The Expectation of Al Davis
If you haven't seen it yet, check out this clip of Mr. Davis speaking to the media on Sunday. I love it. Rumors of his decriptude have obviously been greatly exaggerated. This guy is still a badass. I know that some folks will view this as another opportunity to come in here and blame Mr. Davis for all the ails the Raiders right now. Not me. I still dig Mr. Davis. I would not understimate him, either. He is fully aware of the circumstances, and what's at stake. I would love nothing more than to see him enjoy a Return to Glory over the next few years. There's a lot of work to be done, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's up to the task. In fact, I expect it, because I know he expects it.
P.S. Check out this article for a refreshingly positive take on Mr. Davis (thanks to Roberto from Raider Raza for the link).
P.S. Check out this article for a refreshingly positive take on Mr. Davis (thanks to Roberto from Raider Raza for the link).
posted by Raider Take at 9:41 PM
49 Comments:
RT,
Al Davis makes it sound like, only now, he will roll up his sleeves and start fixing this mess.
Trouble is, what has he been doing these last 4 years ???
Wasn't Norv, and KFC going to fix it ???
Wasn't Shell, and Brooks going to fix it ???
These days, I feel like Al is treating us fans like a bunch of dummies.
He hires bad head coaches, and finds the Qb's nobody else wants, and when it all crumbles apart, there is Al with more words for the Nation.
It all sounds great, until his sorry ass squad takes the field.
And then reality hits like a hammer.
But, nevertheless, Al speaks, and we the fans, keep buying the jersey's, the mugs, the hats, and the tickets.
Now, Al says he will bring the Raiders back from the dead, "He always does".(hear that blandarocked, Al is still in charge).
Sounds great Al, but this time, I'll believe it when I see it.
I agree with Raider00. Al has been talking a good game for these last 4 years, but there is nothing to show for it. Al seems to be the master of talking the talk, but not walking the walk. I am sick of the losing, and sick of spending my hard earned money on a losing team. I am ready for some results on the field, not just a bunch of talk for an owner who wishes it was 1978 again.
No denying the man is an icon of sports, and his passion for the Raiders is just as strong now as ever, but something’s colossally wrong with his team and it’s time for action.... perhaps even unRaideresque thinking.
I agree with those (basically everyone) who believe we need to focus on the o-line, however, I believe our ultimate success will depend on who we put at the skill positions, QB, RB and WR. Look at recent drafts and rookie successes around the league, particularly at QB and RB. We need to take advantage of our projected top-two draft pick and select either a RB or QB who can start us in the right direction!
raider00 and anon.
WOW !!! 4 years of losing! What a bunch of spoiled, whinny-titty-babies you guys are.
Why don't you take a good look around the NFL where teams go on 15 year skids or worse. Where some owners don't give a rats a$$ about the team, the fans or the sport of football.
Raiders Nation, which I don't consider you a citizen of, doesn't get rattled by a 4 year bad run. Sure we hate it, but we know that it's only a speed-bump along the road yet you guys make it sound like the world is coming to an end.
So, go ahead and bad-mouth Al Davis, throw away your jerseys, mugs and keep trumpeting the sorry line of "I'm tired of wasting my hard earned money on a losing team"
Why don't you take your hard earned money and get a life..................................................as a Bills fan.
I hear you guys. Anyone who presides over a team that has won six games total over the past two seasons is fair game for criticism.
I feel, however, that Mr. Davis hates talking the talk. He rarely speaks publicly. I think it pains him deeply to see his team stink, and I wouldn't underestimate his ability to pull a proverbial rabbit out of the hat. He sure doesn't seem to be lacking vigor or sharpness (despite reports to the contrary).
Plus, I'd love to have a beer or three with the guy.
Here's what one beat writer wrote about this interview with Al Davis: "He is always entertaining, always newsworthy, and often brutally honest. We hadn't spoken to him since early August, and that was at a formal press conference. I hope it isn't four months before we get to interview Davis again."
What's interesting is Al doesn't say what changes are coming; which of course leaves us to speculate. So here is my speculation:
1. He will remain principle owner. But he will put Art Shell in charge of all Football Operations, which puts Mike Lombardi out. Amy Trask will handle the contract negotiating, and pretty much continue to do what she does, but work with who Art wants as far as players go (BTW, I hear she is tougher than Davis when it comes to contracts). Art and Amy will have to "keep in touch" with Davis, but for the majority Shell will be in charge.
