Oakland's difference makers: Coaches Waufle & Jackson

by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 4, 2011 1:40 PM PST

Mike Waufle and Hue Jackson had major positive impact on the Raiders 2010 season.

Waufle came to Oakland around this time last year and went to work improving the Defensive Line - which is arguably the most exciting aspect of the Raider Defense. The Raiders Defense moved way up from its No. 26 Overall ranking in 2009 to No. 11 in 2010 ... a tremendous gain with much of the credit going to Mike Waufle.

The Raiders nearly won the Sack Title, finishing 2nd in the NFL (behind only Pittsburgh) with 47 sacks (cf. 11th place in 2009 with 37 sacks).

As a direct product of the Raiders' fierce pass rush, Oakland finished 2nd in the NFL in Defense against the Pass.

If any coach might challenge Mike Waufle for most impact on the Raiders this season, that coach would be OC Hue Jackson. Hue arrived in Oakland around the same time as Waufle and his presence became immediately felt; Hue was vocal, challenging and charming, always energizing. Hue helped Oakland control TOP which in turn kept Waule's DL (& LBs) fresh.

With Hue Jackson calling the plays, the Raiders Offense soared - doubling its points per game from 2009 (when the Raiders Offense ranked 31st in scoring). Under Hue's guidance, the Raiders moved up in rankings to No. 6 in scoring.

Jackson quickly appreciated the wealth of running back talent (reminiscent of the extravagant days of Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen in the same backfield). Hue returned the Raiders to their roots with a run-first smash-mouth style, exploiting our talented thoroughbreds (McFadden, Bush, Reece, Ford) while bringing out the best in our pass rush challenged OL, employing them more in doing what they do best - rush blocking and blocking downfield. Notwithstanding, the pass protection did improve somewhat with the development of our sensational rookie, Jared Veldheer, Robert Gallery staying healthy and an improved, tougher and rangier C, Samson Satelle.

The Raiders overall Offensive finished the 2010 regular season ranked #10 in the NFL (up from #31 in 2009).

Oakland's Rushing Offense was the 2nd best in the NFL - behind only K.C. (a team Oakland out rushed in both its victorious meetings).

How much of this year's success was directly due to Mike and Hue? Another aspect was their input in personnel decisions. If Mike Waufle hadn't become a Raider (again) would we have taken LaMarr Houston in the 2nd Round or traded Gerard Warren and brought in John Henderson? Would Kamerion Wimbley have resurrected his college Sack Master mentality without Mike's constant tutoring? Would we have brought in Jason Campbell (who although starting horrifically, gradually emerged with Hue's guidance into a rather serviceable QB). One thing is certain, the quality and sanity of plays called this season was 87.5% better than in 2009 ... the exceptions being the SF and Pittsburgh games, reminding us that Hue is human.

Anyway, I am very grateful that Al Davis hired these men who I consider valuable assets and nominate jointly for Coach of the Year.

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Comments

I've said at the beginning of the year, that this is a top 10 defense.

Too bad it is #11. lol

I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP

formerly patriotguy2 ;)

by Jack'sAxe on Jan 4, 2011 1:57 PM PST reply actions

I would like to bring josh mcdaniels as a QB coach too.

He developed orton pretty well, and has had a hand in developing brady. He knows how to get a leader, and a winner out of his QBs.

Just have him stay away from management and OC. lol

Also, I believe Campbell SHOULD be better next year. Only because he has a year in our system, and has been looking good late in the season(as you said).

All we need is a FS and an OLB in our defense(and a CB), and then we should be a top 7 defense. maybe top 5.

formerly patriotguy2 ;)

by Jack'sAxe on Jan 4, 2011 2:02 PM PST reply actions

Good post

Right on the money. The D line is all Wauffle’s doing and having Big Dick as a mentor to Kelly (lazy fat fuck) Bryant and Houston. The addition of Henderson (who we should keep under all circumstances) has also been a very good thing.

Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.

by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Jan 4, 2011 2:10 PM PST reply actions

I agree that Wauffles addition made

the Defensive line the awesome unit that they turned out to be. Hue however is getting all the credit for the offensive turn around that began, not when Hue showed up, but when JaFatass left. Now I know Hues plays and play calls were far better than Cables, but if JaPurpleDrinkus was still here, running the same plays as we ran this year, would we all be singing Hues glowing praises as we are now? Still, I’m glad he’s on board as the OC, but I don’t think he is ready for a head coaching gig just yet. He still needs to fine tune the offense for next year for this team.

JUST DOMINATE BABY !!!

by rambis64 on Jan 4, 2011 2:17 PM PST reply actions

Not surprised to see Wauffle is doing good for you guys

He was the one person we figured shouldnt have gotten fired by the giants last year.

"I bELIeve in the Giants"
"Bear Pascoe for President!!!"

by SeJo8 on Jan 4, 2011 3:23 PM PST reply actions

Good post, Sons. Mike Wauffle brought the best out of our D-line, and I’m glad there’s no drama surrounding him. (Cough, cough) Hue Jackson (Cough).

"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." Vince Lombardi

by JaKe. on Jan 4, 2011 4:23 PM PST reply actions

It's been a good year. A solid step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, next year won’t be a picnic. We’ll need to get it together and play at a higher level consistantly throughout the season. We have the AFC East and the NFC North next year. Won’t be quite as soft as this year.

Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions

Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings

by TexasRaider20 on Jan 4, 2011 4:53 PM PST reply actions

easy away tough home

could be interesting as far as upsets and records go.

Don't Trade Monta
Bush is on Fire!
Huff likes it raw

by JohnnyDangerously on Jan 5, 2011 8:42 PM PST up reply actions

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the improvement Satele showed

He’s not going to ever be confused with Don Mosebar, but he was light years better than he was in ’09.

by Mike Garza on Jan 4, 2011 5:05 PM PST reply actions

These two brought with them a fire, unseen around the building in years

Perhaps Waufle should be a candidate for D. Coordinator, though his expertise with our line would be difficult to replace.

I look forward to many great years. They have provided a solid foundation on which to build a super bowl contender, which starts in the trenches. A couple more guys to turn weaknesses to strength up front on offense, and this team will be flat out terrifying to face.

I cannot wait.

"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else."--John Madden

""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson

by brhynno on Jan 4, 2011 5:45 PM PST reply actions

I just love seeing all those sacks.

Looking at the spreads, our defense was humming on stuffs and sacks.

One more big corner to lay down some hits and pluck some picks and I’m totally stoked.

by xville on Jan 4, 2011 6:01 PM PST reply actions

insert joke here

by RyanTheRaider on Jan 4, 2011 6:12 PM PST up reply actions

LOL. Do you love seeing Big Dick Seymour sacks?

"There comes a point an a mans life, he has to step up… I dont care what kind of man you are!!! there come’s a point where he has to fight!!! He has to has that in ’em! He gotta have that in ’em… Lets go, LETS GO!!! FIGHT on 3… 1-2-3- FIGHT!!!! -Richard Seymour

by gogomaplata on Jan 4, 2011 6:28 PM PST up reply actions

or Big John Hendersons.... err i mean sacks?

by gogomaplata on Jan 4, 2011 7:01 PM PST up reply actions

If any coaching changes are made I say make Hue Jackson the Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator and Mike Wauffle the Defensive Coordinator. Hue can get someone in their to fix the offensive line FINALLY and Mike to get another corrner and fix the safery positions.

by Archangel25 on Jan 4, 2011 7:08 PM PST reply actions

-1

by RyanTheRaider on Jan 4, 2011 7:49 PM PST up reply actions

+ 1

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"We had to get back to who we are, and that's physical and smash-mouth." - Robert Gallery 12/5/2010

by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 4, 2011 7:56 PM PST up reply actions

It looks that might happened with Cable officially being out now. All we need now is for John to be let go.

