Larry thinks the kids are all right
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 12:00 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Got an e-mail today from Larry Robbins of Encino.
Larry has made newspapers all over the country spreading the Raiders gospel. The e-mail he sent me was also sent simutaneously to media members throughout the country. Larry has gone into hiding in recent years as seasons have spun out of control, but he always returns to assert the Raiders, and more specifically, Al Davis, are on the right track.
And at some point, he will be right.
Larry’s offering Tuesday:
The Raider Nation is all smiles as they look forward to this coming season and also many seasons in the future. Why? With the recent draft and great free agent draft signings look at what is the reason that a bright future is in store for the Raiders great YOUNG team. Darren McFadden-20, JaMarcus Russell-22, Zack Miller-22, Thomas Howard-24, DeAngelo Hall-24, Kirk Morrison-26, Nnamdi Asomugha-26, plus some great seasoned veterans. And only 3 guys are over 30 on their entire roster. Al Davis’ retooling of the team will surely make itself evident very soon.
Larry Robbins
Encino, CA
Yesterday I wrote about Ray, a season-ticket holder since 1995 who said he was wanted seven or eight wins this season or he wasn’t going to renew in 2009. (By the way, it was never suggested he wouldn’t be a Raider fan any more, just that he wasn’t going to shell out the money for tickets. There are more Raider fans on their couches and in sports bars than in the Coliseum).
If Larry Robbins is a season ticket holder, flying up from Encino for every home game, I suspect he would never deliver such an ultimatum, just as it’s possible Ray could be drawn back for one more year because addicition tough to conquer. Larry’s message is always one of hope, even if his numbers are flawed.
Larry’s point of the youthful roster is well-taken. And there is some serious talent among that youth, when you take into account McFadden, Russell, Hall, Asomugha and Howard, in particular.
But there are actually seven players aged 30 or above on the current roster _ cornerback Duane Starks (33), center John Wade (33), tackle Cornell Green (31), safety Jarrod Cooper (30) guard Cooper Carlisle (30) and kickers Shane Lechler (31) and Sebastian Janikowski (30).
(Correction noted _ four Raiders are “above 30,” although Carlisle turns 31 in August. The point is, Larry is right _ it is an extremely young team).
Starks is probably less than 50-50 to stick, but the others seem fairly secure. Those who will turn 30 during the course of the season include defensive tackle Gerard Warren during training camp and wide receiver Javon Walkler in October.
Fabian’s take
Fabian Washington told the Carroll County Times his demotion last season in favor of Stanford Routt had to do with poor tackling.
Fair enough, but if the Raiders had taken such action against every player who blew tackles last season they would have needed turnstiles in and out of Rob Ryan’s office for those going from starter to reserve.
You could say Washington’s problems tackling illustrate the flaw in making a first-round draft pick out of someone whose primary attraction was a 4.29 40-yard dash time at the combine rather than looking at his overall skills as a football player, but the fact is, Washington at times during his first two years showed some good open field tackling ability despite slender build.
Washington also said practices were less intense and organized with the Raiders than with Baltimore. Having never seen the Ravens practice, I’ll take his word for it, but the fact is the tempo was much more crisp and efficient under Lane Kiffin’s watch than it was under Art Shell _ and dramatically so.
April hit parade
Raider fans do love the draft.
Hits to this site broke a half-million for the first time in April.
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May 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
oh yeah
May 6th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
RAIDERS
May 6th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
GO RAIDERS !!!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
This 12 year old Packer fan hadn’t taken his #4 jersey off for four years. Thats a true fan. Check out the story on Yahoo.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Pain.. thats just bad hygiene
May 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Since most of the veterans are gone maybe they will pick up the tempo even more.
No wonder why RR’s defense cant make it to the 4th quarter. RR is making my shitlist more and more every day.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
408Raider, Washington wasn’t “given a chance” to be a Oakland Raider, he was forced into it. It is not like it is some sort of great privilege to be a Raider, as opposed to being on another team. So what, he thinks the Ravens practice harder, maybe they do.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Old news ABP, old news…
May 6th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
RRRAAAAIIIDDDEEERRSS!!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Why is it whenever a Raider leaves, he has to say something negative about the organization. He wasn’t complaining while he was collecting his millions from AD…shut the hell up, and go prove yourself in Balto. I agree with Larry 100%…this season will be a huge stepping stone towards the playoffs next year, and the SB soon after…back to having teams not just respect the Black and Silver…but fears us again!
Nation Forever….
May 6th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I still haven’t got my damn rebate check!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
a real fan isn’t determined by how long he wears a jersey. You people kill me…
May 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
didn’t the raiders get in trouble last year for practicing to hard???
May 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Rocky Mtn. Raider says, “Why is it whenever a Raider leaves, he has to say something negative about the organization”.
Hmm, I wonder? Could it be because Al Davis does not know how to run a professional team anymore.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Pain…
we must agree to dis agree then bro.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Cole -
Are you getting your check direct deposited? If not then you may be waiting a while. They are being sent out in the mail based on the last 2 digits of your social. The higher the last 2 digits the longer the wait. For instance my last 2 digits are 86 so I won’t be getting my check until July! My wife is due to get heres at the end of May.
Check out the chart here:
http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/17/pf/taxes/rebates_payment_schedule/
May 6th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Has Fabian even practiced with Baltimore yet?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I’ve been wearing the same #24 Larry Brown jersey for eleven years. Thats why I need my rebate check so bad. I want to get one of those discounted Fabian jerseys.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Oh yeah, Baltimore has a new coach so they get that extra mini-camp don’t they…well, it certainly wouldn’t surprise me if every team in the NFL practiced harder than the Raiders. Especially the defensive unit…
Rob Ryan, “Okay, we’ll stop practice there, you guys are starting to break a sweat and it’s pizza and nap time little boys and girls.”