2. This puts speculation on whether Shell will remain Head Coach or not. If the above speculation happens, I don't think he'll remain Head Coach. I think he gives that to Ryan, or someone else (Bill Cowher). I say Ryan. We'll see what happens with the OC, whether or not Shell remains or someone else takes the reigns.
3. The Offensive Line. Time to rid ourselves of a few people. Langston Walker, Barry Sims (who knows it is coming), and possibly Robert Gallery. I say possibly, because he and McNasty have done a lot of hard work, and he has improved the past few weeks. We need to add a veteran center. I don't think Grove is getting it done, nor does he understand enough to make proper calls to help adjust the blocking schemes. I think McNasty would take over Walker's spot, and Slaughter can take Sims' spot; then we could draft and trade to fill in the holes.
4. Running Back. I don't care how we do it here, we can trade for a Running Back, draft one, or both! Bottom line, we need a Running Back. Jordan will never be above a #2 in my mind, and Fargas will never better than #3. Are they tough? Yes. I love their hearts to play football. They just aren't getting the job done. If we draft Pittman (OSU), and pick up someone like Benson (Bears), we'd be ok with Jordan and Fargas as back up. We also need a good blocking Fullback. Where is Kenny King when you need him?
5. Tight End. I say we trade Porter to Atlanta for Alge Crumpler. I know I'm dreaming, but man would that be awesome.
6. Defensive Tackle. I think we would have been alright if we used Sapp and Washington in a 4-3 defense like we are now, instead of putting Sapp as DE. That was stupid. But we need someone like that to compliment Sapp.
That is just my speculation of changes we will see Al make.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Look, I'm not a prude, I don't mind occasional salty language, but I have to draw the line at certain words. Therefore, I have deleted the above comment. No offense to the commenter, I just want to keep things reasonably family friendly in here.
double zero is right,it's like when he hired art and said how it is all going to turn around and art will bring back the OLD RAIDER WAY...... thing that hit me when Al was speaking about THIS YEARS team is when he said,"we are trying and working at getting it right,i don't know why,we just can't seem to find the answer..... that right there sent alarm bells off. he is supposed to KNOW WHY and he supposed to KNOW HOW TO FIX IT... if he doesn't,then he shouldn't be running the team.... he seemed like an OLD MAN,you know the type.... mind is slow,not focused,still talking about why the '83 team wasn't ranked higher in the nfl network series after a reporter asked him about something else..... shouldn't his focus be on what is going down with this team who is in the midst of a 2-14 season after 3 previous abortions for seasons??? ... for the bills fan..we as Raider fans have seen this before..pre gruden,the team looked alot like it does today and the fans are tired of the unstable nature of the team,will they move or won't they??? so don't come on here calling us a bunch of whatever because we have had 3 or 4 years of good football in the past 20... we as fans are sick of the dysfunction,the undisiplined play,the underachieving,the poor coaching..it has been going on to long and most of us just want to see a stable franchise with some leadership,not a ship going in circles with only 1 oar in the water...... why is it when Al speaks and this time wasn't even impressive in what he said or how he said it that so many of you melt like butter and act like" ok,now we are coming back"..just blows me away...
al does talk a great game,but it's put up or shut up time. The Raiders have been failing,like Al's health, for the last four years. he deserves the critisism for his choices. we the fans have the right to support or not support the team. and for those of you with this Raiders love them or leave them attitude...WAKE UP don't be a pawn
According to the San Jose Mercury News Alvis Whitted is out for the season with a dislocated wrist.
Heard it all before Al. Your time has come and gone, you have put your own glory over that of coach or QB - consequently we have neither, and won't have a HC or QB worth a fucking shit when the season starts- AGAIN.
Get out the way if you love the Raiders more than your ego.
