Where Are We on The Return to Glory?
Raider Take regular NY Raider just posted the following multiple choice quiz in the comments section, and I felt that it merited the spotlight:
A) The Raiders have failed to address critical needs and may continue to follow the same path of record-breaking failure until...
B) Some issues have been addressed, be it through the draft or maintaining continuity in coaching or other, that may lead to improvement; but real change is yet to happen by way of a key executive hire or some combination of things. You're cautiously optimistic, with an asterisk.
C) You are confident that this year will turn the tide. In this category you probably lean toward the notion that current management is capable and should continue their present path.
D) No question the team is clearly heading in the right direction, and will prove they have followed a well-calculated path.
E) You are a blind faith fan. The Raiders can do no wrong and they will go to the Super Bowl and win. You don't care what the odds against that happening... call Vegas, Baby!
This seems like a fair way to categorize the varying perspectives of the Raider Nation.
Personally, I'm with Calico Jack in being in category B, unable to fully embrace category C because I believe that the need for added executive football support is real and overdue, and that to not address that need is counterproductive to the long-term prospects of the Oakland Raiders.
This is just my belief, as unpopular as it may be in some quarters. It's not like John Madden and Al Davis himself haven't acknowledged this need for added executive football support, so I'm in pretty good company, right?
Now, I could probably be persuaded by a strong showing this season that this need isn't urgent as I thought it was, say, last year and before that. In other words, I might accept that Mr. Davis's foot-dragging in addressing the executive void isn't as detrimental as I suspected.
So how do I define a "strong showing?" Nine wins or more. That would really wake me up and slap me upside the head and show me that the current administration is capable of correcting a culture of losing.
I'm anxious and hopeful that this will happen. The offensive line worries me, but I expect us to be more stout on defense, and I expect Campbell, Bush and a more seasoned receiving corps to deliver the most complete offensive output we've seen in a long time.
On the flip side, I think that anything less than eight wins will be a debacle. The AFC West is weaker than ever. It should be open season on the Tebows and Chiefs. Additionally, we get to play the weak NFC West this year: Pete-hawks, Lambs, Whiners, and the Cardinals without Warner and Boldin. Also, the addition by the subtraction of JaMarcus Russell should be worth approximately two victories unto itself.
So if after so many losing seasons, when Cable should be hitting his stride and we should be feasting on relatively weak competition, we can't improve upon our record by three measly wins and reach the .500 mark...Well, I just might go back to advocating the nuclear option. You know, tear down the walls right down to the studs. But why borrow trouble?
Right now, it's camp time, baby. The smell of wine and football is in the air in Napa. Hope springs eternal. I can hear it already: Touchdown, Raiiiii-derrrs!
A) The Raiders have failed to address critical needs and may continue to follow the same path of record-breaking failure until...
B) Some issues have been addressed, be it through the draft or maintaining continuity in coaching or other, that may lead to improvement; but real change is yet to happen by way of a key executive hire or some combination of things. You're cautiously optimistic, with an asterisk.
C) You are confident that this year will turn the tide. In this category you probably lean toward the notion that current management is capable and should continue their present path.
D) No question the team is clearly heading in the right direction, and will prove they have followed a well-calculated path.
E) You are a blind faith fan. The Raiders can do no wrong and they will go to the Super Bowl and win. You don't care what the odds against that happening... call Vegas, Baby!
This seems like a fair way to categorize the varying perspectives of the Raider Nation.
Personally, I'm with Calico Jack in being in category B, unable to fully embrace category C because I believe that the need for added executive football support is real and overdue, and that to not address that need is counterproductive to the long-term prospects of the Oakland Raiders.
This is just my belief, as unpopular as it may be in some quarters. It's not like John Madden and Al Davis himself haven't acknowledged this need for added executive football support, so I'm in pretty good company, right?
Now, I could probably be persuaded by a strong showing this season that this need isn't urgent as I thought it was, say, last year and before that. In other words, I might accept that Mr. Davis's foot-dragging in addressing the executive void isn't as detrimental as I suspected.
So how do I define a "strong showing?" Nine wins or more. That would really wake me up and slap me upside the head and show me that the current administration is capable of correcting a culture of losing.
I'm anxious and hopeful that this will happen. The offensive line worries me, but I expect us to be more stout on defense, and I expect Campbell, Bush and a more seasoned receiving corps to deliver the most complete offensive output we've seen in a long time.
On the flip side, I think that anything less than eight wins will be a debacle. The AFC West is weaker than ever. It should be open season on the Tebows and Chiefs. Additionally, we get to play the weak NFC West this year: Pete-hawks, Lambs, Whiners, and the Cardinals without Warner and Boldin. Also, the addition by the subtraction of JaMarcus Russell should be worth approximately two victories unto itself.
So if after so many losing seasons, when Cable should be hitting his stride and we should be feasting on relatively weak competition, we can't improve upon our record by three measly wins and reach the .500 mark...Well, I just might go back to advocating the nuclear option. You know, tear down the walls right down to the studs. But why borrow trouble?
Right now, it's camp time, baby. The smell of wine and football is in the air in Napa. Hope springs eternal. I can hear it already: Touchdown, Raiiiii-derrrs!
posted by Raider Take at 7:46 PM
121 Comments:
Nice. A clean board with no snipers.
nyraider's multi-choice may finally help define where each of us may be as fans.
I, too, am of the "B" category as CJ and you are, Take.
My caveat (*or asterisk) is that executive help is paramount to success, be it now or the future. BigAL's not getting younger, and it seems apparent (to me) that he'd had some sort of assistance (or epiphany?) this off-season.
I contributed to the infamous billboard outside the HOT, and I took BigAL for his word that he was getting a GM. Maybe he already has... a silent (invisible) partner perhaps?
Here's to hope and cautious optimism. If Veldheer can quickly improve his footwork... if Campbell can successfully convert to RG... if Gallery can stay healthy... if SuperMario can BE super... if SOMEONE can play RT... if... if... WoW. Looks like the biggest * for me is regarding that damn OL. If'n a, man.
Again... here's to hope. And CAUTIOUS optimism...
~'Cat
Calico,
"I would respectfully disagree. In my opinion, using my scale, it has been 8 not 19 above average seasons."
I was comparing them to the remainder of the league during that period. If you take the league as a whole, it was probably slightly above average.
Like I said though, not what we want or expect.
NYRaider,
You left one off. Those who have disagreed with management decisions, but still support the team and don't lay awake at night worrying about it, and think current moves indicate a positive move in the right direction.
It seemed clear the "Blind Faith" category was aimed at the optimist.
H
H, you sound like a B/C tweener to me. Maybe a D, but I'd need more information.
As for E, I disagree, that doesn't sound like it's aimed at the optimist, it sounds like it's aimed at the blind faith believer.
There is plenty of room for optimism in D, C and even B.
And since I don't know of anyone lying awake at night, that probably doesn't merit a category.
Take,
There are those who have come here and confessed how much it ties them up inside.
It's not really a shot at them, I just can't take it that personally.
H
Take,
You might be right. I would remove "cautiously" though. Nothing cautious about it. Can't stop smiling since Grandson of H came along.
H
I am in the "B" category. Not just because of a lack of executive hire; but I feel we needed a solid #1 WR; and we still don't have that.
Chaz is a good WR, but he is not healthy. Louis Murphy has promise, but he is injured. DHB is working hard, but has a lot to prove. The rest are not good, but mediocre. Jonathan Holland left today with injury, JLH is below average; Jacoby Ford may be a bright spot for a rookie, Nick Miller unproven and injured, and Todd Watkins is below average.
Though I like Mike Bush, I am not convinced of the "greatness" of our running attack either. I think this is McFadden's make or break year. I would have like to have seen us attempt to bring a vet like Tomlinson, Willie Parker, or Larry Johnson.
Not too mention help at Tackle (even though we drafted some there, there is nothing like vet help). Those are some thoughts where I think we need to improve.
I read somewhere that when Bush has had 14 or more carries in a game, he has averaged something like 140 yards in those games. Something like that.
For all carries, Bush is averaging 4.6 yards per carry in his career, over 3.9 for McFadden. Fargas didn't average over 4.0 yards in his last two years with the team.
Yet in nine games last year, Bush got less than 10 carries.
Am I missing something?
H - the survey (or quiz) was not intended to point any fingers. I certainly don't see you as an "E". Perhaps no "Es" even exist in the Nation, particular after.... wait for it.... the last seven years. I was more or less poking fun at the thought of such an extreme.
Who knows, maybe the survey will help find that common ground you were looking for earlier.
Maybe you can look at it simply as grading the Raiders' "progress" to date.
NYRaider,
Nice take, but I really cannot pick a category. This is the Raiders afterall, so things can go either way.
Jason Campbell can turn out to be another Gannon, but also could be another Aaron Brooks.
Tom Cable could be HC of the year, or this could be his last year.
Rolando Mclain could be a monster MLB, or just another wasted 1st round pick.
DHB could develop into a fine WR, or he could join Jbust on the junk pile.
The RB combo of Bush/Mcfad could be a dream of power & speed, or just 2 more players that never make it.
The 0-line can finally gel this year, or fall apart like it has so many times in recent memory.
The D-coordinator can attack with aggresive gameplans, or we can see the old passive D of the recent past.
The owner/GM can hire executive help, or continue on stalling.
What will happen ? Who knows. Like I said, it's the Raiders we're talking about.
A multiple choice quiz is nice but we all know ... the proof is in the pudding.
The real proof (as always) is the team's record.
None of us know if the Raiders will win 4 games or 12 or everything in between.
What we do know is that this season is a critical bridge to future success and/or a need for critical change.
Based on our many years of being football fans ... we know with our own trained eyes whether or not the Raiders are making serious in-roads to improving the team's competitive outlook.
I know it was a long, long time ago but I remember 1998 like it was yesterday.
Coming off a dismal 4-12 season, Gruden took over in 98'. The team played a very spirited, competitive brand of football in spite of a lack of talent.
At the conclusion of the 98' season, it was very evident that the team was going in the right direction. There were clear cut improvements, traction, and a winning culture developed.
When I look at the 2010 season, it won't only be the record that I look at but each game individually in terms of the execution, level of competitiveness, and force of will.
There is a BIG difference between hard fought, close battles and major inconsistency and blowouts.
A few barometers for 2010:
Anything less than 8-8 is a disappointment.
Anything less than 3-3 in the division is a disappointment.
Anything less than 5-3 at home is a disappointment.
The turnover ratio had better be (+).
Personally, I think that anything less than 8-8 is a grease fire.
I mean, we are no longer saddled with Russell and we face easier competition. DHB is supposed to be improved, Seymour is supposed to be hitting his leadership stride, our draft was supposedly awesome, Cable's continuity is established...
After all that, we still can't improve by three wins and get to .500, well, maybe we need to order some TNT?
