One Postgame (and Postseason) Take
Mark Davis, Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen were dealt a bad hand this year, but they were also caught flatfooted.
There is no way that they thought they would halve Hue Jackson's record with essentially the same roster. No way.
Yes, they inherited a dog of a roster. But how did the dog catch rabies?
4-12. Chew on that. Keep chewing, because it doesn't go down easy.
“Every place I’ve been to, it’s usually going to take at least a year’s transition time to get everything taught," said Greg Knapp last week.
Never mind the fact that Knapp hasn't lasted on a job for more than two years since 2006. Look at the playoff schedule this year, with rookies Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin, Colin Kaepernick and Andrew Luck leading their teams to the postseason. Or Andy Dalton of the Bengals, leading his team to the postseason again after last year's rookie playoff season.
Guess they didn't get Knapp's memo.
Now we have Mr. T. Pryor as the latest emblem of our snail's pace approach to progress. Two years into his tenure, he finally gets some snaps, and the results are vaguely promising in a "he could be a good #2" way, and we're supposed to get excited? After watching Russell Wilson and RGIII the past two Sunday nights?
I'm sick of everything taking so much time. It's become a disease in Alameda. Knapp's offense? Hey, it just takes time. Tarver? Hey, let's keep the players, it just takes time. Pryor? Hey, maybe in year three we'll see something. Palmer? Well, maybe next year he'll make us forget about Jason Campbell. DMC? Give Knapp another year. Our receivers? Hey, catching the ball is easier than it sounds. Our defense? Learning how to tackle properly and mind gaps takes years. Tick, tock, tick, tock...
I thought that this was the year that the Raiders were going to get up to speed. Instead, we're still spinning our wheels.
There's no way Mark Davis, Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen thought they'd be sitting on a 4-12 record on December 30. But they are, and it's fix-it time...again.
There is no way that they thought they would halve Hue Jackson's record with essentially the same roster. No way.
Yes, they inherited a dog of a roster. But how did the dog catch rabies?
4-12. Chew on that. Keep chewing, because it doesn't go down easy.
“Every place I’ve been to, it’s usually going to take at least a year’s transition time to get everything taught," said Greg Knapp last week.
Never mind the fact that Knapp hasn't lasted on a job for more than two years since 2006. Look at the playoff schedule this year, with rookies Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin, Colin Kaepernick and Andrew Luck leading their teams to the postseason. Or Andy Dalton of the Bengals, leading his team to the postseason again after last year's rookie playoff season.
Guess they didn't get Knapp's memo.
Now we have Mr. T. Pryor as the latest emblem of our snail's pace approach to progress. Two years into his tenure, he finally gets some snaps, and the results are vaguely promising in a "he could be a good #2" way, and we're supposed to get excited? After watching Russell Wilson and RGIII the past two Sunday nights?
I'm sick of everything taking so much time. It's become a disease in Alameda. Knapp's offense? Hey, it just takes time. Tarver? Hey, let's keep the players, it just takes time. Pryor? Hey, maybe in year three we'll see something. Palmer? Well, maybe next year he'll make us forget about Jason Campbell. DMC? Give Knapp another year. Our receivers? Hey, catching the ball is easier than it sounds. Our defense? Learning how to tackle properly and mind gaps takes years. Tick, tock, tick, tock...
I thought that this was the year that the Raiders were going to get up to speed. Instead, we're still spinning our wheels.
There's no way Mark Davis, Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen thought they'd be sitting on a 4-12 record on December 30. But they are, and it's fix-it time...again.
posted by Raider Take at 9:41 PM
95 Comments:
Call it commitment to ineptitude. How is it that EVERY Raider fan had an icy lead ball bad feeling in the gut when they announced the hiring of Greg Knapp and no one in the organization pulled Dennis Allen aside and reminded him that Knapp's offense did not work out here the first time? Its like you have to shout 3 times before you get their attention in this organization. Call it an organizational enigma.
2013 Season?
Fair point, Anon. Most groaned when Knapp was hired. Remember when Tom Walsh was hired? Same thing. Sometimes the fans know what they're talking about.
Accurate take, Take. Nothing new, but we can't blame the opening kickoff return on Knapp, or any coach though, can we? Really? Good grief! Nonetheless, I remain hopeful.
Sure beats what's happening in JetVille, and KC... next year will be decent.
May as well update the uniforms, or something weak like that... sure seems to be working for everyone else. Whatever!
After this year's performance, I have to wonder if Dennis Allen would be hired as HC of any other team in the NFL. The same was said last year about Hue Jackson, who managed twice as many wins with basically the same roster, then quickly disappeared after he was let go.
Although the entire coaching staff did a face plant this year, it will be most discouraging if Gregg Knapp is retained.
Let the evaluations begin.
Knapp was my #1 concern going into the season. Vic Tafur is reporting that Knapp will be let go. So we may have good news, depending on who we hire.
