Gray would be good move
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, March 10th, 2008 at 9:39 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quinn Gray, the Jacksonville backup quarterback who will reportedly (source, NFL Network) be visiting the Raiders Tuesday, may be the best option available to serve as a backup to JaMarcus Russell.
That is assuming, of course, that Andrew Walter is not the backup.
Some of the other quarterbacks on the market include:
– Daunte Culpepper. You wonder if he would consider the Raiders again if no one comes calling. Seemed like a stand-up guy all season, right up to the point when he vanished from sight the moment he had his mysterious leg injury.
In that regard, all his talk about mentoring Russell seemed a little shallow.
– Gus Frerotte. Keeps getting jobs and keeps getting cut.
– Mark Brunell. Would have been a great idea about six years ago.
– Jared Lorenzen. Former Giants quarterback would make Russell look svelte.
– Joey Harrington. May return to Falcons.
– Marques Tuiasosopo. Yep, he’s available again.
There are a few more names, but Gray looks to be the best of a lot. He’s 28 years old, plays a lot like David Garrard and has experience playing on a team with a run-heavy offense.
Apology
Sorry to anyone who had a football-related post deleted this evening. Things got so out of hand I resorted to a “mass edit” mode for the first time.
The bottom line is this _ I have a life outside of work and this is the time of year I can get some time off after a long season of football, free agency, etc. after filing blogs (often more than one in a day) since mid-July.
The draft is still weeks away. I’m pretty much “on call,” which means if I hear anything or news breaks somewhere else that is significant, I’ll probably have something to say about it.
I may be away from the computer for hours at a time and not post for a day or two, and if no else is checking in as a moderator, it can turn into a free-for-all.
Thanks to everyone who contributes responsibly and with passionate opinions.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
March 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I know I’m not first, but what the heck, might as well try…
March 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Oh, I got it! Ha ha hahahahahahaah
March 10th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
third
March 10th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Jerry, have you contacted the Oakland Police Department or the FBI to see what information they have on Kiffin? He hasn’t been seen or heard from in weeks. We’ve signed a lot of free agents. An opinion from him would be nice, after all, he is the coach and all is well in the Raiders organization….
So, it’s just puzzling that we haven’t heard a word from him.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Gholston in 2008!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
gholston , dorsey, ellis, or trade down.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Ignore Maddenraider. he’s a troll.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
any news on kiffin?
March 10th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
“So Raiders owner Al Davis wants coach Lane Kiffin to quit and Kiffin won’t and now there’s a mess in Oakland. Again.
Talk in league circles, however, is that Kiffin should have known what he was getting into when he took the job a year ago. After all, the same structure that fired Art Shell after a year and then overlooked all candidates with head-coaching experience and ultimately honed in on off-the-radar USC co-offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and then shifted to even-more-off-the-radar USC co-offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin when Sarkisian passed is the structure that currently is considering dumping yet another head coach and looking elsewhere.
Meanwhile, we’re hearing that Kiffin’s reported salary of $2 million per year is believed to be a $1 million higher than it really is. If that’s so, it’s even more confusing to us that Davis wouldn’t merely cut Kiffin loose and pay his money and move on.
Instead, it appears that Davis will wait until he can conjure up a reason to fire Kiffin for cause. And even if there really isn’t actual cause, Davis likely will claim that there is — and then force Kiffin to try to get his money through the league’s grievance procedures.
So what next for the Raiders? Some believe that Davis simply doesn’t value a head coach in the same way that other teams do. For the Raiders, player talent and offensive and defensive coordinators are the keys to success. The head coach is merely the game-day manager. Thus, the Raiders could make a change at any time before the start of the regular season, and it won’t make any real difference to the fate of the team.
If that’s the way the Raiders truly operate, then defensive coordinator Rob Ryan won’t be elevated to the position of head coach. He’ll stay in his job, and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in his, and Dennis Green or some guy we’re not presently thinking of (and possibly haven’t even heard of) will get the job.”
http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2008/01/26/kiffin-should-have-known-what-he-was-getting-into/
March 10th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
man, is all you can do . copy and paste.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
say your opinion and put the link.
do you to copy and paste the article too.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
why would a real raider fan post anti raider crap that is two months old??
March 10th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
“Raiders’, 49ers’ situations should be a concern to Goodell, NFL
By Glenn Dickey
March 10, 2008
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has done a good job of dealing with the out-of-control players who have been a serious blemish on the league’s reputation. Now, he faces another challenge with two owners in the San Francisco Bay Area who are bringing once-proud franchises, the 49ers and Oakland Raiders, to their knees.
Al Davis is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and deservedly so, but his career with the Raiders can be divided into two nearly equal but hugely contrasting eras.
From 1963 through 1985, Davis put together a team that had the highest winning percentage in American professional sports and played in four Super Bowls, winning the last three they were in.
But from 1986 through the 2007 season, Davis’ Raiders are 27 games below .500 in regular-season play and have been to just one Super Bowl, being routed by the Buccaneers in XXXVII. And it’s getting worse. In the five years since that Super Bowl, the Raiders are an NFL-worst 19-61.
Davis always has been in control of the Raiders, but in the good years, he usually had somebody with contrarian ideas to whom he’d listen. In the early days, for instance, Ron Wolf pushed him to draft Ken Stabler. As recently as 1999, then-head coach Jon Gruden was able to persuade Davis to release Jeff George and sign Rich Gannon. With Gannon at quarterback, the Raiders got to their last Super Bowl.
Davis “traded” Gruden to Tampa Bay, in exchange for draft picks and money. As coach of the Bucs, Gruden’s strategy destroyed the Raiders in the Super Bowl, a resounding 48-21 win for the Bucs. That started a decline for the Raiders, as they crashed to 4-12 in the 2003 season.
There is nobody left in the Raiders’ organization who will challenge Davis as Wolf and Gruden did. Employees know that if Davis asks for their opinions, he only listens if they agree with him. One employee who tired of that routine asked Davis, “Do you really want my opinion, or do you just want me to agree with yours?” Davis snarled at him, “Get out of here,” which pretty much answered that question.
Lately, Davis’ actions have gone from bad to totally irrational, as in his attempt to get head coach Lane Kiffin to sign a resignation letter. Had he done so, Kiffin would have forfeited the $4 million he’s owed over the next two years. Kiffin declined to sign it. Surprise.
Kiffin was only 31 when he was hired to coach the Raiders last spring. He had never been a head coach before, so he was learning on the job. Overall, he did a good job and he seemed on his way to changing the losing atmosphere surrounding the Raiders.
Nobody knows exactly what will happen now, but it won’t be good. If Kiffin stays, his authority with the players will be seriously undermined. If he leaves, who would Davis get to replace him? A coach would have to be suicidal to go to Oakland.
