One Postgame Take
I still can't decide if I'm disappointed or encouraged by our 2010 season. I imagine that our final game against the Chiefs will give me some clarity.
But whether it's one or the other, it beats the way the last several seasons have left me feeling, which is numb and bored. The return of competent, competitive football to Oakland is something to be celebrated.
But while I might crack a beer, I'm not ready to pop champagne corks. There was a moment in Sunday's telecast where they cut to Al Davis, who seemed to be sitting apart from his other suite mates, clad in an oversized Raiders jacket. He was muttering to himself, and while I'm no lip reader, it sure didn't look like PG-rated language to me.
If he's pissed, then I sympathize. Do you think he enjoys being three wins short of the Chiefs, who were 2-14 just two seasons ago? I've been called impatient. Well, I guess I have good company.
It's hard for me to be angry with Jason Campbell for an offense that is simply too inconsistent through the air. It's not like he's throwing to an all-star cast. Also, he has performed precisely as he has performed in the past. Pretty good, but nothing too great. To paraphrase Denny Green, "He is who we thought he is."
Meanwhile, McFadden gets 11 carries on Sunday, compared to 42 throws by Campbell. Our coaching staff seems to have schizophrenia when it comes to our "identity."
Here are some quotes from a few weeks ago, after beating the Chargers:
Cable: "Getting back to our identity. Getting back to what we do best, and that's play hard on defense, battle them in the kicking game and run the football.
Reece: "The game plan was just be us," fullback Marcel Reece said after the Raiders ran for 251 yards and allowed only 21 yards rushing. "Just be us. We're a physical, resilient, bloody-nose team. We're back and we're here to stay."
Gallery: "We had to get back to who we are, and that's physical and smash-mouth. We're not going to win games throwing the ball 40 times."
Is that what you saw on Sunday? Neither did I.
Meanwhile, on defense, the same old problem has reared its ugly head: not stopping the run. We are currently ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed.
At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders are 10-6 next season, or 6-10. There are enough bright spots to be bullish, yet enough nagging issues to be bearish.
One thing for sure, this isn't the same old Raiders of recent years, and that alone puts a smile on my face.
But whether it's one or the other, it beats the way the last several seasons have left me feeling, which is numb and bored. The return of competent, competitive football to Oakland is something to be celebrated.
But while I might crack a beer, I'm not ready to pop champagne corks. There was a moment in Sunday's telecast where they cut to Al Davis, who seemed to be sitting apart from his other suite mates, clad in an oversized Raiders jacket. He was muttering to himself, and while I'm no lip reader, it sure didn't look like PG-rated language to me.
If he's pissed, then I sympathize. Do you think he enjoys being three wins short of the Chiefs, who were 2-14 just two seasons ago? I've been called impatient. Well, I guess I have good company.
It's hard for me to be angry with Jason Campbell for an offense that is simply too inconsistent through the air. It's not like he's throwing to an all-star cast. Also, he has performed precisely as he has performed in the past. Pretty good, but nothing too great. To paraphrase Denny Green, "He is who we thought he is."
Meanwhile, McFadden gets 11 carries on Sunday, compared to 42 throws by Campbell. Our coaching staff seems to have schizophrenia when it comes to our "identity."
Here are some quotes from a few weeks ago, after beating the Chargers:
Cable: "Getting back to our identity. Getting back to what we do best, and that's play hard on defense, battle them in the kicking game and run the football.
Reece: "The game plan was just be us," fullback Marcel Reece said after the Raiders ran for 251 yards and allowed only 21 yards rushing. "Just be us. We're a physical, resilient, bloody-nose team. We're back and we're here to stay."
Gallery: "We had to get back to who we are, and that's physical and smash-mouth. We're not going to win games throwing the ball 40 times."
Is that what you saw on Sunday? Neither did I.
Meanwhile, on defense, the same old problem has reared its ugly head: not stopping the run. We are currently ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed.
At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders are 10-6 next season, or 6-10. There are enough bright spots to be bullish, yet enough nagging issues to be bearish.
One thing for sure, this isn't the same old Raiders of recent years, and that alone puts a smile on my face.
posted by Raider Take at 3:48 PM
115 Comments:
AngelicRaider-
FIRST!!
I agree with you take, except I will be popping the sparkling cider(6 years in February)with a win over the Chiefs. I have always been overly optimistic about the Raiders and it feels like a part of me is alive again. I didn't know the Raiders losing actually killed a part of me.
I think Campbell is going to be fine next year. WR and OL are way bigger priorities. And I think we either draft a cant miss WR or sign a vet and we will be justfine justfine justfine justfine justfine.
Yeah, nice to reawaken the competitive heartbeat after so many years.
It's sort of chicken-or-the-egg with Campbell. Will better targets raise his game, or has he reached his ceiling? I just don't know.
"RT"...
Interesting take to say the least...
"Bitter-Sweet" like eating "Sweet-n-Sour" Pork wishing it was Chicken...But than there is that egg thing to worry about...
"JustFine"????....
Well AngelicRaider I don't share your optimism at this point and really feel the need for good competition at the starting "QB" position because damn!!!....Another let down like this is going to destroy my spirits...And not the ones I drink either...
The "Identity" issues are for real..."Dr Jeckle -n- Mr Hide" or what ever name we mask it with it's not at all consistent on either side of the ball...
Why!!!...Now that's a real issue...
It's almost like we keep 2nd guessing ourselves into stupidity just like our "QB" who for what ever reason takes forever to just commit and go...
Let's come out with the unexpected and fool them only to fool ourselves while the team we met on that football field was anything but what we expected them to be...By now my heads spinning not knowing which way was________!!!...
A loss for the words...
From where I sit it's much easier to look at the weaknesses and address those old problem areas with new blood than to try to figure out what happened Sunday...Or 2 weeks before...Or the 1st 2 weeks out of the bye....
PantyRaider...Perplexing To Say The Least!!!/_
After being eliminated from the playoffs you wouldn't expect one game to be so important, but I see the KC game as just that. After seven disastrous seasons, 8-8 looks so much better than 7-9; and it's the difference between eight losing seasons (and counting) and ending a horrible streak at seven.
If the players love Tom Cable as much as they say, they had better play next Sunday like it’s the playoffs. Because on paper 7-9 isn’t much better than 5-11. Frankly, 7-9 is probably just bad enough to make Al Davis’ decision an easy one.
While I agree completely that the Raiders draw a fine line between disappointment and encouragement, I believe there was enough improvement this season to try another season with mostly the same cast of characters.
Alternatley, perhaps one benefit to making Hue Jackson HC is that we will get different OC.
From the Oak Trib blog, players apparently unanimous in retaining Cable:
With Cable, the Raiders are making steady progress and headed in the right direction, Lechler said.
“You can’t have a flashy guy come in,” Lechler said. “I’ve heard it too many times. Every coach comes in, ‘Oh, I’m going to fix this. I’m going to turn this thing around.’ (B.S.). You can’t say that every time because people start calling your bluff. … Cable’s the hard-nosed, blue-collar guy that we need for this job.”
On it went, from one end of the locker room to the other, with player after player singing Cable’s praises and lobbying for his return. The support came from offensive, defensive and special teams players.
“Obviously, I don’t make that decision,” left guard Robert Gallery said. “I know this locker room wants that. We need that. We didn’t accomplish what we wanted to this year, going to the playoffs, but we definitely took a step forward from where we’ve been. He’s a big reason for that step.”
Tight end Zach Miller said that Cable has garnered the respect of the players because of his no-nonsense approach. Players know what to expect, where they stand and how things are going to be day in, day out.
“He tells it like it is,” Miller said. “He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He’s honest with us. He tells us exactly how things are, what he needs from us, how he wants us to work, how he wants us to keep grinding as a football team and keep getting better. He’s always been like that and he’s always motivated us to play as hard as we can every chance we get. You see that most of the time on the field. … The guys respect that. All the guys respect coach Cable for being like that.”
WoW!...Hue has come in and done a stand up job...Why would we want a new "OC"...Besides as posted Al likes a "HC" who calls his own plays....
According to Cable "D-Mac"s turf toe resurfaced...He didn't say so but that could have been a reason for his limited duty...
I have NO answers for why what happened happened but I'm also NOT willing to point fingers where they shouldn't be pointed..."OC" is quit simply NOT a target...That was a very positive addressing of a previous issue..."DC" on the other hand is where we gave up those 31 almost 38 pts...
The "OC" never threw a football at anyone's shoes or behind them...Now did he get talked for a loss...
Nor is the "HC" but there must be some issue there if the players felt such a need to defend their coach the way they did....
PantyRaider....Positive Steps Should Remain In Place!!!!/_
After further review, I hang this loss on OC Jackson.
I'm sorry but it is simply inexcusable for an OC to call only 10 running plays in the entire 1st half.
For the game, McFadden and Bush combined for a GRAND total of 14 attempts.
Why would any OC go away from the clear cut strength of the team and obvious weakness of the opponent?
We had a 7-0 lead. The game was close throughout. The Colts did ABSOLUTELY nothing special to take away our run.
Overall, I've liked the energy and improved production that Jackson has brought to the table in 2010. However, this one particular game's playcalling was inexplicable and unacceptable.
In our 7 victories ...
We have averaged 40 rushing attempts and over 211 yards per game. 20 attempts for 80 yards vs. the Colts? A real head scratcher.
Cable said this about Chaz Schilens:
“You can’t sit around and put No. 1 tags on someone until they can have a chance to go out and prove it."
Hmm. I guess that's true of some players.
Anyway, if Schilens manages to stay heathy next week and through the off-season, he provides an immediate boost to next year's WR corp. And with the play of Murphy and Ford, I wouldn't expect the Raiders to lift a finger to sign a vet WR.
Hell, if they wouldn't sign a vet WR when they really needed one, why would they sign one now?
In the off-season, I believe Davis will concentrate on re-signing players like Gallery and Huff (who had a solid year), and maybe John Henderson. Hopefully, he will also place a premium assembling on OL.
