Miami Vice: Crimes Against Football
No one, including you, is surprised that the Dolphins marched down the field in the final minutes for the winning score.
The Raiders have not scored an offensive touchdown in more than 13 consecutive quarters and more than 195 straight minutes of gameplay. Surely we must be on the verge of setting some sort of record?
When you're on your last snap with 13 seconds and no timeouts remaining, with a quarterback who can launch the ball 70+ yards, why do you throw a 15-yard pass across the middle instead of a Hail Mary? Isn't the object to score before time runs out? Why not just fall on the ball and let time run out if you're going to play that way?
posted by Raider Take at 12:46 PM
87 Comments:
The fascination with running Fargas up the middle is incredible.
And Curry is obviously the only WR on our staff that can catch a ball, so we sit him for most of the season until everyone else is too injured to play.
A fourth quarter lead and SOB goes into the soft zone like he has no other choice. A fourth and 5 with the game on the line and SOB rushes 4 and lets the QB stand there like he has no choice.
The good news is Jmark didn't look horrible and clueless for some of the game!
We didn't even get in the shotgun formation to even try a Hail Mary. Still a lack of urgency during two-minute drill. Kwame Harris is killing us with penalties. At least JRuss was more accurate today.
Anyone notice how Miami rotated three RBs throughout the game today? We might want to try that ourselves, especially short yardage with Bush(not to mention up the middle as he's our biggest RB).
Raiderrealist and Gary, I'm afraid we don't have the talent or the imagination at the coaching level to do anything more creative or urgent than what you saw today.
Sad but, based on the evidence, true.
The lack of a Hail Mary on the last play says it all.
The 2008 Raiders offense is an unimaginative, undisciplined, unproductive, poorly coached unit.
10 games covering 61 first half possesions ... 1 single TD. In other words, we score a TD on 1.6% of our first half possessions.
2 FGs, a safety, and special team return TD ... thanks for chipping in, offense.
I could understand running Fargas up the gut for a yard every series if he actually ever accomplished something, but we have been watching him accomplish nothing for two straight years now, and they keep acting like he's going to break one off any year now. Every other team gets four downs to make a first down and we only get three because we have to watch Fargas get his obligatory two yards every series.
Last year I sat with my nephew (who doesn't watch Raider football) in the Metrodome, and he asked me why we keep running Fargas up the gut when it never works... and here we are a year later and he could still ask the same question, and there is a different HC.
Maddening.
The worst coaching in the NFL, hands down.
I was unable to watch the game today, but your brief descriptions say all I need to know. Another winnable game down the tubes.
Will Al Davis ever see the error of his ways, or will he continue to be too stubborn to change?
If we're not running Fargas up the middle, what plays are working? It seems we have nothing we can do with any consistency.
Storminator
Cable has been HC for six games ... in those six games, the Raiders have scored a grand total of 2 TDs. In four of the six games, the offense has zero TDs.
I'm sorry folks but unless the following things happen before the beginning of the 2009 season, we will keep on wining 2 to 5 games per season:
#1: A GM is hired and given real authority on constructing the team and coaching staff. This includes free agency, the draft, and the hiring of a new HC.
#2: The GM must be directly involved in the recruitment, recommendation, and selection of a new HC. This is one of the most important responsibilities of a GM.
#3: The new HC must have the authority to hire his entire coaching staff.
#4: The GM & HC evaluate the entire roster and clean house where fit. Both the GM & HC are directly involved in the draft and free agency process.
Until these things happen, we won't see the type of tangible, sustainable improvements to become a legitimate team.
>>>>>
If we're not running Fargas up the middle, what plays are working?
>>>>
How about Bush up the middle? How about McFadden up the middle?
Fargas has no vision and never has... the only time he breaks anything is when he has a hole that ANYONE can run through... because he seems to have such a slow break away move.
The Raiders prolly have tried to put more effort into their running attack than any other team in the NFL, and Fargas averages 4 yards a carry because of it?
I just don't get this obsession with trying to make Fargas a premier RB. I just don't see it. I didn't see it with Jordan either.
I do see it with McF.. but he has been injured, or playing behind Fargas this year. If he's healthy and sitting on the bench behind Fargas next year... I just might have to end this wild ride.
Even I have my limitations.
