Waiting word on Kelly
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 at 4:45 pm in Oakland Raiders.
It’s the players day off and as of now there have been no major announcements or impending press conferences coming from 1220, Harbor Bay Parkway.
So we’ll declare this post largely a “Kiffin-Davis free zone” and for the most part avoid the issue of job security and go straight to some quick hits:
– Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly was arrested and booked into Alameda County Jail within the last two days. Was notified of it Monday night but was without a corresponding charge at the time. A Sacramento radio station says he was arrested for DUI, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
More information will follow after learning the nature of the arrest.
– It will be interesting to see if the Chargers fall into the self-pity trap after being Hochulied against the Denver Broncos and getting hosed on what should have been a fumble but was called an incomplete pass.
It’s not nearly as serious, but it reminds me of the “Tuck Rule” game.
Two things can be equally true. You can get screwed by the officials but still make the plays to win the game. San Diego gave up a third-and-10, a fourth-and-4 and a two-point conversion after Ed Hochuli’s blunder.
The Raiders were screwed by Walt Coleman but still had to surrender a big punt return which led to Adam Vinatieri’s miracle field goal and could have stopped the Patriots in overtime.
Yes, they got a bum deal, and yes, they still could have won.
Dwell on the first, and you become a victim. Understand the second, and you become a team.
The Raiders were bitter, but rebounded the next year and won an AFC title. They can only hope the Chargers, who visit the McAfee Coliseum the week after the Buffalo game, are not as resilient.
– The Raiders weren’t sure when running back Darren McFadden got his case of turf toe, but Kiffin said it may have happened on his 50-yard run. He didn’t attribute McFadden’s curious fade to the injury however, believing it was a combination of tying up like a sprinter in the 400 meters and concern over a potential fumble (which he did anyway . . . it went out of bounds).
Hope that is indeed the case. Turf toe can be a season-long issue if severe enough. Charles Woodson spent the entire 2001 season missing practice all week and receiving injections to play every Sunday.
– The injuries to McFadden and Justin Fargas underscored the belief of both Kiffin and Greg Knapp that having three running backs was not a luxury but a necessity.
– You watch what Denver did to the Raiders and again to San Diego on Sunday, then watch Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb light it up Monday night and wonder how long it will take until JaMarcus Russell is at the controls of something similar.
Kiffin, as usual didn’t sugarcoat the issue when I asked him about it Monday.
“We continue to have the same issues,” Kiffin said. “I couldn’t tell you right now that we could go out and win a game throwing the ball around.”
– There wasn’t a personnel men on the planet who would have taken Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards over Russell in the draft.
Just goes to show what being to camp on time and getting valuable experience as a rookie can do. Edwards has guided the Bills to a pair of wins and looked good doing it.
When the Raiders travel to Buffalo Sunday, they can only hope Russell plays as well as Edwards.
– Got a chance to catch up with former Raider and current San Leandro police officer Kenny Shedd for a profile which ran Monday.
– Kirk Morrison had a terrific game against the Chiefs and was rewarded with being nominated for an NFL defensive player of the week award for which fans can cast their vote on NFL.com.
I submit two other defenders had even better ones. Weakside linebacker Thomas Howard led the Raiders with seven tackles, had a sack, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hurry, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. It might have been his best game as a pro.
Defensive tackle Gerard Warren had five tackles, a 10-yard sack, a tackle-for-loss and a quarterback hurry. He was so good he was the victim of a double-hold by two defenders which went undetected on the Chiefs lone touchdown, a 2-yard pass from Tyler Thigpen to Tony Gonzalez.
– OK, can’t resist. A couple of Kiffin-Davis related items.
Former Raiders center Adam Treu took Kiffin to task in his guest column in the National Football Post for putting his own interests above those of the team.
Treu’s viewpoint is noble, but probably not shared by everyone in the locker room, with many of the players looking out for themselves just as the coaches do. Offensive linemen tend to be more old-school, playing a position where they receive very little credit, succeed only as a unit and are the essence of team thought.
– One more. There’s a rumor being floated in New York that Kiffin could be a candidate at Syracuse should the school fire Greg Robinson, whose team is 0-3, coming off a loss to Akron and losing by a combined 11 touchdowns.
Davis went to Syracuse and fondly remembers the experience, regaling former Orange and ex-Raiders such as Roland Williams and Johnnie Morant with its history.
There is no substantiation whatsoever, but I can put four letters together which would form the first word out of Davis’ mouth should it become a legitimate story.
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September 16th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
First Beeeitches
September 16th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Dont Fire Kiffen
September 16th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
2-1 Baby Just win this ish
September 16th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Bring on Buffalo, they will be a true test of our D.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
this what happens when you pay average players elite player money
September 16th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Russell will own Beefalo…breakout game 300 yards and 3 tds…
September 16th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
At least the NFL admitted they were wrong in the San Diego instance. The Raiders on the other hand after the Tuck bs, were told to go Fk themselves, Jerry.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Kelly…you friggin moron!! Don’t you make enough money to spring for a driver or cab???
September 16th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Dakota I thought you didn’t smoke trees?
September 16th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Jeez, it just keeps getting crazier.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Hello
September 16th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry…………..I thought your were going to actualy come up with the Van Halen album on that one.
For
Unlawful
Carnal
Knowledge
Might that be the ticket?
September 16th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Kelly didn’t take a cab because no one had change for a milion
September 16th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Jacksonville only put up 17 aginst Tenn and 16 aginst Buffalo. Sounds like they could be sliding just like others in the AFC.
Buffalo could be the team at the right place at the right time. They could be the product of others misfortunes and not that good of a team. I guess we will find out if they ARE that good or just that lucky on Sunday. Is it Sunday yet?
