Last call for Michael Huff
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 8th, 2008 at 11:54 am in Oakland Raiders.
Fifth in a series of concerns regarding the makeup of the 2008 Raiders with the reporting date approaching on July 24 at the Napa Marriott:
Other than a temporary oasis provided by Rod Woodson in his last great year as a Hall of Fame player, the safety positions have been a wasteland since the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995.
When the Raiders came back, Eddie Anderson had begun to slide and neither he nor Derrick Hoskins provided much in the way of playmaking, although both were capable of delivering the occasional big hit.
It’s been a revolving door ever since, th the likes of Darren Carrington, Anthony Newman, Marquez Pope, Anthony Dorsett, Ray Buchanan, Derrick Gibson and Stuart Schweigert, with some others I’m sure I forgot, and probably with good reason.
Erase Woodson’s eight interceptions in 2002, which included the signature defensive play of the season _ a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown against Brian Griese in Denver _ and you’d be hardpressed to come up with many instances where Oakland safeties made a play that turned a game in their favor.
Only Woodson, acquired through free agency, went to a Pro Bowl, and the Raiders have not had a safety that they drafted and developed themselves reach a Pro Bowl since Vann McElroy in 1984 _ nearly a quarter-century ago.
That was supposed to change when the Raiders drafted Michael Huff out of Texas in 2006 with the No. 7 overall pick, installing him at strong safety.
The Raiders were roundly criticized in some quarters for bypassing USC quarterback Matt Leinart. I didn’t agree at the time, and still don’t. I’d take JaMarcus Russell over Leinart in heartbeat as the quarterback of the future.
But the jury is still out regarding Huff. For two years he has been a solid cover safety in a division where Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez reside, not to mention a Denver team that loves bootlegs and throwing to the tight end.
When you’re drafted No. 7, you expect more than coverage ability, and Huff has just a single interception in 32 starts and one forced fumble. He has handled himself professionally since the day he arrived, but Huff is extremely slender, more of a blade than a hammer, and while can make the occasional sharp tackle, Huff has intimidated no one.
The solution in Year 3? Move Huff to free safety and see if he has the ball skills to make some plays. It was made possible by the acquisition of Gibril Wilson through free agency. Wilson played both sides with the New York Giants, but his ability to be physical in the box makes him more suited to the strong side.
If Wilson can provide the sort of physicality of, say, a Bob Sanders in Indianapolis, Huff will get the opportunity to demonstrate he can still be a worthwhile selection at No. 7 overall by coming up with some turnovers on the back end.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
July 8th, 2008 at 11:59 am
—”Las Vegas Police have made a second arrest in the June beating and robbery of Javon Walker. Arfat Fadel is already in custody. Deshawn Thomas, 40, is the second man charged with kidnapping, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery with substantial bodily harm. Walker had his orbital bone and jaw broken during the beating. He also suffered a concussion and had $103,000 in items taken. Jul. 8 - 2:28 p.m. ET”—
July 8th, 2008 at 11:59 am
#1
good read. thanks jerry!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
This is the critical year for Huff. Make some plays kid.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
That’s the Raiders problem, unlike the Oakland A’s, the Raiders don’t seem to have the in-house ability or institutional knowledge to develop their own players.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
yeah Huff…get it done or perish
July 8th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
before the acquisition of Gibril and alter on Hall, I was argumenting that Huff should be a corner opposite of Nnamdi…
I still like this waaaay more =)
July 8th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Go Raiders. Huff you are a thug, this is your breakout year!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
KoolKell I see it differently in that they were $40 million over the cap after the Superbowl run with a roster full of worn out veterans. This is the youngest team I can remember ever seeing. I guess thats what it takes is to hit rock bottom and have to rebuild.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I love you Jerry. Keep up the good work
July 8th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
no respect…I can’t wait for this guy to eat his words:
http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2008/7/8/566983/game-8-raiders-ravens
July 8th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Memo!!!
good to see you back Bro’
July 8th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
“I would take the 89 Shell over the 89 Shanahan, and I would take the 1995 Shanahan, after he learned the ropes in Frisco, over any Art Shell version.”
I agree, hope that is the last of that discussion..
July 8th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Only thing I will say more about Shell is he made the right decision for the franchise drafting Huff instead of Leinart. I agree with Jerry, Russell is going to be much better.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
What about the picture of Vince Young, with Huff standing behind him in the now infamous shirtless party photos’?
July 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Rebel,
True this is the youngest Raider team I’ve ever seen (Good)
But they haven’t shown the ability to develop their own rookies. The only one I can think of is Nnamdi.
Gallery
Grove
Stinchcomb
Mo Collins
Doug Jolley
Fabian Washington
Andrew Walter
Jonnie Lee Higgins
Tyler Brayton
Teyo Johnson
Sam Williams
To name a few
July 8th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
justinMcBush….. = winning record within our divison.. Huff heres ur chance to prove ur self step it up son THE NATION needs you and JHL to do the damn thing this year….
July 8th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
The jury is still out KoolKell, they have reshaped the roster. By the numbers, this is the youngest Raider team in many years.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
The Oakland A’s on the other hand, with a very tight budget, unsubsidized by their wealthier competitors, unlike the Raiders, field a team of nobodies every year and compete for the pennant.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
For Instance Look at the 2004 Class
2004
1. Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa
2. Jake Grove, C, Virginia Tech
3. Stuart Schweigert, S, Purdue
4. Carlos Francis, WR, Texas Tech
5. Johnnie Morant, WR, Syracuse
6a. Shawn Johnson, DE, Delaware
6b. Cody Spencer, LB, North Texas
7a. Courtney Anderson, TE, San Jose State
July 8th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Every NFL team has high turnover from the draft and because of FA. They also don’t have a farm league here in the states to develope players like baseball, only a handful on the development squad.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I’m blaming NORF on all the offensive picks in 2004
July 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Woohoooooooooo!!
