Postgame wrap
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Saturday night’s 24-0 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at McAfee Coliseum:
– A forgettable night was rendered unforgettable for coach Lane Kiffin when the Raiders lost two key players, probably for the season, less than two minutes into the game.
Oren O’Neal was helped off the field with a left knee injury on the opening kickoff and did not return. JaMarcus Russell opened the game with four consecutive pass completions for 37 yards, but the last of those was a 7-yard gain in which Drew Carter fell awkwardly.
Carter, who has three previous knee surgeries while at Ohio State and the Carolina Panthers, was also helped off the field with a left knee injury. Kiffin said Carter’s tear was an anterior cruciate ligament. He wasn’t sure about O’Neal’s, but said, “It doesn’t look good.”
Let’s just say that Kiffin wasn’t exactly Dr. Feelgood when he greeted the media.
“I don’t know if it was a sign or what but I felt our team’s energy died down on the first play when O’Neal went down with an obvious long-term injury,” Kiffin said. “It’s something that most likely will be the whole year. It’s the last thing you want to have happen in a preseason game, especially that early.
“Everybody knows that last thing they want to do is to get hurt. For that to happen right away wasn’t a very good sign. We lost Drew Carter probably for the rest of the year as well later in the game. So not a very good day. That was way more important than the outcome of the game. Nobody remembers these outcomes. They really don’t matter. But we lost two significant parts of what our offense hoped to be so not very good from that perspective.”
– Kiffin didn’t confine his glum assessments to injured players. The passing game he hoped would carry the offense against the Cardinals wasn’t up to the task.
“We weren’t very good. Our pass protection was not very good,” Kiffin said., “It looked like Kwame (Harris) struggled a lot, I’ll see on film. We missed probably at least four blitzes. Guys bounced off guys and came free or we just got beat on them. I was very discouraged. It just kind of reminded me of who we are.”
And then this:
“Unfortunately I think that I saw what I already knew,” Kiffin said. “If we try to just throw the ball around you are going to get penalties, you are going to get your quarterback hit, he is going to start running around a lot, he will be in trouble.”
– Russell’s solid opening drive, which was short-circuited by the first of four Cardinals sacks, gave way to an uneven performance which wasn’t helped by the fact that Kiffin announced his intention to virtually abandon the run and concentrate on passing.
It was almost as if Kiffin was out to prove to anyone with a pair of eyes why complaints about opening up the offense were off base.
“The thing about the running game is it’s not the type of running game you can just run a couple times and things are going to break,” Kiffin said. “It’s a running game that wears on people. Looking at our stats from last year we continued to improve as the games went along. We weren’t very good in the first quarter. That’s the system. You’ve got to wear them down, get them on the ground, get them tired. When you are throwing it around you are not getting that. You are not getting the defensive line tired. We have to go back to the way we were before.”
– If Kiffin’s plan put Russell in an impossible position, he didn’t seem to mind.
“It was just what coach wanted,” Russell said. “No matter what the down and distance was, we was out there throwing the ball, and it was pretty fun. But at the same time, the running game will help out.”
Fullback Justin Griffith said the Raiders were doing what teams do in the preseason _ experimenting.
“I think in preseason you tend to try some things,” Kiffin said. “ You go out there and try stuff. That’s what preseason is for. Everybody saw what we did the first two preseason games, running the ball.”
– If Carter is indeed gone for the year, the Raiders at least have reason to be more optimistic about Javon Walker. Walker caught four passes for 60 yards and on his first catch was an ankle tackle from Roderick Hood from a 64-yard touchdown.
“I know what type of player I am. When I’m in the zone I feel like I can’t be stopped,” Walker said. “That’s the only thing you can think of and motivate yourself to play. So to get out there and get some opportunities catching the ball going into the regular season feels good. I know what I can do, and I know what I can bring to the table. So hopefully this team will win, and I’m looking forward to that.”
While Walker bristles at the suggestion that he had a crisis of confidence, Kiffin isn’t so sure.
“Even though (Walker) has had two big seasons throughout, his career confidence can get shaken and so having no catches coming into this game, watching him catch a couple balls, he looked more confident this game than in a long time,” Kiffin said.
– Kiffin said he felt good about the Raiders run defense, although it’s worth nothing that when the Cardinals tore through Oakland in the third quarter for a 13-yard scoring run by Tim Hightower and an all-too-familiar 67-yard burst by J.J. Arrington, frontline defenders Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard were still on the field.
“The four were still in there, but the way I look at it is we lost force (on Arrington’s run),” Kiffin said. “Stanford Routt let the ball get outside him.”
– Kiffin wisely didn’t revisit the roster issue directly, but you could still read between the lines regarding the Raiders’ lack of depth.
“I was not very happy with our backups as far as our effort and execution we played with,” Kiffin said.
– The loss of O’Neal should have the Raiders checking the waiver wire when teams cut rosters in each of the next two weeks, but it may be tough to find an adequate replacement.
“That’s a big deal right there,” Kiffin said. “There are a number of games last year he played even more for us than Justin. He’s a guy when we run the ball and he is in there play after play, he brings a physical attitude, and he’s very good on special teams as well.”
Said Griffith: “He represents what we’re all about, a hard worker and when he’ s on the field he makes the best of every opportunity. Just to see him go down, man, me, personally, I hate it. Fullbacks tend to hang tighter. There ain’t a lot of good fullbacks in the league and he was one of ‘em. Hopefully he bounce back from this. To me, he’s a Pro Bowler in the making.”
– Safety Jarrod Cooper conceded it was tough to see two players helped off the field in the first two minutes.
“The first thing the players think when they see that is, `The preseason is too long,’ ” Cooper said.
– With a 29.3 average on three kickoff returns with a long of 31 yards and one punt return for all of seven yards, Johnnie Lee Higgins seemingly assured himself the job as Raiders return specialist simply because he held on to the ball.
– When the Raiders did run, they persisted in sending Darren McFadden up the middle. He gained 40 yards on 12 carries running into the heart of the Arizona defense, and common sense suggests they’re saving a few opportunities to spring him outside for Sept. 8.
– The good news for the Raiders _ at least they didn’t draft Matt Leinart in 2005. Leinart was 4-for-12 for 24 yards, threw three interceptions. The Raiders deserve partial credit for flummoxing the left-hander, but in truth Leinart brought a lot of the misery on himself.
The interceptions were by Stanford Routt, Michael Huff and Rashad Baker. Huff’s came on a classic center field, free safety break on a depe ball. Routt and Baker were delivered gifts.
Leinart wasn’t the equal of Kurt Warner, who could end up the regular-season starter. He wasn’t even the equal of Brian St. Pierre, who smartly guided the Cardinals against mostly Raiders reserves in the third quarter.
Who coached Leinart in college, anyway?
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August 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 pm
first
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
The results of these preseason games do not mean a thing are…I wouldn’t care if we went 0-4 in the preseason every year…
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 pm
we were 3 and 1 with Shell… so what’s that tell you
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:24 pm
The end W-L may not matter, but the fact that your first team offensive line played like crap does.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Can George Blanda still make field goals?
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
The Raiders looked GOOD tonight. Kiffin is a great play caller, especially in the REDZONE. I’m going to get to work on an extention for Kiffin immediately. I know alot of owners and GM’s in the NFL that would love to steal the boy genius away from Raider Nation. But I don’t think he would leave if he was given the opportunity. He seems like a LOYAL Raider.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Makes you wonder whether Al Davis told Kiffin that he wants to see Kiffin air it out more so Kiffin went ahead and let the Raiders air it out, just so he could prove to Al that the team isn’t ready for it yet. See Al? 24-0 was the score. Thats what Airing it out is gonna get you. We need to run the ball. If you want to air it out, I got 2 words for you…Anquan Boldin.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I am watching game now. Gotta agree with Kiffin;they look flat, on offense at least.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Yeah, not a good game - we moved the ball well in spurts, but not consistently and we couldn’t finish on offense or defense. I did see potential however, especially with JR’s arm. The injuries are horrible. Oneil and Carter were both crucial pieces - power blocking in the run game and deep speed in the pass game. I’m glad Walker stepped up, and Miller is good to go - Kelly made some huge plays also.
