Madsen cut to make room for Troupe
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, September 20th, 2008 at 11:11 am in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders cut tight end John Madsen, a converted wide receiver who was in his third year with the Raiders, in order to bring aboard natural tight end Ben Troupe.
Troupe, at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, brings more bulk and blocking potential on a team which is committed to the run.
Madsen is a gifted athlete with good receiving skills who had difficutly carving out playing time, especially since starter Zach Miller is himself a gifted receiver.
A slot receiver in college at Utah, Madsen saw action in Week 1 against Denver but was inactive against Kansas City. He has 19 career receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
Troupe, 26, was cut this week by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to make room for Jerramy Stevens, who is coming off a two-game suspension.
In four years with the Tennessee Titans, Troupe caught 106 passes for 1,056 yards and 10 touchdowns. His best season was 2005, when he caught 55 passes for 530 yards and four scores.
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September 20th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Thanks Jerry for making wrong immediately lol
September 20th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Me*
September 20th, 2008 at 11:16 am
LOL..
September 20th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Well either way its an upgrade
September 20th, 2008 at 11:20 am
now we can run out of the double TE set with another true TE that can block….
imagine how that is gonna free up miller now….
its miller time.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:20 am
And fu©k forever,
If you don’t mind,
See I’m stuck forever
I’m stuck in your mind, your mind, your mind, your mind.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:21 am
STR..
that was exactly my thought too, last night when I read the news.. I love double TE formations =)
September 20th, 2008 at 11:24 am
We are going to see a passing game emerge in a few weeks
September 20th, 2008 at 11:26 am
I’ve got electric light.
And I’ve got second sight.
And amazing powers of observation.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Well. So much for converting Madsen to WR. The only thing I dislike about the move is that Madsen actually has hands. He can actually catch and hes tall so hes a big target. I thought it was stupid to have him as a TE but we need guys on the outside who will hang onto the ball.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:28 am
El Dirty..
yeah.. as I see it, they need to let Chaz get up on depth chart, and let Curry be a slot receiver or 4th..
Chaz and lelie on the flanks should stretch the field
September 20th, 2008 at 11:29 am
bout time the Raiders make a roster move that makes sense. Troupe’s blocking makes the o-line better and freeing Miller makes the receiving corps better. So we just upgraded our two biggest weaknesses on offense. Good call Al.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:31 am
P.S. Go Auburn tonight. own LSU
September 20th, 2008 at 11:32 am
LMN
WORD!
September 20th, 2008 at 11:34 am
LMN- Chaz is still inexperienced and doesn’t have the bets hands in the world. I know Curry doesn’t either but I feel more comfortable with him being matched up with Greer this week. If Curry doesn’t manage a good game against him, then we’ll switcheroo a bit. I’d also like to see Walker actually play in the regular season.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I haven’t seen Chaz have a drop yet in real game situation. Not saying it won’t happen. but Chaz should have a chance
September 20th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Has anyone ever heard of watchfootballlive.com. They claim you can watch any NFL game from your computer for $14.95.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:37 am
when i try to break through…..
on telelphone to you
they’ll be nobody home…..
does anybody here remember vera lynn
September 20th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Ahhhh Visions of 250 yards passing
September 20th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Pos Player Att Rec Yds YAC
WR Ronald Curry 9 2 18 2
WR Chaz Schilens 4 2 29 2
September 20th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Watchfootballlive.com isn’t real football, it’s that pansy assed european in your pants football.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Vera… Vera what has become of you..
September 20th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Nice to be wrong twice in a day thanks LMN Lol
September 20th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Here’s to Curry breezing past Greer.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Kaiser..
so you can see, Chaz should get a chance at flank, I rather see him on the flank, because Chaz is faster than Curry, and I think his hands is better.. way better in fact.. =)
September 20th, 2008 at 11:45 am
El Dirty..
what are you referring to
September 20th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Great signinmg by Al, adds bulk and allows us to use twin TE sets and actually send Miller out to catch passes. Madsen will not be missed and may not even catch on with another team.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:46 am
does anybody else in here feel the way I do?
September 20th, 2008 at 11:47 am
They claim to have NFL even show a Schedule. But Ill take yuor ord for it. Need to find a way to see the game tomorrow. Getting desperate!!!
