Russell has no problems with Kiffin
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Thursday, the Raiders last day of practice before taking the weekend off and returning for work Monday:
– Quarterback JaMarcus Russell said he didn’t watch the press conference in which Al Davis detailed his reasons for firing coach Lane Kiffin. Russell had plenty of people tell him Davis said Kiffin wanted to select someone else in the 2007 draft.
“It just kind of came out of nowhere,” Russell said. “I really don’t think myself, or coach Kiffin, or anybody else were looking for that to come out that way.”
Russell did his best to shrug off the coaching switch as the “business side” of football. Whether Kiffin wanted Russell or not, he was the quarterback’s biggest supporter to the media _ often going out of his way to not criticize the quarterback even on plays where it seemed he deserved it.
“I appreciate the opportunity he gave me to play in the National Football League,” Russell said. “I wish for him to go out and get him a job, because he’s a good guy, a good coach. I don’t look for him to sit around long, he should be able to get a job somewhere.”
Russell said he and Kiffin traded text messages and that Kiffin “thanked me for being a part of his team.”
When asked if he would have fired Kiffin, Russell said, “I don’t know, like I said, that’s not my choice. He was my head coach and I can’t say anything bad about him.”
– Davis’ decision to publicize Kiffin’s reluctance in drafting Russell was one of the least appealing parts of the press conference. The draft is all about debate and decision, then getting on the same page.
Kiffin did his part with Russell once Davis made the call. He got behind him and backed the selection.
Remember when the Raiders took Sebastian Janikowski? Jon Gruden thought the Raiders were just fine with Joe Nedney, who had essentially saved his job with an overtime field goal in Kansas City. But when Davis opted for Jano, Gruden got behind the pick publicly even if he felt differently in private.
That’s what you do as coach, and it’s exactly what Kiffin did with Russell.
Criticism of Kiffin is justifed for how he dealt with his problems with Davis, but his handling of Russell was fine. I wrote once in this blog I’d heard Kiffin wanted Brady Quinn, I never heard him say it publicly to anyone.
It was one of those draft room situations that should have stayed within the room.
– Davis spoke of “letting Russell go” during the press conference and it sounds as if the game plan the Raiders utlized against San Diego will be closer to what we see when play resumes in New Orleans on Oct. 12.
“What you’re going to see is a balanced offense,” coach Tom Cable said. `That’s the key there. Whether that means more passing or not, I don’t know. If you look at us, break us down, you might see a series or two where it seems like it’s all pass, then it’s all run.
“We have to be more balanced, be willing and enjoy the fact that we’re going to take shots down the field on people. Those two concepts have to happen for us to keep people off balance. We do run the football good, so there are a lot of people in the box. You have to take your shots.”
– Davis revealed that Knapp had shared play-calling duties against the Chargers, and perhaps that’s why there was more passing. He compared the Raiders’ three pass attempts against Buffalo to “Woody Hayes” football.
Russell said he always got his information from Knapp anyway and was never sure who was calling the plays. Knapp declined comment and preferred to look forward. He called Cable “non-traditional” in terms of the sense he’s a line coach with an aggressive attitude toward passing.
“He thinks outside the box more than most o-line coaches do,” Knapp said. “From a game plan standpoint, he’s always been very open-minded about the philosophy of being balanced and throwing it when needed.”
– Running back Darren McFadden won’t be leaving town this weekend like many players, staying around to get treatment on his turf toe. McFadden said he has been getting stimulation treatments and is working at getting better movement from the joint.
He said he expects to be fine for the New Orleans game.
– At the conclusion of practice, Cable met with Russell, Kirk Morrison, Nnamdi Asomugha, Derrick Burgess at the middle of the field, with one of the players involved saying he the coach was simply getting feedback regarding his first two days as head coach.
Said Cable: “I had a feeling you were going to ask me that. We had a free-throw contest, and I beat all of them. So, they owe me dinner. That’s all it was.”
– The outside world continues to weigh in on what goes on inside the walls of 1220 Harbor Pay Parkway, and Davis’ reviews after trashing his coach in public have not good.
USC coach Pete Carroll jokingly held a moment of silence for Kiffin at a USC practice.
Steve Sarkisian, the Trojans’ offensive coordinator who was offered the job but turned it down (the Raiders claim Sarkisian was never offered the job), was probably the only person who wasn’t shocked by the spectacle.
Everyone keeps telling me ‘wasn’t that press conference so bizarre?’ And I’m thinking to myself, ‘No it wasn’t. That’s normal,’ ” Sarkisian said in the Los Angeles Times “All Things Trojan” blog by Adam Rose.
Asked if that was one of the reasons why he turned down the job last year, Sarkisian replied, “No question. That’s a hard atmosphere to work in.”
USC coach Pete Carroll told reporters said was disappointed for the game of football
“I thought today was a really a dark moment and to go to that level in the situation I think hurts football and the NFL and coaching and all kinds of stuff and wasn’t necessary at all,” Carroll said. “An owner gets to what he wants and he made his choice and there’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t fault anything there but just the manner in which all the finger pointing and the name calling and all that stuff. Not informed and it seemed out of touch and I thought it was unfortunate it came down like that.”
– In Indianapolis, Dominic Rhodes, who played for the Raiders last season, expressed relief to the Indianapolis Star blog that he was back with the Colts.
“I saw, what do they call it, the circus of the NFL, you know?” Rhodes said. “I watched it. I actually sent Lane a text message and told him, ‘Thank you for letting me getting out of there like you said you would if things went down the way they did in the draft.’ I’m just happy he let me do that because, man, I would not want to be a part of that right now. I don’t know where they’re going to go from here, they may turn out 10 victories, but still it’s no fun to deal with that.”
Rhodes said he had no problems with Kiffin.
“All of that stuff that’s going on, you have to look at most of the stuff that happens and you know Lane isn’t running (it), nobody is running what’s going on except Al Davis,” Rhodes said. “ If you look at it from that aspect, you know obviously Lane ain’t lying about a lot of stuff.
“Lane is cool. Lane is a good dude, man. I definitely have nothing bad to say about Lane. I was upset about how things went down over there (not getting a chance to be the starter after it was understood he would be suspended four games), but like I said, when I was there, I don’t even think it was all him the reason I didn’t get to play, you know what I’m saying? It was the higher power.”
– Former Baltimore Ravens coach and Fox sports analyst Brian Billick used Kiffin’s term of being “embarrassed” when talking about.
