My Raiders Seat Now Available
I will not renew my Oakland Raiders season ticket package for 2009. I can no longer pay for the privilege of watching biblically awful football, in the vein of the recent games against the Falcons and Chiefs, which were akin to washing my eyes out with Clorox.
I can handle losing. What I can’t handle is season after season of reckless organizational behavior that produces a sub NFL-level product. My trust has been broken. I will consider renewing my season tickets when my trust has been earned back. Here’s what it will take for me:
-Tangible, forceful change. The kind of change you can see and taste. There will nothing vague about it. I’m not sure how or when it will happen, but it will be evident when it does. You will see it on the field and sense it in the air, in the way that you knew 8-8 under Jon Gruden was different than 8-8 under Mike White. When a culture of losing changes, you know it. I believe that the quickest route to such change will come with the following:
-The hiring of a qualified general manager with the stated authority to have a say in the draft, free agency and football operations. I’ve heard some folks make excuses recently by noting that Mr. Davis is ailing. Well, that’s what 79 year olds do, they ail. All the more reason to have a strong supporting cast. To not have a competent football executive in place and available at this time is reckless, and it’s something that needs to be remedied immediately.
-No unchecked rumblings of the head coach—whoever he is—being fired. I don’t care if we’re 2-6 by the halfway mark of the upcoming season, or 3-9 after that, I want to see a Raiders coach go a whole season without rampant unchecked speculation about his job security. If the Raiders can issue statements about Al Michaels’ comments on Monday Night Football, Rob Ryan’s job status or who they’re not interviewing for the head coaching position, they can sure enough give their head coach a public vote of confidence if rumors become rampant. Stability is vital right now. Commit to a coach and stick with that coach. Of course, it helps if you hire the right coach.
-No more overpaying overrated free agents with known character issues, such as Randy Moss, DeAngelo Hall and Javon Walker. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
-No more scholarships. Play to win using the best players. Anything less is a perpetuation of the culture of losing.
So there you have it—the things I need to see in 2009 for me to consider purchasing season tickets in 2010.
I can already hear the blood boiling among some of you. Every time I write something like this, I get a flood of comments such as: Al Davis doesn’t care what you think! He’s the owner and he can do what he wants! You have no right to make demands or have an opinion! Blah, blah, blah.
First off, if the Raiders don’t care what I think, then they should stop conducting expensive marketing surveys asking me, as a season ticket holder, what I think. Second, I have every right to decide how I spend my money, and to publish my opinion on my own blog.
Also, I am not making demands here. I am stating conditions, which is what consumers do every day. For example, I won’t buy a Blu-ray DVD player until the prices come down. I won’t purchase an iPhone until Apple demonstrates that the 3G networking bugs have been fixed. And I won’t buy Raiders season tickets again until I see the aforementioned problems addressed.
Note that I said nothing about having to win this or that amount of games, because I know that our record will improve if these conditions are met, be it this year or in the coming years. The record will take care of itself. Nor have I said that I won't be an ardent Raiders fan any longer. I will be as ardent as ever. I'm just cutting back on my investment, not my passion.
Before you get too excited about my conditions, consider what they boil down to: a smart, aggressive implementation of change to address what has become a record-setting culture of losing; the installation of general manager; a good head coach with at least one full year of organizational backing; sensible free agent signings; and a roster and depth chart chosen on the merits of performance, not scholarships.
These are not exotic or outrageous concepts. They are standard operating procedures for any successful franchise. Until then, I'm off to spend my $612 elsewhere.
I can handle losing. What I can’t handle is season after season of reckless organizational behavior that produces a sub NFL-level product. My trust has been broken. I will consider renewing my season tickets when my trust has been earned back. Here’s what it will take for me:
-Tangible, forceful change. The kind of change you can see and taste. There will nothing vague about it. I’m not sure how or when it will happen, but it will be evident when it does. You will see it on the field and sense it in the air, in the way that you knew 8-8 under Jon Gruden was different than 8-8 under Mike White. When a culture of losing changes, you know it. I believe that the quickest route to such change will come with the following:
-The hiring of a qualified general manager with the stated authority to have a say in the draft, free agency and football operations. I’ve heard some folks make excuses recently by noting that Mr. Davis is ailing. Well, that’s what 79 year olds do, they ail. All the more reason to have a strong supporting cast. To not have a competent football executive in place and available at this time is reckless, and it’s something that needs to be remedied immediately.
-No unchecked rumblings of the head coach—whoever he is—being fired. I don’t care if we’re 2-6 by the halfway mark of the upcoming season, or 3-9 after that, I want to see a Raiders coach go a whole season without rampant unchecked speculation about his job security. If the Raiders can issue statements about Al Michaels’ comments on Monday Night Football, Rob Ryan’s job status or who they’re not interviewing for the head coaching position, they can sure enough give their head coach a public vote of confidence if rumors become rampant. Stability is vital right now. Commit to a coach and stick with that coach. Of course, it helps if you hire the right coach.
-No more overpaying overrated free agents with known character issues, such as Randy Moss, DeAngelo Hall and Javon Walker. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
-No more scholarships. Play to win using the best players. Anything less is a perpetuation of the culture of losing.
So there you have it—the things I need to see in 2009 for me to consider purchasing season tickets in 2010.
I can already hear the blood boiling among some of you. Every time I write something like this, I get a flood of comments such as: Al Davis doesn’t care what you think! He’s the owner and he can do what he wants! You have no right to make demands or have an opinion! Blah, blah, blah.
First off, if the Raiders don’t care what I think, then they should stop conducting expensive marketing surveys asking me, as a season ticket holder, what I think. Second, I have every right to decide how I spend my money, and to publish my opinion on my own blog.
Also, I am not making demands here. I am stating conditions, which is what consumers do every day. For example, I won’t buy a Blu-ray DVD player until the prices come down. I won’t purchase an iPhone until Apple demonstrates that the 3G networking bugs have been fixed. And I won’t buy Raiders season tickets again until I see the aforementioned problems addressed.
Note that I said nothing about having to win this or that amount of games, because I know that our record will improve if these conditions are met, be it this year or in the coming years. The record will take care of itself. Nor have I said that I won't be an ardent Raiders fan any longer. I will be as ardent as ever. I'm just cutting back on my investment, not my passion.
Before you get too excited about my conditions, consider what they boil down to: a smart, aggressive implementation of change to address what has become a record-setting culture of losing; the installation of general manager; a good head coach with at least one full year of organizational backing; sensible free agent signings; and a roster and depth chart chosen on the merits of performance, not scholarships.
These are not exotic or outrageous concepts. They are standard operating procedures for any successful franchise. Until then, I'm off to spend my $612 elsewhere.
posted by Raider Take at 9:36 AM
283 Comments:
Maybe we'll be on the right path if Mangenuis takes SOB with him to Cleveland like I'm hearing.
Peter
RT, the same issues you have with the current state of our beloved Raiders are facturing into my decision of choosing to be an observant fan vs a faithful follower.
I don't have the luxury of season tickets (because I don't live in California); but I do follow faithfully; and my faithfulness to the Raiders is being tested. Depending on this offseason and some other things you mentioned (i.e. attitude of team next season); will determine if I become a casual fan of the NFL, or remain a faithful follower of the team I love.
RT, I have no problem with what you wrote. That is, in fact, your only option as a consumer. Buy the product, or don't buy it.
While I believe the Raiders will go through some significant changes in the off season, if they don't, and if they still turn it all around, I'll be curious to hear your thoughts then.
No offense, RT, you're a bright guy. But if I was offered the choice of Al Davis running the Raiders or you running the Raiders, I'd still pick Al Davis, whether 79 year olds ail or not.
Fair enough. But if I ran the Raiders, I really wouldn't run the Raiders. I'd acknowledge my limitations and hire the right people to do the job.
A GM is not too much to ask.
For the record, right now I'd pick Mickey Mouse over Al Davis to run the Raiders.
JF
That's the essence of organizational behavior, being able to effectively delegate responsibility to achieve desired results.
Al Davis is, IMHO, the best owner in football (ever)... unfortunately, at this delicate stage in his life, he's also the worst GM.
Let's lobby to remodel his luxury suite at the stadium and make him as comfortable as possible for the home games, for as long as he is able to attend them.
But please, no more "in Al Davis we trust." Seems to me that we've gone way past that.
Good point made by Jason Jones. Cable won the last two games of the season serving in a three headed position. He was HC, OC and O-Line coach over the last two games. They won both.
No worries - I made the same decision after the Shell II season. It has as much to do with team performance as with family time, but it's understandable.
My only question is, at this point, what would qualify as tangible, forceful, change? In my opinion the only person who would qualify is Parcels, and he's under contract. Even if he becomes available it is highly doubtful we could land him. Cowher would be great as a coach, but hasn't proven himself as a GM. Who else would fit the bill?
I think it's vital that Al hire a GM-type, but it's more important that he be well versed in personnel. It is more typical for the GM to get the right kind of players for his head coach than it is for the head coach to figure out what to do with the players that the GM brings in. The guy needs to be on the same page as the head coach, but does he necessarily need to hire him? Our recent problems have been as much about personnel as it has been about coaching, so that seems to be the place to start. When things go wrong the debate is always between the GM and the head coach in terms of who needs to go when the GM doesn't make the hire, and whether or not both need to go when the GM does make the hire. In and of itself, I don't think it's critical.
I think we've seen changes this year that many fail to recognize. The release of Hall was the first shot. Signing Justin Miller freed up Higgins from KR duties, and his performance elevated shortly thereafter. The signing of the punter and promoting of Rankin show signs of thinking of the future. Many say the young receivers were only played due to injuries of the vets, but Curry was benched mid-year, so it's likely that Cable tried to make it happen sooner. The benching of Huff, a recent high round draft choice, and Harris, who was touted this past offseason, are not things that have happened over the last several years.
I'm not of the opinion that all is well, but I'm not pessimistic either. I don't think the changes will be something that makes a big splash, so we'll likely be debating this until the season starts.
RT, I not only don't have a problem with what you said, I RESPECT what you said.
You are obviously not happy with the product of Raider football, and maybe more importantly, don't seem to be enjoying the product of Raider football, so why subsidize Raider football?
I wouldn't either.
I hope you won't regret your decision if the raiders turn the corner and you get left with crappier season tickets is all... but it seems you have this well thought out and are prepared to take that chance.
Oh, and one other thing about the people complaining that Al hasn't done enough about the coaching situation yet... I'd bet dollars to pennies that the same people would whine just as much if he hired a bunch of coaches right now that he DIDNT EVEN WAIT UNTIL THE PLAYOFFS WERE DONE SO WE CAN MAYBE PICK SOME OF THE _HOT_ ASSISTANTS UP!!!!
Thats the stuff that drives me nuts.
StickUm25, I believe that if we hire a competent GM, hire a good head coach and give him time and security, allow the GM and coach to work together to determine the coaching staff and roster moves without excessive meddling and undermining, quit wasting money on absurd free agents, and stop handing out scholarships, we will see evidence of tangible, forceful change.
Not coincidentally, these very things are the basis of my conditions. They would represent a big departure from the 2003-2008 experience.
It's kind of funny that we even have to debate the notion of whether the Raiders can and should hire a GM, hire a good coach and get behind him, stop making obviously boneheaded free agent signings and quit handing out scholarships. I guess the bar has been set pretty low.
I'm picking Raidertake to run the raiders.
look, every owner in the nfl knows less about football than al davis, but their teams are all better than al's.
it doesn't matter what you know. it matters what you are able to do.
i'm sure al davis knows how to ride a bike, but he prolly can't do it anymore.
sure al knows how to run a team. but he is also getting out huslted, and out worked by every younger GM in the league.
while other teams are plotting there next moves, we have to wait for the swelling in al's knee's to go down.
do you think al doesn't sleep a little later these days ? go to bed very early ? take a few naps during the day ? spend less time at the facility watching the team train/practice ?
of course he does these things. he's 79.
al needs help. we need help. instead we get silence.
RT...
Who wuld you hire...Realisticly...There are 31 other teams in the NFL trying to do the same thing you sugest but the majority are NOT making the right decissions but the majority have a great deal more experiance and knowlege than anyone posting on this site....
I would like to hear the solutions as in what spicifically you would do instead of all the complaints about what Al did or did not do...
PantyRaider....Replies Waiting!!!/_
Fair enough - you want to see results, see evidence of change. I want to see the same thing. How we view the steps along the way, well, that's another story!
I don't know that anyone is debating the need for a GM - I'm certainly not. I just don't know that the GM HAS to be involved in the head coaching hire. There are head coaches with juice out there - Cowher, Shanahan, Holmgren - who many would have no problem hiring before a GM hire was made. Cleveland did just that with Mangini. I think it's more important that they are on the same page, and that the GM can work with the staff to get the right talent, make the right salary cap decisions, and work out a plan for the current season, 3 years out, and 5 years out. Helping decide on the head coach - not a big deal to me.
Though I disagree with most media reports that "nobody will want the Head Coaching job of the Raiders," I don't think that statement is far fetched in regards to a GM.
Why? We had one of the best GM's and the way Al treated him we lost him the same time we lost Gruden, and that is Bruce Allen.
Outside of Parcells there are numerous good GM candidates. Scott Pioli (maybe headed to the Chefs), Tom Heckert, George Kokinis, Dennis Green, Jim Fassell, Mark Dominik of the Buccaneers, and Jimmy Raye of the Chargers.
Likely candidates for GM:
John Herrera
Mike Haynes
Matt Millen
Tim Brown (entered his name himself)
JT the Brick
Possibly other Raider greats like Jim Plunkett
Bo Jackson
Lester Hayes
Ray Guy
Ken Stabler
Todd Christensen
Fred Blitnekoff
Tom Flores
Well, PantyRaider, I wish I had an answer for you, but I already have a job that I'm expected to do well, so it's up to Al Davis and company to do their jobs well. If I don't do my job well, I hear about it. Same goes with the Raiders.
