Postgame wrap
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 8:44 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits and first impressions from the Raiders’ 17-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans Friday night:
– If I’m the Raiders, I’m ecstatic about JaMarcus Russell. If I’m the Titans, I’m concerned about Vince Young.
Russell looked like the quarterback entering his third season, while Young played as if he had one NFL start.
– Don’t make too much about what happened after halftime, because this one was all about seeing what Russell could do. Turns out he can do a lot, particularly when the target is tight end Zach Miller.
On Russell’s 10-yard touchdown pass, he escaped pressure to his left and put the ball in a tiny window. Miller’s glue fingers did the rest, finishing off a flawless six-play, 61-yard drive.
– The Raiders offense will have their fans angry at McAfee Coliseum and cursing at television sets as they throw in front of the stake and play it safe. But if they can avoid turnovers doing it this way, it’s worth it.
It doesn’t help that there is no evidence of a big-play wide receiver. Javon Walker’s appearance was brief and unimpressive, including a drop on the first pass headed his way. Chaz Schilens gained on Todd Watkins for a roster spot with three tough catches for 45 yards, but even if he makes the roster odds are he won’t do much this year.
– A glimpse of what having Darren McFadden on your side can do _ one of those safe, conservative calls resulted in a 26-yard gain which led to Aaron Elling’s 56-yard field goal.
– The Raiders protected Russell better than expected, and his ability to escape pressure and operate on the perimeter will have a lot of people rethinking the myth that he would be better off as a dropback passer.
– Another thing in Russell’s favor _ he’s confident enough so that some shaky training camp passing didn’t faze him in the least when it came time to playing in a game.
– Is Rob Ryan just teasing, or will the Raiders bring it this year? They opened the game with consecutive blitzes by Thomas Howard (twice) and Stanford Routt. Result? Three-and-out for Tennessee.
– Tennessee didn’t fully cooperate with the Raiders desire to test their run defense. The Titans goal was to get Young some work in the passing game so they didn’t attack with their usual persistence.
– Michael Huff closed quickly on a Young pop fly down the sideline. Young was pressured on a blitz from linebacker Kirk Morrison.
– Two steps forward, three steps back for Johnnie Lee Higgins. As currently constituted, there aren’t a lot of options in the return game right now.
– Lavelle Hawkins’ 51-yard touchdown reception from Kerry Collins came against the man who probably has given up twice as many catches as any other Raiders defensive back in practice. Rest assured Michael Waddell won’t be on the 53-man roster.
– Encouraging efforts inside by Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands, although both men look like they’re nowhere near ready to go four quarters.
– When Kiffin said he wasn’t concerned about wins and losses, the end result against the Titans is wha the was talking about. Hard to be anything but encouraged by the play of the Raiders starters.
As for what happened late?
Simply flash back two years when Oakland’s starters were being physically dominated under Art Shell, only to have fringe players pave the way to a 4-1 record against the fringe players of other teams.
– The Fox booth raved about the play of Marquice Cole, chasing down Adimchinobe Echemandu from behind and making a lost fumble by Oren O’Neal possible.
I’m guessing Kiffin is more concerned about the previous play, when Louis Rankin ran for six yards and ran out of bounds to stop the clock. Rankin was immediately yanked from the game and didn’t go back in.
– It’s probably not a good sign for William Joseph, the former first-round draft pick from the New York Giants, that he is playing late in the game on the same line with international practice squad player Mauricio Lopez and undrafted free agent Greyson Gunheim.
– Another mistake that is sure to stick in Kiff’s craw _ first and goal at the 8, and John Madsen is whistled for a false start. The Raiders end up settling for Elling’s 27-yard field goal.
– It’s preseason for the networks, too. Before the game, with announcers talking about Kiffin, the camera focused on a young coach on the sidelines. Problem was, it was special teams coach Brian Schneider. Later, Darryl Johnston referred to Ronald Curry as “Donald” Curry.
– Kwame Harris was able to start with a shoulder injury, relegating “Super” Mario Henderson to reserve status. David Ball, a defensive end out of football last year, blew past Henderson early in the fourth quarter and got a shot on quarterback Andrew Walter that left him with a bloody nose.
Another solid effort by Walter (7-for-11, 85 yards) who has secured the backup position. Marques Tuiasosopo played but did not throw a pass.
– Yeah, I know. Janikowski’s the kicker. But why is it that when he hits the upright, it never goes in the way it did for Elling?
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August 15th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
boom
August 15th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Russell was hot, Mcfadden looked dangerous. Gd game for our first team. Run D wasnt great but overall much better than most people would have anticipated
August 15th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
# The Real Oakglenn Says:
August 15th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Obviously none of that crap was me. That was MR, Fire Fiffin, East Bay Ray, etc. Sorry, I was actually at the game, not sitting here making up posts like some complete utter loser. I own your ass MR. If you have to sit here and post as me I have the deed to your soul. And I hereby sell your soul to
Satan for one penny. Thank you Satan. You now own MR.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Its not that we lost a in the last minute by a bunch of 4th stringers. This happens to our starters as well because of the play calling. We always go away from what works, do something completely different at the end and we pay the price. I don’t really care that we lost because its pre-season but this kind of thing has been happening in the regular season with RR as Defensive Coordinator for years. Thats the problem.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
If Johnnie Lee
August 15th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
we looked much improved on offense with the 1st team, this titans D was a tougher run d than the niners and it was on the road, and yet we had a solid showing running the ball and im very impressed with kwame harris blocking for russell, i only saw him get beat once. im pretty happy with this and look foward to the cards in oakland next week, should put up a good one against them
August 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Theres nothing worse than watching your team play great through 58 minutes, only to watch our teams lose in the next 2. If anything, thats the biggest problem with the Raiders and that needs to change. This is not a pre-season problem. Its a team problem.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
If Johnnie Lee EVER FUMBLES AGAIN, EVER, IN HIS CAREER, I WILL PERSONALLY FIX THE PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
KUDOS to Kiffin. He’s got us pointed in the right direction irrespective of all the other in-house distractions.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Cut Javon Walker, Sea Bass, Higgins, Oneal, and Eugene.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Some of you say that it doesn’t matter that we lost because our team looked great. Isn’t the objective winning? Example: Game 1 vs. the Broncos.
JR throws for 200 yards and 1 TD. Looks sharp. McFadden has 80 Yards. Fargas has 105 Yards. Bush has 2 TD’s. Miller has 8 catches. We play a solid game but so do the Broncos and the game is close but the Broncos have the ball for the last 2 minutes. Are you confident that we can pull off the win and how do you feel if the Broncos march down the field on our “prevent” defense and score the game winning field goal?