I look for Huff to have a huge year!!
Blade instead of a hammer!!
Roaming at free safety will make him a pro bowler.
Yes sireee. This year is looking great.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Baseball gets to put their drafted players all in a league and can watch them compete against one another before they pick who will move up to the majors.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Eric Turner had a good year in ‘97.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Turner was a beast, very bad luck there.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Rebel…
I agree… Huff was a better pick than Leinert, I still think he is bad, I rather have Cutler or rivers than leinert.. But jammy is way better IMO than any of those 3…
But I still think Donte Whitner is a better Safety than Huff…
I think it was Vernon they were going for, and luckily SF took him, so we would need one and got Miller…
But as alway i’d hoped for we would trade down (which will never happen) and get Tye Hill
July 8th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
2004 draft looks like it has Lombardi’s finger prints all over it.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
RIP Turner
July 8th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I don’t know why Huff gets such a bum rap. He usually was paired up with tight ends and if I remember correctly, he shut them down for the most part. He needs to develop his ability to read and recognize the plays better, and take better angles on tackles. He will be utilized better as an FS.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Baseball gets to put their drafted players all in a league and can watch them compete against one another before they pick who will move up to the majors.
_______________________________________________________
is it the same thing with hockey? I know gretsky’s team drafted a guy, but I cant find any stats on him… not that I tried that hard… its not a sport i follow very much
July 8th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I think for a change the Raiders just got lucky and landed Russell and McFadden, which nobody ever envisioned would happen.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Not sure about hockey but it is a safe assumption in some northern american and canadian cities where hockey is popular.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Google semipro hockey and see what you get.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
30 year old Arfat Fadel, 40 year old Deshawn Thomas, hummmm. What was Walker after in their car?
All quiet on the Walker & Raider fronts, hmmm.
If there’s drugs involved, contract clauses could come into effect. Too quiet.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Jerry Mac…
Not to be critical but, J. Jones over at the competition pretty much wrote the same thing, YESTERDAY.
Nevertheless, keep them coming Jerry.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
909
yeah but JJ never gets any hits on his blog?? go figure
July 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Yeah the Walker story is not good but he would have to fail a drug test or get arrested to fall under the personel conduct policy I think. I don’t care what he does but he needs to think about the team watch where and what time he goes places, and who he hangs out with at least. He’s got plenty of money to hire protection.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Jerry, you said:
“The Raiders were roundly criticized in some quarters for bypassing USC quarterback Matt Leinart. I didn’t agree at the time, and still don’t. I’d take JaMarcus Russell over Leinart in heartbeat as the quarterback of the future.”
Can you explain why? It seems black quarterbacks have the stigma of not being able to reach the big one and are prone to rely on athleticism instead of decision making and check downs. I still think Leinart, while obviously less athletic than Russell, can be a great quarterback because he has seems to possess the qualities of a Tom Brady or Joe Montana.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
this guy… What about Doug Williams??
July 8th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Duh, because Russell is the most talented quarterback to come into the NFL since John Elway.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
KoolKell…
let those speculation go, no reason to make assumptions when we don’t know squat!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
NewBlack…
lainert is the next testerverde
July 8th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
hello raider nation
July 8th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
In fact when Russell and Quinn worked out for pro scouts Quinn insisted the work outs be seperated so they could not see how much better Russell would look against him.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
we have no choice but to have faith in Russell and Kiffin.. break out year for the RAIDERS.. I know I’ve been swimming in the Kool-Aid again
July 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
hey whats this news on walker
July 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I don’t care what happens to Leinert, he’s not a raider. I just hope to god, buddha, whoever that JaMarcus has the capacity to win.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Spawn
Walkers a tard and his face is still broken
July 8th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
408…
Could it be that, whole REGISTRATION nuisance at the BEE. hmmmm.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html?query=CHENEY,%20DICK&field=per&match=exact
July 8th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Look at all us umemployed folk on here giving our opinion about million dollar athletes…Jerry, I need a job. I’m studying Journalism at a local community college to become a sports reporter.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
hmmm
didn’t give me much… well Hockey is way down on my list, but getting draft 10th overall, must be some kinda good sign =)
July 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Walker better do something cause i still think of that fool as a loser
July 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Huff is a solid player that is never out of position. He has been far from an impact player: which is expected if you are drafted in the topt en. Gibril Wilson will allow him to showcase his skills a little more, but Honestly he probably will never be a player the caliber of Ed Reed, Bob Sanders, or Troy Palamalu. He is on par with players like Darren Sharper, Madeu Williams, Gibril Wilson, Bethea from the colts, Ken hamlin, Deon Grant, Reggie Nelson, and definately Donte Whitner. Like Whitner, Huff was drafted in the top 10, so they have high expectations. Huff has gone toe to toe with the best TE’s in the NFL for the last two seasons and held his own. Whitner has went head up with Baker from the jets, David Martin, Justin Pelle, and Ben watson (solid player). Lets slow down on saying he is better than Huff.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
If you watched any of LSU’s games with Russell at the helm you can quickly notice similarities in thier offense and what Kiffin is running in Oakland.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I took the day off.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
One thing about huff is he’ll do way better then stewie at FS thats forsure.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Waggon… #57
Amen, to that.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Plamaking is overrated in the secondary. The ability to blanket a reciever in coverage is a far more valuable asset than anything else a defensive back can provide. Roy Williams makes big hits and occasionally picks off a pass but is consistently abused in coverage and is the weak link is his team’s secondary. Huff is an asset. He is put on an island in man coverage more than any safety in the NFL and shuts down every TE, RB, and WR he encounters. he is the best man-coverage saffety in the NFL and that can not be understated. To further grasp the impact he has had, one can compare the impact of Gates and Gonzalez before and since Huff’s arrival. With Hall opposite Nnamdi and Wilson opposite Huff, and Morrison and Howard roaming the middle, there is no safe place to go with the ball. Since Huff has been consistently effective in coverage many QBs have been reluctant to test such tight coverage. With less open windows available, with Stu now gone and Routt placed in the nickle, as well as Huff spending more time roaming the shallow middle in the intermediate FS zone, he will have more opportunities to make plays. But to be straight, it is not huff’s job to make plays, it is his job to cover recievers, a job at which he is the best of any safety in the NFL. INTs are a bonus. It is ridiculous to judge any individual player solely by a subjective and irrelevant stat line, especially at a position such at defensive back, where even the overrated metrics fall short of measuring an individual’s impact. Michael huff is a great safety, and the entire premise of this article is ridiculous. Anyway, need to right about something, right?
