Lofton interview concludes
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, January 28th, 2008 at 5:57 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders finished a day-long interview with James Lofton for an undisclosed position and senior executive John Herrera had no announcements other than the interview went well and there could be a resolution in the next day or so.
Lofton, fired last week by the San Diego Chargers, twice interviewed for the head coaching job with Al Davis. His interview this time was with coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, according to Herrera, indicating Charles Coe could be on his way out as wide receivers coach.
Having Kiffin and Knapp involved in the hiring of an offensive assistant means any differences the head coach has with owner Al Davis regarding makeup of the defensive staff appear well short of Kiffin either resigning or being fired in the near future.
While stories run rampant of what has gone on behind closed doors since the end of the season, the one I’m certain of is that Kiffin wanted to change defensive coordinators and Davis did not.
I was told today Kiffin’s problem with Ryan is not of a personal nature but one of philosophy. The statement released by Raiders spokesman Mike Taylor was essentially a rebuke to Kiffin.
(Taylor disagrees with this. He called to say Kiffin’s later comments in Mobile about Ryan being under contract and being “excited” about Ryan’s return refute my contention. To me, the key part of that quote was “Rob is under contract.”)
In any event, the fact that Kiffin returned to work and is in the process of making staff changes is the second indication he wants to stay _ the other being his postgame response following the Senior Bowl.
When asked after the game if he would be coach of the Raiders in the fall, Kiffin said, “I hope so.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
January 28th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
First
January 28th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Now… lets all move on
January 28th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Imamg….
yeah lets…
Rams talking to Saunders, so I still believe Kiffin stays. If Saunders join the raiders, it will be as OC…
January 28th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
RaiderDell Says:
January 28th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
RaiderDogg,
You provide some sanity around here, I rather here your take on issues than deal with others.
Although, your right it is entertaining.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
All I can do is hope for the best, it’s so frustrating to watch Al pull strings with a coach. Really hope this whole thing shakes out for the positive. The devlopement of #2 is vital to the franchise, and my main objecting point to not keeping kiffin. A new system in year 2 just increases his chance of failure at the nfl level
January 28th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
well, i’m headed home, nother work day completed, catch up later
January 28th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hopefully the drama will die down, and we can get back to the business of winning games.
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
January 28th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
[...] Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer wrote a fantastic post today on “Lofton interview concludes”Here’s ONLY a quick extractThe Raiders finished a day-long interview with James Lofton for an undisclosed position and senior executive John Herrera had no announcements other than the interview went well and there could be a resolution in the next day or so. … [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Sorry to repost. How timely.
Will, believe me I’m with ya. I’m more tired of this that you can imagine. Gruden wasn’t the best personnel guy, and I don’t think he’s that good a coach based on what’s been happening in TB the last few years. I think we’ve righted the ship here with Kiffin but there are clearly some rough waters we’re gonna have to navigate.
Dell, Saunders is here, I’m not in the meeting rooms unfortunatley so I don’t know. They might be dicussing old times, current league trends, might be interviewing for head coach. I honestly don’t know. This I do know tho. K-rock picked up on my post yesterday and remember you heard it here first, the rumour I’m floating out there is Greg Knapp isn’t happy here. So Lofton could be receivers coach, which would be an upgrade or OC. Knapp is a SF guy, and as OC I’m sure he wanted play calling duties, which Kiff took.
Honestly, what I think is gonna happen is Lofton comes in as receivers coach, Saunders as OC, and Kiff gets Millard out as DL coach as a compromise. At least on the offensive side that would be a BIG upgrade in my mind.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
We are heading in the right direction if we bring Mr. Lofton aboard
January 28th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
All this fuss for nothing! You press people are ridiculous …please tell your collegues how much of our asses they can kiss.
So, allegedly, Kiffin wants Ryan out as DC but Big Al want him to stay for whatever reason. I still maintain that if the HC wants a new DC, if he’s a good HC, he should get his DC. On the hand, I can understand the argument of not wanting Kiffin to be so overburdened at this point in his career. I completely understand the agrument and at some level completely agree. It must be measured by both men and they must come to conclusion given a complete understanding of the proposed undertaking and its requirements. If Al decided not yet - I have no quarrels with that - just minor discomfort b/c its conflicts with my previous assertion - but still I understand the logic.
Maybe thats why Kiffin answered the question the way he did at the Senior Bowl. When asked about he and Ryan, Kiffin said something like “he has no issue with Ryan ….Ryan has one year left on his contract and we are exicted to have him” …note that he didn’t have to say Ryan has [one year left]. I was suspect of this statement when I first read it. But its pure speculation on my part.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Hopeful the soap opera will cease and the team can put together a staff can start preparing for the draft, because I doubt any free agents would want to come to, or stay with, the Raiders after this weekend.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Kiffin and Knapp Why include Knapp if Saunders is coming here to interview for his job? The only truth in these rumors in the past 3 weeks is Lofton is going to interview with the Raiders today. Also it’s nice to see no more naecalling here anymore just different opinions.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
All of this … was created by the media!!! Please be responsible (profesional) before publishing any information,
Thanks.
RAIDER_BOY
January 28th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
In retrospect it’s sounding like the reports of Kiffin getting stripped of his responsibilities and all but fired - except for the financial considerations - were a little ahead of themselves… like most reports on the Raiders. Even the financials were apparently wrong (firing Kiff outright would’ve cost far less than $4 mil).
January 28th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Right on Dell, thanks bro.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Tgrande……
I have to disagree. Free agents dont always have much choice in where they go. They mostly chase the money. The team being in Oakland may have as much to do with turning FA off as anything the Raiders have done.
Its not as bad as going to Buffalo or Kansas Chitty but not as good as going to NY or any other team with a colorful nightlife.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
If we keep changing coaches and playbook each year…we will:
1. Ruin Russells career
2. Continue to be ineffective offensively
3. No Free Agents will want to come here…
Think of all the good offensive teams…they have been together for awhile….they have trust in each other and they know the playbook inside and out…the new players come in and buy in to the system.
SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS!
The more you win, the more players want to join you. They don’t want to join a team with no direction and never knowing when their coach is going to get fired.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’m guessing that if kiffin’s agent didn’t put his name out to several colleges expressing interest in the head coach position, that Ryan would be gone. If the players respect Ryan and will play for him, he recently interviewed for the head coach position and your head coach might leave as soon as someone comes up with 2 mil. a year. You got to cover your ass.