The wondering about the offense and using Dmac in more exotic schemes etc. will be over Week 1. Let’s finish the rest of the preseason healthy and see what we look like in game 1. SD is falling apart, so we have even better prospects than we thought.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
This game is a lesson game. Theres nothing worse than seeing our team win pre-season games and getting a false sense of security. This team has alot of work to do and they will understand that more by losing and not getting comfortable. This team will run alot more and that will establish the passing game and keep our defense off of the field. What we saw today, will not be what we’ll see on opening day. Lets just hope that we can find some better depth. I think Marcel Reese can take the place of Oren O’Neal and we’ll see what we have with him. Our young receivers will have a chance to make a name for themselves with the loss of Carter, who never proved himself this pre-season so we don’t even know what we really lost with him.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Lane Kiffin - I was very discouraged. It just kind of reminded me of who we are.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
The O-line is a disgrace. The positives are that Russell is potentially great if he doesn’t get his confidence or health shattered by our weakling offensive line.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 pm
The only truelly bad thing about today was losing O’Neal and Carter. O’Neal is huge because we are a running team and he is one of the best blockers in the league. Carter’s loss is bad but with some of the youngsters stepping up and Walker gaining some confidence it’s not as significant a blow as it could have been. Russell performed well under pressure and the o-line struggles are more a product of the lopsided playcalling and lack of an established running game, which, for this scrimage, was the plan. The injuries are obviously the real problem but the need was improved depth was made very clear. Our starters won the battle but the Cards’ reserves manhandled our backups at the point of attack consistently. Again, on the bright side, final cuts got easier. The injuries hurt but let’s hope the young guys can continue to progress at WR and we can find an adequate blocking specialist. Griffith is a good cut blocker and a quality all-purpose reciever and occasional runner, but we need a physical stand in for O’Neal.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I have seen a problem with J. Russel. When he is under center he rocks back slightly right before the snap. He was getting away with in the first two games, but the Cards obviously saw it on film. If you watch the game you will see when Russel starts to rock back the end/backers start to come and were getting a step on our tackles. Did anyone else see that?
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
It was almost as if Kiffin was out to prove to anyone with a pair of eyes why complaints about opening up the offense were off base.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:56 pm
“Unfortunately I think that I saw what I already knew.”
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
We all knew it. It’s a work in progress.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
We weren’t very good.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Just me and you MR?
August 24th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I guess. Goodnite everybody.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Please quit crying………. Its just preseson football these boys are just startin to get it.. make a play or get hurt!!!! Kiffin smart couch Play togather Yaaaa we need another reciver we got in McFadden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 12:05 am
4-1 uder shell
August 24th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Don’t worry guys. Lance was sandbagging it. He could have easily dialed up plays that would have been automatic touchdowns in the red zone, but he is saving them for the real games. Lance wanted to get shut out. He wants his opponents over confident. Mission accomplished. Lance and Al are laughing about it right now over some champagne, in Al’s hot tub. Sandbag Lance is at it again.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Is it all part of Ditkas master plan, MR?
August 24th, 2008 at 12:09 am
MR isnt very good.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Huff looks very comfortable at SS. Nnambdi smashed Fitzgerald. Jamarcus will not be lighting up anything if the O-line doesnt pass block better, it all starts in the trenches some people refuse to grasp that concept.
I wonder if Kiffin talks to his team behind closed doors like he does to the media, or worse. Hes openly very negative and Blunt. I dont necessarily disagree with what he says. I bet AL doesnt think too much of the public criticism.
# tonio Says:
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:04 pm
welcome home BHP…. I agree… by the second half of the year… J russ… will be lighting it up on the long ball… till then…we’ll be top 3 in rushing…
August 24th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Maybe blogging just isn’t his game. I know, let’s have a spelling contest!
August 24th, 2008 at 12:12 am
RE post #15. I noticed that too. The coaches better get that fixed.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Sweep, I have the game on DVR and I dont see Jamarcus tipping off the defense. The defense cant go until the ball is snapped anyway, mute point.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:16 am
yes they can mistabrown. they are getting started on his movement, and when the ball is snapped they are on thier side, but in motion. watch it again.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Matt Lienart is a complete & total mess. Nice job on the zebra Routt, well it wasnt like we were going to get any calls in 2008 anyway.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:39 am
We are who we thought we were? jesus….maybe we should get Dennis Green as coach
August 24th, 2008 at 12:40 am
the colts are something like 3-13 in preseason under dungy
August 24th, 2008 at 12:43 am
NATION,heres my gripe!I dont care what game were playing,Im not telling the opponent w/im going to do,period!Cmon,they were coming hard after our QBS,THE OL was under pressure all evening,for what?A coach may want to pass most of the game,but shut up about it!Its not fair to the wideouts,the QB,or the OL.Im disapointed w/KIFFS game plan,as well as the injuries,of course!MY OPINION,Im not, as a season ticket holder ,happy w/Kiffins calling out AL,AS WELL AS WIDEOUTS!ps,preseason or not!
August 24th, 2008 at 1:05 am
We are who we thought we were….we knew our offensive line sucked, that we can’t stop the run and that we have no WR’s…..yet we trade our 2nd rounder for a CB, use our 1st on a RB and 4th rounder on a CB.
That will tell you why we suck……our “GM” is a delusional wacked out angry pimp who does it HIS way, and ignores our coach, who will soon be fired.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:14 am
this oline scares the sh1t outta me…cornell has to go…and on 1 blitz im pretty sure it was grove, he was stumped on which player to block on a blitz so he decided neither and the dt and lb went by him….i felt embarrassed
and oneil def does hurt….but to be brutal here, carter getting hurt makes watkins and chaz make the team =) so….lets get on that
August 24th, 2008 at 1:23 am
I never thought Id say this but half way through the game I was actually missing Simms.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Is Kiffing sandbaggin or somethin?? First the shots at AD last week and then today its like he was trying to get JRuss hurt with all those frickin passes. I dont get this guy. Its like he just wants to get fired so he can go home. I dont get it.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:34 am
We’ve got a long way to go. If Kiffin stays another year, this team is a playoff team by next year. I’ll be honest, I’m kind of going on the Gruden 3 year curve here but does anyone have a better standard? There’s a reason why Lane is called Chucky 2 (I know..even though Lane is better…). So why assume he’s going to get this team to the playoffs any faster than Chucky? Truth is, he aint. It’s a 3 year plan, brothers and sisters. Rather you like it or not. Heck, rather Al likes it or not. And if Al axes Kiffin, the 3 year plan is back at one. 8-8 is the sane Raider fan’s goal for 2008. We’ll root for 9-7 when we get win number 8. The biggest worry is Al vs. Kiffin. Al’s patience. Al’s temper. Kiffin overstepping his bounds? For christ’s sake, again, isn’t that why he was hired? Because if we wanted someone to just take orders, Art Shell certainly isn’t busy. Give me a break. Of course Lane’s going to overstep his bounds. As Charlie Murphy said of Rick James, Lane is an habitual line stepper. It’s in his blood. And, Al knew that BEFORE he hired him. Give him through ‘09, Al. It is the best chance of getting your team back to the Super Bowl before you die.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:34 am
today was to test the pass o out…but honestly i think it was to prove to every1 WHY werre a boring run 1st..check down grind team
and its obvious hes 100% right…i agree hes grooming russell the right way
August 24th, 2008 at 1:36 am
I had the same thought,but I then came to my senses,got another COLD ONE,called Japan,even they couldnt understand me,whatever!
