Oakland Raiders...11-5 in 2010? Why Not?
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Jul 21, 2010 2:55 PM PDT
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PrintWhile I was away, basking at Jamaica by the Bay (Reggae on the River), this past weekend I was alone with my thoughts. No computer. No cell phone. No intrusions. Just, Irie flow and many smiling faces. In the midst of this journey, I started thinking about the heart and Soul of the Oakland Raiders and I thought to myself, "Self, there is NO reason why this team cannot win the AFC West and make a drive into the Playoffs".
For the first time, in a LONG time, I am looking forward to the actual Oakland Raider Season for the games, not just the experience.
Don't get me wrong, I have been a Kool-Aid drinker each and every year. And that Kool-Aid flavor went from Cherry to Pizzurp to vomit pretty quickly last season.
But, get the cliche-o-meter ready, I think that this year is different.
There are only 4 games on the schedule that we should lose, Pitt, Indy, Hou, Miami. In reality, those are ALL winnable games, just games that I don't feel great about.
Am I drinking the Kool-Aid again? Is 11-5 a realistic goal or a pipe dream?
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It's a really realistic goal but i think 9-7 is more likely
To me this season essentially DEPENDS on if we can beat the chargers and get it in our heads that we are a good team. But needless to say were gonna suprise some people this year. Good Post btw!!
I agree
I think we need to send a message to the Chargers at the very least this year that we are coming for them by at least beating them once…and hopefully it’s a convincing win. I’d also like to see us have the best record against our own division to serve notice to the other teams hoping they can circumvent us to the top.
Buster: Let me go with you. I was trained by Army. I speak the language.
Michael: You speak Arabic?
Buster: La-ach-ha-tem.
Michael: What’s that mean?
Buster: No, I was just clearing my throat, but I think it actually does mean "laundry" but like a child’s laundry. We don’t really have a word for it.
by Buster Bluth on Jul 22, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Not kool aid
but maybe you are burning hallucinogenics with that Irie stuff. I am a total Raider booster and wear my very red rose colored glasses EACH and every year but 11-5? Ummmm maybe you could pass some of what you got to the OC, DC and HC of 13 or so teams we play this year and that could happen.
Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!
by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Jul 21, 2010 3:16 PM PDT reply actions
I see a 7-win team
which is better and an improvement. I think they will certainly be watchable for the most part and may even spend most of the season contending for a playoff spot. I don’t believe the offense is a playoff ready yet. The running game seems to have more potential than production, the receivers are unproven and the offensive line make-up scares me to some degree. I think the defense (with a solid enough offense to keep them off the field) is good enough, but they need to show more consistancy.
Now, if certain players do start living up to potential (I’m looking at you McFadden, Henderson, Kelly), and the coaching staff improves calling games, then there is potential for the team to live up to your expectations.
I do commend you for making a bold prediction and putting it front and center on the site.
You all occupy a world dominated by Kobe Bryant, consider yourself fortunate.
lets see what we got
Offensive line- shit
Wr—-Below Avg.
Te— exceptional
Rb— tbd. I assume they will be of avg. production when season is said and done
qb- average
Def Line- avg. we still lack a pure pass rusher however.
Lb - above avg- above avg
secondary
Spec Teams— exceptional
6 to 9 wins is my guess. …
by rat, el rat, mr. rat, the rat on Jul 21, 2010 4:09 PM PDT reply actions
wow
you should change your name to mr. pessimist or mr. doubting thomas….. seriously, just keep sayin all that crap so you dont hex the season…. i shall enjoy your consuming of humble pie, your inhalation of crow…
just sayin… maybe we need ratatouille sayin negative stuff…
I'll Get Inside Your FACE!
by VaderBDCRaider on Jul 21, 2010 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions
what do you disagree w?
Being a realist is not being a “pessimist” in my book.
Seeing that the past 7 years have gone so wrong in EVERY conceivable manner, estimating a 7.5 win season seems optimistic. Dont you think?