Kiffin was pissed during the last game press conference, eager to turn a new page he fired Ryan (with many of our blessings). Al still pissed about the college feelers that were sent out fired a shot across his bow. I hope that’s what happened anyway.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Don’t believe the media racket. I’m the voice of reasoning
January 28th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
GLENN
I was wondering if we can speculate to this thought.
Knapp stays if they hire Saunders but Deflippi leaves to let Knapp work with JaMarcus as QB coach.
Saunders brings the vertical game experience along with Lofton as WR coach.
Knapp was once a QB and had that role in SF with Mooch.
Maybe Coach Flip just didn’t work out.
any thoughts?
January 28th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Just because Kiffin returns does not mean all is well. This franchise is tetering on the edge of the abyss and only Al Davis is holding us back. Isn’t that a scary thought!
January 28th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Oakglenn…
I agree with you. Knapp was brought in to run practice. He was not intended to have play calling duties. However, I have no idea what his philosophies are and what help, if any, he is to Kiffin. Judging by the Falcons, it would not be much help.
On the other hand, Saunders has produced everywhere he has been as an OC. He can call plays, and his style of offense is more suited to Davis’ liking. He could really help Kiffin.
Remember this as well. Part of the reason Mora Jr. and Knapp were fired from Atlanta was because of their failure to get the most from Vick.
Maybe Davis is concerned over the HUGE investment he made in Russell. He stands to lose a lot more on that than the 4mil he would lose if Kiffin walked.
January 28th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Im not too crazy about Saunders as OC. Anybody else on that short list?
January 28th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Im with ya
January 28th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Here is a bit of an article on Mora Jr. being fired…
“His teams led the NFL in rushing every year, but quarterback Michael Vick and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp never meshed, and the Falcons struggled badly once the opponent took the lead. Under Mora, Atlanta was 0-17 when entering the fourth quarter with a deficit.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2716540
January 28th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
[...] RaiderDogg wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by RaiderDogg”Here’s ONLY a quick extractRight on Dell, thanks bro. [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
saunders has produced everywhere he’s been? Remember the 1-15 chargers that was his Gem
January 28th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
My main concern is how are the raiders going to be able to compete for Free Agents both the Raiders and other teams. Would you sign a long term deal if you were Namdi or Justin Fargas?
Warren Sapp expressed his dismay repeatedly about not being able to recruit talent in the FA market to come play for Oakland. The whole Kiffin and Ryan debacle only makes the Raiders look that much more dysfunctional. Quality guys like Bernard Berrian, Lance Briggs, and Alan Faneca would probably steer way clear of Oakland: if Oakland was even interested in the first place.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Every mutt has her day, stop e-mailing me
January 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
KK -
I have no idea what your e-mail address is. You’ve got the wrong guy.
I will say this:
Peace between us. I mean it. I no longer have any ill feelings towards you in any way.
Take care
January 28th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
The Chargers don’t count. Nobody can win there.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Are you dillusional? who is talking to you? You dont exist. Go away and please leave me the ‘hell alone’
LOSER!
January 28th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
its now time to focus on 2008
January 28th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I agree with that
January 28th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
What a joke……you’ve all been had….Suckers
Did you idiots learn anything from this????
Not the tiniest, inkling of anything,
well media boys bait the hook again the Raider Nation is full of fish.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Man I love the feel of this place now…feels so chippy now. Did we learn any lessons?
January 28th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Phylosophical differences can be dealt with in time as the 2 parties get more familiar with each other. Like i said B4 the 2 coaches involved have only been together one year. As time goes on it can become a very good working relationship. As they understand how each other attacks particular situations then they will start to coach in support of each other. Instead of the way they coached last year. With Kiffin asking Ryan to protect the offense and vice versa.
They will start to take the pressure off each other instead putting each other in bad situations which will benefit both. Hopefully this makes sense. They need to complement each other so that one isn’t putting the other in bad situatins. Which happened a lot last year.
Now hopefully Kiffin can concentrate on the draft.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Yeah, that there’s a new Sheriff in town and his name is
January 28th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
What do you guys thing if the offense does good this year and defense continues to be weak and say we go 5-11 or anything under .500…Will Kiffin keep his job next year?
January 28th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
The final chapters of this haven’t been written yet, so everyone hold your horses. K-rock I think you have it down. Kiff really also needed someone on the offensive side who knows the league to help with game planning. Knapp was perfect for that. I don’t know, Saunders was Assitant HC Offense for the Greatest Show on Turf World Championship Team. Sounds like good credentials to me.
Dell, I think DeFillipo will do a better job with Jamarcus than Knapp will. Knapp wants to call plays, and maybe be a head coach. I don’t think it’s gonna happen here. JMHO.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
parameters…
that is my word of the day…
if Mr Davis allows young Kiffen to stay, Kiffen must understand that word and make it his own…
no one is going to hand the reins of a billion dollar corporation to an unknown without parameters…
like:
you may not fire management employees without consulting the General Partner…
you may not sign a free agent for more than X for longer than Y without consulting the General Partner…
you may not draft anyone that would command a signing bonus of greater than X without consulting the General Partner…
et cetera…
parameters…
i own my own business… and all of my managers and supervisors have parameters…
it let’s me make the important decisions… and i like making the important decisions… because it is my company…
if a manager came to work for me and i gave him free rein of the place… and he fails… it is I who will pay the price…
he’ll just go look for a new job…
this is Al Davis company, we are his customers… we do have a choice whether we want to continue…
for me, i do have faith in Mr Davis… and i am anxious to see how this plays out…
Kiffen needs to pledge his loyalty to the silver and black… earn the respect he needs… earn the priveleges that are usually bestowed on favored and trusted management…
personally, i would tell the kid to take a hike… and find someone who understands the privelege of working for a legend… and for the silver and black…
parameters…
January 28th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I dont understand how parameters werent draw durring contract talks.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
owners don’t want to amend contracts to expand or contract parameters…
and keep in mind nearly everyone on staff has a contract…
and all of those are with the company not the head coach…
January 28th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Who’s to say that parameters weren’t drawn and then crossed? Assuming that Kiff did try to fire Ryan and have that revoked by Al, it’s possible that there was a parameter violation right there and Al corrected it.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Florida Pete, the “parameters” you are taling about have apparently been changed by senile old goat Al Davis…
Kiffen was apparently given much control and now, after the fact Al Davis, the man most singularly responsible for gutting a once proud franchise by first, moving it to Los Angeles, and now through his continued paranoia, wants to change the “parameters”…
priceless
January 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Kiffin it is spelled K-i-f-f-i-n, get a clue
January 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I dont know Kiffin peronally but I dont think he’d be that stupid to fire someone without thinking its in his power. It just dont make sense to me. And if he did and it wasnt then it just shows the lines wernt drawn clearly enough.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Easy to make it up guys, your sounding like you should work in the media field.