Say we do let Knapp go, and hire a guy who brings in a mixed package, some power blocking, some zone; do we keep McFadden? I think we trade him to get back into the first round. Seymore won't be back, and we have some good cuts with our WRs so we can pursue a true #1 (Marquis Lee of USC anyone?).
We have some holes to fill. Cornerback, DT, RB (if we trade McFadden), WR, LT, and OGs.
I'm just concerned, do we lose our first round or second round pick this year?
RT, really? That again? “Essentially the same team…?” Changing 27 players on a 53 man roster is the “same team.” One of the things that currently destroy me about this site is that everything is either all good or all bad. OakTown, you and I don’t often agree, but I respect your opinion because you respect the opinions of others. I feel your pain.
That said, the defense has shown continual improvement since their midseason face plant. The D only gave up 14 points yesterday. Special teams gave up 10. We’ll have to get a new and better ST Coach. Especially since we are going to be without Lechler next year (and very likely Jano as well).
The primary problem with our offense is that it is built for going North and South with Knapp driving them East and West. The fix is fairly simple. We still have Al Saunders. Promote him back to his original position; get rid of zone blocking, and return to going North and South. I’d bring back the Wiz as an offensive line coach as well.
There is one caveat to that. Pryor was excellent in his first start yesterday. I don’t know if anyone noticed, but he was three for three in red zone excursions yesterday. Getting into the End Zone has been a major problem all year, but he did very well and would have done better if the offensive line had shown up to play.
One of the reasons we have emerging QBs like Cam Newton is because the NFL has finally decided to make OCs earn their high paychecks and use athletes as QBs. Pryor fits the Cam Newton mold. Pryor is also an excellent type of QB for an East West system (like Gruden runs). I think trying to develop Pryor into a pocket QB would cause him to whither on the vine and die in the NFL. McKenzie is going to have to fully commit to a system, develop and exchange players accordingly, and stick with it.
What really impressed me about Pryor was his leadership. Pulling Goodson off the pile, trying to keep his running back in the game, was huge.
Just currious, RT. If you took the Beatles and replaced Ringo and Paul, would it essentially be the same group?
BR - you think you might be overstating you point a bit? Take a closer look at the starters and tell us where we lost Ringo or Paul.
Alright, NY. Instead of changing Ringo and Paul, I'll replace Ringo and George.
And, before making that claim, if I were you, I'd take a look at the defense last year and the defense this year. And, on a football team, second teamers play a lot of STs. Or weren't you aware? Our special teams coverage and returns have taken a significant face plant this year.
Yeah, it was maybe an exaggerated choice of words.
But with Palmer starting the year in training camp instead of on his couch, with our supposedly up-and-coming receivers returning, with Darren McFadden coming off a promising year, etc., with no real loss by moving Boss, with Wiz, Veldheer, Carlisle, Barnes on the line, do you think that McKenzie and Allen really thought our offense looked much different, and that it would sputter so badly?
Do you think they saw a radically remade defensive roster, or just an improved one with guys like Wheeler and Burris added to the mix, and overrated guys like Routt run out of town? Do you think they anticipated, under a defensive specialized like Allen, the defense to play like clowns for much of the season?
Not sure what you're driving at here.
The defense played much better towards the stretch, which prolly saved Allen and Tavers job. The offense still struggled as always. My wish list is FA beefing up the right side of the o-line, moving Wiz back to guard, signing a true number one WR, and replacing our FS. The draft can be mostly trading back for more picks and BEST AVAILABLE PLAYER, as we are one of the thinnest teams in the NFL. Knapp should be fired already...
Woke up this morning with a hangover from the season that we had so much hope in but so little output on the field. Yes I know we had our fair share of injuries but losing sucks. Though I did like what TP brought to the table yesterday, he was hurrying his guys up to the line, pulling people out of scrum piles overall showed so leadership skill also had some escape ability another thing that stood out to me when he was running around in the back field he would look down field and check on his recievers before taking off running. I think there is potential there just my 2 cents.Guess I will start looking into the draft and FA pool. Thinking we should pick up Manta te'o with the number 3 pick he seems very instinctual and that has served us well with the last instinctual LB we drafted (Burris)though I'm not sure about his size. what'cha all think about who we should be looking at for this draft, FA period?
Topher
Well our 1st wish has been answered. Rotoworld sites Knapp has been FIRED!!!!!
http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/nfl/oak/oakland-raiders
Reports are already coming in that Knapp HAS been fired along with two other offensive coaches (so far unnamed). Also, ZBS has been abandoned.
Rumors are that Knapp was asked to adjust the ZBS to better suit McFadden early on in the season, but he refused.