August 24th, 2008 at 1:39 am
My goodness, all I want for Christmas is an offensive line.
Seriously though, all this free agent spending and trades were nice, but wow, I bet the Raiders will regret going on the cheap with the tackles and guards. I wonder what Russell can actually do when he’s got his feet under him and throwing tall in the pocket instead of scrampling all over the place and rolling to his left and right on almost every single play. When one of your QB’s atributes is that he’s big enough to take a hit and can’t be taken down that easily, that sure doesn’t sound like an offensive line I’d like to be behind. I mean come on, Fred Wakefield is your back up right tackle? I’m sure he’s a nice guy and all, but talk about lack of dept.
Alan Fanica would have sure looked good in silver and black.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:50 am
We have to checkdown and run because our O-line blows and Jammy is going to get killed.
Put in Andrew Walter…at least he is experienced in getting his lunch handed to him an entire season.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:53 am
The weird thing is that after the B&B sack infested offense that virtually destroyed a very solid QB prospect, we haven’t drafted a single O lineman (other than Henderson, who was a major REACH and PROJECT).
How can you expect to win when you pick CB’s, despite the fact that the weakest spot on your team is O-line?
August 24th, 2008 at 1:54 am
tom cable has some researching to do to find some linemen in the waves of cuts
August 24th, 2008 at 2:00 am
OL OL OL OL OL OL OL ! RAIDERS
August 24th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Kiffin is right…our “GM” is smokin’ hubba rock
August 24th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Well, I guess you can’t announce that you’re going to work on the passing game and not expect them to practice their pass rush. When our three-horseman running game is in there, the situation will change.
You guys still want to trade Bush?! It’s really too bad about O’Neal-he was solid. Anyone know anything Marcel Reece? He’s out there and undrafted-usually that’s for a reason.
Too bad about Carter too but it certainly simplifies KIffins decisions. Carter had really faded from early training camp.
Walker looked good and so did Russell. Maybe Walker only plays on game day. Walker seems a little po’d at Kiffen-what is it with receivers, something in their DNA? Maybe Kiffin should use more of the carrot as well as the stick.
With a lot of our crucial players sitting it out, defense looked better against the run-remember last year? Imagine how improved defense with Hall and Aso.
Higgins must have been listening-29.3 average is a vast improvement. I just want him to be dependable and stop fielding it on the five. He was better. Maybe we’ll see McFadden out there on some plays.
Mr. You’re right about that three-year curve and I think we’re right on schedule.
Losing Carter and especially O’Neal isn’t good but what can you do, it’s football. Other teams have bigger problems including maybe San Diego with that Merriman thing.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 2:07 am
mr,scanned post 39,some valid points,others open to discussion.When you dont cap,youre ok. RAIDERS
August 24th, 2008 at 2:08 am
Get home from work, log on to the Net for the Raider score, OUCH. I thought it was a good test of the pass-or-else situation by Kiffin. Sometimes, we’ll have to throw, we’ll be behind, or someone will shut down our run. And this is what to expect when the other team has us at a strategic disadvantage. Kiffin wasn’t surprised.
” ‘It just kind of reminded me of who we are.’
And then this:
‘Unfortunately I think that I saw what I already knew,’ Kiffin said. ‘If we try to just throw the ball around you are going to get penalties, you are going to get your quarterback hit, he is going to start running around a lot, he will be in trouble.’ ”
Another year of 1970s offensive football, 40 runs per game plus weak passing equals 20 points per game if the running is really good. I don’t expect a lot of thrilling comebacks because weak passing and weak run D isn’t a good combination. Just melting on D at the start of the 2nd half can’t be considered a good sign by any means.
The passing will take a little longer, and maybe some of these green kids will step up at WR. At least the debate of Watkins vs. Schillens has been made moot, someone just got promoted.
McFadden 1900 yds = 9-7
1500 yds = 8-8
1100 yds = 7-9
700 yds = 6-10
I think Mcfadden’s the variable, the Factor X for our year. Wish it could have gone better tonight.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Looks like the Raiders will be running the ball about about 70% of the time this year. With basically a rookie QB, young receivers (Higgins, Watkins, Schilens) and poor pass blockers, the passing game will not be relied upon to win games. No playoffs this year unless we rush for about 250 yards a game.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Merriman’s done this year. Stick a fork in him.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AsBhTKkl6v6vU7D5O6HGqgM5nYcB?slug=ap-chargers-merriman&prov=ap&type=lgns
August 24th, 2008 at 2:24 am
we didnt show the broncos r plan hell r sb teams winless in ps plus 2 injurys well the ? now is who is going to be cut that can come n play .we need a wr a ot n a 4th cb i think bush can play some fb but look at pats cut at wr n saints maybe horn or robinson freeagents a trade for someone not boldin not enough space dont judge jr looked good since we told the world no runs just going to throw it lol tc
August 24th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Jamarcus didn’t do bad in my opinion. Our O-Line sucked tonite, and that wasn’t JMac’s fault. I expected a much better performance, especially after the good effort against the Titans last week.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:33 am
What a boring game. Had a hard time staying awake in the 4th quarter. It looked like a majority of the 3rd deck was virtually empty.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:39 am
I get all wacked out when the Raiders don’t play well.
I lose my mind…..why do I do this to myself??
August 24th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Get home from work, log on to the Net for the Raider score, OUCH. I thought it was a good test of the pass-or-else situation by Kiffin. Sometimes, we’ll have to throw, we’ll be behind, or someone will shut down our run. And this is what to expect when the other team has us at a strategic disadvantage. Kiffin wasn’t surprised.
” ‘It just kind of reminded me of who we are.’
And then this:
‘Unfortunately I think that I saw what I already knew,’ Kiffin said. ‘If we try to just throw the ball around you are going to get penalties, you are going to get your quarterback hit, he is going to start running around a lot, he will be in trouble.’ ”
Another year of 1970s offensive football, 40 runs per game plus weak passing equals 20 points per game if the running is really good. I don’t expect a lot of thrilling comebacks because weak passing and weak run D isn’t a good combination. Just melting on D at the start of the 2nd half can’t be considered a good sign by any means.
The passing will take a little longer, and maybe some of these green kids will step up at WR. At least the debate of Watkins vs. Schillens has been made moot, someone just got promoted.
McFadden 1900 yds = 9-7
1500 yds = 8-8
1100 yds = 7-9
700 yds = 6-10
I think Mcfadden’s the variable, the Factor X for our year. Wish it could have gone better tonight.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Post 56,YOU have a LOT of COMPANY,Raiders
August 24th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Tom Cable had better be a miracle worker, because we just don’t have good players up front. Starting tackles are both rejects. Harris can’t pass block and Green is an old backup. At center we have a Tampa Bay reject or the undersized, always injured, can lift weights but has no power- bust, Grove. Carlisle is nothing to rave about. Gallery is a useless POS. Can you believe this tatooed circus freak was taken nbr 2 overall ? Enough with the ink already, Bob. All those tats look disgusting. And get a haircut. That greasy mane looks like crap and draws attention to your non-playing worthless self. Mario Henderson and McQuisten have to be turds if they can’t even push this group. This unit as a whole might very well be the worst pass protecting line in the NFL.
It all starts up front, and with this unit we aint getting started.
So you better work a miracle Mr. Cable.
August 24th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Justin Green (FB) (Ravens 2005 - 2007) was not having a bad camp and was released due to the numbers game (Ravens Lorenzo Neal). Good blocker. Might be worth a look.