Pretty obvious with the amount of smoke there was a fire somewhere, but like normal the raiders say nothing…some things never change.
I bet they were shocked by the amount of fans that sent emails etc, and that has to make a difference even to al, its about bottom line. The stadium has been pretty full even with a bad team as of late and when the team turns the corner it should always be full.
So we fans get to hold our breath,,,like normal….thank you media for running with it though
One thought….who the FK is giving this stuff to the media….been going on for ages, no way al or kiffin did….WHO IS THE LEAK????? remember shell even said there was a insider that talked…who is it? someone is doing this stuff to hurt the team with knowledge, a insider…
January 28th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Plrraz…
no-one here seriously believes that an untested, inexperienced coach would be give free reign over a 116 million players payroll and an additonal 15 million staff payroll…
do you???
January 28th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Al is playing this thing like the girl who didn’t get asked to the dance.
His BS “leaks” to the media, putting Kiffin on the spot with this “ficticous letter” that no one outside of a few “insiders” has seen just reaks of melodrama.
Here’s the deal, it’s AD’s team, he can do what he wants, just DO IT!
Take this crap off of the sports page and pull the trigger on Kiffin
Al, you’re craving of attention during SuperBowl week, is weak and insulting to your nation of Raider Fans!
Well, the ones that are still around after this latest PR debacle!
Get a Grip…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I figured that’s how you would respond. I had to give it a shot.
Good luck
January 28th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
If Kiffin leaves i am done with the Raiders and the NFL (the NFL because i am sick of shallow, greedy, imature, classless, characterless, etc etc people like Randy Moss)until Good Ole Al passes away and takes his proper place “down below”. I have been a fan since the 60s and am so sick of Al’s idiotic moves and narcasistic personality. Have any relatives or limited partners tried to have him declared imcompetent? God knows there’s an unlimited amount of evidence to support it!
If anyone on this site was serious, we would hurt Good Ole Al the only way possible - his pocket book:
BOYCOTT ALL GAMES IN 2008 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
The ghost of Mike Lombardi is the LEAK!…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Lombardi was seen going for a jog….while the NATION was up in arms…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Dear Florida Pete,
How much damage could an unsupervised employee do to a major succesful corporation?? Seriously. How much damage??
Signed,
French Dude who cost bank 8 Billion Euros!!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
sure glad the mod gonna get involved here so we dont have all these trolls, gonna be nice to talk to real fans without all the crap to look threw
good nite all
January 28th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
post 57 Oakglen….fantastic respose man, read that story today, unreal!!!! way correct
January 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
oops response lol damn spell check
January 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
heard that Snake, it’ll be nice.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
were not going to rehash this all over again are we? Time to move on. none of us know what transpired except maybe BHP and he’s not talking, although if he has a source why not the media.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Oakglenn…
um… 8 billion euros worth???
did i win???
what do i get???
January 28th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Repost cuz Im curious what the nation thinks..
What do you guys thing if the offense does good (top 10) this year and defense continues to be weak and say we go 5-11 or anything under .500…
Will Kiffin keep his job next year?
January 28th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
There are a few sheeps around here that wants protection from the moderator but, you are already compost around here. You know who the both of you are!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
i would say, assuming it is Kiffin leading the team…
that he would have a strong case to make to Al Davis to make a change on the defensive side of the staff…
Al’s call though…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
good site for infohttp://www.raidernews.com/x/index.php
January 28th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Pete, you know I’m agreeing with ya, right??
Krowlz, I think this is a classic “emperor has no clothes” moment for RYAN. I am one of three people on this blog who’s OK with Ryan, the other two being Ryan himself, and this guy A. Davis whoever that is. What I mean is everyone is gonna have a very close eye on how this defense perfoms. If the offense continues to improve and the defense deteriorates, bye, bye Ryan and Kiff is most likely gonna have free reign to bring in whom he wants, Rahim Morris at the top of that list. If the defense performs well, hey, end of story. Kind of a no lose situation really.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
If Kiffin can get us to the playoffs and Rob Ryans defense sucks next year I think you will see Al Davis make a U-turn and fire Ryan. I look at this as his last chance.
At least Kiffin and Knapp both helped interview, sounds like Davis and Kiff have worked things out for now.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Oakglenn…
we are and were on the same page…
i was just having some fun…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
So you think even if we have a bad record Kiff will stay as long as its because of defense?
January 28th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
i like your take on this oak #68. so lets draft defense first and give him players not projects and see how it turns out
January 28th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bucky_brooks/01/28/raiders.situation/
great article…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
baaaaaaa
January 28th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I’m posting fast and furious now. If the Mods are gonna really start booting people off, with all the f bombs i’ve dropped here, (amongst other things,) I’ll probably be front row center in the permanently blocked mode. Darn.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
You should be safe Oakglenn.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Oakglenn
i didn’t know “emperor has no clothes” was an expression used by americans.
LOL
January 28th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
[...] mr. raider wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by mr. raider”Here’s ONLY a quick extractwere not going to rehash this all over again are we? Time to move on. none of us know what transpired except maybe BHP and he’s not talking, although if he has a source why not the media. [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
[...] Oakglenn wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by Oakglenn”Here’s ONLY a quick extractPete, you know I’m agreeing with ya, right?? Krowlz, I think this is a classic “emperor has no clothes” moment for RYAN. I am one of three people on this blog who’s OK with Ryan, the other two being Ryan himself, and this guy A. … [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Mr. Raider, exactly!!! I don’t know if you saw my posts about NY Giants having high draft choices on their #1 ranked D line, and NE having ALL FIRST ROUNDERS, on their #2 ranked D line. The number one D line versus the number 2 d line in the Super Bowl. Coincidence???? Don’t think so. How’s about the Raiders??? Sands, 7th round, Richardson 5th round, Kelly, freaking undrafted, Burgess 3rd round Phila, Gerard Warren, lst Round. Wonder what would happen if we got some high draft choice on the Dline.
Florida Pete, you’ve been a breath of fresh florida sunshine on this site!
January 28th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Florida Pete..
