One Postgame Take
Bravo! The Raiders delivered a stout defensive performance and won one for the home crowd. It was a true effort, one that turned the ugly tide of the previous three weeks.
Leading up to the game, Tom Cable and staff taped articles around the locker room quoting Antonio Pierce about the previous week's "scrimmage" against the Giants. The Raider Nation did essentially the same thing, rising up en masse to smite the malingerers.
Shame was the last resort of motivation for both Cable and the Raider Nation, and apparently it worked.
Now maybe we can get back to the business of exerting 100 percent effort to the final whistle, and to salvaging the remainder of the season.
This win reminds me of the startling defensive shutdown of the Steelers at home in 2006.
Let's hope the comparison to 2006 ends there, that lessons have been learned, and that momentum is, finally, on our side.
Leading up to the game, Tom Cable and staff taped articles around the locker room quoting Antonio Pierce about the previous week's "scrimmage" against the Giants. The Raider Nation did essentially the same thing, rising up en masse to smite the malingerers.
Shame was the last resort of motivation for both Cable and the Raider Nation, and apparently it worked.
Now maybe we can get back to the business of exerting 100 percent effort to the final whistle, and to salvaging the remainder of the season.
This win reminds me of the startling defensive shutdown of the Steelers at home in 2006.
Let's hope the comparison to 2006 ends there, that lessons have been learned, and that momentum is, finally, on our side.
posted by Raider Take at 9:47 PM
60 Comments:
Well, let the dogs loose, maybe Al see's that blitzing can work. Change in defense threw off Mcnabb and co. They were not expecting the defense they saw today. Why would it take until the 6th game to switch up a little? Better late than never, I guess.
Murphy, gotta love that kid, all heart. I heard that someone from the offensive side of the ball saying they did a lot of tape review for this game.....shouldn't this be done EVERY GAME?
This is one game, it will take a few more like this to turn the momentum, when the gauge is at empty, it will take a few to fill up to go. But, it may be a start...if we see a relapse next week or the week after....then the wheels are just spinnin like they have been. For a change in defensive scheme, makes for some hope.
JONES
I'm tellin' ya', it was all about the pigeon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2msmYpNXic
---Jeff
The new mascot....Al, give that pigeon a bonus.
JONES
A silver and black pigeon, no less. 12th man on the field.... where was the flag? If they can flag Routt for PI on his INT TD, then they should be able to flag a pigeon.
Bama7
McNabb said we changed our scheme. He said we were known for man-to-man D and we came our running zones and blitz packages. We changed our damn scheme. Al was finally [ushed into a corner and is letting his coordinator do his job.
That's what happened.
Imagine that? we'll actually come at you now with a modern nfl defensive scheme.
Bravo.
excellent.
Finally.
Hope with the sucees we don't revert back now.
Now, maybe if we're modern on the D, our young Qb and gang can have some pressure lifted off of them and develope.
Bama7
Wow, just read Namdi's take on the D scheme. "he might get yelled at"? what does this tell everyone on this board about our D scheme and the man-to-man antiquated nature of it?
here's the quote:
"This time, I guess it (Blitzing) worked out just because we knew the type of weapons that they had, and he (Marshall) said he was going to do it. Maybe he’ll see that it actually works, and we’ll stick on it. He said that he might get yelled at for it, but he’ll keep it going."
NYRaider,
You are correct sir, how is it pass interference when a guy trips over his own feet? Cable took one for the team on that one, unsportsmanlike on the coach. Maybe that's the secret. Coach goes after the refs each game.
The pigeons kickoff coverage was phenominal. He had contain all the way.
The pigeon was on the field most of the second half and lined up primarily with the defense. There will probably be a league investigation.
Six sacks, wow. By the way, Thomas Howard had one of them. We even threw in a couple of safety blitzes.
The two interceptions aside, Russell was efficient (17-28, 224). In August I think I said that’s what we needed from him. Not lights out, but efficient. The question is can this become a trend and not an anomaly.
Louis Murphy had zero receptions, but his hustle won the game for us. He is credited with two blocks, but he actually had three on the run. Just as Miller crossed the goal line he was engaging a third defender. Bottle that attitude and pass it out to every member of the team. Fargus also ran his ass off.