September 16th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
The more money you make the more stupid you get!(JAVON Walker and now Kelly)
September 16th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
ok we need to win by 2 tds to shut bspn up.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
J Rus doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards. If he threw for 150 with a TD and no INT’s, I would be happy.
He has got to get his footwork down. His accuracy is leaving a lot to be developed. I have faith in the foundation, he just needs to slow down and do thing the way they should be done.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I would be nice to see him throw for 300 and 3 TD’s
September 16th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
If the bills are from Buffalo and there team name is the Bills why is there mascot a Buffalo and not a Bill?
September 16th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I’m not surprised buffalo is doing well, the bills are past due, especially at my house.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Wow,, another bad situation for the Raiders. Last year it was Dominic Rhodes with the DUI, now it our 54million dollar man Kelly. It never ends with the Raiders. I dont understand why some of the richest players make some of the poorest decisions. If we could just have one week without some bullsh;t going on with Oakland I’d be happy. We have the right colors; Silver & Black, because being a true Raiders fan will turn your hair silver and you will lose so much sleep you’ll end up with black racoon eyes.
IM IN,,,(search of Tommy Kelly’s car keys)
September 16th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
right there with ya R8R
September 16th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
why do you brush your teeth with a toothbrush and not a teethbrush?
September 16th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Rick
Tommy is looking for his new bently right now too.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Yup,
http://www.raidernationstation.com/
I wonder if theres anybody besides William Joseph in FA or trade.
Kiff said be fore they let him go that he was ok against the run.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
“He might be, pound for pound, the toughest guy I’ve ever seen,” John Gruden on Kenny Shedd 1999.
http://www.sfisonline.com/e/a/1999/09/07/SPORTS6347.dtl
September 16th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
If Curry had caught any of those passes…….Russell would be having a better year. He’s the leader. 84% passer rateing.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I only have one tooth
September 16th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Kris
for the same reason you park in a driveway and wind up drive on the parkway, unless it’s quiting time.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I’m surprised that the Raiders with their bad boy rep haven’t had more problems. Frankly, they’ve been pretty good up till this incident.
Look at Denver’s messes over the last few years.
Travis Henry and Marshall come to mind, but they had Clarrett awahile back too.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
#23…because the Tooth Brush was invented in Kansas.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Shedd!
I was born in San Leandro. Props!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
If JR could get his footwork down more of those passes would be on target and would be caught. Its the little things keeping him back right now. Experiance will fix it, experiance and good coaching.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I’m out to get some food.
Later Nation.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Jerry Mac said:
“It will be interesting to see if the Chargers fall into the self-pity trap after being Hochulied against the Denver Broncos and getting hosed on what should have been a fumble but was called an incomplete pass.”
——————————————————-
Didn’t Russell do the exact same thing against the Broncos WK one?
Ball slipped out and they called it a fumble.
Hocker made the diff by blowing the whistle. Schtoopid..
September 16th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
If JR has time to set His feet his footwork will be fine.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
NC. Yeah Russell’s mechanics and leaving his feet for every throw seems to affect his accuracy…
September 16th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Tommy Kelly gets a DUI I forgot he was Irish
September 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Nice to have a day without more of the Kiffin Davis drama.
http://www.examiner.com/x-514-Oakland-Raiders-Examiner
September 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
“Just goes to show what being to camp on time and getting valuable experience as a rookie can do. Edwards has guided the Bills to a pair of wins and looked good doing it.”
——————————————————-
Forgot to mention Marcus Stroud at DT, Poslyzny at LB and LEE EVANS at WR.
The Bills are a solid QB and someinjuries away from being a play off team.
Oakland is not.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Tommy “Fighting Irish” Kelly
September 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
You guys are way to stress… Relax
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/werksracer/ASIAN%20Women/KTSO-GreatASS.jpg
September 16th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
“The Raiders weren’t sure when running back Darren McFadden got his case of turf toe, but Kiffin said it may have happened on his 50-yard run. He didn’t attribute McFadden’s curious fade to the injury however, believing it was a combination of tying up like a sprinter in the 400 meters and concern over a potential fumble (which he did anyway . . . it went out of bounds).”
Not to mention the fact he carried the ball FOUR times in a row including a 21 yarder before the break away.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I knew that I left my dental floss some where
September 16th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Its a tough spot for Kiffin to be in this week @ Buffalo.
Even Parcells might loose if he was coach of raiders against Buffalo.
Raiders playing second road game in a row, with rookie QB, some injuries to running game… Suspect defense.
This has the lookings of a beatdown, and Kiffin getting wrongly axed…
Hopefully it aint so!!!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I think Adam Treu is still bitter about being dropped.
Didn’t leave on good terms but Oakland wasn’t into keeping him around as simply a long snapper.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Why is a bra singular but panties plural??
Buffalo is a good team. They revamped their defense by getting Marcus Stroud from Joke-sonville and drafting McKelvin to play corner. Turk Shonert is now their new offensive coordinator and he uses Edwards well. Edwards is a very accurate passer. Once again with the swirling winds in Buffalo, we HAVE to shut down Marshawn Lynch, my guy from Cal.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Not necessarily because of this arrest, but the thing that worries me most as a fan about the money thrown at Walker and Kelly is I wonder if it will keep the Raiders from being able to re-sign Morrison, Howard, Burgess and/or Nnamdi when their contracts run out.
Walker and Kelly could still come through and play well. But neither would’ve got half what the Raiders paid them anywhere else and neither has done anything to prove they’re nearly worth their salaries.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Oakglenn, good write up on Buffalo, and about how improved their defense is. If Kiff’s offense struggles Sunday, we’ll remind you of it.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
“The injuries to McFadden and Justin Fargas underscored the belief of both Kiffin and Greg Knapp that having three running backs was not a luxury but a necessity.”
Don’t know if they know how long aFarg will be out but anyone remember Louis Rankin who broke some big runs in Pre?
He’s on the practice squad.