August 15th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Oneal is awesome he just fumbled give him a break.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Alright, Oneal can stay.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
At least it wasn’t the defense caving in the 4th to give it up like usual.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Huff #4
I agree totally. All prevent defenses produce is losses. They prevent victory. There were lots of mistakes at the end like runners not staying in-bounds and keeping the clock running. Like play calling. That 3rd & less than 1 at the goal line was a perfect time for a naked bootleg. We would have had the 4th & less than one if needed for a line plunge. Prevent defenses - NOT.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Chillout Huff we were watchin reserves play against each other. If that was our first team D against there first team offense then they would have never gone the length at the end. They hardly made a 1st down against us.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
There is so much here to go over. And this is to Lane Kiffin and the Raider Offensive Coaching Staff, why don’t you take the reigns off Jam you knuckleheads????? I was at John Elways first game as a pro, and when all of a sudden Jam was allowed to actually PLAY THE GAME, man, he looked like Elway. Only more polished.
Hey Coaching Staff, everyone in both booths knew you were going to ease this guy in with short passes and dump offs. Which effed him up. Why don’t you let him play the game????? He’s actually good at this game.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Raiders receivers: Curry, Carter, Watkins, Shilens + one more not named Javon Walker or Johnny Lee Higgins.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Nice wrap up Jerry… all pointed observations… I’m encouraged… Hopefully Higgins bounces back.. but wow … inside the 5 is just not pro status. Bush is In… DMC is in.. J Russ is IN… Miller is the TRUTH.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
So, how many catches do Walker and Carter have so far?
August 15th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Com’on man …Javon will be fine. What I saw out there with him and Jam is unfamiliarity - Thats all. Sooner or later they’ll be on the same page. (sure he may be overpaid but thats no reason to cut one of your best WRs ….such would be the definition of STUPID!)
August 15th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Look at the sun huff… not the a$$ err.. Moon… we’re improved… and improving… keep this staff together… and we’ll continue to do both… in a weakining west … we’ll be in contention next year … if not this… plus plus plus… harris …did ok.. the line did good… the run game should be top 3.. .the d fense proved improvement… and if we blitz… like that… watchout!… just… retire #30 lol
August 15th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Russell’s not smart? … ok … time to jet…ya’ll really about to trip… RAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIDERRRRRSSSSS!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
What do you mean that russell is not smart?
August 15th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Thing is Javon is getting separation and getting in position to make plays. Thats what you all SHOULD have noticed!
…he and Jam just need to get a chemistry going which is difficult when Walker was not practicing as much or was halfassing in camp.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
It’s MR L Berk. He’s here to ruin everything as usual.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Thanks Oakglenn I have wanted his soul and I knew if I waited long enough I could get it for measly Penny!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Yup Terrapin …
Walker will be fine. He was open in the back of the end zone on Jam’s first roll out, but Carter thought the pass was to him.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Walker - Give the money back and retire. Your first gut feel was correct. You are washed-up and nothing is going to change that. You looked like Ricky “hands of stone” Dudley tonight. And, that’s not a good thing.
JLH - It’s not going to happen. You are like the scarecrow - in search of a brain.
Wadell - Leave your playbook at the front desk.
Eugene - You’ve got one chance left now that Archaleta is on the roster.
Bush - You are the real deal and a real beast. In my opinion you are the real secret weapon and will show everybody that fact before the season is over.
Russell & Walter - Good job by both of you. Keep up the good work. The real O will be introduced in a couple of weeks.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Jamarcus Russell not only is smart, but he is ALL THAT!!!!! When the coaching staff took the reigns off of him, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
That Vince Young sure can throw the ball!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Thank you L Berk!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Alright, I’m calling it a night. Go Raiders!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I don’t see why everyone is so worked up over a pre season loss. It doesn’t count. It’s just a work out. They’re thinking about abolishing the pre season. Nobody takes it seriously, other than stupid fans with nothing better to do. We’re going to be solid this year. Under Kiffin’s tight control, J. Russell could be one of the good ones. He just needs to behave himself, too. You know how they get. That’s why Kiffin has to stay on top of him.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
yeah im out, J to Z!!!!!!!!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Trade Fargas for a real receiver. McFadden, Bush, Rankin, and Joe can get the job done.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
909RaiderLifer
Special teams was a real problem tonight.
Besides the Higgins fumble, we also lost field position on two other drives due to a hold and a block in the back.
The first half we had our first team special team guys in there, that was real disappointing.
The field position changed the play calling by Kiff in both of those possessions.
We complain about RR, we need to find out why our special teams coach Christensen is about and what is he doing to correct these players who make those stupid mistakes.
Do you wonder why Higgins would even field that punt, was he told a million times inside the 10 to let it go, or was he told to field it and run, whose to know.
I would think he should let the ball drop to reach the endzone and start at the 20.
RR alwys gets the blame for his defense, when the field position puts our defense on their side he seems more agressive, when Tenn had better field position he seemed less agressive.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Let’s start again, now that MR is dealing with Satan instead of me. First off, the Raider lst team defense looked good. 2ndly, Jam, looked good. 3rdly, both Dmac and Mike Bush, looked good. Special teams, looked good. Johnnie Lee Higgins, needs to be cut.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I was most impressed with Russell controlling the ball. I’m glad he didn’t try to force too many deep ones. If he does what Kiffin tells him to do, he’ll be fine in this league. If he doesn’t, he’ll be a cross between Kerry Collins and Flavor Flave. Go Raiders. Go USA! Super Bowl! 8 Golds for Phelps! F**k the chinks.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Trade Fargas for a real receiver. McFadden, Bush, Rankin, anf Joe can get the job done. Too man good runners, too few good receivers.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Did anyone pay attention to that cut block by mcfadden on the TD drive when Russell checks down to o’neal? Made the DE flip in the air. lol
August 15th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
eff me someone, eff me up my pie hole!!! go niners!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
RaiderMight, McFadden looked sharp. We just need Kiff to stay on top of things. If Al screws it up with Kiff, I’m done with this team. And I won’t be alone.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
And, to the clown who kept boasting about Russell throwing deep tonight, don’t be so stupid. We don’t need him taking chances. He’s a control passer in Kiffin’s offense. Winning takes time. We’ve tried it your way, heaving the ball downfield. It’s too easy to defend in this league. If you weren’t such a retard, you’d know that.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
wow. dude has definitely gone off the deep end. How bout dem Raiders.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I have to say, Jam looked pretty damn good. If Javon could catch a couple of balls, Jam would’ve looked real good
August 15th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Well, on that note I’m gonna diddi. Peace and love to the whole Nation and especially my blog bros here. Not at all upset about the scrubs givin it up at the end tonight. Yo Kiff, I’m out but as always… I’M IN!!! Later!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Johny,,, Johny,,,Johny,,,, mm,,mm,,mm!