I'm right there with Calico. The loss against the Colts goes to Jackson. Poor O game planning. It wasn't so much the passing and lack of running. I've praised Robiskie for misdirection, saying you'll run while planning to pass, but it was the passing game in particular that was disappointing.
Very rarely did the Raiders attempt anything longer than a two yard pass. And then, always to the sideline while the Colts routinely leave a short passing hole over the middle of their defense.
The loss to the Jags, in my view, was on Marshall.
However, I feel that the coaches on this team have shown as much of an ability to learn as the players. While they keep making mistakes, they don't seem to repeat mistakes.
I'm good with this staff for at least one more season.
Big doings at Dickhead Stadium this Sunday. It's going to be Hank Stram Day, full house, big half time celebration...
Com'on, now! If you are a true Raider fan, don't you just ache to take out eight years of frustration and blow up that party?
I know I do. Go Raiders!
AngelicRaider-
I was a Bruce Almighty guy to start the season but after seeing the OL give JC some time he was ok. What about picking up Singletary for DC and maybe Alex Smith as a backup?
If the focus is on the OL, Campbell will be way improved and the running game will be unstoppable.
PantyRaider- who are the Raiders that will be FA's? I heard Gallery is up.
AngelicRaider-
I do understand the saying "If if's and buts were candy and nuts, then we would all have a Merry Christmas."
But if..... we beat the Cards, 9ers, Jags, and Colts we would have 11 wins so far. I understand that there is not a column for close games. When analyzing the team as a whole, I believe the games where we didn't get our butts handed to us mean something. If the guys in the locker room support Cable then I think we should consider their feelings for next year. I want Cable to go, but the if the soldiers want to fight for their general then keep the general.
Sun Tzu said-
The General is the bulwark(defensive wall) of the state: if the bulwark is strong the state will be strong, if the bulwark is defective, the state will be weak.
I am all about Hue being the next HC but if the Raiders play hard in a semi-meaningless game, then I think it speaks volumes about his ability to ralley up the troops.
GO RAIIIIIIDERS!
Calico,
"After further review, I hang this loss on OC Jackson."
I'm inclined to agree with you. And why all those runs to the left side. Freeney makes his living as a pass rusher. We should run straight at him.
McFadden ran 6 times to the right, 3 in the middle and 3 to the left. The left is our strength.
Also, trying to run wide and turn the corner is running to the strength of the Ponies defense. They defend with their lateral speed. When you run right at them is when they have trouble.
Also, Zach Miller was open all day. Through the first three quarters he was thrown to four times catchaing three. In the fourth quarter he was thrown to eight times catching six and we marched down the field.
Campbell was under pressure all game long from their speed rushers. A few early quick pass completions to Miller to move the chains and they slow down.
They were coming hard on that TD drive and Campbell kept hitting Miller.
Jackson did not adjust to their defense.
We also really missed Seymour on the DL rotation. Henderson is a good backup, but Seymour is the heart and soul of the DL.
This game was close early on. A little better play calling early on and we have a shot.
H
angelic, i don't like campbell (bambi) so smith would be my choice to start @ qb for our team - PSYCHE! hell no! don't even think about bringing in that reject in here. we already have jekyll and hyde campbell errr bambi.
blanda, i'm with you in giving this staff another year. don't know about hue as HC because of some of the head-scratching stuff he's done but let's given them another shot just for continuity sake. we have done some very positive things. time to work on some consistency. let's work on both lines 1st, then outward from there.
across the bay, the young man is making a SMART decision to hire a GM who will then hire a HC. we'll NEVER see sound, sensible decisions like that coming from harbor bay pkwy...
NYRaider,
"Hopefully, he will also place a premium assembling on OL."
Amen
As for free agents, Seymour and Gallery for sure. I'm not sure about Bush. This is his fourth year.
H
whomever said this:
"I am all about Hue being the next HC but if the Raiders play hard in a semi-meaningless game, then I think it speaks volumes about his ability to ralley up the troops."
this is NOT a semi-meaningless game. 8-8 is tons better than 7-9 and will send a message to the AFC west that we'll be back even stronger next year after we kicked all of your asses this year.
so there's LOTS to play for.
Man, gotta love someone with the handle AngelicRaider who quotes from the "Art of War"
Which translation?
H
AngelicRaider,
How can the Raiders top priority be WR, and OL ?
I'm not saying we cannot improve in these areas, but we need, finally, to stop the run.
We need DT's that can stuff the run up the middle.
Every year, it's the same old song. Raiders rank around 30th in NFL in run defense.
If we can't stop the run, we will never win sh*t in the NFL.
Our offense is alright. Raiders showed this year, when they play to their strengths, they can score.
Problem with the offense is, we have coaches that forget who our star players are, and do not give them the ball.
But how can you win games without stopping the run ?
I don't know. Every year, it's the same BS.
From J-Macs live chat:
Comment From BlkHoleOccupantBlkHoleOccupant: ]
Who would you hire as DC?
jerrymac: One, I'd have to see a list of available candidates, and 2, it's really moot because I don't have the power to authorize the DC to overhaul scheme.
... so therein lies the problem. Scheme! That's why you bring back Marshall and hope he can tweak what he has. Otherwise, starting over with a new DC and the same scheme will likely bring the same results.
Besides, as I mentioned before, Davis is not about to pay a top flight DC and give him free rein to run the D. Not gonna happen! So if you believe it might, you don't know the Raiders as well as you think.
SD sounds like they are keeping Norvell... thus assuring another season of underachievement!
KC sez they are starting Cassel... here's to planting his throwing shoulder into the frozen turf because of it!
JMAC seemed resigned to Cable not being retained, and he has the pulse of Raider insiders as much as anything... guess we will see if Jackson is better as HC than OC... I, for one, won't be holding my breath.
I think I'd rather just start all over with a new coaching staff considering there IS actually better talent to work with next year... especially if Campbell can improve, and BOTH McF, and Schillens stay healthy an entire year... big "ifs."
The o-line only needs improvement at 2 spots next year (RG,RT) instead of the 4 of last year (LT, C, RG, RT) so that will be an easier fix... especially if Bruce Campbell is a diamond in the rough.
Not sure what to think at DC... Marshall is ok... but we might get stuck with someone less than ok with a new DC. Premier DC's don't like being hamstrung with the preset parameters that Al sets (prolly his worst trait, IMO) so maybe we are better off hoping Marshall can figure out how to stop the run next year.
Singaltary would be an interesting hire though.
Keep Cable as HC, it's going in a positive direction FOR ONCE. Firing Cable will just be another scapegoat for the guy firing him. He is not the best guy out there, but IMO he is the best guy Oakland will get.
Campbell, why isn't he taking shots downfield? He has a very good ball and he should be taking those shots, it would open up the Offense, make the running game even more effective.
The coaching is inconsistent and the team is inconsistent, there needs to be more consistency from top to bottom.
NYR and 00....it's the scheme, it is susceptible to the big play, Raiders have given up the most "big plays" in the league this year.
JONES
Raider00,
At times Sunday Campbell would set to throw and the DE's would already be on top of him.
We need some folks on the OL that can squeeze another half a second to a second of protection for Campbell.
Doesn't sound like much, but it is what separates the good lines from the run of the mill ones.
H
AngelicRaider-
H- James Clavell edits a version of the Art of War that I have had for years. The Art of War is a must have for anyone who desires to be known as a man IMO.
Scopio- Would semi-meaningful game work for you. I do not desire to make light of this game. I at one time had a key chain made for me that read F*ck the Chiefs. I also remember a guy named Plunkett who was a failure in NE but worked out ok for us. I'm thinking someone who has talent but has underachieved elsewhere is the MO for Mt. Davis.
I was really fed up with Cable but if the guys play hard for him then we have to keep him.
"BS" Scheme Shit again -n- again...Was anyone Watching football this season...What did we run...
5-Man Front Big-Nickle -w- Blitz
4-2 Big-Nickle M-M -w- Blitz
4-2 Big-Nickle Zone -w- Blitz
4-3 M-M -w- Blitz
4-3 Zone -w- Blitz
It was all in the damn games....
Oh!...But Al's "D" doesn't work...Well it worked damn well enough to be a top 5 pass "D" and a top 15 "D" most of the damn season....
Cheesh!!...Get freakin real folks!!...
I pimped Mike Singletary as "DC" for one because he was with the #7 Rush "D" in "SF"...All he needs to do is improve that one aspect and we are improved overall...We already have Pass "D" and coaches -n- players intact...When Seymour is in the game our Run "D" is also much better...
What happens if we break the bank going after "DL"...In the end we still only have 11 men on the field at any one time...But the change at "DC" is the 12th man if he has his head out of his ass...Marshal has been good to us but he has a ceiling that he has never risen above...Inconsistency...It haunts him after 42 seasons so that ain't something that's going away any time soon...
"OL" is another matter entirely...We are too thin to compete...
Re: "O"...
One thing of note and it may have affected the "O" play calling..."D-Mac"s Turf-Toe...It has him hobbled again...At what point in the game I don't know but he came out of the game with an issue...
I don't pretend to understand anything of what we did this week on both sides of the ball...But I know when we get worked and we got worked by Indy to the tune of 31 +7 pts if they had wanted them...Meanwhile they held our "O" to 19pts..."TD" -n- 4 "FG"s...That's it...
It was only close due to "ST"s "TD"...Look at the stats they are absolutely horrendous!!!...Now that's getting worked....
Re: "FA"s...
Here is the un-official list but Galery is listed as 2013...He said he's free this season...Maybe there is an option year...Don't know....
http://walterfootball.com/freeagentscontractsoak.php
Re: "HC"....
Cable ain't going no where so don't get drug down by "Mediot" gases...They fart and fans squeal like little pigs...That's their game so why get taken down by it..
I'll have NO part of the "Jerry Springer Club" of the NFL as the "Mediot" paparazzi attack again -n- again...Just way too much "BS" to even give it a thought....
Re: Football....
Smak-Down on the "Squaws" is coming...
PantyRaider...My Raiders Look A Damn Site Better Than At Any Time During The Previous "7"!!!!/_
H -
This past game vs. Indy really frustrated the hell out of me. The blueprint for success vs. Indy was so obvious;
Run the ball between the tackles strictly north and south.