Please please please don't hand this team over to the tree stump.
that tv interview link of al is classic al davis too. that, to me, is what makes it great.
as many people here and in the media are slamming him on his health, i don't think it's his health as much as it is his wife's health, that has truly kept him away from the "public eye" and out of the practice facility.
in case you didn't listen to the whole interview, a question was asked if he missed being at the practice facility watching the team, instead of watching the practice films? that to me debunks the argument that al has total control over how this team's gameplan is ran.
look, art shell may not be in everyone's business during the game; but believe me, everyone knows what he expects from them. and come practice time, he is in their grill. the players, for the majority, respect art because he's been there. he and dennis green have a lot in common (i'm just waiting for art to blast off with, "they are who we thought they were! if you won to pin it on their @$$ go ahead!" blasts). they both know that players who make mistakes do not need someone barking in their faces making them look stupid during a game. that is not how you get respect (ala-bill parcels, bobby knight).
he takes care of all of that in practice, where it belongs! don't get me wrong, i guarantee he makes comments to the players on the field, but he doesn't embarrass grown men. he treats them with the respect he himself demands. it may seem like he doesn't at times (with lombardi and porter), but i can also guarantee that the reason porter hasn't played much at all this year, is more than the fact that porter hasn't apologized to art. there is something deeper behind the scenes that we don't know.
i do think art would make a better gm than a head coach. he doesn't put up with the crap players try to get away with today. put it this way, he is a better fit for gm than the rumor i'm hearing out here, that matt millen is going to take that spot!
Come on anon! Whom am I a "pawn" of? Al Davis? Really! How so?
I do agree with you that Al Davis should be criticized; he is after all the General Partner that has throughout his tenure, unlike most owners, raised the ”bar” for the team’s performance. The terms “commitment to excellence” and “just win baby” are part of the Raider fabric and the Raiders mystique, and because of that, Raiders Nation is an “easy mark” when the chips are down. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been hearing the Raiders, Al Davis, and the entire organization, including players and fans get blasted for over 35 years, and guess what? I love it because you know what? 80% of the time it’s nothing but jealousy and envy.
Where I differ with you is when “Raiders fans” consider a 4-year slide the end of the world, as we know it. Are they really Raiders fans? I think not.
You know, I get pissed, too, when the Raiders stink up the Coliseum. But at some point I just have to laugh, and remember why I'm here in the first place, and that's to have fun.
If the team stinks, well, I'll enjoy the tailgates and commiserating with fans and commenters. When the team gets better, I'll feel like a kid again, like I did six years ago, when the team mounted another Return to Glory, culminating in two AFC Championship appearances and one Super Bowl appearance.
Call me blind, call me a pawn, whatever, but don't expect me to share your level of anger and fury.
like i said,it has been more than a"4 year slide" it has been going on since '86,we had 1 good year in art's first term and 3 in gruden/callahan terms...other than that it has been a carbon copy year after year... i don't think that we feel it is "the end of the world" we just want it to be the end of an ERA..we want a new era,one without all the paranoia,unstable and dysfunction...is this to much to ask??? or are we all supposed to sit here and write how wonderful it all is because we won 3 superbowls in 76 80 and 83???? no,we want an up to date team with up to date schemes and gameplans and coaches that are up to date and a team looking forward instead of what happened 25 years ago..is that to much to ask????? or do you consider that tit sucking and whining???
yup and your attitude is what has taken over the franchise..... winning no longer matters..... it is about something else,it's about letting an old man run the franchise into the ground because it is his and look what he did 25-40 years ago...it's about taking care of past players over the future of the team,it's about hiring people who "watch my back " instead of doing what is best for the team..... the focus is GONE,winning has taken a back seat,doing whatever is needed to win has taken a back seat ..ALL IN THE NAME OF ONCE WAS..... all in the name of supporting something that is so wrong .. why even play the games then,just open the coliseum everyday so fans can bbq and talk with themselves and then we can all wander into the stadium and talk about the good ole days.... it doesn't matter does it????? well sorry,i watch football and played football TO WIN,i can go to a park and talk to someone while i bbq.... it is all about winning and if the organization isn't doing what it should be doing to WIN,then we all have the right to bitch about and spread the word that change is in order....
"we want a new era,one without all the paranoia,unstable and dysfunction...is this to much to ask???"
Yes, it is, because then we wouldn't be the Raiders we would be the..................Seahawks;-)
Hey, I care deeply about this team, and its direction. I've written more than 300 takes over the past 1.5 years here, many of them critical, all of them passionate. My record speaks for itself.