That is a good article… I belive that is how sports writers should write. He just said how it is with no B.S. very nice and a refreshing read.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
oakglenn…
i know everyone wants a DT…
but… if Chris Long is there…
man, ya just gotta do that…
bedtime for me… thank’s everyone…
pretty civilized board…
take care.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
So Alzheimers refuses to let Ryan go just to spite Kiffin and so him that he still calls the shots? This story just keeps getting worse. Way to go you old far, putting your own agenda ahead of the team for the umpteenth time I’m still out until Alzheimer’s takes his dirt nap.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
See LMN, I forget they’re are Europeans on this site. Here I’ll go back to using American expressions you guys recognize like, “trailer trash”, “want me to kick your ass from here to Albuquerque”, “what are you looking at??” and the ever popular “punk ass”.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Thanks Florida Pete.
Of course that way of thinking would be odd to most in today’s world. Loyalty is something from the past.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
and to let him know that he still calls the shots? sorry about that typing too quickly. Al has really got me fired up
January 28th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Punk ass….LOL
I remember that one.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Oakglenn & anyone else -
How much do you think Trevor Laws raised his value last Saturday at the Senior Bowl? From say the 4th round to mid 2nd? He was pretty active, high energy and disruptive. Plus he has experience at both DT & DE, although he looked much better inside.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I just want this issue to either get resolved or go away. We finally have a little bit of credibility to go with the new coach, and we’re blowing it out of the water.
I’d like to see Ryan get a few Young Guns on the D-Line, since he’s been playing w/ a mismatched set since he got here…Sapps departure should help make that the focus of the 1st round.
Please make this ridiculous story go away….
January 28th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I missed the Senior Bowl
…How did Ellis look?
January 28th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Laws really impressed me
January 28th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Krowlz -
Ellis was a pleasant surprise. After all the smack that was talked about him in here I didn’t expect much. Let me tell you HE WAS A BEAST! He looked very worthy of a high pick IMO.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Can we go back to talking about why we should DRAFT MCFADDEN?
I still don’t think this story is over, but no use simmering about the unknown for the next few months.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Florida Pete…
if we take Chris Long, we could take trevor Laws later
January 28th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
LMN got me thinking about Laws just before the Senior Bowl. He looked good. He’s listed at 6′1″, 295lbs. Maybe be a bit short for DT in the NFL, but he was impressive on Saturday.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Can I get somebody to answer this question? If Kiffin asks Al if he can fire Ryan is Ryan still around?
January 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
dang Lag
January 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Can we draft an owner and GM?
January 28th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I like Bucky’s take, but, these kids are only loyal to the all-mighty Dollar, as is Al, so he should not be too surprised by anything these guys do…
We must remember, Al has burned a lot of his Ex-Partners in the Raiders, going back to the 70’s when he originally wrestled the “Managing General Partner” title into exsistence.
Maybe he is experiencing some Karma and we are all along for the ride…
Does anyone know his exact shareholding of the Raiders at this time? I remember it being barely over 50%, but that was enough to put him in control…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Night all,
I hope I don’t wake up in the morning to learn that James Lofton is our new head coach.
Maybe Kiffin is actively involved in the interview because he wants AD to find a new head coach ASAP so that he can be released from his contract? Scary thought.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Moss was not loyal so why is Al po’d he let him go. He actually quite on the team. We dont even know for sure if Kiffin was interested in another job for sure.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Oakglenn
i dont know what post 84 means or what your mean it
January 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Now i cant sleep thanks dakota
January 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
mean by it…
January 28th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
The Raiders just can’t seem to get out of it’s own way.
Why is it that they seem to create problems that aren’t even there?
If what was said is true then I do believe it’s a bold move for Kiff to take the initiative to fire Ryan without even consulting Al or telling him!
Maybe he is testing his boundaries, but that isn’t any different on any team.
Before a coach fires anybody I’m quite sure they have to at least have a conversation with the GM/Owner.
I live just outside of DC and Saunders sucks. He can’t motivate anybody and he is still holding onto a few good years w/ the Chefs.
Kiff wants to run the cover 2 and Al and Ryan despise it. They want man to man, and as long as davis is around that is probably what we are stuck with. Funny how the best teams run the cover 2 these days. The Packers w/ a former Raider tried to play man to man all day and well Plaxico beat the crap out of them ALL DAY!
Good Luck Kiff.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
The cornerback play was most impressive to me saturday
January 28th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Wow. Going back to talking about the draft. How serene!! Good Eye Dogg, I thought Laws was absolutely fantastic. Big, Strong, excellent at the point of attack, athletic, nose for the ball, at one point, he completely collapses the pocket, smashes the QB, the ball flies in the air and he has both the presence of mind AND athleticism to grab the ball out of mid air. Quite impressive. Plus for what it’s worth he is going to Notre Dame, and Charlie Weis knows a tiny bit about coaching so…….Absolute rave reviews Dogg. to answer your question, I think he will be there in the third round.
Sedrick Ellis probably screwed us up in that he could go ONE OVERALL now. People are starting to see, he really is that good. Funny thing about Bill Parcells and Miami is everyone has them drafting either Chris Long, Glen Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis #1 overall, because Parcells builds his teams traditionally with defense. Funny. Why would ya do that?? What does Parcells know about building a team? Oh yeah,forgot.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
ECR, what do the 2 teams in the SB run? Is it cover2 or man with zone mix?
January 28th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Sorry LMN, I was just throwing some American expressions out there. None of them were directed at you. I like your energy, logic and posts. Please don’t take any offense to me throwing silly stuff on the board. The Americans probably got the joke.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Oakglenn….I agree talking about the draft is much better….Things have been out of control here and I have been looking around for other blogs…sure I am not the only one doing that
January 28th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Oakglenn,
Parcells hasn’t won a SB in 18 years. He has never built a SB winner as coach/GM…but yes, he has put some decent teams together, and I would certainly pick him to run the Raiders over the current version of Al Davis. I’m just saying, you can pick offense in the draft and still win the SB…Draft McFadden baby.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Oakglenn…
well, i’m not so smart at this time of day… I’ve stayed up playing online poker all night with some friends…
constantly back to this PC, to check for any news =)
I like that you liked Trevor Laws, its nice to have a backup DT later in the draft if we choose, C. Long, J. Long or McFadden in the first
January 28th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Careful Priest-that’s like asking what’s a #1 receiver.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I will be VERY glad for this coach soap opera to end! One thing I’d like for AD to do…MENTOR, not meddle with the coaches!
