Looking for Lane in all the wrong places
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 pm in Oakland Raiders.
A few notes Saturday while seeing virtually every Raiders employee at the combine but Lane Kiffin:
– Yes, he’s here, according to Raiders assistants as well as a few league sources.
– Because of the agility demands of the Raiders zone blocking scheme, line coach Tom Cable estimated that two-thirds of the linemen are eliminated off the top.
“Maybe not quite that much if they lose a little weight,” Cable said.
– Chris Long’s first memory of Al Davis was trying to make sure the Raiders owner didn’t see him.
Long, the son of Raiders Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long and considered a lock to be among the top four picks in the draft, wanted to watch practice.
“Those were the rules,” Long said. “It was a no-visitation time . . . don’t tell Al Davis that happened.”
Long said he remembered eventually meeting Davis but hasn’t seen him since, and downplayed the significance of wearing Raiders colors as his father did.
“It would mean the same as playing anywhere else, honestly,” Long said. “It would be an opportunity to play in the NFL. Obviously there’s so much more to it there. I’m not afraid of any situation or any burden with the name. I’ve been dealing with this stuff my whole life. But obviously it will be taken to a new level in a place like that. It’s pressure, but I tend to welcome any pressure with open arms.”
– Perhaps it was just the last name on the back of his T-shirt, or maybe it was the protective boot on his left foot, at first glance I don’t like the chances of a Maryland center named Andrew Crummey.
Of course, the Giants took an offensive lineman named Guy Whimper last year and now he’s being fitted for a Super Bowl ring.
– No. 4 may be too high, but the Raiders might be intrigued by the pass rushing ability of Vernon Gholston. A former Ohio State teammate of Jay Richardson, Gholston can play standing up or with a hand on the ground and some scouts think he could be similar to Shawne Merriman of San Diego and DeMarcus Ware of Dallas in terms of immediate impact.
At 6-foot-3, 266 pounds, Gholston is smaller than Richardson, built more along the lines of Derrick Burgess.
Gholston thinks the New York Giants’ win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will only enhance the value of defensive linemen.
“I know how big the defensive line is. If yhou’ve got a front four that can control the game, you’re destined for championships,” Gholston said. “That was proven, the way they were able to take advantage of their speed and get to the quarterback.”
– With the Washington Redskins projected to be over the $116 million salary cap, V.P. of football operations Vinny Cerrato was all but ruling his team out of the running for top tier free agents.
“The price of what these guys are going to be paid is astronomical,” he said. “I don’t foresee us being a big player in free agency. I don’t think Dan’s plane is going to be fired up and ready to go. I think it’s going to be a relatively quiet start of free agency for us.”
– Penn State linebacker Dan Connor, who may be the lone inside linebacker to be taken in the first round, had a disciplinary issue in college normally associated with fifth-graders.
“I was going into my sophomore year and me and a couple of buddies were making prank phone calls and got found out,” Connor said. “It got back to coach Paterno, and he sat us down for three games. It was a tough experience, and we definitely learned our lesson.”
Connor said the calls weren’t malicious in nature.
“We were definitely joking,” Connor said. “We were doing impressions of the coaches, things like that.”
Legend has it that Rich Gannon wasn’t above a crank phone call to a rookie’s room during training camp. According to one story, Gannon called the room of one rookie and posed as a reporter, asking a few normal questions before finishing with an inquiry about a specific portion of the anatomy.
– Talked with a contracted scouting assistant named Don Pallotto, who comes to the combine each year and logs figures for the Raiders with Jon Kingdon. He also attends some college games, much in the manner of a bird dog baseball scout. Pallotto said the Raiders have such scouts in every city in the NFL.
– The Indiana Convention Center hallways were a mix of coaches, agents, reporters, autograph seekers and pint-sized gymasts. The center is also playing host to a youth gymnastics event.
Some of the kids getting autographs aren’t too discerning. A boy wearing a Purdue jersey and appearing about 10 years old got the NFL Network’s Adam Schefter to sign, then Sports Illustrated’s Peter King. When King asked him about his signatures, the boy said, “I just got Adam Sheffler.”
