Carry On...
Am I the only one who can't see past the 200-comment mark here? Still seeking a solution.
Since I'm take-less at the moment, I just invite you to carry on. I see that my last plea for less profanity and personal attacks was ignored, so I guess I'll give up?
GO RAIDERS. This is a team on the rise. The foundation is being poured, and the walls are going up.
Since I'm take-less at the moment, I just invite you to carry on. I see that my last plea for less profanity and personal attacks was ignored, so I guess I'll give up?
GO RAIDERS. This is a team on the rise. The foundation is being poured, and the walls are going up.
posted by Raider Take at 2:54 PM
238 Comments:
"Tradition -n- History"!!!
It's the same "Old Raider Tradition" and the same Raiders...There's NO new team coming up from what was NOR any "New Raider Order" that puts to rest what was/is my football team!!!
I pimped Reggie because he's "Old School" Raider and that glorious tradition lives on thew Al's son as well...This is NOT a situation of Marc waiting for his day to annihilate the history and traditions of his father's team...It's just the beginning of Marc's rein as he finds his own way down the same path his father was always on...."Championships"!!!
My guess is the ones who pimp that negative ass crap so strongly had such piss poor childhood and relationships with "Daddy" that they just naturally expect everyone else to react the same in some "HateTrip" for what was...Just Ain't Happening Baby!!!
As I posted and "DA" just confirmed:
----------------------------------
Perhaps that new ride your looking for isn't what your expecting to see??...
The driver is an old school Raider who got his training wheels under hard core old school Raiders like Tom Flores and Ron Wolf so don't expect him to forget how to drive Raider Style!!!...
Old School is in his roots!!!
And that's the whole damn point!!!...Marc is his father's son and Reggie is Marc's father's Clone so why the hell would you expect that new ride to be so damn different than the old ride???
I'm just enjoying all the little parallels with the obvious new mixed in as Marc -n- Reggie feel their own way around the same course Raider Style....Our Identity!!!...
Obviously they add their own variations to the art of driving while never forgetting what got them here...
"Old School Raider Football -n- Strong Raider Traditions"!!!
PantyRaider...As Our Slogans Live On!!!!/_
So how long before Marc -n- Reggie add their own slogans to what Al has left behind???
PS!!!...Hue's "Next Man Up" is NOT a Raider Slogan!!!...LoL!!!
Vittorio Tafur @VittorioTafur
Report: NT Chapman to visit Raiders – Oakland Raiders http://cbsprt.co/GXl64E #cbssports
With all the talk of a "Hybrid D" I'm reminded of last season's game against "SD" and how we dominated in the end and took that game away!!!
My Vote Would Be A Hybrid 5-2/3-4 Which We May Already Have Much Of The Personnel for!!!
We have the “DL” to line up in the 5-2 and did it with great success under the Marshmallow"!!!
All you do is drop your "DE"s back as "OLB"s and your in the 3-4 and that’s where the formation comes from…The old “52” which is strong against the run…
In a Hybrid we could drop only one “DE” back and play in a 4-3…
Than with all the “Nickle/Big Nickle/Dime Packages” "CB"s-n-"S"s become valuable substitutes…
Could this be why we’re signing so many "DB"s at the moment???
Or is it just because "DA" was a "DB" coach as the "Mediot"s suggest???
PantyRaider...If There Is A Plan "DA" Ain't Giving It Up!!!!/_
"OTB"...
Please never again pimp anything like that again!!!...I have absolutely NOTHING in common with that type of "DARKNESS" and that's about as low as you could posibly go!!
I don't read a single word of that Demonic Influence and get way more than I desire just by reading your replies to it!!!
The sooner it passes on the better!!!
Just Die Already You Haunting LIAR!!!!
"Reggie is Marc's father's Clone"
This broken record appears to be based more on astrology than observations, actions and facts. But that’s just my opinion. Let’s let other folks weigh in. Below are simple observations (truisms if I may be so bold) posted by NYR and CJ. Folks here can decide for themselves if the stars have lined up making “Reggie McKenzie Al Davis’ clone.”
1 - AL's org had little to no structure. Reggie is all about structure.
2 - AL signed high-priced players, while Reggie looks for relative bargains.
3 - AL was all about speed and athleticism, while Reggie has made it quite clear that football acumen comes first.
4 - AL mostly hired his own coaching staff (and retained coaches he wanted), while Reggie gave that authority to his HC
5 - Reggie has initiated more open, regular communication with the fans and media
6 - The new regime is less secretive, and less confrontation
These bullet points only touch the surface.
In fairness, Reggie did once play football for the Raiders, and he has personal connections with other former players, coaches and execs.
You make the call....
Jones - I wanted to respond to your HC question from the last thread.
I vote Kiffin as well. I could explain my reasoning, but I'm sure to offend some folks here if I do.
My "76" "SB" Champion Raiders defeated the the "85" bears by a score of 51% to 49% in the Semi-Final Rounds and the Ravens also defeated the "49 tears" 52% to 48%...
We will now go head to head to decide who's the "Greatest Team Of All Time"!!!
I shouldn't have to remind you how much Al Davis and John Madden deserve this "V" along with all those great players in the "Hall-o-Fame"!!!
Time to give something back!!!
Just Vote Baby!!!!
http://www.nfl.com/features/bracketology/alltimeteams?round=6
Yup!!!...Your "HateTrips" know NO bounds!!!
This is pretty revealing that the organization IS changing:
From a Q&A with Dennis Allen.
Q: On some of the challenges with walking into a place where it’s been done one way for so long:
Allen: I think the biggest challenge is that because the leadership has been the way it’s been done for so long, people are used to doing things one way. I think the biggest challenge is just getting people within the organization to open up the thought process to doing things another way. There are different ways to do things in this league. I think everyone within the organization has been open and receptive to conforming to the way Reggie and I are trying to do things.”
This:
For the past hour I had like 10 open windows and I was voting on each one lol
I was able to vote like 40 times a minute or so
I didn't think of that but pass it on as a way to gain the "V" that our team deserves!!!
For those "Faithful-n-True"!!!
"Yup!!!...Your "HateTrips" know NO bounds!!!"
There's no hate trip... just looking for informed dialogue. Do you have any to offer? Outside of playing football for the Raiders and having some obvious coaching and exec connections to the team, how is Reggie AL's clone?
That's a bold statement and should be backed up, don't you think. Or is that your version of a soapbox sermon?
WoW!!!...You really stumbled on something incredible there!!!
That's like the same as it would be in any organization when long time management is replaced...Stop spending so much time in your closet and you might have understood that!!!
Copy Past it forward...I declared several things that are parallels to what was done under Al's leadership...Don't try to deny that you saw it all...
#1...How about his approach to the draft???
#2...Selection of "HC" and assistants???...Type!!!
#3...Type of players sought after so far???
#4...Named personnel positions in the Front Office???
#5...This past training camp and fan involvement???
#6...Where did Reggie get his fundamentals and training to become a football executive???
#7...What is "Raider Football" and Reggie's approach to it???
#8...Why did I pimp Reggie well back in October while you never even uttered his name in a single reply???
#9...What will be the response when the adversity starts as you know damn well it will???..."Mediot"s!!!
#10...How did Reggie himself define "Out Of Whack"???
It's all there on the past threads as you turn a blind eye as though that counts for something!!!!
Pitiful!!!
"That's like the same as it would be in any organization when long time management is replaced...."
That's right! It represents change! Not keeping things the same. See, you do get it.
What is funny is the 1-10 list above. Are you serious? These are "reasons" that Reggie is a "clone" of Al Davis. Don't insult our intelligence. This list is ridiculous on many levels.
#1...How about his approach to the draft???
Unknown as a Raider GM but if it is in the same vein as a Packer executive, night and day. As NYR alluded to originally, "AL was all about speed and athleticism, while Reggie has made it quite clear that football acumen comes first."
#2...Selection of "HC" and assistants???...Type!!!
Night and day approach. Reggie interviewed his list of candidates in quick succession. He didn't drag out the process after identifying his HC. It was methodical yet decisive.
As far as assistants, it is also night and day. Reggie hired his HC and then empowered Allen to hire and compile his own staff.
#3...Type of players sought after so far???
The players Reggie is/has identified are players at low cost that fill immediate needs. Or as NYR put it, "AL signed high-priced players, while Reggie looks for relative bargains."
#4...Named personnel positions in the Front Office???
What does this even mean? This has no relevance to comparing Al and Reggie. If you are referring to how the organization is run, Reggie's is more clear cut, structured, with clear chains of command. His org. is more in line with an $800M franchise than a mom and pop shop with John Herrera running his mouth.
#5...This past training camp and fan involvement???
It is still early but it is very clear that the Raiders will be more "fan friendly" with more open communication to keep the fan informed.
#6...Where did Reggie get his fundamentals and training to become a football executive???
Reggie got his fundamentals and training with the Green Bay Packers. I thought EVERYONE knew this obvious fact. Guess not. So how would Reggie's training with the Packers make him a clone to Davis? If you didn't already know, the Packers and Raiders are not run remotely alike in any manner.
#7...What is "Raider Football" and Reggie's approach to it???
From the PC and interviews, Reggie clearly honors and respects the Raiders history of success. If "Raider Football" means finding a way to win, I'm sure Reggie's approach will be in synch with that.
#8...Why did I pimp Reggie well back in October while you never even uttered his name in a single reply???
The more important question to ask is why have you been bad-mouthing Reggie since the day he was hired?
#9...What will be the response when the adversity starts as you know damn well it will???..."Mediot"s!!!
I would expect the response to be very business-like with clear communication instead of letting a problem fester.
#10...How did Reggie himself define "Out Of Whack"???
Q: The releases made so far, were those about production or lack of or was it about cap situation?
McKenzie: A little bit of both. When you talk about production versus a salary, in this business, once you get into the NFL, let’s fact it, guys, the contract and production, all of that goes hand in hand. If something is not matching, or it’s kind of out of whack, you’re going to have to be forced to make a decision.
Well said, CJ.
"If you didn't already know, the Packers and Raiders are not run remotely alike in any manner."
Execellent point! Just look at the type of ownership. The Packers are unique in this regard to every other team in the NFL!
Too, when we see the Raiders play defense this season, there will be nothing Raider-like about it.
Raiders have been trapped by a singular approach to doing things for so long... in the building and on the field.
So many folks here discounted the Gruden years as not part of the great Raiders history. If true, you have to go back to the early to mid '80s to find the last great Raiders football team.
Folks, that's 30+ years! It's time for change, and Mark Davis, Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen all know and understand this.
Embrace it, because it's here!
NANCY
NERD NERD NERD NERD!!!
After 9 long, disappointing years in the desert, I'm more than ready to embrace the new era and be optimistic about getting a much needed and craved sip of water.
Jethro is insane, case closed.
JONES
Raiders | Philip Wheeler to visit
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:07:41 -0700
Free-agent LB Philip Wheeler (Colts) is scheduled to visit the Oakland Raiders
The Gibberish -n- LIES will never cease in your "HateTrip"s...I get that already!!!
But instead of playing into the same very childish game that you putrid punk asses continue to try and play I'm just going to continue to post all the parallels between the "Old" and the "New" as my man Reggie carries on with the "Son of Al" and my Raiders!!!!
Try as you no doubt will to tarnish the memory of Mr Davis as you continuously deny that Marc is Al's son and in his image as most of us sons are to your perpetual dismay!!!!
Your loss is inevitable as always...Why do you continue to try????
PantyRaider...."HateTripper"s Who Love To Lose!!!!/_
Al Davis said decades ago "Give Me Your Rejects -n- Misfits And I'll Kick Your Asses With Them"!!!!
Cable started his "The Raiders Are No Longer Losers" campaign by trying to deny the glorious past of my Raiders saying he only wanted top quality personalities on his roster...Hue swayed from that back towards the "Raider Way"...
But I'm very happy to see that Marc -n- Reggie are NOT shy in their pursuit of the type of player personalities that made the Raiders the "Bad Boyz" of the NFL....
Threw their trades -n- "FA" signings as well the evidence of this FACT stands out clear for all to see...Even those with "Blinders" will find it hard to deny!!!
Do I even need to post names???
"OB" Palmer
"LB" Curry
"CB" Lee
List of injured who lost their jobs here!!!!
PantyRaider....Yup!!!...Al's Clones!!!
PS...Reggie was hired by "GB" after being a Raider....Wolf went to "GB" after being a Raider...Both of these men and others carried with them what they had already learned as Raiders while helping "GB" to enter the modern era as they sought to learn what Al Davis already knew!!!!
Now enters the "HateTripper"s in denial!!!
"OB" Palmer
"LB" Curry
"CB" Lee
List of injured who lost their jobs here!!!!
Is this suppose to mean something?
Is this the great parallel btwn Al and Reggie?
Really?
Reggie had absolutely NOTHING to do with the trades for Palmer and Curry. Strike 1, Strike 2.
Pat Lee is a cheap CB with upside who Reggie knew from GBay. Strike 3, yer out!
As far as "List of injured who lost their jobs here!!!!"
I suppose you are referring to Bartell and Spencer.
When Routt was jettisoned (out of whack contract) and C.Johnson cut (heart not in the game w/the loss of his sister, injured, inconsistent performance, out of whack contract), Reggie needed to fill a major vacuum with cap restraints.
