Addition by Subtraction
The world has gone upside down. North is south, and south is north. Yin is now yang...
After all, look who's sitting pretty after these recent NFL character meltdowns:
A Florida family claims in a lawsuit that they feared for their lives when Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Desmond Bryant allegedly showed up drunk and shirtless at their home, repeatedly banged on the front door and ripped off a door handle...Bryant, 27, was arrested on a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge, and his mug shot with eyes half closed and tongue sticking out went viral. Nonetheless, he signed a deal last week with the Cleveland Browns worth $34 million over five years, with $15 million guaranteed.
Mike Goodson was found with another man stopped in the center-left lane on Interstate 80 in Denville, N.J., just after 3 a.m. ET, police said. A tow truck driver found them and called 911 due to concerns about the physical condition of Goodson...The 25-year-old Goodson was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a loaded handgun and possession of hollow-point bullets. The Jets signed Goodson this offseason to a three-year, $6.9 million deal.
Rolando McClain said in a statement Thursday that he loves playing football but he decided to retire to get his personal life in order and "God willing," he might play in the NFL again...The Baltimore Ravens, who signed McClain in April after he was released by the Oakland Raiders, announced Wednesday that the linebacker had decided to retire at the age of 23.
The purge is on, and character now counts. So far, Reggie & Co. seem to have been pretty spot-on with regard to whom to jettison.
The jury is still out on whether or not the new regime can build a winner. But it's pretty clear that they know how to get rid of losers. And it's making me feel minty fresh heading into the summer camp season.
posted by Raider Take at 10:17 AM
51 Comments:
McClain was a no-brainer is this regard but these other two guys are a bit of surprise.
Kudos to McKenzie. He was, as you said, spot-on.
Meanwhile, current roster players are being reported as spending time with youth organizations and charity events... not that folks didn't do that before but it's a little ironic at the moment.
I think it is sad, and at the same time, these guys brought it on themselves.
You could always tell those guys on the HS football team who were stoners; because they were always a step slow off the snap, always seem to lag behind, and always seemed to be the first off the field for a "rest".
You can't really apply the same philosophy here in the NFL; mainly because some guys do this because they received their payroll (like MeAngelo recently said). I thought Goodson was one of those guys who was slow because he made some $$; but apparently it was because of the hippie lettuce.
I just hope the NFL doesn't become the new "gangsta" ball like the NBA has become.
Raider Take-
To add to the transformation you have noted, it was reported today on several websites, that ALL eligible Raiders were at the voluntary OTA today/this week, including SeaBass. The only people missing were two UDFA's who hadn't graduated yet and thus are ineligible to attend. Even the two currently injured and unable to practice guys were there. DA also reports 98% attendance at the earlier OTA's (weight room/conditioning, non-coached activities).
These are just more signs of a new-found focus, commitment, desire to play and love of the game that is very refreshing.
I hope it translates to more wins, but it may not be the playoffs for another year yet.
Hey Nate...I was one of those 'stoners'. My coaches always voted me 110% at the end of the year....so I would have to say your half 'baked' theory of football stoners to be off. I used to smoke before my games and practises, it was never a problem and it actually would slow the game down in my mind, making it easier to read plays.
A quitter or a dog is a dog, the weed doesn't make them that.
Did you know that the 'hippie lettuce' actually protects your brain cells and does not kill them off like mainstream propaganda would have you believe?
I kind of take the subject to heart, seeing as it has helped me as an ingested medicine improve my quality of life. .....Don't be attackin or putting down da herb, mon....it's da best plant in da world, don't let the 'reefer madness' fool you.
Did you know that before drug testing, many Pro players liked to partake in the herb? I would say it is the Law makers who are out of whack when it comes to the 'erb'. Don't make out like it is the partakers, herb takers are good people, mon. It's the Law makers that are 'stoned'
JONES
Yes, it's a clean slate for the new regime. Culture has been changed, dead wood shipped out. Now is the time to instill the new way in Oakland. For those who can't or won't cut it...you won't be around long, roster spots will no longer be given, they will be EARNED.
