Wilson, Kluwe Walk The Plank
The Raiders made news by keeping four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster, but apparently three is now the magic number, as Tyler Wilson is reportedly being waived.
If this is true, I think that ProFootballTalk sums it up nicely, "On one hand, it’s gutsy that the Raiders were willing to admit they were wrong about Wilson. On the other hand, a team that is mired in a rebuilding mess can’t afford to waste any draft picks. Especially not fourth-rounders."
The Raiders earlier paid Wilson a signing bonus of $490,000.
I know that our ship was fairly sunk when Reggie and DA arrived, but at some point we've got to stop bailing water and start sailing in a straighter direction. Hopefully, we'll see some evidence of this as the season begins and progresses.
Last year, we swam upstream by hiring Greg Knapp, which several folks here immediately predicted would end in disaster.
This year, we've spent a fourth rounder and a half million dollars on Tyler Wilson, and a fifth rounder (as well as a conditional pick) on Matt Flynn, only to discover that the best guy for the job may be the guy who was right under our nose but who only got 30 passing attempts at the end of a garbage year when it was clear that Carson Palmer would be gone.
Look, I know it's going to take time to get us out of this mess. All the more reason we need to be very careful about creating new messes.
If this sounds like I'm being panicky or harsh or unreasonable, I get that. Let the games begin, and let's hope we see some signs pointing toward true momentum heading into 2014.
On the bright side today, at least we can finally stop hearing about our punter competition.
If this is true, I think that ProFootballTalk sums it up nicely, "On one hand, it’s gutsy that the Raiders were willing to admit they were wrong about Wilson. On the other hand, a team that is mired in a rebuilding mess can’t afford to waste any draft picks. Especially not fourth-rounders."
The Raiders earlier paid Wilson a signing bonus of $490,000.
I know that our ship was fairly sunk when Reggie and DA arrived, but at some point we've got to stop bailing water and start sailing in a straighter direction. Hopefully, we'll see some evidence of this as the season begins and progresses.
Last year, we swam upstream by hiring Greg Knapp, which several folks here immediately predicted would end in disaster.
This year, we've spent a fourth rounder and a half million dollars on Tyler Wilson, and a fifth rounder (as well as a conditional pick) on Matt Flynn, only to discover that the best guy for the job may be the guy who was right under our nose but who only got 30 passing attempts at the end of a garbage year when it was clear that Carson Palmer would be gone.
Look, I know it's going to take time to get us out of this mess. All the more reason we need to be very careful about creating new messes.
If this sounds like I'm being panicky or harsh or unreasonable, I get that. Let the games begin, and let's hope we see some signs pointing toward true momentum heading into 2014.
On the bright side today, at least we can finally stop hearing about our punter competition.
posted by Raider Take at 12:29 PM
95 Comments:
I am simply confounded. I understand the arguments for patience and am in complete agreement over what they are having to bail out of but why in the world keep 4 qb's and 2 punters yet be willing to lose Bass and Carter? I am more than willing to acknowledge that one is a 13 year veteran who has seen better days and the other is a 7th round choice (who was subsequently snapped up by the Bears defense) but come on. What possible enlightening facts came about regarding Klume and Wilson a scant 20 hours later? Hope for a trade diminished??? Seriously? Come on, let's be real,
If line help is what we need, why the indecisiveness? Our decision was to release 2 DL men instead of making 2 decisions regarding a QB and a punter? You could always release Carter and Bass later if you saw the opportunity to upgrade your team with players cut from other teams. And are we playing bare bones on the OL? Man I hope we sign some help soon.
I readily admit that I may have only 1% of the information and that this regime needs time but it does not mean their current decisions are not suspect. I learned this adage in the financial world years ago...given uncertainty you must have options as options mitigate risk. We are not in the position organizationally to handle risk in the short-term, if you want to be able to get to a long-term plan.
Blue Monday
Raider Take
You make a good point. After two years there are far more whiffs by Reggie than successes. 4th pick being wasted, Flynn a joke, Briesel a disaster, Dennis Allen looks way over his head. Should have spent the money to keep Bryant. Alex Barron the guy has not played in the NFL in over two years. Raider Nation is being laughed at
Yes Reggie might have inherited a mess in terms of salary cap but I am sick and tired of him using it as an excuse. Bottom line in 24 months not one impact player as of yet.
Pass rush has been non-existent going on two years and he has done nothing to address that. The O-line may be the worst in the nfl
I think its time to put Reggie's fat toes to the fire. I have seen no evidence of him being a good GM. Sorry Reggie apologists cleaning up the salary cap is not want I judge GMs by
Happy Labor Day
Steve
The case for Flynn to start:
McKenzie presumably can "save face" if Flynn starts and justifies the trade.
Two other options both look bad fir McKenzie in terms of trading for Flynn: Flynn starts and fails or Pryor starts over Flynn.
Meanwhile, what's the sense in kepping 4 QBs and 2 punters... then immediately releasing/waiving them to sign 2 previously undrafted FA rejects from other teams.
Maybe I would buy the notion the Ravens have so much depth at OL that somebody decent might slip through, but are we still taking scraps from the Dawg Pound?
Raiders could have kept David Bass (which seemed to be their intention to place him on the PS) by simply making one of the two moves they planned to make at QB and P.
Well, panicky is the word. Does everyone hit 100% on draft picks? At least they admit to the mistake, where as before, the player would stay and play, just because.
As far as Flynn goes...Pryor wasn't ready at the end of last year, he has improved and Flynn was traded for a 5th RD pick, BIG DEAL.
Briesel, the guy is a stop gap and is being paid 1.3 mill? So how is that a "disaster"?
Reggie hardly has enough money to spend to field a ROSTER let alone impact players. Steve is saying his drafts are a bust? The only draft you can even grade is last yrs and his 1st pick was the top of RD 4.
Reggie signed a DT and a Guard and this is why Wilson and Kluwe were kept on the roster. So he could dump them once he got a couple of late cuts signed.
How is Reggie supposed to make a roster of duds into a playoff team in a yr and a half with over 40 mill in dead money and only some decent draft picks this off season?
Name any GM who hits on 80% of his draft picks?
Sad to see Bass go, they practise with him every day, maybe they saw something they didn't like?
You have to take these things into consideration. If you don't, you come off as uninformed and whiney.
JONES
McKenzie isn't in the business to "save face". He is there to put the best team he can on the field.
Flynn was brought in because Palmer wanted out. They didn't know if Pryor was ready or not, so something had to be done for a QB, ya think? So they took on some salary and dumped a 5th Rd pick, big deal. Who else was there?