PLayers have come and gone w/ the same results, losing. The only constant is Al Davis. We still havent cut that albatross loose. On second thought maybe I should reconsider that 7.5…….
by rat, el rat, mr. rat, the rat on Jul 21, 2010 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions
look at al's
last seven offseasons, and show me a corollary to this year…
last seven years – bad draft, coach changes, bad FA signings….
THIS YEAR? SAME COACH, NEW OC…. EXCELLENT DRAFT….. NOT ONE HUGE FREAK FA SIGNING, unless u count Hendersons big freaky ass….. JUST SAYIN.
I'll Get Inside Your FACE!
by VaderBDCRaider on Jul 21, 2010 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions
just sayin… maybe we need ratatouille sayin negative stuff…
He wasn’t negative. His 6-9 wins amount is a very reasonable prediction. How he graded the positions are justifiable.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 21, 2010 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions
really?
with the best corner in the game? and a solid #2? and THREE, count em, THREE new additions? with Tyvon back there layin wood? and a missile primed to start sackin and smashin?
we lack a pure pass rusher? SCOTT anyone? how about Wimbley? who is a pass rusher first, its his coverage skills that need work.
Bush is better than average…
CAMPBELL is better than average, he did a better job with a shittier team in DC. Frye and Boller sit there. Radkowski is better than average….
Rat, i know how ya feel… i saw the ups in the 80’s and the nasty 90’s… darrel russel anyone? how about BO gettin hurt? how about marajuanavich? I WATCHED CHUCKY DESTROY US.. U think i didnt stick a size thirteen into the screen and have to go to a damn bar down the street to watch the final quarter? i saw gannon losing it when he couldnt sneak it thru their defense, and he started tryin to MAKE plays, instead of lettin them develop a window….
i digress, please forgive me. i understand your disgust. i only look for the best and hope for the best because i only have my team. i cannot play anymore, so i am the eternal optimist for the raiders. i saw them win in ’81, i was 4… i wanna see em win one again….
i was all in jest about changin your name, but maybe u are the guy that has to say they are crap, for the hex to be removed? ya know what i’m sayin? like reverse psyche, but in a luck sense?
tell ya what…. i think, on my own scouting of every media source/blog roll/utube video/game tape i can get my hands on, i say we take the division, beat houston, and the stealers, and miami. i’m callin 12/4…
al davis may be an antiquated, old school, hard nosed, egotistical sumbitch. he has effed this team up, tryin to bring a winner and doin it his way, in the last 7 years… maybe now he sees this. and realizes he was being a jackass and its not the same NFL…. He has been surprisingly quiet this offseason. maybe he has passed the reins a little to the football people. maybe he steps up and says he was responsible for creation when they win the bowl, and thats fine. let the old dawg have his day, he’s got 1 1/2 feet in the grave already…. let him die happy. BUT MAYBE ITS BECAUSE OF HIM EASING UP A LITTLE AND LETTIN OTHERS INFLUENCE THE DECISION THAT WE HAVE HAD SUCH A GOOD OFFSEASON.
look, i cringed when they hired NORV TURNER… i threw – up when they traded for moss… i had a bad feeling about D-HALL and SHELL…. dude was a bad mofo as a lineman, but way to old school for the NFL of today…
but this year, i got a nice warm feeling deep down that we are gonna surprise some critics…
its not u being a pessimist, nor a realist, its u being a defeatist that compels me to try to get you to get excited for this year…
LET GO RAIDERS! LETS SHOCK THE WORLD!
I'll Get Inside Your FACE!
by VaderBDCRaider on Jul 21, 2010 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions
For one, the secondary is something I didn’t agree with him on.
we lack a pure pass rusher? SCOTT anyone? how about Wimbley?
Scott had seven sacks last year and Wimbley had 6.5 sacks. You’re banking too much on potential.
Bush is better than average…
No one called Bush average, but he is going to have to rush for more than 589 yards to be considered something better than average.
Radkowski is better than average….