The Raiders are DONE for the year and I expect what the owner does......NOTHING. There is no reason for us to win....Cable is a mouth piece and Ryan has wasted 5 seasons of good players. The management is looking for rocks to hide under or perhaps Al's desk...I will not be buying season tickets until what Calico Jack states comes true...No...I will buy a 50" TV and see my team from home. The Raiders lie to me on a regular basis and lack of information turns to national speculation of the worst......Go figure. The Team is an image of its management and until it changes....I will hold onto my money as I encourage others. I will try to see a few games in Oakland but....Not all.....No longer will I pay for lack of commitment and lack of effort. The Raiders do not deserve the fans they profess to be the best in sports.....They are losing money from the lack of concern for the fans.....If Al is trying to move the team with poor numbers then he is well on his way out of Oakland. This is the only thing that makes sense to me. I expect the Raiders to plea to Washington for money to pay for next years top draft. They will not get a penny from me until things change.....Thanks Al....You have lost me....
Calico,
i agree with you, and i know we've discussed this before.
but there are rumors that al davis already has his next victim, er, i mean head coach, in mind...jim harbough.
nothing against harbough, but leave it to al to pick the HC, and then hire a GM.
totally backwards, and classic al davis.
I agree with the anon 9:05 poster. The Raiders will not get a single penny from me for the 2009 season. I will not be making my yearly trip to Oakland, I will not be buying any more Raiders merchandise from the Raider Image Online or Vellas Lockerroom and I will not be making road trips to see them if they happen to be playing an away game within driving distance from where I live. I will watch them on TV and that is it. Until changes are made in the organizational structure of this team, I will be closing my wallet to all things Raiders indefinitely.
You guy are getting way to silly on the Hail Mary thing. The idea was to get the ball to around the 35 or 40 at out of bounds so you have a real shot at a hail mary. The disturbing thing was as Gary pointed out on the 4th and 5 why we didn't have an all out "jail break" at the qb. At 2 and 7 and the game on the line how can you go down with a wimper like that. If Ryan isn't gone at year's end I'm done.
RaiderMike
Now that football season is officially over, I am warming up to the "Hot Stove" of baseball free agency.
I'll be checking in every now and again, but for the majority part, I'm done with this season; and will be watching what happens this offseason (if anything).
One last thing, just read that Jim Fassell is looking to be our next coach.
Raider Mike... I would WELCOME a loss because we blitzed and the QB made a great play to beat us. What I can no longer handle is allowing the QB to stand there and make an EASY play to beat us. And if you think about it.. by never blitzing in crucial situations, it not only makes the QB's job easier, its easier to call plays. Do you think its a coincidence that every crucial medium to long yardage situation we are facing an empty backfield and the TE's all leaving? Why keep extra blockers in when the other team knows we never blitz?
Al's second worst move since the SB was hiring SOB.
Al's worst move since the SB was not FIRING SOB two years ago when he brought in Kiffin.
RaiderMike, I don't think it's too silly to harp on the Hail Mary option, as it reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of clock management and competitive football.
With 13 seconds left and no timeouts, you have to have a designed play that has a CHANCE to work. Instead, we seemed to just drop back to pass with no plan, resulting in a throw up the middle that will run the clock out in that situation EVERY time. What is the point of running a play that gets you to the opponent's 35 yard line with no time left. Might as well fall on the ball if you're going to play like that.
So they did something that would never work instead of something that might work. I've seen Hail Marys work. I've never seen the play we made work in that situation.
Another option would be a quasi-Hail Mary to the sideline upfield, on the off chance that you might catch and get OB and stop the clock with a second or two left for Janikowski. We didn't try that, either.
This is not competitive football.
FOLKS, EVERYBODY KEEPS BLAMING THE COACHING STAFF. IT'S NOT THE COACHING STAFF. THE PROBLEM IS AL DAVIS'S PHILOSOPHY. THIS IS AL'S PLAYBOOK. COACHING STAFF IS ALWAYS BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO. AT LEAST KIFFIN HAD SOME BACKBONE.
RAIDER FANS DON'T GO TO THE NEXT HOME GAME. LET'S BOYCOTT EVERYTHING RAIDER, UNTIL THERE IS SOME MAJOR CHANGE WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION.
I agree with CJ. First hire a respected GM and give him full authority to lend some credibility to this broken organization. Then and only then will a qualified and proven HC even consider going to Oakland. Until that happens we are going to continue to get more of the same, which could mean over a decade of losing seasons.
JF
Going to be long era with Jamurco Busto......
We should follow the lead of bengals fans, and try this idea out:
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2008/11/12/659929/a-bengals-site-has-bought
I know the offense is a mess and is going to remain a mess until the O-line is fixed and we have a real offensive mind calling plays.
RT I just can't focus on the last desperation play selection when Rob Ryan undermined us again (like he did in Buffalo,and home against San Diego). This team is a DISASTER on 3rd down and in crunch time. And it's obvious to all that it is the inability of the defensive coaches to close out a game. I believe with all my heart that NFL games are won or lost with your performance on 3rd down and in crunch time. Enough is enough already. This guy better get the boot. This is getting borderline retarded that this guy still has a job. I didn't want to demean your statement I just want the outrage focused on Ryan.