July 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
hello people….. whats goin down today????
July 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
ERRR…. *Wagon*……..oops.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?pnum=1&bfromind=7408&eeid=5973112&_sitecat=1526&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=0&ck=&ch=sp&rg=blsadstrgt&_lid=332&_lnm=tg+sp+topnews
July 8th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
huff….come on baby!!! this is your time to shine!!!…. u bigol pimp u!!!!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Tommy,
Then to be fair, it’s not the Free Safety’s job to make plays in the running game. I don’t remember a lot of long bombs going over Stuarts head either.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Good point tommy T….With the addition of Deangelo hall, a playmaker….we all know that Thomas Howard flies around the field always around the ball…and Morrision has a knack for sneaking in and getting a int….. Huff will have a strong season…. There isn’t really any speed burners in are division anyway for him to get beat deep in the AFC west, which has always been a run first division, with the exception of the west coast offense.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Notice the above link I posted says the police say Walker was intoxicated, he may face some league punishment, hopefully not.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
i expect to see huff making the tackles in the open field that stewey would only grab a leg and get dragged until howard or morrison came to help..
July 8th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
i wanna why are we making a fuss about Huff i think this kid is good give him a chance now Walker on the other hand is a case.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Dick V…good post. All last year it was evident that the star tight ends who have KILLED us in the past were SHUT DOWN….mission accomplished by Huff.
We got burned last year because we couldn’t stop the run. Huff will never be a run-stuffer at 205 lbs. It is stupid to expect him to stuff the run. Yeah Bob Sanders does it, but nobody else at that size in the NFL does it consistently so why expect Huff to?
July 8th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I agree with you Tommy, but Jerry article is not the only time this conversation has come up. I have had to defend Huff many times talking football with friends and co workers. This blog/ article just really touches on what people are saying about Huff.
He was brought in to be a play maker. He reminds me a bit of Namdi. Namdi was always around the ball and was a sure tackler his first three seasons, but he never made any plays: not even one pick in his first three seasons. Huff is ahead of Namdi, but is in a different position obviously. He has to make plays. That being said, offenses have to throw at him or this defense for them to make plays.
I bet Huff in a bellicheck defense would be a Pro bowler. The different looks that New england gives and the way they disguise their coverages and roll the safeties is frustrating for every QB. Huff would probably be a big playmaker in that sort of defense, but that would also minimize what seems to be his greatest strength: man coverage.
Bottom line is Al and Ryan have been building this defense for a while, and it is time for the playmakers to make plays. The offense has to start scoring points to give the defense more oppertunities to make plays in the passing game as well.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
So the truth has come out and Walker has said he willingly got into the Range Rover. So was the first report a false interview or what?
July 8th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
As long as huff keeps tight ends from catching the big 3rd downs and red zone plays, occasionally makes open field tackles and doesnt get burned deep what more can you ask for? I would also like to see him blitz every now and then as he has a quick first step.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Huff looked fine covering tight ends last year but the deep middle? I will have to wait and see.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
[...] call for Michael Huff Last call for Michael Huff - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly clas… __________________ *The proceeding link is not affiliated by this site, nor the provider. listed [...]
July 8th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
well huff’s going to have a lot of room to roam as both nhamdi and deangelo both play a solid bump and run.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
It will also be very important for, Wilson to be dishing out some PAIN, to anyone and everyone, he can.
Make those backs and receivers, hear them footsteps.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I think we are frustrated because of the way Al has drafted. He has given the premium to speed and play making ability. He is unconvetional in the approach with regard to how typical winning franchises build teams: inside out.
The Steelers, Chargers, Colts, Pats, Eagles, Green Bay, Cowboys( under parcells),titans, and Jaguars all seem to draft big guys first and foremost. These franchises are seemingly always in the mix: in recent years under their current regimes. They are physical at the point of attack, and they usually just whip the opponenets tail. The Raiders have loads of talent, but they lack in physical presence up front on both sides of the ball.
Tell me what team I mentioned or playoff team that you feel the Raiders OL or DL is better than.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
TT…
I agree wit your post#59. The same thing could be said about Nnamdi’s year last season, he didn’t get the Int, he had in ‘06 but, the fact was he was there, and QB didn’t dare to try him out, what was it 23 times during and entire season!?, if Huff could be the same thread in the back field as Nnamdi is on the flank, then he is a steal, still I think Donte Whither has done a far better job than Huff…
July 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
lst off the Raiders did have a great All Pro safety whom they signed and expected to get some fantastic play from. That guy was Eric Turner. Say what you will, but that bit of incredible bad luck set the franchise back right there. Yeah, I know, Davis should have known he was going to die prematurely before we signed him. May he RIP.
