A Take on Taiwan

Much angst has been expressed in these parts over the past few days about Taiwan Jones not getting serious action on Sunday, and what it says about Jones, or about the coaching staff, given that we were razor-thin at the running back position.

Here's my take: I suspect it's something as simple as Taiwan pissing off the staff or breaking a rule or not giving full effort.

If that's the case, I support keeping Taiwan on ice. We've seen where lack of discipline and accountability has led this organization in the past.

Cream rises to the top in the NFL, and Taiwan hasn't risen even close to the top under two coaches now. He's nothing more than an idea from Eastern Washington with less than 20 combined season carries under his belt. It seems to me that, as Raiders fans, we're always hoping for the next "idea" to save the day, when in reality they're just guys who are low on a mediocre depth chart.

Jeff Fisher benched two starters last Sunday for team rules violations. They were seen running the stairs before the game. The Rams proceeded to give one of the best teams in the NFL a run for their money. That's how good coaches operate. Accountability first.

Anyhow, the Taiwan Jones issue is ultimately an act of rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Look at our defense. Look at the combined point totals given up over the past two weeks. No offense can overcome that.

Honestly, I think Allen and McKenzie thought it was going to be easier than this, that maybe they had some good raw material to work with. I think this has been a rude awakening for all involved. I think we're going to see a nuking after this season, and it won't be the players pressing the button.

I'm not saying what's left will be better. McKenzie and Allen still have to prove themselves. But it's going to be a lot different. Mark my words.