RaiderMike
Gary let's not forget that Pennington has probably the weakest arm of any QB in the NFL. By forcing him to rush his throw a little you see how easy he is to defend. We saw this a number of times yesterday but when it counted there was no pressure. It's not like he's gonna check down and throw a bomb on 4th and 5 if we load up the box. But why do we know this yet the guys who get paid to figure this out can't. Or are they just pussy's trying to play it safe? I don't get it.
RaiderMike
I hear you Raider Mike. I've beat the Ryan horse dead myself, even before the season started.
Ryan is on scholarship. Everybody knew the soft coverage would happen on that last drive, and that we would lose. That's become as much a signature of the team as the pirate on our helmets during Ryan's tenure.
Ryan once rushed no one and still gave up a crucial completion at home a few years ago.
As for the Hail Mary, it's just hard for me to see an NFL coaching staff unable to call a logical competitive play when down by just two points.
It's the equivalent of a basketball player standing there at half court with one second left, down by one point, and NOT taking the improbable half-court shot, and instead dribbling through the buzzer. It's INSANE and it's an AFFRONT to the game of football.
Don't forget RT how many times on 3rd and 18 or 17 Russell throws a nine yard pass with no running space. I'm not sure if it's his immaturity or bad coaching or both that we do not attempt what needs to be done on offense. I will tell you one thing though, this team has got no balls on either side of the line of scrimmage. These aint your Daddy's Raiders anymore. We consistantly play scared.
RaiderMike
Exactly, and you have to ask yourself, why are they so afraid of losing?
You can't score less than zero touchdowns or give up more game winning drives than we already have.
Wouldn't you just blitz on that last drive, if only for s***ts and giggles, just to do something different than what hasn't worked over and over and over? What's the worst that can happen that hasn't happened already?
Thank-you.
He has got to go.
RaiderMike
Too, the thing about a Hail Mary is that the game can't end on a defensive penalty. Good things can happen when you throw the ball downfield. A completion and step out-of-bounds or a D penalty wins the game.
On the D side, what's Ryan's excuse this time? Same sh**t, different game.
I don't have to even watch the games anymore to know what happened. The D plays competitive all game, then goes into soft coverage when it counts most... ie, when we have a lead.
How is it possible that the 2008 Raiders are worse than the 2006 version?
Been a fan since I was a little fellow-now 44. I can't remember ever not having someone say to me during a season how much they hate the Raiders for all the usual b.s. reasons, now it is pity I get. This is sad, although it does free up time from having to correct the misguided folks' views. I hope we can return to the land of the hated at some point in the near future. You guys all seem to have better ideas than what I've been seeing from the employees of Al. Too bad he-they-are not listening.
Mike in Portland
The never blitzing in key situations seems to me a lack of intelligence more than anything... thats what kills me. Al doesn't know that SOB is a moron? The key to the NFL is UNPREDICTABILITY. Why would anyone have the same defense every single time with every situation?
Plus considering they don't expect us to blitz IT WOULD WORK EVEN BETTER!!!
GAAAAAhhhhh.
Cable is a quality OLine Coach who
has no business being an NFL head coach.
Ryan was a decent LB coach for the Patsies but is a spineless, clueless DC. The blitz is probably the most important tool in any DC tool bag yet Ryan refuses to use this tool to be a game changer.
Knapp struggled as a play caller and is partly responsible for the offensive ineptitude.
The offense is so bad that it is on it's way to the moniker of "worst offensive football team in modern history".
On 4th and 5 and the game on the line, how many Raider fans would complain if Ryan called an all out blitz?
With a few seconds on the clock, how many Raider fans would be upset to see JaMarcus air out his $66M arm on a "Hail Mary"?
How many Raider fans would get mad at the coaching staff attempting to be more creative by trying some trick plays?
Blitzing, Hail Marys, trick plays ... at the very least it would be a team with a competitive pulse.
You've got Curry, Bush, and McFadden who are more than capable of taking a direct snap ... you've got defensive players who would love to be turned loose at the QB. You've got a QB who can throw the ball 70 yards with the flick of his wrist. What is holding us back is a mentality of playing not to lose. Unfortunately, the Raider players take the cue and emulate the coaching staff's meek ways.
i don't know if it's fear, or just a comfort with losing the raiders have.
for the most part, the players are always brought back.
and rob ryan has survived several coaching changes.
the huge paychecks keep rolling in, so why change anything ?
the only person that pays a penalty for losing is the hapless head coach.
and as calico said, they usually are not qualified to be a HC in the first place.
there is nothing and no one driving change in oakland. the HC is fired, but the players, ryan, and other al faves, remain to keep the losing culture intact.
they are paid very well for their losing. losing has given them great job security.
they see no reason to change.