“Al Davis is an icon in this industry and the Raiders have a long storied history but I’m embarrassed for Mr. Davis and I’m embarrassed for that franchise and the way that they’re dealing with Lane Kiffin,” Billick said. “That organization has a history of not honoring contracts and I think that contract will have to be honored. I’d be very surprised and embarrassed if this league didn’t step in and make sure that the right thing is done with regards to Lane Kiffin.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
hopefull cable will take kiffs shackles off jammy
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Shouldn’t carrol worry more about playing in the PAC 10 then what goes on in Raiderland?
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Well, what a difference a month makes. Man, I have to admit, Davis showed me that he is not as senile as I thought he was. And he even admitted to have made a mistake when he signed Kiffin. that is a big step for him. I do remember something about Kiffin not wanting to draft Jamarcus. I think we were having a war about who to pick with our first over all pick on this site actually. Anyway, I don’t think Davis lied “much” about the whole issue. He brought up a lot of people into it, from all over the league and media world to support his case. I don’t think he would have done that if he was lying, because any of those people could come forth and denounce his accusations. Which would make him look even worse. Also, he did another thing which I don’t think he’s done before, that being he actually brought up a lot of rumors since Kiffin got hired, and admitted to the ones that were true, and denounced the ones that weren’t. Giving us all a look into how disfuntional this franchise actually is. Even went as far as saying how much of a toll all this losing has taken on him. And it is here, where I saw the sincerity in his eyes. He actually meant that. If you go back and watch the press conferene again, watch that part, look at his expression on his face, you can totally tell in his eyes that he recognizes that the reason the Raiders are where they are, is because of him. I think that might also be why he even talked about bringing someone in from the outside this off season. Who knows, maybe this whole Kiffin fiasco was actually a blessing in disguise. Maybe Kiffin told something to Davis behind closed doors that actually made Davis see things for what they truly are. Or maybe Davis simply saw it after all this BS happened.
Whatever the case, it looks like the future will bring forth good change, hopefully.
However, I did also noticed a couple of things that kinda worried me a bit. If you look at the press conference when Davis introduced Cable as the next HC, neither one of them looked at each other the whole time. They sat way apart from each other, and they just seemed very distant from each other. Now, it could be simply that that was just the way the chairs were set up, but you can see there was a gap between them. I don’t know, maybe I’m reading too much into it, I tend to do that sometimes…
I’m only bringing this up because you can tell alot by body language. I was a year away from majoring in psychology, and you learn that stuff. But anyway, Cable did look the part, and he did looked like he was happy to have this chance. But I think in the back of his mind he knows that it’s a no lose situation, and that if things go south, he can always leave, as some of you have mentioned in here.
I will still cheer for the Raiders no matter what, they are my team, with or without Al. (well, it’s actually Al’s team, but you know what I mean)
I think Cable will do a decent job at it, and I still believe we can go 8-8.
I’m excited to see how Jamarcus will be used now, if he’ll be allowed to throw more deep balls. Though with Knapp calling the plays, it’ll probably more like a west coast passing attack, with short to medium passes. I still think the long pass can help the running game, but hey, I’m no coach…
Whatever happens, GO RAIDERS!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
4th
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I am looking forward to the NO game. The three headed monster at RB should be healthy, the players on D less dinged up and a non Woody Hayes Offense that will let JRUSS, Walker, JLH and Miller shine. I guess I have been drinking the Kool aid after the Davis presser
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
i cant wait for all this craap to end. hopefully it will blow over in acouple weeks. it will if we start to win a few. then the media will have to eat there a$$es.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
RaiderRockstar,
Whether Drew Brees throws Nnamdi’s way is mostly up to deAngelo Hall.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thanks Jerry, for staying in the middle of the circus and keeping us updated.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
nice read JERRY !!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Of course Russell doesn’t have a problem with Kiffin.
Of course he didn’t watch the press conference.
He just laughed and counted his money.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
The fire
That burns brightest
In this building
Is the will to win!
Just Win baby.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I’ll be happy when Al is gone - this whole situation was childish and stupid, I will always love the Raiders, but it’s time for the old man to fishing.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Sp what Jerry? Your thinking Davis should’ve edited the Russell part out of the original letter?
Can of worms that.
From the letter, it sounds like it was STILL an issue at the time of its draft.
True or no, no clue, but I think the angle your taking is more divisie than the comment itself.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Al’s Grim Reaper Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
i cant wait for all this craap to end. hopefully it will blow over in acouple weeks. it will if we start to win a few. then the media will have to eat there a$$es.
——————————————————-
It all goes away if we start to win.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
In other words, Nnamdi, it’s not going away.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
This team is about to start winning, its just around the corner. These players will rally around Cable and they already play hard for Ryan. The Chiefs game was a sign of things to come. Cable would brawl with the best of them while Kiffin wouldn’t even throw a punch. They all say Kiffin is a good guy and a good coach, ok so what? If he were such a good guy he would have resigned to save everyone all this drama. Bye Bye Drama Queen.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Burn in Hell. Al!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
This team will never win again while Al’s in charge. Never more than 2 straight, and never more than 5 in a season. We’ll win 3 this year, tops. Let me know when anything happens otherwise.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Right on, MR!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
**** Jerry. You left out the Loud mouth Sapp comments. Thats f’in BS that Al comes off the bad guy because of his reputation.
Why don’t you address and ask if Kiffin was really given that much control to run the show?
That doesn’t sound very Davis to me or is that just the media version that he’s the dark overlord of all things Raider.
Besides, who gives a ****. We all know their are copious Raider haters, thanks for giving them yet another forum.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
You hope so MR but thats just not the case anymore, too many good coaches working with too many young, talented players for it to fail.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Sith Lord, you said the same thing about Kiffin, Shell, Norv, Callahan, Gruden (the one time in your life you were right), Bugel, White, and so on, didn’t you?
“We’re going to win. These players will rally around ______ _______. Mark my words!”
You just copy and paste that, and fill in the blanks, with every single coach, don’t you?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I have a feeling that Jamarcus Russell will be playing like a rookie come next season when he’s forced to scrap the current playbook & learn a whole new system when Al Davis do away with our current “Temp for Hire” and after numerous turndowns from credible head coaches finally hires a D-list coach to bring glory back to the Raiders (yeah right!) but dont worry, the new coach wont be there too long. Poor Jamarcus, atleast he’ll have 60mil to fall back on. Hopefully he can survive through the madness in Oakland, but with Al Davis,,,hope the best, but expect the worst.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Besides, who gives a ****. We all know their are copious Raider haters, thanks for giving them yet another forum.