I’m a “B” person myself.
I see the team and the organization kind of going in separate directions. It’s like the left brain is failing and the right brain, while pretty-well functioning, is overcompensating for the left brain deficiency.
In order for the Raiders to become more “whole-brained” they need to modernize their organization, and step away from the mom & pop mode that once brought them so much success.
This is not a knock on Al Davis. It’s a reasonable rationalization based on years of observation, not just of the Raiders, but as a fan of the game.
Right now, I believe the “right side” is picking up more slack, as it struggles to balance the left side. But how long can that last?
One thing is for sure. There is plenty of room for improvement on a team level and an organization level.
For me, the 2010 grease fire starts when I read or hear one coach or player say “we need to get back to the basics.” That’s been their mantra during this record-breaking stretch.
The Raiders have been stuck in “football for dummies 101" predating Russell (he just took it down a couple more notches).
As J-mac points out, the Raiders could be much-improved in their passing game and still rank below average.
Like every year, I’m on the edge of my seat, hoping for competitive football.
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Okay, I was looking for a weather report that said the ambient temperature in Hell had reached 32 degrees. The following had appeared in my inbox:
http://tinyurl.com/29865cw
It’s a positive report on the Raiders from Chris Mortensen. Next thing you know pigs will be flying and cats and dogs will be lying down together. But I digress.
The thing I liked best about the article is the accompanying video. Jason and Nnamdi spoke with intelligence good use of the language and a calm reserve. Very business like.
A few years ago I saw a 30 second sound bite with a professional athlete who was a supposed college graduate. In that 30 seconds he used the phrase “you know” twelve times. I rewound and counted twice.
Take,
C4 does more damage, that would be my explosive of choice.
Calico,
The one thing I remember about the Gruden years above all the other players is Tyrone Wheatley. When he came in he provided that “spark” in the running game. Power, downhill running that punished the defense and wore them down for the fourth quarter. That’s why I want to see more Bush.
He’s quick enough to hit the hole in a ZBS, big enough to take on the linebackers for an extra yard or three, and fast enough to get 20 yards down the field if he can break a tackle or two.
One quick note. Al Davis always said it took five years to properly develop an NFL quarterback. Campbell is starting his sixth year, Stabler didn’t become a full time starter until his fifth year, Favre said it took him five years to get used to the NFL, and there are other examples. This is not to say we should have kept Russell. During those five years you actually have to work on improving yourself.
Just an observation for what it’s worth.
H
I would like to point out some other teams that are ran similar to the Raiders, have had a dismal past few years like the Raiders, but are not getting the press coverage like the Raiders. The reason why I do this is because there have been some strides in some of these teams, but overall, they are still in the same boat as the Raiders where there is an imbalance in their organization.
Redskins-imbalance is on the ownership. Seems that with Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan, they will turn the corner soon.
Dolphins-imbalance is on the field. They have a couple great RBs, but lack leadership offensively and defensively. They are improving, but not by leaps and bounds.
Browns-imbalance has been on the ownership side. I am not sold that Holmgren is going to be a good GM. They have made scouting blunders worse than the Raiders in the past few years; but they go unnoticed.
Panthers-imbalance at coaching. I thought they had a solid team the last few years, but it doesn't appear that their coach has a clear plan of attack. Their scouting hasn't been great either.
Jaguars-Same as the Panthers. Good talent, terrible coaching. Reminds me of when we first hired Norv Turner.
Bills-Terrible ownership. Not willing to reach out to the fan base in Buffalo; but would rather split time in Canada. Doesn't seem willing to go after talent that will improve their efforts.
Buccaneers-ownership. The Glazers need to decide what they want. They are not putting much effort into their team since they won the Super Bowl. Their scouting has failed, and their coach seems clueless as well. Horrible move letting Monte, Gruden, and Allen go.
Lions-ownership has hurt this team over the years, more than anything. Ownership and Bobby Ross chased Barry Sanders out of the game in his prime. They seem to be headed into the right direction, but they've been here before only for ownership to step in and pull the trigger.
Chiefs-They are so similar to the Raiders in regards to disfunction, I wonder if Al is calling the shots there too. I think Pioli is over rated, but Todd Haley may be the answer at Head Coach for these guys, or he may be a bust. So it is hard to say which way they will go, again, much like the Raiders.
We are not the only team in this predicament, but if you listen to any media outlet; it wouldn't seem that way. Why do you think this is? Let me tell you why; it is expected for these other teams to be here. It is expected for the Raiders to be at the top, or near it, competing.
I'm excited about this year, because there is opportunity for success without excuse of failure. If we can't turn the corner here, the problem will stick out like a sore thumb. Did we completely fill our needs? No, but we have made moves that seemingly puts us in a solid position to improve. No excuses this year, JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
I would like to point out some other teams that are ran similar to the Raiders, have had a dismal past few years like the Raiders, but are not getting the press coverage like the Raiders. The reason why I do this is because there have been some strides in some of these teams, but overall, they are still in the same boat as the Raiders where there is an imbalance in their organization.
Redskins-imbalance is on the ownership. Seems that with Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan, they will turn the corner soon.
Dolphins-imbalance is on the field. They have a couple great RBs, but lack leadership offensively and defensively. They are improving, but not by leaps and bounds.
Browns-imbalance has been on the ownership side. I am not sold that Holmgren is going to be a good GM. They have made scouting blunders worse than the Raiders in the past few years; but they go unnoticed.
Panthers-imbalance at coaching. I thought they had a solid team the last few years, but it doesn't appear that their coach has a clear plan of attack. Their scouting hasn't been great either.
Jaguars-Same as the Panthers. Good talent, terrible coaching. Reminds me of when we first hired Norv Turner.
Bills-Terrible ownership. Not willing to reach out to the fan base in Buffalo; but would rather split time in Canada. Doesn't seem willing to go after talent that will improve their efforts.
Buccaneers-ownership. The Glazers need to decide what they want. They are not putting much effort into their team since they won the Super Bowl. Their scouting has failed, and their coach seems clueless as well. Horrible move letting Monte, Gruden, and Allen go.
Lions-ownership has hurt this team over the years, more than anything. Ownership and Bobby Ross chased Barry Sanders out of the game in his prime. They seem to be headed into the right direction, but they've been here before only for ownership to step in and pull the trigger.
Chiefs-They are so similar to the Raiders in regards to disfunction, I wonder if Al is calling the shots there too. I think Pioli is over rated, but Todd Haley may be the answer at Head Coach for these guys, or he may be a bust. So it is hard to say which way they will go, again, much like the Raiders.
We are not the only team in this predicament, but if you listen to any media outlet; it wouldn't seem that way. Why do you think this is? Let me tell you why; it is expected for these other teams to be here. It is expected for the Raiders to be at the top, or near it, competing.
I'm excited about this year, because there is opportunity for success without excuse of failure. If we can't turn the corner here, the problem will stick out like a sore thumb. Did we completely fill our needs? No, but we have made moves that seemingly puts us in a solid position to improve. No excuses this year, JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
There we go again, comparing ourselves to the worst of the worst.
Just treading water won't get you to shore if your ship just sunk in the middle of the Pacific. You'll need a lifeline.
And I don't believe there is any expectation that the Raiders will be always be at the top. Seems more like every year the Raiders are forecasted at the bottom of their division.
If there is any expectation of success, it's probably commensurate with high spending and precedent-setting player contracts.
H -
What I remember about the Gruden years is balance, discipline, and execution of well-though out game plans.
The offense was clearly the engine to the team's success ... very balanced (run/pass), multi-faceted, and sophisticated.
The offense was excellent at:
(1) ball control (2) moving the chains (3) time of possession (4) wearing out the other team (5) utilizing all the skill players who had specific roles to play
NYR,
I agree. Mom & Pop was good in it's day, but the problem is "Pop" got too old and doesn't realize it.
H,
I agree with you too. Al Davis does believe it takes 5 yrs to develop a Qb.
But that is the old model. The old way of thinking.
Of all the top Qb's around today, none of them sat around 5 yrs collecting dust.
Raider00,
I would disagree on this point. They are considered top quarterbacks, but the really good ones don't hit their stride until year 4-6.
The problem today is free agency. If you draft a quarterback in the first round, you've got so damn much money tied up in him you have to get a return on investment before he becomes a free agent.
Before free agency you could set a first or second round pick knowing you had him well past five years if he panned out.
Peyton Manning is more the exception than the rule. Carson Palmer is still up and down, Lienart probably started too early. Eli Manning might be a Super Bowl MVP, but he shouldn't have been and he still has inconsistencies.
Matt Ryan may wind up being another exception, but he didn't do as well his second year as his first year.
If anything I believe free agency and escalating rookei contracts have been a detrement to developing solid quarterbacks.
Note from camp, they are considering Lamarr Houston at fullback on the goal line and critical short yardage situations.
H
Quote from Quinton Groves on the defense:
"We can do a lot," Groves said. "One moment you might see us in a 3-4, the next you could see us in a 4-3, the next one you could see us in the 5-2, maybe even the 4-6. We just have to tune in the game plan and that keeps teams on edge."
I was just kidding about them using a 5-2 a week or so ago. But, it appears they are working on more than just a 4-3 alignment in camp.
We shall see.
H
Watching the team today in Napa I did see that the O line is still a Work in progress. The D line however has improved a great deal with McClain calling the D like a pro. He looks very relaxed in this role almost natural.
McFadden lost a fumble today as Bush kept pounding the hole without any lose balls. Jason Campbell is much faster than Jail-Marcus but his long passes seem late and cause the WR to slow down to catch. This is still a work in progress and all in all our team played with Guts and ANGER that has been missing for some time. Our DB's seem strong and our WR's looked good. DHB did put a couple of balls on the ground but he looks much better catching the ball with his hands than EVER! Our team might not be The best but it is a FAR cry from previous seasons in tempo and drive. I know there are many things we needed to fix but we ARE on track for some good Football this season and if things keep going this way...We will turn this boat around sooner than later....I do know this...Denver better get ready for an ASS whoppin......
Raider Greg
Good feedback Raider Greg.
With McClain quaterbacking the D, this unit should be more cohesive and in-tune to execute.
From reading the training camp reports, the Raiders seem to have a distinct edge and purpose to the business at hand.
Seems like there is a separation this year, so far, from past years.
So far there's no media drama involving coaches or players. There have been no holdouts. Everybody is putting in the work, and there have been many good reports on individual and group performances.
A refreshing change.
The Raiders have been void of anything resembling this level of normalcy for a long time.
"C" For The Record...
"RT"....
Nice take...No objections from me on that one...
Point of position...If high quality trustworthy -n- long lasting committed help is there and added than that's a definite plus but just to add a body to add a body and risk more of what we left behind is something I'm totally against...We already learned those lessons and don't need to explore that again...One "Mole" in our history is quite enough and we don't need another "Steppin Stone" jerk who will leave a job uncompleted in the middle of success...