With respect to the Beatles, and a well-placed analogy to Take, I think it's more like KISS without Ace and Peter. Same game, different people. Blanda, nice analogy. regardless, both bands revenue continues regardless of quality or talent. Let's curb our nostalgia for just a sec, folks. This is not the RAIDERS brand we all followed, it's the Raiders BRAND that we cling to. Why? Because in our own way, we are all a tad fanatical.
Because of the defense, no clown car for this game, or the season, is called for. Allen's head should not be on a stick.
Looking forward to see what happens between now and August, because the real season starts NOW.
Nonetheless, it's 11:37 am, we are all heathy pirates with roof sover our heads and able to actually able to spend a few minutes chatting about one little thing that makes us a little happy, so I'll say this as the day begins (my first true "sleep-in" all year), here's to a lot of fun in 2013, thank you to Take for the only blog I have time to read (it's a lot like S&B Illustrated was), and a healthy, hearty new year to you all, you are the best squabblers I have ever squabbled with.
Peace from OakTown (who is literally flipping thru his "00 Jim Otto" signed Raiders book over his morning coffee.... sniff sniff)
;)
Sick!!!! All are fired!!!
Knapp
Frank pollack- Knappys buddy OL coach
Hoffman ST coach
Ha ha...the Chargers are bringing in Ron Wolf to help consult on their next GM. That's comical knowing Wolf is an Ex-Raider
Seriously though it shouldn't have been hard to see the utter ineptness. I'm not overly joyed until Reggie finishes the task of getting rid of the old culture and drafting some real talent for the 2013 campaign. Anything less than a .500 season next year: Bye Bye DA.
I think the situation is this. Mark Davis has placed Reggie McKenzie on the bubble. Davis is talking to Anderson who has worked with the Raiders before.
At the same moment, Reggie has placed Dennis Allen on the bubble. Both bubbles were inflated about three weeks ago.
Knapp and the ZBS are gone. Haven't heard anything regarding Saunders, but he seems like the best choice to elevate to OC (the season before last he gave us a top 10 offense - in spite of devistating injuries).
I actually liked what I saw in Pryor.
My main concern is with his arm strength. He seems to put a lot of arc under his throws, and they seem to float.
No laser bullets like you see from Luck or Stafford.
I feel so much better now that Knapp is gone.
Jones - I'm curious if firing Knapp and three other coaches within 24 hours of the final game, and without immediate plan for their replacements, constitutes “upgrading” the coaching staff, as you suggested previously.
There was never any doubt that the roster needed to be upgraded, but the coaches have grossly underperformed in their jobs.
IMO, Allen deserves at least one more year, but he has to be much smarter with his coordinator and assistant coach selections.
I liked Pryor also. 3-3 in the red zone, and he makes escaping defenders look so easy. The man can't be sacked. He demonstrated leadership, with 2-3 good examples by Topher.
Funny how a week ago he didn't know enough of the offense to get even a series of plays, then he starts at QB and looks decent in the process. In between, he stated to the media he knows the entire playbook (just ask him a play and he'll give the formation).
Who's running this team? Why was getting Pryor involved so painfully difficult?
In fairness to Pryor, the kid played his first NFL game last night.... Dalton, Griffin and Luck had off-seasons taking every snap with the first team, and their respective teams built their offense around them... Wilson won the job early, and even Kaepernick was the #2, none of them were the third QB, getting as little experience as Pryor... I think the kid showed more ability and poise than expected and Lienart would have been sacked at least 4 times in that game.
Against a very good defense, I was very pleasantly suprised with Pryor's command, poise, decision making ability. His uncanny escapability added a dynamic element to the offense.
I was impressed that he used his legs to buy time but continued to keep his head up and look downfield for receivers.
If Pryor conintues to show the hunger and dedication to his craft, he has a bright future as an NFL QB.
Since we are using musical analogies, as opposed to the musical chairs of the past 10 years, I say it’s like Led Zeppelin without John Bonham. Page and Plant may have been the heart, but Bonham was the soul.
Pryor showed promise. But, that’s all. At least we scored TD’s instead of FG’s.
"Pryor showed promise. But, that’s all."
Promise is a big word on a 4-12 team that just fired it's OC and several assistant coaches within 24 hours of its final game, after no hint of improvement through a 16-game schedule.
If, according to what I've read, Darren McFadden is to be the center piece going forward, I assume they've figured out a way to keep him on the field for more that 9-12 games a year.
The blocking scheme was bad this year, but the guy stubs his toe and he's out for 3-4 weeks. That's not what you want for your "center piece".
H
H:
If nothing else, Pryor showed that he is worth developing.
Using McFadden as the 'center-piece' is only flawed if the team doesn't have depth at RB.
McFadden and Pryor are good enough if we can grab some wide receivers that actually do. Spread the D and MDac won't be used as a hammer. He is no hammer, never was. The toe thing is crazy too, I got turf toe for the first time ever and man it's no joke. You can't cut or pivot at all, and I was just cleaning house! Small QB controversy to attack, I sure hope we don't play this out like the Jets did. Question is: who's willing to be the next Vince Evans? Hmm... truly a tough call. If Palme has tool and cannot use 'em effectively by game four, Pryor must be empowered.