– Many agents attend the combine to procure workouts for clients who weren’t among the invited athletes.
Jason Dillard, a Sacramento-based agent, was passing out T-shirts with pictures and statistics for four players _ Fresno State running back/return specialist Clifton Smith, Washington defensive back Roy Lewis, Fresno State defensive bcak Damon Jenkins and UNLV defensive back Mil’von James.
Above the pictures and statistical capsules on the front of the shirt it says, `Have You Seen These Guys?” On the back it says “Missing.”
Dillard was giving shirts out to the media and informational flyers to coaches and scouts.
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February 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
First
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
SECOND
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
boring, keep looking for Lane and get some comments from him!
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Combine thoughts…wish the analyst or the combine folks would put up the athlete’s name each time he is running a drill.
J. Long is definitely a right tackle. Ryan Clady is the Pillsbury Doughboy. I missed Brandin Albert’s workout but was impressed with the center, Mike Pollack from Ariz. St.
More sure now that C. Long is gone before we pick.
No Kiffin anywhere, further indication that Lane is in AD’s doghouse. Hope not.
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Fifth
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Scince a loooon time I wanted to do that, my pick would be either Ellis, Dorsey or Long in that order
Go Raiders!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
7th
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
GET KIFFIN!
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Maybe Lane is just waiting to make a dramatic entrance.
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
lol
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Third!
Please stop this madness.
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Fashionably late it’s the Raider way
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
12!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
13! SUR
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
you posted at 14. not very smart.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Jake Long looks pretty good. I origianlly wanted no part of OL with the 1st pick…..now It wouldn’t be too bad. I still want D-line though.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Bo Jackson’s Hip
we will have no part of OL in the first round, unless it’s late in the first. I don’t think Al Davis has forgotten about Robert Gallery yet. We should get either DL, RB, or WR in the first round, i’m leaning toward DL for the DT position, but don’t forget Al’s history with drafting the “flashy” players
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Maybe Kiff is knocking a few back. Relaxation is as beneficial as spending twenty hours a day calculating every permutation of the dice and seeing it come up some number you did want. Work hard, take it easy.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
No sign of Kiffin?
Most peculiar Mamma.
Just win Baby.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Who for the second round??
felas
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
1. J Long or R Clady
2. Dre Moore or Red Braynt or Pat Simms
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
1st rd Ryan Clady or Jake long.
2nd rd: Kentwan Balmer or the best player that Grant mentioned.
Also the Idea of taking either Ellis or Dorsey could work with the Raiders grabbing Williams from Vandy, Sam Baker from USC, or Godser Cherilius from BC.
Either way they should take a DT and OT in the first two rounds. The premium would be in snagging a top tier LT like Clady or Long. The raiders defense is still ahead of the offense in its overall development. Gerrard Warren, Clemmons, Burgess, Tommy Kelly, and Jay Richardson are all solid football players. The Raiders have bigger needs on the O line. Sims, Mquistain, Mario Henderson, and the rest of the line up comprise one of the worst overall pools of talent at the Tackle position in the NFL. Clady or Long would instantly solidify the position even though they are sure to struggle in their rookie campaign.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Fire Kiffin
IDIOT……child
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
31st!
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I was impressed by the 37 reps Long put up. He only gave up two sacks in his career and one was to Gholston from Ohio st. I am still very skeptical about the overall talent pool from the Big Ten. I wonder how many sacks Long would have gave up against the DE/ pass rushing speed in the SEC.
I also remember the Trojans jail breaking on Henne in the 07 Rose Bowl when Long was a junior. I am assuming that his other surrendered sack came in this game when the Trojans were tattooing Chad Henne.
Overall I like Clady More. Who is faster?