Granted he’s probably not the well rounded, blocking rreceiving option they would like, but he can scoot at least till fragile Farg returns.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
F–k the Bills. We can take them.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Yo Dirty I like the way you’re thinking bro…
September 16th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
BTW, re: Tommy Kelly,
Nice personnel move, Al.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
ok last one goodnight Nation!
media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/Detour/ASS.png
September 16th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Chris
YEP!
we got this Bush is the truth and the NFL will know it after sunday!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I thought maybe the Bills might look past us but they have the Rams after they play us.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Chris in NY:
“Walker and Kelly could still come through and play well. But neither would’ve got half what the Raiders paid them anywhere else and neither has done anything to prove they’re nearly worth their salaries.”
Kelly and Wlaker were garnering interest and likely would’ve gotten paid somewhere else, but Walker especially may have been over paid.
Al’s old school Jim Plunkett philosophy won’t work on todays selfish uncaring athletes.
Thats his greatest mistake.
His “pay a man what he’s worth and he’ll earn it.” creedo shows he’s out of touch with todays players. Players that got spoiled by Gene Upshaw’s diligent work.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hey Nnamdi21
Treu ruptured his quad tendon in 2006, thus ending his career. He thought about retiring since 2003 since it was no longer fun and Oakland was starting their slow slide.. Saying he’s bitter is easier than admitting the Raiders are a mess.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Oh, I forgot, it’s Kiffin’s job to keep Kelly from drinking and driving…
September 16th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
there is no way in hell that lynch is overrated. the bills are good but theyre not great. we cant compare how many points other teams score on them cuz we cant score like other teams. we need to be creative and aggressive. i say play action deep to lelie 1rst play of the game just 2 atleast givem them the impression that we will open it up. if we have success then we can pick our spots. we will run the ball but if there was a time to jump start this offense its now. we cant afford to wait 2 many games for walker or the other wrs 2 show up. get miller involved with madsen and send dmc and bush down the field and with screen passes. we need to get young jeezy some confidence throwing the ball. we have to force the issue but in a creative manner. screw curry get chaz involved more.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Buffalo is going to be tough, I think they are getting that cinderella aroma, lets hope the refs don’t help them out… I think if we BLITZ enough we should have a decent defensive outing, if rob friking ryan goes all prevent again it going to be a beat down…
September 16th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
So, Kiffin fails on two counts.
First, he doesn’t make Kelly an all pro.
Secondly, he did not prevent Kelly from getting into a car drunk.
It’s Kiffin’s job to get Al’s players into the pro bowl and to babysit everyone on the team, 24/7. That’s what he gets paid to do. It’s his job. You know, in today’s economy, some people would be happy to have a job where they have no control over anything yet still get blamed for everything. The nerve on that snot nosed kid…
September 16th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
MR, did you see us win on Sunday!!! We have a game ball for you MR for being our #1 fan!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Walker and Kelly should be ashamed of themselves for taking advantage of the elderly. I guess Walker had a conscience.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Agreed Howard and Kirk were playing out their minds on Sun. Both of those guys are going to be probowl LBs if they continue to play at that level. Kirk was the nominated for player of the week, but Howard could have easily had 2 ints himself.
Along with Nandi and a young Hall (only 24), this defense has a young core that will be very interesting. Add that too the young offensive weapons and you can see what the Raiders are cooking.
If they can keep this team together they will mature into a nice group.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
All I know about Buffalo is that Oakglenn said their D is improved. So, if Kiffin’s offense struggles, we know why. Thanks, Oakglenn.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
russell also needs to run for that first down when nobody is open. there are times where he is looking downfield 2 long. i like that he wants to get it downfield but sometimes its better to take the yards when they are there. i hope they preach that 2 him as much as no turnovers. knowing when to buy time to throw and when 2 tuck n run is part of the decision making process as well. he did it at lsu.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
We are going to have to commit 8-9 guys up, leaving our corners on an island. Hopefully it works.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Buffalo is the real deal. The Jags could not stop their offense, period. I don’t see McFadden running all over that defense. The speed of that group is something you have to see in person. Try blitzing Edwards and well, good luck. Gregg Williams tried it Sunday and Buffalo marched 83 yards to open the game with Edwards perfect on the drive. The Raiders are really going to have thier hands full…
September 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Chris in NY,
When has the salary cap ever got in Al’s way. He’ll sign who he wants to keep. Thats one thing that you dont have to worry about when it comes to the Raiders.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I’m not a Bronco fan, Cutler. Do me a favor, go eat an entire bag of Halloween candy and toss your insulin.
September 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Oh, so, I’m a Bronco fan today?
How do you guys choose which team I’m a fan of, anyway? Do you spin a wheel?
Yesterday, I was a Niner fan.
Day before that, Chargers.
Day before that, Bucs.
Today, Broncos.
Do you just randomly pick them, or is there a method?
September 16th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
MR
Nice cun tler blast!
September 16th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Don’t worry, Oakglenn. Buffalo will pick on Hall and basically bend him over, but we know it’s Kiffin’s fault. It’s Kiffin’s responsibility to make DeAngelo Hall an all pro.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
The top 4 rushing teams in the league are Baltimore, Atlanta, Us and Minnesota. What do all those teams have in common??? Inexperienced QB’s. Defenses are going to catch up to that pretty damn fast.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I’m really upset at Kiffin right now. We know Hall’s going to get abused on Sunday and it’s all Kiffin’s fault. It is Kiffin’s responsibility to make DeAngelo Hall an all pro corner this season. Damn you, Kiffin. Fire him. There’s no doubt in my mind James Lofton will make DeAngelo Hall an all pro corner this season, which IS the head coach’s job, btw.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
MR I didn’t know you were friends with Cun tler.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
i would like to see huff have a big game. he made some nices plays breking up some passes so hopefully thats just a start.burgess and warren need to bring it just like they did sunday but more.if burgess can play at his 05 level that will elevate that line a whole lot. my concern is the fact that lynch breaks a ton of tackles and is very patient with his blocks. he also catches well out the backfield. we have to play smart as much as we do aggressive to win. as much as we will run we need to pass early to get jeezy in a rhythmn. move the pocket around like denver did with cutler to get him comfortable. atleast challenge them deep with mcfadden out wide instead of how they did with fargas.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I hope Kelly learns from his DUI so that it doesn’t happen again. If this is his first offense it probably won’t result in a suspension, and even if it did it would probably take month for the case to wind its way through the system so any suspension would probably not come until next year. Kelly should count himself lucky that nothing even more serious came of this.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
harshing my buzz OG
September 16th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Oakglenn, how do you decide which team I’m a fan of?
