Raider Take's Believe It or Not
Let’s not pretend there’s a ton of news out there right now regarding our Raiders. Our roster is nearly set, but we can’t really test drive it until training camp. The reasons for optimism are plentiful yet unproven at this point. At the prompting of Pscyho, who spoke for many of us when he declared (in the Raider Take comments section) his anxious boredom with the lack of real news right now, I am inspired to roam beyond the Xs and Os in search of more curious storylines…
The Numbers Game
As you may have already heard, Jerry Porter put the brakes on his intended jersey switch from #84 to #81. Apparently, it was going to cost him $210,000 to reimburse the team and the league for pre-existing merchandise.
Porter said he’d rather spend the money on sports cars, which is certainly logical, yet nonetheless annoying coming from Mr. Doghouse.
Anyhow, this is what I found most strange about the story: “NFL spokesman Steve Alic said Porter could wait until next year, when the supply of unsold shirts would be depleted and the cost would be less, before making the change.”
Next year? How on earth are they going to deplete $210,000 worth of Jerry Porter jerseys within a year? How would you like to be a Jerry Porter Jersey Salesman right about now? That's a pretty rough gig.
Here’s my layaway plan for helping deplete the overstock of Jerry Porter jerseys: (1) Porter never wears the oversized dollar-sign belt again while ripping off the fans with disruptive behavior that undermines the team; (2) he lets his hands, not his piehole, do his talking for the entire 2007 season; (3) he then makes it through the next offseason and 2008 training camp without a diva event; (4) then maybe—just maybe—I consider buying Mini Take a little Jerry Porter jersey. Until then, it’s guys I know I can rely on, like Sapp and Asomugha.
Gathering Moss
Speaking of which, get your Randy Moss replica jersey—only $15 right now at the Raider Image. You can also get an authentic Moss jersey for $50. That’s not a bad deal if you can rip his name off and replace it with “Cole,” for Marquice Cole, an undrafted free agent cornerback who has inherited the number, and who actually appreciates the opportunity to play for the Raiders.
I declare myself the first member of the Marquice Cole fan club.
Fans for Life
One week after a Raiders fan was executed by the state of
Phillip Piña of
You think? Crikey, this dude can now afford his own private jet. He could rent out the entire Oakland Airport Hilton. He could even loan Jerry Porter enough money to get his coveted #81.
Phillip is a 57-year-old mechanic by trade. Couldn’t have happened to a cooler guy, as far as I can tell. Phillip, if you’re out there, please contact me. I want to buy you a beer.
On a more morbid note (thanks to Doobie for the initial tip), Robert Comer’s last words upon lethal injection last week were: “Go Raiders!”
Of course, the Raiders Haters had a lot of fun with that one, wielding it as yet another brick in the wall of Raider Nation stereotyping. Now, let’s get this out of the way right now: By all accounts, Mr. Comer committed some heinous crimes. No excuses.
Yet here we have a guy on the brink of death, and another living life to the fullest with a multimillion dollar windfall, and what are they both thinking about? The same thing as us: The Oakland Raiders.
Need I remind you that all of this comes after a 2-14 season and four straight losing seasons? If the Patriots or Chargers go 8-8, half of their “fans” disappear overnight. Steelers gear performed the ultimate vanishing act last year. Yet our fans are standing by their team no matter what the circumstances, from losing seasons to gas chambers, lottery windfalls to alien invasions, and everything in between.
To those who would paint us all as mere criminals: You can’t handle the truth. And the truth is passion, commitment and dedication. Those aren’t the hallmarks of criminals. They are the hallmarks of character.
Haiku: The WaitNapa, so close yet
so far; is it September
yet? Tick, tock, tick, tock...
posted by Raider Take at 12:45 AM
125 Comments:
RaiderFans are International...
Maybe the big move towards Pirates in the "MovieHouse" has helped...but it hasn't helped the "Buck"s....so what is it that draw us to this organozation for life...."Committed"....
For me it startsd when I was "12"....the "63" season....and in "68" when I was "17" our first championship and "SB" loss to the "GB" Packers....and in the "76" "SB" at the age of "25"....now at "56" win or loose I can't imagine supporting someone else...how could I....when you live and die with a team for so long it is permanately burned into your heart...
When I heard about the "Execution" and his last words I just went "ThumbsUp" in silance....as you say he was NOT a good man....but he certainly was "Committed"....
PantyRaider....Remarkable!!!!
Damn, dude, glad to have you back.
LOL...Thanks for the shout out RT! You came through as always, and kept my head from exploding.
Psycho
Speaking of jerseys, what is everyone going to do with your old Moss #18 if you were retarded enough to buy one like I did? I was thinking of burning mine at a tail gate, or maybe spray painting "Sucks" under "Moss" or something. It's probably a good idia to wait for the Pats, or whoever Moss is "playing" for to visit Oakland. I still have many months to think about it. For some reason I have a feeling it may involve gasoline, a dead chicken, 4 rolls of toilet paper, duct tape and a midget.
Psycho
Just read your last post, Psycho. You made me spit coffee on my computer screen. Clasic.
I'm there with you, pantyraider! I stared with the Raiders at the age of 15 (1968), the year after SBII. I played sophmore football, but had never really followed pro ball (broken family). Doing school projects on Sunday afternoons, one of the guys used to bring his radio and turn on the game. Bill King taught me about football and the Raiders before I really even started watching it on TV.
I remember playing touch football in the park on Sundays, but someone always brought a radio. Bill would start yellin' and both teams would run to the sidelines to find out what was going on.
I just finished college in 1976 when the Raiders won their first one. All season long people were telling me, "always the bridesmaid, never the bride - no way the Raiders go to the SB."
I got married that year, and the ex-little woman dragged me away to LA where I spent 15 years in excile. Al Davis himself took pitty on me and moved the team down there after the 1980 SB. Sorry about that, guys, but at that moment in my life, I needed 'em more than you did.
After the divorce, I came back home in 1992. Al decided that if I was no longer there, there was no reason to stay. You guys wonder why I'm so loyal to Davis. Never, and I do mean NEVER, has any football owner shown so much loyalty to a single fan!
Pantyraider, I'm glad Al likes me better than you. The Raiders might then be playing in South East Asia.
I just want to comment about fans disappearing like the Steeler fans did last year. The Steelers are a prefect example. For months all you heard about was how proud the city was and that EVERYTHING was decked out in gold from the second you step out of an airplane in PIT. Now they all crawled back into hiding.
This is one of the main reasons I'm a Raiders fan. A lot of things draw you in, the cool colors, the record & history, the attitude. But what keeps me permanently a Raiders fan is knowing there are countless other 'permanent' fans who never waiver. I've never been part of another NFL fan base so I might be talking out of my ass, but I'd be willing to bet you won't find another fan base so dedicated and committed to the team and fellow fans, and is more like a 'familiy' than we are.
It takes a lot for us to put up with the crap we have to take. Even during our 2002 season there was crap to take as a Raiders fan. I was almost fired from my job that year for talking sh*t to the VP, a Chargers fan, in defense of my team. So multiply that by a factor of 1,000 after 4 losing seasons and the worst offensive season immaginable. Every Raiders fan deserves a pat on the back for putting up with this crap and defending the dark side. Soon, it will all be worth it.
Great story Blanda. Al really IS appreciative to the fans. See, you won't find a Rooney doing that!
Psycho
Speaking or Raider faithful. You might want to check this out.
http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12522
I know we have some older guys in here so you may not appreciate this as much. But I'm a big fan of the videogame "Halo" on the X-Box so I was checking out their website. They've been running a contest for the fans to come up with a logo for the upcoming "Halo 3" game. Keep in mind there are litterally millions of fans of the 'HaloVerse' as we call it. There are like 6 novels, an upcoming movie, and 4 games, with a huge following. It's the new Star Wars.
Anyway, the winning logo to be shipped with the game is obviously a Raider shield if you scroll down on this link. It may look cheezy, that's because of the specific rules to follow. Good work Raider Nation! I know which logo I'm picking for my guy!
Psycho
Regarding Porter's number change. Here's my suggestion.
The "League", RBK or whomever, sells us the old jerseys at cost (which is apparently $15.00 & $50.00). We tape over the offending number and fill the stadium with "updated" jerseys at the regular season home opener.
The Raiders are a life style, they are something that only a Raider fan can experience, the Raiders are a part of you, you can be in Japan, Texas, South America, Europe or in Mars, if you are a Raider's fan you are one and you are also a family, when you go to the Mecca of football and experience the black sea you realize that you are different and unique.
I love the idea that when people come to me and challenge the loyalty of us the prodigy kids of Raider nation, they always end up making statements like at one time I or because of this or that.
I don't know about you but me personally I don't waste my time critizing or caring about any other teams, the donkos and all the afc west teams are important to me only because they are in my division and I have to see them twice a year, other than that I can care less about them.
I buy the Al Davis way of thinking, once he was interviewed and he said that when people see a black jersey the first thing they think about is the Raider's, I like to agree with him.
I live about 2 hours away from SD and it's so funny that you see Raider's stuff all over the cars out here and you hardly ever see any charger stuff, also when I go watch the Raider game in SD at least 35% of the people at the stadium are Raider's fans.
raiderdecoachella
Coachella - A few times when I went to the SD game it seemed like about 50% Raider fans. The crowd cheered just as much for good plays by the Raiders. No wonder they try to screw us over on the ticket sales!
Psycho
I'm not ready to burn my Moss jersey, just rip off the name and sew on a new one. However, that damn Moss fat head my girl got me is another story.
RT: You might want to rethink that Asomugha jersey because this is probably his last year. Especially if he plays like he did last year. That 8 years 80 million contract from the whiners to Clements pretty much sealed the deal.
Roy
Good point about Asomugha, Roy.
At least if he leaves, I could still wear the jersey and say, "Thanks for the memories." Certainly can't say that for Moss.
Anyhow, we need to do everything possible to keep that guy. What's the point of our gluttonous serial drafting of all of these DBs, suffering through guys like Buchanon and Gibson, only to let the best of the bunch go?
