Kiffin: Not enough competition
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, August 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from the Raiders’ practice as training camp resumed with one-a-day workouts in Alameda:
– Another day, another hint of discontent from coach Lane Kiffin regarding the stagnant roster.
“You know, some guys have been released at other places and people are picking them up, you’d like to pick up some of those guys and bring them in, because they’ve been in other camps, and push some of our guys,” Kiffin said. “Unfortunately there are some guys right now on our roster that are
borderline guys that as of today would make it just because we don’t have anybody else.”
Why haven’t the Raiders brought in more players?
“You’ve got to be willing to release people,” Kiffin said. “When guys are in the training room, they’re not out here practicing, you’ve to be willing to release ‘em, and live with it, and pick other people up for more competition.”
Kiffin was asked if that was his doing and if he was reluctant to release players.
“No, I’m not,” Kiffin said.
You can safely assume the person in charge of deciding to release players and bring in new ones for evaluation is not named Rich Snead or Mark Jackson.
The Raiders are currently carrying substitute kickers Aaron Elling and Glenn Pakulak as Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) and Shane Lechler (quad) recover from training camp injuries.
Cornerback John Bowie, acquired with a fourth-round pick in the Randy Moss deal last year, has been out since July 29 and couldn’t have found the top of the depth chart with a telescope when he was healthy.
Safety Greg Wesley and linebacker Grant Irons were out for long stretches of training camp but remained on the roster. Wesley was eventually cut to make room for Adam Archuleta. Offensive lineman Mark Wilson remained on the roster a week after a broken leg and was waived/injured only when Elling was signed after Janikowski’s injury.
– Center Jake Grove was back taking reps with the first team offense, but Kiffin wouldn’t go so far as to name him the regular-season starter over John Wade.
“Tomorrow could be different. They’re both getting opportunities and switching them around,” Kiffin said. “But if I was to say right now, today, Jake has a small lead.”
– Wide receiver Arman Shields got as far as putting a helmet on but his knee remained too sore to practice. Safety Michael Huff couldn’t practice with a sore ankle, with Rashad Baker taking his place at free safety. Hiram Eugene missed practice with a hip injury.
Cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall (hand) and Nnamdi Asomugha (foot) both practiced, although Asomugha took some reps off.
– Quarterback JaMarcus Russell had a solid passing practice, although his receivers continued a disturbing habit of dropping passes in bunches.
During one team session simulating a two-minute drill, Ronald Curry had two drops on plays over the middle. Drew Carter, competing with Curry at the flanker position this week, caught one deep out pattern to the right side but had a nearly identical one for a potential first down clank off his hands.
Tight end John Madsen, usually sure-handed, had a drop, as did running back Darren McFadden.
Most of the concern with the receiving game, however, lies with the wide receivers.
“Some of the same old stuff. Inconsistency, drops,” Kiffin said. “We’ve got a long ways to go at that position. We need to get it figured out. We need to start playing better there so that we can have a complete offense.”
– Kiffin said he had a talk with wide receiver Javon Walker about the importance of having a solid game against the Cardinals Saturday night. It will be the only game in which the Raiders utilize a game plan tailored to a specific opponent, and Kiffin hinted that he would make sure some passes would go Walker’s way.
“I spoke with him this morning about that, about this is a big game for him, even though it’s a preseason game,” Kiffin said. “It’s Week 3, and he’ll play more than he’s played in the first two, and in the fourth game we don’t play our starters hardly at all. So, it’s a big week for him, for himself, and for our quarterbacks throwing, as well.”
Walker is the first string split end, or “X” position. Carter and Curry play the “Z,” or flanker.
“In the end if it become something where Javon is not playing as well as need him to play, both of those guys have learned “x’’ so they can go over there,” Kiffin said. “I don’t feel the need to do that right now. I expect Javon to have a big game. I’m putting in a game plan and he should see some balls early in this game. Hopefully he’ll make some plays.”
– Walker was fairly inconspicuous, with no big plays but no huge errors. On one play, Russell appeared to be looking his way, but Walker wasn’t in position to catch the ball on the right side. Walker then recognized he was the target and Russell double-pumped and completed the pass, which Hall nearly intercepted because of the delay.
As Walker trotted back to the huddle, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp asked, “What happened?”
– Kiffin on Russell: “I thought the quarterback was very good today, from the beginning of practice through the end. He was really throwing the ball extremely well. He was throwing against the wind most of the day, too, so we feel real good about where he is.”
– Backup Andrew Walter did not pass nearly as well, with his worst pass coming on a throw over the middle that went directly to newly anointed starting strong side linebacker Ricky Brown.
– The two areas Kiffin wants improved before the regular season begins _ the passing game and the run defense. The Raiders had one exceptional passing series against Tennessee and have not looked crisp otherwise.
Against the run, Kiffin wants to see more consistency. The Raiders played the run well at times against the Titans, but gave up yardage in some big chunks.
“It felt like we played good on defense because they never penetrated the red zone,” Kiffin said. “That was really good, but we still had some long runs in there. You still go to half, they were playing their first defense, we were playing our first offense, we’re at 5.4 yards per carry or something giving up, so unfortunately it’s the same old story. Wer’e stopping a bunch of runs, then all of a sudden there’s a 22-yard run, a 20-yard run, so we’ve got to get more consistent.”
The Titans had 87 yards on 15 carries at halftime, a 5.8 average per carry.
– Justin Fargas had a fumbled handoff exchange from a quarterback who will not be named.
– Defensive tackle Gerard Warren collapsed the pocket on one play and batted down a Russell pass.
– The Raiders will take Monday off before resuming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Alameda with single practices.
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August 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Finally
August 17th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
oh yes, 2nd!!
August 17th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
“Justin Fargas had a fumbled handoff exchange from a quarterback who will not be named.”
Darren McFadden?
August 17th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
REPOST:
I really liked the performance that we gave, and i beleive this team is on the brink of playoff contention. I will save my full evaluation for after the next pre-season game when we will face a potent offense and our starters will get exrended time, but if we play as we have been recently i fully expect us to make the playoffs.
I like Kiffin as a coach but he has to realize the pecking order in oakland. He has no more right to criticize the moves made by Al or the acqusitions than you or I at this point. He may have been successful as a co-assistant at USC but that doesnt mean s**t in the league; just because you helped run a go-kart repair shop doesnt make you qualified to lead a Nascar pit crew. He has accomplished squat in this league and the players that he has wanted have for the most part been flops. Leave it up to him and Andrew Walter would be gone, he has been our most consistent QB as of late. He traded up to take Henderson when we could have easily taken an impact defender there, it was Kiffins choice to bring in mike williams and McClown. According to most of you he didn’t even want to draft McFadden and was forced to by Al, McFadden has now been described as easily our most impressive rookie since returning to Oakland and even kiffin himself described the guy as “shockingly good”.
