Any Questions?
Total domination, right down the opponent's throat. Welcome back Raiders football.
The bad news is that I was out this morning, and I'll have to watch it on TiVo. The good news is that I was able to listen to the fourth quarter in the car, tuning into the Miami broadcast via Sirius NFL Radio. Their crew was literally freaking out. They should be put on suicide watch. I thought they might jump through the glass and right out of their booth after Culpepper rushed for his third touchdown with 20 seconds left.
I made my case for Culpepper earlier this week. Case closed. He just brings a different dimension to our offense. Thanks for the gift, Miami. Hope you enjoy Trent Green.
From games one through four, the Raiders have steadily improved, from a loss to the Lions (who just beat the Bears for their third victory), to a yard wide of a victory in Denver, to a close win over the Browns (who beat the Bengals before coming to Oakland, and the Ravens today), to a rout of the Dolphins in Miami. This is called momentum. I think I remember what that feels like. It's been a while.
And don't you love the irony, as H pointed out, of Joey Porter guaranteeing a Dolphins victory, and Jerry Porter catching two touchdowns for the Raiders? Looks like one of the Porters forgot he was playing on a winless team.
That silence you hear is the doubters and haters, slack jawed and scratching their heads, working on their increasingly convoluted spin about how the Oakland Raiders are the worst team in football.
Update: We now own a share of first in the AFC West. The San Diego fans were chanting "Mar-ty! Mar-ty!" at the end of today's loss to the Chiefs. The Raiders were 2-14 last season, and the Chargers were 14-2, but they had something crucial in common beyond their inverted records: they both fired their coaches. In their infinite wisdom, the Chargers fired the guy who led them to 14 victories with a first-year starter at quarterback and hired Norv Turner, whose previous audition as a head coach in the AFC West was an abject failure. The Chargers taunted the football gods, they thought they were smarter than 14-2, and that the coach really didn't matter in the midst of such alleged executive managerial brilliance, and to prove it they hired Norv Turner, just to make sure we knew who was boss. They reaped, and now, to my delight, they sow.
The bad news is that I was out this morning, and I'll have to watch it on TiVo. The good news is that I was able to listen to the fourth quarter in the car, tuning into the Miami broadcast via Sirius NFL Radio. Their crew was literally freaking out. They should be put on suicide watch. I thought they might jump through the glass and right out of their booth after Culpepper rushed for his third touchdown with 20 seconds left.
I made my case for Culpepper earlier this week. Case closed. He just brings a different dimension to our offense. Thanks for the gift, Miami. Hope you enjoy Trent Green.
From games one through four, the Raiders have steadily improved, from a loss to the Lions (who just beat the Bears for their third victory), to a yard wide of a victory in Denver, to a close win over the Browns (who beat the Bengals before coming to Oakland, and the Ravens today), to a rout of the Dolphins in Miami. This is called momentum. I think I remember what that feels like. It's been a while.
And don't you love the irony, as H pointed out, of Joey Porter guaranteeing a Dolphins victory, and Jerry Porter catching two touchdowns for the Raiders? Looks like one of the Porters forgot he was playing on a winless team.
That silence you hear is the doubters and haters, slack jawed and scratching their heads, working on their increasingly convoluted spin about how the Oakland Raiders are the worst team in football.
Update: We now own a share of first in the AFC West. The San Diego fans were chanting "Mar-ty! Mar-ty!" at the end of today's loss to the Chiefs. The Raiders were 2-14 last season, and the Chargers were 14-2, but they had something crucial in common beyond their inverted records: they both fired their coaches. In their infinite wisdom, the Chargers fired the guy who led them to 14 victories with a first-year starter at quarterback and hired Norv Turner, whose previous audition as a head coach in the AFC West was an abject failure. The Chargers taunted the football gods, they thought they were smarter than 14-2, and that the coach really didn't matter in the midst of such alleged executive managerial brilliance, and to prove it they hired Norv Turner, just to make sure we knew who was boss. They reaped, and now, to my delight, they sow.
posted by Raider Take at 1:34 PM
217 Comments:
Funny, RT...This was the first game I got to watch in full all season...And what a game!
Like I said earlier this morning - we had to win. This was a statement.
The whole of the fourth quarter, all I could hear was Art Shell's assertion to commit to the run last season and as I watched the play calls (remember pass-happy Walter in rainy Seattle??!?), I was scratching my head.
Today, I saw commitment to the run. Today, I saw a system where you could knock a man down (Jordan) and someone else would step in and take the load (Fargas, with ONE HUNDRED AND NINE YARDS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER ALONE)
It reminds me of another "plug in a back, get 1,000 yard runner" system. That team wears Bile Orange and Bruise Blue. I can't wait till Dec. 2nd to show 'em how a team dominates the run game.
My god. Amazing. We are back boys.
Culpepper has that intangible. Case closed.
First place here we come baby!
Another Victory, How Sweet It Is!
With a new scheme we're now able to run at will with any RB. We've seen Fargas before, so how do you explain how picked up from where Jordan left off except by improved line play? I can see only two problem areas to work on over the bye week:
1) tackling
2) fumbling
Like RT said, its been a steady progression. If the offense can keep this tempo up the defense should be well rested and able to tee off on the QB. One last point. The Raiders(to the best of my knowledge) didn't replace Travis Taylor. Doesn't that mean that they can carry 4 QBs and then drop one of them at the end of the season(since it looks like we'll have Culpepper to mentor JaMarcus, my guess would be McCown)?
He's mobile but has a higher cap number than Walter, and Walter has the better arm. Besides, mobility is highly prized by teams and that would make it easier to move McCown. Also, we still have to get Nnamdi & Burgess signed to longterm deals. So from the cap standpoint alone I think Walter looks to be the new Tui.
Come Monday morning I predict we will be the top rushing team in the league. Last time we were in that position we won the division. (I realize there are still 12 games to go, so I will temper my enthusiasm)
This just in Colts 21 - Mules 13. Hows that for real time scoring.
The best end zone celebration of the week. Daunte scores on a bootleg, then gets up points to his knee and flashes the OK sign to the crowd. Hope I didn't spoil that for you Take.
For all the stat guys out there. I offer my two favorite stats.
Time of possession:
Raiders 35:07
Fish 24:53
Turnovers
Raiders 1
Fish 2
+ 1 for us.
This just in, Colts intercept on the Mules 24.
Can you say first place boys and girls?
I thought you could.
This just in, Colts 28, Mules 13.
Raiderrealist,
Kiffin has basically stated Walter is the odd man out. In fact they were shopping him around until McCowan got hurt.
H
I thought the division winner was based only on division games?
It was the Fins, but man, that was brutal :-)
Question from anonymous:
Best over all record wins the division.
First tie breaker Head to Head.
Second is division record
Third is conference record.
We are currently 2-1 in the conference.
Anyone, please correct me if I'm incorrect on any of the above.
H
Yes, gentlemen, we are embarking on a glorious new ride.
Who thought before the season started that after 4 games the Raiders would have the #1 rushing unit in the entire NFL?
The coaching of Tom Cable has been remarkable. The playcalling of Kiffin has been a huge upgrade. The improvement by the OLine has been amazing. The rushing of Jordan & Fargas has been tremendous.
vs. the Fish we rang up 299 net rushing yards! We now average 194 rushing yards per game which is head and shoulders above the rest of the league.
When you can run the ball as effectively as the Raiders have shown, it directly impacts the competitiveness of the team, sets up the passing game, wears down & demoralizes the opponent, and keeps our D well rested.
I've never been more glad to be wrong. Daunte. 5 Touchdowns. Unbelievable.
Go Raiders!
Now the Broncos are down by two touchdowns, and Norv is wearing that familiar pained expression with the Chiefs up by seven in the fourth quarter. A beautiful day in the neighborhood.
horsecollarjack said it all.
suddenly, we have an offesive line that can block.
and when you can block, you can run.
and when you can run, you can pass.
it's all coming together perfectly and i am enjoying every second of it.
something else we now have is a head coach that knows what he's doing. thank you lane kiffin.
by the way, old ratface lost in indy, and norvell turner, well, i knew he was good for something.
keep up the great work norv !!!!
Minty Fresh Sunday....ain't it boys?
azraider63
It appears Norv Turner has installed the same blocking scheme he left us with.
I still say top three offseason acquisitions are Tom Cable, Justin Griffith and Zach Miller. Not necessarily in that order. Correct that, exactly in that order.
With the way the line is blocking Tom Cable is definitely number one.
Miller is blocking great and did so again today.
The current staff doesn't give out game balls, but I think we should give one to Fargas. After all the heat he has taken from us fans over the last few years. We saw today what he can do if the line actually blocks.
H
The post game press conference by Cam Cameron was almost like listening to Art Shell. He spoke for several minutes but didn't say anything (meaningful). He tips his hat (literally) to Daunte, which he should. He gave up a fierce competitor and he now knows it. Thanks coach!
What’s happening in San Diego is a full-scale implosion. I just hope they don’t figure things out in the next couple weeks. Meanwhile, we have time to heal and gameplan. Life is good!
Hey faida boy, get your abacus out. You’re gonna need a new prediction this week.
It was a good win. The commitment to the run is just about 180 degrees polar opposites to the day a few years back when Callahan had called what? 18 pass plays in a row without a running play.
I must confess that the Fish played really poorly on offense minus their running back. He was phenomenal, and showed how far our defense has to go. It was exposed. I am sure that we will not be a top half defense in this league by the end of the year. Last year we scored so little that our defense looked good statistically; but teams were playing conservative. Our defense is a concern, but not a tragedy. I hope that like one of the commenter's said: It's a work in progress.
Miami really shot themselves in the foot with all of the miscues, penalties and dropped passes.
Good win.
Bama7
Amazing what a real coaching staff can do. And Culpepper, what a great victory for him.
Aj Smith is looking like a real dumbass now. Please just tell 'em no Shotty when they offer to fire Norv and AJ Monday if you'll come back.
Two things. As far as Culpepper not taking a knee on the last play-I say good for him, good for the Raiders, good for us. That's for every cheap shot that every team and every NFL reporter took at us the last 4 years
2) Can we all please give Kudos to Mr. Cable. This guy has done an incredible job with the offensive line!
It is so funny how all those dolt banners from last year are no where to be founf here in Southern Cal.
What about #52 AND #53 too bad that inept brudki and saymiau are going to go to the probowl!
We have Rhodes helping against the dolts in 2 weeks.
1st place AFC WEST! Now that sounds nice. I must admit I was pissed with the bye in the 5th week, but oh how sweet. Up next, the Dolts, I'm for one am glad we aren't facing Marty Ball who has always seemed to kick our ass.
MINTY FRESH!!!!
Roy
True H, but that was before McCown displayed less than stellar(maybe even decent) play. Do you think things may have changed since then?