JONES
Digging the new vibe to the new Raiders era which includes the way business is being conducted and the value on character, passion for the game, and work ethic.
An entire "me-first" culture isn't changed over-night but it is definitely off to a good start.
Woodson is meeting with the Raiders today. This is big. The Raiders have nobody else that can play FS and do what Woodson can do. Hopefully, he wants to retire as a Raider!
I think he signs today. The Raiders have sent out messages for fans to show up today and welcome CWood. I wish I was still in Cali, because I'd be there in a heartbeat with my boy to welcome him back in black.
Jones, I don't have a problem with cannibis for medicinal purposes; but "smoking" in any form is not healthy, and does damage to your overall body (which is why we should remove ourselves from a burning building). It may not happen all at once like a burning building; but over time it will give the same results. Medicinal cannibis has great results; but there are better ways to receive the effects of it's medicinal purpose other than smoking. Don't give me the bullcrap argument that it goes into your system quicker when you smoke it because it doesn't; it destroys your lungs, throat, and esophogus when you smoke; and still has to be processed by your body into your bloodstream (which is equivalent to taking an aspirin); so it does not enter your bloodstream any quicker.
For most people, it does slow their responses, and effects them in a negative way. This could be a result of mixing other chemicals in your body (i.e.-beer, nicotine, prescribed medicine, etc). It's basic chemistry.
When I played, those who were smokin' were easy to spot. Just like it was easy to spot those who were juicing (ie-a 14 year-old with a grown man's beard, or a guy who was 140 the winter before, and 195 before spring practice and yoked).
Actually Nate, smoking da erb takes away approx. 80-85% of the medicinal properties. You still receive trichomes in your system and these are the medicinal values.
Smoking da erb actually can help your lungs. Science says that the smoke enters your lungs and actually helps remove any particles or contaminants that are in your lungs. The cough you hear, is one of your lungs getting rid of these contaminants. It also PREVENT LUNG CANCER. Erb smokers don't get lung cancer, unless they are smoking the tainted tabacco sticks.
Your accusation that it is harmful to your body is FALSE. The "negative affect" of da erb (being stoned?) is temporary, when used responsibly...it isn't a problem.....I'm just trying to reverse the 'brainwashing' that has dogged this medicine for far too long. The 'system' doesn't want us able to cure ourselves, so the propaganda of this wonderful plant has been grossly out of whack.
Too much smoke isn't good, but with da quality of da erb today, there really isn't any need to be a chain smoker. Over smoking isn't good, that's what kids do, done responsibly, and there is no harm, just benefits. I hope you can research this subject for yourself...I think you will find that everything you have ever heard of this plant will be dispelled. The SCIENCE shows that it is not harmful and is very beneficial to our health.
JONES
Will Woodson sign? Should know in a couple of hours!!!
SCAR
What the GM and coaching staff have done this off-season does leave a minty fresh feeling, doesn't it?
The other thing it does is start the clock on the GM and coaching staff.
I applaude DA this off-season, as I am sure this wasn't ALL Mckenzie, but now I want to start seeing results.
What I mean by that is last year, in my eyes DA got a pass, not because he was a rookie head coach,(boy was he ever) but because of the roster he inherited, cap hell he inherited, and small amount of time to put together a coaching staff....For me, last year is a pass...
So the kind of results I want to see are both tangible and not so tangible.There were times, even later in the season where he made coaching decisions which I considered mistakes. I.E. His 4th down calls were mostly weak capitulations. This carried on all season, which to me means he REPEATED his mistakes. This has to go away.
Maybe Gruden spoiled me, but I have GOT to see fire coming from DA. I just didn't see it last year...I wanted to. I want to. The fire we saw in Gruden was both visual in his own mannerisms AND on the field. Dennis won't ever snarl at the camera, I understand, so let's see it on the field.
Special teams...Talk is cheap from here on out DA. Your coach, your players, your credit or blame. Period.
My biggest questions about Dennis Allen are these. Is DA going to Coach the coaches? Is he going to be hands on or hands off with the players? Is he going to get in players faces or is that the position coaches job?