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
It’s interesting that Tom Cable thinks that 2/3rds of the Offensive linemen prospects won’t work in the ZBS. I would really like to know his 1st, 2nd & 3rd pick for the OLT & C position. It is not the Jake Long types.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I really hope we get Ellis as our #1 pick. I’d like us to pick a 2nd DT, Red Bryant DT - Texas A&M as our 2nd pick. We need to stop any and all running games thrown at us and we need to be able to collapse the pocket up the middle via the rush of 4 players only. Ellis & Bryant would definitely raise hell up the middle. Kelley, Richardson, Clemons & Burgess should have a field day every week with Ellis & Bryant forcing up the middle.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
What we don’t really know is what we have in reserve on the practice squad. Are any of them worth talking about? Are any of them going to make the roster? We’ve picked up a couple (3) WR’s. What’s up with them? What about Henderson? Is he going to make it or not. Is he a OLT prospect? Just a lot of unanswered possibilities.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
There are going to talk about Lane Kiffins future on NFL Total Access starting at 4. I am waiting to hear what’s the latest and will post.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Adam Schefter says that Lane Kiffin is out of the loop with FA, coaching staff etc. So he thinks that there is still some problem wiht Al and Kiffin
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
He thinks Kiffin might be fired still given that Jerry Jones fired Jim Johnson close to the owners meeting
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Vicky
These are the same guys showing team needs. They have the raiders main need being a RB. These fools don’t have a clue regarding the S & B.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Agreed, JB.. But it is time that Kiffin and Davis address the situation sooner rather than later. Still there is no sign of Kiffin at the combine.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Sorry to Repost:
Jeez, they’re not gonna give up Rogers for a 4th round pick. The drafted him in the 2nd and other than being a pain in the ass, he has lived up to 2nd round status.
I’m a big Cal guy and I just don’t see Desean being a dominant pro. I feel he’s gonna be just like Ted Ginn Jr. or JL Higgins. The pro game is soooo different from the college game. All three of them could dominate at that level, here it’s totally different. Now Lavelle Hawkins….
There are a lot of good receivers we could get early in the 2nd round possibly Early Doucet, Andre Caldwell or Devin Thomas. But again if it were me I would draft defense first AND second round, select Duane Brown the LT from VA Tech in the fourth, he would be an excellent prospect for the zone scheme, and shoot for WR’s and playmakers in the ‘09 draft. JMHO.
That all being said, I really like Red Bryant from Texas A&M as well. I really feel there are going to be a couple of excellent defenders available at 4 + 35. Especially on the defensive line.
The two guys I’m thinking might be good pickups are Rashad Baker the safety we got from New England and Todd Watkins the WR we claimed from Atlanta. Those guys will be given every opportunity to contribute.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Mariuchi & Jamie the big guy is the only ones up there paying attention. Jamie noted that Oakland made many positive strides last year under Kiffin’s leadership.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Yes it is true and that’s why Al needs to address this situation soon. It is kind of vaague the way the off season has gone and there is no news from Kiffin.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I like Clady, but he played against waaaaaaaaaaaay worse competition then the Big 10. Joe Thomas came out of the Big 10, and Gallery may just go to a pro bowl as a G, don’t be surprised, all he has to do is cut out the penalties.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
How about Mike Holmgren as a Raider GM? He would seem to be a great prospect. Big Al, are you listening?
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
cables there watching the o-line. he will make the recomendations to kiff. after all its his system. makes scense if they dont fit why bother?
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Holmgren will be with the Whiners by this time next year.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Kiffin dosnt need to be ivolved until a list of the right fits are picked. hell be there for the offensive skill positions his area of expertise
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
involved he,ll spell and grammer check done. lol
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Mr. Raider is right. The position coaches will go over their info with the scouting department guys and then Kiff and Al and the top tier of the organization will make the “selections” to use the NFL term. Please don’t tell me We’re going back down this Kiff/Al/Ryan thing again are we????
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Forty Fourth!
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
much to do about nothin with this Kiffin stuff. Worst case scenario, he doesn’t have control of the defense this year.
All of the folks on offense are his people. WR coach was a needed upgrade, and who knows if Kiffin like Lofton or not, but at least he played the position at a hall of fame level, unlike Coe.
To think that he is out of the loop with his boy Marc Johnson in the front office is nuts.
How could Kiffin be angling for a college job, AND planning to change the defensive staff? Al is not that senile yet to be mad at him over media rumors.
Resigning Fargas and Clemmons are surely Kiffin approved moves.
