So where do we go from here?
by Jack'sAxe on Jan 26, 2012 2:18 PM PST
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We all know about the signing of Dennis Allen. I think it's a pretty good signing. There is certainly not too much to complain about the guy. But we have all discussed this at length already. Where do we go from here?
#1 priority: Get a good DC. Hiring Allen who is a defense minded coach is great, but we need a guy at the DC position to help call the plays, and know how to utilize our players the right way. He needs to know how to evaluate defensive guys and adjust on the fly. Finding someone like that is hard to do. But we have some options (I hope we can bring in Del Rio).
#2: Get a LB in free agency. I know a lot of people would like to complain about there being no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round picks this year. While we MAY get a 3rd from Nnamdi as a comp. pick, there are a couple other things people need to know. 1) There is still effing free agency. 2) We have been fine drafting players later in the rounds before. Some call it luck, I call it good player scouting and evaluation personnel. Get a damn LB in free agency, preferrably an OLB, and put Wimbley as a pass rusher on 3rd downs.
#3: Get a safety from either draft or free agency. People..... this is all we really need to do about the defense. Yeah, we can upgrade the DL, but it's not terrible (plus we had injuries to Shaugnessy and Henderson. Both key guys on that line). Our LB core obviously needs some tweaking. Outside of Branch, who can be a playmaker at the safety group? I know we have Huff. I like the guy, but I sort of like him as a nickel corner. he is not very consistent at safety. We need to bring someone in that has very good instincts on the passing plays, and help create turnovers, which team is LACKING on defense.
And seriously? That's all we really need to do. This team has talent on the offensive side. We have a good QB, very good running game, very talented receiving core, good TEs, and a great FB. It;s the defense that needs some tweaking, and I am willing to bet that the most important addition to our defense is our #1 priority: a DC.
After the superbowl, I will likely evaluate some safeties and LBs in the draft in the later rounds. I love late round guys. I think they have a lot to prove. We'll see how this goes, but I am liking the direction this team is going through. Give them 2-3 years TOPS that they'll be an 11 win team. I can definitely see it with the talent they have.
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On #3 I would like to swap Branch to Free safty
I would like to see Mitchell at SS
CC still also may be a Saftey
Huff needs to be evaluated for value of his contract versus how he fits… Finding a willing partner for Huff may not be easy.
maybe a 3rd rounder?
Notre Dame
safety
Harrison Smith
6-2
214
Al Davis the Greatest Raider of all times... You will live forever in the hearts of true Raider fans...RIP
I wanted to write that Branch could move to FS and Mitchell to SS, and that chekwa is also a FS candidate. But I forgot. lol
So thanks for putting that up. I definitely agree with you.
And I hope we get a 3rd for Nnamdi. We should, but you never know.
And I’ll look into harrison smith. :)
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
Jack's Axe,
Don’t take this the wrong way, I do enjoy your input. You seem to be a very studious football fan, and your ideas are totally welcome. However, drop the “we” stuff man, your not a Raider fan. If you show me a picture of you wearing a bunch of Raider attire, at one of your beloved Patriots games, I’ll welcome you as one of us, just for doing it. You don’t ever have to worry about me becoming a Patriot fan, even if they go undefeated 5 years in a row, and my Raiders lose 5 years of games. I will still be wearing Silver & Black. I F’n hate the Patriots, and hope the Giants give em a thorough beat down. Again, I enjoy your input, but lose the “we”.
If you ever wanted to see Boise St play...may be a good chance. Love em or Hate em, they are always interesting; and now, no matter where you live, "They're Coming To Your City"
I am also a Raider fan.
When the Raiders are watching, I got my McFadden jersey on cheering them all the way. Yes, I am a fan of both teams. I don’t expect you to understand, even if I tell you why, but know that I have been rooting for them since 07, and I have not stopped since. And imo, that is all that you should know.
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
If you really want to be a raider fan, you need to choose.
If you ever wanted to see Boise St play...may be a good chance. Love em or Hate em, they are always interesting; and now, no matter where you live, "They're Coming To Your City"
Don't give me that shit.