I’m a long time fan & I say IF Kiffin really wants to be the Raider HC, then he should outwardly show some loyalty & Pride. I’ve wondered about his loyalty because I’ve seen all the 2007 Monday Press conferences & rarely did Kiffin wear Raider gear. He also did not wear Raider gear during the Silver & Black show. Is he playing some kind of mind game with AD? I have NOT always agreed with what AD does. BUT he is a Legend, he IS the owner of the Raiders & young Kiffin needs to learn & show some respect & loyalty here! I’m just a Fan & I wear my shirts, caps, sweats, & coat all the time during the season & occasionally in off season!
Go Raiders
January 28th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Oakglenn -
Thanks for the response, excellent breakdown as usual. After Saturday I would be suprised if Laws was still around in the 3rd. As of right now the Raiders don’t even have a 3rd round pick right?
January 28th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
PLEASE, don’t ever take offense to anything from me LMN!!
Dakota, he recently built that Dallas playoff team. That’s a damn talented team. Witten, Barber, Romo who I met at the Walter Payton Awards for division 1AA, wasnt even drafted, Ellis, Wares, the pass rushers he spent 1st Rounders on. Again, spending 1st rounders on pass rushers, what does that tell ya??
January 28th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Same concerns here. Ellis looked so damn good during Senior Bowl week that he could be a serious candidate for #1 to Miami. People’s memories are short and they only remember the last thing they see and Ellis showed them an eye full. I’m even almost ready to crown him over Dorsey.
I just don’t think Dorsey is a NT type for some reason. Well know more of the Tuna’s direction as soon as the DCoord is announced if he hasn’t already been. Ellis played NT before and Chris Long played in a 3-4 ..both have more experience than Dorsey. But who knows, maybe they pick Matt Ryan, the Boston College QB. Its easier to justify the contract with a QB.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Dogg, not unless they can get one for Andrew Walter.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I know but why do people bash something because they don’t like it even if there’s no validity to the point they’re trying to make. Just say YOU prefer the cover2, but because you prefer cover2 doesn’t make man defense stupid especialy if you have the personnel to run man defense, it’s actually more versatile.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
120th Oh Yeah!!
January 28th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I’ll be happy with any of the big 4…McFadden, Dorsey, Long or even Ellis. Ellis is certainly no Jerry Ball, I don’t know who said that but they need to get a clue.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Ellis can only hope to be half as productive as Jerry Ball was.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Parcells-pro bowl QB wasn’t even drafted. Unbelievable. Speaking of which, and we’ll start really breaking guys down in the next few weeks, the guy that I really want, is Josh Johnson the QB from University of San Diego. Obviously we don’t need a QB, and not till the way later rounds, but this kid just has it. Whatever it is, that kid has it.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I hope Ellis is only half as reproductive as Travis Henry.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Miami should really consider going after Booty too. I watched him during Senior Bowl coverage and I think he’s gonna be pretty good. Very accurate, even on the run and smart. Plus he’s mobile.
Didn’t really get all the hype about Flacco. Sure he has a “lot of upside” Thats because he’s so far down there’s a lot more room to move up. Kiffin didn’t have him throwing a lot for a reason. He’s really not that accurate although he has a very good arm. His footwork is terrible. He has a lot of work to do.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
The good news Dakota is the talent level drops off pretty quickly after the first five, but then is deep for 3+ rounds. I don’t think you could wrong with either Long, Dorsey, McFadden or Ellis. All are going to make excellent pros.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I highly doubt if we’ll pick a qb. I’m sure you do too Oakglenn. But if we were I wouldn’t mind Booty at all. I’ll feel pretty comfortable with him backing JR. His only problem would be lack of experience.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Terrapin, that kid Flacco just has a cannon. Very Big, very athletic kid. Again Div 1aa guy. My dad met him and Josh Johnson a couple of weeks ago. I’ll ask him about them.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I agree Oakglenn, this is very deep draft, especially at DT and o-line…man I wish we had the 3rd rounder.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
A source told me that Pete Carrol is going to coach the Raiders, and Kiffin will replace him at USC.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
BHP….I listened to Tom Flores on the radio a lot this year during games and I think he knows more than any of us…He would call what the offense did and the defense….Point is he said zone many times concerning the defense…So it sounds to me like the team does mix it up…I just think we have a team of poor tacklers and the blame should be shared by players and coaches alike.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Terr, I was thinking late rounds. One thing we DON’T NEED, is a QB. (on knees thank God)
January 28th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
because they read or heard somewhere that it’s the thing to do.like the west coast off.some think that all the good teams play it because that’s what someone says or writes.when actually,most have no idea what the west coast off. is.in a sense,the Raiders have always played a form of that off.as someone pointed out earlier,Stabler threw more short to medium passes in our 1st SB year than this years raiders.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Jh, you’re exactly right. We definitely run a mix of man, zone, and man with zone under. Why do the LB’s make all the int’s??? Because they’re manned up against Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne??? C’mon. Give me a break. It’s really a shame, 95% of the posters on this site, barely knows what the defense even does in a football game.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
nah …I wouldn’t classify it as a cannon. I’ll just say he has a pretty strong arm. Its no where near JRs caliber though. Flacco’s prob a good kid, but he is so far from ready. Footwork, accuracy - you name it, he’s gotta work on it. But hey, he does have an arm. I swear these announcers kill me with that.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
just saying big arms doesn’t make an nfl qb. ..thats all…i’m sure everyone agrees.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
The defense is mixed up a good bit and they actually DO blitz. Its just not noticable b/c they rarely get through to the QB - just gobbled up by blockers. So the viewer rarely notices it - esp on TV.
late
January 28th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Jh, Lefty, BHP, Dogg, Dakota, Bigelow, Terrapin, I was on the San Diego Discharge site and they have about 20 posts a day, coming off an appearence in the AFC Championship game!! 20 freaking stupid posts. Even before this little coaching debacle, we were having a couple of hundred posts a day. Raider fans are the most knowledgable, dedicated, passionate fans, and it’s all you guys. You guys make me proud to know all of y’all and interact with ya. Nite all.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
I hope the Raiders draft Chris Long and he takes number 75, so I don’t have to buy another jersey.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Oak- Im deffinatly in that 95%, but thats why Im here to learn more from you guys.
January 28th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Ryan- LOL
January 28th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
whats up nation….
like ive said before, i cant get up to date news and opinions from raider fans here in cowgirl county.
i love this blog and what it stands for.
RAIDER FAQHIN NATION BABY!
January 28th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Like I said last week when the stories came out, THERE IS NOTHING TO ALL THIS NONSENSE. KIFFIN IS HAPPY, AL IS HAPPY, RYAN IS HAPPY.