Run the ball consistently and persistently for 4 quarters.
Run the ball to set up play action pass opportunities for deep strikes and intermediate routes.
As I mentioned in my previous post and in detail on my own blog ...
When we've won and exerted our will over the opponent, we have AVERAGED 40 carries, 211 yards, for over 5 yards per pop.
vs. St. Louis - 40 rushing attempts, 173 yards
vs. San Diego - 30 rushing attempts, 111 yards
at Denver - 52 rushing attempts, 328 yards
vs. Seattle - 39 rushing attempts, 239 yards
vs. KC - 26 rushing attempts, 112 yards
at San Diego - 52 rushing attempts, 251 yards
vs. Denver - 41 rushing attempts, 264 yards
It isn't FN rocket science. Our team (Raiders) are good at running the ball. Their team (Colts) are bad at defending the run.
To make matters worse, the game was set up for us to establish the run early and often. It wasn't like we got down by a big margin early on and decided to air it out. We were either ahead or within 4 points for close to the 1st 3 quarters.
As Cable has said countless times, in the 1st quarter of play, you get those "ugly" 2,3 yard runs. By the late 3rd Quarter, 4th quarter, those "ugly" 2,3 yard runs turn into 5,6, and breakaway runs.
It would be one thing if Jackson had made some in-game adjustments to capitalize on another Indy weakness. However, the reality is that Indy plays a bend, don't break D with 2 deep safeties making it next to impossible to throw it over their heads. The short passing game should have been used to compliment an aggressive rushing attack not the other way around.
Ugghh. It makes me sick when I feel like I, Joe Arm Chair QB, has a better handle and understanding of our offensive personnel and strengths than a highly paid professional Offensive Coordinator.
Come on Huey. Pound the Chefs into submission on Sunday, okay?!
>>>>
H:
At times Sunday Campbell would set to throw and the DE's would already be on top of him.
>>>>
So why not try rolling Campbell out? Especially since he seems very adept at throwing on the run?
What happened to the bootleg since he faked the teevee camera's out and the entire stadium, what, three games back? Saving that play for the SB? They faked it deep in our territory Sunday, and if he had kept it he'd still be running.
Campbell has one of the best ball-fakes in the NFL, and is also one of the best passers on the run... so Jackson uses a ball fake once every 4 games, and calls for Campbell to pass from the pocket 99% of the time.
McFadden was one of the better catching RBs last year... how many plays did we see flanking him out this year?
If Jackson is taking over the entire system next year and isn't even smart enough to utilize the OBVIOUS weapons he has now... I don't see where the improvement will come from.
I fear we might be right back to 4 to 6 wins a year again...
Scary shit.
Gary...
Evidently there is something lacking between what Hue wants this "O" to be and what it can deliver...Was it a test???...
I don't know why we did what we did but will offer this as a possible but somewhat unacceptable answer:
The following is just "Speculation"
We were out of it so time was used to see just what we have at "QB"...Can "CJ" deliver carrying this team on his back (Arm)...We have a need to develop a strong passing game so this game was used to make advancement in that area at both "QB" -n- "WR" so we got "DHB" some good work as well as "JC" -n- everyone else including that "OL"....
Now I just don't see the agony in the players -n- coaches that I should see after a loss like this one....Was it a game or was it merely a scrimmage...
This week however against our own division things will be quite different...Seymour won't be resting and everyone will be up for it...
OK!!!...So as I said that's all just "Speculation" but dammit that's the only thing that makes any sense to me out of this total debacle!!!...
PantyRaider...What Did They Find Out/Learn From All This!!!/_
"The grass is always greener...."
Making Hue Jackson HC could place us right back where we started. Cable is NOT the best HC in the NFL, but he overcame long odds to survive last year and actually breathe life back into this team (at least that's how the players see it).
P.S. If it's not scheme, why replace the coach? Why does Marshall "need" to be replaced.
>>>>
NYR:
Making Hue Jackson HC could place us right back where we started. Cable is NOT the best HC in the NFL, but he overcame long odds to survive last year and actually breathe life back into this team (at least that's how the players see it).
>>>>
Agree fully.
>>>>
P.S. If it's not scheme, why replace the coach? Why does Marshall "need" to be replaced.
>>>>>
Because, unlike the offense (and d-line) is there anyone on the defense that has improved measurably? The buzz about the d-line improvement is mostly credited to Seymour, and the return of Waufle... so who else has improved? Every time a C2 defense is called, our players look hopelessly lost and unprepared, and most of our continuing run stopping problems can be attributed directly to FUNDAMENTALS. If there is fundamental problems on the D... the buck stops with the D coach.
Although it failed with SOB, I'd like to see someone from the NE, or Pitts system get their DC chance here.
"Although it failed with SOB, I'd like to see someone from the NE, or Pitts system get their DC chance here."
Is that really an option with Al Davis as GM and DC defacto?
Plus, money would be an issue in hiring a good DC. Marshall is affordable.
I'd guess that some teams pay their coordinators more than the Raiders pay their HC.
IMO, the only way Marshall leaves is if he has in some way disrespected Al Davis, e.g., playcalling or other.
>>>
Is that really an option with Al Davis as GM and DC defacto?
>>>>
SOB came from NE... and Al seems to have good relations with the organization... I don't see why we can't try that gold mine again, even though we mined some fools gold from it with SOB.
With Al sticking his nose into the defense as Sapp said, what quality DC will the Raiders get? Again, the Al Davis apologists make out like the Raider Org is run like all other franchises. That top coaches can be hired and it is left to them to make the team. They flip flop back and forth when it helps their points when discussing the Raiders. They will never admit that Al sticks his nose in the gameplans and then jump up and down and say it is Al's scheme when the D has a good game. Same ole story, you can't reason with.....
JONES
"With Al sticking his nose into the defense as Sapp said, what quality DC will the Raiders get?"
Once again I ask for proof other than Sapp says. I don't believe or trust anything Sapp says.
And, if you can offer no proof than the word of a self centered blow hard, well consider the source.
The Scheme this year was much different than any of the last seven years. We are one of the top sack teams in the league.
We gave up too many big plays, but one college coach of a big time institution said that's easier to correct than giving up five and six yards every time they touch the ball.
AngelicRaider,
I haven't looked at my copy in a long time, but to paraphrase one of the best lines in there, I like:
When in doubt, close on the enemy.
H
H,
Ok, Campbell faced a heavy pass rush vs Colts. But that's not all on the 0-line.
Raiders, inexplicably, once again, abandoned the run. So Colts D was able to pin ears back, and rush the QB.
PR,
So what if Mcfad had some turf toe issues.
Bush carried 3 times for 19 yards. An excellent 6.3 average.
Bush had the hot hand. Why not give him many more carries ? Why just give up the run ? Makes no sense.
Jones,
Yeah, scheme is important. But Raiders are very light in the ass on the D-line.
Kelly has had one of his best years. But he is built more like a DE, then a DT.
Henderson is near the end of his career, and there's not much else.
Best way to stop run is at point of attack.
We need big bodies to clog up the middle in the trenches.
DT's should be Raiders #1 priority in off season.
H, it doesn't matter what you believe, if there was 100% proof of Al sticking his nose in, you still wouldn't believe it. That's just the way you roll. It is well known, except to the Al Apologists, that Al sticks his nose into not just the Defense, the Offense as well. Remember, it's his team and he will do what he wants ;'}.
The scheme was more aggressive at times, at other times it was the same ole same ole. The DC still does what Al wants most of the time, Marshall showed Al that the blitzing will work, so Al gave Marshall leeway. I mean, how long have you been a fan and you still don't know how it works in Raiderville? Really? Al hired his assistants to take orders from HIM, not Cable. He uses this system to go around the HC, to neuter him.
If a bigtime college coach says it, well then it really must be true, but , if SAPP says it, it just isn't true because he is on TV and has a big mouth, is that right, H?
As far as Cable's quote about a WR EARNING his #1 WR tag, that could be a shot at Al by Cable for over riding him and forcing Tom to play DHB.
00, how long have we all been saying "get some DT's"? Kelly played well, Seymour played well, Henderson was a fair backup as was Bryant, the talent is there, the scheme is susceptable to big plays, it has been for decades.
The running game wasn't working at the beginning of the Colts game for the Raiders, they kept going 3 and outs, this is why they had to pass more, to keep #18 off the field. Campbell and his dumpoff's were taking the place of the running game.
JONES
How the hell do you talk "Scheme-Scheme-Scheme" but never describe the "Scheme" and what the hell your talking about...What the hell is Al's "Scheme"...Define something for once if you have any understanding instead of the constant nitpicking at nothing...
"NYR"....
The "DC" is making the calls...Situational and game theme...There sent into the "D"s "QB" which is "DeathRo" via headphones in his helmet...If not that way than by hand gestures from the sideline...
A good "DC" is on top of the game and make's the right calls at the right time...Unfortunately Marshal is very inconsistent and always has been from what I have been able to discover....So the basic scheme for that game may be good or adequate but the timing is not...Or the opposite may be true...It may have been a very bad plan but calls were at the right time to anticipate what was going to happen and it still worked...
"DeathRo" makes some adjustments in the game according to what he is given much the same way a "QB" would use the audible...So the "Chess Match" continues one trying to fool the other...
The "DC" makes up the scheme for the "D"s structure that season...For instance we play in the 3-4 Scheme...But than variations are made for specific match ups we may face and situational match ups we may face such as 2 min warning...Thus Prevent/Zone/Cover 2/M-M/Blitz Packages -n- so forth...But also he has to have a feel for what the other team is about to do and make the right calls at the right time...
PantyRaider...New Blood At "DC" Is Warranted!!!/_
"The Scheme this year was much different than any of the last seven years. We are one of the top sack teams in the league."
Just to be clear, sack total is not proof that the scheme changed. Sure the Raiders blitzed more, but the front four were far more productive in sacks this year than in past years; thus, a significant increase in sacks.
Outside the comfort of their staple man-to-man coverage with single-deep safety, the Raiders usually look lost when they play zone. Basically, it’s still the same D.