September 20th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I said that Chaz hasn’t had a drop in week 1 or 2
September 20th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Oh well Madsen will catch on somewhere, just hope it’s not in KC or Denver.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I think the 2 TE set will work out good with the scheme…
would really like to see Chaz get some more work!
September 20th, 2008 at 11:50 am
cr4p they play college ball now, why not have that going in the background =)
I’m waiting for my guys and listing to some music =)
September 20th, 2008 at 11:51 am
El Dirty..
LOL haha, oh well its the curse of the male gene to be wrong my GF says =)
September 20th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I hope this spells the end of the tired Raider practice of playing players out of their natural positions.
I also hope that we lighten up on the practice of spending draft picks and free agent money on players coming off serious injury. I say lighten up because Michael Bush was a good pick up, plus he didn’t have ligament damage. Its a shame we wasted a 4th round this past year on a receiver that can’t help us and is sitting on IR.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:53 am
So true so true
September 20th, 2008 at 11:54 am
LMN- in regards to post 25. You have no idea what Curry can do as he can’t get open. Reason being, we have no real threats at WR to line up opposite him. This week against a very weak Buffalo secondary and with Walker playing more (hopefully) he should be able to have a good game. If not, then I agree, put someone else in there. Though I’d rather see Watkins over Schilens.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:55 am
[...] [Raiders] Raiders Cut TE John Madsen The Raiders cut tight end John Madsen, a converted wide receiver who was in his third year with the Raiders, in order to bring aboard natural tight end Ben Troupe. Madsen is a gifted athlete with good receiving skills who had difficutly carving out playing time, especially since starter Zach Miller is himself a gifted receiver. Source: Oakland Tribune [...]
September 20th, 2008 at 11:56 am
oh and S&B, I fully agree. We should have gotten a lineman with that pick.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Curry has more than enough opportunity to catch those balls he is not performing
September 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
like i said I give him one more game, two at the most.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Should have moved Madsen to Wide Receiver and cut Sam Williams…what does Williams do again?
September 20th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
every game is big, But this game at buffalo is our make or break game of the season.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
sam Williams is our new derrik gibson
September 20th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
post43 I disagree;next vs chockers will be bigger
September 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
does anyone know if the game will be broacast on cbs los angeles??
September 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
ps especially if we loose
September 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I hope we dont get the damn *harger game
September 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
on my tv it says tba
September 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
This game (Bills) is the biggest because of Davis’s one-and-done condition he has placed over Kiffin’s head.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
My wife makes me healthy snacks at home, at the sports bar all I eat is ..wings wings wings,..hoepfully its On regular tv!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I want to be a skinny raider fan, not a fat one
September 20th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
So who makes this sort of personel decision, the coaching staff or Davis?
September 20th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
did everyone read the stories and langston walker, are they trying to say hes a premier lt or just a decent one? and what ever happen to that kid boothe w/giants
September 20th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
# 48 - chargers play monday night - so you should get the Raiders bro!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
its really killing me that our new kid has the turf toe, can we catch a f7@nk break!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Yo S&B, Williams was an animal n collage, was a high draft pick, late first rounder I bielieve, and personal favorite and pick by guess who? That’s right, big Al will not give up on this guy because he is a Al special project. This guy has boatloads of talent, but like so many others, he cannot stay healthy, and when he is, his play is average at best. Sam Williams has been a bump on this roster ever since he was drafted. He should be cut immediately to open up a spot for a productive playmaker at the wideout position. Without the proper experianced recievers to help mold J-Russ, the Raiders may be in danger of underdeveloping the potential greatness of this young kid.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I made some crazy picks in my football pool this week…my 1st one is greenbay beating dallas, what do yall think
September 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Los Angeles Raider, why dont you brighten up and go to tvguide.com? yes its on ch. 2 at 10 am.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Whoever signed him GOOD JOB!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I would like to know…since 1990 how can players have we cut or not resigned that made the pro bowl>?
( someone run with that)
September 20th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
damn, someone woke up on the wrongside of the floor this morning…Geesh!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I wonder what Jerry is doing right now.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Raiderhoney — That’s what I figured…I think Madsen should have been retained and moved to wide receiver. He’s a former slot receiver and a big target.
