Hurry up and weight
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, March 9th, 2008 at 3:50 pm in Oakland Raiders.
You may have noticed in a CNN-SI column by Don Banks a rather heavy reference to quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
“At this point, quarterback is again a concern, because no one knows if JaMarcus Russell is ready to take over the starting job. There are rumors that he’s close to 300 pounds and not exactly prepared for his close-up,” Banks writes.
Russell’s weight was indeed a topic of interest in the hallways (plus the restaurants and bars) of the NFL scouting combine, where both information and gossip are generously doled out.
The highest estimate I heard was 320 pounds, and assumed it was only in half-seriousness, someone exaggerating for effect.
The reason I never mentioned it was I never spoke with anyone who had actually seen Russell. It was always from someone who saw someone who talked to someone else. I couldn’t even begin to trace the validity.
By contrast, I had no problem writing about the issues between Lane Kiffin and Al Davis because I had talked to people with direct knowledge of the situation, even if they weren’t comfortable being quoted as a source.
Russell could be a svelte 250 or a porky 275. In the limited clips I’ve seen of Russell his clothes are too baggy to determine what kind of shape he is in.
When Russell was hidden from view last year during the contract stalemate, stories tended to take on a life of their own. Remember how Russell’s family didn’t want him playing in Oakland? Something about not enough pass protection. That story went away as soon as the contract was finally finished.
One area of at least minor concern is that so few people have seen him. I’ve talked to a player or three who work out in Alameda, and none of them have seen Russell. They have no idea what kind of shape he is in but are extremely curious to find out.
I talked to someone else in the organization whose business it would be to know Russell’s current level of conditioning, and got nothing but a shrug. Didn’t have a clue.
What would any of us do in our early 20s with a sudden guarantee of $31 million? Buy a lot of nice things. And a lot of good food.
You’d hope Russell will arrive at the post-draft minicamp having undergone a Warren Sapp-like transformation in terms of weight and conditioning, sending a message that he is ready to assume his role as the starting quarterback and is a serious and dedicated professional.
Russell is compared with Daunte Culpepper, but he was no more like Culpepper last year in terms of body type than a pillow is like a rock.
Considering the financial investment the Raiders made, you’d hope it included a fulltime trainer and nutritionist, and that Russell shows up at the postdraft minicamp with six-pack abs and a loose-fiitting uniform.
And if Russell has been living the good life, he still has plenty of time to get there.
Hall and Pacman
ESPN’s Michael Smith linked the Raiders with DeAngelo Hall, and the Tennessean had Oakland inquiring about Pacman Jones.
If that’s the case, I guess the whole “character” and locker room issues which were so big with Kiffin last season have been pushed to the background.
Of course, it’s entirely possible the Raiders are being floated as an interested party by agents trying to drum up interest who know they won’t publicly refute the claim. It’s something that has been going on for years.
I say bring ‘em both in. And throw Ricky Williams in while you’re at it.
My son needs a project for the science fair, and this chemistry lesson could be just the ticket.
Free agent lull
The only reason I mention it is because the last time I didn’t post for a couple of days and proclaimed a lull, Javon Walker and Kwame Harris were signed the next day.
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March 9th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
go Raiders
March 9th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
second…
March 9th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Damn….so close to the top!!!
March 9th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Thanks Mr McDonald.
Jamarcus should’nt be lost in all of this off-season business. I’m really pullin for the kid, hoping he has a great season.
Any word about anyone else?? What’s Mike Bush up to?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Finally a new post
March 9th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Please ignore the idiot troll
March 9th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
FINALLY!!!!!!!!
March 9th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I would agree with your take on all of the stories on JR’s alleged weight, Jerry. Assuming we err on the side of caution, and take the position that JR is close to 300 pounds. As long as he shows up to camp in shape and ready to play, what difference does it make? It’s only March…
Pacman Jones has already stated that he wants to play for the Cowboys…there was a time when Pacman would have been the MELLOW ONE of the group during the team’s first run in Oakland…the league now has made it too expensive for teams to just look the other way…even if a team were to just ignore the police blotter now, the league has made it clear that it WILL NOT…so the point is moot…
don’t get guys who need the police to get them to act like adults…it’s just not worth it…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
That was one of the chief concerns, if not THE chief concern about Jam. he has the tendency to balloon in the off seasons. I can’t say I’ve seen him.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
i don’t see why the raiders wouldn’t want to make a play for hall or jones. in my opinion, the whole debate about “character issues” is bull. hall and jones are 2 of the best corners in the game and any team would be only too lucky to have either of them.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Oh, and again, just for the record…Dorsey or Ellis with our 1st round pick. Stop the run, or start getting used to 4-6 win seasons…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
wasnt that the same concern last year b4 the draft at the combine, all what matters is how you show up in camp.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
why do we keep talking about corners, we a great pass D, we need help on stopping the run.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
That is a huge concern. I hope this kid is serious and comes to camp in shape. With that kind of money he should have a full time chef and trainer during the off-season. It is your JOB now. Don’t jack it up by being a C-Wood and just getting by on your god given ability. Talent is a mirage….the great ones have the ability but add to that uncommon effort and determination. I hope JRuss decides to be one of the greats!
March 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Of course Desert Jerry is talking to agents, so as he says, agents say EVERYONE is interested in their clients. Didn’t Barry Bonds agent say 25 teams were interested in him earlier this year??? Yeah, right. He still remains unsigned.
You bring up a good point about franchises taking chances with problem guys. The league steps in and you are screwed. I don’t see too many questionable guys coming in here. Javon was a bit of a reach but the need waaaaay to great to ignore. I don’t see alot of problem guys coming here. And Dmac may be in that lot.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Myraiders–the character issue may be “bull” to you, but remember–Pacman Jones was suspended for a whole season WITHOUT BEING CONVICTED OF ANYTHING. That’s the BIGGEST difference between the NFL of yesteryear and TODAY–Roger Goodell made that point VERY CLEAR when he decided to suspend Pacman. He will let NOBODY kill the golden goose the multi-BILLION dollar machine known as the NFL…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Who cares about JR weight, its a gosip, lets talk about the draft
Ellis 1st
Baker or a WR on 2nd
Al Davis Guts has spoken
March 9th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
My point exactly Oakglenn–it has now become too cost prohibitive to take a chance on a kid that may end up being suspended by the league…there goes your multi-million dollar investment…sitting at home playing Madden Football instead of the real thing…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Yeah lets talk about the same Draft needs that has been talked about over and over and over…at least the Russel issue is something new.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Hello, what about the draft
March 9th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Sounds like more media B.S. No one’s seen him, so how would they know and why would they care. It sounds like another obvious conspiracy by the Media/N.F.L. to denigrate the Raiders. If not, then let’s see the proof.