How is this remotely in "parallel" with Al's MO?
"Yup!!!...Al's Clones!!!"
Get real poser, fraud, novice, child. Keep grasping for straws and getting air.
Sorry Panty, really... just funnin'... I'll see you guys when the players hit the field. God bless... OTB
take said:
I see that my last plea for less profanity and personal attacks was ignored, so I guess I'll give up?
that's exactly why i don't drop in here too often nowadays... i mean don't get me wrong you guys. i've been here a few years now and i'm hoping one day we could have some kind of raider take meet and greet at a game or something but if that ever happened, someone might get arrested for fighting! just an extreme example but you know what i mean...
PR, on the last thread, you criticized Reggie for bringing in a misfit. Here’s an excerpt:
PR said: “Now also the "JailBird" "CB" from "GB"!!!”
But now, apparently, you commend Reggie for this pickup.
PR said: “But I'm very happy to see that Marc -n- Reggie are NOT shy in their pursuit of the type of player personalities that made the Raiders the "Bad Boyz" of the NFL....”
Which is it?
You are reaching for parallels that don’t exist. McKenzie and Allen are as night and day as it gets to...
Davis and Kiffin
Davis and Cable
Davis and Jackson
Davis and anybody
Old School thinking leads us back to 30 years of failures. Think New School and embrace change and you will find peace within.
Cheers!
There is one thing I DO have to remind everyone in this "war"... over the next two years, like it or not, almost every key starter will be because of Al, with the exception of Carson Palmer. This is a good YOUNG team sprinkled with some key veterans.
This formula has traditionally been a key to success.
Of course if they do well over the next two years, most people will give the credit to McK and Allen... and perhaps rightfully so. But the PLAYERS are here because of Al!
If they succeed under the new management, this shouldn't be forgotten. McK is only going to have his fingerprints on a few starters next year, fer instance. Sure, its because his hands were tied financially by Al... but if the do well... this should not be discounted.
Key players Al brought in:
Shawnasty
Seymour
McFadden
Ford
Houston
Curry
Moore
Veldheer
Carlisle
Barksdale
Wiz
Kelly
Bryant
McClain
Huff
Branch
Reece
DHB
Chekwa
Thats going to be nearly the entire starting lineup folks.
Maybe a lot of these players you hate, but if the team does do _WELL_ next year... these were all Al's guys.
Obviously.
There's no way to spin it otherwise...
Oh, and I left off 1/3 of our team... Jani, Lechler, and Condo. The best ST's in the NFL.. all three would almost certainly be gone if not for Al.
Just remember folks...
Gary - it isn't about the players. The Raiders have had great players, including Randy Moss, Javon Walker, and even D-Hall.
It's about the program. If McKenzie pulls this off, it can be said he took a failing program and turned it around.
nyraider said...
Gary - it isn't about the players. The Raiders have had great players, including Randy Moss, Javon Walker, and even D-Hall.
It's about the program. If McKenzie pulls this off, it can be said he took a failing program and turned it around.
>>>>
Yuk.. those three??? I'd argue that that is not true at all. Until recently, we didn't have the players. Al drafted very very well the last few years. All I am saying is, IF the team improves this year, that should not be forgotten. If you're going to give Al the blame for the bad teams, he still deserves some credit for the good ones. His fingerprints are still ALL OVER this team. Read the list again...
Gary -
Agreed. The Raiders have drafted pretty well lately, but they've also left some tremendous players on the board while making questionable picks, based mostly on athleticism and mostly in the early rounds.
But if you look at my list again, you will see that each of those regimes failed. If you want to win, you have to put it ALL together. You can't get a little pregnant.
1 - AL's org had little to no structure. Reggie is all about structure.
2 - AL signed high-priced players, while Reggie looks for relative bargains.
3 - AL was all about speed and athleticism, while Reggie has made it quite clear that football acumen comes first.
4 - AL mostly hired his own coaching staff (and retained coaches he wanted), while Reggie gave that authority to his HC
5 - Reggie has initiated more open, regular communication with the fans and media
6 - The new regime is less secretive, and less confrontation
Two parts:
I don’t believe that McKenzie is Davis’ clone, but I do believe that McKenzie learned about talent while playing for the Raiders, and he learned how to be a GM under Ron Wolf who learned his trade working with Al Davis. What Wolf said he loved about working under the Al Davis structure is that everyone was permitted to do what he did best. I’ll critique NY’s and CJ’s “truthy” observations geared to the 10 second sound bite.
1 - AL's org had little to no structure. Reggie is all about structure.
Not so. Al ran the Raiders like a family business while most of the rest of the NFL work under a corporate structure. Notably, the other exception in the NFL is Green Bay where they operate (and this will make your head explode) under a socialistic structure. McKenzie will operate here, however, under a single owner, whereas before he worked for the citizens of Green Bay.
The Raiders without Al Davis can no longer operate as a family business because in the NFL that requires an owner at the top with vast football knowledge. As Mark does not possess that knowledge, they must operate differently.
2 - AL signed high-priced players, while Reggie looks for relative bargains.
Not so. Al signed high-priced players when he could afford to do so. When he couldn’t manipulate the cap enough to create the financial room, he passed. We have 50 years of experience with Al Davis where he went both ways. We have NO years of experience with Reggie McKenzie, but THIS year HE can’t manipulate the cap room (and that’s not saying that Al necessarily could have either) to sign anything other than bargains. With more cap room in 2013, McKenzie might just get as flamboyant as Al.
3 - AL was all about speed and athleticism, while Reggie has made it quite clear that football acumen comes first.
Not so. Al was all about speed and athleticism ON THE OUTSIDE (where it counts). Otherwise you’re going to have to start telling me about the vast speed of players like Marv Hubbard. I’d point out that the reason Marcus Allen fell to the Raiders is because the rest of the league viewed Allen as TOO SLOW. Wide receivers ARE all about speed and athleticism (in fact they say that the least football worthy position is WR), and if you want to cover them in man coverage, you’re CBs must be fast and athletic as well. As Al used to say, “you can teach someone how to play football, but you can’t teach someone how to be fast.”
4 - AL mostly hired his own coaching staff (and retained coaches he wanted), while Reggie gave that authority to his HC.
This is actually SOMEWHAT true. However, I believe that the Raiders were better when he brought in coaches with Raider history. Lately, though, it hasn’t been true in the slightest. For both Cable and Jackson, the first test given them by Davis was to identify who they wanted on their coaching staffs and then to convince those identified to come aboard at reasonable pay. Both Cable and Jackson had the coaching staffs that THEY selected.
In fact, if Kiffen had remained, I believe that he would have been able to hire coaches of his choice as existing contracts expired. Lance’s main bone of contention was that he wanted Al to lure his father, Monte, to the Raiders while Monte was under contract with another team. Kiffen was not given that authority in his first year because he had never before coached in the NFL (at any coaching position).
5 - Reggie has initiated more open, regular communication with the fans and media
Well, yeah – because he HAS to. He is completely reorganizing this football operation and has at least a minimal obligation to instruct fans on what they should expect (so they’ll put their butts in the seats). He has to sell what he’s doing to the fans as well as to Marc Davis. But don’t be too surprised in subsequent years when he begins to play things a little closer to the vest.
6 - The new regime is less secretive and less confrontation
As for secretive, see above. As for the other – BULL! EVERY TEAM has confrontational seasons – especially during periods of losing. In fact, when you’re losing, and people aren’t angry, you begin to wonder if anyone connected with the team has a pulse.
As for me, I agree with Scorpio. I’ve been finding on other boards that my opinions are well within the mainstream of the Raider fan base. Most expect that the Raiders will finish around, or just below, the .500 level.
Most seem to agree that the off season, so far, has been pretty average. Most seem to understand that McKenzie has far more on his plate than any other GM in football. It’s not because Davis destroyed the Raiders, it’s because the Raiders can no longer be run the same way. Reggie doesn’t have the luxury of simply plugging himself in. He has to restructure the entire organization. To expect a Super Bowl season with that is simply too stupid to address.
And while McKenzie will be going to battle with the same foundation of players selected by Al, Dennis Allen is going to revamp the entire playbook. This puts these players a step back from where they ended last season.
My personal objection to the off season signings is the propensity for bringing in players who have missed entire seasons with injuries. It’s continuing a mistake that Al made or allowed. We’re not going to win anything unless we can keep our money players healthy.
It would seem normal for fans of a professional team that hasn't had a winning record for nine years to accept and welcome a significant change to the team's structure and way of doing things, and to not bend over backwards to try to tie one way to the other.
Mark Davis said that the modern NFL "dwarfed the capabilities of the organization", and that he was going to run things differently than they had been.
Reggie McKenzie said that several contracts were "out of whack."
Hue Jackson said "I worked for Al Davis. He ran the defense, always had."
Right there you have three huge shifts in the running of the Raiders in terms of managing the organization, personnel and coaching approach.
Whether they work remains to be seen. But to suggest that this is an exercise in continuity instead of major change is, in my opinion, erroneous.
Gary,
Of course the core group of key players for this upcoming season were drafted/signed by Al.
The only new additions will be late round picks and 2nd tier free agents due to cap restraints and losing picks due to trades made the past 2 years.
What will be interesting to see and compare is how the same core group of players perform under the new management, coaching staff, and football philosophies.
If LB Wheeler, CB Spencer, CB Bartell, OG Brisiel make a positive impact and we uncover a late round gem, Kudos to Reggie.
Here are my draft picks for the Raiders. The 3rd round compensation pick Alameda Ta'amu coming to Alameda! With the 4th round compensation pick we take either Ronnell Lewis (OLB Oklahoma) or Keenan Robinson (OLB, Texas); whomever is available that late.
Our first pick of the 5th round, we take Josh Ogelsby (ROT, Wisconsin), and the 5th round comp pick we take Jack Crawford (OLB, Penn State). Our 6th round pick we take Dan Herron (RB, Ohio State).
Sorry I don't have the player breakdown on these guys. One of the reasons why I pick these guys is that we don't have a lot of available monies to have a spectacular draft, unless we trade some big names off our team (Seymour, McFadden, etc). It wouldn't surprise me if we did make a big trade, but then we just add another hole to fill. I think the combination of R Lewis/Keenan Robinson and Jack Crawford would give us stability to stop the run and with Crawford, create havoc against the pass.
Dan Herron would be a good pick up to compliment McFadden as a power back, more so than Bush.
Who do you guys see us picking? JUST WIN, BABY!
I believe the Raiders have had talent, not a lot of top end talent but enough talent to compete. It's how that talent has been handled and the conditions the talent has had to work under that has been the big pothole.
The talent had not been given the best opportunity to succeed and this is what was so frustrating. Year after year of different players and coaches and the exact same results.
If doing a scientific study and the results stayed the same throughout, but let's say the 'rats' that were being studied were changing....what conclusion would that lead to? It doesn't take a genius to figure it out.
As far as who Reggie will pick in the draft....just hope they eat nails and were born to play football, with the ability to play the game at high speed.
JONES
"Dennis Allen is going to revamp the entire playbook. This puts these players a step back from where they ended last season."
Really? Can the defense actually take another step backwards?
On offense, the Raiders could easily be better than last year with more consistant play on the OL, a healthy RunDMC and a full off-season for Carson Palmer.
So, I don't understand the talk about taking step(s) backwards. The organization and the football program are taking steps forward, not backwards!
And you think your backward step theory is mainstream among Raiders fans? That's really too bad.
"My personal objection to the off season signings is the propensity for bringing in players who have missed entire seasons with injuries. It’s continuing a mistake that Al made or allowed."
I believe the idea is to fill the roster with depth and keep adding bodies, then select from the best. These guys will have to pass physicals, stay healthy and perform at the highest level to stay on the roster.
"My personal objection to the off season signings is the propensity for bringing in players who have missed entire seasons with injuries. It’s continuing a mistake that Al made or allowed."
To further elaborate on NYR's points:
The reason that these players were available in the first place and at a relatively low cost was because they were injured.
The risks can be minimized with complete physicals, monitoring the situation with the conditioning staff, and cutting the player(s) if necessary.
The rewards and upside is we could gain 2 low cost CBs who are proven starters to fill a vacuum and create competition at the position.
Take:
Hue Jackson said "I worked for Al Davis. He ran the defense, always had."
An interesting thing for Jackson to say, because the simple fact is that the defense was far better before Al died than after. We blitzed far more at the beginning of the season than after Al died.
CJ - "The rewards and upside is we could gain 2 low cost CBs who are proven starters to fill a vacuum and create competition at the position."
We've been waiting for the rewards and upside of Schillens, McFadden and Ford for two years.
BR - IMO, your approach to this new regime is barely wait-n-see, and more like certain failure.
Perhaps the defense did get worse after Al died; but if you look at the Raiders defense before Al died, it still sucked. Bresnanhan was a terrible selection for DC, no matter who was pulling his strings.
Why did the Defense suck after Mr.Davis passed? = Mr.Davis was the coach, HELLO! Chuck was lost without direction and so was Hue who didn't have a clue on what to do to improve the Defense. It was the blind running the blind and the players knew it = the players packed it in. And some of you wanted Hue to stay as HC and maybe even the GM = YIKES! I'm glad Mark Davis had more sense than that.