LIFE IS GOOD IN RAIDER LAND…..COME ON NOW, LETS NOT ALWAYS THINK DOOM AND GLOOM
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION PEOPLE
January 28th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Jerry, I have only one question about the Lofton interview.
Was it white smoke or black smoke coming out of the chimney?
January 28th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Al needs to flush out the mole in his house. Sue ESPN and make them defend their story by revealing the mole.
The only good mole is a dead mole =(
January 28th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Jh you’re right they do mix it up quite a bit. And play different fronts as well as zone. But you’d swear that Ryan never heard of a blitz and has no clue what a zone is. Everything they say that they want Ryan to do he already does, but the defense wasn’t successful so they blame the coach. So be it, it’s just that when I read it sometimes it really gets to me. We just didn’t execute and tackle bottom line. The scheme was fine. maybe the playcalling at times you could question but not the scheme. The Patriots run the same defense a lot but they have very smart vets and they execute and rarely make mistakes.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
The reason why Kiffin prefers a cover 2 to a man up style D is the system. In interviews he has stated that he likes the Colts D because they are succesful no matter what players they plug in the system. Someone stated earlier that Man is better “if you have the players to run it.” That is the whole point. I think Kiffin would prefer to put the players he has into a system. This would keep them disciplined and allow them to stay within the system and not get over aggressive and out of posistion.
That is a weakness of our LB. They over-pursue and get blocked out of their lanes. With the CB turned away from the line in man coverage, there are huge gaps to run through. Stu was no help and the Raiders got gashed for huge gains on the ground.
A cover 2 would help stop the run. It would not stuff it, but it would slow it down. Sort of a “bend but don’t break.”
January 28th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
It’s a wrap nite guy’s
January 28th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
LOL, you guys are talking about how Kiffin is happy and all is well, while in the same breath saying that Saunders is going to be hired as OC. Kiffin is our playcaller. Knapp basically holds Kiffin’s chord. Kiffin is like Gruden when it comes to play calling. He is calling the plays, period. So, if Davis hires one of his guys to undermine him, how’s he happy? You guys are in for a rude awakening. This is far from over.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Kobee, excellent point. Why doesn’t Al sue ESPN for this “false” story? Could it be because it isn’t actually false, and ESPN’s counter suit would confirm the story? We know it’s not because Al doesn’t like lawsuits….
Al Davis has other ideas. Rather than take this to court and get the tables turned on him (remember, in court, people take oaths, former players, coaches, etc., and just imagine what would come out…), he’d rather downplay the story. He knows his fan club will buy it.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Kiffin is really happy:
He’s vocal about wanting a Cover 2, yet Ryan is staying. Sure, between that and Al considering hiring Saunders to undermine him, Kiffin is just smittens. Some of you can convince yourselves of anything, I swear.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
test
January 28th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Those of you talking bout’ the Fins, JJ’s talking about trading up to number 1 for McFadden.
Sorry Dakota, your wet dream is over.
By the way, Roger-Cromarty looked excellent Saturday, along with Ellis and Laws.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Question?? Where did you see that the Long family did not want the Raiders to draft Chris Long or the way Howie used to refer to him Christopher?
January 28th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I just want to someone to walk the plank for this - this is about loyalty, this is about your “word”, this is about ethics, trust……………..blah , blah, blah , blah, blah.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
you got to be kidding me Jerry finally let me back in. I’ve been blocked out ever since I went off on ad several weeks ago, this is too funny, I was getting use to not being in here but I did sort of miss it. i’m going to pace myself. I must admit there is no other Raider blog like this one, believe me I’ve searched!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Blackholepriest,
It might come as a surprise to you but it just so happens that some of us actually watch the games, so stop trying to BS us. We NEVER blitz. Never. I have at least parts of every game this season still on tape. I can watch any of them right now, 2 or 3 series, and I’ll bet you I won’t see one blitz. 4 pass rushers, man coverage. And, sure, our linebackers will play zone at times. Doesn’t matter if we’re getting killed on the outside one on one. It’s still man coverage. Zone coverage is a primarily zone defense, which we do not run.
Stop assuming people here don’t know football.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
[...] SouthTexasRaider wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by SouthTexasRaider”Here’s ONLY a quick extractwhats up nation…. like ive said before, i cant get up to date news and opinions from raider fans here in cowgirl county. i love this blog and what it stands for. RAIDER FAQHIN NATION BABY! [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
[...] MaddenRaider wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by MaddenRaider”Here’s ONLY a quick extractKobee, excellent point. Why doesn’t Al sue ESPN for this “false” story? Could it be because it isn’t actually false, and ESPN’s counter suit would confirm the story? We know it’s not because Al doesn’t like lawsuits… … [...]
January 28th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Jerry writes:
(Taylor disagrees with this. He called to say Kiffin’s later comments in Mobile about Ryan being under contract and being “excited” about Ryan’s return refute my contention. To me, the key part of that quote was “Rob is under contract.”)
………
You see a lot of that going on in this comments section, too, Jerry. People using statements as “proof” that something is or isn’t. John Madden says he loves Al Davis? Well there you have it, Al is the best owner to coach for.
Seeing Taylor pulled the same rouse with you, you can bet that either some of the fans have caught on to this spin tactic, or that perhaps some of these “fans” commenting here are in fact Raider employees doing a little damage control in cyberspace.
Pathetic. If the organization only put this much effort into building winning teams, we’d have a rack full of Lombardis.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I like Kiffin, let him coach.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Ok, I got it figured out.
Remember he said that one thing, back at the beginning of the year…? something about the past glory of the raiduhs, then we saw Lane Kiffin at practice making up new slogans, and again saw him NOT playing Jamarcus Russell? (hmm maybe paybacks?) - and omg he DIDN’T WEAR A RAIDER HAT like Nolan wore a Niner cap! ..and little know fact is that the IS A WALKER behind THE PODIUM!.
LANE KIFFIN IS AL DAVIS!
Call Adam Sphincster I think I’m on to something…
January 28th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
btw what is that Football » Comment on Lofton interview concludes by… thing - it is frikkin annoying. Runs up the post count oo.
Weird.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Can’t we all just get along.
I am still in the Al must go part of divided nation. Let’s see if the Raiders make any real attempt to get real free agents in here and not the LJ’s of the world. Lord knows they have cap space, what are they waiting for? Make a run at Haynesworth, he can be bought. IF they don’t sign any noteworthy fa’s then I can assume my theory is correct and Al just wants the money and the lip service.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Media made most of this up.