Also, I like the way Jason Jones of the Sac Bee broke down the Walker deal. Yeah, a lot of money, but …..which translates to only about 2 and a half million against the cap this year.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
im tired of all the negativity from the media, we over spent, JR is not in shape, the coaching issue, this bla that bla, bla bla bla.
what there not a single good thing going on? cmon .
a reporter job is to report the news and be objective , otherwise he is just a writer, writting his own opinions.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
It’s funny that the rumors have him around 300 lbs. My biggest concern with him when he was drafted was his weight. Then I saw an interview with he and Brad Quinn before the draft. The interviewer asked both of them what they will do when they get their money; Quinn answered first and said he would buy his mom a house, etc. etc.. Meanwhile, JR thought he was answering first so he threw his fists forward to expose the “bling” on each wrist, but quickly retracted and covered them up after hearing Quinn’s statements. When it was JR’s turn to answer, he said exactly what Quinn did.
My point…Had JR answered first, his response would’ve been “these were my first purchase”, referring to the jewlery of course. After seeing this interview I called a buddy and asked if he saw it, we both agreed that the kid is going to have serious issues in the off season with staying focused and keeping to the books.
I DO care what he weighs in the off season as it is a direct reflection of character. If he goes 295 in the o/s then shows up at 270, his body is going to be in recovery mode all the time and that’s not healthy, nor is the frame of mind to just be lazy.
Of course we don’t know any of the facts yet so I can’t make much judgement. But for me, that interview wasn’t a good first impression.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
What about Bush? has he been working out? Trying to get ready?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Maybe someone over at the Trib needs to do some investigative reporting…in this day of YouTube and the Internet, I’m surprised some media type hasn’t just posted up an interview of JR for all to see and hear…only one way to confirm this rumor…let’s see the kid…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
#17
I care more about his weight then projecting the draft for the umpteenth time.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
No doubt, BJ’s hip…I’d rather read about the progress of Michael Bush rather than this unverifiable rumor whether JR is close to 300 or not…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
why isnt anyone asking about A Walter, and why didnt he get a chance to play last season. i like that kid a lot. he is a gun slinger. i blame kiffin for that.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Oh well…nothing to see here…move along…check back for a new post topic…later Nation…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Last year after we finally signed JR everyone was talking about his work ethic and how much extra time he was spending watching game film and so on and so forth - I dont buy into him being overweight til I c it with my own eyes -
March 9th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
My wife is asking for a beatdown…..just kidding. But seriously she is a smart ass!
March 9th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
A Walter, M Bush, JLH, three good players with nothing to show for last season, and people like kiffin.
lets forget the moss trade. also kiffin, we srtugled at the QB position but no AW, JLH 6 or 7 catches for the season why. why wasnt he in the slot mre, also kiffin.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
and on top of all that he wants to fire people. i say fire kiffin.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I like Kiffin. Give someone more than a year to implement his system with his type of players. Not trying a new coach and system every year.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I heard Deangelo Hall will cost a 2nd round pick - Im would rather keep Routt/Washington and our 2nd round pick - Can’t give up a Zach Miller type of 2nd rounder
March 9th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I just hope the team has someone keeping an eye on J Russ in the off-season. He should not take offense.
Of course it was hindsight, but I was genuinely surprised that the team did not have someone (e.g., a junior front office type, or a training staff intern) carry a cell phone and follow B Rob that Super Bowl week in San Diego. They knew he had a history and it’s no secret that the Super Bowl is a pressure cooker (witness the Bengals FB who went AWOL a few years before that).
Protect your investments. Everyone deserves respect, but trust is earned.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
The JR news just hit Rotoworld and PFT. You can bet PFT will have the Paparazzi on the hunt for a pic. Maybe the nuissance of the camera guys will be reason enough for him to monitor his weight…if it’s even an issue.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
#34 bo what is it that you like about him?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
on JR ill believe it when i see it.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
TrueRaider - Do you feel the team improved last season?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
“Myraiders–the character issue may be “bull” to you, but remember–Pacman Jones was suspended for a whole season WITHOUT BEING CONVICTED OF ANYTHING. That’s the BIGGEST difference between the NFL of yesteryear and TODAY–Roger Goodell made that point VERY CLEAR when he decided to suspend Pacman. He will let NOBODY kill the golden goose the multi-BILLION dollar machine known as the NFL…”
good point, but i think what will kill the golden goose is not individual players getting into trouble with “the law” but goodell’s continuing alienation of the average NFL fan via unaffordable ticket prices, the NFL Network, increased commercial breaks, etc.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Maybe it is because he followed such a horrible coaching job in the Shell/Walsh year, but he had a direction and they showed much improvement. He got rid of dead weight and started to focus on being accountable and being disciplined. He also made the team look like it had a clue on offense for awhile. He did enough to get me excited to see where he could take this team. Of course he is young and made some mistakes, but that is understandable. I would like to see him have a couple years to make some headway…
March 9th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
D no we still cant stop the run.
offense we were 6th in total rushng do to cable and knapp, not kiffin and were 23rd in passing, less than 150 yards a game, what do you think?
we won 2 more games than we did with art amnd mr. B & B. is that improvement, i dont think so bro.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I like Kiffen because he had the team playing four quarters. They came to play, they were in most every game, and they didn’t quit. They also had good schemes on offense and could move the ball.
He also played to win. He had guts going on fourth downs in the first San Diego game. He didn’t wait until the game was out of reach. He did it to give us a chance to win.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
anything will look better after mr B&B and art.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
i like knapp and cable, but not kiffin.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
If you think record is the only way to see improvement, you are wrong. Of course it will come down to wins and losses eventually, but the team was WAY better this last year. If after a couple years we don’t see those wins then I can see for changing directions. It took Dungy a couple years to turn the Bucs around…the owners had faith in him and he changed the losing culture.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
when you have agood run game like we did do to knapp and cable we should have opened the passing game more, less than 150 yards passing a game is sorry man. and thats kiffin.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Kiffin was just a rook last year himself.
Of course he made some mistakes, we should expect that.
He’ll hit his stride in year 3, and if WE’RE lucky he’ll be a Raider. Keep all of the same coaches, give them 3 years and we’ve got a contender.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I credit Kiffen for bringing in Cable. A move to ZBS did not happen in spite of him, it happened because of him. Kiffen had the reins for the offense.
The expectation was that the defense would take care of itself. When that did not happen, Kiffen obviously started thinking big picture on the defensive strategy and who could coordinate a Tampa-type system.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Who brought in Knapp and Cable? Kiffin did.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
BJH, i wrote this last nite, the thing about kiff is the team improved thruout the year. they did play hard in the end. You can’t expect a team with a new head coach, new system, new QB’s, new line coach, new blocking schemes to come out of the gate and tear everyone up. It’s not realistic. What you DO want to see tho is week to week improvement. I think we saw that, hence why Kiffs being retained. None of us are happy about 4-12, but that just shows how bad the franchise fell. 4-12 and we’re willing to give the coach a mulligan.