Also, we are not good enough to have players on the roster that can’t play or can’t help us
September 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
jk Los angeles raiders…. use this site. its really usefull. i live in OC and use this everytime.
http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/
September 20th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Kind of sorry to see Madsen go. He had hands that worked. The last thing we need is receivers with no hands, ala like the Ricky “hands of stone” Dudley days. But here’s the rub: Hands are worthless if your legs or parts thereof are gone. Are you listening Walker? If you are not playing, you can’t make a difference.
The Jaguars are learning that lesson in spades. Jerry Porter strikes again. Thank goodness he’s no longer our concern.
But I digress. Back to Madsen. I just hope he doesn’t catch on with another AFC West team. I can see him coming back to haunt us.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
# 56 cool map!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
wow, I wouldnt have ever found that website, thanx
September 20th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
ya, that map is a real find! everyone should bookmark it and then send the Raiders back to LA
September 20th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I get the damn Cinn vs NY game. But so does SD. lol
September 20th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
2000 Giants vs. 2008 Raiders
1. Tiki - McFadden
2. Dane - Bush
3. Collins - Russell
4. TEs Dan Campbell & Howard Cross vs. Miller & Troupe
5. WRs Joe Jurevicius, Ike Hilliard, & Amani Toomer vs. Walker, Curry, Lelie, Higgins, & Others
Looks like a Jim Fassel will have a comparable roster when he takes over.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
NFl Ticket!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Other than nY and califonia, arkansas is the only other state that gets the raiders game?? any theories?
September 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
The signing of Troupe is really smart. This way you can now throw out of double tight End sets, and have more than one reliable Tight end to go to. While Tennessee thought Troupe should be more of a threat, he did catch over 50 balls a couple of years ago. How bad can a guy who catches 50+ passes be?? That Gruden would rather have Jeremy “Steroids” Stevens shows he doesn’t know what he is doing. Troupe was a 2nd round pick, and he is huge. Over 265 lbs with athletic skills.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
LAR, yeah. Four letters why Arkansas gets the Raider game: Dmac.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
No Fassel!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
oakglen..u are a smart MUtha#^#$%, I couldnt figure it out
September 20th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
i guess the whole start of Arkansas is a a Raiders state. welcome to the nation!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Dmac not only played there but is from the state of Arkansas and he’s really liked by the people of the state. And that is genuine. He’s very much loved there. That tells ya something.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
In retrospect, I think letting Madsen go was premature. He has value and does contribute when given an opportunity. My choice would have been Al Davis’ number 1 scholarship player Sam Williams. He’s usually injured when we really need him and his only real contribution is filling a slot on ST - Not what I call a high value asset.
I predict that if Madsen catches on with another team, he’ll come back & hurt us some time in the future. He’s never been fast but he did have good size, could usually always get open and DID catch the ball when it was anywhere near him.
I won’t second guess Kiffin’s choice but I do think he was told that Sam Williams has a “hands off” sign on him. Kind of a “do not tamper with this player without the expressed permission of Al Davis” sign. Why does that not surprise me?
September 20th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Remember, no F/A’s want to play for the Raiders. lol
At least Madsen gets his salary for the year even if its near minimum.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
sounds like you guys loved madsen more than al loved grant irons…madsen never really showed me anything
September 20th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
1. I am getting the freekn Bengals vs. Giants…don’t know who wants to watch that…back to the sports bar
2. Jim Fassell will probably be the next coach or Dennis Green…sigh….
3. Walker had better show up tomorrow!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I cant believer that ricky brown is considered a better player than hartwell brown
September 20th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
LOL. I swear to god. Just went through the past day’s comments; Could just one person who wants Kiffin gone make a case for a new head coach, outside of “the players will like him”? Can we get a name? Can you tell us what he’ll do that Kiffin isn’t…that will help us win football games? This is unreal.
And, where are people getting that the players don’t like Kiffin? All the players’ comments I see are positive. Real football players like winning, and are willing to work hard to get there. They don’t want it to be easy. Easy practices disturb them. They know in the long run they’re only cheating themselves. Real players want to work long hours, watch extra game film. They’ll find time to have fun on the off day. When they’re at the practice facility, it’s all business. And players like this appreciate a coach like Kiffin who gets on everyone’s asses, because these guys know the lazy players need it!
I’m yet to see a case made for any potential Kiffin replacement. Just “fire Kiffin, he’s disloyal to the great dark lord Al Davis, whaaa whaaa, he’s not a Raider, whaaaa”. No name for his replacement from you fools. That’s because you’ve never even thought about it. Well, we have. That’s why we know Kiffin is the best we’re going to get.