If Bass was placed on the PS, any team could have taken him for nothing, so they tried to slide him through waivers 1st but it didn't happen, calculated risk that didn't work out.
If you haven't noticed NY, the O-line is thin, the D-line is thin, so yes, a couple of signings had to be made and a couple of players dropped who were left on the roster to be dropped.
JONES
The biggest concern for me going into 2013 is the OLine. Watson has a tall task ahead of him and I hope he is up for the challenge.
I have two visions of the future. In the first, big Menelik is delivering jaw rattling blocks in front of DMac, springing him for big chunks of yardage. In the other, opposing quarterbacks are back in the pocket tweeting that they're waiting for a receiver to get open. I suspect this season will feature a fair amount of both the good and perhaps more of the bad. But when it's over I think there will be a core of productive players to build around. Given where this team was a year ago, that will be a significant improvement.
I really can't believe the panic and "woe is we" attitude among the supposed "faithful". JONES is the only one on this board who seems to get what is involved in running an organization of this nature, in evaluating talent, in coaching players up, etc. Does anyone else here or on the other boards have a rational brain cell? It doesn't sound like it. Every little development is treated as a catastrophe of the greatest magnitude. Reggie and DA are morons who can't run a lemonade stand, let alone an NFL franchise. All of this despite genuine high praise for both men by former colleagues and/or players.
Most of this extreme negativity developed immediately following Jared Veldheer's injury and loss for a part of the season. This is going to take time and we are only at the beginning of the beginning. We are not at the beginning of the middle or the beginning of the end of the process. It's far too soon to pass judgement on Reggie and certainly on DA, who comes in for ridiculously extreme criticism, despite operating under very adverse conditions (like little talent, incessant and widespread injuries, and player antagonism (Seymour and others who didn't want to be accountable).
Shall we talk about true disasters? How about turning the team over to Art Shell and that joke of an offensive coordinator who came out retirement in Idaho? Or Joe Bugel? Or Lane Kiffin? How about Jamarcus Russell, Robert Gallery, Rolando McClain, Todd Marinovich, Bud Buczkowski, Charles Philyaw, Quentin Moses, Eldridge Dickey, Teyo Johnson, Matt Stinchcomb, John Clay, Patrick Bates, Marc Wilson, Rickey Dudley, Darrell Russell, Derrick Gibson, DHB, Michael Huff, Joseph Barksdale, Bruce Campbell, DeMarcus Van Dyke, Slade Norris, Mike Mitchell, Arman Shields, Mario Henderson, John Bowie, Johnny Lee Higgins, Thomas Howard, Paul McQuistan, Darnell Bing, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Jake Grove, Stuart Schweigert, Carlos Francis, Philip Buchanon...the list goes on and on. And these are just some of the first, second, third and fourth rounders that Al missed on. I leave out the fifth, sixth and seventh rounders.
People today are screaming about David Bass, a seventh rounder. And this wasn't a miss: just one of the risks of trying to sneak players onto the practice squad. Same with Tyler Wilson--they may have been trying to trade him, had a potential deal which then fell through because the other team found a prospect on the waiver wire. Or perhaps they thought there might be slim chance to get him onto the PS, too. What can they do? They can't keep everybody.
Also, everyone is rushing to judgement using 20/20 hindsight. But, in the actual running of a franchise, few of these controversial decisions are as obvious as the critics would have us believe.
Again, I say to the Raider nation: take a chill pill. It's not going to hurt you to sit through two more years of growing pains. The Raiders need a bona fide starter/leader at quarterback, more offensive line help, more defensive line help, upgrades at running back, wide receiver and tight end, and more depth across the entire roster.
Bottom line is McKenzie has not improved the teams talent in two years. Its not whining its the truth and every media outlet and analyst says that. The worst team, the worst talent, the worst coach, the worst stadium. Stuff worth whining about
Jones -
Like it or not, those are 3 plausible attitudes folks are likely to take wrt Flynn. IMO, if Flynn plays, it's only to protect the decision to sign him. He hasn't shown anything to warrant being an NFL starter. As I said before, starting Pryor will prove to a lot of fans that GM/HC will do what it takes to win.
To your point about Bass being placed on the practice squad, teams don't immediately get that option; players have to clear waivers first.
Plain and simple, it looks like a bad decision to keep 4 QBs and 2 punters and waive Bass, who played well through preseason.
Jones can you name one proven (not potential re Hayden) impact front line starting type player Reggie has acquired?
By my calculation in the past 3 years the Raiders have used 7 draft picks on QBs and still do not have a starting QB.
They will have a very early pick in 2014 and will have to draft a QB.
My prediction for 2013...
1 to 4 wins. It's possible that they will go 0-16, but that's almost impossible.
I'm not going to hang around and attempt to defend this because this site has become one of personal attacks for having an opinion that isn't sufficiently in agreement with the NFL in regards to Al Davis.
I will remind you that over Davis' last two seasons he posted competitive .500 teams. I believe that in the second of these, without devastating injuries, they would have won 10 or 11 and made the playoffs.
As for the cap problems, folks said every year that Davis would never climb out from under cap troubles. Yet he did, year after year. It's true that Davis made several wiffs on first round picks toward the end, but he was generally stellar with picks 2 through 7. I'd also point out that DHB is now a starter for the Colts and will face us this Sunday.
I've believe for a few years that the "someone" Davis had in mind to help him was McKenzie. But toward the end, when asked why he'd never brought that person on board, he said that the person he had in mind wasn't yet ready. And he is clearly not.
I commented earlier that when Mark took over (while I have NO truck against Mark) the team would resemble an expansion franchise. That comment drove Calico apoplectic. But the team appears worse than an expansion franchise. They've driven out almost every player that Davis drafted in two off seasons. In their stead are backups and also-rans. At least an expansion franchise gets the first pick in every round of the draft and any unprotected players from an expansion draft.
McKenzie could stand to hire back a few of Al's scouts and to find himself a new head coach.
NYR, well, Bass didn't clear waivers, did he? They kept Robinson and Sio as the rush ends/LB, they didn't have room for 3 of those types on the roster so one had to CLEAR WAIVERS to be put on the practise squad so....what else ya gunna do, NYR? Keep him on the roster and then cut him when they had to sign a couple of Linemen? Tell me exactly what you would have done, NYR?
Reggie isn't making moves to protect any decision. He cut his 4th and 7th RD picks, he wants what is best for the team, not to protect his ass from what you believe will be an early dismissal?
It kills me that you think professional football people are running scared and making moves just to try and make themselves look good and not for the wellbeing of the team. It shows an immaturity on your part because that is not the way it is. If they aren't confident and are making moves to save face, then they will be NFL (not for..). Hard to have a good discussion when the knowledge level is so low.