Get your story straight now Al davis haters, i bet if Walker goes for 1,200 yds and mcfadden has a good year you all will be saying it was Kiffin’s great coaching and media prodding that saved Walker’s career and that it was kiffins choice to take Mcfadden all along. Some of you are pathetic, I have no problem taking the good Al Davis moves with the bad Al Davis moves. He has made some real good moves and turned thiis team into a playoff contender. He has also made some bad moves that could potentially put the Raiders in a financial bind in the upcoming years, but heyyy it aint my money so the good moves outweigh the bad IMO.
We need to put Arman Shields on the pup, cut T-Stew in favor of Reece and cut Madsen in Favor of Schilens. I like Madsen but if we are gonna have a guy that barely plays, I’d rather have a developing prospect than an under utilized veteran whos potential is all but maxed. Tony Stewart is good for special teams only and won’t be missed, with Reeese i see a guy who can transform into a Chris Colley type H-Back for us and cause matchup terrors, he can also fill the void in the speciial teams.
Next year i would like us to bring in a guy like Bobby Reid for the backup QB competion. He went to OK st. and is famous for having the “I’m a man, I’m 40!!!!” rant in his defense. He has great skills and has been called Vince Young with a better arm.
He had a great year his sophmore year before getting hurt his Jr. and not given a chance to win his job back. He now plays at Southern.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Al is falling asleep at the wheel. Kiffin likes to open things up and ar dirty laundry. I actually think it’s good and refreshing to the organizaton. I wonder if Al thinks so??
August 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
SevereRaider..
If I had written such a long post, I sure would re-post too =)
August 17th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
good guess, piggy
August 17th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
LMN
LOL damn straight
August 17th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Raider Raul
I believe Al is a little tired of Kiffen calling him out in the press. Don’t think his crap will be overlooked by Al. Kiffen is just setting himself up for his next job. With the excuse Al didn’t get him enough competition crap. After all we’re talking about what 3rd stringers players on the fence, Whatever.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
It sounds like Kiffin knows the crop of receivers on this team is average at best and is hoping to snatch one that is being fazed out on waivers. Zach Miller is the only real threat and defenses will key on him more and more.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Good to hear that Javon is in the plans for the Arizona game. That may be exactly what is needed to get him going, or at least to see what we have in him.
I don’t think what Kiffin said about getting more guys in camp is that big of a deal. He’s right, but he has no control unfortunatley.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Also I don’t think Al will be annoyed by this that much. What bothers Al is losing, and although we all know that a lot of this is Al’s fault, Kiffin has to be around .500 or better this year to keep his job I think.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
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August 17th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I wander just who it is that Kiff wants? Who has been cut that is any better than our guys?
August 17th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Why drop players now, only to pick up more marginal players for a week or so…when so many other players will be dropped from other teams in the next 10-days? Some of those cast-offs will be worth the wait, with a gem or two to be found.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Pick up Oliviea or whatevers hes called for some help on the O-line. Even if he isnt healthy its back up better than super mario. Can Adarius Bowman sign for any1 if he is playin in Canada? I would still like Chris Henry and dnt really care that he is on the edge of a huge ban we need help at reciever and he is gd.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
That’s what Im sayin Hayes, when 53 man cut day comes, there will be a flood of talent that didn’t fit in their respective teams.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Jerry posted a new thread @ 408! Oh yeah Jerry your the man even if your a raider hater! We or I love the up dates!
August 17th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Good to hear.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Good to see that we will still get updates. I thought Jerry said that he wouldn’t have access to the practices after “camp” ended in Napa?
August 17th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I have a question for you SevereRaider… If you cut Stewart and Madsen, do you really expect the Raiders to go into the season with ONE tight-end? You need at MINIMUM two tight-ends, preferably three so you have some depth. Stewart is also one of those guys that can play a multitude of positions which makes him a very valuable backup. Madsen may not play much but when he does, he is a solid blocker and a deep threat in the passing game because he has speed, something that Miller lacks. Cutting either one of those guys for a WR that had ONE good game (Schilens) is ridiculous. Schilens may make the team anyways but it won’t come as a result of cutting either of those two.
As for your other comments, I too get sick of people hating on Al Davis. It cannot be argued that he has done amazing things for the Raiders and football. It also cannot be argued that he has lost some of his old magic though. I love Al Davis for what he has done but I recognize the need for him to start giving away some of his power. For instance, the last two drafts have been very questionable.
While I don’t feel using the press to do it is the correct way to go about questioning the owner of the team, Kiffin is correct to state that you need to be able to cut players and bring in competition. They may be “3rd stringers on the fence” (quote from RaiderKen), but they are still an important part of any football team. Not only do they push the starters to play harder so as not to lose their job, occasionally you find a real gold mine. Sadly, in the world of today, players don’t work hard for the sake of pride. Most of them only work hard if they are being pushed.
McFadden may be one of the best rookies that the Raiders have ever drafted, but drafting him was still a questionable move. I still firmly believe that they should have taken Glenn Dorsey. Since McFadden appears to be so good, I no longer feel that it was an immense mistake, but I think that for the immediate need and in the long run, Dorsey would have been the better pick. As for Javon Walker, well, I think at this point, hoping he will have a 1200 yard season is a fantasy. He has looked absolutely terrible. His routes have been shoddy and slow. Almost every pass thrown at him in the two games so far has either gone through his hands or clanked off of them. I think that convincing him not to retire was a mistake that Al will regret. The sad fact is that Walker doesn’t even look like an AVERAGE receiver, let alone an elite receiver like his pay would suggest. If Walker does have a good season, it won’t be because of Al Davis or Lane Kiffin; it will be because of Javon Walker.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
it’s almost like kiffan’s daring big al to fire him. i guess kiffan’s success or lack there of this year will almost be irrelevant since by how it seems neither he nor big al are interested in extending the relationship beyond his current contract and perhaps even this year. i would venture to guess that the more important issue will be how many of the current staff will be retained or once their contracts are up, how many will be interested in staying? i’m not the biggest knapp fan and i don’t think ryan’s all that irreplaceable, but there is something to be said for continuety. that goes for position coaches as well.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
So Jake has a lead over Wade at the point, huh?
B is not going to be happy about that, but I’m glad to hear it. Grove needs to man up and sieze the job. Return to your college form damn it!