Expecting the Raiders to hire a competent GM or make a smart coaching hire (after four consecutive bad ones) is different than me saying I've got the chops (not to mention the time and salary) to conduct the research and interviews myself, despite the vote of confidence of Raider00!
The Raiders site no longer shows Greg Knapp or Tom Rathman as coaches.
Rob Ryan is still lingering, but that will change come Monday.
take - amen brutha! i gave my 2 seats up before the '08 season because i could see what would happen and it sure as hell did!
nate - rathman was one of those assisatant coaches i was hoping we wouldn't lose. from what i read, he'd be good HC material down the road.
as long as al is around, this circus will continue folks!
RT, you keep mentioning scholarships today. The Raiders, in effect, said last season that there would be no more scholarships. I don't think I've seen one since. Who are you referring to? Is Hall a scolarship - nope, we got rid of him. Curry? No, he got benched. Huff? No.
Who?
I understand you RT - you expect Al to do his job correctly, and hire qualified people to run the organization. My question was - who would get you excited? What names would fit the scenario of hiring a GM, who then hires the head coach, and brings about "The kind of change you can see and taste"? I'm not challenging your desire to see change - I'm just interested to know who would fit the bill. If you have no opinion, and you'll only base it on results next season, that's cool too. My opinion is that outside of Parcels, such a person does not exist. And if we accept that premise, then change will come in smaller, measured steps, rather than the sweeping change many would like to see.
I find it hard to believe that Bill Parcels is the only qualified football GM out there.
Blanda - scholarships don't guarantee starter roles, they just protect you on the roster and in the organization. And it was Kiffin who first shook that tree.
We'll see who remains in 2009. It should be interesting.
I'm not saying Parcels is the only qualified GM - I'm saying he's the only one who would make me say "Wow, that's huge. Things are going to be way better this year. I'm going to buy season tickets again."
There are a whole bunch of candidates out there, but like RT, I'm not an expert on all of them. I may or may not be impressed by their resume. My point is that none of them will inspire me to get tickets this year. My expectations will rise to varying degrees, but I'm not buying anything until I've seen a successful season.
listen, one more time.
al davis can still out think anyone in the nfl.
but when you're getting out hustled, and out worked by everyone, what good is it ?
this is not 1975 anymore. you don't have weeks, and weeks to make moves.
the other teams are not asleep anymore. they're on the ball, and on the move.
we have to keep pace, or risk falling far behind...oh, we've done this already.
raider00 said, "listen, one more time.
al davis can still out think anyone in the nfl.
but when you're getting out hustled, and out worked by everyone, what good is it ?
this is not 1975 anymore. you don't have weeks, and weeks to make moves.
the other teams are not asleep anymore. they're on the ball, and on the move.
we have to keep pace, or risk falling far behind...oh, we've done this already."
So, what you're saying is.....?
Just kiddin'.
Stickum, I don't think Parcels would do that for me, because I know it wouldn't be for the long-term. He's becoming the "Larry Brown" of the NFL. A GM with a good reputation, and a long-term vision would "wow" me (a Tom Heckert, Mike Holmgren, Dennis Green).
My view of "scholarships" are players that may not be starting, but are filling roster space when better players are on the practice squad, or in free agency. Players like Sam Williams (still on the roster), Terdell Sands, Kwame Harris, Marques Tuiasosopo, etc.
During his press conference just this season, Mr. Davis lamented the fact that Lane Kiffin did not keep Zack Crockett around, and not from the standpoint of performance. Therefore, I am not convinced that the scholarship program has been abolished post Kiffin. That's why it's one of my conditions for 2009.
If, in fact, the scholarship program has already been abolished, then great, one of my conditions has been met. But I want proof of that through 2009 before I become a paying customer.
The funny thing is that we're not debating that scholarships actually existed, but whether or not they've been abolished. And we wonder why we're in this mess.
StickUm25, at this rate, ANY general manager hire would be huge, that's how far afield we've drifted.
As for who that should be, well, I'm sure that there are talented executives in the NFL who could fit the bill. I don't spend my days in inner NFL circles learning who these guys might be.
However, if someone wants to pay me, then I'll start making calls and interviewing candidates.
I've got some folks telling me Al Davis doesn't care what I think, and others telling me I should do his work for him.
It's tough being me.
Says Jerry McDonald:
"If the Cleveland Browns suddenly begin running the sort of exotic pressures that Rob’s twin brother Rex uses in Baltimore, and there is more of a reliance on zone coverages, we will have our answer (of just how involved Davis was with the D)." LOL
Just looking at the surface you can see how steeped in dysfunction the Raiders are as an organization. There is no GM, and most of the top executives and administrative personnel don’t have official titles, which leads one to believe they might not even know their true job responsibilities.
How can any company, big or small, operate effectively without a chain of command?
And I may be wrong here, but won’t Al Davis be 80 when the 2009 season starts? Shouldn’t he at least start planning the Raiders AD (after Davis)? You would think a GM should be priority #1.
Take,
No blood boiling here. As a consumer of the product you feel you are not getting your money's worth. Perfectly understandable.
For me it's a little less expensive with Sunday Ticket which I purchase fore the sole reason of watching the Raiders.
After 44 years I guess I fall into the faithful follower category. This does not mean I drink the kool aid as I have disagreed with many moves over the years. And, I do feel a strong GM type would be an immense step in the right direction. But he may have to accept Cable at least for the first season and I don't see it all happening at once.
For those of hoping it's Parcells, it has already been reported he will not seek to opt out of his contract.
H
Here, Here!
Yeah, the bar is truly low and that is tragic. I gave up my season tickets when we hired the Shell and Mr. Bed and Breakfast (didn't hurt that I live 4 hours away either).
I tried to boycott purchasing anymore Raider gear, but that didn't turnout to well.
Alas, I have no faith that you will be a season ticket holder as long as Al is alive.
Forgot to sign my previous post.
Roy
RT....
I was hopping for more than the "Drama Queen" posting that has inflicted the "Raider Nation" of late...
Let each one post his moves as "GM" or "Owner" and see how we do...In the end we may have a more realistic view of how difficult it is to build that consistently winning franchise that we were all used to...
I made my attempt on the last thread and got "Riped" for signing Micheal "DogMan" Vick as Slash "QB-WR" for small cash as a partial risk but with a possible huge pay-off....We don't have a qualified Back-Up "QB" on the roster....
Come on...Take....Take a Shot...
PantyRaider....da Challenge!!!/_
Okay, for starters, let's make a run at Scott Pioli for GM. He's talked to the Chiefs and Browns, so why can't we get him to talk to us? See how easy that was.
Lot of long term decisions being made without the benefit of knowing anything. Just because there hasn't been a line leading out of Alemeda HQ, it doesn't mean Al's not interviewing GMs. Anybody worth hiring for GM, I guarantee you is someone Al knows and knows fairly well. He can interview a GM over the phone. Bruce Allen didn't interview in Tampa. Gruden called him up and Allen went to Tampa.
There seems to be a lot of "I want a pony and I want it now!" Did anyone here really expect that the whole world would change color in 10 days following the regular season?
Also, PantyRaider, the issue right now isn't building a consistently winning product, but a consistently competent NFL-level product. We can worry about winning later.
You want me to take my shot, so I will reiterate:
-Hire a GM; start by taking a run at Scott Pioli and go from there.
-Hire a solid coach and give him the time to mold the team in his image.
-Don't bid against yourself and overpay free agents with known character issues.
-Award roster positions on merit of performance.
If they really need to hire me to handle this type of rocket science, I guess I'll just have to take the job. What's my pay? Do I get full medical benefits?
Blanda, I'm giving the team a full year here, not 10 days. Is that long enough?
It's not like I'm asking for the Super Bowl. I'm asking for stuff like a GM and not signing free agents with known character issues.
I appreciate your reassurances that all is well, but I heard them last January, too.
RT - you'll need an assistant to, er, fetch coffee. I'm your man.
PantyRaider,
ok, i'll play Gm for a day.
first,i would have swiftly retained tom cable as HC.
secondly, knowing rob ryan was toast, i would have asked cable if he could live with romeo crennel as his DC.
if yes, i would aggressively go after crennel.
third, i would focus on the 0-line, & d-line. they must be upgraded, and nothing on earth would stop me from doing this.
i would also not waste more time drafting/signing another 5 Db's.
as we seem to do every off season.
another thing i would look at is finding a solid vet QB to backup jruss.
when walter, or tui play, they look terrible, so let's move on already.
hows that for starters ? a nice solid plan to go forward.
is it really so hard ????
Ray Lewis is an unrestricted free agent. Do folks around here have any objections to signing him for the remainder of his career and bringing him in to play LOLB?
I sure as hell don't. This is the kind of leadership acquisition that a young team needs to make.
Raider00, sure, championship football is easy. That's why 32 teams win one every year.
Red herring. We're not talking about championship football. We're talking about the next level above ineptitude.
And yes, I object to Ray Lewis. He would be overpriced relative to the gas left in his tank. His act works great in Baltimore, but I believe that he would get frustrated and mouthy in Oakland. Give me some lunch pail performers.
Give it up Blandarocked, you are outmatched here. Are we all sure that Blandarocked really isn't John Herrera? lol
RT's 4 central points are straightforward, common sensical, business and performance oriented.
The fact that we feel the need to even debate any of these elementary suggestions is a reflection of the sad state of affairs in Alameda. It also shows how low the bar has dropped.
Point 1: Hire a competent GM.
The biggest "elephant" in the room right now is the fact that we have not had a GM for a few years now. This is beyond dysfunctional ... it really is negligent.
Davis does not have the time, energy, focus, and attention to devote to this 24/7 role.
Point 2: Full support for the HC
Before and during the season, the HC should have 100% public support from management. No twisting in the wind ... no media games. Anything less is an unnecessary distraction that impedes progress. Sure it would be ideal to have a 3 year plan and a true partnership between a HC/GM/Owner but at this point in time (my bar has been lowered) I will gladly settle for 1 season where there is no in season discussion about whether the HC will be here next season or a possible in season firing. Because the HC slot has been so instable in the past (5 HCs in 6 seasons)it just feeds on itself in a vicious cycle.
Point 3: Prudent FA Aquisitions
Buyer beware of injuries, bad character, and bidding against yourself.
If we had a GM (like the other 31 teams in the NFL) going into the 2008 season, does anyone believe we would have made these deals?
Tommy Kelly: Coming off an injury and average year of performance;
7 years/$50.5M/$18.5 guaranteed/ 25.5 in 1st 3 yrs of contract/ $13M signing bonus.
When we signed Kelly, he became (at the time) the highest paid DL in the entire league. You've got to be kidding me!
Javon Walker: Coming off an injury and subpar season with Denver
6 yrs/$55M/$16 guaranteed/2009 $5M Roster bonus + $4M salary
DeAngelo Hall: Character issues
7 yrs/$70M/$7M signing bonus
Hall played for $1M a game in 2008 plus we gave up valuable draft choices. Enough said.
Nnamdi Asomugha: Captain/Pro Bowl
Before the 2008 season started we made the choice to franchise tag Nnamdi to 1 yr/$9,750,000. How would you like to have some of that funny money showered on Kelly, Walker, and Hall and spent to lock up Nnamdi long term now?
Keep in mind, the Raiders had the HIGHEST payroll in 2008. Our 2008 payroll was $152,389,371 or a whopping $61,676,371 OVER the cap.
Point 4: No mas scholarships
Every man on the 53 man roster counts. Performance alone should dictate who "makes the cut". There have been enough scholarship recipients over the past 6 seasons to start a Div II school. Whether or not this practice has been abolished will be evident in Sept. of 2009. Guys like Tui, Walter, Williams have no business clogging up roster space.
Final point: As informed consumers we all make choices about how we spend our time and money. We also have our own opinions about the product itself. The 4 points above directly impacts our level of enthusiasm and passion for the product.
No on Ray Lewis. No on any high priced FA on the downside of their careers with the exception of a backup QB.
A GM and a sound plan could be enough to get Lechler back to the table, and Asomugha a long-term contract. These are guys worth keeping... both of whom have expressed concern over the status quo in Oakland.
BLANDA ROCKED......YOUR A BAFOON! YOU BELONG WITH THE LONG LIST OF AL DAVIS EXCUSE MAKERS....HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR 09 TICKET PACK?? DID YOU GET THE PARKING PASS WITH THAT? HELL NO!! YOUR JUST ANOTHER TALKING HEAD WITHOUT ANY INVESTMENT OTHER THAN A SIX PACK, A BONG AND THE COUCH ON SUNDAY MORNING.....OH YEA, I CAN TELL YOU THIS PARTNER.....IM GOING TO DO THE SAME THING WITH MY $2,000 BUCKS FOR MY SEATS.....UNTIL AL MAKES MAJOR CHANGES I WILL BE WATCHING THE GAME FROM THE BAR......
GOOD LUCK WITH THE DREAM OF AL DAVIS RISING FROM HIS WALKER TO PRODUCE A WINNING TEAM......BROTHER! I WILL BE THE FIRST TO SAY I WAS WRONG......YEP.....I WILL! IT WILL NOT HAPPEN...NOT THIS YEAR OR NEXT YEAR OR THE NEXT.......UNTIL THE CHANGE RT TALKS ABOUT SO WELL HAPPEN......FACT BRO.......GET IT? I GUESS THE COOLAID STAND IS WAY TO HARD TO LEAVE.....YOU SHOULD SWITCH TO LEMONAID BECAUSE IT DESCRIBES OUR TEAM BETTER.....I AM SICK OF THE AL DAVIS ZOMBIES.......GET A CLUE AND YES I AM YELLING...........GET IT!
RAIDER GREG
Gary....You mean to tell me that out of the 24 other teams left out of the playoffs....NO good coaching prospects are in the crowd?? Really??? Not one?
Oh and...Al Davis has not had time to think about the coaches he was intending to interviewing?? Lets see...When was Kiffen let go?? Oh yes...At the bye week four games into the season.....Lets see how many months is that?? Horse Crap! Yet another Al Davis ZOMBIE!!! Al should have been the first to interview new prospects for the team...its not like he was cought at the last minute.....This Crap happens every season and the result is as clear as day......We Blow!! and the ZOMBIES keep talking about the last two games of the season like "We have Arrived in the promised land".....Boy oh Boy.....How about a little lemon twist with your coolaid??