Most of the TV talking heads think Culpepper is just auditioning for another team for next year. I don't belive that line of thought because Russell was so late to sign. I just can't see them throwing Russell out there next year as the opening day starter. What say you?
JUST WIN BABY!
I AM VERY PLEASED WITH OUR PROGRESSS.
HERE COME THE DOLTS. THEY WILL GO 1-5(MEETING THE DONKEYS NEXT WEEK) WHEN WE MEET.
TOO BAD SHOTTY'S NOT AROUND. I WANT THE RAIDERS TO HAND THEM THEIR BUTTS, THE DONKEYS TOO AND THE SKINLESS ARROWS.
pancakes anyone?
>>>
I just can't see them throwing Russell out there next year as the opening day starter. What say you?
>>>>
The only reason I don't see him playing day one is going deep into the playoffs with a QB playing fantastically this year. I don't see that happening. Culp played with heart, and he obviously has a more accurate long arm than McCown, but he did only pass for 75 yards... and looked completely lost at times.
This was an important win... lets hope we continue to see improvement everywhere besides just the running game. We still have a long ways to go... but the AFCW looks like garbage right now! Anything can happen with the mighty "MO" finally going!
How many penalties did we have?
I only was able to watch the second half, but can't remember any going against the Raiders. So far there has been a decrease in penalties and mental errors, and that's all coaching.
JanFran
I also enjoyed it. Right now I'm trying to tell myself no to get too jazzed because it's a long season, but it's hard not to be happy when the Raiders have beaten Miami for the first time since 1996.
pepps passing stats were not his fault remember (1) drop by curry..(1) drop by Jordan (screen) (1) drop by Griffin (Screen)mike williams TD pass called back ..Mike Williams is piss'n me off, dude misses a block while celebrating during fargas's run..that could have cost the team a TD...Pepp had timely passes with good flashes from the D...
We are working our way back, being from Az i've seen what Josh, not as impressive as what i saw today. Daunte' should be the new look for the Raiders and a good teacher for Jamarcus they both have the size and arm strenght, Oakland has 2 of the biggest (size) QB's in the NFL with some awsome arm strenght. I hope they continue to let Daunte' lead the Silver and Black attack and let dominate teams in the air and on the ground! JUST WIN BABY!!!
JanFran
We had 2-15 yards. Can you believe it? Kiffin and the rest of the coaching staff must have given them some heart to heart talks through out the week. If they can keep this up we can be competative. I only want us to play smart, sound, penalty free football. That's Kiffin's philo.
I love it. I am so glad we are make huge changes. It all begins with the culture you install during the off season. I love Kiffin wheather we win or lose. He needs to lead us back to glory.
I want every NFL team and the league to give us the respect we deserve. And this is how you earn it.
Al Davis will be called a genius as long as he keeps his hands out of Kiffin's business.
Chron continues on it's hit parade...
"Daunte Culpepper on Sunday put life into two of the most moribund items in the sports world: the Raiders' offense and the cliche about the fury of an athlete scorned. He also made some history, delivering the NFL's first pantomimed injury report and issuing what is believed to be the loudest statement ever by a quarterback who threw for all of 75 yards."
Gary,
I agree Culpepper stays only if we go deep into the playoffs. Unless that happens the talking heads are correct about his audition. I see us trying to retain him, but the money would be a problem.
Raiderrealist,
I don't recall him looking lost. And there were at least 3-4 catchable passes that were dropped.
We are 3/4 on fourth down conversions. Actually tring 4 in 4 games (some early in the game and with a lead) shows Kiffin has confidence in the line and is willing to publicly show that trust.
RaiderMike,
I've been shouting praises for Cable for weeks now. I live in Atlanta and people here want the Falcons to bring him back.
Talk about timing. I sure hope Jordan's back is ok. His is lower back which is very hard to heal depending upon the type of injury. Every movement you make revolves around that area.
But, Rhodes will be off his suspension just in time. All of us who were down on the guy (including me on occasion) owe Fargas an apology. He said "In your face" with 12 exclaimation points.
H
Hopefully, Jordan is ok, but D.Rhodes is officially reinstated as of today (Monday). He will have a full two weeks to get ready.
Fargas showed he is a quality backup.
Check the time of possession in the 4th quarter. The Fish only had the ball 2 minutes in the 4th.
HC Jack-
Apparently, 5 TDs isn't going to satisfy the SF Chronic. Culpepper should have thrown more for the sake of padding his stats. Amazing!
The beauty of the 2007 is seeing Kiffin implement his system where, in his own words, "if someone goes down, the next guy goes in." We'll gladly take the money saved by trading Moss and use it towards the players willing to put the team first. We're back to being a team with an identity, and I for one don't mind the relative lack of recognition from the NFL because I'd like to keep Cable on the Oakland sideline for a few more seasons. Speaking of which, does anyone know the terms of his contract??
Penalties: Mike Williams Offensive Pass Interference, Gerald Warren Encroachment. 2 for 15 yards.
I remember reading the special teams coach assessment from a couple weeks ago, in his "No Penalties" category he failed his team -- 1 penalty for 10 yards. It brought a smile to my face to see a ST coach with such high standards that 1 mistake earned a failing grade... This week they pass!
Here in Patriots land I got to see the last half of the 4th quarter... awesome.
Good to be a Raider fan today!
PS
Jason Taylor? No sacks, 3 penalties, 2 for 1st downs and the 3rd on a TD drive.
Was he a non-factor or a negative for the fins?
PS
I've never been a fan of Fargas but my hats off to him. He really stepped up when he was asked to. Great game Justin!
It was a sweet win with many great moments, all of which have already been stated. However, we've got to remember that this was the Dolphins. They stink. Of course, good teams are supposed to beat bad teams so we upheld our end of the bargin. But I'm worried about our pass rush. I don't think we ever blitzed. Good thing you don't have to do that against Trent Green. A good QB is going to have a great day in the pocket with no pass rush. Oh well, I'm still going to enjoy this victory. It's been a long time since I watched a Raiders game like this. It was a lot of fun to watch.
Dante's Inferno: "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here"
Did you notice that after Higgins fumbled Carr took the next punt return?
Janfran
Did you notice that after Higgins fumbled Carr took the next punt return?
Janfran
Holy Roller,
True, we didn't blitz. But there was decent pressure on Green for most of the game, especially in the first half (two sacks). Pressure also caused Routt's interception.
Also, despite the gaudy looking numbers I actually saw improvment in the rush defense.
Ronnie Brown had some nice runs. But, the 60 yarder was almost stopped at the line. if you take that one out they only had 81 yards rushing and a 4.2 per carry average.
It was somewhat feast or famine. There were many good stops for no gain or a loss.
Jano now has 12 touchbacks in 4 games. I don't think he had that many all of last year.
No false starts on Cornell Green or Robert Gallery.
The primary negative I saw was kickoff coverage when Jano didn't get it into the end zone.
When's the last time we saw 2 penalties - 15 yards. Maybe the NBA ref scandal is having a ripple effect across all sports officiating. Our penalties are way down this year.
H
Raider Freak
Ok, I think we can now be done with the Josh talk and everyone can stop acting like he is a starter. That makes my day. Everyone is happy and so am I. I still have this knot in my stomach thinking about what could have been if DC would have started the first 2 games but that is gone and we are back in this thing. Offensive line is unreal. They are not the best unit in the NFL but to go from what we were last year to what we are this year, yes we have 3 new starters but they are not pro bowl caliber players. This is absolute proof how important it is for a coach to sourround himself with good assistants. The media haters will not talk much about it but to go from the absolutely self destructive inaffective unit this line was last year to what we are doing this year with basically the same talent level is impossible to explain. If this continues throughout the year cable deserves coach of the year. I know he is an assistant and it can't happen but it is that incredible. I am excited to see what Kiff brings after a 2 week prepartion. I would really like to see Sands step it up against the run. We paid him a load to stop the run and we gave up way to many yards in the middle yesterday. It seemed to me when Brayton and Sands were in the middle we got gutted like a fish. Sapp and Warren are pass rushers but they also played the run better yesterday. With Warren stepping up, we are going to be hard to block up front when Burgess comes back. We have been mainly in a 4 man front all year, Ryan has really kept it basic and has not sent many blitzes. With Burrgess, Warren, Sapp, and Kelly we may be able to get pressure without having to bring much else. That is something very few teams can do, generate a pass rush with only 4. I am just glad we have something productive to talk about, it has been 3 years since that has happened. Raider freak, freaking out.
>>>>
H: When's the last time we saw 2 penalties - 15 yards. Maybe the NBA ref scandal is having a ripple effect across all sports officiating. Our penalties are way down this year.
>>>>
Or maybe it's because there's a new commish? It's been since last year since I have seen one of those famous "WTF" penalties that always seemed to pop up at the worst times nearly every game over the years with the Tags/Al wars in full force. It always felt that we had to play an extra TD better than the other teams because the refs always took one away from us, or gave one to them every game.
Hey... ya can't be a Raider fan without a good conspiracy theory... Tags was FIXING THE GAMES!!! lol
I'll go to my grave saying it!
Upon further review, the league has just banned QB's running for TD's!
Hey stat guys! 5 completions for 12 attempts? Pathetic! We need a new QB, right?
I was right. Kiffin ran the hell out of them. Air assault coming in two weeks against the Short Circuits. Weakest part of their D is the defensive back field.
It has been a long time since I felt like this. The wins are one thing but the direction the team now has is what really feels good.
I agree with, I beleive it was RT, that clearly Kiffin was the most important aquisition in the off season.
I will rewatch the game but at first viewing it is amazing how athletic the LBs are. Also that kid Miller can block.
Raider Mike-
Although I believe that what goes around...(DC taking a kneee)
that didn't stop merryman from stickin it in last year. I also rememeber the fudge pakers throwing deep after being up by 3 tds and the annoucers talking about how great is was that favor had a such a good game after his father died.
(I am sure my fellow RTers can contribute many more stick it in the Raiders backside moments.)
No one EVER feels sorry when things go wrong for the Raiders so f#*k 'em. Speaking of f#*k 'em, anybody seen faida boy?
``Daunte’s the starter right now. If we played today,’’ Kiffin said with a smirk.
I love Kiffin. "Don't get complacent. If you want to keep that starting job, show me during the week in every practice."
Hey Kiffin,
I think Daunte puts us in the best position to win.
Raiders Run Big Haiku:
Was that Joe Fargas?
He ran over Dolphins' D
One-Seventy-Nine
So with Dominic Rhodes coming off the 4 gamer, who gets cut? I think we try and trade Walter, and Echemendu gets the axe, unfortunately. Especially after Fargas' day. Dude looked like Marcus Allen running over the Redskins in the '83-84 Super Bowl. Stud!