From what I saw or felt I saw last year I am left pondering this thought about Dennis Allen. Its a military term here, which fits in many ways with an NFL organization, you can delegate responsibility but not accountability. So yes, I do want to see MORE wins this year...
SCAR
Getting rid of bad apples makes sense to me.
If there are no clowns, maybe there will be no clown car.
RAIDERS SIGN WOODSON!!!!
The CWood swagger is back in Silver and Black!
Amazing how the secondary has gone from a positional group of weakness, little talent or depth to the current group.
Besides CWood's proven abilities on the field, I'm excited about the winning mentality, knowledge, and leadership qualities that he brings to the table in SPADES!
Not only does he fill a significant hole at FS, most importantly, he is the best possible fit for this role. As a FS, CWood will use his vast experience and football instincts.
Reggie gets what he wants...the future looks very bright.
JONES
Whatever Reggie is selling, it's working. Base salary @ 1.8 Mill, the rest of the League's fans are going "WTF"? They ask "why would CHARLES (no more chuck) want to play in Oakland?" They don't understand that it's all changing and players want to come to Oakland again.
Reggie must speak in the players language because it seems that he usually gets what he wants as far as a player that he likes. He gets them without overspending and without selling the future.
Next year, Reggie is going to have a huge bag of dough to spread around, another healthy dose of draft picks....it's what he have waited for, for a VERY LONG TIME. It feels REALLY GOOD to be a Raider fan, right now.
A new era, here's to winning the AFC West, may not be this year, but it will be soon, bank it.
JONES
jones, according to espn:
"ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Free-agent defensive back Charles Woodson has signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, a return to his original team.
Woodson
Woodson's deal is worth a maximum of $4.3 million and includes a $700,000 signing bonus, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported.
The move will be popular with Raiders fans, many of whom staked out the team's facility Tuesday to greet Woodson on his visit and urge him to sign with Oakland.
They got their wish a few hours after he arrived when the team announced the deal.
Woodson, the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft by Oakland, returns to a vastly different franchise than the one he left following his eighth season with the team in 2005. Owner Al Davis died in October 2011 and the team is now run by Davis' son, Mark. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski is the only player left from Woodson's eight years in Oakland that included three consecutive AFC West titles and a trip to the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.
For the full story, click here."
anyway, re: the one year, 4.3 million salary - i think it's worth it. you can't put a price on the leadership he'll provide and it'll give him a chance to retire as a raider.
i think with the move's reggie has made, we just may surprise a few teams this coming season. i'm not saying that we're gonna win the superbowl but we just might be more competitive than some people think.
and who knows? we just might be ready in time to win a superbowl IN the niner's stadium! ;o)
WELCOME BACK CWOOD! EXCITED TO HAVE YOU BACK IN BLACK! JUST WIN,BABY!
Scorpio....his base salary is 1.8 Mill, incentives CAN TAKE IT to 4.3 Mill.
JONES
The dark clouds are parting. Rays of sunshine are pouring through. Welcome home Charles Woodson! Now the question will be, who'll get #24?
gotcha jones...
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/22/broncos-offer-to-woodson-was-worth-up-to-3-7-million/
Champ Bailey of the Denver Broncos who badly need defensive secondary help, has something to say about Woodson signing w/ the Raiders. Champ Bailey obviously had ulterior motives for wanting Woodson to sign with them. A chance to play/win a superbowl and a chance to have two of the best that ever played their positions to play together. Well Champ, this is how I see it: I MUST give credit where credit is due. I for one thought Charles was only in this last race to win a championship with a contender and/or to squeeze as much money out of whomever would pay for his services. He did spurn the Donkies $3.7 million offer for the Raiders $4.3 million offer. In the end, the contract is incentive laden that could "reach" $4.3 million. Bottom line is this: Charles Woodson has been to several Pro Bowls and he has been a world champion. He has 55 career interceptions and is probably heading to the Hall of Fame. At 36 years old, I credit him because he decided against probably another Superbowl bid and signed with a team that is clearly rebuilding. He put aside his pride and will instead provide very valuable leadership to a young defensive secondary and team as a whole. For a team and organization that BADLY needs a face & a leader, this is now Charles Woodson's team - at least for a year. He can provide D.J. Hayden, our 1st round pick the experience of multiple pro bowls and 15+ years of experience. If there is anyone in the league that can tutor a young DB with firsthand knowledge of the league's receivers, it's Charles Woodson. Reggie McKenzie opened the checkbook and I feel this is a good and practical signing. After all, we needed a free safety. Champ Bailey may be shaking his head in disbelief, but how many rings does he have? I rest my case.
