Raider Take Express for 8/12
Here is the latest edition of the Raider Take Express, our weekly roundup of input and observations around the turf of Raider Take. Please keep sending your ideas, tips and feedback to raidertake@yahoo.com. If this is a wildfire, then you are the spark. 1. I would like to see more from our first team offensive line on Monday against the Vikings, and I would like to see less of LaMont Jordan. Last week’s performance by the offensive line was somewhat understandable. You’re just a few weeks into training camp, you’ve got guys moving into a new positions, and you’ve got a rookie, Paul McQuistan, learning the NFL ropes. That’s fine, but progress must be swift and certain on the offensive line. Otherwise, our running backs will be grounded when it counts, and our quarterback will be on the run, and it will get ugly. Speaking of running backs, Justin Fargas needs some serious work, and LaMont Jordan needs to stay healthy. It’s Jordan or bust this year, so why take chances during the preseason? In Denver, they’ve got three serious contenders for the top slot at running back. Here, it’s Jordan, followed by a big cliff. Let’s keep the guy fresh and healthy.
2. I heard on the radio that the Raiders v. Eagles preseason game received a 7.0 television rating last Sunday, the same as the first two games of the NBA finals! The NHL Stanley Cup finals received a 2.3 rating by comparison. Check out this article, which explains this phenomenon in depth. The bottom line is that we are witnessing the zenith of the NFL. Where can it go from here? More than 62,000 fans attended a recent intrasquad Packers scrimmage. According to Sports Illustrated, “Steelers fans gave linebacker Clark Haggans an ovation when he exited a port-a-potty at training camp.” Hey, Steelers fan, you just won the Lombardi trophy, so chill out and back away from the portable toilets.
3. Coach Shell is proving to be as quotable as Norv Turner was unquotable. For example, here’s what Shell had to say about Fabian Washington taking more chances in pursuit of interceptions: “Cornerbacks are out there on an island so they have to be daring. They can't be afraid. We always said a scared man can't win. So yeah, he can gamble as long as he's right.”
You can gamble—as long as you’re right! Love it. That’s what I call a winning attitude.
3. A couple of notable Raiders events are forthcoming. The 2007 Raiderette Swimsuit Calendar Release Party will be open to the public in an exclusive event at Willie Mays Sky Box Lounge on Wednesday, August 23. Tickets are $35 and only 250 tickets are available.
The Raider Nation Celebration unfolds on Sunday, August 27 at the Coliseum between noon and 4:00 p.m. Features of the day include: Interactive Kids Zones, autograph and photo opportunities with Raiderettes and Raiders legends, a "Hall of Fame" area featuring the Super Bowl trophies, live interviews with current players, and more.
4. As part of our season ticket package, Raider Take and Cousin of Raider Take received tickets to the Raider Nation Celebration. However, we won’t be attending this year, so we are offering our Raider Nation Celebration tickets free (a $10 total value) to the first person who requests them at raidertake@yahoo.com.
Update: 7:50 a.m.: Sorry, the Raider Nation Celebration tickets have been accounted for...Congratulations Vincent!
5. Brian S. wrote to point out this column in Sports Illustrated, which rips Aaron Brooks, noting his failure against the Eagles' second team defense, yet failing to mention his touchdown pass against this same defense. That's a bit selective, don't you think? Remember, sometimes, the Raiders Haters are as obvious as thunder and lightning. Other times, however, they are like a fine mist, almost imperceptible until you notice that your jacket is soaking wet. At least the guy gives Mr. Davis props for looking and sounding sharp at the Hall of Fame ceremonies.
posted by Raider Take at 12:04 AM
6 Comments:
LaMont Jordan needs to play as long as the first team offensive line plays. The o-line needs to get the timing down for their first string back and visa-versa. That's the only way this is going to work, they have to work together.
I hear you Drolle, but it's a calculated risk. I'd first like to see the O-Line not getting its doors blown off before I subject Jordan to too many carries. Until then, the utter lack of timing could end up hurting Jordan. Then we'll all be crying in our beers.
I think it would be prudent to limit Jordan's carries to 2 series or to the 1st quarter of play.
The entire starting O-Line should play the entire 1st half to develop a rhythm & chemistry.
Every indication from training camp this week points towards the O-Line realizing the urgency of playing a more consistent brand of phyisical football.
There is no question that Shell has made fixing the O-Line as his #1 priority. It will take some time but I anticipate steady improvement over the next 4 weeks.
I'll endorse that plan, CJ! I, too, expect the O-line to gel in the coming weeks. And two series for Jordan works for me.
Jordan carried the ball three straight times to start the first series last week. He carried the ball once on the second series. He then carried the ball three straight times AGAIN on the third series. He then ran twice on the fourth series. All behind a shaky O-line.
That's when I started getting squeamish.
Daminit and tarnation, RT!!!
How come ya couldn't be givin' away tix to the Raiderette Calendar gig?
I woulda been all over that like, well... like Stick-um all over Freddie B.'s fingers...and legs...and face.
Nudge, nudge, know what I mean? A nudge is as good as a wink to a blind man. ROTFLMAO!
I agree w/ Calico also--like to see the o-line play a half and push some people around. We should expect real progress from last week to today and from today to next week. Lamont needs a few carries and then a seat--don't need no Clinton Portis replays
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