TrueRaider, Walter didn’t fit the system Kiff designed. He wants a much more mobile guy ala McCown or his first choice Jeff Garcia. Jam is mobile for a big guy so he’s ok. Walter is a pocket passer. Not a fit here.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
TrueRaider - Kiffin picked Cable and Knapp. Kiffin didn’t pick Rob Ryan. Not stopping the run is solely on Rob Ryan, unlike Cable and Knapp. Ryan runs his own show because Kiffin knows that’s Al’s boy. Cable and Knapp are Kiffin’s boys who where hired due to Kiffin’s philosophy. Run game was improved, Passing game had an actual concept but we lack talent on the O-line. Not Kiffin’s fault. He played the cards he was dealt. If he can’t produce with talent, then I’d call him a bum. But for you to say that you don’t see improvement is crazy.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
bo, you are right, records dont mean alot, buthow were we better because of him and not knapp and cable?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
My only question is if Russell has the body type that can carry 300lbs?
Judging by how he looked last year, it seems like most of his weight is in his thighs and legs, and his upper is slim by comparison. If he filled out up top, that could certainly put him close to 300.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
great points, i love it.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
And did the Boldin deal ever come through?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Russell doesnt have the desire to hack it in the NFL. Another one of ALs measurables picks that ignored obvious red flags about the guys character. Russell wanted to get paid, and AL gave him $30 million.
At least the Raiders still have another 6′6″ QB on the roster who we know for sure isnt up to 300 pounds. Of course Andrew Walter will rot on the bench just like Beurlein while ALs strong armed wonder JaMarcus does his best Marc Wilson/Jay Schroeder impersonation.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
He thought he had a Defense who would win him games. He played it conservatively and ran the ball. The defense wasn’t as good as advertised….hence more losses than wins. I believe he alluded to this fact in one of his press conferences. Plus by the way, our QB’S and WR’S weren’t very good. Kiffin’s 1st order of business was to change the mindset, let the D win some games and bring the O along slowly as he aquired talent and developed JR.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Man, a 300lb QB!
We should line up with TE’s in the backfield and run it on every play.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Why didn’t the Raiders try and sign Tank Williams or Coy Wire to play SS?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I agree, we need to see JR to make any assumption of his current weight. But, I am worried that w/ the hold out, no training camp and the extended time on the bench last year, that he may not have as easy a time shedding 30-40 pounds as he might have in the past, but he’s only 23. With that being said, I’m not into a weight number, but more of a how’s his strength, flexibility and stamina? Every game he appeared in last year, he seemed to be sucking wind after the 2nd or 3rd play, but it also could have been nerves.
I got to say though, the JAX game when he was upended out of bounds and landed on his neck/head and shrugged it off, made me think he was way more athletic than he looks w/ the baggy uni.
Ultimately, i don’t care if he looks like Tarzan, as long as he don’t play like Jane…
Cheers!
March 9th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
i respect all the opinions you wrote, and i 100% agree with point made about Ryans D, we cant stop the run in a run happy divsion, how can we win.
but i still dont like kiffin or the way he coaches and i dont like Ryan too.
i think both should be fired. i just feel sorru for JR how many playbooks is this kid going to see?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
One more thing…what if the deal with the Cowboys included Roy Williams?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
There will always be rumors about Russell’s weight unless he makes it a point to silence them
March 9th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
it doest matter if he’s 400 pounds he still gets paid the same and thats all that most kids care about getting paid
March 9th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
what are peoples thoughts on our first round pick? keep it or trade it? and if we trade it would you prefer it was for a proven vet or more picks?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
and why compare us with last season under art and B&B, why not compare to the 2 years we had Norv, can you say we improved copare to those 2 years?
March 9th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
ToozFan: Thanks for giving us some “big ain’t bad” perspective from the boys in the pits!
J Russ is just starting to hit the time of life when it gets much harder to work back into top shape if you let yourself go for months at a time.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
True Raider - I respect your opinions as well. I just don’t agree that we haven’t improved. I question some of Kiffin’s coaching tactic but he’s got to improve like most young coaches. Al had to hire someone that would actually come here…on the cheap no less.
Most coaches that are given the chance at this level have been in the league for a while, or, where head coaches at the collegiate level. Kiffin was neither. He was a co-coordinator and talent scout. For him to take over an NFL team with limited talent and manage to make us competitive is a testament to him, and him only.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
because anything and anyone woild be an iprovement over last year, last year was a joke.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
kiff at least seems to have a plan
March 9th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
OK TrueRaider,
You don’t like Kiffin. Good for you.
Move on…
March 9th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
i would like to see him get a chance to see it through
March 9th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
at this point i dont think anyone knows if kiff has it or not. i just think he earned the chance to find out
March 9th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Let’s compare to Norv Turner if you wish:
Norv Turner in Oakland = 4-12
Norv Turner in San Diego = 12-4
Oakland Pro Bowlers = Shane Lechler
S.D. Pro Bowlers = L.T., Merriman, Gates, etc., etc.
Point is; Kiffin called a spade a spade when he made the statement about us not having enough talent to get it done. Plug Kiffin’s philosophy and style of coaching in at San Diego (with superior talent and Ted Cottrell’s Super Bowl winning defensive philosophy) and tell me what you end up with.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Assassin you have a point he is new to the nfl as a head coach, and thats why i didnt want him.
as to your point about coaches not wanna go to the raiders, you are right, they dont wanna coach for AL, but what about Green, and others cant we pay alot money, same as we are doing with free agents, pay coaches alot and they shall come.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
i dont know if boldin would be a great addition for us cause of health issues. the kid is a monster and he play the game the it should be played all out all the time but we already have a guy who could be great if he stays healthy
March 9th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
* S.D. was 11-5, my bad.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Until someone actually see’s JR I’m ignoring all this gossip. Banks is a tool and we all know his thoughts with anything to do with the Raiders, cannot remember the last time he said anything positive
March 9th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
True Raider - For the sake of this blog we should end the Kiffin discussion as the horse has been kicked way to many times in here.
Let’s just agree to disagree for now. We’ll pick it up during the season.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
true raider….another point about the passing game, in a direct interview of kiffin he said they had to play it close to the vest and not open up the game plan for several reasons, pass protection, time of possesion, and protecting the defense which was supposed to be better. Was a very good reason when I read it at the time, and you could see it was a part of the game plan. At least he has a vision, give it 3 years and im sure we all will be happy
March 9th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Well said Jerseyraider. Boldin is supreme talent when healthy…as is Javon Walker, who’s already on the roster. I still don’t understand why Bryant Johnson hasn’t been signed.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
you got it.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Thanks Assassin.