I'm holding out hope that Nnamdi continues to be a 'good' guy when it comes time to sit and talk $. He seems like a down to earth guy and maybe he won't demand Clements money. He's getting paid chump change right now and hasn't put up much of a fuss that we're aware of. Maybe he'll be happy with a reasonable deal for both sides, hoping to keep the team together and shoot for a few Lombardi's.
Geez I hate free agency. Why can't we just get a Willie Brown & Skip Thomas and not have to worry about the CB position for 10 years!?! Losing Nnamdi would really suck.
I still prefer to burn my Moss jersey, or worse. I already thought about turning it inside out and pretending it's a #81, but I already have two #81's.
Psycho
BlandaRocked:
Wow! It must be nice...I had to follow the team everytime they moved...they never followed me....I am from the Seattle area but moved to LA in "81" and was at all the games for $13/seat....I was stationed at TreasureIsland "70"-"71" but was never able to get a ticket....than in "76" I spent 2 weeks in OakTown but watched the game on TV at a bar....I was in "SD" from "90" to "95" before sailing to Hawaii and was at several "LA" games and a few "SD" games....When the Raiders moved to OakTown I sailed back from Hawaii to Berkeley and was at all the very "SAD" events...Bugal Sucked....I stayed in the Bay area until "03" when I sailed 200 miles south to MorroBay....Now that I am getting ready to move to Cambodia-n-Thailand the biggist thing that holds me back is the Raiders....This year looks like a very exciting season and I will be moving durring the start of the season....sometime in September or early October....and desperatly trying to find out a way to get game coverage where ever I am....
I was told there is a package that can be purchased to have the games live on the "Net"...I will look into it....I am having alot of trouble getting a consistant "Net" service in Cambodia so I will have to be in Thailand every week at game time.....but my wife will not be with me for some time....passports....visas....
Asomugha:
Remember when he was drafted as our first pick in the first round and Tylar was taken second right after him....all the "Mediot"s were talkin trash about what a "Reach" it was and how much better a player Tylar was going to be...they said Al took Tylar second to try to beat him out of a "Buck"....and now what...compleat "Roll-Reversal"....but do you ever hear them given Al any "Credit"....
We as "Fan"s know and that's what is important...the rest will just ignore the reality and "Post" Trash...
PantyRaider...LovinDaFamily!!!!
I think I'll move to Cambodia to get away from the wife. It might be worth not having Raider games.
Psycho
Some notes from the latest media day at OTA's from Jerry McDonald...
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/2007/06/06/ota-dog-days/#comment-33953
Walter is hurt, 4-6 weeks but SB ready for camp.
Gallery still @ LG.
Rhodes is doing well with Jordan sick.
Russell almost killed Porter with some kind of laser divice. Oh wait, no I think he meant his arm.
They actually practiced a hurry up offense, which is already a huge improvement and should translate to a win or two.
Psycho
I tried to remember too much. It was a 'kill the clock' offense that they practiced. I guess we probably weren't good at that either, but we never had a chance to test it out last year.
Psycho
Is anyone there?
Here is a funny article I found. This guy is basically calling the Chargers the worst team in the NFL and seems to be holding a grudge. This reminds me of the daily haterism that the Raiders receive from similar mediots, and seems to be a bit overboard, but it's good to see another team as the target for once.
http://www.411mania.com/sports/nfl/55397/Why-the-San-Diego-Chargers-are-the-Worst-Franchise-in-the-NFL.htm
You know what, I just realized this came from 411mania.com and the same guy we were super pissed at a few Takes ago for bashing Russell! Man, this guy is an accomplished hater. He must hate his own mother....And pune tang, beer, TV, etc...
Psycho
http://www.411mania.com/sports/nfl/55397/
Why-the-San-Diego-Chargers-are-the-Worst-
Franchise-in-the-NFL.htm
I guess it still hasn't fully sunk in yet for me because every time I remember that Norv is the dolts coach I smile like it's the first time I've heard it.
Psycho:
If your interested in Cambodia we could "HookUp"....as in "Cap't-Hook"....but ya have to watch yourself or ya'll have a new wife or "2"....For real....they chase the guys and give us "Flowers"...Oh! My!...And than ask if we want to take their little girl friends as our "2"nd's....Very hard to imagine but I'm getting very use to it...So when I get back I need to answer the question..I left it saying I would talk about it when I come back if this is really what she wants....As if I wasn't interested....Trying to play it "Cool" is very difficult at times like those....So what would you say....By the way she is very "Cute"....
RaiderReport:
Thanks for the "Tip"....D.Roads is running well and catching the ball and likes the new "OL" sceme...that's the first "Positive" I have read about or "OL"...good news...
A new scheme in the "Secondary" too with Huff playing "Left" Safety and Schwag playing the "Right" side....so they switch between "Strong-n-Free" safety depending on who lines up in their area....Interesting....
The thing I really liked seeing is that the "O" coaches are taking an interest in the "D" and learning from the "D" coaches....Starting with Kiff....This is exciting because both sides stand to learn alot about the opositions way of thinking....the more they understand what "D"s do the better they will be at making good game time "Adjustment"s....What a "Concept"....Adjustments....
"Turner":
Hopefully we are making all kinds of jokes during the season anout that one...which would mean da "LightninBug"s are out of "Power"....But at this time I am lookin more at the "Donk"s....It seams as if Kiff is targetting them and I want to be informed as to what they are trying to do....so I can Laugh when Kiff "Takes-em-Apart"....
Question:
While at USC did Kiff target other teams the way he seams to be going after the "Donk"s...USC was "Champ"s and this may have had something to do with it...and may have had something to do with why Al is so impressed with him....But I don't follow USC or have any accual knolege....maybe one of you do so let me know....Please....
PantyRaider....TheWait'sTooLong!!!!
I think Kif is probably targeting the Donks to keep his job longer than a year or two. Shinyhand has probably kept his job for so long by beating us, now it's time to return the favor. I would think beating the Donks is higher up on Al's priority list than beating the Chefs or Dolts. They say the rivalry with the Chefs is built on respect, and the rivalry with the Donks is built on hate.
I'm not sure about this whole Left/Right sefety thing. It seems to me like it just gives opposing offenses an opportunity to pick & chose who they want to attack and how! Huff did a good job against the TE's last year and my fear is he won't have the same opportunities. Stu is the man, but he's less athletic than Huff and when the Dolts decide to matchup Gates on him then we are giving the Dolts what they want. The D should be all about taking what WE want. I probably just don't understand what they're doing, but still I'd rather go into the season with the same philosophy as last year. #1 pass D, if it aint broke don't fix it!
Psycho
Psycho:
They seem to be spending a lot of time on time management - both the two minute drill and the run the clock drill. Folks were right. Last season there was no time management at all.
Heartland:
Walter's out 4-6 weeks. What would we be doing if he were our only real option this season?
It's probably safe to assume we won't have to worry anymore about such fundamental things as clock management. Ahhh fresh air smells good.
Careful Blanda, your 'pecker' is in danger of being called "short"! LOL. I guess we could use the entertainment right about now anyway.
Psycho
Hey, I've never had a girlfriend who told me, "size doesn't matter."
I love the "Humor"....
Good to see almost everyone has their spirits up....
Psycho:
Good points about the "Safety"s...and your right...Why fix what ain't broken...Will have to wait until we see it in action to understand what they are doing....but the "Wait" is TOOOO000oooo long.....
"Jersey"s...Portster want's #81 but the flip of that may fit better....#18....there should be alot of "Un-Sold" "18"s that he could take over....#81 needs to be "Earned" and he has NOT done anything to earn it....
PantyRaider....NOT-Forgeten!!!!
Maybe Huff himself prompted it by saying he's more comfortable playing deep than playing in the box. And maybe they don't want to keep him consistantly out of the box by saying he is a FS, but they want to make him happy at the same time. They've shown signs of wanting to keep players happy such as moving Bing back to SS, or "Left", whatever they're calling it. My head hurts now...
Psycho
"HELP"..info needed!!!!
I am trying to find a way to get the Raider games on the "Net" and see adds for "InternetTV" but don't know if their "Scams"....if you get a local SF-OakTown station on the net do they Block-Out the games???...even a "Delayed" brodcast would work for me because I would not know the winner yet....
PantyRaider....JustSearchenBaby!!!
Green is traded for a 5th round to Miami "fine print news"
Moss gets traded to NE "FRONT PAGE NEWS"
What gives man! As far as I am concerned Green was a lot better player than was Moss (at least last year)
Raiderdecoachella
The reason they want to move Huff to FS is because it is his natural position. He has "ball hawk" capabilities where Stu does not. Huff is faster, while Stu is bigger and stronger. We all were a little disatisfied with Stu's performance last year, because he has a tendancy to take the wrong angle on coverage, and not be there in time for the play. Huff failed to get one interception last year. While Huff acknowledges that he played it a little conservative, you don't get the same number of chances for INTs in the SS position.
Kiffin also seems to be experimenting with the placement of the safeties. Always keeping the same safety on the same side, but dropping one of them back and to the center of the field, while the other comes up to protect against the run.
Guessing how that works, I'd say that first it would be determined whether the play was going to be a rush or a pass. If it was going to be a running play, they'd determine which side of the field needed the extra run protection, and drop the other S into the FS position.
Good points, it makes more sense when put that way. Come to think of it, the thing I like most about Stu is that he's always running up to the line hitting someone, so I guess playing him closer is better. I still want to see Huff on guys like Gates.
Psycho
Passion, commitment and dedication ... what better example than our very own PantyRaider. Here's a guy who is looking for a high speed internetTV connection to watch his beloved Raiders while in Cambodia. Nice.
In regards to the mixing & matching of safety responsibilities, my gut tells me that Stu isn't suited to play in the box for 1 simple reason. He has poor tackling technique & instincts.
I could see Caveman Ryan using plenty of "Big Nickel" packages where Bing is in the box, Stu is playing centerfield, and Huff is a roaming rover similar to the way CWood was used in 2004.
I'm getting the feeling that Cambodia is about to become an active outpost of the Raider Nation.
CalicoJack:
Thanks for the Pos (+) Bro....
Athalons ProFooball was on the self with an artical "Can the Raiders be fixed" so I took a look....just another attempt to "Bash" MrDavis for working at the age of "78"....they should be very proud....