H, you say Davis is less involved and Blanda says he's more involved (although, not to put words in his mouth, I’m not sure he specifically meant to include scheme).
Raiders players historically conceded they wouldn’t learn of the weekly game plan until Fri or Sat because the coaches had to wait until they got word (approval and/or changes) from Davis. Then Davis was known to call down from the owner’s box during a game and call for a play or player to be inserted or removed. Traditionally, that was the Raider way.
Now I'm not saying that Davis is still involved on that level, but it’s hard to imagine he went from that to total non-involvement. It’s simply not natural.
IMO, the Raiders will not change until the management philosophy is changed. And until that time, I vote for continuity across the board. The current regime of coaches, although inconsistent, has shown they can play to win. So let’s add a few players and get on with it.
PR - I don't disagree that the DC is game planning and making the calls during the game. Scheme is much larger than any single game.
The scheme is like the Force. The Force is what gives a Raider coach his power. It's an energy field created by Al Davis. It surrounds the coaches and players, penetrates them, and binds the them together (or splits them apart). And it's older than that movie.
"NYR"...
I think that's a new definition of "Force Be With You" and I'm not sure it exist outside your interpretations...But what ever!!!...
Let's look at it this way...
Your the owner...
You hired me to do a job....
But I know your always watching...
Maybe I get nervous...
You don't care you just want me to do the damn job..
If I can't handle the pressure should I tell you to go away or should you tell me to go away...
Last week I was NOT doing very well and you phoned to say let JONES do it...I didn't like that at all....
This week I was doing well but you phoned anyway and said you want JONES back in there to do it...I fervently disagreed and you got "PO"ed at me....
Need I bother coming to work this week or not...
PantyRaider....TaBoo If The Owner Speaks!!!/_
Oh!...By the way you run your own damn corp....
Raider00....
Your absolutely correct...The run with Bush was working...So now why did we abandon it...
I speculated an answer to that later this way....
We were out of it so time was used to see just what we have at "QB"...Can "CJ" deliver carrying this team on his back (Arm)...We have a need to develop a strong passing game so this game was used to make advancement in that area at both "QB" -n- "WR" so we got "DHB" some good work as well as "JC" -n- everyone else including that "OL"....
Now I just don't see the agony in the players -n- coaches that I should see after a loss like this one....Was it a game or was it merely a scrimmage...
This week however against our own division things will be quite different...Seymour won't be resting and everyone will be up for it...
OK!!!...So as I said that's all just "Speculation" but dammit that's the only thing that makes any sense to me out of this total debacle!!!...
----------------------------------
Now to add further...
I heard a few times it was a Meaningless Game even though most of us didn't view it that way...
So maybe during the week the team was told that if we were eliminated from the "PO" race we would use this game to tune up our "O"s passing game and experiment with our "D" schemes rather than to gameplan for what will most likely give us another semi meaningless win...After all 9-n-7 or 8-n-8 are basically the same if your out of the race...
"KC" will now have a new team to prepare for...One that can throw the ball 40 times a game with over 65% completions...
I am surely open to any other logical explanation of what/why regarding that ugly play calling on both sides of the ball...What would you say...
"OC" was sleeping...Maybe he wanted Cable run so he threw the game...Al was interfering again...Hue found a left over bottle of "JePurple-Drank" and swallowed before the game..."DeathRo" was defiant and ignored the "DC"s calls...
?????????????....
PantyRaider...Any Logical Suggestions Anyone!!!!/_
"OK"...This all the reason we need...
— Chiefs coach Todd Haley told Bay Area reporters by conference call he had no intention of backing off to keep players healthy against Oakland.
“Maybe some teams can think another way but we’re clearly not in that position,’’ Haley said. “We need to take advantage of every practice day we have and every game we have.’’
Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel said: “Absolutely we plan on playing it like a regular game and I’m planning on playing 60 minutes and I think everyone else in the locker room is too. The last thing you want to do is go out and get your butt kicked by the Raiders on Sunday and lose any momentum we’ve built up to this point.’’
YES!!!...Stomp their asses and hurt them and brake their momentum/confidence for the "PO" race....
They can't win a bye week...They will play either Balt/Pitts or Jets at home...
PantyRaider..."One-n-Out" For "KC"!!!/_
While I'm glad were sending 3 players to the "PB" I question how these 2 weren't selected...
* Darren McFadden
* Sebastian Janikowski
A 4th could also have been sense he leads all "DT"s in sacks...
* Tommie Kelly
Than their is the "ST"s Rookie of the year...
* Jacoby Ford
Obviously the NFL is far from a level playing fields so we should be thankful that we get any consideration at all....
PantyRaider...Just Something To Bitch About!!!!/_
PR -
I total disagree with your theory about the Colts game being meaningless or a "scrimmage".
Players and coaches alike should be scrapping and clawing for their next contract, respect, and a chance to beat a playoff caliber team. The fans who paid good money to attend the game DESERVE the Raiders' best.
I would also argue that a team like the Raiders who are inconsistent and still trying to earn respect, should understand the importance of finishing the season strong.
9-7 is a WINNING record.
8-8 is a non-losing season.
7-9 is a losing record.
Bottom Line: Every game does truly count. Since the bye week, we are 2-4. This is going out with a whimper, regrets, and "what ifs".
Personally, I think Hue Jackson over-analyzed the game situation, got too cute, and neglected the obvious.
Throwing the ball up 40+ times and running the ball only 17 times (I don't count Campbell's 3 runs/scrambles) goes against the entire spirit of competition.
As I've said countless times, the Raiders should always go down swinging and playing their brand of football. In this case, our formula for success, which is well proven in our 7 victories, is to run the ball down the opponent's throats. To go away from our established strength is negligent on the part of Jackson.
Truth Be Told:
In 6 of our 8 losses, our D has given up 31 or more points;
Tenn 13-38
Hou 24-31
Pitt 3-35
Mia 17-33
Jax 31-38
Indy 26-31
Our offense has improved leaps and bounds.
Our defense still gives up way too many big plays, is poor against the run, and is far too predictable.
If we play decent D in the 6 games listed above, we are looking at realistically 10 wins.
When you factor in the Arizona, SF games, one has to reflect on the "what if" proposition.
In my view, if we can improve the OLine to become an above average unit AND add another game changing DT and LB, AND get more creative with how our D is employed, we could be a VERY good team.
"CJ"...
Everything you said makes good sense except for one thing...That's not the way it happened...
WHY is the big issue...Why would we go away from the obvious and than when it wasn't working NOT go back to what made us good...There must be a reason but I'm at a loss to find it unless they considered it a meaningless game and used it as a scrimmage...Otherwise makes absolutely NO sense to me at all...
Hell anyone of us on this board could have called a better game than that...Well...Almost anyone...
PantyRaider...I Can't Figure It Out!!!/_
Dad always told me there was only one sure strategy for winning in football. Follow the strategy to the letter, and you'll never lose a game. It's really very simple.
The strategy is to ALWAYS score at least ONE MORE POINT than your opponent in 60 minutes of game time. Simply adhering to that strategy, to the letter, will GUARANTEE an undefeated season.
Huh?
Anyway, here's an interesting article about the HC decision facing Davis. Based on this, Davis won't have the luxury of stringing this thing out until, well, whenever.
http://tinyurl.com/2bz2428
"NYR"...
That "Acording to This" ain't much...
Al has to inform Cable but does that mean they have to inform the "Mediot"s by that date also...I think NOT...They simply say they are exploring all their options like always while Cable -n- his agent are secure under that "Cone-o-Silence"...
Hue ain't leaving...He will be assured this "HC" job and Al ain't giving permission to the likes of the "MuleHead"s to interview him...
Most likely Houston will run their "HC" and Kubiac ends up in the "MuleValley" where he came from...Denver has already proclaimed that the new "HC" has to be in love with Tebow as the starting "QB" and be willing to run a program designed for his talents...That excludes many from the formula...
As posted I expect our movement to be at the "DC" level...I also hope at the "WR" position too but that may not be as likely....
As noted by "CJ" if our "D" had played better this "O" would have won more games...Even as bad as it was against "SF" if the "D" didn't fail at the end we still won...I would take the 1st 2 games out of the bye out of that equation though due to our total "O" ineptitude...Pitts/Miami...But the "D" couldn't stop them...
PantyRaider...Some Other Teams Would Question Hue's Play Calling Too!!!!/_
"Al has to inform Cable but does that mean they have to inform the "Mediot"s by that date also...I think NOT"
If Cable is still visiting the building on Jan 19, it might be safe to assume Davis has exercised his option.
Perhaps...But wasn't Lance still at work even though he was already dead in Mr Davis' eyes...
Not to mention "JawBrake" Hanson...
Besides...If Cable is still seen hanging around does that necessarily mean he's still "HC"...
Now what is the date of the off season owners meeting and the Sr Bowl where our "HC" has been taking Mr Davis' place or accompanying him as a rep...That may or may NOT give you a clue....
May The Force of the Cone Be With Them!!!....
PantyRaider..."Cone-o-Silence" Difficult To Penetrate!!!/_
"Mediot" Abuse!!!...I luv it!!!...
Gates' season ends on Chargers' injured reserve
That should open the door for another "TE" in the "PB"...It won't be Zack so why get excited...But it should be...
Should Al be interested and talking to his old friend...
Report: Williams leads Cowboys' potential roster purge
"We've certainly got players that we had to play this year that were returning starters who are suspect," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the newspaper Wednesday. "I'd say that it's very likely that we'll have more turnover this year than we had last year."
The newspaper reported that wide receiver Roy Williams, running back Marion Barber, linebacker Keith Brooking and cornerback Terence Newman all could be moved. Other candidates not to return include offensive linemen Kyle Kosier, Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo, as well as defensive end Marcus Spears and safeties Gerald Sensabaugh and Alan Ball.
Williams, who notched 21 receptions for 306 yards and five touchdowns in his first five games in 2010, had just 15 catches for 218 yards with no scores down the stretch.
"It's disappointing," Williams told the newspaper. "I can only do what I can do. I started out nice, then all of sudden I fell off the face of the earth.