August 17th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
These droppsies have to be ball speed related …
Russell is throwing some heat, and these dudes aren’t used to it. It’ll get better!
August 17th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Maaan,, Chris Henry is starting to look temping. Im not giving up on Walker yet but these guys gotta start catching the ball. Well at least we know we have sure hands in Zach Miller. YA KNOW?!
August 17th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
hayesdaze,
Exactly, Kiffin has been given a damn good team IMO. What is he expecting, a pro bowl roster???
August 17th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Captain Kirk is getting spared by Kiffin for some reason. The long runs Kiffin is talking about are a direct result of Kirk’s over pursuit.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Kiff is motivating the guys who need it, about the only way he can right now. Those on the cusp have been put on notice — slacking, boneheaded mistakes, nagging injuries that aren’t serious? Better get on the ball, or you won’t be playing ball for this team much longer.
Javon Walker is on notice, also — no matter what his salary is, he may not be a starter on opening day. I don’t really believe that, but, you can bet Javon’s paying attention to it. Walker and JLH are in the same boat, and they better start bailing soon.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Hayesdaze#37,
I am pretty sure that Kiffin was talking about the past, not what he expects in the next 10 days.
Severeraidet,
I am not sure what you consider a good team but I hardly think this current incarnation counts as one. The defense is solid but seriously lacking depth at DT which is one of the most important positions for run defense in a 4-3. The offense is pretty awful. The line is a mish-mash of busted draft picks and cheap free agents. The WR position is lacking any major threat with Walker playing like he is a high schooler. The jury is still out on the QB position. Russel sure can throw the ball hard but his accuracy has been inconsistent at best. The only decent position on offense is the RB position.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Jhill,
Yes, Kirk is spared scathing comments by Kiffin. That is because he is only in his 3rd season and yet he is still one of the best MLBs in the NFL. His run defense does need work, but he is young and Kiffin expects him to get better.
Besides, those plays were not all a DIRECT result of Morrison’s over pursuit. Howard (also only in his 3rd season) is also not top level against the run yet either and the DTs, except for Kelly, have been unimpressive.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
JD — Almost agree with your entire post. Especially about drafting McFadden over D-line help. Love McFadden, but the D-line needed (still needs) more help. McFadden appears to be exactly as advertised, though (maybe better?), and that kind of immediate talent is impossible to ignore.
Where I disagree, is on Javon Walker…his routes have been fine, and he’s not plodding. If he would’ve made two particular catches (one in each game), he wouldn’t be in the doghouse he’s in right now. One good game can change that — head cases need all the confidence they can get to get back on track. If Javon can hold onto the ball next week, we’ll all be breathing a big sigh of relief.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
“Justin Fargas had a fumbled handoff exchange from a quarterback who will not be named.”
—————
This gagging of the media on certain plays are what got me excited about the opener. While Jerry, mentioned that teams are expecting to see certain types of plays now that we have McFadden and Bush available in the backfields, it still create a little more excitement to go into the first game without having seen or heard of any of those plays.
I cant remember seeing McFadden being split out wide in any of the preseason games. Anyone noticed?
August 17th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
One of the best MLB’s in the league?
I think that’s debateable. You can’t in one breath say his run defense needs work, and then proclaim him to be one of the best MLBs. That’s just a complete contracition of what a MLB is supposed to be. Now if you want to tell me that he is one of the best pass defending LBs in the league, then I can buy that. But one of the best MLBs, no way.
You either have the insticts to be “that” guy, or you don’t.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Funny how we struggle against the run vs. the Titans AFTER we release Edgerton Hartwell. Thats what happens when you get rid of the guys who excel against the run and stick with a bunch of pass defending linebackers. If this team stuck with guys like Biekert and Danny Clark over the years, I believe things could have been different. Its just plain stupid.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
whats up? who are we bashing?
August 17th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Huff24..
what about Eric Barton.. I liked him.. I think he plays well for Jets..
August 17th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I worry about Chris Henry like I worry about all other head cases. Talent rules the day, though, and Al might just allow Kiff to baby-sit yet another social work-in-progress. Hopefully, things take shape this week in practice, and during the game next week, and we won’t need to bring another problem child into the fold.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Eric Barton, is a 5th round pick turned starter..
August 17th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Chris Henry, the same one who was the number 3 for the Bengals? How can he help us? We need a number 1, not another number 3. Besides he has been suspended half of his career anyway, F him in my opinion…
August 17th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
my god …kiffin please do not start jake grove
August 17th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Cut some of these “fringe” players, and then watch them blossom on other teams? When we keep them, we’re screwing the pooch…but, when we release/trade them and they live up to their potential? We’ve failed miserably. There’s a very fine line between waiting too long, and cutting them loose too early. Simply put, it’s a roll of the dice every time. The Raiders are just one of 32 teams that do that every year. Can’t win for losing sometimes, and our losing has made it an easy thing to target. Too easy to target.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I knew you wouldn’t like that …
LOL!
Gotta give the man credit if he beats out Wade though. If you think Wade is as good as you say he is, then Grove has to be at least as good if he beats him out, right?
C’mon now!
August 17th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Vold — If the Bengals didn’t have two legit #1’s in Chad and Hoosyermama, Henry would be at least a #2 (talent-wise). He’s a TD machine, with great hands, quickness, and route-running. Unfortunately, his brain short-circuits when he’s not on the field.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Barton was a good player for us, but he opted out of his contract and became an UFA. No way we were going to pay him what he was asking for so he ended up with the Jets. He’s a decent starter, but not someone who was worth paying huge $ for.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
JD,
Reese can play TE, and stewart was relegated to special teams and blocking on double TE sets.
Our starters on both sides of the of the ball are on par with every playoff team last year in terms of talent. We are lacking depth at only CB and the o-line. At DT we have sands and Joseph as backups, that’s a four man rotation. We have a surplus of #2 wr and and need Javon to step up and be our #1. Our o-line is spectacular with the run and kwame is improving with seemingly every snap I worry only about the RT spot. CB is an obvious strength with only depth issues there, same goes for safety. At LB we have two potential pro bowlers, we need only a steady SAM to complete the trio. De features former and probably future all pro burgess and an up an coming Jay Richardson. Spires and Kalimba provide great veteran help. Fullback is stacked with a former pro bowler and the reincarnation of Lorenzo Neal. No need to mention QB, RB, or TE cuz u know what’s up. Sounds like a good team to me, again only my opinion you are entitled to yours.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
jhill…….grove sucks
August 17th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
cut madsen right now…we need a tight end that can block and madsen cant……i was sick to my stomach the 49er game watching him shy away like a girl from a dlineman when the RB could have gained more yards……..unacceptable
August 17th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Ok, B ..