Apparently, Al Davis got his wish, and is now more involved with the team than he was with Kiffin. J-Mac reports Curry had been informed of his roster demotion by Davis, and not the head coach.
Are the coaches so afraid of Al Davis that they can't do their jobs?
Personally, I don't expect anything to change in 2009. We will have another high draft pick, sign a couple overpriced FAs, hire a retread coach, then Al Davis will steer the ship in the same direction he has for the last 6 years, with Rob Ryan as his lead ass-kisser. That's if history tells me anything.
Folks, go read the article referenced by NY Raider (Jerry Mac's blog today) about Curry. This isn't hearsay. It's straight from Curry. A sample:
Curry is having a hard time understanding why it was up to the owner to spell out his situation.
“He was basically telling me something that should have came from the coach, and for whatever reason, I guess the coach didn’t feel like he could tell me, so Al told me,” Curry said. “I guess I seem unapproachable.”
Some of Curry’s teammates, most notably Nnamdi Asomugha, have questioned the manner in which he has been treated.
“It’s just one of those things you wonder about,” Asomugha said Sunday. “He’s a captain. He’s played well for us. And this is a guy who only with injuries can get back into the lineup?”
Breaking News:
The Oakland Raiders changed their team name. They are no longer known as the Raiders, but are now...
The Oakland Raided
All you fools who constantly say " if this-that doesn't happen, I'm outta here!"...
Get the f out already.
When SOB is still here next season (or god forbid he is made HC), I don't want to hear any bitching, because none of you should be here anymore.
And what's with the not watching the team because the season is lost. You totally missunderstand the enjoyment of the actuall football GAME itself. Sure it sucks to loose.
Not true football fans if you ask me.
And trust me. When we DO win, it's going to feel that much better. But you be Giants for Flaming-Thumback's fans by then, right?
-moshbucket
-moshbucket
Does that mean you're happy with the product on the field, or behind the scenes?
I've been a Raiders' fan since I was a kid in the early 70's, and this is by far the absolute low-point in Raider history. Meanwhile, I've missed watching two games since the advent of satellite TV, but they just happened to be the last two games. While my absence was for personal reasons, I am happy to not have seen them. I'm getting real sick of the stupidity that surrounds the Raiders organization. I love the Raiders, but watching almost any other NFL game is more entertaining... and far less stressful.
Moshbucket, the Raiders aren't playing NFL-level football, that's the problem.
They are about to set the record for most consecutive 11-or-more loss seasons, and they are doing it in the most violently unwatchable way - 13 straight quarters without an offensive touchdown and the wimpiest 4th quarter defensive schemes known to mankind.
This team can't even figure out the most basic principles of competitive football, such as not throwing the ball 14 yards in the middle of the field with no timeouts in the last 13 seconds while down a mere 2 points. A long pass or Hail Mary, a pass interference call and you've got Janikowski teed up to win the game. But no, our Mensa Club on the sideline says, gee, Tommy, watcha wanna do? I dunno, guys, how 'bout a short pass up the middle?
How can you blame folks for spending their three hours elsewhere until the Raiders figure out how to field a team that can function properly at the NFL level?
That doesn't make them Giants fans. It just confirms that they're NFL football fans. I'm sure they'll start watching when the Raiders start playing NFL football again.
RT... I think the Hail Mary play is more on JRuss than the coaching staff. There's plenty of reasons to bag on the staff on it's own, so making up reasons doesn't have to be done.
Remember, this is the same genius that intentionally threw a ball away two games ago on 4th and 20. I don't think he has a clue what is going on out there yet.
Ans speaking of bagging on the coaching staff... Here's Cable explaining why Fargas gets all the carries awhile Bush sits on the bench:
"Every runner has to get a feel for the game," Cable said. "And so if you start using three guys as the runner, none of them would get a feel for the game, and you'd probably have a lot of negative gain out of it."
http://tinyurl.com/6eknue
...end quote...
Uhh dude... what makes you think Fargas will EVER get a "feel for the game"? Do you really think his 15 straight one yarders helps him get going or something?
Not to mention the Giants won a SB and LEAD THE LEAGUE IN RUSHING with three RB's.
Complete morons everywhere is what we get. Wonderful.
Good points, Gary, but to me it was clear that JaMarcus Russell wasn't instructed to drop back and heave the ball downfield to specific place. So I don't think I'm making anything up here.
