Pirate Booty: Warren Sapp Says Something Nice about Raiders, Raiders Biggest Need In FA and More
by Rich Langford on Jul 23, 2011 4:02 AM PDT
in Pirate Booty
Email
Print
In terms of Pirate Booty, this was a boom or bust day, and we definitely busted. The lockout was either going to end, and there was going to be stories left and right about players arriving etc., or the lockout was going to continue and the sports world was going to be left with their jaw slacked and their junk in their hand.
Well close that jaw and wash your hands because the lockout is in full effect, and the Booty is slim, but not in an attractive Cameron Diaz circa Charlie's Angels kinda way. Jump over and see for yourselves....
Free Agency 2011 - Two Views on the AFC West | ProFootballFocus.com
What area is the team’s biggest need to upgrade?Sam: You could pretty much pick any part of the offense to take a swing at, but let’s assume any QB needs some protection in order to function, and they don’t have that at the moment behind the Raiders’ O-line. That line is bad enough that you don’t need to be position specific, there’s not a spot on it that couldn’t take an upgrade.
Khaled: That offensive line is brutal. Even with some of the young guys getting better, it won’t be good enough to help them. They need an injection of talent now. . How do they upgrade that area?
Sam: Jared Gaither is the kind of physical freak we all know the Raiders covet, but they might be scared off by his injuries. There are plenty of alternatives around though, with Willie Colon, Doug Free, Marshal Yanda and Damien Woody all providing massive upgrades if the Raiders want to go O-line. Khaled: I’d argue that they wouldn’t be scared off by Jared Gaither’s injuries, but rather they’ll keep faith in Veldheer. They could do with getting a bit nastier, which to me means bringing in guard Harvey Dahl.
Ranking the top 40 players in the AFC West is a daunting task. Obviously it is easy to pick apart the placement of some guys. Take a look at ESPN's rankings:
Ranking the top 40 players in the AFC West - AFC West Blog - ESPN
1. Philip Rivers, San Diego: He is an elite player at the most important position on the field. 2. Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland: There’s a reason he’ll be the top prize in free agency. 3. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City: One of the NFL’s most dynamic young players. 4. Antonio Gates, San Diego: He should end up in Canton. 5. Tamba Hali, Kansas City: One of the NFL’s best defensive players. 6. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City: He is a game-changing talent. 7. Richard Seymour, Oakland: Respected veteran changed Oakland’s defense. 8. Vincent Jackson, San Diego: Expect a strong rebound in 2011. 9. Ryan Clady, Denver: One of the game's premier left tackles. 10. Champ Bailey, Denver: Even at 33, he is special.
The reaction to the Raiders abstaining has been varied. Most of it has just been, "it's the Raiders being the Raiders," but it has earned some kudos from unlikely places. Like Kansas City:
NFL Lockout Update: Why Raiders Al Davis Comes Out The Biggest Winner Among NFL Owners - SB Nation Kansas City
My guess is that Davis reaps something of a reward in all of this — that at the very least, the players are thankful for one owner who has an issue with the way today’s agreement went down. He’s easy to laugh at or poke fun of, but in this instance, Al Davis is the one owner who comes out looking good.
The above is a solid read from an outsider's perspective. But unlikely as that is, the following is 8,945 times more unlikely.
Maybe they are talking about a different Warren Sapp, but it appears whichever Sapp this is was a fan of the Raiders decision to abstain:
Gutierrez: Davis, Raiders take the high road?
Warren Sapp: "Maybe Al Dizzle got it right!!"
Happy Birthday, Tim Brown!
Check out the size of that cake! That is awesome! Almost as awesome as how Tim Brown announced his B-Day on Twitter:
This is the 20th Anniversary of me being 25!!
Around the Lockout
NFL Lockout: Wasn't There Supposed to be a Deal Today? - Silver And Black Pride
Owners care more than players about preseason revenue | ProFootballTalk
In practice, it doesn’t matter because the owners care much more about the preseason revenue than the players do. For many players, their compensation for 2011 already is fixed; it doesn’t matter if the pot that funds the salary cap adds another $96 million or $192 million or $288 million or $384 million. For the owners, $104 million in lost revenue per week roughly equates (setting aside for these purposes revenue disparities) to $3.25 million per team, per week. Which increases to $13 million per team if the full preseason is lost. What’s $13 million per team? For some, that’s most if not all of the profit margin for the entire year.
20 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Question Here: Why Wouldn't The Players Get Reduced $$$$ If Preseason Time Is Missed...
