I Am Done With This Team
by Gerard on Jan 4, 2010 2:22 PM PST
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I have been an Oakland Raiders fan since 1970. I will continue to be a fan because I do not give up my allegiance to anything that I have ever supported. I cannot, however, continue to put up with the hubris and gross mismanagement of this team. I don't know anyone who can tolerate 7 seasons of horrid football and continue to feel optimistic about our situation.
Jerry Mac voiced my opinion succinctly in his column I read today which I believe echoes many loyal fans to this team. Mr. Davis needs to step down from the various positions that he holds and allow others to do their job. Whether it is scouting, drafting, player contracts and de facto defensive coordinator, he needs to give it up. It was easy to follw this team and understand why they were winning in the 60s, 70' s and first half of the 80's. Now it's Davis way or you are out...winning...committment to excellence doesn't exist anymore.
Jamarcus symbolizes Davis more than anyone. A lot of misplaced power and no intelligence, currently to justify his lofty position. I just cringe when I think about Jamarcus Russell. Heck, he makes Todd Marinovich look like a genius, even while on dope. Will Davis insist that Jamarcus is great and fire Cable? Probably, because as you know this team needs to be built on power and speed so that we can marvel at how far a football can be thrown or fast DHB is. Great. Should I be excited watching Crabtree who has evolved, as rookies should across the Bay? At least he has shown some intelligence and hands softer than the stone hands of DHB. Never mind this team displays the collective IQ of a Pop Warner team. But the more accurate description is that it is a team the reflects the senility of its owner. King Leer anyone?
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Whoa
Take it easy, man. The last seven seasons have been rough, yes, but look at the bright side. Our 5-11 record tied our best mark since the 2002 regular season that saw us reach the Super Bowl!
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jan 4, 2010 2:48 PM PST reply actions
you can jump...just use a parachute
But 20 feet up won’t give it enough time to open
"I've been accused of using too many words...I suppose that's like accusing Mozart of using too many notes." Bill King
Well it's a four story building
so the parachute probably won’t help. I’ll aim for the grass and hope for the best.
I’d love to see some of the things you list Gerard as far as a GM and all the rest.
Like I wrote yesterday my greatest wish is for the Raiders to become a modern professional franchise that doesn’t live in the past.
'Sharper than a serpent's tooth the ingratitude of a child [of Raider Nation]'
Well, hang on Gerard – wait and see what happens in the next few months. I know it’s frustrating but the players themselves know we’re “about 5 player’s away” [player’s name not cited] from playoff caliber. These guys watch the films and know who the weak links are, we all know them too – and so does Al. Don’t forget that Davis is not opposed to drafting linemen in the first two rounds, e.g. Gallery OT 1st and Grove C. 2nd (and my point is his willingness to draft linemen early). NB. I wish it were only 5 though.
Son-of-Blanda
I think you're right Blanda
needing only five new players seems a bit optimistic to me. Heck I count 3 new players on the offensive line alone (maybe four).
If the 5 new players include...
1. a GM
2. Scouting DIrector
3. Player Personnel Director
4. More Autonomy for the coach
5. No meddling from the owner wrt the defense- case in point Philadelphia. Since when is blitzing a crime Mr. Davis?
If the dysfunction from the top ceases, we will be fine. I just will step back and recall the man from Missouri who stated…“show me”.
Believe me, I admire Al Davis’ place in the history of the NFL and I am proud of what our team used to be. The systemic problem goes beyond just 5 players. We could get those 5 players but without a properly functioning of checks and balances, Mr. Davis will run things afoul.
"I've been accused of using too many words...I suppose that's like accusing Mozart of using too many notes." Bill King
Here, Here!
King Leer indeed.
Cable should stay, friends!
Russel, however though it pains me so to admit I’ve supported unto recent past, must as they say,,,,,,,,GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So should GO!!!!!!!! the WHIMS of an owner once GREAT!
" I fear I am not in perfect mind..." King Lear
I hope Mr Davis comes to the same conclusion and take steps to restore Raider greatness
"I've been accused of using too many words...I suppose that's like accusing Mozart of using too many notes." Bill King
5 players and
an NFL play caller, cant forget that sons, or have you changed your thoughts on Cable? hahaha
just preparing myself for Cable's return
He wouldn’t get worse and might improve somewhat withing his potential. That interview today he even admitted that he was trying to do too much this season, naming play calling and offensive line involvement in particular. He seems to have enough humility to know his limitations. So given Cable as a constant, and given our acquiring an influx of 3 offensive and 2 defensive linemen, the projections, though not everything one could hope for, do auger well for effective improvements next season. Moreover, we wouldn’t risk trading down for a Jim Vassal or worse. With the radical line upgrades we could make it into the playoffs next year with Cable. Then, by this time next year, we would know exactly where we need to draft / upgrade to get us to the big dance. ..it’s going to be incremental – we’re just too poor in the lines to expect it to happen next year. Unless, of course, Al listens to my Sumo Wrestler plan.
Son-of-Blanda
by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 4, 2010 4:41 PM PST up reply actions
What do you put the odds of Cable returning at Blanda?
I still think he’ll be fired but it seems like you think he’ll stay.
As with anything involving the Raiders, wiseguys eschew the sportsbook
but not being very wise I’d lay even money – it’s a coin flip.
Son-of-Blanda
by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 4, 2010 7:08 PM PST up reply actions
I must say, I'm rather surprised to hear you even tolerate the possibility of Tom's return
I guess with all things Raiders, you count your blessings and prepare for the best.
We are truly very few players away from an all-time talented squad, but must learn to overcome the extraneous circumstances that come with the organization’s shortcomings that Gerard points out.