Campbell is better than average, but Gradkowski is certainly not.
i think, on my own scouting of every media source/blog roll/utube video/game tape i can get my hands on, i say we take the division, beat houston, and the stealers, and miami. i’m callin 12/4…
That was “LOL” funny all the way through.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 22, 2010 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions
def line
was actually ranked 5 in def line units in sacks….pass rush is not the problem, run stop is…LB corps is in my opinion one of the best right now other than WRs (barely) i dont think were below average
Success is not measuredby what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds...
-Orison Swett Marden
obviously dont kno football
O-line ok ya weak Passing game was explosive with a no name QB umm we got Jason Cambell whos known and decent so pass game will be nice.
Run game above average buddii u trippin.
D-Line improved greatly 2nd halp of season so Kelly seymour will only improve together
LB core NICE..idiot u see who we drafted? and OLB ILBs are decent enuff to cause read issues for QBz
DB umm we been super nice the past 3yrz with a trash Offence way better offence Now that JRuss gone so wat makes you think they goin to be ave.
AFC west only takes ave team to win west look at SD ave in every category and horrioble in 2ndary and makes playoffs. 11-5 is realistic
So quiet hatin look at the facts and stats and be real with yourself raider fan yess not nyeve but soft schedule totally diff calibor of players and way of thinkin since 02 raiders all the bad seeds are gone and AFC west teams that were dominate or good have fadded off.SD has barely beat us the past 3yrz and we were trash hmmmmm ya raiders turning heads this yr. i have em @ 9-7 tho
Are you kidding me.
The Raiders were one of the top teams in sacks last year. Pure pass rusher or not, the Raiders get after the QB, and this year we’ll see even more sacks.
by Captain Chaos on Jul 22, 2010 6:48 AM PDT up reply actions
it depends on how our front lines play. our D-line looks to be great against the run with seymour, henderson, kelly, and houston. however, the line lacks a pure pass rusher. on the other hand, our 2 OLB’s, trevor scott and kamerion wimbley are both pass rush specialists which should help out there. these are both OLB/DE hybrids who will be able to take on blockers, unlike thomas howard. rolando mcclain is about 15-20 pounds bigger than morrison and should be more stout against the run.
since our OLBs are better suited as pass-rushers than pass defenders, the most effective defense would be an aggressive, blitzing defense. nnamdi is fantastic, but i dont trust chris johnson, stanford routt, or walter mcfadden (yet). the opposite corner always gets picked on, so an aggressive pass rush should help out, and we have the tools.
offensively, we have pieces. we have 2 running backs that complement each other well. we have a quality NFL qb (for once). Campbell is not the guy who throws 4500 yards and 30 touchdowns, but unlike Russell, he can complete over 60% of his passes and throw for over 3000 yards consistently. we have one of the best tight ends in the league, which campbell should be familiar with, having had great success with chris cooley.
our receivers are young but promising. louis murphy was one of the top rookie wide receivers in the league last season. darrius heyward bey struggled mightily, but reports have been nothing short of great this year. even though its just OTA’s, all i heard in last years OTA’s was that heyward bey dropped more passes than he caught. its improvement, we’ll have to wait, but he has potential, and now has a qb who can deliver.
the wildcard is chaz schilens. in my opinion, he’s the best receiver the Raiders have. the probelm is he can’t stay healthy. He has freakish size at 6’4, 225, when the average corner is 6’0, 200. what makes him truly scary is his sub 4.40 speed, so a team can’t be comfortable with a bigger, slower defender. We’ve seen is potential when he’s healthy, and that was with Russell.