My only beef with yesterday's game was the passing game. We need to get better on this aspect of the game. I know we were going up against a tough passing defense, and the weather sucked for a passing game, but 5 for 12, 75 yards? Wow! That wasn't spectacular.
Hey, for all you guys in the Black Hole. You know how you are always being cut down in the media for how you treat the opposition.
Here's a quote from insidebayarea.com:
"DOLPHINS FANS GET UGLY: A group of Dolphins fans took out their anger on the Raiders for manhandling their team by pelting the Raiders buses with rocks and bottles as they departed Dolphin Stadium after the game.
"A bottle shattered a window on the fourth of six Raiders buses, with the glass falling inside on the occupants, according to a Raiders team official who requested anonymity."
It went on to say the driver determined the bus to be unsafe. They had to move all the occupants of that bus to the other five and provide police escort. The perp or perps were never found.
This stuff ranks right in there with Philly Fans.
H
They had fun. Yes, the fun is back. Kiffin is teaching these guys how to work hard so you can have fun.
One quarter of the way through the season, we've equaled last season's win total.
If, at the halfway point we've surpassed our 2005 win total, we will be back. The mediots generally feel that in order to be a team that's back, you have to start fast. But I'd rather trust the rebuild of a team that starts slow. That way you see it as it comes together, and you know it is not an illusion.
bama7
I think we've all been saying for years that if we could ever run the ball we'd be competitive. For all Gannon/Gruden passing did for us, I still remember Wheatley and Garner making defenses play honest with us. Running makes all the difference. And I don't think much had to do with fargus (happy for him though). It's the system. Echinobe or whatever his name is would probably have had a good game too.
Did y'all see this article on the raiders... scroll down and see what the rumor on our defense is:
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
My damn electricity was out for the entire game. I had to listen to it in my car in sweltering heat.
I'm going to ignore any and all of our faults for a day and basque in our return to greatness. Well, not quite, but we're on our way. It was just the Dolphins, and we still don't have a winning record, but all is good.
The "Mar - Tee" chants were freakin' funny as hell. Although I felt kind of bad for Norv in his press conference. The poor, incompetant nice guy.
Psycho
Bama7:
I don't think that rumor is very big. I think all teams have most of their personnel always on the block, while the hold tightly to others.
Of the players the Raiders supposedly aren't protecting, a good number of them wouldn't attract trades anyway. Nobody is going to give up much for Sapp (for instance) because he's too close to the end of his career. And while they Raiders may say they'll entertain offers for Kelly, what is the price they are asking? While they might be induced to trade Washington, they'd almost certainly ask for at least a 2nd round pick, if not a 1st. Nothing new or unique here. Yawn.
Here you go, folks...
2006 v 2007 - We've come close to eclipsing our 2006 totals in 1 quarter of 2007.
2006 2007
Games 16 4
Wins 2 2
Points 165 102
20-pt gms 4 4
Pass TDs 7 6
Rush TDs 5 5
Rejoice, Raider Nation. Our savior has come.
And the intangible...
"I'd like to take credit for that pass," Kiffin said of a 27-yard touchdown throw to Jerry Porter, "but that was something he called on his own. He told J.P. in the huddle, if they give you a certain look, go up and really slant over there. So I guess the guy's going to want to be an offensive coordinator, too."
Holy sh*t this was funny. Sapp on Joey Porter's guarantee:
"You can make your mouth say anything," Sapp said. "When somebody runs for 300 yards, what are you going to guarantee next week? What, hold him to 250?
"It's tough when you run your mouth, boy."
Psycho
Bama7
Blanda- yeah, I thought the rumor was sort of much ado about nothing, but it may mean that Kiffen is unhappy with our defense. Makes sense. We're pretty weak at safety, one OLB and DE. We're starting to win, but we'd have a tough time with good offenses like the Patties, Colts, Cowboys etc. The Dolphins are a mess.
I imagine Kiffen will try to get more involved on the defensive side of the ball next year.
Other than our game, the best thing I watched sunday was the Donkeys being unable to stop Manning and the Colts. They've spent so much money on Bly and Baily, but this time the TE killed them... the Donkeys, like us, are weak at safety. Lynch is a big time liability now.
I can't tell, is Huff playing mostly SS... are they splitting the field so that he plays some FS? This guy should be playing FS only.
There was something slightly more interesting on PFT. Someone says that they figure that Russell will be ready to go by Thanksgiving.
I wouldn't worry too much about the QB rotation right now. Russell is our future, but Kiffin will likely want to stay with whomever is hot. Something "old schoolers" used to always say. These things have a way of working themselves out. Usually it's an injury, unfortunately, that causes things to be worked out.
That said, I have a feeling that unless Pep goes down with an injury before Thanksgiving, we won't see another QB run this team other than Russell.
On another note, it's true we only got 2 sacks, but Green was heavily pressured all day long. I'd like to see Brayton mad more often. Brown ran over him, then he got pissed, then he started eating people alive. Kelly plays better every game.
For the next two weeks (and we all know this, because we all know Norv), Turner will spend his time figuring out how to stop the Raiders' rushing attack. On game day a new term will be added to Norv's vocabulary. "Playaction Pass."
Hey Take,
Did you enjoy that TiVo? I really have to get me one of those. I was going to upgrade all my equipment and go to HD. But, I have too many tall trees to get to all the satellites for HD.
My only choice was to go to cable for HD, but I would have to give up my Sunday Ticket.
Guess I'll have to move.
H
Tivo is the greatest invention man has ever come up with...
Psycho
>>>
"I'd like to take credit for that pass," Kiffin said of a 27-yard touchdown throw to Jerry Porter, "but that was something he called on his own. He told J.P. in the huddle, if they give you a certain look, go up and really slant over there. So I guess the guy's going to want to be an offensive coordinator, too."
>>>>
Perhaps this is part of how he hooked up with Moss for three million yards that season... seeing something the defense is giving and drawing up a play like in someones backyard. Me likee! This is the first time since the Wash game two years ago Porter out-played Curry.
Hope this keeps getting better! Curry had two drops, but a also a great get. Is this going to be a sudden "bait and switch" with Kiffin setting up the running game early to exploit the passing game once our QB gets his sea legs later? There could be some huge blowouts coming if true.
H:
I currently have Direct TV with the Sunday Ticket, but a few years ago, I was on Cox cable.
During the time I was on regular cable, Direct TV allowed me to order the Sunday Ticket a-la-cart...meaning I had a dish JUST to watch the football package. I would watch regular TV via cable, but come Sundays during football season I would just switch my TV to the dish.
The only reason I had the dish for for Sunday Ticket. I am not sure if they have changed that policy or not.
The year after, they said I had buy into one of their packages in order to keep the Sunday Ticket. I then subscribed to HBO (only) for $12 per month, and then was able to get the Sunday Ticket (for the usual price).
Hopefully that makes sense and hopefully they still seperate it out. It might be an option for you.
azraider63
H,
Tivo is superior, but the new HR-20 from DirecTV is decent. Have you talked to them about HD since they launched the *NEW* SATs with MPEG4? If you get DirecTV SD now, the 5-LNB should be able to pick up HD. I would definitely check. And don't take the first "No" for an answer. Get a Level 2 tech's opinion at a minimum.
TiVo is utterly remarkable and has changed my life. How's that for an endorsement?
I just burned a DVD of the game for my brother, who lives out of state. Burned it straight out of the TiVo box.
The TiVo unit was included with the basic DirectTV subscription. The TiVo monthly surcharge is something like five bucks, which is peanuts compared to all the time saved by skipping commercials.
Just discovered another thing: You can download game highlights on iTunes and watch them on your computer and/or iPod. Haven't tried it yet, but for two bucks you can get a 12-minute highlight summary of each game.
Gary:
Regarding the "bait & switch" theory. Although I think it could happen that way, meaning we have set some teams up to think run first, then we go pass happy. IMHO I don't think that is his primary strategy.
I believe Kiff is showing a commitment to exploiting our competition's weekness. He knew Miami was almost dead last against the run and he took MAJOR advantage of it and stuck with it. If they can't stop it, we'll keep going with it.
I don't think ANY of our past (current) coaches have done that except for maybe Callahan when we played Pittsburgh a few years ago and Gannon tore them up through the air.
It seems to me like Kiff feels we have the ability to control/manage the game via pass or run, it's only a matter of who we play each week. Just me opinion.
Either way, he has set us up to be successful regardless of run to pass ratio, balance or unbalanced.
azraider63
FreakingPope, I have no idea what you just said, I need a translation!
oops...meant to say "my" opinion.
azraider63
RT:
Freak Translation...Direct TV has launched new satilites which gives them the ability to carry more HD channels. In order to handle the new technology, Direct TV has a new DVR / HD receiver available.
You can call DIrect TV and ask for the new box, and if you bug them enough by asking to speak to the tech's supervisor (a level 2 tech) they may provide an upgrade for free.
1 1/2 years of Freaklingo at the URT (University of Raider Take) gave me the ability to translate.
azraider63
Wow, AZRaider, that was impressive. You're the Hi-Def Whisperer!
LOL Not really, I just upgraded earlier this year.
I'm only trying to give back to the RT comminity of "Freaklingo" challenged people like yourself.
By the way, how is Mini Take doing? Good, I hope.
My oldest son was sporting his Jamarcus Russell jersey to school today. He had a bet with his teacher (Fish fan). She lost so she has to hang a 2 foot high Raider Logo on the wall behind her desk for a week.
Way to go son...I'm so proud.
azraider63
No direct TV for me yet, but I like the video summaries and commentaries being posted on NFL.com. They update with new ones almost daily. There's about 5 up right now for the Raiders' game.
Check out the commentary by Deon Sanders for the Chargers game. Funny stuff.
I've been looking at some replays.
Culpepper might not be as fast as McCown when he runs, but he's scarier. 6'5", 255 pounds - That's like a LB coming at you. Somebody you'd rather dodge than confront.
Both of Culpepper's TD passes were right in the hands. As the TV commentator said, he "put it in a shoe box."
there's no doubt that with our improved 0-line, we are getting a better indication of what players like jordan, & fargas can do.
but something else helping a player like fargas is that he finally knows his ass is on the line.
no more can you be a bum and call yourself a raider.
you've got to go out on gameday and produce. the head coach demands it, and your job(plus huge paycheck), hangs in the balance.
there's nothing wrong with asking players to actually earn their big salaries.
and sometimes some good old disipline, a dirty word to al davis, will bring out the best in an otherwise underachieving player.
not to mention cut down on those pesky penalties.
i think this can explain some of fargas' turnaround.
oh, and those canyon size holes don't hurt either.
keep up the grind coach kiffin.
Zone (cut) blocking, plain and simple. We're getting a first hand look at why Denver has had one standout RB after another.
It's why Jordan, who did next to nothing last year, suddenly looks like a star. It's why Fargas, a solid but unspectacular backup, has a career game in not much more than a half of playing time.