D Green’s not coming here. He never will. Neither will any authoritarian head coach. It’s either an aging puppet like Turner or Shell, or a young up and comer like Kiff. Since we already have the latter, Al needs to grow up and learn to work with him; That is, if he ever wants to see his team break the 5 win mark in a season again. Then again, maybe he doesn’t. That’s a whole other discussion.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
With our Wide Receiver problems, they should have at least given Madsen a shot at it. The other guys can’t seem to get open and are joined at the hip with the corners and linebackers that are covering them
September 20th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I have to be honest with you guys, I think this shift in offense is genius. Clearly things were not working and the entire way the offense was designed went down in flames the second O’Neal was lost for the season. So what do you do????? We are going to run the ball. That’s our strength, that’s what the coaches and owner want to do, No brainer. But, teams will start stacking the box, and the most reliable receiver we have, Zack Miller, is being blanketed more than a shivering infant. So, Lets get another TE, one who can block and catch, set up 2 TE running formations, and throw out of those formations. Pretty smart.
As for Madsen, I liked him initially, but he could not get open, and when he did, he could not come down with the ball. I don’t think he’ll catch on with another team. We’re better off with Ben Troupe.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Keep Kiffin, he had lots of close games last year and it takes 3 years to make a decision
September 20th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Plus al doesnt give him talent..thats 3 points MR
September 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Mr.
Well said
September 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Kiffin to OC: “I’m going to give Madsen a chance to get some minutes this week. Call him into my office!”
A few minutes later Madsen walk in with his playbook.
Madsen: “Here Coach Kiffen is my book.”
Kiffin: “What are you doing?”
Madsen: “AD just cut me and signed Troupe at my position!”
Kiffin: “No one tells me anything around here.”
September 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
MR — You know Javon Walker wouldn’t mind seeing a new coach.
The prospect of seeing a Jim Fassell, Dennis Green, Brian Billick, James Lofton, Mike Tice, Rob Ryan should give everyone pause.
But the fact is, Al Davis just doesn’t value head coaches…and he is the only owner in sports that believes that
September 20th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Well, let’s hope we actually use Troupe the way it is being said in here. Seems to be the most rational way, and the main reason why we would make such a signing. Let’s hope it’s not a show off Kiffin move. Which by the way brings me to my next point. If indeed this turns out to be a good move, then who asked for it? Is it kiffin? And if so, then it seems like Al and him are maybe talking again?
Ok, or what if Davis signed him, to help the offense, which in turn helps Kiffin. WHy would someone trying to get their coach to quit help him get better? Granted it is Al Davis, and anything is possible.
But if not a Kiffin or Davis signing, then who’s? next HC maybe?… This is an interesting signing…
September 20th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I think they didn’t give madsen more of a chance at wr… because shilliens is coming on as a rook… the madsen experiement is currently over but I’d not be surprised to see him on our team again
September 20th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
EMRaider — I think James Lofton, in consultation with Rob Ryan made the call to Al…
September 20th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I like us getting another tight end. A real one for a change. Whether Madsen should have ever been switched from reciever is debatable, but he has always been overrrated. Troupe has his issues, but he is a big body that will help us in the run game and will eventually free up Miller in the pass game.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
yeh, Walker…EXACTLY MY POINT. Of course he wants a new coach. Only the lazy players, that want to collect a check, want the puppet coach who isn’t going to practice them hard.
Oakglenn, good afternoon, pal. So, since you’ve admitted Polian or Parcells would run this team better than Davis, are you ready to also concede that it isn’t Kiffin’s fault how bad we’ve been? If you want Parcells or Polian running the team, then by default it has to mean that you don’t believe Al’s doing a good job. So, then it’s not Kiffin’s fault, right? Or, are you going to continue to talk with your foot in your mouth and try to blame Kiffin for how bad we are, even after admitting yourself that it’s really Al’s fault? Oakglenn, your mask is off, buddy. It’s time to own up.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Did anyone see TeamCam yesterday on Nfl Network, Namdi and other prominant players said it would be a mistake to fire Kiffin. He said that Kiffin has the team headed in the right direction.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Al Davis loyals, I suggest you guys ask Oakglenn what he meant yesterday when he said that he’d rather have Polian or Parcells running this team. Sure, he said it in the context of knowing Al wasn’t going to leave, i.e., “look, I’d rather have Polian or Parcells, too, but that aint going to happen”…but he still said it! Evidently, he doesn’t think Al has what it takes to build a team. What do you guys think?