...friggin keyboard...
Goodson showed he is a solid backup, and could even split reps. Raiders will find more depth at the RB position... Stewart might be one option already on the roster.
RB was not the problem with the Raiders running game this year. And unless you think Veldheer, Wiz, Carlisle et al are bad O-linemen, this year's failures running the ball rest squarely on Knapp's and Pollack's attempt at ZBS.
Calico Jack said...
Against a very good defense, I was very pleasantly suprised with Pryor's command, poise, decision making ability. His uncanny escapability added a dynamic element to the offense.
I was impressed that he used his legs to buy time but continued to keep his head up and look downfield for receivers.
If Pryor conintues to show the hunger and dedication to his craft, he has a bright future as an NFL QB.
>>>>>
I dunno man. Nobody had any tape on him, and I think he has a long long way to go. Every time he was in the shotgun he stared down his primary receiver and then threw to him. I was surprised SD didn't pick this up, because its a pick-6 waiting to happen. Just jump the route of the receiver he is looking at!
And I still can't believe he didnt get out of bounds to kick the FG before half. High school QBs have better time mangement skills.
He had one very nice drive early whcih made me excited... but I didn't see much besides scrambling around until he spotted a wide open receiver after that.
His performance opens up a spot on the roster though... I don't see any reason to carry 3 QBs next year unless we draft one. He looks like a very fine backup QB.
happy new year and new hopes everyone!
psst! david shaw as OC (future head coach...)
btw guys, i did say that half-jokinglu\y. i know david shaw is going ANYWHERE BUT can't help to toss in a name for our OC...
Gary,
Prior has flaws in his mechanics, he did stare down receivers, and there are many fine nuances to the game that he needs to learn.
Having said that though, in his 1st NFL start against a very good D, he did MORE than enough to show he has a solid platform of skills to be further developed, enhanced, and fine tuned.
3 for 3 in the red zone was impressive however you want to slice it.
Just the thought of him being the #2 QB with another full camp, more reps., and a chance to be developed long term seemed like a pipe dream a mere 5 months ago.
Pryor showed leadership, poise and ability to score, despite being thrust into a flawed offensive scheme. That's more than Leinart could have done, and better than Palmer did in some games this year.
I still think we use some people as trade bait to get more trades in the draft. It would not surprise me if McFadden is traded for a 2nd and 3rd round pick.
I'm not sold on McFadden being our #1 back, he can't take a hit or break a tackle, and it seemed like he gave up this year; especially after Knapp refused (for a second time with the Raiders) to implement a different scheme.
I'm hopeful that we will hire a capable OC.
I think we need a new left side on the o-line, DBs, and DT/NT. Kyle Long (LT, Oregon) would be an awesome pick in the late rounds.
RN75 - Left side? Veldheer? I like the suggestion made above that we perhaps move Wiz back to guard and concentrate on a C and RT.
DMac just cannot succeed in Oakland with the same scheme. We have no other major threats... YET.
finally watched the recording of the SD game. pryor did pretty good. he made some good throws and some bad ones too. he showed good poise and leadership. so i agree with you earlier posters. he did good enough to earn the backup qb spot at least.
a new article said that the raider roster will be very different next season with the 17 UFA, and those that have contracts that are getting cut ie: kelly, lechler etc. goodbye al's guys (or most of them anyway).
for the draft - GOTTA TRADE DOWN!
patience folks. need LOTS o' patience!
Calico Jack said...
Gary,
Prior has flaws in his mechanics, he did stare down receivers, and there are many fine nuances to the game that he needs to learn.
Having said that though, in his 1st NFL start against a very good D, he did MORE than enough to show he has a solid platform of skills to be further developed, enhanced, and fine tuned.
>>>>>
We are in agreement here. Finally for the first time since forever we go into a season with QB as a position of STRENGTH, with a top ten franchise QB, and a young capable backup. Thats why I just shake my head at people squealing that we need to get rid of CP!
No, we need a better line, and a real number 1 WR, a veteran, not just some young guy that makes some great plays every once in awhile. If you think about it, we haven't had a veteran number one since Tim Brown left! That's crazy!
And CP still stuck up nearly 4000 yards in 14 games? Its amazing really.
Correcting myself on Tim Brown.. I forgot Rice hung on for two more years, and I blocked out Moss entirely. lol
But look at our number ones since then... Curry, Higgins, Murphy, DHB...
Who are your choices to replace the coaches that got fired? Who do you think would fit as OC, O-Line coach, Special Teams, and Linebackers coach?
OC - Al Saunders (if he wants it). I say that because he has been in position twice to have this title (under Hue, and was overlooked for Knapp). If he doesn't want it, I don't know.