May 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Thanks for the info RaiderDogg!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
stop the madness drink the kool-aid for all will be well in the nation this year! (ok better@ least)
May 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
albert bigelow paine Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
“Rocky Mtn. Raider says, “Why is it whenever a Raider leaves, he has to say something negative about the organization”.
Hmm, I wonder? Could it be because Al Davis does not know how to run a professional team anymore.”
Yet another completely idiotic statement from our resident numbskull Mr Paine. Hmmm could it be that he was fired?! When was the last time you heard of someone, that got fired from a job, have anything good to say about their former employer? Dude you need to get a grip, so ridiculous…
May 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Jerry, the thing about Fabian is, and I believe you were the one who pointed this out. Fabian was benched and seemed to be OK with it. He still seems OK with it being in Baltimore. I had high hopes for this guy, and they talked him up big time, but it seems like he struggled and then just gave up. That to me says, I’m comfortable being mediocre. Yikes….Imagine if you told your bosses that. I’m sure it would go over quite well….
May 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
No problem Cole. Here’s hoping that your SS# ends with 00
May 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
So Mendenhall pulled a hammy and got robbed at gun point. Well getting robbed at gun point has little to do with football except they reasonably assumed you have money due to your profession; but the hammy pull I think is a reflection of Tomlin. Tomlin has his boys too strung tight. That was the word last year. Just like the Donkeys they fade come playoff time b/c they are too strung tight. Thats one helluva team man but they won’t win if the coach is running them in the ground every freakin’ year. Regular season sure but come playoffs …1 and done.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
If the Raiders practices are so soft why did the Raiders get reprimanded last year for practicing too hard?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Jerry Mac..
On Fabian Washington, you left out the part in which he said, that his mind last year was not dedicated 100% on football, that he had “stuff” going on off the field etc. blah blah..
The fact is he couldn’t tackle a sack of potatoes last year,thus he got benched.
Al saw a chance to get Hall and he took that chance, and Washington became the odd man out.
Adios, Fabs. The view from Baltimore’s bench will be the same as it was here, looking at someone,s backside.
p.s. read the exact quote @ J. Jones SACBEE site.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Fabian was 2 short & to light in the a$$ any way
May 6th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
From above - “(By the way, it was never suggested he wouldn’t be a Raider fan any more, just that he wasn’t going to shell out the money for tickets. There are more Raider fans on their couches and in sports bars than in the Coliseum).” Point taken. If I lived out there, I’d probably go.
For post #12 - rebates start kicking out May 16, based upon last digit of SSN, starting with zero. One digit increment per week. Got it from IRS website, the last time I looked. As an example, if your SSN ends in 7, you won’t see it until July. Any corrections to the above are appreciated, of course.
Jerry, I’m getting addicted again. Time for me to watch it.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
“Hits to this site broke a half-million for the first time in April.”
Only 3,215 of them were football related, lol.
You are welcome Jerry; we give you job security.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
well now I can sleep at night knowing some guy named Larry thinks the “kids will do alright”……..must be the slow time of the off season
May 6th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Jerry, when are you going to have a post about Terrapin, or Saint, or Dogg?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
The Real Oakglenn, that wasn’t me. Some dirt bag is posting under my name. That is so pathetic.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Afternoon Raidernation.
Jerry, your last article hit a sweetspot/funnybone in the nation. Really, more so than usual, us readers responded to your blog. There have been good and bad opinions of your blog and opinions are like asses, everybody has one, including me.
At the start of the offseason, I will admit I was definitely in the “if Kiffin goes, I am tuning out crowd.” That was not because I was going to root for another team, but because the pain of seeing the team I have rooted for practically my whole life was going to continue the downward spiral in what already has been the lowest point in the history of the Al Davis era.(and I was mostly on the outside looking in…i.e. in the military stationed in S. Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Hawaii,,,not in the thick of things in the bay area, where raiderfans also have to contend with the 49er contingent)
Upon reflection, I cant not root for the Raiders. And, if the fan who is jumping ship hasn’t got to taste the sweet taste of ultimate victory (Run Kenny King, Run Marcus Allen) like I have I won’t give him or her too hard of a time, and I for one will save a bit of room for the fans that were wayward during the dark times.
In no particular order, my favorite posters…
Jedi Raider
Blackholepriest
Guamanian Raider
Mao Raider,,,where are you??
coach on wheels
Bob Marley…
Raiderdogg
koolkell
oakglenn…are you alright buddy?
terrapin
Autumn_wind
Scottish Raider
yalls trippin
nyraiderfan
Huff24
Andrews Mom… The day after the draft, you were bringing heat like a pastor at sermon…
ctraider(jim) I think…
M.
and many many more
anyways Jerry, and fellow Raidernation, keep on keepin on…
May 6th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I see Raiderdogg at #16 is way ahead of me.
http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=180250,00.html
May 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Dakota.. yeah and 1617 1/2 was from that USC guy.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
My favorite posters are Dakota, albert bigelow paine, Raider O, and Tommy Trojan.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
err…. 1607 1/2
May 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
my favorit poster is the classic Farrah Fawcett
May 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
This one Rave?
http://www.extrememortman.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/Farrah%20Fawcett%20poster%20from%20ogonbat.jpg
May 6th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Dakota, that would be it, the one and only
May 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
This is my favorite poster:
http://www.grumpstump.com/squidoo/flexibility.jpg
May 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
This is my favorite poster:
http://www.myvillage.com/images/celebs/photos/big_brotherx271.jpg
May 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
test
May 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Paine… Seek counseling today.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I got my rebate! Then the radiator went out on my pickup. That’s the way it usually goes. I was going to spend it buying some parts to upgrade my motorcycle.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Man, there are some swrewed up people out there..
“Free agent DL Darrion Scott was formally charged today for allegedly assaulting his son last week.
Scott will face two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge. The boy’s mother allegedly found Scott holding a dry cleaning bag over the child’s head on April 26. Scott told police the two were playing a game with the bag, and Scott wanted to see if the boy could get the bag off his head by himself.”