Raider Greg
BlandaRocked,
where did i say building a championship team was so easy ?
i did say it is easy to make a common sense plan and to move forward with it.
anyone who watched the raiders can tell you our most pressing needs for improvement are the 0 & D lines.
let's address it for a change instead of just looking for more DB's again. that is an old, tired act that is a failure.
we don't lose 11 games every year by accident.
sounds to me that you want to stick with the al davis plan.
let's dither, waste more time. go in cicles, and end back where we started.
along the way, we can find a carbon copy to replace rob ryan. draft more DB's, track stars, and project players.
might have to fire the head coach again after one year too.
and don't forget those great free agent pick ups we always make.
gee, i sure hope al can find another jevon walker gem this off season.
hey, pacman jones is available. he'd be a great replacement for d'angelo hall.
see blandarocked, it's building a team that loses 11 games every year that is easy.
moshbucket said......
HC: Tom Cable (Or Rex Ryan)
DC: Rex Ryan (but I think HC is the only way you sign him, and he would only come if Al was actually letting Rob run his own defense).
GM: ME! I need a job anyway, and I did pretty good in fantasy football. I would have won the superbowl if the Black Death hadn't inflicted Andre Johnson, that was bitter sweet to watch) .
On Als comment about Zack Crocket, right after that he admitted that hanging on to players because he likes them is a problem. Kind of reminded me of the rare occasion where the Fonz had to admit he was wrong. Maybe it's a start?
Romeo for DC: I would be OK with that EXCEPT, if our Defense does well, he's not going to be around long.
On Ray Lewis: Rod Woodson was on the downturn of his career. Without him we don't even make the playoffs that year. The INT return 9? yds against the Donks turned saved that season (Wasn't that game 9 after went 4-0, then 0-4?). Anyway, he lead that D for several years. I think Ray could do the same, but I would definately but him at MIKE! Would be an especially good move if we bring in a rook LB. The problem is, he's going to stay at Baltimore.
On the GM, I think it's important to match the GM with the coach. Ideally, I think the coach/GM thing is the way to go, but there are NOT 32 coaches that can that, I would say less than 10? So, next best thing (or even better) is a coach and GM that work well together. I think Gruden and Bruce Allen are a good example. I also think if Cadillac doesn't blow his knee out, we don't win against TB. On that note, I know for sure if Derrick Brooks isn't gimpy, M Bush doesn't make that big TD run. And if Huston has more than 1 WR, we might not have won that one either.
On takes Season Tickets... HA! Don't believe it!
Didn' he say a few weeks ago that he was "out" for awhile? That was several takes and thousands of posts ago!!
Think about your Legacy man! Get the tickets!
H: I'm with you bro.
Right on the money, RT. All of the requests are completely common sense.
What I would add is that this isn't just about MONEY or PRODUCT.
There is a deep-rooted emotional investment in this team, I'd say, by everyone here.
We are part of the Raider Nation - and despite the debate here, we all want the same thing.
What I'd suggest is that rather than screaming into the wind that we take tangible steps to change - we are the Raider Nation - we deserve to be heard.
I suggest starting a petition, based on the solid and realistic demands set out by RT here, soliciting all of the Nation who frequent this blog, Raiderfans.Net, Inside The Oakland Raiders and around the web.
And we, collectively, submit the petition to the Raiders. Will it bring about the changes we're looking for? Maybe not.
But we are the Nation and we can either sit on our hands and rail against bad decisions, or we can make our feelings known to those at the top - we make clear with one voice how we feel the team should change while at the same time reaffirming our committment to the Nation.
True, Al Davis may not care what we think.
But in this era of grassroots campaigns, of social media and web-activism, we have a voice. To ignore that voice, to continue to scream into the ether, would be the worst decision of the of the last dismal 6 years.
A rumor now floating around is that the Raiders are searching for assistant coaches. Maybe Davis is trying to reassemble his "yes" team before he hires a new HC. Brilliant!
Here's how I play this offseason if I am in the position of GM. Keep in mind that I am looking to improve from the team for next season, but as well, the long-term.
HC-Interview: Tom Cable, Josh McDaniels, Jason Garrett, Mike Murlarkey, Russ Grimm, Kevin Gilbride, and Leslie Frazier in that order.
OC-Let Head Coach bring in his guy, and Offensive staff; or interview Jerald Ingram (RB Coach of NYG), and James Lofton.
DC-Gregg Williams (Jacksonville), Bob Sanders (GB), Gus Bradley, or Rod Marinelli. Then let the DC bring in his defensive staff.
Players:
Cut-Javon Walker, Ronald Curry, Tuiasosopo, Sam Williams, Kwame Harris, Terdell Sands, Cornell Green, Jake Grove, John Bowie, Ashley Lelie, and possibly Tommy Kelly.
Trade-Andrew Walter, Michael Huff, Justin Fargas, and Derrick Burgess; for draft picks. I would try and keep Burgess if I could, but I think he's unhappy in Oakland.
FA Signings-Matt Birk, C-Minnesota; Mark Tauscher; OT-GB, Marvel Smit, OT, Pitts; T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR-Cle; Shaun Cody, DT, Lions; Tank Johnson, DT, Cowboys; Kyle Orton, QB, Chicago, and/or Bertrand Berry, DE, Cardinals.
I know I wouldn't be able to sign all of them, but this is the list of F/A I'd seriously go after to try and bring in. My priority would be to pursue the O-line guys and DT first. If I got any one of those O-Line guys and DT, I'd pursue TJ Houshmandzadeh hard.
Draft (Top 4 Rounds):
1st Round-#7 Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss; or if available Michael Crabtree (which I think he will be picked before #7).
2nd Round-BJ Raji, DT, Boston College, or Clay Matthews, LB, USC (assuming Brian Cushing goes first round, if not, Brian Cushing goes here over the other 2).
3rd Round-Jarret Dillard, WR, Rice; or Antoine Caldwell, C, 'Bama
4th Round-Antoine Caldwell, C, 'Bama; Cedric Dockery, OG, Texas; or Josh Mauga, MLB, Nevada
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Gary....You mean to tell me that out of the 24 other teams left out of the playoffs....NO good coaching prospects are in the crowd?? Really??? Not one?
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I didn't say that.. I said if Al would have hired one of them there would be at least 5 people here stomping their feet because Al didn't wait until the SB was over to hire him.
Everything AL does is an indicator of how inept he is with at least 25% of the regulars here. If Al keeps Cable he is an idiot because so and so was available... if he hires someone else, he is an idiot because Cable had the team turned in the right direction.
It just keeps going on and on and on....
I'd take Ray Lewis and give him every dime we have left in cap space, he would be that much of a game changer for the defense.
To say he wouldn't be a great pick up would be like saying Gannon wasn't a great pickup at the end of his career... or Romo, or RWood.
There are players and there are IMPACT players... people that change completely everyone around them.
Cmon RT... jesus. You wouldn't want Ray Lewis????? Wowsers.
Well, perusing Jerry Mac this morning, it appears that folks here have been crying about pretty much nothing. Lots of under the table reports of coaches coming in and out of Oakland, and it appears that Cable has the job as HC and the Raiders are now interviewing for assistants.
No word about a GM, but frankly I didn't expect to hear anything about a GM until after the SB anyway. It's true that the GM will have played no part in the selection of the HC, but Bruce Allen didn't select Jon Gruden either. The timing on that was much the same. Gruden was named, and then Bruce Allen sometime after.
The GM that Davis selects will not be one focused on coaches anyway. He will likely be a player personnel and cap specialist, which are the areas that Davis has admitted having trouble in.
No, Gary, I don't want Ray Lewis. He would cost too much relative to his remaining upside.
Stop the costly quick fix mentality NOW, please. Honestly, some of you guys almost seem to revel in the dysfunction.
Big difference between 2001 and 2009. We were a veteran team built on lunch pail performers like Rich Gannon, Eric Allen, Rod Woodson, Tim Brown, etc. The veteran culture and the winning culture back then could keep an aging wild card like Romo in relative check. Back then, you could add a risky piece to complete the puzzle. Right now, our puzzle pieces are scattered all over the place.
Ray Lewis currently plays on the most capable defense in the NFL. In Oakland, he would not have nearly the supporting cast he has in Baltimore. We would have to overpay him to get him here, and then I believe that he would get frustrated and mouthy.
Also, I believe that he was initially mentioned here to rebuke my notion that we shouldn't sign free agents with character issues. Nice try. Moss, Walker and Hall all waltzed into this place with serious VERY RECENT character baggage. Lewis has kept is nose clean for many years now.
So I wouldn't reject him on character, but rather as not being a good fit, financially and otherwise, for the organization at this time.
RT, I disagree on that one 100%. A young team needs a veteran presence, and especially at the LB position. When Lewis goes down or is out, Baltimore's defense suffers. He would improve our run defense, and wouldn't take the job away from any other player we have with considerable promise (because we don't have one of those at LOLB.
Then you've been griping all week that the Raiders are doing nothing and just sitting on their hands. But if you look at the papers today, coaches have coming in and out of here - and to Davis' office, not the hospital.
But I'm sure this news won't stop you. You'll gripe about the choice of coaches that have been coming in and out. You've griped that Cable has been left twisting in the wind. That doesn't appear to be the case at all. It appears that no announcement has been made pending an interview with a minority candidate, which will apparently be Winston Moss. It looks like Cable has the job, and interviews are being conducted to find him an assistant staff.
"Everything AL does is an indicator of how inept he is with at least 25% of the regulars here."
It's more what he doesn't do, and that seems to defy all logic based on the last six seasons.
His propensity to hire assistant coaches before a HC, and possiby a HC before (and this is a big if) a GM, will certainly make these jobs far less appealing to qualified candidates.
Essentially, there is no indication or basis to assume that anything is going to change in a process that has failed time and time again.
The media seem to believe that Davis is searching for a DC that will implement his man coverage - minimal blitz schemes, with in-house LB coach Martindale topping that list.
Honestly, I have no reason to doubt this story. However, the best (and most logical) thing we could do is let Martindale and the rest of the D staff go, despite the fact they may be good coaches, so that a new (modern) system of D can be infused.
No, please read my comments and takes.
I have said nothing about the Raiders not doing enough right now. All I said on that front was that those using the excuse that Davis is ailing to refute those who say the Raiders haven't done enough in January are making a very weak argument.
What I have said is that I need to see some specific conditions met before I return as a paying customer. Despite the utter common sense and Football 101 nature of my conditions, some folks still seem to consider them extreme, as evident here in the comments.
You are confusing this year with last year, when I was agitated by the lack of action and resolution to what was obviously an unhealthy set of circumstances.
You assured me at that time that is was all lollipops between Kiffin, Davis and Ryan.
Gary:
In regard to Ray Lewis, we are currently $61,676,371 OVER the cap ... signing an over-priced veteran on the downside of his career to a 5-11 team would not be prudent.
Before we can even start to talk about possible FA targets, the Raiders have some MAJOR cap management issues to resolve.
RT, I never said it was lollipops, what I said is that you can't truat what the press is saying, and that turned out to be very accurate. Everything the press was saying turned out to be Kiffin's one-sided leaks.
Patrick Patterson's article today is absurd. In one breath he says there are obviously no changes because Davis is picking assistants before he picks his head coach, who will have no input. Then in the next breath he says it appears that Cable will return as HC and Donatell (a possible DC candidate) has close ties with Cable.
It also appears that the Raiders have considered the issue of Bush - whether to try and trade him or keep him. It appears that they have decided NOT to shop him, but to listen to offers. If they don't get a truly substantial offer, the Raiders are happy to keep him. I think that's exactly the right choice to make at this time.
raider00, my complaint is that folks have been griping their heads off here without the slightest clue about what they are griping about.
I've heard that Al is leaving Cable to twist in the wind, and that he's doing nothing about finding an HC. Well, that appears to be complete BS. You can't make that call a mere week after the regular season.
Cable isn't twisting in the wind. He's very likely been told he's coming back (note the interview of a DC with Cable ties), but the official announcement (by rule) cannot be made until a minority candidate has been interviewed. Davis isn't going to just interview Lofton for show, because he's already interviewed him twice. Instead, he's going to interview Winston Moss (the former LB and coaching rising star), which is the more intelligent interview to make.
No, there is no obvious GM on the horizon, but Davis' pick for that position may not be available yet. It could also be that he hasn't yet made the decision, but those interviews are being conducted over the telephone because the prospective GM does not have to be interviewed by Cable as well.
Davis has never broadcast to the public every move he makes. I never expected him to start. You're going to find out about most changes after they occur. That has always been true.
Davis may make the effort to revise the way the Raiders opperate, but he's not going to change the way HE opperates.
Me as GM.
Ray Lewis is looking for a big payday. Probably too big for me to consider.
Nate, your release list would totally fracture the salary cap with excelerated bonus money. I would approach Sands and Kelly to renegotiate a more cap friendly deal so I could pursue some DL help, more solid depth or a possible starter.
Top priority, make Nnamdi happy. I would keep Cable rather than start over again with wholesale changes. He and I would locate the best coordinators available. The players were responding to him.
I would not trade Bush unless someone wants to give up a first rounder. That's where he was projected before he was hurt. But, I would prefer he stayed. I would move Fargas to #3.
Javon Walker would be gone unless he would consider a major renegotiation that would allow his release if he went wacko again.
If he fell to the third round I would leap on Antoine Caldwell with both feet. His natural position is center, but he has played all five positions on the OL and we could use the depth.
First round pick Oher from Ole Miss, Crabtree Texas Tech, or Maualuga SC, which ever is available.
That's my start.
H
BR said, "It's true that the GM will have played no part in the selection of the HC, but Bruce Allen didn't select Jon Gruden either. The timing on that was much the same. Gruden was named, and then Bruce Allen sometime after."