Thats why I said in the special teams post that I didnt wanna get too hyped over him. I knew it was a matter of time before he fumbled his way back into the doghouse. Well we started off a lil rough but I must say our starters beat up on Tenn on both sides of the ball. I think we passed a really good test. We’re getting there folks. Javon please catch the ball. Pleeease! YA KNOW?!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
We looked good tonite..
August 15th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Raider Dell…
As I posted earlier. Russ to Miller = steak & eggs. Always works, even @ denny’s.
D- Mac, oh yeah, he is the schiznit.
1st. team D looked real good. Huff looked impressive.
JLH. Best, shine v. the cards, next week, or pink slip him.
the Turd, looked good in the plays I saw of him. (p- brk.)
That #5 kicker, will give all of us, something to b$tch & moan about, this week.
Acshewhatshisname, can NOT be caught from behind, on that play.
Robbo, went limp, at the end. (what else is new.)
Special Teams, looked real good on coverage!. We all saw how the return, teams looked.
Much, room fof improvement, there.
(C. Carr, did NOT fumble much! w/ us.)
And, M Bush, is going to do GREAT things for us.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
You’re not the Real Oakglenn MR. The gig is up!! Bye, Bye, C ya.. vote for me!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I’m ready for some Charlie Garner type swing passes to both DMac & the BUSHman. We’re probably holding off on anything like that until the real season starts.
Everybody should give serious thanks that we no longer have to look at McClown & CPep. Andrew Walter looks as though he benefited from having last year off. He’s really looked good in the last two pre-season games. Especially in view of the fact that he’s playing with the 2’s & 3’s.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
This song is SICK!!!
I have the CD.
Listen to it before every game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDqPpbqSnAI
August 15th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Rankin got caught from behind last week and Bush probably would get caught also. But, hey 70+ yard runs aen’t too shabby.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Seems as though the Niners have an official BUST QB on staff their #1 pick of the draft selection. You’ve got to know that Aaron Rodgers of the GB Packers wants to rub the Niners nose it their decision.
Things could be worse Raider faithful. We could be Niner fans.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I cant believe Big O fumbled it on the goal line, he is a great blocker, but he’s no Crockett. Oh well, we shut them out with our first team, and moved the ball fairly well against one of the top Defenses in the game, I’m happy. Good night nation, better luck next week. I bet we smash the Cards.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
You tell him, 408. Knock his ass out.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I want to throw the remote through the Tv when Walter scrambles right….and instead of throwing it away…he runs out of bounds for a 2 yard loss…WTF!!! I effing HATE THAT S*&T!!!!! So the next play we gain 2 and we sit at 3rd and 10 instead of 3rd and 8!!!! Anyone else notice that?
August 15th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
JB Says:
August 15th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Seems as though the Niners have an official BUST QB on staff their #1 pick of the draft selection. You’ve got to know that Aaron Rodgers of the GB Packers wants to rub the Niners nose it their decision.
Things could be worse Raider faithful. We could be Niner fans.”””””’
Dude its RAIDER NATION
August 15th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Higgins is one of those players that will always make the killer mistake. He’s a choker with flashes of talent.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
we did better in this preseason than all best of all last yr. this is just a start and higgins did that but he trying so hard to make huge play and its just preseason. so much time for us to fix any and all of this little stuff. we will be great soon enough. marke those words.
RAIDER NATION WILL AWAKEN WITH DOMINANCE!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Raider Dell…
I see, that someone left the gate to “romper room”, un-locked.
See, you around the town.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
If JLH can’t return punts or hang on to the football, he adds no value to this team. Frankly, I don’t think JLH has the speed necessary to be an above average reciever in this league. He’s quick, but not fast. His hands are very questionable. Schillens and Watkins look better at this point. If the Raids can find anyone to return punts, there’s an excellent chance JLH will be joining Quentin Moses on the unemployment line.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
we need one more legitimate reciever…………go get one AL…………………
August 15th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Tennessee got their asses kicked. If Johnnie doesn’t give them a gift TD, and Oneil holds onto the ball, this game is not even close. And they are a play off team from last year!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Al spent 55 million to get a receiver. He’s the one sulking on the sidelines wanting to retire.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Freaking “Jivin”. On the first drive, Jam drills him with a first down strike!! If he doesn’t get his hands up, that pass would’ve busted his grill up worse than those two losers who jacked him.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
lineup McFadden at wr………could work
August 15th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Someone please acknowledge my post #60…it’s driving me crazy!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Alot of Drunk Raider Fans in here tonight!
August 15th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
THE RAIDER’S NEED A LEGITAMITE RECIEVER PERIOD.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Higgins screws up routes like their going out of style and has droped many more kicks than he should have for a whole career… H has gotta go. and chewy too… keep chaz and watkins.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
The truth is….the Raiders will find a way to lose…they always find a way to lose….the Raiders are a team that will ALWAYS find a way to lose.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
walter sucks…………give us Culpepper…….line up Bush as a WR
August 15th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Yeah Higgins will cost us games this year. We aren’t good enough to overcome those types of mistakes.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Neck Roll…
95%, that JLH, gets a bus ticket, 1st. roster cut. IMO
August 15th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
909…
I don’t know Bro, no other return guy… 3rd rounder…I know we cut Henderson as a 3rd…seems like this guys is going to get one more year. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if he did get cut though.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
my comment: too many penalties
August 15th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
From what i saw passing was good defense was good and those were the questions coming into tonight along with physical play and we did it all better all night. We are only going to get better as time passes. Have Always and Forever in to the true nation RAIDER NATION
August 15th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I agree 505…
August 15th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Bolen,..visiting the island tomorrow,..you heard it here first.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
The best receiver on the team is Z. Miller. I think Schiellens makes the team but somehow maybe Watkins too. If money doesn’t matter Javon is out. He got in great position for that one throw and didn’t catch it. Unacceptable.
We need a proven PR man or we are in trouble w/ Higgins. I’ll take Carr back any day after looking at Higgins. I just think we are messing with his confidence as a WR when we have him back there fumbling away. It’s the same thing Kiff says about putting too much on McFaddens’ plate. Let Higgins concentrate on being a WR. He is young–it’s too much pressure.