May 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
repost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lApCX-kR7Vc&feature=related
Ted Hendricks SB Memories
May 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Does he play for the Bengals?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Uh, can someone explain to Jerry Wack that “over 30″ and “30 or above” mean TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS?
Talk about going out of your way to pick apart a Raider fan’s musings.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Paine, where did you find the picture of Al in drag?!!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Kids love dry cleaning bags!
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/250s.jpg
May 6th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Paine,
You found the Matriarch of MaddenRaiders family.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Raider Ivan/David Densmore/Sparky
Has anyone heard of these posters before? It’s funny how they have the same thing to say within the same 33 mins. telling us to reject the Raiders & don’t waste your money. San Diego fans? 9er fans? Could be. I admit since the Broncos cheat the salary cap for $95MILLION & won 2 SBs I quit watching all football except the Raiders. Then seeing the Raiders getting cheated by the refs virtually every week with bad calls, I considered quitting football all together. Then the NE snow game with no less than 12 bad calls or no holding/off sides/facemask calls against NE I decided to quit. THEN we went to the SB, after that trouncing I swore to give up football all together….again. Then the Raiders signed Randy Moss. I felt like a scene in Godfather3, “Ever time I want out they pull me back in.” Why did I think anything would change? The 1st game in NE w/Moss, NE pass interferred in the end zone w/Moss. In SD Moss got hurt by sandwiching between 2 Charger who pass interfered! No call.
I don’t blame Al Davis, I blame the NFL refs who turned the NFL into pro wrestling by picking who wins every year. Now I just accept it really is US vs The World. But what now gives me hope is we have OUR John Elway behind center & it’s exciting again. I’m still sceptical & I only watch the Raiders. SCREW THE REST OF THE NFL!!
Raider Ivan Says:
NO big name wants to play here, *(((HOW DID THEY SIGN THE MOST FAs IN THE NFL, STUPID?))))not with the drama and bone head decisions created by AD. Not worth the money, Not worth the money yet, maybe in a few years when we get the ball rolling again.
David Densmore Says:
I used to be optimistic about the team every year, but now realize that so long as AD is in total charge, this team has no real future. With a paranoid, secretive, septugenarian dictator in charge of an outmoded and decrepit business organization, why waste money and watch the team’s continued–and continuing–mediocrity? We fans are all self-delusional.
Sparky Says:
One more year huh? That’s like giving a cheating girlfriend one more chance. Right, she won’t cheat again because she respects you so much.
Bottom line is Al has made it clear, especially these last few years, that he is not worth pitching a penny to. He is a fool for giving out enormous contracts to guys who could care less.
The guy is an idiot and not worth buying any tickets at all. Let the franchise rot as it will after another 4-12 season.
These guys are trolls. Just remember:
Paranoia is the total state of awareness!
US vs THE WORLD!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
500,053
May 6th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I am not even sure what to say about this one:
http://marcschoenfeld.com/RaiderMom.JPG
May 6th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Yesterday someone posted something about LB Ed Hartwell. what was that all about? any links to information regarding his potential signing?
May 6th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
OK…not everybody, but almost everybody keeps talking about our favorable schedule.
The “experts” say that because our opponents had a (2007 cumulative) bad winning percentage, we should be good to go this year. Too simple. If last year’s record was all that mattered, maybe I could agree.
One thing I do know — If the Raiders aren’t MUCH better than last year, then this year’s schedule will be as tough as any other — and could prove to be very tough.
Let’s look at the schedule:
Denver: Intra-division, always a battle
@ KC: Same as Denver, anything can/does happen
@ Buffalo: Competitive once again. 2 trips=Jet-lag!
San Diego: same as Den & KC, except a better team
BYE: If not 2-2 here, somebody’s probably gone
@ New Orleans: Could recover quickly from ‘07 fall
NYJ: Almost as many question marks as the Raiders
@ Baltimore: Aging D is still a force
ATL: A bigger mess than Raiders at ‘07 season’s end
Carolina: Tough team in transition
@ Miami: Bad team needing direction. They got it
@ Denver: Anything can and will happen. Snow?
KC: This should complete the 2-game sweep
@ San Diego: Could be like home if we’re in the hunt
New England: Are we ready for playoffs? Great test
Houston: Building a good foundation, on the rise
@ Tampa Bay: Scrappy Gruden team always ready for us
4 long cross-country trips: Buff, Balt, Miami, Tampa
4 other trips are division opponents + New Orleans
4 games are back-to-back travel, long + mid trips
Consider that we are always in a battle with our division foes…add in the travel and how good (or bad) our opponents should be…add in the fact we haven’t yet seen if our team can put it all together…add in our lack of experience, even if we do put it together, and so on…
8-8 would be great progress, and should be expected. Anything more would be gravy. I would like lots and lots of gravy, thank you.
By the bye week, we will know if this team is much improved — and it better be!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Hey Dakota, she is absolutely SEXY!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Dakota, wonder if she knows McFadden?
May 6th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Dakota… #56. I saw that on t.v. last year, thought it was kinda cool. That is really getting your kid into RAIDER football at a early age.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Hell Yeah the Kids are Allright!But we still need to sing Nnamdi!!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Hell yeah…
I’d do her!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
kid wears the shirt for 4 years and you say that aint a fan??? it maybe nasty but that sh@t takes a real fan something you would know nothing about obviously… and as far as the raider hater trolls yall can go bite me cause its time to start smashing heads
May 6th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Thank you Raider TW for your post #54??? Why am I the point person for being constantly attacked in here?? Because I stand up to all this crap. What real Raider fan would ever tell others not to support the Raiders????????? That’s absolutely preposterous. And of course you have a huge war last nite with that lunatic and Dakota and of course the other idiot who has absolutely no integrity. Thank God 99% of the posters here are fantastic fans!!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
i totally agree with #65 only whinerfan’s or some type of fan from a team which will never be known globally as the raiders are
May 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
The parents let that kid obsess over the Favre shirt, and that’s not conducive to helping the child’s mental or emotional growth.