The only way for this situation to improve is for Goodell to appoint a good football man to step in and take operating control of the Raiders. There is precedent for this in baseball, where Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott twice was removed from active control in the 1990s.
Of course, Davis would sue, but Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley also sued baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn when Kuhn negated Finley’s sale of star players in the late ’70s. Finley lost, as a federal court judge ruled in 1978 that a commissioner had the right to take action to protect the best interests of his sport. Removing Davis from control of the Raiders would certainly fit that description.”
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Commentary/Columns/2008/dickey2301.htm
March 10th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
l like green.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Why would a Raider fan constantly post anti Raider garbage from SF Whiner writers?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
“Mar 4, 2008 3:00 AM (6 days ago) by Glenn Dickey, The Examiner
SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - Lane Kiffin will soon be history — the betting among insiders is that he’ll be gone before next month’s draft — and the only question is his successor. Al Davis will hire from within, either defensive coordinator Rob Ryan or newly hired James Lofton. My money is on Lofton, who was twice interviewed by Davis for the head job in the past.
It’s a total turnaround from last year, when Kiffin was introduced as the new coach and Davis talked of their common history as Southern Cal assistants, seemingly seeing in Kiffin a version of himself at that age.
Davis also allowed Kiffin the ability to hire new assistants, which previous coaches could not, as well as allowing him to run an offense that is an offshoot of Bill Walsh’s system, not a Davis favorite.
Even then, though, there were hints of future discord when Davis overrode Kiffin’s preference for wide receiver Calvin Johnson to select quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the No. 1 overall pick.
Johnson caught 48 passes for 756 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie with the Detroit Lions. Russell did not sign with the Raiders until after the season had started and didn’t play until late in the season.
It’s much too early to pass judgment on that selection. Russell is a big talent and was a big playmaker in college, but there are disturbing signs. He reported so overweight that a woman reporter suggested he needed a bra. He got back down to his playing weight during the season, but there are reports that his weight has shot up again in the offseason. His focus on football seems less than complete.
He’ll be the starting quarterback, though, because the two quarterbacks who shared most of the playing time last season, Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper, have left as free agents.
During the season, Davis observed as always but didn’t interfere. The Raiders were more competitive than they’d been the previous season, but still ended up with a 4-12 mark, which was right where they’ve been stuck the last five years, as they’ve compiled an NFL-worst 19-61 record.
Davis tried to get Kiffin to sign a resignation letter. Kiffin refused, but I’m sure the two sides are negotiating a settlement now.
Though Davis has always had the final word on club decisions, somebody else has done the public negotiating. No longer. Agents have said that he’s the one doing the negotiating, as he’s made two big deals, signing New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson, the San Jose native and City College of San Francisco alumnus, as a free agent and signing his own player, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly to a $50 million, seven-year contract with $18 million in guaranteed money.
The first deal was an excellent one. The Raiders can now move Michael Huff, who has been a disappointment at strong safety, to free safety, where he can better use his athleticism.
The second move was a real head-scratcher. Kelly has value because he can play either inside or outside, but he is coming off an ACL injury and he could have been retained at a much lower price.
Davis has clearly decided to roll the dice and show a skeptical football world that he still knows how to put a team together. You can count me among the skeptics. No matter who the new coach is, the Raiders will again hold up the rest of the league this fall.”
http://www.examiner.com/a-1256899~Dickey__New_coach_won_t_fix_Raiders.html?cid=
March 10th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
man are you not a raiders fan??
March 10th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
“IT’S GOING TO be intriguing to see where the Oakland Raiders offseason maneuvers go from here, because at the moment, it’s hard to see how they are appreciably better than the 4-12 team that ended the 2007 season.
Some would argue the Raiders actually might be worse, considering there have been far more subtractions to the roster than additions. And that doesn’t even include head coach Lane Kiffin, whose status remains a mystery.”
http://www.marinij.com/raiders/ci_8447207
March 10th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
man, stop with the copy and paste, im more interested in reading your post, not a copied article.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
“Killion: On and on it goes. When it will stop, nobody knows.
THE CONTINUING SAGA OF KIFFIN, DAVIS, RAIDERS
By Ann Killion
Mercury News Sports Columnist
Article Launched: 02/26/2008 01:36:09 AM PST
The NFL scouting combine ends today, and the most intriguing question hasn’t been who covers 40 yards the fastest but whether the Raiders’ coach would go the distance.
Lane Kiffin was in Indianapolis, ostensibly still the Raiders’ coach. Though he kept a low profile, he was spotted a few times, notably not wearing Raiders gear. One reporter saw him at a nightspot dancing.
Was Kiffin dancing on his own grave? Speculation continues to rage that Kiffin’s time with the Raiders might be measured in weeks. Al Davis always likes to test the NFL’s limits: So can he field a team without a head coach?
This bizarre Raiders crisis has been festering for more than a month. The reports have been astonishing, even by the Raiders’ peculiar standards. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was fired, except that he wasn’t. Kiffin was asked to resign, and did not. Kiffin has been stripped of his power, either all or part. James Lofton was hired, perhaps to be a backup head coach (another Davis innovation).
It’s just the way Davis prefers it. Mysterious. Strange. And probably causing untold damage to his team.
That’s what Davis doesn’t seem to get. Perception in the NFL is reality. And the perception is that the Raiders are a team in chaos. Again.
The perception used to be that the Raiders were renegades. Cool. That they had a different way of doing things that worked. Now the perception is that the Raiders are a mess. Incompetent. That their unique
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way of doing things doesn’t work. Randy Moss is Exhibit A, but almost every ex-Raider of recent years can attest to the sad state of the organization.
And now this. Heck of a way to enter free agency.
The RTB (Raiders True Believers) insist that this all is an invention of the media. They flood blogs with assurances that everything is fantastic in the Nation, ignoring the reality: Where there is silver-and-black smoke, there’s usually a fire that burns entire seasons. The people the Raiders like to dub “false rumor-mongers” are usually dead-on in their reporting.
Tracked down by Jerry McDonald, my Bay Area News Group colleague, Kiffin declined to comment on any specific questions about his status. That doesn’t exactly squelch the intrigue. All indications are that the situation remains at an impasse.
Two truths are being proven again. The first is that Davis doesn’t value head coaches. He doesn’t care if he publicly neuters his coach. He cares, to a pathological extreme, about control, and this incident takes his usual undermining tactics to a new level.
The other truth is that Kiffin is too young for this job. Hired at 31, he thought he could take an untenable situation - one that has defeated far more experienced men - and turn it in his favor. He was naive enough to believe that he could handle working for Davis.