PantyRaider...3 Days To Contact!!!/_
Raider Greg,
Thanks for the eyewitness report. Intensity, good to hear. I think the long passes will come with time. Those are the hardest to get in sync.
Ok, under the subject line “Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while” I posted the following shortly after the draft:
“Campbells speed might make him a heck of a pulling guard. But, he needs a mean streak like The Wiz had.”
“The knock on Jared Veldheer is he played against lower division schools and has short arms. Maybe he could move inside, possibly to center where his arms are not as big a factor as would be against the outside rush.”
Not sure how short or long his arms actually are, just read it somewhere, but Campbell lined up at guard in the first mini-camp and Vlad the Impaler is splitting his time between tackle and center and, according to reports, is now listed on the roster as center/tackle. He is also expected to see time at center against the Cowgirls.
Genius or Blind Hog, you make the call.
H
"H"...
That report is correct...I looked at the Raiders posted roster...
68 Veldheer, Jared T/C
6-8 315#s 23 R Hillsdale
74 Campbell, Bruce G/T
6-6 315#s 22 R Maryland
One of the things Cable said he desires is versatile "OL"men who can play several positions as needed...The same appears to hold true with the "DL"...So it appears they get their feet wet and train at different positions...
I also think it's a benefit that they than understand the other positions assignment and what can be expected from them on each play...That way each understands where the others are at each tick of the clock and thus what they need to do to assist or what can be expected from the others in the way of assistance...What better way to build familiarity and trust within the unit...
Also it appeared to me that the "LT"s were getting the bulk of the credit for anything that went well while the rest played second fiddle...I think in this scenario that is removed and there is more sharing in the blame as well as the glory...Equality within the ranks...
As for "Vlad the Impaler" I'm looking forward to see what he can do...He didn't give up a single sack at that lower level...Could that translate well to the pros...Time will tell...But if it does we have found a jewel hiding below the radar...
Also he was the top of his class at the combine and the only player to post in the top 10 of every single event/measurement...Now that spoke loud to Mr Davis and I'm hoping it was not just a fluke...With his size/speed/strength/agility quotient the sky could be the limit...And the smarts to go with it...
PantyRaider...Diamond In The Rough!!!/_
Raider Greg...
I second the "MuleHigh" Ass Whooping...
How do you get to view the practice...Have a "Mediot" pass or is it open to some public now...I lived in Vallejo on my boat for a few seasons but was told it was closed so never went to look...Maybe that was a lie if you can get in now...
This season it was reported that a few fans were watching the "OTA"s from their home vantage point but allowed to continue...Maybe things have softened a little but in the past "Family Day" was the only practice open to the fans and I got to work security in Oxnard during the "93" camp as a "Raiders Booster Club Member"...
Those special memories will never die...It felt great just being on the same field wearing an event staff jacket like I belonged...Too great a feeling to ever let slip away no matter how bad the losing hurts...That pride and feelings of belonging are still there...Perpetual...
PantyRaider...Look Forward To More Up-Dates!!!/_
Now on "Vlad the Impaler" I was interested in his progress as well. I did see him stay on block the longest of all the O line. He is VERY strong and seems to have a good grip on the plays he was involved in. Center might be a good spot for him but one thing is for sure....He is a Beast that handles his business.
Raider Greg
"Cat"...
Just getting around to reading all the post...Was disconnected during travels again...
I like your energy and positive approach...I too share your worries regarding the "OL" but also have renewed hopes as well...I also share your speculations the help is already on board but not yet reviled...
"BR" speculated and I followed up with the thought that Cable could be a man in training to eventually work with Al's son in the front office while Hue is moved to "HC" for which he is training now...I like that thought...It pleases me and now I have another speculation to add to it...
The "OldMan" doesn't want to leave his son holding the bag so he will help turn the team around and retire on the upswing leaving his son -w- help in charge of an improving team baring some respect...The "GodFather" won't be far away and be there to help smooth out any unanticipated bumps in the road to full recovery...
So here is to anticipating the "OldMan"s press conference -w- his favorite "OHP" bidding farewell to his fans while presenting his son as the new face of the franchise...
Kinda like this...
"I have been the face of this proud franchise for the past 5 decades but now the time has come for this proud franchise to embrace it's face of the future...My son...Mr Mark Davis who will continue to carry that torch into the decades to come"...
"Mark my words...The Greatness of the Raiders is yet in it's future"...
PantyRaider...Ya Heard It 1st Here!!!/_
Speaking of the "MuleHead"s...
Looking around the AFCW led me to the heart breaking news that both "OT" Ryan Clady -n- "LB" Elvis Dumervil are out for perhaps an extended period of time...Ouch!!!...Ya know that just "Kicks Like a Mule"...
But it just keeps getting worse...Now they even resorted to canceling practice so they wouldn't loose any more players...
Top draft pick "WR" Demaryius Thomas apparently injured his left foot Saturday night -- the same one he broke during predraft workouts
Fellow rookie receiver Eric Decker also suffered an injury to his left foot or ankle Saturday
There goes their 1st -n- 3rd rd selections to replace their departed starting "WR"....
even LenDale White (ankle) was hurt two days after being signed following injuries to Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Correll Buckhalter (back)
Damn...Lame "Mules"...
Vet's orders are to just Shoot'em...Can-em...Save'em for the "TailGate" party later in the season to go with all those Bar-be-Que "Rocky Mountain Short Snake"s on a skew -n- "Sauteed Filly Clams" open-n-wet while their all chokin down those "Rocky Mountain Oyster" shooters -n- Colorado KoolAid...Fermented "MulePiss"...
PantyRaider...damn!...What A Disgustin Diet!!!/_
Moment of silence please...
HEE! Ha!...I say a HEE! Ha! and a HEEeeee! Haaa! Too...
What are we going to do with a 6-foot-4 and 275 pound "FB" converted from the "DL" as an un-drafted rookie...
Short yardage "Smash Mouth" here we come...
Alex Daniels now wears #39...
In other news...
"QB" Colt Brennan of Hawaii joined the team...He was back-up to "JC" with the skins and may have the opportunity to win that again here...Competition is deep at the "QB" position which is a good thing....I don't feel at all set just yet...
He was at 72% completions -w- a "QB" rating of 180 and led his college team to a 12-0 record and the Sugar Bowl where he was thrashed...But he still holds several college records and all that talent is hidden in there somewhere so just maybe Hue is the man to bring it all out...
Could be another "FA" steal if given the opportunity to produce...
PantyRaider....Roster Watch!!!/_
I'm back from vacation. I got some bad health news, but we'll see how it works out. My father was right. Getting older ain't for whimps.
I seem to find myself falling between B and C. It seems like there ought to be a choice in between. I'm inclined toward C, but will have to wait for pre season games in order to determine if I'm fully there.
Sorry to hear about your bad health news, prayers for a reversal to good news soon.
"BR"...
I shy away from those doc's out of fear...Try to ignore it and say what I don't know wont hurt me but I know that's a lie...
Just keep pushin baby and stay in the gym and demand everything keeps ticken...So far so good in my 60th but feel the pain...Daily...
I'm down with Romo on this one though...There are some very powerful supplements and I have been on the juice sense I turned 50 and don't look back...Maybe something is out there to assist you too...
5 out of 6 are now banned substance by the NFL and Olympics -n- some countries but that's only because they work so are frequented/abused by the young far in advance of their designed applications...For the 40+ group...
Hormone Replacement Therapy as it's technically denoted...Boost the pituitary and every other gland in the body including the heart...Stay in an Anabolic state (State of Repair) and away from that Catabolic state...All natural -w- No ROIDS but needs exercise and the more the better...
If your interested I will post the entire serious here...
PantyRaider...Health Too You Bro!!!/_
Panty, I'll hold on to the health issue until I find out for sure there's an issue. More tests on Friday. I probably shouldn't have mentioned it. But thank you for your concern.
My problem with B (which is pretty much where I naturally sit right now) is the insistence on the "executive help" issue. It's not that I'm saying the Raiders don't need it, but I also feel the most crucial thing for the Raiders to address was not the executive, but the channels of communication within the organization that an executive would have opened up.
If the Raiders have managed to open up those lines of communication (and the indications from the off season are that they have), an executive is less of an emergency (but they still will need the help going forward).
As for what I perceive our chances are this year. I believe that our defense will show great improvement. What most concerns me about our defense right now is that I believe it will be subject to being hurt by short slant patterns. This hasn't been our problem recently because of the coverage skills of Morrison and Howard. Instead, our problem was giving up run yardage. Now we have LBs more suited to stopping the run, but are virtually untested in pass coverage.
The offense will help considerably this season. With a QB supplying no effort, our best receiver injured, and our WR corps made strictly of rookies, last year's team couldn't move the ball and frequently set up the defense for failure.
An NFL quality QB, some depth at O-line, a healthy Schilens and more practiced versions of Murphy and DHB will go a long way toward helping the D.
I expect no worse than 8-8. With a fast start, I can envision 11-5. But I feel 9-7 or 10-6 is likely the most realistic.
Blanda,
Good luck on the test. Just had a few of my own.
You're Dad was right.
H
Panty,
Interesting slant on knowing what the other guy's job is.
The unit I was in, in the Army had much the same approach. Each "specialist" had a good working knowledge of the other guys jobs.
H
A Qb from another loser, a HC who should be coaching the O-line. Maybe Avg RB's, an O-line that looks way to familiar, Wr's who are very unproven. A Qb coach who is the O.C.
Some new faces on defense with the same scheme. Doesn't look much different except for the fact that the Raiders might have had a good draft. Take out the emotion of it and you will come to a logical conclusion. This team has got to play very good ball every game just to make .500.
JONES
"BR"...
McClain appears to be strong also in the pass "D"...He was not used that way at the lower level but as it's instilled in him now it's producing very good results according to the coaches and players and "Mediot"s who get a preliminary view...So there is still hope on that one...Thursday should show us something and I can't wait...
I agree about the additions to the "O" as being a great help but to me the most important addition is going to be Hue as "OC" and his interactions with our "QB"s....I expect to see a productive "O" right from the start designed as a run 1st "Smash Mouth" beat your ass at the "LOS" and pass playing off that dominate run "O"...
I also expect to see a long pass attempt to "DHB" as the very 1st play Thursday night and than concentration on the run...Put the fear in them and than smack'em in the mouth repeatedly...
"H"...
Some sports I have been in have that by design...Sailing/Volleyball for instance because you play all positions threw out the process...But every team sport should have that element designed in as well...Interchangeable parts also helps when it comes to that dirty old "Injury Bug"...And also "Situational Substitution" as a way to keep bodies fresh and keep the opponent off balance...