O-Line-The Wiz, bring back the Wiz
Special Teams-Not sure
LB Coach-I'd call up Bill Romanowski.
raider nate - my fantasy pick, even though he's not going anywhere is david shaw for o.c....
NYRaider,
If we are going to talk about O-Line help, just draft Barrett Robbins. He’s a one man depth chart at OL. When they talk about someone who can play any position on the line, this guy can do it, and at a high level. He was a Freshman All-American as a guard, moved to left tackle in 2011 because of a team need and became a unanimous All American and Outland Trophy winner. Then, just for good measure, he moved to center when the starter graduated. He made All American again and won the Remington Trophy. He also might max out the wonderlick test.
He doesn’t get much press outside of Alabama, being an O-Lineman, but he may be the best from Alabama since John Hannah. And, he’s starting in his third BCS Championship game in four years. You could insert him at LG or center, whichever makes the line stronger.
I know more about players from the south, since that’s where I live, but he will make a good one for somebody, why not us. Plus Reggie is an old SEC guy. His moving around so much may push him into the second round.
Chance Warwick is being graded as a first rounder as a guard.
H
Barrett Robbins? Absolutely. Our troubles would be over, err, until the next time he goes AWOL.
I like that Reggie believes in building the team around its lines. This should be the focus of the draft, and provide a potential to trade down for more picks... a guard is not likely to be drafted #3, right?.
Don't we wish we had a Ray Lewis on our squad? I hope they somehow get to squash the Patriots/Donkeys if they make it to the next rounds... because Ray Lewis is (arguably) the finest player in the league, overall. (OK, he and The SeaBass).
In closing, i am looking forward to Coach Allen having another two years to bring us back to greatness, and to land ourselves at least one Offensive and Defensive guy with the swagger, class and talent of Lewis.
Looking forward to the draft.
PS. Bears fire Lovie Smith... um, huh? Dumb.
Raiders are coaching the Senior Bowl this year... along with the Lions coaching staff. That's an excellent opportunity for scouting players... and perhaps coaches, being that the Raiders are a bit under-staffed.
NYRaider,
Sorry, flashback, Barrett Jones. Not sure where that came from. I've seen every game the guy has played for four years. I think he only missed two in that time.
H
Friend Nap on Facebook... here's his Take on the draft. Good guy. (BTW, he's the On-Staff Team Pastor now). I think we need an RB more, but i think Nap's insight might be better. Here's his post from a few moments ago:
Napoleon Kaufman
Pass rushing DE, LB, CB, OL, RB my draft picks in that order. Tell me what y'all think and remember, watch ya language. Thanks!!
With all due respect to Nap, I would put OL at #1 or #2 on the priority list -- certainly not #4.
Trading down and building the DLine and OLine would seem to be the most important aspect of building the 2013 Raiders.
Quite frankly, IMO, the DLine and OLine are the platform for any successful team in the NFL.
Regarding the new OC Raiders need.
I would give Ken Wisenhunt a call.
Al Saunders only makes sense if Raiders are keeping most offense players, and going vertical again.
If not, Wisenhunt is a better choice. He did ok in Arizona, when he had a good QB,(Warner).
Napoleon Kaufman
Pass rushing DE, LB, CB, OL, RB my draft picks in that order. Tell me what y'all think and remember, watch ya language. Thanks!!
>>>
Pretty awesome to even know him.
If they trade down out of 3 I agree with this. If not they need to nail the 3. Te'o IMO.
Every pick after that is linemen. Offense prolly first.
I get the logic of trading down, but from everything I read the strength at the top of this draft is a handful of defensive GAME-CHANGERS. Not sure if the Raiders can resist passing on one of these guys at #3. (Not really on board with all this Teo talk by the way. First and foremost we need someone who can GET TO THE QUARTERBACK)
I think I'm on board either way.
-Indy’s offense went from 28th to 18th in points PLAYOFFS
-Wash’s offense went from 26th to 4th in scoring (and the defense GOT WORSE) PLAYOFFS
-Seat offense went from 23rd to 9th in scoring PLAYOFFS
-Minn went from 18 to 14 in points PLAYOFFS
Anybody notice a pattern here?
WE NEED MORE POINTS!
McK needs to upgrade C (move Wiz back to LG) RG, RT, TE, WR.
PLAYOFFS
Off another Raider blog:
Aaron KrohmerHeard this one from my Buddy ... Allen has reached out to Saints Interim HC/ Oline coach and hot HC prospect Aaron Kromer who has been rumored as a HC candidate for several NFL and College Jobs ... If Kromer where to return it could affect his Stock with Sean Payton set to return for the Saints Kromer now would fall to 3rd on the pecking order behind HC prospects OC Carmichael and Asst HC/DC Vitt and return to his O line gig...Allen has offered the Asst HC/ OC job to Kromer ... Not only does this guy have ties to Allen he is a student of the air coryle offense (rumored to be the offense we will be returning too) He was a former Raiders Oline coach under our last winning regime Gruden and Callahan 2001-2004
CSNbayarea.com has an article that adds current QB coach DeFiliipo and Saunder to the mix.