What happened to me being a whiner fan? Now it’s Broncos all of a sudden? The 49ers and Broncos are two mutually exclusive franchises. They play in different conferences. Their primary fan bases are over a thousand miles apart. Which is it? Just come up with a team to accuse me of being a fan of, and settle on it already. I’m trying to help your credibility, here.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
SAVE THE FRANCHISE!
http://savethefranchise.proboards105.com/
September 16th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Oakglenn, why are you engaging your so called “trolls” and posting under other peoples’ names? These are two things you’re constantly ordering others in here not to do, yet you’re doing it right now. Why don’t you practice what you preach?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
How come the Raiders’ beatdown of the Chiefs in KC is being written off as the Chiefs being the worst team in the history of the NFL? Nobody was saying the Chiefs were that bad when New England had to make a last-minute goalline stand at home to stop KC from forcing overtime in Week 1.
Watch. If we break the Bills on Sunday all the writers and assorted BSPN “Experts” will disregard it as the Bills being overrated or overconfident.
I wish the Raiders would go in there and just get nasty. Knock some teeth out. Dominate this game.
I’d love to see the Defense and O-Line have an encore performance. Bring the Blitzes, Senor Ryan, you GD nutcase. Bring ‘em all day long.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
ez solution 408. Let Jam throw the rock every once in awhile to keep the D honest. I have a funny feeling jam is up for it.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
You guys I’m hearing a farting noise coming from the Bronco blog. Do you guys think that’s MR over there?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
If Mc fadden can go its time to line him up like Philly does Westbrook , in the slot, wideout, QB, whatever it takes to get him in open space.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Oakglenn, who does Russell throw the ball too? Miller will be covered. There is no one else. Do you even know what you’re talking about?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
very nicely put RaiderTay
September 16th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Thanx OG
I think Jamarcus is due to have a break out game! Kiffin might as well take the training wheels off..
September 16th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
See MR. R8R4FER answered your question before you even asked it. Freaky huh??
September 16th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Oakglenn, did you spin some sort of wheel to come to the conclusion that I’m a donks fan today? I was a whiner fan yesterday. Now, today, you’re posting under the name Jay Cutler (something you order others in here not to do) and accusing me of being a donks fan. And, why are you even engaging me? You tell everyone else not to. So, why can’t you? Pride issue? Do you know I’m right? I think so.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Yeah 408, Jam is going to be absolutely spectacular in this league. His first two starts were better than any of us expected I think. The last game he took a bit of a step back, which you kind of expect. Rookies are going to be inconsistent. This next week, he may have another good game, and my feeling is you have to try to utilize this guy not just jump on your RB’s and grind them into the ground.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
LOL. I told everyone in here we’d end up having McFadden in the slot, the day we drafted him. I was shouted down. Now, you guys are giddy about it. I know you guys better than you know yourselves.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
What wrong MR?? Did you not get enough juice??
September 16th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
OK I lied what are we argueing about? I want to join!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Marley, dig up any one of my several comments on draft day about us eventually putting McFadden in the slot. Also dig up the several comments angrily disputing my prediction.
Without getting your shorts in a bind, Marley.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
MR I always thought you were a whiner fan. And look, someone is going to get your little 49er jammies all warm from the dryer and you can have some juice and take a nap, and we’ll still be here talking football. Real football. Raider football.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
What the hell are you talking about now, Oakglenn?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Now, I’m back to being a whiner fan? Are you for real? My god you’re an idiot.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Q: Did the Oakland Raiders draft Darren McFadden to be a slot back?
A: No.
Desperate franchise in disarray, anyone?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
mr=bla bla bla like normal…mr you were actually sounding good lately, start the day over or something
September 16th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Mr.
Did you get the post I left you the other day?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
With Fargas DMC and BUsh it makes sense to have your best athletes on the field.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
No El Dirty, I didn’t get your message. But this comments section still works, last I checked. you just type in what you want to say, then press submit.
Snake, what can I say? I’m hurt. Next.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
yea well stick to something constructive, you have been close to point on at times, and it was very nice to see a point of view from you intead of the ongoing drama
September 16th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I never go back to read past comments. I treat this zoo like a chat room, anymore. If you’re here, let’s get in the ring and dance, sucka. If not, some other time. Life’s too short.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Snake, what have you said “constructive” today?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
bla bla bla was pretty good…was my first post, but your too good to go back to see that
September 16th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Watching the game on tv Sunday it looked to me like most of JR’s incompletions were throw aways when the reciever he was going to was covered. Misfortunitely on tv I could not see if there were other recievers who were open who JR failed to see.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Snake, I’m not too good to read your “Blah blah”. I read it. Didn’t feel it was worth much of a response. That’s why I sarcastically told you that it hurt my feelings. You know, if you’re going to call others out for not being constructive, you might want to have just one constructive thing to say, yourself.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Did you guys hear me?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Oak….I am sore from earlier today…..