I could’nt figure out how to say it.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
It is absolutely absurd to say the Raiders were not improved from 06-07. The offense in 06 was unwatchable. It may have been the worst I have ever seen period and I am not just talking Raiders. Kiffin took essentially the same people and some leftovers from other teams and patched together the 6th best rushing offense in the NFL. Because both McCown and Culpepper had accuracy and other issues and because the line had not become proficient in pass blocking until near the end of the season - the passing game came and went and was among the worst in the NFL but what do you expect?
In 06 the team was litterally lucky to get those two wins. By all rights they should have been 0-16. In a couple of games they got some tip balls that NA and others were able to field and put themselves in postion to win against the steelers in one game. In 07 this team could have easily been 7-9 and were in a lot of games. Really only four games where they were beat soundly and only a couple of blowouts. Does anyone remember the 1st and last games of 06? - either the people making the comments do not remember or they are just being provactive.
Bottom line Kiffin insituted a system, brought in quality NFL caliber assistants, brought Porter back from the dead, and patched together a team without many tools being given to him. If the defense whould have stayted above average in yards etc… this team could of easily been 8-8 but since defense dropped back to bottom tier and worst against run in many ways we were 4-12.
If Kiffin is fired we will go back into hibernation and lose another three years. I hope Al takes his medication when he is thinking this through! I actually respect AD and think of him of one of the better owners over the last 40 years but even AD needs to delegate when you get that old!
March 9th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I’ve told you guys boldin and/or Fitzgerald arent coming here. Don’t even think about it. That lame rumour came from Alameda Insider. He’s another troll that maddenraider the first troll brought in to eff with everything. Don’t ever pay attention to them.
Assassin is right. Last year Every single coach and scout in the NFL thought the Raiders roster was void of talent. I can’t say I didn’t disagree. Some posters here think we’re loaded with pro bowlers. I think we drafted well last year, a couple of guys came around and we did pretty well in the free agent market right now. It is ESSENTIAL we have another good draft, starting with the defensive line.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
TrueRaider - I appreciate the courtesy.
Saintkaufman - You’re welcome. It’s no dis-respect to TrueRaider, I just didn’t want the blog to get bogged down in statistics as it has before on this topic.
True Raider - What else ya got? What’s your take on Mike Bush’s morale going into this season with both Fargas and Rhodes re-signing?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
what do guys think about warren and sands as NTs?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
HEY Jerry Mac….if, a big IF you have someone talking to you with the team that is privy bout the whole kiffin davis thing, HOW BOUT….a update, where it stands?? some actual insider reporting? OH IC easier to talk down the team, we understand man
March 9th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
he is still unproven in the nfl, so as far as morale shouldnt be effected much. plus rhodes is alost 30 and fargas gets injured alot.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
i think hell get chanse to prove himself in pre seasn.i like that kid alot good footing for someone that big.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
It had to be brutal for Michael Bush to start another offseason cold. He was doing all the right things ever since we picked him.
I trust Bush understands that Fargas and Rhodes are in the same mold, and that Bush will get lots of carries as the beast in the backfield.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Kiffin has exploded to over 320 pounds! Holy Crap!
March 9th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Oakglenn - Thanks for the kudos…..
I kind of feel like the mometum of the franchise is keeping up a good pace for once. Similar to the rebuild with Gannon.
Believe it or not, I really feel like Al has come to SOME realization that he needs to change his ways. This is evidenced by our FA activity. I realize Moss was a recent transaction on behalf of Al, but not much else happened that year in terms of acquiring talent.
This year we’ve got a very good Safety, a very good WR, a potential LT with a worst case of starting RT, and we’ve resigned the league’s best CB and our top runner from last year who is a perfect system fit. Tommey Kelly is also a good signing that will prove to be worth the money.
Extreme Makeover has come to Oakland and the cameras are rolling, tune in for the season finale and let’s judge at that point.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Assassin
I guess I like your kind spirit but I guess I disagree with you. Someone that can not see the difference between 06 and 07 is an idiot and is not worthy of debating. I would just assume read the ramblings of Alameda Insider or Madden Raider than listen to someone spew such ignorance. I mean I remember the first game of 06 what was the score 30 to zero or something like that against SD and it really was not that close. The last game was also a wash out like that and there were plenty in between.
Sorry to be so harsh but people need to look at things more carefully. Regarding 06 some even say oposing offenses actually at times did not even fully try or prepare against Oakland because the offense was so bad they felt they did not need to score much. An indicator that this may be true is that the defesne with the same starters went from #3 to #22 even though Kiffin insituted a ball control offense and Oakland actually won the time of posession battle.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Al Davis just lost 20 more pounds! What are we gonna do?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
i agree with graider.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Draft d-mac…. release jordan and rhodes,with fargas and bush as back ups… that is good dept considering fargas and bush are so prone to injury……
March 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Holy Cow now i’m gaining weight!
March 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Actually true raider I think you hit the nail on the head on post #89. Basically (and all the regulars here have heard me say this a billion times) ALL the New England Patriot Defensive linemen are first rounders. ALL the NY Giant defensive linemen are 2nd rounders and the Giants have a FIRST ROUNDER that can’t even crack the starting lineup!!! Oakland: Sands 7th rounder, Kelly undrafted, Burgess 3rd rounder not by us, Warren lst rounder, not by us, Richardson 5th rounder. For us to be competitive we HAVE to have a high round choice on the D and O lines. Have to.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
LOL 1960, keep in mind that TrueRaider is a fan and I have a hard time bashing anyone unless they are creating drama in here.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
calling people idiots says alot about your character, after saying they respect opinion.in my opinion that shows ignorance.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Trade Jamarcus asap for a 1st rounder and a player/pick before his value drops to Leaf-like proportions.
ASAP.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
you dont have to agree, but bash each other, why? and over what opinions on football?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Well said OG and TR. We probably need a first round DL, but who? Gholston and Chris Long will be gone. Picking at #4 means you have to draft a big time player. I’m not sure we want to draft a 6′ 300 lb DT at #4. Plenty of depth at round 2.
It sucks, but we are kind of forced to take DMAC based on value.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Welcome back, Jerry. And, of course Russell is gaining weight. He doesn’t have a head coach watching over him, as his coach has been blackballed and will eventually be gone. He only has an owner telling him everything he wants to hear.