"C"...
That's currently a very strong position for me and I fully expect this season to support it right from the get-go...I fully expect to see a different team on both sides of the ball...Depth/Heart/Emotion/Health/Comradely will all be new elements in our game...
PantyRaider...We Will Know More Thursday Night!!!/_
Always reading but seldom posting...
NFL Network presentation - "On The Way to Canton - John Madden" (authors comment - they had to include Madden because he transcends the league itself in many ways. I know it kills them to do that because they hate the Raiders and NO ONE can convince me otherwise.)
I/most here, knew of the many Raider/AD firsts:
First black QB drafted, first to dorm black and white players together, first to hire hispanic then black head coach, etc.
I did not know that the Raiders were also the first to have OTA's and to film practices.
I also loved the pictures of Madden smoking on the sidelines!
For the record- my beautiful wife does business with the Chicago Bears ( my home town). Her birthday is August 21. The Raiders play the Bears in both their second pre-season game. What are we doing on her birthday? Going to the game of course! She also snagged sideline passes. You'll see me on
Sport Center because I plan on taking the game referee hostage at knife point.
My demand will be Walt Coleman's head on a silver platter...
BTW - I think 8-8 is possible and I would be thrilled with that. If that does happen, just as in the Gruden years, things will start to happen, i.e., players, coaches will head West to Alameda.
First things first, win some games...
A couple key things to the 2010 season that I'm focusing on is how opportunistic and aggressive is the Raiders D;
(1) turnovers created
(2) sacks/hurries of QB
(3) key stops on 3rd down
I don't think the Raiders offense will be prolific with an unproven WR corps and a work-in-progress OLine.
However, I do believe that the offense will be more balanced and manage the game situations better with OC Jackson and QB Campbell.
It will be critical for the D to set up the O in advantageous field position and for Campbell to lead the offense and execute in red zone situations.
An opportunistic D and proficient red zone offense will be the difference in whether or not the team is competitive on a game by game basis.
Panty,
“McClain appears to be strong also in the pass "D"...He was not used that way at the lower level”
Actually that’s not correct. McClain was heavily involved in pass defense at Alabama. He has a knack of hiding out and making a move in at the last second on passes over the middle. Campbell talked about him going up and knocking down a pass or intercepting it. He is a master of the tip drill.
MEMDF,
I’ve seen that one, great documentary. Well worth the watch.
Calico,
I agree with your assessment on the offense. To improve over last year they just need to be proficient. Prolific would be nice, but an increase of roughly 70 passing yards a game would make a world of difference in this team.
Last season the defense performed reasonably well on third downs. We were among the best in the league at not allowing third down conversions. The big problem was too many big plays on second down. Big runs in particular.
H
"H"...
I'll stand corrected on McClain...I was responding according to what I have read and not according to what I have seen...Never got to watch the NFL until 12/15 when I returned to US AirSpace and never saw anything of A-Bama or any college team...Virtually in the dark...
"CJ"...
"Prolific" may be a ways down the road but being a top 5 rushin "O" with a decent passing game would be more than sufficient and I think that's obtainable for this team this season...We weren't far from that as a rusher the 1st 2 seasons -w- Cable on the coaching staff and regardless of our implosion in that area last season I don't believe were far from accomplishing it now...And remember that was with Fargas as the primary recipient...
With our current stable of "RB"s -w- some questions at "FB" were still one of the deepest talent teams in the league...Give this "OL" an opportunity to just get after the run and relieve them of the tremendous pressure involved in pass blocking every down and I think they will respond very well...
Our stable of "WR"s are very young and inexperienced but they also have tremendous speed/size/athleticism -n- with "JC" throwing the ball the "DB"s will be forced to respect them and play back off the "LOS"...So no more "8 in the Box" which immediately helps our rushin between the 20's...
If we can just average 3.5 yds/rush that would translate into a 1st dn every 3rd dn -w- the threat to go deep without a moments notice and the constant threat of throwing to "RB"s in the short...
Consistency is the key here and of course avoiding those damn "Zebra" flags that put us in the hole or take us out of our running game...That's when things tend to get tough...
"TE"s will also play a huge part so we have the tools/weapons to survive and I now think we have the "OC" to call it and adjust it on the fly...How long has it been sense we could do that in a game...
Memdf....
I think 8-8 is the base minimum so have to agree with "RT" there...Anything less with the talent on our roster and the schedule we face would be "Dereliction of Duty" -n- "Failure to Perform"..."Inexcusable Conduct Unbecoming a Raider" just like the past 7....
PantyRaider...10-6 Is My Expectation!!!/_
I'm in the "B" category too.. Been mindfucked too much the last 7 years to get too giddy at this point... To steal from a Darkside brother, I'm "cautiously optimistic as fuck"..
And yes, 8 wins MINIMUM this year is the bar that has to be set.. We get to 9 or 10 wins? I may not survive a playoff run since I'd have a massive coronary..
Either way, excited to see some actual Raider football in a couple days, even if I have to get a crappy online feed from up here in Seacock territory.. Let's see what these next four weeks bring us and get ready for (hopefully) a resurgence of Raider football for a damn change.
Steve
Raider Steve in Seattle...
Tacoma Boy here...Well...Was anyway..."FP" Class of "69"...
"SeaChicken"s are just white fish-eaten pigeons...Why the hell anyone would want to hold them up as a mascot is beyond me...Well...Then there was Utah...USU Class of "80"...
Understand about the poor net appearance...I'm now hanging out in Thailand/Cambodia and even getting a net radio connection is difficult...But I will suffer threw it to get a sense of what takes place on the field...Than it's read read everything threw an others eyes and wait for the highlights to down-load via slow GSM...Cell-phone network AirCard...No 3-G virituality...Hell...Can't even make a net phone call let alone view a vid...
PantyRaider...The Resurgence Is Coming!!!/_
@ PantyRaider..
Yeah, tough to get feeds where you're at I'd imagine.. Gotta do whatcha gotta do to get your Raider fix, no matter where you're at though..
And yeah, been up here six years now (came from SoCal) and the first couple years were rough with them doing their SB run and winning multiple division titles, but the last couple years they've been put back in their place.. Just love seeing their bandwagon empty like crazy since '07... Seacocks will be lucky to get to 5-6 wins this year, Pete Carroll is a joke, and Hasselcock is gonna get killed behind that o-line..
Welcome, Raider Steve, keep the takes coming!
Thanks RT, I will.. Been perusing this joint for years, and actually commented a few times anonymously, but this season is upon us and hopefully this team becomes relevant again.. Pathetic that we get excited to potentially become "relevant", but hell, baby steps man..
I got this place bookmarked again so I'll be checking back regularly and seeing what the hell's up..
Raiders for life brother..
Does anyone know about this site...
http://www.sopcast.cn/
I'm trying to find a way to view the games but not sure what this is...
Here is a site that worked a little last season...My connection is too damn slow to get it going now...Just stutters allot but it may work back home...
http://www.atdhe.net/index.html
Check around game-time and the NFL should be listed...Wish I could figure a way to download it to watch later but it's a live feed so I can't...
PantyRaider...Still Trying!!!/_
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Panty,
NYRaider turned me on to that site a couple of weeks ago. I'm going to try it on Thursday.
He used it some last season.
Raider Steve,
Tell all the Seachicken fans that Pete Caroll will have some success, manage to screw things up, then bail and leave a mess for Lance Kiffin to come in and make 4 million a year to accomplish nothing.
H
For any who cant get enough before the 1st game this was a very good post regarding the +'s -n- -'s of the current Raiders...
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2010/8/10/1614937/training-camp-success-failure
PantyRaider...Not All Is Good -n- Not All Is Bad!!!/_
Welcome, Steve.
We're getting to that period of camp where things get harder and frustrations begin to fly. Fights will break out as players begin to finally be threatened by competition. This is the period of camp where the men start seperating themselves from the boys.
We're also getting to that point where players start to show more serious injuries, and we'll eventually lose some for extended periods before the start of the season.
Over the past several years, the Raiders have come through this period far worse for the wear, with learning curves severely interupted.
How the Raiders come through this period will reflect on whatever progress they've made as a team. Will they continue to support each other, unwilling to back off on their promises to always have their team members' backs, first and foremost? Or will the decend into island mode, protecting themselves for next off seasons contract negotiations?
While I've said repeatedly, "in Cable I trust," this is the year that either belongs to Tom Cable - or it doesn't.
Recently I said I was ok with trading a 1st round pick for Rich Seymour.
But now comes word that NYJets, star CB,Darrel Revis is holding out for more money.
No one knows where this hold out is headed, but if Revis were to be put on the trade market, obviously he is the type of player at the right position, that Al Davis would covet.
I have seen Revis play many times, and he is the real deal. He is not just a "system" CB. Revis is capable of covering any WR in league for a looooong time, if need be.
A combo of Nmandi and Revis would bring back fond memories of Hayes and Haynes.
But with the Raiders not having their 2011 1st rounder, I don't know if they would have enough to get a deal done.
Just doing some early August fun speculation. But maybe that Seymour deal wasn't so good afterall.
Personally, I think the Raiders could do better than having the two best CBs in the league.
With modern dynamic offenses, today's defenses rely a lot on zone coverages, and many have gotten away from the m-t-m schemes that the Raiders predominantly still run.
M-t-m works best when heavy pressure is applied up front. However, it has become an achilles heel for the Raiders, as they rely too heavily on their front four linemen to produce that pressure. Hence, the results have been poor to fair overall.
Maybe it will work better this year with more pressure, but I still think playing zone coverages with well-coached “pedestrian” CBs may serve the Raiders better. Zone allows wider coverage for spread offenses and creates opportunity for turnovers, as players tend to face the QB more than in m-t-m coverage.
Don’t get me wrong, I love having a player of Nnamdi’s ability and character. I just think spreading the money out to critically needed and less costly positions would be money better spent.
Having the two highest-paid kickers in NFL history on one of the leagues worst teams is a whole other story. Again, I love having them, but it’s a luxury more than a necessity when your team is 2-14 to 5-11 every year.
Where’s the money on the O-line? This is what has haunted the Raiders and their fans ever since Barrett Robbins went AWOL.
Money earmarked for an elite pass rusher, an upper echelon QB, a top tier OT, a true #1 WR is sound when constructing a championship level team.
Blowing close to $40M a year on the 2 best CBs, a Kicker, and Punter is foolish.
One could easily make the case that a team can win with 2 good, young zone coverage CBs and 2 decent kickers that would cost about $5M per year total IF the team spends it's money wisely on other impact related positions.
"CJ"...Raider00..."NYR"...
$40 Mil on a top "QB"...We just got out of that one...He was a #1 pick...Now we have a pedestrian at 1/10 the cost and will no doubt perform 10 times better...Whp else was worth going after...
