Questions Still Abundant In Oakland Off Season Agenda
by B.A.Armstrong on Apr 6, 2010 3:00 PM PDT
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PrintWhile the Oakland Raiders have had a fairly quiet offseason this year by their standards, the twists and turns of the regular season have kept fans on their toes wondering what is in store for a once great franchise in the very near future.
There are a thousand questions that Raider nation wants the answers to, like, is this the year Al Davis steps down? Will the Raiders draft another quarterback in the 2010 draft? Is Kirk Morrison the answer at middle linebacker? Does Richard Seymour still want to help this team turn around? Will Tom Cable survive the season?
While I cannot provide the answers to these questions, I can offer honest and insightful opinions to these and any other questions you might have.
So let's start from the top...no pun intended.
Is this the year Al Davis steps down?
To be painfully honest towards the folks associated with www.messagetoal.com, the answer is no. You don't have to even be a fan to realize that the only time Al will ever give in to what anyone else wants is when he drops the ball on life.
Al will not relinquish a role that he so meticulously stole; fair and square. He still thinks he knows the ins and outs of the game and nobody will convince him otherwise.
In fact, many people who are or have been associated with him believe he is still mentally sane. Lane Kiffin sure hasn't done anything to help us think otherwise either.
To top all that off, the fact of the matter is that Al has assembled a team with a ton of talent and no direction. I don't think that a talent scout like a new GM is the ideal answer, even though I do agree that Al is the common denominator in the past seven seasons.
What the Raiders need is an ideal system for the players that exist, not new or different players or a G.M.
Will the Oakland Raiders draft another quarterback in the 2010 draft?
I won't say that they won't for the simple fact that Al Davis will do it just to prove that I am wrong. The real meat of this question is not will they draft a quarterback, but will they draft a quarterback in the first or second round of the draft?
Being truly honest, I can't see how it helps. All it would do is give them another undeveloped talent to coach up. I could see them trying to find a quarterback in the late rounds of the draft. Trying to strike gold like the Patriots did with Tom Brady.
Then again, at this point they could go to their local supermarket and try to find the next Kurt Warner too, but just because they try to find him it doesn't mean that he is there bagging groceries, or if he was how would they know it?
Oakland does not have the financial stability right now to make their top pick in 2010 another quarterback. My advice would be to go after a hardnosed middle linebacker. Someone who could provide that run defense support they have been looking for. Or maybe add another lineman that was expected in the 2009 draft.
It takes a good three years for a good quarterback to be worth anything to a team. The 2006 class of quarterbacks are just now starting to take the reins of teams, with the exception of Jay Cutler, who has not really won anything to boot.
The 2005 draft was Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith.
2004's draft provided us with Phillip Rivers and Eli Manning, who are both starting to get into that elite talk.
And in spite of the early success of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, their sophomore seasons were much less impressive.
Oakland has more pressing needs than another quarterback, like a right tackle, a good center, a true middle linebacker, and a nickel cornerback.
Plus, there is a feasible group of quarterbacks there. The best thing the Raiders could do right now is make it an open competition next year. Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski are both hungry to prove themselves worthy of a second chance. Both of those guys believe they still have what it takes.
JaMarcus Russell is bursting with talent, but has very little motivation. Unlike Gradkowski and Frye who are hungry to prove themselves, JMR is probably just hungry in general. Perhaps an open competition would light a fire under his butt that is getting bigger every moment he wastes sitting on it.
Is Kirk Morrison the answer at middle linebacker?
I really think he stepped up his game in 2009 with a better defensive line in front of him. I've been a witness to him making more tackles at the point of attack than any other year I remember.
In spite of his improvement in that respect, I still have to say he is not the answer. I appreciate the leadership he shows, but I don't see that Ray Lewis or Mike Singletary mentality in the kid.
I think Oakland needs a true middle linebacker. They need a hard-nosed and tough player who plays light out, flies to the ball, and attacks. One who makes halfbacks scared to run towards him and makes quarterbacks fear his blitz.
While I don't think Kirk has what it takes to play the middle, I think that if he could concede to playing outside linebacker, he might still lead the team in tackles. He is a guy who plays with a lot of heart, but I just fail to see the mean streak in him that is needed to hold the fort in the middle in the 4-3 defense.
Whether by free agency or trade, Oakland needs to bring in a guy who changes the mentality of their defense.
Does Richard Seymour still want to help turn the team around?
Call me an optimist, but I think that he truly does want to help turn the team around. The year that the Patriots drafted Seymour they were a 5-11 team. They lost to Cleveland and Detroit that year by a combined score of 53-20.
I think Richard believes he helped turn that franchise around. I think he feels like the same opportunity exists in Oakland, aside from two things:
A. Oakland has more talent than New England did at that time.
B. Richard thinks that he is in his prime right now and is not a rookie.
To add to that, he knows that if he doesn't sign a contract with Oakland each offseason, he will end up getting the franchise tagged repeatedly until he concedes to signing.