Love the sarcasm about bringing in Rickey Williams alongside PacMan. And, yes, the fact that the Raiders are considering Pac Man is all the more reason to believe that Kiffin is on the outs. No way Kiffin would go for him. Kiffin believes in team chemistry over raw talent, especially when that talent is counterproductive to team chemistry. That’s why Kiffin wisely wanted to get rid of Moss. Moss was only successful in New England because they already had a team. And as people may have forgotten, the only reason malcontents like Alzado, Matuzak, and Hendricks were successful here was for the exact same reason; We already had a team, built via the draft and via more mentally stable FA acquisitions like Mike Haynes and Jim Plunkett.
As far as I know, btw, there is still no word from Lane Kiffin on our free agency moves. Has anyone ever heard of an NFL head coach, or even a Raiders head coach, being this mum during the free agency season?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
if we can give kerry collins, a shot why cant we give russell a shot GG
March 9th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Wind is right. The team gave up at the end of ‘06. It was pathetic. Other than the Joke-sonville game, we played competitively basically in every game. You can’t compare offenses or the team generally between 06 and 07. Night and day different.
But Assassin people that don’t know, think Davis is a dithering old senile fool. I would put all my money on Davis than anyone who thinks that in any mental contest!! Davis is a sharp old guy. He’s made some choices that on face value you would think were great choices that didn’t work out. Randy Moss is an example. But I think he is delegating more. In fact I know it.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
SD RAIDER…
I was all down for giving JR a shot, but if the kid is all about bling, money, and eating, then they’d know about it in Alameda, and the kid might not respond well, gonna be too much trouble. Let him be someone else’s problem before it’s ours in a big way.
Im ready to say the guys got talent but too many red flags…always has.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Jerry we waited 3 days for you to post this?
Keep up the bad work..
March 9th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
MaddenRaider Says:
March 9th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Welcome back, Jerry. And, of course Russell is gaining weight. He doesn’t have a head coach watching over him, as his coach has been blackballed and will eventually be gone. He only has an owner telling him everything he wants to hear.
Love the sarcasm about bringing in Rickey Williams alongside PacMan. And, yes, the fact that the Raiders are considering Pac Man is all the more reason to believe that Kiffin is on the outs. No way Kiffin would go for him. Kiffin believes in team chemistry over raw talent, especially when that talent is counterproductive to team chemistry. That’s why Kiffin wisely wanted to get rid of Moss. Moss was only successful in New England because they already had a team. And as people may have forgotten, the only reason malcontents like Alzado, Matuzak, and Hendricks were successful here was for the exact same reason; We already had a team, built via the draft and via more mentally stable FA acquisitions like Mike Haynes and Jim Plunkett.
As far as I know, btw, there is still no word from Lane Kiffin on our free agency moves. Has anyone ever heard of an NFL head coach, or even a Raiders head coach, being this mum during the free agency season?
You sure do speak for kiffin alot madden, you are so smart
March 9th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
1960 just let you know i wasnt comparing to 06.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
THE BEST THING ABOUT THE 07 SEASON IS THE FACT THAT WE WERE ABLE TO RUN THE FOOTBALL…THE BEST THING ABOUT 06 IS WE GOT RID OF SHELL AND HIS 1920′S PLAYBOOK
March 9th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
AT 300 lbs JR can now play center too, or maybe he can hike the ball to Fargas, then take a hand off and then throw the ball. Then he could always play tackle, come around for a handoff to throw the ball. Man, this really opens up a whole new dimension to the game.
Lets see for half time intertainment we could have him face off with John Madden and then just throw a turkey in the middle! Boy, I can’t wait for the new season.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Anyone worried about jamarcus weight….An the raiders did not trade Andrew Walter, why was that again? oh thats right depth.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
DID JR HAVE ANY ISSUES OFF THE FIELD IN COLLEGE
March 9th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
You’re right Oakglenn. Al Davis is a sharp s.o.b. I’ve been vocal in here about my dislike for him on many occasions but I have to give him credit this year. He’s really doing things right. Let’s hope it keeps up.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
A good draft and some FA for depth and this team is leaps and bounds better.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I’ll be glad for Walter, who had faith, if he becomes starter and shines.
But Im really worried bad about Russell, and think that if Al/HC really do know Russell’s situation, they should trade him asap.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
they cound not trade him period, the cap hit would make them release 4 or 5 other guys would be crazy
March 9th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
ANY NEWS ON NEWBERRY IF HE RESIGNED
March 9th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
1960AutumWind, #86 is an excellent post.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
What’s up, GG.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
THE CAROLINA PANTHERS IS GOIING TO WIN THE SUPERBOWL ANYWAY SO WHO CARES ABOUT HOW FATTT JAMARCUS RUSSELL IS. HE’S OVERRATED ANYWAY, A WASTE OF MONEY!!!
March 9th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
MaddenRaider Says:
March 9th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
1960AutumWind, #86 is an excellent post.
omfg I have to agree with maddenraider…unreal
March 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Does anyone know if JaMarcus can play DE? Maybe we can draft a QB or make a trade for Anderson.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
GG Says:
March 9th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
“SD RAIDER…
I was all down for giving JR a shot, but if the kid is all about bling, money, and eating,”
________________
Sans maybe the eating part, that would make him no different than Al Davis or most owners, wouldn’t it? Is there an owner out there who’s not all about the bling and money? LOL.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Why is Bryant Johnson not on our team? Just read hes meeting with the skins, would be a good pickup
March 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Hey Madden Raider, nice to see you again buddy.
And Snake, you’re wrong dude. I’ve checked the contract details and rules on trading players.
As Russells $32m guaranteed is ALL base salary, then we can trade him and have ZERO hit us on the cap. Because only non-salary portion can. Signing bonus. He had no signing bonus.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
# snake Says:
March 9th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
“omfg I have to agree with maddenraider…unreal”
_____________________________
Amazing what you can do with an open mind, isn’t it?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
russel had weight issues in college, but he always managed to lose it b4the beg of the season, and you all have seen his numbers in college.
great deep ball, acurate, and grat disterbution.
give him a chanse.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
If you dont believe me, look up ask the commish under salary cap faq, about question 10.1 off memory. Then go to rotoworld and check russell’s contract.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
GG - I’m glad you brought that up! It shows how smart Al really is. We basically got the top rated player in the draft for zero signing bonus and told him that we are happy to pay him if he produces. Al Davis has just pioneered the way to the new Rookie contract.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Mike bush will start 257lbs rhodes will start fargus will start lamont jordon almost ready, and hopfuly darren mcfadden runin back/wide out!!! JaMarcus Russull is @ 260lbs and still throwing 60 and 70 yard footballs on his knees Kiffin is still coach Al,s still the owner,and yes we are looking at DeAnglo Hall and Pacman Jones money money money I love it!!!
March 9th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Wow GG, thanks didnt know he had no singing bonus, but I do know hes got hella grteed, does that hit the cap?