JONES
So what you're saying, Blanda, is that Al Davis ran the Raiders defense right up until he passed away, and that his puppet DC Bresnehan ran it worse after that? Or are you saying something else?
Reggie making more moves....Campbell gone for a RB and Pick up FA LB Wheeler from Indy. I don't know how anyone can be questioning what is happening, other than spite, a scorned woman is nasty.
Keep going Reggie, turn this thing around....Right Now, it's what's happening...right now.
JONES
"We've been waiting for the rewards and upside of Schillens, McFadden and Ford for two years."
BR,
Lumping Schillens, McFadden and Ford into the same category as Bartell and Spencer is really off-track.
You need to evaluate each individual separately on their own individual merit and value;(performance history, injury history, how acquired, position played, and at what cost)
Bartell was signed to a 1 year contract for $3M. He was a regular starter for 6 seasons without any injury history before last season. The upside is obvious ... an instant replacement for Routt at a very low cost with minimal risk.
Spencer was also signed to a 1 year deal and started 72 games his first seven years for San Francisco, including all 32 in 2009-10. He had a hamstring injury during training camp last year and spent most of his final season with the 49ers as a reserve. He doesn't have an injury history. The upside is a replacement for C.Johnson/Sheppard with minimal risk.
Schillens was given a 4 year window to prove his worth. Besides chronic injuries, he only produced 72 total receptions.
McFadden was a high draft pick who we've invested a lot of money. When healthy, he has been dynamic. This is his last year to prove he can stay healthy.
Ford was a late round pick who has a cap friendly contract. He produced in the 2nd half of his 1st season. Last season he was injured. This young player is at the beginning stages of his career who can be a difference maker.
As far as the Raider defense goes, it has sucked 8 of the last 9 years.
There was one aberration year (2006) when we looked impressive but it was merely a statistical mirage as evidence by the 2-14 record. The numbers are skewed by a Raiders offense that was the worst in modern history and opponents who got a lead and sat on the ball. Look it up.
The biggest, most welcomed change for the new era is a defense that will finally no longer be static, predictable, and archaic.
The coaching and scheme will be the big difference makers on the Defense this season. I said a couple of years ago that the talent on the Defense was good enough, just needed an up to date system and coaching to get better results. These players went 8-8 with Chuck as 'DC' and Hue as HC...and with a scheme and style that was crippling the player's performances. Instead of the players fitting a scheme, the scheme will fit the players. The players are going to be very inspired on Defense, I'm sure they have been wanting a 'new' way for a while. BRING IT ON.
JONES
Quote.......
"The Raiders' offense is primed to resemble the Texans' attack of recent years, where Knapp served as quarterbacks coach. It's a version of the West Coast offense somewhat new to Palmer, so he's spent time talking with Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart about the Texans' system.
The collective bargaining agreement forbids teams from distributing playbooks or gathering before Monday, leaving Palmer to count the hours.
"I am fired up to get my playbook," he told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We have a lot of work to do. We have a new offense and a new defense. New terminology. But we're very excited. Personnel-wise, we have as good an opportunity as anybody to win the whole thing. ... I am excited to see how our personnel fits into this offense I have been watching. Monday can't get here soon enough.".....end quote.
This is Al Davis' team, always will be. It's still the Raaaiders, still Silver and Black, when the wins come, the mystique will still be there.
JONES
Carson Palmer
"...we have as good an opportunity as anybody to win the whole thing."
BlandaRocked:
"I’ve been finding on other boards that my opinions are well within the mainstream of the Raider fan base. Most expect that the Raiders will finish around, or just below, the .500 level."
Don't tell Carson Palmer that.
Take said: "So what you're saying, Blanda, is that Al Davis ran the Raiders defense right up until he passed away, and that his puppet DC Bresnehan ran it worse after that? Or are you saying something else?"
No. I don't need to re-write history for MY arguments. What I'm saying is that other than Warren Sapp, Jackson was the only one inside the organization to say that Davis ran the defense. Jackson was there for all of two seasons. He had plans to become the Raiders GM/HC but was fired instead, so he's speaking from a certain amount of bitterness. And Jackson certainly had a free hand after Davis died when the defense got dramatically worse.
Gruden never said that Davis ran the defense. Rather Gruden said that Davis liked to keep his hand in everything, which annoyed Gruden. Since Davis loved defense, and Bresnahan didn't mind Davis' input, Gruden always steared Davis toward the defense. He never said that Davis RAN the defense, and I've never seen Davis wearing a headset at game time. I guess you have.
Gruden's first DC was Willie Shaw who produced a far better defense than Gruden did an offense - to the the degree that Gruden wanted Shaw gone because there was an internal struggle for the hearts and minds of the players. Shaw produced a #5 and a #10 in total yardage. In fact many fans were suggesting that Gruden should be fired, and Shaw installed as HC.
Gruden and Allen made sure that Shaw was let go, and DB coach Bresnahan was promoted to DC. With Bresnahan at DC, the Raiders won three divisional championships and one AFC Championship. When Jackson couldn't convince his choice of DC to come aboard, Davis reached back and scooped up Bresnahan.
This is all the context you manage to leave out. You have the tea bagger propensity to throw away context, rewrite history for your own argument, and put words in the mouths of others.
Gee, NY. How could players and the coaching staff possibly be predicting championships in the off season? That's NEVER happened until now!
Jeez, are you kidding?
What kills me is the idea that the Raiders will now play chapionship football because Al no longer runs the team. After all, we will now be just like 30 other teams in the NFL. And we all know that all of those 30 teams compete for a championship every year.
Well, guess what... There are a lot of factors that go into a championship season. Recognizing that all of those factors are difficult to put together when you are also distracted by redesigning an organizational structure that's been in place for over 50 years and replacing an entire coaching staff, on this board apparently, makes you a Raider hater.
I think you might note that at no time in the last 10 years did I predict any kind of championship for the Raiders. It was clear to me that they either lacked the necessary personnel, or failed to put together any kind of consistency. I think over the last 10 years the best record I predicted for any year was 9 wins.
However, last year, without the massive injuries and if Davis hadn't died, I think we would have been in the playoffs. Face it, we only missed the playoffs by one win. However, without the injuries and without the death of Davis, I think we would have won ten or eleven.
At the start of 2011, the Raider offense was unpredictable and the defense was agressive. After Davis died, the offense became predictable and defense became passive. I'm reluctant to say Davis was the difference in either half, but he certainly wasn't the difference in the second half.
Blanda - what I don't get is why you predicted success every off-season during a period of epic failure, but when we finally catch up with the rest of the NFL (as you imply above), you're predicting failure.
That's what I'm talking about, NY. Again it's a rewrite of history. I didn't predict success any particular season. I projected hope for improvement. As I stated above, I never gave a hard predicition for anything rising above mediocrity. For last season, when I expected the most improvement, I predicted 9 wins, and hopefully 10 or 11. When I saw the vast improvement of the offense (when healthy) and the slow but steady improvement of the defense, I actually started to think we could wind up doing better than that. Then we loaded up on injuries, and then Davis died and everything went south.
What I have done is defend Davis against ridiculous history revisions, and arguments that he was no longer football relevant. You want to know why Davis had so much trouble getting coaches in here? According to Take, since Bresnahan welcomed Davis' input, he was Al Davis' puppet. But working with Davis required Davis' input (he was qualified, after all). And if you were willing to allow his input, you were considered by ESPN and Take (apparently) to be Al Davis' puppet.
Horror of horrors, after Davis' death I'm still defending him. I have NEVER ONCE degraded McKenzie. Not once! In fact, I've supported him from the beginning while recognizing that his job is not an easy one, and that we shouldn't raise our expectations in the short term.
For that, I get every kind of ridiculous attack under the sun.
Sure, Blanda.
Never hiring defensive-minded head coaches after Madden. Hanging on to Rob Ryan when he'd clearly performed himself out of a job. Not allowing head coaches to hire or fire the DC. Hue Jackson, who never really said anything bad about Mr. Davis, saying Mr. Davis ran the defense. Routt complaining about all of the man-to-man they had to play. The lack of blitzing over several DC regimes. Bill Belichick, who is known for his respect for Mr. Davis, saying last year, "He's really run the defense and, to a large extent, the kicking game out there for 40 years, maybe more than that...As much as you can say this is a copy cat league, you can't say the same thing about them because they've been doing the same thing for a decade. Defensively, and to a certain extent offensively."
They're all just dots, unconnected...
Asomugha stated publicly that the Raiders play defense "one way" regardless of their opponent. That's the way it's been for a long long time. Brief attempts to change that failed and it was right back to the "old" way... which no longer works in the NFL.
Now the Raiders have an opportunity to get up to speed and play defense on a much higher level. So I disagree with the step(s) backward theory and suggest we just took several steps forward.
Anyone else find it odd that when the main antagonist (jethro) leaves, in comes another (BR) to spew the same ole lines?
It's indisputable that Mr.Davis was in charge of the Defense among other things. But, in comes antagonist #2 saying he "doesn't want to rewrite history"...yeah right, that's all he does.
Balanda, Mr.Davis ran the show, his passing was complete evidence. Hue ran amok, Chuck was lost and the team went in the can.
It's all out in the open, some would say that Mr.Davis was running the whole show was speculation, Mark Davis told the world, Hue told the world it's TRUE. Only fairytale believers would believe Balanda's version of "rewriting history". Can we get some new blood on this site? Arguing with posers and "game players" is boring.
JONES
Here's some context for you, BR.
The last time the Raiders defense was ranked in the top half (#16 or better) of the league in points allowed was 10 years ago in 2002.
Year - Def. Ranking Points Allowed
2011 - 29
2010 - 20
2009 - 23
2008 - 24
2007 - 26
2006 - 18
2005 - 25
2004 - 31
2003 - 25
2002 - 6
One of the BIG reasons that the 2002 D ranked so high was because our offense was #1 in yardage and #2 in scoring.
Bottom Line:
Our defense has been horrible for a long, long time. We have been playing defense the same predictable way for a long, long time with very poor results.
No steps backwards ... more like steps forward especially on D.
It will be a breath of fresh air to see a modernized D that is less predictable, more dynamic, more aggressive, adpatable, flexible, and multiple to keep the opponents off-guard.
To me we've been playing defense with 1 arm tied behind our back.
"The last time the Raiders defense was ranked in the top half (#16 or better) of the league in points allowed was 10 years ago in 2002."
Interesting. So the last time the Raiders had a top ten defense, it was run by Al Davis' puppet, Bresnahan.
I think the point was the Raiders had a top 2 offense (League MVP at QB) which propelled the defense to a higher ranking. That Raider offense was unstoppable. Bresnahan could have been Mickey Mouse that year.
BR,
Aren't you the one that is saying how important 'context' is?
2 obvious examples of context:
2006 Raiders and 2002 Raiders.
The 2006 Raiders offense was the worst in modern history. This team scored 10.5 pts. per game (32) and allowed 20.8 per game (18). Teams got a lead and sat on the ball. The 2006 Raiders went 2-14.
The 2002 Raiders offense was one of the best offenses in modern history. This team scored 28.1 per game (2) and allowed 19.0 (6th). The 2002 Raiders went 11-5 and won the AFC Championship game.
The Raiders D in 2002 allowed only 1 less point per game than the 2006 Raiders D.
Both the 2002 and 2006 defenses were average at best. One (2002) was propped up by an all world offense while the other's stats were inflated favorably by the worst offense.
The last time we had an elite D that carried our offense resulting in team success was back in 1990. (D ranked 7th in points allowed and 4th in yards allowed).
Some may disagree but this the healthy debating that made this site so good none of the ridiculous name calling.
Topher
nyraider said...
Gary -
Agreed. The Raiders have drafted pretty well lately, but they've also left some tremendous players on the board while making questionable picks, based mostly on athleticism and mostly in the early rounds.
>>>>
You mean like McFadden and DHB??
I don't see too many people complaining about them lately.
>>>>
But if you look at my list again, you will see that each of those regimes failed. If you want to win, you have to put it ALL together. You can't get a little pregnant.
>>>>
St. Gruden had two 8-8 seasons also before moving forward.
I agree the coaching has to take us up and beyond mediocrity... but Al still put the players in place to do it.
Something most people here will forget soon I predict... McK and Allen fell into a pretty sweet situation, IMO.
Antagonist #3 makes an appearance....
JONES
From Corkran..
Wheeler says he's playing for a defensive minded coach and loves what he's seen of the multiple schemes.
Retweeted by Steve Corkran..
Wheeler a very good interview. Confident. Felt restricted sitting back in Indy Cover 2 and playing defense catered to offense.
Retweeted by Steve Corkran..
Wheeler said the spike in his followers on Twitter actually played a role in signing with Raiders.
Retweeted by Steve Corkran..
Wheeler says McKenzie looking for football players, not a bunch of fast guys. Said he probably picked up 2,000 followers w/Raiders
Retweeted by Steve Corkran
Philip Wheeler confirms via Raiders conference call the days of lining up in the 4-3, playing 95 pct. man and seldom blitzing are over.
OAKLAND RAIDERS@RAIDERSReply
Retweet
OL Stefen Wisniewski - "We want to win. We want to win the AFC West, make the playoffs and win the Super Bowl."