September 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I don’t think JaMarcus was necessarily bad vs. KC. Kiffin realized the defense was going to shut down the Chiefs offense and the running game was picking up yards. JaMarcus’ job became ‘don’t turn it over and make the occasional playaction dump off pass to keep KC remotely honest about defending the pass.’
I just hope Kiffin doesn’t go to that strategy too early, too often. You’ve gotta let JaMarcus carry this team sometimes too, he’s capable. Always be looking for the knockout blow.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Use lube next time…..
September 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I love cock!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
=)
September 16th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Davis thinking of his ego, but not his players
Gwen Knapp, Chronicle Staff Writer
(09-15) 20:24 PDT — A brilliant football mind recognizes patterns and anticipates whatever his opponent might be planning next. So how could Al Davis not have foreseen Lane Kiffin’s repudiation of the Raiders’ defensive schemes last week?
It was a variation, a very slight one, on the play Kiffin has run repeatedly for the last six months. He telegraphed it for the owner at least a dozen times in training camp, whenever he disclaimed responsibility for the pricey free agents that the Raiders had acquired, apparently by dropping bills out of a helicopter and seeing who grabbed them the fastest.
Politicians don’t stay on message as well as Kiffin did.
Davis either missed the pattern or waited for the young rebel to take it to extremes, in hopes of voiding his contract on claims of insubordination. The latter might be smart business. Neither is smart football.
Two games into the season, and now after an unexpectedly poised victory in Kansas City, the head coach faces an imminent pink slip. This is the wrong adjustment at the wrong time.
Kiffin might not deserve better, but the fans and players do. Once Davis decided not to fire the head coach in the offseason, he owed it to his team to avoid the chaos of a September coup. Davis should have given Kiffin a full vote of confidence and vowed, both publicly and privately, to cede all control to the head coach.
It wasn’t going to happen. It’s not the Raiders’ way. Then again, neither is winning, at least not in the last five years.
But at some point, doesn’t Davis have to re-examine the Raiders’ way, asking himself why he has had four head coaches since 2003? He might even question why his once-vaunted ability to discover rising stars in the coaching ranks yielded respected leaders for other teams - Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan, who became fierce expatriates and put a world of hurt on the Raiders.
Hours after Kiffin left the field in Kansas City on Sunday, fully aware that reports of his demise loomed in the air, he should have taken some solace from Shanahan’s boldness in the final minute of Denver’s win over San Diego. The last Raiders’ coach fired in midseason, Shanahan called for a two-point conversion with 24 seconds left, refusing to go for the tie.
Only supreme job security made that decision possible. Shanahan has earned it, plus two Super Bowl rings, in Denver.
All in all, it’s no wonder that Kiffin doesn’t fear Davis’ wrath. It has become almost a badge of honor.
The dutiful coaches, from Mike White to Joe Bugel to Norv Turner and Art Shell, might have gotten something out of their submission, but it wasn’t a winning team. Kiffin saw that pattern and broke it. That doesn’t prove he has a brilliant football mind, but it certainly suggests that he has a competent one.
So does his handling of quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who has been supported by a running game that Kiffin employs extensively, partly as a way of letting Russell develop slowly. Davis has poured at least $31.5 million into Russell, and so far the 33-year-old head coach has protected his boss’ investment better than many older coaches who have been handed a No. 1 draft pick. How insubordinate is that?
Kiffin will be fine if this all ends now, both richer and wiser. He said as much Monday, as he tacitly acknowledged the truth about his circumstances.
“I think it’s been a great experience so far for me,” he said, when asked if he had any regrets about leaving Pete Carroll’s USC staff to run the Raiders last year. “And to deal with adversity that I’ve had to deal with and all the different changes on the roster and all the issues that you guys are continuing to talk about, I think it’s great for me to have to deal with this at the age that I’m at.”
The players are a different story. Davis has always been lauded for his generosity toward loyal Raiders, particularly the retirees with medical problems - but there is nothing crueler to football players than setting them up for failure, which is exactly what he has done by trying to outmaneuver Kiffin.
For committed, talented players such as Nnamdi Asomugha, whom the Raiders cornered with their franchise tag to keep him from leaving as a free agent, this predictable chaos ranks as the worst sort of betrayal. They have achieved dream careers, guaranteed to be both brief and dangerous, and some of that precious time might be squandered on a silly spat of egos.
It’s a small miracle that the Raiders won in Kansas City, even against the pitiable Chiefs. Somehow, Kiffin and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan sufficiently set aside any bad feelings from their dueling news conferences last week, the team got past the drama of it all, and everyone blocked out thoughts of the horrendous opening-night loss to Denver.
It might have been a brief respite from incurable dysfunction and the inevitable march toward Kiffin’s ouster. But it was impressive, and perhaps the perfect lesson for Davis. If only he hadn’t missed so many messages already.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/16/SPRG12UDKA.DTL
September 16th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Do you Raider fans respect those of us who live an alternative lifestyle?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Yeah he just throws it away and that’s better then a pick but he has to start dropping bombs!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
To my clone,
I usually put “none” in the website box, making my screen name bold print. If you’re going to clone me, do it right.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Ha ha, KK. #129. Perfect.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
whats with the perv post?
Yo MR is that you or 1 of your fans?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
What is the worst scenario for Kelly if this is his first offense? I cannot see him being suspended given the fact that Marshall appealed his down to one give all of his peccadilloes.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
408. Must be that Spider freak.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
A suspension would prove quite costly given Kelly’s new salary.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
The Davis Doctrine….LOL!
September 16th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Fake MR, you just put any word in the website box. Put “none” in there, because that’s what I normally put. Do we have to teach you everything? You’re expected to know how to clone other names on your own, in here. We’re not running a school.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
al Davis=king of the world
September 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Any thoughts on the Kelly situation?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Chaos shhhhhh he might hear you and show up again that guy is freaking annoying…
MR ok dude I suppose your right.. so who is 141?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
On KC’s TD play the other day as I watched the play unfold I wasn’t hoping for a flag to come out, I was expecting a flag to come out. Warren was breaking through the line cleanly and would have been right in the qb’s face. The qb might not have even had a chance to release the ball, but Warren was practically tackle from both sides by offensive linemen.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
The Kelly arrest makes Al look even more senile. Kelly is obviously committed to excellence. Why can’t that moron get a ride when he is tanked?