JR looked fantastic! He is going to be a beast of a QB. When he has a second to drop back and step into a throw you almost feel sorry for the receiver. This man looked huge on my HDTV. He & Z. Miller have a connection for sure. Lot’s of TD’s coming soon from them.
One issue I see coming down the pipeline is choosing a starting RB. DM has to be the guy soon. And honestly, Bush should be #2 asap. With a HR hitter like DM we cannot limit his touches. The one conservative play that they handed off to DM almost was a TD. Fargas doesn’t have many plays like that. I want to see as many plays with DM at least on the field as possible, at least to make teams think. Kiff is going to face tough decisions soon as far as who the #1 guy is.
Why are we paying so much money for Seabass again?
August 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Outside of the one really poor pass Jamarcus threw (the one that was way too high to Walker), he looked pretty poised. Accuracy was excellent. Mobility, excellent. Ability to throw on the run, excellent. Arm strength, a cannon. We didn’t see many touch passes tonight. Or any real deep routes. But there’s no reason to think the big man can’t do those as well. Very encouraging night for the Raids.
We whiffed on Gallery and Grove, wasted our 3rd rd picks 2 yrs ago, but we got some top notch talents in JRuss, Dmac, T Howard, M Bush and Z Miller (does he ever drop a pass ?) the last few years. The addition of G Wilson will allow us to see what M Huff can really do. J Richardson was a nice pick. Should be solid at corner for years if we retain Nnamdi, Hall and Routt. Morrison is very solid.
We’ve got a nice nucleus of good young players to build around. Things are looking up. Just a few more key additions and this team is a definite threat to take all the marbles.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Zack Miller = T. Christensen,..never thought i’d say those words,..it’s true.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
On the higgins fumble coaches didnt get to upset. they may have said go and return everything lets see what you can do its preseason.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Hopefully Davis doesn’t fire Kiffin though.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Russell = Plunkett. Identical.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Kiffin gone,…before season starts,…that’s the word on the island.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
He is just not a gamer… kiffin should see that. same kind of judgment that kept mc clown would keep this guy. mcfadden has awsome vission… would be wonderful and Hall on punts… wow if we want to win now -there it is. chaz is only going to get better and he does have it -he’s right in the head. heaps smarter and with more emotional strength.. I was probably the only raider fan cheering when “H” droped it. one more and he should be gone… He should be selling loans or something, football’s dangerous. He was really the only or most glaring problem among our starters.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Thanks for the wrap Jerry.
Again, I came away from this game very encouraged that we are slowly but surely righting this old pirate ship.
The late game screwups have no bearing on how I feel about today’s game. We outplayed the Titans when our starters were in, and that is always a great sign.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Neck Roll…
JLH, will get a “private” screening, @ the ST. film session. He must “impress” next week v. Az. Or whack him. Football is a COLD business.
Someone, will be out there after 1st. cutdown.
Or…
Give, Chaz a look…
August 15th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Unacceptable to be returning that deep in their own territory. No use setting bad habits. He fumbled, but he could have also went down when it was obvious he wasn’t going anywhere–don’t make a bad situation worse.
How about the coaching staff leaving Walter out there w/ blood all over him?
Tui must feel like crap that they didn’t even go w/ him when Walter gets knocked bloody!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Thanks Howie. We were the more physical team on both sides. Cant wait to get out there for a game. I guess all that talk about being tired and poor practices was all for not. ALWAYS AND FOREVER IN.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Anyone see the new Warren Sapp ad for NFL network fantasy football? He’s in front of a lap top wearing a sweat shirt with a giant Buc emblem, while holding a tiny Raider coffee mug. LOL. That’s what I’m talking about. Go Bucs.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
909…
Thats the problem though…he will show flashes….but his mistakes are killers! I hope he doesn’t do good at AZ. The more plays he makes the more likely we are to keep him. Then in a big spot, say Monday night against the Bronco’s…he will blow it, and we will lose…and Kiffin will probably get fired.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Brown returned punts for years and we had no other reliable receiver.. Hall is not the end all as a corner and is more impresive with the ball,, especially after interceptions. D-mac looks like the real thing, but each player only has so many years to play nfl and with his vision and poise he would do wonderful fielding kickoffs. we have more than one back. and bush on swing and screens… yeah we got something.. something like markus moves with bo’s power. …just cut higgins. a think a few boos would make (very unlikely) or break him. Lets let him have it with the next drop… Kiffin looked really pissed. I think it was because he has a huge decision to make with higgins/receiver situation.
p.s. Mcfadden looks to be in the zone all the time… that is the greatest feeling.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Great practice. Simple as that. We saw everything we were hoping to see. The defense was all around dominant for the second week in a row. The run game was explosive again, particularly McFadden. Most importantly, of course, Russell aired it out and looked very sharp. The offensive line blocked well for Russell and the chemistry between Russell and Miller continued. Also loving the possibility of the Linebackers blitzing a little more. We saw everything we wanted to see. It was a great practice.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Also the kid was not near fast enough. He had a 40 time just under 4.5. For a miniature receiver in the Nfl. That will not ‘cut’ it. plus looked like he fouled up three routs today.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
It’s a pre-season game. Your real kicker is out nursing an injury. You score a touchdown. What better time to try a 2 point conversion? Why the PAT?
Why bother any field goal attempt?
4th and just about anything, go for it. What are you doing? You want to see what the guy your are going to cut has? He doesn’t have enough to make the team.
raidermot
August 15th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
LOL, yeh, Trojan. We lose, and it’s a practice. Had we won, you’d be telling us how great of a GAME we played.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
The only thing missing is a big time receiver, but then again Miller is a bad guy.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
“I’m not in the Panther cage, YOUR in the Panther cage!”
August 15th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
for two qb. I must say he is fairly quick,, good exceleration and fast on change of direction but that comes with his hieght and weight… absolut speed -not impressive
August 15th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Neck Roll…
Point taken.
First thing tommorrow a.m, I will have my “insider” call Big AL. And make sure JLH, gets “clipped”.
Oh, yeah. I know “people”, too.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Bottom line, we flat out sucked tonight.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
C’mon EastCoast. Walter is a gamer. After surviving 2006, it takes a little taste of blood to get AW going.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
In general yes looked like we have “pride and poise” again… the attitude really is half the battle and if they can get walker and Hall to be team players there must be a good system/atmospher in the org. Kwamy might shine… Need at least one deep threat, got miller and curry but either walker (unlikely) watkins, or chaz needs to step it up. Chaz made that catch at about 11 feet. He’s fast… and the up side is even more. must be signed
August 15th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Yes walter’s got it. can maybe make a run at games we’re out of. great to have two good qbs this year.. qb play last year was atrocios. If we had played walter through-out we would’ve won several more games. prolly this year too… although we will go with the big gun. …miles better than vince evens!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
T. Trojan….
M. Huff, looked impressive, no??
How many pts. or off yds. by Tenn V. 1st. team D??
thank you.