Strong Safety is arguably the toughest position after QB for a player to come into the league and learn. I completely agree with Trojans comments above, altho I think pix are absolutely essential to a defensive secondary. Mikes main responsiblity coming in was to shut down the opponents TE. He has done that and done that incredibly well.
The issue with Mikes game isn’t so much that he is playing out of position, (he is), the issue with Mikes game is that he is playing extremely tentatively. He is playing not to lose, not to give up the big play, instead of playing fluidly and confidently. As happens with a lot of 3rd year players, hopefully the light goes off for Mike and this year he becomes the player we all know he is.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Lombardi got us into a mess player wise and Kiffin has started fixing it in my opinion. It’s hard to run a team from a wheel chair.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Gruden put us in cap hell.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Back to being the trenches. The Raiders have all these play makers, but do not have the big boys to win week in and week out. The O-line under Cable/ Knapp, and Kiffin was vastly imrpoved, but Kwame at Lt and the whole RT still scares the hell out of me. Gallery, Cooper, and Grove, Wade, Morris whoever wins that battle will hold it down in the middle. but the pressure of the edges will still be hell for Jamarcus.
Burgess is great in pass rushing, but really bad against the run. Kelly is a ? to say the least. Sands is just lazy. Warren is decent but he was a bust 7 years ago, and just is a nice player to rotate in to the game. Richardson is a ?. Kalimba Edawrds crapped out in Detroit for millen and co. Trevor Scott is two years away from even seeing playing time before we can even call him a ?
July 8th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Oakglenn, yeah, I would agree with that. Those guys have to learn to read well, plus they are the last line of defense.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
You guys crack me up:
Shell drafted Huff,
Gruden put us in cap hell,
Lombardi messed up the drafts,
blah blah blah.
What a bunch of BS, nothing in the Raiders’ organization is done without the approval of Al Davis. Al Davis did all of those things, not those stooges.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
LMN why do you keep giving props to Whitner. He has one more INT than Huff. On top of that Huff has almost three times the number of deflected passes as Whitner. What gives with your man crush on Whitner. What am I missing? He has not made any plays either.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Good point La Milicia, supports the Hall siging that much more knowing teams could just throw when they needed to on the other side of Aso. Huff looked out of position to me last year but was good covering on pass plays for th emost part. he looks like an NFL FS, just big enough to lay out a WR and slender enough to run with them, lets hope so.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Rebel….#66
For what? being drunk & stupid. That doesn’t merit any league action.
So far, that is the only think Walker is guilty of. And most of us in here, have been drunk & stupid before also.
Granted, Walker’s situation is different, because of who he is. Otherwise the whole ordeal might not have even made the “blotter” secion in the local fish rap.
Vegas doesn’t like bad pub.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Al might have approved the moves but that don’t make him the one that made the decision from a scouting perspective.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
when are we going to sign ASO
July 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Excessive drinking in public might get him into trouble. Hopefully not.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Dickie V, i agree with what you’re saying about the trenches, although without warren sapp who was light for a DT and not as expolosive as his younger years, are run defense should improve, although sands is lazy he’s still a presense and holds his position well, although he doesnt expode off the ball on every play say like a glen dorsey would, as he seems to take plays off. We are light on the corners yet thats ok as burgess is hell to deal with off the corner and usually requires help from a rb. No we don’t have a stud on the DL as the likes of, Seymour, Demarcus Ware, Burnett, Stroud, Strahan, OC, Merryman, those guys are probowlers, and are hard to comeby. As long as Mr. Ryan can get them fired up and in position, are D-Line should be fine, with the help of the linebackers and safteys to plug holes. We are another DLineman away from a top 5 D in my opinion.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Al might have approved the moves but that don’t make him the one that made the decision from a scouting perspective.
_____________________________________________________
Lol
July 8th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Dick V…
Regarding Whitner over Huff..
Simply because of his upper strength, the way he plays and how he hits…
But we’ll see in week 3
July 8th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
LMN,
There are plenty of minor league hockey teams in the US and Canada. Try searching for the AHL, which has several minor league hockey teams in it.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I give credit to Davis for signing off on Kiffin’s decisions the last two years. They knew last year was going to be a washout anyway after a 2-14 crusade. The rebuilding under “kid” Kiffin has begun.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Dakota I agree. Al has made this mess. Refer to posts 77 and 82. It is like the draft is one big crap shoot with each player being a pontetial HOF. al should look at his buddy Parcells style of drafting. Granted Al has had more success than Parcells overall, but not for some 25 years now. it is time to start re thinking the way he does things.
I liked the draft Parcells had this year with Miami: Long, Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford, Shawn Murphy, and Chad Henne. Parcells went to work in his first draft and got a solid LT, a starting RG( in the 4th), two solid 5 technique DE’s for his tried and true 3-4 defense
On top of that he brought in Anthony Fasono at solid inline blocking TE, and Fergueson a solid undersized nt from Dallas. the man just beefs up his teams to make them more physical at the point of attack. He will have Miami competitive by 09 because he draftes with a plan.
He doesn’t have two shut down corners, a play maing RB, a safety that can cover any player, a franchise QB with all world potential, but he has started to lay the building blocks for a solid football team that if he does get a chance to acquire a play maker or two, will be a competitive team in the near future.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Gruden put us in cap hell.