September 16th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
How the hell should I know who he is? Ask the mods. I would say Oakglenn but when he posts under my name he’s usually smart enough to put “none” in the website box, as I do. I’ll give him that much. I don’t know who this new clown is. I couldn’t care less. It’s just annoying to see that he can’t get that one simple detail right. Raider fans don’t even know how to troll blogs anymore. The whole franchise is just falling apart, piece by piece.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Brien.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Brien is the troll…..
September 16th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Here’s a thought on Kelly, I’m glad he didn’t kill anyone, now get out there and earn your MILLIONS.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
raider fans dont know how to troll blogs…..yea o so your not a raider fan as expected
September 16th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
The woman of my dreams.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
As our Alameda County campaign manager recently reminded us, the greatness of this economy is in the future.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Brien= troll? makes zero sense
September 16th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Al Davis= the coach…….I’m fine with that
September 16th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Long live Al!!! Long live Al!!!
September 16th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I support Mr. Davis’ policy to premptively strike at any coach that may threaten Raider National security.
Pride, Poise and Cadillac.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Experience? I can see Jim Plunkett’s head from my house.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Al Davis rules god dammit!!!! Kiffin is twiddlin his fingers now like “Oops I fugged up, maybe I need to toone it down before I get canned”………sorry but he will be gone eventually……….I’m glad that disloyal punk is on his way out
September 16th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Amy Trask stole my hairdo, but she gave me great advice on how to keep a straight face with an old wrinkly hand up my skirt.
Commitment to Demerol.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
The liberal Ibabozo.com moderator deleted my post expressing strong support for the Davis Doctrine.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Some of you guys keep mentioning that Ryan will need to blitz even more against Buffalo for us to have a chance.
Well, let me remind you again. Ryan doesn’t blitz, nor does he bring additional pressure. He tries to handle the game with the front four, and once in a while (count the times on your left hand) he will blitz.
Contrary to what many of you believe, he only blitz a few times against KC, and, in fact, on many downs he had a (3) man front. KC is so bad that we looked good and we did give them a beat down, but not because of pressure from Ryan, but rather from good play from most of the players.
If we win on Sunday, against Buffalo, it will be because
our offense stepped it up and good play from the defense, but without the blitz, or very little of it.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Hey brien.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Here is the tyrant and Amy Trask….
http://www.i145.photobucket.com/…/notsohotty/golum.jpg
September 16th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Mr.
I thanked you for the post you sent to spyder. It was cool of u.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
My Bad….http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r220/notsohotty/golum.jpg
September 16th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Here is the NFL policy on players conduct concerning DUI’s.
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/archives/015429.html
September 16th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
bartbridge,
I agree, in this game the unknown weapons must step it up. Schilens, Madsen, Watkins…and the passing game will be the key here in this game. Doing some screens to DMC, Bush and Griffin will be huge also. Get Zach involved also. They need to mix up the passing game and with the unknown 2nd string players to try and catch the buffalo defense off guard and keep them off balance because they will be expecting the run.
The offensive coaches have to call plays to allow Russell to get in a rythm first and mix up the run and then take stabs deep. In this game….the coaches will not be able to rely on the run game as much as they did last week IMO until the 2nd half most likely.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Yeh, Brien, after everything that’s happened, Kiffin really strikes me as the type who’s afraid to get fired. Don’t they let you guys read the paper in Santa Rita?
September 16th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
You’re welcome, Dirty One.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
yeah, teh key on defense as always will be to put consistant pressure on Edwards and disguise coverages to try and confuse him. Containing Lynch also is a key and don’t allow Evans to burn the secondary.
Ryan better not keep his dogs on leash (as he always does) because Edwards will make him pay. If Kiff gets canned, it scares to to think Ryan maybe the next HC…Ugh…
September 16th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Someone the other day made the comparison between Trask and Palin. Spot on, as well.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I can see Plunkett’s head from my house. LOL!
September 16th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Its Kiffins job not to undermine the team for his own personal gains and prepare them to play at a high level week to week. He would better serve his team by keeping his mouth shut about franchise issues till the seasons over. Calling out players and coaches is sometimes needed but to callout the owner during the season is a selfish act on Kiffin’s part considering the fued thats already present.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I think we will be able to run the ball on Buffalo as long as we pass in often enough and effectively enough that the Bills can’t just focus on stuffing the run. If the defense plays well we have a chance.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Lets make all the Raiders watch this to make up for Kelly’s lack of common sence.
http://www.pegasusdrivingschool.com/video/redasphalt5.php
September 16th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Trent Edwards has not proven anything yet. I hope he test this defense. Shanahan clearly identified all the tendencies of the defense, and got his offense into good match ups against an other wise solid pass defense. Jay Cutler was very patient, and he has a cannon for an arm that allowed him to fire those passes with a lot of confidence, velocity and accuracy. Cutler had enough sense to stay away from Namdi. He also threw 4 picks last year, and new his limits.