That’s “BS” if this is as stated from ProFootballTalk….No way the players should get all their $$$$ if their NFLPA refuses to ratify what they themselves negotiated…
As for that “Sapp” he’s a total idiot and I wouldn’t even consider anything coming from his yap…That bitch shows no respect at all calling a man like Mr Davis “Al Dizzle” and his employer should have enough ball and respect to rebuke that dumb ass…I have zero respect for an identity that would allow or encourage such nonsense…He defines the name “Mediot” exponentially…
“OL”….I would hardly characterize our young “OL” in the same terms used by those clowns…This is a young talented group short on experience but some have already run blocked for the 2nd best rush attack in the NFL not just the AFCW….“Wiz-Jr” has got to be an upgrade at “C” even without the experience…Replacing an old “G” with either of our young players has also got to produce better results…Gallery is the only loss and he was out part of last season anyway but we still played without him….Personally I think the key here is going to be how Hue and Sanders develop their “O” to take pressure off this group and give the “QB” quicker options….
As far as that ranking Seymour at #7 is absurd and NO mention of “McFadden or Zack???…”BS"….
Well really the only player that played on that line most of the season and is young was Veldheer,
So they do male a point in a way but our loin should be decent and on it’s way up. Also Zack, McFadden, huff, Kelly, Lechler, Campbell, bush and Houston also made that top 40 list. 10 players out of 40 is 1/4 and around where we should be average wise although I think routt should have also been on there.
by americaneagle510 on Jul 23, 2011 6:47 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
+ Taiwan Jones
is going be awesome
Pick 21: OLB Justin Houston
Pick 30: C Rodney Hudson
Pick 86: NT Kenrick Ellis. (Ellis in the 3rd = Taylor in the 1st + 1st round pick).
Problems solved. Please forget about Phil Taylor.
Offensive line needs more help than most Raiders fans think.
The lockout is really hurting the Raiders offense and here’s why. The offensive line works as a UNIT!!!! With that being said, it takes more time for a unit to work together. Same thing could be said about the defensive line, but the defensive line doesn’t take as long to play as a unit. This is why the defense dominates the offense early on in training camp and in preseason games with low scoring with the starters in. What the offensive line needs is more snaps with their unit than any other unit to get ready. This has been said about a veteran squad that’s played many years together, it’s about getting their timing down. Now take into fact that much of the timing time has been missed without Mini camps, especially for the rookies and young players and with the lockout still looming more time could be missed.
This is very crucial when it concerns the Raiders. As of right now, the Raiders offensive line has missed valuable time, then take into fact that the line will more than likely be made up with a couple of inexperienced player which actully makes things worse. Even if the Raiders go out a get some free agents to play on the line, the unit will be made up of players that has never played together before. Maybe the raiders should look at bringing back their own free agents, at least they have a history together. I think it’s going to take players like WIZ and Barksdale and even B Campbell at least 5 weeks into the season before the raiders could even consider playing them. At this point, it’s a must to bring in some veteran offensive line free agents if the Raiders are thinking playoffs this year. They can’t afford to get off to a slow start just because the offensive line isn’t ready to play.
You Make A Few Interesting Arguments That I Have Heard Several Time Before...But!!!
Than you suggest bring in some vet help to take away the snaps and expect these kids to be ready around week #5…
#1…Unless we pay allot or make a good trade that vet “OL” help will prolley be less talented than the kids that we drafted…
#2…Just as much as the new kids don’t have time to gel so too the same can be said of that vet “OL” help brought in so late….
#3…The only way these kids are going to get better is to spend that time together in the trenches…Get the reps…Make their mistakes…And learn to develop together…During the Preseason and right on threw the season….
Now I’m not saying not to have suitable vet help in there..I’m just saying not at the expense of their need for reps and time to gel…So here is how I sorta see it developing:
Veld has a yr already and will start at “LT”…He should be even better than last season…
“LG” will prolley be Danial Loper who is a vet and been with us a whole season…
“C” is the rookie and he has the talent but just needs the time….
“RG” is unknown but perhaps Campbell or Barkdale….
“RT” appears to be Campbell/Barksdale….
Now the key is going to be the play calling and the the game plan…We need to run and run well so I expect that to be the primary “OL” mentality…Run Blocking which slows down the rush and is easier to accomplish…Play Action off the run and dump offs to the "RB"s n "TE"s very similar to last season….Than a mix of quicker hitting pass plays to the "WR"s so blocks don’t need to be held as long….An occasional deep attack mixed in to keep the "DB"s back so were not constantly facing 7-8 in the box….
The down side early on is that "DC"s will try to come at us with the pressure thinking our “OL” will implode…But if we can consistently run in that environment that will get scrapped…We have a mobile “QB” and I expect to have another named “VY” too which will help to nullify some of the pressure…Fortunately we get 2 weaker teams to open up and get out the wrinkles on…Denver n Buffalo…After that “NE” n Jets at home is going to test us…
The other key here is going to be our “D”…If they can be stiff against the run keeping us in the game our young “OL” won’t be under as much pressure….
I don't believe there's enough time for that to be ready by September.