It's why Barry Sims, who couldn't block Jason Taylor to save his life last game we played Miami, suddenly has a stellar game against Taylor (and Porter). The fact that we only threw 12 passes helped, but that's because our running game was so successful.
Obviously, it has as much or more to do with the blocking scheme than anything.
Didn't know I was going to start a round table discussion on satellite tv.
But, with the new satellites up I need a wider view of the southern sky to get a proper signal. My house has an eastern exposure with tall thick hardwood trees on the south. My dish is basically aimed between a small gap between two of them.
The only place in my yard with an opening is in the front yard. Those pesky neighbor hood covenents, you know. I'll never go to cable again. Long story. Basically a six month argument.
When my local barkeep sold his business I just went DirecTv.
Quick one in defense of Mike Williams. He was not guily of offensive interference. On one his drop, he was mugged, but no flag. He played a littel better than two weeks ago. We'll see where he is in about two weeks when they have to make their next roster decision.
H
>>>>
I don't think ANY of our past (current) coaches have done that except for maybe Callahan when we played Pittsburgh a few years ago and Gannon tore them up through the air.
>>>>
I watched part of that game a few months ago... text book WC offense.
Slice and dice all the way down the field an agonizing 3-6 yards at a time.
Thats actually the thing I liked best about Callahan... taking what the defense is giving until they take it away. His problem was that he was too stubborn to realize WHEN the other team took it away (cough, Chucky in the SB, Cough).
Ironically if it was Callahan that coached the 2000 team at the end, and Gruden the 2002 team at the end, we might have two more rings.
Gruden tried to run too much against the best run defense in the history of the NFL, and Callahan didn't try to run the ball once Gruden neutralized Gannon.
Oh... btw, Gruden is now 3-1 and Callahan is 4-1.
Turner and Shell???...
SEE YA BYE!
Al needs to remember that coaching is KING in the NFL.
Wow...What a victory...
But sorry I was wrong....I said 41-16 with the "D" scoring a TD on one of their 2 Int's.....well they failed me....they got the 2 Int's but forgot to score....so we ended up with only 35pts and gave up one extra point to the Fish....35-17....Oh!..It's so sad to be so wrong....Ya!...Right!!!
Has this team turned the corner...and did anyone see the dumb look on ShanaRat's face as he took a beating....or Turner being Stupified with his players in total doubt...Meanwhile in Raider Land Kiffen has a big smile and so does Culpepper....
We now have the #10 overall "O" and the #1 Rushing "O" in the whole freakin NFL....and climbing....Kiffen ain't done yet....We will come out the gate fireing like a supercharged race car spinning around on the Jolts Lost Hopes after the bye....and maybe the Jolts will loose to the Donkeys....we can deliver their death blow....and after the game say....
"We could tell they did not want to play the first time we hit them in the mouth"....remember that quoat early last season....
Hay "FaidaFag"....Your SickAss SadFran only scored 3 lousy points....and your Donkeys are dead....so now what he hell you got to say dumb ass.....
Raiders.....14-2.....
PantyRaider....LookinUp!!!!
Now at the airport on my way to Thailand....may get a chance to post tomorrow but if not will make contact Thursday....The Raider Spirit is International....
Regarding the Penalties....
Maybe that stupid comment that was made to the Raiders Staff in the off-season has come back to bite the Zebras....saying that a bad call does not matter if we had 6 TO's in the game....so now they are being watched....and after all the investagation rumors about the Patsy's and the Tuck-Rule game in 2002...
So maybe it's a combination of the Zebra's being more careful and the Raiders playing smarter Football...
They did make bad calls....the TD being called back to Mike Williams for "OPI" was Bull-Shit....but also we had a fumble that was called down-by-contact...the ball was out before the knee touched the ground....
Also the WR's have to get used to Culpepper's "Hot-Ball"s....as in his short passes with alot of heat on them....then the drops will go away....that's one of the problems with haveing 2 QB's playing....the Cominication between the WR's and QB suffers and also the WR's arn't use to his passes....by the time the bye is over that should be settled down and the "O" will click....
I don't expect to see Culpepper let go....I would expect he will get a contract extension before the season is up....he want's to be on this team....you can see it in how he interacts with Kiffen and the credit that the Coach gives to him for the play-calling....like he wants to be OC....but McClown stands on the side-lines and pouts...
I don't expect "Eche" to be let go....we are going to need him even more now that Jordan has gone down....remember how "Eche" played in the pre-season with so much Power-n-Heart...and that was before the OL was playing so good....instead Jordan may end up on the IR and Bush may be activated....that's one position where we have some depth....
PantyRaider....Plenty-o-Hope!!!!
With Jordan hurt I don't expect Eche to be release either. The way Jordan was moving, I don't expect him back anytime soon. The lower back, depending upon the injury, can take a long time to heal and generally will get better for a while. But, back injuries of that type tend to only get worse.
If he has a herniated disc it may be surgery.
Not good news, but that may be the reason they brought in Rhodes even knowing he would be suspended. Part of Jordans problems last year was his back.
With all that said, I do want to say one thing about Fargas. Even though I've been a critic of his over the years, I've seen something in him that started last year.
When he's in the game there is no such thing as taking a play off. When he gets the ball there is only one speed. Wide open.
He's going to give you everything he has on every play. When things were going bad for the team last year he busted his ass to do what he could in turning things around.
Moss may be having a great year, but if I had to choose who was going to be in the foxhole with me I would take Fargas over Moss anytime anywhere and without hesitation.
I am hoping Fargas will accept this public apology for any disparaging comments I may have made over the years. I was wrong.
H
Another quick point. In the fourth quarter we were NOT running the prevent defense.
H
The Fish fans attacked our busses.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2007/10/01/1001vandalism.html
Psycho
You can bet Jordan will play against the Chargers, and play well. Remember he and Norv used to bump heads via the media? Lets keep this run thing going and give Jordan a chance to stick it to Norv. Kick that poor nice guy while he's down.
This bye week came at a good time, we should get Burgess back too. I just hope we don't get McCown back yet so we can continue on with Daunte. I don't understand what Kiffin is hung up on at this point.
Psycho
Quote from Kiffin:
"We've been through four games and I'm not pleased where we're at. We should be 4-0," Kiffin said Monday. "We've taken the lead in every single game with less than nine minutes to go in the game. In my opinion, if you take the lead with nine minutes left in the game we should be winning the games. So we should be 4-0."
I like that attitude.
H
Psycho:
I agree....no McClowning around....Just sprinkle some cul-Pepper on the "O" and get HOT....and stay HOT....
Any word on the posibility of Bush playing....I would love to see him run thru the Jolts....send them into a Quiver like the Bottom Feeder Halibuts....
PantyRaider....Lights-Out Dancing on da Jolts!!!
Take:
In regards to your last comment on your post!
The Raider's "traded" gruden to tampa for cash and some draft picks and the world thought Mr. Davis was crazy, the clown in sd does worst "he fired" one of the best football minds in marty and nobody questions his sanity, now that they are in complete collapse everyone is saying "I told you so" I guess the only people that really knew was us Raider's fans!
Thank you smitty I am going to go to sd to watch the Raider game against the dolts knowing that we will win!
By the way where is hater!
raiderdecoachella
Jordan x-rays negative. Return for Chargers game is possible.
Rhodes will be at practice Wednesday and is available for the Chargers game.
Fargas has earned his spot on this roster. We have to commend him on not only the insane yardage he put up, but also for securing the ball.
Bush must come off the PUP list sometime between the 6th and 9th week of the season. Kiffin says Bush has been working with the Raiders' staff in the weight room and "looks great." Apparently, he's dropped some weight.
Echman (Joe) is in the wings, but doesn't look like he'll get his chance anytime soon with Fargas running wild and Rhodes coming off suspension.
Did I leave anyone out? Oh yeah, Culpepper has 3 rushing TDs. If for some lapse of sanity Kiffin starts McCown, maybe he should consider Culpepper for short-yardage situations...Doh!
For Jordan, current xrays are negative. I think they should, and will, do an MRI to be safe. Disc problems do not show on xrays.
Bush cannot be activated until after week 6 so he will not be available for the Dolts game.
The only way Marty comes back to SD is as Coach and GM. Guess who would have to go.
If Norv doesn't win the next two games he will be offically on Lame Duck Status.
Raider de Coachella, you are right on.
Imagine if Art Shell had gone 14-2 this year after going 12-4 last year (a real stretch, I know). Then the Raiders fired Art Shell at the end of the season. Then they hired Mike Riley, whom the Chargers fired after the 2001 season and hasn't been able to get a head coaching gig since...
Imagine what they'd be saying about Al Davis.
Over and over I've heard about how the Raiders are the most "dysfunctional" franchise in the NFL, when two teams in their very own division, the Chiefs and the Chargers, run around with scissors for decades and don't have nearly as much to show in the 2000s as the Raiders do.
Meanwhile, over at BSPN, the Raiders have gone from 24th in the power rankings last week to...24th in the power rankings this week, still six slots behind the Niners. Nice.
Here's a quote: "Perhaps lost amid the five-TD frenzy (three run, two pass) produced by Daunte Culpepper in the win over Miami was the fact that Culpepper completed just five passes."
Five passes and five TDs is a pretty good ratio in my book. And two of those five passes were TD passes, which is also a good ratio in my book.
Opinions please.
I'm going to the Chefs game in a few weeks and one guy in our crew is a Chef fan. We warned him, but he insists on wearing a Chef jersey.
I've been to plenty of games, including a Chef game or two, but never like this. Anyone have any experience with this? Will we die, or just him? :)
Of coarse we have his back (we might kick him in the balls ourselves though), but I kind of fear for his life. We'll keep him out of the stadium bathrooms for sure to avoid being pissed on.
Thanks,
Psycho
Only because he's not riding in my car with piss on him... Psycho
Beer, Psycho. He's going to have to go the restroom eventually. Better bring a can of black spray paint, just to be safe.
RT-
As the Impresario of this fine establishment you have always gone above and beyond. Look no further than donkey talk! However, putting yourself through a segment of bspn may be more detrimental than even the donkey talk. At least some of the things donkey talk offered made sense. bspn may lead as THE haters. No, 1A with si.
You are working too hard. Take a bye this week ;-)
I just watched the whole press conference. Man, I love this kid!
"I'm going to the Chefs game in a few weeks and one guy in our crew is a Chef fan. We warned him, but he insists on wearing a Chef jersey.
I've been to plenty of games, including a Chef game or two, but never like this. Anyone have any experience with this? Will we die, or just him? :)
Of coarse we have his back (we might kick him in the balls ourselves though), but I kind of fear for his life. We'll keep him out of the stadium bathrooms for sure to avoid being pissed on."