#44, Wolverine — Jump on in, eventually people do talk about Raiders stuff and sports…
May 6th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I didn’t realize “I’ve” been posting all morning. That’s why the trolls are back in force to drive all the great Raider fans away. Boy, they’ve been on it the last few days.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
What it Do Nation
May 6th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I wonder who will emulate this kid from a Raiderfan perspective. Maybe we will have someone wear a McFadden jersey til we win the superbowl.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Let the “haters” shout all they want, they connect shake us ture believers!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
*spelling*
May 6th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
cannot shake our Faith
May 6th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Thank You Darkhorse!!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Whatever happened to the “trade Andrew Walter to the Cardinals” talk?
Dangle Walter and Fargas (providing Bush is all-that)
or
Walter + an ‘08 draft pick + an expendable player…
for Anquan Boldin…filling needs for both teams
May 6th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Dakota Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
“Hits to this site broke a half-million for the first time in April.”
Of course 422,000 of them were madden loser posting as me.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
This woman has not taken off her cheese since 1992…
http://tntu.net/photoplog/images/72/medium/1_the_most_favorite_green_bay_packer_fan.jpg
May 6th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
did anyone catch LT on the jim rome show just now? roflmfao
May 6th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
It’s nice to be back after being banned from posting for a couple months. One night I decided to fight back against the jerk of the site for taking other user’s names and posting and I got banned. But yet “it” is still posting all the time. Amazing isn’t it?
So a few days ago, was that all rumor and speculation about Hartwell? Or did he sign with us? I can’t find anything online about it.
Go Raiders and it’s great to be back posting with my fellow fans.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
hello nation
May 6th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
i say trade for bobby carpenter from the boys.he’ll be a great SAM.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Welcome back. I’ve been reading this blog for a long time, and remember Wolverine. Can’t place your opinions, but it won’t take long to figure out again.
Hartwell’s agents will probably be deep in contract negotiations for a bit — his contract will likely be loaded with back-end incentives.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Found a picture of MaddenRaider:
http://home.no.net/peefy/bilder/horse_face02.jpg
May 6th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
rodney bailey and ethan kelley woul be good is sands didnt play well against the run, both are over 320.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Wolverine, we did sign hartwell. its on sacbee.com.. Not sure if he will make it out of camp tho. Would provide lift on strong side if he’s back to full health. Guy can tackle..
May 6th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
kelley played NT for the browns last year.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
hartwell been out of the nfl for 2 years
May 6th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Thanks Hayes.
If Hartwell is healthy, I don’t see a reason not to sign him up. How would the dynamic of the D change if we could put Hartwell in the middle and have Morrison and Howard on the outside? To me, I see it as a plus for us. But of course, only if he’s healthy after a couple years of question marks and inury.
Go Raiders.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Thanks Sac. Then disregard my comment about middle back if he plays strong. I’d still like to get so more bodies signed for the linebacker spots. The thinness of our depth and not much quality in the backups scares me at a few positions.
Go Raiders.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Sac — Should we believe it ’til the Raiders post it?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Dakota.
14 yrs ago, her cheese didn’t sag. LOL
May 6th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
1ST time writing here. I have been reading for a while. I just want to give props to all the regulars.
I sit at work somtimes cracking up at all the funny stuff you guys say. Keep up the good work. Raiddderrrrs! Stockton in the house! MCfadden is going to run for atleast 1400 yards. I can’t wait to see him run all over the the 40 whiners.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
hartwell is better inside wolverine, the problem is when clark came to visit the raiders he wanted to play inside and not SAM, and the raiders said they were happy with kirk inside and they will no move him outside and clark signed with another team.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Is the Hammer with the jags?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
we could trade for carpenter he is a great SAM, sub 4.6 speed, 6′2 248, this kid is a monster.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
not strong to play in the 3-4 scheme but great fit in the 4-3.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2331835380766227973&q=Everson+Griffen&ei=SjUbSJS1EZqarQKLi6m9Ag
Great April Fools joke played on Trojan All-American by Pete Carroll.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
nvm he came to us from the jags, my bad
May 6th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
i think he is with the giants.but im not sure.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Thanks Raider O. I guess we’re fine with Robert Thomas at SAM then? Just seems a bit surprising. Thomas isn’t horrible, but he’s still just average in my mind.
I just wonder about Morrison and playing inside sometimes. And I’m sure I’ll get some heat for saying that, but at times he doesn’t seem big/strong enough to shed the o-lineman coming to the next level. It happened more middle to the end of the season as he seemed to do it pretty good in the first few games. I wonder if he wears down too much as the season goes on.
Don’t get me wrong though, I love Morrison, I just want to stop the run next season. And of course, you can blame the d-line for a lot of the troubles, but it takes 11 guys playing together to stop the run consistently.
Go Raiders.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Try again.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2331835380766227973&q=Everson+Griffen&ei=SjUbSJS1EZqarQKLi6m9Ag
May 6th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I myself have seen way too many bigrunning plays given up by our D and wanna see a change just like you wolverine
May 6th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
no, i agree with you wolverine. i think kirk is a better olb than ilb IMO, but the raiders are happy with him inside, it just to it felt we lacked that run stuffer lb, like creg B, that guy was big not much speed, but smart with a nose for the ball.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
If we make a move with another team for help on the defense…
Jason Taylor would be the way to go, shoring-up the D-line as we bring youngsters into the fold. Looks like D-line will be THE priority next off-season.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
IMO, cause we have to great athletic LBs in TH and KM all we need is that big,smar, nasty LB like creg B.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
we need a guy in our LBs that is a run stuffer that comes out on passing downs.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
i hate to say it but romo wasnt bad aginst the run too.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
hayes taylor is 34 and his numbers are getting worse every year for the last 2 years.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
plus he has a salary of 8 mil.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
O — we’ve got enough players shuffling in and out. We know the weak link on the team is the D-line, and we still haven’t addressed it.