Well said, Nnamdi.
Just Win Baby.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Get it out of your system now MR because the team is going to win, even Kiffin knows that.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Al Davis= king of the world……..bow down
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Coaches are really not that big a deal
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Al Davis is my coach
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Sith Lord, you’re going to be a drama queen now? IF I “hope so”, then I guess I’m going to get what I’m hoping for. You guys are yet to make a single case as to what Cable will do better than Kiffin.
“the players like Cable”.
They liked Kiffin too. Moot point
“The ZBS! The ZBS!!!!”.
We used the ZBS!!! ZBS!!! when Kiffin was here, too.
“cable’s loyal. He’s a Raider”
So was Shell.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
The Raiders will WIN.
Just Win Baby.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
RaiderZ exactly………coach is there to play a role forthe media and make sure players stay motivated and accountable, otherwise its up to the players to win games. Coaches don’t do shhhhhhhhhit. Example= What is Bellicheat without Brady? A defensive coordinator right now
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
They were two first downs from beating the Chargers and nobody gave them a chance. Good luck trying to wish them to loosing. If your so sure of yourself MR you would be a rich man from betting agaisnt the Raiders but everybody knows your a wannabe writer living in L.A.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
RaiderZ, coaches aren’t important?
I think you’re looking for the MLB blog. This is an NFL blog.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Oh, they were two first downs from beating the chargers…
If the queen had balls….
Sith Lord, come on. You’re trying to establish yourself as one of the smarter Al Davis blow hards but you’re not doing a good job by playing the woulda coulda shoulda game.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Cable is light years ahead of Shell MR. You show your ignorance of football trying to compare Shell and his offensive staff to this one.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Brien, RaiderZ, and anyone else who doesn’t think the HC is important,
The A’s blog is a page over. This is an NFL blog.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
F’in mods
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Yeah that went thru just fine!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Fact is this team has been improving inspite of both Davis and Kiffin and it won’t change now.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Sith Lord, how is CAble light years ahead of Shell? Give me one example.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
A’s= last true dynasty of baseball……..so suck it punk
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
sith=exactly
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
BTW, guys, heck of a way to get behind Cable…by downplaying the role of the HC in the NFL. There’s a ringing endorsement…
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
MR - I used to consider you slightly entertaining, but lately you just seem SAD.
Just Win Baby.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Alex Gibbs.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Your name is “Long Life Al”, and you’re calling me sad? The longer Al “lives”, the longer the Raiders lose, moron.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
OOh, I made typo. Pounce on that, guys. It’s all you’re going to get me on today.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
# Sith Lord Davis Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Cable is light years ahead of Shell MR. You show your ignorance of football trying to compare Shell and his offensive staff to this one
Gotta agree with that, there’s no way you can compare Shell with this staff. Cable has led pretty prolific attacks wherever he’s coached, Shell can’t even be mentioned in the same sentence with the word “offense”.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
F it. I tried to post the point by point Davis letter article on RNS, but it won’t let me!!!!
So *sigh* heres the linky link http://www.raidernationstation.com
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I’ll take the 4 Superbowl appearances I have witnessed for 5 years of frustration any day. Beating the Chiefs soundly in KC this year is a very good sign since it has not been done since 77′ or earlier I do believe.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Ganked. I’ll try it this way…
POINT by POINT
Paragraph one:
“Dear Lane:
Over the past months, you have made a number of public statements that were highly critical of, and designed to embarrass and discredit this organization, its players and its coaches. I left you alone during training camp in hopes that you would cease your immature and destructive campaign.”
In retrospect, Kiffin’s comments raised eyebrows, but his “honesty” with the press was respected and the fact is many, fans and media alike, were all too happy to jump on another “Al Davis is the devil” band wagon.
I think this story asks questions some people in the media should be asking instead of taking the lazy “Yeah Al sucks” approach.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Are you guys going to give an example as to how Cable is better than Shell, other than a blocking scheme that’s common knowledge around the league and that Shell could have easily adopted, too? Or, are you just going to keep repeating the phrase, like parrots, because it sounds good?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Long Live Al, just because most people posting on this blog think I’m a boner biting moron doesn’t mean you have to ignore me. I have been right about everything I ever posted here. Well, most things. Actually some things. I was right that I’m a boner biting moron. At least I am right about that.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
People who b-tch about typos are losers
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
para 2:
mentioned. Perhaps that will be addressed tomorrow.
“However, you continue to make public statements that are critical of the organization, its players as a whole as well as individual players. Such statements constitute conduct detrimental to the Raiders and I will no longer stand silently by while you continue to hurt this organization.”
Kiffin’s remarks to the press speak for themselves. The points of interest should be which of his many statements were true and which weren’t, but his motives may be known only to himself, at least for the time being.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
MR………I can! He doesn’t have an outdated offense for his players
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
“Cable’s light years ahead of Shell”.
“Cable’s light years ahead of Shell”.
“Baaaaaaaaaawwwwk. Pauly want a cracker.”
Somebody needs throw a sheet over your guys’ cages.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Why would JR have a problem with Kiffin? He did nothing but praise his hard work and progress.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
All we need from Cable is to not be scared and let his players talent show. Also we need him to give some good pressers and not be boring and spiteful like Kiffin. Accepting blame as well needs to be apart of it.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Neither Shell or Cable have an offense, Brien.
Shell brought in Walsh, who, I agree, was a fossil.
Cable is using Knapp’s offense.
Cable hasn’t designed a play in his life.
Try again.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Cable learned under Alex Gibbs but I doubt you know who he is. Cable has had success one year after the Shell debacle with the same players. What are you smoking MR?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
How do you know Cable is light years ahead of Shell CPH? How many games has he won? What has he done…oh man, I think I just pissed myself. This has been a bad day.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
para 5:
For example, with the exception of Gibril Wilson, you were involved in recruiting all free agents and determining salaries for them and you were explicit in your desire to sign Javon Walker and DeAngelo Hall amongst others. All were a must to sign in your eyes, Hall in particular, because he played for Greg Knapp in Atlanta and Knapp gave him high grades. Do not run from that now.