________________________________________________________
So very true, and we’ll first be out of that mess next year…. just in time =)
Gruden was all about old and expensive players…. he still is when you look towards florida
July 8th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Yeah and that very thing he learned from Davis its sad to say. But Davis has changed and Gruden has not.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Dream Superbowl, Oakland vs Tampa 2008, Garcia throws 5 interceptions, three to Huff as Raiders roll 44-14.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I’m not going to say these stats are the end all of facts involving huff, and stats are only facts in the loosest sense of the word, as they are overly subjected in the way they are attributed and interpretted but these numbers are a nice “snap shot” of the impact huff has had within the division alone. As the SS in our defense, it has been Michael huff’s primary responsibility to cover the TE, the slot reciever in a big nickle, and occasionally the RB out of the backfield. Gates and Gonzalez are both HOFers and have been the two best TEs in the NFL the majority of their careers. When comparing the two seasons prior to Huff’s arrival to the two seasons since huff’s arrival, these are the stats I came up with. The combined totals of Gates and Gonzalez dropped significantly. Their receptions dropped by 33%, their yards dropped by 20%, and their TD numbers dropped by 66%. Those are pretty significant totals. You can’t judge a defensive back by stats, and certainly not by INTs. If that was the criteria, many people would consider Cromartie a great CB, oh wait, many people do………. Of course, many people are stupid and/or ignorant. And it is those types of people who do not recognize Huff as a very good safety/
July 8th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Lets all get over jon gruden already, he’s like dat ex-gf that left yah wanting more.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
good stats tommy t
July 8th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
But we get to beat Gruden again this year, he’s already on the radar.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Stats don’t mean sh*t. Jeff George could put up stats. If you have a player leading the league in any category, it doesn’t mean anything unless the W’s are there too.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
ABA…
he got drafted by phoenix as 8th overall, but I guess the new season hasn’t begun yet, so thats why there isn’t much news about him… all i get is from his year in CHL in ‘07… I guess we’ll hear more in the fall, I assume thats when the season starts… woaw 8th not 10th as i wrote earlier… Mikkel Boedker is his name… Or Bødker for real…
July 8th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Say what you want about Gruden but if Al keeps him for the 2002 season we win the SB…period.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
That brings us back to Tim Brown again if you want to talk about wins vs stats lol.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Rebel….#90
Walker, was drinking in nightclubs, casinos etc. Excessively, yes. Still that does not merit any league action, other than to tell the players “don’t let this happen to you.” Cause the next guy might just get a ride to the Coroner, instead of the ER.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
That is true but as I remember he decided to leave. Al should have paid him more but Gruden knew what he was walking away from. It would have been smarter to dump the traitor on Notre Dame.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Stat’s are not overly significant, and they should not be used to formulate opnions but they are useful in facilitating them.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
what is impressive is when you go to the Raider image stors and see all the Jersey’s of potential playmakers side by side: Russell, McFadden, D hall, Namdi, Burgess, Huff. Players like Morrison, Howard, wilson, Zach miller, Javon Walker, Ronald Curry, Justin Fargas all have the ability to make plays. The Raiders have a lot of talent, but not enough up front.
They need beef up front. A solid LT, NT, 3T, or a stud RE would have helped this team out more in my opinion. I do not dislike the signings of Javon Walker, trade for D hall or the draft pick of D Mac, because they are all home run hitters, but Al should have sacrificed one of those play makers for a stud up front somewhere.
Thats not Al style because he wants to win now, and he feels play makers will make you competitive right now. To me its sort of like trading tommorow for today. Patience is a good thing, and the Raiders roster is an example of what happens when you have a decision maker who does not have patience and wants to win now.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Tommy T,
Where have you been? The way you disappeared after the draft I was beginning to think you were just a Raider plant placed in here to drum up support for the McFadden pick.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Kelly, and Kwame Harris are average players with some talent that has not been tapped, but they are far from being studs.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
If Davis wanted to win now Kiffin would already be gone. He is letting him build this team with young players because thats what Kiffin wants to do. It couldn’t be more obvious than it is.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
That is true but as I remember he decided to leave. Al should have paid him more but Gruden knew what he was walking away from. It would have been smarter to dump the traitor on Notre Dame.
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Al should have kept him for the final year of his contract and then let him walk away…instead we get a couple of picks that Al blew and a couple mil to line Al’s pocket and no SB victory. How embarrassing.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
What happens if Wilson gets hurt? Huff at SS again, and Hiram at FS? Out of his four years, Wilson has only played in 16 games once, and isn’t any bigger than Huff is. Think he switched around from FS and SS for the Giants because his body probably wouldn’t hold-up as a SS for 16 games.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Harris is a good run blocker and thats where it all begins.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
LMN,
The Coyotes have 2 minor league teams. The San Antonio Rampage (of the AHL) and the Arizona Sundogs (of the CHL). Both teams are comparable to minor league baseball. The season starts in the middle to latter part of October.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Dakota…
yeah hindsight is a bliss =)
July 8th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Davis got several picks and 8 million. Kiffin is reeping the rewards now. BTW it was such a shrewd move the NFL banned trading coaches, go figure.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
And Kiffin would not have opened up the offense like Callahan did and we would have lost to Tennessee anyway.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Gruden not Kiffin.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I’ve been busy. This is the time of year where I have to do a lot of work. During the season, I usually get a chance to relax a little more and leading up to the draft I have a lot more free time as that is typically the dead period for NFL offices unless you work in personnel, which, much to my chagrin, I still don’t. Hopefully, eventually………
July 8th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Let’s face it. We got srewed big time in the Gruden to Tampa debacle (we, as in the fans). Al protected Al and the team has been in decline since. Pretty sad day when Raider fan was thinking not of the Superbowl at the beginning of the seasion, but rather was wondering when we would break the winless on the road streak in the division.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
WTF??? “Your comment is awaiting moderation.”
Hey, MODERATOR. That post had NOTHING in it worthy of “moderation.” what so ever.
With all the crap, that is spewed daily here, you picked that post to look twice at.