Retweeted by Steve Corkran
OL Stefen Wisniewski - "Great to back. The offseason was nice, but it’s about time to get back to work."
The biggest changes will come on defense where despite keeping a 4-3 base alignment, new linebacker Philip Wheeler said the coaches promised a lot more blitzing and variety than Oakland had used in the past.
"I actually heard some of the coaches saying we're not just big and fast anymore," Wheeler said. "We're going to be big, fast and we're going to be smarter, work harder and have good football players."
Wheeler signed a one-year deal last week to join the Raiders, where he is slotted in as the starting strongside linebacker.
He picked the Raiders over Miami and credited an aggressive campaign by Raiders fans on Twitter with persuading him to sign in Oakland.
"That kind of helped me in my decision because it showed me how big of a football city this is and how much they paid attention to football instead of going somewhere else," he said.
Wheeler played 13 games for Indianapolis last season, making 80 tackles and recording one sack. He played four seasons overall with the Colts with 182 tackles and two sacks.
He said he is looking forward to leaving the structure of the Cover-2 defense in Indianapolis for a more freewheeling style under defensive co-ordinator Jason Tarver.
"Coach Tarver told me there was going to be a lot of blitzing, just a lot of mixing up things, not just standing still in Cover 2 like I did with the Indianapolis Colts," Wheeler said. "Nothing against that, we had a great offense that kept the lead a lot. We were able to sit back in Cover 2 and rush the passer a lot because teams had to catch up, and we had two great defensive ends that did that. But I also like to rush the passer and everything from the linebacker position and coach Tarver told me that it would be some of that going on."
The Raiders also were not known for blitzing under Davis' leadership. He preferred his teams to play man coverage and win individual battles with superior size and speed.
What's going on?
Looks like some good things happening after the first week. Palmer is excited about the playbook, and possibilities offensively. Players are overwhelmed at the organization of the meetings, strength/conditioning. All of this can be read at Inside Bay Area Sports.
Wanting OTA's/Training Camp to start, can't wait to see the product of all the talk.
To read that every detail of what is said and done is organized, is a real good thing. Carson had this to say, "The goal is winning a championship, and they have a very detailed plan to accomplish that."
JUST WIN, BABY!
Dave Tollefson
http://www.giants.com/media-vault/videos/Top-5-Plays-DE-Dave-Tollefson/e4674b57-9f63-416d-ace7-d3af2bdcecac
Dave Tollefson
http://www.giants.com/media-vault/videos/Giants-Insider-DE-Dave-Tollefson/dafd97fb-e9a5-44d3-94d2-80dd7ec25c02
Former Giant/Packer DE Dave Tollefson agrees with Oakland for 2 years, $2.5M. Good guy, good value for Reggie and the Raiders.
Tollefson has a good motor and provides depth.
Bringing Tollefson in indicates the Raiders are no where close to changing to 3-4... he's another 4-3 guy for depth. Good signing!
D.A. said he will adjust the formation to the talent. Seeing at this point the depth at LB is low, 4-3 seems like the obvious formation. It's still early though and sounds like there will be more signings, Reggie can make more room with more contracts redone.
So far, this 'new' way, is very positive and I expect it to continue. It will extend to the play on the field and the fans are going to be very happy = YAY.
JONES
Raiders are putting together a great team on both sides of the ball. A lot of focus on the D side, which is fine. I think we get an O-lineman, Nose Tackle-run stuffer, Linebacker, and Power RB in the draft to round it out for us.
I think Reggie is going to wait for 'summer cuts' to pick up a decent backup QB.
If he is going to draft a nose tkl, it is a specialty position and takes a top player to be effective, IMO, that position needs to be a top round pick to get any worth from it. Otherwise it's just another big body and no special teams use.
Useful LB's can be found in the 3rd round and a big back with potential can be had. WR's are there as Mr.Davis proved the last few years. Finding a good RT in 3rd or 4th round isn't easy. Who knows with this year's draft, Reggie could make some moves that get's him a higher pick...the way he is going, it would not suprise me.
JONES
I am confident that Reggie will work the waiver wire and pool of undrafted rookie free agents to find additional talent.
I like our front 7 on D:
Houston-Kelly-Seymour-Shaunnessey
+ Curry-McClain-Wheeler
Alledgedly the schedule has been leaked:
http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2012/4/6/2929613/2012-nfl-schedule-leaked
If this link is bad go to canalstreetchronicles.com
Nice Q&A in Cochran's blog with Reggie worth a read:
http://tinyurl.com/7etsj9g
CJ, that was a nice read. I like his philosophy about the draft, and the position we are in.
I like how he has said he will not allow coaches and other scouts try and change the pick last minute. He is calculated.
The most interesting thing said was about working to update the facilities. He mentioned the word computers, I'll let that speak for itself, and say, welcome to the right century. I also like the "No trading of future draft picks."
I'm excited about the draft, training camp, OTA's, etc. I'm ready for the season! JUST WIN, BABY!
Well leave on a massive "Road Trip" and it's just the same old place!!!...Just a short moment in the middle so NOT going to engage all the stupidity that has prevailed on this board!!!
"HateTripper"s still hating on Al and those with any sense of honor and love standing up in his defense!!!
While the "History Revisionist" continue to look for anything possible to to justify all their hate!!!...Even if it's an angry comment while being fired!!!
Meanwhile my man Reggie (Old School Raider) continues to pursue Al's motto on the draft..."Best Player Available"!!!
The only new twist here will be how that "Best Player" is evaluated and by whom!!!...Size/Speed/Athleticism are now 2nd to "Football Heart" but still the main criteria for rating talent!!!
"Son of Al" will continue to be involved in the draft as an Owner just as he was under his father...It will be interesting to see how this plays out over time...
Reggie reaches out to bring back a "DL" player now with a rig that Al originally drafted...
Thrifty is Reggie's central theme so I will not hold it against him for his failure to be able to acquire the 2 top tier players that he was pursuing...They would NOT have been "Thrifty"..."CB"/"LB"...
As noted by "BR" most reasonable fans have a far different outlook on this season than that being pimped here as the "Championship" that Al could never bring home!!!..But than they don't wear "Blinders" while viewing the rest of the AFCW or our schedule and roster -w- new systems on both sides of the ball!!!
It's still Al's roaster as pointed out by Gary and Al's front office as noted by Reggie!!!...But now under new leadership with an "Old Raider History" as noted by "BR" and myself...Even the "Paint Job" remains the same....
All this is of course deniable by the "IAAF"ers as they hide behind their LIES and "Revisionist History"!!!
PantyRaider..."Old School Raiders" Will Now Make History Of Their Own!!!!/_
Sorry, but I can't seem to get past PR's ridiculous endorsement of Reggie McKenzie as "my boy" after weeks and weeks of his repeated criticisms.
Also, the notion that Reggie is "old school" and resembling Al Davis in any way is completely without merit. Frankly, it's delusional.
The new regime is about change. How’s that similar in any regard to the way Al Davis ran things?
Out with the "old school" and in with the "new school"
Sorry, PR, but you flunk!
New Owner, new GM, new Head Coach, new coaching staff, new defensive philosophy, new leadership, new way of evaluating talent, new media relations, new organizational chain of command ...
In simple and easy to understand terms: a brand new era.
Panty... The horse you keep trying to enter in the race is dead.. it's DEAD; as is our previous owner and guru, which is kinda sad because he won't get to enjoy this new era.
Yes... Al Davis is dead, and you don't need to keep filling this blog defending his name/record/or history! we all know it.
What does it matter if Reggie is old school new school, or no school, who cares? He's our NEW and only GM, and is building a new Raider organization in the best possible way, with a solid top down management team and structure. That's what's important.
No one is gonna deny the elements of Davis' Raiders are still around... and unless Reggie came in to build a baseball team they're gonna be doing a lot of things that were done in the past...
I almost expected you to compare Reggie to Al Davis because he had a press conference... the constant name calling, accusations, and "told you so's" are sooo tedious and NOT interesting.
So, Reggie & co will make mistakes... that's pretty much guaranteed; but please let's wait until they do, because honestly, this long suffering Raider fan is beyond excited with what's going down in Oaktown right now... GO RAIDERS!!!
Also... big BIG ups to the org. for NOT changing in any significant way our 'Best in the NFL by far' uniforms!!!
YEH..... GO RAIDERS!!!
Well said Bazjoz.
It is an undeniable FACT that we are embarking on a new era. When our owner passed away, OF COURSE, it would be a new era. Why anyone would be debating this FACT is beyond me.
Can a Raider fan honor and respect Davis' HUGE contribution to our history and the NFL in general AND still acknowledge and recognize that we in newly unchartered territory with how the organization is run? Without a doubt.
Davis' ran the organization, wore numerous hats, and was uniquely qualified to run every aspect of how the team functioned.
Fast forward to the present: His son is the owner and he knows his limitations and that the best way to play his part is to hire qualified football men, delegate, and get out of the way.
There is no need to defend or debate the HUGE contribution that Davis made to the Raiders and the NFL.
Why the denial, head in the sand posturing PR? Totally unnecessary and unwarranted.
Denial bordering on deeply rooted psychosis would be a reasonable assessment.
This sums it up well for the Raiders in FA.
From Vittorio Tafur:
"New Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie didn't have a lot of money to spend, and signed five solid players, most coming off injury. He did a nice job, but it's not like he had any choice other than to start printing money. And the players may not be exciting, but there is little risk."
I believe McKenzie has done a great job identifying quality players at tremendous value. Like Tafur said, he really had no choice. He has worked extremely well within his "inherited" limits.
bazjoz...
When you damn "HateTripper"s discontinue your assaults upon the memory of the late Mr Davis I won't feel any need to defend his memory!!!...
But as for the real life parallels between the current and past leadership of my Raiders that's just the way it is and I will NOT shy away from publishing that here or anywhere else!!!
Now check your "Censorship Credentials" before you expose your stupidity!!
PantyRaider....Your Hate Knows No Bounds!!!!/_
This is a typical example of the "Hate" which provokes my total disdain for these putrid punk-asses!!!
"RT" says:
Hue Jackson said "I worked for Al Davis. He ran the defense, always had."
"NY" says:
Perhaps the defense did get worse after Al died; but if you look at the Raiders defense before Al died, it still sucked.
"LiarJack" says:
To me we've been playing defense with 1 arm tied behind our back.
Well if any of you had even the slightest understanding of this game or any sports in general you wouldn't be making yourselves out to be such pure and stupid fools!!!
#1...Al's health was failing for an extended period of time prior to his passing and he was NOT even seen at training camp nor his sky box!!!..So how the hell was he running that damn "D"!!!!
#2...There was a marked difference in the "D" under "SOB"/Marsh/Bresnahan and any blind idiot could have seen that!!!...Thus those men had their hands on those "D"s!!!
#3...Al's "D" was a 4-3/3-4/Hybrid -w- Press "M-M" as well as Cushion "M-M" and several different variations of the "Zone" mixed in so just what the fuck are you talking about???...You haven't a clue!!!
#4...Instituting and calling an NFL "D" is a full time exhausting occupation but you nerds think an ailing Mr Davis was able to wear all those hats right up to his death....Delusional doesn't even begin to describe your mental deficiencies!!!
If any of you bastards had ever strapped on a damn jock and played this game you wouldn't have your asses stuck so far up your collective asses!!!
Now Reggie has hired his "HC" who will play this game the way Reggie wants it played...That's who "DA" is...Reggie's man who satisfies the vision that Reggie and Marc hold going forward...
So thus this will be Reggie's "D" because he hired the man who runs it!!!!
So this will be "DA"s "O" because he hired the man who runs it!!!
Ya see how fuckin stupid your lack of reasoning is on this issue yet????
PantyRaider....Pure Damn Ignorant HATE!!!!/_
Ha! Ha! Ha!...
Now this has "Old School Raider" written all over it as an Al Davis "Clone"!!!
Raiders sign TE who never played college football
Andre Hardy, a former basketball player at Cal State Fullerton and Oral Roberts, was signed by the Raiders Thursday as a tight end.
Hardy, 25, had a Pro Day in San Diego on April 4 that was reportedly attended by seven teams. The 49ers recently had him in for a visit.
Although Hardy (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) was a basketball player at St. Augustine High School in San Diego and throughout college, his father Andre was a running back at Weber State and Saint Mary's who played parts of three seasons in the NFL (1984, 85, 87) with Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco.
Yup...As Al always said you can teach an athlete to play football but you can't teach size/athleticism or speed!!!
Thank You Reggie my man for showing that your NOT afraid to follow your roots as an "Old School Raider"!!!!
Now any LIAR out there want to deny that Reggie learned this from his seasons as a Raider and Al's willingness to convert players to alternative positions???...Regularly!!!...
PantyRaider....LoL!!!...Let The Denial Begin!!!!/_
"So thus this will be Reggie's "D" because he hired the man who runs it!!!!"
CJ: Nope. It is Dennis Allen's D
"So this will be "DA"s "O" because he hired the man who runs it!!!"
CJ: Yes. It is is Dennis Allen's O
You don't seem to understand the organizational chain of command, authority, responsibility, and accountability.