Of course he has the desire to win and he knows that the team is better with him in the line-up. There is a good core group on defense in Oakland. Those blown plays on defense are very similar to the blown plays on offense when you break down the film. It's a matter of a foot off here, an arm's length there, just a missed assignment away from being a big play for the defense instead of the contrary.
The bottom line is Richard Seymour will be an Oakland Raider regardless of what he really wants. So he might as well try to solidify those hall of fame votes.
WIll Tom Cable Survive the Season?
I know a lot of people were hoping that Cable would get fired because they think that Tom Cable is worthless. Unlike you, I see what is happening.
Al Davis fired Lane Kiffin for several reasons. One of the reasons was not developing the young talent on the roster. From the time Tom Cable took over coaching duties, we've seen some young talents emerge in this group.
Tyvon Branch, Mario Henderson, Chaz Schilens, Michael Huff, Trevor Scott, and Michael Bush to name a few. More recently, Matt Shaughnessy, Gary Russell, and Louis Murphy are starting to look like they have a good upside.
The coaching staff is one of the most highly regarded that Oakland has had in my recent memory. Ted Tollner, Paul Hackett, Hue Jackson, Mike Waufle, and John Marshall all have very nice track records.
Moreover, the teams' play recently has shown me that they are on the right track in spite of the losses. I see them all making strides, putting in the effort, and making some big plays. Continuing to play for each other despite the record...growing together, bonding with each other, and becoming a team. If they continue on the path they are on, the team will gel. Kirk Morrison said after the loss to the Chiefs that he thought the team was starting to gel. The next week they came out and beat the Bengals, meanwhile the growing Chiefs beat the Steelers.
My hope is that the team continues to show this type of progress and Al Davis sees it. Ultimately, that is what it boils down to. The big guy upstairs has to see it, it doesn't matter what you or I think.
One thing I know is that Tom Cable has this team. The team believes in what Cable is telling them, and Al Davis stands to lose a lot more by abandoning Tom's staff than he would gain.
Tom's relationship with Al Davis is rumored around the Oakland facilities to be the best coach/owner relationship since Jon Gruden. The difference being that Gruden had Bruce Allen to buffer for him. Tom has no such thing, but you really get the feeling that Mr. Davis and Mr. Cable are on the same page when it comes to what direction the team wants to go for the future.
So there you have it, take it or leave it, but it's an honest, and in my opinion, very logical set of answers to some unresolved issues in Raiders' camp. Feel free to post your questions in the comments section and I'll feel free to answer them.
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This is what the Raiders should do in terms of the draft and the quarterback situation
First of all, the Raiders should trade for Campbell. Maybe a 4th rounder, or a 5th rounder and a 7th rounder for him. Let him duke it out in training camp and preseason with Gradkowski for the starting job. First 2 rounds of the draft they have to get an OT (Trent Williams, Brian Bulaga, Anthony Davis) and DT (Dan Williams, Cam Thomas, Linval Joseph, Jared Odrick) . I like the idea of grabbing an ILB in the 3rd because it’s starting to look like the Raiders will go with a linebacker rotation according to the latest moves. Kimbley was brought in and they said he will play OLB. That gives us 3 solid OLB’s in Howard (he’ll be back foresure), Wimbley, and Scott (he played there most of last year, and with the emergence of Shaughnessy, I think Scott will stick there). They seem like they aren’t sold on Morrison being the every down guy at MLB, based on the 3rd round tender and bringing back Ricky Brown. I could see them go with a guy like Jamar Chaney or Brandon Spikes, and have that guy rotate inside with Morrison. We could definitely use another guard who can start (Mitch Petrus, Mike Johnson, Zane Beadles). A cornerback that could potentially start oppposite Nnamdi would be awesome in (Kevin Thomas, Perrish Cox, Walter McFadden). A solid DE (Lindsey Witten, Kevin Basped, George Johnson). A fullback (Rashawn Jackson, John Conner). A WR/KR with our last pick (David Getts, Kyle Williams, Kelton Tindal). I think a draft like that and a move like acquiring Campbell could really make this team better moving forward.
Yep, thats exactly how the order should be NOT: 1st QB and 2nd DT/OT. OR CB and DT thats BS!
Its all OT (they dont grow on trees) then DT/NT (talent will be there)
The RaiderLaker
+1
we just don’t draft and develope QBs very well, history has shown us that.
We’re much better at picking up a castoff from someone else and making him work for us, after we’ve built a solid team around the QB position.