March 9th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Snake…
Salary, in russell’s case all his guaranteed, just gets transfered to the new team to be responsible for on the cap.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
# TrueRaider Says:
March 9th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
“i like knapp and cable, but not kiffin.”
__________________
Now THERE is Al Davis thinking 101, people ^^^.
You take the assistants that a blackballed coach brings in, and you credit THEM for them for whatever improvements were made.
Just like it was Callahan who opened up our offense and got us over the hump, and broke us out of that awful funk that Gruden had us in…
Oh, how history repeats itself.
Folks, another indication that Kiffin will be gone. When the Davis supporters start talking like this…
March 9th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Assassin…
Yep, I think Al was very wise and aware of the red flags, drafted him, gave him a shot, if for any reason the kid starts busting, we can trade him and not suffer any cap hit. If the kid works out and becomes a star, then great.
Al covered his and the Raiders ass well.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
people realy mess-up by not draftin this kid he runs like Bo Jackson and hits like ton of bricks!!! and just as fast as a corner back
March 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Mike Bush that is
March 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
http://mr53.com/index.html
anyone know if this is really Thomas Howards site? guy answers blog questions, hela cool dude if true
March 9th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Wow, I believe you GG, and as others have said….what a unreal contract DAMN nice Al good work
March 9th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
gotta roll folks, check back tonight.
Thanks for the reply GG. Nice work on the contract details.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
maddenraider, cable and knapp did the same thing with the falcons for 2 years if you dont remember, so why should kiffin get the gloru for the o-line and the run game.
falcons among the leaders in rushing when both guys were there, like the raiders of 07.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
TrueRaider, it’s not like the zone blocking scheme was some sort of secret. Why should even Cable get the credit? Knapp? Are you seriously going to convince me that Knapp had more play calling duties than Kiffin last year? Knapp is a west coast guy and we ran the ball far more than a WCO scholar like Knapp would prefer. Kiffin wore the heavy crown on that sideline. Kiffin brought the new attitude. (post Miami game press conference: “I’m not satisfied” < When is the last time you heard a Raider coach downplay a win like that? Answer: When Gruden was here.)
Knapp is an assistant, in every sense of the word. So is Cable. They are far more replaceable than Kiffin is.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I gotta go for a while, run some errands and things. I’ll check back and read up asap.
Keep well, all.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
yea true, and the reports were that kiffin talked them into coming into the pit in oaktown so he gets 100% of the credit, building a team has as much to do with assistant coaching as players on the field
March 9th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
maddenraider wants to credit kiffin for something his assistants did, the only thing you can credit kiffin for is the hiring and we dont know if that was him?
March 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
again, I agree with maddenraider (am I awake) kiffin gets the credit here, HE BROUGHT THEM IN to play his game, he chose the style they were known for and brought them in to implement it. And besides doesnt he call all the plays?????
March 9th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
will i dont know if that was him, i dont wanna talk for everyone else.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
does he call all the plays/ i realy dont know.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
True
I don’t want to get in a pissing match over this but I really did think you were talking about 06 based on this:
“D no we still cant stop the run.
offense we were 6th in total rushng do to cable and knapp, not kiffin and were 23rd in passing, less than 150 yards a game, what do you think?
we won 2 more games than we did with art amnd mr. B & B. is that improvement, i dont think so bro.”
It sounds like in this post you are comparing 06 to 07 and using wins as an indicator. I did see another post later where you backed off this and wanted to compare with Norv but Norv had better talent as it was largely stripped in 06. True Raider my compliant is probably not leveled at you per say but others that really have bashed Kiffin hard and I think unjustifibly. After hearing all this I get really tired of it and over react. Sorry if I got after you a little too hard I can see you are a knowledgeble poster with some ideas unlike some of the others that have been posting hard on Kiffin(i.e. Fire Kiffin).
March 9th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
maddenraider, kiffin wasnt even a coach at the college level, cable and knapp were proven with mora doen in atl,kiffin isnt proven, wasnt even a head coach at college.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
True
According to our own Jerry McDonald, Kiffin recruited both Knapp and Cable at the combine last year or at winter meeting can’t remember which. Also someone had to sell AD on zone blocking. This was a foreign Donkey system and I am sure that took some talking. The players also had to be sold on it. Cable needed support early and got it from Kiffin. You can’t just cut and paste Kiffin out of everything.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
i want everyone to know im not bashing kiffin people, but all im saying why credit hm for the work of his assistants, peopole that did the same job under mora, and for the record the only people i bash are chargers fans.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
As for Knapp, I can’t really say what credit he deserves. However both Kiffin & Cable deserve a hell of a lot of credit.
Kiffin did the playcalling and although there were times we wished he didn’t make his rookies mistakes, he still made them. He was clearly missed at USC despite everyone’s talk of him only being a co-offense coordinator. If he’s back, he’ll be a hell of a play caller this year.
Cable- Kiffin knew the system from his days at USC and needed someone to install the scheme with the Raiders and Cable was the perfect fit.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
TrueRaider,
Kiffin brought our offensive philosophy. Not Knapp or Cable.
Kiffin brought a new attitude to the organization (following a victory: “I’m not satisfied, and that’s just the attitude I’m trying to rid this team of.”), not Knapp or Cable, who, as far as I know, have never effectively changed the attitude of any organization.
Kiffin took a stand against philosophies, coaches, and personnel that were brought in by Al Davis, philosophies, coaches, and personnel that had been failing us in recent years, not Knapp or Cable.
Cable brought the zone blocking scheme, and some structure to our offensive line. There are plenty more where he came from. If there weren’t, believe me, he would be a head coach, or he would at least demand a far bigger salary than Al Davis would ever be willing to pay him.
Knapp brings Kiffin his water, and that’s about it.
And, true, you can say that Lane is here on the cheap, too, and therefore isn’t of much value. But with our playcalling (resulting in us having a legitimate running threat) and his backbone, he has demonstrated that he is far more valuable than Cable or Knapp.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Why settle for 300, or 320, WHY NOT MAKE IT 400, and the
league is about to say “See ya later, go fight
Butterbean?!?!?”
March 9th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
In short, TrueRaider, it’s Kiffin’s backbone that sets him apart from Knapp and Cable. Kiffin clearly wanted Ryan fired at the end of the season, and I didn’t see Knapp or Cable coming to his defense. My guess is that Knapp and Cable, although being Kiffin’s appointees, were very much approved by Al. Kiffin wasn’t allowed to bring in just anyone. Think Al wants an entire staff of coaches that would back their head coach in a heartbeat, even publicly?
March 9th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
AutumWind, post #86 was right on. Kiffin stopped the bleeding of the Shell era by installing productive systems and getting the team headed in the right direction. Kiffin hired the assistants who shored up the oline and running game. Kif deserves credit for all that, now with some additional talent the wins will follow…I hope.