Just how “involved” in recruiting FA’s and salaries, isn’t specified, but Davis blatantly lays the blame for under performing and seemingly over paid players Walker and Hall.
Kiffin of course may differ and the truth may get lost in a “he said, he said” round about.
Davis’ scolding “Do not run from that now.” is at once a warning and a threat.
Yikes.
Was Kiffin responsible for Walker and Hall?! Well WAS HE?!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Cable was OC for UCLA when they beat Kiffin and USC I do believe MR.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Kiffin praised him with spite behind it!! He didn’t have true confidence in Russell’s ability.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Brien, no problem. Cable will not be scared and let the players show their talent. He won’t be calling the plays, but we can just say that because it sounds good.
Knapp is calling the plays, and believe me, now that Kiffin’s gone, we will ditch the run and start flinging that ball downfield. We’ll showcase Russell’s arm. Teams will also anticipated, effectively defend it, as they always do, and we’ll also have the worst offense in the league by season’s end.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
para 6: The one Jerry hated.
“I do realize that you did not want to draft JaMarcus Russell. He is a great player. Get over it and coach this team on the field, that is what you were hired to do. We can win with this team!”
Russell certainly was not the top choice for a west coast hybrid offense. A junior out of college who only had one solid year was going to struggle with a complex varitation of a system it takes some QB’s years to master, but Davis’ wording suggests that Kiffin had initiated the “I don’t like Russell” campaign. By stating “I do realize” makes the phrase sound as it is a response to Kiffin rather than an accusation by Davis. “Get over it” leaves little doubt and shows his frustration.
Davis may be right about Oakland.
They may be able to win with this team.
Its a reach, but it could be suggested that if Kiffin was in charge, he threw games by blowing leads with bad calls and substitutions, but so what if he did? Impossible to prove so those prone to look at such things should probably heed Davis’ advice and “Get over it.”
If they don’t or the interim coaches fall short, Davis will again, be to blame. He always has been according to the contractual wording, but what happens over the next few seasons is important as they will likely be Davis’ coda.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Looking forward to the NO game….does anyone think Gibril will get a chance at a big hit on Bush like he did on LT?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Mr., What Professional football team do you follow???
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Sith Lord Davis, that doesn’t count. Give me real evidence before I piss myself again.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Your wrong MR but I admire your willpower.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Jerry’s Kids FF
Power Rankings
Rank Team
1 Marley-Raiders
2 Dakota Hillbillies
3 Jerrys Kids
4 diaper dandies
5 L.E.
6 the mighty black
7 RUN-DMC
8 andrews mom
9 Mistabrown
10 Craig
11 BlackMilicia
12 SLAB’s Raiders
Standings Updated as of: 10/2/08 3:47 AM EST
___________________________________________
I’m right on your tail Bob.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
You said Cable has not designed a play in his life and he was OC for UCLA and beat Kiffin’s might Trojans MR. Your getting angry and spouting off again. Reminds me of Kiffin.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
para 7: regarding Kiffin’s claims the D was Ryan and Al’s baby.
“In regards to your recent fabrications about the defense, during the final cuts you made every cut on offense and every cut on defense except for Wakefield on defense and Wand on offense. Further more, during the game Monday night Rob played your Cover 2 defense and we got killed on an approximately 50-yard touchdown pass and approximately 70-yard gain that led to a field goal.”
Translated, the statement “In regards to your recent fabrications” means “Liar, Liar, pants on fire.”
It seems again incredible for Lane Kiffin to have had so much input considering Davis’ reputation for tyrannical rule.
Ryan mentioned the cover 2 defense played that night at a later press conference. Whether it was a stupid idea or whether individual players confused by the unfamiliar D is responsible for the obvious failures is up for debate and now, a moot point.
I disagree. Its not “moot” (is that the right saying?) Probably…anyway, DOESN’T IT SEEM LIKE KIFFIN HAD A LOT MORE POWER THAN HE LET ON?!!
If he did, who do YOU think is to blame for the 4tyh quarter collapses caused by conservative cals and bad susbtitutions on critical plays?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
MR, isn’t it common knowledge that, besides the antiquated offense and blocking schemes Shell and his staff were running, he would also run practices with poor coordination and a slow pace?
Those are two points that distinguish Cable and his staff, imo.
Besides, if Cable’s zone scheme was so easy to implement, how come more teams with deficiencies in the running game don’t use it?
Really, you’d have to agree that the transformation of the offensive line and running game since the current staff took over has been pretty amazing. Especially when you consider the talent-level on the O-line
Like somebody else said, even Kiffin agrees that this team is its way to winning some games.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
OK, Sith. Cable is Bill Walsh with a double chin. I believe it. Makes me wonder why we didn’t make him head coach to begin with, but whatever. It doesn’t matter because now that we don’t have a coach with the balls to take on Davis, we’re going to run Davis’s offense; which means abandoning the run and using deep passing patterns. Nobody’s happier about Kiffin being gone than our opposing defensive coordinators. Raider week is now vacation week, again.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Guys, fine. Cable is Bill Walsh with a jelly roll. I’m convinced. But riddle me this; Will Cable instill the toughness, like Shell did? LOL.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
para 9:
Was Davis telling the truth? DID Kiffin have this much power?
“During the week no one has ever told you what to do on either offense or defense. In addition, no one has ever told you during a game what to do on either offense or defense and you call every play on offense. During a game if you want to blitz more, all you have to do is let Rob know what blitz you want and he will do it.”
Again, an astonishing amount of freedom for the youngest coach since the merger. Could it be Davis is exaggerating or is it that a biased press has had so much fun painting him as a hard core control freak they started buying it too?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Sith, I’ll be right back after I change to some clean underwear. Don’t go anywhere.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Cable actually has a better record than Walsh did in college in a harder conference. Walsh was like 3-13 or something.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
C’mon Jerry…
What’s your point of posting all these remarks. We all know Al is a jerk but all these comments doesnt address the fact that YOU and the media drank Lane’s koolaid of not meeting with Al.
I know Al is a selfish Jerk but he is the reason why the Raiders will always be a UNIQUE team. Of the 32 tems, there are only 3 teams that is often talked about over time consistently America’s team and the Raiders.
I am still waiting for you to do investigative journalism on whether Lane did receive those letters.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
We all know you use Depends MR but everyone is also glad that you have to.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
STFU ALL YOU JERRY BASHERS…
Just stay away
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
forgot the Steelers as part of those 3 teams
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
And you guys are cracking me up talking about the “3 headed monsters”.