August 24th, 2008 at 5:52 am
We blew Motionless Matt up and Javon SkyWalker showed why Al paid him big bucks.
Oneal getting hurt almost made me cry. He is one hell of a football player and we will miss him.
Looks like Crutch Carter is done in the NFL.
Like Kiff says we will run the ball down their throats and by the fourth quarter JR will be throwing long bombs to Walker and Curry and JLH when the other team is too tired from being cut block for three quarters.
Its payback time for the Burros
August 24th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Kiff is writing a new book this year.
Sandbagging for dummies
Best year ever!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Things we learnt
Unless you have a probowl QB, line and WR’s (ala the Pats) you don’t advertise the fact you are going pass crazy before a game
That we don’t have a probowl QB, line and WR’s
We still give up big plays
We need to give Joe Horn a ring
We can forgive ourselves for not drafting Leinert.
We will miss Oneal more than Carter
Russell needs to think clearly at all times and needs a run game and blocking without fail this year.
We learnt a valuable lesson in a game that didn’t matter rather than against the Broncos in wk1
Raider fans expectations are too high for this season. (8-8 is going to be a major achievement 2nd in the division also)
It’s always darkest before the dawn!
August 24th, 2008 at 6:48 am
“– If Carter is indeed gone for the year, the Raiders at least have reason to be more optimistic about Javon Walker. Walker caught four passes for 60 yards and on his first catch was an ankle tackle from Roderick Hood from a 64-yard touchdown.”
********************************
Are you kiddin me Jerry? 4/60yds is not all you should’ve seen. I’m re-watching the game now (into the 1st 2 series). And Walker is running WIDE OPEN out there. Any of you guys who got it taped - watch ….
On Russell’s first sack (Griffith lost his man, Russell held for a sec too long, and Walker didn’t look back quick enough), Walker was WIDE OPEN streaking down for a TD. Only if the protection held up a bit more That would’ve been 6pts.
On a 3rd down play where Russell gunned it to Miller for an incomplete Walker was running WIDE OPEN again streaking for what would have been 6pts.
The boy is getting open out there - and I’m talking about take it to the house open. Russell just has to work on that connection. They just have to get it going b/c Walker is running free as a bird out there. Thats got me excited.
(oh and insofar, 2-3series into the game, I am confirming that CC is having a tough time out there and that right side in general is having a tough time. RBs must work on their blitz pickup too. Insofar, I’m not seeing Harris having as many problems as Kiffin assumes. On one play the left side just caved in while the left side was holding strong - it was strange to see.)
August 24th, 2008 at 6:55 am
And Jam looked like he was having a ball out there. Dude looked giddy as hell. I bet it was fun. We got ourselves a QB fellas - this boy is flat out unbelievable. His awareness is miles ahead of what it should be.
He’s still a semi-rookie and when he gets it going with these WRs, the timing down, and more comfortable with what he can do in this offense …he’s going to be hard to stop man …i already see it.
And there’s not going to be many teams that can handle this defense. They are just that good.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:04 am
I hate to beat a dead horse, BUT we still cant stop the run. Somebody should start to ask why we cant stop the the run. Is it scheme or is it coaching ? We give up to many big plays. The offensive line just sucks, our backs make them look decent. Notice when we need a play out of them, they always seem to fail.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Is it too early in the morning for some truth?…As you all know, I attend every game while you guys view from the couch,…I saw up close what I have been saying for months,..Harris is a bum,..he almost got Russell killed last night while the Cards were going about half speed…why the Raiders let Boldin get on a plane last night is beyond me,..should have given them whatever they wanted to leave him here,…we do not have a starting wide receiver…the offensive line is the worst in the NFL,..Cable may be some God to you, to me hes just another assistant coach, nothing special…oh, one last truth,…the opener, Denver is going to blow the Raiders away, …easily,..but I will be there, and you will still be on your couches.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:08 am
At this point, 8-8 would not only seem to be the upper limit, but a pipe dream. I just hope : Mr Davis keeps Kiffin for at least two more years , we eventually aquire a solid DT and two OT’s. Our first team might just be THAT close….Our reserves on the other hand,…other than running back, what reserves ?
August 24th, 2008 at 7:10 am
These injuries are killing us. O’Neal will be back next after rehab, but I think we’ve already seen the last of Carter as a Raider due to the injury and the fact he was signed for only 1 year. Kinda sucks becuase I was one of the few who thought he would have a breakout year. Oh well,, life’s not fair but you still gotta go through it. Maybe we bring back Ed Hartwell when we put Carter and O’Neal on IR. and snatch up a few recievers and O and D lineman when the roster cuts began on Tuesday. YA KNOW?!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Terrapin I agree with you on Javon Walker getting open, and I also agree with you on Jammy, I thought he looked real good , moving and throwing the ball. But with all due respect, which defense are you talking about, we get run over every game we play. There is certain aspects of our defense that are real good, but on the whole, they cant stop grandma running up a hill.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Man I am getting whiplash reading through this board it is eigther nothing is wrong because we decided to pass or we really really suck…
The truth is our pass protection sucked but on the other hand it was not ever tested against a stunting and blitzing team under live conditions in its current makeup. When they knew we were going to pass. We got some great film on what happened and how teams will try to attack us later this year. The line can work on improvement from this. The attacking up the middle is something that really needs work.
I thought the best things were:
JLH had a really solid game - better than the stats as he looked like he belonged out there
Walker has a solid game and this will help him get ready for Denver
The first team def throughout the first half did really well and owned the Cards. When half the def was subbed out then things went arwy early in the 2nd half.
Our run game sputtered but they did not really prep for the run and it was mostly McFad probably working on his weaknesses between tackles. Good news is Fargas and Bush are good between tackles.
Bottom line is our pass protection is really bad among the worst in the NFL and must be improved if the Raiders are to win 6 or more games… The OO injury is really bad because I think he was going to be used heavily as a lead blocker on running plays. JLH, Walker, JR, and Huff really looked good today like they took a step and that is also what preseason is all about.