But at some point, I check myself, and I seek enjoyment in my fan experience, no matter how dire the team's situation. I am not going to allow myself to be consumed by anger and fury. I'm going to look for things that make me smile, like Al Davis interviews, like tailgates with my cousin and friends, etc.
If that makes me part of "the problem," then so be it.
I'm sticking by my offseason theory that Al's time with the Raiders is limited.
Art still talks a good game, but is noticeably more frail. I think that he's feeling the effects of his questionable health and had plans in the offseason to move on within two-three years (2006 included), which is why he hired Art Shell. He probably got frustrated by the lack of coaches willing to work for him, figured, "hell I'm not going to be here much longer, let's do this the Raiders way one more time before I go" and hired Art.
If I'm correct, we'll probably see Art in 2007 and maybe 2008. Al will give the Raider way a little more time before he goes. And, of course, I'm hoping "goes" means selling the team or at least seriously reducing his function in the organization. I've got a nagging feeling that Art's sicker than he's letting on, but I'm hoping that's just a hunch.
On the other hand, if Art's just fine and he doesn't plan on selling this team, it's quite possible that he looks in another direction for 2007 or 2008. Since he's close with Jerry Jones, he may learn from him and get a top flight head coach to come to the Raiders if he agrees to separate himself from the daily operations a little. I think that we've already seen that this year, albeit because of his health. I also certainly wouldn't mind Rob Ryan as head coach should he choose to go that path.
Bottom line is that it really comes down to what Al's three-year plan with this organization is, and whether or not he plans on being around for another rebuilding/retooling.
(sorry, I said "Art" up there a couple of times when I meant to say "Al", but I'm sure you guys know what I meant)
Al's not going to say anything now about what he's going to do because he's not going to embarass Art. What's the point? After the season there will be plenty of time for change. My guess is Art will resign because he knows he's not getting it done and then Al will fire everyone else on offense.
Anon, it's interesting to me. You seem to hate everything about the Raiders, and want to see them turn into the Patriots (or some similar representation).
Raider00, on the contrary, the inteview proves that Davis has had little involvement with the running of the team. (i.e., He hasn't been at a practice this season.) But this interview IS a statement by Al that that may change. He also spent some time talking about why he didn't like Gabriel. Al will show us some significant changes in player personnel in the off season, and this is what is needed.
Everybody: Take a look at this article re our earlier debates about 3 to 7 step drops.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_4863697
Brooks doesn't like the 3 step drops. Since the OL provides no protection, he has no room to move if a receiver isn't immediately open. This goes back to what I was saying earlier, that the 7 and 5 step drops weren't the problem, the OL was.
Dax makes an excellent point. One of the things which trully pissed me off about the influx of 49er fans, when they were doing well, was the assertions that the 49ers would go on winning 3 Super Bowls a decade forever. That's just quite simply impossible. EVERY team in the NFL has had decade long periods of losing and struggling. The Cowboys, who have appeared in more Super Bowls than any other team, have gone through two such decades in the last 25 years. You do well in spurts, and you do bad in spurts.
I have made this claim from the beginning, and I'll stick to it to the end. The problem with the Raiders is that there is no continuity because each coach has had more influence than you're willing to recognize. What is needed is to identify a central philosophy, and build personnel around that philosophy. That takes time. It also is undermined by changing coaches yet again, which will put us right back where we started this season.
raider nate 75:
God, I hope he doesn't hire Matt Millen. I don't think he will. Matt was once a great Raider, but when he left the organization for the 49ers he became more aligned with them than the Raiders. Al doesn't forget that kind of thing. So, at least for now, breath easy.
I have a love-hate relationship with Al Davis. I hate him for his meddling, and truly believe that he is largely responsible for the state of the Raiders. I want nothing more for him hire a competent GM and allow him to run the team.
I love him because he wants to win as bad, ok worse, than I do. He is never complacent. While many of his recent free agent signings have not panned out we are always signing players the salary cap be damned. And while I think he is largely responsible for the current state, he is definitely responsible for the Raider mystique and identity.
One more interesting thing. Checking back at the prior posts I noticed the exchanges about what influence Al has had on the defense this season.
Don't forget the rule around here, folks. Al Davis only gets the credit for the bad things.