It declares the trade of "Gruden" to "TB" for $8 mil and 2-1st-n-2-2nds a stupid move by a man who has really "LostIt"...
Later the same Rag says the "Buc"s play more like sissy's than "Pirates" and picks them to finish at the bottom of their div....so who really "LostIt"...
After Bashing the Raiders they make the statment..."This team could win 7-8 games in "07" with a couple lucky bounces....So even when they hate us they fear us....
Surprissingly when they evaluate the team it is fairly positive...even saying our "BackUp"s are "Solid"....and they don't spend any time bashing "Kiff"...who has never been a "HC" before....only Al for being so desperate and choosing him....
As a result of the "TrentGreen" trade Culpepper wants out and is askin to "TearUp" his contract so the $5 mil does not follow him to another team....Miami wants a trade and says they want something final by Friday...
My Question....with Walter on the "Wraps" would you trade him to Miami for "Pepper"....or would Miami take the same 5-4 draft pick for "Pepper" that they gave up for "Green"....
If the Raiders were "Creative" we could ask "Pepper" to compleatly restructure his contract....have an agreement prior to the trade and get him at a "Bargain"...
How would that look....
Culpepper
McCown
Russel
Would it be the best "QB" depth in the NFL...."Pepper" and McCown could battle it out for the starting job while Russel gets ready....McCown was signed to a "1" year deal but "Pepper"s could be longer and the two "QB" are very similar in their play....and "Look"s....."Pepper" has been cleared by the doctors to play....
M-Bush has also been cleared by the doc's and the Raiders for the start of "TraininCamp"....what a (+) that will be if he is ready to go that soon....
There was a report "JP" was injured but when I clicked on it it said "No info at this time"....so what is it.....
PantyRaider....NewsSearchin!!!
RaiderTake:
Yes!!!Yes!!!yes....and I already have an artice/sign painter in Cambodia who mill make a sign for me to put on my house on Koh Kong Isl...
"PantyRaidersLagoon"
Home of the
"RaiderNation"
And a "Shield" will be on the right...and the "JollyRoger" will be flying....
PantyRaider....LovenIt!!!!
from the tokai japan outpost to the thai outpost:
pantyraider needs to get a slingshot and set it up in someone's home in the bay area, or maybe LA, someplace that gets raider games on tv (if you pick a friend who lives outside the bay area, you might avoid blackouts). your bud will then hook up the slingshot to his cable box or tivo and will send the tv signal over the internet. you'll then log in via a broadband connection in asia and presto! you'll be spreading the raider love to all your thai buds (a pun?).
the nfl's plan for watching games over the internet is a total scam. you pay something like $20 per game, and you only get to watch the games for 24 hours or so after the game is over.
the nfl should sell games through the itunes store, but apparently they haven't figured that out yet. they think we want to pay to watch too-short, 12-minute summaries of games.
so, get a slingshot and a friend with tivo (and outside the blackout zone). you'll have raider games to watch over and over. plus you can control the tivo from thailand and watch whatever you want.
I would set up an outpost in Compton, but I think we already have a strong Raiders following.
Psycho
TokaiJapanOutpost:
Thanks for the tip...I will look into it...I could buy the equipment and it could be shared with other RaiderFans with the same problem or who are in the "BlackOutZone"....
How do you buy the games from the NFL....I have been looking but don't see anything...$20/game would cost $320/season...NFL-Ticket cost $150 + the Satelight and 5 months service....almost the same price in the end....
Any news comin outa Miami....What up wit "Pepper"...
PantyRaider...OutPostBuildin!!!!
The latest is that 'Pepper' would prefer to be flat out released instead of traded. And JAX appears to be the front runner because of Mike Tice, the shaky QB situation there, and the close proximity to Miami probably.
Is anyone going to the JAX/OAK game in Florida a few days before Christmas? One of my good friends is a JAX fan and we're trying to hook it up.
Psycho
I think Culpepper would be a waste of money at this point. From all reports, Walter has been looking great in OTAs. McCown has been doing very well and so has JR. I think we should save whatever money we have left to look into OLs and DLs after the June cuts.
Agreed. Except I'd first look at Nnamdi and Burgess before we end up like the Chefs. - Psycho
There's a lot you can do with a useless jersey.
I bought a replica Tom Brady jersey after the "tuck" game and taped "IT WAS A FUMBLE" over Brady's name on the back. Then I wore it to a huge radio station-sponsored superbowl party. Needless to say, it got a lot of attention (with most in agreement).
Moss must have really hit rock bottom. Even an authetic Philip "no time" Buchannon jersey was advertised for $99 several years after he left.
And if they can dump Moss jerseys for $50 a pop, why can't they dump Porter #84 jerseys for $50? Based on $210,000 the NFL and Raiders want to charge Porter, that would be 4,200 jerseys. That number is shockingly large... maybe Wal-Mart will pick them up.
NYRaider:
Maybe it was just a nice way for the NFL-n-Raiders to say "NO" to Portster....you have NOT earned that #....but he has earned the #18 which is just a "PhilpPhlop" of the #81....Tape over the "Moss" and pencil in "Portster"....You look fine son....Go play ball....
I like Culpepper and was wanting the Raider to go after him before the draft....Personally I think having both "Freak"s on the same team would be great....ToooBig...ToooStrong...ToooAcurate....now if that don't give the West "Fit"s nothing will...
I do agree that we still need to go after a "DT"-n-"OT" but there may not be any worthwhile "Vet"s to go after...the "QB" is there and says he is willing to sign for less money and work his way back up again....that is a "Great" Attitude in these times of Moss/Porter type players....and both "Pepper"-n-"Russel" have similar qualities as "QB"s....NOT a big switch if one goes down and the other comes in....
PantyRaider....PullTheString!!!!
I was somewhat disappointed that the Raiders didn't make an aggressive run at signing DT Kendrick Clancy (cut by AZ). The Saints picked him up for 3 years/$5.2M.
"Pepper"...NO TRADE!!!!
His contract is worth $50(+) mil thru 2013 and he says he will not be traded and he will block any trade attempt...so in his words:
"Any team that is interested in me just sit tight because I will not be traded"....He wants to be released and the current contract "ToreUp" so he can start over fresh with a new team of his choice....He says he still has a way to go with the rehab on the knee and wants a contract that relates to his current and future condition....NOT bound by something agreed to with Minn when he was totally healthy....and he wants a opertunity to compete for a starting job....
In my opinion this man is a real "ClassAct"....Too bad there arn't more like him out there in the NFL....Maybe it will "RubOff"...He could just sit tight until the end of June and make $5.5 mil off the "Fish" because no team is going to take a chance on that type of money with an injured player....But instead he wants to cut the "Fish" loose and not burdan another team with that contract....
He showed up willing and able to practice but the "Fish" told him he was being "Bared" from any team practices and being traded....
I would love to have a player like him on our team....compiditive even when he's "Lame"....NOT like Moss....
PantyRaider....The"Pepper"Watch!!!!
NO contract offers made by the Raiders for 3 free agents...
Derrick Gibson, Corey Hulsey and Grant Irons....does this spell the "End" for Gibson who never made it as the player he was suppose to be as a #1 DraftChoice....I think they gave him plenty of time....Tooo much time....
PantyRaider...The"Raider" Watch!!!
pantyraider, check out NFL game pass at:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nflgamepass
there's not much info online about it now, since it's the off-season, but last year i think they charged $20 a game, and you can only watch the game for 24 hours after the game is over. with the 18-hour time difference between CA and Thailand, you would likely spend some of the 24 hours sleeping or doing something else. so, basically you'd be paying $20 to watch the game online once.
listening to games over the internet is also a pain, since KSFO often has problems with their internet broadcasts. some weeks, they broadcast silence for hours, and oter times they stop broadcasting before the game is over. so lame.
good luck!
TokaiJapanOutpost:
It won't allow me to access it from my computer here in California but I can try changing my computer back to the Thai Address and try again....But thanks for the tip...
PantyRaider....Excited!!!!
CJ-
Raiders appear to be satisfied with DTs on their roster, because they have watched one after another sign with other teams... Donkeys signed two this week in Sam Adams and Jimmy Kennedy (from the Rams).
From Sixptstar
Okay, I was wrong. I really wanted Quinn over Russell. I really thought Quinn was going to be the better QB.
One report from the Raiders OTA stated that Russell looked better than McCown and Walter.
This came out of the Browns camp: "Cleveland head coach Romeo Crennel has publicly stated that he is not concerned with Quinn's lack of accuracy". Well, neither am I, but only because I'm not a Brown's fan.
I know it's real early to say this. But I might as well admit I was wrong. And just to show that there are no hard feelings, I have already bought my #2 Russell jersey (got the white one, looks good).
Sixptstar signing off and eating crow.
Sixptstar:
We all eat it but only a few are man enough to admit it...that's "Commitment" to your team no matter what your personel feelings were and a "Good" thing...
Myself I am very happy with the pick and I am so glad we did not make a mistake last year and go after "Jay-B-Tray" like the "Donk"s....I am also glad at this time that we passed on Lianert even though at the time I was saying "Takem"....the only 2 "QB"s we passed on and should have taken are "Pepper"-n-"BigBen"...We never had a shot at VinceYoung....but that's all "HindSight" and I was not so sure at the time....
Are the "Donk"s "RunninScared"...they seem to be in a "Stampeed" trying to "BeefUp" the "DL"....(I love Puns)....Question is who are they sacred of....
PantyRaider....CasteratedDonky!!!!
TokaiJapanOutpost:
YahooGamePass: Could you please get a price for me without buying the service....Season Pass or Weekly Pass....
It won't allow me to access the NFL but I can get the CollegePackage...single team for $5/month and every team for $10/month....
Just hoppin the NFL package is similar in price....They have a "Weekly" or "Season" pass....it looks as if the pass gives you every game...NOT just one team...I may have to wait until I am out of the country to get the service...DamnBlackOuts!!!!
PantyRaider...StillSearchin!!!