A lot of that depends on JaMarcus…and no way am I going to let some unsubstantiated rumors derail my thoughts about this guy. We’ll get to see JRuss at the pre-draft mini-camps soon enough. I believe the man will show his Commitment to Excellence.
One Nation Baby…
March 9th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Gibbs is the godfather of the zone-blocking scheme and credited with turning athletic, smaller offensive linemen into cut-blockers capable of routinely taking the biggest and best of defensive linemen out of plays.
Cable runs the same system after learning this from Gibbs.
Using the analysis of finding athletic, smaller offensive lineman, do you really think it’s in our best interest to draft Jake Long?
March 9th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
maddenraider, all im saying is b4 te hiring of kiffin i wanted and nfl coach or an nfl assistant on the rise wich there plenty to choose from, and i didnt want a college head coach instead i got an assistant college coach. i know coaches dont wanna come to oakland because of al, but cant we treat the situation the same as in free agency and offer alot money, money talks. al likes green, and there are others.
JJ fron the boys is kinda like al but he still gets coaches.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
#161 , i like JR great talent with a lot of upside. hell prove the haters wrong.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
we are probably all wrong and kiffen is A ok with al. he just dont want to be distracted with all the non issue bullcrap rumors the media throws at us.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
If it’s true Kiffin put feelers out for the Arkansas & Nebraska college positions, then if he goes Al had reason to be upset.
There’s no way Jerry Jones wouldn’t contact Al if Kiffin contacted Arkansas via his agents or some other intermediary.
I hope Kiffin is back and I’m very happy with the direction he’s taking this team, however a coach as green as he was, has to know his place regardless of where he’s coaching.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
TrueRaider, I understand your preference for an experienced HC to someone like Kiffin, but pretending Greg Knapp and Tom Cable are more to credit for our improvements last year than Kiffin is the wrong way to go about it.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
just becuase higgins caught 6-7 passes last year doesn’t mean we didn’t throw to him; he just didn’t catch them. best if we took him out and let him mature a bit first. AW.. yea i liked the kid too, but not in shell’s oline and not last year.. yet. kiff needed bootlegs a lot and AW couldnt do that.
I’ll cry if russell is over 270.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Stretch that’s exactly what the case is. Only those that want problems see a rift between Kiff and Davis. Is there any evidence?? Do you, who follow the Raiders every day, hear about a rift other than some rumours 2 months ago??? One of the posters here keeps saying when was the last time a coach didn’t say anything about the signings?? Well, I did’t see Mike Nolan holding a huge presser after bringing in Issac Bruce or Justin Smith last week now did he???? Stupid.
Kiffin chose his assistants and Davis okayed them. Why is that strange???? The owner writes the checks. 90% of owners are gonna do that. Why wouldn’t he be the one to approve it??? The one criteria Davis had for Kiffin is he wanted BONA FIDE NFL GUYS!!!!! Davis knew Kiffin was not gonna be up on the league and would need guys who knew the players and the opposition. Pretty easy to understand. That’s also why Davis didn’t want Ryan canned.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
DSM, as usual you’re exactly right. After all Kiffin was 4-12. 4-12. So you’re gonna give him MORE responsibility. At times Kiffin clearly seemed in over his head. But he did OK. Not great, but OK. He had such little to work with, and a franchise in SUCH dissaray, he deserved a mulligan. He got one.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
didn’t have time to read everything….
but….
there is probably a weight clause in JR’s contract…
March 9th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Wow in the offseason reporters are just as board as us and will write about Anyhting.
JaMarcus will be around 260lbs just like he was last year, he will never be Rocky in training.
Name most Top Qb’s,
1) Joe Montana (not ripped)
2) Soon to be Farve (not ripped and hooked on pain killers)
3) Jon Elway (not ripped)
4) Steve Young (not ripped)
5) payton Manning (not ripped)
I could go on and on and on.
you don’t need 6 pack abs to be a good QB.
When did we care what a QB looked like? Oh that when Bady Quinn walked out last year, and he has never played a NFL game.
Trend come and go, this will too.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Pete the big knock on Russell in the scouting reports was he balloons in the off seasons. Coming from Mobile Alabama, he likes that Gulf coast food!! Can’t say I fault him for that! Now that he’s a pro athlete I think you;re gonna see him take it more seriously. He’s a dedicated young guy. He’s not a knucklehead.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
*trends*
March 9th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
DSM, whatever. I’ve been a Raider fan my whole life and I put winning above loyalty to Al. I couldn’t care less who’s loyal or disloyal to Al Davis. As a fan, my attention would be more focused on Al Davis than any of his “traitors”, and I would say to him that he needs to suck it up and just deal with the modern day corporate climate, where everyone is a free agent and people are always looking for new gigs, even when there is nothing wrong with their current one. Truth be told, it’s always been this way in the NFL, so I don’t know what Al’s problem is. My best guess is that he’s just delusional, and views his line of work as some time of military operation. That may sound cool but what’s the difference between him doing it, and some guy in the mental hospital doing it while pretending his bed is an F-14 Tomcat?
It’s football. And his number one goal should be to win. I don’t care if Lane Kiffin applies for other jobs every chance he gets. If he helps the Raiders, in which he has in more ways than one, then so be it.
As a fan, I would say that the onus is on Al Davis to make his organization more appealing to Head Coaches, and then maybe they would be more loyal. What is the point of a head coach being loyal to Al Davis? What’s the reward, besides being scapegoated when that coach fails as a result of doing everything Al wants him to do?
March 9th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
at #172
Steve Young WAS ripped. And every QB you mentioned probably has significantly less body fat than Russell. Paytom Manning is pretty good shape, too.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Kevn…..
Steve Young was not Ripped, in good shape not ripped.
JaMarcus is 6′6 and is built to be big period.
Better get use to it, it’s who he is and will be.
as long as he is a good QB he can be 265 all he wants, it’s not what makes a HOF Qb.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
im a true raider fan, not that you guys are not.
i lived in sd all my life so did my parents and they were raiders fans, now the reason we like the raiders is becuase of Al,when he took over the raiders in 62 or 63 and transformed them into the team of the decades
due to vertical passing(going deep) and smash mouth runing to set the pass, bringing misfits to play and play well for us recent examples are Gannon, burgess, and others. and thats what we liked about them.
D that plays man cover and plays it well, nasty attiude, vicious players that no one else wanted. if i want my team to manage the clock, and play wet coast offense, then i have to wonder why am i a raider fan.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
So all of the “we’re going to be working with JR all off season to get him readt to start” is obviously not happening. JR taking the initiative and training with his mates and maybe throwing some balls with JLH would be way too much to ask I suppose.