But Kiffin isn’t the biggest loser in all of this. He will either shut his mouth and be humiliated for the sake of a paycheck, or he will be be gone; either way, he will land another job soon enough.
Davis isn’t the biggest loser either. He will go on running his team in his own strange way.
The biggest loser is JaMarcus Russell, the $30 million kid quarterback, who is finding out what it means to be a Raider.
Russell will either be working under a new coach, with a new offense, or he will be working under a lame-duck coach with no control or authority. He will expend energy trying to decipher the situation, and probably will learn to distrust any coaching or advice. It will be a period of wasted time and false starts - a tense and confusing situation not conducive to developing as an NFL quarterback.
Give Davis credit, though. He’s still an innovator. Sadly, his specialty is devising new ways to wreck his own organization.”
http://origin.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_8365640
March 10th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
“The RTB (Raiders True Believers) insist that this all is an invention of the media. They flood blogs with assurances that everything is fantastic in the Nation, ignoring the reality: Where there is silver-and-black smoke, there’s usually a fire that burns entire seasons. The people the Raiders like to dub “false rumor-mongers” are usually dead-on in their reporting.
Tracked down by Jerry McDonald, my Bay Area News Group colleague, Kiffin declined to comment on any specific questions about his status. That doesn’t exactly squelch the intrigue. All indications are that the situation remains at an impasse.”
http://origin.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_8365640
March 10th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
“Matt Mosley: Who’s the first coach fired and why?
The easy answer always will be the current coach of the Oakland Raiders. As long as owner Al Davis runs the Raiders, this is the most unstable job in football.
John Fox and Mike Nolan are on the hot seat with the Panthers and 49ers, but Raiders coach Lane Kiffin won’t even be able to sit down. During the combine, I talked to a high-ranking official for the team who said the now-infamous postseason note that Davis reportedly sent Kiffin stripping him of power in the organization was completely overblown. Still, the official acknowledged that it was a difficult situation, which is a diplomatic way of saying, “We work for a madman.”
After Jon Gruden bolted for Tampa Bay in 2002, Davis fired three coaches in the next four seasons. I’m told Kiffin developed an excellent rapport with his young players last season, but there’s nothing to suggest that Davis will be patient enough to let him build a winning team.
The Kiffin-Davis relationship soured when the 32-year-old coach pulled the trigger on the Randy Moss trade to the Patriots for a fourth-round draft pick. As Moss chased and eventually broke the season touchdown record, Davis’ bitterness grew. I actually think Kiffin could become an excellent head coach. It just won’t happen in Oakland.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3285928
March 10th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Please set up a delete Madden Raider comments button so I don’t have to wade through all these negative posts day after day. The same point over and over. Please can we move on?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
madden you are stupid.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Haven’t we seen the Troll post these same articles posted over and over and over and over. I think we’re going to see another Madderaider meltdown soon.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
“Meanwhile, Raider Nation finds itself unwittingly trapped in a Black Hole of denial. Check the comments that will be posted at the bottom of this item. Plenty will again chastise the “media” for having an agenda against the Silver and Black.
The truth is that, if the media wanted to see the Raiders fail, the media wouldn’t say a thing. Instead, the media would sit back and watch it all continue to crumble.”
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=376304
March 10th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
“Then came the inexplicable decision to sign former Broncos receiver Javon Walker to a deal that could be worth $55 million over six years, including $16 million in guaranteed money. Walker, whose 2007 season was shortened by lingering knee problems, will likely get a whopping $21 million over the first two years.
Amazingly, the Raiders promptly dispatched an in-house mouthpiece to explain to multiple reporters that the deal doesn’t really pay Walker $16 million in guaranteed money, and that his agents came up with that number based on a $6 million signing bonus, a non-guaranteed $5 million base salary in 2008 that will almost certainly be paid, and a $5 million base salary in 2009 that is almost as likely to be paid.
The only problem? The information disseminated by Da Raidahs was, well, dead wrong. Walker actually received an $11 million signing bonus, and he’ll get a $5 million roster bonus in early 2009. The roster bonus is fully guaranteed against injury.”
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=376304
March 10th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
“We know Al Davis tried to dump Lane Kiffin. There was that letter of resignation Al tried to jam down the kid coach’s throat. Kiffin regurgitated the letter. We assume Al is working on a buyout. In the weird funny world of the Raiders, where no normal logic applies, this would be logical.
Let’s pause a moment for a wacky Raiders aside. When Al introduced Kiffin to the media last year, Davis called Lane Kiffin Lance Kiffin. You know that, right? All year, I referred to Lane as Lance. I couldn’t help myself. It was part of the hilarity. I mean, Al didn’t even know his coach’s name. A friend of mine — a columnist for another paper — went on TV to discuss the Raiders and right there on camera he called Lane Lance. “It was your fault,” he later told me, laughing. I guess it was my fault.
But it’s not my fault the Raiders are pure comedy.
Anyway, it’s fair to assume there will be a buyout, although it seems awfully late to bring in a new coach now. The two frontrunners for next sucker coach are Rob Ryan and James Lofton. Ryan is the hefty defensive coordinator Lance tried to dump before he himself got semi-dumped. Are you following this?”
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080307/WIRE/803070344/1010/SPORT01
March 10th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
we all have moved on. But one idiot wants to post the same anti raider gibberish by noted anti raider, pro whiner sports writers like glenn dickey and Ira miller. Then there’s a bunch of crazy racist sh**, and people getting there iditiites taken. wonder who is responsible for all the crap here?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Thank you Mr McDonald for your continuing to update for us here, that we may have Raider football related topics to discuss.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
unbelievable. i think this is the 10th time he has posted this crap. why would you post the same stuff 10 times unless you were mentally unstable.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
“Switch to Bill Walsh. When Bill was in the hospital — dying, sad — we would talk on the phone and sometimes, if he needed cheering up, he’d say, “Let’s talk about the Raiders.” I could hear the laugh in his voice. He was not feeling malice. He was feeling the fun — the pure giddiness of the Raiders. He liked and admired Al, but he saw what was going on with the Silver and Black and, well, it was wackiness to the max.
I bring up Bill because a moment ago I brought up Rob Ryan. One day Bill said to me, “What do you think of that defensive coordinator?”
I could see where this was going. I said something like, “You mean the heavy-set guy?”
“Yeah, that’s the one.”
Bill, who always was proud of his appearance, said the guy didn’t cut the right image for a coach of athletes. I asked if Ryan could have been a coach on Bill’s staff. That’s when Bill started chuckling. “No way,” he said, although he didn’t say, “No way.” He uttered an exclamation I’m not allowed to print in this paper.”