Say what you want. I have to give you credit for going down with your ship.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Ok, you’re on one right now.
We all should know that you have a rec’ing TE on the roster (Madsen) as well as a blocking TE (Stewart/Wakefield). I think Stewart should be cut and let the versatile Wakefield come in as the blocking TE. That way you fill a few roster backup roster spots with one guy, and someone like Schilens can stick.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
LMN - Good point about Barton. You’re right.
JHill - You might feel that we shouldn’t pay Barton the money because you think hes not worth it but is it worth watching the Raiders get run all over year after year? You really have to consider his worth greater because of it. Now…maybe you’re right in the fact that he didn’t want to stay but we weren’t willing to pay him his worth because when do we ever give alot of money to a linebacker in AD’s world? To me, its the stubborness of this team to pay guys like Javon Walker big money instead of securing guys like Biekert, Clark, Barton and Hartwell when they may not have great speed or even have a big name but they quietly get the job done. Thats all I want. Stability.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
#45, Severeraider — Completely disagree with that post. We have depth issues at numerous positions. Just because we have bodies, doesn’t mean we have depth. Especially when the supposed starters aren’t living up to their expectations — and they’re not doing that at WR, OL, and DL specifically.
D-backfield has shortages, or we wouldn’t be bringing in guys like Archuleta. Sanchez didn’t look as bad as many think the other night — he just didn’t make plays when he could’ve. He’s young enough, and a few days of camp aren’t enough to prep for game action, and he deserves the time to be coached-up. LB has depth issues, mainly because we can’t seem to stuff the run at the line. All that speed’s fine, but what good is it when every third run is deep into the second level?
We not only need depth at many positions, we need depth that can perform. Most importantly, we need the starters to perform first.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
people have alot of excuses for grove you think him finally lifting weights will make that much a difference? phooey i say. he is so much stronger article made me wanna puke
August 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Raiders wont miss a thing without madsen………what is he really bringing to the table? say miller is out for a few weeks…..madsen gonna start and be able to block?
August 17th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Wow — Real football talk. What a concept!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
The only year I think we missed Barton was when we had Irons and Brayton playing OLB. Of course Smith and Williams were hurt, but those two at OLB were brutal. Other than that, Barton would not have had much more of an impact against the run than Williams, Thomas, or Brown.
It’s debateable though, I’ll give you that. Again, I liked Barton at OLB for us. He was solid.
We still would need a MLB though if Barton was still on the squad. Howard and Barton would be solid, but Kirk would still be outta position.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Scary depth at each position -
QB - JR, Walter
RB - Fargas, McFadden, Bush
FB - Griffith, O’Neal
WR - ? Can we rely on anyone at this position?
LT - Kwame Harris. So far so good?
LG - Gallery. Anybody else?
C - Grove, Wade
RG - Carlisle. (Wakefield? Backup TE?)
RT - Does Green even count as good?
LE - Burgess.
DT - Kelly, Warren, Sands
RE - Richardson, Edwards
LOLB - Ricky Brown is the starter. Enough said.
MLB - Morrison
ROLB - Howard
LCB - Asomugha, Routt
RCB - Hall
SS - Wilson
FS - Huff
It seems that if anybody behind these players gets hurt, we’re screwed. This is what Kiffin is worried about. Its not that you have to have starter material behind every position but we’re so thin with talent that it would take one single injury to worry this team to death.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
FANG RULES!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Meant to comment on the Dorsey over DMac chatter earllier.
Uhhhh, you’re kidding me, right?!?!?!
Injury concerns and all, you still think we should have taken him. You know he’s already hurt himself in Chiefs camp, right?
And don’t get me wrong. I was a big Dorsey fan until the injuries kept creeping up, and the fact that we signed Kelly. You do realize Dorsey is not a NT, right?
August 17th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
hopefully we will have the SLB slot figuredout real soon
August 17th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Y-A-W-N. Same ole raidahs whether it be first or fifth string. RBs running out of bounds instead of running out the clock. Silly turnover at the goal line. Only the Raidahs. LOL.
And keeping players on the roster due to “scholarship” and not merit (ever heard the name Seabass, anybody?). Sure, Kiffin’s calling out Davis for not going after other players and surely he’ll be axed after that 1-3 or so start. But he’s right. This team keeps players around who obviously aren’t good enough to make them contenders for anything but being the butt of jokes.
And no one else will do any better until this franchise gets into the modern era and learns how to better evaluate and develop talent from player 1 through 53 instead of continually mouthing myths about how the “Raidahs are so talented” and “so and so is so FAST”,blah,blah, blah. A bunch of crapola.
And don’t hold your breath waiting for that change anytime soon under Davis. What a joke……
August 17th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
What do you have against Ricky Brown? The guy is all over the field!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
DING…DONG…THE PATRIOTS ARE DONE AND FALLING FAST…HALLEUJAH !
August 17th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
jhill you cant explain the concept of NT and UT to people……..just stop now
August 17th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Jd in response to your 1st post,
Why would we draft a 3 gap DT, we had paid Kelly to be our guy??? Would you have sunk a good quarter of our payroll on two guys playing the same position??? We have Warren who was playing spectacular before getting injured and a re-energized, re-focused Sands, Dt will surprise people this year. Most agree that we have an average wr corps at best, and that’s after 3 acqusitions and 2 draft picks. Would you stick the future of our franchise out there with a running back that has never had a full season as a pro and just recently got over a BAD case of fumblitis, and a ” rookie” that is coming off a serious injury and is unproven in the NFL. Combine this with a line that is not spectacular at pass blocking and no help from his wr’s on the outside and you my friend have a Ryan Leaf cocktail of doom. We could have gotten an impact player in the 3rd round of that draft in Red Bryant or Frank Okam and they are more suited to be run stuffers.
In terms of Javon, I don’t agree with his salary but I can’t think of a better, not named Randy Moss, that was a UFA. Maybe you can and if you do we can compare the two guys stars at seasons end and see who fared better. Javon ended TC playing better than any receiver on the field, he has underperformed in games due to lack of condition which stems from his lack of practicing. He has also been overthrown and overlooked on a few occasions and has only had one pass I would consider a drop, two others you would expect a star receiver to catch but only one was a full on drop.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I have no issue with Brown……….except the fact he is lsited at 235……….kinda light but we do have a speed defense………ill gladly take him
August 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Thing is, Kiffin is just repeating what every coach — at every level — is worried about. There is never enough talent, and there is never enough depth. Only way to take some of the heat off, is if the starters all perform, and they all find a way to stay healthy. Neither of those things seem to be going our way, and we’re not even into the season yet.