As the Head Coach, all 3 units are ultimately Dennis Allen's responsibility.
Calico Jack
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Hardy shows impressive physical attributes and athleticism at his pro day. Aside from his 6-5 frame, he has a 79-inch wingspan. He also ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash.
LoL!!!...Yup...Reggie loves speed too!!!
Al Clone Threw -n- Threw!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_18dYSC9Kqw&feature=player_embedded
Eat your heats out as that "Old School Raider" philosophy continues on threw the "Clones"!!!!
Raiders took a flier" on Hardy. That's a lot different than drafting him #1, paying in millions of dollars in guaranteed monies, then forcing your HC to play him; or keep him on the roster year after year as a "scholarship" player. Under the "NEW" regime, this kid will have to earn a roster spot.
Regarding the Raiders defense, it has been one-dimensional for a long time (ask any NFL player, GM or HC). The fact they may have shown more looks over the last 1-2 years is probably indicative of AL's failing health and his inability to play a greater role during that period. That too is indicative of his neglect in bringing in executive help that he knew he needed and more or less promised to hire years ago.
Your denial (and delusion) stems from blindly defending the man without regard for 9+ years of epic failure. It's time for a reality check!
Current Raiders looking to write their own resurrection stories
At one time, the Raiders were well known for being the place where players went to resurrect their careers......Though it was Al Davis who was known for taking chances on players other teams gave up for dead, Marc/Reggie McKenzie seems to have fit that glove pretty well already in their short time leading the team.
#1...LB Aaron Curry- Curry was the most highly touted defensive player in the 2009 draft. He wowed scouts at the combine which only added to his already stellar numbers at Wake Forest. The Seahawks chose him with the fourth overall pick and after just two seasons as a starting outside linebacker, the team benched him and then traded him midseason to a willing partner in the Raiders. He started the remainder of the seasons and showed some flashes that he could be a good player for this team. He signed an extension with the team and if his progression continues, his contract could be for as much as five seasons.
#2*..."QB" Carson Palmer who was a malcontent in Cincinnati and in virtual retirement prior to be resurrected threw trade by Marc...
#3...CB Ron Bartell- The former second round pick, didn't break into the starting lineup until his third season. He had a nice five-year run in St Louis from 2007-10. But he broke his neck at the beginning of the 2011 season and instead of waiting to see if he could return to form, the Rams let him walk. He checked out physically and appears completely healed from his neck injury. The Raiders worked him out and signed him to a one-year deal. He is the odds on favorite to be the starter this season. From potential career over to starting job and new life.
#4...LB Philip Wheeler- The former third round pick didn't become every game starter until last season. He didn't start a single game his 2008 rookie season and started 13 games over the next two. He will be looking to continue his progress with the Raiders. He had a career best 85 tackles in 11 starts last season and is the projected started at strong side linebacker for the Raiders this season. If he can rack up 85 tackles in 11 starts, it could spell great things for him over a 16 game season.
#5...CB Pat Lee- Lee was a second round pick by the Packers in 2008. As a rookie, he was expected to compete for the third cornerback spot but after appearing in just five games that season, he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. That same lingering knee injury kept him out all of 2009. He was on the Packers 2010 Super Bowl winning team but primarily as a kick returner. He is looking to prove he was worthy of his second round pick status as a corner with the Raiders.
#6...RB Mike Goodson- This speedy back was taken by the Panthers in the fourth round of the 2009 draft and put in the role of kick returner. He stepped up in his second season as an injury replacement and ran for 452 yards with just three starts that season. But last season it was back to kick return duties and then he went out for the season with a hamstring injury. He wasn't in the Panthers plans so they traded him to the Raiders for the oft inactive Bruce Campbell. Goodson is hoping his new team will have a more active role for him.
#7...QB Rhett Bomar- The Giants drafted Bomar in the fifth round of the 2009 draft and signed him to a four year contract. But he didn't make the opening roster. He was placed on the practice squad and the following season, the Vikings signed him away from the Giants. He was the team's third string quarterback until he was arrested for drunk driving and was cut. He is hoping to win a spot on the Raiders roster.
#8...CB/KR Bryan McCann- The Cowboys signed McCann as an undrafted free agent in 2010 to compete for their kick and punt return duties. Things started out promising for him as he returned a punt for a touchdown in his rookie season. He also had an interception return 101 yards for a touchdown that season. But with his game breaking abilities also came fumbles-six of them. And once the team found a replacement, they cut McCann. And though in five games in 2011, he hadn't fumbled, he saw the Cowboys and Ravens both cut him. The Raiders then signed him to take over return duties for injured Jacoby Ford. He did not fumble once in 2011 and the Raiders placed a restricted free agent tender on him to keep him on the team this season.
#9...CB Brandon Underwood- This former sixth round pick became quite a headache for the Packers. He had run-ins with the law on three separate occasions and the team finally grew tired of it and cut him. He was out of football all of 2011. If he can clean up his act, he may live up to the potential which had him appearing in 23 games in his first two seasons in Green Bay.
#10...DB Curtis Taylor- Another former 49er, Taylor is a safety by trade but plays primarily on special teams. He has been placed on injured reserve in both of the last two seasons including missing the entirety of the 2011 season. He was a seventh round pick by the 49ers and played in 12 games over his first two seasons. He will be hoping to grab onto a backup safety position behind Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff. He would play a similar role to that of Hiram Eugene.
#11*...DE Dave Tollefson who was originally brought on board by Al Davis "07"...
#12*...Resigned DE Mason Brodine who was originally signed by Al Davis as well...
#13*...TE Andre Hardy who never played college football..
Yup!!!...The more things change the more they remain the same...Must really burn your little asses to see my "Old School Raiders" still living on threw your falsely perceived "New Raider Order"!!!...But that's all you have done these past several seasons is "Hate" on my Raiders for everything under the sun so no wonder your so eager for change that will NOT materialize!!!
PantyRaider....The Great Traditions Of My Raiders Lives On!!!/_
* Names added by me!!!
"NYR" Said:
"Your denial (and delusion) stems from blindly defending the man without regard for 9+ years of epic failure. It's time for a reality check!"
Now that's a "HateTrip" as he denies the decades of greatness as Raider History while making accusations of "epic failure"!!!
Enough said...I close the book on your perpetual "Hate"!!!
I will just continue to love on my Raiders as always!!!!
PantyRaider...And My Men Marc -n- Reggie Whom I Pimped!!!!/_
With, I believe, only one exception, those are all Raider players signed post Al Davis. Sure a player or two might be brought back from time to time. Nobody said the Raiders were void of talent during the past 10 years. They just didn't win as a team. Any reference to the Raiders as a winning franchise dates back a minimum of 10 years, and really 30+ years for reference to their storied franchise. You keep living in the past, and we will forge ahead without you in our quest for change.
"quest for change" because you hate who the Raiders are and always have!!!
Add the "OG" to that list as a player who has not finished a season in the past 3 and was being replaced thus not pursued by his "SB" contending Texans....He missed a significant amount of time so could not be depended upon for a season...Over 1/3 of his seasons (18/48 games) were spent on the sidelines injured!!!
Don't be surprised to see a player drafted who has questionable off field issues who may otherwise grade out high in Reggie's score card....
Such a target as this???
Damarlo Belcher, WR, Indiana
Height: 6-5. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/4/12: Belcher was kicked off the football team for unspecified reasons. He caught 25 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown in his six games this season. He reportedly did not look good at a pro day workout.
8/19/11: Damarlo Belcher has had two productive seasons in a row for Indiana. Last year, he had 78 receptions for 832 yards and four touchdowns. The previous season, Belcher had 61 receptions for 770 yards and five scores. He is a huge receiver who projects to be a red-zone weapon and work the short to intermediate part of the field.
PantyRaider...My Man Reggie Is An "Old School Raider" Which Is Why I Was Pimpi9ng Him!!!!/_
It just feels so damn good to be right all the time!!!...LoL!!!
Guess you wouldn't know that feeling!!!
LoL!!!...I liked this kid and hated to see him go...I also hated Gruden for making things so rough on him that he would rather retire than stay and keep enduring!!!''At 180#s soaking wet he was NOT the "Between the Tackles" runner that Grud-Dumb was trying to project him as while trying to restrict his running style of cutting back to make something happen....Pure stupidity!!!
And yes I did meet him a couple times at our Raider Draftday Parties and he grew up at Lompoc and was drafted while I lived in Morro Bay who played against him...
Napoleon Kaufman re-joins Raiders as team Chaplain
"I'm so excited to officially be part of the Raider organization once again," said Kaufman. "I've always considered myself a Raider and to be able to come back and serve the Silver and Black in this capacity is my privilege."
"When I laid down my career - believe me, I was in the prime of my career - I didn't have this whole big business model," Kaufman said in an interview with the Seattle Times. "I just felt in my heart God was saying, 'I'm going to reward your obedience.' So for me, what I did was not a matter of reason, it was a matter of obedience."
Kaufman left the Raiders and the NFL in 2001 as the fourth all-time leading rusher in Raider history. He ran for 4,792 yards which is just 311 yards behind Clem Daniels for third on the list. He was also fourth all time in kickoff return yardage (2,149 yards).
PantyRaider...Keep Bringin'em Back "Old School Raider"!!!/_
"Grud-Dumb" ... oh that's right, bad mouth the only coach since Flores to have sustained success. Makes sense.
"Haters" only hold account of the injury and are NOT willing to give credit/honor or praise to that which they HATE!!!
Thus when ever I post about that damn "Donkey" or Gruden my HATE is what comes out!!!
But the huge difference is that I never attempt to hide that HATE with LIES nor deny in any way that I'm a "Hater"!!!
Nor do I need to make shit up because there's already plenty of foundation for my HATE!!!
The total "Hypocrisy" is in the waving of the banner while hating upon everything related and than celebrating the passing of the target of your HATE while pimping total change from anything in his old historical records!!!!
Deny all you want but you just can't hide from what burns inside you...HATE!!!
As it is written:
"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
Your hearts are so full of HATE that nothing but HATE will ever surface from you!!!!
PantyRaider...You Stand Condemned On Your Own Accounts!!!!/_
NANCY YOU ARE FULL OF CRAP!!!
It's always very obvious when the TRUTH hurts!!!
My Raiders will have a shot at one of these players depending upon who falls to #95...Or will my man Reggie reach somewhere beyond who is rated here like the "Old School Raider" that he very obviously is???
26. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin (52)
27. Devon Still, DT, Penn State (19)
28. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama (37)
29. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech (32)
30. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina (75)
31. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor (27)
32. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford (46)
33. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State (56)
34. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State (86)
35. Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State (63)
36. Kendall Reyes, DT, Conneticut (33)
37. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson (38)
38. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina (18)
39. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson (32)
40. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU (22)
41. Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State (53)
42. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State (68)
43. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall (41)
44. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame (78)
45. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia (33)
46. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State (48)
47. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech (42)
48. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse (73)
49. Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State (83)
50. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin (47)
51. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech (34)
52. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.) (36)
53. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson (40)
54. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma (44)
55. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia (43)
56. Bruce Irvin, OLB/DE, West Virginia (51)
57. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska (58)
58. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona (71)
59. Mychal Kendricks, ILB, California (NR)
60. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State (92)
61. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon (62)
62. Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida (84)
63. Billy Winn, DL, Boise State (54)
64. Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada (Reno) (NR)
65. Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State (28)
66. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia (49)
67. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska (50)
68. Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi (90)
69. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana (77)
70. Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest (45)
71. Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska (57)
72. Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois (NR)
73. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers (55)
74. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois (65)
75. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt (66)
76. Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma (67)
77. Sean Spence, LB, Miami (79)
78. Chris Polk, RB, Washington (82)
79. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan (76)
80. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington (88)
81. Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State (72)
82. Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas (93)
83. Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona (94)
84. Joe Adams, WR/KR, Arkansas (80)
85. Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma (96)
86. Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple (89)
87. Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette (NR)
88. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State (60)
89. Cam Johnson, DE/OLB, Virginia (NR)
90. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU (NR)
91. James Brown, OG, Troy (85)
92. Brandon Washington, OG, Miami (Fla.) (70)
93. Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State (91)
94. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State (NR)
95. Brandon Hardin, DB, Oregon State (NR)
96. Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Layfayette (95)
97. Josh LeRibeus, OG, Southern Methodist (97)
98. Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn (98)
99. Trenton Robinson, S, Michigan State (99)
100. Taylor Thompson, TE, Southern Methodist (NR)
PantyRaider..."NT" Could Go In 3rd Rd!!!!/_
look who's back - as the team chaplain!
http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2012/04/13/kaufman-returns-as-team-chaplain/
scorpio...
I didn't even know teams had Chaplains but evidently many do...I'm sure Nap will do much better than the military variety blessing weapons and sending men off to kill...Unless of course "Denis The Menace" has a "Bounty" program!!!
LoL!!!
Does this mean Al's sign has to come down???
"Nice guys finish last"
Well the days of the players feeling they have a personal relationship with ownership have now past so "Chaplains" and “Director-Player Engagement” are very necessary elements in this "New Raider Era"!!!
"Post History"!!!
LoL!!!