God Bless Al Davis. How can you love the Raiders and not love him? I thought he looked great and enjoyed seeing him.
Keep up the good work RT
Dax, who hates the facts,
You mean to say anyone who states anything bad about Al Davis is not a "real Raiders fan".
I said Al hires bad coaches, and finds terrible Qb's, for the most part since the Flores/Plunkett days.
Was this a lie ? If it's wrong, then please feel free to correct it.
Name the great names who have coached, and Qbed the Raiders since.
Dax, let me learn you something about the Raiders, cause you sound like a johnny come lately fan.
THE IDEA IS TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL.
Can you understand, or did it go over your head ??
A 4 year drought ???
Yes, if you've been in a coma since '86, as you obviously have.
Wake up, look at the entire picture, and stop sounding foolish.
"WOW !!! 4 years of losing"
Dax - through out the Gannon years and its much more than 4 years. Search our record since the 83 SB victory -- we are very close to 500!
We are at such a low point now. We struggle to execute ONE play on offense. ONE FREEKING PLAY!
"double zero is right,it's like when he hired art and said how it is all going to turn around and art will bring back the OLD RAIDER WAY...... thing that hit me when Al was speaking about THIS YEARS team is when he said,"we are trying and working at getting it right,i don't know why,we just can't seem to find the answer..... that right there sent alarm bells off. he is supposed to KNOW WHY and he supposed to KNOW HOW TO FIX IT... if he doesn't,then he shouldn't be running the team.... he seemed like an OLD MAN,you know the type.... mind is slow,not focused,still talking about why the '83 team wasn't ranked higher in the nfl network series after a reporter asked him about something else..... shouldn't his focus be on what is going down with this team who is in the midst of a 2-14 season after 3 previous abortions for seasons??? ... for the bills fan..we as Raider fans have seen this before..pre gruden,the team looked alot like it does today and the fans are tired of the unstable nature of the team,will they move or won't they??? so don't come on here calling us a bunch of whatever because we have had 3 or 4 years of good football in the past 20... we as fans are sick of the dysfunction,the undisiplined play,the underachieving,the poor coaching..it has been going on to long and most of us just want to see a stable franchise with some leadership,not a ship going in circles with only 1 oar in the water...... why is it when Al speaks and this time wasn't even impressive in what he said or how he said it that so many of you melt like butter and act like" ok,now we are coming back"..just blows me away..."
You nailed it here!!!
PantyRaider,
Please feel free to say any opinion about me you would like. Unlike Dax, I do not fancy myself a dictator, running around this blog, trying to stop people from speaking the truth because their little baby ears can't stand to hear it.
I've said before Panty, that you are a great Raiders fan, and a positive force on this blog.
What I think about the SB loss to Tampa is this. In pro sports, there is no such thing as 2nd place. There is only the Champs, and then everybody else. I believe that Al Davis made the Raiders with this in mind.
I believe in 'Just win baby", but I realize that the Raiders cannot win the SB every year.
But when I see teams like Pittsburgh, Denver, Indy, and others fighting for a playoff spot most every year, I have to think...WHY NOT THE RAIDERS ???
Let's stop pretending everything is alright, and let's get in the game.
Anyway, keep up the great bloggin Panty, keep the free speech flowin, and GOD BLESS THE USA
"To every one that wants to talk shit about Al Davis I will tell you exactly like I told the so called Raider fans that have spend all season critisizing him and the Raider's system.
THIS IS OUR SYSTEM, TO YOU IT MIGHT SUCK, BUT IT IS OUR SYSTEM IT WILL BE FIXED AND IT WILL WORK Al Davis is a smart man, contrary to your inept opinions about him, he does live for this team, he doesn't care about anything else but the Raiders, we will win and when we do I know you guys are going to find other things to talk smack about, get a life the glass is half full, and it will get full and overflow with talent in the next couple of years"
Really! Dude, when we win I'm as happy as any Raider fan. We just don't do lots of winning lately.
Compound this with the KFC, Turner, Shell, Brooks serious misjudgements, and we have what we are now -- crap!
Yes, we drafted Aso, Morrision, Howard, Huff, and some other bright spots, but man the bad moves outweigh these good moves by lots!