No more part-time LB’s.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
O — jason taylor was MVP-good 2-years ago, on a bad team. Last year he was on a terrible team. He plays much younger than his age, and is in phenomenal shape for any age.
Salaries are no obstacle when teams want to get something done. Everything can be negotiated around.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
ExLa,
Kobe: MVP-MVP-MVP. His news conference is scheduled to start at 5:30 Eastern.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
one LB has to leave the field on passing downs anyway, to replace him with a CB, thats not shuffling, thats going from 4-3, to nickle.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Fix the D-line, fix the problem.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
We still need a few more veterans to give this team some experience and resolution.
I would start by taking Bryon Leftwich as the back-up QB. Despite all his disappointments of last season, he is by far the most talented QB still available and he would be prepared to take a modest contract for the opportunity to re-establish himself. He is younger and healthier than Culpepper, miles better than Dilfer and much better value than the next Tampa reject.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
tuna wants a 1st for taylor. wanna give him that for 34 DE?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Leftwich or Culpepper? Welcome back, Duante!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
The NFL should put together a social network site like My Space. It could be a dating site too where the fans of a team can find a partner who roots for the same team. I don’t know, though, if there are enough women sports fans to support it.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Chris Paul should be MVP
May 6th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
i think leftwich is smarter than culpepper, heathier, no. dude gets injured every season.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
i agree with you Albert, this kid is great, and no one can stop him, look we he did against the spurs.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
i say the Raiders offer next years 2nd rounder for Bobby Carpenter! Let him compete hard to be the SAM LB and he also can contribute on special teams.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
C’mon, O — You’ve got to know that negotiations are funny things. What one wants and what one gets can be very different things.
Jason Taylor has as much potential to stay healthy for the next 3-4 years as Justin Fargas does — maybe even better. He’s certainly no more of a risk than anyone else on this team’s D-line.
I would give a #3 and a player for Taylor right now. Or a conditional #2, based on how well he does.
Nobody else even rumored to be available in trade could do more for our D-line than what Taylor could do.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
thats what im saying Dark,2nd or 3rd. worth the risk.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
lol Cole… hilarious… I did see person specifying… she’s a raider fan
May 6th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
raider O,
i agree….carpenter would be a perfect fit for our defense. he is more suited for a 4-3 then a 3-4
May 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
dude was a 1st round pick 2 years ago, and tuna wanted to trade for him in this draft but cowboys said no.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
it blows seeing C.Long in that fins jersey
May 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I think culpepper is a better fit as a backup than leftwich. he already knows the system so he wouldn’t need as many reps in practice, giving russel more time to learn. Evan after the surgeries, he’s still more mobile than leftwich too, and we know the QBs will be running for their lives on some plays..
May 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
raider 0,
getting carpenter would definitely be worth the low risk.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
thats what i been saying.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Grady Jackson, has another lap left in him, as a back up/situational D tackle help. Last I heard he’s still out there.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
None of Leftwich’s injuries are as chronic as Culpepper’s. He is a high character, high motivation guy who would give JR some quality support and give us a credible back-up. Daunte is yesterday.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
culpepp is definitely a better backup option than Leftwich….daunte already knows the offense.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Are there any women posters on this blog?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
909..
Im still pissed that we let Grady go in the first place!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I would rather have Dilfer ahead of Leftwich….only because Dilfer would be a better mentor and teacher.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
to be honest Dark, i dont see any risks, there is RT he is too small, more fit for the tampa 2. sam w has the size but doesnt play like it, and he is always hurt. i say carpenter comes in and starts, and then we will have the best combo lbs in the nfl, and the best back 7 hands down.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
AW will get it done IMO and he also knows the offense pluss I still see our major need as DL
May 6th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
why cole are you lonely?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
i like to see what walter can do behind an improved line, that guy needs a fair shot.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
408 — Grady should’ve been a lifetime Raider. And C. Long is a Ram.
Once Culpepper accepts that he is a backup QB now, he might just call the Raiders first.
Leftwich’s own teammates were ambivalent about him (at best) — on 2 different teams.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Andrew’s mom will be happy to hear that… 408
May 6th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Dilfer needs a wheelchair. Culpepper thought he would get a starter job this off-season and will be sucking lemons if he had to return.
No, sorry Nation, Leftwich is the best available.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
the only reason we need another QB, is to teach JR and AW how to read Ds and what to do in some plays, a coach like player with years under his belt, and has to be smart.so cul, no maybe dil or left will be better.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
HaynesDaze37… You realy want Pep back @ what price? He realy only had that game vs the fins other than that I was not too thrilled.Yes AW is slow but so is J.Russ….
May 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Culpepper is already realizing his options a slim. Bring him back as a willing backup…
…and trade Andrew while there are teams that need him right now. He will never be the starter for the Raiders, and he’s good enough to be one. Another year as a backup — and further-removed from playing playing time/reps — will lessen his trade value.
And yes, Cole, Andrew Walter would beat-out Leinart in Cardinals camp from Day-one.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
408…no kidding… we let grady and d coleman go… two solid dt’s still
May 6th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
408 — All props to my man Haynes, but it’s Hayes.
And yes, I’d take Culpepper back at the right price — won’t know what we can afford ’til other contracts get worked-out. Culpepper’s price is no longer $3 million per.
Culpepper has seen it all on the field (and a lot off it), and has all the insight at QB the young kid/s need. No, he wasn’t great last year — and probably will never be great again. But, he knows the O, he knows the team, and he knows the kid he’s supposed to mentor.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Al will get another q.b after june 1st cuts. aside from the Mia. game, Bellpepper did not impress at all. Then he pouted cause Mc 7 yrd. check down got the starts.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I’d love Walter to get in to and beat out Leinart … then woop on the niners twice a year!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Raider O, yes I am lonely. If I had a girlfriend I certainly would not spend so much time on this blog. But that is not why I asked. I was just curious if there were any women nerdy enough to contribute to a football blog.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
If Culpepper were to return, he would understand and accept his role, or he won’t be here.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
i dont think we sould trade walter, what if JR goes down cul sucks, ide rather see walter starts and if he does good his trade value will go up, look at the chargers when rivers went down voleck came and played well for them.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
HayesDaze#37 my bad bro just got excited there 4 a sec
May 6th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Cole — Are you still property of the state, or are you and Barrett Robbins out touring the country-side together?