I don’t care about your “You’re only a true Raider fan if you choose them over the pats.” I can’t I have reasons. I like them both. I don’t care if you disagree. It is the way it is. If that means I am not a true raider fan in your eyes, I don’t care. Know that I would root for the Raiders every week until I die, just as I do for the pats. When they meet in the AFC championship, may the best team. I’ll just be a spectator knowing that either one of my favorite teams will be heading to the superbowl.
Now please, lay off with the fan talk. Like I said, I don’t care if you disagree. I hate dancing the same dance with people like you ever since I joined this great blog.
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
*may the best team win
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
lol
Sorry, Jack, guess some are never gonna buy it that you’re a fan of both teams equally. Maybe you could arrange a trade of Brady to the Raiders…please?
That would be very interesting. 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
See
I never questioned IF you could be a fan of both teams, but I did wonder WHY. You’re already a fan of a team with one of the all time great QBs and which makes regular trips to the Super Bowl…this is going to sound bad, but…why do you bother with the Raiders? Guess you’re actually from New Englandish?
I live in New England yeah.
Why do I bother with them? I really like their smash mouth style, being the renegade of the NFL. But I think it was mostly because I was brought up to root for them in a way from my step dad. My dad is a pats fan, and I also love him. So I was sort of brought up to root for both teams. Kind of stuck that way.
Its not like a friend of mine… who likes the falcons because he loved using michael vick in madden 2004… ____ But he is a true fan now, even if how he became a fan was very bizarre…
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
Ok, 2 questions and I'll back off, fair enough?
If you ever wanted to see Boise St play...may be a good chance. Love em or Hate em, they are always interesting; and now, no matter where you live, "They're Coming To Your City"
I suppose....
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
1. What was it that made you become a Raider fan?
If you ever wanted to see Boise St play...may be a good chance. Love em or Hate em, they are always interesting; and now, no matter where you live, "They're Coming To Your City"
My step dad. He is from Oakland and met my mom when I was young.
He tolled me about Jack Tatum, Bo Jackson, Marcus Allen, Stabler, Upshaw, Blanda, and more. I have great respect for him, and I started rooting for the Raiders at around 06 when at the time I was around 16 (just getting into football).
So it was mostly because of my step dad that I became a Raider fan.
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
Thankyou, that is a very good reason. I stand corrected.
I totally appreciated the respect you have for your step dad. That’s a tough spot to be in, and I commend you. No need for the second question. Ya can’t blame me for callin ya on it. You have my respect.
If you ever wanted to see Boise St play...may be a good chance. Love em or Hate em, they are always interesting; and now, no matter where you live, "They're Coming To Your City"
same here
ever since that bs tuck rule, i hated those some of bitches with a passion. All this “hoodie” bs sickens me, and the fact no one cares they got caught cheating by filming other peoples practices, but no one cares. Giants i hope smash these cunts into the ground were they belong.
RAIDER NATION
"There only can be one nation, The Raider Nation"
by AlwaysWinBaby on Jan 28, 2012 1:06 AM PST up reply actions
You meant Can't Understand Normal Thinking Shitforbrains Patriots right?
Poor kids confused, I have sympathy for him. He must be a Gemini…You made my night AWB
I HATE THE PATRIOTS, ALL I WANT TO DO IS HAVE FUN -
If you ever wanted to see Boise St play...may be a good chance. Love em or Hate em, they are always interesting; and now, no matter where you live, "They're Coming To Your City"
Dbacks and Linebackers
I agree that the offense looks set if they can resign Bush and add a few more o-linemen but the defense needs to upgrade in the worst way.I would start with the back 4 on defense.
Mike Mitchell should be the first to go he has shown nothing in two years and with all the talk about Big Al losing his touch he might be the worst pick of the bunch(at least jafatass looked good at the combine).2nd bring in as many corners as possible to camp and maybe we can find 2 or 3 that can improve this bunch the only keepers are Branch andHuff the rest of you adios.also a pass rusher would be a welcome addition.If this coach can cut mistakes by 1/3 we would be in the playoffs next year and be a team to watch because I am tired of throwing things at my tv after every stupid flag is thrown in the Raiders direction.
Mitchell is fine. He has shown that he can contribute.