JONES
Thanks, Sactown. I agree with you 100%, these posters on these discussions are just WHINERS.
ANON>>>>Is the stadium the Raiders fault? When Mr.Davis was alive, I asked him to get a stadium deal done instead of trying to buy his way to a playoff. Did anyone cry about the stadium when Mr Davis was alive? I don't recall that....
The CITY is a joke, hopefully something can be done. Worst talent, that was here before the new regime took over. With no salary cap space and over 40 mill in dead money, really, what do you expect? And you can't blame the new regime for that either. As far as your other complaints....I would say you are a troll aka OTB/BR/PR.
And NYR, crying about Flynn when you can't answer "who else was there"? They gave up a 5th for him and what is there to cry about? Name who else they could have gotten at QB once Palmer had told them he wanted out. If you can't, then, stop whining.
JONES
Oh BR, so full of BS. Cries that he is attacked when he only posts once a month if that, booo hooo.
DHB is the 3rd WR, like how you try to make out like he is a starter. It's this kind of agenda that makes you unbearable. I see at your other site, you get attacked for just trying to be an SOB all the time.
The reason why the Raiders are in the place they are RIGHT NOW, is because of what Mr.Davis did in the past with DEAD MONEY.
Your type, just like OTB and PR, are just around to stir it up. If you aren't being paid for what you do, then you really need to get a life.
For all your "I believe"s...if we all could have a dollar for those, we could go to a game on your BS, BR.
Your speculation is stupid, your denial that the last regime tore it all down is pathetic....all those Al Davis players that were "driven out" where are they now? That's right, they stink and were WAY OVER PAID that put the Raiders in the position they are in today, case closed, see ya next month BR the BSer.
JONES
It's kind of funny because Blanda and I are both critiquing the new regime, but from different stances.
Blanda is coming from a position of trying to demonstrate contrast with the previous regime, where for me, my critique is a matter of not enough contrast from the previous regime. For example:
During Reggie's first year, we hired a first time head coach with questionable "it" factor, hired a bad-fit retread offensive coordinator, overestimated the quality of our roster and thus delayed the rebuild, and racked up a 4-12 record. Hmmm...Where had I seen that before?
This year, we're still flailing around at QB and looked rudderless in the preseason, and just waived a fourth-round pick. Even the most bullish fans hardly dare to dream beyond four or five wins this year.
Of course, that's the negative view. The positive view is that the TNT was finally detonated, there's still time, the free agency madness has been ceased, our top draft picks from this year could prove to be keepers, DA could find his mojo...
All is not lost. But Reggie & Co. are on notice now, because next year is serious crunch time
If you had any sort of ability to REASON, you would know what Reggie had to jump into. Trying to turn around an Org that was as low as low can get and don't give me the 8-8 cusp of greatness BS. Over 40 Mill in dead money, no draft picks his 1st yr, had to hire a HC that probably had very few takers because of the condition the Org was in.
We should be thankful that someone actually took the freakin job.
Then the HC was hired and very little time was left to hire a staff. Knapp was hired out of desperation, obviously and anyone who can REASON should be able to see that. But, like Sactown said, these sites are full of fans who can't see and don't know.
So it's just a bunch of hysteria with no logic behind it. They new regime isn't going to hit it 100%, NO ONE DOES, there are players/coaches who don't turn out. Thing is NOW, when that is identified, it's getting attention. Unlike before when there was a problem and nothing was done because 'that's the way things were done'.
There are going to be misses, the job of turning around what was a complete MESS is a huge one and because after a year and a half and the dead money isn't gone and Reggie hasn't hit on any high end signings....keep whining, won't make it come any faster.
JONES
This from the Colts: DHB has a "tendency to drop passes" but are keeping him because of his run blocking abilities.
Have any of you heard that before?
Yup, then you have these trolls who go to most Raider sites and spreads rumors of DHB starting for Indy and they (Indy) just can't believe how wonderful he is.
Total BS, they (Indy) have been disappointed, in reality because they thought they had picked up a steal.
Those same people try to pass off DHB as worthy of being a top 1st RD pick, then dump all over Reggie cause a 4th RD QB didn't work out...then they will tell you that their football knowledge is miles ahead than everyone else. It's this kind of 'logic' that has been on this site for years...yet I get called the idiot?
JONES
Hey, I'm just saying, put yourself in Mark Davis's shoes...
We know what the problem was. Constantly defining the problem doesn't mean the solution is at hand.
Right now, Mark Davis (and I) want to know if these are the right guys (GM and head coach) to turn this thing around. Shouldn't we be looking for clear signs and evidence that they have "it"?
Or do you think Davis is just sitting there going, well, it was bad, so I'm handing out a three-year pass, no questions asked?
All I'm saying is that this bears watching, because a three-year plan could easily turn into a six-year plan (make that a 16-year plan) if these guys don't turn a major corner in 2014.
SCAR
Ok, so I don't want to overly repeat what has already been said here. So IMO, I have to say that JONES has it most right, is most mirroring the rudder, the direction, of the ship that is the Raiders Organization.
As for what I most like going into this season, it's the defense. Yes, the defense. This guy is not worried about the preseason slashings by the opposing 1st teams offense. Personnel wise, this team has upgrades at a majority of positions. 9, let me say again, 9 new starters on the defense. The sooner this squad can gell, the better. We wont have to worry about Seymour taking games off. We wont have to worry about Kelly being drawn offsides over and over again, or drawing a personal foul. We wont get burned nearly as much from our db's. Our linebackers have the ability to remain stout and to likely improve. Again, the major concern for the defense, and when it comes down to it most teams, is injuries.
I don't know how good Pryor can be, I just do not believe that Flynn is worthy of starting. Mcfadden? I personally am not expecting anything from him, and so anything he does bring will be welcome. Are these wide receivers going catch the balls all season long and not drop the balls thrown to them? What exactly is this Offensive line? How good is Tony Sparano??? So many questions regarding the offense going into the season...
Week one is upon us...Let's go Raiders!
SCAR
"As for the cap problems, folks said every year that Davis would never climb out from under cap troubles. Yet he did, year after year." ...
to achieve what exactly? 9 years without a winning season or playoffs.
The financial irresponsibility of Davis was the equivalent of a young teen being given a credit card and racking up debt beyond their means.
The reality is that when McKenzie came on board, he was the one left with the payroll mess to clean up.
Understand the Magnitude of it all, I'm sure Mark knows it by now and what does Mark know about how or what is needed to turn it around?