So really the game was a mixed bag even though the 2nd half was unwatchable. I would rather have an unwatchable pre-season game where we air out our dirty laundry than to watch them week after week during the regular season like we did in 06.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Kiffin announcing to the world that the Raiders would be passing 10 of the first 15 scripted plays didn’t exactly give Russell and the offense an HONEST chance to be successful. Telling the other team what you are going to do and how you are going to to it is a good way to GET PLAYERS INJURED.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Crap this friken sucks! I have to agree with m/r
Why cant you write that stuff more often
August 24th, 2008 at 7:46 am
In the preseason and beginning of the regular season the D is in front or better than the O, what concerns me is the big td run to arrington in the 3rd q with our starting front 4. Losing OO was huge lose for our running game, who helped open all the holes for our runs last year,OO!! Hopefully griffith can step up but i have ?? I listened to the game on KSFO and JR is the real deal, Kwame Harris worries me on pass protection. Hopefully, we can consistently stop the run and run the ball, 8-8 or even 9-7 is believable
August 24th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Kiffen, give me a break. When you tell the other team and the entire country your gonna pass all night, your O line doesn’t have a chance. The passing game looked horrible but add the running game to the equation and they will be fine. Kiffen knows he isn’t gonna show anything fancy in pre-season games. I guess he’s trying to make the team work a little harder. The defense for cardinals were jumping the snap count and laying back their ears the O line had no chance, so come-on Kiff, I know what your doing!!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Send Harris, Walker, and especially Lane Kiffin packing,…all three suck…get about 3 more wide outs…put anybody, and I mean ANYBODY, in Harris`s spot,…he sucks and I have said that since he was at Stanford…Cable is a bum too….gonna get ugly monday night at home,..well, I mean the coliseum,..for you guys I mean it literally, because your homes is where you will be watching it, not me,..as you know Im at every game.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:55 am
The play of the offensive line should not surprise anyone. What hurts the most is everyone knew they were terrible, and yet, nothing was done to improve the talent. Jamarcus will not have time to pass from the pocket. He has to roll out so when Jamarcus rolls out he loses half the field. Also, Jamarcus has to stop throwing across his body, because it won’t work in the NFL. Grove has to be the weakest center in the NFL and it doesn’t appear Wade is much better. Whenever the Raiders get into 3rd and long its means we will see everyone coming after Jamarcus because the o/l just can’t get the job done. I can’t believe they thought Harris could pass block when it was known it was his weakness. We have seen nothing is going to change from last year and Miller will have to stay in to help protect Jamarcus from being slautered by the horrible o/line. Henderson, no help there, ouch…I just hope Kiffin gets to cut the players he would like to see removed,and Al doesn’t keep a bunch of scholarship players on the roster. We will know next week if Al gave Kiffin any say in the roster makeup. The D/B’s and W/R’s will tell us who made up the roster, Al or Lance. I am afraid it is beginning to look like a long season if positions are not improved. Like the o/line, and everyone knew it!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Well, whoever coached him in college certainly got the most out of him.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:07 am
with this current o-line teams will stack the line and look for Miller to get the ball from Russell. I think Kiffin had a point , that when Oneal and then Carter went down they lost focus on the game. The good news is that Huff is playing FS and is going to make plays. Also Walker was getting open even if they knew we were throwing the ball as announced by Kiffin.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:11 am
If Oakland has any chance at a decent year, they have to get rid of Kiffin today,..today,…not tomorrow,…am I clear?…I watched him on the sidelines alot last night,..like a little kid, the players dont even go to him for anything,…hes a total fraud…was a nobody at USC,…he was not an OC there,…he called a play once in awhile,..he was simply a recruiter…now hes a HC in the NFL,..total BS,…of all the qualified coaches,..but of course nobody wanted the job so there you have it…but Lofton wants it and shouldnt have to wait til the season is over with a 1-5 start,..Im unsure where that one win is as I sit here,…the offensive line and D line will not allow us to compete,…and when the losses pile up, Kiffin will not give a damn. Fire him today.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am
KIffin might have sacrificed this game to prove a point that we are a run first team, even though Al wants to go vertical. With the line and lack of starting receivers it would behoove the Raiders to stick with what works , at least for the safety of Russell.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I agree Jim.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Although we now could use another reciever, a few more at that, Im not so sure we should trade for Anquan Boldin. For 1, he will demand way too much money and we’re already paying Walker that kind of dough. 2. we could get through this season with our running game so if we can find a diamond in the rough (NO JOE HORN!) during the next few weeks of roster cuts we’ll be ok. If we were to trade for a reciever I would take a look at Chad Jackons of the Patriots, or Devery Henderson of the Saints who is speedy downfield threat. These players wouldnt require a high rnd pick in return so it may be worth a try. 3 I believe we will be paying close attention to the recievers that come out in next year’s draft. Too bad Michael Crabtree is only a sophmore this year, he’s the best college reciever already. But I think we’ll find a few more players before the season starts. YA KNOW?!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Kiffin was right too that Russell has got to learn to stick in there a little longer sometimes. If he does his WRs are breaking open and the timing is there.
It was mainly the right side of the line that were giving the pass protection issues. Some play AZ was flooding the right side protection. It was caving fast many times.
Credit TKelly w/ the forced fumble. He shed a block and stood the RB up.
The 1st half pass protection was decent enough. I think Kiffin will lighten his stance a little after watching the game film. Harris was pretty good.
Madsen may get cut. You don’t miss a wide open pass like that!
******************************
The big runs in the 2nd half
1. Hightower off the left end 23yds. The defense was pretty much out of position and Kirk tried to get them right but it was too late. Ricky Brown couldn’t shed the block. Cooper was at SS and met Hightower first about 5yds in but whiffed on the tackle. One-armed Branch was next at FS. He tried to tackle him with that cast on. This was pretty much a run on backups. Cooper should’ve had the guy way before he broke open.
2. Hightower TD run. Raiders went 3-4!!! Warren played the nose was and he was the weak link. Kelly played LDE, JRich RDE. The run came straight up the middle where Warren got pushed back off a double team some 5yds. This surge caused problems for the LBs. Hightower ran behind the wave. Cooper was late to diagnose and still missed the tackle. This was simply a matter of having the wrong man playing the nose. You can tell they were expecting a pass as the Cards were in shotgun formation and the LBs played a little off. Otherwise, there is NO reason to have Warren playing NT! (Sands is usually the NT in the 3-4)
3. Arrington on that Long LONG 67yd TD run off Right Tackle. First off - JRich was playing LDE and was held! Big time!. So when Arrington was flushed back inside by Howard, JRich couldn’t get to him. Cooper was at SS and he played the wrong gap assuming Arrington was going to go out of bounds. I’ll assume Wilson would’ve played it correctly. It was a good run by the Cards, but the hold on JRich and the wrong gap played by Coop were the determining factors.
Overall - I’ll say this is not much to be concerned about unless our starters on defense go down. These big runs had backups involved.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:27 am
ALRIGHT!!! let me give u people some reality !!
#’s from last nite on ryans’def!!!
zona ran 65 plays , 39 on ground for 215 yards !!!take off the 67 yarder and u still got 38 @ 148 ! this is alarming !!! BUT GET USED TO IT AGAIN !!!
cause w/ Ryan it aint gonna go away !! it’s just gona get worse!!!!
look @ THE ‘PLAY BY PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RE-7YDS, LE 6YDS, RE 1YD, LE 9 YDS,RE 1YD this was on just one drive that led to a fg
then next drive– le 21, le 6 for a quik td !!!!
then the middle gets scorched for 4 yards then 67 yards for another T.D.!!!
LOOK FAMILIAR ?? it should , this is & has been
“RYANS run def, ” pattern of behavior ” for last 5 years now !!! and u ” RYAN 4 PREZ” folk think iT can improve !!! well it AINT !!!O.K.!!! every team he plays this year will do same thing run @ BOTH ENDS OVER & OVER AGAIN & just like kc-den-sd said last year ” u know what they just dont adjust”
so with the like of TREVOR SCOTT PLAYING STRONG SIDE END ON RUN DOWNS , ALONG WITH BURGESS & THAT
” NO TALENT LOOSER ” JAY RICHARDSON @ WEAK SIDE END EVERY DOWN,
u people acutally think there was gonna be a improvement vs the run ??? what are you crazy !!!
b4 last nite i was optimistic about 1st 4 games of 08 , goin 3-1 , but not after what i saw last nite !!
zona kept it simple- DOUBLE THE 2 TACKLES QUIKLY , THEN seal off 2 lbrs w/ a TACKLE OR GUARD and make the last lbr or safety chase down the ball carrier ,
2 things occur here w/ that scenario !! 4.50yds carry & then the good old 4 20+ yard runS per game that this RYAN GUY is so good @ blaming the players for with his bogus!!
“well they cant tackle ” , well they need to play harder ! they need to get heavier !! well burgess is left handed !!! and so on !!!!
also WHERE IS THE PASS RUSH !!!!! THERE IS NO PASS RUSH AT ALL AGAIN !!!