Agree Scorpio...
To Jack and NYR...
Would you consider any of Reggie's offseason moves as a 'Splash'? Just asking.
JONES
Jones,
No 'Splash' from the standpoint of over-paying, long term, risk heavy investments.
The moves that Reggie has made this offseason has added talent, depth and make sense for both the short and long term.
Jack, I brought it up remembering the 'bet'...remember the big splash of that bet was the signing of Kevin Boss? The 2nd splash was the drafting of T Pryor, now compare that to this year...Charles beats that all by himself, add Roach, Porter, Jenkins etc...it's not even close...just a trip down memory lane.
JONES
Saw 'Ole Man Willie' hanging with Charles after he had signed. I wonder what Willie Brown is thinking right now. He see's the change, he see's the excitement starting to rise, he see's his friend Charles Woodson sign to play in Oakland...he must be loving this right now. He is a guy who deserves a Championship, he stuck it out, stayed loyal and now he can see the fruits of his patients. Good for you Willie, you deserve to have success, you have definitely earned it. Go Raiders!
JONES
Jones - Referring to the "splash" of two years ago, this would be more like a tidal wave by comparison.
Kidding aside, I'm thoroughly impressed. Reggie removed the dead weight on the roster and made smart decisions with the resources he had available. He managed several draft day trades to add much needed draft picks, and appears to have used those picks wisely (no way to really tell yet). Then he hit an apparent home run with Woodson, who will likely bolster a position which others have failed to produce for a very long time.
As you said before, it's really on the coaches to make good of Reggie's handy work.
If for some reason Dennis Allen fails (which I personally don't anticipate), Reggie McKenzie still has my full confidence.
Can't wait for football to start!
Is this Woodson signing like the last Woodson (Rod) signing? A turning point. An event that we can look back at and say, "It all started there."
I hope so.
When asked what the difference was here in Oakland compared to 2005 (his last year); Woodson said this:
"I think having Reggie in there, and having somebody that’s really in that decision-making role other than Mr. Al Davis is definitely a different vibe. It seems like there’s more of a control factor as far as what they want to do and what they want to implement as far as their team is concerned. I think it’s a good vibe in there."
That is the difference between 2011 and now. There's more control, there's a vision of winning, there is a vision of culture, and there is a vision of family. The vision of "everyone is out to get us" has changed to "we're out to take what is ours." The swagger is back!
Jones, I agree that Ole man Willie deserves this with his patience and loyalty; but you left some other people out as well. Us, the fans who have been loyal to the Silver & Black for the last 11-12 years. Even when we knew that Al Davis was sinking his ship; we remained loyal. Sure, we didn't like what was happening; but we stood there looking for the sun to rise in the horizon. Now it feels like the sun skipped rising and went straight to noon time.
I seriously have not felt this good about our offseason in a very long time. Looking forward to the difference this season. JUST WIN, BABY!
Raider Nate,
I totally agree with you. I am having deja vu feelings of 1999, when the Raiders picked up Rich Gannon and dumped Jeff George. That year we went 8-8, the same record as 1998, but I could tell that it was a much different team in terms of focus, desire, toughness and execution. It seems a little premature, since no games have yet been played this year, but it's been a long time since I felt this good about the direction and prospects of our team.
CWood returning just feels like added validation that both Reggie and DA are the real deal and are returning the Raiders to respectability and winning.