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080307/WIRE/803070344/1010/SPORT01
March 10th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
MR I certainly hope there was a point to all this stuff that you post. Just skip right over your posts now. Get through in half the time now. Thanks!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
MaddenRaider!!!!!! It’s past your med time!!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Quinn Gray would be an excellent pick-up, very professional. Would that mean that AW is to be moved?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
like i said b4 gay 40whiners fans have nothing going on this offseason. so they try to get some attention from here.
its ok gay 40 whiner fan
i understand you over paid for clemmens
lost kwame harris to the raiders for less money than what you paid and he fits in our scheme
gore only plays when mommy dies
nolan needs ray to win
oh and after replacing harris with staley you couldnt rush for a yard.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
M
I had a post to you earlier, it got wiped out for no apparent reason.
Take care, and have a good evening.
Headin home.
This is just crazy!!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
another pro Bill Walsh, anti Raider message from Maddenraider. that’s the tenth time he’s posted that one too. pro whiner, anti raider. what a shock.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
wtf is a “real Raider?”
get real, homeslice, ya’ll ain’t on the team.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
“2:27 p.m. update: Great new info from Jerry Mac, who reports the Raiders clarified some of the dollars and the time-frame on the Walker deal–somebody in there must be upset at the reaction to the $$ paid. Obviously, a large portion the $55M total is back-loaded. That’s the way all of these deals are put together.
But even in the Raiders’ own clarification to JMac, it’s clear that they’re egregiously over-paying Walker for the short-term: If Walker’s cut after one season, he’ll be paid $11M for that one year. WHOA. If he’s cut after two seasons, it’s $16M for two years. That is not inexpensive, Raider Nation. That’s crazy money, even when the Raiders explain it themselves.
Last offseason, with the 49ers spending crazy drunken sailor money on free agents, the Raiders remained mostly quiet–a safety here, a back-up RB, that’s about it…
This year? Crazy Raiders! (49ers are somewhere in between this year.) For Al Davis, first came the monster deal to bring back DL Tommy Kelly, setting the bar for cash-out-of-pocket to a man who rarely gets into the QB pocket.
Then big guaranteed money to S Gibril Wilson.
Now… 6 years/55M for WR Javon Walker, who is injury prone, hasn’t been very productive except for one year, was beat out by Brandan Marshall then released by the Broncos, has complained his whole career about something or another… He gets $16M guaranteed.
Wow.
OK, I do understand that JaMarcus Russell needs targets and Walker, if healthy and happy, is better than anybody else the Raiders have. No question. Ronald Curry and TBA/TBA weren’t going to be a three-WR set to scare the Chargers.
And if the Raiders are going to add people, they’re going to have to pay the Dysfunction Bonus–their dysfunction adds 30% to 40% to deals, since players properly need to see the money if they’re going to end up in the wasteland.
It does cost the Raiders, though, in multiple ways. Al is trying to make the team better… It must pain him deep inside to know that he’s badly over-paying erratic players just to maintain a semblance of a competitive team on paper.
Jerry Porter should’ve worked out for the Raiders. He wanted to be anywhere in the world except in Oakland, however, and wasn’t very productive when he was a Raider, and left for short money just to be the hell out of there.
Players are supposed to want to be in Oakland. You’re not supposed to have to over-pay the middling ones to get their attention.
I’ll ask Al about all that the next time I see him.
Let’s do a quick rundown of some comparable WR contracts of guys who are slightly more accomplished than Walker:
* Bernard Berrian, left Chicago for Minnesota: 6 yrs/24M, $16M guaranteed. (Same guarantee, fewer years, lower average.)
* Jerry Porter, left the Raiders for Jacksonville: 3 yrs/15M, apparently $10M guaranteed. (Much less than Walker.)
* Donte’ Stallworth, left New England for Cleveland: 7 yrs/35M, apparently $10M guaranteed. (Much less than Walker.)
* Randy Moss….
Moss: Stayed with New England for 3 yrs/27M, $15M guaranteed. (That’s about the same average as Walker, less guaranteed. Moss is a pain, but he’s less of a pain than Walker, I’m thinking. Same deal–if you’re a malcontent heading to the Raiders, you become impossible. If you’re a malcontent heading to a good team, there’s a chance for you.)
–Other deals over the past few seasons…
* Marvin Harrison: 7 yrs/67M, $22M guaranteed. He deserves it, but now getting hurt.
* Wes Welker: 5 yrs/18.1M. Hmm. Welker’s one-third the player that Walker is? Getting paid like it.”
http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/kawakami/2008/03/05/raiders-give-wr-javon-walker-an-ego-contract-al-davis-ego-i-think/
March 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
40whiner fan, its ok dont cry, some man still loves you.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Night Dell, catch ya later.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
# furious styles Says:
March 10th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
“wtf is a “real Raider?”
get real, homeslice, ya’ll ain’t on the team.”
_________________________
Exactly.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Well played Howiedoin, well played. I do the same.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Nothing to really see here, night all. Let’s get Gray in camp. He’s the perfect backup for JR.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
EOTS Just skip em you’ll be done with this blog in record time. May I make this suggestion to one and all to regain control DO NOT RESPOND. It will shrivel up and go away.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
hey whiner fan are you still here?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Night, Assassin.
Same here Howie.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
come on maddenraidr. time to come home and take your meds.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
“But because of the ambiguous job status of head coach Lane Kiffin, the Raiders can’t do this. Their head-coaching conundrum overshadows everything. For those of you who choose to get their daily dose of drama via “Days of Our Lives,” here’s a quick refresher on how we got to the current impasse:
1) Kiffin wants to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, not surprisingly after Ryan’s stink-job of a season.
2) Owner Al Davis says no.
3) Kiffin, pissed off that Davis blocks the move, flirts with the University of Michigan and the University of Arkansas about their openings.
4) Davis, pissed off that Kiffin would think about leaving, reportedly asks for a letter of resignation from Kiffin, a rumor that the Raiders vehemently deny.
5) Days later, Kiffin shows up to coach the Senior Bowl, sans Raiders paraphernalia. He was recently seen in Indianapolis for the Combine, again doing his best to showcase as little affiliation with the Raiders as possible.”
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Commentary/Columns/2008/sohn022808.htm
March 10th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
we like your posts maddenriader
March 10th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Joe don’t you get it? Don’t give him any meds it will all go away of it’s own accord.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Sorry, couldn’t jump off with one last comment.
First, WHAT UP “M”!
Second, why didn’t we make a play for Antonio Bryant? Bad egg or not, he needs the league more than the league needs him right now. He will play his arse off for the next two seasons to strike a deal. He would’ve came in on the cheap and definitely commands respect from a coverage aspect. He’s a bit of a china doll in terms of injury, but again, he’d be a cheap with a chip on his shoulder.
Oh well, it’s spilled milk now.