5 YEARS LATER THIS RYAN CANT PRODUCE A PASS RUSH !!!!! LAST NITES #’S - QB HITS ZERO/ NOT A ONE !!! oh but hey KALIMBA EDWARDS GOT A SACK !!! OOHH!!WOW !!! THE OTHER 23 PLAYS HE WAS ON THE FIELD HE WAS A TOTAL LIABLITY !!!! VS THE RUN !!!!
why he is on the field vs the run anyway ?? well the same reason why BURGESS & SCOTT &( the new stu )RICHARDSON ARE !!! cause
” THE ROB RYAN ” IS INSANE !!!
OOPS( I’ M SORRY I FORGOT RYAN IS SUCH A GOOD GUY , HE LETS HIS 78 YEAR OLD BOSS MAKE THESE DECISIONS & HE JUST COACHES THEM !!! if this was the case that means all u dopes beleive the following to be true !!! ” this ryan is such a goOd guy & a players coach that for 5 years now he lets AL DAVIS tell him what to do and the players know it, but havent lost respect for him like they did for everyone else in the last 40 years !!!! the players still listen to him even tho they know that al is making the calls & not him !!!!!! )
WOW THAT IS REALLY AMAZINH THAT U FOLK HAVE YOURSELVES CONVINCED OF THIS THAT IS REALLY AMAZING !!!!!!!!!
i’ll call it now like i did in 07 at this time !!1this guy is gonna get another coach fired early !!! and he will also get some players hurt bad !!!!! and at best this team can go 4-7 wins this year and that is it !!!
P.S.
ya know they pinned their hopes @ wideout w/ 2 oft/inured guys CARTER & WALKER and they / u act shocked & somber when one goes down for year w/ ” “ANOTHER INURY ” !!!!!!!!!!!??????????
carter was worth it ( low $$2mill) but not walker !!
but the real hurt is ONEAL @FB !!this was the guy that was gonna “lead the way ” for the 3 headed monster @ half back !! so now we need to use griffith like that or go find another ” ONEAL ” !! THIS ONE IS GONNA HURT!!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:29 am
AL is on the phone to Jamaica asking Usain Bolt do you want to be a Raa-duh?
August 24th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Ok Terrapin,
I’ll back off your boy Morrison for now. I see that he is just not going to be held accountable for being out of position on these runs.
But chew on this …
Morrison played the better part of 3 qtrs and had 1 tackle … ONE TACKLE BRUHTHA !!!
We need a better effort from our MLB.
Oh, and Thomas Howard didn’t even get one tackle.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:39 am
REPOST OF #15
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I have seen a problem with J. Russel. When he is under center he rocks back slightly right before the snap. He was getting away with in the first two games, but the Cards obviously saw it on film. If you watch the game you will see when Russel starts to rock back the end/backers start to come and were getting a step on our tackles. Did anyone else see that?
I am still wondering if anyone else has noticed this. It’s making it even harder on our o-line.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:40 am
vs Tenn …
Morrison ZERO tackles …
Howard 3
August 24th, 2008 at 8:42 am
I beg of you guys to re-watch the game. Its not as bad as you are thinking. The left side protection, ironically with our reclamation projects Gallery & Harris, was pretty solid all game; with the exception of 1 maybe 2 plays. The right side had problems and the Cards kept flooding that side with blitzers. The Centers had some problems too picking up the blitzers up the middle. But truthfully it wasn’t as bad as you all believe now. It was below average on the right side and average to above average on the left side.
Jam has to learn to stay in there a little bit longer though. He’s running out too soon at times and not allowing the play to develop as it should. He’ll get it - the boy just has tremendous talent. He’s unbelievably quick. I’m encouraged this team is going the right direction even after this game.
JAM JUST LOOK WALKERS WAY!!! HE’S OPEN!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I’ve said nothing of Morrison. I have not defended Morrison. I don’t know what you are talking about.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:47 am
MR go away.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I beg of you guys to re-watch the game. Its not as bad as you are thinking. - Twerp
August 24th, 2008 at 8:50 am
That’s my point … Morrison is getting a free ride. I thought you were telling me last night to not worry about it. We’re you just talking about he O?
My bad!
We’re totally on the same page regarding the O, but my optimism is tempered, a little, by our LB play. Going into the season, after 3 games, why are we not talking about our LB play?
We even had TT saying Morrison is the 2nd best MLB in the league.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Bring back Hartwell !!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Play Sands next to Kelly instead of Warren!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Play Joseph, the only other NT I see on the squad, with Warren.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
as backups, of course!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
You guys are looking at the scoreboard and are blinded by it. Its preseason man. We went for it when we would normally kick a FG. The one FG we did try, the newly crowned “Jano replacement” by this all-wisdom board shanked IT!!! But its preseason so who cares. It was experimental lop-sided playcalling.
The defense was shutting them down in 1H before mixing in backups. Jam was moving the rock despite lop-sided and publicly announced playcalling. The protection was decent enough most of the game. (Those Illegal Formation calls hurt). It could get better but it was decent enough to work with.
OK …OO is still a bigger loss. I’m getting over Carter. Its a loss but if Watkins can step up it’ll help, and JLH should get more reps with this loss. We have potential to replace Carter.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:55 am
NATION, What is up?
I did not see or hear the game, just watch the play by play action on NFL.com.
As I said in previous post Walker will show up. Watch the titans game he had a step on the D most of the time. The link, trust, timing, between Russell to Walker will improve.
With Carter out we need someone else to step up or we can pickup someone from the cut downs.
I wasnt this bummed out on the titans game as we hade showed some improvement. Is the cardnial D that good?
August 24th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Spend next year’s 1st and 2nd on LBs!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Terrapin, Out of our young WR’s who looked the best?
August 24th, 2008 at 8:57 am
It is preseason. This means nothing. These games are little more than high tempo practices with situations contrived by coaches to see what their teams are good at or struggle with.
The injuries are unfortunate but they are part of the game and we will get hit with them all season.
Still an awful lot of progress from a year ago and I think we are going to be in for alot of close games this year.
Got to stay positive.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Schillens and Watkins, again ..
August 24th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Jhill, Thanks Brethern…
August 24th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Charlie, Don’t you mean we are going to LOSE alot of close games this year.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:00 am
I agree charlie. We still have the same promblems that have plagued us for the last few years. But it looks like we are improving on each one.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
MR- in post #39 you say give Kiff two more years,
Post #82 you agree with post #80 to get rid of him today?
which is it? just wondering,
August 24th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Warren, at least on THAT play, showed me that he can’t hold the point when they double team him and run right at him. Thats good for Rob Ryan to have on film before going into the season thinking otherwise.
Sands usually does play the NT spot in the 3-4. He has more stoutness when he plays with leverage and can hold the point better. Warren just got shoved back 5 yds and was the main cause for the TD on that play.
Morrison missed the guy and I’m not giving him a pass for that. But lets be real here. If your NT is getting pushed back into you, you aren’t going to make many of those plays. The RB ran right behind that surge.
Like I said before, this defense could be unbreakable. They are very good now but still needs some more pieces. Another stud DT/NT next to Kelly is one of those pieces.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Well, Mcfadden is cool ,but you to wonder what our d-line would have looked like with Glenn Dorsey. (not trying to re-hash old topics)
August 24th, 2008 at 9:07 am
I wouldn’t say Schilens looked the best out of our young WRs this game b/c HE didn’t have a catch! It was Watkins. Watkins caught 1 pass pretty deep 17yds from JR; and he got real deep on another - A bomb by Walter where Watkins had a step. Watkins had the ball but couldn’t bring it in as he came down b/c the defender had his had right in the middle. Great play by the defender (lucky play to be sure) but Watkins had him beat deep on a 3rd down. It looked nice man - Nice.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Yeah maybe Captain Kirk needs to start taking some of the blame!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:09 am
And another LB. That USC LB everyone touting may due but I doubt if we get him.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Was Chaz getting open?