Also more searches mentioned Carmichael from NO but I can't go back to copy the source because I went skiiing with my daughter today and I am so sore and tired I am going to bed. It is 8:11 in Chicago.
Good night....
Lunch w. some RaiderMateys today, sobbin' over a season, and we agree that OL and DE are the primary needs, and compete Palmer with Pryor. Palmer would make a GREAT Vince Evans, no?
Also, forget the Ravens, it would be much more satisfying to see Indy crush their boy Manning.
Just came to know that Dennis Allen has a 4 yr contract, so 'nuff said there.
Focus: welcome Andy Reid in KC with two blowouts. San Diego too. And then, Denver.
Licking chops, 2016 style...
CSNbayarea.com has an article that adds current QB coach DeFiliipo and Saunder to the mix.
>>>>>
This seems like the simplest fix, expecially if they bring back Wylie and Uncle Wiz as line coaches (neither are coaching right now, I think.)
Of course if this works, McK and Allen would obviously have to answer to us all... WHY THE FUCK DIDNT YOU JUST DO THIS LAST YEAR???
Thats why I don't see it happening.
Color me skeptical of these two.
Lots of coaching names floating around for coordinators and HCs. To steal a new favorite word of Jones, Raiders could potentially "upgrade" at HC.
I like Dennis Allen, but there's no mistaking 2012 was a huge disappointment, and it started with his selection of Greg Knapp as OC. Now we’re starting from scratch again on offense, and awaiting another selection by Allen for OC.
Tarver made some improvement toward the end, but he seems wishy washy and repetitive in his press conferences. The way he explains things has a kindergarten quality to it, and often in the third person. It’s just weird.
Agree NYR about 2012 being a HUGE disappointment.
I'm anxious to see what decisions are made to fill out the coaching vacancies and see how the offseason goes as far as constructing a 53 man roster.
I am hopeful for some inspired choices for new coaching leadership to fill out the staff especially the all-important OC role.
I would not be the least bit surprised by some veteran players being shown the door, traded, or unsigned.
Allen and McKenzie have a 12 month evaluation of the organization to include the personnel.
Guys that weren't carrying their weight, didn't buy into the team, or are sitting on fat contracts will be packing their bags.
After watching the Alabama O-Line and looking at the guy's resume at U of Miami, I say hire Joe Stoutland as O-Line coach and bring back Wiz as his assistant.
42 points and over 500 yards laid on one of the top rated defenses in college.
The high school team I support won the Georgia State Championship, the college team won the National Championship, now if the Raiders can just turn that corner, all will be right in my football universe.
H
On second thought, am I being to selfish????? Naw.
H
H,
Didn't Jamarcus Russell's stock rise based on what he did to a Notre Dame defense ?
How did that work out ?
I hope the Raiders don't do anything based on their performance against a ND defense.
McClain arrested again in Bama for giving an officer a false name after being pulled over for a window tint violation.
Why would he give a false name? Is it because he was possibly driving a car that didn't belong to him? This is going to be interesting.
With that said, I hope you enjoyed your time in Oakland Rolando; you won't be missed.
JUSTICE ON THE WAY OAK SHOULD GET A POSTHUMOUS FREAKING TITLE. LOVE BRADY TOO, BECAUSE HE SAID IT WAS A FUMBLE ALL ALONG. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/04/nfl-will-reconsider-the-tuck-rule-this-offseason/
Eric Fazekas via RAIDER NATION - The Autumn Wind
...I TOLD YOU it was a fumble all along!... (and so did Brady). Had this been proper then, Belicheck would have been released and Brady would have been cut (facts), and Oak would have had another title shot. Oak should get a posthumous trophy, and NE should get asterisked.
A title shot? Yes, a chance.
A Poshumous trophy? No, it would still need to be earned.
No matter how much it hurts that we were robbed of moving on to the AFC Championship game -- the reality is that it was a divisional game only. The Raiders would need to beat Pittsburgh AND St. Louis.
To assume otherwise is ignorance.
We were up by 13-3 with 12:29 to go in the game. It never should have come down to the fumble if (a) the offense picked up another 1st down or (b) the defense stopped NE 1 more time BEFORE the fumble.
Hard pill to swallow but to suggest an automatic 'trophy' is making a huge false leap.
...file under shoulda / coulda / coulda (post-season sarcasm), Jack.
Agreed, obviously, but, nonetheless:
shoulda won anyway,
it coulda kept our coach, and, woulda changed the course of history for NE and we'd have likely retained chemistry and swagger.
Hmm, Mr. Brady might' coulda' become a Raider since Gannon was leaving anyway.