A game where the only stat we didn’t win was turnovers. 0-2, but Routt did not interfere so it should have been at least 1-2.
I’m through with doctors until next week. They still don’t have a clue, but there was a research breakthrough last week, ironically, for people with my symptoms. Maybe I’ll give more details once I have more information. You might know someone with the problem and it could help.
H
In Cable's own words, let's see if they can win 2 more times. You have to win 3 in a row to be effective. Let's build on this.
Also on Saturday, my 2 year-old boy and I started watching football, and he asked me, "Dad, Raiders shirt?" So I let him wear his Raiders jersey I bought for him. I think that brought us luck too. Proud of my boy!
Take,
I was thinking it reminded me of last year against the Jets. Same basic outcome for the seasons, hopefully this year will be better. Both cases will be lingering in my mind all week.
If we can win the next two, it would be first 3 in a rwo since probably that last superbowl, and would put us at 4 and 4 at the buy week. That's a pretty big IF at this point, but damn sure feels good to be out from that 'WORST team in the NFL' moniker (hopefully for good!!!!).
-moshbucket
Don't worry you guys are still the worst in the NFL, it will be proven in the next 2 games, both will be losses for the silver and whack. No miricles here, what you saw "mcslob" do was what you've come accustomed to with "j-rustus". Dumbest "teem" ever. Stick that big fork they have on the NFL today show in the faidas.....they ARE done! 2-14 "nation"
Bama7
H, sorry but I've been off the board a lot lately as my mom has had some bad medical news lately. What's your situation... I missed it?
J-Mac Tweated: "Chaz Schilens full go for practice this week. Cable said he's still working out how WR rotation will work."
Does Cable need my help?
DHB OUT!
Schilens IN!
It's that simple!!!
DHB has 2 receptions after six weeks. He's our #1 WR... is Cable kidding? The thought of leaving this kid in as our #1 WR is beyond comprehension.
If you have any doubt, let me put it into perspective. DHB is tied for 29th among rookie WRs (despite being the 1st WR drafted). He's dead last as a starter, and as a #1 starter, it's not even close.
DHB officially has one more reception than Baltimore's rookie OT Michael Oher. No joke!
Yes, if we’d drafted Michael Oher, we’d have half the WR production as DHB and an OT wrapped into one.
If Al Davis, err, I mean if Tom Cable wants to stop the bleeding for real, then he should stop the pretense that DHB is his #1 WR. This charade is an insult to (A) the players that are playing their ass off, (B) the fans who are still bleeding silver and black, and (C) anyone that can see the nose in front of their face.
It is never a good sign when you have more names (DHB) than receptions this far into a season. DHB has played almost every single offensive snap. 2 receptions for roughly 325 offensive snaps.
The difference between DHB and Murphy's speed is approximately .01 seconds.
The difference between DHB and Murphy's football intelligence, moxie, and confidence level is a MILE wide.
How many deep balls did Russell throw vs. the Eagles (30 or more yards in the air)? I might be wrong but I believe the answer is 0. The point being that when you have a WR like DHB whose calling card is getting deep but it is less than 2% of your playbook AND he is highly unproductive, why leave him out there? The notion that he is clearing out space for other WRs is complete bollocks. Higgins can run really fast too. If you want a guy to run deep, clear space and produce 1st downs, Higgins, Watkins, and Murphy can serve that purpose in tandem with Shilens.
It looks like Shilens will be back at close to 100% for the Jets game. If DHB takes valuable snaps away from Murphy, Watkins, Higgins, or even Walker, then Cable is either (a) not playing to win or (b) is handcuffed by Davis.
My last tirade reminds of another pet peeve of mine.
DHB is your high 1st round pick. He has been paid a HUGE sum of guaranteed money. The organization wants (a) DHB to succeed (which is fine). (b) wants to justify the pick by force feeding him unearned playing time (not fine).
What drives me crazy is when an organization gives playing time and opportunities to guys with the higher salary or draft slot instead of on merit.
The reality is that DHB is not ready. He gets paid regardless of whether he is on the field or not. Consider the guarantee money already spent. He has been given 6 full games to show his worth. This guy has no business being a starting WR. I hope we look to develop DHB in a more natural, unforced, long term way. Let him sit and watch. Let him earn his playing time by how he does in practice and without being handed a starting slot. If he begins to produce more on the field then he should get more snaps. If he continues to flounder, he should get less meaningful reps.