August 24th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Rey Maualuga will be one of the first 5 players picked.
Doubt he will be on the board when we come around.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Kiifin’s got all the clasic signs of short-timer’s disease….it could be a long year, he’s definitely no Gruden, and is lost in how to deal w/ players in the pro game…bring on Lofton!!…and send the kid back to being a college recruiter
August 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Not as far as I could tell from watching the tube. They only went his way twice - he was doubled on one as I remember and Jam overthrew or threw it away.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Al will never draft a LB in the top 10. He will, however, draft a CB from nw-se missourri southern division 9 state, high in the second round.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I am not ready to throw the towel in on this team.
I am bummed but its pre-season and adjustments should be made. We wont look this bad in real games. Nor will we throw as much early on.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:20 am
priest he had no holes to run thru just like bush didnt have holes to run thru. the line did a poor job of run blocking and was overwhelmed in pass protection. it didnt matter who ran 2nite that line was awful. the complete opposite of last week. oneil is a huge loss and i hope kiffens guess isnt accurate. carter loss is only in numbers cuz he wasnt special 2 begin with but oneil is. this is the time for us 2 develope chaz and todd. i dont want horn and i wouldnt give up a 1rst rounder for boldin but i would a 2nd. if u give up a 1rst round pick u do it for a game breaker which boldin is not. we gave up a 2nd and next years sixth for hall so why give up a 1rst for a guy who has been to 2 pro bowls as hall with 1-2 years more service? doesnt make sense. hes no moss. moss is a GAME CHANGER and thats the kind of talent u trade a 1rst rnd pick for. russ was awful with a few throws and locked onto one man 2 much like inexperienced qbs do. i will say that he needs to get aggressive with running the ball. there were openings for him 2 take and he stayed with his reads 2 long. that spin out of the sack he had was a prime example of why he needs to use his legs more and make the decision quickly. that will help open up the passing game cuz those lbs and dbs will have to decide 2 either come up for the hit or stay back for the pass. he will make the defense have to defend him instead of his recievers. now thats where i wish he was like vince young. gannon wouldve pump faked and tucked that rock away and ran for a first or a score which he is capable of. he did it at lsu. hopefully kiffen will beat that in his head to loosen that d up by scrambling when its there like he does the check downs. when u have shaky wrs u need to just win games however u can like elway did and then u can put up the fancy stats when u get them. thats why i say young jeezy is the star not mcfadden cuz HE will help determine the majority of all our games in the end.priest u r definately right tho his arm also will loosen up the d if they let him challenge more down the field.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
post 119, priceless…. ROFLMFAO
August 24th, 2008 at 9:25 am
2 things Thec: 1. They really didn’t look that bad. People look at the score and get confused. If we wanted to give Elling more FG reps we could have. The 2H got out of hand for sure as backups were mixed in, but we dominated the Cards in 1H. 2. The playcalling was majorly lop-sided and it must be discounted somewhat from a real game that counts.
I like the fact that the coaches got this on film. Some things will be obvious, like Walker routinely getting WIDE OPEN downfield and they will work on the JR to JW connection. Also Harris was pretty good and he’ll only get better. And they’ll have to figure out what to make of the right side and center.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:28 am
true …the run blocking was nothing to write home about.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I saw Walker getting open in the titans game, it will be only a matter of time before the connection starts connecting.
Post 121 good observation on Russell in my opinion. Its going to click for the young man and when it does we will be rolling. If he is locked on ZMILL, and doesnt look for Walker for 6, thats on him and is a missed opp..
August 24th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Yep …JR did lock onto Miller on one play in particular when Walker was streaking down the field wide open for 6. Miller was either double or tripled. But Walker did not turn around soon enough so JR went to Miller. If JR and Walker had more chemistry he would’ve just launched it in anticipation. Thats what experienced QBs and WRs do.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:36 am
These guys going flat after an injury has got to change. Kiffin has to fix the confidance in the locker room before week one, I just hope he is up to the task.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Relax……The offensive playbook isn’t even opened up to page 2 yet!!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Maybe Javon should take a page from Randy Moss’ handbook and just throw his hand up when he’s getting open. That way JR would’ve have to wait for him to turn around. Somebody get that message in Javon’s ear.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Kiffin did exactly what Fisher did the week before, announced they would throw early and often to find out if they are up to the task. The injuries had nothing to do with announcing what you intend to get out of a preseason game. Where are all the Scapegoat Al worshippers after this loss? I would have figured by now some of you guys would blame the gameplan on Scapegoat Al.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am
PA Raider, Where you at? I’m new to Erie PA and I want to find a way to see the Raiders games this year. Any info would be appreciated.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Let JR lull opposing defensive coordinators to sleep with the short game, smart strategy for reg season
August 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am
terrapin u r right about the lack of holding calls but we have no damn pass rush. thats what will kill us if they dont bring it come the regular season.we have an awesome secondary but they wont be as effective if we dont have pressure on the qb to make quick and bad decisions. for anyone that wonders why we traded a 2nd for hall just think of it like this, routt would be our cnr opposite namdi and then we’d really have no depth. on huffs int hall had great coverage on the play. and unlike last week this time huff caught the ball. im tellin u a pass rush will make them that much better. kiffen has a great gauge of what his team is and isnt which is why i hope davis really listens to him. that effort or lack thereof by the backups was disgusting. we needed to cut some guys a long time ago. waddell,baker, irons should never have been brought back. why the hell did we trade up for henderson? we wouldve had a 3rd this year and taken manningham or if anything traded this years 3rd and next years 2 move and get desean jackson.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am
DIRECTV
August 24th, 2008 at 9:44 am
PA Raider - I’m new to PA, not the planet earth. Thanks anyway.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Bush needs to learn how to play fullback.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:52 am
as for c that is disgusting as well. i have a name for yall next year in regards 2 that. alex mac of cal. plays in a zone blocking system and is a top candidate for the remington award. i think he was a finalist for it last year 2. hes been a starter for i think 3 of his now 4 years at cal so hell be very experienced and will probably be a better prospect next year than grove was. why not start over and give jeezy a young c to grow with as well? unless u can get a proven pro bowler in fa next year. as i said before we need a mlb along the lines of maualuga and id be willing to give up a few picks to move up for that if it includes a combination of 09 and 10 picks. morrison is good but we all know he needs to go back outside unless he brings it hard this year. its 2 bad lorenzo neal got picked up not 2 long ago. when he was released a part of me wished we signed him just 2 have him but i knew he didnt have a place, now i wish we did. those r the kinds of players that u keep around just 2 have for situations like this. he can help u unlike GAME READY IRONS.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Oh No….We suck again.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:17 am
where to begin?
The anxst in here is palpable.
Losing O’neil was the big thing last night.
The game plan?…doesnt matter. Preseason
Carter…it’s to bad, he worked so hard this off season….but, he can be replaced.
The door is open for Watkins, he just needs to knock it down.
I thought JM looked great. He really is quite an athlete. He has that escapability I like to see.
I also saw a bit of the “eye of the Tiger” in him as well.
Thank you Javon, I have been asking to “see it”
and you gave us a little taste last night….were gonna need ya brother….make it happen.
Kiff is not givin up anything on the real game plan for Mcskinny, those plays will be saved for Shanarat and company.
Hang in there Nation, injuries are a part of the game, that’s why Kiff has been whining about our depth….he’s freakin right.
You guys saw it, the way the Cards back ups made ours look sorta whimpy, specaily that defensive backfield.
whhhoo the smell.
Perhaps NOW it will sink in for some of you.
a 500 record would be a step in the right direction, regardless of the easy sched, this team has a lot of work to do.
Carry on Nation
August 24th, 2008 at 10:25 am
exactly, Bush is now the fullback?! why the hell not!