Moderator, if you were working for me, I would fire you azz right on the spot. Total BS.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Tennessee physically beat up Oakland, thats why they lost the Superbowl, a bunch of beat up old vets. I remember Fisher saying the Raiders would know they played the Titans that night because they were going to be physical win or loose and that is exactly what happened.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
How is Kiffin reaping the rewards of Nap Harris and P. Buchanon?
Anyhow, I am done with the past for now; I am starting to get depressed!
Our future is bright as long as Al can keep his cool. Let Kiffin grow into a head coach, draft some o-line and d-line next year in the middle rounds instead of track stars (should have taken RED BRYANT!), lock Cable up with a long-term extension, as well as Nnamdi and we will be set for years.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Rebel…
most of those picks have been released… or traded…
Nnamdi is the only one left, and that was our own pick
July 8th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Yeah but 40 million over the cap with old players takes years to straighten out.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
909…
take a breath… its jsut because you have written one of the many names in the filter…
just rephrase it use 1, 3 and z instead of other letters…
July 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Dakota,
I promise you that I will make sure that Al’s bedpan is in pristine condition and regularly emptied. I’ll also even apply the fix-o-dent to his dentures every morning. And make sure he has his Depends.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Plus they would have went into the season with a lame duck coach, it would have never worked.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Quinten Moses
Mario Henderson
Robert Gallery
Jake Grove
Tyler Brayton
Matt Stinchcomb
Mo Collins
Leon Bender
Darrell Russell
Paul McQuiston
High pick trench players……..
July 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
For you super hard core fans who spend the night outside the parking lot gates prior to gameday, overnight parking just became prohibited for this year (just announced).
Early line-up will begin at 5:00 a.m.
I’m not sure how or if this impacts the gate opening time, which has traditionally been 5 hours before kickoff.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
La Milicia Negra Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Dakota…
yeah hindsight is a bliss =)
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Guilty as charged, one count of MMQBacking.
Sentence: No Guitar Hero III tonight.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
D.J.’s, bands, and other amplified noise is also now prohibited.
I guess we’ll have to get back to the AFC Championship when we had a suprise free concert by Metallica before we get our amplified noise back.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
rebel…
still you must admit, kiffin reaps nothing, the cap problem got solved under Turner, Shell and Kiffin, and we not out of the woods yet…
All picks received form the Gruden deal has been let go, or traded…. and 8M peanuts…
I’m with Dakota, let gruden stay the one year, and let him go with a title, and then burn out somewhere else…
but the question is, would we have been in a far worse downfall with Gruden handling the reigns one more year??
July 8th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Shanahan was a bigger mistake than Gruden for Davis.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
The mess Gruden created casued most of the loosing and now Kiffin gets the players because of the high draft picks. I bet Gruden would cream in his jeans to get Russell, let alone McFadden.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Shanahan was a bigger mistake than Gruden for Davis.
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LMFAO
July 8th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
jesus effing Chirst… 5 HOURS BEFORE KICK OFF??? and the freaking game lasts for ~4…. Jebus, i would fall to pieces with boredom…
July 8th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Dang this is a great problem to have, should i get the thomas howard, deangelo hall, or mcfadden jersey?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
La Milicia Negra Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
jesus effing Chirst… 5 HOURS BEFORE KICK OFF??? and the freaking game lasts for ~4…. Jebus, i would fall to pieces with boredom…
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but you watch soccer!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
At least Davisis willing to roll the dice and spend the money, we could be like the Vikings or Cardinals.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
la milcia negra dats why you tail gate haha 2 beers a hour by the time you get in dere 10 beers in yah and 3 plates of food your sober haha ready for round 2
July 8th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
not if you bring in tv’s with a direct tv satellite hookup with NFL ticket to watch the 10:00 a.m. games.
5 hours goes by quick.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
ahhh.. of course…
its a very astute of Al, it was his plan all along, to be the laughing stock for years, then load up with great players in the draft due to poor play, but the poor play was the entire Idea so we could lock up more players in the draft with early picks - and then hire a caoch who gets all these diamonds in the rough… Great Idea Al, thanks a bunch, but it would ahve great if you informed Us fans at hand, so we owuldn’t have wasted the last 5 years on your clever rebuilding project…
ahhhh - sorry just had to get it out, now that we were ripping up old wounds…
July 8th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Bedpan….#131
HAHAHAHA!! Good one there. Needed a good laugh, after having the MOD trying to eff w/ me.
thanx, bro.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
What’s the haps Nation?!
I have a serious feeling this will be the year Huff shows the NFL why he was chosen #7 overall. The Raiders’ mistake was putting him at strong instead of free safety, but then again who were we going to put at strong,, Stewart Schweigert? Huff wasnt bad at the strong but he was out of position. He’s a solid tackler but not a smash-mouth hitter. He’s more of a coverage ball hawk and thats what a free safety is which means he’s now at the position he should’ve been when he was drafted in the first place. Huff being at Strong Safety is like Darren Mcfadden playing fullback. Yeah he’s in the backfield but he wouldnt produce the expected results because he’s not at his natural position which is halfback. Now that Huff is where he belongs, we should see the results we’ve been hoping for when we chose Mike over Matt. YA KNOW?!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
McFaddenwagoner…
you should get a Morrison jersey… He is the Main Raider in my book =)
July 8th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Go root for another team La Milicia if you hate Al so much. Why hang around if you are so sure it will be a bad outcome? You guys kill me with this Davis pulls the strings from his walker myth.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
you forgot about Eric turner R.I.P
July 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
At least Davisis willing to roll the dice and spend the money, we could be like the Vikings or Cardinals.
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True!
The problem is that Davis drew us all in by setting such high standards of winning in the 70s and early 80s, but he has been unable to sustain it, and now he is the victim of his own success. We expect more, and demand more from the Raiders than other fans expect or demand from their teams. Davis did this to himself, and some of us were lucky enough to see the good times, others, like myself, are young enough that we have only experienced the last 25 years of bad to mediocre football.