I hope Trent is arrogant enough to test the defense. If he does he will get burned.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Trent hasn’t thrown an INT yet this season. I hope that changes on Sunday. The Raiders D need to get more takeaways. The Raiders O needs fewer turnovers. If these 2 things can happen on Sunday the Raiders have a chance.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Hey guys, if you go to cbs5.com and go to videos they has a clip of Kiffin jogging outside of the Raiders HQ’s today, this blog will not lets me type the link. It’s pretty interesting.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
go to sports it’s the main video.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
How many reports have we gotten from the media about The Raiders that turned out to me wrong? I remember Rob Ryan being fired at the end of last season, Kiffin getting fired soon after, Russell balooning up to 300lbs, and now Kiffin getting fired again. I am sure that I am forgetting many more.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I don’t know Dick V, the way Edwards drove his team down the field in the fourth quarter last week in Jokesonville was pretty impressive. Right now they are playing like one of the best teams in the league. This will be an interesting matchup for us. Looking at the tape of the Denver game, we played better than the score indicated. Last week, we played extremely well. We are going to have to continue to improve in all aspects of the game and that includes coaching to have any chance in RW Stadium.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
*they have* lol I sound like a red neck there!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Jacksonville did not blitz Edwards on that last drive and most of the game.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
collective 951……..
Update.
I found a fellow Raider Nation citizen that is also a CPA. He is willing to help me to organize the correct management of funds for buytheraiders.com and do it pro bono.
We are using our networking and hope you all can do the same, to attract to us Raider Nation citizens who happen to be lawyers, so that we can then have the right means to set up legal trusts for the funds the Collective put in to buy our team, as well as set up our trustees and board.
The site is still not built yet, money of course, but the passion is growing stronger and more and more details (challenges) are being worked out by the day.
Sup Raider Nation!
Keep Kif, fire Al. Buy the team, control our fate.
I’m out for now.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
You have to put pressure on edwards force him to error
September 16th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
el dirty go to cbs4.com and then go to sports it a new video clip of kiffin today outside Raiders HQ joggin and he sees the reporters and stops and gives them an update. Good stuff.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Any qb good enough to be on an NFL roster will pick you apart if you give him enough time to throw.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I mean cbs5.com
September 16th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
our corners are going to have to earn their paychecks with those wideouts ugh rough game
September 16th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Where I find fault in Ryans thinking is the notion you can double up on a receiver and force a thrown into double coverage for the interception instead of committing a 5th pass rusher to force the pass much quicker with a higher percentage of results because of the sacks.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Shawn
I will check it out hit u up in a few
September 16th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
sithlord,
thats exactly the main thing that is problem with Ryans scheme…he refuses to make NECESSARY adjustments to put pressure from all angles on the QB when it is obvious the front four are not getting the job done. He doesn’t make adustments fast enough and it costs the defense big time in the end. When you out pressure on the QB, then it will allow our secondary to make plays on the ball and get INTS..
September 16th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
is Adam Schefter for real?
September 16th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
As a defense, you never want give the QB all the time in the world to throw, because even an average QB will have the chance to pick apart a secondary.
Ryan needs to utilize the talents that the defensive personnel have. SPEED! Use Hall and Routte on corner blind side blitzes, use Howard, Morrison and Brown on up the middle and outside blitzes, use Wilson on inside blitzes from time to time as well. Ryan needs to USE THE SPEED AND ATHLETICISM TO DISRUPT THE OPPOSING QB if the front four can’t get it done!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
DIRTY WE GOT THIS!
Nation Jamarcus has to step up as does kiffin by calling some bootlegs and play action.. Jamarcus wants to be great so here’s your chance kid.. Save your coach and the NATION the time is now!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
RD# 181
no he’s a clown! Why what did he say now
September 16th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
WTF
The management company for the San Jose Sharks announced Tuesday an international expansion into Asia with the China Sharks.
oh well I always liked asian women!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Oakglenn,
The thing is that now there is more tape on Edwards. Ryan and the defense have that much more insight on his tendecies, and his weaknesses. The Raiders will try to minimze what he likes, and will put him in situations that he is not as comfertable with.
Just like Jamarcus and Zach Miller. Every defense will game plan on miller in the passing game. De will line up over him, and covergae will roll his way until someone else can step up and take the heat: it needs to be Javon because everybody else is very green or just can’t do it.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Exactly Dick V. What I found really interesting was in the KC Cheat game, Cunningham really tried to take away our running game and was NOT able to do it. That is really impressive that Kiff, the offensive line and the backs just IMPOSED THEIR WILL on the the lame cheats. That is what Kiff has been talking about for months. Eventually, defenses will figure that out tho. Hence why I have been saying get Jam in the game a little more. Not a lot more, but a little more. Kiff has to start trusting Jam with more responsibilities if we are going to continue to win games.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
group of fools,nc,raiders!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I am off the Ryan band wagon, and I am still not sold on him despite the performance of the D vs KC; however, he brought blitzes from different angles. I even saw a few CoWboy blitzes against kc: weakside corner. He seem to make the neccesary calls and bring the pressure sunday: it could bea one time thing, but at least he brought some new looks.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Dick V, With the Bills offense you have to make Edwards beat you and I would send both Burgess and another rusher from the left side to force Edwards back the other way. He doesn’t have the athleticism to run to his left, and even if he did, he would be forcing throws right at #21.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Oakglenn,
But the passng game was way out of sync on Sunday. Jamarcus was forced to get rid off the ball because the receivers were covered, and a few times it seeed like the Wr were running the wrong rout and Jamarucs was throwing the ball to nobody: i am not sure what the problem is, but it was clear that passing game is not functional yet: not to take over a game. I think we will see a better performace by Jamarcus and co., but I am not sure about taking the leash off of Jamarcus yet.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
play the defensive scheme we played against the chiefs and we shall expose edwards. our secondary put with our LBS will stop that pass.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
man we just need better WRs
September 16th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Oakglenn you are right about Trent. I want to see what he has, and i think they are ready to take him out for a spin: the Raiders need to make him pay if he tries to test him. They got a lot of pressure on Sunday, and if they do the same we will see what young trent has.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Dick V, don’t get me wrong, we want to do EXACTLY what Kiff said and did in KC. We want to IMPOSE OUR WILL with the running game. No doubt. You are exactly right that our passing game is still a work in progress. Absolutely. But they have to get that fixed, or else it is going to be bad. We have to get Walker, Curry, Miller, Lelie, JLH, Chaz, Dmac slotted, maybe even Watkins. We have to get those guys on track or else teams are going to start shutting down the run, and then we will have big, big problems.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Anyone get fired yet?