One huge advantage to the "ZBS" was the ability to play well with pedestrian talent instead of those high priced "OT"s that are too rear and difficult to acquire...Few teams even have one...Who was worth going after..
That true #1 "WR" is now in Cinncy and I'm damn glad he ain't around...Who the hell is out there worth going after...Although I would still pursue Plexico if needed...
The pass rushers we may already have...Who is better for the money than Seymoure/Houston/ShawNasty...Who is available and worth going after...
"SD"s "OT" is holding out...Is he worth pursuing....
If that "CB" is truly available and we could truly go after him than why the hell not...Just like last season going after Seymour when he became available...So maybe a package with Chris Johnson would work or maybe add in one of our other young "DB"s which we are deep in at the moment with a 2nd or later rd pick...
The "OldMan" knows how to get it done and be creative...A franchise player like Seymour should have cost 2 1st rd picks but we got him for a single pick in a future draft...That was damn good business...
A "QB" like "JC" should have cost allot more than a 4th rd pick in a future draft but we got him that cheap anyway...Now we also have "Colt-Grad" to play back-up...
PantyRaider...I'm Liking That Roster!!!/_
For old time's sake, cut and paste the following URL to see Jeff George hit James Jett with an absolutely effortless 45-yard rope.
http://bit.ly/90Stys
In '97 with the Raiders, George had a QB rating of 92, threw for 3,900 yards and had 29 touchdowns vs. nine interceptions.
This comment has been removed by the author.
"RT"...
Yes and that was under Bugle who totally wrecked our team...That "D" was the worst but that "O" could produce...
Many came away talking trash about George for no apparent reason other than they needed a scape goat...Than in came Gruden and tried to change who he was....Ya just can't do that with a vet talent like George was...Consequently he went into the dumper and the season with him...The grin injury was not the reason we lost our "QB" to the bench....It was Gruden's desire to wreck havoc on a player who didn't fit his "WCO" scheme...Just like Nap...He wrecked havoc on anyone who was not in the mold...
Well...That's old wounds and old "HateTrip"s so I guess I should get beyond it but the mire thought of Gruden brings them all back fresh in my "Black Heart"...
PantyRaider...Jeff George Could Lite It Up!!!/_
PR -
"$40 Mil on a top "QB"
Huh?? I never said anything about $40M for a QB.
With a rock solid line, you don't need the best QB in the league to win.
But we keep hitting and missing on the O-line with players like Harris, Barnes, Pears, Satele, Walker, etc.
The 49ers drafted two O-linemen in the 1st round this year. Both will be starters. I'm not saying they'll be great; but, IMO, that's where you start building a team.
The Raiders went another, albeit good direction in the draft with McClain and Houston.
Cable still thinks he can "coach up" marginal O-line talent, even though he has yet to prove he can.
Valdheer and Campbell, while good project players, are each a risk to ever produce. IMO, Valdheer at center is a huge reach (pun intended). They guy is like 6'8". Has anyone that tall ever played center in the NFL? Isn't a key to playing the interior line about getting low? Tough to do if your the tallest man on the field.
NYRaider,
“I just think spreading the money out to critically needed and less costly positions would be money better spent.”
Yep, depth. Too much money in one position and you have to save some elsewhere. The only way to save is lower quality, primarily amongst the backups. The injury to Gallery proved that. Poor play from the backup also affected the play of Mario Henderson.
Take,
Jeff George was never the problem then. We had trouble running the ball and one of the worse defenses in the league. When Gruden came along George didn’t fit the offense. Missing most of 98 while we went 8-8 with the mighty Donald Hollis didn’t help him either.
He threw one of the best deep balls ever. He played on some bad teams, but he also learned too late you can’t cop an attitude all the time.
This just in, Crash Test Dummy has signed with the geldings. They’ve had three running backs injured in camp thus far.
On the Colt Brennan thing, unless he does something off the charts spectacular the clipboard holder will be Kyle Boller. He’s basically camp fodder to take some snaps since Frye and Gradkowski are a little gimpy at the moment. Gradkowsik, as much as I like the guy, is having a hard time staying on the field. In less than a year he’s been out with three injuries.
H
NYRaider,
Don Mosebar, depending on which site you look at, is listed at 6-6 or 6-7. He was considered too tall for center but made several Pro-Bowls.
You're right about getting low to gain leverage. But, for some reason a lot of the DT's and NT's in the league (John Henderson included) are approaching the same height.
Also, when the starting QB is 6-5 it might help the center exchange to have a guy a little taller.
On another note, one thing I'm curious about. Will Lamarr Houston use the four point stance like he did in college.
I'm hoping I'll be able to stream the game and check some of these things out.
By the way, thanks NYRaider for that site. I've signed up and I'll be checking it out.
H
"H"...
I Object...
Or at least I take exception with the projected back-up "QB"...
I think by the end of camp it will be the "Colt" who is at #2...He was with "JC" so they already work well together...I would suspect that's why we went after him...That's the way "JC" wanted it...Also his #'s were off the charts so the potential talent is well beyond anyone else on our roster...He could really lite things up in Hawaii...
The "Grad" may still stick at #3 regardless of the injuries...
"NYR"...
That was addresses to 3 posters...You should have been able to figure out which part was addressed to you...Your feathers are getting fluffed over what was directed at "CJ" due to his comment as follows...
---------------------------------
Money earmarked for an elite pass rusher, an upper echelon QB, a top tier OT, a true #1 WR is sound when constructing a championship level team.
----------------------------------
Now as for your posts where is the reply as to who/what/where/how are you going to spend all that money on the "OL"...Aside from the hold-out in "SD" who the hell are you looking at...There needs to be a body before you can post to throw the money at him...The "CB" is already there....
In other news...
Al has spoke...Did anyone listen...
"Team of the Decades" was thoroughly explained so shut your pie-holes...We are right...
Compared to the "80" Raiders...
I see this young Jason Campbell as a football player like I saw Jim Plunkett. He has everything. He was 13-0 in college, at Auburn, he can throw up the field, he can run, he’s big, he’s smart. I really predict great things for him. I hope he doesn’t let me down. I don’t think he will. I think we have a team that’s pretty similar, we don’t have as many Hall of Fame players as we have on the ’80 team, which was the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. But this team has a lot of potential and a lot of great young players.
Was Winning ever not everything...
the will to win will always be here. The fire that burns brightest in me and my family, Carole and Mark, is the will to win.
That crap was allot of sick-ass "BS" just for the record...
And for the record it was his family that will take this team on according to his own words...
As you know, I’m 81 years old, but I still can contribute a great deal. We do a great deal for the team, I think we have our stamp on this team. It’s our personnel, it’s our picks, its our want to be great once again,
So for the record look for that new "GM"/"MGP" to be his own son with him in the background as consultant...
PantyRaider...He Has My Ear!!!/_
Lamaar Houston will be a beast on the D-Line to accompany Seymour. I am not a fan of UT, but living in Austin, I had my fill of them; and Houston stuck out to me on that defense. I thought he'd go late in the first round, and think we got a steal in the 2nd. I think he will be one of those "greats"; along with McClain. They both just seem to have that knack.
I'm excited to see what we bring against Dallas; and I think it will tell me alot. We haven't done too well offensively in camp; so it will be nice to see what we do against another team.
I guess I am in the B category, not just because of Executive help; but mainly because we didn't do a whole lot to fill the majority of our needs on the O-Line and WR to help our offensive struggles. I felt a solid veteran WR would have helped us a lot (especially with Chaz not playing, again). Someone like Anquan Boldin, Santonio Holmes, or Mark Clayton.
I will say that I am a little more confident in this year's team than I have been since the 2003. Let's see what we can do.
PR -
There have been several good quality O-line players already signed to other teams this year. Plus, I'm not just talking about just this year. What about for the past several years that the O-line has been neglected by signing marginal talent, i.e., rejects from other teams?
Take your Raiders-can-do-no-wrong goggles off for one minute, and you'll see the light.
Nate -
The WR issue is huge for me. I will continue to post here that we need vet help at WR. Like O-line, this too has been a lingering problem for multiple seasons.
Problem is, when the season starts and Schilens is unable to play due to injury, and DHB still has hands of cement, Murphy will be the only dependable WR with any experience.
"NYR"...
What several good quality "OL" are you talking about and which position in particular...Mostly what I have heard is the "LT" or perhaps "C" which positions are difficult to fill with top rated talent and remember that's what "CJ" posted about and I answered...
a top tier OT...
And now how about some name calling when it comes to that "WR" your demanding...Now as "CJ" put it...
a true #1 WR...
Who/where/when/what/how is all I asked...Can't even get that much...Just typical running in circles...
Bitch-n-Moan because we don't address the "LB"-n-"DL" which have now been addressed in rds 1-n-2....The "OT"s which were addressed in rds 3-n-4 but may also add now to the "G"/"C" positions...The "WR" came immediately after..Now damn...Looks to me we went after everyone on your "Trail-0-Tears"...
2 "LB"s were added as "FA"s...2 "QB"s have been added the same way...
And let's not cry about all those years past anymore...Let us focus upon the task at hand...Win with this roster and the actual possibilities that lay in wait to be added as desperation moves at the last possible moment prior to the start of the season...
And why...Well...Because that's just when they become available...
The "DB"s were addressed later in the draft so that top tier "CB" could/should be worth going after...And let's not forget Nnamdi is getting a little long in the tooth so it's really not too early to consider his eventual replacement...
PantyRaider...Just Play Ball Already!!!/_
Plexico Burris anyone????....
Panty,
It might happen, but I’m just not seeing it. The only reason Brennan was even brought in was the injuries to Frye and Ski. I think if Ski gets over this groin thing and has a couple of decent outings he makes the team based on last year’s performance.
Boller, by all accounts, is having a pretty good camp. The extra reps he has received in OTA’s, mini-camps and such can only help him.
With his learning curve and limited experience Brennan is the long shot and Frye is the odd man out. But hey, long shots have won the Kentucky Derby before.
Nate,
I think you are right about Houston. I looked at the BCS game again. As for a run defense, he was basically it for Texas. Alabama accounted for him and either double teamed him or ran the play away from where he lined up. Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram broke a lot of tackles in that game, but none of them were Houston’s.
NYRaider,
“The WR issue is huge for me. I will continue to post here that we need vet help at WR. Like O-line, this too has been a lingering problem for multiple seasons.”
So has the DL. So has the LB’s. So has the QB. If the OL and WR had been addressed, we would be wringing our hands over former three. They would be the “huge” issues.
I admit it would be nice if we could fix everything in a single offseason, but that’s tough to do. Plus, fixing everything in a single off season requires throwing a lot of money at veteran free agents and let’s be honest, that route hasn’t done us much good lately.
I like the current approach. Identify a problem area as top priority, fix it, then move to the next priority item.