This is why he hired Reggie at the advisement of Madden and Wolf. He will stick with them until it is obvious they can't do it or if they are burning it up. If Mark starts panicking, like yourself, he will pull the trigger too quickly.
No, what is needed is patience and REASONING. Tell me what GM you think could have the Raiders rolling towards the playoffs this year?
Give it some time, last year was a HELLO, NICE TO MEET YOU, WE ARE THE OAKLAND RAIDERS. Are you going to deny it was a complete mess? Or are you constantly going to go on and on about how it was an 8-8 team on the cusp?
If you want to keep bringing that up as a measuring stick, then you need to look at both sides of the stick. Otherwise you are not using the full spectrum in your REASONING. Thus you cannot come to a logical conclusion because of that.
So I try to explain it to you, but you cannot comprehend and go back to "8-8, Mark said he didn't want to go backwards..blah blah blah". If you want to keep writing that, I will counter it with logic and REASON.
You want to know if Reggie and Allen are IT? Then watch the freakin season play out...last year was an "get to know what we have, what we can do" sort of thing, you are going to judge off that if they should be ready to be fired? Knee jerk is exactly what got us here, isn't it?
JONES
Blanda you're on the money. No matter how you felt how Al was running the team his last team was one win away from a playoff berth. Did changes need to be made? YES. Changes are being made, but if those changes are questioned a la RT then the S&B Inquisition shows up to harangue, belittle, and even question the depth of their Raider loyalty. What ever happened to disagreeing without being disagreeable?
S&B 4 Ever
Guys I am a fan from the bay area for 40 years lets call it like it is this is the lowest point in Raider history bar none
Consider this:
1) Reggie sucks every guy in the press who covers the Raiders is saying it. Even mild mannered Jerry Mac is trashing him. The guy has not made one inspiring move period that is indisputable. Sorry a CPA can get the salary cap in line
2) There has never been a greater combination of lack of talent and leadership on the roster
3) A nobody for a coach just when the team needs experienced leadership
4) Worst professional sports stadium in North America it has a baseball diamond on it, is generally dirty and disgusting and sits 50k now that it has been tarped off
5) Generally there is apathy among the fan base why???
6) No soul, with Al passing so to does a huge part of the identity, regardless of the struggles the last 10 years. Its now is just another crap franchise. Man the friggin Jacksonville Jags have more direction than the Raiders.
Thanks for keeping it real Raider Take all the best
Phil in Fremont
Oh Phil, no the press is not saying Reggie sucks...lack of talent? Pick a year from 2003 to the present, the only difference I see is that the Raiders are not paying 11 Mill for a Stanford Routt (out of the League) another 8 mill for Huff who is a backup, Seymour 12 mill was it? Kelly was the highest paid DT?
And because those guys got way overpaid, the depth was nonexistent and it was a joke...but then you want to make out like Mr Davis was a genius at going around the cap...just like Jack said, the talent was always poor and there was no depth, so how is that working out?
Reggie did what had to be done, he got some depth last year and got a couple of probable starters with the 1st 3 picks this year. He fielded a roster that doesn't have any big names, other than Woodson, with over 40 mill in dead money....I don't get the hangman mentality...it's the same mentality that helped cripple this Org and put it where it is today...some people never learn.
JONES
Jones - why so disingenuous? Both Huff and DHB are listed as starters on the depth charts of their respective new teams. Do you have inside info these guys were demoted?
And whether you like it or not, it will be a fair criticism of McKenzie if Flynn doesn’t pan out... albeit not nearly as offensive as whiffing on JaMarus Russell. Pryor didn’t exactly light any fires in preseason, yet it shouldn’t be a close call. Flynn was that bad.
In the end, it's McKenzie's job to get these decisions right, e.g., head coach, personnel, etc. Because nobody's perfect, we judge on the cumulative effect. The jury is still out.
Jones per my question name one impact move Reggie has made? You can not do it your response is just excuses about cap
Phil
Yeah, the jury is still out, so why are so many wanting Reggie gone or saying he sucks? Or saying Allen is horrible? Because of last year? If that's the case, then you don't have a clue and if Mark Davis thinks like you, then it's toast.
DHB is not a starter, he will be the 3rd or 4th WR, duhhh. Huff will not last long, take my word for it. He is a backup and Baltimore will see it soon enough.
Of course you missed the point completely, that being that the reason for all the dead money was spending it on players that I mentioned. And what criticism will you level on Reggie if Flynn doesn't pan out?
You still haven't mentioned who was a better option for a 5th RD pick once Palmer wanted out...talk about disingenuous. One rule for NYR, different for everyone else, hmmm, where have I heard that before?
JONES
Oh Phil....just look at the roster, he signed how many players in 2 years? And you complain because he didn't sign a Peyton Manning? Hey dope, do you see what condition the team is in? Did you see the players he signed to fill a roster with over 40 mill in dead money?
Who do you want him to sign to make the 'big splash'? I think he did a good job to fill out the roster with the quality he has, he is creating depth. The big signings will come after the season when he has the CASH to spend...but don't let those facts get in the way of a good hate, right Phil?
I'm not saying that all is lost and that Reggie and DA need to go...I'm just saying that crunch time is coming, and it bears watching.
We have to start looking better and more directional than we did in the preseason. Some sense of momentum needs to develop, in terms of the team coming together, the coaching staff forming a solid core, DA's will being exerted and exhibited, savvy pickups making a difference, recent draft picks stepping up...
That's what I'll be looking for in 2013. I'm not looking for the playoffs. But I am looking for signs, a sense of progress and gelling, and a firm foundation being laid.
Reggie admirably ate a lot of dead money to clean the slate starting next year, so a certain amount of patience is in order.
But patience, in time, must evolve into performance. The arrow must slowly begin pointing upward on the field.
It bears watching. You don't have to win a lot of games to look poised and purposeful and upward bound. That's what I'm looking for, and currently waiting for, in 2013.
Your right Jonesy lets give Reggie a two year pass. Apparently everyone except you is wrong in expecting Reggie to sign real nfl starters that happens sometime in the future I suppose. Let me know when its okay to hold Reggie accountable for the roster how about 2016 would that be fair.
Seriously you impetuous youngin why don't you step up and let us all know when you plan to hold Reggie accountable for the Raiders being the worst team in the NFL.
If they dont win more than 4 this year does he get blame, how about next year how many wins keeps Reggie around then. I would be interested to hear your criteria
Have a nice night
Phil
Well gee, aren't we all looking for those aspects in the Raiders? Is it such a revelation that you are looking for these intangibles? Yes, I said it years ago, just want PROGRESS and to get progress there had to be a step or 2 taken back.