We are not going to run the ball. When do we ever run the ball with Davis puppet coaches? I know Davis loves to talk a big game about the power run and I know Norv pounded it a little more than other puppet coaches but Al loves throwing deep more than anything else, and his puppet coaches know they have to keep throwing deep to stay out of his dog house. And, that’s exactly what Knapp’s going to do, oh, per Cable’s approval, of course…
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I think this is enough to get the jist of what the media is NOT covering. Jump off the band wagon Jerry!
Give us the real scoop!!
Go to the site if you want to rread the rest I don’t want them to get pissed at me for reposting stuff, but DAMB!
I wish the story wasn’t so one sided for “poor kiff”
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
raider phan in 405 Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
STFU ALL YOU JERRY BASHERS…
Just stay away
——————————————————-
AKA “Jerry”?
J/K
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Cowboys, Raiders and Steelers in that order.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Nnamdi, the press is stuck in a corner so they have to continue what they have been preaching….they can’t admit that Lane lied and that they drank his coolaid.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Oh, Cable is better than Walsh. Thank you, Sith Lord. Did Cable invent the airplane, too? My god, why didn’t we just make this guy head coach over Kiffin? I never knew he was one of the best offensive minds in football history, easily trumping Bill Walsh. And, I wonder why Al didn’t know it, either. Al didn’t know who he was when he hired him. Herrera had to brief him on it.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Alisgod, what did Lane lie about?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Mr…are you really a Raider Fan? You sound like a disguise from Whiners or Chokers.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
You guys should start your own site called Dumb and Dumber. Why would an offensive lineman turned head coach want to run the ball? Madden didn’t. Shell didn’t. Bugel didn’t. All former offensive linemen or line coaches throw it.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
F’in A AlisGod. Somethin’s amiss…
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’m a Raider fan, Al is God. That’s why I want Al to retire, so the team can win again.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
dude you are so dumb. Lane kept on saying he and Al have not communicated since the beginning of the season. Yes Al went overboard with his Jam Russ issue or you can debate the validity of the content of the letter.
HOWEVER, you cannot debate the fact that Lane flat out lied when he said they have not spoken when in fact Al has been documenting the process so that he can fire him and win in court. You big Dummy.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
MR Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Alisgod, what did Lane lie about?
_______________________________________________________
That he wasn’t responisble for the messes and that he wasn’t in control of things.
According to Davis, he totally WAS.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
In response to post #72, Dakota’s power rankings, it is inconceivable to have a power ranking of this blog without including MR. Whether you agree with him or not, he always has some of the strongest posts and is a powerhouse in here. Love him, or hate him, MR is a force. He must be in the top five at least.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Fake MR, Cable isn’t even going to be calling the plays.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
MR, how can you say the Raiders arent’ going to run the ball, when the running game is ranked 5th in the league in yds/game and 2nd in total rushing yds?
I agree with you that nobody should crown Tom Cable as the next great coach anytime soon, he hasn’t ever shown anything in the capacity of head coach in the NFL.
But his pedigree concerning the running game certainly can’t be questioned. Working with Knapp, who might favor the passing game, dunno really, should probably form the basis for a pretty balanced approach.
At least let them play a few games before judging too harshly, that’s all I’m saying.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Yup all will be forgiven and this nightmare will go away as soon as the Raiders start winning more games than they lose.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Nnamdi,
According to Davis? LOL. Well, that’s solid proof. Was Davis hooked to a polygraph or something? You guys belong on a stage.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I just stated a fact MR, you went into one of you moronic rants again. I think you need to refill your pill bottle at Walmart with the taxpayers money.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Mr…see the reason why Al is God is because he pisses fans like you but you still donate your money to him. Who better represent the motto “pillaging” then Al.
Thats what I love about the guy. He is the ultimate bad guy that is good in some ways. He aint your corporate VP. He is the God Father.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
You belong back on the Chargers forum.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
No Mr…DAvis was not hooked to a polygraph. He had a receipt from …. FED EX!!!!!!!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
CPH, this is how I can say we’re not going to run the ball.
Al Davis, as much as he yammers about the power run, loves the deep pass even more so.
Our puppet coaches, who don’t have the balls to take Davis on, like Tom Cable and Greg Knapp, know that they have to throw the ball to stay out of Al’s dog house.
That’s how I can say we’re not going to run the ball.
I don’t care how good our running backs are and what the potential of our running game is. We’re not going to run the ball.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Your union dues probably don’t cover prozac anymore MR but welfare might.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
MR always easy to be the critic….was very easy to see that kiffin and Al were gonna have a end to it…..so Cables not your answer, then who is…stop being the negative guy and give us a name that fits. Oh Im sorry your only reason to be here is to critisize all things raiders. I know you hate Al davis…change your name to mr the al hater, then talk some football for a change, jeez who doesnt hate Al anymore.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
The Godfather was a sad and pathetic scumbag who murdered his own brother. If you want to compare Al to him go ahead Alisgod. We know what type of guy you are.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Al is god because he pisses fans off?
No, moron.
He pisses fans off because he doesn’t know how to win. That’s not god like. Al’s a peasant who weaseled his way into a position of power, and his karma kicks him in the ass for it every day. There’s your god.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
109th!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
No, that was the Godfather part two, the first one was ok.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Alisgod, I don’t donate two cents to that old wind bag. All my money goes to niners gear. And the only thing pissing on me is the golden showers I like to take.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
MR Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Nnamdi,
According to Davis? LOL. Well, that’s solid proof. Was Davis hooked to a polygraph or something? You guys belong on a stage.
____________________________________________________
Honestly though, “according to who” is exactly what the courts will decide in the months and years to come.
