Al Trusts Hue

Which, knowing Al, has probably been in the works for quite some time now, which we will not find out for certain until well after it happens, and then only by hearsay.

It has been speculated here that someone possibly on a super bowl team, and even winner, could already be headed to Oakland post season. As clandestine as this organization is, I cannot say there is any truth to this or to the contrary. But I feel it is a more real possibility than ever, and that gets me fired up for what’s to come.

Hue providing new energy and both men bouncing ideas off each other and reaching consensus before key reaching and executing key decisions. I too admire Baltimore’s style of play – it reminds me of the smash-mouth Raider teams of yore. And, I’m also amenable to moving to a 3-4 as half the leagues’ teams now use – if not more. The 3-4, according to Pat Kirwin, takes 2 years to install and my only concern is that we have such an excellent DL right now for a 4-3. In fact, our Defensive weakness isn’t the DBs so much (nor, of course the DL) but the LBs – the very element that we need help in. So, realistically, we would need 2 more LBs and a True NT to make the 3-4 work. Finally, what becomes of our excellent DLmen when 25% of the DL is reduced? Who goes?
Thoughtful Post, Oz. Rec’d

He is young enough to get us into several super bowls with the promise he has shown so far.

but also remember the last time Al seemed to give a new coach leeway. Lance Kiffin at first seemed to be completely in charge his first few months on the job, even giving interviews to booster clubs right in front of Raiders HQ (letting them through the gate even). There were all kinds of rumors on hires and player aquisitiions that never came to pass and in fact were shot down by Al. At first Kiffin seemed to be calling the shots but eventually, long before things went sour between them, Al reigned him in.

So all of this could be just because it’s a new situation. It is 100% certain that Al is informed of everything that goes on regardless and no decisions are made without him signing off on it. Hue does have Al’s confidence but there are limitations to his authority for sure.

And just like so many guys who have come before him, it’ll be Hue’s trust to lose with him. the difference I believe we’ll get with Hue is coming out of the gate winning. We cannot lose sight of the fact that all the short-lived terms prior coaches have earned were completely marked by brutal win-loss percentages. If it works, we can expect Hue to last much longer. All in all, it’s definitely premature to say Al will continue to trust Mr. Jackson.

I believe it’s not a carte Blanche thing, but that they’ve discussed, probably down to even names of prospects, and are in agreement on who that might be, should the guys accept the offers. What’s exciting about it all is that is demonstrates that Al and staff have a clear vision for this teams continued development and future, and thus far, all signs point to big things for our Oakland Raiders.