Hey Nate...yes, us the fans deserve it too. But Ole Man Willie actually had to show up to Alameda every day and watch his team flounder in turmoil. He had to spend his day, I would assume, smoothing over all the BS that was Alameda.
Now, seeing as Reggie retained him, Willie gets a 1st hand look at the turn around of HIS team. And at his age, he must feel very good about being with the Raiders right now and GOOD FOR HIM, he deserves it. A true Raider , through and through.
JONES
know what guys and gals if any? i don't remember if i mentioned this or not but i think our boys are gonna surprise a few teams. we're not winning a superbowl just yet mind you, and i don't wanna jump the gun to much but with this improved defense i think we may turn some heads. i say improved because reggie as was mentioned above got rid of the fat cats who were here only to collect a paycheck. just wait'll next year though when things REALLY get interesting with our cap situation.
on a side note, did anyone catch what this POS deangelo hall said recently about his raider contract? http://profootballzone.com/nfl/deangelo-hall-says-he-doesnt-need-money-after-making-8-million-in-eight-games-with-the-raiders/
if this POS had any sense of decency (what athlete does) he'd give that money back because he didn't earn it! along with mcclain, russell, sapp etc. who talk crap about the team...
wouldn't it be very cool that if in two years, our rebuilding was complete and we to get to the superbowl in the whiners new stadium and actually win it?
Regardless of how many wins we rack up in 2013, I finally feel that our house is in order and we are running on all cylinders.
Draft picks are valued, character counts, chemistry is important, the payroll is in order, and fan optimism has been vitally restored.
Onwards and upwards my Raider brothers!
The League City started to relax, no sign of the Raiders coming for more of their plunder. It seems that they blew them apart after their last attempt in 2002.
Ten years have past, they dying Raiders hung in public view, as the once mighty threat had been tamed and became a source of the League City's ridicule. The autumn wind had died, and the citizens were rejoicing in their new found safety.
But then a new sound was heard. A mighty blast like a trumpet, and a roar from across the sea. League City government and it's news reporters still mocked the blast; full of pride over their victories and ridicule; came to a stand still as they caught the sight of a new ship coming. Their guns were blazing, and though the shots had not reached the shore; seemed to make the damaging waves hitting the shoreline. What was this new threat? It seemed familiar, yet, something new. And then they felt a strong autumn wind, like they had felt in days of yore; before a strong attack; and they were caught without a defense. They were caught without a defense.
PFT has been running a "Mount Rushmore" segment for all the NFL teams. Just curious who everyone would want representing the Raiders Mt. Rushmore. Mine is;
Al Davis
John Madden
Jim Otto
Howie Long
It is tough to pick just four. I narrowed it down to individuals who were (1) only associated with the Raiders (not multiple teams such as Haynes, Allen) and (2) HOF inductee (scratch Branch, Plunk).
With the addition of CWood24, here is my predicted starters;
DE Houston
DT Sims
DT Walker
DE Hunter
WLB Burnett
MLB Roach
SLB Moore
CB Porter
CB Hayden
FS Woodson
SS Branch
QB Flynn
RB McFadden
FB Reece
WR Moore
WR Streater
TE Kasa
LT Veldheer
LG Parsons
C Wiz
RG Brisiel
RT Watson
Calico,
I saw that on pft as well. My 4 would be based on similar criteria, only with the Raiders, who are known as the "face" of the Raiders, and since they are the "team of decades" I would choose one from each decade of the 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's:
60's Al Davis (of course)
70's John Madden
80's Howie Long
90's Bo Jackson
Aside from Al Davis, there are too many to just list three.
Howie Long might be my all-time favorite Raiders player, but I'm not sure he even makes the Mt Rushmore list when you consider having to leave off the list guys like Stabler, Freddie B, Willie Brown, Ted Hendricks, George Blanda, Jim Otto, John Madden, Lester Hayes, Mike Haynes, Run Run, Tom Flores, and on and on and on.