Regarding Russell Vs. Quinn. Accuracy was probably one of the top things on my list in favor of Russell. One day I saw Mike Mayock on the NFL Network break down some tape, comparing the same throws made by both guys in games. Russell looked far superior on everything. I remember the come-back route especially where you have to anticipate the break and hit the guy perfectly on the side-line, Quinn anticipated right but threw it in the dirt and Russell was a little late antipating but threw a perfect laser to make up for it. This was the perfect summary of the entire QB comparision, besides the Bowl game.
To me the only things Quinn had going for him was 1) Experience let him anticipate holes and breaks better, and 2) His mouth, he constantly promoted himself and smiled for the cameras. Quinn will be a diecent QB but he'll never have a strong, accurate arm like our guy. To this day I'm SOooo relieved that we picked the right guy. Once Russell slows his game down and anticipates better he is going to be amazing. Remember, he completed 68% in his last college year, those are Rich-Gannon-in-his-prime numbers as far as accuracy goes.
Sorry, I get excited every time I hear Russell's name mentioned.
Psycho
The difference between Russell and Quinn? Quinn is attempting to become a star, and Russell is attempting to be a great football player. Quinn thinks he's just about there. Being drafted into the NFL, he feels, will make him a star. Russell views his draft selection as just the beginning of his education.
Russell will be the first of the two to become a "football player." He will also be the first of the two to obtain stardom. He will also improve throughout his career, because he feels that he is always a student of the game.
I suspected these things prior to the draft, and everything subsequent to the draft has proven it to me.
I am also screwed on the Moss jersey inventory. My wife has a black one and a pink one. My nephew/godson has two as well.
The wife's has been replaced by a white #11.
I guess I can't really do anything else until the roster is finalized and RBK starts manufacturing some new options.
From Sixptstar:
Yup, the Raiders got the right guy. That's why I'm a fan and not on the payroll.
F-Pope: I hear you. I can't stand having a jersey after a player has left. So far, I've been lucky. I have the Rice jersey, but i figure that's one I can live with and still wear.
When I went to the Raider Image (in Ontario, CA), I was really tempted to by the Burgess pro-bowl jersey. The colores were kind of fruity, but he was the one real bright spot. It came down to the fact that Russell will be there for several years. Burgess only has 1 year on his contract. If the Raider's don't lock him up (hope they do), I probably would never were it again.
Maybe be it would be easier just to by the polo shirts. They don't have names.
From Psycho
The last time I got extremely bored, I poked fun at RT to write the last Take. This time I think I'll just cut & paste a bunch of crap from interesting articles. There is some good stuff coming out of the final minicamp, check it out! My concerns about mismatches with Gates/Gonzales are squashed with Huff's comments. And it's encouraging that JaMarcus is "comfortable" already, and we're still in minicamp! I can't wait for the pre-season. And isn't it funny how, from day #1 Kiffin refers to just about everything as "Great"? It's kind or corny, but hey, I hope that attitude is not too corny to 'rub off' on people to the point where it becomes true.
//////////////////////////
Kiffin said he got an idea during a workout last week of the leader he believes Russell will be.
"He really performed well, and you saw a take-charge side of him in the huddle," Kiffin said. "Everybody else was off the field besides me, and I could really feel him in the huddle. He was really good."
*********************
"JaMarcus looked really good (Monday)," coach Lane Kiffin said, without elaborating. "Without going back to watch the film, it was JaMarcus' best practice since he's been here. ... That was glaring to me. I'll see if I still see that once I see the film. He looked real confident."
Kiffin also had high praise for McCown, who arguably has been the most consistent performer of the three candidates vying for the starting job created by the release of Aaron Brooks.
"(McCown) continues to make great decisions," Kiffin said. "He's a very accurate, very great decision-maker, audibles pretty much into the right plays, and has done a great job."
******************
"I love to help and to teach, because my rookie year I was behind Jake Plummer and I learned a lot from him and Kurt Warner as well," McCown said. "They passed on a little bit what they learned to me. You kind of owe to the guy that you got it from to pass it on and help, so I relish that, I love that. It's fun to be able to help a young guy learn something." -Josh McCown
**********************
"When we play the Chiefs or Chargers or something like that, I'll be down covering Gates and Gonzalez, so it kind of just depends," Huff said last week.
"[Last season], we were in man on a lot of downs so any motion [and our opponents] knew we were in man or zone because I'd be running across," Huff commented. "Now, if they motion, me and Stu stay right and left."
"We can disguise a lot more," Huff said of the new arrangement.
The idea of LS and RS, to me, seems like Cover 2 on steroids. Not only would you have both safeties ready to drop into coverage, they might just as well both plant themselves in the box if they were pretty sure a run was coming. And, I'm not quite sure how you'd work the coverage schemes, consider a double safety blitz.
So far the biggest trouble they have with Russell is that his lasers are too hot for receivers to handle. Don't minimize that problem though. Part of what "touch" means is throwing a catchable ball. But Russell's attitude is pure gold. Refreshing. Or... MINTY FRESH.
When you support a particular draft choice, and the team actually makes that selection, you worry that the other guy might turn out to have been the better pick. So far I feel that my mistaken belief in the Shell II regime has been wiped clean by Russell's peformance. It might even turn out that I'm glad we had that 2-14 year. Otherwise we wouldn't have gotten JRuss.
I'm not really concerned with the lasers knocking people out. He might still be 'showing off' a little bit, because I heard so many comments both pre-draft and from OTA's about JaMarcus having a "nice touch" and throwing "catchable" balls.
He'll always have that Favre aspect going for him, where if he gets a little too excited about something he might over-do it from time to time. But JaMarcus seems much calmer than Favre. And hey, the Packer recievers learned to deal with it.
For the most part I think our guys just have to develop thicker callouses on their hands. Maybe wear some extra pads, kevlar body armor, and possibly a reflective surface to deflect lasers. :)
Psycho
Kiffin said he didn't want to reveal too much right now about the new safety alignment. They must have some interesting ideas. I wonder if it mainly came from Rob, or if it has something to do with Kif spending more time understanding the D philosophy. Since his dad is a defensive cover 2 'guru', maybe it IS some wierd variation of "cover 2 on steroids" like you said Blanda.
I'm not real up to speed on defensive X's & O's, but personally I never liked the cover 2 because the corners are playing zone and you can get beat deep on the sidelines too easily. One thing I've always liked about the Raiders is Al's philosophy of physical man-to-man bump & run type corner play, so I hope we don't get too far away from that, in all of this safety tweaking.
Psycho
Un-Catchable Ball:
As was said the "WR"s will get used to it but the oposing "DB"s don't have that opertunity...like when the "Snake" was playing with that "LeftySpin" on the ball...the "WR"s knew how to handle it and it was an advantage for them....
Culpepper also had a "PowerBall" and but his "WR"s did very well with it...It's not like JayShreader who's "powerBall" was always 20yds away...and hopefully JRus's "PowerBall" breaks a few fingers as it "Dart"s thru a "DB"s hands....
There is some humor here...like in that "PrisonFootBall" movie...
JRus is being harassed by a defender...suddenly he fires a "RocketLaser" right into his helmet..."BodyBag"s----"BodyBag"s---is the call from the side lines...
Well, it's fun to dream...
PantyRaider...DreaminHigh!!!!
There's a lot of positive things happening in the Raider land these days. I had the pleasure last week of meeting a legend and a "Should be a future Hall of Famer," Jim Plunkett.
What a storied NFL career that guy has had. During the dinner banquet many of us fans asked him questions concerning this season. He said he's been around a long time and hasn't seen this "type of fire since the Gruden days."
He is excited and really looking forward to this season. Since last season just " plain ugly," is what Jim said.
Tomorrow I will be visiting the Raiders' Alameda headquaters and get a chance to meet the team.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PantyRaider,
I think the cost for last NFL Game Pass for last season was $25 a game, or $250 for the whole season. I think you pick one team and get to watch that team's games.
It's probably too early to find info on the 2007 season's prices.
For $250, you could set up a Slingbox and watch it every day.
TokaiJapanOutpost:
ThankYou....the problem with the "SlingBox" is I don't know anyone who has access to all the games....here in MorroBay we have dead times where we don't get the games on anything....including satalite....at least that is what happens at the bar I go to for game watchin....We are 200 miles from the stadiun but still have "BlackOut"s like last season when the Raiders were loosers toward the end of the season and the stations did not want to show us....
Anno:
Sounds like fun....when I lived in Berkeley I was with the Oaktown Booster Club and got to meet severl players and coaches....those are memories you never forget....In SanDiego I was with both Booster Clubs and got to work security at the Raiders TrainingCamp for "FamilyDay"....Durring the 5 years in Diego and the 5 years in the BayArea I got to live alot of memories at the stadium....unfortunatly that was also JoeBungals-n-the defection of Grud-Dumb to "TB"....But that was then and this is now and we have too many (+)s to worry about what was....
I need to make a trip to Oregon to pick up my boat and plan to do it durring training camp when we have the "RaiderRally"....Now it is held at the stadium but before it was at "JackLondonSquare" and a "Blast"....Hopefully we can get a meeting with the "Poster"s there so we can all meet each other....Who's behind that "KeyBoard"....
Another spot you shoud check-out is "Ricky"s SportsBar in SanLeandro...not very far from the AirPort....I think it is 15th and Hacienda Blvd....It's the Raider bar in town and the gathering of the BoosterClubs and several players....they have alot of memories there and also "RaiderNation" Gear....so enjoy yourself....
PantyRaider...GO-Raiders!!!!
Shotguuuuuun, set HIKE!!!
Kif is actually going to use a Shotgun once in a while. Holy sh*t, we're in danger of becoming a modern era offense! He'll only use it for obvious passing downs, we're not going crazy with it. JaMarcus should be happy to see it once in a while though.
They say Zack Miller is looking real good, finding soft spots and making plays, and actually showing a little quickness.
And the other day I read somewhere that Gallery was splitting time at RT again.
Psycho
pantyraider:
You have a boat? What kind? You bringing it down to the bay?
My dad taught me how to sail, and I've been sailing for about 20 years, and have inherited my dad's boat since he's now too old.
Islander 36, baby! Clasic.
Rick Hedrick signed Earnhardt Jr. I was hoping we could get him to play LT.