Bonus ?.
Can, Mustain hold the fort??
August 15th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Neither coach was playing to win. nor should they.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Raiders might roll the dice, cut Tui, keep just 2 Qb’s on the roster and one on the practice squad. This frees up a spot to retain Schillens, Watkins or Rankin, none of whom deserve to be cut.
This would be risky considering our pass protection, and Walter’s pending free agency, but probably worth the gamble. Hell,if JR and AW go down we can have DMac play QB. He’s probably better than Tui anyway.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
r.f. Yeah you get it… got curry too.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Why do you say that BHP?
August 15th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I feel for Andrew Walter. I think he broke his nose because of Mario Henderson. Bye Mario. Take MR with ya.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Sup
Oakglenn?
August 15th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Good improvement,still need lots of work on both sides of the line.I just love the new field goal kicker lets dump Jan.K.& save a bunch of money for a great wide receiver.
Go RAIDERS!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
the Real Oakglenn 666. time to torture the soul of the hated one.
Actually triple 6 I am jazzed about that game. I thought the ones played well. Jam played really well.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Anybody know the cap hit if we dumped Jano?
I imagine the cap hit would be extreme if we dumped Javon, and not worth it monetarily.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
“Super” Mario, should run, 4 laps or 1mi. or whatever Km. (for you “metric” fans) For geting young Andrew bloodied…or..
AW’s, mom should whack him in the shinn w/ 1/2 a pool stick. (fat end).
August 15th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
or get shot in the foot
August 15th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
We sucked tonight.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
For me, the most encouraging thing to come out of this game was the pass protection that the 1s gave JaMarcus Russell against a fast and physical Tennessee defensive front. Much better than I expected. If they can hold it down to that degree in the regular season, Russell may have a chance to develop a better rapport with his wideouts.
G.
“Pillaging just for fun”
August 15th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Anyone tape the game or key on Sam Williams’ play last night ?
He made a helluva tackle on special teams. Thought he was going to get a taunting penalty for talking smack afterwards.
Any impressions on his overall play last night ? IF healthy, the guy has all the physical talent in the world. Smarts and durability are the question. No doubt he’s an Al Davis favorite.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
408…
mod is killing me too.
funny schmeet, not getting thru…bummer..
August 15th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Post #122 Sabers, I agree, and I would at the run game to that list. The Raiders ran well against a tough D.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Good game - I’ll have to review the tape when I get back in town, but there are some good things I saw. The Titans running attack didn’t get going until a couuple of our starters left, but minus a couple meaningful runs, we played the run well. Ricky Brown looks like a keeper and deserves one more crack at staring slb next week- he strung Chris Johnson (4.24 40) out and pushed him out of bounds and made a backside play to limit what would have been a long run. J Russ looked sharp and Miller is approaching God status - the catches he made were unbelievable. We’re set at TE for the next 10 years and he’s got pro bowl written all over him. Javon looked pissed at himself when he dropped that slant and I think we need to give him one week out of training camp and the next game to see him really emerge. He is getting open, so the burst is there, he just needs to get used to JR’s fastball and a little more time. To my surprise, Chaz showed up, and watkins looked good too. Curry pulled a Tim Brown ankle breaking move on the Titans starting CB, so we have some things to work with.
JLH…hmmmmmmm…so much talent, too many mistakes. Kiffin just needs to sit him aside and tell him to relax and play the game and make plays when they are there. Let’s see how he bounces back next week and give him a pass this week.
DMAC - good to see him rip off a 20 plus yard run - that’s exactly what I was talking about two days ago with how he can increase our scoring by 4-7 points per game - busting out a 26 yard run at mid field gave us a shot a field goal, even though the drive stalled. Bush looked great too. Two weeks in a row we bust out a long run with our 4th and 5th backs, that’s what should happen in the regular season once we wear down our opponents and exactly why we got DMAC.
All in all, against a good D and with some drive killers in the first quarter, we showed we have the talent to compete with a playoff team that murdered the Rams last week. I would have liked the win but obviously the 4th Q in game 2 of the preseason doesn’t matter.
Ladies and Gentlemen, 10-6 or better is sitting there for us, and we should expect 3-0 heading into San Diego at home. SD is the team to beat in our division, and they are getting old at their key spots. If not this year, then soon, but if we beat them, it’s time to welcome the Raiders back to NFL relevance.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
The D held them to 140 rusing yards. Most of the damage comming in the second half. Long and the rames gave up dam near 400.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
CUT THE POLISH SAUSAGE!! WE HAVE A NEW KICKER.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Yeah, the pass protection didn’t look bad. Keep in mind that we’ve got a staff now that has the smarts to put a game plan together to maximize our protection ability. Game plan is to come out with quick hitters, like the toss to the sideline to curry, quick slants to walker, then establish the run and then throw in some play action (which JaMarcus executes very well).
This certainly isn’t a strong pass blocking unit but a good game plan and good coaching can cover up this deficiency.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
It was good kiffin stayed with JLH after the fumble, and went rigt back to him on the reverse. that should help him out somewhat, but man he makes mistakes at the worst times. Hopefully he will ge better.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Review the game tape, Jedi Raider? Do you work for the team? Do you get paid to “review game tape”? Or, did you just tivo it like most people in here, and are therefore the biggest dork in the history of Raider blogs, trying to use terms like “review film”, like it’s your job or something. I think it’s the latter.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
amf…take care,all..
August 15th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
take care NATION
Later
August 15th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
No we didn’t suck tonite. Only a Raider hater like MR would post that as me and Bob Marley. All in All, a very good performance. The D played well, giving up, NO Points to their lst team offense. I have to agree with Jerry MacDonald on this. We should be THRILLED WE HAVE JAM, instead of Vince Young!!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Glad to see MR finally coming to reality here.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Jedi, after Dmac’s 26 yd run the drive didn’t ’stall out’. There was one second left on the clock and the FG ended the half.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
last note.
the “turd” made some good plays. In particular, the play he made, collapsing the line, then putting his big arms up. Forcing V.Y. to miss the throw..
props, to the “turd”.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Jamarcus Russell is the truth..give him a good o-line and see what can do! And our defense got the job done too, atleast the first team, i like how ryan was finally calling the blitz.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
909 brings up a good point. Sands has played pretty well in the preseason. He made another big play tonite!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
marcel reece fumbled not oneal….ithought
August 15th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Geez. And I thought Raider fans were more educated than all the other teams’ fans.