Sure Kiffin could have been a bit disrespectful in Al’s eyes on some level and been “enlightened” on the pecking order. But so what? Is that enough for either one of them to want to take their ball and go home? I think not.
Ryan will get another year with an infusion of talent at D line with Clemmons, a healthy Kelly, and the #4 pick. And surely we’ll pick up a SS moving Huff to FS..
Also, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Fabes and/or Burgess traded, depending on what’s offered 2nd or 3rd round picks might get it done.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
how many other head coaches havent been seen a complete list would be the responsible thing to do not try to reaffirm adams speculation from the senior bowl
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
al and kiff have probally going over free agents likes/dislikes to improve the raiders
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Schefter also said on the same report today, 45 minutes ago or so that Kiffin didn’t interview with Lofton and basically knew nothing about it.
Every report at the time had both Kiffin and Knapp sitting down with Lofton for a few hours.
”Kiffin…..was the primary person interviewing James Lofton for a coaching job for five hours or so Monday.
Kiffin was joined by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in interviewing Lofton for an unspecified position.
Noticeably absent was Davis. He arrived toward the end of the process but only to exchange greetings with Lofton, who starred for the Raiders at wide receiver in 1987 and ‘88.”
Steve Corkran, cctimes.
So, who´s lying here? Corkran or Schefter?…
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Sheftner is a pompous a$$
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:04 pm
And we all know Al is going to get in front of the camera at some point. He’ll just do it on his schedule, and no one elses.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I don’t blame Kiffin for not talking to any of those media A-ho!es they will just spin his answers to suite themselves
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Even if Jerry finds Kiffin I doubt he will say much. He is not the same kid trying to get a cup of coffee with Shanahan anymore, giving expansive answers on his football philosophy. The best jerry is going to get is: Yes we took a look at him, sure we have needs that we are going to address, there is no controversy, and blah blah blah. All this adds up to the Raiders draft Ellis!
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Good point Mr. Raider. The media at large hasn’t exactly done Kiffin any favors during his tenure.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
You can count on this, Kiffin WILL NOT be the coach here this coming season,..he will be gone very soon,…and that retard who typed about Kiffins boy Marc Johnson, first of all I believe its Jackson, hes a nobody in Alameda,..writes contracts for Trask,…but believe me, Kiffin is gone.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
BHP are you out there?
Bob Marley, what is your gut feeling with the Kiffin- AD situation?
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Hey Bob Marley,..whos lying between Corkran and Sheffter?…first of all Steve Corkran is a loser, doesnt even go to home games,..gets his info for his lousy articles from the local news…so far, Sheffter has been dead on with all things Raiders.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
How in the hell did Shefter ever get his job in the first place? Was hating on Oakland the basis for his hire? Man, I wish these people were accountable for the nonsense, inaccuracies and misinformation they spew. Then again, the President isn’t.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Alameda Insider Says:
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
You can count on this, Kiffin WILL NOT be the coach here this coming season,..he will be gone very soon,…
****************************************************
Your the retard who wont be back when yur wrong
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Jerry McDonald…
You have said before that you are pals with Steve Corkran and that you respect him very much.
Can you find out if there´s anything to what Schefter just said on-air?.
You can either confirm Schefter´s report which would be very troubling or you could do us all a favor and call Schefter out on his BS.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
alameda the winer blog is calling dont use all of your crap on this sight
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Alameda
Lost and found,dude…get lost
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
alameda=loser
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Bob Marley,..first of all Jerry doesnt read posts from his blog….but I can help you,..Corkran hasnt a clue whats going on with the Raiders,..Sheffter does for sure….believe whatever Adam says with regards with the Raiders,..ask yourself, has he ever been wrong?…(no)
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
alameda what are the lotto numbers next wed, know it all I bet you are a winer or chief fan
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Alameda=loser?…you mean the Raiders right?..thats where they reside,..and I agree they are losers,..the worst record over the past few years…so yes your right, they are losers,..hopefully that will change…but I doubt it,..but Al Bundy, you are either stupid, or uneducated,…your typing/spelling skills are that of a 2nd grader.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Alameda Insider..