Maybe Paris Hilton will play for the Raiders now that she's a criminal.
Damn I hate June, I'm so freakin' bored right now.
Hey RT, how about a 42 Pg summary on the history & current situation of the Raiders, with illistrations and Haikus alpenty! {{I doubt that one will work on him, but hey I tried.}}
Psycho
BlandaRocked:
The boat I live on is a WWII 1941 46' British Admeralty Motor Launch built and converted by Hilyard Yachts of England....and for sell so I can move to Cambodia...
My other boat is a 21' Boston Whailer Outrage and I want to ship it to Thailand....but it is in CharlstonBay (CoosBay) Oregon so I have to go get it by September...before I have to pay another year slip rental...
The Gulf-o-Thailand has 90 deg water and "Fish-0-Plenty"....the only thing missing is the Raiders...Now if Al loved me the way he loves you he would move the team for me and I would be S00000 happy...."SaBai-SaBai"...
I will just have to settle for a House on the water and a "RaiderNation" sign haggin from on the porch...and somehow a Satilight-Wireless-Internet Conection so I can be here for the games....
Jacksonville is oficially in the hunt for "Pepper"...but if "Pepper" gets released he can deside for himself...Leftwitch has (1) year left on his contract and is often injured so the "Jag"s may be willing to take over the contract..."Wait-n-See" Time...
PantyRaider....ParadiseDreamin!!!!
Typo-Error:
I said "1941"...Strike that...it's a "1944"...
Powerboats. I wouldn't know what to do if I ran out of gas.
http://islander36.org/sm07/sm07-play-029.html
BlandaRocked:
I could put a "JerryRig" on anything...and "Run-wit-da-Wind"...
I sailed a trans-pac to-n-from Hawaii on my 57' Ketch but still had an engine and 300 gal fuel....as with most crussing sailboats....they be "StinkBoat"s also....That be why they have a "SteaminLight" and da "Cone"....
PantyRaider....SailAway!!!
NFL Predictions:
Commical: Is it Dallas-vs-NewEngland or NewOrleans-vs-SanDiego in the "StupidBowl"....
Dallas is not worth talking about but NewOrleans could beat out Chicago....
NewEngland has loaded-up on players but we have to wait and see how they play....
SanDiego has lost both inside "LB"s and all their depth....and also taken a hit on the "DL" and secondary....But the bigest hit is the loss of "Shotty" and both Co-ordinators and their replacement with "Capt Turner"....but the report says no matter how bad "Turner" teams have been they always had good "O"s...."WHAT"!!!!! Where the hell was the "GOOD-O" in OakTown with "Turner-n-Collins" in control of our team....I only remember a "D" that was improving but I don't remember a "GOOD-O"....more like a "0"...(Zero)...than an "O"...maybe it's just too hard for them to tell the differance....
They also say "KC" will continue to "Slide" before they start to improve so the Raiders are in 3rd place....Behind the "Donk"s....who lost almost all their "DL" and a "LB" and had to replace their "CB"....The "DL" will be taken over by draft picks who have attitude problems....guess they learned nothing from Portis....and also the aging "Over-da-Hil" Adams...who if the Raider had signed him all we would hear is how that "OldMan" is takeing players off the "ScrapHeap"....
Than there is the "OL"...who defected to OakTown and elsewere...the loss of "WR"s and signing of the InjuryProneReplacment...and the aging "37" year old who they expect to hold up for the season...all this under the control of a "QB" who was a "Failure" last season....dispite how they try to pump him up because of his good play at the end of the season in the "OT-LOSS" to the SadFranchiseWinners....sense when is it a "MeasuringStick" to play SadFran...who has not had a winning season in this century....
PantyRaider....JustLovenIt!!!
I have been busy with life and not posted lately but am enjoying the banter at RT.
Please read this article when you get a chance from today's Raider News: http://origin.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_6120614
I'M IN!
I wish I were in camp yesterday to see Bill Walsh wearing a Raiders hat, and helping young Kif become a great coach. This is a deeper bruise than Jerry or Lott. There must be at least 5 or 10 super pissed off 9er fans these days. I don't know, how many are left after sucking for a few years?
Psycho
You know it's bad when the best piece of conversation is about sailing boats (don't get me wrong I am sure that you guys love your boats and even know what you are talking about but for a desert rat like me the closest thing to water is a mirage).
Can anybody tell me how is the contract negotiation going with Russell?
raiderdecoachella
Where is Scorpio?
Last time I herd from Scorpio he was doing his school finals!
raiderdecoachella
Russell is holding out for $90 million guaranteed. Just kidding, I don't think anyone is talking yet.
The only "boat" I'm pumped about right now is the Kiffin Boat. I can't describe how impressed I've been with this guy. No wonder Al handed him the keys and gave him so much control.
Minicamp has ended, and every article I read seems to be filled with a bunch of enthusiastic young guys running around, slapping "I'M IN" signs, swapping jerseys to confuse QB's, having fun and totally committing themselves to football at the same time. They're improving their game every day faster than I can remember, and without complaining about some grueling hard-ass, old-school schedule filled with 'special treatment' and 'examples'. I like the Pit Drill as much as the next guy, and still much love to Art, but this seems like a completely different team from last year.
Now we have young Kif requesting a visit from Bill Walsh to scrutinize his practice methods and to pick his brain before training camp. There is no ego in this guy like we had with Gruden. He is like a Gruden with more of an open mind to learn new ways of doing things, and fix anything that maybe he could do better.
Every impression I've heard of Kif has been that he is doing an outstanding job and handles himself well. When I see guys like Rod Woodson, who always speaks his mind, coming away extremely impressed and maybe even surprised, I can't help but get a real good feeling about this. We got the right QB. We got the right guy to make the QB great. We are in excellent hands.
Psycho
Psycho:
I understand there have been some "Gruden" comparisons but the comparison Al and several other X-Players make is to "Madden"...and I think we are seeing an example of that now with the way he has open comunication with everyone...the way he is experiminting with the game and bringing in so many new ideas....the way he has such an understanding of the game and like Madden...he also takes an interest in the "D"....(Madden was a "LB" coach but played "OL" at Cal)...and than their is the player relationships...his un-selfish approach...this was a very strong trait of Madden but not so with Gruden....
Gruden had a habit of getting under players skin and having players in his "DogHouse"...Porter...Dudley...Koffman...JeffGeorge...are good examples of that...
That was NOT the Madden way....and it does not seem to be the "Kiff" way either...I remember when Madden retired because of his health problems and players were crying right along side Madden and "Me"...When we see that guy on TV doing the NFL with so much excitement after so manny years we start to understand the Man..the Coach...the Player...and if this is what Al has brought back to us than we all have alot of reason to "Rejoice"....
Back in the "Day"...the Raiders had "Love"..."RaiderLove"...that does not come from a "TaskMaster" who is a "Tyrant"...it comes from a friend, a family member who will always be there for you....that was Madden...he had player relationships that no one has ever matched...and that is what Gruden was suppose to be but failed misserably...instead he abandoned the team...the players and the fans....and there were NO tears when he left....just anger that we were fooled into supporting him...
PantyRaider....JustRemembering!!!
Well put Panty! I almost forgot about all the Madden traits, probably because the only success I've ever known, being a little younger, was the Gruden era. I've seen enough of Madden to know it's all true though. Let's hope the winning percentage turns out to be similar as well!
I can definately see Kif sticking around for a long time. We need to get him some preventative ulcer treatment....Just to be sure.
Psycho
I guess I see Kif as a good mix between the two. Madden was not a big X's & O's guy, whereas Kif and Grudden are both proficient. All three are fiery leaders in their own way, but like you said Kif probably does it more like Madden.
You can pretty much throw Ron Wolf into the mix when you're talking about Kif as well. Neither Madden or Gruden were anywhere close to having Kif's personnel skills. Madden could make anyone play hard, so it was probably easier to get good guys back then I suppose. Kif can bring in his hand-picked guys and make them play to his vision. THis is going to be great.
Psycho
It's hard to compare Madden and those who came after for one good reason. In Madden's day the QB called most of the offensive plays and the MLB called most of the defensive plays.
In those days the coach wasn't nearly as strong of a presense to the fan. What exemplifies that is the reputation that Madden had while coaching vs. the obvious reality of his personality.
When he was coaching, the press represented him as an angry, crazy, screemer. But he's really a avery gentle man, with a great sense of humor.
BlandaRocked:
The press never got to know him until he retired because everything was "ClosedMouth" back in the day and NO reporters were allowed around the practice field...so all we ever knew was that "Firey" coach pacing the SideLines with his arms waving and his hair "Blowin-in-da-Wind"...Great stuff on SundayMornings for this kid at the time....
I do disagree to a point about the role of the coachs back than...the strong coaches won games like BudGrant...GroundChuck...TomLandry...AirCoryele...Shula...Madden...and the other teams who did not have one were Long-Time-Loosers...but as you say the "QB" called alot of their own plays and the Great Coaches also had their Great "QB"s....but who taught them to be so great...
In todays NFL what "HC" calls his own plays..."Kiff" will...but don't be surprised if he incorperates some of that old way back into the game as soon as he has "JRus" ready...He has already said what a smart and talented "QB" he is and it is highly posible that he is preparing him for that now....but that's just speculation and hopeful thinking on my part...
Psycho:
Back than it was AlDavis who was resposible for bringing in the players and his approach with veterans was stated..."Give me your MissFits and CastOffs and I will kick your ass with them"...and that is what he did with the help of Madden and company....at that time it was easy for us to get good players because they saw the way the team played and wanted to be part of it...today that has all changed but we can get it back if "Kiff" can work some "RaiderMagic"...
PantyRaider...Onboard-da-Ship!!!!
I've always been a big proponent of QBs calling their own plays. I think the QB is in the best position to have a feel for what the D is doing, and how to overcome it.
It's interesting, because back in "our" day the only team where the QB didn't call his own plays was the Cowboys. The Raiders were the very last to get away from it. Plunkett called his own plays until the bitter end, but Wilson couldn't handle it.
I actually believe the difference between a decent quarterback and a great one is the ability to not just read the defense, but to know which particular play will beat it, and the ability to make adjustments on the fly.