I think Veldheer, loper, Wisniewski, Campbell and Barksdale as a unit would struggle even if no time was missed at all. I like what they represent in the future, but not necessarily what they represent at this current time. They’ll be dealing with the biggest and best athletes on the planet, this ain’t college ball in no way shape or forum. I can see an offensive line bringing in 1 or 2 younger players, if the rest of the group is seasoned, but not 3, as in Wiz, Barksdale and Campbell. I say Campbell because he didn’t take one snap last year in a regular season game.
I agree the Raiders shouldn’t go out and break the bank on an offensive lineman or two, but they do need some serviceable ones regardless if these kids are ready or not. Like I siad, it wouldn’t hurt to bring back their own free agents that are not under contract, because they do at least have a history playing together. One year contracts. To many question marks for my liking when it comes to the offensive line as it is right now. The Raiders have to win early to win the west, they can’t afford to get off to a slow start with these kids playing in order to get their reps in the regular season games.
by Captain Chaos on Jul 23, 2011 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
That would be the whole right side of the line including Center with zero experience.
I’m not tripping on it to much, because I feel the Raiders will take the necessary steps to get it fixed. I can see the whole right side of the line collapsing with the rookies starting. And you thought Art Shell’s offensive line was terrible?
by Captain Chaos on Jul 23, 2011 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Think about it this way.
You could take the best offensive linemen in college football, line them up against the NFL’s worst defensive line, and I’m willing to bet that offensive line would get pummelled. What do you think would happen to the raiders hole right side of the offensive line against a good defense with that whole side having zero experience? Veldheer struggled early on, but he only manned down one position, at a time anyway. I couldn’t imagine having 3 rookies lining up side by side by side. Yes, Campbell is still pretty much a rookie.
by Captain Chaos on Jul 23, 2011 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
It's Definitely A Very Shaky Situation But Maybe Satele Is Moved To "RG" Too...
Both Loper n Satlele are yet unsigned…
Loper got did before the lockout.
Not that that makes me feel better. I don’t want him to be anything but a backup
Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.
by Rich Langford on Jul 23, 2011 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Loper Played Well I Thought...Maybe Better In His 2nd Season
PRO: Physical offensive lineman enters his seventh NFL season, second with the Raiders…Has played in 58 career games at both guard and tackle, making nine career starts…
by PantyRaider on Jul 23, 2011 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions
That's Why I'm Pimping GamePlans As The Key Here...
If the Raiders attempt to play the Deep Vertical Game we are dead…NO way our new young “OL” give any “QB” the time to execute such a thing…That can come later with time…We must concentrate on the run and dump-offs to the “RB” n “TE” much the same way we did last season…But also mix in some quick developing timing routs to our "WR"s that we lacked last season…Going deep only occasionally to keep that in the mind of the "DB"s so we aren’t always facing 7-8 in the box…Than be patient and rely upon our “D” to keep us in the games….But if we get behind earl and have to air out that “Pig” we may be doomed…
"They’ll be dealing with the biggest and best athletes on the planet,"
Well they are the " biggest and best athletes on the planet," going against the same…Now inexperience is a legitimate point but the only way that changes is with snaps…Time in the trenches…
pantyraider +1000
Sapp is self serving asshole. And many lose sight of the fact that Dmac and company didn’t do what they did without at least decent blocking. DEPTH on the OL is what we need , not to mention a very good free agent.
We Also Have These Players On Our Roster:
01/04/2011 Reserve/Future Signing: WR Damola Adeniji, WR Shaun Bodiford, TE Kevin Brock, DE Tommie Hill, G Alex Parsons, DB Joe Porter, RB Louis Rankin, G Roy Schuening, LB Quentin Scott, FB Manase Tonga
Happy belated B-day Touchdown Timmy Brown!
Sam: Jared Gaither is the kind of physical freak we all know the Raiders covet, but they might be scared off by his injuries. There are plenty of alternatives around though, with Willie Colon, Doug Free, Marshal Yanda and Damien Woody all providing massive upgrades if the Raiders want to go O-line.
I don’t see Oakland having enough cash to go after anybody in free agency but if they do, Gaither makes sense. Meanwhile Woody is 100 yrs old & Willie Colon ended his season on the shelf as well so why not try out Gaither if he passes his physical?
Trust No One
Studies show stress can kill you, but don't worry about it.
Is it me or is Touchdown Timmy looking aged for his twentieth anniversary of twenty-five?
Damn. I’ma be forty in about four months.
"tough times call for perseverance and a tough mind. I have been told that I can't play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquit"--Mark Herzlich
""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Jerry Jones says Cowboys championship window is closing; Tony Romo disagrees
- Lawrence Taylor was told his Super Bowl ring was bought by Charlie Sheen
- Chad Ochocinco gets robbed, mourns loss of Starbucks gold card
- Robert Griffin III will be first NFL player with Roman numerals on his jersey
- Alex Smith joins the burgeoning ‘stats are for losers’ movement