Good night…again.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
post#49 THATS FUNNY.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I have repeatedly told my season ticket rep that if the HC situation is not resolved by deposit time I’m OUT!
I know several other long time season ticket holders who are also seriously on the fence and leaning towards watching from home this year.
The lack of any statement from the Raiders or Kiffin at this point when the fan base is so obviously upset tends to make one think that a Direct TV NFL Season Ticket package might be a much better investment.
No way am I sitting through another first year head coach live. I am so f—ing pissed off about all this. It really felt like a corner had been turned and the next few years were going to be a great time to spend 8 Sunday’s a year at the Coliseum. Now, not so much.
Cheers,
Ian
March 10th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
by posting this crap over and over and over and over maddenraider, has does it make you feel?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
who is antonio bryant???
March 10th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
is it that washed up WR from the whiners?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Just trying to focus on Raider football amid the chaos, Assassin.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Dr. Wolf, Who in the World cares????!!!! Skip it. Night all!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
true trueRaider. If we signed him, how would that make you feel??
March 10th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Ian, I think a lot of people feel the way you do. And, don’t be fooled, all of these “everything is fine, ignore the negative news” people here are really just a couple of people, and I’m sure the moderators here could corroborate it with IP addresses.
Every Raider fan I talk to in real life is pissed right now. Very few people I’ve talked to are either in denial of what’s going on, or believe that Norv Lofton will be fine as our HC. (I actually picked up the term “Norv” Lofton from a Raider fan I work with.)
I hope it all works out, and that Kiffin stays. But if he doesn’t, I wouldn’t blame anyone for canceling their season tix. Just curious, what does your ticket rep tell you when you tell them that you’re awaiting the coaching situation to be resolved? I’ll bet you whatever they say is a carbon copy of some of the stuff we read in here, from people who are of course…just fans. LOL.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
just like awhiner fan
March 10th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I think I know what MaddenRaider is doing. He is trying to wake up the Nation to the fact that our team has been hijacked by a old man who is out of control. The Al Davis that revolutionized the league years ago, is no longer available. Until all Raider fans let it be known to Al, that his way of doing business is destroying our team, he will continue doing the stupid things he does best. As a huge long time Raider fan, who never misses a game, I for one am getting tired of Al Davis. All I wish for is that he turns to the team over to someone with a little common sense and trust that the people around him are trying to make the team better. So MaddenRaider, I hear you!!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
He said homeslice…funny
That’s old school yo.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
maddenraider you seem to embrace the negativity and you want to spread it around. How does that make you feel???
March 10th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Thank you, Raider T.
And, that’s exactly what I’m doing. I just can’t see playing fantasy draft when we haven’t heard from our head coach since the free agency period began. What the heck are we going to do with these players, without a HC?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
me dr i know that one.
let me answer i know.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
raider t is gay too?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Trueraider, I’m trying not to respond to your guy’s person insults, but my god, have we hit the sauce tonight, or what? You’re rambling, dude.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Raider T.
MR hasn’t said anything he just regurgitates. Get your ears checked t.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Folks, we are all witnessing Crazy Al’s desparate acts of his final years. I admit, though, that I admire his passion for TRYING to do ANYTHING he can to turn us into winners. He’s spending a ton of dough, cuz…well…HE CAN. He sure can’t take his money to the grave. Unfortunately, the moves seem desparate, and I’m afraid he’s going to bring in Pacman or Hall next. I hope Kiffin coaches one more year…
March 10th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Gray if we can sign him would be better than anyone could’ve hoped for. It gives us options that we wouldn’t have had before.
Kiffin make it happen captain.
As far as those that wont get their tickets, so be it. The 49ers have god seats available. c ya’
March 10th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
i think hall would be a good fit here. we could then send fabian and our #4 pick to the cowgirls for there two picks a later pick and barber.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
what has gray done in jacksonville? why is he so coveted?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Raider Raul, what about the Raiders after Al leaves? He’ll likely leave the team with his wife and son. Does it help them if he pisses away good money today that can be used when they’re running the team? You’re not making much of a case for Al. Just demonstrating that he has a child-like sense of selfishness along with his many other flaws.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
jona that will never happen, plus we dont need another big contract, or a corner.
its we couldnt stop the pass last year, it was the run we coulnt stop.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
TrueRaider, it’s time to put on a pot of coffee, bud. Started early tonight, did ya?
BHP, Kiffin makes it happen?
Speaking of Kiffin, have you heard from him? In case you didn’t know, he’s been on a milk carton since the free agency period began. It would be nice to get a word from him, on the things he’s making happen…
March 10th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
When the season starts and he leads the team on the field that’s all that matters.
Then what can the media say it’s a mirage.
so real raider fans would trip on this stuff it’s only the insecure ones that do.
I want hear from the coach, well that’s a personal problem aint it?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
just dreaming i guess. but hall would be an uprade over fabian or routt. i know its not a need but when a pro bowl corner is available and probably for not to much, id like to see us try. plus id rather they grab hall than pacman. that guy has serious character issues.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
OK now your seeing things huh?, The coach of the Oakland Raiders is in doing a damn good job of running the team. that’s all I care about as for the rest of this stuff, i couldn’t care. You can post this garbage until sickens even you it’s a free country and you can say what you want I see crazy people walking the street doing the same thing you’re doing. Talking to themselves.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
so maddenraider if kiffin spoke directly to you, how would that make you feel?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
i know that one dr, can i answer can i???
March 10th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I just want coach to keep up the good work and we’ll see him soon enough.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
speaking of your imaginary friends maddenraider, have you heard from mike nolan or mike shanahan or any other coach regarding the signings?? How about Andy ried not getting the playmakers he wanted. and if you haven’t seen or heard from any of them, how does that make you feel?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Boldin was just seen leaving the Oakland Airport headed to Hegenburger
Boldin baby!
I am the MAN!
MaddenRaider - U love to get Oaked over and over don’t you?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Blackholepriest,
good to hear your input. A voice in the wilderness.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
hey doc i know that one too , can i answer?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Ian
Will blackout rules apply even with Sunday ticket?
I agree that my psl paying since they came back and season ticket days are over if Al continues to show his senility.
As for Dickey’s comments about taking the team from Al, it’ll never happen. Teams like the Cards and Lions haven’t won anything since color tv was invented. As much as the last few years stink, teams like these and the Bungles, Tampa (pre-Dungy), Browns, and even Packers have had 5+ year runs of this level of pathetic play.
Beside it being old news, MaddenRaider does present a large body of opinion about how bad this team has become - lie it or not.
The speed with which “league sources” (as in Raiders sources) responded to JR’s weight and the overpaying of Walker, their silence regarding Kiffin speaks volumes about the validity of the story.