I had hoped that that would be part of what Shell brought back to the team. But I think we have a better chance of Kiffin bringing back some of that. I think both JaMarcus and McCown may be capable of it. Gruden had the most success by putting Gannon in that position.
BlandaRocked:
Exactly Right Bro!!!....the thing that made Gruden look good was Gannons ability to "Read-n-React" as a "QB"....the "FielGeneral" who was out there inspiring the players...until the "SB" when he was "OverRun-n-Exploited" to shame....and he never seemed to recover from that event and the Raiderers fell into the "Abyss"...
We saw the same thing happen with the "Donk-0"s and Elway....Sha-None looked good as long as he had that "FieldGeneral" in charge but without him da "Donk-0"s just "Crap" their pants....
Hostetler was another Raider "QB" who had the ability to lead our team....he even inspired the "D" to get him the ball one more time and they would go out and do it for him....I remember the year he went down against Dallas....we were 8-2 but finished 8-8 under MikeWhite and he got run "Out-a-Town" in exchange for "Bungles"....What a great homecomming that was....
I also believed Shell would restore the "OldWay" but he compleatly failed....but maybe in some ways he did alot for the team...the "Mole" was exposed and gotten rid of so there is no more thret of a "TakeOver"....we went so low that Al became focused again and has given us new hope in "Kiff"....the losses earned us the #1 choice and "JRus" the "Saviour" along with the rest of our low round draft pickes like MichealBush....and the prolonged collaps of the team promoted a compleate "HouseCleanning" of the "O"....Coaches-n-Players so the "Inmates" no longer run the "Assylum"....It's sorta funny but Shell was brought in to do exactly what was done but he cut his own throat in the way that he did it....
So now begains a "NewEra" in "RaiderBall"...."Back-to-da-Future"....The "Ship" has been refitted....the "DeckHands" (O) have been "Floged-n-KeelHauled" until they are ready to perform their duties and the ones who could not survive have been "Hung-From the Yards"....and "Shiped-Out"...But the "Gunners" (D) remain intact and are ready for "War" under a new "SailingMaster"-n-"Capt-Kiff"....Wow!!...Sounds Exciting!!!1
PantyRaider....Ready-da-Sail!!!!
Bama7
My thoughts so far..
Now that the the voluntary camps are done we'll know what Cable & Kiffen really think of the OL... if we start signing some more lineman we'll know that it wasn't just scheme that was bad last year.
I think Travis Taylor will end up being our biggest FA grab. Love Curry but he just can't seem to stay healthy and Porter has been more talk than production. Taylor has quietly been very productive his entire career.
Having a real fullback will be an epiphany for us. It'll make a huge difference.
Still looking for someone to fill Sam William's spot... can't believe we didn't bring in much competition for him... it's like they just want Williams to have the job. I WANT ANYONE ELSE BESIDES WILLIAMS TO START THIS YEAR. Williams is so unproductive.
Sick and tired of all the media going ga-ga over the Patties. I looked at their schedule and it's not going to be easy for them. Moss can't dominate in the AFC like he did playing in the NFC and that fact is not being discussed. I hope this argument proves true for Dre Bly (Denver) as well. I'll be pulling for us and whoever the Pattie's, Donkeys and Bolts play each Sunday. The Bolts are in real trouble. Everyone says their stacked with talent, but that team was Shottenheimer. He's a tough coach and creates extremely tough, physical football teams. The Chargers GM is about to fumble for the first time... he didn't realize how much of the Charger's success was because of Shotty. Shotty was the soul of that team and he;'s gone... Hallelujah! And Donnie Edwards was the soul of the defense and he's gone. If we had picked up Donnie Edwards and slapped him in William's spot, we'd have the best defense in the NFL this year hands down.
I wouldn't have been surprised if Shell brought back the QB-calling-plays concept. Two words though, Aaron & Brooks. Not the best decision maker around. Man, the mediots would have fun with that one. I would trust a guy like Gannon or Manning to do it, but beyond that, the concept is long gone. Nice to see McCown comfortable enough to audible in & out of situations in minicamp though. That was unheard of last year.
Panty: Very true about Al bringing in the 'misfits'. But still most of our big names from the 70's were drafted, where Ron Wolf and the scouts played a big role along with Al.
Where is RT? Another vacation? He must be working day & night on that 42 page summary on the history and current situation of the Raiders that I requested above.
Psycho
"QB" PlayCaller:
One thing that could work in favor of it now is that the "Spy" in the booth could let the "QB" know the "D"s alignment and some other important info...
PantyRaider....JustHoppin!!!
My ‘Take’ on Stu – Psycho
I’m probably not worthy of writing a ‘Take’, as RT does such a great job. But I felt compelled to write something on Stewart S. because of the recent attention to the safety position.
Stu is kind of known around the Raider Nation as the ‘Weak Link’ in our secondary. I cannot dispute that. But look at who we have around him. Three, count ‘em, three first rounders, starting all around him. It’s no secret that Al calls the shots on draft day, and Al ‘loves him some’ secondary. Up until Lane Kiffin came into town we consistently concentrated on the secondary as a ‘position of need’ in the higher rounds, and rightfully so up until this point.
The Raiders officially have the best pass defense in the entire NFL as of the end of last season. A lot of people are going to say, ‘well of coarse, opposing teams ran the ball on the Raiders to run the clock down, knowing the Raiders couldn’t score’. To a point, that is correct. But as Raider fans looking back on the season, looking at the secondary as a whole, can you honestly say there was a problem with the way our secondary played as a unit? To some of you that answer may be ”yes”, obviously there is always something to improve upon. To you who think the secondary may be inadequate, let me ask you this; Is the secondary the ‘weak link’ to our overall defense? My guess is that as a reasonable fan, your answer will be “No”, but feel free to prove me wrong.
I’m not trying to ‘feed’ off of the success of our secondary or anything, but I think it had to be said. People are down on Stu for one reason or another. Maybe it’s my Raider-like commitment to Stu, or whatever. But all I’m saying is this; There is nothing wrong with Stu! Yes, you’re always trying to improve your team, but when you have the #1 secondary in the entire NFL, look elsewhere for someone to ‘replace’! You need not look far as to where to spend your money, I’m looking at YOU Nnamdi. You can also look at Burgess, or another run-stuffing DT, or another proven O-lineman, or another special teams specialist, or some other current player who is due for a contract soon, whatever, but let’s get our priorities straight!
Stu may not be an elite Safety in this league, but he is more than adequate, especially considering the group he plays with. My main point is this; you cannot afford to have a bunch of high priced players if you don’t absolutely need all of them in today’s NFL. You might put together a ‘dream team’ of some kind, but it won’t last long. You NEED guys like Stu. He gets almost as many tackles as ANY ONE of our linebackers, as good as they are. He’s a proven ball hawk. I can’t tell you how many times I thought to myself, ‘Stu is the man’ after a nice play in coverage or run support. Not that he is perfect, but you NEED him. Every Raider team needs a hard-nosed, under-the-radar, hard-hitting guy like Stu out there, who does not eat up $3 million or $4 million of your salary cap.
Which brings us to Donavan Darius. I really like Darius, don’t get me wrong, I’ve always felt like he’d make a great Raider with his not-so-stable mentality and everything. But do I think we have to sign him in our current situation? NO! Unless we can get him for the veteran minimum, and a contract full of incentives for any kind of guaranteed money, hell no we don’t need him!
I turn on the NFL Network after work today and I see that the Raiders are one of the 3 teams interested in Darius. I thought to myself, as a backup with the right deal that’s fine, but other than that I take it as a slap in the face of Stu. We already drafted a guy to fill the backup roll left by the departure of Gibson (finally). Not to mention last year we drafted Darnell Bing fairly high, who is now competing for a safety position. It’s not like we have spots to fill. So yes, I think this says Stu’s job is ‘up in the air’ if the Raiders are serious about signing Darius for anything more than a backup/veteran leadership role.
Tell me if I’m crazy, and please disregard the name “Psycho” when considering the notion, thanks. I just think Darius as either a temporary hole-filler to replace Stu for whatever reason, or a back-up leadership type guy, and I hope it’s the latter. I want to heear what you think.
Psycho
You faida fanatics are family alright....the most dysfunctional family who ever darkened this world. Brag about being proud, the "best fan base, loyal....You pathetic MAROONS will go down with the good shipp lollyop. 0-16 coming to a murder capital near you soon! just defend the "nation" babies. psycho is PSICHK. hA HAHAHA NHA AH HA HA
Well RT, it looks like we're going to have to go back to code entries. I notice that Anno is back, proudly displaying his short comings.
I see that we got our last week of OTA canceled because some myterious person reported Kiffin's workouts to the NFL Players Association. Who? It wasn't one of the player, and I think I can guarantee you that.
My guess? What ever reporter was the recipient of Lombardi's mole leaks. He got the idea from reading profootball rumormill.
Reality? Every team in the NFL has every bit as much contact as the Raiders do, but the Raiders were the only team to be penalized. Looks like somebody is attempting to sabotage the Kiffin era as it comes out of the gate.
hey coachella,
i'm just hangin' out. pretty busy these days. besides being a raider fan, i've got school (summer session), i do some video editing on the side. right now i'm doing a photo/video montage for a debutant. this project is due on june 30 so i'm desperately trying to finish before my deadline. as for school, summer session also started so i'm busy with that AND i am involved in a religious group almost every evening. yeah, yeah i know. this is the same guy spewing out anti-al davis venom? well we all have our weaknesses :o). OH and i have my clinical/externship at a clinic in walnut creek on fridays. btw, i'm studying to be an ultrasound tech. i'm transitioning from the computer/networking field to the medical field. there's MUCH more $ there! but every once in a while i catch up and see what you guys are talking about.
skipstar, personally i'm kinda holdin out on getting any russell jersey..... mainly because he hasn't taken any nfl snaps just yet but we'll see. as i mentioned in previous comments, i really do hope i am WRONG about this cat. only time and experience will tell. it seems though that walter will never get his fair shake chance. too bad.
hey anon, how about learning how to spell (maroons) before you attempt to clown us brutha. you only ended up clowing yourself ya dumkoff!
blanda and/or take, short of just deleting their comments, how will code entries/word verification prevent "maroons" like anon in here?