It ain't rocket science...and if they do not create success, then yes, they must go, that is the nature of the beast.
What would be wise, is to take into account all of it, not just parts of it, then you can understand that it isn't a quick fix.
The last regime is responsible for where the team is at now. The new regime is trying to get it back to an even playing ground. Looking at the situation, why would anyone blame Reggie for it's current state? Only those who can't see, that is who.
Nice to meet ya Phil, have a great day.
JONES
I mostly applaud McKenzie for torching the roster (even if it’s a year later) but where's the cut-off? There has to be a point at which we can no longer blame the past regime... incrementally and entirely.
My expectation for this year has not changed. I am more concerned with seeing tangible improvement than tracking a W-L record. Let the progress begin!!
"You still haven't mentioned who was a better option for a 5th RD pick once Palmer wanted out...talk about disingenuous"
You seem really confused about this Jones. That's McKenzie's job, not mine. McKenzie is the one who will be judged for trading for Flynn, not me.
Meanwhile, there have been a number of decent vet QBs to hit the waiver wire and been released in the past 48 hours... yet the Raiders are no closer to making Flynn a starter than the Seahawks were last year at this time.
And if we're looking 2-3 years before the Raiders make a real push, keeping Tyler Wilson as a third QB this year might not have been the worst thing to happen.
Of course that's just my opinion.
I mostly applaud McKenzie for torching the roster (even if it’s a year later) but where's the cut-off? There has to be a point at which we can no longer blame the past regime... incrementally and entirely."
The cutoff for me is 2014. The blow torching is done. It is clear that 2012 and 2013 were abnormal years in terms of draft picks and available cap space.
I expect Reggie to add a strong nucleus of proven performers in 2014 when he actually has a budget and the wherewithal to go after top free agents.
Oh, BTW, all the fuss over Wilson is silly. The Raiders assigned him to the practice squad today.
NYR, nice cop out.....that is your way of saying "there were no other options", bringing in a QB now compared to having a possible starting QB at the beginning of camp? Which one makes sense, NYR? Who else was there NYR? What other options were there, NYR?
Sure, easy to whine when you don't have any answers and just keep blurting out "WHY".
If you are going to criticize, have a REASONABLE reason why...Tyler Wilson was passed over by all the other teams...McGloin took his spot, so no big deal. If these are your only petty complaints, then Reggie must be doing alright.
JONES
Jack,
the torch is done, now it will take some time to acquire the necessary talent. IMO, it started this year with the 3 top picks of the Draft.
Next year, hope it's a deep F.A. class. Reggie said he won't go overboard, so he will go for solid talent at a decent price, build the depth so late draft picks will be cut regularly because of the level of talent on the roster. This is the goal, then to have the coaching to develop a good team chemistry and become a force...I see that happening the way Reggie is doing his business and sooner rather than later.
Time will tell, getting their anal bent because a Tyler Wilson was let go or a 7th Rd pick got away...come on, can't anyone mention the good things Reggie has done? Or is that invisible until that magical 8-8 is reached?
JONES
It seems like a mixed message regarding the draft.
On the one hand, we talk about how awful it was that our draft cupboard was bare when Reggie arrived...Then, when we spend a fourth-round pick on practice squad QB, we say, hey, it's just a fourth-round draft pick, what's the big deal?
Let's take a closer look at our QB position management...
Terelle Pryor is on the roster last year, but hardly gets any snaps in garbage time in a lost season.
Matt Flynn is acquired for a 5th round and conditional pick prior to the draft.
Wilson is drafted in the 4th round and paid a $490,000 signing bonus.
Based on that progression, one presumes that Flynn was acquired to be the starter, Wilson was drafted to earn the backup spot and potentially become a QB of the future.
And Pryor, based on the acquisition of Flynn and the drafting of Wilson, and the lack of snaps last year, was still considered chopped liver.
Now Wilson is on the practice squad, and Pryor is arguably a better option than Flynn.
Stuff happens, but that's still not a great progression of events at the league's most important position.
Too funny. How many GM's hit on all their picks? He is on the squad, he could still turn into a good QB, how many did the last regime miss? It's going to happen and when it does happen, standing on your soapbox screaming "see, he is lost". It's sad, that this is what Raider fans have been reduced to.
As far as the QB 'disaster' when there is no clear cut starter, this is what will happen, remember Grad and Campbell? No one has shown a clear victory at QB, this is the managements fault? Coaches fault? Because they didn't sign Peyton Manning? REASONING is a wonderful thing.
Until a QB shows he is the clear cut favorite, it's going to be "play this guy instead of that guy" for a while in Raiderland...just the way it is.
Take, I don't understand what else it is you expect. You want Reggie to Pad up and play? What exactly do you want when not a single REAL game has been played? What else can be done? Rabbit out of a hat?
JONES
Yeah, I remember Grad and Campbell. In fact, I sort of miss them right now...
Why, they were both mediocre too, see, this is what you have been reduced to, crying for backup QBs as the 'savior'. It's kinda sad, Take, maybe you need a vacation...crying for Campbell and Grad...how bout Dudley at TE too? What a sad state of affairs.
JONES
Indianapolis Colts’ Offensive Projected Starters vs. Oakland Raiders
September 2, 2013 8:58 pm EDT by EJ Mckinley
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback: Andrew Luck is going to start at the QB position come the Indianapolis Colts first game against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders’ defensive backfield is weak so Luck should be able to shred them for over 400 yards, at least.
Halfback: Reports are that Ahmad Bradshaw is healthy again. If he is really in top shape he will start. The Colts’ line is a good run blocking group, and the Raiders’ defense isn’t very solid. He can put up a good performance.
Wide Receiver: Reggie Wayne will take the right side of the field and be the quintessential No. 1 guy. T.Y. Hilton should spread out on the other side of the field and take the No. 2 spot, and Darius Heyward- Bey will be the No. 3 guy. We could see all three of these receivers shift around and work together in different sets.
Tight End: Dwayne Allen has solidified himself as the top guy so he will start, but we will see the backup Coby Fleener is some select plays and two tight end sets.
Left Tackle: Anthony Castonzo is slated to start. He won’t have too much trouble against the Raiders’ pass rush. He can be inconsistent at times but is far from a bad player.
Left Guard: New offseason addition Donald Thomas is going to start at LG. Thomas is a huge improvement for the Colts’ line.
Center: Samson Satele is a good center who only falters if isolated one on one. He will start against his ex-team, the Raiders.
Right Guard: Mike McGlynn will start at right guard. He isn’t a terrible option, but he is the least talented player on the offensive line.
Right Tackle: Gosder Cherilus was added in free agency this year and is a superb upgrade. He can run and pass block extremely well. He will start.