Calico - I totally agree. This DHB thing is really bugging me. He's NOT ready to play, but the Raiders apparently need to prove something. Like it's not bad enough that J-Russ is struggling....
Also, take a look at some of the Raiders' top performers this week. It's probably no coincidence that the most notable names recently come from winning programs... Seymour, Murphy, Gary Russell. Despite having no catches this week, Murphy showed he belongs.
And Justin Fargas comes in after all the hype of McFadden and Bush, and out-performs them both. IMO, that's a huge disappointment. No knock on Fargas, the guy earns his keep. It's nice to see guys like Fargas and G Russell step up to the plate.
NYR -
With Shilens on the shelf and Walker in the dog house / unable to create separation (pick one), it made sense for DHB to be given a trial run.
6 games is more than enough to see as clear as day that he simply is not ready to get starter snaps.
When Shilens returns for the Jets game, Cable might hide behind the excuse that "we need to slowly work Chaz into the game". Fine. But this won't hold water if Shilens is on the field with DHB instead of Murphy.
The excuse that a WR is an X,Y, or Z receiver is nonsense. For starters, WRs should be capable of running routes anywhere they are lined up on the field. Secondly, we run 2 WR sets over 90% of the snaps. If anything, let DHB see the field the few times we run 3 WR sets. Otherwise he needs to sit and watch from the sidelines what a game ready WR does on the field.
Apparently, Cable is happy with the blocking of Murphy and DHB. That’s great. Our top two WRs are relegated to blockers.
This is equally startling.
J-Mac: “In the locker room after the game, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha relayed that coordinator John Marshall said he’d “probably get yelled at” for all the extra pressure, a clear inference to Al Davis and his fondness for natural four-man pressure backed by man-to-man defense.”
I guess we can forget about blitzing the Jets.
Al Davis: No blitzing, and leave unproductive players on the field, no matter what. Yikes! The players and coaches must be pulling their hair out.
Somebody please remind Davis that Barney Rubble is not really an actor, cause he’s lost touch with reality.
I said it before the season, and I will repeat it right now.
DHB = the 2009 version of James Jett.
Glad Schilens is back, but we still need a #1 WR. A 5+ year vet that will help Jamima Russell.
The other thing I didn't like about Sunday's game, is we still did not establish a solid running game. Come on Bush, this is your time to shine; show us what you've got!
As far as Morrison calling out the fans for Sundays game; I think you better take care of business first before you start calling out the fans. Win 3 in a row, and then call out the fans.
Yes, a win is a win, and I know that I am pumped that we took it to Philly; but I also know that the Raiders still have a lot to do. Like Cable said, "They’ve got to take the thought that yesterday was nice, it feels good to wake up today, but we need to get better." As well as him telling Jamima Russell after missing the open pass to Murphy, "Okay, you saw it and you took the shot. Now we’ve got to make that play. If we’re gonna’ take the shot, we got to make the play!"
Jamima Russell? Tacky bro. It's nice to see coaches and players bucking Al for the good of the team. I had a conversation with someone close to the organization on Saturday night and and he told me a group of people close to the organization, including former players, have sent Al a letter begging him to step away and bring back Gruden and Bruce Allen.
Nnamdi's comment about DC Marshall getting yelled at is huge, subtle but huge. Puts the onus for that archaic defensive scheme directly on Al's back.
Looks like we've got some budding leadership coming out of the defense. Warren and Seymour are taking charge, it looks like the players are taking charge, and it's about time.
Jamima Russell is a knock on being "Large, but not in charge" due to excessive pancake eating; instead of working on his game. He has to earn his name back.
I nicked him JaMoney during the hold out. I think Puddin' would be applicable now.
CJ-
More names than receptions! Funny.
RT - Are you still keeping the classic comment file?
Can't check blogs from work. Was just thinking how many games could have been changed had the blitz been utlized the last several years.
The "getting yelled at" comment and the "DHB must play" situation portend continued problems despite the W.
RaiderNate-
Did you happen to see Fargas on Sun?
Raider
ike
Fargas on Sun?
Would that be a Huggy eclipse?