May 6th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
i love you honesty cole.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I wouldn’t feel comfortable with Walter as the primary backup, 1 game maybe. He’s too slowfooted, sack and fumble prone.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Tonio
And since then I’ve been forced to watch other teams run all over our raiders. Geez….Where is LMN that guy is Funny
May 6th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Kool, everyone looks slow when they have to take a 7 step drop, and then add a bad o-line, wow, looks even worse, im not saying he will be great, or even good unless he gets a fair shot, and then we will no what he can do.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
but ya kool, walter is not a scrambler.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
but a lot great QBs are not.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Tonio — Do you live near a NW Pac-10 city? If so, I’m sure you’re real familiar with the numbers Walter put up in the PAC-10.
On flaky teams, Walter smoked almost all of Elway’s PAC-10 records — not just squeeked-by, but smoked them. That’s not like putting up numbers in Hawaii or at Backwater U. He’s as ready as any backup in the league to be a starter somewhere.
(And Tonio, if you think you know who I am, don’t even hint at it in here!)
May 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
i dont think kiffin likes walter.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Chris Henry is free to travel to tryouts with any NFL team, as long as he has a letter from the team….so says the judge in his case…Anyone think the Raiders might send him a letter?
May 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Hey Jerry,
Let’s face facts. Fabian wasn’t that good of a corner, period. It wasn’t just his tackling. Nobody threw to Nnamdi’s side so they picked on Fabian and he generally got worked over. During the the Jags game he had position but was out jumped near the end zone for a touchdown. He wasn’t motivated and is probably not really a top-tiered talent, despite his incredible speed. For him to say he is relieved is probably sour grapes from someone who just got replaced by what looks like a considerably superior talent in DeAngelo Hall.
Culpepper, Walter, Leftwich, I’m sure they are all good. As long as McCown stays in Miami I’ll probably be happy with our QB’s.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Kiffin likes mobil QBs thats why he didn’t want J.Russ.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
if he did he would have started him last year after the 2 idiots stunk up the place, int as many TD if no more INTs, that was sorry.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
KOOOOOOOOOOOOBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! MVP muthas!!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Sorry fellas, back to football.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
i heard kiffin wanted trent edwards, but he isnt mobil.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
IMO, JR is mobil. he is no V young, but mobil to buy more time to pass, the guy is a pocket passer with huge frame and is mobil to rush for 1st downs when he has to.he is a gun slinger like bret f.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Barret and I like to go to the clubs together. For some reason, though, the ladies don’t warm up to us.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
JR is a true QB, V young i an athlete that can pass.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
SaintKaufman….
Thankfully the NBA finally got it right!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
hayes I’m in Marin… … but have another home in AZ… I know Walter’s more than capable… just got a bad start here… I think he’ll be good somewhere else…and deserves to be somewhere else…
May 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
re: who u are hayes… *no comment* … lol
May 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
JR will be great, will be better than Gannon,stabler,lamonica,and other raider greats.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
The NBA did not get it right. Paul should have been MVP. There is no way the MVP award should have gone to a guy who threatened to tear his team apart before the season began. Besides, he has Odom and Gasol. Paul took a team which no one expected anything from and took them to the no.2 seed.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Raider O
I hope your rite brother I realy do!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Jerry!!!!!…finally you said something I agree with!!!!…you are dead on when you said there are more fans on their couches and sports bars then in the coliseum,..but you should have added that the dorks on their couches are the ones living in your blog,…not me of course Jerry, as you know, I attend every game….and a road game a year as well,..going to Miami again this year.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Ahmen 408… I hope he’s right too… if JR’s as good as Gannon became… we’ll all be happy for ages to come!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Kobe put the team on his back for most of the season. No Gasol early on, Bynum hurt…he did what it took to bring the Lakers back to where they should be. Sure, the “steal” of Gasol didn’t hurt, nor did the development of Bynum or the bench, but you can’t say KB isn’t the MVP because of competitive frustration, and some bad free agent signings. Paul is a great player, and will win his share of MVP awards…just not this year…I’m sure the Hornets could have tried to be more aggressive and landed a FA or two to help out just as easily as the Lakers did…
May 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
The Buccaneers have 7 qb’s on their roster as of today. Damn thats a lot of qb’s. Although one of those qb’s is Jake Plummer who is supposedly retired, probably because he doesn’t want to play for Gruden. So that makes 6 qb’s. Gruden has been known to keep 4 qb’s on the final roster. So who will be available on this list? Is anyone a worthy back-up to JaMarcus? Take a look:
Jeff Garcia, 6-1 205, 10 years in the league
Bruce Gradkowski, 6-1 220, 3 years in the league
Luke McCown, 6-3 212, 5 years in the league
Chris Simms, 6-4 220, 6 years in the league
Brian Griese, 6-3 214, 11 years in the league
Josh Johnson, 6-2 201, rookie & Oakglenn’s pet project
Now obviously Garcia will make the cut but the rest of that list is up fro grabs. I like Oakglenns boy Josh Johnson and he should be available on the waiver wire before he ends up on the Bucs practice squad. But as much as I like him JaMarcus needs a veteran backup. So that leaves Simms and or Griese. Griese has more experience but he seems a little long in the tooth as my grandmother would say. And Chris Simms is a lefty which would be too much of a pain to swap the line around if for some reason he was needed. So that leaves Jake Plummer. Would it be worth it to coax him out of retirement? He is tanned, rested and ready.