I can certainly understand the loyalty many of us have to Al Davis. I certainly respect him, he has done more for the NFL than perhaps any other person, but his time has passed.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
909,
Those were actually my 2008 New Year’s resolutions. When I showed then to my wife she told me that I’d probably be institutionalized. She didn’t understand that insanity and instability was a prerequisite to be a member of Raider Nation!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
MR get banned or something?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
La Milicia Negra Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
ahhh.. of course…
its a very astute of Al, it was his plan all along, to be the laughing stock for years, then load up with great players in the draft due to poor play, but the poor play was the entire Idea so we could lock up more players in the draft with early picks - and then hire a caoch who gets all these diamonds in the rough… Great Idea Al, thanks a bunch, but it would ahve great if you informed Us fans at hand, so we owuldn’t have wasted the last 5 years on your clever rebuilding project…
ahhhh - sorry just had to get it out, now that we were ripping up old wounds…
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You crack me up dude! That is some funny sh!t!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Johnny Rebel…
have I anywhere posted that I hate Al?
if its anybody here who is a raider hater, its you, you have been bitching about Al this and Al that, Tim was so bad and Al listen too much to him, and what not, so don’t come her e and talk about size of fandom…
Right?!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Dakota…
thanks =)
July 8th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Al doesn’t pull the strings from his walker?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
http://www.unconfirmedsources.com/nucleus/media/21/20070830-vicoldyeller.jpg
July 8th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Think outside the box you two and you might learn something.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
At least Davisis willing to roll the dice and spend the money, we could be like the Vikings or Cardinals.
In the immortal words of Cinncinatti Bunghole President Mike Brown upon being asked about his 9th straight dismal season, Mike replied, “I couldn’t be happier. We keep turning a profit.”
July 8th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Im convinced that alot of you eat your own waste.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Al is guilty of who he surrounds himself with, that much is obvious.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Kind of like Walker wouldn’t you say?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
MR get banned or something?
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I don’t think so, he should have been for over a year ago, and its not like he has changed suddenly…
No the reason why MR isn’t here yet is because he gets up around 3 pm, so its about 15 min till he contaminate the site…
July 8th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
You mean the lackeys he intentionally surrounds himself with?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
“Why hang around if you are so sure it will be a bad outcome? You guys kill me with this Davis pulls the strings from his walker myth”
___________________________________________
Rebel,
Point of fact is that we aren’t sure of any outcome. We are all passionate fans. As far as I am concerned a football team is like any other business. The responsiblity lies in the hands of the guy who runs the business. In this case it is Al.
I have been a Raider fan since seeing my first Raider game in 1972. I’ve seen the good and the bad. Just because I think Al has done some stupid things pately doesn’t mean I’m not a fan.
We all here are hoping for a successful season this year. I really want to beat the chefs twice this year so I can rub my wife’s nose in it (she being a diehard chefs fan). That’s passion when you want your team to rip the guts out of your wife’s team! We all have passion but some of us put the blame where it belongs. Al has that same plaque (figuratively) on his desk as Harry Truman: The Buck Stops Here.l
July 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Al makes bad hires and they screw up the team, its nothing new. He gets it right every once in a while and I think Kiffin will produce this year.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Al Davis is a victim of his surroundings?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Does Al Davis have a son who can take over? like in the goddfather or sumtin.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Some of you guys break me up. Teams have down cycles. All teams do. Look at the Boston Celtics, Tampa Bay Devil RAys, who were the great football team of the 1990’s???? Yep, Dallas, Buffalo and San Francisco. Where have they been lately??? Dallas hasn’t won a playoff game in 13 years.
We all want to win. Winners go about doing what it takes to win. Losers whine and bitch about not winning.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Think outside the box you two and you might learn something.
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Go back to your Madden game…
most of you arguments lack logic, and those who has logic lacks facts…
July 8th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
KoolKell you reworded what I posted lol.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
On a serious not…I see the raiders goin 4-2 in the division this year…very possibly 5-1 if we can pull a close one or 2 out..
July 8th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Fans are not allowed to complain about losing?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
MR get banned or something?
What’s that expression, speak of the devil and he will appear?? something like that. Be thankful Debartolo Raider, er, MR, er loser raider is not here.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Down cycles? Losing since 1989 perhaps qualifies?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
At least Davisis willing to roll the dice and spend the money, we could be like the Vikings or Cardinals.
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reminds me of one of the best quotes ever…
Ozzy, looking back on his years, with all his shakes and stuff ” Maaan, it could be worse, I could be Sting, mann” Classic stuff =)
July 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I have been complaining about loosing all day but I don’t place blame into a fictional story about Davis zooming in and out of everything going on, making decisions from his walker via maybe a teleporter or walkie talkie. He makes the hires and then they procede to win or loose. The buck does stop there but he owns the team so prey he got it right this time around with Kiffin.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
“But the jury is still out regarding Huff. For two years he has been a solid cover safety in a division where Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez reside, not to mention a Denver team that loves bootlegs and throwing to the tight end.”
Jerry, before you say this you say “Other than a temporary oasis provided by Rod Woodson in his last great year as a Hall of Fame player, the safety positions have been a wasteland since the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995.”
Why if you are analyzing a position do you throw out one of the most meaningful points - because it does it agree your theme.
Personally based the observation mine and yours that Huff has been a consistently good performer in coverage from game one, he is well worth a #7 choice in a division where the TEs by themselves can be the difference in a win or lose situation.