---Jeff
Fargas does a few things really well and has a few traits that suits our current OLine/ZBS scheme.
Fargas run hard and violently
Fargas squares his shoulders and has a natural forward lean
Fargas is decisive with his gap read
Fargas is a fearless warrior
Fargas inspires his teammates with his passion and thirst for collisions
Fargas is a team leader and good example for the younger players
Fargas might not be a true #1 type RB but I admire and appreciate his efforts.
I will gladly take and applaud 60-100 hard earned yards from Fargas each week.
I don't know. At least James Jett got deep and caught a pass once in a while. DHB needs to sit. Three weeks ago he needs to sit.
Did anyone notice Cable give him a pat on the head and say something to him right after the game? Wonder what that was about? I hope it wasn't something like, "go get 'em next week, tiger". Surely, he's a good kid and everything but he's just not ready. And to think that he was picked #7 overall makes me angry. Just watch as Crabtree makes the Raiders look silly by passing on him. Maclin, though he had but one catch on Sunday, has looked much, much better and he could have returned kicks for the Raiders, an area where they look like scared chickens and are spectacularly bad right now.
DHB tweeted that he feels bad that he's not producing. So maybe it's actually prudent to bench him, so he doesn't continue this charade of being a starting WR and totally lose confidence in himself. Let him get his confidence on the practice field.
And don't fool yourselves. The Raiders beat Philly in spite of Russell (JaMarcus), not because of him. Although to his credit, he was able to finally connect consistently to his back out of the backfield (the other Russell) to run out the clock for the win.
Every season for the past 6+ seasons we have been able to win a handful of games by the following recipe:
Good special teams
Excellent defense
Decent offense
The Steeler game comes to mind in 2006 and the Chiefs & Eagles game this year.
I am thrilled that DC Marshall moved the Raiders D into the 21st century and hope it continues.
However the reality is that until we get an offense that carries it's fair share of the load, we are looking at 4,5,6 win season.
The stats for the offense are quite alarming.
We average 10.3 points per game and less than 1 TD (5) per week.
We have scored a total of 3 total points in all the 3rd quarters combined.
We average a paltry 213 yards per game.
Adding Shilens will help. Getting consistency from Murphy will aid our production. Putting DHB on the bench is the right move to make. Establishing the run is imperative. And of course, Russell's performance is critical.
Banking on our D to keep an opponent out of the end zone and scoring 10 or less points per game is a going to be an impossible hill to climb. The true baseline for this team to be competitive for the remaining 10 games is for the offense to average 20+ points per game.
To get off the double digit loss track, we need to win 5 or more games out of 10. To win 5 or more games, it is unreasonable to expect the D to be the sole reason for this many victories.
"We have scored a total of 3 total points in all the 3rd quarters combined."
So much for halftime adjustments!
There are 28 rookies with more catches than DHB, and all were drafted behind DHB, including Murphy in the 4th rd.
Of those 28 rookies, 14 have 10 or more receptions, and 3 have over 20.
If OT Michael Oher catches one more ball, he will be tied with DHB.
If Michael Crabtree plays for the 49ers this week, as rumored, he could easily exceed DHB's production in one game, err, in one quarter.
Qu: How does a WR with 2 catches after 6 games remain a starter?
Ans: He plays for Al Davis.
It's a new era of Raider scholarships.
Calico,
Good post. Oher was my choice even over all the other OT’s in the draft. He had the athletic ability to be a monster in zone blocking. Ole Miss is struggling mightily at LT this year.
On the WR front. Louis Murphy didn’t catch a pass, but he was the MVP of the game on offense. Three blocks on the TD (the third one was after Miller crossed the plane, but he didn’t know it so he didn’t stop). He also drew a 15 yard penalty on a DB with a great acting job.
I was also happy to see Cable draw an unsportsmanlike penalty on the interference call. He’s telling the refs he tired of this crap. It seemed to fire up the defense. On that play I went through it frame by frame. The receiver’s right foot did appear to contact Routt’s lower right leg right before he went down, but that was the receivers fault.
We also got away with one, the pigeon was offsides on the kickoff.
Bama,
Sorry to hear about your mother. Hope all is well. With me, I have periodic episodes of complete exhaustion. Goes on for weeks,sometimes months. Doctors say chronic fatigue, which means they haven't a clue because all blood test are normal.