Actually Bruce Allen was already in place as GM.
BR also said, "RT, I never said it was lollipops, what I said is that you can't truat what the press is saying, and that turned out to be very accurate. Everything the press was saying turned out to be Kiffin's one-sided leaks."
I disagree with this. Before last season ended, there were rumors that Kiffin wanted the Arkansas job because there was a HUGE rift between he and Al. At the end of the season, rumors were that Kiffin and Ryan didn't get along, and Kiffin wanted Ryan fired, and Ryan wanted to go to the Jets.
Then there were rumors that Davis was trying to force Kiffin to resign. Once this season started, it was rumored that Kiffin was trying to get himself fired, rather than focusing on leading the Raiders to victory.
All of this was TRUE! At the time of these reports, a lot of us didn't believe them (myself included on a few of these); but we were proven wrong. That is what RT means by "everything was lollipops."
BR also said, "raider00, my complaint is that folks have been griping their heads off here without the slightest clue about what they are griping about."
I again, disagree. I am griping about the lack of change with how the organization is run, Davis' continued committment to being below average, and Davis' love affair with "entertainment" drama regarding the Raiders; instead of focusing on improving the team. My complaint is focuse on what you said, "Davis may make the effort to revise the way the Raiders opperate, but he's not going to change the way HE opperates."
The way HE operates is why the Raiders are at where they are at. That has been my beef this whole season.
That's what I'm talking aboutt, Nate. You give an excellent rendition of Kiffin's one-sided argument. As I understand it, Davis was first pissed that Kiffin was not just rumored to be interested in the Arkansas job, buy actively pursuing it. (This comes from Jerry Jones who is an Ark. alumn, and who is on their search committee).
Kiffin wanted Davis to commit contractual interference with the Bucks and bring his dad over to replace Ryan. Ryan was willing to step out of the way and go to the Jets, but Davis refused to pursue Kiffin, Sr., leaving Ryan in place.
It was found out that Kiffin was leaking his side of the story regularly to Mortensen (a man who Davis obviously loves) at ESPN.
All the while, Kiffin was throwing his players and his coaches under the bus.
Yes, Al Davis made the hire. And I'm convinced it is the worst hire in his history. And that includes Shell II.
Of course everything the press says isn't true. But it was obvious last January, despite Blanda's assurances to the contrary, that there was a lot of truth to the reports and that it was not all lollipops in Alameda. What the Raiders didn't say was just as revealing as what they did.
None of us could get a full detailed picture of the fire, but it was easy to smell the smoke (except for those who mistook the scent for daisies)
Also, it's pure revisionism to say that the reports of the rifts were all coming from Kiffin's side.
For example, the media reported that the Raiders were angry at Kiffin for sniffing out college gigs in 2007. This information didn't come from Kiffin, but from sources within the organization.
There was plenty of unattributed talk coming from sources within the organization speaking to local beat writers, not ESPN.
Take, that's a bit of revision on your part. Yes, it came from Herrera that Kiffin was actively puruing college offers, but it came from Kiffin (well before that) that there was no truth to the rumors he was. The confirmation that he was came from Jerry Jones.
EVERYONE!! The Raiders have been the worst lires in the NFL without a dought! They lie as a matter of business and who are they lieing to???? US, thats right the Raider fans who pay to see this Drama year after year. They have never told the truth......Half truths but never the truth when it comes to real issues. There is not one other team that treats its fans with less respect! B.R., don't get your panties in a bunch over this........The entire Kiffin drama was a Mike Taylor and John Hurrura joke.....Both need to be shot not fired. The people that Al trusts most screw us out of the truth on a consistant basis.....The main streem media might be harsh but the Raiders are just lires........I will take harsh over the constant lies....A recient example is the "interview" of Gilbride....."it was not an interview".....The coach just said it "WAS" an interview.....Now why lie about it??? Just the same old bullshit from Alameda..........Im sick of it!
Of course Kiffin and Hererra had different takes on the matter. The fact is that both takes from both sides were reported, which was just one of many obvious clues to the developing rift.
When you say things like "everything the press was saying turned out to be Kiffin's one-sided leaks," be prepared to back it up.
So we hire Cable as HC (after complying with the Rooney Rule). Martindale becomes the DC and implements the same man-coverage, minimal blitz scheme (a poster child for bad run defense). We lose a top-level ST coach as well as a solid RB coach. We don't hire a GM. And we're almost certain to lose the best punter in the history of the NFL.
I'm not saying we can't win more than five games, but this is arguably a step backwards for the team, and at best represents the status quo.
nyraider, Martindale's contract is up the same day as Rob Ryan. Martindale is not obligated to stay, and like Rob Ryan, will be departing to Cleveland.
BR, at the time the rumors were circulating that Kiffin wanted the Arkansas job, 99% of the posters here (myself included) didn't buy it because Kiffin himself said he wasn't "actively searching for a job" because he "was the Head Coach of the Raiders." These rumors started with the Raiders front office, not Kiffin (who denied them, even after the season).
Rumors in that offseason were that Kiffin and Davis almost came to fist-fighting. Kiffin came out at the Senior Bowl and denied the rumor; and again, as it turned out it left the impression that the rumors started within the organization; not Kiffin. On a side note, I doubt that Kiffin and Davis came close to blows; but it wouldn't surprise me if it were Kiffin and Herrera.
Kiffin never started anonymous rumors, he made statements on live TV, through the papers (he was always quoted), etc; that produced speculation. Unnamed "League/team" sources were always used when the turmoil between Kiffin and the Raiders/Al Davis started toward the end of the '07 Season, through the time Kiffin was fired. Once he was fired, all of a sudden it was revealed by the Al Davis himself, that the "Unnamed League/Team source" was none other than Herrera. You can go back on J-Mac's Inside the Raiders blog for those quotes and articles.
My question to you is this. Explain to me again why you think the media was reporting "Kiffin's side of the story" and not the Raiders' organization? When did Kiffin ever admit he was pursuing a college job before he was fired? Give me the link because everything I've read he denied it; and the "Unnamed League/team source" mantra was used.
Raider Nate - I haven't read anything linking Martindale to Cleveland, other than the speculation he could follow Ryan. Also, that would be a latteral move, while DC with the Raiders represents advancement.
It wouldn't be the first time a coach (or player) used the Raiders as a means to better ends.
Raider Nate, you're lax on your reading. The Kiffin "difficulties" started happening about the time that the Arkansas rumors began. Yes, Kiffin denied those rumors. According to Jerry Jones (owner of the Cowboys, close friend of Davis, and alumn and board member in Arkansas school athletics) reported to both Davis and the press that he knew Kiffin was seeking that job in spite of Kiffin's denials. That's why Davis called him a liar.
It was also reported by either JMac or Jason Jones that it turned out Kiffin was in regular communication with his media friends at ESPN during the entire rift. Davis doesn't normally make public statements unless the situation demands it. The rumors and accusations flying against Davis demanded it. Especially when Kiffin asserted that the opening Denver game was all Ryan's and Davis' fault because Davis runs the defense.
If you go back and check my prior posts, you'll note that I supported Kiffin right up to that opening weekend, and then said I'd fire Kiffin for the lack of preparation against a hated division rival. It was after that that it was revealed what Jerry Jones had to say, and others. So Kiffin got free pass while lying and while spreading tales about his employer, until his little game began to unravel.
Kiffin didn't come here to coach the Raiders. Kiffin came here in an attempt to pad his resume for a college HC position.
I will grant you that since Davis knew of all of this during the off season, he should have fired Kiffin then. But one thing that mistake should do is put the lie to the notion that Davis refuses to have any people around him who aren't "yes" men.
"I will grant you that since Davis knew of all of this (Arkansas drama) during the off season, he should have fired Kiffin then."
But instead, Davis waited until he thought he had established "cause" to fire Kiffin and save a couple dollars while upending an entire season of development and continuity.
Green Bay Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss is supposed to be interviewed this weekend. Takes care of the stupid "Rooney Rule."
Ex-Raider Loniel Washington has spoken to Al and so has Ed Donatell. Moss and Washington have ties to the Raiders. Ed has more experience as a assistant and all 3 are from Green Bay.
So what is Al thinking here? Is Al really going to hire Cable and they are just seeing who's got a good shot at being DC?
Also interesting note. Donatell was a DC at Idaho when Cable played college ball and served on the Falcons in the same capacity when Cable coached there.
Mr. Duva
Mr. Duva, as I understand it, Cable has at least loose ties with all of the coaches you mentioned. That indicates to me that Cable is putting names out there for Davis to interview. Moss will be interviewed, of course, to satisfy the Rooney Rule, but they might also offer him DC if he does not receive an offer as an HC from somebody else.
What strikes me about the events of the last week or so is that the press has been sure to tell us that all of the other teams are vigorously searching for new coaches while nothing happens in Raiderland, as Davis just sits and twiddles his thumbs.
ALL OF A SUDDEN, it turns out that there have been several appointments set up, and people have even come and gone last week under the radar. It turns out that Davis hasn't been in the hospital, but interviewing and conducting due dilligence at his office in Alemeda.
We've also been told that evil Al is allowing Cable to twist in the wind while Davis twiddles. It appears that Davis has determined to remove the interim tag from Cable (but can't announce as much until the Rooney Rule has been satisfied), that Cable knows as much, and that he has been working with Al to determine which assistants should be let go, and which ones to pursue.
It appears to me that the only argument thus far that bears any weight is that Al hasn't hired a GM. But that doesn't mean he isn't going to. But personnally, I think it would be a bad idea to come in and ask a new GM to pick an HC other than Tom Cable.
I think Cable has shown he has the intelligence, the leadership, and the motivation to get the job done, and keeping him here maintains the continuity of the improvement.
nyraider, when Kiffin pursued the Arkansas job, Davis had the aminunition to fire him. If he was pushing for another job while under contract, he violated his contract. Davis had the power to fire him for cause as soon as he knew the facts.
The question is, when did he know for certain that Kiffin was lying. My recollection is that Jones didn't call Kiffin a liar until preparations for 2008 were well under way. I didn't hear about what Jones had said until the season had begun, after the week one disaster.
According to Jason Jones, the Raiders have shown interest in speaking to Moss, but they haven't set up an interview. That's likely because, according to the SL press, when Moss inteviewed for the Rams he admitted that he wasn't ready to be a head coach. He apparently stumbled when they asked him about defenses, meaning the Raiders wouldn't interested in him as a DC either. He would simply be in to satisfy the Rooney Rule.
Davis has said in the past that he takes the Rooney Rule serriously (he also helped implement it), so I doubt that he'd interview Moss just to satisfy the rule. He won't just call in Lofton either, because that would be a fairly large insult to Lofton being he's been interviewed twice already.
That would put the Raiders in danger of violating the rule and being fined. Detroit was fined 200,000 dollars when they hired Marriuchi. The reason being is that Detroit tried to interview a minority but none would set up an appointment because they believed that Mooch already had the job (which he did).
However, since Davis has a reputation for interviewing just to keep future prospective candidates on the radar, a minority candidate may take that into consideration.
Just an added comment. Personally, I'd like to see the Rooney Rule adjusted. I think that if a team can show that they've made overtures to a minority candidate, but that the candidate has refused the overtures, the team should not be fined. I guess the problem with that is if a team really wants to be biggotted, they can simply make overtures to minority candidates whom they know will decline because of a better position elsewhere.
But it seems to me, for the most part, that the NFL has finally abandoned their aversion to minority HCs.
Can the Rooney Rule be adjusted to require teams to have a competent GM on staff, regardless of race or gender?
That sounds right, but it would have to be renamed the "Davis Rule."
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But instead, Davis waited until he thought he had established "cause" to fire Kiffin and save a couple dollars while upending an entire season of development and continuity.
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Actually Al didn't fire Kiffin because he didn't want to admit he screwed up by hiring him in the first place.
He said so.
It was Kiffin that stayed around for the money.
Comforting to know that I trusted my investment to folks who felt that saving face was more important than winning football games. Remind me why, again, I'm not renewing my season tickets?
A new record has been achieved! NY Raider has effectively written off next season two weeks after this season ended!
This should be part of Raider Take HOF material!
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In regard to Ray Lewis, we are currently $61,676,371 OVER the cap ... signing an over-priced veteran on the downside of his career to a 5-11 team would not be prudent.
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If 2110 is uncapped, this is almost completely irrelevant.
We can restructure every contract on the books with no penalty whatsoever in 2010.
And RT... the team was NOWHERE until we brought in Gannon.. he didn't just start here as "lunch pail".. he was a veteran FA that made the Raiders a championship team.
READ THESE WORDS: VETERAN FREE AGENT.
Who on our current roster on defense do you trust to lead the defense to a championship caliber, especially since suddenly whiny-ass Asum. wants to jump ship?
Morrison is out of position and over pursues as much as the rest of the entire defense. Who after that? Huff? Eugene? Kelly? Burgess does nothing besides wheel around the tackle hoping for a sack. There is no leadership on defense right now, which might be a major part of the problem.
We need a VETERAN field general, and there is no one in the business that could fit that bill better than Lewis.
Yes, just what we need, an aging overpriced mouthy veteran on defense. The sensible comparison isn't Gannon, it's Sapp.
And think of the sales pitch we could give Lewis, who currently enjoys the benefits of working amid one of the most elite units in the NFL. Come to Oakland and...well, I'll leave the rest to you, Gary.
It would take a bazillion dollars. Dollars that should be spent elsewhere.
It's all sugar plums and lollipops in Alameda. I feel so much better now that I know that:
(a) Al had a 1 hour phone conversation with Gilbride.
(b) We might interview Moss to satisfy the Rooney rule.
(c) We are considering a couple coaches (Washington, Donatell) who were discarded due to the poor performance of GBay's D.
(d) We might hire a pseudo GM in this decade but there is no hurry since Cable will be named HC.
(e) Martindale might be promoted to DC. After all, he's earned it with the bang up job our LBs have done the past six years in run D.
On a less sarcastic note, I'm really disappointed that ST Coach Schnieder and RB Coach Rathman were not aggressively retained. Both coaches units performed above average.