I’m as optimistic as anybody out there, but optimism only goes so far…realism is a concept we all better get acquainted with. 8-8 will be a successful rebuilding year, and anything better than that will be fantastic (even if no playoffs=misery).
August 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
You know something is wrong when we still have Sam Williams and we have brought back Grant Irons. AD takes the linebacker position for granted. He doesn’t put much stock in it. Hey, lets pay money for old players who are at the end of their careers like William Thomas and Bill Romanowski so they’ll take less money just to play somewhere and that way they’re close to retiring anyways. Lets replace Biekert with the great Napolean Harris so we can later trade Harris for Randy Moss. Lets sign no name Danny Clark so he can end up productive and we realize we made a mistake because now we have to pay him so lets cut him before he asks for money.
Lets sign no name Burgess and when he plays well and wants more money, lets pay new players the money instead. Lets string Burgess along and use him up for everything he has left and then he can walk. Why pay Asomugha when you can trade for Hall and give him Asomugha’s money instead because we know Asomugha is worth alot more. Hey look, Kelly got injured…Lets make him the highest paid Defensive Tackle EVER. OMG…please don’t let Lamont Jordan get away. He might hurt us.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
…so right Old Skool …so glad i saw the raiders of the 60’s/70’s …THAT was real raider football…the raiders of this era make me puke.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
i think kiff wants Jano gone, along with Bowie. I am on board for Jano getting the boot. Elling can take over. I still think Kiff should try to keep things in house. Everyone knows who is in charge, he gains nothing from his constant jabs at the old man.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
JHill - At this point…I have been pleased with Ricky Brown but how can he not look good with Robert Thomas, Sam Williams, Jon Alston and Ekejuiba on our roster? What else do we have? Grant “Game Ready” Irons?
August 17th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
…same old Faiders….CAN’T stop the run…CAN’T stop anyone on 3rd & 15…the joke of a team continues.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Brien<——is fine with Al running the show
August 17th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
jame jett gave grant irons “the” pictures….LMFAO!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
wow FANG how insghtful could you give us more
August 17th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
C’mon Huff …
What do the people on the sidelines have to do with the man making plays all over the field?
And Alston has looked good too, by the way.
Williams, Alston, and Ekejuiba are excellent BU players and ST’rs deserving of roster spots. Now if they were starters, which they’re not, then we could talk.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
insightful
August 17th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Severeraider - I can already predict what your response will be and I normally don’t like to call people out but re-examine your logic, man….
“I like Kiffin as a coach but he has to realize the pecking order in oakland. He has no more right to criticize the moves made by Al or the acqusitions than you or I at this point.” HUH????? The coach has no more right than the fans to give his evaluation of the acquisitions????? Ummmm…..OK
“just because you helped run a go-kart repair shop doesnt make you qualified to lead a Nascar pit crew.” Davis didn’t hire Kiff because he helped run a go-kart repair shop. This is fallacious reasoning. If you truly believe this, then you are unknowingly slamming Davis for his decision to hire Kiff.
“Get your story straight now Al davis haters, i bet if Walker goes for 1,200 yds and mcfadden has a good year you all will be saying it was Kiffin’s great coaching and media prodding that saved Walker’s career and that it was kiffins choice to take Mcfadden all along.” To think that Walker will have a 1200 yard season at this point is fantasy. Come back to reality…where Walker is stinking up the practice field and game-day field alike. Look, I was excited about the Walker signing, whether it was Davis or Kiff’s idea (I don’t really care). But, since the beginning, I’ve also been critical of the contract terms. Maybe we needed to pay him like that to get him into Oakland, but he got paid like T.O. and Moss. He’s nowhere near them at this point. Also, I like Kiff calling the team out - see how they responded in Tenn? Men respond to challenges. Oh, and Kiff more than showed his support for the Mcfadden pick (the guy was gushing about the pick). As candid as Kiff is, don’t you think he would have reacted differently if he didn’t want run DMC? Not that Davis didn’t have a big say, to which he deserves credit.
Then your post gets really comical. You state who should be cut and who should be signed. WHAT DO YOU THINK KIFF IS COMPLAINING ABOUT???? He’s already hinted that he doesn’t have the power to cut some of the players he sees as dead weights. Which, by the way, you already stated you have no right to evaluate, as a fan.
“He has also made some bad moves that could potentially put the Raiders in a financial bind in the upcoming years, but heyyy it aint my money so the good moves outweigh the bad IMO.” Think again. If you attend games like a real fan (or are you just an arm-chair critic?) and buy the gear, IT IS YOUR MONEY!!!
In the end, both Kiff and Davis deserve credit for this team. I have no doubt that Kiff is the right man for the job - the Raiders head coach needs to be someone that is willing to challenge the players and the owner (yes, the owner needs challenging too - not all his decisions are gold) instead of another yes-man.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
The problem with Elling is…what has he done so far in his NFL career? Nothing. In other words, we could be getting nothing for nothing by cutting Janikowski just for the sake of having something new.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
when teams are 3rd and long they will have hell with our coverage
August 17th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
…i got 45 years of raiders football worth for ya. 1963-2008 *seen it all baby.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Irons will be cut …
If he could ever stay healthy, he would make the team at DE FOR SURE!
You guys just remember his failures at OLB, which we were all surprised he was switched to anyway!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Huff24 i agree……..personally keep Jano wont be as bad especially when we score TDs like we did in the best year back in Oakland…..the 2000 season
August 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
This is pathetic do I really have to point this out to you fine people!
Its the age of the salary cap depth at every position is a thing of the past.
NO team has enough players or depth at every position its just not possible in an age of 80 players and a salary cap.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
AND …
Jano will be kicking more 25-35 yd FGs instead of the 50-60 yd bombs you guys expect him to be 100% on.
Geeze!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
FANG and your team is?
August 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Yeah man ..
You do have to point out ALL the little things.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
LMAO….this team scores 29 a game…i’ll give you $100,000 !!! hahahaha…get a clue.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Did any of you Einsteins think that Kiffin may be complaining to the league like Bill Polian has been recently about the 86 man roster? Instead of assuming that he is calling out Al Davis he may be calling out The Commissioner.