Unless Russell was told to do that and simply couldn't process such a simple instruction, in which case he should be benched immediately.
I'm surprised that more of you aren't with me on this last play.
Remember Doug Flutie's miracle in Miami? Cal's lateral fest to beat Stanford? The Tennessee Titans' lateral pass and return miracle to get into the playoffs? These are just a few examples of what can happen if you play to win.
This is called competition - you play to win until the last second.
The fact that our staff can't even comprehend this principle is staggering to me.
The culture of losing accepts the consequences without a fight.
I'm with you, Take. I recorded the game and looked at that play again. We only sent out three WRs on that play. With 35 secs left why not put McFadden out as a 4th receiver, put Russell in the shotgun and with proper clock management you could take at least two deep throws, then have time for a field goal if you haven't punched it in. Is that too much too ask? Also, as to JRuss' passing prowess on the day check this out
Russell
15-22, 156yds
Pennington
16-22, 174yds
Miami W
Oakland L
What's the big difference?
How about playcalling, execution, and defense on the part of Miami.
Furthermore, the Miami secondary was playing 8-10 yards off the Oakland WRs. You mean to tell me we couldn't take advantage of that?
RT... you have to remember there were actually TWO plays those last 35 seconds.
Jruss felt some pressure and instead of trying to avoid it, took a sack (which is aggravating enough on its own) then on the final no-huddle play he threw the short pass to Curry, which in my mind could have been the first play called, which would make some sense. Why JRuss isn't football savvy enough to know a short pass in the final seconds is worthless is anyone's guess... but like I said, this is the same guy that threw a ball out of bounds on a fourth and long with a ton of open space to run with (or a long pass working the same as a punt if intercepted).
Realist... you see teams completing short passes all the time with 35 seconds left... you can prolly complete two of them if they get out of bounds.
Instead Russell leaned into a sack and didn't know what to do after that.
I don't see this as coaching... as moronic as it is on its own.
I see this as JRuss not understanding the game of football (which is actually scarier because the coaches will all be gone next year while we still have a complete imbecile as QB.)
Question Gary:
Why would Cable call a play where a receiver would run that short a route in that situation in the first place?
Also, JRuss was out with a knee injury last week and tweaked his right ankle this week. Do you think that might have hindered his mobility somewhat?
I guess a good coach would simply tell Jruss that at all costs AVOID A SACK... with 35 seconds left we should have easily gotten 3 plays in... ten seconds a play if the clock stops.
Instead he leans into a sack instead of throwing the damn ball away.
Arrrggg...
Realist... watch the play again... he LEANED INTO the sack instead of even trying to move an inch.
It had nothing to do with mobility... he felt the pressure and gave up.
Watch it again.
I take it that Pennington does not understand it either since he completed exactly one more pass than Russell for the same number of attempts? Which one is the veteran, again?
How about that halfback option where no receivers went out for the pass? Who's fault was that?
>>>
Why would Cable call a play where a receiver would run that short a route in that situation in the first place?
>>>>
I don't know enough about the inner workings of the NFL to know how many plays are called with every snap...
How do you call two plays without knowing what happens on the first play?
It would have been kinda foolish to have a Hail Mary called if the first play was completed for 30 yards... fer instance.
Seriously, the coaching sucks enough for anyone to make up shit about why it sucks even more.
Looks to me like he stepped forward to pass and got caught from the side by Porter. The only leaning I'm seeing is him trying to avoid the sack.
Not only that, but he was bracketed from both sides. The only place he had to run was either ahead and to the left or backward. There was a good chance of him getting tackled about 2 yards beyond the line of scrimmage going forward. Not a good option. If he runs backward he could have a few more seconds for a throw before being sacked for a loss.
And just because teams throw short when needing big yardage like that doesn't make it good playcalling.
Realist, you seem to be arguing just for the sake of arguing (something I can fall into also) but dude... I agree. The coaching sucks.
Just not for sure on the final last gasp plays. Its the QB who gets shit done during scramble plays...
Jeesh.
>>>
If he runs backward he could have a few more seconds for a throw before being sacked for a loss.
>>>
WHICH IS ENOUGH TIME TO THROW THE DAMN BALL OUT OF BOUNDS THUS STOPPING THE CLOCK.
JFC...
Out a here today. see ya.
Gary please,
Obviously if you gain 30 yards on the play that shapes what your going to call on the next play. But if you are on your own 20 that gets you to the 50. I do believe you would take a stab at another deep throw. If you and I can see that sitting at home, why can't the coaching staff see that from right there at the sideline????
Well when you get back, isn't that just what you criticized him for doing on that 4th and 20 play you alluded to earlier?