H
One more thing. On defense.
We still have a ways to go, but Sunday looked promising. However, the wrost defense in the league at the moment is Cleveland.
For a defensive philosophy, Shakespeare said it best, "Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war."
H
H:
Keep your eyes open this fall for the movie "The Blind Side" which is the life story of Michael Oher. I read the book by Michael Lewis. It is a fascinating, inspiring, wonderful, and true story.
CJ
Michael Oher is a great story. We would have drafted him except he wasn't catching passes in a "pro-style" offense or running sub-4.5 40s at the Combine.
Enough with the James Jett comparisons already!!!!!!
Jett was an undrafted free agent who had a productive rookie year. He looked like he was going to be great. He regressed and had a mediocre career. He was not the #7 pick in the draft like DHB. If DHB had Jett's rookie numbers after 6 games you guys would be happy with him. DHB is as raw as sushi. Sit him down. JLH can be explosive, give him some reps.
I'll give murph props, but I have to give the gameball to Zach or GRussell.
I agree DHB hasn't been much so far, but I'm finding it hard to judge a few positions until the offense as a whole improves.
I like the 3wr set w/ Chaz/Murph/DHB. Sure they're unproven, but we haven't even seen JR's #1 guy (chaz) yet. Pricy for rookies but not so bad as a squad, but unproven commodities.
I say we roll with them, and concentrate on the line.
And you can't put chaz in as #1 and play him every play yet, so 1/2/3 is sort of irrelevent for a few games probably.
At least I wouldn't think he could play a full game right away?
I like these guys better than jerry Fn Porter and Doug 'I do pushups after touchdowns in the preseason, but can only score in the preseason' Gabrial.
but, again, unproven commodities. I wonder what jamarcus could have done in that offense, with gruden chewing his ass off! Problem is, he couldn't have run it like Gannon, especially that SB year we we basically abandoned the run early in the season. Any coach other than gruden in TB that year, and we would have 4 trophies.
I digress. WRS: chaz/murph/dhb, probably in that order, but might be murph/dhb/chaz just because he's coming back from the injury.
-moshbucket
Having attended my 1st live Raiders game since I was a boy was truly what I would call an, “Out of Body Experience.” On so many different levels I unknowingly couldn’t put my finger on what captivated my soul to respond to such an overture as the one I witnessed on Sunday. I was utterly and completely done with the competence level of this organization. To virtually allow what has happened over the course of the last several years is absolutely and undoubtedly unacceptable.
After consoling with myself, that it is insignificant to go watch a Raiders game since losing is more sought-after than is winning. And I would rather go watch them when we have truly risen from the ashes of destruction, that the experience would be more fruitful. However, I simply couldn’t get out of this one. The girl I am currently seeing is a Raiders fan and bought us tickets to the Philly game. There were 3 deciding factors which led me to go watch this game. 1) She’s smoking HOTT 2) she is truly a person of great character and 3) I hold her in very high esteem. Hence it had nothing to do with the Raiders until I felt the rush of the fans.
To walk into Oakland-Alameda County Stadium (a.k.a McAfee) and look down and see the Raiders Shield, I began to feel calmer and more self-assured of what my purpose was for that day. To sit down in my seat, next to other Raider fans whom I tailgated with and just take in the level of consciousness before the 1st snap of the ball truthfully gave me a sense of self worth. Day dreaming of the times when these men walked onto the field and laid down their differences and played competitive football for thousands of paying customers, I couldn’t help myself but to be in awe of those players:
Marcus Allen, Fred Biletnikoff, George Blanda, Bob Brown, Willie Brown, Dave Casper, Eric Dickerson, Mike Haynes, Ted Hendricks, James Lofton, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott, Ron Mix, Jim Otto, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Rod Woodson, Tim Brown, Jerry Rice, Rich Gannon, Kenny “The Snake” Stabler, Jack “ The Assassin” Tatum, Daryle “The Mad Bomber” Lamonica, Jim Plunkett, Lester Hayes, Lyle Alzado, Cliff Branch, Mark Van Eeghen, Clem Dainels, Marv Hubbard, Todd Christiansen, George Atkinson, Vann McElroy and the list goes on and on.