September 20th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Oakglenn, bringing in Troupe was genius? Is that the word you just used? So, would you now rather have Al Davis as GM than a Parcells or Polian? You’re flopping like a pancake, bud.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
915raider — Leaders like Nnamdi, Curry, Morrison want to keep Kiffin. They know what a real head coach looks like and they want to win. Only slackers like Javon Walker would like to see a coaching change. Then Javon would have it made. As an Al Davis guy, Javon would be able to come and go to meetings as he pleases. He could take days off and not practice and have full range of freedom to apply his “Lights-ON” methodology to game preparation!
September 20th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Wagaman from S&B stated the Namdi qoute.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
MR I’ll take a shot at it, not that I want Kiff gone, I want Kiff here, but just to argue, I’ll take a shot at it:
If I were going to throw out name, it would be RR for HC based on stability. But…..if it were me, I would make Tom Cable the HC. Cable was Head coach of a good college program so he does have head coaching experience something Kiffin never had. If you make RR head coach, you promote Cable to OC. He ran a UCLA offense that was one of the top in the nation, he knows how to game plan sophisticated defenses, and the leaders of your team, (the offensive linemen), seem to be responding very well to him. He would be an obvious choice for a lot of reasons.
The players do seem to like Kiffin. The reason being is athletes have been lied to their entire lives. How many college QB’s have been told they will be the starter in a program, no one else is being recruited, the job is theirs. Then They arrive at the school and find the team recruited 7 other kids to start at QB and told them all the exact same thing. Kiff let’s you know where you stand with him. The players REALLY APPRECIATE THAT.
As for your statement that players want to work long hours and watch film, that’s one of the most insane things ever said on this blog. There are only two players in the NFL that work long hours. Their names are Peyton, and Brady.
Denny Green clearly would not come here. That’s a good thing.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
can someone please explain how Troup will free up Miller?
September 20th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Honestly, guys, for a “oretty dyscfuntional situation”, this seems to be a pretty good, and rational move, no?
Of course granted that, like previously stated, Troupe is actually used the way we all agree on here. Not because that’s the way we wanted, but because that’s the way it seems to be the one to make the most sense. Two TE formations would help open up Miller and run the ball. And in it’s way, improve the Oline. We can also start putting Miller in motion. We’ll see this Sunday I guess… (is he playing Sunday?)
September 20th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Only 2 players that work long hours?????
The NFL is full of a bunch lazy a$$ Mothers.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
***”pretty dysfunctional…”
September 20th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
them bringing in troupe tells me that Al and kiff have to be in communication or else why would he know to bring in a TE when they had one already? any takers?
September 20th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Troupe can open up Miller because he can be used opposite side of the line as a blocking TE or on the same side. This will help on PA plays, with one of them staying to block and the other running a route. With Troupe blocking more, we can have Miller running more routes.
That is just one way it can help open up Miller. OF course given that Troupe is used that way, and that he can actually block.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Hey Post #108, read #93.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
NC-Delicate Flower — The only way Kiffin stays is if they beat Buffalo. Period. Al hates Kiffin. Hopefully, Kiffin can make the decision for Al almost impossible. Wouldn’t it be something to be 3-1 at the break. Al would just have to sit watch!
September 20th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
My take on Curry: Everyone has bad days. Curry has made some GREAT catches in the past. He is a #2 w/o with good hands. This year he is out of sync to date because Kiffen chose to go on a talent hunt during pre-season. The defense against the Broncos played like the Cal Bear defense did last week – way out of sync (but for different reasons- we were in our time zone). It took the defense a week to get up to NFL speed. Even though they played sorry K.C. they looked like they showed up. (More on the defense later). The passing offense is in a developmental stage. Red Hot Balls, that are almost out of reach, are very hard to catch to begin with. Once Curry acclimates to the speed of Jruss passes, and Jruss attenuates his adrenalin rush, the Red hot balls will be on target and if they are just a little off target Curry will be mentally able to reach up and hold onto the ball. So calm down everybody. The NFL game is a very fast game and it is a precision game. The guys that get to the NFL are the best in the country college ranks so they all can play. That means that the wideout and the QB connection is a very small window. Those non-caught passes by Curry were just a hair off. This QB/RECEIVER thing is like a dance where both partners have to get in sync. That takes hours and hours and hours of practice before the final product hit the lime lights of the grid iron. But once they get in sync, then they are nearly unstoppable. Remember that game Curry had against Denver? That is in his memory bank and he is capable of doing that again. It seems certain that Jruss has developed chemistry with Miller - Youve see Miller reaching and clamping down on that ball. I just hope that Jruss works a little more with Curry so he can develop chemistry with a wide receiver. So whether Curry is allowed to do what we know he can do, depends on 3 things: The offensive coordinator, the QB and Curry’s hands (and mind). I hope he as a spectacular game in Buffalo. If not, then I hope any receiver has a great game. But don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
is anyone frightened by the fact that we only have Sands, Warren and Kelly for DT’s ?