The status quo will = more years of crappy play! Problem is, and I did not want to believe this last year... who we gonna get (bother player and possibly coach) to come here??
nope,nobody is allowed to " bash" the organization,nope,only allowed to throw out names and dates of yesteryear and sit around in the pow wow and say how great it will all be..... sorry,but to alot of fans ,that isn't good enough,maybe we hold the team to higher standards,expect more on sundays... maybe we can see what ails this team and are not afraid to express it and hear the cat calls from the "real fans".... maybe we have an idea of what is needed to succeed in todays game as opposed to trying to turn back the clock and dream of yesteryear....maybe we see a vision for this team beyond tomorrow...what is it that would turn on all Raider fans???? maybe it would be that we stick it to the league and the best way to stick it to the league is to beat them at their own game...they want us to be unorganized ,they want the fans to dream about yesteryear,they know that living in the past will make you fail today..... what made Al great??? he was ahead of the league,he knew how to beat them at their own game,but it has all changed Raider fans,now Al is no longer that man who can set the league on it's ear... we need new blood,we need to run a ship that kicks ass and the way you do that is to run a tight ship,not a fragmented one,it won't work.... how long till you can see it???? like i say,many fans can see it,don't condem us because we know what the future should hold for us...join in and lets get moving FORWARD with this organization,staying where we are now ensures losing,why can people not see this????? people talk about positive flow,this is the positive flow we need,not continuing the fragmented ,disorganized,leaderless flow,to me,that is being negative because you are supporting a losing situation...you all need to figure out what it takes to win in TODAYS NFL and understand that what we are doing won't get it done......
As Raider fans we all want the same thing...a winning or at least an exciting football team and not the team jokes are made of.We all have the right to critisize the team, or cheer wildly because thats what sports fans do when the team means something to them.Al Davis has done many great things in his career,but we all know if was not the owner, he would have been fired long ago. So we can all hope things change for the better,but don't bet the house on it.RaiderOO hits the nail on the head in his first take.
PantyRaider,
It's all good. That is the one thing that does bother me a bit about this blog, "Anonymous" blogs.
If you're a Raiders fan, just pick a name, it isn't so hard. Use Tatum32, Just Win, Snake12, Speed Kills, S&B, I mean, pick a tag already.
I don't care if someone agrees, or disagrees with me, I just like to know who I'm talking to.
davis' last comment in this clip was NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ANSWER TO IT. assuming he was talking about the LOSING, everyone has an answer except the man who should have corrected this to begin with. his name is AL DAVIS.
and this will NEVER be corrected until he does one thing: step out of the way and let an actual football guy run this team.
we get at the very most another number 2 overall, and what are we gonna get? another gallery bust? another troublemaker named darrell russell? rickey dudley? langston walker?
this is THE most important draft in our history. if he screws this one up, we are dead meat for the next few years. THEN when the team finally gets good if ever, we'll need to drive to F-ING L.A. to see them.
oh and one more thing.... got a package in the mail from the raider ticket office. a mounted mini helmet with a small engraved plate that says 2006 season ticket holder.
i would rather they save the money used for those trinkets for the fans to go towards paying the next legit head coach to come and coach this team. forget those money wasting things and get someone in here that has a freakin' clue dammit!
the only appreciation i want is a superbowl win! but with al around - ain't gonna happen baby.
from the interview, al davis says he spends 3 hours a day watching video of practices ... if the practices are as bad as the games, that's a lot of bad tv.
and what was up with him talking about roller derby? and the rambling reference to the 83 team in response to a question about this year's pro bowl?
i would love to sit and have beers with al davis. he would be a great person to have at a tailgate party, but ... the team really, really sucks. and it's not clear that it' going to get any better soon. well, it can't really get worse, but you know what i mean.
and, boo hoo, don't say i'm not a "real" fan because i disagree or because i complain about 4 losing seasons. how weenie is that? if all of us agreed, than only one of is thinking.
raider00 says:
"Please feel free to say any opinion about me you would like. Unlike Dax, I do not fancy myself a dictator, running around this blog, trying to stop people from speaking the truth because their little baby ears can't stand to hear it"
For someone that has been posting at will and loudly making himself heard, you sure have a lot of ba**s to make that comment. In addition, here’s a NEWSFLASH: I have zero power to “stop people from speaking the truth” However; I am allowed to question what you call “truth” Right?