JR
I’m not clear on his contract. He will make $3 mm even if we cut him. If he makes the team, then he picks up another $6 mm or so, is that broadly correct? In that case, I would keep the optionality until September. Trade for Campbell, we’ve talked on an affordable cost, have a battle royale – Campbell, Bruce, Frye, AND JR. why cut JR now when we do not have extra cost to keep him until Sept? Someone may go down or God forbid, he may wake up and get something going. The favorite should be Campbell but at least we’ll have an interesting camp.
by raiders4liffe on Apr 7, 2010 1:05 AM PDT up reply actions
its 2 mill and 10 mill if he is on the team! cut him!
by sports with steve on Apr 7, 2010 2:44 AM PDT up reply actions
so why cut him now
and not in Sept? What’s the rush? what if another team wants him for a middle pick after a QB injury during preseason. No need to cut him until Sept.
by raiders4liffe on Apr 7, 2010 6:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Because he's an albatross and an embarrassment
And the story of training camp will be “What will happen to JaMarcus Russell?” and it’ll only be a distraction.
The sooner he’s gone, the better.
"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"
DENIAL!!!
Dude, there are no teams shopping for a combo QB/RG who can’t play either position. And if they are, they’re not going to pay him 6 million.
by Raidersforever on Apr 7, 2010 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Good writing, atleast someone has their head on straight!
I even cum Black & Silver...
by Tramp "Raider Roxxxtar" on Apr 6, 2010 3:49 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Great Post!
Al wont step down until he dies, or wins another Lombardi. He’s probably the most stubborn man I have ever heard of. But, I love the man. No homo.
If Oakland wanted to draft and groom a QB, this is the year. There’s plent of talent in the later rounds and given a year or two to learn and progress, he can see great sucess.
I’ll be sad to see Kirk go, He did his best for where he was placed. But he just isn’t a MLB. It would be pointless keeping him and moving him to OLB seeing we have 3 OLB’s now. Thomas, Wimbley and Scott. I just wish we would move to the 3-4 already! Kirk and Thomas in the middle with Wimbley and Scott on the edges. But I digress.
Im a believer that Richard Seymour is actually a leader in the locker room and a voice on the field. If we give him a space eater on the inside, his stats will surely improve.
It’s hard to say how long Tom will last. I know that if Oakland is 2-8 by Week 10. Hue Jackson will assume the Head Coah position.
In Bruce We Trust
Hahaha "no homo"
I think that can be naturally implied after a statement professing love for Al Davis. Although a “no necrophilia” may be helpful.
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
by Rich Langford on Apr 6, 2010 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice post, BA. I'm pretty much in agreement with you on all counts
Kirk is not a true MLB; solid, but lacks the true instincts to direct other teammates. You can’t do it, when you’re repeatedly caught biting on fakes and misdirects.
Al isn’t going anywhere, and certainly hasn’t begun listening to any one, and I don’t see it starting any time soon.
We need another qb on the roster, so we can cut JR once and for all, and we’ll actually resemble a real football team for a change!
I agree, that some direction is what the team needs, and also agree that the current coaching staff, and especially Hue, have a firm grasp on that aspect, and expect to see us win a lot more close ones this time around, particularly by not missing opportunities and leaving points on the field. The extra time of possession will go a long way in helping the D, too.
My biggest questions remain with the draft? Will we address the glaring holes for a change? Will at least some of them be filled, or will we seemingly completely ignore the fact we have deficiencies that are targeted as weaknesses week in and week out, and remain in the NFL scrapheap?
I love the depth, and just hope we address even MOST of the holes. Hell, in all honesty, I’ll be pleased if we at least make an attempt to upgrade both lines, the MLB position, and a serviceable guy to play corner. I don’t even care if he’s played corner yet, at this point.
I say, sign Jason Campbell, yesterday, and begin the process of jettisoning Jamarcus, and see an immediately healthy locker room environment that fosters the development of every qb, and announces no guy, hefty price tag and draft picks considered, ahead of any other without their chance to earn their shot.
Let’s see how it goes in just over a couple of weeks here… and I’ll tell you if I’m on board with us actually winning more games in 2010 than in recent years, or if we’ll continue to scrape the bottom of the NFL barrel.
NFL fans deserve to have more than half of the league being competitive again; it’s no fun when you have a few really good teams, some otherwise pretty average ones, and an entire half of the league being just plain dismal. It’s as deep a draft as I’ve ever seen, especially on the defensive side of the ball, so I’m expecting somewhat of a turnaround from a lot of the teams that have struggled, and all in all, I’d say we have mostly reasons to be positive about this team moving in the right direction, especially in the hires of Wauffle and Jackson.
"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
+100
"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"
What am I missing about Jason Campbell?
I don’t think he has been more productive than anyone on our roster even with a better line, better running game, and better receivers. I wouldn’t mind having him join our QB competition, but I wouldn’t give up much to take a look at him.