There’s some truth there.
A little.
Saunders is not impressive.
We don’t need Redskin table scraps.
Offense was good.
Passing and receiving was the weakest part of it.
Lofton could fix that.
Wait till Russell gets his legs.
You can kill teams and punish chronic blitzers with a short pass offense.
And then destroy them deep with Russell’s rocket arm.
Defensive line sucked.
Cable showed the difference a great coach can make.
New defensive line coach would do it.
Linebackers are good.
Dbacks are adequate, but we need a Tatum-like punisher.
Kiffin knows how to call plays.
He’s a smart guy.
He’ll only get smarter.
These coaches will all be best buddies if they’re winning.
If he performs next year, Al will give him whatever the hell he wants.
I think once he gets the right coach in there he’ll start to faze himself out.
Even Al has to realize that his current ineptitude is legendary.
His family’s probably already working on getting him to recede into the background.
We hope.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Back from vacation:
I posted about a week and a half ago about information concerning the Raiders and there future state. I mentioned I worked for the city of Oakland in my uncle’s office and also have a step brother working in the production department for the Raiders. I went back and read some comments, some good and some bad. In no way did I ever claim to have “sources”. I pick up on “crumbs” of info and will continue to pass it along to my fellow fans. Its up to each individual to obtain there own opinion of my posts. I posted that the city of Anaheim was pushing for the Raiders to move back in 2011, for now, fans in Oakland are safe. Curt Pringle has had recent visits to the city of Oakland and I figured he was visiting Mr. Davis in Alameda….. I was wrong. Mr. Pringle ( Mayor of Anahiem ) was in town on different matters not concerning the NFL. While on vacation in L.A the past week I did some research and talked to some people and apperently the city of Anaheim is interested in the Jacksonville franchise. If Jacksonville does not fall through then the NFL will grant expansion in So Cal at or before 2014. So Cal had enough of Mr.Davis ( shocking ) and want nothing to do with the Raiders. As for recent events, I really beleive the media jumped the gun and blew it. People I spoke to said Kiffin was gone from Alameda for a total of 6 days after the end of the season along with the rest of the coaching staff. There might have been a dissagreement between Kiffin and Ryan but it was over Millard and Perry along with philosaphy but nothing more. I wish I could say I got that from a strong source but the truth is its just word around the campfire. As for Kiffin not wearing Raider gear at the All star game, If I’m not mistaking, Nolan only had on his 9er hat on for about a quarter before putting on an Under Armour beenie the rest of the way. I’m not a big supporter of Mr. Davis ( used to be ) but proof the media spins things out of control in the East Bay…… The ‘07 Falcons lost there star player Micheal Vick to a jail term before the season stars in one of the worst player scandals in recent NFL history, also there HC quits in the middle of the season only to take another job before Arthur Blank could blink yet nothing was ever mentioned about Mr. Blanks ability to run a team. Can you imagine if J. Russell was arrested and convicted on dog fighting charges before the season started and Kiffin quits 10 games in and takes a job at Arkansas?!?!?!?!? The media would proclaim Mr. Davis as senile while they made out Mr. Blank as the victim. I know my Raiders have had problems over the past 20 years, but other teams have been through worse and it is ludicrous how the media spins things in the bay area, especially with the Silver and Black.
Keep the faith
Stay in.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:18 am
so not to be a downer. i read this every day but rarely post. i am a huge raider fan, but also a journalist and the comment that said why doesn’t al sue ESPN is ridiculous. i’m sorry, but don’t be ignorant.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:24 am
[...] G wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by G”Here’s ONLY a quick extractI like Kiffin, let him coach. [...]
January 29th, 2008 at 12:24 am
[...] bishop916 wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by bishop916″Here’s ONLY a quick extractbtw what is that Football » Comment on Lofton interview concludes by… thing - it is frikkin annoying. Runs up the post count oo. Weird. [...]
January 29th, 2008 at 1:58 am
This is a good read, very funny.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/01/29/SPUDUNPUT.DTL
January 29th, 2008 at 2:05 am
So the long and the shrt of it is that as with all organizations not populated by YESmen, there was some disagreement and it worked itself out.
Lofton may replace the WR coach with an eye toward developing Higgins, a draft choice and getting Curry back on track. This is essential for Kiffin’s “open it up” plan and Russell’s development.
So when will NFLN fire Adam S for having a record resembling Cam Cam?
“Much ado about nothing…”
January 29th, 2008 at 2:05 am
I’d like to say something about some of the Raiders fan sites out there; Great members, and I mean that.
But the mods, on the other hand, must have missed the buss to the police academy. That about sums some of these sites up.
If any of you blowhard mods happen to read this, understand something: Being a mod of a sports fan site is not the equivalent of being a sworn peace officer. It’s not even as important as being a substitute teacher. It’s not even as important as volunteering to sell snow cones at a little league baseball game.
If someone’s making threats or something, I can see playing Sgt. Badass and laying down the law. But for bashing Al Davis and calling out some goofball for invoking the USMC’s “Semper Fi” slogan in a shameless attempt to rally fans into ignoring the BS going on with this team right now? Get real.
And, good luck trying to convince your members the team is not in complete shambles. Perhaps if your guys’ overall editorials on the team were a bit more honest, as opposed to the complete spin jobs they are, you wouldn’t have so many members quick to step up and say what needs to be said about this organization. Just a pointer.
January 29th, 2008 at 2:22 am
[...] Washington Raider wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by Washington Raider”Here’s ONLY a quick extractso not to be a downer. i read this every day but rarely post. i am a huge raider fan, but also a journalist and the comment that said why doesn’t al sue ESPN is ridiculous. i’m sorry, but don’t be ignorant. [...]
January 29th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Coach Kiffin:
An amazing thing happend, you had the overwhelming support of Raider Nation over the Godfather of that nation. We backed you, now it’s time for you to back us. I am not talking X’s and O’s but rather making a committment to the Raiders and meaning it. Whether that is for one year or ten. Yes yes that goes both ways and the organization should do the same towards you, but there is no controling certain individuals.
January 29th, 2008 at 4:03 am
[...] BK wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by BK”Here’s ONLY a quick extractRo, shhhhh. Come on, now. I’m trying to make my site seem like a legit fan site that enforces it’s rules without prejudice. I told you. You can shill for the team and rip the Al bashers all you want, breaking every rule with impunity. … [...]