September 16th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Honestly, I am more concerned with the run defense. If I am the Bills i would just keep pounding on the Raiders and see if they can hold up: even on Sunday we saw the lack of disciplne, and mental erros by the Raiders, but KC just outsmarted themselves, and did not have the perssonnel to beat the Raiders.
The Bills would be stupid to play into Oakland’s strength: we have to thank Denver if they do, and that would make up for the game we lost at home we should have won.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
By Monte Poole
Staff columnist
Article Launched: 09/16/2008 07:36:35 PM PDT
THOUGH SOME in the Raider Nation believe their favorite team would be better off without Al Davis, others insist the solution is finding yet another coach.
It’s OK to disagree on what’s best for the Raiders, but they should all agree on this: Fixing this mess is less about a new face on the sideline than about having a smart, talented facilitator.
Best person for that role? General manager.
Despite the coverage and debate as Davis deliberates firing Lane Kiffin, we all know a coaching change is not the panacea. The Raiders can’t become winners until someone can unify an organization that now exists as a collection of departments, each mostly unto itself.
There is one island for the players, another for assistant coaches, a third for the head coach. There is an island for player personnel, another for administration and the biggest, of course, belongs to Davis.
Missing in too many instances are bridges to connect these islands. Some are in disrepair. Most are neglected. A few have collapsed.
Organizations rarely succeed without unity, and the Raiders have been without it since Bruce Allen left to take a similar position in Tampa Bay.
When discussing the struggles of the franchise, employees past and present roll their eyes and point to a number of factors, such as the whimsical owner; the instability; the self-serving individuals; the misplaced priorities; the strained working relationships and those whose loyalty to Al has obscured what’s in the best interest of the organization.
For nearly all, though, it comes back to Allen. He found clever and subtle ways to challenge Davis, reach the coaches and address the unease in the building. Allen was the antidote to chief executive Amy Trask, who has earned a reputation as a tough woman, fiercely loyal to Al, with the people skills of a chain saw.
Allen was the one man during the past 13 years whose credibility ensured his words would be considered by anyone in the organization.
With Allen holding the place together, young coach Jon Gruden could do his job. It was a successful formula. During the Allen-Gruden years (1998-2001), the Raiders were 38-26. Subtract those seasons, and the Raiders are 50-96 since their return to Oakland.
Allen’s nominal replacement, Mike Lombardi, may have known more about football but he never had Al’s trust to the degree Bruce had. Furthermore, Lombardi did not — or could not — assuage fractured relationships in the same easy manner as Allen.
Lombardi left before the 2007 season. His nominal replacement, Mark Jackson, came at Kiffin’s request but without the NFL credentials of Allen or Lombardi. Jackson’s role is more restrictive, confined mostly to managing Kiffin.
Truth be told, every Raiders Super Bowl appearance has followed direct contributions from someone who could influence the roster, the coaches and the owner. They had Ron Wolf from 1966-75, and again from 1978-90. Davis and Wolf, at their peak, may have been the most effective executive duo in the NFL. Davis and Allen were pretty good, too, once Gruden arrived.
Gruden melted some of the ice around the organization. That he achieved a bit of celebrity was not appreciated by Davis who, according to several sources, undermined contract negotiations to keep Gruden in town, then traded the coach to Tampa Bay.
Having witnessed the Joe Bugel debacle of 1997, Allen had hustled to keep Gruden in Oakland. When Al called an audible, the 2002 NFL Executive of the Year, feeling undermined, lost his Oakland mojo and left after the 2003 season to join Gruden in Tampa Bay.
Wolf and Allen were able to challenge Al, reason with him, influence him. Though Wolf kept mostly to football, Allen facilitated numerous aspects of the operation.
Nowadays, no one can effectively challenge or reason with the boss. Unstable are bridges between Al and his coach, between the head coach and the assistants, between Amy and those trying to avoid her wrath, between the world as the Raiders see it and the world as it really is.
Firing Kiffin doesn’t fix the Raiders any more than a marijuana arrest wins the War on Drugs. It fails to address the larger problem.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I would like to see more of Chaz Schiilens and less of Ronald Curry.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Our defensive line played incredibly well on Sunday. Warren and Burgess were fantastic. 5 Sacks. And Burgess took that lame Thigpen guy down that was ruled an incomplete pass that should have been sack #6. Pretty damn dominating. The left side of the Bills Oline is going to be a problem. Hence why I say come around from his right, and let’s see what kind of athleticism Edwards has. My guess is not much.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Dakota, Only thing getting fired is us. We’re getting fired up. Hey it is Oakland: Plus a couple of joints and a few bongs.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Fire it up.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
damn that was a great take by Monte Poole. Hehit out of the park.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Dick V, I thought the Defense played with more discipline than I think I have EVER SEEN. They kept their gaps, didn’t over pursue. KC went nowhere. I have been saying Chaz really didn’t show me much, but in the Denver game, to me, he really came to play. Ran nice routes, showed some speed, good hands, he really showed me something in the first game. Believe me, I don’t want to see Jam throwing the rock around the yard. We’re not going to win games that way. But, I would like to see him try a couple of more throws each half for certain.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
CUBS WIN!
September 16th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Bring the house and make him challenge the corners over the top: that is why we have all that garunteed doe back there: make them earn it.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Monte did nail that one.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
They played one hell of a game on defense, but the offsides penalties still were annoying. The were definately amped up, and I am just wondering if a better team would have found some preesure points to exploit: fractures to bust through… we will learn more on Sunday versus a formidable opponent.