Psycho, talk him out of it. Even if dude keeps his yapper shut, and a Raider fan is is friend (you), he will still get pummelled. I think you guys are safe, unless you start fighting with other Raider fans, then you will be considered a Chef fan in Raider gear hiding in protection. I'd gather all of the Raider fans going with you, and just start pummelling him now so he will know what he's in for. Go the whole nine yards too, kick him nonstop when he falls, throw beer on him, pee on him, shank him in the gut, etc. But if he shows up in a Chefs jersey at the game, I'd distance myself from him, and tell him he has had fair warning, and that you don't have his back.
I think you're right, you should fear for his life.
The Oakland Raiders are in THE HUNT!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=BCD08A8EB2216AC709D8A5D73EA332A3?id=09000d5d802e784d&template=with-video&confirm=true
In other news...
The Raiders, after rushing for 299 yards Sunday, lead the NFL at 194.2 rushing yards per game and at 5.3 yards per carry.
Asked if he has a quarterback controversy on his hands, Kiffin said: "I'm sure we do."
He said Daunte Culpepper is the starter for now, but only because Josh McCown's left foot remains in a protective boot. Kiffin's stance could change if McCown recovers in time for the San Diego game, he said.
I would never wear a Raiders jersey to Arrowhead and I'm sure it works the same way going the other direction. I value my life and you should value your friends as well. Me and my best bud (who's a huge Chefs fan) went to see a Raiders/Donkey's game in Oakland a few years ago. He dressed in Raiders gear to avoid any trouble and he admitted that he thought he looked pretty good in silver & black. I snapped a couple of pictures of him at the stadium just to remind him that at one time he was technically a Raiders fan! This could be a great time to brainwash your friend. "Come to the dark side".
Vic Carrucci has an interesting thing to say about the Raiders. Feel the love now......
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d802e784d&template=with-video&confirm=true
You see how the press starts things going. Basically what Kiffin said was it's two weeks until the next game. "I don't have to make a decision right now so I won't." What Kiffin has made very plain, to me at least, is that Russell is the Raiders QB, but he's not yet ready. In the mean time, based on Culpepper's performance in the game, Culpepper is the current starter - but two weeks from now someone else might step up. What he doesn't want anyone to do is relax.
>>>
I would never wear a Raiders jersey to Arrowhead and I'm sure it works the same way going the other direction.
>>>>
The only time I haven't warn my Raider gear to Arrowhead was when I needed to scalp tickets. I figured they would either not sell them to me or try to rip me off if they knew I was from the Darkside.
I usually didn't have too many problems except for the Xmas eve game a few years back... I think it was so cold that everyone there was drunk as a skunk and ornery... gawd did some of them get obnoxious towards me.
Never had any altercations though... mostly just toothless moronic "Raiduhs suck" and threats to piss on my Raiders poncho.
I usually just ignored them or said "Merry Xmas" and they lost interest quickly.
Thanks for the advice guys. (Chefs)
I'm sure I can get him to at least be ready to "transform" out of the Chef crap. Then I'm sure once reality hits him (or a bottle) he will try to blend in.
Problem is he's a ballsy guy and might be too proud. It will be hard to watch him get beat down if there are too many guys. Oh well, fair warning, right?
Psycho
>>>>
"I'm going to the Chefs game in a few weeks and one guy in our crew is a Chef fan. We warned him, but he insists on wearing a Chef jersey.
>>>>
From the three games at the HOT I went to, I think if he plays it cool and has Raider fans as an escort he'll be alright. If he does any taunting at all, I'd tell him to be prepared to get a beer shower.
Of all the stadiums I have been to, I think the Raiders have the least visiting colors of any... there's prolly a reason for it.
gary,
I guess it's like rolling dice. I know a Dolt fan who sat in the black hole with a gay baby blue Dolt jersey watching the Dolts win. Then I've seen squauds of guys march around looking for Jets fans to beat up. No Chef experience though.
Psycho
I went to a game against the donkeys. There was a guy there with a donkey jersey on, and he was baiting people.
A drunken Raider fan started to go get him to toss him over the rail, but he was intercepted by two sober Raider fans and misdirected. One of the sober Raider fans went and got in the jackass' face and gave him some brief instructions regarding survival. And a security guard parked himself nearby for the remainder of the game. That's the only direct experience that I can impart.
To those that criticize the Raiders for low passing yards, Why pass when you can run the ball? Esp when you are winning. That's just smart play.
janFran
Psycho,
I travel back to Raider games every year and have taken one of my three boys with me each time.
I have sat around Chef, Donkey and Dolt fans each time (only 3-4 per section), some wearing jerseys, some wearing normal clothes...but you KNEW they were rooting for their team.
Each time I have gone back, I have sat in areas where Raiders fans were pretty cool to them as long as they were fairly well behaved. Definitly verbal jousting going on, but no altercations.
I believe for the most part, the behavior of your friend will dictate the amount of abuse he will endure.
If you say he is a "ballsy" guy, then he must be prepared to take it like a man. You reep what you sew.
Good luck,
azraider63
P.S. I will be back for the Dec 2nd game vs the Donkeys and taking my youngest son for his first time.
Congratulations to the Raidas for beating the Miami Dolphins. You guys actually looked like a football team for a change. Must be a nice feeling, huh? Talking to my cousin, a two game winning streak to him is like winning the Super Bowl. I love to see the Dolphins go down in flames, so thanks for making me happy for one week Raiders!
P.S. And thanks again for Randy Moss! How is John Bowie turning out for ya? (haha sorry couldn't resist)
Hey, Pattie...
How's the cheatin' going?
Wow... four straight astericks for Shady Brady and Bill Bilicheat.
Patsi,
There is NO WAY Moss would have played for us the way he is playing for you guys.
As far as I'm concened, if Bowie never plays a down for us, the trade was still worth it to rid ourselves of his cancerous nature on our team. Now that he is happy, he will play and play well...congrats to you...for now.
As far as comparing this group of Raider fans to the ones you hang out with (acting as if we won the Super Bowl)...stop painting the world with a broad brushstroke.
You really need to spend more time with your family or whatever the hell you do instead of spending time on this site. I'm beginning to think you are actually a closet Raider fan.
azraider63
Is the Patsie fan actually trying to sound magnanimous? News flash...Moss is still a cancer. He’s just in remission.
Yeah. Raiders have won two in row without cheating. Can the Pats say that? (Sorry, I couldn’t resist either.)
Your Raider fan acquaintance needs to find a new friend, not someone with a Napoleon complex who surfs Raider sites - as a fair-weather Patsie fan - to make himself feel superior.
Not that we give a rats ass what anybody thinks about us- Vic Carucci has us at #12 in his power rankings this week at NFL.com. The words gettin out boyz. The Raiders are commin back!
RaiderMike
Closet Raider fan? haha that is a good one. I have been a season ticket holder for the Patriots since the early 80's, dating back to the Sullivan Stadium days (before it became Foxboro), so I am hardly a Johnny-Come-Lately bandwagon fan. I stated previously that I came across this site when I googled the JaMarcus Russell holdout and this web blog came up. I read it, commented on it, and the rest is history. My cousin is a die hard Raider fan and we get together every weekend to watch both the Raiders and Patriots games on the ticket, when the Patriots are on the road of course.
With that being said, the cheating "scandal" is such a mild, blown out of proportion incident, that I am not surprised that Raider fans who have whined about refs and the NFL offices for years would take a minor thing such as the videotaping and run it into the ground. All 32 NFL teams videotape the opposing team's coaches, it is a fact of life. You really think Oakland does not do that? If so, I have some swampland in Florida I would like to sell ya. It was blown out of proportion because the New York media made it an "outrage" since it was done against their beloved Jets. So what, we lost a first rounder, big freakin deal, we still have the Niners first round pick, and it looks like they are going to tank the season anyway, so my Patriots will still draft probably in the top 12. So if you think that losing draft picks are going to stop the all mighty juggernaut that is the Patriot machine, well you are sadly mistaken. If the NFL teams are so outraged over the supposed cheating of the Patriots, why doesnt anyone of them step up and do something about it? I am still waiting for that to happen. This team is going to go 15-1 or 14-2 and will win their fourth Lombardi since 2001. Who is going to stop us?
Pat Fan-
It's sad that you, like so many of your ilk, refuse to accept that you cheated and take shame in it. You don't have to stop cheering for your team, but at least be man enough to call out the fact that your team cheated and hold them accountable. If every other team in the league is doing it why have the Patriots not only been the only team caught, but warned on several occasions in the past? Why would they flaunt the mandate put forth by the commissioner at the start of the season that specifically said not to do what they did? And in the first week of the season?
Arrogance. The same arrogance that you are showing right now. You've heard of a poor loser? You, like so many other Pat fans, are a poor winner.
You laugh at the penalty given by the league- as well you should, since it was a slap on the wrist. You should hold your team to a higher standard. You should have been punished more severely, if for no other reason than the arrogance your team showed by defying a league mandate the first opportunity it had. And if you were a true fan (of the game of football and not just your team) you would have accepted the punishment and cheered for your team to overcome it and clean up its act.
Mike Ditka had it right in a pregame conversation about the topic- no matter what happens to the Patriots, good or bad, this will always taint their legacy. It has put doubt in everyone's mind about how the recent Pat teams accomplished what they did regardless of whether or not they actually cheated. Why aren't other teams doing something about it? Because that's the job of the league commissioner. The league actually made it worse when they conveniently and quickly destroyed all of the "evidence" the Pats turned over.
Your arrogance will get the better of you. And even if your Pats go undefeated and win it all this year, it will be a hollow victory when you lack the respect of those people you consider you inferiors.
Remember, it's not just what you achieve that's important- it's how you go about achieving it.
Ok guys, go to the following link:
http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=players-air-and-ground
Fargas is nominated for the Fedex Air and Ground player of the week.
After what he did for us, the least we can do for him is thank him by voting. He's in the running with some Patsy that had 60 yards less and played the whole game.
Vote early and often.
H
If they're not man enough to call it a fumble, they probably won't be man enough to call it cheating.
The Moss argument is fallacious. It's like saying the Eagles should have kept T.O. Remember, they got a lot better last year after he left.
When you have a cancer, you cut it out. I don't give a rat's ass if that cancer turns into a bouquet of flowers in some other location. All I know is that it was killing me, so I cut it out.
What Moss did in Oakland was literally unforgivable. He quit early and often. He is not welcome here. Lucky you, he found a true soul mate in Bill Belichick.
I'll take Lane Kiffin and company any day over those two, because I like to root for people I like, not people who are unlikeable, not people who quit when the going gets tough, and certainly not people who cheat.
Three Super Bowl victories by a slim total of nine points + entrenched cheating = loss of credibility.