So, I’m waiting until I see how the first unit does tomorrow night before I evaluate where we truly stand. Truthfully, the best evaluation is after game three where the first units will play almost three quarters against the Whiners.
Also, someone said Cable hasn't even shown he could be a good line coach (or something to that effect).
I must protest. In his first year when he was just the OL coach, they were the most improved unit on the team and were among the top run blocking units in the league.
H
But "H"...
"Colt" was grabbed as soon as he became available...The same week he was released...Some reports I have read say Boller is not getting it done so some suspect we were looking for better back-ups at the time...Word now is the "Colt" is lighting it up at camp in only his second day and he has a good grasp of the long ball...
Guess we will know more after tomorrow night...Well...Friday morning for me 14 hrs ahead of Pac time...
"OL"...How soon we forget...Give Cable some credit as "H" pointed out...Actually 2 seasons as top tier rushing "O"s behind Cables "OL"...
Regarding the "DL" let's remember that our new "DC" felt he had enough talent to succeed...Then he knew otherwise but that was something that needed to show itself over time...We than adjusted the problem and addressed it immediately in the draft -n- "FA"s...Mostly the "LB"s so evidently that's the area where he saw us as the most deficient...
So likewise...Our new "OC" feels he has the talent on this roster at "WR" to go out and succeed...He will know for sure by mid point of the season and no doubt that will be addressed immediately as the help becomes available...Same goes for that "OL"..."FB"...
I think we are sitting pretty at the "QB"-"TE"-"RB" positions...Questions remain at "WR" but could be a huge surprise...Same can be said for the "OL" depending upon how those 3rd-n-4th rd picks develop...
I asked already but here it is again...
Plexico Burris anyone???...
PantyRaider...Tipping Another Raiders' Brew!!!/_
Ah!...Intoxication is great!!!...
"I like the current approach. Identify a problem area as top priority, fix it, then move to the next priority item.
So, I’m waiting until I see how the first unit does tomorrow night before I evaluate where we truly stand."
What has been fixed? Nothing has been proven yet. To see where the Raiders truly stand will be around game 6 of the regular season. Remember Art2? Did the Raiders not win all of it's preseason games that year?
JONES
Seems I'm not the only one speculating on the Mark...Threw it out there to see what sticks and get some positive feed-back on other boards...Everyone seems to be tuned into what the "OldMan" is saying these days...Well except here...
PantyRaider..."Brain-Farts" Are Now Memories!!!/_
http://www.nfl.com/teams/schedule?team=OAK&season=2006&seasonType=PRE
2-n-3 "06" Pre-Season...Points 49-97...
Yup!...Undefeated???!!..
0-n-2 @ the Bye...Combined points 6-55...
By game 6...1-n-5...Combined points 72-135...
Yup...Took that long to know that team...For Sure!!!...
Oh!...I'm sorry...We were undefeated in that "06" preseason...
We were 2-n-0 with a 32-23 point differential...Shit...If we turned everything off at that point we were "SB" bound...
It's everything that's happened after that's crapping on our parade...
PantyRaider...Ignorance Is So Bliss!!!/_
I don't see the point of these grand ownership declarations of Campbell as the next Plunkett. I hope this isn't the dawn of another scholarship.
The last time we heard a grand proclamation from ownership about our QB, it was about how Russell was going to be great.
Next thing I knew, Russell was starting games beyond all reason (and that was before we knew just how bad he was behind the scenes).
"They guy is like 6'8". Has anyone that tall ever played center in the NFL?"
Um, yeah. His name was Don Mosbar and he should very likely be in the HOF.
"Remember Art2? Did the Raiders not win all of it's preseason games that year?"
No, they were 3-2, and they got absolutely schelacked in their final preseason game. The three games they won, they displayed absolutely no offense, and won on the defensive efforts alone.
I split the differnece on the Brennan issue with H and Panty. I think that Brennan will beat out Boller to become our number 3. Frye won't make the team, and neither will Boller.
Brennan can really throw. Far better than both Frye and Boller - better than Gradkowski for that matter. What Brennan lacks is familiarity with the team, the playbook, and leadership skills. All three of those can be learned. Brennan may move up to number two by 2011.
I had actually hoped the Raiders would draft the kid.
"RT"...
I reluctantly have to agree just a little...It's almost like being jinxed...
The same held true for Lance when he was presented as the face that would lead us back to the promised land...How was anyone to know he was really that damn childish...Huh!...
Not to mention Shell II...I know we all want to forget that one too...He was presented as the one who will clean house and bring discipline to the asylum...But that was before the "Mole" turned everything inside-out...
Than there was Karry's Colon and on and on it goes...
But hay!!...Even at 81 ya can't deny his faith and pure optimism...That Black "Drank" is pure bubbly boy and I for one luv that feeling...
PantyRaider...Gotta Love It Baby!!!/_
Whoops...Got my #'s crossed...Must be up too late...Almost 3am here...So here is the corrections...
Points 83-63 preseason -w- 4-n-1 record...
PantyRaider..Too long In The Tooth!!!/_
Yeah, I'm just leery of the proclamations.
If Campbell starts stumbling and Gradkowski is healthy, does the "Plunkett" proclamation buy Campbell a game or two more than he'd normally have?
Well, I hope it's a moot point, and that he is the next Plunkett. But that's something to be decided on the field, not on the radio.
PR -
I love how every time I present a take (opinion) that I have to back it up with concrete facts, but you and others can go off into fantasy land about how the Raiders handle their business, without a shred of evidence to back it up.
You mean to tell me there have been no quality O-linemen or WRs available since these areas became of issue to the Raiders?
As I did last year during preseason, I am proclaiming the need for a vet WR. While the right player might not be available at this time, there should be plenty of established WRs come available as teams make cuts. Plus, there's always the possibility of a trade. We seem to have a pretty good LB that has been running with the 3rd team, and his name is Thomas Howard.
Anquan Boldin would have been the bomb. Can we trade Seymour for him?
I'm not concerned about "Scholarships"...Others see that crap but that's just their personal perceptions...In fact the only one I ever questioned was Fargas -vs- Maren McBush...Now that was a puzzle but I never thought of it as a scholarship...
Hell...Now some are even trying to paint my "McFab" as a "Scholarship" after all that crying about Fargas taking his reps...The inconsistency borders upon stupidity!!!...
A "LB" like Sam Williams who was released and brought back but plays damn good on "ST"s is hardly a "Scholarship" in my eyes...Neither is a "CB" who was let go and resigned after his release as an insurance policy but now faces too much competition to stick again like Routt...He prolley wont make the cut...Too big of salary and too low on the roster...
Point is on most of those so called "Scholarships" who was the player who was on the roster and better suited to play...They were playing simply due to the fact we were thin on talent at that position...
"JeFat" never played an entire season....Never even close...He was benched and benched again...Now how the hell was that a damn "Scholarship"...Than in comes Fry who couldn't hold-up...Than a surprising "Grad" takes the field but we didn't know what he could do prior to that...Than he goes down too...Who the hell was left...
Oh! Ya...Bring back Jeff George like Shell II tried to do...
PantyRaider..."Scholarships" Are A Farce!!!/_
"NYR"...
He will be difficult to trade when he appears to be on the chopping block...They can just wait and sign him later unless there is competition for his talents...
Seymour would have had allot of competition for his talents and the Raiders would have been odd man out because of our record so thus the desire to make a trade...he never would have signed with us had he been released and cleared the wire...
As far as the rest all I did is ask for names...Who/what/when/ where-n-how...Spell it out because I just don't see the players you want anywhere...At least now you said the "WR" is not available...True...But do you really think a high quality one will be let go free to sign as pleased...
PantyRaider...Maybe A 2nd-3rd "WR" At Best!!!/_
For the record:
[Comment From PantyRaider PantyRaider: ]
Hi "J-Mac"... I would like to know when you became beat writer for the Raiders...I don't see anything posted earlier than "05" in the archives and when I looked it appeared you were talking to fans in "KC"...Were you reporting to "KC" fans or Raider fans who were there...
Wednesday August 11, 2010 1:34 PantyRaider
1:35
jerrymac:
Not sure what you're talking about, but I've been covering NFL since 1995 with a heavy emphasis on the Raiders, almost exclusively the Raiders for the past few years since the blog started . . .
PantyRaider....That Covers "01" During The Gruden Era!!!/_
[Comment From JediRaider JediRaider: ]
Jerry, year in and year out we hear how the defense is going to be more multiple, more diverse, mix in more blitz, and disguise coverages. Same is true this year. Do you see the team any more committed to that on the field this year or do you predict the same come September?
Wednesday August 11, 2010 2:02 JediRaider
2:02
jerrymac:
I think they're going to give it a try, and if they're successful, they'll keep it up. If there are some big problems, they'll get more conservative.
PantyRaider...Hope To see It Tomorrow Night!!!/_
don't know if anyone's mentioned this yet but espn's john clayton said something nice about us today...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=5451770
"I love how every time I present a take (opinion) that I have to back it up with concrete facts, but you and others can go off into fantasy land about how the Raiders handle their business, without a shred of evidence to back it up."
Too funny, NYR. One rule for the "crew"......I went off of memory with Art 2 and 2 of the crew try to blast me about being wrong. Then they are both wrong themselves and use excuses to cover it up. These guys are hypocrites extraordinaire, they try so hard to impress and ridicule, they can't stop tripping over their own comments. One rule for the "crew"....
JONES
"Whoops...Got my #'s crossed...Must be up too late...Almost 3am here...So here is the corrections...
Points 83-63 preseason -w- 4-n-1 record..."
This post is at 12:45, you then post again at 2:04. How can an old man like you stay up until dawn? I smell something, it smells like BS. You googled the High school Raiders and posted it as the NFL Raiders. You can't even google right to make it look like you know what you are talking about. The KING of FRAUDS = Waste. The King of Propaganda = Balanda.
JONES
Yes, Darrelle Revis would cost a lot of money.
But Revis = Put Revis on opponents best WR, and WR disappears for 60 minutes.
How much is that worth ??
Al Davis had compared this yrs squad to 1980 team. I hope he's right.
1980 season was my favorite as a Raiders fan. After Plunkett became starter, I told everyone I knew Raiders would win SB. Everyone laughed at me, but I had last laugh.
The one thing the 1980 team had, that is missing today is Ted Hendricks.
In his prime, Hendricks was a one man defense. Freelancing all over the field, sacking the Qb. Breaking up passes. Stuffing the run. Oh, and blocking kicks too. I believe he has the career record. An amazing player.
NyRaider,
Jon Gruden told Raiders not to draft Crabtree, or blue chip 0-linemen. Didn't you know ? LOL
I also forgot, 1980 Raider team had very underrated, tough, 0-line.
I believe it was C, Dalby, Guards, Mickey Marvin, & Gene Upshaw. Tackles, Henry Lawrence, & Art Shell.