Read between and you can see by Kiffin’s own statements he was the one bucking to get booted. Had to keep the brave face once he’d shot himself so he could have a hsot at another job and maybe get paid.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Snake, your damned right it’s easy to be the critic. Too easy. And always will be with Al in charge because we’ll always lose, at least from here on out. His last run was with Gruden. He blew that and it’s over for the guy. I’m telling you.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Back to the subtrefuge yuck I’m outy 5000
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Al davis was surprising eloquent for how aweful he looked but he was definitely rambling at multiple points. I wish cable well b/c i’m a die hard raider fan but it is obvious that unless he hires a respectable GM it will be more of the same until he passes!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
The reason why Kiffin played the games that he did was because of Gruden. Kiffin knew he had to play politics to get what he needed to win here, and he had to do it from the start. Worst thing Al could do was fire him. You guys wonder why Kiffin wasn’t loyal? See Gruden.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Anyone who tries a seventy six yard field goal to end the half and has already been warned about termination is trying to get fired. Kiffin won’t go to court because he has no case.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Snake the only name that comes to mind, the only one here I feel can get this right is Kiffin.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Cole Ford…your name says it all….Now go join the patriots or any of the other 31 teams. The raiders have always been the bad guys…….dont these new raider fans learn any of the raiders history. Dummy thats what make us the Raiders. We have always been a mysterious or Weird organization to outsiders.
These new Raider fans that sees the blackhole and see how people dress up for the games and join our team but they never understand why we are the Raiders in the first place. Amazing.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
As soon as Kiffin didn’t get his own way and couldn’t have his daddy coach with him, he had one agenda only…..get out of dodge…but he wanted to hold up the bank first.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
MR Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Snake, your damned right it’s easy to be the critic. Too easy. And always will be with Al in charge because we’ll always lose, at least from here on out. His last run was with Gruden. He blew that and it’s over for the guy. I’m telling you.
ok I’M the one hwo lied!
Have to say…
How did Al blow the millenium team that went to 3 championships in row?
That was a very old team that lost key linemen and most of its hard core vets.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Al will be removed from day to day operations by Goodel after Kiffin sues him and a jury finds Davis guilty of defamation of character.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Al was full of s’t. Read right off of his lawyers’ advice. It was all a charade. It was a preemptive strike at Kiffin’s inevitable legal action. Al’s been around long. He knows that he who gets his lies out there first has the edge. But his adversary has too much truth on their side this time, and he’s going to get crushed.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I cant agree more with you MR…Als pretty well screwed his legacy up now…who besides raider fans remember the glory days? I already said Im boycotting spending any cash on the raiders untill he dies, but I have been a fan for so long he wont take that from me. I hope Cable the best, yea its sad but I cant help it. I want the team to win, but like I said they wont see me going to games or in line to buy the geear anymore
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Maryland, yes Al does ramble and over do it at times. But I always love his press conf because I get to see all these rumors addressed and the guys who write about them piss in their pants in front of him.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Let us hope, Sooth. Because that would be the only prayer of us being a winning team again in the next 10 years.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Maryland Raiderfan Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Al davis was surprising eloquent for how aweful he looked but he was definitely rambling at multiple points. I wish cable well b/c i’m a die hard raider fan but it is obvious that unless he hires a respectable GM it will be more of the same until he passes!
______________________________________________________
Until he passes…the company to Mark Davis.
Al will rule from beyond the grave for at least a dew years. MARK my words…
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
8
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Mr…you have just proved how intelligent you are… I am done with you…when you go to sleep tonite think of Al collecting his money from you. Ok that’s all kid.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Al did make a mistake hiring Kiffin. Kiffin’s legal action might put Al out of the league, for good. You bet Al made a mistake. A bigger one that he could have ever fathomed. But it’s good for us. Because with Al out, we’ll start to get real football players again, and win.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Maryland Raiderfan Says:
Al Davis was surprising eloquent for how aweful he looked but he was definitely rambling at multiple points. I wish cable well b/c i’m a die hard raider fan but it is obvious that unless he hires a respectable GM it will be more of the same until he passes!
______________________________________________________
Until he passes…the company to Mark Davis.
Al will rule from beyond the grave for at least a dew years. MARK my words…
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Mr…one more thing…while collecting your hard earned money…he is giving you his middle finger…but I am sure he will still collect more money from you.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Alisgod, I am not a new Raider fan. I used to buy into the whole bad guy mystique of Al Davis, but I am sick of it. I thought Al was God when I was 12yrs old, I don’t know maybe you are just a kid, but in the end, none of that villain stuff matters if you can’t produce wins.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Damb! The Deadly Duplicator!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Al hasn’t collected a dime from me since he traded Gruden, Al is God. You go to sleep tonight and think of Al collecting your money. You’re the sucker he’s taking advantage of, not me.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Whether Lane was right or Al was right it doesn’t matter. The way Al approached the whole thing is regretful and a black eye to what was a proud franchise. When Al gets dementia and still refuses to let go of the raiders we are all screwed
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Not really a Villan per se, more like ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT. Thats always been the Raider code.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Kiffin got schooled and was told to stfu is what I watched. Kiffin got beat to the media by Davis? What a laugher knowing Kiffin had prescheduled a news conference on the same day as Davis only to be beaten to the punch, just like Petrino. Kiffin will hide out in college football now. No owner will give a rat a job.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
the league wont even approach taking Davis out, they are afraid of him. Hes kicked there azzez for years in court and they want no part of this. Get used to the long wait the old buzzard gonna live along time, wish he would hand the team off but I dont think he can stand to think of that
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Here is my story and I am sticking to it:
# MaddenRaider Says:
October 1st, 2007 at 1:22 pm
So, if Kiffin decides to go with a healthy McNown over Culpepper, I’m behind him. Does anyone want to name a better game time personnel man in this organization than Lane Kiffin? I’m all ears.
I refuse to fault Kiffin until we lose our 9th game. There is no reason for this squad to not go at least 8-8 with the overall talent, if a good game plan is used. So at that point, I would agree that Kiffin may have been the wrong choice. Therefore, you Kiffin doubters have 7 losses to go before you have my ear.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Anit establishmnet.
I think thats why alot of fans dig the Raiders.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
The owner-vs-coach stress is over, let’s move on. Open it up , make the line pass block like they run block and give the Raider Nation something to cheer about if the witch doesn’t interfere!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I just don’t see how Al Davis has done anything that would even remotely threaten his position as managing general partner of the team by firing Lane Kiffin. Please explain that…
As the owner of the team, more or less anyway, he can fire whoever he wants to fire. Whether or not he can do so without paying the remainder of that person’s contract is another matter, but I don’t see how a ruling in favor of Lane Kiffin is going to have any other impact on Al Davis than for him to have to pay what he owes.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Al Davis needs to be surgically removed like a tumor, then the Raiders will win again.
Calling Dr. Goodell.