The only part of our offense I am truly concerned with is our offensive line. We’re sticking with Mario Henderson at left tackle, who has definately shown potential, but he needs to get it going. it would be a huge help to Henderson is Robert Gallery can stay healthy. He’s our best lineman, and having a dominant left guard like Gallery ALWAYS helps the left tackle, Henderson. Center is our biggest weakness, with Samson Satele being way to undersized and underpowered, and Chris Morris is simply a utility backup, able to play guard or center. at Right guard we currently have Cooper Carlisle, who has played with us for 3 years, and has regressed each year. He was amazing in 07, was slightly above average in 08, and looked weak and old in 09. hopefully Bruce Campbell will overtake him. Campbell is bigger, stronger, and faster. big and strong obviously means good for a lineman, but why does speed matter? Campbell can be a true pulling guard, meaning off the snap, the right tackle immediately runs left and engages a linebacker, acting as the fullback without having to actually line up with a fullback. his speed will help him get out in to the open faster. at right tackle we currently have Langston Walker, who is a mammoth at 6’8, 360 pounds. Jared Veldheer will back up both tackle spots, but he has the size and strength to play right tackle immediately.
our offensive line is FULL of question marks, and that will probably determine how far we go
it comes to down to 3 big things:
1. O-line. Can it hold for Campbell? If so we have the receivers to make big plays and Campbell has the arm for it, but unlike JaMarcus, he also has the accuracy. And if it can open gaps and if both Walker and Gallery can keep healthy, look for the run game to take off this year with Bush most likely starting, some powerful run blockers in the fold, and most likely a much better lead blocker in Tonga.
2. Linebackers. Chemistry amongst the linebackers will be huge and if they fail to mesh, then the defense will fall apart. Their pass rush and run stuffing are what is holding the entire defense together.
But my big concern is the coverage. If the LB can’t cover some of the RB and TE we face, then we are doomed. Gates, Kolby Smith, Darrel Sproles, and all the Denver backs catch the ball well.
3. Consistency. On paper this is a playoff caliber team. On the field, we all know this team never lives up to that potential each Sunday. If the Raiders don’t get more consistent with the product they put on the field week after week, then they will never get out of this slump.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Pitt??
I wouldn’t call that a guaranteed loss. We beat them last year in Pittsburg with Grad at QB. The steelers will be a 6-7 win team this season.
oh btw I see the Raiders going 9-7. just dont see them catching the bolts quite yet.
by KindOfInterestedInWinning on Jul 21, 2010 4:44 PM PDT reply actions
10-6 Saint
I have felt the same way you have about this years team, the talent is here and ready to show itself for what it is. I’ve been saying 10-6 and a sniff at the playoffs. I do predict that we will win the Division this year as there are too many negative variables going on in Socal for the Bolts to remain division champs. Plus, we are hungrier than the rest of the division. R.F.F.R. If we go 11-5 I’ll fly out and buy you and the rest of the writers a few Patrons and Pacificos. Damn I hope we go 11-5!!!!
THR RAIDERS WILL BE........................
greatly improved this season 11-5 is possible if and only if everyone stays healthy and we get some key breaks , I say they go 9-7 and maybe win a wild card game ! If they start the season off winning against Tennesee and ST Louis and get the idea in there head that thier contenders then watch out ! Nothing makes you play better then going out on the field and KNOWING youre gonna win ! Personally I will be a little dissapointed with anything less then a 8-8 season . GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bongsmoke
Sippin The Single Malt
Have you started the Single Malt tasting tailgate party without us? I just can’t see the Raiders sweeping SD, DEN, and KC. Games within the division are always tough.
Division?
The Chiefs and Broncos shouldn’t be too much trouble with the squad we have going in Oakland right now. Denver is looking fearsome confused right now, and KC is simply crummy.
The Bolts, now this is the $10,000 question—can Oakland beat them once? Absolutely, I think that is realistic, but twice, no freakin way.
The rest of the schedule isn’t that bad, so I see a 9 win season, anyway. IF THE DEFENSE GELS, THAT COULD MEAN 2 MORE GAMES. That is a big “if”, though, particularly if there is a huge system change.
The offense will surprise many “experts” this season.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
If you want to reach the moon, shoot for the stars, without a challenge you settle for mediocrity – who wants that? I am tired of being at the bottom of the barrel, glad we have an excellent opportunity to be back on top of the heap! If you don’t believe, you can’t achieve! I want to see us back in the playoffs. All of you haters can kiss my Silver & Black…
Well, the kool aid may taste good...
but the problem is we lose all of the supposed “easy games”. I would love to believe (and I really do, how else can I keep buying season tickets), but until I see the proof on the field, I will be a skeptic. We may win the 4 games you have listed as the tougher ones, and blow it to the NFC west and the chiefs.