Big, tough, nasty, and athletic enough to keep Plunkett(not the most mobile), in one piece.
I say underrated because many thought Dalby, Shell, and Upshaw were past prime. Thankfully, they were wrong.
I don't think our 0-line today can compare to 1980's.
PR said: "Seymour would have had allot of competition for his talents and the Raiders would have been odd man out because of our record so thus the desire to make a trade..."
Quite contraire.
A) Obviously, the Raiders offer was not matched by any other team. So it's safe to say, there were no competitors offering a 1st round draft pick.
B) The Raiders bad record was an enticement to the Pats (almost certainly scoring them a mid- to early-round draft pick).
C) It wasn't Seymour's choice to make. If you remember, the trade was made despite the fact Seymour almost didn't come to Oakland.
So where was the competition? And why is it ok for you to reference the Raiders' bad record, but it's not ok for others? Just curious.
Although Valdheer is listed at #3 on the depth chart behind Satele and Morris, he might be a worthy project at center.
According to Cable, although Valdheer is much taller than a typical center, his body shape makes it a relatively moot point. He has a relatively low center of gravity due to having a long torso and shorter lower body.
Go Valdheer, the Mighty Centaur!
It's going to be very interesting to see what the Raiders have in store this year. It will be good to see the highly touted draft picks go at it tomorrow and see what Cambell looks like in Silver and Black. It's great that the season is getting close. All I want for Xmas is the Raiders making a run for the playoffs. The only thing that can get the Raiders into the playoffs this year is a WEAK DIVISION.
With this O-line it's hard to imagine them being an avg O-line. Walker? Carlisle? Satele? Gallery (not bad), Henderson (has his moments). Cable will have to be a magician with this crew. Talent isn't there, hardly overpowering, if Campbell starts taking too many hits, Huey better call a game that protects the QB.
JONES
"I don't think our 0-line today can compare to 1980's."
Not even close, Campbell is no Plunkett, Plunkett is HALL OF FAME. I find it ridiculous that Al is comparing DHB to Raider greats, Campbell to Plunkett, Gallery to Upshaw, Forget about it. It's an insult to those great, former players. Instead of trying to summons ghosts from the past, start building new legends of today.
I'm sick of hearing those comparisons all the time. These players haven't proven ANYTHING to be mentioned in the same breath. Do the Steelers keep saying, "he's another Franco, he's another Bradshaw, Swann"? STOP, let's be proud of the past but STOP living in the past.
JONES
"NYR"...
That is so foolish...You of all people should agree on that one...I Said...Well here it is again so let's see if you can get it right the 2nd time around...
Seymour would have had allot of competition for his talents and the Raiders would have been odd man out because of our record so thus the desire to make a trade...he never would have signed with us had he been released and cleared the wire...
I want to put emphasis on the meat of that comment so look here again...
he never would have signed with us had he been released and cleared the wire...
So we have this situation had he been released...
A)...The "Pats" were looking to rid themselves of his expense and looking for some sorta value in return...
B)...The qualifying offers were few as teams would wait to go after him after his release...
C)...The Raiders piss poor record would have made it extremely unlikely that Seymour would have signed with us had he been cut...
D)...Thus the desire for the Raider to buy his rights threw a trade and become the highest bidder...
E)...State your prof that no other offer was made of a 1st rd pick by any other team...Granted our 1st rd pick potentially had more value...
F)...Our piss poor record was in direct relationship as to why the Raiders couldn't just wait for him to be released...We needed to make a deal that he couldn't trump...
Now as for that stupid incorrect post attempting to draw comparisons between this team and that one of the "06" season while bashin the "OLDMan" for relating this team to the one in "80"...
--------------------------------
To see where the Raiders truly stand will be around game 6 of the regular season. Remember Art2? Did the Raiders not win all of it's preseason games that year?
---------------------------------
NO...And it didn't take more than one game to know we sucked...Game 2 magnified it...By game 6 we were demolished at 1-5...Now how the damn hell does that relate to anything regarding this present roster -n- season...
1980 season....Here is what we were compared to this season...How do we measure up will soon be known...
Record 11-5...
"O" #7...
Passing #19...
Rushing #10...
"ST" returns #9...
"ST" K-n-P #6...
Scoring #7...
"D" #10...
Passing #19...
Rushing #5...
K-P "D" #20...
Scoring #22...
3-3 to start the season...
8-4 by week 12...
11-5 seasons end...
"SD" won the division and we were the wildcard...
Now looking at that list what is unobtainable for this years team and what is a possibility...
PantyRaider...Not Such A Bad Comparison!!!/_
What an absolute dork...
How can an old man like you stay up until dawn? I smell something, it smells like BS.
Even at "60" I can still run circles around some putrid short little fat-boy bitch like you...Go check "J-Mac"s live thread and I'm on it...That's why I was up late until 4:30am here and now I'm up by 8:30am...14 hr time difference here in BKK...
Go ask mommy for another sucker to keep you pacified...Little boys shouldn't play on the net and hangin-out with the "Men-in-Black" is well beyond the scope of your maturity...
Soon though little pricks like you will have to shut-up and crawl back into your closets...The Raiders will have more "V"s than spankings this season so deal with it...
PantyRaider...Truth Is Being Revealed Every Time You post!!!!/_
Anyone see Warren Sapp on NFL network tonight? If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do, he gave a very detailed script on what happens to Raider gameplans during the week. He was there, he saw it, he has no reason to lie.
Waste:
What does Art 2 have to do with this year? I was pointing out to H that what happens in the preseason means NOTHING to what will happen during the year. This year will have some new faces and will take a few games to get a clear vision on what the team will be. Understand now?
You should go back to the drawing board on your blog strategy. Impossible to take your essays as anything more than dribble. Your accusations are inaccurate and full of emotion instead of brains. You need to take a seat and redraw your gameplan, this one you are using isn't working.
JONES
"Even at "60" I can still run circles around some putrid short little fat-boy bitch like you...Go check "J-Mac"s live thread and I'm on it..."
LOL, can I have your autograph? Seeing as you were on Jmac's question period, you can sign it on my ass.
Look at Waste, throwing around the name calling and hostility. Such a class act....when are you going to act like Dr Phil again? Oh Pantyboy, looking for a fight in all the wrong places.....
JONES
"Soon though little pricks like you will have to shut-up and crawl back into your closets..."
You mean... like they way you have the last 7 seasons? Or have you been in the closet all your life? Oh, now I get it, the marriage is a SHAM.
JONES
Comparing Campbell to Plunkett is a complete farce.
Comparing DHB to any former Raider legendary WR is ridiculous.
I agree with Jones 1000%. Start making your own history. Start establishing your own identity. Start making your own highlights. Start winning more than 25% of your games. Start becoming a playoff caliber team ... THEN and only then are you worthy of being in the discussion.
All of the folks who cling to the Raiders past like it is Linus blanket are living in a fantasyland. It is perfectly fine to be proud of the team's past rich history but it is entirely a different matter when go can't live in the present.
PR -
You don't give up. Just admit that you're wrong and I'll go away.
PR said: "(Seymour) never would have signed with us had he been released and cleared the wire..."
He wasn't released. He was traded. Stop living in a world of "what ifs"
Here's my line responses to your statement, "So we have this situation had he been released..."
PR: A)...The "Pats" were looking to rid themselves of his expense and looking for some sorta value in return...
AN: some sort of value? They hit the freakin' jackpot!
PR: B)...The qualifying offers were few as teams would wait to go after him after his release...
AN: So you can state there were "few offers" without proof, but I have to prove that the Raiders' first round pick was the highest offer. Do you listen to yourself?
PR: C)...The Raiders piss poor record would have made it extremely unlikely that Seymour would have signed with us had he been cut...
AN: Once again, he wasn't cut. He's a member of the real world. Are you?
PR: D)...Thus the desire for the Raider to buy his rights threw a trade and become the highest bidder...
AN: Huh? If there's some cause and effect here, I'm missing it.
PR: E)...State your prof that no other offer was made of a 1st rd pick by any other team...Granted our 1st rd pick potentially had more value...
AN: The Pats don't care who they deal with. It's an open market and the Raiders made the highest offer. You name one other team that did.
PR: F)...Our piss poor record was in direct relationship as to why the Raiders couldn't just wait for him to be released...We needed to make a deal that he couldn't trump...
AN: So, you’re saying the Raiders were in emergency need of Seymour’s services, and paid a king’s ransom, so they could to improve on their 5-11 record?
Do you want me to tell you how that worked out, or do I need proof?
"CJ"...
Than stop clinging to what happened in "06"...Or "05"...Or "04"...Or your favorite past 25 crap...Those teams had nothing to do what what/who is on the field now nor the coaches...You who keep clinging to the failures are depressed losers who can't get beyond your favorite "HateTrips"....
"NYR" Said...
Stop living in a world of "what ifs"
Plus, there's always the possibility of a trade. We seem to have a pretty good LB that has been running with the 3rd team, and his name is Thomas Howard.
Ya!...That's typical...Post something as a "What If" and than bash another for a reference to "What If" in opposition to yours...Namely that teams will wait to see if Howard is released rather than make a trade...Than you take it to the limit trying to accuse me of not agreeing with you...Well...You damn too-ten I don't agree with you...
You have fallen off the edge again and I'm not following you into your stupidity...You can't reason on a single solitary issue without twist-n-turns...
Damn...There are several legitimate things to consider but instead idiots need to be hung up on bashing this team by what happened to that team in "06" while at the same time in denial that the one who orchestrated this present team and the team of "80" could have found some legitimate comparisons in his memory...And than the need to bash all who still remember and slightly agree that there may just be some legitimate comparisons...Or twisting a post that referenced how many teams wait to see if a player is cut while others feel a need to pursue them threw trades...
Meanwhile with the stats from that 80 team posted no one was willing to break down what was achievable or not achievable by this roster...
Too much negative stupidity for my blood tonight...I'm lookin forward to a game in the morning...Not some stupid confrontations with stupidity...
PantyRaider...Time For Some Real Football NOT More Habitual Tears!!!/_
Take,
What do you want to hear from the guy, “Naw, he’s just a stop gap measure till we draft that kid from Stanford,” or “This team really sucks. We’ll be lucky to win three games.”
Al doesn’t speak, we don’t like it. Al speaks with overhead projector, we don’t like it. Al speaks positively, we don’t like it. Al doesn’t speak, we don’t like it. Can someone please make up my mind.
I didn’t see it as a proclamation. He did say, “I hope he doesn’t let me down.” It’s just the way he feels about this team. Between the lines he might also be saying to Cable, “I gave you what you asked for, ball is in your court now,” which it is.
Seymour for Bouldin. Well T. J. Houshmandzadeh was supposed to make things all better for the Seahags. He caught about 80 passes for a 1000+ yards. They still lost 11 games.