HEY IS IT FOOTBALL SEASON YET?????
BR: Look no further than Jerry Mac's blog for the source of the Raiders OTA "violations".
Pyscho: You should really consider your own Raiders' blog. It is easy and we would enjoy reading your views. The more Raider blogs the merrier. If you need any help getting started, shoot me an email:
chbraidernation1@sbcglobal.net
Also Kiffin gave an interview to the media about Robert Gallery "putting people on the ground", so that may have led to the investigation by the NFLPA.
Pscho:
DonovinDarius is said to be an Up-Grade over "Stu" but aside from that I don't know much about him...other than he has been a "Protected" players for 3 seasons...BUT...If we were to have him in our secondary what would be the result...Really that is all that matters to me....If he makes the #1 Secondary in the NFL even batter than I am all for it...As you say "Stu" is surounded by top draft choices and it no doubt makes him better....but what if the player in his position was also a top draft pick...How would we look than...."Supperior"...
Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver is signing up for the "SuplementalDraft" and was projected to be a top first day selection if he had come out of college early....He is now projected as a 3rd rounder....The Raiders have the first chance at him in every round if we want him...
The 6-foot, 208-pound Oliver is best known as the cornerback who, in the regular-season finale last year, limited former Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson to two catches for 13 yards....as Copy/Pasted....
So, would you exchange a "08" 3rd round pick for the guy and now how does our secondary look....and how would it look if we have a couple injuries this year...
PantyRaider...AwsomelySupperior!!!
Bama7
I like Donovan Darius and don't want to see him end up in the AFC west playing against us, but it seems odd we'd be interested in him. Can Stu not play SS? Huff must move to FS... that's where he belongs and will thrive. I don't buy into all the laft side/right side stuff I've been reading about Stu & Huff being responsible for sides of the field. If Stu can't play SS, you have Bing and Frampton. Watched clips of Frampton... did he play SS or FS? Watching his clips it clearly looks like, in at least a few games, the WR's were intimidated as they weren't even looking for the ball over the middle. I would think between Bing, Stu and Frampton we'd be fine at SS. The biggest need on defense is OLB. Either let Thomas have the spot or pick up a free agent for that spot.
"DB"s
I don't remember ever haveing too many good "DB"s....but I do remember not having enough or having the "BackField" go down with injuries....and one injury in the "DB" can ruin a very good "D"...
Not so with "LB"s....it is alot easier to fill in at that position and get extra support from the "DL" -n- "DB"....But if a very good "OLB" is available we should jump on it....At this point I do not hear of one but I do hear of a "S" -n- "CB"....Who could help our team now and into the future....
Why waist time with endless debates....The Raider way is to take the best player on the board who plugs a hole in the team....and at this time I see that as a "CB" -n- "S"...and they are available....
PantyRaider....Draft-n-Aquire!!!
Normally I'd be all over Darius. I really like the guy. At his age he would come in like a lesser version of Rod Woodson for us. But that's only if I felt like we had a starting role to fill, because Darius is a sure starter.
I feel like with Stu and Huff we have a bright, long future at the safety position. Our secondary is established, and the chemistry is good.
I guess with Darius my fear is that he comes in, wins the starting spot and plays good for 1 or 2 years. And by that time Stu is either gone or has not been growing with his unit as he should.
I don't know guys, Stu just strikes me as one of those guys who continues to improve to the point (hopefully) where you can't really replace him. I just really like his attitude on & off the field, and I'd rather have a young guy than an old guy at this point.
By the way, the 1 week penalty was well worth the extra work/effort we got in during field work. It was going to be a week of meetings and study anyway. I was proud.
Psycho
Calico, Psycho:
There's an article on Raidernews today that notes all of the other comments and injuries from other camps which were not penalized by the NFLPA. The Giants in particular. The Raiders were singled out. That means that someone must have lodged a complaint. There are only two possibilities here. Either it was a player, or it was from someone else inside (now or recently) who filed the complaint.
From what I've heard coming out of camp, it wasn't one of the players unless there's a real malcontent there who remains unknown.
My guess is that it was either someone associated with Lombardi, Lombardi, or a memeber of the press. If it came from Lombardi, or someone associated with him, it was meant as an FU to the organization. If it came from a member of the press, that person was either a friend of Lombardi's or an extreem Davis hater.
The only other motivation I can come up with is Walter did it to keep McCown and Russell from catching up.
If I were a vengeful Walter, I'd probably want more contact on the competition, so I'd discount that theory. My vote is for a member of the press. It seems like somone took Kiffin's comments of Gallery "Putting people on the ground" and ran with it. It probably kind of snowballed from there, which usually happens when you get a group of exagerating, idiotic vultures together. Us against the world as usual I guess. At least this time a game wasn't on the line.
Psycho
I'm thinking it was a free agent. Someone who hasn't bought into the program, thinks they're better than someone on the roster, but was not invited back to the opening of training camp after participating in one of the OTAs.
A view of things to come...
"And then there were the mixed reports from this past weekend's Patriots minicamps. Some reporters with a national presence thought he looked fabulous. Others on a more regional basis were not so high on the performance. Michael Felger, a highly respected voice and sports personality who covers the Pats for the Boston Herald, attended the same practice sessions as the reporters who printed the glowing reviews found high and low this weekend. His thoughts?
"While newcomers Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth and Kyle Brady hustled through their first days on the job, and veterans such as Tom Brady, Rodney Harrison, and Tedy Bruschi continued to exemplify the Patriots Way, Moss moved at his own pace. He rarely dug in. More often than not, he glided."
"On balance, the most talented receiver of this generation was just another guy. You'd have thought Moss would have taken the opportunity to make an early statement, maybe run from drill to drill across the field, lead the sprints at the end of practice, blow by the slower and smaller players trying to cover him, whatever. Show a little hustle. Little things. But it pretty much was the opposite."
Hmmm...
Tends to remind me a little bit of last season. The national press was talking about how great Moss would be in stretching defenses, and the locals were saying, "I think he may have lost a step."
Personally, I didn't think he lost a step, I just didn't think he was trying. My impression of Moss is that he's a guy with remarkable talent, who expects the game to come to him. The only thing that could possibly be worse than either of the two slants is that both of them are true.
And that would make perfect sense. As Moss loses his natural abilities to age, expecting the game to come to him is disasterous.
I'm wondering if Moss will even make it through training camp. Do you suppose the Pats will offer us another 5th rounder for Gabriel?
"C"....
Talk from Newbarry sounds very good and it seems as if he is applying his "Beast" attitude to the rest of the "OL"....which is something we desperatly need....Keep the fingers crossed ...like the Raider's Flag..."Scull-n-CrossBones"....
Pschco:
Does the "Mole" still live....Hope it's not a lazy "OL"man or "RB" like Jordan....or maybe Porter still trying to undermine things as "AnnoAss"...."Suspicion"....Plays like a song....
"WR"...."NO-Moss" is the cry from the boxer....OK....so it's spelled different but I think it applies....I think as the season goes along we will celibrate and the "Patsy"s will morn "NO-Moss"..."NO-Moss"...
PantyRaider....MoleHunting!!!!
From Jerry McDonald...
“White once held a press conference when he took no questions and issued rambling statements. Bugel compared a last-second loss to the Chiefs to the death of his mother. Callahan called his team "the dumbest in America" and stormed out of his final press conference after reading a statement. Turner barely made sense at all in the end and wore the look of a man headed to the gallows. Shell thought there was a "fox in the henhouse."
Word of the day! Schizophrenia. It’s what ties all these past Raiders coaches together. Let’s hope the Chargers get a little of the same from our boy, Norval.
Here is an article on Darius. This guy read my mind (or posts).
http://www.realfootball365.com/
nfl/articles/2007/06/raiders
-darius-doesntfit190607.html
Psycho
RT - you should add this guy to your 'Favorite Reporter' list. This is the same guy who bashed Russell. Then he wrote a funny 5 pg article on why the Chargers are the worst team in the NFL. Oddly enough, this is his version of the power rankings and the Chargers are at #5, not last. True to form as a true hater, we are rated #31.
http://www.411mania.com/sports/
nfl/55958
"I don’t know what the rules are and we don’t care because we’re going to give you everything we’ve got on every single play," linebacker Kirk Morrison said Tuesday. "We’re finishing to the play, we’re knocking balls out."
He's a true Raider. You can tell Kirk grew up watching the S&B.
"I don’t know what the rules are and we don’t care because we’re going to give you everything we’ve got on every single play," linebacker Kirk Morrison said Tuesday. "We’re finishing to the play, we’re knocking balls out."
He's a true Raider. You can tell Kirk grew up watching the S&B.
Psycho
The following is from profootballtalk.com -
"The bigger issue, in our view, is the ongoing failure (until very recently) of the "real" media to discharge its implicit fourth-estate obligation to point out situations where rules are being violated, and where the violations are being ignored by those charged with correcting them. Though on Sunday we gave Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports a hard time for not criticizing the union for sitting on its hands on this issue, Cole is the only writer who pointed out the mauling at Giants practice of James Alford by Shaun O'Hara, which happened after fullback Jim Finn was lost for the year after tearing a labrum in non-contact drills.
"The problem, we believe, is that the guys working the various team beats fear getting the pariah treatment if they start pointing out stuff in the paper that might get the team they cover in trouble. Or the beat writers don't know that the CBA makes offseason contact illegal. Or they don't care.
"Regardless, it's incompetent at best and irresponsible at worst for the men and women paid to cover these teams for a living not to point this stuff out. And though we've been critical of Glauber in the past, we respect him for joining Cole and our pal Jerry McDonald out on this otherwise empty limb."
I guarantee that a reporter filed the complaint. It wasn't a player. I don't think it was Jerry Mac either, he just blogged about the issue after seeing it on the rumor mill. Ann Kilion?
NYRaider:
That's funny and I hope your right...good ol' desention in the "ClubHouse" is a good thing if it disrupts the other team...Maybe our players can feed off of it and annoy them durring the game...bring out an agressive penalty like other team have done to us in the past....