And Routt is a keeper. Also DVD and Chekwa can be up and coming. They may improve over next year. We all knew that DVD was a project anyways.
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
Where do we go?
To the Senior Bowl:
http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/raiders-talk/post/Former-Raiders-assistants-in-limbo?blockID=637294&feedID=2801
Honestly, somebody explain to me how Bresnahan dares to show his face in public after his epic failure.
yeah man he was one of my favorite players back in the day
by ryanmoore57 on Jan 26, 2012 10:44 PM PST up reply actions
Reece is the man.
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
for some odd reason i call him
Re-C when he catches a ball or something.
RAIDER NATION
"There only can be one nation, The Raider Nation"
by AlwaysWinBaby on Jan 28, 2012 1:09 AM PST up reply actions
That's a good nickname imo.
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
little off topic here, but has any of you guys heard anything about who our new DC might be
by los r8drs on Jan 26, 2012 4:16 PM PST via Android app reply actions
This!
In his first season with Carolina in 2009, the Panthers’ defense ranked eighth in the NFL in total yards allowed (315.8) and ninth in points surrendered (19.3), despite a heavy injury toll on his unit. Under his coaching, middle linebacker Jon Beason earned Pro Bowl honors in 2009.
Smith was the defensive coordinator for Houston from 2006-08, where he helped produce two Pro Bowl performers. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and defensive end Mario Williams made the squad in 2008.
Al Davis the Greatest Raider of all times... You will live forever in the hearts of true Raider fans...RIP
If Smith became our next DC
maybe he could convince Mario Williams to jump over to our side. He’s a Free Agent this year, right?
i beleive so
Al Davis the Greatest Raider of all times... You will live forever in the hearts of true Raider fans...RIP
Agree. We need to keep Rod Woodson.
Chekwa, Sheppard, and even Routt played better then I expected.
This year we didn’t hit the quarterback and that’s how we win games is by getting to the QB. We honestly have all UTs on our line besides shaughnessy who’s a run stopping DE. Our only Pass rusher plays OLB. Wimbly doesn’t deserve the money he’s getting paid. He had one good game and it was against SD when their LT went down.
Losing our DLINE coach doesn’t help. Issue 1 needs to be find out how to hit the quarterback.
by raiderfan21 on Jan 26, 2012 4:56 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The D-backs are no problem to me,
But if we bring one in, I would have no problem.
I do not Trust Huff at nickel CB (See Games Last year Vs Jacksonville, games this year at Nickle CB), so I would like Huff to stay at Free Safety. One thing is for sure: He needs to be restructured.
We have to do something about this D-Line. How was Wimbley able to get 9 sacks last year, and only 3 (save a great game) THIS YEAR? I think he’s used wrong.
We just need to restructure, and get us a MLB.
I am a Raider Fan. But I also a player's person as well.
by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Jan 26, 2012 8:02 PM PST reply actions
It's not a current necessity but we will need a RT and RG by 2013. Carliste and barnes are just gettin us by. I'd love to see two more studs
To make our O line extremly dominate for many years to come. Unforcunitly Campbell doesnt appear to be panning out.
It may be wishful thinking but...
imagine if campbell could come around and barksdale could progress into a good starter. we would be so young at o-line i think its time to give campbell a chance. he’s been around awhile and needs to prove that he can play or he doesn’t deserve a roster spot
by ryanmoore57 on Jan 26, 2012 10:42 PM PST up reply actions
Well the AD scholarship program is about to end in Oakland
Without AD putting guys on scholarship there are going to be guys that have previously been brought back year after year who simply wont make the 53 man roster cutdown next year.
BCampbell being one of those, 2 years he has eaten a roster spot, he will have to prove he can play now or be replaced.
NO MERCY!
by RAIDERSNOMERCY on Jan 27, 2012 7:35 AM PST up reply actions
Del Rio is rumored to be headed to Denver to replace Allen.
Also I agree with LB, just MLB, not OLB. Move McClain to ROLB and bring in a true, disciplined MLB to clean up McClain’s messes when he makes them and lead this defense for the next five years at least.
Trust No One
Studies show stress can kill you, but don't worry about it.