Lane is the scalpel he’s going to use. Finally, a cure is coming!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
143. “Does anyone want to name a better game time personnel man in this organization than Lane Kiffin? I’m all ears”
He was WRONG or Kiffin purposely F’ed us outa wins by playing **** personnell at critical points in our 4th quarter collapses.
Alston and Wakefieled on the goal line? Please…
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
MR, Warren Sapp agrees with you. He told the press that the Raiders will never win with Davis in control.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hey Al Davis, this was garbage:
Davis’ decision to publicize Kiffin’s reluctance in drafting Russell was one of the least appealing parts of the press conference. The draft is all about debate and decision, then getting on the same page.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Randy Hanson
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
CHP. Their is no explanation for why Davis would be removed by the NFL. Wishful thinking by some…
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
“KoolKell Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hey Al Davis, this was garbage:
Davis’ decision to publicize Kiffin’s reluctance in drafting Russell was one of the least appealing parts of the press conference. The draft is all about debate and decision, then getting on the same page.”
Again, should he have edited the letter before the press conference to leave things out?
Sounds from the tone of his letter KIFFIN was still making an issue of it after the season had started.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
WOW! Are all the Davis apologists still here. Pete Carroll, Steve Sarkisian, Dominic Rhodes, Brian Billick. Add all those guys to the list of people that are sickened with that old deranged ba$stard. Keep apologizing for Al you pieces of sh1t!
Even Russell said “it came out of nowhere” and he doesn’t seem upset at all with Kiffin after hearing Davis’ comments. Shows you the relationship he had with Kiffin and what he feels about what Davis said - probably thinks it’s BS like the rest of us that have a brain.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
If the league can punish players for their off the field conduct based on the idea that their actions make the NFL look bad, I don’t see why it can’t punish Davis for the good of all football.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Al’s not bringing enough revenue to the pool, and it’s because of the losing. The NFL wants a GM in Oakland, and that would require Al being stripped of football operations.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Understand, the NFL doesn’t want the Raiders to lose, they want Al Davis to lose.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
If my memory serves me correct, the only TD we had on Sunday was via the long ball………Al Davis LIVES
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
154. 155. Pffffhht!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
You will remember, I’ve been calling for this all along:
Davis spoke of “letting Russell go” during the press conference and it sounds as if the game plan the Raiders utlized against San Diego will be closer to what we see when play resumes in New Orleans on Oct. 12.
“What you’re going to see is a balanced offense,” coach Tom Cable said.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
So lets see that makes the total percentage of ex-Raiders to bash Al 100%, and the number of Raiders to bash their ex-coach Lane Kiffin is still a big fat ZERO. Nice job Al, I know you didn’t care about winning in the media, but damn, did you ask anybody else in the organization other than Herrera the clown about this move.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Nnamdi21, I guess your going to have your name after this season because there is no way your namesake is going to stay after this debacle.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
change your name…
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Even with all the negativity surrounding the firing and the last 6 months, it seems to me like Al Davis is coming to grips with the state of the team, and is at least considering hiring some help. For instance the talk of getting a new GM etc. Seems like Al even talked about Mark Davis in some greater capacity with regards to the business side of things.
I’ll let this play out over the year and the next offseason, if things still aren’t looking up by then, then I’ll probably approach the level of pessimism that MR’s been displaying
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I know its all “What have you done for me lately?” But the fact is Al Davis helped BUILD THIS LEAGUE.
There would’ve been no merger if not for Al’s innovations. Many, many African Americans wouldn’t have gotten to play or Coach as soon if not for davis, so get a f’in grip will ya?
His cardinal sin so far this week seems to be that he got OLD.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I actually thought Davis was refreshing in the pc, he admitted fault (which never happens) and he set some of the rumors straight as the truth (which never happens) and then he burned Kiffin down, bacause thats what kiffins was doing to him in the media….if even one of those things he said were done from his very young hc, then kiffin deserves to be fired. I liked kiffin alot, mostly because he said what he thought was the truth. But I also could see he knew he didnt want to be with the team and knew quiting would label him badly…and probably came up with a plan to get fired, then Al didnt fire him so kiffin turned the heat up on al in the media (no one can deny he was flat out asking for it)
The thing no one expected happened when Al came out and unleashed everything, almost like hes has been reading this blog and all the papers. If kiffin gave mort from bspn the scoop on the resignation papers after kiffin asked out and davis gave him the paperwork to sign, then hes the obvious bad guy….and if he wanted out why would any fan want him to stay?
Im pretty pissed about the whole thing as a fan, I liked kiffin, but if he tryed to leave (?) then who cared about the guy.
Im tired of the constant drag on the team and agree its alot to do with Al, but even more is the media….you guys all miss this time and again. The nfl and media hate Al, and the raiders (the media actually probably love em lol) but the constant prodding and pushing cause alot of the general unrest.
What other team get the crazy microscope treatment and rumor mongering that the raiders get every move? NONE. That in itself is a huge distraction. The team never gets the relax and rebuild, or the under the radar feel at all. And give em 2 weeks with Cable loses and you watch it start all over again…..right here on this media blog
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Cole Ford Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Nnamdi21, I guess your going to have your name after this season because there is no way your namesake is going to stay after this debacle.
____________________________________________________
Thats a bet.
NO WAY Nnamdi gets away.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Post 162. Right on man. Numbers don’t lie. And 80% of all fans across the globe think Davis is the problem.
The problem is these handful of mindless cult followers that don’t have a clue. This is the reason that running a cult can be so easy. There is a sucker born every minute just waiting to be told what to think and do.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
MR SPEAKS THE TRUTH. And, the truth hurts. Some of you kool-aid drinkers will never understand that Davis is washed up.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
hey Rhodes, how does a coach who has no control over anything let u out of your contract dumb ass???
did u even watch the PC?
you are a good RB. you are also stupid.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Post 162. Right on man. Numbers don’t lie. And 80% of all fans across the globe think Davis is the problem.
The problem is these handful of mindless cult followers that don’t have a clue. This is the reason that running a cult can be so easy. There is a sucker born every minute just waiting to be told what to think and do
______________________________________________________
80% huh? I refuse to belive 80% of fans blndly follow the media and have their opinions spoon fed to them.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
USC coach Pete Carroll told reporters said was disappointed for the game of football
“I thought today was a really a dark moment and to go to that level in the situation I think hurts football and the NFL and coaching and all kinds of stuff and wasn’t necessary at all,” Carroll said. “An owner gets to what he wants and he made his choice and there’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t fault anything there but just the manner in which all the finger pointing and the name calling and all that stuff. Not informed and it seemed out of touch and I thought it was unfortunate it came down like that.”