Keep calling the box office demanding to know if Kiffin’s staying. Money talks.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
MR,
I’m not really making a case for Al. I’m just calling it like I see it. Good and Bad. I guess I just think I understand what’s going on…an old cantancerous man who is a shell of his former legendary self who will spend what it takes to give the Raiders a chance to improve. Does anyone here gamble?? Alright, stupid question, but the point is that nothing is guaranteed. We should all know that. Right or wrong, I just appreciate the effort. I like hearing that we may add another great WR (Boldin) & CB (Hall)…
March 10th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1kjNIo9mmww
Raaaiiiddddeeeerrss!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
M, i’m always glad to help in any small way. I know it gets a little crazy in here but we’re fine and things are looking up.
I’m real excited about the off season so far, I just want the draft to go as well. Their ducks are in a row but we’ve got several prospects that they need to get a better read on to rate them as best they can. A lot of wrk left to get done and not whle lot of time to do it. So we’ll see.
Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to see or get a feel for certain players. Then it’s all about the execution on draft day. Of course if I hear anything There’s no way I will put it in here. but you’ll know when I know for sure.
It’s going very well so far. IMO
Also guy’s don’t let this stuff get to you, things will become very clear in a few weeks.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
“what has gray done in jacksonville? why is he so coveted?”
Because we stink so bad signing a nobody back-up QB causes great hope to wash through the people who want to ignore reality and pray that by osmosis we’ll suddenly be in the playoffs.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
in a perfect world, grey would come in and play like gerrard then trade JR away for a couple draft picks. something tells me this JR does”nt have the mentality to take us to the top, I hope he proves me wrong! Hey Jerry, enjoy yourself breath eazy bud the other Raider blogs are so far from being relavant it’s amazing your family and you deserve your own time! If you need a part time moderator I nominate Oakglen he would seriously bust @ss in here! you might come back to the sound of crickets but everything and everbody would be toeing the line! lol
March 10th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
MADDENRAIDER, are you upset little man, come back no one will hurt you,its ok, just dont whine.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Dude Kiffin is taking care of business. He’s not going to come out to address any of this media-generated hysteria that we have been taken by; he is busy trying to rebuild this team.
Free agency is always a busy period for the coaching staff; I doubt you will see much dillydallying with the media by any HC’s this time of year…
March 10th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
how many think kiffin will be back next season?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Blackholepriest,
thanks again man,
“…Of course if I hear anything there’s no way I put it in here”,
that gave me a laugh. I understand.
Goodnight to you sir.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
COW, Wow man what’s up with the negativity. Who said Gray was coveted? we heard the news and responded favorably no one said he was Warren Moon. But he would be a very good backup do you agree or not?
Coveted, whats wrong with you?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
COW is a little bitch, he should be Oaked and soon!
Boldin bitches
March 10th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
im dont worry, in AL i trust.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
B916,
I’m with you…Kiffin said after the season that we would attack Free Agency. Well, guess what???
How do we know that Lane isn’t recommending these players, and Al isn’t simply getting the deals done?? Lane has Al’s ear.
Jason Jones reported today that Jamarcus is closer to 260 than 300.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
black, plz lets not start again, remenber today, let be man.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
There is no way that Raiders corporate isn’t aware of all of the fan base angst. The lack of ANY information about what the hell is going on with Kiffin is a great indicator that there are some big problems brewing.
Season ticket deposits are due in 13 days. I love the team, my seats, the fans/friends around them that I’ve gotten to know over the years and just going to the “GAME” 8 times a year, but I’ll be dammed if I’m going to fork over one more dime towards this disaster.
What is Direct TV charging for the Season Ticket package these days? I haven’t had it since the mid-nineties.
Cheers,
Ian
March 10th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
blakpriest, you from oakland?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Bishop and others. I agreed Kiffin shouldn’t waste time pre-combine addressing issues but when he was THE ONLY NFL HC to show up days late to the combine and to refuse to talk to the media even when Jerry Mac went to him, something is obviously wrong.
Last year he wasn’t “taking care of business” when he was interviewed on NFLN at the combine?
How is it interfering with his work load to talk to Jerry on an elevator ride?
The #1 reason Kiffin himself proved that logic is WRONG:
Kiffin took the time to stop what he was doing and call a reporter to say he wasn”t dancing. But he couldn’t answer questions in the same phone call? That’s nonsense. Kiffin’s actions speak louder than the words of denial on here.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
anyone that lives in oakland is lucky man, you dont want your seats, and im killing my self to save money to come live in oakland, so my family and i can watch these 8 games.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
No prob, I’m just wondering what’s up with COW we’ve suffered the last 5yrs and Kiffin is doing work and everything he hears it’s always a negative reaction.
What would you like him to do COW that would get a postive response other than cowtow to the media? because that my friend aint going to happen.
And if that stops you from buying tickets, Oh well!!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I can’t imagine Kiff being back. All this silence has told us that it’s over + nobody’s going to preform well under the circumstance’s that Kiff’s been dealing with. bishop and BHP it must be nice too have such optimism! it must be a religious thing!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Insider,
If you’re right about Boldin, we should all bow-down to your greatness (including JMac).
If you’re wrong, admit it!!
Walker, Boldin, & Curry…not too shabby…
March 10th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
BHP - I quoted the post I was responding to:
“what has gray done in jacksonville? why is he so coveted?”
Thus the quotation marks.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
man you guys all have tickets, yo all are soiled.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Hi Raider Men… great site!
RE: comment # 50
(Yes, an HOUR ago!)
Hey…I agree with you…but can we leave “Days of our Lives” out of it! It’s better than the current raider drama!
Try it!
BTW… is Kiffin REALLY worth his salary?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
here in san diego we have to buy 2 extra chargers tickets with the raider charger ticket, cause farter fans hate us here.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
didnt need to post any comments my name says it all
March 10th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
True,
Dude, can you even afford a new keyboard?? I think you’re missing some letters, man.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
OK, but you see how stupid that sounds right? We have a starting QB. Gray would bring a guy similar to McCown. And that’s what I think Kiffin is thinking that’s all.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
COW. How are you doing. I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. I am The Bishop916.
That was a far different circumstance last year; NFLN was asking him about his future with the team, his expectations etc, not requesting that he answer to the drivel that we have been getting so antsy about…
Kiffin has always from what I’ve seen been somehwat candid, and a straightshooter; he is not going to pop off to the media re: hype. The dancing reference was a joke. Get it?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
BHP are you under the impression I don’t want Kiffin back?
My negativity stems from the mounting information that Kiffin will be gone or undermined to the point he can’t continue to fix this franchise.
I refuse to get all elated about back-up QB’s and scrub LBs like Clark if we lose the only coach since Gruden who could lead them.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
TrueRaider,
You are right, those of us with tickets are soiled. Shat on by none other than Al himself.