How is it making stuff up by simply pointing out the obvious failure of the coaching staff to execute sensible plays in the waning seconds?
That drive didn't sneak up on anyone. It came after a commercial break and a kickoff. There were 35 seconds left. There's a microphone in the QB's helmet. Our kicker has one of the biggest legs in the NFL.
Did anyone tell the young QB to not take a sack under ANY circumstances? Did they not plan and tell the offense to rush and spike the ball to stop the clock after the first play (sack or not), giving more time to set up a final play or plays (after all, the sack came on first down)? Did they not have a play called for the likely eventuality of big yards needed on the final snap?
And why is my pointing these things out any different than the other coaching shortcomings being pointed out? This is just as revealing of ineptitude as anything else.
BREAKING NEWS...
KWAME HARRIS just was handed his job back. "he is the starting LT of the oakland raiders", puppet coach, tom cable said today.
good grief, how much further down can these raiders sink ??
Moshbucket:
The enjoyment for most Raider fans is seeing a competitive team on the field. Enjoyment is derived from a team that scores more than 1 TD in the last 5 games. And yes, it sucks to lose ... especially when it is over 79% of the time since 2003.
You sound shocked that actual Raider fans are sick and tired of the piss poor performance, dysfunction, and coaching carousel.
Newsflash: If you aren't pissed off or disappointed I would seriously wonder if you are in fact a Raider fan.
Has it ever crossed your mind that paying customers have every right to voice their displeasure with a shitty product?
If some fans want to take a hiatus, spend less time or money on the Raiders because of dissatisfaction, that is their choice.
I in no way meant to imply that Joe the Raider does not have the right to be pissed about what's been going on the last 6 years, or withhold funds, support, etc.
I'm aware of how f-ed up things are.
It has made me physically ill several times this season already.
I'm just tired of hearing people bitch about it. Guess I shouldn't be reading blog then.
Hell, you (take) were supposed to be taking a break, and here you are 'enabling' all of your addict friends. It's like a silver and black support group, or more like a crack house: Raiders Unanamous
I can't wait for Sunday when I can take another hit!
-moshbucket
PS: I have nightmares of Mike Mayock chasing Al Davis down a halway yelling "LEGS GO DEAD ON CONTACT". I'm hoping it's just the late night matzo balls.
Fair take, Moshbucket. I guess I've got my own version of Stockholm Syndrome, call it Alameda Syndrome. I'm captive and oddly captivated.
For me, this is a break. The occasional haiku, maybe an observation here and there.
Honestly, I'd be quieter if it hadn't gotten so bad over the past several weeks. It's almost impossible not to comment on it. It's worse than I could have imagined, which is saying a lot.
More fodder.
http://tinyurl.com/6343rw
I particularly enjoyed this quote from Brent Jones:
“You don’t give anybody the ability to make decisions, and it’s just shocking how just drastically depleted the scouting, front office, the organization, I mean, it’s just, I feel the worst for young players who come to play, because they think they’re coming to the National Football League and they’re going to Oakland Junior College.”
It is truly amazing how low the Raiders have sunken. Pride and Poise are gone; commitment to excellence is gone. All we have left, to put it in the words of Raider Take, are "crimes against football."
Raiderrealist:
>>>
Well when you get back, isn't that just what you criticized him for doing on that 4th and 20 play you alluded to earlier?
>>>>
Are you serious? You really don't understand the difference between throwing the ball out of bounds on first down with time left on the clock, and throwing the ball out of bounds on fourth down with time left on the clock?
Okkee dokee.
>>>
But if you are on your own 20 that gets you to the 50. I do believe you would take a stab at another deep throw.
>>>>
Depends on how much time is left on the clock. If its over ten seconds, he can spike the ball and maybe have time left for a sideline pass and a FG attempt. Too many variables here to simply say it was the coaches fault for not having the right plays called. In hindsite, JRuss should have spiked the ball after being sacked and THEN thrown the hail mary...
And RT, I did criticize the coaching staff for not making it clear to JRuss that he cannot take a sack under any circumstances.
Maybe thats the problem here... the team is not practicing situations like this so JRuss doesn't have a clue what he is supposed to be doing?
CJ...
>>>
You sound shocked that actual Raider fans are sick and tired of the piss poor performance, dysfunction, and coaching carousel.
>>>
Yup... even _I_ am finding it a chore to watch the games on Sunday.
This is not as bad as the end of the Shell season when the team gave up, but its close.
Sometimes I feel like my cat that gets all excited when I walk into the room where his food dish is. He only gets a treat maybe one time in ten, but he always thinks every time will be that time.
Every Sunday I hope SOB will blitz in critical situations... etc etc.