If for some reason McCown doesn’t make it I still say stay away from anyone with that last name, even if he is the better brother. That leaves Gradkowski who has shown flashes of talent but not enough to be that “mentor” type.
If Simms wasn’t a lefty I’d say target that kid. He has good size and enough experience to be able to depart some wisdom when need be.
Maybe none of these guys are even worth thinking about. Maybe Dilfer would be a better option. I like the familiarity of Culpepper but his attitude sucks when he isn’t starting.
What do you guys think?
May 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Raider O….
We ALL hope your words come true….RAIDERS FOREVER
May 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
crap, sorry guys, I just realized how long that last post was. My bad.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Once you turn 30, you are from that point on…over 30. 30 years 1 day etc…
More importantly - Who Cares?
The Raiders have a young team which is only a good thing if you have competent coaching. Al Davis can grab all the young talent he wants. Guys like Gallery, Walter, Washington, Morant, and even Fargas saw their growth limited by inconsistent and pathetic coaching. Now Al has an entire coaching staff who basically go off contract at the end of the season because Al doesn’t want to admit in the era of Free Agency, coaching trumps talent.
Teams like the Colts and Patsies consistently have big turnover and keep winning because of the organization and coaching. Teams like the Raiders and Cards throw big money at high draft picks and free agents and wonder why the guys never perform.
Since free agency Jerry what is the Raiders record? Take away the years when Al let Gruden change the way they did business and what is Al’s record?
The only time this team has been decent in over a decade was when they stopped doing things “the Raider way” during Gruden’s tenure. Now under Lane we’ve seen a purging of the old coaches and players but will it last or will Al let Kiffin go for another throwback player in Lofton?
Even if Kiffin’s team (saddled with Al’s defense) only goes 7-9 it will be a sign that with proper coaching, things can improve. Al needs to resign the young coaching staff and let them grow with the team.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Isn’t it odd/ a trip that JR is left handed…but throws with his right… (ever see him sign autographs?)
May 6th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Dakota… Have you toweled yourself off yet, after watching the Kobe press conference?
May 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I’m right handed but use my left hand for some things
May 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
#181, AI is back — And still trying hard to impress.
Every fan on this site can go to the designated “away” game for the fan clubs. It’s a huge party, and a great way to go.
But, the only thing that makes it exclusive is that you need to be a member of an officially-recognized fan club to buy-in to this deal.
You don’t need to have season tickets to be invited to the designated away game, either. Just find your nearest (or your favorite) Raiders booster club to join –usually around $30 per year — and you’re eligible for those planned trips.
AI truly acting elitist among real fans…embarrassing.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
What u talkin bout Tonio?
May 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
JR, had 70% completion in college in the SEC, that is great, cannon for an arm, his teammates love him and go to war for him, he is huge 6′6 270, mobil but not a runner, smart, and after coming to practice early hard worker, what more to say. IMO next to Payton i think best porspect in the last 12 15 years.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Jerry says:
“there are more Raider fans on their couches and sports bars than in the coliseum”
There is a very good reason for this. It is impossible to fit millions and millions of people in a stadium that seats 62,500.
End of story.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Dogg,
I once saw a 9 page entry on here! That’s 9 page-down buttons!!
As for a mentor, I guess Griese best fits the bill. They have a bunch of young guys and we assume that Garcia will be the starter for them next year.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Raiderdogg -
Good breakdown.
I ask myself if any of these guys (cut AFTER training camp) coming in and learning the system ala Culpepper would be better than an already trained Walter.
We saw last year that the veteran mentor is overrated. Besides, Walter has more NFL starts than all but a couple of those guys. PLUS he doesn’t have an attitude issue.
The Raiders will have at least 1 UDFA in rookie camp to join JR and Walter in OTA’s later. That may be what we end up with. Grabbing a vet isn’t always a good thing. Last year Culpepper was a bigger distraction than help for JR and the team.
My grandpa used to say, “If you’ve got two yellow dogs to choose from, you might as well stick with your own yellow dog.”
Plus Walter is cheap cap-wise.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
As I stated Dogg in 181,…the ones on their couches like to hang in blogs and whine like little girls.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
and look at his last game against the chargers, one of the best Ds in the league, 22/31 1 int and 1 td, take that rookie mistake pick (that ball was low for a dump) and those are great numbers a gainst a great D, and that was his 1st or 2nd start.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
in JR i trust
May 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Coach On Wheels… Well said as always. Someone else tagged you with “The voice of reason” I will second that.
When you come in here, you always seem to hit the nail on the head. If this team has any thing less than 7 wins, Kiff will most likely be gone.
Then it will be the Lofton era.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
COW — Except that I think Walter could bring us a player we can use right now, I’d agree with keeping him.
Just like I wanted Ellis over McFadden this year, I would’ve preferred that we coach-up Walter rather than draft JaMarcus when we did.
Walter’s a great backup, or a young starter somewhere else. As a fan, I’d like to see him play — and there are only two ways that happens now: trade him, or he comes in in relief.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
COW, isnt walter going to be a FA after this season?
May 6th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Kitna promised 10 wins again!!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Kimbo Slice profile on BSPN, dude is bad a$$.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Dakota,
I was too late for the press conference but the voting wasn’t close. He’s earned the respect of his peers.
He is now a team player in the Jordan mold, making those around him better!
1st tot.
1. Kobe Bryant, LAL 82 1105
2. Chris Paul, NO 28 889
3. Kevin Garnett, BOS 15 670
4. LeBron James, CLE 1 438
May 6th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
The first # is 1st place votes, the second total votes. I don’t know why it screws up the submission.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Walter will make just over $500K the next 2-seasons, and be a Free Agent in 2010.
Another why he’d be valuable trade-bait — his next contract to be negotiated will be fairly easy for his new team to handle.