Cheers,
Ian
March 10th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
madden raider? raider fans are loyal to their team not bandwagon fans ur fan of one of the other 31 teamz dont knw which one… maybe your roger goodell whoz favorite team was one of the teamz from afc west other than raiders who got whooped by raiders year after year lolz now its ur time to enjoy ur little fun lolzz k have fun for awhile… raiders for the first time had 5 straight losing seasonz… every other team had more than that…
March 10th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
bro i live in san diego i cant afford S@#$.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
[...] version of the west-coast offense, and to steal a quote from the man who posted this information (Jerry McDonald of Inside Bay Area), he “has experience playing on a team with a run-heavy offense.” [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Ian go raiders
March 10th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
win - lose or tie raiders till i die
March 10th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
BHP,
Nobody sucks more than McClown!!! I’m sure Gray can throw the ball over 15 yds…
March 10th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
proud to be a raider fan never went to someother teamz website & comment never cared for any other team unlike sum other people
March 10th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I’ll be checking in with my ticket rep tomorrow. I’ll let you know what the party line is regarding the HC.
Cheers & goodnight,
Ian
March 10th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Kiffin is biulding the team COW let it go, stop with the paranoia. Get a hold of yourself. Just look at the people were bringing in they are pro his system and he’s keeping the players he wants. I don’t need to hear from him because I see results. Make sense?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
lets talk about the raiders the team- of-the -decades a title no other team can claim— lets talk about the draft we have the 4th pick in this draft… what guyz think lane kiffin goin to do pick c. long gholston, dorsey or trade down?
March 10th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Ian we dont care about u
March 10th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Bishop - You can check the posts. Pre combine I was of the same attitude you are expressing. I’m sure Kiffin didn’t want to get into that but to take it the extreme he has makes it seem like there is enough truth to the rumors he feels uncomfortable saying, “It’s not true,” or “Don’t believe everything you read.” He said that about dancing. HE MADE THE CALL to address the dancing as untrue but when asked about far more important rumors he clams up? Makes no sense.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Yeah you’re right what I meant was the style is like McCown and Culpepper. Sme if we get could fit the system that’s what I was trying say. He does have a strong accurate arm.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
gholston, dorsey, ellis, or trade down, not over hyped long.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Raiders , Raiders , Raiders
March 10th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
when davidG got hurt last season and the year b4 gray cae in and played good, he is not a great QB otherwise everyone be all over him but for a backup, i cant complain.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
i dont care who they pick as long they pick a player who plays on the Dline & can stop the run
March 10th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
b4 gray came in….
March 10th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
COW - that has always been the company line, do not address the media re: team direction. You should know that. The Raiders have never been forthright with info re: what is going on behind the curtain. He is simply towing the company line. Raider fans are expected to tow the sails and ride the storm. In this day and age of 24/7 media speculation, it is harder to accomplish for sure. But it has to be done.
Nothing to see here…
March 10th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
it doesnt matter whoz the next qb we gonna sign , we know whoz the starter going to be
March 10th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
This whole thing isn’t about being a real fan or not. What this is about is does this organization have any coherent strategy about where it’s going? It feels like a ship with no rudder, lots of cash feeding the furnace but we are just drifting aimlessly.
Kiffen could have gotten us on track but my gut says whether he stays or goes, the damage has been done. Al’s driven off more good coaches than some owners see in a lifetime.
Cheers,
Ian
March 10th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Guys I’m sick of watching this team lose. Sick of seeing us glorify guys like Jerry Porter because we have so little talent we glorify anybody who looks the least bit productive.
I saw Kiffin cutting the garbage like Moss, Whitted, and now (maybe) Sims? Saw him put Gallery in a position to succeed. Saw him have long-term plan with guys like JR, Bush and JLH instead of the “reload” garbage of the last five years. I want it to continue so we can WIN!
I hope you guys are right and Kiffin is being alowed to work.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Kiffin not being favorable of AW tells me that Gray would replace AW and that also tells me Kiffin is runnin the show.
Like it or not…..period
You people that respond to MaddenRaider and the other derelicts are just as much the problem as they are. If you just cant control yourself just click that X up in the right hand corner and do us all a favor.
thank you drive thru
March 10th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Ian u gave ur oppinion now let me give u my opinion i think every coach al davis has signed was a great pickup but sum coaches take long time some dont & al davis dont have patience
March 10th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
yea ur right mistabrown
March 10th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
I’m right there with you COW.
G’night,
March 11th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Stability, mindset, and the ability to get players to play hard. Al is Al. Al is a bandit and a rebel. If you go back in time he made a living on players nobody would touch. I think Kiffin will do a good job. He does not have the personality of a Madden or Gruden, but he has the calm of a Tom Flores. Lets stop talkin and start winning.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Mistabrown, if we sign Grey than you are right. That would seem to be more a Kiffin move than an Al move. Al likes the big armed statue QB cut in the Jeff George mod like AW.
Good point - hope you’re right.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:07 am
# Blackholepriest Says:
March 10th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
When the season starts and he leads the team on the field that’s all that matters.
Then what can the media say it’s a mirage.
so real raider fans would trip on this stuff it’s only the insecure ones that do.
I want hear from the coach, well that’s a personal problem aint it?
____________
So, you don’t think that Kiffin’s lack of a comment is any sign whatsoever that something is wrong? Do you find it normal that he hasn’t made a comment yet, about anything, since the FA period began?
March 11th, 2008 at 12:08 am
COW they arent bringing him in to bake cookies..
March 11th, 2008 at 12:09 am
# Dr. Wolfbaum, psychologist Says:
March 10th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
so maddenraider if kiffin spoke directly to you, how would that make you feel?
______________________
Great! Where is he? But he doesn’t have to speak directly to me. Just talk to the press. Tell us how he feels about the free agency moves. I mean, these are his players, aren’t they? You’d think he’d have an opinion… Or maybe he’s already been fired for all intents and purposes, and is just waiting for the Raiders to announce it? Can you think of a better reason that he’s been on a milk carton since the FA period began?
March 11th, 2008 at 12:09 am
I don’t know of much chatter going on around the league. Match taht with the radier elusiveness to the media, and kiffin’s candid nature, - no nothing going on here.
that is just my opinion.
I can’t speak for BHP, but yeah.
I’m not sweating it at all.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Lack of comment means nothing. Jumping into the media game is counter productive. How many comments has the New England coach made.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Anyways, my ability to type properly has left the building.
I said it before but now I mean it;
Goodnight Nation
March 11th, 2008 at 12:11 am
maiden raider jus go to sleep already
lolzz
March 11th, 2008 at 12:12 am
# Dr. Wolfbaum, psychologist Says:
March 10th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
speaking of your imaginary friends maddenraider, have you heard from mike nolan or mike shanahan or any other coach regarding the signings?? How about Andy ried not getting the playmakers he wanted. and if you haven’t seen or heard from any of them, how does that make you feel?