You see like many of us, life tends to just pass us by. We all have varying obstacles which literally sucks the life out of your daily living. The ensemble of our daily lives is all but a chaotic whirlwind of circumstances in which we cannot fight fairly. Yet, even though those things do exist I was able to set aside those proverbial truths and enjoy a pastime that many of us have long said no more to. The awesome energy I felt while cheering with 49,000 plus fans was quite frankly, humanizing.
If Al Davis truly loves this team, he would finally realize that the only reason this team has been a success for over 50 years is not just because of or in spite of him, or that the fact some of the greatest players to have ever worn a Sliver and Black uniform, or simply applying the same philosophy of decades old schemes. But they have been great because of their fans. The fans of the Raider Nation, in-which embody the very heart and soul of this franchise and without them; the Oakland Raiders are simply just another football team. Absolute integrity is not just a once and awhile act, it must be at the very core of every decision that is made in the utmost respect to its fans.
I am proud to be a Raiders Fan for life. Go Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!
Moshbucket:
Q: Why are you having a tough time evaluating DHB?
In my opinion, the evaluation is as easy as 1-2-3:
1 - He has 2 catches in 6 games while being on the field for virtually every offensive snap.
2 - He drops easy balls, looks lost, ill prepared, and lacks confidence.
3 - At this point in time, he does not deserve to be a starting WR.
Point 1 covers productivity.
Point 2 is why DHB has yet to earn Russell's trust.
Point 3 is all about the Raiders putting the best players on the field to be competitive.
I wish DHB showed in 1 game, in part of a game, on a few plays that he is turning the corner. Unfortunately, as each game goes by and he throws up zeroes, he presses even more.
The best thing Cable could for DHB himself and the team as a whole is to sit him down or severely limit his playing time. This would take the pressure off of DHB, allow him to re-start his career, re-build his confidence by easing him back into the rotation.
I would put our depth chart at
Shilens, Murphy, JLH, Watkins, Walker, and DHB. DHB would be a prime candidate to get some valuable reps. in 3 WR sets.
i find it amazing that our DC riska being "yelled at" by the owner after using aggressive, attacking, defense to win a game.
now if only the offensive and ST's coaching can grow some spine, we might be onto something.
these coaches cannot lock themselves inside some strange old time raiders football philosophy that is the only way team can play.
raider football is about winning. at least it used to be.
just coach to win. no matter what style it takes. even if it upsets the owner.
Mr. Duva - apparently your experience at the Eagles game was the polar opposite of mine at the Giants game. Glad to hear it. Interesting take (unusual blend of Harlequin and Penthouse letters).
Kirk Morrison admitted the Raiders D plays back on their heels sometimes, and said it was good to go on the "offensive."
Much is being made that the Jets are a run-first team, particularly with their rookie QB struggling. I'm afraid the Raiders will be back on their heels this week... when they should keep the pressure. There is such a thing as run blitz.
IMO, if our D stays on the attack, they (the D) will play harder and stay the course.
Calico,
If I heard correctly they are filiming the Michael Oher story somewhere around Atlanta.
I just know this. Based on last years performance Jevan Sneed, Ole Miss QB, was on the preseason Heisman list. He's spent most of this year on his butt or running for his life throwning interceptions. What has changed?
I would like to see JHL with some more reps in DHB's place.
Moshbucket,
I still say Murph is the MVP of the game on offense. If he dosen't hustle like he did, Zach doesn't get that TD.
He also drew a 15 yard penalty on the Green Chickens with a great acting job. As an aside, if your mascot is a bald eagle why are your colors green and white - just an observation.
Murphy single handly showed the rest of the team what it's going to take from them to turn this thing around. It's the old Wisniewski playbook, keep hitting somebody until the whistle blows (sometimes until the whistle blows two our three times).
That's why I say he was the MVP. It's leadership by example, and it's coming from a rookie.
H
NYRaider,
Upon review, a good number of the blitzes Sunday were run blitzes. A couple of times on first down McNabb audibled (I assume he went from run to pass) and the blitz still got to him or made him throw it away.
One other note on defense. There were a few instances where we lined up in a 3-4.
Seymour is on record as saying we will make the plyoffs this year.
MrDuva,
You forgot number 4 - She's smoking hot.