But with a return to signing/drafting/trading for players like CB Brandon Underwood and their off field issues a Chaplain may be a much needed quality....Not to mention "DeathRo" who's trying to live up to his nick-name!!!
Maybe a "Parole Officer" would also be in order???
LoL!!!
PantyRaider...Welcome Back Nap As Your Services Are Required!!!/_
Pun...Get it...."Your Services Are Required"...LoL!!!
Blogger PantyRaider said...
“I'm dieing laughin at this pointy...NOT because I'm so freakin happy for my Raiders....I'm NOT!!!....But because this "New Era In Raider History" SUCKS!!!!
And I was promised that with a shiny new "GM" that all the top tier Coaches would want to come here....LIES!!!!!...Fuckin LIES!!!
CRAP!!!!...That's all the hell I can See Is CRAP!!!!
PantyRaider.....Reality Sucks!!!/!
PR,
TRUTH be told, the only "LOVE" I see from you is for Al Davis and living in the past.
As I've said 1 billion times, one can easily honor and respect our proud history, traditions, and Davis while at the same time embracing the new Raiders era.
The "LOVE" is for the Oakland Raiders TEAM ... past, present, and future!
Go Raiders!
PR is reaching for any connection he can make to the past to justify the present. As the disconnect in his quotes above demonstrate, he is beyond denial and laboring in his psychosis.
Meanwhile, the organization is operating with purpose and direction for the first time in at least a decade, and he thinks Al Davis is still running it. His reality does suck, for him.
Napoleon Kaufman named Team Chaplain. That's awesome! Now these boys can put their gifts into gear. Nice move Reggie.
HERE WE GO AGAIN!
http://blog.sfgate.com/raiders/2012/04/14/mark-davis-takes-in-a-game-with-l-a-s-ed-roski/
Mark Davis is smart to weigh all his options. Raiders badly need a new stadium and it will take years to plan and construct. I believe their current lease runs through 2013, which will likely be extended to bridge a move.
My first choice is Oakland, but I will understand if its not.
"The Raiders have announced that safety Matt Giordano has been re-signed."
I like this move. Giordano is a hard working, high motor guy and might have been the second best DB on the Raiders last year, behind Branch. Also, he is a vocal leader on the defense. Dennis Allen's strength is the secondary, so these guys, as a group, should be expected to really step up their game from last year.
If you have 20 minutes, this is worth watching from PFT. They touch on the polarization of the fan base, but it's tempered compared to what we've experienced on this blog.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/16/checking-in-on-the-raiders/
Here is my updated Raiders' Mock Draft 2.0:
#95 - Ronnell Lewis (OLB, Oklahoma) Summary: Played DE in OU, more than likely will be moved to OLB in the NFL. Has strong arms to shed blocks, and speed to get to the ball. He didn't get a lot of experience in pass coverage.
or Keenan Robinson (OLB, Texas) Summary: Positions himself well before the snap, and great speed. Covers great against TEs. Likes to get to the outside of the Tackles, but struggles against the interior line.
#129 - Mike Brewster (C, Ohio State) Summary: Good presnap reads/adjustments, a leader, quick, hits second level blocks, and is fast off the snap. Needs to improve anchoring against the bull rush.
#148 - Ishmaa'ily Kitchen (NT, Kent State) Summary: He's coming off a rough senior year after dislocating his shoulder, he was pushed around alot, but when healthy, look at his Junior year film. Powerful strength, run stuffer, powerful first step, good motor, power hitter; would be great backup because he didn't get a lot of snaps in his career due to rotational line.
#168 - Lamar Holmes (OG, Southern Mississippi) Summary: A deceptive athlete who has good strength to stop bull rush. Teachable to improve techniques, has a bad habit of stopping his feet at the point of contact, but again is teachable to improve techniques.
#189 - Levy Adcock (OT, Oklahoma State) Summary: Powerful base and hand strength. Has a tendency to play upright, but that is coachable. Conditioned to be a RT in the NFL. Don't know if he will be here this late in the 6th round, but if he is, we will snag him.
or Adrien Robinson (TE, Cincinnati) Summary: Great agility, speed, and hands, needs to polish on run blocking and route running. Compared by some scouts to a young Tony Gonzalez.
Bye in Week 5. That's too early, unless we're expecting the need to recover from a meltdown in weeks 1-4.
P.S. As a second best option during a Week 5 bye, we get to sit back and watch the Pats handle the Broncos.
week 5 bye isn't ideal but overall an interesting and relatively favorable schedule. When I look at how the schedule breaks down, there is only really 1 game that is daunting and that is on the road vs. the Ravens.
M O N D A Y N I G H T I N O A K L A N D ... B O L T S... Y E S S S S S S S!!!!! OPENING WEEKEND! AND WE CLOSE OUT IN SAN DIEGO IN DEC TOO... YESSSS!!!!!!!!!!
REGGIES PRESS CONF WAS THE BOMB.
From Corkran Q & A:
"Comment From Mike: Steve, How do you think Al was going to deal with salary cap and out of wack contacts if he hadn't passed away?
Corkran: Keep mortgaging the future, the way he did for years."
That pretty well sums it up.
Looks like the Raiders open and close the season with home games, both against the Chargers.
Anon 9:26 AM
Yes, the Raiders start and finish the regular season with the Chargers but the opener is at home and the last game is on the road.
It was a joke - SD is commonly referred to as the ninth home game.
True Anon. I've been to numerous Raider games in SD.
BTW, would it kill you to use a name when you post instead of the weak anonymous handle?
Raiders continue to look for value in free agency by signing WR and ST player Duke Calhoun. Like many of McKenzie's signings, Calhoun is coming off injury but has tremendous upside potential at a low relative cost.
I have believed for a long time that the Raiders would be better served to build their roster from a large pool of quality players than to put all their eggs into a few very expensive free agents / trades.
From what I've read, McKenzie is not one to trade away draft picks, meaning for years to come the Raiders will be building their future from the draft. This would be in stark contrast to the early round picks traded away for players like Seymour and Palmer as well as several mid-round trades made by past regimes.
Other teams, like the Pats and the Packers, have been successful with this approach.
This is a kind of interesting:
Here's Calhoun's college stats compared to DHB.
Calhoun (6'2" 200 lbs): 212 receptions for 2,981 yards (14.06 avg), with 19 touchdowns in 41 games.
DHB (6'2" 210 lbs): 138 rec for 2,089 yards (15.1 avg), with 13 TDs in 37 games.
Granted, DHB is now an established NFL WR, but on the surface these measurables might leave you scratching your head a bit.
Of course Calhoun might not amount to anything for the Raiders, but the signing makes perfect sense.
Here's a good read:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_20451970/monte-poole-oakland-raiders-owner-mark-davis-moving
"After decades as a collective anachronism, a one-man operation among a league of corporate titans, the Raiders are at last entering the 21st century." (Monte Poole)
Clearly, some folks just don't realize how far behind the league the Raiders had fallen, on and off the field.
Sense when is "CessPool" a good read???
Damn!!!...If that's what you consider a reliable source no wounder your always so fucked up!!!
This schedule sucks and we're lucky to be 1-n-3 out the gate at the Bye!!!...We are starting off with a new "O" -n- "D" along with a new "ST" and "OL" blocking scheme...Anyone who believe we come out the gate firing on all cylinders is "Lost in Space"!!!
PantyRaider..."CyberSpace" Clowns!!!!
In the 3rd rd of the 2012 Draft the Raiders select Akiem Hicks "DT"/"NG"
6'4" 225# Physical Freak Davis style!!!
Also coming off injury by the way which is why he falls to the end of the 3rd rd...Pluck'em Reggie!!!
"Akiem Hicks, Regina (CAN) Round 5
He is a stout 6-4, 324 pounds and has the pass rush abilities of a defensive end. He is also somewhat of a local product as a native of Elk Grove California and later attending Sacramento City College. It was there that he became one of the hottest junior college recruits in the nation and was recruited by LSU among others. He would have attend LSU but was instead forced to play in Canada due to some recruiting violations by their coaching staff. He played in the East-West Shrine game where he showed himself to be clearly superior to the bulk of the talent on the field. He is one of those freak of nature types that are big but carry the weight well. A physique and athleticism reminiscent of Darrell Russell."
If not available and a "CB" falls because of off field issues we may go there???
Best player available is prolly at "WR" but we just added a camp prospect to take the place of "Glass Chaz"...
"OL" is still an area of definite need..."ZBS" "C"-or-"G"..."RT"???...
PantyRaider...My $$$$'s On That "NG" Unless The Troubled "CB" Falls!!!!/_
Correction:
"Also coming off injury by the way which is why he falls to the end of the 3rd rd"
Does NOT apply...Wrong player...
That was Josh Chapman, Alabama "DT"...
Unlike that "Liar's Creed"!!!
PantyRaider...I Always Correct My Mistakes!!!!/_
Our season ends on:
Sunday, December 30 2012 at San Diego
The NFL regular season ends:
Sunday, December 30 2012 as there's NO Monday Night Game on the 31st...
Therefore there will be a new 2012 AFCW Champion in 2012 sense the season does NOT conclude in the following year as has been the case in recent seasons...
I stand by my declaration that if the Raiders win the 2012 AFCW Championship I will leave this "LIAR"s board...
Unlike the low life punk-ass cowardice fraudulent bitches that post here I am a man of my word and never have a need to LIE or squirm my way out of anything!!!!
I'm just real Baby!!!...As only a "MAN" can be!!!
That's regarding you "SquirmJack"!!!...And your poster boy shadow!!
At least "NYR" was man enough once in his miserable life!!!
PantyRaider....GoOO Raiders -n- Kick My Ass The Hell Out Of Here!!!!/_
PS!!...
I would also proclaim that if my Raiders fail to capture the AFCW Crown that "LiarJack" and that DEMON Idiot must leave this site but why waste my time with LIARS who can never "Man-Up" to anything they wager!!!!
This has been proven threw time!!!
NOT!!!! Man Enough!!!
You believe the editorial is wrong simply because you can't accept the truth. Organizationally, the Raiders had fallen into the Abyss. It continues to take the efforts of Mark Davis and Reggie McKenzie to bring the org up to speed.
Some of the changes are well-outlined by Poole.
I would add that the team and the community have been released of a stranglehold by past management, and suddenly a stadium deal looks realistic. Also, formerly exiled ex-players are welcomed back, and Ricky's can post any photos they want.
See, change is good!
Only a doom and gloomer thinks the 1st 4 games before the bye are daunting and pegs us at 1-3.
vs. SD (8-8), at Miami (6-10), vs. Pitt (12-4), at Denver (8-8).
The SD and Den games are divisional opponents ... why would these games scare you?
Pitt is at home and personally, I think Pitt is on the decline with an aging roster. It wouldn't surprise me 1 bit if Pitt doesn't qualify for the playoffs.
Although Miami has had our # the past few games, this is clearly a team in transition, rebuilding and uncertainty at QB. Why would any fan be negative about facing a team that won 6 games last year?
The schedule is fine. The combined record of our opponents was 127-129 or 2 games under .500. 10 of our games are against teams that didn't qualify for the playoffs in 2011.
Playoff Opponents:
vs. Pitt, at Den, at Atl, at Balt, vs. NO, vs. Den
You play the teams put before you and take 1 at a time. The only "elite" team on our entire schedule is Balt.
From what I've read about Mark Davis, he seems most interested in moving the organization forward while being respectful of the past.
He knows that he can never fill his father's shoes in terms of experience and knowledge which he has turned into a positive by delegating authority.
I'm calling it right here:
With the 95th overall pick, the Oakland Raiders select....
Keenan Robinson (LB, UTexas)
I believe this will happen because it looks like the Steelers may pick Josh Chapman in the 2nd Round. We go hard after a LB, and pick up a NT in later rounds.
There is speculation that Louis Murphy and Tommy Kelly is on the block to move into the 2nd round. If that is the case, our first pick in the 2nd Round may be Chapman or Spence.
In any case, JUST WIN, BABY!
so i ask then... why the hell would we want this guy if his draft record SUCKS?
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/43151/report-raiders-eyeing-jets-exec
...you guys are already predicting. My my my.. funny. I predict this is going to be a very interesting season... NuLook Raiders... Enjoy it.
Scorpio - Scouts don't get to make the decisions. Besides, the Gholston bust is dwarfed compared to Russell. And the Raiders have had more than their share of headscratchers. IMO, whoever Reggie surrounds himself with is intended to work as part of a team, in complete concert. That, in itself, is a huge improvement.
By my historical calculations, Reggie should have the next 30 years to get it right.
Go Raiders!
Typical historical stupidity as expected!!!
Only marginally interested in the draft tonight. I am interested in seeing the top 10 picks and what the Bengals do with the Raiders pick.
With their first pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Raiders select Carson Palmer.
It could be worse, e.g., we could select JaMarcus Russell all over again.
So set the record straight...
You and the rest of your Clan were against Carson Palmer the entire time I was pimping him...But now all of a sudden your pimping yourself as being in his corner and still trying to bad mouth Mr Davis for some mistake in the last decade while refusing to acknowledge any of the great moves that were made by my Raiders threw time...
As a matter of fact you said:
"Your denial (and delusion) stems from blindly defending the man without regard for 9+ years of epic failure."