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Namdi, it has nothing to do with him being old. Stop trying to side track people with your dramatic b.s. It’s because Al Davis doesn’t know how to build a football team. That’s why most fans want him gone, and that’s why the league wants him gone, too. He’s not bringing as much as he can to the revenue pool because of his poor team management. Al’s on his way out. It’s not because he’s old. We’re all going to get old. It’s because he has no business managing a modern day NFL football team. He’s obviously clueless.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Cole Ford Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
MR SPEAKS THE TRUTH. And, the truth hurts. Some of you kool-aid drinkers will never understand that Davis is washed up.
_______________________________________________________
Cole are you really MR or do you just want to hump him?
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
In Indianapolis, Dominic Rhodes, who played for the Raiders last season, expressed relief to the Indianapolis Star blog that he was back with the Colts.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
alisgod Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
No Mr…DAvis was not hooked to a polygraph. He had a receipt from …. FED EX!!!!!!!!!
——————————————————
LOL didnt you hear uncle AL “i sent lane the letter…I handed lane the letter….When we fed exed the letter to lane….LOL that was funny sh!t i wana see the receipt!!!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Cole you can stop now. Everyone has figured out that you are just one of my many other names that I post to make people think others support me.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Nnamdi, you trying to accuse people of bashing Al for his age just shows that you have no case to defend Al’s management of the team. That’s why you’re trying to take the argument there.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Nnamdi, I’ll talk to you later. In the meantime, read books. You’re not very smart.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Former Baltimore Ravens coach and Fox sports analyst Brian Billick used Kiffin’s term of being “embarrassed” when talking about.
“Al Davis is an icon in this industry and the Raiders have a long storied history but I’m embarrassed for Mr. Davis and I’m embarrassed for that franchise and the way that they’re dealing with Lane Kiffin,” Billick said. “That organization has a history of not honoring contracts and I think that contract will have to be honored. I’d be very surprised and embarrassed if this league didn’t step in and make sure that the right thing is done with regards to Lane Kiffin.”
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
been a raider fan for over 40 years, probably longer than most of you lived, I am really embarrassed to claim to be their fan anymore. I will be a fan of football but not a raider fan because you have to be blind, stupid and just plain ignorant to support this type of team. I feel sorry for some of the players and the coaches for what they have to endure and try to win despite the moronic owner’s meddling hands. Raider fan no more until Allen passes and normalcy returns to Oakland.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Kiffin did three things this year that has weighed on me and have to get off my chest. Even though I am critical of him, I still believe Al deserves more blame.
1) Screen passes. In Jamarcus’ first start last year his first pass attempt on the first drive was intercepted by San Diego and was the only pick he threw all day. In the opening drive of the Denver game, after giving up a touchdown, we faced a 3rd and goal. I was telling my friends “don’t do anything stupid here, run a draw and take the 3 points.” What did he call, a screen that resulted in a turnover. Two opening drives; two turnovers in back-to-back games on screen passes. And of course the tide turned this past Sunday when; on another failed screen that was intercepted. Lane take your screens back to college.
2) The 76 yard FG. Even if he didn’t mean it, this was poking fun at Seabass, and his draft status. He could have hurried up and ran at least one draw and tried to at least make it a 65 yarder or something. Not to mention with Cromartie back there it was essentially a kickoff to maybe the most dangerous guy in the league. Not smart. Maybe the worst mismanagement of the end of a half I have seen.
3) Going for fourth and 1 on his own 20 at the end of the Denver game. I posted on here and went back and forth a few times with guys on here about this. It was clearly a situation that had little to gain and tons to lose, including his players. By running the ball, it embarressed the runner, the O-line, the offense in general (which was booed relentlessy as it walked off the field) and than ultimately the D when it gave up a TD a few plays later. His reaction “we should be able to get a yard”. Has any other coach done such a thing? Not that I remember and when I watched it, I knew he was done and he really didn’t care.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Post 173. “80% huh?” Are you stupid? What’s so hard to understand?
ESPN had a fan poll where 124,000 people voted you dumb f’ck. The question was “Who is most responsible 5-15 record since 2007?” The choices were Lane Kiffin, Al Davis, or the Players.
81% voted for Al Davis!!! And only 5% blamed Lane Kiffin. Pull your head out of your azz!
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Namdi, it has nothing to do with him being old. Stop trying to side track people with your dramatic b.s. It’s because Al Davis doesn’t know how to build a football team. That’s why most fans want him gone, and that’s why the league wants him gone, too. He’s not bringing as much as he can to the revenue pool because of his poor team management. Al’s on his way out. It’s not because he’s old. We’re all going to get old. It’s because he has no business managing a modern day NFL football team. He’s obviously clueless.
_______________________________________________________
Hey, other peole posted the non sense about him looking old and others are constantly talking about him dying.
“He’s obviously clueless?”
Hows Glen Dorsey been? Hows Sedrick Ellis performed? His major mistake was hiring Lame.
I think bringing in Cable to turn around the O line was a good idea. I think selecting J Marc was a good idea. I think McFadden will tirn out to be good as well.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Stop the Ignorance Says:
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Post 173. “80% huh?” Are you stupid? What’s so hard to understand?
ESPN had a fan poll where 124,000 people voted you dumb f’ck. The question was “Who is most responsible 5-15 record since 2007?” The choices were Lane Kiffin, Al Davis, or the Players.
81% voted for Al Davis!!! And only 5% blamed Lane Kiffin. Pull your head out of your azz!
______________________________________________________
You know what you can do with an ESPN poll don’t you?
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:11 pm
The thing that nobody mentions which I think is really bad for this team for the rest of this season, is that Al basically threw DeAngelo Hall and Greg Knapp under the bus. It was not said directly in his little speech, but the subtext was that Hall sucks, and Greg Knapp was the person who recommended him. Gee, I wonder if Knapp will stick around at the end of the season. I can’t think of a situation where an owner has aired so much laundry of not only the coach that he fired, but also coaches and players who remain on the team. Bad form Al, bad form, nobody wants to work for a snitch.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Hold on Nnamdi, we’re doing what with a pole??
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Vegas
No doubt. Chalk it to inexperience, sabotage or stupidity, but Lame made mistakes that cost.
October 2nd, 2