not tackling is on the player. a unit not tackling is on the coach.
i think it’s pretty safe to say the whole defense is lousy in terms of fundamentals. also it’s not often you see the raiders gang tackle. check the stats of the raiders compared to a top 10 defense. specifically check “assists”. this is a stat that OLBs and safties should be stacked in. instead, our safties have a lot of solo tackles…not good.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Right on, JB.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Hey Jerry
How many TD’s did the defense give up in the Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City (home game), Tennessee, and the Denver win? the answer is one TD which is not the norm. This isnt high school football. When do we talk about Special Teams like KOR which went from #1 to 26th and that vaunted USC passing offense? Which is 31st who coordinates that? We do a heck of the job of running the ball especially in 2 min tell Lame a missed 4th & 1 = a turnover. Yeah lets fire Ryan and put him out of his misery with this organization. There is a reason why Lane is not giving support, that is because its not his decision. It’s Al Davis who will decide this one. Lets see if we can bring Chuck Bresinahan back. Relax Raider Nation the offense is coming back they average 2 touchdowns a game. Look and see what NE, IND, JAX, PITTS, CLEV offense averages in Scoring.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
RaiderDell - Repost:
Memo - Rob Ryan has had 4 years. I think you can blame him for the playcalling as well as the talent and execution. He didn’t build this team properly. Look at our defense. We lack heavily in stopping the run, we are small and fast. This goes against the type of offenses that bring power to the table. RR brought the 4-3 in his first year and changed it to the 3-4 in his 2nd year and switched it back to the 4-3 in the 3rd year. That seems very indecisive in my mind. Why didn’t he stick to his gameplan? His vision?
What kind of defense has he been running? Why haven’t we put enough focus on pressuring the QB? Why have we not focused on stopping the run? If he wanted the 3-4, why not build it from the start? Why let Ted Washington go? Why let Warren Sapp decide what we should run?
Burgess was a great signing but he was signed during the year that RR was trying to implement the 3-4. Sapp was signed the year that RR was hired. He played in the 4-3. Tommy Kelly came in as an undrafted free agent and was originally bounced back and forth between DT and DE. He has been a nice surprise but he fit the mold of Bobby Hamilton who came from NE and ran the 3-4. Why was he let go? Sam Williams was here before RR. He’s still here. Why? Tyler Brayton was moved to linebacker? Why? We literally had to trade with the Broncos for Warren to upgrade our run defense. Sands was not playing well when we gave him a big contract extension. Why would we do that? Clemons has been a nice surprise and J Rich has been ok as a draft pick.
RR was a linebacker coach and he has done well in drafting Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison but why would you let go of Danny Clark? He was our leading tackler. Robert Thomas has turned out to be ok but hes small. Look at our backup Linebackers. Ricky Brown and Isaiah Ekejuiba? Who? Crappy @$$ depth.
The secondary has Al Davis written all over it so its hard to put this on RR but here it is. Asomugha was drafted before RR got here so you can’t give him credit. Washington has turned out to be o.k. but its obvious he was drafted for his speed. Routt has also been o.k. but anothe speed guy. Huff is talented and has done a good job covering TE’s but he tackles the way he did in college…with his arms. YOU’RE IN A RUNNING DIVISION. Why do we keep drafting people who aren’t big tacklers when you’re facing LT, Larry Johnson and Broncos RB’s? Schweigert? He has failed RR time and time again, so why the hell is he still here? Why haven’t we upgraded the positions? What is our main goal on defense?
Not only are our starters failing but our depth is putrid and absolutely horrible. We are talentless. We are finesse. We are small and we are weak. And we wonder why we get run all over? You HAVE to blame RR for the drafting and signing of these players. What schemes is this defense running? I’m confused so I’m guessing the players are too. We don’t do a good job of adjusting at halftime and teams score on us at will. They literally score on us when they need to.
You have to blame Rob Ryan for poor teaching. You have to blame RR for not getting these guys ready. You have to blame RR for allowing his players to influence him too much. You have to blame RR for the poor talent on this defense. I blame RR in all phases of this defense.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
It’s always true that players play and coaches coach, but if the results are poor year after year then the coach should be axed. I mean, if 4 years of a porous defense isn’t enough time to judge the coach on, then what the hell is?