I’d say, Gerard, though you have me beat about five years watching ( I was born in ’71) hang in there, my friend! I could absolutely be wrong; God knows I have been over the past few years, but I feel better at the end of this season about next season than I have for a long time, and believe it is warranted.
Now, may our offseason not be mired in the same bs of years past. Whatever happens, I’ll be behind us, win or lose.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
A plan that cannot be changed is not a good plan
Son-of-Blanda
by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 4, 2010 8:04 PM PST up reply actions
I too am optimistic about the state of the team this year vs 2008
1. We understand our QB situation better- Jamarcus is NOT the answer
2. Start M. Bush and let the others offset his pace
3. DUB could be let go as we have other receivers with less speed but more promise.
4. Our O-line needs probably 3 more starters including the drafting of a center (Oh how I miss Otto/Dalby et al)
5. Our LB are probably okay and our secondary should improve.
6. Get Run stoppers
OKay, but the bigger issue is continuity within the front office. As we all know…stuff rolls downhill, and it is tiring as a fan to put up with the chicanery and wims of Al Davis. How many more Head Coaches does he need to meet HIS standards…wasn’t Gruden enough? Since then, it ’s the ongoing , revolving door nightmare that unstable franchises embody.
"I've been accused of using too many words...I suppose that's like accusing Mozart of using too many notes." Bill King
I agree. And we are being mentioned among franchises notorious for their owners preventing success
like the San Diego Padres.
Interesting you point out Otto and Dalby and company. Otto’s presence was dominant for years in the organization, and though Ron Wolf was probably always there when we won super bowls, one would think Al still has a dominant group of guys on the lines. What happened? Not since Linc Kennedy or Wisniewski has there been anyone that embodied that physical front once characteristic of a Raider football team, and they were lone stars with a decent support staff. Gallery is the lone star at guard and Henderson is a surprise, but hardly part of a dominant, physical group.
I’m thinking we’ve gotta go that route this time around. I’ll be with you on being done with pulling for a losing franchise, unable to muster even hope for a chance, if we make the same mistakes that found us in this predicament.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I posted this link before I checked on Bob Sapp (the winner in the video)
He was, indeed, a Raider (briefly)!
by Spirals galore on Jan 4, 2010 7:51 PM PST up reply actions
Bob Sapp
Maybe the scariest mutha fucka alive..6’5, 300 Lbs..AN da K1 Kickboxing HeavyWeight Champion
There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.
Pack-10 OT U. of Washington;didn't make in the NFL and went into
mixed martial arts, including Sumo. But, I’m talking about 450 lb Champion Sumo Wrestlers to come and wear the Silver & Black and drink beer with us at Saint’s tailgates before and after the games.
Son-of-Blanda
by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 4, 2010 8:02 PM PST up reply actions
Kinda Like
That guy from that movie with Keanu Reeves..The Replacments?
There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.
No surprise that a former Husky is a Leg Lifter
Son-of-Blanda
by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 4, 2010 9:24 PM PST up reply actions
Ugh
I really have no idea what your saying half the time..I just nod my head in agreement and go about my day acting as if I understood what you said
Thats what she said
Haha
Sumo wrestlers lift their legs (and, btw, also slap their thighs and throw salt) just like male dogs
Son-of-Blanda
by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 5, 2010 9:56 AM PST up reply actions
Maybe Sumo wrestlers like this!
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=986B9AC26DB0EE8A&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&v=Z8SmuhmVdwk
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
like you said though, and i have said aswell
we are going to actually see how tired Al is of this 7 year itch we have been in with his moves this off-season.
Breaking News Report
Raiders Hire a New Head Coach and a New GM.
Head Coach- Jon Gruden
GM- John Madden
Source: My Dreams
"The Silver and Black are Back" -Greg Papa 2002 AFC Championship game
al davis's argument will be
that vince young, alex smith, eli manning all had their fan’s turn against them but eventually turned things around… the truth of the matter is that al davis is a player’s owner and the teams only options are too keep cable or fire him.
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
if thats al davis' argument
i think it is actually quite valid. However, I would still rather start Gradkowski and make Russell work his way into a starting spot..
Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!
The true definition
of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. So, after 6 coaches and miss after miss in the draft, Davis still expects this team to win in its current form. Our owner is insane, Raider Nation!!! Do not expect a winning season any time soon.
but it wasn't the same thing; he did not hire the exact same man that he fired
Oh, Art Shell. Never mind.
Son-of-Blanda
by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 5, 2010 9:11 PM PST up reply actions
stop the madness!
i dont know how the rest of you feel, but i am tired of every news report , analyst , radio hosts
making raider fans the butt of their jokes. yeah douche bags our team sucks! you dont think we already know that!
where were all the jokes in the 80’s?
i just wish the raider organization could stop loading all these news outlets with ammunition.
when ever i hear about an " update from raiders camp" i cringe, cause 9 times out of 10 its another self inflicted wound. all that mystique and winningest franchise days are over with, can we move on and start over?
i would really like to be able to sport my colors and not have to defend myself for you AL!
put a team out there that competes, they dont have to win all the games but at least is in the game with a chance. much more than that WE NEED RESPECT BACK! of anything that has been lost the worst of all is respect.
three lombardi trophies and i got bare trophy case san diego fans ribbin me.
i’m done with the management of this organization, i think we all can see the light, but can they?
Al is not going anywhere
We need to stop crying about hiring a GM, it is not going to happen. Al would rather be wrong for 20 years straight than admit he cannot run his team.
Even if we did have a “GM” come on board, do you really think they would have a say in anything? They would be a front, another yes man, another pawn in the Al Davis chess game against the NFL.
The only chance that I see is for Cable and the staff to finally take control of this toxic locker rook and start holding players accountable. Fine people, send them home, cut them if need be (if Al allows it), send a god damn message that this city is not just a place to cash a freaking check then leave.
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
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