WE NEED SOME FREAKING CONSISTENCY!
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
I think 11-5 ..
is a vary realistic mark for the Raiders this year.there is no reason we should not be contenders in all 16 games.just because it’s the colts doesn’t mean its a loss.they can be beaten by great Defences and this years Raiders D is going to be Legendary.they don’t have much of a running game and Manning’s main targets are ageing WR wayne and TE Clark.
I also think everyone is under estimating our O-line,our WR and our offence in general.last years O-line was severely hampered by injury to key player’s,a limited play selection and a QB who was in a drug induced coma.The WR finely have someone throwhing to them that isent seeing double and has concept of timeing and touch.
so yes,i think 11-5 is realistic,there will be some games that you could say we should have won based on the opponet and some games that people would say we had no chance of winning.
11-5 is doable but I'll take 8-8
A climb back towards respectability would be a welcome change of pace. I have my doubts our offense is capable of pulling it together enough to beat too many teams on the schedule convincingly. The D has everything to prove as well.
as for reggae on the river, hopefully you indulged in some jamaican rum and a big fat spleef to top it off.
Who are you and what have you done to Al's Wingman?
Maynard for Jesus.
by Rich Langford on Jul 22, 2010 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
my only gripe on this forum is gaytard sons of blanda
just sayin
by Al's Wingman on Jul 22, 2010 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Al Al Al, you tried to be a writer and you failed miserably. You are unhappy and there isn't anything I can do to help you.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 2, 2010 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Or Al's or Thomas or libertarian wanna be
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 2, 2010 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Questions all around !!!!
We got a lot of ifs on this team !!! Let’s put the kool-aid down for the sake of reason !!! We’re coming off the WORST LOSING STREAK IN RAIDER HISTORY !!!! As stated in the previous post above, which i’m not going go into, thx to RaiderRocker18 & KA1Z3R, that is basically all our concerns !!! 11-5 season……HMMMMMMM, possible !!! 10-6 …….. probably !!!! 9-7 …… Being more realistic, without kool-aid !!!!! 8-8 or anything below will more than likely spell doom for Cable !!!! I got a feeling Big Al ordering dble’s on the kool-aid shots, and another losing season, just won’t do!!!
Truefully I think it boils down to what the offensive line evolves in too. Run block dominent, or pass block dominent ? Once this is established, we will have a better idea of just how far this team can go!!!! And since they’re scheduled to practice with DALLAS in the 2nd week of Dble sessions, this couldn’t be a better test for them !!! If there is still a need for better personel, this is when it will show!!!
Now as far as who we’re are “SUPPOSE” to lose too, How did Miami get on that list ?? They run the wildcat, and Henning is there QB, DUH !!!! I don’t see them as a guaranteed loss !!! If we can pull off a Bengal type of year, or close, win 7 of 8 out of the division, (which is quite possible) the odds on an 11-5 season comes down substantially !!! One very hopeful RAIDERFAN4LYFE !!!
Um I doubt it
I highly doubt this will happen…Would be awesome if it did…But more realistically they could go 9-7 or 10-6…
11-5 Unlikley
Only the Colts (14-2) and Chargers (13-3) won more than 10 games in the AFC last season. 9-7 seems like a best case scenario, which could possibly win the division. I think the AFC will be extremely competitive this season with similar results as last year ( Few teams with more than 10 wins). I see the Ravens, Colts, and Jets as the top 3 in the AFC this year, with a whole bunch of teams playing for the final 3 playoff spots. A 9-7 season will have us in the playoff picture for sure, but a whole lot of things need to go right.
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No
one remembers anything else." -John Madden
by I Bleed Silver and Black on Jul 22, 2010 1:58 AM PDT reply actions
I see a 8-8 season. And in our division, that may mean a playoff birth. Let’s hope the chokers choke once again..