Bouldin is going to a team with fewer holes so he just might be a difference maker for them. Thing is, how will he be without Fitzgerald? Probably pretty good, but time will tell.
Also, if we make the trade, would we then be wondering why we made the trade? Saying, “What good is an All-Pro wide receiver when we can’t stop the run?’ I personally believe a nasty hard hitting defense gets you back to the playoffs quicker than a wide receiver.
Scorpio,
Yeah, it’s weird two BSPN reporters saying something nice about the Raiders in less than a week. Hell hath truly frozen over.
Raider00,
1980 is my favorite also. I had a very similar experience that year.
From a talent standpoint though, ’80 was light years ahead of this team out of the gate. Much of the talent had already been proven and their previous two seasons were each 9-7. Only a hill to climb, not a mountain. This team is younger. Lots of talent/potential but nothing proven. Plunkett was more of the last piece to the puzzle. We’re going in the right direction, but we are still looking for some of the outside edge pieces.
Calico,
“According to Cable, although Valdheer is much taller than a typical center, his body shape makes it a relatively moot point. He has a relatively low center of gravity due to having a long torso and shorter lower body.”
That’s almost exactly what was said about Mosebar when the change was made and critics spoke of his height.
As for living in the past, I much prefer that past to living only in the last seven years. Much better memories. Besides, at my advanced age isn’t it short term memory that goes first? Now, what was I talking about again?
Also, it’s exactly that history that makes the last seven years so hard to take for many. I do not deny the last seven years, but neither do I deny the 40 before that. I like history, even ancient history like that.
H
It's very damn weird...
Bashin if we remember something from our glorious past while everything from our recent past is shoved down our throats as prof we wont do any better...
As if Calihan has anything to do with Cable now...Or Turner for that matter...Oh!...And that "Bread-n-Breakfast" freak is the equal to Hue Jackson...Ya! Right!...It all relates perfectly well...So if Lance was bad and Cable replaced him than by default Cable must also be as bad...
With that type of reasoning why the hell ever try to succeed or make a comeback...
That "Doom-n-Gloom" hangs overhead like a dense fog that the brightness of the sun can never penetrate...
PantyRaider...I Need These dark Glass Because I stand In The Light While Others Use Them To Hide Their Tears!!!/_
Don't try this at home...Could be very very dangerous to your psyche...
#1...Retain fond memories of the past...
#2...Try to learn from past pains as we let them go...
#3...Look forward to what may lay ahead with eager expectations and positive reflections...
Hell...An 81 yr old man does that and is bashed for trying...
Come on, H, you're better than this:
"What do you want to hear from the guy, “Naw, he’s just a stop gap measure till we draft that kid from Stanford,” or “This team really sucks. We’ll be lucky to win three games."
So either DHB (nine career catches) and Campbell (no official snaps as a Raider) are comparable to past Raiders legends or...they suck?
That puts the straw in the man.
How about just letting players actually do something before they are anointed the "next" anyone, let alone the LEGENDS.
If you're a receiver not named DHB and you see him starting all those games for no apparent reason, and then you read the press release comparing him to the Raider greats, I'm sure that does wonders for your hopes of an open competition for the starting role, eh?
From the Raiders:
"The greatest wide receivers in professional football have passed through the portals of the Oakland Raiders or have been coached by Davis.
Lance Alworth Willie Gault
Art Powell Andre Rison
Warren Wells Bob Chandler
Fred Biletnikoff Jerry Rice
Cliff Branch Tim Brown
James Lofton Randy Moss
Now Darrius Heyward-Bey, the Raiders’ top pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, is prepping to join that select group."
Hey, where is Louis Murphy's press release?
Come on, H.
The "Chicken Little Battle Cry"...
Twas the eve before the first toss of da Doubloon...Than the first light of day shedding forth upon such a gloomy seas...
"Back-Wind her rags mates...Hove-to in irons"..."Let'em see we be disabled and got's no fight left in us"..."May the seagods have mercy on our souls and spare us the agony of battle"...
"Shudder me Timbers"!!!...
Now Darrius Heyward-Bey, the Raiders’ top pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, is prepping to join that select group."
Did it say he was a member of that group...NO....It simply said he was preparing himself as in "Training" to become like/similar to/in the same company as...Now as far as I can remember that's exactly what every damn drafted or signed "UDA" tries to do...He wants to be the next Barry Sanders or Fitzgerald...Not the next Dudley or Routt...
The thing you should take note of is who is saying it...Just the man who has been connected with that long line of dis-similar "WR"s and prolley can recognize talent when he sees it...Now that's the part your in denial of not what "DHB" can or can't be...
PantyRaider...Retreat!!...Retreat...The CowGirls A Cumin!!!/_
PR -
My notion that Howard may be trade bait is circulating in the media and happening right now.
Your notion that the Pats would have cut Seymour (if the Raiders didn't hand them a winning lottery ticket in trade) is, well, fictitious, stupid and not warranting consideration.
See the difference?
I’m speaking in real time, while your just imagining things and trying to reinvent history.
What was it RT said? “...retrofit failure with success.”
I love that!
Take the goggles off, and step away from the bong.
While some charge full on into battle the weak at heart are nowhere to be seen while hiding away like some old discarded and forgotten rusted muskets once upon a time intended for fighting whilst long has the sent of black powder escaped all memory...
Nary a moments rest for the wary hiding in their gloom doomed to mediocrity...."Have mercy on our impoverished withered souls" they cry "let nary hide nor hair be harmed up our beautiful heads"...
A word...A proclamation went sent forth upon the land...Talk of rebuilding that which once was..."All hands to the task" was the outcry of the multitudes that followed...Whilst nowhere in the land could be found the bewildered and helpless once proud Musketeers now dwelling in their "Trail-0-Tears"...
An old man once remembered...
"I smelt that stench of decaying flesh whilst traversing the old broken dungeon steps whilst making good my escape to freedom the abyss that swallows down asunder forbids such breeds the taste of success whilst distended to failure amidst the helpless heart weak the legs dare not tremble the steepness of their escape"...
"Be off with you old man" commanded the Captain..."None could be so weak as to wither and weep"...
But alas...It was discovered...A small worthless band of fugitive miligments dwelling deep within the abyss so gloom...
"Leave us be" was heard proclaimed..."Suffer that we do to remember pains past present nary a hope of salvation shall we entertain"..."That light of day that shines above is but a farce of memories past" cried another..."Ya!...We heard that before only to fall deeper in pain" echoed off their dark and gloomy chamber walls..."Go...Please...Leave us to suffer as we do lest we should endure the heartbreak another failure to see"...
So it came to pass...While some embraced the hope that was others continued to grasp tightly that which pained the past...
Ya see...We are what we are...Just as we are full of hope and wonderment at the sight of light on the horizon others like yourselves relish the pains of the past...Holding on as you do to every last testament to the destruction of hope and the eventual escape from disaster...You would rather hide in waist than to risk another disappointment or failure worrying as you do what might eventually be said about your foolheartedness...Downheartedness abounds...
PantyRaider...I See A Great Multitude At hand In The Light!!!/_
Shame you can't join us...
"NYR"...
What do you want to wager we get for him...A conditional draft pick at best but prolley even less than that if there indeed are any takers...
The point is there damn sure would have been takers for the services of Seymour and you didn't quit in time if you think otherwise...That smokes got you blinded and the fumes have deadened what's left of your mind...
PantyRaider...It Ended With The "60"s!!!/_
http://www.atdhe.net/22275/watch-oakland-raiders-vs-dallas-cowboys
It's listed already now if it will just work I'll be ecstatic...
PantyRaider...Almost GameTime!!!/_
Okay Take,
Then just what do you want to hear from the guy?
What he's comparing is comperable skill sets. That's all. He's not saying they already are there.
We are reading way too much into these statements. DHB has a very similar skill set as Branch, ditto for Campbell and Plunkett. There might even be some things in there background that are similar that we are not privy to.
I read an article the other day that Colt Brennan might be the next Brett Favre. Hell, nobody knew Brett Favre was the next Brett Favre when he was traded to Green Bay.
I also met a guy the other day that reminded me of my brother-in-law, didn't make him my brother-in-law.
DHB reminds him of Branch, Big Fat Hairy Deal. We won't know for another year or two if he's the real deal or not.
Just who would you want him to compare them to? Mark Wilson and James Jett? The skill sets are similar there also.
Which team should he compare them to '80 or '96? Which is better from a PR standpoint?
He made a comparison, he didn't say he was preparing his introduction speech at the HOF for the guys or the acceptance speech for the Lombardi Trophy next February.
Everyone that comes into the league is compared to someone who came before them.
The comparison to the '80 team at this point in time is probably legit. Before the '80 season the team was expected to do exactly squat with a coach in his second full season as HC.
H
Take,
Oh yeah, Louis Murphy didn't need the PR or the vote of public confidence. And, "prepping to join" is different from "has joined".
Bryan Bosworth was prepping to be the next Dick Butkas until Bo ran his butt over like he wasn't there.
H
In tonights game my expectations are the offense gets some basic work done and the defense hits hard and wraps up their tackles and we get out of there healthy.
I am somewhat intrigued by the Alex Daniels experiment. It will be interesting to see a guy 6-4 260 blocking for a guy 6-2 245. Sounds like a great goal line package.
Would like to see if DHB's offseason of improvment translates to the field. But, at most he will only see two passes we may have to wait on that one.
Two series for the starters then get out of the way.
H
Did anyone see Warren Sapp on NFL network last night?
JONES
PR -
"The point is there damn sure would have been takers for the services of Seymour and you didn't quit in time if you think otherwise...."
What other takers?
Name any. There was plenty of media coverage before and after the trade. Find one media report citing another interested team willing to spend a #1 pick, or accept the fact the Raiders were the only team willing to pay above market price.
And where did anyone (media or otherwise) ever say the Pats were going to cut Seymour? Just another bogus statement.
If you want to have a grounded discussion about the Raiders, I am all for it. But you'll have to stay grounded to reality.
"If you want to have a grounded discussion about the Raiders, I am all for it. But you'll have to stay grounded to reality"
Come on NYR, the "crew" doesn't have to follow that rule, just everyone else does. They can speculate, they can make up facts, they can steer the truth into the ground. But don't you for one minute think you can, if you do, you are a traitor and a hater.
JONES
Hmmm, looks like the "crew" is back in the closet already. What does the "crew" think of Warren Sapp's comments of Al Davis and " his finger on everything"? Where is Pantywaste's honor that he always babbles about? NOTHING happens without Al's approval, CASE CLOSED. That is at least 4 years of BS from the "crew" tossed in the trash. Time to come up with a new fairytale? Or will you just stay in the closet?
JONES
New preseason launch thread is up.
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