"epic failure" and yet your pimping a return to glory with the roster that Al built!!!
Hypocrite!!!!
Take off the "HateTrip" Blinders when you check the historical records!!!
Just like you were wrong about "DHB" and "D-Mac"!!!!...You were also wrong about Namndi as I recall and than cried your ass off at his loss!!!
Denial will only prolong your agony!!!
Now that's a real shame.
Your repeated attacks are completely without merit, as are many of your so-called truths.
You couldn't be more wrong. Go back and look at my posts. I said repeatedly that Carson Palmer was the only viable QB option the Raiders had in their pursuit of the playoffs, once Campbell went down.
Also, Al Davis had nothing to do with bringing in Carson Palmer. Plus, if you go back and read my posts, I supported drafting MacFadden, and I'm stil a fan. DHB was a colossal reach at #7, and still is despite becoming an established NFL WR.
Clearly, you are at a point on this site where making stuff up for the sake of slinging insults is second nature to you. Is that how you want to betray yourself here?
Did I really write betray? I meant portray.
Not much of a surprise, but Luck goes first.
Luck has some tough shoes to fill. He's a long ways away from being P Manning, but anything is possible.
Seems like an eternity before the Raiders pick, and it almost has to be somebody we've never heard of when they do.
More than specific players, it will be interesting to see what positions are targeted. Also, how well they do signing undrafted free agents after the draft. The next few days are extremely important for the Raiders.
I think I read they are carrying 80 players when they are allowed 90. I believe there will be a big push after the draft to add bodies to the roster (draft picks will be signed later).
Well from everything I've heard and read and seen of Luck, he may not be able to completely fill those shoes, but perhaps come close.
G Papa raves about him. Says he's the most NFL ready QB he's ever seen entering the draft. You never really know until someone gets under huddle, but the stars seem to be aligned for either him or the Colts. And his dad was a pretty good player in his own right. So maybe the speed and complexity of the game won't be that much of a shift from his playing days at Stanfurd.
And I hate to use terms like dire and really dire :), but I didn't realize the Raider's drafting situation until today. I knew no first rounder but what I didn't realize is that they only have compensatory picks for RD 3 and 4 and our first "real" pick isn't until the 5th. The Raiders didn't exactly hold their picks dear or cherish them.
Have to agree about it will be interesting to see in what direction, limited as his choices may be, MacKenzie goes with the picks he does have. I would think he'd stay away from skill players and go with upgrading both lines. Then maybe sign UFA for long shots and pad out the rest of the roster.
That's pretty amazing that the Raiders may open camp with 10 less players than allowed. That just seems like such a disadvantage.
Well, this is certainly trial by fire for both MacKenzie/Allen, hopefully they are up for the task of rebuilding the Raiders.
Nothing is ever easy with the Silver and Black, is it?
Toni,
I am very confident that Reggie will add depth and competition through the late round picks and scouring the undrafted free agent pool. It is an exciting time for the new era to take shape before our eyes. I'm looking forward to the ride.
CJ
IMO, having 10 roster spots is an advantage right now. As I said, my guess is McKenzie will make a mad dash to add undrafted free agents (Tommy Kelly was an undrafted FA). Also, reports and his statements suggest he is looking for work ethic and football acumen over athletic measurables. I believe he will make the most of what his has available. I'm just getting anxious for it to happen. It's tough watching other teams draft for three full rounds before the Raiders get to pick.
Panty,
just for the record. i was against the Palmer trade.
i said at the time, Raiders should get Gratkowski, pass on Palmer.
i knew we would regret trade come draft day. and do we ?
i knew it was remote that Palmer could step in, to a new team, new offense, rusty from not playing, and lead Raiders to playoffs.
well, here we are today. pretty much sitting out the draft.
meanwhile, Palmer has about a 3 year window to win with Raiders.
but this lack of draft picks has got to be setting Raiders progress back at least one year.
IMO, Al Davis never makes the Palmer trade. but so it goes.
Raider00..
If Al made that trade he wouldn't have given up so much but that's all after the fact...Palmer was on the radar and I was pimping him...
Last time it was Seymour who was announced as the Raider's 1st pick in the draft and this board was going nuts with anti Davis Bashin!!!
Now it's all fine???...It wasn't Al who pulled that trigger...It was his son!!!
The new "G" was definitely a need...Our new "FA" replacement hasn't finished a season of late healthy...Missed 18 out of his last 48 games...
If Reggie's gambling pays off he will look like a genius...But the probability is vastly against him on this one...
We will be fielding a roster coming off or nearly on the "IR"...If not our own than that of another team...What's the likelihood that these players can all remain healthy threw this season???....Slim!!
"RB"-3
"WR"-3
"G"
"CB"-3
LB"-2
"DE"
"S"-3
But Reggie went out and hired the bast possible trainers in the business before he started making these injury prone deals so maybe it all pays off???
By the way the so called "Expert" projections have us finishing well behind the AFC leaders and out of the "PO"s!!!..But than their NOT celebrating some fictitious "New Era Championship" with blinders on like these phony "New Optimist"!!!
PantyRaider....My "CB"-n-"DT" Were Gone...But A "DT" Remained As We Went "OL" So I Was Wrong!!!!/_
With their pick in the 4th rd the Raiders select:
Alameda Ta'amu | 6'3, 330 pounds | Defensive tackle | Washington
Bill W
Oakland made its 2012 draft debut with the final pick of the day when it took Utah tackle/guard Tony Bergstrom.
I know some Oakland fans were disappointed that the choice was a developmental lineman while there were some sexier names available. But the truth is, picking at the spot is difficult and the new Oakland regime has a plan. Bergstrom is a good player, who is tough. He is a fine zone-blocking player. He deepens the line and he could vie for a starting spot in a year or two.
Unless the Raiders get extremely lucky, getting solid developmental players in this draft has to be the goal.
Realistic approach!!!
4th round (#129)...34 picks away!!!
5th round (#148 and #168)
6th round (#189)
Looking for meditate starters out of these picks is "Slim Pickens" unless someone continues to fall who could fill those shoes...
Or if Reggie makes a move to move up in the 4th???
Alameda Ta'amu | 6'3, 330 pounds | Defensive tackle | Washington
PantyRaider...Don't Know Nothing Yet!!!/_
"Unless the Raiders get extremely lucky, getting solid developmental players in this draft has to be the goal."
It certainly makes more sense than drafting simply on speed and adding bodies to special teams.
I'd like to see DL next, but McKenzie is picking best available regardless of position. Even Bill Polian said not to reach for need at this point in the draft; that's how you get burned.
There are still a lot of good choices to choose from:
Alameda Ta'amu
Keenan Robinson
Ronnell Lewis
Sean Spence
Josh Chapman
I think if Spence is there, we take him. If he's not there, then we take Ta'amu or Keenan Robinson.
5th Round we have 2 picks:
Mike Brewster (C, Ohio State)
Lamar Holmes (OG, Southern Miss)
6th Round:
Adrien Robinson (TE, Cincy)
Tony Bergestrom was projected to go in the late 2nd, early 3rd; so I am surprised that he was there for us. Very excited about that pick, and he will give Barnes a run for his money at RT.
JUST WIN, BABY!
scratch Lamar Holmes, he was taken by the Atlanta Falcons. He was on the Raiders' board though; which is probably why we chose Bergestrom, who can play guard as well.
I jumped the gun too early too. Sean Spence was taken by the Steelers. Didn't see his name the first time I went through. Sorry
Nate - I will be extremely disappointed if the Raiders can't find a replacement for Barnes.
Keenan Robinson taken by Washington at 119.
Ronnell Lewis is still available. NY, I think Bergestrom has that potential, but he needs to gain a few pounds.
Cam Johnson (DE, UVA) is still available as well.
Lions took Ronnell Lewis
Raiders expected to sign Matt Leinart
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 28, 2012, 9:55 AM EDT
AP
We noted last month that Matt Leinart could become the backup to Carson Palmer in Oakland, and it appears that’s about to happen.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Leinart has a visit scheduled to Oakland and is likely to sign with the Raiders within the next week.
Like Palmer, Leinart is a former Heisman Trophy winner at USC, but unlike Palmer, Leinart has never been a successful NFL quarterback. Leinart was a bust for the Cardinals as the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, and in two seasons with the Texans since Arizona released him, he started just one game and suffered a season-ending collarbone injury in that game.
In his six-year NFL career, Leinart has started 18 games and thrown 15 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions.
Raiders select Miles Burris (OLB, San Diego State)
Adrian Robinson is gone, taken by the NY Giants.
That leaves Levy Adcock (OT, OK State), Ishmaa'ily Kitchen (DT, Kent State), a lot more OTs and Guards and DTs.
Miles Burris (OLB, San Diego State)
Burris possesses a thickly built frame with good overall girth strapped through his upper and lower half. He displays a real explosive element to his game when asked to attack downhill. He has a natural first step with a real burst to his game and good straight-line speed in pursuit. He exhibits the range to finish in pursuit, wraps well on the ball carrier and finishes with a lot of anger to his game. Burris plays the game the way it's supposed to be played inside. He works hard, displays good instincts with enough power/short area quickness to fend off blocks inside and scratch his way toward the ball carrier. He plays with good leverage inside when taking on blocks, understands angles, gets his shoulder properly aligned with leverage when taking on full backs in the hole and exhibits the balance to stack, shed and accelerate toward the ball carrier. Now, he is a bit linear of an athlete who will struggle to breakdown quickly in space. But once he collects himself, he really bursts out of his breaks and extends his arms well vs. offensive lineman at the second level. He possesses the natural power to stack, though he is a bit inconsistent shedding vs. longer lineman, lacking the type of fluidity to quickly disengage if he doesn't keep himself clean initially.
Burris is more of a blitzer off the edge on passing downs. I don't want to call him a natural pass rusher, but he does have the ability to drop his pad level and gain leverage when trying to reach the edge and does exhibit an understanding of using his hands to gain leverage and then shed quickly on contact. He recorded 9.5 sacks as a junior and he can routinely create pressure off the edge as an extra rush guy. He's a bit tight hipped in coverage; he gets only average depth in his drop and needs to chop his feet in order to collect himself out of his breaks when changing directions. But, Burris does a nice job keeping his feet under him and can accelerate quickly when he regains his footing. He displays solid instincts in the pass game and is routinely around the football. He doesn't have a ton of experience turning and running with receivers down the field, but has the straight-line speed to do so. Plays like a 4.5 guy.
Impression: A nasty, hard working football player who displays good instincts, a great motor and a lot of explosive elements to his game. At worst, Burris is a stud special teams guy with the ability to start at the next level. He can play either inside or out as well.
Miles Burris (OLB, San Diego State)
hilights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtlONCH8jPA
Colts select Josh Chapman (DT, Alabama).
Raiders holding true to form and selecting highly regarded football talent over freakish athleticism. Also, Matt Leinart is a smart move. I don't believe Pryor is ready to backup, and I doubt he will ever be a starting NFL QB. I hope I'm wrong, but it may have been another wasted pick.
I would love for Reggie to have a do over on the picks lost on Seymour, Palmer and Pryor. And I'll throw in Russell and DHB while I'm dreaming.
Huff is not on my list of bad choices. Though he has underperformed, he was highly regarded out of college and has played in a nearly impossible defense to play FS.
Old School Raider!!!
Jack Crawford "DE"/"DT"
The St. Augustine Prep graduate and Longport resident emailed a statement from his sports agents to The Press in which he insisted the marijuana and drug paraphernalia found in a Penn State University apartment in his name earlier this month did not belong to him
Draft Report
Crawford is a raw prospect, having only started playing football in his junior year of high school in 2006. He is originally from England and immigrated to the United States in 2005. Crawford has a nice blend of size, 6-5, 275 pounds, and speed, 4.85 40-yard dash at the Combine. He brings an excellent motor and fairly good athleticism to the position.
Crawford is inexperienced and it sometimes shows. His footwork clearly shows how inexperienced he is. He often fails to set his feet properly and shows poor ability to adjust once his initial move doesn’t work on opposing linemen. He also sometimes has trouble recognizing plays as they unfold but that is due to his overall inexperience and not indicative of his football IQ.
Crawford has shown some ability to get to the quarterback, recording 6.5 sacks last season with the Nittany Lions. He was slowed by a knee injury last season but still managed to participate in all thirteen of Penn State’s games. His work ethic is among the best in the draft and he will play until the whistle blows, often getting production on his second effort. He possesses the upper body strength to knock offensive tackles off balance with his punch. He does not have the speed or athleticism to get around the edge, however. He will need to play with a more consistent pad level and keep his head up to follow the play but those can be corrected with proper coaching.
Crawford reminds me of Dave Tollefson who left the Giants as a free agent for the Oakland Raiders. Both have a drive that exceeds their natural ability and both get the job done based upon effort. Although it wouldn’t be an ideal situation for Crawford, he could line up inside at times when needed, much like Tollefson did for defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.
Crawford probably will never mature into a starting defensive end but he could become a very valuable member of the rotation, wearing out offensive linemen with his drive and motor. He will need to learn to play with his head up and his pads low to become a factor in the NFL. He is still learning the game and hasn’t had time to develop bad habits so he should be a nice lump of clay for the Giants to mold into the type of player they need. There is no reason to doubt that Crawford will be available when the Giants select in the sixth round.