January 29th, 2008 at 4:57 am
Why not package Lamont Jordan and Andrew Walter (who I think will be very good in the right system) together for draft picks? Or, if Sauders becomes OC, that might be an argument for keeping Walter. I have mixed feelings about Sauders … he knows the AFC West, runs a killer offense sometimes, but it’s also the most notoriously complicated system in the league. So we may be looking (if he’s hired) at yet another long transition for the whole offense to learn a new system with the world’s longest playbook. One it takes, though, that could really be something …
But for the continuing Ryan experiment, I agree with several posters here: draft on defense. Give Ryan some run stuffing DT’s and then we’ll see how the year goes.
Hope stability is returning Raider Nation and we can all move on.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:38 am
I read Saunders is talking with the Rams
January 29th, 2008 at 5:41 am
WHAT IF… Kiffin really did get the cart before the horse and “fired” Ryan. Al probably freaked out, 1. why didn’t you consult me 2. who the heck are you going to hire? My guess Kiff wanted the Tampa assistant and then figured out after the fact that he couldnt have him (due to his contract) 3. Al likes ryan
I do have a feeling that if Kiffin stays beyond next season and there is not a hugh improvement in the D Ryan will be gone.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Just a thought about the draft.
There’s been much talk about Chris Long with the Howie connection etc.
But we all know that one of the biggest tests for Mr Davis is how players look “getting off the bus.”
In this respect and maybe also in terms of total upside, I would think Al would be more interested in Calais Campbell, of Miami, than he would Long.
Campbell goes 6-8, 282, i.e. a Julius Peppers style of build.
Of course, there’s nothing to say Al will go D-Line.
He’s prolly had Lane Kiffin in his office whinging about us not having good enough corners to play the Al Davis defense.
Now, how might Al answer that?
If he thinks there’s a corner out there who has elite potential, Al may very well draft him and ignore all our more pressing needs.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:48 am
[...] NC Raider wrote a fantastic post today on “Comment on Lofton interview concludes by NC Raider”Here’s ONLY a quick extractWhy not package Lamont Jordan and Andrew Walter (who I think will be very good in the right system) together for draft picks? Or, if Sauders becomes OC, that might be an argument for keeping Walter. I have mixed feelings about Sauders … [...]
January 29th, 2008 at 6:04 am
imagine being the owner of a business that is not doing as well as it once had…
you understand that what is needed is a bright, young energetic manager who can get your business back on track…
you interview him and he is impressive… smart, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and respectful…
he agrees to come on board and turn things around…
and while you don’t agree with everything he has done… you can see that he has got the place moving in the right direction… not as quickly as you hoped… but definately in the right direction…
and you’re thinking… okay… we need to talk about this… make our plans for the next phase…
and then you discover he doesn’t view being a part of your organization as a long term situation… that he really is just padding his resume and looking for a better deal…
you’re thinking… hey… nobody knew about this kid until i found him… things get worse…
your customers are telling you to step aside and turn the whole thing over to him… he starts acting as though he no longer works for you and can do as he pleases including dealing with other management without consulting you…
and you see a situation slowly getting out of control…
you realize this kid can trash your company and walk away and you will be to blame…
so what do you do with a manager who is looking for a better job???
January 29th, 2008 at 6:15 am
I don’t get it. Why would JJ want to trade up for McFadden. Unless Fred Taylor retires or is traded I just don’t see it happenning.
January 29th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Florida Pete,
Good post. That’s probably closer to the truth of the situation than anyone is willing to admit. However, remember people have been calling for AL’s job for years. AL doesn’t care about these fair-weather screamers. As soon as were back on top they all will shut-up and go back to cheering AL and Raider as if these sown times never happen.
January 29th, 2008 at 6:39 am
i think Mr Davis is in a no win situation…
he will not get credit when the Raiders do well…
but he will definately get the blame…
January 29th, 2008 at 6:41 am
the faction of our raider nation that maintains “as soon as we’re back on top, all of the screamers will shut up and go back to cheering big al…..” are dreamers. you’re asking an increasingly lame (physically and mentally) 78 year old to bring energy and vitality to the job of building your castle without the aid of power tools. oh, and since his main talent is alienating others, he isn’t going to get good people to help him.
January 29th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I have followed the Raiders for 42 years.
Davis has acknowledged that he needs better players. He admitted as much when he stated that Kiffin’s knowledge of college talent was impressive and an important factor in his hiring.
The 2006 defense was a mirage created when opposing teams were rarely behind and played ultra conservative.
Kiffin is a talented guy, but for him not to see that is a big miss and a reason why he needs to work WITH Davis. Davis is an extremely knowledgable football man. You will never tell Davis what to do but he can be influenced. That is how you have to work with ANY boss.
Kiffin seemed to be doing pretty well with this concept until now. Kiffin should be focused on getting better defensive lineman. This is not a Rob Ryan/Keith Millard problem.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Aren’t you guys glad you bought into all this B.S. hype for the last week. You must have ADD or something if you think any of this Raiders speculation is anything more than media folks having nothing elso to talk about until the draft. Go to the beauty salon with your mother if you want gossip. I prefer to process things after they actually happen.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Winning cures all and AL knows how to win in the NFL. When we get back on top whether some that absolutely hate AL will give him credit won’t matter to AL. Being on top is credit enough. Just 5 years ago AL and the Raiders had the entire league and all the AL haters eating crow. We lose the Superbowl and out comes all the fairweather screamers whinning, crying and screaming about nothing. We can’t be on top all the time, but we’re still one the more successful franchises in the NFL. Some here act as if we’re the Arz.Cardinals or the Det.Lions.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:14 am
LMAO, This wasn’t fair weathered fans my friend, it was practically the whole Raider Nation except for the yes man. Nation backed kid Kiffin and I bet that just kills you Al athletic supporters, so you gotta try and degrade us.
I agree Al could not care less, fans are just necessary evils for him to make money off that are controlled by the media.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:15 am
To know that the Raiders will be back on top is no dream. To know that AL will have a guiding hand in that process is no dream. To think that a stubborn individual will admit that he/she is wrong especially when the topic concerns Big AL just might be a dream.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:21 am
When will the Raiders get back on top? If they do, people will give credit to the coach first, then Al. Kraft always get mentioned 2nd behind Belichick. If Al could handle that, Jon Gruden would still be our coach.
January 29th, 2008 at 7:23 am
LOL!!! Please. You’re trying to validate some obscure poll vote on a web page. Yeah, AL is shaking in his boots over that. And whether AL cares about the fans, I don’t know. But I do know that AL wants to win an