September 20th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Truope opens up ZM by defenses have to put a man on troupe on a double te set so he would have less double coverage with this formation we can have triplw wideouts minus a fb that puts 6 eligible recievers on the field we have 2 Wr. with fb also. it makes a mismatch game. forces defences to put a LB on a te instead of a SS.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
sorry doing this by phone
September 20th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Now about that defense. WE BLOGGERS complained every day about how the blitz had to be used more, but when Kiffen brought it to the media and Ryan had to come and prove to the world that he was in charge - not big Al, we got results. The gloves came off and blitzs were raining down on K.C. like Katrina. Second, against Denver the corners were playing 10 yards of the line. Hardly any bump and run, so that rookie had a unimpeded running head start on almost every play. Last week, I saw them corners showing NO respect for their receivers (at the same time confidence in their own ability) and you witnessed what happened. I hope the defense plays MAD again this week. I hope they play with purpose, take some chances to get at Edwards (the fluke from Stanford - “The second coming of Joe Montana”.) The Raiders have GOT TO POUND this punk, so he looks more like the Brady of the last super bowl 2007-8. Loser!
September 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
ya, thanx….i did see it once i read back a few. it hit me so i typed it before i forgot it. im lame like that.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
# 915raider Says:
September 20th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Only 2 players that work long hours?????
The NFL is full of a bunch lazy a$$ Mothers.
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I am clearly exaggerating by saying only two players work long hours. Gannon used to work long hours as well. But if you were 23 years old with an Adonis like physique and millions and millions of dollars in cash, would you be watching game film or hanging out with dozens of 5′11″ 140 lb model quality uber babes??
September 20th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Don’t bring that tub of loser lard here. He is what we thought he is!
September 20th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I wasn’t saying you’re lame, I was just trying to say I agree with you. The signing is an interesting one, both, gameplan wise, and Al/Kiff wise. Somebody thought of it, and it’s worth wondering if Kiffin had any involvement on it.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I down with Cable, if push comes to shove. I am sure he can still monitor the o-line from the HC position during practice. he is an awesome o-line coach. I sure he knows who to pick to replace him to continue his theme. I do not think it will be that disruptive either. Kiffen definitely wants out. He just wants a paycheck on the way out. If he stays he will coach. I Know he does not work harder than Gruden but he is probably as savey!
September 20th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
i know you were not calling me lame. i was to myself. i lose my train of thought alot(kids)so i got to react asap.
September 20th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
5′11″ 140lbs babes but I’m lazy.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
More than anything, the real question this week will be which defensive scheme will we see? If it’s the “I’ve been exposed and better play it tough & tight scheme” then we might just do OK. If it regresses back to “the owner/boss says do it this way scheme”, then we are doomed.