"They were both mediocre, TOO..."
Exactly.
Exactly, what solution did you want at the QB position, Take? What other course could have been taken at that position? How could it have been better? Be REASONABLE, please.
JONES
Well, not wasting a fourth round pick and a half million dollars on Wilson and instead making more effort to groom Pryor since he's arguably better than the two QBs Reggie brought in with Wilson and Flynn...Let's start there.
Oh no, the pick wasn't wasted, he's on the squad. Pryor wasn't looked at as arguably the better QB until maybe the 3rd preseason game of this year. He hadn't EARNED it by that time.
With the uninspiring play of Flynn, he wins because he does bring a spark to the team. Doesn't win by much, but he wins. Hopefully he will go beyond expectations and surprise us all.
Obviously they are "grooming him" because he has become a better QB with the time he has spent with this regime. Not much of a start, Take, anything stronger?
JONES
What's great about what's going on here right now is that the debate is spirited and somewhat ornery but it's all football, with a nice mix of perspectives, some awesome new voices and some unexpected alliances...Raider Take is alive and kicking, thanks to y'all!
Jones, how 'bout you give me a half million and a fourth-round pick and I'll find you a prepaid practice squad QB, and we'll call it even?
Our guys are paid for talent evaluation, are they not? How was Pryor supposed to earn/show much when a soon-to-be-gone Carson Palmer was given priority during garbage time during a lost season, and when Flynn and Wilson were apparently evaluated to be better than him?
Maybe the new regime wanted to keep Palmer...they wanted to get him as many snaps last year to ready him for this year...then Palmer says he wants out. How were the new regime to know that Palmer wanted out?
Pryor wasn't ready, Allen said it over and over last year, Pryor even said he didn't even know how to throw a ball properly. He made big strides in the off season and has come in with the idea of taking the #1 job and he has done it, good for him.
Things change and this regime doesn't seem afraid to go with it, isn't that a positive? Or would you rather them have stuck to Flynn as #1 no matter and Wilson getting a spot because he was a 4th Rd pick? REASONING, it ain't illegal yet...but they are working on it as you can see from these Raider sites.
JONES
I will say, owning mistakes and moving on is a nice breath of fresh air...Sure beats cramming DHB into a #1 role over and over simply because of his draft slot.
Also, why are you crying about 500k? It's chump change, and he goes to the p.s. for cheap, so that is as petty as it gets.
Like I wrote, tell me how many GM's hit on all their picks? By the sounds of it, Reggie wanted Barkley and he may of panicked on Wilson. That I could give you which would have been a mistake, but again, what GM hasn't done it?
There haven't been any major blunders, some interesting moves that we can see if they work. Go with it, why fight it, they are here for at least this and next year...let it play out.
Hayden, Watson, and Moore are our first 3 draft picks this year. Hayden has the cover skills and character to become a top corner. Watson is a physical beast/athlete learning the nuances but will have a chance to get an accelerated opportunity to make an impact. Moore has the raw skills to get after the QB and be a playmaker.
Before anyone writes of Reggie for his evaluation skills, all that I ask is to see how these 3 young men grow and perform over the course of the full season.
We will all know if these picks were hits or misses.
2016
It's impossible not to be impressed with Watson and that he jumped ahead of others to start at LT without any more than a week of practice at a position he's never played before.
Media report Pryor to start. Unless Pryor takes hold of the position, we will be starting over the process of finding a QB next year. Over time, perhaps McGloin or even Wilson will step up to the task.
Jones-
Can't mention Dudley without mentioning the great Nick Bell!
Going to Indy for the game. If anyone else is going let me know at memdf2004@gmail.com
...LOOKING FORWARD TO PROFESSIONALLY PLAYED FOOTBALL. AND, PERHAPS, MORE THAN SIX WINS AGAINST COMPETITIVE TEAMS. GO OAK, I AM PATIENT. SHIP IS HEADED TO VICTORY. YOU KNOW WHEN...
Wow! I go away for the weekend, and everyone flips out. :D
I'm confident that Reggie is doing his job. He even said it this offseason, the goal was to build depth and go in swinging into free agency after this season when we have the cap space. True to his word, he has given us a line-up of depth, for next season.
As far as impact players, how can you not say Charles Woodson is not impact? How can you say that Sio Moore has not been impact? We caught a glimpse of Pat Sims vs the Seahawks, and how he squelched the run. How can you say he was not impact?
On offense, Veldheer went out with an injury, they've put in Menelik Watson as a stop gap but have signed a few vets at the OT position. I'd prefer to move Khalif Barnes to the Left side (his natural position), but after reading some of the coaches comments, they felt he was too slow, and has lost a step (or 5).
Really, we are depleted on the offensive side of the ball; but we have an excellent shot to see some excitement with Pryor, and possibly a healthy McFadden all year. If not, we make some moves.
I'm not as optimistic as I was after OTA's and training camp; but I still think we have the talent to pull out more than 4 wins. I think we win at least 6. If we don't, I will be disappointed.
I think Pryor starts because of Flynn's injury. I don't think he is completely healed. To say that Pryor has completely earned his spot to start; I dunno. I think he's athletic; but he and Flynn were pretty much even. Flynn didn't do well his last preseason game because of his injury. But he was pretty steady before hand. Well worth the #5 draft pick trade.
Yes, I complained about him this pre-season; but I also complained about Pryor. Bottom line, I'm not giving up on this season, nor am I giving up on Reggie, DA, and crew. Win or lose, silver and black forever!
JUST WIN, BABY!
This comment has been removed by the author.
memdf,
Nick Bell was good for approx 8 games if my memory is correct. Dudley was good in 1 game, I think. Those were some scary lineups too, I don't think the starting lineup for the Raiders this Sunday vs the Colts is the worst since '96 or around there.
I believe this lineup can be respectable if the coaching is up to par and the team chemistry clicks. Really be a drag if they are an embarrassment this year, but, it had to be done.
JONES
Nate,
Gave you something to read? Glad to hear you are still letting it play out before you want Tarver fired? LOL.
I agree with your assessment, if Pryor does his job, Flynn won't see the field, it's that simple. If he gets rattled and loses confidence during the season, Flynn will see the field at that time, IMO.
I just want to see some GOOD FOOTBALL, steady play, consistent, well coached, nonstop improvement as the season progresses. I want the players playing their hearts out for 60 minutes every game. All playing together as a team, a unit........the Raiders will not be denied......just go out there and play your asses off. LOL.
Go Raiders.
JONES
memdf,
Enjoy the game, hope the Raiders shock the Dome into silence.
Go Raiders.