"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways."
— H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
I can't see McClain as a 4-3 OLB.
He had a down year this year. Most rookies have down years their sophmore year. I think it’s best to stick him at MLB, and grab an OLB. If we can get a great MLB pickup, then I am not against putting McClain outside. :)
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
McLain hasn't shown great footwork and he's too slow to play the edge... IMO
Al Davis the Greatest Raider of all times... You will live forever in the hearts of true Raider fans...RIP
It didn't look that way in his first year.
give him time. Look how much we gave Hey Bey, and look what happened. 2 years is not enough to judge any player. Hell James Harrison was just a practice squad guy, and look what happened. next season, or the season after that, McClain can potentially be a great MLB. We don’t know, but we won’t get our answers after only two years.
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
I'm giving Campbell one more year. And yeah, barksdale looks great. hope to see him at RT next year.
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
I really think we need a strong and experienced DC
Allen was only a DC for one year and this is his rookie year as a HC and I would like for him to take the pressure off himself as much as possible by hiring a solid DC. I am not sure who that guy is but if we don’t go after an experienced DC then I’d like to see us bring in Bowles to see if he’d be interested in a DC/assistant HC position. Here are some other names that may be of interest:
Dean Pees – Former NE DC from 2006-09, currently LB coach for Ravens.
Ron Meeks – Former Colts DC from 2002-2008, currently secondary coach for the Chargers
Mike Singletary – Former 9ers HC, currently LB coach for the Vikes
Ed Donatell – Former DC of the Falcons and Packers, currently secondary coach of the 9ers
You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who makes people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.
Hey Buster...
All those dudes you have listed…all were demoted from DC/HC jobs and are currently position coaches now. To me that makes a statement on downward mobility.
The cowards never started, the weak died along the way....
by BlackHeartSilverEyes on Jan 27, 2012 9:35 AM PST up reply actions
True, I was just looking at guys that have experience as a DC in the past
It’s not like we can get someone who is already a DC on another team. Too bad Dean Pees agreed to be the DC of the Ravens though…I thought he’d be a really good candidate.
You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who makes people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.
by Buster Bluth on Jan 27, 2012 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
The standard wait and see approach
This whole offseason has been underwhelming thus far. Our new coach isn’t a huge signing and I don’t expect our DC to be one big splash either. I just hope Allen gets a guy he trusts and that he knows he can work with. Forget big names, the way the Raiders have moved so far names mean little. Our draft will not be great, at best it will be ok. In terms of free agency, I would love to get a decent LB and CB (Finnegan). However, it has never mattered what I want (or the fans either) and the Raiders will pick who they will. All we can do is hope for the best. Well I look forward to this next season as usual, part of me feels we are going to take a step back. I just hope that the step after that is forward and to the damn elusive Super Bowl.
by lakers007raiders on Jan 27, 2012 9:46 AM PST reply actions
The future is uncertain...ish.
We know we have a potentially dangerous offense, and that is something to look forward too. You never know about the draft and who know we can grab a good DC and a good LB as well.
As you say, its the standard wait and see approach but I like the direction the team is going. I can see steady improvements. Once they get rid of the whole plague of penalties, then this team can do great things.
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
Kevin Greene
I think Kevin Greene would be a great DC and he’s from Green Bay also, so Reggie might pick him up or Winston Moss. He was the main reason why Clay Matthews is what he is today.
by DubAndRaiderNation on Jan 27, 2012 9:57 AM PST reply actions
Clay Mathews has the skill set to be good regardless he is way better than his lil brother...
Al Davis the Greatest Raider of all times... You will live forever in the hearts of true Raider fans...RIP
Clay is only a pass rusher. He can't cover the run or the pass very well....
He rushes the passer about 75% of his snaps.
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
More like 60% with them.
We rush 4 a lot. Greenbay zone blitzes a lot with Clay.
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
Supposedly people of interest
Polk will be long gone...
Al Davis the Greatest Raider of all times... You will live forever in the hearts of true Raider fans...RIP
Unless
They have some notion of trading up for a higher pick. Though even so, you’d think RB would be at the bottom of the list of needs.
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