Rob Ryan is a real question mark for me. I believe in the past he was doing exactly what Al Davis told him he wanted, no matter what. Ryan has to know when somethings not working but the boss is the boss. I seriously doubt that Al Davis would criticize him for doing what Al Davis strongly suggested he do. I’m likewise convinced that Al Davis gave Rob Ryan orders to play it Kiffin’s way last week, possibly hoping it would fall on it’s a$$ proving Davis to be correct is choosing his age old tried & true scheme of rush 4 with tight man coverage. SURPRISE Al, Kiffin had it right. I could be wrong but I thought Ryan, last week, was really into the defense and that’s the way it should be every week. I guess we’ll see this week who holds the real power. Davis doesn’t like the exposure he’s receiving. Maybe, for the sake of not getting another media blast, he’ll let Ryan run the defense the way Kiffin and possibly Ryan, want to see. Just maybe…
September 20th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Javon must play and contribute. NOW.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
i sure hope he does. we need him to have a 100yd day 1-2 TDs and the running game 150+ yds
September 20th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
its time for JR to unleash his arm on someone.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Yeah unleash it on Javon’s jaw if he can’t play this week.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Time to unleash our pure potentiality…NOW
September 20th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
It would be nice to see him go for 250+. Doesn’t matter how many TDs he throws for as long as he gets it close to the end zone, the Bush can take over from there…
September 20th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
no holding back now…
September 20th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
New thread people
September 20th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I love when someone asks a football related question and a couple of knowlegable guys come in and give some solid responses. Good job El Dirty and EMRaider. Both gave excellent answers. The thing I like about freeing up ZM is again, going to a 2 TE formation, which obviously is a running formation, you’re not going to double Miller which is what DC’s have been doing all season. But Let’s say they do. Let’s say you pass out of the running formation, (good choice) but leave Miller in to block. That is going to MESS UP a defense. Doing that means a defense is not going to be able to sit on double coverage on Miller allowing him to see more single coverage. In the red zone versus Denver we did some of this and the defender had to grab hold of Miller to stop us from scoring 6. That might be the only thing a defense can do to stop that. Grab hold of Miller and hope the refs don’t call it.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Can someone please explain to me how Kiffin is so much better than Jim Fassel.
Kiffin - Co-offensive Coordinator at USC
Fassel - Assistant Coach at Utah St. and Stanford as well as Head Coach at University of Utah
Advantage - Fassel
Kiffin - No Prior NFL experience before becoming HC
Fassel - Assistant Coach with the Cardinals, Broncos, Giants, AND RAIDERS
Advantage - Fassel
Kiffin - 5-13 record as NFL head Coach
Fassel - 58-53-1 (2-3 in the playoffs)record as Head Coach of the Giants with 2 Division Titles, 3 Playoff Appearances, and 1 NFC Championship as well as being the NFL Coach of the Year.
Advantage - Fassel
Kiffin - Hated by Al Davis
Fassel - Prior working relationship as well as having family on the team. Was even hanging at training camp wearing Raider gear.
Advantage - Fassel
Kiffin - Not known for anything special (other than being the youngest NFL Coach)
Fassel - Famous for working with John Elway at Stanford and Phil Simms. He also got the most out of Kerry Collins at NY (and we all know how difficult that was!)
Advantage - Fassel
I like Kiffin. However, I don’t think he is the only person who could succeed with the talent in Oakland. Fassel might also have enough pull with Davis to get rid of Rob Ryan.
September 20th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Didn’t Fassel leave here because he wanted to be HC and Al passed him up for ______(someone fill in the blank)?
September 20th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Al Davis will either allow blitzing this week, or he won’t. If he wants to prove Kiffin wrong (strong possibility) he won’t. We’ll lose and he’ll blame Lane.
September 20th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
[...] Source: Oakland Tribune [...]
September 20th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
We won’t be successful until they get rid of kelly and sands. OVERPAID and UNDERACHIEVERS. They are pathetic and they put no pressure what’s so ever again last week. 2 games in a row that they were pathetic. No pressure what’s so ever by these two guys. Burgess was the only one that did. I’m still dissapointed in him for not showing up against Denver. Our D looked decent only cuz we played against a team that is worse then us. Our receivers are pathetic as well. Curry is horrible and is washed up. For those who say to give him time… are smoking something. YOUR a professional player, u should be ready to go NOW, and had training camp to get in the same page as your QB. Stop making excuses and cut curry and walker. Bring in Joe horn, Jackson or somebody else. or at least start the rookies. They can’t be any worse then what we got. IT’s goind to be a losing season anyway. Prediction… Bills win, due to No DEFENSE.
September 21st, 2008 at 5:51 am
Nice article from an outsider/non-local media member in Pittsburgh:
PLEASE READ IT JERRY.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_589315.html
September 21st, 2008 at 7:18 am
nice pink floyde comontary
September 21st, 2008 at 7:34 am
Raj, great article about Kiff and Toml. This is exactly how I feel about Kiffin. he’s an avarage coach and horrible leader. ?othing is ever his fault, fact is he is the head coach and ultimate blame and praise goes to him.