Psycho:
I can understand and agree with some of the arguments against signing the veteran "S"...BUT...That's if we could get through another season without injuries which is not likely....last year was good to us but we know how it has been in the past...and the Veteran "Leadership" qualities from a succesful program would be a good thing to have "OnBoard"...and finally the big thing is I don't see the "O" players out there available to us that we need...Do you...
Where is the "OLB"..."OT"...or posible help at "DE"-n-"DT" or "OG"...Start listing these guys and I will have a look at it and could change my mind but at this point I say "Grab" what is available...Vet-"S" -n- Rocky-"CB"...
PantyRaider...HardConvincing!!!
Panty - I wouldn't expect that many decent players to become available this time of year. The June 1 cuts are not what they used to be.
If we get Darius I'd welcome him with open arms. But we're working with a tight cap this year already, and getting Darius might be 'jumping the gun' before someone becomes available who we really need (not just depth). I just feel like we'd be kicking ourselves if we sign Darius, and then 2 weeks before the season starts there is suddenly a good T, DT, OLB or someone else available.
But my main concern with it all is Nnamdi and Burgess. If we sign Darius to only a 1 year deal and hook up both Nnamdi and Burgess after the season, great. But I don't want to have to choose between keeping Nnamdi or Burgess, at the price of a soon-to-be-retired safety. I'd only take Darius at a veteran minimum, 1 or 2 years, and full of play-time production incentives because the guy hasn't been healthy in two years.
I guess I'd feel bad about signing ANYONE in our current situation for that matter, even if we were talking about signing a T or a DT. Once we hand over $14 trillion to Russell next month I'll feel even worse about signing guys like Darius.
Psycho
Psycho:
"14" $ Trillian $ "Ouch"
The "SportingNew"s Pro-Footbal Scouting Report is out and very interesting reading...When they look at our "D" they only find 2 weaknesses..."OLB"-Williams -n- "S"-Swaigart....The other potiential weakness has been addressed in the draft..."RDE"-Brayton....But the addition of the veteran "S" could fix the "DB" situation also....
When it comes to the "O" the scouting reports are not so bad as far as player tallent...the problems come as to the past sceams and whether the players buy into "Kiff"s new sceam....It appears that is the "Key" Issue in the minds of the scots...Can a young 1st year coach motivate the Raiders to play ball...If this teams "O" is motivated there could and should be a compleate turn-around this season....but they predict the oposite...3-13 for the season...
I like what I see and still hold to my 10-6 prediction...Which is where they put the "Donk-O"s as a "WildCard" Team....
The bad news is they mark the AFC South as improved with Tenn -n- Texans being 7-9....Jackson above that and Indy on top again....So our scedual does not appear as easy as before.....
Their prediction is "JRus" is the starter before the end of the season and same for DominicRoads...
PantyRaider...Readin-NOT-Believin!!!
Saw Darius play often last year, most of the time he was chasing a TE into the EZ. Think he's on the downside. Are his last years going to be better than our young guys prime years? Tough call--think I'd pass
Looks like the Raiders are making a very strong push for Darius. I think I'll have to jump on the Darius bandwagon soon just to support the decision. Because "In Lane I trust", and they certainly know more than I do. Replacing Stu still rubs me wrong though.
Let's just hope Darius can stay healthy, and we get him to agree to a favorable contract. If not then this could really bite us in the ass.
Psycho
Bama7
lack of competition brought in from OLB is amazing. Does anyone think Q. Moses will be tried at OLB? any word about him or Jay Richardson from camp?
I've had a different thought about the OTA penalty. I think I've figured it out.
I now think that the NFLPA did make the decision to look at the Raiders because of an article in the press - by JMac when he reported that Gallery was putting people on the ground. And I think that, ultimately, this was an object lesson delivered by Al Davis.
As we know, Davis has given Kiffin a free hand. It has always been the Raiders' practice to close OTAs to the press, and I think this is the reason why. I think Kiffin argued that if you want to develope interest from the fans after a terrible season, you have to get the press talking about the team. Davis argued that opening up for the press could ultimately cost Kiffin practice time.
When Al's good friend Upshaw called about the JMac article and said, "I may have to penalize your guys," Davis told him to go ahead. Kiffin wisely only scheduled weight training for the final week of OTAs.
Kiffin gets his publicity and the necessary work in, Al makes his point, JMac gets more work, the NFLPA makes its point, and the team makes the statement, "we're on our way back." Everybody's happy.
As for Darius, I don't think we need him - or at least there are other things that we need more. However, it's possible that the Raiders have surveyed the field of potential and actual free agents and have determined that there is nothing there that will strengthen a weakness. Therefore they'll pick up added quality where they can get it, no matter how many players they already have for the position, to strengthen their strengths.
As for Sam Williams, I don't think we can close the book on him, and the reason Kiffin might not be looking to replace him is because he is currently doing very well.
Don't forget, Williams was a DE when we drafted him. He's the only one from Ryan's "experiment" who still holds on to his converted position. It usually takes about three years to learn a position well enough to master it as a starter in the NFL.
I don't think Williams is a "bust," I think he's entering his bubble year. It just could be that he's up for it. Don't count him out.
BlandaRocked:
I have to agree on Sam da "OLB"...just look at "Asagamuwa"...(Damn it's hard to spell)...Awsome!....He looked like a "Bust" to many but now he is the "SuperStar" "CB" of the #1 Pass "D" in the NFL....It took time...But Al recondised it in him early...
Look at all the players we gave up on too sone...and also the ones we spent too much time on...It's a "CrapShoot" to see the future of a player but the scheme may have alot to do with it...But the fack that the team did not pursue that position tells me they are happy with his development...Or at least want to try him one more year...And so do I....Come on Sammy....
"S"....Darius....Besides his athletic ability he brings his leadership to the team...and that is a great positive...Just like RodWoodson-n-RonnyLott who were at the end of their time....Darius will inspire the younger players to push themselves....and he will NOT take away all their playing time....Even if he is the starter there will be "SituationSubstitution" and the "Nickle-n-Dime" Packages where other player will be on the field with him or in place of him....and that will relieve some of the preasure from his health concerns...All I can see from the signing is "Positive"s....
The only other player out there that is of great interest to me would be on the "O"...."Culpepper for QB"....If I had my choice (Which I don"t)...I would sign Culpepper first....Darius second....and take that rocky "CB" with our 3rd round selection of "08" in the "SuplementalDraft" next month....
PantyRaider....SignHere!!!!
Panty,
I'm sure you've said elsewhere why you'd want Culpepper, and I’m sure you have your reasons. All I know is that for me, it would be a huge mistake in an otherwise perfect off-season.
My wife was a MN fan, until I converted her. My good friend is a Dolphins fan. Thanks to these factors and the NFL Sunday Ticket, I've seen more Daunte in the last couple of years than I care for. The only positive has been that he wasn't wearing the Silver and Black.
TheFreakingPope:
Culpepper...
I admit I have not seen alot of Culpepper's games but when he was in Minn and had "No-Moss" as I now call him....the #'s were very good...His passer rating is very high if you believe in that....His playing style and size are a good match to "JRus" who is the future of the team....and he is willing to come in and play for a reduced sallery if he has a chance to compete...ThereFore....
It's my opinion that he would be a very good fit in OakTown with "JRus"....We would look like the same team whether "Pepper" or "JRus" was playing...to me that gives very good consistancy to the "O" and we need alot of that...Otherwise we have the same situation as every other team in the NFL...a contrast between each of our 3 "QB"s so the "O" has to adjust to who is playing....
Walter has the arm but Josh does not...Josh has the mobility but Walter does not...While "JRus" has it all without the experiance...That's where "Pepper" comes in....He has the time behind him....the Arm -n- the Legs if healthy...and...he was sucsessful before and I believe he can be again in the right "O"....a "O" that is designed for "JRus" would be just about right for "Pepper"....So I believe....
Unfortionnatly...There seems to be NO indication from the Raiders that they are the least bit interested....but I hope that is a "SmokeScreen" while we wait to see what happens at the NFLPA Arbitration....
"CastOff-da-Fish"..."Setem-Free"......Now Snagem wit da Hook -n- Reelem in....
PantyRaider....GoneFishin!!!!
Bama7
Seems Sam Willaims still has a few supporters. Fair enough, but what about bringing in a guy like Chad Brown or Randall Godfrey if they're healthy just to battle for the spot. Both are unrestricted FA's with no homes and could be brought in for cheap with minumum cap damage. Randall Godfrey did more in 13 games last year than S Williams did in 15. Godfrey had 41 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Williams had 38 tackles, 1 sack and no forced fumbles.
Godfrey's better in a 3-4 on the inside, but he's a guy that's always around the ball and a savvy veteran that could handle his own at OLB.
I just don't get how little competition is thrown Williams way (?)
"News You Can Use"
Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver and Texas defensive tackle Marco Martin and Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks and Iowa State defensive end/linebacker Jason Berryman have gained entry to the NFL's supplemental draft on July 13, according to officials at the league office.
So....It appears..."Help is on the Way"....to quoat a "LoosingPoliticalSlogan"....
The question is ...."Are the Raiders Interested"....
They say Brooks "LB" is getting most of the attention but I don't know if he will play inside or outside or at "S"...Oliver "CB" and a "OT" named Patrick are also getting alot of attention....the Raider have viewed the "OT" and he is projected as a 6th rounder....Oliver "CB" is projected as a 3rd rounder....
Here is a site which breaks it down...Player-by-Player.....for some of the prospects....
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jm-supplementaldraft062107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
PantyRaider....JustDraftBaby!!!!
I think RT and the 'Take Family' are posted up in the HOT parking lot or something, waiting for the first game. I'm starting to get worried.
Psycho
Street-n-Smiths ProFootball.....
Why read it....Negativity is abundant
They rate our secondary with a power ranking of (2)....but KC-n-SD are (3) -n- the "Donk-0"s are (5)....
I thought we were the #1 Pass "D" in the NFL so how does this happen....easy when dealing with the "Hater"s....
PantyRaider.....Burn-da-Rag!!!!/__
Panty ~
RE: Supplements
My uneducated guess is Brooks will end up being drafted and playing MLB for the Bungles.
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