His stats last year:
64.5% completion, 3618 yards, 20 TD, 15 INT, 86.4 overall rating
And that’s playing behind an O-line that made ours look positively dominant.
"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"
I had to look it up to believe it
but he has put consecutive decent seasons together. I still would hate to give up picks for a decent QB when we have bigger holes to fill.
…and no o-line can make our o-line look dominant. Our sack numbers were just better because Radkoswki can run faster. We were rarely able to get a throw off without a hand in someone’s face.
He also had 13 fumbles
You can blame that on the line as well I guess.
My problem with him is that he’s not a General on the field. Oakland needs a General on the field! The lack of discipline in the organization leads to a lack of leadership (maybe its the other way around – no matter). This team needs leaders to stand up and take control. Grads isn’t the greatest QB but he sure takes control and we saw the results. Work on the line in front of him, the d-line and a true MLB and we’ll see what we can do.
I really like your comparison to general on the field
Yes – not just a physical specimen, not even just a smart player, but someone capable of assessing the situation, choosing the best course of action, and leading the team. Not an easy task; from what I saw last year, Grad has the potential.
by Spirals galore on Apr 7, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Some of those intangibles you find in guys like Drew Brees
distributing the ball on average to ten or more receivers, not ever zeroing in on one, always aware of what’s going on on the entire field.
Definitely see some of this in Gradkowski. I can’t wait to see how he develops with Hue Jackson.
They said Gannon couldn’t throw a deep ball for a long time, either, and I remember Tim Brown and Jerry Rice being on the receiving end of some nice ones in the playoff run that ended in the “tuck rule,” and in the season following as well. We might see Grad unleashing a few and suddenly being recognized as able to throw that ball (I know he doesn’t have a natural huge arm, so don’t break my balls here too much) with Hue utilizing our weapons to get open in space downfield. A downfield threat was one of the problems that contributed to the stacking of the box against us last year too. A proper utilization of our guys could remedy this immediately.
Some blocking up front would be huge, too!
"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
+100
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Apr 7, 2010 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
And
He’s throwing to Randle El, Santana Moss, Cooley, etc. Now picture him throwing to DHB.
He’s not terrible, but you bring him here and plug him into this offense, and it’s probably not going to be much better than Grad. A lot of people are seriously against drafting a QB, but at some point the Raiders need to be figuring out some long term solution at the position.
Key words right here:
at some point the Raiders need to
that tell us that this is the reason you wait until all these issues are addressed:
Now picture him throwing to DHB.
He’s not terrible, but you bring him here and plug him into this offense, and it’s probably not going to be much better than Grad.
In short: blocking. To expand on it a little: utilize your strength to complement your skills, i.e., calling a run play when your 1st and short in scoring position, maybe at least once, especially considering you have three badass running backs, and one who outweighs most of his tacklers by 60 or 70 pounds.
I’m all for addressing the qb situation, but am more excited to see how Bruce can perform if we fix some of the other problems associated with our offense, most importantly, the weaknesses in pass protection. A solid blocking FB will remedy this a great deal too. I say get the best FA you can get this year, and see who’s available in next years crop.
"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
oops, this shoulda been bq'd too
He’s not terrible, but you bring him here and plug him into this offense, and it’s probably not going to be much better than Grad.
"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
Nice article
My biggest disagreement with this, I have seen this other places too, is the assertation that the Raiders have plenty of talent. I just don’t see it. The offense is almost void of any legit talent.
The D is not as bleak, but I wouldn’t call it loaded either.
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
***sp assertion***
however your spell it the Raiders need more talent!
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
by Rich Langford on Apr 6, 2010 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Oakland has talent!
It was just hard to recognize behind the screen of Tom’s ridiculous and semi-retarded play calling.
Actual Offensive Talent
LT- Mario Henderson: He plays at a elite level when he has a sold guard next to him. In another
2 years, He’ll be Pro Bowl material.
TE- Zach Miller: With a competent QB throwing his way from now on. You should expect Zach to make the Pro Bowl.
WR’s- Chaz, Louis and Darrius: All 3 are hard working and making strides to bettering themselves. I have a feeling Darrius will eclipse Chaz and Louis in the next few years though. Maybe even next year.
RB’s- Michael Bush is hot talent! Easy Pro Bowl material if given the right amout of carries. And Darren McFadden will be a scary weapon under the coaching of Hue Jackson.
We have alot of talent. But due to some coaching mistakes, everyone was doing the wrong thing. Like, JaMarcus was under center way to long. His play brought down the play of EVERY offensive player. And I think we all can agree on the fact the Tom Cable may be the worst play caller in history.
In Bruce We Trust
+1
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Apr 6, 2010 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions
You make a fair point about Henderson
He was dominant at the end of 2008 and early 2009, then fell off precipitiously as the season went on. Not so coincidentally, that coincided with Gallery’s injury. I believe Henderson deserves another chance.