>>>
And why is my pointing these things out any different than the other coaching shortcomings being pointed out? This is just as revealing of ineptitude as anything else.
>>>
It's not. You just seemed fixated on it for some reason.
A hail mary only works maybe one time in a hundred.
The bigger problem is getting JRuss comfortable in what he is supposed to be doing with the clock running down, IMO.
He either isn't practicing it, or he is a complete moron.
moshbucket,
Maybe we should start each post with " my name is ______, and I am a Raider fan." You know what they say, you have to reach rock bottom sometimes in order to make changes. The Raiders have to be getting close... or is a winless season in our future? It's like driving past a car wreck, I don't want to look, but I have to.
JF
All has not been lost for me this football season. The local college team is doing well. Boise State might bust into the BCS again. Watched the BSU game on saturday. I was amazed at how well the coaching staff was able to mix things up-- play action, trick plays to mix things up, switch to no-huddle when the offense goes flat. All this with a freshman QB. Why can't a professional sports team be so imaginative?
JF
Gary:
Maybe thats the problem here... the team is not practicing situations like this so JRuss doesn't have a clue what he is supposed to be doing?
Looks like the Light Bulb of Enlightenment is beginning to burn through the fog of sarcasm?
>>>
Maybe thats the problem here... the team is not practicing situations like this so JRuss doesn't have a clue what he is supposed to be doing?
>>>
Works for me.
In other news, some columnist just pointed out that one reason that Russell is so far behind right now is that we never signed a veteran QB to mentor Russell. We instead have two QB's that also think the Raiders screwed up their careers.
In Balt, Flacco has Todd Bauman, a 13 year veteran helping him.
There are QB's that make their living simply by riding the pines and helping out the starter, instead all we did was bring in QB's that all thought they should be starters.
Is it just me, or is this place alot better now that Blandarocked is in hiding?
"Hi everyone. My name is Calico Jack and I am a recovering Raider fan." ...
A few things I've been increasingly fixated on to the detriment of my health:
(1) 1st half offensive ineptitude especially since the arrival of lame duck interim head coach Barney Rubble. 1 TD in 61 possession is so bad "How bad is it Calico Jack?" that if/when the Raiders score a TD on their next 1st half possession, I will jump up and cheer like we won the SB.
During the majority of this season, the 1st half ineptitude has set the Raiders up for failure. Let's face it, if you can't score a TD in the 1st half there is a very good chance you are playing from behind in the 2nd half. The Raiders failure to score TDs when inside the red zone is the difference between a miserable season and a competitive season.
(2) How the team has become so grossly predicatable and unimaginative on both sides of the ball. Where is the creativity on offense? Where are the no huddle offenses and trick plays? Where is the disguising of schemes and coverages on D? Where are the exotic blitz packages? The Raiders must have the skimpiest playbook in the entire NFL. The title on the playbook is "Vanilla 2008".
Gary: It's only entertainment ... LOL! :) CJ
I'm with you on shaking things up at RB. Give Fargas, McFadden, and Bush a crack at it. At this point, do we even know if Bush is a viable back? I'm all for giving some of our unproven players and younger players a shot at shaking things up and seeing if any of them might take on bigger roles in 2009 (or be cut).
Calico... this is too painfully bad and predictable to be much entertainment... sad to say.
I was just talking on Usenet about Bush whining about having to play FB and went to memory lane to check my memory... Mark Van Eegan played FB to Clarence Davis in 1976 and ran for over 1000 yards and won a SB ring in his third year in the league.
I'd bet good money Bush has never heard of Van Eegan, but if I were Cable I'd get him on the phone and have a talk with the whiny bitch.
He'd sure add some dimensions to this insipid and uninspiring offense... and would certainly get more touches than standing on the sidelines whining.
This old-school guy is getting sick of some of this shit. He was hired to play football... maybe he should do it?
Let's not forget the added touches Bush would get receiving the ball as a FB, especially with his skills. McFadden and Bush could be the most dangerous backfield in the history of the NFL. What's he thinking!!!! Take the job Michael.
Oh yeah, my name is nyraider, and I'm a recovering Raiders fan. Or at least I'm trying.
The one thing I bought into with all the McF hysteria before the draft was the possible McF/Bush backfield which would be one of the most dynamic in the NFL, and now one of the players doesn't even want to be part of it?
Where does Bush envision his carries in the future?
This isn't all coaching here. A large part of it is, I agree... but JFC do we have a herd of pig-headed and moronic players on this squad.
Anybody who had any doubt about media bias against the Raiders need not look any further than Fox Sports.com today where a compilation of the worst official calls/errors list was assembled. Not even a mention of Tuck. Are you f--kin kidding?