JONES
I am hopeful that DA and the staff have been holding things close to the vest with the exhibition season in terms of exotic plays and schemes plus overall creativity.
I'm also looking forward to seeing the young, unproven players like Pryor, Watson, Moore, and Hayden rise to the challenge.
The Colts in Indy will be a brutal test but like a lot of you, I'm looking for a team that demonstrates a fight, will, and competitive spirit and a coaching staff that game plans, motivates, and instructs the team to put them in the best position to win.
According to the Colts website, DHB is the starting flanker. Hilton is the slot receiver.
"I am hopeful that DA and the staff have been holding things close to the vest with the exhibition season in terms of exotic plays and schemes plus overall creativity."
Me too, because the alternative isn't too encouraging.
In terms of preseason, the Raiders looked pretty decent against the Cowboys, then they fell off a cliff. Let's hope they don't land in Siberia.
It looks like some tough sledding but the great unknown is when the snaps actually count. With the current roster, clearly the coaching preparation, game planning, leadership, and adjustments will make a big impact in the results. According to the expert pundits, we should expect to be the big underdogs in every game we play this year.
Jones is in lockstep with RM
Prediction...
Colts 31 - Raiders 6
Raiders vs Colts.
Raiders, heavy underdog.
Didn't the Colts only win 2 games 2 years ago ?
Maybe the Raiders only win 2, this season.
Nothing turns a team around faster than a franchise QB.
Is there an Andrew Luck waiting for the Raiders somewhere ?
Waiting and (Bad),luck.
Two things the Raiders have become expert in.
Now Silver is saying that the Raiders will stay down because it's all Mark Davis' fault. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." He's making McKenzie and Allen go with his father's last pick even though McKenzie and Allen feel that McCloin is the way to go.
So Silver didn't just hate Al, he hates the whole Davis family and won't be happy until the name Davis is forever removed from the Oakland Raiders and the NFL.
Funny, I thought McKenzie was running this team at Davis' request. Looks like McKenzie is just a puppet of the evil Mark.
This should fit into RT's take that this regime is too much like the last one.
Blanda, can you name one enduring elite player (besides kickers) who has put on a Raiders uniform in the past eight or so years? Someone who was elite while in Oakland and/or after leaving here? Maybe (maybe) Asomugha. Anyone else?
Mike who? Now why would any Raider fan give that article anything more than a wipe of one's ass with it? Is this all you have, BR? Going around Raider sites trying to stir an emotion? Must suck to be BR.
Notice, much like his partners OTB and PR, he can't even spell the QB's name right (McCloin?). PR spells Mark as Marc, Allen as Allan....seems some dots are connecting? Paid provocateurs? Or just a freak with nothing better to do? Oh well, live and learn.
JONES
Raiders are grossly overmatched by the Colts on paper but I said I would "wait and see." So that means I am not making any bold predictions about the score... and certainly not going bite on a 31 - 6 prediction.
If I make any bold prediction for Sunday it's that we might see both Pryor and Flynn play in the game, by design.
I say that because, initially, Pryor was to have a package of plays specifically designed for him, and Flynn was to run the base offense. That plan might not have changed.
Plus, Allen spent a lot of time declining to name a starter this week, yet he seemed to talk up Pryor at the same time. Not sure what kind of smoke screen that creates.
Honestly, we been down this path before. Not naming a starter has NEVER benefitted the Raiders. Usually, we get trounced when this happens. I like said, I'm not going there.
GO RAIDERS!
Oh yeah, Go Ravens!
"even though McKenzie and Allen feel that McCloin is the way to go."
talk about BS propaganda to fit an ignorant narrative. Yikes. BR, you should look into working in N. Korea for Long Duck Dong.
Just watched Huff get beat bad twice in a row. I wonder how long he will stay a started for Baltimore.
Personally, I am glad JONES "is in lock step with RM", as if that were a bad thing. JONES is the only one making sense here. Others are crying in their beer about the horrible state of the Raiders even before the first game of the season. Many who were optimistic and supportive of the RM/DA/MD team a few short weeks ago suddenly have become anti-management on every move made. Again, all this negativity washed over the Raider faithful with the loss of Veldheer and a some poor play by the team during the exhibitions. There is no reasoning on the part of these fans, there is no patience. People who last year and earlier this year preached patience now want Reggie's head on a platter. Remind me not to select you all to be on my Navy Seal squad. I don't want quitters, whiners and emotionally unstable guys guarding MY back.
I've followed this team since 1972, have had many a good year and many a bad year. I still remain a fan, after an incredibly futile decade of losing and being the NFL laughing stock. The last ten years were SO discouraging because I knew it wouldn't get better until there was new management. I am very sad/sorry that we had to lose Al Davis to get that new direction. There's no question of his great accomplishments at every level of this game.
But the time has come, we all agree, for new blood and ideas. But a culture of winning, a quality staff, a team of playmakers and solid standup guys cannot be built in one year or two, when you have to start completely from scratch. And when you start with BOTH arms tied behind your back, as RM and DA have, it is even more daunting (i.e., the lack of draft choices and the dismal salary cap situation, not to ). Additionally, MD, RM and DA are all rookies at this, too! There are going to be mis-fires and midstream redesigns, such as Greg Knapp and Tony Bergstrom and Tyler Wilson. But let's not forget Miles Burris, JD Hayden, Philip Wheeler, C. Woodson, N. Roach, P. Sims, T. Jenkins, M. Watson, S. Moore, King, Brice Butler, Jennings, T. Porter, Kevin Burnett, Usama Young, N. Kasa, McGloin, M. Rivera and Vance Walker, to name a few. Did RM miss on #4 Wilson? Probably, but the jury's not out on that one. So, no other GM has missed on a #4 before. Al Davis missed on a whole lot of #1s, 2s, 3s, right on through. RM has not missed on a 1, 2 or 3 yet. Bergstrom doesn't count because he was fighting for a starting role when he got injured, plus he was selected for the ZBS. The point is, no one is psychic when making these selections: they work out or they don't. The good GMs have more work out than not. Some of that comes with experience, some from having your own team in place for the full draft cycle (which Reggie didn't have last year), some from extreme knowledge and some from natural talent. If Reggie's trading down to get Watson and DJ Hayden works out as it looks like it is going to, he should be lavished with praise! When's the last time that happened for AD?
With QBs, you just keep going back to the well until you get a franchiser. This is the way it works in the NFL. How many current teams have great QBs? So Wilson didn't work out (yet)--it's not Ryan Leaf or Jamarcus R., a lost #1 and a whole lot of wasted time. Going for a possible franchise QB with a #4 is a great move, and can be expected to fail more often than work. Good for Reggie to make the moves he thinks are right for the team, not the ones that are completely safe.