"I run what is called. I line up. I break the huddle. I go play. I only get two or three chances a game. I try to make the most of them."
Williams' base salary for next season is $5.1 million, with a salary-cap hit close to $9.4 million
"I would love to be here," Williams said. "If not, I will play ball somewhere else."
6'3" 216#s age 29 -w- speed....
PantyRaider....Looks To be A Good "FA" Yr For The "WR"s!!!!/_
"Perhaps...But wasn't Lance still at work even though he was already dead in Mr Davis' eyes..."
As bizarre as that was, Kiffin was still employed, so he showed up for work, just like Cable will do if he's still employed.
If not for the NFL-imposed deadline, I'm sure we would be left to wonder for several months.
Otherwise, let's hope that Cable's situation is in no way similar to Kiffin's. That was part of an organization breakdown that will probably haunt the Raiders forever.
Nah!...Just another little indecent along the path of "Greatness" outside the box...
One of those stories fans laugh about with the kids and other old timers when looking back at the tacks of our tears...NO!...Strike That!!!....NOT Tears!!...
"Tracks of Our Cheers" along the path toward the "Greatness of the Raiders"....
PantyRaider...It's All Just A Matter Of Personal Perception!!!/_
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xbutVI4558
Talk to the trainer about what can be done to help "D-Mac".....
I don't know at what point in the game this injury happened...There has been no clarification on that...But as Raider00 noted Bush was running well on his 3 carries for 19yds so there was no need to abandon the run....So there must have been some reason other than "RB" injury to throw the ball 40 times against a semi tough pass "D" while abandoning the run almost entirely against the weakest run "D"...
I'm still waiting for a logical explanation...I gave it my shot...
PantyRaider...Meaningless Game Used To Advance Pass Attack!!!/_
A look at our passing game with one week to go...
Zach Miller 55/654yds 11.9ave 5 TDs
Darren McFadden 47/507yds 10.8ave 3 TDs
Louis Murphy 39/580yds 14.9ave 2 TDs
Darrius Heyward-Bey 26/366yds 14.1ave TD
Marcel Reece 25/333yds 13.3ave 3 TDs
Jacoby Ford 24/435yds 18.1ave 2 TDs
Michael Bush 14/160yds 11.4ave
Brandon Myers 11/73yds 6.6ave
Johnnie Lee Higgins 10/103yds 10.3ave
As was expected the "TE" -n- "RB" lead the pack but their #'s are reduced due to injury...
At least this gives us something to build upon as we look forward to next season...
PantyRaider...Quality "FA" "TE"s -n- "WR"s Will Be Available!!!!/_
NYRaider,
Couple of things. My comments on scheme have nothing to do with Al Davis’ involvement. The scheme is different. I’ve said that since the beginning of the season. Also, isn’t blitzing more part of the scheme? Isn’t that part of the game planning?
In past seasons under SOB how many times did we bitch and moan about play after play, passing down, running down, didn’t matter with three linebackers five yards off the line of scrimmage? That ain’t going on right now. Linebackers are moving around, they are more active. We also bitched and moaned about the lack of sacks. Well, we’re getting them. Didn’t get them against the Peytons, but he is the least sacked quarterback in the league.
If you are referring to my request for proof that Sapp is the all seeing eye of the Illuminati for everything that happens with the Raiders, that’s not saying Al is less involved. That’s just asking for Sapp, and folks who hang on his every word, to offer up some backup instead of just saying “Sapp says”. For the last several years it’s only been crickets on that request. Opinion and supposition is not proof. Won’t hold up in a court of law.
You said “historically”, is that happening this season? A guy makes a joke about being “yelled at” and folks go crazy with “see there.” Then why wasn’t the guy fired? And, why is the scheme and alignment on defense this year so different? I’m just asking. You can’t have it both ways.
You can’t say the Raiders only play defense one way, then when things are different say “Al Davis is sticking his nose in it again.” I’m going by what my eyes are telling me, not what Warren Sapp says.
I also think you might need to look up the definition of the word scheme. A scheme is a plan, a method, it is the system (which is different from base formation). Your “Force” analogy might apply to philosophy; that applies more to thinking and way of life, a belief system if you will. Al Davis’ defensive philosophy is “The opposing quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard.” That’s happening a little more often this year. So, yeah, it’s his philosophy, how they get there is another thing.
Jones,
That big time college coach is Nick Saban. I’ve seen the results on the field after he said it in public a couple of years ago. His first year Alabama had a problem giving up big plays on defense and special teams along with turingin the ball over. Deadly combination. It led to them losing their last four games including that power house Louisiana-Monroe. The next two years they were one of the best in college.
So, if Warren Sapp said he was responsible for Tommy Kelly’s success this season and Richard Seymour had no impact, would that make it so? I’m saying Sapp has made statements with no backup, no supporting evidence. Quite frankly he’s a blowhard, but that’s just my opinion, and he is paid for his “opinion” right now.
Sapp also said we wouldn't win after the first Denver game. Then he said we wouldn't win three in a row.
I’m going by what I see on the field. Different scheme, different more aggressive play calling on defense, more pressure, more active linebackers. We still have areas to improve, especially in giving up big plays, but we are light years closer than two years ago.
We are one of the best at stopping teams on third down. We ranked right in there with some of the best defenses in the league at #5 in that category. We gave up too many big plays on second down. That’s where we have to concentrate this offseason while maintaining our progress in the other areas.
On the Pro Bowl front, we have three or four alternates. Zach Miller is first alternate among tight ends. If Gates is out, Miller might be in.
JMNLHSO,
H
"Quality "FA" "TE"s -n- "WR"s Will Be Available!!!!/_"
Yes, but will the Raiders do anything about it?
They went into 2010 with only two TEs on their roster. When Miller was injured, they were essentially without a TE threat and teams knew it.
Point your finger to Kalif Barnes all you want, but he's no TE. He's barely a serviceable backup OL-man. When he lines up at TE, more bad than good happens (it's usually a FS penalty).
Funny thing about WR, it's no longer a priority. Assuming they remain healthy through the off-season, here's who we will have:
Schilens
Murphy
Ford
DHB
N Miller
JLH
When healthy, Schilens immediately improves this group. I never questioned his talent, only his health (which he should have to start next year).
Miller and Higgins are both expendable, although I'd like Miller to stay as WR/PR.
Ford is everything DHB should be. 24 catches late in the season, as he spent the early part of the season inactive.
Murphy is pretty solid, and has been since he was drafted.
DHB showed improvement this year, but he is still way behind the curve. So far, that investment is not paying off.
The opportunity cost of not drafting Eugene Monroe or Michael Orher instead of DHB is weighing heavy on the Raiders. OL is where we need the most help, and both the aforementioned players have become franchise O-tackles in the time it's taken DHB to amass 35 career receptions.
Without a 1st rd pick this year, Davis will probably try and trade into the first round. IMO, that's a big mistake. Let's not chase a player we think will be the next DHB. Recent history tells us the Raiders are much better at drafting in the later rounds.
So while we trade picks to move up and take one player, teams like NE will be happy to trade down and amass picks and expand their talent pool.
NYRaider,
We do agree on Oher, et al. Swap him for DHB with all else remaining the same and we put Vlad at RT, we have bookend OT's for several years. Or, maybe Vlad stays at center.
I don't see us moving up to round one in the draft.
If you believe some of the media, we got two first rounders this year in McClain and Houston. Ford and Vlad may wind up being steals, and we haven't had a good look at Bruce Campbell yet.
I look for them going for more of that late round magic again. It's worked fairly well the last two drafts.
If there are some decent FA OL then I would like to see them concentrate there first, then worry about WR.
On defense, just a personal opinion, I would like to see Huff move to cover corner. I think he is better than Routt or Johnson.
Then put Mitchell in at safety. He did reasonably well this season when in there. Even though Huff inproved, I believe Mitchell would be better in run support and cut down on the big runs.
With another year under his belt, McClain should be better. He was improving until his foot problem cropped up. He missed the Jax game and was hobbled against the Peytons.
As a side not, it's been a while since we started this discussion this late in the season. Right there is reason for optimism.
H
H - Huff plays a deep saftey position that few have been able to master on the Raiders (not since Rod Woodson).
IMO, Mitchell is not the answer at FS. If there's a player aside from Huff that can handle the position, it might be Stevie Brown. He's got the making of a ball hawk but he might be another year or two away from starting at FS.
Every time the Raiders change DCs the defense is different. But this crap about Al running the defense has been going on for years. Actually it's been going on since people stopped saying Al ran the offense.
H, I'd make one change from your defensive changes. I'd move Branch to FS (he's faster than Mitchell) and Mitchell to SS (he's better against the run).
"H"....
The circus routine about Al's "D" is truly remarkable...
We were a 4-3 before Madden...We became a 3-4 under Madden/Flores -n- a Hi-Bred 3-4 under the "Rat"...We than became a 4-3 under Shell I and on til now...During that time we have played many different sub-schemes within the 4-3 base scheme from "SOB"s "LB"s deep -w- no blitz to Marshals combination of 4-3/5-1-5 Big Nickle/4-2-5 Big Nickle/Zone/M-M/Blitz packages and on it goes...
But the whole damn time we were still running Al's scheme...Well than every possible scheme connected with football must have originated with Al Davis...
Your right about the root definition of the word "Scheme" but as it applies to football the "D" formation is used to call out a specific Scheme...
http://www.football-defense.com/the-5-best-defensive-schemes-for-2010/
http://www.letstalkdefense.com/defensiveschemes.html
http://www.cyber-shack.net/cybercoach/htm/Playbooks.htm
Just for reference and some nice info contained too...
"NYR"...
I disagree...We still have a need at "WR"...Yes..."JLH"-n-Miller are expendable and should be replaced with quality talent that will draw the double coverage...The more talent we have at the "WR" position drawing the double the less likely anyone gets doubled...
Already they need to double Zack at "TE" -n- "D-Mac" out of the backfield....Now if we add 2 "WR"s who also require double coverage who will they try to take away from the game...They simply don't have enough "DB"s to cover that and also stop that run...
The thinner we make their "D" the better our "O" can perform...