As a Raiders fan, it's easy to look at other teams and think of a few players, coaches and owners that made a significant impact over their history. But it's not so easy as a fan of the Raiders to pick four from such a long list.
My choice between Howie and Freddie B. was a tough one.
Freddie B. was the toughest for me to omit from the final 4 since he played only with the Raiders, won a SB, was inducted into the HOF, and a character to boot. If Freddie was on our Mt. Rushmore, I'd have him smoking a cigarette!
DJ HAyden was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain, and had a procedure to clear scar tissue. But there is speculation that it is related to his injury at UH.
Let's hope not, and best wishes DJ; see ya at training camp.
For Raiders Mt. Rushmore.
Al Davis, John Madden, Tom Flores, Bill King.
Those who've heard Bill King call a Raider game will understand that selection completely.
In the alternative...
Al Davis, John Madden, Tom Flores, Art Shell.
Shell really belongs as the other bookend to Al Davis. Consider Shell's history as a HoF player, assistant coach and Head Coach - also an NFL executive. Also, consider the diversity represented here.
With Flores' two SBs, he belongs on that mountain. Also consider he was a Raider QB and has been the radio broadcast color commentator for many years.
My choices include: Al Davis, John Madden, Tom Flores and Jim Plunkett. Tough to leave out Stabler, Upshaw, Shell, Blanda, Otto, Hendricks, Biletnikoff, Long and so many other Raider greats already mentioned here. The Raiders really need to have about 12 total representatives. Plunkett was one really tough dude, came back from virtual annihilation as the Patriots QB, won two Superbowls for the Raiders, including the season we were road underdogs for three playoff games. He has since spent his non-playing career fostering the Raider cause.
wow! what do you guys think of THIS and all the PR dept. issues?:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--raiders-owner-mark-davis-puts-gm-staff-on-notice-with-firing-of-pr-head-014553646.html
Oh Noooooo, PR guy gets fired and it's back to the old ways again? Sounds like a bunch of butthurt presstitutes pulling their "we stand up for our PR guys". The media is a joke and anyone worrying about what the hacks are writing...."you are going the wrong way!" Planes, Trains and Automobiles....Obviously Mark wasn't happy with his PR guy...so what does he do? HE FIRES HIM? OMG, the world is going to die.....I mean really, a PR guy? We are talking about a PR guy? Come on, man, a PR guy? We are talking about a PR guy? No wonder Al hated them (media).
JONES
Seems like he was doing a good job but part of being a good PR guy is knowing what to say and when to say it.
I agree, Jones. The media has made a mtn out of a mole hill. Mike Florio went as far as to suggest this move puts Mark Davis on a path to the Raiders former dysfunctional ways. Talk about muckraking.
Onward and upward!
In today's world of 24-7 news cycles reporting the media is making the firing of the PR Director into a much grander, negative, sensational "GOTTCHA! type story" especially Yahoo Sports "favorite" Michael Silver.
The fact is that everyone in the Raiders organization to include Mark Davis, Reggie, DA, and the team need to prove their worth.
Raiders Mt Rushmore voting is up on pft.
Despite the rift between Davis and Marcus Allen, I selected Allen. IMO, Allen was the most dynamic player ever to wear a Raiders uniform. I hated that Davis kept bringing in other RBs to start ahead of Allen, and Allen proved he had many years left in the tank while with KC.
Allen could run, catch, block, tackle and throw the occasional TD as good as any RB in the NFL.
My other selections include the man (himself), John Madden and Fred Biletnikoff. Selecting Freddie over other names on the list was a tough call, but he was always one of my favorite players to watch when I was a kid.
SCAR
Of the 12 Finalists I went with Marcus Allen, Al Davis, John Madden, and Ken Stabler. I couldn't choose between shell and upshaw, and I think alot of people feel that way. I would have chosen Plunkett over Stabler had he made it, because I saw him play, whereas I didnt really see Stabler play.
Bo Jackson HAS to make some sort of alternate universe Hall of Fame, where he got to have a whole career!
Scar
I've poached the Rushmore concept for a new take: Raiders High Five, now up.
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