Some of you need to really get it.
THIS WAS A PRE-SEASON GAME.
And what do we do in pre-season games? We do alot of things we would not normally do, so we can practice those things!
I would bet money that John Lee would not have caught that ball on the 10 in a real game. How do you practice special teams with a touchback? Hello, is this thing on?
It is the reason we go for it on 4th and 4. It is the reason why Walter is told to scramble. It is the reason we blitzed twice in the first two plays…
PRE-SEASON IS AN ELABORATE PRACTICE. I would hope we use it to the fullest and not worry so much about taking home a win and impressing the fans.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
last “final” note:
As long as, Kiff does not get to big for his britches..
And..
Robbo, just will let the D PLAY..
And..
The, ST’s keep it even…
Life, will be better..
Just, my .02usd.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Its about time we had a reality check at the K position. I like this kid Elling. Remind me again why we drafted c-bass? Oh right… he can kick 60 yards like a P.A.T and every kick off is in the stands… Look, I know it’s only one game but as Jerry pointed out the bounce went his way and as anyone who ever played any kind of competitive game knows, there are lucky guys and there is everyone else. In case you are wondering, Jano would be on the everyone else.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Say Mods while you’re taking out posts, why don’t you take out #131 and #121, please. Thank you.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Hey guys we need to stop bitching about the offensive line and the passing game, I think Kiffin is hiding ALOT untile the regular season and we still did good this game.
I expect for Kiffin to run more outside with McFadden and even run the “wild hog” formation once Denver come for their ass whoopin……
August 15th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
It’s funny to read the blog when Jerry writes about JaMarcus having a bad practice passing the ball and people start saying “Maybe Andrew Walter should start.”
And when we see JaMarcus look like a vet, those same people start saying he is the MAN!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Shawnraiders81….
latimes(dot)com/sports
scroll down to, Sam Farmer’s, article on, Mc Fadden.
Good read..
August 15th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
That TD to Miller was as Elwayesque a play as I have seen in quite awhile. Escaping the pressure, rolling LEFT, having to throw a strike, throwing against his body was just a thing of beauty. All those crying for Walter should please not post for a couple of months.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
In Black..Re #143…
Gives us, something t bi@ch about. Nothing more, nothing less..
Got to admit, although not pretty. Still 3pts. from 54yds.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Vote for Elling in 2008
Cut List
- Walker
- Seabass
- Higgins
August 16th, 2008 at 12:00 am
m…..o…..d……,get a sense of humor!
August 16th, 2008 at 12:03 am
midnight,p.s.t. bi@tch…..out…
August 16th, 2008 at 12:04 am
***PDT**…..errrrrrr…..out.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:05 am
if huggie-baby or DMC takes that hand-off instead of some winded 5th stringer who ran out of gas,it’s over …ball game so realize,nation in the real world,that sh.. won’t happen!!!!
August 16th, 2008 at 12:07 am
JLH just doesn’t have what it takes to play football in the NFL. Unlike the best atheletes in professional sports, his confidence is fragile. Did you guys see the look in his eyes just before the kick after his fumble? The proverbial “Deer in the headlights” looks a whole lot more confident than JLH. I don’t think that someone with a complete lack of confidence in themselves can produce in the NFL. Cut him today and find someone that has the confidence to the same 4 yrds per return the the POS JLH has provided for the Raiders. If you can’t rely on him in the preseason, guess what? You certainly can’t rely on him during the regular season.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:14 am
its 3:14 est, 909 ya baby
August 16th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Johnny Lee HIggins is physically very fast. But mentally he is just average. Because he is looking upfield, contemplating his moves, he loses concentration on the ball. I do not think that his problem can be fixed. His body is faster than his mind. That makes him and IED. If he makes this team (and I hope he does NOT), he is going to blow up on the field and he will be responsible for critical loss (s).
August 16th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Two critical mistakes cost us this game. Not that it matters, actually I hope the Raiders learn from this. JLH gives Titans 7, Orrin takes away 7 from the Raiders. Other than that we played pretty solid game.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Jerry, you need a f’n editor!
August 16th, 2008 at 12:30 am
They should not be trusting punt and kick returns to someone as inexperienced as JLH. Let him concentrate on one thing at a time like being a Receiver.
This game should demonstrate that we need to find a legitimate PR and KR even if we need to sign someone!
August 16th, 2008 at 12:39 am
We were straight tonight!! I must say!!
August 16th, 2008 at 12:59 am
RE: Javon Walker. He has his speed. He still has hands. He has been there and done that. He severe as whup’pn recently in which he got hit orbital bone fractured. He had not fully recovered from that injury. Give him time, afterall M. Bush was given two years to recover from his fracture. I expect to see Walker rise to be the #1 receiver he has been his entire career. Do not be surprised if he makes great catches in the coming weeks and winning catches against Denver.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:00 am
I’ll keep JLH and not trip at all!!!