It gets even funnier when you drop this predictable gem:
“Dax, let me learn you something about the Raiders, cause you sound like a johnny come lately fan”
Well, there you have it, when all else fails, take the artificial, self-proclaimed highroad, get on your Raiders soapbox, and question my “fanhood”. Even Ray Charles could see that one coming.
Look, it’s painfully obvious that there is a chasm of disagreement here and I’m fine with that. Shake?
Pantyraider-
The tie breaker is decided by, I kid you not, a coin toss. We lost last draft and wound up with the seventh pick, even though the Jets had the same record and beat us. Go figure.
PR-
Teams tied with the same record in the draft are split based on strength of schedule -- like last year we had the same record as Tennessee, GB, SF and NY. Tennessee played the weakest schedule so they picked first[third-Young] followed by NY [fourth-Ferguson] and GB [fifth-Hawk]. SF and us had the same strength of schedule so a coin fip was used which SF won [sixth-Davis]
Here's what I don't understand about the Raiders. We either have a great offense, and an average/below average defense; or we have a tremendous defense, and an average/below average offense.
Let's go back to the "Gruden/Callahan Years". We had the #1 offense all but one year of their tenure. But we had an average defense that couldn't stop the WC offense and would go into "Prevent-you-from-winning" mode.
Let's even go back before then to the White years. We had George and Hostettler at the helm, but no back up. Kaufman running hard, and decent blocking. We were springing well, until George and Hostettler went down, and in came Hobert or Vince Evans. Our defense was average.
Now, let's look at the last time we won it all, '83-84 season. We had a tremendous defense with Long, Alzado, Townsend, Millen, Martin, Hendricks, Haynes, and Hayes. But our offense was powered by Marcus Allen, a good offensive line, and Todd Christianson. Plunkett, Branch, King, and others were all average guys who played their @$$e$ off.
It has never been a balance of both.
The bottom line is this. We are on the right track. We have a strong defense, that needs at least 2 holes filled (DT and safety). Offensively we are sick. We need a Running Back badly. We have one game this year where we had a RB rush for 100 yards! It happened in Week 4 loss against the Browns!
We need to fill our holes in the offensive line with skilled players for that position, instead of drafting guys out of college, and putting them in a different position.
I think Andrew Walter will do fine, once we get the blocking and running game in check. As bad as it has been offensively for us, Walter has made more plays than Brooks! Walter puts a spark on this offense, when he is under center. I expect him to make mistakes, because he's young. But the more we play him, the mistakes will decrease because he is a "heady" QB. Rid ourselves of Moss and Porter, for draft picks (Moss will definitely get us a first rounder), and an experienced RB or O-lineman, and look out.
If you look at the past 3 years, the Raiders did not have the talent they needed defensively to run the scheme Ryan wanted to run. So, we've gone out and filled those holes in the DB area, and the Linebacker area. We still need a DT and a safety; but what a difference a year has made. And look out when Darnell Bing comes in AT SAFETY, and punches Sweigert out of there. He and Huff together, I just wet myself.
If you look back at the Ravens when they won it all, their offense just got the job done. But it was solidified with a strong running game, and offensive line. We can have a strong running game and line; but have a strong armed, "heady" QB (in Walter) that will give us a balance on both sides of the ball (comparable to Green Bay in Favre's younger days with Levens at RB); and dare I say, give us a season with only 1-4 losses for a long time; because we will have a young team.
Here's the good news since we are at the end of this season. We know where we stand, we know what we need; and I know that Al Davis and Art Shell will fill those holes; and the ship will turn around.
Listen, I don't always agree with Davis either. But you have to admire him for taking the risks that he takes, and win or lose, he holds his head proud, and is not afraid to admit he made a mistake. Not only admit the mistakes, but correct them too. That is what it takes to build an empire on any level. Where I don't agree with his philosophy, is fixing a risk mistake, by taking another risk. But in the end, with the probability of injury, etc; isn't it all risk?
nate 75, you are on the money.
I'm hearing a LOT of chatter about getting a QB in the draft. I don't get it?
Right now we have 3 QBs.
1 will be gone and 2 have shown to be........................ OK.