It´s real easy, you just said Kiffin won´t coach this season and that he´ll be gone ”very soon”.
I can wait a few days and see if you and Schefter are correct or full of it.
Fair enough uh?.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Al Bundy,..you wouldnt need lottery numbers if you werent such a loser. Only people with loser jobs, poor people who are uneducated like you, people who didnt think of their future,..you see Bundy, losers like you who have low paying dead end jobs and watch Married with children, look at the lottery as your only way to succeed,…but forget it, you will always be a loser.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
No problem Bob Marley,..but believe me it will happen,..for the record I want Kiffin to be around for about ten years and about 3 Superbowl rings….but as you know, Al Davis is determined to not let this team succeed again,..for reasons I cannot figure out.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Good evening Marley, thanks for passing along info today.
My guess is that anyone posting as an Insider is doubtless very far from it.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Rob Ryan was on the Radio saying everything is all good. He said Kiffen is not going anywhere and that Mr. Davis plays with the media.
Kiffin will not be fired this year.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Then again, what does it matter anyway.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Those who speak do not know.
Those who know do not speak.
Lao Tzu
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
alameda=racist,bigot,trash
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
alameda will make excuses for his crummy life and wont be back
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
You know, I just find it funny that back in late January when things ‘’settled down”, I distinctly recall Schefter saying something along the lines of:
”Remember, last year Mary Schottenheimer was not fired until February 13th, so we might not have heard the last word on the Raiders and Lane Kiffin”.
It´s Feb 23 today, and Schefter breaks out the: ”Remember, Jerry Jones fired Jimmy Johnson during the March owner meetings, so, we might not have heard the last word regarding the Raiders and Lane Kiffin”.
I´m sure somewhere along the 80 year or so history of Pro Football a coach was fired in April, May or even June….and I´m sure Adam Schefter will be reminding us about it in case Lane Kiffin is still coaching the Raiders at the time.
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
And when the season starts he’ll remind us of Shanarat.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Marley Esq., perhaps Shefter has a pseudonym by-line at the Enquirer to supplement the handouts he gets from Bronco headquarters.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Davis/Kiffin/Rysn old news still no basis for reports
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Irsay owner of the Colts was watching the combine today. No sign of Al Davis. OOOOHHH NOOOOO
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Should we prepare for Rob Ryan as head coach, Lofton as OC and Martindale as DC.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Listen the facts are that Kiffin and Knapp interviewed Lofton. Those are the facts. I keep telling you guy’s this stuff is just the media trying to figure out the Raiders and it has nothing to do with what’s really going on in the front office. Jerry included. And that’s not a knock against Jerry it’s just that Kiffin got burned and is having no more of it. He has a team to run and that’s what he’s doing his responsibilities are to get this thing turned around and he just doesn’t have the time to deal with rumors wether we like it or not. He has to do his job and that’s it.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Amen….
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Bob
Let me piggy back to your post #66.
I don’t want to revisit the past, but as I recall the first we heard of Kiffin interest in the Arkansas job was on ESPN by Todd McShay, their college draft guy.
The story a few days later was on “around the league” by Adam Schefter, on the NFL network who repeated the story.
My memory has the story with stronger legs becomes large in the media when Chris Mortensen, ESPN cites sources of the situation and interest by Kiffin.
The story continues when the sources tell him “Kiffin” was overheard slamming doors and upset over the hiring of Petrino to the Arkansas job.
The media when the Petrino story died down and ended collabrated the story about Kiffin wanting to leave and we know how it grew and grew after that.
So today Schefter reports that Lofton was not interviewed by Kiffin.
Jerry Mac reports to us that he had sources as well as John Herrerra, reports the interview was conducted by Kiffin, and as you know Knapp was involved to.
Say what you want about Steve Corkran, he is a beat reporter for the Raiders and has better sources than most.
Schefter today with all eyes on the combine with the NFL ratings increasing throws out this rumor or truth for the many viewers watching.
The NFL cable network is only picked up by certain Cable providers, Direct TV others.
NFL network has a small subscriber base.