It is typical of fans who overvalue the big hit or interception but fail to fairly value consistent coverage and limiting options of the opposing QB.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Most of you guys weren’t even born when the Raiders dominated, sheesh.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
KoolKell…
and?? you’re point is?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
At least Lofton has thrived in the NFL as a player and coach if Kiffins fails.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
It goes back to what you said earlier LMN. All these young guys know is losing Raider football, yet they regurgitate as if they were there in the heyday.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
76-83 is a short window but thats the real dynasty in Oakland.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Regurgitate all the Al Davis lore.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Raiders sent us season ticket holders an email today. Tix coming next week!!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
F’ck Lofton and the horse he rode in on! he is hell of an assistant but HC material is he not, then we’ll be back to the bugle-white kinda stuff…
its Kiffin or Die…. this will be it!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
No Johhny,
The dynasty started in 1966 10-4 67 13-1 68 12-2 69 12-2 70 13-1 etc until 1985.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
KoolKell…
true…
July 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
LMN,
Seeing as how death is so final, I think I’ll stick with Kiffin.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Dynasty includes winning a Championship in a short span the last I looked, not to be smart.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Multiple Championships, my bad.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
The Immaculate Reception was in the 1972 AFC Championship game
July 8th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I saw Randy Moss at Safeway. That’s what I’m talking about. You whipper snappers don’t know nothing.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
ABA…
Hahaha, yeah Me too =)
July 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Did I really say the immaculate reception was in the AFC championship game? Shows you how full of it I am! It was a divisional playoff game. What do you expect from an old fool?
July 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
In that case you are correct J Rebel.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Troll,
Pittsburg is not nor never has been a division rival, young troll fool.
Face me like a man.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
So was the Sea of Hands.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Now the Lidel fumble kept them from back to back Championships. The week before agianst the Colts was one of the greatest games I ever seen until that one. I was heart broken.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Bedpan…#154
Insanity?, Instability?. Prerequisites!
I’m In!
Hook, line & sinker. And ain’t it great, to be a Raider fan.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
The AFC road to the Super Bowl went through Oakland from 1967-1984. Every F’n Year.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Hopefully this year we talk about the game where McFadden breaks a 97 yard run from scrimmage with under 2 minutes to play and the game where Russell completely takes over and dominates for the first time, or the game where our Run D shows up and stuffs LT and holds him to 42 yards.
All are dreams, but they are dreams I hope for every year. Just that lately they have stayed dreams and never became reality.
I know this year will be different (and yes, I say that every year).
July 8th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I’m a Raider junkie and have no intention of breaking the habit.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
It isn’t called ‘divisional playoff’ because the teams are from the same division, you idiot. Look it up. You’re just an old blowhard.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
LT could have played on that bum knee in the playoffs last year just like Rivers did and the rest of the team knows it. Trouble could be looming for them with all the off the field issues and injury problems. I’m not sold on them out right winning the west this year.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
All those times Stu had to run up and tackle a TE coming underneath of 3rd and long, who do you think was suppose to be covering the guy?
TT - Gates and Gonzalez have both seen their production fall off against ALL TEAMS the last two years. Hardly going to give Huff credit because the guys are getting old and playing injured. All those TE under screens Denver ran? Huff.
Huff needs to improve dramaticly to be worthy a #1 pick. The ther question is if Ryan will put Huff 20 yards off ala Stu. If he does, there will be no more big plays than last year.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
ABA…
if Mcfadden runs a 97′er its in the left side, with both Gallery and Harris…
Left side will be the strong run side, whereas it was right side last year!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
What?
Face me like a man. Idiot. If you had any confidence you’d use your own name.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
And you’re a jealous young punk wannabeme.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
i was 5 when the Raiders last won the Sb. i was about 18 when darrell russell, mo collins, and stinchcomb were drafted KK. why you try to fatten your list with those players. the raiders have 9 spots in the trenches and have maybe one solid player from the draft at only one position: gallery at lg and everyone agrees he was a bust as the no. 2 overall pick. either way you slice it to win these days you need to draft early to get good trench players. the raiders are preoccupied with track players and play makers not trenches
July 8th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
LMN,
I totally agree with the left side being the side to run behind. pass blocking another story….will have to see how Harris pans out. I just hope we don’t need blocking help on every passing down like last year. We need more options for Russell on known passing downs.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I’m a buffoon.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Gotta go, Later Nation!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
You sure are.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Kiffin will compensate for the lack of pass blocking with the moving pocket that has been used at USC for years now, just like McNair used and now Young. Fisher brought it with him to Tennessee.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I saw Jack Tatum at Toys R Us one time. I drooled on his hush puppies.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
So what?
July 8th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
But Dick V they got two prodigy players not just one and they happen to be a QB and RB. Can’t blame them there when so many teams do fine not drafting lineman high in the draft.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
harris and gallery will be very good aginst the run in the zone blocking scheme. they will struggle to protect JR blind side. he will have to get the ball out fast which all but kills the deep threat.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Johnny Rebel Says:
July 8th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Kiffin will compensate for the lack of pass blocking with the moving pocket that has been used at USC for years now, just like McNair used and now Young. Fisher brought it with him to Tennessee.
——————————————————-
Sounds like the “Floating Pocket” Hank Stram used to protect Len Dawson in K.C.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
what is ‘hush puppies’??
July 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
There’s an oldtimer!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Didnt Mike White have us at a 8-2 start then we lose 6 straight to end the year, that was horrible I still dont know what tha hell happened
July 8th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
johnny reb i like russell and mcfadden, but tyvon branch, jlh, trading away the 2nd for d hall… trading up for a project like henderson, drafting a situational pass rusher like mosses then cutting him. i like mcquistain but cable and kiffin don’t
July 8th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Ultraswede loafers, LMN
July 8th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
# dick v S