RaiderMike
moshbucket said....
I also believe Bush could be devistating at that spot (still wish we had Oren back though).
He just watched both fullbackes get blown up, and he's spent his 2 yrs in the NFL riding the pine just dieing to get on the field.
Who wouldn't be apprehensive.
Sure would be a shame if one of the big-nasties rolled up on his ankle/foot. The leg injury was up high and shouldn't (doesn't seem to have) effected his running. A foot injury could seriously mess him up though).
That said, give half the carries and screens to the FB.
And one final thought, Micheal. If you were at FB last week, we probably win that game because I think you're open where Lawton couldn't get open.
moshbucket said...
...up the middle. They don't work so good when you don't have a good fullback. Oren was just blowin' people the F... up!
I don't think Bush can do quite as well blocking, but offense he adds makes up for it and then some.
Max protect with Bush and fargas should be decent, and Bush and McFadden in the backfield just opens all kinds of stuff up with audibles. You could go from a power to a 4 wide set with some real teeth to it.
moshbucket said..
do we have a nickname?!?!?
You guys will like this blurb about marshal's chances this week in fantasy leagues:
Brandon Marshall WR 32 100, 95
Lowdown: Expected to draw coverage from the “Black Death,” Nnamdi Asomugha, festering swells and blackened buboes will form on Marshall’s skin. The Raiders’ prized corner is a one-man fantasy demolition crew who infects those who dare cross his path.
Debating if I should order my #21 BLACKDEATH jersey.
Anyone think trying Huff out a CB before the end of the year might be a good idea?
The only thing he has done secent in his career thus far is locking down on TE's M2M... maybe he is the other great M2M corner we have been looking for? It would be nice to try something different.. he sure isn't a safety.
With all the great press Asum is getting, if he is left off the probowl team again, I dunno, something is messed up with the damn voting.
Gary,
At this point experimentation can't hurt.
Moshbucket: You make some excellent points about using Bush in the backfield in combination with both Fargas and McFadden. Bush would give Russell a viable check down receiver and give the playcalling more options. For example, start the play with Bush & McFadden in the I formation. Have McFadden go in motion and split out wide. You can hand it off to Bush or go to McFadden in single coverage. Mixing and matching the skill sets of Bush, Fargas, and McFadden is a way to open up the playbook and give Russell more options. As far as ordering a #21 jersey ... I would hold off on it until Nnamdi gets signed.
Gary: I like your idea of giving Huff a shot at CB. What do the Raiders have to lose? These next six games are critical to evaluate the entire roster from top to bottom to see which players perform, which players fit where, who should stay and who should go.
BTW, it would not suprise me if Nnamdi is left off the Pro Bowl roster even if he is arguably the best shutdown corner in the NFL. The Pro Bowl selections are at the whim of the fans, stats, and how well the team performs. Unfortunately, many fans don't know Nnamdi, he doesn't have the glossy stats since no QB throws in his direction, and well, the Raiders suck.
The "lost season" player evalution and experimentation sounds good, but that didn't get Michael Bush off the PUP list last season, and I wouldn't expect the Raiders to have the foresight to think on that level this year either.
They are once again struggling with roster moves, as Walker hasn't even been placed on IR yet (last I heard).
As for Nnamdi in the Pro Bowl, he may have an opportunity to get selected by the coaches after the vote, but I agree he will likely fall victim to the Raiders' failures.
Bama7
My thoughts as we prepare to play our long time nemesis, the donkeys, is that Gannon's long ago call for someone to "bring a torch to the place (our place)" has in fact finally happened, but it wasn't by a new GM or a coach or by any other shift in management within our organization.
No, the torch was applied by a constant stirng of a$$beatings at the hands of our AFC West rivals. We are 4-18 against the Donkeys and Chiefs since the Superbowl. And worst of all, we have LOST 10 straight games to the Chargers. 10 straight. It's not even rivalary anymore.
As a Raider fan, these are staggering numbers to me.
Our own rivals put a torch to our house, but the only problem is the one individual that didn't go down during the assault still walks through the charred remains of our compound, calling all the shots.
So, where's the hope?
It is depressing. And here we sit talking about roster moves and personal moves that we might make from within the weird, destroyed world we exist in. You can't hit rock bottom until you can improve your team, otherwise you're still falling.
The obsession with Fargas continues... we march all the way down the field without using him only to use him FOUR TIMES around the goal line??? Oh wait... will we give it to him FIVE FUCKING TIMES????
HE DOES NOT SEE A HOLE AND HE DOES NOT FOLLOW HIS BLOCKS ANY MORON CAN SEE THIS!!!!
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