If other coaches are having similar problems the league may have to look at it.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
666 please stop making sense okay
August 17th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
sorry for all the typos but I’m typing on an iPhone and its mad frustrating. Realist I have to go but I will respond to u later… JD, Hayes, and Realist thanks for the football talk it was truly a pleasure talking to educated fans.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
FANG if your IQ id above 75 I will give you $100,000!!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
so why not be at one of their blogs?
August 17th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I have to admit that I miss the character that was Chucky on the sidelines. And again I emphasize the character. They just showed him mean muggin’ somebody. Cussin and fussin’
I miss that guy!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
id LMAO is
August 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
FANG possibly a charger fan?
August 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
479 points?…by THIS team…please send what ever your smoking! LMAO ….anything over 300 will be a miracle!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
read post #80 moron
August 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Depth at certain position is a problem. Although I’m not sure what Kiffin’s agle is here; however I’m sure journalist like Jerry et al love it. Its what sells for them - disorganization, chaos - it sells so thats all they’ll focus on.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809f7a89
August 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I never liked gruden…….ever
August 17th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Grove will start the reg season campaign. If Kiffin is saying Grove already has the edge you better believe he’s getting the nod. He got the nod last year over Newberry.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
sure FANG…….we here ya
August 17th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
newberry started the season opener in 2007
August 17th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Realist
Excellent post #77, great job!!
To many guys are looking through a small window, think big picture.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Gruden will lose his job if he don’t make the playoffs this year.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
come on FANGster the Raiders will at least average 20 pts per game this year my man
August 17th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Yes Dell that was a great post I read it a couple of times.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Brien I am thinking about going to SB VII
August 17th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I do expect Walker to have a good day vs the Cards. He’s been getting open a good bit. Him and JR just have not connected yet. They should start connecting at some point - why not begin with the Cards. But if he doesn’t it would be discouraging but not the end of the world. Lets see if JLH bounces back also. Hopefully Jam would have a good day.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Realisttook Severeraider to the wood shed lol.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
You watch the Raiders during the New Orleans to Miami stretch of the season……Russell will be fully unleashed and the Raiders will be a threat and everyone will be on notice
August 17th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Terp- most definitely Javon will be fine this season
August 17th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Been a RAIDER fan since Flores was QB,NEVER heard such whining from a head coach,Every team must deal w/the 80 man roster. Kiffin must blame the NFL, not AL DAVIS!!!!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I don’t think Kiffin is calling out the commish. He says:
Why haven’t the Raiders brought in more players?
“You’ve got to be willing to release people,” Kiffin said. “When guys are in the training room, they’re not out here practicing, you’ve to be willing to release ‘em, and live with it, and pick other people up for more competition.”
you have to be willing to release them and live with it. That’s pointing straight to Al who is the GM.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
AL never gets rid of his “pets”…lol
August 17th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Dick V
You usually have good insight when I read your comments, this time your way off on the position.
I believe Kiff is referring too the lack of OL lineman in camp currently.
His dad is in Tampa and Pettigout(can’t spell it) was cut and should know about him. A conversation between dad and son who gave him the thumbs up possibly is available, and Olevia just got waived by the Giants for back issues,was on the PUP.
I’m sure Cable has given his opinion and told Kiff let’s take a look, to see if they are a system fit.
Let’s bring these guys in and see if they are an upgrade to our current depth.
That’s what I think Kiff is talking about.
Jano is not on his mind to cut, and Dick V if Elling is so good why wasn’t he in a camp prior to Jano leg injury.
Some of you have given Elling gold status after a made FG, come on.
Look at his career kickoffs, they never reach the endzone, there is more to a kicker then made FG.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
“You’ve got to be willing to release people,”
That’s why teams have multiple front office officials. Some even have lawyers on staff to deal with the complicated contracts that exist today. Its not always that easy just releasing a person sometimes there are cap ramifications, some guys are injured and when they heal if let go they could come back and bite us in the butt.
I am sure that there is s lot that goes into these types of decisions and that’s why coaches do not make these kinds of decisions.
I can only think of Holmgren as a modern day coach that was also a personnel guy. He head to relinquish that role as it was to cumbersome for him.
Kiffin is frustrated yes and would like there to be more talented players on the roster. I seriously doubt he is calling Al out he is just honestly answering a question.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q201/louisviller8r/raidersvstitansgame2008039.jpg <— child abuse? lmao!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Lofton needs to get the recievers ready to play. Thats his responsibility. Just like its Tom Cable’s responsibility to work with what he has on the OLine.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
AL never gets rid of his “pets”…lol
Freddy B is gone. Old man Willie Brown is gone.
Kiffin came in here and cleaned house, remember a guy named Randy Moss who Al coveted.
There are no more scholarships on this team please do not act like a sheep and follow the media down that path.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Jano is an above average kicker who (1) kicks half of his games in Oakland, which is very hard on long field goal attempts, and (2) has to kick a very large percentage of his kicks from long range because the TEAM has been playing very badly as of late. Kiffin sent him out there to try eleven 50+ yarders last year, out of 25 total kicks. No team asks more of their kicker than the Raiders.
Some data - 40-49 yd FGs (from 2000-2007)
NFL avg 69%
Jano at home 60%, OPPONENTS 54%
Jano on road 74%, opponents 66.0%
Now for 50 yds or more …
NFL avg 51.5%
Jano at home 30.8%, opponents 25.0% - wow.
Jano on road 57%, opponents 54.5%
This ain’t a Mile High, it’s a sea level field with divot prone turf. All Oakland Raider kickers have siffered from this, no exceptions. Take a look at Blanda from long range.
The effect doesn’t show up for FGs 39 yds or less. Based on how he kicks away from the Coliseum, Jano might LIKE it if we dropped him. Kiffin shouldn’t send him out so often to try 55 yarders at home, unless it’s absolutely necessary, since it costs us field position.
I’d guess he’s been worth 5-6 long FGs more than the average kicker in the years we’ve had him. He kicks ‘em out of the end zone 2.5 times as often as the average kicker. Worth a first rounder? Probably not, but we’d likely do worse if we dumped him. If all our players did their job as well as him, we’d have been 42-38 or so in the last five years instead of 19-61. Keep this kicker, it ain’t his fault we’re losing. We just get outmuscled, weak up front on both sides of the ball. Actually, it’s Shane Lechler that’s overrated (sacrilege!), he can’t directionally punt so well, no subtlety at all, but I’m glad we have him too.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Huff24-
WOW. That’s good stuff.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Al’s brought in guys all off season. During camp hes brought in a few: Archuleta, the kickers, Wesley.
Unfortunately there has been a lot of injuries recently. This teams is very top heavy it cant afford to have people hurt.