Obviously, he has to learn how to function without Gallery, but he’s learning. He was always a project; that’s why he was a 3rd round pick.
"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"
Gallery returned and Henderson still was slumping...
he strikes as a guy that needs extra motivation to perform. That being said, I am glad he is a Raider. I would be even more glad if there was someone on the roster that allowed him to move to RT
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
by Rich Langford on Apr 7, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Gallery only played like 5 games last year, maybe less.
He never really returned.
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Apr 7, 2010 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
True, but some of those were at the end of the season
and Henderson continued his slide. I agree that a healthy Gallery is key to the offensive line. I agree that Henderson is a talent worth having, but I can’t place him anywhere above average LT status until he shows consistency no matter who is starting around him.
The rest of the line is pathetic. Satele was one of the biggest disappointments of the season last year. I think the talent level on the offensive side of the ball for the Raiders is in the bottom 1/8th of the league. Go position by position and more often the I find I would trade the Raiders starter for more than half of the other teams starter at the same position. The only spot I wouldn’t is TE, LG and maybe RB.
It is not without hope they are a young group and will greatly benefit by a QB that understands the game.
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
by Rich Langford on Apr 7, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
RB talent--yes...TE talent hell yes!
Wr…no. I would trade the Oakland Wr corps with more than half of the league. I hope you are right about them improving, but as it is right now, I have a hard time saying the wr’ing corp is talented.
Henderson…I am not sold on. I put him right now as an average LT. Gallery is solid and he needs to stay healthy. The rest of the line is patheticly talentless.
Then there is the QB situation…
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
Henderson was playing at a unstoppable level when Gallery was next to him.
And Satele played quite well. He didnt do anything to spectacular but he should improve with Iupati next to him. If he doesnt improve after this year, we draft one of thos highly talented Centers out of next years draft.
At RT, There should be competetion between a rookie and Barnes. As for who that rookie should be, Im undecided. I like Kyle Calloway out of Iowa. He is a natural RT who can stay at that posistion and face no struggles.
In Bruce We Trust
They played well
on running plays(even against a perpetually stacked box), the pass protection left a lot to be desired.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
Glad to find another bigtime Henderson supporter!
He shut down some of the most talented pass rushers in the league with Gallery next to him. I really think when Gallery went down, he didn’t trust Chris Morris to pick up his man and was thus looking over his shoulder (so to speak) and lost focus on his guy. If you see what I’m saying.
Calloway would be an excellent choice in round 2 or 3. Everything a RT should be. Also, Vlad Ducasse from UMass (heh) would be good in the same range.
"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"
I'm with you about Mario, too. It's all about guys we have compensating for the holes and weaknesses amongst them
"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
Tom Cable
can be fired at anytime for all I care. besides the QB’s problem our offensive line was the worst problem on the team. We can get any linebacker in the NFL today we still won’t stop the run because linebacker is like corner. you are only as good as the front 4. How can anyone say we don’t need a QB do we have anyone on this team that is proven. No. It’s the same thing with the VIkings you any of you think they can go deep in the playoffs without Favre. The only way we are going to win with Bruce is Bush and Mcfadden are going to rush for like 2000 yard combined and have like 20 plus td’s. The same way Panthers did I don’t see us doing that. For one we don’t have a Steve Smith or a defense that can stop the run. Bruce has never came into a game on fire the both wins were come from behind wins. We don’t have the talent to play like that and win week to week.
Thats what we need
Yet another coach. It takes some time to get a system going, I’m with Tom.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
Im with Tom unless we finish 6-10 or worse. We need to get out of the double digit loss column
In Bruce We Trust
He won't last the sixteen games if the losses are in the first half of the season!
I’m with sticking him out at this point, too, but won’t be too sad if we’re still shitty.
"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 don't think anyone is saying that we can't use a better QB
but it really doesn’t matter if we can’t keep a QB off their back for more than 2 seconds
It will never happen
Bush and Mac would have to rush for 2000 EACH for us to get to the playoffs. I’m with you. I don’t see it happening with Grad at this point. Certainly a relief from Jabustus but I don’t think we’ll get teams to respect our passing game as long as he’s in the backfield. We need help on the OL, defense and QB to be contenders again.
by Raidersforever on Apr 7, 2010 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I hear
Mike Leach is looking for a job. Just sayin.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
-1
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Apr 6, 2010 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd love him if he'd lock Al and JaMarcus in a closet
"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"
by Raybin on Apr 7, 2010 6:42 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ray Lewis and Mike Singletary
are 1 in a good 5,000 MLB’s. The Raider nation is putting unreasonable expectations on one of our hardest working players. I never heard people calling for Beikert’s head the way we are with Morrison. I fear we are turning into a bunch of cynics with these losing streaks. Losing Morrison will hurt us more in the coming season then we could possibly stand to gain. No Rookie MLB will improve what Morrison has already built up. He is a Top 5 MLB in tackles over the last 4 seasons isn’t exactly easy to replace, the thing that he most brings to the table is consistency. Any move is gambling that consistency, Morrison has proven it at the NFL level. Forget these college kids, Morrison is a leader of men.