Yeah, 00, we've had some bad luck in Alabama. No need to go back to that well right away, particularly if we're using only one game as a gauge.
Maybe we should take the opposite approach; say, look at the ND defense that got torched.
How many times in Raiders draft and FA history have we picked or signed a player based on one event, be it a college bowl game, a Super Bowl, an interception, or a Combine stat?
Raider00,
True enough about Russell. But remember, multiple draft “experts” were on the Russell train prior to the draft. The lesson should be don't evaluate for one game. Look at what the O-Line did to a Georgia defense that had about five players that should go in the first three rounds of the draft. What they did against Michigan in the opener and the rest of the SEC.
The top two OL prospects are SEC, Chance Warmack is rated the top prospect as a LG and the second is Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M as an LT.
The RT’s for both schools are also rated pretty well, but both are juniors and haven’t announced if they will be coming back or not.
This appears to be one of the better drafts for OL in a while, but we need to get back into the second round to take proper advantage of it. However, if they are considering someone like a Warmack or Barrett Jones, they need to scrap the ZBS. Those are power guys. If they are going to keep the ZBS, don’t go anywhere near those guys, they’ll just ruin them trying to convert them.
It’s also a reasonable draft for RB’s, though not spectacular, but very thin for QB’s.
As for the Alabama well. Seems some folks named Ken Stabler, Joe Namath, John Hannah, Shaun Alexander, Kareem Jackson, Derrick Thomas and a few others have done reasonably well in the NFL. Trent Richardson had a better year than McFadden and Cleveland beat us too. If we’re not supposed to evaluate a player on a single game, then why is it ok to evaluate an entire program on a single player? Just asking.
Calico, one point of disagreement. Agreed on the offense, but under woulda, coulda, shoulda, The defense did their job. No shoulda about it. Woodson stripped the ball from Brady. They got their stop. It was taken away from them. The replay was neither clear nor convincing and the refs had to “infer” Brady was trying to tuck the ball. In a slow motion replay, Brady’s arm appeared to actually be going back up.
Just be happy for the moment we aren’t KC. The joke going around is if Alabama was playing Kansas City, how much would Alabama be favored by?
H
H - Showing some pride for the Tide. You know I'm half joking, but it's no mystery the last two big picks we made from Alabama were major busts. Perhaps it's good we have new scouting and a fresh approach. Hopefully, we can avoid those "me-first" type players who have no real interest in perfecting their craft, only in getting paid.
NYRaider,
While Russell is “from” Alabama, he played for LSU. I think one of the things that makes the draft such a crapshoot is college, for the most part, is a controlled environment. Aside from practice, the player eats with his teammates, works out with his teammates, has to check in with the athletic department on a regular basis, attend classes, etc. They’re not allowed to have athletic dorms any longer because somebody whined about it.
Once they make the NFL, even at the league minimum, they make bags of money and are basically on their own. Which is the way it should be. That’s a sudden transition and many are not mentally equipped to handle that, no matter how much someone advises them. They are no longer under adult supervision, what there is of it in athletic departments.
It’s why I’ve always felt the guys who returned for their senior year were better risks. Seniors, and especially fifth year seniors, are more mature mentally and physically. The Russell fiasco only goes to reinforce that. There are exceptions, but for the most part I think the fourth and fifth year guys are in a better position to cope with the transition.
H
H - Well said. It's high risk trying to land the exception.
Willie Brown is the guy the Raiders charge with helping transition college draftees into the NFL and life on their own. Based on what I know and see, he's a tremendous individual and influence on these kids. But, unfortunately, guys like Russell and McClain have a sense of entitlement that clouds their judgement in making what other athletes might deem as obvious life choices.
The NFL made progress with the last CBA in reeling back excessive rookie contracts, but there's still lots of money directed to the high picks.
I still remember Russell saying how he expected to "get paid" after the Raiders drafted him. For some insane reason, the Raiders never contacted Russell before they drafted him #1, even though it was their right (and option) to do so... and negotiate a contract. We all know what happened; Russell held out.
I really don't see Reggie taking risks on "me-first", questionable character draftees.
I liked what he did with his picks of Bergstrom, Burris, and Bilukidi in the later rounds this year.
Would love to see Reggie stock-pile picks, trade down, and build the team inside, out focusing on OLine and Dline.
I agree, Calico. That and open communication between the GM and HC is mostly why I'm on board with giving Dennis Allen at least one more year... despite the failures of 2012.
On the other hand, how often do proven HCs like Andy Reid and Lovie Smith come available?
Rolando was pulled over for his window tint, which amazingly he had a doctors note to have, and the reasons included to help block flash photography, security, and UV protection.
He was told that he would be ticketed and could present his evidence to the tint to the court. He was asked to sign the ticket, which he signed "F yall", and when asked to sign his real name he refused. This is an arrestable offense in Alabama, so he was arrested.