Well said and a balance view SacTown. It is comical to me that people are putting dirt on Reggie's grave. His #1, #2, and #3 picks this year have yet to play a regular season snap .. and he has no clue? As I mentioned earlier, a fair, reasonable assessment on Hayden, Watson, and Moore will come at the end of this year.
I don't know if 1,2, or all 3 will be good or disappointing but I will allow them the time to grow as rookies and let their performance dictate my judgment.
Calico,
Agreed. If these picks perform over the course of this year, then Reggie is the hero. If they underwhelm, then it is time to seriously question the leadership's ability to implement its plan.
but Reggie gets a pass on Bergstrom and everyone else he drafted last year? was this Calico guy talking up Bergstrom last year? You guys are blind to Reggie having done crap so far.
The Raiders are dead last in money spent on salary FOR PLAYERS ON THE TEAM. I believe they sit at approx. 52 mill, the rest is all dead money. So tells us, BR/OTB/PR/Ano....how can there be a studded roster with that amount of money to spend? You have to give Reggie props for fielding a full roster and, IMO, under the circumstances brought in some decent talent too. If he can sell players to come to Oakland when the situation is what it is...imagine what he can do when it starts to really turn around. He will be able to get talent and I look forward to seeing it....but you can't see that because your eyes are wide shut.....what a shame.
JONES
Damn, I haven't gotten this many props in all the yrs prior. Thx, Sactown, appreciate your words.
It's odd that many Raider fans still want what was, the way it used to be. Still bring up Hue Jackson like he was John Madden.
They can't wait for more failure so they can some how twist it into praise for Mr Davis. It seems they don't really care about wins and loses, it's all this other twisted shit that matters to them. I'm glad I am not one of them....all the best.
JONES
Jones your good at dumping on anyone who is not willing to give Reg a reach around and proclaim him the next Bill Walsh. Your nose is way too far up Reggie's butt to the point that what you write has zero credibility and or logic.
Listen to your dribble lets give Reggie props "for fielding a full roster. Wow your right that is a huge accomplishment what brilliant insight. LFMAO.
The Raiders are starting Jacksonville's tackle tandem from like 7 years ago. The team is the laughing stock of the league but hey lets give Reggie a parade.
Lets deal with one fact 15 draft picks and maybe one is starting Sunday. I dont want to hear crap about well lets see how they develop or injuries or other wise. The man has drafted 15 guys and as of today only one might be starting on a team that is the worst in the league by far and totally lacking in real NFL starters. There is no defending the fact that is below average to poor performance.
I'm not overly optimistic as I once was about this season. With that said, we have not had a lot of money to spend, nor did we; but I believe we have a pretty competitive team.
We may not win a lot of games, but I don't think we are going to be blown out either.
My main concern is the line on both sides of the ball. It seems this is where RM is going to spend the most coin next season; to bolster the lines. It doesn't matter who you have at QB if you have a line to give him time. The Ravens won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer!
I don't care who leads the Raiders at QB, as long as they take care of the ball and make cerebral decisions. I will say at this point, both Flynn and Pryor look equal in this arena; but I see Pryor as being more coachable for him to make adjustments and improve his game. Not sure if Flynn has that in him or not.
Either way, regardless of what happens, I will always be rooting for the Silver and Black.
JUST WIN, BABY!
In early 2012,I posted in here that the Raiders were a ground up rebuilding project. Naturally, I got shot down.
Normally , you give a new regime three years to build a year in year out contender.
The last time an organization was run into the ground as badly as the Raiders were the 1969 Steelers.
Art Rooney had cronies in the front office and scholarship players.
It took Noll, four years to straighten up the mess. There will be very little progress this year. Maybe it will happen in 2014, but 2015 might be more realistic.
Stop bitching and deal with it.
Blah blah blah....can't you come up with anything original? You bore me, ANON/BR/OTB/PR.
Oakland
Raiders
Defense: $27.3m
32nd
Offense: $34.0m
32nd
Special: $6.9m
1st
Total: $68.2m
32nd
JONES
Jones,
My post was not directed at you. I seldom check this group but last year it seemed like a lot of people WANTED Reggie to fail so they could say crap like: " If Al were still around, He would have........."
At least you understand what dead money is and why Reggie is going to need time to fix the mess. Boring or not, it's the truth.
"Grim Reality"
Mine was directed at Ano 4:13
JONES
Do you think if you walked into the "grocery store" and had an extra $40M to spend on groceries that you'd be eating Kobe steak or hamburger.
Quite a few posters want to brush the financial mess that Reggie inherited under the rug like it isn't, wasn't a big deal.
Yes, you have to be a smart "shopper" but it sure doesn't hurt if you've got the wherewithal and mean to go after top talent.
Anxious and optimistic about Reggie walking into the "store" next year with a budget that allows him more options and the ability to purchase grade A sirloin.
There have been missteps but nothing warranting a lynch mob. IMO Reggie gets a minimum three years. Actually, I believe he should survive at least one HC, should Dennis Allen fail.
The discussion about draft picks not starting is a bit premature. Hayden is the only #1 pick McKenzie has had, and he looks like the real deal. Suffice to say, Hayden is no JaMarcus Russell. And criticism of McKenzie for drafting Wilson with a #4 is equally matched, IMO, with his signing McGloin and sticking with the better QB.
I very much like the attitude of selecting football acumen over pure athleticism. I think most here had enough with the scholarships and with the track team wearing NFL jerseys... and not just skill positions; we were drafting the fastest linemen too.
All said, I don’t plan to skate through the current maturation process with blind faith. I reserve the right to judge the process (progress) as it unfolds.
@nyraider,
Completely agree. Reggie (and DA) both want players with attitudes of team-first, hard work, competitiveness, love-for-the-game, toughness and smart football. These attributes might take time to express themselves on the field as the players learn the systems, get in sync with their teammates and reach the point of simply playing without thinking too much. I also think Hayden, Watson and probably Sio Moore are going to be difference makers, sooner rather than later.
For me, I want to savor this growth and coalescence this year, and not worry about the won-lost record too much. I think 5 wins would be enough progress if the team is improving its ability to compete throughout the season. Any more than that would be gravy. The key to enjoying this season is going to be watching the FAs, rookies and coaches grow into their roles. The biggest wildcard is injuries--they will inhibit the maturation process.
It's a completely new team and it all starts tomorrow, 10 am (Sacramento time)!
Gooooooo Raiders!!!! (give that a Bill King voice)
Driving to Indy boys afer this post!
Season opener take is up!
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