I think our success really depends on how well Jason leads the team, how well we run the ball, and if our D can stop the run. Other than that, we’re gravy. Haha
The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing.
I think the success that you said the team's success is dependent upon
is dependent upon the blocking of the O-line. Once that happens we can all mainline the gravy!
Maynard for Jesus.
by Rich Langford on Jul 22, 2010 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
11-5 dont think so
Theres no way were going to win 8 games going into the season with that offensive line. forget about TO and focus on Flozel, or maybe try and trading for an actual proven OL.There has been nothing done to address the worst OL in the league. Why would you expect a different result. Put the koolaid down and slowly step away.
paging mr rosenhaus
Al, quit being such a tease and call T.O’s agent already. hes better than what we have, he fits in our system, hugh jackson wont take any of his bullshit (whatever bullshit there may be left) and were great at taking seemingly washed up talent.
if he does read this, i pray he gives rosenhaus a call.
11-5 is a stretch but I appreciate the confidence. I think watching what the teams in the AFC are doing makes this a little clearer to figure out how Oakland is going to be.
First the top teams have not dropped off far enough to assume they will be declining far enough to not contend for playoff births. The teams in this category would be San Diego, Indy, and New England. Baltimore may not be the same on defense but the trade for Boldin and Flacco getting another year of experience improves their offense so they’re a push to remain in the same win ratio. The Jets still have a good running game and defense so unless Sanchez blows it big with a sopmore slump then they will contend. The Titans figured out what their strengths were and finished last season winning 80% of thier games and Derrick Morgan is an improvement over Kyle Vandon Bosch.
I think sweeping the AFC and NFC West is ridiculous to imagine even if this was the 2001 Oakland Raiders offense with Jon Gruden as coach, much less with Jason Campbell and Tom Cable at HC. So say we go 4-2 within the division and 2-2 against the NFC West we are 6-4. Pittsburgh will have Big Ben back when we play them and that’s an away game again so they will not look past us two years in a row and I still haven’t mentioned an improved Miami team (on paper) so if we can win 2 of the remaining games then 8-8 would a successful season after 7 straight of 11+ losses. I think the old Doors song referencing the Richard Farina novel says it best- “I’ve been down so very damn long that it sure looks like up to me.”
If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.
Bo Jackson
Man Its Hard To Keep Hoping, But WE ARE THE RAIDER NATION!
All of us have lived with the dissappointment of the last 7 years. Most of us lived with the dissappointment of the Mike White era when all the Raiders needed to make the playoffs was one win in the last 6 games with Hos at QB, then we got Gruden. Average season but got better after the first year. Always a first down run with T. Wheatley or Nap Kaufman, picked up players like Zack Crockett off the scrap heap and created a go to short yardage back. Got C. Gardner, J. Rice and drafted pretty well even though people scorned the first round pick of a kicker and a fifth round punter who are still with us. Bottom line is that I have the same feeling that I had with Gruden’s tenure, somewhere between the first and second year. The team is much more competitive, the mentality is much more positive, Hue Jackson has brought some pizzaz and swagger to the offense, Cable is more seasoned and seems a steady influence on the players — he’s a rock solid straight forward coach who is in the players corner, throws a mean hook, and is not afraid to get in someone’s face but not a hair trigger jerk either. Any pessimist out there can be just like the national sportswriters who don’t really know or feel this team and just rely on past stats. Do any of you pessimists remember that though we eventually lost the first game to the Bolts last season, we controlled that game, beat them up with Seymore getting to Rivers twice without having even gone through training camp or any real practice, and an overruled touchdown catch by Louis Murphy? Wins over Cincy, Phili and Pittsburgh stand out in my mind too! No J.Russ this year to drag down the team mentality and fumble the ball to give the other team immediate red zone possession — last year you could just feel the team attitude and effort deflate every time J. Russ entered the game and made one of his bonehead mistakes. This is a team that knows they will be competing at each position and have a heard coach that has shown he is not afraid to bench a player regardless of scholarship. Yes there are question marks, but only question marks, not absolute voids or no answers (i.e. will the offensive line protect and open up holes, can the revamped defense stop the run, can the existing receiving corp put up catches and points, will we start seeing an effective running game?). Yes, these question marks need to be answered positively, but there is potential. I think the bloggers and writers that focus on whether this team starts believing that it is a playoff team are dead on in chosing that as the most important question. To go 11-6, the Raiders will need to win games the way they beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh last year — competitiveness, fire and some breaks to go our way. I don’t really care if you want to call this drinking Kool Aid — there is alot of talent on this team, there is more stability at head coach that there has been — there are good assistant coaches, including a new offensive coordinator that is lighting things up — there is a great fan base! WE ARE THE RAIDER NATION AND WE WILL RISE UP THIS YEAR!!!