PantyRaider...Weapons-Weapons -N- More Weapons!!!!/_
"BR"...
One thing that's nice is that we now have several young bodies on the "D" side of the ball that can be moved around and will prolley develop into top quality defenders...
I still feel the need to add one top quality "CB" to play opposite Namndi...Depth is needed simply because Namndi is now becoming a little long in the tooth and injuries have limited him this season...There appears to be a few quality "FA"s who will be available this off season...
PantyRaider...1-or-2 On "D" The Rest @ "OL"-n-"WR"!!!!/_
Blanda - we are predominantly a man-to-man coverage team that plays a single deep safety. That has not changed over the course of the last several DCs. No reason to go back to the 70's to find alternate schemes.
Why is it so hard to fathom that Davis is behind the basic philosophy that drives the defense? He interviews and hires ALL the coaches. He drafts the players. You don't think Davis is steering HIS ship?
Aren't you the one that suggested he's more involved now than he was a few years ago?
Davis historically had been closely involved in the coaching, including being at practices, coaching players one on one and calling down from his owner's box during games for specific plays and/or players.
It's hard to imagine that has changed so much that coaches now have complete autonomy.
"NYR" Please...
Yes Al Davis like any strong football man is going to have his preference but to say he coaches actively and doesn't let the folks he hires do their jobs is absurd...
Al Davis prefers the "V" "O" right...The Sid Gilman...He hates that "WCO" that Gruden and White ran but they still ran it and he still hired them knowing that's what they would run...Right!!!....
Al prefers "M-M" yes...That has always been a trademark of the Raiders....But to say he won't allow his "DC" to vary from that is completely inaccurate...Marshal has and has NOT been fired for it...Just as you noted our "DB"s seem confused in the Zone and I agree but now you want to bash the leadership for NOT allowing the Zone????....How foolish is that...
Now you said this and I contend it's NOlonger true...
we are predominantly a man-to-man coverage team that plays a single deep safety
One of the reasons we have given up several big plays is that we didn't have a deep "S" to protect our backsides this season...Both to the run and to the pass...There was NO one back there....They were up closer to the line in run support or blitzing...
Also it has been noted even by your favorite "Mediot" that we play Zone in the "RedZone" this season and get burned for it repeatedly....
PantyRaider...Put That Crap To Rest...You Have Nothing To Support It!!!!/_
"But to say he won't allow his "DC" to vary from that is completely inaccurate...."
Please don't put words in my mouth.
"You Have Nothing To Support It...."
If not, then why do you agree by saying this...
"Al prefers "M-M" yes...That has always been a trademark of the Raiders...."
That's pretty much all I'm saying. So you're agreeing with me and disagreeing with me in the same breath.
Of course Marshall has put his own twist on the D, I never said he didn't. But, in your words, he is still running the Raiders' trademark M-M as his base D.
IMO, if anyone is at risk of not coming back next year it's probably Marshall... for all the liberties he took outside the "trademark D."
And if Marshall is sent packing, we can probably expect to see the FS stay off the LOS, along with less blitzing next year.
So all the things that I'd like to give Marshall credit for, e.g., more blitzing, bringing the FS closer to the LOS, etc, are probably the same reasons he will be removed as DC.
So for the record the crying is already started...All off season this board will again be filled with crying rants aimed at bashin Mr Davis for whatever perceived injustices still prevail...How sad if that's all there is again after so much achievement/advancement this season....
Well fortunately for me I'm outta here next week and will be far too busy back home to even bother with the "Trail-o-Tears" prolley until draft time unless that are some big "FA"-n-Coach movements...
Why go after a new "DC" when Al is the "DC"...Pathetic!!!....
Al will never go after a "WR"...On what grounds do you post that when he has spent huge on that position in the past...That list is endless...
Hell...If anything was neglected it was "OL"/"LB"s/"DL" and that got almost all the attention this season in "FA"s -n- the draft....
But I'm sure there will be something pointed out as neglected again...Like "TE" because Zack got hurt and we didn't have an adequate replacement just like every other team in the freakin NFL...Who is "SD" going to play in place of theirs this week...
PantyRaider...Let Not That Tear Build In The Corner Of Thy Eye!!!!/_
H said....I’m saying Sapp has made statements with no backup, no supporting evidence...
Really? The guy was in the freakin locker room for 3 years? I think he has a good idea of how it works. He is a blowhard and he is one of the few that has spoken out on the inner workings of the Raider Org. Those of us who have watched this team for decades, have a good idea how it works. It is very obvious by the turnover of players and coaches but the identity stays the same. It has only changed ONCE and thats the period you loathe, Gruden time. It doesn't matter what your opinion is, it doesn't change the facts. You can pretend and deny, doesn't make it so.
JONES
"NYR"...
You love to cry...I can't help you...There are no tissues that water absorbent...
You are who you are regardless of what the Raiders and Mr Davis do...
There will always be water on the "Trail-o-Tears" in the "Valley-o-Doom-n-Gloom"....
I have better much more positive things to consider...
GOOOOooooo Raiders -n- Mr Davis!!!!
PantyRaider....Ain't Life Grand!!!/_
The "Sapp" Oakland Raiders(2004-2007)
I count 4 seasons....
4 Cancerous Seasons...
Sapp was top of the "House Cleaning" class...
That's why we now have a new attitude...
Well...Some anyway!!!....
"You [NYR] love to cry...I can't help you...There are no tissues that water absorbent..."
There's no crying involved. I'm just stating my opinion.
Unfortunately, this is what happens when you disagree with me and can provide no credible response to my opinions.
If anything, I'm the one on the board suggesting we made improvements this year and we should stick with the status quo. You and others here are the ones calling for change.
The Raiders are one win shy of meeting my early season expectation for this season. That combined with some record-breaking performances and I'd say it was a pretty good year.
No crying here. I just call 'em like I see 'em.
Back in the day...Al used to bring in those vets who had attitude. Those players would come to Oakland and it was like they could BREATH. So, their response to the Raider way was usually very positive. Todays misfits, are disruptive on teams who treat them well, when they come to the Raiders and see the unorthodox way of the Raiders, they shake their heads and wonder how they win at all. They now crave to go back to a team that is run in this century. The Raiders have made strides this year in "normalizing" the org which is encouraging. Players of today want to be on a team that gives them the perks of a modern org. Cheeseburgers from Micky D's isn't a perk anymore. So the disgruntled become very disgruntled. I don't really like Sapp, never felt much for him either way, he never seemed to be a Raider. He's like Barkley, that's why he got the job. He tells what he thinks without holding back. People who do that, usually aren't bullshitters, Sapp's word is dependable, why would he lie?
JONES
H -
I disagree with your suggestion to move Huff to CB. Huff has coverage skills but is not a good fit to be a starting M2M corner in our system.
Sure, he can be used as a nickel corner covering a 3rd WR. Putting him as the corner across the field from Nnamdi is inviting trouble. Although CJ and Routt have struggled at times and been picked on, both are better M2M corners than Huff will ever be. Huff's coverage instincts has been shaped by playing safety and playing zone principles.
Now if you were to tell me the Raiders will be going to a zone D, Huff would be worth discussing but we know that won't happen.
The reality is that we put our safeties in very difficult situations by the nature of our defensive scheme and are prone to giving up FAR too many big plays.
One of the adjustments that Marshall has made is to tinker with how we use our safeties. Getting Mitchell on to the field in the big nickel works very well against some opponents although it was the primary reason Manning burned us last week. Virtually every time Mitchell hit the field, Manning audibilized out of a pass play and into a run play.
Personally, I'd like to see Marshall stay with the Raiders and for there to be continued development by our current players plus adding a few key additions.
For the record the only negative point I am making about Marshal as "DC" is his apparent history which translates to the last 2 seasons as well...
Inconsistency and he has a ceiling there that he has never overcome....
His "D"s have improved and have had high potential at times but always regressed in time...They have never remained top units for any period of time...
I contribute that not to his schemes and use of them but to his game time play calling...He just doesn't seem to be able to anticipate what another team is about to do consistently at all....
That's where a sharper mind at "DC" could bring immediate benefits and also one that is historically better against the run which has been our Aquiles Heal...
PantyRaider...42 Yrs Of History Won't Disappear!!!!/_
Should #55 be a Raider...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gtsE4RxIt4
Question from another board....
Going into 2011, the 2 biggest priorities should be:
Improving the OLine and improving the run Defense.
These 2 very basic elements would do wonders to making us a serious playoff contender next season.
Did I mention 245#s -w- 4.2 speed in a 6'1" frame...
Projected at "OLB" 3-4th rd 2011 draft class..
At that speed -n- size he could also translate to "S"....
Cable loves versatility...Davis loves speed....This kid could have it all...
"CJ"....
I think some of those issues will be addressed with "FA" signing thus leaving the draft to satisfy other needs/desires...
PantyRaider....Best Player Available!!!/_
WoW!...Sure hope Al didn't read this....
Moch, 6'1", 245 pounds, ran a 40-yard dash in 4.2 seconds, which was after he had run a 4.08 and 4.18 for NFL scouts. The scouts purportedly did not believe their stopwatches so they asked Moch to run again and he recorded the 4.2."He has freakish talent," Nevada defensive coordinator Andy Buh said. When he puts his mind to it, he's unstoppable."
PantyRaider...The Freak Of The Draft....NO Not Al!!!!/_
Well now...Sense it's Al's "D" and Al loves Freakish things that others might "Moch" I could see this kid as a "S" in that "Big-Nickle"...
The perfect fit at "Tweener" "OLB"/"SS"
In other news:
Chiefs OC Weis would consider move to Florida for same role
Weis had a superb year leading the Chiefs' offense following a poor stint as Notre Dame's head coach, but he would consider a move to Florida -- and back to the college game -- according to the source.
PantyRaider...Tisk-Tisk If The "Squaws" Lose Their "OC"!!!/_
John Fox who was a coach with the Raiders 94-95 and was the "DC" for 5 season -w- the Giants is out of a job Monday along with his entire staff...
Carolina has been known for playing good "D" sense "02" when Fox joined that team...He was evidently also their "DC" sense there is none listed...Would Fox make a good "DC" for us now???...