"I need a couple A's for Q's, I'm not an Asshole I'm just a little confused"
-Aesop Rock
valid point
however, Kirk is still not a MLB. He has consistently played out of position. His tackles (team leading numbers) are made 5-7 yards down the field, not at the point of attack. He would have been a solid OLB for years to come, I just do not see it anymore. A benchmark would be Scott from the Jets, that’s what we need in the middle. You should expect a 1st round MLB pick to start and have some impact even as a rookie, not a 3rd round pick. Which free agents MLB are available?
by raiders4liffe on Apr 7, 2010 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Totally Disagree
Morrison had his best year defending the run this last year, he was very active in the trenches. His coverage and up field abilities are what dwindled but that is the type of movement we have been wanting out of him. If Morrison ever showed us the MLB we were looking for it was last year. He is one of the hardest working players on the team, you can actually see the differences made that he focuses on in the offseason. Good blitzer and still has slightly above average coverage skills.
That is the thing all these “better” replacements don’t exist. People are just jumping on Morrison without critically thinking as to who is going to replace our Defensive Captain. Seriously, McClain isn’t a 4-3 guy, Donald Butler or Jamar Chaney I could see as a possible 2nd round pick. But do you think they are really going to surpass Morrison in his abilities? The FA pool is a joke this offseason. Keep Morrison, if anything that 3rd round tender was placed on him to dupe an unsuspecting franchise in to putting a cheaper bid in on him, so Mr. Davis can bait a cheaper salary for a guy that ranks top 5 MLB in tackles over the last 4 seasons and simulate to him a FA.
"I need a couple A's for Q's, I'm not an Asshole I'm just a little confused"
-Aesop Rock
I can
accept that “all these better replacement” may not exist or are priced too high. A rookie in the 2nd round may not be ready to step in and have an impact. Hence, he may be the “best” option. I simply do not rate him as high as you do as a MLB player. I love his character, his roots from around the way, his professionalism, and positive attitude. Beyond question; this is not personal unlike JR who stole from AD. He may have 4 solid plays in a row, and then, boom up the middle, he gets tangled by a lineman, and they run it 20 yrds up the gut. Happened way too many times on his watch. Sorry, he doesn’t bring fear and collisions in that spot.
by raiders4liffe on Apr 7, 2010 6:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Agree
Notice I never said he did. But one of the key issues for any defense is time spent on the field. Our offense cannot sustain drives so when the 3rd and 4th quarter comes we are down right winded. That is root of the problem for me as to why we are giving up such big plays. Because many fans noticed that we particularly played the run better this year and were more consistent it was those big plays that we kept giving up that were killing us. Those big plays also seemed to come at the end of the 3rd and 4th quarter. I am just saying building up the offense line will pay dividends on both ends of the game. I am not absolving Morrison of guilt but merely adding more context to the problem then singling out one player.
"I need a couple A's for Q's, I'm not an Asshole I'm just a little confused"
-Aesop Rock
I strongly agree with most of OP's points because
Al won’t be stepping down until he is incapable of daily duties, and if it does turn out to be his graceful choice it wouldn’t be this close to the draft.
That said, I do believe that a dedicated and energetic GM would do better for the team at this point, by more than many guys think. As much as I want a dedicated GM on top of his profession, I also wish Mr. Davis nothing but the best of health.
Also agree that no QB (or RB or TE) will not join the The Raiders in the first — or second — day of the draft, simply due to the fact they had some reasonable success at the rushing last year (I attend all the games, season tickets in Row 11 (20YL behind the bench). They just cleared out McFadden’s main competition for carries, so I’m expecting to see him get more touches. In fact, I see almost sero chance they get a QB, RB or of course TE in the first 2 or 3 rounds becasue of the recent high investments they have made there. Need abounds on the line where these previously mentioned skill players need to be sprung by the bigs.
Also agree tha Cable and Davis are on the same page. This is afterall a no nonesense line coach that has shown the inclination to lay down the law….in true Raider fashion I might add…and his players by and large have bought into what he’s teaching. That shouldn’t be underestimated.
Got news for the Campbell fans, he’s not better than Gradkowski or Frye. He’s had ample opportunity (albeit with different coaches and questionable recieving hands) and yet he has shown to be the very definition of pedestrian, There is nothing Campbell can do that Gradkowski can’t so that doesn’t make sense to me.