This is not to say that the players should stay. Save for certain salary cap considerations, a good general rule is: He who performs poorly hits the road.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Jb..
you have listed reasons Ryan is at fault for bad tackeling, I don’t agree with all what you said, but what you said about. “in the event that the player can’t achieve the objective, to replace said player with someone who can get the job done”.
Look at the roster of players maybe they just don’t have enough good players in that position. Stu goes out who replaces Stu, Eugene. Is he an upgrade?
You may have a better tackler in Eugene, what about reading defenses and playing in the correct coverages.
Eugene was burned in Green Bay, for example.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
BHP - Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith took their teams to the Superbowl. If it wasn’t for the Colts defense, they would have never won the Superbowl as Peyton Manning played like crap. You can go back and take a look at his stats. Smith single handedly took his team to the Superbowl with his defense. Whats your point? Are you going to sit here and compare Rob Ryan to them? Please.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Again everybody knows we need to get better personnel wise and execution wise. What the hell is the arguement about where that’s concerned.
If Ryan is gone, we’ll see if the next can get it done.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
EasTcoastRaider
No, I’m not kidding. A problem once identified, needs to be addressed NOW, not next year. For example, if Washington can’t cover, then pull him and put in the back-up. Teach Washington how to overcome his shortcomings and if he doesn’t get it then dump him & find someone else. Same thing goes for Stu and anyone else being paid as a professional but not delivering the product. Being a coach includes a level of tough love too. As the saying goes, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
BHP - Actually, during the regular season there isn’t a lot of contact in practice because of injury concerns. A big deal was made last year when Art Shell had a LOT of contact in camp and practice. If you beleive the D was good last year, maybe the contact helped. Ask Jerry how many full-pad practices the Raiders run each week before you go off with an assumption that the problem is being addressed.
JB - If Ryan can give Kiffin / Al a clear no bs plan for addressing the problems this team has had for three years than maybe he stays. If he comes up with more of the same…
Here coach - make something witrh this -
SS - #1 pick
CB - #1 pick
FS - 3rd rounder
CB - #1 pick
CB3 - 2nd rounder
MLB - 2nd rd stud
WLB - 3rd rd stud
DE - Pro bowler
DT - Pro bowler
DE - Surprise 5th rd standout
These guys should be able to stand in the huddle and say, “Nhandi you cover the fast guy, everybody else cover someone and you four rush, oh and you play FS deep.” Oh wait - that is what they’re doing.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
What I hate worst about Rob Ryan’s comments is that he gave no indication that he understood why the defense failed so bad this year. Most all of us with even a sincere fans interest in the game have some idea (right or wrong) of what went wrong and what need to improve to fix it. Wether you think it was a lack of dominance and getting pushed around at the point of attack, people not holding their lanes to take away the cuttback, someone (Sands) playing too straight up and allowing smaller players to get leverage on him, linebackers who are not phisical enough against the run, safeties who don’t tackle well, or a combination of all of these as I think, at least you have an idea of what needs to be done to fix it, but Rob Ryan, from what he said at his press confrence, says the players are all good, the scheme is good, everybody is playing hard, but it failed anyway because “that is just what happens.” I hope he is giving better answers than that about what went wrong to AD and Kiffen, because otherwise we are left to “that is just what happens,” but yet we can expect that it will be better next year just by happenstance. I guess RR doesn’t owe us explanations, and as a fan I don’t care if I don’t get explanations if we just get results, but I sure hope that either RR, AD or Kiffen understand what the causes of the problems are and what to do to fix them.
December 27th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
No Huff you did, I simply meant even great coaches have bad years. All coaches have gone through years when no matter what they did it just didn’t work and that’s what I think is happening with us.
Any other questions?
December 27th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Dell
Your point of the back-ups also being lacking is unfortunately all too true. But then again, whose fault is that? The DC is responsible to get the D together and running. He has to make his needs known and management has to address those shortfalls as best possible. We are into multiple years of overall less than satisfactory D performance. Maybe it’s the players, maybe not. Maybe it’s the coaching? It certainly was with Shell, Turner, Bugle, et al. So identifying coaching as the culprit is not that much a stretch given our history.
December 27th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Given 4 years and 4 years failed. Nuff said.