H
Since this will probably be my last post until this time next week, I propose a glass half full statement.
So far we have lost one we should have won, won one we should have lost, got our hats handed to us then shut down one of the top scoring teams in the league. for 2-4 record.
However, this could be somewhat indicitive of a roller coaster young team on the verge. In our last eight games we are 4-4.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but that's exactly how we began 2002.
We have a reasonable expectation of a win playing the Bi-Planes at home. Then we play the Dolts who have troubles of their own with rumblings of a coaching change.
This wasn't the way we envisioned it, but most of us were looking at getting to the break at 4-4 and buliding from there. That is still atainable.
Except, we would be reaching the break with momentum.
See, 4-4 but half full.
H
Hey, things are looking up, first we beat the Eagles, then no charges are filed against Cable.
What next, Marshall doesn't get in trouble for blitzing and DHB gets benched?
what no charges to be filed? but what about all the stories and the complaining? ah, just as cable said nothing happened. well nothing worth losin any sleep over anyway.
as for all the complaining and bs stories about it, 'all sound and fury, signifying nothing.' as usual. i guess that why we call em mediots.
frkyraider
Hey, guys. Been away. Back today and going away again. I figured while I was gone you guys would be storming the castle. Well, I guess storming the castle must have worked because the Raiders looked better last week.
But after coming back, I note it's a good thing that Tom Cable wasn't lynched. Turns out he's likely innocent, and "nothing happened" outside of the fantasies of Randy Hanson. But maybe the commish ought to suspend Cable anyway because the Raiders lost 3 in a row.
I also wonder if anyone has noticed around here that a unit that had no real depth has been decimated by injuries, and is likely a major cause for some our offensive troubles. Eh, the O-Line. DHB can't really be a deep threat unless the O-Line gives him the time to get deep.
I will say that I think that DHB should not be starting. But JLH has not been an answer prior to the recovery of Schilens. All you have to do to know that is watch JLH on punt returns. Cable says that JLH is protecting himself to much after taking such a rough hit in the first game. And if you watch JLH, you know Cable is right.
DHB should be playing in the slot right now. I'd like to see Murphy start in DHB's spot, and Schilens take Murphy's spot. In fact, as I said during the preseason that DHB would likely have about 25 to 30 catches this year, I figured they'd be using him in the slot all season. But then they had the injury to Schilens in the preseason and it wasn't to be.
I'll also be interested to see what the team has when Miller Light is again ready to take the field.
Great to hear from you, Blanda!
Ok, I thought I wouldn't be able to post again until late next week, but the Cable thing made me make some time.
In one of the articles here are my two favorite quotes for the DA.
It would be “a miscarriage of justice to pursue criminal charges” and "It should be further noted that within the past week and a half, Mr. Hanson showed up unannounced at the police department and made a statement to the effect that since the Raiders had not given him what he asked for, he would now fully cooperate with the prosecution,"
Come to your own conclusion, but mine is Mr. Hanson was into some back room extortion.
Having said that, it isn't over, according to the article Roger Goodell said, “criminal charges need not be brought against Cable for the NFL to discipline him if he broke the league's conduct rules."
So, now some pushing and shoving may be on the same level as discharging firearms at strip clubs and getting into public fights over and over. How many incidents did Pac Man Jones have before they actually did something?
If filing charges would be a “miscarriage of justice” as the DA stated, why would the league even bother?
Also, why would he be suspended for ANY number of games when Bilicheat was caught red handed cheating and only received a fine with no suspension, and the evidence was destroyed BY THE LEAGUE? Sorry, had to vent on that one. I mean what if evidence of actual federal or state laws had been broken on the tape. In some states it's illegal to tape ANYONE without their permission.
On the DHB front, my problem isn't so much with him as it is with Russell. Yes, he's dropped a few, but how many times has Russell just totally missed the mark?
Something happened to Russell from the end of last season to the beginning of this, other than rookie wide receivers. Or so it appears to me.
I believe his problem is between his ears. I'm not talking about his intelligence; He appears to have some mental block or phobia, like Mark Wholer's. The guy got the save in the World Series in the ninth inning of the final game with the score 1-0. Two years later he was bouncing the ball to the plate or air mailing it over the umpire's head to the backstop.