Patsie boy trolling a Raider blog again ... because his cousin is a Raider fan? That is some pretty shallow reasoning. I have friends that are Niner fans, Charger fans, Bengal fans, etc. Do I go on those teams sites/blogs and provoke their fans? Of course not. The fact that you always come on this site, sticking your chest out, making snide remarks is a sad commentary on your own self esteem. Get a life Patsie boy. I look forward to the not too distant future when the Raiders roll over the Patsies.
Sorry Patsie Boy, of course you are not a closet Raider fan. You just enjoyed "coming out of the closet" didn't you?
Seriously, move on to something else. Go troll a Dolphin's blog or something. Oh, wait, you don't have a cousin who's a Fish fan.
Who cares if you have any relatives at all. At least your cousin was spawned from a better gene pool than you. Here's an idea, start your own blog and call it:
"My Cousin Patsie", coming soon to an NFL blog near you.
I have to say, despite your obnoxious behavior, you at least know how to spell better than "faida boy".
Now run along Pastie and go play somewhere else.
azraider63
Let me see if I can put it politely. Sorry, I can't. Ole' Anon Patsy fan is a coward. He's been challanged several times and refuses to walk the walk, so to speak.
He reminds me of those people who have no life, and doesn't like other people having fun. So, since we have fun here he can't stand it.
Therefore, he sits around in the dark in womens underware trying to make himself feel relevant. Then he comes here in a vain attempt to get attention like a three year old.
Truth be told, he is about as relevant as a fly buzzing around an elephants butt waiting for a load of dung so he can have lunch.
Ergo, I recommend we just ignore our little three year old and continue talking about our team.
H
patsy fans are non-stop chattering right now, because a quarter of the way through the season they are dominating.
they still have to play the cowboys and colts on the road. what is going to happen when in one of those games (more than likely dallas) tom brady gets injured? what's going to happen if that is the start of a 4 game losing streak?
you may laugh now patsy fan, but any given sunday, it can change that quick on ya.
FUNNY DENVER NEWS!!!
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7291754
Apparently there is a large group of pot heads in Denver who are pushing to get Ricky Williams, saying he would "feel right at home". If this were a group in Oakland the entire media would have a field day with it.
Panty - You should take this ammunition over to your Donko blogs.
Psycho
H,
DirecTV is in the process of updating how they broadcast HD. They are moving away from the HD Tivo (HR10-250) to a DirecTV DVR (HR20). It's similar, but not quite a Tivo. What is really important about this is that they have changed the satellite (now a 5 LNB). If you get DirecTV currently, you should be able to upgrade to HD.
I'd look into it. That way you can keep the Sunday Ticket & get your HD.
Thanks Pope, I'll check with them. I still might have a tree problem. It's a pretty narrow gap I get my signal through now. I'd rather move than go back to cable.
Raider Nate, you are correct sir. Thus far the teams the Patsies have played are a combined 4 - 12. Our opponents are 7 - 9 so far.
I'll give them their due. They are blowing folks out. But if Brady gets hurt and Randy gets a hangnail they could have a rough spot. Especially if Cancer Man gets shut down a couple of games and starts pouting.
H
Patsy:
Don't worry. If Brady goes down, I doubt that it will make much of a difference. He wasn't much in college, but it's a whole lot easier when you know what defense is coming at you. So I predict a long line of "great" Patsy QBs that will continue as long as Bilicheat is the head coach.
Always the last defense of a cheater... "Everybody does it."
What the Patsies need is a real down to earth humiliation. This week's game against the Brownies is perfect.
Prediction: Browns 28, Patsies 26
After all, the Browns did put up 50+ points a couple weeks ago. A couple misfires by Brady, a couple drops by Moss, and the Moss cancer will begin to show it's ugly face again.
H
You could "wait" until the trees "accidentally" burn down, preferably Saturday morning at 2:00 AM before the games play on Sunday. Wink wink.
Psycho
Psycho,
Thanks for the suggesion, but I'm afraid I'd have to take out a couple of neighbors also. I'm not sure how they would react. Some of these trees are over 75 feet.
Did everyone vote for Fargas in the FedEx Air and Ground player of the week yet. Just go to NFL.com.
H
Brain dead, Nancy Gay continues her assault on all things Raiders.
Sure the Raiders won, but Miami is truly terrible. And poor Cam received Culpepper's revenge for something she says Saban did. And Cam would have been happy with Culpepper, but Culpepper clearly wanted out because he asked the NFLPA for arbitration.
Well, Nancy, if I got escorted out of my office to the street, and told to not come around here anymore, I'd want to be "released" from my employer as well. Nancy loves to "set the record straight" unless the record has to do with the Raiders. Then the record becomes as muddled as her logic.
She has criticism for Kiffin as well. Not only has he fired everyone over his age, he's still not listening to Nancy in regard to how she'd run the team.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2007/10/03/SPPGSIGVL.DTL
We trade moss to the patsies and eliminate a ton load of cap money, at the same time we eliminate a cancer.
We bring in Dante, Rhodes, Williams, McCown, Warren, etc and we are still paying less money for all those guys combined.
Like the beer comercial says "BRILLIANT"
Bama7
We should be trying to pick-up some defensive help now. LB & safety at the very least. We're all saying, "if the patties lose Brady or Moss...", but what if we lose Howard or Morrison or both? I don't think we'd have one capable LB on the entire squad. Too thin, and think how good we'd be with another good LB.
and as for safety, we have absoluely no hitters.
I hate:
Mart Shittenheimer, Shinyhand, Donkos & fans, Steelers & fans, Joey Porter, Jeremy Stephens, Walt Coleman, Joe Theisman, Chefs & fans, Dolts & fans, Barbara Streisand, Waiting in line, ESPN, traffic, Nancy Gay, idiots (see Nancy Gay), tuck rules, QB safety rules, Patsies & fans, waiting for Sunday, losing on Sunday, losing on Monday, losing on Thursday, losing on Saturday, not winning, failing to score more points than the other team, sh*t talkers, haters, mediots, Tony Serougusa, San Francisco, Mike Lombardi, hearing about the Dolphins '72 season, cold sores, being kicked in the balls, losing, my job, non-Raider football, red, eating with mouth open, losing, watching Rich Gannon break his neck, losing Eric Turner & Leon Bender & Run Run & Hall, bandwagoners, not having a color option of silver and/or black, nagging wives, hangovers, losing, missing a Raider game, Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers.
Someone had to break the silence.
Psycho
Blandarocked,
This just in, Nancy Gay doesn’t like the Raiders.
The woman is bordering on pathological in her dislike for all things Silver and Black.
Now, how is it Nick Saban’s fault? He benched Culpepper because he was ineffective at the time. His knee had not completely healed. That’s what you do, if for no other reason than to prevent further injury.
Saban didn’t have him escorted off the facility. The current administration did.
Besides, Saban is another one of those coaches the media thinks is the Antichrist. He wouldn’t tell them in November he might go to Alabama. Then when he did go, after the season, it was “how dare he lie to the media.” Even though they spread rumors and innuendo all the time. Their sanctimony gets to me sometimes.
Oh well.
One more item in the “Case for Culpepper”. Did you notice how quick the ball was delivered to Porter on the touchdown pass? The quicker the ball gets there the less time the defense has to react and close the gap.
H
H:
It wasn't so much the speed of the ball when it got there, it was the accuracy. The first worked only because Culpepper put where only Porter could reach it. The second split two defenders and hit Porter right in the hands.
Then there's the difference between when McCown runs, and when Pep runs. An LB sees McCown coming, and the LB can't wait for the hit (crash/tinkle). An LB sees Pep coming, and the LB tries to position himself so it won't hurt too bad.
Bama7
I don't understand the Kiffen/McCown fascination at all.
How sick will y'all be if Spanos fires AJ Smith and beggs Shotty back? It's seems pretty clear that Shotty is a great coach. I don't think he's won in the playoffs because his teams are not as good, talent-wise, as everyone thinks. Who were his stud receivers in KC? Who were his stud receivers in San Diego? Shotty just creates a really tough/physical team.
The Dolts are a totally different team without him!! Reminds me of KC after he left... we finally started beating the Chiefs.
Dolt fans are screaming for him to come back. Al should pay him to be a "consultant".
It's human nature to resist change. The Chargers will continue to try to fix what is wrong until they realize they can't. Norv Turner is not head coaching material. Any Raiders fan can tell you that. He epitomizes wishy washy.
The Dolts have just enough talent to keep Norv in the status quo for at the rest of this season. Hell, if Art Shell had won one or two more games last year, he'd still be our coach. Change is tough to implement.
nyraider:
As much as I supported Shell through most of last season, I'm sure glad he didn't win those two extra games. In a way, Moss' aligator arms worked to our benefit.
From Raiders.com
Culpepper was voted AFC Offensive Player of the Week. “Overall, Culpepper completed five of 12 passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns for a 102.4 quarterback rating, and rushed seven times for 28 yards and three scores. His runs of four and two yards also provided the Raiders with first downs. The Raiders converted 9-of-15 third down opportunities.”
Can somebody please make a case for McCown to start, because I’m gonna need to rationalize it internally if Kiffin gives him the ball back... just to keep my sanity.
Meanwhile, somebody pinch me because I still can’t believe we’re the #1 rushing team in the NFL after four weeks.
The McCown/Culpepper situation under Kiffin.
NYRaider, I see it this way. McCown's job this year is to push Culpepper. Culpepper's job this year is to push McCown. The strongest pusher between the two gets to start.
Kiffin says "everything counts." That means you can't rest on your laurels in practice. If Culpepper were to go through the next week and a half with an "I showed 'em" attitude, McCown would get the start so long as he spent that week and a half wresting the starting job from Pep.
We don't like it, but that's how you change the culture. And since we very likely won't even have McCown or Culpepper around next season, Russell learns this current culture by watching it play out.
And one added note...
If we see Russell earn some playing time this season for reasons other than extensive injuries, we'll know he got the job by fully buying into that culture.
Blandarocked,
You are correct about the accuracy. When you can get it there that quick and that accurate the coverage has to be damn good to stop it. He'll make a mistake on occasion, they all do. I just think he would make fewer than McCowan.
Remember after the first two pre season games Kiffin said we were running the ball well. But it was one yard, two yards then long runs. He said he wanted to see more four and five yard runs and less one and two yarders.
The last three games have been exactly that.
H
Blanda-
From someone who could rest on their laurels in terms of performance, (your many past insightful comments) you nailed it. The culture needs drastic change and this is a way to do it. In most work environments having to look over your shoulder constantly may be demoralizing but in the world of the nfl I think it works.
I like how Kiffin is keeping everyone on their toes and heads on a swivel. From day 1 he preached "Everything you do counts ... from on the field and off the field".
I hear him constantly praising the players who are going the extra mile with after practice sessions, film study, and conditioning.
The other thing that I really appreciate about Kiffin is his expectations. He sincerely believes the team should be 4 & 0 right now.