Unless JaMarcus goes down, Andrew’s stock will never be higher with the Raiders than right now — then we have another Tui situation on our hands. The only reason I say shop him now.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
well i have to admit since Gruden left…and right after our Super Bowl year….my dad didn’t renew his tickets and i’m glad he didn’t. Since then I gotwo games a year and I fully content with having my DIRECTV NFL TICKET PACKAGE where I can see all the games and make as many bets on my computer as I want…while BBQing with friends….having some drinks and checkin out my fantasy scores. I can get some work done around the house as well.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Kiffin on Mcfadden…
http://www.serioussportsnewsnetwork.com/2008/05/raiders-determined-not-to-let-mcfadden-interfere-with-2009-draft-plans.html
May 6th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
The MVP award is not important anyways. What matters is that the Hornets are going to beat the Lakers in the conference finals.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Youth may be well served in the O this year look what those scrappy A’s are doing and can’t wait for mini camp to start. Its always a good roadie up to Napa to check the pulse of the Nation
May 6th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
HayesDaze#37
I was a member of the Original Los Angeles Raiders Booster organization and went on one of the trips to New Orleans for Monday Night Football. It was a blast.
Even snuck into the Superdome for a closed practice and had a picture taken (don’t get mad Dakota) in the end zone with AD. One of my prized possessions. I brought the picture into the El Segundo team office to get it autographed before I moved to Mpls and out of the blue 1 yr later got a red label UPS and he signed it. A rarity since he doesn’t give out autographs. Also got one with Art Shell and the late Run Run.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I’m right handed too..and yet do other things like ping/pong, tennis..etc..with the dominant left… ..
408 it’s just an observation of jr…
May 6th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
LosT… That article is pure satire, don’t take it seriuosly at all.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
MVP award is only not important when you DON’T win it!!lol.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
oakland needs a good young wide out like JLH or schilens,or even that dude we drafted with the 4th i forgot his name to step up and we will have one of youngest most talented Os in the league. i think our O-line is doing a lot better and will continue to do so 31 sacks less than last year, in cable we trust.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
#212, Exla — I know you and I have met before. Probably a few times. Ahh, beautiful, downtown El Segundo — the views were spectacular!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
The Hornets are going to be lucky to win 1 vs. the Lakers….
May 6th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
im sorry everyone but i cant hate on AD, i love the guy, he just needs a coach that will share his vision like Madden, or be strong to do what he wants like john G.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Jerry, if only our kids had as much angst as The Who than our kids would be alright
May 6th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
O.. so true… if JLH can step up… and be consistent…he’ll be a great team with JR… could be the final piece of the BIG 3 Puzzle… qb-rb-wr
May 6th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
in AD i trust.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Raider O
a lot of the sacks last year was the offense never got into a rhythm with musical Qbs I expect it to be a more consistent flow this year with Jam Rock
May 6th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
tonio, or even the big 4 puzzle…QB,RB,WR,TE.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
we still did good, 41 sacks that not as bad as the year b4 that was 72
May 6th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
plus this year JR will start and people play for this guy, and he is big and mobil to avoid sacks.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
COW -
Excellent point. Familiarity breeds continuity. I just worry that Walter hasn’t gotten over the beatings that he took in 2006, I fear that he may still be a tad gun shy.
Saint -
I was thinking Griese too, but I have a hard time getting past his Bronco heritage.
AI -
There is a lot of whining that goes on in here but there also is some well informed, insightful info that can be filtered through all of the bs. The fact that some of us, including myself, don’t have season tickets for whatever reason doesn’t make any of us less of a Raider fan.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
McClown was an idiot, and peppy went to his old self fumbling, i think it is true. small hands = fumbles
May 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Definitely O… we Miller’s gonna be a stud at TE! and we may just have two stud RB’s in Bush and DMC… ohh the possibilities
May 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
HayesDaze#37
Did you ever go to one of our Booster meetings? We had several former players as members like Alzado, Players and coaches would come and interact. We had our own parking lot across from the team entrances for the games and had great tailgate parties. Miss those days.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
i really dont understand why people hate AD so much?
the guy did more for the nfl and the raiders than anyone else in football. it is his team and he runs it as he sees fit, and honestly i like the way he runs it, he spares no money, he sold some of his shares to spend in FA and people still talk about him.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Exla — quite a few, actually. Trying to remember the name of the little neighborhood bar (up the hill and to the left) of the HQ. Also, the name of the guy who was the pres of the Steering Committee for so long (Oscar, maybe?).
May 6th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I don’t understand how Walter could be an acceptable backup this year, when he was totally unacceptable to the coach last year, when we were in dire need of a QB.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Al Davis is the walking definition of the old “Love ‘em or Hate ‘em” cliche. It’s either “I fiercely love Al Davis” or “I fiercely hate Al Davis”. There is never an in between.
I have never heard anybody say “Al Davis, yeah, whatever”
May 6th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
If you’re not winning you get talked about. That’s Sports in America, what’s the big deal?
Al Davis has a losing record since the advent of Free Agency in 1989.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I don’t hate Al Davis, he’s an Football icon.
It’s just that I want to win. At 78, he’s too old for the job.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
KK — Does that mean Al lost his ability to spot talent in ‘89?
May 6th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
at 78 most people are too old for a job, no matter the job, let alone a high stress, high pressure job like being an owner/gm/dc all at the same time.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
HayesDaze#37,
Lookes like the Boosters moved to Hooters in West Covina. Amazing they still exist but they were great fans.
http://www.olarb.com/
May 6th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
It means running a football franchise changed a helluvalot because of free agency. And he’s hasn’t won since.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I wish he was grooming some young pompadour wearing cutthroat.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Regarding the whole left hand/right hand thing, I am right handed, but play air guitar and masturbate with my left hand. Its kind of weird.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
we were in the SB in 02
May 6th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
in FA we got gannon, burgess, and others.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
there is no team that keeps on winning.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
A few bad moves, a lot of bad breaks (literally), and a lot of bad coaches.
No matter the reason, Al hasn’t lost it upstairs. C’mon — he’s not captaining a jet or walking a beat.
Al’s got more football in him than people give him credit for.
May 6th,