I really, really like what Seymour brought to the D….the sacks, the attitude, the penetration….and I think thhe Raiders do too. But, I can also see the possibility of a trade here, with the idea being reducing the salary while grabbing one of the young DT’s available in the draft. Likely? I don’t know. But possible? It could happen….there are some teams (Rams for example) that have a very serious need at DT and QB that getting Seymour would not just solve but create an ideal drafting situation. Haynseworth is another possibility for them, just for example of the media rumors making the rounds this week. If he sticks with the Raiders, I’m happy. If he gets replaced by a 1st rund DT like N Suh I’d be even happier….but who knows.
Good post, by the way.
The blind stares of a million pairs of eyes, lookin hard but won't realize, that they'll never see the C. And when I'm rollin by, you can't see me!
Typo Correction - I meant to say "no QB (or RB or TE) will join the The Raiders in the first or second"
Rather than “no TE won’t join”.
But you probably knew that.
The blind stares of a million pairs of eyes, lookin hard but won't realize, that they'll never see the C. And when I'm rollin by, you can't see me!
by CoachConnors on Apr 6, 2010 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions
well said, coach
interesting take on Campbell. I believe he could be at least as good as Grad, but some have pointed out he lacks leadership, which I can’t argue with based on what I’ve seen thus far since being called to my attention.
I don’t see too many teams interested in Richard, especially with the jack he’s getting here on his contract, and I doubt seriously he’d even entertain restructuring it or signing another elsewhere. I think that’s great motivation for him to play his ass off over and above any he used to work hard this year, and I too love what he brought when he brought it.
I agree with others that he had lackluster moments, but I’ve no doubt he was quite tired many times on seasoned legs and it must’ve gotten rather difficult to even focus on the games much less winning given the circumstances many of the times. Even the best of veterans and most experienced of ring bearers would struggle in the environment the whole Jamarcus thing put us in. I still hope we get the tackle like Suh or McCoy, or maybe Linval Joseph, and see how this line can play with one of these guys alongside big Dick.
"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
Just gonna throw out a prediction now
This team needs to be at least 2-2 after four games for Cable to keep his job. If it’s 1-3 or 0-4, then welcome Head Coach Hue Jackson!
"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"
Were gonna start 0-2 anyways. So it looks like Tom might be replaced my Hue. Lets hope
JaMarcus doesnt luck out in the 1st two games and win the starting job for the year. Cause we all know if JaMarcus has 1-2 good games, Al will jump on his high horse and say he was right from the beginning.
In Bruce We Trust
Actually....
I’m the hoping the raiders keep ole tom for atleast another whole season. Doesn’t make sense switching coaches like panties lol. Al Davis has made his decision, he just needs to be man enough and let his coaches make the play calling not him.
"The scope of the Raiders' problems spans beyond the quarterback position"
think it's funny you say that. I feel this is how Al goes about some of his decisions.
in other words, they’re predetermined. I’d say at least 3-2 after 5 games is a more realistic bet. If not 3-2, we’re dead.
"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 am sorry
to see morrison go, i think in an outside position he would be great, but we need a Laurinitis or Lewis. a big mean nasty bastard that knocks snotbubbles out of the RB’s nose when he comes into the middle….. i mean a big nasty sumbitch…. evil hearted destroyer of dreams and sternums…. LT (giants OLB) was a leader, and wasnt an ILB or MLB…. morrison could do the same on the outside…. But we need a psycho in the center…. lets cut JAFATBOY, pay him his 3 million twinkies, and be done with it. chalk it up as a learning experience… NO LSU QB’s…. and take Tebow… let him learn and develop behind RADKOWSKI, and FRYE, also hardworkers…. just limited skill sets… that would be great for us. A Freak OG like Iupati would help the right side of the line….. HENDERSON is badass, just wont block for JABUST….. MURPHY is a stud, and will be for a while…. CHAZ is like Vincent Jackson in SD, tall, great hands, quick moves, long arms, fights for it in the middle, let him get an actual season going and he’ll be good…. DHB keeps workin on those stone fingers and he will be a serious deep threat…. i heard Mike Bush was the second coming of BO, i know – blasphemy…. but i can see flashes of a big bruising runner, just needs to GYM it like BO did…. in my opinion guys, we need sick psycho ax murdering mindset back on this team…. people that wanna hurt the opposing players when they make contact…. a lil swagger… a lil trash talk… a lotta hittin hard….
+1
Good post, I feel that a mean Sumbitch is needed on defense too
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Apr 7, 2010 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
both sides would benefit by adding a few sumbitches
by Sons-of-Blanda on Apr 7, 2010 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
here's to a few mean sumbitches
boy howdy!
"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
If we Draft Tebow or Clownsen with the 8th AND Bruce Campbell with the second.....I am done with this team!!....
And will watch Tennis or Golf only…perhaps soccer…(Baseball to me is boring no action or moving around) Per a source We the Raiders talked to Tebow in depth. (And DHB changed his #12 to 85…hmmm…something must be brewing.)