_____________
Have those guys not addressed the media, as well? Someone here said that Nolan hasn’t, yet I haven’t seen anything about that. If so, then it’s not good in their instances, either. But as far as I know, they have addressed at least their local presses (in the case of Reid and Shanny, as obviously Nolan is in our market) as of recent.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:13 am
# Alameda Insider Says:
March 10th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
MaddenRaider - U love to get Oaked over and over don’t you?
_________________
“oaked”. LOL.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:15 am
GO raiders its all about raiders madden u can keep posting that, sumtimes i wonder if ur the real raider hater & u wrote those articles & ur trying to get publicity by copying & postin everywhere
March 11th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Dangit MR your keeping the Bishop awake here;
I want links. You like links. Post ‘em.
Head coach chatter around the league.
Thanking players, welcoming speeches at the podium, etc. Where their respective teams are headed. Anything.
Just remember, the Raiders have always been tight lipped.
Go man go!
Show me something.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Ian made a good point.We’ll see what happens after the date for season ticket renewals.i’d like to see Kiffin stay but i’m not holding my breath.besides,even if he stays will this be his last year?as soon as there is a college job opening next year,the media will be putting his name out there and Al will be pissed again.in a way it’s kind of funny-Al hates the media but he reacts to all its bs.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Coach on Wheels, as far as I know, blackout rules do apply to Sunday ticket.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:19 am
maddenraider calm down
March 11th, 2008 at 12:19 am
It would be encouraging to have some sign from the team about WTF is going on regarding Kiffin. He came in, took charge and talked about the long term plan. He cut dead weight, found some team players and started to get results.
Despite a three QB shuffle, a two RB tango and season long tinkering with the OL we still won more games than in ‘06, scored twice as many points and lost 6 games by 7 or less.
I was VERY skeptical of the Kiffin hire at first but I waited and watched and he won me over. Sure, lot’s of ugly moments early on. Plenty of QB controversy and early griping but he stuck to his guns, was straight up about his intentions and slowly got us competitive again.
Broke the AFC West losing streak, almost beat the freaking Colts. Players sure seemed to like him.
But now nothing, not a peep out of him or the organization. Sorry, I just can’t believe that Lane, Al & SOB are so happily working together in the FA & pre-draft period that they forgot to tell us everything was cool.
Cheers,
Ian
March 11th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Bishop, I’ve never claimed anything, only expressed my suspicion that Kiffin hasn’t addressed the press at all since the FA period began, along with the other suspicious things that have happened since the season ended, none of them being rumors.
Kiffin did want a new defensive coordinator.
Lofton was hired despite having no connections with Kiffin.
Now, Kiffin is on a milk carton. No statement to the press regarding free agents. No response to reporters’ phone calls.
These statements have already been substantiated with the numerous op eds and reports I’ve been posting.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I was skeptical of Kiffin at first, too, Ian. I’d felt he was some sort of runner up to Sarkision, who rejected the offer. But at the end of the preseason I could see just by some of his press conferences (remember when he used to have those?) and the players he was using that he intended on changing this franchise, not just sitting there while Al pulled his strings. The Denver game is when I was sold on him. Al’s got good contacts, that’s for sure. Too bad he never follows the second part of their advice, and that’s, “Al, you have to let the kid coach the team, too.”
March 11th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Lefty, when is the deadline for renewals?
March 11th, 2008 at 12:25 am
MR-reports were Kiffin did interview Lofton.also,since Kiffin hasn’t talked to the press,there is no real proof he wanted a new DC,although he might have.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:27 am
It’s going to be a crying shame to watch if Kiffin moves on and blows it up somewhere else. I remember that the Cleveland media ran Belichick out of town on a rail after his stint there, and he was an ass—- even then. At least Kiff seems like a decent guy.
Sad.
Enough already.
Good night,
Ian
March 11th, 2008 at 12:28 am
bishop916 Says:
March 10th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Dude Kiffin is taking care of business. He’s not going to come out to address any of this media-generated hysteria
________________
I agree; Never mind the hysteria over the resignation. Kiffin shouldn’t address that. If it’s not true, it’s not true. But why not address our free agent acquisitions? Tell us how he’s going to use them? What types of schemes and formations? 3rd down situations? As the head coach, give us the skinny on our new Raiders. Don’t you find it unusual we haven’t heard a word from him? And, we’ve been shelling out some serious money for these guys.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Substantiated?
Rumors and ‘inside sources’ substantiate nothing.
All of this got started because some guys are so cockheaded that they feel that they can take the liberty to call it like they see it.
Nothing will be substantiated until the next Raider press conference.
Now you said that other coaches have been talking, I wanted to see some proof. Got links?
(*not trying to become argumentative here; just insomnia grrrr) -
I’ll catch you on the flip side.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:28 am
MR,i don’t know,but i believe it’s sometime this month.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Sure I’d like to hear something from our HC or the org. I’d like to attend a practice now and then too, maybe catch some photos or get an autograph or two.
Not gonna happen.
Niters
March 11th, 2008 at 12:32 am
# lefty 12 Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 12:25 am
MR-reports were Kiffin did interview Lofton.also,since Kiffin hasn’t talked to the press,there is no real proof he wanted a new DC,although he might have.
__________________
Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that he told Jerry McDonald back at season’s end that he preferred a Tampa 2 scheme to our man coverage, and expressed interest in one of Tampa Bay’s back ups. Now, firing Ryan, I agree. That was never substantiated. But I do think he talked about wanting a new scheme and at least showed interest, publicly, in one of Tampa’s assistants.
And, the only source I know of regarding Kiffin being the one to actually interview Lofton was the Raiders themselves, and that goes nowhere with me. Kiffin has no connections to Lofton whatsoever, and it makes no sense for Kiffin to hire him as an assistant. It’s also noted that Lofton is a “Davis guy”. He’s always one of the first interviews in our seemingly annual head coaching hunt.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:37 am
MR,have you ever worked for someone who was so vengeful that if you said something they’d throw it back in your face.maybe that’s the way Kiffin feels now-whether it’s true or not.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Bishop, either you’re using sarcasm as a diversion or you are entirely missing the point.
It is perfectly normal for a head coach to address his free agent acquisitions. It is bizarre, on the other hand, for a coach to remain mum on the issue; Not responding to any local reporters.
I don’t know what it all means but it does not mean that all is well and that Kiffin is on board for the future of this franchise, that’s for sure. It’s indicates the exact opposite.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Do you have links?
Or is this going nowhere?
did I hear you say that offic