GM, HC, OC, DC ... what efforts are being made to bring in the most competitive field of prospective candidates? Keep in mind, I don't equate the current "robust" activity in Alameda as meeting the objectives of finding these key hires.
I hope at some point I'm excited about the direction of the organization, the additions of the best possible new coaching staff members being hired, and being able to feel there is tangible change and improvements in the works. To date, I'm not feelin' it, irregardless of the sugar plums dancing in my head.
After this post, I will no longer beat 2 dead horses:
(a) Ray Lewis joining the Raiders
(b) The Fake FG
In the simplest terms, here is my final thoughts on (a) and (b):
There is no credible thought that Ray Lewis would, could, or should join the Raiders.
The fake FG was amateur hour at its worst. In the grand scheme of things, it was 1 boneheaded call that cost us 1 win. This one play has no significant bearing in how I view Tom Cable. To error is human. To make up bogus reasons to justify how this play would work is silly.
I will keep my promise ... you will not hear another single peep from me on these 2 irrelevant topics.
Sincerely,
Calico Jack
Calico,
you're right on the money.
the raiders famous "commitment to excellence" is dead.
now days, we just take what we can get. we cannot get the best anymore. the best won't even look in our direction.
some of the names being talked about for DC position are an embarrassment.
but that's what we're left with. the crumbs under the table.
Raider 00:
I'm disappointed in the fact that we don't seem to be even attempting to contact the top candidates. There seems to be a lack of aggressive, decisive, bold action being taken whatsoever. It is the equivalent of a young male who is insecure asking the pretty girl for a dance because he is too caught up in the "what if she rejects me" mentality.
It is almost as if Davis' ego would become to bruised by the media if a candiate like Josh Daniels (HC), Romeo Crennel (DC) rejects his invitation to interview.
I hate to say it but our interview/selection process has become nothing more than "settling" on candidates out of convenience instead of vigorously turning over every rock with trying to unearth the best candidate. It is almost as if the young male is only asking the girls who he knows with certainty will say "yes". Uggghh.
JFC ... get some hair on those old saggy balls Mr. D. Start swingin' for the fences instead of being content to move the runner over.
“A new record has been achieved! NY Raider has effectively written off next season two weeks after this season ended!”
LOL. Gary, I’d love to know what your referencing so I could respond. Based on my entries above, it could be any number of comments.
I’m just amazed that many of you don’t see the status quo hard at work. Don’t take my word for it. Others on this board have done much better than me articulating the central points of this status quo, but it doesn’t seem to sink in.
As Calico Jack points out, the robust activity that’s presently being reported seems hollow. The mere idea that we might assemble an entire staff without interviewing top prospects kind of speaks for itself.
Compound that with the notion that should Davis hire a GM-type, this person will enter with an entire staff just assembled, despite that person's supposed authority, and be a huge disadvantage for anyone worthy of such a post.
Davis has literally had months since his historic press conference to interview and fill this post, yet appears to have done nothing.
I feel all of us, as fans, have given the Raiders incredible latitude to make the same mistakes over and over. I guess, like many others, I have hit the wall and can no longer pat Davis on the back and blindly accept that he will make it right.
It’s not just that I feel Davis can no longer handle the responsibilities of GM at the ripe age of 79 (80 when the 2009 season starts), because I don’t, it’s that I strongly feel he should step away from his GM post based on the last six horrific seasons.
The tendencies we see now are a product of the dysfunction that has driven this franchise to its NFL record-breaking low point. GM’s have been fired for far far less than the atrocities committed in Oakland.
What we have here are some folks who literally revel in the dysfunction. It's not my cup of tea, but I get it.
Look at the outcry over my very simple Football 101 conditions stated in this take. That's all you need to know.
All you guys who keep railing on Cable about the fake FG, need to go watch the F-ing film. If Seabass waits a split second, the one guy rushing would have been curving his momentum towards the holder, and he would not have been able to get to seabass. Of course seabass still has to catch it, and everyone else still make thier blocks....
And if it HAD worked everyone would be like "He's a F-ing Genious! What Balls!".
And finally, you can't say one play in the first half lost you the game. That's a total cop-out.
JMHO :-)
Sure wish we could have held onto Rathman :-(
-moshbucket
Well, I've kept pretty quiet on that subject, but I am convinced that that play call was utterly kooky. Seabass might have been in the clear for some yards, but not the full 17 yards needed. No way. It was bad judgment.
Now I'm not saying it lost the game on its own, or that Cable's resume is ruined because of it. But as a play call, it was awful.
This whole "if it had worked..." line can be used to justify anything. It reminds me of what I hear from the players and George Atkinson on KSFO after every loss: "If this or that had worked, or if we'd won the game, you wouldn't be saying this or that..."
If "if"s and "but"s were candy and nuts, then every day would be Christmas
"If "if"s and "but"s were candy and nuts, then every day would be Christmas"
What a classic line!
I wish I could take credit for it, but I heard it somewhere.
NTRaider...
What really goes on behind closed doors....
You are just as informed as the rest of us but all the speculation is so (-)....I don't get it...
If "MrD" has a "GM" in mind (As Rumored) is there any way you would believe there has NOT been some type of communication between the 2....Why would you just be so willing to accept that he would come into a situation in total darkness...Is it not possible....Beyond a "Reasonable Doubt"...That "MrD" and company are simply following up on interviews already signed off on by that perspective "GM" who is presently "Tied-Up" and unavailable for comment due to NFL Tampering Rules....
Take a deep breath and a big sip of your favorite brew and chill...It's "Wait-n-See" time in the "Nation"...After the smoke clears there will be plenty of time for "Smash-Mouth" Assaults on whatever took place...
Speculate as you will...
All around the "Rumor-Mill"...
What will it fulfil...
You'll just need another pill...
PantyRaider...(+)'s Please!!!!/_
A steady diet of (-) will cause dysfunction in us all....
Could this happen again...A positive consideration....
Greatest Single Year Turnaround
The greatest turnaround in pro football history was when the 1963 Oakland Raiders went 10-4 after going 1-13 the previous year. Al Davis was named American Football League Coach of the Year after the 1963 campaign.
That monumental turnaround began to take shape when Al Davis was brought aboard as head coach and general manager of a failing Oakland franchise that had struggled to win only nine of 42 games in the initial three seasons of the new American Football League.
GREATEST SINGLE-YEAR TURNAROUNDS
DIFF TEAM YR W L PCT YR W L PCT
.642 OAKLAND 1962 1 13 .071 1963 10 4 .714
.625 Miami 2007 1 15 .063 2008 11 5 .688
.625 Indianapolis 1998 3 13 .188 1999 13 3 .813
.571 New England 1975 3 11 .214 1976 11 3 .786
.571 Baltimore 1974 2 12 .143 1975 10 4 .714
PantyRaider...Posted from raiders.com
>>>
LOL. Gary, I’d love to know what your referencing so I could respond.
>>>
"I'm not saying we can't win more than five games,"
A bit premature to be making ANY predictions about next year doncha think Shooter?
lol jfc
>>>
There is no credible thought that Ray Lewis would, could, or should join the Raiders.
>>>>
1.. Would he? If we offered him the most money he'd be here with bells on.
2. Could he.. obviously.
3. Should he.. absolutely. Unless you don't think veteran on-field generals on a young team are important or something... which would be bizarro-world territory, IMO.
Gary, so you think that one of our offseason priorities should be to make a run at Ray Lewis by outbidding all other teams for his services despite our salary cap situation and many needs on both sides of the ball? Are you sure your name isn't Al?
Here is the thing, Al Davis whether he hires a GM or not really does not make a difference. Al will not change. He will hire a puppet to do the job so he can pull the strings. He would be nothing but merely a figurehead with a title. Al is in no way shape or form willing to relinquish any control of player personnel or anything else for that matter. RT: Watch the games from the couch instead of putting another nickel in Al's pocket and I hope others will do the same. Sure the games will be blacked out like they usually are but I find if i dont watch the game it doesnt hurt as bad. Good luck to you.
Marc
Marc is absolutely right. And RT, I am also joining you in not renewing my season tickets. This will be the first year I have not had season tickets to the Raiders since they returned to Oakland in 1995. With the economy being the way it is, and my hours being cut at my job, there is no way in hell I can justify spending my hard earned money on the crap that Al Davis puts on the football field. Like you, I am going to wait for tangible change, and I will know when that day arrives. Until then, I will watch the games from my couch, or if they are blacked out, I will be listening to KSFO.
GatorRaider
Gary - obviously you have taken my comment out of context, but I'll bite. Lately, a five-win season is a good season for the Raiders, and I’m saying they could win more than five games next year. So what’s your beef?
Ok, what have you seen this off-season to separate it from previous years?
I think the two comments above say it all.
Maybe it takes a wisenhunt - turner sb matchup to wake things up. So be it...
Not that things are not bad enough but why, why is every story or rumor or whatever, refuted by herrara.
We caught his act during the kiffin debacle. herrara's knuckle drag slightly higher than artie giantano's.
Gary: Per my post at 8:14, I will keep my word. Sorry but it just isn't worth the time to form a rebuttal.
RT,
I realize that everyone always says that about plays that don't work. But sometimes good plays don't work and sometimes bad plays do.
I really liked the fact that it was in the game-plan to run that fake if the D gave us the correct look, and Cable had the balls to run it.
I just hope he is around next year (him AND Lechler!) so we might see it again :-)
-moshbucket
moshbucket asked.....
All,
I noticed a coomment somewhere in an article that Nam was hinting that he wanted out of Oakland. Has anyone heard this? I mean he was pissed at the end of the season because he is sick of loosing, but I have never herd him say anything that would indicate he is hinting to leave?
Anyone?
>>>>
nyraider said...
Gary - obviously you have taken my comment out of context, but I'll bite. Lately, a five-win season is a good season for the Raiders, and I’m saying they could win more than five games next year. So what’s your beef?
>>>
My beef is that was a passive aggressive way of writing the Raiders off next year without coming out and actually saying it.
RT.. answer my question because maybe I missed it because of all the pig-piling posts on Al here... who do you think will be the on-field leader next year on defense? I don't see one anywhere.. and if he is already on contract he pretty much is clueless so would do more harm than good. Lewis would END all the overpursuit and blown coverages the second he'd show up... he'd command that much respect.
And I'd agree fully that if there was a CB contract in place we shouldn't blow up our salary cap with Lewis, but AFAIK, 2010 is going to be completely uncapped, so why should we care how Al spends his money? You should HOPE he goes broke signing players so maybe he would have to sell off the team, and you could finally be rid of him!
Well, of course, Gary, I'd love to trade for Ed Reed, too. Can we trade for Larry Fitzgerald? If we trade away enough picks and pay enough, who knows? Ray Lewis, sure. Can we sign Kurt Warner as a backup? Isn't his contract up?
In a perfect world, great. But we don't have unlimited resources. There's something called the salary cap (this isn't 2010). The Raiders have done an awful job managing, because of the very type of move you're advocating right now by suggesting that we outbid all other teams for Ray Lewis.
Al Davis won't go broke. He'll just run out of resources. This is one of the lowest earning teams. If we spend like the Yankees on a Royals budget, we'll be right back where we started.
RaiderTake,
when you say, "right back where we started", do you mean 2 wins instead of 5 ?
just checking.
So how many here would honestly be surprised if Al brought Pac Man Jones in?? Al is probably looking at that guy and thinking "we can turn him into a football player" "He can succeed in Oakland"
GatorRaider
Gary - I’m not making my prediction for 2009 just yet. If you read between the lines, I merely pine for a smart decision to be made in Oakland. It’s been a while.
Oh yeah, Gary. In all your "pig-piling on Al" finger pointing, you neglected to answer my question.
"What have you seen this off-season to separate it from previous years?"
All I know after watching this Giant-Eagle game I don't want Kevin Gilbride commin within 1000 miles of Oakland. Now I know why Buddy Ryan tried to strangle him.
RaiderMike
Ok folks, the off season in only two weeks old. For MOST teams nothing gets done unitl after the Super Bowl.
We all want to know what is going on behind closed doors. I do also. But I ain't going to get all exorcised about it because there's no way I can affect it.
Take and others have made a decision to not renew their season tickets. Their feeling is they are getting a negative return on their investment so they are cutting their losses. It's understandable. Were I a season ticket holder I might feel the same way. I do, however, pony up for Sunday Ticket and never miss a game.
As for Pacman Jones, I hope he is not in a Raider uniform next season. Not a good locker room guy.
I'm having a beer right now and I plan to not worry about it until things actually start happening. We can get into all the pissing contest we want, but in the end it's all opinion and conjucture. I'm beginning to think some of the folks are taking some of the comments here personally. That is the exact wrong thing to do. It's just a game.
H
H, I hate to bug anyone taking a beer break, but the Dolphins and Falcons had installed new GMs and new coaches well before the Super Bowl game last year. Yes, other teams take longer, but most? Also, if you're really set on getting a top-flight GM like Scott Pioli, it doesn't make much sense to sit tight while others go after him.
Al better hurry up and get some semblance of a coaching staff together........The Senior Practices and game are in less than two weeks.
GatorRaider
In my previous post, I meant to say Senior Bowl practices and the game.
GatorRaider
RaiderMike,
i'll bet that al gave gilbride some football advice during the 1 hour talk they had.
it sure looked that way by the giants performance.
just kidding. felt like pig pilin on a little...lol
As I watch the playoffs, I can't help but notice that solid defense is still how to get it done. Then I cringe thinking that we spent 5 seasons watching SOB fail miserably.
Yet, virtually each off-season, when we’re searching for a new HC, Ryan supporters cite the continuity Ryan represents for the D.
Facing a complete overhaul of the coaching staff on both sides of the ball, conceivably, this year’s transition could be the most difficult we’ve faced in the last 5-6 HC changes.
Now is definitely the time for aggressive, well-planned action.