Russell might be lighting it up in practice, but is so afraid of making a mistake in the game, he can’t hit his target. He “can’t” put the ball where the receiver can catch it. So, he throws it short and it gets intercepted, or he air mails it into the stands. Maybe last week’s 61% will help him. Also, getting Zach Miller involved early and often, as I have lobbied for often, won’t hurt.
This is not a defense of DHB; he has some work to do. I’m just offering a possible reason. But, you can’t drop a ball you can’t catch.
One last thing, I see the Raiders are having Filipino Heritage day. In honor of the great history of the Raiders and one Kenny "Snake" Stabler I hereby recommend we have Redneck Heritage Day.
H
Well, JRuss *did* lose his uncle this summer. That would likely do a number on his psyche.
JMHSO
---Jeff
Remember when Brett Favre lost his father, then lit the Raiders up like a Christmas tree the next day?
I'm not making light of personal loss, but it's hard to believe that it could have this much of an impact on his performance.
Take,
Agreed, but Favre was older, already a Leage MVP and Super Bowl MVP.
Totally different circumstances.
H
Maybe Russell needs counseling?
One thing the Raiders don't need is more excuses, we've been down that road, look where it got us.
Take,
That we can agree on. And that was my point, it's more than just DHB droppin passes.
H
No one needs to make excuses for DHB. He has been a flat out bust in his 1st 6 games of his NFL career regarless of circumstances.
I am by no means saying he can't turn things around. I am not discounting some of the factors that have made it difficult for him to be more productive.
His technique and confidence in his pass catching abilities is obviously lacking.
His ability to run precise routes and establish a rapport with his QB is obviously lacking.
IMO, there are a few primary things to consider:
#1: What has he done with the opportunities to get open and secure catchable balls?
Too many drops.
#2: What has he done to earn the trust as a reliable target for Russell?
Nothing.
#3: What is in DHB's best interest to get his career on track?
Personally, I think the best thing that could happen to him would be to lessen his workload and let him earn his playing time.
#4: What is in the team's best interest both short and long term?
In the short term, there is no question that DHB needs to have his playing time severerly reduced in order for the Raiders to field the most competive team possible. DHB's lack of production is KILLING us.
In the long run, the Raiders should continue to develop DHB (practice, extra drills, film study, one on one tutelage, etc.) and allow him to progress and earn his spot on the depth chart.
Sanchez is ranked 34 out of 36 QBs and has a passer rating of 56.7
JaMarcus Russell is 35th at 51.0.
The real difference, IMO, is that Russell is a third-year player and should be playing at a much higher level.
Also, there’s this quote from Sanchez: “I really let this team down and there's no excuse for that,'' Sanchez said. “I have a lot of work to do.''
Heyward-Bey is a complete bust, and I predicted this as soon as they drafted him. It's very simply WHY he won't improve dramatically: his hands are small and weak. You can't teach a wide receiver to catch NFL bullets when they don't have the tools to do so. I'm betting that Crabtree outdoes HB's season production in one game. If you wanted to draft a WR, it's Crabtree. The kid knows how to make space for himself, whether he's a prima donna or not. This is truly one of the most pathetic draft picks Al has ever made. Sorry, but I know H-Bey isn't going to be a top flight receiver in this league.
Watching JaMoney from the end zone last weekend was telling. He was locked in on Miller across the middle and never looked right or left. Time and time again one of the two WR's was breaking open and he was throwing into double coverage.
He should have had that little quirk fixed in high school.
When you watch DHB, you see a player with a small amount of raw football abilities.
but, aside from speed, he lacks any real natural football abilities.
i just don't see much in him that can be "developed".
and to think we could have a WR group of crabtree, shillens, and murphy.
we would have been set at WR for the next 8 years.
instead we will have DHB on the roster for the next 8 yrs, trying to prove he was worth the pick.
Indeed raider00. Crabtree looked as good as I suspected today. This kid has more lateral quickness than H-bey (a skill Al overlooks in recent times), runs better routes and has 1000X the better hands. This truly was a no-brainer. I don't believe for a second that any other team would have drafted H-Bey in the first round. How is it that some punk NFL fan like me knows better than Al? Sad. And don't even get me started on Russell. I pegged that as a bad pick as well. He's even worse than I thought.
Post a Comment
<< Home