I wonder what position is Kiff interested in? WR?? PR?? Im no sure on that one
August 17th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Finzel good post
August 17th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
666 - You made a good point that Kiffin may be referring to needing more than an 80 man roster but then you bring up the point that you have to be willing to release people. So what is it going to be? Maybe Kiffin is just mad at the world? I would have to agree however that there must be consequences to everybody you cut and its AD that has to be on the lookout for that and not Kiffin. AD has to make sure that he keeps the salary cap safe for this year and many years down the road. Maybe Kiffin is treating this like a college campus, thinkin that he can just sign and release people at will?
August 17th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Willie Brown is STILL on the staff..nice try
August 17th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Huh? Whats good stuff. What I do? haha.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Kiffin needs to shut up and be ready come hell or high water on september 8th
August 17th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
We really need a new stadium. I know AD is stuck in the past but that doesn’t mean the stadium has to be stuck in the past as well. Damnit.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
huff they waiting on the A’s to move out
August 17th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Huff24 Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
666 - You made a good point
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
SNB666 always makes good points!!!!
August 17th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
under scholarship = fumble lee higgins … john bowie … sam williams … mario henderson
August 17th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I think our receivers are lolly gagging because its pre-season. I have a feeling that once the lights go on, they will show up to play. Kiffin wants them to show up now. Well…I want a million dollars but thats not going to happen and Kiffin isn’t goin to get what he wants either. Our top 3 receivers are injury prone so I’m sure that weighs heavily on their minds. They could have just pulled a Plaxico Burress and said they were hurt and couldn’t play but once the regular season starts, they can play at 100%. This is just the name of he game and our receivers arent’ the only ones guilty of it. Its happening all over the league.
August 17th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
ok now higgins is a scholarship guy…….the whole damn coaching staff wanted him when they drafted him
August 17th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
The difference between Kiffin and Davis in this respect is Big Al KNOWS some major cut downs are looming. Remember when we picked up Andre Rison for nothing and he performed well for us?? Why bring in a bunch of scrubs to “compete” on your roster, when those scrubs aren’t going to stick anyway. It’s going to be more disruptive than helpful. Wait for cutdowns, grab a couple of guys from other teams who are legitimate players who either didn’t make it because of numbers, or system fit, or salary and then let the competition begin.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
POST128,enough said !!!
August 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Brien - Thats the point. They’re waiting on the A’s. Can’t the Raiders make their own decisions for the betterment of themselves instead of waiting on a baseball team to make the decisions for them? I don’t want the McAfee Coliseum. I want a new stadium. Isn’t it about time the “Team of the Decades” with their “Commitment to Excellence” provide us fans with the best game experience? Hey…why not get a REAL radio station that covers the East Bay the same way KNBR 680 covers the SFO Bay? Can’t we at least listen to people talk good about the Raiders on the radio vs. hearing all the hating from 680? Why is AD so behind the curve on all this? This is why I think AD doesn’t give a crap sometimes or he’s just ignorant of the facts.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
We need bodies on the team? I say we sign this guy that just hit the market…Stuart Schweigert. Haha.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Where’s Alvis Whitted when you need him? I didn’t see him in the Olympics. I know…Lets go get the Gold Winner of the 100M who just broke the record with a 9.69 100M dash…Jamaican Usain Bolt. JR would have a field day.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
With teams still carrying 80 players, what kind of guys are going to get cut unless they are crappy or dinged up or way overpaid? Even the cut to 75 players isn’t likely to yield much. The final cut to 53 players will have teams scrambling around but doesn’t leave much time for new players to get ith a new system.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Nice post Finzel. I’ve always thought Seabass takes too much heat. The entire problem is the 1st round label. He gets extraordinary scrutiny just because Al took him in round 1. If he was some no name K or a late draft choice we would not have all the issues we do with Jano. I believe he is an above average K most of the time, but has had some really bad moments.
Elling made TWO PRESEASON kicks…big deal.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Jon Gruden turned 45 today. He was a pup when he joined the Raiders.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Al would love Usain “lightning” Bolt just like he loved Rocket Ismael and James Jett.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
The biggest problem I have with Janikowski is that he always seems to miss the kicks we need in the most crucial moments. I don’t think hes a very good pressure kicker. When the game isn’t on the line in some way, he seems to make the kick but as soon as we “need” him…he crumbles.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
August 17th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
925 is right on in #140. Wait for final cutdowns and you can grab some players. Real players. Believe me, we’re gonna lose guys who can help our team win, hopefully at that point we can get some guys who can create some competition to improve the bottom depths of the roster.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
FANG Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
under scholarship = fumble lee higgins … john bowie … sam williams … mario henderson
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MR …
i agree with you on this… those guys gotta go…
August 17th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
johnnie lee higgins is simply not a professional football player…
just ’cause he gets a check does not make him a professional…
it just means that he is a very nice person…
and obviously does not want to hurt the feelings of opposing players…
August 17th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
hey Brien…..let see “who’s” the raider fan here…Q - Who was the “fastest man in the world” the Raiders did sign and had in camp? …come’on genius show us your raider knowledge.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Very interesting Times article on Kiffin standing up to Al by Cam Inman just recently posted.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I’m freakin itchin to buy Madden 09 right now. Aarrgghh!!
August 17th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Well Huff24 you bring something up that has always bothered me too. Al just plain doesn’t talk to the media and that gives them (media) a lot of leeway to rumor monger and lie without recourse.
Big Al takes a lot of heat and must be more thick skinned than Hillary Clinton. Its not that I have all my life been an Al lover but more an Al defender.
We don’t know whats going on behind closed doors and we probably never will. The media doesn’t but they are trying to sell papers.
What I do know is that Al has only been to a few practices (more hands off this year than most) He let Kiffin clean house with scholarship players coaches (Freddy B Randy Moss) and Kiffin can make the players eat what he wants them to. The guys respond to Kiffin he must be doing something right.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Severeraider and other Davis sycophants, you’ll eat your words before the season is half over. Kiffin is strategically doing some CYA maneuvering anticipating that the team won’t be overly competitive again. He’s saying, “this isn’t the team I would necessary field. Still have too many ’scholarship players’ just hanging around. He knows what’s coming–maybe 8-8 if we’re lucky (I see “we” because I’ve been a fan for 37 years). Davis is too addled to be running the roster day to day and the team won’t turnaround until he’s gone. First to go, which is obvious to anybody, would be sorry Seabass. Then you’d know he’s serious about making the tough decisions.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
post 148 ,not so fast,give the young man time,hes got the talent,period.We will see!