When you read the details of the story, McClain has an attitude of "Everybody's out to get me." But if he would have just done what the police asked him, and been polite, it wouldn't have happened. Stay classy, Rolando. You won't be missed in Oakland.
Offseason read just arrrived in the mail, Marcus Allen's autobiography. He always struck me as a class act, but a whiner... look forward to reading his side now. BTW Jack, that story was not made up, and I like your takes too, despite your being a jerk to me for no reason. Your blog sucks too, no wonder you're here. Kapowie.
OTB,
I'm "here" because I'm a loyal, true Raider fan something that you will never identify with. Glad you enjoy my blog.
BTW, if you knew anything about Marcus Allen, you know, actual facts, than you would understand and realize is that he is the exact opposite of a whiner.
It is just another example of your true ignorance. Ask any former teammate, coach, trainer if Marcus ever "whined" about anything. Nope. Far from it. Marcus was old school tough, played when injured, sucked it up for the team, and was the ultimate TEAM oriented warrior.
Every time you try to open your punk ass yap about the Raiders, it shows your lack of knowledge.
Face it hombre. You are a fraud and troll. Smoke em if you got em because your ship has passed.
IMO, the reason this franchise has been in such a funk since Al got rid of both Gruden and Callahan, is the “Aura of Dysfunction” that has stuck to the Raiders like stink to shit since then. That is why the only way blue chip free agents come here if we over-pay them... and why blue chip head coaches avoid us like the plague (even if they used to work here.)
That is why I look in amazement when I see Raider fans advocate this “Aura of Dysfunction” by firing our SIXTH coach in 10 years.
We need to establish some sort of semblance of normalcy to this franchise AT ALL COSTS.
Even if DA and Reggie are the worst HC/GM team in the NFL, we have to let the chips fall where they fall for at least three years.
The “Aura of Dysfunction” ends NOW!
This comment has been removed by the author.
...duh, Jack, that's why I bought the book. But we're all so proud of you and your deep knowledge, you're awesome!
...yup Gary, heck my wife asked me if I wanted tickets to see oak in San Diego. My answer? 2016. It's gonna be awhile... Some fans are so uptight that they won't even watch the playoffs... HAHAAHAAA!!!!!! That's ok, they can dust of their Raider shrines instead. Boo freaking hoo! If that's anyone reading this, sorry, but you might want to get a life. Best playoff rounds in a looong time, not to be missed.
Reapeat after me: Life, then, in spare time, Quality Football, then Raiders Football. Remember when the last two were the same? Been awhile. 2016.
"Al Davis was going to hold me hostage. He would rather torturously teach me some sadistic lesson than let me go somewhere and play. And get on with my life" ~ Marcus Allen
I can relate to that. As a Gulf War Marine, I remember that kind of crap coming from the dumb ass powers that be. I think I like this guy beyond the hoopla highlights...
"During my early years with the Raiders, there was no one on the team to wear the black-and-silver than I was"... yep yep, I caught him in the latter years, with Dickerson and Bo Jackson, the disgruntled look was always there. (Ok, whining with reason jack? come off it!)
...and lastly, a cool story about Alzado getting a little cazy at practice and Marcus clobbering him.
This is going to be a great read.
2016.
Worst Raider Moment, in my humble opinion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT4kAKB2CT8
Calico Jack said:
I really don't see Reggie taking risks on "me-first", questionable character draftees.
Well, therein lays the rub. By all accounts McClain was not one of those “me-first” types. The day after the draft he requested video so he could start preparing. Got his contract settled before camp and showed up on time. By all accounts he was very coachable and had a decent, though unspectacular, first year.
What happened after that remains a mystery, at least to me. How did he evolve to this point? Several of his teammates from that team are still playing this weekend, on both sides of the ball.
The guy still has talent, if he can get his head screwed on right. Maybe he needs to go to a team that runs a 3-4 scheme more like he ran in college.
H
Agree Gary about the need for stability and moving away from the turnover/dysfunction.
H: I don't know too much about McClain's personal history (and you might now) but I would venture to say he had character related issues that could have been uncovered with due diligence.
No doubt the draft is a mixed bag crapshoot but my point remains that I am confident that McKenzie will put a priority on men who love football, are team-first oriented, and have less baggage.
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I think picks like Russell (whom the Raiders could have negotiated with prior to selecting him #1 but very unwisely chose not to do so), DHB, Mike Mitchell and some others demonstrates the Raiders had a propensity to simply wing it on high round picks.
Other high picks like Gallery, Huff, and McClain seemed a bit more measured, yet I have to wonder... particularly with McClain. He's a punk, and he probably didn't just become a punk since he was drafted.
Not getting intimate with Russell prior to drafting him #1 made the least sense. It was a power play by the GM who was embattled with his HC.
New take is up: Curing the JaMarcus Hangover.
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