2010....
"D"-#16
Pass-#11
Rush-#23
Scoring-#24
Sacks-#17
Int's-#9
2009....
"D"-#8
Pass-#4
Rush-#22
Scoring-#9
Sacks-#23
Ints-#5
PantyRaider...Just Wondering!!!!/_
"Party Like It's 1999"....
Soon to be 12 seasons past and that "DoomsDay" just never showed up while things just keep ticking...
Well!!...There's always "2012" to look forward to...
HappyNewYear!!! Raiders now go bag me some "Squaw"....
http://www.football-defense.com/
Fox would NEVER work for Al again, any real Raider fan knows that.:+}
JONES
Marvin Lewis is another outstanding "DC" who is now on the hot seat in his "HC" position after 4 seasons and the total meltdown that is Cinncy...
He finally took that team to the "PO"s last season but it's questionable whether he gets another "HC" opportunity any time soon after the total meltdown that has followed..."TO"s cancerous mouth adds coals to any already hot situation....
But like "ML" said....
"In this case, no one was willing to bring you aboard for a long time and then we ended up doing it late, so don't hurt yourself in that situation as you go forward," Lewis said, referring to Owens' inability to find a team in the offseason. "There's a lesson there and make sure. Unfortunately once we say something, we don't get the chance to take it back. We try, but we don't get to and it's too late sometimes."
Yes!!...Right-On!! "ML"....And it will no doubt be very difficult for him to find another taker this off season too....
PantyRaider...Anyone Want "TO"s Cancer On Our Roster!!!!/_
He is the one "WR" I was against bringing in this season...I could take "NoMoss" or Vincent Jackson/Plaxico "GunDumb" Burris or others who have had some off field/on field issues but NOT the cancer that is "TO"....
"TotallyOut"...
The Raiders Are Better Than The "Squaw"s....That Was Proven The Last Time We Met..
It will stand as evidence this time also…In there house where we have beaten them recently…
Last week we scrubbed the gameplan and used that time to promote our passing game to the tune of 40 passes to 15 runs….That work will pay off this week as now “KC” has had a new identity to prepare for…A team who can move the chains threw the air as well as on the ground…
I expect to see some balance with a very heavy dose of Run mixed up with a very strong Play Action passing game to the “TE”-n-"RB"s as well as getting the ball down field to our "WR"s…Hue will keep them off balance this week as he promotes himself in Al’s eyes…
Our players go home after this game so there is NO issue for them as regards health next week…They will have plenty of time to recoup their bodies so they will leave everything on that football field Sunday morning…The same can’t be said for the "Squaw"s who just want to get beyond this one and into their “SB” hunt…And the “MartyBall” celebration means absolutely squat to any of these players…He was “HC” of “SD” against them so NO motivation will come from this….Except to the Raiders who want to ruin his parade…
The motivation is on the side of the Raiders as well as the “Will to Win”….
Raiders 30-n-"Squaw"s 13 as we dominate them in their house!!!/_
PS....Look for some fights...This will be a very physical football game for sure!!!!....
Two words:
Stefen Wisniewski.
Nephew of The Wiz (a legacy). He's a Senior and 3-year starter at Penn State. Watched him play today. It's no surprise the N-Lions run to his (right) side. Highly probably he could immediately step in and play RG, or possibly C.
Kick and scream all you want, but here’s what J-Mac has to say about the Raiders D, and that it’s directly tied to Al Davis.
“[Getting few opportunities] isn’t likely to change for Asomugha if the Raiders maintain true to the Al Davis belief in going with more man-to-man defense than any team in the NFL.”
“It’s not that the Raiders have bad players in the secondary as much as they’re put in impossible situations. There’s a reason no one plays as much man-to-man as the Raiders.”
“As a cornerstone defensive philosophy in the year 2011, it doesn’t work.”
Jerry also makes an interesting note about Charles Woodson, and how much more productive he has been in GB than he was in Oakland, implying that their style of D has opened up opportunities for Woodson to shine.
http://tinyurl.com/32oymrw
It’s titled:
“Over-reliance on man-to-man hurts Raiders”
As I’ve said many times, M2M coverages is the reason we have so few turnovers.... DBs have their back to the QB and can’t see the play happening.
Raiders defense needs to climb out of the dark ages. Hiring a new DC will mean absolutely nothing until this is conceded by Davis.
It isn't going to make a dent NYR, they will start lashing out and saying they play a whole new defense now with different formations and blah blah blah. Anyone with a brain knows Al wants his defense to play under HIS philosophy that spans back to the 70's at least. This IS THE SCHEME, not formations. Anyone with a brain can recognize it, I think those who do deny it, really don't have a good knowledge of football. They will pretend they do, but, as always, the truth always comes out and they will move on to their next charade. Good job NYR for exposing the truth, it's much better reading than some pie in the sky opinion.
JONES
"NYR"...
What a marvelous piece of work...Bet your really proud of you favorite "Mediot" -n- sidekick aren't you....
Perhaps he failed to explain this tid-bit or did it just escape his and your crying attention...
Raiders "D" Ranked #3 in the entire NFL against the pass and have been in the top 5 all damn 2010 season...
Now how the hell do you explain that if all that ails us is caused by "M-M" coverage....
"09" we were the #7 overall Pass "D" in the whole freakin NFL but in the top 5 most of the season...
"08" we finished #10 but here again we were around the top 5 at several points during that season....
"07" at #8...
"06" at #1 in the whole freakin NFL...
That covers the past 5 seasons finishing with an average of 5.8th place amongst all NFL teams...Who the hell has done better over that 5 season span...HuH!!!....Got an answer for that one!!!...
All the hell your damn dumb "Mediot" was talking about is the low production measured by "Int's" and That's IT!!!...NOT the overall production of the Pass "D" that employs "M-M" coverage in an era when it doesn't work....BULLSHIT it doesn't work...The time we failed is when we tried to play ZONE....Remember!!!...
Damn!!...How does this stupidity even get published....
Didn't our archaic "M-M" "D" just hold the #1 Passing "O" to less than 180yds....Indy ran the damn ball rather than to throw into the teeth of our "DB"s...Now how the hell do you figure that one into you ridicules crying rants!!!...
PantyRaider..."It Doesn't Work In This Modern Era Of NFL FootBall"....LIES!!!...Total Fucken LIES!!!!/_
Talk about twisting shit you should be ashamed of yourself for this crap!!!
This is what he was talking about continuing....
Asomugha noted the 2006 season when Oakland finished the season ranked second (actually first) and said, “I think we’ve always fared pretty well against the pass just because of our style of play, it’s kind of like hit or miss and we’ve been able to hit more times than we’ve missed. With our trouble in the past stopping the run, the pass has really been our strength.”
Asomugha continues to be avoided at all costs. Stats, Inc., has opponents throwing his direction 32 times with 13 completions for 205 yards. Beat writer Steve Corkran, who keeps a close watch and double checks his figures with Asomugha, has him giving up only 10 completions in 27 attempts for 166 yards. Most important, Asomugha hasn’t given up a touchdown all season.
Fuckin ridicules!!!...You twist it into a lie every damn time don't you!!!...
Pick out just a few statements out of context to portray your lying fantasies...
This is an interview that should not be missed as Hue talks Raider football and the key to their disappointments...
My favorite word this season...
"Inconsistency"...
http://www.raiders.com/
Click on Hue's interview...
"Raiders "D" Ranked #3 in the entire NFL against the pass and have been in the top 5 all damn 2010 season..."
What should be obvious, stats don't win games.
Raiders are ranked near the bottom of the league in more important stats, like scoring defense, so it really doesn't matter how good you think the pass D is based on stats.
"The time we failed is when we tried to play ZONE....Remember"
I would guess the reason they don't play zone well is that they don't coach or practice it enough.
Meanwhile, teams like the Bucs in the SB and the Colts last Sunday beat us all day long with a cover 2 defense that the Raiders don't even know how to play.
The Raiders know one style of defense (that they can play well), but that's not good enough to win consistently in the NFL. This year (Marshall's second season) is proof of that.
"Fuckin ridicules!!!...You twist it into a lie every damn time don't you!!!..."
See, that's really unfortunate. You didn't learn from our recent exhanges. You want to make it personal. I simply quoted the media and suggested that I agree. For that I'm labeled the liar. What a shame.
You quickly reduce the level of your dialogue to personal attacks when you have no credible response.
I don't care if you agree with me. So why do you care so much that I agree with you?
Personal Hell!!...
For someone who loves that "Mediot" so damn much your making personal attacks on his word by twisting that shit completely out of context while trying to support your fantasy lie at his expense...Now that's personal!!!...
I'm just the messenger who exposes that crap for what it is...Total fuckin "BS" which in my estimation is a "Bald Face Lie"...
Un-Truth/Deceit/Falsehood/Unjustifiable without substance or legitimacy/Unproven without substantial evidence in support...
Now state one damn thing that legitimizes anything you posted...
And sense you don't like stats you can't use a single state to support your ridicules damn claims...
Your on the clock...Tick-Tick-Tick...
I'm still waiting for you to TALK sense!!!....
>>>>
The Raiders know one style of defense (that they can play well), but that's not good enough to win consistently in the NFL. This year (Marshall's second season) is proof of that.
>>>>
Nobody was whining about M2M when we had the three year championship run.
JMAC isn't a fan of it... obviously. That doesn't mean he is right. And it would work better if we could ever find a second CB... and safeties that don't have their heads collectively up their ass.
The group of secondary players we have now would be horrible at cover 2 because cover 2 requires ANTICIPATION... something our entire secondary is incapable of.
Someone in the comments at JMAC said a Cinci CB is a free agent next year... I'd bet good money with someone comparable to Asum on the other corner there wouldn't be any complaints about our defense.
Defensive stats are ranked according to yards allowed. It's pretty common knowledge that teams who have trouble stopping the run can have overinflated defensive stats in the passing game. More important stats relate to turnovers and points allowed. N.O. led the league in initiating turnovers last season and the result of that speaks for itself.