Bama7
RT, I gave up about two years ago. You hung in there a bit longer. Nothing's going to change while Al's alive. Nothing. And what competent coach or GM would even risk coming here under some "agreement" that he'd have unfettered control? Future candidates don't even know if they'll end up being paid by Al! Nice precedent our "mgt" has set... not honoring contracts!
My request to Mr Rourke & Tatoo would be to have Al bring in the guy that totally dominated him in the most complete & humiliating way: Shotty. I'd be back excited as hell if Al were to hire Shottenheimer and we could watch one of those tough, physical teams get born in silver and black.
But I think fantasy island got canceled back in '78 or '79.
>>>
"What have you seen this off-season to separate it from previous years?"
>>>
Thats the point. The paint isn't even dry yet on last years season... myself I usually don't throw in any towels until week 8.. and here you did it, what, 10 months before that??
Oh, and we already have improved by 50% by SOB leaving. At least one side of the ball is almost certainly going to be MUCH better.
RT, I don't believe I suggested we trade for anyone... Lewis is a UFA.
And I am still waiting for you to tell me who our team leader on defense is going to be if we don't bring in at least one veteran FA.
I have already spoken of how this years salary cap could be circumvented easily be restructuring all the contracts. Granted its risky if they reach a labor agreement, but I think the owners are sick of the salary cap, and the players certainly aren't going to be against an uncapped year. It appears to me that Al is either completely crazy or he is operating under the assumption that next year will be uncapped... and he'd prolly know more than any of us on the subject.
>>
assumption that next year will be uncapped
>>
I meant 2010 being uncapped.
The Raiders are moving to L.A. and it makes no sense to buld a team here and move it. The logical thing to do is asure poor attendense and cry poor mouth..Bla..Bla..Bla. Throw in some stupid demand like we need more seating or somthing. Look, Goodell came to Oakland at invitation of the Raiders for somthing.....Yes...Was it for a afternoon tea??? Nope...I believe Al told him his plans to move the team to the L.A. market and Goodell said.."GREAT"! That problem solved. Now the "Denied" ruomr of the Billionare who wants to buy a team and move it to L.A. its funny how the Raiders always lash out at anyone who comes to close to the truth....After 2010 the Raiders will be well on the way back to SoCal and Al will retreet to his private compound to die in peace. Remember...You herd it first here....I am "SURE" this is going to happen. Watch and see how many bad choices we get next year in coaching and players..."Just empty the stadium BABY"! So we can move!!
Raider Greg
Gary - If you're waiting for Davis to wave a magic wand and have qualified management and coaching suddenly appear, that's your prerogative.
I wouldn't hold your breath. After all, Al taught Matt Millen everything he knows about being a GM.
NY: The only way that Al is going to get a strong GM is if he is turning over the keys because of health reasons, so all I see is a weak GM capologist anyway. I was HOPING he'd turn over the keys, but that seems misplaced hope... which is what everyone demanding that Al signs a strong GM is doing from the get-go.
Talk about a magic wand!
Oh, and I looked further and am retracting my overspending on Lewis comments fully... I was assuming there was no incentives for the players union to sign a new agreement, but it appears that there are HUGE triggers in place that makes it almost certain there will be a new CB agreement in place in by 2010... thus is would be suicidal to overspend this year.
Sorry.
There is STILL a glaring need for veteran leadership on both sides of the ball though... maybe a lesser name player than Lewis and I'd very much like to see a veteran backup for Jruss to help him out instead of two flunkies like Tui and Walter "mentoring" him.
RaiderGreg,
i do not understand your theory on the raiders moving back to la.
first, when the lease is up after 2010, why can't the raiders move if they're a good team ?
wouldn't al have more leverage to bargain for a new stadium, or at least stadium improvements, if the raiders were a good team ?
right now, with the raiders as piss poor run a franchise as can be, no one wants them.
they are a sink hole, and even the nfl starved la market wants nothing to do with al and his circus act.
i don't know all about this franchise moving business, but it makes sense the better your team is, the more choices you would have as far as options.
a crappy franchise(raiders), would have far fewer options.
so i don't think al is losing on purpose. i just think he's a man digging a hole, deeper, and deeper, and he cannot stop himself from digging.
Food for Thought ...
The top 3 defensive teams in the regular season are 1 step from the SB;
#1 Pitt
#2 Balt
#3 Philly
Raider00
The Chargers are a good team and NO City has taken them in SoCal...They have been crying about a new stadium and have tried to move to L.A. and Oceanside...NOPE....So your theory of a Good team is false. Now the Raiders...Have a bult in fan base that will come to the games and If this rich fella can buld a new stadium ( I think he can ) there you have it! It makes sense to lose as much interest here before the move. Less complaining from fans who are tired of a losing messed up franchise and Owner. He also can use the falling attendense as yet another reason to leave. Just my theory Bro...Think about it.
>>>>
The top 3 defensive teams in the regular season are 1 step from the SB;
#1 Pitt
#2 Balt
#3 Philly
>>>>
Thats an AWESOME stat!
Al Davis wants the Raiders to lose on purpose. This is by design?
Oy-vay.
Word on the street is that The Donkeys have hired Josh McDaniels as their next head coach. McDaniels must be licking his chops at the thought of going up against that uncreatve, man to man, no blitzing Al Davis defense twice every season, especially after his Patriots thrashed the Raiders in Oakland last month.
GatorRaider
Tick, tock...
Everthing is lined up for a NFL franchise to move into a state of the art facility in L.A.
All the developer (Roski) needs is a firm committment from any existing NFL franchise to move to LA and they will be breaking ground the very next day.
The developer, who was instrumental in the Staples Center (LA Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers) already owns all the land, has done all the final designs/blueprints, completed the environmental reports, and presented his vision to the commissioner.
The reason that this new stadium has a better than average chance of becoming a reality is this 1 simple fact:
This new stadium doesn't require 1 single penny from the public or the franchise.
http://www.losangelesfootballstadium.com/
JAX, Minnesota, New Orleans, San Diego, and yes, Oakland have been the teams linked as possible tenants.
super a-holes lose to steelers PRICELESS!!!
Chargers SUCK!!!
signed,
SCALR8R
Calico,
i understand what you're saying in regard to the whole LA stadium deal.
but Raidergreg put forth a theory that al davis is losing on purpose because this helps him move the team when lease is up in 2010.
this i do not understand, because how can losing help al move ?
once the lease expires, al is free to move, right ?
doesn't matter if the raiders are winning or losing. no lease, raiders are free.
How about "smellypanty" for head coach! He's got the branes , an he thinks like big al the "jeanyus", "pamtysmellum" would fit the roll purrfeckly!!!! The faidas will be gone next yeer enywhoo, and hoo cares any wayz? They are perennial LOSERS, they are low life thugsters and the aren't too smart neether. big al (MR.) davis should be owner of the century! he has showm a "commitment to excrement" and the "pride and poise" that a true leader must show to be considered "owner of the cnetury" material! Juat live for your faidas baby. An defend the "nation" ....0-16 is the goL for nex yeer.
"NY: The only way that Al is going to get a strong GM is if he is turning over the keys because of health reasons...."
That's kind of the point, isn't it? Is the man going to wait until he can no longer make that kind of decision on his own, or will he turn over the keys to somebody he has at least had the opportunity to approve?
It looks like the former to me.
Meanwhile, the Browns signed Mangini; Broncos look to have Josh McDaniels in their pocket; and Chiefs are closing in on Scott Pioli.
So far, the Raiders deny having interviewed a single candidate outside their organization for any post. Either they are lying or there is something critically wrong with the way they do business. Probably both!
Oh yeah, I also read that the Jets' brass were flying into Baltimore to interview Rex Ryan. (Please refer to Calico Jack's 5:56 post for NFL team defense rankings.)
While yet to make a HC decision, the Jets have performed text book due diligence. It would appear they have quality ownership and management in place.
BR said, "It was also reported by either JMac or Jason Jones that it turned out Kiffin was in regular communication with his media friends at ESPN during the entire rift."
Kiffin didn't do this until it was "leaked" (by him) that Davis wanted him to resign. You also noted yourself that Davis found out about Kiffin interviewing for Arkansas via Jerry Jones (a good friend of Davis, and Arkansas alum). So where do you think that "rumor" in the media came from? If you go back, it said a "League source close with the Raiders." I think after discussing it with Davis, Davis asked Jones send a message to Kiffin by releasing this information to the press.
BR said, "Davis doesn't normally make public statements unless the situation demands it. The rumors and accusations flying against Davis demanded it. Especially when Kiffin asserted that the opening Denver game was all Ryan's and Davis' fault because Davis runs the defense."
To answer your first point, Davis doesn't normally make public statements unless he's firing/hiring a coach, or moving the Raiders. He usually has his minions contact the media for rumors, f/a acquisitions, etc. And as you and I both pointed out, Kiffin didn't really start "talking" until the "rumored" rift had already begun, and they were preparing for the '08 season.
Though I didn't agree with Kiffin, and how he handled himself, I do think that he tried to handle all of this in house, and Herrera and the other minions kept leaking information out in the media at the behest of Al Davis. So Kiffin returned the favor, and got himself fired for it. I agree he used the Raiders to better his position elsewhere, and that was revealed. I think his tenure here with the Raiders wasn't great, and we will see in Tennessee, that he's not a great coach, and though he is a great recruiter; he won't win as a coach at that level either.
Moshbucket, Nnamdi hinted at leaving after the San Diego loss when "other players" were heard laughing as he gave an interview, and he made this statement (Taken from J-Jones' blog):
"No, the gap's not closed. We're three and whatever, I don't even know what the record is, but you can't lie to yourself and say the gap is closed or we're any better than we were in the past. It's still the same league and we still have the same record. It's the same story and it's frustrating."
Asomugha wondered aloud if any other Raiders were frustrated. He mentioned Tommy Kelly, Gibril Wilson and Derrick Burgess as players he knows aren't happy.
But hearing a lot of laughter in the locker room didn't sit well with him.
"Dumb mistakes, then you come in here and you don't who's upset. You don't know why it can't turn around. I don't know."
Then before the Tampa game, Nnamdi was out due to injury, and this was noted by J-Mac on his blog on the Raiders' last practice before leaving for Tampa:
"The first surprise was that cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha didn’t pracitce for the third straight day and is listed as questionable. He was described Wednesday by coach Tom Cable “as a little sore . . . he will be fine.”
Reminded Friday that he seemed optimistic regarding Asomugha’s availability two days earlier, Cable said, “And we still are. He hasn’t gotten the flexibility yet. Still pretty stiff.”
Nothing four-and-a-half hours on a team charter can’t cure, I guess.
Wanted to check with Asomugha in the locker room following practice, and found his locker empty. Totally empty. Not a single piece of equipment or clothing in it."
Even a weak GM would be better than no GM.
Who is the guy in Oakland with a file on every coach and player in the league, and the top 200-300 college players? Who understands the development of all the players in the league? Who's the guy tracking the progress of assistant coaches? Who's watching the various scouting programs around the league?
I'm not convinced that the Raiders know more about the coaching prospects out there than we do. You can't find that diamond in the rough unless you are relentless scouring the terrain, and no one in Oakland is doing that.
Even if Al still makes all the decisions, having that one guy in the room that says "Javon Walker? He'll play here for $1M a year," would be huge.
Storminator
RT,
Once again you nailed it and pretty much put into words how I feel. I don't hold seats but I turned down 3 offers this year to attend games and I'll continue to do so until I see change.
Regarding the much needed GM, shouldn't he have been hired like the day after the season ended? I get the feeling that once again it will not happen.
Instead we're stuck with Al taking his sweet ass time. The Donkos and other teams are eating up all the good candidates. If I were a new GM I'd like to have as many options out there as possible, and if by some miracle we do get one then he's already at a disadvantage.
Psycho
>>>
While yet to make a HC decision, the Jets have performed text book due diligence. It would appear they have quality ownership and management in place.
>>>
The team that dumped Pennington for Farve?
Please.
NY Raider... if you are only going to be happy if Al hires a strong GM, you need to find a different team.
Seriously... its not going to happen, and your fists are going to be bloody from your daily tantrums.
Gary - Pennington spent 6 seasons as the Jets starter, during which time he had problems with injury and consistency. The Jets took a calculated risk with Bret Favre and it almost paid off.
While the Jets were signing Bret Favre and Alan Faneca last off-season, the Raiders were signing the likes of Javon Walker and trading a valuable draft pick(s) for DeAngelo Hall, and their owner and HC were embattled in conflict that would undermine the Raiders entire 2008 season.
So yes, it seems to me the Jets had a plan and made every attempt to implement it. Now, they are actively and aggressively pursuing another plan.
I find it amazing that you would criticize the Jets for signing Bret Favre, while Al Davis can do no wrong. Truly amazing! As sad as it may seem, IMO, Davis should being watching the Jets and taking notes!
Gary, quick and simple question for you:
Do you think that it's a good idea for Al Davis, ailing at 79 years old after six straight bad seasons, to NOT hire a strong GM?
Forget about what will or won't transpire. Do you, Gary, think it's a good idea?
Raider Graig, are you really Ray Ratto?
Davis is tanking the team so that ticket sales will fall off the table, and he can move back to LA - at the age (in 2010) of 81. He's going to move back to that grand old town that sent at least 38,000 people to every home game, so he can eventually share his stadium with some expansion team that won't be required to pay rent.
Interesting theory? Did you think that up all by yourself?
Fact: Since the Raiders have taken over their own ticket sales, and taken the job out of the hands of the Oakland Football Marketing Association, ticket sales have vastly improved in spite of six years (four years at the time they took control) of double digit losses.
Question: Does it not seem to you that the Raiders would have left the old scheme in place if they wanted to tank sales?
Fact: Mark Davis, and a committee he formed, has been looking at sites for a potential new stadium in the East Bay.
Question: Does that mean that Mark, understanding that he's going to inherit the team after Davis moves it to LA, really wants to stay in Oakland himself and is just looking for sites so he can move the team back AGAIN?