The way that he communicates to the press is shrewd and savvy. There seems to always be an underlying message that the team needs to do more, could do better, that there is still unfinished business. It builds upon itself and raises the bar and level of accountability.
You faida fanatics will all be brought back into reality when the San Diego Chargers beat the holy crap out of your "super bowl" bound team, ha ha ha ha haa...You IDJEETS realy think because the faidas beat 2 of the lowest ranked teams in the NFL that you are now a legitimately competative team? Ha ha ha ha....that's the biggest laugh of all, and it's on all of you BUFFOONS who are talking playoffs....Just wake from the horrible dream babies, keep defending the "notion". You will finish 2-14, The amazing KARNAK has spoken.
Ah, I see the cross dresser has returned.
H
Quick note on improvement:
Our conference record is 2-1. Last year after 16 games it was 1-1.
I have officially moved my glass to 85.7% full. I almost wish we were playing this Sunday. But, Jordan needs the time to heal. Newberry could use the extra time also. And, Rhodes needs to get the reps in.
Any word on who will be released to make room for Rhodes, or do we get a two week roster exemption in this case?
By the way, the open field tackling is improving. Especially by our linebackers and corners. Safeties are still a work in progress.
Best preseason pickups in the league thus far (after the first camp opened), in my humble opinion, belong to the Raiders. Culpepper and Warren.
H
Changing the culture is almost old news now. The Kiffin philosophy is becoming entrenched with this team. Look at Stu and even Huff now looking over their shoulders. Both these guys are one rep away from being replaced as starters (20 games played together at S and no interceptions). Washington can attest to that, because Routt has his job.
However, I’m not sure that will work, or is completely necessary with Russell. First of all, once he goes in, Kiff will have to let him take his lumps. It’s part of the maturation process. The QB rotation happening right now in AZ with Leinart and Warner is a big mistake IMO (I hope we don’t head that direction with Pep and McCown). Plus, Russell has a quiet arrogance that he knows he can be great... and he’s probably right.
H-
Rhodes will need a roster spot by this Sunday or Monday, as the Raiders officially begin their week of preparation for their upcoming 5th game (hence the end of his 4-game suspension).
Bama7
I really think we're going to trade for some defensive help soon. We're near the bottom in total defense and it is fairly obvious that while our defense is athletic and talented, it is also thin and lacking hitters. I love the resurgence we're showing, but want to see us jump in the mix with the Colts and Patriots. The NFL is wide open right now... so many weak teams. Let's get some hitters on this defense and get in the playoffs. I thought maybe Ward was a hitter but I think it was Ward that Ronnie Brown absolutely steamrolled on the goal line. That was man to man and Brown killed him.
Haterism at its best:
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/7292922
Psycho
Psycho:
That was great man!
Exactly how I feel, just one name missing in my book my man Stacy Toran!
raiderdecoachella
Bama7
I agree Psycho... it seems some of the claims are a bit too convenient for the writer... and yet I'm a guy that agrees with the writer overall, that Davis is the reason for our misery of late... so many personnel mistakes. But in Davis' defense, most everyone had Jake Grove and Gallery as the top center and tackle in that draft. That was good drafting by Davis, they just haven't panned out as well as expected. And the QB assertions by the writer aren't very convincing... yes I too would have rather had Cutler or Lienhart over Huff but for him to dimiss Russell as overwight exposes this guys bias. It was a strange comment. As for Huff, he was supposedly the best CB, SS & FS in his draft... but it was widely noted that he was a bit undersized for the SS position, so why have had him there so much? He's a FS.
As for Gibson, the book on him coming out was that he was a liability in coverage (proved true). Heap was as good as advertised.
I think as far as Gibson is concerned, he may not have been the right safety to pick, but picking up a safety at the time was the right pick.
Dudley had only been with us one season, and he looked like he might come around. And his physical characteristics were almost perfect. We had just lost in the playoffs to the Ravens because of very poor play by our safeties, particularly SS. So picking up a safety was right. Picking up Gibson may have been the wrong call.
This is what bugs me about the mediots. They report in a vacuum. A player didn't work out so they say that the pick was a stupid pick. They don't consider what was going on with the team at the time, or what the team's identifiable needs were.
Read this article about Howard.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/413987.html
That's the quality that Gibson lacked. Whenever I heard Gibson being interviewed, he always impressed me as not being very bright. He was an excellent athlete, but never really learned how to play his position in the NFL. He could be a devistating hitter, but he could never find the man he was supposed to hit.
Blanda!
Isn't it time for part 2 of our on going novel!
The crowd is eagered and unpatiently waiting for it!
raiderdecoachella
Psycho,
You beat me to that one. However, on Gibson. At the time, he was rated either 1 or 2 at safety depending on which "expert" was talking.
But, don't you just love these guys who can see things so clearly four and five years after the fact. Talk about your reverse clairvoyance.
By the way, on the Thomas article, I read a couple of months back that Howard and Morrison are best friends now and room together on the road. And, he came very close to his second touchdown on Sunday.
Thanks for the info NYRaider. I wasn't up to snuff on that rule.
Here's a quote from Rhodes:
"I beat myself up because I know that I could have been putting together some pretty big games," Rhodes said. "Other times I was just saying, 'You made your bed, so lay in it. That's what it is. You have to deal with this. You'll be back.' Something good is going to come out of it. I think everything happens for a reason."
Talk about taking responsibility for your own actions. Compare that to the Merrimans and Mosses of the league.
H
H,
Morrison was on the Silver&Black Show last week (Ch.2 very early morning).
He confirmed they are roommates and good friends. They call them the "Law firm of Morrison & Howard" around Alameda.
Psycho
Maybe over the weekend. There won't be a Raider game this weekend so I might have time.
Mr. Davis always has his reasons...
Why didn't we hire Petrino? According to PFT:
"Per our new guy who'll soon be unveiled as the dude to carry the flag for CollegeFootballTalk.com, there are rumors that Falcons coach Bobby Petrino is very dissatisfied with his NFL gig and that he could be eyeing the Tigers job if coach Tommy Tuberville is gone after the 2007 season."
From Kiffin, I get the feeling that he's never had so much fun in his life.
Think about this.
The Raiders become a trend setter utilizing a three back rotation. Three different styles, all equally effective with this blocking system. All with fresh legs. Coming in at any time.
Next year all teams will be trying to do the three back rotation.
It's going to be quite a quandry when Bush comes off the PUP.
H
I see we worked out Whitted.
Anybody know if Gabriel landed anywhere?
I don't understand Whitted being worked out unless there is an injury or Kiffin is losing patience with either Higgins or Williams.
H
i bet we try to trade walter and fargas (if bush comes off the pup) to the bears for some d-men. other possibilities could be st louis, san francisco, baltimore, or maybe even cincinatti.
After that performance on Sunday it would have to be at least two players for Fargas by himself.
Tampa is also looking for running back help since Carnell Williams is out for the season.
Do you think Monte Kiffin would be willing to deal some of his players to his son in order to help the Tampa offense?
The NFL would surely step in and call that collusion.
H
On Gibson's IQ... do you remember in the tuck game when late in the game he stood over the punt on the goal line and let it roll into the endzone? If I coulda jumped through my teevee screen and strangled him he'd be dead and I'd be in jail for life. That cost us the game almost as much as Coleman playing god with the replay.
Also the writer saying that if we picked Lienert, we coulda also picked CJ this year... uhh, we had two of the worst QB's in the NFL and we lost like 5 games by less than a TD... I think Leinart coulda delivered at least a few more wins for us last year thus out of the top two.
harumph. lol
>>>
H said...
I don't understand Whitted being worked out unless there is an injury or Kiffin is losing patience with either Higgins or Williams.
>>>>
Dumping Higgins after that fumble would really send a message to this team... almost as much as benching Stuey? Ahhh, one can dream.
Gary,
I wouldn't think a single fumble would do it. Every return man in the league has fumbled at one time or another. Some have even fumbled and scored in the same game.
Besides, sending a message for a single fumble is a bit extreme. No second chance and I don't remember him fumbling before.
I would think it's because he just hasn't performed in the return game as expected. I think his return average is pretty low.
H
Seems like the Whitted workout continues the competition theme. And guessing the message is meant for Williams.
H-
single fumble + cut =
David Dunne
So, what you are saying is if a return man fumbles he should be cut automatically. Zero tolerance.
Think about how many people would be out of jobs with that kind of management philosophy even outside sports. Think about how many of us would be unemployed. I had a Sergeant Major tell me once, "Never be afraid to screw up. Cause if you don't screw up once in a while you're not doing your job. Just learn from it and don't keep screwing up the same way."
If that's the way Kiffin operates McCowan would have been released after week one. So I'm not buying it. There would have be more to it than the one fumble if it were in fact something to do with Higgins. After all, we are just guessing.
H
This just in:
Travis Henry may be suspended for a year for failing a drug test.
However, he is suing the league to keep them from using the test results against him.
Quote from the article:
"Henry fired the first salvo in the case Sept. 20 when he attempted to get a restraining order in Suffolk County Supreme Court to block the NFL from using a urine specimen against him and to stop the league from disclosing the test results."
To read the entire article use this link:
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/ny-sphenry1005,0,826731.story
I wonder what the boys over at Mule Talk are saying about this one.
H
H: I agree with you that it is extreme to cut a player for 1 fumble. I saw Curry's 1st game vs. SF when he was activated from the practice squad. He saw action as a punt return man ... the very first time he touched the ball as a pro he fumbled the punt. How would all of you feel if we never gave Curry the time to blossom? I think Higgins has the potential to be a game breaker / playmaker. The talent is there it is just a matter of getting the opporunity to shine. Maybe Kiffin will start rotating Carr with Higgins on punt returns to create some competition and send a message.
As far as the 3 pronged RB committee ... why not 4? Jordan, Fargas, Rhodes, and Bush ... each getting carries depending on productivity/down/distance/opponent. For example, once Bush gets activated, I could see him used in goal line situations and even 2 RB sets. With Kiffin's playcalling and Cable's OLine system in place, the possibilities are limitless and the backs interchangeable.
H-
I was just pointing out an instance where a single fumble did do it. I am not advocating for or against zero tolerance.
Something needs to be done on the return part of the game. I think we can agree on that.
On the possible suspension of Henry:
Is it just me or does this season seem to have all the planets aligning in favor of the Raiders.
SD >>> Norv Turner era. Enough said
KC >>> No QB, very weak offense, and Herm at the controls
Den >>> Henry suspension, multiple injuries ... seem to be slipping back to the pack
Oak >>> scoring 25.5 points per game and #1 rushing team with new dynamic Head Coach
I know it is only 4 games into the season but this division is wide open. Frankly, I would not be the least surprised if the division winner goes 9 & 7 and the cellar dweller 7 & 9.
memdf,
Even with the David Dunn situation I'm not sure that was the only thing. It may just have been the last straw.