I'm not going to get into any argument beyond that. But I'm definitely one of those that believes that Al likes to have a hand in the defense, and some players on the team have said as much over the years. Of course, he's not making any game-day adjustments or play-calls. That's a red herring in my book.
There's no one in the FA market or tradabble DB that's comparable to Asum. We've heard Asum himself talk about the limitations of this defense.
NY Raider hit the nail on the head. As long as teams are able to run on us, score on us and avoid turnovers, there's no need for any team that plays us to take chances in the air. While Asum is a great cover guy, our actually pass defense stats over the years are inflated due to the fact that most teams like to run against us. We were definitely better this season. But without big plays and turnovers, our defense will continue in its inability to have a real impact in the NFL.
Are we finally over the 'Gannatowski' nonsense? I've had to listen to two seasons of some Raider fans seeing this 3rd-string level QB as a franchise savior. Cable should be fired for playing QB musical chairs alone. But beyond that, he should be fired for his lack of brains. I'm putting it on record: this guy doesn't possess the brains to take us to the next level. If some don't buy that now, or expect a better explanation, his retention alone will explain in the coming seasons. Hopefully Al sends this guy packing. One of the phoniest HC's I've ever seen.
FYI, I don't read Jmac or any mediot garbage. I use my observational skills, note historical trends and listen to what the players have to say.
"We're a team that chooses to be who we are regardless of who we're playing against and regardless of the matchups or the things that the other team is going to present," Asomugha said Wednesday. "We've got one way of doing it, and that's what we do, and teams can get us into some tough situations."
PR - You need to look at the entire picture, stats, and context when claiming we have had a "top 5 pass" defense the past 5 years.
A perfect example of how our pass defense, based on yardage allowed, is totally misleading:
Our "top 5" pass defense has given up 29 TDs which is ranked #28th in the league.
Our "top 5" pass defense has given up 51 plays of 20+ yards which is ranked #26.
Our "top 5" pass defense has only 10 interceptions which is ranked #27.
The point being is that our pass defense needs to give up less touchdowns, less 20+ yard plays, and create more turnovers before you get bogged down with an out of context stat like yards allowed.
In the big picture:
Manning only passed for 179 yards yet threw 3 TD passes set up largely by the Colts running the ball down our throat.
Bottom Line:
Until we can stop the run on a consistent basis, it really doesn't matter how good our M2M corners play.
Did I mention 245#s -w- 4.2 speed in a 6'1" frame...
Projected at "OLB" 3-4th rd 2011 draft class..
----------------
Al Davis: "I'll show those projections wrong! Tommy-boy, get your fat mug over here! We have our first round pick. Now go away!"
I don't think many were saying Grad was going to be the second coming of Gannon. What we did see was the Offense respond to him when he came in to lead the Offense. This is why some of us were backing Grad to be the starter, when you got lemons, you pick the best smelling one, no?
Campbell was used to manage a game, he wasn't going to win a game on his shoulders, he was there to hand off and dump off. He really doesn't bring what is needed to the table either. I was calling for a 1-2 punch, with the hot hand given #1.
As far as firing Cable, who are you going to get? Hue? Who knows how the team will take to him being HC. At least with Cable, we can see the team responds to him. Will Hue be the HC/OC? A lot on his plate and we saw that Cable wasn't making it with that setup.
The Defense of 2000-2002 had a GREAT OFFENSE that kept them off the field with BALL CONTROL. There were games when the O wasn't clicking and the Defense was looking very similar to a Raider Defense that we have seen over the last 8 yrs. Giving up big runs and getting run over. I remember going up to Seattle to watch the Raiders play the shithawks at Husky stadium, they ran for over 300 yrds that night, also met Tom Flores and his wife on the shuttle bus after.
When Art2 was back in town, the Raider pass D was ranked high, most teams just ran the ball, they had no worry of the Raiders scoring big points, they didn't need to pass, so yes, stats aren't always telling of the TRUE story.
JONES
From Williamson @ ESPN (the guy who does the ESPN AFC West Blog).
"Also, it's a good thing Oakland has Jacoby Ford, because 2009 No. 1 draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey looks like a dud. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he has caught just 26 of 61 targets with five drops this season. The Raiders promised we’d see big strides this season from the No. 7 overall pick last year. All we’ve seen is the occasional flash buried in long periods of him disappearing. It’s time to focus on Ford and not Heyward-Bey, regardless of their paychecks."
Agree 100%.
Jones: Truth be told, the last time we had an elite, dominating defense was in 1983 ... 27 years ago.
So much for my so-called "lies and twisting the truth." Here's a trustworthy assessment of the Raiders defense that is spot on and worth re-posting (from onandon).
"We're a team that chooses to be who we are regardless of who we're playing against and regardless of the matchups or the things that the other team is going to present," Asomugha said Wednesday. "We've got one way of doing it, and that's what we do, and teams can get us into some tough situations."
In fairness, I believe this quote is a little dated, but it still applies. Asomugha has repeated this sentiment many times over the years. He obviously would like to play at a higher level but he is being held back by a singular scheme.
As for the Raiders potentially being able to improve their M2M defense by adding one more cover corner, sure they could.
Alternately, modern defenses don't always require the most athletic DBs in the NFL.
There are plenty of teams in the NFL with equal or even less talent than the Raiders who play better defense.
IMO, the Raiders would be better served to play a more dynamic defense (as Nnamdi implies) instead of finding more high-priced players.
J-Mac: "It’s not that the Raiders have bad players in the secondary as much as they’re put in impossible situations. There’s a reason no one plays as much man-to-man as the Raiders."
>>>
There are plenty of teams in the NFL with equal or even less talent than the Raiders who play better defense.
>>>>
Most of this is because of coaching, IMO... not scheme.
Why do the Raiders always have problems tackling, fer instance?
Is it because we are a M2M team??
Why do our safeties constantly late, habitually forget their assignments, and never around the ball? Is it because of scheme?
BTW... as already pointed out... any time we try to play zone, they are exposed as being even WORSE... because as I have already pointed out... it requires anticipation, and laziness is exploited. In M2M, they only have one assignment COVER YOUR GUY. In zone, the assigment is fluid.
IMO, in order for the Raiders to become a zone defense team, the entire secondary needs to be replaced. How many years would that take?
>>>>
IMO, the Raiders would be better served to play a more dynamic defense (as Nnamdi implies) instead of finding more high-priced players.
>>>>
Bullshit. They already have no clue... a zone would only make them worse.
>>>
J-Mac: "It’s not that the Raiders have bad players in the secondary as much as they’re put in impossible situations.
>>>>
Complete and utter bullshit.
He keeps banging on how hard it is for a FS to be "out on an island"... BULLSHIT. The only reason it is hard is because we draft FS's that SUCK! When you rely on players like Gibson, or Huff, yes... that position looks tough.
>>>>
There’s a reason no one plays as much man-to-man as the Raiders."
>>>>
Theres also a reason when we get two M2M corners together, we go to the SB. Weve had half of the package for the last 5 years... if anything, Al is remiss in bringing a second in.
I love how you glob onto any information you can find that suggest there are problems with Al and the "Raider way" NYR.
Your IAAF is always skin deep.
Sorry Gary, that's some illogical nonsense you just wrote. Of course scheme matters and of course cover 0, 1, etc defense affects linebacker positioning on the field, areas of responsibility and the ability to react quickly on certain plays. Big 'duh' right there. The main point is that we can't play every team the same way and be a consistently stifling defense. It'll never happen. Nnamdi is right. You're talking in circles. If, if, if. Use your head and come up with something a little more creative. Good grief.
Why do the Raiders always have problems tackling, fer instance?
Is it because we are a M2M team??
------------
Yup. Playing every team the same way and not differentiating strengths and weaknesses is a huge problem for this organization. As Nnamdi has pointed out on several occasions, most teams know what we're doing and when we're doing it. I think Marshall tried to change a few things up this season, but not nearly enough to keep teams out of the endzone and us from initiating turnovers.
---------------
Why do our safeties constantly late, habitually forget their assignments, and never around the ball? Is it because of scheme?
----------------
Duh! Of course. Scheme dictates on-field assignments and responsibilities. Do you think all offensive and defensive schemes are unnecessarily or have no impact? Get real.
------------
predictable, static defense or dynamic, adaptable defense ... tough choice huh?
At one point during his Raiders stint, Rob Ryan admitted that the Raiders' FS has too much responsibility. He is the last line of defense on a team in which all the other DBs (as many as five) have their back to the play while they cover their man assignments.
M2M is the quintessential island for DBs.
Huff is a good player. He was a standout at Texas and has been nothing but hardworking and professional since joining the Raiders. This year, when given the opportunity to play closer to the LOS, he has excelled by making tackles near or behind the line and sacking the QB.
Gary said: “Theres also a reason when we get two M2M corners together, we go to the SB.”
‘02-03 we had C Woodson, with Tory James on the other side. Was James an elite CB? I don’t remember that. Sure, he was pretty good, but elite?
Check Woodson’s career stats again. His numbers are 10x better in GB than in Oak. That’s because he excelled in another D scheme.
Gary said: “IMO, in order for the Raiders to become a zone defense team, the entire secondary needs to be replaced.”
Do you think these guys have never played zone before? Don’t you think Asomugha is good enough to play zone? He’s practically begging the Raiders to be more dynamic.
Most of these guys came out of college having played zone defenses. Perhaps it’s the Raiders and their M2M scheme that causes them to take a step backward in their development as players.
In order for M2M to work, DBs have to be superior to their counterpart WRs (Gary, you said so yourself). In zone, players get help, they see the play developing and can adjust quicker. It’s also the impetus for more turnovers... which leads to more wins.
Now if the reason we should stick exclusively with M2M is because Raider DBs are “lazy,” well that’s another story. By all means, let’s not wake anyone up from their slumber.
OK, off to watch the game. Today is huge. It's a chance to go 8-8 on the season and break a streak of losing that has plagued this team long enough. Anything less than 8-8 would be a failure on many levels.
It's Gameday!
GO RAIDERS!!
Gameday thread is up.
Gary complains about the players and the coaches and then he says others are Al haters......who the freak picks the players, coaches and dictates the scheme? What a goof.
JONES
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