We have a pure pocket passer in Walter that is only as good as his OLine. Did I mention that our OLine suks?
Brooks on the other hand is also a semi-pocket QB that can scramble, but his ability to make horrible decisions in NOW A PROVEN FACT.
Our needs are very simple: Our OLine needs FA help. We have to bring two guys in that "know the ropes" and will "shape" our line. Without an OLine you heve nothing. Did I mention that our OLine suks?
In the draft, I'm going STUD RB,DB, DLine.......................and then WR
My $.02 worth
I'm sorry, but this one from scorpio I just can't let stand.
"and this will NEVER be corrected until he does one thing: step out of the way and let an actual football guy run this team."
An actual football guy? Really? The NFL is what it is today because of Al Davis. It's fair to discuss whether or not Al has been making good or bad moves, but to say he is not an "actual football guy" is not really a claim fit for these posts from Raiders' fans.
My view remains that firing the coach and starting over with a new one, any new one, IS the status quo. That is what we have been doing - that is what Al has been doing - since the team moved back to Oakland. Musical team philosophies builds teams like the Lions and Cardinals.
It's time to pick a philosophy and stick with it. We talk about Bill Cowher. Bill Cowher has had bad years. Look at this year. But the Steelers have done what the Raiders should have done, and that is to stick with their team philosophy, created by Rooney and understood by Cowher, year after year. By doing so, you continually acquire players that fit the mold you are looking for, and they gell on that basis if no other.
I think Al Davis understood this, finally, when he hired Art Shell. That's the "swagger" both Shell and Davis were talking about. Currently, the Raiders don't have a garden, they have a Potpourri of dried dead peddles with varying odors.
The reason I think Lombardi must go is, not because he might be a "mole" but because he prefers players who do not fit into the Raider philosophy.
I don't think any one system in the NFL is superior to any other. What matters is that the players and the staff are all on the same page. I want the Raiders to stop changing systems and focus on bringing in players to fit that system!
I do not agree with those who say you build a system around the player you have. The most that can get you is one or two years of success. Consistancy requires the system first, and the personnel to fit it second. Those who argue for fitting a system to the players are asking for one good year. I'm asking for a renewed dynasty!
Based on the simple evidence of this year's gross offensive failures, one could argue Al Davis has lost it and we need to adapt to a more contemporary philosophy (I may be guilty of leaning that way myself). But remember too, when it comes to free agency, no team, owner or GM is more active year after year than Al Davis. So what many of you argue is our weakness may end up being our ace-in-the-hole... when we need him most!
If you can't see that big al (MR.) davis is senile you are deluded! If you are smart you'll put a couple hun on the K C Chiefs.
from your favorite anno....so br and panty...what do you think of art getting fired???? that Al still believes that art is bringing back the swagger and is running out the moles???? lol. you 2 really need to stop tripping over your own b.s. and start looking at what is REAL.
blandarocked - i apologize for my mistake. al davis, in his day was one of the best football men in the game BUT.....
fast forward to today - al davis is a senile over the hill former genius who needs to look at what's best for his health, his team and the fans (right). that is to step aside and hand control over to a reputable GM who will build this team from the ground up into a winner. and PLEASE NOT art shell. this guy was a terrible mistake from day 1.
as i have said many times before. PUT THE KOOL AID DOWN PEOPLE.
as long as this man runs this team, we will NEVER win another championship.
i AM a raider fan GD DMMT! i used to think al davis was the greatest genius the world has ever known. but i WOKE UP MAN!
we fans (especially us season ticket holders) are the ones paying these salaries man. we can freakin say whatever we as paying customers want to say! am i freakin pissed off? hell yeah i'm pissed off. did you hear his babbling in the latest video clip?
al davis is the PROBLEM and when are you people gonna figure that out? to say that al davis haters arent real raider fans is completely wrong. why - we can't voice out our frustrations for what is clearly wrong with this organization? it all points to the top.
the sooner you guys realize this, but more importantly the sooner davis realizes this, the sooner we can get back to respectability. by respectability i mean at least .500! and THAT is a TALL task!
I hope big al (MR.) davis lives to be 120, and that he runs the "team" until he dies! This will insure a losing organization for years! And enjoyment for all of us faida fanatics! Just live long big al baby! 2-14 defend the nation!
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