August 16th, 2008 at 1:01 am
The Raiders are a much improved team
August 16th, 2008 at 1:04 am
just last week u all loved JLH and talked about his confidence was up and that he was the best option for returns. now he cant play professional footbal, he should sell insurance yadayadayada.why do yall flip so much and so quick. trade fargas now that we have dmac tho most of u wanted dorsey cuz we had fargas. now schilenz should make the team ,last week it was watkins. i understand theres alot of excitement right now but theres bitchin and then theres trippin. right now yall are trippin. calm down and let the entire preseason play itself out. we have 2 games and 3 weeks for guys to make a final impression. do we cut madsen for his stupid penalties? why not atleast jlh has 2 pr tds in 2 years. madsen hasnt done jack. the ol was good in pass protection and picked up the blitzes well. as a walker fan i will say now he has 2 man up along with carter. next week they need 2 play the whole 1rst half. its funny how good a defense can be when u allow your athletes to be athletic. howards speed was finally put 2 use and they had a energy about themselves from the beginning that i havent seen in awhile.2 bad huff couldnt hold on 2 that pick but he reacted right on time. lets also give it up 2 routt. he has stepped his game up despite a bs penalty. we have alot of team speed that went 2 waste last year and hopefully this is a sign of more 2 come. i know its early but my 09 draft thoughts are already here and imma say it now, I WANT MAUALUGA NEXT YEAR! it may be a pipe dream but he is the missing ingredient. a fast tough aggressive mlb that knocks u the F##K OUT. damn he could do for morrison what gibril is doin for huff. oh well had to get that off my chest, its 8 months 2 early.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Oakglenn, how about another lecture on how the blitz is ineffective in today’s NFL? Especially after our first string D shut Vince Young down using the blitz tonight…
Come on, Oak. You’re all x’s and o’s.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Jerry, the reason why the networks thought the special teams coach was Lane Kiffin is because they’ve never seen Lane Kiffin. Al only let the future Denver offensive coordinator out of his cage a couple of times in the past year.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Oakglenn, you’re being pretty hard on Jedi Raider about the whole reviewing game tape thing, aren’t you? You’re as big of an armchair personnel director geek as anyone. To boot, you don’t even understand today’s NFL. You’ve spent the past 6 months telling us that the blitz is useless in today’s league. The Raiders blitzed like mad men tonight, and with success. Not a peep out of you. Coward.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:35 am
as for young jeezy, he did what he did at lsu. most people wanted calvin johnson which was fine. however the criticisms of him from work ethic to cant read defenses to one good game in the sugar bowl and eatin 2 much bbq was all bs. now look how many of u love him. alot of u who bitched about him rarely saw him play, callin him another VINCE YOUNG(tho he rarely runs) he and AW were the same qb(what a joke that is) was only good cuz the talent he had at lsu(now u say he would be better if he HAD SOME TALENT TO WORK WITH) now convienantly disregard all that bullish u talked. its all good cuz us jeezy supporters thought he was capable of this. just like the dorsey crowd jumps on the dmac bandwagon. the td to miller was as professional a play a qb can make, from avoiding the rush to placing the ball 2 where only his man can catch it. he has a ton of poise and is a much better athlete/ qb than given credit for. he is also SMARTER AND MORE DISCIPLINED than what alot of u said awhile ago. do u still believe all those bs reports of his lack of intelligence, work ethic and 300 lb crap that the media fed u the last 2 years? his coaches never questioned his leadership last year but u believed the ignorant and racist media. the same media btw that U HATE and disrespects the team u love so much. i just hope u feel this good about him when he has his next 3-4 int game, i know how yall like 2 flip out on cats up in here.
August 16th, 2008 at 1:37 am
This game was really encouraging. Our first team was more than enough for a tough team. The OL gave good protection to Russell. Russell looked good-especially when he has good target like Zach Miller. Miller looked good last year no matter which quarterback played. You can see what Russell might be capable of with a couple of good receivers who catch the ball and Miller taking the heat off them
The secondary looked good even without Hall playing.
The defense overall is vastly improved-please keep blitzing.
Why would Higgins try and catch the ball at the five instead of letting it run in? We could well see McFadden back there at some point. Maybe we’ll see some run-backs in the style of Peterson in Minnesota.
Aaron Elling kicks three including a 56 yarder?! Can we keep him?
http://www.msn.foxsports.com
has a poll going on their web site asking which team has the best fan base-as if they needed to ask.
Right now the low teams are the Bears and Chiefs at 3%.
The Bills are high with 28%. Denver and San Diego have zero per cent. The RAIDERS only have 7%!
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 16th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Oakglenn - I had my typical three page resopnse but my browser crashed and I don’t feel like retyping it all
In sum, I don’t have any delussions of grandeur and I know I’m a raider blog dork. Considering we live in a world with hundreds of thousands of fans, and there are only 50-100 regular posters on here, I’d say we’re all dorks anyway, I just try to get into the nitty gritty as best as I can to spark interesting discussions based on the article Jerry writes and I use “game tape”, “Tivo”, and “film” interchangably in my responses. Film and game tape are universally understood and more concise than “analyzing each play in slo-mo 10 ten times on my tivo”. Actually it’s a motorola hd dvr, don’t want any trademark issues 
Anyway, my lack of football credentials aside, I’ll take the Pepsi challenge on Raiders personnel, scheme, and play vs. the media any day of the week because I spend far more time at it then they do and nobody on this planet is going to convince me that I’m not right more often than not - Start Warren Sapp at 3-4 DE? That’s Rob Ryan, not me. The Raiders should have drafted Glenn Dorsey instead of McFadden to stop the run when Glenn Dorsey is a three technique? That’s Terrell Davis from the Broncos and NFL Network, not me. I know enough to know I don’t know everything and never will, but I also know I need more than what the media gives me which is why I come here and share info with everyone else and in turn get good info from everyone else. In my opinion, you can’t complain about the team if you don’t know what the real problems are, and you can’t determine what the problems are unless you study them. Anyway, I totally appreciate your humor in calling me a dork for using the term game tape, but your post was kind of mallicious and I don’t want anyone to think i have some sort of b.s. superiority complex or something.
MR - thanks for the support
RaiderFan - you’re right - I didn’t mean to say the drive stalled - I kind of cut off my thought - I meant to use that 26 yard run as an example of how McFadden can help us increase our average points per game even without scoring TD’s by getting us into field goal range when drives do stall.
August 16th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Armond - Good points on Russell. Most of our draft day concerns were put there by the Media. If you look past that, you realize that JR was in high-level QB football camps (like Archie Manning’s) since he was 12 and was on the NFL radar for 8 -10 years before he declared for the draft. After a year with Kiffin, I think we can trust him and his judgement on 1st and 2nd round draft picks (where we fly the guys out and they meet with the staff and Kiffin). He is a really good judge of character and does his homework - Russell, Miller, and DMac were all better than expected as far as work ethic and dedication are concerned. No off-field problems for Russell or Miller, and DMac is living up to his rep as a dedicated football guy.
August 16th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Vote for the Nation Raider Fans:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/pgStory?contentId=8453940#sport=NFL&photo=8358340
August 16th, 2008 at 3:25 am
Well I aint convinced the Run D is any better. They might want to explore other options at punt return but not sure who that would be at this point.Higgins should have let that punt go in the first half. That was a mental mistake he is young but this is sencond year he should have known better.
Are punt return team still cant block worth a crap though no matter who the returner is.
I would say cut Higgins too but show me a option to return punts first that wont make the same mental mistakes, and show me a unit that can block and open holes for te returner.
O Line, well lets just say harris may not be great but if his main backup is henderson lord help the Raiders if harris goes down.
As a whole i saw some good things but not impressed with the run D. Yah the first unit did not give up any points but everybody knows the Titians aint had a good passing attack since Whycheck retired. LOL Too many long runs allowed.