August 24th, 2008 at 10:27 am
– Really tough news about Carter and O’Neal. For some reason I’ve had this bad feeling that injuries will be a big problem for this team this year. It just seems like we haven’t been burned too bad by injuries in recent years and we could be due. Plus we have a lot of key guys — like Carter, Walker, Curry, Kelly — who either have injury histories or are coming off serious injury.
– I thought Russell looked very good. The pass protection was weak but he showed a lot of poise hanging in and buying time to make throws. He hit Miller for what was arguably a TD (close call but looked like the knee was down inbounds). And he thread the needle on another pass that Curry probably should have caught for a TD. Russell is the real deal.
– McFadden is worried a little too much about holding onto the ball right now, if that’s possible. He seems a little tenative hitting the hole and just seems to be running conservatively instead of looking to make a move and break a big run when he gets into the second level. Hopefully he’ll get a little more comfortable once the season starts and be confident enough with the ball that he keeps his head up and ready to break long runs instead of running fullback style with both arms clinging to the ball and running toward contact.
– The pass coverage looks awesome. Should be the best in the NFL this season. Pass rush is probably average so they should definitely blitz a lot more this year. The secondary can take care of itself. Get after the QB some.
– I still worry about the run defense. The first team did OK but wasn’t shutdown. The fact that the backups were so terrible against Arizona’s backups in stopping the run makes me wonder if there’s a problem with the system that will carry on to this year again.
– I thought the Raiders dominated the first half on defense. Unfortunately there were no points to show for it. The offense needs to convert on those chances.
We can’t wind up dominating time of posession and turnover battles only to fail at punching in TDs. One good thing is I don’t think Kiffin really cares if we win these games, which he shouldn’t, and probably calls plays more to get his guys practice and see what they can do rather than to actually score. I think they’ll certainly be better at punching it in in the reg. season.
– Looks like Watkins and Schilens will both make the team now unless a WR becomes available on waivers that the Raiders like more. I could see them bringing in a WR if he can return kicks too as insurance for Higgins. Otherwise, I think it’s Walker, Curry, Watkins, Higgins and Schillens on the WR depth chart to start the year.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:30 am
So, apparently I am the only one that is concerned (again) about the raiders run defense. Can someone please explain to me why, year after year, in a division that includes LT, LJ, and the Broncos, do we continue play against the run poorly? You would think our entire D would be geared towards stopping the run, and that everyone in the league would dread going up against the Raiders team that can stop even LT.
But that hasn’t been the case in years. I almost forgot what a good run Defense looks like. Last night a 30 year old Edge ran off guard, off tackle, and I think the old guy even ran a sweep on us. Then a rookie buts a 67 yard run against many of our starters and no one is concerned.
To my laymans eye it seems two things happen: 1. We overpursue and the opposing running back cuts back against the pile of humanity with just a tiny CB to try to stop him (one man to beat), 2. We get manhandled off guard.
Help?
IBtheRaiderKing
August 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am
LOL … before you blog some of you guys should read Jerry’s blog or watch Kiffin’s press conference.
“the Raiders were doing what teams do in the preseason _ experimenting.”
You better find out what your team can do and can’t do BEFORE the season starts … so far I like what I am seeing out of Kiffin … telling it like it is … no BS. If you can’t handle the truth get out of the kitchen.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Bush is Ideally a half back when it comes to FB…it’s about attitude.
you gotta have that “want” to blow guys up, play after play…after play. Is he that guy?
Not a lot of guys can do it.
we’ll see what happens.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:44 am
In my opinion the biggest problem is O-Line, O-Line, O-Line! The O-Line has got to give Jamarcus at least an extra second to throw, and a pocket to step up in.
The Patriots have 16 Offensive linemen in their camp and surely alot of them will not make the team. I hope we are scouting them for any potentially good players that don’t make their final roster cuts.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:44 am
ive been concered about the run defense all offseason since they did NOTHING to fix it.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Love him or hate him, Kiffin has proven to me that he knows football and this team. His announcement to throw the ball was a stroke of genius. He knew it would silence critics of his play-calling once they saw that this team is no where near being able to compete from a passing standpoint- no matter what anybody in the front office thinks, okay?
When da Raidahs have sufficiently rebuilt a two-dimensional offensive line, obtained both quality and quantity in the WRs, and have had JaMar on the field for an entire season, then we can talk about a winning offense. Until then, look for 5-6 wins a year.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:50 am
sup Nation…
After last night and seeing the game all I can say is…. We still have the three headed monster and Walker looks like hes getting his burst back! Also it was preseason Id rather lay an egg in preseason then when it counts.. Besides we got 4 picks and Hall hardly even played…
August 24th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Maybe now with these injuries, it will force Al to bring in more quality competition receiver. But my money is on Al bringing in Joe Horn, which does us no good. Reece will probably make the team as a result of the injury to O’neal and now both Watkins and Schillens will have roster spots. If only this injury would have happened a week ago, Chris Henry would have been in Alameda guranteed. We need to look at Adarius Bowman or Koren Robinson i think that kiffin and Lofton can handle it.
After seein how our LB corp waffled like aunt jemima against the run, it makes one wonder why Ed Hartwell was cut??? Odell Thurman sure would be a nice compliment to our other two LB’s, with Capt.Kirk as the leader of that position, I think that his guidance could keep Thurman out of serious trouble, just a thought.
Kiffin seriously dropped the ball with Mario Henderson. With that pick we could’ve gotten wr’s D-Jack, Harry Douglas, Mario Manningham, Or Early Doucet; dt’s Dre Moore, Marcus Harrison, Red Bryant, Frank Okam, or Pat Sims; lb’s Shawn Crable, Xavier Adibi, Bruce Davis, Dan Connor, Cliff Avril, or Phillip Wheeler. Any one of those players could have helped more than Mario Henderson is.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Jim Lofton (A.I.), I’d rather have a head coach that’s going to second guess Al, even if he’s already on an island, than someone I refer to as “Norv Lofton”, for obvious reasons. If Kiffin is here next year, we’re a playoff team next year. End of story. If Kiffin is canned while the cake is half baked, we have to start from scratch again. You are not going to just piece a playoff team together with free agents when you don’t have a system in place. Love Kiffin or hate him, he has a system.
I have a question for the Fire Kiffin crowd:
1) What’s more important to you guys; Winning, or the coaches being loyal to Al Davis?
August 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Did i hear Arizona defenders yelling “IM IN “as they broke thru the line?
August 24th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Joe Horn? A good veteran presence in the receiving corps?
August 24th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Can we get the reciever from the cardinals??????????????????????? YES WE CAN!!!!!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Severeraider,
In your first paragraph, you say that “Al needs to” bring in more talent.
In your last paragraph, you blame Kiffin for bringing in Mario Henderson.
So…where’s the buck stop with personnel, in your mind?
August 24th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Severeraider Henderson was drafted LAST year…not this year…..
August 24th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Don’t let facts get in the way of Severeraider blaming Kiffin for Henderson, Copenhagen. Everything’s Kiffin’s fault. Don’t try to distract from that.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:06 am
I don’t know who is calling plays, if its Kiffin or Knapp, but they did a horrible job. The pass plays that they were calling were bad and executed even worse, by all parties involved. Jamarcus missed Javon on a few plays,at least 2 trying to force it into Miller and one on the int trying to hit Curry. He also at times held the ball way too long and made some sloppy reads. Only 50% passing and no TD’s against the “vaunted” Arizona secondary aint cuttin it. Adrian Wilson IMO is in the discussion for the best Safety in the league but past him i see nothing. Its not as if palyers weren’t getting open either, Russell just missed reads and throws.