Fact: While the NFL desperately wants to locate at least one team in the LA area, they want that location for the TELEVISION revenues. No live bodies actually show up for games in LA (i.e., no ticket sales), which is why 3 professional football teams have moved out of LA (Chargers, Rams, Raiders) and two others failed before their upstart leagues failed (USFL Express and whatever the WFL edition was). This is why the most recent expansion was granted to Houston and NOT LA.
Having lived there, I can tell you that LA is not a large stadium sport town. The Dodgers do well because of the large Brooklyn emegratiion to LA, and much smaller per game crowds are required for baseball. The same is true for basketball, which is why the Lakers have always done well.
Arena football is likely the best that LA could do. And, trust me, Al Davis is well aware of this.
The Raiders will either live or die in Oakland.
Bama7
I can't help but think Lofton was brought in to be the head coach when Al knew he didn't want Kiffin anymore. Perhaps the wait is merely an attempt too look as if a search is being done and that Lofton wasn'toriginaly brought in as more than an asst coach, when in reality Lofton will be the coach and that has been the plan all along. I have nothing against Lofton, but he does fit one of the two profiles of coaches Al would be able to attain... (1) A neophyte HC that would be grateful for the job and in return let Al still control everything, as opposed to (2) A Fassel/Denny Green type that is at the end of the road with no other options, who would also be grateful for the job and be willing to let Al continue controlling everything.
Either way, nothing will have changed.
Hire Shotty and surprise me Al!
Bama7,
I agree with you that Lofton is a scary pick as HC. He doesn't even have Coordinator experience, at least Cable has that.
The other potential scary picks are Mike Leech (Texas Tech) and Mike Martz.
BR said, "Fact: Mark Davis, and a committee he formed, has been looking at sites for a potential new stadium in the East Bay."
FACT: Nobody in the East Bay area has listened to nor has seriously considered Mark Davis and his committee's proprosals about a new stadium. And just because it is reported that they are looking in the "East Bay" area; does not mean that they are not looking elsewhere.
FACT: The only counter-proposal they have heard from anyone, is that the Raiders and 49ers share a stadium. Yeah right! That's like asking Israel and Hamas to play nice and get along.
I do agree, however, that it will be hard-pressed to get a team back in LA because of ticket sales. The problem isn't fan-base though. The problem is the economy in LA (and most of CA for that matter). California is on the brink of Bankruptcy (thank you Gray Davis and AHNOLD), and there is not a city that is willing to work with a team to build a new stadium and raise taxes to do so (ask the Oakland A's).
You mentioned the Dodgers as doing well in LA, actually the Dodgers have not sold out a game since 1988. The Angels are the team that is doing the best in SoCali, and that is because Artie Moreno has put together a competitive team, and his tickets pricing is reasonable (approx. $30 per game for best seats). So let's recount, good/competitive team; cheap prices.
I think that is why CJ's argument with the guy who owns the land, and is fronting money to build a football stadium for an NFL team makes the most since in any California city, and why I believe the Raiders would move back there.
Just spoke with a buddy who said the Jets report having interviewed 10 candidates for their head coaching vacancy, including many we know are top prospects on most teams' lists.
Also, I think Tony Dungey just retired, so it will be interesting to see how quickly Indy starts their process of replacing him.
Folks, even if Cable or Lofton has already been tagged as the Raiders HC, wouldn't they be reaching out to NFL and/or college circles looking for assistants? That process has transparency that even the Raiders couldn't hide.
Indy has a guy on staff tagged to be the heir apparent to Dungy, the same way Seattle replaced Holmgren with Mora.
Turns out Rathman took the RBs coaching job with the 49ers, not the OC. Did we snooze and lose Rathman?
http://www.contracostatimes.com/raiders/ci_11409113
"I respect the opportunity I had. I appreciate it, the opportunity to work with the players I worked with. Look at the group I just left. Holy cow, they have a ton of ability from top to bottom. That part of it was tough to leave."
Which should have begged the follow up question: That being the case, why would you leave the Raiders for the same position with the 49ers?
Its not like he's going home again, especially since the folks he knew best from his time being there are long gone(Eddie DeBartolo, Carmen Policy).
this off season so far has been a replay of many other recent, failed raider off seasons.
the only thing that can save the day is,
tom cable is announced as HC.
kevin gibride is hired as OC/asst. HC. a promotion so he can leave giants.
troubled plaxico burris is aquired to help with gilbride offense.
ray lewis is signed. i've listened to arguments from both sides about this. but the raiders desperately need a leader on defense.
someone who will say, "F**k what the DC says, we're BLITZING" !!
somehow, someway, a competent DC is brought on board.
we havn't had one since charie summner.
if this happens(long shot), we may not need lewis.
the draft picks should be heavily concentrated on the 0 & D lines.
they cannot be ignored once again.
finally, a reliable, vet, backup QB should be found.
seen enough of walter & tui. it's time to move on.
Raider00, are you impersonating Al Davis by suggesting we sign a receiver with serious character issues (a la Moss, Walker, Porter) and leave a GM off the to-do list?
;)
RaiderTake,
all my suggestions were made with the reality that al davis will not be hiring a real GM any time soon.
with this in mind, i tried to make a best case scenerio for raider improvement.
have plax burrus & ray lewis had off field troubles ? yes.
have their troubles hurt their teams ? well, yes, and no.
it can't be denied that the giants rode burrus's moody act all the way to a championship last season.
and last i looked, ray lewis has a champ ring on his finger also.
burrus is also in the prime of his career, while jevon walker was done, but we signed him anyway.
like i said, if gilbride doesn't come to oakland, we prolly don't need burrus.
and if we hire a real DC for a change, we don't need lewis either.
but with gilbride, i think burrus would do well.
and without a legit DC, i want lewis on the field, superseding the bad defensive play calling we always get.
J Mac on the HC search:
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/2009/01/12/raiders-pick-up-the-pace/
Worldwide Fans in Black has a poster from Canada stating the station that covers the Montreal Alouettes has Trestman coming as HC.
PFT has Trestman mentioned also but is recycling the fassel letter writing rumor.
Pick a rumor ... any rumor...
Tough to see rathman go but to lose Schnieder would/will really hurt.
It as shame but Schneider is as good as gone to either Jax or Seattle.
Rathman made a lateral move due to, IMO, the uncertainty of the current coaching staff in Oakland.
To not retain Rathman was nothing more than negligence. It made no sense whatsoever to not go HARD after Rathman's services.
==================================
Anyone on this board who suggests that a state of the art football stadium would have a difficult time attracting the Raider Nation is only kidding themselves.
Keep in mind the following;
* When the Raiders were last in LA, they played in an archaic, slab of concrete called the Colisium. A complete dump.
* LA is the 2nd biggest market in the USA. 75,000 fans for 8 homes games in a brand spankin' new stadium is no big deal.
* LA has the most die hard Raider fans next to the Bay Area.
* The Stadium would not cost the taxpayers or franchise 1 single penny.
The Stadium will be a first class, modern facility with all the extra bells and whistles to make it a VERY fan friendly experience:
* Great site lines
* Full Beer Garden
* Shops
* Restaurants
* Easy access for all of SoCal (between the 57 and 60 freeways)
Before you start bashing this stadium in LA, I seriously suggest that you take 5 minutes and check out the site.
http://www.losangelesfootballstadium.com/
This is the type of facility that the city of LA would be pumped to get behind. The city of LA has always supported winners and/or teams in fan friendly venues.
The Dodgers and Angels consistently lead the MLB in attendance. Season in and season out, the Dodgers push 3+ million fans through the turnstiles. The Lakers have 1 of the most loyal fan bases in the NBA. When the Clippers field a competitive team (like 2006), the Staples Center was consistently sold out.
There is a HUGE difference between the Coliseum circa 1982 to 1994 and this state of the art facility.
It is the equivalent of comparing a 1 bedroom flea ridden apartment to a customized mansion.
In all likelihood, this (stadium deal) is what consumes Davis’ time, and not hiring qualified personnel to manage and coach his team. Otherwise, what the %@$# has he been doing?
These points don't do justice to the amazing blueprint images but here's more data on the LA Football Stadium:
On a typical Sunday afternoon game day most people will be able to reach the site within 30 to 45 minutes. Within 30 miles of the site there are nearly 12 million people.
The only other site in the NFL that has more people within 30 miles is New York with nearly 15 million and they have 2 teams.
Based on location alone this is the best site for football anywhere in Southern California.
The Los Angeles Football Stadium at the intersection of the 60 and 57 Freeways is only 22 miles east of Downtown LA, 15 miles from Anaheim, 25 miles from Newport Beach, 15 miles from Ontario Airport, 16 miles from Pasadena and just outside 25 miles from Riverside.
Stadium Statistics:
·Total Seats: 75,000 (expandable to 80,000 for Super Bowl games)
·Suites: 175
·Club Level: 11,000
·Team Offices: 45,000 sq ft
·National Football League (NFL) Attraction: 40,000 sq ft
·Team Store and Other Sponsored Retail Stores: 30,000 sq ft
·Restaurants: 30,000 sq ft
·Banquet facilities: 20,000 sq ft
·NFL Team Training Facility: 115,000 sq ft
·Parking Spaces: 25,000
Project Site Statistics
·Total Square Acreage: 592
·Office Buildings: 1.49 million sq ft
·Retail Shops: 833,000 sq ft
·Restaurants: 162,000 sq ft
·Live Theater: 5,000 seats (60,000 sq ft)
·Movie Theater: 1,200 seats (60,000 sq ft)
·Green and non-parking Open Space: 271 acres
calico - pardon my frensch but.... HELL NO TO LA! the raiders belong to US here in oakland - or at least the bay area. let the whiners move!
CJ, let's not forget to mention that this stadium is near the location that Al started building a new stadium (Irwindale) when (he claims) the League blocked that move, and he came back to Oakland.
Let's not forget that Al did not want to leave LA. He sued the League multiple times claiming that the League forced him out of LA by blocking his stadium plans in Irwindale. He wants back in LA. Yes scorpio, I believe they should stay in Oakland; but I think Al's heart is in LA.
Al, please put the new stadium plans aside for a couple weeks.
This is exactly why Davis needs a GM... so he can focus on the stadium lease or perhaps relocating the team while somebody else runs the football operations.
Raiders coaches contracts expire today. Let's keep our eye on the ball.
Here's a realistic view of the offseason we have ahead, as far as signing free agents.
I would love to have Nnamdi and a quality WR like TJ Houshmandzadeh; though there is a chance of that happening, we'd have a lot of trimming the fat to do. Cutting Javon (or him retiring), Tommy Kelly, and Terdell Sands would free up some $$, but not enough. The only way we don't lose a lot against the cap is if Javon retires, and Al lets him; and that is still not a lot of wiggle room for signing 2 long-term deals. So my thought is we will only be able to bang out 1 major long-term big $$ contract for a player.
So here is a list of Free Agent moves that would acquire little $$, room to make one big signing, and strengthen our team.
First the big bang contract. A little debate here, would you rather have Nnamdi or TJ? I would have to go with Nnamdi here, even though the Free agency for a #1 WR is minimal and we need one. Nnamdi brings stability and leadership to our defense. But here's the dilemma, I believe the only way we keep Nnamdi this year is by signing him to a long-term deal, or using the Exclusive Franchise Tag. But using the EFT on him would not allow us to use any tag on him next year. If we use the Non-exclusive Tag on him again this year, you can bet there are going to be quite a few teams willing to trade picks or players for him; and we will lose him either way. So I'd do my best to get Nnamdi signed to a long-term deal.
I personally think Al is going to gamble and give him the Non-Exclusive Tag. He will get a ton of phone calls (even from Denver, KC, and SD) from other teams to acquire him. If this happens, I think we lose Nnamdi to Dallas for their first round and T.O. Follow me for a moment. It is largely rumored here that JJ is looking to get rid of T.O. and wanting to keep a younger Roy Williams, who can put up numbers and get along with others. He also needs a DB, and Nnamdi fits the bill of what he's looking for. Al and JJ are friends, and I think would be willing to work this out. This may be the most plausible deal. Just a thought that I've been pondering the last several days.
So here are some other Free Agents I would pursue for cheaper $$, but at the same time strengthening our weaknesses (in the order I would pursue them):
OT-Khalif Barnes (4 year vet out of Jaxonville)
C/G-Richie Incognito (4 year vet out of St Louis)
DT-Mike Wright (4 year vet out of NE)
DT-Gabe Watson (3 year vet out of Arizona)
OT-John St Clair (9 year vet out of Chicago)
C-Brad Meester (9 year vet out of Jax)
C-Eric Ghiaciuc (4 year vet out of Cincy).
What are your thoughts?
Scorpio:
I was just sharing some info. on the LA Stadium and my opinions about the LA market.
I'm good with the Raiders staying in Oakland or moving to LA. Either way, I want to see the organization get it's $hit together and start fielding a competitive team.
>>>
Do you think that it's a good idea for Al Davis, ailing at 79 years old after six straight bad seasons, to NOT hire a strong GM?
>>>
The question is kind of irrelevant to me because Al is not going to hire a strong GM... but to answer it anyway, no.
Because of the reckless mistakes Al has made this past year, I do think unequivocally that Al would be better served with a strong GM.
That said, I also think I would be better served if I won the lottery and had a million dollars... and that isn't happening either, so it's not something I try to get upset about.
I don't follow the Raiders so I can be upset and pissed off every day of my life... which makes me wonder why I come here though.. lol.
>>>
I find it amazing that you would criticize the Jets for signing Bret Favre, while Al Davis can do no wrong. Truly amazing! As sad as it may seem, IMO, Davis should being watching the Jets and taking notes!
>>>>
I think you might be better served picking a team that we didn't BEAT this year as an example of a well run franchise, especially since the Jets have basically stunk since Namath trotted off the field waving his finger... but knock yourself out NY!!!
For all the people that thought Al should have dumped Gallery a long time ago because he is a "BUST"...
...quote..
In 2008 he had only two penalties and one sack allowed at left guard, and in true lineman form, his name was largely uncalled.
...end quote....
I'd take a team full of "busts" like Gallery, and Jani.
Now watch everyone's head explode!!!!