How do you create a story or mystery than bring up a report with no sources and promote the combine.
You hope other media outlets pick it up and write about the story and draw interest to your network.
Who wants to hear and see only big and small guys lift weights and run a forty without no gossip.
Draw interest and viewership all knowing that the Raiders will not comment as they have for years.
Has ESPN sourced out the story, or said as much.
Schefter receives always the credit for the Art Shell prediction of his firing, I got that one right to, that offense we ran and record, anybody could see that happening.
I have a response to why any company or in this case Raiders don’t respond at another time to rumors by the media.
Also a blogger said “Schefter get a lot right” what has he said to give him the title of “right”
Name other stories or rumors he got right and remind me please.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
kiffin spotted no comment new blog
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
BHP…thanks and in the future I will not be concerned with what the media says, now if I can just convince my son to do the same. Just Ignore Them Baby!
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
[...] the Raiders system. I haven’t noticed any other players that fit that mold, and I’m thinking Tom Cable agrees. Because of the agility demands of the Raiders zone blocking scheme, line coach Tom Cable estimated [...]
February 23rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
87th
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
88
February 24th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Vernon Gholston and every other person who is talking about the Raiders’ need at DE didn’t watch the same SB I watched. The most important part of the G-man pass rush against the Patsies and St. Tom was NOT from the DEs — it was UP THE MIDDLE.
Whether it was dawging LBs, blitzing secondary personnel, or a just a great push from the DTs, St. Tom’s problem was that there was nowhere to step up to. (The fact that the Patsies lost their starting RG also seems to not be mentioned in this context.
The Patsie OTs were used to just pushing guys upfield, and St. Tom was used to sliding a little and stepping up to buy time. Getting your C and Gs knocked back into you doesn’t allow the QB to stepp up, and instead turns him right into where the DEs should be.
As few sacks as the Raiders got last year, the problem was that we couldn’t stop the run, and gave up too many yards on draws, screens and dumpoffs. We got gashed up the middle, and had no discipline against misdirection, cutbacks, or plays to the outside (DEs get suckered the wrong way, out of their lanes). When we should have gotten coverage sacks, even non-running QBs found big lanes because the D-line (Burgess, in particular) was nowhere near their respective pass rush lanes.
Given Gholston’s liability at the point of attack, unless we’re going 3-4, he’d be an expensive toy that doesn’t begin to address our real problems.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Dang! Raiders/Athletics/Wariors = RAW beat me to it. I’ve always wanted to be 88.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Dead Last
February 24th, 2008 at 9:37 am
[...] Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins’ new Vice President of Football Operations, yesterday: The price of what these guys are going to be paid is astronomical,” he said. “I [...]
February 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
If you are not a raider fan. Then y do u come in here?
The Raiders r the greatest.
Just wait !!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 6:05 am
951st!!!
Keep Al, Kif and Ryan right where they are! We’re on the way back!
Give me Dorsey1 Deshaun Jackson2 then consider Safety and Linemen left in the draft. Only exception is if you can get a deal for 85 Cinci or 11 Detroit
Just Win Baby!
We all saw what the Mich line did against Oregon and SC and it looked bad… While funny… Bad…
February 25th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I personally am starting to think we should draft Gholston. He is the total package and will be able to play the run better than Burgess IMO. Gholston can also play standing up so IF Ryan can actually become creative enough on certian downs he can have Jay Rich and Burgess at the ends and bring in Gholston as the elephant OLB standing up in certian packages to confuse offenses. In the 2nd round we can get a true run stuffing DT like Red Bryant ot Trevor Laws if need be. Or get a WR like Doucett for JMarc.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Bird,
I think Gholston would bring plenty to our defense. Ghoslton is strong and explosive and I don’t think he is very weak at the point of attack as some say. He showed up nicely in the game against LSU…the numbers weren’t great but he was doing his job….hurrying the QB disrupting passing lanes sliding out against the run and disrupting running lanes. He is a beast and I would love to have him on team. The thing about Ellis is that he gets washed alot of the time against the run.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
97th
February 25th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
want chris long or mcfadden
February 25th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
gonna notch 100
February 25th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
yes