Too Many mental errors on the secial teams. i can live with a 5.0 return averages which sucks as long as the returner does not give the ball away. Hall could do it if he did not have a ad ad right now. I bet branch would do no worse then Higgins if not for his thumb.
Did I not read in a earlier blog that the had Eugene returning kicks in practice? Give him a shot at punts he s a mediocer safty but has some speed and probably would do no worse returning punts then Higgins as long as he dont fumbel besides the unit as a whole cant block worth a poop for the return man anyway.
Last point before whats his name says my post is too long lol. The poster that said Russell=Plunkett If you re talking about the Plunkett during the two seasons he led the team to a championship at least his play and not the one with the Patriots I can live with that I think any real raider fan could. You dont got to look pertty doing it as long as you minimse your mistakes and you lead the team to a W who cares how you look doing it?
Miller=Chrstensen again I can live with that too he caught 90 or 92 passes one year. 
I do think though from what I have heard and read Miller might have a little more Potential as a blocker then Christensen he was never a great blocker he was however functional. Now if Javon Walker or Ronald Curry could only = Fred Belintkoff and one of the other WR maybe Carter could = Cliff Branch and Harris could = art Shell and Gallery Gene Upshaw LOL I know but it be cool. 
It does not take a Rocket scientest to know in the end the Raiders will go as the Lines go on both sides of the ball just look at NY Giants. Lets hope next week the run D looks more effiecient and the PR man has no more brain farts. 
August 16th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Bring back doug gabriel..let him return punts
August 16th, 2008 at 3:39 am
are the mods still trying to get me! testing
August 16th, 2008 at 3:56 am
JANO, WHO???
August 16th, 2008 at 3:59 am
OakGlenn:
Lighten up on JediRaider, he does a good job and we enjoy reading his insights and opinions. You’re giving off a hint of envy and that’s not necessary as we enjoy reading your insights and opinions as well. That’s what this blog is all about. Plus, we’re suppose to be Raider fans all looking for the same thing…Raiders success, and this is the year of something special, starting with Zack Miller.
August 16th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Jedi
I too am a raider blog dork
and proud of it keep up the good work dude I enjoy reading your novels as do most of the other dorks in here!
August 16th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Right on with 408Raider, keep them coming Jedi
August 16th, 2008 at 5:04 am
I say we cut all of the wide receivers except Curry and a back-up or two. Go with a three running back offense so we can get our four best receivers on the team (Miller, Bush, McFadden, and Curry)on the field. Run the ball 50 times a game and throw to Miller whenever we get into a third and long situation.
Just kidding, bur seriously, can’t any of our receivers catch the freakin ball? On that first pass to Walker, I think I could have made that catch. Let him retire, keep the money, and go with whatever we have left.
August 16th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Jedi so what if you are a blog dork….you’re our blog dork…IM IN and if u listen closely you can hear the Raiders comin
August 16th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Ghost To The Pos
we dont have a hall on our team!!! LOL RAIDER ON
August 16th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Hey Guys..
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JediRaider Says:
August 15th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Good game - I’ll have to review the tape when I get back in town, but there are some good things I saw.
# Oakglenn Says:
August 15th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Review the game tape, Jedi Raider? Do you work for the team? Do you get paid to “review game tape”? Or, did you just tivo it like most people in here, and are therefore the biggest dork in the history of Raider blogs, trying to use terms like “review film”, like it’s your job or something. I think it’s the latter.
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I can see Oakglenn is spewing niceties around again..
I’m sorry Oakglenn.. I didn’t tape the game, i’m DL it, but anyhow, i’m gonna re-view the game too, and No I’m not working for the franchise either…
Jedi, keep it up bro’ I like you three pages long post, keep’em comming =)
August 16th, 2008 at 6:19 am
“I hope to see that for years to come,” Miller on his TD….So do we Zach
I can’t wait for the season to start…
August 16th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Morning LMN
dude the mods were tripping last night and some new guy was calling me MR it was probally MR lol…. I shouldnt have drank the patron but…….
Any ways I feel as good as I can after a loss! Jamarcus looked great even if our guys were dropping everything! his wheels avoiding the rush gotta make you proud.. The D is playing with heart something he havent had in a looooooong time. But what realy has me stoked is how well the O line played against the titans 1st team! Rember last year when they constantly caved in our line and were all over our QB.. yeah Im happy with the way things are going in the NATION..
also we made some FG’s whay to go new guy #5 to bad AL wont let us keep him!
August 16th, 2008 at 6:26 am
mornings…
yeah, sometimes the ‘MR’ thing gets thrown around a bit =)
was you called ‘MR’ because you said something Oakglenn didn’t like… because if you do that, then you are automatic a ‘MR’
you still can’t sleep?
August 16th, 2008 at 6:28 am
Aussie..
yeah, Miller is fantastic, I’m so glad we got him, try imagine, if the 9′ers hadn’t taken vernon davis, the pick before huff, then he would have been our TE, and a baaad one, i might add..
August 16th, 2008 at 6:30 am
NATION, what is up? I remmeber when we were having one of our draft disscussion,may hav been during the draft I wanted to us to draft lavelle hawkins the kid from cal. I took some heat from other NATION members.
I was given the I know football more than you, or my analysis is superior than yours routine. Granted that some of you guys are close to the island and some of you guys are great with the X’s and O’s. But in my opinion I would have taken hawkins. I know he made a play on our 2 or 3 string D but i think he will be a player in the NFL.
August 16th, 2008 at 6:30 am
—”Brandon Marshall officially appealed his three-game suspension Thursday. The appeal hearing is expected to occur before the season-opening week. Marshall was lucky to get the suspension he originally received, so don’t hold out hope for a shortened sentence.”—
LoL. oh well, you can’t blame him for trying, but I hope it is fruitless =)
August 16th, 2008 at 6:33 am
925 raider, you got it right, trade FARGAS for a WR/PR (wr/pr-like TED GINN,jr.(dolphins)). Try KOREN ROBINSON/ALVIN PEARMAN/JOSH SCOBEY- I dont know why the raiders have not brought in a pr/kr for training camp? Rankin looks like a pr/kr/rb. Throw MADSEN out at WR instead of TE, THAT DUDE has MILLERS hands and gets open! I SEE A WAY FOR THE RAIDERS TO STOP GETTING BEAT IN THE LAST 5 MINUTES OF GAMES- no TE(S),MCFADDEN/WALKER OUT AT WR,BUSH/FARGAS/MILLER AT RB. The defenses will use all their TIMEOUTS before they get the ball back near the end of th