Raiders Forever! Peace, Gene Y.
I'll say this again ..
I think our line play improves dramatically with JR gone. I’m not saying they’re going to be perfect, but without JR tripping over his own feet and holding the ball for so long, they won’t look quite as bad .. Granted Campbell has been known for holding on to the ball for too long as well, but hopefully Jackson can make him break the habit ..
11-5 would be great. Realistically, I see us having anywhere 7-10 wins, which isn’t far off from 11-5. I say we snap the Chargers winning streak against us, and split the games in the division .. Perhaps we go 4-2, 5-1 at best. The only game I see being out of reach is with Indy .. But stranger things have happened. “This year,” I believe that all the hope and excitement is warranted.
So sure .. Whatever you’re having, I’ll take a double .. Because I absolutely can’t wait for the season to begin .. And more importantly, for our winning ways to get back on track!
Hardcore Raiders Fans are 5150 ,, (iBleedSilverNBlack)
by RaiderCreator5150 on Jul 22, 2010 9:42 AM PDT reply actions
Logical adds
I did like the first post about beating the Chargers and understanding that we can win – is vital.
I see the season like this— how many more wins are each of these upgrades worth?
1-Hue Jackson (I am hoping my name for him of Huge Action, will be how our offense is
2-Jason Campbell
3- No Russell
4-Branch, Mitchell, Bush, Dmac, Shilens, Murphy, Dhb – all one year smarter
5-If Bush starts and not DMac
6-Cable can focus on more with less duties
I think there has to be 4 wins in there (maybe just from hue and jason alone) which would put us at 9 wins…
(I am also predicting we beat the bolts TWICE this year…. )
Oh and if you are a Raider fan go to www.RaidersFanConvention.com click the join free link, fill in the info and we will send you some stuff
The San Clemente Kid
by TheSanClementeKid on Jul 22, 2010 10:22 AM PDT reply actions
Defense Defense Defense
That is where the extra wins are going to come. I like that we have an above average QB and a new OC but the line is still the exact same and that scares me a great deal. I still don’t see why we didn’t go after Flozell as I think a solid vet presence would help out a lot. I think offensively we will continue to have the same challenges as we had last year but we are better suited to overcome them.
What’s got me so excited and optimistic are the changes we’ve made on defense. I love that our LBs are going to be bigger and badder. I know there are question marks around their ability to cover but I think our depth more than anything is why we will be fine in that area as we have so many guys that fill the OLB/DE mold that we are going to give the opposition fits with our versatility. Plus when you mix in some 3-4 looks…we are going to really confuse a lof teams. I really liked the addition of Henderson as well. I think he’s got enough left in the tank to make a difference this year. This is the best front 7 we’ve had in a long while and the depth is so refreshing.
Defensively what worries me is CJ…I just don’t know which CJ we will see and I find his inconsistency to be worrisome. I think Routt is awful and brings little to nothing to the table other than speed but his skills and instincts are not where they need to be. I hope one of the DBs we drafted step up in training camp so we have a little more depth there.