The RaiderLaker
@ jaggerjaw
Better yet why don’t you watch hockey and before a sharks fan like me xD lol. it’s where the real winners are at
"The scope of the Raiders' problems spans beyond the quarterback position"
Hockey is quite awesome actually.
I always tell my self I’ll watch it someday but I never get around to it.
In Bruce We Trust
lol man it's kool something alot different from football
Plus I use to play the sport back when I was in high school years back. Been a Sharks fan for 10 years now :)
"The scope of the Raiders' problems spans beyond the quarterback position"
Yeah, I mostly watch Football, Basketball, Boxing and MMA.
Those are my big 4. But If I see a hockey game on and theres nothing else to wactch I’ll watch it. But I dont go out of my way.
In Bruce We Trust
Screw the Sharks its all about the Red Wings...When I was a kid I had a red jacket with
a wheel and wing emblem and fell in love with it…But then I lost interest in it…since it was hockey plus I was too young and I didn’t like sports…
The RaiderLaker
The Red Wings have always interested me! I've never been a fan, but when I see on on ESPN I always hope they win.
In Bruce We Trust
Red Wings
Rooting for them is like rooting for the Yankees, Lakers, Cowboys, Duke basketball and USC football.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Apr 8, 2010 1:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow. But haven't the Penguins won the last two though?
I wish I could have more interest in Hockey, I’ll try again next year, but I doubt I will suceed. My teams consist of Oakland Raiders, LA Clippers, and LA Dodgers. I was raised in So Cal, So I naturally love the LA area haha
In Bruce We Trust
well
one thing is for sure it looks like it’s the bottom of the afc west. with everything the other teams are doing i’m mean these teams are making it happen.and here the raiders are doing nothing tom is a joke for a head coach and well let’s face it so is al, as an owner we’re fu**** as a team
we're not moving anybody because...
The talent is already there, they just need the chemistry and some people to step up and be leaders. They will grow together. It’s a very young team. You wil see
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Apr 7, 2010 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Free Agents
This is my opinion: The Raiders should sign T.O. as in Terrell Owens. Why some might ask? Simple, veteran and field prescence. If you study the recieving corps as it looks right this moment, its decent, not good, not great, but decent. T.O. brings matchup problems. Not only that, but you need another cheerleader on offense. Someone that is going to motivate your quaterback and keep his head in the game. Put Russell on notice, he has the skill and talent, but has yet to show us anything at the NFL level. Goes back to my initial post here. Find a true middle linebacker. The guy there is decent and a better OLB and I think he would flourih better with a true Middle linebacker in the middle. I think that would shore up the problems with the run defense. And by the way, back to T.O. it is not about speed but veteran prescence and some leadership on the offense side of the ball.
Russell
Let’s talk about Jamarcus Russell for a moment. In order for the fans and the team to believe in him, here are some things he will have to do:
1. Establish himself as the teams leader on and off the field
2. Execute and be proficient in his game (no slacking)
3. Make sound judgements
4. Get the ball downfield (avoid the sacks and three and outs)
5. Execute
6. Be Proficient
7. Let folks know that you are in control
8. Execute
9. Know when to take a sack and know when to throw it away
10. Execute
11. Dont be one dimensional (look for one guy)
12. Execute
13. Work ethic (a lot of questions on this one)
14. Show the fans and organization that you were worth the investment (66 Mil)
15. If you get cut loose here, no one else is going to give you that kind of money. And you will be a career backup.
16. Hype means nothing if you cant back it up.
17. Put your money where your mouth is.
18. Execute. I know this is here a lot. Maybe I am trying to tell you something.
19. Whether you believe it or not, you are on the bubble.
20. Believe in yourself, your team, and your fans
EXECUTE
Sounds like a plan.
But there is one fatal flaw. Were talking about JaMarcus Russell, I’m not sure he even wants to play football. I truely believe he will be just dandy being cut, that way he can lay around on his fat ass all day and gamble away his unearned money.
In Bruce We Trust
If we get a new coach
I hope we get the good Idaho coach Robb Akey. He came to a crap team and got it to a bowl game. His players love him and WSU is still wishing they would have kept him. If we replace crap with more crap it does us no good.
tatum, davidson, romanowski, wisniewski...LET'S GET NASTIER!!!!
A diet of potatos causes mental deficiency
by Sons-of-Blanda on Apr 9, 2010 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
sheesh
Did an Idahoan whip your ass a lot when you were young?
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
fn. if it's any consolation, van Gogh considered "The Potato Eaters" his most successful painting
by Sons-of-Blanda on Apr 9, 2010 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Of course he cut off his own ear and had various mental issues that had not yet found a name.
Too many potatoes perhaps?
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
by Rich Langford on Apr 9, 2010 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions
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