Hope we didn’t end up with a lazy “leader”. All the predrft concerns are still there…
March 9th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Oakglenn, you’re right. There is no physical evidence of Davis and Kiffin fighting. But evidence isn’t even necessarily needed in a court of law. One only needs to prove a case, “beyond reasonable doubt”.
Now, here’s a time line of events that would demonstrate, beyond reasonable doubt, that Kiffin and Davis aren’t cool.
1) Kiffin did express his desire for a Tampa 2 scheme, and expressed interest in some of Tampa’s assistant defensive coaches.
2) The Oakland Raiders announced that Rob Ryan would be staying on as head coach.
3) The Raiders hire James Lofton, who has no connections to Lane Kiffin whatsoever. It is also common knowledge that Lofton has a close relationship to Al Davis, and is what many would refer to as, “A Davis guy”.
4) Lane Kiffin has not been heard from throughout our off season free agent activity.
All 4 of these things go a heck of a lot further to corroborate the reports of Davis and Kiffin falling out than the Raiders press releases go to dispel the reports.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
So Trueraiderfan, you stopped watching when Gruden was here?
March 9th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
BTW folks - our offense last year played smash mouth football. That’s what it’s called when you run the ball.
Smash mouth football = clock management too.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
bro did you understand what i wrote, i will never stop watching the raiders, but to answer our question, no i didnt like the wat gruden ran the offense, he is a good coach but not the way i prefer to win,but the bottum line is to win baby.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
If Russle is anywhere close to 300 that would be troublesome, but with the string of rumors that have come out one after another, all of the derogatory to The Raiders, I view this as just another unfounded rumor until I find out otherwise.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
there is a dif from running to set pa and manage the clock running.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
2 things MaddenRaider. On your post 175 you comment that the modern corporate climate it doesn’t matter if your out actively looking for a job. Well, in any organization I’ve worked for, if it was common knowledge you wanted out, you were out in five seconds. It’s the exact same thing with the Raiders. Anyone, player, coach, assistant, office person, you don’t want to be there, you’re outta there. Every organization I’ve worked for has been that way. Now, maybe things are different in the corporate world. Maybe people can spend their time on monster.com or spend the day googling their own name and no one cares. I find that hard to believe tho.
Regarding your post #180, well, of course evidence is needed in a court of law. What isn’t allowed is rumour or conjecture or hearsay evidence, which is EXACTLY what we have in the Kiffin “case”. No one has been able to produce a “letter of resignation” have they??? All rumour and conjecture. Honestly.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
maybe we can sign james jett he’s available?and james trapp to start opposite nhamdi?In reality the raiders need to trade down.Draft keith rivers, im telling you he’s the next patrick willis.rivers,morrison,howard that would make us the best linebacking corps.Rivers has blazing speed and is a run stopper.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Al Davis deserves the loyalty he shows his fans.
Move the team to LA - real loyal.
Threaten to move the team to Hollywood Park two years ago? How is that more loyal than Kiffin thinking about Arkansas?
Loyalty isn’t a two year contract to fix a team in as bad as shape as this team was in.
Loyalty isn’t denying a hed coach a chance to run his D.
Loyalty isn’t trading Gruden or refusing to pay Shannigans.
Loyalty isn’t screwing with Marcus Allen because you’re too senile to know what a high ankle sprain is.
Kiffin is an employee. That’s how he’s treated so don’t expect him to gush over Al. Al doesn’t deserve any more loyalty than he shows others.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
JRuss ir “rumored” to be overweight. No sources, no legitimate facts. Until I see his weight affect him on the field it’s all hearsay and means nothing.
This kid won in college, was a natural leader, earned some pretty good grades at LSU, made offensive line calls, ran a pro style offense, hosted some Katrina victims at his house (one being Fats Domino), won the Sugar Bowl, was a top QB in the toughest conference in college football, and showed enough glimpses last year for the Nation to believe he has the skills.
I’ll take the facts over the rumor mill.
One Nation Baby…
March 9th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Hi. I want you all to know something. Russell will go down in history as the biggest bust in NFL history. Madden is right on something that alot of you will not aknowledge…Al Davis has ruined the Raiders,..and he did it purposely…get used to 3-13 type seasons,..maybe 4-12 if youre lucky…this year looks like 1-15…Russell got paid, now hes eating,..he will be 400 pounds by next year, and out of the NFL…and he will be rish,..for doing nothing…dismiss all day long what Madden says in here, hes right on,..Al has killed the Raiders.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Given the fact Al gave the KID a chance, it should be the KID’s responsibility to show loyalty for a few years and then once he’s done something in the NFL he can then look elsewhere if need be.
If he did look elsewhere, then that’s a direct slap in Al’s face by giving the KID a chance. Jerry Jones, Dan Snyder, and other owners would all feel the same way.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Oakglen - If you’re not happy with your job because your boss won’t let you do it and makes you work with his bozo nephew (played by Rob Ryan)that’s on the organization. By the way, if people who were unhappy were gone in “5 minutes there’d be millions of people unemployed in say…5 minutes.
Al’s claim to want to keep Moss makes him a complete baffoon if he wants to question Kiffin’s loyalty or work ethic.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
COW, I’m not talking about people unhappy with there work. If you are unhappy with your work you should leave. I’m saying, and correct me if I’m wrong here, any organization I’ve worked for, if you were clearly out looking for another job, and it was well known, you were the hell out of there. I don’t know too many places that let people surf for jobs on company time and put up with it. Personally I’ve never experienced organizations like that.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
DSM - Giving him a job and a chance are two different things. If half the rumors are true regarding drafting JR, keeping Ryan, hiring Lofton etc…Al gave him a job and sabotaged him. No loyalty deserved for that.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
You losers can cry all night long,..there are people in here that go to games, like me, who know who ruined the Raiders,..we know who he is …his name is Al…he has killed what was once the premier team,..now the Raiders are a joke,…you think ESPN picked us out n all pro spof a hat?…no…they picked us because we deserved it…we are by far the worst franchise in all pro sports…and why is that?…..A Davis….stay tuned for the 2-14 2008 year.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
When looking at Russell’s weight, consider his size and he’s a big boned dude. If he had used his talents to play DE or DT he could’ve played those positions.
Consider the following D players:
Jared Allen, DE 6′6 270 lbs
Mario Williams, DE 6′7 291 lbs
Patrick Kerney DE 6′5 272 lbs
Now imagine if Mario Williams had the arm to be a QB? That’s Russell with awesome accuracy and the ability to escape what other QB’s call the big fellas. I’m not worried about his weight.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I agree with DSM on this one. Davis elevated Kiff to in kiffs own words, “one of the greatest 32 jobs in the world.” He pulled him out of a press box, gave him the keys, a truck load of cash, and then told him to go get who he wanted. This wasn’