Henry is also hobbling around. Rumor is the Mules will try to recoup some of his bonus money if he is suspended. Can you say Ashley Lelie.
I have a feeling that is why Henry is fighting this so hard. He's guilty, but doesn't want to give back any money.
It's these types of situations Al Davis was looking at in the Russell negotiations.
I also refer to my 10:12 AM post where Rhodes takes full responsiblilty for his sutuation. Compare that to Henry.
H
Calico,
I'm with you. Things seem to be lining up. But the boys still have to take advantage of the situation.
H
I’m sure you guys realize that if (errrr when) we beat SD, the proverbial finger will point to Norv Turner not being competent to handle the talent he has at his disposal, and not to the Raiders who are ascending as a formidable team.
henry should have been suspended even before he failed the test. he should have been suspended or disciplined for not paying his child-support.
not only will he lose bonus money, he's going to lose big with child support payments; especially if he continues to try and go through the "legal" system for doing "illegal" things. idiot!
i also find it humorous that fox sports was riding the chargers' jock before the season began, even picking them to win the super bowl, and then they throw out an article by michael rosenberg who says, "Norv Turner has been an utter failure so far for the Chargers. Why you'd have expected any different?"
something we've been banging here all offseason. bandwagoners.
I continue to be mystified that anyone hired norvall...again!
I don't want the donkeys to p/u a game but it would be nice to see the dolts dynasty (snicker)crumble. Long live king norv!
It might also make the donks rematch in Oaktown a fun time. We owe them one......
Just days after that group of pot heads in Denver were calling for Rickey Williams, this Henry thing comes out. Funny, funny stuff. I hope the DO get Rickey Williams so we can watch this happen yet again!
I saw Rickey flat out lie to Deion Sanders during that interview, saying he was completely clean and claiming to be a changed man. Then he failed another test.
Hopefully Rickey stays clean just long enough to make the Denver squad and then falls off the wagon.
Psycho
h,
Posting at 4 am!
You should be a reporter, dedication you have shown it since you first started posting in this site.
raiderdecoachella
Re Norvall.
Nate, if we were the dolts, the press would be blaming the SD collapse on Al Davis' interference.
Except they'd be right in SD. You don't change HCs after a 14-2 season, whether you make the SB or not. When Norv was here, Al Davis got the blame from the media. After all, Norv is such a nice guy, it must be Davis' fault.
The problem with coaches like Norv and Bugel, is that they are not forceful, they're ass kissers. They will do whatever it is that they think Al Davis wants done. However, every successful Raiders HC has said time and again that Al Davis does not want ass kissers. He wants HCs who know what they want well enough to explain it to Al, and if they can do that, Al will provide for them what they want. In my time as a Raiders fan, those coaches have been:
Madden
Flores
Shell I*
Gruden*
Kiffin
The star next to Shell I is because I think Shell was able to talk to Davis, but Shell's weakness was always his limited offensive strategy. No coach ever depended more on his OC.
The star next to Gruden is because Gruden was perfectly capable of confronting Davis, but hated to do it and didn't think he should have to. I think Kiffin, on the other hand, loves that aspect of coaching for the Raiders. Remember when Davis, Bill Walsh, and Kiffin all went out to lunch together. I bet Kiffin was on cloud nine.
Hmmmm. What a dichotomy. Since the Mules and the Dolts can't both loose, what do we hope for?
A further fall from grace for the dolts or the potential of being in first place by ourselves if the Chefs should also loose.
Perhaps, if Jupiter aligns with Mars and all that happy horse manure, San Diego upsets Denver and KC looses.
Now, we would be in first by ourselves. The dolts would be over confident going into our game thinking they had turned the corner.
Should that occur you now have Norv's offense going up against a defensive coordinator who lined up against him every week for two years. One who also sat in on meetings where he discussed his offensive philosophy.
I now like our chances just as much and possibly even more if the lightning heads were to loose.
The BSPN "experts" are picking the dolts by a 4-2 vote and are unanimous with the Chefs loosing.
Quick, stop me before I start singing about planet alignment. It wouldn't be pretty.
H
Raiderdecoachella,
Thanks for the Kudo, but I live in Atlanta it was 7:00 AM for me. Just before starting work. I'm on lunch now.
But, I am dedicated to the boys in Silver and Black.
H
Here's a winner...
The NFL is fining Sapp $5,000.00 for nothing.
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/
I guess if you get cut blocked anywhere in the vacinity of an opposing QB, you're part of the "criminal element."
Bama7
Everything is shaping up nicely for us but we need defensive help. I am impatient and long to see us make the palyoffs THIS YEAR and play the Patties. Need headhunters in order to compete with the big boys.
Blandarocked,
I just read that. I also watched the game again last night. Just how does someone already on their hands and knees tackle an upright quarterback above the knees.
I know Sapp has lost a lot of weight, but that's still about 280 pounds he would have to levitate.
H
We need to look long and hard at our safeties. I think it was J-Mac that commented... Huff and Stu have played about 20 games together as starters, during which time neither player has an interception. I place more emphasis on Stu, because he's had trouble tackling as well... plus he's played longer without a big play.
A lot of us have been saying all along that Huff should be switched to FS. He'll probably play better in open space. That's why getting Darius made so much sense... he's a run stuffer.
Tell me again, why did we let Darius go? He made half the tackles for Miami last week. In fact, if it wasn't for Darius, we'd probably had 400 yards rushing.
Guys,
I got an email notice of a podcast by one David White of the SF Chronical on the Raiders. If you get one, don't bother.
The guy is definately among the hater crowd and he is boring too boot. It was like a five or six minute deal and I shut it down after a little over a minute.
But, that's ok for he who laughs last laughs best.
Also, Darius was released primarily because of his injury history of the last few seasons.
H
darius was also injured when we cut him. he didn't play the last 2 preseason games.
i think if we had stu blitz more on passes, we'd be better off for it defensively. he can't tackle, but at least he can try and get pressure on the opposing qb.
the only thing bothering me about the san diego game is lt. we need to stuff him and force rivers to throw. from what i've seen of our run defense, it's still pretty lacking. the only hope is if we make a trade for a dt before that game.
at this point, i'm rooting for denver (as much as i hate to). i say kick sd down while they're down. we will handle denver, especially after they lose henry.
the same bothers me about kc. once lj gets going, it's going to be tough to stop him.
if you think about it, the run defense shouldn't be a problem. we have the passing defense to stack 8, and let the corners play man, with huff roaming deep middle. then even if they pass, you zone blitz with the 8, and pressure the qb. so i really don't know why this is a problem for us.
Oh the whole safety talk. Let's just hope Huff does not turn into another Patrick Bates. I gave up on Sweigert long time ago.
How bout we trade Sweigert,Walter and a 4rd rounder to Pittsburg for Troy Palomalu.
Bama7
Like the trade Raider Rick... even if we had to give up more. Darius having so many tackles last Sunday made me stop and think... okay why in the heck would we get rid of him... he's fine? Plain dumb when you have no hitters at safety. Dumb. I suppose Schweigert will be one of those guys that we keep around for years, lack of production be damned.
Before we kick SD while their down and hope Denver wins, let's think about the weekend implications. If SD wins and goes 2-3, that leaves Denver 2-3. Then, if KC loses to the Jaguars, thus, also going 2-3, the Raiders are alone in first place .... without playing a snap.
So, as much as it pains me, good luck Norval!
Bama-
Kiffin is already substituting both safeties. I wouldn't expect either to last (as a starter) beyond this year unless they start putting up some highlights.
NYRaider has it Bama. While Washington has apparently lost his starting job to Routt, he's been putting in a lot of time at safety.
Ward has been getting some shots at playing too, but the way he got run over in the last game may diminish his playing time.
I don't remember it being this tough to find decent safeties in the old days. But I figure if we can identify and nab one solid SS we'll be alright. Then we move Huff over to FS, Schweigert can back up both spots, and plug in a stud at SS. We have people to trade. It might be in our best interest to trade a RB since we're about to have a very crowded offensive backfield. We can also trade Walter. Bing wasn't the answer because he couldn't stick with the whiners either.
I also still think that Schweigert might be able to play a decent SS. Yeah, I know, he can't tackle in the defensive backfield, but that's open field tackling. He just might do better up close to the line.
I don't understand some things about Schweigert and the safety situation.
After all these years in football, why is a safety with his initial talent not a good tackler in open space.? Howard's pretty good at it. One of his stops on Miami's tight end was textbook and kept them from getting a first down.
Also, if his open field tackling is a problem, why isn't he putting in overtime working on it? Is there an NFL rule that restricts the amount of time an individual player can workout?
On our run defense. It's a Jekyll and Hyde situation. One series they will stop the opponent for little or no gain. Sometimes for a loss. The next time out they are ripping off 7-8 yards every time they touch the ball.
October 14th will be interesting. We'll see what Kiffin & Company can do with two weeks to plan.
H
just wondering if tom rathman should be getting some praise for our running production?
I love reading all the hype you DIMWITS post after the faidas won 2 insignificent games (NFL standards, choketown faidas standards make these wins unbeleavable struggles and grand accomplishments) I being a realist and a football intellect know that come next Sun. the Chargers lead by the hated Norv T. will bring huge tears to the eyesa of many faida fanatics, most of the intellegent faida fanatics know the outcome of the San Diego game will be the precurser to the "fall from gtace". Enjoy your invulnerability now faida fanatics, the end is near...the clock is ticking down....tic toc, tic toc, you will cry next Sun. along with the girl-boy "coach...miss kiffy" Ha ha ha ha....Just enjoy your victory now babies....keep defending the 'nation' 2-14....
Do you guys hear something? Neither do I...
Bama7
Blamda/NY: But can any of our DB's hit? Just don't understand the Darius move (or huntley or moses). And did we really put Echinobe on waivers? Will Denver not gobble him up? Why not put one of 10 worthless DB's (or Brayton) on waivers just to keep Echinobe from going to Denver?
Rathman definitely deserves some credit. Remember, when he was with Frisco they were running a similar blocking scheme. Also, his running style was similar to Fargas. No flash, no wiggle. Just straight ahead as fast and as hard as you can go.
I couldn't stand those teams, but I did like Rathman. A real lunch pail guy.
The Chefs lost. They avoided a shutout on the last play of the game. Huard injured his throwing shoulder. Croyle took over late. But, you guys know that already.
The Dolts are currently leading the Mules 17-3. But, you know that too.
H
Just an observation. It's only a two game winning streak, so I won't get too excited.
But, USC is supposed to be the top college team in the country. They just lost to Stanford, and struggled the two previous games.
With all apologies to USC fans, what is the difference between us and the Trojans? We have Kiffin and they don't.
Maybe old Al ain't so dumb after all.
H
The Raiders are all alone in 1st Place
...and SD hammered Denver
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