According to the Daily Collegian, the school’s student newspaper, university police searched the on-campus apartment of wide receiver Devon Smith and former defensive lineman Jack Crawford in order to investigate a possible break-in. However, when they entered the apartment, the officers discovered a grinder that is typically used for grinding marijuana, a scale and more than one blunt in an ash tray. After a search warrant was executed, police confiscated multiple blunts, a bottle of liquor, a grinder, a scale, a plastic bag with suspected marijuana and prescription drugs.
Neither Smith nor Crawford has been arrested or charged at this time.
Juron Criner
Position:
WR
Height:
6' 3"
Weight:
224
College:
Arizona
Criner is a real wildcard in this draft. There are some who see him as going as high as round three. But the latest indications are that he will slip into round six. And if he does, he would absolutely worth taking a chance on. At 6-3, 224, he has great size. He has also shown he has the strength and hands to have success at the NFL level. The primary cause for his drop in stock was his 4.68 40-yard dash. He worked out of a spread offense at Arizona which has caused some concern how his college success will translate to the pros. But he has been lined up outside, in the slot, and put in motion which would suggest he can do whatever a team would like him to do. His skill set would be a valuable asset to the Raiders' offense.
Juron Criner Breakdown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H87I23tTWV8&feature=related
03/31/12
Aspiring NFL DE Jack Crawford wanted to clear his name Friday. He emailed through his agent to the Press a statement in which he insisted the Weed and drug toys found at Penn St U did not belong to him. He said that he had not lived there since December 2011. He moved to Mount Laurel to train with Eagles T Tra Thomas. After the Senior Bowl Jan.28th, he moved to Florida to train for the combine. During his brief time at Penn St leading up to his Pro Day, he stayed at his agents house, off campus. Crawford text a message Friday "I haven't stayed in my old Apt since 2011". No charges have been filed against him. - David Weinberg, Press of Atlantic City
Chris Bilukidi, DT, Georgia St
#53 Christo Bilukidi
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 290
Year: Senior
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
High School: St. Patrick's/Eastern Arizona
AT GEORGIA STATE: Two-year starter and the Panthers' top defensive lineman in their first two seasons ... Primarily a defensive tackle but also lined up at defensive end ... Had 10 career sacks - the GSU record - and 16 tackles for loss ... Elected one of GSU's permanent team captains for the 2011 season ... Rated one of the top 15 prospects for the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft, according to a list published by the CFL Scouting Bureau ... Native of Canada who signed with Georgia State in 2010 from Eastern Arizona J.C.
2011: Led GSU with five sacks and nine tackles for loss ... Collected 38 tackles, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble ... Made two huge plays in win over South Alabama with a stop on fourth-and-goal and a forced fumble at the six-yard line ... Had two tackles for loss against Murray State ... Recovered a fumble at the West Alabama 11-yard line in the fourth quarter ... Preseason All-Independent by Phil Steele's College Football Preview.
2010: Played defensive tackle and led the Panthers in sacks with five ... Had seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles ... Credited with 26 solo tackles and 25 assists ... Started every game ... Voted the team's Outstanding Defensive Lineman by his teammates.
"I don't believe Pryor is ready to backup, and I doubt he will ever be a starting NFL QB"
**********************************
NYR,
You could be right. but don't be surprised if Pryor, a great athlete, becomes the Raiders version of Tebow.
Using Pryor in wild cat, on 3rd and short situations, might be best way to get most out of Pryor.
DL Dominique Hamilton, Missouri
OG/OT Lucas Nix, Pitt
WR WR Brandon Carswell, USC
WR/TE Derek Carrier, Beloit College
CB Chaz Powell, Penn State
All sign with the Raiders.
"UDFA"s...Looks like there was a reason for all those vacant roster spots!!!
Derek Carrier, TE/WR, Beloit
6-3, 238 (4.5 40 yard dash) and 40 inch vertical leap
Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh
Had a mid round grade by many but was falling on boards coming into the draft. 6-5, 303 projects as a right guard. Good fit for the zone scheme.
Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin
Mid round grade. 6-0, 208 (4.54 40 yard dash)
Conroy Black, CB, Utah
They got a speed guy: 4.3 40 yard dash.
Chaz Powell, CB, Penn State
Thomas Mayo, WR, California (PA)
Brandon Carswell, WR, USC
Kaelin Burnett, DE, Nevada
Dominique Hamilton, DT, Missouri 6-5, 313
Marquette King, P, Fort Valley State
Raiders UDFAs 2012: Wide Receivers:
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/4/28/2985524/raiders-udfas-2012-wide-receivers
@VittorioTafur D Lineman @RalphGuidry from Kansas State is also tweeting he’s headed to Oakland.
Retweeted by Vittorio Tafur
Looks like Reggie had several phone numbers already set for speed dial when the draft ended. I have no idea about the talent that the Raiders drafted or signed as undrafted, but Reggie gets an "A" for the process by which it all went down.
Video inside the Raiders' draft room. Nothing old school about that. I'm glad they declined HBO... that didin't work out so well for the Jets last year.
http://www.raiders.com/media-vault/videos/Bergstrom-Press-Conference/89648c9f-05f0-48da-b5df-43c635211a28#?id=2606729e-7a18-4e4e-b66f-4b52eb459b47
I like how people have dogged the first pick of the Raiders in the media; Tony Bergestrom, OT, Utah.
Many are saying that he won't pan out because of the "small school" he is coming from. Really? Utah is IN THE PAC-12! It's not like he played a bunch of no name schools. He was named first team All-Pac 12 at Right Tackle! I think he replaces Barnes at that position; even though most scouts say he will wind up a guard. I think McKenzie & Co keep him at RT.
JUST WIN, BABY!
Nate -
Jared Veldheer - Hillside College
Nuff said.
Expecting a rookie "HC" to come in with an entirely new staff on both side of the ball and put a winning program on that field in the short term is ludicrous to even believe in happening!!!
PantyRaider....Just The Simple Realities Baby!!!/_
I'm not impressed at this point with who Reggie thinks was the very best prospect out there that he could bring in...I'm not impressed with the search sense the top tier prospects seem to have been left off the table...Bill Cowher would most certainly have impress me...
PantyRaider said...
Jack!!!-----------------------------------
You freakin idiot Denver has already won that and there won't be a 2nd "AFCW crown in 2012" unless the scheduling is completely revamped!!!
End of season games:
2009....17 Sun January 3
2010....17 Sun January 2
2011....17 Sun January 1
LoL!!!....Your an idiot!!!
PantyRaider said...
Shit talk about uncertainty!!!
There is now more uncertainty with this organization than I can ever remember in my 50 yrs of following this team...And now some here are pimping an AFCW crown when we haven't succeeded in how many seasons past???
"9"!!!
Ya!!...Right!!...Talk about a whim!!!
PantyFaida said....
"I have no reason to believe the offense will get worse."
Bull Shit...You have every reason to believe that we will suffer a loss of production in the short term!!!
Now what does that translate to???
As slow start to the season and playing from behind mid to late season...That's just a reality of the NFL...
PantyRaider...."Um-Ba-Ya"s Don't Post A Single "V"!!!/_
As it stands now we have a rookie "HC" with "1" season's experience as "DC" under a "D" minded "HC"....Never on his own before!!!...Never hired a staff before...I mean this is "Never-Never Land" in all it's glory!!!
How well will we move the ball against a Del Rio "D" with their roster???
How much improvement can we expect in one season on the "D"???
PantyRaider...As It Stand Right Now We be In Some Deep Do-Do!!!/_
Yes "NYR" you "Scum Bitch" and this draft class has NOT elevated the roster beyond finding probable depth at several positions which will be needed in the event that our "Injury" prone roster can't hang!!!...
Your a fuckin Idiot!!!
Only an Idiot is projecting the Raiders as CHAMPIONS this season!!!
I love how McKenzie and Allen have conducted business this offseason.
I love how the media experts expectations for the Raiders is low.
I love being optimistic about the new era and projecting the Raiders as AFCW Champions!
Let Manning soak up all the media attention while the Raiders fly low under the radar.
And don't forget ... opponents have no clue as far as what to expect of the Raiders offensive and defensive tendencies. You can burn the film from the past few years.
PR -
Sticks and stones....
Your low expectation of the Raiders reveals your true colors.
The Raiders are finally hitting on all cylinders and you're doing your Chicken Little immitation.
I liked the Bergestrom pick, and I do think he will supplant Barnes at RT.
I also like the Juron Criner pick. I would compare Criner more to Hines Ward and Marques Colston. Both are not afraid to use his size to over-power the DBs to get yards after the catch. Ward isn't flashy, nor does he rely on speed; he catches the ball and bowls you over, nor does Ward run a lot of different routes. Colston has deceptive speed, jumps to catch the pass, and uses physicality to separate. I think we will be happy with this pick.
I thought we would take Terrell Manning (OLB, NC State) or Jonathan Massaquoi (DE, Troy) over Crawford, I was really surprised by that pick. We may have signed him as an undrafted free agent. The only thing I see that I like from him is he is 6'5", 274 lbs. He has the build to be a force, or he can lose 10-20 lbs and be an OLB, or stay at his current weight and be a backup MILB (when we use a 3-4 package); or a really good ST guy.
Overall I'd give us a C
I Think we did well considering what we had to work with. A nice young offensive line starting to take shape, I think Criner has a chance to be a real factor in the league. Would have loved for them to take a flier in the 7th round on Kellen Moore from Boise State but overall I think the Raiders are better this week than they were last week. I guess that's really all you can ask for.
Is it September yet??
Nate - not sure what you base your "C" grade on. Is it because Reggie didn't pick who you thought was better at the time of selection, or does it include loss of early round picks which was out of McKenzie's control?
From what little I've read so far, at least a couple of his picks were graded higher than their actual draft position. IMO, that's ideally how it should work during the later rounds.
I hope you're not comparing notes with Mel Kiper's board. There were times during the ESPN commentary when it looked like Gruden wanted to reach over and rip Kiper's face off.
I'm basing my grade off the "unknown" factor. Crawford was a reach that early, especially with better talent out there. Out of our picks, only 2 make sense to me (Bergstrom and Criner). There are a lot of good things said about Burris, but don't know too much about him. He may have been a stretch picking him where we did; we probably could have picked him up the next round.
We picked players from small schools; which there are a lot of successful players in the league from smaller schools; but the jury is still out.
We have to wait and see how these players pan out on the field. I think we have 2 starters (Bergstrom and Criner), and another possible strong player (Burris). Let's see how they use Crawford, Bilukidi, and Stupar.
To be honest, a lot of these "grades" you see from mediots are based on name marketability, which is why the Austin American Statesman gave the Raiders an F (not too mention a few others).
I based mine on what kind of impact the players will have out of the gate (which is based on strengths/weaknesses found on scouting reports). I see value in Crawford and Bilukidi as depth chart rotation players, and their grade is mostly dependent on how the Raiders play them; and how the players respond.
Example, I think Crawford succeeds as a MILB in a 3-4 scheme (thinking similarities with Teddy Hendricks; I mean, Crawford is 6'5", 274lbs; and the knock on him is he doesn't have the d-line moves to help him get to the QB); or are they going to use Crawford as a run-stuffing DE? A MILB in a 3-4 scheme would be different for him, how does he respond (more likely a D). As a run-stuffing DE he probably responds better because he just has to plug a gap (a grade of an A); average immediate impact grade = C.
I think our best player in the draft was Bergstrom and Criner, both A- or Bs. Bilukidi, Burris, and Crawford are Cs, and Stupar is a D. Averages out to a C overall.
Btw, I dislike ESPN "experts". I think they are the biggest jokes in sports; with exception to Adam Schefter. I get a lot of my information regarding scouting reports from NFL.com and Scout.com
Nate - one of the ESPN experts is Jon Gruden.
Does anybody have an opinion on the notion that the Raiders targeted players with strong religious background? I'm not sure what to make of that.
The Oakland Raiders have fired college scouting director Jon Kingdon, NFL Network learned Monday.
Kingdon had been with the Raiders for 33 years.
The Raiders have shown interest in New York Jets college scout Joey Clinkscales, according to the New York Daily News.
Clinkscales played college football with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at Tennessee.
Clinkscales told Newsday after the NFL draft that he "expects" to stay with the Jets when asked about the possibility of
joining the Raiders.
The Raiders had six picks in this year's NFL Draft. Their first selection came in the third round, when they chose Utah offensive tackle Tony Bergstrom
NYR -
McKenzie is on record as saying he is looking for players with strong character and a passion for football. The fact that we drafted a few players with strong religious backgrounds is merely circumstantial to the total evaluation.
From what I've read, McKenzie was looking for prospects who possess some of the traits that he values and possesses himself ... tireless workers, high-character, football enthusiasts, over-achievers, students of the game, etc.
---------------------------------
And how about all the players with such strong faith?
McKenzie: “You know what? I think when you talk about high-character guys, how they were brought up, work ethic, I think part of that is kind of reflective on your faith. At least I know it was with me. But did we go out and say we’re going to get faith-based players specifically? No. No. That’s not our intent. But I think just by nature good quality players have a strong foundation in their faith.”
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