Overall…I think we are an 8 win team…which is progress and that’s all I am hoping for this year and one win against SD. There’s no reason we can’t exceed that but I think our o-line will hold the offense back too much to push further than 8 wins.
Buster: Let me go with you. I was trained by Army. I speak the language.
Michael: You speak Arabic?
Buster: La-ach-ha-tem.
Michael: What’s that mean?
Buster: No, I was just clearing my throat, but I think it actually does mean "laundry" but like a child’s laundry. We don’t really have a word for it.
you guys will improve, but not to 11-5
I see you winning 6-8 games….that’s it
fader nation is a conquered nation
Jerry Jones is Al Davis with a smile!
CHICAGO...Where Quaterbacks' careers go to die!
im a die hard chiefs fan ( i come in peace )
but i really would like to see the raiders and chiefs take over the division because no matter how good or bad chief and rider teams are they are always close and always good. its also one of the best rivalries in the nfl so i would really like to see us competing for the divsion crown every year
3 early predictions
3. Moeaki will one day be a star tight end
2. This will be DJs last year
1. Chiefs will go 8-8
I don't think it's the Players
As much as the Coaches. I think we could win or lose 12 games. If we come out and win 3 of our first 4 games we know change has come around, but if we lose all 4 or 3 of the 4 we will have a new coach. This season is all about Cable and Marshall. Cable needs to fix our O-line and Marshall our defense as a whole. We as Raider fans and rest of the NFL know on defense man to man.
We could win or lose 12 games?? What? You don’t go from one of the best records in the league to the worst.
The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing.
I think he means potential.
At worst we are 4-12 and if we get lucky and everything falls into place by some miracle we can be at best 12-4.
If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.
Bo Jackson
We can look at what we have, and the potential of our players, and our team.
I won’t waste my time, and repeat everything that has been said here, but I want to say one thing.
Unless we actually play as a “team,” we won’t get more than 8 wins imo. I hope Campbell brings the guys on offense together. You know, someone to rally around(Campbell). Defense, I’m not so worried about, but expecting a rookie in Rolando McClain to come in here, and become a leader right away for the defense(Nnamdi and seymour are others) is a bit much.
My predicted record if we play as a “team”: 11-5, o4 12-4
Other than that: 9-7
10-6 is my final prediction.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
You’re quite optimistic, Patguy.
It’s very very rare for a team to make that big of a turnaround in one season. The only other two are the ‘99 Colt’s after they drafted Peyton and the ‘08 Dolphins..I just don’t see us hitting double-digit wins this year.
The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing.
we were 5-11 last year.
considering the fact that:
A) New coaching staff
B) Russel starting half the year
C) Grad getting injured after the (4th?) game
D) Murphy being the rookie learning the playbook, and Chaz being injured for half the season
I feel that if everyone stays healthy, and with the new acquisitions, the release of russel and warren, keeping the coaching staff and adding Hue Jackson, AND with Murphy and DHB further learning the playbook(although DHB doesn’t exactly matter to me. But he needs to step up); I see us getting at least 9 wins this year.
But we need to play as a team.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
After those A-D considerations
I meant to say that getting 5 wins was pretty tough, but we could of had at least 2 more wins if I remember correctly. So, after all those have been addressed, and our WR core is healthier, and more experienced, I can’t find it hard to believe we can get a 10 win season.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
I see what you mean.
I think the real noticable change that we’ll see is that JaMarcus won’t be playing and constantly ruining drives. That was one thing that really killed the O. We’d have 5-6 awesome run plays then try to change it up with the pass, and JR would throw it right to a LB.
Jason should be able to sustian drives and even lead the drives. I’m expecting his play to really effect Zach Miller. If Jason can lead the team, we’ll be quite succesful on the offensive side of the ball. He doesn’t even have to play THAT well.
The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing.
3 more games isn't much of a stretch
Just 3 more games to .500. 2 more isn’t very far away from that.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
I think it's tougher than you realize when a team like ours is still rebuilding, and unproven.
A lot can happen in those games. I hope they get over .500 but I know it’s going to be very tough for them.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
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