Gary, the thing is, this site is called Raider TAKE, not Raider Oh Well.
This is a place where people can have a take. If their take is that the Raiders should hire a GM, and if they vigorously defend that opinion in the spirit of healthy debate, that doesn't mean they are miserable or wasting their time. It means they have chosen to participate and to discuss something they are passionate about.
You yourself are starting to sound miserable, like the guy at the party who'd rather stand in the corner and make fun of people instead of joining the party.
Gary - not sure why you think I should reserve comparing the Jets' aggressive off-season management to the Raiders lack of management based on one game. They did, after all, go 9-7, and they're not the team that holds the all-time record for consecutive 11+ loss seasons. But that's really irrelevant to my point.
You have a propensity for one-liner responses. Give me something with some meat. Please tell me why you think Al Davis is doing such a wonderful job based on the past six seasons and thus far this off-season.
Or do you just want to accept the status quo because it is what it is? Nobody, and certainly no discussion here, is going to change Al Davis. End of discussion.
Take,
I totally understand where you're coming from and I think the vast majority of raider fans are looking for the same kind of change you wrote about.
Your true test will come around draft day, or maybe when training camp starts. You'll start to get that itch again, time will have (at least partly) healed some of your wounds and you will find yourself, just like every offseason, with an abundance of something you have very little of now.
Hope.
That's why, while I completely agree with your points I know for a fact that I will be renewing my tickets this year. My thing with the Raiders is, during the season no matter what happened the weeks before I want to be at the games. Why? Because if something great DID happen and I wasn't there to be a part of it I know I would regret it. The Houston game was a prime example.
Al Davis is running this organization into the ground but I find that on Sundays I don't care about Al Davis. I care about the guys on the field trying to win THAT particular game. For all the time I waste thinking about this team I would hate to not at least been given the reward of watching them beat Brett Favre and the Jets or a red hot Texans team IN PERSON.
I'm playing right into their hands, I know. I think giving up your ticket seems easy now but it will be harder than you think.
I really enjoy your blog.
derick2210....
Good Positive Energy from a long time Raider No-Doubt....
This team is what it is and we are what we are....Dysfunctional "RaiderFans" who will unite against an opponent or unite to support our team but we will as a "Nation" never unite against that which we all love..."da Raidahs"....
Wounds heel....Pain subsides...But Loyalty-n-Love live on...
"Fan"...Short for Fanatic...
PantyRaider....Hopelessly Devoted!!!/_
Speaking of our opponents, the Chiefs have hired Scott Pioli for their GM:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=506659
>>>>
You have a propensity for one-liner responses. Give me something with some meat. Please tell me why you think Al Davis is doing such a wonderful job based on the past six seasons and thus far this off-season.
>>>>
I've already listed the MAJOR mistakes that Al made this past year, NY... I think I came up with 6. I concluded that every owner makes 1 or 2 major mistakes a year, but 6 is an indicator of something seriously wrong. If you missed it, thats your problem. Its prolly because you yourself were too busy pounding your fists on the ground every day about Al that you didn't notice anyone else also pointing it out.
And I aint buying your Jets analogy for a frigging second. I don't care how much fairy dust you are no shoveling on it... the Jets have been mediocre for so long the dictionary should just change the name "mediocre" to "Jets." They are far far far from any franchise I want to emulate.
Try the Eagles or something... jeesh.
>>>
You yourself are starting to sound miserable, like the guy at the party who'd rather stand in the corner and make fun of people instead of joining the party.
>>>
I suppose your right... if a Raider fan wants to find a place to whine about something that has a ZERO percent chance of happening, and that is something he ENJOYS... this is no doubt the place to be!!
Let me try it once!
Al Davis has to hire a GM to completely take over all Raider operations NOW or we are DOOOOOOMED!!!
Nahhh.. it doesn't work for me at all.
Sorry.
I guess you have to put up with everyone's take.
“...the Jets have been mediocre for so long...”
Oh! To be mediocre again and be able to sustain 8-8 and 9-7 records. That would be wonderful!
The problem remains. While teams all around the NFL are positioning and making seemingly smart moves and hiring decisions, Al Davis is interviewing former Raiders players to see who the next “Bed & Breakfast” coaching staff will be.
Mike Lombardi's website, nationalfootballpost.com is reporting that James Lofton has been fired. As of this moment, Lofton, Ryan, and Martindale remain on the "Coaching Staff" list on the official Raiders site
NYRaider...
SadFarn
ST Luis
Seattle
Detroit
GreenBay
KC
Oakland
Jacksonville
Cleveland
Cincy
Buffalo
They all made moves last year to improve their teams but all finished below "500"....WHY....And what will they bring this season...
Denver can also be added to that list of "Failures" sense they had it won but could not pull it off at the end....
TB...Now there's a team to pattern after...They stole our Coach-n-GM but what has it netted them of late...Labeled "Failures"...
So now I just listed almost half the freakin NFL in which we happen to be included...
Now please tell me one single move the Raiders can make to guarantee we won't be back in this group again this year...And NO it's NOT the "GM"....The other teams already have one and yet "FAILED"...
Come-On....Give me one guarantee move here....
Look around...Most the other teams are trying to make that "ONE" move that saves their asses but can't get it done...
PantyRaider....Reality Check!!!!
What's all this misery and disfunction? I think you all need a dose of Dr. H's magic elixer.
The latest batch, a nice rich Porter, is getting rave reviews.
I think we need to get off the Al topic for a while and talk about who/what we need to pick up in the way of players.
Hell, after reviewing the Suckaneer's game and what I remember of the Texican game (forgot to turn on the recorder) I'm not so sure we need a massive up tick at reciever. Yes, we do need to dump Walker, but Schilens and Higgins looked pretty damn good.
I would say if Crabtree is available at 7 we pull the trigger, if not we go for OL. Michael Oher would do nicely.
With the way Henderson played, if he could duplicate it at RT and Oher worked out at LT, you could have two bookends protecting Russell for the next 6-7 years. Plenty of time to get the receiving corps up to snuff.
I prefer Oher over Andre Smith because of a maturity level. Smith got suspened just days before the Sugar Bowl and his replacement moved out from LG. He got hurt and Alabama was playing an OL with only two players playing their normal position and were down to third string at LT. Guess which DE had a field day.
I just think Oher is the best choice at the moment unless we do something in the FA market, which I doubt.
Just trying to look ahead.
H
PantyRaider - I appreciate your list, but how many of those teams have a chance for their 7th consecutive season of 11+ losses? That's my reality check bro.
H - count me in... on the brew that is. I'm sure a couple pints could change my perspective, at least temporarily.
That's not a Jerry PORTER is it, H? If so, it would taste pretty bitter. I suspect it's more like Cole Porter--smooth.
Well Lofton is gone....bye...bye.
Al's boy...wonder what it was?
Washingtion is back in town and SOB is gone officially. According to reports he's at the Browns' building making office space. Sp. Teams coach Brain S. left for USC.
And now reports are Davis is wanting to interview Jeremy Bates. The OC of the Donkey's...... he's kidding right?
Al's only looking at winning only 2more games a year huh?
Sorry to hear about Cables' father passing away. Its not easy for any man to lose his dad. My thoughts are with you brother.
Mr. Duva
H...
If Coach Cable is brought back we will have had a couple years of continuity on that "OL"....That is huge as that has been our weak point for so long....No player could settle down and learn his position well enough for all the others to depend upon him....I think that is what we began to see at the end of the season and I think we desperately need to keep it going...
"ST" is another area where we made vast improvements over the years previous but still have a ways to go....This is another area where we desperately need to keep continuity going for us into "09"...
"D" has been an "Achilles Heal" for this team....Although we were in the top "10" on passing stats we were again at the bottom in all rushing stats and yards allowed and points allowed...My feeling is "SOB" has proven himself a complete failure and we need to go with fresh blood on that unit....Continuity here will earn us NOTHING....
I agree we are not very far away with the right combination or "FA"s-n-Rookie players added...
"O"....
"WR"...Veteran like Fitzgerald or top rookie...
"QB"...back-up we can depend upon who brings a complete change of pace that throws off the "D"s adjustments...."Problem Child" or not I would go for an inexpensive Micheal "DogMan" Vick here and throw him into the mix with the "WR"s...Exciting situations where there are 2 "QB"s in the game and the "D" has to wait and check-off on any "Trick"s before they come in all out pursuit...It worked very well for Pitts when the used Cordell as "Slash"....
"OL"...Quality Depth and one dependable starter..."FA"-n-Rookie..
"D"...
Interior "DL"-n-"LB"...We need to fix the run this year...Albert Henceforth should be available...I agree with Gary about going after Ray Lewis...We need that veteran presence that elevates the rest of this unit...Just like with Rod Woodson and others who have come in a sparked units of the past...
"DB"s...Keep our "CB" and add dependable veteran depth...
I feel the "Shopping List" has shortened considerably from last seasons....
PantyRaider...Wheel-n-Deal!!!/_
The idea that Lofton was let go had me excited. Think about it. When was the last time a HC was hired in Oakland with a totally clean slate (i.e., no staff forced on him)? Wow!
Then I see that Washington has been hired to coach the secondary.
Oh well. Business as usual. Only the Raiders would hire a secondary coach before securing a HC or a DC.
What are the chances Davis has already hired a HC and DC and these individuals were part of the process to select Washington as an assistant coach? Zero you say?
NYRaider....
How the hell does our "Suck-Ass" record of late justify anything...What...Now we compare ourselves to the losers and say we lost worse than the rest...What the hell does it matter...We are all losers...Who give a shit who lost best and who lost worst...The fact is we are losers and are damn sick of it....
Lofton did a nice job so it appeared but who knows what goes on behind closed doors...
"SOB" out is an immediate improvement BUT now he will suddenly re-appear as a great "DC" with a unit to rival that of his twin back east....Oh the Horror...
So much for continuity on the "ST"s...
I think it appears that Coach Cable will return and if so it's good for the team....Thanks Al....
Now the question is who is pulling the strings on the "Firings-n-Hirings"....Coach Cable...."MrD"....The secret "GM"...or just the "WaterBoy"....
PantyRaider...Speculation will never end!!!/_
ok - since i heard about it, i've been waiting for this new dvd set of the three raider superbowls in the original network broadcast. it was released today and i got my hands on this set from the raider image. i know most of us said that we won't dare buy raider gear for a while but this is a must have for any die-hard fan. why? simple - its the last time we had any glory, any respect.
check it out my raider brutha's and sistahs if any. haven't quite got around to opening it just yet to see if they deleted the commercials....
No telling what's going on:
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/
what is happening here realist is the usual - davis doing things bass ackwards and mucking things up again! is there any other way other than al's way? hmm?
Meanwhile the lowly Chiefs snag GM Scott Pioli from the Patriots.
We'll show them all with inaction! Yes we will.
take,
i was hoping in my wildest dreams that al davis was secretly negotiating with pioli, the hottest name for GM out there. hoping that the reason davis has not yet hired or named a coach is because he was bringing in one of the brightest minds in sports.
if that had happened, i would've gone to alameda to kiss his ring.
but those hopes once again were crushed when the news leaked out about pioli going to the chiefs instead.
those dvd's i purchased are the ONLY superbowls i'll ever see the raiders in again!
This offseason, we are not repeating recent history. Trust me. It looks and feels very similar, but it's not. We are outsmarting everyone by having virtually no coaches under contract in mid January.
Scorpio, can you update me here or via email on what those DVDs include, is it the whole of each game, or edited down versions? Do they include the original televsion broadcast announcers? Thanks!
With the firing of Lofton (a real head scratcher), we currently only have DB Coach Lionel Washington under contract.
What concerns me is the way that this coaching staff is being put together. Besides the lack of activity, there does not seem to be a clear vision.
The key should be identifying and hiring the best possible HC, OC, and DC. Instead we are looking at assistants.
Washington: Hired as DB Coach
Moss: LB Coach at GBay
Bates: QB Coach at Denver
Where are the strong HC, OC, DC candidates?
If anyone on this board can name one prospective, strong HC, OC, DC candidate that we are considering and you are genuinely excited about, I'm all ears.
All that I've been hearing is about are former Raider coaches (Trestman, Robiskie, Fassell) and former Raider players (Washington, Moss).
While we are interviwing Moss as a HC candidate (Rooney?) or DC candidate although he has only be a LB coach, teams like Denver and NYJ are busy interviewing multiple coordinators/HC candidates who have actually been coordinators and HCs.
Perfect example is Denver:
* Hire Josh Daniels (OC) as HC
* Hire Mike Nolan (HC) as DC
The coaching staff is really no different than the personnel roster.
The eye should always be on retaining the coaches who perform and upgrading the slots that need to be upgraded.
Losing Lofton, Rathman, Schneider stings. These 3 guys should have been retained.
Well before the season ended, a list of prospective HC, DC, and OC candidates should have been identified. This way each unit manager (HC, OC, DC) could be interviewed and hired sooner rather than later in order to facilitate the process of hiring their respective staffs.
Each unit manager (HC, OC, DC) has relationships with other coaches. This is how a unified staff gets put together not in the current fashion we are doing it.
Scorpio:
Yes, please share in RT's comments section a summary about the DVDs.
I have the DVD "America's Game/Super Bowl Champions" (Raiders collection) which shows highlights of each SB.
I'm curious to know whether the DVDs you purchased are in fact the complete game and anything else you can add about the DVDs would be very much appreciated.
Best Regards,
Calico Jack ;)
Lofton is still listed as a coach but "SOB" is gone off the board at raiders.com...Washington is not mentioned and NO "ST"s Coach...
PantyRaider...Hard to Figure!!!/_
Scorpio...
How many in the set...3 or 5....Does it also include the 2 we lost...I would love to watch that old match-up with "GB" again even if they did kick our asses..."SB II"...I just turned "17" and was full of the "Glory o da Raidahs"...
National Football League (NFL) champion Green Bay Packers (9–4–1) defeated the American Football League (AFL) champion Oakland Raiders (13–1), 33–14.
PantyRaider...Where it all Began!!!/_
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