August 17th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Actually Pete, I’m OK with Higgins……for now. The grab he made against the ones in the niner game for a first down was a nice read, good route, and nice catch. Now if only he could remember his routes and hold onto to the friggin’ rock.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Somebody said they expect Walker and Higgins to play well “when the lights come on”. When those bright Monday Night Football lights do come on, Walker might flashback, thinking he is in Las Vegas and start looking around for a champagne bottle. Higgins probably will look up at them and freeze up like a deer.
Seriously though. What if they continue to stink the next two games? Our top three receivers will then be Ron Curry, Drew Carter, Chaz Schilens + Chris McFoy? + Armand “my knee hurts” Shields?
Have the Raider drafted a top quality receiver since Tim Brown? And don’t say Jerry Porter.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Brien<——not a fan………can’t relate to being a “fan”
August 17th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
garthraider Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
post 148 ,not so fast,give the young man time,hes got the talent,period.We will see!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
before the draft i said that i didn’t think any of the ‘07 receivers would be on the roster come september…
i still think that’s a possibility…
i still think Higgins has no talent…
and i think Curry hears footsteps when he’s standing on the beach…
oh, and with the new rules Curry won’t be effective hiding near a sideline, hoping no-one notices him…
August 17th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
What the heck happened to Dakota?
August 17th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
JLH is cool I’m not worried at all
August 17th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Pete no talent? I totally disagree with you there
August 17th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
JLH may very well have football talent. He may lack the attitude and focus to be a good NFL player.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
okay… i don’t really know JLHiggins…
i’m sure he has some kind of talent…
maybe he plays the fricking piano or something…
August 17th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
its funny people would rag on JLH but would love to see soft ass grove be the starter at center………..hilarious
August 17th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
wow pete the week before you were saying this?
August 17th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I think Dakota is on vacation somewhere. Probably Dakota.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Huff24 — You are completely wrong saying Al Davis just doesn’t care about certain things. He cares about EVERYthing when it comes to the Raiders, except maybe the rants of Al-haters who have no valid points to make. But, when it comes to caring about his team, he does that like few other owners in any league in the world.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
hey Brien…..let see “who’s” the raider fan here…Q - Who was the “fastest man in the world” the Raiders did sign and had in camp? …come’on genius show us your raider knowledge.
*******HAHAHAHAHAHA too tough for ya gomer?
August 17th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Huff actually the ticket 1050 use to be pro Raiders. You go into radio formatting and stuff that is just a whole other topic there
August 17th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Dakota is still nicely wedged between minnesota and montana…
(he met them in a bar… heard their names and had to do it…)
August 17th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Wasn’t James Jett an Olympic Silver medalist?? In the 220 or 4 X 100 relay??
August 17th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
LMN — Dakota got hurt by all your US stereotyping.
Just kidding…he’s in San Diego, drinking umbrella drinks and watching the sun set on the Chargers championship hopes.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Brien<——-not a fan MR
August 17th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Some facts on Seabass:
Janikowski has made 53 out of 64 field goals attempted in the 4th quarter for his career.
For comparison´s sake, Adam Vinatieri, the best of his era, is 47 of 56 in the 4th quarter over the same period of time… which is pretty much on par with Jano´s numbers.
And last season, in close game situations - when the game margin was 0-7 points either way - he made 17 of 19, for a 89.5 Percentage.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Tommy Smith?
August 17th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Raiders did have Alexander Wright…..remember him Oakglenn lol
August 17th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Brien Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
wow pete the week before you were saying this?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
see my above comment about ‘07 receivers…
i really don’t think any of them should be on this team…
(no, i am not including tight ends…)
August 17th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Pete I disagree with you my friend……Curry is cool but not a starter and JLH will prove you wrong this season….kiffin admitted he didnt use higgins right last year….did you not see the press conference at the end of the season
August 17th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
oakglenn…
i respect your opinions…
but the only reason Higgins appears to be adequate is because he sucks as much as he blows…
August 17th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
What Raiders era are we talking about bringing in the sprinter? It’s happened many times.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
HayesDaze#37 - See…thats my point. All you heard out of what I said was that AD just doesn’t care about certain things. You instantly defended him. I’m not saying he doesn’t care as much as he shows us how much he cares with his actions or non actions. Tell me…If Al cared about giving the fans a voice, wouldn’t he have found a way to get a Raider Flagship Station out there that can be heard 24/7? Do you see where I’m coming from? I’d say that 31 NFL teams have this. Why don’t the Raiders? Its attention to details and its just not fair. We have a blog we can type too because of the Contra Costa Times but what about the voice?
Why do we have one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL? Does this concern you? Maybe AD cares but hes not making sound decisions in all aspects of football. He has spent more time fighting the NFL and going to court over his time than he has at making his fans comfortable. For the longest time, he over priced his tickets and had PSL’s but failed to put a good product on the field. In the end, we still don’t have a new stadium. We’re forced to watch football games on a baseball field. ITS 2008. HELLO? Earth to McFly?
Am I happy with what I see this year? Absolutely. Am I appreciative of the 3 Superbowls in the closet? Absolutely. With all that money and all that success made over the years, you’d think we’d be in a better position at this day of age…in the year 2008.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Bob Marley - You basterd. Haha. Well…ummm…He’s fat. SO THERE! Haha.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
to quote the great Don Imus…
“there must be some way to get all new people…”
when it comes o the ‘07 group of receivers, that’s how i feel…
August 17th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Hayes LOL
August 17th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Chad Johnson goes down hard — out with shoulder injury…
August 17th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Pete Higgins wasn’t put in the positin to succeed last season……….kiffin admits this. I know you have read this or heard this from him right?
August 17th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Sands and Kelly have actually looked nice this preseason. They just need to get into game shape. I found myself actually getting excited about the DLine for once.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Huff24
Lol..can´t argue with that.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
What Raiders era are we talking about bringing in the sprinter? It’s happened many times. — duh…did i say “sprinter”?…i said “world’s fastest man”…can’t you idiots read?
August 17th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
It was Tommie Smith.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
WRONG….tommy smith was never “world’s fastest man”….TRY AGAIN
August 17th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Blah blah blah, Kiffin won’t find any better players at this point in the year and the squad will be 53 players anyway, take what you got and win or else.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Tommie smith was suppose to tryout for Raiders Kell but I think he went to like Cleveland or Cincy……I dunno I’m not in my 40s my pops would know that one
August 17th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Madden 09 is like a new pair of shoes for a woman. I gotta go get the game. Peace out.
August 17th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Brien Says:
August 17th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Pete Higgins wasn’t