I beleive that the 49ers getting permission to talk to Hugh is what led to the firing of Cable. He didnt want to lose Hugh to the 49ers.
With Cable being let go its only a matter of time before Hugh is named the HC and it will lead to house cleaning and the first to go should be the QB coach Sanjay Lay.

Anyone can be a fan of a winning team, supporting your team when its down is what makes you a true honest fan.

by 818Raiderguy on Jan 4, 2011 8:51 PM PST up reply actions

Cable is officially out.

It’s on the Raiders website.

by Spirals galore on Jan 4, 2011 7:30 PM PST reply actions

That is a start in hoping my wishes come true.

by Archangel25 on Jan 4, 2011 7:41 PM PST up reply actions

I dont think firin Cable was a good move .......

Its only a good move if we can get Jackson to coach the team . If not then the Raiders have just taken a major step in reverse. DO NOT LET JACKSON GET AWAY AL! If we end up sucking next year its all YOUR fault old man and if thats the case maybe you need to take a long nap and just fade away !

Bongsmoke

by BonGSmoKe on Jan 4, 2011 9:45 PM PST reply actions

GM's always release incumbent coaches before naming their successors. Al has had a long time to think about this

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"We had to get back to who we are, and that's physical and smash-mouth." - Robert Gallery 12/5/2010

by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 5, 2011 6:23 AM PST up reply actions

I wonder, if we'd made the playoffs,

if that would have saved Cable or just postponed the inevitable? On another note: I read where Jerry McDonald said that Marshmallows contract is up along with a lot of other coaches on the staff. Al only gives two year contracts for coaches and most of those are up. Except Hue and Wauffle, I suppose.

JUST DOMINATE BABY !!!

by rambis64 on Jan 5, 2011 6:33 AM PST up reply actions

Very good news. I hope Hue or Harbaugh cut the lame coaches and players immediately. Shane's whimpy ass crying

on the air has hardened me against the Cable culture of mediocrity and corporate coddling.

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"We had to get back to who we are, and that's physical and smash-mouth." - Robert Gallery 12/5/2010

by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 5, 2011 7:06 AM PST up reply actions

Agree and disagree here...

While I agree that Waufle has had a tremendous impact on the DL, I don’t think that Jackson should receive as much credit for the turnaround of the offense. That isn’t to say that he hasn’t done fairly well, but let’s face it; as rambis pointed out, the offense HAD to be better without both Cable and Russell involved in it. Cable absolutely sucked balls as an OC, and Russell was an anchor around the neck of the offense.

Jackson did open up the offense, but he was also responsible for some really poor games, as far as offensive gameplans and play calling. I give Jackson credit, but won’t put his difference in the same class. Yet, anyway…

Failure builds character; success reveals it

by signcut on Jan 5, 2011 11:27 AM PST reply actions

The distinction is valid; that's why I led off with Waufle who came through consistently for us.

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"We had to get back to who we are, and that's physical and smash-mouth." - Robert Gallery 12/5/2010

by Sons-of-Blanda on Jan 5, 2011 2:07 PM PST up reply actions

multiple DLine players with

multiple sacks:

Wimbley 9 (as LBand DE)
Shaughnessy & Kelly each w/7
Seymour 5.5
Houston 5

plus Branch and Huff with 4 each

this wasn’t about one or two players having 15-20 this was coming from inside, the ends and occassionaly the blitz

by rnpljnsn on Jan 6, 2011 12:01 AM PST reply actions

Al needs to renegotiate and extend

Wauffle’s contract.

by rnpljnsn on Jan 6, 2011 12:03 AM PST reply actions

Prophetic post Son's

these guys made our team this year, I’m a cable fan but I don’t think it was cable who got us to 8-8 he rode his coaches and we can afford to lose Cable before we can afford to lose Hue or waufle

"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here." - Al Davis

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by Ozraider on Jan 6, 2011 4:14 AM PST reply actions